“Shiragin, you haven’t finished your ice cream.” Saiko looks worried. “Are you worried about Haru?”
“I’m always worried about her,” he admits.
“Then the solution is to a) visit her, and b) bring ice cream.” Saiko nods. “Let’s do this.”
“You’re crazy,” Shirazu protests.
“What’s her favorite flavor? We’re getting at least a liter.” Saiko steps up to the counter. She always has room in her stomach for more ice cream.
“Rainbow sherbet.”
“It’s your favorite, too, isn’t it?” Saiko narrows her eyes. “It’s not technically ice cream.”
“Maybe.” Shirazu grins. “Should we really spend all this money?”
“For Haru? Obviously, the answer is yes.”
“Well, when you put it like that…” Shirazu knows he shouldn’t be slacking with Saiko today, but – but – it’s just one day, and it’s for Haru.
————————–
“You two are a cute couple,” Haru says cheerfully, slurping down more sherbet from her hospital bed.
She looks so happy, Shirazu can’t regret playing hooky. Even though his stomach hurts from a sugar overload.
Saiko appears unfazed by their carbohydrate fest. “Ooh, are we?”
“The fuck?!” Shirazu exclaims, leaping to his feet. Haru’s insinuation only now sinks in.
“You’re dating, right?” Haru blinks.
“NO!”
“Hey! Boyfriend, sit down and kiss me,” Saiko demands.
“Excuse you?” Shirazu’s head spins.
Saiko folds her hands into a heart. “Kiss me and make your sister happy. And yourself.”
“Why would I? You’re – my coworker – and you -” Dammit, she’s cute. And nice. And sexy.
Shirazu leans over and pecks Saiko on the lips. To his surprise, his heart flutters and a thrill runs through him.
So he kisses her again. Haru cheers as Saiko whispers, “Thanks, Shiragin.”
Mercy and Magic 