I disturb my town;

[jitensha]

[ with Makoto letting her know that he'd be close by her venue of work for the day, she'd thrown herself into the job with even more energy than her usual; the Producer had been awed and exhausted just watching her by the time it had ended.

She's just heading back to the car, pulling out her phone to call--

And that's when she hears a small, familiar voice. Ren...?

When she speeds up her steps, it's to find not just Makoto and his siblings, but some very disgruntled-looking high-school boys crowding them. ]

Hey--! What's going on?!

Comments

[jitensha]

I am! I definitely am! I think it'd be a lot of fun, actually, and performing's important to me, so showing you how I feel through that would be--

[ please shut her up she's nervously rambling now. ]

[makotoned]

[...a-aw. Adorable. And Makoto just chuckles, but does gently try to stop that rambling.]

That sounds great to me, then. I'm always happy to see you perform. You are an amazing idol, after all.

[jitensha]

... [ that gets her to quiet down, though she really couldn't be any redder. ]

You helped make my dream come true... so I'm definitely going to thank you for it with all my might.

[makotoned]

[It's okay, Makoto, it's okay. It's his turn to look startled and a bit embarrassed, though he feels it's important that he protest this a little.]

You don't owe me anything, Makoto-chan. I'm just lucky enough to get to be with you.

[And then he smiles at her, because--]

But if you want to perform, I'll definitely cheer you on. After all, I'm a big fan.

[jitensha]

[ they really need to stop smiling at each other like fools-- but Makoto can't help it. The walk's a lot shorter than it needs to be, and sooner rather than later, they're going to part ways again, but this time, she'll have much more to think about. ]

I'd say be prepared, but I'd rather surprise you.

... But it's okay to say we're both lucky.

[makotoned]

[It's really much too easy to just...be so happy right here, right now. So they do smile like fools at each other, and Makoto knows he is, but, well...]

...That seems fair to me, then.

[And he chuckles, and opens his mouth, probably to say something like 'I look forward to the surprise', when the twins start up a clamor. 'Onii-chan, we're going to miss the train...!' and yeah, they did make it to the station when he wasn't looking, and the siblings are pulling at his hands.]

...Ah. So we are.

[...but he really can't help the reluctance.]

[jitensha]

[ it's noticeable on her face for a second, and then she's smiling and bending down to ruffle the twins' hair. ]

Thanks for coming out to see me today. You two, it's your very important mission to look out for your big brother and make sure he doesn't overdo it, okay? I need him in one piece when I see you all again!

[makotoned]

[...oh. She's just...so gentle and thoughtful and kind, so even as the kids chorus that they definitely will, he's just blinking at her, and then smiling.

Too sweet...

And then he looks down at the kids and--]

You'd better go find us seats, then. I'll be right there.

[And happy to be let off the leash, so to speak, the twins bound onto the train. Makoto knows he can't stay more than a few extra seconds but...he did at least want to say a proper farewell.

Except now he's hesitating again.]

[jitensha]

[ and she's blinking up at him, because she'd honestly expected him to follow them. ]

Makoto-kun?

[makotoned]

[...and everything has been spur of the moment, today, so--

Might as well keep up the trend. And he just quickly leans forward to hug her again, both hopeful and worried that it won't startle her too badly because maybe this is too forward...!]

It was good to see you today, Makoto-chan.

[Except there's the last boarding announcement, so he lets her go and backs up, if still reluctant.]

...See you later!

[jitensha]

[ it certainly startles her, but whether she's going to protest or return it-- won't be known, because there's simply no time.

Or so it should be, but Makoto can't let it go like that. The instant he turns to step onto the train, she'll move forward, and wrap her arms around him from behind-- briefly, no more than a second for a quick squeeze, and then a release. It's no great romantically earth-shaking moment, but it's simple and sweet, and she's comfortable with that. ]

Take care!

[makotoned]

[...it's so sweet, and he really wishes he could linger there...

But he can't, and so he just holds onto the feeling as he gets onto the train and finds his siblings and sits with them and...smiles out the window and waves to her as they go.

It's maybe not earth-shattering...but it's more than enough for him, and he smiles and laughs quietly, because hey--he can't wait until he sees her again.]