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Rin: "Hey, Takaoka, you got plans after this?" Rin's question came from behind Miyako. The three girls had been walking a bit behind her, but they caught up when they came to a red light. Miyako: "Not really. What about you, Ogata?" Rin: "I don't really either." Miyako: "Oh yeah~?" ...... Two cars passed as they stood in silence. Hina: "Hey..." Rin: "If you don't have plans, do you want to hang out with me?" She finished her invitation as Hina tried to awkwardly cut in. Miyako: "Sure, I don't mind..." Head cocked, Miyako looked past Rin to Hina and Fumi. Rin: "Umm. These two have plans after this. Right?" She turned back to them and gave them a wink. Hina and Fumi exchanged a look, then: Hina & Fumi: "Yeah."n"Yes." They replied together. Miyako: "Alright. Thanks for inviting me, Ogata." Fumi and Hina gave appreciative bows behind Rin. Miyako smiled back at them. Rin: "G-Great. Let's hang out for about two hours." Fumi and Hina's smiles became a bit strained at the specific nature of her suggestion. ......... They walked off, holding hands. Rin watched them with a wry smile, Miyako with a genuine one. Rin: "Sorry about the kiddos. Don't hold it against them." Miyako: "Of course. I think they're adorable." Rin: "Umm... hmm, I guess I should probably tell you. I mean, it's not like it's a secret or anything, but..." Miyako: "You mean about Natsume and Asou?" Rin: "Uh... yeah. Like... let's see... you know how they're really close?" Miyako: "I suppose so." Rin: "I guess you could say their closeness isn't really from friendship, per se..." Miyako: "......" Rin: "Oh, but they are definitely friends, it's just, in their case... they're also..." Rin: "You know... the way they like each other is..." Miyako: "They're dating, right?" Rin: "Huh... ah... oh... yeah! You knew?" With how easily what she'd been trying to say was put into words, Rin couldn't help but point at Miyako in surprise. Miyako: "Oh... I could just tell." The truth was that she'd been watching from the beginning. Rin: "They're being pretty open about it, but they don't really bring it up to other people." Miyako: "Even people in heterosexual relationships often don't announce it to other people." Rin: "Right... So, that kinda thing doesn't bother you, Takaoka?" Miyako: "What thing?" Rin: "You know... how they're both girls." Miyako: "I think they make a very nice couple." Rin: "Huh. Guess I didn't need to be worried." Rin: "Holding hands and hugging and stuff is pretty normal between friends at an all girls' school anyway." Miyako: "Anything that people in a relationship do is normal." Rin: "...Yeah. Thanks." Rin: "You're right... They look super innocent, but they're doing more than that, aren't they~? Oh, not that I've seen it or anything." Miyako: "Ahahaha." Miyako had. Rin: "So, sorry, but you don't mind hanging out with me for a bit?" Miyako: "Of course not." ......... ...... They walked down the deserted street. Miyako: "........." Rin: "......" Miyako: "........." Rin: "......" They strolled without conversation. A fact they clearly had different levels of comfort about. Rin was anxious, trying to find something to say, and Miyako was perfectly comfortable, enjoying the scenery. Rin: "U-Umm—" Miyako: "Ogata, is this stuffed animal—" She'd attempted to say something several times, and when she'd finally succeeded, Miyako had spoken up at the same time. Miyako: "Oh, I'm sorry." Rin: "No, it wasn't important. You go first." Rin looked relieved, in fact. Miyako: "Okay. Is this stuffed animal from the same line as the ones Asou has in our room?" Miyako had stopped and was looking at a cart out in front of a small toy shop. The cart did seem to have some familiar stuffed faces on it. All the animals had angel wings on their backs. Rin: "Let's see... Yeah, looks like these are legit Angel Zoo products." Rin had picked one from the cart and inspected its tag. Very direct, just like her. Rin: "Good thing Asou's not with us. She'd add these to her collection." She sighed, putting the stuffed animal back. Miyako: "Do you not like stuffed animals, Ogata?" Rin: "That's not it. She just has too many. And she just sent a few back home at the end of the year." Rin: "Asou's usually really mature, but she's childish in the weirdest way sometimes. Like when angels come up, she's all..." She brought her hands close together in front of her face, giving herself tunnel vision. Rin: "And Hina's a little baby, just like she looks. I just worry about leaving the two of them to their own devices, you know?" Miyako: "......" Rin: "...That's not true. I'm the one they're always doing things for. All I can do for them is give them time alone like this." Miyako: "Isn't that enough?" Rin: "W-Well, either way, we're not putting more stuffed animals in that room! Otherwise they might claim the beds for their own and the humans will have to sleep on the floor!" Miyako: "Ahaha. That wouldn't be good." They laughed, then fell silent for a time. Rin: "...Anyway, don't worry. I'm sure those two will take care of you too, Takaoka." Miyako: "Yes, I know. They already are." Rin: "Right. It was the same when they'd just met me..." Rin: "I shouldn't be worrying about you. You're a way better communicator than me." Miyako: "No, I'm happy you're concerned about me." Rin: "You're all such good girls. Maybe I'm the one who's really just a kid." Miyako: "I think you're a good girl too, Rin." Rin: "I am? How's that?" Miyako: "You care so much about Asou and Natsume, don't you?" Rin: "...Well, they're my roommates." Miyako: "And you're spending time with me, too." Rin: "Well... it's more like killing time, isn't it?" Rin averted her eyes. Miyako: "I hope we can be good friends." Rin: "...Yeah." Miyako: "Should we hold hands too?" Rin: "That's not... I, uhh..." Rin hid her hands in her pockets.
Fumi: "Ugh~ The wind was so cold~ Are you okay, Hina?" Fumi scrunched up her shoulders as she shut the door. Hina: "I'm invincible when I have your handmade scarf equipped♪" Hina boasted. I doubt even the North Wind could rip the scarf from this traveler. Fumi: "I just knitted it for practice, so I'm really happy you're wearing it." Hina: "Well, it's warm and cute. Thanks, Fumi♪" Hina had received the scarf in question at Fumi's house at the end of the year. Fumi had put it around her neck knowing that she would likely underdress if left to her own devices. Fumi: "I'll never let you catch cold again!" This time, Fumi was the one boasting. Well, Hina _had_ given her cause to worry before. Hina: "Y-You think Rin's okay?" Fumi: "Hopefully things aren't too awkward with them." Hina: "I think Takaoka will be fine, but..." Fumi: "...But Ogata might not. She did say not to worry about her." That's right. Fumi and Hina had made sure (perhaps too many times) that Rin would be alright on her own with Takaoka. It was Rin who had suggested they go back to the room first, but they knew she was shy, so they couldn't help worrying. Hina: "I didn't get what she meant by rest and free time and stuff, though." Fumi: "Free time?" Fumi didn't seem to understand either... though, if she had, Hina probably would have sent her flying. Hina: "Well, worrying about her now won't do any good." These two were always concerned about Rin. Perhaps even more than each other. And Rin seemed to have noticed that. Hina: "And since she gave us this time alone together, we should make the most of it and flirt our hearts out!" Fumi: "Right. We can thank Ogata later." They nodded, looked into each other's eyes, held hands, and embraced. Hina: "Fumi... I love you." Fumi: "Me too... I love you too, Hina." They were alone together in the afternoon living room. The rustling of their clothes, their breathing, their giggles; these sounds came only from the two of them. Hina: "You smell good." Hina had her face buried in Fumi's chest. Because of their height difference, it was inevitable when they hugged. Fumi: "It's probably my fabric softener." Hina: "I could find you by following this scent." Fumi: "You think so? Lots of people use the same thing." Hina should smell the same way, in fact. Their shampoo was different, but they used the same fabric softener. Hina: "It's different when it comes from you♪" She gave her a toothy smile. Though there's no reason to think so, I get the feeling she really could do it. Hina: "Mm..." Hina stretched up and stole Fumi's lips. Their breath mixed and each of them pushed into the other's mouth with her tongue. Their tongues entwined, and then their breaths separated again into panting. Hina: "Fumi..." Fumi: "Yes..." They gazed at each other with moist eyes, full of longing. Their skin touched amid hastily discarded sweaters and shirts. Since they'd only just come inside, it was probably still cold in the room. But they couldn't wait for the heater to warm things up. Hina: "Are you cold?" Fumi: "I'm okay. I'm right up against you..." The more clothes they took off, the more starkly the difference in their physiques showed. Hina's form was lean and slim, while Fumi's abundant curves gave her a maternal maturity. They contrasted, but their forms suited each other; both were plenty attractive. Hina reached up and initiated another kiss. This one started with tongue. Hina & Fumi: "Chp... mmh... nh... haah..." Their saliva mixed together noisily and spilled from their mouths, dripping down their chins. As long as they could hold their breath. Hina desired Fumi with everything she had, and Fumi responded wholeheartedly to that desire. These desperate kisses were enough to ignite the passions of the still-inexperienced girls. Hina: "Pwah..." Hina finally emerged from the waters of the long, long kiss to catch her breath. Fumi: "Haahh..." As did Fumi. Hina: "I-It was hard to breathe, wasn't it? S-Sorry..." Fumi: "I-It's... alright." The two both sighed, and the line of saliva connecting their mouths thinned and snapped. Fumi: "It's all wet around our mouths, isn't it?" Hina: "Yeah, it is." Hina licked her glistening lips like she was lapping away honey or cream. Fumi watched her lovingly. Hina: "Whew... Can we keep going?" Hina asked, taking a deep breath. Fumi: "Yes, I'd like that." Hina pecked at Fumi's cheeks. Hina: "Your cheeks are so soft. They feel really nice." Fumi: "Your lips are soft, too." Hina's kisses traveled down to Fumi's jaw, then landed on her neck. Fumi: "Nnh..." Hina nibbled at Fumi's neck. It was certainly a sensual scene, but for some reason, nothing Hina did seemed all that lustful. Hina: "Oh... If I bite too hard, will I leave a mark?" Hina took her lips away. Fumi's face relaxed when the kisses paused. Fumi: "I suppose so... They might stand out on my neck." Hina: "Right. Your skin is so white, though. I'm kinda jealous." Fumi: "You think so? I can get freckles, and if I'm not careful, I turn red right away in the sun." Hina: "Ah~ I've never really worried about sunburns." ...You probably should. Fumi: "I think Takaoka is even paler than me. Her skin's practically see-through!" Hina: "Yeah, it's almost like she's made of snow. But..." Hina: "I like your color the most, Fumi." Fumi: "Haah... mmh..." Hina's breath brushed Fumi's earlobe, and she shivered. Hina: "Mmh... mm." Hina stuck her tongue out and pressed it to Fumi's ear. Fumi: "Nh... ngh..." Her tongue moved over Fumi's ear like she was tracing the rim of a cup. Hina: "...Mm, mah?" —Then it slid inside her ear. Fumi: "Haah?!" Fumi couldn't help yelping at the unexpected sensation. Hina: "Ah? Did that hurt?" The noise surprised Hina. Fumi: "I-It didn't hurt, but..." Hina: "...You got chills?" Fumi: "Umm... I was just surprised." Hina: "Did you not like that? Should I stop?" Fumi: "I'm just sensitive, so... go easy on me..." Hina nodded. Hina: "...Fumi?" Fumi: "Y... Yes." Hina: "If you want me to do anything, tell me, okay? Oh, and tell me if you don't want me to do something, too." Fumi: "Yeah..." Fumi appreciated her words, but still couldn't really give her specific instructions. She didn't know what she wanted, and even if she did, she'd likely be too embarrassed to say. Fumi: "Umm... I'm happy just having you this close to me." Hina: "Heheheh. Me too. You're nice and warm." She smiled shyly. Hina: "But I want to make you excited, too. I want to make you feel good in an adult way." Hina likely didn't even know what she meant by "adult." "Feel good" was probably largely undefined as well. But her energy and her motivation to please Fumi were no joke. Fumi: "Mm...?" Suddenly, Hina's hands were pushing up against Fumi's breasts, to Fumi's slight surprise. Everything Hina did was sudden. Freed from their bonds, Fumi's breasts pulled apart, exchanging their altitude for a wider plain between them. Hina: "I get so excited when I touch your boobs, Fumi..." Hina massaged the soft avalanche of her breasts. They spilled out from between her fingers, too large to fit in Hina's hands. Fumi: "Fh... nh..." Hina: "That doesn't hurt, does it? Did I squeeze too hard?" Fumi shook her head. It wasn't the force of Hina's squeezing that determined the volume of her moans. Hina: "Oh, good..." Unlike her kisses, she held back a little with her touch. It wasn't skilled, but it was gentle. ...To put it another way, she was a bit timid. They'd become closer, and her earlier impetuousness had given way to a desire to please her partner, which was actually causing her more awkwardness. Hina: "Mm..." Hina's tongue snaked toward one of Fumi's peaks. Fumi: "Ah... nnh..." It grazed the tip, and Fumi gasped. Her voice was sweeter than before. It was a sensitive area, so the stimulation won out over the ticklishness. Hina: "...Mm..." Noticing her change in tone, Hina realized she'd hit the right spot. She leaned in again and licked Fumi's nipple once more. Fumi: "A-Ahn... nnh." When she took the nipple into her mouth, Fumi's voice rose even more. Hina: "It's hard now." Fumi: "...I'm embarrassed... ah... nnh... haah!" Whatever resistance she might have put up was wiped away by the sensations she was feeling. Hina was getting serious. She rolled Fumi's nipple in her mouth and sucked on it, trying all sorts of different things. Hina: "...Does that feel good?" She glanced up again and again at Fumi's face. Fumi: "Yeah... a little bit." Hina: "I'll make it feel even better!" Fumi: "O-Okay..." She was confident and determined. ...But maybe a little too tense? She fondled one of Fumi's breasts with one hand while the other reached out blindly and tickled Fumi's stomach. Fumi: "Kh..." Fumi held in a laugh. Hina didn't notice. Hina: "Umm..." She looked down to check where her hand was and corrected course. Fumi: "H-Hwah...?" Hina's fingers traced Fumi's sensitive form, running from her side down to her thigh. But they started to wander again there. Hina: "Mmh... can you spread your legs a little?" Fumi: "Yes... er, maybe not." She'd stripped somewhat randomly. Her stockings were down to her knees, but her underwear was still around her thighs, so she couldn't spread her legs any more. Hina: "Oh, I see..." Hina stuck her hands into the thin gap between Fumi's thighs. Fumi: "U-Umm..." Fumi was likely attempting to ask why Hina didn't just take off her underwear. Fumi: "Nnh..." Hina's hand wriggled between her thighs. Tickling her here would never get her to where she was likely trying to get. Fumi: "Hah... nnh... nhh..." Fumi squeezed her knees together around Hina's wrist. But Hina made no effort to pry her legs apart. Hina: "Here, maybe?" Fumi: "Huh? Ah..." Her fingers moved against Fumi's thighs. Fumi: "Hgh... fhh..." Fumi bit her lip, trying desperately to keep her composure. It was obvious to Hina, of course. Pleased(?), Hina moved her fingers faster when Fumi's thighs loosened. Hina: "Fumi—" Fumi jumped. Fumi: "Ahahahahaha!!" She burst out laughing, Hina's hand flying from between her thighs. Hina: "Huh? Huh?" Fumi: "I-I'm sorry... Aha! Ahahahahaha!" Hina was bewildered as Fumi continued to laugh. Fumi: "Aha, ahahaha!" ......... ...... Hina: "I thought I was turning you on, but you were just trying not to laugh, huh? You should have said something..." Fumi: "Well... you seemed like you were trying really hard..." Hina: "Yeah... thanks." Fumi: "Umm... no, thank you." They both smiled awkwardly. Hina: "Sex is hard. You think there's a textbook somewhere?" Fumi: "Eheh. It really is." Hina: "My mom and dad probably wouldn't be able to help if I asked them, huh..." Fumi: "We're working with different components than them, after all." I would think it would be difficult to ask them for different reasons... Hina: "Think Rin and Sachiko know more about it?" Fumi: "I wonder." Ahahahaha. Fumi: "But... I really felt how much you were trying to please me. That made me really happy." Hina: "...Yeah. I'll do better next time..." Hina buried her face in Fumi's chest. She seemed a little frustrated. Fumi: "...Yes." Fumi gave her a gentle pat on the back. Hina sniffed at the nape of Fumi's neck. Hina: "Have you always used this shampoo?" Fumi: "Yeah, ever since I grew my hair out, at least." Hina: "Your hair was short before?" Fumi: "It was about the same length as yours until elementary school. My parents cut me and my brother's hair at home back then." Hina: "Huh... I can't picture that. I had long hair until elementary school too, though." Fumi: "Huh... I can't picture that either!" Hina: "I had a big sister, so they were always dressing me cutely in her hand-me-downs. But then I ended up like this." Fumi: "I think you're very cute now." Hina: "Thanks." Hina clung tighter to Fumi. Fumi: "Smells like summer vacation..." Fumi brought her nose to the top of Hina's head and giggled. Hina: "Zzz... zzz..." Fumi: "...Zzz... zzz..." ......... ...... Rin: "We're back~" Miyako: "Hello~" Rin and Miyako's voices. According to the clock, exactly two hours had passed. Rin: "It was cold! Super cold! But I bet it was piping hot in here~" Rin headed to the living room, cracking a decidedly un-ladylike joke. Rin: "Alright, your rest time is u—" She immediately laid eyes on the two girls, half-undressed and sleeping on top of each other. Rin: "Gyaaaaa!! Wh-What are you two doing?!" Miyako: "Aw, they're so cute together~"
Hina: "What are you reading?" Rin: "Sex-crazed Titty Teacher~" Fumi: "......" Hina: "A dirty one?" Rin: "A dirty one." No guilt there. Hina: "Why do you read sex books when you're having sex with me?" Fumi: "Pft!" Fumi almost spat out the tea she was drinking. Rin: "L-Let's talk about that when we're alone..." Hina: "But we _are_ having sex..." Rin: "Let's leave it as an unspoken agreement." Hina: "But..." She wasn't backing down. Rin: "They scratch different itches. You're not a sex-crazed titty teacher, right, Hina?" Hina: "No, but... then if a sex-crazed... whatever teacher came on to you, would you dump me for her?" Rin: "I have a firm grip on the difference between fiction and reality." Hina: "Hmm." Rin: "I don't really read these for titillation, anyway." Hina: "Really? You're not just making excuses?" Rin: "Really. I just like the writing in erotic novels. They use all sorts of expressions and metaphors. The ample descriptions really let you paint a picture in your mind." Didn't she say something similar before? Hina: "...I don't really get it." Rin: "Well... I don't know about other people who read them." The dorm manager, for instance? Miyako: "Mmh... mmble." Fumi: "Maybe we should wake Miyako." Rin: "Oh yeah, she was supposed to go get her printout from Sachiko, right?" ......... Miyako: "Okay, I'll be back." Rin: "......" Fumi: "Is something wrong?" Rin: "I was just thinking they really don't look alike." Fumi: "Miyako and Sachiko? They're not related by blood, right?" Rin: "She's real pretty though, huh~ A mysterious beauty." Fumi: "But she's also very easy to talk to. She really doesn't hide anything." Rin: "Yeah. Though you've got a great face and a personality to match too, Asou." Fumi: "Th-Thank you." Rin: "Big boobs, too. She almost seems invincible." Fumi: "Ogata, Ogata..." Rin: "Oh, don't worry, you're still the reigning boob champ in my book, Asou." Fumi: "It's not that..." Rin: "Huh?" Fumi's gaze was directed toward— Hina: "Mmmmh!" —a pouting Hina. Rin: "Ah!" Rin paled. Hina: "You pay a lot of attention to Miyako, huh!" Rin: "That's, err... b-but I pay the most attention to you, Hina!" Hina: "........." Rin: "You're the cutest, Hina! I love how you're full of energy and always try your hardest!" Hina: "......" Rin: "Your tiny boobs are the best, too!" Fumi: "Ah..." That comment had the opposite of its intended effect. Hina: "I'm sorry my boobs are tiny!" Rin: "Awawawa." Fumi: "That was definitely your fault, Ogata..." Rin tried to win Hina back over, but the latter refused to make eye contact. Honestly, she brought this on herself. Rin: "Oh, I know, let's go take a bath, Hina, a bath♪" Hina: "Grrr!" Rin: "I'll do anything you want me to today, okay, Hina?" Hina: "Grrrr!!"
Fumi: "Can I ask you to come shopping with me, Takaoka?" Fumi asked as they waited for the red light. Miyako: "Just me? What about you two?" Miyako turned back to Hina and Rin. Rin: "Umm, Hina and I have something else to do. Right?" Hina: "...Yeah." She looked up at Miyako with the gaze of an imploring puppy. Miyako: "Ah. Alright, I'll come with you." Hina: "Thank you!" Hina's expression lit up at that. Rin: "Thank you, she says." Miyako: "Ahaha." Rin: "Well, we'll see you guys later, then." Fumi: "Say, two hours?" Rin: "Is that okay?" Miyako: "If you could give me a tour of the town while we shop, I'd like that." Fumi: "I'd be happy to." Rin: "Ah..." Hina: "The light's green." Hina was already halfway across the street. Rin: "Umm... right, thank you." With a quick bow of her head, Rin chased after Hina. Rin: "Don't cling like that. It's hard to walk!" Hina: "Eheheh♪" Once Rin had caught up to her, Hina put her arms around her and clung on. Fumi and Miyako waved as they left. Miyako: "They're very close, aren't they?" Fumi: "Yes, they are." Miyako: "I'm sorry for not catching on earlier." Fumi: "Don't be! I think you actually caught on very quickly." Fumi: "It might be strange for me to be the one to tell you this, but Natsume and Ogata are—" Miyako: "They're dating, right?" Fumi: "...It's easy to tell, isn't it? Oh, but it's not as if they're hiding it or anything." Miyako: "Yes. The air between them is a little warm." She couldn't exactly tell her she'd been watching them since their relationship began. Fumi: "Does it bother you?" Miyako: "What do you mean by that?" Fumi: "Well, do you think it's awkward living together with a couple...?" Fumi: "I've been with them from the beginning, and I think they're rather adorable to watch..." Miyako: "I enjoy seeing them together too." Fumi: "...I'm glad you became our new roommate, Takaoka. I hope you'll continue to watch over them fondly from now on." Miyako: "I'm glad, too. I wanted to be your roommate..." Miyako stopped, realizing she'd said something she shouldn't have, but fortunately, Fumi didn't seem to have noticed. Fumi: "Should we take a walk by the station?" Fumi headed in the opposite direction Rin and Hina had gone, Miyako following. Miyako: "Are Natsume and Ogata going on a date somewhere?" Fumi: "I think they probably went back to the room. Natsume's been looking a little forlorn lately." Miyako: "It must be because I suddenly moved in." Fumi: "No, no, it's not your fault. If it were, then it would be mine, too." Fumi waved her hands, denying Miyako's suggestion. Fumi: "We're all glad you moved in!" Miyako: "Th... Thank you." Fumi: "They're just in the early stage of their relationship where they want to spend time with each other, and they've got a low charge on their battery right now." Fumi: "They can't be alone together all that much since it's a four-person room, and they weren't able to cuddle much at our New Year's sleepover..." Miyako: "You want to give them time alone together every so often, yes? I'm fine with that at any time." Fumi: "...Thanks. I'll take you up on that." Fumi: "I'm very impressed by you, Takaoka. You seem to see through everything." Miyako: "I'm impressed by you, too. You really watch them closely, don't you? I bet you know exactly what Natsume's thinking." Fumi: "Probably better than Ogata does, honestly. Sometimes I think I should just mind my own business, but..." Miyako: "You're like their big sister." Fumi: "I'm relieved you didn't say 'mother.'" Miyako: "Ahaha." Rin would have said that. Fumi: "Well, I am a little older than them. I was born in April. Natsume's birthday is in December, and Ogata's is in March." Miyako: "I was also born in December, so you're my big sister, too." Fumi: "Should I call you Miyako, then?" Miyako: "I would like that, Fumi." They smiled. Fumi: "Is your name written 'holy night' because you were born on Christmas?" Miyako: "Yes." Fumi: "I thought s—wah!" Fumi suddenly exclaimed. Miyako: "Is something—" Fumi ran off before Miyako could find what she was looking at. Miyako: "...A toy store?" Among the shuttered stores all down the main street, this small toy store alone was open, anticipating children's New Year's money. There were stuffed animals in a cart outside the store, and Fumi was picking up each one of them and saying something to them. Fumi: "I never thought I'd see you here!" Miyako peered into the cart when she caught up with Fumi. Miyako: "These look like the stuffed animals in our room." Fumi: "They are! These are their family!" Fumi: "This is Uri, Micha's cousin, and this is Meta, and this is San. He's Gabe's classmate, but they're actually twins—" Miyako: "It's a big family, isn't it?" Fumi: "It is! But they all get along... wait? Ah?! Oh!" She finally came to her senses. Fumi: "I-I'm sorry! I got carried away." Miyako: "Ahaha. You really love these stuffed animals, don't you, Fumi?" Miyako picked one of them up. Miyako: "Ooh..." Miyako exclaimed in wonder at the feel of the stuffed animal. Fumi: "They're so soft, aren't they? I love that about Angel Zoo." Miyako: "Angel Zoo...? Ah, that's what these stuffed animals are called? Uri and San, too?" Miyako looked at the toys' tags. Fumi: "Err... the names are just what I call them." Miyako: "They're very cute. But you don't have these ones in our room, do you?" Fumi: "These were just released this winter. I always keep on top of the new information, but I've never seen them in stores around here." Miyako: "They must have been waiting for you here." Fumi: "You're right! I'm going to bring them home! Do you mind waiting for me?" They began walking again, this time with Fumi carrying a large bag. Fumi: "...Sorry your big sister doesn't have any self-control." She must have bought all the new releases. Miyako: "But I bet the ones in our room will be happy to have a bigger family." Fumi: "Right?! ...I'm sure Ogata's going to get on my case about where I'm going to put them, though." She'd actually just made Fumi send some home at the end of the year due to overcrowding. Miyako: "Would you like to use my shelves? I have extra space." She didn't have a lot of things yet, since she'd just "moved." Fumi: "You're an angel, Miyako!" Miyako: "Huh?" No, no. She means you're an angel, like a good person. Fumi: "Uri, Meta, San, you can all stay together~" Naturally, Fumi didn't catch on to Miyako's misunderstanding, instead talking to the stuffed animals in her bag. Miyako: "Your stuffed animals are all named after angels, huh?" Fumi: "What? You know them?!" Miyako: "Uriel, Metatron, Sandalphon... It's the same for the ones in the room, right?" In reality, angels have no names. Miyako herself had been a nameless soul before she came down to earth and was named by Sachiko. There was no hierarchy of angels and archangels, either. Humans had come up with all of that. They were all the same kind of existence. Fumi: "You believe in angels, right, Miyako? You said before you'd seen them..." Miyako: "Yes. Just that I felt like I had, though." Fumi: "U-Umm! I also saw one, when I was little—" Her usual excitement threatened to well up again, but she covered her own mouth. She was trying to show a little restraint toward her new friend. Miyako: "It's alright. Please tell me." Miyako smiled. Fumi: "You don't mind?" Miyako: "I believe, too." Fumi's eyes sparkled. Fumi: "U-Umm, so, the first time I saw an angel—"
Hina: "......" Hina had returned. But she was clearly displeased, a pout on her face. Rin followed close behind her, a little out of breath. Rin: "Don't run off like that... You expect me to keep up with you?" Hina didn't turn to face her. Rin: "Hina—" Hina: "I don't care!" Hina shouted. Rin: "Huh? Hey... what are you mad about?" Rin finally noticed her mood. She went around to Hina's front and put her hands on her shoulders, but Hina wouldn't meet her gaze. Rin: "...Did I do something?" Hina: "........." Rin: "...I won't know what I did unless you tell me." Hina: "...You really don't know?" Rin nodded helplessly. Hina: "...Haahh..." The tension went out of Hina with her sigh. Rin: "Huh? What is it...?" Hina: "When I clung to you, you pushed me away." That rang a bell for her. Rin: "Th-That's kind of an exaggeration, isn't it? I just pulled away a little." Hina: "Why?" Rin: "W-Well... I saw some girls from our class coming our way." Hina: "I know. I saw them too. Is that why?" Rin: "Well... it'd be embarrassing if they started spreading rumors, right?" Hina: "...Are you embarrassed to be with me?" Rin: "...Sorry." Realizing what she'd stepped in, Rin elected to simply apologize instead. Hina: "Fine, whatever. You didn't mean anything by it, you were just being insensitive. I should have known you're just like this." Rin: "Ugh..." She swallowed whatever retort she was thinking of making, sensing that now would be a bad time. Rin: "...What do you want to do now?" Hina: "Organize my pictures." Rin: "Huh? What am I supposed to do, then?" Hina: "Why don't you read one of your sex books?" Cold as ice. Rin: "Asou was nice enough to give us time to be alone together! You're just going to waste it?!" Hina: "I don't care! I'm not in the mood!" Rin: "......" Hina turned her back, leaving Rin to flounder behind her. Rin: "Hiiinaaa!" Hina: "Wah?!" Rin leapt on Hina. Rin: "Let's make up! I was looking forward to this!" Hina: "I was too! But then you...!" Rin: "But I apologized! And I'll apologize more if that wasn't enough! I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Hina: "L-Let me go! I hate this part of you, Rin!" Rin: "Don't tell me you hate me! You'll really hurt me!" Hina struggled as Rin held her down. They fought for control. With her height, Rin should have had the advantage, but Hina's physical abilities were no joke. Rin: "Urrrgh... h-how 'bout this?!" Rin blew on Hina's ear. Hina: "Nnh?!" All of Hina's strength left her. Taking advantage of her chance, Rin stuck her hands inside Hina's sweater. Hina: "H-Hey! What are you—" Rin found Hina's nipples through her bra without giving her a chance to protest. Hina: "Hyaaan!!" Now Hina couldn't resist. She crumbled on the spot. Rin: "You're sensitive as always." Hina: "Ahn... nngh! Th-That's not fair..." Rin: "You're so cute, Hina..." Her sexy voice was the finishing blow. Hina: "Mmmm! That's more unfair!!" ......... Rin: "I'm putting it on. Lift your chin up?" Hina: "...Okay." When Rin put the collar on her, Hina became hers. Hina had decided that herself. She likely had nothing as sophisticated as "S" or "M" on her mind. She loved Rin. That was the only feeling fueling her actions. ...Hmm. And what about Rin? Now, it begins. Hina clung to the ladder. She'd stripped her shorts, tights, and underwear, exposing her butt; her small breasts had been bared as well. Hina: "Hnnh...!" Hina bucked just from having her nipple squeezed lightly. Rin: "This is a weak spot of yours, huh? Actually, I guess you're weak everywhere." Hina: "It's because the way you touch me is—" Rin: "The way I touch you? I haven't even done anything yet." Rin said, giving one of Hina's nipples a flick. Hina: "Hyaaan!" A louder scream than before came back to her. Rin: "You get turned on~ because you have a lewd body, Hina~" Hina: "Hnnh... hnnh... hnh, hnh..." Rin was still tickling her nipple, so Hina couldn't form words in response. Rin: "You're a bad dog if you're blaming other people, aren't you?" Hina: "I-I'm not... blaming... I'm just saying... you're good at this..." Rin: "H-Hmm." She didn't seem to mind hearing that. She must like getting compliments. Rin: "Well, I like the compliment, but do you not like feeling good or what?" Hina: "It's not... that." Rin: "Then just enjoy it." Hina: "...You won't hate me 'cause I'm lewd?" Rin: "'C-Course not..." That one hit hard. A clean counter that dealt massive damage. Rin: "You, you... you adorable little creature..." Rin: "O-Of course I won't hate you! Just be as lewd as you want already!" Hina: "H-Hyaee?!" Rin resumed her fondling of Hina's breasts. She didn't have the volume for full-on groping, so Rin concentrated her attack on Hina's nipples, rubbing them with the pads of her fingers. But this time, she was serious. She wasn't teasing her like she had been earlier, but using all her knowledge, skills, and love to stimulate Hina for real. Hina had moaned just from Rin's light touches earlier, so she stood no chance against passion like this. Hina: "Haaaahnn!!" Yeah, like that. Rin: "Look, it's getting harder and harder here." Hina: "I-I can't... tell..." Rin: "...Huh. It doesn't hurt, does it?" Hina: "I-I'm... okay..." Rin: "Can I squeeze a little harder, then?" Hina: "Huh? But... any harder, and... haaahn!!" That response was clearly more extreme than her previous. And that amused Rin. Hina: "Ah... ah... aaah... nnnh!" She squeezed Hina's nipples in time with her cries. Narrowing down her reactions, she found the best way to touch her to produce the noises she wanted. With the stream concentrated, Hina now had no way of resisting its flow. And... Hina: "...Haaaahn!!" Hina shuddered, the ladder she was clinging to creaking. She may have just had a light orgasm. Rin enjoyed the sight of her flushed cheeks. Rin: "We're not done yet. This time we're going to enjoy it down here." Rin's hand slid down from Hina's breasts. Hina: "Hunh...?" Hina was a little out of it, but she came back around when she felt Rin's hand on her stomach. Rin: "It'll feel even better down here, right?" Hina: "H-Hnnh... umm..." Rin: "You don't need to answer, I already know..." Rin's fingers reached their goal before Hina could respond. A wet sound announced their arrival. Rin: "You're really wet." Hina: "...Ugh..." It wasn't like their first time. Hina knew now what that meant. Hina: "...I'm sorry." Rin: "Why are you apologizing? It makes me happy that you're wet." Hina: "It... does?" Rin: "It means you enjoyed it, right? I made you this wet. Of course that makes me happy." Hina: "O-Oh..." Rin: "Though your body is still lewd, of course." Hina: "...Ugh." Rin: "You're excited about feeling even better next, right?" Hina: "...Stupid..." Rin: "Ah, you called me stupid~" Hina: "Aaah?!" Hina yelped when Rin's fingers slid between her soft folds. Rin: "That's hot! You really do run hot, like—" Hina: "D-Don't... say that." Rin: "Heheh, sure, sure." She moved her fingers left and right against her. It was a soft touch, but it made Hina tremble all the same. Rin: "It's squelching." Hina: "Come on... you don't have to say that..." Rin: "I dunno~ I'm stupid, so I can't keep my mouth shut." Hina: "Uuugh..." Rin never lets something like that slide. Rin: "My fingers are completely soaked. But they move easier now, so maybe that's good..." Hina: "Ah... ah..." Hina moaned with each movement of Rin's fingers. Rin: "Hm... maybe I'll try going a bit harder." Rin said, digging her fingers in deeper. The knuckle on her middle finger was in just the right place to graze Hina's sensitive bead. Hina: "Nah... that feels too good!" Rin: "Hm? What's wrong with that?" Hina: "I-It makes everything go white in my head... I-I'll get lost!" Rin: "......" Rin licked her upper lip, looking positively ecstatic. Rin: "Let... me... help... you... get... lost..." Hina: "Eep... aaaaaah!!" Scooping up plenty of nectar on her finger, she rubbed it against Hina's core. Rin: "I can feel how hard it is." It was hidden away, but for a sensitive girl like Hina, it was probably best that Rin touched it through its veil. Hina: "Aaah!! Aaahn!! Hyaaah!!" Hina's cries resounded through the room along with wet sounds and the creaking of the bed. Rin: "I think you're making a little~ too much noise, Hina?" Hina: "Mmmh...?" Rin: "Why don't you suck on this, okay?" Rin stuck her finger in Hina's mouth. Hina: "M-Mgh..." She was surprised at first, but accepted it soon enough. Rin: "Inside the mouth is an erogenous zone too, you know~?" She sounded proud of that one. Must have read it in a book or something. Hina: "Mmgh... mmh..." She touched the inside of Hina's mouth gently, and Hina's tongue curled around her invitingly. Rin: "Whoa, your tongue feels good. That gave me chills..." Rin shuddered. Hina: "Chp... chp... mmh." Hina sucked Rin's finger even harder after hearing that. Rin: "Mmh... Puppies sure are good at licking." Hina: "...Nnh... nnh..." Rin: "Heheh, clever doggies need to be rewarded..." Hina: "Hnnh... re...warded?" Rin: "Yeah. Let's get lost, Hina." Hina: "Mmmgh!!" Rin rubbed Hina's core harder, pushing her finger deeper into her mouth as well. Hina: "Hagh... mmgh!!" She couldn't suck on it like she'd been doing before. Her tongue was at the mercy of Rin's finger. Rin: "That hurt? Is it too deep?" She was concerned for Hina, as she should have been. Her kindness may have come from cowardice, but it was clear nonetheless how much she cared about Hina. Hina: "Mm... hmmh..." Hina shook her head, her hair rustling about. Rin: "Go ahead and cum whenever you want, okay?" Rin's fingers sped up, relieved by Hina's answer. Hina: "Haah... haah... aaaahn!!" Hina may not even be able to hear her anymore. Rin: "Hina... Hina... you're so cute, you're so cute...!" Rin gazed, spellbound, at her small lover, bucking in her arms. Hina: "Hah... n-no... no... aaamh!!" Hina's small body scrunched up even smaller, her energy condensing before its explosion. Rin: "Go ahead... cum... Hina!!" Hina: "H... Hyaaah... hahh... hahh..." Hina: "Nnnngh...!" Rin: "Ow...!!" Hina's howl and Rin's yelp came at the same time. She'd chomped down on Rin's finger in her orgasm. Rin: "Agh...!!" Rin yanked her finger out of Hina's mouth. Hina: "Hahh... hahh... huhh...?!" Hina: "I-I bit you...?!" Rin: "Ow... gh..." All Rin could do for a minute was groan in pain. Hina: "A-Are you okay?!" Hina turned around nervously. Hina: "Ah... your finger! Is it bleeding?!" She must have tasted blood in her mouth. Rin: "Huh...? Oh... it is." She looked down and found blood seeping from the teeth marks in her finger. Hina: "Aaaaah... I'm sorry... I'm sorry!!" Hina was making a face like it was the end of the world. Rin: "Aha... haha... guess I got a little carried away..." Rin was almost more panicked seeing Hina in the state she was in. Hina: "I was feeling good all on my own, and lost control... and I even hurt you..." Rin: "No... no! It's not your fault, Hina." Hina: "...I'm a bad dog." Hina sunk deeper into her gloom. Rin: "Hina... it's alright." Rin embraced her from behind... it was all she could do. Hina: "Rin, I love you... I love you..." Rin: "Yeah... I love you, too." In just one or two hours, they went from anger to laughter to love to tears... These two were like a roller coaster.
The girls all spent their time before bed doing whatever they liked. Shff, shff. The soft sound of Fumi filing her nails. Hina: "......" Fumi: "What is it? I'm just doing my nails." Fumi noticed Hina watching her. Hina: "You really take good care of them, huh?" Fumi: "Oh, I wouldn't say I'm that serious about it." Hina: "No, it's super, like, 'girly'! It's like, 'nail care' rather than just clipping." Hina was impressed. Hina: "I've never filed my nails before." Rin: "You use pliers, Hina?" Hina: "That's torture! I use nail clippers!" Fumi: "If I just clip them, they're not smooth, and they'll scratch—" Fumi couldn't help looking at Rin, who realized where she was going and looked away. Hina: "Scratch? Scratch Rin?" Hina, of course, had noticed it. Fumi: "Er, well... yes..." Rin: "H-Hina!" The pair were flustered when Hina saw through them. Hina: "Hm? When you wash her hair for her or something?" Rin: "Huh? Ah... y-yeah, that!" Hina: "You baby Rin too much, Asou." Fumi: "Ahaha..." Miyako: "Come to think of it..." Miyako had been staring at her fingertips, but she suddenly spoke up. Miyako: "When do you think I should cut my nails?" Fumi: "Let me see." Fumi took Miyako's hand and checked her fingertips. Fumi: "They look a little long. You wouldn't want to catch them on something and break one, so you might want to clip them now." Miyako: "I see." Fumi: "They grow at different rates for different people, but you'll typically want to cut them every two weeks or so." It had been about that long since she'd come down. Fumi: "Here, do you want to use my file?" Miyako: "Yes!" Fumi: "—Hold it at a 45 degree angle and just move it slowly in one direction." Miyako: "Okay." Fumi held a little nail care workshop. Hina was staring at her own fingertips while Fumi was showing Miyako how to file her nails. Hina: "They're a little long... My hair and nails grow super fast." Rin: "We'll have to take you to a groomer soon. You'll be a good girl and stay put for them, right?" Hina: "I'm a human girl! I'm good with my hands! I can cut them myself!" Rin: "Oh yeah, I heard horny people's nails grow faster." Hina: "What?" Miyako: "Do your nails grow fast, Fumi?" Fumi: "Umm, uhh~, I'm not sure..." Miyako: "You seem to take care of them often." Hina: "Look! You made it all weird by saying something weird, Rin!" Rin: "I just said you were horny, Hina!" Hina: "Keee! These claws are for scratching you!" Miyako headed for Sachiko's room to pick up the printout she'd asked her to sign. Hina: "Want me to come with you?" Miyako: "That's alright." Rin: "They're cousins, so you don't need to be that worried about her, right?" Hina: "You never know. I bet her nails grow super fast." Miyako: "Ahaha, you think she has to cut them every day?" Rin: "Let's see..." Rin started to fidget like she always did. Miyako: "Oh, one moment." Miyako said, opening up the microwave and the fridge. Miyako: "They were in here this time." She took Rin's glasses out of the fridge and handed them to her. Rin: "Th-Thanks." Miyako: "Okay, I'll be back." Rin: "Ugh, they're freezing!" And cloudy. Hina: "Why the heck were your glasses in the fridge? And hasn't this happened before?" Rin: "I dunno either." Fumi: "Miyako found them right away, though." Rin: "Theory: Takaoka hid them." Hina: "Don't blame someone else for stuff you bring on yourself! This happened before Miyako came, too!" Fumi: "Maybe she remembered us telling her about finding them in the fridge and the microwave before." Hina: "She's got a good memory." Fumi: "Yes... She already knows where all the dishes and things are, too." Rin: "Very well, I shall appoint her to Glasses Safekeeping Officer." Hina: "Do that yourself!" Hina: "...Did we tell Miyako about your glasses, though?"
Hina: "Well, it's pretty nice out. Want to walk a bit more?" Hina asked Miyako at a red light. Miyako: "Sure, that sounds nice." Rin: "What~? It's cold, I don't wanna." Hina: "I didn't invite you. Shoo, go home." Fumi: "I—" Hina: "Take Rin home, Asou?" Fumi: "Ah..." Rin: "Hey, isn't that a little mean?" Fumi: "Okay!" Rin: "Huh? Okay? Wasn't she a little mean to me?" Fumi: "...Rin?" Fumi sighed and pulled Rin's sleeve so she'd bend down, then whispered in her ear. Rin: "Huh? ...Oh... okay... we'll go home." She mumbled. Hina: "Takaoka and I will hang out for about two hours, I think..." Hina shot a look at Miyako, who nodded her agreement. Fumi: "Got you. —Let's go, Rin?" Rin: "...Yeah." Miyako: "See you later." Fumi and Miyako waved at each other. ...... Hina: "Sorry for deciding without asking you." Hina turned to Miyako after watching Fumi and Rin leave. Hina: "We'll get cold talking out here. I hope there's a coffee shop open somewhere, but it is a holiday..." This was a town with no Starbucks. Miyako: "Oh, the cold doesn't bother me all that much." Hina: "Really? Same here. Wanna walk and talk, then? I'll show you around town." The two hardy girls walked off. Hina: "I imagine you've noticed, but those two—" Miyako: "They're very close, aren't they?" Miyako smiled. The two of them were on the same page. Hina: "Yeah, so... I wanted to give them some time alone." Miyako: "Yes, I agree." Hina: "Eheh. So you don't mind hanging out with me?" Miyako: "I'm happy to." Hina: "Well... I said I'd show you around, but most of the stores are closed." There wasn't much point keeping a store open on holidays in a residential town like this. Miyako: "I'm glad I got an opportunity to chat with you like this, Natsume." Hina: "So am I. ...You're a good person, Takaoka." Miyako: "Do you think so?" Hina: "I feel like you're already looking out for us even though you only just came." Miyako: "It's alright. I like seeing how close they are." Hina: "Yeah, I do, too. It's just... you know, they're at that age..." Hina suggested. Miyako: "Ah, I suppose so." Miyako understood. Hina: "I'm supposed to keep an eye on things as the RA, but..." Miyako: "You don't want to restrict them too much." Hina: "Right. Sorry, I'll probably end up asking for your help more in the future." Miyako: "Please don't hesitate to." Hina: "It's just, I feel kind of awkward about it." Miyako: "Hm?" Hina: "Oh, once, I caught them in the middle of the act... You just... wouldn't expect them to do that in the chapel, right?" Miyako: "Ah..." She couldn't very well say, "Yes, I saw that, too." Hina: "After that, they started acting closer in public, like they weren't restraining themselves anymore." Hina: "Even in front of you. Asou's still holding back, but Rin's all over her." Miyako: "It doesn't bother me." Hina: "It doesn't bother me either, when they're just flirting." Hina: "I just feel like Rin's a little dependent on Asou. Which I guess she's kinda always been, but it's hard to watch sometimes." Hina: "And Asou's Asou, so she babies Rin. Maybe I shouldn't, but I worry..." Hina: "...But, like, I get it. Rin's not used to having someone to rely on, since her parents haven't really been around since she was little." Miyako: "......" Hina: "What?" Miyako: "You really care a lot about them, huh?" Hina: "Ah, yeah... They're my best friends. I want to stay close to them as long as I can." Miyako: "......" She can use a phrase like "best friends" with complete honesty. She really is a strong girl. Hina: "Oh, sorry, you mind?" Hina suddenly stopped. Miyako: "Hm?" And she took a small box out of her pocket. It was her special toy camera. Hina: "I want to take a picture here. It's bustling with color, after all." It was a small toy store, the only business on the street still open for the holiday. Miyako: "It is. All the other stores have their shutters down, just this one is bustling." Miyako's eyes were sparkling when she turned back to Hina. Hina darted around, snapping pictures. Hina: "Is that a new one of the stuffed animals Asou collects, you think?" There was a cart outside the shop and some familiar-looking stuffed animals lined up on it. Miyako: "They do look alike, now that you mention it." Miyako picked one of them up. Hina: "Takaoka, over here!" Miyako: "?!" Miyako's eyes went wide when the camera was pointed at her. Hina: "Oh, sorry. Do you not like having your picture taken?" Miyako: "N-No... I was just surprised." She was still thinking like an angel. Even though now, she _should_ show up in pictures. Hina: "Then, can I take another? Smile this time♪" Miyako: "Oh, okay." This time she smiled. It was a little awkward, though. Hina: "Thanks. I'll show 'em to you next time I get them developed." Miyako: "Umm, can I see that camera?" Hina: "Yeah, sure. It's just a normal toy camera, though." Miyako took the camera. Miyako: "So this is..." She turned it, looking at it from different angles. Hina: "It's what? Is this your first time seeing a toy camera?" Miyako: "There's nothing unusual about it, is there?" Hina: "Yeah. Like I said, it's just a normal one." Miyako: "How strange..." Hina: "You're a little strange, too, Takaoka..." Hina: "Hey, Takaoka..." Miyako: "Yes?" Miyako was still fervently examining the camera. Hina: "...You believe in angels, right?" Miyako: "...Yes." She stopped fiddling with the camera and looked up. Hina: "Umm... well..." Hina hesitated. Miyako: "......" Miyako waited serenely for Hina to get the words out. Hina: "I... took a picture of an angel with that camera." Miyako: "Ah..." Hina: "It was a long time ago. When I was little. I got the camera as a Christmas present—" Hina spoke like a dam had burst. She told the story of the angel eating the strawberry off of her cake on that Christmas night. Her story wasn't organized particularly well, but her words were passionate, and Miyako listened patiently until the end. ...... Hina: "I'm sorry... for going on about something so weird all of a sudden." Miyako merely shook her head. Hina: "I just thought you might believe me, so..." Miyako: "Of course I believe you." She looked her straight in the eye and said that. Well, of course she did. She knows who that angel was, after all. Hina: "I've always kept it a secret... but I wanted to tell someone." Miyako: "I'm glad you told me." Hina: "Thanks. I'm glad I did, too." Hina's face lit up when Miyako accepted her story as truth. Hina: "When we get back... I'll show you the picture!" Miyako: "...Alright." Hina walked off, but Miyako was still standing there. She was happy. She knew that Hina sometimes snuck her album out to look at it, and she'd peeked at the picture from behind her back before, too. That was when she was watching the room as an angel, of course. What mattered to her wasn't Hina's story or her proof, but that she'd opened up about something important to her. Hina: "Takaokaaa?" Miyako: "Yes, I'm coming." Miyako hurried to follow Hina. Miyako: "They do exist... Angels." She suddenly pointed the camera my way. ...Whoops.
