"Maybe I shouldn't be asking this, but... I really need to hear it from you!"
"Ask me about what Seiko?"
Then came the massive shift in her voice. From carefree joy to stammering apprehension.
(Seiko): "Do you... um... would you... spend more time like this with me...?"
(Naomi): "..."
I knew I had to say something... anything. But every time I opened my mouth... the words just wouldn't come out. Though, Seiko's convictions weren't getting any stronger. She was fumbling... straining. From the other end of our call.
That pain... that fear... in her voice... continuously aching my heart... as she just kept panicking in the night.
(Seiko): "Ahhh dang it! I know. I shouldn't have asked! It's... definitely an awkward thing to bring up! Ha! Yup. How silly of me! Anyway. I'll just let you go now before we both get nightmares from this."
(Naomi): "Seiko, wait! Don't hang up...!"
(Seiko): "O-Oh? Okay. Staaaaying put! Ha! Yup!"
She sounded more nervous and confused... and I knew if we didn't talk about this now, it would be much harder for us at school. And so, my thoughts just...came out... little by little.
(Naomi): "..."
(Seiko): "..."
(Naomi): "I know things haven't been making any sense...after we last talked..."
(Seiko): "They really haven't...!"
(Naomi): "And you might think... I want nothing to do with you... but that's...that's not the case at all..."
(Seiko): "..."
(Naomi): "I... I'm just..."
(Seiko): "..."
(Naomi): "..."
What am I doing?
If I tell her, we won't ever see each other the same. Our friendship we once had, will be gone... forever.
The moment was unbearable. Every second was a dagger to my heart, as my phone could be felt slipping out of my clammy hands. Though, Seiko's soft voice eased those tensions.
(Seiko): "Say no more."
(Naomi): "Seiko...?"
(Seiko): "It doesn't matter what your reasons were. I'm just glad we can finally talk again!"
All I heard was pain in her words. And she just kept downplaying the whole thing which made everything feel even worse...
(Seiko): "But um... if you ever need to be alone, don't let me stop you! Just say you got other plans and I'll understand! There are a lot of ways I can occupy myself!"
(Naomi): "...But you didn't bother me to that point."
(Seiko): "Ohhh Naomi. No need to be so nice! You and I know how easily bothered you get!"
(Naomi): "Shut up..."
(Seiko): "Unless you actually enjoy being tormented? Maybe that's why we are talking again? Our time apart made you realize how addicted you truly are to what I do to you."
What the hell!
(Seiko): "See? You're not even disagreeing!"
(Naomi): "Because...that's not what I'm trying to say at all! Geez! How the hell did it even get there?"
(Seiko): "Then maybe you should quit wasting our time and just get straight to the point."
(Naomi): "Well! I'm telling you...! It's got nothing to do with how you treated me or how bonkers you can get... because, I enjoyed all that nonsense!"
(Seiko): "Heheh! Yeah?"
(Naomi): "I mean... I never wanted things to turn out the way they did..."
(Seiko): "I know."
(Naomi): "Seriously, Seiko! I loved...I loved every second I've spent with you."
(Seiko): "...Aww! If you're saying that, then I guess you should give me a key to your house? That would make things so much easier. Don't you think?"
(Naomi): "*Sniffles*"
(Seiko): "...?"
Oh crap!
(Seiko: "Naomi?"
But it was getting too difficult to hold it in... that the cold tears could be felt rolling down...
(Naomi): "*Sniffles* Ohhhkay!"
(Seiko): "Are you feeling alright?"
I guess Seiko's good will and fun attitude was just too much. Knowing things could've been handled better.
(Naomi): "Sorry! It's been...a really hard week...! Ah man! This is... This is really embarrassing! Why am I being like this now... ahhh... so dumb!"
(Seiko): "Having feelings isn't dumb."
(Naomi): "...*Sniffles*"
(Seiko): "You just care as much as I do... and that's something you don't ever need to hide from me! You should know that by now!"
Powerful words that matched the warmth of a hug. However, my insecurities were still holding me back.
(Naomi): "*Sniffles* I can't be like this all the time though... having to be this...sensitive... emotional... over dumb pointless little things... it can become really insufferable...you know?"
(Seiko): "Hmm well! Lucky for you! I like when things get loud and dumb!"
And that just about did it... as the smile on my face burned right through those thoughts.
(Naomi): "What a dorky thing to say..."
(Seiko): "Dorky and exciting! Aren't I?"
(Naomi): "More than I've ever expected..."
(Seiko): "Ohhh yeeeeaah? Is that right?"
(Naomi): "I mean... looking back at the start of it all... I never expected us to be this close... I really thought I'd be just some other classmate to you."
(Seiko): "Guess what? There's no way you'd ever be a stranger to me. Because we are meant to be together!"
(Naomi): "You've said something like that before... yeah, when you stayed over at my place, after that Vein Artery concert... I mean, you said a lot of nice things to me..."
(Seiko): "And they will always be true! No matter how bad things get! We are simply meant to be, Naomi!"
(Naomi): "Seiko..."
(Seiko): "We'll get even closer! And things will get even better! Though, you just gotta let me in and take care of you!"
From tears to giggles to fuzzy goodness... how did that all change so fast?
(Seiko): "Just let me take care of you, okay? Let me make you smile!"
(Naomi): "*Sniffles* Heh! Okay!"
Even when it seemed like the night will be endless, everything changed...after a few powerful knocks were made on the door.
*Knock* *Knock* *Knock*
(Naomi): "...!"
Blinking my eyes, then I was awake again. I had been daydreaming of last night's talk with Seiko. As I was supposed to get ready for school. But I still couldn't really wake myself up. My mind wanted to just keep having those thoughts.
(Mrs. Nakashima): "Naomi? Naomi! Can you hear me? Breakfast's been ready!"
(Naomi): "..."
How can you still want me after all that...?
(Mrs. Nakashima): "Naomi? Everything okay in there?"
Shortly after I found myself at the door. Eye-to-eye with my worried mother.
(Naomi): "Oh yeah! Everything's fine mom! Just heading out now!"
(Mrs. Nakashima): "Okay!"
Just as I was about to take the first step down the stairs, my mother called out again.
(Mrs. Nakashima): "Honey, aren't you forgetting something?"
(Naomi): "Huh?"
She was right. My phone and schoolbag weren't on me.
(Naomi): "Uh... oh! Oh, I am! Haha! I guess I'm not ready yet!"
(Mrs. Nakashima): "...Hmm."
A quick trip back to the room, then I was officially ready. Although, seeing my phone light up kept me from leaving.
Seiko!
One quick glance at the message and already, my heart was fluttering
"Where are you?! We're already at school! Class should be starting like at any moment now!"
The "we" implied the rest of the group from last night, since we had all agreed to walked together for school. But that was impossible now. I was extremely late, so I messaged back with...
"Not gonna make it! Expect me to make a SUUUUUPER AWKWARD entrance for class!"
After sending the text, footsteps can be heard from behind me.
(Naomi): "...?"
(Mrs. Nakashima): "Honey, is there something you're not telling me?"
The look in her face showed she knew something was up.
(Naomi): "Uh, no...! Uhh... I mean, I don't... think so?"
Stop acting so weird!
With poor acting, it was undeniable I was hiding something, which made mom persist.
(Mrs. Nakashima): "Seems to me that someone forgot to fall asleep!"
She's catching on!
(Mrs. Nakashima): "Did you not sleep again?"
(Naomi): "Ye-nnnn..."
After all these years with her and yet I'm still terrible at this!
(Mrs. Nakashima): "Out with it!"
(Naomi): "Y-Yeah... I mean, I guess I didn't sleep well!"
(Mrs. Nakashima): "Honey!"
(Naomi): "I'm sorry mom! I just couldn't go to bed without knowing... Satoshi was fine."
Half-truth.
Though it was enough that it made mom put the basket down and hug me.
A very tight hug.
Reminding me more of a special someone...
(Mrs. Nakashima): "That's what love does to you."
(Naomi): "...Mom?"
(Mrs. Nakashima): "Me and your father. When we were growing up, there were nights we just couldn't sleep! We really wanted to take advantage of every second together..."
(Naomi): "..."
Just like... me with Seiko.
(Mrs. Nakashima): "Even in hard times, both of us would not let each other go! And your dad, oh he always read me! Always knew the right things to say...! It's like if he could just read minds, and that he can just solve any problem!"
Kinda like Seiko...
(Naomi): "I know what you mean mom... it's like... I could always rely on him for anything... no matter how bad it was, I knew things would be okay becuz... he'd be there."
Again... just like with Seiko...
(Mrs. Nakashima): "Your dad was really great..."
The hug got slightly tighter.
A mix of pain and comfort could be felt as every inch was seeping.
(Mrs. Nakashima): "Give it time dear! Mochida will be back to his good old self! Especially when he has you to check up on him!"
(Naomi): "...I really hope so."
(Mrs. Nakashima): "And I hope you take better care of yourself! You can't be doing this all the time! It'll catch up to you one day! And you'll regret it!"
(Naomi): "Heh! I hear you mom!"
Eventually we broke our hug and faced each other.
(Mrs. Nakashima): "So what's it going to be? Stay home and rest? Or... do you really think you're fine enough for school?"
She's giving me a choice...?
(Mrs. Nakashima): "Bed sounds a lot better now huh?"
(Naomi): "It does..."
But I can't miss Seiko...
(Mrs. Nakashima): "You know what? I can phone them right now!"
As my mom said that she started pulling out her phone.
(Naomi): "No need mom! I'm actually... gonna go today!"
(Mrs. Nakashima): "You sure honey? They'd understand! It's been rough for everybody."
(Naomi): "I'm going!"
(Mrs. Nakashima): "Alrighty! Then you better go downstairs and eat! Don't wanna be late!"
So that's what I did. I grabbed my belongings, went downstairs, reheat my plate of pancakes and ate as fast as I could.
Then after that I walked to the door.
(Mrs. Nakashima): "Don't forget to say goodbye to your new friend!"
(Naomi): "Heh!"
As if on queue Mei started meowing, bobbing her head up and down like she understood everything.
Once I moved over and rested my hands on her, sounds of an automobile began raging loudly.
Which made me laugh because her sounds were that LOUD!
A sound that showed acceptance to her new owner, and acceptance to her new home.
Judging by this kitty's youth and size, she must've been at least a month old, yet her behavior showed that she was already equipped to be in a house.
Couldn't be a stray.
However, it's like... she finally returned to somewhere important.
Huh...
(Naomi): "Mom?"
(Mrs. Nakashima): "Yes dear?"
(Naomi): "Thanks for letting her stay in with us! It really means a lot!"
(Mrs. Nakashima): "Well! It's not like I can keep out a poor, little thing like her!"
Mom then went to Mei and picked her up and held her.
(Mrs. Nakashima): "She's just so-so precious! So fluffy and adorable! Have you picked out a name for this cute, wooby-wooby?"
(Naomi): "Hehe! Oh yeah! I named her... Mei."
For a moment mom paused and looked at me with shock in her eyes.
(Naomi): "...I know I coulda gone with a different name but, but like..."
(Mrs. Nakashima): "That's a perfect choice honey...!"
(Naomi): "...Really?"
(Mrs. Nakashima): "Honey, it's sweet you even considered it! Your father has to be smiling right now!"
(Naomi): "Heh..."
I hope you are seeing this dad...
Soon enough mom put Mei down and then went over to me. Which she then opened her arms wide and greeted me with another hug.
(Mrs. Nakashima): "Be sure you stick closely to Shinohara! Stay in sight of police at all times! Okay honey?"
(Naomi): "I will mom!"
(Mrs. Nakashima): "I love you so-so much!"
(Naomi): "Love you too mom!"
Then I left.
Leaving behind my home and heading to school.
On the way there, an arrangement of chimes started ringing across from the distances, as every second those calming, metallic rings were becoming more familiar.
It was then I realized... those were school chimes.
(Naomi): "Oh crap!"
I am THAT late!
For a moment I started sprinting.
But it wasn't long until I notice there were no students in sight.
That point it was abundantly clear that classes had already began.
(Naomi): "..."
Then again...
What's the rush?
It's not like I'd be excused if I got there any quicker...
So, I walked, still thinking about that uncertain future.
(Naomi): "..."
Seiko can't possibly forgive me...
There's no way she's not upset...
(Naomi): "*Sigh*"
Even if she seems happy right now...
There has to be some part of her that just... hates me, for what I've done...
*Clink*
*Clink*
(Naomi): "...?"
Unexpectedly a couple sounds were made.
The kind where glass was being stepped on, which brought me to stop and turn around since it was heard behind me.
By looking back, all I could see were the shattered pieces of that same glass and some metal components lying around, assuming those were pieces that used to be made up as a functioning light bulb.
However, nobody was seen.
(Naomi): "..."
I still called out.
(Naomi): "Hello? Anybody there?"
No response.
(Naomi): "...Creepy!"
I then proceeded to walk forward with my phone in hand just in case.
Thankfully I wasn't alone.
Ahead of me was a unit of policemen patrolling nearby.
Along with some students who worn my school colors.
From what I could guess they were probably being held back for some questions.
Though it wasn't long until they started sprinting their way to school.
None of them looked like any of my classmates I knew, although they were far gone now, one of the Officers directed their attention at me, and shook their head, bringing me to stop on foot, as he moved up to me, close enough that I can get ahold of his identity.
The officer quickly became familiar as it was a close friend to Seiko's father.
A man who goes by Hiroji Kirigiri.
(Hiroji): "You kids are crazy! Running this late while we have a killer on the loose! And out of all of them, you have to be one of them Nakashima?"
(Naomi): "Heh... yeah!"
(Hiroji): "Well you better get there quicker! Or I'll escort you myself missy!"
(Naomi): "No need Mr. Kirigiri! I'm walking there now!"
(Hiroji): "Then I'll see you later kiddo! And make sure Shinohara stays behaved! I better not catch you both skipping again!"
(Naomi): "We won't!"
He seems to be in a good mood today!
Eventually Kisaragi Academy was ahead of me, and slowly I walked past the tall gates, and the enormous, beautiful flowing fountain.
However, when I was faced with the school doors... I stood completely still by them. Nervously.
(Naomi): "..."
How are things going to be if I'm in class with her?
