Mei woke up to the buzzing of her alarm clock and winced from the pounding of her headache. She was sitting on the floor, leaning against the bed with a blanket over her legs. Yuzu remembered to not cover her too much this time. Why did she even bother after what Mei had said to her last night?
Mei stood up and saw that all her materials, which were a complete mess from her horrible attempt to study last night, were carefully sorted. There were popping sounds from someone trying to fry something in the kitchen. It was a Saturday, so mother would already be gone at this hour. Yuzu cooking breakfast? Mei doubted how well that would turn out. She strolled out of the bedroom.
"Mei!" Yuzu said, her voice in a controlled panic. "You're up! Um, just sit down and behold my handiwork. I may be a one-day trained chef, but at the least the eggs aren't black."
Mei sighed and pulled out a chair to sit down. "How come you're not on your Nintendo switch like you always are on a Saturday morning?" Mei took her water and drank the whole thing in one swig.
Yuzu put the contents of the pan onto plates. "You were really weak and exhausted yesterday. I'm not going to ask you to work any less. I have no right. But I can make sure you're filled up with plenty of fuel. It's the best I can do." Mei tapped the side of her cup. Yuzu set down the plates. She'd somehow broken the yokes so bad that they spilled to the edges and got way overcooked. Oh, well.
Yuzu's plate had three eggs while Mei's had six. Seriously? "Why are you doing this? After what I said last night."
Yuzu's smile didn't falter for a second. "You didn't say anything wrong. I've been horribly selfish. I'm not gonna stop trying to help you just 'cause you called me out on that. Oh! Let me get you a water refill!" Yuzu snatched Mei's cup and began refilling it. Her words didn't change the fact that Mei felt horrible about what she said. Mei pushed her seat back, but Yuzu pushed her right back in. "Did you need something? I'll get it for you! Fill up on your brain fuel!"
Mei sighed. "I'd like a headache pill."
Yuzu didn't let Mei get up until she'd finished all six eggs. She was way too tired to argue over this.
Mei closed her books and put everything away. She'd finished an hour earlier than she'd expected. She hated to admit it, but Yuzu practically force feeding her all that food did help her with her energy. Yuzu was also uncharacteristically quiet today. She'd been peacefully doing chores throughout the apartment and now she was reading one of Mei's books. Mei turned to look at Yuzu who was laying belly first on the bed, facing away from her, while reading. Her legs were up, swinging back and forth.
"How's the book?" Mei asked. "Is it as good as your romance manga?"
Yuzu flipped onto her back and held the book up high. "Eh. There's no way I'm finishing it. I have a feeling the philosophical themes are going way over my head. Oh, are you done already?" Yuzu set the book down and sat up, smiling at Mei. "I wanted to wait to tell you so that you would be fully focused on your work."
Mei lightly squinted. "Tell me what?"
"I called Momokino and Harumin this morning. We've made plans to go out tonight and want you to come with us." How was Yuzu able to smile and be upbeat so easily so often?
Mei's eyes drooped. "I should get to work on my chores."
"I already took care of everything! I did all our laundry, washed all the dishes, and cleaned every room. I made sure you had no excuses so just come out with us! It'll be so much fun!"
Mei wracked her brain trying to think of something Yuzu may have missed. No, it was hopeless. The best she could do was insist that she'd rather be alone. Yuzu's face was beaming with accomplishment and hope. Mei couldn't bring herself to fight that. "Fine. When are we going?"
Yuzu pumped her fist. "Be ready by three!" She dashed out of the room and Mei watched her messy bright hair swing wildly as she went.
That girl was such a conundrum. If she put half as much effort into her studies as she did with dressing up and going out, she'd rival Mei at school. Yet, for once, Yuzu actually went out of her way to get extremely busy with chores today. What drove her?
Mei thought of the story that mother told her. Of all the reasons for Yuzu to finally get busy, was it really just to be kind to Mei? She drooped her head. She couldn't understand how she was the one inspiring all that effort, especially after what she'd said last night.
Mei opened her dresser, and her face grew warm as she picked through her clothing, not knowing why choosing was so difficult.
