As the coldest months of Winter in Uchiura pass, a speck of warmth begins to return to everyone's daily lives. Thick coats are deemed unnecessary as people ditch them in favor of something more-fashionable like a jacket or a scarf. People become 'warmer', smiling and laughing more frequently.
For Chika, it all feels bittersweet. After all, there are only two months left until the end of the school year and the third-year's graduation. The end of Uranohoshi and their school idol club. All good things must come to an end, but she didn't expect the end to come so fast. It felt like it was only yesterday that she had accidentally pushed Riko and herself into the sea.
Speaking of Riko, Chika notices that she hasn't arrived yet, which is odd. She's usually punctual, arriving at least half an hour before the bell rings, but now she's nowhere to be seen. It worries her more than she lets on.
Ever since the New Years' party Aqours held, Chika has been thinking about Riko a lot. One talk with Kanan later and she's confident that she's in love, but Chika thinks that she started liking the other girl romantically way earlier than the party. Maybe it was the morning of their training camp when Riko told her that she loved her (she still doesn't know whether she meant that platonically or not).
Yeah, that was probably it. But Aqours took up most of her time then, so she couldn't think too much about stuff like dating. Now, they're in the finals and have a good shot at winning, with the entirety of the Shizuoka prefecture supporting them. They have their song, choreography, and costumes ready. Practice is being put on hold for a bit, which leaves Chika with nothing to think about other than her studies—she mentally gags at that thought—or her feelings. What a coincidence that today is Valentine's Day, causing thoughts about the latter to become even more prominent.
She lets out a groan, burying her face in her hands. Everything would be so much easier if Riko would just confess again. That way Chika can ask what she really meant by it, and everything would work out. They would either start dating, or they would move on. It's a decent plan that didn't consider the possibility of Riko not being in class.
"Riko-chan isn't here yet?"
Chika looks up, her eyes meeting You's blue ones. She lets out another groan before shaking her head. You offers her a pitying look before sitting down on her seat beside Chika's. "Cheer up. Hey, look what I got you!"
Chika turns her head, watching as You waves a box of chocolate in front of her. She immediately perks up. "Mikan chocolate!"
"That's right!" The two smile as You hands the box towards Chika, the latter beginning to unwrap the gift. "But seriously, how can you not get bored of this stuff? It's always the same every year." Ever since they gave each other friendship chocolate in elementary, You always gives Chika the special mikan chocolate she loves so much. (maybe change the last sentence to something like "Ever since elementary school, You has always given Chika her favorite mikan chocolate as a sign of their friendship, and this year is no exception.")
At the question, Chika giggles a bit. "Of course I won't get bored of it. This," She points towards the opened box. "Is a symbol of our friendship. It's been with us for as long as I can remember. And even though things in our lives change, our friendship stays the same, just like these chocolates."
You stays silent, carefully processing the deep meaning behind Chika's words. "Chika…are you alright?" She grins as her best friend's smile turns into a pout. "I'm kidding! But seriously, I didn't expect that from you. You really changed a lot."
"I can say the same for you," Chika says off-handedly. "Oh! Speaking of chocolate…." She takes out a box of chocolate from her bag and offers it to You. "Here's yours."
You excitedly takes the gift, appreciating the nice wrapping before she opens it. "Thanks a lot! It's nice getting friendship chocolate once in a while."
"Look at Miss Popular here," Chika teases. "I bet you're gonna keep getting honmei all day. So much delicious chocolate…."
"That's not a good thing." You sighs. "Eating too much is unhealthy. And I feel terrible having to reject them. It's so…sad."
"Oh no!" Chika gasps, the shock on her face completely over-exaggerated. "You'll have to reject girls who you rarely ever talk to and never even considered as a romantic partner."
"That's cruel, Chika. Even if it is true." You chuckles as she looks for her book in her bag. As she does that, Chika takes a peek inside, finding a few other boxes of chocolate. Most of them look the same except for one that's smaller and packaged in blue. You usually doesn't discriminate between her friends, so for someone who doesn't know what's going on it would look more than a little odd. But Chika knows exactly what's going on.
