#renokiko

With her battle performance and her capability of wielding 2 kaijus in her. She was offered the title of vice captain in the 1st division. Without hesitation, she took that spot and became not only one of the few young cadets to achieve a high rank in less than a year but also Captain Narumi's mediator.

Even if Kikoru stayed in the 1st division, she did not hesitate to visit the 3rd division as soon as possible. The whole team who were recruited, along with several Platoon leaders, Vice captain Hoshina, and captain Ashiro planned to set up a welcome party for Kafka's return.

With that happening several had been assigned to prepare certain things. Iharu, Haruichi, and Aoi were asked to work on the tables and chairs. Akari and Hakua were asked to work on the decorations. Hoshina and Ashiro had to pop in and out from time to time due to actual work. While Kikoru and Reno were assigned the food.

You're wondering, why is Kikoru assigned to that? To be honest I also have no idea why. Let's just say there was a bit of a moment where Reno had said something and it caught Kikoru's attention, thus volunteering to join him in the food prep.

Reno is probably the best cook they have out of all the first year cadets.

"Shinomiya, you're doing great in helping out with the prep. Even though it's just curry, you still decided to help me with it." Reno's smile was as pure as always.

"I-idiot! You're the only one doing this job, it won't be fair if you're the only one working on something while I'm just standing there looking lost!" Her cheeks mildly red, trying her best not to feel embarrassed.

"I appreciate it. I guess if I did it alone, I may not be done by then just working on it alone." His eyes were focused on Kikoru for a moment. "Excuse me for a moment, you got something on you."

Kikoru, confused, puzzled why he would say that suddenly. Reno moved his hand closer to her face and passed his thumb gently on her cheeks. This made Kikoru's face red. It was a sudden movement she did not expect Reno to do out of nowhere. She backed away in surprise and covered her face with her own hand. "W-why did you do that?"

With the clueless look of Reno he wasn't too sure why she reacted like that. "You had a piece of carrot skin on your cheek. It was bugging me during our chat, so I had to take it off."

"D-dumbass, you could've j-just told me that I had it on my cheek!" She wiped her cheek a bit, this making her feel a bit conscious from what just happened. "I'll let it slide for now, but just tell me next time!"

Somehow Reno couldn't contain himself as he started to laugh. A kind of laugh that made his chest calm down in relief. Even if Kafka wasn't there yet, he was really happy to see Kikoru being herself. "I'm sorry, I just couldn't help myself. I'm just glad to see you here, along with everyone else. Now that sir Hibino is finally awake, it just makes me smile thinking we're all here doing alright." He faced to the side, giving himself a moment to subside the pain in his belly from breathing carefully.

Kikoru couldn't stop herself but gently punched Reno on his shoulder. "Jeez! I really can't tell what comes out of your head most of the time. Well..." Pausing herself just thinking about her previous battles when both of them fought together. "To be honest, being in the battlefield together we could somehow be in sync. You really could read me well whenever I go wild with my attacks. Even with our final battle with 9, I could feel my blood boil in excitement just fighting them. I could just keep smashing them with the kaiju suit, and I know I could do it. Although, in honestly, teaming up with you would make things -"

"Ei what are you two doing?" A man's voice could be heard from the door. Surprising both Kikoru and Reno, catching them a bit off guard and rushing to continue on what they were doing.

"The Curry's almost done, we were just resting for a moment." Reno responded immediately. "What's up, Furuhashi?"

Iharu and his smile that exposes his shark-like teeth. "We got all the stuff ready, Vice captain Hoshina asked me to check in with you two. Funny he added that you two might do something silly, even added that Shinomiya might attempt to cook in- I mean he was just curious if you can cook or not! You two seemed to be in a serious conversation though, I almost thought you two were flirting. Anyway, I'll go back now, Izumo needed help on moving more tables. See you two later!" Turning around without waiting for a response from the two, he went back to his assignment. 

FLIRTING?!

Both thought out loud. This was unusual for someone to say abruptly. Yeah they both hung out with Kafka a lot but there is nowhere in their minds they would think to do something like that out in the open. Then again it is Iharu we're talking about, he can be careless with his words from time to time.

but do they even know how to flirt? We'll leave that to your imagination for now.

The room became quiet after hearing that word out of nowhere. Reno continued mixing the food in the pot, while Kikoru started to clean the counter. Both of their faces were red from embarrassment. From then onward the whole room became awkward and for the rest of the preparation both stayed quiet until cooking was over.

-To be continued

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