Lukewarm Happenings? [Daichi]

"...it'ss kind of a way to ssay It'ss a pleassure to make your acquaintance and I hope to get to know you better," Ritsuko sheepishly slurred, a little more optimism creeping into her voice. The boy's cheery attitude was certainly infectious enough. It even managed to pierce her inner storm clouds, if only just so. Her expression would soften a bit but a smile was out of reach, her face more neutral and filled with interest as the blonde kid dug through his pockets although her tone of voice was friendly enough.

When he presented his gift to her, Ritz nearly turned her back to him. She didn't enjoy accepting presents, there was a certain... obligation... to it. An imbalance between two neutral parties, almost. But with his eager look, proudly leaning over the counter to grant her something special, she was loathe to turn him down. Hesitantly, Ritsuko reached a wavering hand out towards the kid to gingerly pluck the calendar from his tiny fingers... Fuck. Missed. ...Damnit, why was this so hard!? Holding her breath slightly and closing one eye for better focus, she finally managed to grab the gift from him on her third attempt. Wavering slightly on her feet, she'd bring it closer to her face to inspect it. Huh. Little adorable kitty cats. ...that was so sweet...

The slightly-tipsy young woman rubbed at her eyes a little, feeling the wetness behind them start to build as she slid the happy little calendar into her front blouse pocket. No one was ever this nice to her, not even when they were obligated to be. She hated everyone and... well... was kind of a bitch about it. And a delinquent. And a lush. So she wasn't surprised when she touched nerves wherever she so went and had since become inoculated against the judging eyes. She didn't expect kindness, ever. It shook her in a very unique way.
*sniff* "...thankss..." she spoke weakly, voice breaking for a microsecond. She smiled brightly right back at Zavie, a genuine warm smile without a hint of ice or sadness.
*sniff* "I'd love to sstay here, but I'm gonna misss my buss!" she'd chime. It was a half-lie. Ritz already missed her bus, she knew that. She was damn close to missing the second one, though.

"It'ss been good to meetcha, Zavie, but I gotta go," Ritz spoke, lurching across the counter to grab her remaining cookies. Like, two of them, but still. "I'm Ritssuko, but you can call me Ris-"

Ris-chan

Involuntarily shuddering at the normal turn on her name, Ritsuko's smile would falter, appearing hollow.
"...R-Ritz. Everyone elsse doess." That name... there were so many terrible memories tied to that name. Stumbling a tad, Ritz hefted the strap of her guitar across her body, making her way toward the door with steady, shaky steps. As soon as reality snapped back to hit her Ritz's equilibrium flipped. It was gonna be a hell of a walk home.
"I'll ssee you later, kid! It wass good talking to ya!" The young delinquent would give the blonde boy a hearty wave before making an attempt at opening the door. Shit. Okay, second time's the charm.

As the soft pink and golden tones of the morning would strike her, Ritz would throw up a hand to shield her eyes and nearly fall off the curb. Taking her sunglasses from her shirt she slipped them up her nose as she plodded her way down the sidewalk. Macaroon in one hand, cigarette in the other, walking slightly taller than when she entered the Heartfelt Bakery, Ritz unknowingly strode away from  the highlight of her day. She'd come back to remember it in time, and hoped to soon return. That thought would drive her through the hurt. To come back to this wonderful, comfortable bakery again.