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Nobara paces in an oval around her dorm room, phone in hand. Every few seconds, she lifts the screen back up to her face and reads over her last conversation with Maki.
Maki: Can’t wait to go out this weekend!
Nobara: Me too! I promise you won’t regret it <3
Another smile returns to Nobara’s face as she clutches the phone to her chest. She doesn’t even bother suppressing her excited squeal.
“It’s happening!” She whisper-yells to herself as she sits down at her desk. “Now I’ve just gotta figure out what we’re gonna do. Whatever it is can’t be too much and it can’t be too little. …Fuck.”
She hasn’t told Maki, but this Saturday would be her first date. So she doesn’t have the first idea how things are going to go. She’d been so caught up in the euphoria of Maki saying yes that she didn’t think about a single thing after that.
Nobara stares up at the wooden ceiling. Perhaps an answer would be written on the planks’ undersides.
I don't really care where we go. We could sit on the stairs together and that would be enough for me. Nobara growls in frustration. Both hands slide into her hair and scrunch the roots. What am I thinking? Get a grip, girl.
Nobara kicks the chair away from her desk and reclines dramatically in it.
Do I need help? Who can I ask? Itadori? No, he’s an idiot. Her nose wrinkles. Fushiguro? I can tell he doesn’t know shit about these kinds of things.
Sunlight streams in through the window, unobstructed by clouds or curtains. She rests the heels of her palms against her eyelids. Her mind replays Maki’s expression when Nobara had proposed a date on a somber loop.
It was brief, but the flash of doubt was unmistakable. That doesn’t sit right with Nobara.
She bolts upright, determination set firmly in her brow. This date has to be perfect; Maki deserves nothing less. Nobara unlocks her phone again—pausing for a second to admire the selfie with Maki saved as her wallpaper—and opens her notes app.
The cursor blinks in and out, waiting for her input. In a flurry, she types out all the date spots she can think of, not giving herself time to keep second guessing. After a minute or so, she ends up with a sizable list.
Nobara lets out a deep breath. Now, where would Maki like to go? Not someplace loud. Not where there’d be a lotta people bumping into her. She deletes the places that don’t fit that description, leaving her with more manageable options.
She taps her left index finger against her cheek. Admittedly, when Maki went sightseeing with her and the other first years, Nobara paid just as much—if not more—attention to Maki as the places they visited. So, she has to admit her mental map of the city is a bit fuzzy.
Amber eyes spark with a realization. Nobara clears all the other entries save one: the late night mall. They’d passed it a few times outside town but hadn’t gotten around to visiting yet.
This is perfect! It’ll be like we’re exploring a new place and, since it’s open late, the people there won’t be in a rush. I’m a genius! Why didn’t I think of it earlier?
Nobara kicks off from behind her desk and spins her chair in a circle. She giggles as her imagination takes off with all the possibilities.
The week passes as usual, but there’s a noticeable undercurrent of anticipation. Whenever Maki and Nobara lock eyes in the hallway, the contact lingers for a few more seconds than normal. When they have lunch together, Maki’s sly smiles crop up more often. Nobara’s voice cracks more than once, which she rushes to cover up by speaking faster.
Nobara’s taken the time between those moments to continue preparations; she even memorized the route to the mall just to ensure they didn’t get turned around on the way there. She makes sure to text Maki to wear something comfortable.
Now that the weekend’s here, Nobara stands in front of the full length mirror on the back of her door.
She twists from one side to the other, checking for wrinkles and the overall put-togetherness of the outfit. The hair by her left ear is pinned back with a brown pin shaped like star anise. Thanks to the new lip gloss, her mouth has a peachy tint to it. The cream-colored shirt stops right under her navel. It matches with a silk choker of the same shade. A long jean skirt sways above her ankles and leaves enough room to run if need be. To finish it off, she lifts one foot onto the toe for a better look at her simple walking shoes.
Nobara grabs her tan jacket off the bedpost and shrugs it on. She puts on a crossbody bag, which hits at her hip, and looks through it to make sure it has everything before heading out.
She takes a final look around her room, hand on the door knob. This is it. She locks the door behind her.
Nobara doesn’t mean to gasp when she sees Maki by the stairs, but she does.
Maki’s hair is swept up in a violet elastic. Her pitch black motorcycle jacket is zipped up halfway over a silver turtleneck. Nobara can’t help but notice how the tan pants match her bomber jacket. The black boots on Maki’s feet are laced up and look sturdy.
“Wow.” Nobara breathes out. She wants to slap herself for not saying something—anything—else instead. “You look great, Maki!”
Maki flushes lightly, her gaze lingering on Nobara’s glossy lips for a moment before refocusing on her eyes. “Thanks. You look amazing as always.” She traces the hair clip with her fingertips. “This is a nice touch. Really complements everything.”
