Shall we dance?
The sound of the bell ringing as it's shaken, followed by two claps fills the silence reigning around the shrine.
Mahiru smiles at it while she sweeps the ground before she stops briefly in her duties to turn around and look at the girl praying in front of the offering box.
She's soon captivated by her long wavy ash-blonde hair and beautiful face, when she notices the slight frown adorning her features as the girl seems to be deep in thought.
She barely has time to keep admiring her beauty before the ash-blonde opens her eyes and turns around to leave the shrine.
- Have a nice day.
She hears the ash-blonde saying politely as she passes by her and begins to descend the stairs that lead to the entrance of the shrine.
- You too, have a nice day.
Mahiru replies a bit louder so the other girl can hear her as she watches her leaving, her hair still blowing in the air and reflecting the sun rays with the movement, before she returns to sweep the ground.
The next day feels like a déjà vu of the previous day as Mahiru finds herself watching the beautiful ash-blonde once again shaking and ringing the bell before clapping twice with a frown adorning her features, and the midnight blue haired girl can't help but be curious about the stranger by now.
She observes the girl deep in thought as she prays before the other girl lets out a heavy sigh and turns around to leave, walking out of the place at fast pace.
- Have a nice day.
The ash-blonde says laconically as she already begins to descend the stairs, and Mahiru barely has time to reply her.
- You... too.
Mahiru wishes her as she makes a brief stop in her duties and watches her hurrying away, wondering what might be troubling the girl.
Mahiru sighs deeply, shaking her head before she resumes her duties as shrine maiden.
It isn't until the third consecutive day in which she sees the ash-blonde that Mahiru decides to intervene to try and alleviate the girl's troubles and worries.
As the ash-blonde is once again praying, Mahiru can't help but watch her discretely, pretending to be sweeping the area around the shrine once again.
She notices the frown and troubled expression on the other girl's face as she ends her prayer, opening her eyes to stare intensely and thoughtfully in front of her. The ash-blonde she lets out a heavy and shaky sigh, shaking her head before she turns around to leave.
- Excuse me – Mahiru calls out for the girl's attention while she approaches her, stopping the other girl before she could leave the shrine's grounds, noticing the ash-blonde looking at her confusedly – May I help you with anything?
She ends up saying with a soft smile on her face, unknowingly helping to calm down the ash-blonde.
- No, I, huh, I was just praying... – the ash-blonde answers hesitantly.
Mahiru gives the girl another soft smile as she keeps walking closer.
- I apologize for my meddling, but I couldn't help but notice the troubled expression on your face. So I've thought I could offer you some help in case you needed it.
The ash-blonde looks at the floor briefly, considering Mahiru's words before she lets out another heavy sigh.
- It's really nothing. I've just... came here to wish my girlfriend some good luck.
The girl says the word "girlfriend" so quietly that Mahiru almost misses it.
- Maybe a luck talisman could also help her – Mahiru says with a soft smile on her face, seeing the other girl looking up at her and smiling back softly yet with a troubled expression still present on her features and a storm swirling in her mesmerizing magenta eyes, trapping Mahiru in it.
- I'm sure that could also help her.
Mahiru hums and indicates the girl to follow her with her head.
- My name is Tsuyuzaki Mahiru. I'm one of the maidens of this shrine, and I'm also here to provide people with help and guide them whenever they need it.
- I'm Saijou Claudine, pleasure to meet you – the ash-blonde says, feeling more at ease around the midnight blue haired maiden.
They walk calmly towards the omamori booth at the shrine, before Mahiru hands Claudine a luck talisman.
- I think this one will be perfect for her – Mahiru says with a kind smile on her face.
- Thank you – Claudine thanks her quietly, giving her the money of the talisman before she closes her eyes and squeezes it tightly in the palm of her hands trying to transfer her power into it.
- Anything else I could help you with?
Claudine opens her eyes again, seeming to hesitate for a brief moment before she shakes her head and tries to put the best smile she can muster.
- No, thank you for your help – she says sincerely before she turns around to leave.
- I'll be around the shrine if you need anything else – Mahiru says with a kind smile adorning her face, seeing the ash-blonde nodding.
- I-I'll keep it in mind. Thank you again for everything and have a nice day.
Claudine bids her farewell before she leaves.
- You too.
Mahiru says quietly as a gust of air blows, carrying with it the leaves that rested on the floor.
