As dictated in the schedule, she arrived at an office building early in the morning, walking through the humming lobby. Making it only a few steps, she noticed the pair of midnight blues on her almost immediately. Smiling in return as Seiya stood from where he was apparently waiting for her, making his way over.
"Good morning." He said flatly, the annoyance clear in his voice.
"Good morning to you to, Seiya. Did you not manage any coffee yet this morning?" She asked tauntingly at his dry tone.
"I don't understand why you insisted on taking the train here..." He mumbled as they made their way towards the elevator.
"Whatever opinion you may have of me, I have made it this far on my own... I don't need a babysitter," calmly repeating the same excuse she gave him when he called last night to arrange a car for her in the morning. Quickly, a warm smile replaced her cool tone as she handed a small bakery bag to the raven haired man. Looking first at the bag now resting his hands and then curiously back at the woman standing beside him. "Besides, I do not start my morning without breakfast. I thought it could help improve your attitude as well." He smiled briefly in thanks, but it was clear he was not sure what to make of the gesture overall.
Without additional words, Seiya turned and headed out of the elevator as soon as the door opened. Moving her feet quickly to keep pace as she followed Seiya through the maze of the corridors through the floor. He abruptly paused in front of a studio door, turning to the artist. "Thank you... for making sure I ate this morning," with no additional words and a shy smile, he opened the studio door. Entering the room, her eyes moved about her new surroundings. Several racks of clothing were laid out in a way that encircled the room, seemly organized by color. "These are the current samples available from the line," he offered as he gestured to the room in general. Continuing in the same dry tone as earlier, he seemed to be all business this morning. "We're trying to determine how many more themes we need to establish for the PR campaign. Haruka thought your artistic eye could help and asked that we compile any styles that should be highlighted. If you please take a look at what is offered, pull a few that you like then I can craft a proposal for the future shoots and how many props, locations and additional models that would be needed."
Running her fingers along the racks, as he explained the task at hand, she couldn't help but smile at his willingness to take on the more detailed part of the task. Maybe working with him for the next few days won't be so bad. The image he held of a professional Seiya was discarded quickly as he flopped himself on the oversized chair in the corner of the room and opened the pastry bag. She raised a judgmental eyebrow at him before turning back to the racks.
"Nani? It's not like I should be eating near the clothes. Besides, you are the one who said I would be more help after eating," he growled as he greedily bit into the pastry. Rolling her eyes, she pulled out one top with a deep v-neckline. Studying the garment, imagining a specific blonde looking fashionable in this vogue top.
"Seiya," she softly addressed him, pulling his attention from the food still in his hands. "Is the plan to have both Haruka and Minako model all of the looks we select?" Delicately moving the garment she was examining to the empty rack set aside for the selections, she continued to thumb through the options.
"Ummm hmm..." he confirmed in between bites. Pulling two more options that match the daring cut outs of the first top, grinning mischievously to herself at the silent confirmation that both the blondes would have to at least try on her picks. Although she was more keen on the fashion show the taller blonde would need to have, and started planning her ploy so she certainly would be able to watch. By the time Seiya made a move to look at the items she picked out, there were 3 different sets sitting on the rack.
"There are many nice pieces here. Looking through everything, in addition to the urban style that we already completed, there seems to be three other distinct options. These all have daring necklines and would be suited for a high fashion type of shoot," gesturing to the initial items she pulled. "This is a brand known for the athletic apparel, it is a good option for standing out he bold pieces. This second set it more of a club type of look, so I pulled the items in the bright colors. This third should be laid back, it goes without saying that you're known for the athleisure items and should show that you are still that market." Seiya nodded with understanding.
"That should be an easy proposal," gesturing for her to take a seat in one of the over stuffed chairs as he pulled out his tablet and began writing down some notes. Watching ardently as he briefly looked at each of the selections before returning to the tablet where he added more detail. Shortly, his head raised with a perplexed look on his face, midnight eyes shifting to find the artist at her spot near the edge of the room. "What do you think it we pull a piece from each one of these and style it with the athleisure shoot to show the versatility?"
"I think that would be brilliant," she complimented as she looked over the selections again. "Do you think Haruka would be pleased?"
