Repurcussions

“Man, it’s too bad that server had to butt in like that.” Tenmaro shook his head as now it appeared Ryuo and Jurie were no longer arguing. Instead it seemed like they were taking a break from their diplomatic engagement to enjoy a little bit of lunch. “Maybe I should order something too.”

“You should be taking this more seriously.” Riyone scolded him for his aloof attitude around this entire situation. “Though I suppose a break is welcomed, don’t forget that we’re all not in class because of this.”

“I know, great, isn’t it?” Sumiwa’s response didn’t even garner a chuckle from the Monta side. But even she had to admit she was bored by sitting on the sidelines if her leader was going to be relaxing for the time being. She was about to state that she would be taking leave for a moment, but someone else beat her to the punch.

“I think I’ll go out and take a walk.” Benzou stood up, stretching out his body. “It’s not healthy to be sitting for such a long period of time.

“Did you read my mind and steal my idea?” She laughed, getting up as well. “Because I think I’m going to head out for a bit. This place is really killing my vibe.”

“I suppose even if I wasn’t planning on leaving, I’d still go with you.” He said. “After all, we can’t leave any of you Capas unaccompanied, especially now.”

“Come on now, you really want to babysit me?” Her energy dropped immediately upon hearing his suggestion. “Right guys? I’m way too old for that.”

“I don’t know Sumiwa, you sure don’t look like you’re a high schooler.” Tenmaro laughed out loud alone as he simply received a pout from her.

“Whatever, I’ll go wherever I want to. You better keep up.” She walked without waiting on Benzou, who simply followed her outside of the cafe. Without saying anything, she walked down the sidewalk with him by her side. It appeared they didn’t have a destination in mind.

“Are you just walking around mindlessly?” He commented after they had been outside for about five minutes.

“Do you always have to be walking somewhere specific?” She replied with a question of her own. “You know, you’re the one who insisted on following me. I’ll have you know I’m actually totally responsible.”

“Can you blame us for being cautious?” He made a good point, at least from the view of a Monta. This entire time, it seemed none of their counterparts were taking situation seriously. The only one they could say had any semblance of attention to what was going on was their leader, Jurie. And even she appeared rather laid back by the entire ordeal.

“And what exactly is it do you think I’m going to do?” She asked as they headed down a busy road. There were numerous people walking about, minding their own business. A plethora of food stalls were set up as well, giving a variety of options to choose from. “I’m not going to threaten Jurie’s mission… Ooh, that looks so yummy.”

She was about to argue her case, but was quickly distracted by one of the stalls who was selling some takoyaki balls. “I’m definitely grabbing some of these. You want to eat too?”

“Normally I’d decline, but since Ryuo’s taking a lunch break too. It’s only fair for me to have something for now.” He had to admit that he was feeling peckish at this point. The stress of the situation caused him to skip breakfast so that he could get to school early to deal with everything going on.

“Yippie, then you can pay for the two of us.” She beamed with joy, running ahead of him.

“What? Now why would I pay for a Capa’s lunch?” He was caught off guard by her sudden declaration, also having to rush to keep up with her.

“I didn’t bring my purse, so I don’t got any money on me.” She replied, laughing all the way. “You wouldn’t make a girl have to keep going on with an empty stomach while you’re gorging on some yummy takoyaki, right?” He reached the stand shortly after she did with the girl already picking out her choices.

“Fine.” He sighed in disappointment, reaching for his wallet. “You’re lucky that I’m a nice guy. But you better pay me back for this.”

“With a kiss?” She gave him a suggestive sideeye as he simply returned the glance with a deadpan expression.

“With money. Down to the exact yen this is going to cost me.” He responded as he handed over the cash for their lunch. “I can’t believe we’re doing this. To think I’d sink so low as to have lunch with a Capa of all people.”

“Ehh, it’s not like we’re the only ones doing it.” She took a bite, giving off a small sound to display her pleasure of such delicious food. “Besides, we’ll just explain it as simply dealing with the pressures of work. Isn’t that something office works say all the time?”

“I can’t say it’s something I’ve heard of.” It was strange for him to see her take such a lackadaisical approach to everything. He couldn’t help but ask an important question. “Speaking of our work, what do you think is going to come of this?”

“You mean how do I think Jurie’s conversation with your boss is going to end? To be honest, beats me.” Her response didn’t fill him with much confidence on her point of view, but she continued on with a surprising response. “Though I’d love if this ended with you guys being banned from the upcoming carnival.”

“Banned? Why would that be something on the table?” While he had been worried about dealing with the fallout of this incident. Benzou hadn’t considered anything so drastic. “And what makes you think it’s the Monta’s who will be punished?”

“Well, the obvious thing is that clearly you guys are at fault.” She answered confidently, even though the only information she had was from what the injured Capa students told her. “But as for the banning, it’s obvious, isn’t it? There’s no way either of our sides can be together in the same room without arguing. Now can you imagine trying to enjoy that with literally hundreds of people? I think that’s just asking for a bloodbath.”

“I can’t deny that you raise a good point.” He reluctantly agreed. “But I can assure you that Ryuo won’t simply back down to her demands. In fact, if she’s willing to go that far, then he might even consider using it himself.” Benzou also couldn’t deny that it would be nice to enjoy the carnival without having to see a single Capa that day.

“Ooh, let’s sit down at that fountain over there. My legs are tired.” She completely ignored what he had to say, quickly walking away from him.

“Hey, we’re not finished here yet.” He spoke up, trying to catch up to her. “I swear, you can’t keep your mind on a single topic.”

“And you can’t think of anything else.” She had a mischievous smile on her face as he approached. Reaching quickly, Sumiwa used the water from the fountain to splash some on him.

“Why aren’t you taking this more seriously?” He hardly reacted as water dripped down his face. Meanwhile she was laughing heavily at him as she had gotten one over him.

“What’s there to take seriously?” She said when she finally ended her laughter. “It’s something I have no control over. Whatever happens, it’s all down to Jurie. All I can do is support her as best I can.”

“I also support Ryuo plenty too.” He responded, sitting down besides her on the fountain. “That’s why I’m always by his side. I don’t take his plight lightly at all.” His statement seemed to be an arrow shot right at her point of view, pointing out their differences. “I really hope that he can win this.”

“I hope that she can win this too.” She replied, her tone seemingly no longer holding onto that energy she had just moments ago. “But even if she doesn’t…” She paused for a moment, as if coming to terms with what she was to say next. “I’ll still be right besides her, supporting through whatever comes next.”

She turned her head to face him, revealing a still smiling face. But instead of her bubbly personality, there was a subtle softness, a vulnerability to her now. “Can you say the same?”

“…” Benzou didn’t say anything at first, not out of hesitation from his response. In fact, he already had his answer ready for her. But he had paused in speaking to take in what was before him. This was a side of this girl he had never seen before. For the first time ever, it seemed she had left behind her cheerful facade for one single moment. “If for some reason Ryuo is unable to come up victorious…”

He stopped for a second and turned his face away from hers. Perhaps he was unable to continue see her in this manner. Or perhaps he simply wanted to hide away the tears growing on his face. “I’ll still be standing by his side. I always will.”