The thing that made the noise was right there in front of him. The thing was none other than Itsuki Nakano.
"Oh, it's you, (L/N)-kun. Good afternoon."
(Y/N) nodded. "Good afternoon to you, too, Itsuki."
"Do you often come for walks here, (L/N)-kun?"
"Often enough. You, too, I assume?"
"I walk to take breaks while I study. Too much concentration on one thing for hours at a time is bad for you."
"Good advice. I'll remember that, hopefully..."
Itsuki walked to the railing and looked out onto the city. "This view is quite different here than from our apartment."
"Right, penthouse views, can't be beaten."
"..."
"..."
"How are you doing, (L/N)-kun?"
(Y/N) turned to Itsuki. "I... Um... I'm good, I guess. Why do you ask?"
She nodded. "I'm glad to hear that. Good friends care for each other; asking each other how you are is a great way to show that and develop the friendship," she said bluntly.
The candidness of the comment confused (Y/N). "...You do think we're good friends, right?"
"Of course, and I hope you do, too."
(Y/N) looked back at the city. "I... do..." He shook his head. "I... I don't know why, I'm surprised you would ask that."
"You are? Why?"
"I don't know, maybe because... Oh! Probably because you and I—and the rest of your sisters—haven't spent much time recently as friends, only really as students."
Itsuki watched (Y/N) as he talked.
"And you know me, I don't have many friends other than you five. So... I think it's just been a while since someone has genuinely asked me how I'm doing."
"..."
"..."
"You seem like you have a lot on your mind, (L/N)-kun. Do you want to walk with me down the street?"
SMALL DECISION 1: Will you walk with Itsuki?
if yes, keep reading. if no, go to chapter 1.5
(Y/N) nodded. "Sure, I'd really appreciate that."
Itsuki smiled for the first time since arriving. "Great. Let's go."
The two walked down the street for a few minutes before reaching the café that (Y/N) liked to go to from time to time.
"Hey, (L/N)-kun..." Itsuki stopped in front of the café.
"What's up?"
"I have a few minutes. Would you like to have a drink?"
(Y/N) smiled. "Sure, thanks."
Itsuki also smiled as she entered after him. "My pleasure."
The two placed their order—(Y/N), an iced coffee; Itsuki, a Chocolate Cookie Crumble Crème Frappuccino®—and sat down at a table. The two talked friendlily until their order was called.
"Order four-two-zero? One frappuccino and one iced coffee?"
(Y/N) got up to get the drinks. Itsuki followed him with her eyes. He came back and gave Itsuki her drink.
Itsuki seemed to be really enjoying her frappuccino, so (Y/N) waited until a better moment to talk. Eventually, she took a break to catch a breath.
"Hey, Itsuki..."
"Yes?"
"About before... Thanks for asking how I am. It's a small thing but it means a lot to me."
Itsuki smiled. "Of course, (L/N)-kun. I care a lot about you."
(Y/N) also smiled while taking a sip of his coffee.
"Hey, (L/N)-kun...," Itsuki mimicked (Y/N).
"Yes?" He did the same.
She cleared her throat. "You said before that you haven't spent much time as friends with us, or with me..."
"Yeah...?"
"I was thinking I might want to change that."
"Okay...?"
She looked at (Y/N) seriously, straight in his eyes. "I want to spend time as friends with you, (L/N)-kun. I even want to spend time as more than friends. The truth is... I really like you, (L/N)-kun, and it would be amazing to have a partner as great as you."
(Y/N) actually blushed a bit. "Wow... Thank you, Itsuki, that means a lot to me."
"You can think about it. And I won't be sad if you decline; it might be better for us to remain as teacher and student anyway."
(Y/N) finished his drink and got up to throw out the cup. He rubbed Itsuki's shoulder before he left. "I'll think about it. And thanks for the drink."
Itsuki waved as he walked out the door. "Of course. Have a good day."
(Y/N) continued thinking about Itsuki's confession as he walked home. He wasn't sure if he wanted to commit to it, but he had a feeling it might somehow work out.