The Other Side Of The Tape
Cast:
Cure Berry, Aono Miki - age 23
Cure Peach, Momozono Love - age 22
Cure Pine, Yamabuki Inori - age 23
Cure Passion, Higashi Setsuna - age 22
Cure Marine, Kurumi Erika - age 21
Cure Whip, Usami Ichika - age 13
Toujou Momoka - Erika's sister - age 25
Misumi Minori - Cure Bloom's sister - age 21
July, 2017
"A blue heart is the mark of hope!" Ichika says, removing the cover from the tray. The confection revealed is a large custard with a crumbly crust, decorated with blueberries and blackberries with a prominent heart-shape at the center. Overall, it is shaped a little like a bear. After just a moment, she announces the name: "The Freshly-Gathered Blueberry Koala Tart!"
Miki claps her hands. "Oh my, that's perfect!"
Ichika bows, blushing, as Miki and her guests applaud. It is same time that her husband-to-be is having his bachelor party, but Miki's party is not to be compared with his lame game night at a friend's house. For one thing, she has more friends. For another, she had an actual budget, with which she has secured a private room at the Kirakira Patisserie.
With a practiced hand, Ichika cuts the tart and hands a piece to Miki, then serves each of the guests. Love, Inori and Setsuna, some of Miki's oldest friends. Momoka, a friend from work. Erika and Minori, friends she met in high school. Miki is getting married in only a few days time. Several of the others are already married. Minori is pregnant and only two weeks from her due date.
There are gifts, as well. Including one large cylindrical box that is wrapped in heavy brown paper, with a typed note that reads: "Open in secret."
As Miki examines the suspicious box, considering whether to open it here and now, Minori squeals and stands up. A few moments later, she is standing in a puddle.
"I'm sorry about this, everyone. I think I'd better go to the hospital."
With no regard for her shoes, Miki walks up to Minori and draws her into a hug. "Don't apologize, girl! It's your baby's birthday! This is a happy occasion!"
"Thanks, Miki. I know you're trying to make me feel better, but I appreciate it."
Nearby, Momoka holds up her hand and brandishes a car key. "I'll drive!"
Minori tears up as she turns to leave. "Thanks, everybody. And sorry again about ruining the party."
"Hold up," Miki commands, then plucks a blackberry from the tart and crushes it in her palm. She smears the juice on Minori's face. "There, now you've been punished and you don't have to feel bad. Go and have your kid."
Minori giggles in spite of herself, then follows Momoka out of the building.