The shrine maiden sighs heavily before she begins to sweep them again, thinking about the other girl and hoping she could have been of any help to her.
A couple of days go by in which Mahiru doesn't see Claudine, before she sees the ash-blonde once again in front of the offering box praying.
Mahiru smiles softly, noticing she doesn't look so troubled as the previous days before she goes back to her duties with her back turned at the shrine. Suddenly, she hears the clearing of a throat, startling her and making her turn around to look at the ash-blonde in front of her surprised.
- Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you.
The ash-blonde apologizes slightly embarrassed, making Mahiru giggle.
- It's okay, don't worry. Can I help you with anything?
- I... you see... uff – Claudine huffs frustrated, passing a hand through her silky hair, eliciting a soft smile from Mahiru.
- Would you like to talk about it while drinking a cup of tea with me? – she offers the ash-blonde, hoping it could help her to feel less frustrated and be able to express herself as she wants to.
Claudine blinks at the sudden offer before she furrows her brows.
- Are you sure? I wouldn't want to bother you or keep you away from your duties – Claudine says unsure yet already following the maiden towards the inside of the shrine, seeing her turning around slightly to give her another calm smile.
- It's okay, don't worry.
And with that, both girls get inside the shrine. Mahiru shows Claudine one of the rooms, allowing her to sit inside it whilst she prepares some herbal tea that she knows very well that will help the ash-blonde to relax.
- Is it okay if I ask you what seems to be troubling you? – Mahiru asks the other girl as she places two steaming mugs on the table and sits across from her, encouraging her to take a sip of the tea before talking.
- Thank you – Claudine thanks her softly before taking a sip – hmm, it's delicious.
Mahiru can't help but giggle, also taking a sip of her tea, enjoying its sweet and delicate aroma and taste.
- I... My girlfriend is a great dancer and actress and I'm... I guess I'm just nervous – Claudine lets out a shaky laugh, looking at the liquid inside the mug before taking another sip of it to help herself to calm down.
- Nervous? Are you... nervous or perhaps scared that she will break up with you because of that? – Mahiru can't help but ask tentatively and concerned, feeling bad for the other girl.
- No! No! – Claudine lets out a quiet laugh, feeling her nerves dispelling a bit with it – It's just that my girlfriend has an important meeting with a famous woman in the theater business world and I'm a bit nervous that she won't recognize her talent and give her an opportunity. Maya always work really hard in everything she does and she deserves to shine, so I want nothing more than people to see how marvelous she truly is.
Claudine ends up saying while looking at the mug in between her hands with a tender yet goofy smile on her face, and Mahiru can't help but sigh in relief and smile fondly at the way the ash-blonde talks about her girlfriend with so much love in her voice.
- I'm sure she'll appreciate her talent once she watches her performing – Mahiru says encouragingly before noticing the slumped shoulders of her companion.
- I'm not... that sure. I've heard rumors that Hanayagi-san is really picky with those whose she chooses to be the top star of her stage plays, not to mention that it'll be just a meeting in a cocktail party, so I doubt Maya will even have the chance to dance...
Claudine rambles, not noticing the surprised expression on Mahiru's face upon hearing the Hanayagi surname coming out in the conversation, biting her lip to try to stifle a little shriek.
- I'm sure she will give her an opportunity, especially if your girlfriend is as talented as you've told me – Mahiru says with a reassuring smile, trying to calm down the fast beating of her heart.
- I hope so... I just wish I could go to the cocktail party with Maya to support her though...
Now Mahiru can't help but be the one furrowing her brows. She's been in plenty of those cocktail parties, seeing the future candidates to top stars going with their couples.
- Excuse my indiscretion, but why can't you go with her?
Mahiru asks her, seeing the sad almost bitter smile on the ash-blonde's face.
- I'm... not good enough to be there... – Claudine says quietly, so quietly that Mahiru almost misses it at the same time she feels her heart breaking upon her words.
- I'm sure that's not true.
Claudine gives her a sad smile, playing with the rim of her mug.
- Maya always tells me the same – she pauses, laughing quietly – but the truth is that I'm just a mere painter who can't even get to exhibit any of her paintings anywhere and who struggles to make money so I have to work at a cafeteria. Besides, I don't really know how to dance and I don't want to embarrass Maya in front of everybody.
She says quietly, insecurely, and Mahiru knows full well that feeling.
The first time she attended one of those cocktail parties, she thought she'd never be good enough to be there. She still thinks she isn't sometimes...