Mei walked silently beside Himeko; Yuzu and Taniguchi were ahead of them, talking with and bashing into each other playfully.
"Mei-Mei?" Himeko asked. Mei caught herself staring at Yuzu's swishing hair. She brought her gaze down to her feet. "Don't look so tense! It's an amusement park after all."
Mei released her breath and looked out at the park. It was a fairly quiet ambience, only a few small crowds here and there. Mei rubbed her sweating forehead. Of course so few would want to come out on such a bizarrely hot fall day.
Yuzu pointed at a ride up ahead. In an instant she'd grabbed Taniguchi and they ran off to it. Mei felt an urge to run after them but stopped herself. Still, she followed at a steady pace.
Yuzu was bouncing up and down at the entrance to the rollercoaster. She was wearing a light blue tank-top and absurdly short white shorts. She looked like a bright clear sky, so free and light.
When Mei and Himeko caught up with them, Yuzu turned to them, pointing up at the enormous swirling track. "Guys!" she said. "We all totally have to go on this one together! There's a camera that'll take pictures of us on the ride! We just gotta do this one!" Yuzu's bright smile pulled Mei in. Yuzu stepped into the cart with Taniguchi. Mei frowned. Yeah, of course. What was I even thinking?
Mei stepped into the cart behind them, beside Himeko. "This brings back memories," Himeko said. "We used to go to this park a lot and this was always your favorite ride." What? Oh, right. She'd forgotten. Before her father left, she'd loved coming here with Himeko. The memories felt odd, out of reach.
Mei put on a light smile for Hime. "I remember you used to be so scared to go on any of the rides. I had to drag you by the heel, or else we'd just ride Ferris wheels all day instead of something exciting."
Himeko looked up, blushing and smiling. "Eh. I just don't get the appeal of being thrown–oh, okay, here we go–" The carts started moving up the slope.
Yuzu got out of her excited ramblings with Taniguchi and looked back at Mei. "This is gonna be a blast! Remember to watch for the camera, Mei!" She said with a smile, her hair flowing from the wind. Mei stared back at her. Was Yuzu always this cute? The thought was ripped from her head as the cart bolted down the track and sent them flailing in loops. Yuzu and Taniguchi hollered. Mei felt some weird urge to join them but contained herself, feeling her lips just slightly curling. Himeko looked like a cat who'd been thrown into water. The wind flew Mei's hair wildly and the constant twists and turns made her heart pound. Wow, I can't believe I forgot this feeling.
"There it is! There it is!" Yuzu yelled and pointed.
Yuzu's going to see me! Mei panicked, shutting her eyes and lips tight.
Yuzu and Taniguchi nearly fell to the ground in laughter. "What happened to you two?" Taniguchi said through her uproar, the photo in her hand. "I guess you guys aren't used to fun after all!"
Himeko was making a pouting face, but Mei just felt her cheeks heating up. She didn't know what she looked like when she'd been getting really into the ride, but she praised the gods that no one saw it. Mei looked at Yuzu. Yuzu was looking at her, her eyes distant, as if gawking.
Yuzu grabbed Taniguchi. "Hey! Let's go check out that thing!"
Mei started to follow them, but then something to the side caught her eye. There was a game stand where people were trying to hit balloons with darts. The wall behind was filled with teddy bears as prizes. There were a whole bunch of them, all palm sized and all unique with different patterns and accessories. Mei's head turned toward Yuzu and Taniguchi. They were already gone. Good. Mei steadily strolled toward the stand. I may not understand why Yuzu put so much effort into getting me to come here, but I should do something to repay her. I'll get one of those bears for her! I have to!
Himeko strolled up to Mei's side. She looked much more excited now that they were going to do something on the ground. "I may not do too great with rollercoasters," Himeko said. "But I always was a better shot than you." They stepped up to the stand next to each other, ready to get started.
Mei's fingers shook as she picked up a dart. Were the balloons supposed to be so far away? Oh, man. We only get three chances?
Mei lifted her dart but froze and watched Himeko throw hers. She just barely missed. "What?" Himeko whined. "Rrg, those balloons are way too small!"
Mei bit her lip. Himeko was having trouble? Mei forced herself to take a deep breath. Here goes nothing! Mei's dart left her hand and then tumbled to the ground before it even reached the wall. I'm doomed.
