Confusion. Disbelief. Amazement. Elation.
Emotions, both complimenting and contradictory, swam through Luka's head like a twisting whirlpool, the rushing waves of jumbled thoughts and feelings causing a deafening roar in the pinkette's ears. The whole world had grown still, the cityscape lost in a dull blanket of colorless gray to the social recluses sapphiric gaze, the only thing managing to pierce through the fuzz and static was the firm grasp of delicate hands gripping hers like a much-needed lifeline.
Miku. Miku had come for her. She was here, here for her. Her words were so wonderful that my heart won't stop beating. What? What had she said? Like. Miku liked her too. She meant those words, didn't she? Miku returned her feelings. She didn't hate her. She wasn't going to leave her alone.
"I-I…li-like-like-"
'Say it!'
"I-"
'Tell her you like her too! She has to know! Don't do to her what you feared she would do to you! Tell her!'
But, no matter how much Luka tried, how hard she fought to push down her fears and doubts, to accept what was being given to her with open arms, the pink-haired recluse couldn't muster the strength to say those four words she so badly wanted to scream out with all her heart.
I like you, too. A simple sentence with so many implications and possibilities. Words that would change everything, that could very well lead her down a road she had thought lost a long time ago, one paved with even the slightest hints of hope. Happiness and love, feelings so foreign to the pink-haired girl, that they left her paralyzed with fear, her throat feeling like it was swollen shut, keeping her words trapped.
Was she allowed to accept these feelings without guilt? Could everything she had done truly be washed away?
Soft, almost lyrical, giggles floated up to Luka's ears as the tealette pulled her in for another hug, giving the pink-haired girl a firm, reassuring squeeze, Miku softly resting her cheek against her own as she gently nuzzled her burning ears with her nose. Just like that, with the smallest of gestures, Miku managed to silence the raging storm in her head, the lump in her throat loosening as she focused entirely on the twin-tailed idol's embrace.
"It's ok." Miku whispered softly, her fingers idly playing with the edges of Luka's long, flowing locks of glowing pink, her voice like a comforting blanket over her frayed emotions as she pressed her nose into the crook of her neck. "You don't need to force it. Take all the time you need."
Heaving a heavy, shuddering breath, Luka simply nodded her head as a stiff breeze rolled over her shoulders, the pinkette pulling herself deeper into the idol's embrace as a shiver shook her whole body. As if reacting to her body's involuntary action, Miku slowly pulled herself away from the reclusive pinkette, keeping her hands resting gently on Luka's shoulders, letting her know she wasn't going anywhere as she gave her a soft smile.
"Let's head back, ok?" Miku gently suggested, her eyes radiating with loving adoration as she locked eyes with the pink-haired girl, making sure to give Luka enough time to compose herself after the whole ordeal she had undergone. Taking a couple of raspy breaths, her throat feeling coarse and torn after the storm of emotions that had ripped from her chest, Luka silently nodded to the twin-tailed girl, Miku giving her a reassuring smile as she got back to her feet, holding out her hand in a quiet gesture of trust.
Staring at the offered hand in quiet contemplation, aware of just what it symbolized and all of the future emotions, both good and bad, tied to this single decision, Luka silently contemplated whether she was ready for it. All the worries and fears, the joys and excitement, but most of all, the promise of love. Raising her hand, limb trembling with fear and anticipation, Luka gently placed it into Miku's waiting palm.
Luka trusted Miku.
Curling her delicate fingers around the pinkette's hand, holding it firmly yet with the utmost of care, Miku gave a quick groan of effort before pulling the taller girl to her feet, Luka letting out a quick gasp of surprise at the twin-tailed idol's surprising strength. Feeling a brief bout of vertigo as her body was lifted into an upright position, Luka felt her legs buckle slightly as she placed her full weight on them, her whole body had gone completely numb while she was left out in the cold.
"I got you." Miku reassured gently as she tightened her grasp on Luka's hand, the idol holding her arm out to steady the exhausted pinkette, supporting the taller girl as she tried to regain the feeling in her legs. Giving Luka a quick smile, Miku slowly led the pink-haired girl back toward her apartment building, occasionally turning her head to make sure she was ok.