I mean, I don't really know what to say to her after everything...
Things just can't go back to normal...
And that's when I decided that it would be better to sit outside and think it through.
Which I then took a seat on one of the benches, but of course it wasn't just any bench...
These were the seats that started it all...
(Naomi): "..."
So, I sat there for a while, thinking of ways that could fix our relationship.
Though I have to say, sitting outside for that was more stressful than comforting.
That of course having me with a couple sighs and some heel tapping, and then me slouching all over the bench, from one side and to the other.
This was pretty much like me waiting in a clinic.
In this case I did feel sick, and the doctor would be without a doubt Seiko, but instead of wanting to see the results, I was very anxious about them, and considerably terrified.
(Naomi): "...Damn it. What am I going to do?"
Knowing all my ideas were shit, I just started remembering times we had.
First that came to mind was... the times she would cook for me.
Before we separated, she used to invite me over to her house, not only to take care of me, but also to try "out dishing" my mother's cooking... since I've always emphasized how great their food was. While on those same visits I've always made it abundantly clear that she didn't need to "compete" or feel obligated to go all out.
Oh but no, that heart of hers always aimed for the best!
(Naomi): "...!"
And just like that, my vision went completely white in seconds, but a slow transition occurred after, where my surroundings were returning to normal colors. However, the scenery wasn't the same.
This was... Seiko's home.
That being the same night her family went out. They were shopping for new furniture, as for me and Seiko, we were spending time ALONE together. Which led her to cook me this oyakodon she promised the day before at school.
But here we were. In her home. As I was at the dining room table, imagining how great her food was going to be.
(Naomi): "Heh!"
Can't believe I'm here now!
It wasn't long before Seiko showed up. Walking her way to the table, while her hands were occupied with items.
On one palm had the bowl of food, then on the other she had a glass of tea with chopsticks that were wrapped around by napkins.
(Seiko): "Here it comes!"
(Naomi): "Already? That was quick!"
Soon enough she made it and placed everything down on the table, and then after she sat herself right by me.
Close enough that we were touching, but of course she quickly adjusted herself perfectly by hugging my arm.
(Seiko): "What can I say? I can't keep my FAVORITE guest waiting!"
(Naomi): "Aww, I'm your favorite?"
Then we giggled.
Mainly because we've never invited anybody else to our places. Besides just each other! It was just the two of us who were this close. The two who... would undoubtedly be seen as a couple!
(Naomi): "I can't believe this is what I'm eating!"
(Seiko): "Believe it missy! Because it's right there! Calling for you! Do you hear it?"
(Naomi): "Heh, not really! I need a translator!"
Then Seiko grabbed the bowl with two hands and made a goofy, squeaky voice.
(Seiko): "Put me in your mouth, hot stuff! Or I'll take a BITE out of you!"
(Naomi): "Is that supposed make me hungrier?"
We both giggled again.
Before I could dig in, Seiko offered more TASTEFUL words!
(Seiko): "...Before you have a taste! I must warn you! Mines different from the other oyakodons out there! So, you could find yourself faaaaaalling in-love!"
(Naomi): "With who...?"
I should've known better, but I guess the food was really distracting me.
Her giggle though, came across and grabbed my complete attention, making me realize what I stepped into.
...Why not go for it?
She would always be the one engaging...
(Naomi): "If that did happen... I wouldn't be surprised! The love in this cooking is overwhelming."
Her following response, hit me harder...
(Seiko): "...And that same love, could be felt between the cook and the eater, you know?"
...Wow.
A little too on the nose there!
(Seiko): "Anyway! The food is yours! Unless you're expecting it to eat itself!"
(Naomi): "Wouldn't that be kinda cool if it did?"
(Seiko): "Not as cool as you ENJOYING it!"
(Naomi): "Heh, yeah! Would haaate to stay hungry!"
*Stomach growl*
(Naomi): "Oh ummm!"
(Seiko): "Don't keep yourself waiting! Go on! Have at it!"
Hearing that soft confirmation, the chopsticks went so quick into the food. Being poked and moved in a slow, circular motion, until I caught the meat that looked the most satisfying.
(Seiko): "It's really hot too! So, eat slowly!"
(Naomi): "Gotcha' MOM! I'll be careful!"
(Seiko): "Good! Wouldn't want your tongue getting burned sweet pea!"
Gosh... that's cute!
So finally, I had complete focus on the food. And the meat that I still had clenched revealed more steam and gloss. All the while looking more appetizing as it was being brought to my welcoming mouth.
Teeth were now down, grinding on the food and guiding it further inside me, while my tongue was being drenched by the rich, salty sauces.
(Naomi): "...!"
(Seiko): "You liiiiiike?"
One bite. One swallow. All it took to turn me into a primal beast, which led me to pull the bowl up-close, now digging into the spicy, tart, salty goodness, eating rapidly with NO BREAKS.
(Seiko): "...!"
The table was even shaking.
(Seiko): "Whoa! Naomi! This is NOT careful! You're gonna drop everything!"
(Naomi): "*Nom* *Nom* Ouch!"
(Seiko): "Oh my god! Slow down! Hehe!"
(Naomi): "*Nom* *Nom* *Nom* *Nom*"
(Seiko): "I-It's not going anywhere!"
(Naomi): "*Nom* *Nom* *Nom* *Nom* *Nom* *Nom*"
(Seiko): "...Ehehe! How adorable!"
It didn't take THAT long before the bowl went empty!
For my taste buds were on fire, each of them lingering that had my insides wanting more.
Seiko though, soon carried out her disbelief.
(Seiko): "What...!? Did you just finish?!"
(Naomi): "BEST oyakodon I've eaten in my lifetime!"
(Seiko): "R-Really?!"
(Naomi): "Seriously! The BEST! That food is unlike anything I've ever tasted! Ahhh! Thank you for making me that!"
(Seiko): "...D'awww Naomi!"
And boy, she was the cutest thing.
In her position she had her head low while her hands were on her own apron, tugging at the bottom part as she moved her shoulders left-and-right.
Of course, her bright glow shown itself.
Mine unraveled too undoubtedly.
(Seiko): "...I'm glad you really love the food!"
But these burns weren't disappearing anytime soon. As Seiko only added more heat in her upcoming words.
(Seiko): "...Since you've been eating here, and enjoying it as much as you have..."
(Naomi): "...?"
(Seiko): "...Maybe it's about time... I start making you school lunches too."
What?
(Seiko): "Every day from now... you can start expecting a bento box with your name on it! And it can be filled with anything you want!"
(Naomi): "Anything I want...?"
(Seiko): "Uh-huh!"
(Naomi): "..."
(Seiko): "...?"
Maybe it was just me overthinking again but... I couldn't be comfortable with Seiko doing extra stuff for me.
Mainly because... she's always doing more for her own family.
And knowing her background...
Knowing that her mother had disappeared from the night prior, she has to take care of the house, and four other people besides herself.
The stress must eat at her sometimes.
No matter the circumstances, I could never find Seiko looking conflicted around me, which in a way bothers me too.
(Seiko): "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're unhappy by that!"
(Naomi): "Oh um, no! I'm happy!"
(Seiko): "Really? Then why do you seem so bummed out?"
(Naomi): "..."
Well there's goes my cover...
(Seiko): "Haaaaah...! Don't do this to me! Is it the food? Are you feeling sick from it?"
(Naomi): "Oh no! Not at all!"
(Seiko): "Okay! Thennnnn... will you tell me what's really bugging you?"
(Naomi): "..."
She'll end up knowing anyway.
It's no use in giving her lies.
(Seiko): "Naomi?"
(Naomi): "Well... I'm bothered by... how much you'll go... out of your way for me..."
(Seiko): "Huh?"
(Naomi): "Yeah like, you're doing WAY more than you need to! You already have your family to be worried about, and yet... you're doing all these extra things for me..."
(Seiko): "Naomi! That's something you shouldn't be worrying about!"
(Naomi): "How can I not be worried? You're literally like a mother, Seiko... but you don't look after just one, not two, but you look after three kids! Your own two brothers, and your own sister!"
(Seiko): "
(Seiko): "Right, and they're my responsibility!"
(Naomi): "..."
(Seiko): "You know me, Naomi! For the people who I love, I'll do anything!"
(Naomi): "But it would help you so much if you just focused on-"
Before another word could be said... something was felt against my lap that it had me stop speaking.
(Naomi): "...?"
(Seiko): "Hey."
One look below and it turned out to be Seiko's hand. Resting there like if it belonged to me.
I was... really tempted to place mine onto it. But I was also being pulled back by her stare. Which we then met eyes again. Finding myself not just an ordinary gaze, but rather, this familiar, certain, passionate click inside her.
Where her deep, glistening eyes would widen, and the grin on her face that would curve so smoothly that it even made my lips parted. Making my lips push out... like if...
We could just somehow...
Stop the tension.
(Seiko): "You're obviously one of them!"
(Naomi): "...!"
(Seiko): "What I do for you is never a problem. And it won't ever be because... it's what I want to do!"
Seiko began to stroke me, slow and firmly as she kept speaking.
(Seiko): "Don't you see that? Don't you see how much it does for me when I see you smile? To have you be here in my home? Enjoying one of my meals and, taking comfort right next to me? It makes me wanna do so much more for you..."
Damn that's deep...
(Naomi): "I can tell... I see the effort here. I mean, I remember all the other times too, like that night we had last week..."
(Seiko): "Uh-Huh? Our perfect night?"
(Naomi): "Heh... yeah, our perfect night. But um, yeah...! Even when we have all those wonderful times under our belt, I still don't know how to really react to that sometimes..."
(Seiko): "Heheh! Oh yeah?"
(Naomi): "Yeah like... you're really not like anybody I've met, you know? Sometimes it's so hard accepting this, accepting that... I finally have someone like you in my life."
(Seiko): "Someone like me? Huh?"
(Naomi): "Well I mean...no one is like you...! It's just... I never thought I'd be this lucky!"
Am I saying too much?!
(Seiko): "Heh-Heh! Heh!"
Seiko then turned her face down, all in red, along with her body shaking itself.
(Seiko): "...It never gets old when you say that stuff to me!"
(Naomi): "Heh!"
And seeing her this vulnerable, just made me took advantage of the itch I had.
(Seiko): "...!"
Leading me to grab for her hand and hold it tightly.
By our touch and friction, we were then left quiet, smiling and blushing.
(Naomi): "..."
Again... this can't be normal!
A minute pass by, Seiko looked like she had something else in her mind. Something that was causing her to nervously stroke one of her curls.
(Seiko): "Naomi? There's something else I would love to do with you..."
(Naomi): "Something else...?"
(Seiko): "Mmhm...!"
(Naomi): "What could that be...?"
(Seiko): "Are you free sometime this next weekend...?"
(Naomi): "I don't really have any plans that time, so yeah! Why...? Do you have a place in mind...?"
Seiko lightly shook her head.
(Seiko): "Actually, I wanna be at your place again...!"
(Naomi): "Ah okay! Well, you're welcome to come over! Although there's really nothing new since the last time you came over... I mean! The best things I still got are video games! And uhhh, more video games!"
Wow, not smooth at all...!
(Seiko): "They were so much fun! Maybe this time around, I'll let you win!"
(Naomi): "I'll remember that when I'm DESTROYING you, you dork!"
We giggled.
But there was more to her vision.
(Seiko): "Besides video games, that's not exactly what I have in mind! Theeeere's something more I wanna do!"
(Naomi): "Oh yeah...?"
She sighed and then looked down at her own lap. More nervous than earlier. Shown in her following words as she spoke in half-ump, and half-whisper. Sporadic shifts that were adorable to hear, but once she got her message through to me, then I suffered the same anxiety.
(Seiko): "I actually uhhh... I wanna have... a dinner date with you!"
D-Date?!
Right after her suggestion, the grip she had on me gotten so tight, but it wasn't too long before she lightened up. Followed by her facing her head towards the other direction. Probably due to her worries over a certain backlash.
But for me, instead of overreacting, I took a deep breath, and then I resumed massaging her.
(Naomi): "A dinner date...?"
(Seiko): "Um yeah! A FRIENDLY dinner date...! Between us bosom buddies...! You know becuz... that would be so cool! Coming over and just... eating with you!"
Totally convincing, heh!
Seiko then began rubbing her cheek with a closed fist, still not fooling me, but even in her nervous display she recovered her stare. And by the sight of her demanding, wary eyes, they have brought me feeling breathless...
(Seiko): "Last time, it was amazing cooking with your mother and eating together, but this time around... I really wanna express the best of my cooking ability! Without having anybody helping me through the process. So... I would really love to come over and cook for you all by myself!"
(Naomi): "...Then let's go for it!"
(Seiko): "You don't mind at all...?"
(Naomi): "Seiko, I would love that a lot..."
(Seiko): "Nyeheh!"
(Naomi): "Be sure to wear that apron!"
(Seiko): "What? This old thing here?"
Seiko momentarily looked down and pulled on her fabric from the sides.
(Naomi): "Heh! Yes!"
(Seiko): "Oh shucks! I'm not even wearing my GOOD one!"
(Naomi): "Really? Looks perfect to me!"
Seiko's eyes then went dim, seemingly looking at the floor across us, all the while her pure, delicate grin still showed under all her redness.
Aww!
(Seiko): "Still, I could dress up waaaay nicer! It's gonna be our special day! So, I gotta wear something special! Y-You know?"
Our special day...
That has to be where... everything changes...
An irreversible change...
(Seiko): "Hm-Hm-Hmmmm!"
Snapping back to reality, I caught Seiko using her phone.
(Naomi): "Heh! What are you doing?"
(Seiko): "Going online!"
(Naomi): "For?"
(Seiko): "Clothing ideas!"
This dork...!
(Naomi): "That's not necessary!"
(Seiko): "Why?"
(Naomi): "Becuz I'm not asking for you to wear anything!"
(Seiko): "Ah! So, you want us to be naked instead?"
(Naomi): "What-no? I-I'm not saying that either!"
(Seiko): "Then what are you saying?"
(Naomi): "Just come normal!"
Seiko then put her phone down.
I was trying to keep a straight face but damn, it wasn't happening.
(Seiko): "Soooo there's nothing you want me to dress in? No uniforms? Not even like... a maid outfit?"
(Naomi): "...!"