"Ugh! Whatever, that was unfairly difficult anyways!" Himeko whined. Mei shot her gaze towards her darts. She already threw all of them and missed each one.
No! I need this to thank Yuzu! Mei stomached her nerves and lifted her dart. Stronger this time! Mei shot the dart with all her strength. It reached the wall like a bullet, hitting above the balloon.
Mei's face was soaking with sweat. She considered just moving on.
"You got this, Mei-Mei!" Mei glanced at Himeko. She had her fists up in front of her chest. Memories of them coming here when they were little flowed through her. It was like she was back in those days. Himeko supported Mei through everything, inspiring her to try her best no matter what it was, all with that encouraging smile. Mei gripped the dart tight, her hands steady. Her eyes squinted. I may not have the best hand-eye coordination, but I got this! I just have to focus on my first two attempts and use an amount of strength exactly between them.
She steadied her footing and held her dart up. Her heart was throbbing hard in her chest but her body stayed steady. She swung, picturing the perfect trajectory. The dart followed the path she intended.
Pop! The balloon had vanished.
Mei's lips slowly started curling before she stopped them and gulped. Himeko hollered.
"Which bear are you getting, Mei-Mei?" Himeko leaned forward, admiring each of the prizes.
The attendant at the stand was awaiting her answer.
"U-um…" Mei said. Yuzu would like a… I have no idea… "N-number sixteen looks good." The attendant picked out the bear at slot sixteen and handed it to Mei. It was just a simple one with a green bow. She stared down at him, regretting her choice. Yuzu would like a crazier one to match herself.
"I'm so proud of you! You looked super dedicated on that last throw!" Himeko said. Mei clenched her jaw. Yeah? "Let's go find the others. God knows where they could be. They're probably trying to do everything here all in one day." Mei followed Himeko, holding her bear in both palms, looking at him as they went.
Mei's foot snagged. Her body lunged forward. "Mei!" Himeko cried and she caught her before she fell.
"Bear!" Mei squealed as it flew out of her hands into a crowd up ahead. Mei ripped herself out of Himeko's arms and into the crowd. She bent down and coddled Bear. Someone had stepped on him. The seams at his neck were ripped open, a bunch of fluff coming out. The crowed passed and she stood up, her heart feeling numb. This was stupid anyways. Yuzu wouldn't have liked him.
"There you guys are!" said Taniguchi's voice.
Mei looked up and saw Yuzu coming to her. She made to put Bear away in her bag.
"Oh, wow!" Yuzu cheered. "You won a cute bear? I saw that game earlier. It looked way difficult!"
Mei looked away. "It doesn't really matter. He got ripped."
Yuzu's face beamed with eagerness. "Ouh! Gimme! I carry an emergency plushy first-aid kit for situations like this!" Yuzu snatched Bear out of Mei's hands and pulled a needle and thread out of her purse. Seriously? She pushed Bear's fluff back in and sewed up his neck. Her fingers moved with graceful precision, creating a perfect stich in seconds. "There you go, Mei!" Yuzu said with a huge smile, holding him out to her. "What's his name?"
Mei was stunned. How did my plan to get Yuzu a bear turn into her giving it to me? She'd be way too embarrassed to admit her original plan. "His name is Bear," she said.
Yuzu blinked thrice. "Eh?"
Mei reached for bear, but Yuzu pulled him back and held him in front of her face. She used her fingers to make Bear's arms wave. In a cutesy voice she said, "Thank you for picking me! My name is Anthoniko!" She plopped Anthoniko onto Mei's palms. Mei's heart swelled. That was… adorable.
Mei carried Anthoniko against her chest as she trailed behind the other three, her head feeling light in a nice way.
"See ya guys later! That was so much fun!" Taniguchi hollered and waved as she split ways with them.
Himeko opened a door to the fancy car that was picking her up. "It was so nice to go out with you again, Mei-Mei! I hope you had a great time!" Mei lightly smiled back at Himeko. It really was nice to be back there with Himeko. She'd let herself get lost to a simpler time. Mei turned to look at Yuzu who was waving at the two others leaving. And I got to make new memories.
