January 1st, 2021

"Happy New Year's!"

"Happy New Year's!"

Futaba pushed herself up against her apartment wall, a pillow firmly tucked behind her. Hanako and her sat next to each other, bundled under a large comforter on her bed. As she turned to look at the TV, she found herself caught off guard by Hanako swiftly kissing her on the cheek. Her face went red as Hanako leaned back, giggling.

Since they started dating in August, Futaba realized that while she could talk the talk, she could not walk the walk. The thought of even getting physically intimate with Hanako was still at least a hundred thousand light-years away, maybe more. She knew Hanako was uncomfortable with her body, and she was still thinking of how to talk to her about it. So far, nothing she thought of sounded remotely convincing. That being said, Hanako didn't seem to care, and Futaba felt her entire body shiver as Hanako pushed herself up against Futaba.

"So… Uh…" Futaba gulped, feeling her heart pound against her ribcage. "What's your New Year's resolution, Hanako?"

"Let's see… I have a few, actually! First off, I want to speak with my parents and tell them about us. That's been on my mind for a long time, but I want to make absolutely sure that I do it this year!"

"I'll help you, Hanako! We're co-op partners! An unstoppable duo!"

"I know, and that makes me feel so happy!"

"We'll definitely do it. I swear we will." Futaba took her hands and felt a surge of warmth shoot through her body.

"Yes, we will!"

The two sat silently, looking into one another's determined eyes, listening to the winter storm outside.

"So… With the big one out of the way… What are the others, Hanako?"

"That's not fair, Futaba!" Hanako pecked her on the nose with a kiss. "You have to tell me one!"

"Oh." Futaba wanted to explode. She had a New Year's resolution, but it was incredibly stupid compared to what Hanako had just stated. "Um… Are you sure you wanna hear? It's not really a big thing…"

"Of course I do!" Hanako beamed a smile at her. "Everything you want to do is important to me!"

"Hanakooooo!" Futaba wrapped her arms around Hanako, crying with joy.

"Well… I want to learn how to cook better. You've been showing me a lot over the past couple of months, but I want to stop relying on ramen entirely! I know it's a staple of my diet…"

"Sure!" Hanako pulled her even closer. "That sounds fun!"

"Uh… Now it's your turn again."

"Okay! My second resolution is that I want to get better at singing!"
"Singing?" Futaba raised an eyebrow.

"Mhm! I love to sing, but…"

"But what?"

Hanako jumped up and cleared her throat.

"TOKI WO! KOETEEEEEEE! ASU WO! TOMO NIIIIII! TAMASHI NO OTAKEBIIIIIIIIIIII!"

"Ah…" Futaba found her ears ringing. Hanako was so incredibly tone-deaf that it hurt. "I see. We'll practice karaoke with Sumire and Ren."

"Yay!"

That afternoon, Futaba and Hanako dressed in their kimono and visited Meiji Shrine, running into Ren and Sumire along the way. Upon asking, they found out Ryuji and Sakiya were out trying to find the ramen shop to kick off the New Year with. They talked for a while before finding themselves succumbing to the cold and returning home. On the second, everyone resumed their normal schedules, including Hanako and Sumire's private practice sessions. For a new year, not much had changed.


January 24th

"Happy Birthday, Hanako!" Futaba kissed her on the cheek as she woke up, her alarm blaring in the background. Since they started dating in August, the two of them frequently started to spend as much time together as they could at one apartment or the other. This turned into a habit, with both of them simply happy to have each other as company, and they alternated between their two apartments frequently.

"Thank you, Futaba!" Hanako kissed her back and wrapped her arms around Futaba, squeezing her, something that brought absolute bliss to the both of them. "You're so warm!"

"So soff…." Futaba spoke in a muffled voice before leaning her head back. "It's too bad we have classes today…"

"That's okay! I get to practice with Coach Murakami, Sakiya-chan, and Sumire-chan right after!"

"How's Sumire been doing at practice? I don't think she's stopped since August…" Futaba rolled out of bed before stretching and getting dressed. While she was the same tech-savvy, self-declared hacker of justice, Alibaba, living with Hanako and swapping between apartments meant that she picked up on some of her morning rituals.

"She's doing great!" Hanako stood up and stretched with her. "Starting this year, she's going to be practicing with the ball! Her progress with the clubs has reached the point where Coach Hiraguchi and I have both agreed that she can move on to the next apparatus."

"That's good…" Futaba smiled and thought back to the time she spent with Sumire before Hanako came into her life. It's not like she wanted to stop hanging out with Sumire, but their schedules conflicted often, and she knew spending time with Ren was her main priority. On top of that, both of them knew that spending time with the person they loved most was more important than anything.

"Do you miss spending time with her?" Hanako wrapped her arms around Futaba's waist, and Futaba felt an incredible softness press against her back.

"Yeah… But she's got Ren, so I'm not worried. I mean, I miss hanging out with everybody, but… you know. Adulthood and stuff. Makoto and Haru are busier than ever with their studying and internships, Ren and Sumire are working and studying, Ryuji and Sakiya… Ann and Shiho… Even Inari is busy with his art stuff!"

"If you ever feel sad about it, you can tell me."

"I know…" Futaba sighed. "I mean. We still text all the time, but that just isn't the same. I hope that, once we're all done with uni and stuff, we can start hanging out again together."

"I'm sure we'll be able to spend time with everyone again!"

"Yeah… Wait, why am I getting all sappy? It's your birthday! Ah! I was gonna make you breakfast! Crap! Wait! Your present!"

"Awww, thank you for thinking of me, Futaba!" Hanako spun her around and stroked her hair. "We can make breakfast together!"

"A-Are you sure? Dangit… I messed up…"

"Yes! Let's get dressed!"

"O-Okay!"

Futaba and Hanako properly dressed, and before they started cooking, Futaba crawled under her bed and pulled out a large, flat box.

"Surprise! Or, tada!"

"Oh!" Hanako's eyes sparkled. "Is that my present?"

"Yup! Open it!"

"Okay!" Hanako slowly opened the box after laying it on the floor, as she did, she saw a beautiful patterned white and purple hoop.