Rin: "We're back!" The door swung open and Rin strolled in. Fumi: "Not that anyone's waiting for us." Fumi followed, quietly closing the door behind her. Rin: "Yep. Which means we're all alone~♪" She looked like she could pirouette on the spot. Fumi: "We'll have to thank Natsume for giving us this opportunity." Rin: "Let's give her some New Year's money later." Fumi: "There you go, treating her like a kid again. You could just tell her thank you." Rin: "We've been having sleepovers since Christmas, then Takaoka moved in, so we haven't been alone together in so long~" Fumi sighed and smiled awkwardly. Fumi: "I wonder if Takaoka's figured it out yet." Rin: "You think? I think we've been pretty discreet since Christmas." Huh? Fumi: "Huh?" ...Right? Rin: "Fuuumiii." The restrained (so she said) Rin whined and went to put her arms around Fumi. Fumi: "Oh, wait a second. I have a LIME message..." Rin: "Pgh." Fumi put her finger on Rin's lips and looked down at her phone. Fumi: "Hm? It's from Rei?" Rin: "Rei... Oh, your brother? What'd he say?" Fumi: "He wants to know if I've seen his pass case, since he can't find it. He has a habit of misplacing things..." Someone else in this room has that habit, too. Rin: "You don't want to lose your train pass..." Rin dug in her pocket and took out her own case... probably just to check if she still had it. Fumi: "No, you don't. You should be careful, t—ah." Fumi did a double take when she saw the pass case in Rin's hand. Fumi: "I'm sorry, Rin. Can you check your other pocket?" Rin: "Hm? There's nothing in—huh?" A pass case appeared from this pocket as well. Rin: "It doubled?! Tap my pocket and I have two pass cases? Is it a magic pocket?!" Rin tapped her pocket, but no more pass cases appeared, of course. Fumi: "No. Look closer. The first one you pulled out is Rei's, I think." She opened up the case and looked at the train pass. The name on it was "Rei Asou." Fumi's brother. Rin: "You're right! Wait, what? The case is mine, though." Fumi: "It's a little bit different. Look at the stitching here." Rin: "Oh, yeah. You could tell from one look?" Fumi: "Rei's pass case was a birthday present from me. And I see yours every morning." Because of the Rin Shift, Fumi knew Rin's belonings better than Rin did. Rin: "Ah~ It was probably on the shoe cupboard, and it looked exactly like mine, so I took it without thinking. I feel really bad about that." The design of the case was another factor, since you couldn't see the train pass without opening it. Fumi: "No, it's Rei's fault for leaving it in a place like that." Rin: "Nah, I shouldn't have put it in my pocket without checking. And I never noticed after that either." Fumi: "It's alright. I'll probably go home again before the new semester starts, so I can give it to him then." Fumi sent a reply to her brother. Rin: "Sorry. I'll put some money on it before you give it back." She looked like she felt really bad about it. Fumi: "......" Fumi finished typing and closed the app, staring at Rin's face. Rin: "Hm? What is it?" Fumi: "Should we not have invited you over?" Rin: "What?! Where'd that come from?" Fumi: "You were really nervous, weren't you? At my house and at Natsume's." Rin: "Th-That's not... You could tell?" Fumi: "Yes. Taking the wrong pass case was probably—" Rin: "No, I'm always like that." Fumi: "........." Rin: "......" Fumi: "You were very polite at both of our houses." Rin: "Uh, yeah." The subject changed. Fumi: "You spoke a lot to our parents, too." Rin: "Ah~ I'm good at acting. And Hina was there, too." Fumi: "But you were really uncomfortable, right?" Rin: "...Yeah, I guess." Even through Rin's façade, it had been obvious to her. Rin: "Oh! But it's not because your family made me uncomfortable or anything." Fumi: "......" If Rin had been her usual careless self, Fumi wouldn't have worried. But at both Natsume's and her own house, she had had perfect manners. Knowing how she was normally, this was enough for Fumi to be able to tell that Rin had been nervous the whole time. Fumi: "Sorr—" Rin: "It was really fun. I was happy to be invited." She didn't let her finish the apology. Rin: "It was my first time spending New Year's with people. And I wouldn't have been able to have that experience if you and Hina hadn't dragged me with you." Rin: "I mean, everybody knows I'm not exactly the sociable type." Fumi: "......" Everybody, eh? Rin: "So I use more energy than others when I interact with people for the first time. But it's not like I always hate to do it." Fumi: "I see..." Fumi smiled in relief. Rin: "And, hey! I got to meet the mother- and father-in-law!" Aww, there she goes again. Fumi: "Are you going to introduce yourself to them properly someday?" Rin: "U-Umm..." See? She should have known she'd get countered. Fumi: "I hope you will... one day." Rin: "Ugh... uh... yeah." Release. Fumi: "Heheh..." Rin: "Huh...?" While Rin was busy being flustered, Fumi brought her face right up to hers. Fumi: "...Shall we?" Before she could even recover, Fumi was already making her next move. She slowly lowered Rin to the bed. Rin had already been stripped of everything but her underwear. And that was flipped up and pulled down, respectively, so she was almost completely exposed. Fumi: "You're so cute again today, Rin! You're beautiful! Wonderful! Everywhere, from the top of your head to the tips of your toes!" As usual, Fumi was raring to go right from the start. She always made sure to compliment Rin during the act. Rin: "Th... Thanks." And Rin was always happy about it, though her embarrassment tended to win out. But Fumi paid that no mind, observing Rin's limbs from close enough to breathe on them. Fumi: "Snff... Your scent always makes my heart pound. You always act so mature, but when you're naked, you smell like a baby." Rin: "W-We should have showered first..." Fumi: "It doesn't bother me. Does it bother you, Rin?" Fumi sniffed herself, then looked at Rin. Rin: "...No. You always smell good, Fumi." Does Fumi smell like... a mother, maybe? Fumi: "Heheh, good." Fumi likely knew from the start that Rin only brought up showering because she was embarrassed. They hadn't showered before their first time in the classroom, after all. Rin: "Anyway... I'm embarrassed being the only one with my clothes off." Fumi: "What~? I've got my clothes off, too." Rin: "Barely. You've still got your bra on, and you've got panties _and_ stockings on, too!" Rin bemoaned the inequality. True, she was the only one with the important bits exposed. Fumi: "Hmm~ Well, I'm the one on top, so it's fine, isn't it♪" Fumi considered it for a moment, then doubled down. Rin: "Ugh, that's not fair. You're not the only one who—" Come to think of it, it was the same for the first few times too, wasn't it? It feels like it was long ago, but... no, it's only been half a month. Fumi: "Eheheh. Why don't we switch off, then? Once you're satisfied, you can do as you like with me." Rin: "Wait, you get to go first?" Fumi: "Yep. Since I'm already going." Fumi said, drawing closer. Rin: "Ugh..." Rin was powerless to resist the force of Fumi's smile. It had been firmly established who had the power in this relationship. Who could have seen this coming? No, perhaps it was inevitable. Fumi: "Oh, and don't worry about making a mess this time." Fumi lifted up a corner of the towel she'd laid out under Rin. Rin: "Pfft...?!" Fumi was the only one who could bring to bear her wifeliness in a situation like this. Fumi: "You squirt right away when you're enjoying yourself, Rin. If you get my bed wet, it'll be cold when I'm trying to sleep tonight." Once, Rin had snuck into Fumi's bed and had gotten the tables turned on her. Come to think of it, that was probably when the roles in their relationship swapped. Rin: "Ugh... You're becoming meaner and meaner." Rin looked away. Her face was probably bright red. Fumi: "If I embarrassed you, I'm sorry. I really didn't put the towel down to be mean, though." Fumi: "Anyway, it doesn't bother me that you wet yourself. I actually find it cute—" Rin: "That! That's what I'm talking about!!" Ahaha. As Fumi insisted, she was likely acting out of kindness, but her consideration had dealt a critical hit to Rin. Fumi: "But you're _enjoying_ me being mean more and more, aren't you, Rin?" Rin: "E-Enjoying it? What's that supposed to mean? Th-That's not... true." Rin panicked at Fumi's counterattack. Fumi: "Well, I'm trying to make you happy, and when I'm mean, you enjoy it, don't you? So there's nothing else I can do." Rin: "What?! Everybody hates it when people say it's their fault too if a kid gets bullied! Bullying is uncool!" Fumi: "It's not bullying, it's being mean. You don't think I'd do anything you wouldn't like, right?" Rin: "You don't stop when I say no..." Fumi: "I'd stop if you meant it." Rin: "How can you tell if I mean it or not?" Rin had gotten mired in the argument while trying to protect what she could of her pride. Realizing what she was doing, Fumi sighed and smiled. Fumi: "Well... do you want to keep going?" Rin: "......" Rin just kept her eyes averted, unable to accept the escape Fumi was offering. Fumi: "You don't want to get started already?" Rin: "......" Her eyes swam. Rin knew best of all that there was no way for her to win this. Fumi: "Aww~ Time is just passing us by~ They might come home if we wait too long~" Fumi looked at the clock and then acted overly dejected. Rin: "...Ugh." One more push. Fumi: "Whew. Well, I don't want to rush. Maybe we should just chat today. I'll get dressed and make some t—" Fumi said, getting up. Rin: "No... wait." Rin gasped and grabbed her shoulder. Fumi: "Hm?" Rin: "U... Umm..." Fumi is............ Really............ Patient. Rin: "Please be mean to me..." Fumi: "Okay♪" A brilliant smile. Fumi: "Just lay back and really enjoy this. Leave it all to me. I'll take care of you." Rin: "...Okay." She nodded, but she still wouldn't look Fumi in the eye. Fumi: "Ahh, you're beautiful from the side, too. You really are pretty, Rin." Fumi was entranced by Rin, but her own looks were nothing to sneeze at either. I wouldn't be surprised if she was scouted for something off the street. Rin: "...Ah." Fumi's hands reached Rin's thighs before Rin could cover her face in embarrassment. Her palms slid slowly over Rin's skin, reaching her core and exploring there. Rin: "Nnh!" Fumi: "You're already wet. You got like this just from anticipation, huh?" Rin: "Why do you have to talk about it?!" Fumi: "Because you're so cute when you're embarrassed♪ And you get more excited when I do..." Rin: "Aaagh?!" Fumi: "See?" Rin: "Th-That's not fair! Th-This is just 'cause... you put your fingers in!" Fumi: "What~? I'm only touching you with the tips of my nails. Aren't you a bit too sensitive?" Rin: "I-I am not... I-I'm just normal..." Fumi: "Heh, yes, yes. I only know you though, so I don't know what's 'normal.'" Rin: "...Well... I only know you." Fumi: "I don't care what's normal, though. All I want is to get to know you, deeply." At which point, Fumi did move her fingers deeper. Rin: "Fu...mi... mmh!!" Rin gripped the sheets when Fumi's fingers intruded. Fumi: "It's so hot... You might burn my fingers." Fumi's middle finger stirred Rin's melting pot. Of course, she was only two knuckles deep. It was clear just from watching her that she was being as careful as possible not to hurt Rin. Fumi: "...You're sucking it, like you're trying to eat my finger up." Rin: "Mmh... I-I can't... control it..." Fumi: "Heh. Does my finger taste good?" Rin: "I-I don't know..." Fumi: "Maybe you can tell with this mouth." Fumi said, touching Rin's lips with another finger. With just a gentle tap on Rin's lips, it was let inside easily. Rin: "Aah... amh... mmh..." Fumi: "Ahh... This mouth is hot, too... Your tongue is so soft." Rin didn't have to be told to suck on Fumi's digit. Fumi: "Heh, is it good?" Rin: "Mgh... chp... hah... it is..." Rin looked up at Fumi with her tongue sticking out, entranced, and Fumi stared back at her passionately. Fumi: "Maybe I'll see how you taste, too." Rin: "Mmh...?" Fumi pulled her finger from Rin's mouth and bent down to kiss her cheek. Fumi: "Mmh... your cheek, too. You're burning hot everywhere, Rin." Rin: "Your... lips are, too..." Fumi: "Nnh... chp... lick... nnh..." Fumi ran her tongue over Rin's cheek. Fumi: "...So this is your taste. I'd like to just eat you up..." Rin: "I don't think I'd taste good. There's not as much to eat on me as there is on you." Ah... Fumi: "Heh, heheh. I'll cook you up good, so don't worry~" Rin: "Eep..." It sounds more realistic when a good cook like Fumi says it. Her eyes aren't smiling, though. Fumi: "I'm just kidding. I'd never do that to someone so important to me." Rin: "Y-Yeah... ah." Fumi kissed her soothingly. Fumi: "Mmh... mmh... chp." Fumi's tongue invited her, and Rin accepted. Rin: "Mmh... nnh... ahh..." Fumi: "Ahh... your tongue tastes good, too." Her tongue was covered in syrup. Was she tasting or being tasted? Rin: "Mmh... nnh... mm!" Fumi got even closer to her and Rin yelped, stiffening slightly. Fumi: "Rin? Wh-What is it?" Rin: "I-It's nothing... I-I'm fine..." Fumi: "......" Fumi merely looked Rin in the eyes. Rin: "Umm, it just... hurt a little, maybe." Rin dropped her gaze hesitantly. Fumi: "Ah! I'm sorry!!" Fumi hurriedly pulled her hand from Rin. Fumi: "I was so focused on kissing you... I'm really sorry." Rin: "I-It's fine... I overreacted—" Fumi: "No! Don't ever hold it in!" Rin: "O-Okay." This time Rin hurriedly answered when she saw how serious Fumi looked. Fumi: "I don't ever want to hurt you, Rin..." Rin: "What? But you hurt me all the time. Like with the spanking..." Fumi: "Oh, that makes you feel good, so it's different." Rin: "Urgh..." Fumi: "I would feel awful if I really harmed someone so important to me." Rin: "If it's you, Fumi, I—" Fumi: "No. Not until we're married!" Well, that's an interesting thing to say. But it means Fumi must have her own ideas about their future together. Rin: "Oh... Thanks for looking out for me." Fumi: "Of course... and I'm happy to hear that from you too, Rin." Fumi: "Now, let's keep going. I'll use this to make you feel good now." Rin: "A-Aaaaah!!" Fumi pinched Rin's bead and she gave a louder reaction than she had before. Fumi: "You're sensitive here, too." Rin was so sensitive, touching it through the hood was more than good enough. Fumi knew that from experience. Rin: "Aaaahn! Hyaaaah!! Nnnnh!!" She touched her like pushing a button, and Rin responded like a buzzer. Fumi: "So loud..." Rin: "...S-Sorry." Fumi: "No, I'm just happy. There's no one in this dorm right now but you and me, so you can make as much noise as you want." Fumi said, switching it up again. This time, she put her fingers to Rin's slit and moved them gently left and right. Her middle finger shook Rin's petals and produced a sticky sound. Rin: "Hyah... nnnnh!!" Perhaps it was easier to feel pleasure on the outside than on the inside, since there was no restriction of movement. Fumi: "It's not just down here either, is it?" Fumi brought her other hand up and pinched one of Rin's nipples. Rin: "Aahn!" There was no need to answer with words. Fumi: "They're so nice... The perfect shape and size. I'm jealous." Rin: "...Perfect means... something different to everyone. Your boobs are... big and soft. I like them." Rin showed her support for Fumi('s breasts) between ragged breaths. Fumi: "Thanks. I'm glad I have them if that's how you feel about them." Rin: "Yeah... ah." She was reaching out to Fumi's breasts, but stopped at her smile. Fumi: "It's my turn to give right now." Rin: "Haaah!!" The grind of her middle finger turned to a slight vibration. Fumi: "Your face is so beautiful when you feel pleasure... and your voice is so cute..." Fumi was enraptured by the sight of Rin as she toyed with her. Fumi: "Ahh, I'm the only one who's seen you make that face. I'm the only one who's heard your voice like this..." ...Sorry. Rin: "Nnh... aah!!" Fumi moved the angle of her wrist, changing the point she was stimulating. She adjusted until she was applying the perfect pressure to Rin's bead. Rin: "Aah... oh god... F-Fumi...!!" Rin reacted right away. The effect was considerable. Fumi: "...Are you ready?" Rin nodded, panting. Fumi: "Good... I'll let you cum. But first, I want to hear you ask for it." Rin: "Mmm... mm..." What little logic and shame she could muster through her boiling thoughts sealed Rin's lips. Fumi: "I'll wait until you say it." Her smile was bewitching. The difference between how she was now and how she was usually was incredible. She slowed her fingers down as much as possible and teased Rin. Fumi: "You're so cute. You're moving your hips yourself, you know? Come on, just tell me what you want." Rin: "Nnh... n-no..." Fumi: "What? No?" Rin: "N-No... I just... came..." Rin bit her lip and looked away. Fumi: "Ah... oh!" Fumi realized. Rin: "...Hyah?! Wh-Why?!" She was suddenly moving her fingers fast again. Fumi: "Please... I'll forgive you this time. But in exchange... I want you to cum again and really wet yourself." Rin: "N-N-No, no... I-I don't... w-want to!!" Fumi: "But you have to♪ Otherwise, what did I get the towel for?" She smiled, not letting Rin go. What a terrible face. How old is this girl again? Rin: "Ah, aaah... agh...!!" Fumi: "You're twitching... You're almost there." Her voice actually got quieter the closer she was to orgasm. It drew in before the explosion. Rin: "Ah... nngh!!" The dam was about to burst. Fumi: "Ah, it's so hot... there it is!" Rin: "H...nnnnngh!!" Rin squirted into Fumi's hand. And the towel served its purpose. Fumi: "Ahh... Rin, you're so cute." Fumi: "...It's absolutely soaked. I'll use two towels next time." Fumi inspected the towel. Rin: "Aaah... aah..." But Rin wasn't listening. Fumi: "Heh, I love that face, too." She kissed Rin's sweaty cheek. Fumi: "Well, what do you want to do now? Switch, or... go for round 2?" Rin: "More... give me more... please." Fumi: "Of course♪" Just as she planned. Fumi licked her lips, smiling from ear to ear.
Hina: "That was great!" Fumi: "Wow, that was fast." Hina: "Well, it's tasty. And we had PE in the morning." Rin: "Are you chewing?" Hina: "I am." Hina said, baring her teeth. They were very straight. Fumi: "It makes me happy to see you enjoy my cooking so much." Miyako: "I should hurry." Miyako rushed her chopsticks along, her lunch still only half-eaten. Rin: "It's more like you savor every bite than you eat slow, Mikoyan." Fumi: "That makes me happy, too. You don't have to rush, lunch isn't over yet." Miyako: "Thank you." Rin: "Hm? Hina, why'd you leave your meatball? Didn't you like those? Did you drop it?" There was indeed a single meatball left on the lid of Hina's lunchbox. Hina: "Oh, this is an offering." Hina stood and headed into the back of the chapel with her lunchbox lid. Hina: "I'll be counting on you again, Miss Angel." She left her "offering" under the stained glass and clapped her hands. Rin: "Huh? What are you doing?" Hina: "For our proficiency tests. Remember? I asked at the end of last semester and got through my supplementary exams because of it." Rin: "You still don't clap at a chapel." Hina: "What~? I thought we decided it was okay at that shrine." Rin: "We did not." Hina: "Well, amen." Hina crossed herself. Rin: "That was sloppy! And we don't cross ourselves at Seiyou." Hina: "Huh? We don't?" Rin: "Haahh... I feel bad for the angel who has to take this for just one meatball." Hina: "It was the best thing in my lunch today. It's the thought that counts!" Miyako: "Ahaha, I'm sure an angel is watching." It's convincing coming from her. But they only watch. Angels can't interfere. Offerings won't have any effect. Even if you sacrificed a whole lamb. Hina: "Nom, nom. Now I've got it in the bag." Hina came back after tossing the meatball in her mouth. Rin: "So you ate it yourself in the end." Hina: "Well, it'd be a waste not to. You eat the offerings you leave at Buddhist altars too, right?" Rin: "You're ridiculous." Fumi turned to Miyako while Hina and Rin were going at it. Fumi: "There are a lot of angel sightings at Seiyou, and most of them happen in this chapel." Miyako: "Is that right? I've never seen one." Fumi: "Ahaha, neither have I. But there's still time before graduation! It could still happen!" An oblivious exchange. Miyako had obviously met other angels, just never in this chapel. Rin: "If they show up in this chapel a lot, you should just put a camera in here." Like they're cryptids or something... Rin: "Your dad must have a camera like that, right, Hina?" Hina: "......" Rin: "Hina?" Hina: "My sister went here..." Rin: "Oh, the one with the huge boobs?" Hina: "...Ugh." Fumi: "Your mother also went to Seiyou, right?" Rin: "Oh, the one with the huge boobs!" Hina: "Gah, shut up about their boobs!" When they'd slept over at Hina's house, they'd met her mother and sister, who were considerably more well-endowed than Hina. This had greatly amused Rin, who hadn't missed an opportunity since to bring it up and ruin Hina's mood. Rin: "How did only Hina end up like this... a mutation?" Hina: "Gaaah!" Hina leapt at her. Fumi: "Now, now..." The huge boobs attempted to mediate. Rin: "Please, continue!" Hina: "You don't need to hear it!" Miyako: "I'd really like to hear it." Rin: "And I—" Fumi: "No." Fumi stopped Rin from making another comment. Hina: "Haah... Well, my sister's friend's friend saw an angel in this chapel." Fumi: "Waaah!!" Naturally, Fumi was very excited to hear this. Miyako: "When was that?" Hina: "Hmm, my sister's six years older than me, and it was in her second year, so... five years ago, I guess." Miyako: "Then it wasn't me." Fumi: "So?" Hina: "That girl had a friend in the hospital, and she was here praying for her recovery. And that's when the angel showed up." Fumi: "Oh, wow!" Hina: "But my sister didn't believe it when she heard. She said it was just that girl's imagination." Rin: "If you ask me, it's already pretty suspicious when it's coming from a friend of a friend." Fumi: "Ugh..." Hina: "True. But it was a rumor throughout the whole class at the time." Rin: "Couldn't it have been a ghost she saw instead of an angel?" Hina: "Don't say things like that~" She wasn't fond of ghosts. Rin: "In this very chapel..." Hina: "Stop it!" The bell rang and the four of them started cleaning up their lunches. Miyako: "What happened to the friend in the hospital, anyway?" Hina: "Ah, she passed away right after that, I guess. I heard her name from my sister... what was it, again?" Miyako: "Is that so..." Rin: "Fabricated true stories always have little details like that, don't they?" Fumi: "I believe!" Rin: "But if she passed away, doesn't that mean praying didn't do anything? Asking the angel was—" Hina: "Hey, don't jinx my proficiency tests." Fumi: "Ahaha. Let's make sure we study, too." Rin: "Yeah, yeah. The bell's gonna ring~" The four of them headed out of the chapel. Miyako: "I'm sorry." Fumi: "?" —It's not your fault.
After school. There was a gaggle of girls around Fumi's desk. Rin and Miyako looked on from a little ways away. Hina: "Hm? What's going on over there?" Hina joined them after returning from the faculty room. Rin: "Valentine chocolate recipe class." Hina: "Ah, I see." Hina understood right away. Rin: "Everyone knows she lives at a bakery, her dad's a patissier, and she's a great cook. Of course she's got students lining up." Hina: "Haha, she could charge tuition. Isn't it a little early, though? It's still January." Rin: "Well, it's the preparation that's fun with events like this... probably." Hina: "Hmm." The prelude to Valentine's Day. Even though it's a girls' school? Or maybe this is the sort of scene you'd _only_ see at a girls' school. Rin: "Come to think of it, what took you so long?" Hina: "Ah, I just got asked to put away the mic from the auditorium." Rin: "Hm? It didn't get put away after class?" Hina: "Actually, the mic in the auditorium wasn't working, so they had to grab one from the broadcasting room." Rin: "And you had to put it back. So you swung by the broadcasting room?" Hina: "No... I haven't yet." She was hesitating to say something. Hina: "Once Fumi's class is over, do you want to go together?" Rin: "I don't mind, but this looks like it's gonna take a while. You could go now and—" Hina: "I'd be bored if I went by myself! Don't they say the more the merrier?" Rin: "For just taking a microphone back to the broadcasting... oh." Rin had a realization. Rin: "Ahh, there was a rumor about the broadcasting room being haunted, wasn't there?" Hina: "Waaah, don't say that~" Rin: "People sometimes hear a voice from the broadcasting room trying to say something. And it goes out to the whole school through the speakers..." Hina: "Gyaaaaa!!" Haunted school broadcasts, eh? Miyako: "......" Rin: "What's up, Mikoyan?" Miyako: "I kind of like this restless energy." Rin: "Y-You do?" Miyako: "Doesn't it feel like it might start smelling sweet in here?" Miyako took a deep breath. Hina: "Like chocolate?" Rin: "Now that, it's a bit early for." Miyako was sensing life in the pre-Valentine's classroom air. It was probably close to the sensation she felt observing the three girls as an angel. Rin: "By the way, have you ever given or gotten chocolate, Mikoyan?" Miyako: "I haven't~ It's my first Valentine's." Hina: "Was she in a country that doesn't celebrate Valentine's Day?" Rin: "Like Saudi Arabia or something?" Hina: "Wait, really?" Rin: "They have capital punishment, too." Hina: "Whaaat?!" Miyako: "Hm?"
Hina: "Huh? It's open?" Hina looked perpelexed when she stuck the key into the broadcasting room's door. Fumi: "Did a teacher forget to lock it? Oh, maybe someone's inside." Rin: "But is that someone alive?" Hina: "Stop~ it~" Miyako: "Let's go in." But it wasn't a ghost inside. Sachiko: "Oh..." Hina: "Sachiko?" Sachiko put a blue notebook back on a shelf and came over to them, looking surprised. Sachiko put the broadcasting club notebook back on the shelf and came over to them, looking surprised. Miyako: "...?" Sachiko: "Wait, what are you guys doing here?" Hina: "We're here to return this." Hina hefted the microphone she was carrying. Rin: "We should be asking you that. Why are you here, Sachiko?" Sachiko: "Work. I come here and clean sometimes." Hina: "You're a janitor?" Fumi: "I've never seen you in the school, though." Sachiko: "I usually come during classes or on breaks." Rin: "...You need to take on more work to get by?" Sachiko: "Yeah, dorm management doesn't pay much... I haven't eaten since three days ago." Fumi: "Weren't you eating pizza last night?" Sachiko: "Was I?" Hina: "If you don't have any money, you could smoke less." Sachiko: "Are you telling me to die?" Rin: "That's a little extreme." Sachiko: "Actually, I'm saving money so I can make Sacchin Land and fill it with cute girls. I'll put you guys in it too, of course." Hina: "You will not!" Miyako: "......" While the four of them talked, Miyako headed into the room. Sachiko: "Hey, where are you going?" Sachiko reached out and grabbed her. Miyako: "I thought someone else might be here." Sachiko: "Nope. Just me." Miyako: "I thought I sensed someone, though..." Miyako was looking up toward the ceiling. Hina: "Hwaaaaaaah!!" Hina screamed in fright when she realized what Miyako might be seeing. Rin: "Can you see spirits, Mikoyan?" Miyako: "Umm..." Sachiko: "Alright, you're getting in the way of my cleaning, so get out. I'll put away the mic." Sachiko took the microphone from Hina. Hina: "Let's all go home, okay?!" Rin: "In order to get to the truth of the matter, we must—" Hina: "We must not!" Fumi: "Come on, we'll run out of time to go shopping." Fumi hurried them out, sensing that Sachiko wanted to be alone. Sachiko: "See ya. I'll lock the door." Fumi: "See you later." Fumi pushed Hina and Rin out of the room. Miyako: "......" Miyako was still looking around. Fumi: "Miyako?" Miyako: "Yes, I'm coming." Miyako followed the other three after bowing her head to Sachiko. ......... The broadcasting room regained its quiet with the girls gone. Sachiko looked up to the spot Miyako had been focused on. Sachiko: "...You're not there, are you?" With a little sigh, she put the microphone back on its shelf.
Lounging after dinner. But the usually relaxed air was more prickly today. Hina: "Tests, tests... After tests, tests... Why do we even live..." Hina faced her notes, muttering something rather frightening. She was the source of the prickliness. It's a scene we've seen before. She was studying for her upcoming proficiency tests. Hina: "Proficiency tests are even nastier than midterms and finals." Rin: "Why's~ that~?" A lazy voice replied to her from under the table. As always, Rin didn't have to do much studying for tests. Hina: "Because they cover too much!" Fumi: "It's stuff from both first and second semester, yes." Fumi pinched the pages of the textbook that the test would cover. Hina: "That's almost the whole thing!" Rin: "Stuff like this~ is really about the work you put in every day~" Hina: "Really pisses me off to hear that from someone lying around on the floor." Miyako: "Umm, I have a question." Miyako, copying some notes, addressed their original author, Fumi. Miyako: "It says here that Minamoto no Yoshitsune committed suicide in the Battle of Koromo River in Oushuu, but what about after that?" Fumi: "Umm, after that?" Miyako pointed at the notes in question and Fumi stared blankly back at her. Rin: "He actually lived and crossed over to the continent from Ezo, becoming Genghis Khan." Miyako: "Yes—" Hina: "Huh? Seriously?!" Rin: "Nah, it's legend, myth, folklore. Not academic stuff. The historical record shows it's nonsense." Rin shut her book and sat up. Rin: "You throw some really wild jokes around without warning sometimes, Mikoyan. That's not good. Idiots'll take you seriously." Hina: "Hey! Don't throw insults without warning either! Look at me! No, don't look at me!" Miyako: "But that really—" Miyako stopped in the middle of her sentence as a realization hit her. She was probably right. She must have seen it. Fumi: "Umm, are you okay?" Miyako: "Yes. I'm sorry for saying something so strange. Your notes are very easy to read, Fumi." Rin: "Aren't Fumi's notes great? If you've got those, you've practically won already. I almost want to copy 'em and sell 'em at the school store." Fumi: "...Please don't. That would be embarrassing." Rin: "Oh, the coloring is important here, so if you're copying it, borrow a marker and—oh?" Rin looked down at Miyako's notes and froze. Fumi: "Hm? What is it?" Rin: "No, uhh... you've just got some unique handwriting, Mikoyan." Miyako: "Ahaha, it's not very good. I'm sure it looks worse next to Fumi's nice handwriting, too." Miyako scratched her head, embarrassed. The writing on her notes was less unique and more... clumsy. Miyako: "I'm not used to it yet. Just looking and doing it are pretty different." Hina: "It's like you only just started writing. Is that because you were abroad, too?" Fumi: "You're very fluent when speaking. It's a little strange." Miyako: "Ahaha, I have to practice." Hina: "Ah! What are you doing?" Hina suddenly shouted. Rin had picked up her notes. Rin: "I'm helping you study. Uhh, English? You're writing everything down blindly again, I see." The pages were indeed packed. Hina's study strategy seemed to just be "write it down and try to remember." Rin: "...Pfft!" Rin suddenly burst out laughing, flipping through Hina's notes. Hina: "Hey, don't look at my notes and laugh!" Rin: "Dahahaha!!" It _is_ pretty rude to laugh that hard. Rin: "Well, you have '_uchuu kuukan_' as 'space space'! Talk about a literal translation!" That should be "outer space." Hina: "Shut up! Shut up! Give them back!" Rin: "No, I wanna see more. You don't find joke books like this just anywhere!" Hina: "It's not a joke book!" Hina leapt at Rin to take back her notebook, but Rin used the length of her arms to keep it from her. Fumi: "Are you going to go into the science class or the arts class, Miyako?" Their messing around was nothing out of the ordinary, so Fumi remained unbothered even with the ruckus they were making next to her. Miyako: "I don't know... I suppose it will depend on my tests." Fumi: "Your tests, huh... Do you have any plans for your future?" Miyako: "Hmm~, no, I don't have anything like that yet. I'm sorry." Fumi: "No, I think it's fine to not rush it. You can take your time deciding what you want to do." Miyako: "Thank you. It's very exciting to think about the future though, isn't it?" That's right. Since there was no real difference between past, present, or future for her until just recently, this was a new sensation. Fumi: "I agree. Even worrying about it is kind of fun, isn't it?" Miyako: "Are you thinking about your future already, Fumi?" Fumi: "I've wanted to make sweets for a living ever since I was little." Miyako: "I see. Is that arts? Or science?" Fumi: "...I-I'm not sure." Sachiko: "Heeey, you can use the bath now~" Oh, it's Sachiko. Hina: "Ah, you came in without knocking again!" Sachiko: "I~ did~ knock~ You guys were just making so much noise you didn't hear me~ I heard the ruckus from the hallway." Fumi: "Sorry." Sachiko: "You don't need to apologize, Foomin. It's an old building though, so don't blame me if the floor falls out under you." Rin: "Not my fault." Rin pointed at Hina. Hina: "It's not my fault either." Hina pointed at Rin. Miyako: "It isn't my fault... is it?" Miyako raised her hand timidly. Sachiko: "Ah~ Yeah, yeah. I'm gonna hit up the other rooms too, so you should hurry up if you want the first go." Fumi: "Yay~ I bought all new bath stuff for today~" Looks like Fumi was already prepared. Sachiko: "Come on, the rest of you get ready, too. I'll join you in a bit." She added nonchalantly. Hina & Rin: "You don't need to!" Sachiko: "Feh. Well, come make a report to me after you're done, then." Fumi: "Alright." Sachiko: "Oh, and we're having that hot pot party tomorrow night~" All: "Okay~"
Hina: "Look, it's snowing!" Hina looked excitedly out the window. The difference in temperature between inside and outside made it fog up quickly, but every time she poured hot water on it, she could see the snow swirling outside. Fumi: "Watching the snow from a bath, how romantic." Miyako: "It feels very luxurious to soak in a hot bath while watching cold snow fall." Like having ice cream at a heated table? Hina: "It's like an outdoor hot spring." Rin: "Haahh... How many times has it snowed this winter already? And it's just the backyard out the window. Seen it." Hina: "Yeesh... You're so jaded. It's different when the situation is different!" Rin: "I'm just glad we don't have to go next door to take baths anymore. We could've gotten lost over there." Hina: "That's a bit of an exaggeration, isn't it? It's not some hidden hot spring on a mountain." Fumi: "Eheh, it's fun getting to all go in together." Hina: "Yeah, big baths are great, you can really relax. It was too small before the construction. And run-down!" Before the construction, the room could only fit two people, and the bath could only fit one. While one was in the bath, the other would have to wash up and wait her turn. Rin: "There's a lot of stuff other than the bath I'd like fixed..." Fumi: "This is the oldest building on the campus." Rin: "Maybe it'd be easier to just rebuild the whole thing." Fumi: "Also, Sachiko said she's been managing it for five years." Rin: "How old is she?" Miyako: "I wonder." Rin: "You don't know even though you're cousins?" Angels didn't have much of a sense of age. They either guessed or used how many years they'd been human. Miyako: "Oh, but her birthday is Christmas Eve." Fumi: "What? It is?!" Hina: "Why didn't she tell us? We would have celebrated." Rin: "What's yours, Mikoyan?" Miyako: "Oh, mine is Christmas Eve, too." Hina: "Why didn't you tell us?" Rin: "Well, we can celebrate for all three of you next year." Hina: "Mine's on the 5th! It's different!" She's mad. Miyako: "Hya?" Miyako yelped. Hina: "What happened?" Miyako: "Umm, something touched my leg." Fumi: "Oh, that's just the ducky." A rubber ducky floated in the tub. Miyako: "What is it?" Miyako poked the ducky's head. Hina: "Probably just Sachiko messing around. Oh, and we checked it for a hidden camera, so don't worry." Miyako: "I see." Miyako removed her finger and the ducky floated off again. Rin: "Anyway, I'd rather enjoy the view in here than look at the snow outside." Rin said, eyes glinting as she wiped off her glasses. Rin: "Two of the prettiest girls in the school in the nude. It's truly heaven for the eyes. I'm so glad I'm a girl and rooming with you." Hina: "Hey, don't look at your roommates impurely!" Rin: "What do you think I brought my glasses for—augh, get outta here, you dirty bird!" Rin splashed away the ducky that had floated over to bump into her chest. Hina: "You're the dirty one!" Rin: "Boobs, boobs, skip that one, and boobs." Hina: "Hey! Yours aren't that big either!" Rin: "Huge boobs, big boobs, skip that one, beautiful boobs." Hina: "Youuuu!!" Miyako: "What sort of face are you supposed to make at a time like this, Fumi?" Fumi: "Ahaha... I'm not sure." Hina: "Don't even look at Fumi!" Hina splashed Rin with bathwater. Rin: "Bbbbh! What the heck, Stingy?" Hina: "I'm not being stingy! You're making her uncomfortable!" Rin: "Huh? Asou, are you uncomfortable?" Fumi: "Umm... I'm a little embarrassed." Rin: "She said she's just a little embarrassed." Hina: "That means she's uncomfortable!" Rin: "Those boobs don't belong to you, you know." Hina: "They do!" Miyako: "Wow." Rin: "It's not like I'm taking them from you just by looking at them a little~" Hina: "Fumi, I can hit her, right?!" Fumi: "Ahaha..." Rin: "Swipe~" Rin took advantage of Hina's excitement to take a swipe at her butt. Hina: "Aaah!" Hina jumped up with a cute shriek. Rin: "Yeah, you've definitely got the smallest, cutest butt." How does she say stuff like this with a straight face? Hina: "D-D-Don't do that in front of people!" She said, but her face was flushed and she clearly wasn't putting up a fight. Rin: "But I can do it otherwise?" Hina: "I-If you want to..." She looked down, blushing. Miyako: "Oho." Fumi: "Wawawah, no, that's too much!" Rin: "It's steamy, but you're looking pretty sexy too, Fumi." Rin pushed her glasses up. Fumi: "Umm, it's pretty embarrassing when you stare like that." Rin: "Oh, it's fine, isn't it?" Not a hint of guilt. Fumi: "Aah! Hey!" To make matters worse, her toes reached out to poke Fumi's thigh underwater. Fumi: "You need to be punished. Yah!" Rin: "Wah?!" Fumi grabbed Rin's ankle and pushed deep into a pressure point on the bottom of her foot. Rin: "Gyaaa! Ow, ow!" Hina: "Don't masochists like pain? It's not really punishment then, is it?" Rin: "No! Uhh! This is...! Not that kind of pain! It's not like just anything wooorks!!" Miyako: "I see~" Hina: "Ahaha, get 'er good." Rin: "Forgive me! I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorryyy!!" Fumi: "What should I do~♪" Hina: "Miyako, your back..." Miyako: "Huh? Is there something on my back?" Miyako was about to leave the bath, but she turned around at Hina's voice. Hina: "You've got birthmarks." Miyako: "Birthmarks..." She tried to look at her own back over her shoulder, a mystified look on her face. Rin: "Hey, she might be sensitive about it. Nice tact." Rin poked Hina in the hip. Hina: "Oh, I'm sorry!" Miyako: "No, it's fine... I didn't know." Fumi: "They're really faint. They almost just look like your shoulder blades." Miyako: "Do they..." Hina: "It's almost like you had wings." Miyako: "Ah..." She's sharp. She really did have wings. The marks on her back were proof that she was once an angel. Miyako: "......" Rin: "And you've still got your Mongolian spot on your butt, Hina." Hina: "What?! No way!" Hina spun around to check her butt.
Miyako: "Coming in." Miyako: "Waph... koff!" The moment she opened the door, she choked on the smoke flooding out from the room. Sachiko: "Oh, sorry." Sachiko stood, putting out her cigarette. Miyako: "Koff. I'm okay." Sachiko: "Sorry. I don't usually smoke in here." The snow pretty much rules out the roof. Sachiko: "So, what's up?" Miyako: "The bath's open." Sachiko: "Gotcha. And how was it?" Miyako: "It was very nice." Sachiko: "Good. Oh, let's step outside. You don't want to get the smell on you just after your bath." Miyako: "Do cigarettes taste good?" Sachiko: "Not really." Miyako: "Then why do you smoke them?" Sachiko: "I'm just acting tough. Helps with the loneliness, too." Miyako: "Huh..." She didn't seem to understand. Miyako: "How long have you been smoking?" Sachiko: "Five years, I guess." Miyako: "Oh, you started just after you came down, then." Miyako was a little surprised at that. Miyako: "Did the person who invited you smoke?" Sachiko: "......" This time it was Sachiko who was surprised. Sachiko: "Yeah, I guess." It was a vague answer, but not a denial. Sachiko: "Why did you think that?" Miyako: "The person who invites you has a big influence on you. That's how it is for me, anyway." An innocent smile. Sachiko: "Nothin' good about my influence." Miyako: "You think so?" Sachiko: "You can try alcohol and cigarettes for yourself someday, but we've both got to act 'our age.'" Miyako: "Right." Sachiko: "If she finds out, Hinacchi'll dropkick me again." Miyako: "Ahaha. You're a bad adult." Miyako: "Was the person who got you smoking a bad adult too?" Sachiko: "The worst of the worst." Miyako: "You shouldn't have imitated them, then." Sachiko: "Ahaha. Well, it's too late now." You can't blame other people. Sachiko: "Come on, get back to your room before you catch cold." Miyako: "Okay. Good night." Sachiko: "...Empty already."
Miyako: "I'm back." Hina and Fumi were in the living room. Was Rin brushing her teeth? Fumi: "Welcome back. You didn't catch a chill, did you?" Miyako: "I'm alright. Sachiko said the same thing and made me come back." Fumi: "You go to Sachiko's room every night, huh?" Miyako: "Yes. I give her a report every day." Hina: "Is there stuff to say every day?" So says the girl who doesn't keep a diary. Miyako: "There is! I never get to say everything that I want to." Fumi: "I understand!" Says the one who does keep a diary. Hina: "Snff... Was she smoking?" Hina sniffed. It's impressive that she can tell from there. Miyako: "Oh, I'm sorry. I'll use the spray." Miyako went over to the entrance to get a deodorizer. Hina: "It's not your fault, Miyako. It's 'cause she's a bad adult who smokes in a student dorm." Miyako: "She just couldn't use the roof today because of the snow." Fumi: "Heh." Hina: "If she ever tries to get you to smoke, you've gotta say no, okay?!" Miyako: "I will. It's okay, though. She said if she did that, you'd dropkick her." Hina: "So she's not a total idiot." The three girls' laughter echoed through the room. Rin: "What's going on? Hina dropkicked Sachiko?" That's when Rin got back. Hina: "Not yet." Fumi: "But she will if Sachiko tries to get Miyako to smoke." Miyako: "She hasn't, though." Rin: "I get it..." Rin looked disappointed. Hina: "I don't kick people for no reason!" Rin: "What? You kick me all the time." Hina: "Because. I. Have. Reason. To!" Rin: "Like blowing off steam?" Hina: "Am I some kind of thug?!" Rin: "Be careful, Mikoyan. Piss off the RA and you'll get a roundhouse kick." Miyako: "Okay, got it." Hina: "I'm not a tyrant! And that's a different kind of kick!" Rin: "She rules by violence. Her reign of terror's scary, huh, Mikoyan?" Hina: "Fine, if you want me to kick you so bad, I will!" Fumi: "Ahahaha." Rin: "Have you gotten used to living here, Mikoyan?" Hina: "Ah, hey!" Miyako: "Yes, thanks to all of you." Rin: "Communal living's pretty rough. You gotta always keep the people you're living with in mind." Rin: "But I don't want it to be like that here. Go ahead and ask us if there's anything you need. Since our RA is prone to violence, you know." Miyako: "Rin." Hina: "Pfft." But instead of dropkicking her, Hina just burst out laughing. Fumi: "Heheh." Fumi laughed along with her. Miyako: "?" Miyako could only stare blankly at the two of them. Rin: "What? You're kinda freaking me out." Hina: "I just think it's heartwarming how you've grown." Miyako: "Grown?" Rin: "What? I've always been like this." Fumi: "Always..." She was trying not to laugh. Rin: "You too?!" Miyako: "Is this a secret only Hina and Fumi know?" Hina: "No, it's not a secret. It's just, Rin was pretty bad when she first moved in." Fumi was still giggling. Rin: "Ah!!" Rin paled, catching on. Miyako: "Bad?" Rin: "H-Hey, w-we don't have to talk about this anymore." Hina: "We haven't even started talking about it." Rin: "Then we don't need to start!" Hina: "There are no secrets between roommates. So, Miyako—" Miyako: "Yes?" Miyako leaned forward. Rin: "Stooop!" —Last April. Move-in day. Hina: "Nice to meet you. I'm Hina Natsume." Fumi: "It's nice to meet you. My name is Fumi Asou." The two bowed meekly to each other in front of the door. Hina: "I'm kind of nervous. This is my first time living in a dorm." Fumi: "Me too. So, why did you pick this school, Natsume?" Hina: "Well... My mom and my sister went here. What about you, Asou?" Fumi: "The uniforms are just so cute. I've always wanted to wear one every time I saw them, ever since I was little." Hina: "Every time you saw them?" Fumi: "I actually live really close to the school. I'm not even far enough to take the train." Hina: "That's pretty close. You could probably commute from there." Fumi: "Yes, but I wanted to live in a dorm. I'm not very responsible, so I was hoping to fix that." Hina: "Well, you look responsible." Fumi: "I hope you'll still think that when we're living together." Hina: "Ahahaha. I hope so too." Fumi: "Heheh. I'll do my best." Hina: "I'm glad you're easy to talk to." Fumi: "I feel the same way." Hina: "I'm looking forward to the next three years." Fumi: "I am, too." They shook hands. Hina: "Come to think of it, it's a three-person room, right?" Fumi: "Yes, that's what I've heard." Rin: "I didn't hear that!" Hina and Fumi turned toward the door at the voice. Sachiko: "That's strange. They should have sent paperwork to your parents." Rin: "...That paperwork's probably in Europe right now." Sachiko: "Huh... Well, you'll be in a three-person room, Ogata." Rin: "I'm telling you, that's not gonna work for me." Sachiko: "Well, I dunno what to tell you. It's not like we even have singles~" Rin: "I can't live with people I don't know..." Sachiko: "Oh, are you two Natsume and Asou?" Sachiko found Hina and Fumi standing in front of the room. Hina & Fumi: "Yes." Sachiko: "Great. I'll introduce you to your third roommate. This is Rin Ogata." Hina: "Nice to meet you, Ogata. I'm Hina Natsume." Fumi: "Fumi Asou. It's nice to meet you." Rin: "......" Rin bowed to them so slightly it was almost imperceptible. Sachiko: "Hmm~" Sachiko scratched her temple. Hina: "What's wrong?" Sachiko: "Guess she didn't know it was a triple room... She's a little miffed about it." Hina: "Are there no other rooms?" Sachiko: "Nope. All the dorms are full this year." Hina: "Well, I guess you're stuck with us, Ogata." Rin: "......" Hina: "Communal living's pretty rough. You gotta always keep the people you're living with in mind." Hina: "But I don't want it to be like that here. You can ask us if there's anything you need." Hina said, holding her hand out. Fumi: "Yes, think of it as an opportunity." Fumi nodded at Hina's words and held her hand out too. Sachiko: "See, they're good girls." Rin: "...I'm not really great in groups." Rin averted her eyes and went past them into the room without shaking their hands. Hina & Fumi: "........." Hina and Fumi exchanged a look. Rin: "Gyaaaaaaa!!" Rin screamed in embarrassment. There was too much she could think of. Hina: "I'm not really great in groups." Rin: "Eek!" Hina: "I'm not really great in groups." Rin clutched her head and writhed on the floor as Fumi and Miyako laughed. Then Hina twisted the knife. Rin: "Kill me! Just kill me!"
Morning. The dorm entrance. The girls were scrambling to get their shoes on. Sachiko: "Heading out?" Sachiko languidly called out to them, broom in hand. Hina: "We're going to school!" Sachiko: "You guys are always in a rush." Hina: "Yeah, and we basically know why." Miyako: "I'm sorry..." Miyako looked guilty. Rin: "Don't worry about me, just go on ahead!" Hina: "You could help out a little too!" Fumi: "I think we actually have a little more time to spare than usual today." Sachiko glanced at the clock on the wall. Sachiko: "True. Maybe you don't have to run today." Fumi: "Probably. We've got a little bit of time before the bus leaves." Sachiko: "That's good." Hina: "Why?" Sachiko: "Because there's snow on the ground." Hina & Rin: "Really?!"n"Really~?" Clearly one was happier to hear that than the other. Sachiko: "It's probably only up to your ankles at the most, though. But it's still dangerous to run." Fumi: "That's true. We'll be careful." This was more of a rural area than anything else, but it wasn't bad enough to be snowed in easily. Sachiko: "Ah, Foomin. Sorry, but could I ask you to go shopping on your way home?" Fumi: "Sure, for the hotpot tonight? What would you like me to buy?" Sachiko: "Thanks. I'll send you a LIME message later." Fumi: "Oh, my battery's been acting up lately, so can you send it to the group too, just in case?" Sachiko: "Mm, got it." Rin: "Of course, the group is basically just me. Hina's got an old flip phone, and Mikoyan doesn't even have a phone." The two had blank looks on their faces. Sachiko: "Oh, can I ask one more thing? After school's fine, but can I get one of you to help me shovel the roof?" Hina: "What? Is the dorm gonna collapse from snow?" Sachiko: "No, it's not that bad. But you know, the building's old. I'm worried about the roof leaking." Rin: "It really is showing its age in some places, isn't it?" Sachiko: "It's not real shoveling, you just gotta push some of it into the corners. It's real easy." Miyako: "I'll help." Miyako raised her hand. Sachiko: "Oh, thanks, Mikoyan." Fumi: "So, we'll go shopping after school, and Miyako will head home to help shovel." Miyako: "Yes." Sachiko: "That'll be great. Thanks." Rin: "Ah, aren't we gonna be late for the bus now?" Fumi: "Oh, you're right!" Hina: "Hurry! I hear it!" Sachiko: "You've got good ears." The four of them ran out. Sachiko: "Don't fall!" Hina: "Hyaaaah?!" Sachiko: "......"
