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Chapter Text

Mizuki looked around the mall trying to find something cute that catches her eye. Finally, after searching for a long time, she found something she thought would compliment her new outfit.

"Well...of course I always look so cute but it'll be nice to casually bump into someone I know who can give second opinion on it...", Mizuki sighed and then turned to her left.

Aha! To Mizuki's left was someone she remember meeting before. Short gray hair, (short in general), those piercing green eyes, and that cool sense of style. Even if cool wasn't what Mizuki was going for, there's no doubt that she knows what she is doing.

"Shiho! Help!!", Mizuki shouted out hoping that she could hear her.

Shiho's head perked up as she heard someone call her name. She then turned to face Mizuki and started running over to her.

"What happened??"

"I need your help with something!"

Shiho looked a bit confused as it seemed that Mizuki was acting pretty serious about whatever she needed help with.

"What is it?"

"Do you...do you think this bow would look cute on me??"

Shiho stood still with a blank expression on her face as Mizuki said that.

"What!?"

"Did I say something wrong?"

"I thought that someone robbed you! Why me anyways? I don't do cutesy bows and stuff like that."

"Well, I can't just go up to random strangers now can I?"

Shiho sighed leaning down a bit to look at the bows that were on display.

"Fine."

"Really!? Thanks!"

"That bow looks...cute on you."

"You think so?"

"Well, in order to look cute you have to already be cute. At least that's what I believe."

"Oh? So on top of looking cute...I am cute?"

Mizuki grabbed onto Shiho's arm.

"H-hey!", Shiho shouted, her cheeks tinted with a soft shade of red.

Mizuki started tugging on Shiho's sleeve while making a cutesy kind of face.

"Wanna go shopping with me? I enjoyed our time together the other day! Pleaseeee."

"What...kind of shopping?"

"Clothes shopping of course!"

"Oh. I was already here looking for some new clothes anyway so...sure."

An idea popped into Mizuki's head as Shiho said that she was looking for some new clothes.

"Hey Shiho...", Mizuki said with a mischievous tone.

"...Yes?"

"Can I please help you find new clothes?", Mizuki asked normally.

"Huh?"

"Pleaseee! You'd make a perfect model!"

"What???"

"Do I need to say it slower for you? You'd ma—"

"What the hell...fine. But on one condition...no cutesy stuff...or at least overly cutesy...", Shiho mumbled the last part.

"What was that?"

"Nothing."

"Well then...let's go!!", Mizuki exclaimed while dragging Shiho by the arm to the next clothing store.

They walked for a bit until reaching Mizuki's destination.

"So...I've been meaning to ask...where exactly do you normally shop at?"

"A regular clothing store?"

"No no! Like in what section? Those don't seem exactly feminine."

"I don't know. I don't really pay attention to that stuff."

"Is it the little boy's section??"

Shiho blushes as she was starting to get slightly irritated but decided to let it go.

"I don't enjoy being ridiculed."

"Aww...but you are really cute! I just wanted to see a reaction from you is all!", Mizuki admitted.

"Cute!? No...I'm not cute. Isn't that your whole thing? Between us I'd say you're the cute one."

Mizuki blushes after Shiho said that. No one has ever been so outright about calling her cute before. The way she also said it as if it was a fact and that made her happy. A bit more than she'd like to admit.

"That's so kind of you...thank you."

"Um you're welcome?...I'm just saying what was on my mind. No big deal."

"Maybe to you it isn't but to me it definitely is! So that's why I'm thanking you...for not judging me for who I am."

Shiho looked a bit puzzled as Mizuki said the thing about judging her. After thinking about for a bit she then gave her an understanding look.

"I get that. I got tired of caring about what others think of me a long while back. No one really thought anything nice about me except for my friends and sister I guess. It would be hypocritical of me to judge you. What even is there to judge you on? Your great sense of style?"

"Oh stop! You're flattering me too much!", Mizuki giggled.

"So what do you have on mind in terms of clothing?"

"You're in a rock band, right?"

Shiho nodded.

"Let's make you a bit more...rocky!"

"Whatever you think will work, I guess."

"Don't worry! I'll make sure I'll find something that'll make you leave with a smile on your face!"

"You sound like an employee of this shop now. They should seriously consider hiring you. Are you sure you don't secretly work here?"

"I'm very sure I don't work here! All I want is to see you finally smile."

"It's not that I don't smile. I just need a reason to do so."

"Maybe I'll be that reason then!"

"That was a real good joke...", Shiho chuckled now having a pretty big grin on her face.

"I wasn't joking."

"Huh?"

"That wasn't meant to be a joke..."

Shiho's eyes widened.

"...What?"

"Ah! Sorry I made it weird didn't I?", Mizuki panicked a bit as it seemed like Shiho didn't feel comfortable with what she said.

"Don't apologize. You did nothing wrong.", Shiho said regaining her composure.

"Ah...sorry if I made you uncomfortable..."

"Trust me. You didn't. I was just a bit surprised is all."

"I'm glad to hear that!! I managed to pick some things out that might fit you perfectly! Here ya go!", Mizuki exclaimed as she handed over an outfit for Shiho.

"Huh? How'd you know what size to get me?"

"Lucky guess!", Mizuki answered while sticking her tongue out and winking playfully.

