Sighing, Koala sent a sideways look at Sabo.
He was stuffing his face with takoyaki, totally focused on the food. The little balls dipped in brownish sauce did look delicious, but she wished he would also listen to what she was saying. Sure, they were supposed to have fun during summer break, and traditional festivals like this were perfect for relaxing, but they were still college students… and Sabo’s votes weren’t exactly good.
Koala sighed again, stealing one of the takoyaki from Sabo’s plate out of frustration. “Hey!” he complained, but his face was too stuffed for the disappointment to show on his features.
Koala chewed on the soft little ball with a satisfied expression, taking her time. Then, she pinched his cheeks and yelled, “Don’t you think you’re overeating?”
“Nope…” *munch-munch* “…I’ve just begun!”
Koala envied him. Sabo could eat all he wanted but never gained weight. It was as if he burned food. Instead, despite training as much—if not more—than him, she had to be careful about her calorie intake.
“You’re cute, don’t worry,” Robin constantly reminded her, but Koala wasn’t as self-confident as she looked. She already had a rounded face, and she didn’t want to end up looking like, well, a real koala.
“Is something wrong?”
Koala tensed at Sabo’s question, hoping her cheeks had not turned red. “I… I’m just worried about our next exams,” she half-lied.
“Don’t you…” *munch-munch* “…always get top votes?”
“I’m worried about you!”
At that, Sabo finally swallowed and stopped looking like a chipmunk. “Don’t sweat it.” He grinned at her brazenly. “I know a cute girl who always helps me when I don’t understand something.”
“What are you s—” Koala stopped on her track exactly when the first firework exploded, brightener than the stars.
Wait, is he talking about me?
A second firework lightened the sky.
Does he find me… cute?
A third explosion of colours followed.
Koala glanced at Sabo, still grinning and looking handsome in his blue kimono, and then promptly looked down. Thankfully, the splashes of yellow and pink would dissimulate the blush on her face.
Unable to find something to say, Koala stared at her sleeves. Her yukata was a lighter shade of blue that matched Sabo’s, enriched with stylized white motifs resembling waves; moreover, she had adorned the short braid tucked behind her left ear with a flower. It was a simple look, but she had… not disliked her reflection in the mirror earlier today.
The loud “BANG!” of yet another firework startled Koala, and she grabbed Sabo’s kimono without thinking. She suddenly felt very aware of her relationship status with him. They weren’t dating or anything, but they were always together—which could mean only one thing.
Koala lifted her head again. By the amused look on Sabo’s face, she could tell she had wholly turned red; no fireworks could help her hide it this time around. Her heart pounding furiously, She stole another takoyaki and ran to one of the game stalls.
—
“So, how did the date go?”
“It wasn’t a date!”
“Fufufu…”
“I’m sorry,” murmured Koala. “I didn’t intend to scream at you.” Robin was her dearest friend, but she wished the archaeology grad student would stop teasing her about Sabo.
“It’s fine.” Robin swept the sweat from her face with a purple towel without further poking at her, but her knowing look spoke volumes.
Trying to distract herself, Koala started running on the treadmill.
Sure, we went to school together and then signed up for the same college…
Koala ran faster, huffing.
…but that doesn’t mean anything, right?
Next to her, Robin giggled again.
I should take things into my own hands and invite Sabo on an actual date.
Koala groaned and ran even faster.
Yes! I’ll do it one of these days…
…maybe.
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