Prompt 17:
Someone gets left at home
Yuuto closed the door to Mamoru’s apartment, double checking to make sure that it locked. Once satisfied, he readjusted his satchel at his side and made his way towards the elevator as he pulled out headphones from his pocket. He focused on untangling the wires, until the bell of the elevator chimed and gathered his attention.
The doors parted to reveal a petite lady with blue hair. She was dressed in a long coat, thick scarf with matching gloves, and tiny flats. Her cheeks were painted with fresh color from the cold, but as he noticed her deep breaths, perhaps she was in a rush.
“Hello, Ami,” he greeted politely, quickly shoving his headphones back into his pocket, no doubt to be tangled up again.
The sight of him seemed to surprise her as well. She quickly approached and barely stopped moving as she spoke. “Good evening, Yuuto. Have you just come from Mamoru’s apartment? It is good to see you, but I’m afraid I am very late to meet with the girls.”
“The girls?” he called out as she passed. A confused smile curled onto his face. “They left almost twenty minutes ago.”
She stopped and spun towards him. “Oh. They did?”
Yuuto nodded apologetically. “I’m sorry. They were heading ice skating, I believe. I’m sure you could still catch them.”
“No,” she said quickly. Her face hid the pain of being left behind a sweet smile. “It’s just as well. I’m afraid I am no good at such things, and would rather sit and watch anyway. Maybe there’s a reason my shift ran so late.”
“A believer in fate, are we?”
“I suppose I am.”
Yuuto took a step closer to her bravely. “So is it fate that we met here?”
She blushed, and he couldn’t help but notice the way her lashes fluttered as she still held his gaze. Behind her eyes, he watched her mind working. “Perhaps, but why didn’t you go with them?”
“Maybe I knew you were coming.” His flirtatious smile finally scared away her eye contact, so Yuuto quickly reined himself in. “In all honesty, I never cared for ice skating. Any sports, really. Not to say that I’m no good, but it all seems very pointless to me. Usagi rushed them all out, and Mamoru asked me to lock up behind them.”
“So they’ve all went except us?”
“No, Jun never showed up. And with those odds, I decided to pass on the opportunity of having to be partnered with Rei. She’s pretty, but I’m afraid I find her a bit rough edged. I’m sorry, I shouldn’t speak about your friend like that.”
“Indeed, you shouldn’t. Yet I couldn’t disagree without lying. She’ll warm up to you if given the chance.”
“I’d rather not take that risk, if you’ll forgive my bluntness.”
Ami hid a small giggle, and gazed at him in a muted surprise. He was much more regal than the others, though much more a boy as well. He seemed very different than the Zoisite that fought against them, and because of this, Yuuto may be worth knowing. He was watching her with interest in her silence, something most people did not have the patience for. Once more, he smiled brightly at her.
“If fate has dealt us this meeting, let us use it. I’ve heard you volunteer at the hospital. Such care giving must be tiring. May I treat you to a coffee?”
Without saying a word, Ami’s lips pressed tightly into a smile. She nodded.