But all this went unnoticed by Luka, the trip back passing like a blur to the social recluse, her gaze focused firmly on the small hand clasped tenderly around hers, a look of pained concern marring her features. They were just as cold as her own.
It wasn't until the warmth of the heated interior of Miku's apartment complex washed over her that Luka was truly able to register just what had transpired mere minutes ago, how her life had been both shattered in front of her only to be put back together by the most delicate of hands, Miku's smiling face and tender words mending what had moments earlier almost led to her end.
She was happy, truly and unequivocally, Luka was happier than she had ever been in her life, her whole being radiating with strange and unaccustomed feelings and emotions that had laid dormant for so long beneath the weight of crushing guilt and overwhelming anxiety. Knowing someone cared, let alone could come to think of her as a romantic interest, it was more than Luka could ever have hoped for when her world had come crashing down.
And yet, as they silently rode the elevator toward Miku's apartment, her hand still firmly gripping her own, the cold slowly dissipating from the idol's skin, Luka felt like something was wrong, that all this joy was covering up just how deeply she had fallen. What would have happened had Miku not shown up or been too late? Would she have done it? Has her mental state really deteriorate that badly over the years?
The loud chime of the elevator arriving at its destination interrupted Luka before she had a chance to contemplate these questions further, the tealette's pace speeding up as they neared their destination, a strange sense of urgency suddenly overtaking the young idol. Pushing open the front door, having been left unlocked in the earlier confusion, Miku quickly ushered the pinkette into her apartment before rushing off into a random room, leaving Luka standing at the entrance with a confused and worried look on her face.
Standing at the threshold of Miku's apartment, its comfortable warmth washing over her frosted skin, Luka noticed for the first time just how cold and dirty she felt. A deep chill ran down her spine, her whole body beginning to shiver uncontrollably, her teeth chattering loudly as she wrapped her arms around her torso for warmth, Luka wincing in pain as a dull throb radiated from her fingertips.
Lifting her hands, dull blue eyes stared at her blood and dirt-encrusted hands in vacant disbelief, flecks of crimson mixing in with the muck and filth. Looking at her damaged fingers, nails cracked and torn, Luka wondered how all of this could have happened.
Quick, pattering footsteps slapping across tile flooring pulled Luka's attention away from her hands, only for the pinkette to immediately be enveloped by something soft and warm, a large, fluffy blanket draped securely over her shoulders. Blinking in confusion, head buried beneath a mound of velvety softness, Luka stared into the determined countenance of the young idol, Miku wrapping the blanket tightly around the social recluses body. Staring into those beautiful blue eyes, radiating with nothing but concern for her well-being, Luka could feel a soft blush creep onto her cheeks, her heart hammering loudly in her chest.
"I'm going to go run you a hot bath, ok?" Luka could only nod dumbly as Miku gave her a quick smile before rushing off again, her hurried footsteps echoing through the apartment, the sounds of cupboards and doors being wrenched open drifting through the air. "I'll be right back!"
Remaining at the apartment's entrance, unsure of what she should do, Luka felt another chill run down her spine, the social recluse pulling the blankets closer to her body, letting its gentle warmth envelop her entirely. Holding the blanket close, pressing her cold nose into its delightful softness, Luka caught a delicate whiff of Miku's perfume, its lavender fragrance invading her senses, bringing a small smile to her lips. It made her feel safe, loved.
It made her happy.
"The bath is ready." Pulled out of her brief comforting haze, Luka peeked out from behind the veil of fabric covering her head into the softly smiling face of the twin-tailed idol, Miku's eyes shining with delight and adoration as she gently placed her arm around the pinkette's hips. Blushing at the sudden contact, ashamed at being caught in such an embarrassing position, Luka let herself be guided further into the apartment, Miku keeping a firm grasp on her hip, which only made her face flush even darker.
Stepping into the attached washroom separating the apartment from the bathing area, a washer and dryer resting comfortably in the corner, stacks of towels and cleaning materials meticulously stacked on nearby shelves, Miku gently removed the blanket wrapped around Luka's body, tucking it neatly under her arm.
"Take all the time you need, ok?" Miku smiled affectionately as she briefly ran her hand down the small of the pink-haired girl's back, the simple gesture making a soft warmth pool in Luka's stomach, the social recluse only able to muster a simple nod in response. Giving her one last smile, Miku reluctantly removed her hand from Luka's back, both of the infatuated girls missing the contact immediately, the twin-tailed idol leaving the pinkette to her bath.
