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The chilly October afternoons came out of nowhere for the Wicked Twisters.
Almost the entirety of Shibuya citizens were neatly draped and covered with either heavy coats or light scarves, much to the group of teens’ surprise. It wasn't like Japan didn't get cold during the season, but it seemed to have arrived sooner than years past.
None of them complained though—Beat and Fret used it as an excuse to bring out their big puffy jackets, loud and colorful just like themselves. To no one’s surprise, Nagi would rock adorable EleStra themed sweaters. Rhyme and Shiki had a few matching vests, courtesy of the older of the two, which they liked to use whenever they hung out as a group. And Rindo and Shoka stayed the same, since they didn't seem to mind the cold weather as much.
Everyone found a way to make it work somehow.
Well, almost everyone.
“Neku, how can you be so exposed like this? You're going to catch a cold!” Shiki complained while walking side-by-side with her best friend.
The redhead merely gave a shrug in response. She was wearing one of her usual outfits, consisting of nothing but a pair of pants, short sleeve and scarf wrapped around her neck. Still, her arms remained exposed, much to everyone's surprise. “I'm built differently, Shiki. Trust me, compared to the nights spent in Shinjuku, this is nothing.”
“Ugh!” The brunette let out a huff of annoyance while crossing her arms. “Ya know, you can't keep using the trauma card and expect to get away with anything you want!”
A few chuckles resonated from the group, but the feeling was definitely mutual. Neku put lots of pressure on herself and would act tough to not worry anyone, so they always tried their best to remind her that she wasn't alone anymore and that it was okay to ask for help. It worked on most occasions.
This just wasn't one of those particular occasions.
“Guys seriously, I appreciate it, but I'm fine! I'll bring a sweater next time if it bothers you so—ACHOO!” Without as much as a warning, the redhead's body recoiled and curled into itself as a sneeze escaped her. She turned from side to side, giving her friends sheepish looks.
“Ha!” Shiki jabbed a finger in her direction, not even bothering to hide the disappointment in her voice. “What did I just say? What did I just say?”
“I-I, um…”
“Shiki's right, Neku. You can't keep being exposed like that.” Rindo spoke for the first time in the entire debacle. Truth be told, he'd been worried about her since he saw her arrive at the station, but kept it to himself until the brunette pointed it out. He began removing his Jupiter of the Monkey hoodie as he continued. “You can borrow my hoodie if you want.”
Neku's eyes widened in shock, and she immediately started waving her hands in front of herself. “Oh! No Rindo I couldn't ask that of you, I'm fine, really! I mean, I get it, lesson learned for next time, but I can manage!”
“No way! I don't mind. Unlike you, I can actually take a little bit of cold.” Under his hoodie, Rindo wore a black long sleeve that was more than enough coverage for him to be protected. He extended the garment in the older girl's direction, smiling with a raised eyebrow. “Just take it. Otherwise we're all gonna keep worrying.”
A few hesitant glances later and Neku finally nodded, taking the offered piece of clothing. Once she snuggled into it, Rindo noticed it was probably one size larger than her usual attire—that fact somehow made him feel warm and fuzzy on the inside. “Thanks. I'll be sure to give it back ASAP.”
“No problem.” Another smile sent her way, and the redhead returned it with a tilt of her head.
“Awww look at you Rindude, being such a gentleman!”
Crap. How had he forgotten they weren't alone?
“Indeed. Lord Rindo has always had such acute manners. Almost like those of Lord Tomonami.” Nagi adjusted her glasses with a glint in her eyes that usually signified trouble.
“Good job in making the rest of us feel single as hell, Rindykins!” Shoka's lips curled into that of a feline ready to dive headfirst and pounce on its prey.
“H-Hey! W-We, we're not—!”
More chuckles erupted from within the group while Rindo and Neku avoided eye contact with anyone.
Well, at the very least neither was feeling so cold anymore.