"We will have the opportunity to find out..." smiling as he looked at a message on his phone. "We have a schedule to keep, as we are expected someplace else for lunch." Michiru just studied him curiously as he finished scribing his notes. "We just have to look at some color pallets that are in an area one floor up and then we can head to lunch." Without any further explanation, he stood from the seat and nodded for the artist to follow him out of the room.
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The chime above the cafe sounded as the two made their way through the door. She glanced around at the packed cafe, wondering why Seiya insisted on having lunch here. Making their way towards the back where booths were located, her heart jumping in her throat when she spotted a crop of blonde hair she was quickly becoming accustomed to seeing. The sly smile on the blonde face as she sat there confirmed her suspicion.
"Haruka! I didn't think we would see you today," sounding more ecstatic that she intended as she rushed to give the blonde a hug.
"I was able to get the car calibrated sooner than expected. Once we got it packed up with the rest of the gear, I was granted a short break before we had to catch the flight."
"Meaning they knew better than to be stuck on a plane with you without feeding you first?" the raven haired man smirked as teal eyes narrowed at him. Michiru just smiled at the two squabbling friends, happy for the surprise visit.
"Gomen, Haruka. Seiya ate the pastry I promised you," smiling wickedly at the fuel she added to the fire. A set of midnight eyes glared at her in betrayal, but turned to the red faced racer readying for the attack that would come. Surprisingly, instead he found there was a calm Haruka at her side, the artist's delicate hand resting on the blonde's shoulder. Favorable of the lack of retort, he slipped into the booth opposite of where Haruka was sitting with her lunch and pulled out a menu.
Taking the moment while his head was hidden behind the menu, she looked at the blonde and took in her smile as she gently motioned for Michiru to take a seat. "When do you need to leave?" Sadness already creeping in her voice.
"Not for a little bit, there is no need to be somber, mermaid. We just got here, let's enjoy lunch." Taking the menu that was handed to her, Michiru just placed it on the table. Those teal eyes were more important than the menu she had mesmerized long ago. "Did everything go smooth this morning? I assume Seiya helped you with everything you needed," she asked, glancing at the ponytailed man across the table.
"Yes, I was able to review everything and Seiya was kind enough to take down all the notes," she offered before he could say anything. Those teal eyes moving back to meet her own.
"Michiru suggested three additional PRs that would be needed. I have taken the notes on her suggestions along with additional items from today. I will email them to you." Seiya offered, a serious tone in his voice, but a sly smile on his face. Michiru set her face to stone, assuming he may try to capture the racers attention. Fortunately the racer ignored his antics.
"Haruka!" The racers eyes went wide at the shrill cry of a petite pigtailed girl. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw that the Seiya has a blush across his face at the sound of the approaching blonde. He awkwardly busied himself with the menu again as Usagi took the open seat next to him.
"Fancy seeing you here, Koneko," Haruka greeted, a curious look on her face betraying the calmness in her tone.
"I finished my class early ... but no one was free to meet me at the arcade. So I though it would be best to take my arcade money and get a sundae." The petite girl explained, while Haruka just chuckled.
"Usagi, you know Makoto will not allow you to have just a sundae for lunch..." the racer scolded. Usagi seemed to look down at her pocketbook and then back up at the racer. Haruka let a deep sigh, "Hey Koneko, it seems that I am not able to finish my lunch, would you like to share?" She offered. Usagi jumped up and over to Haruka's side of the table, taking the racer in a hug. "Really Haruka, are you sure?" She said as she sat on the very edge of the booth, half on the remaining space of the bench, half leaning on Haruka, nudging her closer to Michiru. Obviously not needing reassurance, she began to pick at the food on Haruka's plate. Haruka looks apologetically to Michiru, who silently swings around to sit next to Seiya just as their orders arrive. Haruka moved over, leaving Usagi directly in front of her plate once the musical chairs was complete.Seiya and her food was delivered to the table, and Seiya took greedy bites as if he didn't just have the pastry a short while ago. Michiru just watched uneasily as the petite blonde finishes the plate before her until the racer's laughter shifted her attention.
"Haruka, will you be ok for your flight?" Michiru asks lowly to the blonde, her concern evident.
