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How do you give back a jacket and subtly ask your crush out?
This was the dilemma Nobara found herself in for the rest of the day. It would've been a relatively peaceful day otherwise, as most were huddled up their rooms.
Yet somehow Nobara found herself with Maki's now washed jacket, at said upperclassman's door. The nervous consideration that lead up to just *this* was draining enough, but actually being there was a whole new level of draining. Sucking it up, the orange haired girl knocked on the door and didn't have to wait long before the other opened it.
Maki's face looked slightly red from the cold, though she was wearing more layers than her. Already flustered, the cute sight did not by any means help her nerves.
"I- your jacket. It's washed so don't worry," Nobara sputtered out, handing out the jacket to her.
"I wasn't worried. I know you're reliable," The other said with a light amusement in her voice.
Before Nobara couldn't even think of a response that could help her with her whole confession plan, a strong breeze blew against her. Even though the snow had stopped falling, the weather had gotten no better. She thought the city would be at least somewhat immune to this unfortunate chill.
"You should go back to your dorm. Wouldn't want you catching a cold on us," Maki suggested as she saw the other shiver.
And before Nobara could protest or try to smooth talk to save her confession plan, another freezing blow of air hit her and she could only nod and scrunch up her face against the cold.
Okay, so one confession hadn't gone well. Actually, it hadn't really gone at all. But that was hardly going to dissuade Nobara from trying again. Pure determination and an absolutely heart swelling crush on Maki was fueling her.
The next time she planned her confession was when Maki went to the vending machines at lunch. The older always got this one fruit drink that Nobara didn't think would go with any meal, but she was hardly one to judge. Especially given she'd asked Yuuji for moral support this time.
"Do you see her yet?"
Nobara had gotten drinks for the both of them, both to soothe her nerves and to thank her friend for dealing with her lovesick mess. It would've been all too embarrassing to ask if she hadn't known about the boy's obvious crush on Megumi. He may be a bit of an idiot, but she supposes in this case, they're both whipped idiots. Putting two and two together made him the perfect candidate for moral support.
"Not yet- oh wait, she's here!"
Nobara had her hands clasped on the pink haired boy's shoulders as anxiety filled her, though he didn't seem to mind. She could only continue to stare until Maki reached the vending machine, then took in a breath and started over.
Not even five steps towards the older, Nobara panicked. It wasn't particularly surprising, but still dissapointing just as much.
"Man, you've got it bad," Yuuji teased her.
"You're one to talk," Nobara retorted, leaving him too flustered for a response.
A thud on the ground made them both stop and look, only to see Nobara's drink spilled all over it. In her nervousness, she hadn't quite noticed it slipping from her hand until it was too late. Looking back to Maki, she let out a sigh as she saw the other leaving already.
"Dammit!" The orange haired girl hissed under her breath, and Yuuji gave her a sympathetic pat on her shoulder.
Third time's the charm.
Nobara had been wondering what exactly would be the best place to spring a confession anyway. She figured after training would be a good idea as Maki wouldn't have much to do afterwards unless called for a mission suddenly.
She tried to keep her breathing even as she watched Maki finish up practice. Her sparring with Panda would've been a confusing sight at best when she first arrived here. Now, all Nobara could reay focus on was how Maki's arms looked moved so deliberately, how her legs moved so delicately and with such strength at the same time, how her brows furrowed in concentration...
Nobara blushed brightly as she shook her head to focus on the matter at hand, and just in time, as the older appeared to be done with training. She shared a few more words with Panda and he must've told her a joke because her brilliant laughter made the orange haired girl swoon.
Just as Nobara started towards her, giving the other a wave, Panda's voice made her startle.
"Nobara? I haven't gotten to help the first years in a while, come take Maki's place," He daid brightly, though it seemed more like a challenge than an offer. She gritted her teeth, wanting to throw herself at the challenge and wanting to talk to Maki all the same.
But when she glanced out the corner of her eye, she realized that Maki had already gone. Yet again, Nobara had missed a chance. How did this keep happening?
