Hello,
Happy weekend! I hope you're having a relaxing one.
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I hope you like this chapter. :)
Chapter 4: What Is Love?
"Thanks. Just call me, Hitomi," she said, smiling back at Yuzu, "So, Okogi-san, how are you related to Aihara Mei? She never visits our club but today was an exception."
"I'm her," Yuzu said before she was interrupted.
"She's her partner," Harumin blurted, wrapping her arms around the blonde's shoulders.
"Her partner?" Hitomi questioned, raising her head to look at both Yuzu and Harumin. Hitomi was about 5 inches shorter than Yuzu. She had pixie-like hair with waspy bangs brushed along her forehead.
"I'm her project partner," Yuzu said, hiding a little taint of blush forming on her cheeks.
"That's right, Yuzu is the Prez's project partner," Harumin gushed.
"I see," Hitomi drawled, looking away.
"I'm sorry Hitomi. My poem was terrible. I didn't expect Mei to submit my work," Yuzu stared at the door.
"Poetry is about evoking emotions without telling," the shorter girl emphasized, fixing her glance at Yuzu.
Huh! I don't get it!
"The reader needs to look for the meaning. It is more of an emotional process than it is rational," Hitomi resumed, insisting eye contact with Yuzu.
"I'm sorry, Hitomi. I think I'm not following you. Can you say that in simple words?" Yuzu hesitated, stepping back and looked away.
"It's an art. And you cannot create art without your heart. A good poetry evokes emotions in you, in a reader," Hitomi declared, stepping closer to the blonde, "That is why poetry is not really popular, Okogi-san."
I don't think I belong to this club. I can't even understand what Hitomi is saying. Ughhhh.
"In other words, poetry has a different meaning to the writer and the reader," Hitomi maintained, reaching for Yuzu's hand.
She could have said it that way earlier.
"Hitomi, I'm not sure if I'm even half qualified to be here," the blonde stammered.
"To know if something is right for us, we use this," Hitomi reassured, placing Yuzu's hand above her heart.
"Hey, I'm not really sure what you're trying to tell me," Yuzu gasped, allowing her hand to rest on her chest.
"Can you feel that? Your heart knows what's right for you. There are no coincidences, Yuzu. Your heart brought you here for a reason. So don't question it, okay?" Hitomi sniggered, letting go of Yuzu's hand.
Now I know why they have the least number of members. Hitomi can be so strange!
Harumin stepped closer, and whispered, "Yuzucchi, are you sure that you want to join this club? You can still back out."
"Harumin, I made a promise," Yuzu mumbled, glancing at her best friend with regretful eyes.
"If that's what you want, Yuzucchi. I have no choice but to support you," Harumin lamented.
They were interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Who could that be?" Hitomi glowered, walking towards the door.
When she opened the door, a sight of a tall girl greeted her, "Good afternoon, Hitomi," she had midnight-black hair and the afternoon breeze softly mopped its entire length, letting the strands dance sofly with the wind.
"Oh, good afternoon, President," Hitomi stutterd, gently raising her head to greet Mei.
Mei maintained a calm appearance. "Hitomi, I came here to talk to you about your proposal to attract more members to join your club."
"Please, come in, President," Hitomi hissed, opening the door widely.
"Thank you," Mei agreed, crossing the room in only a few strides.
"Hey, Mei!" Yuzu babbled, flashing her signature smile.
"I see you've kept your promise," Mei assented, standing next to Yuzu.
I feel really nervous. Why do I feel this way when Mei is around?
Standing in front of the three taller girls, Hitomi declared, "I'm glad that you went over my proposal, President. Well, we've considered various ways to attract new members," sighing deeply, she continued, "We all came into an agreement that the only way we can attract more members is to make poetry 'cool.' I, for one, dislike using that word."
"Huh? How on Earth are you going to make poetry cool?" Harumin jabbed, placing her hands on her waist.
"Hey, Harumin, calm down," Yuzu urged, grabbing Harumin's arm.