"Uh huh...sure. I'll go into a fitting room and try them on now."

Shiho walked into a fitting room and started to put on the new outfit Mizuki got for her. Mizuki patiently waited for Shiho by trying to look for more outfits that could suit her.

                                         

After a few minutes of waiting Mizuki decided to call out for Shiho.

"Shiho! Are you done...", Mizuki's voice trailed off slightly.

Shiho had come out of the fitting room with a complete different outfit than she previously had on. It was a white button up shirt with an olive green vest. She was wearing a black tie that was as loose as her collar was. Lastly, she had some black shorts on.

"Well?", Shiho asked wondering why on earth Mizuki had a stupid look on their face. "Um...are you alright?"

"H-huh!? Oh! Um...yes...yes I am!! Haha!", Mizuki shouted while visibly turning red.

"What do you think?"

Mizuki resisted the urge to start snapping pictures of her then and there.

"Could I snap some quick pics???"

"H-hey!? What the hell??"

"Oh come on! You're pretty...handsome!"

Shiho blushes just as much as Mizuki was except a hand covered her face instead of a phone.

"I don't know what you're talking about...I'm not..."

"But you are!"

"Whatever...anything else you would like to see on me?"

Mizuki gave Shiho a very wide cheeky grin.

"Oh! Nothing much but I think...this could look great!"

"I'll be right back.", Shiho says as she walks back into the fitting room.

What was Mizuki going to make Shiho wear this time?

After a while of waiting Mizuki was starting to wonder what Shiho thought about her. Was she a burden? Was she invading Shiho's personal space and boundaries? Hopefully not.

Can I consider Shiho a friend? Does Shiho even think of me as a friend? Am I just her sister's cute crazed friend in her eyes!?

Shiho then came out of the fitting room. This time with a brown Harrington jacket and some ripped leggings. Some platform boots added to the mix as well.

"Hmm...this is really good! But something is missing...maybe a cool biker helmet and a motorcycle itself!", Mizuki stated while examining Shiho's second outfit.

"...I like this though."

"The outfit? I still think it's missing something though."

"It's cool but I meant spending time with you.", Shiho admitted.

"Oh..."

Mizuki was ecstatic now hearing Shiho say that she enjoys spending time with her. She couldn't be more happy hearing those words.

"Yeah I wouldn't mind doing this again. Or even going somewhere else."

"What's this? Already planning ahead for the next time we're together?", Mizuki teased hoping to get some sort of reaction out of Shiho.

"What if I am? What would you do then?"

Mizuki stayed silent for a bit not expecting Shiho to actually imply that she was.

"That's odd. Why are so quiet? You usually never shut your trap."

Ah. Looks like Shiho was now teasing her. Well played, Hinomori. Well played.

"Because I lost my number and I was hoping to get yours!?"

Shiho stared at Mizuki with a blank expression for a bit. She couldn't help but chuckle at how bad that was.

"Was that supposed to be a pickup line? If so it was horrendous."

"Seriously? It didn't work?"

"I'll give that a 'B' for effort."

"Haha thanks...Wait. Did you actually say 'B' for effort?", Mizuki asked.

"Yep."

"It's 'A' for effort."

"I know but it was so bad I gave it a 'B'.

"Noooo...Shihoooo don't be so mean!"

Shiho chuckled at Mizuki's playful whining.

"I'll take the first outfit. Thank you, Akiyama."

"No need to be so formal! Just call me Mizuki!"

"Right. Thanks, Mizuki..."

Mizuki smiled and thought to herself. As if a lightbulb was flicked on, Mizuki then suggested something to Shiho.

"Hey Shiho..."

"Yeah?"

"There's this cafe that opened up recently and the food looks really delicious! I've been meaning to go to it but I didn't want to go alone. All my friends were unfortunately busy so I never got to go. Would you like to go with me?"

Shiho's eyes widened before her face shifted to a warm smile.

"Sure. I don't see why not."

"Great, it's a date then!", after she said that she giggled nervously. "Actually I was just joking it's not a da—"

"Looking forward to it. Let's go on our date then.", Shiho stated as she started walking forward leaving Mizuki looking like a complete flustered idiot.

Did she...did she just agree to a date!?!? With me!?

"Hurry up before I change my mind, slowpoke."

Mizuki giggled and ran up to catch up to Shiho. Despite being on the shorter side, Shiho was pretty fast.

"Took you long enough.", Shiho said with a grin plastered on her face.

"Ahaha...you're pretty fast for someone with short legs!"

"Well...maybe you're just slow."

"Hey! That's not really nice!"

"I don't know...you were the one who said that I had short legs.", Shiho playfully shrugged.

Mizuki sighs and looks a bit defeated. She decided to put on a show for Shiho.

"Oh sweet Shiho! I didn't mean to offend you! Not in the slightest! Your shortness is very cute!"

Shiho blushes a bit but brushes it off.

"Nah...it's more annoying than anything..."

"Why's that?"

"Well, for starters...my sister is way taller than me. I know she's older but it's only by one year! It's a bit silly but I kinda wish for something every chance I get..."

"...Oh? What is it?"

"That the tall genetic will finally get to me one day..."

Mizuki tried to hold in her laughter but in trying to do so just made her burst out into a fit of laughter.

"What's so funny, huh?"

