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Cold, cold, fucking cold…
Yumeka Kido knew that was every December morning, but she couldn’t help but complain anyway.
Half her face was wrapped in a scarf, the breeze was attacking every place else. She wore gloves, but the chill still bit and bit and bit.
Not to mention her legs felt cold. Even in 2019, Eimei Junior High wouldn’t let girls wear trousers.
Stuuuu-pid.
In the end, Yumeka could whine and cry until the cows came home, but she still had a place and a purpose.
No matter the weather, early morning practice took no backseats.
Entering the open school gates, and passing through the unoccupied campuses, Yumeka finally made the turn towards the gym’s sliding doors. The echoing bounces and squeaks that usually played around the corner were absent.
Of course, it was only 6:47AM. There was still a bit of time before the old caretaker opened up. Which meant, a certain someone would be standing in front, awaiting the usual time.
“Morning, Yumeka!”
A chipper voice called, holding up a paper cup. Yumeka’s heart stirred, as she neared the brown-haired girl sitting on the stairs, a basketball book she’d lent her a few days ago was planted on her lap.
Seeing Chinatsu around this time almost felt irritating. No scarf, no gloves, no coat…just a cute, blue hoodie replacing Eimei’s blue jumper, like the cold was barely a factor. Whatever anti-cold magic Chinatsu had, she really should share it with more people.
Well, at least it made her bright smile as clear as day.
“Morning. What’s in your hand?”
Yumeka asked, after tugging her scarf down.
“Hot cocoa. They were giving some for free to people on my way to school. I wanted to get one for you, too. Since you always complain about the cold. Good thing you didn’t find another stand on the way, or we’d have a spare cup!”
Chinatsu took another cup that was sitting on her side and held it up. Yumeka took it as she sat down beside her, immediately noticing how much less bad her hand felt under the cocoa’s heat. She looked back at her friend, who had dove back to reading, and then looked down at her drink.
“Ahhhh~, y’know...I was about to say thanks, but now I’m not so sure after that last part.”
Yumeka remarked, seeing white puffs as she talked. Chinatsu grinned, turning towards her.
“It’s true, though, isn’t it?”
Yumeka’s eyebrows knitted, and the scarf wasn’t there to hide that flushed, pouting face. Her free hand played with her hair.
For the sake of my pride, I am so not gonna answer that.
She heard a giggle, signaling that Chinatsu also knew damn well she intended on staying quiet.
What a tease...everyone who had in their head she was just some diligent, good girl needed to see this. Well, it was still kinda true, but jeez...
From the corner of her eye, she saw Chinatsu take a sip, probably not her first, giving a small ‘ Delicious!’ after.
Yumeka took it as the time to take her own and held the cup to her lips.
Warm.
She couldn’t help but smile, as the pair silently sat, side by side.
Even if it was cold as hell, even if the gym wasn’t open yet, even if she was being kinda annoying…an early morning waiting for the doors to open with her best friend, her best friend who’d kindly brought a sweet drink for her, was a lovely morning well-spent.
“Thanks, Natsu.”
“No problem, Yumeka.”