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Chapter Text

It was all a blur to her, like how the colors on her palette would always mix into a muddy, brown splotch of ugliness. The entire time she was in class, all Ena could do was stare at her drawing with nothing but defeat brimming at the corner of her eyes. When Futaba had just informed her, it was time to go. All Ena could do was pick up her final project and run away. The repetitive words of her father’s hurtful remarks haunted every step she took until she was outside the art building and on the bleak streets of Miyamasuzaka Slope. The sound of a brewing storm and the raindrops that hit her face only added to Ena’s dismay as it masked her tears. 

As Ena walked further away from the place she once took joy in attending, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of shame. Her uniform was drenched from the tips of her toes as she looked down, doubting her talent in everything. Lost in her thoughts, she continued down the darkened path, unaware of her destination. When suddenly, she felt a tug on her arm, followed by the loud honk of a car zooming past her.

“Hah?” she muttered as her back hit another figure, one that was both warm and cold at the same time. 

“Are you alright?” a soft but sickly sweet voice asked behind her. “You almost got hit by that car…” the person stated, this time less politely. 

“No shit, do you want a reward or something?” Ena muttered, already annoyed by her savior. At this rate, she’d much rather get hit by the car than deal with whoever this person was. 

“No,” the infuriating voice said, this time in a much lower and darker tone. “You should’ve been watching where you were going,” this weirdo whispered as Ena took notice of the slender hand on her shoulder.

The person was indeed a female. That was all Ena could figure out as her eyes wandered down to the gray fringes of the other person’s skirt and the black stockings she wore. However, it wasn’t until Ena saw the standard school loafers; which every student in Japan was required to wear. That she realized the significance of the situation.

“You go to school here?” she asked with maybe some interest. 

“Yes,” the girl replied without hesitation. 

Ena, surprised by the other’s fast and blunt response, clung to her art bag as she squirmed a little. “Okay…” she whispered, as her focus was now fully on this peculiar person. 

Her body relaxed in this girl’s arms as it reclined against the soft front while their gentle hands slid down her sides before resting on the curve of her waist. Ena liked how it felt as she relished the touch of those soft but callous fingers, pressing gently against her thin uniform. 

“We need shelter. The rain won’t stop anytime soon,” the girl sighed as she helped Ena lean forward, back onto her feet. “There’s got to be a place nearby where we can go. I need to call Okaa-san, to tell her I’ll be home later than I expected.”

“Hah?” Ena blinked at the girl’s bold decision, spinning around to glare at her, only to stop when she saw the other’s lifeless indigo eyes. 

It was like she was seeing a reflection of herself, as the girl didn’t even blink at Ena’s sudden movement. Her eyes were wide but fatigued as the umbrella she gripped laid loose on her shoulder. Ena felt an intense pressure emit from this girl’s gaze as she took a step back to prepare herself to run. 

“Your face is red,” the girl whispered and reached out to take Ena’s wrist. “If we stand here any longer, you can end up with a fever.” 

“Why do you care!?” Ena cried as she almost lost her balance and fell back onto the busy streets. If it wasn’t for this annoying girl and her fast reflex. 

“I just do.”

Her words held zero emotion, but Ena saw the shift in her eyes as the light that wasn’t there before dimly appeared. In need of any distraction from her dreadful thoughts, Ena slumped her shoulders and allowed the girl to guide her to a place where they could rest. 

Ena groaned as she stared at the building in front of them. It was a karaoke lounge; of all the places they could have found, it had to be a place that neither she nor this girl would enjoy. This kind of place would be more suitable for a group of friends, not two junior high students, looking for a place to get away from the rain. That said, the storm was so bad that Shibuya Station was closed, so she couldn't just take the train home.

“It looks better than that hotel. Once the rain stops, we can go our separate ways,” the girl said as Ena took notice of the wonder in her eyes.

Had she never gone to a karaoke lounge before? 

“Yeah, whatever, it’s not like we’re friends.” Ena shrugged her shoulders. “What’s your name, anyway?” 

“Just call me Yuki,” she said with that annoying, bland tone. 

Ena bit her lip as she contemplated telling Yuki her real name. However, after a couple more seconds, she huffed and averted her eyes. “I’m En-Enanan.” She muttered, thinking it was safer to use that than her full name. 

“Enanan?” Yuki questioned and tilted her head with a strange, yet cute expression on her lean face. 

“Yeah, got a problem with that?” Ena asked and glared at Yuki to show her irritation. 

“No, it’s…cute,” Yuki said with a nod. “It suits you.” She said, but still held a little interest in her tone. 

Ena, for some reason, felt her heart skip a beat at the unexpected compliment. No, that couldn’t be what it was. The name was so unoriginal that a toddler could come up with it. Was Yuki mocking her? Why would she say that in the most random way possible? What had she meant when she said it suited her?

Lost in her mind, Ena wasn’t ready for Yuki’s next move. Her eyes widened when Yuki tugged her toward the glowing building with colorful neon lights. The imagery had given Ena a warm wave of memories of the times she and Airi shared one of these music-filled rooms. The joyful laughter and the loud singing they did was something Ena would love to experience again. 

Upon entering, the two were greeted by a woman with a pleasant smile on her face. After Yuki explained the situation, they were given a discount, both of them splitting what little money they had left to pay for the hospitality the place could offer. When they settled inside one of the soundproof rooms with glasses of water. The two junior high students just stared at either their hands or the table. 

“Why were you crying back at the crosswalk?” Yuki asked, which made Ena almost jump. 

“Haaah?” she gawked before crossing her arms to hide her discomfort. “I wasn’t crying? I just wanted to keep my final project safe.” 

“Do you attend that art class?” Yuki asked another question as she observed Ena like a specimen. “One of the girls in my school goes to the same one. Is it true that the teacher is a professional?” She added with zero curiosity despite her polite demeanor. 

“Oi, cut it out. Your fake interest is annoying me,” Ena growled as she stood up from the couch she was on. “You don’t give a damn about art. You’re just trying to pass the time.” 

“I was being polite,” Yuki stated before going into her schoolbag to pull out a book. “If you want to sit here in silence, I don’t mind.” 

“You are so insufferable,” Ena almost shouted as she reached forward and grabbed the collar of the girl’s sailor-fuku before yanking her out of her seat. “What do you want from me?” She hissed out with anger. “I’ve already had to hear it from my damn teacher and my fucking dad that I’m talentless. What’s your deal trying to make me talk about something that makes me feel nothing but pain!?”

“Sorry…” Yuki muttered as Ena’s hold loosened on her uniform. “I’m…not very accustomed to these types of conversations. I’ve never really been invited to hang out with anyone before.”

When she heard that, Ena felt a surge of pity for the girl as she let go and sat back down on the couch opposite her. Yuki took that opportunity to return to her seat as her attention went to Ena’s bag in the far corner. The interest in her gaze was more genuine than before as she looked back at Ena with those dimly lit eyes.

“What?” Ena barked as she watched Yuki’s lips morph into an irritating but cute pout. 

“Would you mind if I see your drawings?” Yuki asked as she continued to stare at the bag. “I’ve never really had a passion for anything, and would like to understand the concept through yours.” 

“Haaah? That’s weird. Nothing excites you, not even good grades?” Ena asked with astonishment as a chuckle escaped her lips at this strange girl’s request. 

“Yes, that’s why I’m asking if I could look at your art?” Yuki deadpanned. 

Ena narrowed her eyes at the girl before letting out a resigned sigh. “I guess, but be careful,” she shrugged, trying to seem nonchalant.

Yuki nodded as her hand reached out for the bag and placed it on her lap with caution. She opened the flap and pulled out a soft-covered sketchbook, followed by five canvases behind it. Ena took a steady breath as Yuki flipped through her sketchbook first. Those indigo eyes were studying each drawing critically as they skimmed through the pages in a way that was both intimidating and intriguing. Yuki had to even tilt her head slightly by the time she had reached the end of the book, her brows furrowed, confused. 

The artist swallowed once Yuki had finished before feeling a trail of cold sweat trickling down her face when those cold eyes began inspecting the canvases she chose to observe. Yuki's eyes widened at the first two, while a frown formed on the last three. However, the last one made the girl blink a couple of times, which made Ena feel nervous about the outcome of this sudden examination.

“The first two paintings were better,” Yuki said before looking at Ena with those dull eyes. “It's the same with your earlier drawings. They had more, I don’t know, concept, depth? I could understand what you were trying to convey.” She mused as she took her time to put the material back into Ena’s bag. 

“They’re messy, though, and not detailed. My later drawings were better structured!” Ena blurted out, frustrated. “They’re more in line with those of talented artists!” 

“I see, but they don’t have anything other than the figure and basic design,” Yuki shrugged as Ena’s temper rose from this person who knew nothing about art. 

“How would you know!?” Ena growled at this insufferable girl. 

“You had more passion and vibrancy in your earlier ones, they just drew me more into your mindset,” Yuki sighed as she crossed one leg over the other. “Your later ones are just a mess and that’s it. I don’t know what you want me to understand about them.” 

“Shut up! You don’t know anything about the subject. Stop acting like you do!” Ena demanded as she got back onto her feet, ready to leave. 

Yuki, however, grabbed her wrist and stopped her dead in her tracks. She reached into her own bag and took out a composition notebook, which Ena noticed was scratched on the hardcover. Yuki appeared reluctant at first, but then handed it over to Ena. The artist, baffled by the gesture, took it and looked through the pages, her eyes widening as she came across pages upon pages of beautiful but depressing written lyrics.

“Y-you wrote all of this?” she asked in surprise before sinking beside Yuki on the couch. 

“Yes, it started as a way to help me understand myself, but I ended up with all these…other verses. I don’t take any joy or pride in what I wrote, but it does calm me down a little.” Yuki murmured as her eyes averted from Ena’s while her hands fidgeted with her skirt.

This revelation made Ena feel more confused and yet comfortable around Yuki. She relaxed as she flipped through the rest of the notebook with mild interest, jealous of the talent that projected from the girl beside her. Ena remembered what Yuki had said and still couldn’t understand what she meant by her earlier drawings, showing more than the later ones, which were better sketched and cleaner. 

“How do you see more in my earlier crap than in the ones I worked so hard to make perfect?” Ena muttered as she felt tears building up in her eyes. 

“I don’t know…” Yuki said, which made Ena want to strangle the girl as her blank eyes held nothing but darkness. 

“Haah!?! How can you not know? Look at this, you have so much talent, I bet you get straight As’ in all your classes cause you were born with the ability to do everything right!” Ena argued and pushed Yuki down on the couch, feeling angry and hurt by the indecisive answer. 

“Talent is never gifted. It’s earned through hard work,” Yuki whispered in a somber tone, catching Ena off guard when the girl looked up at Ena with her now soulless eyes, no longer dim with that little light from before. “I was told since I was a child to work hard to have a better life. When I wanted something, I was told it was never enough. Every day, instead of going out with my classmates, I would either go to cram school or return home to study until I needed to go to sleep. That is why I can do things better than others—because I work hard to accomplish it.” 

“So do I!” Ena cried out and balled her fist before hitting Yuki on the shoulder. “Every fucking day I try to make my art live up to Otou-san’s caliber, but I can never reach it, with him, Yukihira-sensei, or even myself.” 

“Then don’t stop. Keep drawing until you are really satisfied with what you create. Don’t let his words affect what you want. What’s wrong with wanting to be praised, to wanting to be appreciated? Embrace those compliments and keep going.” Yuki raised her voice again as her eyes looked at Ena in a way that made the artist tear up.

“I don’t understand…” she whispered as Yuki averted her eyes. 

“I just don't want you to stop doing something you like. At least you have that, rather than nothing at all,” Yuki mumbled as she gripped her chest. 

Ena felt her heart breaking at those words, as well as a sense of understanding. Yuki clearly wanted to give up on everything, feeling that this unlimited supply of talent she possessed had nothing to offer. It made Ena grit her teeth and yank the girl back up into a sitting position. Her eyes now focused on her bag while trying to ignore Yuki’s mild curiosity and cute but annoying ticks.

“Oi, would it be okay if I get your number? We don’t have to exchange names or anything. I just, this, whatever this was, kinda helped me,” she muttered and blushed a little. “You’re one of the few people who can be honest about my work and I’d like to hear your critique…or just talk.” 

Yuki stayed quiet after she said that, making Ena regret what she did as the other girl shifted in her seat and took out her phone. The move made Ena’s eyes widen as the girl opened the device and gave Ena the screen where it asked for contacts. 

“I’ll text you mine,” she told her as she waited for Ena to give back her phone.

“Right…” Ena said when she typed out her information and gave it back to Yuki.

After that, Yuki texted her and Ena added her to her contact list. She felt a little giddy at the thought of having someone other than her family or Airi on it, which was strange considering Yuki wasn’t the best company. However, she was enough to keep this contact.

“Since we are here, do you know any good songs we could sing?” Yuki asked in that monotone voice. 

“There are a couple…do you listen to Vocaloid?” Ena asked as she took the menu on the table in search of one. 

When Yuki scooted next to her to look at the menu, Ena's cheeks heated up a little. Yuki was a super pretty girl, even if she was also impassive all the time. Ena almost jumped when Yuki’s fingers brushed against her left shoulder, but ignored the goosebumps traveling down her arm. 

After all, they weren’t even friends. 

The moment Ena got home, she ignored her brother’s concerned eyes and her mom’s warm but relieved voice. Her dad didn't even bother to ask her how her class went as she rushed upstairs to her room. Ena felt tired as she collapsed onto her bed, the words that Yuki had told her still ringing in her head as she turned on her back to stare at the ceiling. 

Her thoughts preceded everything Yuki said about her earlier work, and it made Ena wonder what happened that made her love for the subject dissipate. Of course, Ena knew what started this downward spiral. It was her dad and his stupid, hurtful comments that made drawing become nothing but a painful experience. She blinked back her tears as she recalled what he said, making her grit her teeth before springing off her bed. 

“I’ll show him…” she growled to herself as she turned to her duffle bag. “I’ll prove to him, no, everyone, that I’m talented.”  

After she said that, a notification came from her phone and she picked it up to see a message from Yuki. 

Yuki: Hello, I got home. Okaa-san was not happy and I made her cry…

Ena felt her heart drop at the text as she recalled what Yuki told her about working hard. The artist pieced together that it was her mother who told Yuki all that, which explains the other girl’s hollow eyes and bleak outlook. She didn’t know what to write back, but Ena knew she couldn’t leave Yuki alone right now. Not after Yuki stayed with her at the karaoke lounge until she felt better. 

Ena: huh? It was like a monsoon out there? She shouldn’t be mad that you were late?!

Yuki: I guess, but I could’ve gotten home early if I didn’t suggest we go somewhere to wait out the storm…

A frown formed on Ena’s face when she read that reply, her legs standing still as she contemplated her next message. Yuki, blaming herself for what happened, just didn’t sit right as she felt anger towards Yuki’s mother. 

Ena: look, you did nothing wrong, don’t beat yourself up about this. i was the one who wasn’t looking where she was going…

Yuki: It wasn't your fault though. This was all my idea. 

Okay, now Yuki was being unfair and hypocritical. Ena growled to herself as she sat back down on her bed and hugged her plush pillow. She was not going to let this idiot blame herself for something that she caused. Even if Yuki was a stranger, Ena just met today. 

Ena: don’t be a hypocrite, so what if you wanted to take a break? 
Ena: your mother shouldn’t be mad at you for being concerned about your safety? right?

Yuki: I see…it did seem reasonable.

Ena: obviously, it’s common sense. from what you’ve told me, you deserved a break

Maybe that sounded harsh, but Ena didn’t know if she wanted to get closer to Yuki. Hell, they were still using their code names in their texting, and yet Ena hadn’t felt this close to anyone since meeting Airi. 

Yuki: Thank you Enanan, that made me feel better. 

The artist’s heart beat faster than usual in reaction to the other junior high student’s gratitude. Ena bit her lip as she fell back onto her mattress and tried to keep her mind from racing or the heat growing across her cheeks. She took a deep breath when Yuki sent a text emoji, making Ena roll her eyes as she smiled a little at the other girl’s weird but cute message. 

Yuki: Goodnight.

Ena: night yuki, sleep well

Ena’s eyes widened at the last thing she texted to Yuki. Why did she write ‘sleep well!?’ They weren’t even friends. That sounded way too intimate for just strangers like her and Yuki. What was happening to her? This was like her friendship with Airi, which hinted at Ena’s growing attachment to Yuki. Really? After just two hours at the karaoke lounge?

“Gaaah, what’s wrong with me!?” she screamed into her pillow, trying to stop her reddened cheeks from growing hotter.  

Another chime answered her question as Ena opened her phone to see a second ‘Thank you’ from Yuki, followed by a ‘You too’. Ena felt light reading those two very short but effective messages. Her body was curling itself as she savored the genuine warmth from Yuki’s text. It made her think about Airi and the times they hung out after school. Maybe, just maybe this thing with Yuki could become a genuine friendship——no, Ena wasn’t going to think that. 

Then why did she ask for Yuki’s number and LINE…

Ena grumbled as she tossed around on her bed, trying to find a better position to relax in while more stupid thoughts plagued her mind. The amount of energy spent on this one girl was crazy and she should focus on her projects. Projects that involved her tablet and illustration, not paintings. Ena sighed as she lifted her head again to look at her easel, knowing she needed to focus on that kind of art instead of those meaningless computer drawings. She had to step up if she wanted to reach her dad and impress Yukihira-sensei. Just like Yuki said, Ena had to keep painting until she was satisfied. 

Though, what should the subject be?

Images of Yuki flooded her mind and Ena's nose wrinkled at her strange attachments towards that girl. She shook her head and forced her attention around her room, searching for anything until her eyes landed on the vase of narcissuses. Those flowers were what she should be drawing and getting inspiration from, not some girl. 

It was annoying how Ena couldn’t escape the memories that could bring so much pain, but some form of happiness. A sigh escaped her as her eyes looked up at the ceiling and remembered the sad look on Yukihira-sensei’s face when he told her there was nothing he could say. Those words from him scared Ena, which was more disturbing since he never passed up an opportunity to criticize her work. 

“Like he was giving up on me…” she muttered to herself as she tried to stay calm. 

A ring from her phone jolted Ena as she lifted it to see Airi's contact on the screen. With a little frown, Ena reluctantly answered the call and put the cell phone near her ear. 

“Hello?” Ena greeted as the girl from the other side let out a big sigh. 

“Oh good! I thought you got caught in the rainstorm after getting out of your art class,” Airi said with relief in her voice. “Shibuya Station was shut down because of the flood warnings.” 

“Don’t worry, I waited it out with a friend from class and then we walked to the bus station,” Ena assured her friend as she closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. 

“Is that all?” Airi questioned while Ena yawned a little.

“What do you mean by that?” she huffed indignantly while trying to ignore Airi’s nags.

“Just making sure you didn’t get caught up by anything else,” Airi teased her, which made Ena pout. 

“Hah? Do you really think I’d get sidetracked and go to a cafe—-not a word,” Ena groaned as she realized she would’ve done just that if she were in a better mood. 

Airi giggled at her on the other side of the line. “Well, I’m glad you’re doing okay then!” she said in a soft tone that made Ena sigh. 

“Yeah, yeah, did you um get home safe from whatever you’re up to after school?” Ena tried to steer the conversation away from her.

“Not yet, I'm waiting it out in the music store. Just what I needed,” Airi told her as a sigh escaped the aspiring idol’s mouth. 

“Oi, it’ll stop soon, hopefully. I was just lucky enough to find a bus station with my friend…” Ena muttered as she recalled sharing a seat with Yuki. “She’s a little odd, to be honest.”

“Ohh, the same friend from class? What’s she like?” Airi teased her as Ena fought off the heat growing across her cheeks. 

“Super talented and a pain in my ass,” Ena muttered as she turned her head to look at her desktop. “She even has a good singing voice…” 

“Ne, is she better than me?” Airi asked, making Ena snort at the playful tone she was using.

“Nah, you still have the better voice, but she writes really well…and I guess her drawings are fine too…” Ena shrugged while praying Yuki sucks at art.

“She must be exceptional to be in the same class as you,” Airi mused with an airy laugh.

“Actually, she prefers to write, but even then she doesn’t seem that into it…” Ena sighed as she thought about Yuki’s words. “In fact, I think she feels empty…even with everything. She was taught early that working hard would give her a happy future.”

“Feels empty? What, like she doesn't put effort into things?” Airi asked bluntly, which made Ena’s frown deepen.

“Y’know…That’s what I thought too, but the more I was with her, the more I saw how hard she works to achieve even the littlest of things…if that makes sense,” Ena murmured as she recalled Yuki’s effort to find the karaoke bar and bus station. 

“I don’t know whether to feel bad for your friend or inspired,” Airi said in a somber tone. 

“Me neither. Although, I’ve noticed the bags under her eyes and wondered if she even sleeps,” Ena sighed and rubbed her neck. 

“If there are bags under her eyes, then it’s obvious she stays up late studying,” Airi stated matter of fact. 

“Yeah, kinda like me when I work late on one of my paintings…” Ena trailed off as her focus shifted to her desk.

The two continued to discuss Yuki's sleep problem. Airi even went so far as to suggest to Ena to ask the girl about it. That was an interesting idea, but also too risky with the level of tension between her and Yuki, not to mention they weren’t even friends. Or that’s what Ena wanted to believe, which made it seem hard to do, considering her growing concern for the other girl.

“Anyway, what’s up with you?” she asked, looking for a way to avert the conversation, so that she could regroup from the previous topic.

“Nothing really, just browsing at the new hit singles,” Airi said, with a hint of boredom. 

“I see…” Ena nodded while shifting her phone to her other ear. “Well, hopefully, you can get home safe…I gotta finish up some homework I’ve been holding off.” 

“The one for Hito-sensei? I got that done when I was at the library,” Airi snickered as Ena let out a tired sigh. 

“Oi, shut it, I’ll get it done before 11 pm,” Ena rolled her eyes, annoyed. “Just stay safe, okay? Bye.” 

Once Airi said goodbye to her, Ena hung up the phone and forced herself out of bed to walk over to her desk. She then slumped forward, took out her homework, and began to work. 

Chapter Text

Over the last two months after that cold, rainy evening. Ena had met up with Yuki at the same small karaoke lounge four more times. Throughout the meetings, the two had interacted about their struggles but also learned to enjoy the other’s company and comfort. It was weird that Yuki had so much of an effect on her, but every time Ena wanted to scream or tear her work apart, the strange girl would counteract that desire; which also made the artist think more about finding a better solution than wallowing in self-pity. In the end, she would always end up agreeing to what was being said. Just like an entranced moth following a flame to its impending demise.

Ena had to sigh to herself at the strange comparison as she wrapped her scarf around her neck. A puff of air escaped her lips as its visible vapor reminded her of the biting January weather, a clear sign that warned her to get home and not wander around. However, just as her footsteps crunched on top of the snowy surface of the sidewalk that had been building up since this morning. Ena had noticed a familiar figure sitting on the cold bench near Shibuya Station.

“Yuki…” she said out loud as she saw the taller girl’s slumped body against the uncomfortable seat. 

The girl raised her head from the call of her name as those dim indigo eyes reflected in Ena’s shining gaze. Yuki looked tired, no, more like exhausted as she stared at Ena with little cognitive awareness. Okay, so Ena knew Yuki was going to be busy this month, but the artist didn’t think she would also try to die in the process. Just what the hell had this girl been doing to make herself look this bad? Even the crevices under Yuki’s eyes were darker than usual, and it scared the hell out of Ena.

“C’mon, we’re going to eat and you better tell me what the fuck happened this month,” Ena reached her hand out to the girl. 

“Okaa-san, I have to, today is…” Yuki trailed off, but took hold of Ena’s hand as her fingers tightened their grip upon contact. 

“You can tell me when we get there,” Ena said in a clear voice before tugging Yuki forward, away from the flurry of falling snowflakes. “If you stay out here too long, you’ll end up with a cold.”

“Sorry…Enanan,” Yuki whispered as she leaned into Ena’s shoulder while the two walked further away from the crowded shopping area. 

“What are you saying sorry for? I wanted to hang out,” Ena rolled her eyes in exasperation as she tried to stay focused on where she was going. 

“Really?” Yuki asked, unsure, as her dark eyes glanced up to give Ena such an innocent expression. 

“What do you think?” Ena sighed before giving the other girl’s hand a reassuring squeeze. “I don't do this type of shit for anyone, Y’know?” 

“I see…” Yuki mumbled before burying her face into Ena’s shoulder, which made the situation even more awkward for the artist, who was now hiding her blushing cheeks with her scarf.

Seriously, sometimes Ena wished Airi was here to make this—whatever this was—easier. Yuki was such a hard person to read; which made the artist anxious about every single thing she did or said to the strange girl. It was so annoying and caused Ena’s heart to race as she dragged Yuki along the icy road that led them to one of Shibuya’s secluded areas. 

When they entered, however, a sense of sereneness and beauty radiated throughout the alleyway. That made Ena feel more comfortable as her pacing lessened to a simple stroll. Her eyes were now fixated on the bright neon-colored sign up ahead that shone a welcoming glow. It made Ena take a deep breath as her gaze moved only a fraction to stare at Yuki’s soft hair. 

"We don’t have to go in if you don’t want to..." Ena mumbled in a soft voice, her eyes never wavering from the other girl’s figure. 

“I want to…” Yuki whispered with little emotion as she pulled away from Ena and glanced at the karaoke lounge sign with flickering interest within those dark depths. 

“Then let’s go in already. I’m freezing my ass off!” Ena huffed, but had a teasing grin on her face before offering her hand again. 

Yuki hummed a little at the request as she glanced down at Ena’s face to see if she was being sincere. Once she figured she could trust the artist. Her fingers slipped into the cracks between Ena’s, locking them together. Ena felt a bubble of emotions in her chest as Yuki’s cool skin mingled with her warmer touch, making the experience a lot more intimate than usual. 

“Today is my birthday…” Yuki said with a somber expression. 

It all clicked together in an instant as Ena realized how significant this was for the other girl to admit that. She stared at Yuki, shocked that she wasn’t out celebrating with her friends, and yet the sadness in her voice. Broke Ena’s heart as she looked to the side with a small frown on her face. 

“Then what are we waiting for?” Ena said in a sincere tone. “Let’s celebrate!” she smiled and tugged the other girl into the building, leaving no room for protest. 

She was gonna make this one of the best birthdays Yuki ever had. 

Once they were settled in a private room, Ena pulled off her warm winter coat, beginning her plan. The artist got up from her seat on the couch and was just about to walk out the door when Yuki suddenly grabbed the sleeve of her school blouse. Ena jumped a little, tilting her head back and raising an eyebrow at Yuki.

“Oi, let go, I’m only going to the bathroom,” she said as she struggled to get out of Yuki’s grip.

The silence between the two became awkward real quick as soon as Yuki let go of her. Ena was both confused by the situation and amused as to why Yuki had done that in the first place. However, before delving further into that, she exited the room and made a beeline to the reception area, smiling when she saw the old host standing behind the counter. 

“Hello!” she greeted the woman with a small smile. 

“Ah, Enanan-chan,” the kind host said and bowed to her respectfully. “This is rare. Is something the matter?” 

“Hah? Oh no, I just wanted to um, inform you it’s Yuki’s birthday and well, she’s a little sad about it for some reason…” Ena explained as she tried to keep herself peppy. 

“Oh, hmm,” the older woman pursed her lips in thought. “I’ll see what we can do for her. Now go back to the room and keep her company, alright?”

“Thank you!” Ena bowed before scurrying back to the room she left Yuki in. 

However, when she returned, Ena noticed that Yuki had her textbook open, along with a worksheet splayed over the little tabletop. Her mood, souring almost instantly at the other girl’s actions. 

“Seriously? Put that away. We’re here to party, not do homework,” she said as her eyes narrowed at Yuki. 

“But…Wouldn’t it be better to do it now than later?” Yuki replied in a dry tone. 

“No, it’s your birthday, dummy. It's all about having fun!” Ena insisted before crossing her arms. “Don’t make this into an argument.” 

“Yeah…” Yuki agreed before closing her book and scooting further to the right to allow Ena to sit down. 

Well, that certainly wasn’t the reaction Ena had expected from the lyricist as she took the free seat beside her and turned to pick up the microphone on the table. Her first thought was to suggest a song they could sing to pass the time, but that plan was scrapped the moment Yuki’s head landed on her shoulder. It was sudden, but Ena didn’t mind the extra weight as she recalled what Yuki had mumbled when she found her on the bench outside. 

“I don’t want to leave…” Yuki whispered with a quiver in her voice. 

“You know we have to eventually,” Ena sighed as she yawned into her sleeve. 

“Yes,” Yuki affirmed as her eyes glanced up at Ena with curiosity. 

“Yeah, now let’s have fun, okay!” Ena smiled as she grabbed the book of songs provided. “What do you want to sing, birthday girl?” 

“ Lost One no Goukoku ,” she said, making Ena lift her hand to thread her fingers through Yuki’s hair. 

“Mind if I join you?” was Ena’s reply. 

Yuki shook her head at the question before pulling away from Ena to take the microphone in her hands. She then took a deep breath as Ena used the touch screen to begin the song. Her thoughts scattered around her mind as she tried to prepare herself for the angst-inducing lyrics. 

Now, usually, rock wasn’t one of her first choices when she listened to Vocaloid, but as soon as the drumbeat of this particular song came out, Ena was taken to a different state of mind. The loud and powerful sound it produced was chaotic as the guitarist played the rift alongside the drummer’s energy. All before Yuki’s angelic but haunting voice sang the first verses and made Ena’s heart skip a beat. 

hawatari suu senchi no fushinkan ga
A blade's edge with centimeters of distrust

ageku no hate joumyaku o sash ichatte
piercing through a vein at the end of it all

byoujaku na ai ga tobidasu mon de
sickly love spurts out

les paul sae mo kyouki ni kaete shimaimashita
Even my Les Paul guitar became a dangerous weapon

The way Yuki curled her fingers tighter on the mic when she got to the nonfiction line was hard to witness. Like, Ena could notice how Yuki’s eyebrows scrunched together when she sang the rest of the verse. It was a little move Ena wasn’t expecting from the stoic girl, which made the artist worry. More than she’d like to admit, given her usual mood.

suugaku to rika wa suki desu ga
I like math and science

kokugo ga doumo dame de kirai deshita
But I was never one for Japanese

tadashii no ga dore ka nayande irya
I'd worry about which answer was right

doremo fuseikai to iu ochi deshita
Jokes on me, both were wrong

honjitsu no shukudai wa mukosei na boku no koto
Today’s homework is my basic self

kafusoku nai fujiyuu nai saikin ni ikite ite
With just enough, with no complaints, living in the nowadays

demo doushite bokutachi wa tokidoki ni iya mainichi
But why do we sometimes— no, everyday

kanashii tte iun da sabishii tte iun da
Say we’re sad? Say we’re lonely?

Ena had to strain her voice to sing with the chorus of the melody. Her eyes, though, had not once left Yuki’s face as the other pushed herself, almost crying out the painful lyrics that seemed to resonate with her in a way. The sound made Ena’s heart sink as she watched Yuki grit her teeth, waiting for the guitar solo to seize before picking up the words of the second to last verses; until they went right back to the brutal chorus.

kokuban no kono kanji ga yomemasu ka
Can you read the kanji on the blackboard?

ano ko no shinshou wa yomemasu ka
Can you read the shape of her heart?

sono kokoro o kuroku someta no wa
Who colored that heart black?

oi dare nanda yo oi dare nanda yo
Who was it?  Who was it!?

soroban de kono shiki ga tokemasu ka
Can you do this problem on an abacus?

ano ko no kubi no wa mo tokemasu ka
Can you undo this collar on her neck?

bokutachi kono manma de iin desu ka
Can we keep going on like this?

oi dou sunda yo oi dou sunda yo
What're you gonna do? What're you gonna do!?

Yuki stood up, her eyes pricked with unshed tears when the final part came. Ena was rendered silent as she let her mic lay in her lap as the other let out a powerful belt. Eyes narrowed as her attention was on her schoolbag and the lyrics that poured out of her mouth.

“Do you remember the formula for area ratio? Do you remember the dreams of your childhood?” Yuki asked in that high angelic voice. “Who threw those dreams in a ditch? Hey, who was it!? You know who it was! ” she continued to question with so much emotion that Ena couldn’t help but tear up. 

“When are you going to grow up!? What is a grown-up anyway? Do you know who has the answers?” Yuki tore into the song as she closed her eyes before turning to Ena with a sharp and pointed look. “Hey, what should I do?” she pleads before the final lyrics echo in both of their minds. 

 I don't care anymore!

The guitar riff followed that as Yuki’s shoulders slumped before her body teetered to the couch. Just in time for Ena to lean forward and catch the exhausted girl in her arms, awkwardly might she add?

“Yuki?” Ena whispered as the other girl ignored her. “C’mon, what the hell was that abou—”

“I’m tired…” Yuki interrupted before snuggling further into Ena’s warmth and wrapping her arms around Ena’s neck to make herself extra comfy. 

Ena’s heart hammered at the proximity of her and the girl. Yuki, for the most part, was beautiful, and Ena wasn’t blind to the curves she had, especially for someone about to graduate junior high. A blush stained her cheeks at the thought, as she tried to appear cool and accept the comfort Yuki offered. Overall, even if Ena wanted the personal space, this weird hug wasn’t all that bad.

In fact, it was kind of nice; something that was needed for a long time as her fingernails slipped into Yuki’s soft curls and scratched the perch of the other girl’s head. Yuki shifted and rested her cheek on Ena’s chest as her heartbeat quickened by the intimate touch. The artist watched as Yuki relaxed, letting her move around so that her back was on the couch and Yuki was on top of her.

“Hmm,” was the only response from Yuki, as she buried her head deeper into the other’s embrace. 

Ena, however, kicked off her loafers and planted her feet on the cushion for better comfort. A clear indicator for Yuki to follow with her own shoes, joining Ena’s on the ground. 

“So much for celebrating, huh…” she muttered to herself as her eyes glanced up at the dimly lit ceiling. 

“Thank you, Enanan.” 

“Haaah?” Ena yelped, forgetting that Yuki was still awake. 

“Noisy,” the other girl pouted, her arms tightening around Ena’s midsection.

The artist swallowed hard at the move as she tried to keep her embarrassment at bay. This was nothing she had ever expected to happen with Yuki. It was just surreal that this stranger, whom she had only known for a couple of months now, made her feel wanted. Especially considering how cold and sometimes fake Yuki could be in front of other people.

Ena pressed her right hand against Yuki’s back, letting it stroke up and down the soft but lean figure. It was during these moments that the artist despised the existence of her hormones. Ever since she turned twelve, Ena had been experiencing mood swings and unwanted attraction toward not only boys but girls, too. So, to quell the desire that Yuki tempted. Ena leaned in and rested her chin on the top of Yuki’s head, which also led Yuki to crawl further up her body.

“Warm…” Yuki muttered and pressed further into Ena’s shoulder, wrinkling the artist’s sailor-fuku. 

“O-Oi?” Ena squealed as her face turned redder at the touch of Yuki’s lips near the crook of her neck. “Stop moving…”

“Then relax, you're too rigid,” Yuki retorted and squirmed a little before she ended up straddling Ena.

Now, this was not how friends, even good friends, would act. Ena’s face was on fire as she tried to find anything to deescalate the intimacy that Yuki insisted on. Her heart was on overdrive as she kept her hands still on the other teenager’s back, waiting for the sudden surge of emotions to subside. Thankfully, the gods must have heard her prayer because the next thing she knew. Someone was knocking on the door outside their private karaoke room.

“Hello, pardon the intrusion, may we come in!?” a polite voice came from the other side, making Ena and Yuki scoot away from each other. 

“Yes, come in,” Yuki said in a sickly sweet tone. That made Ena almost gag by how rehearsed it sounded. 

The artist ensured she was presentable as the owner of the karaoke lounge and one of her employees entered. Ena’s face lit up a little as she noticed the red velvet cupcake being brought to them, nudging Yuki to get her attention. At first, the other girl was perplexed by the gesture, but when everyone began singing “Happy Birthday” to her, Yuki’s smile faltered. The mood shifted from calm to troublesome for the two girls, as Ena tried her best to remain quiet until they were alone again.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Ena asked and glared at Yuki. “They gave you free cake and that’s your reaction to it?”

“I didn’t ask for it,” was Yuki’s response as she picked up the cupcake and unwrapped it from its foil. “Frankly, I’m not too fond of sweets.” 

“You’re joking, right?” 

“No, I haven’t had any since elementary. Okaa-san told me it would make me fat if I kept eating them,” Yuki stated, and shrugged.

“Your mom sounds like a bitch,” Ena spat out before Yuki took a bite out of the cupcake. “Ne, is that at least good?” 

“It’s delicious,” Yuki deadpanned before putting it back down and turning to face Ena. “Thank you.”

“For what?” Ena blushed a little as her eyes moved to look at the wireless mic on the tabletop. 

Yuki didn’t respond to the question. Instead, she dove back into Ena’s arms and rested her ear against the artist’s heart. Ena’s back collided with the armrest as they embraced, causing her legs to lift off the ground and their bodies to intertwine once more. Meanwhile, Yuki’s arms snaked around Ena’s back. Her hot breath sighed at the warmth Ena’s body emitted as her fingers skimmed their way beneath the hem of Ena’s school uniform.

“Cold!” Ena gasped, but didn’t do anything to move Yuki’s hands.  

“Soft…” Yuki mumbled as her breathing slowed and her body relaxed further in the hug. That ended up leaving Ena to her own accord as the artist’s mind reevaluated today’s events. 

In all honesty, even though Yuki had said little about her day and was also in a pretty bad mood, Ena enjoyed their time together. Unlike the rest of her classmates, except for Airi. Yuki was like a breath of fresh air, minus the times she acted like a phony. However, that flaw of hers also made Ena feel special, as much as she hated to admit it. That she was the only person who knew in a way how Yuki was feeling. Even now, she could tell how tired Yuki was, as the girl snoozed on her body. 

“You’re so annoying, y’know that?” Ena muttered out loud. “Seriously, I could be home right now, painting or something. Instead, I’m here, being your Dakimaru,” she sighed but couldn’t stop the small smile she fought from creeping its way onto her face.

—-

As another hour passed by, Ena’s foot fell asleep, which now made her position far more uncomfortable as she tried to ignore it by playing games on her phone; which was almost dead and needed to be charged ASAP. To make things worse, messages from Airi and Akito kept popping up on her screen; which interrupted her gameplay and added to her frustration. All as another loud ringing noise came out of nowhere.

“Hah? Make it stop!” Ena cried and dropped her phone before covering her ears. 

It didn’t stop though, not until Yuki had gotten up from her nap and reached for her phone tucked inside her bookbag. Her face, once mild, had morphed into pure terror when she read the caller ID.

“Okaa-san…” she whispered, more to herself than Ena.

“Yuki?” Ena tried to speak up.

“I missed her call,” Yuki muttered and balled her fists. “I was supposed to be back by now.”

“This early?” Ena argued, surprised at the strict curfew. “Isn’t it your birthday, though? You should be out. It’s a fucking Saturday.”

“I’m sorry, I need to go…” Yuki murmured as she tried to gather her things, only to be stopped when Ena grabbed her wrist.

“Listen here. I don’t know what’s wrong, but I hate that look on your face. It’s really dumb and makes me feel like a bad person for not saying anything.”

“I don’t understand…” Yuki tilted her head at the sudden declaration.

“I’m telling you, don’t be afraid to talk to me, or I don’t know vent to me about your shitty life.” Ena blushed as she tried to appear nonchalant about the whole thing, which didn’t last long. Since Yuki always had to have the last word.

The artist’s cheeks turned scarlet when the other girl dropped her bag and hugged her. However, this hug differed from the others. It wasn’t desperate or clingy; it was tender. Ena even had to lay her head on Yuki’s shoulder as the two sat there in silence, while the world around them blurred into nothing more but a water-colored painting.

“Thank you…” Yuki said with just the slightest hint of sincerity. 

“Yeah…whatever,” Ena mumbled and pulled away from the girl. Her eyes widened once she spotted a very small smile on Yuki’s lips. 

“What?” Yuki asked, confused. 

“You were smiling, like really smiling…” Ena answered her as she watched Yuki press two of her fingers against her face.

“I was?” 

“Yes!” Ena laughed as the other girl nodded with a little more light in her eyes.

It was almost dark by the time Ena and Yuki exited the karaoke lounge. Their footsteps crunched on the snow-covered asphalt as the former swung the paper bag in hand; which held Yuki’s unfinished cupcake. Ena then let out a tired yawn as her arms went above her head and stretched the remaining kinks from her back. All as her eyes wandered to her companion, who was still staring at her phone. 

“Oi, just call her already,” Ena said in an exasperated tone. “The worst she can do is yell at you.”

“I guess…” Yuki said in her lower register. 

“Hah? You guess? So you’re not gonna call her?” Ena frowned as her hands flopped to her side.

“No, not until I’m on the train,” Yuki said and pocketed her phone, trying her best to ignore it.

“You’re so lame. I would just call her and tell her to mind her own business,” Ena scoffed at the other’s cowardly decision. 

“You wear your heart on your sleeves. Has anyone ever told you that?” Yuki stated, which made Ena glare at her.

“Shut up.” 

“It’s not an insult,” Yuki explained, as that rare small smile formed on her lips. “You’re honest, which is hard to find in people nowadays.” 

“Oh…” 

A moment of clarity surrounded them as Ena felt her body grow hot at the compliment given to her. Yuki was such an enigma. Her entire personality was a mystery to Ena, as all she wanted to do was tear apart the girl’s walls and see what was hidden from the world.

“Enanan?” Yuki called out.

“Hah?” Ena shook her head, snapping herself out of her stupor.

“We’re at the station, you take a different train route right?” Yuki asked and pointed to the double doors. 

“Yeah…”

“Okay,” Yuki nodded before turning around. “Goodbye.” 

Ena didn’t like how that sounded. “Hold on there, don’t say that! It’s, see you later, okay? We will see each other again, before the start of high school.” 

Yuki's eyes brightened at that. “Okay, see you later Enanan, again, thank you for the birthday gift.” 

  Gift…what gift!?

That was what Ena wanted to know as she closed the door to her room and flopped on her bed, exhausted. This entire evening had been both relaxing and nerve-wracking, so much so that Ena didn’t know how to comprehend what had just happened. Her emotions were all over the place. 

“I don’t get it! We aren’t even friends, hell I don’t even know her real name. Why the fuck did I say any of that?” She asked herself before banging her head on the soft surface of her plush pillow.

Ena sighed a little once she had calmed down, though her heart still raced as she turned on her back to close her eyes. Images of Yuki overwhelmed her as she remembered the girl’s brightened eyes at the train station. The first genuine smile Yuki had, and the surprised expression afterward. It all happened hours ago and yet, Ena still couldn’t believe that. 

“She should smile more often. It’s pretty,” she muttered out loud before slapping her hand over her mouth. 

Why was she thinking about that? Why did she even bother saying it out loud? Where anyone can come in and hear her? At this point, Ena wanted to throw herself out the window. She was supposed to be focusing on her homework or art projects for her portfolio. Not daydreaming about a girl she just met months ago. Who again, still hadn’t given Ena her real name. 

“What the hell is wrong with me!?” Ena scowled at herself.

“You’re too loud,” a cracked voice called out as her eyes snapped open in surprise and met her little brother’s unimpressed face.

“Hah? Why are you in my room?” She growled and got up from her bed. “Don’t you ever knock?” 

“I thought you were in trouble?” Akito shrugged and pocketed his hands in his joggers. “Instead, you’re just rambling about some girl…” 

“I was not!” 

“Was too!” 

“Ugh, I’m not gonna argue with you,” Ena crossed her arms over her chest to close herself off from the imposing boy.

“Whatever,” Akito mumbled and rolled his eyes before walking further into her room. “Anyway, why were you late coming home? Kaa-san was worried, Y'know?” 

“Really? I hadn’t noticed. She didn’t say anything when I walked in,” Ena pouted as Akito shook his head in response. “Hah? I’m serious! She didn’t, and neither did Otou-san.”

Akito remained quiet after that as they stood there awkwardly and tried to sort out their differences. Ena rolled her eyes at the guy as a chuckle escaped her lips. 

“Oi!” Akito barked as his nose wrinkled in annoyance. “What’s so funny?”

“You were worried about me?” Ena smirked and took a step closer. 

“Shut up. I wasn’t worried. Like I said before, you were being loud,” Akito insisted and frowned. “I could hear you through the walls.”

 “You were eavesdropping?!” Ena gasped and slapped his arm. “I can’t believe you!” 

“Ow, I wasn’t! Like I said, you were being too LOUD!” He whined, holding his arm.

“Argh, just get out!” she growled and pushed him outside her door before slamming it shut. 

After that was taken care of, Ena wiped her forehead, walked to her desk, and took a seat in her chair. She then took a deep breath before reaching for her bookbag to take out her sketchbook. Now, with a pencil in hand, Ena opened the notebook and skimmed the pages until she found one that was blank. A frown formed on her lips as her pencil pressed against the paper and stayed still, without inspiration for what to draw. It made Ena’s brows furrow at the lack of concepts that came to her.

Well, except for one particular subject, but Ena didn’t want to believe that was all she was imagining. Even though that person was the only thing she could think about now. Damn Yuki, and her pretty face and aloof demeanor. 

Still, despite what her mind told her, Ena watched as her hand moved in a circular motion and drew a geometrical shape for the start of her sketch. The artist bit her lip when the pencil lined up the front of the face before etching out the intricate details of a young girl. It wasn’t difficult for Ena to realize that the girl she was drawing would become Yuki. Those upturned eyes with their subtle gleam of light should have been a dead giveaway.

“Argh, seriously!?” Ena complained and shut the book, before reopening it to continue what she started. She wasn’t keen on wasting paper, so she had to finish it. Even if the whole thing was weird for the fifteen-year-old.

Yuki’s smile, as small as it might be, was the hardest part to sketch out for the artist. She stuck her tongue out a little as she gently pressed her pencil on the paper to curve the line of it. That, she hoped, emphasized the hidden beauty Ena saw the first time Yuki showed her, which shouldn’t be that hard. Since Ena had, that image burned in her mind for the rest of her life.

“I really need to start my homework for tomorrow,” she muttered, but continued to draw the other girl stuck in her head like glue. 

It lasted another hour, and Ena raised the sketch above her head to examine it. Satisfied with what she drew, the artist ripped it from her book and shoved it into her drawer. The last thing she needed right now was to stare at the image of Yuki like a fool. Or worse, her brother finding it while snooping into her stuff, which she knew wasn’t something Akito would do, but she didn’t want to risk it.

Ena stretched her arms before turning on her computer to check her mail and other stuff. It’s funny, even though Yuki had been helping these past months with her critiques. Ena still didn’t have the confidence needed to register for the art schools she was looking into for high school. Instead, she found one that had night classes available, which for her was quite an advantage if she wanted to focus only on her goal and improve her skills. 

The artist browsed the internet a little more before she found a song animatic on NicoNico. Of course, it was a Vocaloid commissioned song called Inochi ni Kirawarete iru, though the composer was new. K was their name, which intrigued Ena as she clicked on it and heard a soft piano play in the background, a somber tune that drew her in until a soft voice could be heard. 

shinitai nante iu na yo.
Don’t say you want to die

akiramenaide ikiro yo.
Live on without giving up!

sonna uta ga tadashii nante bakageteru yo na.
How foolish it is to say songs with lyrics like that are correct.

jissai jibun wa shinde mo yokute mawari ga shindara kanashikute
In truth, I couldn’t care a bit if I died, but I’d be pretty sad if the people around me did

sore ga iya dakara" tte iu ego nan desu.
I suppose it’s some kind of ego; that goes “because I just wouldn’t like it”

tanin ga ikite mo dou demo yokute
Not caring if strangers live or not,

dareka o kirau koto mo fasshon de
And hating someone else just seems like some kind of fashion now

soredemo "heiwa ni ikiyou"
But “Live peacefully” nevertheless?

nante suteki na koto deshou.
What a wonderful thing that would be indeed...

gamen no saki de wa dareka ga shinde
On the other side of the screen, someone dies

sore o nageite dareka ga utatte
Lamenting that, someone else sings

sore ni kanka sareta shounen ga
Influenced by that, a young boy

naifu o motte hashitta.
Ran off carrying a knife.

These lyrics somehow made Ena think of herself a little as she listened and tapped her foot to the beat of the drum. The beautiful animatic was black and white but with splashes of pink and blue mixed. Whoever thought of the format could be as talented as her, with an excellent eye at that. Ena frowned as she listened more to the lyrics, her heart aching for the creator, K, as she seemed to understand what they were conveying in this song.


bokura wa inochi ni kirawarete iru.
We are hated by life itself.

kachikan mo ego mo oshitsukete itsumo dareka o koroshitai uta o
Pushing values and ego, as always, so very simply we broadcast songs about

kantan ni denpa de nagashita.
wanting to kill somebody else over radio waves.

bokura wa inochi ni kirawarete iru.
We are hated by life itself.

karugarushiku shinitai datoka
We who thoughtlessly say we want to die

karugarushiku inochi o miteru bokura wa inochi ni kirawarete iru.
And look at life thoughtlessly, are hated by it.


She listened to the rest of the song as more thoughts came crashing into her head, no longer caring about the homework she needed to get done. Ena hummed along to the music as more of its lyrics hit home. The one about loneliness especially stung her as she noticed her anti-social behavior as of late.

koufuku mo wakare mo aijou mo yuujou mo
Happiness, farewells, love and friendship;

kokkei na yume no tawamure de zenbu kane de kaeru shiromono.
They’re all goods that can be bought for money… within jokes made by comical dreams.

ashita shinde shimau kamo shirenai.
I might just die tomorrow you know,

subete muda ni naru kamo shirenai.
Everything might just end up being for naught.

asa mo yoru mo haru mo aki mo
Mornings and nights, spring and autumn,

kawarazu dareka ga dokoka de shinu.
Unchanging, someone dies somewhere.

yume mo asu mo nani mo iranai.
I don’t need dreams or even a tomorrow,

kimi ga ikite ita nara sore de ii.
If you’ll have lived on then that’s all I need.

sou da. hontou wa sou iu koto ga utaitai.
Yeah... That’s actually what I want to sing about.


Tears stung Ena’s eyes as the last bit of the chorus ended. The endless word of living echoed repetitively until it was over. The artist felt hollow as she tried to wipe the remaining droplets she couldn’t catch before, her heart heavy and full of pain as she thought about her life and how empty she felt. At least when she wasn’t with Yuki, with her, at least Ena felt less like a nobody.

“Fuck, life really isn’t fair…” she choked a little before more tears ran down her cheeks like a broken faucet. 

Chapter Text

The beginning of spring was amongst them as Ena looked through the window at the leaves regrowing on the branches of the soon-to-bloom sakura trees. She knew this should be an exciting month for her, but Ena wasn’t able to feel happy about leaving junior high especially since Airi will attend a different school, a private one at that. The artist signed to herself as she browsed the items in front of her in the bakery, which she stopped by before heading to the train station. Unaware of the figure behind her, who had reached out and tapped her shoulder. 

“Haaaah!” Ena jumped at the cool touch of the other person’s hand before turning around to meet the eyes of none other than Yuki. 

It had been a while since that snowy January evening. Yuki, since then, had been busy with her studies and was grounded for a month with no phone. At least that was what she texted her at the end of February and nothing else. 

Ena should be angry at the girl. “You fucking scared me!” she instead hissed as the other girl tilted her head. 

“Sorry, I saw you and wanted you to know,” Yuki said in a confused tone. 

Ena rolled her eyes at the answer. Leave it to Yuki to not understand what she did was weird and a little scary. It was like she was some ghost and Ena was her victim or something. 

“Okay, you got my attention. What do you want?” Ena asked and put her hands on her hips. 

“I wanted to meet up. You did say we should before the start of high school…” Yuki said with a serious look on her face.

“Hah? Right now?” Ena pointed out the ridiculousness of the proposal as the other girl’s eyes darkened and her lips jutted out in a small pout. Ena couldn’t resist that, not even if she closed her eyes. 

“Okay, okay, we can hang out. Just stop it with that look!” She relented and put her hands up to block Yuki’s face. 

“What look?” Yuki asked as Ena sighed in frustration, ignoring her question as she turned to look at the pastries assorted in front of them. 

There were all sorts of cakes on display. However, the one that caught her attention was the simple but elegant cheesecake in the middle row at the far corner. Ena smiled in delight as she looked at the cashier behind the register and ordered the sweet dessert. 

“Oh damn, I thought I had a ¥1000 on me,” she muttered before a ¥2000 was put on the counter. “Hah…?”

“I’ll pay for her!” Yuki chimed to the cashier with a polite smile. “Sorry for the trouble.” 

Ena’s eye twitched at the last remark as Yuki pulled away to make some distance between herself and the countertop. The artist glared at Yuki, who remained silent and smiling. It irked her so much whenever Yuki acted this way. The more Ena got to see it, the more she wanted to rip it apart. 

“Oi, knock it off, you know I hate that goody, goody act,” she warned the girl as the smile dropped and was replaced by Yuki’s usual expression. 

Once the cashier got her order, Ena smiled at the older person and grabbed Yuki by her wrist, exiting the bakery. The moment they stepped outside, Ena let go of Yuki and the two carried on side by side in the breeze toward the karaoke lounge. Yuki seemed to be lost in her thoughts as Ena caught her staring at her hand a few times; which made Ena stop walking. 

“Okay, do you want to hold my hand or something?” She asked in exasperation and tapped her foot. 

Upon hearing her, Yuki looked like a deer who got caught in the headlights. Her eyes widened only a little as her mouth opened and closed before looking away to nod her head. 

Ena couldn’t stop the giggle from escaping her lips as she reached out and took Yuki’s hand into her own. The girl perked up from the gesture as she squeezed tight in Ena’s hold. The artist spotted that same small smile that Yuki only reserved for her and felt more comfortable with the sudden change of plans. 

On their way, it was quiet and Ena felt warm with Yuki’s hand in hers. The feeling was pleasant and the other girl looked content as well. Something Ena had always considered rare since Yuki was on edge whenever she saw her. It just felt right to be here with Yuki. Ena had missed her a lot and wanted to see her again before they became busy for the next school year.

She had been so focused on the big art exam, and also acing the entry exam for Kamikou that she didn’t think of checking on Yuki after the text the girl sent her. Ena frowned at the thought, remembering how angry she was for the cryptic message before actually reading between the lines. She rubbed her thumb against Yuki’s knuckles as they walked. It made the girl relax and her arm bumped against Ena’s bare shoulder, causing a shockwave to trail down from its touch on her skin.

“Are you cold, you’re getting goosebumps?” Yuki stated, which made this even more embarrassing for Ena. 

“Hah? No, why would you say that?” Ena tried to brush it off, looking away.

“Your shoulder looks prickly,” Yuki said and stopped walking to unbutton her cardigan. “Here, put this on,” she insisted and draped the lilac sweater over Ena’s exposed shoulders. 

The warmth that it provided was pleasant and its subtle scent relaxed Ena as she identified the smell of ink and apples in its fabric. Enveloped by the comfort and protection it gave, the artist buried her nose into its seams and sighed at the softness. That was until her mind caught up with her body and Ena’s heart raced at the implications, turning her face scarlet while excuses formed in her head; some of them, more ridiculous than the first.

“Enanan?” Yuki’s voice called out, which knocked Ena back to her senses. 

“Ne, don’t be all chivalrous with me,” she said with a hint of annoyance. “C’mere, we’re going to share this.”

Easier said than done. The closer she and Yuki got, the more her confidence faded. Yuki, though, remained motionless, showing no signs of embarrassment or enthusiasm in her gaze. That made Ena feel anxious as she looped her arm over Yuki’s before noticing the little shiver from the other girl.

“Haah? Are you getting nervous? We’re just linking arms~,” Ena had to tease the other girl, trying to lighten up the mood. “Friends do this all the time.” 

“I see…” Yuki nodded, looking unbothered, save for the faint blush forming on her ears.

Ena was pleased by the reaction as she also noticed the droplets of sweat on Yuki’s forehead. It seemed like Yuki was shyer than Ena thought as she leaned closer to get a better look. 

“We’re friends?” Yuki asked, unsure. 

All the blood had gone to Ena’s cheeks and her face turned even redder at the slip-up. Truth is, it wasn’t bad to think that they were friends. However, she and Yuki were a lot more like acquaintances, since they only met up occasionally.

“Uhh, I mean, kinda, do you want to be friends?” she asked and rubbed her neck. 

“ I don’t know, but I like being around you,” Yuki answered, which made Ena roll her eyes. 

Leave it to Yuki to express uncertainty while being bold at the same time. Sometimes Ena couldn’t believe that the girl was real whenever she acted this way. Like Yuki was prone to act emotionless, and yet somehow she could also make Ena feel safe. 

Ena smiled a little as Yuki’s grip tightened around her arm, indicating that she felt the same way. It was during these moments that the artist could take joy in Yuki’s actions. Like a game that only Ena could play, with the reward being a new emotion unlocked.  

“Enanan, we almost passed the turn.” 

“Hah?” Ena blinked to look where Yuki was pointing, which was the alleyway behind them. “Oh yeah, let’s go then!” 

Yuki nodded and led the way this time. Ena felt she was in unknown territory as she followed Yuki into the secluded area. Her heart was pounding as the two walked to the small nook where the karaoke lounge was located. It was strange, whenever she went to these places or anywhere with Airi, Ena never felt this nervous. However, with Yuki she did; as if she was a shoujo protagonist with her main love interest. 

“ I must be crazy… ” Ena thought to herself.

“Why would you be crazy?” Yuki asked and turned her head, which made Ena realize she was thinking out loud. 

“Uhh, nothing!” she hurried and let go of Yuki’s arm, trying to hide her mistake over that mishap. “C’mon, we’re right there!” 

She caught Yuki tilting her head at that but followed her anyway into the building. Ena sighed to herself at the embarrassment that she was experiencing as she smiled at the owner of the place and asked for a room they could be taken to. 

“Of course, follow me please,” the woman said and guided the two girls into a private karaoke room, setting up the little table. 

Ena thanked the woman before taking a seat on the left-side couch. Her legs were aching as her back reclined against the soft cushion, savoring every second of its comfort. Yuki, though, remained still as her eyes stared at Ena with expectation, which made her look like a cute puppy awaiting their master’s command. 

“Hah? Why are you staring at me like that?” she questioned the other girl.

“I want to hug you,” Yuki said, straight to the point. 

“Haaah!?” Ena gawked and sat up on the couch, eyes bulging at the request. “I—-you can’t just say that so easily!?” 

“Why? You asked me a question, and I answered you.” 

Yuki was right, but that wasn’t what Ena wanted to hear. “It's weird, your answer was—argh, you’re so insufferable, you know that!?” 

“You don’t want the same thing?” Yuki pouted, which made Ena feel worse. 

“No, it’s not that. Just give me a moment to process this…” Ena sighed as she tried to calm down. 

Now that she had time to think about it, Yuki was being quite clingy since they ran into each other at the bakery. Something must have made her this touched-starved to ask Ena for this much attention. A frown formed on the artist’s face as she thought further about Yuki’s situation regarding her mother. It had to be her doing.

“Enanan…” 

“Okay, I’m ready,” Ena said in a serious tone.

“Hmm?” Yuki looked down at her with emotionless eyes.

“We can cuddle. That’s what you wanted, right?” Ena opened her arms and motioned Yuki to come down to her level. 

Yuki’s calm eyes lit up at the offer as she jumped into Ena’s arms, settling herself on the smaller girl’s lap as the two shifted to a more comfortable position. Ena held Yuki and placed her right hand on the other girl’s head. She then took in the other’s scent and closed her eyes, savoring the moment.

“Warm…” Yuki murmured as her hot breath sent shivers down Ena’s spine. 

“Hehe, you sure like being warm, huh?~” Ena cooed and scratched Yuki’s head with her blunt fingernails. “Just like a puppy, or maybe more like a bunny?” 

“I like bunnies,” was Yuki’s drowsy response, making Ena giggle some more.

It was odd, Yuki may act mature most of the time, but when her guard’s down, the girl could be such a different person. One that was more innocent and, dare she admit, adorable? 

Ena’s heart raced when that thought came as Yuki’s arms tightened themselves around her stomach. This was insane; she needed to calm down right now. All these weird ideas that were swarming in her head had to stop. However, the only way that could happen was to push Yuki off of her, which was something Ena didn’t want to do. 

Thirty minutes had passed as they lay there on the couch, motionless but comfortable. Ena yawned a little as Yuki snuggled further into her chest, making the artist swallow hard from the intimacy being displayed. She was still not used to this sort of stuff, even after they did it the last time they were here. To be honest, Ena wasn’t a touchy person, so it’s not that surprising for her to come to this conclusion. 

She could get used to it, though…

“Ne, since we’re here, you want to sing a song to pass the time?” Ena asked as casually as possible. 

“Hmm, I don’t mind…” Yuki responded and finally let Ena go. 

Ena had to bite her lip when she noticed Yuki rub the sleep off her eyes. The girl was too cute for her to handle, and it made Ena feel both envy and protective at the same time. 

“You choose,” Yuki offered as she waited for Ena to pick the song they would sing. 

“Right!” she answered in a high-pitched voice and picked the first song on the list presented on the touchpad in front of her. 

Suddenly, words popped up in the big flatscreen on the wall, followed by the soft strums of an acoustic guitar. Ena then heard Yuki read and sang the first verses, her tone uncertain as the artist watched her in silence, trying to figure out the message within the lyrics. Things, though, became more complicated when the song clarified its longing to be reborn as a pebble, driven by a profound fear of solitude.

Anata ni atashi no omoi ga zenbu tsutawatte hoshii no ni
Even though all that I want is for my thoughts to reach somebody’s ears and then listen

Dare ni mo ienai himitsu ga atte uso wo tsuite shimau no da
I have secrets that I can’t tell a single soul, and so I continue lying again

Anata ga omoeba omou yori ikutsu mo atashi wa iki chi nai no ni
The truth is that I’m really much weaker than you always seem to make me out to be

Doushite, doushite, doushite?
So why, oh why, oh why?

Kienai kanashimi mo hokorobi mo anata to ireba
If I live with all this sadness, with seams that have split, with you by my side again

Sore de yokatta ne to waraeru no ga donna ni ureshii ka
How happy I would be to smile and say “It was all for the best, okay?”

Me no mae no subete ga boyakete wa tokete yuku you na
And right before my eyes, everything blurs up, melting away all the lies

Kiseki de afurete tarinai ya
A flood of miracles still would never be enough

Atashi no namae wo yonde kureta
All because you called out my name, that one thing’s enough

Ena’s heart sank when she heard the slight crack in Yuki’s voice as if it was echoing the lyrics about lying and hidden truths. The artist, acting on instinct, reached out and grasped Yuki’s hand, intertwining their fingers as the song reached its peak. Its haunting words struck Ena to her core as her nails dug into Yuki’s knuckles with tears now pricking her eyes.

Anata ga ibasho wo nakushi samayou kurai naraba mou
If you’re only bound to lose your way and be all alone without a light

Dareka ga migawari ni nareba nante omoun da
Then maybe someone else could carry the weight and walk through the cold night

Ima sasayaka de tashika na minai furi
Pretending it’s okay we make it through another day

Kitto kurikaeshi nagara waraiaun da
We keep laughing on oblivious to the ever worse pain

Nando chikattemo nando inottemo santan taru yume wo miru
Although I vow and although I pray, all my bad dreams won’t go away

Chiisana hizumi ga itsuka anata wo nonde nakushite shimau you na
Every little thing that causes you a strain seem like they’ll take you far away

Anata ga omoeba omou yori oogesa ni atashi wa fugainai no ni
The truth is that I’m really more worthless than you always seem to make me out to be

Doushite, doushite, doushite?
So why, oh why, oh why?

This stupid song. Why was it making her this emotional? Ena wondered as she continued to sing that haunting chorus once again as the song reached its break. The calm playing of the drums and guitar soothed her from the turbulent feelings she was experiencing as her eyes focused on Yuki. Those dark eyes filled with genuine pain and fear, as her lips quivered, readying to cry. 

Ena scooted closer to Yuki and pressed her forehead to the other’s. Throughout the entire instrumental part, their eyes were locked, and her hand instinctively moved towards the shaky microphone held by Yuki. It was warm, so warm to be this close to Yuki, to stare into those murky depths and see the weak girl who had been crying for help since they first met. At that moment, Ena felt an actual connection to the girl, one that she was terrified of breaking.

Umarete kita sono shunkan ni atashi
Within that one moment, I was born in this world to stay

“kiete shimaitai” tte nakiwameitan da
I cried out loud “Can’t I disappear from this place?”

Sore kara zutto sagashiteitan da
Ever since that day, I had begun to search always

Itsuka deaeru anata no koto wo
For the one meant for me, for the “you” that’s coming

Yuki leaned closer to her as the final part came. Her voice held an unknown emotion Ena couldn’t identify as those last words poured from her mouth. The serenity of it all bathed the artist in a glow filled with warmth as she echoed the last and most important verse before letting her feelings guide the way. 

Anata no namae wo yonde ii ka na
Is it okay if I try to call out your name?

The answer was yes, as Ena tilted her head, closed her eyes, and was met with a gentle pair of lips. Her pent-up emotions exploded as her body melted into the embrace, engulfing her in a pool of euphoria. It had been so long that she experienced something this inviting and desirable. Ever since her father shattered her confidence, Ena had felt empty. Her entire persona was centered on art just like him, yet maybe, now, it could be something else.

It only lasted ten seconds, but the moment was engraved in Ena’s heart and soul as she parted from the other girl, only to realize what exactly they had just done. 

Oh, no…she just…

Horrified by her own actions, Ena pulled away from Yuki, her heart hammering as her hands grabbed her bookbag and ignored anything from the other girl who watched her in silence. Ena wanted to die, she wanted to just end it right there. Not only was she a failure, but she also wasn’t normal. 

All because she might have a crush on Yuki...

Shit, just admitting that made her want to vomit. Ena had to get out of here, she just couldn’t bear to see Yuki’s judging eyes or disgusted expression. She was a freak and Yuki didn’t deserve to be around someone like that. Tears welled up at the corner of her eyes, at the thought, as Ena sniffled a little before a hand grabbed her wrist and gained her attention.

“Enanan?” 

Ena flinched at the voice, the confusion tinging its tone. She shook her head, wrenched her arm away from Yuki’s torturous touch, and without looking back, ran out of the room. The artist knew what she did was cowardly, but she just couldn’t bear to face Yuki, not after realizing just how deep her feelings were. 

When Ena got home, she ignored Akito’s calls and ran straight to her room, slamming the door shut as she stripped off her clothes and buried her face in her pillows. Tears stained the material after Ena sobbed into them, ashamed of her actions as the taste of Yuki’s lips still lingered upon her mouth. It was repulsive to think this way, she needed to take a bath and wash all these gross emotions off. 

With that in mind, the artist pulled herself up from her bed and grabbed a towel as her feet walked on autopilot toward the bathroom, ignoring the concerned eyes of her brother and even her mother. She then closed the door behind her and made her way to the bathtub; drawing the hottest water imaginable as she tugged off her camisole and underwear. 

Ena felt dirty as she gazed at her reflection in the mirror before shifting her focus to the water. After taking a moment to calm down, she turned on the faucet again and added cold water to the mixture. As soon as she was satisfied with the results, Ena settled into the water and closed her eyes as her fingers gripped the sides of the tub. Still, Yuki’s rare smile and pretty face kept interrupting her attempt to relax, as memories of that girl filled her mind, causing her to clench her teeth.

“Fuck, stop, stop thinking of her like that.” She begged as she bit her lip and tried to rid these sinful thoughts. “I don’t want to like Yuki that way…” 

It was futile, though, and Ena bangs her head on the wall after that. Her vision spun afterward as she tried to control the situation and her blasted emotions. Images of the time when she and Yuki cuddled on the couch flooded her mind as her breathing labored at the suggestive undertones. Was what they were doing then bad as well? Had she taken advantage of Yuki this whole time? 

“What is wrong with me, dammit? Why am I thinking this way?” Ena shouted to no one as her hands splashed into the water, frustrated. “I really am disgusting, huh…?” she muttered before she reached out for the soap bar at her side. 

The invisible specks of filth on her skin had taunted Ena long enough as she grabbed her yellow loofah on the shelf and washed herself. Her usual routine was forgotten as she pressed the sponge hard against her and rubbed it at a much faster pace. The thought of Yuki hadn’t seized, though, despite her efforts to move on from the girl. Instead, her dumb head continued to torture her with even more provocative images, ones that were composed of Yuki’s lips and her soft flesh. 

“GET OUT OF MY HEAD!” Ena cried out, which didn’t go unheard. 

“Oi, quit yelling. What's going on in there?” Akito had to yell from the other side of the bathroom, which made Ena more angry. 

“None of your business,” she warned him.

“It is if you keep hogging the damn bathroom,” her brother retorted. “ I need to brush my teeth.”

“I'm naked. Don't you dare come in,” she tried to reason with the younger boy. 

“ Huuh? We've taken baths together when we were babies, Ena, it's no big deal,” Akito sighed, turning the knob to open the door. 

Ena threw her loofah at him, but Akito caught it with ease, raising an eyebrow at her— until he spotted the reddish mark on her arm.

“What the— Are you trying to peel your skin off?” he asked.

“LEAVE!” Ena pleaded, throwing her soap at him, only for the boy to dodge, swiftly moving toward the tub.

Akito was now in front of her, and Ena backed away from his hulking figure. Ever since his growth spurt last summer, the artist had felt a lot weaker and smaller whenever she was in the same room as him. Akito was no longer the shorter one of the two. He was at least five inches taller than her and still growing at that as his larger hand took hold of her wrist. Ena froze at the touch as her other hand shot up from the water and swiped her sharp nails across his face like a frightened animal. Akito cried out in pain from the impact and yet still held her arm, glaring at her with his now scratched face. 

Ena sobbed as she scowled at her brother. “Dammit, look what you made me do! I told you to leave me ALONE!” her voice cracked as Akito just looked at her with those big cat-like eyes. 

“Ena…” he whispered to her, before closing in. 

She froze when his stronger arms wrapped themselves around her shoulders, his hand now on the small of her back as tears burst from her eyes. This was all too much to handle for a girl her age. Ena just couldn’t take how much of a failure she was to everyone. All she could do right now was cry, bury her face in her brother’s shoulder and hope Akito wouldn’t ask her any more questions regarding her outburst.  

Chapter Text

Ena stared at the username with the snowflake avatar labeled ‘Yuki’. She had been like this for an hour after K invited her to this nightcord group alongside Amia. Her body clammed up as soon as she read ‘Yuki’s’ messages, feeling nostalgic and numb at the same time. 

No way it could be her…

There was just no way that this person could be Yuki. It was impossible. The Yuki Ena knew (kinda) wasn’t allowed to have social media or fun at that. She was an overworked and blunt girl with an unpredictable personality who got on Ena’s nerves on more than one occasion. So, it wasn’t surprising that Ena couldn’t wrap her head around this. Even the way this person typed was identical to Yuki’s old texts; which Ena hadn’t checked since that day, over a year ago.

Ping! 

Amia: oi, enanan, why haven't u introduced yourself to yuki. what’s wrong? 

Damn her rotten luck and this person’s timing. Ena sighed to herself as she shifted her attention to her inbox. Her anxiety was already skyrocketing as she tried to seem calm and not the panicked mess she was. 

Enanan: nothing’s wrong, im just trying to come up with a good introduction

Amia is typing…

Amia: enanan, ur being ridic, just say hi

Easier said than done — was what Ena wanted to type out as she tapped her finger on her chin and slumped forward near her tablet. If this person was indeed the Yuki she knew, Ena had a lot of explaining to do regarding their complicated relationship. That would also make Amia even more of a nuisance than usual, knowing their enjoyment of gossip and drama.

Ping!

K: hello enanan,  i assume you have gone to sleep and just wanted you to know i’m glad you are a part of this group now. your art really caught both me and yuki’s attention and both of us can’t wait to work with you. 

have a good night, k

Great, now she couldn’t write anything in the general chat without making K suspicious. However, the message was sweet in a cute way and made Ena feel a lot better after a while. A smile formed on her lips as memories from an hour ago came to mind. It was surreal how one invite from someone Ena had admired from afar could change her entire world. That and also the idea of being in the same group as her first crush. 

“If it’s really her…what am I going to do?” she wondered out loud and ran her fingers through her hair. 

Ena had gone a year without contact from Yuki, even going so far as to mute the girl’s contact from her phone. She felt so ashamed of her actions and believed that by now Yuki would have forgotten about her. It was for the better, Ena thought, as she remembered the miserable first couple of months at Kamiko. The only saving grace was when she first met Amia, who had liked the art she posted on Instagram. 

Just as she was about to call it a night, Ena heard her earbuds ringing. A gasp escaped her lips as she reached for her mouse and clicked on the button to answer it. Lo-and-behold, Amia greeted her with their chirpy voice and teasing attitude. 

“Ahh finally, you haven’t replied to my DMs Enanan, so mean of you~.” Amia said on the other side, which made Ena roll her eyes at their dramatics. 

“Hah? Is that all you wanted to call me about?” Ena grumbled as she stared at her nails.

“No, I just wanted to check up on you.” Amia replied in a more serious tone. “You haven’t said anything in the chat and you’re usually more talkative than that. What’s going on?” 

“I told you before, it’s nothing.” Ena snapped until realizing her mistake. “I-I’m sorry Amia, I just…”

“I get it. We aren’t really close friends, and I only help you when you ask. I just wanted to make sure you were alright.” Amia sighed as Ena bit her lip to keep herself from screaming. 

Amia may not be Yuki, but Ena was glad she met them over the past year. She was in a really bad state of mind after what happened and needed a distraction from the conflicted feelings. Too bad it couldn’t stop Ena’s fingers from brushing over chapped lips as she shivered at the remnants of her first kiss. Even in her dreams, Ena couldn’t run away from the need to see Yuki again. To pull the girl into a passionate embrace and hear her call out her name in the middle of a rendezvous. 

“Oi, are you still there?” Amia’s voice asked, bringing Ena back to her senses.

“I-I’m here!” she said too fast as her face grew hot. “I wasn’t thinking of anything.” 

“As if. I won’t ask though,” Amia snickered, as Ena smacked her palm to her forehead. 

“Thanks, I guess…” 

“You’re welcome, night!” Amia called out and hung up the call. 

Ena pulled out her earbuds after that and closed her eyes again. She was not in the mood to work on the project anymore as more of Yuki invaded her mind. At times like these, Ena wished she had more paint, as the urge to draw and create overwhelmed her need to sleep. With no direction whatsoever, the artist got up from her chair, walked over to her easel, and threw the unfinished painting of a vase to the side. 

Her heart was like a jackhammer as she picked out the purple and blue hues of the minimal amount of acrylic paint that she owned. A hand already pressing a pencil on the new canvas as it etched out the shapes of a girl’s face and features. How many times had she painted Yuki? Probably a dozen, if she was being honest with herself. Ena growled at the thought as she continued to add details to Yuki’s eyes and lips.

Of all the things she could have inspiration for, it had to be this damn enigma. Half her closet was filled with paintings of this girl, looking sad, tired, and sometimes a little amused. It drove Ena crazy. Yuki was the first person she could open up to, and she had to ruin it because of her feelings. 

“Argh, you are so insufferable, damn you!” She almost shouted when the sketch was finished, this time with Yuki’s hair undone. 

Ena shook as her hand dropped the pencil and reached out for a paintbrush. Her eyes went wild as the brush dunked into the clean water bowl to ready itself for the color that would soon stain its bristles. The vision was fresh in her mind as she held the palette away from her and soon gathered some of the navy mixture for the outline. 

“Stupid, why did you have to be so pretty and interesting?” the artist complained as tears built up in the corner of her eyes.

By the time she was done with her painting, Ena wiped her cheek, marking it with some purple paint she hadn’t washed off. It was almost two o’clock in the morning and she’d wasted all her time and energy on another stupid portrait of Yuki. 

What was wrong with her? 

Everything, to be exact. Ena was a walking disaster and no amount of glamour and bravado would fix that. 

After that first night, Ena eventually introduced herself to Not-Yuki and the girl couldn’t have cared less. She was blunt in her replies and didn’t appreciate having her time wasted. It was weird how rude she was compared to the others, making Ena feel like this person didn’t like her at all. 

Tonight, the meeting went on like normal. Everyone spoke on chat except for Not-Yuki, who preferred to type out her thoughts and progress, for some reason. Ena, while working, listened to Amia talk about the cute dress they saw at the mall today, nodding along to their tangent about the material as she tried to keep her focus on the group’s illustration. 

“How’s the first draft looking, Enanan?” K asked in that wistful tone of hers. “Want me to review it?” 

“Nah, I got it and will send it over to Amia for their thoughts later,” she reassured K with a small smile on her lips. “Just keep your focus on the composition, okay?” she added.

“Perhaps I could be of assistance? I may not know art like you and Amia, but I have been told I’m honest with my criticism,” Not-Yuki spoke up for the first time, causing everyone to stop what they were doing. 

Ena felt all the color from her face drain as her eyes widened at the familiar tone Not-Yuki used. It was sweet, too polite for her liking, as the grip on her tablet loosened and her pencil slipped from her fingers. 

“Ah, Okaa-san is calling me, gotta go!” She said in a rush before hanging up on the group call. 

Her heart was racing as her hands reached up to grip her head. A headache was forming along  her temple as nausea built up from her stomach to her throat. Ena’s breathing shortened as the world turned on its head. She couldn’t take it, she had to know if that person was Yuki or not. Once and for all. 

Ping! 

Amia: okay, what the hell was that? u just left us hanging, especially yuki. that was the first time she ever spoke up, we may never get that again? 

Amia: enanan, are u okay?

No she wasn’t, not at all. 

Enanan: im fine, I really had to get something for okaa-san. 

Amia is typing…

Amia: alright…just send me the draft when ur done, ill send u my notes on it later. 

Enanan: ok, thanks

Amia: no prob ;)

Ena took a deep breath as she let the silence pass. She was still shaken by hearing Not-Yuki’s voice for the first time, but after a little time to think some more. She had come to the conclusion that Not-Yuki sounded nothing like Yuki’s fake persona, it was too genuine to be forced. Yeah, Ena was just overthinking this, as usual. 

Ping! 

“Argh, Amia seriou—“ she began but stopped when noticing K’s DM notification. “Hah? Did I worry her too?”  

That was obvious…

It didn’t take a lot to put two and two together as Ena clicked on the private chat between her and K and was met with a string of questions. Some of them seemed like genuine concerns.

K: are you okay?  

K: i hope your mom got what she needed

K: if you ever need to talk, i’ll try to listen. 

K: you are very important to our group and I don’t want to lose you.

Ena smiled with teary eyes, reading that last message. K was such a kind person, and she didn’t deserve to be in the same group as her. She was too pure, unlike Not-Yuki. Who acted all high and mighty most of the time.

“Thinking she’s better than us…better than me,” Ena frowned as she pushed herself away from her desk. “Perhaps I could help—ugh, bitch.” She grumbled. 

The artist got up from her chair and stretched her arms. She took a deep breath as Not-Yuki’s voice still echoed through her ears. Sometimes she really wished she could just go back in time and never have met Yuki. However, if she was being honest, that was only because she missed the gloomy girl who saved her life. 

“It’s been a year and I still l-like her?” Ena complained and slumped on her bed, grabbing her yellow plush pillow Akito got her last year. 

However, just when Ena was about to go to sleep, her computer flickered, making the artist jump when she saw a girl with teal hair on the screen. 

“Save her…” the girl said in a monotone voice, then disappeared without a trace. 

“Haaaaaah!?” Ena yelped, fearing for her life like those characters from the horror movies Amia had egged her to check out. 

“Oi! Are you okay?!” Akito suddenly barged in with a soccer ball above his head. 

“I-I,” Ena tried to answer but knew if she explained herself she would just seem crazy to her brother. “I saw a bug! Get it!” 

“Huh? Seriously, a bug?!” he scoffed and looked around the room. “Looks like it got away, although you could clean your room to prevent that from happening again.” 

“Get out,” Ena growled as her brother rolled his eyes and exited the room. 

As soon as he was gone, Ena turned her attention back to the computer, running over to it to see what made it act that way. Only to stop tampering with the screen when she saw the strange girl again. 

“Save her…”   the computerized voice said again, staring at Ena with dead eyes. “ Please, save her…”

“Hah? Who, who do I need to…save?” Ena whispered as the girl vanished again, leaving her in the dark. 

She had to be hallucinating this person. What was happening? Was she going mad? It seemed like it if she started to see things. 

Wait, did that girl look like Hatsune Miku…

“What the hell!?” Ena asked no one and sat back down in her chair, at a loss for words. 

A few weeks after that weird phenomenon, Niigo had finished their first song and K uploaded it on Niconico. Ena, though, had been too focused on figuring out the mysterious girl in her computer as she went on a search to find out just what she was. In the end, the artist got nothing and was more annoyed than upset that she couldn’t find the person anywhere on the internet. 

Enanan: ne, amia, has your computer ever acted weird? 

Amia: ehh? why do u ask? did something spooky happen to u~

Amia: tell me, tell me! 

Ena already regretted asking them, as Amia teased her in their messages when all she wanted was a yes or no answer. The artist groaned as Amia continued to send scary images and gifs, making Ena creeped out as the next one sent to her was a picture of Sadako; the girl from Ringu.

Enanan: you are the worst!

Amia: ahahahaha ;)

Amia: okay but for real, what do u mean? 

Should she tell them? Ena wondered as she looked down at her tablet and saw the sketch of Miku she drew last night. At this point, Ena was obsessed with her as much as she was with Yuki. Maybe even more—-not a chance. 

There was no way in hell she’d be more interested in Miku than Yuki.

Okay, that came out wrong…

What she meant was that Miku was more of a current fixation and after she got what was needed, Ena wouldn’t care about the Virtual Singer.

“No, that’s not what I meant either…” she muttered and ran her fingers through her hair. “Argh, I just want answers.” 

That was all she wanted right now, answers and some sort of clarity. Just some relief that would make it easier to sleep at night. However, that would not be easy, especially with Not-Yuki waiting for her to join the call and start Niigo’s next project. 

Ena took a deep breath as she put her earbuds in and scooted closer to her computer. She clicked on the button to join the chat and as soon as she did that was greeted by K and Amia. Not-Yuki typed out her reply, but that was it when all was said and done. 

“Wow, we have so many followers now!” Amia said with excitement. “It’s almost up to a thousand and just after two days of release.” 

“I guess people really liked the video you made combined with Enanan’s illustrations and the composition,” K spoke up with a calm voice. “What do you think, Yuki?” 

Not-Yuki: It’s good.

A simple reply, but with no substance to it. In fact, what was said was pretty hollow and made Ena roll her eyes.

 “Just good? Really, that’s all you’re gonna say?” she scoffed.

Not-Yuki: Yes.

This was getting ridiculous, even for her. Ena wanted to hear that girl’s real thoughts, not read these stupid, cryptic messages. Not-Yuki wasn’t being honest and hiding from the others behind a screen. It made Ena’s left eye twitch just from that alone as Amia’s voice rang in her ears.

“Ne, Enanan, don’t be rude. Yuki doesn’t have to explain why.” 

“Hah? Why are you taking her side?” Ena argued. 

“Because the last time she tried to give some input, you left the group chat…” Amia deadpanned. 

“Oh…right…” Ena blushed and chewed her lip. “Look, I really had to do something for my mom, though.” 

“At three in the morning?” Amia asked. 

“S-shut up!” 

“Amia, Enanan, let’s not start fighting, please?” K interrupted them. 

“Sorry!”

Not-Yuki: Noisy

“Anyway, it seems to me many people relate to our song, but now we need to come up with a new one,” Amia said as Ena’s patience waned. 

“Okay, y’know what? If Yuki won’t talk, then I’m out. Send me the idea for the next song on our share drive when you’re done.” 

With that said, Ena signed off and turned away from her computer. She really should get some of her homework done before her night classes today. The rest of the day was spent on commissions and building up her portfolio. Something she still hadn’t started on. 

She should get to sleep. That would be the right thing to do, and yet Ena still felt too wired and anxious. The artist played with her pencil in hand and tilted her head up to look at the ceiling. So many emotions were simmering in her as she clenched the drawing utensil tightly.

It was good that Niigo was growing in popularity and Ena also got followers because of her selfies. She knew she was pretty, but those likes were just enough to make her feel better. An addiction that also helped her meet Amia but also made Ena think her body was the only thing she had going for her. 

“I really am a mess…” she told herself as she pulled her feet up on her chair and laid her face on her knees. “I miss Yuki… I wonder how she’s doing?”

A question answered as her computer screen flipped on again with Hatsune Miku, or a version of her at the center. Ena fell off her chair at the sight as she tried to understand what was happening. Miku, though, stared at her for a second before opening her mouth. 

“Find The Untitled Song, save her,” she repeated the same thing she said last time. 

“Hah? Untitled Song? Where!?” Ena asked as she went on her knees and took a hold of her mouse. 

She moved the arrow on the monitor to the shared document K created, clicking it open. There, right at the top of the file, was the Untitled Song . 

“She said to click this…right?” 

Ena tilted her head before doing said action. However, when she clicked on it, her room burst out into colors and computerized particles. Ena, overwhelmed by the explosion, shot up to her feet, screaming until she was engulfed in light and no longer in her room. 

When she reopened her eyes, Ena found herself in a white, empty void with a circular stage in front of her. Although that wasn’t the only thing Ena noticed as her eyes wandered to the two people next to her. One of them, the tallest, had pink hair in a side ponytail tied up in a red bow, while the other wore a track jacket and a pair of shorts. 

“Ne, do any of you know what’s going on?” The pink-haired one asked as they walked a couple of steps to the stage. 

“No, I was in my room, but there was a girl who called out to me. She looked like Miku…” the shorter one said softly. 

“Wait, is that you, K?” Amia asked and then pointed to Ena. “Does that mean the other person here is Enanan!” 

“Well, yeah, who else would I be?” Ena rolled her eyes as the other two looked at her with relief. 

“I wonder if Yuki is also here…” K whispered, but didn’t go unheard by the other two or the fourth person present. 

“Save her.” Miku said in front of them, popping out of nowhere at that. 

“Who?” Amia asked. 

“Mafuyu…”  

Mafuyu…who’s that? 

As Ena tried to understand what Miku wanted. K was the first to come to her senses as she took hold of the other girl’s hand and gently smiled at her. “Hello, my name is Yoisaki Kanade. It’s nice to meet you.” 

“Ohh, introductions! I’m Akiyama Mizuki, you’re so cute!” They bounced in place with their hands clasped together before looking at Ena. “And you are?” 

“S-Shinonome Ena, it’s nice to meet you K-Kanade, Mizuki.” 

Mizuki smirked at her reaction and was about to say something before remembering where they were. Right, the matter at hand of figuring out who the hell Mafuyu was and why she was important to Miku. 

“Where are we?” Ena asked out loud, embarrassed when the others turned to face her. “Oi, it’s a genuine question! We are totally not in our world right now!” 

“This is a SEKAI.” Miku answered her with her teal-colored eyes now focused on Ena. 

They looked dead inside, the same way Yuki’s eyes would when she was either upset or felt nothing at all. It was strange, but also comforting for Ena, as if Miku had a connection to Yuki in a way. 

Could it be that this Mafuyu she spoke of was Yuki, after all? 

Was Not-Yuki really her…

“What are you doing here?” A low but familiar voice had interrupted Ena’s thoughts. “Get out. I don’t want any of you here.” 

Ena spun around just in time with the others to meet the one who spoke, gasping in shock at the person’s dark and lifeless eyes, which held no light or emotions in them.

“Y-Yuki…” Ena asked, unsure what else to say. 

“Miku, why did you bring them here?” Yuki said, ignoring Ena as her attention turned to the mysterious girl. “Why did you bring her here?” 

“You missed her, and the others are your friends, Mafuyu…” Miku’s monotone, computerized voice echoed. 

“I don’t want them here,” Yuki, no Mafuyu, said with a low tone. “I just want to be alone.” 

The nerve of this girl, demanding things like that when it’s clear as day she was lying. It made Ena furious as she took a step forward, her hands shaking with anger. 

“That’s a load of bullshit,” she shouted out as her fingers balled themselves into fists. “There’s a reason why Miku brought us here, and it’s not because you want to be alone.” 

Mafuyu turned her attention to Ena as those dead eyes gave nothing away but an empty gaze. 

“You’re right Enanan.” She agreed before tilting her head, to give Ena a creepy smile. “Perhaps it’s because you too want to disappear, all of you want that. That’s why you’re here, correct?” 

The silence between them after Mafuyu’s questions spoke volumes as Ena tried to fight off the voices in her head. Past ones that she’d been trying to ignore since the last time she was with Mafuyu, as her breathing quickened with panic. 

“O-Oi Yuki, that’s enough!” Mizuki took the moment to step in between them with their hands out. “I don’t know what your deal with Enanan is, but it needs to stop.” 

“Yes, Yuki, please, we want to help you. Talk to us,” Kanade assured the taller girl as she walked further into her personal space. 

For some reason, the move irked Ena as she clenched her fists and watched Kanade somehow calm Mafuyu down a little. The touch of their hands made Ena ache in her heart as she tried to push back these vile emotions. 

“Don’t touch me!” Mafuyu said in an icy tone. “Can’t you understand? I want to be alone, get out!” 

Ena grit her teeth but couldn’t stop her feet from moving as she shielded Kanade from Mafuyu’s hand, catching it in midair, surprisingly, before glaring at her. 

“Leave her out of this. You’re being totally selfish right now, Yuki! Can’t you see K only just wanted to help you?” She growled as the other girl looked at her with disinterest. 

“You’re one to talk, after what you did,” Mafuyu accused her, striking Ena to the core. 

Mizuki noticed the exchange as they stared at Ena with disbelief in their eyes. Ena hung her head as those memories grew stronger the more she was near Mafuyu. It was her fault Mafuyu was in this state. She was no better than that girl’s bitch of a mother in a way. 

“Ena, what did you do?” Mizuki whispered as Kanade looked at her for answers. 

“Yes, Enanan, why don’t you tell them?” Mafuyu repeated with that eerie smile on her face. 

The look alone made tears prick at the corner of Ena’s eyes as she let go of Mafuyu and sprinted as fast as she could to wherever the road took her. Once again, she was being a coward and all she could do was cry and run away. 

“Oi, you’re not getting away that easily!” A loud but clear voice broke through her self loathing as a hand caught her wrist. “We need to talk now, Ena.” 

“Amia…” she muttered before yanking her arm out of the other’s surprising grip. “There’s nothing to talk abou—-“

“You broke Yuki’s heart,” Mizuki cut Ena off, those pink eyes of theirs burning with silent disappointment. “I don’t care what your history was, but you clearly did something to make her feel this way.” 

“I was scared, okay!?” Ena cried and gripped her head. “I was fucking scared after we kissed an—-“ 

“Woah, woah, kissed? Okay, backup, you need to calm down and tell me everything,” Mizuki blushed and raised their hand to rub their neck. “I mean, at least the important parts…” 

Ena sighed at them, but then sat down on the ground with her legs pulled up. The two were silent before Ena gave in and explained the situation to Mizuki, only to leave out the details regarding Mafuyu’s issues with her mother. To Ena, Mizuki didn’t have to know about that because Mafuyu didn’t like talking about it. Her mother was always a sensitive matter, and she knew when not to broach the topic.

