Blue Archive - Story of Joshua Sensei

Chapter 38 - Down Time XII

Sure enough, Shiroko shows up not long after, jogging, or perhaps running. She stops and breathes heavily, looking at me with her usual muted surprise. "...Sensei?" She asks.

"Yo." I say simply.

"What are you doing here?" She asks.

"Figured I'd do somethin' nice." I say, holding out the energy drink. "Here."

"Thank you, but... now's not the best time..." She says, awkwardly.

"Oh, are you busy?" I ask.

"The thing is... right now is..." She says, red faced, struggling to form words. "I mean... I just finished running. Not that it matters much, but...!"

Oh, I get it.

"It's fine, I can wait to give it to ya. Just go take a shower if you want, you don't have to explain it to me." I say.

"...Thanks." She says, relieved, as she hurriedly walks towards the school.

—————

I wait in the Foreclosure Task Force room for a while, idly scrolling on my phone as the energy drink rests on the table next to my seat. Soon enough, Shiroko shows back up, less nervous than before.

Looking up at her, I silently hand her the drink. I pocket my phone as she takes it.

"I didn't know what flavor you liked, but I still wanted to do somethin' nice for ya." I say, hoping she likes it.

"It's fine. Thanks." She says simply as she opens the can and takes a few big sips. Guess that sweat combined with the shower really dried her out.

We sit in silence as she sips her drink. Soon, it's broken be Shiroko. "Sensei."

"Yeah?" I ask.

"Do you like bicycles?" The wolf girl asks.

"I... I guess? I haven't ridden one in a long time." I say. "What about you?"

She hums, while nodding her head in affirmation. "I like them." She remains silent for a moment. "I heard that a new bicycle shop opened in the next town over."

"You wanna go check it out?" I ask.

"You want to come with me?" She asks, a little surprised.

"I don't see why not." I say.

A small, yet bright smile appears on Shiroko's pale face.

—————

The two of us then walked to the next town over and reached a small mall, the bike shop awaiting within.

"Thanks for coming with me, Sensei." She says in her usual quiet tone.

"No problem." I say. "I'm kinda curious to see other's hobbies, y'know?"

"I think I get it." She says simply.

We walk in silence for a little bit, looking for the shop. My wolf companion speaks up suddenly. "Bike riding is changing a lot these days with wireless shifting becoming more common. I don't really understand the appeal, personally... Maybe that makes me old-fashioned. I like handling something that feels like it takes some muscle."

I nod in agreement, a bit surprised by her sudden talkativeness. "I always preferred riding with coaster brakes over hand breaks, so I kinda get what you mean."

"Still, keeping up with new technology has its merits." She stops speaking suddenly, before looking at me with a nervous expression. "Uh, sorry. I was rambling, wasn't I?"

"Kinda. It was a nice change of pace, though. Really shows how much you like bikes if the mere topic makes you so talkative." I say simply, hoping to stop her worries.