Her voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone, she leans towards You with a wide grin on her face. "Hey, You-chan..." She waits until her best friend looks up to face her before continuing. "Is that what I think it is?" She asks innocently, pointing at the box. You's eyes follow her finger until they land on the box, her face turning bright red as she closes her bag to hide it. The reaction causes Chika's grin to become even wider. "It's for her, isn't it?"
"Well yeah, but it's not what you're thinking." You says, placing her book on her desk. "You know she loves chocolate, so I wanted to give her something nice. Really, that's it."
"You made this yourself, right?" Slightly embarrassed, You nods at Chika's prodding. "Why couldn't you have given her the same chocolate as the rest of us?"
"Of course I couldn't do that. She doesn't like mikans." You seems proud of having thought of an excuse. Chika doesn't buy it, however.
"So instead of buying chocolates that don't have mikan in them…you decided to make the chocolate yourself?"
"Uhh…." You flushes. "…yeah?"
"You-chan, you're a horrible liar." Chika resists the urge to laugh when You turns redder. "I mean, it's not like you have to hide it. Everyone in Aqours already knows."
"Everyone?!" You balks. "Even Yoshiko-chan?" Her voice takes on a panicked tone as she wonders if she's already outed herself.
"I guess not her…" Otherwise, they wouldn't even be having this conversation. "But that doesn't change the point. Your crush is super obvious."
"You mean like your crush on Riko?" You asks, in a desperate attempt to change the subject from her.
"Yeah," Chika answers unflinchingly. "So that's why you should just confess. There's nothing wrong with Yoshiko, and I'm sure she likes you too."
You shakes her head, sighing. "I know that she likes me, but…what if she doesn't like me in that way? What if she likes me as just a friend?"
Are we talking about the same person? It's not like Yoshiko is less obvious about her crush. There are times when Chika wants to push them into a closet for an hour until they confess. Seriously, You-chan is hopeless without me. "I'm sure that's not the case," she says instead. "It'll work out."
You nods, Chika's words helping to soothe her nerves. "…so, what about you? Did you make something for Riko-chan?"
"You bet I did!" She pulls out a nicely-wrapped box of chocolates from her bag, holding it up proudly.
"…that's just mikan chocolate, isn't it?" You asks.
"It's the Takami's special mikan chocolate!" Chika corrects her. "Passed down from each generation to the next, it's a good luck charm to ensure a long, happy relationship!"
"I see." You hums. "I never thought you'd be someone who believed in superstition, though."
Chika shakes her head. "I usually don't, but I'm super desperate." She mutters, resting her head on her desk. "I'm so normal, and Riko-chan's so amazing, so I'm willing to do anything to help my chances."
Your chances are already really good, though. You sighs inwardly. It's not like Riko is less obvious about her crush. They're practically dating already with how much time they spend together. Seriously, Chika-chan is hopeless without me. "I'm sure Riko-chan will be blown away by whatever you made."
"Thanks, You-chan." Chika smiles at her best friend. "I'd wish you luck, but I don't think you really need it. You make really good chocolate, and Yoshiko-chan loves chocolate, so it's like a match made in heaven."
"More like a match made in hell." You says, her eyes meeting Chika's flat stare. "…since, y'know, Yoshiko-chan is a fallen angel? Never mind, I shouldn't ha-"
"Is that what you two do nowadays?" Chika teases. "Roleplay chuuni things together? I guess that counts as romantic."
"W-we don't do that kind of stuff together." You quickly defends herself. "It was just a joke."
"For now, but it's only a matter of time before she turns you into one of her 'little demons' and you start joining her streams." Chika ignores You's whining as her attention is directed to the entrance of the class, perking up when she sees the person who just stepped in.