"N-nothing! Honest!!"

"Do you think I'm stupid?"

"Now I never said that..."

"But I know you found that it's stupid to wish that."

"Not stupid! A bit silly is all!", Mizuki giggled.

"Alright, whatever laugh all you want.", Shiho surrendered lightly nudging Mizuki's arm.

They both continue to walk over to the new diner. Shiho could've sworn that Mizuki had suddenly gotten closer to her but oddly enough, she didn't mind at all. Mizuki turns her gaze towards Shiho now fixated with her.

I couldn't stop thinking about Shiho since the first time we met around New Years...I've been wishing for the day in which we reunite and our bond grows stronger and now...I think it has? Should I ask?

"—zuki! Hey."

"Gah!? Oh hey!"

"We're here...You alright?"

"Oh yeah just dandy!"

"Dandy? Do you know what time period this is?", Shiho chuckled.

Mizuki turns a bit red as Shiho teased her.

"Stoooop! It was a moment of weakness!"

"A moment of weakness suddenly makes you time travel to the stone ages?"

"I may be old but I'm not that old!"

"Aren't we born the same year?"

"You think so? I thought I was talking to a toddler."

"...On second thought. Date canceled."

"Wait!! No no no n—"

                                        * * *

Chapter Text

Shiho held the door open for Mizuki, nodding for Mizuki to go in.

Mizuki's face lights up, a mischievous grin threatening to seep out.

"My oh my! So very gentlemanly of you, Shiho!"

Shiho looked away with a faint dust of red on her face.

"Just get in."

"Thanks anyways...I really appreciate it...", Mizuki said uncharacteristically soft.

Mizuki and Shiho enter the cafe decored with plants and paintings. The sound of light chatter filled the air. It wasn't eardrum bleeding loud or serial killer quiet. There was a common ground. As Goldielocks once said it was just right.

"It looks promising..."

"Mhm."

They both took a seat at a table for two. Above them was a dimly lit pendant light hanging from the ceiling. A flower vase with a single rose as the center place. Soothing jazz music filled the place and gave it a calm classy feel.

Mizuki looked around noticing that there were only tables for two and everyone who was here was in pairs or more like...couples?

One of the couples kissed each other on the lips and Mizuki's face has never heated up so quickly. She had to have broken a new record for fastest time someone's pale as a vampire face changed to a rosey pink. She was more pink than the color of her hair that she meticulously styled every day. 

Crap! This is like...majorly romantic...I didn't know this wasn't a cafe!?! Are there really just couples here!?

Her heart rate felt like she had just ran a marathon. Beating rapidly like it wanted to jump out of their chest and onto the table in front of everyone. The imagery grossed herself out so she tried to ignore her feelings of embarrassment and any possible feelings for Shiho that she wasn't sure how to decipher.

"Do you think there's good steak here?"

"Pardon?"

"Mizuki. The steak."

Shiho had snapped Mizuki out of her thoughts. 

"A-Ah! I mean...maybe..."

"Is this a highly rated cafe?"

Well now Mizuki knew that it was in fact NOT a  regular cafe. But she didn't want Shiho to leave out of embarrassment or disgust for basically being on a date with a freak like her. She knew Shiho was very blunt and never liked to sugarcoat things. She could just imagine the things Shiho might say to her in her head.

"Huh??? A date? As if I'd go out with some freak like you. You're not supposed to dress like that and yet you do. I'd rather jump off a bridge than be seen together with some low-life like you."

Would Shiho actually say anything like that to me? ...I can't rule that out...

"Y-Yes...or so I heard..."

Mizuki continued to lie about what location they were in as Shiho seemed oblivious to her surroundings and was more engrossed in choosing what to feast on.

"Ah...young love! What would this lovely couple like to order?"

Someone just kill me!! You've got to be kidding me!!! Why would this waiter just say that!?!? Aghhh!! This is going to be totally weird and Shiho is going to say that we aren't and that I never had a chance with her in the first place!!

"I'll have the steak with some ginger ale."

"An excellent choice! And you?", the waiter asked now turning his attention onto Mizuki.

...What? Why didn't Shiho correct him? We aren't dating!! Why can't I speak up!? Did Shiho just ignore him saying that? Did Shiho not notice??

Many questions flooded her mind and desperately trying not to come spilling out from overflowing her brain capacity. In the end she could only say two words to the waiter.

"Same thing..."

"Alright! Enjoy your special night together!"

The waiter had jotted down everything he needed and left the table not knowing that he had created an awkward situation between Mizuki and Shiho. Two people that were not dating. 

She knew Shiho wasn't an individual of many words so it's no wonder why she wasn't speaking. But the silence was making her want to gnaw at her arm and she couldn't take it anymore. Questions unanswered, potential flirting, romantic dinner??? Just what was going on??

Shiho just stared at Mizuki almost expectingly as if she was waiting for her to say something. Those piercing green eyes meeting Mizuki's pink ones causing Mizuki to look down at her hands while fiddling with her thumbs. She took a deep breath trying to calm herself down before speaking to the girl sitting right across from her.

"H-Hey...what was that all about?"

"What was what all about?"

Damn you Shiho...making me have to explain myself!!

"Did you not hear what the waiter said? Calling us...a couple?"