Then those images of her wearing one reached to me, flooding my thoughts with her seen in countless positions, like her bending over, or her reaching for things...
(Seiko): "Oh so that's what you like?"
(Naomi): "...Why would you dress up like a maid?"
(Seiko): "I'll take that as a yes!"
It didn't end there!
(Seiko): "Would that also mean... you'd like to see me in cat ears?"
(Naomi): "...!"
(Seiko): "Ah-ha! All up for THAT neko look huh?"
(Naomi): "I-I haven't said a single word on what I wanted!"
(Seiko): "Alright! Tell me then! What would you WANT me to wear?"
...
Where is this even coming from?!
I don't even know what's going on anymore!
(Seiko): "Looks like I'm going as a NEKO MAID!"
Then I giggled.
(Naomi): "You're silly! You're not doing that!"
Seiko though did reach for my hand, this time grabbing with both of her own, presuming herself in that energetic tone.
(Seiko): "Is that a DARE?"
(Naomi): "No but I don't expect you to-"
(Seiko): "Challenge accepted!"
(Naomi): "Heh Seiko!"
(Seiko): "Seriously though! I'll come dressed as one! And if you treat me well enough, I'll even like... go in and do MAID stuff! Like cleaning and folding your laundry! I could sweep and clean your house! Organize your personal belongings! Heck! I can even give you a PROPER massage!"
Proper...
Yet even more of those thoughts came in, and all I did was remained silent, blushing from the guilty pleasure.
(Seiko): "Do it for your mom! Just imagine how happy she would be if she came home, noticing that she didn't need to clean anything! It would save her from lots of stress!"
(Naomi): "Heheh, heh! No... I mean, it's fine either way! I'm not... trying to say no."
I was choking up in shyness, and clearly Seiko had to have noticed that. I had to be glowing bright as a beet now.
(Seiko): "Soooo let's make it happen then!"
(Naomi): "...I still can't believe this! You're practically volunteering to be my... neko maid!"
(Seiko): "I ammm!"
(Naomi): "B-But where's the benefit for you?"
(Seiko): "My benefit? Oh-ho-ho! It's not about me! It's about what my Masterrrr wants!"
(Naomi): "Oh my god what?"
I can't take this!
She's so evil!
(Seiko): "You like that huh?"
(Naomi): "I'm not gonna answer that!"
(Seiko): "I'm seeing no denial!"
(Naomi): "And you seem so eager about this! More than our dinner...!"
And then she released me... but then, a smooth sensation was felt against my face.
(Seiko): "...Well let me just say! Between you and me, I'm willing to try anything. Just for you."
(Naomi): "...Anything?"
(Seiko): "...Anything."
(Naomi): "...!"
With Seiko's hand still on my face, suddenly something bigger moved its way over my lap, which was her soft, warm bottom, while she wrapped the free arm around me. We were then really, really close now, and it seemed we could just kiss at any moment.
By the urge I was having, I held onto her as tight as I could. Together now staring, in dim eyes, with our lips parting while the silence we were having embraced our mesmerized states.
We were there, still gazing, wandering... into each other.
(Seiko): "..."
(Naomi): "..."
It took me so long to figure it out, but damn...
Could I do this with her?
Do I even deserve this?
Will I be able to... keep her happy?
Keep her safe?
Can this even last for the rest of our lives?
(Seiko): "Naomi."
(Naomi): "Seiko...?"
Her head was slowly moving in.
(Naomi): "...!"
But...
Moving so she could rest her head on my shoulder.
(Seiko): "Mmm!"
(Naomi): "...Cold again?"
(Seiko): "No. Just not warm enough!"
Man, what a romantic...
(Naomi): "Heh!"
Then we kept ourselves there, cuddling, spending for what it felt like an eternity. Discussing the other important details for our dinner date.
As time went on though, our entire surroundings were... beginning to fade, leaving my vision with a blinding light that had everything pure white.
Meaning that the flashback had ended.
(Naomi): "...!"
There I woke up, shaking my head a bit, still in awe and still reliving glimpses of that nostalgia. But then at the moment, absentmindedly my hand was rubbing the empty seat by me... which I turned towards to that direction, finally realizing that... Seiko was no longer there. Adrenaline shot but then... drifting its way out of me, fading and leaving my body to feel cold and stabbed.
(Naomi): "..."
And to believe that just happened right before... all that.
But knowing how painful those memories were, quickly I tried reassuring myself with other ones we had. Then that's when it hit me. A chain of them, that pertained to something else Seiko would do when we were alone.
In unexpected moments, there would be these delicate shifts in her vocals, as it turned out to be her singing. But her lyrics weren't just ANY tune she knew, oh no. They were songs that I listen to, yet somehow, she knew what they were. Even though I've always played them privately through my headphones. Maybe because I've played them too loudly? Or maybe... she's seen my playlist when I wasn't looking?
Either way! She has crazy singing abilities! There were even times we've done duo singing while I played the piano. Each experience being fun and wholesome. Even I began remembering our "first time" when we started singing.
(Naomi): "What I've been... looking for."
Suddenly I started seeing glimpses of that time, where me and Seiko were on the school roof, as we were both skipping the last of our classes and watching YouTube videos.
But that all changed after an advertisement had played. One with a catchy jingle.
Our interest then went into music, and then we decided to play one of my personal playlists. This bringing Seiko to pull out something from her bag, something small and round.
A closer examination, it turned out to be a blue tooth speaker. Which she then plugged it into my phone and raised the volume high enough that the glass behind us started vibrating, while scaring some birds from the far distance.
(Naomi): "Seiko, I don't think this is such a good idea! We should lower it down mo-"
Abruptly she interrupted me, with her delicate finger.
(Naomi): "Mmm!"
(Seiko): "Babe! You worry too much!"
...Babe?
Gradually Seiko moved herself up and on her own two feet, and then she extended her hand out, signaling me to do the same, which I took her grip and stood right by her, but this time... in complete hand-in-hand.
Neither of us were letting go.
And as we were tightening, Seiko spoke up again in her everyday enthusiasm.
(Seiko): "Life's too short to be all worked-up! Let's enjoy ourselves! Right here! Right now!"
(Naomi): "Heh! Can't argue with that!"
Not that I planned to but once I realized Seiko was guiding my body in slow and steady sways, I had to interject a bit!
(Naomi): "Okay, I didn't expect a dancing...!"
(Seiko): "Seems appropriate when we got music on, dontcha' think?"
Our eyes went dim at each other, but the more we moved in rhythm, my body couldn't stop wobbling.
Not just because I was nervous, but I was also lacking experience.
This of course got Seiko commenting.
(Seiko): "My-My! Trying to ditch me again I see!"
(Naomi): "Mmmm! You dork!"
When we were moving like this, it felt like I was going to slip so I wrapped my arms around Seiko's hips for better measure.
For her she then placed her arms around my neck, keeping me in station while I took advantage of her grip by pushing completely forward.
To where our chest even squeezed into each other!
(Seiko): "Oh boy!"
(Naomi): "So-Sorry...!"
(Seko): "Eheheh! Want me to stop?"
Must be that obvious...
(Naomi): "No, I want to keep going! It's just... this is the first time I've danced with anyone like... ever."
(Seiko): "Really? I would've never guessed if you hadn't told me!"
The sarcasm was undeniably heard.
(Naomi): "Thanks for the encouragement..."
(Seiko): "D'awwww! Why do you sound so down?!"
(Naomi): "You're being a jerk again..."
(Seiko): "Oh! No, no, no! I didn't mean to come off that way! I'm being SERIOUS! Naomi, you are very, very gifted! Haven't we've already had talks like these?!"
(Naomi): "Yeah, but I don't dance."
(Seiko): "Well, I think you should dance more!"
(Naomi): "I mean, I don't really see myself going to the freshman formal. I might honestly skip that, so..."
(Seiko): "...Would you go if I asked you out?"
Ask me out...
In those words, Seiko kept her eyes dimmed, as she tugged my shoulders with her arms. But then, the whiteness in her cheeks had completely vanished as the red took over.
Of course, I was going through the same thing.
(Naomi): "I-I mean, we can, but uhhh... you'll totally regret that decision!"
(Seiko): "Why?"
(Naomi): "Just look at me right now... I'm barely able to hold onto you... this wouldn't work in a crowd of people..."
(Seiko): "Theeeen we should keep dancing! When that day comes, you'll be ready!"
Seiko moved closer to my ear and whispered.
(Seiko): "By the time we're done, you'll become a ballerina...!"
(Naomi): "I guess so..."
(Seiko): "YOU WILL TOTALLY SO!"
(Naomi): "*Snork* Okay, okay. If you say so."
(Seiko): "TRUST me Naomi! I'll put you on the big screen!"
(Naomi): "Heh..."
Man, she's so good at cheering me up!
Soon enough, a certain remix of a song started to play. Introduced in a piano, which the song involved a duo that would be singing lyrics in slow paces, unlike the original with its fast tempo. Throughout the music they would share couple versus together while in others, they were sung alone.
(Seiko): "...?"
(Naomi): "Uhhh...!"
Oh no! I forgot that one is in there!
(Seiko): "You have THAT in your playlist...?!"
I felt like dying on the spot, had to keep my eyes away from her.
(Naomi): "Pretty cringy huh...?"
(Seiko): "Not at all!"
(Naomi): "...?"
(Seiko): "I used to watch those movies too when I was kid! Me and my mom would actually sing along in those scenes!"
(Naomi): "Re-Really?"
Seiko nodded.
(Seiko): "Say, why don't we try singing this?"
(Naomi): "Singing? You and me?"
(Seiko): "C'mon! C'mon! Let's do it! I wanna sing with you now!"
(Naomi): "Hmm..."
(Seiko): "Pweaaaaase?"
(Naomi): "I really can't say no when you're like that..."
(Seiko): "Yesss!"
So that's what we decided.
I went to rewind the song, and then afterwards we returned back into our formation, back into each other's grip.
When the vocals were about to be introduced, we then bumped our shoes against each other while we were swinging our bodies left and right. Doing our very best to not burst into laughter, since this was something we've never done before.
Nervous as I was, I cleared my throat, and started singing smoothly as I can.
(Naomi): "It's hard to belieeeve... heh!"
(Seiko): "...!"
(Naomi): "That I couldn't seeeee...! You were always there beside meeee...!"
(Seiko): "Heheh! Thought I was alone! With no one, toooo hold!"
So wonderful...
(Seiko): "Buuut you were always there beside meeee!"
(Naomi): "This feeling... like no otherrrr!"
And here was "our part".
(Seiko and Naomi): "I want you to knooooooooooow!"
We giggled then, but I continued with my verse shortly after.
(Naomi): "That I've never haaaaad, someone... that knows me like you doooo... the way you doooooooo...!"
(Seiko): "And I've never haaaaaad, someone as good-for me as youuuu... No one like youuuuuu...!"
And here we were again!
(Seiko and Naomi): "So lonely before... I finally found! Oooooo! Ooooo! Oooo!"
Seiko then wiggled her own hips with her eyes shut. So red I could still feel her heat reflecting off mine.
(Seiko and Naomi): "What I've been looking foooooor!"
But we didn't stop there, we went the extra mile onto just... completing our song.
And everytime we sang, it felt like if we were...
Confessing.
(Seiko): "So good to be seeeen... So good to beeeee heaaaaaard... don't have to say a woooord!"
So beautiful...
(Naomi): "For so looooong I was lost... So good to beeeee found... I'm loving having you arooooooounnnnd!"
(Seiko): "Heheh! This feelings, like no other...!"
Here we go!
(Seiko and Naomi): "I want you to knoooooow!"
Then we bumped our chest together while twirling ourselves once.
(Seiko): "That I've never haaaaaaaad, someone that knows me like you do, the way you dooooo!"
(Naomi): "And I've never haaaaaaad, someone good for me as you. No one like youuuuuu!"
And then we simply side-stepped, left and right repeatedly.
(Seiko and Naomi): "So lonely before, I finally foooound! Oooooooo-Oooooo!"
Then we halted our movements, gazing at each other.
(Seiko and Naomi): "What I've been looking fooooooor!"
We giggled, kept ourselves smiling as we were finishing the final part.
(Seiko and Naomi): "Doo doo doo, doo doo doo, Whoa-ah-ah-ooh-ah-aw!"
Once the song had finally finished, we both separated ourselves and moved a couple feet away from one another. Both in disbelief, and even, in our own everlasting blushes, radiating so brightly that the sun wasn't able to hide the coloration.
Even when both of our faces were burning bright, I was too embarrassed that I hid my face.
But I was glued there, so really, all I did was divert my eyes from Seiko, while hoping that my... atrocious singing, didn't tarnish what we had going.
Funny because... during the song I felt completely at ease.
Though now I was self-conscious.
(Seiko): "...Wow!"
A one worded response, and by the sounds of it, I figured she was disappointed. Which I carried on with that impression and just reacted how I would whenever I did something wrong.
(Naomi): "I'm sorry you had to go through that..."
(Seiko): "...?"
(Naomi): "My singing... it must've been unbearable, right?"
(Seiko): "Are you KIDDIN' me?!"
(Naomi): "Huh?"
(Seiko): "Does it look like I'm suffering?"
Looking at her, I caught Seiko with her widen eyes, and her gaping smile. While at the same time she had her hands clenched into fists, with each of them shaking right by her chest.
Nervously, I placed my arms behind me and lifted one heel off the ground.
(Naomi): "But I hardly ever sing!"
(Seiko): "Well you wanna know what I think?"
(Naomi): "...What?"
And then a certain grip was made onto my arms.
(Naomi): "...?"
Seiko was pulling them forward, then grabbing for my hands, which she then held onto them tightly, squeezing me and massaging them in her loving ways.
But her tone... oh, her tone was gentle as an angel's harp.
Yet the words were more appropriate for someone screaming their lungs out.
(Seiko): "Best fucking sound in my life...!"
(Naomi): "...Wh-What?"
(Seiko): "Your singing is unlike anything I've listened to... no musician, no singer, could even compare! What's even better is that you play PIANO too! Oh my God! You are so talented!"
(Naomi): "Heh..."
(Seiko): "And I just want more of it! I want you to continue singing for me..."
Now who could not fall for what she's saying?