"Futaba… This is beautiful!"

"You like?"

"I love it!" Hanako jumped up and hugged her. "It's like a giant wedding ring!"

"We-Wedding…" Futaba blushed. "I-I'm glad you like it…"

It took several minutes before Hanako released Futaba from her hug, and with the present out of the way, they started cooking breakfast. The special dish turned out to be… curry. After meticulous planning, testing and crafting, Futaba had perfected what she patented as her own spin on the Sakura curry recipe. While she did the finishing touches, Hanako received a phone call.

"Good morning, Hanak-chan. Happy Birthday."

"Coach Murakami! Thank you!"

"I hope you have a good day. I'll see you at practice, unless you'd like the day off."

"Of course not, Coach!" Hanako giggled. "Oh, that was a joke, right?"

"It was. See you."

Hanako sat down and slowly ate the curry, savoring it. Once she finished, she stated that it was the best thing she ever ate. Once they finished eating, they grouped up with Ryuji and Sakiya outside the apartment complex.

"Happy Birthday, Hanako!"
"Happy Birthday, Hanako-chan! Here!" Sakiya handed her a small, grey cat keychain. "This is the cat from your favorite show, right?"

"It is! Thank you so much, Ryuji-kun, Sakiya-chan!"

The four made small talk as they took the bus to UTokyo. The weather, classes, gymnastics…

"Oh, Sakiya-chan!"

"Hm?"

"There's something I need to speak about with Sumire-chan and you at practice tonight! Make sure you're there!"

"Of course I'm going to be at practice!" Sakiya laughed. "Who do you think I am?"

"True enough!"

"Is it about 'that,' Hanako?" Futaba's eyes lit up.

"Mhm!"

"Count me in!"

"Huh? Whatdya talking about?" Ryuji looked at them like a deer in headlights.

"Don't worry about it!"


January 24th, Late Afternoon

"Happy Birthday, Hanako-chan!" Sumire waved her down as she entered the gym. "Here! This is from Ren and me!" Sumire placed a small, neatly wrapped box in her hands.

"Oh…. I can't wait to open this later! Thank you, and tell Ren-kun thank you too!"

"Of course! He wanted to tell you in person, and he wasn't going to text you until he was positive that he wouldn't make it. Instead, he asked me to tell you."

"That's very considerate of him!"

"Indeed." Murakami stepped forward. "I can't believe I was the second person to tell you Happy Birthday. Normally, I'm the first. I suppose it can't be helped." She pointed toward a small box on the outside edge of the mat. "That's for you."

Hanako giggled. "I'll look later!"

"That's right. Just because it's your birthday doesn't mean you'll get a break, Hanako."

"I know!"

"Of course, your training hasn't been nearly as relentless since the Olympics. You need to keep yourself in top form, though."

"Right!"

"Speaking of form…" Sakiya did a cartwheel on the mat. "Let's get to work!"

"Yes!" Sumire ran forward and did a somersault onto the mat, kicking off her first performance in her routine. The three of them began practice, with Murakami and Hiraguchi observing them.

Since August, Sumire had continued to practice with the clubs, and by December, she had mastered them, according to the coaches. Sakiya even admitted that she had grown exponentially, but remarked with a sheepish grin that she wouldn't surpass her. There was no World Championship for Rhythmic Gymnastics in 2020, and Sumire elected not to go to any World Cups or Grand Prix. Her main focus was practice, practice, practice.

The days leading to 2021 were rough, with Sumire frequently bruising herself with a failed club toss. All it took was one misstep to ruin the routine. Losing the apparatus incurred a heavy penalty on the score, and since the slubs consisted of two-in-one, there was double the chance for failure. Over and over, day after day, Sumire practiced from 3 PM until 10 PM, going to her normal sessions and then practicing privately with Hanako. They followed this schedule five days out of the week, with Sumire often practicing normally all seven days. Each day, she thanked Coach Hiraguchi and Hanako before heading home.

Each day, Hanako told her she didn't need to push herself so hard, but Sumire simply shook her head and told her this is what she wanted to do. The day after, she came back smiling and enthusiastic to practice again, and Hanako assumed that spending late nights with Ren let her relax and prepare herself for the next day.

The day they met up after New Year's, Sumire bowed before Hanako and asked her for help in mastering the ball by the end of the year. She cheerfully agreed, and now, only three weeks later, Hanako was already seeing growth.

"And time!" Hiraguchi whistled, indicating the end of the performances, which coincided with the music stopping. "Good work today." She looked at Sumire. "I realize that you're pleased with your progress with the clubs, but don't get ahead of yourself, Sumire."

"My apologies, Coach!"

"No apologies. You need to focus on improving your difficulties with the ball."

"Understood!"

"Sakiya." Hiraguchi turned her head.

"Ma'am."

"I understand that it is your style, but don't try to stretch out the difficulties past their limits. Judges will notice if you toss your apparatus too high, or at too steep of an angle. I understand you want to push those rules to their limits, but don't break them."

"...Right." Sakiya nodded. "Got it."

"Remember, you two," Murakami stood up. "Having room to improve is a good sign."

Sakiya and Sumire gave an affirmative nod.

"Good." Murakami held her hand out toward Hanako. "Now, Hanako, would you like to update them on the changes for official scoring?"

"Yes, absolutely!" Hanako bounced up and down.

"Changes?" Sakiya raised an eyebrow.

"Mhm! So, for the next four years, the way our rhythmic gymnastic performances are scored has been updated! From 2016 to 2020, judged based scores on two criteria; Execution and Difficulty! Difficulty, as you know, is the measure of your aesthetic and technical proficiency! There are the difficulties of body, dance step combinations, dynamic elements with rotation, and the difficulty of the apparatus! Since you two plan to go to the 2024 Olympics, I would recommend that you create your own, new difficulty of body for each apparatus! If you can do that and successfully pull it off, it will be added to the official list of moves in upcoming World Championships and Olympic Games! The nine highest correctly performed difficulties are counted toward the score, and the score for difficulties has no limit."

"Creating a new difficulty of body…" Sumire rubbed her chin with her left hand. "You recommend we do that for our Olympic Performances?"