Nobara’s face lights up as if the sun itself is shining through her. She’s been told her smile is infectious, and she’s never been more grateful for that since it means she can enjoy a smile of Maki’s own spring up on her face. The pads of Maki’s fingers tickle her cheek as they pull away. Nobara grabs her hand and leads them down the stairs. When Maki laces their fingers together, Nobara’s heart swells.
“You ready? I’m so excited.”
Maki nods. “Where are we going?”
“You know that late night mall? The one across from the art museum? There.”
“Ooh. I’ve always been curious about it.”
“Yep! Who knows what kinda stuff we’ll find in there.”
Nobara pushes open the doors leading out of the dorms with her hip. The sun hangs above the horizon. There’ll be plenty of daylight for them to make the trip. The slight chill in the breeze lets them know the jackets were a good idea.
If the reviews are anything to go by, it’ll be worth the walk.
The mall’s interior is bathed in warm lights, much easier on the eyes than standard fluorescents. There are three floors lined with all kinds of department stores; some are part of chains while others are unique to this location. Given the time of day, there’s a decent amount of groups strolling about. Their chatter keeps the atmosphere lively but not crowded.
The girls choose a random direction and set off for places that strike their fancy. Near one end of the building, Maki spots an art store and stops in front of the window.
“Don’t you need some new paint for your hammer?” Maki asks.
Nobara taps her chin with her fingertip. The engraved heart is fading, but she’d figured it could take on a few more curses before it began chipping. Realizing Maki had noticed such a thing makes her stomach do a flip.
Nobara grins. “Actually, I do. Let’s go!”
The store is packed with aisles displaying all sorts of art supplies. Every other table has an easel to try out different kinds of odorless lacquers. Nobara dips a clean brush into a tiny paint can and scribbles on the used canvas.
Maki wanders over to the stationery section. She picks up a leatherbound bullet journal, turning it over in her hand. By the time Nobara decides on which new shade of pink to go with, Maki’s collected a group of high-quality pens as well.
They check out, bags in hand.
While they continue their loop of the first floor, Maki lets Nobara click one of her pens.
As stiff as the metal bench is, it still provides some amount of comfort after walking around for so long. The fountain across from them sprays water in high arcs toward its well.
“Hey, Maki. I’ve got something for you.” Nobara says with a singsong lilt. “Close your eyes.”
Maki doesn’t hesitate. Nobara is flattered by how quickly she complied. The first year reaches into her purse and takes out the snacks she brought for them. She wanted to be discreet about it, but her gut shrivels in embarrassment when she hears how loud the bags’ foils are as she pulls them out.
Maki's brows raise at the sound even though her eyes are still shut.
“Okay, you can open them.” Nobara holds a bag of chocolate daifuku in front of Maki’s nose. She scoots closer and places the remaining snacks on their laps.
“My favorites.” Maki gently takes the bag and leans against Nobara’s shoulder. “Thank you.”
“Oh, you know.” Nobara freezes in place, afraid too much movement would discourage Maki. “I saw them earlier and just had to get them for you.”
Maki’s gaze is noticeably softer when their eyes next meet.
Nobara clears her throat. “Do you…”wanna try the others too?”
“Oh!” Maki looks down as if she’d forgotten all about the other options. “Of course. Let’s see here.” She peers at the multicolored labels, eventually choosing a bag of shortbread cookies.
Nobara opens a pack of spicy curry-flavored fries. She holds one up, silently asking if Maki wants to try one. Maki opens her mouth wide enough for Nobara to flick the fry into it.
Maki chews for a moment. Her face tints pink as the flavor kicks in. She makes a surprised, pleased hum at how much she enjoys the new snack. “That’s really good.”
Relief comes out in Nobara’s sigh. “I was worried it’d be too hot for you.”
Maki scowls, clamping her teeth around the air in front of Nobara's finger.
Nobara pulls the digit back and giggles. “Ah! Maybe the heat went to your head instead.”
Maki sticks out her tongue, then turns back to her chocolate with a half-hearted huff.
Once they’re done, Nobara takes out a few of the wet wipes in her purse. Maki gingerly accepts a couple.
The longer they sit and chat, the harder it becomes to ignore their soreness from the bench. They get up to stretch, breaking up their stiffness, and take the escalator up to the second level.
Rounding the corner, a pet store comes into view. Nobara dashes up to the display glass. Turtles, hamsters, and all other manner of pets hang out in their large enclosures. A parrot bobs its head back and forth to the beat of cheery mall music pulsing through the speakers. Nobara doesn’t even notice she’s following the bird’s lead until Maki snorts at her.
“You know we can actually go inside, right?” Maki says.
“Of course I know that.” Nobara takes her hands off the glass. “That bird’s got some moves, is all.”
