Chapter 7: The Perfect Girlfriend
"And she asked me out," Hanayo was all bubbly as she retold the confession to her best friend, "Rin she asked me out," she looked at the phone number on her cell. Her hands caressed her device as if it did indeed possess the ginger's words in case into its memory. It did, but that was beyond the point. Hanayo hugged her phone close to her heart as she thanked god for this chance, "She asked me out…" she smiled dreamingly, "She's mine."
"Congratulations," Rin encouraged, "You must have really put your flirting skills to the test in that dark theater nya," she teased, raising her eyebrows up and down.
A blush tinted her cheeks as Hanayo recalled the awkwardness that accompanied them during the movie, "I-I wouldn't say we flirted…"
That was what Rin loved to see: Hanayo shining with happiness as all her wishes came true. While Hanayo went on and on about what they talked about, Rin relaxed on top of the picnic planket. The duo was having an outing near the school's camping site, which of course was within the school walls. Laying on her back and letting the breeze of the sunny day fill her with satisfaction. Rin basked in her job well done.
"She invited me to see the fashion show too," Hanayo excitedly shared, "I didn't even know she was competing. I don't even know what to wear or if I should go."
"She invited you right nya?" Rin let her irregular speech patterns slip in the company of her childhood friend, "So you should wear whatever and just go."
"But what if I embarrass her with what I wear?" Hanayo was always very self-conscious of her looks.
It was one of the things Rin blamed herself personally for not having assured Hanayo enough while growing up, "Then just go and shop for a new outfit," Then an idea struck her. Sitting up with a twinkle in her eyes, Rin added, "In fact, why not go shopping with Honoka nya? That way you can get a dress she approves of and you get to spend some time alone."
At the mention of being alone, Hanayo denied the impossible, "I-I can't! What if she gets bored of me? What if she doesn't like my style and breaks up with me?" She really didn't want to lose the ginger so soon.
"She won't nya," Rin could have promised, but that would have been too obvious that she had a part in it all, "Nishikino told me she had a major crush on you for a while now."
"Really?" Hanayo didn't get that impression from her at all.
"Totally!" Rin knew her best friend better than anyone, "Kousaka is really shy when it comes to romance, so you shouldn't take it to heart. Or at least that's what Nishikino told me nya," the small disclaimer proving to maintain the authentic delusion of not having meddled.
Looking at her phone with contempt, Hanayo thought over her decision, "... It would be nice to spend a day alone with her," her mind already daydreaming of the perfect date.
Seeing her so absent minded, Rin pushed, "Call her already nya!"
Hanayo opened her contacts and nodded with determination as she called the ginger. Rin could totally tell when Kousaka picked up when Hanayo's voice went up an octave. Teasing on the side, Rin helped Hanayo ask the ginger out on a date. Hanayo swatted her away when she became too distracting such as blowing kisses and mimicking them hugging.
Rin smiled lovingly at Hanayo. She wouldn't make the same mistakes like in the past. This time around she made sure not to have any loose corners. She studied day and night the family history of Nishikino in order to make Hanayo's dream come true, but Rin knew this was only temporary.
If Rin was hoping to guarantee a life long amount of happiness, she knew that she needed dirt on Kousaka. Although her research told her to investigate the Minami's, Rin got a strange feeling that Nishikino would give her the info much quicker. Though Nishikino would need time before she cracked and snooping around the headmaster family wouldn't hurt anyone.
Hanayo gave her a thumbs up. A show that Kousaka had agreed and Rin smiled approvingly. She needed to hurry.
…
"I don't think I can do this," Honoka was trembling in front of the mirror.
"Don't be a baby," Maki was looking over her outfit for any last minute touches, "All you're doing is accompanying her to look for an outfit. It's no big deal."
"An outfit to the fashion show you told me to invite her to!" Honoka was panicking, "This is all a bad idea. I should end this now before it gets out of hand," her fears taking control as she went to remove the cardigan.
"Hands off," Maki slapped her back into place. She wouldn't let Honoka run away from this now, "Well you relax," she tried to calm her down , "It's only for a little bit. Besides you look good."