That feeling of not be good enough was even worst whenever she felt the gazes of everybody on her before Kaoruko came to her rescue and took her hand in hers, squeezing it to then give her a reassuring smile that would calm her down enough so they could walk together and proudly to meet up with the attendees.
Mahiru was a just a mere a part-time shrine maiden and a kids' rhythmic gymnast's teacher whom Kaoruko quickly fell in love due to her lovely personality as she was starting to take over her family business. But the heir didn't care about any of that and as time went by and also thanks to Kaoruko's help, love and patience, Mahiru started to overcome her insecurities and fears.
- What if I teach you how to dance? – she suggests Claudine, surprising her.
- Do you know how to dance? – Claudine can't help but ask surprised, earning a giggle from Mahiru.
- Well, let's say I'm pretty decent at it, and if not, we can always get a little help from somebody I know.
- Are you sure? I really don't want to be a burden to you. I honestly don't know why would you go so far to help me... – Claudine trails off apprehensive and Mahiru can't help but smile at her fondly.
- Because I know what is to feel like you aren't enough and don't want to embarrass the person you love, and I don't want you to feel like that.
She can see the tears rolling down Claudine's precious face as she says those words, reaching out to wipe away her tears before seeing the ash-blonde give her a teary smile.
- Thank you. I really don't know how to compensate you for it.
Mahiru smiles and takes the ash-blonde's hands in hers to squeeze them.
- I'm pretty sure that one of your paintings would look splendid in one of the rooms of the shrine, don't you think? – she says animatedly, winking at Claudine to get a laugh from her.
- It's a deal then – the ash-blonde giggles more cheerful now, before they continue with their little chit-chat until Mahiru has to return to her duties at the shrine and the ash-blonde has to go back to her home.
Next time they meet it's at a practice to learn how to dance at the gym in which Mahiru teaches rhythmic gymnastics.
Mahiru is already inside the room when a bit insecure Claudine appears at the door's frame, coming in doubtful.
- I see you've found the gym alright – Mahiru says with a soft smile on her face, eliciting another smile from Claudine.
- It wasn't that hard to find. Plus, I don't know why but it feels vaguely familiar – Claudine says shrugging her shoulders while Mahiru smiles without saying a word.
- If you're ready, we can start warming up before I teach you a dance.
Claudine nods and even though she still feels a bit hesitant and nervous, they begin to stretch before Mahiru goes to turn the music on and the both of them position one in front of the other.
- The first dance we're going to practice today it's a waltz.
Claudine can only nod as she sees Mahiru positioning herself a shoulder distance away from her.
Mahiru faces forward as the lead and gently turns Claudine's face so she faces backward as the follow.
Then, she places her right hand on Claudine's shoulder blade and wraps her left hand around her right hand, keeping her elbow up at shoulder height.
Claudine mimics Mahiru's posture but on the contrary.
And soon, they begin to move around the room, Mahiru stepping forward with her left foot to start and then end with her right foot, while Claudine steps backward with her right foot and ends with her left foot, allowing Mahiru to lead her.
Mahiru steps to the side with Claudine following her closely before the maiden brings her feet together and Claudine mimics her.
They perform the waltz at a slow tempo and repeat it several times, becoming more and more confident with each 3-count tempo they perform, dancing to the rhythm of Johann Strauss II's "The Blue Danube" sounding in the background.
- You're doing it great! – Mahiru exclaims chirpy as they dance, surprised to see how versed Claudine seems to be, contrary to what she told her at first.
- Maya sometimes needs a partner to practice at home so I'm used to help her, but I'm nothing like her – Claudine says laughing quietly and Mahiru can't help but notice the tender smile and glint in the ash-blonde's eyes whenever she talks about her girlfriend, bringing a soft smile to her own face.
- Mind if I ask you how did you two meet? – she asks the ash-blonde with a kind smile as they keep dancing around the room, and Claudine can't help but smile even wider.
- We met at the cafeteria I work. At that time, I worked there part-time while I was studying and she used to go frequently when she was at college and after had ended her rehearsals to order a cup of tea and relax before she had to go back to her apartment.
Mahiru hums as they turn again.
- So it was love at first sight? – Mahiru asks her, loving to hear more about their love story, hearing Claudine snorting.
