Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Mizuki stood up. They felt like the whole world was spinning for a moment. Once they regained their balance, they looked around. All white – vast and gloomy and endless white. Not the bright white you see on weddings or on a clear summer day. The kind of white that crushes you and makes you feel despair.

The problem that dawned upon Mizuki was where the hell was this place. The last thing they remembered was talking to K and Enanan through Nightcord about Yuki who was missing. Then the three of them clicked a strange file named “Untitled”. And here they were.

They seemed to be fine, no injuries, no aches. Mizuki was all alone though, no sign of Enanan or K. They decided the best course of action would be walking around – they should scout the area and maybe even find someone else here.

Mizuki didn’t know how much time had passed, but it felt like a few minutes of walking until they saw a figure. It was still further away, but it was definitely a person. A girl? Mizuki headed in her direction.

As they got closer, Mizuki noticed. The girl seemed to have short brown hair. Mizuki’s eye twitched involuntarily. She was facing the other direction, so she hadn’t seen Mizuki yet. They were still a few meters apart, but Mizuki was now sure. There was no mistaking it – the frilly pink shirt, the brown asymmetrical bob with a singular braid in it, the proud stance – Enanan was standing in front of Mizuki.

Mizuki sighed nervously. Their palms started sweating, and they were sure they could throw up at any moment now. Mizuki has always imagined this moment. Their first meeting with Enanan. Well, they imagined it ever since they found out what Enanan looks like. It was a few months after Mizuki had joined the circle. They were all talking together about face reveals and how they only knew each other’s voices. K and Yuki, the more reserved members, brushed it off quickly saying something about their “privacy”. Enanan however, instantly sent a selfie of herself in their Nightcord groupchat. Ever since Mizuki laid eyes upon this image, they were unable to erase it from their memory. Night after night, they’d dream about their first meeting with Enanan. Be it a café, a chance meeting on the street, or the circle’s first (work-related) meeting in real life, Mizuki wasn’t able to stop their mind from wandering.

It was never supposed to look like this. Mizuki had prepared their first words to Enanan, they wanted to ask her out first, to get to know the girl even more, to hang out like normal friends. Not in some weird place, all alone, and without a way back home. Mizuki didn’t even look good right now. They were wearing their usual everyday clothes and they were tired from the long day, and even so Enanan was right before them and the two were going to have to speak and see each other for the first time any second now.

Just as Enanan started turning towards Mizuki, their thoughts started racing inside their head. “What if she doesn’t like me? What if I make her feel uncomfortable? What if she sees that I’m…Nevermind.” They braced themselves, it was too late for this.

Enanan froze in place as she turned to Mizuki fully. No one was speaking. Seeing her face in real life was even more captivating than in photo. Enanan had curious brown eyes that were now locked with Mizuki’s pink ones. Wary of them, Enanan took a step back.

“Who are you?” She asked.

Mizuki really didn’t want to speak. But Enanan was suspicious of them, and things were going to escalate if Mizuki didn’t speak up soon. They took a small breath in and took a step towards Enanan.

“Enanan, right? It’s me.” They put on a nervous smile. The second worst thing that could happen today was Enanan knowing they are anxious about this.

“How do you know me? Wait…Amia?” Ena tilted her head.

Amia, right. That was Mizuki’s pseudonym in the circle, no one knew their real name.

“Yes, that’s right! I’m glad you’re okay.” Mizuki played along. They had to find K, who was probably also somewhere around here. Or Mizuki would suffocate because that’s what looking at Enanan too much did to them.

“I’m so glad you’re here, Amia. Do you know where we are? We opened that file and then…” Enanan looked around. She didn’t seem to notice Mizuki’s staring at all, and she most certainly wasn’t fazed by their appearance. Mizuki was still tensed up despite that. Their confidence was slipping away by the second.

“Maybe it’s like in anime, you know, Enanan. Where they get transported to a different world?” Mizuki’s mischievous grin was back on. “Fake it till you make it” always seemed to work for them.