"I heard.", Shiho bluntly stated seemingly looking unbothered by it.

"You didn't...correct him though..."

"Obviously two people here alone together looks like a date and I didn't want to over complicate things. Seemed like a major drag to try to explain things to the guy."

She's not wrong...

"You could've easily said that we're not though..."

"I could've."

The waiter came back with the food and drinks in hand. He gave them an overly happy corporate smile. Either he was forced to have that huge smile or he was actually a psychopath.

"Thanks."

"Yes...thank you!"

The waiter walked to another table serving another couple.

"Woah ho ho! This looks amazing!", Mizuki exclaimed, her mouth watering and her eyes sparkling.

Shiho agreed still not taking her eyes off of her for a second. Mizuki was taken aback by her intense gaze.

"What? Ah! Is my make-up messed up!?"

"No."

"Then...why do you keep staring at me? It's not nice to do so y'know! I know I'm a snack but the literal food is on the table!", Mizuki teased trying to gain control over herself and return to normal again. She had been sweating almost profusely the whole time at this establishment with Shiho.

"A snack is the understatement of the century. A banquet is more appropriate to call you."

"Wha...What?"

"Err...I mean that you're not ugly, Mizuki...that's all."

"Oh...thanks..."

They left the restaurant but the guilt was killing Mizuki. She had to tell Shiho or it was going to haunt her at night.

"Shiho..."

"Hm?"

"I didn't realize that this cafe...wasn't a regular cafe until we sat down...I noticed only...couples...like romantic couples! They were holding hands...and kissing. I didn't say anything because I didn't want you to leave me!"

"Oh that? I already knew. Personally I despise PDA. It's like they're taunting us. 'Ooh look! We have a significant other and you don't!' It pisses me off but I didn't want to be rude and say that I wanted to leave. I wanted to leave not because I didn't want to hang out with you but all the PDA I was witnessing was just obnoxious to me."

The pair pass by a park.

"Wanna continue our outing there, Sho?"

"Sure...wait...Who's 'Sho'?"

Mizuki's faced flushed.

"Um...you?

Shiho's eyes widened and she covered her face with her hand in attempt to cover her blush.

"Crap...Mizuki...Why would you give me a nicknme!?"

"Because well...Shizuku calls you Shii-chan so I thought why not come up with something original! 'Sho' seems very cute and it suits you!"

Shiho sighed.

"Do you...not like it?", Mizuki asked while looking down at her feet. Her shoulders slumping and she wore a frown on her face.

Shiho's heart sank a bit at the sight. This was the last thing she wanted. She never wanted to make Mizuki disappointed.

"You know that's not it...I like it plenty."

"You really do? You're not just saying that?"

Shiho nodded.

"Let's just go to the park."

"Yeah! Let us go to the park!!"

The pair cross the street and make it to the park. Full of trees, the leaves still green but summer was coming to an end soon. Fall was around the corner. Later on, the leaves will all be a variety of colors before eventually falling off the branches gracefully as they dance with whatever direction the wind was flowing in.

"It's really...quiet?"

"Yeah it is. Do you really expect people to take their obnoxious loud snotty children to the park at this hour?"

Mizuki giggled at Shiho's straightforwardness.

"Hehe...Guess not!"

Shiho sat down on a bench and Mizuki proceeded to do the same leaving a sliver of space next to her. A huge gust of wind hit her without warning. Shiho looked unbothered unlike the latter. Mizuki shivered slightly. It was just a bit chilly. No biggie.

An even bigger gust of wind hit them both causing Shiho's hood to fall off her head. She mumbled as she put it back on clearly irritated that the wind blew it down.

Mizuki couldn't help but find even the little things Shiho did endearing. This was no different. She liked her slightly pouty expression as she put her hood back on.

More wind came their direction.

Aww man!! It's super cold...argh...

Mizuki shivered until she felt something soft wrap around her.

Soft like cotton.

She turned over to Shiho who didn't have her oversized hoodie on her anymore.

"...Sho?"

Shiho looked away.

"You seemed cold."

"Ah...I was...thanks. But aren't you going to be cold?"

"To tell you the truth I can't stand the heat. I sweat too easily. So a breeze like this? It feels nice."

"Oh! I didn't know! So...are you not that cold?"

Shiho chuckled.

"My body temperature is on the warmer side so I constantly get hot. Basically meaning I don't get cold so easily."

"Oooh! That's very interesting!"

"Is it though?"

"Mhm! Of course I wanna know more about my friends!"

Shiho looked back at Mizuki and tilted her head.

"Hm?"

Argh!! What is wrong with me!? We never established that!!

"I'm your friend?"

"Shiho...of course you are! I mean...that is if you want to be."

"Sure..."

"Really?"

"Yeah."

Mizuki couldn't have been more happy that Shiho accepted to be her friend.

"And...I don't annoy you?"

"What? Of course not!", Shiho shouted with something they couldn't quite pinpoint glistening in her eyes. "You are not annoying.", she sighed. "Where did you get that idea from, huh?"

Mizuki was at a lost for words. Shiho never raised her voice like that unless she was on stage with her band, Leo/need. She looked so geniune and passionate.

"But I—"

"Cut that out. You're not annoying and you never were. Did I make myself clear or do I need to show you?"

Show...me?

Silence. 