"I do?" Honoka examined herself in the mirror again. Her eyes squinting at her image. She couldn't see what Maki could, "I look like a wannabe rich girl."
Maki slapped her shoulder. An action that had Honoka wincing over dramatically before looking to see what she did wrong. The redhead glared at her as if demanding that Honoka find a flaw in the outfit she choiced. Honoka didn't care about the outfit and hoped that Maki would understand.
"This is serious," Honoka complained. Trying to gain some sympathy from her new mentor, "What if she finds out I'm not like you guys," Having Maki know everything had made the ginger a lot more dependent on the redhead.
"She won't," Maki forced Honoka to stand up tall. Fixing any wrinkles in the outfit, Maki couldn't help but admire the body under the clothes, "You had me fooled for a long time. Doesn't that count?" She really knew how to dress Honoka up. Honoka was looking ridiculously gorgeous.
"What if I get stuck?" Honoka wished that Maki would tag along, but Koizumi had made it clear that it was a date. If Maki joined in then Koizumi would suspect the ginger's true motive.
"Then you text me if you have time," Maki assured her that she would be doing nothing all day. This was, of course, to be ready in case Honoka did text her, "Or you could quickly change the topic to food," a topic Maki had learned Honoka was good at talking about especially baking goods.
"Promise you'll respond right away," Honoka pleaded for the redhead to agree. Maki nodded. Honoka took deep breaths as Maki kept brushing away imaginary dust from Honoka's shoulders.
"Stop acting like a giant baby," Maki let one hand rest while she checked her watch, "You're going to be late," It was odd, but Maki really didn't want to let her go now.
But the ginger had to be off, Honoka jogged in place before shaking off her nerves and slapping her cheeks, "Alright! I'm ready!" She would make Maki proud or at least look prepared.
Maki walked Honoka from her room to the front of their dorms door, "Good luck and remember to text me for anything," Now Maki was getting anxious, "I mean anything, ok?" She bought time as if Koizumi would cancel at any given time.
"I got this," she said for the both of them. Maki wanted to scuffle at the lie, but reframed herself for doing it.
Honoka really did want to pretend like she hadn't been overreacting moments ago. Before they could waste more time, Honoka got a text from Koizumi asking if she was coming. Their time together was over. Honoka looked at Maki and the redhead gave her a giant hug for goodluck. Using one another to assure their resolve, Honoka was off.
Maki stood by the door as if any moment Honoka would come back running, declaring she really couldn't do it. She didn't and eventually Maki had to move away from the wooden frame. Releasing a deep sigh from having Honoka solve her problems, Maki flopped on her couch. She never wanted to be in such a situation ever again. To be at the mercy of another and be forced to act in their favor, Maki would never face another embarrassment like this one again.
Maki went to retrieve her laptop. She needed to figure out how long the bill would need to finalize and make sure that Hoshizora didn't have any sort of advantage. Maki would be damned if she got tangled up in another request.
Maki would spend the rest of her day investigating and writing notes to herself.
It was honestly very boring work.
…
The ride out of campus had consisted of short questions and replays. Neither girl knew how to hold a conversation with Koizumi being too shy and Honoka not wanting to blow her cover. Once their car had hit the busy streets of life outside their norm, Honoka had switched modes. The city life was a mysterious place for the ginger as the whole area was foreign to her. Koizumi wasn't interested in the city. She had lived her whole childhood always moving from and to these large places that she no longer saw them as exciting.
"Miss Koizumi umm where are we?" Honoka didn't know the building in which they had been dropped off. In fact, Honoka would have liked to have discovered the city on her own first before tagging along with someone else. It was too late now; she had to settle with Koizumi being her interpreter.
Koizumi smiled shyly, "Y-You… don't have to say M-Miss," they were dating so it only made sense for them to be more casual.
She led the way as they entered the automatic doors where they were greeted by the staff. Koizumi acknowledged their presence and Honoka just waved at them nervously before switching back to Koizumi.