"You see, my big-bosomed friend, we're thinking about performing spoken word poetry in front of an audience on our recruitment day," Hitomi chortled.
"Spoken word poetry?!" Harumin growled, leaning closer to the shorter girl.
Both Yuzu and Mei just watched the two girls bickering in front of them.
Yuzu stepped closer next to Mei and whispered, "Mei, why did you send them a copy of my work?"
Turning and glancing to her right, she sighed, "I liked it."
"You liked it?" Yuzu gushed, startling Mei and the two bickering girls.
I think I scared Mei.
"I'm sorry, Mei. I didn't mean to do that. I just thought the poem was terrible," Yuzu blurted, looking at the painting on the wall.
After an eternity of peevish argument between Hitomi and Harumin, the poetry club president turned to face both Mei and Yuzu, "With the help of these two bewitching beauties, we'll get more people engaged in poetry," she insisted, glancing back at Harumin with a determined look.
"HUH?!" Yuzu, and Harumin spat, staring at Hitomi.
"Take a look at the President and Yuzu," Hitomi babbled, still trying to win an argument against Harumin,"They can leave a lot of people stunned, dazzled, and knocked out. Exhibit A, the President; her presence makes us gape, even gasp with astonishment. These emotions are a powerful marketing tool."
"Hitomi, that's enough!" Mei exclaimed, glaring at Hitomi.
"Yeah, stop that, Hitomi! You heard the Prez," Harumin agreed, still glaring at the shorter girl.
Hitomi explained, crossing her arms on her chest, "What I'm saying is that, most people are naturally attracted to beauty."
"And what does that have to do with us?" Yuzu interrupted, looking straight at Hitomi's eyes.
"With your natural bewitching looks along with the President's great beauty, we will dazzle this entire school and increase the number of our members," Hitomi reasoned, raising her head to be face-to-face with Yuzu.
"Hey, you! Speak in simple words. You're giving me a headache!" Harumin shouted, massaging her forehead.
"What exactly do you want from us?" Mei asked as sternly as she could.
"President, this weekend, we will have our recruitment day. Each club will be given the chance to showcase their talent in the hopes to attract more members. I was just thinking that maybe I can interest you and this emerald-eyed beauty to represent our poetry club?" Hitomi pleaded, glancing both at Mei and Yuzu.
"Huh? You want the Prez and Yuzucchi to perform for your club?" Harumin rebuked, placing her arm between the shorter girl and the partners.
"Exactly, my voluptuous friend," Hitomi tittered.
Pissed, Harumin glowered, "Why are you doing this?!"
"I don't think I can do that, Hitomi, with all due respect," Yuzu apologized, clutching her bag.
"If that's going to help your club meet the minimum number of members to get a budget approval, then I'll help you," Mei placated, looking sternly at Hitomi.
"Are you sure about that, Mei?" Yuzu lamented, clutching her bag tighter.
"Yuzu, I made my decision. The poetry club is in dire need of new members to meet their quota for budget approval. It's one of the school committee's requirements," Mei concluded, gazing at the blonde next to her.
"Well, everything is settled, then," Hitomi declared, nodding approvingly.
"You manipulative wench!" Harumin yelled, giving Hitomi a death glare.
"Well, that is subjective!" Hitomi retorted, smirking at Harumin.
"Stop with that philosophical thing-y! Just speak like a normal person! Uggghh!" Harumin growled, turning around and ready to leave the room.
Hitomi turned her gaze at Mei and Yuzu, "I hope you're ready for an impromptu spoken poetry," she emphasized.
"HUH?!" Yuzu shouted, shocked.
At the diner...
"That Hitomi is such a pain in the neck, Yuzucchi!" Harumin declared, sipping a refreshing drink.
"Harumin, what do you know about Hitomi?"
"Hmmm, aside from the fact that she's a slithering and scheming wench, nothing much really. We've been schoolmates since first year. She's always had her eye on beautiful things, according to some people."
"Beautiful things?"