"I'll manage," she winks as Michiru catches that the taller blonde had stolen part of her hamburger while she wasn't watching. "Besides, this is better." A smile coming to her features as she enjoyed the few bites she managed to steal. " I couldn't order anything like this on my own before the race and plus is was a gift from you," chuckling as the artist swatted her hand away before she could steal anything else from her plate. "Consider it payback for the pastry you gave away."
Eventually, Haruka begrudgingly announced that she needed to leave to make her flight. After refusing offers for a ride from Seiya, determined that her motorcycle would be fine, she moved towards the door. She turned around for a moment before leaving. "Hey Koneko, do you want me to drop you off at the arcade on my way out? Pryo should be there by now." The smaller blonde jumped up and excitedly accepted as she took the blondes arm on the way out. They both turned to wave to the remaining pair as they headed out the door.
"Not the goodbye I was expecting..." Michiru mumbled under her breath.
"Don't take it personally, I'm afraid... it was directed more at me," Seiya offered, apparently catching her comment. "Haruka has known Usagi for quite some time," he sighed heavily. "I used to have a huge crush on her Koneko in high school. She is strongly committed to ensuring that I do not have a chance to act upon that crush." Michiru looked at Seiya with a confused expression. Why would Haruka be so against her closest friend dating Usagi? She found herself unknowingly voicing the same question as Seiya just laughed. "You wouldn't know it right away, but Usagi has a boyfriend. Has had a boyfriend for some time. He was studying abroad for a while. Haruka apparently still feels the need to make sure that I know I don't have a chance whenever he is not around." She couldn't help but chuckle at the racer's protective tendencies, and how they could backfire against one of her closest friends. "You already know how protective she can be," he lightly shoved Michiru on the shoulder to make his point. "Just imagine how it could go into over drive when your dealing with a very immature cry baby like a teenage Usagi." She couldn't help but laugh. Recalling how the blonde cringed at having to entertain the smaller girl before, but apparently had brought the whole thing upon herself.
"Usagi is more like the little sister she never asked for but got anyway?" Michiru observed.
"That is one way of looking at it," Seiya just chuckled. "Com'on, if you finished I can drop you off to wherever you'd like. We have no other appointments for the day."
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Returning to the familiar love seat in her studio, Michiru took out her sketchbook. Her head was full of ideas again, and the only way to allow her mind to rest was to get them out on paper. The concept of the racer being just out of her reach brought an expected swell of emotions that she easily translated into the panels with Neptune alone on her home world. Without her blonde ally.
The second volume had completed with the bare basics of Uranus established, disappearing into the sky after the big victory. She leaned back into her seat with a smirk. Exactly how she stood with the blonde not even a week ago. Has it really only been that long?
She decided to put away her sketch book, placing the pad face down on the table. Her feet slowly padded down the hall to her bedroom, pausing for a moment at the side of her bed. She drew a heavy breath for a moment, before she reached under her pillow and removed a smaller sketch pad out. Sitting on the edge of her bed, she thumbed through some of the worn pages. Admiring the sketches laid out on the pages, depicting a handful of her private memories. Each one made her smile with a different memory as she flipped through them, stopping at the last page in the book. Slowly tracing her fingers over the image that had been seared into her memory. Haruka's true smile, the unguarded one she first got the glimpse of at the racetrack. The fixation on the blonde's features filling her senses once again as she turned to the next clean page. Sliding her hand over the blank canvas of the page as she closed her eyes, imagining the beauty she wanted to create, the story she needed to tell in that page.
A smirk coming to her features as she started putting pencil to the paper. Slowly a figure began to look back at her, allure in her eyes and the smooth skin she imagined greeting her fingertips. Working diligently with her sentiments for the blonde flowing through her onto the paper. Admiring the page, satisfied with her work so far she placed the pencil aside. A rough sketch of the racer in the low cut neckline that she picked out earlier today gazed back at her. Well, what she imagined it would be like. Sighing one more time as she closed the sketchbook and placed it back in its hiding place before crawling under the covers. Laying on her head on the pillow, she realized that her imagination would have to do for now until Haruka comes through with her promise. She trusted the blonde when she said she never broke a promise.
The following morning, she went through her morning routine with ease. Soon finding herself at Sato's office to go over some details for the second Neptune volume. Sitting on the couch, Setsuna soon joined her, placing a cup in front of the artist. The green haired woman taking her seat opposite of her with the knowing smirk upon her lips hidden just behind her cup.