“Ugh, Amia, now is not the time for such jokes. C’mon, let’s search around for Yuki and K.” Enanan walked awat in a random direction, without waiting for Mizuki, of course.

Mizuki let out a deep breath they didn’t realize they were holding. Enanan was…human. And she was the same she was online. Snappy, snarky, and bold. Mizuki was worried about their own appearance and voice and actions, sure, but it made things so much easier when they realized this was the same old Enanan they had spent numerous nights working together with. It was no secret that in their group, Enanan and Mizuki were closer due to being in charge of the visual parts of the projects. The same goes for K and Yuki, too, as they bonded over the musical part of it.

Now reassured by Enanan’s existence, Mizuki walked beside the girl in an attempt to find the other two.

A few minutes in this strange world surrounded by awkward silence, and Enanan spoke up.

“So…you’re real, huh, Amia. “Enanan was still looking around.

“Oh? You wound me, Enanan. Did you really think I was some old dude using a voice changer?” Mizuki very much theatrically looked over at Enanan with a fake pained expression.

“Oh, come on, you can’t blame me for being suspicious of you! We’d never met before, how was I supposed to know?”

“Whatever, I’m sure you have the same suspicions for K and Yuki now too. So distrustful!” Mizuki was surprised at themselves for still being able to jokingly tease Enanan like that in a situation like the current one.

“We’ll find them soon enough. And then we’ll know. I like your dress, by the way.”

Mizuki blinked once. Then twice. Did Enanan really compliment them just like that?

“Awww, Enanan, flattery will get you nowhere!” Mizuki silently thanked their fast-thinking skills. Now wasn’t the time to be flustered by their online crush. Maybe real-life crush now.

That’s right, Mizuki would never admit it back then, but when they saw Enanan’s photo, everything changed. All of a sudden, Mizuki couldn’t wait for their next working session at night or would try to think of ways to talk to Enanan during the day. They wanted to know more about the girl, wanted to spend more time together than ever. They would also never admit to saving that photo to their phone gallery either, but that was a fact. So maybe now, a few months later, the word “crush”wasn’t so scary. Nevermind, it was still terrifying for Mizuki.

“I knew I shouldn’t have complimented you.”Enanan sighed.

“I really like your outfit, too, Enanan. It’s super cute.” Mizuki replied.

“Yeah…Thanks.” Enanan suddenly grew silent for a moment. “Hey, Amia, let’s try shouting out. Maybe someone will hear us.”

“Good thinking, Enanan! Let’s try that.”

“Hey! Is there someone there?” She started shouting around the area.

“Answer if you hear us!” Mizuki followed her example.

They walked around, calling out for K and Yuki aimlessly, but to no avail.

“Seems like there’s no one here. Maybe we really transported to a different world after all.” Mizuki tried to lighten up the mood. Enanan was growing more impatient with every second, and Mizuki could clearly sense that.

“Amia…Saying something like that in this situation…”

“Hey…” A voice came behind both of them.

Mizuki turned around as fast as they could.

“Wh-who’s there!?”

Long silver hair, oversized hoodie, and shorts. Before them stood a shorter girl, seemingly lost just like them.  

“You’re Enanan and Amia…Right?” The soft-spoken girl asked.

“Huh? Oh, this voice!” Mizuki exclaimed.

“K?” Enanan asked, unsure.

“Yeah.” K answered. Scarce wording. This was unmistakably K. She looked exactly like Mizuki pictured. As a nocturnal person who didn’t go out much and solely lived on instant noodles, Kanade was skinny and pale, almost like a vampire. Dark circles could be seen beneath her piercing blue eyes. Her hair was long and unkept, but it somehow managed to look graceful at the same time.

“Thank goodness! K is also here with us! That’s a relief.” Enanan let out a quiet sigh.

“Huh? That’s a different reaction to when the two of us met, Enanan! “Mizuki teased once again, only to be completely ignored by Enanan.

“Let’s evaluate the situation. How did you two get here in the first place?” K asked.

“I opened that “Untitled” file and all of a sudden my screen became super bright, and then bam! I was here.” Mizuki answered.