"Yes! You'll have to submit it by January 31st, 2024!"

"It's a good thing that you told us this now." Sakiya nodded. "That gives us plenty of time to think.'
"Mhm! Execution is a lot more simple." Hanako clapped. "The score for execution always begins at 10 and goes down depending on your technical faults. To keep the execution score at 10, you need to showcase to the judges that you can perform with complete safety and a high degree of technical mastery."

"So is there a new method of scoring?" Sakiya stretched her back.

"Yes! It's called artistry. It starts with a maximum of five points, and the judges demand that elements be performed with aesthetic perfection. Essentially, it is a score based on the story you tell with your performance! It takes into account your music choice, your body movements, your pacing, and the overall artistic image you wish to convey!"

"Telling a story through your performance…" Sumire's eyes went wide, and her heart started to beat faster. "A story!" She clapped her hands together. "This is perfect!"

"A story, huh… I wonder if I can incorporate a historical story into my performance!" Sakiya laughed. "This is very interesting… So the maximum score is a minimum of 25 points, and can go higher based on difficulties."

"That's right!" Hanako clapped and nodded.

"That might not sound like much, but displaying a perfect story through your performance is going to be the key to winning in 2024." Hiraguchi crossed her arms and nodded. "Thank you for explaining, Hanako. Sakiya, Sumire, you'll both need to think long and hard about the new scoring. If you can't understand the backbone of the routine, it will crumble like a house of cards."

"I gotta take notes…" Sakiya ran to her bag and pulled out her phone.

"A story… I understand, Coach!"

"Very well. That's all for today."

With a nod and a wave, Hiraguchi made her way out, as did Sakiya and Sumire. There was no special practice session today.

"You did a good job summarizing the new scoring rules, Hanako-chan." Murakami patted Hanako's head.

"Thank you, Coach!"

"To think it's been little over 5 months since you won the bronze… You're becoming a great coach, yourself."

"That's the goal!" Hanako cheered.

"Indeed it is. Remind me, why did you want to act as Sumire and Sakiya's backup? They're going to start participating in World Cups, soon."

"I know that one of them will win the gold, and I want to help them. Of course…"

"You love gymnastics."

"Yes! I'm going to keep performing for as long as I can! I'm helping Sumire, especially, because I want to one day have a relationship with Futaba like she does with Ren."

"I can remember the day you came to me, jumping up and down, yelling about how you started dating her. I'd like to thank you again for waiting and focusing on your routine."

"Of course, Coach!"

"Besides helping those two, what do you plan to do?"

"I… I want to talk to my parents soon, and I want to tell them about what I want to do with my life."

"I see." Murakami solemnly nodded. "I have faith that things will go well. I can tell how nervous you are about this."

"I'm not nervous…"

"Hanako-chan." She clapped both hands on Hanako's shoulders. "I know when you're lying. No matter what happens, I'll be here, both as your coach, and as a caretaker. I've watched you grow up, helped you practice on every one of your birthdays, because no matter how much I insisted, you always wanted to practice. I'm proud of you, and no matter what happens, I'll be here for you."

"Thank you…"

"We've come this far together." Murakami pulled her in for a hug. "Believe in yourself, Hanako."

"I will!"

That night, Hanako opened Sumire and Ren's present, which happened to be a new, violet flower pin. She saved Murakami's for last, which turned out to be a beautiful purple and white leotard that covered her body, patterned in the same fashion as her original leotard.


January 30th

Hanako sat down in her family home under a kotatsu, taking a deep breath as she did. Three cups of tea sat on the table portion.

"Good afternoon, Hanako." Her mother and father sat down across from her, faint smiles on their faces. "How is university treating you?"

"It's good! My grades have improved a lot since I began studying with Futaba!"

"I see." Her father nodded. "How are your business studies?"

"Oh! Um… At the University of Tokyo, we don't start classes for our degree until the last two years. The first two years consist of any classes we want to take!"

"Ah, how could I have forgotten." He sipped his tea. "It's been quite some time since your mother and I attended."

"Have you found a boyfriend, Hanako?"

"I haven't, mom."

Hanako felt a nervous chill run down her spine.

"That's too bad… With your looks, I was sure you'd have found one by now."

"I'm… I'm not really looking for one right now. I want to focus on studying and gymnastics."

"Gymnastics?" Her father tilted his head. "You're still practicing and performing?"

"I've only been practicing."

"Why?"

The question shook Hanako to the core. It hurt, to be asked why.

"Because… I love rhythmic gymnastics."

"It's good to have a hobby, Hanako, but you've already participated in the Olympics. You won a bronze."

"I did…"

"Isn't that what you wanted to do? Wasn't that your dream?" He raised his voice.

"Yes, it was."

"Then why haven't you moved on? You need to start focusing on your studies, Hanako."

"I…"

They wouldn't understand.

Why wouldn't they understand?

"I'm perfectly fine both practicing and studying as I am now. You don't need to worry, father."

"You worry me, Hanako." He sighed.

"You mentioned that Futaba helped you study? I believe you've told us about her before…"

"Mhm!"

A glimmer of hope and excitement came to Hanako at the mention of Futaba.

"Futaba is my… best friend! We live in the same apartment complex, and she helps me study for everything! She's super smart!"

"She must be, if she can manage her own studies and help you with yours. What does she like to do outside studying?"

"She loves watching shows with me, and she plays video games in her own time! She's even doing her own research while majoring in two different things!"

"I see. I'm glad you've made such a good friend." Her mother spoke diligently, crossing her arms on the kotatsu.

Hanako closed her eyes, took a deep breath and thought to herself.

"I can't do this for much longer… mother… father… I want to tell you what I really want to do soon. Please, just wait a little bit longer."

"Hanako?"

"Sorry, mother."

"It's fine. By the way." Her mother pulled out a small box. "Happy Birthday. Thank you for waiting. You know how we hate to mail things out."

"Happy Birthday, Hanako." His father nodded.

Hanako took the box and opened it. Inside was a small, orange butterfly pin.

