Work Text:
“Huh…” Minori sighed serenely, opening her room door.
After a long day of idol training, she was finally granted with the comforting sight of her bedroom.
Yearning for comfort, she redressed into her usual house-wear, combed little knotted strands of her hair out with her fingers, and plopped down on her desk chair.
She reached her hand out slightly and grabbed her diary, the cover filled with various stickers and pictures Kohane had taken and given to her.
This sight–while she saw it every day, never failed to put a smile on her face.
Minori clicked the end of a cutesy ballpoint pen, and began her daily journaling–humming with delight.
“Dear Diary,
Today I got our newest dance sequence down on the first try! When everyone's faces lit up after I did it – it made me so happy…especially seeing Haruka-chan’s. It even seemed like her face had a little blush too…!”
Minori shook her head profusely, scribbling her last written sentence with all her might–almost bearing a hole through the entire page.
She caught her breath, cupping her face in both hands.
“...when am I going to get over her…” Minori complained to herself. Her muffled voice added onto how pathetic she (thought she) sounded.
It’s like I can’t get her off my mind! Every page for the past month somehow spirals into a rant about Haruka-chan!! I’ve always admired her–of course–but…this is so– so different!
It's almost annoying how my brain works…
Minori almost descended into madness right then and there before Airi called her. Her ringing phone forcibly finally stripped her hands from her embarrassed face.
“H-hello, Airi-chan!” Minori picked up the call.
“Hi, Minori!” Airi’s cheeky voice flowed into Minori’s ears. “I don’t call you a lot, so I wanted to see how you were doing since that awesome performance!”
“Eh…” Minori croaks out, desperately trying to find the courage to lie to Airi. Lying wasn’t something she participated in often–knowing her guilty conscience would eat her up mentally.
Somehow, she did.
“Hehe, I’m…all good.”
“Hmmm, really? I’m glad! What are you up to now?”
A dreaded question. Why did she have to ask her that now? When she was doing something so embarrassing?!
Minori tenses up, her inner courage drained from her first (comparingly, small) lie, noticing she’d have to tell Airi she was obsessing over Haruka romantically .
Aaaaah! How do you hide your feelings from people you're not trying to hide feelings from!!
What am I saying?!
“...I…am…” Minori starts, her spirit crushed from pressure. “...writing!”
Yeah! I am!!
“Oh, you mentioned keeping a diary, right? Then–if you don’t mind me intruding, what have you been writing in there?”
Minori audibly says “Eep!” after processing Airi’s words, drawing a chuckle from the other.
“Actually, Airi-chan, I DO MIND!”
Is what Minori should say…
But those harsh words don’t feel right on her tongue.
“Eh I…I trust you Airi-chan, so please don’t judge me?” Is what she opts to say instead, her voice sounded frail coming from Airi’s phone.
Airi chuckles lightheartedly. “Eh? Like I would do that. Go ahead!”
“...I’ve been obsessively writing about Haruka-chan for like a month…”
“...”
“But don’t you–”
“AAA–I’m not done!!” Minori swiftly cuts Airi off, secretly scared of whatever reaction she’ll give her.
“...but like, romantically. Like in the sense that I…want… todateher .” Minori sped up her words, butterflies fluttering in her stomach from embarrassment.
Her eyebrows furrowed, realizing what she said (out loud, to AIRI.), her head flopping to the wooden desk, and her face burning with an emotion she rather not describe.
“...aaaha. Not surprising. Hehe.” Airi finally responds, Minori jolting her head up after the silence had passed.
“Not– not surprising!? How come!?”
“Minori, your face is like a walking “Haruka-chan, I love you!” billboard. Like– you know you're very expressive right? I’m almost 100% sure everyone knows this.”
Minori wails in fear. What does she mean everyone?!
“E-everyone!? Nonono, I’ve purposely been acting differently so nobody knows!!”
Aaand cover blown.
“I-I mean w-w-whaaaat?!” Minori quickly snaps into defensive mode, hearing Airi laugh hysterically on the other side of the phone.
“Minori!! Chill, it’s fine…” Airi reassures. “Actually, in fact..I can help you!”
What?
“...With what? I’m sure Haruka-chan isn’t even into girls…” Minori frowns dejectedly.
“Jeez. I thought you were more perceptive than that…” Airi remarks with a laugh.
“Why are you so mean, Airi-chan!! All of this is very hard for me to say…”
Airi lets out a breath, the noise breaking up a little bit over the phone–which makes Minori think she laughed at her again.
“I’m serious!” Minori gripped her phone with all her might.