- Far from that. She was truly infuriating, well, she still is sometimes, and acted so full of herself that I really wanted to wipe that smug grin off her face constantly, so I always messed up her tea and yet she kept coming back and tried to make conversations with me. She was so damn persistent… – Claudine pauses lightly, a fond smile taking over her features – There was... something intriguing about her, about her attitude and the attention she gave me. It was strange but nice at the same time. Yet she always had this glint of solitude in her eyes that made me want to know more about her and erase it…
Mahiru's antennae lift up as she hears about the girls, enjoying their love story.
- Maya started to come even more frequently to the cafeteria. She even memorized my schedule so she could stay behind, reading a book and drinking tea waiting for me until I got to finish my turn to accompany me back home so nothing could happen to me. And even though she liked a little too much to rile me up, I liked how thoughtful she was and I guess that I eventually ended up falling for her and we started to date and those things.
Claudine can't help but blush furiously as she realizes how easily she ended up telling Mahiru about their love story.
- Aw, you two sound awfully cute – Mahiru says with a wide smile on her face, her heart beating excitedly after hearing their story and see the look of pure love in Claudine's eyes.
- T-thank you – Claudine stammers completely embarrassed.
- How about we end today's practice here and see each other again to practice a different dance in a couple of days?
Mahiru asks her after they have been dancing and perfecting the waltz for more than an hour which has quickly flew by in between their chattering.
Claudine nods with a smile and gathers her things to leave the gym.
- Thank you for helping me, Mahiru-san.
- There's no need to thank me – Mahiru answers her with a soft smile as they bid their farewells and each of them go back to their respective homes.
As soon as Mahiru enters her home and leaves her coat, shoes and sport bag at the entrance, she feels herself being wrapped into a tight hug.
- Mahiruuuu, where have you been?
- Sorry Kao-chan, time quickly flew by while I was practicing and I didn't realize of the hour – Mahiru giggles as she hugs the other girl tightly, feeling Kaoruko peppering kisses along her neck – Kao-chan! I'm sweaty!
- You know I've never minded about that – Kaoruko quickly fires back seductively, making Mahiru blush.
- I-I'm going to shower! – Mahiru squeaks as she scuttles away of Kaoruko's arms to go upstairs to their bathroom.
- Do you want some company~? – Kaoruko teases her mischievously, following her and seeing Mahiru blushing even harder if possible.
- N-no!
Mahiru squeals completely embarrassed once again as she closes the bathroom's door hard and leans against it to take deep breath that could help her to calm her racing heart, still feeling her cheeks warm while she hears Kaoruko's muffled yet devilish laugh in the distance.
She smiles fondly, shaking her head and goes to take a quick shower before she joins back to her devilish fiancé in the living room.
As soon as Kaoruko sees her, a mischievous smirk appears on her face, before she makes the attempt to hide it behind her hand.
- Ara~ you took too long in the shower, don't tell me you were thinking on me?
Mahiru can only blush hard again, before she shoves Kaoruko.
- K-Kaoruko!
Kaoruko just laughs once again, loving to tease Mahiru and see the precious blush adorning her cheeks, before she pulls her into a hug, enjoying the warmth and soothing feeling Mahiru gives off.
- Sorry – she apologizes between giggles and Mahiru, even though she knows her fiancé isn't a bit sorry about her teasing, doesn't mind it and snuggles up against her.
- You're terrible – she says with a pout, hearing Kaoruko laughing more before she takes her chin gently and leans to steal a kiss from her.
- But you like it – Kaoruko retorts smugly, making Mahiru groan and hide her face in the crook of her neck, sighing while getting comfortable in her embrace.
They stay like that for a bit, enjoying the silence reigning in the room before Mahiru talks again.
- Kao-chan? – Mahiru asks, hearing a hum in response prompting her to continue – Do you think you could help me with something?
Mahiru asks looking at Kaoruko with the best puppy eyes and pout she can muster, knowing Kaoruko won't be able to resist them.
- What is it? – Kaoruko sighs out softly, getting a wide smile in return while Mahiru's antennae twitch up and down happily and repeatedly.
- There's a girl I'm helping with ballroom dances, so I was hoping you could join us this week and help her too.
- Oooh, so this girl is stealing my precious time with my fiancé and I have to help her?
Kaoruko says teasingly, making Mahiru giggle.
- It's for a good cause, I promise. So pleaseeee.
Mahiru once again uses the power of her puppy eyes to try to persuade Kaoruko, who simply caves in.
