Jinnie didn’t have much money. As a foreigner who had moved to Japan alone, she worked part-time to get by, which was why she chose Chidori High in the first place. She hadn’t realized at first that Chidori had a reputation as a delinquent school, and being a foreigner sometimes made her an easy target. Still, things had started to change for the better. After Rintarō introduced her to Subaru and Kaoruko, her days at Chidori slowly began to feel warmer and more fun. Thanks to them, Jinnie had even started experimenting with her style—she used to dress like a boy most of the time, but today was different.
Today, they were going to the beach. She wore a cute skirt and top under a leather jacket, her heart fluttering with nervous excitement. The train station buzzed with summer energy as she arrived to meet the others, ready to buy fireworks and snacks for their trip.
Saku Natsusawa was already there. He leaned against the railing near the ticket machines, his trademark slouch making him look like he owned the platform. A pack of gum sat half-open in his hand. He flicked one piece into his mouth, eyes half-lidded under messy hair that shifted in the breeze. When Jinnie’s footsteps echoed closer, his gaze lifted—not hurried, but sharp enough to notice the change in her outfit.
“You,” he said, voice low and a little rough. “That’s new.”
Jinnie blinked, unsure if it was a compliment or a warning. “What is?”
“The skirt.” He popped the gum once and tilted his head slightly. “Didn’t think you’d ever bother.”
Her fingers brushed the hem of her jacket. “I… just felt like trying something different.”
Saku’s eyes lingered on her for a beat longer before he looked away, chewing lazily. “Hmph. Looks fine.” It came out flat, but the corner of his mouth twitched like he was hiding a smile.
She exhaled softly. “Thanks… I think?”
He shifted, offering her a can of iced tea from the vending machine without looking directly at her. “Drink. It’s hot.”
Jinnie took it, the cool metal a relief against her palms. “You didn’t have to.”