1,831 Days (Yuzu's perspective)
Yuzu walked into the chapel where her stepsister's wedding was being held. Looking around, everything seemed so elegant, so perfect. It sent a sinking feeling of dread throughout the blonde's body.
Being here didn't feel right. She shouldn't be Mei's guest for the wedding, she should be her bride. The only reason she showed up today was that her mother insisted. Of course, Ume didn't understand why she was so upset that day but didn't ask further about it. She believed Yuzu was just jealous that Mei was getting married.
'I don't think I can do this...' Yuzu frowned, drowning out the surrounding noises.
"Yuzu? It will be starting soon, please have a seat sweetie," Ume spoke as she patted at the seat next to her.
Finally, recognizing her mother's voice, the blonde nodded and sat down. Everyone around her was smiling, laughing, and completely unaware that she was crumbling. Her whole world, the love of her life, was about to be taken away right in front of her.
'I don't want to see this...' The thoughts reappeared, seemingly only leaving for a few seconds at a time.
"I'm so excited!" Ume smiled brightly. Usually, Yuzu would smile right back, but today she couldn't even fake it.
'Make it all stop...' Yuzu clenched her fists tightly, annoyed by the whole situation. It wasn't fair. None of it made sense to her.
Everyone quieted down as the piano began playing. Mei's soon to be husband was waiting at the altar and Yuzu couldn't bear to even look at him. She hated that he was the one who'd now get to hold Mei's hand, see her smile, make her laugh, and be the cause of her happiness.
A white fabric appeared in the corner of Yuzu's eye, catching her attention. Mouth agape, the older girl couldn't help but fall in love all over again. Despite how deeply upset she was at the moment, she couldn't deny that Mei was absolutely beautiful in her wedding gown.
But Mei isn't wearing that dress for her. It's for him.
As Mei continued walking down the aisle, she glanced over to Yuzu, and for a second it seemed like she was about to stop right where she was. Yuzu noticed the raven-haired girl shake her head slightly before looking forward again.
'This hurts too much...'
Finally, making her way up to the altar, the man wedding the two began speaking.
"We are here today in celebration of this beautiful couple..."
As much as Yuzu tried to ignore what was happening in front of her, she couldn't. Each word caused a stinging pain into her heart.
Moments continued to pass by as Yuzu finally decided to look up. Mei seemed as calm as ever, while Yuzu tried her best to force tears away. She plugged her ears and screwed her eyes shut. She didn't want to hear anymore. Ume lightly tapped Yuzu's shoulder.
"Are you okay, bub?" The woman whispered.
Yuzu unplugged her ears and opened up her eyes but didn't give her mother any sort of answer.
"I do." Is the first thing she heard from Mei's soon-to-be husband. Only a moment away would Yuzu finally hear Mei say it as well, and she didn't want to stick around for that.
'If you love me, please don't leave me. Please chase after me, Mei...'
After that final thought, Yuzu stood up abruptly, causing Mei to look over in the older girl's direction. Yuzu's emerald eyes were glossy, full of the indescribable pain. One glance at each other, then Mei turned her attention back to the matter at hand.
"I'm sorry mama, I have to leave," Yuzu whispered as she quietly made her way out of the chapel. Once she stepped out, she began to run.
Tears streamed across her pink-tinted face as she kept running. Losing her footing, she fell to the ground, scraping her knees against the pavement. The ache in heart took over, she was unable to feel any pain from the fall. Covering her face with her hands, all she could do was sit there and cry. Luckily no one was around to see her breakdown.
'If you come after me, you'll know where to find me...'
Yuzu slowly stood up, taking her heels off to make walking easier.
An hour had passed, there was no sign of Mei. Yuzu decided against waiting longer and made her way home. The reception was most likely happening, so she knew she'd be left in solitude into the late hours of the night. Mei wouldn't be coming back home with her as she had foolishly hoped.
...
As midnight arrived, Yuzu heard the front door open loudly, banging against the wall.
"I'm home!" Ume shouted. A 'shh' was heard by another voice. Yuzu walked out slowly, seeing her mother slouched over on her stepfather.
"You guys got back late," Yuzu spoke quietly. She'd been at home for hours, sitting in silence waiting to finally explain everything.
