On the way to school.

Tomoko, "You know, in a way, I'm kinda disappointed with my high school experience. Back in middle school, I thought it would be sex and drugs every day. The reality was... not that."

Yuri, "…Is that really how you wanted it to be?"

Tomoko, "Well, I mean, maybe? I never actually got to do it so how would I know?"

Yuri, "…We could try together if you want. The drugs part at least."

Tomoko eyes widen, "Wait, seriously?"

Yuri, "Yeah. We're both 18 and I could get nonaddictive things. My parents are… extremely liberal."

Tomoko, "…Well, okay I guess. When did you want to do it?"

Yuri, "Doesn't matter to me. We could do it tonight if you want."

Tomoko, "...Alright, why not?"

...

That night they sat side-by-side at Yuri's room-table.

Tomoko, "So, what did you end up preparing?"

Yuri, "Alcohol, weed and snacks."

Tomoko laughs, "Even snacks, huh?"

Yuri, "I was told it would go well with the weed."

Tomoko, "I bet. Shall we start?"

Yuri rolls the joint and they get into a rhythm trading it back and forth.

Tomoko, "This is pretty nice. Relaxing." She lies on her back.

Yuri, "Yeah. It really is." Yuri does the same. Both of them enjoy the swirls resultant from blowing smoke at the ceiling-light maybe a little too much.

Eventually Tomoko interjects, "You know, I think I actually will have some of those snacks now."

Both do.

Tomoko, "Mmmmmm. Chocolate. I really love chocolate."

Yuri smirks, "You even love shit chocolate."

Tomoko gives Yuri her best shit-eating grin, "Yeah, I guess I do."

Yuri, "What I really love is hanging out like this."

Tomoko smiles, "Me too."

Yuri, "I mean… this feels… genuine... you know?"

Tomoko laughs, "Yeah. It's like the conversation feels significant. As though us just being able to interact is meaningful somehow."

Yuri, "Like we can really understand each other."

Tomoko, "Yeah."

Yuri, "It… really does mean a lot to me. That you can understand me."

Tomoko smiles, "I'm happy to hear that."

Yuri, "Actually… I was hoping," Yuri puts her hand on Tomoko's, "that we could keep doing things like this. Like, even as something more than friends?"

Tomoko, 'Is Yuri asking me out… I'm not hallucinating, right?... Right?… Well, if this is really happening, I guess I might as well answer her.' "Yeah, that sounds nice." Tomoko flips her hand and entwines their fingers.

Yuri smiles, "Good."

Tomoko, "...Should we, like, kiss?"

Yuri, "We could; but we could also take things slow. We're together because we like being together, right?"

Tomoko, "Yeah, I get you… could we hug though? Of course, I'd understand if you thought hugs were bothersome, or if you disliked the idea of effectively being trapped."

Yuri smiles, "I wouldn't mind."

Tomoko stares into her eyes, frees her hand and hugs her. They relax in the embrace.

Even if Yuri was technically "trapped" in Tomoko's arms, she didn't know if she had ever felt more free.

This fic reminds me of the "Cute Love or Just Roses" AMV.