''I can't believe you, Umi-chan. You just had to help your best friend right? Why? Why did you just ignore me?'' Honoka sadly shouted as she curled up to her knees in the rain. She didn't have her umbrella by her side as it seemed.
Umi, just watching her from afar, steadied herself as she took out the umbrella, but no matter what she had tried it never reached to Honoka's hands. ''Honoka, you're misunderstanding the situation. I'm going to get the ball rolling as soon as I can!''
''No, Umi-chan. You ain't helping me unless it's just about my academic life.'' Honoka sniffled her bag, as well as her notes, blown away by the breezy air. The street lamps dimmed down as thunders began rumbling like an earthquake. Letting this issue slide by with her own concern, Umi swiftly caught a few papers that tugged in her hands. She looked down at one of the black papers, scrutinising with inquiring eyes. The papers were crying and mumbling words Umi never wanted to hear again. Then they became ashes in her hands.
[ Life:1 Sonoda Umi:0 ], what was scribbled with her own writing style.
Rooted to the ground, Umi looked back at Honoka, whose hands were over her head as if to ward off an excruciating headache. Her distraught features gazed up to Umi in the blink of an eye, and she tottered unsteadily across the street to reach her side now.
Honoka closed her distance and whispered into the shell of her ear—there was unlikely malice in her voice. ''What do you even exactly know about romance anyway Umi-chan? How could Kotori-chan accept this you? You're not in the right frame of mind to be doing things right huh?''
Umi was shaking uncontrollably in her place as tears streamed down her face. ''Wh-what do I even know?''
''You can't even protect your princess, ouji-sama.'' A dissimilar voice had come out.
''Does your father even want you to be the heir? Your older sister would be better!'' Another strange voice was heard.
''How about playing a matchmaker? I bet you wouldn't even do that.''
''STOP!'' An ashen-haired girl shouted out of blue, who was blowing the whole thing way out of proportion.
''Umi-chan isn't like that!'' she continued while pouting. ''Nee Umi-chan wake up and help my friends please!''
A hand reached out to Umi's face, caressing for relief as the light subtly and gently kissed her skin, then the long ashen hair puffed out like feathers freely flying around her.
Umi's eyes snapped open as the rays of sunlight were littered all over her sleeping face. Throwing off the whole blanket on her body in one move, she stood up to find a board maker.
Kotori on the other side of the bed was woken up by Umi's sudden action, rubbing her eyes to discern the outline of what her girlfriend was intending to do. ''Umi...chan…'' She said yawning quietly. Her eyes were wide-open as she witnessed that her girlfriend was naked from head to toe and unaware. Her mouth curled up to a lopsided grin, eyes drinking in the pleasant sight.
'Nice butt'
Her thoughts were quickly dismissed as Umi started to explain her plan on the board. ''Umi-chan! What are you doin'?'' Kotori covered her body with the sheets, leaning her head on her knees. Now she was all ears.
''A drinking party. That's it!'' Umi spun around to face Kotori, keeping a firm gaze at her.
''Ah Umi-chan.'' Kotori's eyes laid on Umi's slender hips, her cheeks getting pinker that were now hardly hidden in front of Umi.
''I think we should invite our friends to this party so people get to know each other and maybe Nozomi and Nico can achieve their goals.''
''As expected from my Umi-chan,'' Kotori said sweetly, smiling up to her lover. ''But dear you have to wear-''
Umi turned back to the board, her hand on her chin ruminating over the plan once more.
''Umi-chan-''
''Kotori! I got this plan. Let me explain briefly. Honoka will invite Hanayo and Kira-san. I'll invite Eli and Maki. You can invite Nozomi and Rin, and Nozomi can invite Nico.''
''So you're saying in any case they can blame alcohol.'' Kotori tried in vain to stifle a laugh.
Umi gasped. ''That's not how you suppose to take to mean like that. Shameless!''
''Well, if what I see in front of me is not shameless then what else is?'' Kotori finally sputtered, wanting to hide under the sheets.
The realisation kicked in, and Umi looked downwards then her bare chest. She felt her face heat up in little to no time despite all confidence she had just seconds ago. ''Sumimasen!'' She shouted, she then received a hum in return.
Umi quickly wore whatever she found in her wardrobe. She then threw herself on the bed where her girlfriend was settled in. A small laugh was released from the ashen-haired girl.
Umi sighed, resting her eyes for as long as how much it would take. ''I'm sorry.''