After school. The three were returning from the store. Rin: "It's been snowing on and off all day." It was snowing now, too. Lightly, though. Fumi: "It's not likely to stay on the ground at this rate." In fact, most of the snow from the morning was gone. People were walking and driving over it in town, and it melted faster on asphalt and concrete than on dirt. Rin: "Good. If there's snow on the ground, people are likely to slip like a certain someone." Fumi: "Ahaha, that was dangerous this morning." Hina had run off into the snow and almost tripped this morning. But with her superior reflexes, she'd managed to regain her balance with a bit of a dance. Rin: "Hey, someone." " She called out to Hina, who was ahead of them, staying out of the conversation. Hina: "I wanna go to the beach." Rin: "Huh?" Rin was taken aback by Hina's words when she turned around. Hina: "The beach." Rin: "Uh, I heard you. But that's kinda out of the blue in this chill, don't you think? You wanna do a polar bear plunge or something?" Fumi: "Ugh, that sounds cold~" Fumi clutched herself and shivered just hearing the phrase. "A winter beach" sounds like lyrics from some kind of ballad. Hina: "No, not now. I mean in the summer." Rin & Fumi: "Ah." Rin and Fumi understood. Rin: "Getting a little ahead of yourself there, aren't you? What made you think of the beach in the middle of this cold?" Hina: "We bought some gas for a portable stove at the store, right? So then I was thinking about gas, and went from gas to bus, and then to bus stop..." Hina: "And then when we left the store it was snowing, and I thought of, you know, marine snow—which is in the ocean. See!" Rin: "What do you mean, 'See!'? What was the point of the first half?!" Hina: "Oh, you're right!" Fumi: "Ahaha. It'd be fun to go swimming with everyone, though." Rin: "We'd have to travel to get to the beach from here. You don't just want to go to the pool?" Hina & Fumi: "No way."n"I don't think so." Rin: "Oh yeah? Trips take time and money, you know." Fumi: "Let's save up for summer♪" Rin: "O-Okay..." Fumi: "We'll decide on a rule and put in 100 yen every time we break it." Fumi: "Yes, like that. You two should do it, too." Rin: "Sure. I won't eat after 9 either." Hina: "Same here." Fumi: "No! Neither of you eat at night anyway! I'd be the only one paying!" So she's assuming she'll be eating, then. Fumi: "You two have to pick something that will take effort or self-control." Hina and Rin exchanged a look. Hina: "Then you should pay 100 yen every time you forget something, Rin." Rin: "What~? Where do you want to go, Hawaii?" Hina: "You're not supposed to plan to pay! Try being more careful!" Hina: "Hmm. I can't think of anything..." Rin: "You can pay 100 yen every time you sing." Hina: "Don't limit my right to express myself!"
Sachiko: "Gimme a sec, I'll grab the stuff we need." Sachiko called from the manager's room. Miyako: "Okay." Miyako waited in the hallway. She had come back separate from the three who went shopping so that she could help shovel snow like she'd promised that morning. Sachiko: "Is it done snowing?" Miyako: "Yes, it was finished by the time I got back. It's clear out now." Sachiko: "We won't need slickers, then. Let's see..." Miyako: "Does the snow get deeper than this in this area?" ......... ...... Miyako: "...?" The door opened right when Miyako put her hand on the knob. Sachiko: "G-Got the stuff." Miyako: "R-Right." They were both a little flustered. Sachiko: "Sorry for making you wait." Miyako: "It's fine. Is that all we need?" Sachiko held two shovels and a small bucket with gloves in it. Sachiko: "Yeah, the bigger one's up on the roof already." Miyako: "I see... Oh." Sachiko wrapped a scarf around Miyako. Miyako: "What's this...?" Sachiko: "A scarf. It's cold out there." Miyako: "You don't mind?" Sachiko: "Nope." Miyako: "...Cigarettes..." Miyako noticed the smell on the scarf. Sachiko: "What's wrong? Is it uncomfortable? You don't like the design?" Miyako: "That's not it. I've just never seen you wearing a scarf." Sachiko: "Mm, well, I had it put away... I thought it'd look good on you, though." Miyako: "Really? Thank you!" Sachiko: "Sure. Okay, let's go." Miyako: "Yes!"
The two of them looked out over the roof, shovels in hand. Sachiko: "Good work." Miyako: "You too." They'd finished their shoveling. It wasn't hard work. All they had to do was move the snow closer to the gutters so that it didn't melt and leak through the roof. This wasn't a region with heavy snowfall, so the two of them were enough to get the work done. Sachiko: "You've got more stamina than I thought you would. Is it your youth?" Sachiko rolled a shoulder and took out a cigarette. Miyako: "No, I think it's just because of _that_." She pointed at Sachiko's cigarette. Sachiko: "Ahh, uhh, ahh..." Miyako: "......" Sachiko: "I shoulda picked a younger model, at least in looks. Then I could be wearing a uniform like you guys instead of being dorm manager~" She put the cigarette back. Miyako: "You can still wear one." Sachiko: "Eh, I dunno about that. It'd just be cosplay. I'm sure Rin would have something to say about it." I could just picture her smirking. Miyako: "Who did you model yourself on?" Angels don't really have a clear form. That's why when they come down to earth, they have to borrow someone's appearance. They call those people their "models." Sachiko: "The lady selling strawberries at the grocery store sampling corner." Miyako: "Hm? Did you have some connection to her?" Sachiko: "Nope. Just someone I saw. Don't know anything about her." Sachiko: "Now that I'm thinking about it, I really didn't plan anything at all..." Sachiko lamented, back against the fence. Miyako: "Well, I think she was very pretty." Miyako told her, watching her profile as she looked up at the sky. Sachiko: "Yeah, well, I'm pretty fond of it." Miyako: "So am I." Sachiko: "O-Oh yeah? Thanks." Wind blew on the mountains, shaking the evergreen trees. ...... Sachiko: "Hey... uh..." Miyako: "Yes?" Sachiko: "What about your model? Is it someone you had a connection to?" Miyako: "No, it's the same for me. I don't know her name." Sachiko: "You don't...?" Miyako: "No. I saw her a few years ago before I came here, somewhere far away. And it was just once that I passed by her." Sachiko: "Huh... Guess we're both pretty careless." Miyako: "She's the prettiest person in my memories, though." Wow. Sachiko: "...Hmm." Miyako: "You were the one who said it." Sachiko: "What? Did I say something?" Miyako: "Yes, when you invited me. You told me to come down with a pretty face, since looks are important to you." Sachiko: "Oh... Guess I might've said something like that." Miyako: "You did. That's why I made sure to choose well." Sachiko: "Well, I'm glad I did. It's a good thing you didn't come down as a trilobite." Sachiko joked, scratching her temple. Miyako: "So?" Sachiko: "Wh-What? You're kinda close." Miyako brought her face in close to Sachiko's. Miyako: "What do you think about it?" Sachiko: "Huh? Oh... You're real cute. You'll probably be popular." Miyako: "I don't mean objectively. I want to know if I suit _your_ tastes." Sachiko: "......" Sachiko: "...It's fine." Miyako: "Haah..." Miyako sighed and backed away, turning toward the fence. Miyako: "I guess I'm fine with it too, then." Sachiko: "......" Miyako looked up at the sky through the fence. This time, it was Sachiko that watched her profile. Sachiko: "...Heh." She laughed for some reason. Miyako: "What is—hah?!" The second she turned, a clump of white burst against her cheek. Sachiko: "How does your first snowball feel?" She'd balled up some snow still in the net of the fence. Sachiko: "Is it cold? But you like it anyway?" Sachiko brushed the snow from her hands, an impish look on her face. Miyako: "......" Sachiko: "Ahaha, you look like you're still trying to figure out what happened—bhyah?!" Miyako threw some of the snow at the base of the fence, which rained down on Sachiko. Miyako: "......" She grinned. And... They jumped apart, each running to different piles of snow. A snowball fight was suddenly upon them. They gathered up snow and threw it, then again. And they'd just shoveled it all. A little while ago, Sachiko was warning Miyako to get used to having a body without getting carried away by sensation. —Basically telling her to be careful, since humans can catch colds. And now, the two former angels were getting snow all over their hair and clothes, giggling and enjoying the cold. Miyako: "Yaaah!!" Having exhausted the snow in her territory, Miyako held the last of her ammunition in both hands and charged. Miyako: "Wawah!" But she lost her balance on the frozen ground just before enemy territory. Sachiko: "Ah... Whoa!" Sachiko reached out to prevent Miyako from falling, but the ground was too slippery to hold them both up. Miyako & Sachiko: "Waaah!"n"Whoooa!" Sachiko fell over on top of Miyako. The two stared at each other. Miyako: "It's the opposite of what happened before." Sachiko: "Before?" Miyako: "On Christmas... When I came down, I was on top." Sachiko: "It was more like you fell down." Miyako: "Ahaha. Sorry." Sachiko: "......" Miyako: "What is it?" Sachiko: "That scarf looks good on you." Miyako: "Thank you." Sachiko: "Keep it. It's better that you wear it." Miyako: "Is that alright? Isn't it important to you?" Sachiko: "Just take good care of it." Miyako: "...Alright." Sachiko: "...I lied before." Miyako: "Huh?" Sachiko: "When I said your face was fine..." Miyako: "Oh..." Sachiko: "I like it... It's great." Miyako: "Good. That makes me happy." Sachiko: "......" Miyako: "Huh? Umm..." Sachiko brought her face in close. They were close enough now for their breath to mingle. Miyako: "......" But Miyako never looked away no matter how close she got. There was no apprehension or bashfulness in her eyes, just acceptance of Sachiko right before her. Sachiko: "...Close your eyes." —Guess that was too much for her. Miyako: "...Okay." Miyako did as she was told. Miyako: "......" Her lips parted, trembling slightly, waiting for Sachiko's touch. Sachiko: "......" Sachiko brought her lips in once more— Sachiko: "...?!" But she jumped back just before their lips could meet. Her eyes were wide, lips trembling. Sachiko: "No—" A gust of wind stole away the rest of her words. Miyako: "...?" Miyako opened her eyes, sensing that something had happened. Sachiko's eyes had lost the heat they'd had a moment ago and now swam with self-loathing. Sachiko: "...I'm sorry." Miyako: "...Sachiko?" Hina: "We're back~" Miyako & Sachiko: "!" Hina: "Done shoveling~?" It was Hina. They could hear her voice from below. Rin: "You're so loud. Who yells up at someone on the roof?" Fumi: "Ahaha, what if someone from the other dorm answered?" Hina: "Well, I don't hear anything. Maybe they're already back inside?" The three entered the dorm, plastic bags rustling. Meanwhile, the two on the roof listened awkwardly, still on top of one another. Sachiko: "Sounds like they're back." Miyako: "Yes." Sachiko got up timidly. Miyako followed her. Miyako: "Umm..." Sachiko: "Ahaha, did I surprise you?" Sachiko cut off Miyako's words with her laughter. Miyako: "...A little." Sachiko: "Come on, go change. You're all wet and cold, right?" Miyako: "Actually, I feel a little hot." Sachiko: "Haha, well, we were moving around a lot." Miyako: "I suppose so..." Sachiko: "Go down first. They're probably waiting for you." Miyako: "What about you?" Sachiko: "I'll be right behind you, after I clean this stuff up." Miyako: "I'll help you." Sachiko: "You don't need to, I got it. Come on, go, go!" Miyako: "Alright." Sachiko: "Mikoyan." Miyako: "Yes?" Sachiko: "Thanks for helping me shovel." Miyako: "You're welcome. See you in a bit." Miyako headed to the stairs. Sachiko: "...I screwed up." Sachiko picked up her shovel, scratching her head.
The pot was boiling. In it was a seafood soup Sachiko had prepared. Hina, Rin, and Miyako were sitting around the table waiting for it to finish cooking. Fumi and Sachiko were at the sink. Sachiko: "Foomin, thanks for helping out." Sachiko said, wiping her hands off with a towel. Fumi: "Oh, I just chopped some vegetables. I was a little surprised to see you preparing that fish, though." Fumi said, setting a cutting board upright. Sachiko: "Yeah, I did some training before I started here." Fumi: "Huh? You were a cook before becoming a dorm manager?" Sachiko: "Nothing serious like that." Hina: "Not yet!" Hina's shrill voice cut off Rin's attempt to extend her chopsticks. Hina: "It's not done cooking yet. The cabbage is still hard, the tofu hasn't absorbed any of the flavor, and the crab and cod are still raw!" Sachiko: "Heheh, looks like someone's taking charge over there, so we don't have to worry about the rest." Fumi: "It does." The two laughed and headed to the living room. Rin: "What? Really? But it's bubbling." Hina: "Huh? Have you never done this at home before?" Rin: "Nope. I've barely ever eaten with my family." Hina: "Oh... sorry." Sachiko: "Well, great! It's your first hotpot!" Sachiko patted Rin on the head as she sat. Rin: "Mm. Well, it's more that I have no experience cooking rather than the whole family thing." Sachiko: "Try it sometime." Miyako: "It's my first hotpot, too!" Fumi: "It's fun. Let's all eat our fill." Sachiko: "You're in charge, chief!" Hina: "Leave it to me! Hey, what do you think you're opening?!" Sachiko: "Well, I got some local sake with this stuff! I'm an adult, so what's wrong with it?" Rin: "Where are you from, anyway, Sachiko?" Sachiko: "Why?" Rin: "This stuff's from all over the place. The ponzu sauce is from Shikoku, and isn't this booze from Tohoku?" Rin picked up the bottles and examined their labels. Sachiko: "Oh. Well, it's not sent from home. People I met when I was traveling sent it." Rin: "Oh yeah?—Ow." Sachiko slapped Rin's hand when she tried to nonchalantly pour the sake into her own glass. Hina: "Traveling?" Sachiko: "Yeah, all around Japan, painting pictures." Hina: "By yourself?" Sachiko: "Yep. I had people to visit all over. Learned a lot from them, too." Fumi: "Learned? Did you meet them in school?" Sachiko: "Ah... yeah." Miyako: "......" Miyako was the only one who knew what it was Sachiko had learned from those people. Sachiko: "And so, I had a woman at every port—" Rin: "Alright, no tall tales." Miyako: "Sachiko, Sachiko." Sachiko: "Yeah?" Miyako: "Are these paintings from then?" Miyako pointed at some canvases that had been hastily set aside. Sachiko: "Oh, uhh, yeah." Miyako: "Do you mind if I see them?" Sachiko: "Mmm, well... not really, but they're nothing special." Miyako: "Thank you!" Fumi: "Oh, I want to see them too." Rin: "Let's see here." Hina: "What~? I don't want to see any nudes." The four of them picked up some canvases. Each painting was of scenery. Fumi: "Wow... You're good!" Miyako: "Yes. The colors are wonderful!" Fumi and Miyako were very impressed by the painting between them. Hina: "Huh? There's no nudes." Rin: "That's disappointing. You don't have any?" Sachiko: "Nope. But if you model for me, I'll paint one any time♪" Hina: "No thanks!" Rin: "Well, I wouldn't call you prolific." Rin said, counting the canvases. Sachiko: "Yeah, I don't want to paint anything I don't like, so." Hina: "Do you still travel now?" Sachiko: "Sometimes, like on summer break." Fumi: "All alone?" Sachiko: "Heh... That's right, I'm always all alone on a sentimental journey..." Rin: "Yeah, you seem like you'd travel to try and find yourself or whatever~" Sachiko: "So do _you_. If you wait to catch the bug until you're older, the symptoms'll be worse, you know. You should get it over withnsooner." Hina: "So did you find yourself while traveling?" Sachiko: "Nope, not at all. Still looking." Miyako: "......" Sachiko: "Oh, looks like it's cooked. Can we eat, Hinacchi?" Hina: "Mm... looks good!" Time to eat. Sachiko: "Ahn, an indirect kiss~" Hina: "Don't put your chopsticks in the pot!"
With the soup put away, the hotpot party was nearing its end. All was well with the lovers, and their dear friend was by their side. A little ways away, the two former angels watched over them warmly. Miyako: "Are you drunk?" Sachiko: "A little. Can you tell?" Miyako: "You seem to be enjoying yourself a lot." Sachiko was tipsy. Pretty impressive considering she'd put away half a bottle of sake by herself. Sachiko: "The booze is good, but I'm also just enjoying watching those girls." Miyako: "Ah..." Sachiko: "They're so stupid, right?" Miyako: "Stupid? ...Are they?" Sachiko: "They laugh and cry over the most trivial things. They spend every day going through so many emotions." Sachiko: "But no matter how trivial it seems from the outside, to them, it's all so serious." Sachiko: "They're the protagonists of a super sweet, slightly bitter story right now, and they can't see anything outside of it. They're each other's entire world right now." Miyako: "......" Sachiko: "Just a drunk poem. Don't take it too seriously." Miyako: "No..." Sachiko: "Anyway, when you're in love, your head gets completely full of that person, and you suddenly forget about everything else." Miyako: "The flood of sensation..." Sachiko: "Yep. Major flooding. Love is a natural disaster, baby♪" Miyako: "......" Miyako stared at the couple once again. Sachiko: "Are you jealous?" Miyako: "I suppose so. I'd like to experience it for myself at least once." Sachiko: "You're so cute, you'll find someone in no time." —Whose heart did that stake stab? Miyako: "Have you—" Sachiko: "You show-offs! How dare you!!" Sachiko jumped on the three girls as if to avoid Miyako's question. Rin: "Whoa! What?!" Hina: "You smell like booze!" Fumi: "Aaah! Who's touching me there?" Sachiko: "Heheheheh." Hina: "HEY!" In all the chaos, Hina's leg bumped a shelf. Something square tumbled down from the shelf. It was a canvas. Sachiko: "Oww?!" The canvas bounced off Sachiko's back, flipped over itself a few times, and arrived at Miyako's knees. Miyako: "......" Miyako picked up the canvas and turned it over. Sachiko: "Ah, no, you can't look at that one!" Miyako: "Huh...?" But she was too late. The canvas had already been revealed. It was the portrait of a girl in a uniform. Miyako: "Is this... me?" Miyako turned the painting to the pile of the four girls. Hina: "It's Miyako!" Sachiko: "Uh oh..." It was almost certain that the girl on the canvas and the girl holding it were the same person. Fumi: "That's a very nice smile." The girl in the painting had a brilliant smile on her face. Rin: "That's pretty intense..." Compared to the paintings they'd all been looking at before, this one had been given a very different touch. It was rough, and a lot more simple, but because of that, there was much more emotion in it. Sachiko: "No... Umm, that's just..." Sachiko was flustered. Fumi: "You didn't know about this painting, Miyako?" Hina: "You didn't model for it?" Miyako: "Oh, no..." Rin: "So she got secret pictues of you? Criminal!" Sachiko: "I did not! I painted it from memory!" Rin: "So you've looked at Mikoyan so much you can paint her from memory, eh?" Sachiko: "......" Rin: "I bet in your imagination, it's a nude—" Sachiko: "It's not a nude, right?!" Rin: "Oh, I guess you're right." Hina: "You haven't imagined it?" Sachiko: "I can imagine, can't I?!" Hina: "You can't!" Sachiko: "I have freedom of thought and belief!" Fumi: "It's a little unfair that you've only painted Miyako, though~" Fumi was sharp as usual. Fumi: "Do you sense something bittersweet about this?" Sachiko: "I-I'll paint you anytime you want, Foomin." Fumi: "No nudes, please." Sachiko's response was so unusual for her that the three couldn't help mocking her. Miyako: "........." But Miyako looked a little happy, holding the canvas to her chest. Miyako: "...Huh?" She noticed some small writing on the back of the canvas. And then gasped. Miyako: "Ah..." Sachiko: "Alright, I'm confiscating that!" Sachiko grabbed the canvas hurriedly, face red, and put it back on the shelf. Miyako: "......"
—And the feast was done. The pot was empty, and all present had recovered enough from their full bellies to move again. Sachiko: "Thanks for everything today, guys." Sachiko said, standing up. Fumi: "Let's get this cleaned up real quick." Sachiko: "It's fine, Foomin. I'll handle it." She stopped Fumi from stacking up all the dishes on the table. Fumi: "Are you sure? There's a lot to wash." Sachiko: "Yeah, I'll figure it out. Is it okay if I leave her to you, though?" Sachiko's wry smile was directed at... Miyako: "Zzz, zzz..." ...Miyako, snoring with her head on the table. Sachiko: "She eats, then sleeps. Really true to her physical desires, huh?" Sachiko: "Mikoyan? Go back to your room and sleep there." Miyako: "Zzz, zzz..." Sachiko called her name and shook her shoulder, but Miyako showed no signs of coming to. Rin: "Dead to the world." Sachiko: "Oh, fine... Hup." Sachiko put Miyako's arm over her shoulder and stood her up. Sachiko: "Can you bring her to your room?" Rin: "Yes, ma'am." Rin tried to take Miyako from Sachiko, but... Rin: "Well, this isn't gonna work. She's clinging to you like a koala." At some point, Miyako had locked her arms around Sachiko's waist. Sachiko: "Geez~ She's such a handful~" Hina: "Guess you're just gonna have to carry her." Sachiko: "...Guess so." Sachiko's face was resigned. Rin: "We could try splashing water on her." Fumi: "We can't do that!" Rin: "I was joking." Sachiko: "Okay, Hinacchi, can you open the door?" Hina: "Yeeep." Sachiko staggered over to the four girls' room, carrying Miyako. The rest of the girls smiled as they watched her from behind. Fumi: "Heheh, it's kind of nice, isn't it?" Hina: "Yeah. They're like sisters." Rin: "Not a mom and daughter?" Sachiko: "I can hear you, Rin. So you're gonna help me clean that pot~?" Rin: "A pair of beautiful sisters!" Sachiko: "Good." Hina: "Should we wake her up?" Sachiko: "Nah, just let her sleep." Sachiko stopped the three girls from waking their roommate. Sachiko: "I'll wake her up when I'm done with the dishes. You guys can head back first." Rin: "There won't be any funny business, will there?" Sachiko: "Hee hee hee." Hina: "Hey!" Sachiko: "There won't." Sachiko saw the three of them back to their room. Fumi: "We should get our bath stuff when we get back to our room. We probably all smell like fish right now." Rin: "What~? I don't wanna~" Fumi: "You need to wash all that hair of yours." Rin: "I'll take one in the morning~" Hina: "Yeah right!" Fumi: "When Miyako wakes up, we'll come take her to the bath with us." Sachiko: "Alright." Heading back to her room, Sachiko slowly took a cigarette out of her pocket. Miyako: "Funny business?" Sachiko: "Pfft!" Sachiko choked. Sachiko: "When did you wake up?" Miyako: "I don't mind, you know." Sachiko: "...Are you half-asleep?" Miyako: "I'm awake, I think. Unless this is a dream." Sachiko sighed and put away the cigarette. Sachiko: "Well, if you're awake, go back to your room." Miyako: "When did you paint that picture?" Sachiko: "...That's a secret." Miyako: "Is that what I look like when I smile?" Sachiko: "Nope. It's a crappy painting." Miyako: "That's not true. I'm really happy about it." Sachiko: "Happy? Why?" Miyako: "Because you said you only paint things you like." Sachiko: "......" Miyako: "Can I see it again?" Miyako had stood up and grabbed the painting from the shelf before she was even finished asking the question. Sachiko: "Ah, hey! Don't touch it!" Sachiko ran over to stop her. Miyako: "Ah... wawah?" Sachiko practically tackled her, causing Miyako to lose her balance. Miyako: "We keep falling over today." Sachiko: "Seriously." Sachiko sighed from underneath Miyako. Miyako: "......" Miyako was staring at her. Sachiko: "What is it?" Miyako: "So, will there be funny business?" Sachiko: "...Like what?" Miyako: "Like what you do to them all the time? Or what the two lovers do?" Sachiko: "Alright, that's enough messing around—" Sachiko made to stand up, but Miyako didn't budge. Miyako: "Why did you stop, before?" Sachiko: "I told you I was joking, didn't I?" Miyako: "......" There was disappointment on her face for a moment, but then... Miyako: "Can we continue?" Sachiko: "Huh?" Miyako: "Can I continue? Mmh..." Sachiko was pushed down again. Sachiko: "Hey—" Miyako brought her face closer, slowly. Hina: "Waaah! A lion's attacking Sachiko?!" —And that's where that ends tonight. Sachiko: "Wah?!" Sachiko went white as a sheet. Miyako: "........." Miyako had woken up at some point and was staring straight at her. Holding _that canvas_, too. Miyako: "Who is this painting of?" Sachiko: "What do you mean, who—" Miyako: "It says 'Noel' on the back. Is that her name?" Sachiko: "......" Miyako: "She's... my model, isn't she?" Sachiko: "......" Sachiko lit a cigarette while she searched for a response. Miyako: "So you knew her." Sachiko: "What a coincidence, right?" Miyako: "It's unbelieveable!" Sachiko: "I could barely believe it myself." Miyako: "What was Noel like?" Sachiko: "Well, she looked just like you." Miyako: "I imagine she must have, since I modeled myself on her... Did she act like me, too?" Sachiko: "Not in the least..." Miyako: "Oh. So—" Miyako went on, blithe as ever: Miyako: "Is she wearing the Seiyou uniform—" Sachiko: "Why does that matter?" Sachiko's face was as dark as Miyako's was bright. Miyako: "I want to know more about the girl you liked." Sachiko: "Huh...?" Miyako: "You said you only paint things you like." Sachiko: "......" Miyako: "Noel invited you down, didn't she?" Sachiko: "...Why do you think so?" Miyako: "Because it has a date from five years ago by the name." Sachiko: "...I see." Miyako: "But it's more because it's such a beautiful painting." Sachiko: "It's the first one I painted after I came down... It's not that good." Miyako: "I don't mean technically. You can tell how important she is to you." Miyako: "I wish it was me in the painting." Sachiko: "......" Miyako: "I thought for sure she was someone older, what with the smoking." Sachiko: "...She was a delinquent." Miyako: "Was she? What about now?" Sachiko: "Now... she's somewhere far away." Miyako: "Far away?" Rin: "Oh, she's up." Hina: "Miyako, we're gonna go take a bath~" Miyako: "Okay." Fumi: "I brought your bath stuff and a change of clothes, so you can come straight with us." Miyako: "Thank you~" Hina: "Hey, you're smoking!" Sachiko: "Oh, yeah..." The four girls left. ......... ...... Sachiko: "Ouch..." The cigarette had burned down to Sachiko's fingers. And that's that. February comes in like a lion—
Hina: "Business is booming, huh?" An endless stream of questions meant Fumi's class would likely continue on a little longer. Rin: "Seriously. Are there more people over there now? They've gotta be coming from other classes at this point, right?" Miyako: "She's really amazing, answering each and every question like that." Hina: "Yeah. It might have been faster to just go to the home ec room and give them a demonstration." Rin: "Haahh... Do we have time to get groceries on our way home?" Hina: "We'll be fine. Fumi knows what we need." It was starting to creep into Rin's voice how tired she was of waiting, but Hina was perfectly content. Hina: "Maybe I'll get Fumi to teach me too and make chocolate myself this year." Miyako: "What did you do until now?" Hina: "My mom or my sister always made it before. I just wrapped it." Rin: "Ah, the ones with the huge—hgh!" A sharp kick to Rin's calf. Hina: "Well, I never had anyone to give it to but my dad before. But this year..." Hina's eyes were, of course, on Fumi. Miyako: "That's wonderful." Hina: "Eheh." Rin: "I'm usually on the receiving end." Miyako: "Ooh~" Hina: "This is what I'm talking about." Rin: "What?" Hina: "Haah..." It's clear she's not trying to be snide or sarcastic, but... Rin: "I'm not really that into sweets, though. I can never eat them all. I know! I'll melt them down and give them back on White—" Hina: "Seriously, this is what I'm talking about." Rin: "Huh? Are you mad?" Hina: "I'm not mad, I'm just disgusted. Think about the feelings of the people giving you the chocolate." Rin: "I'm sure they're just giving it to me to give it to someone." Hina: "Still. It's not like you have to give them something homemade in return, but..." Rin: "Wait, but if I melt them down, then they're homemade, right? Isn't that right, Mikoyan?" Miyako: "This is what she's talking about~" Rin: "O-Oh?" It really is.
Hina: "Fumi, are you awake?" A little while after they all got into bed, Hina called over to Fumi. Fumi: "Yes, I'm awake. What's up?" Hina: "Umm, I was just thinking about chocolate." Fumi: "Well, you can't have any. You've already brushed your teeth. We'll have some tomorrow. We both have to wait." Hina: "No, that's not it. I mean Valentine's chocolate." Fumi: "O-Oh... What about it?" Hina: "I want to give you some too." Fumi: "Oh..." Hina: "But I've never made it before. I've just watched my mom and sister make it." Hina: "...So I probably won't be able to do a good job. Is it still okay?" Fumi: "I'd love any chocolate you gave me, Hina." Hina: "Fumi..." Fumi: "But if you want to make it, why don't we make it together?" Hina: "Yeah! I want you to teach me!" Fumi: "Alright, I'll teach you Le Chocolat Chocolat's special recipe!" Is that the name of Fumi's family's store? Rin: "Mikoyan, you ever been to a conveyor belt sushi place before?" Miyako: "I haven't~" Rin suddenly interrupted. Hina: "Where'd that come from?" Fumi: "I'm sorry, were we being loud?" Rin: "Just too sweet for me." Fumi: "Sweet?" Rin: "Like you're tossing sugar at each other." Hina: "What? That doesn't make any sense." Rin: "Just shut up and do your flirting in bed together!" Hina & Fumi: "Ah..." Hina: "Don't pout~ We'll give you some of the chocolate we make." Rin: "I don't want more sweet stuff." Rin: "Mikoyan, let's go get sushi sometime!" There was no answer. Rin: "Mikoyan?" Miyako: "Zzz..." Rin: "Geez, what a snooze monster!"
Hina: "That part's cooked, so you can eat it. This is... gonna need some more time." More than halfway into the hotpot, Hina was still busy, scooping out the scum and adding ingredients. Fumi: "Are you eating too, Hina?" Hina: "Yeah, I am. See?" Hina's shell bowl had several crab legs sticking out of it. Fumi: "Good. You're really good at this." Hina: "Thanks. You chopped the veggies, right?" Fumi: "I did... Did I mess something up?" Hina: "No, the opposite. You've separated the green and the white parts, and they're all the right size, too. You really pay a lot of attention." Hina held up a piece of cabbage, impressed. Fumi: "Yes, since they cook at different speeds." Hina: "Everybody in my family is so sloppy. They just chop everything up at whatever sizes. It's always like we're out camping or something." Fumi: "Aha, well, we're a family of bakers, so we want to measure everything." Hina: "That's so funny. Here, this crab is perfect right now. Take it before it gets hard." Hina moved a crab leg to Fumi's bowl. Fumi: "Thank you. You're so considerate, Hina." Hina: "Heheheh♪" Sachiko: "You two are so close~" Across the table, Sachiko was watching them, tipping back a sake cup. Rin: "They really are. So much it's a bit of a problem actually." Sachiko: "Heheh. They raise the temperature too much? You know, it _is_ kinda hot in here." Rin: "Don't say stuff like that. It's hot 'cause you're drinking. And we're cooking." Sachiko: "Oh, right. So why's it a problem for you if Hinacchi and Foomin are too close?" Hina: "Huh? What? Are we causing problems for you, Rin?" Fumi: "I'm sorry... we should have noticed." Rin: "No, I don't mind that you're close. I mean, I was the one who read you your vows." On Christmas Eve in the chapel. Rin: "I just kinda wish you'd have some shame, y'know~" Hina: "Shame? Why?" Sachiko: "What? Did something happen?" Rin: "Oh, plenty of things, but the worst was after our shrine visit on New Year's—" Fumi: "Ah! That was—" Realizing where she was going, Fumi tried to stop her, but Rin continued... Rin: "When Mikoyan and I came back, the two of them were sleeping on each other, _naked_!" Sachiko: "Oho! Was it after the act? Was it?" Rin: "I bet it was~ They looked like they wore themselves out and fell asleep just like that." Sachiko: "Aaaaah!!" Hina: "We didn't do anything. We tried, but... We ended up happy just holding each other, and before I knew it, I'd dozed off." Rin & Sachiko: "Aaaaah!!" Hina's blithe words elicited bittersweet screams from Rin and Sachiko. Fumi: "Hina, Hina...!" Fumi reddened at Hina's candidness. Sachiko: "Well, it is a four-person room, but you've gotta let them get away with some stuff. Just look at how pure Hinacchi is!" Rin: "I know. I'm not really bothered by it. I just like teasing them." Sachiko: "Yeah... I get that." Sachiko: "If you asked, I'd let you use this room whenever you want! You get three hours' free time, just call extension 9 for inquiries." Fumi: "Free time? Extension 9?" Fumi cocked her head, face blank. Sachiko: "Oh, free time means—" Hina: "Hey!" Kick! Hina kicked Sachiko's shin under the table. Sachiko: "Gfh?!" Hina: "I dunno what you're talking about, but it's dirty, isn't it?! Don't teach Fumi dirty stuff!" Rin: "She's got good instinct at least." Or Sachiko's usual behavior just makes it easy to guess. Fumi: "Umm, Ogata, what did she mean by...?" Fumi asked Rin, still curious. Rin: "Hell no. I'm not getting kicked by Hina." Hina: "Darn right!" Hina gave an emphatic nod. Rin: "Anyway, I just want you to think about how I feel when you put on displays like that." Fumi: "Umm... we'll be more careful." Rin: "After all, unlike you two, I'm all by my lonesome~" Hina: "Rin, you can't spend all your time sulking." Rin: "Huh? What's that? Your eyes are full of pity... no, more like lofty compassion, isn't it?" Rin: "How can you look so grown-up when you don't even know what free time is?" Hina: "I might not know what you're talking about, but I know that if you don't start acting more true to yourself, you'll end up all alone. You'll become a sad, lonely adult like Sachiko." Sachiko: "Hey!" Hina's words suddenly struck Sachiko on the right cheek. Rin: "Ack, I _really_ don't want that!" Sachiko: "Hey!!" And there was the strike on the left cheek. Rin: "Come on, Mikoyan, let's date!" Miyako: "...Huh? What? I'm sorry, I was eating crab!" The crab-eating lion looked back at her blankly, crab spoon in hand. ...I thought she was being a little too quiet.
Rin: "That's economics right there. Girls all over Japan are buying chocolate, right? Aren't the economic implications just fascinating?" Rin looked on at the early Valentine's atmosphere blossoming around Fumi's desk with a mix of wonder and scorn on her face. Rin: "I want to put a Valentine's tax on it and make a sweet profit." Would that be in chocolate coins? Hina: "On what authority?" Rin: "I'm sure you were the type to receive chocolates, right, Hina?" Hina: "I don't like the way you asked that." Rin: "You're being paranoid. So? Am I right?" Hina: "Well... yeah." Rin: "Knew it." Miyako: "You were popular, huh~?" Hina: "I think it's more like I just wasn't considered a girl." Rin: "Have you always shaved your head?" Hina: "I had long hair in grade school!" Rin: "Then you only shaved it in middle school?" Hina: "I've never shaved my head!" Rin: "Well, you don't have your secondary sex characteristics yet. Your voice hasn't changed yet, either." Hina: "My voice is never going to change!" Rin: "Hahahaha!" Hina: "Shut up already! I got a lot of chocolate from girls, okay?! What, are you jealous?!" Hina snapped. Rin: "I actually happen to have received quite a bit myself~ Oh, my hair's always been long, though~" Rin brushed a hand through her hair like she was in a shampoo commercial. It's irritating to admit it, but she does look good. Hina: "...How much?" Rin: "I would say 40 to 50 was the average per year. I mean, it wasn't enough to have to carry it in a truck or anything." Miyako: "Wow~" Rin: "I guess I was pretty popular~" Well, she is attractive. She's got that much going for her at least. Hina: "Uuuuuuugh." Hina's mood was only worsening. Rin: "Don't be jealous~" Hina: "I'm... not jealous." Rin: "It's better to have a popular girlfriend than an unpopular one, right?" Hina: "........." Miyako: "You must have gotten really full eating all that chocolate!" And this one's impressed about something weird. Hina: "Th-This year, I'll give you—" Rin: "Sick of it, more like. I'm not even all that into sweets in the first place~" Hina's words petered out before even reaching Rin's ears. Fumi: "Sorry I'm late." Rin: "Hey, good work." Rin welcomed Fumi to them when she returned, looking apologetic. Hina: "......" Meanwhile, Hina was stewing in her feelings now that they had nowhere to go. Miyako: "It's alright." Miyako put a gentle hand on her back. Hina: "Thanks." Hina turned to her and smiled. Rin: "Okay, now that we're all done here, let's get going." Hina: "Yeah!" Hina grabbed her bag and ran off. ...... She definitely is a girl.
Rin: "Mmmmh~" Rin stretched grandly, reaching a good stopping point in her book. Miyako: "Oh..." She was just stretching, but she was so flexible that it looked impressive. It almost looked like the cobra pose in yoga. Hina: "She's something, isn't she?" Miyako: "Yes." Miyako tried imitating her but could only bend her back about half as much as Rin had. But Miyako wasn't inflexible, it was just that Rin was extremely limber. Rin: "What?" Hina: "Just talking about how flexible you are." Fumi: "Ugh..." Now that one's inflexible. She can't even get her chest off the floor. Though she's got a handicap in that area. Hina: "Rin did ballet." Miyako: "Did she?" Rin: "I quit a long time ago, though." Hina: "But she said she was good at it. Maybe she could have been a famous ballerina if she'd kept it up." Miyako: "That's pretty amazing." Rin: "I would have quit sooner or later. I don't have the personality for it." Hina: "There you go again. You put yourself down too much, Rin." Rin: "No, you just give me too much credit." Hina: "I do not! I know! Do that thing, Rin!" Rin: "What thing?" Hina: "Umm, where you stand on one foot and raise the other one. Uhh... arabica?" Rin: "Arabesque. And no, I don't want to." Hina: "Why?" Rin: "Because it's a pain. It's too late at night." Rin rolled over, facing the other way. Hina: "Mmmmmmh!" The only comeback Hina had was to whine. Rin: "That won't convince me." Fumi: "Oh, I think I'd like to see that. What about you, Miyako?" Miyako: "Yes, I would, too." Fumi put in her support behind Hina and Miyako quickly caught on and backed her up. Hina: "Mmmh..." Rin: "Haah... Okay, just a little. I'm not doing anything showy." In the end, Rin folded. Hina: "Yay~! It's really cool! Everybody, watch." She bragged like it was her doing it. Rin: "Geez..." Setting her book down on the table, Rin stood slowly. She twisted this way and that, doing the bare minimum of a stretch. Even that was somewhat impressive. At the same time, Fumi pulled the table back to give her more space. Rin: "Mmh..." She straightened up slowly, reaching her full height and making them all almost forget how she usually slouched. Miyako: "Wow!" She looked beautiful just standing there. That was enough for Miyako to exclaim. Hina: "Watch what she does with her feet! It's really amazing!" Fumi: "I'm watching." Rin went through the positions at a quick pace. She must have done it so often in the past that she was going off of muscle memory. Hina: "Now pay attention to her upper body. See? Her legs are moving so much, but her upper body stays completely still." Fumi & Miyako: "It's true!" Rin: "...You're not making this easy." Hina: "Don't look like you hate it. Come on, make a cool face, too!" Rin: "Haah... Last one. I'm lifting my leg a bit..." With another sigh, she faked a smile. It was a bit strained. Her leg slowly lifted... She didn't lift it as high as last time, but it still made the length of her arms and legs prominent. It almost seemed like her limbs were filling up the room. Hina: "......" Hina looked on admiringly. Hina: "I fell in love with Rin when I saw this. That's why Rin's arapaima is a treasure of mine." Fumi: "Wow..." Miyako: "Ooh..." The two were touched. ...But it's an arabesque. Not a fish. Rin: "......" She lowered her leg slowly to finish. Miyako: "It was beautiful." Rin: "Thanks. I'm not doing it again." Fumi: "Your tracksuit looked like a tutu to me." Rin: "Come on, I was just stretching a little." Hina: "Mfh!" Hina raised her leg in imitation of Rin. She was flexible too, but in a different way, so it didn't go as well. Rin: "Ah, hey! An amateur shouldn't try that without a barre—" Hina: "Whoa, wah... aaah?!" Not even getting to the arabesque, she lost her balance just trying to stand on one leg. Rin: "Ah!" Rin reached out and caught her. Rin: "What are you doing?! You could've hurt yourself!" Hina: "I'm sorry... I thought maybe if I could do it too, I could dance with you." Rin: "Haah... I'm not doing that. I'm not good at dancing with people." Hina: "......" Rin: "Alright, show's over." Curtly letting go of Hina, Rin lay down once more. Clap clap clap. Miyako: "......" Fumi: "......" Miyako and Fumi exchanged a glance, applauding the performance.
After they'd all gotten into their beds, Miyako fell asleep right away, but... Rin: "Ngh..." Rin groaned when she turned the page of her book. Hina: "Rin?" Hina heard it from the bed underneath her. Rin: "Oh, you're still up? That's unusual." Hina: "Yeah. What was that sound? You okay?" Rin: "Oh, my finger just hurt a bit. Caught my cut on the edge of the page." Hina: "The cut from when I bit you?" Rin: "Yeah. It might be a little swollen." Hina: "...I'm sorry." Hina curled up in her bed, remorseful. Rin: "Well, I didn't really clean it or anything. I just left it alone." Hina: "......" Rin: "Ugh... It hurts. What if I get rabies~?" Hina: "Awawa..." Rin was exaggerating her pain, but Hina was almost crying, taking her seriously. Hina: "What if you lose your finger... because of me...?" Her voice was thick now. Rin realized she'd overdone it. Rin: "No, hey... I was joking. It'll get better in no time if I just lick it... mmn... Ow!" I guess that stung. Hina: "Aaah!" Rin: "It's fine! I'll go get some antiseptic and a band-aid from Sachiko—" Rin sat up and made to get off her bed, but... Hina: "I'll go!" Hina leapt out of bed quicker, and was out the door in the next moment. Rin: "Okay..." Fumi: "Ogata?" Rin: "Ah, yeah?" Fumi: "You shouldn't do that. You know Natsume takes everything to heart." Rin: "Er, I mean, I was just teasing her a little..." Fumi: "......" Rin: "...I'm sorry." Fumi: "Please tell Natsume that." Rin: "...Right."
Fumi: "I'm feeling pretty full now~" Fumi let out a little sigh. They were getting to the end of the hotpot. Sachiko: "I've got some rice soup to finish up?" Fumi: "Rice soup... That sounds good." Does she have room for that? Fumi: "I'm full, but it tastes so good it's hard to stop." She seemed embarrassed, but kept right on eating. Miyako: "You're exactly right! But if you keep eating just because it tastes good, something _terrible_ could happen later!" Miyako emphasized. Seems the Christmas cake incident was still weighing heavily on her. Fumi: "Augh! I figured today was a special exception, but I should probably stop, shouldn't I?" Fumi seemed to interpret Miyako's "something terrible" to mean something else. Rin: "Actually, since hotpots are so hot, they make you sweat, which cancels out the calories." Fumi: "Really?!" There goes Rin. Hina: "......" Sachiko: "Hm? Whatcha doin', Hinacchi?" Hina was rifling through the canvases stacked up in the corner of the room. Hina: "I wanna see Rin's picture. The one she modeled for before Christmas." Sachiko: "Ah, that one's not in the canvases." Sachiko stood up and plucked out a sketchbook from a shelf. Sachiko: "Here y'go." Hina: "A doodle book?" Sachiko: "Ahaha, yeah, I guess they're basically doodles." Hina opened up the sketchbook. Rough pencil sketches filled the pages. From the balance of her arms and legs and the length of her hair, it did look like Rin. They were mostly simple poses, some without any details on the arms and legs. Hina: "They're not dirty. Or nudes." Rin: "Of course they aren't!" Sachiko: "I tried so hard to persuade her, too..." Rin: "Like hell I'm stripping for you!" Hina: "I wasn't expecting this. I thought there'd be more details." Hina must have been expecting a portrait. Sachiko: "Rin's got long limbs and she's flexible, so she makes a perfect posing doll." Rin: "How rude." Sachiko: "It's a compliment." Rin: "Doesn't sound like one. But hey, all that paid for this." Rin said, tugging lightly on Hina's collar. Hina: "Yeah... thanks." Rin: "I worked real hard. I'm such a nice person." Hina: "Sachiko, can I have these sketches?" Sachiko: "Even though they're just doodles?" Hina: "No, I think they're really good. They really show off Rin's stuff." Sachiko: "Well hey, I can take a compliment. Thanks! I kinda want to hold on to my work, though." Hina: "I'll take really good care of them." Hina pointed her puppy-dog eyes at Sachiko. Sachiko: "Mm~ I'll trade 'em for that choker, then." Hina: "......" Sachiko: "Kidding! Kidding!" Sachiko backpedaled when she saw Hina about to cry. Hina: "...Could you draw us together sometime, then?" Sachiko: "Nude?" Hina: "If it's with Rin..." Rin: "Hell no!" That's a "no" from the costar.
As the questions of the girls surrounding Fumi appeared to be unending, the chocolate class didn't seem like it would be coming to a close anytime soon. The other three watched from a ways away. Hina: "What did you do for Valentine's Day, Rin?" Rin: "What do you mean, what did I do?" Hina: "I just can't imagine you giving chocolate to someone with an earnest look on your face." Rin: "How rude. Don't confine me to your sorry excuse for an imagination." Hina: "Sorry. So you did give chocolates?" Rin: "Nah." Hina: "Hey! Why'd you deny it, then?" Rin: "I just didn't like admitting you were right." Hina: "You're such a contrarian." Rin: "I didn't give any, but I got plenty." Miyako: "Ooh, you were popular?" Rin: "Yeah, I always got a lot every year, but I don't really like sweets, so I could never get rid of 'em all." Miyako: "What a waste." Rin: "What'd you do, Hina?" Hina: "I ate them. Wait, why are you assuming I got chocolates?" Rin: "Well, isn't that better than not getting any? What about White Day?" Hina: "I gave them homemade cookies. My sister baked them, though." Rin: "That's nice. I gave out gift cards in return." Hina: "Not a shred of sentiment there, huh?" Rin: "Well, I don't plan on accepting Valentine's chocolate anymore, so." Miyako: "Oh? You don't?" Rin: "From everyone but one, anyway~" Rin glanced over at the chocolate class. Fumi just happened to be looking her way at the same moment and their eyes met. Rin gave her a little wave and Fumi nodded from behind the circle of girls. Hina: "What are you, bragging?" Rin: "Sure am. So you know, I don't want any chocolate from you either, Hina." She held up her hand, indicating rejection. Hina: "Well I wasn't planning on giving you any! And I thought you didn't like sweets anyway." Rin: "Yeah, but chocolate from Fumi is an exception. She said she'd make it to my tastes." Miyako: "Not very sweet?" Rin: "Yeah. Not that things aren't super sweet between us." Hina: "Okay... I've had about enough of this." Rin: "Oh, don't be jealous." Miyako: "What are you going to do?" Rin: "Huh?" Hina: "Well you _are_ technically a girl, so you could stand to give her some chocolate, too." Rin: "Haah... You're so stupid, Hina." Rin shook her head. Hina: "What's that supposed to mean?!" Rin: "I mean, what kind of chocolate do you think is going to satisfy a patissier's daughter? A girl who's holding a chocolate-making class after school? She'll just look down her nose at any lame chocolate I could give her." Hina: "Uhh, no, I don't think Asou would do that. I mean, sure, it'd be tough to impress her, but it's the thought that counts, isn't it?" Rin: "I mean, I'll do something. Haven't thought of what yet, though." Hina: "I don't think you need to come up with something original or anything... Why don't you just buy her something? As long as it's not from her store." Rin: "Oh, maybe I'll wrap myself up in a big ribbon~" Hina: "...She's an idiot." Rin: "Who's an idiot?!" They really do get along well, don't they? Fumi: "Hey, you two. No fighting, now." That's when Fumi came back. Rin: "Oh, Fumi." Hina: "Oh, Asou." Fumi: "Sorry for keeping you waiting." Miyako: "Good work over there." Fumi: "The questions just wouldn't end. They let me go after I told them I'd hand out an easy recipe next time." Miyako: "Everybody's passionate about Valentine's Day, huh?" Fumi: "All girls are!" Miyako: "Oh~" Fumi was dazzling, puffing her chest out with pride. Rin: "...So what's your chocolate record? I got fifty once." Hina: "Ten thousand." Rin: "How?! You'd crash the chocolate market for the whole city! Fumi~ Hina's telling lies!" ...They _are_ girls, right?