The words that were given were comforting, inspiring, and something you'd expect from someone who... loved you.
They were really strong, but somehow, they weren't strong enough.
As I was being greeted by these familiar, echoes, from girls I've heard from our homeroom.
A reminder of some sorts, which did what they did, and drained me from those good sensations.
(Naomi): "Seiko, thank you... that's really sweet of you to say, but um, are you sure you're not mistaken?"
(Seiko): "What? You think I'm LION?! RAWR! Heheh!"
(Naomi): "..."
(Seiko): "...?"
But of course, the disbelief, or the... low self-esteem, had taken over.
Not long after, my thoughts came out.
(Naomi): "But my voice sounds ugly..."
(Seiko): "...?!"
Huh?
Uh-oh!
(Naomi): "Umm...!"
The grip in Seiko's hands were beginning to get loose, which then I freed myself, and then I slowly began moving backwards.
(Seiko): "Naomi?"
(Naomi): "Let me uh, turn off the music! It's been playing for a while! I think so, don't you?"
(Seiko): "..."
So, I went ahead and did that, and after I was done, I returned my attention to Seiko.
However, she wasn't the same.
Instead of her being upbeat and joyful, now she had this hurt, serious expression occupying. Most likely due to me believing in my insecurities over her. Or that I did the very thing that she dislikes, coming from me talking bad about myself.
Oh yeah, that had to be a dagger to her heart considering we had a conversation like this a week ago or so.
When she first came over my house, on that very night...
(Naomi): "So um, we should probably get back to class!"
Why am I such a coward...
(Seiko): "Naomi."
(Naomi): "You know? Becuz that music was pretty loud! And it would suck if we got held back in detention again!"
(Seiko): "Naomi! You're not avoiding this one!"
Seiko moved up, while me, I complied by keeping myself shut.
(Seiko): "Why do you think that of yourself...?"
(Naomi): "Uhhh... what do you mean?"
Being shyer by the uncertain outcomes that would come from this, I moved back and hit myself against the wall, now feeling cornered and extra unsure how things were gonna go from there. Because what else would Seiko do?
The girl was passionate. And she was never afraid to show it through her body.
Her voice, the grip in her hands, those words... they were all showing she wanted to do more.
(Seiko): "Don't you start playing dumb with me! You just called your own voice... Oh! I don't wanna say it! You KNOW what you said!"
(Naomi): "I do..."
Then a certain exchange followed, where Seiko was moving herself over to one side of my body, and then to the other, taking good glances at me all around, and then after her quick examinations... she placed her smooth palm against my forehead. Resting it there.
(Naomi): "Seiko, what are you...doing?"
(Seiko): "No fever..."
Finding my temperature, she pulled away, staring back into my eyes, with glassy twirls.
I couldn't help but giggle.
(Naomi): "Heh! I'm not sick...!"
(Seiko): "You might not be..."
(Naomi): "No, I'm not at all!"
Wow, this is unexpectedly adorable...
(Seiko): "So... who convinced you with that lie?"
(Naomi): "Nobody! I mean, that's just how I feel..."
(Seiko): "Then where did you start feeling like that?!"
(Naomi): "..."
Seiko then grabbed for my hands and pulled them to her chest.
(Seiko): "C'mooooon! Teeeeeell me!"
(Naomi): "I dunno... it's pretty lame, you might make fun of me for it..."
(Seiko): "Really? You think I'd do that to you?"
Knowingly, she would sometimes, and by the reaction I was giving her, Seiko read me and immediately covered her own mouth and drifted her attention to the side, holding her laugh.
(Seiko): "Hmm-Hmm-Hmm-Hmm!"
(Naomi): "You're so unbelievable."
I couldn't help but laugh along, which broke me out of the funk for a bit until we got quiet again.
(Naomi): "Seriously though, it's probably for the best if I didn't say anything."
(Seiko): "Oh? Is that what you think?"
(Naomi): "Umm... yeaaaah?"
(Seiko): "Oh-ho! Poor Naomi! It seems like you are UNAWARE of the situation you have just put yourself in!"
(Naomi): "Eh? What are you going on about now, you dork?"
(Seiko): "You think you won't tell me? GUESS WHAT? YOU WILL TELL ME EVERYTHING!"
(Naomi): "*Snork* What makes you so sure that I will?"
Seiko then gave me this mischievous look, as she raised her hands in the air, wiggling her fingers.
Oh no!
Not again!
(Naomi): "Seiko! Th-That's close enough!"
(Seiko): "Either we do this the easy way, or the hard way! Becuz we're not leaving this roof until you tell me!"
(Naomi): "How high is that drop...?"
Seiko then pulled back with wide eyes.
(Seiko): "Naomi!"
(Naomi): "I'm just kidding! I'm not doing tha-"
So, it went from there, me being TICKLED.
(Seiko): "I'm going harder since you THREATENED to jump!"
(Naomi): "I-I was kidding!"
I tried fighting back by covering the areas, but whenever I did that, Seiko would move her hands over other parts of my body, jabbing and squeezing me at every given opportunity.
(Naomi): "Se-Seiko!"
(Seiko): "Bwahahahaaaa!"
Laughing like a villain, Seiko persisted, until there was no more stamina left in my system. That I could actually fall on my knees and then on to my side. But knowing how merciless Seiko is, there's no doubt that she would continue until I had my last breath.
(Seiko): "Teeeell me!"
(Naomi): "N-No!"
(Seiko): "Give it to meeeeeee!"
(Naomi): "N-Neeeeh!"
(Seiko): "Heheheh!"
(Naomi): "Hahahaha! Ha! Hoooo! O-Okay! You, g-gahhhhh! Got meee!"
Seiko paused, holding still while she showed that joyful, guilty expression, while for me, my guilt came from below, as one knee was overlapping the other in... temptation.
Realizing I was feeling those... tingles, I grabbed for my skirt and tugged on it.
(Seiko): "Have I? I dunno! I'm staaaaarting to lose control!"
And yet again, my chest felt those smooth gropes.
(Naomi): "Haaah! Stop! I'm already telling you!"
Then she stopped and left her hands over my shoulders.
(Naomi): "*Pant* *Pant*"
EVIL!
And she's even smiling so wickedly!
(Seiko): "Heheh! Alrighty then! I'm waiting!"
(Naomi): "*Pant* I mean, it's not even that serious."
(Seiko): "It's serious to me!"
A few more breaths my breathing would then be back to normal, however with what she had done to my body seemed like would last me the entire day.
Those sensations were strong, but thankfully I still had enough focus for the conversation.
(Seiko): "Alright! Out with it! Tell me when these HORRIBLE thoughts began!"
(Naomi): "...Um, I'd say just the other week?"
(Seiko): "Whaaaaat? Just the other week?"
(Naomi): "..."
Is she playing dumb?
(Seiko): "Hmmm! Wait a second! Are we talking about the video you accidentally sent me?!"
I looked down, covering my eyes with my hands as Seiko's voice only gotten louder.
(Seiko): "D'awwwww!"
(Naomi): "Please don't pull it out again..."
(Seiko): "BUT NAOMI! You were so cute in it! What do you mean you sound bad?!"
(Naomi): "C'mon now... I totally sound like a different person!"
(Seiko): "What do you mean?! You sound just like NAOMI!"
(Naomi): "...I guess that's why."
(Seiko): "...?"
I continued while Seiko got closer.
(Naomi): "I mean, I don't sound like the other girls... like... at all..."
(Seiko): "Sooooo?"
(Naomi): "But when you listen to me talking in that video over and over, my voice..."
(Seiko): "Yeeeaaah?"
For a moment I went silent, but that's only because I was mustering up the softest voice.
That even I grabbed for my skirt and kept tugging down on it.
(Naomi): "When you compare their voices to mine... you'll notice how deeper I sound than them."
(Seiko): "Naomi, you sound really adorable right now!"
I didn't break character just yet. I still continued at least a few more words.
(Naomi): "Do you... do you notice it too? They... they sound a lot more gentle, soft and..."
(Seiko): "...Hehe!"
She's not taking this seriously!
(Naomi): "It's not funny!"
(Seiko): "It's not! But you're just being so adorable...!"
(Naomi): "...Th-Thanks I guess... but that doesn't solve my voice issue."
(Seiko): "What issue? I'm not hearing one!"
(Naomi): "But I don't sound like the other girls!"
Seiko then giggled.
(Naomi): "...You're not helping here!"
(Seiko): "Naomi, you really worry over nothing!"
Do I...?
Seiko then released my shoulders, and instead, placed her hands over mine.
(Naomi): "...!"
And she then brought them near to her chest, then dimmed her eyes and slightly parted her lips.
Her powerful stare even became too much for me that it led me to tilt my head downwards.
(Seiko): "To me, it seems you're just not used to someone appreciating what you have...!"
(Naomi): "That could be the case..."
(Seiko): "No, that's what it is!"
(Naomi): "Fine... I guess so...!"
The moment didn't end here.
It still continued, but this time her hands were on my cheeks that even her gaze had a deeper intensity within her.
(Naomi): "...!"
(Seiko): "You may not sound like them, but that's what makes me focus on you."
(Naomi): "O-Oh yeah?"
(Seiko): "I really, really love the way you sound..."
What else could I have said?
Her words... her gestures... just couldn't be met or outmatched.
Even so the urges inside me took over, and then brought me to guide us away from the wall.
(Seiko): "...?"
Once we were far enough, immediately I hugged her tightly. Followed by one of her soft gasps, and her breathes of excitement.
It was a satisfying acknowledgement, that a dominant person like her, was crumbling to my sudden control. When I'm usually the one would always let her have her way with me.
But this rare occurrence was happening, and it just made me feel so powerful.
(Seiko): "Mmm!"
That didn't last so long though, once I started talking again...
(Naomi): "So... I really don't sound THAT deep?"
(Seiko): "...Oh Naomi! You're so stubborn!"
(Naomi): "I'm genuinely curious! I wonder about it a lot... and um, it will make me feel better if I hear it from you."
(Seiko): "If you want my input so badly, I guess I'll show you!"
Show me?
And suddenly I was greeted with a familiar squeeze somewhere below...
(Naomi): "...!"
That being both of her hands... on my butt, groping me and spreading me apart.
That was me empowering. Handing her back that role. Letting her have her way with me.
(Seiko): "It's as soft and lovely as these BABIES!"
Not really angry, not really upset... but every time she did this to me, I would get confused on how I should be acting.
After a while, I grew to liking it... more than I should. Not necessarily, uh... horny.
...
Okay... I do get horny, but still!
(Naomi): "I still can't believe you keep doing that...!"
(Seiko): "...Heheh! Well! Get used to it already!"
Seiko then leaned into my ear and whispered.
(Seiko): "Because it won't be the last time...!"
God...
Then we were standing there, holding and rubbing each other for a long while until the final chimes ringed throughout the school.
By those soothing sounds we pulled ourselves apart, then looked at each other, still sharing that same coating of color.
(Seiko): "Hey, let's continue on out of here! We still got the rest of our day to explore!"
(Naomi): "Heh, yeah!"
And before we would enter back inside, Seiko took her speaker while I got my phone, and then we moved ourselves over to the door. But before going inside, I grabbed onto her wrist.
Keeping us from going any further.
(Seiko): "...?"
(Naomi): "Hey Seiko..."
Immediately she turned back with her mouth wide, looking delightfully surprised, but for me... I wiggled my lips from the pain she was doing to me.
It didn't stop me though. I wanted her... to know.
(Seiko): "Yeah?"
(Naomi): "Thank you for that. I don't know where I'd be without you...!"
(Seiko): "Hey, that's what we do for each other! Just remember that! And remember... it's the same for me."
(Naomi): "...Heh!"
Then we smiled and stared for a moment longer. Then after that we just continued on with our day. Leaving the school, step-by-step. Through the first couple steps, the areas around us were beginning to... fade. Into complete blankness. Even I couldn't feel or see Seiko anymore. However, our voices still continued that familiar exchange.
(Seiko): "I have a fun idea!"
(Naomi): "Heh! What is it?"
(Seiko): "Tonight, why don't we sing each other our favorite lullabies?"
(Naomi): "No way! That sounds really embarrassing!"
(Seiko): "C'mon now! How else will we get you outta your shell?"
(Naomi): "There are other ways!"
(Seiko): "Alrighty then! It's official!"
(Naomi): "What? I didn't agree to-*sigh* oh never mind!"
(Seiko): "Heheh!"
But of course, our sweet exchanges had reached to their point as I couldn't recall the rest of that conversation.
However, I began remembering the rest of that day. Where I saw glimpses of us leaving the school grounds, then us walking to the ice cream parlor since we wanted to treat ourselves a delicious, cold, creamy treat.
When we made it to the destination, we stood by the entranceway and questioned our options... Meanwhile the grip on my hand and on my side were getting tight.
That being Seiko's anticipation.
(Seiko): "Ordering the usual then?"
(Naomi): "Um... I'm thinking of trying out that new flavor! The one that comes in a chocolate soda, double-mint, rainbow?"
(Seiko): "If that's what you're craving, then it shall be served to you my dear lady!"
Her lady...
(Naomi): "Heh!"
But before Seiko could guide us any further, she realized I wasn't moving.
(Naomi): "Hey Seiko um..."
(Seiko): "Yeah Naomi?"
(Naomi): "Before we go inside..."
(Seiko): "Uh-huh?"
(Naomi): "Do you mind if I pay this time?"
(Seiko): "Naomi! We've talked about this already! I got this!"
(Naomi): "But you paid like the last couple of times! I don't feel right if you're the only one paying."
(Seiko): "If that's how you feel, then I guess I could let you take this one over! Not that I'm complaining! It's just so out of the ordinary when a beautiful girl is buying me the ice cream!"
Geez...!
Then I rubbed my cheek, looking away while I whispered to myself.
(Naomi): "...Neither as me buying some for one."
(Seiko): "Mmm-heh!"
(Naomi): "Oh um... anyway! We should get going!"
God I'm so embarrassing!
Should've kept that to myself!
So, we did, and inside we both ordered our frozen delights and made the exchanges, and once we obtained the goods, we then sat ourselves by a window with a great view.
A view that had a perfect visual of the city-life, as many people were seen walking by, with plenty of vehicles stopping and accelerating and turning.