''Another nightmare?'' Kotori said, worry tracing her lips. She began playing with the strings of long navy blue hair sprawled around her hand.
Umi nodded, hands clasped tightly together on her stomach. ''Yes. It's getting worse. Once I stop thinking about the dojo and this matchmaker thing, it hunts me down in my dreams.'' Her breath hitched.
Kotori gently brushed her hair. The warmth against her forehead made her giggle, and she felt rather relaxed. It was Umi's rare, pleasant time wherein she would feel no hesitation, no fear and no malice. A calm atmosphere of contentment was in the air as Kotori leaned down and kissed her on the lips.
Within this dazzling time Umi opened her eyes, her feelings reverted back to her calm and sweet smile much to Kotori's relief.
A bout of silence ensued before it was interrupted by Kotori's words.
''Now?''
Umi could feel the warmth of the blush as it crawled up her neck, yet it was so soothing and understanding. ''Y-yes.'' She floundered, standing up slowly. She cleared her throat, ''Let's call them now. It's time to put the plan into action.''
''Yes!'' Kotori chirped, hugging Umi from behind as her hands snaked around her neck. ''Let's matchmake!''
Umi gingerly lifted her up from her legs, then they were gone to the kitchen but Kotori wasn't 'so ready' to start her day yet. ''Umi-chan my clothes!''
The next thing Umi did was call Honoka.
''So my botany geek, you're saying you finally have a plan for me to date Tsubasa?''
''Dating is a strong, ambiguous word here Honoka. I can't say you can date right away but I and Kotori can create an atmosphere to-''
''Lure my prey in? Hmm…''
''Prey? But Honoka-''
''Nee nee what's your plan?''
''If you allow me to talk for a bit.'' Umi cleared her throat, voice firm enough to lower Honoka's voice.
''Hai hai. Just blame the excitement built inside me since I heard the word 'date'.'' Umi could hear Honoka suavely adorn her words with less fuss and no rush this time. ''I've been waiting for the moment you could say there was a plan.''
''How about you invite Kira-san and Hanayo to Nonbei Yokocho? I'll handle the rest. Later we may go to Magical Trip in Shibuya.''
Honoka couldn't seem to hold back her laughter. ''Hahahaha! Umi-chan you sure about going to the Drunkard Alley? You're willing to get drunk huh? Are you thinking about doing lewd thing with your gf just because you're bolder when you get drunk?''
''Gf?''
''Is that the only point you are asking of?'' As innocent as Umi sounded, Honoka sighed in response at first.
''Meet me by the entrance of the alley at 9 pm tomorrow. See you.''
''See you, my botany-''
''And stop calling me like that or I'll begin to talk how you wet your bed until you were ten in front of Kira-san.''
Umi could feel Honoka freeze and never bring up that embarrassing name again, then both hung up without any fuss.
'One down, two left.' Just Umi was thinking, Kotori sat down by her side and handed out a cup of coffee to her.
''Need to drive the sleep away?'' She smiled as Umi took the cup before she could call another person on her list.
''Well, I'm sleep-deprived so it's hard to understand and comprehend Honoka's bouncing words in the early morning,'' Umi said, she then slowly sipped her coffee, which made her forget about her fatigue momentarily.
''Nee Umi-chan how are you going to invite Eli-chan and Maki-chan? Since you three barely hang out outside the school,'' Kotori curiously asked, swinging her legs in a playful gesture to keep her excitement in herself. Her eyes drifted off to Umi's mouth where the answer would swiftly come out from in no time.
''Well because we happened to meet only within the borders of school. They were occupied with their commitments to academic integrity.''
''You mean they are a nerd just like you?'' Kotori chimed in.
Umi slightly sulked at the statement she was put in together. ''Simply put, yes.''
Kotori put down her cup on the coffee table, she then leant on Umi's shoulder, stretching her arms out as she yawned. ''Then it'll be easier if you think you three have something in common.''
''The stubborn one, Maki is from the health department so she's quite busy even though she's just a freshman. Nico's head over heels in love with her and I still don't know the reason why. The onee-san one, Eli is in the International Relations, in which you would say have more free time than I do. Nozomi seems interested in her although I had no clue when they had talked. Eli seems to have feelings for her and, again, I have no idea. Eli was blabbering like 'Hey who was that purple-haired girl you were talking to?' then the next thing she said, 'I love her. I want to talk with her more.' with uncharacteristic crybaby complaints in front of me.''