No words were uttered from the both of them. They stared into each other's eyes as if waiting for the other to say something.

"What do you mean...show me?"

"Crap. Look...I think that you may seem annoying at first but getting to know you better I've come to realize that you're more than a cutesy crazed tease...You're Mizuki...my friend."

Friend? Well that was a start. Not one that Mizuki hated. In fact maybe she had what you would call a 'friend crush' meaning just yearning to be friends with someone.

"Right...then you're mine!"

"Heh. I like the sound of that.", Shiho replied with a slight smile creeping up.

They sat in silence looking at the starry lit sky.

Or at least Shiho was.

"Hey, Sho?"

"Hm?"

"You go to school in Miyamasuzaka Girls' Academy, right?"

"Yeah."

Mizuki took a deep breath mustering up the courage to ask Shiho something.

"Mind if we walk home together?"

"Our homes are on opposite sides of the city. Just like our schools."

"A-Ah...I know that but I still want to walk home with you! You know...whenever I can?"

"Alright. See ya at the gates tomorrow?"

Mizuki smiled.

"I will..."

Mizuki and Shiho had said their goodbyes and went their opposite ways. 

No matter how far apart they were...they would always meet up with each other in middle.

* * *

Chapter Text

This was it.

It has offically been one singular day since the whole 'accidental super highly romantic cafe date incident', Mizuki and Shiho had agreed to meet up at Shiho's school as it was closer to the music shop. Mizuki was now free from the the prison cell she was constantly trapped called school. She always felt all eyes looming over herself, judging her for not being what society considers to be 'normal'.

Mizuki shook those thoughts away. Right now that didn't matter because she was going to meet up with Shiho, AKA the girl she certainly had very heterosexual thoughts about constantly.

Mizuki made her way towards the Miyamasuzaka girls academy's frontgate.

I can't wait to see her!

Mizuki wasn't sure when it happened but somewhere along the way she started to look foward to seeing Shiho more often and even wondered when the next time would be. What she would say to her, what she would do around her, how not to make a fool out of herself in front of her.

A group of four girls appeared from the distance. One was lanky with messy long hair. Another was practically bouncing off the walls in excitement and had blonde pigtails with pink tips. The third one was tall with a side ponytail just like Mizuki did.

At last, she spotted Shiho.

Mizuki took in Shiho's whole look. The gray Miyamasuzaka Girls academy uniform. Mizuki had never seen Shiho in a skirt before.

Her eyes laid upon her short almost scruffy gray hair and her green hoodie...the same one that she had lent over to Mizuki when she was cold at the park.

Mizuki reminisced about how...

generous...

Shiho was towards her that whole day. Opening doors, lending over her hoodie, complimenting her and making her feel valued. She almost felt like a princess around Shiho.

...Shiho's princess huh?

Mizuki could feel her face heating up at the thought of that. The quartet making their way towards Mizuki as she tried to calm herself down.

Shiho was walking silently as her bandmates occasionally leaving a comment or two.

"What!? You're busy, Ichi!?"

"Sorry, Saki...I have to a family gathering to go to..."

"How about you, Hona?", Saki asked.

"I have to babysit my little brother but you're welcome to stay at my home!"

"Oh? Your lil bro! Sounds like fun!"

Saki turned to face Shiho's direction.

"No."

"Wahhh Shiho is so mean!"

Shiho looked unbothered.

"There's more to life then just practicing!", Saki whined.

"I'm not going to practice."

Ichika, Honami and Saki all gasped and stared at Shiho like she was some stranger.

"...Shiho?"

"...Not practicing?"

"...On her bass?"

"It's not that big of a deal."

Mizuki couldn't help but giggle at the humorous interaction between the members of Leo/need.

"Hiya!"

All of Leo/need but Shiho looked confused as to what Mizuki was doing here.

Shiho's eyes widened a bit.

"Ah, you actually came."

"Course I did! Did ya think I was gonna forget?"

"You seem like the type."

"H-hey!"

Honami finally put two and two together.

"Not to intrude but could the reason you're not practicing be that you are going on an outing with Mizuki?"

Shiho froze a bit as her rose tinted cheeks betrayed her nonchalant demeanor.

"So what if I am?"

Mizuki giggled.

"No need to be hostile, Sho!"

A very prolonged silence.

Did Mizuki screw up? From the look on Shiho's face...most likely.

"...Sho?"

Shiho looked flushed as she stormed off, grabbing Mizuki by the hand and dragging them away. The bassist's slender hand was calloused yet surprisingly warm. Mizuki couldn't help but get the feeling of warmth off their chest.

Her hand is warm...My hands are big and cold in comparison...

Once they were far enough from the others Shiho scolded Mizuki.

"Why did you call me Sho in front of them!?"

"It just slipped out...I'm sorry..."

Shiho sighed and smiled wearily.

"It's okay..."

They both gazed into each other's eyes getting a bit too lost in them. A bird chirped and knocked them both out of their daze.

Shiho turned her head away.

"We...should get going."

"Yeah..."

The pair walk together in silence. Mizuki knew that Shiho wasn't a girl of many words but this wasn't the usual comfortable silence. She needed to break the ice somehow.

A lightbulb turned on in Mizuki's head.

"Hey Sho! I kinda forgot...Where are we heading today?", Mizuki feigned forgetfulness.

