Mint Chocolate Ice-cream | Itoshi Rin x Reader

III. Owl Outing

You arrived at the Kamakura Central Park at 6.15, to find that you weren't the only one that was early. Peering round a lone tree, you spied Itoshi sitting on the bench, arms stretched to rest on the back of the seat.

You could not help but gawk at his features, which were normally severe and acute in the harsh white light of the classroom. But in the warm sunlight, he looked less like a cold vampire prince and more like any human teenage guy (albeit one more handsome than most others, that's for sure).

The wind ruffled his dark teal hair, the sunset giving the green color a coppery tang. When you finally realized that you were staring, you went back behind the tree, silently chastising your self.

Taking a moment to calm down, you looked down at your clothes. They were casual enough, and you specifically made sure there were no grease or motor oil stains on it. Sighing, you stepped out from behind the tree and walked towards Itoshi.

Noticing you approach, his face remained unchanged. He retracted his arm from one side of the bench, giving you space to sit.

As you perched on the edge of the creaky wooden bench, he spoke suddenly, his voice breaking the calm silence.

"You know, I honestly never bothered to get your name before. I'm sure you know mine, right?"

"Yeah. You're Itoshi Rin, the popular guy who plays in the school's soccer team. I'm [F/N]. Nice to meet you, I guess."

Then Itoshi did something you thought him incapable of. He chuckled, a low guttural sound that sent your stomach somersaulting. "I think it's a little too late for 'Nice-to-meet-you's, but, nice to meet you too, [L/N]."

His laughter was so slight, barely noticeable to the bystander. But to you, it was precious and contagious. You let out a small giggle yourself, tearing your eyes away from the sunset to face him, to face his beautiful visage, and to secretly admire it.

After a few moments of enjoying each other's silent company, Itoshi stood up, picking up a can of tuna he placed beside him on the bench, and beckoned you to follow him further into the park.

By now the sun was no longer visible, hidden underneath the blanket of the horizon. The sky was a dull blue, darkening by the minute.

You stood up and trailed behind him silently. He walked with confidence, like he knew his way around the park.

As you walked, you noticed the back of his shirt was slightly damp, as was his hair. Did he come to the park earlier to exercise or something? You pondered on the possibility, staring at those delicious shoulder blades sticking out from his tight shirt.

Distracted, you didn't notice him stop suddenly in front of you, making you bump face-first into his muscular back.

"Sorry." You mumbled, taking a step back.

"Shh." Itoshi suddenly grabbed your shoulder, the warmth of his fingers sending a rush of heat through the fabric of your shirt towards your cheeks.

He pointed up at the tree, his face softened with a hint of fascination and childish glee. You followed the direction of his finger, searching through the interlaced canopy of the great sacred fig tree. When you finally spotted it, your breath caught.

Camouflaged among the leaves and the bark was an owl, feathers, the colors of caramel and hot chocolate, ruffled up. It was comically thin and had wide golden eyes, making it give off the impression of a feral cat.

"Woah." You whispered.

"It's an Oriental Scops Owl, scientific name Otus Sunia." Itoshi whispered back, his eyes glowing an iridescent teal in the peppered light with excitement. "I think it migrated to stay in the park at the start of summer. With autumn approaching, I thought you should come visit before he moves out for the cold climate."