- Fineeee – the other girl exhales, much to Mahiru's happiness who squeals and leaves a quick kiss on her fiancé's lips.
Even though Kaoruko spends less time that she'd like with Mahiru due to how willing her fiancé is to help strangers, it's precisely because of that reason and because of her kindness, aside of how lovely and cheerful Mahiru is, that Kaoruko ended up being so madly in love with her, being her small sunshine.
- Now would you mind to tell me why are we helping this unknown girl? – she asks her softly, resting her head on Mahiru's shoulder before feigning a gasp and quickly turn to look at Mahiru with a faked hurt expression on her face – Wait, don't tell me it's because she's prettier than me and you're planning to replace me?
- No! – Mahiru quickly says, shoving Kaoruko as she sees the rich girl laughing behind her hand – you're really terrible!
Kaoruko just grins widely at her as she rests her head again on Mahiru's shoulder, noticing Mahiru resting hers on top of her head before she takes her hand in hers and rubs her knuckles with her thumb.
- I just… she came to the shrine to pray and I couldn't help but notice that she always looked troubled so I ended up offering her my help.
Kaoruko smiles and nuzzles Mahiru's head, loving that side of her fiancé of always wanting to help others no matter what, before she hears her continuing her telling.
- She told me she came to pray for her girlfriend's success in an important meeting and the more we talked, the more I discovered about them. This girl… she doesn't think she's good enough to accompany her girlfriend to the meeting to support her. She's afraid she'll just embarrass her and she really wants people to see her girlfriend's talent and radiance.
Kaoruko sighs, squeezing Mahiru's hand before bringing it up to her lips to leave a kiss on it.
- And of course you relate to her. Am I wrong? – the rich girl says, knowing full well how those type of meetings were like for Mahiru when they first started to date and she took her to them so everybody could meet her and know the girl who got to steal her heart with her kindness and whom she proudly cherish and loves.
- You've guessed right – Mahiru whispers softly and Kaoruko can only kiss her cheek.
- Okay, I'll help you two then.
- Really!?
Mahiru asks surprised, turning to look at Kaoruko beamingly before she pulls her into a sweet kiss and Kaoruko can't be content enough that they're at home so nobody can witness this soft side of hers.
- I have to ask you for another favor though – Mahiru says warily, getting Kaoruko's full attention – Could you… not mention you're a Hanayagi, please?
Kaoruko arches an eyebrow surprised at her fiancé's request.
- I just don't want her to know. I'll explain everything to you when the right moment comes, but until then, can you please do that? – Mahiru explains to her, giving Kaoruko her best puppy eyes, placating her with such a cute expression that the other girl can't help but sigh briefly.
- Well, I can't say no if you ask me so adorably. But it'll come with a price... – Kaoruko trails off mischievously, noticing the light blush tinting Mahiru's cheeks before she squeals and giggles.
Soon enough, they melt into a deep kiss and get engaged into other... activities.
A couple of days later, as Claudine and Mahiru are stretching in one of the practice rooms of the gym, Kaoruko enters flashing a sly smirk to a smiling Mahiru as soon as they lock eyes.
- Huh? Qui est-ce? – Claudine asks aloud, hearing Kaoruko clearing her throat.
- Bon après-midi madame, je m'appelle Tsuyuzaki Kaoruko – Kaoruko says in perfect French, surprising Claudine while Mahiru gasps audibly and blushes profusely upon hearing Kaoruko talking in French and introducing herself using Mahiru's surname.
- Oh, so you two are... – Claudine trails off with a soft smile on her face assuming they're married.
- Yes – Kaoruko answers slyly, smirking widely at her fiancé's gasp and stunned expression before winking at her mischievously.
- Mahiru-san? Are you okay? – Claudine asks the other girl upon noticing her silence and how red she looks.
- Y-yes! P-perfectly! – Mahiru squeaks, making Kaoruko laugh.
- Forgive me, Mahiru requested my help with some ballroom dances – Kaoruko says politely, giving Mahiru some time to pull herself back together even though she enjoys messing up with her fiancé and see the cute blush adorning her face.
- Oh, thank you for your assistance then. I truly appreciate it – Claudine says sincerely and somehow, Kaoruko can see why Mahiru is so adamant to help her.
She smiles at the ash-blonde, already liking her before she explains the dances they'll be practicing for the day, turning the music on before she and Mahiru begin to twirl and turn around the room.