Shiho grumbled.

"Music shop."

It seems like she's still a bit upset...I'll fix it!

"Am I going to get an exquisite album recommendation by the great Shiho Hinomori? Professional bassist of Leo/need? That would certainly be a true honor!"

Shiho stared at Mizuki dead on.

"Are you mocking me?"

Oh. She had taken it the wrong way.

"No no! Not at all Shiho! I truly mean everything I say about you...you're amazing..."

Shiho noticed the switch up in Mizuki's voice. It was...softer.

"You...you really mean that? I'm not all that amazing."

"What no way! Shiho, you totally are!"

The previously grumpy bassist now was a bit flustered. Mizuki just kept on complimenting her like it was nothing out of the ordinary for her.

"Thanks..."

She turned her head to the left staring at Mizuki's direction.

"You're pretty amazing yourself. I could tell despite being a goof that you're actually a very hardworker. I respect that in people."

Mizuki touched her own face and sure enough it was hot. Shiho had just praised her...again!

Did she normally give so many?

Either way Mizuki felt like she were on cloud nine. Riding that high of Shiho praising her as the pair walked towards the music store.

* * *

Chapter Text

"...May I?"

Mizuki was rendered speechless. Was this finally happening? Everything she ever wished for? Mizuki could only nod as Shiho leaned in closer and closer. So close they could feel each other's breath.

*BEEP BEEP BEEP!*

That was horrid sound of none other than Mizuki's alarm clock.

Mizuki's eyes widened as she sat up.

The clock read 7:00AM. She sighed in disbelief.

"What...kind of dream was that?"

Ah...its time to get ready for school...

Mizuki couldn't help but wonder if everyone else had dreams about kissing their friend? Or in this case almost kissing their friend.

That's all she was anyways. Just a friend to Shiho. Nothing more. She's way too out of league for Mizuki. She's the sister of the famous idol Shizuku Hinomori and she's also the bassist in a rock band called Leo/need which had just recently debuted under a record label.

She must have a lot of fans and admirers...

Mizuki shook her head and got out of bed.

Shiho had just opened her shoe locker and a letter came falling out of it.

"Huh?"

She picked it up looking rather confused.

The back read:

'To: Shiho Hinomori.'

She flipped it over and it was sealed with a heart sticker.

"What is this?"

A figure appeared from behind Shiho.

"What's that? No way! Another love letter!?" Saki exclaimed, snatching it from Shiho's hand.

Shiho sighed.

"This is the third one this week. It's really starting to get on my nerves."

Honami and Ichika walked up to the other two.

"This again?"

"Yeah."

Honami stared at the letter.

"Why don't you read them all?", she asked with a curious look on her face.

Shiho's eyes widened.

"What? Why would I do that?"

Saki snickered.

"Don't you realize? Now more than ever there are girls who have fallen for you!"

Ichika nodded.

"I think it's best you read it. Someone poured their heart out writing that just for you."

"You mean three people did?"

"Right...you could at least read this one, no?"

Shiho felt like she was cornered. She had to at least skim through this one.

She ripped it open and the letter said:

"Dear, Shiho

You might not know me since we arent in the same class but ever since my friends invited me to see one of Leo/need's live prrformances...I've had my eyes laid on you this entire time. The way you carry yourself is so...attractive to me. Now that you're a professional bassist you just got like 10000% more hotter! Ahem. Anyways, if its not too much of a bother...I'll be waiting for you on the rooftop at lunchtime. Hope to see you later today...

Love, a fan."

The four girl's jaws dropped. This actually seemed legitimate. Someone wanted to confess their love for Shiho.

Shiho didn't know how to react. She wasn't sure why she didn't like it. Shouldn't people be flattered to recieve a love letter?

The three other girls all looked at Shiho expectingly.

"Are you going to go?"

"What? No way."

"Are you not interested in girls?" Ichika asked.

Shiho's face flushed with embarassment.

"I am! But...I don't even know this chick and besides I already have...I'm not interested in romance at the moment."

Honami stared at the letter again.

"But think about that girl...she's going to wait on the rooftop...only for you to not show up?"

Shiho's eyes widened.

"That would be pretty messed up of me..."

"At the very least you should show up and tell her that you don't feel the same."

Shiho nodded. They were right. She had to give that girl an answer even if it's not the one she was hoping for.

"Right. I'll go reject her."

A few hours went by...

It was now lunchtime. This was it. Shiho was going to go on the rooftop and meet this fan of hers.

Let's just get this over with...

She walked up the stairs and opened the door to the rooftop.

There she stood. A girl with long brown pigtails and a yellow cardigan.

"You...you made it..."

Mizuki was mindlessly doodling during lunch. Nothing really eventful was happening. The teacher just told Mizuki to stop falling asleep during classes.

"Hey Mizuki! Whatcha drawing?"

"Hiya An! Nothing much...just bored."

An stared at the doodle.

"You know...that looks a lot like a friend of mine!"

Mizuki raised an eyebrow.

"Really? Who?"

"Shiho Hinomori!"

Mizuki's jaw fell to the floor. She had been drawing Shiho without even realizing it...

Crap...

"It does? Who's this Shiho...I totally dont know her..."

"Really? Didn't we all go to Leo/need's concert?"

