Work Text:
It was an ordinary night for the artist of Niigo, she was sketching on her sketchbook for a new projet, it been a few hours by now, but at some point she started to let go a deep sigh, Ena couldn’t focus anymore all she did was erasing and redoing her work, yet, she was still not satisfied with it.
“Enanan..?” A soft voice called for her.
Ena completely forgot she wasn’t on mute this whole time, she’s often lost in thoughts, especially when she draws so Kanade’s voice made her jump a little out of surprise yet Ena could feel the concern in her voice.
“K..? Do you need something..?”
“I was wondering if you were okay, Enanan. That was quite a big sigh this time..”
Kanade is always caring towards her circle members, nothing new, she may not talk a lot during their voice calls on nightchord that doesn’t mean Kanade doesn’t pay attention to the three of them.
“Ah..” Ena could feel the embarrassment growing on her, she often groans or talk to herself during these times but to know everyone might heard it was kind of embarrassing “I’m fine, K, I’m just struggling to finish this piece..” she added “But you don’t have to worry I’ll finish it on time.”
“You still have plenty of time, don’t forget to take a break, Enanan.”
“You’re right...but, K, I think you’re the one that needs a break the most.”
“Thank you Enanan but I’ll be fine.”
“Hmm..” Ena couldn’t help but worry about Kanade, she often tends overwork herself or even forget to eat..
“By the way, we haven’t heard Yuki and Amia for a while, that’s strange..” Ena asked.
Kanade chuckled before answering to the confused artist.
“Well, Yuki went to sleep because she have classes tomorrow and Amia said they had to go to work early tomorrow..”
“I didn’t even notice.. they might have left recently-”
“It been a few hours since they left..”
“Oh I see that’s why th-" Ena stopped. “Wait, did you say ‘a few hours’ !?” Ena quickly glanced at the time on her computer screen that displayed “4am”
“Is it that late already..? I really didn’t notice anything”
“It’s fine, it was just the two of us so the voice chat was just quieter than usual, it’s not a bad thing since we’re both very focused on our works”
Ena could feel the blush rising on her cheeks as Kanade mentioned the fact that it was just the two of them, just by thinking about it Ena could feel her heart beating faster so she tried to change the subject.
“By the way, K, did you almost finish your song..?”
Kanade went silent and didn’t say a single word.
“Did you perhaps… feel asleep?” Ena’s tone softened.
“Actually..” the grey haired stuttered “I think I’m stuck.. I’m not sure of what I truly want to create for this song” she admitted kind of ashamed about it.
Ena smiled a bit, the fact that Kanade admitted something like that made Ena happy for some reason, suddenly the artist had an idea, even though she was already ready to be turned down, she tried anyways.
“It’s okay to be stuck sometimes K” she replied in a reassuring way “Actually, I have an idea…can I ask you something..?”
“Sure, go ahead Enanan.”
“Since we’re both stuck with our work I think doing something for a change might help.., K, I really think you need to take a break.”
“Something for a change..?”
“Actually..” the artist stuttered “There’s a place I’d like to try and..”
“Oh, I see, it’s a good thing Enanan, I’m pretty sure you’ll be able to relax a bit.”
“Thank you K, but I don’t plan on going there alone..”
“That’s even better then, are you going there with your childhood friend? Or maybe your little brother..?”
“No..” Ena didn’t know why but she was kinda ashamed to ask Kanade, she knows Kanade doesn’t go out much, wouldn’t it be selfish of her to ask such a thing.. ?
Ena was lost in her own thoughts to the point she forgot to answer.
“Enanan..?”
“I want to go with you K!”
A moment of silence settled down and Ena’s face turned bright red when she realised what she just said, hopefully they were only on voice chat where her embarrassed face cannot be seen, Ena could feel the awkwardness of the silence, she was already regretting asking Kanade.
“Me..?” Kanade asked.
“It’s okay if you don’t want to go with me, K..” Ena’s tone was less enthusiastic
“I accept, Enanan.” Kanade replied quietly “If it can help the both of us…I think it’s a good idea.”
“W-wait” Ena was confused, did Kanade just accepted her offer without even hesitating? “Are you sure?”
“Hm” Kanade nodded in agreement.
“K..” Ena smiled, her cheeks were as pink as her favorite blouse that she loved wearing “thank you, don’t worry I’ll take care of everything!”
“Well then… I’m counting on you, Enanan.” Kanade replied in a warm tone.
“Please make sure to rest properly” Ena yawned “I think i'll head to bed now, good night K, see you tomorrow!”
“Good night Enanan, see you tomorrow..”
The artist logged off. If it wasn’t 4 in the morning Ena would probably have screamed out of excitement, but the idea of her brother yelling at her because she would have woken him up made her giggle a little.
Ena turned off her computer and fell on her bed, grabbing her yellow cat cushion in her arms
She was looking forward to it, it’s probably the first time she’s going outside with Kanade, just the two of them. As she hated to admit it Ena was kinda nervous about it. With these feelings in her chest : the brunette fell asleep.
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It was around 11am when Ena’s alarm rang loud enough for her to hear it.
