40: For Our Memories
I do not recall from when these feelings began to manifest within my heart. It's strange, isn't it. After all, I was the one most opposed to the thought of allowing boys to partake in our new International Program. It's unbelievable.
Well, to make things clear, I'll take things back to the start.
I remember the first day Derrick-senpai came to visit our club, back in the winter months. He was a normal boy, and by saying such, I mean, he was scum. Dirt. Clearly, from the moment I saw him- his cheesy grin and overly expectant eyes- I knew what he was doing coming to the Idol Club. After all, what other motives would a teenage boy have for joining a group of beautiful idol girls?
But of course, I couldn't reject him outright. As the Student Council President, it was my duty to present our school's name in a proper fashion. Was not the whole aim of the International Program to encourage "cross-cultural dialogue and understanding"? And the move to accept males… could be attributed to a need for open-mindedness and equality. But I disagree with that point. Nothing good is going to come from the addition of a few hormone-crazed boys rampant at a girls' school.
He didn't leave the club. Why didn't he leave? Of course he wouldn't. I was hoping he would, but then it seemed that he was here to stay. After all, he really made it obvious that he was pursuing Ayumu-chan.
What I had feared the most was becoming a reality. But I couldn't just go up to him and kick him out. After all, there were no rules saying that I could kick someone out based on their gender. And he didn't perform any… misconduct either. So what could I do?
Besides, our Christmas performance was coming up, so we were all focused on that. I didn't want to kill the mood, especially because Derrick seemed to be getting along with Ayumu and Yu.
After all, was it not my controlling attitude that caused the dissolution of our club in the past? Yes, I know, I wanted to win Love Live. But being blinded by my dream, I ended up hurting my friends. I didn't want that to happen again. So I put on a fake smile and accepted Derrick as a member of our club.
The weeks passed, and after our training camp, some sort of drama happened between Ayumu, Yu, and Derrick. They had a falling out, and- well, I thought it was my job as the leader to resolve it. I was also paired up with Derrick for our final project, so I called him to go to Akiba with me. I could tell immediately that he was feeling down.
I don't know if it was the mood of the day or just my weak heart, but I realized then… that maybe… boys aren't all bad people.
Yeah, he might've been making moves on my friends, but… that was just his heart, right? Could he really control that? And maybe it wasn't all his fault. Because Ayumu and Yu both seemed pretty into him as well. Though I don't know what type of girl would be into him… it's like a harem anime! Anyway, I felt that… since Derrick joined our club, we had a new drive within our club. As if our motivation had been stagnating, and that maybe, his addition was the catalyst for a final push. A final fight for first place.
So I did something so embarrassing- I brought him to my favorite spot overlooking the bay, and sang a song for him. "Chase", was it?
I don't think my encouragement really helped him, as he quit the club soon after. His school resignation letter came soon after. I saw this as the perfect outcome. He was leaving, finally! Of his own accord!
Or that's what I would've thought a few months before.
What would happen if he left now?
For Ayumu and Yu… wouldn't they be sad?
Then again, they were in the middle of a really big fight… would things ever be the same?
There was no time to think, as our first competition was coming up. So I stuffed his resignation papers in my bag and headed to the venue, thinking that I would resolve it later, through a discussion with the girls.
But, unexpectedly, Derrick came rushing over, cheering us on at the performance. Afterwards, we were all outside, and the three made up in tears.
Seeing that, I was touched. Maybe there really was something different between a normal friendship and the friendship between a boy and a girl.
I approached Derrick and held out his papers- tearing them in half.
To my surprise, he cried and said, "I was hoping you would do that".
From then on, I felt as if I had saved him. I always thought that saving your enemies was something shameful. But was he really an enemy? It felt… satisfying. That I helped him through his dark times…
I don't know why, but my desire to win Love Live grew tenfold. If I could use my music to help more people through their dark times, people from all around the world… wouldn't that be great?