Kotori giggled at Umi's humble impression of the crybaby Eli, wrapping her arms around her knees to curl up by closing their distance. ''So Eli-chan is eager to come with us if you say the magical word.''
''Eh? You mean Nozomi? I'm sure of that, at least. But Maki is a lot harder to invite over. She seems vicious.''
Umi tilted her head, unsure of the upcoming events once she called them. She wouldn't want this small party to be the end of her new blossoming friendship since Eli and Maki were her new friends by the end of this semester. On the other side of this frame of mind, this party would also be a good opportunity to start out something new within their group. Umi was just hesitant as to how to handle any possible situation better if it might go wrong.
''Umi-chan you're not alone in this,'' a high-pitched voice cut through her jumbled thoughts. Kotori was wearing that fond smile which churned something in Umi's stomach, as she lightly interlocked their hands on the couch. ''You should pluck up some courage to ask for the sake of Nico-chan! You seem less interested and you think she's quite feisty and sassy about it but if you never try asking, we never know the answer.''
Umi's eyes lit up upon hearing the encouraging words from Kotori so she could manage to take out her phone and slide down the list of numbers. Just before she could dial the certain number, she got a notification from the aforementioned group, specifically from the red-haired girl first. She put down her coffee and looked up the message by clicking on the screen.
_Soldier Blame_
Maki: I'm tired of studying.
Umi: I thought your summer vacation has started already?
Maki: Hell no. Because I have to study more in order to become a doc
Eli: You need a break, Maki. Being in the health department means
Maki: pain in ass. PIA we call it. I'm diagnosed PIA.
Eli: pia
Umi: you mean Paris Is America!
Maki: ...
Maki: nani sore imi wakannai...
Eli: so you don't remember the game we played in the class when you were mistaken that Paris was in America
Maki: I had 1 hour sleep at that time and you two were fooling around :T
Umi giggled softly, her previous nervousness quickly replaced with contentment. Kotori, seeing Umi like this, took her phone from her hand in a quick move and stormed over to the bathroom to secretly inspect what was happening beforehand.
''K-Kotori!'' Umi ran after her, whining. She saw Kotori stuck out her tongue just before she went in and locked the door.
Umi: why don't you two come to the party we'll throw at the Drunkard Alley?
Maki: ?
Eli: Oh, you mean Nonbei Yokocho? Such a great cozy place. It's been a while since I went there
Eli: Count me in
Maki: I pass the alcohol
Umi: aw com'on it wouldnt bite if maki-chan comes too
'Ah so informal,' Kotori thought, hardly finding herself write without her own style. After a minute or two, Eli began writing.
''Kotori, could you please open the door?'' The voice was firm, yet gentle and probably wasn't hiding the slightest hint of annoyance.
Eli: Umi what's happening to your keyboeard?
Maki: says the one who made a mistake in writing rn
Maki: wait maki-chan?
Umi: um typo! It was a typo! So what's your answer Nishikino-san? I'm sure hanging out with some friends can heal the wounds you have got from the stress, as far as I'm concerned.
Eli/Maki: where is Umi, Kotori?
'Whoops it seems I'm caught hehe.'
Umi: I'm caught .
Umi: gomen .
Umi: so, Umi-chan seems hesitant about it so I wanted to handle this.
Maki: handle what?
Eli: perhaps inviting us over this small party?
Umi: she wanted to ask if you guys could come too.
Umi: she would be quite worried and upset if the answer was a big no.
Umi: so i wonder if you two come for a little fun~
Umi: i'll invite nozomi-chan and nico-chan too after i learn your answers
''Kotori! W-what are you doing in t-there!?'' Umi knocked on the door for once as she shouted her lungs out, already tensed involuntarily through the turn of events.
Kotori, as calmly as she had been already, piped up after having sensed the cracked voice Umi had let out, ''I'm peeing Umi-chan, just wait until I'm done!''
Eli: Like I said I'm already in :D
Maki: well
Maki: I don't like this smile
Eli: come on, you need to get rid of this stress over your shoulders. Also you may find the love of your life there too :D
Maki: first of all
Maki: I agree with you for the first one
Maki: and second
Maki: the latter is definitely not *my* kind of excuse
Umi: then it's decided!
Umi: I'll quickly inform Umi-chan
Eli: wiat!
Umi: hmmmmmm?