"We all have our set of fixations, Yuzucchi. For Hitomi, she's always been fixated on beautiful things, objects, people, and stuff like that," Harumin looked out the window.
"That is so weird," Yuzu gazed out the window, admiring the clear skies.
"Hey, Yuzucchi," Harumin turned to look at her best friend, "Have you thought about what to do on the impromptu spoken poetry? That's a mouthful."
"Since it's an impromptu poetry, I guess, there's nothing I can do to prepare myself for that," Yuzu rested her head over her hand.
"I'll be cheering for you and the Prez, then."
Yuzu chortled, "I wonder what we're going to do, Harumin."
"I have no idea about poetry, Yuzucchi but somehow, I agree with Hitomi."
"Which part of what she said, exactly, Harumin?"
"About the 'heart' part, Yuzucchi. I kinda get what she means by that."
"What about it, Harumin?"
"If you let your heart do the talking, then it will go well, I guess."
Let the heart do the talking?
"I wonder what Mei thinks about all of this?"
"Oh, the Prez? Don't worry about her, Yuzucchi! She can handle anything!" Harumin said, looking at the mirror and fixing her hair.
"Hey, Yuzu!" a guy shouted in the diner.
Both Yuzu and Harumin turned to search for that voice.
Oh, it's Taro again and the rest of his team?
"Thanks for coming to watch our game last weekend," Taro flashed a big smile and made his way towards the girls.
"Yeah! Not a big deal, Taro!" Yuzu yelled back, scanning the rest of the soccer team members.
"In exchange, I'll do anything for you," Taro proposed, handing the soccer ball to one of his members.
"So, Captain," Harumin interjected, "Yuzucchi and the Prez will have an impromptu spoken poetry this weekend. They will need a cheering squad!"
"Harumin, stop that!" Yuzu insisted, looking away and hiding her embarrassment.
"Huh!? Why didn't you say so, Yuzu?" Taro gushed, turning around to look at the rest of his team members, "Okay, team! Listen up! We have an important thing to do this weekend! Aihara Mei and Yuzu will have their spoken poetry that day! I need you all to be there! Is that clear?!"
"Yes, Captain!" the members shouted all at once.
"Taro, you don't have to do that!" Yuzu waved her hands.
Taro leaned over towards Yuzu and maintained, "I insist, Yuzu. We'll recruit more members to cheer you on."
"That's how you make poetry cool!" Harumin declared sternly.
Yuzu sat back, hiding her face in her hands.
This is so embarrassing!
On their recruitment day...
Their school was having a two-day open recruitment activity for all the clubs. Each club has a quota or a minimum number of members to meet in order for their budget to get an approval. Also, they need new members because they bring new ideas and talents. Non-athletic clubs were set to perform on the first day. Some clubs have gone all the way from renting simple booths to customizing their stalls to attract new members.
"Look at their booth, Hitomi. It's very creative and beautiful," sighed Yuzu, gazing at the Drama Club's booth.
"My dear, Yuzu, what matters most is the heart and character of a club and not some seemingly superficial marketing propaganda," Hitomi rebuked, looking at the Drama Club's booth.
I thought Hitomi is fixated on beauty.
"From what I heard, you like beautiful things, Hitomi," Yuzu whispered, turning to face Hitomi.
"How we see beauty is a reflection of our heart," Hitomi declared, stepping closer to get her point across.
"Huh?! What do you mean by that?" Yuzu stepped back.
"Whatever brings you joy and delight is beautiful," Hitomi soothed, smiling at Yuzu.
Why can't Hitomi just speak in a normal way? Is it that difficult?
'Yuzu, about the other day, your eyes gave you away when you were glancing at Mei."
Huh? What is Hitomi trying to say?
"I don't think I'm following you, Hitomi,"
Hitomi leaned closer to Yuzu and whispered, "You like Mei, Yuzu."
Am I too obvious? Why does Hitomi say that?
Shocked, Yuzu replied, stammering, "I like her as a person... Ummm... she's cool and all. I mean, I admire her because she's..."