- You're terrible – Mahiru whispers to her fiancé as they're dancing together.
- I thought you loved that about me – Kaoruko quickly teases her back with a wicked grin, pressing their bodies closer while making Mahiru blush hard again.
After they end their demonstration, Claudine begins to rehearse the dances she learnt with the both of them, alternating between their leads. And Kaoruko can't help but be surprised to see how such a fast learner she is.
- I have to admit I'm surprised to see how fast you've learnt and memorized the steps – Kaoruko says once they're dancing together again.
- Merci. My girlfriend is a very talented dancer and actress so I try to help her whenever she needs some help when practicing at home.
Kaoruko can only arch an eyebrow, curious about the ash-blonde's girlfriend.
- And who is your girlfriend, if you don't mind me asking?
- Tendou Maya. She's slowly making her way to the top, but I'm sure she'll be a star soon – Claudine says proudly, leaving an impression on Kaoruko who just wants to know more about this talented dancer and actress before a nervous Mahiru interrupts her.
- D-didn't we need to run some errands before going back home? W-we better hurry up if we don't want to find the shop closed – Mahiru tells Kaoruko, pleading her silently to drop the conversation.
Kaoruko opens her eyes ever slightly before nodding.
- You're right love. I apologize for cutting the conversation and practice so abruptly, but I'm afraid we should leave before the shop closes. It was a pleasure to meet you, Saijou-han – Kaoruko apologizes with a slight bow, seeing Claudine mimicking her actions.
- Likewise, Tsuyuzaki-san – Claudine says, much to Mahiru's further embarrassment and Kaoruko's amusement.
- I'm sure Mahiru will do a great job helping you to perfect your dancing – Kaoruko says with a sly smile as she sees the hard blush returning to Mahiru's cheeks.
- I have no doubt of it, she's an excellent teacher – Claudine says with a grateful smile, making Mahiru blush even harder at the compliment.
- I'm sure she is – Kaoruko points out, leaving a kiss on Mahiru's cheek before she takes her hand and they head towards the exit with their sport bags in hand – Well Saijou-han, I'm afraid we have to go now, so until the next time we get to see each other again.
Kaoruko says with a polite smile which Claudine quickly returns.
- Until next time, Tsuyuzaki-san. Thank you again for your assistance.
Claudine bows one last time before she heads to the opposite direction.
Kaoruko looks at a completely flustered Mahiru and squeezes her hand before she pulls her back home, the chilly breeze blowing helping Mahiru to get out of her astonishment.
- Kao-chan! – she finally hisses out – W-w-why did you-?
She cuts herself off completely embarrassed.
- You told me not to mention I was a Hanayagi, didn't you? – Kaoruko says nonchalantly, riling Mahiru up more.
- B-but you... you've implied that we are married! A-a-and you took my surname! – Mahiru sputters stunned much to Kaoruko's further amusement.
- Well, you're my soon-to-be-wife, so I wasn't technically wrong there. And you know I wouldn't mind to take your surname if I wasn't a Hanayagi and the heir of the company.
Those words and the way Kaoruko says them so seriously just stun Mahiru who blushes even harder to the point of having to hide her completely red face in Kaoruko's shoulder, sputtering incoherent words while she cries out of happiness, and Kaoruko can only smile fondly and kiss Mahiru's head, hugging her tightly as they keep walking back home.
- Let's go home – she says softly, feeling Mahiru nod against her shoulder and hug her tightly.
- I love you – Mahiru says quietly, still unable to say anything else.
- I love you too – Kaoruko replies, kissing her head once again.
A couple of days go by between practices and perfecting the dances before the big day comes.
- Are you nervous? – Mahiru asks Claudine as she helps her to put her hair up in a lovely upsweep and finish the final touches of her make-up.
- A bit – Claudine admits, eliciting a soft smile from Mahiru.
- Don't be, you look beautiful – the midnight blue haired girl compliments her as Claudine stands up, letting the lower part of her long black dress fall to the floor, looking truly mesmerizing.
- You too – Claudine says as she notices how captivating Mahiru looks in her long teal dress.
- Thank you.
They both share a laugh as they head out of the inside of the shrine.
- Thank you for accompanying me tonight – Claudine thanks Mahiru as she drives them to the meeting.
- You know you don't need to thank me – Mahiru answers with a soft smile on her lips that helps the ash-blonde to relax before they park the car on the pathway to a luxurious mansion.