From then on, Derrick was a valuable part of our family. All thought of Derrick leaving was incomprehensible. What was I even thinking back then? He's such a sweet person. And he changed me too. I had to win Love Live, not only for myself, not only for the world, but for him- because, due to his presence, I felt my world begin to transform.
As if all the colors of the rainbow began to overflow, giving color to my gray world.
Together, we would make it through. Together, we would win Love Live.
But we didn't.
I thought that everything was for naught.
But he gave me hope.
I will never forget that night, when I was in the darkest hour, when he reached out and saved me. It was pretty ironic. I was supposed to be the one helping others, yet now, I was the one being helped.
I want to do everything I can to repay him. Really.
Getting all the other girls to help me ask senpai to watch the fireworks together at the amusement park was such a scary experience… but surprisingly, they all seemed so eager to help. Especially Yu-chan. I had thought she would've been angry, because was she not the one closest to senpai? But she told me everything. She told me about how she didn't want to get too close- because he had to leave in the end. She said that he was free for the taking.
But don't worry, I wasn't planning to "take" him or anything. I just want to thank him….
That's why I decided to set up a special cultural festival for all the international students.
I'm so glad he decided to join the planning committee. Part of me knew he would.
But- just yesterday, when we went to Akiba…
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
I slammed my diary shut and rolled around on my bed, covering my face with my pillow.
I actually kissed him!
How am I going to show my face in front of him at school!?
He probably got creeped out by me. UGH!
The things we did yesterday kept coming back to me: hanging out at the maid cafe, the arcade, shopping, eating ramen, going to karaoke… and the train ride home…
I shook my head. Get a hold of yourself, Setsuna! You're the President!
In determination, I got out of bed and changed into my uniform.
I tugged the top of my skirt upwards, making it shorter than usual. Will Derrick like that?
Ughhh, no! Just the thought of that made me blush. I yanked my skirt back down, so that it was longer than usual.
I got my bag ready and put in the next few volumes of the manga I was letting him borrow.
Taking a deep breath, I headed out the door.
"Pssst! Look at the President! She's so pretty," I heard some girls whisper as I walked down the hallway.
"Is she really… Setsuna!?"
I had given up on the glasses and braids act, and I was headed for class looking like the real me.
I know, it's causing a widespread commotion, but… I don't care anymore.
I stopped by the international classroom on my way. It stood out like a sore thumb- you could hear the mass of English and some other languages blasting out from the door. I hope senpai isn't late for class…
Stepping in, the students were busy chatting and jumping around on their desks. Emma was laughing animatedly with Kenny when she turned and waved to me.
"Oh! Setsuna-chan!"
"Morning, Emma-senpai!" I replied, waving. Wow, since when did she get so close to that Kenny guy… that's kinda weird…. I shook my head, remembering when he touched me inappropriately in an attempt to demonstrate his weird American dance. Then again, I touched Derrick senpai…
I felt my face burn up thinking about our little Pocky game. I actually touched it….
"S-Setsuna-chan? M-morning!" Derrick said, approaching from behind as he had just entered the classroom.
"Oh! Senpai!" No, no! My heart is beating so fast…. Does he think I'm a creep now!?
Derrick stood there, awkwardly scratching his neck.
"D-did you need something?" he asked.
"N-no!"
Come on, just do it! Stop being such a scaredy-cat! I unzipped my bag and pulled out the manga.
"Here, senpai! Your next two volumes of manga!" I handed them to him, and he received them with eyes wide open. Everyone in the class stopped and stared at us.
"Th-thanks," Derrick replied, chuckling. "But… don't you always give them to me at club? Didn't you say… that you didn't want anyone to find out?"
At this point, my face was lava, and the eyes of everyone boring into my back was not helping. But so what!?
"That's fine, senpai," I replied in my confident President mode. "I don't mind anymore. I want to discuss manga and anime with you all the time. Not just at club. And call me Setsuna as loud as you can. I'm not trying to hide who I am anymore!"