“Wow, so you guys met in person way before we ever made contact, huh?” Mizuki nodded as they took in what Ena said. “Do you still have feelings for her?” 

“Yeah…and I hate it,” Ena muttered as she stared at the ground, afraid to look at Mizuki. “I don’t know. Yuki was the only person who I could just be vulnerable around…honest too.” 

“Seems to me it goes both ways,” Mizuki hummed and looked up at the empty void they were in. “Maybe it's a sign for you two to make up?” 

“After what I did? I doubt she wants to even hear me out.” Ena scoffed. 

“All ya have to do is apologize, Ena, don’t be stubborn about this,” Mizuki sighed. “Start fresh. Maybe you’ll get back to that point, well, eventually.” 

Ena rolled her eyes at the other, but she wouldn’t mind that. Mafuyu and her, they were linked somehow and she wanted to apologize so badly for her misdeeds. 

“I miss her too…” Ena confessed. “I’ve wanted to see her since the day I started high school…” 

“Then here’s your chance. Make it right.” 

Those kind words made Ena feel better as she stood up and brushed her black ruffled skirt. Mizuki beside her followed suit as they smiled at Ena before nudging her forward. 

“Okay, ready to face your past?”

Ena giggled at the play on words. “Ready as I’ll ever be.” 

The two of them wandered for about what seemed like an hour as the white void stretched further into the distance. Ena was becoming more annoyed by the second as Mizuki continued to walk beside her. 

“Okay, have we gone past that pyramid thingy a third time? Where the hell are those two?!” Ena complained and stomped her foot. 

“Easy there Enanan, maybe Yuki just doesn’t want to face you yet?” Mizuki shrugged.

“Haaaah? You’re kidding me, right? I have to wait for her to give me permission to make up!?” Ena pouted. 

“So impatient, some of us need time, especially when it concerns the heart,” Mizuki giggled and then squinted their eyes. “Oh, there they are, and Miku is with them!” 

Ena followed their gaze and was relieved to see Mafuyu looking a little more calm as she sat between Kanade and Miku. Her heart pounded a little when the girl’s eyes met her own as she and Mizuki walked to where they were. 

“Yaahoo, we found ya~,“ Mizuki greeted the three and took a seat next to Miku, who stared at them with a blank expression. 

“Hello Mizuki,” she said and then held up her hands, which had strings around some fingers. “Can you help me? Mafuyu brought me this a few days ago and I still can’t do the things she does…” 

“Of course! Ne, K can you help, please? Let’s leave these two alone,” Mizuki encouraged as they guided the two of them away from Ena and Mafuyu. 

The tension between her and Mafuyu cut like a knife as soon as the other three were out of sight. Ena gripped her arm and looked at her feet for a couple of seconds, before taking a deep breath to gather herself. Mafuyu, though, stayed quiet as her face remained neutral with her hands on her knees. It was painful to see Mafuyu’s eyes so dull, it just didn’t suit her at all. 

What happened to her after she ran? Why does Mafuyu want to disappear so much? 

“I’m sorry…” Ena mumbled and sat next to the girl, her hand brushing against Mafuyu’s cautiously. “I had never meant to do that, y’know, I just didn’t want to ruin what we had.” 

“You did,” Mafuyu said and glared at Ena. “I thought I made a real friend, and then you were gone.” 

Ena bit her lip as she tried to stay still when Mafuyu’s pinky finger pressed near her own. The two stayed like that for a while until Ena took Mafuyu’s hand fully, making the other stare at her with confusion. 

“I want to make things right, Yu—Mafuyu. Let’s start again, this thing,” Ena smiled a little and squeezed the cool hand beneath her. “Hi, I’m Shinonome Ena, nice to meet you!” 

“Asahina Mafuyu…” Mafuyu whispered before leaning in to press her temple to Ena’s shoulder. “I’m tired.” 

“O-Oi, don’t—nevermind,” Ena sighed as she let the other girl use her as a pillow, just like old times. 

“I missed you…” Mafuyu murmured. 

Ena didn’t reply to that and instead leaned her head on Mafuyu’s. Some habits die hard, it seemed, though she wasn’t complaining. Ena missed her too and the subtle warmth she provided. 

By the time she was greeted with her bedroom ceiling and carpet floor, Ena still couldn’t believe what had happened. It was now 3:00 AM, and she had no desire to fall asleep. Restless, the artist fished into her skirt pocket and pulled out her phone. Her eyes stared at the screen for a couple more seconds until she dared to open it with a swipe. 

On instinct, her thumb pressed on the image of the text bubble and brought her to the page of her instant messages. Ena then went to the search bar and typed out Yuki’s name before finding the girl’s contact and changing it to Asahina Mafuyu. 

A smile formed on her face as she stared at her phone, only to remember what she did during her first year of high school. With a quick motion, Ena unmuted Mafuyu’s contact and was met with several messages dated all the way back to that dreadful day. 

“Shit…” Ena cursed as her eyes skimmed the contents and felt tears well up at the corner of her eyes. 

Mafuyu: Enanan? Are you there? Please answer me. Whatever I did, I’m sorry. I don’t want you to be upset with me. I don’t like it when people I care about are upset at me. I…I hate it. Please forgive me. 

Mafuyu: Enanan? Can we talk? 

Mafuyu: Okaa-san, I need to…

Mafuyu: Nevermind.

Mafuyu: I miss you… are you still mad at me?

“Fuck, I’m the worst…” Ena sobbed into her arm as tears trailed down her cheeks. “She really blamed herself for this. I should’ve checked on her, then she wouldn’t have gone so far to wanting to—-“ 

Ena choked back tears as she struggled to say the last word. Her heart sank at the implication of what Mafuyu must have gone through last year.

Not like Ena was doing any better. She had quit Yukihira’s art classes and hadn’t contacted Airi since she became an idol. They had both struggled and were lost, but at least she had Mizuki for a while. Who did Mafuyu go to for comfort after that? Was she alone this whole time after Ena shut her out?

“Dammit,” Ena growled and sniffled a little. “I swear I won’t abandon her this time. I’ll be there when she needs me, just like when she was there for me.” 

It was a hefty promise, but Ena didn’t want Mafuyu to think she was better off from this world. No one should ever feel this way, let alone someone who didn’t deserve it.

Chapter Text

Ever since they encountered Miku in what was called the Empty SEKAI. Ena and the others became a lot closer. Mizuki, the mood maker of the group, had insisted on annual meetings outside the comfort of their rooms. Kanade at first wasn’t too thrilled about leaving her house, but after a little convincing from Ena and Mizuki, she relented and even started to enjoy their outings. That is, if it didn’t involve too much walking, which made Ena concerned for her friend’s wellbeing.

“You need to exercise more, Kanade…” she said as she watched the girl eat her ramen. “You become short of breath just after a few blocks.” 

“Ena, you shouldn’t talk about something you hardly do yourself.” Mizuki chimed in as they took a bite of their fries. 

“Haah!? I’m in perfect shape. Kanade needs it for her health,” Ena argued. 

Mafuyu, though, didn’t hold back when she stopped reading her book to look Ena in the eyes. “I agree with Mizuki, especially since you ordered cheesecake for lunch.” 

“You shut up!” Ena growled as she noticed a hint of a challenge in Mafuyu’s voice. 

It had been hard to keep their relationship platonic, even if both of them were kind of aware of their feelings for each other. They decided to start as friends and see where things go from there. Ena was happy about that, and yet sometimes she wanted to do other things to the girl when she got this way. 

Ena shook her head and pushed those thoughts to the deepest part of her mind. Her eyes went back to her cheesecake as she took out her phone to take a pic of it. 

“I don’t understand what the big deal is in taking pictures of food.” Mafuyu said, as she watched Ena.

“It’s to put it on social media, also it’s fun.” Mizuki laughed, saving Ena from having to explain. 

“Why, though?” Mafuyu frowned. 

“Why don’t you see for yourself?” Ena rolled her eyes. “Take a picture of the tea you ordered, even though it’s not as cute as my cake display.” 

“Okay…” 

Mafuyu pulled out her phone and positioned it in front of her mug of green tea. Mizuki, next to her, helped turn the phone on its side as they instructed Mafuyu to take it at a certain angle. 

“You got it!” Mizuki cheered and clapped their hands. 

“I see,” Mafuyu agreed as she turned to them with a little glimmer in her eyes. “Thank you, Mizuki.”

“Ahh hahaha no problem. Want some fries?” They offered as Mafuyu tilted her head and reached out to eat some of the salty snack. 

Ena smiled across the table as she watched Mafuyu get along with Mizuki. Kanade, who was next to her, was absorbed in her notebook as a frown came across her features.

“Kanade, you okay?” she asked the other girl. 

“I’m fine, I just, I’m having some trouble coming up with lyrics for the composition…” 

“Hmm,” Ena hummed before an idea came to her. “Ne, Mafuyu, why don’t you help with that? You used to write poems and stuff in your notebook, right?” 

“I…did,” Mafuyu said in a whisper. “What do you have so far, Kanade?” 

“Uh, well—-“

Kanade turned her attention to Mafuyu as the two discussed the next project. Ena sighed as she tuned out the conversation and remembered what Mafuyu told her about Kanade’s song. To be honest, Ena didn’t like to admit it, but she was a little jealous of Kanade's influence over Mafuyu.  She had enjoyed being the one to make the other girl feel something. From warmth to joy to whatever else, Ena wanted to be the only one to cause it all. 

As the time went by, Ena browsed through her phone, listening to Mizuki talk about a sale going on at the mall this weekend, which Ena totally was going to with Mizuki. They were great at finding things at bargain prices, plus Ena liked having someone else to shop with besides Airi. 

“So, are you in or not?” Mizuki smiled and waited for Ena’s answer. 

“Sounds cool. When do you want to meet up?” 

“Two, since you never wake up before eleven,” Mizuki snickered. 

“That’s not true,” Ena complained as Mafuyu and Kanade stopped talking when the waiter came to give them their bill. 

“Yikes, that's a lot!” Mizuki cringed at the expense. “Ena, your cake was super pricey!” 

“Was not! I didn’t even get a drink this time.” 

“Don’t worry, Ena, I’ll help you pay,” Kanade smiled, which made Ena shake her head. 

“No, no! I got it,” Ena declined the offer as Mafuyu stayed quiet, preferring to observe rather than engage. 

When the four of them had eventually exited the diner. Ena stretched her arms over her shoulders and let out a yawn, which then prompted Mizuki to tease her. Mafuyu took out her phone and checked the time for the next train home as Kanade next to her offered if she’d like some company on the way. 

“No, it’s okay Kanade, I’m fine on my own,” she refused the offer politely, which caught Ena’s attention and made her stop chasing Mizuki. 

“Hah? Are you seriously trying to shake us off?” Ena huffed and placed her hands on her hips. “If Kanade asks to walk you to the station, you should accept it!” 

“I don’t want her to overexert herself. You would do the same thing,” Mafuyu shrugged. 

Ena opened her mouth and then closed it before letting out an exasperated sigh. “Stubborn girl, at least let me and Mizuki walk with you to the station. We also take the train home.” 

“Yeah! Me and Ena will get you there safely!” Mizuki agreed before taking several steps backward. “Buuuuut, I have another thing to do before getting home. The fabric store is close by and there’s a sale, so I’m gonna go that way…so Ena, that means you’ll be Mafuyu’s protector for tonight!” They finished with a wink, making Ena’s face turn red. 

It had been a mistake for her to reveal her feelings for Mafuyu to Mizuki. Now she had to endure the constant meddling of that person, who was determined to set them up. It was super embarrassing. Mizuki had been coming up with elaborate plans to get them alone together. All for them to end up either in an awkward situation or with Ena putting her foot in her mouth.

“MI-ZU-KI!” Ena yelled at them as the pink-haired menace ran as fast as they could away from the group. 

“YOU GOT THIS ENA!” They cheered a block away before turning a corner, leaving the artist with the other two, until Kanade spoke up again. 

“Well, I guess I’ll be going this way. See you guys later on nightcord…” she said before walking the same direction Mizuki went, opposite of where Ena and Mafuyu needed to go. 

It wasn’t as awkward as it was the last time Mizuki did this, but Ena still felt pressured to make a move. She glanced up at Mafuyu, who seemed preoccupied with her phone, as she wondered whether she should say something. Sometimes when they were alone, Ena wanted to hold the girl’s hand or comfort her when she was stressed out. If anyone knew Mafuyu as much as Ena had, they would know that right now she was conflicted whether to call her mom or save it for later. 

“You gonna call her or what?” she asked as the girl shook her head and put away her phone. 

“Not when I’m with you,” Mafuyu said bluntly.

Ena blushed at the admission as she rubbed her arm, which Mafuyu noticed and stopped to take off her blue cardigan. 

“You get cold very easily, Ena,” she sighed and draped it over Ena’s shoulder, like she did when they were younger. 

“What is with you and pointing out all my flaws?” Ena huffed, which made the girl tilt her head. 

“It’s true, though,” Mafuyu stated, leaving no room for Ena to argue. 

Instead, the artist nudged the other girl hard, letting their shoulder brush as heat emitted from the touch. Mafuyu let out a little yelp when it happened, satisfying Ena as giggles escaped her lips. It really was fun to surprise Mafuyu once in a while. She had such an adorable high-pitched voice that would make anyone want to hear, if they had the chance. 

“Haaah? So you can be cute sometimes~?” Ena teased, as Mafuyu’s cheeks turned a little pink. 

“S-stop that,” she muttered and looked away, letting Ena see the heat spreading to her ears. 

“Make me~!” Ena smirked and leaned closer, only to remember that they were just friends right now. “S-sorry,” 

“It’s fine…”

The way she said that made Ena frown as she turned her attention back to the road. Mafuyu hadn’t cracked that rare smile of hers since they reunited. Ena longed to see it again, but the other girl’s overwhelming depression made it difficult.

“Ne, why don’t we take a detour? We’re near the park,” she said, with a hint of eagerness in her voice. 

“Will I still be able to make the train on time?” Mafuyu asked, unsure of Ena’s intent. 

“Of course, silly, I wouldn’t make you miss it,” Ena reassured her before looking up at the evening sky. “I just wanted to spend more time with you, without the others…” 

“Why?” 

Ena blushed at the blunt question. “Cause I want to, okay?.” 

“I see,” Mafuyu mumbled and nodded. “Alright, let's go through the park.” 

Ena smiled at her as they made their way to the small park near the shopping area. It was the same place where the bench Mafuyu liked to sit on was located. That said, Ena wanted to make the place more of a pleasant spot where Mafuyu could relax and enjoy the scenery. She took the lead with the other girl following her as their figures cast shadows by the now-lit streetlights.

“It’s always chilly at night, isn’t it?” Ena asked as she put her arms through the sleeves of Mafuyu’s sweater. “

“Mhmm,” Mafuyu hummed as the two inched closer to each other, their hands brushing. 

“Are you sure you don’t mind me wearing this?” 

“I’m sure,” Mafuyu said before her fingers took hold of Ena’s hand and interlocked them together. “Besides, you can make me warm.” 

Ena was in shock at the boldness Mafuyu displayed again. Funny, after all this time, that girl still wasn’t aware of the things she said, not that Ena minded. She liked it when Mafuyu would take the initiative, it would save her the trouble of doing it herself, which Ena could do. Just that she’d rather be the receiver to Mafuyu.

“Y-You’re insufferable,” Ena sighed but squeezed Mafuyu’s hand. 

Mafuyu said nothing as she turned to look Ena in the eyes and give her that rare small smile Ena longed to see. It made the artist’s legs almost give out as her head moved on its own until her cheek lay snugged against Mafuyu’s shoulder. Unaware of how odd it could look to the other people in the park; which honestly wasn’t a lot, since it was a school night and most kids their age would be home by now. 

“Can’t believe it’s been almost a month,” Ena wondered out loud. “Ugh, and it’s almost my birthday too, I’m gonna be seventeen. That’s like almost an adult.”

“Your birthday?” Mafuyu asked, with some interest. “Are you going to celebrate it?” 

“Hah? Of course, why wouldn’t I?” Ena rolled her eyes at the stupid question. 

“Then, perhaps we could celebrate it at the karaoke lounge, like we did with mine?” Mafuyu suggested, as her face remained neutral. “We could invite Kanade and Mizuki too.” 

Ena felt touched by the offer as she tried to play it cool. Her heart had skipped a beat when Mafuyu mentioned the karaoke lounge. The sweet moments they shared there had never escaped Ena as she continued to walk beside the girl. 

“I’d like that, but could we not invite the other two yet?” Ena muttered, feeling a little ashamed at the request. “It’s been a long time since I visited and I just would like it to be only us, if that’s not too weird?” 

“No,” Mafuyu tilted her head until she met Ena’s halfway. “I would rather have that and celebrate with the other two somewhere else.”

“Where?” Ena had to ask. 

“Maybe the Empty SEKAI?” Mafuyu mused quietly. “I don’t know, just not there.” 

“Hehe, do you just want me all to yourself or something?” Ena giggled until Mafuyu met her with a serious expression.

“Yes.” 

That was not the answer Ena was expecting, but it still left a massive impact as she tried to keep her balance next to the taller girl. Why did Mafuyu always have to surprise her like that? It’s like she got a kick out of making her feel this way, whatever this way was. Seriously, Ena didn’t know whether to swoon at that remark or be annoyed.

“A-Are you messing with me?” she had to ask. 

“No,” Mafuyu responded, as the two stopped to take in their surroundings.

“Oh c’mon, stop being cryptic for once!” Ena growled as her patience wore out. 

Mafuyu turned to face her again, and to her surprise, leaned in close until their foreheads touched. “I’m not messing with you, Ena, I want that place to be our secret.” 

Ena swallowed hard, as she couldn't help but notice Mafuyu's remarkably long lashes and murmured, "Ah, I see." 

It didn’t help that her lips were almost touching the other girl’s, tempting her to bridge the distance. The entire scene was practically begging Ena to make a move. However, that wasn’t an option for her. They were friends. Nothing between them should happen, and yet, all Ena wanted to do was pull the collar of Mafuyu’s blouse and crush their lips together in a passionate kiss. 

“W-we should get going, or you’ll miss your train,” she stuttered, breaking the trance they were in before turning away from Mafuyu.

That didn’t stop her hand from tightening in Mafuyu’s grip. Or enjoy the comfort she gave off on this quiet outing. Ena remained smitten as the two walked through the rest of the park, their hands somehow ending up interlocked as time went by and the small number of stars twinkled above.

Everything around them was romantic and Ena couldn’t help but feel like she was in one of her shoujo mangas. It didn’t help that Mafuyu was the definition of a shoujo love interest. All that was needed was to cut her hair, and she’d look the part.

The image of Mafuyu with short hair made Ena cover her mouth to overcome her laughter. Honestly, it would make the girl look like an Ikemen, but not Mafuyu; which would be too weird for Ena. She preferred Mafuyu with long hair to short. 

“What’s so funny?” 

“It’s stupid,” Ena smiled as Mafuyu pouted like a puppy, which made Ena laugh some more. 

“Stop it!” Mafuyu narrowed her eyes. 

“Sorry, sorry, just give me a sec,” Ena wheezed, as she took a deep breath after another bout of giggles. 

When she calmed down, Ena told Mafuyu, leaving the other girl even more puzzled as she took a lock of her hair and examined it with mild interest. Her eyes focused on the dark strand as her lips jutted out into a cute frown. 

“Okaa-san would not like that…” Mafuyu mumbled as Ena rolled her eyes. 

“Who the hell cares what she thinks?” she grumbled. “What matters is what you want.” 

“What do you prefer?” Mafuyu asked and looked at Ena expectantly. 

“Long, I-I like it long…” Ena mumbled as her face reddened at her previous thought.

“Okay,” Mafuyu nodded. 

After that conversation, the two settled into a comforting silence. It only lasted until they made it to the train station as Ena watched Mafuyu walk to her train. When Mafuyu turned around to meet Ena’s eyes, the artist smiled, reassuring Mafuyu that she’ll be okay on her own. 

As the usual meeting wound down, Ena stretched her arms and listened to Kanade's first composition for the new song Niigo was cooking up. Ena then noticed that she and Mafuyu were the only ones on, since Kanade got up to make food and Mizuki went to work on another side project of theirs. 

“How can you keep quiet while working on this stuff?” Ena asked, out of boredom, turning off the music. 

“I’m usually on mute when Amia is on, since they tend to annoy you and cause fights.” Mafuyu shrugged, which made Ena huff.

“Hah? Are you calling me loud?” 

“Yes, you are noisy and it breaks my concentration,” Mafuyu said, tilting her head. “However, it’s not because your voice is annoying.” 

“Ohh?”

Mafuyu didn’t answer her curious gaze. Instead, she went back to jotting down something in her notebook, though Ena could see the way her ears lit up that there was something else that her voice did to the other teenager. 

“What are you writing?” Ena spared the girl as she tilted her head and placed her hands under her chin. 

“I’m just editing some of the lyrics on this draft,” Mafuyu said, as she looked back down to her notebook. 

“Any idea what the song is gonna be?” Ena asked. 

“No, I’m not the composer,” she stated point-blank. 

Ena sighed and leaned back in her chair, her eyes wandering to the sticky note on her desk. The one with a single message. A simple question that may or may not change the balance of her relationship with Mafuyu. That and also the rest of Niigo, if she’s successful. 

“Ne, Yuki, are you available this Sunday?” 

“Yes?” Mafuyu answered with no other reply, making this harder than it should’ve been. 

Ena felt put on the spot as she took a deep breath and pushed forward. “Do you want to go with me to the karaoke lounge?” 

“Why?” 

Her left eye twitched. “Cause I want to?” 

“I see.” Mafuyu pursed her lips together and was deep in thought. 

Sadly, before she could give her answer, Mizuki came back, and all hell broke loose. 

“Ehhh? Karaoke!? I wanna go!” They complained, which made Ena glare at them. 

“I didn’t ask you,” she gritted her teeth.

“So mean!” Mizuki pouted.

“You did invite yourself…” Mafuyu also pointed out. 

“Aww, I wasn’t being serious, though!” Mizuki’s voice cracked as the other two ganged up on them. 

“Oh, what’s going on?” Kanade showed up while slurping up a huge batch of noodles. 

Ena shook her head. “Nothing, just Amia being annoying.”

“Oi! Why are you two being secretive? It's not my fault I want in!” They complained, which made Ena snort.

“I see…” Kanade nodded and tilted her head before showing a pair of tickets in hand. “I guess I should put these away…” 

“Hah?” What’s with the tickets, K?” Ena asked once she caught sight of them. 

“A friend of mine gave me these for a doll exhibit this Sunday…”

“Ohh cool!” Mizuki leaned forward on their screen. “We should all go, it’ll be fun!” 

“Hah, I have plans to—-“ Ena stopped herself mid-sentence before blushing. 

Mizuki smirked as their eyes went to Mafuyu before going back to Ena. “I mean, I can just go with K, but Ena didn’t you tell me you wanted to spend more time with her? This could be your chance?” 

Yes, she wanted to spend time with Kanade, but Ena also wanted to hang out with Mafuyu. They had a lot to catch up on, and the karaoke lounge was the only place where they could talk about her illustrations. As well as the perfect place to relax and cuddle. Ena missed cuddling with Mafuyu. She needed physical contact badly.

“That’s true, bu—” Ena stopped herself and looked away. “I’ll only go if Yuki will.”

Wait, why did she say that!?

Mafuyu stared at Ena as if she had grown two heads. Her eyes were wide as Mizuki blinked and tried to piece together what was going on in Ena’s mind. Meanwhile, Kanade just smiled, pleased that the group would do something together.

“What do you say, Yuki?,” she asked.

“Yeah Yuki, you’re coming too, right?” Mizuki recovered from Ena’s words and went back to teasing. 

“I am?” Mafuyu echoed them. 

“Of course!” Mizuki giggled as Ena noticed how Mafuyu’s brows scrunched together in thought. 

“Ne, K,” Ena spoke up as she turned her attention to the composer. “Do you think this will help Yuki with her lyrics?” 

Kanade nodded, “yes, I thought this would help all of us with the next song,” she admitted, while putting away her cup of noodles so that she could go back to her synthesizer. 

“That's so sweet of you, K!” Mizuki smiled before turning into a smirk with another idea. “Maybe we could go to that karaoke lounge Enanan was talking about afterward?” 

“ABSOLUTELY NOT!” Ena yelled, just as footsteps from her brother walked by her door. 

“Oi, Ena, keep it down!” Akito called out in the hallway. “What the hell is going on in there?” 

“Nothing!” Ena told him as Mizuki laughed in the background. “Dammit, Amia!”

“What! It’ll be fun?” Mizuki waggled their brows and then turned to Kanade. “K, can you tell us more about the doll exhibit?”

Kanade took that opportunity to explain what exactly the doll exhibition would be. Ena yawned as she looked away from her drafts and wondered if the exhibit would be helpful. She did like going to these things when she was younger, but dolls? That was weird and not really art. In her honest opinion. 

“Ah, Victorian-style clothing? Now I’m even more excited. It can give me more inspiration for the dresses I’m making!” Mizuki gushed as Mafuyu and Ena listened. 

“Hah? For yourself?” Ena questioned with a tilt of her head.

“Aaand Miku!” Mizuki corrected her with a glimmer in their eyes. 

“She would look good in that style,” Mafuyu commented.

“See you get me!” Mizuki lit up.

“I was only making a point…” Mafuyu stated with her lower register.

“So, cold!” Mizuki whined.

“Eh, you’ll get used to it,” Ena said, before blushing at her statement. 

“Ohhh?” Mizuki smirked as they leaned forward in their chair. 

“S-she was worse when I first met her!” Ena tried to save face. 

“You were no better,” Mafuyu insisted, with no room for arguments.

“Haaaah!?” Ena gawked and glared at her. 

“Noisy…” was Mafuyu’s response. 

That girl. She could be such a pain sometimes; Ena couldn’t help but think as she huffed and crossed her arms. Mafuyu was always like this, trying to rile her up, even if most of the time she didn’t mean to. However, watching her interact instead of just listening was a pleasant change, and Ena felt a little happy that she made it happen.

“So, it’s settled?” Ena said and looked at Kanade. 

Everyone nodded, and Ena reached for her phone to pin the date and set a reminder for it. She despised waking up early, but for her friends, she’d make an exception.

Ena wanted to crawl under a rock when she heard a knock on her door. She had asked Akito last night to wake her up early for this event, but truthfully, she had gotten no sleep and didn’t want to go. 

“Five more minutes…” Ena muttered and rubbed her eyes. 

“No, get up! Or you’ll be late for whatever you’re doing today.” He answered back with just as much bite. 

“Jerk…” Ena groaned, but pushed her body to the side and slid out of bed.

“You asked me to wake you. Don’t complain,” he retorted as he walked away from her door. 

Ena rolled her eyes once she heard the slam of his door. Ever since Akito started Kamiko, he had been a lot more moody as of late. No longer was he the scared kid begging for mercy over a dog licking and nibbling his leg. Now, he was an angry teenager, who Ena barely monitored anymore. Still, as much of a pain as he had been, Ena loved her brother and appreciated his help when she needed it. 

A sigh escaped her lips as she turned to the outfit she wanted to wear. It looked good when she put it on last night, but now she wasn’t sure if she liked it. 

“No way in hell am I gonna ask for Mizuki’s help with this…” she muttered as she reached for her phone and clicked on a contact she hadn’t touched in a while. 

Two rings was all it took before a click and a familiar voice spoke up on the other side of the line. 

“Ena?” Momoi Airi answered. “Wow, you haven’t called me in a while…” 

“I know, listen, Airi, I need some help,” Ena admitted as she walked over to her closet to pick out another set of clothes. 

“Not even a ‘How are you’, huh?” Airi questioned as Ena froze at her lack of awareness. 

“I’m sorry I—“ 

“Save it, what do you need?” Airi interrupted, her voice calm and soft at the same time. 

“I-I don’t know what to wear. I’m going to this doll exhibition with a couple of friends, but one of them is…her,” Ena told her in one breath. 

“Her? You mean…Yuki?” Airi whispered the last word, knowing how sensitive Ena was about that subject. 

“Yeah…we started talking again, funny story actually um, I met her again on the internet.” 

“I see,” Airi said in a gentle tone, relaxing Ena. “I know since the end of junior high and the start of high school, I’ve gotten busy, but I’m here now. What do you need?” 

“I don’t know what to wear! Yuki, she’s super elegant and all I have are cute things…” 

“So what? You rock that style, Ena, you don’t need to look elegant to impress someone. You’re sixteen.” Airi chuckled through the phone.

“Almost seventeen, at the end of the week.” Ena corrected her. 

“Happy Early Birthday!” Airi cheered before getting back to business. “Anyway, let me see the outfit. Can’t help you if I can’t see anything.” 

Ena maneuvered the phone in hand and clicked the button with the video icon. Airi popped up on screen already dressed for the day and ready to help. The sight of the girl made Ena smile as she turned the camera to the clothes hung over her closet door. 

“I was thinking of wearing this brown blouse, but maybe just a white one would be more complimentary?” she said and chewed on her lip as Airi focused. 

“Hmm, maybe you should put it on and show me?” 

“Hah? I don’t have time to give you a fashion show, Airi!” Ena groaned and sat on her bed.

“It’s not my fault you didn’t wake up earlier Ena, now get out of your PJs and put on the outfit.” 

Even though she was annoyed by Airi’s bossiness. Ena took off her pajamas before replacing them with the crisp white blouse she had chosen earlier and a cute brown overall dress with pink trimmings. Next, she slipped on a pair of black tights and tied a brown ribbon around her neck. When she was done touching up her hair, Ena picked up her phone and showed the other girl the outfit.

“So?” 

Airi pursed her lips as she looked Ena over before nodding in approval. “It’s cute, but add a little more color? Maybe a pink bow instead of the brown one?” 

“I was going to use the pink ribbon for my hair…” Ena said, rubbing her neck. 

“Oh, then I guess it looks fine either way.”

“Really?” Ena asked.

“Yes, Ena, I promise, you look cute, but remember to put on a sweater. It’s kinda cold outside.” 

“I will, thanks, Airi,” Ena smiled as she noticed the time on her computer screen. “Shit, I’m going to be late, bye!” 

“Talk to you later,” Airi sighed as Ena hung up and rushed out her door to the hallway bathroom. 

Mizuki was waiting for her on the other side of the train station as Ena ran as fast as these stupid platform shoes could carry her. Exhausted by the time she made it, Ena leaned against the railing just as Mizuki looked up from their phone. A mischievous twinkle in their eyes as they checked out Ena’s outfit. 

“Someone prettied herself up. Y’know, we’re all gonna be there, right?” They said and went back to their phone. 

“Shut up. You’re the one that got me into this mess.” Ena frowned, smoothing the wrinkles out of her dress. 

“Oi, I didn’t know that place was that special to you,” Mizuki sighed, turning their body around to face Ena. “I also didn’t know you were asking Mafuyu out on a date on the video call.”

They have a good point. That was a really dumb move… 

“Okay, fine! I should've thought that through,” Ena admitted, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I was getting impatient.” 

“Obviously,” Mizuki didn’t argue before craning their head around to  look for any signs of the train they’d be taking. 

“Is that all you’re gonna say?” Ena asked, a little annoyed. 

“What else do you want me to say? I can’t control your impulses for you, Ena,” Mizuki shrugged as they took a step back from her. “That’s something only you can teach yourself.” 

“I hate how mature you can be…” Ena muttered, but agreed with what they said.

“Your welcome, now, let's get a move on,” Mizuki smiled before sprinting away. “Try to keep up~!” They shouted, making Ena scream at them. 

“You asshole, I can’t run in these shoes!” 

“That's your problem, not mine!” Mizuki cackled and ran inside the train they both needed to take.

They had made it to the exhibition just in time to see Mafuyu and Kanade, both waiting outside the building. Ena let out a wheeze and leaned against the door, trying to catch her breath. Mizuki next to her wasn’t phased at all as they bounced with excitement, ready to explore the place. It was astonishing to Ena that Mizuki could still have this much energy after running from the station. 

“Are you some kind of stamina monster?” she complained, trying to catch her breath. 

“You said that to me once,” Mafuyu interjected when she heard that insult. “What does it mean?” 

Mizuki giggled at the clueless girl and put an arm around her shoulder. “Oh Mafuyu, my poor out-of-touch babygirl. Ena is just jealous that we’re both in great shape, and she can’t lift anything over five pounds.”

“Mizuki!” Ena warned them as Kanade helped her stand up. “Can we just drop it?!” 

“Okay, okay!” Mizuki laughed before pointing to the door. “Onward! The dolls await.” 

The three of them followed the first-year student and made their way to the venue where all the dolls were to be showcased. Ena stuck with Mizuki the most, as they commented on every single doll and their clothing. To the point where Ena had to tell them to stop. 

“I was just trying to make it exciting!” Mizuki said as their eyes went to Mafuyu and Kanade. “Those two are not the most extroverted and need some coaxing.” 

“Yeah, well it’s annoying, save it for people who are actually interested in this stuff…” Ena sighed, placing her hands on her hips.

“Weren’t you checking out that purple doll at the corner?” Mizuki accused, making Ena blush. 

“Why you—-wait, where did Mafuyu go? Kanade, wasn't she with you?” Ena asked once she noticed Mafuyu was missing.

“Oh yeah, she said she needed to go to the bathroom.” Kanade informed her before looking down at the floor. “I don’t think this is working out the way I thought…” 

“Nonsense! I have so many ideas for the MV now,” Mizuki tried to convince her as they stepped closer to Kanade, taking her hands. 

“Yeah, and I have some illustration ideas for Niigo’s next song,” Ena added, until all of them stopped what they were doing when they heard rushed footsteps coming their way. 

In an instant, Mafuyu collided with Ena’s back. It made Ena let out a yelp, but as soon as she realized Mafuyu was trembling, she fell silent. The movement triggered Ena’s protective nature, causing her to turn around and offer support to Mafuyu, as her lips brushed against her ear.

“Ne, what’s wrong? What happened? Did your mom ca—-“

“I feel sick,” Mafuyu said, cutting her off.

“I need more than that Mafuyu…” Ena whispered as her eyes took notice of Kanade and Mizuki’s worried faces. “We want to help you, especially Kanade.” 

“I don't know. I just felt sick after looking at one of the dolls…it had strings,” she murmured, while tightening the grip she had on Ena’s pink cardigan. 

“A marionette?” Mizuki questioned, a hand on their chin. “Those dolls were made for puppeteers to control their movement. Right?” 

After hearing that, Ena also felt sick to the stomach, as flashbacks of how Mafuyu acted whenever they hung out, started to make a lot more sense. So much so that Ena was furious at the cause, as she held Mafuyu closer. Even if Mafuyu didn’t understand her own feelings. Ena could, at least.

“It’s okay, we’re here now, Mafuyu,” Ena promised her, rocking the shaking girl. “I’m here now, and I won’t let go this time.” She whispered only to her as Mafuyu finally stopped shaking.

Once things went back to normal, well, as normal as it could be. What? With Mafuyu in her room, wearing her pajamas, and drying her hair with a towel. It took a lot of convincing, but with Mizuki’s help, Ena got Mafuyu to agree to come home with her. However, the artist wasn’t prepared for the unwanted feelings that came with this unexpected sleepover.

Mafuyu had grown up a lot since junior high, and Ena’s eyes had locked in on all the areas the girl possessed. She was both jealous, and a little bothered by Mafuyu’s assets. The feeling of inadequacy took hold of her better judgment as Ena looked down at the camisole she wore over her bra. 

Damn these hormones…now was not the time. 

Ena was supposed to be a host to Mafuyu, not some pervert who was taking advantage of an emotionally distraught girl. That also was her friend, kinda? Mafuyu thought  so. Otherwise, why else would she have agreed to come here? 

“These clothes are too tight,” Mafuyu said with a hint of discomfort as she redid her ponytail and took a seat on the floor. 

“Hah? Are you calling me small!?” Ena flared up at the remark but made the wrong decision to look down. 

Holy shit…

They were way bigger than she thought, as her mouth dried up a little and her eyes stayed glued to the girl’s chest. Ena swallowed hard as many unwanted thoughts overstayed their welcome. She needed a cold shower and quick. 

“I-I gotta wash up!” Ena choked out and ran out of her room, leading her to crash into Akito along the way. 

“Dammit, what is up with you?” He growled, looking behind her to see Mafuyu’s figure. “Wait, who the hell is sh—-“ he was about to ask before Ena grabbed the scruff of his hoodie to pull him down to her level. 

“A friend, don’t make a big deal out of this! Mom said it was fine.”

“That’s not Airi…” was his reply. “You barely bring friends over. Who is she?” 

“Argh, her name is Asahina Mafuyu. I know her from art class.” Ena lied as Akito relaxed and pulled away. “Like I said, it’s not a big deal.” 

“I see,” Akito frowned, but didn’t push the topic any further. “Do you need clothing for her? She can borrow one of my shirts.” 

“I got that covered already, no need,” Ena blushed as flashbacks of Mafuyu’s…

“You’re drooling,” Akito’s voice knocked her back to her senses. “I know you’re into girls, but try to behave, Ena.”

“S-Shut up!” she whined, looking away. “It’s not my fault she has huge boobs.” 

“Okay, I’m out.” Akito covered his ears and walked past her. “I don’t need to know about this shit. It’s bad enough you make me get you cheesecake all the time, but I’m not listening to that.” 

Mortified by his words, Ena tried to explain herself, but her brother was already in his room. Leaving her to stew in this really embarrassing situation alone. 

It couldn’t get any worse than this. However, life sometimes says otherwise. Like when Ena walked into her room and witnessed Mafuyu bursting into colors and light before disappearing on the spot. Panicked by what she just saw, Ena rushed over to the phone to see Composing the Future on play. Mafuyu had just transferred herself into the SEKAI, which means—Shit, her mother called while Ena was still in the shower. 

“Damn that woman,” Ena cursed and went to her computer to send Mizuki and Kanade the message. 

It didn’t take long before they all joined a group call with Ena hosting it. The latter was in the middle of an anxiety attack as she tried to explain what had happened. 

“Oi, take a deep breath Enanan, like you said before, she’s probably in the SEKAI with Miku.” Mizuki reminded her calmly.

“That’s not what I’m worried about,” Ena snapped before realizing her tone of voice. “Look, I just want to know if she’s okay…” 

“Enanan?” A familiar voice could be heard behind her, making the artist whip her head around. 

“MAFUYU!?” she gasped, as the other two sighed in relief. 

“Yes?” 

“WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT!?” Ena almost yelled, demanding an answer. “You, just—how long were you even gone?” 

“I don’t know,” Mafuyu shrugged, but then handed Ena the piece of paper she held. “I was speaking to Miku, and she made me think about the doll…it made me come up with some new lyrics.” 

Ena frowned at the girl but opened the folded paper, “I don’t care, you had me worri—-woah these are, um…K, you need to see this.”

“What is it? Send it to the shared folder?” Kanade’s voice echoed. “Is Yuki okay?” 

“Yeah, she’s fi—better.” Ena corrected herself and noticed the dried tear marks on Mafuyu’s cheeks. 

So, she can cry?

Ena bit her lip at the thought but turned around to send the lyrics to Mizuki and Kanade. Her heart was aching for Mafuyu as she dragged the image to the folder and waited.

“Oh wow, I didn’t know Yuki was capable of writing something like this. It’s even better than her OWN stuff,” Mizuki said in awe. 

“Yuki, these are amazing!” Kanade agreed as her airy voice echoed through Ena’s speakers. “I think I have an idea what to do for the new song.”

“Yeah, me too!” Mizuki jumped in, “what about you, Enanan?” 

“I have some ideas…” she replied as Mafuyu’s forehead pressed against her shoulder. “I think I’m gonna work on it now, so talk to you guys later?” 

“Okay, later! Also, tell Yuki to get some sleep. She was sporting major eye bags yesterday,” Mizuki said in a worried tone before leaving the call.

“Night Enanan, Yuki, take care,” Kanade called out as she, too, left the chat to work on the composition. 

Ena then turned her chair just in time for Mafuyu to climb on her lap and snuggle further into her shoulder. The artist sighed at the touch, wrapping the girl up in her arms as they stayed there for a couple of minutes. Its calmness kept both of their feelings at bay as Ena slipped her hand under Mafuyu’s borrowed hoodie to rub slow circles on her back. 

Mafuyu arched like a cat into Ena, her taut muscles relaxing as she breathed slowly through her mouth. It was a moment both of them needed as Ena closed her eyes and buried her face in the crook of Mafuyu’s neck.  

Kami-sama, she really missed cuddling.

Chapter Text

Over the last week, this had become a thing for Ena, who was never keen to wake up early and share her bed with anyone. It was no longer April or her birthday, but the change she had to adjust to was ever-present. In the form of a pretty girl wearing silk pajamas, and feelings she was still trying to understand.

“I need to go…Okaa-san will check on me soon,” Mafuyu muttered, but didn’t move in Ena’s arms. 

“Not yet, c’mon, I don’t wanna wake up…” Ena whined as she pulled Mafuyu closer so that the girl’s back was up against her front.

“I have cram school,” Mafuyu sighed, with a hint of exasperation.

That tone also was one that Ena knew she wouldn’t win against as she opened her arms and let the other girl slide out of bed. Ena then curled herself into a ball at the loss of heat, groaning once the sunlight hit her eyes. The only saving grace of these moments was Mafuyu getting dressed, which Ena witnessed with silent curiosity. 

At first, she wanted to use this time to study the human body. However, after a while, Ena soon found her gaze lingering on the slope of Mafuyu’s back. Those lines between her shoulder blades and the defined muscles that sculpted her arms. It was a feast for anyone in her position as she watched Mafuyu clasp her bra and pull on her uniform top. Ena, for her sanity, had only kept her eyes on the girl’s back. An effort to control the constant temptation to dip her line of vision while admiring the beauty Mafuyu emitted. 

Ena was also aware of the girl’s bedhead as she noticed the wild locks that stuck out in all directions around her dark mane. Mafuyu would get annoyed by it, but all Ena wanted to do was make it messier. The artist liked how fluffy it felt when she ran her blunt fingernails through it, which should be obvious whenever they hugged. 

“I’m ready,” Mafuyu said, turning around to face the sleepy artist. “Thank you for having me.” 

“Don’t thank me, I don’t know how this SEKAI stuff works, but that’s what you should be thanking…” Ena mumbled as she pulled the cover over her face. 

“I see,” Mafuyu said with an emotion Ena couldn’t identify. 

“You know my password? Go home before your mom catches you sneaking around.” Ena yawned and waved to her friend. 

“Right…” Mafuyu agreed, but then had to say one more thing to rile her up. “Hopefully, next time, your room will be cleaner.” 

“You did not just tell me in your own way that my room is messy?” She complained and threw a pillow. “Just go already!” 

Mafuyu didn’t reply and instead dodged the pillow with ease. Once she was gone, Ena already missed the warmth she brought and their stupid banters. A yawn escaped her as she recalled the birthday party Mizuki threw for her in the SEKAI. It was such a weird thing to do, however, it wasn’t as bad as she thought it would be. At least earlier that day, she had a more secluded party with Mafuyu at the karaoke lounge. 

It was by coincidence that they met up when Mafuyu was coming back from cram school. The two chatted for a bit, before the girl suggested the idea. Honestly, the offer surprised Ena, but she didn’t question it as soon as Mafuyu grabbed her hand and dragged them to their place. 

“What a weirdo, then after the thing in the SEKAI she went home with me…” Ena mused as her hands ran through her hair out of habit. “It was a nice birthday present though, spending time with her that much…”

A sigh escaped her lips as she recalled Mafuyu’s words and all the stuff she did to make Ena feel relaxed. For once, Ena was the one who got to snuggle into Mafuyu, and boy, that was an experience. The artist blushed a little as she thought of it some more. Mafuyu’s chest was big and soft at the same time. Ena really enjoyed the time she got to lie on them. They were like pillows, and Ena fell asleep as soon as her cheek touched them. 

Feeling pure unadulterated bliss…

Ping!

A notification rang and ended Ena’s daydream as she groaned in annoyance but reached for her phone on her bedside table. The artist rubbed her eyes and squinted at the message that was sent from Mizuki. 

Right…she was going to meet them at the mall today.

“Such a pain,” Ena muttered out loud, swinging her body to the side of the bed. “I hate waking up this early…” she complained. 

Despite her grouchiness, Ena pushed herself off of bed and made her way to her closet. With a quick tug, Ena removed her hoodie, pulling out a periwinkle bowknot shirt with white trims to replace it. Ena then took out a tiered beige skirt, followed by a fresh towel before exiting her room to the hallway bathroom. 

After she had finished her shower, Ena went down the stairs and was met with a startled Akito, who wasn’t used to seeing her up this early. Akito had a plate of pancakes on his plate and syrup in his hand. The glare he had was palpable when Ena eyed the delicious food as he shielded them from her gaze. 

“I’m not making you any, do it yourself!” He warned her as Ena came closer into the living room.

“I know you made more, don’t be a jerk, Akito.” Ena frowned as her brother rolled his eyes and pointed to the platter of pancakes on the kitchen counter. 

Pleased by that, Ena went past him and straight to the source, taking in its aroma almost immediately before stacking a plentiful amount on her plate.

 So far, her day was going well, and that didn’t even include the maple syrup yet. Her smile widened when she reached for the bottle near the toaster, dousing its contents with care onto her pancakes. 

“What are you doing today? Usually you’re never up this early, especially on a Sunday.” Akito questioned after swallowing the food he was chewing. 

“None of your business,” Ena brushed him off as she sat across from him at the table and began to eat. 

“Whatever, just don’t get home too late, I guess…” he shrugged, reaching out for his juice. 

Ena nodded as her fork was keeping her from speaking. She chewed thoughtfully, the as her thoughts wandered away to think about this morning again. It really was unfair that her mind would always come back to this subject. To the enigma, that was Asahina Mafuyu, or Yuki as she preferred  to be called online. 

A sigh escaped Ena as she closed her eyes and tried to focus on the taste of the pancake she was trying to enjoy. It was bad enough that she would be spending time with Mizuki today, which would  cause a lot of headaches because of their tendency to push her buttons. 

Not that she doesn't mind, but sheesh Mizuki can be such a pain sometimes…

“Neh, Ena!” A feminine voice called out, causing her to almost choke for a second before coughing and then taking a drink of the water near her. 

“H-haah!?” She breathed raggedly, focusing her attention to her mom who was now kneeling beside her and patting her back. “Okaa-san, what the—“ she cut herself off knowing that her foul language would get her a grounding if it slipped out. “Don’t scare me like that!” 

“Ohh, sorry Ena, I was just asking what are you doing up this early.” She smiled as she continued to rub her daughter’s back. 

Ena sighed a little at the question as she took a moment to gather her thoughts. Her mother didn’t exactly know about her after school activities with Niigo, but telling her about Mizuki wouldn’t be a big deal since they went  to her school and also happened to be in Akito’s grade.

“I’m meeting up with my friend Mizuki from school.” She shrugged while trying to sound nonchalant. “She invited me to go shopping at the mall around 2:00 and I couldn’t refuse.” 

“I see,” was her mom’s reply before breaking out another warm smile. “I’m happy you’re making so many friends, Ena. First that sweet girl Mafuyu-chan from art class, now Mizuki-chan. Oh, and here I thought your only friend was Airi-chan.” 

“O-Okaa-san!” Ena sputtered after hearing those embarrassing remarks. “I do have friends outside of Airi! I’m not a neet, y’know.”

“I know that sweetie, I’m just teasing you,” her mom said in a gentle tone as she reached out to comb some of Ena’s hair down. “You are more than capable of making friends, I’m just so happy you’re having fun as well.” 

Those words struck a chord with Ena as she looked into her mom’s green eyes. They were filled with love and encouragement, something she wished her father would give to her once in a while. Honestly, it had never occurred to Ena that her mom would be this enthusiastic about her going out on a Sunday. 

Perhaps she had been too absorbed in her own problems to have noticed? 

“Thanks…” was all she could say to her mom before getting out of her chair. 

“Just remember to be home no later than 6:00 pm, okay?” 

“Hai,” Ena informed while running up the stairs to get her purse and keys. 

“I love you!”  

Ena froze when she heard that as her head swam with unexpected guilt. 

Of course she loves her mom, but saying it out loud was way too embarrassing for her at this age. 

She was seventeen for crying out loud. And yet…

“I love you too Okaa-san, bye!” Ena called out and walked past the threshold of the front door. 

“Damn, you’re early…I said 2:00 pm right?” Mizuki greeted her, with a tilt of their head. 

That was the original plan, and yet, here she was standing against one of the many pillars within the mall, waiting for over an hour for Mizuki to show up. Ena didn’t want to be teased for her unexpected early arrival. However, a lot of things weren’t going according to her schedule today, so what else is new.

“Hey to you too,” Ena shrugged, with the bag of the paints and canvases she purchased earlier. 

“Sorry, that was rude of me…” Mizuki rubbed their neck before noticing what Ena was holding. “Oiiii, did you go shopping without me!?” 

The accusation that came out of Mizuki was nothing more but surprising to Ena as she straightened herself up on the column. Her eyes were wide for a brief second before they narrowed at Mizuki for such a ridiculous question. Of course she went shopping for some things, though, why would Mizuki be mad about that? She didn’t go into any of the clothing stores or even the food court.

“Haaah!? No, these are just art supplies for my next project! I didn’t go into any of the other stores.” 

She didn’t do anything wrong, what the hell?!

“Ehhh!? How could you Enanan! You didn’t think I’d want to go to the art store too!?” Mizuki sniffled and wiped a stray tear from their eye. 

“I’m sorry, I didn’t thi—-wait a second…” 

It was at that moment, Ena realized that Mizuki was just trying to make her look bad in the face of the passersby. Their eyes were all staring at her as she was apologizing for something she shouldn’t feel guilty about. The way Mizuki was still keeping up the act only enraged Ena as she reached out to Mizuki and dragged them to the nearest corridor. Already preparing for the bouts of laughter that followed afterward.

“You’re such an asshole…” she grumbled and crossed her arms. “Oi, stop laughing!” 

“Eheheh, sorry, sorry.” Mizuki giggled, biting their lip as they calmed down to speak. “Although I am bummed that you didn’t wait for me…” 

“Ugh, sorry, I woke up, like, super early today and needed to get out of the house asap.” Ena blurted, now regretting it when she saw Mizuki’s eyes widened.

“Erm, not that you’ll actually answer me,” Mizuki began as they tried to take in what was said. “But why?” 

Ena’s face turned vibrant red as images of Mafuyu popped into her head. She couldn’t help but squeak in frustration as Mizuki waited for her, before figuring it out themselves.

“Mafuyu slept over and needed to go to cram school…huh?” 

“Yes…” Ena mumbled, her face still blushing.

“Uhuh, is there anything else you wanted to say?” Mizuki nodded their head, looking at their nails.

“W-we shared my bed…” 

After that confession, Mizuki looked up, almost interested, as their frown turned into a sly grin. Ena backed away from them as their smile grew wider, growing concerned about what may happen next.

“Don’t, nothing happened, we just slept together—-I mean on the same bed, side by side!” 

“Pffft—“ Mizuki covered their mouth to stop the snort as giggles escaped their lips. 

“Mi-zu-ki!!” Ena whined as she watched the pink menace laugh loudly at her dismay. “Shut up, shut up!”

“Girl, you have it bad, holy shit!” Mizuki cackled, holding their stomach, in an attempt to control their breaths. 

Ena pouted and stomped her foot at them, trying to keep her anger in check as she waited for Mizuki to calm down, again. It was bad enough that she told Mizuki about what happened, but now Ena was just hoping they could ignore the whole thing. 

“Are you done?” She complained with a huff.

“Mhmm,” Mizuki hummed as they stretched their arms up before turning on their heels in the direction of the stores down the hallway. “We better hurry, or we’ll miss all the sales, c’mon!” They insisted with a wave.

It was times like these that made Ena thankful for Mizuki’s laidback nature. If she was with Airi, she’d have been hounded for more information about everything. At least with Mizuki, she would have some space to regroup.  

“Oi wait up!”

After another hour passed by, Ena grew tired of walking. Mizuki, though, seemed fine as they dragged her into another store that caught their attention. Its sales signs were plastered all over the place, like it was going out of business, which only made Ena less inclined to buy whatever they’re offering. 

“Did we just walk into a discount store?” She had to ask before Mizuki nudged her in the chest.

“Oh c’mon, a bargain is a bargain, don’t be snobby, Enanan,” they sighed and strolled over to the rack of elegant looking dresses. “Maybe you’ll find something this time.” 

“As if…” she muttered under her breath.

Ena then walked to the other rack parallel to the one Mizuki was browsing. She traced her fingers over the material of the outfits with only some interest as she tried to not be seen as a killjoy.  However, It wasn’t until she saw a red frilly dress with black and white trims that her eyes lit up with inspiration. 

“More like a costume really, but wow, she’d look great in this?”

“Who would look great in that?” Someone asked, causing Ena to yelp and turn around. 

Momoi Airi was the one standing behind her with a broad smile, which contrasted the mischievous expression that shone under her sunglasses. Ena felt caught as she tried to push the outfit aside, but not before Mizuki took it out of her hands and looked at the price tag.

“Geez, I knew you had expensive taste Ena, but you aren’t going to a gothic wedding any time soon.” They joked but whistled afterwards to emphasize their point.

“Hah!? It’s not for me!” Ena tried to defend herself.

“Obviously, it’s for whoever ‘she’ is right?” Airi teased her from behind. 

“Ohhh, it’s for ‘ her’ ?” Mizuki snickered. 

“Would you two cut it out!” She shouted, only to go quiet when someone else walked up to the three.

“Excuse me, Airi-chan, do you know these two?” The light blue-haired girl asked with wonder. 

Standing next to Ena, Mizuki's eyes widened at the new person. The bags in their arms dropped almost immediately as they rushed in front to get a better look.

“Oh my god! You’re Hinomori Shizuku!?” Mizuki gushed before facing Airi. “Ahh, that means you’re Momoi Airi right!? You’re both part of the idol unit MORE MORE JUMP!?” 

“Shh, not so loud!” Airi whispered and glared at Ena. “Tell your friend to calm down! It’s bad enough we can’t always control Minori when she gets this way.”

Ena could only sigh as she reached out and pulled Mizuki away from Hinomori. Her own eyes, still on Airi as she waited for Mizuki to calm down and let Hinomori take the time to assess everything. Easier said than done with the way the other girl looked at Airi for some help. 

“Don’t worry, Ena is my friend,” Airi said as Hinomori's face broke into a warm smile. 

“Oh, so this is Ena-chan!” Hinomori nodded before relaxing her shoulders. “It’s so nice to finally meet you, Airi-chan has told me many stories.” 

“She had huh…” Ena murmured but decided not to ask why. “Well, at least that means there’s no need for any more introductions then, right, Shizuku?” She teased with a wink.

Under her sunglasses, Ena noticed Shizuku’s eyes brightened at the use of her given name. A simple gesture seemed to be all that's needed to make Shizuku feel more comfortable and open, as Ena took that moment to let go of Mizuki, so they could make a better impression on the two idols. Mizuki was embarrassed after they stumbled out of Ena’s arms, but stood tall when facing Airi and Shizuku with a charming smile. 

“Yo! Name’s Akiyama Mizuki! I’m Ena’s friend from school and yes, I’m a huge fan of your unit…canipleasegetyourautograph!?” They finished with a rush of words after what Ena would assume was a smooth intro.

What a fangirl…

Ena snorted to herself as she placed her hands on her hips and waited for the other three to finish whatever this was. Call her old-fashioned, but besides Airi, Ena didn’t really follow other idols, it just really wasn’t her thing unlike other girls her age. 

“Here you go! Hope you keep it somewhere safe.” Shizuku said and gave Mizuki back their notebook…wait.

  When did Mizuki carry a notebook!?

Airi nudged Ena to get her out of her thoughts, making her roll her eyes in return. Sometimes she was very glad that Airi and her now went  to separate schools. Otherwise, who knows what they’d get themselves into. 

“So, now that that’s out of the way, are you gonna tell me about ‘her’?” Airi smirked as Mizuki turned around to look at Ena with interest.

“Right, did you find something for Mafuyu, Ena?” They joined in with mirth.

“Mafuyu!?” Shizuku perked up and stared at Ena. “D-does she mean Asahina Mafuyu? You’re friends with Asahina-san!?” 

“Woah, Asahina? That’s the girl you met in art class!?” Airi asked in surprise. “Yuki is Asahina?”

“Oops…” Mizuki winced and then playfully bonked their head with their tongue out.

Ena couldn’t really do anything about this as she tried to seem calm despite the cold droplets of sweat trailing down her jaw. She felt her heartbeat hammering against her chest as her hands clenched the front of her blouse, in an attempt to get it to stop. 

“Ena?” Airi asked, reaching out. 

Ena shook her head and pulled away before letting Airi’s hand land on her shoulder. Too much had just happened and she was on the verge of having a panic attack. She needed to go, now. 

Anywhere but here…

“Ne, Ena, why don’t you and I go to the food court? You look fatigued.” Airi suddenly asked, as if reading her mind.

“Hah? I mean, if Mizuki is okay with that?” She asked as her eyes went to her friend, who then laughed at her expense. 

“Ah, hahaha, it’s totally fine!” Mizuki smiled with a little strain before waving their hand and turning their attention to Shizuku. “Besides me and Shizuku-chan can get to know each other, ooh I found a super elegant dress I think would look great on you!” 

Shizuku's eyes widened at the suggestion but didn’t seem as hesitant as before while humming with approval. “I see, yes, Airi-chan, no need to worry, Mizuki-chan will be here to keep me company, go and get something with Ena-chan.” 

Before Ena could show her gratitude to both of them, Airi pushed her forward toward the exit of the store. She then took Ena’s wrist and guided her through the mall until spotting the crowded court. Ena took deep breaths as the two settled down at one of the empty tables. Her heart was still beating loudly as she tried to steady herself and speak to her friend. 

“So, Asahina, huh?” Airi asked with a casual tone, trying to break the tension. 

“Yeah…”

“And these feelings you have for her, they’re that strong?” Airi continued as her eyes focused on Ena’s slouched head. “It's not just a crush?” She questioned while noticing Ena’s shaking shoulders.

“N-No, Airi, there is more to it and I don’t know if I’m ready to tell you…” Ena muttered, not wanting to repeat the whole thing she told Mizuki in SEKAI. 

Even though that was against her will at the time.

“Listen, I get it, I won’t push you.” Airi smiled softly, reaching out to touch Ena’s hand across the table. “I’ll be here when you’re ready, okay?” 

After hearing that, Ena sniffled a little before turning her head to avoid any more scrutiny. “Thanks, I’m sorry I haven’t contacted you since graduation, a lot has been on my mind.” 

“Yeah…” 

Just then, Ena heard her stomach growl, which caused her cheeks to turn red as Airi let out a giggle. The sound made Ena groan to herself, gripping her stomach as her head laid against the tabletop. She was hungry and it was almost lunchtime, but admitting that would be super embarrassing after her dramatic episode. 

“Are you hungry?” Airi asked with a smug expression on her face.

“Shut up.” Ena moved her head a little to glare up at the cheeky Idol. 

“Just asking, no need to get moody,” Airi chucked and stroked Ena’s hair to calm her down. “It’s my treat, whaddya say?” 

“I want cheesecake!” She declared, noticing Airi rolling her eyes. 

“Of course,” Airi sighed, but didn’t stop smiling. “Well, can’t be helped, huh?” 

Ena smiled for the first time since her mini panic attack and now couldn’t wait for her free dessert. Even if she told herself earlier that she wouldn’t eat too much today. 

Screw it, she’s allowed one free day, right?

By the time Ena got home, it was already 6:00 pm, only a few hours away before her usual meeting with Niigo. She felt much better once Airi and her decided to go with Mizuki and Shizuku to Miyamasu-Ocha for lunch. Airi as promised paid for her cheesecake and oolong tea while Mizuki teased her about how she needed to slow down. 

Despite Mizuki’s antics, Ena was in heaven eating the slice of cake all for herself. It hit the spot after everything that had happened today. Her emotions had been all over the place since she reunited with Mafuyu and just being with her best friend and people she liked to be around made this day pleasant. 

However, something felt off to Ena as she entered her room and looked into her closet, where all those paintings were. 

Right, her feelings for that girl…

“I want to see Mafuyu…” she whispered to herself. 

Speaking of the devil, Ena’s phone then chimed, with a message from the girl in question, who wanted her to meet in the SEKAI. 

Ena couldn’t stop her heart from pounding in her chest as she gulped and reread the message to see it was real. Her palms were shaking as the opportunity to be with Mafuyu filled her mind, making her smile with excitement. 

At least she wasn’t the only one who wanted this.

With a quick check in front of her mirror, fixing a little of her bangs. Ena scrolled through the shared folder Kanade made and found Composing the Future . She clicked on it and played the song as a burst of colors engulfed her with its warmth and beauty, before it transferred her safely into the Empty SEKAI. 

Honestly, she would never get used to how quiet this place could be, but it was still nice to experience the tranquil nature it provided. Ena didn’t come here often, maybe only having come for her birthday yesterday and that first time, but not everyday like Mafuyu.  

Ena took a step forward as she made her way to the stage in front of her. She saw Miku next to Mafuyu leaning on a black beam, with the latter's eyes closed and breathing slowly. A frown formed on Ena’s lips as she took notice of Mafuyu still in her school uniform, indicating to her that Mafuyu may have not made it home yet. 

“She really doesn’t want to be around that woman lately, huh?” Ena couldn’t help but think out loud before making herself comfortable beside the tired girl. 

“Mafuyu is sleeping.” Miku told her in a sad tone. “She didn’t want to speak, so I let her be.”

“I see…” Ena nodded her head, stretching her arm around Mafuyu’s shoulders as the other’s head shifted, landing on her shoulder. 

“Will she be okay?” Was Miku’s reply.

“ Of course, I got her now Miku, no need to worry!” Ena assured the somber vocaloid as she tried to calm her down. 

“Okay. Thank you, Ena.” 

Miku got up from her spot beside Mafuyu against the black beam. She then walked away from the two high schoolers, leaving Ena confused as to why the vocaloid couldn’t just stay. It wasn’t like she wanted to be alone with Mafuyu. 

Liar, that’s exactly what she wanted. 

Ena’s face grew red at the internal admission of her intentions for intimacy with Mafuyu. She didn’t know why she was this possessive over the girl, but as of late, Ena couldn’t help but want to be alone with Mafuyu every chance she got.

It was stupid, since nothing was happening between them, but Ena couldn’t help herself from wanting to take a step forward with Mafuyu. Like that time she tried to ask her out, which then ended up with Mafuyu having a panic attack over a puppet. At this point, nothing seemed like the right moment to talk about the kiss, or dating for that matter. 

Right now, Mafuyu needed a friend and Ena was going to be that friend, along with Kanade and Mizuki. Her weird feelings would have to be put on the back burner, since Mafuyu’s feelings and mental health should be everyone’s top concerns. 

“Enanan?” A drowsy voice whispered as half lid indigo eyes turned towards her. “When did you get here?” 

“Hah, not even a hello?” Ena pouted, but then felt the corners of her lips curl. “I got your message, sorry, I just got home.” 

“Oh…” Mafuyu murmured before moving her head back into its previous position. 

“You want to…cuddle?” Ena asked, surprised by her own words. 

Mafuyu didn’t respond, instead she turned her body a little before pushing Ena on her back. Ena groaned at the impact of the ground but didn’t have time to shout at Mafuyu when the other crawled on top of her and settled against her chest. 

“Warm…”

Ena felt her cheeks heat up as she tried to get comfortable, wrapping her arms around the small of Mafuyu’s back as the girl took that moment to snuggle deeper into her shoulder. Ena sighed at the touch, arching her back a little as she tried to keep her thoughts innocent as possible. 

Damn this girl…

“Oi, stop moving,” she warned as she tightened the grip she had on Mafuyu. 

“I missed you…” 

Ena's face was now crimson as she contemplated whether or not to bang her head on the hard floor of this place, in order to keep herself from doing anything stupid. This girl really had no boundaries whatsoever and like before, it drove Ena wild. 

“Enanan?” Mafuyu echoed as she lifted her head  to stare at the artist with those big indigo eyes. “I want to see your paintings again.” 

“Hah?” You already do?” She questioned, making Mafuyu shake her head. 

 “Not the ones for Niigo, I want to see the ones Ena did for her art class.” Mafuyu rephrased with clear interest in those dimly lit eyes. 

Shame washed over Ena as she recalled the moment she stopped going to Yukihira’s classes after graduation. Her life after kissing Mafuyu had become a complete disaster, as her anxiety and self-hatred overcame her rational emotions. She went numb with depression as her dreams were so far out of reach, that even Mafuyu’s words of encouragement had faded into the background. 

“I’m sorry…” Ena murmured as tears pricked her eyelids. “I don’t have any…” 

“Why?”

“Because after what happened I quit, I realized it was a waste of time…” she cried out as her stubbornness made her push Mafuyu off her. 

Mafuyu was surprised by the sudden reaction as she stared at Ena with wide eyes. Ena felt awful for her outburst and was about to apologize, but was stopped when Mafuyu tackled her into a strong embrace. 

The act made Ena both terrified and confused as she tried to get the girl off her. Mafuyu, though, didn't let go, stroking Ena’s hair and whispering into her ear.

“It’s okay.” 

“N-No it’s not, I’m a talentless failure.” Ena growled as she tried to breathe. “All I can draw is shit.” 

Her words didn’t seem to have affected Mafuyu as she continued to comb her fingertips through Ena’s hair, causing the artist’s shoulders to relax and lean further into her touch. 

“That didn’t stop you before,” Mafuyu said in an unusually innocent voice. “Your work for Niigo is liked by all of us. Doesn’t that mean it’s good?” 

“You once called what I did messy.” Ena muttered as she wrapped her arms again around Mafuyu’s back.

“I did.” Mafuyu said bluntly before softening her tone. “Though, I never said you should stop…” 

Those words rang in Ena’s head as she remembered her desire to rejoin Yukihira’s classes. However, with her decision to take evening classes, it would be hard to register and dedicate her time listening to the guy. She needed to find other alternatives, like she did with Niigo. 

“You didn’t, I remember that.” Ena finally answered as she took deeper breaths, hugging Mafuyu tight in her arms. “Thanks…”

“For what?” 

“Argh, you still don’t get it, do you?” Ena groaned and pulled away to stare at Mafuyu who was facing her with those stupid doe-like eyes. 

Mafuyu’s chin was settled in between her chest while hugging Ena’s waist. The hint of warmth in her eyes was clear as she tried to understand Ena’s reaction. Of course, It made Ena want to kiss her, but that still was not something she should do right now. Instead, Ena laid her head back on the ground, closing her eyes in an attempt to ignore the caring look Mafuyu was giving her.

Mizuki couldn’t stop laughing on the video call as Ena tried to fix her outfit. The wrinkles were evident from what she’d been up to for the last couple of hours with Mafuyu in the SEKAI. It wasn’t her fault that Mafuyu had gotten clingy with her after a while, she was like that before as well. So, it wasn’t that weird for Ena, unlike the other two members of Niigo. 

“Shut it.” She warned them as Mafuyu on the other screen muted herself. 

“I wasn’t gonna say anything, mind you, tangled hair is a nice look.” Mizuki chuckled as Ena glared at her.

“Ugh, what, are you serious!?” She complained and tried to fix her hair a little, hoping it would fall back to its usual form. 

“I’m joking! You look fine, K though…” Mizuki said with a sigh as her focus shifted to the other girl who was busy with her sheets of music. 

“Huh?” Kanade asked, hearing her name in the chat. “What’s going on?” 

Ena and Mizuki giggled at the confusion on Kanade’s face as they settled down to work on their own projects, or in Mizuki’s case talk about her time spent with Shizuku. 

“I still couldn’t believe she trusted my style and choice, but man Enanan, Shizuku-chan looked really good in the dress I showed her.” Mizuki gushed with stars in their eyes. “She liked it so much that she bought it too, can you believe that?!” 

“I’m glad you made a new friend, Amia, but we really need to focus on this next video.” Ena informed them as she turned her attention to her tablet with the rough sketches of what Kanade had spoken to her about a couple of days ago. 

“So, boring!” Mizuki complained and crossed their arms, but seemed to understand Ena’s worry. “I guess I’ll just tell Yuki about it later, since Shizuku-chan knows her through Kyūdō.”

That caught Ena’s attention. “Huh? She really does know Mafuyu?” 

“Yeah, apparently they are both in the Kyūdō club at Miyajo. Mafuyu joined it in her first year of high school since she was asked.” Mizuki responded with a serious tone. “Guess, she thought it would help with university or something.”

“I just joined because someone asked me to.”

“HYAAAH?!” 

Ena watched with amusement as Mizuki jumped up in their chair, surprised by Mafuyu’s sudden answer. That girl always had a habit of scaring the hell out of anyone who was off guard. Though for Ena, It was funny to be in the audience for a change, as she listened to Mizuki whine. 

“Why are you guys talking about that anyway?” Mafuyu asked in a low tone.

“Ah, well, we met a teammate of yours, I think. Hinomori Shizuku!” Mizuki answered after regaining their composure. 

“Hinomori-san…?” 

“Yeah! She’s super nice. I'm kinda surprised that you two know each other, since you’re in different classes and all.” Mizuki nodded while adjusting their headphones. 

As the two conversed, or as Ena would describe it, Mizuki yapping about something Mafuyu wouldn’t care about. Kanade soon joined the conversation, by unmuting her mic and speaking up in that quiet voice of hers.

“Ah, how is everyone?” 

“Oh, the usual,” Ena decided to say as she placed her hand under her chin while staring at her tablet. “Amia is just annoying everyone about her favorite idols.” 

“Oi! Do you really want me to change the subject, Enanan?” Mizuki frowned before curling their lips into a devious grin. 

Huh? Oh, c’mon, can we please just drop it!” She blushed as Mizuki teased her using no words. 

“No fun,” Mizuki dropped their smirk before turning their attention to something else on their screen. “By the way, Enanan, did you buy that dress earlier? Or was it too big?” 

Ena's face turned scarlet remembering who the dress she was looking at was for. Mizuki really did get a kick out of pissing her off, but this was too much. 

“What dress, was it cute?” Kanade asked, oblivious to the meaning.

“Arrgh!” 

A knock came from her door as her brother’s voice yelled out. “Oi, stop yelling, what the hell?” 

“It’s nothing! Go to bed.” Ena shouted back. 

“Kinda hard with all your yapping…” 

“Shut up! Just go away!”  She snapped, making Akito sigh and walk back to his room, slamming his door shut.

Ena was at her wits end as she tried to focus on her drawing tablet. Her pencil in hand was tapping on her cheek as Mafuyu and Kanade stared at her in confusion to all these distractions. The artist glared at Mizuki with the corner of her eyes as the editor looked to be regretting what they said earlier. 

At 3:00 am Ena yawned and stared at her unfinished drawing. Mizuki, Kanade and Mafuyu had all been quiet for the last hour as they all worked on their part of the next project. Ena though was too preoccupied with her own issues to speak up as she remembered what Mafuyu told her back in SEKAI. Well, that and the fact that Mafuyu actually had a friend outside of the group. 

Seriously, why did she join Kyūdō just because someone asked her? 

It was such a strange reason for joining a club. Unless Mafuyu was that much of a people pleaser, which would make sense considering how controlling her mother was. 

“Mmmm.” Mizuki hummed and stretched on screen. “I’m tired, are you guys gonna head to bed soon?” They asked. 

“I just want to get this done…” Kanade whispered before turning back to her synthesizer with music notes in hand. 

Mafuyu didn’t reply as she focused her attention on the notebook beside her. From Ena’s perspective, it was one of her school books rather than the lyrics she should be working on for Niigo. A sigh escaped her lips, but Ena refused to go to sleep. Like Kanade she wanted to make some progress with her illustrations. 

“You can go to bed Amia, I’m gonna stay up a little longer.” She assured, before giving them a smug smile. “I mean, I don’t have school until the evening, so I can sleep all day.” 

“Well, that’s obvious, still I can’t control any of your sleep schedules so… I’ll just hope you guys get some sleep.” Mizuki shrugged before turning off their editing program. “Night.” 

“Night Amia!” Ena said with a small smile, as Kanade on the other screen waved her hand.

When they left, the atmosphere became calmer but eerie. It made Ena think about the Empty SEKAI while squinting her eyes and dragging her digital pencil across the tablet. The figure of a girl and mask still not coming out right as the position looked sloppy and uneven.

Ena bit her lip as she double tapped her pencil to the eraser before using it to get rid of the arm holding the mask in the sketch. She had done this over twenty times now, drawing something similar and then erasing it because of how bad it looked. 

“Dammit, nothing is right. If this keeps up, coloring is gonna be a nightmare.” She muttered before placing her palms on the edge of the desk and pushing her chair away.  “I hate this…” 

She really did, she just wanted to crawl into bed and give up for the night. However, something was keeping her from doing that, keeping her from giving in. The last time that happened was because of Kanade asking her to join Niigo, telling her how much she really loved her art. Now, it was because she wanted to show Mafuyu she hadn’t fallen into despair, not yet at least. 

“Shit…”

Chapter Text

Ena sighed in bliss as she relaxed her body against sofa cushions the private room her favorite karaoke lounge provided. She then let her eyes wander to Mafuyu who was sitting on the other side with her bag close to her chest. This whole thing happened on a whim once they parted with Kanade and Mizuki after one of their weekly meetings at the family restaurant. Mafuyu didn’t want to go home and Ena suggested they’d go here to talk, or in most cases, blast music and sing their hearts out. 

And cuddle, can’t forget that…

As if on cue, Mafuyu got up from her spot and went up to Ena with that cute look on her face. Ena in response opened her arms, giving Mafuyu her permission to join her on the couch. Mafuyu’s eyes widened with subtle excitement as she moved closer to Ena, placing her head near Ena’s heart while wrapping her arms around Ena’s abdomen. 

“Thank you.” She murmured before nuzzling her nose into Ena’s shoulder. 

“Yeah, yeah.” Ena muttered as she placed her hand on Mafuyu’s soft hair. 

She glanced up at the ceiling, counting the tiles for a bit, as the conversation from earlier with Niigo came to mind. Mizuki had been more giddy than usual with the amount of followers the group had gotten after Jackpot Sad Girl went viral. They expressed how much more popular Niigo’s music was, as well as complimented Kanade for her composition. 

Ena didn’t want to make too much of a fuss, but she felt a little nervous regarding the art portion of the project. She felt conscious of what she drew for it, even though it was one of her best works in her honest opinion. Still, that didn’t mean anything really, considering it was the fans that had the last word. 

A sudden urge to open her phone and read the comments for the video made Ena restless. She knew that ego surfing on social media was not something she needed right now, and yet, it was the only thing plaguing her better judgment. Her heartbeat was raised a little by these insecurities and her hands twitched as they gripped Mafuyu’s head. 

Mafuyu, being sensitive to the touch, raised her head from Ena’s shoulder to stare at her with an expressionless look on her face. Ena hated it when she did that, because it was hard to read her thoughts. Although, that wasn’t the only reason. The artist knew first hand that Mafuyu was trying to make out her feelings in order to help her in some way. Especially since her head tilted to the side before her brows scrunched together. 

“Enanan are you still thinking about the video?” She asked in a blunt tone. 

“Hah?!” Ena blanched before looking away as a blush formed on her cheeks. “No, don’t be ridiculous, stupid.” 

“Then why do you have that look on your face?” Mafuyu pressed on as she leaned a little closer. 

“I-I…” Ena hesitated, well aware of their proximity, as she tried to think of anything to say. 

“Hmm?” 

“I wantedtotakeaselfiewithyou!” she answered in one breath. Her pupils shrinking after realizing what she just blurted out.

“A…selfie?”

Sweat beaded on Ena’s forehead as her mind screamed at her for her clumsiness. 

That wasn’t what she wanted to ask Mafuyu at all. 

“Yeah…” she spoke up despite her thoughts. “Look, I won’t put it on my Instagram but, uhh, you looked so cute, and I wanted to capture the moment.”

WHAT THE HELL DID SHE JUST SAY?!

Mafuyu, though, hummed in thought as she took in what Ena said, despite the obvious anxiety written all over the latter’s face. Her eyes brightened just a little as she opened her mouth to reply.

“Okay.”

“Okay?” 

“Yes,” Mafuyu nodded before settling down on Ena again. “Let’s take a selfie.” 

Ena’s brain short-circuited as her jaw dropped at the bold statement. A part of her thought  Mafuyu was just doing this out of habit to please her, but something about the way that girl’s eyes glimmered at the opportunity made Ena feel warm. She had remembered when Mafuyu told her that she never experienced going out with her classmates or club members. So, really, that fact alone should have been enough for Ena to understand Mafuyu’s willingness. 

It was super cute too…

The artist had to bite her lip to control herself as she reached out for her phone on the table in front of them. She then pulled Mafuyu closer, as the two laid side to side with the lyricist’s face inches away from the crook of her neck. It was becoming hotter than usual as Mafuyu looped her arms around Ena’s neck, pulling her even tighter into the embrace. 

Ena could barely breathe as her palm became sweaty while positioning her smartphone above both their heads. She looked up to focus on finding the right angle as Mafuyu nuzzled her nose deeper into her collarbone. 

“Oi, hold still,” she warned as her breath hitched. “I can’t get a good angle if you keep moving around, Mafuyu.” 

“Sorry.”

Mafuyu’s voice was so small when she said that, making Ena’s heart race.

“It’s fine, I just want you to be comfortable.” Ena sighed and looked up at the camera before pressing the button at the bottom to snap the photo. 

When it was done, Ena pulled her smartphone back towards her body and switched to the gallery to see how the picture turned out. 

What she saw was something totally unfair. 

She didn't want to admit it, but this was one of the cutest selfies she had ever taken of herself, even with Mafuyu beside her like this. In front of her, Ena could see the clear adoration in her own eyes as she glanced at Mafuyu and held her close. The way Mafuyu stared up in wonder, despite her lips touching her neck, held such innocence, that Ena was sure that if she posted this online she’d wound up with a million likes. More so than anything she could ever accomplish alone. 

“No way am I putting this on my account…” she muttered, which caught Mafuyu’s attention.

“Why not?” 

“Because, because…” Ena wanted to lie but decided against it. “Because I don’t want any weirdo to see this side of you!” 

“Hm…?” 

Mortified at what she said, Ena moved her hands to cover her face. Her cheeks were now on fire as her mouth once again ran off and made her say something utterly pathetic. 

Damn this girl!

“Ena, are you okay?” Mafuyu asked and shifted her head to get a better view. 

“I’m fine…” she lied as her face remained red as a tomato. 

“But your face is re—-“

“Shut up!” 

A few more seconds passed as they laid there in silence. The sound of Ena’s heartbeat was like a ticking time bomb as she tried to remain silent. Afraid of saying anything else that could embarrass her until noticing that Mafuyu didn’t have a sweater on today. 

“Ne, why are you not wearing a sweater?” She had to ask. 

“You took all of them.” Was Mafuyu’s tactless answer. 

Flashbacks of the lilac, white, and baby blue cardigans that Mafuyu had offered her whenever they were walking, suddenly hit her like a freight train. Ena gasped in horror at her forgetfulness as she turned her body away from the other girl in total humiliation. 

“Why didn’t you remind me to give any of them back to you?!” She almost shouted, curling herself into a ball to further make herself look smaller. 

“I don’t know.” 

“Seriously!?” Ena whined into her hands.

“Yeah…”

Mafuyu then laid back down and wrapped her arms around Ena’s abdomen, pulling the artist’s back to her front. The position was very different for Ena, since she was usually the big spoon. However, against all odds, Ena sank into the warmth of these shockingly toned arms. She arched her back like a cat as a small sigh escaped her, just as her head landed itself against Mafuyu’s heart. 

“Don’t be mad at me…” Mafuyu whispered as her arms tightened its hold around Ena. “Please… I’ll be good.” 

Upon hearing that, Ena placed her hands on Mafuyu’s, over her stomach. She stroked her thumb across Mafuyu’s skin as she made an effort to soothe the lyricist’s fast heartbeat.

“I’m not mad,” Ena assured her before humming softly when she felt Mafuyu’s arms loosen. “Also, you don’t have to be good with me, I don’t give a shit about that act of yours.” 

“Okay…” Mafuyu mumbled against her exposed nape over her choker.

Ena sighed as the two of them stayed like that. Those words from Mafuyu were some of the rawest she’d heard her say. It was painful, but also gave Ena more of an opening to understand Mafuyu. She was letting her guard down in front of Ena, her icy facade was melting, as a lost child emerged from its remains. 

A day later, Ena found herself frustrated, as she threw the damn flier for the art contest on her desk. Her eyes were glaring at it while remembering the conversation she had earlier in the living room. Not only did the old man say she wouldn’t get a prize if she entered, but he also had to remind her that there were so many other kids who were better than her. 

“I’ll show him!” Ena whispered in spite and sat down on her desk, grabbing the flier with more force than she intended. “I’ll prove to him how talented I am.” She muttered before going on her computer to apply for the stupid contest.

It didn’t take long for her to send her application for the competition. However, now she had to wait for the email with all the instructions on what they were looking for, as well as the due date. It was torture and Ena needed to start prepping for the painting she would create, whatever it might end up being. 

Just please not another portrait of Mafuyu…

Her brain really liked to remind her about that as she shook her head and noticed how much paint colors she was missing from her set. Great, now she had to buy more art supplies for this too. 

“I’m gonna win this even if it kills me…” Ena swore to herself before getting up from her desk. 

Ena then looked around her room before seeing a familiar lilac sweater hanging in her closet. She stared at it for a while and thought of a certain girl before slapping her cheeks to snap herself out of it. Without thinking, Ena took out the cardigan and put it on. Its scent made her feel safer as she took her purse and walked out of her room. 

To her surprise, Akito was outside in the hallway with a scowl on his face as he leaned against his door with his arms crossed. Ena could feel the tension between them increase as his eyes held concern for her choice to do this contest. Even though just an hour earlier, he had encouraged her to do it. 

“Oi, are ya really gonna apply?” His deep voice asked. 

“Already did,” she told him and walked past him. “I’m just gonna go get some more art supplies, Akito, don’t worry.” 

“I-I’m not, I just— want you to get me some cheesecake while you're out!” He tried to cover his feelings with a selfish favor. 

“Hah? Do you know how expensive my supplies are!? Get it yourself.” She complained while narrowing her eyes. 

“Oi, I always get you something when I’m out, can’t you just do it for me?” Akito rolled his eyes at her childishness. 

“Ugh, fine, whatever you big baby. It’s the orange-flavored one, right?” She said as she took out her wallet to see how much money she had. 

Akito nodded his head as he pushed himself off his door. He then told her to be safe before walking back into his room, followed by a blast of rap music. Ena smiled a little at his kindness, even if they bickered all the time, Akito was still a good brother to her.

  Well, when he’s not being a pain, that is…

“Okaa-san I’m going shopping! I’ll be back before dinner.” She called out to her mom before running out the front door, not waiting for a reply. 

Ena smiled as she glanced down into the bag full of new brushes, charcoal, pencils, new pens she wanted to try out, and finally, a gorgeous brand-new watercolor set. Okay, maybe she went a little overboard, but she needed most of this stuff. The only thing she got at the mall before Mizuki showed up was canvases and acrylic paints she had run out of. 

So this was totally justified. 

Was her last thought as she exited the art store and began picturing the piece she’ll be painting. Sadly, the figure she imagined shifted into the shape of Asahina Mafuyu. Damn, even when she’s not around, that girl would always pop up into her head.

“You’ve gotta be kidding me, I can’t be this obsessed.” She groaned and pressed her palm to her forehead. 

“Enanan…” a quiet voice caught her attention, making Ena look up to see Kanade.

“Oh, Kanade!” She greeted her with a sigh.

“You don’t seem too thrilled to see me?” Kanade joked with a tired smile. 

“Hah? No, no, I’m just surprised to see you around here…” Ena looked down with guilt in her tone.

“I’m just joking, sorry.” Kanade apologized before coming closer and placing her hand on Ena’s wrist. “Are you okay?” 

“Me?” Ena asked and then smiled at her friend’s concern. “I’m fine, just a little nervous about something.” 

“Yeah?” 

The way Kanade tilted her head made Ena think of Mafuyu when she’d get confused by her vague answers. Ena sighed at herself for the comparison, she really needed to stop thinking of Mafuyu all the time. It was taking a toll on her mental state the more she thought about that girl.  

“Yeah, I’ve signed up for a contest today. The deadline is in three weeks, so I need to hurry home to start.” She tried to explain as her eyes closed for a few seconds to help maintain calm. 

“Oh, that’s really cool!” Kanade brightened up as her voice held a rare, soft, excited tone. “I’m sure you’ll do great, I love your art, Ena.” 

Ena flinched a little at the encouragement, or was it a compliment? Either way it made her feel now she had to do something that would reach Kanade’s words. A feeling that made her both terrified but determined to accomplish her long forgotten dream. 

“Thanks Kanade, I needed to hear that, hehe.” She wanted to smile, but her happiness didn’t really shine in her eyes and voice. 

Kanade didn’t seem to notice it as she informed her of the time and how she needed to get home. Ena wondered where she was coming from, but Kanade didn’t seem to want to open up about her whereabouts. In the end, Ena allowed her to leave, but not before hearing Kanade’s last words. 

“I really do love your art, Ena.” 

Ena froze as Kanade walked past her, heading home. The artist gulped, but felt a surge of determination and hope blossoming in her heart. Her heartbeat had increased as she felt her body move forward and race towards the train station. An idea for the contest now forming rapidly in her head as the urge to paint grew stronger with each step. 

It was awful. The painting in front of her was all wrong, muddy, and disjointed. Ena gritted her teeth as she wiped her cheek with a dirty fist, splotching her skin with a green mark in its place. Nothing was going, according to her previous vision. The canvas in front of her was ugly, with no depth nor did it pop with the vivid colors she pictured it having before. 

Tears stung her eyes as she took a palette knife and tried to scrape the paint off, hoping to see the charcoal that was beneath the glop of mud that stained the surface. Ena watched the paint flick and hit her apron, relieved that her white shirt underneath didn’t get soiled. However, the rest of the paint landed on the floor and her neck as she lifted her right arm to get it off. 

“Ugh, now I'm dirty, dammit. Why can't I get this right?” She asked herself and once again dipped her brush into the green acrylic paint, trying again to create the grass that the flowers would bloom on. 

Sweat dripped from her forehead, trailing all the way down her jaw. Ena used as much care as she could to keep the reds and other colors from mixing with the green and making another brown mixture. It wasn’t that she thought brown wouldn’t go well with the painting, but she wanted this to pop out, catch the interest of the judges. 

Anything to make the cut at this point.

A curse escaped her though, when the drips of the red above spilled and blended with the green. The muddying of her grass became apparent the more her sweat hit the canvas. 

“Dammit!” She cursed again, throwing the brush and palette knife into the bowl of water on her desk. “I’m just trying to put grass on, why is this so bad?!” 

Ena closed her eyes and grabbed her phone from inside the pockets of her shorts. She got up from her stool and walked to her bed before falling face first onto the mattress. What she needed now was some sort of distraction. If she kept this up Ena knew she would only get more upset at herself. 

That or her brother would  barge in to see if she was okay. For some reason, Akito could  hear anything whenever he walked by her door. 

“At least he cares unlike the old man.” She muttered as she decided to egosearch and see if anyone looked at her latest selfie. 

No, not the one with Mafuyu. Ena took another one with her favorite yellow plushie after that, with some minor filters added to the picture before uploading it to her account. 

Ena puffed her cheeks in dissatisfaction as she scrolled down the page of all the comments of her selfie. The ones that said she was cute or pretty were liked and made her feel special. Even her following had increased, which made Ena feel a lot better compared to earlier. Maybe all she needed was a little boost? 

“Then why am I not getting up?” She questioned as her eyes moved up to the ceiling. “Why don't I see what Kanade sees?” 

She didn’t have an answer to either question. Ena sighed as she turned on her side and went to a contact she knew she may regret later. 

Ena: Ne, Mafuyu, can you meet me after cram school? I need some critique on something I’m working on. It’s not Niigo related. 

Ena took a deep breath as she walked beside Mafuyu to the karaoke lounge. The artist brought her tote bag close to her chest as she decided to skip classes in order to do this with Mafuyu. What she needed right now was brutally honest critique on her painting she would submit for the contest. With the deadline only a week away, Ena was desperate for some advice, even if it came from someone as insufferable as Mafuyu. Something Ena hated to admit. 

Not that she didn’t like Mafuyu, far from that. It’s just…Ena disliked hearing Mafuyu call her work bad. 

The artist bit her lip when they turned the corner to the quaint area where the karaoke lounge resided. Her heart pounded hard in her chest as Mafuyu noticed her quietness and unusual behavior. 

“Ena, are you okay?” she asked with a soft tone. One that made a shiver go down Ena’s spine. 

“I’m fine, don’t you want to see what I’ve been working on outside of Niigo?” She replied, rolling her eyes to hide her nerves as Mafuyu's gaze narrowed. “What? Don’t look at me like that, you agreed to meet me, so you totally want to see, right?” 

“Yes.” 

“Then let’s go, we don’t have all evening.” Ena insisted and walked through the door of the cozy building. 

When they were taken to a private room, Ena flopped down onto the couch on the right side. She watched Mafuyu sit on the other side in a rather ladylike manner as Mafuyu crossed her legs after taking her seat. Ena took a deep breath as doubts creeped through her mind. Her father’s whispers of how talentless she was at the thing she loved most made it hard to show Mafuyu her painting. 

“Enanan?” 

“Look, I need you to be honest with me, okay? Don’t sugarcoat anything when you see this, alright?” Ena muttered and pushed her tote bag in Mafuyu's direction. 

Mafuyu tilted her head at Ena’s behavior, but took the bag into her space. She placed it behind her before carefully pulling the material inside out into the open. Ena watched Mafuyu with bated breath as the girl turned the canvas over and looked over its content. Mafuyu’s eyebrows furrowed at what she was looking at and Ena could already see the writing on the wall on how this would end. 

“I don’t get it…” Mafuyu murmured expressionless. 

“Hah?! What don’t you get?” Ena frowned at the lack of advice. 

“It’s too convoluted, I can’t help…” Mafuyu stared at Ena with those dark eyes of hers. “It doesn’t even feel like you tried—“

“Shut up! I’ve been up for days without sleep working on this! I have tried.” Ena cried out and got up from her seat. “Don’t you dare condescend my efforts, especially since you never felt like you were talentless!” 

Mafuyu’s eyes widened at the harsh tone Ena used as her mouth opened with surprise and hurt. She then bowed her head down to hide her face from Ena, and in a sick way, that made the artist happy. 

“If you actually put real time into this then it wouldn’t look hollow to me.” Mafuyu said in a deeper register before glancing up at Ena with dead eyes. “You asked me to be honest, I’m just merely keeping my promise Enanan. It’s not my fault you’re too much of a coward to face your own lack of passion.” 