Claudine can't help but take a deep breath before she feels Mahiru squeezing her hand in encouragement.
- It'll go well, don't worry – Mahiru whispers reassuringly as they walk through the lobby.
- Tsuyuzaki-san, welcome – a besuited pink haired girl soon welcomes them, bowing slightly before smiling at Mahiru.
- Isurugi-san, it's good to see you again – Mahiru greets her back with a fond smile on her face, confusing Claudine upon their familiarity – This is Saijou Claudine, she'll be accompanying me tonight.
Futaba nods and smiles at Claudine fondly.
- Pleasure to meet you, Saijou-san. Would you mind if I take your coats before showing you where the ballroom is? – Futaba says politely as the girls hand her their coats and before she leads them towards where the rest of guests are – Here it is. I hope the both of you enjoy the meeting, and if you need anything, please don't hesitate to call for me.
She says politely, bowing once again before she retires.
Claudine can only look at her retreating figure, then at the ballroom and lastly at Mahiru bewildered.
- Mahiru-san? – she asks in confusion, eliciting a giggle from the shrine maiden.
- Sorry, Kuro-chan. You'll soon understand everything. Now, should we enter and search for your girlfriend?
Mahiru says, allowing Claudine to be the first one entering the ballroom, getting completely captivated by the luxurious decoration and majesty of it.
Her eyes scan the large room before they land on a gorgeous woman with long wavy brunette curls and a mesmerizing dark purple dress at the back of the ballroom. As she takes a closer look, she can't help but furrow her brows upon the familiarity of the blue haired woman accomplaying her and whom Maya is talking with.
- Mahiru-san, isn't that... – she trails off as Mahiru giggles.
- Why don't we approach them? – Mahiru asks as she already begins to walk towards her fiancé and Claudine's girlfriend respectively.
Kaoruko upon seeing Mahiru approaching them in the distance, can't help but smile fondly and widely, pausing her conversation with Maya to flash a sly grin at Claudine.
- My, my, who do we have here? – she says mischievously, pretending to hide her smirk behind the small fan she has with her.
Maya upon hearing her saying those words, turns her head to their new companion, gasping as her amethyst eyes lock with a pair of magenta ones.
- Ma Claudine? – she lets out involuntarily, completely dazed by Claudine's beauty, making the ash-blonde blush self-consciously.
- Méchante va – Claudine murmurs under her breath embarrassed.
- She looks truly beautiful, doesn't she Tendou-han? – Kaoruko chimes in mischievously, making Mahiru giggle.
- Ah, yes, indeed Hanayagi-san. You look incredibly gorgeous, ma chérie – Maya compliments her girlfriend with a tender smile on her face and nothing but utter love in her eyes, making Claudine blush harder.
Mahiru slowly gets closer to Kaoruko, elbowing her lightly.
- You're really terrible.
- But you love it – Kaoruko quickly retorts back, pecking Mahiru's lips and making her blush as hard as Claudine did seconds ago.
Then, she clears her throat, getting her companions' attention back before she talks.
- I'm afraid I didn't introduce myself properly. My name is Hanayagi Kaoruko.
She introduces herself, earning a gasp from Claudine.
- But you... – the ash-blonde trails off looking between Kaoruko and Mahiru.
- Ma Claudine, is something the matter? – Maya asks her concerned, taking her hand in hers to rub Claudine's palm tenderly.
- No... it's just...
Claudine trails off completely confused.
- Tendou-san, Kuro-chan, if you don't mind me explaining it…
Mahiru chimes in, seeing Maya nodding at her before she proceeds to explain the why of Claudine's confusion, how they met up and knew one another as well as why the ash-blonde is there standing next to them.
- So you did all of that just to be with me here tonight and support me? – Maya says quietly yet stunned at her girlfriend for going so far to support her – Thank you.
She thanks her girlfriend giving her a sincere smile, her eyes watering before Claudine brings her hand up to wipe away her tears and cup her cheek fondly. Maya places a hand over Claudine's, leaning on her touch before her girlfriend kisses her softly.
- You know I'd do anything for you, mon amour – Claudine says quietly, resting their foreheads together as they get lost in one another's eyes before a certain sly somebody clears her throat.
- Sorry to interrupt you girls, but why don't you show us how talented your girlfriend is? – Kaoruko says directly to Claudine, hiding her grin behind her fan and winking at her.
