Double Down

Maki was for a loss of word from what she heard. Unable to process, what Hanayo just uttered. Hanayo and Rin was not one to cheat on each other as she knew the two were loyal and they both truly loved each other. This was very shocking news to her indeed, she was debating on whether or not she should tell Honoka about it but knowing that Hanayo spoke to her first rather than her beloved friend Nozomi which was their "Spiritual adviser" if they will. Nozomi was basically the mother of the group, back when Hanayo,Honoka,Rin and Nozomi were studying in the same school, Nozomi would act as the mediator or the middle ground of any debate, argument or problem. Because of that Hanayo and Rin would usually come to her first when a problem arises.

Hanayo noticed Maki's long silence and decided to break the silence. "I think it would be better if you come and visit." Hanayo hung up on Maki leaving a rather confused Maki behind the line. Maki was able to connect the dots from there, Maybe this was why Rin wasn't present at work today.

She ran her hand along her red hair, she sighed as she decided it was best to solve the matter at hand, she texted Hanayo that she'd be at their place in about an hour.

Maki: I'll be there in about an hour or so.

Maki didn't waste anytime driving to Hanayo's place after clocking out of work, making an excuse of family matter as a way to get out of the office. Rin moved in with her about 3 months ago despite Maki's protest. It was because Hanayo's household was even farther away from work than her old place. When Maki questioned Rin about it she simply answered that it was her chance to get even closer with her. She didn't ask anymore questions afterwards but there she was in front of Hanayo's door, knocking at the door.

The door opened and revealed Hanayo in her morning clothes, her hair clearly was not fixed and her eyes were red and sore. Probably from crying, Maki thought.

"Come in, Come in. Please make yourself at home." Hanayo ushered her into the living room, Maki left her shoes at the doorstep. Taking in with her a view of the household. She had only seen the exterior and the interior was something she wasn't expecting from Rin and Hanayo. It was as if she had been transported back to her childhood days. The room was filled with expensive paintings and a fancy chandelier hanged above them.

"I'll go get us some tea."Hanayo excused herself as she left for the kitchen as Maki looked around. She eyed the different picture frames each of them, a precious memory for Hanayo. What stood out the most was a picture of her and Rin, in front of the Eiffel Tower, their hands intertwined. That was during their getaway if I'm not mistaken. Maki found a photo album beneath the couch but decided against peering into it.

"Sorry for the wait." Hanayo put down the tea set on the table right in front of the couch. Maki noticed how Hanayo's mood seemed to be better than what she heard over the phone an hour ago. Hanayo handed Maki some tea as she sipped some of her own. The atmosphere reeked of awkward silence.

"Maki you look nice today" Hanayo smiled at Maki as she poured herself some more Jasmine tea. Maki was about to reply when her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and opened a text message from Honoka.

Honoka: How's work love?

Maki: I left early, Hanayo needed some help. I'm at her house right now.

Honoka: What happened to her? Where's Rin?

Maki: That's exactly it.

Honoka: Do you need me to come over as well, Hanayo is a dear friend of ours.

Maki: I don't think she's ready to open up yet.

Honoka: I understand, hope she feels better.

Maki: I hope so too

Maki looked up from her phone and saw Hanayo looking at her graduation picture with Hanayo. The picture frame shows Hanayo and Maki posing in front of a camera. Maki with her usual cold demeanor and Hanayo looking quite sheepish in the picture.

"Sorry about that. Honoka texted me about work." Maki shoved her phone back into her pocket, Hanayo was still spacing out. Maki looked worried about the poor girl, she waved her hand in front of the brunette hoping to snap her back.

"You okay there, Hanayo?" It seemed to do the trick as Hanayo flinched at the hand right in front of her. Hanayo's face grew hotter as her cheeks grew pink. Maki who noticed placed her hand over Hanayo's forehead.

"You seem to be feverish. I can go buy some medications if you need some." Maki suggested as she placed her hand back onto her lap.

"U-Uhmm. I'm completely fine Maki-chan. Just a bit dizzy that's all." Hanayo stammered out a quick reply, hoping Maki wouldn't question further. Luckily for her, Maki decided not to push on the topic further but she demanded that she would at least lie on the couch. Maki placed a throw pillow beneath Hanayo's head to make sure the brunette was as comfortable as possible.

As Maki put aside the tea set Hanayo called out to her. "Maki-chan." her voice was frail but it was still clear enough for Maki to hear.

"Yeah?" Maki called out from the kitchen, after putting the tea set away she sat on one of the arm chairs of the couch. Hanayo had a full view of Maki, she remembers how Maki looked more mature. She let her hair grow out throughout the years which gave her a more mature vibe which comes well in tandem with her cool an collective demeanor.

"Listen, I don't want you to get mad at Rin-chan. It was me who broke up with her." She stood up as she said this. Maki looking worried for her, but she waved her off allowing the tension of the redhead to drop a bit. Hanayo clenched her heart hard, as if somebody stabbed her there.

"After all these years, I thought I loved Rin-chan and only her, but my heart said otherwise." Hanayo petted the empty space on her left with her hand signalling Maki to sit right next to her. Maki noticed the gesture and took the empty spot next to Hanayo.

"It took me this long for my heart to realize,the one I truly love." Hanayo leaned in closer to Maki who was slowly backing up on the couch until her backside hit the armchair of the couch.

"Don't tel-." before Maki could even finish her sentence, Hanayo sprang at the open opportunity and kissed the redhead. Maki could feel the passion and longing in the kiss Hanayo gave to her,her lips melting to the warm passion they were in. Despite her mind protesting against it, Maki couldn't separate herself from the kiss, nor even attempt to do so. Hanayo broke up the kiss and smiled at Maki who was flabbergasted at what just went down.

"Yes, Maki-chan. I think you know very well who I love." Hanayo said as she cupped Maki's face.

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