(This fiction is based on the characters and settings created by Oyuki Konno)

The raven-haired beauty looked at herself in the full length mirror with red, swollen eyes, as she straightened out her robe in preparation for this afternoon's graduation ceremony. Another black-haired girl sat on the sofa behind Sachiko and asked, "So have you spoken with her yet?"

Sachiko turned around and faced her old grande soeur, Youko, and said contritely, "No, I haven't. I'm too ashamed to face her. How could I have been so stupid as to not consider Yumi's feelings before I spoke. I know how strong her morals are. I should have thought it through. She must hate me now." Sachiko added wiping the tears from her eyes.

Youko went over, put her arms around the younger girl, and said, "I don't think Yumi has it in her to hate you. She may be angry at you and hurt, but deep in her heart she loves you. It's not going to be easy, but if you work at it, I am sure your feelings will reach her. However they will never reach her if you don't try."

"Onee-sama," Sachiko sobbed, "Do you think you could..."

Youko answered, "This is just something you'll have to work our between the two of you."

Across town in a small bedroom, two other girls were having a similar conversation. "I'm sure she didn't mean it like that, Yumi." said the younger pig-tailed girl as she straightened the seams of the graduation robe.

"'I'll pay you to be my personal assistant that has sex with me.'" The older girl paraphrased the conversation from days ago. "What other way is there to take that, Touko. It makes me sound like a whore." Yumi said indignantly.

Touko giggled, trying to lighten the mood saying, "You have to admit it is an elegant solution. Plus you really would look sexy in a tight business suit."

"So, you're taking Sachiko's side now?" Yumi fumed. "Get out." she said pushing Touko toward the door.

"Wait, Yumi. I said elegant, not best." Touko explained. "The fact that she was inconsiderate enough to voice it makes me mad also. Has she even called to talk about it?"

The older girl frowned. "No," she replied. "If she really just blurted it out, you would think that she would have tried to correct the misunderstanding."

"Maybe she's letting you cool off first." Touko suggested.

A knock on the door interrupted the two girls. "What is it ?" Yumi said as she answered the door.

"This package just got delivered for you." Yumi's brother Yukki said as he handed her a small box and letter.

"Thank you, Yukki." Yumi said closing the door. She tossed the box and envelope on the bed and went to stare out the window.

"Aren't you even interested in what it is?" Touko asked as she retrieved the package from the bed.

"Open it if you want." Yumi replied.

"It's from Sachiko." Touko said as she handed the envelope to Yumi and opened the box. "Ooh," the smaller girl exclaimed as she held up a gold necklace with a gold key pendant. "This is cute! Go on read the letter."

Yumi opened the envelope and unfolded the paper within. It read:

My dearest Yumi,

I am ashamed at my thoughtless words. You have given me all your love, unconditionally, and I repay you by being selfish. It's just that I can't stand the thought of not having you by my side and sharing my bed. 'I'm sorry.' is not enough to take away the hurt I have caused you. I know it will take some time for you to allow me to take that hurt away.

You had given me the precious gift of your heart, and I am so sorry I took it for granted. I give you mine in return. This key is the key to my heart. If you are willing to try and work things out between us, then wear this key today so I can see it and know there is still hope for us.

I am so sorry I hurt you.

Love always,

Sachiko

Yumi finished reading and wiped the tears from her eyes. She handed the letter to Touko, who handed her the necklace. Yumi examined the pendant. The key was finely crafted with a heart-shaped sapphire mounted on it. The chain was made of delicate strands of gold which were braided together. Yumi marveled at the extravagance and commented. "Sachiko doesn't believe in half measures, does she?"

Touko dropped the letter and responded. "Not with the people she cares most about. May I put it on?"

Yumi handed the necklace over and said softly, "Please."

Touko took the necklace and fastened it around Yumi's neck. The younger girl gave Yumi a tight hug and whispered, "I told you so."

Yumi smirked and returned the embrace. "You're a brat, Touko." she shot back at her younger friend.

During the graduation ceremony, Sachiko watched intently as Yumi went up to receive her diploma. She was overjoyed when she caught a glint of gold reflecting off Yumi's chest. 'Thank God. It's not over between us.' Sachiko sighed to herself in relief.

"After the ceremony finished, Sachiko wandered around looking for Yumi. She finally found her. She was standing, talking with Youko, Touko and Sei. Sachiko ran over and grabbed Yumi from behind. "Congratulations Yumi!" she exclaimed.

Yumi let out a squeal as she was groped from behind. "Sachiko, are you taking lessons from Sei-sama." She chided the older girl. The five friends cracked up laughing at that.

After heartfelt congratulations were rendered, the little group broke up and went their separate ways, leaving Yumi and Sachiko alone. "Yumi," the raven-haired girl said while taking the younger girls hands in her own. "I really am sorry I hurt you. I should have thought it through before I said it."

Yumi looked Sachiko in the eyes, smiled and said, "Apology accepted." The younger girl wrapped her arms around Sachiko and added, "Thank you for the gift."

"I meant it too, Yumi." Sachiko confessed. "My heart feels so cold and empty without your warmth. I never want to lose your love."

"You'll have it always and forever, my Sachiko." Yumi responded, kissing the other girl gently.

The two lovers separated and Sachiko asks, "Yumi, are you free tomorrow? I need help with something."

"Sure, I'm free." Yumi responded. "What can I help you with?"

"I'll explain tomorrow. Pick you up at ten?" Sachiko asked.

"Ten o'clock it is. I'll be waiting, my love." Yumi said as she walked away.