"She makes your heart beat fast, doesn't she? Hitomi insisted, gazing at Yuzu's green eyes that were starting to fill with worries.
Shutting her eyes closed and opening them slowly, she sighed "Hitomi, what are you trying to imply?"
Hitomi stepped back and turned around, raising both of her hands at forearm length, "Just like the rest of us, we spend our days longing to meet that special person, piercing through the crowds for one familiar face. Out of nowhere, our soul recognizes a singular gaze that can capture our hearts forever. Some call it love, some call it destiny... How about you, Yuzu, what do you call it?"
What do I call it?
Confused, Yuzu yelled, "Huh?"
Hitomi turned around again to make eye contact with the blonde, "Yuzu, I thought it's only natural to help a pure soul express her heart's desire. That's why you're here. The universe created this opportunity for you."
"So, this was your intention, Hitomi?"
"Poetry comes from the heart. Language is its metaphor. Words may hold much power to help you be more honest with your feelings," Hitomi insisted, still maintaining eye contact.
Be more honest with my feelings? People in this school can be crazy!
"Aihara Mei isn't honest with her feelings as well. I thought maybe, this will give you both a chance to be open... to be truthful," Hitomi said, looking away.
"Hitomi, what exactly do you mean?" Yuzu shoved the shorter girl.
Amused, Hitomi revealed, "I once confessed my feelings to Aihara Mei even though I had the slightest chance for them to be accepted."
"Huh?! Why did you do that? And why Mei?" Yuzu leaned closer.
"Love comes in as many forms as the countless stars in the vast space of the universe. Once in a while, we meet a person who will make us aware of what we're missing, the happiness within our soul," Hitomi laughed.
"Hitomi, please use simple terms," Yuzu insisted, still holding Hitomi.
"When that person comes, Yuzu, welcome them with all your heart," Hitomi giggled.
Letting Hitomi go, Yuzu muttered, "What did Mei say after you confessed?"
"As expected, she denied my feelings," Hitomi gushed, smiling at Yuzu.
Why is this girl seemingly happy about it?
"Being turned down isn't fatal, Yuzu. It is the courage to tell the truth that counts."
For a moment, all heads were turned to a girl who walked in the function hall where the recruitment activity was being held. As they watched the girl greet some participants, they felt a remarkable presence, the girl had the attention of everyone in the room. Her command presence augmented her physical stature.
"Good afternoon, President," Hitomi greeted, bowing slightly.
"Good afternoon, Hitomi. The presentations are about to start in a few minutes. Your club will be the third one to perform," Mei reminded, casually glancing at Yuzu who was behind Hitomi.
"Thank you for doing us this enormous favor, President" Hitomi insisted, raising her head to be face-to-face with Mei.
Mei simply nodded.
"I made a list of ten words and wrote each one down," Hitomi related, grabbing a small jar from their booth, "Here they are. Kindly pick five pieces, President."
Mei quirked a brow and her lavender eyes sent shivers down Hitomi's spine, "When will you be done with your surprises, Hitomi?"
Intimidated, Hitomi gulped and regained her composure, "President, you need these words to guide you in your spoken poetry with Yuzu."
"Wait up!" Yuzu interrupted, stepping next to Hitomi, "So, this is really happening? Mei and I get on the stage and exchange lines, impromptu style?"
"Exactly, Yuzu! Free verse style!" Hitomi agreed, turning to look at the blonde, "Imagine you and the President are having a normal conversation with one simple twist; your verses will revolve around these chosen words."
"Yuzucchi!" Harumin walked in the function hall along with the entire soccer team.
Mei, Yuzu, and Hitomi turned to see the entourage.
Oh my goodness! And they even wore cheer shirts! This is so embarrassing!
Taro and Harumin made a decision to show support for Mei and Yuzu by wearing uniform cheer shirts. The soccer team had agreed to wear red shirts with customized print. The front of the shirt says "We're here for Aihara Mei and Yuzu!" and at the back, the print says "Poetry is the new cool!"