“It was the same for me.” Enanan added.  “Man, if only I had my phone…We could’ve used GPS. And I could take a creepy photo.” She thought out loud. Now that they thought about it, none of them seemed to have any personal belongings.

“Typical Enanan…” Mizuki exhaled. Enanan’s social media obsession was too quirky for most people, but to Mizuki it was kind of endearing.  “Will we even be able to go home? Where are we in the first place?”

“Yeah, we have to find a way back home fast.” K shared. The atmosphere was growing heavy, all of them worried. “Let’s first try walking around.”

After what suddenly felt like eternity of walking around, the three of them regrouped. No one had found anything relevant to their location or a way out.

“We keep spinning in circles and still nothing.” Enanan sat on the ground with a huff.

“But it seems like not even an hour has passed. Time seems to move differently here.” K observed. They didn’t have any proof, but Mizuki sensed it too.

“Ugh, no! I don’t wanna hear all that creepy talk in a weird place like this!” Enanan quickly covered her ears.

“Weird? I find it quite comforting.” K was as melancholy as ever.

“There don’t seem to be any other people around beside us either…” Mizuki changed the topic as not to make Ena even more scared than she already was. “This is not how our first in real life meeting was supposed to go at all! I always imagined us at a family restaurant or a café, sharing our real names and giggling. “Mizuki plopped down on the ground close to Ena.

“Real names, huh…By the way, K, your real name is Kanade, right?” Enanan smiled at K.

“Yeah, but…How did you know?” K asked.

“Oh, I just happened to see the name “Kanade” in your email address. I was sure that must be it!” Enanan seemed to calm down a little, carried by their conversation. She stood up and Mizuki followed.

“I’ll be calling K Kanade from now on then! Only when we see each other in the real world, though. “Now was the time to share their real name. Enanan’s reaction be damned, Mizuki couldn’t keep it secret anymore. “Then… You can call me Mizuki.”

“Huh? Aren’t you a bit rude, to want to call her by her first name right off the bat?” Enanan exclaimed. No reaction about their name whatsoever.

“It’s fine, after all it’s just names. We should all share! My full name is Akiyama Mizuki! What about you, Enanan?” Mizuki had to repeat again to check for a reaction. No luck, Enanan was too self-absorbed.

“Um…Me? I…I’m Shinonome Ena, but…” Enanan was cut off by Kanade.

“Alright, Mizuki and Ena.” She repated to herself.

So, this was the glorious moment Mizuki had been awaiting for so long. Enanan’s real name was Ena. So simple and short. It also made so much sense, considering her nickname. Mizuki thought it fit her perfectly. It was a lovely name.

“It’s kinda embarrassing, but…Nice to meet you, Kanade.” Enanan…No, Ena smiled to Kanade.

“Hahah, even in this situation we seem to be having some fun!” Mizuki was beaming for real now. It might not be the perfect first meeting, but it sure was interesting. “If only Yuki was here with us…”

“Huh?” Kanade stared at something behind Ena and Mizuki.

“What is it, Kanade?” Ena asked.

“There’s someone there…” Kanade almost whispered, arching her brows.

“What!?” Mizuki and Ena both shouted at the same time, turning around.

“Who is it?” Ena worriedly stood back.

“I don’t know, but… they’re coming closer.”

“I am…Miku.”

Chapter Text

Ena’s emotions entirely affected her art. This has always been the case; it was like her canvas knew her better than any person out there. This wasn’t a problem, of course, she viewed art as a way to get rid of the darkness inside of her, pour her deepest desires, splash colors.

And now the canvas was white and blank. Just like that weird “Sekai” that she and the others ended up in a few days ago. This alleged “art block” had been going for a few days, yeah, but most importantly, Ena still wasn’t able to pinpoint why it was happening now of all times. Without Yuki, creating a new song wasn’t going very well. That pissed Ena off immensely. Yuki pissed her off immensely. Kanade was having trouble writing the lyrics, Ena was unable to draw, Mizuki was…well, Mizuki was a whole other problem. And all of that was because Yuki decided to be an egoistical piece of…No, Ena just wasn’t giving it her all.