"We know how much you love the pin in your hair, and since orange is your favorite color…"

A conflicted, heartbroken smile crossed Hanako's face.

It hurt.

It hurt.

"Th-Thank you…" Her voice cracked.

"Of course."

"I love you, mother, father."

"We love you too, Hanako."

Hanako spent the next few hours awkwardly speaking with her parents before going home.


March 6th, Morning

After receiving a barrage of Happy Birthday messages, Ren opened the group chat.

Ren: Hello. I'd like to remind everyone that we are having a small birthday party at my place. If you can make it, it'll be around 8 PM.

Futaba: Woot Woot! Partayyyyy!

Hanako: That sounds like fun!

Yusuke: While that does sound fun, I'm afraid that I'm caught up in an art exhibit.

Ryuji: Sick! Sakiya and I will bring drinks!

Sakiya: We got the good stuff…

Haru: Mako-chan and I are busy in Kyoto, but we send our best regards!

Makoto: Indeed. Have fun, everyone.

Ann: Send pics!

Sumire: Please, no drinks.

Ryuji: Awwwwwwwww

Sakiya: C'mon, Sumire!

Sumire: One glass each, then.

Ren: For those who can't make it, thank you for the birthday wishes. For those that can, bring drinks.

Sumire: Ren!

"You still got practice today, right Hanako?" Futaba spun around in her desk chair, still scrolling through the text chat.

"Mhm! We'll head over when I get back!"

"Sounds good… I gotta do my dailies!"

With a kiss on the cheek, Hanako made her way off to practice. Sumire had the day off, her first in weeks. By the time she arrived, Sakiya was already well on her way, jumping, spinning and tumbling around the mat.

"Yo, Hanako-chan!" She yelled mid-spin.

"Hello, Sakiya-chan!"

The two practiced together quietly, without much to say to one another. While Hanako knew they were friends, she also knew that Sakiya was incredibly focused on practice, and it was best to leave her be. Once they finished for the day, they rode back to the apartment complex by train, grouping up with Ryuji and Futaba. After that, they took another train to Ren and Sumire's apartment building. As they walked down the hallway leading to their apartment, an older man and woman passed them.

"To think Ren decorated most of his apartment with Sumire-chan in mind!" The woman laughed. "He knows how to treat a woman right."

"I guess we raised him well after all…" The man responded.

Hanako stopped in her tracks as the two turned the corner of the hallway, while Sakiya, Ryuji and Futaba walked ahead.

"Those were… Ren-kun's parents." Hanako thought to herself. "He told me he was going to talk to them, but I didn't hear much after that. Of course, it's not my business, but he did it! Ren-kun… I need to talk to my parents, too. Coach Murakami is there for me, Dr. Maruki's been helping me all this time, and so has Futaba… I shouldn't keep delaying this…"

"Hanako, you alright?"

Hanako blinked, and Futaba was right in front of her, a concerned look on her face.

"I'm fine!" She took a step back. "I was just thinking, that's all!"

"Don't go AFK on me, okay?" Futaba grabbed her hand.

"Mhm!"

Hanako let the thought rest at the back of her mind, choosing to focus on having fun with her friends.


March 13th

Hanako and Futaba stood outside of the Natsuki family home, the cool air chilling Hanako to the bone.

"I have to do this… Coach Murakami, Dr. Maruki, Ren-kun, Futaba…" Hanako closed her eyes and thought back to her sessions with Ren.

She remembered each and every one of their appointments. Although she didn't talk about her parents much, he vowed to help her, through thick and thin.

"I'll help you, Natsuki-san."

"I'll support you, Hanako. As a friend."

Coach Murakami vowed to continue being her coach, no matter what happened.

"I'm proud of you, and no matter what happens, I'll be here for you."

Dr. Maruki offered her an outlet and a path toward which she could improve her social skills and speech.

And Futaba… Futaba was everything to her.

"I'll help you. That stuff is easy to me. I could never do what you do. You're amazing, and I want you to continue being my friend."

In time, Hanako slowly realized that the feelings she had for Futaba weren't just friendship and comradery, but love. It was a new type of love, one that she had never experienced before. Over the past 7 months, it had become her favorite type of love, rivaling her love for rhythmic gymnastics.

"Futaba."

"Yeah, Hanako?"

"Let's head inside."

"Copy that."

Hanako slowly stepped up to the door and knocked.

"Good afternoon, Hanako." Her mother slid open the door. "Oh?" She looked at Futaba.

"Yo. I'm Futaba Sakura."

"I see. Come inside."

Futaba and Hanako followed her mother inside, eventually sitting down at the chabudai in the dining room.

A surge of emotions ran through Hanako at once. Excitement, fear, anxiety… Something in the back of her mind told her to get out. Leave. It was the same feeling as when crowds surrounded her, asking her nonstop questions. Yet neither party has spoken a single word.

"Hello, Hanako." Her father gave her a nod. "You must be…"

"Futaba Sakura."

"Right. Hanako's friend. What brings you here today?"

"I wanted to talk to you both, mother, father." Hanako gripped her fists under the table, and followed her breathing technique. "It's about what I plan to do in the future."

"What is it that you plan to do?" Her father kept a straight face, but there was a hint of irritation in his voice.

"I've finally decided." Hanako locked eyes with her father. "In the future, I'm going to become a gymnastics coach. I love rhythmic gymnastics, but I can't be a gymnast forever. I know that. However, my love for the sport won't disappear just because I can't perform anymore. It didn't disappear when I won my bronze medal at the Olympics. Deep down, I hoped that you would change your mind after watching me. It's not just that, though. I'm going to pursue my dream with my Futaba, my girlfriend."

"Hanako… What…"

Futaba quickly looked between Hanako and her parents, prepared to stand up and defend Hanako if the need arose. She wasn't sure what their next move would be, but she was sure as hell not going to let them near Hanako.

Hanako wrapped one of her hands around Futaba's while clenching the other into a tight fist, digging her nails into the skin.

"I did it… I did it… Futaba… We did it…" Her mind ran wild while she watched her mother look away from her, and her father's eyes widen. His face contorted from one of denial to sadness, and slowly…

To anger.