"Hey kiddo, sorry if we woke you." Shou gave off a grin as he walked a drunk Ume over to the couch.
"I was already up, don't worry papa." Yuzu frowned, remembering the events earlier in the day.
Shou grunted as Ume clung to him tightly "What's wrong?" He asked in a strained voice, finally able to release the surrounding grip.
Averting her eyes and lowering her head, she sighed. "Nothing that we can't discuss tomorrow. Goodnight Papa."
Finding sleep was impossible that night. No matter how hard the blonde tried, or how exhausted she felt, her mind refused to leave her be.
The next day Yuzu felt numb, empty, lifeless. Her heart and mind were deprived, so maybe her next decision would seem childish, but she didn't care.
Her voice so raspy from the crying she'd spent doing for the remainder of the morning, she tried to speak as she walked in the living room.
"Mama..."
"Yuzu, honey you don't look so well. What's going on?" Ume's voice spoke gently and calmly.
"About yesterday," Yuzu started, trying to find the words she was searching for. "There's something you need to know..."
"What is it?" Ume kept her calm demeanor as she softly smiled towards her daughter. "Why did you leave so soon yesterday?"
Without hesitating any further, Yuzu poured her heart out. "I couldn't stay. I couldn't watch her get married, mama. I'm in love with her and it hurts!"
Breaking down once more, vulnerable as ever she let her tears fall from her eyes and scatter around her. "I'm so sorry..."
Ume moved forward, wrapping her arms around Yuzu tightly.
"There's nothing to be sorry for. I had a feeling it had to do with Mei-Chan, but I didn't know you felt that way sweetheart."
"I didn't want to disappoint you. I didn't mean to fall in love with her," Yuzu spoke in between sobs.
"You could never disappoint me, Yuzu. You can't help who you love." Ume lightly pushed Yuzu back, keeping her hands on her daughter's shoulders. "It's going to be okay."
Half smiling, Yuzu sniffled and nodded her head. "I'd like to talk to Gramps about it. I don't want to be around...here."
Ume's eyes widened, but she wasn't too surprised. Yuzu's heart was so big, but she knew she could only handle so much.
Later in the day, Yuzu explained the situation with her Grandfather, Shou, and Ume being present as well. Yuzu expected him to be angry with her, maybe even disgusted as well. It was that day she finally saw a different light in him. He didn't argue or throw any snide comments towards her, he understood. After making a few calls, everything was settled.
"Starting next week, you can finish the rest of your school year at this academy. You're lucky they had space for you, so please take this seriously," The older man spoke firmly, but still had a sense of kindness in his tone.
"I will Gramps. Thank you for understanding." Yuzu leaped forward, hugging the old man. He grunted from the unexpected grip.
"You must remember too, you're an Aihara so you have to act responsibly."
"Right. Hey Gramps?" Yuzu waited a moment for him to respond. He gave off a slight nod signaling she could continue. "Please don't tell Mei. I'd like to keep all of this a secret, just for now. I'd really appreciate it."
He sighed quietly, fixing his glasses before speaking. "You have my word."
The remaining months of school passed by quickly. Yuzu knew she wouldn't be there long, so she never bothered to get too close to anyone. She'd occasionally meet up with Harumi or Matsuri during breaks but usually kept to herself. The day graduation arrived, Ume and Shou were lucky that Mei's and Yuzu's graduation ceremonies were scheduled for different times, so they could attend both.
From there on, Yuzu decided to move forward with her culinary skills which had her even further from her friends and family. By then, she was used to not seeing anyone. During the break, she was finally able to meet up with her mother.
...
"It's been so long!" Yuzu exclaimed as she dove in for a tight hug.
"I've missed you Yuzu. I wish you would visit more often," Ume said in a sad tone, but nevertheless was happy to finally see her daughter.
"I know, I'm sorry. The train ride just takes forever and in between work and all, I don't have much time."
"I understand, it's okay. I'm just glad I get to spend some time with you. A lot has happened over the time you've been gone."
"Hmph, like what mama?" Yuzu smiled, unaware of what she was about to hear.
Ume sat down at the dining table, hinting for Yuzu to sit down as well. "I suppose I should just say it..."
Waiting patiently, Yuzu noticed her mother's tone changed quickly.