Surely, much greater artists, like her father, had worked under much heavier pressure and managed just fine. Ena couldn’t be stuck forever. Maybe forcing a few strokes of the brush would help? No lineart, no concept, just drawing whatever came to mind.

She popped a few colors out and dipped her brush in one of them. One stroke, two strokes. Then a few more. Ena emptied her mind and let her hands do all the work. The pale colors suddenly felt familiar in her eyes. A face, she was drawing a face. Then some hair, pastel pink, like a fluffy cloud. A single bow was next. Some more details, a kind smile, and a frilly shirt collar. More bows, smiling eyes. Ena was out of paint and out of breath.

Ena took a few steps back from her canvas.

“That’s…Amia?”

It was a portrait of Mizuki.

Ena was always most critical about her work. Even if her friends told her how perfect and well-drawn her pieces were, she still didn’t believe them fully, nor did she believe people online. But this drawing – it was beautiful. It felt raw and unfinished, and Mizuki probably didn’t look like this at all, but in Ena’s eyes it was beautiful for the first time.

She started analyzing it. The technique wasn’t much different than her usual. The colors were plain and didn’t bring out any feeling on their own. The strokes were harsh and brutal against the white background, and yet the drawing exuded a soft, welcoming aura.

Actually, why was Ena able to draw Amia in such detail? Ena had only met them once, she didn’t have quite enough time to memorize their facial structure, their posture or sense of style. And yet all those details could be seen in her drawing. Ena could clearly see Amia’s smiling face if she closed her eyes. Apparently, she did memorize everything. And she didn’t even realize it.

Ena looked at the clock on her phone. It was 12am, an hour till their Nightcord session. Ena had drawn the portrait in under an hour.

She had no plans of telling Amia about this drawing. Come to think of it, despite Ena’s anger towards Yuki’s actions, Mizuki was probably the one person keeping her sane. Strangely, ever since they met in that other world, Ena’s mind was unconsciously searching for their presence. They didn’t talk any more than they usually do, but something was different.

Ena laid on her bed. All over her brain was Mizuki, Mizuki, Mizuki. Was that because of the drawing? Was Ena just bored? She decided she would try doing something not related to art or the circle. Maybe a change of pace would help. She opened one of her notebooks. As much as she hated studying, she really wanted to graduate already and to do that she needed decent grades.

Ena grabbed a pencil and sat at her desk. It was a math problem. And Ena was really bad with math. She stared at it for a few more seconds when her hand instinctively moved on its own. She started sketching something at the corner of the page. Another face. Ena stopped abruptly. It was…

“Gosh, why am I drawing Amia again!?” She threw her pencil across the room.

Geez, what was wrong with her today? Whatever, there was merely some time left till their work session at 1am. Ena logged into Nightcord and joined the voice chat. No one else was online.

She opened the file of the drawing she was supposed to finish today for their new project. It wasn’t even halfway finished.

There were a lot of things that Ena was, but a quitter definitely wasn’t one of them. She grabbed her drawing tablet and pen and began sketching once again. She was supposed to draw a spring field of flowers now, but frankly the flowers were turning up more like they were dried and dead after a long winter.

Flowers, flowers…They reminded her of Mizuki somehow. The last and only time that the circle met, Mizuki’s dress was frilly, and Ena immediately thought it looked like spring. Mizuki’s whole presence felt like spring to Ena, but she’d never tell them that.

Still reminiscing their meeting, Ena noticed a change in her drawing. The flowers were turning up nicely now, they looked alive and vibrant, like they were blooming.

Was it because of Mizuki? Was she able to draw only when thinking of them?

“Damn you, Amia!” Ena exclaimed loudly.

“Whoa, Enanan! Hello to you, too. What a nice way to greet me. “Mizuki laughed in Ena’s headphones.

Ena froze. She looked at the computer screen. Her mic wasn’t muted. And Amia was now online with her.

“I-I said that cuz you startled me, Amia! Don’t sneak up on me.” Ena had to avert the crisis.

