Model Idol Combi

[jitensha]

[ as continued from here. ]

Huh? [ and from the look she passes along, it's fairly evident that if Kise says anything dumb about disregarding doctor's orders or not treating it seriously, she's going to Have Words. But she'll hear him out. ] What about it?

Comments

[jitensha]

I said help, didn't I? I've got some experience with injuries, and you're going to have to keep massaging your leg.

[ex_doubly406]

[Eh?]

--Wait, Kikuchi-san, you don't need to do that! I can do them myself, and it'd be too much of a bother for you to come down and do that all the time.

[jitensha]

If I didn't think I could do it, I wouldn't say anything. But I can, so I'm going to help.

[ fight her. ]

[ex_doubly406]

But-- [damn.

It's really not that he doesn't appreciate her support. But offering to do that when she has other work to do... He gets busy too so he knows how it can get, and those days you don't have much time or energy to do much else than collapse in bed. But she's determined to do what he can easily take care of himself.

She's really...]

... Kikuchi-san, you're really nice... [A sigh of defeat...?] But I can't let you do that. I appreciate it but it's my injury so I'll be the one taking responsibility.

[Oh no, nvm.]

[jitensha]

[ this should probably be the point where she caves and lets him handle it himself.

But Makoto is incredibly stubborn when it comes down to it, and she only straightens up and looks at him steadily. ]

You already asked me to keep it a secret, Kise. If you can trust me to do that much, then let me do this in exchange! I can't just go around pretending that everything's okay!

[ex_doubly406]

I'm not! It's not like I'm not trying to push you away, I'm really thankful for all this, but I don't-- [Oh, when did he start raising his voice?] Ah, sorry...

[He takes a moment to try to patch up the mistake.]

Um I really do appreciate this... [Makoto might be earnest, but Kise can be just as earnest right back.] But I don't want to trouble you with so much when you're already busy with your work. You have a live soon, right? There's no way you have time to come visit me when you have to practice.

[And as flighty as he might seem sometimes, he's already figured out what kind of person she is.]

And before you say you can do it, I trust you to keep it a secret and try your best. [He grins.] 'Sides, there's really no way I can lose with so many people supporting me.

[jitensha]

But...

[ it's only a single word, but in it is packed a whole lot of meaning. I don't want you hurting yourself more. That's too much to do on your own when no one else knows. Why can't I help, when you helped me this much?

She droops a little. ]

[ex_doubly406]

[And when he notices, he droops a little too. Maybe he hadn't said that right.]

... I guess I'm not too good with things like this.

[He'd always done his best to treat girls equally and nicely. But Kikuchi-san was different. Probably because she acted more like a guy than a girl, but he'd gotten used to it and started leaning on her before he knew it. And he'd liked that.

But]

But, if you have the time, I couldn't turn you away. [He tries to laugh though it's pretty obvious that it's nervous laughter and not anything meant to lift the mood.] Moriyama-senpai will be jealous if he hears I got a massage from an idol--

[jitensha]

I always have the time for my friends! [ except when she doesn't and then Haruka is sad and bad things happen to good producers but you know what, it's a learning experience. ] It wouldn't feel right if I didn't at least try to help out, anyway... and I want to see you win for sure, Kise.

[ex_doubly406]

[Blink.

Haha, what is this? She's really a good friend...]

Thanks. [It's just one word but it has all of his sincerity in it.] I'm glad I got to know you, Kikuchi-san. So I'll make sure it's a good match!

[jitensha]

You would've done that anyway, right? I know you'll fight for it.

[ex_doubly406]

Hm? Ah, was that really obvious? [Wink wink.] That's true though. It wouldn't be a match if I didn't.

[jitensha]

You're kind of like me-- ah, I mean, you're way better at basketball than I am, but I wouldn't want to hold back either!

[ex_doubly406]

It wouldn't be you if you did, right? You're really good at getting fired up! [This is a compliment okay.] Now that I think about it, I hope our opponents are all like you!

[jitensha]

[ oh no Kise don't make her blush. ]

Aaah, but then I'd want to be out there on the court, too!

[ex_doubly406]

[Making girls blush is his specialty though.]

Hmm, then how about a one-on-one after the café? It won't be the same but I could try to make up for it.

[jitensha]

[ NOT THIS ONE. ]

I want to face you after your leg's all better!

[ex_doubly406]

[WELL EXCUSE ME.

But way to make it sound like he can't play at all.]

Y'know I can still dunk...

[jitensha]

But you'll strain it worse.

[ex_doubly406]

It's not that bad... I can still do them.

[jitensha]

After. The cafe sounds good, though.

[ex_doubly406]

I guess I can't say no to food... That went on for a while.

So what are you going to order? I heard crepes are their specialty; I really want to try that banana mango one a fan told me about.

[jitensha]

I wouldn't mind trying a crepe, too! Mango's really popular right now.

[ex_doubly406]

Really? I thought strawberry was always the popular one!

[Wow they are totally gossiping like normal girls.

Except one of them is not a girl.]

[jitensha]

[ she really is-- oh you meant Kise. ]

Mango just recently? I heard about it from Miki... but a strawberry mango crepe might be good too!