The afternoon sun, its familiar summer warmth burning oppressively down upon the city, was hanging high in the sky when Miku finally arrived at the fairly nondescript two-story home sitting on a street of countless copies, a cool breeze helping to stifle the otherwise unbearable heat. Skipping up to the front gate, her eyes briefly falling upon the plate adorning the side, the name Megurine emblazoned proudly upon its metallic surface, the young idol pushed the doorbell without a hint of hesitation, playfully rocking back and forth on her heels as she patiently waited for the homeowner's response.
"Hello?"
A voice, a little more weathered and aged but still unmistakably familiar to Luka's, drifted from the speaker box installed above the doorbell, the light static crackling from the device partially distorting the owner's words. It had to be Luka's mother.
"Sorry for bothering you but I was hoping to visit Luka." Pulling off the sweetest and most respectful voice in her arsenal, one she had mastered from years of meeting with rabid fans and stuffy record executives respectively, Miku politely spoke into the receiver, unable to stifle the genuine smile curling on her lightly glossed lips. She was finally going to meet the pink-haired girl's family and, if she's lucky, will even get to see her home.
The pop idol couldn't help but be a little curious about her new friend's home life, Miku having to admit that her mind would occasionally drift toward how the pinkette lived and what her mother was like. The only glimpses she ever got of Luka's home was from brief glimpses she would catch during their infrequent video calls, the pinkette often too shy to agree to them, only ever relenting after being needled by Miku for several minutes on end.
"Oh…Luka?…yes, one moment." Quirking a delicate eyebrow at the odd response, a hint of disbelief evident behind the crackling static, Miku had no time to question the woman's words as the sound of the front door swinging open echoed in her ears, the twin-tailed girl tentatively opening the front gate to approach the Megurine's main entrance.
"How can I…help….you…" Stepping out of the doorway, dark chocolate colored eyes widening in disbelief, Luka's mother's words died on her lips as she stared, mouth agape, at the world-famous idol standing on her doorstep. Miku, for her part, simply smiled at the older woman's surprised reaction, quite familiar to such reactions from others by now, the tealette mildly surprised in her own right.
Luka's mother was practically a spitting image of her daughter. Her skin seemed a little more weathered, the faint hint of wrinkles on the corner of her eyes denoting years of joy and mirth, her complexion still very much giving her youthful glow. Her hair, much shorter than Luka's own wild mane of flowing tresses, was pulled into a very neat bun, a few stray strands tickling her cheeks.
It was like looking into the future.
"Hello, Miss Megurine." Bowing respectfully to the elder Megurine, the ends of her twin-tails lightly brushing against the floor, Miku politely introduced herself to her friend's mother. The pop idol wanted to make sure to make a good first impression. "Is Luka home?"
"I…um…" Luka's mother stumbled over her words as she tried to process the impossible situation she currently found herself in, her mouth feeling dry as her tongue twisted around itself. Hatsune Miku, world-famous pop idol, a person she had seen on the cover of magazines and taking up her TV screen, was standing on her doorstep. And, craziest of all, she was asking to see her daughter.
Her shut-in of a daughter.
"She…ahem!…" Clearing her throat with a ragged cough, one that caused Miku to jump slightly in surprise, the older Megurine pointed with a shaky finger behind herself. "She's up in her room."
"Luka! There's someone here to see you!" Calling up to her daughter, her voice slightly warbled, a great deal of shock still coursing through the older woman's system at the surreality of what she was dealing with. She wasn't sure if having a celebrity at her doorstep or that she was here to see her daughter was the most shocking thing about her current situation. It was unbelievable either way.
The two of them stood in awkward silence as they waited for any sign from the younger girl, but Luka was completely oblivious to the events transpiring in her own home, the pinkette currently slumbering deeply in her room. A deep frown crossed the elder woman's features as no response from her daughter came forth, her brown eyes darkening, a low, almost imperceptible growl of annoyance rumbling through her chest.
If it weren't for Miku's exceptional hearing, honed from years of practicing and studying music, the idol would have completely missed it. It caused her to quirk an eyebrow in confusion, unsure what had irked the elder Megurine so much, a small glimmer of worry glistening in her eyes. Was there a bigger rift between mother and daughter than she originally thought?
'She's sleeping! Again! What the hell is wrong with that girl!?' Shaking her head in dismay at her daughter's complete lack of drive and motivation, spending all of her time holed up alone or sulking about, a hollow specter of the happy child she once knew, her mother couldn't help but wonder where it all went wrong. She just wanted her to smile and be the girl she loved so dearly again.