“Yeah, yeah, whatever you say Enanan. You sure you weren’t just thinking of me or something?” Another loud laugh from Mizuki echoed through.

“Of course not! Why would I think of you when I’m drawing?” Ena glanced towards her portrait of Mizuki on the canvas.

“Fine, fine. You’re no fun, Enanan.”

“And you’re too much fun. Aren’t you getting to work?” Ena asked.

“Work? We still haven’t got Yuki back. Or found a substitute. Is there any point in working now?” Mizuki sighed.

“There’s always a point in working. Besides, we can do it without Yuki.” Ena gripped her pen tightly.

“Maybe…But it doesn’t exactly feel right. We should ask for K’s opinion too.”

“Well, I’m going to draw either way. So be quiet now.” Ena made sure to mute her microphone this time.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m here if you need a chat buddy.” Mizuki muted themselves too.

Ena desperately tried to focus on the drawing, to let the artistic energy flow, to let her imagination roam free. Still, the only thing that popped up in her mind was Mizuki. But, whatever, at least it helped her drawing. She finally managed to get some work done, when…

“Enanan?” Mizuki called.

“Yes, Amia, what is it?” Ena answered.

“I know what happened with Yuki was awful, but…I’m glad I got to finally see you.” Mizuki paused. “And K, too.”

If Ena’s brain hadn’t short circuited now, then it would be her lucky day. What was Amia talking about all of a sudden?

“Where did that come from?” Ena asked.

Obviously, Ena had thought about their meeting night and day ever since it happened. But she wasn’t about to just admit that to Mizuki.

“Oh, I was just thinking, cuz… I like working on projects with you. Plus, we’ve known each other for about half a year now. So, I’m glad I saw you. “Mizuki’s tone was much softer than usual. They really were honest.

“I’m…I’m glad I saw you, too, Amia. “Ena almost whispered.

Everything was quiet for a moment and Ena wondered if Mizuki actually heard her. Then she heard them chuckle. Ena’s cheeks flared up. Why did she admit that?

“I-I still think you’re annoying, Amia! That doesn’t change a thing.” Ena’s heart was about to pop out of her chest. She hated (loved) the effect Mizuki’s words had on her recently.

“And you’re still a stuck-up, Enanan. “Mizuki voice was low and comforting, no bite at all despite the words said. Ena smiled to herself. Maybe drawing Mizuki wasn’t so bad.

Beep. K has joined the voice chat.

Chapter Text

“Hey, Enanan?”

“What is it this time, Amia?”

“Once this is all over…Do you want to go visit a café or something? Or go shopping maybe?”

“Hmm…Yeah, we could go. But only if I get to take pictures!”

And here they were a few weeks later. Yuki…Actually, Mafuyu’s condition was a lot more stable. They had even organized a few hangouts with all four of them. Things were going smoothly; they were beginning to get more comfortable around each other. Even their conversation topics became wider, they talked about school, about their lives, about feelings.

Work also progressed with their friendship, going out to eat or to shop or on trips became Kanade’s inspiration and the whole circle was more creative than ever. Not to metion their common goal towards making Mafuyu get in touch with her emotions. It was like each one of them had a place to belong now.

But there was Mizuki, trying not to cry in front of their mirror, because today was their first date with Ena. Only the two of them. Like they promised.

It was a platonic date, of course. Or at least, they never specified, which made Mizuki think it was platonic. Yup, a totally normal hangout with a friend.

“A friend, huh…”

Mizuki thought about the word that came to mind. They had never used it lightly. Few of their acquaintances could actually make the cut to be called a friend by Mizuki. And yet for Ena…it somehow felt right to use it.

Not that they were extremely close or anything. At least not yet. Mizuki was a tough nut to crack and so was Ena. But they both felt the same solidarity towards the other, or at least that’s what Mizuki liked to imagine was going on between them.

Except Mizuki actually realized that their feelings towards Ena were a little bit more special than those for Mafuyu or Kanade. And that terrified them. However, they didn’t have to tell Ena, or, well, they didn’t have to tell her now. Being friends was far more important anyway. Just being able to go out normally with Ena made Mizuki joyous.