Thankfully no crashing! At least that I'm not aware of!
Besides the traffic, vendors nearby were seen occupied by huge groups, which made the scenery feel even more lively. Just like the interior of the parlor! And speaking about the interior, the jukebox area was one exception that had only an old man sitting by the glowing machine. Who may also be the one who paid for an old j-pop tune to play. Giving the place more of the retro aesthetic.
Noticing more details inside the place, a couple waiters could be seen standing by tables, taking additional orders, meanwhile the register started forming a massive line that literally reached from the front doors.
The amount of people was a lot higher suddenly, and yet this "crowded" atmosphere felt strangely comfy, maybe because we were relieved that we didn't come a minute later?
Either way, it didn't take long before me, and Seiko dug into our deserved goodness.
A few spoonsful in, Seiko led the conversation.
(Seiko): "I'm soooo glad we are doing this today! I had the worst CRAVE last night!"
(Naomi): "Were you craving ice cream?"
(Seiko): "Oh yeah! Well yesterday I bought a couple tubs of ice cream for the family, but before I could get my hands on any, both of the containers were empty by the time I checked! So, I had to go through the whole evening in the kitchen, staring at empty tubs... knowing that I missed out on some sweet, goodness!"
(Naomi): "Wow... really? They ate it all THAT quick?"
(Seiko): "I was amazed too! I actually gathered all the kids together right before their bedtime, and then one-by-one, I tickled them until they confessed!"
She sounds so casual about this...
As if it's not like their first time...
(Naomi): "So did you like... punish them?"
(Seiko): "Absolutely! By telling them a looooong bedtime story!"
Interesting method...
(Naomi): "About what?"
(Seiko): "About the horrors of... the CAVITY!"
As I was sucking on my spoon, I tried holding in my laughter. But Seiko continued on after one bite.
(Seiko): "Beforehand I even drew a huge diagram for them to look at!"
(Naomi): "Really?"
(Seiko): "No joke! I drew them teeth! Cute, shiny ones on one side, and on the other, rotting, broken babies! It was all so in detail that you'd get goosebumps just by one glance! Nightmares even!"
(Naomi): "And that works?"
(Seiko): "This morning there were no more toothpaste in their bathroom, so I know it's working! And I also know it's... a waste of money..."
(Naomi): "*Snork*"
Too silly!
(Seiko): "Yeah! I need to find more alternatives..."
(Naomi): "Why not just tell them it's bad for their health?"
(Seiko): "Oh trust me I have! But these kids will keep going and going until there's nothing left! Even when I hide them, they have the instincts of a sugar-hound! So, I'm always back and forth on what to get when I go shopping... which I am going to start changing their diets! Until the day I can feel comfortable leaving out snacks! Right now, it's just not possible...!"
And then I went in with a jab.
(Naomi): "Luckily I don't have to worry about my ice cream!"
(Seiko): "Enjoy it while you can! Becuz when you marry and have kids, you're gonna understand what I go through! Understanding the true meaning of SACRIFCE!"
(Naomi): "Heh!"
Getting married...
Having kids...
When will that even happen?
(Seiko): "Look out Naomi! Sugary paradise is coming your way! And it needs a landing!"
Seiko then started making plane noises and teasingly brought her ice cream filled spoon over my lips.
This being another part of her funny business since I'm not expected to really take it.
But today, after these moments we've been sharing...
After realizing what...
I feel.
(Seiko): "...?"
This time the spoon disappeared...
Into my mouth.
(Naomi): "Mmm..."
(Seiko): "...!"
Before I released, I made sure I sucked until there was none left on the spoon.
But even after doing that, Seiko kept staring directly at me in wondrous awe, looking completely blown away, with no remark said.
Apart from the wonder, she also started glowing left and right, while I drifted my gaze towards the bowl, smiling and blushing like a girl who exposed herself in-front of her crush.
(Naomi): "That's a lot sweeter than I expected... um I mean! Um..."
(Seiko): "...Let me try yours."
This is crazy!
Shyly I lifted mine over to her lips, but then Seiko grabbed my hand and pulled it inside her.
Every second going by, I can feel her squeezing and sucking, as her eyes went shut, while she began softly moaning, almost too seductively.
(Naomi): "Seiko, lower down...!"
She was more reactive than I was.
It was like she was consuming something more than ice cream.
Meanwhile I sat there watching her, imagining what it would be like if...
We shared ice cream with our...
Lips.
(Seiko): "Mmm... you're right! It does taste even sweeter! Probably becuz we're sharing!"
We are sharing our saliva...
(Naomi): "Y-Yeah?"
(Seiko): "...Wanna keep going?"
(Naomi): "...Heh!"
Overwhelmed by the scene, I darted my eyes and revealed a smile that squeezed my cheek. Seiko of course picked this up.
(Seiko): "Say "Ah" for me!"
Seiko then dug up more ice cream and brought it over to my lips, but this time I was hesitating, since certain thoughts came up.
Thoughts based on how this could be perceived in public.
Considering my feelings, I then took one look around the room to realize that some people were staring at us.
Some smiling and laughing.
Then there were others who looked... upset, but their expressions quickly changed to smiles too.
(Seiko): "Seems like somebody has brain freeze!"
(Naomi): "..."
I didn't respond, and by not reacting, Seiko immediately changed her tone into a more serious one.
(Seiko): "Doin' okay there?"
(Naomi): "I am it's just... doesn't this look weird?"
(Seiko): "Weird? Why would you think that?"
I started whispering to her.
(Naomi): "Seiko, you know this isn't normal...!"
(Seiko): "And?"
(Naomi): "And people are watching us..."
(Seiko): "So why would that be an issue?"
(Naomi): "Well if we're coming here regularly, rumors are sure to spread around...! Rumors like... me being in special needs, or um..."
(Seiko): "...Or just like the ones from school?"
(Naomi): "...!"
Then just like that, memories from that one week rushed through my head, the same day when I heard all the boys talk about Seiko and I dating... and before she just exposed me to being a "stalker". Which turned to be the same wonderful day when we had that concert and sleepover. "The perfect night". But even to this day, the impression of us "dating" has never drifted. As rumors of us keep floating around in the halls of Kisaragi, and not only there, even on social media!
Explicit mentions through "group chats".
Group chats that I've joined only because Seiko thought it would be better for us, so we don't easily lose touch.
Like if there will ever be a time that we do...
While that may be true, it also means others gets to not only see our relationship, but to also clarify if those rumors are true.
Which always seem true...
So, in my free time I do try to clear those misunderstandings, although that would always fail as Seiko would just show up and add more contradictions.
(Seiko): "...You know, no matter what we do, or wherever we go, people will think what they want. With or without an explanation. It's just how it is."
(Naomi): "..."
She's right...
I should know that better than anybody...
I mean, we've done so much already that I need to stop caring...
(Seiko): "But knowing how you feel now, I guess I'll just dig on my own over here annnd eat up-!"
Before Seiko can I grabbed her hand and guide the scoop back into my mouth.
Once all the ice cream melted inside, I pulled her out.
But by returning my eyes on Seiko, the confusion in her face was absolutely adorable.
She was so lost. And I was the only one who could lead her on. However, I wanted to.
(Seiko): "...I don't get you sometimes!"
(Naomi): "...I don't get it either. But um, we should eat this faster! The ice cream's melting!"
Right as I was digging in for more... a cold, smooth touch was being felt against my face.
It was no other than Seiko's hand, drawing me to her attention.
(Naomi): "...?"
That was where I caught her, ready in hand with another spoon filled of ice cream, ready to invade me once more!
(Seiko): "Gonna finish this for me?"
(Naomi): "...Heh!"
She still doesn't care what people think... even after our first sleepover.
Then just like that, we continued spoon feeding each other until our bowls were empty.
And by the time we were finished, a waiter appeared before our table.
A girl who looked old as us, assuming she was a student from a school somewhere in our region.
She did wear a nametag and went by the name, "Yuzuki".
(Yuzuki): "Just to let you both know! Today we're having a couple's discount! So, if you both are still wanting more, do act on it today! It's only a limited time offer!"
Couple...?!
(Seiko): "We'll keep that in mind! Thank you!"
(Naomi): "..."
Then after that interference, I stopped and just looked at our table.
(Seiko): "Can you believe that Naomi? We get a DISCOUNT! Just by sitting together!"
(Naomi): "..."
(Seiko): "But I'm more surprised you didn't try correcting her! That's usually your thing!"
The tease...
We just talked about this a minute ago...
(Naomi): "There's no point in explaining if it's how it looks..."
(Seiko): "You don't sound so happy by it!"
Can I even tell her why?
Thankfully I didn't have to explain anything as Seiko caught her eyes on the menu and suggested for us to try the other options that were discounted for.
But before we settled, Seiko kept insisting she wanted to pay, meanwhile I kept telling her it was all on me.
(Seiko): "I got this!"
(Naomi): "Nooooo! I'm paying! Remember? We already agreed outside!"
(Seiko): "But you're spending even MORE than what we originally agreed on!"
(Naomi): "And I can't let you dump more of your money!"
(Seiko): "Well it's not fair either way!"
Ahhhh... she's right!
(Naomi): "...Then what are we supposed to do?"
(Seiko): "I dunno!"
Conveniently the same waiter from moments ago swooped by and peered at us, smiling.
Like if she had all the answers.
(Yuzuki): "Why don't you both just split the bill?"
(Seiko and Naomi): "...!"
And that's what we did.
And then we just ordered more ice cream, and a couple of hot, pumpkin pies to go along on the side.
Once we ate, we thank Yuzuki, left the money on the table, and then left the establishment. Finding ourselves a less, congested street, with very little cars passing by.
The blazing sun did help me cope with the chills.
Although I didn't come out there in the best condition.
Neither as Seiko hinted by her slow movements, and her voice being lower pitched.
(Seiko): "Wow! Remind me to go sloooower next time, or I might not live to see another day!"
(Naomi): "Tell me about it! I can't even walk correctly!"
But before moving any forward, Seiko grabbed onto my arm with both hands, which we both then stopped and directed our attention at each other.
(Naomi): "Don't worry I'm kidding! I'm not gonna fall!"
(Seiko): "I know."
(Naomi): "Hmm?"
Taking a closer look at Seiko, that's when I realized she had this interlocked gaze.
The kind that showed she was willing to stand on this spot forever, even if it meant that she would become a statue.
(Seiko): "Thank you for bringing me out here! I really needed this...!"
(Naomi): "Well it's not like you were forcing me to be here! Going to places with you is always amazing!"
There I go again!
Being embarrassing!
(Seiko): "Eheheh!"
In-between my next words I turned away and had my eyes darting back and forth to her.
(Naomi): "I didn't know you were craving ice cream last night... you should've told me! I would've gone out and got you some more!"
(Seiko): "Yooouuuu would?"
(Naomi): "Heh! Yeah! I mean, if I ever have something at home too, I'll come over and give it to you!"
Suggesting that, Seiko then pushed into me, causing me to fall back.
(Naomi): "...!"
Instead of falling on the ground, she caught me in her arms and raised me back up.
Reuniting us by having our boobs pressed, even to where her minty, pumpkin breath tickled my nose.
Even though we were still a few miles away from the quiet intersection, it didn't strict Seiko from handling me here in the public eyes.
(Seiko): "...If you take me home with you again, then we got ourselves a deal!"
(Naomi): "...Heh!"
Then after that moment, we continued our ways home, talking about more places we can go in the future. But eventually we made it to the "spot", promising each other that we would call later. One goodbye and then we were off. Continuing our day apart until it became that hour again... Where we were both in the comfort of our beds, surrounded by darkness, while a certain glow was reaching in from my window.
A light being made by not only the festive streetlights, but also by the big and round, glowing moon. And there was the phone lighting too!
(Seiko): "...Heeeeey Naomi! Naomi?"
(Naomi): "Heh! Hi Seiko!"
(Seiko): "...Ohhhh there she is! My dear angel!"
Her angel...
(Seiko): "...I'm so thankful you're still up! Thought I was gonna lose you tonight!"
(Naomi): "I was wondering that too! You didn't reply for like the last few hours...! You kinda had me worried!"
(Seiko): "I'm really sorry! The timing was awful! We actually had ourselves a surprise visitor! Too much was going on that I forgot to charge my phone... so it liked died and I couldn't tell you...!"
(Naomi): "Oh don't worry! I'm just glad to know that you're fine! That's what really matters..."
(Seiko): "D'awwww! Naomi!"
(Naomi): "I mean, that's normal right? I really want you to be fine!"
(Seiko): "Heh-heh!"
Oh my god, stop-stop...!
Change the subject!
(Naomi): "So um, who came by to your place?"
(Seiko): "One of the sweetest, and most charming lady on this planet!"
Someone old?
(Seiko): "Our dad's mom! But we also like to call her our graaaandma-ma!"
(Naomi): "That's great! Did you guys have an amazing time?"
(Seiko): "For the most part, yeah it's always amazing having her over! But you know how families are! They do their best to get you to say stuff! Stuff that makes you wanna leave the house and like, never come back!"
So that's where her behavior stems from...
She gets it from her family and takes it out on me!
(Naomi): "Is that what happened tonight?"
(Seiko): "Weeeeeell...!"
Seiko then suddenly started sounding softer and spoke slowly that she came off embarrassed.
(Seiko): "During dinner, my dad and grandma-ma was asking if I had a guy in my life... and well! I told them that I didn't!"
(Naomi): "But they didn't believe you?"
(Seiko): "Mhm..."
(Naomi): "Did you lie to them?"
(Seiko): "..."
Silence then caught up with us, that it began starving my curiosity mind as I desperately clawed my pillow. The anticipation really had my ear pressed all the way into the speaker, but no sound came out besides the ac in her background.
(Naomi): "Hey, you still there?"
(Seiko): "I am... but uh... if you're asking me if I lied, well... I just couldn't. The truth was all I had in mind. Forcing its way out of me... without really giving me a choice."
(Naomi): "What's the truth?"
(Seiko): "..."
(Naomi): "...?"
(Seiko): "...That I have you."
(Naomi): "...?!"
No way!
Did she really...?!
(Naomi): "Wh-What do you mean by that...?"
(Seiko): "It means they really wanna meet you...!"
(Naomi): "...!"
