Harumin shifted, burying her head at the crook of Yuzu's neck. She took a deep breath, letting the lemon scent consume her.
My favorite.
To say that the day had been a long one, was an understatement. Too many things happened on both sides in such a short time. The mere hours between them, felt like a lifetime.
So having Yuzu beside her, on her bed, felt like coming home, and putting on your favorite pajamas after a hard day's work. Warm, cozy, and just right.
She felt Yuzu's arm raise, then gently wrap around her, pulling her further in the embrace. A sudden rush of heat tinted her cheeks, embarrassed with her thoughts. She felt like she was about to burst from pure bliss.
She slowly and quietly let out her breath, trying to tame the loud hammerings of her heart.
After a few deep breaths to calm herself, Harumin nudged her head a little, wanting to feel Yuzu's warm, alabaster skin on hers.
This is real. I'm not dreaming, right?
Just then, she felt a small tug in her heart, remembering how Yuzu had narrowly missed the show.
They haven't really talked about what happened earlier, and truth be told, she was terrified to ask. It's not that she doesn't trust Yuzu. But it's Mei they were talking about, for fucks sake. The Mei that Yuzu was head over heels, I-dont-care-if-you're-my-step-sister, for. The same Mei that broke Yuzu's heart to a million pieces. So broken, that she was left with no choice but to leave her home, her family, and her friends behind. That's who Mei is in Yuzu's life.
Can she really compare? Is she enough? Will she ever be?
She knew where these questions were going, and was afraid to continue. She didn't want to admit that not knowing the answer terrified her.
She closed her eyes trying to savor the here, and now.
She let the feel of Yuzu's steady breaths calm the worries and uncertainties swirling inside her. Worrying about something that has yet to come will just ruin what she has now.
"Thank you for keeping your promise." Harumin whispered, her finger idly tracing small circles on her girlfriend's back, as her mind wandered to the moment she saw Yuzu's beautiful toothy grin, before she walked the runway.
"I'm here!" Yuzu huffed as she stopped, infront of Harumin, wincing for a split second, then dropping the front of her dress she was clutching earlier so she could run faster from the make up room to the main tent.
Harumin's gaze followed the silk chiffon tumbling down, in an almost chaotic yet graceful way, brushing ever so gently on Yuzu's shapely legs, then pooling elegantly at her high heeled stilettos, giving her that ethereal glow.
It felt hypnotic, like time slowing down to the milliseconds. Nothing else mattered, except the blonde in front of her. She could not hear any other sound, other than the loud beating of her heart.
In that split second, so many thoughts came rushing in her mind.
Was I always like this when I was in love?
Cheesy like all those sappy movies that set an unrealistic standard on what romance is. Impossible.
Well fuck. Who am I kidding?
I am hopelessly, madly, irreversibly in love with Yuzu.
"Ehem! No time to waste!" Kaito-san whispered loudly, enough to break the spell Harumin was in. "We don't want these fashion-starved fans to go crazy with waiting for your final creation! This way, please." He turned quickly, ushering Yuzu towards the backstage hallway.
Harumin blinked back, snapping out of her musings, and with her heart leaping on her throat, she grabbed Yuzu's hand. "Wait!"
She looked down at the hand she was holding, staring at the slender fingers and it's short but well manicured nails. Yuzu was always keen on making sure she had the perfect nails.
She laced her fingers with the blondes as she spoke. "Is everything okay?"
Yuzu followed Harumin's gaze, staring at their intertwined fingers. She could feel a different weight on Harumin's simple question. She gently held Harumin's soft fingers, before she answered in a low voice. "Hmmm. I'm sorry I'm late."
She leaned forward, pressing a light kiss on Harumin's lips. "But I wouldn't miss this for the world, babe."
The unexpected public affection caught Harumin by surprise, causing her cheeks to blush wildly. If she was in a manga or anime, smoke would probably be coming out of her head. SFX: Gay panic.
But she wasn't, and despite her crimson cheeks, she couldn't help but break into a smile. Yuzu not caring if anyone saw them just put her on cloud nine.
A tiny shriek followed by hurried footsteps a few meters away from them could be heard, breaking the moment.
"What the?" Yuzu's brow creased, curious of the commotion, when Matsuri came running towards the direction, her satin gown dancing magically with every bounce.
"Give her some space." She shouted, parting the gathering crowd, then kneeling down.
"Oh my god! She's bleeding!" A make-up artist commented, with the rest of the crowd gasping in horror.
"Don't worry." Matsuri calmly said, rummaging through Nene's bag, taking out a handkerchief. "This hasn't happened for a long time, but I'm sure she's just extremely happy with what she saw." She shook her head, while gently wiping the blood from Nene's smiling face. "Can you help me put her in the dressing room in the meantime? I'll be back after our final walk." She told the crew.