“Hmm..” Ena groaned hiding from the rays of sunlights inside her blanket, Akito was gone early to practice so she had to wake up by herself but when she remembered why she was supposed to wake up she ran out her bed when only one thing in mind : Kanade.
After getting ready (spending a ridiculous amount of time chosing a cute outfit) Ena was ready to go.
She went to the station where she was supposed to meet Kanade, hopefully she arrived early, maybe too early…
When she looked at the time on the station’s clock Ena realized that she actually arrived one hour early…maybe she was a bit too excited to meet Kanade..
After an hour of waiting, or more like scrolling on her phone, the grey haired girl arrived to the station “ Sorry Ena, were you waiting for me?”
The brown haired one chuckled softly “Don’t worry, I didn’t waited much”
“I see, then I’m glad” she smiled, a smile that made Ena’s heart melt “By the way, where are we going?” Kanade asked curiously.
“You will see by yourself!” Ena replied enthusiastically “Shall we go?”
Kanade nodded but somehow she seemed to hold back while looking at the crowd on the street “There’s a lot of people today…”
“Yeah..it can be helped, it’s Saturday afternoon after all..” Ena was quite hesitant but took Kanade’s hand without thinking twice “Don’t worry, just hold my hand tight, alright?” She gave her a reassuring smile.
“Thank you..” Kanade squeezed Ena’s hand until they finally arrived in front of a cute looking coffee shop, the street was much quieter.
“We’re finally arrived!” Ena exclaimed “Are you okay Kanade..?”
The smaller girl replied “I am, thanks to you..”
Kanade looked at the entrance of the coffee shop “A coffee shop..? I’m not surprised, Ena really likes these kind of places after all.”
“But this one is special though!”
“Special..?”
“Let’s get inside, Kanade!”
Ena opened the front door of the shop, a bell rang as they entered inside, it was quiet, warm and cozy the walls were painted in pastel colors, the whole place smelled like coffee and sweets “woah!” the brunette exclaimed amazed by the atmosphere of the place while the smaller girl was looking around her.
Suddenly Kanade could feel something rubbing against her leg “Huh!?” she let out a small noise of surprise before looking at her leg “A cat..?”
Ena chuckled at Kanade’s reaction, she nodded “Actually.. this place is what we call a cat cafe!”
“Oh..I think you mentioned something like that once, you said wanted to try one day..”
“You’re right, and that day is today, I’m glad I came here with you Kanade!” Ena smiled to her friend.
“Hello there..” Kanade bent down to pet the cat that was rubbing against her leg “you surprised me..” the cat was purring, his fur was gray and his eyes were blue, pretty clam and laid back compared to the other cats in the room, the fluffy animal seemed to enjoy Kanade’s presence “cute..” Kanade also seemed to enjoy the cat’s presence her cheeks were a bit pink with a smile on her face which made Ena's chest feel warm, she was almost screaming internally about how cute Kanade can be.
Cats are cute. But the cutest thing in the room was definitely Kanade, Ena thought to herself.
The brunette went closer to Kanade “I think he likes you” she chuckled “he reminds me of you, somehow..” Ena said before petting the Kanade-looking cat.
“Like me..?” Kanade stared at the cat for a moment before agreeing “I think I can see it..” she grinned before her growling stomach interrupts her “ah..” the silver haired felt embarrassed.
“Looks like someone’s hungry..” Ena pointed out “Let’s order something Kanade, don’t worry I’m inviting you so feel free to order anything you’d like” she smiled kindly.
“Are you sure..?”
“Of course! I’m grateful you accepted to come with me, so feel free to enjoy today!”
Ena gently grabbed Kanade’s arm to take a look at all the tasty sweets that were displayed under the display case, there were all kind of sweets ; pies, cookies, cakes and pastries the variety was amazing and Ena eyes were sparkling while looking at it “Everything looks so good and tasty..”
Kanade was actually staring at Ena more than the sweets and it took Ena a little while before noticing.
“Kanade..? Is there something one my face..?” her cheeks were growing red.
“Sorry Ena-” Kanade was refraining herself from laughing “the expression you were making while looking at these, were…quite funny” she admitted.
“Huh!?” Ena’s face probably have turned bright red now, as red as the strawberries under the display
𝘋𝘪𝘥 𝘒𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘳? She couldn’t help but think it was cute, when Ena get teased she’d often get annoyed but this time, it was different, she ended up smiling and laughing at her own self “ahah..it can’t be helped everything just look so tasty..” she was trying to justify herself.
“Aren’t you choosing the strawberry cheesecake?” Kanade questioned.
“You’re right…” The fact that Kanade remembered that Ena liked it, filled her with joy, 𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘦 𝘨𝘰𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺? At this rate Kanade’s cuteness is about to kill her..
𝘐𝘵’𝘴 𝘰𝘬𝘢𝘺 𝘌𝘯𝘢 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘶𝘵...
“What are you choosing Kanade?”
“I’ll go with cookies and a cup of tea..”
Ena ordered their order and once it was done they both took a seat and the Kanade-looking cat followed them and lied down on Kanade’s laps.
“He’s still there..” Kanade smiled gently while petting him.