They were still talking about their first day at the dorm after getting in bed. Even Miyako, who normally fell asleep as soon as she got under the covers, was wide awake tonight. She was eager to hear about the three girls from before she started watching them. Miyako: "That's surprising." Hina: "It's true, though. It took way more time for Rin to open up to Asou." Miyako: "Even though now, they're..." Hina: "Yep~ All over each other, right?" Fumi: "Ahaha..." Hina: "Her parents are never around, so she wasn't used to people taking care of her, or so she said." —Last May. The morning, before school. Hina: "Hey, we gotta go or we're gonna miss the bus!" She was small, but her voice really carried. And it sounded a little annoyed. Rin: "...You can leave first. I'll be right behind you." And this one had a lazy voice. She'd managed to get her uniform on, but was struggling to get away from her bed. Hina: "You said that before and you didn't show up until noon!" Rin: "......" Hina: "You can't get up in the morning because you're always up late reading." Rin: "So? I can do what I want, can't I?" Hina: "You can't! As your roommate and your classmate, I won't let you be late!" Hina grabbed Rin's arm and tried to pull her upright. Rin: "...Don't pull that. You'll stretch it." Hina: "Then stand on your own feet!" Rin: "...What, are you trying to score points as a good little class rep?" Hina: "What? What points?" When Rin stood up, their height difference became very apparent. They glared at each other, and Hina didn't back down at all despite having to look up at Rin. Rin: "...Hmph." Rin was the first one to look away, shaking off Hina's grip on her sleeve. Fumi: "Okay, let's get going♪" Fumi slipped right into the precarious air between them. Fumi: "Here, your handkerchief. I washed it for you." She held Rin's handkerchief out to her. Rin: "Huh...?" Rin stared blankly between the handkerchief and Fumi's face. Rin: "Uhh, you don't need to... do that." Fumi: "Well, I already have. Here, your commuter pass. Here, your lunch." Fumi held out some more items, smiling. Rin: "Huh? Lunch...?" Fumi: "Yes, I made enough for everyone♪" Hina: "They looked so good! I'm really excited for them♪" Hina was fired up after watching Fumi fill the lunchboxes. Fumi: "Would you like to eat lunch with us from now on?" Rin: "Huh...? Why?" Fumi: "Well, you always leave the classroom alone at lunch." Rin: "I..." Hina: "Just hang out with us one time, Ogata. If you hate it, we won't force you to do it again." Rin: "......" Hina and Fumi patently waited for Rin's answer. This was more important than catching the bus. Rin: "...Sure, if it's just today." Fumi: "Oh, good! I hope you like the lunch." Rin: "...Umm, I don't like peppers." Fumi: "It's not good to be picky." Miyako: "Wow, I can't even imagine that!" Hina: "She's still just as twisted, though." Miyako: "Ahaha." Hina: "We're only so close now because Asou never stopped bugging her until Rin opened up." Miyako: "I see~" Fumi: "You... think so?" Hina: "Now she just babies her too much, though. Like this morning—" —That morning, before school. Fumi: "Come on, Rin, please get up? Pick up your bag!" On the new version of the Rin Shift, they couldn't move on to the next item on the list unless Rin took her bag first. Rin: "No! I'm not getting up without a kiss!" Fumi: "Huh? Huh?" Hina: "Yuck, what a baby..." Fumi: "Umm... uhh, I'll give you a kiss when we come home. Please just get up now." Rin: "But I want one now." The baby would not negotiate. Hina: "This is bad... You should say something to her too, Miyako." Miyako: "Zzz..." Hina: "Are you sleeping standing up?!" Miyako: "Ahahahaha." —You laugh, but you're pretty bad, too. Hina: "I really can't believe her..." Rin: "You should leave it at that. Poor Rin is a delicate flower, you know." (show_name="Fumi?") Hina: "Asou...? No, that voice is clearly coming from under Asou's covers..." Fumi: "Ahahahaha..." Hina: "I thought it was too quiet up there..." There was a conspicuous lump under Fumi's covers. She must have been hiding there for the whole conversation. Hina: "Rin! Get out of Asou's bed and get into your own!" Rin: "Rin is a—" Hina: "Enough about how delicate you are!" Rin: "Uuugh..." Rin slunk out of the bed. Fumi: "Get into your bed while you're still warm, okay?" Fumi patted her on the back. Rin: "...I won't go unless you kiss me." Fumi: "Hahh, well, if I must..." Rin: "Gyuh!" Hina threw a pillow at the back of the big baby's head. Hina: "Get up there!!"
Miyako: "Nn... mmh... rgh!" The crab-eating lion was really struggling to get the meat out of the shells. They'd taken part of the shells off before cooking, and they had crab spoons, so the difficulty should have been rather low. But Miyako was trying this for the first time in her life. Hina: "Miyako, it's easier if you move the crab instead of the spoon. Be careful of the spikes on the shell, though." Miyako: "Okay! Oh, you're right!" Miyako dutifully followed Hina's advice, eyes sparkling when the meat came out smoothly. Sachiko: "Sorry. Maybe we should have taken the shells off first." Miyako: "No, this is fun! And it's delicious!" She said, bringing the fruit of her effort to her mouth and starting in on another leg. Sachiko: "Oh yeah? Well, good." Seeing Miyako innocently enjoying the process, Sachiko couldn't help smiling. Hina: "Miyako really gives everything her all, doesn't she?" Sachiko: "Yeah. She's a good girl..." Hina: "On the other hand..." Hina looked past Miyako with a sigh. Fumi: "Here, I got this crab meat out for you." Rin: "Yay~, nice and easy~" Fumi: "What would you like next?" Rin: "More crab~" Fumi: "You need to eat your vegetables too, you know." Rin: "I'll eat a vegetable after the next crab~" Fumi: "Really?" Rin: "Really~♪" Fumi: "Well, alright..." Fumi said, plucking some more crab from the pot and smiling as she worked the meat out. Hina: "What is this?! Seriously?!" Sachiko: "Couldn't tell ya~" Rin: "Fumi, my glasses are all foggy." Fumi: "They are! You must have gotten steam on them. Here, let me wipe them off." Rin: "I can't see~" Hina: "Is this dorm a preschool?! Is Asou Rin's mother?!" Sachiko: "I told you, don't ask me!" Sachiko's voice shook as Hina shook her shoulders. All throughout the hotpot, Rin was being a total baby and Fumi was taking care of her. She picked pieces of food out of the pot for her and cleaned it up when Rin spilled. And— Rin: "Hot!" Fumi: "Oh, is it too hot? I'll blow on it for you." Fumi took the bowl from Rin and blew on the soup. Hina: "...I'm gonna take that hot soup and..." Sachiko: "Settle down." Fumi: "Phoo... phoo... how's that? Say, 'ahh'~" Rin: "Ahh~" Hina: "........." Sachiko: "She got quiet." Hina: "This isn't just Rin being selfish. Asou's having fun babying her, too." Sachiko: "This that codependence thing?" Hina: "You think this is okay?" Sachiko: "Want me to blow on yours, Hinacchi? Say, 'ahh'!" Sachiko brought her chopsticks to Hina's mouth. Hina: "No!" Sachiko: "Feh. You're no fun. What about you, Mikoyan?" Miyako: "Yes?" Sachiko: "'Ahh'~" Miyako: "Ahh." She's easy.
The air in the classroom was more strained than usual. They were in the middle of proficiency exams. The sound of pencils scraping against answer sheets, of the teacher walking in between the desks. Fumi: "......" Fumi was checking over her answers. Hina: "Nnh~" Hina was busy writing and erasing. She seemed to be having a tough time. Rin: "........." Finishing quickly, Rin was absentmindedly spinning a pen. Rin: "Ah...!" The pen flew out of her hand, attracting a glare from the teacher. As for Miyako... Miyako: "......" Miyako: "Ah!" She'd been nodding off, but the sound of Rin's pen hitting the floor woke her up. Miyako: "......" She hurriedly looked down at her exam. The air in the classroom was more strained than usual. They were in the middle of proficiency exams. The sound of pencils scraping against answer sheets, of the teacher walking in between the desks. Fumi: "......" Fumi was checking over her answers. Fumi: "...Oh." A careless mistake. She erased an answer with a small sound of recognition. Hina: "Nnh~" Hina was busy writing and erasing. She seemed to be struggling to fully pull out the answers from her brain. Hina: "Oh!" Her expression lit up. She must have remembered something. She nodded a few times as she wrote an answer down. Rin: "........." Finishing quickly, Rin was absentmindedly spinning a pen. The pen almost flew out of her hand, but she just managed to catch it. Rin: "Whew..." As for Miyako... Miyako: "Zzz, zzz..." She was snoozing even though only half of her answer sheet was filled in. Well, that's not good. Miyako: "—!!" Miyako suddenly jolted awake. All the students around her and the teacher looked at her. Miyako: "Hahaha..." She looked awkwardly at her answer sheet. —That scared me.
The chapel, after school. The four girls were on cleaning duty, but they were chatting now, their work almost done. Fumi: "That scarf looks good on you." Miyako: "Thank you. I like it, too." Rin: "Oh yeah, you just started wearing that, didn't you? Where'd you get it?" Miyako: "Sachiko gave it to me." At Sachiko's name, a strange air settled between the other three girls. Miyako: "...?" Fumi: "Speaking of Sachiko..." Miyako: "Yes?" Miyako cocked her head to the right. Rin: "About the night of the hotpot party..." Miyako: "Yes?" She cocked her head to the left this time. Hina: "That really surprised me. You were right on top of her when we opened the door." Hina gets straight to the point. Miyako: "That was..." Hina: "Were you half-asleep? Dreaming about being a lion?" Miyako: "I just wanted to tease her a little." Fumi: "Not the other way around?" Miyako: "No." Rin: "She didn't just tell you to say that?" Miyako: "No." Hina: "Sachiko's being a bad influence on her!" That's not very nice, you three. Miyako: "I... think I love her." Hina: "Hwha?" Miyako: "Sachiko." Rin: "There you go joking aga... Wait, you're serious?!" Miyako nodded. Fumi: "Ahh..." Fumi was quick to catch on as always. Hina: "You mean you love her as family? Or you want to kiss her?" Miyako: "I would say I want to kiss her, yes." Hina: "Ugh..." Rin: "Haha, wait a second. Let's be rational about this. In some Western societies, family members kiss—" Miyako: "Like you two do." Miyako indicated the lovers. They exchanged a glance. Rin: "You're surprisingly assertive, Mikoyan." Rin scratched her head. Hina: "Well, the peach doesn't fall far from the tree." Rin: "Huh?" Hina: "Or is it pear?" Rin: "Pfft." That's Hina. Fumi: "But you two aren't blood relatives, right?" Miyako: "Oh, yes." Hina: "I guess there's no problem, then." Rin: "There... isn't?" I wonder. Rin: "There's a pretty big age difference between you two, Mikoyan." Miyako: "That's alright." It's only their appearances that differ in age, after all. Fumi: "Do you think your relatives will allow it?" Miyako: "I'm not worried about that." They don't have any, after all. Hina: "She's a pervert, you know?" Miyako: "Ahaha, that's fine." Hina: "Hmm." Well, that's how humans are. Miyako: "I feel all tingly when I touch her." The lovers looked at each other in understanding, while the third wheel looked on blankly. Hina: "Haah, well, you seem serious. What do you like about Sachiko, though?" Miyako: "Hmm~" She tilted her head again. Hina: "You have to think about it?!" Fumi: "Ahaha, well, she's nice. She is a little perverted, though." Rin: "She is pretty good-looking if you look close enough. Though she's a dirty old man on the inside." Hina: "I guess she's pretty reliable. Reliable but dirty." Miyako: "Ahaha. I love all of that." The three all took Miyako by the hand. Hina & Rin & Fumi: "Good luck." Miyako: "Thank you." They had plenty of commentary, but they were rooting for her in the end. —Well, Sachiko's pretty popular, isn't she?
Sachiko: "Yeah?" Fumi: "It's Asou." Sachiko: "Come in~" Fumi: "Good evening. Is now a good time?" Sachiko: "Yeah, yeah, perfectly fine. Come on in, sit down, sit down." Fumi sat down on the stool Sachiko had indicated. Sachiko: "Let's see... we'll angle you a little more... this way." Fumi: "...?" Sachiko made minute adjustments to Fumi's position on the stool. Sachiko: "Okay, could you start by undoing two buttons?" Fumi: "Huh? Huh?" Sachiko: "Don't worry, don't worry~ I'll paint you real pretty!" Fumi: "No! Umm! I'm not here to model!" Sachiko: "Huh? You're not?" Fumi: "I'm not!" Sachiko: "Damn." Fumi: "I just had something I wanted to ask you." Sachiko: "Perfect! We'll take turns, then. I'm going first! When'd you get your first bra?" Fumi: "That's not what I'm here for!" Rin: "Sachiko, you got a minute?" Sachiko: "Ah, it's Rin." Rin: "Oh, you've already got a visitor. Are you two busy?" Sachiko: "We're having a dirty little girls' night where we share our secrets with each other. The first question is 'when did Foomin get her first bra?'" Rin: "What are you talking about...? So, when was it?" Fumi: "It's not a dirty girls' night, and I'm not answering that!" Rin & Sachiko: "Damn." Fumi: "I came to ask Sachiko something." Rin: "Oh, so did I." Sachiko: "Something dirty?" Fumi: "No!" Hina: "Sachiko, can I ask you something~?" Sachiko: "Wow, now Hinacchi's here." Hina: "Wait, what's everybody doing here?" Sachiko: "A dirty girls' night where we take turns confessing our secrets." Hina: "What...?" Sachiko: "The first question is about when we got our first bras. I guess it's too soon to ask you that, though." Hina: "I wear a bra!" Sachiko: "What kind?" Hina: "This kin—" Fumi: "Wah, wah, wah, wah!" Fumi hurriedly prevented Hina from lifting her sweatshirt up. Sachiko: "So close." Sachiko snapped her fingers. ...This has happened before, hasn't it? Fumi: "It's not a dirty girls' night!" Sachiko: "Hmmmph." You have no right to be hmphing. Hina: "Do you have someone you like right now, Sachiko?" She brought the conversation back on topic with a super direct question. That's Hina for you. Sachiko: "Are you sure this isn't a dirty girls' night?" Fumi: "Please just take the 'dirty' off." Rin: "Have you ever even been in love before?" Sachiko: "Of course I have! What do you think I am, a robot?! Love installation complete!" _Are_ you a robot? Hina: "It wasn't just lust?" Sachiko: "Hey, hey, heeey! Foomin, they're being mean!" Fumi: "They usually say nice things about you. Right?" Rin: "She's good-looking if you look close enough, but she's an old man on the inside." Hina: "She's more reliable than you'd think, but she's dirty, too." Sachiko: "I dunno if that counts..." Fumi: "Come on, you two~" Rin: "Anyway, getting back on track, are you seeing anyone?" Sachiko: "Does it look like I'm—" Rin: "No, it doesn't." Sachiko: "If you're just gonna use the question as an excuse to dig at me, then don't ask it! You're just gonna make me sad!" Hina: "And there's nobody you like?" Sachiko: "I like you, Hinacchi~!" Hina: "Yeah, yeah, whatever!" Hina dodged out of the way of Sachiko's attempted hug. Fumi: "There's really no one you have feelings for?" Sachiko: "I have feelings for all cute girls♪" Rin: "Yeah, I really can't picture her in love." Sachiko: "I'm telling you, I've been in love. The brief realization of a love that wasn't to be, and then an eternal parting—but those feelings became kindling for a flame that burns even now in my breast, never allowing my heart to take another step forward or a step back—" Sachiko: "I'm quite devoted despite appearances, you know." Rin: "But you're single right now." Sachiko: "You really show no mercy, huh?" Fumi: "Umm, can I ask you about Miyako next?" Sachiko: "Hm? She gettin' into trouble?" Fumi: "No, she's a very good girl, but I want to ask what your feelings for her are." Rin: "Yeah, that." Sachiko: "My feelings? Well, I fully agree that she's a good girl." Hina: "But what are your feelings for her?" Sachiko: "I told you, I think she's a good—" Fumi: "Miyako loves you." Fumi interrupted her. Sachiko: "...I love her, too." She looked confused for just a second before she answered. Sachiko: "She's family. I'd barely met her before she moved in, though." Fumi: "Not that kind of love..." Sachiko: "What other kind of love is there?" Rin: "Romantic love." Sachiko: "Haha, well, we're cousins—ooh, but maybe that makes it sexier!" Rin: "This isn't a joke." Fumi: "Have you not noticed Miyako's feelings, Sachiko?" Sachiko: "Your feelings are painfully obvious, Foomin—" Fumi: "I have no romantic feelings for you." Sachiko: "Rejected! That hurts!" Rin: "She's so dense. I feel sorry for Mikoyan." Hina: "Yeah, but she said she likes her anyway." Fumi: "You mean because of that." Fumi elbowed Hina. Fumi: "Miyako is really too much of an angel. She's so gentle and kind." Rin: "And she's beautiful, too. She's a snooze monster, but her sleeping face is angelic! I just saw it when I left the room!" Hina: "She's like an angel, because, umm..." Rin: "...Hina?" Hina: "H-Her boobs are big..." Rin: "I'm proud of you for getting that out, Hina." Hina: "Ugh..." Sachiko: "Nothing but praise for Mikoyan, huh? Not like me." Fumi: "Anyway, we're rooting for Miyako!" Hina: "And we won't let you make her cry!" Rin: "This is the last chance you're ever gonna get, Sachiko." Sachiko: "It's pretty soon for this to be my last chance ever, isn't it?" They all went about it in different ways, but they were trying to back Miyako up. Sachiko: "I understand well your feelings of friendship, but this is gonna be between me and Miyako." She looked exasperated. Sachiko: "I mean, she hasn't actually said anything to _me_ yet, you know?" Fumi: "...Oh." Sachiko: "We can't exactly go over her head on this, can we?" The three girls all exchanged a glance. Hina: "...We're sorry." Rin: "...We got ahead of ourselves." Sachiko: "It's fine. Thanks for looking out for Miyako." She gave the three now-quiet girls a pat on the head. Fumi: "...Sachiko?" Sachiko: "Hm?" Fumi: "If Miyako does tell you her feelings, then—" Sachiko: "It's legal with consent!" Rin: "Hina, get her in the knees!" Hina: "Chwaaaaah!!" Sachiko: "Gwaaah!!" Fumi: "......" Sachiko: "Good night." Sachiko closed her door when the girls left. Sachiko: "...I'm not an idiot."
Fumi: "......" Fumi was knitting. Her hands moved with a practiced quickness. She really can do anything, can't she? Miyako: "......" Miyako watched her, engrossed. Miyako: "What will it be?" Fumi: "It's a scarf." Miyako: "Ooh." Fumi: "My brother shrunk his in the wash, so I'm knitting him a new one." Miyako: "That's nice of you." Fumi: "Eheh, I'm just knitting as a hobby and foisting the finished product off on him." Fumi's hands kept moving as they talked. Her fingers must just remember how to move. Miyako: "Is it hard to do?" Fumi: "You just knit in a straight line for a scarf, so it's not that—" Fumi suddenly stopped, coming to a realization. Fumi: "Miyako! If you're interested, do you want to try it? I'll teach you how♪" Miyako: "Do you think I can do it?" Fumi: "The way I'm doing it is a little advanced, but—" Fumi set down the scarf she was working on... Fumi: "If you want to just make something simple, you only need to learn the basics and then be patient until you're done." ...and took some balls of yarn and needles out of her bag, setting them down in front of Miyako. Miyako: "Wow, you have a lot of different colors." Miyako's eyes lit up when she saw the yarn balls. Fumi: "Heh, I wonder what color would look good on Sachiko." Miyako: "...!" Miyako raised her head and gave Fumi a curious look. Fumi: "Was I wrong?" Miyako: "Umm... no, you're not." Fumi's very perceptive when it comes to love. Miyako: "What color do you think I should use?" Miyako cocked her head, picking up different balls of yarn. Color coordinating is a bit of a challenge when you're new to the world of color. Fumi: "Maybe you can take your time picking the color out and just learn the basics now." Fumi picked up a ball of yarn that was already partially used. Fumi: "Let's use this super thick yarn. It's warm and really fluffy and cute when you finish with it." Miyako: "Sounds good." Fumi: "There's crocheting and there's knitting. I recommend knitting." Fumi: "It might seem complicated because you use two needles, but it's easy to count the stitches, so it's good for beginners." Miyako: "Okay. I'll go with the instructor's recommendation." Fumi: "I'll show you how to do it. Watch carefully." Miyako: "Right!" Miyako scooted closer. Fumi: "First you have to cast on..." On the other side of the table, the two less feminine girls were lazing about in their less feminine way. Rin: "Hey, Miss Hina~ Have you knitted before~?" Hina: "I've sewn cleaning cloths~" Rin: "That's not knitting~" Hina: "What about you then, Miss Rin~?" Rin: "I've done a little cat's cradle~" Hina: "That's super not knitting~" ......... Miyako: "Oh, it came off." The yarn she was trying to loop came off of the needle. She was copying Fumi, but having trouble. Fumi: "Start over from hooking it." Miyako nodded and began the process again. She went slowly, and carefully... Miyako: "—!" She looked up at Fumi. She'd taken her time and finished her first stitch. Fumi: "Good job!" Fumi gave her a passing grade. Miyako: "Ahaha. This is a little daunting." Fumi: "You'll be okay. Once you get used to it, you'll get quicker. You've just got to be patient." Miyako: "Patient... I should be good at it then, I think." Well, she _has_ seen eternity. Fumi: "That's the spirit. And then you just need to put some love into it." Miyako: "Aha... that's a little embarrassing." Fumi: "Let's take our time and have fun." Miyako: "Yes!"
Sachiko and Miyako walked down the street in front of the station. Sachiko: "Sorry to make you carry all that." Miyako: "It's fine. I was the one who asked to come along." Sachiko looked apologetic, but Miyako was all smiles. They both had bags from a candy store in their arms. All full of Valentine's chocolate. Sachiko: "It does add up to quite the number." Miyako: "You give it to all of the students at the dorm?" Sachiko: "Happily, I always get some from all of them every year. Gotta reciprocate." Miyako: "Not on White Day?" Sachiko: "I get and give on White Day, too." Miyako: "Hm?" Sachiko: "That kinda thing happens at a girls' school. Everybody just likes wrapping up chocolate and giving it out. And if it's fun, the more the merrier, right?" Miyako: "I see." Sachiko: "I'm happy to play along if it makes them happy♪" Sachiko: "...Of course, there's a bunch of them and only one of me. It's a little hard on the budget." Miyako: "Ahaha..." Four bags of chocolate... Yeah, that's probably not cheap. Miyako: "Come to think of it, why didn't you buy them at Fumi's store?" Sachiko: "Because I have to give some to Foomin, too. I don't think she'd be very happy to get something they sell at her own store." Miyako: "Oh, I get it." Sachiko: "Though she might be happy to get more allowance if her store gets more sales." Sachiko laughed. Miyako: "Did you buy chocolate for me, too?" Miyako looked over at Sachiko. Sachiko: "I did. I figure Fumi's likely to rope you into buying or making some." Miyako: "You think so?" Sachiko: "Definitely." Miyako: "I'll be able to join in the chocolate exchange too, then. I'm looking forward to Valentine's Day now." Sachiko: "That's not what the holiday's supposed to be about though, really." Miyako: "Well, I think it's okay. It's fun giving and receiving, isn't it?♪" Miyako walked with wide steps, swinging the bags at her sides. Almost skipping. Sachiko: "Hey, don't swing them like that!" Miyako: "Hm? What?" Sachiko: "You'll smush the stuff in the bags... if you..." Sachiko stopped when Miyako turned around and squinted as if she was too bright to look at. Miyako: "What is it?" Sachiko: "...Why'd you come down?" Her face was serious suddenly. Miyako: "Well, because you invited me." Miyako's face was blank at the sudden change in topic. Sachiko: "Is that the only reason why?" Miyako: "I started wanting to be human after watching their room for a while. Eventually, I thought I could get rid of my wings." Miyako: "But that was only because you introduced me to them since you were fond of them, so it does come back to you in the end." Sachiko: "......" Miyako: "If you hadn't called out to me that day on the roof, I'd probably still be flying somewhere now." She smiled innocently. Sachiko: "Do you think it's coincidence?" Miyako: "Most likely. That day was my first time flying around here, after all." Sachiko: "...Right." Sachiko's expression softened at that. Miyako: "Why did you invite me?" Sachiko: "You asked me that before. But I just..." Sachiko: "No, I think it's 'cause I was cold." This time there was a self-deriding look on her face. Boy, she's busy. Miyako: "...Cold?" Sachiko: "I'm sorry." Miyako: "...?" Miyako merely stared blankly at her, not knowing why Sachiko had apologized to her. Sachiko suddenly started walking again, silently passing by Miyako. Miyako: "...!" Miyako jogged to catch up with her... Sachiko: "...Oh?" ...and linked arms with her. Miyako: "Well, it is cold♪" Sachiko: "...You're toasty. Are you sleepy?"
Sachiko faced the canvas, Miyako watching her from nearby. Miyako asked questions occasionally as she watched the paintbrush move, and Sachiko answered without stopping. —"I'll teach you to paint if you join me." That was something Sachiko had told her back when Miyako still had her wings. Sachiko: "How's it look now that your world's got color?" Sachiko asked for Miyako's opinion as she switched brushes. Miyako: "I like it much better with color. The mountains used to only be black and white, but now that there's so much color, they've gotten a lot livelier." Sachiko: "Ahaha. Well, I'm glad... hmm." She'd been moving her brush around above her palette for a while now. Miyako: "You're not putting any paint on it?" Sachiko: "I'm still not sure what color to use~" Miyako: "I thought you just used the same colors as the scenery." Sachiko: "Well, of course, but I have a hard time matching the colors I see to the colors of the paint. I'm not sure which ones are the same." Miyako: "Isn't green just green?" Sachiko: "How many shades of green do you think there are? Emerald, parrot, viridian, turquoise, lime, jade, evergreen, viridian..." Miyako: "You said viridian twice again." Sachiko: "Anyway, a lot of the time, I pick something and paint with it and it ends up looking completely different." Miyako: "Come to think of it, why do you have red on your palette? You're painting green things now." Sachiko: "Sometimes when you mix red in, it looks more green than just using green. I'm kind of still learning, though. Look here..." Sachiko pointed to a spot on the canvas. Miyako bent down and squinted. Miyako: "It's true, there's red there. I never would have noticed if you hadn't told me." There were some faint bits of red hiding in the green. The points of crimson brought out the hue. Sachiko: "All I'm trying to do is paint what I see in front of me, but even that's difficult." Sachiko: "The reality that I see with my eyes changes as I interpret it with my mind. That's where factual knowledge and the information you get from your senses differ." Sachiko: "I just have to focus my eyes and move my brush to create what I see, eliminating as much interference from my brain as I can to create an image as close to reality as possible." Miyako: "You're very serious about it." Sachiko: "I am. You didn't think so?" Sachiko scooped up some paint from her palette. Sachiko: "Why are you in your uniform, anyway?" Miyako: "Because I came here from school." Sachiko: "On a Saturday?" Miyako: "The principal wanted to see me." Sachiko: "...The principal? I didn't hear about that. What'd she want?" Miyako: "She wanted to know how I'd been doing at school and in the dorm." Sachiko: "...You didn't tell her anything unnecessary, did you?" Miyako: "Unnecessary? Oh, I kept my being an angel a secret—" Sachiko: "No, not that. I mean about the smoking and booze and stuff—" Miyako: "Ahaha. I kept those a secret too, of course." Sachiko: "Good girl." Miyako: "The principal asked about you, though. She said you should come visit again sometime." Sachiko: "Yeah, yeah. Eventually." Miyako: "Are you two friends?" Sachiko: "I'd say I owe her more than that we're friends. She's a real busybody." Sachiko swiped her brush across the canvas. Sachiko: "Let's see..." Miyako: "Is it done?" Sachiko: "Probably needs a stroke or two more..." She carefully chose the brush to put the finishing touches on her painting. Miyako: "This one's taking you a long time, too." Sachiko: "Yeah, I'm slow. There's a lot of evergreens around here, so not much changes, but there are some colors that have started to change. I have to draw from memory in some places." Miyako: "Why don't you just use the color you think looks best? It's your painting." Sachiko: "...I guess you've got a point." It's not like it's a photograph. There's a fence in between Sachiko and the view, but it's not in the painting. Miyako: "You were painting this the first time we met, too." Sachiko: "Yeah. I started it just a little before then." Miyako: "Before I peeked at your canvas, I thought you painted much stranger pictures." Sachiko: "That's not very nice." Miyako: "Well, you were screaming, 'I want to draw a cute girl in the nuuude!!'" Sachiko: "That passion still lives on. Want me to scream again?" Miyako: "No thanks. Those three didn't want to model for you back then either, did they?" Sachiko: "They're good at negotiating contracts." I don't think that's the issue. Miyako: "When I saw you playing around with the three of them, I imagined what it would be like to join you." Miyako: "Then, for just a second, there was color in the world. Maybe I'd already made my decision at that moment." Sachiko: "......" Miyako: "You told me you wanted to see the things those girls saw, feel what they felt... so you got rid of your wings." Miyako: "I thought the same thing myself." Sachiko: "Oh yeah?" Miyako: "So what was the other reason?" Sachiko: "Hunh?" Miyako: "You said that wasn't the only reason. But that 'that's another story.'" Sachiko: "I said that?" Miyako: "You did." Sachiko: "...Okay! This is the final touch!" Sachiko put the date and her signature on the back of the canvas. Miyako: "Do you always date and sign your paintings when you finish them?" Sachiko: "Yeah. You know, since you forget." Miyako: "......" Miyako: "Huh? You haven't seen Noel once since then?" Sachiko: "Nope. She's probably forgotten about me, too." Miyako: "I don't think that's true. You said she lives somewhere far away now, right? It was somewhere far away where I saw her, too." Sachiko: "......" Miyako: "I wonder if it would be hard to find her." Sachiko: "What would you do if you could? You're just strangers who happen to have the same face." Miyako: "Ahaha. She'd probably be surprised if someone who looked just like her showed up all of a sudden." Miyako put her hand to the cheek that looked just like Noel's. Sachiko: "...I was surprised, too." Miyako: "......" Miyako's expression hardened slightly at that. Miyako: "Will you paint me too one day?" Sachiko: "......" Sachiko's brush stopped. Miyako: "Would a painting of me look different than hers?" Sachiko: "......Can I paint you nude?" Miyako: "Sure!" Miyako's hand went straight for her scarf. Sachiko: "No! No exhibitionism! I didn't mean strip right here!" Miyako: "You're right. I wouldn't want to catch a cold." Sachiko: "That's not the problem!" Miyako: "Huh...?" Sachiko: "Okay, that's enough for today. I'm gonna clean up and head back down." Sachiko took out a cloth and started wiping off her brush. Miyako: "I'll put away the paint, then." Miyako gathered up the scattered paints. Sachiko: "Thanks. Be careful not to get your uniform dirty." Miyako: "Okay. .........♪" Miyako merrily lined up the tubes of paint in the box. It was a simple task, but one she could only do now that she could see colors. Sachiko: "......" Sachiko stopped washing her brush and looked at Miyako. Sachiko: "Listen..." Miyako: "Yes?" Hina: "Oh, there they are." It was Hina. She'd scrunched her shoulders up from the cold, but trotted over to them nonetheless. Hina: "We're having some sweet potatoes as a snack. Do you two want some?" Sachiko: "Oh, I was just getting hungry. I'll be right down after I clean this up~" Miyako: "Sweet potatoes... I've never had them before. I'm looking forward to it♪" Hina: "Need help?" Sachiko: "Well hey, if you're offering, mind folding up the easel?" Hina: "Sure thing. What were you two talking about while you were painting?" Miyako: "I—" Sachiko: "Negotiating some nude modeling." Hina: "Chwaaah!!" Sachiko: "No! No brandishing the easel!!"
Sachiko: "I told you to just let yourself in..." Sachiko's face poked out lazily. Miyako: "Sorry, my hands were full, so I couldn't open the door..." Miyako said in front of the door, lifting up the pot in her hands. Miyako: "Hello. I brought some dinner to share." Sachiko: "Oh... right. Uhh... thanks." Miyako: "It's a chicken and potato casserole. Please heat it up again before you eat it." Sachiko: "Usually Fumi brings it." Sachiko took the pot from Miyako, a question implied in her statement. Miyako: "She told me to bring it since she had dishes to do." Sachiko: "Oh yeah...? Busybody..." Miyako: "?" Sachiko: "Tell her 'thanks.' I'll wash the pot and bring it back." Miyako: "It's good." Sachiko was heading back into her room, but that didn't stop Miyako from talking to her. Sachiko: "I'm sure it is if Fumi made it." Miyako: "What kind of meat do you like best? Oh, but please keep it to beef, pork, or chicken. I haven't had anything else yet." Sachiko: "...Pork. I think it's better on average." Miyako: "On average?" Sachiko: "The pricier meats are all good, but pork's pretty much always good at lower prices." Miyako: "I see. Pricier meats are good..." Sachiko: "That's what you're focusing on?" Miyako: "You've probably tried all kinds of meat before. I'm jealous." Sachiko: "Want me to treat you to something?" I'd like to eat meat on someone else's dime. Miyako: "No, I was just thinking about how you know so much more than me." Sachiko: "Only a few years' more." Miyako: "I'd like to continue learning from you." Miyako was chatting happily, but Sachiko's mood only seemed to be worsening. Sachiko: "...Like a chick." Miyako: "A chick? Oh, you mean balut? I haven't had it. Is it good?" To make balut, you take a duck egg before it hatches and— Sachiko: "No. Do you know what imprinting is?" Miyako: "How when a chick hatches, it follows the first moving thing it sees—" Sachiko: "Yes. You're only so attached to me because of that. Imprinting." Miyako: "......" Sheesh. That's pretty harsh. Sachiko: "Your feelings are—" Miyako: "Ahaha, you might be right. You _were_ the first moving thing I saw after becoming human." Miyako laughed guilelessly. Miyako: "I don't mind if it was just imprinting in the beginning. Because now that I've cultivated it, this feeling is real." Miyako: "I know you still care for the person who invited you to the surface." Sachiko averted her eyes. Miyako: "Was she beautiful? I know looks are important to you." Sachiko: "...Very." Miyako: "Thought so. I might be a little relieved she's not around, though." Sachiko: "......" Miyako: "If she were, it would be—" Sachiko: "Shut up!" Sachiko's voice rang through the hall, followed by a strained silence. Miyako: "......" Miyako stood frozen. Sachiko: "S-Sorry! I shouldn't have shouted. I scared you, didn't I?" She came back to her senses right away. Sachiko quickly formed an awkward smile, putting her hands together to beg forgiveness. Miyako: "No... I..." Sachiko: "I've been irritated all day... maybe it's the atmospheric pressure. I'm not really feeling well, either. I'm really sorry." Miyako: "I'm sorry, too. I shouldn't have kept you in the cold hallway talking so long." Sachiko: "Ah...?" Miyako suddenly reached out and touched Sachiko's forehead, then touched her own forehead after feeling her temperature. Miyako: "I think they're the same. You don't have a fever, then... probably. Actually, I don't really know. I've never done that before." Sachiko: "What's that supposed to..." Miyako: "But you might be catching a cold, so please get yourself warm and rest." Sachiko: "Um... right." Miyako: "Okay, good night!" Miyako bowed and trotted back to her room. Sachiko: "...Ahh, dammit!" Sachiko groaned, resting her forehead against the closed door. Unlike simple conditioning, imprinting was an irreversible process, almost impossible to undo. If a chick started to follow a person, animal, or object after birth, it would chase after that thing for the rest of its life.
Fumi: "We're ba—aaah!" Fumi shrieked as she returned from her shopping trip. Namahage: "Any naughty kids around?!" Rin: "A namahage...?" Namahage: "Any naughty girls with naughty bodies around?!" Clang! Namahage: "Gyaaa! H-Hard! What did you throw at me?!" Hina: "Canned sardines." Namahage: "Hey, canned stuff is a bit much, no?! At least make it beans!" Hina: "They were on sale, so I've got plenty more~" Hina wound up with another can. Sachiko: "Waaaah!" Rin: "Thus, the namahage becomes the crybaby." Hina: "Everything about this is wrong!" Miyako: "This is very well-made. Where did you get it?" Miyako looked over the namahage costume, impressed. Sachiko: "...Akita." Rin: "That's pretty authentic! Why would you go that far?!" Sachiko: "I thought it'd surprise you..." Fumi: "It did surprise me!" Sachiko: "Yay!" Sachiko struck a victory pose. Hina: "But why was there a namahage at home waiting for us in the first place?" Typically, namahage were supposed to visit homes, not wait inside them. Sachiko: "'Cause it's setsubun." Fumi: "Wait, is a namahage a demon?" Hina: "Then it's even more wrong! The demon's not supposed to be inside!" I'm pretty sure namahage are supposed to be visiting gods, not demons, but whatever. Miyako: "Ah, here we go." Miyako pulled a cardboard demon mask out of their shopping bag. It was something the store had been giving away for free. Rin: "This is definitely good enough, isn't it?" Sachiko: "Let's celebrate setsubun! Any bean-throwing kids around?! Any makizushi-eating kids around?!" Hina: "What is wrong with her...?" Miyako: "Yay! Setsubun!" Rin: "We got another one over here..."
After the bean-scattering... Sachiko: "I object! Why did all the fire have to be focused on me?!" Hina: "Well, you're the namahage." Rin: "Yeah, that." Sachiko: "And why was it all 'demons out' and no 'luck in'? Why the super offense-focused bean-scattering?" Hina: "Ah~ Well, that I'll apologize for. I got pretty into chucking them at you." Hina and Rin had practically become berserkers as they'd chased the "demon" Sachiko. Sachiko: "Somebody else is gonna be the demon next year, okay?!" Rin: "Yeah, yeah. We'll see about that. Now, let's eat some of these beans." Hina: "I'm glad we have enough left over to eat. We really threw a lot of them." Fumi: "It's good we bought some, too." The beans they'd thrown had been prepared by Sachiko, while the beans the four girls had bought were untouched. Rin: "Really you're supposed to pick up and eat the ones you threw, but I don't really want to eat them when they've been on the floor." Sachiko: "You guys were so gung-ho with your bean attacks, the dorm's covered with them now. I'm the one who has to clean it all up, you know." Hina: "You were the one who said you wanted to celebrate." Sachiko: "I didn't say I wanted to be hunted!" Fumi: "Ahaha, I'll help you clean up later." Rin: "Here y'go. I counted out your age for you. Seven for Hina." Rin held out the beans to Hina. Hina: "I'm eating more than that! I'm not—" Sachiko: "I'll just have seventeen, then♪" Rin: "Don't lie. Open your mouth, I'll pour 'em in, straight from the bag." Sachiko: "Stop iiit!" Fumi: "Miyako, you—" Munch, munch, munch, munch... Miyako silently, endlessly brought beans to her mouth. Fumi: "U-Umm... Miyako? You're only supposed to eat one per year you've been alive." Miyako: "Om nom nom." Her cheeks are so full of beans I have no idea what she's saying. Sachiko: "Hey, follow the script here." Fumi: "Huh? I don't need to cut the sushi?" Sachiko stopped Fumi from bringing the sushi into the kitchen. Sachiko: "Yeah, it's called ehoumaki. You just eat it like that." Fumi: "Ehoumaki?" Rin: "The superstition is, on the night of setsubun, you eat the whole thing in one go while facing the lucky direction and thinking of a wish, and if you eat it all without talking, your wish will come true." Hina: "Lucky direction? What's that?" Sachiko: "There's a different direction that's supposed to be lucky every year. This year it's east-northeast." Miyako: "That sounds fun. Let's do it, let's do it." Hina: "What should I wish for~?" Rin: "You know ehoumaki's just another marketing thing pushed by corporations like Valentine's chocolate, right?" Sachiko: "C'mon, stop being a Debbie Downer and join in, Rin." Rin: "No way. It's just hard to eat it like that." There she goes, spoiling her again. Sachiko: "Alright, Rin, let's have a match to see who can finish theirs without talking. The winner doesn't have to be the demon for setsubun next year." Rin: "Heh, I was wondering what you'd say. Sounds stupid... Let's do it!" Fumi: "...Haah. Well, I'll make some tea, then." All: "Let's eat." The five of them faced the lucky direction and all put the sushi in their mouths at the same time. Miyako: "It's good!" One bite in. This one seems to have absorbed exactly zero of the rules of the activity. Likely completely unaware that she'd fallen out of the race, she continued munching on the sushi, an innocent smile on her face. Miyako: "There's all sorts of different textures inside the ring of rice, so it's delicious for your teeth too, not just your tongue!" Great commentary, too. ......... Hina: "Koff, koff!" Hina choked. She must have put too much in her mouth at once. Fumi: "Here, tea—" Hina: "Thanks—" By the time they realized it, it was too late. Fumi handed over the teacup and Hina accepted it, talking to one another. Hina & Fumi: "...Haahh." They both sighed, shoulders drooping. Hina: "Sorry I brought you down with me." Fumi: "No, I spoke first. Let's just take our time now. Here, your tea." Hina: "Yeah, thanks." Probably a predictable outcome, considering their gentle personalities. Rin: "........." Sachiko: "......" Meanwhile, the two who were more cunning smirked at each other. And they bit into their sushi dynamically, as if showing the action to one another. Who would win their cutthroat competition— Rin: "...Augh." Hina & Fumi: "Huh?!" Rin suddenly let out a pathetic whine and their match was brought to a rather quick conclusion. Fumi: "Umm, what is it?" Rin: "There's mushrooms in this~" Hina: "Oh, you didn't like those, right?" Rin: "I~ hate~ them~" Fumi: "Want to eat the rest without the mushrooms?" Rin: "Yeah... I'll do that." Sachiko: "Woohoo! I won~!" Uhh. Hina: "But you just talked before finishing." Sachiko: "Ah..." Miyako: "Delicious." All: "Oh." Miyako finished eating before everyone else. Miyako: "That was really good♪" ...Well, I hope her wish comes true.
—Sachiko was once again on the roof. Sachiko: "......" But she wasn't accompanied by her usual cigarettes. Instead, she was tossing beans into her mouth and chewing on those. She should just eat them in her room... Sachiko: "...?" The door suddenly swung open. Sachiko glanced in that direction. Namahage: "Any naughty kids around?!" And who should appear but the namahage. Namahage: "Any crybabies around?!" The namahage bellowed, marching forward. But it was a little unsteady on its feet, as if its visibility wasn't great. Sachiko: "Heh..." Sachiko had frozen, hand extended to the beans, but as the namahage approached, she started chuckling. Namahage: "Rawr!" It was just before her now, raising its knife in the air. Namahage: "........." Sachiko: "......" The namahage stopped, and a moment passed between them. Sachiko: "No, namahage don't say 'rawr' or anything." Miyako: "I'm disappointed. You weren't very surprised." Miyako took the mask off and revealed herself. Sachiko: "Ahaha, sorry." Miyako: "Smoking again?" Sachiko: "I would worry about the sparks if I were you. Straw's very flammable." Miyako backed away from the namahage costume. Sachiko: "Haha, I'm not smoking today. Just eating beans." Sachiko showed her the bag. Miyako: "For setsubun? Didn't you already eat your age earlier?" Sachiko: "Yeah, but I wanted to eat more." Sachiko tossed some more beans into her mouth. Sachiko: "Now I'm full." She crumpled up the now-empty bag. Miyako: "You ate a lot." Sachiko: "Still, that's only a hundred years or so. It's nowhere near my real age." Miyako: "You'd have to buy up all the beans in town." Sachiko: "That still wouldn't be enough. You can't count eternity." Only God could do that. Maybe Chuck Norris? Sachiko: "If it's just my age on the surface, it's only five beans, though." Miyako: "And I could only eat one. That wouldn't be very filling." Sachiko: "......" Miyako: "...?" Sachiko: "Do you regret throwing away eternity?" Miyako: "Well, the beans are tasty, but I'm fine just eating one bag." Sachiko: "That's not what I mean. Humans only live a hundred or so years if they're lucky. That's not even the blink of an eye to an angel. It's just too fleeting to exchange eternity for that..." Sachiko: "Are you still happy that you became human?" Sachiko looked Miyako in the eye. Miyako: "Yes." There was no doubt in her words or her expression. Miyako: "You taught me that there's value in being human." Sachiko: "I did, didn't I?" Miyako: "Do you regret it?" Sachiko: "...I wonder." Miyako: "......" Sachiko looked away, but Miyako continued to watch her face. Sachiko: "Just kidding." Is she strong- or weak-willed? Sachiko: "Let's get back inside. Don't forget the namahage." Miyako: "Okay." Sachiko: "Ugh... koff, koff!" Sachiko choked. The beans must have gone down her windpipe. Miyako: "Oh, here." Miyako took a can out of the pocket of her pajamas. Sachiko: "Thanks... ginger tea?" Miyako: "It's warm canned coffee." Sachiko: "Phew... Coffee's best warm!" Miyako: "Ahaha, I was using it as a hand warmer." Sachiko: "Oh, sorry for drinking it, then." Miyako: "That's alright. I brought it for you." Sachiko: "Oh... you did?" Miyako: "Since you weren't feeling well earlier. I thought it'd help to keep you warm." Sachiko: "Thanks... really. Sorry." Miyako: "Well—" Miyako picked up the namahage costume. Sachiko: "You're going down already?" Miyako: "Yes, before I go on too long." Sachiko: "Right..." Miyako: "You should come back down soon too, though. Your hand warmer's gone now." Sachiko: "Oh... yeah." Miyako: "Good night." Sachiko: "Night." ......... Sachiko: "She's such a good girl. I really might fall for her~" Sachiko: "...Guess it's time."
—Break time. Hina's roommates were gathered around her desk. Hina: "So, about Sachiko's chocolates." Hina looked up from the printouts she'd gathered from the class. Rin: "Now that you mention it, I'd totally forgotten about that. You're giving her some, Hina?" Rin turned from where she was lazily looking out the window. Hina: "I'm not sure." Fumi: "Huh? You're not giving her any?!" Fumi's stare toward both Hina and Rin accompanied her bewildered question. Hina: "We should probably give her some just as friends, huh?" Fumi: "I was planning on it... huh?" Fumi seemed perplexed by how unenthusiastic the other two were. Rin: "No, I get that we should give her some." Hina: "It's just embarrassing handing them over all formally..." Fumi: "Eheh, can't you just tell her they're thanks for her looking out for us?" Hina: "Yeah. She _is_ taking care of us." Rin: "Oh, can it be from all of us? Like, 'from the girls in Room 101.'" Hina: "Maybe we can get some discounted Christmas wrapping paper for it." Fumi: "I don't think we should do that~" Miyako: "Umm..." Miyako timidly raised her hand. Rin: "Oh, you want to get in on this too, Mikoyan?" Miyako: "Do you think I should?" Fumi: "You absolutely shouldn't!" Rin: "Wha?" Fumi butted in. Fumi: "You want to give Sachiko something more _personal_, isn't that right, Miyako?!" Miyako: "Y-Yes, I suppose. If I can..." Fumi: "We can't put Miyako's heartfelt chocolate in with our joint gift!" Fumi pointed at Rin as she scolded her. Rin: "...Sorry for asking." Rin bowed her head, but Miyako shook hers. Fumi: "Special feelings should be conveyed with special chocolate!" Fumi grasped Miyako's hands. She's more enthusiastic about this than the person in question. Miyako: "I-I'll do my best." Fumi: "I know! Want to come look at gift-wrapping materials with me after school?" Miyako: "Umm, Christmas wrap?" Fumi: "...No." Fumi: "They'll be all colorful and sparkling! We'll get some really pretty wrapping paper and ribbons to decorate the boxes with!" Miyako: "Colorful and sparkling... that sounds fun!" That got her attention. Fumi: "Yes, it's a lot of fun! Special chocolate has to have special wrapping!" Miyako: "I'd like that! ...But do you think I can do it?" Fumi: "Of course you can! I'll teach you how! Once we buy everything, I'll hold a wrapping lesson!" Miyako: "Thank you for all your help, really." Fumi: "Just leave everything to me, really♪ This is fun for me too, after all." Some people find more happiness in cheering someone else on (especially in matters of love). One of them's right here. Miyako: "...Do you think she'll be happy about it?" Miyako muttered. She held a hand to her chest to stop it from throbbing, her face the face of a maiden in love, filled with anticipation and unease. Hina & Rin: "Huh..." Even Rin and Hina, who were out of the loop, gave a curious sigh at that. I see. So she's making faces like this now. Huh...
Miyako: "I didn't know which one I should pick, so I bought a bunch of different colored ribbons." Fumi: "You should try matching them with the wrapping paper and decide that way." Miyako: "If this were Christmas, I could just pick green and red and not worry about it." Fumi: "But you can wrap Valentine's chocolate however you want." Fumi and Miyako were on their way home from their trip to buy wrapping materials. Rin: "Hey, welcome back." Hina and Rin should have been back earlier than them, but they were still in their uniforms. Fumi: "Wait, where have you been?" Hina: "Listen, Sachiko might stop managing the dorm." Fumi: "What?!" Miyako: "Did she tell you that?" Rin: "Umm, yeah. It sounds like she hasn't decided yet, though." Hina: "When Rin and I got back to the dorm, Sachiko was talking to this lady we'd never seen before." Hina: "She was the manager before Sachiko, but she took a few years off of the job because of some health problems." Rin: "So Sachiko was only taking over for her in that time, and now that the old manager's feeling better, she came back to discuss taking the job back." Fumi: "And Sachiko's going to quit?" Rin nodded. Fumi: "She didn't say she'd like to keep the job?" Hina: "She wasn't really putting up a fight about it, no. We didn't hear the whole conversation, of course." Rin: "I don't know what her contract's like or anything, but I'm guessing she doesn't have much say in it if she was just taking over temporarily." Fumi: "I see... This is so sudden, though." Rin: "At first I thought she'd pulled something and was getting chewed out about it." Hina: "...That would have been better." They were joking, but there was no heart in it. Despite everything, Hina and Rin both really did like Sachiko. Miyako: "Where is she now?" Miyako finally spoke after quietly listening all this time. Rin: "Umm, on the roof—" Miyako: "I'll go see what she has to say." She gave them a bright smile, then jogged over to the stairs. The three girls all exchanged a glance at how calm Miyako appeared to be. Hina: "Even if she quits her job, she's not going to go anywhere, is she?" Rin: "I mean... how would I know that?" Fumi: "...Miyako..."