Undeniably I buried my face into the pillow... trying to rub off my burns.
I was so overwhelmed by the heat that I even started rolling around on my bed, eternally screaming... which my body wasn't enough to contain those raging urges that my muffles escaped into my pillow.
Why was I being like that?
Usually I'd be skeptical, anxious... concerned...
But...
This time I was so happy, so happy that... every part of me was vibrating in this fuzziness.
And that I could just see us being happy. A perfect future, luminating in the dark, sparkly night skies. When both our families could accept that. Even though I was not completely sure if Seiko directly told them that we were dating or not, I was still overjoyed by this news of being welcomed in just like that.
Even I started sweating... and feeling breathless.
As Seiko continued speaking more about her experience in that rare, timid behavior.
(Seiko): "They were hammering me so hard...! So, I ended up giving up your full name... and I pretty much told them how we met, and how you're like and yeah...! Though all that wasn't enough!"
(Naomi): "...What else did you tell them?"
(Seiko): "Mmm... just some moments that made me smile! Well, uh... that's pretty much any moment I have with you...!"
(Naomi): "Aww...!"
(Seiko): "Hee-hee!"
On the line, there were then sudden patting sounds. Assuming it was Seiko pressing her pillow.
(Seiko): "They wanted pictures too so uh, I shown them a few we've taken together..."
(Naomi): "Like the ones we took with Vein and Artery?"
(Seiko): "Yup! Those too!"
(Naomi): "Heh!"
(Seiko): "But gosh! For real! They kept bulling me on how you haven't come over yet! Telling me things like, 'Why have you been hiding this beautiful girl from us?', or like *coughs* 'What are you waiting for? Invite her over already! A girl like that doesn't last a lifetime!'"
(Naomi): "...Your dad and grandmother really wanna see me that badly?"
(Seiko): "Big time!"
(Naomi): "I still don't get it...!"
(Seiko): "What's there not to get? They like you a lot! You know the kids already do! And so do they!"
To clarify that confusion of what her family considered us together, I tried asking another question without being direct about that.
(Naomi): "Yeah but... your dad and your grandmother, they haven't met me personally! Why would they care that much...?"
(Seiko): "...It's becuz you make me happy."
(Naomi): "Making you... happy?"
Seiko then started talking like if she was revisiting times in her head. To where her voice went softer, with a bit of pain that resonated through the line.
(Seiko): "Things seemed to have never improved. No matter what they did to help me... I just couldn't snap out of it. Even to the point that it almost made him quit his job."
She's bringing this up again...
Two hands were now on the phone.
(Seiko): "...But I told him. I had everything figured out. That I can do this... that I can raise the kids, that I can do the housework, and that I could get my education up, all at home! But even when I committed to all that, even when I smiled, and laughed along with them, they all knew... they knew I was... dying inside. And I knew... mom was never coming back."
(Naomi): "..."
And there I squeezed onto the bed sheets, in pain and in some sort of frustration. That being because my mind was going blank.
Because here I knew it would be important to say something.
But I didn't have the words.
(Seiko): "...For a long time, that's how I felt. I really thought nothing could put me at ease. I really believed that... even in-front of my family that I love... I really thought my happiness was cut-short."
The line went quiet, but it picked up again for not too long, as Seiko spoke once more.
Hearing her though, the pain that was originally in her voice lost its weight.
As if I could feel her smile pressing on our phones, along with...
Tears.
(Seiko): "*Sniffles* Up until... my first day at Kisaragi Academy. Up until... I found you!"
(Naomi): "Seiko..."
(Seiko): "After that day... every time I come home, they always find me smiling, and I talk as if... my days were the best! I laugh a lot... and I say the goofiest stuff! I even do extra things around the house that aren't even necessary for me to do but... I do them! I want to do so many things now! I'm just... I'm just alive! And for them to see me like this, it's like... I finally came back home! They finally got back the girl who had disappeared along with her mother!"
Besides the impact those words did to my heart, even my vision began going blurry, and even wet sensations were felt forming around my eyes that led to... cold wet trails, rolling down my cheeks.
Even if Seiko had already told me similar things before, this time it had really hit me the hardest.
Her explanation was far deeper, and it made me feel even more important.
More impactful than I have ever been to anything in my life...
Impactful...
Just more important...
(Naomi): "I can't believe you're telling me all this...!"
(Seiko): "Do you now understand why my family cares about you a lot? Why they wanna see you? After that perfect night we had, when my papa got us those Vien Artery tickets? You should get it by now!"
(Naomi): "*Sniffles*"
(Seiko): "...Naomi?"
Immediately I wiped my tears.
(Naomi): "*Sniffles* Why do you gotta be so deep at this hour? You're not even here to hug me...!"
(Seiko): "...We could just have another sleepover!"
(Naomi): "I mean... we can, but I don't want you to leave tonight... or your family might think I'm a bad influence!"
(Seiko): "They'd understand!"
(Naomi): "Nooooo! Stay there!"
(Seiko): "Seems like you're too shy! Still remembering all the things we've done?"
(Naomi): "..."
I blushed.
(Naomi): "Y-Yeah, but um... dang it, Seiko!"
(Seiko): "Nyeheh! Well! Since you're still trying to recover! Just hug that pillow for me! While I do the same?"
(Naomi): "...Hug it?"
But then I understood. Which I did reach for one nearby and then held it against me.
Holding it tightly and trying to imagine it was Seiko.
Meanwhile the noises in her background accompanied the immersion.
(Naomi): "It's not the same..."
(Seiko): "I swear! You can't go on a minute without being so, neeeeedy!"
(Naomi): "Hey! You're the one who always hugs me! It's your fault that I'm so... addicted to them!"
(Seiko): "I wonder what Mochida would think if I told him that!"
(Naomi): "Oh my god please... if you feed him more stuff, then I'm gonna...!"
Wait, what am I gonna do?
(Seiko): "Gonna what, Naomi? You gonna yell at me some more? Gonna say the F-word, a million-bagillion times?"
(Naomi): "One of these days I'll figure something out!"
Then we both just started laughing, under in all that smile and joy.
(Naomi): "..."
So lucky to have this with her...
Can it always stay like this...?
(Seiko): "Hey Naomi."
(Naomi): "Yeah, Seiko?"
(Seiko): "We're gonna get through life together, okay?"
(Naomi): "Heh! Okay!
She was thinking the same thing...
Heh!
For a while then we kept having more conversations, without trying to turn on anymore waterworks.
The conversations we were having then felt like minutes...
But in reality, a couple hours passed before we knew it!
(Naomi): "Oh... oh! It's past midnight!"
(Seiko): "Soooooo?"
(Naomi): "We're supposed to be asleep by now! We need to call it a night!"
(Seiko): "Do we haaaaave to? I really don't wanna go just yet!"
(Naomi): "But you can't miss more hours! You need your rest..."
(Seiko): "Hmmm...! Rest does sound good, but you sound even better..."
(Naomi): "Heh... well! You still gotta go to bed!"
(Seiko): "...Only if you sing me a lullaby!"
(Naomi): "...A lullaby?"
(Seiko): "...Yeah! Did you already forget?"
Then I began remembering the exchanges we had when we were leaving Kisaragi Academy today.
(Naomi): "I didn't think you were being serious earlier!"
(Seiko): "Of course I was! Am? Was? But yeah, I still wanna hear more from you...!"
(Naomi): "Do you now?"
(Seiko): "Mhmm..."
It's not like I'm gonna say no to her...
How can I?
(Seiko): "Will I finally have my encore? My dear angel? Will you fly me to the moon? And hold me so dearly?"
(Naomi): "...Heh!"
Her angel...
Holding her...
But if she wants a lullaby, what can I sing her that's appropriate? That's simple and goes with the mood.
Something beautiful...
Something deep...
Hmmm, wait... "Fly me to the Moon"...
Is that why she brought it up?
(Naomi): "Well here I go!"
(Seiko): "Give it to me...!"
Then off the top of my head, I started singing that song.
(Naomi): "Flyyyy me to, the mooooon!"
(Seiko): "...!"
(Naomi): "Let me playyyy... among the stars!"
(Seiko): "Mmm..."
(Naomi): "Let me see what spring is like... on a-Jupiter and Mars."
(Seiko): "Oh Naomi..."
(Naomi): "In other words... hooooold my hand!"
(Seiko): "...Hehhh!"
Wait...
Oh no!
I forgot it was that kind of song!
(Seiko): "In other words..."
(Naomi): "...?!"
(Seiko): "Baaaaaaby! Just kiss meeee!"
Then in that moment, Seiko actually...
Kissed my ear.
Well not literally but the smack vibrated through my end, and it caused me to roll around the bed.
As I waited for her to speak again, in awe, and in anxiety...
But to my surprise she continued the song for me.
(Seiko): "Fill my heart with song... and let me siiiiiing, for ever more!"
(Naomi): "..."
(Seiko): "You're all I long for... all I worship and adore...!"
(Naomi): "...!"
(Seiko): "In other words... pleaaaase be truuuuue!"
But then I stepped in by singing that one lyric, like if I'm asking for clarification.
(Naomi): "In other words...?"
I started breathing a bit heavier, as Seiko could be heard, going through the same.
Only softer breaths, but I knew... her next words would be more than just "singing her part".
And soon enough...
Those words escaped from my speaker and resonated through my ear...
In that pure, radiant-like, warm echo, passing through and mesmerizing my whole body.
Yet with a warm chill surfacing within me.
In and out, causing me to squeeze the covers between my legs, and tighten the pillow with my arm.
(Seiko): "I love you... Naomi!"
(Naomi): "...!"
Oh my god...
OH MY GOD!
(Seiko): "..."
It's not a confession!
Right...?
She just sang is all...!
No...
I'm lying to myself!
This is Seiko I'm talking about!
(Naomi): "...Y-You were wonderful!"
(Seiko): "You too... my dear... angel."
(Naomi): "...?"
She sounds like she isn't gonna hold much longer...
(Naomi): "S-Seiko...?"
(Seiko): "..."
Then there I only heard her breaths, as I began realizing...
She might've fell asleep.
I tried calling her name once more just in case.
(Naomi): "...Seiko?"
(Seiko): "Hemmm... mmmm..."
This was the first time Seiko had ever fell asleep on the phone. An entirely different experience. Where we were both in our homes. Where we were both supposed to be asleep. Yet here I was, still awake on the line, listening to my "best friend" breathing and mumbles.
(Naomi): "..."
Maybe it was creepy of me to not hang up, but I just couldn't...
She was just so lovely, and so at ease. It reminded me of our sleepover so much.
I just couldn't let her go.
So instead of hanging up I just left Seiko on speaker, closed my eyes and imagined her in my bed again.
Feeling her in my arms all over. Remembering how soft and warm she was. And... just everything.
(Naomi): "...I love you too, Seiko!"
(Seiko): "..."
Then I just continued hearing her, imagining myself stroking that soft hair, and her warm breaths touching my neck to cheek.
I was so lost in these thoughts that all sound in my room began fading, along with the feelings from the AC and the bed.
All that was going away, that all I could hear was Seiko repeating, "I love you", as the warmth in my body remained inside me, filling me every inch.
But then...
I started hearing discrete sounds of water splashing, far from the distance.
(Naomi): "...?"
Instantly I recognized those continuous splashes, as I began remembering that they were from the school fountain.
The same fountain that would be in our background before me and Seiko had to call it in and return to our classes.
And remembering that, that's when my entire vision returned to me. Remembering that... this is our special spot.
Remembering that... I was just having a flashback.
And remembering that... me and Seiko actually reunited last night, at Satoshi's house, and later that night... called like we used to do.
As these thoughts were being brought up, it's like I've forgotten everything these last couple weeks. Leading me to speak up in pure joy, just like a kid who was ready to open their Christmas presents on a Christmas morning.
(Naomi): "Hey Seiko we should...!"
One turn to that direction, then all that joy shattered like a dropped glass of cool, sweet tea. Followed by a bitter after taste, of a shattered realization.
(Naomi): "Oh..."
It became even harder to hold those late-night tears, as they were mixed in fear and uncertainty...
Knowing that after my actions, the future we had, may no longer exist.
(Naomi): "What have I learned anyway? You're the one who came to me..."
And then suddenly everything got dimmer.
That of course being caused by my hair, but even then, I could still see past through the strands, and then see the hard ground with a trail of cracks.
A relatable sight for a metaphor.
Though an image of someone dear, formed before my eyes, in a transparency that made everything look darker.
That someone being of course... Seiko.
But she wasn't smiling, or anything expected from that bright personality.
Instead, this was the same look she had before... I destroyed what we had.
The look of someone who was losing... everything.
Stream of cold tears leaking out of her eyes, and those movements of her choking on air, and that shaking... and that sobbing...
A memory so haunting that had kept me up at nights, making me restless and deprived that even my mom has caught me that way more than once.
Just like today.
Then what came next were the memories I had here in school with Seiko, to where we had our fair share of... awkward interactions. Most of her attempting to get a moment between us from either her showing her drawings, or her sharing jokes with me, or asking questions about classwork, trying to act as if everything was normal, but undoubtedly those exchanges weren't the same.
And every time, we would fall silent in the end, and pain would seep out from her, that even in her smiles, her sadness would linger in the background, just by the lower tone in her voice, and her slower movements, and the change in habits from us never touching, and little-to-no eye contact and... different voices filling the air.
Voices and topics that were alien to her that she can be heard answering with short responses like, "Oh yeah!" or "That's cool!"
Simple responses that you knew someone wasn't interested.
While those other girls didn't care, didn't realize a single thing...
As for me I can hear, and see, and feel all that pain... reaching out to me. Begging me to snap out of it and just... tend to her and take her away from them.
Wanna know what's even worse?
Lunch periods.
In those I had to eat in-front of a wall in class and pretend I was watching something like... a YouTube video... and for her, I would catch her being at a distance with her "new friends", and those were always a stab to my body.
Even so, she needed them... she needed to move on, at least... try to.
Besides that, walking to here or going home, was another miserable aspect.
Where in those times I would pause on foot and look around me to make sure Seiko was close by, but then I would remember that things weren't the same... and then I would start losing my breath... and hoped that whatever music I had playing would get me out of it.
Never happened.
I was always feeling like crap.
What I deserve anyway...
(Naomi): "...!"