Yuzu and Mei started walking side-by-side. Yuzu was uncharacteristically relaxed. When they stepped down into the metro, Yuzu finally piped up.
"Before we go home," she said. "Do you want to come with me somewhere? There's a place I need to visit today and I'd like if you came with me." Yuzu was blushing, but her eyelids were low. Mei understood; this must've been something important.
Mei nodded and Yuzu's expression lightened back up.
They walked by a cemetery and Yuzu stopped at the entrance. "Today's the anniversary of my dad's passing," she said. Mei's gut tightened.
"I didn't know. I'm sorry."
"I'm sorry for doing this after all that fun we just had. But I figured he'd be proud seeing me trying my best."
Mei followed beside Yuzu as they went past the stones. "What do you mean?"
Yuzu was bright red. "I asked Himeko if there was anywhere you loved going when you were younger. She is your best friend, after all. I hoped that if anything could help you relax and have a fun time, it'd be that." Yuzu scratched her cheek with one finger. "And mama always told me my positive energy was contagious, so I hope at least a tiny bit got caught on you. Ha ha."
Realization and guilt weighed on Mei's heart. Ever since she met this girl, she'd been judging her, looking down on her, for never trying hard at what mattered. Looking back, it was obvious now that she'd just been painfully envious. This girl, Yuzu, had dreams and ambitions engrained deep into every thread of her being, and she put a stubbornly devoted effort into them. That was why she hated her so much. Mei had acted so high and mighty for being responsible and dedicated to the school, but she didn't have the same absurd level of passion to the school as Yuzu did to making people happy. The way Yuzu lived was truly beautiful.
Mei bit her lip, an ache welling behind her eyes. Yuzu hasn't been selfishly pushing her feelings onto me. She was so completely selfless. Mei just kept hurting her because she didn't understand that. How could she have said those awful things yesterday?
Yuzu stopped and Mei stopped beside her. The clouds were turning red, and the lighting dimmed as the sun was setting.
Yuzu simply cocked her head down and closed her eyes. "Hi, dad," she said. "I want you to meet someone. Here with me is Mei, my new sister. She's a bit of hassle, always overworking herself and cruelly teasing me. But I care about her a lot, so I promise I'll look after her. I won't give up no matter how hard it gets. I hope I make you proud."
That's right. Yuzu cherishes her desires, so she can never give up on them. I wish… I wish I could be like that.
Mei bent down and clasped her hands.
I apologize for all the times I've hurt Yuzu. She's a wonderful person. I don't know if I'll be able to live up to her or your expectations, but from now on, I'll put up a real effort. This is one responsibility that I can be absolutely certain is important. Rest in peace.
Mei stood up. She turned to Yuzu and looked her in the eyes. Yuzu locked eyes with her, awaiting Mei's words.
"Yuzu, the way you charge headfirst toward your desires… I don't have that same strength. I… I want to see my father. I've missed him so much." Her throat dried and her eyes watered. It was a struggle to continue. "But I'm afraid. What if I disappoint him or he's changed?"
Yuzu stepped closer to Mei and gently rested her hands on Mei's arms. Mei leaned in slightly, the subtle embrace comforting her.
"I promise you'll be okay, Mei," Yuzu said. The softness in her voice eased her welling tears. "If it's important to you, it's important to me! I'll make sure you two reconnect!"
Mei gazed into Yuzu's strong beautiful eyes, her face succumbing into a comfortable smile. She leaned into Yuzu, wrapping her arms around her waist and resting her face against Yuzu's neck. Yuzu wrapped her arms around her back, holding her tightly but gently.
I don't deserve this. Thank you.
Mei struggled to dial the number on the phone, her fingers shaking. Yuzu, who was sitting on the bed next to her, gripped her other hand. Her fingers became steady. She finished dialing and held the phone to her ear, listening to the ringing. With every ring, she felt an impulse to put the phone down, but the warm soft grip of Yuzu's hand kept her brave.
The call answered.
"Hello? Is that really you, honey?"
Mei's eyes shut tight, her shoulders hunching.
"Yes, it's me. There was… there was something I wanted to ask you."
