It was early in the morning at base, around 4 am and Atsuki was getting ready for a jog around the park near the base. As he headed out of his room, he noticed that there was someone who was already awake and decided to talk to her.
Atsuki: "Hello Kaga. What are you up to this early?"
Kaga: "I was planning to do some target practice with the others. Do you want to join us? I heard that you are good at archery, commander."
Atsuki: "Thank you for the offer but I was planning to get some exercise in before I start the day."
Kaga: "I see. Well, I shouldn't keep you waiting."
Atsuki: "Alright then, I'll be going now."
And with that, Atsuki left her and went to the park.
When he arrived, he began to do some stretches before he started running. After he was all warmed up, he began his run.
A few hours later...
The sun was starting to rise as Atsuki finished his run. After resting for a bit, he went to a convenience store to buy a drink. After buying his drink and a few other stuff, he went back to the base. As he was walking there, he saw a homeless man sleeping on a bench. Seeing the man in that condition, he took out a bottle of water and a piece of bread he bought and placed it next to him. After doing so, he continued his walk to the base but what he didn't know is that someone was watching him.
When he arrived at the base, he was greeted by Haruna at the entrance.
Haruna: "Commander, where have you been?!"
Atsuki: "I was out for a run. Is something wrong?"
Haruna: "Yes! Did you forget about yesterday?"
Atsuki: "Yesterday... Oh, I remember, we planned to continue the work we had... yesterday."
Atsuki stood there frozen as he remembered tha promise they made yesterday.
Haruna: "Jeez commander, you can be so forgetful sometimes."
Atsuki: "...Sorry." he said as he scratched the back of his head.
Haruna: "Fine then, Haruna will forgive you this time but don't forget next time."
Atsuki: "I will."
Haruna: "Okay, now that that's settled, you should hurry up and get ready for today. I'll be waiting at the office."
Atsuki: "Yes ma'am."
After scolding Atsuki, Haruna went back to the office.
Atsuki: *sigh*
???: "I see you that Haruna gave you quite the scolding."
Atsuki: "Huh? Oh, it's you, Kirishima. Yeah, she did."
Kirishima: "Haruna is usually reserved so seeing her get that emotional was a surprise."
Atsuki: "Is that so?"
Kirishima: "Mhm, that just means that she cares about you and she was angry that you didn't keep your promise."
Atsuki: "..."
Kirishima: "That being said, don't overthink it. She's the type of person who can easily forgive, especially if it's you commander."
Atsuki: "Why is that?"
Kirishima then turned to him and placed her finger in front of her lips.
Kirishima: "That's a secret."
After saying that, she left Atsuki.
What was that all about? I guess I shouldn't overthink it he thought as he went to his room to prepare for the day.
After getting ready, Atsuki went out of his room and headed towards his office. When he arrived, he opened the door and saw Haruna sleeping on her desk.
I guess she did wake up a little early he thought as he walked up to her.
Atsuki: "Haruna, wake up. You shouldn't sleep here." he said as he lightly shook her hand.
Haruna: *yawn* "Commander? It's okay. I was just a little sleepy. Let's just start working.
Atsuki: "Are you sure? If you're tired you can rest for a bit."
Haruna: "Don't worry commander. Haruna is fine. No need to worry."
Atsuki: "Okay then, if you say so..."
The two then began to work but as he was reading through the documents, Atsuki realized that Haruna was forcing herself to work, even though she was tired. Seeing this, Atsuki tried to convince Haruna to take a small break but she still refused. After a little bit of talking, she finally gave up and laid down on the sofa. After a few minutes, she was fast asleep.
She's already asleep. She really was tired. he thought to himself. He then continued filing the documents until around noon.
And that's the final document for today. Finally... He then got up from his desk and stretched a little.
Haruna: "Ugh..."
Atsuki: "Ah Haruna, you're finally awake."
Haruna: *yawn* "Hello commander. What time is it?"
Atsuki: "Around 4 pm."
Haruna: "Huh?! 4 pm?! I slept that long?"
Atsuki: "Yep. And you said you weren't tired."
Out of embarrassment, her cheeks turned red.
Atsuki: "It's okay Haruna. I was just joking."
Haruna: "What about the paperwork?"
Atsuki: "There wasn't much of it today to my surprise. I finished yesterday's paperwork too."
Haruna: "I'm sorry I couldn't be of any help today, commander."
Atsuki: "It's alright. Anyways, let's wrap things up for today. After that, would you like to accompany me Mamiya's cafe?"
Haruna: "Sure thing commander!"
After cleaning up the office, they went to the cafe. When they arrived, they saw Mamiya, the owner of the café, sweeping in front of the store.
Mamiya: "Welcome. Oh, its you commander. And Haruna too."
