an: i wrote this while i was taking a break from another project and listening to apple pie by lizzy mcalpine. i'd recommend giving it a listen, if you'd like.
Kumiko and Reina sit at their usual rendezvous, on the chilly, stone steps of the cobbled observation deck near the old "adult shrine" Reina so adored. The sight, as always, is beautiful; glittering street lights, blinking store lights, and moving cars lay across the expanse of land in front of them, like a garden of brilliant yellow stars.
Kumiko can't help the small smile curling her lips; this sight will never get old.
A breeze blows past. It nibbles at Kumiko's ears with its cold and makes the hairs on her arms stand, but Kumiko doesn't mind; it's a welcome change compared to the sluggish heaviness of summer days. She breathes in, relishing in the cold burn she feels in her lungs. She catches the smell of the trees, the lingering traces of incense that blow with the wind from the shrines, and the faint scent of Reina's perfume. Kumiko holds it for a beat, and slowly exhales through her mouth, her breath forming then disappearing.
She feels something warm blanket the back of her hand. Kumiko looks down and sees Reina's hand on top of hers, their fingers slowly interlocking with one another. Instinctively, Kumiko runs her thumb across Reina's finger, repeating the motion over and over, knowing how comforting Reina finds the gesture.
Kumiko looks up from their joined hands and sees Reina staring at her. Reina's eyes, with their brilliant purple color, twinkle from the streetlights illuminating the observation deck. Her pale face doesn't break its stoic mask, but Kumiko has grown to read the subtle hints Reina gives her: the faint way Reina's eyebrows knit together in want, the way she moves incrementally closer, tilting her head ever so slightly to make room for Kumiko.
Kumiko closes the distance. Reina's lips, though a bit chapped from the cold, are still so soft. Kumiko catches the faint taste of strawberries as she begins a languid movement, with Reina following suit. A warm hand cups Kumiko's cheek, a silent plea to stay where they are just a little bit more.
The kiss breaks mutually, and Kumiko slowly opens her eyes, not knowing when she had closed them. Reina's already looking at her, and without a word, gives Kumiko a small smile.
Kumiko does the same.
Nothing needs to be said between them.
They already know the answer.
i miss these two. i find that my thoughts drift back to them when i struggle with writing with another pairing. who knows, maybe the premise that i want to write using momojirou will end up becoming kumirei. maybe i might write it as a oneshot. i think that would be nice.
it warms my heart to know there are still people out there who still read and write hibike. truly, this fandom is something i can always come back to. like a nice slice of apple pie.
thank you for reading.