"Do you have any idea what you're saying?" Her father slammed his fist on the table. "Hanako, you're disregarding generations of tradition! What gives you the right to forsake our family that came before? Why would you want to dishonor them?"

"Listen, y-" Futaba slammed a hand on the table.

"It's okay, Futaba." Hanako grabbed her hand. "I'm not going to apologize this time, father. My friends taught me that, to be happy, I need to follow the path I want to take in life.
She looked at her mother. "I simply don't want to be an office worker, or a housewife. I love you, mother, but I do not want to follow in your footsteps. This is my life. I owe you both a lot, but I'm not going to pay you back by doing everything you want."

"How could you say such things, Hanako…" Her mother recoiled partly out of fear, but also out of disgust.

"Are you happy with your life, mother?"

She hesitated for a second before answering, gritting her teeth.

"O-Of course I am! You should be ashamed of yourself, Hanako! Do you know how much you've just shamed me?"

"I see." Hanako nodded. "I'm happy that you're satisfied, then, but I refuse to be ashamed of myself."

"My own flesh and blood…" Her father shook his head. "Hanako, you need to leave. I don't want to see you or that girl any longer. Leave, and don't come back."

"Of course, father." Hanako stood up with Futaba, grasping her hand. "I love you, father, mother. Goodbye."

Wordlessly, Hanako and Futaba walked out of the house.

Wordlessly, Hanako led her back to the train station.

Wordlessly, they rode back to the apartment and entered Hanako's apartment.

Once the door closed behind her, Hanako fell onto her knees, tears streaming down her face.

She couldn't do anything but scream.

Her vision went black as she felt Futaba wrap her arms around her back.

"Mother… Father…"

"I'm here, Hanako." Futaba squeezed her tightly. "It's okay. It's okay."

"Futaba!" Hanako's arms hung limp as she buried her face into Futaba's shoulders, crying tears of grief.

"Just let it out…"

Hanako's tears didn't stop. She found the strength to grip Futab's back as she continued to cry.

It hurt.

It hurt so much.

"I... I knew…"

"You don't need to say anything, Hanako." Futaba patted her back.

The sharp pain in her chest pulsated through her body as she fully realized that her parents had disowned her. The tears wouldn't stop. Memories of growing up with her parents raced through her mind.

Her first gymnastics practice session.

Graduating from pre-school.

Rhythmic gymnastics competitions for kids.

Middle school graduation.

Junior-Level Rhythmic Gymnastics.

Coach Murakami hugging her after she won first place for the first time in a Junior-Level Event.

Coach Murakami patting her head after a long, hard day of practice. Praising her whenever she pulled over a perfect routine. Reassuring her when she tried to come up with a new difficulty.

Coach Murakami was there for her. From her childhood up to the present day. It wasn't just her, though.

High School…

Meeting Futaba.

Futaba kept Hanako held tight as her body shivered and convulsed.

Meeting Futaba…

Spending time with Futaba.

Watching shows with Futaba.

Studying with Futaba.

Cuddling with Futaba.

Thinking about Futaba…

Futaba felt Hanako's breathing stabilize as her crying turned into sniffles.

"Hanako?"

"Futaba…"

"You okay?"

"I love you so much…"

"I love you too, Hanako. We've got your back, okay? Sumire, Ren, Coach Murakami, Sakiya, Ryuji, and me. Just relax right now."

"Mhm… Thank you…"

Futaba felt Hanako's weight shift onto her as she passed out. Using all the strength in her body, she lifted Hanako up and placed her on the bed before lying next to her.

"I'm so sorry… Hanako… No… Actually… I'm not. Those two were a bunch of stiff assholes. When you wake up, I'm going to say thank you."


Two days after speaking with her parents, Hanako attempted to return to practice only to be sent home by Murakami after speaking to her privately.

"I can still practice, Coach!"

"The bags under your eyes tell me an entirely different story, Hanako-chan."

"I…"

"Listen." Murakami pulled in for a hug. "I know things are rough for you right now. Nobody should have to go experience what you went through. I care about you a lot, Hanako-chan. That's why I'm telling you to go home and take a few days to be with Futaba."

"Okay. Thank you, Coach." Hanako's words were empty. Hollow.

"I understand that you think performing will allow you to take your mind off of things. That's what you're thinking, right?"

"Yes."

"You might be right, but it's not healthy to perform, let alone practice under mental stress. It'll only hurt you in the long run." She patted her head gently. "I care about you deeply, Hanako. Seeing you like this, it hurts. I can only do so much for you, so get going. Go be with Futaba."

Hanako looked down at the ground and back up at Murakami. Everything felt empty… But Murakami's reassuring smile warmed her heart.

"Goodbye, Coach."

"I'll see you soon."

Hanako turned around and exited the small cubby that Murakami led her to, and she made her way out, where Futaba waited.

"How'd it go?"

"Coach Murakami doesn't want me to practice until I feel better…"

"I see… Want to cuddle and watch some shows?"

The warmth of Futaba's hand around her own sent a warm sensation straight to Hanako's heart.

"I'd like that… Yes."


While Hanako recuperated, Sakiya and Sumire, alongside Kaho Minagawa, went to several World Cups. In April, from the 9th to the 11th, they went to Sofia, Bulgaria, competing in the event. Sakiya placed within the top eight, while Sumire placed twelfth. Surprisingly, Sumire scored higher with the clubs in the final than the ribbon, though it was only marginally higher. Linoy Ashram placed first, with the Averina twins having announced their retirement from competitive gymnastics shortly after the Olympics. Aleksandra Soldatova placed second, continuing to represent Russia's domination of the rhythmic gymnastics scene. From the 16th to the 18th, the three competed in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, with Linoy and Aleksandra placing first and second again. Sumire placed eleventh, while Sakiya placed in the top eight again. Both of them made it known that they were there to stay. Once they returned to Japan, Hanako stated that she was ready to resume training with them.

"I'm feeling better now, yes. Thank you for worrying about me!"

"Are you sure, Hanako-chan?" Sumire asked her with a concerned look.

"Yes!" Hanako's bubbly tone and smile had returned, which was a welcome sight for the others.