Haruna: "Hello Mamiya! How have you been?"
Mamiya: "I'm doing just fine. Kongou and the others were here a few hours ago."
Haruna: "Really? I see..."
Mamiya: "Anyways, what brings you here? Are you on a date with the commander?"
Haruna: "N-No! We just wanted to... Uhh..."
Her face was bright red. Atsuki looked at her a bit confused.
Atsuki: "Hmm? What's wrong Haruna? Do you have a fever? Why is your face red?" He said as he placed his hand on her forehead.
Haruna: "I-Its nothing! Anyway, why don't we take a seat?" She said trying to change the topic. Mamiya just looked at them with a smile on her face.
Mamiya: "Very well then. This way please."
She then led them to a table and soon after they sat down.
Mamiya: "So, what would you like to order?"
Atsuki: "Hmm... What would you like to order Haruna?"
Haruna: "Uh, I would like some dango and a cup of tea please."
Mamiya: "Okay. What would you like commander?"
Atsuki: "I'll order a cup of coffee, please."
Mamiya: "Okay then. Anything else?"
Atsuki: "I think that's all."
Mamiya: "Then please wait a moment."
Mamiya then went to the back to prepare their order. While waiting, they had a small conversation but they didn't know someone was spying on them ever since they left the office.
A few minutes later...
After chatting for a bit, their order arrived.
Mamiya: "Here is your coffee commander, and here is your dango and tea Haruna" she said, placing their food on the table.
Atsuki: "Thank you Mamiya."
The two then began to enjoy their food.
Haruna: "Mmm~ These dango are delicious! Hmm? Would you like to try some commander?"
Atsuki: "No, it's alright. I'm not really hung-"
*Rumble*
Atsuki: "Uhh..."
With a smile, Haruna took a piece of dango and tried to feed Atsuki.
Haruna: "H-Here commander, s-say 'ahh'."
Her face was bright red.
Atsuki: "It's alright Haruna. I'm not really hungry."
Haruna: "C'mon Commander. Say 'ahh'"
This is so embarrassing... Why am I doing this... Haruna thought to herself.
Atsuki: "O-Okay then. Ahh... Mm. Oh! It is really good"
Haruna: "R-Right?"
Atsuki: "Hmm? Haruna, why is your face red?"
Haruna: "I-It's just really hot in here!"
Atsuki: "I-I see..."
After finishing their food, Atsuki paid the bill and then they left the café.
In the hallways...
As they were walking in the hallways, Atsuki felt like someone was watching them the whole time but he quickly shrugged off the thought and began chatting with Haruna.
What are those two Talking about? I never thought she could be so assertive with the commander!
Fubuki: "Kirishima-san, what are you doing?"
Kirishima: "Hwah!!! Oh, it's just you, Fubuki. Don't scare me like that!"
Fubuki: "I'm sorry. I was just curious what you were doing."
Kirishima: "Fine, I guess I can tell you. Can you see them over there?" she pointed to Haruna and Atsuki.
Fubuki: "Uh, isn't that Haruna-san and the commander? I don't see anything weird."
Kirishima: "Well, I saw them at Mamiya's café a few minutes ago and they were acting all lovey-dovey!"
Fubuki: "Really?! Are they dating?"
Kirishima: "I don't know about that. That's why I'm spying on them."
Fubuki: "I see..."
Suddenly, Fubuki's face turned pale.
Kirishima: "Hmm? What's wrong Fubuki?"
Atsuki: "So it was you who was spying on us."
Kirishima: "Eep! C-Commander?!"
Atsuki: "What are you two doing, spying on us?"
Fubuki: "We were trying to find out if you two were da-"
Kirishima quickly covered the little destroyer's mouth.
Kirishima: "We were just curious what you two were doing! Anyway, we have to go now. See you!"
The two quickly ran off leaving Atsuki confused.
Haruna: "Commander? What were doing just now? And weren't those two Kirishima and Fubuki?"
Atsuki: "Yeah, I don't know what were they doing though."
Haruna: "I see."
Suddenly, Atsuki's phone rang.
Atsuki: "Hmm? Who could this be?" he said looking at his phone.
Atsuki: "Hello. Yes, this is Atsuki. What?! Okay, I'll be there as soon as I can!"
He then closed his phone with a worried look on his face.
Haruna: "Commander? What's wrong? Who was that?"
Atsuki: "That was one of my neighbours. She said that my mother collapsed on the porch while watering the garden. She was then sent to the hospital."
Haruna: "Oh no..."
Atsuki: "I'm sorry Haruna but I have to go now."
He then quickly left the base and went to straight to the hospital.
Hello everyone! That was today's chapter. I'm sorry that it took so long but I'm finally writing again! Anyway, I hope to see you all next time.