Beyond the door was the same roof scenery as always. Sachiko was leaned against the fence, smoking. Sachiko: "Welcome back." She greeted Miyako when she saw her, waving a hand her way. Miyako: "Are you quitting your job?" Sachiko: "Wow, news travels fast. You hear that from Rin and Hinacchi?" Miyako nodded. Sachiko: "I'll just say I'm thinking about it." Miyako: "What will you do after you quit? Become a painter?" Sachiko: "That might be nice. I dunno if I'm that reckless, though. I might travel some more." Miyako: "Where will you go?" Sachiko: "Haven't decided." Miyako: "Sounds very free. I suppose that's nice." Sachiko: "What's the cute bag?" Sachiko indicated the bag Miyako was carrying. Miyako: "These are for wrapping Valentine's gifts. Fumi's going to teach me how to do it. I hope you're excited." Sachiko: "You're giving some to me?" Miyako: "Yes. And confessing my feelings." Sachiko: "Ahaha. I don't think you're supposed to say that now." Miyako: "Ah~" They laughed together. Miyako: "Also... I'm knitting you a scarf, but I don't think I'll finish before Valentine's—" Sachiko: "Listen... I'm probably not coming back." Sachiko cut Miyako off. Miyako: "...So you're really leaving?" Miyako: "I'll come with you, then." Sachiko: "Don't you have school?" Miyako: "I'll drop out." Sachiko: "You can't. It's not that simple—" Miyako: "But quitting your job is simple?" Sachiko: "Well, I'm an adult..." Miyako: "A couple years after eternity is hardly a real difference. I'm—" Sachiko: "You're not!" Her tone was harsh, completely changing the mood of the conversation. Sachiko: "I just... I can't take you with me." She tried to look away, but Miyako's voice pulled her gaze back. Miyako: "I don't want you to leave." Miyako: "I came here because you invited me. I'm only here because you're here. If you leave, there will be no reason for me to be here." Miyako: "I love you." Strong wind today. Miyako: "Maybe it's just imprinting like you said. But I believe in the flash of lightning." There was conviction in her eyes. Unable to take it, Sachiko looked away. Miyako: "......" But Miyako stared right at her, waiting for Sachiko's lips to move. Sachiko: "Yeah, you're right... I'm running away from those eyes." Sachiko: "...Thanks." She smiled and put her hand on Miyako's head. Miyako: "...Ah." Sachiko: "I'm sorry. I knew it from the start. You wear your heart on your sleeve; it's easy enough to tell what you're feeling." Sachiko: "I knew your feelings, but I never responded to them. You never tried to hide them, but I did nothing but hide." Miyako: "......" Miyako shook her head. Sachiko: "You really are beautiful. It hurts my heart to look at you." She ruffled Miyako's hair. Miyako: "Well, it's the prettiest face I can remember." Sachiko: "Heh, same here." They both laughed. Sachiko: "Which is why..." She gently pulled her hand back. Sachiko: "I can't return your feelings." Miyako: "...Huh?" Sachiko: "There's someone I've always had feelings for." The bag slipped from Miyako's fingers. Miyako: "Oh... I..." Miyako felt flustered for the first time at that. Miyako: "And... are they reciprocated?" Sachiko: "Unfortunately, it's one-sided." Miyako: "Umm, is this where I should tell you 'good luck'?" Sachiko: "Thanks. But it isn't ever meant to be." Sachiko said, pulling away from the fence. Miyako: "It's the person who invited you... isn't it?" Sachiko: "......" Sachiko: "...Yeah." Miyako: "Then... I suppose I can't compete." Miyako's own words were coming back to haunt her now. Sachiko: "I'm so—" Sachiko's hand moved to touch Miyako's cheek, but she pulled back at the last moment and walked past her instead. Miyako: "......" Sachiko: "......" Fumi: "Err, umm... we weren't eavesdropping, we just..." The girls were hiding behind the door. Sachiko: "It's fine. I knew you were there." Hina: "Awawa..." Rin: "Why—" Sachiko: "She's such a good girl, I'm worried I really might fall for her." Sachiko: "So I'm running away." Rin: "What?" Sachiko: "Sorry, but I'll leave the rest to you~" Sachiko gave Rin a pat on the shoulder and headed down the stairs without looking back. Rin: "What the hell?!"
As Sachiko left, the three girls peered out onto the roof from the shadow of the door. ...... Miyako stood lonesome by the fence, her back to them. The setting sun outlined her form in its glow, almost like she was cut right out of the scenery behind her. Rin: "Think she's crying...?" They couldn't see her expression from there. Fumi: "Miyako?" Fumi made up her mind and stepped out from the doorway, calling out to her. Miyako: "Oh, Fumi! Hina and Rin, too!" When she turned around, she was wearing her usual smile. The unexpected sight caused Fumi to swallow whatever words she'd been planning to say to her. The two behind her exchanged a glance, too. Fumi: "Umm, is Sachiko planning on..." She decided to avoid being too direct. Miyako did the opposite, however. She smiled bashfully and... Miyako: "Ahaha, she rejected me~" ...got right to the heart of the matter. Fumi: "I'm sorry. We didn't mean to eavesdrop on you..." Miyako: "Aha, that's alright. I planned on telling you afterward anyway." Fumi was apologetic, but Miyako just grinned, same as always. Maybe she didn't care about people watching her since she'd done so much peeping herself as an angel. Miyako: "I'm not great at talking, so maybe it was actually good that she told me exactly how things are. It's good to be precise and efficient!" Miyako: "So, I guess we found out her answer sooner than planned." Miyako smiled awkwardly, running her fingers through her hair. Miyako: "How strange. I was just going to ask her if she was really quitting today." She tilted her head, her gaze dropping to the shopping bag at her feet. Miyako: "Of course, I'm sure her answer wouldn't have changed even if I had told her on Valentine's Day." Fumi: "..." She was blabbing on and on to the point of foolishness, and Fumi wasn't one to miss how unlike herself she was being. Miyako: "I'm a little embarrassed to have gotten so excited about all this. Ahaha." She kept going, her smile only getting more uncomfortable. Miyako: "And you were all rooting for me, too. I'm sorry." Rin: "You don't need to apologize. It's not the Olypmics." Miyako: "Especially you, Fumi. You taught me so many things, like making chocolate and knitting." Fumi: "Don't worry about it. In fact, I probably only made things worse getting so enthusiastic about everything." Miyako: "That's not true. None of this is your fault, Fumi. It's all mine, really." Miyako: "I was so stupid and dense... Maybe I'm not cut out for being human, eheheh..." Hina: "Miyako—" Rin: "How could she reject such a cute girl and just leave?! And she's practically an angel, too!" Before Hina could say anything, Rin's annoyance burst from her. Miyako: "Ahaha, thank you." Rin: "And after I told her this was her last chance, too! I hope she regrets letting you get away for the rest of her life!" This really had nothing to do with her, but Rin was getting more emotional than anyone else there. At times like these, she's more pure-hearted than Hina is. Rin: "Just forget about that jerk." Miyako: "Yes... I suppose I'll have to try." People can decide whether they want to remember or forget something. Humans can make that choice. Rin: "Just tell me if you can't give up on her, though. I'll destroy whatever her excuse is and make the two of you get together!" Whoa there. Miyako: "But she has someone she likes." Rin: "That doesn't mean anything if it's one-sided. Until they start going out, it's not over." Miyako: "Ahaha, I don't know about that." Hina: "Rin. This isn't something you get to decide." Hina chided Rin for her outburst. Rin: "Well, aren't you frustrated?!" Hina: "It's Miyako who that feeling belongs to. Not you." Rin: "I know, but..." Rin couldn't argue that. Miyako: "Umm, I know you're only saying those things because you care about me, Rin. That makes me happy." Rin: "See, she's such a good girl..." Rin pursed her lips. Her empathy was higher than Fumi's and Hina's, though she was worse at handling it. When she took on the same emotions other people felt, she couldn't control them and just let them burst out like she was doing now. Miyako: "I know. Could you still teach me how to wrap gifts, Fumi?" Fumi: "Huh? Of course, I don't mind..." Fumi was a little startled. Unlike Rin, she sensed what was hiding behind Miyako's unnatural cheeriness. Miyako: "The samples they had displayed in the store just looked so colorful. I wanted to try that myself." Fumi: "I'd be happy to. We'll have our wrapping class just as planned, then." Miyako: "Thank you. I don't have anyone to give them to now, though." Fumi: "Will you exchange gifts with me, then?" Miyako: "Huh? Is that alright?" Fumi: "Of course. You bought all that wrapping paper and ribbons. We should decorate them as cutely as we can." Miyako: "Yay♪ It's a lot more exciting when you have someone to give them to, huh~?" Miyako: "Eheh, if I hadn't confessed to her, I wonder if she would have accepted them still." Fumi: "Miyako—" Fumi gasped when she looked at Miyako's face. Miyako: "What is it?" Fumi: "Your eyes..." Miyako: "Huh?" She blinked and great big tears spilled from her eyes. Miyako: "What is... this?" She bent her fingers and wiped at the corners of her eyes. Rin: "Huh? Are you crying, Mikoyan?" Miyako: "Huh? What? That's strange..." The tears must have gotten into her nasal cavity and were making her voice strange. Her throat must have felt odd from the sensation of it. This was her first time crying, after all. Before this, she'd probably only teared up while yawning. Fumi: "......" She reached to put her hand in her pocket, but stopped. Was she about to give Miyako her handkerchief? But it was a little early. That was the right decision. Rin: "Where'd this come from? Are you okay, Mikoyan?" Rin was surprised to see Miyako's tears. She had been taking Miyako's smile at face value, so the tears were unexpected for her. On the other hand, Fumi had been waiting for this. Miyako: "I-I'm sorry. It'll stop right away. Aha, ahaha..." Rub rub, rub rub. She wiped her cheeks with the backs of her hands again and again, still smiling while she cried. Miyako: "Huh? Did I... break or something?" No, you're not broken. In fact, you're perfectly normal right now. There's no on/off switch on those cheeks you're rubbing. The tears are coming from much deeper inside. ...... You see this a lot. It's like when a robot first experiences emotions. Miyako: "Th-This has never... happened before... I don't know what to—" The unceasing tears and the emotions she couldn't understand roiled inside her, confounding her. Hina: "You should just cry." Hina suddenly said. Rin: "Huh? Hina...?" The words were almost dismissive, and they went right past Miyako and surprised Rin instead, but Hina continued on, unbothered. Hina: "Your dam is all full of tears right now, Miyako." Miyako: "Dam...?" Hina: "You really loved Sachiko, didn't you?" Miyako: "......" Miyako nodded. Hina: "Since you loved her so much, the dam is really big, and just opening a little bit of it isn't enough to do anything about all the tears in there." Hina: "So I think you have to really cry and make the dam burst." Hina's explanation was simple, with not a hint of pretension. That's perfect, isn't it? Miyako: "...But..." Hina: "We're the only ones up here with you. No matter how much you cry, we won't laugh, we won't blame you, and we won't try to cheer you up." Fumi: "Right." Rin: "W-Well, yeah, I wouldn't laugh..." The three were close enough that they all instantly agreed when Hina spoke for them. Hina: "But we'll stay with you until you're feeling better." Man, I can see why Hinacchi's RA. I might just fall for her. Hina: "But if you want to be alone, then of course—" Miyako: "...Don't go." Her voice was faint. It was the sound of a crack running through the dam. Fumi: "...Miyako." Fumi looked down, bracing for the impact. Miyako: "It hurts... My heart feels like it's going to burst..." Miyako: "Waaaaaaaah!!" And Miyako burst. It was their first time seeing her tears. Hina looked at them straight-on, Fumi could only bear it by squeezing her eyes shut, and Rin couldn't do anything but avert her gaze. No one said a thing. The silence on the roof was only broken by Miyako's wails. Miyako: "What is this? It's painful... I don't want this! Please help me... Help me!!" All Miyako could do was writhe in pain and let her emotions break free. Love was a common ailment, but Miyako had no immunity to it, so the symptoms she experienced were severe. Now that her love was unrequited, it burned her heart and boiled her blood, its flames racing through her entire body. But you should writhe. You should tear apart. No one else can feel that pain for you. It belongs only to you. You can't get this experience from knowledge alone. This is history just for you, just like you wished for on that day. Miyako: "But I love her... I love her... I love her!! Why am I not good enough?! Why, why, why, why, why?!" Miyako screamed out all her feelings, unreasonable and selfish though they were. She threw her head back and let her tears flow. The only thing that could extinguish the anguish in her heart was the tears let loose by the burst dam. So cry. Wail. Scream. Your emotions truly are intense. Your face is soaked with tears. Your nose is running, too. But... Right now, you're truly beautiful. More than God Himself. That's right. That's why— Rin: "God, what is her deal?" Rin said, unable to bear the emotion anymore. Rin: "She's a good girl, so you're worried you might fall for her? Just do it! I don't get it!" Hina: "Do we need to get it?" Hina reined Rin in again. It might have sounded cold, but Hina was right. This matter was between Miyako and Sachiko. The rest had no need to understand the peculiarities of the situation and no right to know, really. Rin: "...Haahh." Rin's only response was to sigh. It would have been easy for her to argue. With her wit, she could surely come up with several retorts. But she knew how meaningless it would have been. Hina had given her an outlet. Rin had exploded with righteous fury. These were both things they did for Miyako, their friend. Fumi knew there was nothing she could do now, so she merely waited. Their responses were all different, but they were all on Miyako's side. Miyako continued to cry. Until the storm subsided. Until the dam rotted away. Until the flames died down. Fumi: "I'm sorry. But... I still believe that Sachiko loves Miyako." Talking to herself? ...Thanks. Now, the real problem is... ......... ...... ... Not again!! What is she doing?! Get yourself together!!
A sweet scent filled the kitchen. They were holding a chocolate-making class in response to Hina's desire to try making some herself. Instructor Fumi had many students, but her girlfriend naturally had the privilege of private lessons. The subject of the lesson was a trial run making a simple ganache. Basically, all this consisted of was melting chocolate and reforming it into different shapes, but watching it happen, it seemed to be a bit of a delicate process. It didn't require any careful measuring like baking cakes did, but you couldn't go about it as casually as you would making a curry while camping, either. For example, when melting the chocolate, you had to continually stir it to keep the temperature consistent and get the texture right. The process is known as "tempering." Fumi was dextrous through every step of the process; compared to her, Hina was awkward. It was natural for there to be a difference between them, since Fumi had been taught the basics by her patissier father since she was little, and Hina was doing this for the first time. She was trying to mix fresh cream and corn syrup into the chocolate, but was having a hard time. The idea was to mix at a fixed rhythm until it became smooth. Maybe she just wasn't good at simple, repetitive tasks. Though she looked like she enjoyed chopping up the bar of chocolate for melting earlier. Hina: "It's not mixing~" Fumi: "Just be patient. It'll get smooth if you keep at it." Fumi gave the whining Hina gentle encouragement. Fumi: "I'll keep the bowl still, so just concentrate on stirring it." Hina nodded and kept the spatula moving. Hina: "So it's not just melting chocolate and then hardening it again." Fumi: "No, a little more goes into a ganache. But this makes it smooth and delicious♪" Hina: "It's not just chocolate but corn syrup and cream and butter, too. Seems like it'd have crazy sweetness and crazy calories, too... Is that okay, Fumi?" Fumi: "A-A diet is nothing in the face of the pursuit of deliciousness!" Incidentally, the chocolate they were using was called "couverture" chocolate, a fattier variety with over 30%% cocoa butter. Hina: "Eheheh. My mom and sister said the same thing." The ones with the huge boobs. Fumi: "R-Right?" There'd be merit in a study of chocolate's effects on boob growth. Hina: "My mom and sister make Valentine's chocolate every year." Fumi: "My mom doesn't make any." Hina: "They always made it look pretty easy." Fumi: "I'm sure they screwed it up a lot when you weren't looking." Hina: "Did you screw it up, too?" Fumi: "Oh, tons. Enough to build a house of chocolate with." Hina: "Ahaha. That's pretty amazing." Fumi: "So it's okay if you mess it up, Hina. Plus, this is just practice. It's not the real thing." Hina: "Okay, got it!" Hina nodded emphatically at Fumi's encouragement and gripped her spatula tightly. Hina: "Mix together!" Fumi: "Wah, no! If you stir that hard—" Hina: "Ah!" Fumi didn't make it in time to stop Hina from stirring hard enough to spray chocolate out of the bowl. Fumi: "Aah!" The chocolate in the bowl was swept up the side. If it flipped over, they'd ruin all of their work so far. Fumi rushed to hold the bowl and Hina down. Fumi: "Ahaha, that was close." The chocolate was safe. Fortunately, the substance was viscous enough that only a bit of it spilled. Hina: "...I'm sorry." Fumi: "It's alright. It barely spilled. And even if it all did, we still have plenty of ingredients♪" Hina was dejected, but Fumi cheered her up. Hina: "Sorry I'm such a bad student." Fumi: "You're not a bad student. You're a cute student who's just a little rowdy♪" Hina: "Heheh..." Fumi: "Oh." Fumi was staring at Hina's face after that quiet exclamation. Hina: "What is it? Is there something on my face?" Fumi: "There is. Chocolate." Hina: "Really?" Fumi: "Hold the bowl, okay?" Fumi let go of the bowl and reached out to Hina's cheek. Fumi: "Your cheek looks delicious with a little chocolate on it, Hina." Fumi smiled, wiping the chocolate off with a finger. Hina: "Ugh, don't munch on me." Fumi: "I wouldn't want to run out of you, so I won't. But I might lick you." Hina: "That's probably fine..." Fumi: "Oh, I know. Why don't we try it to see how it tastes?" Hina: "Try it?" Fumi: "Here—" Fumi brought her finger to Hina's mouth. Hina: "Mh..." Hina stuck her tongue out to lick it. Fumi: "Is it good?" Hina: "Yeah. It's sweet... mmh." Fumi: "Ah..." Fumi let out her own sweet sound in response to the sensation of Hina's tongue on her finger. Hina: "I don't know if it's the chocolate or your finger that tastes so good." Fumi: "Eheh. I should have tried the chocolate from your cheek. Maybe I'll put some on there again." Hina: "You can't do that. We'll run out of chocolate for the molds." Fumi: "Well, we've still got plenty of ingredients." Hina: "But isn't it bad for your diet?" Fumi: "Ugh... It isn't like you to be so mean, Hina." Hina: "I'm not trying to be mean!" Fumi: "I-It'll be fine if I exercise later." Fumi wrapped her arms around Hina from behind. Hina: "Are you gonna go jogging after this or something?" Fumi: "Umm..." Guess she didn't get it. Rin: "Umm, excuse me!" Rin's voice came from the living room. Hina: "Oh yeah, she's here." Rin: "I've been here the whole time!" They'd avoided a steamy development, but Hina and Fumi were still a lot closer now as they worked on the chocolate. Rin: "Are you making chocolate or are you flirting?" Rin's commentary came. Rin: "You know, they say chocolate's an aphrodisiac, but these two don't even need that~" She grumbled, but there was no bite to her words as she looked into the kitchen. Rin: "I do wish they'd consider the time and place, though. We're not statues, you know. You should say something too, Mikoyan." Miyako: "Hwah?! I've had enough cake!" She's half-asleep.
Just before noon on Sunday. Rin was lounging around in the living room. Hina: "Okay, I'll be back." Hina came in from the bedroom wearing her uniform. Rin: "Huh? Were you subbing today?" Rin rolled over and looked up at her. Hina: "Yeah, softball and basketball today." Rin: "Ugh, a doubleheader?! You really do have too much energy." Hina: "Well, the softball team asked me first, but there's just enough time before the basketball game that I can make that, too." Rin: "Where the heck does all the energy come from in that little body of yours...? Huh, are you nuclear-powered, Hina?" Hina: "I'm food-powered!" Rin: "Come to think of it, do they pay you for your sub work?" Hina: "Based on performance." Rin: "D'you need an agent? I know an Ogata who's good." Hina: "Nope. Anyway, Fumi made you some lunch in the fridge. Go ahead and eat it if you get hungry." Rin: "Uh huh." Hina: "You just have to heat it up in the microwave. You know how?" Rin: "Of course I know how. How long d'you think I've been a latchkey kid?" Hina: "Right, right. Tell Miyako, too." Rin: "Mhm~" Hina: "Here we go..." Hina hefted up a bag with her uniforms and equipment in it. Rin: "You should join a team for real." Hina: "Yeah, they tell me they want me to join officially, but..." Rin: "Multiple teams, right? And they're letting you use shoes and equipment and stuff, not just uniforms. You're a regular VIP." Hina: "Yeah, but I'm not gonna." Rin: "Why?" Hina: "'Cause I'd have less time to be with Fumi♪" Hina smiled and wrapped her scarf around her neck. Hina: "Okay, see you!" Rin: "Kh, the confidence of the blessed..."
That night, everyone was present in the room. They'd just gotten back from the bath and were folding laundry. The dorm had washers and dryers in the bath area, so it was common to do laundry while bathing. Miyako: "What's this?" Miyako pulled a brightly colored shirt out from the laundry basket. Hina: "Oh, that's my basketball uniform." Miyako spread the shirt out and found the basketball team's logo on it. Miyako: "Did you wear it in today's game?" Hina: "Yeah, it's a new one they just started wearing today." Fumi: "That's why I didn't recognize it." Miyako: "You don't have a softball one?" Hina: "The softball one's at school. The team managers have a heavy-duty washer they use." Fumi: "If you use a regular washing machine, the dirt and sand can get into the machine and break it." Hina: "Yeah. I got mine all dirty today, too." Hina made a head-first slide gesture. Fumi: "I'd like to see one of your games, Hina." Miyako: "Oh, me too." Hina: "What do you want to see? Basketball? Track? Softball?" Fumi: "Anything that you get to show off in." Hina: "I'm good at all of them, so you can come and see any you want♪" Rin: "Is this size special-order? Ah, must be for kids~" Rin spread out the uniform and barged her way into the atmosphere between the two girls. Hina: "Alright, meet me on the roof. We'll have a one-on-one match." Hina raised one knee. Rin: "Y-You misunderstand. I just meant it's impressive that you're called in for backup in volleyball and basketball at your height." It _is_ impressive that Hina can contribute so much in sports where height is so valued. Rin: "How do you compete with the height though, really?" Hina: "I make up for it with speed and mobility, I'd say." Rin: "Hmm. The lack of chest makes her more lightweight?" Hina: "Graaaaah!" Fumi: "Wah! That was close." Fumi pulled back from where she was ironing everyone's shirts. Hina: "S-Sorry. You okay?" Rin: "Your mobility works against you in a small room like this." Hina: "You're right. Let's go to the roof. I can show you what I'm really capable of up there." Rin: "Nooo! It's cold and dark out there!" Miyako: "Are your breasts heavy if they're big?" She gets right to the point. Fumi: "Er, well... they do hurt when I run sometimes." Sachiko: "What's this~? You talkin' about boobs?" Suddenly, Sachiko appeared. Fumi: "Those ears of yours are really starting to scare me." Sachiko: "Wait, were you really talking about boobs? Yay!" Rin: "Put your victory pose away. Back to the roof with you!" Sachiko: "No! No! I wanna talk about boobs!" Hina: "If you don't need something, can you leave?" Sachiko: "I do, I do, I do need something! Here, I got this!" Sachiko waved around a white object she was holding. Miyako: "What is it?" Fumi: "Ah..." Fumi alone quickly recognized it. Sachiko: "Foomin left her bra in a laundry basket, so I brought it over." Miyako: "How could you tell that it was Fumi's?" Sachiko: "Well, Foomin's the only one in this dorm who's this big." Rin: "Ah~ That checks out." Fumi: "...!!" The eyes in the room all locked on to Fumi's chest, which she hid behind her arms without thinking. Hina: "Don't look at Fumi like that!" ......... After she put the underwear away in her dresser... Fumi: "Thank you for bringing it to me." Sachiko: "No prob. You can pay me back by letting me put my face in themnand—" Hina: "Grrrrrrrrr!" Sachiko: "They probably don't have many at your size, do they, Foomin? They're expensive, aren't they?" Sachiko asked, skirting around the room so that Hina couldn't lunge at her. Fumi: "Yeah... They don't go on sale all that often, either. And there aren't any cute ones anyway..." Fumi wore a rare frown. Rin: "Around my size is probably the cheapest. Lots of different kinds, too." Fumi: "Ugh... I'm jealous." Rin: "And Mikoyan's probably about as big as you can get while still getting some variety." Miyako: "This size?" Miyako lifted her breasts up in both hands. Rin: "Bfft... Thanks." Miyako: "?" The four of them had gone shopping around Christmas to buy Miyako's underwear. She'd moved in suddenly and without any spare undies. Hina: "You're cute no matter what bra you wear, Fumi." Fumi: "Mmh... Thank you." Rin: "Well, you can't go without it when you've got the volume Asou has." Fumi: "Right..." Sachiko: "As for Hinacchi—" Hina: "I'm not showing you anymore!" Fumi: "They all bind them tightly and lift them up... it's pretty tiring." Rin: "Yeah, the band on the back is pretty wide and they've got three or four hooks, too. The first time I saw them, I thought they were corsets." Fumi: "Seriously... That's why it feels really nice to take them off when I get back to the dorm. Yours are pretty big too, Miyako. Are you okay?" Miyako: "Mmh... I find them constricting too, so I don't really like wearing them. I make sure to wear them on days when we have PE, though. Otherwise, they move so much it's hard to run." She's not— Fumi: "...Miyako, it's fine when you're at home, but you really should wear them when you're out." Miyako: "Oh, okay." Sachiko: "Man, I really envy Hinacchi, though." Hina: "Why?" Sachiko: "Well, you can touch Foomin's boobs as much as you want, right?" Rin: "I hear that." Hina: "I keep telling you! Stop saying dirty stuff!" Sachiko: "What? But you're dating, aren't you? Isn't that normal, then?" Hina: "W-Well..." Fumi: "......" Hina and Fumi shared a look, both turning red. Rin: "I'm sure all Hina's doing is sucking on them like a baby." Hina: "...Huh? Ah..." She couldn't very well admit it. Rin: "Wait, what...? You don't have anything to say to that? Now it just seems like I'm honestly sexually harassing you." Sachiko: "Rin~" Miyako: "Oh, what kind of bra are you wearing, Sachiko?" Sachiko: "This kind!" Rin: "You don't have to show us!" Hina: "........." Fumi: "......"
Hina and Miyako had come to the manager's room. Hina started up the laptop on Sachiko's desk and placed a CD in the disc tray, plugging in her MP3 player. There wasn't a computer in their room, so when she wanted to put new music on her player, she had to come here. Hina: "What program do I use, Sachiko?" Sachiko: "Rin installed something... Oh, here it is." She clicked on a musical note icon, and the software started up, reading the data from the CD. Sachiko: "Now you just follow the prompts and go through your CDs." Hina: "Okay. Thanks." Sachiko: "You really listen to some oldies, don't you?" Sachiko picked up a CD from the stack, which was all western music from the 80s and 90s. Hina: "Yeah, it's all stuff my dad recommended me. I've got space on my player, so I borrowed a bunch of them over New Year's." Miyako: "They've got dollar prices on them. Are they imported?" Hina: "Nah, he bought them over there. Dad was overseas most of the time when he was younger. He's fluent in English!" Miyako: "Wow~ That's amazing." It's amazing how bad Hina is at English with a dad like that, too. Sachiko: "How do you fit in listening to just stuff like this? What do you sing at karaoke?" Hina: "What do you mean? I sing stuff like this. Here, I'll show y—" Sachiko: "That's okay." A hasty "no thank you." Hina: "Rude." Miyako: "I like your singing. It's untamed." Like an animal? Hina: "You've got a rocker's soul, Miyako." Sachiko: "Oh yeah. Don't open this folder or this folder or this folder or this folder." Hina: "That's a lot! That's everything on the desktop!" Miyako: "What's in them? The names sound pretty impressive... 'Amazing!' and 'Spectacle!' and 'Fantastic!'" Sachiko: "Well, I'd show you, but Hinacchi would get mad." Hina: "You will show nothing. The only thing that's not dirty on here is the wallpaper!" Somewhat unexpectedly, her desktop wallpaper was still the default image. Sachiko: "Well, of course it isn't. I use this computer for work and bring it to meetings and stuff." Hina: "It's for work, and you've got this stuff on it?!" Click. Miyako: "Wow, there's so many naked ladies~" Hina: "She opened one..." ......... Hina's music transfer finished, and Miyako began opening all the folders on Sachiko's desktop, beginning with "Amazing!" and "Spectacle!" Sachiko: "Having fun?" Miyako: "I don't know, but I just feel like I have to open them all and see what's inside!" She's lost in the sheer number of files. Sachiko: "You'll be here 'til morning." Hina: "......" Hina raised her head from where she was leaning against the bed, gathering all her CDs together. Hina: "...Hey, Sachiko?" Sachiko: "Y-Yes?" Sachiko turned around timidly. Hina: "I want to ask you something." Sachiko: "You're not mad about the porn?" Hina: "No, just..." She hesitated for a moment, then... Hina: "Sachiko, have you had sex?" Sachiko: "Gbfh?!" Sachiko spluttered at the sudden question. Sachiko: "...Am I being propositioned?" Hina: "I'm not propositioning you!" Sachiko: "Gufh!" Hina threw a pillow that landed a direct hit on Sachiko's face. Hina: "Have you, Miyako?" Miyako: "Not yet, no~" The blunt question was met with a blithe answer. Miyako: "Why do you ask, though?" She did understand that it wasn't like Hina to ask something like that. Hina: "I don't know what I should do with Fumi." Miyako: "Haven't you done it a few times already, though?" Hina: "Yeah, but... I want to get better at it. I want to make Fumi feel good." Miyako: "I see~" Sachiko looked somewhat befuddled at the extremely frank conversation the girls were having. Hina: "But you know all about that stuff, right, Sachiko?" Naturally, the conversation turned to her. Sachiko: "O-Of course! Ask me anything!" Hina: "Thanks. I've got a ton of stuff I want to know." Miyako: "I'm interested, too." Sachiko: "Uhh, err..." —At the same time. Fumi: "Do you have a minute, Ogata?" Fumi set some tea on the table and sat down. Rin: "Hm? What's with the formality?" Rin was lying under the table, but she sat up when she saw the serious look on Fumi's face. Fumi: "I have something I'd like to know, and you're the only one I trust to ask about it." Rin: "Well, I'm not sure what I've done to earn this trust, but ask away." Fumi: "Thank you. So, the thing is, umm..." Rin: "Uh huh...?" Rin sipped her tea, waiting for Fumi to continue. Fumi: "Please teach me about sex!" Rin: "Bhwh?!" She spit out the tea in her mouth, and spilled the rest from her mug. Fumi: "You should probably change everything under your jacket. Please take it off; I'll wash it." Rin: "Uh, okay." Rin stood and took her pants off. Rin: "Good thing nothing got on my kimono." Fumi: "...Yes." Fumi smiled, taking Rin's track pants from her. Fumi: "Do you have a spare pair?" Rin: "Yeah, I'm good. Anyway, that surprised me. I didn't think you'd ask me that all of a sudden." Fumi: "I'm sorry." Rin: "It's okay. Just gotta get over the shock of hearing the word 'sex' come out of your mouth." Fumi: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Rin: "Really though, where is this coming from? Oh, you're not propositioning me, are you?" Fumi: "I'm not, I'm not!" Rin: "Ahaha, I'm kidding. You're asking because of Hina, right?" Fumi: "...Yes. I don't know what to do." Rin: "What, you don't want to do it with her?" Fumi: "No, that's not it! I want to do it a lot more!" Rin: "A-Ah." Fumi: "But neither of us know the first thing about it..." Fumi: "Of course, Hina's trying her hardest, but there must be something I can do, too." Fumi: "So, I came to you because I figured you know a lot about it." Rin: "......" Her face was blank. Well, of course it was. This was basically her punishment. Rin: "Er, y'see... I don't know that I'd say I know a lot about it... since I've never... done it..." Hina: "We're back, Fumi, and we brought Sachi—aaah!" Rin: "Oh, hey—wait, what? Ah, N-No, th-this isn't...!!" Hina: "CHWAAAAH!!" Rin: "Ouch... Those guys are really putting me through the wringer today." Rin massaged her cheek. Sachiko: "I mean, she sees a pantsless girl about to pounce on her girlfriend... Can't blame her for bringing out the knee, really." Rin: "I just spilled some tea and was changing! Don't say 'pantsless'!" She was no longer pantsless. Sachiko: "Well, what do we do about this?" Rin and Sachiko had left the others in the living room and were now, of course, discussing... Rin: "You can't just ask me about sex in real life. It's purely in the realm of fiction for me right now." Sachiko: "Hinacchi came at me with the real naked truth about everything. And it's like the more innocent she is, the more guilty I feel." Rin: "Ugh, I get that." Sachiko: "Anyway, can you really talk specifics with them?" Rin: "Not me. I'm pure as an angel." Sachiko: "Physically, maybe. I guess it's like a rookie racer asking for advice from an unlicensed gaming addict." Rin: "Ugh. I'm not really sure, but I get the feeling you just hit the nail on the head, and I don't like it..." One real experience, even if less than perfect, is better than one hundred magnificent descriptions. Rin: "Then I guess it's up to the experienced Miss Sachiko." Sachiko: "Hey, that's not fair." Rin: "What, you're not going to tell me you're inexperienced? You talk like you're the authority on eros!" Sachiko: "O-Of course I'm experienced! Super experienced! I'm practically a pro!" Heheheh. Sachiko: "But what am I supposed to tell them to do? Foreplay?" Rin: "When I parted her firmly shut thighs, I found her slit already hot and dripping with honey, twitching..." Rin & Sachiko: "Aaaaah!" They both covered their faces with their hands. Miyako: "If they both love each other and speak honestly to each other, won't they find the way that works for them naturally?" Rin & Sachiko: "Waaah?!" Miyako made her way into the farce the two of them were putting on. Miyako: "I was just wondering when you were coming back." Sachiko: "Ah, umm... we're coming." Sachiko: "If you both love each other and speak honestly to each other—" Rin: "Whoa, she copied her!" Sachiko: "Hey, shut it.n —Won't you find the way that works for you naturally?" Fumi: "I see..." She said, though her face didn't seem to entirely agree. Hina: "What? What do you mean?" This one wants details. Sachiko: "Umm, basically, just talk to each other about it." Hina: "We are talking... aren't we?" Fumi: "...We are." They weren't the type to keep secrets from each other. They were just going in circles because of their lack of information on the subject. Hina: "Is there like a textbook on sex?" Sachiko: "A textbook, eh...?" Rin: "True, there's plenty of that kind of thing for a man and a woman, but for two women... I don't think I've ever seen one." Fumi: "Really?" Rin: "Well, if you're talking numbers—" Sachiko: "......" Sachiko cleared her throat and elbowed Rin. Rin: "Oh..." Hina: "Isn't that what the books you two read are like?" Sachiko: "No, no, no! You can't learn anything from those! They're useless!" Rin: "That's right! In fact, all those will do is give you weird fetishes." Rin & Sachiko: "Hey, don't point at me!" Miyako: "Ahahaha." Miyako laughed while Hina and Fumi merely stared blankly.
Rin: "What? You've got sub duty again next Sunday? I'm impressed you've got the energy." Hina: "Of course I do. If I were actually on a team, I'd be doing this every day, you know." Fumi: "I think it's more impressive that you're able to make a difference without practicing every day." Hina: "Thanks. But the team really belongs to the people who do practice. That's why I'm just a sub." Fumi: "Right..." Miyako: "So what sport is it this time?" Hina: "Volleyball." Rin: "Now that's the real myste—" Fumi: "Oh, that's me." A message appeared on Fumi's LIME, and she picked her phone up from where it was charging. Hina: "What's the mystery?" Rin: "Why do they call you to sub in when volleyball is like the posterchild for tall-people sports? I'm not picking on you, by the way. This is genuine curiosity." Hina: "Ah, that's 'cause I play as a libero." Rin: "Libero?" Hina: "Yeah. Basically, I only do defense. I can receive, but not spike or block, so height doesn't really come into play." Rin: "I see. Never heard of those rules before." Rin knows a lot of trivia, but I guess she's not very interested in sports. Fumi: "...Umm, sorry..." Fumi timidly interrupted, phone in hand. Hina: "What's up? The LIME?" Fumi: "Yes. My mother's asking for a favor." Rin: "What is it?" Fumi: "It seems our store was featured in a local magazine recently, and we've been getting a ton of customers because of that." Hina: "That's great!" Fumi: "Yes. It's good news, but..." Hina: "But?" Fumi: "It's getting hard for my mother to handle all the customers on her own. Weekdays are still somewhat manageable, but it might be hard on the weekends even with me helping out." Rin: "That's on top of it being Valentine's season." Fumi nodded. Fumi's mother was typically the only one serving customers at Le Chocolat Chocolat. Fumi only joined her on weekends. On the production side, it was possible to prepare more in advance, but that wasn't so with the customer service side. Fumi: "They're hiring part-timers, of course, but that doesn't solve the immediate problem." Hina: "Oh, is that the favor? Working part-time?" Fumi: "Yes, that's right. She wanted me to ask my friends if anyone could take a shift on Sunday. For pay, of course." Rin: "Hey, Mikoyan, you interested in—" Miyako: "Zzz, zzz." Rin: "...Well, you know what they say about letting sleeping lions lie." In Miyako's defense, I'll mention that she fell asleep before all the talk of the bakery. Like, right after she asked Hina "what sport?" Rin: "I don't really have any confidence in my stamina or my customer service skills, so I dunno..." Fumi: "Oh, there's no need to force yourself. I don't think she really expected much when she asked. I'll tell her no." Fumi unlocked her phone to send a reply. Hina: "Why? I'll help out." Fumi: "Huh? But you're playing volleyball on Sunday." Hina: "I'll just turn them down. Helping you is more important." Fumi: "Well, I'm thankful for that, but won't it inconvenience the team? You already said yes to them..." Hina: "I'll go apologize tomorrow. But I was thinking I'd have to say no one of these days. I've told the captain and manager that before." Hina: "They should have the people practicing every day with the team play in the games, not me." Fumi: "......" Hina: "So, tell your mom I'll take the shift." Fumi: "Thanks, Hina. That'll really help." Rin: "Hopefully height's not a factor for the job." Hina: "Shut up!"
As soon as the bakery Le Chocolat Chocolat opened, customers who weren't able to get in had formed a line on the sidewalk outside. Business was booming due to it being the Sunday before Valentine's Day, on top of the feature in the local magazine the shop had received. As a stomping ground for the local girls' school students, the area around the station was a veritable battleground when it came to sales of sweets, but it looked like Le Chocolat Chocolat was by far the winner when it came to this year's Valentine's sales. Hina had also come to the bustling bakery first thing in the morning, full of energy and ready to work her shift. Since she was a small girl, it seemed Fumi's mother intended to ask her to help Fumi with serving customers. However, just after greeting the woman, Hina spotted a pile of cardboard boxes that would hinder traffic inside the store and immediately headed into the back of the shop with them, starting on the physical work necessary to open the store. Impressing Fumi's parents with her surprising strength, Hina ended up continuing to help in the back right up until the shop opened. Fumi: "Yes, this is the one that was featured in the article." With a smile, Fumi handed over a heart-shaped container full of cute chocolates. Fumi: "It contains an assortment of milk, sweet, and bitter chocolates." This assortment was the season's best-selling product, featured in the magazine with a picture. Since it was so popular, many people asked about it every day. Fumi smiled and introduced it like every time was her first. She was the perfect face of the store, her customer service skills flawless. It almost seemed a waste to have her become a patissier and fall back to the kitchen. Hina was similarly excelling in her work, going between the front and back of the store. She brought ingredients into the kitchen at Fumi's father's request and restocked the shop at her mother's request. The way she weaved about inside the tight confines of the store with her small frame brought to mind a hamster. Hina: "Four here, Mr. Asou! Huh? Two's fine? It's okay, I can hold four!" Even hours after the store opened, the rush of customers didn't cease, and the store and kitchen were still just as busy. The fact that they were getting through the day with no unhappy customers was largely due to Hina and Fumi's hard work. Hina & Fumi: "Welcome!" At the same time, in the dorm... Miyako: "It's time for snacks, Rin~" Miyako carried some coffee and sweets in from the kitchen on a tray. Rin: "Mm~ Thanks. What's for snacks?" Rin sat up. Miyako: "Chocolate that Hina and Fumi made." Miyako sat down, placing the tray on the table. Rin: "Blech, chocolate they made... I don't really like sweet stuff..." Miyako: "They said not to worry about how it looks since it was just practice, but... mmm! It's good! And it's not too sweet, either." Miyako pushed the tray over to Rin, who took a chocolate just to be civil. Rin: "It's not the chocolate that's sweet, y'see... amh... ohh..." Miyako: "Right?" Rin: "Mmh..." Miyako: "They're probably pretty busy right now, huh?" Rin: "Yeah, they're both busy bees. Especially Hina; I bet she's working really hard to get Asou's parents to like her." Miyako: "They already had their wedding and everything." Rin: "Yep, and I was the priest." She raised one hand in what I'm guessing was a priestly gesture. Rin: "Of course, I've got no authority or binding power, so it was just an imitation... playing make-believe, really." Rin: "It's not just the wedding. Feels like everything those two do is playing make-believe. It's embarrassing just watching them, personally." Miyako: "So you say, but you always go along with them, don't you?" Miyako, of course, caught on to the softness in Rin's voice that didn't match her words. Rin: "I guess. They're kind of my dream." Miyako: "Your dream?" Rin: "Yep. The pure dream of a twisted girl." Rin: "My parents are never home, so I don't really have a lot of warm family memories." Rin: "Oh, just because I don't have any good ones doesn't mean I have bad ones, though. It's not like I hate my parents or anything." Miyako: "Right." Rin: "So those two are sort of like a fantasy for me. Though I know I shouldn't idealize them or anything." Miyako shook her head. Miyako: "You're just watching over them. You're not forcing them to do anything." Rin: "Thanks. Anyway, I just want them to have what they have forever. I want to believe that something can last forever." Miyako: "Yes... I'm sure they will." The sign that had been standing outside was now folded up, and screens covered the windows. It was earlier than their usual closing time, but they'd sold out of everything save Fumi's smile. With the store closed, the two girls' shift ended as well. They'd intended to help with the cleanup too, but they had school the next day, so Fumi's mother insisted they head home. Fumi: "Thank you for today, Hina." Fumi bowed to Hina as soon as they left the shop. Hina: "Geez. How many times is that now?" It was a lot. Fumi had been thanking her since morning. Hina: "The pay is thanks enough. Actually, it seems high, if anything." The envelope of cash Hina had received was pretty full. Fumi: "No, you earned it! And my mother told me to make sure I thanked you! You really helped!" She bowed again. Hina: "You and your mom and dad worked really hard too. We all did good♪" With a small smile, Hina bowed her head back. Fumi: "Rei should have been helping out too, really." Fumi looked apologetic at that. Rei was her younger brother who was in middle school. Hina: "It's alright; he did enough yesterday. I wouldn't have been able to reach all the stuff on the high shelves." Hina jumped up. Fumi: "He had to be in a basketball game today. But you had to cancel your game... I'm sorry." Hina: "It's fine, really! Our situations are totally different!" Hina's face was dead serious. Fumi was a little taken aback at her strong reaction. Hina: "I'm only a part-time team member, but Rei has practiced really hard to earn a spot on the team as a regular! Of course he wants to play in games!" Fumi: "True, he always goes to morning practice and practices late into the night, too." Hina: "Right? If he really wanted to be in it, I'm sure it was an important game. I hope he really made a difference today♪" Fumi: "...Let me thank you on his behalf, then." They both smiled and walked off. Hina: "Anyway, I had fun working with you today. That's enough for me♪" Fumi: "Eheh, me too♪" Hina: "You want to become a pastry chef like your dad, right, Fumi?" Fumi: "Yes, I do." Hina: "I thought it'd be really nice if we could have a shop together someday. We could always be together then, too." Hina: "You'd bake, and I'd help out. Oh, I know. I'd take pictures of your sweets and advertise with them♪" Fumi: "Hina! That's a great idea!" Fumi spread her arms wide like she was going to embrace her, but since they were out on the street, she left it at that. Hina: "Maybe I'll keep this pay and set it aside for that future, then." Hina patted her bag where the envelope of money was. Fumi's phone chirped. Fumi: "Hm? It's my dad." She stopped and opened the message. Hina: "What? Did we forget something?" Fumi: "No, he wanted to apologize for being so busy that he didn't have time to properly thank you." She showed Hina her phone screen. Hina: "Wow, you're right. Tell him not to worry about it." Fumi: "Okay." A reply came right away from her dad. The two of them looked at the screen together. Hina: "Eheh. 'We'll have to expand the store if this keeps up.'" Fumi: "It might just be because of Valentine's Day. Geez, he's always so optimistic." Fumi sent a reply accompanied by a bear stamp with a troubled expression. Hina: "Maybe the people who bought chocolate today will like it so much they become regulars." Fumi: "Well, I'd be happy about that~" Hina: "If that happens, I could work more regularly." Fumi: "Eheh. I'd like that, too." Fumi: "He says you work so hard, he'd like you to be one of his kids. He just says whatever he wants." Hina: "Eheheh. Even if he hadn't asked, I do plan on becoming part of the family one day♪" Fumi: "Heh, I'll have to go meet your parents, too." Hina: "Hmm, is Rei interested in baking?" Fumi: "Not really, no~" Hina: "Does he want to be a basketball player?" Fumi: "No, that's just a hobby. He says he wants to be a vet when he grows up. We have an uncle who teaches vet students in Hokkaido, so that's probably why." Hina: "Wow, a vet? I guess you'll have to take over the store, then." Fumi: "I wonder what my parents are thinking about that." She got another message. Hina: "Wow, 'you're our only hope for the future of the shop'? Eheheh, it's like he can hear our conversation." Fumi: "I don't think it's recording..." They looked at each other and laughed. Fumi: "He's so hasty. 'You shouldn't be retiring for a long'... oh?" While she was typing a reply, another message came. Hina: "What's it say...?" Fumi: "Ah......" Fumi's Father: "_I hope you'll find a good husband and take over the shop with him._"
Lounging after dinner. Rin was lying on her stomach, reading a book, and Hina was fiddling with her camera as she laid her head down on Rin's back. Rin: "Urk." Hina: "Hm? Am I heavy?" Rin: "No, the clasp on your collar stabbed into me." Hina: "Wah, sorry." Hina sat up. Rin: "It doesn't bother you to have it on all the time?" Hina: "No, not at all." Hina spun the collar around on her neck, changing the position of the clasp. Rin: "Make sure nobody sees that thing, okay?" Hina: "I could say the same to you." Rin: "What do you mean?" Hina: "When you stayed over at my house for New Year's, you left it on the counter in the bathroom." Rin: "Huh? Did I?" Hina: "You did. I didn't know what to tell my mom when she found it. I ended up saying it was Asou's dog Arthur's." Rin: "...Sorry about that." Hina: "You need to take better care of it. I'm worried you're going to lose it." Rin: "Well, I told you I tend to do that, didn't I?" Hina: "Which is why you need to be careful! This is really important to both of us." Rin: "I think it'd be better if you held on to—" Hina: "Mmmmmh!" Rin: "What's your deal, honestly? I gave it to you, so shouldn't it be yours now?" Hina and Rin seemed to have very different approaches to possessions. Rin's pragmatic. She treats a thing as a thing. On the other hand, to Hina, a thing is a physical representation of a feeling. The thing itself is important to her as well, but it's also a vessel for more important things, like memories or promises. This collar, for instance— Hina: "This collar is the proof that I'm yours, Rin. I want you to treat it like it's me." Rin: "Heavy..." Hina: "Huh? So I'm heavy?" She didn't get it. Rin put her book down and stood up. Hina: "Where are you going?" Rin: "Bathroom." Hina: "I'll come with." Rin: "You don't have to. It's cold. Who's really got the collar here, anyway?" Hina: "Should I lose weight?" Hina looked at the door for a bit after Rin left, then turned around. Miyako: "I don't think you're overweight." This one didn't get it either. Hina: "But Rin said I was heavy. Should I go on a diet like you, Asou?" Fumi: "Fgh?!" Friendly fire to Fumi. Of course, part of the damage she did to herself, as she was in the process of reaching for a cookie. Fumi: "Ahem... Listen, Natsume." Pulling herself together (and putting the cookie back on the tray), Fumi turned to Hina. Fumi: "When Ogata said 'heavy,' she meant your feelings, not your weight." Hina: "My feelings?" Fumi: "Like... they might be a tiny bit of a load on her, maybe." Fumi tried to choose her words carefully, but... Hina: "A load... Am I bothering Rin?" Tears formed in Hina's eyes. Fumi: "No, no, no! Not bothering, just, umm..." Miyako: "I think your sense of personal space is much smaller than Ogata's is." Personal space. A sort of range around a person where they're not comfortable having other people. Fumi: "Yes, that's it! I just mean that different people want to be alone for different amounts of time and can feel constricted by different things!" Fumi clung desperately to the lifeboat Miyako had tossed her. Hina: "I guess I get that. I know how Rin was last year." Miyako: "'I'm not really great in groups.'" An impromptu impression. It didn't really sound like her, though. Hina: "Heheh, yeah, that! Did you get a kick out of that?" Miyako: "Yes. Oh, but don't tell Rin." Hina's mood improved at that. Hina: "Maybe she doesn't like me being too clingy." Fumi: "You've only just started going out. You'll have to find the distance that's comfortable to both of you from here on." Hina: "Thanks. I don't want her to think of me as heavy." Fumi: "Don't hold it in too much, okay?" Hina: "Yeah, but I don't want to make Rin upset, so I'll do my best to cling to her less." Fumi: "...Natsume." Miyako: "Nom..." Fumi: "Ah..." A cookie.