"Yuzucchi! Hey Prez!" Harumin yelled, smiling and waving at Mei and Yuzu, "And you, of course," she sighed, looking at Hitomi.
Yuzu hurriedly grabbed Harumin's arm and brought her into a corner, "What is this all about, Harumin?!"
A little hurt, Harumin explained, "Well, I bumped into Taro at the grocery store last Wednesday and we talked about how we can support you. And... he came up with this idea."
This isn't really a terrible idea but this is so embarrassing. What would Mei think of this?!
"Harumin, why didn't you inform me ahead of time," Yuzu growled, pressing Harumin's arm tighter.
"We wanted to surprise you, Yuzucchi and you already know that Taro is head over heels with the Prez. This is how you make poetry cool! Just take a look at all your supporters," Harumin commanded, hinting Yuzu to glance at the entourage.
"Harumin, you have to understand that Mei would not want any of this," Yuzu glared at Harumin instead.
Walking silently, Mei approached Yuzu and Harumin, "Yuzu, we're about to start our presentation."
Startled, Yuzu nervously laughed and turned to face Mei, "I'm sorry for all of this, Mei."
"I don't think there's anything to apologize for, Yuzu," Mei reassured, making eye contact with Yuzu."
"Thanks, Mei!" Yuzu murmured, smiling at Mei.
"Taniguchi-san, I'm sorry for the trouble we're causing you," Mei expressed, turning to look at Harumin.
Picking up the underlying message behind Mei's apology, Harumin pointed at her shirt, "This? It's a small gesture of support, Prez."
"Thank you for coming to this event," Mei retorted, scanning the small hall.
Nervous, Harumin smiled and brushed her hair with her hand, "We're glad to be here, Prez!"
Mei nodded and turned her gaze at Yuzu, "Yuzu, I need you to come with me to prepare for our part."
"Yeah, that's right! Let's do a little preparation!" exclaimed Yuzu, straightening herself and following Mei.
"Good luck, Yuzucchi!" Harumin gushed, leaving Yuzu. Harumin joined the rest of the soccer team members at the back of the small hall.
I'm very nervous now. Why is this happening?
"Alright, Mei. So, we're doing it free verse style, "Yuzu sighed, staring at her shoes.
"Yuzu, I'm aware of that," Mei reassured.
I remember Mei saying she's not good with poetry but why does she seem cool and confident about this?
"President!" exclaimed Hitomi, gesturing Mei to look at the performers on the small stage, "It will be our turn, next."
"What?! I thought we were going in third?" Yuzu uttered, anxiously placing both her hand on her hips.
"That was supposed to be the case, but the Art Club is still waiting for their representatives to arrive," Hitomi explained, acting both confused and concerned.
"It's alright, Hitomi. Some things just can't be helped, "Mei placated, keeping a calm facial expression.
How can Mei stay calm in this chaotic situation?
"Thank you for that wonderful performance! Okay, everyone, that was the Drama Club! Let's give them a round of applause," announced the student emcee, standing on a small stage that was sufficient to accommodate only 5 people, "Now it's time for the Poetry Club's number. Let's all welcome Okogi Yuzuko with the special participation of our Student Council President, Aihara Mei!"
A sudden commotion emerged from the crowd as Mei and Yuzu walked over the small stage side by side, "Go Prez! Go Yuzucchi!" Harumin cheered, throwing a fist in the air.
"GO..." Taro prolongedly yelled, imitating the starting chant of their school's cheerleading squad.
"POETRY CLUB!" the rest of the soccer team cheered at the same moment, attracting the attention of the remaining audience in the hall. They were confused yet fascinated at the same time. Never has the Poetry Club received such overwhelming support.
Mei casually scanned the function hall only to be met by expectant expressions from the audience, "There's nothing more we can do, Yuzu," Mei whispered, sighing deeply, "Let's give them what they want."