The more pressing matter at hand was Mizuki’s outfit. Were they supposed to be casual or more formal? What makeup should they wear? What about their hair? They were going to a café after all because Ena wanted to take pictures of some very famous pancakes. Mizuki was used to it by now.

They finally decided that Ena would probably go for a more casual everyday look, so they threw on a cute outfit, tied their hair in the usual side ponytail and put on some natural makeup. This should probably be fine.

Despite having met Ena several times now, Mizuki was still nervous about their appearance. Especially, since they didn’t want Ena to know their secret, at all. That would ruin everything between them, and Mizuki wasn’t ready to lose Ena.

Mizuki looked at the clock. It was time to go, so they left in a hurry, trying to even out their breaths.

Ena was in front of the café, waiting for Mizuki. She was always late for school, sure, but somehow, she showed up 15 minutes earlier for their meetup.

Truth is, she’s been nervous about it ever since they decided on this, which was a week ago. Ena had been anxious for a week. And honestly, she was angry at herself for getting so worried, this was just Mizuki. Yet, she was unable to eat, or sleep or do anything properly. It’s like someone had brainwashed her.

On top of it, Akito was being annoying again, and wouldn’t stop teasing her about it. It’s not like Ena was a shut-in, it was totally normal for her to go out with a friend once in a while.

Ever since all 4 of them started meeting up outside, Ena started drawing Mizuki even more often. And somehow it would always fix her art block. Her sketchbook was basically full of portraits, details from their outfit or little expressions they made during the day. And normally Ena would be mad that someone was occupying her own brain as much as Mizuki, but now this wasn’t the case. It felt…good. It made Ena feel warm and fuzzy and…Mizuki made Ena feel understood somehow.

Ena decided on the place, and yeah, the pancakes here were adorable, but also, she knew about Mizuki’s obsession with cute things and honestly she just wanted to see their reaction to the place.

Pink hair on the other side of the street. This was for sure Mizuki coming over now.

“Enaaaaa!” They shouted from a distance.

Ena snorted. Well, that broke the tension. Why was Ena expecting tension anyway?

“No need to shout. I’ve been waiting forever, let’s go in.” Ena opened the door and the two walked in.

“You waited? But I got here exactly on time. Oh my, did Enanan come early?” Mizuki teased.

“Shut up, I’m not always late like you think, Mizuki.” Ena sat on a table she liked. “What do you think of the place?”

Mizuki looked around. It was all pink and fluffy and had ribbons all over.

“I love it! It’s super extra cute!” Mizuki’s eyes beamed around analyzing the surroundings. Ena smiled proudly. This café was the right decision.

They chose some fancy drinks from the menu, and both got the special pancakes. The food came shortly after.

“Wait!” Ena exclaimed before Mizuki could stab their fork into the soft pancakes.

“What? Oh, right, photos.” Mizuki pushed their plate a little closer to Ena’s so that she could take a picture.

Ena took out her phone and pointed the camera towards the pancakes. She took a few quick photos and opened her gallery to look at them.

She accidentally caught Mizuki’s face in one of them. They were looking towards Ena with a soft look on their face, cheeks slightly blushed. They looked a hundred, no, a thousand times prettier than in Ena’s drawings of them. Did they really look at Ena like that when she wasn’t paying attention? Ena felt her cheeks growing hot.

“Ena~ You’ve been staring at those photos for five minutes now! Lemme see!” Mizuki extended their hand.

“H-huh!? No, you’ll see them when I upload them!” Ena hid her phone in her bag.

“What? No fair, Enanan!” Mizuki pouted. “Can I at least eat now?”

“Yes, let’s try them.” Ena dug up her soft pancakes with a fork. They were extremely fluffy and melted into her mouth.

“Ahh~ Pancakes are the best!” Ena closed her eyes in delight.

“I admit they’re pretty good.” Mizuki ate another mouthful of their portion.