Saturday afternoon. Hina and Rin were the only ones in the living room. Fumi had just gone back home, and Miyako was nowhere to be seen, either. Meaning they were alone together. Hina had been restless since Fumi had left. She was worked up, clearly itching to do _something_... Since the "heavy" conversation, Hina had been exercising a lot of restraint. The tackle-like hugs she threw at Rin when she got home had gotten softer (I think, at least). Of course, there were always consequences to holding back. Especially when the feeling was particularly strong. When they were finally able to be alone together, it was just about to explode... Hina: "Riiin!" Rin: "Oh, sorry. I can't today." Hina: "Hweh..." A strange noise came from Hina. Hina: "Oh, y-you can't... I-I guess that's too bad..." She backed away unsteadily. Rin: "You wanted to?" Hina: "N-Not really~ I just thought maybe if you wanted to, I'd say okay. ...So I brushed my teeth and showered and changed my underwear..." Rin: "...Rarin' to go, eh?" Hina: "O-Of course not." She looked away. I'm guessing her ears were red, too. Hina: "...Ah." Rin put her arms around Hina's head. Rin: "Should we do it, then? I can give, at least..." Hina: "...Nah." After thinking a bit, Hina shook her head. Rin: "Are you sure? Weren't you super disappointed?" Hina: "Honestly... I was. But it's okay." Rin: "Oh yeah...?" Contrary to her words, disappointment was clear on Hina's face. Rin: "Hey, Hina?" Hina: "Yeah?" Rin: "Wanna go on a date tomorrow?" Hina: "Really?! Where? Where do you wanna go?!" In a flash, with that one word, the sparkle returned to Hina's eyes. Rin: "Just got the idea now, so I don't have anything planned yet. Is there somewhere you want to go?" Hina: "I'll go anywhere if you take me, Rin!" I can see a wagging tail. She's like a dog excited to go on a walk. Rin: "I know I was the one who invited you, but is it really that exciting?" Hina: "Well, this will be our first real date!" Rin: "W-Will it?" Hina: "Since whenever we get time alone, all you wanna do is dirty stuff. Though I guess it was me who wanted to this time." Rin: "R-Right." Dug her own grave there.
Sunday afternoon. Hina and Rin strolled through town. Rin: "Whew..." Rin sighed, some fatigue in her expression. Hina: "Tired?" Hina looked up when she heard the sigh. Rin: "A little... wah!" Rin lost her balance at a sudden tug on her arm. Arthur: "Ruff!" She'd staggered because of a dog. The Asous' dog, Arthur. He was an almost fully-grown golden retriever, so he was pretty big. Hina: "Not that way, Arthur. Your house is this way." Arthur obediently returned to their original route. Rin had to jog a little to keep up with the tugging on the leash. Rin: "...I'm kinda sorry about this." Hina: "Hm? About what?" Rin: "Well, we were supposed to be going on a date, but we just ended up walking Arthur instead." Hina: "Oh, that? I was the one who told Asou we didn't mind." She'd asked them to walk the dog since their bakery was so busy. Rin: "I actually had a lot of stuff planned, though. Go there, stop by that store..." Rin was the type to start with the superficial trappings and go from there. Hina: "Eheh, you planned stuff? That makes me happy enough." Rin: "Y-Yeah..." Hina's innocent smile was too much for her. Hina: "And I had fun walking Arthur, too♪" Rin: "It was the first time I ever played with a dog in a park." Hina: "And Arthur's so smart. He's really good at fetch, isn't he?" Arthur: "Ruff!" Rin: "Yeah, he's smart, but I'm more impressed with your stamina." Hina: "You are?" Rin: "I mean, I was throwing the ball for Arthur, but you went running right with him. You probably moved around the same amount he did." Hina: "Ahaha, I couldn't help it~" Rin: "It was like I had two dogs with me. A retriever and a mini shiba." Hina: "Don't say 'mini.'" So she doesn't mind being called a shiba inu. Well, she does consider herself to be Rin's dog. Rin: "Come to think of it, I heard shibas have the closest DNA to wolves out of all dogs." Hina: "Wolves, huh? That's kinda cool." Rin: "I think it's kinda scary." Arthur: "Ruff, ruff!" Rin: "Waaah!" Arthur yanked on the leash again. A dog on the other side of the street had gotten his attention. Rin: "W-Wait, stop!" Rin pleaded, at the mercy of the large dog's considerable strength. Hina: "Give it here." Hina held out her hand for the leash. Rin: "Huh? Won't he pull you after him?" Naturally, she'd think that, given that she was having so much trouble at her height. Hina: "I'll be fine." But Hina took the leash from Rin with full confidence. Hina: "Stay!" She gave a tug on the leash to get Arthur's attention, then commanded him with her finger up. Arthur: "Ruff!" Arthur obeyed instantly, contrary to Rin's expectations. Rin: "Huh?" Hina: "Good boy, Arthur. Down!" Arthur crouched down, and Hina handed the leash back to Rin. Hina: "You're too nervous. Arthur gets confused since you're all scared when you interact with him." Rin: "R-Right." Since wolves lived in packs and dogs inherited many of their traits, they too had a sort of familial hierarchy and wouldn't obey someone lower than them on that hierarchy. Arthur had obeyed Hina because he'd judged her to be a higher rank than him due to her firm attitude, but since Rin was irresolute when interacting with him, he wasn't sure where to place her on the hierarchy. Hina: "We had a big dog once at my house, so I got a lot of practice then." Rin: "I see..." Rin still looked a little nervous. Well, she was shy. That probably applied to dogs as much as it did to humans. Hina: "But Arthur's really sweet and really nice." Hina ran her hand over Arthur's back. Arthur: "Ruff!" Rin: "Are you smart too?" Hina: "Of course I am!" Rin: "Shake." Hina: "Yep." Rin: "Other hand." Hina: "Yep." Hina placed her hands on Rin's right away. Rin: "Stand. Spin." Hina: "Toryarya~" Hina jumped up and ran around Rin. Rin: "Down—no, that would get your clothes dirty, so stay!" Hina: "Oop..." Hina carried out whatever ridiculous command Rin gave her, which actually just made Rin flustered. Hina: "So? Am I smart?" She said with a proud smile. Rin: "Sure... I'm pretty surprised you're actually doing all of it, though." Hina: "Well, I've got this on now." Hina pulled her collar and flashed the choker she had on underneath it. Rin: "...Ah, yeah." Hina: "Hm? What is it?" Rin: "Bang!" She shot a finger gun at Hina. Hina: "Gwaaah!" Arthur: "Arf, arf~" Hina and Arthur both spun around like they'd been shot. Rin: "......" From the muzzle of the gun came not smoke, but a band-aid that was starting to peel off.
Sachiko: "You come to the roof too often." Rin: "Well, you're here too often." The two pointed their fingers at each other. Sachiko: "What's up? Feeling troubled? Need some sage advice?" Rin: "No, I just needed some disinfectant and a band-aid, but you weren't there." Rin held up her bandaged finger. Sachiko: "Mm, wanna head down, then?" She got up from the fence she was leaning against, but... Rin: "Oh, but I could use some advice, too." Sachiko: "...Sure thing." Sachiko finished her cigarette, dropped it in a portable ashtray, and leaned back against the fence again. Sachiko: "Wow, that's some wild stuff you're making her do." ...was Sachiko's reaction when Rin told her about what had happened on their walk that afternoon. Rin: "Huh? You think so?" Sachiko: "I mean, 'shake, stay, spin'? You're treating your girlfriend like she's a dog. If you're putting a collar on her and taking her for walks, I'd say you're in pervert territory already." Rin: "We're not! Hina wants me to put it on her! And it's not a collar, it's a choker!" Sachiko: "Well, I'm mostly joking. So what are you worried about?" Rin: "...I'm beginning to fear my own power." Sachiko: "Power? Like your arm aches or you can see something not of this world?" Rin: "No, nothing like that. It's Hina. She's too obedient. When she's wearing the choker, she'll do anything I tell her to." Sachiko: "Wait, so this _is_ some kind of slave training thing? I don't think I'm really qualified to help with that..." Rin: "That's not it! It just kind of freaks me out how devoted she is." Sachiko: "Yeah, she is that, Hinacchi. Unlike you." Rin: "Ugh... It's true." Sachiko: "She's like a blank canvas just waiting to be painted right now, and she'll change her colors to whatever you want." Rin: "...I'm already starting to panic about how she's changing." Rin scrunched up her shoulders. It was clear to anyone, not just Rin, how different Hina was now than before they were dating. Sachiko: "So. You say you're scared of your power, and I do think you have the power to break Hinacchi." Rin: "Brea... I-I'd never order her to do something that bad!" Sachiko: "Haha, Hinacchi's not so weak that she'd break from something you ordered her to do." Rin: "Huh...?" Sachiko: "What you should be scared of isn't the power you have over Hina. It's the negative power inside you." Rin: "What? You mean like the Force?" She didn't get it. Sachiko: "Do you love Hinacchi?" Sachiko put on a bit of a serious face. Rin: "Of course I do." Sachiko: "Well, Hinacchi loves you more." Rin: "Probably..." Sachiko: "You know, that 'probably'..." Rin: "Yeah?" Sachiko: "...Nah, that's enough for today." Rin: "What? Don't just leave me hanging." Sachiko: "I'm not leaving you hanging. I'm watching over you." Rin: "Uh huh..." Sachiko: "Anyway. You gotta hold the leash tight, or you're gonna get bit." Rin: "I already got bit." Rin held up her finger with the band-aid falling off of it. Sachiko: "...Hahh..." Sachiko sighed at Rin's lack of understanding. Sachiko: "I'm going down. Come on, I'll get you a new band-aid." Sachiko headed over to the door from the fence. Rin: "Oh, okay." Rin followed.
Hina: "What were you talking about just now?" The chapel at lunchtime. Hina asked Rin a question just as she was about to start eating. Rin: "Hunh? Me? Just when?" Hina: "Just now with Honjou." Honjou was a classmate of theirs. Hina had seen her stop Rin and say something to her when they were leaving the classroom. Rin: "She didn't understand something during class." Hina: "Oh yeah?" Rin: "I dunno why she asked me about it." Hina: "'Cause you're smart." Fumi: "......" I get the feeling Fumi's the only one noticing the slight awkwardness in Hina's smile. Rin: "She should just ask the teacher." Fumi: "Well, you're a good instructor, Ogata!" Rin: "Am I?" Hina: "You're strict with me..." Rin: "Well, my selling point's my individual lessons tailored to your learning level. Your grades are up, right?" Hina: "Yeah... a little. Thanks." Rin: "You're welcome." Miyako: "Rin's smart, Hina's super athletic, and Fumi's really good at cooking. And everybody in your class knows all that. That's pretty impressive, isn't it?" The three girls looked at each other. Miyako: "I want some kind of special skill I can brag about, too!" She said eagerly. Hina & Rin & Fumi: "Sleeping a lot?" Miyako: "What...?" ...... Hina and Rin were talking and fooling around after eating, looking up at the stained glass. Fumi and Miyako were still eating, meanwhile, watching the other two as they did. Miyako: "Lately, she's always right next to her during breaks." Fumi: "Natsume? Yeah. Valentine's is coming up, so maybe she's trying to guard Ogata." Miyako: "Guard her?" Fumi: "You know, since she said she was always popular... Maybe she's worried someone will try to steal her." Miyako: "I see. Like Honjou?" Oho. Fumi: "Could be. Natsume's the one who wants us to have lunch in the chapel instead of the classroom." Miyako: "She's like a guard dog. Bow wow." She squeezed her hands in front of her. Probably a dog imitation. Fumi: "Beware of dog, right? I don't think she's doing it consciously, though. At least, that's the sense I get." Miyako: "What about Rin?" Fumi: "Oh, Ogata has no idea." No hesitation. Fumi & Miyako: "Ahahahaha." Miyako: "Everything is a first experience for them right now." Fumi: "Huh? You wouldn't happen to be experienced yourself, would you, Miyako?" Miyako: "Only observing." Fumi: "Observing?" Miyako: "Oh, umm... like on TV." Fumi: "Ah, I get it."
—After school. Hina: "...?" The hallway in front of the classroom. Hina passed by a girl on her way back from the faculty room. The girl bounded away while Hina watched. It was the girl who'd asked Rin a question about class. I think her name was Honjou. Hina: "......" Hina entered the classroom to find Rin standing at the window. No one else was there. Rin: "Y-You're back. Asou and Mikoyan went to the bathroom—" Hina: "Honjou was just here. Were you talking about something?" Rin: "No... yeah. But it wasn't important." Hina: "......" Rin tried to brush it off, but Hina merely waited for elaboration. Rin: "Uhh... she said she was gonna give me chocolates for Valentine's." Hina: "And what did you say?" Rin: "Well... I said, 'Thanks.'" Hina: "You're gonna accept them?" Rin: "No, I wanted to turn them down...! But I couldn't think of a good excuse off the top of my head." Rin was panicking just from Hina's continued eye contact. Rin: "I-I told her I don't like sweets...!" Hina: "......" Hina thought for a moment, then slowly started... Hina: "Listen—" Miyako: "Sorry that took so long~" Fumi: "Oh, Natsume's back." Fumi and Miyako had returned. Hina: "Hey, guys." Letting her gaze drop for just a second, Hina turned to them. Her voice and her expression were those of the usual Hina. Hina: "I'll get ready to go right away~" She went to her desk and swiftly prepared to head home. Rin: "Umm, Hina—" Hina: "Oh, I'm gonna check the locks on the windows, so you can leave first~" Rin: "Uhh... right."
Fumi and Miyako walked together, shopping bags in each hand. Miyako: "That's not heavy, is it? Should I carry the vegetables?" Miyako asked when she saw Fumi struggling. Fumi: "It's alright. You're already carrying two. I have to take responsibility for giving in to the temptation of specials." Miyako: "Ahaha. We should have taken into account Rin and Hina going back to the school while we were shopping." They'd run out of the store after Rin said she'd left something in the classroom, reducing their carrying power. Fumi: "They should have gotten there by now. I hope she finds whatever it was right away." Miyako: "What did she forget?" Fumi: "Considering how panicked Ogata was and Natsume's bad mood, I'm guessing the choker..." Miyako: "Uh oh... It makes sense they'd run back for it, then. Think they'll be okay?" Fumi: "As long as Ogata apologizes like she means it..." Miyako: "I hope they're okay..." They exchanged a glance. Fumi: "Forgetting things isn't exactly new for Ogata, of course." Fumi smiled wryly, and Miyako nodded. Miyako: "Speaking of Rin and meaning it, on the weekend..." Miyako: "Hina, you like a 1:9 ratio for your coffee, right?" Miyako asked from the kitchen. Miyako: "Hina?" There was no answer, so she poked her head into the living room, holding some mugs. Rin: "Yeah, the usual 'basically milk' should be good." It was Rin, lounging around on the carpet, who answered instead of Hina. Rin: "Nothing's getting through those headphones." Miyako: "Oh, I see." Hina: "......" Hina was facing away from the two of them, body swaying. Rin: "Does she really need to listen to it so loud that she can't hear someone call her, though?" Miyako: "She said something about the right way to listen to rock." Rin: "Ha, when she doesn't even understand the lyrics? Her rock's dead." Rin looked exasperated. Rin: "Maybe Hina's so tone-deaf because her ears went stupid after listening to so much loud music." Miyako: "Well, if she used speakers, it might bother people in other rooms." Rin: "Her out-of-tune yelling isn't much better. It's a 120-decibel racket." Incidentally, 120 decibels is about the volume a jet engine makes at point blank. At that level, Hina's singing would get the local government involved. Miyako: "She'll get mad at you again if you keep talking like that." Miyako shot a glance at Hina. Rin: "She can't hear me. I can hear the music coming from her headphones over here." True, the noise reached Miyako as well. Rin: "...I got in some trouble with this once in the past, so I'm being careful." Rin said, sitting up. Rin: "She had her headphones on like now, and I said a bunch of stuff thinking she couldn't hear me, but the music stopped just in time for her to hear all of it." Miyako: "Did you end up in a fight because of it?" Rin: "Nope, we ended up going out." Miyako: "Ah! That was the beginning of your romance! Hina confessed to you, but you only answered her with a kiss!" Rin: "Ugh! Hey, wait a second, did we tell you about that, Mikoyan?" Rin was flustered when her history was brought up so frankly. Miyako: "Oh, umm, Fumi told me." Sure, that works. Rin: "...Asou. It causes me pain every time I remember that... Can I just erase it from everyone's memory..." Rin picked up a pen from the table and faced Miyako. It didn't flash or anything, though. Miyako: "Nope. It's because of that happy accident that you two are together now. It wouldn't do to erase it." Rin: "I guess. I wonder why I could say what I meant then, though. Even if I didn't think she could hear me." Miyako: "If you could be a hundredth as honest as Hina, right?" That's what she'd said then. Rin: "Mikoyan!" Rin's face went red. Miyako: "How honest are you being right now?" Rin: "...A ninety-eighth, maybe?" Miyako: "...Just a slight increase, huh?" Rin: "We still do nothing but fight." Miyako: "Were you fighting when she bit your finger, too?" Rin's left index finger was still bandaged. Miyako had heard that Hina bit her, but not why. Rin: "Ah... I guess that was the opposite of fighting? She bit me during, you know..." Miyako: "Is that what you two get up to?" Rin: "No! It was an accident! Well, this was my fault. I got carried away and put my finger in her mouth and, chomp." Miyako: "Chomp... I wonder if your finger tasted good." Rin hid her finger when she noticed Miyako's gaze. Rin: "No, Hina was just really into it... Uh, this is gonna be a little graphic. Is that okay?" Guess she wants to talk about it. Miyako smiled and nodded. Rin: "Hina's really sensitive when we mess around. She says it's because I'm good at it, but... oh, I'm not bragging about my technique or anything here. I really think it's just because Hina's super sensitive." Rin: "So that time, Hina was finishing for whatever time that day and bit her teeth down when she did, and I was into it too, so I didn't react quick enough to get away, and this is what happened." Miyako: "I see. What a disaster." Rin: "Yeah. It hurt like hell. I was kinda happy about it too, though." Miyako: "So you _are_ into that sort of thing..." Rin: "No! But it's like a special memory for us now. I'm sure the mark will disappear at some point, but I think I'll always remember it." Rin kissed the band-aid and the wound underneath it. Rin: "No matter what I do, Hina always reacts like, 'no way,' and that makes me really happy. Whenever I'm touching her, it always feels really good for me, too." Rin: "That's why I love doing that stuff with her—wait, what am I saying? S-Stop me, why don't you!" She suddenly came back to her senses and whirled on Miyako in embarrassment. Miyako: "I love hearing about this stuff. It's wonderful, isn't it?" Rin: "Mmm~ I gotta be careful around you, 'cause you're such a good listener." I'd say you didn't need much help letting the cat out of the bag. Rin: "Anyway, Hina's the first person who's ever loved me so strongly, feeling it with her whole body." Rin: "I love everything about her besides her tone-deafness. No, I love that, too. I feel like she's so bright that I'm scared to look directly at her sometimes." Miyako: "You should tell her that." Rin: "I wouldn't be so twisted if I could just do that." After that self-deprecating comment, she turned her back and lay down again. Rin: "I can say it so easily to you, though." Miyako: "......" Right when she was looking from Rin's back to Hina's... Hina: "Naaaaaaah!!" Rin: "Wah!" Rin leapt up at Hina's sudden shout. Rin: "Wait, not... again?" She was about to leap to her feet, but Hina was still swaying excitedly in her seat. Guess she was just overcome with passion at the hook of the song. Rin: "Ha... ha... ha..." Rin reached out to the tray of sweets on the table. Miyako: "Oh..." And then suddenly... Rin: "Tyah!" Hina: "Ow!" She threw a candy that hit the back of Hina's head. Hina: "Wh-What?!" Hina took her headphones off and spun around, surprise on her face. Rin: "Shut up!" Hina: "Just tell me!" Rin: "You can't hear me! You're wearing headphones!" Miyako: "Now, now..." There it is... Fumi: "She should just say it to her." Miyako: "Yeah." They looked at each other and smiled wryly as they climbed the hill up to the dorm. Miyako: "Kind of an unusual moon we have tonight, huh?" Fumi: "You're right. It's almost scary..." A big, round moon poked out over the roof of the dorm on the hill.
—At the same time, that moon illuminated the two girls in the classroom. Like Miyako had mentioned, the moon was shockingly bright. The two could easily look for their forgotten object without even turning on the lights. Rin: "Found it~" That didn't take long. Rin called Hina over from a locker. Fumi's prediction was right. It was the collar they were looking for. She'd realized at the grocery store. Rin had muttered, "oh," which Hina hadn't missed, and the latter had practically dragged the former back to the school. Hina: "Oh, good..." Hina was relieved when she saw the collar. Rin: "You don't need to be that worried. I knew where it was, didn't I?" Rin spun the collar on her finger, looking exasperated. Hina: "...That's not the problem." Hina bit her lip in the dim light. I'm not sure if Rin saw. Rin: "We could have just gotten it tomorrow, couldn't we?" Hina: "No, we couldn't!" Rin: "Whoa!" Rin jumped up, surprised at Hina's vehement reaction to the offhand comment she'd made. Hina: "You treat my collar too carelessly! I keep telling you to take better care of it!" Rin: "It's not a collar, it's a choker..." Hina: "It doesn't matter what you call it!" Rin's oblivious retort was thrown back in her face. Hina: "I treat that collar like it's a part of you and take good care of it, Rin. Can't you do the same thing and think of it as a piece of me?" Rin: "That's overblown, isn't it? Things aren't people..." The issue of Hina and Rin's different approaches to their belongings reared its head again. To Rin, things were things. But to Hina, things were physical representations of feelings. Hina: "...You forgot it at New Year's, too." Rin: "I just wasn't thinking then. I was nervous being at someone else's house..." Hina: "...It's not just the collar." Her gaze dropped lonesomely for a moment, but she quickly raised her head. Hina: "You brushed my hand away on our way back from the shrine, too." Rin: "That's 'cause I got embarrassed since I saw some girls from our class... I thought we were already over that, anyway." Well, Rin was. Hina: "Would you be embarrassed if everyone found out we were dating?" Rin: "What? What are you saying?" She'd asked that question before. Hina admired Rin, so she was always worried that she wasn't a good match for her. Rin didn't understand why Hina was repeating the question, didn't understand where her anxiety came from. Hina's frustration was mounting. The water was starting to lap at the edges of the dam in her heart. Usually, Fumi or Miyako would be able to interject at this point, but they weren't around this time. Hina: "Would you be embarrassed if you were dating Honjou?" Rin: "Where is this coming from?!" Rin shut the locker a little violently and strode toward the front door of the classroom they'd come in from. Hina jogged after her. Rin: "I'm gonna get mad. You're making the same mistake you did before with Sachiko!" She's not, Rin. Hina doesn't suspect you of cheating. She's just looking for some sincerity. Hina: "Why didn't you turn her down clearly?" Hina blocked Rin's escape. Rin gave up on leaving the classroom and leaned against the podium instead. Rin: "I couldn't think of a way to do it. You know I don't want people to dislike me, right?" Why don't you worry about how your girlfriend feels about you? Hina: "I'm always only watching you, Rin, but you always look away from me." Rin: "What...? Do I really...?" Hina: "You should look at me more often!" Rin: "...Haha." Rin averted her eyes again as Hina closed in on her. With the _worst possible timing_. Hina: "......" Soundless sparks flew. Rin: "Wah!" Hina pushed Rin down against the blackboard. The collar fell from her hands and rolled away on the ground. Rin: "Hey, Hina?" Hina: "......" Hina looked down at Rin. Her hair bristled, the glow of the moonlight making it look like a mane. Rin: "Uh, I gotta pick up the choker..." Rin tried to stand to flee, but Hina didn't loosen her grip on her. Rin: "Are you mad? I'm sorry. I won't forget it again. You should remind me if it seems like I'm gonna—" Hina: "You don't get it." Rin: "Come on, let's just stand up." She tried to stand up again, but... Conk. Hina headbutted her, though not hard, and only held her more firmly. Hina: "...We're _doing it_." Rin: "Huh? Doing what?" Hina didn't answer with words. Rin: "Wait, you don't mean...? Here? Where did this come from?!" Rin panicked when she caught on. Rin: "I mean, uniforms in the classroom is a pretty orthodox situation for some fun stuff, but there's such a thing as mood, you know? How 'bout next time, huh?" Rin tried to get out of it with her usual flippant laughter. But that didn't work on Hina in her current state. She stared Rin down with her fiery gaze. Rin: "Hey, are you serious about this?" Hina: "I've been bothered by it ever since you said I was heavy." Rin: "What, about going on a diet? You're not fat—" Hina: "No. Not my weight. You said it the last time we were talking about the collar. You said that and then you left the room." Rin: "Did that happen?" Hina: "It did. So I've been trying not to cling to you 'cause I don't want to bother you." Rin: "I'm not both—" Hina: "But I can't do it!!" Hina's shout shook the air in the classroom, pinning Rin to the wall even harder. Hina: "We're _doing it_. When we're doing it, you only look at me." Her breath was close and hot. Rin: "But, listen, we're in the classroom. A security guard might come, and we'll get our uniforms dirty. So let's not, okay?" Hina: "No." The raging beast couldn't be contained by the flimsy cage of Rin's reasonable arguments. The light of the moon made Hina's eyes glint even brighter. Rin: "Hold it, hold it... Okay, what if I tell you 'wait'? Hina?" Hina: "That doesn't work without the collar." Rin: "......" Rin paled at that. The collar had rolled halfway across the classroom. It was way out of her reach. Rin: "Ah!" Hina pried open Rin's shirt to draw her attention back to her. Hina: "This is your fault, Rin..." Rin: "Hey, you're scaring me... Hina..." The ease was gone from her voice now. Rin was truly frightened. Rin: "This isn't a dog... it's a wolf." And Rin's eyes were the eyes of a lamb.
Fumi: "We're back." Fumi returned to the room, cold air still clinging to the end of her hair and the hems of her uniform. She went for the heater first, then hung her jacket up and turned around. Fumi: "Here, Rin, give me your—" She reached out to hang Rin's jacket too, but Rin leapt into her chest instead. Fumi: "Aah! H-Hey!" Suddenly tackled, Fumi dropped the hanger and jacket in the entrance and was pushed all the way into the bedroom. It was a surprise attack, so Rin, with her taller stature, naturally had the upper hand. Fumi fell to the bed, powerless to stop her. Rin: "Waaah~ Fast charge~" She said something, face buried in Fumi's chest. Her blouse had been unbuttoned, covering only her arms now (when did that happen?) Rin was getting her Fumi energy charged, but in exchange, Fumi had to endure the chill until the heater turned on. Fumi: "Come on, that's dangerous." Fumi scolded the baby who was taller than her. Rin: "I made sure to aim for the bed." Rin said without even lifting her face from Fumi's chest. Fumi: "You'll wrinkle your shirt and skirt." Rin: "That's okay, it's Friday~" Fumi: "We left our jackets on the floor, too." Rin: "I'll pick them up later~" Fumi: "You've got an answer for everything, don't you? You're so clever, but you can't even wait long enough to change?" Rin: "......" Rin looked up at Fumi peevishly. Fumi: "What's wrong, Rin?" Rin: "You're going home tonight, right, Fumi?" Fumi: "Oh, yes." Fumi's family's patisserie was so busy before Valentine's Day that she was going home tonight to help out. Rin: "You won't be home Saturday or Sunday, right? If I don't get my fill of you now, I won't last through the weekend!" Fumi: "I've always gone home on the weekend, though. You never threw a fit like this before." Rin: "...It's not the same." Rin: "Until now, you only went home every other week, and you left at noon on Saturday and came back by evening on Sunday..." Fumi: "Well... It's Valentine's and the store is busy..." Rin: "I know. I won't tell you not to go." Fumi: "I'm sorry... and thanks." Rin: "......" The desire to have Fumi to herself and the desire not to cause trouble for her warred inside Rin. Fumi: "It's not forever. It's just until Valentine's is over." Fumi said soothingly. Rin: "Yeah... until Valentine's is over. And after that, we'll be together forever. Promise?" Fumi: "Yes, yes." Rin: "One yes is enough!" Fumi: "Yes. I promise." Rin returned to her charging, comforted by the promise. Fumi put her hand on Rin's head and stroked it gently. Fumi: "...So cute." Guess it's not just Rin charging up. Rin: "Hey, are you gonna become a baker, Fumi?" Fumi: "I plan to. That's what I wrote on my career survey." Rin: "Then who's gonna be my wife?" Fumi: "Ahaha. I can do that and bake too, can't I? Or do I have to be a stay-at-home wife?" Rin: "No." Rin shook her head. Fumi: "Good. I know what I want to do for my career, but I haven't decided if I should study science or arts." Rin: "Does that have anything to do with baking?" Fumi: "I want to be a patissier in the end, but I'm trying to decide between going to a baking school after I graduate or studying nutrition in college." Rin: "Nutrition? When you want to bake cakes?" Fumi: "Yeah. I'm hoping to take that into account with my baking, instead of just making sweets that taste good." Rin: "Haahh... Cake that doesn't make you fat is an unobtainable dream, you know. It goes against the laws of the universe." Fumi: "...Rin? I never said anything about that." Oh, that's a scary face. Rin: "I'm sorry, I'm sorry." Fumi: "I want to make cakes that nobody else in the world makes. That's been my dream ever since I was little." Rin: "You're really serious about this, huh?" Fumi: "Though I don't have any of the specifics planned yet." Fumi smiled awkwardly. To do something that no one else in the world can is pretty cliché as dreams go, but I bet Fumi can get pretty close. Rin: "Are you gonna take over Chocolat? Or start a new store?" Fumi: "I hope I can get some practice at Chocolat at first, but I don't see my dad quitting anytime soon, so I think I'll want my own store. Preferably not just a second Chocolat." Fumi: "By the way, did you do yours? We have to turn in our course plans soon." Rin: "I didn't, but I'll pick what you pick~" Fumi: "You should take this seriously. You have the grades to pick either one, too." Rin: "Since I can pick either, I can do whatever you do~" True enough. Fumi: "Is there something you'd like to do in the future? Maybe become a college professor like your dad?" Rin: "Not at all. Unlike you, I've never once seen my dad working." Fumi: "......" As soon as the topic turned to her family, Rin's tone and attitude turned curt. Fumi's face fell when that happened, but Rin didn't notice. Rin: "I'll be part of your family in the future~" So casual again. Fumi: "You should be serious about this..." Rin: "I am serious~ Oh, maybe I'll get accounting qualifications and do the bookkeeping for your shop. Wonder what sort of qualifications you need to do accounting for a bakery. Could you ask your mom?" Fumi: "Oh... okay." Rin: "We'll have a little shop, you baking and me behind the scenes." Rin: "But I bet your sweets'll be really popular, so we'll have to expand the store to get more customers inside. Hmm, but then we won't have as much time alone..." Rin muttered to herself. Rin: "I know. I'll think of names for your sweets. I'll be the one who names the cakes no one else in the world can make♪" Fumi: "......" Fumi was being so quiet that Rin seemed positively loquacious in comparison. Rin had always been good at things, starting with her general smarts. If she put her mind to it, she could be anything that she wanted to be. And Fumi was well aware of that, which was why she felt uneasy about Rin refusing to think proactively about her future. Fumi was the personification of motherly instinct, and no doubt influencing Rin's home environment. She was doing nothing to refuse Rin's insistence on being babied. She worried that she was limiting Rin's potential. But at the same time, she knew she was enjoying Rin's dependence on her. Was she actually taking care of Rin for her own sake? Was she the one taking advantage? Maybe she was even thinking that. It's Fumi, after all. Though she's not the type to overanalyze her emotions, so I imagine she's just feeling a sort of vague unease. Rin: "Mon Bijou... No, Gyogyomu?" Fumi: "I'm not ruining you, am I, Rin?" Rin: "How d'you mean~? Sexually, maybe~" Rin just held Fumi harder and buried her face deeper into her chest. Fumi: "......"
Hina: "I'm back!" Fumi: "Hello. Good work on the class rep stuff." Miyako: "Hello~" Miyako came in after Hina. Fumi: "Oh, hello. Welcome back. You two came together?" Hina: "Yeah, we met up on the bus." Miyako: "Yep." Fumi: "Oh yeah? Thanks for running that errand for me, Miyako." Fumi took the shopping bag from Miyako. Miyako: "Here's your receipt, and here's your change." Fumi: "Got it, got it. Thanks~" Hina had her class rep work, and Miyako had an errand to run... At least, those were their excuses for the alone time they'd given Rin and Fumi. Hina: "You're going back home tonight, right? Sounds like it'd be real rough to run a bakery during Valentine's." Hina said, taking off her scarf. Meanwhile, Fumi was fully dressed and ready to leave at a moment's notice. She must have just been waiting for Miyako to get back before she took off. Fumi: "I'm sorry. I might not be able to do anything in the room on weekends for a while..." " Fumi apologized as she moved things from the bag Miyako had given her to the fridge. Hina: "No, we should apologize for leaving everything to you until now. Don't worry about us and go help out the store." Fumi: "Thanks, Natsume. Oh, there's some side dishes in the tupperware in the fridge. Go ahead and heat them up in the microwave. You'll just have to cook the rice, okay?" Hina: "Whoa, you're way too well-prepared! There's basically nothing for us to do. You could have left a little more to us." Hina looked over Fumi's shoulder at the fridge full of tupperware with a half-impressed, half-exasperated face. Hina: "We're all just students living in the same dorm. It's not like we have set roles or anything. We really should probably be taking turns doing the cooking." Fumi: "...It's okay. I do it because I like it." Hina: "Yeah, and we all take advantage of that. I mean, it tastes great, but it can't be entirely your responsibility." Hina: "Someone else can do it when you can't. That's only obvious, isn't it?" Hina: "I can cook a little bit too, you know. It might not be as good, but you should let me help." Fumi: "Nonsense, I'm sure your cooking is wonderful. That would be great." Hina: "Nah, it's not gonna taste or look as good as when you do it. I can only make the kinda stuff my dad taught me when we went camping, so curry and things like that. Oh, and I can start fires, too." Fumi: "...That might be more impressive, actually." Hina: "Anyway, Asou, we'll handle what we can handle. Don't push yourself too hard." Fumi: "Thank you! I'll take you up on that until Valentine's is over." Hina: "Oh, but we won't spoil Rin. I'm not letting her be picky!" Fumi: "Ahaha." Miyako: "...?" Miyako was glancing around. Hina: "What's up?" Miyako: "Speaking of Rin, I don't see her." Hina & Fumi: "Ah..." The two of them indicated Fumi's bed. Rin: "M...Mmm..." Rin was in the middle of turning over on said bed. Miyako: "Oh, there she is." Her bare shoulder peeked out from the blankets. Hina: "I'm sure she got tired and fell asleep, right?" Fumi: "Well, umm... yes." She'd gotten used to Hina catching on when they'd been intimate, so it didn't bother her anymore. Rin: "Hmmn...?" Looks like she's awake. Hina: "What do you mean 'hmmn'? Hurry up and get dressed." Rin: "No... I can't get out of the bed, I'm naked and you guys are all clothed. What is this, CMNF? ...Oh, I guess it'd be CFNF." Hina: "What? Are you half-asleep?" Rin: "Clothed Males and Naked Female. But we're all girls, so it'd be CFNF, clothed females and naked female." Rin: "The argument in certain cultural circles is that this particular combination is meant to stimulate by way of humiliation and shame—" Fumi: "......" Rin: "Fumi! You don't need to listen so intently! We're not doing that!" Fumi: "Ah..." Hina: "I get it, I get it, you can change later. But at least say goodbye to Asou." Rin: "See ya later~" She waved a hand from under the futon. Hina: "You're so lazy!" She threw Rin's tracksuit at her from where it was hanging off the railing of the bed. Fumi: "Don't be too hard on her. She's just waking up." Hina: "There you go again. If you spoil her too much, you'll ruin her, you know." Rin: "Fumi practices positive reinforcement! Don't butt in on another family's parenting!" Hina: "Positive reinforcement doesn't work when it's not reinforcing anything!" Fumi: "......" Fumi was taken aback by Hina's words. They must have rung true to her after what she'd been thinking about earlier. Hina: "Haahh... You should spank her again." Fumi: "But she likes it when I do that." Rin: "FUMI!" Rin went red at Fumi's blithe comment. Hina: "This masochist is nothing but trouble." Rin: "Ungh..." Fumi: "Well, I should get going." Fumi stood up with her bag, looking distracted. Rin: "Fumi, wait!" Fumi: "Yes?" Rin: "Mmm~" Rin stuck her lips out demandingly. After all this, she was past the point of being too embarrassed to ask for a goodbye kiss. Fumi: "Oh... umm..." Hina: "Do you see me, Rin~? I'm right here!" Hina waved her hand. Her words were cheerful, but her face was dead serious. Miyako: "I'm here too~♪" Miyako waved her hand too, excitedly. This one must be misunderstanding something. Rin: "Then move somewhere where you can't see." Hina: "Why do I have to?!" Rin & Fumi: "Mm..." Rin: "Ugh... cold." When Fumi left, Rin curled up under the covers again. Hina: "I'm gonna rip the blanket off you!" Rin: "Wait, wait, wait! I'm really not wearing anything!" Hina: "Shut up! I've seen you naked in the bath!" I'm guessing it's not her body Rin doesn't want them seeing, but the towel Fumi laid out under her. Rin: "Gyaaa! My virtue's in danger!" Hina: "No it's not!" Miyako: "Ooh." Hina: "It's not!"
Noon on Saturday. Rin and Hina were alone in the room. Rin: "Hm..." Rin was lying in front of the TV, channel surfing. She finally stopped on a rerun of a variety show. On the screen, ten or so girls were fooling around in the snow. In bikinis. Rin: "Bikinis... that's rough." It's the middle of winter... It must have been some segment on the show. From how confident they looked, they must have all been gravure idols or something. The girls moved through a grove of trees before coming upon an open-air hot spring. Rin: "Huh~ That's a weird hot spring." There were a bunch of hot springs the size of manhole covers, and the girls were each getting in one. The girls excitedly entered the springs. They must have been freezing out there and wanted to warm themselves up as soon as possible. But according to a caption on screen, a couple of the springs were _too hot_. Rin: "I get it. It's Russian roulette... Going straight from cold to hot would suck." Hina: "You know, talking to the TV like that makes you seem like an old man." Hina's exasperated voice came from the kitchen. Rin: "Huh? Was I talking out loud?" Hina: "Loud enough to hear in here." Rin: "Hmm..." Rin: "Were you heating something up?" Hina: "Snacks Asou left for us. It's sweet potatoes. You want some?" Rin: "I'll eat anything Fumi made~" Hina: "Yeah, yeah." Hina put two forks on the plate. Hina: "You can't eat lying on the floor." Rin: "Yeah, yeah." Rin sluggishly sat up. Hina: "That's a lot of skin for a daytime show. I wonder if they get complaints." That's what Hina said when she came into the living room and saw the TV. Rin: "Complain about every show and we're gonna have a pretty boring world." Hina: "Nah, I think there should be all kinds of shows on TV. You just don't see girls in swimsuits on TV this early in the day lately." Rin: "What's wrong with girls in swimsuits, anyway? It's just cute, right?" Hina: "It's the commodification of sex or something. I don't know." Rin: "Well, if it's a commodity, what's wrong with selling it? It's not just looks, it's smarts or a good singing voice or whatever. Everyone should sell what they're good at, right?" Rin: "Oh, you can't force someone to, though." Rin: "But you should sell your stamina, Hina." Hina: "I get what you're saying, but it still pisses me off." Rin: "Oh, you get it? You're so smart, Hina~" Hina: "Shut up!" Hina and Rin sat in a nice warm room eating snacks while they watched the girls play hot spring Russian roulette. Rin: "Guess there's no chance of a nip slip these days." Hina: "Well, it is the middle of the day. Oh, isn't that girl cute?" Hina pointed at one of the girls on screen. Rin: "The one in the orange suit? Yeah, she's pretty cute. Fumi's cuter, though." Hina: "Guess so." She agreed, unfazed by Rin's comment. Hina: "What about the girl in the back, in the blue and white stripes? You like girls with big boobs, right?" Rin: "You don't get it. It's not just about size. The shape and texture, whether it matches their face or not... Fumi's boobs get a pass on all those points. They're the best in the world!" Hina: "That's pretty impressive. Asou's better than idols, huh?" Rin: "You noticed, eh? A non-idol who's cuter than idols. That's like a miracle that only happens once every thousand years." Hina: "Alright, you've stopped making sense." Rin: "And who's the super lucky girl dating this cuter-than-idols beauty? Ready?" Hina & Rin: "It's Rin Ogata!"n"......" Rin: "Join in!" Hina: "No way!" Rin: "But what really gets me about Fumi is..." Hina: "...There's more?" Rin: "Her personality's the best!" Hina: "Ah~ Yeah, I really get that. Only Asou could date you." Rin: "Huh? What's that mean?" Hina: "I'd be throwing punches every day dating you." Heheh. Rin: "I'm sorry! I can't go out with you!" Hina: "I didn't ask!" Hina: "You should really treat her like your future's at stake, you know. Don't come crying to me if she gets tired of taking care of you all the time." Rin: "She won't~" Hina: "Where does that confidence even come from?" Rin: "I'm gonna be Fumi's family in the future." Hina: "You mean you're gonna be her dependent!"
The three girls, minus Fumi, were lounging around before dinner. Rin: "Uunnaaah~" A groan came from the padded kimono on the floor. Miyako: "Ah, a seal?" Miyako was nodding off, but she raised her head at this. Hina: "No, it's just Rin." Rin: "Uunnaaah~" Rin writhed on the floor, groaning again. Miyako: "...Rin?" Hina: "Just leave her be. She'll go back to normal when Asou comes back." Rin: "...Serious shortage of Fumi power... Death." Hina: "Don't be dramatic. You're like this every week lately. Just wait a little and—waaah!" Rin: "Naaah~" When she looked over at the clock, Rin reached out and wrapped her arms around Hina like an octopus. Hina: "Hey, what are you doing?" Rin: "...Not enough volume." Rin complained and swiftly let go. Hina: "Grr." Rin: "Uunnaaah~" And again. Miyako: "Would a hug from me help?" Miyako extended her arms. Hina: "You don't need to do that!" Rin: "Aaaah~!" Hina: "Shut up!" Rin: "Fumi?!" Rin leapt up from the floor, but... Sachiko: "Hey, guys~ If you're doing free hugs, let me in on it." Sachiko peeked in from the doorway. Rin: "Uunnaaah~!" Rin didn't hide her disappointment. She plopped down to the floor and groaned again. Sachiko: "Hey, Hinacchi, c'mere~" Hina: "No! We're not hugging! Go away!" Miyako: "I'll hug you." Miyako extended her arms. Hina: "You don't need to! Leave! Leave! Leave!" Sachiko: "No, I'm here for a reason, really." Sachiko held out a sheaf of papers. Miyako: "What's that?" Sachiko: "Local magazine." Hina: "Like, with coupons and stuff?" Sachiko: "Yeah. That's not what I wanted to show you, though. It might interest the one lazing around over there, too." Rin: "It won't. Unless Fumi's in it." Rin rolled over so her back was to them. Miyako: "That's Fumi on the cover." Hina: "Oh, you're right." Rin: "What! Was! That?!" Rin jumped up like she was spring-loaded. The three of them pored over the magazine. Not only was Fumi on the cover to represent the patisserie, there were several pictures of her inside as well, like she was the heroine of the Valentine's special issue. Rin: "Huh? Wait a second! This is too much!" As Hina and Miyako read the magazine, Rin got up and started pacing, for once seeming to be unable to look any more. Sachiko: "Interested you, right?" Rin: "Sachiko, where'd you get this? I need one for reading, one to keep in mint condition, and one to show people, so at least three!" Sachiko: "The station. There's tons more." Rin: "Maybe I should get all of them? No, wait, that'd limit Fumi's cuteness from getting out to as many people as possible!" Sachiko: "That's not the problem. You shouldn't do that anyway. These are free, but they're still a commodity." Hina: "Look, look. Asou's store's gonna be on TV, too." Rin: "When?!" Hina: "Umm... The recording will be next Sunday, and then it'll air that night. Wow, right after." Miyako: "Is Fumi going to be on TV?" Hina: "Well, she is the face of the store~" Rin: "Let's get a big screen TV! 100 inches! 4K? 8K?" Hina: "Where do we have the money for that? And even if we bought it, there's nowhere to put it!" Rin: "We'll get rid of your desk." Hina: "Hey! And there's no 4K broadcast of local news." Rin: "Aaah!" She's so excited she's starting to go funny. Fumi: "I'm back... Huh?" The four all looked at her when they heard her voice. Fumi: "Wait, what's everyone doing together like—" Fumi understood everything when she saw the magazine in Rin's hand. Fumi: "...Haahh." She looked up and sighed. Fumi: "Where did you get that?" Fumi asked, flipping over the magazine on the table. Sachiko: "I found it at the station and brought it back. Should I not have?" Fumi: "No, you're supposed to take them, so it's fine. I just didn't know it was out yet." Rin: "Fumi! Why'd you keep such a big thing a secret?!" Fumi was surprised when Rin leapt at her. Fumi: "Wah! It's not a big thing. It's just a local advertisement for the store." Rin: "But you're on the cover! The cover! My Fumi's on the cover of a book!" Rin held the magazine up high in the air. Fumi: "It was only being distributed locally, and there weren't a ton of them printed, so I didn't think you'd find them... Give it here, Rin!" In an aerial battle, Rin's got the upper hand. Miyako: "When was this taken?" Fumi: "About a month ago. They came to do an interview right when I happened to be at the store, and they were planning on getting a picture of my dad at first." Sachiko: "But if there's a cute girl tending the store, they decided to go for that instead, of course." Rin nodded rapidly. Fumi: "I tried really hard to say no. I don't like the attention. But the photographer ended up wearing me down..." Hina: "You've got a really nice smile in the picture, though." She was right. Fumi had a brilliant, natural smile in the picture on the cover. Fumi: "Yeah, but it took a bunch of tries to get it. I couldn't smile right." Hina: "Is this just the miracle shot, then?" Fumi: "You could call it that... A regular just happened to come by, and that picture happened when I greeted them." Hina: "Ahaha. I get it. That's why it looks so natural." Miyako: "Oh, are you gonna be on TV next week?" Fumi: "TV?" Fumi repeated, face blank. Rin: "Right here." Rin opened up to the page with the article and pointed out the bit about the TV interview. Fumi: "What? What? I haven't heard anything about this." Rin: "I'm gonna go watch for sure, Fumi!" Fumi: "...U-Uhh?"
The weekend ended, and Monday arrived. First thing in the morning, there was a crowd around Fumi. All because of that magazine. Some among the throng even had the offending magazine in hand. The other three watched the spectacle from Rin's desk. Miyako: "Lots of people saw it, I guess." Hina: "Well, most Seiyou students go past the station. Mm, this magazine is probably pretty effective advertisement for the girls here, huh?" Miyako: "Is Asou's family's store really thriving?" Hina: "Well, it is Valentine's season, so they'll probably be busy... Oh, they're asking for her autograph." One of the crowd wanted Fumi to sign her magazine. Fumi said no, of course. Rin: "We can't have this... They gotta go through me for that stuff. I get where they're coming from, though." Rin slowly took a magazine out of her bag. Hina: "...You made her sign yours?" Rin: "Well, this is, in essence, Fumi Asou's first photo collection, 'Le Chocolat Chocolat.'" Miyako: "That's the name of the shop." Rin: "Heheh." All the while, the girls were asking Fumi things, and she was shrinking back from them. And Rin just watched this smugly. Hina: "Why are you so smug?" Rin: "Man, that Asou's so cute~ Wonder if she's going out with anyone~? Oh, she's going out with me~♪" Rin poked her head and stuck her tongue out. Hina: "Hahh... whatever." Rin: "I wanna announce it at an assembly to the whole school!" Hina: "Don't." Rin: "No, maybe I'll put it on the side of a truck and drive around town!" Hina: "Seriously, don't." I wouldn't be surprised if she paid someone to do it.