"Out with it," Michiru coldly stated, not wavering from the garnet eyes. Setsuna gave her best impression of feigned innocence, taking a sip from the tea.
"Have you ever noticed the more special something is, the more likely it is to be taken for granted?" She calmly questioned to the artist. "The natural beauty that is awaiting, not even below the surface for those who are willing to appreciate it. There are times when we may be aware that there is something special available, but we wait so long for the right moment to capture it." Michiru sighed inwardly. It is way to early to try to decipher Setsuna's riddles... I wish she would just come out and say what she is thinking. They were awaiting her manager to join them, and there was obviously something that she felt that the artist was not appreciating fully.
"Is there a holiday that you are trying to arrange, Setsuna?" She playfully commented, trying to coax her green haired friend to elaborate a little.
"While reviewing the panels for the volume, I often wished I could visit the inspiration that drove Neptune's home planet. However, it is truly someplace only you know, and I can't help but notice that you don't seem to allow yourself the pleasure of a visit there nearly as often that one would assume." Michiru's eyes narrowed slightly at her friend's riddle-like comments but before she could even begin to for a retort, her manager entered the office.
"My apologies to keep you wanting Kaioh-san. I was wrapping up some details for the upcoming engagements and thought it best that I have complete details before our meeting." He quickly rumbled off as he took his seat, placing a list in front of him. "I see that you have made a profound impression over the weekend. I had no idea that you were strongly pursuing an second gallery exhibit so soon. From the amount of messages and requests I have received, it is clear that we will need to organize one soon." Sato smiled to the artist while she sat there slightly perplexed. Noticing the artist's puzzled expression, he clarified slightly. "There were many inquiries, but the most exciting was the request from SkyKing corporation's business office to provide the billing details for the art show they are sponsoring for you. Kaioh-san, if you continue to be this efficient at closing deals, I am afraid you'll have no use for an old man like me."
"I would always have a need for you, Sato-sama. Your expertise is greatly appreciated both your experience in storytelling as well as with the coordination of such things," calmly assuring her manager. I guess Haruka came through with her end of the deal much sooner than expected. "What can I offer at this point to assist you?"
He smiled and reached for the list on the table before him. He started listing off different gala's within the art community in which she had received an invitation, as well as the press interviews to be completed before the second manga volume release. She calmly pulled out the organizer that she carried with her that contained the dates Haruka had provided previously. "That is not necessary, Kaioh-san," shaking his hands and gesturing over to Setsuna. "SkyKing provided the dates of meetings that they had already coordinated with you and Meioh-san has ensure there are no conflicts."
"There is one more matter left to establish your preference on..." Sato started, but his voice trailed off. Seemingly having difficulty finding the words to continue, Michiru became irritated at anything her manager may be suggesting.
"Kaioh-san, with the invitations received, it would be troublesome for you to attend all of them alone. Sato-sama has proposed to establish a connection with another upcoming artist and he would be your escort for these events... in a professional manner." Setsuna stepped in, Michiru just raising an eyebrow at the mention of a male partner to accompany her. Garnet eyes just gleamed knowingly back at her.
"This is true, Kaioh-san. One of my associates manages a young man whom is similar in age. He is talented both musically and in the arts. I believe he was invited to one of the galas, which is how the suggestion came about. With this new publicity, having him as your escort constantly through the events and as a fellow representative of the publisher would prevent any... misunderstandings about your personal life." Pausing for a moment as Michiru considered the proposition. "That is, unless you have someone else already arranged."
Michiru's head jerked up at the question, finding a pair of garnet and grey eyes waiting for her answer. Her mind immediately went to a certain blonde, sharing another magical evening over and over with the upcoming commitments. Frowning slightly as she recalled how the racer wasn't able to spend time with her at the the first party. She wouldn't want to impose on the racer more than she already had.
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Setsuna watched dumbfounded as Michiru weighed both options in her mind, blinking constantly as Michiru made awkward faces between the two choices. She had hinted to her friend earlier about doing what she could to follow her desires that she forsook as inspiration. She lowered her head when her friend unexpectedly accepted Sato's offer of coordinating her attendance with the publisher's other artist. She was so sure that she would have jumped at the opportunity to invite the racer, that she did everything she could to try to dismay Sato from even suggesting it. Something must be off with the artist and the racer, and she was determined to do what she could to help get it back on track.