Why did she have to feel this pain? To spend every day wondering if her little girl, bright smiles and joyous laughter, was lost forever. That all she will have is this reminder of how everything had all fallen apart.
"I'm so sorry. I'll go get her." Huffing in annoyance, her voice terse and rigid as she tried to remain friendly and courteous to their guest, their celebrity guest mind you, Luka's mother took a step toward the stairs, her posture stiff and aggressive. She would have to have a talk with her daughter about all of this.
"Oh, it's ok! I'll go get her!" Feeling the rising tension in the air, quite familiar with such moments during her many meetings with rival idols before shared talk shows, Miku quickly rushed past the agitated parent, a look of shock passing the elder woman's features as the twin-tailed tealette ran toward the stairs. Giving the older Megurine her most disarming smile, quite aware of just how rude she was being, Miku made a mental note to provide her with a gift later. She didn't want to ruin her reputation after all, especially with her new friend's mother.
"Oh…um…ok."Momentarily stunned by the girls dazzling smile and how unexpectedly forward she was being, Luka's mother absently gestured toward the general direction of her daughter's room as the twin-tailed idol disappeared from view after a short wave of acknowledgment to the older woman. "Her room will be the second door on your left!"
'When the hell did Luka make a friend….let alone an idol?!' Luka's mother wondered as she stared at where the famous idol had just been mere moments ago, worried that everything she had just experienced was all just a very strange dream. Shaking her head a couple of times, Luka's mother made her way over to the kitchen to prepare herself a cup of much-needed tea to help calm her frazzled nerves, her hands shaking slightly as she grabbed a cup from the shelf.
'A friend…huh?'
"Hup-hup-hup~" With an excited spring in her step, twin-tails playfully bouncing atop her head, Miku bounced up the stairs with a playful gait, a broad grin threatening to split her face in half. She was finally here! She would finally get to see how Luka lived!
While feeling a little bad about barging into their home unannounced, Miku clearly having startled the elder Megurine with her unexpected appearance, the pop idol couldn't help the little bubble of excitement that was building in her stomach. The tealette was a naturally curious girl, always wanting to learn or experience something new, a trait that helped her build a wide repertoire of musical styles and tastes that helped endear her to a larger demographic of fans.
But nothing has intrigued her more than the pink-haired girl with the glimmering sapphire eyes. There was an air of mystery and allure around the social recluse, a feeling that just innately emanated from the pinkette, something that drew the young idol in the very first day they met at that convenience store. She was cute, that was undeniable in Miku's mind, but there was something more. An almost indescribable need to be around her and get to know her.
There was also a sense of longing, an overshadowing specter of loneliness and pain that seemed to follow Luka everywhere she went, a pain so deep and ingrained swallowing up the light in her eyes that made Miku want nothing more than to push it away and destroy it with her own two hands. For someone so young, with so much to look forward to, Luka bore a deep-seated pain and emptiness no man or woman in the world should ever carry throughout an entire lifetime.
Miku wanted to help alleviate that burden. To become a rock that Luka could lean on when she couldn't go on. A non-judgemental ear to listen to all of her woes and regrets. A comforting smile and a warm hug. A person she could rely on.
A friend. That's what Miku wanted to be more than anything.
Idly turning her head, blue eyes bright and attentive, Miku absently noted the array of pictures lining the wall as she climbed the stairs. Most of them were of gorgeous landscapes from across all of Japan, each one expertly framed and shot, the emotion and beauty of the scenery captured with a perfect eye. But those weren't the ones that held the idol's interest, as stunning as they might be.
It was the pictures of Luka that had caught the twin-tailed girl's eye. Miku let out the smallest squeal she could, hands clasped together as she swept over the many snapshots of Luka's childhood, each one cuter than the last. From her playing in the sandbox as a toddler, face awash with dirt, to blushing with embarrassment at the school gates on her first day of middle school, her fingers nervously fidgeting with her skirt.
Climbing up the last set of stairs, her gaze fell upon a picture of Luka's entire family, the trio, smiling and laughing with unbridled joy, posing before a beautiful mountain vista, each one bundled up with thick jackets and cute wool hats. The picture, so full of happiness, only brought a small frown to the pop idol's lips.
Seeing Luka like that, so truly happy, made the young idol lament the loss of that beautiful, joyful young girl.