“I know, Minori! But–Haruka is not straight. Letting you know now. I’m pretty sure she’s even said that before…”
“R-REALLY!? NO WAY–”
“-But on that “helping” offer, I’ll let you know at school tomorrow, ‘kay?” Minori could feel Airi winking after she reciprocated Minori’s past gesture.
“Well, I have to go, Minori!”
“W-wait!”
Beeep.
The phone's noise instilled dread into Minori.
She wondered why Airi was being so secretive at a time like this, it made her head spin–with all the new information, and her mini-confession she was planning not to tell anyone at all .
Her day did a whole 180 and it was barely breaking 7pm.
Minori sat at her desk–her brain failing to process everything that just happened.
Her dog, Samo, ran into her room and took a seat on Minori’s unoccupied lap.
Giving the lightheaded Minori a little comfort.
Minori smiled, “Samo-chan…am I dense..?”
Her dog looked up to her with a curious expression.
She’d pitch her voice slightly higher to imitate Samo, “Yeah, probably, Mom!”
Samo somehow understood Minori, nodding her fluffy head up and down.
“Eh?! Do you really think that, Samo-chan…?” Minori patted her dog, giving her a fake pout in response.
Samo leaned into the touch, wagging her tail–without a thought in her mind.
“...no response I guess.” Minori chuckled, rubbing the animal below her lovingly.
Minori woke herself up from her slumber, anticipating whatever Airi was going on about the day prior.
There's no way I’m that obvious. Hopefully Haruka-chan never caught on–since she's smart and all…and pretty…and–
Her alarm blared next to her, causing her to fall straight out of her bed.
“FUCK–”
Minori’s head bounced off the floor, her whole body aching from the impact–of course–but also the fact she heard herself curse.
“...oh no…what’s happening to me…” Minori uttered to herself, slowly raising up to her feet.
Hey wait, that's definitely Airi-chan’s fault! She’s always whispering swears when she messes up a lot!
Her alarm still rang, reminding her she had somewhere to be.
Ah, right.
“Good morning everyoneeeee!” Minori sang, seeing her idol mates grouped together outside Miya Girls.
“Ah, there you are Minori-chan! Why are you so late today…?” Shizuku inquired, looking a little sad.
“Long story! But–how are you guys doing?” Minori maintained her upbeat attitude, a little shaky from nerves.
“I’m doing great!” Shizuku beamed.
Inevitably, Minori eyes met ocean blue ones, paired with long, beautiful eye lashes that had perfect curvature. The view granted to Minori blocked her mind from processing Shizuku’s response…
Haruka-chan gets more beautiful every day…doesn’t she?
Airi notices this, smirking as she sees Minori’s cheeks burn a peachy pink.
“Hehe, good morning to you as well, Minori.” Haruka’s smooth voice echoing in her head–like an earworm of a beautiful melody.
“..haiii…” Minori replied, dazed by Haruka’s mere presence.
“Oh, that reminds me–Minoriii!” Airi walked over to Minori, effectively covering Haruka from her view–and placing her hands on her shoulders.
“Come with me!”
“Eeh? Oh, right…” Minori sighed, wanting to get another look at the person behind Airi.
“We’ll be right back, y’all!” Airi threw a peace sign in the other two’s direction–which left them very confused, but Shizuku threw one back.
Haruka squinted.
Minori and Airi ended up just a little farther right from the other two, out of earshot from them.
“Sososo, you remember my–”
“Yes, Airi-chan! Please stop with this suspense!!” A bead of sweat flowed down Minori’s face, fed up with Airi’s dramatization of whatever was going on.
“You’re no fun…” Airi sighed, “But since I’m sure you’re way too scared to do this yourself–I will help you confess to Haruka!” Airi confidently placed her hands on her waist, flashing a toothy grin.
Minori’s eyes widened.
“N–NONONO! I–I was planning to do that later…!”
She did not.
“So, you’re refusing my help?” Airi shot one eyebrow up.
“Ah…no. I’d–actually really appreciate that…yeeaah.”
“Hehe, perfect then!” Airi smirked.
“Okay so, I have my plan devised already but–when should we play it out…?”
“Um… wellidontwanttoconfesstodayexactly…”
“Did I hear ‘today’? That’s exactly what I was thinking!” Airi grinned–pushing whatever idea she had straight onto Minori.
Minori failed to contest this, looking down to the ground with a timid nod.
“So, listen closely…”
“I wonder what they’re talking about…” Shizuku said, glancing over to meet Airi grinning at Minori.
“…me too.” Haruka uttered, her face noticeably red.
“Haruka-chan,” Shizuku directed her attention to the other, “why is your face so…blushy?” She’d tilt her head.