"Thank you." Luka breathed softly, her voice nary above a whisper, but it caused Miku to briefly pause in her step, a bright smile curling on her lips as she closed the door with a soft click, leaving the pink-haired girl alone. Resting her back against the door, leaning her head back to stare wistfully at the ceiling, Miku let out a dreamy sigh as she recalled the feeling of holding Luka, thinking about how from now on she will have many more chances to do the same. Letting out one last joyful giggle, Miku pushed herself away from the door and made her way to the kitchen, the night far from over and her determination to make the night perfect for Luka only burning stronger.
Pulling down her skirt, the billowy garment landing on the tiled floor with a soft thump, goose pimples rising on her now bare legs, Luka removed the hair-tie holding up her hair before picking up the soiled garment off of the ground, dirt and grass stains covering every inch of the once pristine fabric. Placing it on a nearby table, the pinkette lifted her foot to pull off her socks, soaked and caked with mud, her shirt following shortly after, leaving Luka in a simple pair of black bra and panties. Staring at the mound of muddy clothing, bits of dust covering the floor and table, Luka felt a terrible weight settle in her stomach at the reminder of her earlier downfall.
Reaching behind her back, grasping the clasp of her bra tightly, Luka heaved a heavy sigh, disgust and nausea rolling in her stomach as she made contact with her bare skin, the pinkette lifting her head to the ceiling as she unhooked it, letting it unceremoniously fall to the ground. Closing her eyes, the edges burning with fresh tears, Luka grit her teeth as she pulled down her underwear, her whole body shivering with revulsion at uncovering her disgusting body, especially with Miku so close. Keeping her eyes locked forward, refusing to lower her gaze even an inch, Luka stepped into the main bath, her eyes growing wide with wonder as she took in its immense size and splendor.
Describing it as big would be an understatement. The bathroom alone was as big, if not bigger, than her own bedroom! A large ornate sink with an absolutely immense mirror, several make-up products and hairstyling equipment haphazardly strewn atop its marble countertop, spanned an entire wall of the room.
The bathtub, filled with warm, steamy water, blended in perfectly with the rooms exquisite design, big enough to completely submerge her body even while sitting were she to fill it to the top, lines of different kinds of shampoo and conditioner, and products she had never heard before, resting comfortably upon a shelf just above.
It was like her very own bathhouse located within a single girls apartment.
A soft, pink hue colored Luka's cheeks as it fully hit just where she was, the pink-haired recluse feeling awkward and uncomfortable as she thought about the fact that she was currently standing naked in Miku's bathroom. Famous celebrity Miku. Pop idol to the stars Miku.
Her 'girlfriend?' Miku.
Were they together? Miku said she liked her too, she had even given her a kiss on the cheek, but did that mean they were girlfriends? She didn't think Miku would lie about liking her, but did she want to commit to a relationship, especially with a horrible mess like herself? Surely her fans and the record executives wouldn't take kindly to Miku being in a relationship. All she would do was ruin Miku's sterling reputation.
A solid rapt on the bathroom door caused the distracted girl to jump with fright, Luka reflexively jumping behind the corner to hide, a wave of relief washing over her when Miku's voice drifted in from behind the door.
"I brought you your bag, Luka-chan." Miku announced loudly, her strong voice easily echoing through the room, the sound of something being placed on a nearby counter reaching Luka's ears. "I'm going to put your dirty clothes in the wash, alright?"
"Th-thank you." Stuttering out a reply, Miku's soft giggling drifted through the air, bringing a small smile to Luka's face. How could something so simple as hearing her joyful laughter bring her so much joy?
"It's no problem, silly." A brief flurry of motion, the sound of laundry being stuffed into the washer, some quick beeps of buttons being pressed, were followed by Miku quickly exiting the washroom once more, giving Luka her much-needed privacy. While having Miku close gave her a feeling of comfort and security she desperately craved, the young recluse couldn't feel completely at ease until she was alone, knowing how naked and vulnerable she was at the moment. Both literally and figuratively.