Staring at the only man in the picture, the same bright grin adorning his features, Miku shot him a quick glare before taking the last couple of steps to reach the top. He wasn't worth a second glance in her eyes, a light flush of anger staining her cheeks red as she thought of the man who had hurt her friend so irrevocably.
Casting a quick glance down the second-floor hallway, blue eyes wide with curious wonder, a bright grin pulled on Miku's lips as she quickly scampered over to the door Luka's mother had indicated earlier. Rapidly turning her head back and forth, twin tails whipping about with her erratic movement, the young idol made sure she had the right room before raising her hand and gently rapping her knuckles against the wooden door.
"Luka-chan! It's me!" Announcing her presence in a sing-song tone, Miku bounced excitedly on her heels, clasping her hands playfully behind her back as she awaited her friend's reply. One second inevitably became two, the seconds slowly ticking by without a nervous ramble or a single sound of activity from Luka's room.
"Luka-chan?" Knocking once more, a little more urgent this time, a slight bit of panic began to rise in the tealette's chest. When no response came again, worry continuing to bubble up in her chest, Miku bit her lip, warring with herself on whether it was ok for her to invade her friend's private sanctum and let herself in. The pop idol knew she shouldn't, Luka being a very closed off person for a reason, but in the end, her worry and care for her friend won out as she placed her hand upon the doorknob.
"Luka-chan? Are you ok?" Quietly pushing the door open, not wanting to possibly disturb or scare Luka, Miku poked her head into the pinkette's room, an apologetic look marring her features. "Sorry for intruding."
As Miku scanned the room for any signs of her pink-haired friend, the young idol noticed a strange absence of any kind of personal belongings or special furnishing. No pictures of cherished memories, no merchandise of her favorite anime or books of her beloved series. No flowers to add a splash of color or even haphazardly strewn clothes littering the floor. Only a small table, with a laptop sitting atop of it at her bedside, stood out in the otherwise bare and standard room.
It seemed almost…sterile. As if it had been scrubbed clean of any kind of stimulants or past memories.
Stepping a little further into the room, the pop idol stepping lightly for reasons she couldn't even understand, Miku came to a sudden stop when Luka's bed came into view, slapping her hands quickly over her mouth to stop herself from squealing out loud at the adorable sight she had been blessed with this day.
Luka, with her hood pulled safely over her head, was laying on her bed, her closed eyes and soft breathing indicating that the pink-haired girl was firmly in the throes of sleep. This in its own right would be a cute sight to the young idol, seeing Luka in such a relaxed state something she had never experienced before, but there was one small, beautiful, and downright adorable detail that made it picture perfect.
Luka's sweater, during her slumber, had ridden up slightly, giving the tealette a perfect view of her skin-tight shorts and long legs, but also the greatest prize of all: Her tummy.
Dropping into a crouch, her fists clenched excitedly in front of her chest, Miku slowly slid herself over to the slumbering pinkette's bedside, a truly ecstatic grin pulling at the corners of her mouth. It was just so cute! It lured her in, like a siren calling sailors to their demise upon the jagged rocks, practically begging her to touch it. With every gentle intake of air, the pink-haired girl's trim stomach would move ever so slightly, causing Miku to bite down roughly on her thumb to stop herself from crying out in bliss.
She had to touch it!
Unable to hold herself back anymore, her skin practically itching with anticipation, Miku lightly booped Luka's exposed tummy, giggling quietly at how soft her skin was and how cute it was, the pliant skin yielding gently under her probing touch. Miku had to pull at every reserve of willpower within her body to not repeatedly poke her friend's stomach, though she badly wanted to. That bellybutton was like a black hole, pulling her in with its adorableness.
Feeling a strange sensation upon her stomach, Luka was roughly pulled out of the dark empty void of her dreams and back into the world of the living, her mind feeling fuzzy and disoriented as she slowly sat up, her hood falling down to reveal her shock of messy bed hair. Grumbling cutely in annoyance, dreading another day with her thoughts, Luka let out a big yawn while scratching the top of her head, her blue eyes staring vacantly into nothing, completely unaware of the guest currently watching her movements with a playful glint in her eye and a mile-wide grin on her face.
Popping back into an upright position, something that went completely unnoticed by the drowsy pinkette, Miku cheerfully waved at her sleepy friend, giggling merrily at how cute she was. What a darling sight she has witnessed this day.