“…Well, I suppose I shouldn't hide it from you…” Haruka chuckled, looking to the ground.
Shizuku furrowed her eyebrows.
“…I’m totally smitten over Minori.”
“Ehhhh?!” Shizuku shouted.
“Oh—no, that makes so much sense!!” Her eyes shimmered, like a lightbulb had appeared over her head.
“Does it now…?”
“Well, you’re good at not showing it on your face…actually no you’re not…” Shizuku presented a dazed appearance–her eyes tracing the clouds above.
Haruka laughed—as Shizuku’s quizzical look was quite amusing.
Despite this, she appeared a little uneasy.
“You always have this look on your face when you talk to Minori that…I’ve never seen you have with anyone else!”
“Oh, well…that’s not good.” Haruka looked off to the side with an exhale.
“Why is that?”
“Well, she probably hasn’t caught on but…I rather not have nobody notice, like you did.”
Haruka went on, her words a little shaky. “I don't want anything to change between Minori and I—so keeping all of that hidden is my goal right now…”
Oh lord why did I say that.
Haruka shot her head back to look at Shizuku, her eyes teary…and getting closer to her own…
Suddenly, Shizuku snatched Haruka into a hug—one she couldn’t escape from to save her life.
Haruka appreciated the gesture, but why was she so concerned? After all, Haruka is serious about her idol duties. And a relationship would prevent her full focus from it…
Those feelings don’t need to come out right now.
“Haruka-chan, please don’t hide your true feelings!! We can still be just as good as a unit with you and Minori together…”
Shizuku encouraged–directly into Haruka’s ear–somehow squeezing her harder.
Despite the circumstances, Haruka genuinely thought about the taller’s words.
Just as good? But, all my mind will be focused on is Minori…
Or, will it? I sincerely hope not…
Wait, even if, in what universe would I ever get with Minori?!
“Waet, howuh wuld we evehn gt togehtehr?!” Haruka mumbled through the fabric of Shizuku’s cardigan.
“Ah…” Shizuku loosened her grip as she pondered. “I’m not too sure, but if you ever need help, I’ll be right there!”
She stated, finally letting Haruka go.
“Really? Well—I don’t know when or if I’ll ever actually confess,”
I know I never will.
“...but I appreciate the offer.” Haruka flashes a grin.
“Hehe, always! I really hope you do though, you guys’ll be soo cute!” Shizuku hummed, swaying from side to side.
Haruka maintained her expression. “We sure would be…”
“Yeah…?” Minori leaned closer to Airi, in anticipation of her following words.
“‘Kay, so step 1–right?”
“...right…”
“As you two are walking inside, I’ll wink at you twice–signaling step 2’s commence.”
Minori blinked.
“Step 2 is– and don't object to this–but step 2 is that you’ll have to brush the back of your hand onto Haruka’s…”
Minori promptly ignored Airi’s wish… How is she supposed to stay quiet when Airi’s suggesting all these weird ideas?!
“W-what is this, some romance movie!?”
“Eh…does it sound like that? Maybe I should have tweaked that part…” Airi slapped two fingers on either side of her chin, rubbing them profusely.
“Too late.” She shrugged.
Some of Minori’s soul drifted off into the distance.
“So step 3, Haruka, of course, would say “Do you need something, Minori?”, and then you’d–”
“Hold on, you can't just predict her response?!” Minori retorted, bothered by how confident Airi looks before her.
“Well, adapt to whatever she responds with instead–and stop interrupting me!” Airi snapped back, turning her head away from Minori in frustration.
Gosh, what’s up with her…
Minori frowned.
“Okay so, after Haru says that–you’d be all like “Ehehehe, nothing Haruka-chan~” but you HAVE to do it all cutesy-like, okay?” Airi nodded.
“...I have to be like you on camera? That’ll definitely prove difficult…” Minori chuckled to herself, purposefully trying to get on the smaller’s nerves.
“Yes–work with me– so of course Haruka’ll be all blushy and by now you’ll start class!” Airi, seemingly unfazed, went on with her ‘fully-fledged plan’.
The rest of Minori’s soul drifted off.
“In class, you’ll somehow have to get her to be really close to you–”
“Airi-chan, can you get to the part where I confess?” Minori’s head tilted slightly, visibly tired.
“But that’ll—!” Airi protested, “Whatever, so step 10…”
Minori went bug-eyed. “10!?”
“YES! Step 10, after you invite her to the rooftop, I’ll sneak up there before she comes up…then I’ll hype you up so you’ll have the courage to ask her out when she comes up!” Airi’s eyes sparkled.
“…”
“I don’t think you're being a good help with this, Airi-chan…have you ever even confessed to anyone?”
