[ they're destined to parallel each other in terrible love lives as well as kitschy, second-rate jokes. at least nonon doesn't beat around the bush when it comes to proclamations of affection.

meanwhile, words makoto's never previously bothered to articulate are rising up his throat, ridiculously off-kilter things like "did he bribe and/or blackmail you into submission" and "haru didn't know any better and i was bamboozled into accepting date plans when i wasn't entirely myself", and both responses are remotely adequate.

makoto blanches, complexion drawn pale as a sheet. ]

Um, I ... I had no idea you were involved. It really looked that bad to you? I'm not sure how Haru felt, but I kind of ... remember it differently, actually ...

[ he was more enamored with the food than haru drowsing on the picnic blanket at the time, to be honest. ]

Flamey? You mean Rin, right?

[ he would've gone with Shark Week, personally. ]