Chapter Text
Tap. Tap. Tap. Mizuki watched the raindrops run down their window and out of sight. I need to start my homework… what a drag… They thought to themself, yet their laptop sat there, on their desk, cold and untouched for what seemed like enternity. It’s been 5 years since that day, but no matter how much Mizuki tried convincing themself that they had gotten over it, sometimes, the memories would come crashing down on them. The memories of a girl with short brown hair, a paintbrush in her hand, tentatively laying down the first stroke on the canvas. Then the memories of that same girl, skin cold and eyes blank, laying on the floor, forever eighteen.
…
It was 6 years ago when Mizuki first laid eyes on the girl that was Shinonome Ena. Through Nightcord, the two bickered and poked fun at each other, striking an unlikely bond. Then, they met in person. That was the start of a relationship that couldn’t be described with just one word. It was always Mizuki and Ena, Ena and Mizuki.
For Akiyama Mizuki, ‘normal’ was a forgein concept. No matter how much they tried, they would never, ever be able to conform to society. And so they didn’t. Mizuki wasn’t alone, no, they had friends, Rui, Nightcord, Akito, and others, but Mizuki was lonely. Shinonome Ena was also lonely. Perhaps, loneliness could bind people together like some kind of twisted fate, because that’s certainly what it felt like to Mizuki.
…
No. I don’t want to think about it. Get over yourself, Mizuki. She’s not coming back. Mizuki dragged themself out of bed, and into the kitchen of their dorm room.
”Hmm… Kanade said she wanted to meet today.” They muttered to themself, picking up carelessly thrown dishes and rinsing them. Coincidentally, their phone beeped with a notification.
K: Are we going to the café, like usual?
Another notification followed shortly after.
Yuki: Sure. I can finish my studying there as well.
Mizuki let out a short laugh. As per usual, Mafuyu and her obsession with perfection. Despite putting on their cutest clothes, and tying bows into their hair, Mizuki couldn’t help but feel anxiety building up in their chest. It’s been so long since they’ve hung out outside of an academic setting like this. Things have always been slightly awkward between the trio, ever since… that day. Mizuki shoved all their thoughts to the side in a (failed) attempt to feel better, and walked down to the café. Maybe seeing them outside of university after all this time would do some good? They certainly hoped so.
Or would it just bring back another wave of bittersweet memories?