"I'm sorry that happened, Hanako." Sakiya patted her shoulder. "I wish we could have done more…"

"It's fine!" Hanako shook her head. "You two had to practice and go to the World Cups! I completely understand. Besides, Futaba was with me the whole time!"

"Thank goodness…" Sumire let out a sigh of relief.

"Things won't be the same…" Hanako took a deep breath. "But I made my choice. I'm happier with Futaba and all of you. My therapist has been very helpful!"

"A therapist… That makes sense." Sakiya ran her hand through her hair. "I'm glad you've managed to recover."

"Mhm! Don't worry about me. Let's start practicing!"


The next World Cup took them to Baku, Azerbaijan, from May 7th to May 9th, where Sakiya managed to reach the top eight again, with Sumire not far behind her. The World Cup after that, in Portimao, Portugal, from May 21st to May 23rd, saw similar results.

Each time Sakiya and Sumire showed up at a World Cup, they saw more Japanese fans cheering them both on. As Hanako and Futaba delved into rhythmic gymnastics live streams of the events and into forums, they read up on how people were taking note of the two Japanese gymnasts.

"By winning the bronze in 2020, Hanako, you set Sakiya and Sumire up to let a lot of attention… and flak… Jeez these people are specific. What do you mean Sumire's routine was boring? I oughta DDOS that-"

"Don't worry about that, Futaba." Hanako rubbed the top of her head. "Sumire-chan won't let things like that stop her."

"Eh… You're right. Not worth my time."

Time flew by as the two continued to go to World Cups, their reputation only growing as they continued.

Sakiya Archambeau, the blonde, and Sumire Yoshizawa, the redhead. Their unique looks for two Japanese rhythmic gymnasts won them a lot of fans, and haters.

"Stupid conservatives think everybody needs black hair!" Futaba stuck out her tongue at the screen. "Blah blah a real Japanese gymnast would look the part blah blah blah. What a bunch of crap! No offense to you, Hanako."

"It's fine!" Hanako giggled. "Was your hair black once, Futaba?"

"Eeyup. I dyed it, though. Like it better like this."

"I think it's cute!"

"Ehehe… Thanks."

The last World Cup was in Moscow, Russia, from July 9th to July 11th. Stepping into the heart of their most dangerous competitors' homeland sent shivers down their spines, but Sakiya and Sumire were ready to take on anyone. They did incredibly well, with Sumire placing eighth, and Sakiya placing seventh. Their performances earned them a spot at the World Championship, which was set to take place from October 26th to the 2nd of November in Kitakyushu, Japan.


Summer break began on July 23rd, the same as every other year. In a boisterous speech, Sakiya stated a series of activities that she wanted to do with the core group. These included going to a beach, festivals, hiking, and more.

For Hanako, it was the little moments that she spent with her friends over the summer that slowly mended her heart. It helped her to slowly, but surely, accept her decision to leave her parents behind.

It still hurt, it always would. It was an open wound she cut, but she knew the pain she felt now was preferable to lying to them. The thought filled her with a different kind of pain. She often thought about what would have happened if she continued to keep everything a secret, how disappointed everyone would be that she couldn't be truthful to herself. Ren, Murakami and Futaba frequently helped her push these thoughts out of her head, as did Dr. Maruki. Every time she thought back to one of her trips, it helped her leave any negative thoughts behind.

Her favorite trip was to the beach. She got to see Futaba in a swimsuit, and even better, she got to be Futaba's hero.


August 14th

"Umi daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!" Sakiya yelled as they stepped out of a white van onto a private beach. "Ah, it feels like forever since we went to a beach together."

"I still can't believe Haru rented out this beach for us!" Ryuji looked around wildly. "I keep asking how she has the money, but I'm always scared of the answer!"

"Don't worry about it, Ryuji-kun!" Haru giggled as she stepped out from the passenger seat.

"It's really for the best if you don't ask…" Makoto smiled as she stepped out of the driver's seat.

"I always appreciate being invited to these trips! Yusuke smiled. "You all inspire me endlessly to paint even greater pieces!"

"Better get changed fast, Ann, before your swimsuit disappears…" Shiho nudged Ann's side.

"What if yours does first?" She smirked back.

"It's like Bali, but 1,000 times better because Hanako is here!" Futaba hooted and hollered.

"A beach trip, huh?" Ren cracked his neck. "Well, it's time to get a tan!"

"Ohhh. Make sure to put on plenty of lotion!" Ann giggled.

"Yeah, Ann." Shiho poked her already tanned shoulder.

"Ow!"

"You should have Sumire help you out." Sakiya winked.

"Wha-"

"Great idea!" Ren walked onto the sand and set up his towel and umbrella. "Let's make a deal, Sumire. If you apply the lotion on me, I'll do the same for you."

"I-Uh-I…" Sumire's face burned red.

"You wouldn't want me getting burned, would you?" He grinned.

"Fine!"

"Guess we have to change first though…"

The group went to change, meeting up shortly after. Everyone wore swimsuits that were identical to those in Bali. Meanwhile…

"Oh my go-"

Ren caught Futaba by the arm as Hanako stepped out of the changing room, wearing a purple one-piece swimsuit with white frills.

"I can rest in peace now…"

'Futaba!" Hanako excitedly ran up to her, taking in the sight of her girlfriend in a white two-piece swimsuit with blue stars and a red outline. "You look so cute!"

"Hominahominahomina…" Futaba's eyes followed the bounce. It was dizzying.

"Let's swim together!"

"Uh… yeah!" Hanako took Futaba by the hand and frollicked toward the open ocean. The cool sensation that hit their feet as they stepped in shot up through their bodies.

"It's cold!" Futaba cried.

"We'll warm up, don't worry!"

"I am not going below waist-level!" Futaba stopped Hanako from pulling her in deeper. "I know you don't need your glasses when you're focused, but I'm as blind as Sumire without mine! And dang, she is blind!"

"Okay!" Hanako giggled. "You won't get to see my underwater performance, though! I have a lot of special moves I can only do… underwater!"