My head was pounding, and I could feel a rush of power overtake my veins, all the while mixed with unbearable nervousness.
"Setsuna…" Emma said, breaking the dead silence that had overtaken the other students.
"Yes, Emma?" I asked.
"I'm so glad…" Emma rubbed her eyes. "You finally found the confidence to be yourself!" She came over and hugged me.
"N-not here!" I said, embarrassed.
"I mean, you had to come clean about it eventually," Derrick said, laughing. "Our entire project is literally clips of you being an idol, buying figurines together, and chilling in Akiba! We have to show that to the whole class! Setsuna-chan, so what if peoples' image of you changes? I don't care. You're always Setsuna to me, and your true side is what I like about you." Derrick suddenly blushed. "Or something like that."
"D-Derrick...senpai…." I didn't know what to say. My heart was pounding. "Oh yeah… speaking of our project… do you want to come over to my house tonight and work on it together!?" I blurted.
Derrick's mouth dropped wide open, and he blushed in that cute way that always made me blush as well.
"S-sure," he replied quietly.
"WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Emma cheered, clapping.
"WHOOHOOO!" Everyone else joined in with a round of applause.
"Let's go, Prez!"
"Wh-what is going on!?" I stammered, backing towards the door.
"Hey, go easy on her tonight, eh?" Kenny grinned, elbowing Derrick. What!?
AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
I ran out the door and down the hallway, covering my face with my hands. That was the most embarrassing thing ever!
But secretly, I was smiling.
"You're late," my teacher said, as I entered the classroom. For the first time ever, I was late for class.
But I guess it was worth it.
"I heard about what happened this morning," Yu said, sitting down next to me at club.
"Yeah! That must have been so embarrassing! But really, Setsuna-chan, you're so brave… I would never have been able to do that," Ayumu said admiringly.
"I'm so nervous…" I looked back at the door to make sure he didn't come yet.
"Did you get to invite him to your house?!" Yu questioned, grinning her classic grin.
"Yep… ahhhh, Yu-chan, what do I do?!" I buried my face in Yu's now-long hair.
The two girls giggled and patted me on the head.
"He's not that scary," Ayumu comforted. "After all, if I could talk to him, you can too!"
"Yeah! Ayumu-chan here even stripped down in front of him," Yu joined in. "You can too!"
"Hey!" Ayumu and I shouted in unison.
"I'm NOT doing that," I said, shaking my head. "But I want to cook dinner for him. He likes ramen, right?"
"Yeah! He also loves custard buns. But I already told you that." Yu tugged my hair. "He also gets super nervous when you 'accidentally' lean in and brush him with your hair."
"Wow, you have so much experience," Ayumu teased.
"What do you mean? You're the one I walked in on without your shirt, making out with him," Yu shot back.
"Stop talking about that! And we never kissed each other on the lips!" Ayumu whined.
"So… where did you kiss him?" Yu said suggestively, raising her eyebrows.
"He kissed me on the nose, that's all, okay!?"
I couldn't tell them what I did to him in the Student Council room….
"Hey girls!" Derrick said, entering the room. Oh no!
"H-hi senpai!" I said, straightening my back. He came over and sat down next to me. I stood up in a panic.
"O-okay, everyone, even though it's a new school year, we don't have time to waste! We're gonna be practicing for Love Live! Because we're gonna win, okay!?" I clapped my hands and we headed off to practice.
"Senpai, could you wait at the school gate for me, please? I need to go to the restroom for a sec," I said to Derrick after practice was over.
"Oh, sure," he replied, turning to leave.
In the restroom, I took out my brush and made some final checkups. Should I use perfume? Makeup? No, I don't think he likes that. Ahhhh what do I do I'm so nervous!
"Setsuna-senpai, you got this!" Shizuku cheered, as she and Kasumi entered with wide grins.
