Chapter 8: Why Not One More?

"Kotori, this dress is looking so cool!" Honoka was as tasteless with her compliments as she was with her style of fashion. At least that's what Kotori thought as she fitted the dress to the other's form.

"Cool?"

Kotori felt that her design needed more than just cheap words. Biting back an insult to prevent another awkward silence to befall them again, Kotori added, "At least try to be more constructive with your words," She applied pins where she thought needed fixing.

The dress was long and flowing from the ends as well as the sleeves. She made sure to make it tight around the ginger's hips though. The overall lavender colors clashed a bit with Honoka's natural ginger hair, but Kotori had planned a wig to be worn with the outfit, so it was alright. The biggest appeal would be her eyes, but Kotori wouldn't tell her such a small detail.

"Hmm," Honoka thought as Kotori stuck a needle too deep into her left leg. Knowing she hit too deep, Kotori took back the needle and looked up to see if the ginger was hurt.

"Sorry," Kotori stepped back, but Honoka hadn't noticed. A confusing thing, but Kotori figured that Honoka had a large pain tolerance.

"This dress is sure to win!" Honoka continued on, while admiring her reflection from the body mirror in front of her, "Because it's… suffistacated."

"Sophisticated," Kotori corrected her pronunciation. She quickly went to put away the threads and pins before she decided to modify the dress anymore and keep the ginger longer in her space.

"That's what I said. It's really beautiful."

"Thanks," Kotori finished up. The sound of her case closing with a click told Honoka that they were done with the revisions, "Alright you can change back into your uniform now," Kotori made a few notes on her sketchbook for her future self.

"Alright," Honoka cheered. The dress might have been wonderful, but it wasn't worth staying into for too long.

Bouncing off the stool, Honoka picked up as much of the dress in her hands as possible and wobbled to the changing room. They were currently in the second year's fashion studio. Kotori winced at the lack of awareness Honoka had for her dress, but chose to say nothing as Honoka began to change. Instead Kotori went to the shelves of material and began choosing yarn and extra sparkles to add to the alterations.

"The competition is next week," Kotori reminded her, "Make sure you practice your catwalk. The models ability to deliver the dress is what's going to sell and I don't need your talentless feet ruining this for me."

More words that she chose to ignore, Honoka popped out from the changing room, "Umm if it's not too much to ask can you help me get out of it?" The dress was too tightly placed around her waist to wiggle out of it alone.

Kotori paused. A yarn in hand, she turned to see Honoka waiting for her, "Uh," She definitely should say yes, "Right," she placed down the items in her hands and shuffled to her. Kotori felt extremely nervous.

This would be the first time she would see Honoka half naked.

This would be the first time she would see how hurt she had left the other. That is if she did leave a scar somewhere noticeable.

Sensing her hesitation, Honoka thought about trying again by herself. But before she could say anything, another student knocked on the classroom door. A third year popped her presence into existence, "No worries, I can help her," She was eager to make herself useful.

Honoka clung to the changing room's door with a death grip and Kotori sprinted in front of the other, "Stop! I don't want anyone seeing my dress before the fashion show," Kotori was very cunning.

In her random act to protect her secret, Kotori didn't dare get a good look at the third year invading her time. Kotori inhaled sharply once she realized who had entered.

"Oh keeping an eye on the competition," The third year laughed, "No worries I understand," she acted a bit disappointed that she didn't get to see the ginger naked. Though she quickly settled for civil conversation.

Kotori blinked. A bit irritated that the third year was acting as if she had never met her, "Can I help you with anything else?" Kotori forcefully smiled.

It was rare for a third year to come venturing into the second year's studio.

Though not unusual to find Nozomi Tojo looking for another woman to add to her arms.

"Don't mind me. I was just snooping around the competition," The third year was definitely acting innocently, "But I respect your need for privacy, Miss?" That was all Kotori could think of as she bit down any malice words.

A deep part of Kotori told her that something was wrong, "Kotori Minami," she shook the extended hand playing dumb, "I'm the designer and the first year getting dressed is Honoka Kousaka, my model."

Nozomi's face lit up at the mention of Honoka. Maneuvering passed Kotori, Nozomi went to greet the other behind the door, "Nozomi Tojo, third year and also a participating model," She enthusiastically sang from her side of the door, but Honoka kept to herself.

Honoka didn't know what to do or say as her hands clamped down on the lock in panic. As if the third year could open her door with some magical powers no one knew she possessed.

