Author's note: And I'm back with Chapter Twenty-five. There's only one chapter to go and we will soon close the curtain for Tea and Biscuits. I've enjoyed writing this story and I've had so much fun, seeing people leaving reviews and feedback. The chapter is short for a purpose as I am still working on The Final Chapter. I appreciate all the feedback and support I've received for this story. For now, here's Chapter Twenty-five of Tea And Biscuits. Please do R&R. Thank you so much!
Twenty-five
It is early spring in Astraea Hill. The flowers are now blooming and the grass is now greener. It's also been a week since the graduation of the sixth year students took place.
"Geez, Yaya-chan!" Tsubomi frowns and waits for Yaya to finish preparing herself.
"Looks like Yaya-chan overslept again." Hikari lets out a soft giggle.
"This is what I was afraid of." Tsubomi puts a hand on her forehead. She yelps in surprise as she felt arms wrap around her shoulders.
"You still love me even if I oversleep often." A chuckling Yaya whispers.
"Whatever, Yaya-chan." Tsubomi's cheeks slightly blush. "When will you ever learn to become more responsible?"
Yaya laughs as she winks an eye on Hikari, who also laughs softly in return.
"That's the real Yaya-chan for you."
"I'll just go get the tea. It'll just be a minute then we should be all set." Yaya says happily.
"Thank you, Tsubomi-chan." Hikari softly whispers.
"Eh?" The pink-haired girl gets startled to hear this from the young Etoile.
"I've never seen Yaya-chan so happy. I'm glad…because you always make her smile."
"Hikari-senpai."
"And to think…I've hurt her in the past. I'm glad you've given her world a different light."
Tsubomi's eyes widen as she sees Hikari's blue orbs well with tears. "Hikari-senpai, why are you crying?"
"I'm fine, Tsubomi-chan." Hikari gives her a reassuring look. "I'm just very happy."
"I should be thanking you, Hikari-senpai." The pink-haired girl says gratefully. "You've been supportive of us…and…you're right about Yaya-chan. She's really caring. I've never been happier."
"Hey, let's get going." Yaya has the picnic basket in her hands. The pink-haired girl stands up and clings onto Yaya's arm and they make their way towards the door.
"Have fun, you two." Hikari waves a hand at them.
"Thanks, Hikari." Yaya winks an eye back at her blonde best friend.
"The weather sure is good." Yaya breathes the fresh Astraean air.
The pink-haired girl nods in agreement and stares at the blue sky.
"Yaya-chan, Tsubomi-chan!" A chirpy voice startles the two Spicans. As they turn their heads, the saw the sight of Nagisa with her silver-haired love. The Spican pair smiles and greets both Nagisa and the former Etoile. The redhead immediately notices the picnic basket carried by the older Spican.
"You two are having a picnic?"
"Uh, sort of." Came Yaya's answer.
"Aww! Look at them, Shizuma-sama. They're so sweet!" Exclaims the redhead. Shizuma remains silent but lets out a smile.
"Well, Yaya-chan overslept again." Tsubomi pokes Yaya's chin. "I don't know if waking up late would make a date sweet."
The raven-haired girl slightly frowns at Tsubomi's last statement. "Why do you always have to rub that in?"
"Well, Yaya-chan, you seem to be the type of person who needs constant reminding." The rose-haired girl answers back.
Yaya doesn't respond this time. She just turns away and this made Nagisa and Shizuma chuckle at the scene.
"These two sure love to bicker and snark at each other." The silver-haired woman mumbles.
"I think that's their way of endearment." Nagisa whispers.
"Punctuality is important, Yaya-chan. You should know that by now." The pink-haired girl can still be heard in the background.
"I know. I know." Yaya just kept her head bowed and waved a hand. Nagisa and Shizuma continue to chuckle at the sight of the bickering couple.
That's my Pinky, alright. The noisy, bratty Pinky I've come to love. The dark-haired Spican smiles inwardly.
"Hey! Tamao-chan!"
Not too far away, they see the blue-haired couple along with Kizuna and Remon. The orange-head klutz seems to be enjoying acting childishly in Remon's presence. Yaya and Tsubomi wave their hands at the two couples. Tamao eagerly waves a hand back at them. Miyuki smiles at her silver-haired friend. The latter drapes an arm on Miyuki's shoulder.
"Congratulations to us, Miyuki-chan!" Shizuma's other hand messed with her hair. Miyuki could only laugh at her friend's gesture.
"Stop that, Shizuma…"
"Oh, that's new. The strict former Kaichou-san laughing?" Shizuma glanced at a surprised Tamao and winked an eye.
As they continued to walk, petals of cherry blossom filled their path. Hearing Nagisa's cheerful voice, the chirpy noise of a blonde girl and her orange klutz, and the happiness seen on the blue-haired couple's faces, Yaya thought of one thing: the feeling of contentment. Despite the pain and hurt she had gone through in the past, she finally found that someone…someone who reached out to her and no regrets were felt when she held on Tsubomi's hand. The pink-haired girl showed her the path to recovery and happiness.
次回予告
"Our journey is about to end."
"But the stories of us maidens will continue on forevermore."
"We still have one more chapter to go, Pinky."
"Until then, will you hold on to my hand?"
"Yes. I will keep holding on."
"Next time on Strawberry Panic!: "Tea And Biscuits The Final Chapter." "
"I am excited for our date, Pinky."
"Me, too. Yaya-chan."