Ena, enraged by the brutal observation, grabbed the lapels of Mafuyu’s uniform, forcing the girl up to her full height before yanking her down until their foreheads touched. She wanted to strangle Mafuyu, to show her what real pain was as the emotionless eyes the girl held had nothing to offer. 

 “You really are an asshole, Yuki.” She spat, their lips mere inches from one another. 

Why was Mafuyu the one she liked? Why did she have such an obsession with this awful woman? It was madness really, and Ena hated the fact that she couldn’t understand her own damn heart. 

“I’m sorry…” Mafuyu muttered as her breathing evened out as the tension between them simmered down a little. “I just want you to not make the same mistake I’ve made…I know you love art Ena. Though, this doesn’t show it.” 

Ena released Mafuyu, but not before pushing her backwards on the couch. The artist then pinned Mafuyu’s wrists above her head as she leaned forward, their nose brushing against each other, until Ena’s breath made Mafuyu shudder. It was too easy, Ena knew she could do anything to Mafuyu and the girl wouldn’t stop her. 

“You’re lucky I don’t hate you.” Ena whispered hotly in Mafuyu’s ear before pulling away and letting go of her.

“E-Ena…”

Ena ignored her as she straightened up, put away her entry for the contest, and turned to face the door. “Thank you for your honesty, but I’ll show you and my father that this wasn’t a waste, that I put my blood, sweat, and tears into all my artworks, including this one.” 

Without another word, Ena ran away from Mafuyu, wishing that the stupid girl would've chased her like in those drama films. However, all Ena was met with, were her own tears as the rain soon fell from the clouds above. 

She really was the worst…

Her anxiety only got worse after she submitted her painting to the contest. Ena’s heart was hammering as she tried to ignore Mizuki, while thinking about what happened a week ago with Mafuyu. To her relief Mafuyu didn’t seem too bothered by what happened, which should have been obvious since Mafuyu felt nothing for anyone or herself. That girl really was a puppet in a sick sense and Ena wished she could be capable of showing real emotions more often. 

“Oi Enanan, what’s with you? How’s the illustration for the video going?” Mizuki asked with some concern in their voice. 

“I’ve been busy with something else that I haven’t really completed it yet.” She shrugged as Kanade pulled away from her synthesizer while Mafuyu remained quiet. 

“Enanan, do you want us to look at it?” The tired girl whispered, tilting her head. “I would love to see your progress.”

Ena could never say no to Kanade as she saved what she drew earlier and dragged the file into the shared one. Both Mizuki and Kanade opened it but Mafuyu didn’t look all that interested. In fact, after a closer glance Ena noticed the heavy bags under the girl’s eyes. 

Shit, maybe she should talk to her. 

“Hmm…”  Kanade’s humming caught her attention. 

“What?”

“A little dark don’t you think?” Mizuki asked Ena with a slight frown. 

Mafuyu looked up from her notes and in the end also opened the file sent. The straight line on her mouth went downward as she said the last thing Ena wanted to hear. 

“It's the same problem…” she bluntly announced.

“Ehh, what do you mean!?” Mizuki said, now curious. 

“There is no concept or anything besides a dark background and a girl holding an umbrella? What were you trying to picture? It just looks messy with little care or passion.” 

“Uhh, I didn’t think it was that bad but, it is hard to understand what you’re trying to allude to here Enanan…” Mizuki muttered, looking down. 

“Argh, of course you’d take Yuki’s side.” Ena growled, having enough of all this negative attention. 

“Oi, I’m just telling you the honest truth, usually you take my criticism into consideration…what’s up with you?” 

“Nothing, I’m logging out for the night.” Ena shouted before hanging up the call she was on.

She didn’t want to talk to anyone right now, Ena just wanted to scream and yell. Everything she touched seemed to turn to crap, it just wasn’t fair that people like Mafuyu or even Kanade were gifted with the talent Ena craved. 

Hell, even Mizuki has a knack for sewing and fashion.

“Why am I so pathetic?” She cried to herself, before curling into a ball with no comfort from anyone or anything.

By the time she got home from her night classes that evening, Ena’s stomach lurched when she noticed the mail on the table. Her father who was home early didn’t speak up as her mom handed an envelope to her with a smile. 

“It just came in, here you go sweetie.” 

“Thanks…” Ena said as her eyes noticed Akito walking into the living room. “I’ll just open this in my room.” She told them before running up the stairs.

Ena knew who sent this to her. It was obvious that it came from the Shibuya Art Contest. Her heart wasn’t ready for the results, the stuff Mafuyu had told her before she blindly sent her admission, still haunted her. In a way, Ena was so upset that she couldn’t handle another hour fixing up the painting. 

“Now or never…” she muttered and ripped the envelope’s side before pulling out the letter.

“ Hello Shinonome Ena, 

Thank you for submitting your piece into the Shibuya Art Contest. We have completed our careful selection process and we regret to inform you that your piece will not be considered for any prizes.”

After the last word slipped from her lips, tears welled in her eyes. They were unable to be stopped as they trailed down her jaw and neck, hitting the floor of her room as a pathetic cry escaped her. Ena sniffled and then crumpled the letter into a tight ball before throwing it into the garbage can near her desk. The artist turned to her bed and fell on top of the sheets as her hands clenched them together while trying to stop more sobs from leaving her damn mouth. 

“She was right…both Mafuyu and Otou-san were right, I'm just not good enough.” She blubbered as her heart continued to break in her chest. 

Ena needed something, anything to stop this depressing spiral she was falling into. Her body felt weak as she picked up her phone and opened the screen to Niigo’s latest project. Almost on instinct Ena scrolled down the page and found comments about her art.

“At least some people appreciate what I d——“ she wanted to finish but was cut short by the negative replies of the comment.  

Her mouth fell agape as she read words saying things like, she was lucky that the composer and lyricist was a part of her group. Or that the style of MV made her art eye-catching with its edits, and so on. However, the worst replies Ena could come across was the one by people who only liked Niigo for its songs and that alone could be enough for them to be popular. 

“Seriously…I’m nothing but an accessory, an afterthought.” She whispered as tears rolled down her cheeks. 

Fed up, Ena pushed herself off her bed and glared at her easel, without any care she ran up to it and  threw it to the ground before letting out a growl. Ena then went for her paints, charcoal, pencils and sketchbooks. She picked them up and threw them into her trash pail with new strength as her breaths ragged from the amount of sobs that escaped her body. It was just all too much she needed to get rid of EVERYTHING. 

Her eyes then landed on her closet, seeing all those stupid portraits of a girl who will never understand just how much she wanted her. How much she could move her with those damn words of hers. 

“Argh, it’s all garbage anyway, Mafuyu would hate all of them!” Ena shouted and ran to destroy what paintings she had left. 

“Oi! What the hell is going on in he—-“ Akito shouted only to stop and look at the mess that was her room. “E-Ena what’s wrong, your room is a mess—-“

“Get out!” Ena yelled at him, with no hesitation in her voice. 

“I just want to know what’s wrong, you know how otou-san can be…” he faltered once he realized Ena was advancing towards him. 

“Shut up! I don’t want to talk to you. Get out!” She screamed and pushed him forward out her door, glaring at him when he hit the wall. “I just want to be alone.” 

Ena slammed the door after that while her wracking sobs just wouldn’t stop. She grabbed her hair and grit her teeth to control the tears, but nothing worked. It was at that moment Ena remembered Empty SEKAI. Whenever Mafuyu would want to disappear, she would go there. 

“Maybe that’s what I need…” she muttered before reaching her hand out for her phone as her eyes viewed the song that would let her escape from here.

With no hesitation, Ena clicked on the song and recognized a peculiar feeling of relief when the glowing light came around her. The melody of the somber song made her cry a little as she soon left her room and was transferred back into the vast but calm realm of the Empty SEKAI. 

Ena opened her eyes before she looked around at her surroundings. The quietness of the SEKAI was a needed welcome to her as she pocketed her phone in her skirt with a sigh.

“I think I get why Yuki likes coming here now.” She whispered to herself before glancing down at the ground in defeat. 

Just then, Miku appeared and asked her if she was alright. Ena was a little surprised by her concern, considering Miku’s lack of emotions, but then asked her to go away. She didn’t want to be around anyone right now, not when she’s this out of it. 

“ Okay… ” was Miku’s reply before disappearing, leaving Ena now completely alone.

“Damn, now I feel bad…” Ena muttered before shaking her head, the tears in her eyes already threatening to fall again. 

She needed to get further away, to find a place where she could rest or...NO. Ena was upset, but she wasn’t gonna do that. Sure, she wanted to disappear from her world, but that’s just because she needed a place to think and maybe cry some more. 

“Ugh, I must look terrible right now.” She groaned before pushing herself forward, walking further into the white expansive space. 

Ena felt annoyed as she continued down the road, but there was nothing waiting for her on the other side. Empty SEKAI was a wasteland with nothing but broken debris and pyramids. The more Ena got to see it, the more she wondered about Mafuyu. This was her creation after all. 

Well, before she could get that answer, Ena heard light singing from nearby. Confused, the artist stopped walking and turned around, her ears perked as they tried to follow the computerized sound. Though, from what Ena could make out, it was a lot deeper than Miku’s voice. 

“Who’s there!?” Ena panicked as she clenched the front of her blouse.

“Hm?” 

Ena glanced up to see a blonde girl wearing an asymmetrical dress and a floppy bow, sitting on a broken beam. Her electric blue eyes were as iconic as her voice as Ena recognized the virtual singer the moment they locked eyes. 

“You’re K-Kagamine Rin!?” She gasped, pointing her finger at the vocaloid. 

“I am. I’ve been waiting for you, Ena.” Rin said with an emotionless, but blunt voice. 

“Hah? What do you mean?!

Rin tilted her head at the question before she silently jumped from the beam and landed next to Ena. The vocaloid had a neutral expression on her face as her dull pupils made her resemble Mafuyu. It made Ena feel more at ease as the girl began to hum the song she was singing again. 

“So, what are you singing?” Ena tried again to start a conversation. 

“You’ll know eventually, it is your song.” Rin shrugged a little. “I am here because of you.” 

“What do you mean by that!?” Ena asked and turned to stare at the strange girl. “I thought the SEKAI was made by Mafuyu?” 

“Maybe she was concerned for you and somehow I appeared?” Rin suggested with no source of energy as her brutal remarks made Ena more and more nervous.

“Stop talking like that!?” She blurted, feeling more conflicted towards Rin.

“Like what?”  

“Like Mafuyu!” 

Rin raised an eyebrow, making her first expression as Ena noticed the confusion simmering in her eyes. She then opened her mouth, but then closed it again before opening it again to speak. 

“Do you want to learn this song?” 

“Hah!?”

Ena was perplexed, no scratch that, she was downright bewildered by Rin’s request. She didn’t know what was going through the new virtual singer’s head, but it surely wasn’t helping Ena with her problems. Unfortunately, before she could even answer Rin’s question, a familiar boisterous voice echoed in the distance, which made her turn around, seeing Miku as well as the rest of Niigo running towards her.

“Mafuyu was right, you were here!” Mizuki sighed in relief as Kanade patted their back. 

“How…” Ena asked as her eyes moved to Mafuyu.

“It was just a guess, you always seem to prefer quiet places.” Mafuyu shrugged, though Ena could hear the subtle concern in her tone. 

“What were you even thinking!?” Mizuki frowned, crossing their arms across their chest. “Not showing up for the meeting and giving Mafuyu here a mini heart attack.”

“Hah!? Why would she?”  Ena tried to argue.

“She told us what happened between you two a week ago.” Kanade said with a serious expression. 

“Oh, shut up! None of you get it, especially her.” Ena growled and glared at Mafuyu. “I mean, I’m nothing more than an accessory for Niigo, and my dad’s gallery exhibitions. I have zero talent and should just give up.”

“Ena.” Mafuyu said with a straight face.

“What?!”

“You have good ideas and the ability to make remarkable art. You just have to be patient with yourself and take steps to reach your dreams.” 

“How?” Ena whispered as she tried to hold back anymore tears.

“Like I said before, when we first met…you just have to keep painting until you’re satisfied, I just…didn’t see your passion in what you submitted. Not like the art you showed me two years ago.” Mafuyu murmured, bowing her head at the end, looking down. “I’m sorry for upsetting you last week.” 

Ena sighed at the apology as she scowled herself internally for the way she behaved last week. Like, she knew Mafuyu had trouble communicating her emotions but Ena was cruel to walk out on the girl after only speaking the truth. 

“It’s not your fault…” she trailed off while scuffing her sock against the floor. “I told you I wasn't mad at you, I was just frustrated. Honestly, during that moment I wished you’d have praised me or given me some vital advice on what I did wrong.” 

“Did I?” Mafuyu questioned with a tilt of her head. 

The artist froze in place as she took in Mafuyu’s confusion. That was the case, until she noticed a glimmer in those dimly lit eyes. 

“Wait, did you give me advice?” Ena huffed and placed her hands on her waist. 

“I would assume, considering how I said you didn’t seem to have worked as hard on the piece you showed me, like your earlier works.” Mafuyu deadpanned but then placed her hand under chin. “Although, I guess I should have been a little careful…with that said, I’m sorry.” 

“Argh, stop apologizing!” Ena groaned as Mizuki giggled beside her before slinging their arm over her shoulder. 

“Ne, Ena even though this was a huge misunderstanding on your part…again.” They teased before scaling back when they saw Ena’s glare. “You do know despite what others think. Me, Kanade and Mafuyu still love your art. It's why you are the official artist for Niigo.”

“Mizuki is right.” Kanade assured her, taking Ena’s hands into hers. “I messaged you because the first time I saw your art, I had to find you. It had to be you, Enanan.” 

Ena’s heart almost burst from the praise that both Mizuki and Kanade were giving her. It felt good to have some positive feedback after all the turmoil she endured the last month. Her eyes then went to Mafuyu who was nodding along with the other two girls' compliments. Ena, though, could see the sadness seeping off her as she remained silent throughout Kanade’s speech. 

Rin next to Miku whispered something into the other Vocaloid’s ear. The two then went on either side of Mafuyu and pushed her further to the group huddle, making the taller girl let out the cutest squeak Ena had ever heard from her. 

“Come on, we know you want to be closer.” Rin rolled her eyes. 

“Give Ena a hug.” Miku said, which made Ena bite her lip at the bold demand from the usually timid virtual singer. 

Mafuyu looked like a deer caught in the headlights as she blinked, while her ears turned a pretty shade of pink. Both Mizuki and Kanade pulled away from Ena to give their friends the space needed to make up. Or whatever Miku and Rin had wanted. 

“Stop stalling.” Rin deadpanned before getting nudged by Mizuki.

“Patience, Rin-chan.” 

The two girls in front of them didn’t take too long as Mafuyu made the last move, rushing into Ena’s arms and bending her neck to press her forehead to Ena’s shoulder. Unlike her verbal apologies, Ena could feel the regret and constant guilt in Mafuyu’s body from the way she gripped her pink blouse. A soft sigh escaped Ena’s lips at that observation, as she tilted near Mafuyu’s ear, giving the words Mafuyu needed to hear. 

“It’s okay, I forgive you…sorry for making you worry.” She said with a small smile on her lips before closing her eyes when Mafuyu’s hold only tightened, pulling her even closer. 

“Oi you two get a room, we have children here!” Mizuki scowled at them, covering Rin’s eyes. 

“Shut up Mizuki!” Ena growled before humming when Mafuyu’s nose nuzzle against her neck. 

“What was that Enanan?” Mizuki nagged with a smile on their face. 

“Fine,” Ena pouted and gently pushed Mafuyu off her. “We can continue this later.” 

Mafuyu perked up at that. “Does that mean I can sleepover?” 

“Oi, not so loud!” Ena blushed as Mizuki and Kanade chuckled in the background. “B-but yeah I guess you could stay the night, not that I don’t mind….” she mumbled more to herself than to the stoic girl. 

Mafuyu smiled a little at the invitation and pulled back with a slight glimmer in her usually reserved eyes. Ena had to bite her lip to keep herself from grinning at the cute expression field with anticipation Mafuyu was giving. That girl really was like a puppy sometimes, which was just too cute for Ena to handle sometimes. 

“Ugh, what am I gonna do with you huh?” She sighed in a soft tone before reaching out to stroke the top of Mafuyu’s head. 

Mafuyu closed her eyes at the touch as Kanade and Mizuki watched with smiles on their faces. Ena had to stop what she was doing because she was embarrassed at the attention. She could continue to dote on Mafuyu when they were alone. At least that’s what she’s reminding herself. 

“Anyway, Rin, I think I got what you were singing…it was the new song Kanade and Mafuyu were working on, right?” Ena asked with a more relaxed and focused expression. 

“Yes.” Rin said with that blunt tone of hers. 

“Well then, I’m ready to learn it.” Ena nodded her head with a little more confidence than before.

After that was done, and everyone returned home, except for Mafuyu. Ena yelped when she and Mafuyu dropped back into her room. She groaned in pain as she looked down to see the other girl below her with a slight blush on her cheeks. Well, this sorta escalated into something Ena was not ready to admit. Her eyes widened with horror as she jumped off the girl, trying to once again steady her beating heart. 

Seriously, how the hell did she end up straddling Mafuyu in the first place!? Was the universe trying to give her an early death by making them always collide into each other like that?

  Like some kind of sick joke?

“Ena?” 

“Hah?” She muttered an unintelligible response.

“I asked if I could borrow something to wear again, I don’t have my pajamas.” Mafuyu sighed with a slight hint of frustration. “Maybe your brother has an extra shirt…”

“No way!” Ena objected, shaking her head in protest. “I’ll get you something, just don’t ask him!” 

“Alright.”

Ena ran into her closet, forgetting for a split second about the shape her room was in. It wasn’t until she found a loose t-shirt for Mafuyu that the artist remembered as she heard the sound of rummaging outside her walk-in closet. With a new sense of dread shooting through her body, Ena grabbed a pair of shorts on the floor and rushed back to Mafuyu, only to find the taller girl staring at one of the portraits Ena had done of her. 

Mafuyu looked almost surprised as she stared at Ena’s latest painting, the one she did before they reunited in the SEKAI. Ena gulped as she watched Mafuyu stare at it, seemingly, entranced by the piece as she scrunched her eyebrows to get a better look. Her eyes glistened as she turned her gaze back to Ena. 

“Is this how you see me?” She asked in a straightforward tone. 

“Huh?” 

“I asked if this is how you se—-?” Mafuyu tried again but Ena cut her off by shoving the clothes she got into the her face and snatching the portrait from her hands. 

“Don’t touch things that don’t belong to you!” Ena frowned as she noticed some of her things being more in order. “Really, you started to clean my room, what a neat freak.” 

“I was feeling restless…” Mafuyu murmured with a bit of embarrassment in her tone. 

Ena sighed to herself as she looked back at the painting she took from Mafuyu. It was of Mafuyu with her hair down, with a slightly determined look in her eyes, like someone begging to be let out of her cage. Ready to break free and reach what’s at the end. 

Lost in her thoughts, the artist wasn’t aware of Mafuyu’s next move as the elusive lyricist wrapped her arms around Ena’s waist and pulled her into a warm embrace. Already in the clothes Ena had given her. 

“Enanan?” She whispered against her nape. 

“Look, we’ll talk about this later okay?” Ena muttered as she leaned into Mafuyu’s touch. “It’s been a really long night and I just want to cuddle…” 

“Alright.” 

Ena wasn’t used to someone saying they’d wait. It was a welcome feeling though as Mafuyu’s patience comforted her, making it easier for her to lull further into Mafuyu’s arms. 

“You’re gonna fall.” Mafuyu said before suddenly scooping the artist up into her sturdy, and lean arms, right off the floor. 

Ena gasped in response as she latched onto the collar of Mafuyu’s shirt, balancing herself in the taller girl’s arms before wrapping her arms tightly around Mafuyu’s neck. 

“Would it kill you to warn me next time?” She whispered in a harsh tone, trying to not seem freaked out that her crush had just picked her up princess style. 

“I’m tired, and this is quicker.” Mafuyu shrugged as her pragmatic mind continued to work on autopilot. 

“Oi, I’m not even in my pjs, let alone took a shower!” Ena protested before squirming around. “Ma-fu-yu!” She cried as she was thrown onto her bed, followed after by a pair of shorts and a green t-hoodie.

“I won’t look,” Mafuyu assured her as Ena, baffled, got dressed as quickly as she could. 

When she was done, Ena pouted at Mafuyu’s back to her, before crawling towards the girl and grabbing her hand. 

“Come on, I’m too tired to argue. Get in here.” She demanded as Mafuyu let Ena tug her arm and wrap her up into a strong embrace, snuggling deeper into her chest. 

Mafuyu hummed as she encircled her own arms around Ena’s back, bending her neck just a little so that she could press her chin on top of Ena’s crown. However, that caused Ena to stir as she pressed herself even closer to Mafuyu, her ear now directly against the other’s heart, as its rhythmic beats made the artist feel safer than she ever had alone. 

“Oi, Ena, you in there?” 

Dammit…

Despite her better judgment. Ena remained still and quiet as her brother’s obnoxious voice continued to speak behind her door. She didn’t dare open her eyes at the sound of the click, followed by heavy footsteps and a surprised gasp. 

“A-Asahina-san?” Akito hesitated before clearing his throat. “What are you doing here so late, and how did you—-“ 

“I was asked to come over Akito-kun, Ena let me in an hour ago.” Mafuyu replied, quick and to the point, giving Akito no room to question. 

“I see,” Akito said with that fake courteous voice Ena had come to hate. “Ena does tend to do things on a whim, though her calling a friend wasn’t something I’d ever expected. Not with how stubborn she is.” 

At that moment Ena wanted to punch him. This whole conversation was becoming a Bashing Ena fest and she had enough of her flaws being projected for everyone to see.

“You don’t need to worry,  Akito-kun, I’m just glad I was able to help her, despite her shortcomings.” Mafuyu giggled in a fake girlish tone, which made Ena almost gag as she bit her lip to prevent herself from speaking up. 

She was getting really tired of them roasting her…

“Asahina-san?” 

“Yes Akito-kun?” 

His voice then got lighter as Ena felt callus and rough fingers brush some of her hair back behind her ear. “Thanks for taking care of her…”

Mafuyu was quiet for a moment but when she opened her mouth, Ena felt her heart skip a beat.

“Ena always takes care of me, she was my first friend. So this is the least I could do for all she’s done.” 

Mafuyu’s voice was barely a whisper, but Ena could catch the slightest hint of emotion to those simple words. It made her hand tighten the hold she had on Mafuyu’s pajama top, her heart pounding hard as a smile crept its way on her lips. This feeling of warmth and comfort washed over her like a remedy after an awful month. 

“Huh, Airi told me the same thing when I first met her…I was young back then, but she was always nice to me,” Akito muttered before letting out a huff. “I wonder how Ena can make friends so easily but also have such a terrible personality.” 

“She’s kind and compassionate. When she sees someone is troubled, she feels guilty and gets this need to make them feel better. Ena wears her feelings on her sleeve and that’s why people connect with her.” Mafuyu stated philosophically. 

“…Well that answered my question. I never thought of it that way,” Akito replied in confusion.

“Me neither, it just came to me over time after spending a lot of time with her.” Mafuyu told him in that god awful honor student voice. 

“Oh, I see, she’s pushy, huh?” Akito chuckled, which annoyed Ena for some reason, as the smile on her face fell. 

“Sort of.” 

Leave it to these two assholes to both compliment and diss her at the same time. 

Ena’s nails, in retaliation, dug into Mafuyu’s hip, hoping it would make the lyricist aware of her eavesdropping. That and also warn her to stop talking to Akito. 

“You should go back to your room Akito-kun. Ena is a lighter sleeper than I thought.” Mafuyu said, completely ratting her out. 

“Pfft, she wasn’t even sleeping. That girl snores.” Akito sneered before exiting and shutting her door. “Night, Ena, Asahina-san.” 

Not even a second since he left, and Mafuyu opened her mouth again. “He’s gone Enanan.” 

“No shit.” Ena sighed but was too tired to get on Mafuyu’s case. 

“Enanan?” 

That quiet voice prompted Ena to pull away from Mafuyu’s chest, her arms still resting on Mafuyu’s waist as she gazed up into the endless indigo eyes. 

“C-can you sleep on top of me?” She hesitated. 

“Huh why?” Ena questioned. 

“I don’t know…I just want you closer to me than usual.” 

It was a strange request, but Ena obliged to Mafuyu’s request. She pushed back and waited for the lyricist to lay on her back before crawling on top of the girl. Ena felt warm when her head settled back on Mafuyu’s chest, breathing slow and steady as her companion stroked her hair. 

“Night Ena…please have better dreams.” 

That was the last thing Ena heard before feeling a soft brush on the crown of her head as her exhaustion finally took its toll on her body. 

Chapter Text

It was already 1:45 am, and all of Niigo were working or trying to work on their part for their next group project. Ena, who was still in her school uniform, yawned into her hand as her eyes looked down at her drawing tablet frustrated. She was tired, hungry and still having trouble sketching out the thumbnails she had promised Kanade fifteen minutes ago. At this rate Ena was sure she wasn’t going to make the deadline, not with how things were going. 

“Are you okay?” Mafuyu spoke up in the video call, causing Ena and her other friends to stop what they were doing. “You look redder than usual.”

“Usual?” Ena repeated, confused by the sudden question before narrowing her eyes with annoyance. “What the hell do you mean, by usual?”

“You’re sweating too, are you sick?” Mafuyu ignored her, as she leaned further into the screen to get a better look. 

“I’m fine!” Ena growled and looked away, embarrassed by the other girl’s concern. 

A quiet beat followed after her outburst as Ena bored holes into the wall near her desk. Irritated by the warmth spreading across her face and neck as beads of sweat trailed down her forehead. She was not sick. There was just no way she’d have caught something this serious from anyone in class. 

It was raining tonight though, and she had forgotten her umbrella again…

Ena wanted to drop her head in her arms. Sleep sounded really good right now, but she still wasn’t finished with the drafts. Also, she didn’t want the other girls to worry. 

Damn…

“Ne, Enanan, I agree with Yuki, you look like shit, go to sleep.” Mizuki just had to interrupt her spiraling.  

“Shut up, I said I’m fine!” She stubbornly replied as Kanade gave her a pleading stare. 

Damn, not Kanade too.

“Ugh, alright, alright, I’ll go to bed.” 

Ena sighed in defeat as she waved at the others on her screen goodbye. She then logged off nightcord and swiveled her chair until it faced her bed, carefully grabbing the arms of her chair to help lift herself on her feet. Dizziness was what met her after reaching her full height. Her hands reached up to grip it tight as she let out deep breaths, hoping it would help stop the pounding.

She wanted to throw up at any minute now as she pushed herself towards her bed. The artist squinted her eyes a little as her vision got blurry before falling face first into the group of pillows provided to her from her grateful mother. 

Kami-sama she wanted to die…

The next day didn’t go as well either as Ena woke up shivering and moaning in pain. Her mother who usually woke up very early had heard her and took that opportunity to take her temperature. Ena had come down with an awful fever, worse than what she had originally thought she had. She heaved and tried to breathe as her mom pulled her into an embrace, and rubbed her back in soothing circles. 

“Ena, oh baby, I wish I could stay but I have a really important meeting today. Maybe I can call your dad to come home early an—-“

“It’s fine!” Ena coughed and pulled away. “I-I can take care of myself, I’m not a kid.”

“I know dear but someone needs to watch yo—-“

“Please Okaa-san, I don't want to see him!” Ena cried, pulling her arms around her torso as she tried to calm herself down. “He’ll only make this worse.” She begged as the woman stared at her skeptical. 

“Well, you do take night classes, so I guess it wouldn’t be that much of a problem to leave you home alone…” her mother mused with a frown on her face. “Just please call your father if it gets worse, I won’t be home until very late tonight, Ena.” 

Ena didn't respond as her mother’s warmth soon disappeared when she got up from the bed and walked out her door. It was cold again and Ena wished she was more honest about what she was feeling. Even when Akito walked by she could only show hostility to him as his expression grew more and more worried. 

“You sick?”

“What do you think?” She sneered at him before letting out a coughing fit. 

“Damn, don’t cough all over the place, that shit is contagious.” Akito backed away from her door, only to receive another death glare from his sister. 

“Leave me alone!” She barked as the boy rolled his eyes, but not before softening them. 

“You want me to get you something on the way back from school?” He asked as he leaned against the doorframe. 

Ena thought about it for a few seconds before shaking her head. “No, I don’t want to overstuff myself.” 

“You sure?” 

“Yeah, Akito, thanks anyway.” She said with a little smile as her brother nodded and closed the door to her room. 

“Get well soon.” Was the last thing he said before walking away. 

As soon as Akito’s footsteps faded into the background, Ena sank back on her bed with a sigh. She then reached for her smartphone on her bedside table and opened it to find several messages from Mizuki and…Mafuyu? Wait, why did Mafuyu text her? 

Was she worried…

Ena blushed at the thought as she clicked on the latter’s chat before rolling her eyes in exasperation at the things Mafuyu wrote. It was mostly about her fever and if she was actually going to bed. To her surprise, the lyricist had also asked if she wanted her to come over, which just confused Ena as she switched to the second thread with Mizuki’s DMs.

Amia: you okay? 
Amia: did you get some sleep? 

Her questions were genuine, like Mafuyu’s, but also sounded less condescending as she let her fingers hover over the touchscreen keyboard. 

Enanan: I did, but ended up getting a fever overnight.
Enanan: it sucks I feel like shit. 

Mizuki was probably still asleep by now, so Ena figured they wouldn’t answer her until later. So in the meantime, she swapped back to Mafuyu’s text messages and typed the girl what she was feeling. 

Ena: I got to sleep, and yeah I took my temperature in the morning. 
Ena: I have a fever, the cold got worse…sorry I won’t make it to the Niigo meeting tonight. But I will still work on my part, don’t worry. 

(…)

Mafuyu: I see, well, if you’re going to work on the sketches despite your fever. I’ll send you the lyrics to help you with the concept Kanade talked about last night.

Mafuyu’s reply popped up as soon as Ena finished typing out the last word. It made her eyes widen before shifting their attention to the alarm clock on her desk. Does Mafuyu seriously wake up this early? Ena had to wonder. It’s fucking 5:30 am, school doesn’t start for anyone in Shibuya until eight-thirty. Hell, even Akito usually wakes up around six. 

Ena: cool, is there anything else you wanted to talk about? 

Mafuyu: Yes, what do you like to eat when you are sick? 

“Huh? Why would she ask that?” Ena muttered but still answered the other girl. 

Ena: I would usually prefer something that I can digest easily, like udon. That or okayu I guess. 

Mafuyu: Anything sweet? 

Ena: yogurt or fruit, why? 

Mafuyu: You need to eat something, right?

Ena blinked as she tried to understand Mafuyu’s vague questions. Was that girl gonna cook something for her? How would she even do that? Can Mafuyu even cook? 

So many thoughts came to mind as the artist gripped her head to stop the growing headache that was coming. She grit her teeth as sweat trickled down her face. The heat was becoming unbearable as the sickness worsened because of her rapid heartbeat. 

“I’m gonna have a heart attack at this rate…” she told herself while rocking back and forth to stop the pain and drowsiness from the fever. 

Ena took a deep breath as she tried to turn her body, coughing in the process from her inability to breath It was no use, she was sick as a dog and was in no shape to go to her drawing tablet. The mere thought of not being able to work made her want to cry. 

Damn it all to hell!

Was the last thing that came to Ena as she collapsed in exhaustion from all her movement.

By the time noon arrived, Ena was already bored out of her mind. She tossed and turned on her bed, restless in manner as she tried to relax. Nothing was working though, and desperate times meant desperate measures as she struggled to keep herself still. 

With no more distractions, Ena scrolled her smartphone and clicked on Composing the Future. Almost instantly, her body felt lighter, clutching her blanket. The bursting colors that escaped her screen engulfed her as she was teleported to the Empty SEKAI and its cool climate. 

Ena’s weight became heavier as she dropped down onto the vast world's ground. Her breathing, much lighter, as she looked around at her surroundings in a hasty attempt to look for either Miku or Rin. 

To her luck, Ena indeed spotted the pair near the circular stage as Rin leaned against a pillar with her arms crossed, while Miku slept close by with both her arms and legs spread out. The two virtual singers appeared at peace, but also bored. Just like Ena. 

“Oi, Miku, Rin, what are you guys up to?” She greeted them warmly, while also trying to mask her exhaustion. 

Rin glanced up with emotionless eyes as her face remained neutral and unamused at the girl’s friendliness. Miku opened one eye before tilting her head to give Ena her utmost attention. Both their immediate response, made the artist feel at ease as she walked over to the two with her blanket in her arms. 

“Ne, Miku, are you cold?” She asked and gestured to the bundle she was carrying. “Want to cuddle with me under this?” 

“Mafuyu once asked me the same thing…” Miku smiled a little before scooting over to give Ena room. “I don’t mind, though I’m not cold.” 

Right, Vocaloids aren’t human, so they don’t feel any different than normal. Ena thought as she sat down and leaned into Miku before covering the soft blanket over their bodies. Rin stood still next to them as she turned her attention back to the emptiness of the SEKAI. The way she appeared made Ena think of a guard dog, which was funny because Rin was shorter than both her and Miku. Still, it was nice to be able to sleep with someone watching over you. A small smile made its way onto her lips as she pictured Mafuyu the same way. After all Rin was more like that girl than Miku, Ena came to realize.

An hour later, Ena opened her eyes and noticed she was no longer lying against the black pyramid next to Miku. Instead, her head was on something much softer as she felt a nice sensation carding through her hair. A soft purr escaped her lips as she leaned further into the warmth that was enveloping her. It was way better than her blanket and cleaner as she sniffed a whiff of the faint apple scented cloth against her nose. 

“Your nose is still stuffy, don’t do that…” the thing, or more like the person, remarked with a hint of concern. 

On cue, Ena’s throat was clogged up with mucus and she hacked a little as the world around her spun off tilt. She reached out and clutched the person’s sweater, shivering at the loss of her blanket which pooled around her waist. Why the hell did she wear a tanktop in this place? She must have been desperate to get out of her room if she forgot to change out of it.

“Ena, stay still, take a couple deep breaths through your mouth. Don’t strain your nose, it’s still filled with snot.” Finally, she recognized Mafuyu’s lower register as she helped Ena lie down again on her chest. 

“M-Mafuyu? What are you?” She mumbled in a sleepy haze. 

“Rin contacted me through my phone, telling me you were here and weren’t sleeping well. I came to…check on you.” Mafuyu informed her as Ena lifted away and pulled her phone out of her short’s pocket.

“Did you...just get out of school? What about cram school?”  

“I didn’t go, I wanted to know if you were okay…you’re my friend Ena and you’re sick.” Mafuyu mumbled as she looked to the side to ignore Ena’s tired eyes. 

“Y-you’re hiding something.” Ena accused and hardened her face. “When did you come here?”

Mafuyu sighed at the question but answered her truthfully, seeming to be exasperated at the situation. “I came during lunch, so I may have skipped some of my classes…”

“ARE YOU STUPID!?” Ena cried in shock and nudged Mafuyu weakly before realizing she was still in the other girl's stronger arms.

“Rin said it was urgent…usually she’s not that concerned over trivial things but—-”

“But nothing! Your mom is gonna notice, hell your teachers may have called her.” Ena argued and put her hands on her red cheeks. 

“I don’t care.” 

“Huh?!” 

“I don’t care. You are way more important!” Mafuyu replied with a very rare expression that shone all her worry and panic at the same time. “When I got here you looked dead Enanan…what was I supposed to do?” 

“I-I’m sorry…” she muttered, letting Mafuyu pull her back into a tight embrace, as she tried to understand what had transpired. 

Mafuyu…her voice cracked. 

In all their time shared together, that had never happened before. To Ena, it was a painful revelation as she wrapped her arms around Mafuyu’s neck and buried her head into Mafuyu's shoulder to hide her own tears. Yes, she was crying again, but not because of the fever. This time it was because she once again hurt someone she cares deeply for. 

She was the worst…

“Mafuyu…I don’t want to go home yet.” Ena muttered into the other’s soaked shoulder. “Akito is probably out with his friends, and I don’t want to be alone.” 

“Then I’ll come with you…”

“Huh no?!” Ena tried to argue. “You have cram school.” 

“You need me. I’ll make up the work tomorrow.” Mafuyu replied back sternly. 

Despite her tone, she was warm, so warm Ena could drown in it as she pressed her head to Mafuyu’s neck to relish the feeling. She closed her eyes as Mafuyu stroked her back in soothing circles. The act itself made Ena sink further against the girl as she waited for Mafuyu to take them to her room. 

Like reading her mind Mafuyu took Ena’s phone and paused the song that she clicked on earlier to get inside the SEKAI. Soon, Ena and Mafuyu were immersed in a colorful light as the phone transferred them back to her bedroom. Ena heard a thump as the two landed on her bed, she gripped Mafuyu’s uniform lapels tighter before letting go and allowing her body to lay down. 

In one swift motion Mafuyu got off of her and sat at the edge to slip off her standard inside shoes. Ena watched in silence as the girl lifted herself off from the bed and padded toward the closed door. No one was home yet and Ena would usually be leaving at this time for night school. Today however, she was told to stay home to recover, which wasn’t easy when you were home alone. 

“Mafuyu…”

“I’m just going to get you another wet cloth, I’ll be right back Ena.” She said before leaving Ena alone again. 

Ena frowned at the vacant spot where Mafuyu was and turned her attention to the ceiling. A cough escaped her lips as she tried to hold it in with little to no effort. Her eyes were teary now, as she covered her mouth, feeling another headache forming on her temple. Damn, she thought she was getting better? 

Why won’t this stupid thing go away already?

“Argh,” she groaned in pain as her sore throat burned from the mucus that was caught in her esophagus. “Fu—ck.” 

A hand pressed against her chest, and her heart raced when she looked up to see Mafuyu had returned. The lyricist then helped ease her breathing before placing a wet towelette on her forehead. It’s coolness was making Ena feel more relaxed as she closed her eyes in hopes of falling back asleep. 

“D-Don’t leave again…” she murmured as the hand caressed her cheek before pulling away. 

“Ena, open your mouth.” 

“Huh?!” 

“I found some cough syrup in the medicine cabinet.” Was Mafuyu’s reply as she motioned for Ena to sit up a little. 

“Ugh, that crap is gross. Were there really no tablets left?” she complained and sealed her lips when the shot cup filled with the nauseating brown substance was near them.

“Don’t make this hard, Ena. This will help you get better.” Mafuyu sighed and put her knee on the bed to get a better angle. 

“Mhmh.” Ena shook her head, lips tightly shut. 

“Ena, if your fever gets worse, you might end up in the hospital, please.” 

The artist’s mouth parted after hearing that. It wasn’t a surrender, but it certainly showed Mafuyu that Ena was weak to her, as the cough syrup slid into her mouth and down her throat. Ena jerked up and wanted to vomit when it hit her stomach, squeezing her eyes in the process as her body thrashed. Until Mafuyu put her hands on Ena’s shoulders to keep her still, peering at her before whispering soft words of encouragement and reassurance. 

“The worst is over Ena, it’s okay, I’m right here.” 

“Gaaah,” Ena gasped as the burning in her stomach begged to be released. 

“I got you Ena, you’re okay.” Mafuyu whispered while guiding her back down into her bed. 

Ena cracked her eyes open as she stared at Mafuyu’s unusually warm eyes. At this point she knew she could drown in their warmth as her breathing evened and her head felt numb. Swirls of colors danced around her vision as a sudden burst of inspiration to draw filled her mind. 

“Oh! I know what to do for the project!” She spoke up and tried to get up, only for Mafuyu to stop her.

“Enanan, you need to sleep, not work.” Mafuyu told her in a blunt manner. 

“Nooo, it will disappear if I don’t draw it now!” 

“Ena!” 

Desperate to keep Ena from moving, Mafuyu grabbed Ena’s wrist and put them above her head before climbing on top of her. Ena noticed a blush forming on the tips of her ears as her lips curled into a smirk. Oh, to see Mafuyu flustered was one of the highlights of Ena’s days as she leaned in to blow into the shell of the other’s ear. 

“E-Ena!” Mafuyu gasped and lost her balance. 

Pleased by the reaction, the sick girl pulled Mafuyu closer. “Heh, your ears have always been your weak spot, Yuki~.” 

The lyricist didn’t reply to that, as Ena used the moment to lift her legs and wrap them around Mafuyu’s waist. Mafuyu gasped at the contact as her head dropped forward and her lips brushed against Ena’s burning neck. Her voice, trembling as she tried but failed to tell the artist to stop. 

“No fun. I’m the sick one here. You have to do everything I say until I feel better, Yuki.” Ena,  demanded with pouty lips.

“Ena, you’re sticky, you need to wash up…” 

“Woah, already asking for that? At least buy me dessert first, Mafuyu~” 

“Huh?”  

“Hehehe~”

“I don’t understand…” Mafuyu mumbled against her skin as her hands loosen their hold on Ena’s wrists.

“Ugh, even when you are confused, you’re just too cute.” Ena whined, pushing Mafuyu’s head off her shoulder before grabbing the lyricist’s reddening cheeks. “Unfair, why do you have to be ridiculously pretty?” 

“Pretty? Me?” Mafuyu tilted her head. “You’re sicker than I thought…I’m not that. I’m empty.”

“Bullshit, I may be high right now, but I know you’re anything but empty. Not with how you’ve acted today.” 

Her words made Mafuyu look away, contemplating on whether to continue the conversation or find a distraction. Ena sat there with her wet cloth now in her lap as she waited for Mafuyu to scowl at her for this uncouth behavior. However, nothing came and instead Mafuyu reached out and took the cloth off where it landed before using the tip to dab the droplets of sweat off Ena’s hot skin. 

“You really should take a bath…” she whispered, her face unreadable as she focused in on anything but Ena’s eyes. 

“I don’t think I have the strength to even walk to the bathroom, Mafuyu…”

“I know.” 

After she said that, the artist wasn’t even surprised when Mafuyu got up and bent down to scoop her off the mattress. Ena had to encircle her left arm around Mafuyu’s neck as her right hand pressed itself on Mafuyu’s shoulder. Mafuyu then made the journey to the bathroom as smooth as possible before kicking the door open to get them inside. Once they made it, Mafuyu placed Ena back down and began to help the artist out of her loose tank top. 

“You’re really eager to get me out of my pants, aren't you?” she joked as the feeling of Mafuyu’s fingers brushing upon her bare waist made her hotter than usual. 

“Stop it, you really need to take this seriously, Ena,” Mafuyu sighed, but motioned Ena to lift her arms up so she could get the top off over her head. “Damn, maybe I should have saved the medicine for later because it's really affecting you.” 

“Are you really that weirded out that I’m actually crazy about you?” Ena pouted as Mafuyu turned around to start the water, her voice but a mere whisper.

“No, I’m...just used to Ena being annoyed with me.” 

Her words echoed within the bathroom as Ena undid the drawstring of her shorts and let them drop to the floor before stepping out. She went closer to Mafuyu’s back as she noticed the determined, but contemplative look on the lyricist's face. A clear sign of Mafuyu’s complex personality that she always tried to suppress.

“You do annoy me Mafuyu, but that’s why I like being around you,” she confessed and looped her arms around the other’s slender waist. 

“Get in the tub Ena.”

“Oi, I’m trying to be sentimental here!” 

“Why?” 

“Damn, way to ruin the moment.” Ena growled before letting go and getting into the hot bath.

A cough tickled her throat as the pain from earlier came back with a vengeance. Ena groaned and leaned forward, clutching her stomach. Looks like the cough syrup was wearing off. Just her luck that it had to happen in the bathroom, of all places. 

Ena felt a palm on her back as its rough touches made her remember Mafuyu still being here. Then something softer brushed her skin as the foamy suds from it made Ena release her hold on her abdomen. Callused fingertips brushed her hair off her neck and the artist leaned into the touch. Those strokes of the loofa Mafuyu used were soothing, but made her heartbeat increase each second. It just felt so good to be cared for. 

Hmm, she could get used to this, and yet…

“You really don’t have to do this…” she said but tilted her head to the side to expose more of her neck.

“I want to, I like taking care of people. I’ve been studying hard to become a doctor after all.” Mafuyu replied, which made Ena turn a little to meet the other’s eyes. 

“Really? I thought it was a nurse?” 

“...” 

“Mafuyu, do you want to be a doctor or a nurse?” Ena asked with a softer tone this time. 

“I-I don’t know.” 

Ena, dissatisfied by the answer, turned her full body around to face Mafuyu and placed her hand under the taller girl’s chin, forcing the lyricist’s pretty indigo eyes to look at her. They held confusion and wonder as they stayed like that for what seemed like forever. 

“Be honest with me Yuki.” Ena whispers in a husky voice. “What do you want to be?” 

Mafuyu opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Her cheeks were red as Ena could see sweat trickling down towards her chin. The sight was fascinating to the artist as she leaned closer, only for Mafuyu’s palm to, on accident, brush against one of her exposed breasts. 

“Ahh,” Ena gasped from the touch. 

“S-Sorry.” Mafuyu hesitated with wide eyes. A rare occurrence for either of them as she pulled herself away from Ena and the warm water. Her right hand then landed upon her chest to clench it in panic. 

Ena, who was just as embarrassed, spun her body away from Mafuyu, hugging her chest. Their previous conversation was now forgotten as another topic came to mind. Anything to get her attention away from the awkward situation. 

“So, Kyūdō, um,” she began only to cough again in her fist. 

“Ena, don’t strain your voice.” 

“Let me finish!” Ena growled before clearing her voice. “Do you enjoy the club?” 

“I don’t know.”

“Hah? It’s a simple yes or no answer, Mafuyu!” 

“It’s…alright?” Mafuyu tried to explain in the vaguest way possible. 

“Don’t make me pry it out Mafuyu, I’m too tired.” Ena sighed and pulled her legs up. 

“…I like it, it helps take out my stress sometimes, but it’s also too easy since all I have to do is hit a motionless target.” 

Ena lifted her head up just in time to feel Mafuyu’s hands covered with more soap, touching her tense shoulder. She had to bite her lip to not let out another indecent sound as she let Mafuyu rub her skin and finish washing her back. 

“Oi, Mafuyu I didn’t tell you to stop talking.”

“What else is there to say? I like it but it can get boring.” Mafuyu retorted, which made Ena smirk when she heard the annoyance in Mafuyu’s voice. 

“You really can’t be honest about your feelings can ya?” Ena teased and outstretched her arm for Mafuyu to clean. 

“What do you mean? I’m not a tsundere like you?” 

“Hah?! I am not a damn tsundere or whatever Mizuki likes to call me.” Ena pouted and splashed Mafuyu out of anger. 

“You just proved it…”

“Shut up! I’m still sick, be nice to me.” Ena whined and splashed the other girl again before sticking out her tongue. 

“Hm, I really should've given you the medicine after this…” Mafuyu muttered followed by a rustle of clothing being discarded.

“Hah?” 

“I said I should’ve given you—-“

“Don’t repeat it you idiot!” 

After their squabble Mafuyu finished washing her arms and Ena couldn’t help but peek over to see the girl’s figure. Mafuyu had taken off her cardigan and uniform top, after Ena splashed her. She was only wearing a grey camisole and her skirt with her hair slicked back, which had made her look even hotter. 

“You’re so insufferable…” she groaned, looking away.

Mafuyu ignored her and reached for a nearby towel hanging on the handle. She motioned for Ena to stand up and then wrapped the warm material around the artist. Ena shivered a little bit as she waited for Mafuyu to gather her dirty clothes. She leaned her body on Mafuyu before letting the girl guide her back to her room. She didn’t want to admit it to herself but she did feel much better. 

As soon as Ena felt the surface of her bed she collapsed head first. What she didn’t expect was for Mafuyu to grab her hips and turn her on her back. A rush of heat hit the pit of her stomach as she gazed up at Mafuyu with hooded brown eyes. The lyricist though didn’t say anything as she let go of Ena and went into Ena’s closet. Ena, though, watched as Mafuyu took out several articles of clothing. Her heart skipping beat when she realized she was still naked. 

How can that girl be so calm!?

Was the thought that popped in Ena’s head, because really, how was Mafuyu able to keep cool after seeing her…everything. Ena gulped when she saw Mafuyu’s camisole, stockings and skirt being hung over her closet door. The images racing through Ena’s mind made her choke on her own saliva before coughing again. 

“Here Ena.” Mafuyu’s voice broke the spell she was in. A pair of shorts and a long blue sweater was shoved into her shivering body. 

Ena glanced up but then had to bite her lip when she saw what Mafuyu was wearing. It was a black jacket over a white t-shirt and a pair of black and blue joggers that ended up being too big for Ena. To say she looked cool in the outfit was an understatement as Mafuyu took the seat beside Ena’s bed with her legs spread out. 

“Are you going to put those on or what?” she asked with a tilt of her head. “Do you need my help?”

“Hah? No, I-I can do it myself just turn around dammit!” 

“Why? We are both girls?” Was Mafuyu’s response as a ghost of a smile could be seen on her face. 

Wait, did she?

“There’s nothing to be ashamed of Enanan, you are well endowed.” She shrugged only to get hit over the head. “Ow.” 

“Pervert! So you did touch them on purpose?” Ena accused playfully, while pulling the warm blue sweater over her head. 

“No, I, that was, I don’t know…I.” Mafuyu started to stumble with her words as Ena slid her shorts over her legs. Amused by the usually stoic girl’s flustered expression. 

“Oi, I’m just joking, geez.” Ena tried to assure her but ended up coughing between them and breaking the moment. 

“You need to rest,” Mafuyu said with a frown. “No more goofing around, I get that the medicine makes you act strange but, you need to get better. So you can help make Kanade’s song come to life.” 

Ena rolled her eyes as Mafuyu began to close herself up again. However, she did catch the way Mafuyu was looking at her right hand. The hand that…

Not now you horny girl!

She coughed violently when she remembered that moment again. Mafuyu, who was lost in her own world, noticed as she reached for the glass of water on Ena’s desk. 

“Drink slowly.” She told her as she helped Ena take several sips. 

Ena took deep breaths afterward as Mafuyu handed her some tissues to use for her stuffy nose. She then blew into one of them before throwing it into the pail near her bedside as she slumped back onto the mattress. Her body was exhausted from all the strain she put on it as she felt a pair of long fingers trace the palm of her hand.

“Mafuyu…” she croaked.

“I’m right here Enanan.” 

Relieved, the artist turned on her side and used both her hands to hold Mafuyu’s as she stared at Ena with simmering adoration. Once again, time stopped for them and all Ena cared about was the indigo pools of the girl she fell in love with. 

Love, was that it?

“Thank you, for everything.” Ena said in the most sincere way possible. 

Mafuyu leaned in and nuzzled her nose against Ena’s hand before giving the back of it a kiss. 

Like a prince…

“You don’t have to thank me for anything…I’ll always be here when you need me.” 

That last line made Ena tear up as she watched Mafuyu look at her until her eyes finally fluttered closed. 

It was love... she was in love with her..

“So, Yuki stayed until late at night and left while you were still sleeping?” Mizuki asked as they stared at Ena on the computer screen during their private video chat. 

“I don’t exactly remember everything, but yeah that’s what Akito told me…” Ena sighed as she sniffled the remains of her cold. 

“It’s too bad that medicine made you high, I wonder what you did that made Yuki bolt before you woke up.” 

“Ugh, please don’t remind me of that…I barely remember what I did…though I do recall trying to pull her closer…”

“With your thighs right?” Mizuki snickered and waggled their eyebrows.

“Shut up! That’s not what I did?!”  

“That was the first thing you said when you called me Enanan.” Mizuki retorted with their hand on their cheek.

Ena let out another groan and banged her head on her desk as her new pink headset almost slipped off her ears. She was still a little sick but compared to yesterday she was much better. All thanks to Mafuyu watching over her, until Akito got back from hanging out at the arcade with Toya. 

“Can we just talk about the project…I finally got time to finish the sketches.” She muttered in defeat. 

“Yeah, sure, just send them to the saved file, I’ll look at them when we get on with the other two.” Mizuki waved their hand with a bright smile on their face. 

“Thanks, from what Kanade told me this particular song will take place in a fashion sort of store or something, full of mannequins and stuff.” 

“Ohh that’s totally my wheelhouse, can’t wait to look at them, I always liked your art!” Mizuki gushed with excitement. 

That caught Ena by surprise. “Huh, Really?” 

“Well duh? I mean that’s how we met, remember? Not like the fairytale encounter of you and Mafuyu, but it still was a fun meet cute!” 

“Yeah…it was.” Ena agreed as her thoughts went back to the time Mafuyu pulled her back from the street that fateful night. 

She never told anyone, even Mizuki, about how she was willing to let a car hit her that night. Mafuyu not only prevented her from being lonely when she was at her lowest, but she also literally saved her life with her almost unconscious decision to kill herself. 

She wouldn’t be here if Mafuyu didn’t reach out. 

“Ne, Enanan, you’re spacing out again.” Mizuki said with a concerned tone. “You sure you’re up for the meeting in a few?” 

Ena almost jumped at the question before shaking her head. “Huh, yeah, yeah I am, don’t worry about me!” She told Mizuki who had a knowing glint in their warm pink eyes. 

“Okaay, we better head into the server and start the meeting then. I’ll host the video call.” 

The artist was thankful for that as she hung up after Mizuki waved goodbye. She stretched her arms over her head as she took deep breaths to prepare herself for another Niigo session.

“Just remain casual, don’t let Mafuyu know what you’re thinking…” she told herself before joining in the servers vchat. 

“Yahoo Enanan! Nice of you to finally join us.” Mizuki greeted as Mafuyu nodded on her screen. 

“Hey Enanan, are you feeling better?” Kanade asked and gave her a small smile. 

“Hey guys, and yeah I am. I took some antibiotics Okaa-san gave me earlier and am feeling much better.” She said before dragging her sketches into Niigo’s shared file. “Oh, and I finished the thumbnails as well, so you guys can take a look at what I came up with.” 

“Great, I’ll look at them now!” Kanade told her and went to look at the drawings Ena shared. 

Ena, however, bit her lip as she waited for the other three to look at what she did. She was still nervous about what she drew this afternoon but hoped it would be enough to satisfy everyone, especially a certain lyricist who had been extra critical of Ena’s illustrations as of late. 

“So?” 

“It’s good,” Mafuyu was the first one who spoke with a slight tilt of her head. “The pose you chose for the center character in the third sketch, really fits the theme.” 

“Oh you noticed!” Ena gushed. “There’s this artist—“

“I’m not asking about how you came up with it, Enanan, I just like it.” Mafuyu cut her off with a blank look on her face.

“Why you!” 

“Oi, Enanan, settle down, Yuki is clearly crabby today, what with those bags under her eyes.” Mizuki tried to mediate followed by forced laughter. 

“Hmph!” 

“I’m sorry Enanan, we’re just really behind, right K?”  Mafuyu frowned before turning her attention to the composer. 

“Oh, uh…yeah” Kanade murmured as she looked away and seemed skittish. 

“K, you okay?” Ena asked with a warmer voice. 

Kanade didn’t say anything as she rubbed her neck and peered down at her notes on her messy desk. There was an obvious hint she was hiding something from the others, which made Ena worried and lean further towards her screen. 

“Kanade?” She tried again. 

“It’s nothing, I just need more time on the composition.”

“How long?” Mafuyu questioned. 

“Erm…” 

“K?” 

“Oi, Yuki, don’t pester her, be patient!” Ena scowled as the other girl stared at her for a few seconds before turning away. Her ears turned pink afterwards.

The artist blinked in confusion as she noticed Mafuyu’s eyes now on her right hand. A sudden memory hit Ena as her own face turned crimson, which then caused Mizuki to giggle. Shit, this was super awkward. Why was that idiot thinking about that moment now? 

“Yuki are you okay? You look a little red.” Kanade said softly. 

“No, I’m fine…just distracted.” 

“Oh I bet.” Mizuki smirked with a knowing look on their face. 

“AMIA, SHUT IT!” Ena screeched over the microphone, loud enough to catch Akito’s attention outside. 

“Ena?! What the hell? You’re supposed to be sleeping off your cold.”

“Shut up!” She replied.

“Tch, whatever, see if I care if you feel like shit in the morning.” He grumbled and walked away. 

Ena coughed a little before clearing her voice, forgetting that her microphone wasn’t on mute when she noticed the symbol with no slash across it. 

“Shit, you guys heard all that.” 

There was no answer as the others looked away and tried to busy themselves with their work. Ena groaned to herself as she facepalmed at her own forgetfulness. 

“Anyway, K, it’s okay if you need some more time. We just needed Enanan’s sketches for now.” Mizuki smiled as the composer nodded her head tiredly. 

“Yeah, okay…thank you guys. I promise I’ll have it later this week.” 

Ena smiled and told Kanade it was okay as she turned back to her drawing tablet to focus on the illustration for the project. She tried to focus but couldn’t stop her eyes from glancing over at Mafuyu who was still staring at her hand when no one was looking. A swell of pride welled up in Ena’s heart, at least that girl actually had a drive. The feelings were there, that was obvious, but now so was the attraction.

A week went by and Ena was met with a DM from Kanade to meet everyone in Empty SEKAI. She had just gotten back from dinner and was going to start working when the message popped up on her screen. With a sigh Ena opened her phone and clicked on the Untitled Track which brought her to the SEKAI. 

As soon as she faded into the world Ena noticed Mafuyu waiting in her school uniform. An indication that she may have gone into SEKAI outside of her room at home. 

“You were walking back from cram school when you got the text, huh?” She asked as Mafuyu perked up at her voice, shaking her head.

“No, I actually got home. Okaa-san was adamant about me getting home and wouldn’t stop texting me.” 

There was a hint of displeasure in her tone as she sat there in silence. Ena pouted at the thought of that woman while she took the seat next to Mafuyu with their bodies just mere centimeters apart. To which, the lyricist took notice, when their arms brushed. 

“Sorry, it’s a little cold, no?” Ena shrugged, trying to cover her real intent. 

“Yeah…” 

Ena smiled as she leaned her head on Mafuyu’s shoulder in a need to relax after a stressful day. The two of them were used to it, but after what happened two days ago, something was different. There was more tension, with the way Mafuyu kept still and avoided looking at Ena. 

“You need to relax, Yuki.” She told the girl before looping their arms together. 

“Sorry…” 

That made Ena snort. “Don’t apologize…I’m just letting you know I’m worried. It’s not that big of a deal.” 

“Oh…” 

Just then Mizuki showed up with an odd distant look on their face as they observed her and Mafuyu. Ena after meeting their eyes pulled away from the lyricist, unbeknownst of her disappointment at the loss of touch. 

“Has anyone seen K yet?” Mizuki asked before brushing some dirt off their cute outfit. “She told us to come here, right?” 

“Yeah, we were just waiting…” Ena replied as Mafuyu nodded before getting up from where she was leaning against one of the dark pyramids, the SEKAI had.  

“I can see that Enanan~” Mizuki smiled and was about to tease the artist until Kanade showed up, with a sad expression. 

“Kanade? You okay?” Ena asked, walking closer to the other girl. 

“I’m sorry, I just can't come up with something.” She murmured guilty. “I haven’t been able to get the right sound.” 

“Ne Kanade, do you have artist block?” Mizuki questioned which was answered with a simple nod from the distressed composer. 

A moment of silence washed over everyone before Mafuyu asked more questions, which then prompted Ena herself to argue and defend Kanade’s actions. Informing Mafuyu that Kanade was only human and shouldn’t be treated like a music machine. However, it wasn’t until the group was interrupted by Rin and Miku that everyone stopped talking. The former of the pair was quiet, as Miku took a step forward with her hands clasped behind her. 

“You guys are being noisy. Why are you all here?” Rin asked with her arms crossed over her chest. 

 “But, Rin-chan, weren’t you the one who wanted to come over here?” 

Rin remained expressionless, ignored Miku’s words and repeated her question, making the rest of Niigo giggle at her cute behavior. It was a nice little moment but that was all they were able to get as Kanade finally told the two Virtual Singers her problem.

“So, um, I couldn’t come up with any ideas that stick, so I thought talking to you guys in person would help…”

Ena, who was more clear minded, frowned at Kanade’s comments as she held her chin in thought. “Don’t know if me or Mizuki can help with the composing process, but maybe Mafuyu can?” She questioned, instead of giving a full answer to the composer’s issue. 

“Nothing I say will make a difference,” Mafuyu said, with a harsh edge to her voice. “I don’t know how to create a song that can save someone.” She shrugged and stared at Kanade with disappointment. 

“Okay…” Kanade hung her head as she tried to get a grip on herself. “Maybe asking you guys was a little too much. I was grasping at straws and thought a stroke of serendipity would have come to me if I listened to your ideas, or something…but—-” 

“What if you try to do something new or different? Could that help you?” Miku jumped in before Kanade could finish her sentence.

“Huh?” the composer said, disoriented by the sudden change of direction. 

“She’s right,” Rin spoke up, agreeing with the other Virtual Singer. “You won’t get anywhere just talking it out. You need to do something new, something that’s out of your element.” 

Kanade pursed her lips together as she thought of that. Meanwhile, Ena noticed Mizuki’s hands were twitching as their eyes began to shine with an idea. Mafuyu next to her remained frustrated as she looked down at the floor, seemingly still annoyed because of Kanade’s creative block. 

“Okay I got it! How—“ Mizuki began but was interrupted by another being within the world, making an appearance. 

“Meiko…” Miku said in awe as Rin rolled her eyes in the background. 

“M-MEIKO!?” Ena sputtered as she looked at one of the first Vocaloid ever made. “When did you pop up here!?”

“I know, it’s crazy right?” Mizuki spoke up, also surprised. 

“First, could you two please lift your jaws up? It's rather rude.” Meiko frowned before moving her eyes toward Mizuki. “Second, I’m only here to observe. I do not like getting involved in complicated matters. Miku and Rin are more than enough.” She finished with an aloof flip of her hair. 

“Hah? Not even a simple hello?” Ena grumbled and narrowed her eyes at the distant woman. 

“Just pretend I’m not here. That’s simple enough, right?” Meiko sighed and leaned against one of the many beams within the SEKAI. Her focus was on the group as she waited for them to continue.  

What a ridiculous thing to ask, was all Ena could think as she tried to keep her attention on Kanade while Mizuki kept getting distracted by Meiko, until they couldn’t hide it anymore. 

“What are you doing?” Meiko blanched at Mizuki’s sudden approach to where she was watching. 

“Introducing myself what else ahahaha~” Mizuki teased before pointing to their chest and saying their name, followed by the others. “It’s better to at least have our names right? 

Ena watched at a distance as she noticed the little confusion in Meiko’s eyes. It reminded her a lot of the expressions Mafuyu made whenever she couldn’t pinpoint an answer to one of her problems or whenever she experienced something new. 

Wait… is every single Vocaloid going to remind her of Mafuyu!? Are they supposed to? 

That seemed to be the case from what Ena had come to learn as she listened to Mizuki’s plan they wanted to discuss earlier. A pout was playing on her lips when the editor of Niigo spoke about ghosts and ghouls. Great, another chance to show how much of a coward she was. However, if it’ll help Kanade. Ena was willing to agree to it. 

She was totally going to regret this later on…

“You know what? What the hell? I’ll bite.” She caved, glancing over at Mafuyu for her thoughts.

“If it’ll help Kanade, I’ll go too.” Mafuyu insisted, as her gaze shifted to the composer. 

“If you’re sure it’ll help me. Yeah, let's do it.” Kanade agreed.

“Awesome! Let’s meet Sunday at 8:00 am sharp!” 

“Oi!” Ena objected before Mafuyu took her wrist. 

“If you want I can wake you up, so that you don’t oversleep.” 

“Hah!?”

“Oh, oh, someone is trying to ask for a sleepover!” Mizuki teased as Ena glared daggers at them. 

Kanade watched with amusement as she also seemed like she would need help waking up. However she informed everyone her maid would do that so no need to worry about anything. Ena frowned at the thought of her now alone. An urge to invite her over hitting the tip of her tongue, that is until Mafuyu came closer to where she was standing. 

“Okay, you big baby. Just no funny business like last time, okay?” She said with a laugh. 

“What if I ask first?” Mafuyu asked in a serious tone. 

“Hah!?" Ena almost choked as Mizuki burst into laughter overhearing the conversation.

“Kidding.” Mafuyu smirked a little. “That was for last time.”

Ena couldn’t believe it. Not only was there attraction…But did Mafuyu also grown a sense of humor? 

Chapter Text

In moments like these Ena wished that Mizuki gave them a later time to meet up. The artist groaned as she squinted her eyes to the sunlight as Mafuyu dragged her out the door. Already rushing to get somewhere that Ena knew she wouldn’t like. Maybe. She never knew with Mafuyu.

“Damn, why did I allow you to sleepover!? Of course you’d wake up this fucking early, you need to be a good girl for that woman, right?” She complained, but let Mafuyu lead them wherever they were going. 

“I just don’t like sleeping late, and Okaa-san knew I was at your house. You remember I had to tell her where I was after what happened at the doll exhibition?” Mafuyu sighed and continued to look ahead.

“Right, of course…” 

Ena did recall that night. She had told Mafuyu to use her dad’s name, insisting that his name was famous enough to keep Mafuyu’s mom from getting too upset. After all, famous people’s kids are easily forgiven, in a way. The truth was, she also hated using his name, but if it helped, Mafuyu. Ena was willing to push back her pride this one time.

“We are here.” Mafuyu said and let go of Ena’s wrist once they made it in front of a little cafe. Her thoughts all jumbled as she tried to regain her surroundings. 

“Huh…this was why you got me up that early…to have breakfast here?!” Ena gawked, as she tried to understand what Mafuyu was thinking. 

“Yes, it’s not the karaoke lounge, but I’ve always liked the smell it gave when I walked by, not that I can sense anything else beyond that.” 

Right, Mafuyu couldn’t taste food that well. Something Ena learned about with the rest of Niigo when Mafuyu revealed her lack of appetite. Ena frowned at the memory as she walked closer to Mafuyu and watched her stare at the waitress, who was preparing some tables inside. 

“Ne, are you sure? You don’t have to do this just cause I like having breakfast.” 

“I’m not, I want to do this…but only if you’re here.” Mafuyu admitted quietly as she looked back at Ena and reached over to take her hand again. This time not her wrist.

Warmth spread across Ena’s body as she entwined her fingers with Mafuyu’s longer ones. It sort of felt like they were on a date, hell Mafuyu was even wearing a better outfit than usual for this outing Mizuki planned. Ena bit her lip as her heart sped up just as she glanced at the pretty blue billowy skirt Mafuyu wore. 

Crap, she’s nervous, dammit Shinonome get a hold of yourself! 

“Ena?” Mafuyu asked. “Did I say something wrong?” 

“Hah? No, I just um…let’s go in already, I’m hungry!” She huffed, and pulled Mafuyu into the quaint cafe. 

The two were met with a cozy interior and a hostess holding two menus. When Ena asked for a table, the young woman was happy to guide them to one empty table with two chairs and a small vase of flowers. Daffodils and Tiger Lilies, Ena noted in her head. It was an odd combination, but still made the setting vibrant and beautiful. 

“Thank you very much,” she told the hostess as they bowed and left. 

Mafuyu only bowed in return, but Ena could see the small slither of regret in her eyes when the woman went back to the front of the small cafe. So, like any friend, Ena waited for Mafuyu to sit down before looking up from the menu in her hands, and talked. 

“You’re quieter than usual,” Ena said with a softer register. “Didn’t feel like keeping up the act?” 

“I just don’t think I should be like that when I’m with someone close, is all…” Mafuyu shrugged and took the other menu beside her. “What are you going to order?” 

Ena blinked at the question as she peered down at the breakfast menu the cafe offered. The prices weren’t as bad as she originally thought, and even the savory options seemed delicious. Although, nothing could stop her sweet tooth, as it found the delectable strawberry soufflé pancake special. Maybe it was a little too extreme, but sometimes Ena’s tastebuds had a mind of their own, plus she hadn’t had anything this good since being sick early this week. 

“I think I’m going to treat myself with their soufflé pancake special.” 

“Isn’t that too much? I thought you’d at least take it easy after being sick?” Mafuyu said with that blunt tone of hers. 

“Oi, I’m allowed to have something sweet!” 

“You’ll get fat.” Was Mafuyu’s reply. 

“Why you—argh, fine, then why don’t we share it? That way I won’t eat too much?” Ena proposed, glaring at the lyricist as she waited for an answer.

It took Mafuyu a couple of seconds to process this, but as soon as she understood, she sighed in defeat and closed her menu. 

“Alright, if it keeps you from eating too much and ending up with a stomachache, I don’t mind.” 

Ena blinked at that. “Hah, seriously, that’s all it took for you to fold?”  

The artist went silent when Mafuyu nodded her head. Damn, why was it that this girl always ended up making Ena feel either embarrassed or touched for the stupidest reasons? It was infuriating even after Mafuyu called her fat, she could still find a way to make it all meaningful. At least that was what Ena believed. 

“So, wait a minute, you don’t think I’m fat?” She asked timidly, with a slight blush on her face. 

“No, but you could get fat if you eat yourself sick.” Mafuyu replied with a tilt of her head. 

“Excuse me!” A sudden voice interrupted as a girl with blonde hair done up in twintails came into view. “Are you two ready to order?” 

Mafuyu glanced up with alarmed eyes. “Tenma-san…”

The waitress blinked before her own rose-colored eyes widened at the girl next to Ena. “OMG, Asahina-senpai?! What a pleasure for you to come to my part-time job! Hmm, and with a friend too, how adorable!” Tenma gushed, slapping her hands on her cheeks in excitement. 

“Senpai? Oh, are you one of Mafuyu’s underclassmen?” Ena asked the blonde with interest.

“Ehehe, yup, she tutors me and Emu-chan sometimes. Name’s Saki by the way, Tenma Saki, at your service!” Saki bowed hurriedly before whipping her head back up and smiling. Too bright for Ena’s taste. 

“Well then Saki my name is Shinonome Ena and we would like to get the strawberry soufflé pancake special for two.” Ena ordered with a smile of her own. 

“Okaaay, and what would you guys like to drink? The fresh pressed juices here are refreshingly delicious.” Saki suggested with a wink, making Ena giggle.

“Oh in that case could I have a glass of orange juice?” 

“Not a problem Ena-san~” Saki nodded before turning to Mafuyu. “And for you senpai?” 

“Coffee please.” Mafuyu ordered with a placid smile on her face.

“Just black?” 

“Yes,” 

“Gotcha,” Saki said and wrote that down on her notepad. “I’ll get your drinks in a few, also Ena-san, love the outfit, It’s so cute!”

“Oh, thank you! It’s pretty old though…” Ena blushed a little.

“Nonsense, it goes perfectly well with the backpack!” Saki giggled before shooting her another wink. “Anyway I’ll be right back.” Was the last thing said as she took the menus and left.

Once Saki rounded the corner towards the kitchen, Ena let out a sigh of relief. She felt a pair of eyes staring at her before glancing up to find Mafuyu’s unreadable expression. If Ena didn’t know any better, she would assume Mafuyu was annoyed that Saki was speaking so casually to her. However, since it was Mafuyu, Ena shook that thought away and instead took the napkin off the table and placed it on her lap. 

“She’s peppy, huh?” she began as her eyes remained on her lap. 

“It’s rather exhausting at times, but she means well.” Mafuyu said and laced her hands together on her side of the table. 

“You care about them, though, your underclassmen?” Ena murmured tenderly before glancing up at Mafuyu with gentle eyes. “That’s why you keep up the act most of the time.”

Mafuyu only nodded at what Ena said before breaking eye contact. “I don’t want them to think I’m scary…Otori-san already acts weird around me, even when I try to be kind.” 

“Huh, maybe she’s like me and knows you’re bullshitting?” Ena shrugged with a smirk playing on her lips. “That good girl act can get grating.” 

“Does it?” Mafuyu questioned, as her whole persona shifted suddenly. 

“It does,” Ena insisted as she leaned into Mafuyu’s personal space. “Cause now I want to reach over there and peel that stupid mask off your face, y’know?” She continued as her hand took one of Mafuyu’s and pried it free. “Honestly, give me the deadpanned asshole anytime over, little miss perfect. I’d prefer that.” 

Ena could see the façade fading as the lyricist’s lips parted a little while dark eyes stayed glued to her warm brown. It was nice to have the upper edge for a change. To be able to surprise Mafuyu or in this case, melt her under her gaze. The feeling was addicting as she tightened and intertwined their fingers together, waiting for Mafuyu to make the next move. 

“I’m baaack!” Saki interrupted as she returned with their drinks, making Ena pull her hand away from Mafuyu. “So, one fresh pressed orange juice for Ena-san and for Asahina-senpai, a simple cup of joe.” 

Mafuyu smiled too wide at Saki as she took her coffee with ease. Ena shifted her sights on her orange juice with a straw and felt a little childish at her choice of drink. 

“Hmph, I would have thought you’d get tea in the morning?” She couldn’t help but wonder out loud. “What, with you always getting it whenever we go to the family restaurant.”

“Tea wouldn’t wake me up.” Mafuyu shrugged nonchalantly and blew into her mug. 

The way she looked made Ena chew her lip, as an image was being painted in her mind. One that included a beret and a pair of black-rimmed glasses. Also, they would be in France, right next to the Eiffel Tower. 

Yes, she could just see it now.  

“If you had your reading glasses on, you’d totally look like a college student, right now.” Ena teased as Mafuyu glanced up with faint curiosity.

“Really? Then I would assume you’re in junior high with that cup of orange juice?”

“Argh, you’ve been spending too much time around Mizuki lately…” Ena sighed and took a sip of her not immature drink. 

“Hardly, it’s you who’s rubbing off on me.” Was Mafuyu’s cheeky response. 

“Shut up…” she blushed and smacked the girl on her arm. 

“You’re weak.” 

“And you have freakishly toned arms!” Ena huffed as her face got brighter. 

“That’s just normal when you do Kyūdō…” 

“Damn you!” 

A very faint sound hit Ena’s ears as her eyes widened when she heard the light laughter from Mafuyu. Her heart skipped a beat as the girl pressed her hand to her mouth in hopes of keeping her giggles silent. Ena felt a burst of joy as she watched the genuine mirth Mafuyu displayed. 

“M-Mafuyu?” She asked, confused.

“Sorry, it’s just…Enanan looked strange and I don’t know?” Mafuyu murmured, no longer smiling or laughing.

Ena shook her head, wanting to tell Mafuyu it’s okay but instead asked. “How does your coffee taste?” 

Unamused by the question, Mafuyu told her it was hot. The only way she could identify how things tasted was whether it was warm, hot, or cold. Like with touch, those elements were the most common she could recognize right now. Ena frowned at that as she recalled the time she researched on how one could regain taste. She figured now would be the best time to tell Mafuyu what she found. However, before Ena could utter a word, Saki came back with the pancakes. All stacked together and golden brown, but not without the whipped cream and bountiful strawberries on top.

“One strawberry soufflé pancake special for two, ready to be eaten!” Saki giggled as she placed the beautiful display on the table between Ena and Mafuyu. “Enjoy~” 

Once they were left alone, again. Ena licked her lips at the food as Mafuyu stared at it with boredom. The two girls then took the two forks that were given to them and reached for the top of the display, where the strawberries were. Mafuyu was a hare faster as she scooped the tarty fruit away from Ena’s grasp before parting her lips to take it into her mouth. Ena froze as she watched with interest, gulping hard when the strawberry landed on Mafuyu’s tongue before being hidden behind those pearly white teeth.

Mafuyu didn’t notice her longing gaze as she chewed thoughtfully, trying her best to identify the taste. It seemed she still couldn’t get it as she lifted her eyes to meet Ena’s, her gaze piercing all of Ena’s earlier barriers as she listened for Mafuyu to speak up. 

“What are you waiting for?” Mafuyu asked before taking Ena’s hand and guiding it to the fluffy stack of pancakes begging to be eaten. “You wanted this, right?” 

Now she wanted something else…

No, Ena didn’t want to think of her friend that way. This wasn’t supposed to be a date, Mafuyu was just being Mafuyu. Damn, why was she sweating and gawking like a boy right now. All Mafuyu was doing was tasting the stupid strawberry. 

Annoyed at herself, the artist shook Mafuyu’s grip, taking a helpful serving of the pancakes and whipped cream before letting out a giggle and soft moan at the taste of its natural flavors. Her hand went up to her cheek as she smiled when her tongue caught the tart from the strawberries that were inside the cream. Even without syrup, nothing could soil this delectable treat. 

“Ena,” Mafuyu had interrupted her delight as a hand brushed her cheek and turned her attention back to deep indigo orbs. 

“Huh?” was the only thing that escaped her as Mafuyu swiped the corner of her mouth, taking the whipped cream that she didn’t notice before licking it off her thumb, like it was nothing. 

“Hmm?” 

Hmm? What does she mean by that!?

Her face was on fire and her heart was about to leap out of her chest. Ena stared at Mafuyu with her jaw dropping as her mind exploded from the subtle action the lyricist chose to do. 

“Ena, I can’t eat all of this?” Mafuyu frowned as she took another bite of the food. 

“Wah-what was that about?” Ena asked, her mind still reeling. “Why did you?” 

“You had some on you, and I wanted to clean it off.” Mafuyu shrugged, making Ena even more baffled. 

Mafuyu then nudged her fork in front of Ena, trying to get her to eat, as the artist blushed heavily at the girl’s sudden forwardness. Her poor heart just wasn’t ready for all this attention right now. 

“M-Mamph.” She tried, but had another strawberry shoved into her mouth. “What’s gotten into you?” 

“I can’t taste it…” Mafuyu admitted in a somber tone. “I want to know why you reacted that way…why it made you smile that way.” 

Wait, was Mafuyu jealous…of pancakes?

A smirk formed on Ena’s lips at the thought. She glanced up at Mafuyu through her lashes with intent as she took another strawberry and pressed only the tip of it to her lips. Mafuyu frowned at her when Ena let out another soft sigh while licking the remaining cream off the fruit with a flick of her tongue. It brought such ecstasy to her when she noticed Mafuyu’s fingers balling into fists on the tabletop. The ache they displayed as they gripped the tapestry in a tight vise. 

“Ne ne, you two, this is a family cafe, so quit playing with the food!” Saki chimed but also craned her head where her boss was at the front. 

“Sorry!” Ena apologized as her blush spread to her neck. What on earth was she thinking? 

Mafuyu still looked annoyed at the plate of pancakes as she turned to Saki. “Can you wrap those up to go?” 

“Sure thing.” Saki nodded as she took the plate and went back to the kitchen.

“Hah, I didn't finish!?” Ena tried to argue. 

“We’re going to be late, don't you want to help Kanade?” Mafuyu said point-blank.

There was something she was hiding, but Ena knew it was going to be hard to pry it out of the girl, so instead, once Saki returned, she asked for the check.

Ena ignored the way Mizuki was staring at her while they walked down the creepy tunnels. She had already been scared out of her mind by Kanade when the girl came up behind her. However, now Mafuyu ran ahead, her interest seemingly caught in something else. 

Not her anyway… not that she cared. 

“Ne, Enanan, you still down that Yuki ran ahead?” Mizuki chimed with their hands behind their head. 

“H-hah, of course not, I have that girl wrapped around my finger! Did you know she was jealous of pancakes this morning.” Ena huffed before realizing what she just said. 

“I’m sorry, but did you say pancakes? Oh, wow, what did you do, Enanan?” Mizuki’s voice was  laced with interest. 

“Nothing!” Ena blushed as she remembered what she did with the strawberry. 

“You did something naughty, didn’t you? Eeeeh, Enanan you know Yuki is still sixteen, keep it in your pants~.” 

“Oh my gods, do you really have to talk like that!” Ena groaned as her face turned redder. “It’s not like she wasn’t teasing me either…” 

Mizuki tilted their head. “Wait, was she? Dang, go Mafuyu…didn’t know she swung that way.”

Ena felt her blood run cold as she stopped walking. Shit, was she forcing herself on Mafuyu again like when they were in junior high? Was she making the girl uncomfortable, but she just let it be out of politeness? The artist felt dizzy as her heart raced before feeling a light breeze on her shoulder. 

“Ahhhhh,” she jumped, turning around to see nothing there. “Mizuki!” She accused and glared at them. “That wasn’t funny!”

“T-that wasn’t me…” 

“K-Kanade…are you there?” Ena hesitated, hoping that it was her and that she was overreacting again. 

“Huh?” A figure panted as they jogged, no dragged themselves over to her and Mizuki, revealing Kanade. “Did something happen, Ena?” 

If it wasn’t either of them, then…

“A GHOST TOUCHED ME!” 

“IT DID! IT DID! THAT’S SO COOL!” Mizuki repeated as Kanade tried to process why everyone was screaming. 

“A-a ghost, what did it feel like?” she asked as Ena grabbed her arm, burying her head into the side of her shoulder.

“Like, I don’t know, a chill went across my shoulder?!” 

“Hmm, interesting, we need the ghost whisperer here.” Mizuki mused as their own face held a little fear, especially in their eyes. 

“What was that, Amia?” someone asked behind them. 

“HYAAAAAAAAH!?” Mizuki yelped at the low and almost demonic voice. 

Out of the shadows, Mafuyu walked out with a blank expression on her face. Ena didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at the sight as Kanade winced at the grip she had on her. Mafuyu narrowed her focus on the pair as Mizuki tried to catch their breath. 

“I swear you must be doing this on purpose.” Mizuki wheezed before placing their hand on Mafuyu’s shoulder to balance themself. 

“Kanade, did this help you think of an idea?” 

Ena felt a spike of irritation when Mafuyu asked that. Since they had gotten to the train station where the other two were waiting, Mafuyu had been laser focused on Kanade and the stupid song. Look, she didn't want to feel this way. Ena had been looking forward to hanging out with everyone, yet Mafuyu always ended up getting hyper focused on the project and the song that would ‘save’ her. 

Wait…why was she complaining?

She was so absorbed in her own jealousy that Ena forgot the point of this mystery tour in the first place. It was to literally help Kanade come up with a composition. 

“I’m sorry. I still can’t think of anything.” Kanade murmured as Ena felt even more awful for her previous thoughts. 

“Oi, it’s okay. We are here to help you. Maybe the next place will give you some spooky idea!” Mizuki assured her with a bright smile. “To the next destination.” 

“W-what about the ghost that touched me?” Ena whined. “We can’t just leave after that!?” 

“She said sorry for that.” Mafuyu spoke up, as three heads turned to look at her with wide eyes. 

“MIZUKI YOU AND YOUR STUPID IDEAS!” 

So much for being brave. The trio ran out of the tunnels and back into the sunlight. Not even Mizuki, the tour guide of this outing, could handle the supernatural it seemed. All the while, Ena could still feel the cold breeze brushing against her shoulder.

After that mishap, more time went by for the group as Mizuki took their sweet time to get them to their next destination, which also consisted of a heap load of stairs. Ena felt exhausted when she saw the spooky looking shrine Mizuki and Mafuyu were standing in front of. Damn, just the scenery alone made her shudder at what this place had done to gain such a reputation. 

“Hold up Enanan,” Mizuki said suddenly and raised their hand up to stop Ena from taking another step forward. “Wait for K and go inside with her, me and Yuki will go ahead.

“Hah? Why? What’s the big deal!?” she questioned the other person before crossing her arms. 

“There's a curse for this particular place. Legends say, the two that haunt it will make people who are really close forget about one another as soon as they come out. That means you and Mafuyu shouldn’t go in together.” Mizuki explained before pointing to themselves. “I, on the other hand, am not as close to Mafuyu, so going in with her won’t affect either of us. The same goes with you and Kanade, understood?” 

Ena nodded her head as she silently watched Mafuyu and Mizuki go under the Do Not Cross line.  By the time Kanade made it to the top, Ena had to explain to her what Mizuki told her. It ended up starting a really awkward conversation that Ena didn’t want nor needed to have at the moment. 

“Well, that explains why you were alone…” Kanade replied with a tired smile. 

“It does, I still think it’s kinda dumb.” Ena shrugged as the two entered the haunted area. 

“Not at all, I find it interesting, tell me Ena, would you come back as a ghost for someone?” 

The question caught Ena off guard as she almost fell on her face. “W-what are you talking about?” 

“Would you come back as a ghost for someone, I think it would be nice.” Kanade said in a wistful voice. “To be able to watch over the person you love.” 

“I guess so? I mean, it’s not like I would have permission to do so, even if they don’t like me that way. I would still watch over them…yeah.” 

“Do you love someone, Ena?” Kanade whispered and came closer. “You look to be deep in thought.” 

“That’s kinda personal, Kanade,” Ena sighed and closed her eyes. “I’m not even sure right now.”

That was the truth as she walked further into the rundown center of the shrine. Her platform shoes scuffled against the jagged pavement as she thought about her abnormality, that thing she could only speak to Akito about. 

Just as she was about to take another step, Mizuki and Mafuyu jumped out of the bushes and ran towards her and Kanade. Confused, Ena watched before Mizuki grabbed her wrist, forcing her to follow them as Mafuyu took Kanade’s. Probably because the curse could still be inflicted or something. Either way, Ena was not amused at all when Mizuki explained that a raccoon was chasing them.

“It was only chasing you, Mizuki…” Mafuyu replied with a bored expression on her face. 

“Then why did you run!?” 

“I don’t know.” Mafuyu shrugged, making everyone sigh at her antics. 

The last place they had gone to was an abandoned all-girls school that was filled with lost souls. Mafuyu, who had gotten fed up with the tour, ran ahead of them, as Kanade followed to keep her close. Now, why didn’t Ena do that? Well, that was because she was still afraid and didn’t want to get separated and end up alone. That didn’t mean she wasn’t scared for the idiot. 

“I can’t believe she wandered off like that! I swear I’m going to put a bell on her, if this keeps happening.” 

“Oi, calm down Enanan, we’ll find your bunny.” Mizuki joked before getting chopped. “Ow, what did I do?” 

“Don’t call her mine. Even if I like her, nothing will ever happen.” Ena told them and tried to hide her true feelings. “Your teasing is getting stale, too.” 

Mizuki laughed at the last statement until they noticed a sakura blossom floating nearby. Ena stopped complaining to watch it as well before her legs moved on their own and followed. She didn’t know why, but flowers, whether known or unknown, had always seemed to catch her interest, as the many shapes and sizes were excellent components for her drawings. 

As they went further into the abandoned school grounds, the two of them soon found a giant tree filled with sakuras in the middle of a clearing. Not only that, but they also found Mafuyu and even Kanade, who may have followed the trail of blossoms beforehand. 

The closer she got to the tree, the grander the view became for Ena as her breath was taken away from the beautiful picture it painted before her. Mizuki smiled as they took out their phone to snap a picture, reminding Ena that she should do that as well. However, should she? The way both Mafuyu and Kanade were, it felt too personal to take a picture. Against her better judgment, Ena lifted up her smartphone and snapped a picture, but only of Mafuyu, who looked so serene. It made Ena’s cheeks flush as her heart beat increased when Mafuyu pushed some of her hair behind her ear. 

“I got it…” Kanade’s sudden voice knocked the artist out of her stupor. 

“You have!?” Mizuki cheered and bounced over to the pair under the tree. 

“Yeah.” Kanade affirmed them as her attention turned to Ena. “Ne, Enanan, would it be okay if you could redo some of your thumbnails?” she asked softly as the artist nodded her head before taking out her notebook to whip up some quick sketches of the sakura tree.

It was quiet as Ena concentrated on her drawings, careful to avoid erasing as she etched the lines and petals for each branch. She was so focused that she didn’t notice Mafuyu or Mizuki behind her and looking over her shoulder. That was until she felt Mafuyu’s breath near her ear. 

“Haaah!?” 

“Yeah, we really do need to put a bell on her.” Mizuki giggled as Ena glared at them. 

“A bell?” Mafuyu repeated with a tilt of her head. 

“Oh yeah, Enanan wants to put a bell around that pretty neck of yours so she knows where’d you be. She really loves when you’re right beside her, Yuki. It’s soooo cute!” 

“You do?” Mafuyu perked up like a bunny.

Kami-sama, she really was like one. 

“I-I was just joking, I mean you need to stay still sometimes…” Ena trailed off, her cheeks now on fire. 

Mafuyu only nodded her head at the statement as her attention went back to the sakura tree. Once again, Ena could only watch her as the breeze swept over them, making Mafuyu look even more ethereal than usual. 

Damn, she really did like this girl…

They were almost home, but when Ena opened her eyes from her nap, she noticed two things. One was Mafuyu, who was slumped over against the windowsill of the train seat she was occupying, and two, was Mizuki, who looked like they were about to cry as their eyes glistened with joy but also sadness. Ena lifted her head from her seat, causing Mizuki to move around and shake their head. The look from earlier was now gone as their elbow hit Mafuyu’s arm, which made the other girl open her eyes and interrupt her sleep. 

“Mizu—-“ Ena began but was cut off. 

“Ahh, I’m so sorry Mafuyu, are you okay!?” Mizuki drowned out Ena’s voice as they apologized to Mafuyu. 

“I’m fine, not like it actually hurts.” Mafuyu shrugged, but there was a hint of pain in her eyes.

“You liar.” Ena sighed in exasperation as she took Mizuki’s cue and decided to drop it, for now. 

Mizuki had always been mysterious in their own way. Not like Mafuyu was when Ena first met her, but they did seem distant from the rest of the group. Funny, Ena thought she was more distant than Mizuki with how much she tried to hide her own past from them and Kanade. It wasn’t like she was that ashamed of her failure and that other thing . Just that in this society she would be ridiculed if she spoke about it. 

“Oi Ena, are you still there, it’s our stop?” Mizuki called out, making Ena jolt in her seat. 

“Shut it, you don’t have to say that so loud?” 

“What do you want us to do, leave you here?” Mizuki smiled as Mafuyu standing next to them reached out and pulled Ena out of her chair.

Kanade giggled at the scene as Ena felt her cheeks heat up as soon as her face bumped into Mafuyu’s right shoulder, with the other’s arm pressed firmly against the small of her back. 

“Hah—”

“Stay still.” Was Mafuyu’s reply, as Ena noticed Mizuki taking Kanade’s arm and bringing her close to them. 

“Here comes the rush hour…” Mizuki chimed.

On cue, multiple people got up, and the group had to brace the other people in line. Ena dug her nails into Mafuyu’s left shoulder as the taller girl along with Mizuki took most of the shoving inside the aisle. When it was clear, Ena felt Mafuyu’s arm drop, allowing her to pull away as Kanade did the same with Mizuki, who didn’t have the composer’s face up against their chest. 

“Why couldn’t you do what they did?” she couldn’t help but ask. 

“...I just wanted you safe.” 

Even that kind of answer was swoon worthy for Ena as her face grew hot again when Mafuyu walked towards the exit of the train. That girl, why was she acting this way? Ena thought as she chewed on her lip in frustration before following the infuriating woman. Mizuki hot on her heels as Kanade walked slower behind them.  

A sigh of relief escaped her once they all were out of the train. Ena glanced up in time to see Mafuyu already looking at her phone, her brows scrunched together as her fingers hovered on the screen. Of course, why didn’t it surprise her that Mafuyu had to text that woman. She hadn’t made contact all day, it was bound to happen. 