Turning to stare at the twin-tailed girl in a daze, Luka blinked a couple of times, the fog clouding her mind slowly dispersing as realization began dawning on the pinkette. Miku. Miku was here. In her room. Miku, is in her room, right now, and saw her while she was sleeping!
"Morning cutie!" Miku greeted her friend cheerfully, hand raised excitedly into the air as she giggled merrily, her eyes closed in amusement, completely missing the look of mortified embarrassment falling over Luka's face, a crimson blush flushing the pink-haired girl's face with unbearable heat.
"Ah! Nononono!" Scrambling back fearfully with a terrified shriek, one that caused Miku's giggles to immediately fall silent as she watched her friend push herself away from the twin-tailed idol, her movement only stopped by the wall behind her. Pressing herself flush against the solid concrete, her back aching as it dug painfully into her skin, Luka slapped her hands over her ears as she pressed her forehead against her knees, trying to hide away from the horrible reality she just awoke to.
Why was she here?! How did she get in here!? Mom, she must have talked to mom! No, no! She saw me! She saw my room! I must look awful! I haven't cleaned in ages it must be a horrible mess! No! No! She won't want to be seen with me anymore! It's ruined! I ruined everything! There's no way she still wants to be friends after seeing you like this! You're a mess! A worthless mess!
Noticing what was happening, having witnessed a couple of Luka's spirals and panic attacks before, Miku reacted quickly but carefully, slowly moving over to her friend's bedside, her hands raised in a calming gesture.
"Hey, it's ok. Everything is ok." Miku spoke softly and gently, her voice causing Luka to lift her head to stare at the approaching idol, a look of fear glinting within her sapphire gaze. "It's my fault for coming in uninvited. I'm sorry."
Shaking her head slightly at the tealette's words, unable to believe what her friend was saying, Luka felt her lungs burn as she took rapid breaths, tears stinging the corner of her eyes as she watched Miku move closer toward her.
"There's nothing to worry about, ok?" Gently taking a seat on the edge of the bed, her eyes never straying from her suffering friend, her voice soft and reassuring, Miku tried to make her movements as plain and obvious as possible for Luka to follow, to keep from having the pink-haired girl feel closed in or trapped. Sidling up to the panicking girl's side, pressing her back lightly against the wall, Miku made sure to give Luka a couple of seconds to get used to her presence before gently placing her hand on hers.
They just sat there for several minutes, neither saying a single word as Luka's breathing began to slow down, the tenseness in her body gradually dissipating under Miku's gentle touch. Leaning forward a bit, Miku placed her other hand on the pink-haired girl's shoulder, keeping it there for a moment, checking to make sure Luka was ok with it before gently wrapping her arms around her and pulling her into a loving hug.
"We're ok." Miku whispered softly before gently nuzzling her nose against Luka's forehead, pink strands lightly tickling her skin as she gave her a small squeeze, content to hold her as long as she needed. She had all the time in the world to wait. She was her friend after all.
It took several more minutes until Luka was finally able to calm down, a small bit of tenseness still residing in her chest as she lightly hiccuped, causing Miku to giggle softly, the soft reverberating of her laughter helping to ease her worried mind. Burying her face into the smaller girl's shoulder, the twin-tailed girl giving her another quick comforting squeeze, Luka tried to hide the trail of tears that were rolling down her cheeks. Tears of relief.
She wasn't gone. She was here. They were ok.
Hugging the pink-haired girl a little bit longer, partially to make sure she was ok and for her own enjoyment of being so close to her, Miku slowly began pulling away from Luka. She made sure to do so with deliberate and plain movements, not wanting Luka to think she was trying to run away or leave her, keeping a hand on her upper arm as a sign that she was not going anywhere. That she was here to stay.
Looking into Luka's sapphire orbs, still glistening with tears, Miku gave her a soft smile, one the pink-haired girl returned with a weak one of her own.
"Y'know, you're very cute after just waking up." Miku giggled with a playful smile pulling on her lips as she gently ruffled the taller girl's bedhead, trying to show her that everything was alright and that it was nothing to be ashamed or worried about.
"Wish I looked that good when I woke up. Let me tell you, drooling into your own hair is a mess you don't want to deal with before your first coffee." Breaking out into a fit of giggles, tiny shoulders shaking as she pictured herself after first waking up, Miku continued to lightly pet Luka's head, completely unaware that she was still doing it.