Both women exited the office after all of the attendance confirmations were determined for the artist and pass along the information to her fellow artist/escort. As their usual ritual, the two women gathered lunch from the local vendor and headed to their bench to eat. Silence passed between the two as they enjoyed their orders until Setsuna filled the silence.
"You are truly alright with having an escort from the publisher?" The question bluntly spilling out of her lips.
"It is just a business arrangement, Setsuna. I do not see any issue, and it is just also just... for appearance sake. It's not like I have to actually date him... or event like him."
"One would have assumed that you'd prefer the company that you have been keeping lately." Michiru paused, the same insecurity that she felt in the office washing over her again.
"I did not want to impose, Sets. She has done so much for me and we have become really good friends. Last thing I want is to be a burden to her." Unable to meet her friends critical eyes, she watched the calming waters of the lake instead. "I have no idea how Haruka would react if she knew about the magna... let alone read it." She solemnly added.
Setsuna reflected on the artist words, wishing she had the answer that Michiru so desperately sought. The racer would be the only one who could answer that... and the only one who could truly console her. She reached a hand to Michiru, bringing the artist's attention back to her. "Why do you not tell your muse of your affection towards them?" She asked point blank.
"I can't... she wouldn't... it's just not possible," releasing a deep sigh as she held back a sob. "We've managed to become good friends, I am happy with the closeness we have now. I can see that she's not as free as she wants to be... it's in her eyes. If I tell her and she's encumbered and unable feel the same, then it would all dissolve away. I cannot risk that." She watched as the artist's eyes began to glisten with the water threatening to fall from them. Pulling her friend into a loose hug, regretting that she pushed the issue, bringing this sorrow at the possibility of the blonde no longer being in her life
"That is the problem with never, Michiru. It hardly ever lasts."
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A shadow lingered a safe distance away from the two women, quietly listening. He had promised Haruka to keep the smaller girl safe, certainly not to spy on her. He just happened to be hanging around her publisher's office when he noticed them heading to the park. His original plan to casually stroll by and offer a friendly ride home to the artist was thrown out the window when he hear a familiar name. His heart breaking slightly at Michiru's emotional denial of the potential to be with Haruka. He silently cursed his stubborn friend, determine to try to convince the neglectful blonde to tell the artist how she feels. Groaning slightly at the thought to get her to admit to anything remotely relating to feelings, he started to try to develop a more plausible plan.
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After sitting on the bench allowing the tears to flow, she calmed down slightly. Noticing the need for change in topic, Setsuna shifted the discussion to the status of the designer's current projects. Michiru thrilled over the new that interest peaked after her show the previous week, flooding the designer with new requests for her creations. Michiru reveled in the enjoyment of her friend's dream was starting to come together. Focusing on her green haired friends excitement distracted her from the pain that was loosely gripping her soul. After a brief discussion of the artist wearing one of her creations to a the slew of events that were lining up, they said their goodbyes and parted ways. Making it no more than a few meters from the bench, she came across a very troubled looking Seiya leaning against a tree trunk.
"Seiya, what a surprise. What brings you all the way over here?" The stunned expression clear before it turned into a smirk. "Don't tell me your a sucker for the water scenery," she teased. The raven haired man seemed to panic for a moment, before settling his view on the path.
"I was... just taking a walk to clear my mind," he chuckled. " It's funny that I do everything I can to avoid running with Haruka before a race, but here I am still on the same trail getting the slowest form of exercise."
"There doesn't seem to be much you two do not partner together to accomplish," thinking aloud as she continued walking towards the primary road. Seiya keeping a casual pace beside her.
"That is where you are wrong, Hime. Take the race tomorrow. Haruka has a capable team." Pausing for a moment seemingly reflecting on the team that took care of his friend behind the wheel. His voice seemed to move an octave lower carrying the dejection with it, "while we are here to keep the business moving smoothly." Michiru paused at the disappointed in his voice, turning to meet his eyes.
"Do you miss her, Seiya?" The teasing smile coming to her lips. "I thought she wasn't your type." Seiya just groaned and gave Michiru a light shove.