“Is everything okay?” Ena asked in a soft tone, placing her hand on Mafuyu’s arm. 

“I have to go home.” She said with an unreadable expression. 

“Well, it is late, and it’s also a school night.”

“I don’t want to go. I want to go home with you.” Mafuyu admitted, breaking Ena’s heart at how upset she sounded. 

“Ne, Mafuyu, don’t worry, you’ll see us on nightcord later!” Mizuki smiled as Ena also caught that same sad look on their face from earlier. 

Okay, now she’s worried, was Mizuki okay? 

“It is getting late, so I guess we should all head home…” Kanade informed the group before letting out a quiet yawn. 

Ena thought about it for a second before taking a deep breath and grabbing Mafuyu, pulling her down until she reached her ear. 

“I’ll meet you at the SEKAI, don’t do anything dumb, okay?”

Mafuyu's eyes widened at the invitation, but nodded. That cute small smile of hers now marrying her face, made Ena know she made the right decision. 

By the time she got back home, Ena went to her desk and took out her sketchbook to check on the drawings she did earlier. There were doodles of Mizuki and Kanade on the corner, as a drawing of Mafuyu took up most of the paper. Ena sighed at herself as she flipped the book to the other page where the sakura tree she drew earlier was. An idea came to her as she glanced over her belongings and found the black ink and brush. She moved the sketchbook flat on the table before carefully opening the ink and then placing it next to her desk lamp. 

Ena then picked and dipped the brush into the thin liquid before tracing the sketch of the sakura tree with it. She had to squint her eyes a little to help see where her brush was going along the lines, her concentration solely on the branches and little blossoms that peaked out of them. 

“Oi, Ena, you home?” Akito asked louder than she would have liked, as her perfect line suddenly made a jag at the end. 

“Argh, Akito, I was in the middle of something!” She groaned in disbelief and pushed herself away from her desk. 

“Sorry, I just wanted to see if you were alright? You seem…down.” Akito answered as Ena let her eyes follow the sound to where he was leaning on her doorframe. 

“Hah? I just got home Akito. When did you even notice my mood?” 

“Just now.” He grunted and stepped into the room. “C’mon spill, what happened. Did you have another…gay panic attack cause of Asahina-san?” 

“HAAAH!? No! I-it has nothing to do with her, Akito!” Ena blushed heavily as her brother sighed in relief. 

“Good. Then what are you frowning about, or whatever?” 

“Well, a friend of mine, you might know them, Mizuki, looked a little sad or something—-wait why am I even telling you this!?” Ena gasped and glared at her brother. 

“Huh, you’re talking about Akiyama Mizuki? That annoying person always likes to call me Otouto-kun… So, they were telling the truth.” Akito muttered as Ena looked at him in shock.

“You know them!?”

“N-not exactly, I mean, we met at the school festival. Long story short, Toya wanted to see the school play and invited Akiyama to see it with us.” Akito explained as Ena tried to process that. 

“AND YOU DIDN’T TELL ME!?” 

“How was I supposed to know you were friends with Akiyama? I thought they were joking around!” Akito backed away as Ena was now right in his face. 

“Ugh, seriously? Anyway, look, nothing happened that made me want to…you know. Me and Mafuyu are fine, we are FRIENDS, and that’s it.” 

“You still want to be more, right?” Akito had to ask as Ena moved her eyes to stare at the ground. 

“Akito, look she needs a friend right now, she needs normality not…that, okay?” 

The ache in her heart increased after she said that. Of course, Ena wanted to be more but right now, she was more concerned about Mizuki leaving Niigo than about her own failures in art and feelings for Mafuyu. To be perfectly honest, this was the distraction needed to get out of her head. What better way than to focus on another friend? Mafuyu wouldn’t care, right? 

That’s not true, she would totally care…

“Oi Ena? You still there?” Akito asked. 

“Yeah, look I just need to be alone for a while, I’ll come down later…or tomorrow.” She told him with a defeated look. 

“Tch, fine. Try to go to bed early for once too if you can.” 

As soon as Akito left her room, Ena fished into her backpack and took out her phone. She clicked on the Untitled Track , and let the bright colors teleport her to the Empty SEKAI. 

“Hmm, guess she’s not here yet…” Ena wondered out loud as she looked around the empty world. 

She had a nagging feeling that it might have something to do with the other girl’s mom. It was hard enough for Mafuyu to be allowed to spend the night yesterday, but she got home way later than expected today. Ena just hoped that woman didn’t do something drastic like taking Mafuyu’s phone away again. 

“Enanan?” Speak of the devil. 

Ena turned her body to see Mafuyu standing there in her pajamas and her hair down. She wondered only a little if she should have gotten into something more comfortable too, as the girl walked over and pulled Ena to follow her to where no one could bother them. 

As Mafuyu led them further away from the stage area, Ena began to let her eyes wander. Her gaze fixated on the nape peaking between Mafuyu’s hair, which also happened to be still wet from her shower. Ena leaned further into the other girl as she pressed her lips and nose to it, unaware of why her body did it in the first place. 

She’s warm…

“Kyaaa!” Mafuyu gasped and stopped walking, making it easier for Ena to wrap her arms around her waist and pull her closer. 

“Don’t move…you’re so warm right now…”

“Ena…are you okay?” Mafuyu asked in a much softer voice than usual. 

“Not really…” 

Mafuyu hummed at that before placing her hands on top of Ena’s. The gesture almost made Ena cry, but instead, she opened her mouth and…

Chomp

She was so frustrated about everything that she just wanted to chew on anything or anyone. Unfortunately, her mind caught up way too late as Mafuyu let out a very weird noise, making Ena realize her mistake.

“Shit, I’m sorry I…” her face was crimson, starting at the mark she just made with her teeth. 

What the hell was wrong with her? 

Ena felt sick and was about to leave, but was stopped when Mafuyu grabbed her wrist and pulled her back into a powerful embrace. The two sank down together as Ena took deep breaths. It seemed that Mafuyu wasn’t going to let her run away this time. 

“I don’t know why you did that, but you’re clearly upset about something…” Mafuyu whispered and combed Ena’s hair. 

“It’s not one thing, it's a lot, and I just can’t stand not being able to do anything.” Ena said in a weak and tired tone.

“Then why don’t you worry about one thing at a time…what’s the most important problem right now?” Mafuyu continued to ask questions, trying to make it easier for Ena to organize her thoughts. 

“I think, I think, that Mizuki might want to leave Niigo…they just seem so distant lately.” 

Mafuyu said nothing after that as Ena let herself be rocked back and forth in the stronger girl’s arms. The sound of Mafuyu breathing near her ear was a calming effect as she closed her eyes, relaxing in this gentle touch. It was different than any of their hugs, this one felt more like a lovers’ embrace over two friends cuddling. Something that made Ena’s heart race in tandem with each quiet breath.

“Why do you think that way?” Mafuyu asked with a hint of curiosity. “What’s wrong with Mizuki?” 

Ena buried her head further into Mafuyu’s shoulder, wanting to ignore the question, but knew she couldn’t in the end. After all, Mafuyu was dear to her. Ena couldn’t hide from her, even when she tried to. 

“Before you woke up on the train earlier, Mizuki was looking sad and longing or something. I can’t really tell, but it made my heart hurt.” Ena muttered as she recalled the moment. 

“I see, I noticed that too, but in the morning at the station.” Mafuyu nodded, making Ena feel less crazy than she did before. 

“Why do you think Mizuki was looking like that?” 

“I don’t know.” Mafuyu answered before letting out a faint sigh. “However, you look like that too sometimes. Like you’re holding back your feelings.”

Just like she was a few minutes ago.  

“Hah? I guess I’m more like Mizuki than I’d like to admit…” Ena snorted and nuzzled further into Mafuyu. 

Why was she so warm right now? 

She could just drown in it as her head stayed perfectly still with her thighs on either side of Mafuyu’s waist. The lyricist had even spread her own legs a little to make it easier for Ena to sit in her lap and enjoy each other's company. 

“You try to appear confident in front of others, but really, you're just insecure about everything…you think too much of what others may think.” Mafuyu mused as her long fingertips slipped under Ena’s white blouse and stroked her bare back.

Leave it to Mafuyu to shred what’s left of her ego like that…and make her feel good at the same time.

“ Mmm, How can you read me so damn easily…?” she had to ask while relishing the soft touches.

“Because like I said when we were younger, you wear your feelings on your sleeves…it’s a rare quality most people don’t have.” 

“Well then doc, what should I do about Mizuki?” Ena pulled away to look at Mafuyu, her hand wandering up the other’s back before landing on the bite mark she made earlier.

“What do you want me to do, Ena? Hound them down so that you two can talk?” Mafuyu deadpanned, but made Ena giggle nonetheless. 

“No! Absolutely not, that would scare Mizuki even more.” Ena shook her head and pressed her digits harder on the mark, watching as Mafuyu shivered afterward. 

That’s gonna haunt her in her dreams for sure…damn.

“Maybe I should talk to Airi about this?” 

“Momoi-san, you think she can help?” Mafuyu tilted her head, but not enough to escape Ena’s fingers stroking her nape. 

“Mhmm, maybe, it’s worth a try, right?” 

“Yes.” 

Ena smiled for the first time since coming into SEKAI before laying her head back on Mafuyu’s shoulder. It was all worth a shot, but if she could help Mizuki somehow and keep them from leaving Niigo. Maybe she could talk to Mafuyu about her feelings and why she’d quit attending art classes after their last encounter before high school. 

Airi and Shizuku stared at Ena from across the table as they sat inside the cafe in the mall Airi invited her to a few days ago. This was supposed to be a fun day out, but Ena still was bothered by the way Mizuki had been acting as of late. After she spoke to Mafuyu about it in SEKAI, Ena had been even more observant of Mizuki’s behavior, trying to figure out why they were down. It was infuriating to think about that person, and yet, Mafuyu’s stupid words still rang in her ears. 

“Ena-chan, not to ruin the mood but, are you alright? You’ve been acting a little strange since we met up at the station.” Shizuku spoke up, concerned.

“Hah?!” 

“Yeah, I didn’t want to bring it up, but you have been pretty out of it… Is it, Asahina, perhaps?” Airi asked with a slight nod. 

Ena’s cheeks lit up when she saw the glint in Airi’s eyes, but quickly shook her head. “No, it’s Mizuki… I’m worried about them, they’ve been distant with me since that ghost tour we went on last week.” 

“Oh, Mizuki-chan!? What do you think is the matter?” Shizuku questioned before taking a sip of her drink. 

“That’s the problem! I don’t know.” Ena frowned and grabbed her head. “Gah, they’ve been worse than Mafuyu lately, at least with her I get some answers.” 

“Asahina-san has been more easygoing lately in Kyūdō club… I guess that was your doing huh Ena-chan?” Shizuku asked, making Ena blush again before going back to her main issue.

“So, Mizuki, I have noticed that they always seem more focused on other people’s feelings than their own. Hell, Mizuki was the one who helped me and Mafuyu mend our relationship, y’know?” Ena paused to smile at the memory, as she finally had someone to talk to about this stuff and not be totally judged. “The problem though is that, every time me or Kanade try to ask Mizuki how they’re feeling, they just dodge the question or laugh it off, it's annoying, because what if I really did something wrong?” 

“I see, what do you think you did that would have offended Mizuki?” Airi said and stirred her iced tea. 

“I don’t know?!” Ena complained and slammed her head on the table, groaning afterward in pain.  

All Airi could do was nod her head as she encouraged Ena to continue. In the end, Ena told her and Shizuku everything, which made her feel a lot better after getting all her jumbled up thoughts out in the open. Except for that one TOPIC. Ena still wasn’t ready to tell Airi about that.

“Ena-chan, what if Mizuki-chan talked to someone they aren’t close to?” Shizuku suggested. 

“Huh?” 

“Me and Airi-chan only hung out with Mizuki-chan once, so we’re still mere acquaintances to them. Maybe they’ll open up to us if there is something really bothering them.” Shizuku explained before giving Ena a sincere smile. “It’s worth a try, correct?” 

“Ah, Shizuku is right, we should all hangout together this weekend. Just the four of us. That way you won’t get distracted by You-Know-Who.” Airi finished and waggled her brows. 

“I’m never gonna live this down, am I?” Ena sighed at the teasing. 

“Nope, that girl crush will always be a fun topic to talk about,” Airi answered with a toothy grin, her snaggled fang glimmering in the sunlight.

Ena frowned when she heard that word again. In Japanese society, a crush on another girl was like a silly little phase. It was never meant to be serious, unlike how Ena felt towards Mafuyu or how she was actually attracted to Shizuku, which she would keep to herself until the day she died. Still, Airi didn’t know about her sexuality and Ena couldn’t just ask her to stop talking like that. 

At least not now…

“Ugh, so what’s the plan?” She asked, trying to push her darker thoughts to the back of her mind.

Airi pulled out a flyer and Ena read it. “A day hike in the highlands…” 

Something told her this was a bad idea, but what else was she supposed to do? Ena sighed and took the flyer from Airi, hoping it was all worth it.

Okay, operation get Mizuki to talk is now a go…

Chapter Text

She took a deep breath as she opened her DMs and clicked on Amia’s profile. Ena was not going to back down on this plan Airi and Shizuku were putting together for her sake. She had to be brave and not a damn coward like always. She had to be that girl who stood up to bullies and took care of her little brother. Not the girl that ran away because of a stupid kiss. Okay, not stupid, but it was still… something. 

Focus focus!

Enanan: Hi, Amia, can we talk? 

Amia: heya! Let me guess, you freaked out about Yuki again, huh ;)? 
Amia: well can’t be helped! I’ll host the call, hehehe~

Ena didn’t have the energy to argue, so instead she waited for the call to come. She didn’t want to seem too suspicious, so she tried to appear more at ease. Like, sitting more relaxed on her chair than straight up like a string bean. 

Wow, she really needs to get better sayings…

That had sounded so lame. Well, lamer than her usual thoughts. At least it wasn’t dirty or anything. 

“Shit, now I’m thinking about her, damn her and her sexy reading glasses…” Ena muttered to herself before the ringing on her computer screen was heard. “Oh, finally… I was going crazy.” 

“Ya-hoo! So, what happened this time? Hmm, usually you don’t DM me this early before Niigo’s meeting?” Mizuki’s chipper voice echoed through Ena’s headset. 

“Uh, actually, I wanted to see if you were busy this Saturday?” Ena said as her voice almost cracked under the sheer pressure of her nerves. “How do you feel about going for a picnic?” 

“Hmm, this is rare, You’re the last person I thought who would want to do anything with the outdoors?” Mizuki chuckled, which made Ena roll her eyes, but also smile at the light teasing.

“Oi, don’t start with me, I get enough badgering from Yuki about that.” 

“Ohoho, she really doesn’t hold back, huh?” 

“Anyway,” Ena interrupted before Mizuki could say something that would embarrass her more. “A friend of mine invited me and I thought a change of pace would be appreciated.”

“Ehhh? Wait, the only person you’re friends with besides Niigo is… AIRI-CHAN WANTS TO HANG OUT WITH US!?” 

“Ow, not so loud!” Ena winced a little at Mizuki’s high-pitched tone. “And yes, her and Shizuku.” 

“SHIZUKU-CHAN TOO!? I mean, cool, cool. Yeah, I’d totally love to join you guys! If that's okay?” 

Ena had to bite her lip to keep herself from laughing at Mizuki’s cute fangirling. This may actually end up being a good idea after all if everything goes according to plan. Just her, and her closest people having a little picnic in the highlands. 

Plus, she wouldn’t have to think about any stupid girl throughout the entire experience.

“Well I guess that settles it then, huh?” She asked as her anxiety eased. 

“Ahahahaha, I’m so excited I get to meet my favorite idols, again! Thank you Enanan!” 

“It’s nothing, don’t make it such a big deal…” 

“Wait, should we invite Mafuyu too? Although that would cause a lot of awkward situations for you if you keep falling into her arms during the hiking portion, hehehe~”

So much for keeping her mind out of the gutter…

“AMIA!” 

“Whaaaaat!?” 

“Why did I tell you about that, why!?” Ena whined and slumped over her desk. 

“Easy, I’m the only one you can talk about it to~” 

“Shut up...” she muttered into her hands.

“Oi, Oi, I’ll stop, sorry.” Mizuki said in a softer tone. “You know I’m only joking. I get how hard it is…”

Ena lifted her head up as her heart steadied itself after almost bursting out of her chest, over the amount of blood that had skyrocketed to her face. Mizuki really needed to lay off some of those jokes sometimes, or Ena would die because of an aneurysm. 

“You do?” 

“In a way,” Mizuki said in wistful laughter. “Trust me, I get it…” 

They did…? 

“Um, okay…just so you know, I’m also pretty excited for this.” Ena decided to not push the subject as she wanted to cheer Mizuki up. “Some fresh air might do both of us some good, also all that walking will help me a ton.” 

“I’ll say you need to exercise more,” Mizuki giggled through their mic. “You and Kanade are so scrawny you’ll never fully fit into those nice dresses I’m making.” 

“Oh, be quiet. We’re not models like Shizuku or Mafuyu.” 

“You noticed how hot Shizuku-chan is too? Enanan, I thought you only had eyes for our dear Yuki?” 

“I’m ending the call.” Ena deadpanned, her mouse hovering over the icon, that would end all this. 

“Wait, wait, I’m just messing around! So uh, any more info I need?” 

“First off, the plan's to take a tour on a bus. We have to register as a group and stuff, so I'll send you more info about it later today, okay?” Ena said and leaned back on her chair, waiting for Mizuki to reply.

“Gotcha, then I’ll talk to you later?” 

“Yeah, that’s right, later.” Ena nodded, her hands already pulling her headset off when the sound of Mizuki hanging up hit her ears.

As soon as the call ended, Ena took another deep breath. Throughout the discussion, she had noticed some of Mizuki's odd statements, especially that moment when they told Ena how they understood what she was feeling about her secret thing for Mafuyu. It made Ena wonder just what Mizuki was hiding from her, from Niigo. 

Hopefully, she would know something by Saturday…

A yawn escaped Ena as she and Mizuki made it to Shibuya Station. Today was the day that she was going to get Mizuki to finally tell her what was wrong. At least that’s what she hoped for, as the memories from this morning made her mood sour. What with Mafuyu calling her to wake up and her brother knocking on her door at the same damn time. Like she got it, she wasn’t gonna forget about this. 

“Stupid Mafuyu…” 

“Hehehe, what did she do this time? Doesn’t she have day school today?” 

“She called me to remember to get up early…” Ena mumbled before realizing who she was telling this to. “I mean—-“

“Ahahaha, wow, she really is becoming your wife. Enanan is so lucky~” 

“It’s too early for this!” Ena whined as Mizuki patted her back. 

“There, there, you can talk to your wifey after the picnic.” 

“Wait, Ena has a wife?” Another familiar voice asked behind the two. 

“ No, It’s not like that!” Ena almost shouted before seeing a passerby stop to stare at her. “Ugh, can we just go, please?”

Airi nodded as she adjusted her hat, while Mizuki bounced next to Shizuku to catch up on whatever they were talking about at the mall that one time. At least that’s what it looked like. Ena chose to walk with Airi to the bus stop. Happy to see that Mizuki was enjoying themselves at the moment with Shizuku. 

“Huh, they seem to be better than how you described it.” Airi spoke up as Ena let her eyes leave Mizuki to focus on her other friend.

“I wasn’t seeing things, even Mafuyu thinks they’re hiding something.” Ena sighed, crossing her arms. 

“Asahina thinks so too? Then it really must be serious.” Airi said as she put her hands behind her back. “How are things with her , by the way?” 

“Today is about Mizuki, not about me, Airi.” Ena pouted and avoided those curious ruby-colored eyes. “Please, can we not talk about her ?” 

“You’re the one that brought her up. I was just asking, sorry.” Airi whispered and stopped talking.

Ena hated when people felt bad for her own shortcomings. If only she could tell Airi the truth, tell her why she stopped contacting her. Not just because she failed the art school exam, but about… no, not yet. She just got Airi back, Ena didn’t want to lose her again. 

“Ne, it’s okay y’know, let’s just have fun and help Mizuki today, okay?” Airi reassured her as a soft hand came to rest on her shoulder. 

“Y-yeah, okay.” Ena agreed before giving her a genuine smile. “I really did miss talking to you Airi, let’s have a lot of fun today!” 

“Now you’re getting it!” Airi nudged her with a big toothy grin.

“Oi, you slow pokes, get over here!” Mizuki called out to them. “I got us some snacks with Shizuku-chan for the bus.” They smiled brightly as they held up the biscuits and water bottles. 

“We’re coming, don’t make a mess over there, you two.” Ena giggled and walked ahead of Airi. 

“Haaaaai!” Mizuki nodded before popping in one of the cookies in their mouth.

Ena shook her head as she got to where the other two were waiting in line for the tour bus. Shizuku seemed to be just as excited as Mizuki, despite being more poised than the pink-haired menace. It was a nice picture, something just so simple, like snacks, could make such a difference in people's behaviors. 

“Guys, the bus is here, time to go!” Airi called out as the bus stopped right where they were waiting. 

Ena then made her way into the tour bus, watching Mizuki as they walked down the aisle before settling in one of the window seats. She couldn’t help but feel nervous about this whole trip as doubts started to creep up in her mind. Was what she was doing the right thing? Did Mizuki really need to tell her what was on their mind, if they didn’t want to? 

“Enanan, you’re spacing out again, is it—“

“Don’t say her name. I forbid you from saying it for this entire trip!” She warned Mizuki as she took the seat next to them. 

“No fun, you always have to be a wet blanket, huh?” Mizuki laughed and leaned back in their chair, giving Ena a small smile. “Thanks again for all this, I’m even wearing my favorite outfit cuz I’m so excited about being here.” 

“Mizuki, like I said before, it’s no big deal, just have fun! That’s what this whole picnic is all about. No Niigo, just… nature.” 

“Pfft, nature? That’s a funny thing coming from you, but if you say so, Ena. Let’s enjoy nature to its core.” Mizuki agreed before a devious grin came across their face. “Although if Yu—“

“Don’t say that one either!” Ena cried and plugged her ears to not hear that girl’s name.

“Oi, Ena keep it down!” Airi scowled at her from the seat behind them. 

“Ahahahaha~” 

Dammit Mizuki! 

Ena peered out at the view of the highlands after finally getting off the bus. It was such a gorgeous sight to behold and made her wish she had taken her sketchbook with her. Airi, Mizuki and Shizuku next to her also were looking out with awe on their faces. Mizuki, especially, was excited as they leaned forward on the fence in front of them. 

“Whoa! This is awesome! We're not even at the top and you can see all those mountains way over there!” Mizuki gushed, pointing to the landscape. 

“Yeah, it's so beautiful!”” Ena agreed before remembering that she did bring her phone. “Oh, wait. I should take some pictures too. They could come in handy when I draw later.”

Mizuki perked when they heard that. “What's this? Ena's not immediately going for some selfies? Interesting…”

“Seriously? It's not like that's the only thing I ever think about, y’know?” Ena sighed as she took a few snapshots of the mountains and horizon.

“Of course not, I mean there must be a bunch of pics of—“ 

“Don’t you even dare!” Ena glared at them, her cheeks turning scarlet as she remembered the few rare photos of Mafuyu in her gallery. 

“Oh, Ena, whatever do you mean?” Mizuki giggled as their cheeky smile turned into a softer expression.

The artist didn’t say a word as she laid her head on the fence to rest her now growing headache. Airi and Shizuku soon suggested that they should eat here, which Mizuki agreed would be a great idea. A sigh escaped Ena’s lips though as she put her phone back into her pocket before following the others to a picnic table that was nearby. To her, it wasn’t even a surprise to see Airi pull out four bento boxes from her bag, one for each of them. Airi had always been a good cook, and to see her homemade meals brought back many memories for Ena, if she were being honest.

“Wow, this looks amazing…” she murmured as she took the one Airi specifically handed to her.

“I’ll say, look, these have fries in them! Ena, did you tell her they’re my favorite?” Mizuki beamed as they sat down across from her.

“Well, I had to tell her what you like, otherwise they wouldn’t be in your bento box.” Ena shrugged with a smug look on her face. 

“Oh fried tofu!” Shizuku smiled as Airi laughed at her expression. 

“You always request them, Shizuku, so I decided to make some. I wrapped them around some pieces of chicken.” Airi smirked before turning to Ena, waiting for her to open her box. 

Ena did and her heart melted at the homemade cheesecake that was snugged in the middle of her box. She had to blink back tears as she looked up at Airi to see a warm smile on her face. Their friendship really was something, and Ena was so glad that they started talking again. 

“So, how’s everything going with MORE MORE JUMP ?” Mizuki asked while chewing on one of their salty fries. 

“We’re still just doing livestreams and videos, but it’s going well.” Airi said as she ate her own food. 

“Speaking of livestreams,” Ena recalled with some interest. “I watched one of your earlier ones. It's crazy how despite all the times you mess up the dance routine, you guys just kept going.” 

“Yeah, the first time I listened to one of your videos, I felt a lot of joy and something else.” Mizuki said in a softer tone. 

“Well, Minori-chan has always pictured our group being idols delivering hope, could that be what you were feeling when you heard us?” Shizuku tilted her head, as Ena stopped eating her cake, to listen in.

“That could be it…” Mizuki responded as they went a little quiet. “Truth is, I wouldn't even know where to start if I decided to try giving someone hope…”

“Huh? But don’t you and Ena make music too?” Airi questioned.

“Niigo? I mean, sure, but I’m just the editor, I just don’t see myself doing that.” 

“Mizuki…” Ena whispered with a little more clarity in her eyes. 

“Anyway, what else has been new with you two?” 

A frown made its way to Ena’s face as she took out her phone and looked down at the several messages Mafuyu sent her. It was clear the other girl was also worried about Mizuki and that she wanted to know how the picnic was going.

Mafuyu: Hope the picnic is going well. Is Mizuki feeling better?

Ena: So far so good, Mizuki seems to be having fun, though…they did say something interesting.

(…)

Mafuyu: What did they say? 

Ena: they talked about how they don't think they can give hope to people…which is strange because Niigo kinda does that, right? 

Mafuyu: I don’t know… I guess?

Ena smiled a little at the reply. Mafuyu was really trying to figure out what her lyrics mean to her, but she was still struggling with what exactly that might be. 

Ena: for someone who writes the most beautiful songs, it’s hard to believe how bad you are at this whole feelings thing. Then again, that’s what makes you, you I guess?

Mafuyu: Was that a compliment? 

Her face flared up all the way to her ears at the reply. Crap, did she really write that to Mafuyu? She must be really out of it if she’s saying sickly, gooey stuff like this. 

Ena: No, don’t overthink it! 

(…)

Mafuyu: Okay, talk later then.

Airi nudged her with her elbow as Ena sat up straight, her face still hot as her eyes met Mizuki’s now mischievous pink ones. 

“Was that Maf—“

“I SAID NO!” 

The smile Shizuku gave Ena shouldn’t have been making her feel so uncomfortable as they finished dealing with the annoying climbers. It was bad enough she got stuck with the beautiful girl, but her ability to get lost was even more of a challenge that Ena wasn’t prepared for. She rolled her shoulders a little before taking out her phone to check and answer messages. 

Mafuyu: I’m home, Kanade has just informed me that she has returned home as well. Will we see you and Mizuki online later?

Ena: yeah of course? Do you miss me that much? 

(…) 

Mafuyu: Yes.

Ena's heart skipped a beat as she reread the answer Mafuyu had just sent her. Was she really waiting for her and Mizuki to get back? The thought made Ena picture Mafuyu in her room, sitting on her chair, just waiting for her texts like a cute puppy.

“Why does she have to be so cute…” she muttered to herself, forgetting about the beautiful model walking beside her.

“Who’s cute Ena-chan?” Shizuku asked with curiosity as she peaked over her shoulder. “Oh, I shouldn’t have seen that…” 

“Ahhhh!” Ena jumped, blushing harder than she had this entire day. “You didn’t see anything?” 

“You really are close to Asahina-san… amazing.”

“It’s not amazing!” Ena tried to brush off whatever Shizuku was thinking. “She’s a pain in my ass.” 

“Is that so?” Shizuku giggled as she tried to hide her amusement. “I still think it’s quite remarkable. No one in the club is that close to Asahina-san. To the point, she’d say she would miss one of us. I’m quite jealous, honestly.” 

“You’ve got to be kidding me…” Ena facepalmed in frustration. 

“I won’t say anything. I am just happy. Asahina-san has someone she considers a friend,” Shizuku said with a genuine smile. “You really are something…”

“I don’t know about that. Usually I make things worse for people.” Ena shrugged, looking away from the girl. “I’ve always been this way, the kind of person that just says or does what's on their mind, y’know…”

“Was that how things were with Asahina-san?” 

“Kinda. Our relationship was always complicated.” Ena admitted as she pocketed her hands in her jacket. “One of the first things I ever called her was insufferable, and yet nothing bothered her. She just stayed with me, and let me be, me… well, before I screwed everything up.” 

“How so?” 

“It’s a long story…besides, this time I’m worried about hurting someone else with my recklessness.” Ena sighed and looked down at the ground.

“Are you talking about Mizuki-chan?” 

“Yeah,” she muttered before glancing back up at Shizuku with a serious expression. “Look, if I’m not careful, I could do something by accident. My attitude is not for everyone, unless you’re someone that doesn’t give a shit about anything, y’know.” 

“No, I don’t.” Shizuku shook her head. “Ena-chan I’m really grateful for what you did back there. In fact, I don’t think I would’ve been able to act if you didn’t step in.” 

“Huh…” 

“I’m sure things will work out with you and Mizuki, just like how everything in the end was okay between you and Asahina-san. You all seem to understand each other very well. This music group of yours.” Shizuku explained as Ena blinked back some tears she had been holding back. 

“You think so?” 

Shizuku nodded her head as the two came closer back to where they had lunch. The other two already there called out to them as Mizuki asked Ena if she had taken some good pictures. 

“Of course I did! What do you take me for?” She rolled her eyes as a smile formed on her lips. “How was the game? Did you do good?” 

“Yeah, Mizuki got all the answers right, they’re super smart, I’m actually impressed.” Airi sighed as she explained afterward how she got zero chances to get at least one answer in.

“You should do it next time, Ena!” Mizuki suggested. “Ohh, maybe we can get Kanade and Mafuyu to join us? Though Mafuyu might just finish it before we even start…”

“Knowing that dork, yeah, she would.” Ena agreed before realizing what they said. “Mizuki!” 

“Finally, I got to say it!” 

Ena let out a laugh as she noticed how happy Mizuki was for saying Mafuyu’s name. They really enjoyed pushing her buttons. It was just a never ending tease that Ena couldn’t  escape. At this rate, did she even want Mizuki to stop?

Yes, she really couldn’t handle it.

“Okay, you had your fun, now why don’t we take one more hike of our own?” She said as the other two also nodded before the group went back on the trail.

Well, this certainly went south real fast as she watched Mizuki leave with the promise of a rescue. Ena despised bees, and she just had to walk right into a hive near a cliff. Seriously, how clumsy could she be? Wait, no, she didn't want anyone to answer that. Like she didn’t once walk into a street with cars zooming by in the middle of a monsoon? 

“Hah, this sucks, I’m so sorry, Airi!” she complained as she turned around to the other girl who was sitting on the ground with a fractured ankle. 

“Ne, it’s fine, it’s not like I don’t hurt myself when I’m dancing. This is no big deal, Ena.” Airi tried to smile before gritting her teeth in pain. 

A lot of thoughts ran through Ena’s mind as she slid down next to Airi. It felt gross being on the muddy surface, but she couldn’t just leave Airi alone here. After all, it was her fault that they were in this ditch in the first place. Damn, what was she supposed to do? Mizuki said they would  get help and Shizuka was apparently now weaving a rope together.

Okay, really, was she just as perfect as Mafuyu or? 

“I always end up causing problems for others… why do I even try?” She couldn’t help but ask herself as she looked up at the now stormy sky. “I really should just disappear.” Was the last thing said as rain began to fall. 

“What the hell are you talking about?” Airi growled after hearing that. “You didn’t do anything wrong, Ena. Seriously, what has been bothering you lately? You’ve been acting differently since we met up again a month ago.” 

Ena froze as she turned her dirt stained face to stare at the angry red eyes of her junior high friend. Airi was no longer holding her ankle and instead had her arms crossed over her chest. However, what really caught Ena off guard was the tears brimming in her eyes. 

“Hah? W-what are you talking about?” She asked, trying her best Mizuki, and failing miserably.

“Don’t change the damn subject, Shinonome.” Airi snarled and pushed herself closer in Ena’s personal space. “You just whispered you wanted to disappear. I’m not deaf, y’know!?” 

“Huh Airi I didn’t actually mea—“

“You think I’m really stupid to believe that?” Airi cut her off. 

“Why do you care about what I say!?” Ena finally blew up, her finger digging into the dirt as her anger reached its boiling point.

“BECAUSE YOU HAVEN’T CONTACTED ME IN OVER A FUCKING YEAR!” 

Ena opened her eyes as she looked at Airi in shock. Her friend was still glaring at her as tears were streaming down her face. Now, Airi wasn’t one to cry, not like Ena was, so seeing her like this made Ena feel horrible. 

She really was the worst. Why did she always end up doing something like this to her friends?

“I don’t know what I did! If it was because of my career choice, I’m sorry, but you also have a phone. You could have called me if you’re feeling this way. I would have listened to you, y’know?!”   

Airi was hysterical at this point as Ena couldn't stop the loud sob from escaping her lips, her arms covering her ugly crying as she broke down. Airi didn’t do anything wrong, she shouldn’t be feeling this way. She was supposed to be a beacon of hope, just like she had always wanted.

“You didn’t do anything wrong! I just didn't know what to tell you, so much had happened that year. The stupid art exam, Mafuyu, Otou-san, just so much just made me want to end it! I didn’t want to hurt you, Airi, I wanted you to shine.” 

A sniffle was heard as Ena felt arms wrap themselves around her shoulders. They were lighter than Mafuyu’s toned ones, but just as warm. 

“You silly girl, I can only shine when I know my best friend is watching me. You were one of the reasons I wanted to go this far in the first place. I even told Mizuki about how we met…do you honestly just think I would abandon you if you couldn’t get into art school?” 

“It’s not just that…it’s something just as important, something about me. That may change your view forever.” Ena let out a shaky breath as her words became a whisper. 

“What on earth would make me hate you…”

“I’m not normal, Airi, far from it.” Ena muffled into her arm, trying to stop herself from saying anymore. 

“Are you kidding me?” 

“No, I wish I was.” Ena murmured before dropping her arms to show Airi her running makeup. “Look just, know, I’ve been following your idol stuff since then, okay? It’s not just the recent, MORE MORE JUMP livestreams. I have videos of your old interviews where you speak about yourself. Those videos kept me going, they gave me hope that one day…” 

“What, what is it?” 

“I can’t, not yet… I just. I don’t want you—“ Ena tried to say, but was stopped when Airi put their foreheads together. 

“Shhh, take deep breaths, Ena.” Airi said with her eyes closed as a smile etched its way on her lips. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. Just know, normal isn’t a thing, everyone is different in their own way. Understand that when you’re ready to tell me everything, I’ll always love you. You are my best friend Ena and I don’t want to lose you…okay?” 

Ena’s tears were wiped away as she nodded her head, her heart feeling lighter than it had been in a long time. 

  Was this hope…?

“Yeah…okay.”

“OI, ENA, AIRI-CHAN I GOT SOME HELP! JUST HOLD ON FOR ANOTHER SECOND, ALRIGHT?!” Mizuki called out at the top of the cliff, their face now dirty, as Ena briefly wondered if they tripped while searching for help. 

And it’s their favorite outfit too…

“MIZUKI! AIRI SPRAINED HER ANKLE WHEN WE FELL, GET HER OUT FIRST!” 

“GOTCHA!” Mizuki shouted back. “THROW DOWN THE ROPE NOW GUYS!”

The rope Shizuku made dropped down, and Ena, with all her might, picked up Airi before walking over to the rope. She then looped it around her waist as the girl held onto her shoulders for dear life. 

“You got this.” She told her before yanking the rope to be pulled. 

Airi watched Ena as she was lifted up and transported up to the top of the cliff, she had a smile on her face as she held onto the rope while Ena sighed in relief that her friend was safe. Afterward, it was her turn and Ena hated the experience as she tried to not look down several times before reaching the top and being pulled up by Mizuki and a shorter girl with pretty purple eyes. 

Crap, does she have a type? 

Ena didn’t bother thinking about it anymore as she fell onto the grass next to Airi who was being treated by Shizuku. Mizuki then bent down in front of her, taking out a clean pink handkerchief. 

“Here, it’s not much, but I’m glad you’re okay.” They smiled with their eyes closed as Ena was once again about to cry at such kindness. 

Mizuki looked dazzling in the sunlight, so full of confidence and warmth. It made Ena wish she could be that way as she took the cloth out of their hand before noticing the ripped skirt they wore.

“Oh no, your favorite outfit…”

“Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, I mean of course I love it, but, I’m more happy you’re okay, both you and Airi.” Mizuki chuckled as Ena sniffled. 

“Yeah…heh, I guess, you were right when you told me I was gonna fall over during this part…” 

Mizuki's smile turned devious at the drop of the hat after hearing that. “Of course I was! It’s just too bad Mafuyu wasn’t here to catch you, cause you and I both know she would dive in head first.” 

“I’m way too tired and emotionally drained to argue with you…so you get this one, Amia.” 

“Yay, another win for Mizuki! C’mon let’s redo your makeup!” They laughed and offered their hand, which Ena took as she got up and turned around to see Airi using Shizuku's shoulder as a crutch. 

“You okay?” She asked.

“Could be worse, but after that, I’m much better.” Airi answered with a sincere smile. “I’m just glad we’re okay.”

“Me too…”

“Oh look, a rainbow!” Mizuki pointed out as everyone, including the purple-haired boy and purple-eyed girl, looked up to admire. 

“It’s so pretty I gotta take a picture!” 

Ena took out her phone and took a quick snap as she smiled at the symbol that represented  clarity, peace and…hope. Something she hadn’t felt in a long time. 

Ena groaned as she collapsed on her bed, not even caring to change into her PJs. So much had happened today. From everything concerning Mizuki to the outburst she and Airi had before being rescued. However, what really changed for Ena today was the reignited hope that had been shattered two years ago. Not only did she not need to tell Airi about… the thing , but she also learned that she could wait for Mizuki when they were ready to talk about whatever had been bothering them.

“Seeing Mizuki smile so sincerely was a nice change. We’ve been close for a while, but unlike Mafuyu or Airi, it was hard to consider them a friend until now.” She pondered out loud as she shifted to look up at her ceiling. “I really do care about them…and I want to see them smile like that more.” 

Just then, a ring came from her smartphone, and Ena reached into her pocket to take it out. The caller wasn’t someone she was expecting, as the name made her face heat up. 

 “Hah? She never calls me… I wonder what’s up.” 

Ena answered the call as the low but familiar voice that belonged to Mafuyu greeted her. 

“You’re home?” She asked in a more stoic tone than Ena was used to. 

“Yeah, you okay?”

“I…don’t know.” Was her reply. 

“Pfft, did you just call me cause you just wanted to?” 

“Is that bad?” Her voice asked in confusion. 

“No, no… I’m just messing with you.” Ena let out a breathy laugh. 

“Oh, how’s Mizuki?” 

“Better… I think? I got to know them behind that impish act of theirs.” Ena chuckled as the memories of her time shared with that pink haired menace came to mind. “Mizuki’s actually really kind, y’know? They had gone over backwards to get me and Airi out of the ditch we fell into. Even going so far as to explain to the tour guide what happened to keep me from getting too much of the blame.” 

“Hmm…so you had fun?” Mafuyu said in a clipped voice. 

“Yeah, falling to my almost death was really fun… ne what’s with that tone?” Ena questioned as she sat up on her bed.

“What tone? This is my voice?” 

“No, it’s different, wait…are you jealous that I spent the whole day with Mizuki!?” 

“No…”

Ena smirked after hearing the same edginess. “Hehehe, liar, you totally are! Oh, was that why you were texting me all day? What kind of adorable creature are you~?” 

“Adorable…?” 

Ena's eyes widened at her slip up. She then pulled the phone away from her ear as she grabbed her favorite plush pillow to scream into it for a couple of seconds. 

“Ena?” Mafuyu’s called out.

“I-I’m here I…uh, look uh I’ll see you later on nightcord okay! Everything's a-okay, okay!?” 

“You’re saying that too much…”

“No, I’m not!” Ena pouted before Mafuyu took that moment to hang up on her. “OI! What the hell!?”

So she was jealous…interesting. 

Chapter Text

The quiet atmosphere of SEKAI was pleasing to Ena as she sat up against a beam with her sketchbook on her knees. Ever since that phone call three days ago with Mafuyu, Ena still couldn’t believe how annoyed and jealous the other girl sounded. It was way different than with those stupid pancakes. Mafuyu was envious of Mizuki, a person close to Ena. 

To say Ena wasn’t giddy about the prospect of that conversation was an understatement. Mafuyu wouldn’t be that way if she didn’t want her attention. The moment between them just solidified what Ena was suspicious about for a while. That Mafuyu may like her back. In a way, a girl likes a boy.

“Is she like me? Is it not a phase for her as well? Do I really have a chance?” Ena thought out loud before glancing down at her latest sketch, which was ironically of Mafuyu sleeping against Miku’s shoulder.

Cute…

Ena had colored it with pastels this time, using the lavender and indigo to shade and highlight Mafuyu’s hair. The peaceful look that Mafuyu had as she laid next to Miku was a nice change from the usual shadows that would be under her eyes. Still, pricks of her own jealousy had to rear its ugly head, as Ena found herself getting up from her spot to join the other two. 

Meanwhile, Rin and Meiko were close by, speaking to each other quietly as the latter was trying to escape with an unamused expression on her face. It probably had to do with Mafuyu, but Ena was surprised when she heard her name come out of Rin’s mouth.

“What are you two talking about?” She asked the Vocaloids, who stopped speaking the moment she had gotten over there. 

“Meiko wanted to know why you have been visiting more frequently.” 

“Hah? I uh…”

“I saw you bite Mafuyu the last time you were here. Do you want to harm her?” Meiko implored in a sharp but aloof tone. 

Ena blanked at the question as her mind went back in time to when she did that. In an instant, her face burst into flames as the older Virtual Singer observed the scene with a slight glimmer from those inquisitive eyes. 

“You humans really are fascinating to watch... I’ll be off now.” 

“Oi, wait, don't leave!” Ena called out, but Meiko disappeared the moment she went further into the distance, leaving her alone alongside the other, more innocent Virtual Singer.  

After a few more torturous seconds, Rin then turned to Ena, tilting her head. The curiosity in her eyes faint, but simmering as Ena dreaded what came next. 

“So, why did you bite Mafuyu?” Rin simply asked.

Damn, what was she supposed to say? That she liked the taste of her ski—no, ABSOLUTELY NOT! 

A new headache was forming on her temple as Ena tried to think of a way to distract the younger Vocaloid from this subject. The artist sighed to herself as she grabbed her chin before remembering her art supplies. 

“Ne, Rin, why don’t we forget about this and I’ll teach you how to color with pastels? Y'know, it's something Miku never got to do.” She coaxed, using a soft but caring tone. 

“No, I want to know why you bit Mafuyu if you didn’t want to hurt her.” Was Rin’s stoic response.

“WAIT WHAT!?” Another familiar voice came out of nowhere. “ENA, YOU NEVER TOLD ME ABOUT THAT!?” 

Great, just what Ena needed, Mizuki, to tease her. Well, it was her fault in the first place, if she were being honest.

But that’s besides the POINT!

“That’s because it’s none of your business. “ 

“So mean, but I won’t push you to talk about it.” Mizuki said as they walked up to where she was with Rin.

“I will. Why did you bite Mafuyu?” 

“RIN?!” 

“Ena, I think she’s not gonna budge…” Mizuki emphasized, crossing their arms. 

“I know…but, but, what should we say?” Ena struggled, rubbing her neck with her face still hot. 

“We, oh no, this is your problem Ena, I’m just a witness.” 

“Thanks for the support…” Ena rolled her eyes, but knew Mizuki was kinda right. 

“Well, I don’t know all the details but…your welcome anyway~” 

Flashbacks of the talk with Mafuyu about Mizuki made Ena frown as she turned her face away from Mizuki to face Rin. Guess she had no choice but to take a bullet, for Mizuki’s sake. 

“Argh, fine! I was horny and her neck looked so pretty and warm.” 

Kami-sama she wanted to die… 

“Huh? I don’t understand…” Rin blinked in confusion before letting out a sigh. 

“Holy shit, WHAT?!” Mizuki said in between hysterical laughter. “I knew you were keeping it in, bu—-?”

“Shut it! I said why, now we don’t have to talk about it!” Ena cut them off, her face crimson after what she said. 

“Okay, okay, you made your point.” Mizuki smiled, wiping a tear from their eye from all the laughter. 

Ena was going to see Mafuyu and Miku at the other end of the circular stage, but now, after that embarrassing conversation, she’d rather just hang around Mizuki. Who appeared to be in a much better mood after the picnic last Saturday. 

“So, are you almost finished with the MV?” she asked and sat down on the floor, exhausted after dealing with Rin. 

“Yeah, it’s almost done. I just have to adjust some of the motion animations so that your illustrations can run smoothly.” Mizuki shrugged, opting to keep standing as their eyes looked ahead.

“Cool, I can’t believe so much has happened in just three months, y’know?” Ena sighed and then laid on her back with her arms and legs spread out. 

“Ne, don’t do that, you’ll ruin your clothes, Ena!” Mizuki scowled as Ena stared at them with an unamused look before standing back up to brush away the dirt on her school uniform.

Soon after, Kanade appeared, looking just as tired as the rest of them. It wasn’t until Mizuki informed both girls that they had an idea that Mafuyu finally joined them with Miku. Just in time for a meeting. At least that’s what Ena thought, with all of them here at once.   

“We should have a sleepover this Saturday in the SEKAI!” Mizuki proposed, which made Ena almost fall down comically on her ass. 

“Huh?”

“This week?” Kanade asked and tilted her head. 

“Why?” Mafuyu said, unamused. 

“Well, since Ena and I had spent last Saturday together, I feel you two were left out, and I want to do something with all of us. So what do you say?”

“I wouldn’t mind…it would be nice.” Kanade nodded her head. 

“Sometimes, I would sleep over at Ena’s but…here wouldn’t be bad.” Mafuyu agreed with slight interest. 

“Oh, what the hell, why not?” Ena gave in as all the other members of Niigo wanted to do it. 

“Yay! We can play games, watch cheesy movies, do each other's makeup, tell scary stories and gossip. This is gonna be so much fun!” Mizuki beamed and clapped their hands together. 

“Will there be cuddling?” Mafuyu questioned as Mizuki smirked. 

“Of course! Don’t worry, you can share your futon with Enanan, if you want~” 

“Yes…” 

Ena almost choked at that as she tried to contain her own joy at the thought of sharing her futon with Mafuyu. Kanade seemed just as alert as she asked Mizuki what time they should arrive for the sleepover.

“How about 10:00 pm when our parents are all either asleep or like chilling?” They suggested. 

“I can live with that.” Ena smiled and looked at Mafuyu. 

“Yes, that would be a good time.” 

“I could also bring some music, if that’s alright?” Kanade whispered, to which Mizuki gladly answered yes. 

“Alright! This is gonna be great. I never had a sleepover before.” They admitted. 

“Well, let's make this one of the best, okay?” Ena elbowed their arm playfully with a smile. 

Mafuyu then grabbed her right hand with an unreadable expression on her face, which made Mizuki snicker and back away from the two. Their knowing smile caused Ena’s cheeks to heat up, again. At this rate, she was gonna burn this place down with how many times she’d blushed today. 

“Ne, Kanade, want me to give you the updates of the MV~” They turned to the composer of the group. 

“Ah, sure, I also have a demo that I’d like you to listen to before I show the other two.” 

“No prob,” Mizuki giggled before looking at Ena and Mafuyu. “Now you two behave. We’ll be back.” 

Ena rolled her eyes in exasperation at the remark, but soon regretted it after Mizuki and Kanade returned to their separate rooms back in the real world. Mafuyu then took her preoccupied state in mind before wrapping her up into a semi-embrace from behind. The artist sighed into the hug as Mafuyu pressed her face into her shoulder. However, what she wasn’t ready for was the girl to loosen her cardigan and blouse, somehow. 

“Oi, what are yooh—aaaaah!” Ena moaned when a pair of teeth sunk down into her pale skin. 

The feeling was nothing she had ever experienced before as her body thrashed from the sensation and the pleasure it caused. However, In order for this to not escalate further, Ena lifted her hands and positioned them on Mafuyu's arms on her waist, pulling them off as she herself moved forward until they had at least a couple spaces between them. 

“What the hell was that!?” Ena shouted, holding her collarbone that had been bitten. 

“I don’t know…you smelled nice.” 

“Hah!?” Ena gawked as her face turned crimson all the way to her ears. 

“Also, that was for last time.” Mafuyu said, pointing to her nape, that still had traces of Ena’s own bite. “I had to come up with a lot of lies at school.” 

“So, is this a human thing?” Rin interjected, making Ena even more embarrassed. 

“What’s a human thing? Biting?” Miku asked as Rin nodded her head. 

“No, it’s not a—argh, well, it's not what friends do, normally.” Ena tried and failed to explain as she rubbed the mark that she now had to cover by any means necessary. 

“It only happens when a friend is frustrated, however, in my case. I just wanted to bite Ena.” 

“H-How can you say that so calmly!?” Ena pointed at Mafuyu, wanting this madness to stop. 

“It’s the truth.” Mafuyu tilted her head. “No?” 

Ena had noticed that Miku appeared satisfied with Mafuyu’s answer. Rin, though, looked puzzled and even annoyed as she stared at Ena with those doe-like eyes, waiting for the real explanation. Who knew talking about hormones and puberty with the Vocaloids would be this complicated? 

She never thought it was needed…

“What does it feel like?” Rin had to ask.

All the blood in her body went to her face as Ena gripped her head, reeling at the innocent question. She didn’t know how to answer this. What was she supposed to say?

“Ticklish…and warm.” Mafuyu spoke up, with what looked like a dazed expression. 

“OKAY, That’s enough, I’m leaving!” Ena had  had it as she reached for her phone, only for Mafuyu to grab her wrist. 

“Miku and Rin, can we be alone?” She asked, which made the Virtual Singers look at each other before nodding and phasing out. 

Finally, they’re gone… and she needed an aspirin.

That and concealer, since she needed to hide this embarrassing mark from the world. What the hell was Mafuyu thinking? Ena thought, before recalling Mafuyu saying that she smelled nice. 

“Ne, what did I smell like?” 

“Paint and strawberries…” Mafuyu whispered before bringing Ena down with her on the ground, as her arms found their way around Ena’s midsection. “It’s soothing…it's Enanan.” she mumbled, pressing the artist’s back to her front.

“Y’know, speaking of scents, you smell like apples and inkwells. You must really like reading and writing, huh, though that doesn’t explain the apples?” 

“Okaa-san used to give me apple slices, shaped like rabbits, when I was sick. It was the only sweet thing I was allowed to eat when I was younger…” Mafuyu told her quietly, as Ena knew it must have been hard for the repressed girl. 

“I see, well, I guess I’m going to have to be a bad influence again, and take you to another great bakery, that also happens to have the best cheesecake in Shibuya!~”

“You just want to go there with someone, be honest, Ena.” Mafuyu murmured, tickling the sensitive mark on Ena’s neck. 

“Haah? I mean yes I want to go, but I’m serious, I’m gonna give you a sweet tooth and you’re gonna thank me for it!” 

“If you say so.” Mafuyu sighed, but Ena could feel the curl of her lips turning upward. “I always trust your judgement.” 

“Dummy, you need to trust your own.” Ena muttered as Mafuyu’s grip around her waist tightened. 

“Maybe, someday…” 

The two sat there in silence, enjoying the warmth they gave off to one another. Ena had gotten to learn even more about Mafuyu as she placed her hand on the girl’s fluffy hair, patting it before reaching out for her sketchbook on the side. Mafuyu lifted her head from her shoulder and in its  place was her chin, her breath calm as Ena turned to a new page. 

“What are you gonna draw?” 

“An animal this time, maybe a rabbit, or a jellyfish…” she mused as Mafuyu leaned closer to look. 

“Can it be both?” 

“Hehehe, sure, I am an artist after all~” Ena giggled and stroked Mafuyu’s hair again before looking back at her sketchbook. 

She then used that opportunity to adjust herself in a more comfortable position, between Mafuyu’s legs, as her pencil pressed against the rough exterior of her notebook. Ena hummed a little as the lines and curves of the first creature appeared on paper. Its fuzzy tail and head were recognizable to her as she added the eyes, cute button nose and whiskers. 

“That’s not realistic looking…” Mafuyu stated, matter of fact. 

“Of course not, not everything has to be real,” Ena snorted and added a small mouth and a little bang at the front. “Ne, can you pass me the lavender pastel in my bag?” 

Mafuyu didn’t respond, but Ena felt her move a bit before a pretty purple stick was in her vicinity. The artist took it out of the other’s hand before getting back to work, humming a tune of the last song Niigo had put out. 

“You have a pretty voice…” Mafuyu whispered, which made Ena stop drawing. 

“Are you just going to distract me?” Ena smiled but wanted to seem annoyed.

“I don’t know, but I mean it, when you sing, you sound pretty. It makes me sleepy.” 

“You better not be drooling on my shoulder, I let you bite me, but that is not forgivable.” She warned, which made Mafuyu bite her in retaliation a second time, this time on her nape.

“Oiahhh! That’s uncalled for!” 

“Ena started it.” 

“Brat!” 

“Noisy…”

Ena let out a bout of laughter after hearing that. She felt like a kid again, arguing with Airi about something dumb. Although, seeing Mafuyu act childish like this was also a reward of its own. 

“Are you excited for the first Niigo sleepover Mafuyu?” 

“I don’t know, will it be like the ones we have…” Mafuyu sighed and closed her long lashed eyes. 

“Well, it won’t be as quiet, but it will be fun.” 

Mafuyu hummed at that, as Ena took that as a sign of the girl having fallen asleep. Her calm breathing made Ena feel at ease as she finished coloring the rest of the bunny she had drawn for the girl.  

It really was uncanny…

“Oi, We’re ba—-aww, Kanade, get my phone!” 

“MIZUKI!?” 

A yawn escaped Ena’s mouth as she stared at her screen where Mizuki held a bunch of outfits in their arms. They were also wearing a cute top with a pair of fuzzy shorts and a sleeping mask on their head. It seemed like Ena just wasn’t ready for how excited they were for Saturday night. Mizuki apparently had taken at least half the week to make these outfits for the group, as well as Miku and Rin. 

“Isn’t it cute!! I want us all to wear these on Saturday. We’ll all match!” Mizuki jumped up and down as Ena just nodded her head. 

“You are way too excited for, this…” 

“It’s my first sleepover ever. I want it to be awesome, Enanan!” Mizuki pouted and crossed their arms, annoyed.

“Ne, I’m only joking. I’m excited too.” Ena assured them as she leaned back on her chair. “Have you shown Yuki and K their PJs yet?” 

“I was gonna do it when they get on!” Mizuki nodded with more energy than usual. “Yuki is gonna look extra cute in the one I made for her.” 

“Too bad her reading glasses will null the cuteness, if she brings them.” Ena sighed before once again realizing she said something that most didn’t know about Mafuyu. 

“MAFUYU HAS READING GLASSES!?” 

“Shhh, only at night, after she takes off her contacts.” Ena said before covering her mouth to stop herself from saying anything else. 

“Interesting, tell me more about this Yuki after Niigo meetings…” 

“I-I only know recently after I discovered she had been sleeping in them, which is super bad for the eyes, y’know?” Ena defended herself as Mizuki giggled at the admission.

“Typical Enanan, always the one to look after us, you’re such an Onee-chan.” 

“Please, don’t ever call me that again…” Ena requested as her left eye twitched a little. She hadn’t been called that since Akito started junior high, years ago. 

“Ohh, I hit something, sorry. I really do appreciate all the help for Saturday. I wanna make it unforgettable!” Mizuki said with a warm smile as they settled in their desk. 

“It’s fine, it really isn’t a big deal.” Ena chuckled and turned to look at her tablet. “K, has been working too hard and I think this would be good for her, for all of us.” 

“Yeah, Yuki even seems a little excited about this. I got a DM from her, asking what to bring.” 

“So what did you tell her?” 

“To bring party favors!” 

Images of Mafuyu browsing through a party store with that unreadable and confused look on her face made Ena giggle as she covered her mouth to hide the evidence. Mizuki smirked at her on her screen as if they were ready to tease her but decided not to. 

“Yeah, I thought it would be fun for her, maybe you can go with, and help? She’ll probably need it.”  Mizuki insisted with a hint of mischief. 

“I guess I could… I’ll text her and tell her we can do it tomorrow before my night classes, I think she will get out of cram school before then.” Ena agreed as she sketched the body of the new character for Niigo’s project.

“Are you also excited about this Enanan?” Mizuki questioned, as if noticing Ena’s somber attitude.

“Of course I am Amia. I'm just tired, but also still want to finish this drawing.” 

“Ah, Yuki once told me that your paintings are super passionate, do you think you’ll ever show them to me and Kanade?” 

Ena looked up from her tablet and could see that strange expression on Mizuki’s face. It wasn’t like her art was that special, so why did they seem sad all of a sudden. 

“One day I will show you both a painting of mine. It’s just too soon.” 

“Understood! Don’t push yourself too hard.” Mizuki smiled again as they went back to checking the outfits scattered on their desk. 

It was a nice, calm moment as Ena took out her phone from its charger to text Mafuyu. 

Ena: Yo, so Mizuki told me you’ll be getting the party favors for Saturday? 

(…) 

Mafuyu: Hello Ena, I just got into my room. Mom has been watching me the whole way, it was strange, usually she just wants to know how my day has been…
Mafuyu: Also yes, why do you ask? 

Well, that certainly was an conversation Ena wasn’t looking forward to having. Her blood boiled at the thought of that woman being more overbearing than usual to Mafuyu. Seriously, that just wasn’t healthy. Even her parents didn’t nag her or Akito that much. 

Actually, they’re hardly around anymore…

No, that was a lie, her mom did try to be around by having dinner and coming home as early as possible from meetings. It was just Ena’s dad that didn’t bother to care about her or Akito’s life. 

Ena: i’m coming with you. meet me at Miya Slope around 5:00pm, I have night classes around 6:30. 
Ena: also your mom really needs to cut that shit out.

(…)

Mafuyu: she means well…
Mafuyu: Okay. I will see you then.
Mafuyu: Will you be on nightcord tonight? 

She’s already on nightcord. What type of question was that? 

Ena: I’m already on with Amia, that’s how I knew about the party favors, lol. 

(…) 

Mafuyu: I see, then I’ll see you both in a while. I need to study for exams first.

Ena sighed at that as she reread the last text. Mafuyu had been much more school focused this week. She wondered whether that had to do with the upcoming midterms or that she got into more trouble than usual when she got home the night of the ghost tour. 

“Ne, Enanan, did you text Yuki? She just told me she's gonna get the stuff tomorrow?” Mizuki called out, making Ena stop thinking.

“Hah?” 

“Ena? What’s wrong, you’re making that face?” Mizuki said a lot softer as they stared at Ena with worry. 

“It’s nothing… It’s just, have you noticed how tired Yuki has been lately?” 

“Yeah, I was gonna ask you about that, since you’re an expert on her. Why? Are you worried about something going on?” Mizuki lowered their voice’s volume to make this more private.

“… I don’t know, maybe I’m just being paranoid?” 

Mizuki nodded but seemed to also be concerned about what she just said. The artist didn’t want to be bothered by how much that woman triggered her. However, if she was really hurting Mafuyu in some emotional capacity, Ena wasn’t going to stand for it.

She can’t talk about it, though, she needed to stay happy. 

“Anyway, Enanan, what do you think of this yellow bow for Rin?!” Mizuki asked, saving Ena from spiraling too far. 

“She would hate it,” Ena smirked as Mizuki pouted on the other end. 

“No way, she’ll love it! Just like how Yuki will love her outfit too. Trust me, I’m the only one in our group with an impeccable taste in fashion, Enanan.” 

“Oi! are you saying I'm not fashionable?!” 

Mizuki laughed at her as Ena rolled her eyes fondly. It was her luck that Mizuki always knew how to change a subject because right now, Ena needed that, and so would Mafuyu when she signed on. 

Ena walked along the path towards Miyamasuzaka Slope, scanning the area for a certain honor student as she pocketed her hands into her yellow cardigan. It was earlier than she had planned, but Ena had wanted to spend as much time as possible with Mafuyu before her night classes. A smile played on her lips when she spotted the girl still in her private school uniform, reading a book. 

Now was her chance! 

Ena felt like Mizuki as she snuck up behind Mafuyu and brushed her finger over the faded bite mark on her nape. Mafuyu wasn’t startled by the touch, but she did grab Ena’s wrist and swung her over her shoulder. 

“Gaaaaah!?” Ena hit the ground on her back, hoping to the gods no one saw that.

“Ena?” Mafuyu said in a monotone voice looking down at her. “What are you doing?”

“Never ever gonna sneak up on you again, that’s for sure. Ow, since when did you know Judo?” 

“Judo?” Mafuyu tilted her head in confusion.

“Y’know, the throwing karate?” 

“I see… do you need help getting up?” she asked, reaching out with her hand. 

The artist took the offer as she was pulled up from her spot on the cold, hard cement. She would have to take a shower later to get the rest of the dirt off her, but for now she and Mafuyu needed to head over to the crafts store for party favors. 

“Have you gone to this place before?” Mafuyu questioned as she dusted Ena’s hair, pulling some of it out of her eyes. 

“When I was younger, yeah. Otou-san would take me and Akito to get things for Okaa-san’s birthday. That’s ancient history now.” Ena replied as the feeling of Mafuyu’s hand made her all warm inside.

“I see.” 

“Oi, quit it, my hair’s fine!” Ena sighed in exasperation as her hand took Mafuyu’s, accidentally bringing them closer. 

“Ena? What’s wrong?” Mafuyu whispered as Ena noticed the mild concern in those eyes. 

“N-nothing,” she muttered and scooted away, her hand still in Mafuyu’s. “Let’s just go, I’m in a hurry…” 

“Right, you have night classes?” Mafuyu said softly and let Ena lead them to the crafts store. 

“Yeah…” 

They hadn’t held hands like this in a while, Ena noticed as she felt Mafuyu squeeze her hand tight. The artist shifted a little as her fingers slipped into the gaps between Mafuyu’s, intertwining them as she began to move forward. Mafuyu pressed herself against Ena’s arm as they walked, her breath was near her ear while her chest rested near her elbow. Ena had to swallow and pull at her collar a little to make sure she wasn’t sweating due to their close proximity. 

Mizuki knew this was gonna happen…

Ena had stepped right into their trap as her hormones ran wild at the feeling of Mafuyu’s body so close to hers. She had to grit her teeth and force herself not to speak as they almost reached the craft store.

Why the hell was she squeezing so tightly!?

“Oi, I’m not gonna run away, y’know?” Ena tried to make banter. “Seriously, Mafuyu, you’re gonna wreck my arm if you’re not careful.” 

“Oh…sorry.” Mafuyu let go as Ena couldn’t help but smile at the cute expression she made. 

“You can still hold my arm, just don’t wring it, silly.” Ena giggled as she stopped in front of the little crafts store before sliding the entrance open.

“Sorry for the intrusion!” She declared as the two walked into the quiet but whimsy place. 

The artist felt at home as she heard the wind chimes hung from the overhead, and the cozy atmosphere that surrounded her and Mafuyu as they made their way to the party aisle. A smirk curled up on her lips when she saw a pair of ridiculous sunglasses with a clown nose on it. Without thinking, she pulled them off the shelf before turning around to put them on Mafuyu.

“Hehehe, you look good in them~” She teased as Mafuyu looked unamused before pulling up a V sign, which only caused Ena to laugh even harder. “Okay, stay still, I need to take a picture of us!” 

After saying that, Ena moved closer to Mafuyu as she put her phone above them. Mafuyu kept a straight face as the clown glasses were slipping a little from her face. Ena stuck out her tongue in a cute way before snapping the photo. When it was done, she pulled away from Mafuyu and giggled at how stupid they looked.

“Oh, this is definitely going on instagram, I look so cute here, even next to you with your goofy get-up!” 

“Let me see?” Mafuyu asked, moving closer to Ena as a small smile graced her lips. “You do look good…”

Yes! Mission accomplished! She got her to smile….wait, what did Mafuyu say!?

“T-Thanks, but now we really need to get those party favors, or this was all for nothing.” Ena coughed as her cheeks turned a little red from Mafuyu’s compliment.

“Agreed, we should hurry, if you want to make it to class.” Mafuyu removed the funny glasses but put them in the basket she had gotten at the front. 

“Hah? Why are you worried?” 

“Because I’m going to escort you to Kamikou.” Mafuyu said with a slightly amused look on her face. “Unless you want to walk alone?” 

“N-no, fine, just don’t push yourself, you do need to get home…”

“I know,” Mafuyu shrugged before grabbing Ena’s hand and pulling her towards the party hats. 

Nooo, those will ruin her hair! 

It was finally Saturday night, Ena thought as she adjusted the headband Mizuki had given her earlier today at the SEKAI while looking over herself in her full view mirror. Mizuki color-coded the pajamas given to each member and hers were yellow and brown. Still, it wasn't a bad choice, but Ena thought she looked way better wearing more vibrant colors like pink or red. 

“Ehh, it is Mizuki’s night, so I can’t complain too much.” She shrugged as she turned to see the clock on her computer turn to 10:00pm. 

Right on time…

Ena reached over for her futon that she snuck from the hallway closet, as she gathered her favorite plush pillow and a yellow comforter. The artist then picked up her sketchbook as well as the makeup kits Mizuki asked her to bring. All except the concealer, which she really hoped would stay on the rest of the night. Well, before she’d wipe it off, since it would be bad for her skin, if worn overnight.

“Ugh, they’re so gonna find out…maybe I should have put some bandages on it too. No, that would make it even more obvious!” she sighed to herself and pulled the collar of her jacket closer to her neck. 

After one more lookover, Ena nodded her head and clicked on Composing the Future. She was transported with everything in her arms to the SEKAI. Grateful that this time, she wasn’t dropped wherever when she arrived, seeing everyone else with what they brought to the sleepover.

Mizuki had the refreshments and snacks as well as the last two remaining pajamas for Miku and Rin, who were standing in the middle of the circular stage, watching everyone else busy themselves. 

“Oi, Kanade, did you bring the extra screen?” Mizuki asked, as the smaller girl nodded and revealed the rather big screen she had. 

“How did you even manage to get that here…” was Ena’s remark. 

“I just had to touch it, it was pretty easy.” Kanade smiled a little before taking out the cords to hook it up somewhere…wait.  

“There is no outlet anywhere?” She questioned.

“Nonsense!” Mizuki smirked and pointed to the sound system on the stage. “How do you think we can sing here? There’s gotta to be a plu—” 

“Found one.” Mafuyu interrupted their conversation and pointed to the outlet near the stage. 

How did she…

“It’s SEKAI I’m not even gonna question it at this point…” Ena mumbled to herself. “Ne, where do you want the makeup?” She asked the host for this sleepover.

“Put them near my futon, it’s the one with the pink comforter!” 

That was pretty obvious, with the other two being light blue and purple. Ena walked over to the laid out beds where Kanade was spreading her blue blanket near Mizuki’s pink one. The only open space left was the one between hers and the purple comforter, which must be Mafuyu’s.

“Hi Ena, are you enjoying yourself so far?” Kanade smiled and moved a little for Ena to spread out her futon. 

“Oh yeah, I’m good, just kinda impressed how far Mizuki had gone for this…” 

“Me too!” Kanade agreed as she watched Mizuki with a warm look on her face. “They’re really such a good friend, huh?” 

“Yeah, them and Mafuyu go all out for the weirdest things.” Ena grinned as she watched Mafuyu positioning the big screen TV for the movies as Mizuki spotted her from behind. 

“I find it endearing how much both want to make this a good time for all of us.” Kanade said as Ena finished preparing her futon in silence, agreeing with every word that was said. 

Once Mafuyu and Mizuki were done setting up, they all gathered together on their futons, sharing snacks and drinking the juice that Mizuki brought. The movie that was chosen was the new American movie named Wicked . Ena used the moment to look it up, only for her to stumble across a scene where a human has intercourse with a…

“WHAT THE FUCK ARE WE WATCHING!?” She shouted as Mizuki blinked at her before looking down at her phone. 

“It’s not the book version, it’s the musical, geeze Ena don’t go looking up the spoilers, you’ll only find more weird tidbits from the novels.” 

“Americans are gross!” Ena huffed in disgust. 

“Japan has their own basement of fetishes, Ena, don’t judge people just by their nationality.” Mafuyu said in a matter of fact way. 

“Shut it, anyway, I’m not gonna watch it. Ne, Mafuyu let me do your makeup, while that’s being played.” 

“Why?” Mafuyu tilted her head. 

“Cause you’d look so much prettier with it on, now c’mere!” She patted the space across from her on her futon. “I need to get up close to do this right.”

Mafuyu didn’t argue as she got up from her futon and settled down on Ena’s comforter across from the artist. Ena took out the makeup kit she brought over along with some of the stuff Mizuki had as she scanned the colors of eyeshadow, lip gloss, and mascara. If she chose to go a different direction than the standard black shade. 

As the third song of the movie began to play. Ena for the first time since Mizuki pressed start, listened to the lyrics. Her face turned red after every new word the actresses sang, as she tried to focus on Mafuyu’s cheeks with the blush in hand. 

What is this feeling, so sudden and new?
I felt the moment, I laid eyes on you

My pulse is rushing
My head reeling 
Yeah, well my face is flushing

What is this feeling! 

Fervent as a flame, does it have a name?

Yeeeees, 
Yeeeeees

LOATHING!
Unadulterated loathing! 

Ena turned her head a little to see the actresses on screen now very close to each other as they picked apart their annoying tics. From the girl’s green skin color to the blonde’s obnoxious voice. The artist was starting to realize why Mizuki and Kanade fell in love with this musical. 

It was super relatable…

“Ena? Can I open my eyes?” Mafuyu asked in a monotone, causing Ena to remember what she was doing. 

“N-no I haven’t even gotten to them yet!” 

Spinning back away from the screen, Ena finished applying the blush on Mafuyu as more of the lyrics snuck their way into her ears. They perked when she heard the harmony of when the actresses sang pure and strong. It also made Ena think more about her feelings for Mafuyu as she held Mafuyu’s chin as she reached for the black mascara beside her. Carefully, Ena focused her attention on Mafuyu’s eyes, telling the girl to look up, which she did, giving the artist an even closer look at her beautiful eyes, as she noticed the lighter blue at the bottom. Mafuyu’s eyes really are like a sky full of stars.

One she wouldn’t mind diving into if given permission…

Much like the blonde character in the movie, Ena’s face flushed at that thought as she lightly stroked Mafuyu’s long, and now lush lashes, which of course caught the other girl’s attention. 

“Are you getting sick again?” 

“Hah? No, it’s just a little embarrassing being watched this closely.”

“You didn’t tell me to close my eyes.” Mafuyu whispered as Ena finished one of them. 

“Yeah, and I won’t be done if you keep talking.” Ena sighed and moved on to Mafuyu’s left eye, before something else caught her attention.

“You’re not wearing your contacts…” 

“I took them out before coming, knowing you would get upset if I forgot again…” Mafuyu replied with a little blush of her own forming near her ears. 

Ena had to put that in another one of her many compartments in her head, as a smile made its way to her lips. 

“I’m a blurry blob right now, aren’t I?” she teased in a lighter tone. 

“…a little, I would rather see you clearly up close... but—“

“Then be quiet, I can't concentrate with both you talking and the other two singing along with the movie.” Ena chuckled in a softer tone, after finishing applying the mascara. 

Mafuyu nodded as Ena leaned in with the lipgloss, now all she had to do was add it, but Ena’s heart raced a little when she caught Mafuyu’s chapped bottom lip. Still welcoming and gentle to look at as Ena held her breath when she pressed the gloss on top of it. Mafuyu shivered at the touch, making Ena inhaled sharply when she noticed Mafuyu’s lips parting more. If she went a little closer, she could…

NO! Don’t you dare ruin this entire thing for everyone because of that. Get a grip, Shinonome!

Ena shook her head and pulled away after she finished with the lipgloss, seeing Mafuyu stare at her with a neutral expression before leaning away using her arms as anchors on the futon. Her eyes were full of questions, as Ena looked away to try and control her rapid heartbeat.

“Are you done?” the lyricist asked as she blinked her eyes a little. “What about the eyeshadow?”

“I don’t think you need it, you’re a natural beauty, just a touch of blush, mascara and lipgloss would be enough to transform your looks, y’know?” 

“Then why are you not looking at me?” Mafuyu asked in a monotone manner.

Ena didn’t want to admit it, but if she turned to stare at Mafuyu she might also end up kissing the girl. It was the last thing she needed right now. Her eyes looked at her phone as she opened it to browse her Instagram, the picture of her and Mafuyu from the other night, being the first thing she saw. A smile tugged at her lips as she stared at it, wondering why it warmed her heart more than any other picture she had posted. 

Even the comments were filled with warmth as people called them cute, and some American followers even teased them, asking if Mafuyu was her girlfriend. The first time she read that made Ena laugh and blush really hard, but it also made her happy. They did look like a couple more than friends in the photo, with the way Mafuyu leaned her head near hers and Ena had her arm around Mafuyu’s waist. 

Dancing through life
Skimming the surface
Gliding where turf is smooooooth~
Life's more painless
For the brainless!
Why think too hard?
When it's so soothing…

Dancing through life
No need to tough it!
When you can slough it off as I dooo
Nothing matters,
But knowing nothing matters
It's just life

So keep dancing through…

The singer now was a handsome man as he swooned all the girls and boys around him. Ena sighed a little, wishing just a bit that she was there with those students who didn’t seem afraid to express themselves, even with their uniforms. She could see Mizuki fanning themselves as they watched and snorted when hearing them talk about the male actor who was singing. 

“Man, if I could be in a room with Jonathan Bailey I would be fainting too.” Mizuki laughed as Kanade giggled. 

“His eyes are really nice to look at.” Kanade agreed, as Ena could tell she was more focused on the music.

“Ahh and the choreo for this is so good!

“They’re just stomping…” Mafuyu added but watched with the rest, but not before pulling a stray hair behind her ear. 

“Yeah, well, stomping can also be a form of tap dancing and Airi once told me it’s painful to dance that way.” 

“Is that so…” Mafuyu said with no care, which made Ena a little annoyed, but didn’t bother to speak up.

The rest of the song went longer than she liked as Ena noticed Mizuki sitting up a little straighter, when the scene got to the ballroom the guy Fieyro was singing about earlier. Soon everyone there went quiet when the green skinned character Elphaba appeared. The other students were cruel as they sneered and laughed at her when she put on her hat before performing an almost heart wrenching dance all alone. 

“My, that girl doesn’t give a wit about anything.” Fieyro said with a grin. 

Galinda shook her head at him. “Of course she cares! She just doesn’t show it.” 

Ena heard a slight sob next to her as she let her eyes go to Mafuyu, who was sitting with her legs up and her mascara running down her cheeks. They weren’t streaming down, but the lone tears that did fall broke the artist’s heart as she scooted closer, and pulled her friend into a warm hug. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Mizuki also tightening their hold on their blanket. 

“Ne, Mizuki, come over here.” She called out to them as Kanade finally noticed Mizuki’s state. 

Mizuki sniffled a little but crawled over to where she and Mafuyu were. That line had triggered both of them, it seemed, as Mizuki wrapped their arms around Ena’s back and pressed their cheek against the artist’s shoulder. Kanade took that moment to pause the film as she too went to Mafuyu’s other side to give her another feeling of warmth. 

The group took a deep breath as Mafuyu’s crying subsided before restarting the film again. However, now Mizuki sat closer to Ena with their head on her shoulder while Mafuyu sat in Ena’s lap. Kanade was the most distant from them, but that was because she was comforting Miku and Rin, who also were saddened by the dance scene. 

As they all sat there together, another song soon caught Ena’s attention after that fun popular song. One by Elphaba about being in love with Fieyro who wasn’t available. 

Hands touch, eyes meet
Sudden silence, sudden HEAT
Hearts leap in a giddy whirl…
SHe could be that boy girl!
But I'm not that girl

Don't dream too far
Don't lose sight of WHO you ARE
Don't remember that rush of joy…
SHe could be that boy girl!
I'm not that girl

Every so often we long to steal
To the land of what-might-have-been
But that doesn't soften the ache we feel
When REALITY sets back in…

The song hit really hard for Ena as she felt tears prick at the corner of her eyes. It wasn’t fair, why was it so easy for people to fall in love, and yet here she was hating the fact that she might have? She was so worked up listening to the actress' beautiful voice that she wasn’t prepared for a finger to reach up and brush a stray teardrop near her nose. 

“Enanan?” Mafuyu whispered and leaned closer, with their lips almost touching. “Don’t cry…”

“I—“ she began but instead looked away from Mafuyu. 

One day, she would find a nice guy, and he would be the one who would take her away from her mom. Ena couldn’t be that person, since it would only make things harder for Mafuyu. 

I’m not that girl…

Ena didn’t know what was wrong as she thought about the distant future this way, without Niigo by her side. It made her breathing even heavier as she reached to clutch her heart, only for it to touch Mafuyu’s head that was nestled in the crook of her neck. 

This movie was way too much…

“You know, this song has always made me laugh,” Mizuki insisted with a small smile. “Just cause I think it’s obvious Fieyro is also in love with Elphaba…she’s the one who captured his heart, not Galinda.” 

“Yeah, well it’s still emotional, for most girls.” Ena responded as she threaded her fingernails into Mafuyu’s hair. 

“Are you having fun, Ena?” Mizuki asked with their eager pink eyes. 

“Yeah, but I know for sure I’ll have to clean Yuki’s face later, since the mascara you brought wasn’t waterproof!” 

“Oh really, my bad! Uh, do you want me to do your hair as an apology?” Mizuki offered and bumped their shoulders on Ena’s. 

“Sure, go crazy…just no pigtails!” 

“Awww, okay.” 

Mizuki then gleefully got up from their spot and went behind Ena. Their focus no longer on the movie that was coming closer to its major hit. They reached for a brush and undid her side braid with ease, only to stop after parting her hair apart. 

“Ena, did you have a fight with a dog recently?” Mizuki blinked as Ena’s face turned red at the sudden memory of where she got those bites.

“HAAAH!?” She shrieked, annoying Mafuyu who was still in her lap. 

“Noisy…”

“Oh nevermind, I guess someone had too much of an appetite for just one bite.” Mizuki snickered before Mafuyu looked up at them with an eerie face. One that also made Ena scared, all of a sudden.

“She bit me first.” Was the stoic girl’s only reply before settling back into her previous position. 

“I mean I ain’t arguing, I’m just saying even after a couple of days they’re still red.” Mizuki shrugged, making Mafuyu shrink further into Ena’s body, her ears now a cute shade of pink. 

“Aww, she’s blushing, so cute!” 

“Mizuki, cut it out, she’s still not used to feeling things like this.”  Ena sighed and stroked Mafuyu’s hair lightly. 

“Yes, Okaa-san, gotcha.” 

Mafuyu froze after hearing that, as Ena’s face became one of disbelief and then disgust. 

“Never, call me that again…” 

“Crystal…sorry.” Mizuki sweat dropped as they busied themself with Ena’s hair. “Huh, so you do straighten it.”

“Mizuki!” 

“Ehhh?! You actually do!” Mizuki cackled as Ena huffed and pulled Mafuyu closer, using her as a substitute plush pillow.

“DROP IT!” 

Ena felt a pleasant sensation as she stared up at the vast and colorless empty sky inside the SEKAI. She was not under her comforter, but instead tangled up in a warm embrace with her friends. Mafuyu was practically on top of Ena with her head snuggled in the crook of the artist’s neck, as Mizuki was laying on their side hugging Ena’s arm like a kitten. Kanade also was close by as she laid on her back with her hand holding Ena’s while Rin slept on top of her with Miku curled up and holding the composer's waist. 

“My entire body had fallen asleep…” she muttered to herself as a quiet movement came closer to the dog pile. 

“You sure are popular with everyone trying to get close to you.” Meiko’s voice said quietly as she carried Mizuki’s comforter from their futon. 

“Well I am the warmest out of everyone here…” Ena said sarcastically as Meiko bent down to look at Mafuyu and Mizuki. 

“You do a good job taking care of them…” Meiko whispered before looking at Kanade. “That one though doesn’t seem to know what she’s doing.” 

“Kanade?” 

Meiko nodded before setting the warm pink blanket over the girl who then took a hold of it bringing it closer.

Ena felt the peacefulness shatter as she tightened her hand around Kanade. Flashes of how the smaller girl had been acting all but flooded her mind. The struggle to come up with a sound for a new song, her lack of sleep. Everything just came all at once as Ena turned a little to not wake up Mafuyu to see the shadows that were under Kanade’s eyes. 

“This is the first time she’s actually sleeping well…” Meiko sighed before turning around and walking back away from the group.  

She’s right, and I haven’t noticed, dammit, I really need to be a better friend…

“How can I help her if she doesn’t open up?” Ena murmured as more of her anger built up in the pit of her stomach. 

Maybe Mizuki can help with this? Or Mafuyu…?

Chapter Text

The demo Kanade sent to the shared file was a fun but melancholic beat. Ena tapped her finger and bobbed her head with each sound produced as she pictured the next drawing for Niigo’s next video. Mizuki also seemed to be enjoying the demo as they nodded their head and hummed through the call. However, despite the positive reception from the creative team of their group, Mafuyu remained silent as she sat still, with no sign of life on her end of the video call. 

“Well?” Kanade asked after the demo finished. 

“It’s good, glad you had taken some of my earlier feedback into consideration, K!” Mizuki was the first to speak up. 

“I like the beat, it gives me a good vision for my next illustration!” Ena smiled but kept her eye on Mafuyu, as she remembered how that girl had been these last couple of weeks regarding Niigo’s composer. 

That girl had been too snappy with Kanade lately…

“Yuki, how was it?” the composer asked as Ena tensed for what the other girl may say.

“I don’t know…” Mafuyu answered, using her lower register.  

“Haaah? Still? This demo sounded amazing!” She argued, trying to keep Kanade’s spirits up. 

“Yeah, I thought so too, that’s why I was happy you took some of my advice…” Mizuki frowned and leaned further into their seat. “Guess, Yuki still is our best and worst critic.” 

“It’s the fourth time though, she didn’t even get a spark with the last song either…” Ena sighed and rubbed her temple. “Not like…”

That scene in that Wicked movie… 

“It’s okay, I can make it again.” Kanade assured her in a soft but tired tone. 

“Huh, you’ve been working your ass off, day and night, for weeks to get the right sound!” Ena growled in frustration before glaring at Mafuyu. “The least you can do is show some common courtesy for all K’s been doing.” 

Mafuyu’s eyes glanced away from Ena, it was another defense mechanism she used when she didn’t want to deal with her. After the sleepover, Mafuyu had been even more distant and busy. She wouldn’t even answer Ena’s texts until very late or before Niigo’s meeting. All roads, though, lead to that woman’s meddling, as Ena felt her blood boil. 

“I said it’s fine, if the sound doesn’t resonate with Yuki, then I don’t mind making another one.” Kanade answered for Mafuyu, as the latter went back to facing the camera before shutting it off.

“Hm, I guess we really don’t have a choice in this…” Mizuki replied with a sigh. “K, just remember to take breaks in between, okay?” 

“I will.” 

Ena tried to focus in on the convo, but all she could hear were the faint footsteps through her headset as her eyes trained to Mafuyu’s icon.

“I have to go, bye guys.” Mafuyu said with no explanation whatsoever. 

Except, Ena knew why, as her pencil tip broke on the page she had flipped to on her sketchbook. It startled Mizuki as they gasped once the lead bounced off on the screen. 

“Woah, Enanan, what’s going on!?”

“Enanan, is everything okay?” Kanade asked in that soft voice. 

“Fine, I just, I need to work on my homework, I’ll talk later.” She muttered, before shutting off her camera and hanging up. 

“That damn woman!” Ena shouted to herself and grabbed her hair. “Shit, I hate her so much, now she’s fucking walking around at this time too?!” 

Does Mafuyu have any fucking freedom?

A call came from her desktop and Ena was even more surprised that it was Kanade. With a sigh, Ena readjusted her headset and answered it, staring at Kanade on the screen. 

“Yo, what is it?” She greeted her softly.

“Ena, are you okay? Please tell me what’s wrong, so I can help…” Kanade pleaded with those tired blue eyes. 

“Kanade… I, I’m just frustrated, you’ve been working so hard on these songs and Mafuyu isn’t being fair by not telling you how she feels.” 

“There’s more to it though…isn’t there?” Kanade questioned, pulling her legs up on her chair. 

“Yeah, listen, Mafuyu, she can feel things, but only a tiny fraction, y’know?” Ena explained as she leaned back on her chair. “Even back when I first met her, she was like this. Not knowing what to feel, or why something hurts her.” 

“You think she may have felt something?” Kanade asked with more hope in her voice.

“I don’t know, maybe? It’s something she can’t explain beyond basic words or anything involving physical touch.” Ena smiled, feeling much better after having that outburst.

“Enanan, why did you leave the chat?” 

Ah, of course Kanade would ask that question, even when she should be going to bed.

“I was mad, but not exactly at Mafuyu…” she said in the vaguest way possible. It wasn’t her right to speak about Mafuyu’s mother. Not yet, at least.

“I see, I’m going to go and redo the demo now, I’ll get some sleep when I can.” 

“Okay, just take it easy and do what Mizuki said. Take those breaks!” 

“Yeah…night Enanan.” 

“Night, K.” Ena repeated as the other girl left the call, leaving the artist spent. 

It was official, her life was a literal roller coaster with treacherous loops and downfalls. Ena felt a headache growing as she placed her hand on her temple. Would she ever get enough sleep?

Who knows…

“What the hell happened this time?” Her brother’s voice echoed across the room. 

“The usual, go back to sleep, I’ll talk to you in the morning if you make pancakes.” She bargained 

“Fine.” 

Ena watched Akito shut her door as she lifted her phone to see the three texts she had sent Mafuyu. It had a read on, making Ena aware that at least the lyricist had seen them. 

Ena groaned when she stepped into the living room. She had just taken her shower and finished brushing her teeth, as the sleep in her eyes was still present by the time she slumped into her seat at the dining table. Her hands were already rubbing at them when the stack of pancakes was suddenly placed in front of her. 

“So, ready to talk?” Akito asked as he took his seat across from her. 

“The girl I like, her mother sucks.” She said with bitterness. 

“What happened this time?” 

“I think that woman is monitoring her even more now, ever since the damn mystery tour with Niigo…Mafuyu just had been more alert. Hell, last night I think her mom was pacing outside her door…like at 1:45 in the morning Akito…”

“Yikes, she sounds neurotic…so what are you gonna do, confront Asahina-san about it?” 

“I don’t know… I need to think this through, I don’t want to scare Mafuyu and lose her” Ena groaned and slumped forward, as the nice whiff of pancakes was making her feel a little better. 

“Don’t slobber all over them!” 

“Shut up!” Ena told the boy, taking her knife and fork as Akito poured the maple syrup. 

“Y’know, Toya had a shitty father too…” Akito said before taking another bite of his breakfast. 

“Toya-kun?”

“Yeah…he’s gotten better though, but that’s only cause I’ve been by his side.”  Akito smiled a little, looking at Ena with soft eyes. “It’s the same thing with you and Asahina-san. Just don’t give up. Be there no matter the outcome.” 

“No matter, huh? I think I have an idea!” She beamed and then leaned in to kiss the boy’s cheek, making him scream like a little kid. 

“Thanks Akito!” 

“Go fuck yourself!” 

Ena smirked at him before running up the stairs and getting one of her blank canvases she hadn’t touched in a while with all that’s been going on. The vision was there, she just had to make it a reality. 

The next time she was in Empty SEKAI it was at Kanade's request. This always made Ena nervous whenever the girl summoned everyone there to either give her inspiration or say she’s having trouble with the song. However, to her surprise, it was just to listen to Kanade’s fifth demo that was made in one day.

Not like she’s any better, spending her whole day painting…

“Oh, hello everyone…” Miku greeted them next to Rin. 

“CHACHA, the N25 rangers have arrived to save the day~!” Mizuki burst out in a ridiculous pose, before Ena rolled her eyes. 

“What are you doing?” She asked, uninterested with a dissatisfied frown.

“So cold! I saw this cool superhero show on TV this morning and wanted to talk to Miku and Rin about it!” 

Ena blinked slowly after hearing that before putting her hand on her mouth to hide her giggling. “Shit, you really love that trashy stuff, huh?” 

“Oi!” 

“Not that it’s a bad thing, hehehe~” Ena smiled, relieved to see how energetic Mizuki had been lately. 

“Why are we here?” Mafuyu asked with a lifeless look in her eyes. 

She’s looking worse than yesterday!

“Yeah, usually you don’t request for us to come here, Kanade, just to listen to a song…what’s up?” Mizuki stopped laughing as their voice became deeper and more serious. 

“I-I just want you guys to listen to the demo here, it’ll be better than through our headphones, I think.” Kanade fidgeted with her pad as she was still looking down. 

“Oh hello!” Another, lighter, computerized voice came from the distance as the group turned to see a pink haired woman with blue eyes. 

Another one…hmm.

“You’re Megurine Luka?” she said as the woman perked up. 

“ Yes, hello, nice to meet you all. I just came here recently, probably after that party Miku informed me about.” She replied in a sweet but kind voice. 

“Right…nice to meet you as well.” Kanade blinked, looking a little confused at the sudden crowd. 

“What the hell, first Rin, then Meiko, now Luka…this place is getting overpopulated…” Ena muttered to herself, already feeling exhausted.

Her eyes then trained on Mafuyu who hadn't said a word as she stared at Luka with uninterested eyes. In fact, the girl had been looking at her phone every second as Niigo waited to hear Kanade’s latest composition. Ena had a feeling it was the time that the lyricist was checking, as she went near Mafuyu and took her hand. 

“I know you need to leave soon, just hang on a little longer.” She whispered in the nervous girl’s ear. 

“She’ll—“

“Don’t say anything, just take deep breaths.” Ena told her, hoping the others didn’t hear them. “You’re really changing y’know, Luka isn’t as gloomy as the others.” 

Mafuyu said nothing as her hand tightened around Ena’s before letting go. Both of them coming back to the reason they were here as Luka sat down in between Rin and Miku, ready to be amazed by Kanade’s song. 

Kanade hit play as the instrumental portion filled Ena’s ears. “Oh, this intro is awesome, I love the vibe!” 

“Yeah, you can tell where it’s going from the start!” Mizuki agreed as they nodded along with it.

They were hopefully both speaking the truth. To Ena alone, the sound was both painful and soothing, hearing the composition blend with the different voices and harmonies of their group. However, even if she enjoyed it, Mafuyu would be the final say and so far, she was quiet and remained still. 