“O-of course I have! Why would I offer my assistance if I…haven’t…?”
“ Okay I haven’t…” Airi’s head drooped in shame.
“But—this plan is foolproof! Even if you only heard 4 steps in total.”
“I’ll just freestyle the rest?” Minori suggested, tapping her flushed cheek.
“Yeah, go ahead! You got this, Minorin!!
“I hope so…!” Minori exclaimed, full of fake confidence.
“Heyyyy y’all!” Airi exclaimed, an arm around a troubled Minori.
Haruka sighed at the sight.
“No worries, I think Minori is okay!”
“…how is this all supposed to work out?” Minori whispered, looking at Airi.
“-Shhh! Trust me, will ya?” Airi replied, keeping her voice low.
They weren’t skilled at whispering, the other two clearly hearing them—but deciding to ignore it. No need to butt into their business, after all.
“If you say so…” Shizuku sighed with a smile.
The school bell, conveniently, rang not too long after.
“Alright! Split up!” Airi kept her upbeat attitude, grabbing Shizuku by the wrist and walking off with a wave.
Minori took in a sharp breath, realizing she’ll have to be alone with Haruka.
Which she did regularly, of course–so why was it such a problem?
Oh right, I have to confess to her today–and I have to follow that head-spinning plan Airi’s making me do on top of that…
“...Minori?”
“Ah, Haruka-chan, yes–let's go!!”
After getting a considerable distance away, Airi winked at Minori.
2 Times.
The signal…
W-w-wait…what am I supposed to do!?
Oh right…I…
Minori looks down, being met with the back of Haruka’s hand–just centimeters away from her own.
Jeez, why is this in the plan…
Squeezing her eyes shut, Minori inched her hand closer to Haruka’s, their knuckles bumping together in an awkward motion.
After a weird amount of time, Minori opens her eyes (reluctantly) and looks at Haruka.
She was looking straight.
Their hands are still touching.
Minori tilts her head, seeing Haruka’s expression soften. (atleast, from the side–she saw something change.)
Minori feels a warm sensation from her palm.
Is that–?
A lump formed in her throat…
DID SHE GRAB MY HAND?
Minori’s head jolted down again, she blinked–way too many times–her eyes processing the same scene over and over.
Haruka and Minori were holding hands.
Holding. Hands.
Haruka still refused to look at Minori, who was shaking so badly she swore she would notice.
Breathing an unbalanced rhythm, Minori noticed she wasn't holding Haruka’s hand back.
Haruka winced from the pain of Minori squeezing her hand.
“Hehe…” Haruka stifled out a laugh, finally looking over to Minori. Her eyes were darting around the school halls–effectively avoiding Haruka’s view.
Maybe she does like me back…?
After what felt like a blissful eternity, they 2 finally reached their designated homeroom.
Haruka let go of Minori’s hand first, leaving Minori yearning for the warmth she provided.
…I was supposed to adapt. I was supposed to at least SAY SOMETHING!! ALL I DID WAS HOLD HER HAND FOR 5 MINUTES!
I held her hand…
“Minori, are you okay?”
“I am so okay right now Haruka-chan.”
They sat down in unison.
Minori was spacing out most of the class.
“So, for this assignment–I’ll let you all pick your partners. Please everyone try to put in equal effort within your duos.”
She didn't hear any of her teacher’s words.
She didn’t see Haruka look directly at her with an overly-excited look.
She didn’t see Haruka get up and turn her seat backwards toward her desk.
“Hello? Minori?”
She didn’t hear Haruka call out to her.
What she did notice was Haruka placing those warm hands of her’s on her face a moment after…
Hold on, she's doing what.
“H-H-H-H-HARUKA-CHAN?!” Minori flinched, almost fell out of her chair, and effectively died from shock.
“Oh, I-I’m sorry, Minori. I didn’t mean to startle you.” Haruka’s face burned a familiar pink.
She looks the same way she did when I did that dance?
Minori shook her head. “Why are you at my desk?”
“Did you not hear? We’re doing a group project.”
“...well it’s a 2 person thing.” Haruka went on sounding surprisingly–nervous?
“In class, you’ll somehow have to get her to be really close to you…”
Is everything just working out in my favor today?
“Oh–really!? That's…amazing.” Minori looked directly into Haruka’s eyes.
“So–uh..what exactly are we doing…?” Minori chuckled nervously.
“Were you spacing out the whole class?” Haruka deadpanned.
“Y-yes! M’sorry…” She mumbled.
“I’m playing, I don’t mind, Minori. I’ll get you up to speed.”