What I really didn't deserve was this gift, touching my arm, and being reminded of its existence I then placed my hand over the exact spot where it was being felt, rubbing it as it was still hidden under my sleeve.
Undoubtedly, I revealed it and there, was the same gift I was given.
Still wrapped around my arm like if... Seiko was hugging me from the distance.
But then those symptoms were becoming more noticeable at every stroke.
Pressure in the head, numb feet, heavy eyes, cold limbs...
Even breathing became harder, as for the painful throbbing within me were blocking out every positive thought.
The pain was just too brutal for me to handle I even started wiggling on my seat, squeezing myself, just hoping that doing those things would ease this unbearable suffering.
(Naomi): "...*Sniffles*"
No-No... no!
Keep it together...
So, I held on to a bit longer.
I closed my eyes, squeezed my arm, and then tried remembering another, great day.
More specifically the day I first received this gift.
Remembering wasn't difficult but staying focused was the challenge.
Even the pangs could still be felt as the glimpses were showing, but with enough Seiko and those prolonged desires, while those said desires are being met in these memories, gradually brought me to just relive that time.
Of course, with no knowledge of the present, it just played like a movie.
In this memory, me and Seiko were outside my home.
Finishing up on our school assignments.
The stress however was eating at me so badly that I dropped the work down on my lap, letting out a sigh.
As for Seiko she did the same.
(Naomi): "Are we really expected to use this somewhere?"
(Seiko): "I know! I always ask myself the same thing! Like when am I going to... wait, what are we doing again?"
(Naomi): "*Snork*"
Point proven!
Seiko then moved the paper close to her face that she even squinted at the writing, reading the question out in this dramatic tone she would do.
(Seiko): "FIND an area, between a function and a rotation... of its REFLECTION?! Where in my life will I be USING that!? Naomi, do you have any idea how to solve this?"
(Naomi): "I don't even know anymore... every time I see these letters, these shapes and numbers, my mind goes to a different place. It's actually driving me nuts!"
Then an irresistible suggestion was offered.
(Seiko): "Why don't we go out and get something nice? Like maybe some ice cream, or coffee or something! Surely that'll ease our stressed noggins!"
(Naomi): "Ice cream sounds good right about now... but by that point I wouldn't want to continue working..."
(Seiko): "Alright! So, let's make THAT as an incentive then! Once we are done, then we can go grab ourselves some frozen delights! Whaddya say?"
(Naomi): "Sure!"
Immediately I started typing into the calculator. Bringing out a warm smile as I began picturing us, enjoying ourselves at the parlor.
Mostly remembering... that time when we actually... spoon-fed each other.
(Seiko): "Now that's the spirit!"
It wasn't long before we came up with an answer.
(Seiko): "FINISHED!"
(Naomi): "I think we're missing something..."
(Seiko): "We have the same answer though! Same work too!"
(Naomi): "Doesn't mean it's right..."
(Seiko): "Mnnnn!"
We both then looked at each other's papers again, making sure what mistakes were made.
In-between the struggles we did pull out our notebooks and glanced over the examples we had done back in class, and then we did some extensive, online research.
Constant back and forth.
(Seiko): "How about now?"
(Naomi): "This is wrong..."
(Seiko): "How do you know that?"
(Naomi): "I just... I don't know! It just looks wrong to me..."
(Seiko): "What's wrong is you having that stain on your shit! My goodness!"
I looked down to actually check.
While looking I didn't find the said stain, but my nose felt something...
(Seiko): "Boop! GOTCHA'!"
(Naomi): "Oh...gah! You dork!"
(Seiko): "Hee-Hee!"
Couple minutes later.
(Seiko): "Okay! Is this good enough?"
(Naomi): "Seiko that's... wait, why are you doodling?"
(Seiko): "With a cool drawing, maybe, just maaaaybe! Our teacher will get too distracted to see the work!"
Can this girl get anymore dorkier?
(Seiko): "I need to borrow your paper too! This will only work if both of our papers have AMAZING drawings! You gotta trust me on this one Naomi!"
I tried making a serious face, but it wasn't holding up so well.
Even to where I kept doing those inner laughs that made my nose blow out loudly.
(Naomi): "Seiko. This isn't the time to be fooling around! We gotta get this done!"
(Seiko): "Dontcha' mean... DOODLING around?!"
(Naomi): "Yes you dork! Now let's get back to work!"
(Seiko): "Hey everybody! Meet my best friend named Buzzkill! Oh, I mean NAOMI! Yeah, they are so ALIKE that I get those two confused!"
(Naomi): "Oh my god...!"
(Seiko): "God probably makes the same mistake too!"
Then I just kept shaking my head as I was letting out those uncontainable chuckles.
(Naomi): "Please stop, you're killing me here!"
(Seiko): "Okay! Just becuz you said please!"
Couple more minutes had passed, and neither of us looked comfortable. Which Seiko had positioned herself with her head on my legs.
(Seiko): "Are we done yet?"
(Naomi): "Close! Just a few more minutes!"
Few more minutes took actually about half an hour, where a few of our solutions, along with the work by the problems, had changed. drastically.
The changes were so brutal on our papers that they looked like they were used for rubbing gravestones.
But I still wasn't satisfied...
I felt something was off in one of our last questions.
(Seiko): "Let me guess! You're still unsure?"
(Naomi): "Yeah, something's off in one of our answers. We should go over it once more..."
(Seiko): "Naomi! At this rate I'll need to go home! For now, we can just leave! Maybe continue this tonight over the phone?"
(Naomi): "Not yet! Just... give me another minute... I wanna be extra sure!"
So, in that time, I scrolled through our notes. But Seiko was already convinced we were done that she started moving her bag around, placing her notebooks inside.
Hearing the shuffles, I did pause, drop my belongings and looked at her, finding myself those shiny gleams radiating from those dimmed, dreamy eyes.
They were begging for my attention, and instantly I gave in without any hesitation.
(Seiko): "You know, it's really ADORABLE seeing you work this hard!"
Oh geez...!
I swept my hair, but then kept my palm over my cheek, massaging myself.
(Seiko): "It's not a side I see often!"
(Naomi): "School is meant to be taken seriously after all! So, we should be working hard."
(Seiko): "You, however, are working too hard at it! You might as well live in the library and live off their vending machines! There might actually be a school program for that! Sure goes right up your alley!"
(Naomi): "Oh! Oh okay! So that's your fancy way of calling me a nerd?"
(Seiko): "Might as well be one!"
(Naomi): "...Can't believe you're seriously lumping me with them!"
(Seiko): "I mean we're not eating ice cream... might as well be at a library so I can watch you embrace those musty, old book smells!"
The teasing was rough, even I started looking away.
(Seiko): "You're worrying me, Naomi! What are people gonna think when I'm hanging out with you? That my dearest, best friend... only gets off at the sight of her LEAD pipe, scratching paper!"
(Naomi): "...Lead pipe?"
Seiko then shut one of her eyes and raised an eyebrow.
(Seiko): "Hmm-Hmm! Pencil!"
And then the burns on my face got hotter, as Seiko just once again, dominated me.
She even gave me this look that spells out, "What do you think of me now?"
So rather than speaking I then looked down at my paper and started moving my pencil.
I really didn't know how to handle the moment so that's what I did.
But then... Seiko went through a complete role reversal.
Where she was grabbing onto her own curls with a hint of pain in her face.
(Seiko): "Noooo! Naomi! We're supposed to LEAVE! For the ice cream!"
Is that all it took?
To make it even better I LITERALLY started shading on the paper with my pencil, hard enough that it sounds like I'm painting a brick wall, with a tooth chisel.
(Seiko): "*Sigh* Me and my big mouth!"
(Naomi): "Huh? What Seiko? I can't hear you! You need to speak looouuder!"
(Seiko): "You really can be cruel!"
Then I dropped by pencil and we both just laughed!
Immediately after though, Seiko began mounting herself... on me.
(Naomi): "...!"
The sensation did make me jump a bit since it was so sudden.
For a moment she did... grind her bottom there, probably trying to adjust herself.
Knowing her that must've been intentional.
But in her following words, her voice came off innocent-like, completely dismissing that perversion as she approached a different subject, relating to the school stuff again.
(Seiko): "Really though! I can't thank you enough for helping me... I'd be failing my classes if it weren't for you...!"
(Naomi): "...I think it's the other way around!"
(Seiko): "Oh? How come?"
(Naomi): "Uhhh I mean... you're a huge inspiration! And without you well... I wouldn't be working as hard, you know?"
Wait, that sounds really DESPERATE!
(Seiko): "D'awww! Naomi!"
(Naomi): "Sorry! Lame... I know!"
Seiko then just hugged me, as for me I tighten my grip on her uniform and directed my gaze away, feeling overwhelmed by that thriving intensity inside her.
(Seiko): "Opposite of lame! You just... ahhh! My days always get better when you just open up!"
(Naomi): "...Heh!"
Making her day... better.
Seiko then pulled away and began massaging my shoulders.
(Seiko): "...I still can't believe I just have two more years with you, before you get sent off to nursing school! That's just crazy to me!"
(Naomi): "...Yeah!"
(Seiko): "My little nerdy nurse...!"
(Naomi): "Heh!"
Two more years.
After graduation, knowingly me and Seiko will be spending less time.
More studying.
More responsibility.
Life out there will definitely be different.
(Seiko): "It seems so far, yet... these last two months have gone by so fast!"
(Naomi): "Yeah... it definitely has been. Kinda scares me if I'm being honest..."
(Seiko): "...Don't worry! We'll still find the time to hang out!"
(Naomi): "Heh! Good!"
(Seiko): "Nyeheh!"
We both then smiled and blushed, as I kept going silent, feeling so overwhelmed and secured by her grip.
But she did continue.
(Seiko): "That nursing program sure does have big standards huh? Because you don't joke around when you're studying!"
(Naomi): "Grades are definitely extra important to them. Like... If I don't keep that A-average, then I'll have to say goodbye to that future."
...And to my family.
(Seiko): "What about your family?"
Wait...
Did I really say that out loud?!
(Naomi): "Oh um... sorry, can you repeat that?"
(Seiko): "You just mentioned your family..."
(Naomi): "..."
(Seiko): "Why do you need to say goodbye to them?"
I can't really dodge this one either...
I have to tell her.
(Naomi): "If you wanna know, well... if I don't make it as a nurse, then well..."
(Seiko): "Weeeeeell?"
(Naomi): "..."
(Seiko): "...?"
(Naomi): "My family will disown me then."
Here I thought it would be understandable.
The culture here in Asia, families tend to put their honor, their beliefs and values above everything else. Even if it meant abandoning their own to save their own pride. But looking at Seiko, it seemed she was baffled. More or less confused. Like if she thought I had lived in another world.
(Seiko): "Now waaaait a minute! Why on Earth would anybody disown you?!"
(Naomi): "...They just would."
(Seiko): "You gotta be exaggerating! Like... wh-what do you mean by being disowned?"
Hasn't she heard families do that?
(Naomi): "Well you know... being disowned is like not being wanted anymore."
(Seiko): "Okay and...?"
(Naomi): "And that means I would have to pack up my belongings and leave and go find a different home. Well, maybe not with my mom, but-"
Seiko then repositioned herself by placing her legs against my sides, which made my heart skip beats!
Just like a person running down the stairs and skipping like four steps every time they had gone downwards.
(Naomi): "Se-Seiko?!"
(Seiko): "Your family would do that?!"
(Naomi): "..."
(Seiko): "A-And your mom! She's a wonderful, sweet woman! And you're her daughter! Like! I've spent all that time with you and your mother together! There's no way she would turn you over!"
I guess it's different from her circles...
(Naomi): "You haven't lived with any of them though..."
(Seiko): "...?"
(Naomi): "And I'm not referring to my mom. I'm more specifically referring to my grandparents, my aunts, my uncles, my cousins... the rest of my family. If I'm not doing what I need to do, then I'm out of their lives..."
(Seiko): "...You're serious?"
By her given expression, the air had lost all that warmth, leaving me to feel the pains I had from witnessing a time that a family member had been exiled.
(Naomi): "It has happened to one of my cousins... she had zero interest sticking by to their standards, and once they found out that she couldn't follow along, instantly they kicked her out of their home, they threw her belongings out and she-"
Seiko then squeezed my shoulders and shook her head in denial.
(Seiko): "No way!"
(Naomi): "..."
(Seiko): "So you're telling me... they would treat you like you don't EXIST, just because a piece of paper with your name on it, has alphabets they don't like seeing?!"
(Naomi): "Uh, sorta, yeah... if you wanna look at it that way."
(Seiko): "That's no reason to shut out family!"
Holy crap! This is the angriest she's ever been!
(Seiko): "And you're telling me your MOM would actually let them pressure her? She would listen to them?"
(Naomi): "I can't say for certain, but I wouldn't be surprised if-"
(Seiko): "What the hell!"
Seiko then got off of me and started standing.
I got up too.
(Seiko): "Okay! I get being disappointed! But that's B-S! Is your mom inside right now?"
Seiko then moved to the door, but I grabbed onto her sleeve and prevented her from going any further.
(Naomi): "Seiko, calm down!"
(Seiko): "Well is she inside?"
Oh my god...!
(Naomi): "No she's not but Seiko, I don't think you understand...!"
(Seiko): "No! I don't Naomi! I would actually LOVE to speak with your family! So, I can get a BETTER understanding as to why it's justified to abandon your own! All for dumb letters on a sheet of useless paper!"
(Naomi): "It's not just the grades! It's what they want me to be..."
(Seiko): "...So nursing really isn't your dream? You're being forced to be one!?"
Seiko then held her mouth.
(Seiko): "Oh my God! Is that why you stopped playing piano?!"
(Naomi): "No, that's not it! Seiko it's just..."
(Seiko): "Just what Naomi?"
(Naomi): "Look... sit down with me, and just... listen."
(Seiko): "..."
So, we sat again, this time we were sitting right by each other.
For better closure I shifted my body to face at her, meanwhile I grabbed for one of her hands and held it tightly with both of mine, massaging her.
Yet this seemed to not calm her down.
She still had that tense, stiff posture.
(Naomi): "In our family, we have an ongoing tradition, and it revolves having us work in the medical field or taking care of children. It's a tradition that has lasted for as long as... hundreds of years."
