"That was a long practice..." Michiru sighed. They had started rehearsal at seven and it was now two.

She wasn't used to going for that long. It didn't seem like anyone else liked it either. She quietly snuck away from everyone. She was tired now. She was going to take a nap. She normally did that anyway. But now, where would she take a nap at?

They weren't at Siegfeld at the moment. They were at a house. Siegfeld and Rinmeikan were asked to join together for a performance. This was where they were being housed at until they were done.

Training and practice were being done in a studio alongside the house. Everything was together. At least it wasn't a far walk back to the house. That was good after a tiring day.

Michiru found a nice sunny spot on the indoor patio of the house. Surely no one would bother her here if she took a quick nap? So, she grabbed a pillow from a nearby couch and laid it on the ground. The rug here was nice and soft. Perfect for laying on.

And that was exactly what she did. She laid down and closed her eyes. With how tired she was from the practice, it didn't take her long at all to fall asleep.

She had assumed no one would disturb her here. That, however, did not appear like it was going to be the case. It seemed she wasn't the only one who wanted that spot at the moment.

Yuyuko had found that spot earlier and had wanted to do the same. She was a bit surprised to see the older girl there. But she was upset. That was going to be her spot. But it was taken. What did she do? She hadn't seen any other good places to nap at. She had expected to have this one to herself.

Well, she could share... but...

Yuyuko had a slight problem. She... liked Michiru. It wasn't something she ever expected. But, what could she do about it? The thought of getting close to her made her heart pound. She didn't know if she could handle even trying to share the sunlight.

But, she really wanted this spot. Yuyuko was conflicted. It wasn't even like her to put this much thought into anything. But, she really didn't want to mess this up. It wouldn't do her any good to make things awkward between them when they had an entire play to do together still.

Yuyuko took a deep breath and nervously laid down next to Michiru. Her heart was pounding. She had never been this close before. Hopefully she would be able to sleep. With her heart going rapid-fire she might struggle to relax.

Yuyuko turned to her side and faced away from Michiru. Hopefully that might help. If she wasn't looking at her, it shouldn't be as bad. But her heart was still pounding so much.

And as luck, or lack thereof, would have it, said sleeping girl rolled over and was now against her back. Yuyuko was practically frozen in place. What did she do? If she moved, would it wake Michiru up? She definitely didn't want to be caught like this.

But... part of her was telling her to turn around again. Take advantage of the situation and hug her. But if Michiru woke up... she was as good as dead. What on earth did she choose? Why was she having such a hard time?

Yuyuko took a deep breath and turned around. She took in Michiru's appearance. That hadn't disturbed her at all. She seemed fine. That was at least a start. Now, what next? Did she just admit defeat and find another place to nap? No. She had come too far to turn back now.

And even if she wanted to leave, that was no longer a viable option. Just as she was debating it, Michiru ended up hugging her. Yuyuko went completely still. This was not how things were meant to turn out. But, now she was really stuck here.

Yuyuko carefully wrapped her arms around Michiru. She probably shouldn't be doing this, but she didn't care. As long as she left before Michiru woke up, she would be fine. No one would have to know this had ever happened.

Yuyuko stared at Michiru for a while. She had never had much of an opportunity to get close to her. She always was busy. They had hung out a few times, but that was it. And most of the time it was because of other reasons and not just because they wanted to hang out.

Yuyuko took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Would it be alright for her to stay like this? She hoped so. As long as she could leave before Michiru woke up, it would be alright. She didn't know if she'd survive being caught in this situation.


Yuyuko had hoped she would be the first to wake up. Unfortunately, she had not been correct in that assumption. Michiru woke up before her. And she was very very confused by the situation she found herself in.

She wasn't sure what to do. She had no clue why Yuyuko was with her and why they were hugging. She didn't know if she should wake her up and ask or leave it be.

Michiru didn't exactly mind her situation though. Maybe she had grown a bit fond of the younger girl. However, that didn't mean she wasn't confused by this turn of events. Did that mean perhaps Yuyuko liked her? Or was it something else?

Michiru spent so much time thinking that Yuyuko woke up before she came to any conclusion on anything. Yuyuko was going to open her eyes, but she felt Michiru move and knew she was awake. That was not good for her. But, she would probably have to face her whether or not she wanted to.

Michiru sat up. She didn't leave, though. Yuyuko assumed she was waiting for her to wake up. Did she get up now? Could she possibly wait it out so she didn't have to face her? She didn't know what to do.

Yuyuko eventually decided that she would get up. She pretended to have just woken up and sat up as well.

"So, anything to say?" Michiru didn't give her much time before she got questioned.

"I wanted this spot to nap in..." Yuyuko grumbled, "You stole it from me."

"Eh? You wanted this spot too?" Michiru felt dumb for not thinking of that explanation.

"Yes." Yuyuko refused to look at her out of worry her lie would be very easily spotted.

"So you just decided to join me? You could've woken me up first."

"I didn't want to disturb you..."

