(Y/n): Good luck Minorin!

You called out to the pink-haired girl as she took the mound.

Minori: I'll do my best!

The ball sailed toward her and Minori crushed it, hitting it with the bat clutched in her hand. You smiled in delight as the girl sand happily. Her off pitch lyrics bring a flutter to your heart as you felt a blush rise to your cheeks.

(Y/n): So cute~...

???: What was that?!

Turning towards the voice, you only received a kick to the face as a small human jump kicked you in the nose. Falling back into the dirt, you clutched your nose looking up angrily at Taiga.

(Y/n): What was that for shorty?!

Taiga: Keep your perverted eyes off Minori, you creep! And never call her Minorin again!

She looked over her shoulder to see Ryuji picking himself up from the dirt presumably from being kicked himself before retreating back and running inside as Taiga chased after him.

(Y/n): Hey! Get back here you midget!

Grabbing your bag, you continued to clutch your nose as you sprinted after the two. Something compelled you to look over your shoulder as you ran after the short girl. You threw a quick glance behind you and your (E/c) eyes met Minori's purple ones for a brief moment. A small smile spread across your face before you returned to chasing after the girl who had so rudely kicked you in the nose.

Timeskip

The bell sounded throughout the room alerting the students that it was time to go home. Stuffing your books in your bag, you sighed and looked up to see Minori doing something with Taiga sitting on a desk next to her. Suddenly she sprang uplifting a phone into the air.

Minori: All right, one down!

She reached down for something.

Minori: Next up is...

Placing a box filled with phones on her desk, your eyes widened as Ryuji across the room seemed to have a panic attack.

Minori: Hey, why don't I decorate yours too, Takasu?

Ryuji's eyes widened.

Minori: You see, I'm a part-time cellphone decorator.

Ryuji's arms flew out as his face turned crimson.

Ryuji: No, I-i'm all rig-

(Y/n): U-Um Minorin?

The girl turned to you with curiosity in her eye and a smile on her face.

Minori: Yes (Y/n)?

(Y/n): C-Could you...

You reached into your pocket and pulled out your phone handing it to the girl. Her gaze growing too much as you looked away with your heat rising to your cheeks.

(Y/n): Decorate my phone?

Minori: Of course silly!

Minori took the phone from you and placed it in front of her.

Minori: What color do you want?

(Y/n): I'll go with what you decide.

Minori: Really? Awesome. I'll be done in a jiffy!

You sat in your seat waiting for Minori to decorate your phone as your gaze light-hearted gaze met Ryuji's cold one. He held the gaze with you before turning and walking out the door. He looked... troubled. Taiga herself stared at you angrily. You didn't know what you had done this time, but you were not gonna let her kick you again. Taiga picked up her bag and walked out soon after.

Minori: Taiga!

The short girl ignored the calls of her friend and walked out. A few more moments in listening to the idle chatter of the remaining students and the sounds from the hall, Minori jumped up and turned to you.

Minori: All finished!

Your phone was incrusted with (F/c) gems while your name and a little design of an owl. It warmed your heart as you took the phone from her outstretched hand.

(Y/n): It's perfect. How much do I owe-

Minori: I did it for free silly. You don't owe me a dime!

(Y/n): That's very nice of you.

Minori: And...

You looked up from the phone. Minori was avoiding your gaze and she had a faint blush.

Minori: I put my number in your phone so now we can talk outside of school!

Your heart nearly exploded as your face turned crimson.

(Y/n): R-Really?!

You rubbed the back of your neck awkwardly.

(Y/n): Wait how did you unlock my p-

Minori: I'll see you later (Y/n)!

Minori sprinted out of the door with her things. You simply let out a happy sigh as you gripped the phone. You glanced up at the clock to see you were rather late. However, this was one dinner race you were willing to let your dad win.

(Y/n): So cute~...

You grabbed your bag and slid the phone into your pocket before making your way out of the classroom and started heading home.

Timeskip.

Dad: Hey kiddo!

(Y/n): Hmm?

You had dragged yourself out of bed at the sound of your dad's yelling.

Dad: We're gonna celebrate for the holidays!

(Y/n): Cool?

Dad: I was wondering if you could go to Inage's Liquor store and pick up a bottle of wine for your mother and me?

(Y/n): Oh... sure. Just let me get dressed.

Mom: Wear something warm, it's cold outside!

Once in your closet, you simply pulled on a grey sweater, jeans, and some sneakers or converse or something. You were too tired to tell what they were. You planted a kiss on your mother's cheek as you left. Reaching the lobby, you could feel the chill in the air. Lucky for you that chill woke you up just enough to avoid hitting the glass instead of walking through the door. The streets were rather calm considering it was holiday break, but it was kinda early too. Making your way down the street, you spotted the store in question and yawned.

(Y/n): Wait did he even give me any cash?

You sighed realizing your dad had neglected to give you the proper funding for this venture. You just grab it later when you bring the bottle back and take a nap. Three figures caught your attention as you approached.

(Y/n): Wha? What are you guys doing here?

The three turned to you.

Minori: Oh hey (Y/n)! We're working here today.