Hanayo was still trying to be romantic, "J-Just… say it like normal… my name."
"Normal" Honoka didn't know what normal meant, but Maki had drilled her the night before to remain respectful. She did want trouble, so Honoka went along with what normal meant to her, "Alright then Hanayo," Honoka nervously spoke. Happy that Honoka was calling her by name, Hanayo led the way. Honoka was surprised by the line of employees following them, so she motioned to the workers, "Is that normal for here?" She needed to sound experienced even if she wasn't.
No one answered her.
Honoka continued to ask questions, though Hanayo wasn't listening. Hearing her name, her first name, said out loud was enough to send Hanayo over the edge. Hanayo never expected Honoka to say her first name without any titles. She never had another person refer to her so bluntly casual except for her parents and Rin.
If only Honoka could see the rose buds blossoming in her heart from Honoka's daring declaration of love.
Though Honoka wasn't seeing anything.
Not getting an answer, Honoka turned to an employee who informed her they were inside the Grand Boutique: Se Ver. Whatever that meant Honoka just nodded along as they were pushed towards their reservation. It was a large part of the shop filled with all kinds of displays with dresses for every occasion. Honoka should have figured that dress shopping wouldn't be normal. She didn't know why she imagined they would be walking around at some mall district dressing sighting.
Honoka should have figured it wouldn't be so simple.
"Your requested champagne," an employee came holding up a brand too fancy to read. The bottle was placed in an ice bucket that sat in a long table decorated with small snacks.
"T-Thank you," Hanayo nodded approving before turning a bit stiffly towards the ginger, "I didn't know if you drink, but I took the liberty to get you something fitting…"
"I don't really drink alcohol," Honoka would never drink alcoholic drinks, "Sorry, but do you have something fruity? Or maybe water? That would be nice," She really didn't shy away from speaking her mind to the hopeful employee. The employee was a lot easier to talk with compared to Hanayo.
This had crushed Hanayo's hopes seeing Honoka reject her arrangement, "You didn't like it…" she was panicking. Snapping her fingers to get the employee's attention. Hanayo asked for them to take the bottle away and bring them something better that was non-alcoholic. It was a bit rude to snap on the employee like that, but Hanayo would meet Honoka's expectation, "I'll pay whatever price, just make sure it's perfect."
The ginger quickly put an end to the request, "Wait," Honoka didn't want to ruin the day by making Hanayo force employees to run around for her sake, "Let's forget about it. Why don't we just start looking for your dress?" She would have apologized to the worker, but they disappeared immediately when Hanayo waved them off.
"Are you sure?" Hanayo wouldn't forget about it, yet Honoka insisted they move on, "Alright… I reserved this part of the store for us to shop in," she waited for Honoka to move.
The ginger noticed Hanayo was waiting for her to do something, "That's cool," Honoka didn't know what she was expecting from her.
Hanayo frowned, "Would you have preferred if I reserved the whole store? I can still do that now," her hand going up to summon an employee.
That wasn't what she was saying, "Hold on!" Honoka grabbed her hand and forced it down, "This is a lot already. Let's just look for a dress ok?"
Skin to skin contact was too soon as Hanayo froze up in heat. Unable to speak, she merely nodded. Honoka didn't understand, but was happy that Hanayo had agreed to move on.
Letting go of her hand, Honoka waited for Hanayo to start browsing yet she didn't move. Instead Hanayo brought her hands up to her chest trying her best to look at the ginger. This was all too awkward: the silence, the emptiness, them just standing there.
Honoka had enough as she went to the nearest dress selection and started looking at the selections. This was going to be a long day, she inwardly sighed.
…
Maki had done it. She had wasted her time searching for the legislation Hoshizora had been talking about. Everything was pretty straight forward, which meant Maki didn't have to worry about anything. Closing her laptop, the redhead knew that Honoka would have to wait until the fashion show to break up with Koizumi because of the time it would take for the document to be approved. She just hoped that the ginger would hold on until then.