Maki: you didn't specify a meeting time
Umi: oh! Tomorrow at 9 pm. Meet us in Nonbei Yokocho.
Eli: Alright. See you
Maki: I feel like I'm making a big mistake but anyways see you.
By the moment everyone in the group stopped writing messages, Kotori smiled and finally opened the bathroom door. Welcomed by a frowning and simultaneously blushing Umi with a slight confusion on her face, she only hugged Umi tightly which the latter reciprocated to tenderly.
''Done. They will come tomorrow. So don't stress out anymore,'' Kotori whispered in her reddened ear, fingers trailing lightly over the contours of Umi's warm cheek now.
Umi instinctively kissed Kotori's palm, her amber eyes gaining a twinkle of interest with each word. She tightened her hold and her tension melted away.
''Thank you,'' Umi's gaze softened, but one of her hand reached out Kotori's face to pinch her cheek. ''But don't ever do that again!'' This time her voice was sounding a mix of seriousness and relief as she pinched it harder. ''Alright?''
''H-haiii,'' Kotori stumbled over her words for a short while before nodded. ''Uuumi-chan my cheek... it hurts!''
Umi stopped doing it, her mind wandered a similar situation she was in where her orange-haired friend had given a hand just like this. ''Is this Honoka's doing that you start to act like her I wonder?''
Kotori gave her a small smirk of her own. ''I wonder that too hehe~~''
''Anyways, let's message Nozomi and Rin this time.''
_LilyTight_
Umi: I could finally invite Maki and Eli to tomorrow's drinking party
Rin: Party?
Nozomi: a drinking party? A spiritual one perhaps? :)c
Umi: yes
Rin: who's coming nya? :3c
Umi: so far I know Eli, Maki, Honoka, me and Kotori. Honoka still doesn't tell me if Kira-san and Hanayo are coming
Rin: You mean Kayo-chin is coming too?
Nozomi: oho isn't she that kind childhood friend of yours whom you are smitten with?
Rin: NOZOMI-CHON! SHOULD I TALK ABOUT YOUR CRUSH ON THAT BLONDE GIRL NYA?
Nozomi: well she's hot
Rin: bc you've hots for her nya!
Umi added Kotori and Nico to the group
Nico: oh i was expecting to be invited well gj oomi
Kotori: yay im finally in the group! x3
Umi: I'm not adding Eli and Maki here. You guys will meet them tomorrow in Nonbei Yokocho
Rin: nyice!
Nozomi: great job, Umi-chan. Kotori-chan should reward you afterward ehehe~
Umi: Nozomi! Not here too!
Kotori: here too? Is that why Umi-chan is more assertive nowadays?
Rin: oh
Nozomi: my
Nico: tits!
Nico: ok before we gone further someone stop tits being tits cus she makes things worse rn
Umi left the group
Kotori: aww umi-chan :
Kotori: I'll see you all tmr at 9m in Nonbei Yokocho ^u^ gotta check on my baby girl ^^
''I hate them to death,'' Umi muttered, burying her head in the crook of Kotori's neck with a huge blush on her face.
''Aww they love you too, Umi-chan ehehe,'' Kotori chirped, patting Umi's head before she kissed her forehead softly. Umi's posture relaxed a tad as she closed her eyes. Just when Kotori thought they could be in their own world again, her phone's screen lit up with a message while Kotori was forking her hand through Umi's navy blue hair.
HonkBread35: Kotori-chan tell umi-chan that hanayo-chan and tsubasa-chan are coming too! x3 x3 x3 x3 x3 HNNNNNNNG IM SO EXCITE
Kotobirb: why didn't you message Umi-chan then? :o
HonkBread35: umi-chan is already busy so i told you c:
Kotobirb: well yeh she has to deal with lily white bros
HonkBread35: oh rin-chan and nozomi-chan never give up on teasing her huh
Kotobirb: yup you nailed it
HonkBread35: gtg mom is calling i'll see you all later. Love you 3
Kotobirb: 3 see you 3
Kotori sighed in relief, smiling.
Umi's wispy voice came out to reach Kotori's ear, ''What did she say?''
''Oh I thought you were sleeping.''
''Not yet,'' Umi's voice was getting more sleepy when opening her eyes was just infeasible in spite of many unsuccessful attempts.
''The plan is going well Umi-chan. You can rest for now.''
''M...maybe for a bit,'' As Umi said sluggishly, she scrolled down and found her girlfriend's laps to get sleep.