“Well, I guess he’s your friend now..” Kanade seemed more peaceful than usual, it made Ena happy to see her relax a bit, she seemed to enjoy herself.
When their order finally arrived, Ena started to get excited again, wanting to take the best picture of her tasty-looking cheesecake, as usual.
Kanade thought to herself how Ena could really get serious about the things she enjoys.
Once Ena was satisfied enough with her pictures she suddenly had an idea, she first stared at Kanade to see if she was distracted enough, indeed, she was still playing with the cat with the same gentle and careful expression she had earlier, Ena decided to take a quick picture of Kanade, of course, she was trying her best to not get caught and after a litlle while her mission was a success, Ena smiled warmly before leaving her phone and start eating happily.
“By the way Ena” Kanade took a sip of her drink “do you have any idea why you were struggling with your art last night..?”
Ena’s expression quickly turned into a doubtful one “well I..” Ena clenched her fist under the table “I think it was pretty bad to fit with everyone’s work..” Ena gave her friend a reassuring smile “that doesn’t mean I’m giving up on it! I’ll do something that will impress you guys!” she said proudly.
“I see..” Kanade smiled in return “I’m looking forward to it Ena, I’m pretty sure it will be amazing, as always!”
“Kanade…” Ena nodded happily “you can count on me!”
Ena and Kanade both spent the afternoon enjoying the warm atmosphere of the place and the affection from the loving cats, even if sometimes no one was really talking, Ena was simply enjoying Kanade’s presence that made her chest warm.
When they had to leave the place, the Kanade-looking cat didn’t want to let Kanade go, which made Kanade feel sorry to leave him behind she patted him once more before leaving.
At the end of the day, they both went back to the station but before parting ways Kanade wanted to thank Ena for the day.
“Thank you for today Ena, I really enjoyed it, I think I was able to relax a bit..”
“You’re welcome, I’m glad you accepted to come with me and I’m even more happier if you were able to relax!”
“Hm” Kanade nodded softly.
“Well then-“ Ena stopped “Kanade..!?”
Ena didn’t even blink an eye that her gray haired friend was gently wrapping her arms around her, which of course made Ena’s heart race, she was praying for Kanade to not actually hear it, she was very confused.
“Mochizuki-san-” Kanade stopped “My house keeper, says she’s often hugging her friends when she feels grateful or to cheer them up” her face grew a little pink “I wanted to cheer you up…but I’ve never did something like that, I’m sorry” Kanade parted from the brunette, kind of embarrassed, which was, according to Ena, the cutest thing that ever happened in her entire life.
“Thank you Kanade” Ena genuinely smiled “it..definetly cheered me up..”
“I’m glad then..” Kanade waved quietly at her friend “See you on night chord, Ena.”
“Yeah, see you on night chord, Kanade.”
They both parted ways.
Ena was walking back home, the only thing in her mind at the moment was what happened with Kanade just a moment ago, she was wondering if she was dreaming or something but something that the young artist was sure of is that she was definitely determined to finish her art to make her circle members and Kanade proud, she walked faster to get home as soon as possible in order to start working on her piece.
Once Ena got home and changed herself she went on night chord she could hear some noises on the voice chat and joined almost immediately.
“K..? You’re already there?” Her voice softened.
“Seriously-“ a certain annoyed voice replied.
“Ah, it’s you Amia” ena rolled her eyes.
“Can you at least act a bit more excited than this?” they teased.
“Whatever.” she sighed.
“You’re so mean to your dear friend..” they replied dramatically but quicky changed their mood to tease her once again “Anyways, how was your date with K ?”
The only thing Mizuki could hear at this very moment was Ena chocking on her drink “MY WHAT!?” she shouted out of embarrassment, maybe a bit too loud since Mizuki could hear someone shouting “Shut up!” in the background.
“Oh, looks like Ototo-kun is here too, tell him I say hi ~” they teased while tearing up from laughter.
“I hate you.” Ena said in a annoyed tone.
“Aw, come on I know you don’t!”
“By the way, how do you know that..?” Ena questioned.
“Oh, so you just admitted you two were on a date?” they teased once again.
“Shut up, it wasn’t..”
“I’m only joking, but are you seriously asking me how I know that..?”
“Well, yeah..?” Ena replied, confused.
“So you don’t remember the amount of texts you sent me at 4am last night..?”
“The what..?” Ena checked her phone to see if it wasn’t just another teasing from her pink haired friend but realized that they were right, Ena texted Mizuki about how happy and excited she was about it, she could feel her face heating up from reading it, she was too tired to remember anything she had done “I’m..so..sorry.”
Mizuki laughed “it’s fine, Enanan” they stopped “I only hope it went well.”
“It went well..” Ena’s voice softened.
“What are you guys talking about..?” A soft voice asked.
“Oh, K ! Perfect timing we were just talking about-“
Ena cutted them.
“I was just saying that I was going to work on my painting, I’m going on mute now, see you guys later.” the artist muted herself immediately and Mizuki knew she was also trying to escape.
“Enanan seems in a good mood, I’m glad” Kanade gently said.
“Well, I think it’s thanks to you, K..”