Double crap!

Mizuki had completely forgotten that almost everyone went to go see it! She also forgot how radiant Shiho was on stage playing her bass and even what seemed like locking eyes with Mizuki at one point.

Or Mizuki was just being delusional. The latter seemed more plausible.

An held up her phone showing Mizuki her screen.

"Look! Real close ups of her playing bass. Isn't she so cool?"

"She isn't just cool...she's incredible, those intense green eyes, that tough persistent attitude, that cute laugh, her hands...man I love her hands...so slender and..."

Mizuki stopped herself, her face turning beet red.

"No no keep going! This was just getting good!" An snickered, a devious smirk painted across her face.

Mizuki buried her face with her hands, "I'm not going to! God...this is so embrassing..."

"It almost seems like you have a fat stinkin' crush on Shiho!"

An was probably just teasing but Mizuki felt like she couldn't hide it anymore.

"I...I'm in love with Shiho..."

She put her head down not bothering on facing An.

"Laugh all you want...go on..."

An tilted her head.

"You know it's okay right?"

"Is it? Shiho is not gonna be interested in a gal like me..."

"And why would she not be?"

"Look at me!"

"There's nothing wrong?"

"I'm an outcast...Why would she wanna get together with me?"

An patted Mizuki's back a bit too aggressively taking the air out of Mizuki's lungs for a split second.

"Owie!"

"Cheer up! She is your friend, no?"

That's right. Mizuki and Shiho were starting to form a bond together. They were even friends now! It was major progress in Mizuki's book.

"Yeah! She is!"

Shiho wasn't just 'Shiho' to Mizuki but she knew her as her friend 'Sho' now. This was huge. It was like they instantly clicked. Despite their different styles Mizuki found that they had more similarities than what was seen on the surface. Maybe just like magnets, opposites do attract?

* * *

Chapter Text

Shiho just opened the door leading to the school rooftop in search of the girl who presumably wrote this love letter of sorts.

"You...you made it." The girl said as if she too were surprised by Shiho's decison to not stand her up. Maybe she had a chance after all?

Shiho held up the handwritten letter.

"You wrote this?"

The girl's cheeks flushed as Shiho acknowledged her presence.

"Yes, that was me..."

Shiho nodded.

"So, what did you want to see me up here for?" Shiho asked anticipating it. The phrase she desperately did not want to hear.

The confession should come right about now...

The girl mustered up the little courage she had left. It was all or nothing.

"Shiho...you might not know who I am but you always have caught my eye so sometimes I'd just stare at you. Not in a creepy way of course! But uh...the thing is...I really really like you...Would you like to go out with me?"

Shiho didn't look too surprised as she expected this potential outcome. She needed to set the record straight to this girl.

"Listen. I know it takes a lot of courage to come up and confess your love to the person you're crushing on. The simple truth is I can't go out with you. For plenty of reasons. I don't even know your name, I don't have any romantic feelings towards you and-"

"JUST STOP! I...I get it..."

Shiho could no longer see the girl's face with her head now lowered. It doesn't take a genius to tell that she was crying as her tears fell to the ground.

"There's someone else...isn't there?"

Shiho stayed silent. She wasn't exactly sure why Mizuki's silky pink strands of hair projected onto her mind. Those rosey eyes or even that stupid cheeky grin she usually had on display.

The girl looked back up at Shiho.

"I knew it..."

Shiho was taken aback.

What is this chick's deal?

"Spit it out."

The more she stood silently the more irritated Shiho was getting.

It was as if time had stopped. Not in that magical way displayed in those Shoujo anime. Not romantic in the slightest. This was not a rom-com but a full on drama.

"There always was someone else...wasn't there? The reason you don't want to go out with me is because you're in love with someone else."

"No I'm not-"

"Don't try to deny it!" She scowled at Shiho. "I know that look in your eyes...it's one full of love. But not for me."

"What? No, Mizuki is just a friend."

"I never mentioned any names whatsoever. Yet you assumed I was talking about this girl. It proves that you knew you had feelings for her to begin with."

The girl walked towards the door leading to the stairs.

"You should've said so from the start instead of giving me false hope, jerk!"

Shiho saw as her brunette pigtails whipped around behind her as she made a break for the door leaving Shiho on the rooftop alone.

"Tch...what a mess." Shiho did as she scatched her head.

"I aced this test, An! I just know I did."

"Let's see who got the better score between the two. I'm warning you though. I actually studied!" An exclaimed before chomping on her lunch.

Mizuki giggled for a bit before getting real quiet.

"Hey..."

"What's up?"

"Do you think I have a chance?"

"A chance to pass? Yeah I'd say so."

"Not the test! I'm talking about Shiho..."

"Oh okay! I don't know actually. Have you made any advances at her yet?"

"No..."

An sighed.

"That's your problem girl! You have to take the intiative someday!"

Mizuki slumped back on her chair.

"Why'd I have to get a crush on her???"

"Why are you asking me? Let's come up with a plan!"

Mizuki's head perked up at the suggestion.

"What kind of plan?" Mizuki asked.

An grinned "One that'll make you irresistible to her!"

"Is that really possible?"

She nodded.

"Of course it is! I need to get some intel on her though and I know just the person to ask. You in?"