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He picked up her playful tone plainly an attempt at deflection. As if he was the one whom was pining for the blonde. If she was going to project, then maybe there is a chance to get further specifics from the artist, and give his stubborn racer friend the push she so obviously needed.
"The RedWing team is an incredible team, and Haruka is an incredible driver... There are times that she... takes chances on the track," glancing over to the artist, his words obviously reaching her. "Without being there, I guess I feel a little helpless."
"The first time I watched her race, I seemingly held my breath the whole time," she offered with a fake sided smile on her face. "I didn't even know her at the time, I couldn't imagine after... being close...closer friends..." a blush coming to the artist's cheeks.
"There's no need to be worried," placing a hand on her shoulder. Regretting that he may have over sold the concern for the racer and causing the artist to unnecessarily worry, he tried to walk it back slightly. "Haruka is the best driver I know on or off the track." Watching the artist's tense features start to relax, he decided she was fretting just enough for the artist to accept his offer. "If you like, there is a small group of us who will be watching the race at my place. You are welcome to come by if you were planning on watching and would like some company." Michiru smiled at the offer. Hook, line and sinker. Now just to get her to spill the beans to the racer herself.
"Thank you Seiya, I think I would like that." He provided her the necessary details and watched as she made her way down the street. Waiting until she was a decent distance ahead, he followed her until he spotted her entering her building. He smiled as he continued pass the door, receiving a knowing nod from the doorman.
Walking through the door, he tossed his jacket unceremoniously over the back of the couch on his way to the kitchen. Grabbing a bottle from the fridge, popping the top and taking a sip as he heard his phone beep again. Removing it from his pocket he saw the handful of missed messages from the blonde about variety of topics. He pushed the connect button and was soon met with a husky voice on the other end. "What do you want, Wings?" Smiling at the audible groan from the other end.
"Are you seriously back to that again? What, are you 9 now?"
"Don't you need your beauty sleep for tomorrow? Do you really want to try to argue that one now..."
"Fine... I called your house but you weren't there."
"Well, I didn't want to tell you this, but I am having an affair with another house..." The groan on the other line turned into a low growl. "Oi, everything is fine over here. I took care of your list as you asked."
"And Michiru..."
"Handled and confident her manager told her about the exhibit sponsorship, I thought it would be best for him to handle those details directly. I am sure she'll just see it as you keeping up your end of the bargain. The rest of it... he would have no insight into, so it would just be up to Michiru to work the publicity." Flopping down onto the couch, he decided there was likely something else on the racer's mind. "She will be coming by tomorrow... to watch the race."
"I could have gave her box seats..."
"She vividly remembers you clipping Kojima in the last race. I told her it puts me at ease to watch it with a group..."
"Tch. I didn't touch him. The stuck up old man was upset that I had faster lines than him. It was a clean pass." She was obviously annoyed at the accusation that Kojima threw out after the last race.
"The point is that she'll be watching and listening," cutting her off before she got worked up on the last race...again. "Keep your language in check on the radio..."
"You're gonna let her listen to the pit chatter line?"
"That's the most colorful part. It's the easiest way to not have her worrying about you."
"She's worried about me?" The smile on the racer's voice evident over the line.
"Why don't you check for yourself," he murmured before he disconnected the line. Satisfied for the small nudge to both women, he settled in to finish his drink.
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She listened to the sound of the ring tone for a few moments before it registered that Seiya hung up on her. I didn't want to hear any more of his lame jokes anyway. Or his horrible pep talks. Shifting her thoughts back to the artist, she scrolled through her contact list until she landed on Michiru's name. Indecisiveness fleeting as she selected the message button. She did promise to let the artist know she arrived safety at the track.
/All systems a go for tomorrow's victory. As promised/
/Do your best tomorrow. I am still not keen on sharing my table, but I'll promise a victory pastry/
Smirking as the way Michiru stood her ground and thinking of all the ways she could get a rise out of the artist.
/What... no kiss good luck/
She chuckled at how brave she could be with her words when there was so much distance between them. A kiss from Michiru would be truly her lucky day. She was about to put her phone away when one more message appeared on her phone. Michiru sent an attachment, and as it came into focus on the phone, the warmth filled the blonde as a grin came to her lips. Looking back at her was a selfie of the teal haired mermaid blowing a kiss with her hand.