Haruka’s inviting expression attacked Minori’s heartstrings fiercely–as if with no remorse. “T-thank you…”
“Airi-chan…” Shizuku looked over from her seat. The two had already finished their small assignment, not having anything on their plate.
So, their teacher wouldn’t mind a little quiet chatter.
“Hm? Yeah, Shizu?”
“Can I tell you something super secret I’m probably not supposed to tell you but–”
“Go ‘head!” Airi wasn’t worried about Shizuku saying something she actually shouldn't to her–as she already predicted whatever the secret was.
“While you were talking to Minori-chan…Haruka-chan told me uh…”
Yup.
“...that she’s in love with Minori-chan…” Shizuku’s voice got a little quieter.
“Aha! I knew it! Yeah, Minori likes her too.” Airi replied, albeit, nonchalantly.
“W-wait–no way! That's…wonderful!!” Shizuku grinned with delight, her eyes shimmering.
“Shizuku, did you really think they weren’t totally infatuated with each other this whole time?” Airi inquired with a raise of her brow.
“...was I supposed to?”
Airi sighed, shaking her head lightheartedly. “Guess not.”
The two smiled, turning their heads straight to face their teacher.
Well, now that I know the plan’ll work out fine…I guess there's no reason to worry about whatever Minori’s doing.
The ‘Minori’ in question was not doing too hot.
Well, she was very hot due to her internal body temperature skyrocketing ever since she had to be so close to Haruka for an extended period of time.
That's besides the point though…
I think I should've listened to the other 6 steps…
“-And I think that's it. Do you understand, Minori?” Haruka picked her head up.
“...mhm…!”
At best, she was listening. Her brain was not comprehending the information given–although.
Haruka nodded. “So, which part do you want to do?”
“W-whichever one you prefer not to do!”
Haruka looked off to the side.
Minori hoped her response didn’t blatantly show her absence of comprehension…
“Well,” Haruka shifted her gaze. “There's nothing in particular I don't like in this assignment.”
Minori sighed. “I’ll just do anything…”
Haruka smiled.
Yeah, she was completely out of it while I was explaining. I wonder why…?
“The assignment isn’t due today, we can finish it after school– or whenever you're in the right mindset.” Haruka suggested.
“That would be great…”
Oh wait. She definitely figured me out…
A little while later, the girls designated break time had commenced! A sweet 30 minutes of pure…whatever they wanted to do.
The idol inhabitants of class 3-E were packing up, ready to indulge in their own break time activities.
“Hey Shizuku, I’m gonna go check up on Minori–wanna come?” Airi called out, leaning on their classes doorframe.
“No, thanks, I’ll go find Haruka-chan!” Shizuku threw her bag over her shoulder, promptly running past Airi.
“Wait, wouldn't they be together anyway?! Hold on!” Airi shouted, chasing after Shizuku.
Huff, huff.
“Jeez, don’t leave me like that!” Airi caught up to the taller one, jogging beside her.
“Hehe, my bad! I’m a little excited to see how they're holding out.”
“Same. I just hope Minori hasn't died yet…” Airi sighed, trying to maintain her pace.
“D-died?!”
“It’s an expression, Shizuku!”
Minori and Haruka were stood outside their classroom.
“Oh, there they are…” Haruka exclaimed, seeing two girls sprinting directly toward Minori and her.
Airi finally slowed her pace. “Heya! How are you two doin’?”
Shizuku followed suit, a grin plastered on her face.
“I’m doing pretty good!” Minori flashed a grin similar to Shizuku's.
“Amazing.” Haruka replied.
Shizuku and Airi looked at each other.
Shizuku was utterly confused by Airi’s noticeably sinister smile–was it directed towards her?!
Airi fixed her gaze onto Haruka. “Soooo, would you mind if I stole Minori real quick~?” She smirked.
“I WOULD…not mind it at all.”
Somehow, the words “stole Minori” made Haruka feel… particularly angry.
“Hehe, perfect!” Airi grabbed Minori’s hand in a swift motion.
Haruka’s breath hitched…
“Hm…” Shizuku analyzed Haruka’s expression,
“Haruka-chan, are you jealous?” A low voice flowed into the blue-haired’s ears.
Haruka surveyed the hall, seeing Airi and Minori out of view–she began to reply.
“Perhaps I am, Shizuku.”
“Is the plan working out well, Minori?” Airi, after forcing Minori to go into the girls bathroom with her, questioned.
“I—I believe so…but uh…” Minori’s words came out shaky, “Step 3 didn’t go as planned.”
Airi’s head cocked to the side. “How so?”
Maybe I should’ve been worried…?