The dorm door knocking was enough to distract her from anymore thinking. Maki got up and went to see who could possibly be visiting for neither girls had any friends except for each other.
It was a second year student, "Hello," the loose strained of silver hair was properly pushed back into its proper place behind her ear, "Is Miss Kousaka here?"
Maki didn't respond. Instead she stared right into her yellow ember eyes. After Honoka had confessed to her about everything, Maki had gotten curious about the headmaster's daughter. A few links into the schools site was enough to lead her to the year book and find a picture to fit the name.
"I'm sorry if I'm disrupting anything," Kotori smiled as she bowed slightly towards the redhead, "But I have to speak with Miss Kousaka about the fashion show."
She couldn't stay quiet forever, "Oh! Umm Honoka isn't here right now," she had to treat her like any upper classmate.
Minami raised a brow, "Do you know where she is?"
"She's on a date," Maki wasn't sure what to say or do, "I'll be sure to tell her you came around when she returns."
"Date?" This wasn't sounding safe at all, "Where on campus?" She would have to stop any social climbing the ginger was beginning to do. After all, her mother had made it clear that Honoka couldn't obtain too much attention.
"She's off campus," Maki couldn't believe Kotori was capable of all the things Honoka said. But then agian, everyone at this school was always ready to betray one another for higher power. Or use each other for their own gain.
"Off campus," Minami kept her face neutral, "Do you know where?" She smiled worriedly.
"Not really," Maki didn't want to speak to her anymore. She didn't want to talk to the woman that had hurt her friend and then proceed to act like nothing happened.
"Alright," Minami accepted the results, "Please tell her to come find me before 6, but if she can't then tell her to meet me on monday after class."
"I'll tell her," Maki politely wished the other goodbye before closing the door.
With a door secure Maki let loose.
Wearing a scorn she wished she could have given the older teen, Maki didn't realize she had stiffen up. It really would be hard to interact with Minami after knowing everything. Though Maki had heard worse things, she felt that any attack on the ginger was an attack on her. She would never allow anyone to use or abuse Honoka under her watch.
Satisfied by her loyalty, Maki went back to her couch. A realization hitting her after sitting. All her confidence from earlier gone in a flash.
Wasn't she using Honoka too?
…
"How about this?" Hanayo twirled in the dress. Her hopes riding high with a chance that she might get a different response from the ginger.
Sitting at the end of the small changing room chair, Honoka warily smiled, "Perfect!" Honoka clapped with repeativines.
Hanayo was starting to feel down, "That's the fifth time you said it...," she didn't know if the ginger was mocking her or if she really did believe the dresses fit her perfectly.
In all honesty, Honoka had invested all her attention to the clock showcased on her phone. After browsing for hours to find a selection Hanayo approved of, Honoka had grown hungry. So the ginger would approve the dresses, which really did look good on Hanayo, and send her off to change into another before counting the minutes before she could eat. It was definitely rude.
Though hearing Hanayo's frustration, Honoka knew she was in trouble, "It's because you really do look perfect in them," Ignoring her hunger, Honoka approached Hanayo, "Any dress you pick would look great!"
"Really?" Hanayo didn't believe her.
"Really!" Honoka hoped her enthusiasm would translate to honesty.
Just then Hanayo's stomach had begun to growl. A bit embarrassed by the interruption, Hanayo excused herself to change back to her regular clothes. Left behind, Honoka realized she wasn't being fair to the unknowing brunette. They were both hungry and instead of focusing on having fun, Honoka had been a grouch.
Hanayo deserved to be treated nicer regardless of the reasons she was really there for. So nicer Honoka became as she waited patiently for the other to return. Though she would admit it could be hard because Hanayo had proven to be unique in conversation.
"S-Should we get something to eat?" Honoka offered once Hanayo had come out of the changing room.
Hanayo nodded before shuffling towards the other with no dress in hand.
"Aren't you going to pick a dress?"
"It's ok," Hanayo didn't want any of the dresses, "They wouldn't fit me anyways…"
"What?" Honoka didn't understand why she was so critical, "They all fit you nicely! It would be a crime if you didn't take one."