'Oh god...what's she going to say?' Yuzu thought to herself.
"Mei-chan got a divorce," Ume spoke in a rushed voice.
Seconds passed in silence. Did she hear that right? Mei's name hadn't been brought up around her in years, and hearing it now sent a shiver down her spine.
"A divorce...?" Yuzu's mind went blank and all she could hear was the beat of her heart drumming through her ears.
"Yuzu?" Ume tapped on the girl's shoulder.
Coming back into reality, the blonde shook her head. "Sorry. I just didn't expect that."
"I know I told you so suddenly, it's just...you two haven't talked in a long time. She needs you right now, even just as a sister." Ume gave her daughter a hopeful smile.
'Just as a sister? I haven't even been able to do that for Mei. I'm such an awful person...'
"If you decide to do so, I've written her phone number and address down for you. She hasn't been aware of your whereabouts, as we've kept it a secret like you asked," Ume added on.
"Thanks, mama. I'll give her a call sometime." Yuzu finally smiled back towards her mother.
Sometime turned into a long time. As the months went by, fear took over. What if Mei wanted nothing to do with her? She'd always pick up her cell phone and dial the number, but refused to hit 'call'.
'I wish you knew how much I missed you, Mei.'
She thought she was over the girl and could move on but the moment she heard her name, Mei was the only thing on her mind.
Five years had gone by at this point. Mei remained on Yuzu's mind from the morning she woke until nights arrived, where she'd be stuck in never-ending thoughts of 'What If'.
Yuzu tried to find many ways to keep the violet-eyed girl off her mind, which never worked. Running out of ideas, she figured drinking could help push away the thoughts.
But she was wrong.
...
"A-another one, t-thanks!" Yuzu spoke, slurring her words.
The bartender widened his eyes, curious about how someone so petite could drink so much. "Okay, but this will be your last one ma'am."
Feeling annoyed, Yuzu grunted but agreed with the man.
'Why won't you leave my fucking mind?!'
Three shots and six hard mixed drinks in, Mei only continued to flood her thoughts. More than ever, Yuzu wanted, no, she needed to see the girl she was still so hopelessly in love with after all these years.
It was nearing 3 am and bars would be closing soon. Yuzu was completely plastered but had one goal in mind: To see Mei.
Her vision was blurry, but somehow she managed to dial in the correct number and the line began to ring. Yuzu started giggling to herself, not really in the right state of mind. She knew she was crazy to be calling AND she was making her way towards Mei's apartment.
After a few seconds of ringing, finally, there was an answer.
"Hello?" A voice spoke quietly on the other end.
"M-Mei?" Yuzu responded, feeling dizzy as she continued walking in the direction of Mei's apartment.
Yuzu was pretty sure Mei knew she was drunk, her words slurred a bit, yet she tried to put up an act of soberness.
Making her way up the steps to where she believed Mei to be living, she knocked on the door.
"Think I found ya!" She spoke through the door while still on the phone as she leaned against it. Suddenly the door cracked slightly, then swung open causing Yuzu to fall forward.
Although she was very intoxicated, Yuzu's face started to heat up the moment Mei's arms wrapped around her to catch her. She could blame the alcohol but knew it was because of the raven-haired girl she felt this way.
"What are you doing here?" Mei questioned.
"Nice to s-see ya too Mei!" Yuzu looked into Mei's eyes and attempted to smile, but knew it came off as some stupid grin.
'Ugh, everything's spinning...'
The older girl heard Mei speak again but had no idea what she said so just agreed with her as Mei began dragging her off somewhere.
Before she knew it, she'd been set down onto a bed. Exhaustion was taking over, but the pounding in her heart kept her awake. She couldn't take her eyes off the woman in front of her.
'She's so damn beautiful. I want to kiss her...' Yuzu thought to herself, feeling tears swell up quickly.
"Hey, Uhm...Mei?"
"What is it Yuzu?" Mei asked.
Yuzu continued staring up at Mei, her heart skipping a beat for what she was about to do. Sitting up slowly, Yuzu placed her hand on Mei's shoulder.
"Yuzu...?"
'Please know I still love you' was the last thought Yuzu had before she pulled Mei towards her and crashed their lips together.