Breathing deeply, feeling the warm steam in the air enter her nose, Luka went about cleaning herself. Taking a seat on a nearby stool, Luka quickly sprayed down her long, flowing locks of pink before grabbing one of the random assortment of bottles of shampoo and lathering up her hair. As Luka dutifully massaged the shampoo into her hair, making sure to get every inch of its impressive length, the young recluse's mind wandered back to the events of earlier in the evening, her blue eyes never once straying down to her naked body.
It was bad. Very bad. While the high of having Miku's feelings reciprocated, or, at least, not having her hate her, was still present, Luka couldn't deny just how bad things had been. The voice had been louder than she had ever heard it. Oftentimes it would be barely above a whisper, always hanging out around the fringes of her mind, easy enough for her to ignore by just shutting out all of her feelings, while at its worst it would be like a painful static in her head.
Not this time. This time it was clear and audible, piercing her brain like a heated, metal rod, refusing to leave no matter how much she scratched and clawed at her skin. No matter how much she tried, how desperately she begged and pleaded, the voice would not go away, pushing her further and further down into the dark waves of despair that were threatening to drown her. All of her fears, all of her years of self-hate and disgust, came to the forefront in a raging torrent, blocking her vision of any possible future, that there was only one way to escape this hell.
Feeling sufficiently cleaned, watching the foamy whiteness of her shampoo soundlessly spiraling down the drain, Luka made her way over to the immense bathtub, using the provided steps to climb up and into the hot but relaxing waters. Hissing slightly from the heat burning the various cuts and scrapes on her body, Luka let herself slowly sink into the water, the soothing warmth helping relax her tense muscles.
Sitting in the heated water, feeling it warm her frigid body, Luka stared wistfully at the ceiling, watching the steam rise up around her like floating clouds. As the water gently lapped at her skin, the heat seeping deep into her bones, the social recluse could not escape the one inescapable truth of the night.
She had wanted to die.
Ever since her downward spiral began, when life and existing became too hard, Luka always took comfort in the fact that she still wanted to live, that the thought of dying, of killing herself, still managed to scare her. But tonight, as her thoughts and emotions reached an all-time low, Luka truly wished for death. It was frightening, not because the thought of dying scared her, but because of how nice, how calming, it sounded. And that she had been close to accepting it.
She had tried to fight it, to deny what the voice was telling her, what her brain wanted her to do, but deep in her heart, Luka couldn't escape the fact that she wished for death. She had given up, had stopped fighting that ever-present feeling slumbering within her heart, and it had pushed her further toward the precipice than she had ever thought possible. Shivering slightly, despite the heat surrounding her body, the pinkette could still feel the lingering vestiges of that feeling on the fringes of her mind, just waiting for her next moment of weakness to strike.
And she wasn't sure if she would survive it next time.
Leaning her head back, feeling the cold porcelain of the bathtub's edge upon her skin, Luka let out a soft, breathless whisper, her words drifting to the ceiling with the rising steam from the water, collecting like droplets of rain upon the fogged-up window.
"I need help."
Stepping out of the bathroom, skin flushed a healthy pink after her relaxing soak, Luka pulled her towel tighter as a small gust of cold air ghosted over her still damp body. Glancing around the room, remembering Miku's announcement from earlier, Luka quickly spotted her bag of belongings on a nearby table, the soft rumbling of the washer running filling the room with sound.
Reaching out toward it, Luka laid eyes upon a familiar article of clothing resting next to her bag, her beloved hoodie lying neatly folded atop the table. Running her fingers along its soft surface, a small smile began curling on the corner of her lips, her heart overflowing with affection at how considerate Miku was.
Quickly pulling on her clothes, zipping her hoodie up tightly over her simple black tank top, the pinkette forgoing a bra for the night, Luka entered the main part of the apartment dressed once again in her regular outfit, skirt replaced with a comfortable pair of shorts. After all she had gone through that day, after the roller coaster of emotions she had endured, Luka truly felt like herself, what little comfort that thought could bring her.
Bare feet padding across the cool tile, her footsteps unsure and tentative, Luka nervously cast her gaze through the vast apartment until she spotted a familiar hair of teal bouncing to and fro in the kitchen, the gentle clinking of dishes, and the smell of freshly brewed tea wafting through the air.