An assistant student adjusted a couple of microphone stands in front of Mei and Yuzu, "Good luck, President."
Good luck to us! If there's someone listening out there, please help us! Dad!
Looking all calm, Mei began to recite,
"There's a girl by the door
She has the soul of a storm,"
Surprised by Mei's sudden start, Yuzu continued,
"She's a truly beautiful girl,
But broken inside,"
Without putting so much thought on her lines, Mei exclaimed,
"Don't give her your heart
Else, she'll break it apart,"
Glancing at Mei, Yuzu drawled,
"She sees all her flaws and madness
Kept hidden in the dark,"
Keeping her gaze at the audience, Mei uttered
But she's not all that gloomy,
She's as free as the wind"
Finally getting her momentum, Yuzu exclaimed,
"Her eyes are like the stars
That glow from within,"
Mei losing her momentum, tried to remember some lines from her collection of books,
"She's swirling of feelings
Deeper than the ocean,"
Stepping one step closer to Mei, Yuzu mumbled,
"She's calm as a vestal,
That's how she wants to be seen"
Glancing at Yuzu, Mei jabbed,
"She has power to drown you,
but soft enough to cleanse you,"
"She has the strength of the sea,
The ocean deeply loves her,"
"She dances with the waves
and smiles at the shore,"
"To hide all her pain.." Yuzu drawled, distracted by seeing Hitomi whispering to the student emcee.
"I apologize for the short interruption, everyone. The Poetry Club president requested to have a 2-minute break. So, we'll resume the presentation in a short while," announced the student emcee.
Making her way to the stage, Hitomi fixed her gaze at the performers, "President Aihara, Okogi-san," she sighed deeply, "There's something that I need to tell you."
Stepping down the stage, Mei and Yuzu approached Hitomi.
The shorter girl leaned in closer to both Mei and Yuzu and lamented, "As much as I appreciate your presentation and your desire to use metaphors... nonetheless, there's still something lacking."
"What do you mean, Hitomi?" urged Yuzu, casually scanning the room. She noticed collective bored expressions on the faces of the audience.
I wish there's a way to end this. Ugghhh! This is way too much!
Gulping, Hitomi suggested, "It would be much better if you... speak from the heart. Let it flow smoothly... naturally." Hitomi clutched her pen, "Like you once told me, Yuzu, speak like a normal person."
Now, you're considering that huh? A taste of your own medicine?
"That's too much to ask, Hitomi," Mei sternly emphasized, scanning the hall.
"President, kindly give it a try. You're the kind of girl who never gives up," replied Hitomi, pleading.
"Okay, Yuzu. It's time for us to continue," Mei commanded, turning around, "I appreciate your advice, Hitomi, but I'll say whatever I want."
Signaling the emcee that they were ready to resume the presentation, they stepped back on the stage.
The student emcee got the signal, "So it seems, we're ready to continue with our program. Let's all welcome once again, President Aihara Mei and Okogi Yuzuko!"
"Yes!"Harumin cheered, "You can do it, Prez! Yuzu!"
"Yeah!" the soccer team hollered and applauded, inviting everyone in the audience to do the same thing.
Feeling Mei's anxiety, Yuzu pressed Mei's left hand which surprised the raven haired, "Mei, let's do this, "she said with a quiet confidence in her voice and calm facial expression. She let her hand go gently.
Breathing deeply, Mei began, "What is love? For me it's a fantasy, a make-believe. Sometimes, I think it's a scam that people would gladly fall for."
Astonished by Mei's choice of topic, Yuzu blurted, "What is love? For me, it isn't a thing, it can't be explained. When we try to use our head to define it, we're doing it wrong."
The audience's attention was immediately caught by the genuine expressions on both of the performers' eyes.
Looking away before facing the audience again, Mei gulped,"Why do we love, when we'd eventually get hurt?" Her eyes were full of sincerity and the listeners were captivated, "I have seen it a thousand times... People feel high on love at first, then when it fades, they crash and fall."