"Yeah! Just create some embarrassing accident, and he'll be all over you," Kasumi suggested. It works all the time!"
"No, I'm NOT gonna be like you," I replied, rolling my eyes.
"I don't think Setsuna-senpai needs to resort to fanservice scenes to impress Derrick," Shizuku said. "She's just too beautiful!"
"What!? What are you suggesting about me!?" Kasumi retorted, angry, and the two began wrestling.
"Thanks for the advice, girls. Alright, Imma head out," I said, taking a deep breath and zipping up my bag.
Shizuku and Kasumi stopped wrestling for a second and gave me their thumbs up.
"Go get 'em!"
Derrick was waiting in the waning afternoon light, clutching his bag tightly.
"Senpai," I said softly, approaching him from behind and putting my hand on his arm.
"S-Setsuna-chan!" he said in surprise.
"Sorry for making you wait…" I looked him in the eye, but I only lasted for a second.
"It's fine. Let's get this project done, alright?" he said, stepping forward.
"Yeah! You know how to use video editing software, right?"
"Yep. Don't worry!"
"Okay! Also, did you like the last two volumes of manga I lent you?" We headed for the station, and our shoulders kept brushing against each other as we walked.
"It was great! But these shoujo manga are so unrealistic. I don't think there are any guys like that, who can be hot AND kind at the same time," Derrick remarked.
"Hahah…. You could say the same for your harem anime," I retorted, smacking his arm.
"What do you mean? I'm living in one right now!" Derrick laughed, putting an arm around me and pulling me against his shoulder.
What is he doing!? I felt my insides go crazy.
"Senpai! Oh, senpai, your jokes are so cheesy, and you're the furthest thing from a husbando, but…" I felt my voice shrink away as he looked me deep in the eyes.
"But what?"
"B-but… I still have so much fun when I'm with you." My voice was a whisper.
"Th-thanks." Derrick released his hold on me. "I have a lot of fun with you too."
"Haha! Yeah, I don't think you've ever screamed 'HAI' as loud as when we went to karaoke last night," I replied, laughing in a futile attempt to dispel the nervous atmosphere between us.
"That's because you're so good at singing! And I had something else I wanted to ask you. When you were getting off the train… Setsuna, you kissed-"
"Hey! Look, it's the ice cream place we went last time! I want to get some now!" I shouted, trying to change the subject. "Let's go!"
Oh, what has this boy done to me?!
I've never felt this feeling before.
I had always thought things would turn out like they did in a shoujo manga.
Who would've thought I'd end up like this?
Oh my gosh, I forgot that my dad was home today. What will he think of Derrick? Last time, he only met my mom… and my mom was out tonight.
"By the way, my dad's home, so try to be really proper, okay?" I said, opening the gate and beckoning senpai in.
"Don't worry, I've got this," he replied, trying to be confident even though I could clearly tell he was not.
"Hello, dad," I said as we entered. I gestured to senpai. "This is Derrick, my friend from school!" Derrick bowed, and my father, a stocky man wearing rectangle glasses, examined him from head to toe.
"Ah, my wife told me about you," he said gruffly. "You're the international student! It's funny how my daughter was talking about how much she was opposing that new program at her school. Now she's got a boy of her own!"
"Dad! Don't say weird things like that!" I protested, nervous.
"Heh heh, she told me that!" Derrick replied. "But don't worry! Your daughter's going to take over your business, right? I think she learned a lot about how to deal with foreigners by hanging out with me! And I taught her some English, too. Though she's already really good at it!"
"Oh! She told you about her future career?" my dad said, happy. "I thought she would have said she wanted to be an idol or something despicable like that. Guess she's accepted reality, eh?" I felt anger burn in my heart. No, that's not how it is. I'm going to do both. Just because I'm taking over the business doesn't mean I'm giving up on my dream!
"No, no, that's not all," Derrick responded. "She's still becoming an idol."
