The night shift was finally over, the neon lights outside buzzing faintly as two girls stepped into the cool night air.
Kuronami, tall and confident despite the long shift, stretched her arms with a yawn. Beside her, Kurage looked like she was about to collapse right there on the pavement.
Kuronami:
"Ahhh… finally done! Hey, let’s hit that café down the street. I need something warm after all that."
Kurage: (shaking her head)
"No way, I just wanna go home."
Kuronami: (smiling slyly)
"Then I guess I have no choice…"
Before Kurage could protest, Kuronami grabbed her by the wrist and started walking.
Kurage: (half-stumbling)
"H-Hey! I said no!"
Kuronami: (teasing)
"Too late. We’re going. My treat. You’ll thank me later."
[Scene: Café – Cozy Late-Night Glow]
They sat by the window, the streetlights outside painting the rainy pavement gold.
Kuronami:
"Do you want to order coffee?"
Kurage: (arms crossed)
"No. I pass."
Kuronami: (grinning)
"Okay… don’t regret it~"
The drinks arrived a few minutes later. Kuronami took a long, relieved sip of her coffee, exhaling in bliss.
Kuronami:
"Ahh… that’s the stuff."
Kurage just stared silently, chin resting on her hand, watching Kuronami drink like she’d just discovered the meaning of life.
Halfway through her cup, Kuronami realized she forgot something.
Kuronami:
"Ah, butter bread! I forgot to order. Hey, waiter—!"
She turned around to call the staff.
When she turned back, her coffee cup… was empty.
Kuronami stared at the cup. Then at Kurage. Then back at the cup.
Kurage was looking anywhere but at her.
A slow grin spread across Kuronami’s face.
Kuronami: (teasing)
"You… didn’t."
Kurage stiffened, cheeks turning faint pink.
Kurage:
"…I didn’t do anything."
Kuronami: (leaning in with a smirk)
"Oh, so you did. You know what that means, right?"
Kurage: (trying to keep a straight face)
"…What?"
Kuronami: (grinning)
"That was an indirect kiss."