Mei didn't seem to pull away, so Yuzu deepened the kiss, pressing harder against the younger girl's lips. How much she's missed this feeling. How much she's missed, Mei. Five years of built-up love for the girl she had her lips upon. Intoxicated or not, the rush of having Mei this close to her has never felt more real.
Of course, it couldn't last though, as Mei pulled herself away. Yuzu feeling worn down from the drinking and overwhelming feelings began to feel sleep coming on, whether she wanted it to or not. She heard Mei yell about something, probably having to do with kissing her so suddenly. Yet, she couldn't stay awake any longer, so smiling towards Mei, she lay her head down and fell into a deep sleep.
As she opened her eyes, the first thing Yuzu noticed is that she wasn't in her own bed. Her head felt heavy from a rough night of drinking.
"Ugh, my head hurts..." Yuzu said as she rubbed her temple.
"I bet it does..." A familiar voice spoke.
'Mei...? Mei?! What the hell is going on?' Yuzu thought to herself, eyes widening in shock. Coming out of her thoughts, she finally spoke.
"Mei? How... uh, what am I doing here?"
Mei began explaining to the blonde how she ended up at her front doorstep so early in the morning. Embarrassment rushed through Yuzu knowing how awful it was to show up drunk in front of Mei after five years of not seeing or talking to each other. Of course, once Yuzu found out she'd gone as far as kissing Mei, she wanted to leave the conversation quickly. If it weren't for Mei looking so adorable the moment she told Yuzu this, she would've.
The conversation began to feel peaceful and it felt as if where they were at that very moment, was where they were always destined to be. Hearing Mei's voice, seeing her smile...it's all Yuzu dreamed of over the years and she didn't want this feeling to leave her again.
Feeling brave, she asked Mei to join her and their mother for dinner. She'd expected Mei to brush her off, believing it was much too sudden but was surprised to hear Mei had been waiting for her to reappear in her life.
Later that night~
"I'm so happy you and Mei-chan finally talked!" Ume spoke excitedly while she chopped up vegetables for dinner.
Yuzu smiled, a small blush appearing on her face. 'I can't believe Mei actually agreed to come to dinner tonight.'
"Heh, yeah I'm happy too mama. It's definitely been a while since we all ate together."
"It has been a bit hasn't it? We will feel like a family again!" Ume couldn't hold back her excitement. "What brought you to visiting her anyway?"
Remembering how everything played out earlier, Yuzu felt embarrassment flush through her again. "I guess I was just ready?" She said, scratching the back of her head.
"Better late than never then," Ume responded. "Dinner will be ready soon."
After setting the table, a knock was heard at the front door.
Ume popped her head out of the fridge after grabbing a beer. "That must be Mei-Chan, go let her in Yuzu."
Taking a deep breath, Yuzu walked over to the door. She saw Mei earlier, but meeting again made her feel nervous inside. She could only hope things wouldn't be awkward, especially with the kiss that had happened between the two.
Yuzu opened the door after taking another deep breath and smiled towards the beautiful raven-haired girl in front of her. Still in disbelief that this was even happening, Yuzu couldn't speak.
"Yuzu?"
Hearing her name, she finally spoke.
"Mei..."
"Yes, that is my name. Are you going to let me in?"
Yuzu's eyes widened, "Oh, uh yeah sorry Mei."
Pulling a strand of hair behind her ear, Mei sighed and walked past the blonde girl.
"Mei! It's so good to see you," Ume walked towards her younger daughter and gave her a hug.
"It's good to see you too Mother," Mei responded quietly. "I'm sorry I hadn't visited sooner."
"Oh don't worry Mei. I understand how busy both my girls have been," Ume gave off a warm smile as she released Mei from the hug. "Let's eat!"
During dinner, Mei and Ume talked about what had been going on in the past few years. Yuzu would speak every once in a while but mostly kept quiet.
"Will you be staying tonight Mei?" Ume asked.
"I hadn't actually planned that far ahead," Mei admitted.
'Neither did I...' Yuzu would love spending more time with Mei, but surely she wouldn't agree to it.
"It would just be like old times! What do you think,Yuzu?" Ume asked.
"Uhh, well that's up to Mei," Yuzu said as she shrugged her shoulders.