As if sensing her presence, the pinkette wondering if she had some kind of built-in Luka sensor, shaking her head at the embarrassing thought, Miku took a quick glance over her shoulder, an immense smile breaking out on her face as she enthusiastically waved at her. Returning it with a small, tentative one of her own, Luka's eyes widened slightly as Miku suddenly turned around, only to come rushing over to her a mere second later, a mug of steaming green tea held protectively in her hands.
"Here you go." Holding it out for her, a bright smile on her lips, Luka gently took the offered mug from Miku's hands, the heated drink warming her frosty fingertips. "I'm going to take a quick shower myself."
Grabbing a nearby bundle of clothes that had gone completely unnoticed by the pink-haired girl, Miku gave Luka a quick boop on the nose before rushing off into the bathroom, the twin-tailed idol sticking her head out of the door with a bright grin.
"Feel free to make yourself comfortable."
And with that final declaration, punctuated by Miku slamming the door shut rather forcefully, Luka was left alone in a vast, unfamiliar apartment, its sheer size feeling almost intimidating without the idols larger than life's presence filling its halls. Nervously shuffling her feet, Luka remained rooted to the spot, tentatively sipping on her tea as her eyes flittered back and forth, unsure of just what to do. Feelings of curiosity and discomfort warred within Luka's head, wanting desperately to sate her interests in Miku's life, but was paralyzed by her indecision and worry of prying too deeply into what she surely wanted to keep private.
Grasping her drink tight, watching the green liquid roll like miniature waves within her cup, Luka slowly wandered over to the giant window overlooking the city, little dots of light blanketing the landscape like fireflies. Staring out over the city, watching stray pedestrians and lone cars travel down the street, lost within the nighttime scenery, Luka couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at what she was seeing.
Lowering her gaze downward, marking the familiar landmarks she had witnessed from ground level, eyes widening with fear, Luka spotted the river she had collapsed next to earlier, her mind growing hazy with fog as a painful sensation radiated through her chest. Like a wrathful specter, its cold breath ghosting over her shoulder, Luka felt her emotions from earlier rise back up, its dark tendrils wrapping themselves around her throat, pushing the air from her lungs with its poisonous touch.
Snapping her eyes shut, Luka wrenched herself away from the horrid sight, trying to push away the memories that were threatening to resurface, putting as much distance as possible between her and the darkened landscape, her feet bringing her toward the pearly-white piano overlooking the apartment. Approaching the grand piano, traces of light bouncing off its pristine surface, a small smile began curling at the edges of Luka's mouth, the threatening thoughts from before dispersing to be replaced by the wonderful memories of their time singing together.
Luka never had confidence in her singing, let alone her speaking voice, but with Miku by her side, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement as her delicate fingers danced over the keys, she felt strangely at peace, living only in the moment. All her worries and concerns were washed away in a sea of sound, just the two of them and the music, no fears to hold her back as she let herself be free.
She was happy.
"Aaaaah! That was nice!" Like a burst of life within the silence, Miku came bursting out of the bathroom, arms raised high over her head in a delightful stretch. A soft blush covered Luka's cheeks as she watched the teal-haired idol leisurely make her way over to her side, her patented twin-tails done up in two, comically-oversized buns atop her head, Miku's stylish clothes replaced with adorable, sating pink pajamas, much too large for her tiny body, her toes barely sticking out from beneath the hem of her pant legs.
"I think we should probably get some sleep." Yawning loudly, hand demurely placed over her open mouth, Miku's eyelids drooped lazily over her blue orbs, the beginning signs of fatigue evident in her slouched shoulders and lethargic gait. Blinking in surprise, turning to the nearby wall clock, Luka noticed for the first time that they were rapidly approaching midnight.
Giving a small nod of agreement, the social recluse finally felt the events of the day catch up to her as a wave of exhaustion washed over her body, her usually less active lifestyle making itself known, her limbs feeling like lead. Luka felt like she could pass out on her feet.
Smirking slyly, Miku briefly considered offering the pink-haired girl to sleep in bed with her, a slight blush covering her cheeks as she imagined snuggling up to Luka, holding her tight as they drifted off with smiles on their faces. Unfortunately, she didn't think Luka would handle that well, their confessions still fresh and raw, the social recluse surely not accustomed to such blatant shows of affection. At least, not yet.