Maya and Claudine both blush lightly, looking at one another for confirmation, before Maya offers Claudine her hand.
- Shall we dance, ma chérie? – she asks her with a dazzling smile, making Claudine roll her eyes playfully before she gladly takes her hand with a soft smile.
- Bien sûr – she answers as they head to the center of the ballroom and position themselves to dance.
The whole ballroom grows silent in expectation, admiring how perfectly they fit and dance together. Their delicacy and elegancy as they twirl and take everybody's breaths away with each one of their movements, expressions and the feelings they convey, and Kaoruko can't help but watch them in pure delight.
- What do you think of them? – Mahiru whispers next to her, resting her head on Kaoruko's shoulder, dazzled by the couple.
- I think it's truly a loss that we can't have the both of them as the future stars of my next stage play – she ends up saying with a smile on her face that doesn't go unnoticed by Mahiru who giggles.
- Maybe we can try to persuade Kuro-chan – Mahiru says cheerfully as they continue to watch with admiration the couple's dance.
- Please, try – Kaoruko says seriously, turning to look at Mahiru knowing she could get anything she sets her mind to.
Then, she loops her arm around Mahiru's waist to pull her closer and leave a soft kiss on her forehead as they keep watching the couple dancing.
Once the dance ends, the couple returns back to where the heir and the shrine maiden are in between applauses.
- I have to admit Claudine's praises towards your dancing were truly justified – Kaoruko says with a smile, seeing a goofy smile appearing on Maya's face at the mere mention of her girlfriend's name – I'd like to offer you to be the star of my next stage play.
Kaoruko ends up saying, seeing Maya's stunned expression while Claudine gasps and shakes her girlfriend enthusiastically with a beaming and proud smile on her face and Mahiru claps happily.
- You've made it mon amour! – Claudine exclaims happily, pulling Maya out of her reverie to get a beaming smile in return.
- But – Kaoruko interrupts their moment of happiness, getting their attention back – I'd like you to share the spotlight with somebody else... So, Saijou-han, would you like to accompany your girlfriend on the stage and shine along with her?
Both Maya and Claudine freeze at the offer, looking at one another, Maya with a hopeful expression on her face while Claudine looks wary and conflicted before she shakes her head.
- Thank you for your offer, but I can't accept it. This is Maya's chance to shine and I don't want to mess it up. Besides, I'm just a mere painter – she says softly, feeling Maya promptly taking her hand to squeeze it.
- You know that's not true ma chérie. You're an excellent partner to practice and I'd love nothing more than share the stage and spotlight with you and shine together – Maya says encouragingly, smiling at Claudine tenderly.
- I don't know... – Claudine murmurs hesitantly before Mahiru pipes up.
- Kuro-chan, it's okay if you aren't sure about it but I can assure you that you two were truly majestic and mesmerizing dancing together just now – Mahiru says with a reassuring smile.
And between Mahiru's reassuring words, Maya's puppy eyes and Kaoruko's encouraging smile, Claudine finally caves in, exhaling deeply.
- Fine, fine, but I'm just a mere painter so don't expect much from me.
- I beg to differ, ma chérie, you're more than just a mere painter – Maya intercedes sternly, rubbing her girlfriend's hand before she turns to Kaoruko and Mahiru with a determined glint in her eyes – Her paintings are truly mesmerizing. She can easily capture the landscapes, their colors and the emotions they convey within themselves perfectly with her brush.
Maya ends up saying, making Claudine blush at such a heated defense of her paintings and Kaoruko can only laugh.
- So this means I'm getting both a star and a painter? Sounds like a good catch to me – she says jokingly, eliciting laughs from the other girls – Well, why don't we keep enjoying the night from now and stop talking about business until we meet up next week for a meal all together.
Kaoruko says, setting Claudine's decision to take part of her next stage play for another day, seeing the girls nodding before she dismisses them.
- Good, now that it's all settled, go and keep enjoying the party and delighting us with more of your dances girls.
- Thank you Hanayagi-san – Maya and Claudine both thank her in unison, bowing before they head towards the center of the ballroom between tender smiles shared, whisperings and a couple of chaste kisses.
Kaoruko smiles at them and turns to her fiancé, offering her a hand.
- Shall we dance?
She says with a fond smile on her face, winking at Mahiru who giggles and gladly accepts her fiancé's hand, leaning forward to leave a brief and chaste kiss on her lips.
- Of course, my love.