"Fine. Is there anything else you'd like to share?"

Yuyuko nervously gulped. Did Michiru figure her out already? Did she see through her?

"What are you implying?" Yuyuko tried not to let on how nervous she was.

"You were hugging me. Why?"

"You started it! You did it to me in your sleep." Yuyuko defended.

"But you didn't have to do it too." Michiru hummed.

"That was the only comfortable way to lay then." Yuyuko quickly tried to lie.

"Something tells me you aren't being honest here, Yuyuko-chan." Michiru stated.

Yuyuko nervously gulped. She had been backed into a corner. It didn't seem like she was going to be able to lie her way out of this anymore. Was this the end of keeping her crush a secret? She couldn't think of any other way to play off what happened between them.

There was only one other option she had. Said option wouldn't solve anything, though. But, it was more enticing than telling Michiru her feelings.

Yuyuko stood up and just left. She couldn't tell her. She couldn't do it. Even if doing this would cause her to be very concerned, she didn't care anymore. It was better than trying to admit her feelings to her. Better than getting turned down. Yuyuko doubted Michiru would ever want to date her.

"Y-Yuyuko?!" She heard Michiru call after her, so she sped up her pace and locked herself in her room.

She heard Michiru go past. She knew this was only a temporary solution. Michiru wouldn't leave her alone until she talked now. So, what was she going to do? She really doubted she could just avoid her the rest of the time. Especially when they had quite a few parts together in the play. She was doomed. There was no way she was getting out of this.


"Yukko? Can you unlock the door?"

Yuyuko had ended up laying on her bed and falling asleep. She glanced at the clock. It was getting late. And Rui was here now. They were sharing the room along with Mei Fan.

Yuyuko sat up and unlocked the door. Rui came in. She looked Yuyuko over.

"You okay? Your eyes are all red." Rui looked concerned.

Right... she had ended up crying. Looks like it was still noticeable. What did she say? She could... tell Rui, right? She could trust her with this secret, couldn't she?

"It's not something I want to talk about." Yuyuko mumbled. She didn't know if she was ready for anyone to know. Even if it was just Rui.

Rui hugged her without a word. Yuyuko returned the hug. Getting some comfort like this was okay. As long as she didn't have to talk yet.

"I'm here if you ever do want to talk about it." Rui stated.

"Thank you... I'll remember that..."

They stayed hugging for a while longer. Eventually, Yuyuko pulled away. She sat back down on her bed. Rui seemed to be thinking about joining her. Eventually, she did go and sit next to her on the bed.

"Are you okay, though?"

"I'll be fine."

A few minutes later, the last occupant of the room arrived. Mei Fan smiled and greeted them. They both returned the greeting in turn.

"So, is there anything you guys want to do? Or, is it just time to go to bed?" Mei Fan asked.

"Is there anything to talk about?"

"Well..." Mei Fan seemed a bit hesitant to say something, "Michiru-san um... was a bit worried about you, Yuyuko."

Yuyuko froze up. This wasn't happening. It couldn't be. No one was supposed to know. She didn't want anyone to know what had happened between the two of them.

"Did something happen?" Rui looked her over with a worried gaze.

Yuyuko was panicking. She didn't know what to do. What did Michiru tell them? What did she say?

"I don't want to talk about it." Yuyuko tried to be as firm as she could, but it sounded very weak.

"She's sorry if she pushed you too far. Um... she... wants me to be her messenger..." Mei Fan glanced at Rui.

Rui understood the message and exited the room so they could talk in private.

Yuyuko didn't say a word. She was staring at the ground, gripping the bedsheets tightly in her fists.

"Yuyuko?"

"Just get it over with..."

"Um... she... likes you. And um... thought if she pressed you a bit that you might say the same thing. She didn't mean to make you upset."

Yuyuko didn't know how to process that information. She... had a chance? Michiru... liked her...

"She understands if you don't feel that way and uh... hopes it won't affect anything." Mei Fan concluded.

Yuyuko was still at a loss for words. She should have just been honest. It would have been fine. It would have saved them both from this situation.

"Where is she?" Yuyuko quietly asked.

"She was still in the living room when I left. I can't say if she's still there anymore, though."

Yuyuko stood up. She needed to talk to her. She needed to sort this out. She just hoped it wasn't too late already. What if Michiru already decided she didn't feel the same way?

Yuyuko left the room. Rui was just outside. She gave her a questioning look.

"I'll be back in a little bit." Was all Yuyuko said before walking away.

Rui didn't try to follow. Yuyuko was glad. She didn't want to have to try and explain anything yet. Especially when she didn't know what all was going to happen now. Would Michiru hear her out? Would she want nothing to do with her?

Yuyuko was very worried as she entered into the living room. Thankfully, Michiru was still there. She was reading a book. It didn't seem like she had noticed Yuyuko yet. Yuyuko took a deep breath. Here it goes.

"Ootori-san?"

Michiru jumped slightly. She hadn't expected anyone to come here. Especially not Yuyuko. She collected herself and turned to face her.

