Be Careful

"What in the manga did I just hear?" Sana took the sample of wine like a shot.

Junko and Miyo gave her a judgmental look before trying their own sample.

"I know it's a little weird, but Akio was trying to help, and he's been very nice through everything and..." Miyo fell silent.

Junko raised an eyebrow. "And?"

Miyo hesitated, her chest warming. "And I'm kind of glad he was there."

Sana squealed as she ordered more samples. "I feel like I'm watching a drama."

"You're enjoying this way too much." Junko turned to Miyo. "Did you maybe enjoy Akio's company more than Shinichi's?"

"Huh? I-I." Miyo fidgeted with her fingers. "It's complicated."

"Even better." Sana ordered snacks to go with the drinks. "If it's complicated, then Akio is at least on your mind."

Miyo's face warmed. "H-He is not."

Sana smirked. "That was not convincing."

"I know you already have your closure with you and Shinichi deciding to just be friends, but was it a mutual decision or a rejection...?" Junko carefully asked.

Sana turned to Junko. "Wow, real subtle."

"What? You're curious too," Junko replied.

Miyo drank her drink. "It's okay. I don't mind but... I guess it was a bit of both."

"What?!"

Sana put her glass down. "The nerve of him. How dare he reject you."

Junko nodded. "I can't believe it. What was his reason?"

"Yeah." Sana crossed her arms. "He better have a good excuse."

Oh, he definitely has a reason. Miyo awkwardly chuckled. "I'm not really his type..."

"Not his type?" Sana scoffed. 

"I mean in a way, I guess it's a decent reason, but it looked like you two had something..." Junko's voice softened. "I'm sure it was hard for you to hear that. I know you said you'd be okay, but if you need us, we're here."

Sana nodded in agreement.

Miyo was silent for a moment before a faint smile tugged at her lips. "Thanks."

-

The evening turned to night and tasting samples turned to drinking actual drinks.

"You know, I think Akio's the better choice anyway~" Sana slurred.

Junko sighed. "Where did that come from? We were talking about university."

"Miyo smiles more with him~" Sana chimed before her head decided to face-plant onto the table.

Thud.

"That sounded painful..." Junko cringed before turning to Miyo. "As random as that was, she has a point. You do seem more comfortable around Akio. Isn't that why you're going on a date with him?"

"D-Date?!" Miyo squeaked, her face instantly warming. "We're not going on a date."

"So you're not going to the tea museum with Akio?"

Miyo froze. "H-How'd you know?"

"I was there when he switched his voucher with someone else."

"He did that?"

Junko nodded. "He purposefully got something with you in mind, and you want cute new outfits. Remind me again how this isn't a date?"

"W-We're hanging out... That's all. We've hung out before and it wasn't a date." Miyo nervously finished her glass.

Junko hummed, unconvinced. "For the record, I think the green dress looked the best on you."

Before Miyo could say anything, Sana sprung up. "The pink outfit!" The force from it pushed her chair tipping backward.

Junko and Miyo tried to catch her, but it was too late-

Crash.

Sana hit the floor. "I'm okay..." She somehow managed to mutter.

Junko rubbed her head. "Yeah. I think we should call it a night."

Miyo stifled a laugh as she helped Sana up.

-

After apologizing for the scene and awkwardly dragging Sana out, the girls waited outside for a ride on a bench.

Miyo fanned herself with her hands. "I didn't expect it to be so hot outside..."

Junko titled her head. "Hot?"

"Is it not hot to you?"

Junko shook her head as she leaned closer, noticing Miyo's red face. "Not you too..."

"What?"

"You're both drunk."

"What? No, I'm not."

"Really?" Junko turned and instantly regretted life.

Sana, who had been quietly sitting on the bench moments ago was now running. Or attempting to.

Miyo blinked. "Sana?"

Junko gestured towards Sana. "Then catch her."

Miyo pushed herself off the bench to only take a few steps before her feet stumbled on absolutely nothing. "Ow~"

Junko sighed. "I wish I was drunk, so I didn't have to deal with this."

-

After what seemed like an eternity of getting Sana under control and Miyo back on the bench, Junko called for backup.

Junko had Miyo lean against her as she practically held Sana down when help arrived.

"This is not exactly the sight I was expecting." 

Junko looked up. "Took you long enough."

