Chapter Text
It was late. About 11:00 Kyoko guessed. She was starting to realize she wouldn't have as much free time as she had thought, as she had far more work cut out for her than usual, according to her professors at least. So, she decided to take the slow route back to her inn to enjoy the scenery while she could.
The air was cold, Kyoko couldn't help but shudder. It was weird to hear the streets so quiet when they're so lively during the day, though, it was oddly comforting. Kyoko passed fountains, waterfalls, and giant statues she couldn't help but marvel at, before she reached a small bridge coverering an even smaller river.
There on that bridge, sat a girl looking out at the river, her palm on her face. Kyoko jumped at the sight of another person, so used to being alone.
Kyoko's face quickly shifted to a small frown upon seeing the girl. She looked not only sad, but tired. Kyoko slowly sat down beside her, dangling her legs over the edge of the bridge.
"The scenery is so nice in Trinity, don't you agree? Even this small bridge has a great view." Kyoko spoke softly, barely above a whisper, with a small smile on her face.
The girl jumped at Kyoko's voice, her eyes snapping to Kyoko quickly.
"Ah, sorry! I didn't mean to scare you! I had just wanted to see if you were alright." Kyoko giggled.
The girl sighed to herself quietly. "Sorry, I was zoned out. I need to get going." She said bluntly.
Kyoko's smile quickly shifted to a frown. "Hey, wait!" She said quickly as the girl started to stand up. "Do you want to talk? I've been told I'm a good listener."
The girl's eyes lit up, making eye contact with Kyoko.
Then, she slowly sat back down.
"Thank you." She whispered quietly.
"Of course!" Kyoko replied. "Name's Kyoko, what's yours?"
The girl paused for a moment, and looked out at the river. "Cassie."
"That's a pretty name." Kyoko smiled, looking up at Cassie, as Cassie smiled back bittersweetly.
"It's just.. I've been a bit overwhelmed, is all. I have a lot of responsibilities." She replied quietly, fidgeting with her hands, hesitant to share too much.
"There's been... a-a lot of big changes and expectations in my life recently, and I think it's been weighing down on me, and my performance."
Kyoko looked away for a moment, breaking eye contact before sighing.
"Sorry if this is a lot but... when my sister went on one of her many adventures, but didn't return.. a lot of her responsibilities were thrown onto me. I was relied on as Turitopulus' doctor far before I was ready, and it led to me being way too stressed out. But, now, I'm here! Studying in medical school so I can be better!"
Kyoko looked over to Cassie.
"What I'm trying to say is.. it takes time to get used to things, but it'll come eventually. I hope that helps?"
She said sheepishly.
"N-no no, that was.. nice of you. And I'm sorry about your sister. It's.. nice to talk to someone normally for once." She sighed. "Thank you."
Kyoko raised a eyebrow, confused.
"What do you mean 'normaly'?"
Cassie's eyes widened in surprise, before she quickly looked away.
"Oh, it's nothing..!" She laughed to herself.
"If you say so.." Kyoko replied suspiciously.
"It's getting late.. " Cassie said abruptly. "I really need to get going."
Cassie stood up quickly, turning to walk away. "Th-thanks again."
Kyoko looked up at Cassie from the little bridge, thinking.
"Wait!" Cassie turned around at the sound of Kyoko's voice.
"Hm?"
"Can I.. get your number?"