Surprised by the lack of response, Nozomi pretended to fix her bangs to divert any hurt pride, "I guess this makes you my rival on stage."

"I don't mean to be rude, but can you leave if you don't have anything else to do here," Kotori chased her away. She was unafraid of the other's statues, "I don't want you to get any ideas before the show," It was easy to avoid any harmful damage when she had a valid excuse.

"Then I'll be off," Nozomi waved at the two, not minding that this was her loss, "Until we meet again as models, Miss Kousaka," she blew a kiss before taking her leave.

Kotori wasted no time. She went quickly to help undress the ginger who finally re-emerged when the coast was clear, "Let's get you changed before that casanova comes back."

"She said her name was Nozomi Tojo," Honoka was quickly undressed.

Kotori didn't even bother taking a look anywhere but the zipper. She removed the ginger's top before declaring she had done enough and left the ginger to change alone. Her mind was brewing in rage at the third year's actions, "Just forget about her!" Kotori stomped.

Honoka continued behind the door, "Isn't she an heir or something? Shouldn't you have tried to talk to her more?" Honoka didn't know Kotori. Nor did she know if Kotori was interested in anything, but her fashion. Though she did learn one thing from Maki, which was that everyone is always trying to raise their statues.

"If you have any more cells in your brain, you would know it's pointless with that ape," Kotori was just mad. She wanted her dress back and the clueless ginger out of the way, "All that pile of fat knows what to do is feed you lies and move her hips."

"Woah," Honoka hadn't been around Kotori long enough, but even she knew this felt different, "Why do I get the feeling something happened?" Wrong move.

Kotori gasped in shock and rage, "Nothing could ever happen between me and that cow!" She couldn't even believe Honoka had mentioned such an idea, "The only reason I tolerate her is because she somehow managed to be best friends with Eli Ayase."

"Oh?" Honoka felt a bit adventurous, "Is that the lady you're trying to aim for?"

Kotori gave a big fake laugh, "You don't get it. I have admired Eli Ayase since I was a young girl. She is smart, athletic, and from a very influential family. Eli Ayase is my ideal partner in both statues and beauty!" Kotori was fangirling, "I would do anything to be in her field of vision."

Honoka had just finished putting on her uniform, "Anything?"

"Anything," Kotori hummed in satisfaction, "Anything, but talk to Miss Tojo for more than I have to," She had tried that once and it had landed in her humiliation. A small fact Honoka had no right to know, "Now if you don't mind, get out."

…

Honoka was making her journey to the library. With her school bag in hand and her phone in the other, Honoka responded to her text messages. The first one being a confirmation that Kotori had the right number.

After their fateful meeting with Nozomi Tojo, Kotori had given Honoka her number to be safe. Kotori warned her that if Miss Tojo would ever meet her or talk to her that she had to report those things to her immediately. Apparently she had a nasty history of messing around with girls before destroying them afterwards. Whatever that meant, Honoka didn't really care.

After Kotori, Honoka messaged Maki saying she would be there in ten minutes. They had agreed to do homework together as they had an exam for math on wednesday. It was one of those things that they were starting to do together. Maki responded quickly, telling her that the library was empty and to hurry there.

With a smile on her lips, she gave a gif of a cat running. Before she could put her phone away, Honoka received a message from another added contact. Hanayo had asked if she could bring Rin to the fashion show seeing as Hanayo had VIP seats. Honoka gave the ok, saying she would talk to Kotori, but that she had nothing to worry about. It was cute, but Honoka and Hanayo had begun to text each other at least a couple of times each week. It had taken them some time to get past the awkwardness of their date, but they managed to patch things up more formally weeks after those events. Hanayo had agreed to stay friends and also promised to keep Rin in line. Honoka welcomed the friendship.

Finally responding to everyone, Honoka put her phone away and started her walk to the library. For the start of her first year, Honoka was doing pretty good for herself. Though it did bug her how she should have been a second year. Honoka figured this just meant she would be twice as smart. Too bad life didn't work out so easily.

Walking up the stairs to the grand library entrance, Honoka took a break here and there due to the upward motion. Once she had arrived on the top step, she texted Maki that she was there.

"Good evening Miss Kousaka," Honoka turned to see Umi Sonoda walking up the steps behind her, "Planning to study?"

"Oh yeah," Honoka was still nervous around the second year, but with time it had become more controlled, "Are you planning on studying too?"

"Yes," Umi didn't have any of her sporting equipment on her, which was a first time to see, "Would you like to join me?"