"I-I'll sle-sleep on the couch." Averting her gaze, a light pink hue coloring her skin, having considered the same thing as Miku, Luka slowly took a seat at the edge of the plush couch, her weight sinking comfortably into the cushions.
"Fiiiiiine!" Miku pouted as she whined in an exaggerated tone, eliciting a small smile from the pinkette, Luka giggling softly at the pop idol's childish antics. Delighted in making the pink-haired girl laugh, Miku shuffled off to procure some pillows and blankets for her house guest, fretting and worrying over Luka for several minutes until she was finally convinced to go to bed herself.
"Ok, ok." Chuckling softly to herself, hands held up in mock surrender, the pair shared a quick smile before Miku leaned down and placed a chaste kiss upon Luka's cheek before rushing off to her room. "Goodnight, Luka-chan."
Staring wide-eyed at where the idol had disappeared to, her entire face burning a dark crimson, Luka patted her cheeks multiple times to try and push down her raging blush, the barest hint of a smile pulling at the edges of her lips as she was overwhelmed by immeasurable happiness.
Pulling off her shorts, placing them gently over the arm of the nearby chair, Luka settled herself into a lying position, bare legs gliding over the soft fabric of the couch as she pulled the blanket over her body. The second her head hit the pillow, Luka fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.
Stumbling out of her room at the ungodly hour of 3:24 am, her whole body swaying back and forth, one eye barely managing to stay open, Miku managed to navigate the darkened interior of her apartment toward the kitchen, the pop idol thanking her past self for choosing a place with an open concept design.
Fumbling with the handle of the fridge door, her weak grip slipping off multiple times in her attempts to open it, Miku finally managed to retrieve a much-needed jug of water, the tealette pouring herself a generous amount before downing half her glass of the life-sustaining liquid in a single gulp.
Sighing in satisfaction, sufficiently hydrated, Miku carefully placed the now empty glass into the sink before making her way back to her room. Spotting a small shock of pink in the corner of her eye, Miku's fogged up brain jolted to attention as she remembered the special house guest currently sleeping soundly upon her couch, her soft breaths wafting gently through the silent halls of her apartment.
Tiptoeing her way over to the sleeping pinkette, a small bubble of excitement bouncing within her chest, Miku gently peered over the side of the couch, the young idol biting down roughly on her lip to stifle her squeals of delight. Sleeping soundly, her lips partially opened as she breathed softly, small strands of pink hair covering her face, Luka was the perfect picture of cuteness and comfort.
Resting her head on the back of the couch, Miku simply watched the object of her affection sleep soundly, glad to see her free of worry and sadness. Simply, peaceful. Reaching out, Miku gently stroked Luka's hair, the pinkette mumbling cutely in her sleep making the pop idol's heart melt with love and affection.
With one last fond look, watching the moon and city lights dance over her pale skin, Miku quietly made her way back to her room, safe in the knowledge that her dreams will be pleasant and filled with love.
Despite her late-night foray, Miku was the first to wake, her internal alarm doing its job of getting her up bright and early, most of her days spent with tons of activity from morning till late into the evening. While today may be one of her rare days off, and the emotionally taxing events of the previous night, Miku nevertheless stepped out of her room with the morning sun shining brilliantly through the window.
Blinking at the bright light invading her senses, Miku lazily scratched her tummy as she stared bleary-eyed at the clock, just managing to make out the time of 6:33 am through her hazy gaze. Pushing a couple of loose strands of hair out of her face, one of her buns having come undone during the night, leaving her head looking oddly lopsided, Miku's gaze subconsciously searched out her socially reclusive friend, delighted to find her still in the same place she had left her the night before.
With a new spring in her step, Miku bounced merrily to the couch, her blue eyes growing wide when she laid eyes upon a much more stunning sight than she had expected. Sometime over the night, Luka had kicked off her blankets, the bundle of fabric hanging off of the side of the couch, most of it pooling in a heap on the ground. This left Luka's long, not to mention bare, legs on full display, the creamy skin gleaming enticingly in the morning sun.
While already enough to get the young idol's heart racing, during her overnight shuffling, Luka's beloved hoodie had also ridden up, revealing the adorable tummy Miku had fawned over not too long ago. But the clincher, something Miku had not been aware of the night before, was that Luka was only wearing a simple pair of panties for bottoms, causing her cheeks to flare up in a raging blush.