“Thanks,” Ena heard Kanade say before a sadder reply followed. 

Ena huffed when the song was abruptly cut as Kanade put away her phone, looking defeated. Luka then spoke up, calling what she did beautiful, just like how both her and Mizuki felt. Sometimes Mafuyu could be so insensitive, all she had to do was speak from her mind. 

Why does she do that when we’re alone but can’t with the others…?

That was both something Ena loved but also hated about her relationship with Mafuyu. She shouldn’t be the only person in the world that Mafuyu can be honest with. Kanade and Mizuki care for her too and should be able to be given real answers, even when they’re vague at times. 

“K, you know it’s a good song, right?” She told her with a stubborn flare.

“Maybe, but I think it needs adjusting.” 

The artist let out a sigh at that reply, knowing exactly how Kanade was feeling. She had her fair share of being stuck on a painting, with no idea what to do or imagine. Ena grabbed her chin and took a moment to think. Her eyes went to Mizuki and motioned them to follow. 

Mizuki tilted their head at her before excusing themself from the conversation with Miku. The two then walked a little further away from the others as Meiko who was leaning on a broken beam observed with interest. 

“What’s up Ena?” Mizuki asked with a more somber expression.

“I’m worried about Kanade, have you noticed how down she’s been because of this?” 

“I have eyes Ena, of course I do, but what should we do?” Mizuki crossed their arms and glanced away at the floor. 

“We need to get her inspired again, or I don’t know…” 

“We already tried that with the ghost tour.” Mizuki said as a thought came to them. “Ne, what made Jackpot Sad Girl resonate with Yuki so much?”

“Well I can say with Infinitely Gray , it made me want to draw again…it helped me a lot, as well as those cuddles.” 

“Cuddles, huh?” Mizuki quipped, causing Ena to swat their arm. 

“Not now! Focus, we need to help Kanade!” 

“Right, well…unlike that song, Jackpot talks about something the person can’t describe and doesn’t understand.” Mizuki explained as they tried to piece together their words. 

“So what Kanade needs, is to create a sound that’d make her face herself?" Ena questioned as her frustration heightened. 

“Hmm, seems so…” Mizuki hummed, before changing the subject. “You should deal with Yuki. There's something more to this, but as always I won’t push either of you two to talk about it.” 

Ena nodded her head as Meiko walked closer towards them with a little more attitude than usual. 

“You’re just going to be scheming in the background?” She accused them, crossing her arms. 

“We’re not scheming, we are trying to help.” Ena frowned. 

“Hmm, right, Mizuki, what's your plan?” Meiko asked them. 

“I’m just gonna help Kanade, just like how her songs did that for us.” They said calmly, as if knowing what Meiko was going to ask. “She needs to think of herself rather than just the people around her…it’s not healthy to be this way.”

“It’s better to let things happen.” Was Meiko’s argument. 

“It may sometimes be the right thing to do, but other times…people need a little nudge in the right direction.” Mizuki countered back, which Ena fully agreed with. 

“Alright then, I’ll be going now, just don’t meddle too much.” Meiko replied, bidding her farewell. 

Ena was already thinking about her side of the plan as she snuck a glance to Mafuyu who was looking at her phone again. It didn’t take long for her to make up her mind, as the artist took a deep breath and marched over to the anxious girl. 

“Oi, tomorrow we’re going to the karaoke lounge, okay?” She said in a serious tone. “I don’t care what that woman thinks about me, but I need advice on a painting of mine.” 

Mafuyu blinked at her before looking back down at her phone. The way those eyes flicked with a little glimpse of light made Ena’s heart leap as the girl tapped something on the touchscreen. 

Ping 

Ena took out her phone and read the message Mafuyu sent. 

Mafuyu: Okay, I’ll meet you at the station…
Mafuyu: It also needs to be less than an hour. Okaa-san has been using a tracking device on my phone to know where I am…

“Hah!?” Ena snarled and then grit her teeth in anger. 

“Don’t cause a scene… I’ll see you tomorrow.” Was Mafuyu’s last words before leaving the SEKAI. 

When she was gone, Ena let out another frustrated shout as everyone stopped what they were discussing to stare at her confused. 

“Ena…” Rin whispered.

“Sorry, I just need to cool down...” 

She pressed the pause button on her phone the second she said that, as her body was transported back to her room. Ena, after she landed on the floor, just stared up at the ceiling lamp. Then all of a sudden, tears pricked the corner of her eyes as a choked sob escaped her lips. The dam broke that very moment as Ena turned on her side and curled herself up into a ball. So much pain was in Mafuyu’s voice…and it made Ena want to die. She hated feeling useless and hoped to all the gods the painting she made for Mafuyu would ignite something. 

Anything to help her feel again…

Mafuyu walked quickly as they made their way in the rain to the karaoke lounge. It was a Saturday, so Ena didn’t have to worry about classes to go to, unlike the other girl next to her who had just got out of Miyajo and was adamant to get home. 

“I still can’t believe that woman…what’s so bad about being out late with your friends, y’know?” She said bitterly as she held her tote bag close to her side and an umbrella against her shoulder.

“I’ve been behind on my studies, she’s just trying to keep me from getting distracted…” Mafuyu murmured, wanting to close the upcoming argument as soon as possible. 

Ena sighed as she kept her mouth shut for the rest of the walk. The painting in her bag, hitting her flank with each step taken. She really hoped that this would work, Mafuyu just looked so out of it right now. Even her hair was messier than usual, with some stray strands out of place, making her look unkempt. 

“Okay, okay, stop!” Ena had enough as she took Mafuyu’s wrist and halted her movement, bringing her under the umbrella.

Once the girl’s footsteps seized, Ena turned her around and began to brush her bangs back into place. The lyricist watched her with a blank face, but Ena could feel the subtle warmth coming from her gaze, making Ena’s eyes soften as she let her fingers graze Mafuyu’s cheek. 

“At least now you look calmer.” Was her excuse after touching Mafuyu. 

“Thank you…” 

“Don’t thank me, just relax. Okay?” Ena told her as she turned around before feeling Mafuyu take hold of her arm to keep away from the cool rain drops.

“Okay…” 

Her voice sounded hoarse and Ena had to keep herself from hugging the girl as she led them to the karaoke lounge. Right now she had to focus on the plan, to get Mafuyu to feel safe enough to talk to her, to tell her what was wrong. 

She hoped Mizuki was doing alright with whatever plan they had…

The way they spoke to her yesterday made it seem like they had the easier task compared to Ena. However, if she was being more honest, despite her love for Kanade’s music, she’d do an awful job trying to help the girl. At least with Mafuyu, Ena had some inkling of what the girl’s problems were. 

“Ena, we passed the alleyway…” Mafuyu's voice said.

“Hah? Why didn’t you tell me?” 

“I thought you’d realize…”

“You—never mind, c’mon.” Ena sighed and pulled Mafuyu closer. 

By the time they got into the lounge, the kind hostess smiled at their arrival. It had been a while since they had come here, so it’s nice to know they were missed. 

“Hello, welcome. Just a room for two?” The older woman asked.

“Yes, please, and is it okay if we could have some water?” Ena said with her lighter tone as she shook her umbrella dry before giving it to the girl near the coat racks.

“Of course, Enanan-chan, follow me!” 

After they were seated in the private room and left alone, Ena slumped forward as Mafuyu sat perfectly still. Her eyes held exhaustion and numbness as Ena frowned at her lack of demands. Usually by this point, Mafuyu would be asking to cuddle. 

She really was out of it this week…

“What no cuddles?” Ena joked and tilted her head. 

“It’s a distraction, I need to get home, Ena.” 

“Ouch, I wasn’t asking, y’know?” Ena crossed her arms, trying to hide her disappointment. 

“Do you want me to see the painting or what?

“Straight to business I see…” Ena sighed before going into her tote bag. 

Mafuyu remained quiet as she pulled out the canvas before putting it on the table face down. The lyricist looked at her and then back to the canvas before reaching out to turn it over. Carefully, the painting was revealed as Ena chewed on her bottom lip, waiting for Mafuyu’s reaction. 

The girl in question didn’t say anything as she observed Ena's work. Her eyes, though, had widened a little as her hand traced the figure of the purple bunny that was staring at the colorful jellyfish in the open water that wasn’t even being held by a tank. 

“Heh, I did say I was gonna draw you both animals, right?” Ena said with a smug laugh. 

Tears welled up in Mafuyu’s eyes as she looked back over to Ena. The trails of droplets made her pupils shake as her lips parted to let out a small choked sound. Ena didn’t think that was going to be Mafuyu’s reaction as she got up from her seat and joined Mafuyu on the other sofa. Her hand, moving on its own, went to caress the lyricist’s cheek as her thumb gently swiped against the teardrop that was about to fall from Mafuyu’s left eye.

“Thank you…” 

Was that last thing spoken before Mafuyu pushed herself closer to Ena, wrapping her arms around the artist's neck as Ena stayed paralyzed from the overwhelming warmth Mafuyu provided. 

The warmth that was missing this entire week. 

Ena smiled as her own eyes glistened before closing to hide them from Mafuyu. Instead, the artist brought her arms around the other girl’s waist and pulled her up on the couch, allowing Mafuyu to fall into her lap as she sobbed silently into the crook of her neck. 

“I’m tired…” Mafuyu muttered, as her breathing slowed. Her chest heaved in and out. 

“I know, if she calls…leave it to me.” Ena whispered to her, in a soothing voice. “Trust me, she won’t get upset if you’re late, I’ll make sure of it.” 

“Okay…Enanan.”

Ena closed her eyes and placed her cheek on Mafuyu’s head as the other girl soon fell deeper into a peaceful slumber. She knew what would happen later, but Ena was willing to take all the blame if Mafuyu could have this one moment of serenity. 

The feeling in her legs were numb as she laid there against a pillow and Mafuyu lay across her body. Ena sighed a little as she looked up at the fairy lights hung all around the private room. She had decided to turn off the lights but wanted to have enough of it to see. A half an hour just went by and Ena had a nagging feeling that any minute now, Mafuyu’s phone would ring with her mother’s contact flashing on its screen. 

Ring, Ring

Ena took the phone from inside Mafuyu’s school bag that was on the floor near her tote bag as quickly as she could. Mafuyu stirred against her stomach only by a fraction before relaxing again, leaning further into the artist with her ear near her racing heart. 

It’s soothing to her…

Another discovery for Ena as she smiled and stroked Mafuyu’s hair just a little before answering the call. 

“Hello Mafuyu, where are you, dear?” A sickly sweet voice came to Ena’s ear. 

“Ah, hello Asahina-san, I’m Shinonome Ena, Shinonome Shinei’s daughter and Mafuyu-san’s friend. Mafuyu-san went to the bathroom and forgot her phone, so I thought it would be alright to answer it for her.” She answered with her best honor student voice. 

“Oh, so you’re Ena-san? Mafuyu has spoken a lot about you and your artworks.” 

“She has?” Ena was surprised after hearing that, before clearing her throat. “So, she has? Well, that’s not a surprise to me since she is one of the closest people I let critique my paintings. She gives me an honest critique, something many artists need nowadays.” 

“Hmm, yes.” Mafuyu’s mother said in an eerie tone, one very similar to Mafuyu’s own. “You needed her two weeks ago for an assignment that took quite a while, correct? She was modeling for you and it ended up being a sleepover.” 

“Yes, that’s correct, my apologies for that, it was getting late by the time I finished and I didn’t want her to walk alone at night.” Ena said as her patience was starting to fade by the amount of questions the woman was asking. 

“I see, tell me Ena-san, how did you do? Was Mafuyu helpful?” 

Ena’s eyes widened when she heard that question as she looked down at Mafuyu, now awake also blushing a little. ”Erm, Mafuyu-san was a great help, in fact she happens to be my muse. Her beauty should make you proud.”

“Hmm, that’s nice of you to say, though what I’m more proud of is my daughter’s intelligence and talent. Mafuyu does have an appealing body. Although, it’s only because she keeps herself healthy.”

Yeah, not being able to taste anything was really healthy…

Was what Ena wanted to say as she bit her lip hard to the point it drew blood from the pressure her teeth had on it. The clutch Mafuyu had on her blouse was also distracting as the lyricist bunched it up and dug her nails in Ena’s abdomen.  

“I see, well,” Ena tried to explain, her anger spiking the more she kept going. “I just wanted you to know Asahina-san, that Mafuyu-san had informed me she needed to be home at a certain time, and I apologize for keeping her longer than the supposed agreement. I assure you I’ll make it my responsibility to get her home safely.”

“I appreciate it, Ena-san, Mafuyu has been tardy lately.”

Ena had to take a deep breath to keep herself from shouting. That tone really ticked her off, but she couldn’t hang up, not yet. 

“Of course Asahina-san, and for all her help, I’d like to thank her by providing her and yourself tickets to attend my father’s next opening for his exhibition…” 

Mafuyu’s mother lit up after hearing that, which had made Ena sick to her stomach. Now, she had to inform her dad about this and that was the last thing she ever wanted to do after all the things he said to her over the years. 

“Ena…?” Mafuyu whispered. 

The artist shook her head at Mafuyu to stay quiet before she finished the call with the woman. Afterward a bitter laugh escaped her lips as Mafuyu stared at her with those doe-like eyes. 

“I’m sorry…”

“Cut that crap out, this wasn’t your fault.” Ena said in a stern voice. “Your mom really is a piece of work, y’know?” 

“Still, she means well…” 

Ena frowned at the girl before sitting up and pulling her into a gentle embrace. The same kind they shared in the SEKAI as Mafuyu sat on Ena’s lap, wrapping her arm around the artist's shoulders, taking in her warmth and comfort. They took deep breaths in tandem with their beating hearts, only focusing on the other as Ena pulled Mafuyu closer by the waist. Her face just above the other’s neck. 

“I know what you are saying, Yuki,” Ena whispered, against the other’s ear. “But sometimes you need to stand up for what you want, you don’t have to do it now, but just think about it…”

“Okay…” 

They stayed like that for another minute before separating and getting up off the couch. Ena told Mafuyu to take the painting and the girl took it as well as the tote bag it was in. The two then paid and bid their goodbyes to the hostess, who waved to them as they stepped out into the sunset outside. 

“Well, guess I’ll be late getting home, c’mon Mafuyu let’s go, I did tell that woman I’d get you home safely…” 

“Ena…thank you…” Mafuyu said and then looked up to give Ena one of those beautiful but rare small smiles. “I still don’t know what to feel about Kanade’s demos…but that painting…makes me think I could give it another try... it’s just hard to explain.” 

“It’s okay, take your time, I know you feel something from the music, you just don’t know what it is yet.” Ena smiled as they walked side by side.

“Yeah…like Kanade’s songs make my heart ache but also make it feel something else…something light.” Mafuyu mused as she slipped her fingers between Ena’s. “I want to say more but…”

“I know, and I assure you Kanade will get it too, now let’s talk about something else, or nothing. Just walking like this is nice enough.” Ena said before giving the girl a wink.

“I’d like that…” 

It was quiet as the two girls made their way to Mafuyu’s place, under the now clear sky. Ena had learned that Mafuyu lived only a few stops away from her district as they passed one of the many buildings along the streets they had traversed. It wasn’t a well off neighborhood, but Ena could tell that Mafuyu wasn’t poor. Like, how would she be if her parents could afford to pay for Miyajo? 

“It’s getting dark, I’m sorry for keeping you for so long.” Ena spoke up as the grip on her hand tightened and shifted its position so that their fingers were interlocked. 

“I don’t mind…” Mafuyu said with a rough voice, a palpable sign of her previous crying. 

“Ne, she’s not gonna be mad.” Ena stopped, letting go for a brief second to grab Mafuyu’s shoulders. “You don’t have to worry at all.” 

“But Ena didn’t do anything wrong either…” 

Ena sighed as she let go and turned around, their hands brushing against each other for a moment before Mafuyu took the initiative. 

“They’re warm, don’t let go.” she murmured, more to herself than Ena. 

I won’t…

Were the words Ena motioned through action as she slid her fingers back to their previous spot between Mafuyu’s. 

“So, are there fun things to do around here?” Ena asked as she tried to lighten up the mood.

“There is a small bakery I wanted to visit when I was younger, I don’t know if it’s still around.” 

“I see, guess we’re going to have to go there and see for ourselves, well after our midterms at least.” Ena smiled and swung their hands in a playful way. “Still can’t believe summer break is almost here, even if it’s only brief, I really need it.” 

“I’m still going to have to go to cram school…” Mafuyu sighed as Ena rolled her eyes in exasperation.

“Doesn’t mean we can’t do things together, cram school doesn’t last all day.” Ena insisted as her eyes focused on the way Mafuyu’s eyes brightened a little. 

“Right, then maybe…” 

Maybe, was enough for Ena as she softened her gaze to admire Mafuyu and the way she pulled Ena’s tote back closer to her body while balancing her school bag. She looked adorable with the way she carried herself and was extra careful about the painting within. 

“You really like that painting, huh?” 

“It’s warm, looking at it makes my heart feel…less restless.” She said as her brows furrowed slightly in a way that made Ena’s smile grow. 

She’s so cute!

“That makes me glad, I worked all day an—“ 

“You don’t need to go into the details, Ena, I just want to admire it.” Mafuyu interrupted her tangent. 

“Hah!? You really don’t know all the work I put into it!?” Ena huffed and leaned closer to try to intimidate Mafuyu.   

“I know you worked hard on it, Ena, so you don’t need to explain… I really like it.” Mafuyu assured her with a small grin that made Ena’s breath hitch.

“I see, thank you…” Ena pulled back as the giddy feeling from last time blossomed in her chest. 

Damn her and her…Mafuyuness!

“Ah, we’re here…do you want to come up?”

“Hah?” Ena blinked before moving her eyes to the plain white apartment building in front of her. 

“Do you want to come up to my floor? Just until we reach my family's door.” Mafuyu repeated a little too nervously for Ena.

“Y-yeah! Of course, I will, let’s go!” Was the artist’s jittery response as the two went past the sliding doors into the clean lobby.

After what seemed like an eternity in the elevator they had to share, Mafuyu and her had made it to the sixth floor of the building. Ena palms were sweating as the two walked into the hallway and towards the Asahina residence. This was the first place she had ever gone to outside her home, to say she was just nervous was an understatement. 

Ena was on the verge of a panic attack as she followed Mafuyu to the door with the girl’s apartment number. Mafuyu didn’t seem to notice Ena’s uneasiness but did turn around to see if she was okay before taking out her key. 

“Well, this is my home…goodbye.” She said before opening the door. 

“No!” Ena said before Mafuyu closed the door. “It’s ‘see you later’.” 

“Right…” Mafuyu nodded and turned to face her. “See you later, Enanan.” 

“Yeah, you too.” 

Mafuyu closed the door after that and Ena let out a huge sigh, turning around to run across the hallway until she was back in the elevator. Her heart was hammering by the time the doors slid shut, as her body dropped against the far wall. She was a mess, a complete and utter mess. 

“She’s gonna be the death of me…” Ena gasped to herself as she took several deep breaths before pushing herself back onto her feet. 

So much was going on in the artist’s head as she exited the ordinary apartment building and back into the dark, empty streets of Shibuya. Ena checked her phone for the times of the next train to her district as she walked at a quick pace to the station. The fact that Mafuyu couldn’t let her in spoke volumes on how afraid she was of that woman. Ena grit her teeth as she pulled her cardigan closer to her body, her anger at its breaking point, before hearing a familiar noise that brought her back to reality. 

“Huh?” she muttered and looked down to see Amia had DMed her. “Mizuki? What do they want?” 

Amia: heya Enanan, how’d it go with Yuki? 
Amia: I ran into K at the scramble crossroads on my way back from work, and we went to the park and talked about the music thing. 

Enanan: hold on I’m walking to the station
Enanan: I’ll call you. 

Amia is typing…

Amia: okay, ready when you are. 

Ena was still in the middle of a panic attack, but she couldn’t back out now. She pressed on the call icon on her screen and then put her phone near her ear. This was a private conversation, so she wasn’t going to go on speaker mode. Not with how many people were passing by her the closer she got to the train station. 

“Ya-hoo En—whoa, you’re seriously out of breath,” Mizuki said instead of their usual greeting.

“Hah? No shit, I just dropped Mafuyu off at her apartment…” Ena huffed as she continued to power walk. 

“Oh, you have~” 

“Not now Mizuki!” Ena blushed, knowing exactly where this was going.

“Right, sorry.” Mizuki apologized and moved a little around on what Ena assumed was their bed. “So, spill, what happened?” 

“Hah?! I’m not even on the train yet!” Ena argued as she passed the gate towards her platform. “Why can’t you go first?” 

“Because I’m not crushing on Kanade, so our thing was really bland.” Mizuki sighed dramatically, which made Ena roll her eyes. 

“Yeah, I don’t care about that, now talk.” Ena huffed before boarding her train and finding a seat.

“Finnnnne!” Mizuki complained on the other line before beginning their story. 

Ena leaned back in her seat as she rested her foot on the one across from her. It wasn’t on the cushion, just the metal part below. She needed some way to relax as she pulled her phone away for a quick second to activate her monthly train pass. 

“Oi Ena, are you there?” Mizuki called out.

“Yeah, go ahead, tell me what’s up with Kanade.” 

Mizuki began their story in a dramatic way, much to Ena’s dismay, explaining how they spotted Kanade in the rain after work and walked over to share their umbrella. Apparently she was visiting her father at the hospital again, just like that time Ena ran into her when she was buying art supplies. 

“Was she alright?” Ena asked as she looked out the window when the train started to move. 

“She was, alright, a little out of it, so I thought it would be a good idea to take her to a cafe to hangout.” Mizuki said as Ena could hear them get up from their bed before sitting back down somewhere else.

“What about the demo issues?” 

“Well, when we were at the cafe, she was still having issues not understanding why it wasn’t clicking with Mafuyu. It was really eating her up, Ena, she looked exhausted when I found her outside.” Mizuki sighed before continuing. “So I took her to places where she could get more inspiration and motivation. Like the mall, where I learned she had a fondness for music boxes and then she was drawn to a flower shop, specifically towards carnations.” 

“Flowers, huh?” Ena repeated as a soft chuckle escaped her lips. “Well, I do like daffodils, so I can’t judge her, heh.” 

“Aww, flower buddies!!” Mizuki cooed before shifting back to the story. “Anyway, she spoke about how her mom loves them, specifically white carnations. It gave me another idea and then we went to Miyamasuzaka Park to look at the flower fields I found there once. Turns out nothing was there, so then we went to Nonogi Park.” 

“I see, but you said that it went well, so did she talk about something that may have been helpful for her?”

“I was just getting to that!” Mizuki scowled at her, but Ena could tell they were smiling despite that. “It took a while, but as we searched for the flowers, she kinda opened up more about her dad and why she’s trying so hard for Mafuyu.” 

Ena frowned at that, however the way Mizuki said it made her think that they were hiding something. 

“And?” 

“We found the flower beds! And then she told me about what she made for her parents. It was a nice little treat to hear about…you would have loved it.” Mizuki said in a wistful tone. “Made me really see Kanade in a different light afterwards, she really loved both her parents very much.” 

That was a nice feeling to have, if she had actually experienced it before. What Ena had to endure from her father was nothing but ruthless criticism and careless remarks that made her feel useless. Kanade’s parents at least loved what she did, it seemed. However, why didn’t Kanade feel that way? What could’ve happened between her and her father that made Kanade so self-sacrificial. 

“Thanks Mizuki…my stop’s coming up, I’ll tell you what happened with Mafuyu when I get online.” 

“Oooooi!” Mizuki called out with annoyance. “I just told you everything on my end and you’re just gonna leave me hanging?!” 

“Yeah, hehehe, see ya~” 

“ENA DON—-“ was the last thing the artist heard before hanging up when the train stopped. 

Ena transported herself to SEKAI once again because Kanade had requested it. There she saw Luka, Meiko, Rin and Miku standing near the circular stage.

“Hello Ena!” Luka waved as the others next to her remained silent. 

“Hi, everyone, am I late?” she asked, making Luka shake her head. 

“You’re the first one here.”

Not like that wasn’t out of character for her to be here early. Since she didn’t really have anything to do besides her illustrations or in some cases paintings that weren’t even completed. 

“Ya-hooo! I am here~” Mizuki called out after the colors around them faded. 

“What kind of greeting is that…” Ena said in a dismissive way. 

“So cold! I was trying to be friendly, Enanan, unlike someone who decided to hang up on me.” 

“I called you when I got home yesterday!” Ena pointed her finger at the mischievous person. “Why are you bringing this up!” 

“Well, Yuki isn’t here so…” 

“That doesn’t mean I’m gonna talk about that with everyone here!” 

“Erm…is everyone here?” Kanade’s voice echoed, making Mizuki and Ena stop their banter. 

“Yes Kanade, we are all here…” Miku said as the other two members of Niigo turned to face their leader.

“Sorry to call you at such a time, I know you guys were busy with your own stuff, but thanks for pushing it aside to come.” Kanade said before letting out a sigh. 

“Nah, it’s fine K, not like I was doing anything important right now.” Mizuki replied with a shrug. 

Ena told her the same thing, until the question about Mafuyu’s whereabouts came to light. With Kanade telling everyone that she was getting ready for cram school. 

Right, it was Sunday, she still had some form of school to go to… 

The artist crossed her arms as her thoughts went back to that damn woman. Ena usually didn’t hate someone that easily, but something about Mafuyu’s mother just made her angry, so much so Ena wouldn’t mind pushing the woman down a set of stairs, if given the chance. 

“Ah Mafuyu...” Kanade’s voice snapped Ena away from her darker thoughts. 

“Is it true you made a new demo?” The girl in question asked. 

“Yes, in fact, it’s a whole song.” Kanade replied with more determination in her voice. “Would you like to hear it?”

“Yes, that’s why I’m here…” Mafuyu said and tilted her head. 

As soon as Kanade pressed play, a softer, music box melody echoed around the whole SEKAI. Ena closed her eyes as the harmonies of the Vocaloids Kanade picked made her feel relaxed as she felt her heartbeat slow in a more steady rhythm. She opened her eyes a little to see Mizuki smiling as they also seemed in a peaceful state like herself. Whatever they did to help Kanade it looked to be actually working as her eyes finally landed on Mafuyu. 

She stood perfectly still, but her hand was on her heart. The lull of the chorus made her sway a little as she closed her eyes when the swell of music hit the crescendo. 

“Woah…” Mizuki was the first to speak when it was over. “Kanade, that was amazing.”

“Mafuyu…what do you think?” Kanade asked as Ena also looked to see her reaction.

What she saw was the rare smile that Mafuyu usually only gave to her. It made Ena huff and cross her arms at what it might imply. Her jealousy was getting harder to resist as she noticed the others shocked at what they saw.

“Ohh, that’s a smile, Mafuyu’s smiling!?” Mizuki jumped in excitement.

Mafuyu tilted her head and touched her lips. “I guess I am…”

Ena pursed her lips together as she thought about this further. As much as it stung for Mafuyu to bear that special smile for someone else, it was still a good thing to help her heal. She shouldn’t be greedy about it, even though her heart ached just a little. 

“Say, what made you smile, Mafuyu? ” Luka asked with an encouraging tone.

“I don’t know…” she said, but then turned to Ena. “But it was warm, just like Ena’s cuddles.” 

Okay, scratch what she thought before. Now, Ena didn’t want to be the center of this girl’s attention. Not with how embarrassing she was every time she opened her mouth. Why did Mafuyu have to say that so clearly? Now Mizuki would never shut up. 

“Cuddles huh, y’know those are sounding really inviting, makes me want a session~” 

There they go, just perfect…

“No, only I get them.” Mafuyu said in a serious, but also possessive way. “Ena is my cuddle friend!” 

“Oh, someone’s jelly, never mind, she’s all yours” Mizuki backed away, trying to hold back their laughter. “My, my, what an interesting development.” 

“Agreed.” Luka and Meiko said at the same time.

“Can we, like, get back to why we’re here!?” Ena groaned as next to her, Kanade tried to hide her own amusement.

“Well, if it makes her feel like that, I guess I’m going in the right direction.” 

“I’m not gonna be your meter for your songs, Kanade!” Ena hung her head. 

“But Ena…”

“Nooo don’t give me that look!” 

Yup, she was a goner…

Chapter Text

The heat was getting to Ena as she wiped her head with the back of her hand while walking with the other three members of Niigo to the Shibuya Scramble Crossroads. 

Mizuki had wanted to have another sort of party with the group, but thought it would be a better idea if they all went shopping together this time, instead of  how they had planned the last outing. Ena was carrying the party favors and plastic utensils in her bags, while Mafuyu and Mizuki had the food and refreshments. Kanade had nothing, since no one had wanted her to overexert herself. Still, that left Ena holding four bags instead of two, which was so unfair. 

“Ena, please let me carry at least one bag…” Kanade pleaded when  she noticed how exhausted the artist was. 

“No way, not after all those sleepless nights you had working on that damn song.” 

“Aww, Ena really is a softy~” Mizuki teased her as they turned around at the front next to Mafuyu. “Guess we should call it a day, huh?”

“Y’think?” the artist muttered as Mafuyu walked over to her and grabbed two of the bags she was carrying. 

“Oi, I can carry that!” she protested. 

“Your arms were shaking.” Mafuyu stated matter of fact. 

“Were not!” 

Mafuyu pursed her lips together and waited before Ena sighed and accepted her help. 

“Damn you…”

Mafuyu didn’t say a word as she turned back around to walk ahead. Mizuki gave Ena a small smile before walking up next to the other taller girl, as she and Kanade took the rear again. Ena was happy Mafuyu and Mizuki were getting along, even though sometimes it seemed like Mafuyu would be annoyed by them. That and also her new enjoyment of scaring Mizuki from behind whenever meeting up, which Ena had to admit was hysterical to watch. 

Still, could Mafuyu be acting this way because of her?

It wasn’t a bad guess considering how possessive she had been regarding their cuddling sessions. Even if Mizuki was only kidding, Mafuyu had a really, dare she admit, sexy aura when she said that a couple of weeks ago. So, much so, Ena did something she would never admit to anyone before going to sleep. Damn, just thinking about that look was making her sweat. Ena needed to focus on the now, which was the sun that was bearing down on her back. 

“Hmm, there seems to be construction going on over there…” Kanade said, snapping Ena out of her previous delusions. 

“You gotta be kidding me!?” she sighed with disappointment. “The whole road looks blocked all the way to the intersection. What are we gonna do?”  

“Not to worry,” Mizuki assured her and spun around away from the construction. “This is sort of a scenic route, but wanna try going around and through that park over there?” They said pointing towards the area they were talking about. “We can head straight for the station once we're out.”

“Guess we have no choice, huh?” Ena said as her shoulders were killing her because of the amount of weight she was carrying. “Why does it have to be so hot? I knew I should have worn a tank-top.”

“That would have caused more problems, Mafuyu here would’ve gotten distracted~” Mizuki smirked, causing said girl to look up in confusion as Ena felt her whole body turn red. 

“MIZUKI!” 

“Just saying!  Also, this will be really good for you and Kanade, who need all the exercise you can get.” Mizuki reminded Ena before turning around. 

“Oi, you look no different than us, don’t put yourself on such a pedestal Mizuki!”  Ena huffed as the other just kept walking ahead.

 “Then try to keep up Enanan~” 

The group walked for what seemed like an eternity to Ena as they went into the threshold of the park and started their long trek to the station. However, it wasn’t as bad as Ena had dreaded, the shade the park provided made it easier for her along with the lack of bags she had been hauling before due to Mafuyu’s kindness. Or was that pity? Either way, it had made it much better for Ena as she followed Mizuki, trusting them and their sense of direction. 

“There we go, we just gotta go through this part, and we’ll be at the station.” Mizuki pointed to the shrine up ahead.

“Huh, I never knew this shortcut existed…how did you find it?” Ena asked as she put the bags in her hands down for a breather. 

“Ehh, I was wandering around here one time and found it by complete accident.” Mizuki shrugged as Mafuyu walked closer near a bulletin board. 

“It looks like they are getting ready for something here?” Kanade said, finally catching up to where the other three were. 

“It's for the Shibuya Summer Festival…” Mafuyu answered, pointing to the board. 

Ena’s eyes brightened when she heard that. “Oh, I went to one with Akito when I was still in junior high, way before we met, Mafuyu.” She recalled and hummed at the thought. “It was a lot of fun! There were games, food stalls, and even a concert.” 

“Ohhh, a concert, I wonder who’s playing!” Mizuki perked up as they went closer to where Ena stood. 

The artist rolled her eyes at her and opened her phone to check out the roster. “Here, there is a tone of performers it seems. Some famous, some not so much.” 

“What!? That’s ZEROster coming! They’re huge.” Mizuki exclaimed. “They’ve done a lot of anime openings and everything.”

“I’ve listened to them, they have a fun style.” Kanade agreed as she got more interested in the festival. 

“Uh, I don’t know much about anime, but they sure have a lot of famous performers…” Ena shrugged as she let Mizuki take her phone to read the rest of the list. 

“Me neither, seems to be a waste…” Mafuyu said with a bored tone. 

“Ohh, ohh, you did not just say that!” Mizuki cried and pulled Mafuyu to them. “Now, you and I have to have a mahou-shojo marathon, no exceptions!” 

Ena giggled at the way Mafuyu looked like a deer caught in the headlights trying to escape the clutches of an overly excited cat. She wanted to take a picture of it, but Mizuki currently had her phone, while telling the girl what they were gonna do together for their ‘anime marathon’. Kanade, who had taken out her own smartphone, came over to Ena to read the rest of the performers list as one name made her eyes widen. 

“Oh A-GURI will perform too…”

“Do you know them?” Mafuyu asked after freeing herself from Mizuki’s bear hug. 

“Yes…Though, they aren’t really that famous.” Kanade explained. “Only, recently, they did get more popular.”

“So, the performances are a mix of amateurs and professionals? Mafuyu questioned with some interest.

“That’s actually really cool!” Mizuki joined in, which made Ena spark up a plan of her own. 

“Ne, Then why don’t we all go? It’ll be at night and would be a good experience for us all?!” she suggested, which made Mizuki hesitate. 

“I don’t know, I’ve been to a concert before and they can get pretty hot.” 

“Like I said before, it’s at night, so it will be cooler.” 

Ena waited for another excuse from Mizuki but was pleasantly surprised when Kanade had also wanted to go. It made the artist happy to see the girl excited for something else other than completing her compositions. Mafuyu also seemed interested as she informed the group that her cram school would  be let out early. However, Ena did wonder how the girl was going to lie to her mother this time, since they would be home very late afterward.

Maybe she should invite her to sleepover?

“Hmm, you guys are leaving me no choice, huh?” Mizuki’s voice sighed in defeat. “Guess I’ll come too then, my first summer festival in a super long time.” 

“That’s the spirit!” Ena said as she picked up the bags off the ground. “Now, let’s get this stuff to SEKAI for the party already, otherwise all the food will rot.” 

Everyone agreed to that as they cut through the shrine to the station with ease. Ena was also excited about the festival they’d all be going to. It would be a nice change of scenery. 

By the time Ena had gotten home, she had informed her mom about the festival. However, when she spotted the bag in her hands, Ena just said it was for something else. Her mother still looked skeptical but brushed it aside as she went up the stairs to her room. 

“Oi, are you going to the festival too?” Akito asked as he also was going to his room, a bag in hand. 

“Yup, with my friends.” She informed him before noticing the logo on his bag. “Ne, did you get something from that new dance store that opened a month ago?”

“H-How did you—that’s none of your business!” Akito blushed as he tried to shield them away from her. 

“Oh, c’mon, let me see!” Ena dropped her stuff near her door as she went up to Akito before taking the shoes out of his bag. “Huh, are these dancing shoes?”

“What’s it to you!” Akito muttered as Ena’s smirk grew even more. 

“Nothing, just kinda impressed, though the design is way out of your league.” 

“Shut it, just give them back already!” he whined as Ena did just that. 

She waved at him as she took the bags into her room. A yawn escaped her lips as she placed the stuff on her bed before laying down herself. 

Today was fun, Ena thought as she remembered all the places Niigo had gone to, to get this stuff. The party wasn’t until another two hours, so she had just enough time to shower and relax a little.

Ena let out a hum as she remembered how hesitant Mizuki had been acting again when she spoke about the summer festival. Mizuki had been trying to excuse themselves a lot recently and Ena was getting annoyed by it. Even though she promised herself to let Mizuki talk to her when they're ready. Just like what Airi told her about her…thing. 

“Would be wild if we both had something under the same umbrella…pfft.” 

However, it wouldn’t be that out of the ordinary. There were plenty of people in Japan who live in the closet. Ena just happened to be very deep in hers. A sigh of frustration made the thought even more unbearable as she turned on her side and pulled out her phone. Messages from Airi, Mizuki and Mafuyu were new, but Ena just didn’t feel like answering them. The thing with Airi especially made her nervous because her friend was still in the dark of what had been bothering her. 

A memory came to her as she thought about her brother. The only one who actually knew she was a… Lesbian. Damn, just thinking that made Ena’s skin crawl, she hated labels, even as a kid, she just didn’t think they were all that important. Now, though, it was the only thing that plagues her mind. 

She really needed a break from all this…time to shower. 

On the night of the festival, Ena walked with Akito into the park filled with excitement, games, and food stalls. Lots, and lots of food stalls. Ena could already imagine the amount of food as she skipped dinner just for this alone. Akito next to her looked nervous and more irritated than usual. It made the artist’s enjoyment die down a little as she turned her head to look at her brother with worry. 

“Akito, why so glum?” 

“Tch, what are you talking about? I'm fine, just looking for Toya.” He told her as his eyes scanned the area for his best friend. “Why don’t you just meet up with your group, not like we came here to spend time together anyway.” 

“Rude, I was trying to be nice to you, but whatever.” 

After that, the two parted as Ena made her way back to the front of the stairs of the shrine. The orange hues from the paper lanterns hung all over the area made it look majestic in a way. Ena could already picture something to draw as she noticed some children in yukata running around with candy apples in hand. 

“Ena?” Someone said her name from behind. 

Ena spun around and was met with Mizuki, Kanade and Mafuyu, all of them wearing normal clothes like herself for the night. Mafuyu was the one who had called out to her as she stood there in a pair of tight jeans and a white button-down shirt opened, with her black tank top peeking out from underneath. Kanade was wearing what she usually wore, and Mizuki had on a cute white bowknot shirt and ruffled grey skirt overalls. 

“Awesome, we’re all here!” Mizuki was the first to speak up. “I’m glad that Mafuyu actually made it…”

”My cram school let us out early…” Mafuyu said with an unreadable look on her face. 

“Did you go home afterward?” Ena had to ask, to make sure her thoughts were correct. 

“Yes, I told Okaa-san I would be spending time with you and two other friends who were into art…” Mafuyu sighed, her eyes shifting away to hide her discomfort. 

“Well, that’s good enough for me!” Mizuki chimed and grabbed Kanade’s hand. “C’mon Kanade, let's play some games!” 

“H-huh?” Was the last thing the poor composer said before Mizuki ran and dragged her into the crowd. 

“Wait, Mizuki, don’t run so fast!” Ena shouted at them before letting out a sigh. “That girl…it’s like they want to ignore me.” 

“Ena, are they still troubling you?” Mafuyu’s voice asked as she came closer to where Ena was standing. 

“They’re acting distant again, ugh, I just don’t know what to do.” Ena frowned as Mafuyu grabbed her hand and started walking further into the festival grounds. 

“Then, let's not stand around and wait.” She said and guided Ena into the crowd of people, making her feel like she was a kid again with their hands locked together like this. 

They walked in comfortable silence as Ena admired the scenery once again. It brought back so many memories with Akito, the way his chubby but cute kid face lit up when he watched the band on stage. How she wanted him to do what he wanted and told him if he worked hard enough he could accomplish anything. Well, before her own dreams shattered during her third year of junior high. She was just as innocent as him back then, which made Ena wonder if Akito was doing something this year for the festival and that’s why he bought those dance shoes. 

That could be it…

“There they are...” Mafuyu pointed out, which made Ena's mind come back to the now and away from the past. 

“The shooting gallery…of course Mizuki would want a stuffed animal.”

“You shouldn’t talk, with all those plushies in your room…” Mafuyu retorted with a hint of amusement in her voice. 

“S-Shut up! Akito gives them to me, I can win one on my own, easily!” Ena narrowed her eyes and let go of Mafuyu’s hand, crossing her arms. 

“By all means, I’m not stopping you.” 

“Y-you! I’ll show you!”  Ena challenged as she marched up to where Mizuki and Kanade were at the shooting booth. 

She then paid for a toy rifle, only to stagger when it was handed to her. It was no wonder Kanade had trouble, this thing was super heavy. Not to worry though, Ena was sure she could handle it as she positioned it towards the balloon that was holding the cute black bunny plushie.

Ready aim…

“Fire!” She muttered to herself as she clicked the revolver before being blown back by the recoil  from the trigger. 

She missed…

“Huh?! That was a good aim!” She growled and took out more of her money. Mizuki and Kanade both looked at each other with worry at what this might become. 

Pshuuuuu

Ena watched in shock as the balloon holding the bunny plushie popped before the game meister gave it to the person next to her. Who was none other than… 

“You!” She huffed indigently, only to be surprised when the toy was pushed into her arms.   

“Here.” Mafuyu said like it was nothing, before shooting another balloon on the wall with ease. 

Right, archery, this was her wheelhouse… 

Mafuyu then gave her another plushie, this time a jellyfish. Ena almost dropped the rifle she was holding as another toy was shoved into her arms, then another, and another. 

“Wait, I can’t hold all of these!” She whined as Mizuki snickered in the background with Kanade watching in amazement. 

“Hehehe, I’m actually glad I only got one thing, otherwise I’d be Ena right now with a mountain of toys.” Mizuki said with a smile before revealing their new keychain that they won. “Chacha! It's Shibunyago, a local character that represents Shibuya. It's been getting some press lately!” 

“Is that supposed to be a cat? It’s not really appealing…” Mafuyu tilted her head before giving Ena another plushie, this one a dog wearing a beret. 

“The eyes are strange, is it supposed to be that way?” Ena couldn’t help but agree as she tried to understand the cute factor. 

“Yes, that's the best part! Its eyes are sort of meant to be made fun of, you know?” Mizuki insisted before putting it on their bag, which clashed so badly with the rest of their outfit. 

“And you once told me you had impeccable fashion sense, huh?” Ena smirked but decided not to tease Mizuki too much. What with her arms filled with random plush toys that just kept coming?

“Who cares about fashion, this is a remembrance for how much fun we’re all having at the festival…” Mizuki said with a genuine smile that made Ena’s own grin drop. 

They’re letting their guard down…

“Ena...here’s one more.” Mafuyu said next to her, making Ena drop the gun, which almost hit her foot, if she hadn’t jump out of the way. 

“Haaah, I’m gonna need a bag for all these…” She complained before Mafuyu pulled a big plastic bag, out of nowhere. 

How does she keep doing that!?

“I guess, we’re done with the shooting gallery, huh…Mafuyu pretty much took out every balloon.” Mizuki giggled as Kanade next to them had zero luck getting anything. 

“Yeah, this was harder than I thought. Mafuyu, though, didn’t even break a sweat.” Kanade sighed as she put the rifle back onto the stand, seemingly disappointed at how poor she did.

“Awww, c’mon Kanade let’s play another game, I’ll win you something!” Mizuki promised and once again…left Ena yelling at them to not run so fast. Poor Kanade looked like she was gonna die, being dragged away like that.  

“Dammit, they knew we would be slow because of all the plushies you won for me…right?” Ena asked, unsure of Mafuyu’s actions. 

“Yes.” Mafuyu nodded as she was about to put the plushie that was of a brown hedgehog into the bag, looking at it with fondness before stashing it with the rest. 

“You can keep that one if you want.” Ena said softly, as she put the bunny into the bag, before pressing the stuffed jellyfish to Mafuyu’s lips. “This one too, cause I sure wasn’t looking at it.” 

“O-Okay…” Mafuyu’s voice muffled before Ena brought the toy down to stare up at her eyes. 

The two girls stood in front of the game stall for what felt like hours as Ena noticed Mafuyu’s softened gaze, the way she leaned closer into Ena’s personal space, before the former remembered where they were. It took all of the, artist’s will power to veer Mafuyu away from her before linking their arms together and making their way to where Mizuki and Kanade were, which happened to be another game that Ena was terrible at. 

After another thirty minutes of playing games, Ena still had no luck even with balloon fishing, which she was pretty good at when she was a kid. To her surprise, Mafuyu also had trouble, rubbing her eyes in the process each time water went into them. So, farsighted people also had trouble with close, proximity games. 

Ena didn’t even shy away to help her as she got behind the taller girl, feeling her body close to hers as she guided her arm in the right direction so she could get the slippery thing. When she did, Mafuyu’s eyes widened and stared at it with interest, turning to Ena to thank her, before Mizuki had ruined everything after they finally got one and gave it to Kanade with a triumphant smile. 

“So much for the atmosphere…” Ena couldn’t help but mutter to herself as Mizuki bounced around with a bright expression on their face. 

“That was so much fun! I wish we could do stuff like this with Miku and the others.”  They expressed as they let out a little chuckle.

“Hah? But even if we tried to do that in SEKAI, there's nothing there, really…unless Mafuyu finds something out of the blue.” Ena tried to reason as her eyes went to Mafuyu, who was still staring at the balloon they won together.

“True... But we could try doing some of these things in SEKAI, right?” Mizuki argued and nudged Ena with their elbow.

“Such as?” Mafuyu asked with a little more interest. 

“Like balloon fishing and the shooting gallery? We could use rubber band guns instead and stuff.” Mizuki explained as they continued to concoct their masterplan. 

“Miku and Rin might like that…” Kanade said with a soft smile as it became very obvious to Ena how attached the composer had become to the two Vocaloids, especially Miku.

“I like balloon fishing…” Mafuyu said, as Ena’s face turned a little red. 

“I guess, we could try, if it really makes you all shut up…”  

“Ah, Enanan is being tsundere again!” Mizuki teased. 

“Haaah?!” She gawked as the other let out another giggle. 

“Ne, just so you know this is just food for thought, I mean, when would any of us have the time to get all the stuff…” 

Ena paused mid hand chop as she noticed the same sad look in Mizuki’s eyes. Her heart ached for her friend, and still, Ena had no idea what was wrong, or how to help. With Mafuyu, she could read the girl like a book, and knew most of the time how to make her feel better. Mizuki on the other hand, just keeps dodging any of Ena’s attempts to get to know them beyond their cheekiness. It was infuriating, and worrisome at the same time.

They’re like junior high Mafuyu all over again…save the falling in love part…

“Mizuki…Is there…” 

“Oh, no, It’s nothing!” Mizuki said with a strained smile before remembering something. “Ne, isn't the show about to start? I know the amateur division's first, but we should probably still check it out, right?”

“Ah, right…” Ena agreed in mild defeat. Once again, Mizuki had evaded her attempt to be truthful. 

A hand grabbed hers as Ena looked up to see Mafuyu, who was carrying both her balloon and the bag full of plushies. She looked so ridiculous as she stared at Ena with serious eyes. It was no wonder that this idiot somehow stole her heart with how innocent she could be, and yet was so full of maturity. 

Yeah…she definitely has a type…

“Ena, Mafuyu? Is everything okay?” Kanade said and turned around next to Mizuki. “We don’t want to be separated. 

“We’re coming.” Mafuyu said, giving Ena a little more time to breathe as she let the taller girl guide her to where the other two were waiting. 

The concert field was already full and Ena felt overwhelmed by the crowd, as she and Kanade were shielded by Mizuki and Mafuyu on either side. The atmosphere was chaotic at its core, as people were piling up at the front. Some mosh pit had also emerged in the middle, and her small stature made her the perfect target to get picked on by drunks if they dare. 

“There are more people than I expected…” Mafuyu said as she pulled Ena closer to her as they pushed their way further to the back. 

“Yeah, Ne, Kanade are you doing okay?” Mizuki agreed before looking down at Kanade who was clutching onto Ena’s back in between her and Mizuki.  

“I-I’m okay, just a little um…” 

“S’okay Kanade, we gotcha!” Ena told her as her eyes noticed a spot near the trees. “Ohh, that place looks free, I don’t see a lot of people there either.”

Mafuyu followed her line of sight and then nodded as she pushed another drunk out of the group's way. “I see it too, It looks like a good viewing spot, nice find, Ena.” 

Ena felt her heart race at the compliment as she pushed herself further into Mafuyu, away from Kanade’s hold, as a need to feel the other girl suddenly took over her senses. It felt so good getting praised as Mafuyu tightened her hold around her midsection, like the desire wasn’t one sided. Ena was so close to Mafuyu’s heart, that its wild beating surprised her a little as the two behind Kanade and Mizuki tried to keep up. 

“Gah, finally. That took forever, but we made it!” Mizuki announced as they all separated from one another. “Oh right I almost forgot, Kanade I bought this frozen drink earlier and I think it’s just about right, so—”

A rustle was heard as Ena shook her head out of its daze, only to see Mizuki frantically looking at their bag. The shock on their face made it a scary scene to behold as their breathing became erratic the more they moved around. 

“What’s wrong?” she asked and walked further to them. 

“I lost my keychain…” Mizuki said in a controlled voice. 

“The one you got at the shooting gallery?” Kanade asked with a little frown on her face

“Wasn’t it on your bag just a minute ago?” Mafuyu tilted her head as she also looked concerned for Mizuki. 

“It must have slipped off.” Mizuki sighed and looked dejected. 

“Then there is a good chance we can still find it!” Ena told them as her eyes blazed with determination. “C’mon, didn’t you want that to be a remembrance for the night?” 

“Yeah, but…everything is about to start, there is no way we can find it at this rate…” Mizuki tried to reason with the artist, but Ena wasn’t having it this time.

“Shut up!” She said as her anger flared. That voice was the same one Mafuyu had whenever she apologized to her, and it was a voice that Ena hated to hear from anyone close to her. “We’re going to find your keychain, okay? Mafuyu and Kanade can stay here to save our spots!” 

“Okay…” Mafuyu said with slight annoyance, as Ena had to hide her pure joy from the jealousy in her voice. 

 “B-Be safe…” Kanade murmured as she blinked at the spectacle in front of her. 

Minutes went by as she and Mizuki searched the empty areas for the cat keychain. Ena bent down to look under stalls and every nook she could find, as Mizuki halfheartedly looked behind with that defeated expression that Ena wanted to wipe off in an instant. 

“Mizuki, was it behind that stall?” she asked, getting up from where she was looking. 

“No, it wasn’t…look Ena, there is no way we can find it, it's gone.” 

“But…” Ena couldn’t stand this feeling of helplessness, it was the same one she felt just a week ago before she confronted that damn woman. 

“Dammit, I’m not giving up! And you shouldn’t either…you looked so happy when you showed it to us, y’know.”

“I was just being dumb…” Mizuki sighed and looked away. 

“No you weren’t!” Ena insisted and grabbed Mizuki’s shoulders. “That keychain is important to you, so we’re gonna find it!” 

“Ena…Why, it's just a stupid keychain.” 

“I don’t care! You’re my friend and it’s important to you, right?.” Ena almost shouted as she watched Mizuki pull back. “S-Sorry, I just… I don’t want to see anyone close to me sad anymore…”

“Close to you…we’re friends…” Mizuki muttered in realization. 

“Yes, you idiot!” Ena said with a small smile. “We’re friends, and friends help one another no matter what! So, let's keep looking.”

“But we looked everywhere…” Mizuki mumbled, sounding defeated again. 

“What about the lost and found?” Ena suggested before running ahead of the other girl. “C’mon, I bet it’s there!” 

“Ena! Don’t run so fast, damn girl, when did you become a speedster?” Mizuki yelled behind as they ran to keep up with the artist. 

When they made it, Ena couldn’t stop herself from being a little smug as she peered down into the box to see the ugly but cute keychain Mizuki had won. She noticed Mizuki’s eyes widen when they caught sight of it as they took it out and brought it close to their face. Their joy was contagious as they asked the staff how it got here. 

“Two sweet girls found it in front of the outdoor stage and brought it here.” The staffer told them with a warm smile. 

“Ohh, whoever they are, I want to thank them!”  Mizuki said with a sincere smile. The same one Ena saw when they were both on that day trip with Airi and Shizuku. 

“That's good to hear!

“I owe you one too Ena, thanks for all this…” Mizuki said with a shy glance, as Ena could only sigh in relief. 

“Don't mention it. I was the one that made you look for it in the first place. Let's just get back to Kanade and Mafuyu now, okay?” She said, which she regretted the moment she saw Mizuki’s eyes glimmer with deviousness. 

“Mafuyu was so jealous, y'know? You’re gonna have to give her extra cuddles for being fickle.”

“Do you ever get the mood?”  Ena grumbled before overhearing a conversation regarding…dancing shoes. 

Wait a second…

Ena went over to the person and noticed the bag in their hand as soon as she saw the label on the front of the box inside. She then explained to them that it was her brothers, and that he must’ve misplaced them somehow. 

“So, that’s why he was in such an awful mood.” 

“Otouto-kun, will be super happy when you give them back to him.” Mizuki joined in before whistling at the design. “Hmm, can he really pull it off though, they seem way out of his league.”

“Hehehe, that’s what I said, we better get these to him though…” 

“Right!” 

The artist nodded as she opened her phone to call that brother of hers. He answered it rudely, not a surprise, but after explaining to him where she was, his spirit lit up.  

“Ena, can you please bring them to me? Me and Toya are up soon.” Akito asked through her phone in a desperate manner. 

“Where exactly are you?” 

“The outdoor stage for the festival…” he answered as his patience was running thin. 

“Alright, fine, you owe me though.” 

“Yeah, Yeah, I’ll get you cheesecake on Monday!” He told her which made Ena smile. 

“Deal, see ya soon!” 

After she hung up, Mizuki snickered at how she always managed to get what she wanted when it came to Akito. Ena brushed it off, saying that she’d do the same thing for him with pancakes, it was just their way of communicating. Besides, she owed Akito a lot after everything he’d done to help her adjust to being…that. Honestly, it really shocked her how caring he was, as he made it easier for her to accept this part of herself, despite still being totally afraid to come out for real. 

“Oi, Akito, here’re your dancing shoes.” She called out to him near the stage, as she held the bag in front to give him the proper reach to grab them. “You’re lucky they’re easy to spot.”

“You are a lifesaver, thanks Ena!” Akito told her as he checked to see if they were damaged. 

“Whoa, so you and Toya-kun are next on stage? I can’t wait to see what you guys have to show.” Mizuki grinned as they looked up towards the other boy, who gave them a soft smile in return. 

Ohhh that’s an interesting look Mizuki…

Ena kept to herself as she watched Mizuki talk to the two boys in a friendly manner. She was aware that her brother was kind of friends with Mizuki, but didn’t know Toya was too, as he spoke to the pink-haired student with kindness and that tender voice of his. The artist finally had something on her friend, but knew she would have to be subtle about it. Mizuki was the best at dodging questions or laughing at her expense. Still, the two first years were kinda cute together. 

“Ne, Akito, you better do good, these shoes have to be worth something y’know?” She teased her brother instead, sparing Mizuki. 

“Duh, we’ve been practicing all month for this.” He said with a smirk. 

“Is that why you had been coming home wiped out lately?” Ena questioned with her own smug smile. 

“So, you have noticed…”

“Of course you idiot, we live together.” she said, placing her hands on her hips. “You really think I don’t worry about you?” 

“No…”

“I just never thought you’d be performing here though…” Ena closed her eyes as more thoughts came to mind. “Still, you seem a lot better than back then, guess you never gave up, huh?” 

“You…remember…”

“How could I not forget? It was the first time your eyes shined brighter than your hair.” Ena said before letting out a laugh. “Break a leg, Akito.” 

After she said that, she wasn’t expecting a hug from him, as her brother shook in her arms before pulling away. A true smile graced his lips as Ena took that moment to leave with Mizuki to get to where Kanade and Mafuyu were waiting. 

“We’re BAAAACK!” Mizuki greeted as Kanade and Mafuyu looked up from where they were standing. 

Ena was expecting a welcome back, but not Mafuyu, literally pulling her into a semi-hug from behind. The clear possessiveness she emitted made Ena shiver as she bit her lip to keep herself from showing how into it she was at the moment. Mafuyu even had to brush her nose against the bite she made a couple weeks ago as Ena inhaled sharply to keep herself from falling over. Her scenes had overloaded as her brain short-circuited from the amount of touch Mafuyu displayed. 

“There are literal children here.” Mizuki said as Kanade kept her focus on the stage.

“You were gone too long.” Mafuyu retorted with a blank look. 

“Yeah, we were getting a little worried…” Kanade finished as she turned to give Ena a smile. 

“Well…something else came up, so we had to deal with that.” Ena sighed as she leaned further into Mafuyu, letting her head press against the other’s shoulder. 

“Something else?” Kanade asked as Ena buried her head further into Mafuyu’s arms that were around her neck. 

“You guys had to be there! Toya-kun and Otouto-kun are gonna be performing next! Isn’t that so cool. I knew from rumors that Toya-kun had a background in music, but I didn’t know he could dance too.” 

“Akito-kun?” Mafuyu whispered near Ena’s ear. 

“Yeah, this is kinda the first time I’m gonna see him sing on stage for real.” Ena said wistfully. “He’s always been so secretive about it…which I think is kinda dumb.”

“I see.” Mafuyu said but settled her chin on her shoulder, as her arms slid down to Ena’s waist, making the artist shudder to the touch. 

She had gotten really bold since I talked to her mom…

Mizuki, who was too excited to care about their intimacy, cheered when they heard Bad Dogs group name announced. “Look, it’s them, and they look great too!” 

Ena had to admit, her brother was a pretty good dancer, as he and Toya went on stage with finesse and style. The vibe was also cool as she moved her body a little, which also caused Mafuyu to sway as well. Mizuki, next to the two, was also lost in the performance as they put their phone up like a light or something. Even Kanade seemed to enjoy it, making Ena smile even more.  All of Niigo was having a good time, a rare win for Ena, one she would l cherish as she turned her head to see a slither of enjoyment in Mafuyu’s eyes. 

Yeah, this def was a win. 

“This is so cool. They’re awesome dancers too, like I’m fangirling here!” Mizuki called out with glee as Ena smiled back at them. 

“Akito told me they usually sing, but he wanted to add a dance routine, to help bring the crowd into the performance.” 

“Well, guess it’s a good thing we found his dancing shoes, huh?” Mizuki shouted over the music as they continued to move their body to the beat. 

“Yeah, I’m glad we did!” 

Akito did a flip on stage, which made Ena gasp as her brother landed it perfectly before he spun around again, in time with the song. Toya also had a wonderful voice as he did his slick rap that made even Mizuki swoon when he winked towards the audience. It was a good performance overall, as Ena relaxed in Mafuyu’s strong but warm arms. 

“He’s so happy up there…” She whispered for only Mafuyu to hear. 

“Akito-kun, looks like you, when you’re sketching in your book…” Mafuyu said as Ena frowned a little at the comparison. 

“Are you saying I look boyish?”

“No, you look at peace…” was Mafuyu’s response as the crowd cheered for the two boys. 

“Erm, well um, I see, uh, want to let go of me now?” 

“No.” Mafuyu said with a hint of…something. “I like the warmth.” 

“But, it’s so hot?” 

“I don’t mind…if it’s you.” Mafuyu said, near the shell of her ear. 

Why was she so weak, Kami-sama that just killed her…

“F-fine, but if you fall asleep, don’t drool on me.” was the last thing Ena said before focusing back on the concert that was beginning the pro section of the performances. 

Her ears were still ringing as she walked alongside Mafuyu, who was also experiencing the same thing as they went ahead of Mizuki and Kanade, who were discussing the performances in a more extensive manner. Ena tilted her head a little as she put her hands behind her back, noticing Mafuyu’s subtle discomfort, before pushing her to the side, away from the others and off the cobblestone path. It may have been a little reckless, but Ena could feel something was bothering the lyricist, as she didn’t stop her doing that in the first place. 

“Ne, you okay?” She asked, as the two were now within a greener area of the park.

“It was louder than I thought…” Mafuyu sighed, but wasn’t too annoyed by Ena’s actions. “I guess I just wanted to be somewhere…quiet.”

“Your wish is my command. Here we are then?” Ena joked as she pulled her bag closer to herself before noticing the fireflies glowing in the distance. 

“What is it?” 

“Say, Mafuyu, have you ever caught a firefly?” Ena asked, as an idea formed in her head. 

“No…”

“Come with me.” Ena motioned as she took Mafuyu’s hand and brought them further away from the festival lights and into a more moonlit clearing.

Ena then went into her handbag and was happy to find the empty jar of the frozen drink Mizuki had earlier with Kanade. They were going to leave it on the ground, but Mafuyu insisted someone pick it up. She opened the lid and went close to where the fireflies were before gently catching at least four inside. Mafuyu watched in wonder as Ena turned around and showed them to her, a smile of accomplishment marrying her face. 

“Me and Akito used to catch them when we were younger and went camping with my dad.” She explained as Mafuyu went closer to the jar. 

“It’s like our own source of light…” 

“Yeah! Well, until they die… I should probably poke some holes into this, huh?” Ena questioned before taking out a pen from her purse. 

“You really like all forms of life, don’t you?” Mafuyu observed as Ena finished making holes to the lid. 

“I guess, despite everything, I really do love nature and its inhabitants…” 

“Me too…” Mafuyu whispered as she went closer to Ena. “Though most animals don’t like me, I scare them.” 

Ena shook her head at that as she grabbed Mafuyu’s hand and placed it on the illuminating container. “Do these guys seem to be scared?” 

Mafuyu squinted her eyes to get a better look as she watched the fireflies come near her hand and flicker that special green light of theirs. 

“No…” 

“That’s right, like most insects, they’re drawn to warmth, Mafuyu.” Ena said with a gentle smile, as Mafuyu’s lips curled into a little one afterward. 

“I see…” 

Mafuyu then dropped the bag of plushies and bent herself further towards Ena before their foreheads touched in the most intimate way Ena had ever experienced with the girl. Their eyes were locked as the summer cicadas could be heard in the distance. Her breath almost hitched when Mafuyu tilted her head. The feeling of their mingled heat was making Ena dizzy as their hands touched at the same time on the little glass jar.  

“I didn’t like it when you were gone…” Mafuyu murmured. “I know I have to share with the others…but you’re different.” 

“D-Different, different how?” Ena stuttered as Mafuyu’s hot breath tickled her skin, making goosebumps appear up her bare arm. 

“I don’t know…” was Mafuyu’s answer as her knuckles caressed Ena’s cheek, before finding her side braid and putting it back behind her ear. “But right now, I want to…”

“OI, MAFUYU, ENA, WHERE THE HECK ARE YOU TWO!?” Mizuki’s voice called out, as both girls pulled away while Ena busied herself freeing the fireflies. 

“S-Sorry…” Mafuyu was the first to speak, picking up the plastic bag of plushies. “I-I don’t know what came over me…” She touched her temple as she brushed some sweat off in an attempt to cool down. “The heat must be getting to me...”

“Yeah, you and me both…” Ena agreed breathlessly, as she put the empty jar back into her purse, as if nothing had ever happened. 

Hah, she wished. This was set in her memories…no doubt about it. 

“Oi, seriously, Kanade was about to leave, c’mon you guys this isn’t funny!” Mizuki’s voice held a hint of frustration as Ena grabbed Mafuyu’s hand and guided them back to the cobblestone path. 

Mizuki jumped in surprise when they got out through the bushes. A smirk made its way to their lips as they pieced everything together. Ena narrowed her eyes at them as she was prepared for their next onslaught of teases. 

“Well, if you guys wanted to be alone, you could have said something.” They shrugged as Kanade appeared, too focused on something else to notice. 

“We just needed to be away from the noise, that’s all, nothing happened.” Ena rolled her eyes, knowing damn well it was a lie. 

“...Yeah, sure. Anyway, Mafuyu, did you enjoy the concert?” Mizuki turned the discussion towards the other girl. 

“It was a little too noisy for me, but being close to Ena made it more bearable.” She said in monotone. 

“Aww, that’s super cute!” Mizuki gushed as Kanade took out her phone. 

“It’s getting pretty late, I think I’m going to head home…” she said with a soft hum before putting her phone away. “I’ve gotten some good ideas for the next song, and really want to start working on it.”

Mafuyu also took that moment to look at her phone with a nervous expression making its way across her face. Ena took that as a sign to invite her over, something she wanted to do since they met up. 

“Just tell her you’ll be sleeping over at my house.” 

“Do you think that’ll be enough?” Mafuyu asked with a little frown on her lips. 

“We’re closer to where I live, so, I think that’s a good enough excuse…” Ena shrugged as Mafuyu nodded her head and walked away to call that woman. 

Once she was gone, Mizuki scooted closer to Ena with a serious expression on their face. “You really want her as far away from her home as possible, huh?” 

“After the shit that woman pulled last time? Why wouldn’t I?” Ena retorted and crossed her arms. “She’s been different today, haven’t you noticed?” 

“I have, just hope you know what you’re doing…don’t push yourself.” Mizuki shrugged. 

“Says the one that always pushes themselves?” Ena said with an unreadable expression as Mizuki let out a sigh. 

Mafuyu came back with a more relaxed demeanor than earlier as she went up to Ena and nodded her head. “She said as long as I wake up early and get home in the morning, I’m allowed.” 

“How early…” 

“...the usual.” Mafuyu answered. 

The things she had to endure for this girl…

“Fine, set your alarm.” 

“Okay.” Mafuyu said with a cute nod. 

Mizuki had a huge smile on their face as Kanade also appeared relaxed to know that Mafuyu would be looked after by Ena for the rest of the night. Kanade then took that moment to say her goodbye to the other three, as she made her exit up the stairs. 

“So, what should we do now?” Mizuki questioned before looking at Mafuyu. “Want to get something to eat, Mafuyu? Cotton candy sounds really good right now. I saw these really pink ones earlier!”

Mafuyu had a blank face, but then nodded. “Okaa-san never let me have some... but I would like to try.”

“Hmm, so we’re going to spoil our appetite with candy, yup, sounds about right.”  Ena teased as she linked both her friends' arms with hers and made their way towards the food stalls. 

Mizuki ordered two and even paid for them as they gave the blue one to Mafuyu. Ena watched as the girl tried it, but also seemed puzzled by the taste. Mafuyu was still having trouble identifying what sugar was as she took another piece of the cotton candy and just put it in her mouth. It took Ena to stop her as she had to remind the girl that eating too fast would cause stomach problems, which wasn’t because of her own experience. Nope, not at all. 

“Ena?” A masculine voice called behind the trio. 

“Ah, Akito?” Ena turned to face her brother, who was, of course, right next to Toya. “That was a good concert, you two gave. That performance really drove the crowd wild.”

“Erm, I guess?” Akito said with a slight blush on his cheeks. “Listen, thanks again for earlier…”

“No problem, I’m glad it helped.” Ena raised a brow at him before another familiar voice caught her attention. 

“Huh…A-Airi?” 

“You're here too! I’m so happy I found you.” The pink-haired idol said next to her co-member Shizuku. 

“Oh, Mizuki and Asahina-san, you’re here as well!” 

“Asahina? Huh, well I certainly wasn’t expecting you here…” Airi tilted her head with a smirk playing on her lips. 

“Likewise,” Ena stepped in before Airi could start embarrassing her. “Did you guys skip practice to come here?”

“Nope, we had practice, as usual.” Airi shrugged before letting her eyes wander to Akito, with a warm smile gracing her face. “Then we ran into Akito and his friend, so we decided to stick around and see him perform!”

“T-Thanks Airi…” Akito looked away, which made Ena revolt at the thought of those two together. 

“Ew, really?” 

“S-Shut up!” Akito growled and leaned closer to her. “Like, you’re one to talk.” 

“Damn you…” 

Airi giggled at the quarreling as she interjected their next hurl of insults. “You two seriously never changed, I really missed a lot this past year…” 

“Airi…” Akito said in a quiet voice. 

“Ne, since we're all here, wanna check out the rest of the festival together?” Airi asked the two, which Ena wanted to accept, but she also had her other two friends she wanted to hang out with. 

“I don’t know, um, are you two cool with this?” she turned to Mafuyu and Mizuki as the two had somehow finished their cotton candy without her knowing…damn. 

“Yeah, sure, I’m totally up for it!” Mizuki smiled before Mafuyu nodded her head as well. 

“I don’t see why not, it would be fun, no?” she said in that…honors student voice. 

Ena’s left eye twitched when she heard that stupid persona Mafuyu always seemed to fall back into. She tried to play it cool when others spoke up, but once they all started walking to the more savory food stalls, Ena made sure she was next to Mafuyu as they walked, even with Akito on the other side. 

“Listen, Mafuyu…” She began as the other girl turned her head just a little to face her. “You don’t have to act that way just cause they’re here, Airi is cool, and Shizuku wants to be closer to you, y’know?” 

“I suppose, I’m just used to being that way…” 

“I know, you can if you want, but don’t force it if you’re too tired…” Ena sighed as Mafuyu nodded her head. 

“I will try…thank you for letting me stay, Enanan.” 

A smile formed on Ena’s face, knowing Mafuyu meant that. Mizuki soon stopped talking to Shizuku and turned to include Mafuyu into their discussion, even if she had no idea what they were talking about, having Mizuki there was enough to ease Mafuyu’s anxieties. The picture was almost perfect, if she wasn’t now stuck in the back with Akito. 

“She’s looking healthier…what did you do?” Akito asked briefly. 

“None of your business…” 

“Tch, fine, how did we end up here, huh?” Akito asked and put his bag over his shoulder. 

“I’d rather be talking with Airi or Mizuki than dealing with you.” 

“Not Asahina-san?” Akito smirked which made her elbow him. 

“Do you really want to talk about girls, Mr. Idol Fanboy?” 

“O-okay, okay.” He surrendered and glanced away towards the paper lanterns. 

“Oi, did you remember to talk to the staff after the performance about what happened to your shoes?”  Ena questioned, going into big sister mode, as Mizuki liked to call it. 

“Yeah, I did, don’t worry about it…” He told her, trying to ignore the subject. 

The two siblings were both comfortable as they continued to walk at the rear of the group. Ena felt a lot of nostalgia as she remembered her time here with Akito. He was such a kind boy back then, even going so far to…

“Y’know, this reminds me of that time, with my shoes…”  Ena said out loud as Akito's eyes flickered towards her with slight shock. 

“So you still remember... I thought you'd long since forgotten about that…” 

Ena frowned at the way he said that. “Of course I remember. How can I forget about what happened with my sandals that time?”

“Yeah, and I had to treat you like a princess, cause you were such a crybaby.”

“Oi, that's not fair! I thanked you afterward, didn't I?” Ena growled at her brother, really regretting bringing this up at all. 

“Did you?”

“Yes, you asshole! I still remember how I put on my sneakers and went to see the concert with you.” Ena argued as she put her hands on her hips. 

The two had kept bickering until Airi called out to them about playing ring toss. In a flash, the two siblings stopped their discussion and everyone was already paired up. Even Mafuyu, who was now Shizuku’s partner for the competition. 

No fair, when did she agree to that!?

“Heheh, I guess you two will be a pair, cuz I volunteered to be ref.” Airi said with a toothy grin. 

“We’re going to get served…” Akito groaned. “Might as well just not do it at all.” 

“Nah, let's do it!” Ena protested as her competitive side came out. “If we can beat the Kyūdō Duo, we’ll be legends!” 

“...I was talking about Toya…” Akito hung his head as Ena pushed him forward. 

“Okay, him too, but c’mon, let's have fun!”

“Ohh, I like this side of Ena! Yeah Otouto-kun, chill dude, let's just enjoy this while it lasts!” Mizuki giggled and poked Akito’s cheek. 

“I agree…” Mafuyu said as Shizuku nodded next to her, followed by Toya's insistence and desire for more prizes. 

Ena cackled, as Akito was outnumbered. Even Airi joined in to get him to play, which took a while, but it worked, and the ring toss competition was as chaotic as she had imagined. Mafuyu and Shizuku won the most things, and both gave their prizes to either Airi, herself or Mizuki. Mizuki and Toya were the second best with Toya’s gaming skills. That left her and Akito at the bottom, well she tried her best, and she still got a lot of plushies due to Mafuyu’s insistence. It was overall fun. 

Now, though it was time to go, Akito walked up to her and Mafuyu, who were waving goodbye to Mizuki, who left with Toya. Ena noticed her brother was staring at Mafuyu with understanding eyes before taking a head start, leaving them alone for this very last moment.  

“That…was fun.” Mafuyu said all of a sudden as a small smile formed on her lips. 

Just like when they were alone before…

“I’m glad, I was able to get you to stay... We better catch up with him though, or he’ll leave us.” 

Mafuyu didn’t say a word and instead took Ena’s hand as the two followed Akito up the steps towards Shibuya Station. Ena couldn’t believe how well this all went by the end of the night. It was a real miracle she had found Mizuki’s keychain at the lost and found. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have found her brother’s sneakers, gotten Mafuyu to stay the night, or have one of the best outings she had in ages. 

Maybe, things were looking up…?

Chapter Text

Ena was happy she had convinced Mafuyu to go to this cute ice cream parlor near the station. They were waiting for Mizuki and Kanade, but Ena was craving something sweet under the sweltering sun. So, with a bit of flirting , she was able to wrap Mafuyu around her finger and make her comply. This power over the girl was addicting, but also something she knew she had to be careful with. She didn’t want to be like her awful mother, after all. 

“Any luck on the taste?” she asked with a tilt of her head, as Mafuyu had gotten a mint chocolate chip scoop. 

“...It's strange,” Mafuyu shrugged as she put her spoon down. “I don’t like it.” 

“Huh? That’s still progress, so you don’t like mint flavored stuff?” Ena coaxed, as Mafuyu stuck out her tongue after another try. 

Too cute, way too cute! 

“Yes, I don’t like it…” 

“Good, that means you’re close to my taste buds after all~” 

“...hmm.” Mafuyu hummed as Ena waited for her reply. “No, I just don’t like the texture. The food you prefer is still too filling for my liking.” 

“Oi!” Ena pouted, but her phone’s notification rang to inform her that Mizuki and Kanade had arrived at the station. “Ah, it’s time to go...” She sighed and got up as Mafuyu followed, noticing how tired the other girl looked today. “Are you sure you want to go shopping?” 

“Yes, I want to keep trying new things. Okaa-san knows we are friends, and is allowing me to do this sort of stuff…as long as I keep up with my studies.” Mafuyu explained, as she touched her heart in a manner that made Ena’s own ache. “At least, that’s what I believe…”

“Right, okay, let's all have fun then, this will be good for Kanade too!” 

Mafuyu nodded as the two began their stroll to the station. On their way, the lyricist had passed over her ice cream to Ena, who also didn’t like minty things but didn’t want to waste it.

“You don’t like it either?” Mafuyu asked and leaned in. 

“As long as it’s not carrots, it’s fine…” Ena sighed before taking a bite, realizing a little too late that she just used the same spoon as Mafuyu. 

That was an indirect kiss!

“Bleh, minty…” 

“You don’t have to eat it if you don’t want to.” Mafuyu shrugged as Ena narrowed her eyes on the girl. 

“You’re the one who bought it, I’m just against wasting food.”

Mafuyu took the cup from the artist and then turned towards the trash can, throwing it in as Ena gasped at such wastefulness.

“Why would you do that!?” 

“Neither of us like it. This was easier.” Mafuyu tilted her head before taking out her phone. “We need to hurry or Mizuki will think weird things about us…” 

“Not completely wrong about that…” Ena agreed as she let Mafuyu take her hand and pull her towards the direction of the station. 

She liked it when Mafuyu was more assertive. It was a nice side that made Ena feel safe whenever they’re alone. Just like what happened a week ago at the festival. That moment still haunted Ena’s dreams as she remembered the girl's breath on her lips, the sensation her touch did when the heat rolled off their bodies. It was like Mafuyu wanted to do something on her own accord…Until Mizuki had to call for them.

What did she mean by different, that she wanted to...?

Ena sighed at the thought as Mafuyu tugged her hand to get her to pay attention. Mafuyu was already way past that moment but, Ena wondered if she was just trying to hide it by busying herself? It wasn’t that far-fetched, considering how the girl acted when they were at Ena’s after the festival. 

Yes, they cuddled and shared a bed, but Mafuyu also rubbed her back, pressed her lips against her hair, and even apparently watched her sleep. Well, that’s what Ena thought when she opened her eyes in the morning to see Mafuyu looking at her with such a gentle gaze underneath her reading glasses. Her finger lazily twirled one of Ena’s stray locks as her lips curled into a soft half-smile. A new smile that held a delicate form of adoration, only for the artist, and no one else. 

Their relationship after that had gotten much more intimate, and Ena was on cloud nine because of it. The two had grown closer, and despite the lies they had to overcome at times, whenever Mafuyu would need to get home, Ena was glad to help her out, even if she would have to confront her father eventually about the tickets for his next opening. It was a sacrifice she’d be willing to take if that meant Mafuyu could keep hanging out with her and Niigo more. 

“Ah, there they are!” Mizuki called out and waved at them next to Kanade. “I thought for sure you'd be ditching us for your own adventure, hehehe!”

“Please, Mafuyu may be good company, but going shopping with just her would be a nightmare.” Ena rolled her eyes before placing her hands on her hips. 

“Why Ena, I thought you’d love to dress her up in a beautiful dress for selfies or maybe something more se—” 

“MIZUKI!” 

Kanade chuckled at their antics, as she was given a water bottle from Mafuyu. “Ehh?”

“We’re going to be walking all day, Kanade, please don’t forget to drink water.” Mafuyu told her in an emotionless tone before giving another bottle to Ena. “You too.”

“Haah?! I don’t need that, I’ve gone on shopping trips with Mizuki plenty of times.” Ena protested with a slight blush on her cheeks. 

“That also always ends up with us buying something to drink…this is actually way more pragmatic.” Mizuki countered as Mafuyu also gave them a water bottle. 

“It’s the hottest day of the week as well, I just don’t want any of you to suffer from heatstroke…” Mafuyu murmured, which made all members of Niigo gush at her thoughtfulness. “It’s just common sense…” Mafuyu blinked at the group’s odd reaction. 

“Nah, you really care about us!” Mizuki teased as Mafuyu looked away bashfully. 

“Ohh, she’s blushing.” Ena smirked before Mafuyu glared at her with pouty lips. “Okay, okay, we’ll stop.”

“Aww no fun!” Mizuki said with a pout as Mafuyu's face turned a little scary all of a sudden. 

“I could take away your water, Mizuki, and let you suffer the heat…” 

“OKAY!” Mizuki panicked a little. “I’ll stop!” 

Ena blinked and stared at Mafuyu. “You have got to teach me how to do that…”

“Do what?” 

“Nevermind…” Ena sighed as the group began walking past the station double doors. 

Mizuki led them all to the mall as the group went up the escalator to one of the stores called Eclair . This particular brand was known for its cute style and dark aesthetics, as well as some elegance to its outfits. Basically, Mizuki liked the foreign flair the store brought to the typical Japanese culture, since it originated from France. 

“They’re going straight to the corsets…” Mafuyu pointed out as Mizuki did just that, making Ena sigh at their boldness. 

“Lets just pray none of us will be their dress up do—”

“Ne, Mafuyu, can you try this on? Also, these pants and jacket?” Mizuki bounced over to the other taller girl, making Mafuyu stare at them. “Don’t look at me like that! It’ll look good!”

“Mizuki, how do I even put this on…” she questioned and stared at the corset’s backside. 

“Enanan will help you!” 

“Haah!?” W-Why me?!” Ena blanched, confused and embarrassed at being called out like this. 

“Ehh, didn’t you once tell me you also have a great fashion sense? Surely you know how to get a corset on, no?” Mizuki teased with a slight edge to their voice. 

“O-Of course I do, I jus—Ohh fine. Come with me Mafuyu!” Ena said in defeat before grabbing Mafuyu’s wrist, guiding her to one of the empty dressing rooms. 

“Ah and Ena, no funny business in there~” 

“MIZUKI!” Ena warned them before shutting the room behind her hard. 

It was quiet inside the cramped dressing stall as Ena turned to face Mafuyu, who was already unbuttoning her blue blouse. Ena froze as she caught glimpses of the girl’s washboard stomach and toned shoulders when the fabric was parted and slid down to the floor. The crumpled heap, now mocking Ena as she let her eyes wander up, until facing Mafuyu’s plain white bra. 

“Hmm, we might have to get you a new one too…” she muttered out loud, only to blush scarlet when Mafuyu noticed where Ena was staring. “I MEANT A BRA!” she corrected herself louder than necessary.

“You want to buy Mafuyu a new bra?” Mizuki’s voice repeated in front of the door. 

“No! I—Just shut up and let me do this!” 

“Okay! Okay!” Mizuki said before Ena could hear their heels turn. “C’mon Kanade, I saw a super cool jacket I think you’d like!” 

Ena let out a breath of relief when Mizuki’s voice faded into the background. She then returned her attention to Mafuyu, who was now pulling on the tight dark jeans Mizuki presented to her. The pants slid up Mafuyu’s legs and hips gracefully as Ena stood there with her mouth hanging before remembering what she was supposed to be doing. Her mind was in shambles as she tried to keep herself from pushing Mafuyu against the door and—--NOPE. 

Dammit! Shinonome, keep those dirty fantasies away!   

“Ena, are you okay?” Mafuyu asked as she walked closer to the artist, who was trying to control herself. 

“I’m fine, just turn around, and let me get this on you.” She told her. 

Mafuyu did as she was told while Ena swallowed before opening the corset and wrapping it around the lyricist’s body. She then instructed Mafuyu to snap the front together as she lined the back of the French product before pulling on its strings. Ena noticed Mafuyu’s breath laboring as soon as she tugged hard enough to shape Mafuyu’s waist and back. Mafuyu pressed her palms on the mirror as Ena finished tightening the corset. Once she was done, the artist took the black jacket off the hanger, draping it over Mafuyu’s bare shoulders. 

“Okay, turn around.” She said again, as Mafuyu did just that, before pulling her hair out of its pony. 

“What is it?”

“You… Mizuki was right.” Ena gasped and turned her gaze away from the other girl. “It looks great on you.” 

“Just great?” Mafuyu tilted her head and took a step closer to Ena before she was pinned against the door. 

“M-Mafuyu.”

“Can’t you just tell me your honest thoughts?” she asked, grabbing Ena’s chin. 

“Huh? What else do you want me to say? That you look cool, sexy, wild or whatever Americans are saying these days.” 

“...You think I look enticing?” Mafuyu said with a slight blush on her face before turning around to look at herself. “Then I’ll buy it.” 

“HAAAAAAH!?” 

“Ena, you’re being too loud.” Mafuyu said, taking off the jacket. 

“I just don’t get it. Why does it matter what I think?” Ena whispered as Mafuyu lifted her hair to give Ena a better view of the corsets strings. 

“It matters because you are my friend, and I want you to like what I’m wearing…” Mafuyu replied as Ena loosened the corset enough for her to get out. 

“Ohh…”

Just then, footsteps came near the dressing room and both Mizuki and Kanade’s voices came through, interrupting the important conversation Mafuyu and she were having. 

“Ne, Mafuyu, can we see what it looks like?” Mizuki pleaded. 

“No, I’m buying it.” 

“You are?” Kanade said in surprise. 

“Yes, Ena liked it. That’s enough to buy it.” 

“W-Wait hold on!” Ena tried to stop this from going somewhere weird. “Maybe you should show them?”

“Then will you help me get the corset back on?” 

“Okay, you heard her. My opinion was enough!” Ena shouted as she tried to not think about Mafuyu wearing that corset again. 

“So cold! Ena is so lucky!” Mizuki complained. 

“It’s okay, Mizuki, we can look for something else for Mafuyu.” Kanade assured them, as Ena could hear the gears shift in the pink-haired menace’s mind. 

“Yay! I found a really cute dress too, hold on Mafuyu!” 

“Huh?” Ena blanked before realizing she was stuck in here with Mafuyu until Mizuki came back with the new outfit. “Oi, wait, let me come.” 

“Nope, someone needs to be with Mafuyu, bye~” 

Ena was about to protest again, but then thought about how it would cause a scene. In the end, she just let Mizuki do their thing as she crossed her arms and let out a tired sigh. Mafuyu next to her had chosen to remain only in her underwear and bra as she waited for the next outfit Mizuki was picking out. A chill went by both of them as Ena recalled the high air conditioning the mall provided. However, what she wasn’t ready for was Mafuyu to pull her close and then use her as some sort of portable space heater. 

“M-Mafuyu? What are you doing?” She asked, with her back now against Mafuyu’s chest. 

“Cold…” Was Mafuyu’s reply as her arms tighten their hold around Ena’s midsection. 

“Then put on your clothes?” 

“What’s the point of doing that, if I have to change again…?” Mafuyu questioned, which wasn’t something Ena thought she would agree with. 

Seriously? What would be the point?

“I guess you’re right…” 

“Hmm…” 

The two stayed like that for a while before Mizuki came by and draped the new clothes over the stall door, telling Ena they found the second dress in her size. Ena, curious about what Mizuki had meant, took the strapless dress off the door and unfolded it to get a better look. She noticed the flowers decorated on the side, as well as the fringe and ruffles at the bottom of the hem. It was totally something she’d wear to an exhibition, if she wanted to support her father. 

“They really do have impeccable taste…gah, pisses me off to admit that.” She muttered a little before hanging up the black dress and unclip her ruffled white skirt.

Ena then unzipped the side, letting her skirt fall to the ground before reaching up for the bottom of her trendy green tank top. Easily, the artist pulled it over her shoulder in haste as her hair fell back in somewhat place. Well, except for her braid, which instead landed in front of her eyes. 

“Ena…” Mafuyu said in her quiet voice, reaching over before brushing it back behind her ear. 

“Thanks.” Was Ena’s reply as her face became redder after the gentleness Mafuyu displayed with her hair. 

“Do you need help getting into that dress?” 

“Hah? No, of course not. I can do it myself, y'know?” Ena rolled her eyes and went to grab the outfit, only for Mafuyu to snatch it first. 

“I want to help you…like you did earlier.” Mafuyu said, like a persistent boyfriend. 

Woah, where did that come from?

“Y’know what? You do have a point there.” Ena begrudged before placing her hands on her hips. “Just don’t rip it. This looks expensive.”

Mafuyu remained quiet as she motioned Ena to grab her shoulders, her bare shoulders. Ena swallowed as Mafuyu unzipped the back of the dress before bending a little for Ena to put her feet through the seam. After getting one foot in, Ena almost tripped as her nails dug into Mafuyu’s shoulder, preventing the fall, but making Mafuyu grit her teeth at the sudden pain they inflicted. 

“S-sorry!” Ena apologized as she relinquished her grip on Mafuyu’s skin. 

“It’s fine, now the other leg.” 

Ena nodded and put her left leg through the hole before Mafuyu helped pull the material up over her body. The fabric hugged her in all the right places as Ena turned around to face the mirror. The zipper was near her waist as she tried to reach behind for it, only for Mafuyu to take a hold of it instead. 

“I got it Ena…trust me.” 

The artist didn’t resist when she heard those words as Mafuyu slowly pulled the zipper upward. Ena was at first hoping that she hadn’t gained weight and that the clothing would fit her in the end. Her heart sped up at the thought as Mafuyu soon placed a right hand on her abdomen, pressing it inward so that the zipper could smoothly get past Ena’s flanks before moving up towards her shoulder blades. 

“Done…” Mafuyu said against her bare neck, making Ena's heart skip a beat as her breathing hitched a little. 

“Do you want me to turn around?” Ena asked, feeling Mafuyu’s nod brush upon her skin. 

Ena turned around to face Mafuyu as the lyricist's eyes widened a little before tracing Ena’s entire body with them. Up and down they went, drawing Ena, studying her as they analyzed and memorized every single detail. Mafuyu appeared speechless for the most part until those indigo depths met Ena’s warm brown, again. 

“You look beautiful…” 

“Hah? Y-You must be kidding me, right?” Ena narrowed her eyes as she tried not to let Mafuyu’s words affect her so much. Even if her heart raced at the compliment. 

“No.” Mafuyu told her as she leaned in to press their foreheads together. “I really like how it looks on you…however, my sense of fashion isn’t the best to go by. Let’s see what the others think?” 

“R-Right! Obviously… Mizuki needs to see this and Kanade… I want to know what she thinks.” 

“Yeah…” Mafuyu shrugged as she pulled on her regular clothes, making Ena frown. 

“Huh, you’re not gonna put on the other dress?” 

“I want to see what the others will think of the one you’re wearing first…” 

“Heeeh? Are you nervous about what they’ll say? That I’m too sexy in this or–”

“Yes.” 

Ena swallowed hard at the bold admission before letting out a giggle. “You’re becoming too predictable, Mafuyu.” 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Mafuyu questioned with a cute tilt of her head. 

“Nothing, c’mon, let's show Mizuki and Kanade how I look.” 

Mafuyu followed her out the stall and into the changing room, before Mizuki called them to the mirrors next to Kanade. Ena spun around for the two as Mizuki clapped at the little show. Kanade also had a smile on her face before walking forward to give Ena a choker to put on. 

“Erm, can you help me, Kanade?” She asked, turning around to show her neck. 

“Oh, yeah.” 

Ena watched Mafuyu ahead of her as Kanade clipped the black choker around her. Mizuki was still looking over her with careful eyes as they held their chin in thought. Their lips were pursed as they walked away for a second before coming back seconds later with a clip, with a black rose on top. 

“Trust me, this will make you even more captivating.” They assured her as they slipped the hair accessory through her hair. 

“We’ll see about that,” Ena scoffed and rolled her eyes before seeing Mafuyu staring at the flower. 

Okay, maybe they do have a point…

Mizuki took that moment to bend down and check her hem, pulling out bobby pins to use as markers where the dress needed work. Ena blushed in embarrassment when Mizuki pushed some of it higher near her thighs, the determination in their eyes intense. However, not as intense as Mafuyu’s, who was watching Mizuki like a hawk.

“Mafuyu…” Kanade said, which made those steely eyes move from where they were on Ena’s thighs. 

“Mizuki, are you done?” 

“I can feel your gaze on the back of my throat, Mafuyu, y’know? But yeah, I’m almost done.” Mizuki told her as if they were preparing to be shot if they made one bad move. 

“Then what’s taking you so long?” Ena frowned, her own patience waning. 

“Do you want to seduce people, or do you want to trip over your feet?” Mizuki rolled their eyes as Ena huffed before Mizuki was done fitting her. 

“Ohh, it does look better short.” Kanade nodded with approval before looking at Mafuyu. “Don’t you think, Mafuyu?”

Mafuyu nodded her head before looking down towards Ena’s exposed thighs. There was an unreadable look on her face as Ena put her hands in front to block Mafuyu’s view. Just the way she was staring made Ena hot and bothered. The effect Mafuyu had on her thoughts were becoming more heated each day, with no break in sight. 

“Revealing…” 

“Huh!? That’s all you got!?” Ena gasped, enraged. 