"I'm actually meeting a friend here," Honoka pointed at the entrance as if Maki would appear.

"Oh? Is this Miss Nishikino you're always mentioning?" Umi teased. Watching Honoka blush in embarrassment had cheered up the bluenette's tired mood.

"I don't always talk about her, do I?" Honoka was starting to question herself.

"Why don't I join you?" Umi offered a change in topic, "I can help you both. After all, I did get perfect scores in all my classes when I was a first year."

"Alright," Honoka thought that maybe Maki would appreciate actual help, "The more the merrier!" The ginger led the way as they both scanned their ID's on the entrance door.

It took them a while, but they eventually found Maki's table. She had chosen a spot located on the first floor of the library. It was near the back of the building near the small cafe and close to the large windows.

Just as Maki had texted there was no one else around them. It was basic knowledge that students preferred the higher floors due to the buildings design. Meaning that the higher you went the more quieter it got.

Arriving, they found Maki scribbling down some notes for a problem she was in the process of solving. Sensing the ginger, Maki began, "Took you long enough. I was beginning to think you ran off on me," She playfully said. Gazing up she was surprised to find Umi Sonoda, "Eh?!," leaping to a stance, Maki continued, "I'm so sorry," She gave a small bow, "I wouldn't have spoken so informal if I had known you would be here."

Umi waved her hand to let the other settle down, "Relax. I come in peace," she giggled at her own silliness, "No need to be so formal. Right now just think of me as Miss Kousaka's friend."

Friend? Maki was surprised to hear that, "Oh…" she looked worriedly towards the ginger.

"I brought help," Honoka tried to ease the sudden surprise, "You're always saying that I'm no good when it comes to history, science, and math…" That definitely didn't sound good for Honoka to say in front of the second year, "So I thought Miss Sonoda could help us," She advertised.

"Let's not waste anymore time," Umi picked her seat fairly quickly around the rectangular table. Taking the seat directly in front of Maki, "The library won't stay open forever and we need to get our work done beforehand," She began to take out her own books.

The first years did as they were told. Honoka took a seat next to Maki and the redhead went back to work. This time their study time was a bit awkward with the surprise guest, but they made it work. After some time, everyone had gone into their own study groove.

"Honoka what did you get for question number 34?" Maki focused on the more recent math lesson as she didn't quite understand the teacher's explanation.

The redhead was satisfied in seeing Honoka scanning the problems right in front of her. It seemed even with the extra presence, they both seem to function as if they were alone. Leaning in to see what Honoka had come up with, the ginger was panicking.

Honoka didn't want Maki to see her flimsy work.

"You're on number 34," Honoka winced as she looked at the questions she had skipped over and the few that she had actually done, "Ummm I haven't gotten anything for it yet."

"You're kidding me," Maki shook her head, "We've been sitting here for an hour. What exactly have you done?" She picked up Honoka's work. Honoka grumbled as Maki skimmed her notes and finally the remainder of her math homework, "Honoka you barely have anything!"

"I'm getting to them!" Honoka took back her embarrassment, "It's hard."

"What am I going to do with you," Maki stated with false disappointment. She figured this was how it was going to turn out, so she had prepared ahead of time. Maki had made flashnotes on the topics sure to be on the test.

"Let me see," Before Maki could flex her prep work on the ginger, Miss Sonoda had taken the reins, "Miss Nishikino your answer is correct," Miss Sonda had taken it upon herself to check their answers, "Don't worry about Miss Kousaka," She encouraged her to continue her studies, "I will assist her."

Just as she promised, Miss Sonoda did. She grabbed a chair and moved it beside the ginger. Umi wasted no time in starting all the way at the beginning for Honoka to understand. This was new. Maki sat in her seat a bit disappointed that she had wasted good flashcards.

A bit moody, Maki went back to work. As if sensing something was wrong, Honoka thanked her for whatever help she would have given her. Maki waved it off and they went back to work.

On the large library floor, Umi and Honoka mostly whispered. Maki could still hear a bit of the other's conversation if she strained her ears to focus. Honoka was definitely learning and Umi was definitely teaching. Maki peered over. Miss Sonoda was absolutely too close, Maki rolled her eyes. If she wanted to be that close, Umi should have asked Honoka to sit on her lap. Catching the bluenette's eyes, Maki smiled before returning to her homework.

"I have to use the restroom," Honoka told the group, "I'll be right back."

Once she was gone, Umi leaned in a bit to address Maki, "Fun roommate you have here," She started casual conversation.