Hanayo shook her head, "It's really fine," she summoned an employee and ended their day, "Lets just go back to the school."
This was the worst date in the world, Hanayo thought. She just wanted it all to end, so she could go to her room and cry.
In silence, they exited the shop and entered the school's official taxi waiting outside. Hanayo didn't have the guts to look at the ginger. She was sure all she would find would be Honoka's anger and irritation at the wasted day. Just like all the others. Closing her eyes tight, Hanayo tried super hard not to cry right then and there.
"Hey mister," Honoka was leaning over to the front seat catching the driver and Hanayo off guard, "Do you know anywhere we can get lunch with a nice view? Cheap would be nice!"
"Cheap?" The driver never heard that kind of vocabulary among the most powerful daughters of giants.
"It doesn't have to be fancy is what I'm trying to say," she clarified knowing that same fiscal expression all too well, "Like somewhere local, maybe family friendly or something."
"Well…" The driver did know a couple of places, but it was against school rules to drive anywhere that hadn't been registered ahead of time.
"Don't worry we are just filling in the remaining time," Honoka countered the imaginary argument, "We're supposed to be out until 4 and it'll be a waste to go back now," the time was reading 12. Honoka begged which was surprising for everyone. No one begged. They mostly gave the command and slipped the driver a small silence fee.
The taxi gave in as the driver drove them to the city's local park. Arriving at the gates of the park, the taxi commented that across from it was a cheap ramen shop. Though he did order them to be back at 3:30 pm to avoid being late. Agreeing to the time, Honoka grabbed Hanayo and together they exited the taxi.
"Wait!" Hanayo wasn't prepared for that danger. They didn't have the proper protection or permission to do this, "We can't be here! We can get robbed, we can get kidnapped, we can-"
"Don't worry, you're with me," Honoka's eyes glinted danger that was all too attractive for Hanayo to ignore, "Come on let's get you something to eat,"
They crossed the park and walked along the food vendors' shops for the place recommended. Honoka led the way while Hanayo clung to her arm as she tried her best not to attract attention. She didn't know why the ginger could be so carefree about being so exposed to the elements. In fact, she didn't know Honoka could speak so improperly as they arrived at the place. Honoka wasted no time getting them a table and ordering their food. They were seated near the window closest to the park view.
"Let's eat," Honoka announced when the hot bowls were brought to them.
The ginger took the first bite as she enjoyed the food. Hanayo just stared.
"Aren't you going to eat?" Honoka noticed her hesitation.
"Just like this?" Hanayo had never been out. Her family had sheltered and protected her from the outside world for so long she had no idea if this was allowed. They had no reservations, no waiter to give them a briefing on the contents of their meal, or music to enjoy it with.
"Yeah," Honoka had finished first, "Ah! That hit the spot," she leaned back on her chair. Honoka had finished fast as the waiter came to bring them their canned soft drinks to which Honoka gulped down quickly. The ginger made a loud ah sound before setting the drink down.
Silence passed over them as Hanayo stared at the hot bowl, "We should go back," everything had moved so fast that Hanayo just needed a moment to really think everything over, "This is wrong."
"This is our date," Honoka didn't feel right going back after seeing Hanayo so depressed, "So I get a say in what we do too," Plus she wanted to make it up to her for the bad company she had been at the shop.
"But Honoka this isn't safe," she whispered as pedestrians walked along the pathways ignoring the shop's customers. There were so many people, so many threats and no protection anywhere, "What if something bad happens?"
Honoka wished Hanayo would stop thinking about it too much, "We'll be fine. If anyone messes with us then you leave them to me," she beckoned her to eat.
Ramen wasn't her favorite, but she had eaten it enough with Rin to know when something was poorly made.
Hanayo just kept the cheaply made ramen away from her mouth. Ignoring the meal, Hanayo didn't know why Honoka wasn't worried. It was as if the other didn't know how much their lives were worth compared to the penniless strangers around them. Just thinking about getting kidnapped was enough to make Hanayo lose her appetite.