Sunday night. The girls were gathered in the living room, their eyes glued to the TV. Fumi looked uncomfortable, since the program she was going to be on was currently airing. The girls sat with the embarrassed Fumi among them like it was some sort of humiliation roleplay scenario. Except for Rin, who'd taken her bath quickly and sat right in front of the TV, ready and waiting. Miyako: "It's taking a while, huh?" Miyako cocked her head, a teacup in hand. It wasn't a full hour-long special on the store, but rather, the store was one of many being featured on a Valentine-themed variety show. The segment on Le Chocolat Chocolat must be in the second half. Since they didn't know when Fumi would show up, they chatted excitedly during every commercial. Hina: "Oh, that's Asou's store." Hina said, pointing at the screen. A familiar store was on screen in a preview of what was to come after the commercial. Looks like it's finally time. Fumi: "Oh... I'll go get the laundry." Fumi stood up when it went to commercial. Sachiko: "Oh, come on, the dryer's still going." Sachiko grabbed her sleeve and sat her down. Her obvious flight was quickly thwarted. Oh yeah, Sachiko's here, too. She's not the type to miss something this fun. Hina: "Let's all watch it together♪" Miyako: "Yeah, let's♪" Brilliant smiles. There wasn't a shred of ill intent between the two. Fumi: "Ugh..." ...And the commercial came to an end. The familiar red roof was back on screen, followed by the name of the store, "Le Chocolat Chocolat," and two reporters entering the frame. Hina: "Oh, it's Par-Reggi on site." Miyako: "Par-Reggi?" Hina: "A comedy duo called Parmigiano-Reggiano, Par-Reggi for short." Miyako: "I get it. That's what the two talking outside the store are called?" Sachiko: "Yeah. They moved from Kansai to Tokyo last year, I think. They're pretty popular." Rin: "I don't like them, though." Fumi: "...?" Miyako: "Oh, they're going in the store!" Hina: "Here we go!" The door opened, and the camera proceeded into the store. Fumi: "W-Welcome!" Fumi welcomed the camera with a slight awkwardness, wearing an apron and a kerchief. Rin: "Fumiiiii!!" The second Fumi appeared on screen, Rin shrieked and lunged forward to practically wrap her arms around the TV. Sachiko: "Rin, shut up!" Hina: "We can't see! You're in the way!" Rin: "It's Fumi! You're on TV, Fumi! You see, Fumi?" Fumi: "Y-Yes... I see." Rin pointed out Fumi on the screen, though she was sitting right next to her. Fumi had no idea what to say. Hina: "Eheheh, were you nervous, Asou?" Fumi: "Very nervous..." On screen, Fumi was answering questions politely with a smile, same as always, but Hina, who saw her every day, could tell how nervous she was. Sachiko: "You look great on screen, Foomin. And Par-Reggi are doing a great job messing with you. 100 points on the composition here." Rin: "Yeah!! This is like a promo vid! The first one for Fumi Asou, 'Chocolate Fairy'!" Fumi: "Umm..." True, the editing made it clear how much Fumi was being emphasized. The store and its products were the focus of the show, but there were frequent cuts to Fumi as she showed everything off, too. Miyako: "Wow, that chocolate looks delicious." Here's one just watching the show from an average viewer's perspective. Fumi: "Yeah. That one's new this year—" Rin: "Oh, who cares about the chocolate! Show Fumi, show how she works! Yeah, that's it, good. Hey, cameraman, what are you doing?!" This girl's just no good. Sachiko: "Seriously, Rin, shut up!" Hina: "We can't see! Get out of the way already!" Hina and Sachiko peeled Rin away from the screen. Rin: "Let go a' me! I'm gonna see Fumi up close!" Fumi: "Umm, Rin? I'm right here." While they struggled, the TV showed a cut of onlookers outside of the window of the store. Miyako: "Huh?" Miyako suddenly said. Hina: "What is it?" Hina asked, hand firmly gripping the collar of Rin's padded kimono. Miyako: "Umm... there." Miyako pointed to a person partially in frame— Hina & Fumi & Sachiko: "Rin!"
_—I was there three hours before the shoot happened._ Sachiko: "That's pretty early for you, Rin." Miyako: "I didn't see you, so I just thought you were sleeping." Fumi: "Rin can get up early if she tries." She's still babying her. Rin: "Heheh." Hina: "Then try more often!" _About an hour before, some people started to gather in front of the store._ _The amount of people gathering from just a short advert in a local magazine must have been because Fumi, who represented the store, was just so appealing._ Fumi: "Not because some comedians were coming to the store...?" _A bigger crowd gathered when the crew showed up on a bus thirty minutes before the shoot and started setting up._ _I watched the crowd, maintaining my position, which was not too close, but not too far._ _Fumi was incredibly calm for this being her first TV appearance. She introduced the products on sale with her usual angelic smile._ Fumi: "...I'm telling you, I was super nervous." _She looks great in her uniform and her pajamas, but the apron's a pretty good look, too. It's got a real motherly feel to it._ _To someone younger, she's something of an older sister to look up to; to someone of the same age, she's the ideal girlfriend; and to old folks, she'd be an adorable granddaughter. She appeals to all ages. In fact, isn't she just perfect idol material?_ _Can some local news cameraman really capture Fumi Asou's incredible appeal?_ Hina: "Geez, that's rude." _But what's really getting on my nerves is those reporters, Par-Reggi. Especially their jokes._ _I can't hear what they're saying from here, but from their eyes and their hands, it's clear they're saying something about Fumi's chest. And they're real persistent about it, too!_ _Also, I dunno if it's because they're entertainers or what, but they keep touching her._ _She's mine! Don't touch her, don't look at her, don't even think about her!_ Sachiko: "Ah~ There's a rumor they're lesbians. Someone who worked with them leaked on TV recently that they were hitting on gravure idols." Hina: "Did they hit on you, Asou?" Fumi: "Come to think of it, they asked for my LIME after the recording—" Rin: "WHAT?! What a scandal! Gimme their names, I'll end their careers!" Fumi: "I didn't give it to them!" _The spectators only multiplied as the shoot came to an end. The crowd kept stopping interested pedestrians, forming new crowds._ Rin: "Look, look! Isn't that girl in the store super cute~?" Rin: "She's so cute I bet she doesn't even work there. She's an actress~" _The crowd all remarked on Fumi's cuteness. Some were even taking pictures of her._ Fumi: "I'm telling you, they were taking pictures of the comedians." Rin: "Think she's going out with anybody? She's so cute, so she must be. I bet it's someone really wonderful~" Hina: "Hey, don't make stuff up." _Someone got so into cheering her on that they bumped into me, which pissed me off, but I controlled myself._ _It's all for Fumi. I've got to be nice to her fans._ Fumi: "...Fans." She didn't even have a comeback for that one. Sachiko: "But you're not gonna cheer her on?" Rin: "Huh? What, you mean me?" Sachiko: "God, you're so annoying." Rin: "It's fun to make a scene at the shoot, but when you're a connoisseur like I am, you can just fold your arms and watch her coolly from a distance, with your girlfriend face on." Rin: "The key is to put a suggestive smile on your face and respond quietly to things she says, give her a little wave when your eyes meet, and clap quietly for the audience sometimes, too." Rin: "I was Fumi Asou's perfect girlfriend today..." Hina: "What is she saying? I'm gonna hit her."
The section introducing Le Chocolat Chocolat ended with a somewhat hackneyed shot of Fumi holding chocolate out for the camera to eat. And Rin making a bunch of noise and Hina hitting her. Fumi: "I didn't know you were there at all." Fumi looked visibly relieved that the segment was over. There was some other good-looking patissier on screen now. Hina: "Hey. Your eyes didn't meet, then." Rin: "Huh?" Apparently, her narration was unreliable. Fumi: "You were there three hours early? Wasn't it cold?" Rin: "It was your debut! I had to see it with my own eyes!" Fumi: "My debut...? It was just an introduction to our store." Rin: "Fumi didn't yet know that this was the beginning of her lege—" Fumi's phone rang then. Sachiko: "From home?" Fumi: "No, it's a number I don't know... But it's not withheld, so I guess I'll answer." Fumi: "Hello, Asou speaking. ...Katsuragi Production? ...Oh! Yes, thanks for today—" Hina: "Katsuragi Production?" Sachiko: "Probably the talent agency? I think they've got Par-Reggi, right?" Miyako: "You know a lot about them." Sachiko: "Well, I watch a lot of TV while you guys are at school." Rin: "Their agency? I'm gonna complain to them about their sexual harassment of Fumi." Fumi: "What?!" Fumi had been speaking quietly on the phone, but she suddenly raised her voice. Rin: "What? What is it—" Fumi: "Audition? To be an idol?!" Rin: "Wha?!"
Sachiko: "..." The roof. Sachiko opened her eyes.
Sachiko: "Cold...!" Sachiko came back from her patrol around the dorm, scrunching her shoulders up. Her evening rounds would be over once she finished locking up. Sachiko: "Mm, mm, mm... Should be good." Storing her shoes, she pointed as she went through her mental checklist. For all her flaws, she does take her work seriously. At her core, she really must be— —? Sachiko noticed as well and looked toward where the sound had come from. It was the stairs down the hallway. There was a faint light coming from upstairs. Sachiko: "...Someone there?" She turned in that direction. The light was coming from the stairs. She tip-toed over, crouching by the landing and peering upstairs. There, she found— Miyako. She was sitting on the stairs knitting with some difficulty. She must have been concentrating hard, because she hadn't noticed Sachiko. Sachiko: "Haahh..." Sachiko stood, sighing with a mix of relief and exasperation. Sachiko: "What are you doing this late?" Miyako: "A-Awawawah?!" Miyako jumped up at the voice, and when she saw Sachiko's face, she hurriedly hid the scarf she was knitting behind her back. She'd gotten advice from Fumi to keep it a secret from Sachiko, after all. Sachiko: "Huh... You started knitting?" Miyako: "Wh-What are you talking about? Uhh, I was just going to the bathroom..." Her room and the bathroom were both on the first floor. Not a very good excuse. Sachiko: "Well, you're hiding your project and your needles, but the yarn's just sitting there." Miyako: "A... Ahahaha. Right." Sachiko: "But why out here in the dark? You'll ruin your eyesight." Miyako: "I'll wake the other three up if I turn the light on in our room..." Sachiko: "Then just come to m—" Sachiko suddenly stopped. Sachiko: "So, how's your progress?" Miyako: "I'm not making much, since I'm not very good at it." Miyako smiled awkwardly and stretched out the scarf she had been hiding behind her back... or she would have if there had been anything to stretch. It was more wide than long. Sachiko: "Hopefully you finish it while it's still cold." Miyako: "Yeah... haah..." Sachiko: "Are you okay being awake this late, snooze monster?" Miyako: "I've actually nodded off a few times—" Sachiko: "Stupid. Go back to your room and sleep. You'll catch a cold out here." Miyako: "...Okay." Miyako collected her things obediently. Miyako: "Good night." Sachiko: "Night." ......... Sachiko: "This kind of thing just isn't fair."
The girls entered the broadcasting room. Hina was carrying a microphone. It was the same situation as last time: returning a tool used in the auditorium. Hina: "Sachiko's not here today." Hina looked around the room. Rin: "No Sachiko. But there is a presence..." Hina: "Ah~ ah~ ah~!" Hina covered her ears. Miyako: "This is my first time coming in here." Fumi: "Yes, we stopped at the door last time." Yeah, there was a guard in place last time. Hina: "Can I just put it on this shelf, you think?" Rin: "Looks like that's where the other mics are. Don't see why not." Hina: "Mmh, hup..." Rin: "I got it." Rin took the mic from the stretching Hina and put it on the shelf. Hina: "Thanks." Rin: "It's hard to clean these high places. If there's dust, I'm gonna go complain." Hina: "That's kinda mean. Weren't we just talking about thanking her?" Rin ran her finger over the edge of the shelf. Rin: "Look at all the dust on my... wait, what? It's clean." Rin checked all over the shelf. Rin: "Is she actually working pretty hard?" Hina: "Sachiko likes to keep things clean. You've never seen any mess around the dorm, right?" Rin: "I guess not." Fumi: "...Huh?" Miyako: "What is it?" Fumi: "I was just thinking this calendar is pretty old, huh?" Miyako: "It's from five years ago." Fumi: "These posters for events, too. The culture and sports festivals here were both five years ago." Miyako: "Has this room not been used recently?" Fumi: "It doesn't seem like it. But Sachiko seems to be keeping it clean." Miyako: "Does this school even have a broadcasting club?" Fumi: "I don't think I've ever heard of one, no. Oh, but there are club journals on this shelf. They're old too, though." Miyako: "......" Hina: "Oh, a transceiver." Hina noticed the object on the edge of the desk. Rin: "Isn't a transceiver something like a big old phone?" Hina: "This is also called a transceiver. It's a wireless device that transmits and receives." Rin: "Huh. You really do know a weird amount about machines, don't you?" Hina: "Yeah, there was always a lot of that junk around my house." Rin: "Your dad's?" Hina: "Yep. That was around when he was working abroad. ...This thing looks really old. I wonder if it still works." —That thing's important, so you shouldn't touch it. Hina: "Oh, sorry." Rin: "Huh? What?" Hina: "Didn't you just say I shouldn't touch it?" Rin: "Not me. Maybe it was the ghost." Hina: "Eep!" While Fumi was looking at the old posters, Miyako headed for the shelf with the club journals on it. Miyako: "...She was looking at this one, I think." She plucked one from the shelf and looked at it. Miyako: "It's from five years ago, too..." It opened up easily to a certain page as if accustomed to that position. Miyako: "Huh?" Miyako found her eyes glued to a picture of the members of the broadcasting club at the time. One of them was... Miyako: "She looks... just like me..." Rin: "What's up, Mikoyan?" Miyako didn't even hear her, she was so focused on the picture. Miyako: "Noel... Noel Nakatani." She read the name of the girl from the note next to the picture. Hina: "Noel Nakatani! That was it!" Hina suddenly shouted in response to Miyako's mutterings. Rin: "Whoa, that scared me." Miyako: "You know Noel Nakatani?" Hina: "Remember when we were talking about angels in the chapel?" Rin: "When? Which time?" Hina: "Umm, the thing about my sister's friend's friend." Fumi: "Oh, yes! She was praying for her friend in the hospital when the angel appeared." Hina: "Yeah! The friend in the hospital, her name was Noel Nakatani!" Rin: "It's a bit late for that, isn't it? I already forgot the whole story." Hina: "Well, I feel a lot better! It was bugging me all this time that I couldn't remember. I called my sister, but she forgot, too." Rin: "And now you're just gonna forget again." Fumi: "So, what about Noel Nakatani?" Miyako: "......" Fumi: "Umm, Miyako?" Miyako: "......!" Fumi: "Ah!" Miyako ran out of the room, still holding the journal. Hina: "Huh? Miyako, what happened?" Rin: "...Maybe the ghost possessed her." Hina: "Gyaaaaaa!!" Fumi: "...She left her bag."
Sachiko: "Welc—" Sachiko looked up at the violent sound the door made when it opened... Miyako: "Hahh... hahh..." ...and found an out-of-breath Miyako in front of her. Sachiko: "Just you?" Miyako: "...Yes." Sachiko: "You must have been in a real hurry. Do you even have your bag...?" She finished tying her shoelaces and stood up. Miyako: "I had a feeling you were going to go somewhere." Sachiko: "Well, yeah, I'm kinda going out right now." She tapped the tip of her sneaker on the floor. Miyako: "I found this in the broadcasting room." Miyako held out the club journal. Sachiko: "Ah... The one with Noel's picture in it." She could tell just by giving the cover a glance. Sachiko: "But you knew her name and that she used to be a student here already, right? There's nothing to be surprised—" Miyako: "I realized what you meant when you said... that she's somewhere far away now." Sachiko: "......" There was a long stretch of silence. Miyako waited for the words Sachiko was searching for. Sachiko: "...How did you figure that out?" Miyako: "I heard from Hina. She told me a story about how her sister's friend's friend was praying for a friend in the hospital when an angel appeared before her." Sachiko: "A friend of a friend, huh... That's confusing. Is that true?" Miyako: "The friend in the hospital was Noel... and the angel was you, I'm guessing." Sachiko: "......" Miyako: "I heard that Noel passed away after that." Sachiko: "...A month after, to be specific." Miyako: "......" Sachiko: "Noel was always in poor health and would sometimes spend time hospitalized in the city while she was in school. That must have been where you saw her." Miyako: "I'm sorry..." Sachiko: "What do you have to be sorry about?" Miyako: "I didn't know any of this, and never thought about what I was doing..." Sachiko: "Of course you didn't know. It's not like you picked that face to torment me, right?" Miyako shook her head. Miyako: "You were trying to forget her, and I..." This time, Sachiko shook her head. Then she smiled sadly and said: Sachiko: "No... I don't want to forget her." Miyako: "...Oh." Sachiko: "I'm planning on leaving here sometime soon." Miyako: "Huh...?" Sachiko: "I was only taking over for the original manager here while she was sick, but she's gotten better now, so I thought this might be the right time." Sachiko: "Oh, but keep that a secret from the other three, would you? You've got good instincts, though. I was kinda surprised when you said you thought I was gonna go somewhere earlier." Miyako: "I-If it's because of me, I'll leave!" Miyako stood in Sachiko's path. She backed up and blocked the door. Sachiko: "You can't do that. It's my choice whether I stay or leave." Miyako: "Then I'll wait until you come back..." Sachiko smiled awkwardly and shook her head. Sachiko: "A pretty girl like you'll find someone else right away. No need to—" Miyako: "...That's not fair." Sachiko: "...Guess not." Sachiko put a hand on Miyako's shoulder and gently moved her away from the door. Miyako: "You'll come back, right?" Sachiko: "Well, I haven't packed yet~" Sachiko showed her empty hands and walked out. Miyako was left standing there alone. Rin: "We're ba... oh, you came home, Mikoyan." Miyako: "W-Welcome back..." Hina: "You surprised us, running out like that." Rin: "We worried you might have been possessed by something. Well, Hina did." Miyako: "Umm, I'm fine." Fumi: "Here, you forgot your bag." Miyako: "Oh, I'm sorry. Thank you." Miyako took the bag and bowed her head. Fumi: "We just went past Sachiko. Did you see her?" Miyako: "Yes..."
Valentine's was finally a day away, and a light and airy mood had settled over the school. But first, there's something that must be dealt with. The results of the proficiency tests. Hina: "Gwaaah!"
Sachiko: "Here we go, happy Valentine's, happy Valentine's." Sachiko put chocolates in all the dorm students' shoe cubbies. ...She's so quick at this, it's like she's delivering mail. Sachiko: "...Hm?" Sachiko stopped. She was at Miyako's cubby. Sachiko: "School shoes..." She stood and looked upward.
Sachiko: "Trick or chocolate!" Before they could even knock and open the door, a namahage flew out of the dorm manager's room. Hina: "Geez, not again..." Rin: "She's mixing things again. And just like setsubun, why's the demon the one waiting?" Sachiko: "I'll play a trick on you if you don't give me chocolate!" Hina: "You're always playing tricks on us anyway!" Fumi: "Is White Day too late?" Sachiko: "Nnnnnnngh!" Rin & Fumi: "She's just whining now." Hina: "Hm?" Rin: "Whatever, just take that off. Or do you want us to throw chocolate at you?" Sachiko: "Uuugh..." Fumi: "Don't worry, we made some for you. We just came over to give it to you." Fumi handed over the bag containing the chocolate from the four of them. Sachiko: "Paaah!" Sachiko lifted the bag up like it was a rare item she'd just obtained. Rin: "...What a joke." Sachiko: "It's my aesthetic." After some pestering, the four went on their way. Sachiko: "Thanks~" Miyako: "Oh, right!" Miyako turned around before they left. Sachiko: "Hm? What's up?" Miyako: "Umm, do you have someone you have feelings for?" Sachiko: "'Course I do." She answered unexpectedly quickly. Miyako: "...Huh?" Sachiko: "All cute girls are my sweethearts♪" Miyako: "Haha, I see..." Miyako smiled awkwardly and went after the other three. ...... Sachiko muttered to herself as she watched her leave. Sachiko: "...I do. And she looks just like you." Sachiko: "...?" Sachiko noticed Miyako standing separately from the cheerful group of the other three girls. Miyako: "......" As their eyes met awkwardly, Miyako shook her head and smiled. Fumi: "......" Fumi noticed and placed a hand on Miyako's back.
—_I'm not thinking that far into the future yet._ Fumi replied without any emoji or stamps and closed the app. Fumi: "Well, let's do some food shopping and get home♪" She put her phone deeper into her bag than usual and swung her arms, walking off with long strides. Hina: "Y-Yeah!" Hina hurried to follow her and took her hand, intertwining their fingers. Fumi: "Eheh... We did a lot of work today, so I'm betting you're hungry." Hina: "Yeah! I'm starving~" Fumi: "Is there anything you want to eat? Just tell me, I'll make anything♪" Hina: "Hmm, I dunno. But I love anything you make." Fumi: "Ahaha. Hearing that makes it all worth it." Hina: "I'll help, too." Fumi: "You're doing nothing but help me today, huh?" Hina: "Of course I am. I mean—" Just as they were about to cross the street, the light turned red. A line of cars moved past them, blocking their view of the other side. Hina: "........." Fumi: "......" It was post-work rush hour, so the cars went on for a long while. Hina: "How long will we be able to be together?" Hina mumbled, watching the traffic light across the street. They squeezed each other's hands.
Rin: "We're back~" Miyako: "That was a nice bath~" The two returned from the baths, nice and toasty, and entered the living room. They found Hina and Fumi sitting there, one's head on the other's shoulder. Rin: "Yeesh, they were like that when we left, too. Haven't they been a little more all over each other than usual the last two or three days?" Fumi: "Oh, hello." Miyako: "The bath's open for you." Hina: "Yeah, we'll go in a bit." She said, showing no signs of moving. Rin: "They're stuck to each other again. Makes me more light-headed than the bath." Even when Rin teased her, she only gave her a glance. Rin: "And why are you both holding your shoes like that? Are you supposed to be Toyotomi Hideyoshi?" They were holding the red shoes that they got for Christmas. Rin: "Are you finally gonna wear them?" Hina: "...We're never gonna wear them." Fumi: "We want to take good care of them since they're such important memories." They both held the shoes closer to them. Rin: "......" Rin sighed. Rin: "Listen, ever since you went and helped at Asou's store, you two have been weird. Did something happen?" Hina: "...Nothing happened." Hina responded without looking at Rin's face. Rin: "It's not like... a fight or anything." Hina & Fumi: "'Cause we love each other..." Rin: "Th-That's nice." Rin: "They're just like usual... but something's off." Rin and Miyako exchanged a look at the peculiar ennui that had settled around Hina and Fumi. Fumi: "How many more times will we be able to exchange presents like this?" Hina: "......"
Hina and Fumi were alone in the room. Today was their time alone. Rin and Miyako wouldn't be back for a while. It's easy to tell what they were just doing from the way their clothes and hair are all disheveled. But they don't have the usual sweet air around them. Hina was hugging her knees next to Fumi, who was re-tying her hair. Hina: "I'm sorry. I wasn't very good at it again." Hina mumbled, staring at her feet. Fumi: "N-No... I should apologize..." Fumi shook her head and assigned the blame to herself instead. Usually she would just say she was happy to feel Hina's skin against hers, but that wouldn't work today. Hina: "Am I not good at it because... it's unnatural?" Fumi: "Unnatural...?" Hina: "Because we're both girls..." Fumi: "That's got nothing to do with it!" Fumi shot that down immediately. Hina: "...Fumi, I'm scared..." Her expression was stiff. Fumi: "What is it, Hina?" Hina: "I'm scared that we're doing something wrong..." Fumi: "W..." "We're not!" I'm guessing that's what she was about to say. ......... ...... That LIME from the other day had changed things for them. They'd held each other's hands and planned to go through the rest of their lives hand in hand. That was completely natural to them. But what if it wasn't natural to everyone else? That one drop of doubt had stained the purity of their relationship and was slowly beginning to spread. Hina & Fumi: "Listen..."n"U-Umm..." They said at the same time, then there was another stretch of silence. Hina & Fumi: "You deserve somebody—"n"You deserve someone—" After working up to it, they spoke at the same time again, but both stopped, sensing what the other was trying to say. They were both worried about the other being vilified for being in an unnatural relationship. Hina: "Can we still be friends after we graduate?" Fumi nodded. Fumi: "Forever. I'll never forget you." Hina: "Mm." They squeezed one another's hand.
—After school. The four girls were getting ready to go home. Hina: "Is that you, Fumi?" Fumi took her phone out of her bag at Hina's prompt. Fumi: "You're right. It's my mom. I wonder what it is. Something about the store?" Rin: "Well, it's the big day tomorrow. Hm. But is it actually busy on Valentine's Day? You usually buy things before, right?" Fumi: "True, the peak day is the Sunday before, but it's still a lot more busy than usual on the day of." Rin: "I see. The last-minute rush—" Fumi: "Huh?" Fumi exclaimed, a grave look on her face. Hina: "What is it?" Fumi: "My mother collapsed with a fever." Hina: "What?! Is she in the hospital?" Fumi: "No, I don't think it's that serious. I mean, she's sending me messages on LIME... haha." Her smile was strained. She must have been worried. Hina: "It must be overwork." Fumi: "I think so, too. They've been so busy all the time lately." The two who had actually witnessed her mother working exchanged a glance. Rin: "What are you gonna do about the store? You just said it'd be busy, right?" Her father alone would definitely not be able to handle it. Fumi: "I... I think I'll go to the store tomorrow." Rin: "You mean you'll skip school?" Fumi nodded. Miyako: "Would you like me to take notes for you?" Fumi: "Oh! You wouldn't mind, Miyako?" Miyako: "I don't think mine will be as helpful as yours, of course." Fumi: "That's not true!" Hina: "Oh, I'll go help out." Fumi: "Huh?" Fumi turned around, surprised at Hina's sudden declaration. Hina: "I just texted my dad, and he said it was okay." Hina said, holding up her phone. Rin: "You act fast!" Fumi: "Well, but, I... That'll help... but..." Fumi didn't seem to want Hina missing school. Hina: "I know how busy you guys have been. You won't be able to handle it on your own, Fumi. And you can't close the store, right?" Fumi: "...Right." Partly for business reasons, of course, but also because they knew how girls felt on Valentine's. Hina: "It's okay. I got permission from a parent. He said he didn't care if I skipped a day of school and that I should go and help." Fumi: "......" Fumi's face clouded over when she heard what Hina's father had told her. Because of the message from her own father, she was probably feeling doubly bad about having Hina help them. Hina: "He'd be mad at me if he knew someone important to me was in trouble and I didn't do anything about it." Maybe Hina gets her chivalry from her father. Rin: "Okay, I'll go too." Hina: "You wouldn't be any help, so you don't need to come." Rin: "Rude!"
Rin: "I'm impressed at that quick decision-making. From you and your dad." Hina and Rin had arrived home first, and Rin had said that while changing clothes. Hina: "I know how busy they are." Hina was putting the food they'd bought in the fridge before she changed. Rin: "I was kinda worried you two were fighting." Hina: "We're not. We love each other." Rin: "R-Right. You can say it with no hesitation, huh?" Once again, Rin was awed by Hina's emotional fortitude. Hina: "I want to be with her for as much of our limited time as I can." Rin: "Hm? Limited time? What do you mean? You're not gonna be together forever?" Hina: "...Fumi's gonna have to get married someday. Then we won't be able to be together anymore." Rin: "Hwha?" Hina: "So we're only dating until we graduate." Rin: "Did Asou say that?" Hina: "No..." Rin: "Then did her parents say something to you?" Hina: "No..." Rin: "So, are you okay with that?" Hina: "I..." Fumi was wiping the snow off the shoes by the door. Hers, Hina's, and Rin's. Miyako: "I'm back, Fumi." Fumi: "Oh, hello, Miyako." Miyako had also returned. She must have been on the next bus after theirs. Miyako: "You must be worried about your mom, huh?" She said, taking her shoes off. Fumi: "Yeah. But it seems like it's not the flu, so that's a relief. Oh, want me to get your shoes?" Miyako: "Thanks, but I'll do it." She sat down next to Fumi. Miyako: "Are you relieved to have Hina helping out tomorrow too?" Fumi: "Yes. I feel bad about it, but I was happy she said she would. I went, 'Hina!!' on the inside." Fumi lovingly wiped Hina's shoes. Miyako: "She really loves you." Fumi: "Oh, I really love her, too." They both smiled. Fumi: "So... I really want to value what limited time we have together. At least until graduation." Fumi's face fell. Miyako: "Limited time? What do you mean?" Fumi told Miyako the same thing Hina had told Rin. Miyako: "......" Miyako had listened silently to the whole thing. She slowly opened her mouth now. Miyako: "So, are you alright with that, Fumi?" Fumi: "I..." Hina & Fumi: "I want Fumi to be happy."n"I want Hina to be happy." Rin: "What? Is she gonna be unhappy with you?" Hina: "I dunno. But it's not natural." Rin: "Not natural? Says who?" Hina: "I dunno who, but that's just normal, isn't it? I want Fumi to have a normal happiness, and I'm sure her parents feel the same way." Hina: "...Her dad said on LIME that he wanted her to get married and take over the store." Rin: "Oh..." That seemed to clue Rin in to a few things. Rin: "Hey, Hina? Falling in love with someone is the most natural thing in the world." Hina: "...Uh huh." Rin: "So why do you think she'd be unhappy for cherishing that feeling?" Hina: "I..." Rin: "If this is something you both decided, then that's fine. You can just be friends again. But it's not, is it? You still love her, don't you?" Hina nodded. Rin: "Phew..." Rin suddenly sucked in a deep breath. Rin: "If this country won't allow it, then go somewhere else! The Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Malta, England, Luxembourg," Rin: "Taiwan, Canada, Uruguay, Denmark, Portugal, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Iceland, Ireland, Finland, Greenland, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa!" She listed off in one breath. Like a tongue twister or something. Rin: "There's same-sex marriage in all of those countries!" Hina: "O-Oh." Rin: "If that's not enough for you, then there's America! Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Iowa, Vermont, Minnesota, Delaware, Washington," Rin: "Maryland, Rhode Island, California, Connecticut, New York, New Mexico, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Washington D.C.!" Hina: "That's... pretty amazing." Hina was shocked both by Rin's memory and her passion. Rin: "Hahh, hahh... I'm just saying that's how natural it is, not that you actually have to leave the country, okay? It'll be a pain to see you if you do..." Hina: "Plus, I suck at English." Rin: "Th-That too..." Rin: "Anyway. Didn't you vow to stay together forever on Christmas in the chapel? Were you lying? Are you gonna break it already?" Hina: "...I wasn't lying." Rin: "Then don't give up on it, no matter what anybody tells you!" Hina: "Rin..." Rin: "Then there's, you know. All the sexy stuff you could be doing, right? It would be such a waste." She got so passionate she had to cover it up with that comment. Hina: "Will you support us, Rin?" Rin: "Of course I will. Who do you think officiated for you in the chapel?" Hina: "That was you." Rin: "If anybody doesn't accept you, then bring 'em to me! My tongue will be my sword. I'll defeat them all with it!" Rin stuck her tongue out demonstratively. Hina: "......" Hina had her head down in thought for a while, but eventually got up to leave the room. Rin: "Hey, where are you going?" Hina: "I'm gonna go cool my head on the roof a bit." Rin: "...Okay." Hina: "Thanks... Rin." Rin: "Yeah." At the same time, at the front door. Miyako: "Hm? Are you not happy now?" Miyako tilted her head, confused. Fumi: "I'm very happy with Hina. But Hina..." Miyako: "Hina also looks very happy to me." Fumi: "...Hina is very honest and kind." Miyako: "Yes." I don't disagree. Fumi: "She's great at sports, a great leader, and everyone loves her. She'll be able to do anything in the future. She can shine even brighter." Fumi: "...I can't hold her back. I have to let her go so she can become anything she wants." Fumi was trying to smile, but I couldn't say she was succeeding by any measure. Fumi: "But for a little while longer... at least until graduation, while we're here in this dorm, I'd like to be together." Fumi: "And I don't want her to do something bad because of me." Miyako: "What do you mean?" Miyako couldn't agree or disagree with anything Fumi was saying. She was just listening to what she had to say. Miyako: "Because you're both girls?" Fumi bit her lip and nodded. Fumi: "It's against the law. And I want Hina to have a normal happiness." Miyako: "It's only marriage that's against the law, right? Is it against the law for you to be together, too?" Fumi: "......" Miyako: "There's no such thing as normal or not normal happiness. All happiness should be cherished." Fumi: "Miyako..." Miyako: "Loving someone isn't a crime. If someone tries to accuse you of something, then let's fight it." Miyako: "I'll stand beside you as your guardian angel if that happens, protecting the two of you from baseless claims with my invincible aegis." Fumi: "Wow..." Fumi was surprised at Miyako's uncharacteristically strong tone. Miyako: "I'll always be on your side. And I'm sure Rin and Sachiko will, too." Miyako: "Didn't you promise to keep loving each other until you're old and grey, and to cherish each other forever?" Fumi: "Yes, we did... Wait, but how did you...?" Miyako: "Umm, Rin told me." She was watching. Miyako: "Anyway, nothing can part you two other than your own feelings." Fumi: "Thank you, Miyako." Miyako: "Now let's get back to our room." Fumi: "Yeah!" They both stood, holding their shoes.
Rin and Miyako were alone in the room. Fumi had come back with Miyako, but when she heard that Hina was on the roof, she'd turned right back around and left. Rin: "Mikoyan, were you talking to Asou about something?" Rin had changed and was sitting in bed in her pajamas. Miyako: "Yes, a little. Why do you ask?" Rin: "'Cause she looked a little more cheerful." Miyako smiled as she took off her scarf. Rin: "Thanks." Miyako: "Hm? Why are you thanking me?" Rin: "Those two are keeping me alive, so I'll be in trouble if they're not happy. I might die." Miyako: "Y-You'll die?" Rin: "I'm exaggerating, but I'll really be in trouble." Miyako: "You said something like that before, too. That they were your hope." Rin: "Yeah. I was really twisted before I started living with them... Like, I think I was pretty terrible." Miyako: "'I'm not great in groups'... right?" Rin: "...Mikoyan." Even after all the ribbing, it seemed the phrase still did damage. Rin: "But because of them, I was able to start liking people. To start being honest." Miyako: "Being honest?" Rin: "To start... working on being honest." Miyako: "Ahaha, you are, you are." Rin: "Anyway." Miyako nodded. Rin & Miyako: "I want them both to be happy." —The roof. Hina: "...Fumi?" Fumi: "I heard you were up here." The two stood silently, their backs against the fence. But the air between them had become a little lighter, and they both seemed to feel it. Hina: "Fumi?" Fumi: "Yes?" Hina was the first to speak. Hina: "Before, Rin was yelling at me about us." Fumi: "Huh?! Did we do something?" Hina: "Eheh, she was yelling, but... like, encouraging yelling." Hina told Fumi what Rin had said to her. That loving someone was natural, that no one had the right to decide it was unnatural, and all the rest... Hina: "She got more worked up about it than I thought she was capable of getting, and told me this whole list of countries that have same-sex marriage. It was like a tongue twister, it was amazing." Fumi: "I'm touched she looked all that up for us." Hina: "She also said her tongue would be her sword, and she'll defeat anyone who doesn't accept us." Fumi: "Oh... so Ogata is a sword." Hina: "Hm?" Fumi: "Miyako had some words of encouragement for me, too." Hina: "Huh? She did?" Fumi: "And she said she'd be our shield." Hina: "So Rin will be a sword and Miyako will be a shield! We'll be unstoppable!" Fumi: "Yeah. ...I told her I was feeling guilty, and she asked me what I thought we were doing wrong, but I couldn't answer." Hina: "Mm..." Fumi: "She said loving someone isn't a crime, and nothing can part us other than our feelings." Hina: "...Yeah. It's something we have to decide, isn't it? But we have people on our side. Rin and Miyako..." Fumi: "Miyako said Sachiko would be, too." Hina nodded. Hina: "Rin mentioned the chapel to me." Fumi: "So did Miyako." Hina: "We swore to the angel, didn't we...?" Hina & Fumi: "We'll keep loving each other until we're old and grey, and cherish each other forever." Hina: "Do you still feel the same way?" Fumi: "I do." Hina: "We have to uphold our vows. But we'll be invincible after this, won't we?" Fumi: "Yes." They squeezed one another's hands.
Fumi: "It's not moving, is it?" Fumi murmured, squinting her eyes slightly as the light of the setting sun shone in through the window. They were on their way home on the bus, but it hadn't moved in a while. The engine had stalled on a hill, and the hood was open now, the driver working on repairs. Hina: "Seems like it'll take a little longer still." Fumi: "Want to get off and walk?" Hina: "No, I'm okay. I've got you with me." Fumi: "Yeah. Let's just snuggle up, then." They were the only passengers. It would be fine for them to flirt a little. ......... They chatted about work today. There had been fewer customers today than the previous Sunday. However, with Fumi's mother absent, they'd had fewer workers on hand, and were thus busier. But Hina had the hang of the work and was much more efficient than before, and Fumi, handling customers and the register, didn't drop her smile until the store closed. The two of them basically got through it with the power of their youth. Naturally, Fumi's father had been even more thankful for their help this time, and had sent them home not only with pay, but with a gift cake, as well. However... Hina: "It's too bad about my scarf, though..." They were sharing Fumi's scarf at the moment. Just before boarding the bus, a gust of wind had blown Hina's scarf away. Hina: "And it was a gift from you, too... Maybe I should have run after it." Fumi: "You shouldn't have. You wouldn't have stopped, would you? Just like with the feather." Hina: "Hrm." She had no retort for that. Hina: "I'll just think of it as a ticket to cuddling up with you, then." Fumi: "Heheh. That's a good idea. I'll knit you another scarf." They scooted even closer to each other. An accident had led to something positive. They were back to their optimistic way of thinking. Hina: "I talked to my dad on the phone during my break." Fumi: "Oh, did you? If you'd told me, I could have apologized and thanked him." Hina: "You didn't need to. I made sure he knew." Fumi: "I wanted to tell him directly! You had to skip school because of me..." That was still bothering Fumi. Hina: "I didn't have perfect attendance anyway since I got sick, so one more day isn't hurting anything." Fumi: "...That was my fault, too." Hina: "No, it wasn't!" Fumi: "...Mm..." Hina: "Umm, let's see... Oh, right. My sister said she's getting married." Fumi: "Huh? Wow! C-Congratulations!" Hina: "She's marrying an office worker who's three years older than her." Fumi: "Did she meet him at work?" Hina: "I guess so. I haven't met him yet." Fumi: "Your dad must have been happy, right?" Hina: "Ahaha. Well, she is his daughter. It's probably complicated. He was like, 'I'm sure you'll be leaving the nest in no time too, Hina.'" Fumi: "......" Hina: "So I told him I have a _girlfriend_ right now." Fumi: "...!!" Hina: "'Fumi Asou, whose family store I'm helping out today.'" Fumi: "...What did he say?" Hina: "He laughed. And then asked if I planned on marrying you someday." Fumi: "......" Hina: "I told him, 'I do, for sure!'" Fumi: "...Hina." Hina: "So he said, 'then make sure you work hard today so her mom and dad like you.'" Hina: "And then I worked super hard!" Hina puffed out her chest. Fumi: "Thank—" Fumi: "......!" Hina put her hand on Fumi's cheek. Hina: "Please stay with me forever." Fumi: "...I will." Hina: "I'll make sure everyone we love supports us." Fumi: "I will, too..." Their faces drew closer together. Hina: "Mm... mmh..." Fumi: "Ah... mh..." They kissed. A gentle kiss, just brushing their lips against each other. They would be able to have countless kisses in the future. But this kiss would probably be special. They would likely never forget it. Hina: "Fu...mi..." Fumi: "...Mm... Hi...na..." The engine started up and the bus rumbled. They slowly pulled apart. The driver returned and announced that their trip was resuming. Fumi: "I think we've been walking all this time just looking at the tips of our toes, so all we were aware of was what our legs were doing." Hina: "But when we looked up, we could see far into the distance?" Fumi: "Yes. The view changed, and it surprised us. But now we're able to see all sorts of other things." Hina: "Do you think we're a bit more grown up now?" Fumi: "Heh, maybe just a little bit." Fumi suddenly linked arms with Hina and squeezed, surprising Hina a little. Fumi: "Let's do something grown-up when we get home♪" Hina: "Oh... okay." The bus took off. This was only the beginning of their long journey. And as long as they kept smiling like this, they'd be able to get through anything. They weren't scared of the end anymore. Now, they believed in forever. Winter would come countless times for these two. And they would be together for all of them.
As soon as they got into the room, they threw their bags down. Hina: "I wanted to hug you so bad!" Fumi: "Me too!" They shared an uncharacteristically passionate embrace. They'd been bursting with affection ever since the bus ride, after all. The shop had closed early, so they had some time before Rin and Miyako got home. Hina: "Haahh..." Hina buried her face in Fumi's chest and sighed deeply. Fumi: "You're probably tired, right? Want to skip it for today?" Hina: "No way!" Fumi: "Pfft." She snorted at Hina's immediate response. Hina: "It's so nice being with you, Fumi~" Fumi: "Heh, I feel relaxed when I'm with you too, Hina." Hina: "It's like I can just be who I am with you." Fumi: "Who you are?" Hina: "Yeah. It might have kind of been bothering me how I'm not very girly." Fumi: "That's not true! You're really girly." Hina: "Well, I don't make sweets or dress nice. And I'm always running around, right?" Fumi: "None of that has anything to do with being a girl." Hina: "Thanks. You always treat me like a girl, Fumi." Fumi: "Of course I do. You're cute, Hina! I'll be sure to remind you of that in the future." Hina: "Eheh. It's kind of embarrassing." Hina ran her hands through her hair awkwardly. Hina: "But I've started to think differently about what it means to be a girl since I started dating you, Fumi." Fumi: "You have?" Hina: "You were always the ideal girl to me." Fumi: "Wow. Now I'm getting embarrassed." Hina: "So I always thought I had to try to be like you, but it never really went well." Fumi: "But I always wanted to be like you—" Hina: "Right. You kept saying that. So it kind of dawned on me that maybe 'girly' just means 'like yourself.'" Hina: "Everyone has different ideas of what 'girly' is. Like you and me." Fumi: "Yep. Also, there might be a more general, universal idea of 'girliness.'" Like liking pink. Though there are plenty of girls who do and plenty who don't. Hina: "You end up having other people decide for you whether you fit what their idea is, and you compare yourself to others and agonize about it." Fumi: "I understand. You feel uneasy sometimes, wondering if who you are now is something you really decided for yourself." I'm sure that's true for everyone, not just you two. Hina: "But there really isn't a kind of girly that you have to be. All there is is the kind of girl you _want_ to be." Hina: "But also, you don't have to push yourself to be who you want to be. Since there are people who will love you anyway." Fumi nodded. Hina: "All I'm really saying is that I started being able to love myself because you always say such nice things about me." Hina seemed a little embarrassed after all that. Fumi: "You're amazing, Hina. You've really been thinking about this, huh?" Hina: "No, it was you who made me feel that way. I wouldn't have been able to find myself if I hadn't fallen in love with you." Hina: "I want to keep changing. But only for you, Fumi." Fumi: "I want to change for you, too. I think if we do, we'll end up being more like who we really are." Hina: "Yeah, yeah. What we're like is something we get to decide for ourselves, and we don't need to worry about how other people feel about us." Fumi: "I'm glad I met you, Hina. And that will be my conclusion!" Hina: "I am, too!" Hina & Fumi: "It has to be you, Fumi."n"It has to be you, Hina." After a long, long kiss, their hearts and bodies were more than heated enough. They stripped completely, with no hesitation. Right now, even one layer of cloth was too much distance between them. They kicked their underwear and shirts off of the bed and pressed their skin together. For a moment, they stopped, looking into each other's eyes and calling each other's names searchingly. Fumi: "What if it doesn't go well again...?" Hina shook her head. Hina: "There was never any such thing as failing or succeeding. Because I'm happy doing anything with you, Fumi." Fumi: "...Yeah." Fumi reached out her hand, and Hina took it. They knitted their fingers together. That's right. Just being together was right for them. Hina: "But I do want to make you feel good." Hina said, squeezing her fingers. Fumi: "Your face is really cool right now, Hina." Hina: "I-Is it?" Fumi: "I want you to make me feel good, too. But really, I want us to feel good together." Fumi whispered, a bewitching smile on her face. Hit with that smile, Hina shuddered. Hina: "Your face is dirty, Fumi." Fumi: "Dirty...?!" Hina: "I don't mean it in a bad way... It made me excited." Fumi: "Th-Then..." Hina & Fumi: "Ahn?!n"Agh?!" They both yelped at the same time. To be more precise, Fumi first, which then set Hina off. Fumi: "U-Umm... something hot hit me down there..." Hina: "Huh? Something hot...?" Hina looked down. Fumi: "Hina...?" Hina: "Umm... that was my... juice..." Fumi: "Oh..." Hina: "While I was looking at you... it kinda started to..." Drip. Hina: "That's kinda... embarrassing." Fumi: "No... Mine's probably doing the same thing." Fumi squeezed her hand, an awkward smile on her face. Hina: "Let's put those places that feel good together." Fumi: "O-Okay." Hina's suggestion came unexpectedly, so all Fumi could do was agree. Hina: "It's the most honest place on our bodies." Fumi: "...Just do what you want to do." They looked at each other and nodded. Their most heated areas naturally drew closer. Hina & Fumi: "Hya?!"n"Hwah?!" They both yelped at the same time again. This time, it really was simultaneous. Hina: "Hot..." Fumi: "Yours is... sucking at me." They looked at each other, surprised. Hina: "This is... kind of amazing." Fumi: "Y-Yeah..." A stroke of fate? No, an inevitable discovery. Hina: "Can I... keep going?" Fumi: "Yeah... Please." It wasn't just their bodies reacting honestly to these new sensations. ...... Throughout the room echoed the creaking of the bed, their labored breathing, and... Fumi: "It's really... loud." ...the vulgar sounds produced by their connection. Their lips were pressed together, almost becoming one. When they moved apart, strands of fluid connected them. They'd found their new shape, one that excited both of them. Fumi: "I'm so embarrassed... but I can't stop." At first, it was only Hina moving, but now Fumi's hips couldn't be stopped, either. Hina: "Mm... mmmh!" When they moved together... Fumi: "Ah... aahn!" ...or separately... Hina & Fumi: "Aaah... aaahn!!" ...either way, they both felt ample pleasure and a sense of oneness. They were completely absorbed in it, paying no mind to the hair sticking to their cheeks and foreheads. All they did was doggedly pump their hips. Sweat flew, glistening in the light of the setting sun. Hina: "I'm sorry... We're getting your bed totally soaked." Fumi: "It's alright, I can just change the sheets..." It wasn't one of them pleasing the other, but both of them sharing pleasure together. A style they'd arrived at completely naturally. Fumi: "Ah... that feels good..." Hina: "Mmh... I like... this, too!" Their movements, which had been chaotic, gradually gained some direction. They rubbed their excited beads against each other. They'd realized that this was the most direct path to pleasure. Hina: "Aaah... F-Fumi...!" Fumi: "Hina... mmmh!" An electric current raced from their cores all the way to their scalps, making them tingle all over. Hina: "E...Everything's... going... white..." Fumi: "Same here..." Their hips sped up and then froze as they reached their climaxes. They pressed hard against each other, their pleasure centers pushing together. They sucked in deep breaths, stiffened, and... ...burst. Hina & Fumi: "Ah, ah... aaaahn!!" They were in sync for the nth time that day. Spray from Hina dripped down Fumi's thighs and made a small puddle. Fumi slowly relaxed as well. The wrinkles in the sheets loosened as she stopped gripping them quite so hard. Hina: "Fumi..." Fumi: "Hina..." They called each other's names lovingly and ever so quietly alighted on the sea of sheets beneath them. Hina: "Ow, ow..." Hina muttered, as they caught their breath. Fumi: "Huh? Did that hurt...?" Hina: "Oh... No, not that." Hina waved her hand in Fumi's. Fumi: "Oh... Your fingertips are all white and cold." Hina: "I'm sorry, that must hurt." Fumi: "No, I'm okay... Don't let go. I want to stay like this for a little longer." Fumi stopped her when Hina tried to separate their hands. Hina: "Okay... let's do that." Hina smiled and squeezed Fumi's hand again. They no longer had to ask anyone. They'd found it on their own. Something that made them as one, nothing natural or unnatural about it. The solution they'd arrived at together. They drifted on a feeling of satisfaction. Hina: "It's harder than ever to leave you..." Hina clung to Fumi. Fumi felt the faint weakness in Hina's tone through her skin. Their worry about the end had reared its head again. The greater the happiness you currently hold, the scarier it is to think of losing it. Fumi: "Hey, Hina?" Fumi said, combing her fingers through Hina's messy hair. Fumi: "You said we could believe in angels together before, right?" Hina nodded. Fumi: "That made me so happy. I can't even say how reassuring it was." Fumi: "So if you need some reassurance now, this time, I'll take your hand..." Hina: "...Fumi." Fumi: "It'll be alright. Let's believe in our future together." Hina: "Yeah!"