Bolting upright, her face doing its best impression of a ripe tomato, Miku bolted to the kitchen to prepare breakfast with quiet but hurried steps, the young idol filing away what she had seen in her head for later, her heartbeat blaring loudly in her ears as a stray image of the loveliness she had witnessed invaded her mind. She better distract herself with cooking before she was tempted to go and take another look.
Awoken by the gentle sizzle of the stove and the delectable waft of freshly cooked breakfast, Luka's eyes softly fluttered open, the social recluse staring in mild confusion at the ornate and modern light fixture hanging over her head until where exactly she was reentered her mind. Sitting bolt upright, strands of pink falling annoyingly in front of her face, Luka's cheeks inflamed a deep red when she noticed her state of partial undress, the social recluse quickly grabbing the blanket off of the floor and covering her legs.
"Good morning, Luka-chan." Yelping in fright, head spinning around fast enough to give her whiplash, Luka stared into the beaming face of her object of affection, Miku's hair pulled up into a neat ponytail, the blush on her cheeks darkening as the pop idols confession and chaste kisses from the night before entered her head. That wasn't a dream, right?
"Breakfast is ready if you want some." Pointing to a nearby dinner table, various plates and bowls of food neatly placed upon its clear, glass surface, Miku shot the bewildered pinkette a quick smile before making her way over, a small bounce in her step as she slid gracefully into her seat.
Giving herself a second to compose herself, the social recluse fiddling idly with the strings of her hood, Luka took a deep breath before getting to her feet, her sweater falling down to cover her underwear. Sliding on her shorts, keeping an eye on Miku to make sure she's not being watched, the young idol idly munching on a piece of fried fish, Luka quickly shuffled over to the dining table and slid into the seat opposite the teal-haired girl. Grabbing a bowl of rice, whispering a quiet 'thank you' as Miku handed her a cup of miso soup, Luka gently dipped her head as the pair fell into a comforting silence as they enjoyed the idols wonderfully prepared breakfast.
Picking at the skin of her fried fish, revealing its perfectly cooked insides, Luka desperately wracked her brain for something to say, her voice failing her every time she tried to bring up a topic of discussion, her mind constantly returning to the moment by the river where Miku admitted that she liked her too, leaving her tongue-tied. She remembered the beautiful glow in her blue eyes, the soft pad of her thumb grazing her skin as she leaned in and placed a delicate kiss upon her cheek, the way her heart soared when those words passed her beautiful pink lips.
'I like you too Luka.'
It was so perfect, so sweet and emotional, that Luka could scarcely believe it was real. It must have been a spur-of-the-moment thing, Miku, so worried about her friend's safety, saying something crazy, something impossible. How could this possibly have happened to her? Life didn't work that way. HER life didn't work that way! Should she truly hope for love or should she hold on to friendship no matter how much it may hurt?
"We can take this at whatever speed you are comfortable with." Blinking in confusion, lost deeply within her own thoughts, Luka lifted her head to stare owlishly at the girl sitting across from her, Miku giving her a gentle smile as she carefully placed her now-empty bowl of rice on the table.
"What…what do you mean?" Voice hoarse and timid, thick with confusion, Luka looked at the pop idol with a questioning gaze, her heart rate beginning to accelerate ever so slightly in anticipation, the social recluse unsure on why it was happening.
"I mean for our relationship."
Chocking on her words, an emotional gasp passing her lips, Luka's entire face flushed a brilliant pink, her heart hammering rapidly in her chest, the familiar sting of tears burning in the corner of her eyes. With those words, with that confident declaration, all her fears and second guesses were stamped out like the dying embers of a campfire, letting the singed pieces of hope flourish from its ashes.
"If you want to be friends, then that's what we'll do." Miku continued, her words sounding stiff and forced as she said 'friend', a quiet pleading radiating behind her eyes as she silently begged that it would not be so. "If you want to take things slow, then I'll wait as long as you need. If you want to keep it a secret or be open about it, it's your choice."