"Ren!" Futaba turned around and saw Sumire aggressively applying lotion onto Ren's bad, as red-faced as ever. "Oh… Uh… Sakiya!"

"Yes?" Sakiya waded up to her.

"Hold my glasses. And my sake."

"You don't have any sake."

"I'm trying to be cool!" Futaba handed Sakiya her glasses and proceeded deeper into the water. Blind as she was, Hanako showed her a wonderful performance under the water, using the water pressure to her advantage. Everything went smoothly until Futaba got so shocked she gulped down seawater. Everything after that was a blur, until she woke up with Hanako clinging to her.

"Wha-"

"You're awake!" Hanako cried. "I had to give you CPR!"

"Ugh… Thank god it was you and not Inari…"

"Now's not the time for jokes, Futaba!"

"Wait… What happened?"

"You gulped down seawater, cramped your foot, and had to be dragged back to shore by Ren and Hanako." Sakiya pointed out toward the ocean.

"Oh…"

"Well, these things happen." She shrugged.

"I'm so glad you're okay!" Hanako tightened her grip around her.

"Sorry, Hanako…"

"I'm not going to let you go once we step into the water again, okay?"

"Sounds good…"

Despite the close call, there were plenty of other reasons Hanako found that to be her favorite trip. The fact that Futaba loved Hanako enough to place so much faith in her gave her heart palpitations. Not only that, but Futaba eventually asked Hanako about her body, which she had been insecure about for a very long time. It was just any other night, a few minutes after they finished watching a show together, lying on Futaba's bed.

"Hanako. Can I ask you something?"

"What is it, Futaba?"

"So, um… Do you not like to show your body? You've never changed in front of me and stuff… I dunno how to explain it. I've always been scared to ask."

"You don't need to be scared, Futaba." Hanako closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "You're right, though. I always felt like my body never fit that of a real rhythmic gymnast. It makes me sad when I look in the mirror and don't see a petite woman…"

"Oh… um… Well I like it. Your, um, body." Futaba gulped, blushing a deep red. "P-Petite or not, I still love you."

At that moment, Hanako felt good about her own body for the first time in her life. It wasn't something she needed to be ashamed of. Instead, it was something she could be proud of.

"Thank you so much, Futaba." Hanako pulled her in for a hug. "That makes me happy. So, so happy."

As more time passed, Hanako realized that both Futaba and Murakami loved her more than her parents ever would. Once, that was something she was ashamed to think. Now, it was something she prided herself in.


In late September, classes resumed with the gang starting their sixth semester at UTokyo. By now, they had started studying for classes pertaining to their chosen major, and some for their minor. Sakiya, Sumire and Hanako practiced as much as ever, with Sumire practicing starting to practice with Hanako every single day of the week as the World Championships approached.

Hanako's practice sessions during this period were gruelling and difficult. As kind as she was, her instructions were precise and demanding.

"Hanako-senpai…" Sumire took several deep breaths after finishing her first routine. "You're amazing…"

"I've studied rhythmic gymnastics since I was four!" Hanako giggled. "I know this is difficult, but you want to dance for Ren-kun, right?"

A fierceness and determination burned in Sumire's eyes, a look that rivaled Ren's when he faced down Yaldabaoth.

"Of course! Please, continue instructing me!"

"Okay! Just tell me if it starts to hurt!"

"Don't worry." Sumire shook her head. "No matter how much it hurts, I'm going to keep training. Ren isn't always there to massage me, especially when I perform abroad, but I want to do this."

"Oh, so that's your secret! Massages are really nice for relaxing the different muscle groups! I believe in you, Sumire-chan! Just don't overwork yourself!"

"Thank you, Hanako-senpai! I won't!"

Sumire stepped back onto the mat and picked up her ball. Hanako showed her several extremely hard difficulties, calling them "special moves." She equated many rhythmic gymnastics terms to shonen battle shows, which actually helped Sumire a lot. It was much easier to understand a special move called by a flashy name than it was to understand a series of precise instructions. By remembering the name, she remembered what to do to pull off the difficulty.

When it came to execution, Hanako judged her harshly but fairly, just like Hiraguchi. More often than not, Sumire often ended up losing three points or more.

"Remember, Sumire-chan, execution isn't actually tied to difficulty! It's all about your technical and aesthetic perfection with the apparatus!"

"Right!" Sumire felt sweat drip down her forehead, but she never stopped moving. Later in the night, Hanako texted Ren about how fierce she looked while she practiced, gritting her teeth and moving like a superhero. Sumire came home exhausted, every muscle in her body aching beyond belief.

That night, Ren was sure to give her the best massage yet, but she wondered how long she could keep going with this training, especially when she considered the fact that Ren wouldn't always be available.

There was one thing she was sure of, and that was her resolve.

She didn't want to stop, no matter what.


Late October

Time passed quickly for Sumire, whose schedule consisted of classes, practicing, more practicing, homework, sleep, maybe, and more practice. She was exhausted, but she knew she had improved exponentially. Futaba texted her frequently about the fans she had garnered in the international rhythmic gymnastics scene, but she only cared to know Ren was cheering her on. Of course, she wanted everyone else to watch. In a few years, she planned to steal all their hearts, anyway.

On the night of the 24th, Sumire packed her bags and prepared to go to the hotel where she would stay over the duration of the World Championship. Much to her surprise, Ren joined her as she stepped out the door.

"Never saw me coming, huh?" He kissed her on the cheek.

"Ren?" Her eyes widened. "Don't you have work? What about classes?"

"Does any of that sound nearly as important as watching my girlfriend perform in the World Championships? Don't answer that. It's no."

"But…"

"No buts." Ren placed a finger on her lips. "Trust me. I've got myself covered."

Sumire felt a massive smile grow on her face as a rush of excitement ran through her body.

"Ren!" She jumped at him and wrapped her arms around him. "Thank you!"

"I missed so many World Cups. I have to make it up to you somehow."

"I can finally show you how much I've improved!" Her eyes sparkled. "Live!"

"In the flesh."

"I'm coming too!" Morgana popped his head out of Ren's bag.

"Of course, Morgana-senpai!"