Fumi: "Okay, now let's all have some cake." Fumi said, presenting the box she'd received from her father. Sachiko: "I kinda showed up at the perfect time, huh? Sorry~" Fumi: "It's alright. It's a whole cake, so we couldn't have finished it on our own anyway. I was planning on sharing some with you." Miyako: "Ohhh..." Someone seemed to be reliving some sort of trauma... Rin: "Isn't it pretty hard to split a cake five ways?" Fumi: "I'll just do it by eye." Hina: "Here, plates and forks. We don't have enough for everyone, so do you mind using chopsticks, Sachiko?" Sachiko: "What~? I don't want to eat it like it's tofu or something~n ...She says, but actually, she came bearing her own fork!" Sachiko took out a case from her vest pocket with a fork in it. Hina: "So you came here fully expecting to be fed." Fumi: "Ah..." Fumi let out as they chatted. Rin: "Hm? What is it? It didn't fall apart, did it?" Fumi: "No, the cake is fine, but my dad did something weird again..." Everyone peered at the cake as it was revealed from the box. Hina: "Ahahahaha." Hina laughed and awkward smiles appeared on everyone else's faces. Two small figures in formal dress stood atop the cake. Hina: "It's a wedding cake, huh~?" Rin: "Oh yeah, and Hina's birthday cake was a Christmas cake, wasn't it?" Fumi: "I wonder if my dad switched it with a customer's. If he did, then..." Sachiko: "Then it's no problem for us to eat this one, but if somebody's having a wedding, they might be in trouble." Miyako: "They'd be so disappointed." Fumi: "I'll ask him over LIME right now." Fumi sighed and started typing a message into her family groupchat. Hina: "Your dad's the same as ever. Did we have an order like that today, though?" Fumi: "Oh, he replied. And it's really long..." Fumi's phone buzzed almost immediately, and she ran her eyes over the message. Rin: "Was it for a customer?" Fumi: "......" Fumi was frozen, looking at her phone. Hina: "Fumi?" Fumi: "It wasn't a mistake..." Hina: "Huh? The wedding cake?" Fumi: "Yes. He made this cake for us." Hina: "What do you..." Fumi: "Apparently my mom knew from the beginning that we were going out..." Hina: "Huh?!" Rin: "What, were you guys flirting on the job?" Hina: "We wouldn't do that!" Fumi: "Umm, no, it was before working at the store. I guess she figured it out when you guys came over for New Year's. From how we acted together." Sachiko: "Well, you are pretty sharp about those things, Foomin. Guess you get it from your mom." Makes sense. Miyako: "So how does your mom feel about your relationship?" Fumi: "My mom... really loves Hina." Hina: "Whoa!" Rin: "So does your dad know now, too?" Fumi: "Yes, I guess he knows now. Though he didn't figure it out until recently." Hina: "......" Fumi: "So... when he sent that message about me getting married, my mom found out after and got really mad at him." Sachiko: "Oh..." Hina: "Mm... you've got another message." ...... Hina peered over at her screen from the side, the other three watching them and waiting. Hina & Fumi: "......!" Bright smiles suddenly burst onto Fumi's and Hina's faces. Rin: "Huh? What was it?" Hina: "Her dad approves of us, too!" Hina & Rin: "Yay!" High five. Fumi: "Actually, it wasn't like he was ever against it, he just didn't realize, and wasn't thinking about it at all. I guess my dad is that sort of person..." Miyako: "That's great. Sometimes your fear about a thing is worse than the thing itself." Sachiko: "Good thing your parents are so chill." Fumi: "Also, my dad really likes Hina too, and he says she can join us whenever she wants." Rin: "Join you, as in... the family?" Fumi hesitated, then nodded. Hina: "Geez, it's a little soon for that, isn't it?" Hina said, though she seemed happy about it, too. Hina: "Wah!" Something soft whapped against the window. Everyone jumped and looked over. There was some colorful yarn hanging off the clothesline. Sachiko went and took it in. Sachiko: "Hm? Isn't this your scarf, Hinacchi?" Hina: "Huh? It got blown away at the bus stop..." Miyako: "Do you think the wind took it back to its owner?" Fumi: "Wow!" The whole group was astonished at the coincidence. It was the moment all the winds started moving in their favor. Rin: "I know, it's a perfect opportunity..." Rin took both of their hands and had them grip the knife together. Rin: "Here, it's your first job as a couple. Just a small one, though." Hina: "Fumi." Fumi: "Hina." They looked into each other's eyes, and the knife slid into the cake. Miyako: "So to split it five ways, where do you cut it next?" Hina & Fumi: "Umm?"
Hina: "Taaah!" Fumi: "To, to, tah♪" Hina and Fumi ran up the stone steps that led to the school gate. Rin: "Heeh... haah..." Miyako: "Are you okay?" Then there was Rin, whose life had drained to zero after having to run full-speed first thing in the morning. Rin: "We're not even gonna be late. Why are those two in such a hurry?" Miyako: "Eheheh. I wonder if they just can't keep their hearts or their feet still." Miyako peered up at them as if they were too bright to look at. Hina: "It's 'cause we've got wings on our shoes♪" Fumi: "Yep♪" Hina: "These are our precious Christmas present shoes. But we don't mind anymore if they get dirty or worn down." Fumi: "Now we know that we'll be able to make as many memories as we want from now on." Hina & Fumi: "Puddles, mud, school rules... We'll run through them all in these shoes!" Before their youth, ten years and eternity were the same "forever" to them. The future they looked toward now stretched on infinitely before them, no matter how far they reached their arms toward it. You don't have to just believe in the future you can see. And you don't have to only look far off, either. Yesterday, today, tomorrow, forever. Isn't that good enough? Carpe diem!
Hina's hand was on Rin's shoulder, fingers trembling with emotion, nails digging into her skin. Rin: "Ow..." Her small cry didn't reach Hina's ears over the pounding of her heart. Rin: "Wait... Please, wait..." Hina: "Haah... haah..." Rin: "Stay!!" Hina: "!!" She managed to get the word out through her trembling, and Hina stopped. Rin's finger was pointed up right in front of Hina's eyes. She'd unconsciously reacted to the gesture to stop. It was just like Hina had done to Arthur. Hina: "Ah..." She returned to her senses when she saw the band-aid, the beast fading from her eyes. Hina & Rin: "......" Hina: "I'm... sorry." After a long pause, Hina finally opened her mouth. Rin: "Uh, no... I guess I'm... sorry, too." Now it looked like Hina was about to cry, and Rin averted her eyes again, unable to look at her. Rin: "But, listen, let's do it in our room again, later." Hina: "...Okay." They stood, still looking down. Rin: "...Wh-Whoa!" Rin's knees gave out when she tried to stand, so she ended up bracing against the chalkboard to catch her balance. Hina: "Here..." While Rin was unsteady on her feet, Hina went and picked up the collar, holding it out to her. Rin: "...Want to put it on?" Hina: "You decide." Rin hesitated for a moment, but decided to put it in her pocket instead. Hina merely watched her wordlessly. Rin: "Well... should we get going? Asou and Mikoyan are waiting for us." Hina: "...Yeah."
A break between classes. Hina: "I'm going to the bathroom." Hina told Fumi and stood. Fumi watched her leave the classroom and then stood herself and headed to Rin's desk. Rin: "......" Rin was staring absentmindedly out the window. Fumi: "Ogata." Rin: "Hm? Yeah?" Fumi: "Something really did happen between you two last night, didn't it?" Rin: "Geez, how many times have you asked me that now? I keep telling you you're worrying over nothing." Yes. Fumi had asked several times. She'd realized instantly when the two had returned to the room. They'd looked the same as always at a glance, but something was off between them. When she'd asked about it, they'd both said nothing had happened, and when she took them aside separately, they both still denied it. Rin: "Do we really look that weird~?" Rin was laughing it off as usual. Fumi: "I'm sorry, but you do." But Fumi wasn't buying it. Rin: "I'm telling you, nothing happened..." She denied it again. Averting her eyes this time. Fumi: "......" Rin: "We just had a little tiny misunderstanding. But it's fine. We'll make up in no time." Rin confessed, succumbing to Fumi's silent stare. Fumi: "Do you have an idea of how to?" Rin: "Uhh, you know, a little fooling around and we'll be good as new. Hina's not complicated, you know?" Fumi: "Ah..." Fumi caught on, as usual. Rin: "So, sorry to spring this on you, but, you know, could you give us some time today?" Rin put her hands together, pleading. Fumi: "Alright. Miya—" Miyako: "Yes, I'd like to have some tea with you on the way home, Fumi." With just a look from Fumi, Miyako instantly picked up on the implication. Rin: "Thanks for doing this all the time, guys... I'm kinda embarrassed about it~" Rin laughed, but it was a little strained. Fumi: "......"
Hina: "We're back." Hina and Rin returned to the dorm. As they'd discussed earlier, Fumi and Miyako had broken off from them on the way, sending the two of them home on their own. Hina: "I wonder what Asou and Miyako have to talk about." Hina mused, turning on the air conditioner. Rin: "Maybe they have some planning to do for Valentine's Day." Hina: "Hmm." Rin: "But because of that, we've got some unexpected time alone, right?" Hina: "I suppose so." Hina said curtly, removing her scarf. In contrast to Rin's excitement, Hina seemed somehow distracted. Rin: "......" Rin took the collar out of her pocket and sidled up to Hina. Rin: "Hiiinaaa?" She said coaxingly and brought the collar up to Hina's neck, but... Hina: "......" Hina twisted to escape her grasp. Rin: "Huh?" Rin was left standing there blankly, collar in hand. Rin: "Umm, the collar..." Hina: "You want to put it on?" Rin: "Well, I mean, haven't you been in kind of a bad mood lately? Things were kind of awkward on the way home... You didn't say much." Hina: "......" Rin: "So, to make up..." Rin held the collar out again. Hina: "......" Hina shook her head. Rin: "Huh? You don't want to?" Hina: "Not today." Rin: "What? Why? I don't get it." Hina's unexpected reaction threw Rin for a loop. Hina: "I'm going out for a bit." Hina slipped past the floundering Rin and opened the door. Rin: "Huh? Wait, going out? But we just got home? You haven't even changed. Where are you going?" Hina: "I dunno." She left. Rin: "Huh? Wha? Whaaat?!" Rin wailed at the door, the empty collar clutched in her hand.
Sachiko: "You really don't have many ways to make up, do you?!" Sachiko's exasperated exclamation resounded through the manager's room. Fumi: "Ahahaha..." Fumi was there too, smiling wryly. Sachiko: "You are really not putting enough effort into this." Rin: "Well, I don't know what else to do!" Sachiko: "You're such a brat." She'd thought they'd be able to make up by fooling around, yet Hina had rejected her. Panicked and near tears, Rin had run into the manager's office. Now Sachiko (soon joined by Fumi) was consoling her. Rin: "This is the first time she's ever rejected me, so I don't know what to do, okay?" Fumi: "And it's not because she's not feeling well?" Rin: "...I don't think so." Sachiko: "I think you should probably be thankful that she's never rejected you until now." Rin: "Is it over between us...?" Sachiko and Fumi exchanged a look over the distraught Rin. Sachiko: "Pfft." Fumi: "Aha." The two both burst into laughter. Rin: "Hey! Don't you think that's rude?!" Fumi: "Aha, I'm sorry." Sachiko: "Well, you're making a face like it's the end of the world." Rin: "It's not 'like' that! It _is_ the end of the world!" Sachiko: "You're overreacting. Don't just end the world without even doing anything." Rin: "Doing anything?" Sachiko: "You two have some serious communication issues. Try investing a little in the relationship. Don't just sit around and do nothing." Rin: "But I'm bad at that..." Sachiko: "Just so you know, Hinacchi's like a Very Easy difficulty level, okay? You're not gonna find another girl as straightforward and uncomplicated as her." Rin: "I know... that's what I like about her. She's cute. She's blinding. I admire her." Sachiko: "Then face her head-on." Rin: "I am... or, I'm trying." She looked away again. It was a sign she had no confidence in what she was saying. Sachiko: "That right there. Does Hinacchi get mad at you for that?" Rin: "How do you know about that?" Sachiko: "Haah..." Rin: "Don't sigh at me. What am I supposed to do?" Sachiko: "There you go, forcing it on other people again. That's your problem." Fumi: "It really is." Rin: "Uuuuuuuuuuungh." That's a response that usually comes from Hina. Fumi: "You don't need to think too hard about it." Rin: "Asou..." Fumi: "You love Natsume, don't you?" Rin: "Mhm." Fumi: "Then you'll be fine. You really don't need anything else." Rin: "But Hina might hate me now." Fumi: "Hahh..." Fumi gave a quiet sigh, then smiled wryly again. Fumi: "Natsume could never hate you, Ogata." Rin: "You think so?" Fumi: "I do!" Rin: "But..." Sachiko: "You really are a piece of work." Fumi: "Don't be so hard on her." Sachiko: "And you said she was 'heavy' or whatever, but aren't you the one who's depending on her way more?" Rin: "Ugh..." Fumi: "That's alright too. No matter how much you lean on her, Natsume will be there to support you." Fumi seems to trust Hina way more than Rin does. Fumi: "The question is whether or not you'll be able to be honest with her." Sachiko: "You said it." Rin: "Umm... so to be specific...?" Fumi: "You should think about that on your own♪" Fumi had given her some homework. Sachiko: "Alright, that's enough of that! Now get back to your room and do some soul-searching, Rin. Go! Go!" She chased her out. Rin: "Ungh..." At the same time... Hina: "......" Hina stood alone on the roof. Miyako: "Oh, that's where you were." It was Miyako. Hina: "Miyako?" Miyako: "I saw your shoes, so I thought you'd still be somewhere in the dorm." Miyako trotted over to Hina. Hina: "Yeah. Were you looking for me?" Miyako: "Yes. Do you have some time to talk?" Miyako leaned against the fence next to Hina.
The sun hadn't fully set yet, but it was pretty dim in the room without the lights on. Rin sat on her bed, hugging her knees. She was doing some soul-searching. Rin: "I'm not great in groups." She muttered, eyes on her feet. They were words from her past, ones that she'd been thoroughly teased about. But had she really changed since then? Had she gotten over that weakness? Rin: "It's not true... what I'm really not good at is being alone." She groaned, resting her head on her knees. Rin: "I've always been... so lonely." She was facing herself from the beginning of spring. From before she met Hina. Rin: "...I don't want to be alone anymore. I don't want to go back to that." There was only ever one conclusion for her to come to.
Fumi: "—So I'll be taking tomorrow off. I'm sorry." Fumi said, bowing her head to the other three girls. She'd gotten a LIME message from her parents that her mother had collapsed with a fever, so she'd decided to take time off school to help out at the store. Hina: "Your store's been really busy lately, huh?" Fumi: "I know I shouldn't be skipping school for this, but..." Miyako: "You don't have a choice. It's Valentine's Day." Fumi: "It is. Of all times, right?" Hina: "I'll take notes for you." Fumi: "Thank you. That'll help." Fumi: "I can prepare your lunches tonigh—" Hina: "You don't need to worry about that. We can always buy our lunches. Oh, I'll wash the lunchboxes." Miyako: "I'll help." Hina and Miyako went to the kitchen without letting Fumi finish. Fumi: "Oh..." Fumi put her hands together in thanks. Rin: "Is there anything I can do?" Fumi: "It's only one day. Your concern is enough." Rin: "Okay..." Fumi: "More importantly..." Rin: "Oh... yeah." Rin had been trying to talk to Hina, but hadn't been able to get the timing right. Hina seemed to have noticed, but was waiting on Rin. Noticing this, Fumi gave Rin some encouragement. Rin: "Hina, after school tomorrow, can we talk?" Hina: "Okay... sure."
Rin: "We promised!" Rin shot up from her seat as soon as the bell for the end of fifth period rang. She strode over to Miyako's desk. Rin: "But she's not here!" Miyako: "That's true, I haven't seen her since lunch." Rin: "She ran away again..." Miyako: "Huh? But why—" Rin: "Mikoyan, can you tell the teacher I left early? I'm gonna go look for her." Miyako: "Umm, sure, I don't mind, but..." Rin: "...That dumb lost dog!" She spun around and this time strode toward the classroom door. Miyako: "...Right." Miyako stared blankly after Rin for a moment, then nodded to herself and started quickly packing her things away in her bag. She stood up and said to the girl in the seat next to her, Miyako: "I'm sorry, but could you tell the teacher that Natsume, Ogata, and Takaoka all left early?"
Rin: "......" Rin seemed to have an idea where Hina could be. Her long legs strode purposefully toward that location. She was headed for the chapel, naturally. Rin: "......" The door flew open, and she took a look around the building. Rin: "...!" Just as she expected, in the back of the chapel, she could see a shadow moving behind the pulpit. Rin: "Hina, listen to me." Rin took a deep breath and called out to the shadow. Rin: "You don't need to come out, just listen from there. Though I really wanted to say this face-to-face." She started speaking more quietly than she had on Christmas. Rin: "Feeling affection from someone is amazing. It can make you feel happier than anything else." Rin: "And you're so free with your affection, Hina. You show it in your words, your actions, it pours from you like a fountain." Rin: "But like any spoiled fool, I got used to it quickly. I started taking your affection for granted. In only a month!" Rin: "And I only took, even though I should have been giving, too." Rin: "But it's... it's hard. Not for you; you're so brave. But I'm a coward." Rin: "But... that's just an excuse." Rin: "I don't just belong to myself anymore. I need to change, for the only person who could love someone like me." She slowly stepped forward. Rin: "I was also... scared of how you were changing. I never imagined how affectionate you'd get." Rin: "I've always been afraid of other people changing on me." Rin: "But when I started going out with you, I became even more scared of how I could change other people." Rin: "Changing another person with my actions... That responsibility is the 'heaviness' I was really feeling." Rin put her arms around something unseen. Rin: "...But I think that's just what love is. It's not like we're an exception." Rin: "I'm still scared of myself or someone else changing, but I'm more scared of being alone." Rin: "So can we please just..." Rin took the collar out of her pocket. Rin: "Come!" Her voice echoed through the chapel. ......... The shadow shuffled out from behind the pulpit. Rin: "I'm not mad..." Rin called Hina soothingly. Rin: "Huh?!" The shadow leapt out and, like a cannonball, barreled down the aisle and crashed into Rin. Rin: "Waaah!" Rin fell down as the ball of fur collided with her. Rin: "Hey, be careful... I-Isn't this a little sudden? Geez, you're so furry..." Rin: "Furry?!" Arthur: "Ruff!" The identity of the furball was revealed. Rin: "A-Arthur?!" The shadow Rin had been talking to, that she'd thought was Hina, was actually the Asous' dog, Arthur. Rin: "W-Wait... Don't lick me so much! Aaaah, stop panting! S-Stay, stay~!" Arthur was merely excited and playing, but Rin was finding it difficult to escape from directly under him. Hina: "Stay! Down!" Two sharp commands came from the back of the chapel. Arthur quickly leapt off of Rin and lay down on the floor, waiting. Rin: "...?!" Freed from his weight, Rin managed to sit up and turn to the source of the voice. A small figure walked in, backlit by the sunlight streaming in from the door. Hina: "Good boy, Arthur." Hina petted Arthur's back for his show of obedience. Rin: "Where were you, Hina? What were you doing, Hina? What's going on, Hina?" Rin threw a barrage of questions. Hina: "Stop saying my name. Just get up. Are we gonna do this with you sitting on the floor?" Rin: "Oh... right." Hina: "I was looking for Arthur. I got a call from Asou—" Rin: "That's right! Arthur! What are you doing here?!" Arthur: "Ruff?" Hina: "Just listen! I'll explain!" Rin: "Oh, right." Hina: "I got a call from Asou that she took her eyes off of him for a second and he ran off, and the store was just getting busy, so she couldn't chase after him." Rin: "So she asked you to look for him? Wouldn't it be a pretty huge range you'd have to search?" Hina: "No, she just asked me to look inside school grounds." Rin: "Why? Isn't this pretty far from the store? We're up on a mountain, too." Hina: "According to Asou, Arthur's really taken a liking to you and me." Rin: "Is that true, boy?" Arthur: "Ruff!" It seemed to be an affirmative. Hina: "She thought he might have come here." Rin: "And she was right." Hina: "Yeah. She called during lunch, and I thought I saw him while I was on the phone with her, so I ran after him—" Rin: "...Can you tell me when you do stuff like this?" Hina: "Sorry... I got kind of wrapped up in it." Rin: "It's fine... I just thought you'd run away again." Hina: "Of course not. We were supposed to talk after school." Rin: "R-Right... we are, aren't we?" Hina: "You should believe in my feelings for you more." Rin: "...Yeah." As always, she'd had the tables turned on her instantly. Rin: "...So how much did you hear?" Hina: "I saw you coming this way and ran after you, so... all of it, I think." Rin: "Ugh... It's the same as before."
Arthur: "Ruff!" Hina: "Yeah, he's okay. Doesn't look hurt or anything... mhm... yeah, I'll bring him back to the store. Okay, bye." Hina: "Whew." Hina closed her phone with a sigh of relief. She's got a really tough, old phone, huh? The kind that's waterproof and shock-resistant. Hina: "Asou was really relieved." Rin: "That's great. Let's bring him over when the shop's closing, then. We'll have to walk, since Arthur can't take the bus." Hina: "Guess so." There was still plenty of time until they'd have to do that. Hina: "...So, what did you want to talk about?" Hina turned to Rin again after putting her phone away. Rin: "Umm... I think I said about everything I wanted to say before." Hina: "Ahahaha." Rin: "That's... pretty much it." Hina giggled at that, and Rin grimaced. Hina: "Thanks." Rin: "Hm? What for?" Hina: "For thinking so much about me and about us." Rin: "Well, I..." Hina: "You don't seem like you have that stuff on your mind at all." Rin: "That's not very nice..." It's not inaccurate, though. Hina: "I talked to Miyako a little while ago..." Rin: "Mikoyan? When was this?" Hina: "A few days ago. When we went home together." Rin: "Oh... the day you rejected me." Hina: "I didn't reject you!" Rin: "But you said you didn't want to!" Hina: "But that's because I thought you didn't want to do it with me anymore." Rin: "What do you mean?" Hina: "I thought you were doing it for me, when you didn't really want to, so I felt bad about it..." Rin: "That's not true! I pretty much always want to do it!" Why is that the only thing she's upfront about? Hina: "But you said no twice." Rin: "Well! That first time, I had physiological reasons... If I can, I want to do it! And the second time, I was just... kind of scared..." Hina: "I thought I was the only one who wanted to do it all the time... I started kind of feeling like I was an animal or something..." ...Like, say, a female dog? Rin: "Why didn't you want to put the collar on?" Hina: "Because I thought I didn't deserve you, the way I was." Rin: "That's ridiculous... You're always jumping to conclusions, aren't you?" Hina: "...But I don't know what you're feeling if you don't tell me." Silence fell for a moment. Rin: "...We got off-topic. So what did you talk about with Mikoyan?" Rin was doing her best. Hina: "I heard what you and Miyako talked about." Rin: "When was this?" Hina: "When I was wearing headphones and you threw that candy at me..." Rin: "Huh...? You were listening then too?" Hina: "No, I mean I heard about it from Miyako." Rin: "What exactly did she tell you? I've already got a bad feeling about this..." Hina: "She said you told her you loved doing it with me." Rin: "...Loose lips, Mikoyan." Hina: "But that made me happy." Rin: "...Yeah." Hina: "I get all caught up in it when you touch me. Is that okay?" Rin: "That's good!" Hina: "Oh yeah? I wish you'd tell me stuff like that more~" Rin: "I wouldn't be so twisted if I could just do that, you know!" Hina: "I heard that, too. Was it a ninety-eighth?" Rin: "Oh, right now it's a ninety-sixth." Hina: "That's not much more..." Rin: "Okay!" Rin leapt to her feet. Hina: "What is it? Are we gonna do it?" Rin: "Umm... ultimately, yes, I think. But I want to get some exercise first." Hina: "Huh? I think that counts as exercise." Rin: "No, I want to leap and soar... I've got to get everything I'm feeling out of my system." She's bouncing on the spot. You don't see Rin like this too often. Hina: "I don't really get it, but..." Rin: "I know! Let's dance, Hina!" She held out her hand. Hina: "What, ballet? But I don't have any rhythm..." Rin: "I'll teach you. Don't worry! Just leave it to me!" She held her hand out more forcefully, and Hina timidly took it. Rin: "But first..." Rin held out the collar, more reverent than usual, and Hina took it, meeker than usual. Hina: "Waaah!" Wrapping an arm around Hina's waist, Rin took a great step forward. She leapt about down the chapel's aisle, like a spring, forward! Back! Rin: "You're so light~ I feel like I could toss you up all the way to the ceiling." Hina: "Eeep!" Rin: "Ahaha, I'm just kidding." Rin laughed exuberantly. Hina: "Wh-What's all this about, Rin?" Hina was a bit bewildered by Rin's unprecedented energy. Rin: "You said you wanted to dance with me, didn't you? So let's dance!" Hina: "I did... but you got mad when I said that." Rin: "Well, it's not like we can jump around in the living room. And it was nighttime, too." Hina: "But you said you didn't like dancing with people..." Rin: "I guess so. But I don't mind dancing with you♪" ......... Rin led Hina in a dance as they spoke. She'd traded her earlier jumps and leaps for a milder rhythm. Rin: "Thank you for complimenting me about my ballet... No, thanks for everything you say about me. You're always watching me, aren't you?" Hina: "Yeah..." Rin: "That kinda scared me at times. I didn't want you to see through to my bad parts someday, too." Hina: "Someday? I see plenty of them now. You don't get up in the morning, you're super picky, you're a slob, you're forgetful, you let things go to your head right away, you've got a dirty mind—" Rin: "Stop. I get it already." Hina: "But I love all those parts of you, too." Even as she was spun to and fro, Hina's gaze was fixed steadily on Rin. Rin: "Th... Thanks." And this one just barely managed to stop herself from averting her eyes. Rin: "You can say stuff like that without looking away." Hina: "Yeah. 'Cause I'm talking to you. Why?" Rin: "I just... really think you're amazing." Hina: "You're way more ama—" Rin kissed Hina on the forehead. Hina: "Ah..." Rin: "......" Hina: "Hm? Were you trying to distract me?" Rin: "Wh-Why do you ask?" Hina: "Because that's usually what you're doing when you suddenly kiss me." Rin: "Very perceptive..." Ever since their first kiss, in fact. Hina: "Use your mouth." Rin: "To kiss you?" Hina: "No! To speak!" Rin: "Gwah!" Hina's forehead met Rin's lips. Not in a kiss. In a headbutt. Hina: "......" She looked straight up at her. Rin: "I got it... I won't look away either." She squeezed Hina's hands. Rin: "Hina... I love you." Hina's face lit up. Hina: "Rin! I love you, I love you, I love you! I love you so much!" It seems her feelings are returned many times over. Rin: "Oh, that's good, you're more fluid now. Just trust me and relax." Hina: "I'm not heavy, am I?" Rin: "Nope. You're light as an angel." Hina had started the unfamiliar dance rather stiff, but was starting to ease into it. It looked more like ballroom dancing or tango, but that didn't really matter. It wasn't a contest. They weren't being scored. They were just freestyling, moving whichever ways the feelings overflowing within them dictated. Hina: "This is getting fun!" Hina was plenty athletic, so she quickly adapted to the moves Rin gave her, and then began to surpass them. Hina: "Yo! Ha! Ho!" Rin: "That shouting really isn't very graceful..." Hina: "Should I not?" Rin: "Heheh. Of course not, do as you please!" Hina: "Whoa!" Rin spun around, her hair following her like a whirlwind. Hina: "Ahahahahahaha♪" With each exchange, Hina laughed like a baby being entertained. Rin: "I'm the one who's gonna be in trouble tomorrow, aren't I...?" Unlike Hina, Rin hardly exercised at all, so she was getting nervous about the pain she'd be in the next day. Rin: "It's been a long time since I've had so much fun dancing, though... Actually, it might be the first time." Though she was reaching her physical limit, Rin's mood was only improving. Rin: "I never wanted to dance with anyone, but I guess a pas de deux with you isn't so bad, Hina." Hina: "What?! You want me to be a ballerina?! I dunno... Do you think a tutu would look good on me?" Rin: "I didn't mean for real. And you'd probably look like a kindergartner at a talent show." Hina: "What was—agh!" Rin: "Wh-What happened?" Hina: "I just bent too far and my collar squeezed a bit." Rin: "There you go..." Rin helped Hina up a bit. While she was athletic, it wasn't as if Hina was particularly flexible. Hina: "Sorry, I'm fine now." Rin: "......" Rin stared at Hina's collar. Hina: "What is it?" Rin: "You're a wolf, Hina." Hina: "You said that before, too. Are you scared?" Rin: "Well, you do bite." Hina: "......" Hina looked uneasy at that. Rin: "I'm not scared. I'm a wolf now too, after all." Hina: "You are...?" Rin: "Since you bit me, I'm infected now, too." Rin showed her the wound on her finger. There was only a faint scar now. Hina: "Hya!" Hina yelped when Rin mimed biting her. Her well-aligned teeth glinted in the light of the setting sun. Hina: "It's not a full moon today." It's not even nighttime yet. Rin: "The scary thing about these wolves is that they can show up regardless of what the moon looks like." Hina: "......" Rin: "Heh, I wonder which one's stronger, your wolf or mine?" Hina: "Eep!" Rin: "The beast inside here..." Rin indicated her chest. Rin: "It howls without regard for the time and place, runs around without looking where it's going, and tries to bite everyone who gets close. It's really too much to handle. And we're stuck with it for life." Rin: "But all we can do is try to tame these beasts. We've got to find a way to get along with them, however we can." Rin: "I've made up my mind to live with this wolf for the rest of my life." She pointed at her heart again, then at Hina's. Rin: "This is a dance with the wolves who live inside of us as much as it is a dance with you." Hina: "I'm sorry, Rin. I don't really understand what you're saying." Rin: "Heh. I didn't think you would. I don't really get it myself." She flashed her teeth again. I didn't see any fangs. Rin: "Anyway, that was all just a complicated way of saying that I wanted to have sex with you." Hina: "Was it...?" Rin: "Is that okay?" Hina: "Yeah... It's okay."
Hina: "Are you too tired from dancing? Do you have the energy for more?" Rin had sat down on a pew to catch her breath. Hina sat atop her, looking down nervously at her face. Rin: "What's that face supposed to mean?" Hina: "Well... I was wondering if we'd have to put it off again." Rin put her hand on Hina's cheek and gave her a comforting smile. Rin: "I made sure to save enough energy." Hina: "Eheheh~♪" The smile quickly spread. This one was the type to show her feelings instantly. Rin: "Pfft. Look at that face." Rin snorted at Hina's immediate change in expression. Rin: "I'm gonna keep going until you say 'Stop, I can't take it anymore.'" Hina: "I won't say 'stop.' I want you to keep going forever." Rin: "...That figures." Hina had an infinite supply of stamina. Rin was likely to give in before her. Hina: "You don't have to wear yourself out, okay?" She was all too aware of that, it seemed. Rin: "I-I won't wear myself out! I'm not gonna let you sleep tonight!" Hina: "It's barely evening still." Her enthusiasm was for naught. Hina was already half-undressed. Her shirt was completely unbuttoned, her underwear hanging around one knee. Before, she didn't want to be the only one undressed, but she went along with it easily now. Rin: "You're not... cold, I'm guessing." Hina shook her head. They'd just gotten a lot of exercise, and the chapel had heating, as well. Heating up the whole building just for the two of them was a little wasteful, but I won't say anything about it if you don't. Rin: "It's so depraved doing it in a chapel. Kinda turns me on." Rin looked around and shivered. Hina: "Depraved...? I don't really get it." Rin: "You don't need to. I just mean it excites me." Hina: "If you're excited, I am, too." Rin: "Whoa, it squeezed." Rin felt the change in Hina's nether regions with her fingers. Rin: "Why the heck are you so cute...?" The treasure called Hina? Rin: "You really are way too good a doggy for a lousy owner like me." She smiled wryly. Rin: "It's not fair... I get too much out of this. Your feelings shine so bright and you give them to me so freely, but I..." Hina: "You know, you say you're getting too much, but I'm getting a lot, too." Rin didn't even know how much Hina's eyes sparkled when she looked at her. But... {w}she is a lousy owner. Hina: "Oh, but if you're giving, I'll take as much as you want♪" Rin: "—Hina." Hina: "Oh, and stop insulting yourself all the time. What am I supposed to think, when I love you so much?" Rin: "Oh... okay." She's getting another lecture now. Hina: "I'll work hard so you pamper me more, so don't abandon me." How could you?! Rin: "A-And I'll pamper you more, so don't abandon me!" What? Hina: "But you're only nice to me when we're having sex, Rin." Rin: "Haha...ha." Rin kissed her to distract her again. But Hina was nice enough to let it slide. Hina: "Mmh... Rin... hwah..." Rin: "Mm... chp..." The line of saliva connecting their two tongues glittered in the light of the setting sun coming through the window. There was no giver or taker to their kiss, just two people sharing pleasure between them. Even after all the dancing they'd done, their lust had completely blown away their fatigue. Was their saliva an aphrodisiac, or an elixir, or something? Hina: "Mm... mmh..." Hina's tongue clumsily but earnestly chased after Rin's. Rin: "Haah... amh... slrp." In response, Rin's tongue only moved more furiously. There was a constant, quiet stirring sound in the tranquil chapel. Rin slid her fingers against Hina's wet, warm slit. Hina: "Hnnh—" Hina: "Haaaah!" Hina's fingers dug into Rin's shoulders. Rin: "You're just like always." Rin giggled. The slightest touch had always been enough to give Hina a light orgasm. Hina was still tense, recovering, but that didn't stop Rin from giving her more subtle stimulation. Her entrance twitched around her. Hina gave a little chirp every time Rin twisted her fingers. Hina: "Augh... nnh... aah..." Just grazing her with her fingertip or knuckle was enough for Hina to react to. Rin: "I'm only giving you a little knock on the door right now." Hina: "W... Well, it's been a while..." Rin: "You think so...? I think you'd be like this even if we did it every day." Hina: "Ugh... probably." She admitted it. She seemed to understand now just how sensitive she was. Rin: "I'm a wolf today... Maybe I should be rough with you." Rin always gets carried away when Hina starts reacting to her touch. Hina: "Okay... do what you want to, Rin. You're always so gentle." And sometimes she gets hit with a nice counter. Rin: "R-Right." You can do it, miss gentle wolf. Rin: "...I'll just do it like always." Hina: "Ah... Not there!" She gently lifted the hood covering the small bead at Hina's entrance. Hina: "Mm... haaahn!" Of course, it wasn't really off-limits. It was just one of several weak points of hers. Rin: "I love the face you make when you're enjoying yourself..." Hina: "Mmh!" Hina thrust her face out at Rin. Rin: "Y-You're really into this, huh?" Hina: "'Cause you said you love me..." Rin: "Ugh... I love you!" Rin attacked. Hina clung to her, overwhelmed. Hina: "Naaaaaahn!" Hina's moans echoed all the way up to the high ceiling of the chapel. ......... ...... Hina: "Haah... haah..." Hina caught her breath. Wonder how many times she finished. I stopped counting after ten. Rin: "My fingers are gonna swell up." Rin jested, but she was out of breath, too. Hina: "Haah... Is your finger... healed now?" Rin: "Yeah, it healed a while ago." Hina: "That's good..." It had been bothering her for a long time. Rin: "......" Rin glanced at Hina's face. Hina: "...What is it?" Rin: "Want to give me a new mark to commemorate making up?" Hina: "Huh...?" Rin: "Go ahead, you can bite me. Where do you want to leave it?" Hina: "U-Umm..." Hina looked over Rin's body. Of course, in their positions, there was a limited number of places her teeth could actually reach. Hina: "Maybe... around here?" She settled on the neck, around a collarbone. Rin: "That's fine. As long as I can hide it with a scarf." Hina: "Umm, Rin? I don't actually want to bite you. I _am_ human, you know." Hina paused the conversation, realizing they were carrying on under the assumption that she _would_ be biting Rin. Rin: "I _want_ you to bite me." Hina: "...'Cause you're a pervert?" Rin: "No! You have the collar, right? I want something that marks me as yours, too." I see she's calling it a collar now. Hina: "If you want a collar, I can get a job and buy you one?" Rin: "What, modeling for Sachiko? No, I'd be too worried about you. And I want you to give me a mark. I was kinda happy about my finger..." Hina: "...Okay. If you want me to. But I won't do it hard." Hina timidly brought her lips to Rin's neck. Hina: "Ah... nnh!" Rin moved her fingers against Hina again, jumpstarting Hina's body once more. Hina: "H... Hey! If you make me feel good... I won't be able to control... how hard I bite!" Rin: "It's okay... Just do it as hard as you can." Hina: "Nooo... Rin, Rin!" Rin: "Yeah... Hina... come on!" Hina nodded, beside herself, and buried her face in Rin's neck. Hina: "Mmmmh!" She sunk her teeth in as she climaxed. Rin: "Nnngh~!" Hina's teeth dug into the skin between Rin's collarbone and neck. She was tensed in climax, unable to control her strength. Rin clenched her teeth as well. It must have hurt more than she was expecting. She was too preoccupied to even quip. Hina: "Mmmmmh...!" Her climax was deep, and she was having a hard time coming back from it. And the wolf's fangs remained sunk into Rin the whole time. Well, she's reaping what she sowed... Rin: "Aaaah... haaah... aah!" ...though it might not be a complete negative. From her face, I'd say she's enjoying it quite a bit. Rin: "I... It's like I'm melting... where you're biting me..." The pain of Hina's bite became a numbing pleasure that assaulted Rin. Hina: "Rin...?" Hina finally returned to her senses. Rin: "Haaah...! This isn't good... I think I just came a little." Rin: "That's... bad. It might be just like you said, Hina..." Hina: "You're a pervert..." Hina: "Haah... haah..." Hina leaned against Rin's shoulder, panting. Hina's crescent-shaped bite mark stood out clearly on Rin's neck. It was really something... and it was right in a spot where she could probably just barely hide it with her shirt collar. Rin: "...When you're lying here in my arms... I'm finding it hard to believe..." Hina: "Huh? What's that?" Rin: "Oh, lyrics to a song you were howling." Hina: "When was this? And don't say 'howling.'" Rin: "The first night of the semester, I think." Hina: "Nya—" Rin: "You don't need to sing it." Hina: "Nya..." Rin held up a finger to stop her barking. Hina: "Is that what the lyrics were?" Rin: "We're in heaven." Hina: "...We are too." They held each other close again.
Fumi: "My mom just messaged me and asked me to thank you two again for Arthur." Fumi bowed her head low to them once more. Rin: "You don't need to thank us any more. You even brought us sweets, too." Fumi: "It feels like a lacking reward. I'm sorry." After _that_, Hina and Rin had taken Arthur to the store and delivered him to Fumi. The store was still busy, so they hadn't seen Fumi's parents, but Fumi had handed them plenty of sweets to take home in appreciation. Hina: "You're not gonna say this is a loss of income or something, are you?" Miyako: "Income?" Hina: "Yeah. Rin's terrible, you know." Rin: "That's not a very nice thing to say about someone." Hina: "We went and saw Honjou after we left the chapel with Arthur." Fumi: "Honjou from our class?" Hina nodded. Hina: "She'd been waiting for Rin that whole time, to give her chocolate." Fumi: "Oh..." Fumi arched an eyebrow at Rin, to which Rin shrugged. Miyako: "So? What happened?" Hina: "'Sorry, I can't accept them. I'm going out with this girl.'" Hina imitated Rin turning down the chocolates. It seemed pretty exaggerated, though. Hina: "Then she squeezed my hand really hard." Fumi: "Wow, how romantic!" Rin: "I mustered up the courage to reject her." Fumi: "No, it would have been worse to leave her hanging." Hina agreed heartily. It was something she knew firsthand, after all. Miyako: "What did Honjou say?" Hina: "She seemed disappointed, but she understood. There was no drama." Fumi: "Phew..." Miyako: "So it ended well. Why is Rin terrible?" Hina: "Well, she had to say something else after that." Fumi: "...What did she say?" She asked Hina while giving Rin another look. Hina: "'Now I won't get as much chocolate.'" Miyako: "A loss of income. I get it." Fumi: "Wow, that is bad. Heheh." Even though she barely eats any when she gets it. Hina: "Well, I'll start making you homemade chocolate next year, so you'll have to settle for that." Fumi: "Oh, and I'll help♪" Rin: "So... uhh... happy Valentine's." Rin took one of the boxes she'd gotten from Fumi and handed it to Hina. Hina: "Now that's half-assed!"
Arthur: "Ruff!" Arthur was in a great mood with his two favorite people. Rin walked through the park under the clear winter sky, Arthur's leash in her right hand and Hina's hand in her left. She couldn't deny she was being pulled along by the two powerful animals(?), but a bright, happy smile was on her face regardless. Arthur: "Ruff, ruff!" Rin: "Wait, not that way, Arthur." Spotting another dog, Arthur was about to run off, but Rin tugged at his leash, keeping him close. Hina: "You were so scared of him before, but you're getting the hang of it now." Rin: "Well, I've had practice taking care of you every day." What's important is conveying your affection and acting with confidence. It's the same with Hina, too. Hina: "Oh, there's a fountain. I wanna take a picture." Rin: "Ah, hey, Hina! If you're gonna run off, let go of me first!" Arthur: "Ruff, ruff!" Rin: "Waaah! Arthur too?!" When Hina sped away, Arthur also took off. Rin: "Hey, hey, hey, hey! Not different directions, you two! You're gonna take my arms with you!" Hina: "Let's race, let's race!" Rin: "Hina, stay! I mean it, stay!" Hina: "Okay♪" Rin: "You're not actually doing it!" It seemed the path of the owner was still a long one for Rin.
Fumi: "Yes, yes. No, I haven't heard. But, I'm trying to say, I... Yes, yes." Fumi's phone call went on while the other four kept quiet, watching. They seemed to have decided on several things without her and didn't appear to be taking no for an answer. Fumi: "I'll have to discuss it with my family. I have to go!" Fumi sighed after finally managing to end the conversation somewhat forcefully. Fumi: "I'm sorry, I had a hard time hanging up—" Hina: "Wait, what's going on?! You're getting scouted, Asou?!" Miyako: "Are you going to be an idol, Fumi?" Sachiko: "Think they'll want to interview the beautiful dorm manager who's been taking care of you?" Fumi: "Wait, wait! One at a time!" The girls all crowded around Fumi like the paparazzi while she tried to calm them down. Though, I don't think one of those really counted as a question. Fumi: "The call was from a talent agency, and the question was whether I wanted to audition for a movie." Miyako: "Audition? So it's not for sure, then?" Fumi: "No, they did want to scout me, but they said it would be in the form of passing me through an audition." Sachiko: "The darkness of the entertainment industry!" Fumi: "Anyway, I hadn't heard anything about it. And I don't know about a movie... I mean, I've never acted before." Hina: "Is it a starring role?" Fumi: "It would be a co-starring role. And after that, they would want me to debut as an idol affiliated with their agency." Miyako: "When is the audition?" Fumi: "It's on Valentine's... February 14th." Hina: "That's sooner than I expected." Fumi: "Yes. It's too soon, really." Rin: "So what are you gonna do? Are you gonna take the audition?" Surprisingly, Rin had remained silent until just now. Fumi: "Of course not!" Rin had asked nervously, but Fumi gave her answer immediately. Fumi: "I wanted to say no right away, but it was the president of the agency who called me..." Sachiko: "Straight from the president! That's pretty serious." Fumi: "I'll call home first. I don't know what my dad talked to them about." Rin: "Ah, okay..." Fumi: "Honestly, I can't believe him!" Fumi left the room, complaining about her father. Rin: "W-Well, Fumi's dad can be scatterbrained~" There still seemed to be something of an aftershock to the news after Fumi left the room. Hina and Miyako were excited about the prospect of Fumi becoming famous, but Rin seemed to be having some mixed feelings about it. Sachiko: "You could be in trouble here, don't you think~?" Sachiko noticed right away and spared no time rubbing it in. Rin: "But she said she's not interested, so it's not like it's going to be a big deal." Sachiko: "Oh? Your girlfriend just got scouted to be an idol. Are you not happy about that?" Rin: "W-Well, she is super cute!" Rin: "...But she's also mine."
Hina: "That wasn't good, Rin. What you did at lunch." Rin: "How many times are you gonna say that? I get it already." Hina: "I'm saying it because I know you don't get it." What Hina was scolding her for was chasing away (rather unpleasantly) a girl who was trying to talk to Fumi after seeing her on TV. Luckily, Hina had been there to smooth things over. Rin was annoyed when Hina scolded her for it, and Fumi was flustered and apologetic watching them. Fumi: "I'm sorry. This is all because I couldn't figure out how to end the conversation." Hina & Rin: "It's not your fault, Asou."n"It's not your fault, Fumi." Hina & Rin: "......" They spoke at the same time and then exchanged a look. Fumi: "Anyway, we're going to see what they have to say tonight." Today was the day. People from the talent agency were coming to Fumi's house. In the end, they hadn't been able to come to an agreement over the phone and had decided to meet in person... or rather, the president was able to talk her into it. Fumi: "Umm, for dinner tonight—" Hina: "Oh, come on, you don't need to worry about that. We'll figure it out. Now, hurry. You're gonna miss your bus." Fumi: "Th-Thank you." She bowed her head. Hina: "I've gotta go to the faculty room, so I'll come with you partway." Rin: "Oh, me too—" Hina: "You've got cleaning duty, Rin! Don't blow it off!" Rin tried to wander after her, but Hina told her off. Rin: "Ah... ngh..." She watched them go, looking rather forlorn. Miyako called out to her, sensing her mood. Miyako: "I'll help you with the cleaning." Rin: "...Thanks."
Fumi: "I'm ba... wah!" Fumi yelped. She hadn't expected to find anyone in the entrance. It was late enough that the building was supposed to be locked. She'd had to call Sachiko and ask her to open it. Rin: "...Welcome back." The figure stood up from the step at the entrance. It was Rin. Fumi: "Rin, you weren't waiting here the whole time, were you? It was cold out here, wasn't it?" Rin: "Nah. I just wanted to see your face as soon as I could." She was too relieved to even crack a joke. Fumi: "I'm sorry. I didn't think I would be this late." Rin: "If you'd told me when you were coming, I could have gone and met you." Fumi: "My phone was almost out of battery." Rin: "Ah. So, umm, err..." Sachiko: "Oh, Foomin's back." Hina: "Welcome home." The manager's room door opened, and Hina and Sachiko came out. Incidentally, Miyako was sound asleep in their room. Fumi: "I'm back." Sachiko: "You talked to some people from the agency today, yeah?" Hina: "Did you decide to do the audition?" Rin: "Ah, oh, y-yeah, that!" Fumi: "Erm... we ended up not coming to a conclusion." Rin: "What do you mean?" Fumi: "I tried to turn them down for real this time, but I just couldn't get them to agree to it. We ended up saying we'd make our final decision another time." Fumi sighed, looking exhausted. Rin: "How pushy. Maybe there's something fishy going on at that agency." Hina: "It's a super famous place, isn't it?" Rin: "Just because it's famous doesn't mean it's safe! I mean, they've got those nasty comedians working there!" Sachiko: "Did you get a business card from them?" Fumi: "Oh, yes." Fumi took the card out of her wallet and showed it to Sachiko. Sachiko: "Let's see... Oh, it's the president's. Did the president come to talk to you today?" Fumi: "I guess so." Hina: "The president called you, too! She must really want to scout you, Asou!" Sachiko: "This is quite the campaign." Hina and Sachiko were getting excited, while Rin's expression was only souring. Rin: "Did they tell you what they wanted you to do, exactly?" Fumi: "Yes, they gave me a general idea." Rin: "...They're not gonna make you do dirty stuff, are they?" Rin's imagination was getting out of control. Fumi: "N-No, nothing like that!" Rin: "...What about swimsuits?" Fumi: "Oh, there did seem to be something about swimsuits." Rin: "Not! Happening!!" Sachiko: "Seriously?! I'd buy a Foomin swimsuit photo collection, for sure!" Rin: "You will not!" Sachiko: "Under the bright sun on a southern island, an innocent, busty babe wears a nice, healthy bikini that she's almost spilling out of!" Rin: "I'm not gonna let her wear a bewitching, adult expression on a moonlit bed!" That's not on the table right now. Fumi: "Anyway, on another note..." Rin: "...What?" Fumi seemed hesitant to bring it up, which gave Rin a bad feeling. Fumi: "I'll have to stay at home until Valentine's, starting this weekend." Rin: "What?!" Hina: "To help out at the store?" Fumi: "Yes. We've got a ton more customers now since we were shown on TV. I have to be there to help out, at least in the morning and at night." Sachiko: "I gotcha. I'll handle the paperwork, then." Fumi: "Thank you." Sachiko: "Which is all well and good, but..." Rin: "......" Rin appeared to be frozen in shock. Fumi: "I'm sorry, Rin. It's only for a week, okay?" Rin: "Huh? Oh, I-I-I'm fine." She said, clearly not fine.

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