(Seiko): "...Okay."
(Naomi): "It's been going on for generations and well, it's a type of legacy they want to maintain. That's why it's so important... that's why they... do what they do."
More could've been said, but Seiko then spoke more calmly.
(Seiko): "I get that."
(Naomi): "You do?"
Seiko nodded.
(Seiko): "Families have values, they have honor, and they have history they wanna continue building from that legacy. That I all get. But the disowning... I just don't agree with that!"
(Naomi): "..."
(Seiko): "Families are meant to be there for you... not leave you behind when you prefer to do something else with your life! And even when you're screwing up... I don't see how leaving those out would solve anything... it like... defeats the purpose of having a family! Like what's the point of making more of your own if... the "solution" is not taking care of them? Not loving them...? Not being a part of them...?! It's... it's really screwed up!"
(Naomi): "It is screwed up..."
(Seiko): "..."
(Naomi): "I'm totally with you on everything you're saying Seiko, but that's just how it is with mine... and that's something I can't change. Which I'm left with either running away... or that I take on the responsibility and be the Nakashima they want me to be."
(Seiko): "...But what about you? Are you fine with all that?"
(Naomi): "..."
(Seiko): "If not..."
Seiko then moved closer, where her breath could be felt against me, as she began whispering.
(Seiko): "...I can take care of you, Naomi."
(Naomi): "...!"
(Seiko): "We could plan on something too, and maybe... maybe get you a place somewhere! Somewhere close so I can drop by everyday so I can check on you... or better yet! I can have a talk with my dad, and if I convince him then you could live with us!"
Just like that... she's willing to go even further for me...
This girl really is something special...
(Naomi): "Seiko, you're really sweet, but that's not necessary! I'm fine, really..."
(Seiko): "Can you look me in the eyes and tell me that?"
And by her demands, hesitantly I turned to her, meeting myself those precious, brown, hazel delights.
Like always. They were so dreamy, so... big, so filled of life and passion. However, this time... I held my ground. Unlike before when she first confronted me with those same exact words. This time, I was prepared. Ready to hold my ground.
(Naomi): "I am fine, Seiko."
(Seiko): "And you're not being forced?"
(Naomi): "No... not at all."
But even then... I couldn't behold that gaze, leading me to dart my eyes down and up a couple times in-between as I talked.
(Naomi): "Besides what my family wants... nursing is something I've always desired to be in. Since it's a job that revolves not just helping people... it also saves lives... and if my actions carry that much weight... then that means I'm a lot more important to people, you know?"
(Seiko): "I see!"
(Naomi): "I mean... Do you know how amazing it would be if you knew someone like that? Who you can rely on for emergencies or for like... taking care of your sicknesses, or your injuries at home? That would make me feel really important..."
(Seiko): "Hmmm."
(Naomi): "...What do you think?"
Then my face was welcomed with Seiko's palm.
(Seiko): "There's just one thing that's bothering me!"
Naomi): "...?"
(Seiko): "This nurse is saying she wants to feel even more important... does that mean I haven't been motivating her enough?"
Motivating me...
(Naomi): "You did say she was very needy!"
(Seiko): "And that's perfect! Because then I can give her all the attention I want!"
Then the painful smile stretched even more of my worn-out face.
(Seiko): "Really though... you're gonna be the best!"
(Naomi): "You really believe so...?"
I already knew what her thoughts were.
This was pretty much me just asking for more attention. Which was never a problem with Seiko.
She always loved giving more and this was just me being greedy time-to-time.
Although, something completely different happened...
(Naomi): "...!"
(Seiko): "..."
I thought she was giving me a whisper into the ear but no. Just like on our "perfect night", Seiko did it again. Pressing in her lips into my cheek. Kissing me. Stroking me on the other cheek as I kept pushing into her. Enjoying every second of this as I could feel every bit of that undying passion. Taking me back on that night and back here again.
After a few more strokes on the other cheek, she pulled away very lightly. Catching her with a very unique face. If I had to put it into words, it would be a look that said: "Everything's going to get better from now on."
(Seiko): "...With a golden heart like yours, how can you not be?"
(Naomi): "...Heh!"
How haven't we actually kissed yet?!
Why are we still just "pretending"!
(Seiko): "Hey Naomi..."
(Naomi): "Ummm, y-yeah?"
I managed to keep eye contact with Seiko, and by the expression she was offering, it looked like she was considering doing something else, or perhaps... make some sort of... confession.
Every second that was going by I couldn't stop clenching my skirt, and as for Seiko she kept rubbing my face as she kept staring at me every single second, making me tense.
When her mouth opened, nothing would come out.
The same went for me.
We just kept staring silently, at least having these smiles that couldn't just say the words...
However, the silence was cut short once Seiko pulled back.
(Seiko): "I think it's about time I gave you this...!"
(Naomi): "...Oh uh, you're giving me something?"
(Seiko): "Mmhmm!"
Seiko then pulled her bag between her legs and began digging inside with one hand. Meanwhile I was still trying to process everything, and by waiting I rubbed the same cheek she kissed.
Are we seriously not gonna talk about that...?!
Or was that just... my imagination?
(Seiko): "Ah-ha! Got it!"
When she finally grabbed the item, she was looking for, she then pushed the bag off and brought the said item out. In both hands, held a smooth, small crimson box.
Followed by me covering my mouth as Seiko massaged the box with one hand.
I couldn't think of this as anything but...
A proposal.
It couldn't be but...
What if it is?
(Seiko): "Originally, I was gonna save this, and give it to you during our dinner date... but I think right now seems like the best time!"
*Clack*
So, Seiko unboxed the gift, and inside, my expectations were casted aside as I initially thought I was receiving a ring. But instead, in the box there was a silver bracelet. Upon further inspecting, there were these little stones that were incrusted with our initials.
And a couple numbers right by them.
04-03-xx
These numbers...
It's the same date when we first met...!
(Naomi): "This is for me...? Really...?"
Seiko shrugged her shoulders and then nodded.
(Seiko): "Wanna put it on?"
(Naomi): "Y-Yeah! Of course!"
I lifted my sleeve, then grabbed the bracelet gently and carefully. While doing so, Seiko put the box down and began helping me.
(Seiko): "Here! Like this!"
*Click*
(Naomi): "...!"
Once it was set on my forearm, I raised it up in the air and flashed it, rubbing on the edges of the metal with my free hand, still in disbelief towards the luxurious crafting.
(Seiko): "Weeeeeell! What do you think?"
(Naomi): "Seiko I... I can't believe you're giving me this! Where did you buy this at? At what price...?!"
I didn't stop embracing the gift, but for Seiko she continued speaking in one of her soft tones, sounding touched as her vocals had gotten a bit shaky.
At the sight of her body folding up, I can tell that every second of this moment was making her burst in all kinds of joy.
Like she was barely maintaining it.
Probably the feelings were finally catching up to her too, after just a moment ago.
(Seiko): "...I didn't buy it! Actually, I made it!"
(Naomi): "All by yourself...?!"
(Seiko): "Not alone! I had help from Yuu and dad! They overhead what I wanted to give you so... they handed me the tools and they were there guiding me with instructions! And overtime... I crafted this beauty! Took us quite a few attempts but there it is...!"
(Naomi): "This is seriously like something you'd find from a jewelry store... the effort really shows!"
(Seiko): "Thank you...!"
(Naomi): "No, I should be the one thanking you! Thank you, Seiko!"
(Seiko): "Eheheh...!"
(Naomi): "This is so... unlike anything I've ever been given!"
Another look at Seiko, she was seen rubbing her curls, quite nervously as the amount of touching was excessive.
(Seiko): "I wanted to go for more on the design... but you know, I had to make mine too!"
(Naomi): "...Two of the same?"
(Seiko): "Yup!"
Seiko then stopped playing with her hair and then revealed her sleeve to me, revealing a bracelet that had almost no difference from mine.
(Seiko): "Whenever we're apart, these will remind us that we're still together! Becuz you know... we'll always be wearing them!"
(Naomi): "..."
And that's when my urges got the best of me.
Where I then grabbed Seiko and guided her into my arms.
(Seiko): "...!"
Her head then was resting over my shoulder, following up with me stroking her, while knotting her hair with my fingers.
Just embracing the biggest part of my life.
(Naomi): "...I swear, sometimes this all feels like a dream!"
(Seiko): "Eheheh! Oh yeah?"
(Naomi): "But I can't help but feel paranoid... like if at any second, I'll just wake up and you'll like... not be here anymore! Am I... stupid for being like that?"
Right after those words, another sensation went back to my face.
Another peck on the same cheek, but not as long as the first one.
Which caused me to squirm and tighten Seiko.
(Naomi): "...!"
(Seiko): "...Nothing wrong about that! That's just you caring about someone you love."
Love?!
(Seiko): "Since you know... we're best friends! And that's what we do! We love each other...!"
Best friends...
She never stops using that!
We both then let each other go, as I was still feeling confused... and unsure what else would happen.
And yet Seiko seemed to recover better than me.
I mean we were both blushing and smiling a lot...
But she was not being the usual spaz in this part of the conversation.
(Seiko): "Ready to go now?"
(Naomi): "Oh uh... where?"
(Seiko): "Sounds like someone lost their sweet tooth!"
(Naomi): "Oh! But like... isn't it too late for you though? We were here for a while..."
(Seiko): "It might be! But that's okay! Another hour with you won't cause an issue!"
Normally I'd urged Seiko to go home, but after what she did, and what we've talked about... and what she gave me...
No way I could end our day there.
But that entire moment being there, made me realize what an even better friend Seiko is... and just the importance of what our relationship holds together.
There was just so many things to think about, and I knew there was so much more waiting to unravel...
Either way we were done with the school stuff, so we put it away and then we got up and started walking.
But as we were leaving my yard, I grabbed for Seiko's hand.
(Seiko): "Hee-Hee!"
(Naomi): "Heh!"
Usually this would be her doing, but this time I was taking that initiative.
And then we just walked and returned to our usual routine of everyday internet drama and meme talks, along with our teasing back and forth at each other.
Somewhere down the line... everything was going... white.
But that's when I realized... it was just me revisiting another one of my flashbacks.
Before my eyes... what I saw was the school fountain, still flowing.
The tall, slender school gates were still closed.
Trees were dancing with the wind.
However, one difference stood out to me.
Wasn't the school environment itself, but rather, were the sensations I felt around my eyes and cheeks.
Besides feeling, even I caught the droplets that directly landed on my bracelet.
(Naomi): "...!"
This was when I raised my hand to feel my face, and then I realized... those were tears.
They were finally coming out...
(Naomi): "*Sniffles* S-Seiko..."
I couldn't hold back anymore, which led me to sob and cry uncontrollably.
(Naomi): "Uh... Uhhhhhh! ...Hua-Hua-Huahhh! Ho! Huaahhhhh!"
There might've been someone hearing me, but I just didn't care enough to stop.
I just wanted to let everything out.
I really believed that I lost Seiko... even though she was still inside, waiting for me to make an entrance.
Regardless, it just felt like that future we once had... was no longer going to be the same, or I should say, not possible.
That beautiful future... gone.
Because of how weak I am.
And because of what my weakness had led her through...
Because of me she can never have a normal view on relationships, or the experience of having a good one... since trusting would be harder for her than anybody, with all those constant worries of the next person getting as close as I did, and for them to suddenly "disappear" on her, with no reason or explanation as to why.
Considering... she already has history of that with... her mother.
And that's what I did.
I ghosted Seiko...
And just thinking about that, bolstered the anger that had been lingering in my system.
Bringing me the urge to hurt myself that even my hand was already in the air, ready to be used.
And without thinking twice, I swung at myself...
*Smack*
(Naomi): "*Sniffles* I'm so... so fucking stupid...!"
It didn't end there.
I kept going. And going...
Until the burns on my face felt like open wounds that included my wrist feeling hurt and worn out.
But I wasn't satisfied.
There was too much resentment I had on myself.
Even I took it out on the school bag by punching it until I had no stamina left, and when I finally ran out, I threw the bag onto the ground.
However, that still wasn't enough...
That even I resorted back into slapping myself several more times.
But during them, certain memories of Seiko just started appearing again... memories of when she and I smiled and laughed.
(Naomi): "...! *Sniffles*"
The slaps then were losing their momentum, little by little, eventually having the final hit being merely a simple tap, with my hand just resting on my face.
Resting on... the same cheek Seiko had kissed.
(Naomi): "... *Sniffles*"
Remembering that, gradually I lied down and took up the whole bench, still rubbing myself there.
(Naomi): "*Sniffles* I still don't get what you see in me... but I know I'm important to you. *Sniffles*"
I kept rubbing that cheek and continued talking as if this was going to her.
(Naomi): "I don't know how to fix this... I really wish I knew how to... but that would never, never... *Sniffles* change what I've done...!"
The tears were running again, and that's when I placed my hands over my eyes.
(Naomi): "Why am I so weak...? *Sniffles* Why can't I... be strong as you? Why can't I be that for you...?"
Right after those words, a loud, yet calming... metallic sound followed.
Which was the school chimes, ringing accordingly as they always do.
(Naomi): "...!"
It's already been an hour...?
My insides then got worse, making me not want to get off the bench.
Even so I sat up, and tried taking some slow, deep breaths.
(Naomi): "I gotta... I gotta calm down. I can't have anybody seeing me like this..."
I wasn't sure if other students would come outside, but throughout the "break" time, doors never opened, so nobody was seen leaving the building.
Same can be said about the gates, as there wasn't a single movement made from there.
Or so I thought.
(Naomi): "...?"
Somebody's coming in...?
And whoever it was, they were having a hard time opening them.
(Naomi): "..."
Maybe it's security...
But why are they shaking the fence so much?
So, I kept paying attention to the gates, disregarding everything else, waiting and... waiting.
Yet nobody was moving in, which made me feel uneasy that I got up and grabbed for my school bag.
(Naomi): "..."
I really need to get going...
And then... the gates finally opened wide enough, and then... a silhouette appeared, walking into the property slowly.
(Naomi): "...!"
Hello my wonderful readers! I know it's been a long time, and I'm sorry for the wait! I hope you guys enjoyed this! A new chapter should be coming out VERY SHORTLY! So, stay tuned! :)