“When our hands touched—Haruka-chan—she…grabbed my hand. And held it…”
Airi paused for a moment.
“Damn, that's bold—isn’t it?”
“…I mean, maybe!? I kinda didn’t know what to do after that! I barely paid attention in class, too…” Minori cried.
“Oh. You already have alright grades, it’ll be fine—but anyway!” Airi continued, “We have to plan out your spectacular rooftop confession, Mino!”
“WE HAVE TO WHAAAT!!”
“You heard me—so I have to explain those other steps…”
Minori buried her face in her palms.
“Mm lismning…” Minori’s voice struggled to pry through her skin.
“You’re listening? Great! I have to skip to step 8 since most of our classes are over—so step 8, I guess when we come back you’ll go outside with Haruka—ALONE—and ask her to join you on the rooftop for lunch.” Airi’s lips curled into a cat-like smile.
Not that Minori sees it, though.
She shakes her head, still hiding in her own hands–shamefully.
“…Whenever lunch rolls around, step 9, I’ll hand you my amazing script for you to follow so you can clearly express your feelings to Haruka!”
Minori slowly raises her head from her hands.
“You…what? Can’t I just say whatever I want?” Minori says in a hollow voice.
“Oh yeah of course. It’s only an outline, y’know.” Airi shrugs.
I kind of forgot what I wrote but…I watched a lot of youtube tutorials–it’s most likely good!
“...Can I see it now?”
Airi hums, taking out a piece of line paper from one of her cardigan’s pockets.
Receiving the paper, Minori slowly unfolds it…
The bathroom door behind them opens–actually, it swings open.
“Sorry to interrupt.”
“HARUKA-CHAN!?”
“Oh, hey Haru.”
Haruka smiles a bit, (Airi questions if it’s genuine,) and walks past them—opening a stall.
“...I—I’ll just take this!! Thank you, Airi-chan!” Minori shoves the paper in between the claustrophobic space her back and book bag provided hastily–and swiftly exited the bathroom.
“Hey—wait! Why is everyone running away from me!?” Airi exclaims, not even attempting to run after Minori.
I’m fresh outta energy for that–and I’m sure Minori is full on sprinting..
She sighed, “Haruka,” Airi started up, hiking up her volume a little. “Sorry for teasing you.”
“You were doing that on purpose?” Haruka’s voice could be heard from inside the stall.
“Sort of? I—I won't interfere with you and Minori anymore, I’ll just focus on Shizuku…”
Haruka left the stall, the toilet buzzing behind her. She turned her vision to Airi—who was right near the bathroom’s exit.
Pumping the soap dispenser, she turned on the sink, fixing her hands to lay under it. “Does that mean what I think it means?”
“It…might!” Airi winked, not completely knowing what Haruka ‘thought it meant’.
“And, wait. What about–Minori and I?” Airi visibly saw Haruka’s face dim.
“Oh–eh…” Airi uttered, pausing to think about her response.
“You’re very obvious, Haru. It’s okay though–I was only trying to help…”
Haruka blinked.
“Haruka-chan, please don’t hide your true feelings!!”
The words shook in her head.
“...We can still be just as good as a unit with you and Minori together…”
“Is that so?” Haruka hiccuped, forcing a smirk.
“...”
“Airi, do you…think our unit would clash if Minori and I were to date?”
“Clash? Like, would something bad happen?” Airi reiterated.
“I don’t think so. Even if–what can you do? You can’t truly choose your feelings toward a person.”
“..really…?” Haruka’s voice came out more frail than she wanted it to.
…Their collective breaths echoed in the room.
“We should go.”
“Haha, yeah. Spending half of break time in the bathroom–great use of our time…!”
-
“M-Minori-chan! I’m really sure it’s ok–!”
“NOITSNOTNOITSNOTNOITSNOT”
“Um?” Airi snuck up on Shizuku and Minori, visibly perplexed.
Haruka stayed silent.
“Oh, I’m so glad you guys are here!” Shizuku beamed. “We all should go get some fresh air~”
“Do we even have any more time?” Haruka’s voice was barely audible.
Airi turned to her. “Mm, About 20 minutes–rough estimate?”
“AWESOME! Let’s–let's go.” Minori perked up, then immediately slouched back down seeing Haruka fix her gaze onto her.
The 4 all started to walk.
Haruka next to Airi, Shizuku next to Minori...
Haruka and Minori were the farthest away from each other.
“Hehe, I’m so glad we’re all together like this! We usually don’t spend break time together, right?” Shizuku sparked up a conversation, her being one of the only ones willing to speak.
“I believe not. I’m usually…busy.” Haruka replied, her voice cracky, her throat dry.