Akio stepped in front of them with a smirk. "Should I leave instead?"

"Please don't," Junko said.

Sana perked up. "Akio~"

Junko tightened her grip. "I can't get them both home by myself. So pick your favorite."

Akio let out a small laugh as he walked over to Miyo. "Miyo, can you walk?"

No response.

Akio gently brushed Miyo's hair from her face before turning to Junko. "The station isn't far, so I'll take her there. What will you do?"

"I don't know where she lives, so I'll take her back to my place. The bus station is around the corner, so we should be fine."

Junko helped carefully adjust Miyo onto Akio's back.

Akio looked back at them. "Will you two be alright?"

"We'll manage," Junko said before her voice lowered. "And Akio."

"Yeah?"

Junko's eyes narrowed. "Be careful with her." 

Akio's grip unconsciously tightened. "I wouldn't do anything to hurt her."

Her expression softened as she helped Sana up. "Good."

"Do me a favor and let me know when you two make it home, okay?"

Junko nodded and they went their separate ways.

-

The city had settled into the late of night as Akio carried Miyo.

Only the sound of his footsteps and the steady weight on his back kept him company.

Junko's words lingered in his head. Why does it feel like she meant more than that?

Miyo shifted slightly and Akio automatically adjusted his hold. 

"Akio...?" 

Akio glanced back. "You're awake?"

"Yeah..." Miyo didn't raise her head but rather leaned in more. "When did you get here?"

"It's been a while."

"I'm sorry."

A faint smile tugged at Akio's lips. "Don't be."

"Am I heavy?"

"Compared to Shinichi, you're a feather."

Miyo let out a small, sleepy laugh.

"What happened to being a good drinker?" Akio added with a tease. "Or are you secretly like Shinichi and only think you're a good drinker?"

"I don't know," Miyo slowly started. "I didn't drink any more than usual but it's so hot and.. my head won't stop spinning..."

He turned his head, taking in Miyo's red face. "What did you drink?"

"Wine... It was better than I expected."

"Have you not drank wine before?"

"No... I usually only drink beer."

"You're probably not used to it. You should be careful when trying new things."

"Mhm..." She murmured as she took a deep breath. "You smell nice."

Akio's face warmed. "Y-You weren't really listening, were you?"

"I was," she breathed against his neck. "Where are we going...?"

Akio sighed. "I'm taking you home."

Miyo drowsily lifted a finger, poking Akio's cheek. "Why?"

His steps faltered. "Because you're drunk."

Her hand didn't move right away; it lingered as is she forgot it was even there. "You're drunk~"

Akio let out a quiet breath, steadying his pace. I'm starting to miss drunk Shinichi...

-

Once Akio got Miyo inside of her place, he gently laid her down on her bed.

Miyo let out a soft, sleepy breath as she settled on the mattress.

For a moment, he watched to make sure she wouldn't roll off.

Then, he carefully took off her shoes and pulled the covers up, softly tucking her in.

She stirred slightly, her eyes fluttering. "Akio?"

"Yeah?"

She held his gaze as if she were about to say something important, but then her expression changed. "I'm gonna hurl..."

Akio blinked. "What?"

A moment passed.

Then-

"Oh!" Akio quickly got her up, leading her to the bathroom.

The way to the bathroom was anything but graceful. 

Miyo's steps faltered the whole way while Akio kept a steady grip on her. "I've got you."

When they finally made it, Akio held her hair back as he tried his best not to watch.

"You're okay. Let it out." He rubbed her back in steady circles.

Once she felt better, Miyo caught her breath, avoiding his gaze. "I'm sorry..."

"It's not something to apologize for."

"That was totally gross though."

Akio shrugged. "I didn't see anything."

"Liar," she huffed.

"Are you feeling better?"

She nodded.

"Let's get you back in bed then." He stood and helped her up.

Once Miyo was tucked back into bed, Akio placed a trash can at her bedside and water on her nightstand. 

"Thank you," Miyo said softly. "For staying with me."

"Of course." Akio hesitated near the door as if debating his next words. "Do you want me to stay the night?"

"What?"

"Let me rephrase that," he continued carefully. "I don't feel right leaving you alone, can I stay the night?"

Miyo stared at him longer than she expected until she slowly nodded. "Yeah..."