"I asked Mei Fan to tell you everything."

"She did. We... we need to talk."

"I don't think we do. Just... forget this ever happened." Michiru didn't seem to want to talk. She looked a bit uncomfortable now.

"I... I like you too!" Yuyuko stated, "I was scared that if I told you, you'd hate me..."

"You... you feel the same way?" Michiru definitely hadn't been expecting that.

"Yes. I like you." Yuyuko repeated.

"You aren't lying, are you? You aren't just trying to make me feel better, right?" Michiru had some doubts it seemed.

"I'm not lying. I... I really do like you."

Michiru still seemed a bit unsure. Yuyuko went and sat down next to her. She didn't know many ways to try and convince Michiru that she was telling the truth.

"Can I prove it to you somehow?"

"I don't know... just, show me you mean it."

Yuyuko didn't get any hints from the way Michiru said that. She had hoped she would give her an idea on what to do that would prove it. But, it seemed Michiru had just as much of a clue as she did.

The only thing Yuyuko could think to do right now was to... kiss her. Even just thinking of it made her feel faint. She was not ready for romance yet. But she wanted to try. Would it be okay for her to kiss Michiru? Should she ask first?

"C-can I... can I kiss you then?" Yuyuko nervously asked.

Michiru blushed. It looked like that thought also was making her embarrassed. Yuyuko wasn't sure if that was a sign to do it. Michiru eventually did nod. She was alright with it.

Now... to actually do it. Yuyuko had never kissed anyone like this before. This was her first crush. Her first time being romantic with someone. She was very inexperienced.

She took a deep breath and leaned closer. Michiru closed her eyes. She looked nervous to Yuyuko. Yuyuko hesitantly closed the distance and kissed her.

It was a short kiss. She quickly pulled back. Yuyuko had no doubt in her mind that she was now bright red from that.

Michiru opened her eyes. She refused to make eye contact with Yuyuko. She also was quite red.

"Was... was that okay." Yuyuko tried to break the awkward silence between them.

"Yeah... it was... good..." Michiru mumbled.

"Have I... proven it to you?"

Michiru nodded. She silently moved closer and wrapped her arms around Yuyuko. Yuyuko was startled for a second. She hadn't been expecting that reaction.

She slowly returned the hug. It was nice. She wouldn't mind staying like this for a while longer honestly. But, if they stayed here for too long, someone might come looking for them.

"Um... so, what now?" Yuyuko asked.

"D-do you... do you want to... um... go out with me?" Michiru stammered.

Yuyuko was surprised. She always seems so stoic and collected. To see her be embarrassed and a blushing mess was new. She kind of liked it, though. And who was she to say anything about it when she was also the same way right now?

"Sure." Yuyuko agreed.

"I... I guess we better get to bed." Michiru appeared to have collected herself.

"I wish we were put in the same room." Yuyuko pouted slightly. That would have been nice. They could have spent the night together then. However, they would soon be getting checked on to make sure everyone was where they should be. They couldn't change rooms.

"If we were in the same year we might be possibly got that."

"Yeah... well, I guess I'll see you in the morning?"

"Yep. We have a later start tomorrow. After breakfast, I want to take you somewhere." Michiru said.

"O-okay." Yuyuko agreed.

"Goodnight." Michiru kissed her on the cheek and then got up.

Yuyuko mumbled out a goodnight back. How on earth did Michiru collect herself so much? She was still a mess and yet... here Michiru was acting like nothing had happened. Yuyuko was a bit jealous of that.

Yuyuko stood up. Michiru seemed to be waiting for her to do that. They walked together until they had to turn different ways to get back to their rooms.

"See you in the morning." Michiru hummed.

"Yeah... see you in the morning."

Yuyuko returned to her room. The other two were still up, probably waiting for her. They did look at her expectantly as she entered the room.

"So..."

Yuyuko sat on her bed without saying anything. What was she supposed to tell them? Was it okay to tell them? Were they keeping their relationship a secret or not? Well, Mei Fan knew about Michiru liking her so... what harm could it do?

"Michiru and I are dating. End of discussion. I'm going to bed." Yuyuko curled under her covers.

"What? Yukko! You can't just say that and leave it at that!" Rui wasn't satisfied with that answer.

"What more is there to say?"

"Since when did you like her?"

"A few months ago..."

"You never told me that."

"There was no reason to. Can I please just go to bed?"

"Fine..." Rui let up.

"They'll be coming to check on us soon. We should get to bed." Mei Fan stated, "I'm sure you'll have plenty of time to interagate her tomorrow."

"E-eh?"

"What? You're curious about it too. I'm probably going to ask Michiru-san about it tomorrow myself."

"O-okay..."

The two of them settled into their beds. Yuyuko relaxed a bit. No more questions for tonight. That was good. She just wanted to sleep. She needed time to digest all this new information.

She had a girlfriend now. Her crush actually liked her back. It was really nice to know that. She was excited to see where this relationship would go. Even if she was very nervous about everything.