“Wiiiith?” Airi chimed, peering her head over to look at the blue-haired.
“...”
“Haruka-chan, are you okay?” Shizuku quickly noticed the off vibe, her smile shifting into an elaborate frown–Airi feeling a similar way.
“I’m–”
“Aaaah–I CAN’T DO THIS ANYMORE!” Minori shouted, frightening the other 3.
“Haruka-chan!” Minori quickened her pace, appearing in front of the mentioned.
Taking her hand in her own, she continued. “Please–just come with me.”
WOOOAH! I see you, Minorin! Go get her!
Hehe, I was wondering how long they were gonna be so awkward for.
Haruka sighed, some of her worries fluttering away. “O-okay?”
She chuckled a little.
“Um, please give us some space, Airi-chan, Shizuku-chan!” Minori shouted back, running to a separate exit of their school–taking Haruka with her.
The two left behind felt some sort of relief.
“I think I messed up some of that, but at least Minori had the courage to ask her!” Airi smiled, seeing the two run off some other corridor.
“What…did you do?” Shizuku looked down at the other.
“I just stuck my nose somewhere I had no place being, and maybe a little too much–but it all worked out I guess?” She shrugged.
Shizuku placed a hand on Airi’s shoulder, effectively reddening her cheeks.
“I guess…”
“Man, I might be in the same boat as Minori soon enough.” Airi mumbled to herself.
Minori’s resolve had lasted long enough until the two reached the courtyard.
How? She herself has yet to know…
Holding Haruka’s hand, at all , let alone for a good few minutes was something she swore she couldn't do–even if the chance was granted to her. And that same thing happened 2 times.
They were so close, too. Just running…together…the school air brushing against them in unison…
Can somebody pinch her?
Minori thanks herself (and Airi) although, since when they got outside–the view bestowed upon her was totally worth all the stress and embarrassment she’d had to experience up until now.
Haruka, in front of her, cheeks slightly flushed, hair a mess–in the most beautiful way. Her (presumably) soft lips curled into a light smile. The sun highlighting all of her best features…
And her eyes…fluttering open and closed as she caught her breath.
Minori couldn’t help but savor it.
Haruka stared at her–Minori finally remembering why they were there.
“Oh, right!” Minori chuckled. “I’m supposed to be uh…saying something.”
Haruka just deepened her gaze at the other.
She's just…
“Actually–can I ask you something, Haruka-chan?”
She hummed.
“Why did you…why did you hold my hand in the morning?”
Haruka paused. She hadn’t forgotten the moment, of course, but what was the actual reason?
She sought after it in herself,
Maybe I thought she wanted to? Or, no, a reflex? What am I talking about…I know why.
“Because, I’ve always wanted to.”
“...!”
“You–wanted to hold my hand?” Minori refused to believe Haruka’s words… “But–I—why…?”
“Why?”
Minori couldn’t stop moving–she picked at her hair, bit the skin off her fingertips…
I don’t think I can do this…where's my script?
“Uh–hold..that thought..!” Minori squeaked out, taking off her bag–watching the paper drop.
Haruka watched it fall attentively.
Didn’t Minori have a paper in her hand before she came out of the bathroom?
Minori scrambled to pick it back up, scratching her neck as her face burned uncontrollably.
She once again–unfolded the paper.
What is…WHAT IS THIS??
“I’ve…*cutesty chuckle* been feeling a certain way about you for a long time..Haruka-chan~... We-we’ve been hanging out for such a long time personally and I-*tucks hair behind ear* really…like…no…*smile* love you, Haruka-chan!!!”
Oh, there's stuff down here too.
“Minori it's 5 am if you’re confused we’re in the same boat. You can take some inspo from this if you want. I don’t know if it’ll be all that useful tho.”
“im not giving her this wth”
I guess it’s not too bad…? Definitely not an outline–though!
Minori cleared her throat, Haruka wondering how much time they have.
“I’m sorry if this looks or sounds too cheesy but…”
“I’ve been feeling a…certain way about you for a strange amount of time, Haruka-chan. I’ve always adored you–as you know but, it’s been different recently. My–my feelings that is.”
Minori…?
She crumpled up the paper with her fist. Finally looking straight at the girl of her dreams.
“You’re–! You’re really uh…smart, and pretty, and everything you do is amazing–you know?! Almost like–no…you are the perfect person, Haruka-chan! In..my eyes.”
In her eyes?
No…that can’t possibly mean…
“So–the jist of this is…I really love you Haruka-chan. Not as a friend, not as a platonic fan or something,”
Not…as…?
“I’m in love with you, actually, and… I’d appreciate it if you'd–allowed me to be your girlfriend…!”