Luka for her part simply remained silent, her blue eyes shyly staring downward as a soft blush covered her cheeks from the pop idols compliments, the pink-haired girl secretly enjoying the feeling of Miku petting her. It was…calming. It was a feeling she hadn't felt in ages, remembering how her father used to roughly ruffle her hair, with a wide grin and booming laugh, greatly enjoying his daughter's angry cries of protest.
This was different though. This was nice, soft, comforting. Almost…loving.
She never wanted it to end.
"Oh!" Clapping her hands loudly together, Luka pouting slightly, instantly missing the feeling of being pet, Miku excitedly began bouncing up and down. "Do you have a comb?! I've been wanting to brush your hair for ages! It's simply gorgeous!"
Nodding dumbly in response, her gaze stuck upon the pop idols glowing visage, Luka quietly excused herself, saying she'll go grab it, stumbling slightly toward the door as Miku squealed in excitement behind her. Fumbling with the handle for a second, praying that the twin-tailed girl didn't notice, Luka walked down the empty hallway and over to the bathroom with uneven steps. Entering the bathroom, the cool tile floor sending a chill down her spine, Luka slowly closed the door behind her before falling backward, leaning heavily against its wooden surface.
Pressing her hand over her chest, Luka could feel her heart beat wildly within her breast, the pink-haired girl unsure if the pounding could be heard by just herself or if it was reverberating as loudly in the enclosed room as it was in her ears. Hands flying up to her cheeks, a practical inferno flushing her cheeks, the heat almost burning her skin, Luka stared ahead with a faraway look in her eyes.
She was embarrassed, practically mortified, beyond belief at having been seen in such a state, especially by Miku, her newest friend and, reluctant as she was to admit it, her crush. Being caught in such a vulnerable moment, to have someone witness her breakdown so closely, to be treated so kindly with sweet words and a loving touch. It had all been too much for her already frazzled mind to take.
But, despite the awkwardness and shame she had endured mere moments ago, Luka couldn't help but feel…
Happy.
"Ahhh! Sooo goooood!" Miku moaned with delight as she popped another piping hot piece of Takoyaki into her eagerly waiting mouth, the pop idol letting out an exaggerated 'aaaaa' before chomping down upon the fried treat. Luka simply nodded her head, still amazed at the idol's seemingly bottomless stomach, sure Miku would have already had her fill after the day they'd had.
After meticulously brushing Luka's hair, a task the twin-tailed girl seemed to relish greatly based off of the many happy chirps and playful giggles that emanated from her during her treatment, Miku had jumped up and suggested the pair take a walk together. Luka was reluctant at first, but seeing the twinkle in the teal-haired girl's eyes, the pinkette couldn't help but agree, barely having time to grab her phone before being pulled out of her home at supersonic speed.
While talking to Miku, the whole world falling away as she attentively listened to every word spilling forth from the young idol's mouth, Luka had been too distracted with how much fun she was having to notice just how far they had wandered out of her usual safe radius. It wasn't until the sweet scent of delectably prepared food reached both their noses that they noticed just where they had ended up.
"Ah! Street vendors! Luka-chan let's go try them!" Gripping the pink-haired girl's sleeve tightly, practically dragging her down the street as she bounced with excitement, Miku began rushing from stall to stall, Luka swearing she could see small bits of drool roll down the side of the pop idols chin. As they bounced from vendor to vendor, a practical cornucopia of delicious foods on display, Luka was stunned at how Miku bought pretty much one of everything, devouring each piece with relentless vigor before jumping to the next one.
As Luka absently nibbled on her piece of melon bread, blue eyes watching the pop idol order her seventh meal, the pink-haired girl had to wonder just where all of that food was going, especially considering just how small Miku was.
The mysteries of a Pop Idol sure were vast.
With the sun hanging low in the sky, the cool wind blowing through the neighborhood signaling the beginning of the evening, the duo arrived back where they had started. At Luka's front door.
Turning to bid farewell to the twin-tailed idol, Luka was surprised to find herself being pulled into a hug by Miku, her arms wrapping tightly around the taller girl's neck. Hesitating slightly, momentarily stunned by the unexpected gesture, Luka slowly wrapped her arms around Miku's slim waist, her whole body shaking as she returned the young idol's hug.
"Mmm~ goodbye Luka-chan." Squeezing the taller girl tight, relishing the feeling of being hugged back for the first time by the pinkette, Miku slowly pulled away, playfully poking Luka's cheek before rushing down the street, calling back with a wave farewell. "I'll text you later kay!"