Mizuki hesistated for a second. She wanted Shiho to like her, right? Was this the right way to go about this? Mizuki nodded.

"Great! Lets meet up with her after school!"

Mizuki looked out the window trying to mask her nerves and hesitation.

Is this really going to work? How do I know she'll even fall for me? Who knows if she's even into...

"Wait! An! What if she isn't into girls!?"

Mizuki might've said that a bit too loud. As some people walking by turned their heads over to their directions.

"Nothing to see over here!" Mizuki waved her hands dimissively until the passersby walked away.

An snickered.

"I'd be more surprised if she was actually straight."

Shiho sneezed.

"Bless you, Shiho!", Saki said.

"You've been sneezing more often..."

"Could it be that someone is talking about you THAT much more often?"

"That's ridiculous." Shiho responded shaking her head at just the thought of someone talking about her that much.

"Continue on, Shiho."

"Oh. About that chick? Alright. So yeah she ran out and called me a jerk. Did I do something wrong?"

"Perhaps she just took your words the wrong way..." Honami added.

"Whatever. It's not like I need to explain myself to her anyways."

Saki peered behind Shiho.

"What was so jerk-y about telling her that you weren't interested?"

"Some sort of junk about giving her 'false hope'. I set the record straight that I have zero romantic feelings for her."

"Maybe it's the way you said it?"

Shiho shook her head, crossing her arms. She takes a sip of her water before sighing.

She scratched her head.

"It's just some strange reason...someone else popped into my mind and now she won't get out. I can't stop...thinking about her."

"Sounds like you need to start charging her rent for living in your mind." Ichika giggled.

"Was that supposed to be funny?"

"Was it not?"

* * *

Chapter Text

"Mizuki. You coming?" Shiho asked as they reached the grand entrance of Phoenix Wonderland.

Mizuki stood frozen in place as it finally hit her. She was essentially on a date with Shiho once again...

...Okay.

Maybe not date but a totally platonic hangout with the girl who she definitely wasn't heavily crushing on. Mizuki took small glaces at Shiho. Everything about her was just mesmerizing, from the way she carries herself to the way she considers certain fabrics her sworn enemies due to their texture.

Yet there she was, staring at Mizuki as if her whole life depended on her response.

Mizuki adjusted her ruby ribbon that adorned her dress. It wasn't just any ordinary ribbon though.

"This is it, Madame M. Target S has been located." Rui stated from Mizuki's earpiece disguised as a regular earring. One of his latest inventions along with the ribbon Mizuki was wearing that had a camera on it.

Mizuki whispered "Right..."

"Say something?" Shiho tilted her head.

"O-oh nothing! I just said right...let's go!"

Mizuki gathered enough courage to hold onto Shiho's arm pulling her ethusiastically around the amusement park. Mizuki just couldn't help but wonder:

How did I end up here again?

"Okay here's the first step, Mizuki. Listen very carefully...you have to ask her out."

Mizuki felt like she had just been crushed on by a giant boulder. Her? Asking Shiho out? How would that even go if she did? Would Shiho flat out just say "Is this some sort of lame joke?"

"What!? No way! That's not happening anytime soon!"

"Scared?" An teased.

"Yes! I'm terrified! I don't want to mess this up..."

An's mischevious grin softened up as Mizuki said that. Seeing the look on Mizuki's face was enough. It was clear as day that Mizuki was serious about Shiho. She put her hand on Mizuki's shoulder and gave a nod.

"Don't worry so much. It'll give you wrinkles."

"Annnn..."

"In all seriousness...you called her your friend before at a park right? She agreed no? That means she likes you enough not to flat out reject you!"

Mizuki thought back to that one night. They went for a stroll in that breezy park across the fancy couple's restaraunt they accidentally stumbled upon and dined there. Mizuki still remembers Shiho's chivalrous act of lending Mizuki her hoodie. She recalled the scent...that was just so distinctively Shiho's. Shiho's words rang in her mind:

"Cut that out. You're not annoying and you never were. Did I make myself clear or do I need to show you?"

Mizuki's face flushed as she thought about how passionate Shiho sounded. It was like she wanted to tell Mizuki something but backed out of it. Shiho was so...

"Trust me, Mizuki."

"You think so?"

"While I'm not a 100% certain, if you want I could go in as a spy?"

Mizuki sighed.

"I would say that you should but Shiho is super observant...she'll spot you immediately..."

"Mizuki Akiyama! C'mon now! I know you could do it! If you need my assistance then perhaps we should keep in touch?"

She stared at An with a perplexed expression.

"How do you plan on going about that?"

"I see...so Mizuki is secretly harboring feelings for Hinomori?" Rui asked while leaning close to Mizuki as if studying her.

"That's right but she needs our help!"

"Is this uh...necessary?" Mizuki flushed slightly.

"Very! If you have us you won't be so nervous!"

"I don't know what's up with me...sure I get nervous but it's never been this bad before!" Mizuki buried her head with her hands.

Mizuki then felt a tap on her shoulder.

"Fufu...that's why you'll have this!" Rui slides over a ribbon and some earrings. "We'll help you on your outing with Hinomori."

Mizuki loved them accesories that Rui got her.

"So cute!"

"These are no ordinary accesories...as they will serve as your little friends!"

"Oh boy..."

* * *