"Lets try that," Honoka motioned towards the bike rental shop at the entrance of the park, "When you're done of course," she waited for Hanayo to at least try the meal.
Finding herself unable to say no, Hanayo took a deep breath before taking the awaiting bite, "Mm," Was the sound of shock as the ramen tasted pretty good. Hanayo ate it all before asking if they could get seconds.
Honoka always had room in her belly for more as she ate another bowl with her. In contrast, Hanayo ate four. Honoka would have commented on the number, but figured it was best to just leave it alone. She didn't want the other girl to retreat back into her shell now that she was letting her guard down. Once Hanayo was done, they took a small stroll before walking to the bike rental shop.
"Umm what if we just walked along the path?" Hanayo started to feel a bit afraid of the two wheeled instrument.
"It'll be funnier this way," Honoka encouraged. Though she wasn't interested in the bicycles, Honoka had her eyes on something else.
"But…" Hanayo didn't want to say it. She didn't want to admit that she was in fact inexperienced at riding a bicycle.
"It'll be fine," Honoka assured as the dealer pulled out the cart, "We can't get hurt if there is no way for us to get hurt," Honoka grinned and Hanayo was surprised once again.
This had long since been a normal date. Hanayo waited for Honoka to mount the cart bike driver's side before following her example. It didn't take long for Honoka to announce she was off with little warning. It was seconds before Hanayo could even get her feet on the pedals as Honoka began the device. Hanayo watched as Honoka laughed while zooming them along the path.
"I wanna try that!" Hanayo heard kids say as the cart steadily pedaled along the large open pathways.
Hanayo blushed at the comment. This was indeed a child's toy, but it was too late to do anything. Hanayo was getting ready to ask Honoka to stop when she noticed the natural beauty of the park's trail. It wasn't anything fancy, but this was her first time doing anything on her own. She didn't even notice the small pond at the center as other people fished or rowed boats on the surface.
It was funny.
To be riding next to the ginger in a child's pedal cart, to not care about what they were doing or what others were saying, just enjoying their time. If Hanayo could have placed it in one word it was peaceful.
After a couple of circles around the trails, they were done. It felt too short for the brunette's liking as Honoka went to turn in the cart back to the vendure, "Well it's 3, so I think it's safe for us to start heading back," Honoka commented as she looked at the time.
"Umm," Hanayo didn't want to leave just yet, "Can we try…" she looked around the park for something to buy more time, "... that?" she pointed at the boats.
Honoka didn't know she would point at that, "Boats?" she felt it was an odd request, but she figured Hanayo was letting loose, "Alright. We have time," she led the way.
One rental boat later and Honoka was rowing them to the center of the pond. This was new to Hanayo. She had seen the blue sea from the top of her ship while being served by her family's servants, yet she had never been so close to the water. Nor had she been alone with only one other person.
Hanayo looked at the ginger. Honoka was going on about some random fact about aquatic life. She had never met someone who actually went out of their way to make a date, so fun. To Hanayo, it was normal for her to meet dates who either called it an end early or talked bad about her until she gave out. The dates were always extravagant in order to impress her crushes, but it was never enough. Yet for Honoka it was too much. She never had that happen. Being alone on a boat, meters away from other human life, Hanayo felt her heart start to beat fast.
When Honoka caught her eyes and smiled, Hanayo felt her breath escape. This was the romance she had dreamt as a kid and seen in other forms of storytelling. Hanayo knew that this was the time to give the ginger a kiss. Sure she had kissed plenty of crushes, but this would be the first one where she also felt her love being returned.
Leaning in with nervousness that forced her to close her eyes, she aimed for the ginger's lips. Honoka immediately pulled back, "Ah! Look!" she tried to divert the mood elsewhere, "Fish!" Honoka knew that was lame, but she wasn't about to kiss her. That would have been the right call if she actually liked her, but Honoka didn't feel right doing it.