Luka stood outside her door, quietly watching Miku's figure disappear into the distance with a small smile on her lips before turning to enter her home, a gentle lightness replacing the heavy weight that would sit uncomfortably in her chest on most days. It was a feeling she only really got from the twin-tailed girl. A sense of peace and joy. Something to be treasured.
Slipping off her shoes, dropping her keys into the little basket by the door, Luka let out a small gasp of surprise and fear as she lifted her head, the stern countenance of her mother staring back at her from across the hall. Standing near the stairs, blocking her only means of escape, her arms folded angrily in front of her chest, Luka's mother shot her a withering stare.
Panic began welling up in Luka's chest as she slowly walked up to her mother, eyes lowering to the floor beneath her steely gaze, a small tremble running through her body. She knew things couldn't stay good for long, her whole life having proven that countless times over. Of course, her mom would have questions. It's not often someone comes to see her and especially not a world-famous celebrity.
"Why did you not tell me about Miss Hatsune? Or how you are, suddenly, friends with a famous pop star?" She didn't shout, she didn't scream, but the words still struck Luka as strongly as a slap to the face, the accusation clear in her mother's tone as her eyes bored deep holes into her. Under her probing gaze, all Luka could do was stutter out a fractured and mumbling recounting of her first meeting with the famous pop idol, her voice falling lower and lower as she drew further into herself.
"Huh…that seems quite…lucky." Eyeing her daughter warily, clearly not fully buying the wild tale she was just told, Luka's mother took a couple of steps toward the living room, leaving the stairs open for the younger Megurine to use. "Well, you better be careful."
Eyes widening in surprise, her head lifting from the ground to stare at her mother in shock, Luka felt a spark of joy resonating within her chest. She's….she's worried about me? She…cares? It warmed the younger girl's heart to know her mother was still concerned about her well being, the smallest hint of a smile pulling on the corner of her lips. Could…could things get better between them?
"She's a very busy girl so I don't want you to be a bother to Miss Hatsune, ok?"
It was like being thrown into the arctic water without any clothes on, an ice-cold sensation settling into her stomach like a stone, piercing and stabbing her insides like icicles. The former warmth she had felt, that brief flicker of hope, was extinguished like a dying flame during a rainstorm.
Things will never be the same.
"Yes." Tired. Worn. Broken. Luka, her voice barely above a whisper, cracked and monotone, responded to her mother before trudging to the stairs with a sluggish gait, her arms hanging limply at her sides as she began climbing up the steps. "I'm going to my room."
Turning to look at her daughter, a look of surprise and deep concern crossing her features as she watched Luka disappear up the stairs, her mouth hanging open as if she wanted to say something in return but was struck mute by the tone in her daughter's voice. It somehow sounded even emptier than before, a stark contrast to how Luka sounded when talking to Miku earlier as they headed out the door, her daughter actually sounding like her old self for just the briefest of moments.
All of that seemed to have just disappeared without a trace.
Stepping into her room, her whole body feeling heavy, every footstep threatening to crush her under the unbearable weight resting on her shoulders, Luka haphazardly dropped to the floor with a dull thud, her phone falling from her grip as she collided roughly with the ground.
No tears fell as she stared at the bare walls of her room, her cheek pressed against the cold, unforgiving ground, all energy sapped from her body, the pink-haired girl no longer having the willpower to move. What was the point? Everything felt empty. Cold. Is this how things will always be? An endless cycle of disappointment and hurt? She shouldn't be surprised really. It was what she deserved after all.
As her thoughts continued to spiral, the familiar pull to escape gripping her heart, a light buzzing at her fingertips caught her attention, Luka weakly grabbing at her phone before lifting the device up to her listless gaze. A single message from Miku appeared on her screen, the smallest hint of light appearing within her sapphire eyes as she read the words over and over again.
"Did you want to come to my place for a sleepover!?"
A/N: Can hurt turn to comfort?
Well, that was faster this time. Short time to rest for the holidays but I'm back on track and actually getting out a chapter in a timely fashion! Hope to keep this up from now on.
Another rough time for Luka, despite how well things started out(panic attack notwithstanding), the slightest bit of hope returning at the end from Miku once more. This chapter illustrated more just how strained Luka's relationship with her mother is and how much she has withdrawn from the world. Even with Miku's great efforts, the job will not be an easy one to help heal our pink-haired recluse. But damn if she isn't determined to try!
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday, even with the circumstances we are currently living in, and that you are all doing well and staying healthy. In this new year, I will continue to bring you all more of this story! Have a wonderful day and I love you all!