Mafuyu nodded before grabbing Ena’s hand and taking her back into the changing stall. Once they were inside, Mafuyu pinned the artist against the mirror before sinking to her knees to take out the bobby pins Mizuki used earlier. Ena's eyes widened as she moved her hands down to grip Mafuyu’s hair, pulling it hard to get the girl’s attention. A small gasp was heard as Mafuyu looked up at Ena with a teary gaze. 

That’s freaking hot! Wait, no, this was not appropriate.

“Mafuyu, get up!” She hissed as the girl gave her a blank stare. “What the hell are you doing?”

“Fixing the dress so that the store won’t get upset…” 

Ena wanted to die as she released Mafuyu’s hair and placed her hands on either side of herself. She was blushing hard, as her mind had thought Mafuyu wanted to do something else. Dammit, this was getting way too dangerous for the artist as she tried to take deep breaths when Mafuyu rose back up to dust off her pants. 

“Y’know, you could have warned me…” Ena panted as she turned around to let Mafuyu unfasten and unzip the dress.

“You would’ve protested.” Was the lyricist’s response as Ena watched her using the mirror’s reflection. 

“I see…” 

When it came undone, Ena leaned into the touch as Mafuyu undid the choker around her neck, brushing off Ena's hair with her fingertips. Ena let out a sigh as she rolled her head to the side, giving Mafuyu more access to skin as the tight dress pooled to the floor. 

The two stood like that for a while before Ena made a sharp turn, pushing Mafuyu to the side wall before wrapping her arms around the taller girl’s midsection. Ena buried her head into Mafuyu’s shoulder as another sigh escaped her lips. Her nose sniffed Mafuyu’s apple scent as her excitement subsided when the lyricist’s arms encircled around her bare waist, where her pink laced panties were located. 

“Ena…” 

“Shh, just let me rest a little…” Ena whispered as her heartbeat thumped steadily against Mafuyu’s chest. 

“Okay.” 

It was a peaceful feeling as Ena closed her eyes and took another deep breath in tandem with Mafuyu’s beating heart. She just needed this time to breathe and relax. 

“You’re warm, Mafuyu…a little cold, but still really warm.” 

“I am?” Mafuyu echoed as her voice shook a little. 

“Mhmm, I just want you to sometimes wrap me up and never let go.” Ena said without thinking. 

“I see…” 

“OI, YOU TWO, get out of there already!” Mizuki banged on the door. “Kanade needs to try on the dress I found for her, and all the other stalls are taken.”

“Huh? I’m still getting dressed!” 

“EEEEH! I gave you five minutes to do that, Ena, was that dress really hard to get out of!?” Mizuki gawked from behind the door.

“Of course not! It’s just—nevermind.”

Mizuki took a moment before a sound came from Ena’s phone, which was in the purse near Mafuyu. 

“Moe! Okay, okay!” Ena whined as she pulled away from Mafuyu and got dressed as fast as she could.

Ping, ping… ping ping!

“We’re getting out!” She growled as she opened the door with the clothes they’d wanted to buy in Mafuyu’s arms. 

“Enjoy the reading~!” Mizuki chimed before shoving Kanade inside the stall.

Ena was beside herself as the group walked towards the Shibuya Scramble Crossroads. The rest of their trip consisted of getting Mafuyu a new bra, Kanade trying on the cutest dresses and Mizuki teasing her nonstop. In other words, Ena was exhausted as she walked with two shopping bags on each of her shoulders. She had one more thing she wanted to do today, which she hoped could help Mafuyu with her animal problem.

Hedgehogs are cute, and she totally has a soft spot for those and bunnies!

Truth was, she didn’t know if that was true or not, but Ena did remember how Mafuyu looked at that hedgehog plushie at the summer festival. The memory was one of the most precious to Ena as well as the moment with the fireflies. 

“Hehehe, you’re smiling! Whatcha thinkin’ about Ena~” Mizuki teased as Ena tried to cover her mouth to hide the evidence. 

“I was not!” 

“Was too!”

“Argh, just shut up!” Ena complained as Mizuki's smirk grew wider. 

“Ena are you alright?” Kanade asked when she noticed the two bickering. 

“I’m fine, I’m just excited about where we’re going next!” Ena said to cover her earlier irritation. “I’m sure you’ll all enjoy it, even Mafuyu.”

“Hm?” Mafuyu looked up when she heard her name.

Mizuki appeared skeptical of Ena's confidence, their eyes doubtful at the mere thought of an idea from the artist not backfiring. Ena however, wasn’t gonna let that get to her as she did remind them that the summer festival had been her idea and that it was a success. 

“Okay, let’s see what this surprise is, I’m sure it won’t cost too much money.” Mizuki shrugged as Kanade nodded with a little more enthusiasm. 

“I’m sure it’ll be great! I trust Ena and her ideas.” 

“How cruel, Kanade, I’m right here!” Mizuki whined dramatically. 

“Noisy…” Mafuyu sighed as Ena rolled her eyes at the others’ playfulness. 

“It’ll be fun, you like animals, Mizuki, so I know you’ll definitely like it!” Ena said with a little smugness.

“Ohh, we're going to a pet cafe!?” Mizuki perked up as they looked around the area. “Wait, there ain’t any cat cafes here though, Ena.” 

“Who said it’s a cat cafe?” Ena huffed as she pointed to the sign of the place they’re going into.

“Chikuchiku?” Mafuyu read before blinking a little. “You want us to see animals that can prick us?” 

“Huh? No, well kinda, it’s a hedgehog cafe!” Ena explained, which made Mizuki jump in joy as Kanade seemed a little nervous. 

“Ne, Kanade you okay?” Mizuki asked with a look of concern.

“I haven’t been near animals since I was in junior high… I just hope they’re friendly.” Kanade sighed as Ena leaned forward and took her hand.

“Don’t worry Kanade, I'll protect you, besides they’re not that big. Hedgehogs are little guys Y’know?” 

“Yes, hedgehogs are small, rounded, brown mammals with yellow-tipped spines and a fur-covered face. They are known for their prickly spines, which they have everywhere except on their face, legs, and bellies. These spines are a unique defense mechanism. Hedgehogs are also carnivores that live in a variety of climates and terrains in East, West, and Central Africa.” 

Ena, Mizuki and Kanade turned their heads to Mafuyu who finished informing them about hedgehogs. The girl wasn’t even on her phone as she stood there with a blank face. Mizuki was the first to break out of the trance as they used their phone to look up what Mafuyu said. Apparently, everything she had told them about hedgehogs was accurate. 

“Mafuyu, do you like hedgehogs?” Kanade asked, tilting her head slightly towards the girl. 

“I don’t know?” Mafuyu said softly as her eyes remained neutral. 

“Well, do you want to find out together?” Kanade smiled and went to open the door to the cafe. “Ena had made a reservation for us.” 

“Hah, yeah, I did! It wasn’t that crowded today, but I still had to wait on call.” 

“Then let’s go already!!” Mizuki encouraged the group before pushing Mafuyu forward and into the building. “The cute animals await us!”

It would have been so simple if that were the case, as Ena sat there across a table from a dollhouse cage designed to look like an art studio. The hedgehog they were assigned to even had a beret on as he sat on the miniature stool near an easel. 

This had to be a joke…

Was this cage the only one left that the place had? Why did faith or whatever always had to make Ena feel ridiculed for her choices in life? It pissed her off to no end as Mizuki picked the little guy up and got him to retract his spikes. Already, surrendering to the pink ball of energy and their gentle touch. 

“Aww, he’s you, Ena!” They cooed as Kanade extended one finger to pet the little creature. 

“He’s cute.” Was the composer’s reaction before turning to Mafuyu. “Do you want to pet him too?” 

“Yeah…” 

Mafuyu reached out but stopped when the spines of the hedgehog were starting to extend. Ena, next to the lyricist, sighed as she took the little guy from Mizuki, and placed him back on the table. She then grabbed Mafuyu’s wrist, guiding her hand to the hedgehog before lightly resting it a few inches away from his spikes. 

“Let him get familiar with you, don’t be so tense, Mafuyu.” Ena said before letting go to watch the girl stroke the hedgehog as gentle as possible.

“Spiney.” Mafuyu murmured as her lips curled into a small smile. “It’s different compared to bunnies.” 

“Bunnies are fluffy!” Mizuki chimed in, taking a seat next to Mafuyu. “This guy is a prickly critter, like his onee-chan Ena!”

“Oi, are you comparing me to a hedgehog?” Ena warned the pink-haired menace. 

“She is prickly like one, but also cute…” Mafuyu agreed when she turned to look at the artist. “The only difference is you’re soft to touch.” 

“Is she?” Mizuki asked the lyricist in mirth. 

“Yes…” 

Ena’s face turned so red she had to pull back from the table to cool down. After a quick decision, she walked out toward the vending machines to get the pudding she was eyeing the moment she had gotten inside the cafe. Kanade, though, followed her as the composer almost scared Ena to death when she heard those quiet footsteps nearby.

“Hah!? Kanade, what are you doing here?” She gasped before taking another deep breath. 

“You just left the room, so I was worried…” Kanade said in that wispy voice of hers.

“Ah…” 

“Mafuyu smiled, did you notice?” Kanade asked as she tried to seem less excited as she was.

“Huh? Yeah, of course I did, I've seen her smile since junior high…they’re rare though.” Ena said as she closed her eyes, remembering the first time Mafuyu had ever genuinely smiled at her. 

Because of her…

“She should smile more, right?” Kanade continued with a sigh. 

“She should, but Mafuyu doesn’t know when she does it, not completely…when you see one though, it means you did something right.” 

“I figured out what Mafuyu needed, y’know?”

“What’s that?” Ena questioned as she bent down to get her pudding from the vending machine. 

“Love.” Kanade said in the softest tone Ena ever heard from her. “She needs unconditional love, and I want to give it to her…but, I don’t know how. Not like you…” 

Ena froze when Kanade said that as she pulled the treat from the slot before standing back up. What did Kanade mean by that? Of course, she could give Mafuyu unconditional love and support. All of them can, which Ena felt she needed to express. 

“Kanade, of course you can. It’s easy to love, to share warmth and affection. Even Mafuyu can produce that…you shouldn’t think that way about yourself.” 

“But it’s true, you somehow manage to always calm her down, just by touching her hand or giving her a hug?” Kanade whispered and clenched her fists. 

“Believe it or not, I was the one who actually needed time to get used to Mafuyu’s clinginess.” Ena hummed as she opened her pudding before finding a spoon at the utensil table. 

“Really?” 

Ena nodded her head as she recalled how prickly she was when Mafuyu had first hugged her. It was a strange experience, but also nice. Mafuyu was cold, but she was also warm, which Ena couldn’t resist back then, as she laid on her back and played games to pass the time. Sure, her legs would fall asleep, but it was a pleasant buzz she got used to over the time she shared with the lyricist. 

“It was the first time someone hugged me in months. I was like that hedgehog, with all my defenses up. The way she stroked my hair was when I soon relented.” Ena smiled at the memory as Kanade looked at her with wonder before leaning in to give Ena a half-hug. 

The artist froze as her senses heightened, and heart raced. Kanade was also a super pretty girl, but unlike Mafuyu, she had softer features and a weaker hold. She wouldn’t crawl on top of Ena seeking all the warmth she could get. Instead, Kanade was lukewarm, with a little chill that made Ena feel sleepy as she let out a little yawn. 

“We should get back to the other two…” Kanade whispered. 

“Yeah…” 

Just as the two were about to get up from the bench they were sitting on, a cry was heard from the other room. It sounded like a girl as Mizuki’s voice soon came afterward in panic.

“Mafuyu!?” Ena cried as she dropped her pudding to the floor, forgotten, before rushing to the door that would lead her back into the room with the animals. 

“Ena, wait!” Kanade called from behind as the artist took a deep breath when she felt the girl’s arms around her biceps. 

The two girls stared at each other before Ena pushed the door open, only to see Mizuki holding their head as Mafuyu held her finger on the ground near a medic. There were no tears in her eyes, but the little sadness in them made Ena’s heart break. 

“I-I didn’t think, we just wanted to get a selfie with its face and it just jumped up and bit her!?” Mizuki rambled as they tried to calm down. 

“It’s okay, kid, it’s just a little bleeding.” The medic told them as Ena and Kanade ran over to where they all were. 

“Mizuki, what happened?” Kanade asked them as Ena kneeled to look over Mafuyu. 

As soon as she got close enough, Mafuyu threw herself onto Ena which made the artist fall back on her butt. Her arms then wrapped themselves around Mafuyu’s back as the other just held her tight. Afraid that if she let go, Ena would disappear somehow. 

“Ne, it’s okay, I was just hungry.” Ena said near Mafuyu’s ear. 

“I don’t like it when you’re gone…” Mafuyu whispered, making Ena frown a little as she rubbed Mafuyu’s back to soothe her. 

“Sorry, I should have said something, Mizuki was annoying me with the hedgehog…” 

Kanade took that moment to crouch down beside Mafuyu and hug her other side. Ena noticed that Mafuyu leaned into her touch as well, which also caused a surge of anger to hit the pit of her stomach. Great, her jealousy was starting to act up, Kanade was allowed to hug Mafuyu too, she was her friend as well.

“Mafuyu, I really am sorry…” Mizuki said and placed their hand on Mafuyu’s head, making the girl look up at her in wonder. 

“It wasn’t your fault… I wanted the picture, too.”  

Mizuki smiled a little as Mafuyu took their hand and squeezed it tight. Ena felt even more enraged, as she didn’t like that both Mizuki and Kanade were being intimate with Mafuyu. 

Guess this envy thing goes both ways…?

“Hm, why don’t we take a pic with all of us together?” She suggested, taking out her smartphone as Mizuki bent down to get a better angle. 

“Yeah, good idea, Ena!” They said and pulled Mafuyu to them with Kanade on her right side. 

Ena noticed that the only spot for her was the space in front of Mafuyu as she got up and gave her phone to the medic with a request for him to take the picture. Once he agreed, she picked up the hedgehog with care and sat between Mafuyu’s legs with the little guy, front and center. 

“Erm, say cheese?” The medic asked, holding the phone. 

It happened quick but also slow enough for Ena to catch everyone, even Mafuyu smiling a little. The moment was nice as she felt Mafuyu hold her tight around her waist, feeling much better as her jealousy faded into the background, for now. 

By the time the sun was starting to set, Ena remained fixated on how Mafuyu seemed more relaxed and quiet around Kanade and Mizuki. It wasn’t something she was used to seeing, as Mafuyu usually didn’t show her true feeling around anyone but Ena. So, the subtle jealously she was trying to hide, had been getting harder to control, especially when Kanade grabbed Mafuyu’s hand while walking out of the animal cafe. 

“Are you feeling better, Mafuyu?” Kanade asked, which annoyed Ena, because Mafuyu isn’t a baby, and she shouldn’t be treated as one.

“Yes, thank you for asking.” 

“Ne, don’t baby her, it was just a nibble.” Ena said in an obnoxious tone. 

“Ena, Mafuyu got jumped by the hedgehog, that can be kinda traumatizing…what's with you?” Mizuki asked as they noticed how sour Ena had been. 

“Nothing, you’re seeing things…” 

Mizuki’s eyes went back and forth between her, Kanade and Mafuyu as a sigh escaped their lips. “Great, I'm in the outskirts of a love triangle…” 

“Huh?” Kanade blinked.

“Love triangle…” Mafuyu repeated, just as confused. 

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT!” Ena exploded as Mizuki ran to hide behind Mafuyu. 

“Ahhh, Mafuyu, save me, Ena’s mad!”

“That’s your own fault…” Mafuyu murmured and stepped to the side so Mizuki could get hand-chopped. 

“Ow ouch!” Mizuki whined when Ena’s hand made contact…twice. 

“Serves you right with your stupid assumptions…love triangle, really?” 

“You looked like you wanted to burn Kanade alive, what was I supposed to think!?” Mizuki shot back, rubbing their head. 

“I’m not like that!” Ena shouted and walked further ahead. 

“Ehhh, like what? I was only joking, what the hell?” Mizuki tilted their head towards Mafuyu and Kanade, who were just as confused, before Mafuyu let go of Kanade’s hand and ran after the artist.

Ena was on the verge of another panic attack as she walked in haste, further away from the others. She could feel her breathing increase as her feet soon picked up more speed into a sprint, not aware that someone else was hot on her trail. That was until strong arms wrapped themselves around her waist, and her entire vision soon became blurred with colors before they faded to reveal a bleak, white…empty world. 

“Breathe…” Mafuyu’s voice soon found its way into her ears, as the two sank onto the floor of the SEKAI. 

“I-I can’t,” the artist shook her head, sobbing as she tried to pull free from Mafuyu. “Let go! I don't want you to see me like this!” 

“Ena?” 

“PLEASE!?” Ena begged as she hyperventilated. 

Mafuyu did let go, which led Ena to grip her heart, her breaths still shallow as she tried to control the tears in her eyes. She heard movement as she let herself look at Mafuyu, who was facing away from her. Ena then crawled over to the taller girl and hugged her from behind, her quiet sobs being the only thing either of them could hear at this very moment. 

No sound escaped Mafuyu as she moved her hands to touch Ena’s arms, which were wrapped around her abdomen. The artist leaned into Mafuyu’s warmth as her lips brushed across that sensitive nape, feeling a lot safer before closing her eyes and baring her teeth. Like with her favorite yellow plush pillow, Ena bit down into the soft flesh, nibbling on it a little, before licking it with the tip of her tongue. 

“Mmm,” Mafuyu grunted at the tenderness.

“Just stay still…” Ena pleaded as her heart decreased into a normal rhythm. 

Mafuyu remained quiet as Ena continued to bite and lick her, moving to another area as she made another mark, her nerves settling down as she continued to just use Mafuyu as a chew toy for a little while longer before finally letting go. Ena frowned at her work…they looked like hickeys . Well, technically they were, but she didn’t do it to give Mafuyu pleasure…wait. Ena then took notice of the flushed coloring upon Mafuyu’s ears as her own face became mortified at what she just did. 

Not again. Why does she do this?!

“Don’t run…” Mafuyu’s voice panted, turning her head a little. “Stop running away…it’s just me.” 

"But, But..." Ena stammered.

"It's okay." Mafuyu told her and pulled her into another hug, before biting down on Ena’s bare shoulder. “See, we both do it. Nothing is wrong with you.” She mumbled against her skin.

“R-Rig—ahhht, why did you do it again!?” 

“Two bites for each of us…” Mafuyu said, matter of faculty. 

“Well, I guess it was a good thing I chose to wear a tank-top again…but now I need to hide these.” Ena groaned as Mafuyu pulled away, only to unbutton her blouse, which made Ena almost faint when she saw the other’s biceps in full display.

“Here…” 

“WHAT ABOUT YOU!?” Ena shouted, before looking around to make sure none of the Vocaloids had popped up near them. 

“Hmm…?” 

Ena then let out a laugh, one of disbelief and pure adoration for the girl in front of her. She pulled the blouse close as she noticed that Mafuyu was only in her bra now. It made the artist blush before she saw the shopping bag beside Mafuyu. 

“That’s what you bought earlier…” 

“Yes, do you think I wasn’t prepared?” Mafuyu tilted her head before taking out the stylish jacket she bought and zipping it up to her collar. 

“Ha, now you look even more ridiculous!?” Ena snorted, laughing even harder as Mafuyu half-smiled at her reaction. 

“Doesn’t matter. I got you to laugh again.” 

Her soft tone startled Ena as she stared in awe at Mafuyu, who was totally oblivious to the smile she was showing off. It made Ena gulp and bring the collar of her new blouse closer as she wanted to hide her burning face at all costs. The two just sat there awkwardly, until another swarm of colors appeared revealing Mizuki and Kanade, with the latter holding Mizuki’s arm, who had their phone in hand. 

“Fuck, you guys worried us!” Mizuki said in a frantic tone as Kanade could only sigh in relief. 

“Thank goodness Mafuyu caught you, and you seem better…oh.”

“Y’know what, let’s just not ask okay, Kanade?” Mizuki told her, which made Ena even more thankful for the other person’s awareness finally kicking in. “I’m just happy you guys are okay and Ena, I’m super sorry for whatever I said. I was honestly just joking!” 

“Jokes can be hurtful…” Mafuyu glared at them, causing Ena to put her hand on the lyricist’s shoulder.

“What she said, next time…just take it easy on me, okay?” 

“Yeah…I’ll think next time before opening my big mouth.”

Ena sighed after hearing that and rolled her eyes. “I’m not asking you to not talk, just be more careful?”

“Right, I-I will!”

Mafuyu eyed Mizuki, sizing them up in the funniest way possible, as Ena had to keep herself from bursting out into laughter again. Mizuki was a little intimidated by her as they put their hands up in fear that Mafuyu would hand chop them like Ena would. 

“I’m glad you learned your lesson.” Mafuyu spoke up. 

“Yeah…of course!” Mizuki assured her with a big toothy grin, clearly still freaking out on the inside. 

“Mafuyu, is Ena okay? I wonder what made her runaway.” Kanade asked out loud, which made Ena blush at her reckless behavior. 

“She’s fine, just sensitive,” Mafuyu said nonchalantly as Ena rolled her eyes. 

“I’ll say…” Mizuki muttered, which made Ena huff in dissatisfaction. 

“Huh, we should probably get back to the real world. None of us are actually home, right?” She added before crossing her arms. 

“Ena’s right…” Mafuyu agreed. 

Those words then caused the artist to look up at Mafuyu, surprised once again. She wasn't expecting to be praised so easily by the other girl. It made her heart race, but not because she was panicking. This was a warm sensation for Ena as she looked away to hide her blushing face.

“Thanks…”

Mafuyu blinked at the gratitude but didn’t respond to it this time. She just reached out and took Ena’s hand before unpausing the song on her phone. 

As soon as Ena's eyes reopened, she and Mafuyu had materialized back in the real world. They were still holding hands and Ena tightened her grip on instinct, her head now leaning on Mafuyu's shoulder before Mizuki and Kanade approached them, their arms linked together.

“Okay, I think we should call it a day.” Mizuki suggested as Kanade nodded. “Oi, Kanade, do you want me to walk you home? You look pretty exhausted…”

“I was going to ask Mafuyu the same thing…but.” 

“Why don’t we all just drop Kanade off together and then the three of us will take the train?” Ena suggested with an exasperated sigh, too exhausted to really be annoyed at the situation. 

“Ohh, uh, I guess, if you guys don’t mind?” Kanade’s hands fidgeted at her proposal. Like she was trying to hide something from the group. 

“We don’t.” Mafuyu assured her as Mizuki nodded with genuine eagerness.

“We just want to!” Ena finished for all three of them as they all motioned Kanade to take the lead. 

The walk wasn’t as long as Ena thought it would be, Kanade’s home was actually pretty close by. It was no wonder she had visited her father as frequently as she did. No need to use a train like the rest of them, especially Mafuyu, since Mizuki or Airi would get off with Ena whenever they walked together home.

“Well, here we are!” Mizuki declared as they stood with the other two in front of a traditional Japanese house. 

Kanade bowed a little after that, appreciating the gesture from Mizuki. “Thank you, I’ll be on my way.” 

Ena watched as the small but beautiful composer turned around and ran to the doorway of her house. She was greeted by a tall redhead, as Ena had to tilt her head to get a better angle. 

“Mochizuki-san…” Mafuyu murmured beside her. 

“You know her?” Ena questioned. 

“Yes, she’s an underclassman with Tenma-san…”

“Ehh, I wonder why she’s there?” Mizuki blinked and grabbed their chin. “Ohh, could she be Kanade's partner!?” 

“Mizuki, don’t joke like that!” Ena scowled at them, crossing her arms.

“Like what?” Mizuki smirked before Mafuyu glared at them. “I’m just kidding! Maybe she works for Kanade’s family, like as a maid?” 

“…Maybe.” 

“See!” 

“Okay, can we quit gossiping? We need to catch our train.” Ena sighed, feeling a headache forming at the other two’s antics.

“You’re not taking the express this time?” Mafuyu asked, tilting her head.

“Yeah, got a problem with that?” Ena glanced over at her with a frown on her face. 

“No.” 

Mizuki was about to open their mouth to ask a question or, in Ena’s suspicion, to tease her, but then shook their head. They instead placed their hands behind their head and walked forward, a twinkle in their eyes the moment they leaned back with a smirk gracing their features. 

“Ah, I just remembered something. Why don’t you two take the train without me?” 

“Hah?! Why, where do you have to go? We can go together.” Ena said with a little disappointment in her voice. 

“Don’t worry! Don’t worry! I just need to get a specific thing at the fabric store.” They brushed off her concerns. “It’ll close soon, so yeah, just go ahead of me. Promise I’ll get home right after!” 

Mafuyu shook her head at that. “You can do it tomorrow, it’s getting late.” 

“Ehh? Not you too!? Ena really has rubbed off on you.”

“I guess…but that doesn’t matter.” Mafuyu shrugged before grabbing Mizuki’s arm, practically dragging them toward the train station, while they protested loud enough to make a scene. 

“Well, that’s one way to get them to cooperate…” Ena muttered to herself before running after the two. 

With luck on her side for once, Ena had a peaceful journey home as she waved goodbye to Mizuki when coming across a crossroads. She had a smile on her face as she walked the rest of the way home, entering the threshold of her house before slipping off her boots. 

“I’m home.” She called out to no one in particular.

“Ah, you’re home, finally.” Akito greeted her in the living room she had entered. “Kaa-san wouldn’t start dinner unless you were present.” 

“No welcome, seriously?” 

“Welcome back, can we eat now?” Akito answered sarcastically and with a little cheekiness. 

“You were out too! Don’t act all high and mighty, Akito.” Ena crossed her arms before noticing something in his hand. “Heh, is that a girl magazine you’re reading?”

“Huh? N-No!?” He said before Ena reached over him and took it. “Oi, give that back!” 

“Not a chan—” Ena smirked before realizing it was just a catalog…full of Airi merch. “Creep.” 

“SHUT UP! I’m allowed to like Idols!” He tried to defend himself, which made Ena gag. 

“She’s my best friend. I can find this creepy!” Ena huffed with disgust. 

“Do you seriously want to go there? When you’re the one who draws Asahina-san all the time in your sketchbook?”

“I’m an artist! She’s my muse, it's normal!” Ena blushed and dropped the Idol catalog. 

“I’m sorta an artist too then, cause Airi inspires me to not give up my dream.” 

“ Haah? I’m so over this, I’m going.” Ena rolled her eyes at her brother before retreating up the stairs to her room, embarrassed that Akito had pulled such a fast one on her. 

The moment she stepped into her room, Ena slammed the door behind her shut. Her mood ruined because Akito had to open his big mouth like that. His idolization of Airi and her feelings for Mafuyu were totally different. They weren’t the same at all… was what Ena wanted to believe as she took a seat in her swivel chair and pulled one leg up to think. 

“Unlike him, I’m not obsessed with Mafuyu. He’s crazy about Airi, and Rad Weekend.” She scoffed, remembering all the time little Akito would gush about the damn group every chance he got. 

That was before she grew distant from him…

She really had a lot of making up to do for the boy. Maybe one of these days she’ll take him to a concert, or let him meet Kanade. She could also go big sister mode, and try to set him up with Airi. 

“No, over my dead body, I’ll let myself do that…” She muttered before another person popped in her mind. “Mizuki, on the other hand…oh no, poor Akito hehehe~” 

Ping!

Ena jumped at the sound in her purse on her desk before pulling out her smartphone inside. She noticed the messages from Mizuki and Mafuyu, but also a notification of a comment on her Instagram. Like clockwork, Ena opened her page and smiled at the amount of likes the photo with the hedgehog had gotten. Way more than any cat picture today, for sure. At least, that’s what she hoped. 

She must defeat all the cat accounts!

Ring, Ring, Ring!

“Who’s calling me…” Ena frowned at the interruption of her ego trip before reading the contact. “Mafuyu…why is she just calling me? The last time she did that was…”

Ring, Ring, Ring!

“Hah, alright, alright!” She whined and answered it, putting the annoying girl on speaker. “Hi, why are you calling me? Is everything okay?” 

“Yes, I just…” 

“Out with it, Mafuyu.” Ena said with a tired voice. 

“...I want to cuddle… I don't want to be alone right now… Otou-san is home.” Mafuyu replied in a pretty quiet voice. Like she was lost or something. 

“Oh, I see.” Ena grabbed her phone and opened the shared file. “Go to SEKAI. I'll meet you there.” 

“I want to cuddle in Ena’s room. SEKAI is too cold.” Mafuyu said quickly, before hanging up, leaving Ena before she could reply. 

“Shit…well here I come.” 

She pressed the familiar song all too well as she was transported back to SEKAI and in front of the circular stage. However, before she could say her greetings to the Vocaloids, Mafuyu hugged her from behind, now in her pajamas. Ena could feel the urgency as her index finger already clicked to un-pause the song, sending them right back to her room, with herself now on Mafuyu’s lap.

“Ne, what’s wrong?” she had to ask, wrapping one arm around Mafuyu’s neck to hold her head. 

“I don’t like how Okaa-san treats Otou-san… but I can’t do anything to help him.” 

It was the first time Ena heard Mafuyu speak about her dad like this. That man, from what Mafuyu told her, would be out on a business trip and neglecting the family most of the time. Just like Ena’s own father, who would hole himself up in that damn studio of his all week, if he had to. 

“Shh, I got you now…” Ena whispered and pressed her lips to Mafuyu’s neck, where her mark was now hidden by Mafuyu’s wavy and wet hair. 

“Can I bite you Enanan?”

“Haaah? You already did, though?” Ena pulled away, astonished by the sudden change of pace.

 “ I know, I just want something to chew on…please?” 

Ena blushed at the plea but obliged as she pulled off the borrowed blouse, which she still had to give back to Mafuyu, revealing her warm skin. The artist then turned around and pulled Mafuyu into a hug as the other girl’s teeth sank into her bare right shoulder, again. 

“Hyaaaa!” Ena moaned softly and gripped Mafuyu’s head tight, praying to all the gods that she had locked the door to her room. 

If Akito walked in on her like this, she would never hear the end. 

Mafuyu was nibbling on her skin like a dog starved from not getting enough food for dinner. Ena’s cheeks were burning red as her hips somehow rocked forward, in need of some type of friction. It felt way too good, this biting, as Mafuyu licked the mark and bit down again before moving to her collarbone to do the same thing, leaving Ena breathless. 

“E-Enough…” the artist begged, as her body felt like it was on fire. “I-I can’t take it anymore.” 

“Okay, thank you Ena.” Mafuyu whispered and released her hold on the girl, her lips now replaced with her head, which tickled Ena’s sensitive skin, producing goosebumps.

The two sat there in silence as Mafuyu took deep breaths to calm herself down. Ena also let her body relax as she nuzzled into the crook of Mafuyu’s neck. Her nails were no longer digging into the other’s scalp as she slipped them down and around Mafuyu’s shoulders like an anchor. 

“You smell nice.” Ena hummed as she drowned further into the scent and warmth Mafuyu still possessed. 

“I just took a shower. Okaa-san was too distracted with Otou-san to notice my clothes and I didn’t want her questioning what I was wearing.” Mafuyu confessed in a bored tone. “I didn't want her to make me return the clothes I bought.” 

“Figures, Mizuki’s taste is…risque sometimes.”

“Can I sleep over?” Mafuyu suddenly asked.

“It’s a school night?” Ena said, knowing where this was going. 

“I know, sorry for making you wake up early again, but…” 

“It's fine, I’m just now worried what Mizuki will say knowing them.” Ena sighed and then groaned at the things the editor would do when seeing them both in her room for the Niigo meeting.

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep them focused on the project.”

The seriousness in Mafuyu’s reply made Ena snort and giggle all at the same time. She knew Mafuyu wasn’t kidding, but hearing the girl say something so stupid, like keeping someone from teasing her was too cute. 

“You adorable creature…” she muttered after calming down, not even caring anymore of what she just said. “Just don’t scare them like earlier, okay?” 

“No, promises…”

“Oh, did you just go against me? Your best friend?” Ena grinned and lifted away from Mafuyu’s shoulder to look her in the eyes. 

“Perhaps,” Mafuyu gave her a little half-smile, which made Ena melt eternally. “You’re cute when annoyed.” 

“Hah, shut up!” Ena interjected, bringing her hands up to block Mafuyu’s face from looking at her. “Stupid, let go, I need to take a shower too!” 

Mafuyu obeyed Ena’s wishes as the arms around her waist loosened, letting her get up from the lyricist’s lap so that she could grab her pajamas and towel inside her closet. Ena then noticed Mafuyu watching her as she tried to keep her focus on picking her wardrobe. In the end, she had decided on a pink tank-top and a pair of comfy grey sleep shorts, while also concealing between them and her towel a fresh pair of underwear, for personal reasons. 

“I’m off, don’t touch anything while I’m gone.” She warned before shutting the door to the hallway. “Dammit, I hope she didn’t see that.” 

Chapter Text

What was supposed to be a normal meeting turned into a conversation about clothes and accessories. Ena had long forgotten about her tablet as Mizuki showed off the latest outfit they had made. Both were deeply engrossed in the design that they chose, as Mafuyu and Kanade were on mute doing the song portion of the group’s video project, which had been going on for a month and a half now. The new problem being Mafuyu, who was having trouble writing the lyrics that should match the warmth of Kanade’s composition. 

That sudden reminder made Ena stop talking as she realized how loud they were being, telling Mizuki they should be working. She then turned back to her tablet and looked at her latest sketch in deep thought. Just as Mafuyu had paused mid-writing and unmuted her mic to get the artist’s attention. 

“Enanan, why did I smile that first time?” She asked with confusion in her voice.

“Huh? It was—actually, I don’t know either?” Ena said, as she tried to explain. “It also made you hug me, after I uhh, comforted you.” 

“Hmm, what exactly did you say Enanan to make her smile like that? It must’ve been something similar to why Mafuyu smiled to Kanade’s song?” Mizuki joined in as Kanade was still focused on her synthesizer and music notes.

“I uh…” Ena began as a flashback came to mind.

***

“Listen here. I don’t know what’s wrong, but I hate that look on your face. It’s really dumb and makes me feel like a bad person for not saying anything.”

“I don’t understand…” Yuki tilted her head at the sudden declaration.

“I’m telling you, don’t be afraid to talk to me, or I don’t know, vent to me about your shitty life.” Ena blushed as she tried to appear nonchalant about the whole thing, which didn’t last long. Since Yuki always had to have the last word.

***

“It doesn’t matter…”

Mizuki frowned at the answer as they put their hand on their cheek. “Well, apparently it does to Yuki, so just spit it out Enanan. What did you do?” 

“She said something kind.” Mafuyu spoke out as her brows scrunched together, seemingly trying to remember. “It made my heart burst with warmth.” 

“I see,” Mizuki hummed with their eyes closed. “That doesn’t sound like words of comfort, more like…words of love.” 

“Oh, what do you know, huh!?” Ena snapped, which made her eyes widen afterward in shock at her own hostility. 

“Ahh, sorry, just thinking out loud…” Mizuki replied with a strained smile, which only made Ena feel worse. 

“N-No, that was me. Guess I’m just more tired than I thought.” Ena apologized or attempted to. “I just, what I said was, it’s just...” she trailed off, at a loss for words. 

Both Mafuyu and Mizuki were watching her with anticipation as Kanade had finally unmuted her microphone to speak about her progress. Just in time for Ena to mute her own as her anxiety reached its peak. 

She got up from her seat and walked over to her bed, taking deep breaths. It’s not like she was ashamed of what she did, but as she recalled the words she used. Ena realized it was at that moment, on that day, that she had grown feelings for the girl. The attraction had always been there, however, when Mafuyu had given her that first genuine smile. Her heart had also ignited with warmth. 

“I wanted to protect her, to make her feel safe and comfortable…” the artist muttered to herself as she remembered the warm hug Mafuyu gave her afterward. “That girl had so much love deep inside, I just wanted to pry it out and see the real Mafuyu.” 

Damn, she really was in love with her…

Ena closed her eyes at the thought, as memories of their times spent together came back in full throttle. Those tears, arguments, understandings, and of course, the cuddles, made Ena choke as her heart longed for Mafuyu to be happy all the time. Not just with her or now Niigo, but every day for the rest of her life. 

Seriously, what do my words and Kanade’s song have in common?

“I need to know!” She declared to herself as she got up from her bed and marched back to her desk, unmuting her mic all in one go. 

“Ah, welcome back.” Mizuki said as Kanade looked up with relief in her eyes. 

“Oh, I was just asking where you were. Mizuki said the bathroom, but I was still a little worried.” 

“Huh, I’m fine, but yeah I went to the bathroom, what did I miss?” Ena asked as she put on her ear plugs, since she couldn't find her headset in the mess that was also her desk. 

“We were speaking about the song when Yuki suddenly had to leave.” Mizuki clued her in with a sigh. 

“She said she had to go to bed to wake up for a university workshop her mother signed her up for recently.” Kanade added with a sad expression. 

“That woman…” Ena growled as she felt sick to her stomach. “She’s going to work her to death with all that studying.” 

“Still, it seems like she just wants Yuki to achieve her goal of becoming a doctor?” Mizuki insisted, as their words made Ena's anger only intensify. 

“Yeah, whatever.” 

“Erm, I was thinking…could we meet up in SEKAI tomorrow instead?” Kanade intervened as she noticed Ena’s foul mood. “I just finished readjusting the composition and Yuki liked it, so, will that be okay?” 

Ena could only nod at the request as Mizuki gave Kanade a verbal answer, which was filled with eagerness and excitement. The artist was too lost in her head to really listen, but she got the message. 

“Oi, Enanan, you in or what?” Mizuki questioned, staring at her. 

“Yeah, I’ll be there, we haven’t all been there at the same time in a while, it’ll make Miku and Rin happy.” She sighed as her mind was still elsewhere. 

“Great!” Kanade smiled softly before looking at Ena. “Could you inform Yuki, I didn’t get to before she left…” 

“Huh?! Why me?” 

“Do you really want the answer, Enanan?” Mizuki interjected as their eyes twinkled with mischief.

“…fine I’ll do it.” She reluctantly agreed, crossing her arms. 

Mizuki laughed at her submission as Kanade thanked her profusely. Ena then said her goodbyes to both members before taking her phone out of its charger and settling herself down in bed. She noticed as soon as she opened her screen that there were several new messages, all of them from Mafuyu. Now more worried about her friend, Ena clicked on Mafuyu’s contact and was met with a wall of text messages. A very unusual sight for the artist, unless something was bothering the other girl. 

Mafuyu: I can’t sleep, I don’t want okaa-san to get upset if I’m tired tomorrow, but I just can’t stop thinking about it.
Mafuyu: Why did Kanade’s song remind me of Ena’s hugs and words? The way you said that I could tell you my problems, it just made my heart ache and warm up at the same time…
Mafuyu: Do you know this feeling? Do you feel the same things? 
Mafuyu: I don’t understand and it’s frustrating…I can’t write anything for Kanade’s song.
Mafuyu: I stare at the painting of the bunny and jellyfish for inspiration but it’s the same feeling as the song. 
Mafuyu: it’s warm…

Ena’s brain was about to explode from all the information that Mafuyu had gathered and vomited in six messages in a row. It was the most she had ever done and all of them came seconds after the next. The artist was speechless, she didn’t know what to say as her fingers exited the thread and logged her on Nightcord. Her heart raced when she clicked on Kanade’s DMs. 

Enanan: Ne, K listen, I can’t do it, pls just inform Yuki about the meeting yourself I’m too busy with homework that I need to catch up on, and like really in the zone with the illustrations for the next project! 

“Damn, I really hope I didn’t sound desperate…” she cursed as Kanade popped online. 

K is typing…

K: Enanan? That’s too bad, sure I’ll just message Yuki after I finish gathering the stuff needed for the meeting. No prob, good night.

Enanan: yeah, thanks a bunch! gn

After that was over, Ena let out a sigh of relief and irritation. This whole thing with Mafuyu was getting super serious, and it was scaring the shit out of her. What if she doesn’t feel the same? What if Mafuyu saw her as a freak if she confessed? 

“Fuck, why am I such a coward? I seriously am the worst!” 

Ena waited next to Kanade for Mafuyu and Mizuki to show up for the in-person Niigo meeting in SEKAI. She was still struggling with her own problems as the bite on her shoulder Mafuyu left a week ago finally faded. The collarbone one, though, wasn’t gone at all, as she could see the teeth marks mocking her whenever she undressed. 

Mizuki this time wasn’t aware of the ‘hickeys’, as Ena made Mafuyu swear not to talk about them. However, the artist did wonder if Mafuyu also had to cover her marks as well. She did tell her once that she had to lie a lot to her classmates. 

Who knew private school girls were horny too…

The thought made Ena snort, which made Rin next to her stop doodling on her right hand. 

“What was that?” 

“What was what?” Ena tilted her head.

“That noise, it sounded like you were thinking of something funny? What is it!” The most curious Vocaloid asked in a very bored manner, which almost made Ena laugh out loud. 

Rin seriously was the most like Mafuyu…

“Swear it’s nothing, it’s actually stupid.” 

“Hmm?” Kanade hummed as she finished talking to Luka. “Is it really that bad?” 

“I want to know too.” Miku said with interest

“Haaah?! C’mon, it’s really nothing, you guys!” Ena whined, now embarrassed by her dirty mind. 

“Woah, am I late for the party? Why was Ena already complaining?” Mizuki appeared as they were already cracking jokes. 

“Ena was not being honest, it seems.”   Luka answered their question as Ena glowered at her for snitching. 

“Haaaaah?! N-no, I’m just mad that Mizuki was late! Do you know how long Kanade and I had been waiting.” Ena tried to shift the attention to them. 

“Ehh? Sorry, Ena, I’m here now!” Mizuki said, still a little confused as to why the artist was mad. “Hmm, where’s Mafuyu?” They then asked. 

“She’s coming, she just finished doing her homework.” Kanade informed them, while Ena frowned at the fact that Mafuyu messaged Kanade instead of her. 

Mizuki sighed at the answer, but then excitedly suggested playing a word game, which Ena refused right on the spot. She wasn't in the mood for childish games and just wanted to get whatever Kanade wanted to talk about done with already.   

“I’m here…” a hoarse voice came from the distance as Ena turned her head to see an exhausted Mafuyu. 

Wait, are her cheeks red? 

“Ah, there you are, Mafuyu!” Mizuki greeted with a wave. 

“Sorry, am I late?” was Mafuyu’s curt response as Kanade shook her head. 

Now even more worried about the girl’s condition, Ena ignored the other two as she walked over to check on Mafuyu. Her hand barely got to touch the lyricist before being rejected from a single step back. Mafuyu then looked at her with unreadable eyes, making Ena confused by this cold behavior. That was, before she remembered what she did last night.

The texts…she still hadn’t replied to them. 

“So, now that you’re all here. What exactly is going on...? You mentioned something about having a discussion.” Rin asked, giving Ena the distraction she needed.

Kanade, who had been watching Ena and Mafuyu, cleared her throat before taking center stage for this meeting. She had explained that it had been a month since she composed and adjusted the song that made Mafuyu smile. However, Kanade wanted to do more with it. She went into full detail that she wanted this particular song to connect with anyone who’d listen to it. The problem she had, though, was that she didn't understand why Mafuyu felt warm or was reminded of Ena’s embrace when listening to the music.

“What do you want me to do, hug you?” Ena couldn’t stop herself from asking as the poor girl's face turned red at the suggestion. 

“N-no I just want this song to resonate with others, it’s just…how can I make that happen if I don’t know what Mafuyu meant?” Kanade reworded her previous explanation. 

“Huh, well if we are going to do this, I’m going to have to up my art game.” Ena said with reignited motivation. 

“Yeah, it’s obvious this is gonna take a group effort, huh?” Mizuki agreed before turning to Mafuyu who had been silent this whole time. “Oi, you okay over there?” 

“No…” was Mafuyu’s emotionless response. 

“Huh? What’s wrong?” Kanade asked as she walked over to where Mafuyu was, inches away from Ena.

“ Oh I see… She's found the key to the door that she's been searching for, but doesn't know where the keyhole is, maybe?”  Luka’s voice said in a cryptic manner. 

“Hah? What are you talking about!?” Ena demanded, confused by the older Vocaloid.  

“Sorry, it’s difficult to explai—“ 

“Just shut up!” Mafuyu cut Luka off, gripping her heart and glaring at Ena. “I don’t understand any of this. Why does Kanade’s song make my heart well up? Why do I feel this way whenever I’m near Ena? What does it mean when my heart races when we are alone together?!” She asked desperately before her body swayed. “I just want to—“

Ena’s eyes widened as she took the steps needed to catch Mafuyu, who was just about to fall on the hard floor. She may have been weaker than someone like Mizuki, but Ena felt strong enough to carry Mafuyu’s weight, especially if her suspicions from earlier were true. 

“I think she’s coming down with something.” Her words echoed as the Vocaloids- okay, just Luka - gasped.

Mizuki, though, took that as a sign to go near the two and put their hand on Mafuyu’s forehead. “Shit, she’s burning up…she needs to rest, or it’ll only get worse.” 

“I’m fine…” Mafuyu protested, even though her arms found their way around Ena’s abdomen. “It’ll pass.” 

“Oi, don’t be like me, get some rest, or I’ll make you do it myself!” Ena frowned, while searching for Mafuyu's phone inside the pockets of her blue cardigan. 

“Will you?” Mafuyu dared to question while breathing hot air against her throat.

The artist didn’t answer her, as she held the other's smartphone in hand and opened the screen where the Untitled Track was playing. She then looked at Mizuki and Kanade with determination and stubbornness as the other two stood there watching them. Since the lyricist still hadn’t, let go of her, Ena pressed pause. Soon the two disappeared in a flurry of colors from SEKAI and were transported to Mafuyu’s room. A place Ena never visited before, as she stared at the walls that were devoid of anything but the painting she did of the purple bunny and colorful jellyfish. 

A gulp escaped Ena as the two sat together on Mafuyu’s super uncomfortable chair, with her on the bottom and the girl on her lap. Mafuyu stared down at her with reddened cheeks and a cute expression. Her arms encircled themselves around Ena’s shoulders as her nose brushed against her neck. 

“I feel lightheaded…” Mafuyu confessed, tickling Ena’s skin as she tightened her hold on Mafuyu’s waist. 

“Then drink some water and go to bed, it’s past 1:00 am.” 

“I don’t have a lot of strength left…the medicine I need is in the bathroom.” Mafuyu sighed, her lips ghosting Ena’s throat. 

“What are you doing…” 

“Punishment…” was the only reply before sharp teeth sunk down on her pulse point. 

Ena bit her lip as she swallowed down a moan. Mafuyu had surprised her so much as she continued to nibble and lick her skin. It felt good and painful at the same time. All of Mafuyu’s emotions. Anger, frustration, need, and something else Ena couldn’t identify, had been poured into this bite, making Ena weak to her knees as she tried to keep quiet so that damn woman wouldn't hear her. She didn’t want to think about what would happen to Mafuyu if they were caught like this.

“M-Mafuyu, please, your mother, she’ll hear us…s-staaaah.” 

“Shut up.” 

“Huh? Don’t tell me to shut up, you’re sick, you idiot!” Ena growled as the haze from before faded and was replaced with concern. 

Not wanting for this to go any further, Ena moved both her hands down to Mafuyu’s thighs before lifting herself off the wooden chair with the girl in her arms. On instinct, the lyricist wrapped her legs around Ena’s waist while using Ena’s shoulders as an anchor. Ena then took a deep breath before walking, hopefully, a couple of steps to Mafuyu’s bed. Once there, she had released Mafuyu and let the girl fall onto the comforter. 

However, Ena wasn’t expecting to be pulled down with Mafuyu as she had to use her hands and knees to stop the fall, leaning over the girl instead, like a lion preying on its dinner. Mafuyu beneath her looked like a painting as she panted and looked up at Ena with those dark wide eyes, her hair now loosened from its ponytail, fanning around her in a mess of waves. 

Ena’s gaze roamed over Mafuyu’s face with an artistic outlook. From the bridge of her nose down to the sleek proportion of her strong jawline, Mafuyu really reminded the artist of a marble statue that was carved out of stone. The perfect hues and complexion of her skin made Ena move even closer to inspect each pigment, before catching Mafuyu’s mouth parting, with what Ena hoped was…desire. 

That alone, had made Ena tempted to claim her lips, those pouty but lush lips that were begging to be kissed. She was close to doing it until she remembered that Mafuyu needed to rest and recover from her cold. 

“You dummy, you need to put on your pajamas and go to bed already.” Ena sighed but used her non-dominant hand to caress Mafuyu’s burning cheek. “I’ll get you water and your meds, okay? When I get back, you better be ready to go to sleep.” 

“I can’t, not without an answer…” Mafuyu murmured. 

“I know, but for your sake…and mine, try to.” Ena whispered and thumbed away the stray tears that escaped Mafuyu’s pretty eyes. 

“Okay, be careful, don’t be loud, like usual…” 

“Hah, I am not—” Ena began, but realized how right Mafuyu was about her clumsiness. “Fine, I’ll be quiet as a mouse.” 

“Thank you…again, please be careful.” 

“No problem, just one more thing? Where is the bathroom?” Ena asked and rubbed her neck. 

“Second door on the left, my parents’ bedroom is across from mine. The medicine should be in the cabinet on the right. Use my cup for my toothbrush to avoid going to the kitchen and living room, which you can enter on the right at the end of the hallway.”

“Gotcha, well I’m off!” 

Ena smiled at her despite being scared about what she was about to do. The artist put on a brave face before walking to the door of Mafuyu’s room. She slapped her cheeks to psyche herself up before opening the door to the hallway, shutting it as quietly as she could afterward. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness as she took quick but light steps towards the bathroom, at least she hoped it was the closer she got. 

When she opened it, she flicked on the light, relieved that it was indeed the bathroom. Ena then got to work as she took the toothbrush out of Mafuyu’s purple cup, before opening the cabinet, browsing the various medicines before finding what appeared to be an antibiotic on the right. 

A sigh escaped her as she pocketed the bottle in her skirt before turning on the faucet to fill the cup with water. Once that was done, Ena took another deep breath, but before she could escape back to Mafuyu’s room, she heard heavy footsteps in the hallway. They didn’t sound like ones that belonged to a woman, so Ena assumed it was Mafuyu’s father that had woken up. 

“I don’t understand why she insists on Mafuyu to study this hard…” Ena heard a deep voice complain as he stopped in front of the bathroom. “She should be enjoying her time in high school before going on her own…that’s the point of it, right?” 

Ena felt her heart ache as she listened to the man talk to himself. It seemed like he was worried about Mafuyu, even though he was also clueless about what his wife was doing to their daughter. The artist clenched the front of her shirt as his footsteps got further away before turning to, she assumed, was the living room. 

“Huh, so he gets up at this time to get ready for work, too? Do all adults get up this early, though?” She wondered out loud, opening the door to the hallway before getting back to Mafuyu’s room. 

She looked at the door on the left as her eyes narrowed, knowing who was behind it. Anger welled up in the pit of her stomach, unlike the heartache she had just a few minutes ago. However, Ena knew she shouldn’t dwell on this, as she turned herself to the right door and opened it to get to Mafuyu. 

“You’re back?” 

Ena nodded as she looked to be met with Mafuyu laying on her bed in a pair of silk pajamas. A sigh escaped her lips as she was ready to collapse next to the girl, who was observing her in the confines of her comforter. 

“Sit up, you need to take this.” The artist said as she sat down on the edge of the bed beside Mafuyu. 

Mafuyu, unlike herself when sick, obeyed and readjusted her position. Ena then opened the cap and poured the brown liquid into it, turning toward Mafuyu as the girl scooted closer. She then took it from Ena and downed the disgusting substance in one go, before taking the water in Ena’s other hand to wash it away. 

“Thank you.” 

“Yeah, yeah, now lie down.” Was Ena’s response as the girl did as she was told. 

“Will you stay until I fall asleep? The medicine makes me go to bed faster.” Mafuyu asked timidly as she peeked up under the covers of her bed.

So adorable!!

“Hah? Of course I will, I’m not that mean.” Ena scoffed instead of showing her true feelings. 

She then moved around until she was lying on her side, watching Mafuyu with warm eyes as she reached out to brush some of Mafuyu’s long bangs away from her face. The other girl let out a sigh at the touch as she looked at Ena again, full of innocence. 

“Can you rub my stomach?” She asked in a whisper. “Otou-san used to do that or hold my hand when I was sick.” 

“How about both?” Ena teased as the girl’s eyes brightened up just a little. 

Ena took a deep breath as she used her left hand to slip under the covers. Mafuyu grabbed it almost immediately before guiding it under her pajama top until Ena could feel the tight softness of her stomach. It made the lyricist shudder a little before relaxing to the heat Ena’s palm gave off. The artist then began to rub soothing circles with her fingertips as her hand was being held in place by the other’s weakened one. 

“You’re being such a spoiled brat right now…” Ena chuckled as she hummed in approval at the girl’s peaceful expression.

“I’m only this way because Enanan spoils me.” 

“Huh? Wise girl, ehh?” Ena smirked as she used her nails to scratch Mafuyu lightly. “Maybe I should leave then?” 

“No, but you can use my laptop when you have to.” Was Mafuyu’s serious answer. 

“Duh, but you should give me the password now before you pass out.” Ena whispered with a little frown.

“It doesn’t have one…” 

“Haaah!?” Ena gasped at the admission. “Are you serious!? Then I’ll make one for you. That’s supposed to be private for a reason.” 

“It is?” 

“Absolutely! I’ll make one for you before I leave, with a copy for you to memorize. The stuff in your computer is supposed to be for you only, y’know?” Ena explained with a roll of her eyes.

“Okay, I trust you.” 

“Hah? Seriously, you need to trust your own instincts more often Mafuyu, I can’t always be there…” Ena insisted as her fingers stilled because of the tight grip Mafuyu had on her hand. 

“I’m scared…what if I make the wrong decision and make people sad?” 

“Mafuyu…”

“I made Okaa-san cry…I don’t want to make others cry, too.” 

Ena remained quiet as she used her right hand to brush away more tears that escaped Mafuyu. It was painful to hear all of this. Mafuyu was so vulnerable right now, and all Ena wanted to do was hug her. Protect her from all the cruelty in this world. 

“No, it won’t. Sometimes you need to do things that are good for you, Mafuyu.” Ena assured her with quiet, comforting rubs. “I get it’s scary, but once you take that leap, you’ll feel free. At least that’s what it feels like for me.”  

“Free…” Mafuyu yawned before closing her eyes. 

“Yeah…” Ena said as she felt Mafuyu’s grip on her loosen, before slowly taking her hand back from under the covers. “You’ll find it, and Niigo and I will be right there when you do.” 

The artist brushed Mafuyu’s bangs away from her forehead before leaning in to press a soft kiss against Mafuyu’s burning skin. The moment felt right as she slipped out of the girl’s bed and went to her laptop. Sure enough, it was already on, and the first thing that popped up was Nightcord. 

Alright, time to get to work!

It took a couple more of her time than expected to get back to SEKAI, but Ena smiled as she thought about the new password she had decided on for Mafuyu. It would make the girl feel warm inside whenever she opened her laptop. A secret only she would understand with the rest of the group. 

Something that only belongs to her…

Ena groaned to herself as she stared at the sketch of the stray cat she saw while hanging out with Airi earlier today. She had still been worried about Mafuyu, and wondered if she had to skip her Sunday cram school because of the fever. 

A frown formed on her lips as she gave up on the drawing, to instead log on into her Instagram account. It had been a super long and painfully awkward dinner with her father tonight. The old man had decided to come home early for a change, leaving a mess afterwards when he tried to talk to her about her career choice. 

“It just never ends with him…” she murmured to no one as a headache formed on her temple. “I need to get away from here…” 

Maybe I’ll see Mafuyu there…?

With that thought in mind, Ena’s thumb swiped away the picture account for the folder she shared with Niigo. Not even thinking twice about it as she clicked on Composing the Future. Soon she was filled with particles of colors as the world faded and then was replaced with the quiet space of Mafuyu’s SEKAI. The comfort it brought made Ena sigh in relief as she looked around to see if any of the Vocaloids were there. 

“Ne, Ne, Rin! Stop moving around.” Mizuki’s loud voice could be heard in the distance as Ena smiled at the thought of them struggling for a change. 

The artist with her sketchbook in hand walked towards the noise as she made it to the circular stage. Where she saw Mizuki was trying to put something on an unamused Rin. 

“What are you two doing?” Was her reaction to the odd scene. 

“Oh, Ena!? I didn’t think you’d be here?” Mizuki looked up with a smile. “I thought you were hanging out with Airi today?” 

“Mizuki…it’s 11.00 pm…” 

“Ah, so it is!” 

Ena didn't know how to react to the peppy answer, so she sighed before resigning to sit down beside Rin while Mizuki continued to put whatever it was on the younger girl.

“So what exactly are you doing, anyway?” She asked, bored, while flipping through her notebook for an empty page. 

“I bought this super cute corsage and thought it’d look great on Rin!” Mizuki answered with a light giggle. 

“It’s annoying, I already wore your pajamas…why do you keep gifting me things?” Rin frowned as Ena let out a chuckle of her own because of the Virtual Singer’s cute reaction.  

“Ah, so cold! I just love gifting my friends stuff I find cute, Rin! No need to be a sourpuss like Ena.” 

Said sourpuss gawked before glaring at Mizuki. “H-haaah, I am so not a buzz kill!” 

“You so are…” 

“You are such a pest!”

“And you’re a killjoy sometimes, what else is new?” 

“Why you!” 

“Hmm, I thought it would be quiet here…” 

The two other occupants in SEKAI jumped at the third party’s voice. Mizuki, though, was the first to recover as they turned their attention to the third person. 

“Huh, Mafuyu…didn’t you say in Nightcord you were still not feeling well?” Mizuki asked as Ena finally had found her voice. 

“They’re right! You should be in bed, y’know.” 

“Ah Ena’s Onee-chan mode has been activated, you’re in trouble now Mafuyu hehehe~” 

“Cut it out!” 

“Noisy…” 

Rin, who was the only one that wasn’t in the argument, took that moment to point to the book in Mafuyu’s right arm. 

“What’s that?”

“A photo album, I was looking at it with Okaa-san earlier.” was Mafuyu’s answer. “Thought it would help me find what I was looking for, but all it did was make my heart hurt.” 

Ena had stopped bickering with Mizuki when she heard that. Her own heart now aching at the hopelessness that filled Mafuyu’s voice. 

“Ne, ne, let's not think that way!” Mizuki also noticed as they jumped with the opportunity to make Mafuyu feel better. “Like Kanade had told us before, we should help each other. C’mon bring that over here and let’s look at it together!” 

Mafuyu lit up a little at their optimism and walked a little closer to where Mizuki and Ena were sitting. Rin next to the pair watched Mafuyu with some interest as she went to Ena’s side, so that she could also see the photos. 

“Woaaah, it’s Mafuyu in her Kyudo uniform! Doesn’t she look dashing in it, Ena!” Mizuki gushed before turning to the artist in question, who couldn’t stop the blush from crawling to her cheeks. 

“I-I suppose, I mean um, she does look pretty cool with the armor on.” 

“This was taken when our team made it to the prefectural tournament…” Mafuyu interjected to explain, saving Ena from the embarrassment. “Also, it’s a muneate, not armor.” 

Scratch that, now that made her even more embarrassed! 

“It’s still kinda like armor, though!” Ena growled as Mafuyu just stared at her with a blank look. 

“I was just telling the truth…”  Was her reply. 

Mizuki sighed as they shook their head and flipped the book to the next page, which Ena noticed as her eyes trained to the picture of Mafuyu in front of a birthday cake, eating it with glee. The child, around five, was way different from the subdued teenager that stood in front of her. It made Ena feel sad but curious at the same time, as Mizuki hummed with the same expression.

“You look so different here, Mafuyu?” 

“Huh, different how? ” Rin asked, leaning on Ena to get a better look. “I don’t get it…”

“You don’t really have to get it.” Ena told the Vocaloid with a small smile as she let Rin sit on her lap to get a better view. “What Mizuki means is that it was not fake, this happiness the little girl was expressing.”  

“Yeah, it’s different from your good girl persona.” Mizuki nodded and showed Mafuyu the photo. 

“It is?” 

Rin blinked at the whole conversation. “ I still don’t get what you two mean… ” 

“Me neither Rin.” Mafuyu said with a similar expression. 

“Man, you two are a tough crowd, y’know?” Mizuki groaned as Ena enjoyed seeing them struggle. 

“ You’re the one who started this… ” was Rin’s response, which made Mizuki shake their head again.

“Look, it’s hard to explain this kinda thing, okay? But the little Mafuyu in the photo was happy for a different reason than to please people…does that make sense?” 

Mafuyu nodded a little before her eyes landed on Ena. “Like when I felt happy after Ena said those words?” 

“Don’t bring me into this, please!” Ena blushed as Mizuki stared at her as well. “No, I am not going to be your damn lab rat, Mizuki!” 

“I didn’t say anything!” 

“You were thinking about it!” 

“…okay, you got me there. I just wanted to watch you say something sweet to Mafuyu, and make her smile…maybe?” 

“Why you!” Ena growled as she raised her hand, only for Rin to grab it. “Huh!?”

“ It’s not worth it.” She said in a neutral voice. 

The artist blinked at the Vocaloid but placed her hand back on her lap. Mizuki giggled at the fact as Mafuyu just stood there, seeming bored and uninterested. Ena wanted to say something that could help her but she was at a loss, while looking back at the photos. To find something that could spark the fire, she knew Mafuyu had somewhere inside herself. 

“Oh, this one’s adorable!” She gasped, when coming across a picture of a younger Mafuyu wearing a princess dress. “So, you were the main heroine for your class play? Wow, even back then, you were super talented.” 

“That was my first time performing on stage…we chose to do Snow White and the Seven Dwarves .” Mafuyu explained, as some source of light glimmered in her eyes. “I made people smile and laugh, but also cry in some parts. However, that’s all I can remember, everything else back then was a blur.”

“Still, it must have been exciting, no?” Mizuki asked with an encouraging smile. “Also, might I add, that dress was a little too yellow for my taste. It should have had more red, but that’s just my thought. It still looks super cute!”  

“Okaa-san made it for me…” 

“That woman? For real!?” Ena interrupted as Mafuyu sighed at the timing. “S-sorry, I just can’t imagine her doing that…” 

“It’s okay, the only reason she made me a new one was because the other dress was too drab.” Mafuyu shrugged and crouched down for some reason. 

“Ah, of course it’s cause of something like that. Man she’s a bitch…” 

“Oi, Ena, tone it down a little.” Mizuki pouted, rolling their eyes. “At least she did something.” 

“She does everything! Do you know how damn controlling that woman is?” Ena stood up and clenched her fists. “Dammit! Just thinking about her pisses me off.” 

“Ena! That’s enough, I get it, but she’s still Mafuyu’s mom.” Mizuki tried to reason with the artist, until noticing Mafuyu’s figure falling. “Shit, MAFUYU!” 

Their cry snapped Ena out of her rage as she also saw Mafuyu on the floor, curling up and shaking. Her blood ran cold at the sight and she scrambled over to check on the distressed lyricist. Rin and Mizuki were behind her as Ena pulled Mafuyu’s body into her lap, letting the girl rest against her shoulder, before Mizuki crouched down and pressed their open palm on Mafuyu’s forehead.  

“How bad?” Ena whispered as Mafuyu continued to shake in her arms. 

“Well, it’s not good, she’s burning up, worse than yesterday.” Mizuki frowned and pulled away. 

“Huh!? I thought she took the antibiotic?” 

“I mean, of course she did Ena, but that won’t make her feel better instantly…” Mizuki blinked at Ena’s stupid question. 

“I think I’m close…” Mafuyu croaked, making Ena almost jump. 

“Ne, that’s good Mafuyu, but you should really get back home, you kinda collapsed on us just a second ago, y’know?” Mizuki tried to reason with the barely conscious girl.

“But I’m so close to finding an answer…” 

“Yeah, but you’re not feeling well!” Ena scowled, huffing in irritation. “We can continue this, when you’re feeling better, Mafuyu.” 

“ They are right, you shouldn’t push yourself like this… ” Rin, who was watching the whole thing, added with a hint of concern in her voice. 

Mafuyu blinked, confused at everyone’s concern, making Ena even more frustrated at how little the girl cared about herself. The artist grabbed Mafuyu’s hand where she was holding her phone, their eyes meeting as Ena leaned in until their foreheads touched. 

“Listen to me! We don’t like seeing you like this, you need to get some rest. Not just for yourself, but for the people who care about you too.” Ena said in the softest tone, she could muster. “Remember when I was sick? You didn’t like it when I was in pain…well, it’s the same for me, so please don’t push yourself like this…”

“Okay…” 

As soon as she heard that, Ena released her hold and Mafuyu crawled out of her arms. She and Mizuki watched with relief as the girl stood up again before waving goodbye.

“Good night.”

“Night!” Ena and Mizuki told her. 

Both members waited with bated breath for Mafuyu to exit the world before Ena collapsed backwards on her back with her arms and legs spread out. Mizuki also laid on the floor next to her as they turned on their side, using their elbow as a crutch. 

“What, you’re not gonna tell me that, I’m gonna ruin my clothes or something!” Ena scoffed as Mizuki rolled their eyes. 

“Nah, I’m way too tired after that.”

“Welcome to my world…” 

“Still,” Mizuki said with a smirk now marring their face. “I got to see the most, cutest scene ever, like, OMG I didn’t know you were that soft Ena~”

“Hah? What are you saying?!” Ena whined and turned her head to stare up at the bleak sky. “I’ve always been nice, y’know!” 

“Of course, but not like that…it’s more mature.” Mizuki mused as they kept staring at her. “It makes me wonder…”

 “Mizuki…” 

“Ahahaha, don’t look at me like that. It’s nothing serious, just a thought!” Mizuki smiled and tried to brush Ena off before sitting up again. “Ne, you should leave too. You have classes tomorrow, right?” 

“They’re not until the evening…” 

“It’s still important to get some sleep, Ena.” Mizuki said with a sigh.

“Says the person that stays up to watch a whole magical girl series. Also, don't we have a Niigo meeting with Kanade later? It’s only 11:30 pm right now, Mizuki…” 

“Oh, so you can be sassy, hehe!” Mizuki giggled, before looking away. “Truth is, I actually want to be alone right now Ena, if you can understand, I just have a lot on my mind right now…”

“Oh…” Ena faltered, lifting herself up into a crossed legged position as she remembered how Mizuki had been at the festival. “Ne, do you want to talk about it? I know I shouldn't ask but, we are friends Mizuki. If something was bothering you, I’d like to help you with it.” 

“You’re too kind, Ena, heh, Mafuyu was right. You do wear your heart on your sleeve.” Mizuki chuckled but shook their head at the offer. 

“Mafuyu told you that?” Ena asked, embarrassed about what the other girl had said about her. 

“Mhmm, she did. Apparently, it’s one of the things she likes about you. That and your art and passion too, just to name a few,” Mizuki said with a small genuine smile. 

Ena felt her heart race at those words. Mafuyu had really thought about her that way? It had to be a lie, yet the way Mizuki was looking at her made Ena realize it wasn’t. They were being truthful about this, that Mafuyu liked qualities of hers she forgot she still had. Tears welled up in the artist’s eyes of the praise that these comments implied. 

“Oi, Ena!” 

“I’m sorry!” She sniffed and took out her smartphone. “I-I need to go, thanks Mizuki, for telling me that. See you at Nightcord.” 

“Yeah, no problem I guess?” Mizuki tilted their head but pushed their questions aside to wave. “See you later!” 

Ena waved back as soon as she was transported back to her room. Now all alone, the girl let out an ugly cry and held her face in her hands. Her heart was so heavy right now as the words Mizuki said about Mafuyu echoed through her mind. It was just so surreal, and yet Ena remembered her painting on Mafuyu’s almost spotless wall. 

“I don’t know what to think of this…” Ena muttered to herself as she sobbed. “Do I seriously have a chance with her? Everything so far is saying yes, but I can’t…not until she gets out of there!” 

“Oi, what the hell are you complaining about, now!” Akito called out from behind her door.

“Shut up!” 

“You’re the one talking to yourself, not me.” He said and opened the door, only to drop the act when he saw her tears. “Huh, are you crying?” 

“I’m fine! Don’t worry.”

“Not happening.” Akito rolled his eyes before walking further into her room. “Was it Otou-san?” 

“No, I’m not sad, Akito…”

Her brother didn’t seem to understand that, as he scratched his head, unsure of what to do. Ena chuckled at his nervousness, which made Akito frown. 

“Oi, what’s so funny?” 

“I’m just happy I’m not crying out of sadness, is all. It’s weird, but also nice, y’know?” Ena explained as Akito clicked his tongue out of habit. 

“Whatever, try to sleep, okay? Goodnight.” 

“Night, Akito.” Ena told him as he left her alone to think. 

A yawn escaped Ena as she walked past the sliding doors of Kamiyama high. She was an hour early for night classes, as she noticed some students were still here for club activities. Ena would usually ignore them. However, today some boys that were by the lockers had stopped to stare at her funny, which was enough to provoke her temper. 

“What is it?” She snarled, making one of the guys gulp as the other two pushed him forward. 

“Come on, dude, just ask her already!” A guy with glasses sighed. 

“Knock it off!” The shy one told him before turning to Ena. “It’s nothing. He's just being an idiot.” 

“Huh?” 

“What he said, it’s nothing!” The third one laughed and pointed to the glasses wearing guy. “C’mon, you, let's go.” 

Ena watched, befuddled, as the group left without another word. She was not used to being talked to at school, even during night classes. The artist would just stick to her studies and didn’t socialize a lot on breaks. It was strange, really. This encounter overall was a blessing in disguise, because now Ena truly didn’t find herself attracted to men. They just didn’t have any appeal to them besides looks, sometimes. 

She was even dreading a confession. 

“Oi, are you gonna keep standing there or what?” A feminine voice called out, making Ena rush to get her indoor shoes on. 

“What did I do now?”

“Sorry, class rep thing, force of habit.” The girl apologized as Ena turned to meet a pair of golden eyes and a very pretty girl. “Yo, you’re Mizuki’s friend, right?” 

“How did you…”

“Saw you guys hanging out at the mall with two other girls, but didn’t want to interfere.” The girl shrugged as Ena noticed the boy's uniform tie on her blouse. It made her look really cool. 

Okay, she really has a type…

“Eyes up, dude, I get they’re nice to look at but, I don’t even know you all that well.” She teased, causing Ena to reel back and blush. 

“I-I,” 

“No need to apologize, I get it. I like looking at girls, too.” 

“Haaaaah!?” 

“Oh, you’re that deep in the closet, sorry, again!” The girl cringed as she came closer to a panicked Ena. “Oi- chill, girl, it’s fine. My name is Shiraishi An, by the way. I was on cleaning duty so…I’m here later than usual.” 

Ena took deep breaths, as the girl guided her to the stairs to sit. The two were quiet for a while, as the artist took this time to calm down. 

“You…” she began. “You said you are friends with Mizuki?” 

“Yup, although lately I’ve been thinking about making a move, she’s super cute.” An admitted, which caused Ena to stop breathing, again. “Oh right, talking about that out loud is still new to you, huh?” 

“Hold up!” Ena gasped and held her chest. “Are you, like…into girls?” 

“Isn’t that obvious? I mean, I’m not completely out, but my friends know, even your brother.” 

“He knows!?” 

“Yeah, and he was really cool about it too, which now makes more sense after meeting you.” An smiled as she sat next to Ena, with no care in the world. 

“I see, how did you know I was…?” 

“A lesbian?” An finished for her, as she got up from the step. “I have a strong radar, also you were super red around that tall purple haired girl at the mall.” 

Ena blushed in embarrassment at the girl’s words but refrained from arguing as she also got up from where she was sitting. Already exhausted from all that had just happened. 

Too bad the gods really hated her as Rin's voice blasted from her phone, singing Meltdown . What was she thinking when she bought this song as a ringtone last week? It’s way too loud for Ena, as she looked down at the contact. 

“Kanade…” 

“Who?” An asked confused. 

“Look, I have to take this! It was nice chatting with you, let’s keep in touch!” 

“Wait, how?”

To answer her question, Ena took out a pen from her backpack and then grabbed An’s hand. She then wrote on it her LINE account and added a heart at the end. 

“Here, see ya later!” 

Quick on her feet, Ena dashed up the stairs towards the school's rooftop. The phone was still ringing as she pressed on the green icon and put it near her left ear. 

“Hi, Kanade! What's up?” 

“Hi Ena…listen I found Mafuyu at the Scramble Crossroads. She wasn’t moving and was in a lot of pain, so I took her to my house to take care of her…” 

“HAAAH?! Is she okay? Have you given her water, any medicine!?” Ena yelled over the phone, which was not pleasant for Kanade since she dropped her phone in shock. “Oh, shit sorry, Kanade, did I scare you?” 

“N-no, I understand why you would, but she’s fine. I’m letting her sleep it off…however.” Kanade went silent for a couple seconds, before speaking again. “I need your help.” 

“Okay? What is it?” 

“I need you to talk to Mafuyu, she’s been talking in her sleep, about her mom, dad, my song and…you, especially you.” Kanade whispered the last part. 

“Huh?”

“I don’t really understand the relationship you two have, but Mafuyu really likes hearing your voice, it calms her down.” 

“I see…” Ena murmured as her cheeks turned even redder than when she was with An. “I guess I could help. Just put the phone near her ear, okay?” 

“Of course, thank you so much, Ena.” Kanade said with that soft and sincere voice of hers. 

Ena cleared her throat as she waited for the phone to be moved around. However, when she heard Mafuyu’s soft breathing, the artist’s heart raced while her mind pictured the sleeping beauty on the other line. She then took a moment to walk up to the gate at the edge of the rooftop before closing her eyes and leaning against it. 

“Enanan…?” Mafuyu mumbled in a quiet but whiny voice. 

“I’m here.” She replied in a softer tone. “You really are a handful, y’know?” 

“That’s because Ena spoils me…” Was Mafuyu’s sleepy response, which also made Ena’s heart swoon at how adorable she sounded. 

“Hehe, well, I can’t help it. I like this side of you.” 

“Really…?” Mafuyu said, a little confused.

“Yeah, I like it a lot.” Ena smiled as she let out a sigh. “I hope my words will give you sweet dreams, Mafuyu…”

“Hmm...” 

“Ah, I think it worked! She’s not as restless anymore.” Kanade spoke up, making Ena realize she was on speaker this whole time, which then made her let out a choked squawk in surprise. 

“K-Kanade?”

“Oh, sorry, I should have mentioned that I put you on speaker…” Kanade apologized again, as her voice grew quiet. “Truth be told, I wanted to listen in…you’re really good with her, Ena.” 

“You don’t say?” Ena muttered while regaining her composure. “Well, I had a lot of practice dealing with Akito and Mizuki.” 

“I see, you really are like an Onee-chan…so thoughtful and caring, even when you get annoyed.” 

“Considering I am one, I think that should be obvious.” Ena snorted and slid down to sit with her knees up. 

“Ena, she also spoke about her mom…do you know anything about her?” Kanade asked as the artist’s anger spiked up. 

“I know some things, but also she’s not someone I respect.” 

“Respect?” 

“Yeah, her methods of keeping Mafuyu on track of her studies and life. Let's just say I’m not a fan of it.” Ena rephrased her previous answer as her teeth gritted just thinking about that woman. 

“Oh, I think I get it. She’s…overbearing?”

“A little more than that, but you’re getting it.” Ena sighed, frowning at the memory of the conversation with Mafuyu’s mom weeks ago. 

“You really don’t like her, do you Ena?” Kanade questioned, as if reading Ena’s mind, just by listening to her uneven voice. 

“I hate her, Kanade.” Ena growled and lifted herself off the ground. “I hate her so much, but I can’t tell you everything. Just know that a lot of Mafuyu’s problems stem from that woman, okay?” 

“Okay, I understand. I probably should go now, since your class is about to start, right?” 

“Yeah…Listen Kanade, when she’s feeling better, please walk her to the train station.” 

“...Alright, I will Ena, don’t worry.” 

“Hah? I’m not worried, just…that I want her to not push herself.” Ena tried to reason before another thought came to her. “Oh, and that includes you too! I don’t want either of you to push yourself so much that you’ll die in the process, you hear me?!”

A chuckle came out of Kanade after that as Ena pouted, knowing she’ll be teased about this later. “I understand, Ena, thank you, for always looking out for everyone in Niigo.”

Ena’s breath hitched as she tried to wield her tears that were threatening to fall. “You’re my friends, of course I’d worry about any of you…I don’t want to lose you guys, ever.”

There was a moment of silence between the two, before Kanade said one last thing. 

“I feel the same way. Talk to you later on Nightcord…” 

The phone went dead after Kanade had said that. Ena could have sworn she heard sniffling on the other line, as if her words had hit Kanade harder than she had originally intended. A soft sob escaped the artist as she looked at the time on her phone. She only had ten more minutes before class, so she better go get a good seat in the back row, or they’ll be all gone by the time she gets there. 

It was too quiet for Ena as she settled against the circular stage inside SEKAI. Her night classes had felt longer than usual and it was such a drag listening to the teacher drone about the equation on the board. All she thought about throughout the courses were Mafuyu and Kanade, like if Mafuyu got home safe, or if Kanade wasn’t taking care of herself during this whole thing. Ena yawned out loud, which caused Miku to appear suddenly, before sitting next to the tired girl.

“Welcome Ena, why are you visiting SEKAI?” 

“I just needed a place to think, I guess?” Ena answered her as Rin also took that moment to appear in front of Ena. 

“Ah, you’re here again? You and Mizuki have been coming here a lot lately…” 

“Yeah.” Miku agreed. “It used to only be Mafuyu, now you and Mizuki come here too, it's nice.” 

Ena blinked at their words but didn’t feel like talking about why she was here. It wasn’t like she was waiting for Mafuyu to show up. Knowing that the girl, despite being sick, would come here to be alone. Something Ena wasn’t going to allow, even with the Vocaloids there, to keep her company. 

“You’re waiting for Mafuyu, right?” Luka chimed in as she walked up to where the others were. 

“Am I that obvious…” Ena sighed and pulled her legs up to hide her blushing cheeks. 

“Yes.” All three Virtual Singers said, with Luka being the only one smiling. 

“HAAAAH?!”

The artist buried her head further into her knees as the urge to yell became harder to resist. However, light footsteps interrupted Ena’s self loathing and made her look up to see Mafuyu standing there with an unreadable look on her face. Ena noticed the girl was still in her uniform, just like herself, but before she could say anything to her. Mafuyu sat down on her knees and tried to spread Ena’s legs open, making her shriek. 

“What are you doing!?” She gawked as Mafuyu pouted and went closer, which made Ena realize what the girl was doing. “Seriously? Just ask next time, you idiot.” Another groan escaped her before motioning Mafuyu to come closer. 

After they moved around a little, Mafuyu had settled down with her arms wrapped around Ena’s stomach and head on her chest. A sighed came out from her lips as Ena twitched at the warmth Mafuyu caused with her breathing. Ena then lifted her hand and settled it on Mafuyu’s head, scratching it gently while relaxing into the warm embrace. 

“Such a needy girl you are.” 

“I missed you…” Mafuyu mumbled and snuggled closer. 

“Same. How was your time at Kanade’s?” 

“It was fine. She had given me apple slices shaped like bunnies, they didn’t taste like anything…” 

“Hah? What about the feeling? How did they make you feel?” Ena asked, trying to get some answers from the sleepy girl. 

“I don’t know. I just don't understand how to feel about them.” Mafuyu replied before lifting her head up. “The only thing I remembered and liked was how your lips had felt against my forehead…”

Ena gasped as Mafuyu’s face came closer. “Y-You were awake when I did that?!” 

“Yes. I also couldn’t forget what happened two years ago…”

The artist was speechless as Mafuyu revealed the dark secret between them, confessing that she liked what they did. Ena wanted--no, needed--to get out of there now. Mafuyu was obviously still sick and spewing absolute nonsense. There's no way she wanted to do that with her out of all people. It was supposed to be with a guy in the distant future...right?

Wrong…

The last thing Ena saw was Mafuyu's dark, indigo eyes before feeling the latter's soft, hot lips. Its contact, had made the world around her melt into vibrant colors, like wet paint running down a blank canvas. Her heartbeat was drumming so loud in her ears, before the kiss intensified and pulled her even further into this pool of pure euphoria. 

Mafuyu had wrapped her arms around Ena's neck as she used her fingertips to keep the artist's head in place. She then parted her mouth slightly to breathe before sucking on Ena's bottom lip, which made the latter moan and tilt her head for better access. The need that she was fighting this entire time had won. All that was left for Ena to do was slip her tongue inside Mafuyu and explore.

“Mmm.” Mafuyu grunted in pleasure, which also happened to wake Ena from her stupor. 

Wait…What the fuck was happening!?

Ena pulled back, breaking the kiss. She was breathing hard as Mafuyu stared at her before licking her own lips. Ena gulped, the simmering hunger in those eyes were tangible, as she tried to speak up.

"I-I am so--"

"Ena tastes sweet," Mafuyu said, cutting her off, leaning in slowly until their lips were mere centimeters apart once more, "I like that." She decided, before kissing Ena, again.

Unlike their previous exchange, this kiss was tender enough to make the artist’s heart flutter. Ena couldn’t resist temptation when she felt Mafuyu sigh and lean in further into the welcoming warmth. It made her ease up a little, and after a couple more seconds. Ena followed suit, letting Mafuyu kiss her, while each peck that was received made her yearn for more. 

Mafuyu's lips were so soft as they dusted those light kisses along her chin and jawline. The tickle that it brought caused a shiver to go down her spine and all the way to the pit of her stomach. She wasn’t even able to hold back another moan when Mafuyu pressed a chaste kiss to her throat. 

“Ena…” Mafuyu whispered against her searing skin. 

The voice she used seemed to be filled with need . Something Ena could relate to when her fingers threaded through Mafuyu’s hair. Her nails, scratching the head’s surface, before pulling Mafuyu away from her neck to close the distance, until they were touching each others foreheads.

“What do you need?” Ena asked, with desire brimming in her voice.

“Err…” was the last reply between them before the spell was broken. 

Mafuyu at that very moment had chosen to close her eyes and then slump down on Ena’s shoulder, falling asleep almost instantly.

Are you KIDDING me!?

“Huh, what am I gonna do with you…” Ena grumbled before remembering the Vocaloids were still around. “Dammit…” 

Great, here comes the barrage of embarrassing questions…

Chapter Text

Dazed beyond belief, Ena stared at her bedroom ceiling, while remembering everything that had transpired just an hour ago.

From the kisses that she shared with Mafuyu, to Rin, Miku, and Luka, questioning her about it. All Ena could do back then was panic, before Mafuyu woke up and looked for the time. The expression Ena had wanted to see on the girl was peace, but instead, there was a conflict in her eyes, as she crawled out of Ena’s loosened grip and told her that she’ll see her on Nightcord, later. 

After saying that, Mafuyu had left Ena alone, confused and angry at the same time. When she had returned to the real world from SEKAI, all the artist could do was fall back on her bed and mull. Her mood, right now, was a fluctuating mess between joy, fear, frustration, and perplexity. It didn’t help either, that she was still touching her swollen lips on top of that. 

“Does that girl even know what she did? Was she even aware of it?” She asked herself as her heart pounded hard in her rib cage.

After a while, Ena let her tongue lick her bottom lip, which was the same spot Mafuyu had been sucking on earlier. A soft moan escaped her, before rubbing her thighs together. Great, now her panties and maybe even her stockings were ruined because of that girl. 

“Ugh, I need a shower…” was the last thing she said before getting up to go to the bathroom. 

By the time she logged into Nightcord, Ena was feeling much better. She sighed as she tapped her stylus on her tablet, trying to come up with something that would make this illustration for Niigo’s next project, pop out. Like clockwork, Mizuki’s username status turned red and Ena watched them type and greet the group on their general chat.

Enanan: you’re early, what’s up? 

Amia is typing…

Amia: nothing? Just…didn’t have anything to do right now.

Ena frowned at Mizuki’s answer, as she looked at the digital clock on her screen to see it was only 12:30 am. Still, the artist could feel something was off with them. She wanted to ask more questions, but was also adamant to keep the promise she made to herself. Like with Mafuyu, she’ll let Mizuki tell her when they’re ready. 

“Not like I can judge…” she muttered to herself, while her mind was already thinking about the kiss, again. 

The artist groaned, she didn’t want to think about that. Her thoughts should be on her art, on improving her style, and looking into painting classes. These feelings had been nothing but a hindrance to her since the beginning. They were always distracting her from the goal she wanted to reach. Sure, her art had improved a lot, because of Mafuyu being her muse. However, it had also made it difficult for Ena to focus on her goals. Romance was supposed to be a thing for later, yet it was all she could think about, right now. 

Oh no, she was becoming one of those girls…

Ena’s left eye twitched as she recalled those times she heard the girls in her night classes gossip about boys or their boyfriends. She had believed that their conversations were shallow and a waste of energy. In the past, Ena had only dedicated herself to the arts and painting, just like her father. Her feelings for Mafuyu weren’t as profound as they are now, which was starting to annoy Ena the more she thought about it. 

Mafuyu was Ena’s muse, which wasn’t something Ena was ashamed of. No, what confused her was how to deal with this new situation and stop it from getting worse. The first idea she had was to straight up ask Mafuyu why she kissed her, but just like Mizuki, Ena knew this had to be approached with care. She didn’t want to screw this up, not like everything else in her life. 

“Damn her, why did she kiss me?” Was the last thing she said before something tickled her throat. 

Not again…

A week had gone by after her cold, which she had gotten from Mafuyu, went away. Ena had to catch up with a lot of her school assignments and had zero time to do anything else, besides that and her illustrations. She had no desire to go shopping with Mizuki, and Mafuyu had been too focused on her own studies to bug her. 

“This was her fault, she should have taken responsibility.” Ena huffed as she logged on Nightcord for the first proper meeting, since Mafuyu had gotten sick.

She clicked on the general thread, and was met with a message from Kanade, asking everyone to meet her at the Empty SEKAI. At first, this hadn’t bothered Ena as she took out her phone to get into Niigo’s shared folder. Kanade had done this multiple times now, and it was always about something important, well most of the time. However, a distant memory came at the last minute when she hit play, one that involved her and three very curious Vocaloids. 

Shit…

It was too late to turn away as Ena was already engulfed in the colorful swirl of particles, her room fading into nothingness as the formation of another world took its place. Ena sighed when she arrived in front of the familiar circular stage, where Kanade was sitting on a broken beam next to Miku, as Rin stood next to the pair while Luka sat in front. It was a pretty innocent scene, but Ena knew she had to keep herself on her toes, especially around Rin. 

“Hello, welcome Ena.” Miku greeted her as Kanade looked up, meeting her eyes. 

“Hi, Ena. You’re the first to arrive.” She said with a calm voice before getting up from where she was sitting. “Miku was just telling me about this manga Mizuki gave her and Rin to read.”

“Oh, really?” Ena asked as she walked a little closer to the circular stage. “What's it called?” 

“Ao no Ride.” Rin answered before Kanade had a chance. “Mizuki calls it a Shoujo.” 

“I see, I never heard of that one before.” Ena admitted while taking a hold of her chin. “Then again, I stopped reading manga when I was twelve.”

“It’s sad…” Miku said with downcast eyes. “Both characters have had feelings for each other since junior high, but the boy moved before the girl could confess to him. It left her heartbroken and alone.” 

“Since junior high…” Ena muttered as her face heated up. 

“Yes.” Luka joined in. 

“You have got to be kidding me…”

“They are more stupid than you and Mafuyu, though.” Rin shrugged as Kanade seemed confused by her statement. 

“What do you mean by that, Rin?” She asked, as Ena lunged forward and covered Rin’s mouth with her hand. 

“Nothing, she’s just—” Ena tried to answer but was stopped when Rin bit her. “Ow, what the hell!” 

Rin just stared at her with an unreadable expression before turning away. Ena felt like she was about to do something rash, but was surprised when Rin remained by her side and said nothing else that would further embarrass her. Kanade, though, appeared less satisfied by this as she watched Ena closely until another swirl of color greeted them in the form of Mizuki. 

“Ahh, I’m not late, yay!” 

“Hello Mizuki.” Miku called out to them. “I finished volume 1.”

“Oh, you have, that’s great! I’ll give you the next volume tomorrow, then.” They said with amusement in their eyes. 

“Oi, I thought you only read Mahou Shoujo?” Ena accused them with a glare. 

“I like all kinds of Shoujo, Ena, hehehe. Mahou is just my favorite genre.” 

“Why you!” 

Mizuki laughed at her as they went up to Luka, passing her a book that Ena assumed was also a Manga. The older Vocaloid sat up straighter as they took the manga with interest before thanking Mizuki and walking away to read it. 

“What did you give her to read!?” Ena questioned with her hands on her hips. 

“A Shounen.” They shrugged, before turning to Kanade. “So, what’s with this sudden meeting?” 

“I’ll tell you when Mafuyu is here.” Kanade replied. 

“I am here?”

Ena yelped at the impassive tone, spinning around along with Mizuki to face the girl they were all waiting for. Mafuyu then tilted her head at both of them, as she analyzed their reactions accordingly. Her eyes trained on Ena, but only for a brief second before turning to face Kanade. 

“Oi, at least apologize for scaring us!” Ena huffed, stomping her foot. 

“I was just stating my presence…” Mafuyu retorted with a shrug. 

That reply pissed Ena off as she took a step forward toward Mafuyu, only for Mizuki to grab her arm, pulling her back. It was just unfair. The look on Mafuyu’s face made it crystal clear she had forgotten what they did last week. Ena had wanted to slap her for all these conflicting feelings. Every day she felt like she was slipping further away from her original goal because of them. 

No more! She was going to focus on her art, from now on!

At least, that’s what she wanted to believe, while Kanade took that opportunity to speak about why they were all here in SEKAI to begin with. The reason, which made Ena smile a little, was because Kanade wanted to see a retired artist that was coming out of retirement to attend a music sort of festival.

“Ahh, so, you’re going to that Fan Festival?” Mizuki asked with interest. “An had told me about that event a couple of days ago at school. She asked if I wanted to go with her and a couple friends.” 

“Ohh?” Ena smirked and leaned closer to them. 

“Yeah…” Mizuki trailed off with a slight blush on their face, rubbing their neck. “I kinda declined the offer though, saying I had to work that day…”

“Huh? Seriously!?” Ena gasped as she recalled An’s interest in Mizuki. “Y’know, you’re going to have to apologize to her for that if we bump into her group.”

“Ehh, are we all gonna go, then!?” 

Their question made Ena pull back as she turned to Kanade, who was holding her right arm closer than usual. She appeared to be deep in thought, as Mafuyu beside her hadn’t said anything since she had arrived. 

“Why not?” Kanade finally said as her bright blue eyes looked at all the members with hidden anticipation. 

“Can't you just do that at home? You don't have to go out of your way just for one concert…” Mafuyu asked as Ena noticed the mild concern in her monotone voice. 

“The thing is, they deleted all their previous MVs after they retired, it’s impossible to find their music anywhere…” Kanade murmured, looking down with disappointment. “I tried, in the past.” 

Ena felt herself moved by Kanade’s words as she opened her phone and went to her search engine. She then looked up this Fan Festival and clicked on the first link at the top. The contents that it provided after loading were huge. What she found out in mere seconds was enough to make anyone else's head spin. This festival, she learned, was hosting multiple music groups and vtubers, including some she had liked in the past.