"What do you mean? Nana, what is the meaning of this?" my dad scolded.
"Well…" I didn't want to get into another argument.
"What she's saying, sir, is that she can do both. Setsuna's dream is to help people all around the world. To help them smile and look forward to tomorrow. If she can do that, I don't think there's a problem. Think about it. Yeah, doing some international business can also help people around the world. But I don't think that'll make them smile, right? Being successful doesn't just mean making a lot of money. It's having enough, and having happiness. Right?" Derrick explained passionately. Oh no, please, senpai! Don't fan the fire!
However, my dad just began to laugh.
"I like this guy! Look, kiddo," he said haughtily, "you don't know what you're talking about, but I can tell you really care about my daughter. What can I say? Nana, if what he says is true, then go for it, by all means. You wanna do both, I'm not going to stop you. But just don't come crying when you can't bear it!" my dad put a hand on Derrick's shoulder. "Say, you think my daughter's cute?"
"Wh-what!?" Derrick blurted, flustered. Really, Dad!? "Well, yeah…"
I clutched my bag tightly, embarrassed.
"Ha! I knew it. If that's the case, I'm gonna head out for tonight! You two can have the house to yourselves," my dad said, picking up his keys, briefcase, and headed out the door.
"What!? Dad!?"
My dad turned around and winked. UGHHH!
"Th-that was awkward," Derrick muttered when the two of us were left alone.
"Yeah… I'm so sorry about him…"
"No, it's fine! I just wanted to let him know how you feel."
"Oh and thank you so much for explaining that to him," I said, nudging him with my elbow. "I've stopped bringing that subject up because it always led to an argument. I was so scared when you started saying that stuff to him. But he actually didn't seem angry! Maybe because it was you who said it."
"Well, I'm glad I can help. If you ever need anything, I'll be there." Derrick patted me on the head.
"S-sure!" I pulled him by the hand. "Let's go to my room!"
We got to work editing our final video project, sitting at my desk. I pulled up an extra chair and sat on it, peering over Derrick's shoulder as he worked at the computer.
"I think we should put this clip of Ayumu-chan dancing before this one, so the transition matches the beat of the music," I said, placing my hand on his as I moved the mouse.
I felt Derrick clench up as I did so, my hair falling and brushing against his face.
"Oh… I guess," he replied. "I guess you would know best, since you sing this song anyway." We inserted "Chase" as the background song.
"Haha! I'm glad to be of some help," I said, smiling. "This video is turning out really nice! I'll go search my phone for any other pictures and vids." I took out my phone and began swiping through. "By the way, how are you studying for finals?"
Derrick suddenly stopped clicking away and turned to me.
"BRUH."
"You didn't, right?"
"I'm screwed!"
"Senpai! You spent so much time having fun, you didn't study for finals!? Though… it's also kinda my fault… for distracting you so much… I'm sorry."
"No, it's not your fault, Setsuna-chan! I'll study after I finish this. I'll be fine."
"Okay… I can help you, if you need," I said.
"It's fine, Setsuna. Don't worry."
"It's not! Here, I'll go highlight some useful sections in your notes while you work on that, okay?" I said, opening his bag and taking out his notebook. When I opened it to a random page, I saw a doodle of Derrick surrounded by Ayumu and Yu in a cute chibi style. And on the right, barely fitting in the margin, was a chibi version of me, grinning with half-circle eyes and wearing twintails.
"Senpai! This is so cute," I said, showing him his doodle.
"AHHHHHH DON'T LOOK AT THAT!" he screamed, snatching the notebook away.
"Why!? I like it! Give it back!" I said, laughing.
"Fine... "
"Why am I all squished in the side?"
"I originally drew that picture with just Ayumu, Yu, and I, but I eventually wanted to add you. Don't ask why," Derrick replied, not turning from the computer screen.
I felt butterflies in my stomach as I began peering through his notes.