Luka was left speechless, her entire being abuzz with unfamiliar feelings and thoughts, her heart bursting with affection and gratefulness toward the tealette. She wasn't being rejected, her words had been genuine. But even so, knowing she shared the same feelings, Miku was still giving her a choice, making sure she feels as comfortable and secure in how it proceeds made her just want to burst out in tears of joy.
No one had ever been so considerate to her.
"I really, really like you, Luka-chan."
No one had ever cared about her so.
"Ever since I met you, I liked you. When we started to hang out and become friends, I came to like you more and more each time. Everything about you just made me so happy, made me anxiously await our next meeting, only to be surprised by how amazing it felt to see you again. I would love nothing more than to be with you, to call you my girlfriend. But, above all, I want you to feel comfortable and safe, no matter what."
No one was like Miku.
Wrapping her arms around her midsection, fingers clamped tightly against her sides, Luka let out a quiet sob as tears fell from her eyes, her entire being overflowing with immeasurable joy. How? How could she possibly be so lucky to have Miku in her life? How could she possibly say no?
"I-I want to be with you." Letting out a choked sob, trails of tears rolling down her cheeks, Luka let herself be happy, choosing not to run, to accept what is being offered to her. She was going to trust her, she was going to allow herself a chance at a better life, she was going to entrust her heart to another, with all of its bruises and scars. Because she knew it would be cared for.
Smiling softly, Miku pushed herself away from the table and slowly walked behind Luka, gently pulling the crying girl into a hug, placing a loving kiss upon her head before resting her cheek atop it, a stray tear of her own falling from the corner of her eye.
"I want to be with you too."
"I'm glad you could come, Luka-chan."
Standing with her hands clasped playfully behind her back, the dying rays of the evening sun casting an orange halo upon the quiet neighborhood, Miku gave her newly acquired girlfriend a bittersweet smile as they stood at the front gate of Luka's home.
After their emotional breakfast and the turbulent events of the night before, the newly christened pair decided to have a nice and relaxing day at home, doing the dishes, playing songs on Miku's piano, before finally cuddling lovingly on the couch and watching TV. As the day wore on, as one show ran into the next, the pair slowly inched closer and closer, eventually culminating with Miku gently resting her head upon Luka's shoulder. And, with a smile on her face, Luka did not shy away from the contact, resting her own head atop Miku's as they wiled their day away in loving bliss.
"I hope we can do it again sometime." Nodding her head solemnly, a strange ache burning in her chest, Luka stared at the twin-tailed idol silently, nervously wringing her hands as she contemplated whether or not to take this chance. Biting her lip, hands shaking slightly, Luka suddenly lurched forward, catching the young idol by surprise as she pulled her in for a goodbye hug.
Staring in wide-eyed surprise, Miku broke out into a mile-wide grin as she returned the hug with gusto, hugging the taller girl tight as she repeatedly peppered her cheek with soft kisses before finally pulling away with an exuberant bounce in her step. Giggling merrily, a soft pink hue coloring her cheeks, Miku bounded down the street with renewed vigor, her arms raised high into the air as she waved farewell to her girlfriend, her joyful laughter echoing down the streets as she disappeared into the distance.
Watching the hyperactive girl disappear from view, her blue eyes locked on where she had vanished over the horizon, Luka slowly turned around and made her way into her home, for the first time not feeling the weight of the world dragging her down as she took the steps up to her room in a silent, love-drunk daze.
Unbeknownst to her, so lost in her infatuated thoughts of Miku, Luka failed to notice a pair of chocolate-colored eyes watching her daughter walk up to her room from the nearby kitchen, the glass she was cleaning softly dripping water onto the floor.
"She was smiling."
A/N: Look to the future with a smile.
So sorry about the terribly long delay between chapters. I was not in the best of moods over the last month and it sapped all my motivation to write. I hate that it happened and I hope to get the next one out in a more timely manner, but rest assured this story will not be abandoned.
After reaching her lowest point, Luka finally got her chance at happiness and she was determined to take it. Despite her joy at finally being with Miku, Luka is still aware of just how bad things had gotten, finally able to admit to herself that she needs help. If she ais able to follow through, to find the courage to ask for it, remains to be seen.
But, until then, she will not be alone.
Thank you for all your support on this small story of mine. It means a lot to know anyone is reading and your comments always make my day. I'll keep doing my best! Have a wonderful day and I love you all!