You follows Chika's gaze, watching as Riko walks towards her seat, barely on time. "Riko-chan, good mor- are you okay?" As she approaches them, it's clear that she isn't herself. She seems to lack energy, and the foundation of makeup she had hastily applied can't hide the dark rings around her eyes.
"Good morning you two." She yawns while collapsing onto her desk. You would've guessed that she was asleep if she hadn't spoken up. "The teacher hasn't come in yet, has she?"
"Nope, you're safe." Chika suddenly stands up.
"I think I'll go to the bathroom before classes start." With that, Chika walks out of the class. You waits for her to be out of earshot before turning to Riko.
"Let me guess." She smiles. "You stayed up late making chocolate for Chika-chan, right?" Riko can only let out a grunt in response. "I bet she'll love it."
"I hope so." Riko sighs. "I'm not sure my heart will be able to take a rejection."
"I'm rooting for you," You says, hoping to lift Riko's spirits. "I'm not sure I can take watching you two dance around each other for another day."
Before Riko can muster up the energy to respond, the first teacher of the day comes in. Chika enters a bit later, earning a minor scolding from the teacher even though she was only in the bathroom.
Yep, You thinks to herself. This'll be an interesting day.
"Yoshiko-chan! Wait up!"
The navy-haired girl stops at the school entrance, turning around to face the person who had called out to her. The girl's signature red hair is a dead giveaway, and Yoshiko waves as Ruby approaches her, slightly out of breath. "Ruby, what's up?"
"I want to give you something! Just hold on a second..." She mumbles, unzipping her bag. Yoshiko's expression progressively becomes more horrified as the redhead rummages through the contents. Before she can say anything, Ruby pulls out a neatly wrapped package and presents it to her.
"Happy Valentine's Day, Yoshiko-chan!" She smiles brightly, not noticing Yoshiko's distressed expression. "This is my gift for you, please take it." Yoshiko stares at the package, wondering if she fell asleep on the bus and this is a dream.
She bites the inside of her cheek. Not a dream.
With shaky hands, she takes the item. The wrapping is simple yet elegant, and she can already guess what the actual gift is, considering the date. Ruby is still staring at her with her cheerful smile, which makes what she's about to say all the more difficult.
"Ruby...I-I'm sorry." She stutters, closing her eyes so she won't have to see the other girl's expression. "I only like you as a good friend, nothing more. So...I can't accept this gift. I'm really, really sorry!" She bows deeply, hoping that the two of them can still be friends after this and Dia won't kill her.
Ruby blinks, confused by Yoshiko's reaction. "Huh? Hold on, I think you're misunderstanding." She waves her arms frantically, her face red with embarrassment. "This is just friendship chocolate!"
"What?" Yoshiko straightens up, once again staring at the package. "Friendship chocolate?"
"Y-yeah." Ruby nods. "Even though we've only known each other for about a year, I think of you as a really good friend too." Yoshiko continues staring at the gift like it's a foreign object, and it takes a while for Ruby to realize why that might be the case.
Has she never received any before? I guess it makes sense, since she the last time she saw Hanamaru-chan was back in kindergarten. Other than that, it's not like she'd receive friendship chocolate in elementary or middle school.
...That was a really mean thought, wasn't it? Oh no. Ruby can feel her face turning even redder. "S-sorry." Of course, since she didn't voice the rest of her thoughts, it only leaves Yoshiko confused.
"What are you apologizing for?" She asks, beginning to tear apart the wrapping paper. "I should be the one apologizing. I don't have anything to give you. I'll…try to make it up to you later."
"It's fine," Ruby assures. "Just enjoy the chocolates." Yoshiko looks a bit better, but when she inspects the gift and realizes what brand of chocolates she's been given, she instantly pales.
"Isn't this that super-expensive brand from Tokyo?" She gulps nervously. "Is it really okay?"
"Of course!" Ruby pouts cutely, her expression resembling a cute puppy. "I'm being serious here, just enjoy it. You don't even have to give me anything as long as you're happy."
