Chapter Text
YOU perked up at the skid of a chair that, much to your surprise, is the one roosted before your table. A lazy drag of the hinds Then, a plap on the seat, later.
Your forehead raise.
"I assumed you prefer your drinks sweet."
You set down the teaspoon that curled round your fingers. It clinked against the rim of your teacup. The dainty coffee shop, you're currently in, bustled with clamour and a rustle of the bell chime welcomed a new patron.
"Not always." The man hummed, paused, then spoke again after a moment. "Do you always have to wear that?"
You smile, tilting your head. "Do you always have to wear that?"
He chuckles. Whether or not you discern it through the thick swarth of your shades, you can feel him pinching the fabric of his blindfold. Kneading the rough material between his index and thumb. The grain rolling across the skin.
"It's not for show, that much I can say." He said. "But if you want an explanation for why that is — it's kind of exhausting, if I have to be completely honest. Not everyone gets it when I explain it to them. Ah, thank you,"
The waitress bows, setting down a can of peach soda along with a cup filled with ice. Not really, huh.
"You don't think mine is worth explaining, as well?" You muse, stirring the tea.
He cracks open the drink with a pop. It sizzles and blisters as he pours it.
"Eh? Come on now, you know I don't mean that."
"Oh, I'm sure you do."
The rim of the teacup kisses your lips. Taking a sip of the green tea, the warm liquid molded through the crevices of your mouth, and down through your throat. You set the porcelain primly on the table.
"Good?"
"Quite the brew, I agree. And, regarding your inquiry : I'm blind, Satoru." You say after a moment.
Satoru chokes on his drink. A startled cough, to be exact. You turn a little away so your smile wasnt seen.
After a moment of hacking, he gathers himself and clears his throat. "...My...My deepest apologies."
"There's nothing to be sorry about."
"That was insensitive of me."
Oh?
"Hm, well. We all make mistakes, once in a while." You grin. "Even the strongest can, yes?"
You heard a sigh, the sound of the chair creaking, then a mutter: 'Shoko's gonna kill me'. Ah. Quite the hold, the doctor has over him. You lean against your chair, managing a professional outlook — but the smile that breaks out crumbles the facade.
"You didn't know?"
He shifts on his chair, almost huffing. You can only assume that did a number on his pride. "We did have a debrief..."
"I know. You fell asleep half-way through."
"You were there?"
"No, I was informed."
"Hah?' There was that childish whine, again. "Who's tainting my image? Who told you that?"
You shake your head, chuckling. "I was debriefed about all of the teachers, mostly — but you were far with the more, how do I put this, unique disposition?"
The chair creaks. He's leaning back again. "Now, now. I'm not all bad when you get to know me."
"That's what they all say before getting curbed in a ditch, murdered."
"Grim."
"Really? I consider myself optimistic."
He chuckles. "How do you know I was wearing a blindfold?"
You shrug. "I didn't know. I've been informed about it. In case, I would have to resort gouging out your eyes if ever your antics bother me."
"Quite the threat, shades."
"Think of it as a premonition."
You can feel the grin emanating from his words as he spoke. "Hm. If that's so then I'm quite looking forward to it."
You smile, taking a sip of your tea. "Oh trust me. I'm sure you are."