After a while, I got up and put a hand on his shoulder.
"I'm gonna cook dinner now, okay? Keep up the work!"
"Oh! Thanks," he said, rubbing his tired eyes.
I went downstairs and began cooking up some ramen. I had gone to Yu's favorite ramen stand to ask the owner how to cook his secret recipe… he just laughed and said it was a secret. Sigh, I won't be able to make it as well… but I hope Derrick will still like it.
"Dinner's ready!" I said, opening the door to my room.
However, Derrick was snoozing, face planted on my desk. I creeped up to him and looked at his resting face. He was so cute. Eww, why am I thinking about this!?
"Senpai… you must be tired…" I poked his cheek. "But it's time for dinner…"
His eyes fluttered, and he jolted out of his seat when he realized I was inches from his face.
"Oh! Sorry! I didn't realize I fell asleep!"
"It's fine! You can stay over as long as you like, anyway! I made ramen for us… would you like to try?"
"Sure!"
We went to the dining room and I set the ramen for him. Please like it…
He took a sip.
"Th-this is so good!" he exclaimed, slurping it up.
I grinned.
"I'm glad you like it!" I said giddily. "I tried to make it like your favorite ramen stand, but I don't think it's as good…"
"Well, the homemade taste of inexperience just makes it better," Derrick replied, laughing. "And the fact that you made it for me."
"Senpai!" I covered my ears. "You're making me so nervous, stop it!"
"Wh-what!? I thought I was the nervous one…" Derrick replied, shrinking into his chair.
We continued to eat, making small conversation. When we were finished, I rushed to take his bowl to the sink.
"You're working so hard, senpai," I said, helping him out of his chair. "I can take care of the rest of the video editing, okay? You just start studying. I'm not the best at the software, but I'll try my best…"
"Really? Thank you! And thank you for making this delicious dinner."
"N-no problem! Actually…" I thought for a moment. If there was a time, it was now.
I led him upstairs, but not back to my room.
We entered my house's large bath, emerging into the dressing room preceding the actual bath.
"Setsuna-chan!?" Derrick exclaimed, panicking. "What are we doing here!?"
My heart began to race.
"Well… I think a bath would help you to relax and refresh before you get back to work…"
"A-are you really okay with this!?"
Without answering, I unzipped my skirt and let it fall to the floor.
I looked up at Derrick with amorous eyes.
"Senpai…" I put my hands on his chest and leaned in towards him. He was paralyzed in place as my quivering lips drew closer. What am I… doing? He backed up against the clothing cubbies, breaking into a sweat.
"Setsuna-chan!"
I placed my mouth at his ear.
"Senpai," I whispered. "You know…" I took his hand and placed them on my bare thighs. "...I'm terribly sorry for touching you in a spot I shouldn't have…" I wrapped his hands around my buttocks. "...if you want, I'll let you get your revenge…."
My heart was pounding, and I felt moisture build up between my legs.
"Y-you don't have to…" Derrick's eyes were darting between my face and my torso.
I pressed myself deeper into him, reaching up and unbuttoning my shirt. I let the sides of my shirt fall down my shoulders, exposing my white bra.
I really don't know what had gotten into me.
"Setsuna-chan, are you really fine with it!?" Derrick stammered.
"Yes, senpai! Y-you can do whatever you want to me."
He gulped hard.
I couldn't look him in the eyes; I just took his fingers and pushed them down into my lace panties.
"A-ahh!" I let out a small gasp as I felt his fingers inside my crotch.
"We- we don't have to do this if you don't want to!" Derrick said, about to break.
"Y-you already saw me naked last time, okay!? It's fine!" I squealed, forcing myself to look at his red face. "And- and I'll never be able to forgive myself if I'm the only one who touched you, okay?!"
"I-if you say so…" his fingers began to move, and I felt my insides burn with ecstasy.