Maki cackles even harder at that. The sound draws out a laugh of Nobara’s own.
They take their time looking at all the pets. Maki squats down to get a better view of all the colorful fish chasing each other around their tanks. As they stare at the aquariums, Nobara can’t help but notice the wavy light that moves across Maki's face.
Nobara takes the moment to head to the front counter. Her eyes skim each of the flyers advertising different play rooms. She gasps and taps a finger on the one she wants. The teen manning the counter blinks blearily up at the flyer, trying and failing miserably to keep their desire to rest off their face.
“Hey. How much for this one?”
“¥1400.” The cashier mumbles.
Nobara digs her wallet out of her purse and counts out the yen. “Here ya go.”
The teen hands Nobara a receipt, then points their thumb toward the requested room. “Enjoy.”
The thud Nobara hears as she turns around lets her know they’ve already gone back to sleep. She taps Maki on the shoulder.
“Hm?”
Nobara waves her toward a side room. “Come on! You're gonna love this.”
Maki waves goodbye to the turtle she’d been looking at and follows Nobara.
Nobara opens the door into a spacious room. There are kittens pouncing on toy mice and climbing up multicolored scratching posts. Some puppies come weave between their ankles while others immediately present their bellies for rubs.
Olive eyes go wide behind Maki's glasses. She gasps in awe. The girls put their shopping bags on the nearest table and start petting as many as they can.
Maki drops onto the floor at once. A black shiba inu immediately steps into her lap, wagging its curled tail so hard its torso sways. She squishes its face and scratches behind the soft ears. She giggles while another pup nudges its face under her elbow.
Both of Nobara’s hands disappear into the thick fur of a silver tuxedo cat. It purrs loudly against her leg. An orange kitten places a paw on her other knee and gazes up at her expectantly. She slowly takes one hand off the tuxedo cat and reaches for the kitten. Its head butts the palm of her hand, ears flattening under her fingers.
The kitten mewls softly. Nobara coos at it, her eyes wide as plates. She looks toward Maki, whose expression says she’s wishing for more arms.
“Maki. Maki, look.” Her voice wavers with emotion. “Can I keep them?”
Maki cocks her head to the side. “There's no way pets are allowed in the dorms.” Confusion is plain in her tone.
“Did you read that in the student handbook?”
“What? No. It just seems like common sense.”
Nobara grins, mischief on her mind. “So what you're saying is there's no way to know for sure that pets aren't allowed.”
“That couldn't be further from what I'm saying!” Maki’s confusion shifts to concern.
Nobara looks at the cats. “How about it? Do y’all wanna come home with me?”
The orange kitten meows. The tuxedo cat stretches and trots off.
“Well, at least you do.” Nobara says to the kitten. Her eyes seek out the price poster. “¥850,000?! Gah! You're so expensive.” She casts a look behind her at the closed door. “What if we just…”
The first-year opens her jacket pocket enticingly. Before the kitten steps into it, Maki’s hand swoops down and gathers Nobara up by the scruff of her jacket collar, dragging her toward the exit.
Nobara makes grabby hands at the kitty. “Noooo, I'll come back for you!”
“I can’t believe you.” Maki tsks disapprovingly. “They probably have cameras in here.”
Nobara’s arms fall to her side. “Y’know what? You’re right. I didn’t even think of that. You’re so smart, Maki.”
“Again, common sense.” Maki says.
Cosmetic stores dominate the mall's third floor. By the time they've wandered around a few of them, they come out smelling of different fragrances; peaches for Nobara, orange peels for Maki. The perfume boxes rustle gently in their bags.
Maki slows down. Her elbow nudges Nobara’s upper arm. “I know it’s kinda cheesy, but…” The words trail off.
In the middle of the walkways is a row of photo booths. Large rectangles with a curtain and plenty of colorful sticker previews along the side.
“Ooh, it’s been forever since I’ve been in one of these!” Nobara says. “Let's go!”
Maki takes her hand and leads her into a booth. Nobara grips her hand back. Her pulse skips a beat and she wonders if Maki felt that in the space between her thumb and forefinger. If so, she can’t bring herself to be embarrassed about it.
Between the two of them, they have enough loose change for a decent amount of snapshots. The screen lights up with so many photo types, it has to include a scroll bar.
“Uh.” Maki’s index finger hesitates. “There are way more options than I thought there’d be. Fuck it.” She covers her eyes with her free hand and moves the other in a circle, tapping randomly. “Let me know when I hit one.”
“Sure thing.” Nobara watches with great joy as Maki manages to tap in between nearly every selection. “You almost had that one! A little to the left. Aww, too far. Go up a little.”
Maki growls, jabbing her finger down decisively.
“Got it!” Nobara cheers.