“Yeah…girlfriend…”
“You’re not serious, right?”
Minori was practically hyperventilating. “Of–of course I am! Why would I lie about that? ”
…Oh. Yeah! She probably doesn’t feel the same way–so she wants it to be a joke…So we can all laugh and go back to what–
“Hehe, I don’t know–actually. But, Minori…”
Haruka closed the gap in between them slowly…
“There's nothing more I want than to be with you.”
Haruka looked down to Minori’s lips, then back at her eyes, silently asking if she could do something she always dreamed of.
Minori, completely overtaken by shock, nodded subconsciously.
It was just as she imagined. Maybe even better.
Her lips were perfectly moisturized, perfectly soft, and the extended sun exposure even made them warm.
They collided so gently, so tenderly…
Minori swore she saw sparks around them.
She rested her head on Haruka’s shoulder.
“Are you okay, Minori?” Haruka whispered softly in her ear.
“Of—of course I am…!” Minori raised her head up. “I’ve never been better…”
“SHIZUKU—!! I THINK I'M GONNA CRY…”
Airi dragged Shizuku outside 5 minutes after the remainder of their idol group left.
Shizuku was extremely adverse to Airi’s advances but ultimately felt just as curious as Airi was…
So there they were…hiding in a bush…spying on Haruka and Minori.
It was obviously their fault for being out in the open in the first place! …Was Airi’s completely valid thinking.
On top of that, the person who promised they’d be quiet just blew their cover with her fangirl-like wail.
“Airi-chan!! We’re already not supposed to be here—why are you SCREAMING?!” Shizuku whisper-shouted in Airi’s direction, slapping a hand over her mouth with a little more force than she had liked to.
They watched in horror as Minori surveyed the open area around her—Shizuku almost dying when she sets her eyes on the bush Airi and her were hiding in,
But she quickly looks back at Haruka, the two deeming each other safe.
“Woo!” Airi exhaled. “See, we were fine after all…”
“I’m never eavesdropping with you again.”
Airi frowned. “Eeeh? But we’re supposed to be…bestiiiess…”
Shizuku sighed, hesitantly resting her cheek on the edge of Airi’s shoulder. “I'd rather you not almost get me into trouble with Minori and Haruka of all people…let alone anyone.”
Airi felt her heartbeat quicken, “I won’t do it again…!”
“What are you two doing?”
Minori and Haruka suddenly appeared right in front of their elaborate hiding bush—looking down at them with a quizzical look.
Despite Haruka addressing both of them, she was full on staring at Airi.
“Oh!” Shizuku was quick to respond—picking her head up and putting on an unsuspecting look. “We were just—”
“Break time is now dismissed, please arrive at your 5th period class as soon as possible.”
The loudspeaker had saved Shizuku and Airi from certain death.
Moreso Airi…
“Oh lord, thank you! WE HAVE TO GO NOW BYE!”
The three watched Airi run back in their school—almost tripping over the air around her multiple times.
Minori looked utterly confused—while Haruka could clearly read through Shizuku’s facade of an expression.
They locked eyes for way too long.
“Shizuk—”
“I’m very happy for you two!!” were the only words Shizuku uttered before shamefully sprinting off.
Haruka chuckled, extending a hand out to Minori. “Don’t worry about them, let’s go.”
Minori gladly accepted Haruka’s offer. “…yeah.”
The smile that followed after was almost blinding to Haruka.
Haruka still wonders if that day was a dream.
It couldn't possibly be, since when she asks if Minori loves her—she always gets the same response.
“Always!”
Always…
Maybe all of that wishing, all of the stares, all of the thoughts accumulated in her brain manifested itself into her reality.
That couldn't possibly be.
Atleast they were together.
Wait…we’re on the same bed.
In my house…
That's…!
“Haruka-chan?”
“Oh—yes uh…hello?”
“Hehe, if you’re wondering if you’re dreaming again…”
Haruka felt a pair of lips peck her cheek.
“I can promise that you aren’t.”
Haruka felt a familiar feeling well up in her throat.
Her eyes felt heavy.
Am I…going to cry?
But…
A single tear fell from her right eye.
Why?
“Haruka-chan?!”
Looking at her a little bit more, Minori’s concern dwindled.
Haruka thought she was crying from distress but…
“Your smile is so pretty…”
“…my smile? ”
I didn’t realize I was smiling…
Minori wiped the tear from her lover’s face.
“Don’t make me worry like that…” Minori sighed.
“Hehe, I’ll try not to.”
Maybe, just maybe, some wishes—even as seemingly impossible as Minori and Haruka’s, can come true.