Yoshiko chuckles, slipping into her fallen angel persona and poses. "Well, I suppose I can't reject my little demon. Dark chocolate is the perfect offering for a dark being such as myself."
"Sure, glad you like it," Ruby says cheerfully, zipping her bag back up. "So you won't be giving any chocolate today?"
At that question, Yoshiko blushes. "Well...not really. I'll be giving one to someone." Ruby perks up, her smile becoming even wider.
"I won't tell anyone. Anyway, I have to go now. There's still plenty of chocolates I need to give out today. Do your Rubesty!" With another wave, Ruby is off, leaving Yoshiko alone as she walks towards class. She considers putting the chocolate in her bag, but is worried that they'll melt in spite of the weather, so she takes a chocolate piece and eats it.
It's good, Yoshiko thinks. She eats another piece as she makes her way to class, walking through the school halls. She sees other students exchanging chocolates in the hallway, laughing and having fun. A few people even stop her to give her more chocolate, which she guiltily accepts while promising that she'll return the favor soon.
By the time she finally makes it to class with a bag chock full of chocolate, she laments having to eat all of it before they melt. Still, as she stares at the chocolates, given to her by her friends, she can't help but smile.
This is shaping up to be a pretty good day.
As the first bell rings and school starts, the previous lighthearted atmosphere vanishes almost entirely, replaced with palpable tension. With all kinds of chocolate having been exchanged already, there's only one thing left; honmei chocolate. The main event of Valentine's Day. Both teachers and students alike can agree that this is the worst day for school. Students can't focus, and teachers struggle to teach students who can't focus.
Hanamaru stares out of the window of the classroom, watching the grand sakura tree right in the middle of the schoolyard. It would be a nice place for a confession, like a scene from a book, but too many people share her thoughts. Call her a romantic, but she wants it to feel personal. Confessing at a place where many others do sounds like the opposite of personal.
She turns away from the window and towards her bag, catching a glimpse of a package wrapped in yellow paper. Her face flushes and emotion bubbles in her chest. She might not have a solid plan, but she's more than sure of her own feelings. Somehow, she will confess.
Unfortunately, not everyone is as optimistic. Riko is one such example. As she glances at the energetic girl sitting behind her, she feels a tight knot forming in her throat, making her feel breathless. There are many reasons for Riko to be pessimistic.
First of all, even if Chika isn't the most popular second year—that would be You—she's still incredibly popular from virtue of being the leader of Aqours. She's pretty, warm, kind and radiant. Chika is truly, utterly amazing, and Riko knows that. Riko also knows that everyone knows that. It's not hard to imagine other people falling in love with the loveable girl.
That's where the second problem comes in. Riko knows exactly how bland she is. When people hear her name, their first thought is 'the transfer student from Tokyo' more often than not. Arguably, it's better than 'the girl who reads doujinshi', but it saddens her to realize that she's so boring, to the point where the most memorable thing about her is that she's from the big city.
Riko is so bland and uninteresting, unlike Chika. Chika can go on the same spiel about shining for the hundredth time and still captivate her, because that's who Chika is. Chika is the girl who insists that she's normal but keeps doing amazing things. Chika is the girl who never gave up on Riko, even when she's given up on herself. Chika is the girl who, just from her actions, caused Riko to fall head-over-heels for her. Chika, the girl who wanted to shine, and became the light of her life.
Riko lets out a depressed sigh, returning her gaze to the front of the class. Why would Chika want someone boring like her? The chances of her feelings being returned are pretty much zero. Still, at the very least she wants to get those feelings off her chest. She seeks closure, even if it means getting rejected.
Even if it means getting hurt.
Because today is Valentine's Day. The day where logic gets sidelined and emotions take up the foreground. As they say, love turns people into idiots. Even someone as calm and logical as Riko isn't immune to its effects.
When the bell signaling lunch break rings, "Operation: Confess" begins.