of course, there wasn’t much enjoyment she could participate in as a lifeguard on duty; the kunoichi resigned herself to soaking up the atmosphere, grateful for the shade the booth provided as she watched couples amuse themselves in what could possibly be the most stereotypical seaside activities in the book. if it wasn’t for her unpredictability with romance and it’s subdivisions, this would have curbed her mood significantly–
but who cared if she was single and didn’t have anyone to enjoy the occasion with? shecertainly didn’t. how could she care when the sunlight warmed her dress so pleasantly, and when she had the entire evening– along with it’s sunset– to look forward to?
her thoughts continued to loop around, playful shrieks and the crashing of waves becoming her background music…until she was interrupted by calls of ‘an emergency’. adrenaline surged through her veins as if on cue; no matter how hard she tried, she wasn’t used to this yet. god,what was her life becoming? she’s supposed to be a ninja! but, maybe this is what happens when you settle down as a lifeguard in an ordinary little town for a few weeks. the smallest things excite you more than they should– maybe there was no avoiding it.
sakura was getting dull, no doubt.
in the end, the girl didn’t even have time to rise from her relaxed position on the sand before she was greeted– rather self-assuredly– by the boy who had called for her. it was clear; a joke. she struggled to lower her heartrate, expression barely changing into an annoyed glare before his second statement leaves her with a smile. wasn’t this exactly what she was hoping for?
“hmmm, it’s been a while since i’ve seen such a charmer. it’s sort of a shame, though. your words would have a lot more of an effect if it didn’t seem like you were ready to say the same thing to half the girls here, y'know,” she scoots over anyways, patting the sand next to her. “you can call me sakura, by the way. or you can keep going with the 'lifeguard!’ thing, either works.”
she couldn’t help the cheeky grin that settled on her features.
Part of Ringabel is surprised at Sakura’s response. He was either expecting her to completely swoon over his undoubtedly captivating charm, or he was expecting to go home with another battle wound. But her response wasn’t nearly as dramatic as either of the two potential reactions Ringabel had thought up. Then again, he did have a habit of dramatizing even the most mundane of daily interactions. Life was just much more fun that way.
But the point was, her reaction was overall positive, which in turn boosts Ringabel’s ego far more than necessary. He very dramatically runs a hand through his over-styled hair to make sure he’s still looking as fabulous as he did before he left, and takes a seat in the sand beside the lifeguard. He frowns for a moment, quickly brushing a bit of sand off his legs as he settles down. He was never one for roughing it outdoors. And for Ringabel, even sitting in the sand is considered “roughing it”.
“Sakura…” Ringabel repeats, keeping that dramatic flair in his voice. “What a beautiful name, perfectly suited for a woman of your caliber. You can call me Ringabel. I’d give you my real name but I’m afraid even I don’t know it. Regardless, don’t think I just spout such romantic words left and right. Those, my angel, were for your ears only.” A lie. Partially. Ringabel comes up with most of his romantic blabbers on the fly, depending on the girl (or guy) he’s talking to at time, but he’d be lying if he said Sakura was the first he’d approached today. Or even the second. Or third.
“So tell me, I’m rather new in town. How long have you been here? From what I’ve picked up, I’m not the only one who just appeared out of no where.” Ringabel changes the subject, deciding not to dwell too much on his flirtatious habits.