"Oh?" Hanayo was bright red. Embarrassed from having been rejected, "Umm…" This wasn't what she had thought was going to happen, "W-Where?" She played along for her own pride.
Honoka felt like a giant loser, "It's gone," her own cheeks red.
They sat back into a silence. Hanayo didn't want to look at the other and Honoka didn't know what to say. She figured it was time to row back. As the ginger made their steady way back to the dock, Hanayo had looked up at her. Honoka stopped when she saw Hanayo's eyes getting watery. She had hurt her again. Honoka didn't know how to fix it.
Oh she cursed herself for caring so much! Maki would never!
Honoka had enough, "Hanayo…" once her name was spoken, Hanayo hid her face. But Honoka wanted the other to peek over at her, "I have a confession to make," she spoke low, Honoka would make it right, "About why I'm here… about why I asked you out."
It all made sense. Hanayo had heard this speech before. She should have known Rin was involved again, "Let me guess… Rin put you up to it," Now she really did feel embarrassed. Squeezing her hands tightly in her lap, Hanayo fought back tears, "Of course she did," She shrunk into herself, "That's the only way someone like you would have even looked in my direction."
Honoka wished it was different, "She did," But she wouldn't cause the other anymore pain. The ginger couldn't imagine herself going on more dates just so Hanayo could get her heart broken once Maki called it off.
With a faint whisper, Hanayo finished it, "Take me back," Hanayo wiped the tears, "C-Can you take me back now…?" her voice broke as she tried to raise it.
"No," Honoka wouldn't leave it alone, "I agreed to date you because Rin had some dirt on Maki," Hanayo didn't want to hear it, "But it's different now," She wouldn't let Hanayo leave with a bad impression, "I had lots of fun with you! And sure I might not like you that way, but I really want to stay friends with you."
Hanayo was just wiping her eyes. Listening to her words as if she were a judge and Honoka was accused of being guilty.
"I don't even care if Rin hears about this," Honoka was just trying to prove that her feelings were genuine, "You can tell Rin I blew it! That I told you everything and that I don't care if she takes back her side of the deal," This had definitely caught Hanayo's attention, "The only one I care about right now is you, not Rin or her deal," Honoka felt a little out of breath, "So go ahead and let Rin come at me, but please know that my feelings are real! I did have fun today and I do want to stay friends!"
With a small sniff, Hanayo had to ask, "W-What was the deal?"
Honoka confessed. She told her that Maki's family needs some deal that Rin promised to give as long as she dated her.
Her tears had stopped, but Hanayo still felt raw. She understood why, but Hanayo was more surprised that it had to do with Nishikino, "... you're a good friend to Miss Nishikino…"
"I'm truly sorry," Honoka didn't want to ever see herself play such a dirty trick ever again. Maki would definitely get mad at her. Though once she heard the full story, Honoka was sure Maki would understand.
"C-Can you take me back?" Hanayo still insisted and Honoka obeyed. There was nothing more to be said.
…
They had arrived at the school safe and sound. The driver was given a little tip after hinting towards his small contribution.
Before they parted ways Honoka decided to make one last plea again. Stating that Hanayo was still invited to the fashion show and that Honoka would reserve a seat close to the stage for her. Even going as far as to tell Hanayo to text her if she did wish to stay friends or to delete her number if it really was impossible.
Hanayo just nodded. Once arriving at her own room, Hanayo collapsed onto her bed. It didn't take long before Rin showed up to see how the date went. Grinning from ear to ear, Rin bounced on the bed to get Hanayo to spill all the details.
But she wasn't having it, "Rin," she began once the other had settled down, "We have to talk."
On another floor, in another first year dorm, Honoka was preparing herself for the worst. She had texted Maki ahead of time telling her she had blown their cover, but the other never texted back. The ginger could only imagine Maki was so furious she was saving her energy to scream at her face to face. Honoka swallowed hard as she turned the knob.
She entered her dorm, but there was no yelling, "Honoka welcome back," Maki greeted.
Drinking a cup of coffee, Maki had been watching television with some empty takeout on the coffee table. She was indifferent as Honoka came to sit next to her.