"Wait, I have to tell Coach Hiraguchi I don't need a ride!" Sumire pulled out her phone.

"Already covered." Ren winked.

"Wha- How?"

"You're talking to the leader of the Phantom Thieves as well as its original, best member." Ren pointed at Morgana. "We still have some tricks up our sleeves, or in our collars. You get it."

"I really didn't see it coming…"

"Hehe. Let's go."

Ren drove with Sumire to Kitakyushu, where they met with Sakiya, Hanako and the coaches at their hotel. On the 26th, they began competing in the qualifiers. They saw many familiar faces, including Linoy Ashram, Aleksandra Soldatova, Anastasiia Salos, Ekaterina Selezneva, and Vlada Nikolchenko. The first four days consisted of the qualifiers, which passed quickly. The finals for the apparati happened on the second and fourth day, with two occurring each time. Linoy Ashram placed first in the qualifiers, Hanako placed second, and, to the surprise of everyone, Sakiya placed third. Sumire placed fourth in the qualifiers, but due to the rules that only two representatives per nation could represent a country in the finals, Sumire was barred from participating in both the individual apparatus finals, and the All-Around finals.

At the end of the day, FIG officials announced qualifiers for the All-Around Finals as well as the top three teams. The top six competitors showcased the medals they had won so far. Hanako held up one silver, for the ball, two bronzes for the ribbon and clubs, and one gold, for the hoop. Sakiya held up one bronze medal, for the ball, one gold medal, for the clubs, and one silver medal, for the ribbon.

Sumire still won a gold medal despite not participating in the finals, with the Japanese team being awarded first place in the team competition. The three Japanese gymnasts hugged and cheered, and for the second time today, Sakiya got to sing the Japanese National Anthem. She sang in unison with Sumire and Hanako, who all radiated like the morning sun.


That night, Sumire laid down next to Ren on their hotel bed with a smile on her face.

"You're… smiling?" Ren raised his eyebrow. "You didn't make it into any finals at all… And you can't even participate in the All-Around finals."

"I didn't, no, and I can't." Sumire reached her hand over and touched his chest. "But that's okay. All it means is that I need to practice harder, so I can surpass Hanako-senpai and Sakiya. I'm not going to cry. I don't even feel the urge to, actually. A few years ago, I would have been clinging to you, bawling my eyes out about how I lost. I was so selfish…"

"But you're not anymore?" He grabbed her hand and smirked.

"Oh, I still am, but that's a different kind of selfish, reserved just for you."

"Phew… You had me worried for a second. Still, you really have changed a lot, Sumire. It makes me so happy."

"It's all thanks to you, Ren. You kept pushing me to be better. Honestly, I've been running out of things to tell Kasumi when I visit. Every month, I tell her how I'm focused on improving, and about how much I've improved. I know she's proud of me, no matter what I have to say. She's always willing to listen to me, too."

"Yeah… I know she is. If you're satisfied with what happened, then I am too." Ren pushed himself closer to her. "Besides, this just means you'll make a bigger impact next year, right?"

"Yes!"

Ren wrapped his hand around the back of her head and pulled her in for a kiss.

"Till next year, then. Let's support Sakiya and Hanako."

"Right!"


On the fifth day, Ren and Sumire watched the All-Around finals with Futaba and Ryuji live. Hanako's form hadn't changed much since the Olympics, but that was a good thing. She placed second in the All-Around finals, taking home the silver. Sakiya's performances were more bombastic than ever. Despite practicing on her own, she had done nothing but improve on what she did best, which was push the rules to the limits. In the time that Hanako informed them about the new scoring system, Sakiya had altered her performances to tell stories of what Sumire interpreted as human struggle through time. It emanated tales of war, struggle, but most of all, hope. As daring as her difficulties were, she always sent a final message that there was hope. Ren believed them nothing short of inspirational. The judges thought so, too, and Sakiya placed third in the All-Around finals, taking home the bronze. Linoy Ashram placed first, winning the gold and cheers of her fans.

A few nights after the finals, Sumire resumed her practice sessions with Hanako.

"Congratulations once again, Hanako-senpai!" Sumire bowed.

"Thank you, Sumire-chan!" Hanako gripped the medal around her neck. "I'm happy that I could continue showing everyone how much I loved gymnastics."

"I want to do the same!"

"I know! That's why I'm going to work even harder to help train you!"

"Really?"

"Yes! You've only scratched the surface of Hanako Natsuki's Super-Duper Training Program! Just know, it's going to be very difficult! You might cry and end up with a few injuries, but it's nothing career-ending!"

"I'll do it!" Sumire bowed again, speaking with complete determination. "I want to be one of the top three finalists in the 2022 World Championship!"

"Understood!" Hanako held up her hands in two peace signs. "We'll start now!"


November 3rd, Night

"We did it!" Sakiya held up her medals, which reflected in her eyes. "Holy shit, Ryuji! Look at these!" She held up one bronze, two silver, and one gold medal.

"I know!" Ryuji picked her up and spun her around. "Man… Waiting all day to celebrate sucked!"

"That's just the way it is!" Sakiya laughed. "We don't even have time to celebrate! Do you know how much course work we have?"

"I don't wanna know!"

"Too bad!" Sakiya roared in laughter. "This silver medal is the first step. Next year, I'm going to win the gold in the All-Around Finals for sure!"

"Damn right!" Ryuji pumped his fist.

"But… In order to do that, we need to pass all our classes!"

"Damn it!"

"I've got to catch up on my work, and then I have to get right back to training. For us rhythmic gymnasts, rest is a thing of the past!"

"Yea- Wait. I don't want you to overdo it, alright, Sakiya?" Ryuji grabbed her by the shoulder.

"Don't worry, Ryuji. I know my own limits better than anyone. I just like to push them."

"Uh-huh."

"I am, however, happy that you're cornered about me." Sakiya pulled him in for a kiss. "Knowing that you've got my back makes this so much more rewarding."

"'Course!"

"I'm going to be relentless in my training, all right?"

"I know!"
"Are you going to be able to keep up with me?"

"Absolutely!"

"Good! You better watch out then, 2022! We're coming for you!"