"Ahhughhhh! Senpai!" I fell against him as my legs trembled with his movements.
"D-does this feel good?" Derrick asked, his voice shaking.
"Y-yeah, it feels really good," I replied, grasping his shirt tightly, feeling my sweat trail down my spine. "Ahhh… y- your fingers are inside me," I said, moaning and gasping for air.
"Do you want me to stop!?"
"No, please don't stop!" I begged, clenching as my body wrapped itself around his fingers. "Don't stop."
I felt his other hand run through my hair as he touched me, and I couldn't stop gasping as my heart overtook my lungs.
"Senpai! You pervert!" I exclaimed as he pushed me to the floor and yanked my panties off.
"I'm sorry, Setsuna!"
His tongue began to swirl around inside me, and I let out a loud scream.
"S-s-senpaiiiiiii!" I couldn't bear it anymore. My legs wanted to close together, but I forced them apart while he continued to pleasure me.
"A-a-ahhhhhhhhh! M-more, senpai!" I felt my head go blank for a moment as the built up heat within me reached a tipping point. "DERRICK!"
Setsuna laid there on the floor, knees bent together, chest heaving up and down as she caught her breath. While she was squirming, she had grasped her fallen skirt below her, and now it was a wrinkled mess covered in sweat. Her face was pink, and a trail of saliva was coming out of her mouth.
"S-sorry, Setsuna! B-but you wanted me to-"
"It's fine," Setsuna whispered, giving me a small smile. She pushed a lock of hair out of her eyes and sat up, covering her area with her other hand. "I'm so embarrassed…"
"Y-you're really cute, though," I responded, feeling sweat trickle down my neck.
"Th-thanks…" Setsuna looked at me with those eyes again. Then she gazed down to my pants, which… well, you know. "Your thing is so big again… I know I said you could do it to me in return, but- but surely you don't want it to stay so big?"
"H-huh!?"
Setsuna unzipped my pants and pulled them down, tossing them away.
How the hell is this really happening!?
"And," Setsuna continued, "I only used my fingers last time… but this time, you used your fingers AND your mouth… so… to be fair…"
She pushed her hair behind her ear as he inserted it into her mouth. Her tongue slid around it, and her fingers began to move as she grasped it tightly.
"Setsuna, y-you're being too rough," I said, clenching.
"S-sorry…" Setsuna apologized, detaching herself, a trail of spit left in her wake. "How about this?"
"Th-that's better…" I put my hands on her head as she sucked on me.
She began to increase her pace, pushing me onto my back as she rose to her knees, butt arched, back slanted downwards, head between my thighs. I could see her soft buttocks as her hair fell down upon me, teasing the other areas around my groin.
"Setsuna! I- I'm gonna-"
I'm so sorry, Setsuna…
I couldn't hold it back.
"A-ahhhhhh!"
"S-senpai!"
Setsuna sat up, her face a gooey mess.
"Senpai…" she looked at me with accusing eyes. "...you pervert…"
I sat on the stool as Setsuna scrubbed my back.
"Senpai, you really did that," she said, behind me. "You really did…"
"Hey, didn't you say you were fine with it? I wasn't planning on doing that in the beginning!" I protested.
"Well…" Setsuna sighed and wrapped her arms around me. "I'm glad you did."
I stood there, looking at my reflection in the mirror. Wow, my face was red.
"Setsuna… I'm really sorry. But we're even now, right?"
Setsuna stood up and patted me on the head.
"Yeah. We're even now."
We sat together in the bath, both awkwardly blushing the entire time.
"A-anyway… do you have an idea of what you're gonna do when you go back to America?" Setsuna asked.
"Well… what choice do I have? I gotta go to college, find a job… stupid stuff like that."
"I guess it's the same anywhere, eh?" Setsuna sighed. "B-but… what I want to know is… are you… ever planning on coming back, senpai?"