Honoka waited for the abuse to start, "Maki," she called for the other to just deliver her punishment swiftly and painlessly.
"I'm not mad," Maki had a long day to really think about her own actions. From having gotten Honoka involved in her business to how easily influenced she was by Hoshizora's actions.
Heck she had even blamed her own social worth. If Maki had been born to powerful parents then she wouldn't have gotten blackmailed, she wouldn't have been pushed into making such a decision. Maki would have never needed to risk her best friend, but there was no point in thinking about what ifs. Nothing made her feel better. Not after meeting Minami.
"You're not?" Honoka was wry of it, "Really?"
"Yeah," Maki didn't know why it was hard to believe, "It was unfair of me to ask you for such a thing," Being part of the system wasn't fitting for the ginger. That's what Maki had concluded, "I'm glad you put a stop to it," Maki acted like she didn't care.
Like it never happened. She was just trying her best to think that her and Honoka were one and the same. Just like the ginger, Maki wouldn't be used ever again.
"Really?" Honoka was so happy to hear even if Maki was getting annoyed, "Maki!" She launched herself to the redhead. Clinging to her tight as she finally admitted all her feelings, "It was the worst day ever! I kept making Hanayo cry."
"Huh?" Maki felt relieved by the ginger's affection. Suddenly everything didn't matter anymore and the world was back in balance. This world only needed to have Maki and Honoka, the only real people in a sea of parasites.
Instead of giving her some snarky remark about space, Maki listened to the ginger vent about her day.
…
Rin kept slamming her fist at the large punishing bag. She was currently in the school's gym thanks to an open slot in its appointment book. She wore tight gym shorts and a sports bra as she repeatedly released all her anger on the leathered material. Everything was eating away at her.
Hanayo lectured her for meddling. Honoka for being unable to follow simple instructions. Maki's unwillingness to keep her dog on a leash.
Her fist aggressively heavier as the bag began to move backwards.
Suddenly, she was the bad friend. Why? Because she cared too much! She bet if Honoka and Maki had done their job, Hanayo would have loved her for it. But no. This was unnecessary. She was unnecessary.
Rin screamed as she slammed the underhand of her fist on the bag. Breathing heavily, Rin needed to calm down. So what if Maki had turned this against her. She always knew that the redhead was stubbornly devilious even for someone with such a low rank. It was the main reason she always wanted to be friends with the redhead. But Honoka Kousaka. Honoka was another story.
"Am I interrupting?"
Rin jumped as she saw a third year standing to the side of the empty gym. Rin immediately straightened up as she paid proper respect to the older teen.
"Don't mind me," the third year looked uninterested as she approached, "Just wanted to pay a visit to some of Kousaka's friends."
"I'm not her friend," Rin turned to her punching bag. That had bothered her to her core. Honoka this, Honoka that. Rin couldn't believe someone random had been enough to turn Hanayo against her. Hanayo, her own best friend. Who did that nobody think they were? Turning Hanayo against her after everything Rin had put up with and done.
"Really? I was sure you were friends."
"I recommend looking somewhere else," Rin inhaled. She was ready to start swinging again, "No one in their right mind would associate with that loser."
"So you hate her too."
Rin looked to find that the third year was a bit shorter than she had first pictured.
"Maybe we can help each other out," the third year might have been short, but Rin recognized those promising eyes, "You see I have some personal business I want to settle with Miss Kousaka," the black haired teen pulled out a mini lollipop and began peeling the wrap, "And I'm going to need a mole to get the job done," the third year offered the pop.
Maybe it was the fact that Rin had felt underappreciated after Hanayo had lectured her. Maybe it had to do with that fact that Maki had befriended the ginger. Or how humiliated she felt after her plans had backfired on herself. Or maybe it had to do with that fact, that Rin had hated Honoka almost instinctively since they first met. Whatever the reason, Rin didn't care.
She merely accepted the offered candy.
A/N:
Hello everyone! Thank you all for continuing to support this story! Until we meet again. Thank you so much!