Needless to say, venting out her frustration in a spar was just what she needed.
It's late at night the next time Nobara confesses. Both her and Maki couldn't sleep and went in search of a drink. Seeing Maki in her pajamas and wearing a sleepy expression so unlike her usual stern faced one made Nobara a new kind of flustered.
Offering to make them both tea was all she could think of to distract herself from the reddening of her cheeks. It was some brand that promised it was made of herbs for better sleep, so she figured it was as good as anything. Not that she felt she could sleep with the racing of her thoughts. Maybe running into Maki at night like this was a good thing?
Once the tea was done, Nobara brought the cups to the table Maki sat at and handed her a cup, sitting in the chair next to her. Of course, drinking a cup of tea can only fill so much time, and by the time Nobara had finished, she'd made up her mind. The older was resting her head on the table, so Nobara brought her thoughts together and drew in a breath.
"Maki-senpai, I like you. Like, really like you. What I'm saying is- if you want- do you wanna go out with me?" Nobara said it like ripping off a bandaid, feeling much lighter afterwards. Whether a yes or no, at least she'd gotten it out.
When no response came, she looked back at the green haired girl, only to finally recognize that she was snoring lightly.
Ah.
Head in hands, Nobara contemplated screaming.
Yuuji and Megumi were dating. It was all too obvious, as the two of them always were. And while she was happy for her friends, and even more happy that their movie nights would be less tense, she was also pissed that they'd confessed to each other before she haf gotten to confess to Maki. What kind of twisted game was the universe playing with her anyway?
Either way, in disbelief that her idiot friends figured this out before her, determination lit anew in her. How hard could this confessing thing really be?
Luckily, or unluckily, Maki walked into the common room at just that moment. Nobara froze when she turned to her, feeling her previous determination falter in the face of such beauty. This had to be bad for her heart or something.
Maki handed out a bag to her, and Nobara looked at her in confusion while taking it.
"It's a better insulated jacket like mine." The green haired girl explained, and Nobara took it out with wide eyes. It was, and it seemed like it was her skze as well.
"You know my size?"
"I took my best guess. It's gonna snow again sooner than later, so don't catch a cold on me."
The usage of "me" made Nobara's heart melt a little and in that moment she could imagine she was truly dear to Maki in the way she so wanted to be. Was that really too much to ask?
As Maki said her bye and went back to her own room, Nobara held the jacket close. It was warm and soft to the touch, but she could immediately tell she still liked Maki's more.
Nobara was on her way to Yuuji's room to help the pink haired boy with reviewing something or the other. He still wasn't completely up to date with the jujutsu world, but studying wasn't his forte when alone. Since Megumi was out on a mission, Nobara was the lucky one this time.
She stopped in surprise as Maki came in her path, the older looking at the ground with flushed cheeks. The sight surprised Nobara so much she hardly heard her next words.
"Nobara, I want to go out with you."
Did she hear that right?
Stunned, Nobara blinked a few times as if this scene would disappear and turn out to be a highly idealistic dream.
"I understand if you don't feel the same wy, but-"
Nobara cut her off there, her voice finally returning to her.
"Don't feel the same way? Maki-senpai, you're cruel- I've tried to confess to you five times now!" Nobara said with a pout.
"Oh. Really?"
"Really!"
For the next few moments, both stood there blushing furiously.
"Okay, okay, I have to go help idiot number one study right now, but can we go somewhere together later? How's 7 sound?" Nobara cut in the silence, her bravery finally returning when it's needed. Would've been helpful the first five confessions, but she'll take what she can get.
Maki gave a nod to her, a smile spreading on her lips that Nobara very much so wanted to kiss. Instead, she dared simply giving her a peck on the cheek, and continued her way to Yuuji's room, a happy skip in her step. Maki still stood dumstruck and smiling as she headed to her own room, definitely not planning to count down the seconds until the clock hit seven.
Five failed confessions had been worth it after all.