"Coming back?" I thought for a moment. "Of course. Of course I will, Setsuna!" I reached forward and took her hands in mine. "I'm going to come back for you all. For Ayumu, for Yu, for… Setsuna-chan."
When I said that, Setsuna sunk into the water, trying to hide her cheeks from me.
"W-why did you have to call me by name like that…" Setsuna mumbled.
"Because-" I gulped. "...because…you're special."
"D-don't say that…ahhhhh, you make me so shy when you say things like that, senpai! Y-you sweet talker!" Setsuna covered her face with her hands.
I pried them off and looked her in the eyes.
"I'm not going to stop," I stated. "Because I'm just speaking the truth."
Setsuna's eyes widened, and she looked so embarrassed she could die.
"A-AHHH! I'm- I'm gonna get dressed," Setsuna said, stepping out of the bath and disappearing.
"Hey…" I found Setsuna laying face-down on her bed, head buried underneath her pillow.
"Hi, senpai," came her muffled reply.
"I- I'll get to work, then," I said, going to sit down at the computer. Gosh, the stuff that just happened was unbelievable. But it actually happened….
"Wait! I'm finishing up the video, right!? Get studying for finals already!" Setsuna leaped out of bed and pushed me to the other seat, her pyjama-dressed self taking my spot.
"Okay…" I opened my notebook to a random page, and saw a doodle that I had not drawn myself.
It was a picture of chibi Setsuna and I, holding hands.
Blushing, I didn't say anything about it as I began to study.
"There! All done!" Setsuna said, grinning. Good thing we had cooled down after a few hours, especially after Setsuna opened her window to let in the night breeze.
"Great!" I exclaimed. "I'm just about done studying for tonight anyway."
"Oh! Then I guess we're done!" Setsuna clapped her hands together.
"I'll get going then," I said, packing away my stuff.
"No… d-don't go," Setsuna said, snatching my shirtsleeve.
"What?"
"Sleep with me," she replied, looking timid.
"Wh-WHAT!?"
"N-not like that! I mean, s-sleepover! Just like you did with Ayumu and Yu!" Setsuna stammered, stomping her fist.
"O-oh…fine…I guess…"
Secretly, I was really happy.
"I didn't bring pyjamas though…"
"You can borrow my dad's again!"
"Oh… that's kinda weird though…" I thought about the embarrassing thing I did earlier in front of her dad. Well, at least he seemed to like me. You know, he even left us alone intentionally… he was a man of culture.
"What are you gonna do then?"
"Um. In my undies?"
"NO. I'm not gonna sleep with you in your undies."
"Oh. Okay."
I climbed into bed with Setsuna, who had a big grin on her face.
"Why do you look so happy?!" I questioned, pulling our blanket over myself.
"N-nothing," she lied, latching onto my arm and leaning her head against mine.
I felt her warmth, her breath against my neck.
"It's just-" Setsuna stared at the ceiling. "I'm just so glad to have met you."
"I should be the one saying that," I replied. "You know, I'm surprised you didn't kick me out at the beginning, when I joined the club. Seeing as you're such a man hater."
"I WAS," Setsuna replied. "And yeah, I wanted to, but couldn't find a legal reason too… haha!" she pulled my cheek. "But I'm happy I couldn't." She suddenly remembered that she forgot to shut the window to her balcony, and got up to close it.
"Say… I have so many pictures with Yu and Ayumu, but… I want some with you, Setsuna. To keep as a memory when I leave," I said, rising to follow her.
"Huh? Oh, yeah! I want to too." Setsuna smiled, taking out her phone. "Here…" She led me outside onto her balcony, where a gust of an early summer breeze cast upon our faces. She held her phone up, and we took positions so that the shining city lights were behind us.
"For our memories," Setsuna said, holding up a peace sign.
"For our memories!" I repeated, and we took the picture.
"Derrick-senpai, I'll never forget you!" Setsuna leapt onto me, hugging me as tight as she could.