They finished eating and the waitress took away their plates. Ena was full and she realized hadn’t really talked a lot today. Was Mizuki nervous? They were quieter than usual. Ena decided it was time for her to show Mizuki her surprise.

“Mizuki?”

“Hm? What’s up?”

“I actually brought something for you today…It’s not a big deal.” Ena started rummaging through her bag for the present.

“Oh? Enanan, don’t you think it’s too early for wedding rings?” Typical Mizuki.

“Shut it and tell me what you think of it.” Ena handed them a relatively small rectangular object wrapped in some paper.

Mizuki opened it, without damaging the wrapping too much. It was a canvas.

Their eyes widened and their mouth dropped.

It was a portrait of Mizuki. A small one, but fully colored. It showed Mizuki with half-closed smiling eyes, a wide grin, and a cute pink outfit concept that they once showed Ena. It was one of the most detailed drawings Mizuki had ever seen from Ena. Ena’s sign was in the right lower corner, but in the left one was a beautifully written “Mizuki” with a heart next to it.

Now that Ena could see real Mizuki in front of her, she realized that she didn’t really capture all of Mizuki’s nuances in the drawing. They looked much more ethereal than Ena could realistically draw. She had to get better.

“Well? If you don’t like it, I’ll take it back…” Ena looked away.

Mizuki finally lifted their eyes from the drawing.

“No, Ena, I…” They softly placed the canvas on the table and then reached out, grabbing Ena’s hand in their own and intertwining their fingers. “I love it. Thank you.”

They spoke softly, like a whisper. Ena squeezed their hand back. She could feel her whole face burn up but whatever. Mizuki liked the present. That was enough. She let out a breath she didn’t she had been holding all this time.

Still, when Mizuki looked at her like that, her stomach felt like it was being tangled in little knots. This was probably the most satisfying reaction Ena could’ve gotten. “They loved it.” Ena thought to herself. The three simple words repeated in her brain over and over like a sweet melody. If Ena could write songs like Kanade, she would probably write a song for Mizuki right now. But she decided to stick with drawing. She would draw a lot more “Mizukis” in the future.

“Awww, did Enanan get shy now?” Mizuki winked, but the blush on their cheeks could be seen too.

“Mizuki, don’t ruin the moment…I’m glad you like it is all.” Their hands were still intertwined. As much as Ena didn’t want to stop it, it was becoming awkward, and she didn’t want her hand to be all sweaty from nervousness, so she slowly pulled back. Mizuki did too and none of them said anything.

“I’ll put it on my wall, and it will remind me of you every day, Enanan. ~” Mizuki continued teasing. Ena couldn’t take it anymore.

“Shut up, we talk everyday anyway. You don’t need to be reminded of me.” Mizuki just giggled when Ena said that. Cute.

They paid for their food and got out of the café. Neither wanted the day to end so fast, but it was starting to get dark, and they had to go home already.

“Thank you for today, Mizuki. I really enjoyed—” Ena was interrupted halfway by Mizuki.

“Wait, want me to escort you back home? It’s not exactly safe to walk home alone at this hour.”

Ena stumbled a little. Why was Mizuki so kind all of a sudden? Something was very wrong with them today. And worst of all – Ena didn’t mind one bit.

“Mizuki, it’s not safe if you have to go home alone later either. I go to night school; I can get home just fine.” Ena insisted.

“Fine, fine, independent Ena. “Mizuki was about to say goodbye. Ena wasn’t about to let that happen. Call it a change of heart maybe.

“But we could walk around some more.” Ena smiled at them. Mizuki sighed.

“Make up your mind, Enanan. Let’s go then. But I am getting you home safely later!” Mizuki started walking in a random direction. Ena followed.

Later, Ena might’ve forced Mizuki to take the longer path to her home, so that their time together didn’t end. And they might’ve accidentally even gotten “lost” on the way. And while they were “lost” they might’ve even held hands in the cold night, while neither of them said anything, too embarrassed to look at the other. And maybe Ena was developing just a teeny tiny crush on Mizuki. Just maybe. But that was a story for another day.