"Where did this come from?"
"I didn't see you as a romantic, Ichi."
"I'm not..!"
Okay, given the questions she had been asking, Ichi could see why Robin thought that. That wasn't the point though, the point was to see if Akira actually had a chance to get together with Robin. Surely he did since they gave glances across the coffee shop, but it didn't hurt to make sure.
"I was just wondering... if you ever thought of dating anybody? Most people have already gone on dates in high school, I even know a few people in my class who are in relationships right now. I'm sure if you really wanted, you could easily find a boyfriend."
"Hmm, maybe. I'll answer that question with another question. Are you looking for an s/o?"
"That's not an answer."
"It is."
Ichi sighed and laid down on the grass, gazing up at the blue sky to scan the clouds. That was entirely different, although she wasn't sure how she could explain that to Robin without pouring her heart out. It was too early in the afternoon for that.
"No... but, that's because my last relationship was a little rough. I'm not exactly in a rush to get my heart broken again."
That was pretty much the truth. Her last relationship was, in hindsight, doomed from the start. A clingy lover, and one who simply didn't have the time.
"You had a boyfriend?"
"A girlfriend, but why is that a surprise?"
"I thought the only reason you left your house was to pick up more coffee."
"It was during high school-!"
"I'm kidding!"
Even now as Robin smiled at her, it was painful. There was friendliness, but not warmth.
Kindness, but not fondness.
There had been so many conversations between them that Robin would never remember. Memories that only Ichi could recall. She was thankful she could talk to Robin again, truly. It was just- so different.
They weren't a family anymore.
That hurt.
"I answered your question, now you have to answer mine. A clear answer."
"Okay, fine. I just don't wanna get with some guy who isn't serious, I want somebody with the intention of becoming long-term. You'd be surprised how difficult that is to find."
A blade of grass was twirled between her slender fingers, pondering that caregiver's words. Well, it seemed like Akira had a shot after all.
"What would it take for you to get back into a relationship?"
"Huh?"
Suddenly she froze, that green slip pinched between her fingers. That... she hadn't thought about that. Admittedly, she kinda just gave up on that level on intimacy. Why go through the trouble?
"I don't know. I guess I kinda agree? I just want somebody committed to making things work out in the long run, no matter how difficult things get. Somebody I can depend on always being there. That's enough."
"Hmmm..."
A warm hand was placed on Ichi's cool forehead. It felt... nice. Feeling the touch of her friend, as they both looked at each other with equally mismatched eyes.
"Anybody would be lucky to have you."