Giving a quick glance over to the younger girl, Yuzu held her breath as she nervously waited for a response.
"I suppose it wouldn't hurt. I'll stay...," Mei finally answered as she looked over to Yuzu.
"Great! Your room is just the same as before you two left," Ume said as she took a sip of her beer.
'Great? That means we will be sharing a bed, ' Yuzu thought as a blush crept upon her face.
"Are you feeling okay Yuzu? Your face is a little red," Ume questioned.
A quiet chuckle was heard from Mei. She clearly knew exactly why Yuzu's face was red.
"I'm fine, I'm just gonna go to bed now," Yuzu said as she got up and headed towards her old bedroom.
"I'll be going too," Mei said as she followed behind the blonde.
Once in the bedroom, Yuzu felt Mei's eyes on her so she turned around.
Mei continued staring, "I suppose some things never change."
Yuzu placed her hands on her hips. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Mei smirked as she walked closer to Yuzu unexpectedly causing the older girl to back away slightly. "The way you blush, knowing we'd be sleeping in the same bed. I know that's something you always looked forward to when we were growing up."
Yuzu's hands fell from her hips. Mei was never that straight forward, so this took her by surprise. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Mei's eyebrow rose, and she inched closer to Yuzu once again. "Are you sure?"
'What's she trying to do?!'
Being left speechless, Yuzu could only stand still watching as Mei lifted her hand onto the older girl's cheek. It was only a moment later she realized what was going on.
"Mei, is it too soon?" The blonde asked.
Mei tilted her head, "Is what too soon Yuzu?"
"To admit how fast my heart is beating right now?" Saying that so bluntly even surprised Yuzu herself.
Mei's eyes widened and a smile appeared on her face. "It's never too soon. I told you I've been waiting for you."
Mei's hand moved from Yuzu's cheek to the back of her head, as the raven-haired girl pulled her in to connect their lips. Yuzu melted into the kiss as it started off slow and passionate. It wasn't long before the two started gravitating towards the bed. Once the back of Yuzu's knees hit the edge, she fell backward with Mei on top of her, their bodies slightly grazing.
Looking up, Yuzu stared into Mei's violets, getting lost in them for a moment before pulling the younger girl down for another kiss. Mei bit the bottom of Yuzu's lip, causing a small whimper to be released from the blonde. Hearing that from Yuzu must've affected Mei in some way because she pressed her lips harder against Yuzu's and shortly after slipped her tongue into the blonde's mouth.
This action startled Yuzu, as she pulled back to catch her breath. "Mei, we shouldn't go too far," she said in a breathless voice.
Pulling back slightly as well, Mei ran her fingers through silky blonde strands as she stared into the lust-filled eyes in front of her. "I've missed you too much. It's hard to hold back..."
"I feel the same way..." Yuzu turned her head to the side, "but I'm scared," she admitted.
"What are you scared of?" Mei asked, even though she already knew the answer.
"I don't want to lose you again Mei. I couldn't handle that."
Mei gently turned Yuzu's face towards her again. "I'm in love with you. I'm staying and I don't want to live my life without you by my side."
Hearing Mei so open with her feelings lately not only shocked Yuzu but caused her chest to flutter. The same feelings have always remained, though many years passed. There's no way she'd let Mei slip away from her so easily this time around.
"Do you promise?" Yuzu quietly spoke, trying to hold back tears.
Mei leaned down to gently kiss Yuzu's lips, "I promise."
The blonde couldn't help but smile and wondered if this was all some kind of dream. How after five years, she was led back to the only girl she's ever loved. Who was she to question it though? They belonged together.
"What are you thinking about Yuzu?" Mei asked, noticing the girl seemed to be distracted for a moment.
"I'm just happy you're back." Yuzu raised up, her elbows supporting her.
Mei smiled as she placed her hand on Yuzu's cheek and slowly leaned forward, "I may have left, but my heart always remained with you."
Yuzu filled the space between them and kissed Mei's lips once more before falling onto her back again. The two began to laugh as they held each other closely.
"You're so cheesy, Mei." The raven-haired girl grinned in return, a blush creeping up. "I love it. And..." Yuzu paused for a moment, her heart thundering in her chest as she stared into Mei's eyes. "And...I'm in love with you too."