“Ne, you like this artist’s music a lot, huh, Kanade?” She asked in a softer tone. 

“Yes… I do, but… I also thought it’d be nice to go out just to enjoy the music for a change. Like that time we all went to the summer festival together.”

“You mean when Akito and Toya-kun performed?” Ena tilted her head as memories of that night came back, making her blush when her eyes glanced over at Mafuyu. Who remained silent and unresponsive to what was going on.

“Man, those two really brought the house down with that one, but I liked all the artists that night!” Mizuki agreed, clapping their hands together  

“Exactly. I liked how the fairgrounds were fully immersed in the sound of music.” 

“Immersed in music?” Mafuyu spoke up as Luka next to her took notice. 

“Mafuyu, what did you think of the show?” 

“With Ena close, it was warm, but there was also something else I felt when watching. I just know it wasn’t bad.” 

Ena didn’t know what to expect as she tried to ignore the fast beats of her heart. That event had changed the dynamic between her and Mafuyu so much. The music that night was exhilarating to her, which then led to her becoming reckless and the fireflies.

No, think about anything else, Shinonome!

“Okay, I just finished looking up the festival. It looks like most of it will be indoors, so it’ll be way easier to check out everything, unlike the other time.” 

“Sweet! So we’re all going then?” Mizuki jumped in joy before turning to Mafuyu. “You too, right?” 

“I don’t know?” Mafuyu said with a bored tone. “What’s the point of me going, anyway?”

“Huh? To have fun, of course!?” Ena pouted, concerned about Mafuyu’s resistance. “What else is there?”

“Hmm…”

“Ne, ne, think of it this way.” Mizuki intervened before putting their arm around Mafuyu’s shoulder. “There will be multiple types of music to choose from. Maybe if you listen to them, it’ll help you find the ‘true you’?” 

“Really…?”

“Totally! If you listen to a bunch of different genres, you’ll get to figure out what you like or dislike.” Mizuki encouraged her, making Ena grateful for their rare, moments of wisdom.

“They’re right, c’mon Mafuyu, it’ll be fun just like last time.” Ena said with a soft voice, which made Mafuyu shudder a little. 

That's very new…

“Okay…” 

Awesome! That settles it!” Mizuki cheered, with Ena still stunned by Mafuyu’s earlier reaction to her voice. 

On the day of the Fan Festival, Ena found herself walking alone inside the venue. Mafuyu had been super busy this last week with, kyudo club, studying and whatever else that woman forced her to do. To say she was disappointed about that was just absurd because Ena was grateful for her absence. The artist needed to focus on her art and improving herself. Love and romance was just too much of a burden to deal with. 

Still, that didn’t mean Ena hadn’t missed Mafuyu. She did, a lot, but this thing between them was just too confusing even for her. Mafuyu probably didn’t even care about what they did. Let alone remember.

That’s a lie, she remembered the first one…

“Oi Ena, over here!” Someone called out to her as she looked up to see Mizuki and Kanade near one of the booths. 

“Hi, I finally made it! Sorry for keeping you two waiting.” She apologized before Kanade shook her head. 

“No, it’s okay, we got here early too!” 

“Ohh good, wait, where’s Mafuyu?” She asked and looked around. 

“She isn’t here yet…it’s not like her at all.” Mizuki said with their hand on their chin.

“Usually she is with you Ena, or here earlier, it’s strange.” Kanade agreed with Mizuki as she looked around. 

Ena, despite her impulsiveness, didn’t say anything and remained silent at Kanade’s accurate assumption. She and Mafuyu were still having this weird cold front, between them, while trying to appear normal to everyone. It was both frustrating and unpleasant, but also something that couldn’t be confronted right away. 

“Ah, Ena? You’re here too?” Someone called out to her. 

“Huh!?” Ena snapped out of it before turning around to see Airi, Shizuku, one other girl and MAFUYU…!? 

“Hi, sorry I’m late everyone!” Mafuyu said, with an unsettling smile on her face. Her tone, too sweet and perky for Ena’s ears. 

“Mafuyu?” Kanade said uneasily. 

“Yes?” 

“Wait!? Is that Haruka next to you?! I don’t believe it, she’s so cute!” Mizuki shouted and interrupted the very awkward conversation. 

“Mizuki!” Ena warned, elbowing their shoulder. “Pipe down, will ya? Everyone will start staring if you keep fangirling like that.” 

“Oops, sorry…” They apologized to the group, rubbing their neck before taking notice of their outfits. “So you’re here in secret, then?” 

“That is correct! But, please, there’s no need to treat me any differently from anyone else.” Haruka responded with a chuckle, before showcasing a smile that almost blinded everyone in sight. “You must be Ena and Mizuki, right? I’ve been told so many things about you two from all my upperclassmen!” 

“Y-you have, huh?” Ena muttered in embarrassment, trying to fight off a blush. Her eyes, now scrutinizing Airi, Shizuku and even Mafuyu for answers.

Mizuki, however, once Ena turned to them for help, had been way too starstruck to notice the subtle gestures. Since, they were too busy staring at Haruka with a goofy smile on their face to care. 

“Woah, it’s really her idol smile. Like she’s glowing!”

“Seriously?” Ena sighed, taking hold of the bridge of her nose. 

“Ahahahah, don’t mind me, I’m just a huge fan!” Mizuki laughed with glee and then tilted their head toward Mafuyu. “Still, it was a surprise to see all of you walking together.”

“Well, Asahina-san and I are in the Kyudo club together. So, when I saw her alone at the entrance, I thought it would be fun to hang out!” Shizuku answered with a warm smile, her eyes staring at Mafuyu with unabashed adoration. 

It reminded Ena of how Shizuku spoke about Mafuyu when they were up at the Highlands. She knew that the Idol had a strong admiration toward Mafuyu, but seeing it in full force. Was causing the artist to feel possessive, and insecure about herself. Shizuku had told her how much she wanted to get close to Mafuyu, and that she was very jealous of Ena’s friendship with the girl. 

Still, that didn't mean she wanted to feel this way…

“I see…” was the only answer she could give, without showing her real emotions. 

“That’s so cute!” Mizuki nodded and put their hand on Ena’s shoulder, making her less tense. “I would love to go to one of your tournaments. Mafuyu had told us that she got you guys to the prefectures last year too, right?”

“Yes, she did!” Shizuku beamed at them, like she was proud of Mafuyu, or something. “Asahina-san has always been very reliable, and she’s also an amazing archer.”

“Oh, stop that, you’re exaggerating!” Mafuyu complained in a girlish way, making Ena want to gag. 

Of course this girl would fall back into that damn persona…

Ena was beside herself with that thought, wanting, no, needing, nothing more, than to tear Mafuyu’s stupid mask apart. The whole thing was stupid to her and it annoyed her so much when Mafuyu did this. Hide behind a fake smile and act like a perfect girl, which in reality, was impossible. Something that woman would never understand.

“Ne, so what brought ya guys here, anyway?” Airi asked, placing her hands on her hips. 

“Oh, uh, I-I wanted to see an old artist that came out of retirement recently…” Kanade spoke up, making everyone turn their attention to her. 

“Really?” Haruka questioned with a smile, leaning closer into Kanade’s space. “It can't be Giga right?” 

“I-It is…” 

“I follow them too! I was super excited when I heard about it.” Haruka said in a softer tone before going right back to that cuter one. “However, we’re also here for a group member of ours. We want to cheer her on!”

“Oh, that’s exciting… Wait, I-I forgot to introduce myself.” Kanade realized and took a moment to gather herself. “M-My name is Yoisaki Kanade, nice to meet you.” 

“Kiritani Haruka! Nice to meet you as well Yoisaki-san!”

“Heeeeh? Kanade, how can you be so cool knowing that you’re this close to a famous Idol!?” Mizuki gasped before slinging their arm over Kanade’s shoulder. 

“Oh, they are? I had no idea.” Was the composer’s response, which caused Mafuyu, of all people, to giggle. 

“Guess Idols aren’t really your thing, huh, Kanade?” she teased her, breaking the last ounce of restraint Ena was holding onto. 

This was starting to freak her out…

“S-stop speaking like that, it’s creepy.” She murmured to herself.

“Is something wrong, Ena?” Mafuyu said, tilting her head slightly. 

With that damn smile…

“So, anyway, Kanade here is the composer and co-songwriter for our group!” Mizuki cut in, already sensing the tension in the air. “She has made some amazing tracks and really knows how music works.” 

“Considering the reason you guys came here, her taste in music seems incredible.” Haruka complimented, placing her hand on her chin in thought. “I would love to hear some of your demos one day.”

“M-Maybe later…” Kanade stuttered before the handsome girl gave her a wink, making her melt on the spot. 

Sometimes it amazes Ena how much Kanade could attract all these people like this. It wasn’t even just her music that made others want to be around the girl. Kanade was way too kind for her own good, and brings out a side of a person no one else had ever seen. 

Compared to her, Ena was seen as too selfish, mean, and cruel at times. It was still hard for her to even acknowledge that Mafuyu and maybe Mizuki, saw something good in her. That there was more behind her rough exterior and that deep down Ena was like Kanade in a way. 

“Oh, since we've been given this wonderful opportunity, why don't we all see the show together?” Shizuku suggested making Mafuyu’s body go still. 

That’s it! 

Her mind was made up and that was the last straw for the artist. She had to get Mafuyu out of there and away from her peers. It was the only way to get the lyricist to relax and be herself. 

“I need to go to the bathroom.” She declared, grabbing Mafuyu’s wrist. “Come with me, I don’t want to go alone.” 

“Eh?”

“Just c’mon!” Ena insisted, pulling her forward. 

“W-wait Ena, I need to go too.” Kanade said behind them, making her sigh. 

“Oi, Mizuki, do you need to go?” She asked, which made them freeze in shock, before shaking their head. 

“Nah, I’ll wait for you guys here! Go do your thing!” 

When she, Kanade and Mafuyu had finally gotten inside the restroom, Ena was relieved to be welcomed with no bystanders. It seemed that everyone that had to go had either gone. Or was too busy with the festivities and finding a seat, for the multiple concerts that were scheduled.

Ena stopped in front of the mirrors to face Mafuyu, who was still staring at her with that uncanny smile. Kanade, next to her, waited patiently, while also fidgeting with her hands. The nervousness was evident in her eyes and it made Ena feel real bad that she had to drag the poor girl into this. 

“Ne, no one is here, Mafuyu.” Ena said quietly, letting her fingers loosen its grip on Mafuyu’s wrist before letting go.

Mafuyu was quiet for a brief second, but soon, her stature sagged and she was teetering forward, until she landed her head on Ena’s right shoulder. Her arms were shaking when she wrapped them around the artist’s back like a lover. Ena even had to bite her lip when she felt Mafuyu’s breath, tickling the crook of her neck.

Dammit, of course she decided to wear a tank top today. A pretty pink one at that, with sleeveless ruffles and a cute black bow at its center. The only downside of her choice was that her collarbone and neck were exposed, enough to tempt Mafuyu to… 

“Hyaaaaah!” A high-pitched cry echoed across the room. 

“Erm…” was the second, more timid response, which made Ena’s face burn with shame.

There she was in the middle of the restroom, in the most compromised position ever to exist. She should have expected this to happen. However, Ena had the benefit of the doubt that Mafuyu would actually bite her, especially with Kanade right there.

“I-I can explain…she’s stress biting…” 

“I see… has she done this before?” Kanade asked, a little too curious for Ena’s comfort.

“A couple of times, yeah…” Ena muttered before grunting a little when Mafuyu licked the new bruise on her collarbone. “N-Ne, Kanade? Can you go into my purse and get that bottle of concealer for me?” 

Kanade blinked at the absurd question, but did what she was instructed. Ena was thankful for it, watching both her and the door with a close eye, while Mafuyu continued to chew out her emotions on Ena’s poor neck. 

“Ahh, ouch!” She hissed and dug her fingernails deeper into Mafuyu’s head. “Did you just make another mark?” 

“Yes, I’m done…” was Mafuyu’s cool answer, making Ena even more confused. 

Mafuyu then pulled away from her and turned around, facing away with little effort to the door. She was quiet again and took a deep breath before Kanade walked up behind her, placing a hand on her shoulder.

“Are you okay?” She asked, with a comforting tone. “You seem to be back to being yourself…even after biting Ena.” 

“Myself?” Mafuyu said, turning to face Kanade, while Ena noticed the lost look in her eyes. 

“You really can’t tell the difference, huh?” Ena could only sigh and went back to facing the mirrors. Her attention, now on the new red mark on her skin. 

“What do you mean?” 

“You’re now the Mafuyu that Niigo knows, as well as the one I personally know.” Ena shrugged, taking out a cotton ball, before dabbing it on her neck with the concealer. 

“Ena’s right!” Kanade nodded, making Mafuyu, eyebrows furrow. 

“I see…” was her typical answer, before turning her body around for Ena to see in the mirror’s reflection. On her lips was a pout, which made Ena smirk a little. 

“If you’re worried about anyone seeing it, don’t. I still have the others that this stuff hides pretty well.”

“I wasn’t concerned about that.” Mafuyu deadpanned, making Ena stop what she was doing. 

“Haaaah?! Then what are you frowning about?” 

“…nothing,” Mafuyu murmured and looked away. “I’m just wondering why Mizuki didn’t come with us.” 

Her disappointed tone shocked Ena a little, which caused the hand near her neck to pause and its movement to falter. The cotton ball Ena was using had stayed in the same place for several seconds before she took a quick breath and continued fixing her appearance. Mafuyu had actually seemed upset about something, but the problem was she didn’t know why. 

“Mafuyu, why don’t you go and look for Mizuki? Me and Ena will catch up, once Ena is done with her makeup.” Kanade suggested, giving Ena a reassuring smile afterward. 

“Okay…” 

Mafuyu didn’t sound too happy about it, but Ena gave her a pleading look, which made the girl nod and then leave the bathroom. Only she and Kanade were left, making Ena feel a little lighter, before dropping her shoulders and hunching over the bathroom counter. She used her free hand to turn on the faucet and then splash its cold water on her face. In a poor attempt to calm herself down and get it together. 

“Ena…I won’t tell anyone what I saw, I promise,” Kanade whispered, making Ena’s body flinch when she realized Kanade was very close by. 

“I-I know…you’re too kind, Kanade. There’s no way I would ever doubt you.” She stammered and lifted her blushing face to show her runny mascara and dripping wet bangs. 

All Kanade did was give her that warm smile of hers. She also went to the towel dispenser and took out a couple, motioning Ena to sit on the counter. The artist did and waited for a while, watching Kanade take out the makeup in her purse, with a very cute, but clueless expression on her face. 

Looks like Kanade will be needing some help…

“Ne, the waterproof one is in the inside pouch, near my wallet.” She pointed out, with a soft smile. 

“Ahh, okay, thanks, Ena!” Kanade whispered, seemingly relieved. 

It made Ena chuckle a little, before taking a deep breath when the composer leaned in to press the dampen towel under her right eye. Ena, though, couldn’t stop but wondered how she had ended up with such a kind-hearted friend. Kanade was everything the past Ena would have wanted in an ideal relationship, not art related. It had only been recently, since she had met Mafuyu and even Mizuki, that Ena found the thrill in arguing. Call her a masochist, but she really enjoys it when Mafuyu teases her or calls her out on things. 

Don’t forget that she’s your muse too…

How could she have almost forgotten that little piece of detail? Mafuyu and even Niigo itself had given rebirth to Ena’s creativity, and even her passion. She could draw her friends all day if she had the chance. The Vocaloids too had become important to Ena, recalling Rin and Miku’s interest in art and how she had been teaching them to express themselves through it.

“You have a pretty face, Ena…” Kanade complimented her, making the artist remember what was happening right now. 

“H-Hah?” Was her super dumb reaction, which made her friend laugh. 

As time went by, faster than usual, Ena came to a realization. Kanade’s touch was a lot different from the other two in its gentle nature. Mizuki would be playful with occasional arm linking and annoying pokes on either of her cheeks. Mafuyu, though, would be warm or passionate, and sometimes even lustful at times, like with recent events. 

Ena sighed longingly at the thought, fighting the urge to bite her lip again. She was a complete mess right now, and needed to keep her eyes closed. The light dabbing was therapeutic. and Kanade was nimble and calm with her movement.

“I’m going to put on the mascara now.” Kanade whispered, making Ena open her eyes to meet those clear blue ones. 

“Go ahead…” 

The two stared at each other with understanding, which then led Ena to lean further down for them to be at eye level. She took the shaking hand, which was holding the mascara, and squeezed it to let Kanade know she trusted her. 

“It’s okay.” 

Her friend gulped, but opened the makeup, twisting its cap and presenting the dark brush to Ena. Kanade after that, caressed Ena’s left cheek and with the utmost care, lightly stroke the artist’s long lashes with the mascara. 

Their eyes were glued on each other, and Ena could feel Kanade’s heavy breaths. She could tell how nervous the composer was, making the sight even more amusing to witness. Really, Ena could have done this on her own, but Kanade was insistent, so who was she to tell her no? 

“You need to relax.” She said with a giggle. 

“Sorry, I haven’t used makeup in a while.” Kanade apologized, satisfied with the first eye. “Just, please stay still, I'm almost done.” 

“O-Of course…” 

They went into a comfortable silence again, while Ena observed the determined look in Kanade's eyes. Unlike Mafuyu’s, her’s were filled to the brim with emotions, even when she tried to hold them back. Kanade was actually the coolest member of their group, even more than Mafuyu. Her words struck people all around, and if she wasn’t always timid and nervous, Ena was sure she’d be super popular with both girls and boys. 

“Done.” Kanade said and pulled back from Ena. “What do you think?” 

Ena turned to face the mirror and examined Kanade’s work. A smile formed on her lips at what she saw. 

“It looks great, you even got them to curl at the end!” 

Kanade’s eyes brightened when she heard that. “Oh, thank goodness…” she murmured, before taking out her phone to check the time. “Ah, we should go though and find the other two. Hopefully, Mafuyu hasn't gotten lost again.” 

“That depends on how distracted Mizuki got by something either shiny or cute.” Ena said with sarcasm, making Kanade giggle. 

“Yeah, let’s go, the concert will start soon.” She reminded her, before both of them exited through the bathroom door.

Ena browsed the crowd for Mizuki and Mafuyu, hoping to catch sight of the former's bright pink hair at a distance and use it like a beacon. She was annoyed at how far Mafuyu had gone, after she left them in the bathroom, but was then relieved the moment she saw the two standing outside the entranceway to one of the concert rooms. 

“Ahh, there they are!” Mizuki called out, while Mafuyu stood there bored. “Get over here already, you made us wait long enough!” 

“Haaah?! Why are you blaming us for that?” Ena huffed, pulling Kanade by her wrist, because the girl had no stamina left and was dragging her feet. 

“...you’ve been in the bathroom for twenty minutes now, Ena.” Mizuki pointed out, which made Mafuyu nod her head. 

“What were you two doing?” She asked, which made Ena raise her right eyebrow in amusement. 

“Nothing in particular. Kanade was just redoing my mascara.” 

“...I see, though, it looks good either way to me.” Mafuyu shrugged, making Ena cover her mouth to hide a giggle.

Why can she never stay mad at her!? How was it possible for Mafuyu to be this cute?

“I don’t know whether I should take that as a compliment or not.” 

After saying that, Mafuyu didn’t answer her, which made Ena even more curious about what the girl could be thinking about. This kind of thing was new to the artist, and the more she wondered about it, the more impatient she got. Like unresolved puzzles that ended up making her stay up for hours at night, sometimes. The girl was just lucky that another group came by, one which had three very familiar faces, including Ena’s brother, Akito. 

“Mizuki? You’re here too?!” An’s voice called out, making the pink haired one jump. 

“A-An, hey, uhh…yeah, I–uhh, my job let me off early, yaaay!” 

Mizuki being awkward was both a funny and a scary thing to witness for Ena. She felt a sudden urge for popcorn, while Kanade and Mafuyu didn’t seem to understand the drama that was bubbling up at the surface. 

“Oh! That explains it. I’m just super happy you’re here, and with friends. Yo, Ena-senpai!” An laughed, making all the drama Ena was ready to delve in, vanish. 

Did she…actually believe what was said….

“Pfft, Ena-senpai…that’s such a weird thing to hear…” Mizuki snorted, causing Ena to glare at them. 

“Huh? I am older than you, y’know! At least, An-san here, shows some sort of respect to me!” 

“It just doesn’t suit you…” Mafuyu added with a tilt of her head. Until another voice caught her attention. 

“A-Asahina-senpai, you’re here too?” 

Right when those words came out of the girl who, Ena noticed, was behind Akito. Mafuyu’s entire persona changed again. Her face brightened and her voice got higher, with a painted smile now on her face. 

“Hello Azusawa-san! It’s good to see you, hehe~” she said in that unsettling good girl tone. 

“Wow, first Haruka-chan, Hinamori-senpai and Momoi-senpai, now you too…I wonder who else is here from Miyajo...” This girl questioned before realizing everyone was staring at her. “Ahhh, Sorry! I-I should introduce myself! My name is Azusawa Kohane, I-I am a part of Vivid Bad Squad!” 

“SHE’S SO CUTE!” Mizuki gushed, while Ena did it eternally. 

“Yup, that’s my partner for you, cute as a hamster!” An said proudly, and patted Azusawa on the back. 

“An-chan!” She blushed and tried to not seem freaked out. 

“So, are you guys gonna watch our performance later?” An asked, while winking at Mizuki with a flirty smile. 

“You guys are gonna be on stage?” Ena couldn’t stop herself from asking out loud. 

“Of course, that’s why we’re here.” Akito scoffed at his sister with an edge to his voice.

“Why you… don’t get defensive with me! I was just asking.” 

“Don’t mind him.” Toya said with a low chuckle. “We just came out of dance rehearsal and he’s a little nervous.” 

“That explains it.” Ena sighed, making Akito roll his eyes. 

“Ne, Toya-kun, are you nervous too?” Mizuki asked and walked closer to the taller boy. “Out of everyone in your group, you look the most chilled.”

“You don’t say…?” He said with a cute tilt of his head, which made Mizuki giggle, while their eyes watched him with clear adoration. 

They totally have a crush on him! …Wait poor An…

Ena felt bad for the other junior, who also was witnessing the scene unfold between Mizuki and Toya. An didn’t seem bothered by the affection between the two, but Ena could see the disappointment in her eyes at the way Mizuki softened up around the boy. Her friend Azusawa also noticed it, while looping her arms together with An’s.  

“An-chan? We should probably get ready.” She said with a hint of worry. 

“Yeah, we should…” An agreed before turning to Mizuki with determination in her eyes. “Oi, you better watch me up there, cause we’re gonna blow this stage up with this performance!” 

Mizuki, startled by the way An said that, blushed a little before nodding their head. Although, Ena didn’t know if it was because of Toya’s hand on Mizuki’s shoulder, or how intense An was staring at them. 

“You can count on it! Break a leg, you guys.” Mizuki laughed, but then yelped when Toya moved his hand to pat the top of their head, which also made their cheeks grow even more red.

Interesting… they actually reacted to that.

“Thanks for your support.” He said with that rare cute smile of his, before walking back to Akito. “I hope our energy will reach you all.” 

“It will!” Ena affirmed him, so that Mizuki could recover from the sweet gesture. 

“Yes, you all are very talented! I’m sure you guys will do great up there.” Mafuyu added with that creepy smile of hers, and that fake ass, girlish, giggle. 

Ena tried to remain unaffected by it, but her blood boiled inside her body. Mafuyu’s mask was up in full force right now because of An’s friend. It was such a pain for Ena to watch Mafuyu push this awful habit of hers, to the forefront. All because someone she knows at school was here, even though Ena doubted they ever really interacted outside of tutoring. 

As soon as Akito and his friends entered the concert hall through the double doors. Mafuyu, once again, dropped her act, while Mizuki, though, was still touching their head, a little dazed. The look on their face was super rare for Ena, which also made her want to take a picture of it. 

“Mizuki, are you okay? Your cheeks are red?” Kanade spoke up, making Mizuki blink before laughing at being caught. 

“Ahahaha, I’m fine! I was just thinking about something, that’s all…” they tried to save face, while also, pressing their hand to their heart for some reason. “We should get going! I want to see the other performers before coming back here for An’s.” 

With that said, Mizuki took a head start and ran ahead, leaving Ena to shout out at them for their recklessness. Mafuyu, next to her, took that moment to grab her right hand, while Kanade chuckled with an amused look in her eyes. 

“I always forget that Mizuki is like a year younger than us.” She said in a wistful tone. “Whenever they are around people their own age, they become more shy and even childish. It’s kinda cute, no?” 

“I have noticed the change, especially around Toya-kun.” Ena shrugged, letting her hand tighten its hold on Mafuyu. “To be honest, I think they have a crush on him. Not like a serious one, but something, y’know?” 

“I usually don’t pick up on those things, but they do seem softer around him.” Kanade nodded.

“He’s different around them too…” Mafuyu added on, surprising Ena with her interest and observation. 

“Huh, interesting…” Ena muttered, while using her left hand to grab her chin. “Yeah, usually he’s only like that with Akito. So, for him to relax around Mizuki like that must be a sign, right?” 

“I don’t know?” Was Mafuyu’s typical answer, which made Kanade confused and Ena sigh. 

Really, she should have known better than to ask her something regarding this kind of thing. Mafuyu, despite their own complex relationship, still had no clue about her emotions besides the ones she had remembered throughout childhood. 

Ena frowned at the thought, though that didn’t stop her from shifting their current handhold into something a lot more intimate. The artist had eased Mafuyu to slide her long fingers into the gaps between her own knuckles. Their hold was fastened by crossing thumbs over the other, making them appear more like a couple instead of friends. 

She stroked the back of Mafuyu’s palm, letting the girl know she’s still there. Ena wanted to stay mad at Mafuyu because of the kiss. However, it was hard to do that when Mafuyu was so innocent most of the time. That fact alone made Ena’s situation even more difficult, and it was only one of her problems. 

“Haah, c’mon on, we better go after them. Who knows what other chaos they will inflict if we’re not around…” she had finally managed to say, before pulling Mafuyu forward.

No more than a minute later, they found Mizuki near a smaller stage, unlike the one VBS will be performing on. There, Ena recognized Airi, Haruka, and Shizuku in their disguises, as well as some other familiar faces. 

“Yo, Ena-kun.” Rui greeted her, next to Mizuki and another shorter girl Ena had never seen before. “You guys are here just in time for the individual singing contest.” 

“Oh, so that’s what’s going on over here?” She asked, now a little more interested in the event.

“A-ASAHINA-SENPAI, IS THAT YOU!?” the short girl shouted, making Mafuyu once again shift gears and plaster that damn fake smile on her face, before letting go of Ena’s hand.

“Oh, hello Ootori-san! I didn’t think you would be here too.” 

“H-Hi…” was Ootori’s reply. One that Ena couldn’t help but worry about when she noticed how pale the girl had become. 

“Are you okay?” Kanade, also concerned, asked with an outstretched hand. 

“M-ME? I’M SUPER DUPER GREAT! MY NAME IS OOTORI EMU, W-WONDERHOY!” 

“Wonderhoy?” 

Ena blinked at the odd girl’s theatrics. Many of her own memories about Phenyland were too much of a blur, but that iconic catchphrase was timeless enough for her to let out a little chuckle. This girl was cute, both in a physical and behavioral way. She even had the urge to pull Ootori into a hug. If it wasn’t for Mizuki pointing out that, the contest was about to start. 

“I wonder who’s gonna sing first?” They said with a hand on their chin. “Rui, you said your friend was participating, right?” 

“Yes, she is a little shy, but she also has a great voice.” He smiled a little before looking around. “Hmm, Tsukasa-kun still hadn’t come back yet. Emu-kun, do you think he got caught by security?”

“Weeeeell, knowing Tsukasa-kun’s luck, probably.” Ootori shrugged, seeming a lot calmer than she was before. 

“That guy is such a goofball, I swear…” Mizuki sighed before motioning Niigo to come closer to where they were standing. 

“After this and Vivid Bad Squad’s performance, we should make our way to Giga’s concert.” Kanade told the group quietly, making Ena smile at her enthusiasm. 

“Of course!” Both she and Mizuki promised, while Mafuyu only nodded her head. 

It shouldn’t have startled her, but Ena wasn’t prepared at all when the lyricist’s arms wrapped themselves around her waist from behind. She let out a muffled yelp before being swept away from Mizuki, Kanade, and the rest. Mafuyu’s chin rested itself on her shoulder and near the crook of her neck. Her breathing was heavy against the shell of Ena’s ear as the lights dimmed down to start the contest. Ena shuddered from the touch, leaning her head further against Mafuyu’s body, before noticing the first contestant coming up on stage. 

“GO, NENE-CHAN!” Ootori cheered in front of them. “YOU LOOK SO PRETTY UP THERE!”

“Chill Emu-chan, she hasn’t even started singing yet hehehe~.” Mizuki giggled before turning around to see Ena’s current position. “Woah, so that’s why you made a noise.” 

“You, shut up!” Ena muttered, while her cheeks got hot from being caught this way. 

“Fine, but you two owe me.” They smirked before turning back to watch the show. 

Nene’s performance was overall really moving. Both she and Mafuyu swayed to her song, which was slower than what Ena was expecting it to be. It sounded a little romantic even, especially when Ena noticed how Rui watched the girl with his lips parted. She didn’t know much about his past or anything at all, but it was pretty clear to the artist that he and Nene had a really close bond. 

“Woah, I feel like I was transported to another world during that.” Mizuki remarked before blinking a little to readjust their vision. 

“It sounded like there was some jazz in it. Really nice song choice.” Kanade nodded and turned to Ena and Mafuyu. “What do you guys think?”  

“It sounded romantic. I don’t know why, just got that vibe.” Ena said, before using her head to tap Mafuyu to speak up. 

“I don’t know either…it wasn’t Kanade’s song…” 

“Ohh, look, It’s Minori-chan!” Shizuku’s voice broke the conversation, making Ena and the rest of Niigo look back up to the stage. 

The girl, Minori, stood still as the nerves evident on her face made Ena feel a little worried at the start. What, with the little blunder Minori had while trying to sing the opening verses? However, once she tried again, Minori broke out in a smile and her energy spread throughout the audience like wildfire. Ena herself felt this surge of hope swelling inside her heart as Mafuyu pulled her body even closer.

“Hehehe, is this kind of music too much for you, or something~” she giggled and brought her right arm around Mafuyu’s neck, before letting her fingers thread themselves into the other’s restrained wild locks.

“Hmm,” Mafuyu murmured, leaning her head into the touch. 

“Ahhh, SHE’S SO CUTE! Minori-chan, fight on!” Mizuki, in the front cheered next to Emu, who had just as much energy. 

“She really had improved a lot on her dancing, huh?” Ena recalled, remembering how clumsy the girl was in earlier MORE MORE JUMP!! Livestreams. 

“Yeah, she was pretty nervous at first, but she’s doing awesome now! I kinda can’t help but root for her, y’know.” Mizuki agreed, waving their phone up like a glow stick. 

“It’s so bright…” Ena could hear Kanade say, her eyes watching Minori in lock step.

She wasn’t wrong with that statement. The stage for Minori had been illuminated with colorful lights, compared to Nene’s performance. Minori was jumping around all across the stage, using everything she had to bring the audience into her song. Ena looked to her left to see how proud Airi was in Minori. This sight, in general, was new to Ena, who had never seen such an expression on the girl before today. 

It went on for another couple of seconds until the song reached the end. Minori smiled at the audience with her wide eyes, surprised by the amount of enthusiasm and cheers for her. Ena, despite herself, wished that kind of praise would be directed at her and her art. To be the center of attention, was a pipe dream in of itself, and yet, the artist wanted it, more than anything else in the world. 

“Ahh, that was so much fun!” Mizuki sighed, stretching their arms up, while the group exited the venue. “Everyone was amazing, and the group performances were some of the best to date!” 

“Huh, I’m a little tired though, but now I have so much to work with for my art!” Ena said, before letting out a little yawn. 

Kanade and Mafuyu were quiet during the exchange, the former deep in thought, since they had just gotten out of seeing Giga’s concert. Ena couldn’t help but watch her, hoping to get even a glimpse of what was running through her head for a change. Mafuyu, the enigma she was, just walked over to where she and Mizuki were standing, waiting for them to finish stretching and getting their bearings back. 

“Ne, Mafuyu, did you have fun?” Mizuki asked, with their voice filled with hope. 

“I guess?” 

“Well, that’s good enough for me!” Mizuki smiled at her, which made Mafuyu tilt her head in confusion. 

Ena wanted to add on to what Mizuki said, but her brother and his group had just exited the building behind them. His eyes landed on hers as he pocketed his hands in his jacket and motioned for her to follow. 

“Ena, we need to hurry if we’re going to catch the train.” He said with a fake, pleasant tone. 

“Huh? Who said I’m going home with you?” She frowned, crossing her arms. 

“It’s late, don’t argue with me.” He sighed before waving to Toya goodbye. “Just c’mon… I’ll get you cheesecake on the way.”

Well, she couldn’t say no to that offer. However, just before she could answer him, Airi walked out with her unit members. Her interest was obvious in her eyes as she got closer to the two siblings. 

“What’s this? Are you guys going home without me?”

“N-no of course not!” Akito stuttered when Airi got a little too close. “We were just waiting for you.” 

“Ya better be! Y’know everyone else in MMJ lives on the opposite side of me.” She smiled, which made Akito sigh and rub his neck.

Ena for her part, didn’t know how to even react to this. Her eyes moved to her own group, pleading for any of them to save her from ending up dealing with this situation. Mizuki was the first to respond by giggling into their fist, before An came up and invited them to go get some food with her, and Kohane. 

Kanade was the second and she just stood there awkwardly. Ena knew that she couldn’t take the same train as her, but the least she could do was say something. Anything at all, to keep her from enduring her brother’s horrible attempt at flirting with Airi.

“Ne Ena, I saw a cute cafe nearby, I’m a little hungry, do you want to come with me?” Mafuyu spoke up, making everyone look at her with surprise. 

“Oh, I think I know the one you’re talking about!” Shizuku nodded and looked at her expectantly. “I was thinking of going there with Shiho-chan after this, but seeing she’s with her friends…”

“It’s no problem Hinomori-san, would you like to join me and Ena?” 

“Huh, I haven’t even answered you!” Ena interrupted, confused at what was happening.

“Oh, so you’d rather go home with Akito-kun and Momoi-san?” Mafuyu tilted her head with a little, very forced, giggle. 

“…let’s go.” She muttered, grabbing Mafuyu’s wrist, while Shizuku followed them behind with a smile. 

“Oi, don’t stay out too late!” Akito called out to her, making Ena roll her eyes, ignoring him instead. 

By the time, her, Mafuyu, and Shizuku made it to the cafe, Ena went up to the menu, being displayed on the window, to read the prices. From what she saw, they were pretty decent for how much she was carrying in her wallet. Still, something about this was strange. She didn’t know what it was, but being with both these girls alone made her feel anxious. 

“Shall we go in?” Shizuku suggested, before opening the door for Ena and Mafuyu to enter. 

To say Ena was both awkward and annoyed from the moment they were seated to now waiting for food, was a huge understatement. The artist was very nervous as Mafuyu and Shizuku spoke about school and their time in the kyudo club. Ena felt like she was intruding or something, even though she knew both wanted to hang out with her. 

“Ena-chan, I’ve been meaning to ask you!” Shizuku began, making the artist look up after shaking her head. 

“Yeah?” 

“Would it be possible if you could come to one of my photoshoots one of these days?” She asked with a little glint in her eyes. “You’re an artist after all, surely you are also fond of photography, correct?” 

“She is, Ena has an Instagram account dedicated to selfies.” Mafuyu answered for her. With that stupid honor student voice.

“Oi!” Ena frowned, wanting to ignore the disgust she was feeling when she saw Mafuyu’s pitiful act. “Hah, look, I’m gonna get some air, text me when the food comes okay?” 

She didn’t bother to hear either of their responses before getting up from her chair and walking to the front door. As soon as she pushed it open, Ena was met with droplets of rain, courtesy of the summer showers that were forecasted for this evening. A sigh escaped her lips at the feeling of the cool liquid trailing down her skin, cleansing her of all the pent-up emotions she was holding back. 

“You’ll catch a cold.” A low voice told Ena from behind, leading her to tilt her head and meet Mafuyu’s face. 

The lyricist stood there in the pouring rain, her white open blouse now drenched, as Ena could see the outline of her black tank top from underneath. The sight was entrancing, to say the least, but what really caught the artist’s attention was how the rainwater traveled down Mafuyu's body. It reminded her of watercolors. Those translucent but powerful paints, which could stain and blur any canvas in a matter of seconds. 

“I’ve already caught one…” she whispered before walking closer to Mafuyu and reaching up to caress her cheek. “No, thanks to you.” 

“Hmm?” 

Ena wanted to scoff, to pull away after hearing that answer, and yet she just couldn’t do it. Instead, she studied the insufferable girl, stroking her thumb against Mafuyu’s skin, before moving it to Mafuyu’s nose. Its bony structure a stark contrast to Ena’s button one, which also made Mafuyu seem more mature. 

“You are such a pain in my ass…” she said with a small smile, her eyes watching Mafuyu’s soaked hair drip from those long bangs. 

“I am?” 

Not satisfied with that answer, Ena grabbed Mafuyu’s hand and brought her to the small alleyway between the cafe and another building. She pushed Mafuyu to a wall and looked up at her with a heated expression.

“Yes, this entire day, you weren’t being completely yourself and it pissed me off.” Ena growled, pressing her toes hard to the wet pavement, trying to seem at least intimidating to Mafuyu. 

“I…wasn’t aware…” 

“I know! It still annoys me, though, I hate seeing you do that, pleasing others.” Ena explained, bringing her hands closer to Mafuyu’s head and pulling their foreheads together. “Seeing you push yourself to be someone you don’t want to be.” 

“I don’t know who I am, Ena…” 

“You’re Asahina Mafuyu! Dammit, why is this so hard for you to understand?” Ena cried out, while fighting back the urge to ask Mafuyu about the kiss. 

“…I'm sor—“ 

She had enough of this. Ena tugged Mafuyu’s open blouse off one shoulder and pressed her head against the crook of her exposed neck. At this point, she didn’t care anymore about what they were doing. What she needed was an outlet. 

“Mmmm.” Mafuyu hissed at the contact of Ena’s teeth sinking into her collarbone. 

“It’s not your fault…” Ena breathed hard, her head dizzy from that sudden burst of adrenaline, while the rain made her clothes cling to her body. “I just hate seeing you push yourself like this...” 

A choked sob escaped Mafuyu and Ena felt strong arms wrapping around her waist. Her head was then pulled away from the puddle of tears that she didn’t know she made. Until meeting the glossy reflection of Mafuyu’s dark eyes.

“Please don’t cry… I don’t want you to be sad.” 

“I’m not.” Ena told her, shaking her head. “That’s the last thing I’d ever be. You make me happy, Mafuyu…” 

The light in Mafuyu’s eyes had brightened up more than she had ever seen before. It made Ena both in awe and upset that no one had ever told the girl that. 

“Happy…” 

“Yeah…” Ena murmured, burying her head again in Mafuyu’s shoulder. “Just don’t tell anyone I said that…” 

“Ena, what else do I make you feel?” 

“…everything…” was her answer. 

“Everything…? 

Ena nodded, the rain pounding on her back as she remembered that Shizuku was probably still waiting for them. Maybe she could just make up an excuse, like tell her Mafuyu wasn’t feeling well. 

That could work…

“Ena…I want to know.” 

“Sorry, but that’s my little secret.” Ena giggled before squealing when Mafuyu's hands went under the hem of her soaked shirt. To scratch her lower back, which Ena learned recently was a weak spot. 

“Oi! Don’t get handsy with me, perv!” 

“Perv?” Mafuyu blinked at the new insult. “You called me that when you were sick.” 

“I-I did?!” She didn’t remember.

“Yes, it happened after I—-“ 

Ena tilted her head when she noticed the deep blush on Mafuyu’s usually neutral face. Something was up, and now she was curious. Her brain tried to rack around all the embarrassing moments until one particular memory struck her. 

“You’re still thinking about that!?” She asked before a sly grin etched her face. “Hm, how did that make you feel?” 

“I don’t know...” Mafuyu mumbled, which made Ena huff, dissatisfied. 

“Nevermind…At least you’re being you again.” 

“I’m tired…” Mafuyu said, pulling Ena closer so that their wet bodies brushed against the other. “Spoil me…”

“Ne, don’t demand it!”

“Please spoil me.” 

“Dammit! How can you be cute after all this!?” Ena groaned, before she heard something that made her heart leap. 

“Enanan, is cuter.” 

Yeah, she was going to die. 

Chapter Text

It was a rare moment for all of them to meet around 11:30 instead of the usual time. Ena listened to Kanade speak during the sudden meeting, while also trying to finish her homework in the process. Her thoughts were, though, on her tablet that had nothing new on it, which made Ena sigh to herself at the lack of inspiration. 

Just then, her phone rang and Ena picked it up, surprised when she saw An’s contact on the screen. Without thinking, she answered it and put the girl in speaker mode. 

“Yo, Ena-senpai! Am I intruding? You texted me about something, but I was busy with practice.” An called out in a playful tone. 

“Yeah, it’s fine, not a lot is going on right now…” Ena sighed before her eyes landed on her mic. “Oh-shit.” 

“Well, Enanan, sorry we’re being boring to you. It's not our fault that nothing big is happening tonight.” Mizuki’s voice was heard through the voice chat. 

“Oi! Look, I swear this is just as important! I wanted to talk about this with you all, and An-san called just at the right time.” 

“It’s rude to talk on the phone while still on another call, Enanan…” Mafuyu said in an emotionless voice. Although, Ena could have sworn she heard annoyance in her tone.

“Ah, it’s okay, Enanan. Please tell us, what’s up?” Kanade encouraged her. 

“Okay, fine. I’ve come to realize that my works can be a little stiff, and I want to learn how to draw movement more fluidly. So, An-san, what I wanted to ask you is if I could watch you dance…or something.” Ena explained, her cheeks turning red, while thanking all her luck that Niigo wasn’t on video chat. 

“Oh, is that all? Sure!” An laughed into the speaker. “Although, I think it would also benefit you if I teach you a dance routine, too. Just to understand the feel. What me and your brother do is a lot more complicated than just moving your arms.” 

“Haah? What do you mean by that!?” 

“Exactly what I said.” An said in a more serious voice this time. “Ne, why don’t all of you come? It’ll be a lot more fun if there’s more people. We could do it Saturday.”

“I’m busy…” Mafuyu replied almost instantly. 

Kanade was the second to reply, and Ena frowned at the decline to the proposal. That only left Mizuki, and Ena was hell-bent  on getting them to come. Not only for An to make her move, but to not be alone with the girl. Ena just had a feeling that if she was alone with her, the whole plan would dissolve into her talking about Mafuyu and being pathetic, which was the last thing she wanted An to see. She was supposed to be her senpai and needed to keep that title.

“Hmm, I don’t know if I can…” Mizuki muttered through their microphone. 

“Oh c’mon Mizuki! You’ve told me before you wanted to learn, right?” An whined through Ena’s fine. “It’ll mean a lot for Ena-senpai too!” 

“What she said!” Ena added on, before another idea came to mind. “Ne, An-san, why don’t you invite one of your friends on Saturday too? Surely this would be a fun thing if there’s four of us, no?” 

“OMG, THAT’S A GREAT IDEA, AND I KNOW THE PERFECT PERSON WHO’D COME.” 

“It better not be Akito…” Ena warned with a weary expression. 

“Of course not!” An assured her before giggling. “Ne, Mizuki, please come. It won’t be the same if it’s just three people!” 

“Agh, I can’t say no to a cute voice… Fine, I’ll be there. My first dance practice…not in front of my mirror…wow.” 

Ena smirked at the admission. “Heeeh? So, you do like dancing? I get being a fan of idols, but actually liking to dance. This is so gonna be fun.” 

“Laugh all you want, Enanan, but I bet you, you’ll fall on your feet during the whole dance.” Mizuki countered with a smug chuckle. 

“S-Shut up, I’m not that clumsy.” 

“You are…” Mafuyu said, siding with Mizuki. 

“Erm, not that I’m better, but…” Kanade also had to agree. 

“YOU GUYS SUCK! Not you Kanade.” 

An laughed through the phone at the exchange. She then informed Ena and Mizuki where to meet on Saturday, while Mafuyu and Kanade muted their mics to not overhear them. Mizuki spoke up about what to wear and Ena smiled hearing the enthusiasm in their voice. This will be fun, and Mizuki will get to be with An as well as her friend, giving them more people to hang out with than just Ena. 

However, the artist was a little sad that Mafuyu and Kanade couldn’t go, since having the entire group there would have been so much better, but at least she’d have Mizuki there. Well, if they didn’t decide to make fun of her dancing and her thing with Mafuyu. 

Oh no, what had she done!? 

Ena let out a soft yawn once she had arrived at Oyogi Park’s entrance. She was wearing her favorite pink t-hoodie, a simple pair of beige shorts, and her old white high tops, which she had worn at the summer festival that time with Akito. Seriously, though, it was a miracle that they still fit her, even after all these years. Guess, her shoe size would never change at this rate. 

“Ena, Yahoo!” Mizuki’s voice called out to her, making the artist sigh and lean off the wall she was lounging against. 

“Hi, you ready for some dancing?” She said in a nonchalant shrug. 

“Not in the slightest, but at least I’ll look good! 

That comment made the artist notice her friend’s outfit before nodding her head in approval. Mizuki had on a hot pink crop top sweatshirt, black baggy sweatpants bunched up at the knees. A black cap and a pair of black and pink hi-skate sneakers. Overall, they looked good and it was the first time Ena had seen Mizuki not wearing heels. 

“Can’t argue with that. Now c’mon, the others are probably waiting for us.” She smiled and walked towards the basketball court.

“Oi! Don’t go ahead without me!” Mizuki shouted and jogged to catch up. 

The two spoke about their week and Ena was happy to know Mizuki had attended some of their classes. She was informed about their habit for skipping school from An. Even though Mizuki hadn’t completely told her about it, Ena was still glad that they were opening up in the first place.

“Yo! Ena-senpai, Mizuki, over here!” An’s voice shouted, making both of them turn forward to see the girl sitting on a bench. With the person next to her facing away, busy tying their shoes.

Ena squinted her eyes to get a better view, but Mizuki took that moment to run over and leave Ena behind. Disgruntled by the sudden departure, the artist huffed and jogged after her friend. When she arrived, she was a little concerned by Mizuki’s shocked expression. That was, until she saw the mystery friend An had invited. 

Ohh, this got interesting real fast…

There, standing right next to the girl was Toya, with both his hands in his pockets and a warm glimmer in his eyes. He was wearing a navy stylish jacket, a white baggy top underneath, black joggers, and his expensive dance sneakers. Ena let out a low whistle before nudging Mizuki out of their stupor. Their blush became more apparent when An noticed their behavior. 

“You okay there, Mizuki?” 

“I’m fine! Ena is just being annoying.” Was their reply. 

“Heeeh? All I did was try to get you back on earth. You were spacing out, Mizuki.” Ena retorted with a smug smile on her face.

“Was not!” Mizuki tried but failed to counter, since both An and Toya agreed with the artist.

Payback’s a bitch, ain’t it?

To Ena? It sure was, as she continued to watch Mizuki squirm under scrutiny. She was enjoying the fact of how nervous they were seeing not only An but Toya too. The only duo that Ena had learned recently, who could make Akiyama Mizuki flustered and even a little tongue-tied. 

“Aww, you’re so cute, Mizuki!” An said, and then squeezed their shoulder before turning serious. “But enough small talk, time for your lesson!” 

Toya nodded in agreement and gave An a thumbs up, before the girl showed everyone her phone. An pressed play and what Ena saw was a couple dancing together on stage. The style was, of course, hip hop, and Ena was amazed at some of the parts where the couple moved in sync. However, their footwork was hard to follow with how fast they were performing. Ena wasn’t sure if she would be capable of doing any of this, let alone some of it. 

“Alright, that’s the routine we’ll be learning, but first stretching. We gotta be loose and ready for dancing, y’know?” An insisted, before walking over the Ena’s side. “You’re with me cause of our height… that leaves Mizuki with—“ 

“Me?” Toya asked with a tilt of his head, which made An nod, begrudgingly. 

“Yeah…” 

After hearing her answer, Toya nodded his head and walked closer to where Mizuki was standing. He then unzipped his jacket before taking it off and tying it around his waist. The move, though, caused the rest of them to stare at his arms, which were toned and slim. Similar to Mafuyu’s if Ena had to compare and contrast. 

“Akiyama-san, can you turn around?” Toya asked them. 

“Ahaha, sure!” Was Mizuki’s reply, before Toya put both of them back to back and bent his body down. “Woaaah!? What are you doing?” They said confused, while being lifted off the ground. 

“It’s a stretch? I usually do this with Akito, the same for Shiraishi and Azusawa.” He said before a small grunt escaped his lips. “Akito is usually heavier, you’re very light Akiyama-san.” 

“Thanks?” 

“Sorry, I mean, I like it. It’s easier than doing this with Akito.” Toya rephrased his words, making Mizuki’s cheeks turn red, from what Ena witnessed. 

“Ne, Ena-senpai, it’s our turn.” An’s voice halted her current thoughts, before doing the same thing the other two are doing. 

“Uweeeeh!” Ena shrieked when her body was lifted into the air. 

“Gah, you’re heavier than Kohane…” An muttered underneath, making Mizuki burst out laughing, despite their own position. 

“Ah, I guess all Shinonomes’ are heavy, hehehe?” 

“You don’t say?” Toya said with a small smile on his face, while An let out a shaky laugh. 

“No, but seriously, let’s do this in reverse, please.” She groaned in slight pain.

The two switched and Ena grit her teeth when she felt An’s muscular shoulder blades on top of her own. It wasn’t that bad, but she was still pretty self-aware of her weight and the reason they swapped places. A loud squeal came nearby and Ena moved her neck to see Mizuki now in the same position as her, with Toya on their back. 

“You could’ve warned me, y’know?!” Mizuki whined and tried to keep the boy from falling. Both their arms linked together, while Toya pushed himself harder. 

“I needed to stretch too? We’re almost done Akiyama-san, sorry.” He apologized, frowning a little, which made Ena feel for the boy, while Mizuki freaked out. 

“No, no! I’m just, I don’t want to drop you Toya-kun, that's all!” 

“You won’t.” He said confused. “I trust you to take care of me.” 

Ena had to bite her lip when she saw how red Mizuki got from his comment. The poor editor was fuming as their ears lit up and looked to be blowing out steam. Wow, they really had it bad for Toya, whether they were aware of it or not. It was hilarious and embarrassing at the same time, and it was only gonna get worse from here on out. 

Let’s be real, they haven’t even started dancing yet…

The artist snorted at the thought, which made An look up and raise her eyebrow in question. Ena was already having trouble containing her amusement at the situation, but that was what made her crack. She let out a fit of laughter while lying on An’s back, causing the other younger teens to stare at her like she was insane. 

“Oi, what’s so funny, Ena?” Mizuki was the first to recover, pouting at Ena’s outburst. 

“Nothing, it’s just…you’re all being so cute right now.” She replied, making Mizuki confused. 

“Ehh? I don’t get it?” 

“Well, you are cute, Akiyama-san…” Toya remarked, looking down at the person he was stretching on. 

“HAAAAAH?!” Mizuki gawked, making Ena wonder if she looked the exact same way, whenever she did that. 

“He’s right!” An added, her eyes right on Mizuki, despite hanging upside down on Ena. “You’re super cute, Mizuki! Personality and looks!” 

“Ahaha, th-thanks you both…” Mizuki gulped, looking down at their shoes, in an attempt to hide their blush. 

“It’s no problem at all.” Toya hummed, before he was dropped back down onto his feet. “I was even wondering, do you think you could go shopping with me some time?” 

“Me?!” Mizuki asked, pointing to themselves.

“Yes…” Toya said with a more serious expression. “You have such good taste in fashion and I need some help picking out clothes for VBS’s or Bad Dogs’ next competitions…”

At this point, Ena really wondered if Toya actually had feelings for Mizuki, because usually Akito and him would go shopping together for that type of stuff. So, Toya asking Mizuki personally for help, just seemed like an excuse to be alone with them. Meanwhile, An, who Ena knew had a huge crush on Mizuki, looked like she wanted to stop the scene happening in front them, even with the big bright smile on her face.

Ohh boy…  

“I guess, sure, if you really don’t mind…hmm, maybe we could also get some makeup that could help highlight your pretty features too.” Mizuki suggested, before realizing what they just said. “I-I mean—”

“You think I’m pretty?” Toya tilted his head in that cute way of his, that even Ena couldn’t deny. 

“Mou, do I have to answer?” 

“I think you’re pretty, too.” He shrugged and then turned around to begin his lunges.

Ena had to cover her mouth to hide her smile as Mizuki stood there shellshocked at the exchange that has just happened. She was enjoying this way more than she imagined she would, but also felt horrible for An, who was struggling to impress Mizuki through the entire exchange. 

“Ne, you okay there?” Ena asked the other girl who was busy stretching her hamstrings. 

“I’m fine, why?” An answered with a little gruff. 

“Well, with all that flirting going on…” Ena trailed off before noticing the glare An shot her. “Oi, I’m just pointing out what I’m seeing. Don’t look at me like that, An-san.” 

“Sorry…” An murmured and let out a sigh. “It’s just I’m already jealous that Kohane is a lot better than me at singing…now Toya’s stealing my thunder in flirting too?”

“Huh? Y’know, I don’t think he’s even aware of it…” 

“That’s not the point, Mizuki...” An began, but then crossed her arms, contemplating if she should say  anything else to Ena. “Look, all I’m gonna say is that, Mizuki would totally get it, if you came out… Like I’m not joking around.” 

This turned serious way too fast…

“Haaah!? W-why are you bring that up!” Ena panicked a little, hoping the other two didn’t overhear that. 

“Mizuki is my friend, Ena-senpai. I know more about her than even your little music group does. A lot happened to her this past year, you’re not the only one with issues.” 

“I don’t understand…” Ena whispered, feeling even more worried about Mizuki’s behavior these past couple of months. 

“Sorry, but Mizuki needs to tell you the rest. I just wanted you to know you can tell her the truth.” An said, before giving the artist a small smile. “Now, it’s time to dance!” 

Ena, though, didn’t want to stop the conversation they were having, which was way more important to her than the dancing stuff. The artist wanted to reach out to An, but the girl had already gone over to where Mizuki and Toya were in the middle of the empty basketball court. 

“For now, let’s switch up partners. Toya you’re with Ena-senpai.” She announced before grabbing Mizuki’s arm and dragging them a couple of feet to the right.

Toya looked a little disappointed at the arrangement but turned to Ena with soft eyes. He then opened his phone and the two rewatched the performers to analyze what parts they would start with. 

“I’m gonna be real with you, Toya-kun, but I don’t know any of these moves…” She said with a sigh. 

“Don’t worry, let’s start with something simple, like body rolls.” He suggested, before the two overheard An and Mizuki’s voices. 

“Ne, Mizuki, you need to loosen up, your tummy is tight as hell.” An giggled, making Ena look over to see the other girl with her hand pressed to Mizuki’s exposed stomach.

“That’s cause you’re pressing too hard against it An, let me breathe a little.” Mizuki chuckled once An’s hand let up. “Ahh, much better, who knew body rolls were serious business, huh?” 

“Enough out of you! Now, follow my lead.” 

It was over and done with quite fast for Ena to follow, but what she did catch throughout the lesson was Mizuki’s red cheeks when An came a little closer to their back. The apparent rosey color was hard to miss, while An let out a little chuckle near their ear. 

“Ah, I think I got it!” Mizuki cheered, but was cut short when An wrapped her arms around their waist. “O-Oi…” 

“Yes?” An smirked against the nape of their neck. 

“...Erm, aren’t you a little too close?” 

“Does it bother you, Mizuki?” An questioned with her hands pressing soft to Mizuki’s bare skin. 

“N-Not really…” 

The two rocked for a couple more seconds before An pulled away, her face satisfied with the results. Ena, who was now sitting on the bench, held her sketchbook close, while Toya watched the other two with a bored expression on his face. An, knowing that, turned devious before leaning into Mizuki and taking their hat off. She then put it on her own head, before walking back to Ena, swaying her hips. 

Mizuki, though, looked both flabbergasted and dazed at the same time, but that didn’t stop Toya from getting up next to Ena. The boy had a determined look before he went over to his phone and appeared to be browsing through his music library. Ena even perked up from the song that he had chosen. It wasn’t the British guy, but close, and maybe better, since it was in Japanese. 

With each passing day
Sugisatteku hibi no naka de

My dream fades away
Iroaseteitta my dream

ReN, the artist sang, while Toya stood still next to Mizuki, closing his eyes to feel the emotion the song brought out, before grabbing his head and bending his knees. His leg movement was fluid to Ena, who now pressed her dull pencil to a new blank page in her book. The way he brought them in and out on time with the acoustic guitar was like magic, before he slid closer to Mizuki and reached over to take their hands.


The more I chase after it, the less I understand myself
Oikakereba ou hodo wakaranakunatta myself

Those lyrics echoed when Toya stared into Mizuki’s eyes once they made contact, his hands guiding Mizuki’s arms around his waist before leaning in to whisper near one of their reddened ears. Ena caught the position and made quick work to get a blind contour drawing out of it. She used her whole wrist to sketch out the pose while keeping her eyes firmly on the pair. 

It wasn’t until Mizuki’s hold around Toya’s waist tightened, that Ena stopped her mindless scribbling. She watched with bated breath when Mizuki tugged him closer, dragging his feet forward in tandem with theirs going backward. The sight was beautiful in its  own way, especially once Ena noticed Toya’s grip on Mizuki’s wrists loosening, trusting them completely to take care of him.  

They say hold on tight
They say hold on tight

Don’t forget your purpose
Mokuteki wa tsuyoku mochinasai

But what should I believe in
Demo nani wo shinjitara ii

What’s there to see from here on out
Sono saki ni nani ga mieru no

It was clear to Ena, how into the song the two had become. Mizuki and Toya were lost in each others’ eyes, their footwork a little clumsy, but still in sync, when the former let go for a brief second. The other took their hand to twirl them around, dipping them right after. Both dancers were breathless as Toya slowly lifted Mizuki back up. The other’s hands, gripping his shoulders tightly, while gasping when he brought their bodies together…too close for comfort. 

Wow, that wasn’t even the dance we were working on…but okay. 

At least she got some great drawings out of this. Some were even sketched out to represent her and Mafuyu instead of the other couple, making the artist sigh at her own wild imagination. Of course that would happen, there just wasn’t an escape from thinking about that girl. Not to mention how similar Toya and Mafuyu were. That in itself was something Ena didn’t want to explore. 

“STOOOOP!” An shouted in terrible English before going back to Japanese. “That’s enough Toya. Look, Mizuki looks like she’s gonna pass out!” 

“Hmm?” Toya answered before looking down at the red-faced Mizuki. “Ah, sorry, Akiyama-san, I guess I got a little lost in the music.”

“Y-Yeah…” Mizuki hesitated before something made them snap a little. “O-Oi! Don’t call me that, we just did a provocative dance together, now you have to call me Mizuki!” 

“...Really? Okay, Mizuki-san.” 

Ena broke out laughing when Mizuki almost fainted in Toya’s arms after that. First time for everything, she guessed. Poor Mizuki, Toya may be dense, but he still had some moves. 

After another hour or so at the park, Ena found herself aching in places she didn’t even know existed. Her legs were shaking a little, while her hips and even her stomach felt like it was about to burst. Mizuki wasn’t doing any better, but at least they were still able to act all peppy when speaking to An and Toya. Those two, didn't even look like they broke a sweat, as An laughed at the joke Mizuki cracked, while Toya took a sip from his water bottle. 

Ena envied all three of their physical prowesses. Her own body was exhausted and all she wanted to do was lie down on her bed. Still, that didn’t mean she wanted to also give up on this challenge. She may have a long way to go, but Ena was determined to get this dance right. Shinonomes’ weren’t quitters, especially her, who had endured far too many obstacles to accept defeat like this. 

“You guys surprised me! I didn’t think either of you would catch up so quickly…” An sighed and dabbed her face with her towel. 

“Some footwork will need improvement, but overall both of you did well.” Toya agreed before taking another sip of his water. 

“Ahahaha, thank you both! I will def keep practicing, don’t you worry~” Mizuki giggled before turning to Ena. “Although, this girl might need some pushing to practice even a simple body roll.” 

“Oi! I’m not that lazy!” Ena frowned at the accurate assumption. 

She did want to practice this…

“Mizuki-san, are you cold?” Toya asked, making both An and Ena notice Mizuki’s shaking body. 

“Ehh? No, why would you ask?”

“You’re shivering…” He said, removing his sports jacket from around his waist before draping it over Mizuki’s shoulder. “Here, you can give it back to me at school or whenever.” 

The artist's eyes widened at the swoon-worthy gesture. She knew exactly how Mizuki was feeling right now, since Mafuyu had done that for her many times in the past. An, though, looked peeved with her arms crossed, making it obvious to anyone but Toya how irritated the girl was. Ena had to cover her mouth to hide her excitement at the escalation of this…love triangle. Maybe? It was hard to believe one was happening right in front her eyes, and yet, she couldn’t tear herself away from the drama that was unfolding. 

Mizuki’s face was now crimson as they remained silent. Toya’s jacket was so big on them that it reached to their knees, while its sleeves practically covered most of their hands. The picture itself was adorable, like Mizuki was wearing a boyfriend jacket, which they technically were. 

“Ne, Mi-zu-ki, say something.” Ena nudged their arm, making them yelp. 

“Thank you Toya-kun!” was their squeaky response. 

Toya smiled a little after hearing that before pulling out his phone and frowning. “Otou-san is looking for me…damn.” He cursed before pocketing his hands into his joggers. “I have to go now, thank you Shiraishi for inviting me, it was nice.”

When he said that, the boy turned around and walked towards the exit of the park, leaving only the other three together. 

“Huh, I don’t know about you guys, but I’m beat…so I’m gonna go home,” Ena said, making Mizuki perk up and follow her. 

“Ne, let’s go home together! We live around the same district, so it's cool, right?” 

“Haah? Of course. An-san, you want to walk with us to the station?” Ena turned to the girl, who stood there in deep thought. 

“Hm? Oh, no, ya guys can go ahead. I have to do something before heading home!” An smiled, but it wasn’t one that reached her eyes. 

“I see, well take care then, An-san.” 

“See ya later, An!” Mizuki waved, while Toya’s jacket made it look like they had no hands. 

An waved back before jogging somewhere Ena had no clue about. She then groaned when her legs made their first move in a while. Mizuki, next to her, seemed to appear lost in their own world, while still being able to walk in a straight line. This was the perfect time to start grilling them. 

“Ne, you and Toya-kun were pretty close while dancing today…” She began, albeit clumsy. “Made me believe you two were really a couple for a second there.” 

“Ehh? Are you serious?” Mizuki tilted their head to meet Ena’s eyes. “I-I mean maybe we did, but we were just dancing, Ena…get real.” 

“Heeeh? What’s this, are you blushing? You two were all over each other, not to mention all the compliments Toya-kun and An-san showered on you.” Ena teased, which made Mizuki turn away to hide their blush. 

“S-Shut up, nothing was going on, they were just being nice, silly even.” 

“Mizuki, he called you cute, and even asked you on a shopping date…” Ena smirked, but then huffed when Mizuki rolled their eyes. 

“He’s my friend Ena, that type of thing is like our shopping affairs.” 

Okay, that was true, but the way Toya did it was different. Mizuki couldn’t be this dense about their own feelings towards him. It was bad enough that they couldn’t recognize An’s crush on them. 

“Mizuki, are you okay?” She asked and went closer to her friend. 

“I’m fine! It’s just…” Mizuki trailed off before taking a deep breath to explain. “Boys usually don’t like me like that, they think I’m different…”

“Most guys aren’t like Toya-kun though…” Ena countered with a little nudge. 

“That’s what I mean. I’m not used to a guy, being this way towards me. Affectionate, caring…maybe even finding me attractive. It’s weird” Mizuki murmured, hiding their eyes under their bangs. “I don’t know how to deal with this…” 

“It’s okay.” Ena whispered, but Mizuki let out a bitter laugh. 

“I don’t know if it is Ena. It’s just so new to me…” 

Ena didn’t understand what Mizuki had meant by that, but she didn’t want to push the topic further before the two shifted back to talking about the dance and the sketches Ena did throughout the session. The rest of the way home was calm for both of them, yet Ena knew something was deeply troubling Mizuki. She just didn’t know how to help them. 

In the privacy of SEKAI, well as private as it could be with the Vocaloids around. Ena took a deep breath before putting her sketchbook on the easel that she had set up, just a few minutes ago. She then flipped through the pages with a careful eye, while keeping herself alert for any possible onlookers. 

When she had found the messy doodles of herself and Mafuyu dancing similar to Mizuki and Toya at the park. Ena looked around the area before nodding to herself and taking the same position similar to Mizuki’s. The artist then bent her knees and put her hands up near her eyes, while at the same time used her right leg to rotate her body in a slow spin. Ena’s hips, however, were rolling in a slightly off beat rhythm, making her grit her teeth in frustration at how clumsy she must have looked. 

“What are you doing?” Rin’s computerized voice called out, making Ena stop and yelp from being caught. 

“ Welcome Ena. Are you dancing?” Miku asked, tilting her head and looking cute as ever. 

“ Huh, yes, and no…” She said with a sigh, rubbing her neck. “I was just studying some moves for my next art project.  You see, I’ve always been good at drawing animals but with people? Not so much.” 

“You can draw Mafuyu?” Rin countered her with a blank expression. 

“Her face! I can draw portraits well, but not full-scale bodies.” Ena tried to explain. 

Her mood was growing tired from the amount of questions the two Virtual Singers were asking. It only got worse when Luka and even Meiko came over to bug her. In the end, she had to put on a smile and teach the nosey resident part of the dance. 

Rin was partnered with Miku, and Luka was with Meiko. The two pairs were fast learners, much to Ena’s surprise. She even felt jealous about it when Meiko successfully dipped and pulled Luka back to her feet. Even Miku was strong enough to do that with Rin, making Ena’s jaw drop, but only for a second.

“What’s going on…” Another, and much deeper voice, asked beside Ena, startling the poor girl. 

“M-Mafuyu!?” She squeaked before facing the emotionless lyricist of Niigo. 

“Yes?” Was her response, while staring at Ena with those big doe eyes. 

Ena frowned at the lack of care in Mafuyu’s voice. The little emotion that she was channeling was chilling to her. 

Something must have happened?

“So, what’s got you down?” 

“I don’t know…” 

That answer made Ena groan, but that wouldn’t stop her persistence. “Ne, want me to teach you the dance? I already showed Miku, and she seemed to have enjoyed it!”

Mafuyu lifted her head by only a fraction when hearing Ena’s proposition. She pursed her lips at the thought, before nodding her head and walking closer to where Ena stood. 

“Okay…just don’t step on my feet.”

“O-Oi, what kind of reply was that!?” Ena huffed and rolled her eyes, trying to seem angry. 

“You told me to tell you what’s on my mind…” Mafuyu shrugged, making Ena pout.

“Yeah, bu—nevermind.” 

The artist had been more interested in what she was going to do next, which was to take Mafuyu’s hands and place them on her hips. Mafuyu froze, caught off guard, by the boldness Ena was displaying. Her eyes were now solely focused on the artist, while Ena leaned forward, the same way Toya did with Mizuki. 

“Drag me forward,” She whispered into the shell of the lyricist’s ear, feeling a shudder escape from the girl afterward. 

Mafuyu’s hands tightened their grip on Ena’s waist, she was breathing heavily while pulling Ena, like she was told. The scraping of her stocking covered heels and toes made Ena close her eyes. Her arms had looped themselves around Mafuyu’s neck to keep her balanced, their movement was slow but comforting at the same time. 

Soon, the two had come together into a simple waltz. Their bodies swayed in tandem, moving in silence to a song playing in the other's mind. Ena sighed a little before laying her head on Mafuyu’s shoulder. This wasn’t what she had in mind when she suggested dancing, though nothing ever really came to fruition with Mafuyu involved. 

It was still nice, though, which made Ena more persistent to distract Mafuyu from whatever was bothering her. Their legs moved with little effort, while Ena let her nails scratch the surface of Mafuyu’s nape. The playfulness she emitted rewarded her with another one of the lyricist’s delectable shivers. It excited Ena to no end to be the cause of that sort of reaction, making her dig her fingernails even deeper into Mafuyu’s flesh. 

“Does that feel good?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Mmm...” was Mafuyu’s only reply. 

“I’ll take that as a yes…” 

Ena's voice echoed when she said that, closing her eyes, while pressing her forehead harder against Mafuyu’s shoulder. A hum came out from her lips, the peacefulness in SEKAI was giving off such a different vibe compared to what had happened at the park. There, Ena was more in control, despite the intense energy that came from the younger teenagers.  

“Y’know, I needed this after dealing with Mizuki and their love triangle.”

“Is that what it was?” Mafuyu questioned, tilting her head. 

“Surprisingly, yeah…” She said and let out a chuckle of disbelief. 

“Hmm,” Mafuyu nodded before asking another question. “Ena…was this what you taught Miku? It seems too simple.” 

“No, what I taught her was this.” 

Ena let go of Mafuyu’s neck and then wrapped her arms around the other girl’s waist tightly. Mafuyu, confused by the sudden gesture, moved her hands up Ena’s back before gripping the artist’s shoulders. Their eyes then clashed in a fiery exchange when Ena dipped Mafuyu backward, almost touching the floor of SEKAI.  

“Enanan…” 

“What’s the matter, Yuki? Cat got your tongue?” Ena purred, leaning her face closer. “Trust me, I won’t ever let you fall.” She assured Mafuyu with sincere eyes. 

“Okay…”

Satisfied, Ena smirked and pulled her up, Mafuyu clung to her shoulders, which was both adorable and concerning. She looked so fragile in her arms, making Ena gulp a little before letting go. 

“Don’t go…” Mafuyu pleaded and kept her strong hold on Ena. “I-I want to feel warm…” 

Her voice made Ena’s heart break. Every time Mafuyu wasn’t with Niigo, she would close herself up. It was painful to see her, desperate for a simple show of affection, but that’s what Ena had learned to expect.

That woman! Something must have happened…

“Ne, want to…cuddle in my room?” 

“Are you sure?” 

“C’mon, Mafuyu, don’t be a downer? I want to cuddle!” Ena insisted with a small smile on her face. “I missed you. 

That was all it took, it seemed, because the next thing Ena knew, she was back inside her room with Mafuyu in her arms. 

This was so much better than dancing…

Chapter Text

Something tonight felt a little off for Ena when she logged onto Nightcord. 

For once, it wasn’t Mafuyu, who was busy reviewing the final video edit on her phone. No, this time, Mizuki was the one that Ena was concerned over. Ever since the two had hung out with An and Toya at the park, Mizuki had been acting more distant than usual from the group. 

What was even more worrying was the fact that Mizuki had also been skipping school for the last two weeks. It had made a buzz even in Ena’s night classes, which she hardly ever socialized in. However, it was An that told her about Mizuki’s absence, feeling responsible and hurt at the same time because of what happened at the park. 

Even Toya was sad about it, which made this even more of a problem. Akito had informed her just how bad it was when he came home with more plushies than usual. Toya had been extra obsessed with the crane game. That only happened when something was really bothering him, or so her brother implied. 

“Yay, I’m super excited for everyone’s reaction to this, we all worked so hard… I just hope my last edit syncs with the music.” Mizuki laughed and leaned further in their seat.

“I just checked, it does, don’t worry.” Kanade smiled, making Mizuki smile and cheer. 

“Yes! That all-nighter was so worth it, then!” 

“At least we finally figured out everything…even if it took us two months for this to be completed.” Ena sighed, putting a hand on her cheek.

“Yeah, thanks again for staying up with me to edit this, Enanan! It was a huge help.” Mizuki said with a soft gaze. 

“Just get some sleep tonight, okay? I'm even feeling sleep-deprived after that stunt.” Ena yawned a little, while Mizuki nodded and agreed. 

“Are you excited, Yuki, this is the song that made you smile?” Kanade said, while the girl looked up from the notebook she held from the table behind Ena. 

“I suppose? It’s a song that made me feel warm.” 

Ena blushed at that, knowing what else those words implied. “No need to remind us why.” 

“Oh, naughty Enanan, you know Yuki doesn’t mean that!” Mizuki snickered, which was received with a withering glare from the artist. 

“I wasn’t!”

“Sure, sure~” Mizuki grinned before moving their eyes to the side, motioning Ena to follow, until realizing Mafuyu’s figure was closer to her desk. 

“M-Mafuyu?” 

The girl didn’t answer her, instead she turned Ena’s chair to the side before sitting on her lap, and resting against her shoulder. 

“… I hope we get a ton of views.” Mizuki whispered, catching both Ena’s and Mafuyu’s attention. 

“Me too…” Was Mafuyu’s quiet response, while Ena felt the girl’s grip around her shoulders tighten. 

“Really Yuki?” Kanade asked in awe. 

“It’s better than nobody seeing it…”

“Don’t hide what you’re feeling, Yuki.” Ena prompted her with a little knowing smile on her lips. 

The tell-tale sign of Mafuyu’s ears reddened and Ena grinned even more when she felt the girl’s head press further into the crook of her neck. Mizuki giggled at the reaction, while Kanade had a gentle glimmer in her eyes. 

“Okay, I’m uploading it now.” She said, while Mizuki drummed on their desk in anticipation.

When that was done, Kanade reminded everyone to take it easy. Her words had resonated with Ena while listening to Mizuki state their plan to sleep till noon. However, before Ena could reply to their joke, Mafuyu had shifted slightly in her lap, which made her look down. 

She fell asleep…so freaking cute!

“Okay, as much as I am excited for what people will say about our music video. It’s time for me and this brat to hit the hay…”

“She looks so cute sleeping in your arms.” Mizuki quipped, but was staring at Mafuyu with adoration in their eyes. 

“It’s also the only time she isn’t a pain in my ass either.” Ena insisted, making Mizuki roll their eyes. 

“Liar! You love it.” 

“Shut up!” Ena laughed but smiled at Mizuki.

“Well, I’m also heading to bed, good night guys.” Kanade chuckled. “Take care of Yuki, Enanan.” 

“Don’t need to tell me twice.” Ena said, feeling Mafuyu shift again to press her lips on the artist’s collarbone. “Night guys!” 

“Night everyone!” Mizuki smiled, but this one didn’t reach their ears again…

Ena shut off the video chat, and let out a sigh. She then let her eyes look down at the lyricist’s wild purple mane, before wrapping her arms around Mafuyu’s waist. 

“Mmm,” Mafuyu hummed in comfort.

“You’ve been sleeping over here more than usual.” Ena said in a soft tone. 

“Enanan’s room is warm, It’s colder in my room.” Mafuyu mumbled. “I want to be warm…” 

Her heart melted after hearing that. It made Ena wish Mizuki felt like this with An or Toya. Toya for sure had to make them feel the same way she did with Mafuyu? This unbridled need to soak in a pool of affection and take it no matter what. 

Seriously, why are they acting like this? 

It was a breezy Saturday morning and Ena looked down at her phone while waiting for An to show up. She had just arrived at Miyamasuzaka Plaza, after being woken up early because of Mafuyu’s hectic schedule.

She was now leaning against a pole waiting for her friend to show up, while recalling the moments that led to this sudden outing. It all started when An had texted her last night about something bothering her. So, Ena being the supportive friend, suggested they’d meet up to talk and maybe get some shopping done in the meantime. 

“YO! ENA-SENPAI, I’M NOT LATE AM I!?” An’s voice bellowed while she ran up to Ena with a smile. 

“Nope, you’re just in time.” 

“Thank goodness…” An sighed and wiped her forehead. “I know this is like last minute but, I just really need to talk to someone about this, y’know?” 

“It’s fine, let’s just take it one step at a time.” 

An nodded her head and took a step back. “Okay, I can do that.”

Ena frowned at An’s actions but knew that this was a hard topic to discuss. She had to be patient and not make An feel uncomfortable when bringing up the girl’s feelings for Mizuki. Otherwise, Ena may end up making the situation worse instead of better. 

The two decided, for now, to walk further into the busy shopping district that Shibuya provided. An was looking off in the distance, while her eyes went from one store to another. It didn’t take long, but they ended up going into the park, which was pretty empty for a Saturday. 

“I don’t get it…” An sighed once reaching an area with some shade. “Mizuki’s been radio silent with me for two weeks now. Just what did I do?” She complained before throwing herself on the bench and holding her head. 

The artist followed her, taking a seat next to the distressed dancer before placing a hand on her back. She wasn’t too keen on giving advice, nor was she good at comforting people. However, An clearly had been stressed over this and needed some sort of guidance. Ena was her senpai after all, and she understood An more than others. Especially because they were both… lesbians. 

“I don’t think you did anything wrong…” she said and rubbed An’s back. “Really, I think I may have been the one to cause all this.” 

“Huh? Why would you say that?” An’s head shot up to reveal her confused golden eyes. 

“I was teasing Mizuki after you left.” Ena admitted and looked up at the blue sky to ignore An’s gaze. “Telling them that maybe Toya-kun likes them.” 

An went silent after she said that. Ena felt a cold sweat trickle down her skin once she noticed An tensing underneath her fingers. The girl’s eyes shifted from befuddlement to fear which made Ena more nervous. 

“Ena-senpai…you do know that most guys at Kamikou don’t treat Mizuki well, right?” An whispered, clenching her fists on her bare thighs to quell her rage. “Mizuki doesn’t trust other students, only a few of us have gotten close to them.” 

“Huh? What do you mean? Toya-kun is Mizuki’s friend, right?” Ena asked, confused. 

“Yes, but Toya is also considered weird by most of the guys there. It’s why Akito is super protective of him.” An answered her, shedding a new light for Ena about her brother. 

“Oh…” 

“Ugh, great, I’m telling you way more than I’m supposed to.” An groaned and leaned forward, hanging her head. 

“Haah? Why so many secrets?!” 

“I’m not a gossiper Ena-senpai. This sort of thing needs to be discussed with Mizuki and them alone.” An advised before getting up from the bench to stretch. 

“I see…” 

An upon hearing that, let her arms fall to her side. She had a serious expression on her face before pocketing her hands into her jacket pockets. 

“Senpai, I never told anyone about your sexuality, y-know?” 

“What’s this got to do with anything?” Ena gawked, even more confused than before. 

“It’s that personal what Mizuki’s going through… she doesn’t like getting hurt, Ena-senpai. You need to let Mizuki come to you, when she’s ready.” An shrugged and motioned Ena to follow. 

“So, what you’re saying is I just have to let Mizuki suffer until they open up to me?” Ena huffed and placed her hands on her hips. “That’s so unfair! I’m super worried about them, y'know.” 

“I get it Ena-senpai, really…but do you want to lose Mizuki if you force it out of her?” An tilted her head and gave Ena a good counter.

“No…o-of course not. Mizuki is my friend!” 

“That’s why I can’t tell you everything.” An said with a sad smile. “Mizuki may skip a lot, but she’s still able to pass her exams. She’s super smart and knows how to maneuver the system to her advantage.” 

“Mizuki’s smart…” Ena blinked at the new information. 

“Yup, I’d say she’s on par with Asahina-san” 

“Somehow I don’t doubt that…” Ena let out a chuckle. “If Mizuki was here with us, they’d be protesting this entire conversation.” 

“Aww that's so cute to picture! Mizuki really is the cutest.” An giggled, blushing at the thought. 

Ena resisted the urge to tease her, but couldn’t help agree. Whenever Mafuyu got embarrassed about her cuter side, she would want to photograph every moment. Mafuyu could be super adorable and Ena wanted to cherish every minute of that forgotten innocence she tried to bury.

“So, what do you want to do now?” An questioned, which snapped Ena out of her daydream. 

“Shop, that’s why we came out in the first place!” Ena laughed before An smiled and raced her to the park's entrance. 

The next day, Ena stretched her arms over her head, letting out a soft yawn. It was becoming apparent how Mafuyu’s morning habits were starting to rub off on her. The time was 7:00 AM, an hour Ena would never have gotten up to in the past, but was doing it more often each day.

She was awake, needing to get up, walk to her desk and start drawing. A lot had happened yesterday when she hung out with An. Ena had learned new things about the girl and Mizuki’s behavior outside of Niigo. What An had told her made Ena realize how insensitive she may have been to Mizuki after the dance lesson. 

It made her feel awful the entire time, while trying to think up ways to help Mizuki and make them feel less secretive around her. She had even called Mafuyu for advice, who wasn’t sure what Ena did to cause Mizuki to act this way. In the end they had met up in SEKAI and Ena used Mafuyu’s neck to sate her frustrations, nibbling on it for almost five minutes, while venting to Mafuyu and seeking her comforting touch.

A blush crossed her features at those memories when all of a sudden Mizuki’s username status lit up green. Ena scrambled to her computer to catch them, but froze after clicking on Amia’s name and loading the page to their DMs. 

What should she even say? 

“Wait, the video!” Ena brightened and went to Niigo’s channel on NicoNico. “Ahh, it blew up!” She muttered to herself with surprise and excitement, before typing her message to Mizuki. 

Enanan: ne, are you awake? Did you see the view count? 

Amia is typing…

Amia: yeah I saw, isn’t it awesome! It's like double the amount than we usually get.

Ena read the message and pouted at the lack of energy, usually Mizuki would be more happy and excited. This, however, just felt flat for the artist as she typed up her reply. 

Enanan: everyone’s saying that the video goes really well with the music, so this one might end up becoming our best one yet, y’know?

Amia: Totally! I hope K and Yuki are also enjoying all this too. 

Again, this made Ena reread what was sent. At this rate, she felt like she was talking to Mafuyu in good girl mode. It made her blood boil a little, and yet she had to remain calm. Mizuki wasn’t like Mafuyu, but they sure knew how to hide themselves like that girl. 

Enanan: say, this success also means we should make a date for the groups after party right? When are you free to help me set up Amia?

Mizuki’s reply took longer than usual for Ena. The extra ticks of the clock on her wall made her nervous while waiting for the message that would come. Her impulsiveness, though, had won for a second and she did type a follow up. However, before she could send it, the notification chime beat her to it. 

Amia: My work schedule hasn't been decided yet, but I should know sometime this week. I'll let you know when I find out.

“Huh? Don’t they usually get their schedules on Saturdays…” 

Enanan: I see, then I’ll ask K and Yuki to help me then…
Enanan: ne, you are going right Mizuki?

She was being desperate now. There was no way she could leave Mizuki alone after how much they had  been trying to ignore her, An and Toya these last week. Ena had to apologize, to let them know that it’s okay. Maybe…even tell Mizuki her own struggles, too. The ones she hadn’t had the courage to tell Mafuyu. 

Amia: yeah, yeah I’m going. Don’t worry Ena, I won’t let you be alone with Mafuyu. Who knows what you’d two would do to traumatize poor Kanade~” 

Why that…

Ena’s face turned scarlet, her mind going straight to the gutter, remembering the time Mafuyu had bitten her in front of Kanade. Really, it was a miracle that Mizuki still wasn’t aware of what happened and yet, they could somehow picture the situation perfectly.

“Damn them!” She cursed and got up from her chair, pressing her hand on her neck to feel Mafuyu’s mark. “I-I can’t deal with this…” 

Her last reply to Mizuki was a middle finger emote, but she knew that wouldn’t stop Mizuki from having the last word. 

Amia: naughty Enanan! Hope you have a good day. Think of Yuki in the shower for me~.” 

Enanan: go fuck yourself! 

The next week went by fast and Ena smiled when she checked Niigo’s channel for views again. They were about to hit the ten thousand mark for the new song, with their popularity rising to an even high degree within the Vocaloid community. Ena browsed through some of the comments and was surprised to see the amount of praise for her illustrations. Usually those types of responses would be more towards Kanade or Mafuyu and the music side of Niigo’s videos. So, to have some admirers for her hard work made Ena feel giddy inside. 

When she had logged onto Nightcord’s video call, that was a different feeling though, because of the distance between her and Mizuki. They were being normal for the most part, but it didn’t stop Ena from catching their downcast eyes or subdued attitude in the video call. Mafuyu also noticed it, while looking at Ena and sensing her distress. 

“So we will meet tomorrow at the family restaurant, right?” Mizuki asked with a wide smile. “Ahahah, I know we all voted to have this in SEKAI again, but since we were all busy this week. I thought it would l be easier to just have it there, y’know?” 

“You’re just being lazy.” Ena scoffed, but had a little grin on her face. If she had to play their game, she’d do it with just as much sass. 

“So cold! Yuki!!! Tell Enanan to be nice.” 

“Why?” Was Mafuyu’s answer.

“Erm, cause, she always listens to you?” Mizuki said, a little confused. 

“She does?” 

“Of course she does!” Mizuki insisted, while struggling to get Mafuyu to understand. 

“I see…” 

To be honest, Ena was also baffled by Mizuki’s claim. She didn’t listen to Mafuyu all the time, but when she did, it was usually in private. So, what was Mizuki implying when they said that? 

“Ahahah, y’know, I’m just gonna head to sleep.” Mizuki laughed, trying to falter the sudden awkwardness. “Be ready, though, tomorrow is Saturday and we’re gonna be celebrating all day!” 

“Mizuki…” Kanade finally spoke up, watching them with worry. 

“What?! I’m fine, just a little tired. I’ve had a long day at school. Need my beauty sleep, y’know?” 

Ena perked up at that, but didn’t reply to Mizuki. If she did, things would get worse, she knew that, and yet, what about An or Toya’s feelings? She wanted to know if Mizuki was okay with both of them. An had been so worried and Akito had kept her updated on Toya’s mood. It was unfair that Mizuki never spoke about school, leaving Ena in the dark about another part of their life. 

When Mizuki exited the call, Ena’s mood soured even more. She felt useless again, while fighting the impulse to DM them. A ping from her phone, though, had caught her attention, and the artist opened to see a message from Mafuyu. 

Mafuyu: Meet me at SEKAI before going to the restaurant. I can see you’re sad…I don’t like it.

Ena: Oi don’t order me around…

(…) 

Mafuyu: Please meet me? 

Ena fought the smile forming on her lips once she read that message. It sounded so earnest and tender, words that she never would associate with Mafuyu, until now. The warmth that stirred in the pit of her stomach overwhelmed her current dark mood. She wanted Mizuki to know this feeling too, but all they were doing was pushing the people who could cause it. An and Toya just wanted Mizuki to be happy and showered with affection. 

Why are they so stubborn?

Ena: okay…let’s meet early around 9:00 at the station, then go to SEKAI.

(…)

Mafuyu: Okay, don’t oversleep. 

Ena: I’ve been getting up earlier, no thanks to you.

Mafuyu: You have? 

She huffed at the question. Leave it to Mafuyu to make her both melt and want to pull her hair out at the same time. 

Ena: yes, now, let me get back to work. ttyl.

(…) 

Mafuyu: Good night Ena. 

“You got here earlier than me…” Mafuyu stated, while looking at the artist leaning on the column near the escalators. 

“I had trouble sleeping last night…” was Ena’s tired reply. 

“Did you have a nightmare?” 

“…yeah.” 

After hearing that, Mafuyu took several more steps, and Ena soon found herself in a sweet embrace. The comfort that she was being given made Ena want to cry. Her arms had snaked their way up Mafuyu’s back to grip her shoulders, intensifying the hug for a few more seconds. 

“Let’s go to SEKAI…” Mafuyu whispered into her ear, making sure that Ena was still there. 

“Okay…” She hummed and let go of Mafuyu, feeling the girl take a hold of her hand before leading them to an emptier area outside. 

It didn’t take long for Mafuyu to pull out her phone and click on that special song, which granted them access to her SEKAI. Ena squeezed the lyricist’s hand tight when bursts of colorful particles swirl around them, before transporting them to SEKAI. As soon as she knew they weren’t in the real world anymore, Ena let her barriers drop. She turned around to face Mafuyu before tackling the girl to the ground and sealing her into a needy and desperate hug. 

A sigh escaped her lips when she felt the soft pillows of Mafuyu’s chest. After all the drama this week, the artist needed to relax and let Mafuyu take care of her. She wanted to indulge in the touch of Mafuyu’s fingertips, that were threading themselves into her short locks. The attention was soothing and made Ena close her eyes while Mafuyu held her in place. With her legs spread apart, so that Ena could tangle herself further into this welcoming warmth. 

“Y’know, I really was scared that Mizuki wasn’t going to come…” She said in a quiet tone. “I totally screwed up.” 

“Why is that?” 

“Because I was stupid and told them that Toya-kun may have a crush on them.” Ena frowned against Mafuyu's collarbone. “It freaked them out so much…that some boy would possibly like them. I don’t get it at all, Mizuki is super cute.” 

“Do you like them?” Mafuyu asked. 

“Huuuh? No, not like that… I’m not into that sort of thing. Art is my only love.” Ena scoffed, while screaming at herself for lying to Mafuyu, again. 

“I see…”

“Do you like someone like that?” Ena questioned, raising her head to face the stoic girl who was hugging her. 

“I don’t know…those sorts of emotions. Okaa-san always said to never let romance stray me away from  my path to success,” Mafuyu whispered, before Ena took that moment to sit up and then wrap her arms around Mafuyu’s neck, pulling her in closer. 

“Guess we’re in the same boat, then?” 

Mafuyu nodded her head, but then grabbed one of Ena’s legs and lifted it up, pressing her cheek to Ena’s inner thigh. Flabbergasted by the bold move, Ena pushed down her ruffled skirt to keep Mafuyu’s eyes from seeing her underwear. She just had to not wear stockings today, didn’t she?

“What the hell are you doing, perv?!” Ena hissed, while shivering at the long fingertips that were stroking her skin. It was both soothing and made her feel lightheaded. 

“Trying to make you feel better. One of the most sensitive spots is the inner thigh, well, that's what the medical books would depict.” Mafuyu responded with a blank face. 

“You’re insufferable…” Ena groaned, but then let out a light chuckle. 

“I got you to laugh.” Was her reply, before giving Ena that deadly half smile. 

Ena gulped and tried to ignore the sensation in her stomach. Another shudder came down her spine, while Mafuyu continued to give light pressure to her thigh. Her breathing was becoming a little more ragged until a sharper impact struck her to the core. 

“AAAH!” She moaned before covering her mouth with both hands. Her back was now on the floor, while Mafuyu looked down with teeth bitting into her flesh. “D-DID YOU JUST BITE ME!?”

“Yes.” 

“WHY!?” 

“I had an urge…” 

SHE HAD AN URGE TO BITE HER THIGH? WHAT DOES THAT MEAN!?

After saying that, Mafuyu let Ena’s leg drop and got up on her feet, giving Ena no room to ask her anymore questions. However, what the artist had caught was the blush staining the girl’s cheeks, which indicated Mafuyu being embarrassed by this sudden impulsive behavior. 

So cute! Why does she have to be so damn cute? 

