Work Text:
An deflates into her seat. She likes to think her stamina is unmatched, but there’s something about school festivals that takes a little bit more out of everyone than they believe it will. Her and Akito’s shift has just ended, but he’s stuck talking to some first years and can’t get out of the conversation. Not An’s problem. She left as soon as their replacements showed up. In the small, secluded corner of their homeroom, sectioned off with dusty curtains, she checks her phone to make sure Touya and Kohane know their shift is over.
One of the curtains is swept aside. An might’ve expected to see Akito if she couldn’t still hear his sorry conversation echoing in from the hallway over the buzz of festival-goers. The small crowd in their classroom waiting for their turn at a photobooth is relatively quiet, making their classroom a decent escape from the noise.
Nene steps into the safe corner with a heavy breath.
“Great work today, Kusanagi!” An cheers.
Nene startles, raising her head a bit taller and shuffling one foot slightly back. She must not have expected An to be here. “O-oh, yeah. Thanks, you too.”
“You feeling okay? You seem kind of tired.”
“Yeah, I’m fine… The worst of it is over now, so…” She reaches for her school bag, and takes out a bottle of water.
While An was greeting people at the door and enticing people into their exhibit, Nene stayed inside, assisting patrons with costumes and accessories. She’s got a great sense for organization, flow, and working with people. However, while An doesn’t really understand it, she notices how much the festival crowd affects her. As their two-hour time block ticked in, An caught glimpses of Nene gradually fading out.
“I can’t blame you,” An admits. “I mean, I’m tired but I can’t even imagine. You’ve just finished that musical, and you’re still working working after school, aren’t you?”
Nene shyly chuckles, “Yeah, we are—in a way.”
“Oh my gosh. What am I doing?” An stands and gestures to the only available chair in their enclave. Other students left their belongings back there in piles on the floor and dropped on what few chairs could fit while they explored campus for the day. “Here, take my seat.”
Nene waves her hand before finishing her sip of water. “No, it’s okay, really,” she gets out with a bit of water still stuck in her throat. “You were here first, I just need a bit of a break before meeting up with my friends—”
“—And you should take a break while sitting. I probably need to go save Akito anyway.”
“O-Okay…” Nene resigns. “Thank you, Shiraishi.”
“Don’t mention it! Seriously, you’ve been a great help to us despite how busy you’ve been. Rest up!”
“Thanks… I-I will.”
An grabs Akito’s phone and jacket for him so she can drag him away easier. Before she parts the curtains, she turns back to Nene. “Let me know if you need anything else! I’ll be around with my friends the rest of the day, but I have my phone on me, so just give me a call.”
Nene smiles back to her. Her shoulders fall back, and she waves goodbye. “Thank you.”
“See ya later!”
“See ya.”