“My goodness, if I had realized you were preparing for something so monumental—yes! Of course, please let me take you to a nearby café and you can order whatever you like!”

That managed to surprise Sakura. Most were put off by her being so…well, her. She raised an eyebrow, a bit suspicious.

But she couldn’t really say no now. He looked quite genuine. 

She looked down at Honey who was happily wagging her tail and staring at Sakura, her little pink tongue hanging from her mouth. 

“And I get to walk her.”

He laughed and handed over the leash, “Just um, don’t run off with her. I’m quite fond of my sweet little Honey.” 

“No worries, can’t afford the pet deposit anyway.” 

They walked to a small café right around the corner from campus, Honey happily trotting beside Sakura who held her leash and took photos on her phone, texting them to her brother. 

Smartass
Check out this vicious beast that attacked me. 

Dumbass
Oh my god. Look at that FACE. What an absolute angel. 

Dumbass
Shame you survived. I could have claimed the dog as damages owed.

Smartass
Isn’t your boyfriend allergic to all things good in life?

Dumbass
He’d manage. He does do anything for me after all!

Sakura rolled her eyes at the unnecessary amount of heart emojis Saku used when talking about his boyfriend. So obnxoious.

“Um…miss?”

She looked up at the guy next to her, realizing she’d been basically ignoring him the entire time. 

“Sorry! I was just sending pictures of Honey to my brother.”

He smiled and shook his head, “That’s quite alright. I just figure I should well, get your name? I’m Yamada Tamaki.” 

He held out his hand and for a moment, Sakura debated on if she should just brush him off—this could have all been a ploy to try and get her number for a hookup or something. She’d seen how guys acted around her brother!

But Honey barked softly and Sakura took it as a sign not to be so suspicious. Animals were a good judge of character after all. She took his hand, giving him a firm handshake.

“Tsurugi Sakura.”

Tamaki beamed at her name and suddenly, “Sakura? What a fitting name for a young and bright maiden! Oh, how the blossoms do not even compare to your sweet complexion, no! They should shy away in embarrassment when you walk by. Their pink no match for the soft and gentle color of your lips and—”

Sakura immediately stopped in her tracks, giving Tamaki a look of disgust. 

“Nope. No chance. I’m leaving.” 

She turned, still holding Honey’s leash, and began to walk away. Even the dog seemed to whine and shake her head at her owner. 

“I’m sorry! No, please! Let me explain!” Tamaki exclaimed, reaching out and grabbing Sakura’s wrist.

“Ew, let me go!” Sakura said, trying to wrench her hand away from Tamaki.

Their exchange seemed to excite little Honey, who began barking and running around them. 

Which led to the most embarrassingly cliché moments of Sakura’s life. 

“…did your dog seriously just entangle us?”

“It appears so.”