“We should probably head to the family restaurant now…” Mafuyu murmured before offering Ena her hand.  

“Yeah…okay, whatever.” She muttered, too confused to even argue at this point. 

When the pair had arrived at the restaurant, Kanade and Mizuki were already seated in a booth. Ena's eyes then lingered on the two, while Mafuyu went ahead and sat down next to Mizuki. Flustered by her nonchalance, the artist huffed before taking a deep breath to gather herself. This caught Mizuki’s attention, though, which was the last thing Ena needed right now. 

“You okay there, Ena?” They asked with a mischievous grin. 

“I’m fine, just needed to catch my breath. We ran all the way over here from the station, y’know?” She huffed and took her seat next to Kanade..

“It was barely a mile.” Mafuyu just had to say, making Ena more embarrassed. 

“Haaah!?” 

“Wow, Ena, you really need to exercise more…” Mizuki sighed, while their eyes glimmered with mischief. 

“I’m in perfect shape, my selfies prove that!” Ena argued, slamming her hands on the table. 

“You mean the ones you filter a lot? Mizuki tilted their head with a smile before shifting it to a smirk. “Oh, and don’t get me started on those risqué ones. Where you push your chest together to show off cleavage.” 

“HAAAAAH!? I don’t do that at all, you liar!” Ena seethed, gritting her teeth. 

“Really? Then why did I see one earlier?” Mizuki teased. “Really, I even saw some marks on your collarbone.” They continued, but with a more questionable expression. “Hmm…if I would have guessed, you either have a secret boyfriend or Mafuyu was teething again.” 

“Enough!” Ena almost shouted, her face burning, while the sting of Mafuyu’s new mark on her thigh intensified. 

“Woah there girl? I’m just joking, calm down.” Mizuki tried to calm her down. 

“Why are you treating her like a horse…” Mafuyu spoke up, making Kanade sweat drop. 

“EXCUSE ME!” Ena stood up, enraged.

“Ahahaha, my bad…sorry, Ena!” Mizuki waved her off.

The artist had wanted to hand chop them, but sighed at their carefree attitude. She then sat back down and smoothed down her wrinkled skirt. Just in case anyone had noticed the blemished mark that was both a comfort and nuisance. Mafuyu, though, was also watching her closely. Her heated gaze, too subtle for anyone to notice, other than Ena herself. 

It wasn’t fair at all…

How could Mafuyu act so calm? She had to be at least self-conscious about what she did to her, right? It was infuriating that only Ena felt this way. Like, it was ridiculous that Mafuyu could hide behind her stupid stoicism. 

Damn her!

“Ne, we should probably order our food now.” Mizuki suggested with a smile on their face.

“Yeah, Mizuki’s right.” Kanade agreed and motioned Ena to look at the menu in front of her. “Let’s celebrate, that’s why we’re here, right?.” 

“Huh? Of course!” Ena perked up with a smile. “Why else Kanade hehehe~” 

Unaware of the others' existence in that moment, Ena became infatuated with her idol. The composer who saved her during her dark times without anyone but her brother. Honestly, if she didn’t have a thing for Mafuyu… Ena was sure she’d fall for Kanade. 

As she continued to ponder the what-if, a waiter came by and took their orders. Ena got her usual, while everyone else followed suit. It wasn’t until a foot slid up her bare calf that the artist turned her attention back to Mafuyu and Mizuki. The former, stroking a sock clad foot up and down the artist’s shin with a calm countenance of her face.

At first, Ena had wanted to yell at the girl for being inappropriate. Since the shivers trickling down her spine were obvious to anyone if they knew about the attraction between them. However, it wasn’t like she didn’t mind the attention. Hell, she was even spreading her legs a little so Mafuyu could move more easily. This was nice, soothing, actually. Ena liked the attention, in fact, she was relishing it.

Mafuyu had settled on a slow, rhythmic pace underneath the table, hidden at least from the other two members of Niigo. Ena, after a while, even returned the favor with little strokes and nudges of her own, which startled the lyricist at first. 

She listened to Mizuki speaking about the video and even put her own input on some of the comments. “Some of them recognized the colors used, like they actually acknowledged how much effort I put on the palette for the illustrations!”

“Is that so?” Mafuyu joined in, making Ena a little flustered when she caught the slight interest in her eyes. 

“Hello, here’s your oolong tea!” The waiter, holding all their orders, announced, which made Ena turn away from Mafuyu and shrug off her foot. 

“Thank you ma’am!” Mafuyu said with a strained smile, but clearly confused that Ena stopped their little game. 

Footsie was not a game, Shinonome! Only COUPLES do that shit.

“No problem!” The waiter chuckled, turning to Mizuki. “Here’s your fries.” she responded, before giving Kanade and Ena their orders.

Ena smiled with glee once she saw her cheesecake. It was a cheat day, so she deserved this. At least that was what she wanted to assume when she took out her phone for a picture. 

“Ohhh! Selfie time?!” Mizuki asked, which made Ena laugh and bring her smartphone above her head. 

“Yeah, so get in here.”

“YAY!” Mizuki cheered and grabbed Mafuyu to join in. 

“C’mon Kanade, you too.” Ena encouraged, while bringing the shorter girl into the group shot.

A click could be heard and after she was done, Ena giggled when Kanade pulled away a little dazed. On the other side of the table, Mafuyu had a similar reaction, while Mizuki was still smiling. Although, the more Ena looked at them, the more they seemed less happy today. It was making her stomach twist with guilt and Ena wanted to do something to help them somehow.

It wasn’t until Mafuyu called out her name that Ena moved her attention back to the girl. The artist then noticed the tea Mafuyu had ordered, which was strange because the girl would usually get nothing or whatever Kanade was having. 

“Huh, you ordered something for yourself?” 

“Have I? I wasn’t hungry so…” Mafuyu questioned and then trailed off.

“Oi, it’s not a bad thing!” Mizuki joined in and gave Mafuyu a soft smile. “It’s just, what made you choose tea?” 

“…it’s warm.” 

The same sensation from earlier came back, but this time it was initiated by Ena’s foot. She had let it lure Mafuyu’s towards the middle underneath the table, before locking them together and then into a gentle swing. Ena watched Mafuyu’s shoulders tense, but soon relaxed into her touch. It was a fascinating sight to behold and Ena needed to engrave this image in her mind forever. 

“Oi, Mafuyu!! Come back girl!” Mizuki snapped their fingers in front of the lyricist. “Woah, we actually lost her!” 

“Mafuyu?” Kanade spoke up.

Their concerns though, were only fueling Ena to continue her relentless pursuit. She was going so far as to even slip off her sandals to press her toes against the back of Mafuyu’s leg. A little sigh came from the lyricist, but it was nothing like her usual tone. It had a hint of relief mixed with pleasure, tempting Ena to slip her foot inside the wide hem of the girl’s pants. 

“Oi Ena! Don’t tell me we lost you too!” 

“Haaah!?” Ena yelped, which made her stop teasing Mafuyu. 

“…really Ena? Footsie?” 

“Mafuyu started it!” She tried but failed to make her case.

“I did?” Mafuyu blinked and tilted her head. 

“Pfffahahahaha!” Mizuki laughed loudly.

“Hehe.”  Kanade couldn’t stop her own giggle. Much to Ena’s dismay.

“NOT YOU TOO, KANADE!?”

“Noisy…”

It was almost evening when Niigo had exited the restaurant. Ena took a moment to stretch her arms over her head, letting out a little yawn. So much was talked about, yet, she still felt there was something missing in some discussions. 

Specifically, the ones that involved Mizuki and their evasiveness.

“Haaah, I’m so exhausted from talking that much.” She sighed, earning two gazes and a slight tilt of the head from Mafuyu.

“Well, we did start this around noon, but already it’s getting dark.” Kanade at least agreed, looking up to watch the sun setting on the horizon.

“Are we done now?” Mafuyu asked, her voice monotone and bored.

“Yup!” Mizuki answered, with a seemingly bright smile. “So…you going to Ena’s? It’s Saturday~.” 

“Yes.” 

“Oi! You didn’t have to answer them!” Ena scolded Mafuyu, while fighting off a new blush and smoothing down her skirt, again. 

This was the tenth time, too!

“Oh, I thought I heard you, Mizuki-san.” A cool masculine voice called out behind the group. 

“Ahh, you were so right, how!?” A perky feminine voice soon followed, until Ena visibly grimaced at the last person who spoke up. 

“Seriously, Toya? Do you have freakishly good hearing or something?” Her brother asked in disbelief when Ena looked up to see him walking with his group of friends. 

“No, Mizuki-san just has a really cute voice…it’s easy to identify.” Was Toya’s answer, which was followed by An’s immediate agreement. 

“I know! Right!?” She giggled, much to Mizuki’s surprise and everyone else’s confusion. 

“Akiyama-san, sure is popular…” Azusawa nodded, making Akito roll his eyes. 

“Nah, just within our group.” 

“Mooou! Would you guys stop talking about me? I'm right here!” Mizuki complained to the group while An got closer, wrapping them into a semi-hug.

“Sooory, we just wanted to make sure it was really Mizuki!” 

“Huh!?” Mizuki gawked at the sudden public display of affection. “Of course it’s me! Who else would I be?!” 

“Not Mizuki-san?” Toya answered with a pout on his lips, making even Ena affected by the boy's cuteness. 

“Eehh? Pfft, what do you mean by that!?” Mizuki snorted a little, trying to play it cool, but failing miserably. 

“Exactly what he means.” An laughed, which made Ena cover her mouth to hide the amused smile that was creeping up. 

“You there!” Mizuki huffed at her with narrowed eyes. “What’s so funny!?” 

“Nothing, nothing! I’m just curious if this is how Mizuki acts in school? All shy and flustered after only a few compliments?” 

“Waah!? Why so interested all of a sudden!?” Mizuki whined before a devious smile replaced the previous frown. “Don’t say too much Ena, otherwise Mafuyu here is gonna get super jealous, y’know?!” 

“Jealous?” Mafuyu echoed and tilted her head to Ena for an explanation. 

“Huuuh!? Don’t change the subject! This is about you!” 

“Are you sure? Cause that just seems like an excuse.” Mizuki countered, until a blush formed on their cheeks when Toya came closer to them. 

“You seem red, though, Mizuki-san? Are you okay?” He questioned before bending down to get to their height.

Mizuki was at a loss of words when the boy had closed the distance, the touch of his forehead, was enough to spread the wildfire on their cheeks to the tips of their ears. Ena found it both hilarious and hard to watch, wondering if this was how she was whenever Mafuyu did something similar. 

“I-I’m fine! Though, Toya-kun, do you know the meaning of personal space? Hehehe…” 

It took a second for the boy to understand before he pulled away from Mizuki. Only for An to hit him over the head for his indecent behavior. 

“Sorry Mizuki-san I wasn’t thinking… I just, am happy to see you…” he murmured, which made Akito facepalm and let out a disgruntled noise. 

“Smooth…” 

“Huh?” 

“Nevermind…”

An idea came to Ena when she took time to process the situation. With a quick glance at Akito she took a step forward to Mizuki and then gave Toya a bright smile. 

“Toya-kun? Would you like to go shopping with me and Mizuki this weekend?” She asked before turning to her brother with an unimpressed expression. “You can come too if you want… I guess.” 

“Oi!?”

“Hm, will that be alright with Mizuki-san?” 

“Huh?! Of course, righhhht Mizuki?” Ena nudged their shoulder to get them out of their daze. 

“Oh, yeah sure! We kinda made a promise to do that, no?” 

Toya smiled even wider when hearing that. “Yes…” 

“Then next Saturday let’s have a fun time!” Mizuki assured him with a slight blush on their face. 

“Alright.” 

Ena sighed at the two, her big sister instincts were on full display right now and she didn’t know why. Just seeing her two inexperienced underclassmen was enough to make her want to help them somehow. It just felt wrong not to do anything and watch. 

“Then it’s settled!” 

An who was watching Ena had an unreadable expression on her face. The artist knew this was going to hurt her, but Toya-kun was at least making a real impression on Mizuki. She had no choice but to be on his side at the moment while An still hid behind the friendship facade. 

“Ne, tell me more about Mizuki at school? They are so different from what I’m used to.” 

“What’s there to say?” An huffed, rolling her eyes. “She’s a wallflower who skips most of the time. When she doesn’t, she’s always talking about the latest fashion. Well, to me at least. Mizuki also helps out in the costume department, if asked…” 

“Oi, AN!” Mizuki complained and touched the bridge of their nose. “That’s enough out of you!” 

“Aww, but I want to know!” Ena pouted, until Mafuyu’s hand grabbed her arm and pressed her head to the artist’s shoulder. “Oi, you tired?” 

“Hmm.” Mafuyu hummed, catching Mizuki’s attention. 

“Well, I guess we should head home now, huh?” They declared and stopped Ena from protesting when they grabbed Kanade’s hand. “I’ll walk Kanade, just to give you two some privacy!” 

Huh!? Now wait a second!” Ena growled but was too late when Mizuki made a run for it, with poor Kanade in tow.

“Byeeeee! Have fun at your sleepover! Noooo funny business, Ena, I saw that mark while you weren’t looking!” 

“HUUUUUH!?” Ena shrieked and pushed her skirt down for the eleventh time that night. 

Damn Akiyama Mizuki!

A yawn escaped Ena when she walked back into her room, all cleaned up after her shower. It had been at least almost an hour since she and Mafuyu got to her home and convinced her mom to let the girl sleepover. She shut the door tight and then wiped her forehead with the towel that was around her neck. Mafuyu, however, was sitting on her bed with her reading glasses on, as well as the pajamas Ena had lent her. 

“Oi, no welcome back?” She said sarcastically, making the girl look up from the art book she was flipping through.

“Welcome back?” 

The blank look on Mafuyu’s face pissed Ena off, making her march over to her bed and take the book the girl was reading. Not bad, it was about one of her favorite American artists, Georgia O’Keefe. She guessed Mafuyu also had a liking for flowers and other stuff.

“Y’know, they say most of her work resembles something naughty.” 

“You mean, women's vaginas?” Mafuyu finished her train of thought, which made Ena’s eyes widened. 

She didn’t know whether to be embarrassed or impressed by Mafuyu’s unexpected knowledge for modern art. The heat in the pit of her stomach rose with desire while her brain tried to come up with an answer to the risque question. However, she had nothing, and it led to her making a rash decision. Ena tackled Mafuyu back onto the mattress, she then pinned the girl’s wrist above her head and leaned in close, until their lips were only inches apart. 

Mafuyu, though, didn’t react to the sudden intrusion of her personal space. Her dark eyes had instead gazed up at Ena with curiosity, watching as the artist sat up and straddled her stomach. The tenderness she was giving off made Ena’s heart melt, which also gave her enough courage to continue. 

Like with one of her canvases, Ena had let her fingertips trace Mafuyu’s jawline and cheeks. Her skin, unlike plaster, was smoother to touch, though that didn’t mean Ena hadn’t found some rough patches along the way. She had memorized all the different parts of Mafuyu's high cheekbones. Jealous only by a fraction of the girl’s feminine curves, but sharp edges. 

Ena remained silent throughout this process, her fingers still trailing their way down to Mafuyu’s neck. Her eyes focused on the sudden deep intakes of Mafuyu's breath, before leaning over to press her forehead against Mafuyu’s shoulder. It was a subtle but officiant move as her lips and nose soon brushed Mafuyu’s nape. The temptation to bite was adamant while gliding her way up to Mafuyu’s ear, before letting out a husky breath. 

“Well, that’s one way to put it.” She teased, her lips right upon the shell of Mafuyu’s ear. “Though, I’m curious, how did you figure that out?” 

Mafuyu didn’t respond to that, leading Ena to explore the girl’s face further. Her eyes noticed the red burning Mafuyu’s cheeks, while those ears seared with heat the most. 

“W-What do you mean?” 

“Isn’t it obvious? I’m asking if Yuki has a dirty mind too~.” Ena purred before letting her teeth sink into the cartilage that had been taunting her all night.

A gasp escaped Mafuyu, and it made Ena’s heart skip a beat. This was very different from the usual sound that escaped Mafuyu. It was almost high-pitched and super cute. The way she arched into her was enough for Ena to figure out what she did. She made Mafuyu feel something, something that was capable of affecting her entire body. 

“S-stop…” Mafuyu pleaded, which caused Ena to lean back and then pull the girl into a comforting hug. 

“S-sorry, I don’t know what came over me…” she murmured into Mafuyu’s neck, pulling away afterward to look at Mafuyu's teary eyes, which were still hiding beneath her glasses.

Ena reached out and took the spectacles from the middle, plucking them off Mafuyu before pressing their foreheads together. The move comforted the lyricist, her arms snaking around Ena’s waist to keep her from getting away. Her touch, making Ena feel warmer as she wrapped her arms around Mafuyu’s shoulder to secure both of them in a tight embrace. 

“Don’t let go…” Mafuyu muttered, burying her face into Ena’s chest. 

“You know I won’t…” Ena sighed and bent over to press her forehead to Mafuyu’s crown. “You’re stuck with me.” 

“Good…” Mafuyu said, tightening her hold around Ena’s midsection. 

The two stayed in this position for a few more minutes before shifting again. Mafuyu moved her head near Ena’s abdomen while also securing her arms around the artist’s lower back. Ena curled into Mafuyu and sighed when she felt Mafuyu’s lips ghosting her exposed skin. She must have been too distracted to notice when Mafuyu had bunched up her sweater. The cool breeze of her room was making her shiver just as much as Mafuyu’s hot breath. 

“Ena?” Mafuyu whispered. 

“Yeah?” 

“Aoyagi-kun is pretty dense.” 

Laughter rumbled from her stomach at the correct assumption. She really couldn’t help herself when Mafuyu said it in such a tone too. 

“You’re one to talk.” Ena wheezed a little. “But I’m not gonna go into details.” 

“Why?” Mafuyu asked, clearly confused. 

“It’s stupid… though, that reminds me.” Ena began with a more serious thought. “What am I going to do about this thing next Saturday?” 

“The shopping trip with Mizuki, Akito-kun and Aoyagi-kun?” 

“Yeah…”

“…weren’t you the one who invited them?” Mafuyu deadpanned, tickling Ena with how close she was to her. 

“That’s beside the point! I’m doing this to help Mizuki.” 

“How would this help?” Mafuyu asked, looking up at Ena with unimpressed eyes. “Wouldn’t this just make Mizuki more nervous or something?” 

“Oi, be on my side here!” She pouted and dug her nails into Mafuyu’s head a little. “Mizuki needs to be more honest, and besides, they’re friends with both my brother and Toya-kun. It can’t only be me, if we’re alone, I’d only pressure them…” 

“That’s not true at all.” Mafuyu countered, lifting herself up from where she was resting. 

“Yes, it is! My recklessness only hurts people, y’know.” Ena tried to make some sort of sense. 

“That’s true.” 

“See!” 

Mafuyu shook her head and sat up, bringing Ena with her. The artist wanted to hide from her intense gaze, but that wasn’t happening. Not when Mafuyu had her wrists in such a tight vise, keeping Ena from shielding her eyes or pushing the other girl away. 

“Let go!” 

“No.”

“You said it was true, what are you trying to say dammit!” 

“Your recklessness is annoying, but also inspiring…” was Mafuyu’s answer.

“Huh?!” 

Mafuyu sighed before taking a deep breath and continued. “I like it. At first I found it grating, but when you told me to talk to you that time on my birthday. I started to wish I could be just as reckless. To be able to reach out to someone and tell them exactly what I feel…” 

Ena was left speechless after hearing those words. Never in her entire life did someone tell her they like her unabashed lifestyle. It was hard to admit, but when in school, she was a lot more reserved and anti-social. Afraid that if she made one bad decision, people would be scared of her. Or worse, shun her. 

“You’re so weird…” was all Ena could say in this situation, fighting the tears that were threatening to fall. 

“I’m just telling you what I think…” Mafuyu shrugged. “You should be brave and tell Mizuki how you’re feeling.”

“It’s not that easy though… Mizuki is more sensitive.” Ena murmured, while looking down, hiding her eyes. 

“Enanan…” Mafuyu said and then reached over to caress Ena’s cheek. “That shouldn’t stop you, especially if they’re hurting.” 

Ena leaned into her touch, humming at the cool warmth Mafuyu was providing, before crawling into her lap. She then felt Mafuyu’s arms move down to her waist, pulling her further until there was no space between their bodies. It was both intoxicating and inviting, which made Ena close her eyes in content. 

“Thank you…” 

“For what?” 

“For being you…” Ena confessed, causing Mafuyu’s hold on her to tighten even more. 

The hot Saturday afternoon sun was scorching and Ena just wanted to go home. Her brother, though, told her to suck it up, with that stupid baseball cap atop his head. 

Lucky bastard…

“It’s your own fault for wearing leggings.” He shrugged, which made her even more angry. 

“I know, but I had my reasons…” 

“Yeah, yeah…” 

Their quarreling went on for another few minutes until Mizuki showed up just in time with Toya right behind them. The pair smiled at the bickering siblings, leading Ena to give each of them a scowl. 

“You’re late!” 

“Sorry, Toya-kun wanted coffee and since I was the one who bumped into him, I had no choice but to escort.”

“Escort, huh?” Ena smirked, causing Akito’s eyes to bulge. 

“Oi, oi! Not like that!” 

“Not like what?” Toya asked, tilting his head, before turning to Mizuki. “What are they talking about?” 

“ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!” Mizuki almost yelled, only fueling Ena to keep teasing them. 

“Hehehe, now who's mind's in the gutter?” 

“YOURS!”

Toya looked at Akito for an explanation, but he just shook his head and walked past Mizuki and her. Already looking like he regretted agreeing to this, while Toya just wanted to understand the joke. 

“I’ll tell you later, Toya-kun.” She told him, earning both Mizuki and Akito’s protest. “What? He’s a big boy. You two can’t shield him forever.” 

“That’s not…nevermind.” Akito sighed and pocketed his hands in his baggy shorts. “I just don’t want to teach him about the birds and the bees.” 

“But I know about sex…” Toya deadpanned, causing both the siblings to be slacked jawed. 

“Damn, Toya-kun, I think you murdered them with that one, hahaha.” Mizuki giggled, which also earned them one of Toya’s rare but soft smiles.

“You don’t say?” 

Ena watched the scene in play, cheering in her head on how Toya made Mizuki a lot calmer and happier. He treated them like a princess, especially when he let the editor take his arm in their’s. It was super adorable and Ena needed to take a picture of it. 

“Oi, you’re acting like a stalker watching them like that.” Akito whispered, seeming a little annoyed at Toya with the way he was glaring at him.

“What’s biting you?” She answered back, raising a brow. “I know you’re terrible at getting with my best friend, but that doesn’t mean you have to take it out on Toya-kun.” 

“Shut up, I’m not!” Akito growled, his ears turning red at the mention of Airi. “I-I just want those two to get room, much like you and Asahina-san.” 

“WHAT’S THAT SUPPOSED TO MEAN!” 

“Oi, Ena, Otouto-kun, move it already!” Mizuki called out to them. “We’re not gonna wait for you slowpokes any longer, y’know?” 

“We could always go to the arcade to kill time while they catch up?” Toya suggested with a shrug. 

“If they catch up, you mean?” Mizuki winked, before turning back to Ena and Akito. 

“This is gonna be hell…” Akito muttered before dragging his feet forward. 

“For once, I agree with you…” Ena sighed, wishing Mafuyu was here. 

Wait…WHAT?!

“Fuck, maybe I am obsessed…” 

“Huh?” Akito shot back. 

“Nothing, keep walking!” She yelled, pushing him forward. 

This wasn’t going like Ena had planned in her head. Mizuki was acting way too nervous and Akito was being the most annoying person in the world right now. Toya wasn’t doing anything wrong, he was just trying out the clothing Mizuki had found for him. Ena sighed at the predicament. She could have just been hanging out with Mizuki today. Why had she invited her brother and his clueless friend, too? All that’s doing was making this trip unbearable and frustrating. 

“Y’know Mizuki, for someone saying they don’t have a crush, you sure act like you have a crush…” She couldn’t help but say, making the person next to her turn around in shock before letting out a forced laugh.

“Do you seriously want to go there, Ena?” They said with a little bite in their tone. “I mean, if you want to talk about Ma—“

“Shut it! At least I’m being honest about my feelings!” 

Time had frozen for a second, but Mizuki wasn’t able to stop the frown forming on their face. It was like their entire persona changed in front of Ena’s eyes, making the artist regret what she said. Once again, she had let her brashness sever the delicate bond between herself and Mizuki. The way her heart fell when Mizuki took a couple steps back, holding their head in agony, just before Toya had stepped out of the changing room. 

“Mizuki-san, are you okay?” He asked with subtle concern. 

“Oi, Akiyama, you look sick? What did Ena do this time?” Akito, who walked outside the other stall, questioned, before raising his sharp eyes at his sister’s direction.

“I didn’t do anything!” Ena tried to defend herself. “Mizuki, are you okay? Y’know, you can talk to me…” 

“I-I’m fine, I just need to go to the bathroom, no biggie!” They said with a strained grin, before running in the path towards the mall’s restrooms.

Akito huffed and crossed his arms at the sudden departure. Ena could feel his eyes boring into her back, while Toya's eyes narrowed with determination. 

“I need to go too…” 

“Don’t even think about it!” Akito groaned and grabbed the back of his hoodie. “Let the girl freshen up.” 

“But she’s hurting…” 

“Do you think confronting her would make it better?” Akito said with a raised brow. 

“It worked for our friendship…” was Toya’s answer, making Ena look at her brother with confusion. 

Just what the hell did he mean by that!?

“It’s different we’re guys, with girls you need to be more careful.” Akito sighed, making Ena even more interested in what her brother was hiding.

Toya didn’t say anything but shrugged Akito’s hand off him, rather harshly, from what Ena could tell. Her brother rubbed his neck once Toya went to the register to buy his clothes. There was something bothering him, yet Ena didn’t know what it was. 

“Did something happen that I don’t know about?” 

“It’s none of your business…” Akito brushed her off, trying to ignore the subject.

“Fine, whatever…” Ena huffed, crossing her arms. “Why do you think Toya-kun cares about Mizuki a lot?” 

“Maybe because he doesn’t like seeing her alone…I don’t know, really.”

“Huh, if that’s the case, he’s more romantic than I thought…” Ena smiled a little, while Akito rolled his eyes. 

“Look at you being into that gooey crap. What happened to only art being your one true love?” He teased before giving her a playful nudge. 

“Hormones, and pretty girls, what else?” Ena smirked, making Akito snort too loud.

“You’re admitting it?” 

“Of course! However, that doesn’t mean I’ll show it to the world.” 

“Fair…” Akito nodded his head, before craning it to the side to keep his eyes on Toya. 

“I’m really worried about Mizuki…” Ena said, her smile fading. 

“Then why don’t you tell her the truth?” Akito suggested.

“It’s bad enough An-san figured it out! I didn’t even get the chance to say it…plus, what if Mizuki thinks I’m weird?” Ena admitted, gripping her right arm to support herself.

“Akiyama is weird. If anyone can accept you, it’s her.” 

“Yeah, well, their crush is normal compared to mine, Akito. They’re not even interested in An, even after all her pursuing.” Ena tried to reason with her brother. 

“Shiraishi, was doing, what now? Huh?” 

“Nothing! My point is Mizuki won’t get it, they like guys!” 

“How would you know?” Was Akito’s final question.

Ena wasn’t ready for that kind of response from her brother. His eyes were boring a hole into her own before he opened his mouth to say the last thing Ena wanted to hear. 

“What does Asahina-san think?” 

“S-She said I should tell Mizuki I’m worried…that I shouldn’t be afraid to speak my mind.” Ena murmured, looking away to not let him see her face. 

“So, the exact same thing I said?” Akito grinned smugly. 

“Kinda. Like there’s no fucking way I’m telling her I’m…” 

“Dying to bang her?” Akito cut her off, making Ena hit him over his head. “Oi, I’m not wrong?!” 

“That doesn’t mean you have to broadcast it for everyone to hear!”  

“Whatever…” Akito grunted, shoving his hands into his pockets. 

Just as the two began to settle down, Ena heard her phone ring. Confused, she picked it up and was met with a single message. 

Amia: Hey, I'm not feeling too well, so I’m gonna head home. Tell Toya-kun I’m sorry…

Akito, who was reading over her shoulder, whistled lowly. Ena swatted him away as Toya finally came back from buying his new outfit. A look of concern was on his face when he recognized Ena’s expression. 

“Ena-san…where’s Mizuki-san?” He asked in a somber tone. 

“I fucked up…” was her only reply before a soft sob escaped her lips.

“Ena…” Akito frowned before walking closer to her, placing a hand on her shoulder. 

“I fucked up again! Why does this happen?! First Mafuyu, then Airi, now Mizuki…am I just a bad friend? Why do I always do this?” 

“No!” Akito told her calmly, before squeezing her shoulder. “You’re not a bad friend.” 

“He’s right, Mizuki-san, Asahina-san and Airi-san are lucky to have you as their friend…” Toya agreed, while awkwardly patting her back. 

“You’re just saying what I want to hear…” she shot back, sniffling. 

“No, I really mean it, Ena-san…” 

His words made her relax a little. This boy was really like Mafuyu. Even with the way he spoke, reminded Ena of that girl. 

“Ugh, I want to go home…” 

She wanted to see Mafuyu…

Her wish came true, but not only that, Mafuyu had suggested that they’d meet in SEKAI. It wasn’t a bad idea, and Ena could maybe talk with Meiko about Mizuki. After all, she was the closest Vocaloid to Mizuki, and seemed to understand them better than Ena could. 

“You’re here.” Mafuyu said once the artist had arrived using her phone. 

Ena, though, didn’t respond to the greeting, or whatever Mafuyu wanted to call it. No, what she did was run over to the lyricist and tackle her to the ground. Loud and ugly sobs escaped her lips once she made contact with Mafuyu’s soft chest. The artist needed this, she needed this so much after what happened with Mizuki. 

“I’m such a terrible friend.” 

“No you’re not…” Mafuyu said, preventing Ena from saying anything else. “What happened…” 

“Is she alright?” Meiko’s distinct voice echoed. 

“I don’t know…” Mafuyu muttered, shaking her head. 

Just then, Luka also came over to them with Rin right behind her. Ena didn’t want the younger Vocaloid to see her like this, so she used Mafuyu’s body to shield her face. Mafuyu, in kind, reacted by sitting up and pulling the artist closer, pressing her chin to Ena’s crown. 

“ Did something happen?” Luka asked, while kneeling beside them to put a comforting hand on Ena’s back. 

“Hmm…” Meiko hummed, which caused Ena to pull away from Mafuyu, just a little. 

“Meiko!? I need to ask you something!” She said in a desperate manner. “It's about Mizuki. Something’s been bothering them for a while now, since the mystery tour. Like, they looked terrible today, and I don’t know what to do about it!”

“I see…” Meiko crossed her arms, looking away to avoid eye contact. 

“I don’t know what’s going on, and it’s frustrating. You should know something, right? Weren’t you talking about Mizuki with Luka two days ago?” Ena pointed out, making both Meiko and Luka startled.

“Yes, but it doesn’t concern you, Ena.” Luka responded, her smile still painted on her face, though this time with her eyes closed. 

“If Mizuki is the topic, it actually does.” Ena huffed, while also leaning into Mafuyu for her comforting head scratches.

“Even if I know what’s going on, I have no intention of telling you anything.” Meiko spoke up with her eyes open and intimidating. 

“Why not!?” Ena shouted, before getting up and marching over to the older being. 

“It’s simple,” Meiko sighed, taking a step back to keep her distance. “I believe that you or anyone else getting involved would not be beneficial. You and the others need to face your problems on your own. I am only here to observe and see how everything unfolds.”

“Oh great, not this shit again.” Ena murmured, rolling her eyes. Already getting tired of Meiko’s lectures.

“Ena…” Mafuyu whispered with a hint of worry.

“Look, I get it, but…” Ena trailed off before looking at Mafuyu for a brief second. “There's no way anyone can solve all their problems they're facing on their own, y’know?” She questioned the woman’s belief while taking Mafuyu’s hand and pulling her up. “I mean, look at us. We’re here because we had each other's support, even at our worst. So, I'm sure talking about what's going on will help Mizuki feel a lot better, too.” The artist finished with a calmer tone.

“Feel better through talking…” Meiko asked, staring at Mafuyu and then the girls interlocked hands. “Does that actually work?” 

“…a little.” was Mafuyu’s response, her eyes downcast and avoiding Meiko’s face. “When I talk to Ena, Kanade or Mizuki…my heart hurts less…” 

“It does?” Luka tilted her head, encouraging the girl to continue. 

“Yes…it’s nice to talk to someone…” Mafuyu affirmed, letting herself meet Meiko’s hard gaze before squeezing Ena’s hand. 

“Hmm, I don’t think either of you understand.” Meiko shook her head in disagreement. “It’s common sense really, broad solutions by definition cannot benefit everybody. Even attempting to help someone can in turn cause them to suffer more.”

“…that is true…” Mafuyu agreed softly, making Ena’s eyes widen at the admission. 

“So, is that all?” Meiko asked, before turning around to leave.

“N-No! We’re not done!” Ena said through grit teeth, enraged by what Meiko said which inadvertently hurt Mafuyu. “Who the hell gives you the right to say—-“ 

“Why are you so obsessed with helping Mizuki?” Meiko cut her off, with a commanding tone. 

“Isn’t it obvious by now!?” Ena growled, while Mafuyu held her back. “Mizuki’s my friend, and friends always help each other!” 

Meiko was silent after that, and her arms dropped a little from their tight hold around her chest. She appeared to be deep in thought, which made Ena wonder if this was normal for the Vocaloid. 

“Your help may have good intentions, but going in blindly will only end in ruin. ” Were Meiko’s final words before leaving the area. 

“Huh!?” 

“I see…” Mafuyu nodded her head. 

“What do you mean!?” 

Mafuyu didn’t reply to her, instead she let Ena take the time to think to herself. The artist thought long and hard, reevaluating Meiko’s words from earlier while letting Mafuyu hold her hand. She then came to a conclusion that what Mizuki was hiding was far more taboo than she had originally imagined. 

She gets it now… a little.

Mondays always sucked for Ena. They were the absolute worst, especially when Mafuyu had to leave for school in the morning. Nope, all Ena wanted to do right now was snuggle with Mafuyu and steal all that cool warmth that girl possessed. Instead, she was making her way to Kamikou earlier than she was expected to.

The reason behind this was simple. After what happened with Mizuki on Saturday, Ena had been worried sick about their friendship. Hell, Mafuyu had to hug her until she stopped crying and talked to Meiko about the situation. In the end, that conversation only made Ena more confused, and it wasn’t until last night that she came up with a solution. With the help of Mafuyu and her blunt advice.

***

“All I said was that Mizuki wasn’t being honest…”

“Well, it's hard to be honest when everyone expects you to be something you’re not.” Mafuyu retorted, watching Ena scribble in her sketchbook with a chin on her shoulder.

“Huh?” Ena blinked, turning her head slightly. “Isn’t that your thing?“ 

“Everyone has secrets, Ena.” Mafuyu whispered into her ear. “I think, you even have one.” 

***

Ena sighed at the memory from that night. Mafuyu was right, she did have a secret. One that Ena hadn’t even told the girl about, which could also end up ruining everything between them. She gulped at that thought, before seeing a flurry of students exciting her school building. The rush of them made Ena nervous, while trying to ignore the looks some of the boys shot at her. 

“Woah, never saw that cutie around?” One guy with blonde hair said. 

“Me neither, wonder if she’s a third year?” Another one questioned. 

It grated her, how most of these statements involved her look and age. Like, who cared  about that sort of stuff, she didn’t. 

Liar! She had a literal Instagram account for selfies. 

The artist frowned at the fact, while pushing her way into the double sliding doors of Kamiko, in hopes she could ignore other students' curious gazes. All she had wanted to do was visit Mizuki’s class, to apologize and maybe see more of what her friend was like in school. However, even that had been impossible when she saw Toya being circled around by the same guys who had pestered her. 

“So, you and Akiyama sure are close?” The glasses boy sneered. 

“Yes, we are friends…” Toya blinked, but also narrowed his eyes. “Is that a problem?” 

The guy scoffed and was about to reply before his other friend once again, whisked him away.  At this point, Ena kinda felt bad for the other two who had to deal with him, they at least didn’t want to cause trouble. 

“Ena-san?” Toya called out, noticing her. “Aren’t you a little early?” He asked with a slight tilt of his head. 

“Ah, well, yeah. I wanted to visit Mizuki and An-san, you see?” She lied, rubbing her neck.

“Oh, okay.” Toya shrugged before Ena reached out to stop him from leaving. 

“Ne, what was that all about?” 

“I was looking for Mizuki-san, and noticed those guys were in her class.” Toya shrugged with his hands in his pockets. “So, I approached them to see if they saw her and then started getting asked about our relationship.”  

“Checks out, those guys are idiots.” Ena rolled her eyes. 

“It’s just one guy…” Toya murmured, until someone shouted for him. 

“There you are!” Both An and Akito called out to him. The former noticing Ena’s presence.

“Oh, yo Ena-senpai! You’re here super early?” She questioned, tilting her head. 

“Hah, I wanted to visit you and Mizuki’s classroom, but since you’re here and not there, I can’t now!” Ena whined, while trying to hide her true intentions. 

“Hmm, if you’re looking for Mizuki, she’s up on the roof. Girl loves to ditch and go up there.” 

“Huh? Really?!” Ena’s face lit up at that. “Thanks! 

Toya was about to follow her, but Akito yanked him back, making Ena giggle at the boy’s sullen expression. He really wanted to see Mizuki. It was adorable. 

“Don’t worry, Toya-kun, I’ll tell Akito to tell you how it goes!” She promised, before running up the stairs. 

When Ena had arrived at the school’s rooftop, she let out a heavy breath. Her eyes then scanned the premises and she was visibly relieved when she spotted Mizuki near the wire fence. Unable to hold herself together, the artist shouted for her friend and sprinted toward them, using all her strength.

“I finally found you!” She gasped before gripping the wire fence, which helped prevent her from falling.

“E-Ena…what are you doing here?” Mizuki asked, surprised by the sudden presence. 

“What do you think!?” Ena snapped, her hands clenched at either side. “I was looking for you, cause I couldn’t get a hold of you in either Nightcord or on your phone.” 

“Ehh?”

“Do you know how tired I am now? I never would've figured out where you were if it weren't for An-san.” Ena huffed, in exasperation.

“Huh, An?” Was Mizuki’s dumb response. 

“Yes! I was about to go visit your class, but didn’t because Toya-kun was in trouble. An-san then—“

“Wait!? Toya-kun was in trouble, what happened!?” Mizuki cut her off the minute they heard that boy’s name. 

“Some guys were annoying him, but that’s not why I’m here.” Ena said, stopping Mizuki from getting sidetracked. 

“Ahh, is this about the other day?” Mizuki asked, their eyes widening slightly. “Look, I’m so sorry for ditching and leaving you with the guys like that. Of course that’s the reason you’re here, right? Cause I was being moody and stuff.”

“Actu—-“ 

“Hahaha, y’know, I can’t blame you for that, can I?” Mizuki continued, letting out a placid laugh. “Well, no need to worry about it. Like I said I just wasn’t in a good mood and—“

“Would you let me talk!” Ena interrupted them, fuming to their self-deprecating quips. “That’s in the past, what matters is now, Mizuki!” 

“O-okay…”

Ena took a deep breath after hearing that, running her fingers through her bangs to help make herself appear less anxious. She watched Mizuki put their hands behind their back while waiting for her to continue. It was a stark difference to what Ena was used to, but that only made her more determined to help Mizuki. After all, they’ve done so much for her already, it was the least Ena could do. 

“Listen, Mizuki…something’s been bothering you, right? Something big.” She began, looking at Mizuki for their reaction, only to frown when she caught their strain smile.

“Hahaha, is that all?” Mizuki asked, taking a couple steps away from Ena. “I told you before, I just wasn’t feeling well. What, with the projects and all?”

“Bullshit, you can’t fool me this time, Mizuki.” 

“No really!” They defended themselves, lifting their hands up. “I have been staying up pretty late, which could be irritating my skin, you know? At this rate, it's gonna be as bad as yours, Ena…”

Ena sighed, trying to remain calm while listening to Mizuki joke about this. It was really unfair how much they didn’t take what she said seriously. How much this was hurting her and even Toya. 

“Cut it out.” She said in frustration. “This is important to me.” 

“Huh? Why are you acting so…out of character?” Mizuki looked away, avoiding eye contact at any cost.

“Cause I’ve been worried about you since the mystery tour!” Ena stated, matter of fact.

“You shouldn't be…there’s nothing to talk about.” Mizuki frowned, no longer hiding behind their happy demeanor. “Even if there was something, it doesn’t have anything to do with you.” 

“Yes it does!” Ena argued, eyes blazing with tears. 

Her outburst had caused Mizuki to go quiet and stare at her in disbelief. Ena then took another deep breath, while the memories of her conversations with Meiko and Mafuyu played in repeat. Her heart was pounding at the thought of what she needed to do, inflicting fear of the step she was about to take. 

“I don't want to keep seeing you like this, Mizuki, cause whatever you're going through is affecting me too…” Ena whispered while letting out silent sobs. “This is the same bullshit I’d gone through with Mafuyu in the past.” 

“I-it is?” 

“Yeah, do y’know, it took her four months to actually open up to me?” She sighed with regret. “On her birthday too…it’s also why I had hurt her so much before meeting again in Niigo.” 

“Ena…”

“You’ve helped us mend our bond back then, remember? You must have felt it too, right? Our pain?” Ena asked with her eyes closed. “It was the same thing that made you assist Kanade with her issues. That insufferable feeling of wanting to help someone close to your heart.” 

“Yeah, bu—-“ 

“But what!” Ena reopened her eyes, turning her head to look at Mizuki dead on. “It’s okay to want to help a friend when they’re in need.” 

“…you’re not wrong.” Mizuki agreed, slowly letting their guard down. 

It’s now or never…

“Look, I’ve been thinking a lot about this, okay?” Ena sighed, running her fingers through her hair, again. “I had even spoken to both Meiko and Mafuyu, and both of them gave me some advice.” 

“Meiko? What did she say?” Mizuki questioned, but encouraged Ena to keep going. 

“She said, broad solutions by definition cannot benefit everybody. Even attempting to help someone can in turn cause them to suffer more.” 

“And Mafuyu?” 

Ena gulped at that but pushed through her fear. She had gripped the front of her shirt with her left hand before allowing herself to speak again. 

“She said that if I told you something about myself, maybe it would encourage you to tell me your thing…” 

“You’re an open book, Ena, I doubt you have a secret I wouldn’t know.” 

“Mizuki… I’m gay.” Ena confessed, closing her eyes and feeling her heart race. “It’s not a phase, it’s not something I can control and it certainly will never go away. Like An-san, I only like girls. Guys just don’t do anything for me.” 

“You're gay…like a lesbian?” Mizuki asked while their eyes widened in shock. “Holy shit, all those jokes I’ve made…they really…”

“Affect me…” Ena murmured, trying to stay calm. “Like, I’m seriously in love with Mafuyu, I’m terribly attracted to her. I want to do THAT with her and whatever else you’re thinking of, that too.” 

“…who else knows?” Mizuki whispered, coming closer to Ena and putting a hand on her shoulder. 

“Just Akito and An-san…so, yeah, I’m not exactly normal…” Ena chuckled bitterly, but looked up to meet Mizuki’s eyes. “However, that doesn’t mean you need to tell me about whatever you have going on. I’ll wait for you.”

“Huh? What do you mean by that?”

“Haah? Do I really have to say it?” Ena whined, a blush rising to her cheeks. “ I'm gonna wait for as long as I need to until you're ready to talk to me about this…”

“As long as you need to?” Mizuki repeated, a little surprised by Ena’s kindness. Until a devious glint came to their eyes. “That could be a really long time, y’know.” 

“Heh, if I can wait for Mafuyu to realize my feelings for her, then this will be a piece of cake. Just remember, I will be right beside you until then, So don’t run away anymore, okay.” Ena smiled, feeling a lot better after coming out to Mizuki. 

“Yeah… okay, thanks Ena. Thanks so much, I feel so much better now.” 

“Yeah…same, after telling you that.” Ena murmured, pulling Mizuki into a side hug.

The sun setting behind them had made this event a little more special. Although, it wasn’t the same intense rush Ena had felt when she saw Mafuyu’s first real smile. 

“Y’know, I’m not the only one who was worried.” Ena said, recalling a certain boy. “You should apologize to Toya-kun, he’s been looking for you too.”

“He has?” Mizuki blushed a little, trying to ignore the topic. 

“Mhmm, he really wanted to follow me up here, but Akito didn’t allow it.” Ena carried on, knowing the other’s interest was increasing. 

“Now I feel bad, dammit!” Mizuki cursed, their lips frowning again. “I wonder if this is what you feel with Mafuyu…” 

“You mean that annoying feeling that you somehow kicked a puppy?” Ena smiled before letting out a giggle. “All the damn time.” 

“Crushes suck.” Mizuki sighed, making Ena feel nervous again. 

“Huh, so you’re admitting to it?”

“Do I have a choice not to?” Mizuki huffed and waved their hand. “You just told me you’re into girls and that your crush on Mafuyu ain’t a crush. I have no legs to stand on.” 

“Huh? You’re not weirded out by this? I actually want to fuck Mafuyu, and Kanade at one point.” Ena blurted out, making Mizuki burst out into laughter. 

“Ena, An is my best friend, you loser. I’m okay with gay people, I’m bi.” Mizuki admitted before gagging. “But seriously, Kanade too? … You’re dirty, Ena.” 

“Shut up!” Ena groaned in misery.

The two kept up their banter until another set of footsteps came nearby. Ena glanced up to see a slightly disheveled looking Toya standing in front of the roof's door. She could also hear both Akito and An on the other side of it, complaining about the jammed lock. Something that Ena was sure Toya had caused, but didn’t say anything before nudging Mizuki towards the boy. 

“Go on, he’s waiting.” She egged them on, while waggling her brows. 

“Don’t you have class to attend? Why are you playing matchmaker?” Mizuki bit back with their own truth bomb. 

“SHIT, I GOTTA GO?! I CAN'T AFFORD TO BE LATE AGAIN!” Ena shrieked, before looking for her school bag, opening the door and stepping on Akito and An in order to get to the other side. "MIZUKI, TALK TO YOU LATER ON NIGHTCORD, OKAY!” she shouted and waved, all while bolting down the stairs to get to her classroom.  

At least she got to say it…maybe, one day, Mizuki could do the same thing.

Chapter Text

The last weeks of summer were almost here, and Ena knew that the coming autumn would be a busy one. She still hadn’t made up her mind just yet, but that didn’t stop her from looking up a certain art class, with a familiar teacher. 

“You’re moving too much…” a monotone voice said behind her while tucking its head into her right shoulder. “What are you looking for?” 

Ena let her eyes flint away from her computer screen and to the disheveled purple mane on her shoulder. A sigh escaped her while contemplating whether to tell Mafuyu the truth or not. It was no surprise to anyone, she chose the former, which made her smile at how hopeless she was for this girl. 

“I’ll tell you, but you can’t tell the others…” Was her reply before spinning around to meet Mafuyu’s face. “Okay?” 

“… Okay.” 

Ena’s shoulders relaxed when she heard that. Her heartbeat slowed, before leaning forward into Mafuyu’s chest. “So, I’ve been thinking of rejoining that art class…the one I was in two years ago.” She said in a mere whisper, making the girl shiver. 

“Really?” 

“Yes, but as I said, I’ve only been thinking about it…especially because I want to catch up to you and the others…” Ena murmured, with her lips pressing into Mafuyu’s collarbone.

“What do you mean…?”

“You fool, isn’t it obvious?” Ena chuckled darkly, her breath tickling Mafuyu’s skin. “Kanade and you are way ahead of me. Even Mizuki’s editing skills are leagues above my illustrations.” 

“That’s true…” 

The artist snorted when she heard that. “I knew you’d say that, but yes, I want to go to art class again to make the best illustrations for Niigo…for your lyrics.” 

Ena then felt Mafuyu’s arms wrapping around her midsection in response, which made her gasp and snuggle further into the lyricist’s toned arms. It was becoming second nature to be in Mafuyu’s arms like this, and Ena never wanted it to end. 

“I don’t know why you want to reach my lyrics, but hearing how hard you’re working to do that…” Mafuyu trailed off before pressing her head to Ena’s shoulder. “Makes my heart feel lighter…?”

“Lighter? Is that bad?” Ena hummed, fluttering her eyes closed. 

“I…don’t think so?” Mafuyu replied, while her arms tightened around Ena’s abdomen. 

“Then I’ll take them as words of encouragement!” Ena smiled and nuzzled her nose into the crook of Mafuyu’s neck.

“Hmm…” 

For some reason, that answer didn’t resonate with Ena at all. So, she opened her mouth to say something but then took a more physical approach, to express her dissatisfaction. 

“Kyaah!” A soft squeal escaped Mafuyu’s lips while Ena nibbled on her shoulder and collarbone. “E-Ena…?”

“It’s your fault for being frustrating.” Ena murmured, tightening her grip on Mafuyu’s back and digging her nails into the other’s skin. 

“Mmm, you… haven’t bit me in a while.” 

That answer made Ena pull back in surprise. “Huh?” Was what came out of her mouth, while blushing hard from her ears all the way down to her neck.

“Hmm?” Mafuyu grunted and frowned at the loss of touch before glancing up at her with half-lidded eyes. 

Heat had shot through Ena’s body when she saw those dark eyes. The artist even bit her lip and then turned her head to the side in a feeble attempt to avoid them. Mafuyu, however, had other ideas when she tugged Ena to return to their previous position. 

“I didn’t want you to stop…” She whispered in that sexy lower register. 

“You’re weird…” Ena grumbled but turned her face back into the crook of Mafuyu’s neck. 

“I don’t care…” 

“I know.” 

After that, it didn’t take long for Ena to once again sink her teeth into Mafuyu’s flesh, sighing at the feeling. Her body relaxed and melted by the pleasure and warmth it brought, while relishing Mafuyu's soothing rubs on her lower back. She was being spoiled, and yet, she totally deserved it. 

Mafuyu’s most effective way to communicate was through touch. This was her way to express herself and their friendship.

“Ne, summer is almost over…Niigo should do something?” Ena proposed, which made Mafuyu pull her closer. 

“Don’t we already have our parties?” 

“Yeah, but let’s just do something fun…what do you say about going to the aquarium? Or a picnic in the park?” Ena asked, pulling away from Mafuyu’s warm skin. 

“Aquarium…?” Mafuyu questioned and blinked, looking a little conflicted. 

“It’s just a thought?! I mean…let’s have a picnic!” 

“I might be busy…” was Mafuyu’s response and sighed. 

“Ne, take your time, I get it…” Ena said, getting anxious. 

“That doesn’t mean I don’t want to.” Mafuyu assured her with sharp eyes. “I know I’m bad at showing my feelings…but I cherish our friendship.” 

“Mafuyu…”

“So let’s talk to Kanade and Mizuki later, I want to do it.” She affirmed Ena with one of her rare small smiles.

“O-Okay!”

With that said, Ena returned to her research on her web browser. Her mind now buzzing with excitement at the prospect of the next Niigo outing and their picnic on Saturday. 

By the time Saturday arrived, though, Ena became nervous when her train approached Shibuya Station. Throughout the ride, the artist had gotten increasingly aware of the homemade bento boxes she worked on yesterday. The time she slaved over to make all her friends' favorite foods had been a killer. 

However, the one she had the most trouble with, to no one’s surprise, was Mafuyu’s. Since that girl was still having issues with her lack of taste. So in the end, after all the brainstorming she did. Ena had settled on making Mafuyu fresh homemade green tea from scratch, courtesy of Shizuku and her helpful instructions.

“I even burned myself in the process, for that girl.” The artist muttered, looking down at her bandaged fingers. 

A sigh escaped Ena while she went up the escalator and to the main floor of the station. What she was met with at the top was a smiling Mizuki near the pillars. 

“Ya-hoo! Ena, over here! I got the blanket you wanted me to bring, and it’s super soft, too!” They greeted and waved for her to come over. 

“Pipe down, don’t make such a scene, dummy!” Ena scolded them for their actions. 

“What’s got you in a mood?” Mizuki asked, while bringing their blanket closer to their chest. 

“I didn’t sleep well.” Ena replied in a sharp tone.

“I mean, that’s obvious, we had a Niigo meeting last night.” Mizuki nodded and leaned in close. “Still, there’s something else you’re not telling me.” 

“Argh, fine, all day before class I had been making bento boxes for you guys. Airi and Shizuku had even helped me through the phone during their lunch…”

“Oh…” Mizuki stepped back, looking down at Ena’s fingers, a little shocked. “Wow, um, you really did that?” 

“Yeah…though I had some trouble with what to make for Mafuyu…” Ena smiled and clutched the basket closer to her hip. “I hope she’ll like the tea I made in the end.”

Mizuki gave Ena a small smile after hearing that. Their eyes softened when they reached out to pat her shoulder. “I’m sure she will, your tea will totes warm her up, physically and emotionally.” 

“Heh, that sounds so corny coming from you.” Ena giggled and pushed Mizuki playfully. 

“Ne, ne, I’m just saying what everyone knows. She’s crazy about you, whether she knows it or not!” Mizuki insisted, which made Ena stop smiling. 

“You don’t know that for sure…” 

“Oh for the love of…” Mizuki groaned and backtracked. “Look, all I’m saying is, she definitely feels something towards you. Okay? No pressure, tell her when you’re ready.” 

“Right, okay…” Ena trailed off before noticing something or someone behind Mizuki. “Uhh, Mizuki…?” 

“What? Did I say something wrong?” 

“Hello, Mizuki.” A lower voice said in a menacing tone. “Why are you so close to Ena?” 

“HYAAAAAAAAAH?!” Mizuki yelped before turning around to be face to face with an annoyed Mafuyu. “Oi! Stop doing that!” 

“Doing what?” Mafuyu questioned, tilting her head, which also made Ena laugh out loud.

“Oh, no, that innocent shtick won’t work this time!” Mizuki warned, stalking towards Mafuyu to pull her cheeks. “You totally get a kick out of this!” 

“Ah don undewstand.” Mafuyu replied, unclear because of Mizuki’s punishment. 

“Don’t try to play dumb!” Mizuki smiled before letting out a manic cackle. “I can see it in your eyes!” 

“Huh!? You can?” Ena questioned, while curiously looking over Mizuki’s shoulder. 

Mafuyu, who had just noticed Ena’s presence, immediately placed her hands on Mizuki’s and pushed them backwards. The shove, however, made the editor stumble and crash into Ena, which had also caught Mafuyu’s attention. 

“Gyah, Mizuki…get off.” She grumbled and tried to get the other off her. 

“It’s Mafuyu’s fault!” Was their own disgruntled response. “She pushed me.” They stated before being pulled upward and off her chest. “Woah!” 

Ena watched Mizuki almost tripping on their feet after Mafuyu had tugged them off. She was worried for them, but also mildly amused once she noticed Mizuki hopping on one foot, before regaining their balance. However, nothing prepared Ena for Mafuyu doing the same thing to her, and winding up in a warm embrace. 

“Are you okay?” Mafuyu asked in that monotone tone. 

“Y-yeah.” 

“Seriously…” Mizuki murmured, rolling their eyes. “Okay, you two, we’re in public! Let’s start moving!” 

“R-right!” Ena agreed, pressing her hands on Mafuyu’s shoulders to help push her off. 

Mafuyu remained neutral after the loss of Ena’s contact, but her eyes did travel downward to the bag Ena was holding. 

“That’s bigger than your usual bag…” she said, tilting her head.

“No shit, Sherlock, I’m holding the food in this one.” Ena snorted, making Mafuyu perk up. 

“Did you make me something?” She asked. 

“…not food-wise but…yeah I did.” 

That made Mafuyu smile a little. “What is it?”

“A surprise~” Ena teased, pressing her fingers to her lips.

When the three of them made it to the park near the station, Kanade was already there, having visited her father beforehand. Ena ran over to the exhausted girl, almost immediately noticing her somber demeanor. 

“Hello, Ena.” Kanade waved with a tired smile. 

“Yo, did you just come from uhh….”

“The hospital? Yes, I wanted to see how Otou-san was doing…” Kanade said, finishing Ena’s thoughts before frowning. “I didn’t worry you, did I?” 

“Huh? No, no of course not! I’m just wondering if you went to bed early… After our meeting last night?”

“Well, no.” Kanade sighed and hung her head. “There was something bothering me about the mix I sent you all to listen to…and I changed it again.” 

“Seriously Kanade?” Ena sighed and placed her hand on the bridge of her nose. 

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault! I do it too sometimes, it’s just you in particular need sleep, Kanade.” Ena said in a softer tone, hoping she got through to her friend. 

“Right, I know…” Kanade looked down, seeming conflicted. 

“Ne, ne, aren’t we here to relax anyway?” Mizuki interjected with a bright smile. “Kanade can take a nap after we set up the picnic blanket! Who knows, maybe Ena will offer her a lap pillow~!” 

“No.” Mafuyu automatically responded with a pout, before slowly blinking and looking away, confused.

“Jeez, sorry, didn’t mean to hit a nerve…” Mizuki also, baffled, apologized.

Ena, though, had felt a swell in her heart at the jealousy that came from Mafuyu’s tone. It was the same stupid giddiness she experienced when Mafuyu asked her if she liked Mizuki. The same idea, Ena clung to, in hopes of her love being reciprocated.

“Are we going?” Mafuyu asked, interrupting Ena’s musing and making her blush for her air-headedness.

“Huh?” Was her answer before Mafuyu sighed, taking her free hand

 “Mizuki and Kanade already went ahead to find a spot.” She explained, pulling Ena further into Nonogi Park. “Let’s hurry, and catch up.”

“Ehh, but why did you let them leave in the first place?!” Ena frowned but followed Mafuyu’s longer strides. 

“It’s easier, also… I wanted to be alone with you some more.” Mafuyu stated, like it was natural.

It made Ena blush even more when her thoughts from earlier resurfaced. The artist had also tightened her hold on Mafuyu’s grip, changing the positions so that their fingers were interlocked instead. Mafuyu stiffened from the switch, but she didn’t let go and used her thumb to brush Ena’s knuckles gently. 

Her wordless response made Ena lean into her shoulder. Their pace, now a lot slower than when they started, allowed them to admire the scenery and atmosphere the park provided.

Ena hummed a little at the peaceful sounds of nature's rustling winds and buzzing insects. It was a far cry from Shibuya’s bustling shops and busy streets. However, it would never beat the rhythmic drumming of hers or Mafuyu’s heart. Especially since Mafuyu’s was like a comforting lullaby to Ena whenever she got too stressed out. 

“It’s such a beautiful day, huh?” She said, while tilting her head to look at Mafuyu. 

“Yeah.” 

“What do you want to do once we get to Kanade and Mizuki?” Ena asked, knowing the answer once she caught Mafuyu blinking. 

“I…don’t know?” 

“That’s okay, I don’t know either.” Ena smiled and looked ahead. “It’s okay to not know what you want sometimes… I learned that the hard way, but you shouldn’t.” 

“I see…” Mafuyu nodded which made Ena smile more. 

“Good!” She said before pushing herself on her toes and yanking the front of Mafuyu’s blouse, closing the distance, until their faces were only inches apart. 

“E-Enanan…” Mafuyu stuttered in surprise, which only emboldened Ena to press her lips upon one of Mafuyu’s reddening ears.

“Cause I want to cuddle.” Her voice purred, resounding in Mafuyu’s eardrums with pure, unadulterated, desire.

Mafuyu shuddered a little after that heated declaration. Her heartbeat was so loud that Ena could hear and feel its wild thumps against the palm of her hand. At first, it worried the artist, but when she tried to pull away, Mafuyu stopped her using her freakish finger strength. 

Damn this archer grip! 

She wanted to curse this girl out, and yet, the two just stood still, while their breathing was uneven and full of tension. Ena wanted to kiss Mafuyu at this very moment, yet she knew it wasn’t right. Or appropriate, for that matter. What she needed was a de-escalation to the situation, a distraction to steer clear of disaster. 

“Oi! There you two are!” Mizuki’s distinct voice yelled from a distance, making Ena sigh in relief when Mafuyu’s grip on her loosened. “We were waiting ten minutes for you two!” 

“Sorry! Guess we got lost?” Ena said and waved Mizuki off, but noticed their doubtful expression. 

“Uhuh, sure.” Mizuki replied and shrugged in defeat. “Anyway, Kanade is at the spot and sleeping. Funny, the moment I spread the blanket out, the girl just laid down on it and dozed off.” 

“Pfft? For real?” Ena giggled at the thought, which made Mizuki smile and nod. 

“Yeah, I even took a picture, see!” Mizuki laughed, before using their phone to post it on Nightcord. 

“Oh my gods, she looks adorable!!!” Ena squealed when she saw the picture. “Oh wow, is Kanade clinging to the blanket too? Cute!!” 

“You’re being too loud…” Mafuyu deadpanned, looking annoyed again. 

“So what? I’m allowed to, we aren’t indoors!” Ena huffed, but enjoyed the spikes of envy Mafuyu was currently emitting. 

All because she wanted HER attention…

“You’re still being too loud, and other people will notice.” Mafuyu repeated coldly, before walking off in the direction Mizuki came from, ending their conversation with an abrupt note. 

“Huh? Why is she mad at me!?” This was not the response the artist had expected. 

“Ena, how can you be so clueless?” Mizuki facepalmed, making Ena more perplexed. 

“The hell!?” 

“Look, I get you like to rile her up and stuff, but she isn’t blind to human emotions.” Mizuki elaborated and crossed their arms. “Everyone who has a pair of eyes can tell you admire Kanade, even Mafuyu herself.” 

“What’s your point?” 

“My point is, making her feel that way won't help her get out of her depression,” Mizuki said in a much deeper tone. “How would you feel if she did that to you?” 

“Like shit…” Ena muttered, remembering the times she felt jealous when Kanade or Mizuki made Mafuyu feel warm. 

“Exactly, she may be perfect in everyone's eyes, but when she has no control, she’s just as fragile as the rest of us…you know that.” 

“I do…” Ena deflated and now felt awful for her behavior. “Dammit, why do I do this?” 

“Ne, ne, I’m not telling you to stop being you. Just be more considerate, like when you talked to me that day.” Mizuki assured her and patted her back. “Now, c’mon, let’s get this picnic started already!”

“Right…”

The rest of the day went as planned and Ena now found herself watching Mizuki and Mafuyu playing frisbee together. Next to her, Kanade was lying on the makeshift pillow that Ena, Mafuyu, and Mizuki made with all their sweaters. Well, two sweaters and one jacket, which didn’t even belong to Mizuki. 

Ena smirked to herself, knowing who the masculine sports jacket really belonged to. She and Mizuki had become closer the past few days, and Ena got to learn a lot about the other’s thoughts and emotions. Specifically, the ones that involved Mizuki’s crush on Toya. 

It surprised her that Mizuki was open about this subject, telling her how and why they grew feelings for the boy. Apparently, during the school festival, Toya went over to Mizuki and invited them to see the school play with him and Akito. The way he did it, though, made Mizuki feel welcomed, and his smile that day had been so genuine and sweet. 

***

“It’s like, the world stopped when he did that, y’know?” Mizuki sighed, taking another french fry off their plate. “My heart pounded so hard, but then Otouto-kun had to ruin it with his sour mood swings.” 

“Heh, this reminds me of Mafuyu’s first smile…I felt the same thing.” Ena agreed, looking up from her cheesecake. 

“At least you get it, right?” Mizuki said softly before shifting to a saucier topic. “Plus, the fact that he’s both cute and hot makes this even worse for me.”

“Huh? Why’s that?” 

“I don’t know if I want to devour him or have him destroy me!” Mizuki finished before popping the fry into their mouth.

 “Tmi!”

***

Ena snorted at the memory, never in her life had she thought she would have that sort of conversation with a friend. Sure, it was normal for teenagers to talk about sex, jokingly or seriously, but she never thought the latter would happen this soon. 

“Ena, are you okay?” Kanade asked, sitting up next to her on the picnic blanket. “You’ve been quiet…” 

“Huh?” Ena snapped her head to look at the other girl. “I have? Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind…”

“Oh, I see, sorry for—“

“No, no, it’s fine!” Ena waved her arms wildly to stop Kanade’s guilt. “I think I’m just hungry, y’know?” 

“Ah, I see…”

“Yeah!! So, let’s eat, I made your favorite!” Ena encouraged with a bright smile, before rummaging in her bag. “It’s in a thermos though, cause I wanted to keep it hot…hopefully it hadn’t gotten too cold.”

“You went through all this trouble for ramen…” Kanade asked, a little surprised. 

“Of course! It’s your favorite!” Ena giggled and pulled out the black thermos in her bag. Followed by a plastic spoon and bowl. “I would’ve put this into a bento box, but I don’t think it would have worked…”

“It’s fine.” Kanade assured her and took the plastic bowl from her. “Thank you…” 

Her gratitude made Ena's heart swell, but it didn’t last long, as Mafuyu and Mizuki had returned from their game. The latter, looking exhausted and out of breath, while the other still managed to look perfectly normal. Ena was not surprised at Mafuyu when she sat next to her, peering with curiosity at the bag she was holding. Mizuki, though, reached out and grabbed it, taking out the rest of the homemade food Ena made. 

“Oi, slow down!” She scolded them. 

“Sorry!” They apologized and put the two boxes on the blanket. The light blue thermos Ena was eyeing this whole time still in their hands.

“Hah, being this hungry, that’s so out of character for you Mizuki.” Ena sighed, crossing her arms.

“When you have to play a game with someone as fit as Mafuyu, you start to lose your composure quickly.” Mizuki joked, letting out a breathy giggle.

“You were doing fine Mizuki.” Mafuyu told them with a blank look. 

“With that expression, I doubt it, hehehe, but I’ll take that as a compliment.” Mizuki winked, making Ena roll her eyes. 

“So, do you want your food or what, Mizuki?” She huffed, trying to keep her jealousy at bay.

It just annoyed her to no end, whenever either Mizuki or Kanade acted too friendly with Mafuyu. Ena knew that feeling this way was bad, she didn’t own Mafuyu. Mizuki even told her earlier that she shouldn’t make Mafuyu feel jealous, and maybe, this was their way of showing her why. 

“Yes please!” Mizuki perked up, eagerly awaiting their bento box. 

Mafuyu remained silent, watching her give Mizuki the pink box, before taking the thermos away from them. Ena then held it with care before turning to Mafuyu, presenting it to her. 

“I didn’t know what you wanted, but I knew you liked tea. So I asked Shizuku for her family’s recipe for green tea…” She trailed off, her cheeks turning redder by the seconds. 

“You went through all that trouble for me?” Mafuyu asked, but took the light blue thermos. 

“Huh?! I went through all this for all of you!” Ena explained, in an exasperated tone. 

Mafuyu nodded, but then surprised Ena some more when she reached out and took her hands into her own. Ena, befuddled by the move, looked down at their fingers, noticing just how much larger Mafuyu’s were compared to hers. Okay, maybe not that much bigger, but they were longer. 

Her breath hitched as Mafuyu examined the bandages on her thumb, ring, middle, and forefingers. The gentleness she displayed made Ena’s heart flutter when those digits brushed along her pigmented skin.

“What are you doing…” Ena had to ask. 

“Making you feel better…” Mafuyu murmured before leaning in to press a gentle kiss to Ena’s wounded ring finger. 

“O-oi!?” Ena gasped, her face now burning with a reignited need. 

A click could be heard from behind them and Ena tore her attention from Mafuyu to glare at, wait…

“K-Kanade!?” She stammered, not being able to process this sudden change. 

“Oh, uh…” Kanade turned a little pink, putting her phone away after being caught. “This kinda gave me an idea for a song, so I wanted to save it for later…” 

“I have a couple lyrics that may help you.” Mafuyu spoke up, making Ena even more confused. “We can go over them later.” 

“Alright!” 

“Wait, hold up! Lyrics about what?” Ena needed answers. 

“I don’t know, but maybe it’ll fit whatever Kanade is thinking of, maybe it’ll be the song that will help me.” Mafuyu shrugged, while Mizuki tried but failed to contain their laughter. 

“Pfffffahahahahah, omg, Mafuyu can write love songs?” Was what came out of them. 

That little…!

“Love song?” Mafuyu tilted her head in thought. 

“Excuse us!” Ena shouted and grabbed Mizuki, pulling them to the other side of the park to maintain a safe distance. “WHAT THE HELL!?”

“Sorry, sorry, it slipped!” Mizuki wheezed when Ena released her hold on their wrist. 

“Argh, I can’t believe she did that!?” Ena groaned and covered her crimson face. Her heartbeat now a mile a minute.

“Ne, ne, calm down!” Mizuki counseled her, and instructed her to take deep breaths. 

“What the hell was Kanade thinking?” Ena breathed, before taking another deep breath. 

“She wasn’t, y’know how she is with music…” Mizuki told her while rubbing her back. 

“I know, but…” 

“Just take a deep breath, okay?” Mizuki smiled, giving Ena a quick semi-hug, before turning back towards the others. 

Ena followed their lead, both of them walking back and resettling on the blanket. Mafuyu watched Ena closely as they resumed eating or drinking the meals Ena made. By the time Ena finished the cheesecake Airi had taught her to make, she felt sleepy. 

One by one, each member of Niigo had laid down and fallen into a peaceful slumber. Ena was the last one to feel the drowsiness, while Mafuyu had already settled down. The artist turned to the girl and smiled at the image she was met with. Mafuyu’s bangs, long and wild, were covering her eyes, but Ena could see her mouth was parted, which made her look even more innocent than usual. 

She would blame her muddled mind later on, but Ena had to touch Mafuyu. It was inevitable when she let her fingers trace the girl’s high cheekbones before parting her long bangs to the side. Ena had been wanting to do this all day, going so far to press her thumb against the lyricist's slightly chapped but smooth bottom lip. 

“Ah,” Mafuyu grunted, her voice reaching Ena’s attentive ears. 

The sound that was made stirred something in the pit of her chest, all the way down to her lower abdomen. She wanted more of it, but before she could press her thumb harder on those luscious lips. A toned arm wrapped itself around Ena’s waist, yanking her down into Mafuyu’s lap. 

Ena gasped when her head dropped to the other girl’s shoulder and chest. Her heart beat erratically when Mafuyu’s hands slipped under her blouse and hugged her heated skin. A soft moan escaped from her lips, but that didn’t deter her mood, not even a little, as she snuggled deeper into Mafuyu’s arms. 

“Are you comfortable?”

“Mhmm…” was Ena’s reply, pressing her ear right against Mafuyu’s heart. 

Soon after, her exhaustion finally won and Ena closed her eyes, before falling into the most peaceful sleep she’d ever had the comfort of experiencing.

For over an hour, Ena had slept with no care in the world. She had been enjoying the blankets of warmth and security Mafuyu provided, as well as the tranquil atmosphere in her current dream. Where she wasn’t afraid or even stressed about the next Niigo project. Just her and Mafuyu in a peaceful meadow, enjoying each other's company. 

Well, that was what she was doing, until laughter, a click, and a startled scream, had awakened her. It made the artist groan and crack her eyes open to see what was causing the disturbance. However, when Ena noticed the familiar figure hovering over where she was sleeping, all hell broke loose. 

“HAAAAH!?” She shrieked, making Mafuyu stir and waking up the other members of Niigo. 

“Oi, Ena you Oka—-HARUKA-CHAN, MINOOORI-CHAN!?” Mizuki switched from concern to starstruck when they saw the culprits. 

“MIZUKI-CHAAAN!?” Minori squealed and sat down next to her fan, who was scrambling to sit up.

“What are you doing here?” Kanade yawned, but smiled at the new arrivals. 

“We were just taking our morning run, until Airi noticed her friend.” Haruka said in that smooth voice of hers. 

“Yeah, I wanted to check if my eyes were deceiving me, that Ena had gone somewhere outside her room for a change.” 

“Oi! I’ve done that plenty of times, though.” Ena complained after she heard that. 

“I know, I know, I’m just messing with you!” Airi smiled and pulled out her phone. “I also wanted to take a picture of you sleeping. Ya looked extra comfy in Asahina’s arms, y’know? Made me wonder if this wasn’t the first time.”

“That’s none of your business!” Ena frowned, her defenses up and guarded.

“Ne, ne! Let’s all settle down here!” Mizuki spoke up, trying to calm the rising tensions between the two friends. 

“Yeah, sorry.” Airi backtracked, more aware of her surroundings and Ena’s discomfort. “I was just teasing, y’know? It’s nice to know you’re being taken care of, even if it’s Asahina…” 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Ena asked with a sharp tone, narrowing her eyes at Airi. 

“Nothing!” Airi sighed, seeming frustrated by Ena’s behavior. 

“I think what Airi-chan was trying to say was that she’s happy that you found someone you can take comfort in.” Shizuku stepped in, looking at Ena with her warm eyes. “It makes her feel at ease knowing you have such good friends.” 

“Geez, way to make it sound corny…” Airi grumbled, her cheeks a little redder. 

Ena didn’t know what to think when she was told that. She knew Airi had been worried about her, but she didn’t know it was by that much. Maybe she should be more open with Airi, but what if it all backfires? Sure they had that moment at the highlands but, would Airi really accept her if she knew that side of her. 

“It’s not corny, it’s sweet.” Kanade interrupted Ena’s thoughts. “I think feeling that way really shows how much you care about Ena.” 

“Yeah! You two have such a strong friendship!” Mizuki added to that, giving Airi and Ena a warm smile. 

“Yes, I also agree with that.” Shizuku reassured them, but her eyes were only on Airi’s. 

“THIS IS SO CUTE!” Minori sobbed while Haruka patted her back. 

The whole thing made Ena feel embarrassed, her cheeks growing rosier the more she sat there like a fool. Though it didn’t last long and Mafuyu rose from her spot to pull her into another tangled embrace. Ena’s eyes widened once her face made contact with Mafuyu’s chest. She couldn’t breathe properly, but the rubbing of her back was enough to make her stop squirming. 

“Haah! What are you doing?” Ena whispered, only so Mafuyu could hear her. 

“I’m tired, I don’t want to deal with them…not today at least…” Was her brutally honest answer. 

Even, she had her limits…

“Oi, let her breathe Mafuyu…” Mizuki called out, making the girl relax her hold on Ena. 

“Gaaaah, why are they so big….” 

Her words seemed to have triggered Kanade and…Haruka to? Ena watched from the corner of her eyes when the two looked down at their chests. Minori gasped once she realized the implications, before turning to Haruka and hugging her. 

“Don’t worry, yours are bigger than mine, Haruka-chan!” 

“...why are you telling me that…” Haruka frowned at the strange compliment. 

“What the hell, Ena! You’re corrupting the first years!” Airi scolded the seventeen-year-old. 

“Haaah!?” Ena lifted her head. “I didn’t say anything.” 

“You implied that Mafuyu here has large boobs, Ena…” Mizuki joined in with a hand on their forehead. 

“Oooooi!”

“You…were?” Mafuyu spoke up, her ears now turning red. 

“YOU HAVE TO BE KIDDING ME!?” 

After all of that major embarrassment, Airi, and her friends resumed their jog, leaving Ena and Niigo to regroup. Mizuki though got hungry and dragged Kanade to get some ice cream, their eyes meeting Ena’s with a knowing smile on their face, which made Ena realize their plan. A blush crossed her features while watching Mizuki and Kanade run the distance. Now, she was stuck with Mafuyu, who was still spacing out after learning Ena called her chest…big.

“I didn’t mean to say that, y’know…” She began, before being cut off by Mafuyu.

“Are you jealous that they are big?”

“Huh?!” Ena shook her head. “N-No, I find your chest super comfortab—I MEAN!” 

“You do?” Mafuyu tilted her head a little, her brows scrunched together.

“Don’t make me say it…” Ena murmured, her face now on fire.

Her words, though, didn’t stop Mafuyu from grabbing her chin and lifting it upward to meet. Ena’s mouth went dry while looking into Mafuyu’s indigo depths. Her heart was hammering in her chest when Mafuyu leaned in.  

“If it’s not jealousy, then what is it?” was the last thing she asked before Ena snapped and pushed Mafuyu back on the picnic blanket. 

Everything else was a blur to her when she pinned Mafuyu’s arms above her head and sat on the girl’s abdomen. The look Mafuyu was giving her drove her wild, while her hair flew in every direction, as well as her braid. 

“You’re so annoying, y’know that?” Ena growled at Mafuyu and narrowed her eyes. 

“Why is that?” Mafuyu had questioned her own question. 

“Cause you make me do crazy things…” Ena uttered breathlessly, loosening her grip on Mafuyu’s wrists. 

Mafuyu’s eyes softened. “It’s the same for me too, Ena…” 

“Huh?” was all Ena could say. 

“You’ve bewitched me… made me feel things I can’t comprehend…” Mafuyu said in a warm and almost adoring tone. 

“EEEEEEH!?” Ena shrieked in surprise as her mind scrambled, not sure what to believe. 

Had Mafuyu just….

“Sorry, I thought repeating something from one of the shoujo’s Mizuki gave me, would ease the tension...” Mafuyu explained with that damn monotone of hers, ruining all of Ena’s fantasies. 

“Y-You!” Ena’s blush reached her neck, while steam blew out her ears. 

“However, it’s close to what I’ve been thinking about…” Mafuyu continued to speak, unaware of Ena’s temper. 

“SHUT UP, you, you!” Ena stammered, her face growing hotter and hotter. 

Footsteps could be heard from behind, and then a boisterous voice shattered whatever she wanted to say next. “ENAAAAAAAAAA, I GOT YOU STRAWBE—Seriously, we were gone for two minutes, you guys.” 

Mizuki stood there with Kanade next to them, licking her vanilla ice cream. The look on their face would be funny if Ena wasn’t still straddling Mafuyu and pinning her down. It caused the artist to yelp and jump from her position, making Mafuyu sit up while rubbing her wrists. 

“Your grip needs some work…” she murmured, which made Ena deliver one of her hand chops. 

“Are you for real, right now!?” 

“You were the one who straddled me…” was Mafuyu’s counter, making Mizuki fall to their knees laughing and Kanade look up from her sweet indulgence.

By the time Mizuki regained their composure, Ena took the ice cream from their grasp and plopped back down between Mafuyu and Kanade. The frown on her face was replaced with delight before she stuck her tongue out to get a taste of the delectable treat. Mafuyu next to her watched, staring at the ice cream the same way she did with those pancakes all those months ago. It had made Ena smirk once she caught Mafuyu’s gaze, teasing her with the little licks and bites on the soft dessert. 

“Ehem, please refrain yourself Ena…” Mizuki coughed into their arm, snapping the artist out of her trance. 

“Hu—erm, thanks for this…” She said, blushing at being caught. 

“No prob, Casanova~” 

“MI-ZU-KI!” Ena warned, lifting her hand, while Mizuki cowarded behind a blissful Kanade. 

“Ahhh, Kanade save me~” 

To everyone’s surprise, it was Mafuyu who pulled Ena back, placing her right on the taller girl’s lap with a steady arm around her waist. The artist was beet-red once she realized her position. However, nothing in the world made her ready for Mafuyu to lean in, take her wrist, and then have a huge serving of her ice cream. 

“Hm…” 

“OI! That’s mine!” Ena whined, but was stopped mid-rant when Mafuyu's eyes brightened a little. 

“I like the taste…” 

Mizuki squealed, and Kanade clapped with joy. Little did either of them know it wasn’t the strawberries Mafuyu was talking about, because Ena could have sworn the girl’s eyes dropped to her lips. 

“M-Mafuyu…” She stuttered, but was met with nothing short of a confused glance and the release of her body. 

Ena took that opportunity to crawl out of Mafuyu’s arms, her ice cream melting in her hand, while her face burned with both embarrassment and arousal.

What the hell just happened?

That damn scene played over and over in her head, while she spaced out on her chair with no progress on her latest illustration. Before this, Ena had just taken a shower the minute she got home, after parting with Mizuki, who she begged to leave with her after…whatever the hell that was. 

Does Mafuyu remember the kiss? How she tasted…

A moan escaped her lips, which her fingers had tried to keep shut throughout her…me time. Shit, just thinking of something like that, made her feel embarrassed. 

Stupid, stupid, hormones, she hated them! 

“Fuck… I want her so bad,” Ena finally admitted, biting on her thumbnail while her chair spun towards her desk. 

She had to focus, all these distractions were putting a hinder on her plans and progress. At this rate, the only solution to all this stress would be to confess her feelings to Mafuyu and then…NO! ABSOLUTELY NOT! 

Get it together, Shinonome!

“I’m almost an adult, I can do whatever the hell I want though…” Ena grumbled, but refrained from succumbing to her inner desires. 

A sigh escaped her in exhaustion, exasperated by her own thoughts and emotions. Sometimes Ena wished she had whatever Mafuyu had. That inability to not feel and always be numb. It must be a bother, but at least that girl didn’t have to fight with herself all the time. Ena wanted a break from patrolling all her bad impulses. 

“Still, what she’s going through, must be torture too… I wish I could know if what we’ve been doing is helping…” 

When she lifted her head from her arms, Ena stared at the application she filled out online. The only thing that was missing was a credit card, which had to come from her father or mom. Like hell she would grovel to that man for help, he’d only tell her she was wasting time and money. 

Her mom however was a different story and Ena didn’t know how to approach or even explain the topic to the woman. She was a wildcard to the artist, a person she never thought of asking for any advice from. That all changed when she had brought Mafuyu over for the first time. 

***

“Look, just let her stay, please?” Ena sighed and wrung her hands together. “She doesn’t want to go home…” 

“I see…” Her mother spoke in an assertive but kind manner. “Ena, you’ll tell me if something is wrong, right?” 

Ena blinked at the woman's question, realizing too late how sharp her mom truly was. “O-of course I will!” 

“Good!” Was her mom’s answer. “Now hurry back, you don’t want to keep her waiting. She’ll need a friend.” 

***

“I wonder if she knows…” Ena asked herself, frowning at the thought of that kind of scenario. 

She closed her eyes for a brief second before opening her nightcord to see that Kanade was on. In a flash, Ena clicked on Kanade’s profile and loaded the page of their DMs. Ena didn’t know what she wanted to ask the composer but, after hearing the demo again, the artist figured that maybe more feedback was needed. 

However, before she could write her message to Kanade, the girl had already beat her to it. Ena squinted her eyes when she read Kanade’s message, confused by the sudden question bestowed on her. 

K: hi Enanan, this might be a weird thing to ask but…how did you meet Yuki? 

She didn’t know how to answer that…

K is typing…

K: sorry, I shouldn’t ask you that so suddenly but, it’s strange…I thought I met Mafuyu first last year…well at the end of junior high at least…

Ena felt her pulse speed up, she couldn’t tell Kanade about that. If she did, she would also have to confess to her about the kiss. The reason why she and Mafuyu hadn’t spoken to each other for a year in a half. 

“No, I’m not ready…” she mumbled, pressing her hand to the front of her shirt. 

Enanan: it’s okay, just… I don’t really want to talk about it at the moment. Not that I don’t trust you, it’s just, remembering what happened kinda hurts me. If that makes any sense? 

K is typing…

K: of course! Tell me when you’re ready. 

Enanan: thanks Kanade. 

Well, that was unexpected and painful to experience. Ena felt even more tired now than when she got out of the shower.

She didn’t know how to react or comprehend the thought of telling Kanade the truth. Sure, Mizuki now knew everything, but Ena wasn’t sure if she was ready for Kanade to know. What if she tried to help her with Mafuyu, or felt like she needed to write a song about coming out of the closet….

That would be dorky and sweet but also super, super embarrassing…

“Damn, my life is such a mess right now, what should I do?” She asked no one before pushing herself away from her computer screen to focus on her drawing tablet. 

She needed to catch up to the others, not wallow in self-pity…

Chapter Text

Inside the isolated world of Empty SEKAI, Ena found herself sighing in defeat for her lack of inspiration. She was glaring down at the blank open page of her sketchbook, with little idea of what to do. The artist had been in this slump for a while now, afraid to tell her friends. It wasn’t because her desire for art had dwindled. No, it was just that Ena had seen no growth in what she was drawing. Not for her illustrations or her unfinished paintings. 

Funny, the last time she completed a painting was when she had wanted to cheer Mafuyu up. However, that was three months ago, which was even before the summer festival. Ena then had this palpable sense of desperation that drove her to pour her feelings on a blank canvas. 

“Still, that was the same old style…” she muttered to herself while tapping her pencil on her kneecap. 

Her frustration with progress was imminent, among the many other thoughts swarming in her mind. Ena gritted her teeth while a need to chew on something grew at an alarming rate. She then moved her pencil away from her knee and brought it near her mouth, before biting down harshly against its wooden spine. 

Deep marks were embedded on the pencil’s surface, but once Ena stopped, she would only marvel at the damage she caused. Her eyes were glued to the indents her teeth had inflicted, and she felt her heart race to the innuendoes of it all. 

Ena then gulped at her sudden realization and covered her face with her notebook. That, much to her dismay, couldn’t stop the new shameful heat from spreading across her cheeks. 

Once again, Ena just had to think of her , didn’t she? Damn, even a pencil could make her think these types of thoughts. It was super embarrassing and totally weird. 

Why was she like this…?

That thought had been haunting her for a while now, creeping its way into her dreams and nightmares too. Ena was so scared of what was happening sometimes that she couldn’t even sleep, which was terrible for her health. Mafuyu would have her head if she learned how bad her sleep schedule had gotten. 

Ena felt an unpleasant shiver go down her spine at the thought, before opening her phone to check the time. Her eyebrows relaxed in relief when she realized only five minutes had passed. 

“Ena, why are you here in SEKAI?” She then heard Rin’s computerized voice speak up, before appearing in front of her.

“Huh, am I not allowed to be here?” Her response was sharper than usual. 

Rin’s expression hardened a little from Ena’s tone, but she didn’t fight back. Instead, the Vocaloid shook her head and turned her back to Ena. 

“I saw what you were applying for Ena. At this rate, what are you waiting for?” Was Rin’s final question before she walked off, leaving Ena alone. 

She didn’t have an answer…

The Virtual Singer’s inquiry had left Ena gobsmacked and confused about her future. She was feeling dizzy and irritable, trying to make sense of her problems. Like, what was she so scared of?

Everything… 

She was scared of everything and herself in some way. Ena wanted to succeed, but she was so afraid of the pain she would endure going back to Yukihira’s classes. To have the audacity to face her weaknesses and shortcomings, all in the name of art.

“Ena…you’re here?” A calming voice interrupted her thoughts, causing her to look up.

There, right in front of the artist, was Asahina Mafuyu. Who, she noticed, was not wearing her typical school uniform, but a traditional Japanese outfit. One that Ena found to be very attractive and cool. 

“Did you just get out of Kyūdō club?” she asked with a tilt of her head. 

“No, I just finished getting changed for it.” Mafuyu shrugged and crouched down to Ena’s level. 

“So you’re gonna skip?” Ena asked, with more smugness in her tone. 

“I don’t know…” Was Mafuyu’s usual response. 

Ena let out a chuckle at her friend, but that also earned her a glare and a push to the ground. Shocked by the reaction, Ena narrowed her eyes at Mafuyu, only to shrink back when the girl leaned over further. Her mouth soon ran dry when she caught sight of the other’s abundant chest hovering inches from her face. 

“W-what are you doing!?”

“You look like you wanted to hug me.” Mafuyu said with a little half-smile, wrapping her arms around Ena’s shoulders.

She wasn’t wrong, not in the slightest. Ena was craving some type of comfort, but she didn’t think Mafuyu would be available today. What with her busy schedule and commitments to her school. 

This was all a surprise to the artist and made the surrender to Mafuyu’s touch much easier. It had emboldened Ena’s own hands to slide down to Mafuyu’s lower back, grip the girl’s obi, and yank it out of the tight knot that held everything together. Ena then let the hakuma Mafuyu wore fall a little down her hips, before undoing the joui, parting its flaps, and slipping her cool fingertips underneath. 

Her goal? To get as much of Mafuyu’s body heat as possible.

“You’re extra warm today…” she muttered and pressed her forehead to Mafuyu’s shoulder. 

“Ena—ahh!?” Mafuyu yelped, while being pulled further into Ena’s lap.

“Did you just squeak?” Ena teased her, her lips ghosting against the exposed skin of Mafuyu’s collarbone. 

“…no.” Mafuyu said with a little hint of hesitation.

“Heheheh, you totally did~” Ena giggled, letting her breath tickle Mafuyu some more. “It’s cute.” 

“Shut up.” Mafuyu grumbled, but didn’t let go. 

Instead, she snuck one of her hands between their bodies and began to unbutton Ena’s cardigan, which made the artist’s breath hitch when the material soon fell down and off her shoulders. Ena felt her heart flutter while Mafuyu’s teeth skimmed the surface of her skin, with an intense need that was evident from her labored breathing.

Ena closed her eyes and tilted her head to the side, giving Mafuyu the access she needed to continue. The wait, however, was becoming unbearable, so in a way, to gain some sort of control. Ena grabbed a fistful of Mafuyu’s hair and tugged the girl down until her lips found purchase on Mafuyu’s ear. 

“Bad girl…” were her flirty but soothing words before she took Mafuyu’s helix between her teeth and gave it a sharp bite.

“Mmm, bad girl?” Mafuyu grunted and then pulled back to look at Ena, unimpressed, ruining the whole mood. 

“I-I mean!?” Ena gulped, stammering to get anything out to explain herself. “Y-you’re skipping Kyūdō a-and just, ARGH! DON’T LOOK AT ME LIKE THAT!?” She snapped, covering her burning face, only to be met with uncontrollable giggles from the girl in her lap. “HAAAAAH!? ARE YOU LAUGHING?” 

Mafuyu covered her mouth with her left hand, her right was digging her nails into Ena’s shoulder while trying desperately to keep herself calm. The lyricist looked like she was about to explode, making Ena pout in response, even if she was just as interested in the scene before her. 

Mafuyu was laughing…

“It’s not that funny, y’know?” 

“I’m sorry, I just…you looked really cute trying to explain, and it made my heart feel lighter,” Mafuyu said, after taking a moment to breathe. “I didn’t know what else to do…” 

Ena’s heart raced when she noticed Mafuyu’s genuine curiosity after saying that. It seemed like every day, Mafuyu was regaining a little more of her humanity. However, the more Ena saw those changes, the deeper she fell for the strange girl. 

“Feeling better?” She asked with a smug smile, while pulling Mafuyu back into a hug. 

“Yeah…but I’m a little tired…” was Mafuyu’s drowsy reply. 

“You have club activities, Mafuyu…” Ena pointed out, but continued to rub Mafuyu’s back. 

“So? You have night classes, and yet you’re still here in SEKAI?” Mafuyu countered, continuing their light banter. 

“…No shit Sherlock…” 

“If I’m Sherlock Holmes, are you my Irene Adler?” Mafuyu questioned, making Ena blink in confusion.

“Haah?” 

“In the book, she’s a major character and sometimes shown to be Holmes’ only equal, next to Dr. John Watson, his partner. Adler was the only one to ever outsmart Sherlock.” Mafuyu explained, in a long-winded voice. 

“Ehhh!?”