???: who are you talking to Min- oh is this another one of your friends?

An older man exited the store and turned to you.

Minori: This is my friend (Y/n) from school Mr. Inage.

Mr. Inage: Another one of Kushieda's friends? Ha! You're quite popular!

Minori: Do you want to help out today (Y/n)?

Mr. Inage: I do need workers and I'll pay you quite well!

(Y/n): O-Oh... uh sure. Can a get a bottle of wine too?

Mr. Inage: Of course! I'll save it for when you clock out. For your first task could you help her deliver those cases of beer?

You nodded simply and yawned again.

Ryuji: What's wrong Taiga?

Mr. Inage sauntered back into the store leaving the four of you outside with a bike. It appeared Taiga was to ride the bike, but she remained cemented in place. A silence filled the air as nobody moved. Then Ryuji broke the silence by speaking.

Ryuji: You... You can't ride a bik-

Taiga: SHUT UP!!!

Taiga gripped the handles of the bike and started running.

Taiga: So what if I can't ride a bike?! I'll just have to deliver it like this!

(Y/n): Taiga hold on!

You started sprinting trying to catch up with the girl.

(Y/n): I'll calm her down!

You'll give Taiga credit where credit is due. She can run fast.

(Y/n): Taiga please calm down!

Taiga: AHHHHHHHHH!

You chased her till the pavement turned to dirt before you managed to grip the back of the bike pulling it to a stop.

(Y/n): Wil... you... calm.. down?!

Taiga: Shut it!

(Y/n): Is it true?

Taiga: Is what true?!

(Y/n): You can't ride a bike?

Taiga turned to you furious and kicked you in the shin.

(Y/n): Ow! will you stop hitting me?!

Taiga: No!

Taiga yanked the bike from your grasp and began moving forward again, this time slowly. You followed close behind. The air thick with an unknown tension. Neither of you spoke as you continued forward. The silence ringed in your ears to the point you had to say something.

(Y/n): You know...

Taiga looked over her shoulder at you sharply.

(Y/n): I could teach you-

Taiga: No.

(Y/n): Oh come on! Just give me a shot.

Taiga: I said no.

(Y/n): Come on. If I'm a good teacher you learn how to ride a bike and if I'm a bad one you can kick me in the shin as much as you want. Deal?

Taiga's glare softened slightly as she pondered the thought. The bike came to an abrupt stop and you looked at the smaller girl expectantly.

Taiga: One chance.

A small grin spread on your features. You held the bike steady while Taiga hesitantly climbed into the seat. It surprised you how defenseless the girl seemed. She took a strong grip on the handles.

Taiga: L-Let's go.

(Y/n): Did you stutter?

Taiga glared back at you and you retracted your statement in slight fear. You leaned forward and took a hold of the handles placing your hands next to Taiga's. Pushing forward slightly, Taiga let out a quiet yelp and leaned back against your body and he hands moved to where one of her pinkies on each hand rested on your knuckle. There was something relaxing about this and you allowed your chin to rest on her shoulder as you spoke words of encouragement.

(Y/n): It's ok. I'm right here Taiga.

You steadily pushed forward with Taiga feebly controlling the bike and her feet hesitantly applying pressure to the pedals. You felt Taiga's rigid form relax against yours as neither of you moved to change your positions.

Taiga: J-Just don't let go, you got that?!

(Y/n): I promise I won't.

Taiga could feel your heartbeat against her back and she found comfort in knowing you were there. Taiga's cheeks had a soft pink tint to them as you both continued toward the location of your delivery.

Taiga: (Y/n).

(Y/n): Yes?

Taiga paused for a moment before speaking again.

Taiga: Do you like Minorin?

You couldn't help but blush at the question.

(Y/n): Kinda I guess. We haven't known each other that long, but she seems nice. I just have to get to know her.

You both returned to silence and only the sound of the wheels churning and the pedals could be heard.

Taiga: What about...

(Y/n): Hmm?

Taiga: W-What about me?

(Y/n): I don't really know you that much either Taiga. You're short, mean, and can be kinda annoying-

Taiga: Hey!-

(Y/n): But that is what makes you different from other girls. I kinda like that too.

Taiga's cheeks turned pink again at your words. There was a weird connection between the two of you, but Taiga knew she couldn't think of you any other way than as an associate. For Minorin and for herself.

(Y/n): How about I repay you?

Taiga: Wha?

(Y/n): We invited me to breakfast... how about I invite you to dinner tonight? My family is celebrating the holiday and I wouldn't mind if you came.

Taiga: I...

Silence. That silence that pierced your ears and made it insufferable. You were gonna say something, anything, to clear the air, but Taiga beat you to it.

Taiga: I guess I can come to eat.

You couldn't help but smile and let the warmth rise to your cheeks.

(Y/n): Awesome! I'll be sure to make something good.

Taiga: You better.

The rest of the trip to the destination was silent. However, after hearing her answer your head swam with ideas of what you would make for Taiga this evening. Was this a date or just two friends hanging out? You didn't know, but you were happy in your tired state. You'll just have to see how dinner goes.