The weather report was horribly wrong. It wasn't only ninety five degrees, it was also extremely humid. As I planned my outfit this morning, I came to the realization that I didn't have any clothes fitting for this weather. It was all suits and other prestigious attire. I had to go out of my way to buy clothes specifically for this occasion! As I arrived with a simple t-shirt and shorts, I was not surprised at everyone's shock.

"Oh come on, you didn't expect me to wear a suit to the zoo, did you?" I snap at Hagakure, who had been staring too long for my liking.

He waves his hands around in denial. "No! I just didn't know what to expect!"

I raise an eyebrow. "That's pretty rich, considering your talent." I leave him in his embarrassment to stand with Naegi. "Good morning," I say curtly.

He turns around and gives me a look over in surprise. "Oh! Hey, Togami!" He rubs his neck as he looks up at the sky. "I guess the weather isn't so perfect after all.."

A loud voice comes from behind us. "You got that right! It's hot as balls out here, and it's not even noon!" I turn to see Owada wiping his forehead. Standing next to him is Ishimaru, who is wearing a slightly less insulating version of his uniform. He stands like a soldier at attention and starts barking at Owada about how his language was not welcome in a zoo environment. Fujisaki awkwardly watches the pair.

"I do believe that is everyone," Ludenburg speaks above all the voices. "Come now, let the day begin." She turns and leads the way through the zoo entrance, showing our tickets to the window as we pass by. 

The first thing we cast our eyes on as we enter is a large enclosed pond filled with flamingos. 

"Oooh, pretty!" Maizono puts her hands on her cheeks. "Lets get closer!" She grabs Naegi's hand and begins to drag him to the fence. Before I can conceive what's happening, he has his hand wrapped around mine and I am also being pulled to the fence. I have to resist the urge to pull my hand away. Kirigiri stays behind, opting instead to chat with Ludenburg.

The fence is quite crowded, and I have to concentrate on my breathing to focus on the animals. Too many people...

Asahina is busy comparing the flamingo's color to her collection of assorted donut sprinkles, and I'm pretty sure Ogami is the only one paying any mind to her. Enoshima is fanning herself with her hand as Ikusaba rolls her eyes and pretends to not be interested in the birds. 

"Watermelon, WATERMELON! Toko, no!" Kuwata facepalms after a failed attempt to stop the girl from sneezing. I internally groan as she shakes her head and her eyes become bloodshot. She looks around for a second before finding me and skipping over.

"Hey, Byakubabe! Wha-"

"Don't call me that. Even my regular name would sound horrid coming from you." I turn away in an attempt to shake Syo off. The close proximity only adds to my discomfort, and I find myself wishing I never agreed to come. My breaths become shallow and I want to be anywhere but here with this wretched scum, in the dirty outdoors with unbearable weather, wearing peasant clothes. 

Ignoring my discomfort, she skips closer. "Don't be like that, Byakubabe! We have this whole day together," Syo teases. Her face has become very pink and I remember that she actually likes it when I insult her. I really don't have the patience for this, especially when out of the corner of my eye I can see Maizono and Naegi excitedly pointing out their favorite flamingos. 

"Leave me alone, plebeian." I wave her off to go stand with Naegi, but she grabs my wrist. My mind goes white with rage. How dare she touch me! I am Byakuya Togami!

My words come out very stiff. "Let. Go." I pull my wrist away and march over to Naegi. Breathing has become very difficult and I struggle to keep my demeanor calm. Do it for Naegi. 

"Togami, look! The flamingo on the far right is super vibrant!" Naegi notices me and points to the aforementioned flamingo. He looks so excited, as if the flamingo was a million dollars. I immediately calm down at the sight and almost smile before I catch myself. 

"You're correct. It must be a male; it's much larger than the others." I push my glasses farther up my nose while recalling the information. 

Maizono gazes at me with wide eyes. "You really know your stuff, huh?"

Naegi laughs. "He sure does! He knows more than I ever could!" He pulls his attention away from the flamingo exhibit at last and looks to the right. "Monkeys!"

Before I can make a comment on his self deprecating compliment, he's ran off to the tall monkey enclosure. I can't help but think of how childish his excitement is, but how endearing it is at the same time. I follow the boy at a much slower pace.

"Mondo! That is not appropriate in a zoo environment!" Ishimaru starts speedwalking towards Owada, who has removed his shirt and is jogging to the Monkeys as well.

"It's too hot for that shit! C'mon, bro, you're sweaty as hell!" Owada lifts Fujisaki onto his shoulders so she can get a better look at the swinging animals. Japanese macaque, by the looks of it. They energetically swing on the large tree branches, and I can't help but to find it interesting. 

"I am not sweaty!" Ishimaru approaches Owada, trying to prove a point. "See?"

Owada leans down, pretending to inspect Ishimaru's face. Fujisaki squeaks at the sudden level change. As Owada's lips connect with Ishimaru's, I hear groans from our group. 

Owada grins. "I don't know, bro. Your face looks pretty red to me." 

Ishimaru has no response.

I turn away, feeling a bit troubled. To be frank, I'm jealous. I'm jealous that they have a happy relationship. There's nothing keeping them from being together. 

Pull yourself together! I scold myself.

No matter how sure I am that this is the way it has to be doesn't change the fact that it hurts.

_______

I added in some Ishimondo for my friend HistoricalMusical1 who loves them even more than I do. I hope you all enjoyed!