“Finally.” Maki takes her hand down in time for the countdown. “Wait! Should I have taken my glasses off?”
“Nah, leave em.” Nobara waves the thought away. “They’re cute.”
Maki stares at Nobara, lips slightly parted, a faint blush on her cheeks. Nobara grins back so widely her eyes close. The camera clicks, freezing this moment in time.
It takes a few seconds for Maki to remember they’re supposed to be posing. She pulls her glasses down her nose, giving the camera an exaggerated wink. For a few photos, Nobara crosses her eyes and puffs out her cheeks. Maki snickers. Nobara can’t help falling in love with that sound.
Once the confirmation screen comes up, they take some time to select backgrounds and stickers. Nobara takes the stylus and draws hearts on their cheeks. Maki traces outlines along their hair and outfits.
They input their emails to download some of them.
“I’ve got a new wallpaper!” Nobara says excitedly, clicking the notification as soon as it appears. A sidelong glance informs her Maki is changing hers as well.
In the dispenser outside of the booth, they collect two sets of laminated photos.
Joy rests easily on their faces as they leave, smiling with all their teeth.
Saying the girls lost track of time would be an understatement. When they start heading back to the dorms, the streets are awash in blue light from the streetlamps. Walking along the empty roads, arms linked, it's easy to pretend the world belongs to them.
Under the lights, Nobara catches glimpses of Maki’s face. The second-year’s brow furrows for but a moment.
“Hey. Something wrong?”
Maki looks as though finding the right words is taking a fair bit of effort. “No. I had a great time tonight. The greatest time in a while. It’s just…It’s stupid, don’t worry about it.”
Nobara gives her arm a gentle squeeze. “If it’s bothering you, it’d be more stupid to not bring it up.” She can feel Maki searching for something in her eyes. Hopefully, the reassurance is plain to see.
“You think so?” Maki’s teeth worry her bottom lip. She sighs. “Okay. I was wondering what I did to deserve all this.”
Nobara's heart tugs. She had a feeling that’s what this is about. There’s a very specific look Maki gets that accompanies this kind of introspection. She slows them down to a stop in front of the school gates.
She looks up at Maki. After a beat, their gazes meet again. “Maki, it wasn't one single act. It was everything you've ever done. You never let anyone or anything stop you from being yourself. I mean, when you told me why you wanna be a sorcerer, that was when I knew I loved you.”
Her hand reaches out, cups Maki’s warm cheek, and massages it with her thumb.
Maki leans into the feeling. Her eyes dart around Nobara’s face once more, looking for the catch. Her voice lowers to a whisper, as if afraid this is a dream from which she would wake.
“You love me? How can you say that so easily?”
“Sometimes, things get easier to say the more you think them.”
“Hah. Then this shouldn't be so hard.” Maki lets out a shaky breath.
“I’d never rush you. I hope you know that.”
Maki nods in acknowledgment as she pulls Nobara into a tight hug. She rests her chin on the crown of Nobara’s head. When she clears her throat, Nobara feels the vibration against her temple.
“In the meantime, I have a question for you.” Maki says.
“Ask away.”
“May I…kiss you?” Maki holds her breath. She tenses up, as though she can’t believe those words actually left her mouth.
Nobara has a similar reaction. Her rising heartbeat pounds in her ears. “Yeah. Yeah, of course. I’d love that.”
Maki pulls her head back to look down at Nobara. Under that blue light, Nobara sees the wave of acceptance wash away the hesitation on Maki’s face. The second-year leans in and places a warm kiss on Nobara's forehead. The chill in the air is soon forgotten as Maki moves down to plant another one on her cheek.
The scent of shortbread lingers on Maki’s breath, sweeter than the confectionary itself. Nobara rises onto her tiptoes, eliminating the space between them. As they crash into each other, she feels Maki’s grin against her own. Nobara throws both arms around Maki’s shoulders. Maki’s arms slide around her waist, drawing her closer.
Lips still connected, a shocked noise leaves Nobara as Maki lifts her off the ground. Her feet hit the back of her legs in excitement. She giggles as she looks down at Maki for the first time. Maki’s eyes shine with adoration. Nobara’s mind races with words, all of which die on her tongue at the sight of such openness. So she settles on kissing the tip of Maki’s nose, hoping it transfers the feelings just as well.
“Alright.” Maki’s voice wavers a bit. “We should head in.” She dips as though she’s going to put Nobara down.
“Wait!” Nobara clings to Maki’s shoulders. “Carry me?”
Maki rolls her eyes, then chuckles softly. “Sure.”
Nobara grabs Maki’s shopping bags and maneuvers around to her back. Maki hooks her hands under Nobara’s knees, hefting her up to a more comfortable spot.
“Hold on tight.”
“Oh, don’t worry. I wouldn’t dream of letting go.”