Internalizing Mei's words, Yuzu recounted, "I think we love not to get hurt but to experience a part of ourselves that we've never known before. My mom told me that love comes in a thousand different forms, now, you're making me think if getting hurt is also one of those forms?" Turning to her right, Yuzu glanced at Mei.
"I used to listen to a song my father loves, a line goes like this, 'Love is a many-splendored thing." Mei glanced back at Yuzu, "How can you define that to someone who has never even loved? Isn't it similar to describing colors to a blind person?"
Taken aback, Yuzu sighed deeply, "Or selling ice to Eskimos? I kinda get what you mean. Love is an overused word, it's full of cliches. When I read a poem about love, I wonder where the author gets their inspiration?"
Silent, Mei breathed deeply, "Inspiration? Does it even exist? Greeks used to have muses to arouse their curiosity. The only problem I seem to think, muses aren't real. Do we constantly have to chase something that's an illusion?"
The audience collectively sighed and Harumin clutched her chest.
"I beg, let's not get into Greek literature or my mind would explode." Yuzu jabbed, causing the audience to burst into laughter, "But I get what you mean, chasing an illusion would lead us to despair. But some people would still take that risk in order to feel, in order to love."
Turning to her left, Mei closed her eyes. She raised her head and sighed, "Would you take that risk? asked Mei, causing the audience to look at them expectantly, "I don't think I can handle all the troubles and lies."
Looking at Mei's genuine expression, Yuzu declared, "I would gladly take that risk in order to love," she then looked at the audience, holding one hand above her chest, "Love is something that can't be explained. It can only be felt."
The crowd was moved. Some even shed tears.
As the background sound faded, Mei continued, "Even if you crash and fall?"
Caught off guard, Yuzu turned to Mei, "Even so, I'd take that risk! Even if it could feel like someone pushed a dagger through my heart and set it on fire, I'd still take that risk."
Stopping for a moment, Mei closed her eyes and held her hand close to her chest, "Why would you do that? Your soul is as pure as the driven snow," she drawled, feeling every word.
Feeling intense emotions, Yuzu fought back tears and whispered, "Because I love not just to get hurt... but to feel the completeness in my heart whenever you're with me," realizing what she said, Yuzu immediately corrected herself, "whenever that person is with me."
There was a moment of silence in the hall. Yuzu could almost hear her heart pounding out of her chest.
"Yuzucchi!" shouted Harumin, wiping away tears. But Yuzu couldn't respond to her best friend, her gaze was fixed at the girl next to her who was seemingly struck by some invisible force.
I guess my feelings are already out there. Mei probably thinks I'm a weirdo. But why is she clutching her chest?
"Thank you very much, President Aihara Mei and Okogi-san," the student emcee announced, sobbing and wiping away her tears.
"Sometimes, I feel like there's something missing," Yuzu confessed, looking away from Mei, "Like I have no one to run to. Have you ever felt that way, Mei?" the blonde turned to Mei, looking straight at those beautiful lavender eyes.
"Always, Yuzu," whispered the raven-haired, breaking the eye contact and stared on the grass.
"Mei, when you kissed me for the first time, my heart was instantly filled with joy. I felt complete," Yuzu softly grabbed Mei's chin, staring at those tempting and kissable lips.
"That's how I felt, too, Yuzu," Mei sighed, looking at the blonde's emerald eyes, then down to her nose, finally fixing her gaze at her lips.
"Mei," whispered Yuzu before kissing her passionately.
Giving in to the kiss, Mei held Yuzu's shoulder before wrapping her arms around the blonde's neck. She gently pulled away, "Yuzu, we can't do this," she hesitated and looked away.
"But you feel the same way, don't you, Mei?" the blonde softly whispered, leaning in closer.
"Yuzu! Yuzu! You're going to be late for school," Yuzu's mom shouted, knocking wildly on the blonde's door.
Yuzu fell off the bed. A loud thud was heard which alarmed her mother, "Yuzu, are you okay? I'm coming in now!"
To be continued... :)