As she stood up, Matsuri turned to the two with a smirk, "Yuzu-onee enough of the PDA, and go finish the show. After all these years, you're still a delinquent, coming in late again!" She teased. "Taniguchi-senpai has been worried sick about you!"
Yuzu laughed and nodded, still confused on what happened with Nene. She stole a quick kiss on Harumin's cheek. "I just want you to know I'm so proud of you and I'll see you up there!" She said, with a huge grin, before stepping on the platform.
"Did you see the models?"
"Oh my god! So pretty! The last one was just stunning!"
"The pink haired one was also a stunner."
"I've been trying to google search 'up-and-coming models', but my all searches were fruitless."
"You are such a stalker! OMG. But wait, can we focus on those dresses? Everything the last designer, Taniguchi Harumi was it? Showed were dreamy! I want to get married in them and I don't even have a boyfriend!"
"Maiko, don't you have a friend who has a designer friend or something? Maybe she can hook us up with the designer and her models. The pink haired one was so pretty."
"No, the blonde was!"
The more people walked past Mei by the exit, the more conflicted she was. She didn't want to stand out, Yuzu didn't know that she followed her to this event.
And hearing everyone give praises to Yuzu was something that she had always wanted. She did consider herself as Yuzu's number one fan. Albeit, an anonymous fan. But to hear them lust over her, her blood just can't help but boil in jealousy.
"Man, I think I'm in love. I couldn't keep my eyes off the last model. When she did the slow turn, my heart freaking stopped!"
An undignified snort escaped from Mei, coupled with an eye roll. And she didn't even try to hide it. If her grandfather saw her, he would roll over his grave.
She casted withering stares at anyone who looked her way. In her state, she no longer cared if any of them were actually an acquaintance or a business partner.
All these gawking men and women do not deserve Yuzu.
Just then, a big group of fans swarmed near the exit, accidently bumping the Aihara chairwoman. Mei gasped as a sudden, stinging pain shot through her right shoulder. She grabbed it with her left hand, trying to ease the pain.
"I'm sorry, are you all right?" A bystander noticed Mei's distress, gently clutched her arm, trying to steady her.
"Yes, I am fine. Thank you for your concern." Mei bowed, freeing herself from the man's grasp.
"You sure? You look in pain. Maybe you should have that checked." The man point at her shoulder.
"I appreciate the concern." Mei nodded, discomfort still showing on her face. She backed away, having found a different exit she could sneak away to. She was never one to be afraid of the crowd, having been exposed to the academy's operations at such a young age. But tonight, she felt like she did not belong in that world. The world where Yuzu shined so brightly.
Along with Taniguchi Harumi.
She quietly went back to her parked car, still kneading her hurt shoulder. Sat on her car, she closed her eyes and leaned her head back, debating whether or not to check up on Yuzu.
The incident earlier would most likely have also hurt Yuzu. One more second and things would have been very different.
Mei was never one to make mistakes, nor indulge in any whims. Growing up bearing the responsibility of a prestigious family name meant she had to put that family name above her own identity.
But for that moment, while she was driving Yuzu, she chose let go of her restraints. And she almost paid the highest price.
She unwittingly took her eyes off the road, for just a few extra seconds to look at Yuzu.. to relish the moment where it was just the two of them again. How many times has she imagined that they would drive away together in the sunset and leave everything behind? The wind in their hair, without care in the world, and just live free.
But Yuzu's panicked face and her scream snapped Mei back into reality. Had she stayed for another meager second to stare, she would have most likely hit the car in front of her that slowed down to a stop. She quickly swerved her car to the right and hit the brakes, narrowly scraping the other vehicle, but hitting the curve.
Both Yuzu and Mei's bodies flung forward with the impact with the seatbelts snapping them back in place, biting into their skins.
Mei groaned at the cruel memory and slammed her fist on the steering wheel, frustrated at how reckless she had been.
She gripped the wheel until her knuckles turned deathly white, trying to calm her nerves.
The image of Yuzu, owning the runway stage earlier popping in her mind. "I want to know how she is. Is she really alright?" Mei muttered, slowly hitting her forehead on the wheel in frustration. Following Yuzu to her
Yuzu stirred in the middle of the night, her brow creasing at the heavy weight pressing on her chest. A slight groan escaped her lips, the discomfort getting more and more apparent, cutting through her grogginess.
She shifted her shoulders, and with her eyes still sleepy, she lifted her head to peek at the foreign weight on her. She squinted her eyes a few times, trying to adjust with the darkness surrounding her. It was probably past midnight, and she couldn't hear anything other than hers and someone else's breathing.