This caught Maki off guard, "She is," she watched as Umi hummed in agreement.

"Ashamed she didn't score higher on her evaluation exam."

Maki stopped, "What?"

"I'm surprised you get any studying done if you're always helping her with her own work," Umi was reading her own book. Using the time to prepare for the next section that would be covered in tomorrow's lesson.

"It helps me study too," Maki didn't know if she had heard right, but she let it go, "Honoka tends to learn fast. We honestly didn't need your help."

Umi looked up at her with a blank stare, "I can see she has begun to rub off on you Miss Nishikino," She commented on the causal language, "I would be careful with who you use that kind of language with," She teased the redhead, "You might offend someone."

"My apologies," Maki had been living with Honoka long enough to forget how normal worked around here, "I didn't mean to sound disrespectful," This was a bad idea. She knew getting an upperclassman to join them was going to be the end for her, but Honoka couldn't have known.

"Relax," Umi went back to studying her section, "I didn't mean to demand your respect," She watched the redhead in her seat, "I'm a believer of earning admiration rather than forcing it out from others."

Maki didn't know if this was a trap.

"I can see now why you're Miss Kousaka's acquaintance,"Maki Nishikino placed down the boundary line, "I hope we can get along for Miss Kousaka's sake."

"I agree," Umi thought it was a bit funny how formal Miss Nishikino had become, "Though I like to believe I'm more than just an acquaintance. I'm more like a trustworthy friend."

Maki would have snorted if she didn't know better, "Helping her study once doesn't immediately make you someone's friend," she corrected. It must have been her drying patients, but the topic of choice was making her more bold.

"Nor does being her roommate" Umi placed a side note on a problem to ask her professor later, "So why don't we both enjoy Miss Kousaka company while we can."

Maki bit back her tongue. She had most certainly earned being Honoka's best friend! After all the things they had been through and the secrets shared between them, Honoka practically belonged to her.

"What's wrong Miss Nishikino?" Umi smiled daringly at her, "Have something to say?"

"Nothing," She returned to her studies. Maki wouldn't say anything. She would let her actions speak for her.

Umi did her best to hold back a laugh. It really was fun teasing the lowerclassmen.

…

"That was too much!" Honoka sighed as they left the library together, "My brain needs food," She complained to Maki.

"We can pick something up in the cafeteria before they close for the night," Maki let Honoka cling to her arm as they walked down the stairs.

"Are you guys going to have dinner now?" Umi checked her wrist watch, "I would have liked to join you, but I have some private business to attend to."

"That's too bad," Maki was being sarcastic. A new tone Umi picked up on quickly.

"Maybe you can join us next time," Honoka had enjoyed their study time together. She especially felt great about math thanks to the bluenette's expert tutoring.

"Here," Umi pulled out her phone, "If you give me your number, I can message you when I'm free, so we can meet up again," She felt a bit shy asking so directly, but nothing hit just right when Maki frowned.

"Sure!" Honoka exchanged numbers, "It was nice studying together," She reconfirmed, "I hope we can get together again soon."

"I'm looking forward to it," She paused looking at Maki. The redhead waited for her to ask for her number as well so she could reject her, but Umi was smarter. Instead Umi waved at Maki, "I'll be seeing you two later," She excused herself, "Bye Honoka."

Maki was left speechless. Her tongue wanted to say something offensive, yet her brain went blank. Meanwhile, Honoka gasped with joy, "Miss Sonoda said my name!"

"I figured we could drop the formality."

"So I can call you Umi," Honoka wondered and the bluenette nodded. Giving a small gleeful cheer, Honoka was overjoyed, "Lets meet up soon, Umi."

"Yeah."

"Come on," Maki ushered ready to lecture Honoka later about having Umi Sonoda too close, "Let's get you fed."

"Lets eat a large stuffed three topping pizza," Honoka went on as they began their walk to the cafeteria. Maki shook her head. Her arm extended to offer her assistance and Honoka took it as they walked together arm in arm once more.

"Pizza? You're joking right?" Maki was all smiles. Taking a moment to glance behind them to smirk at the bluenette before they disappeared behind the hedge corner.

Umi was overjoyed at the new dynamic between her and her juniors. In fact, she couldn't wait to meet up with them again. Umi giggled. All silliness aside, the bluenette was very serious about being busy.

She had late night lessons to attend. There were no breaks for the young Sonoda.

A/N: Thank you for supporting my works!