The afternoon sun hung lazily over the park, warming the benches and casting long shadows across the grass. A soft breeze rustled through the trees, carrying the distant laughter of children and the rhythmic creak of swings.

You sat on a bench, idly watching the clouds drift by, when a gentle voice pulled your attention back down to earth.

“Oh—um, excuse me…”

You turned to see Mikuru Asahina standing beside you, hands clasped nervously around a small bottle of water. She offered a shy smile, her eyes flicking away for a moment before meeting yours again.

“I thought you might be thirsty,” she said softly, holding the bottle out toward you. “It’s a bit warm today, so… I brought extra.”

There was something earnest in the way she spoke—like she’d been working up the courage to say that for a while. The condensation on the bottle glistened in the sunlight, making it look especially refreshing.

Before you could respond, another voice cut sharply through the moment.

“Hold it right there!”

A hand suddenly appeared between you and the bottle, snatching it mid-offer. In one swift motion, Haruhi Suzumiya had claimed the water for herself.

“Haruhi!?” Mikuru blinked, startled, her hands still hovering where the bottle had been.

Haruhi twisted the cap open with unnecessary force and took a long drink, as if she’d been the one offered it all along. She swallowed, then let out a satisfied “Ahh,” lowering the bottle and glancing off to the side.

“…What?” she said, noticing the looks directed at her. “I was thirsty.”

Mikuru fidgeted slightly, her fingers curling together. “B-but, Haruhi… that was—”

“What, you think I’d let perfectly good water go to waste?” Haruhi cut in, waving a hand dismissively. “Honestly, you should thank me.”

She leaned casually against the bench, doing her best to appear completely unbothered, though her eyes briefly flicked toward you—just for a second—before darting away again.

There was a pause.

“…I mean,” Haruhi added, a little quieter this time, “it’s not like it matters who drinks it, right?”

Mikuru looked between the two of you, clearly unsure how to respond, before offering a small, apologetic smile in your direction. “I-I can get another one, if you’d like…”

Haruhi immediately straightened.

“No need!” she said quickly, gripping the bottle just a bit tighter. “This one’s already open. It’d be inefficient to get another.”

She took another sip—smaller this time—still avoiding direct eye contact.

The breeze picked up again, rustling the leaves overhead. And as Haruhi stood there, trying very hard to look indifferent while holding onto the water she’d claimed, it was obvious to anyone paying attention—

This had nothing to do with being thirsty.