Say what now?
Yuzu paused, drowsiness still clogging her brain. Who is on top of me?
She blinked a few more times, eyes focusing on the plum haired girl on top of her, sleeping soundly.
Oh. Harumin.
A small smile tugged on her lips, as the events of the night came back to her.
At the center of the runway, there they stood just looking at each other, not minding everyone else.
The show was a magical way to end a long drawn out day. But the sound of everyone's cheers were drowned out by the raw love she felt on Harumin's amber eyes, staring into hers.
Yuzu leaned her head forward, planting a soft kiss at the top of Harumin's head. The smell of nutmeg; rich, warm and slightly sweet spice filled her lungs, blending perfectly with her citrus scented shampoo. Distinctively rich, yet somewhat refreshing.
She could feel warm, tingling sensations spread over her body. An immense feeling of gratitude flooded her being. She will forever thankful for the girl who has been with her through her highs and her lows.
She raised her left hand carefully, trying to reach the phone her on the nightstand without waking the sleeping beauty on top of her. The small movement caused a stinging pain, making her bite her lip to prevent herself from yelping in pain.
Harumin stirred slightly, loosening her grip on Yuzu's shirt. The blonde took this chance to gently peel herself away from her sleeping girlfriend. She stole another kiss, then grabbed her phone, quietly going to the comfort room.
After checking her messages, she leaned in front of the mirror, slowly lifting the collar away from her left shoulder. Streaks of purple and red started to color her skin. She gently touched it, trying to check how sore it felt. She didn't even notice the pain until now.
She had been trying to push back thinking about her and Mei's near accident this whole time. But you can only run away from it for so long. She sighed, closing her eyes, letting the memories consume her.
"Yuzu! Yuzu!" Mei's shouted, her usually cool voice now laced with fear, as she frantically tried to unbuckle her seatbelt to check up on Yuzu. "Are you alright?!"
"I'm alright. How about you, Mei?" Yuzu groaned, feeling the burn on her shoulder. She looked to her right, when Mei finally unbuckled her seatbelt, and hugged Yuzu tight.
"I'm so sorry, Yuzu. I'm so sorry." Mei whispered, hugging her tighter.
As Mei hugged her tighter, Yuzu couldn't stop her heart from beating faster.
No, I can't. I shouldn't. Yuzu's mind panicked. I have Harumin now.
She moved her head back, trying to put a distance between them. "I'm okay, Mei. Nothing bad happened. Thank God, we're o-"
Overcome with emotions, Mei leaned forward, capturing Yuzu's lips. She tried her best to hold her emotions in check, knowing that Yuzu had found someone else. She had already lost Yuzu ten years ago with her decision, and again with Harumin. But the thought of losing her completely was something she could never live with for the rest of her life.
With eyes closed, she pressed forward, deepening the kiss. Her fingers stroked Yuzu's soft cheeks, seeking solace on the fact that she was here with her now. Safe.
Her brow furrowed when she she suddenly felt something damp. When she opened her eyes, only then did she realize Yuzu's tears, silently falling.
Big, beautiful green eyes, filled with tears and sorrow, stared into hers.
"You can't keep doing this to me, Mei. You have to let me go."
Without saying anything else, Yuzu unbuckled herself, and gathered her items sprawled on the floor, then opened the door.
A soft knock on the bathroom door broke Yuzu's thoughts. Her eyes darted at the figure standing by the door.
Harumin's head was leaning by the frame, her arms folded on her chest. The white shirt clinging perfectly on her body.
"Everything okay?" Harumin asked, for the second time.
Yuzu nodded, quickly covering the darkening bruise on her shoulder. She wasn't ready for that conversation now. Maybe ever.
Seeing the look on Yuzu's beautiful face, Harumin decided not to press on. It was always like that with Harumin, never wanting to push someone until they were ready to share it themselves. She tiptoed towards Yuzu, giving her a hug from behind.
She hummed in content as her lips found the crook of Yuzu's neck. "Come back to bed soon, okay?"
Yuzu leaned her head to the right, snuggling with Harumin's. "I'll be right there."
"Come in, Mei" Udagawa said, while signing a stack of documents. "How was the board meeting?"
Mei closed the door, steeling her nerves. "We need to talk."
Notes:
I hope everyone is doing well. With the all shiz going around, please be safe guys.
I know it's been forever, but I've been hammering my brain how to put my thoughts into words. The car scene was particularly difficult for me to imagine, and then voila, I actually got into a car accident a few weeks ago. So, let's just say it's a bit based on experience. lol.
Would love to hear from you. Keep safe!
xoxo