As she lay on her side under the bed covers, Yumi sighed and shifted position so that she could look up at the ceiling instead. She couldn't sleep. She felt so alone. It was her first night sleeping without Sachiko since she'd become her girlfriend.

She missed her...

Sighing again, Yumi pulled off the covers and stepped out of bed. She took a seat at her desk and turned on the lamp.

What was wrong with her? She'd slept alone her whole life. It's not like she hadn't just seen Sachiko a few hours ago.

Yumi blushed as she recalled their actions in the storage room.

Fumbling around in her desk drawer, Yumi quickly located a pen and some stationery and began to write.

xxx

Yumi fidgeted nervously as she waited outside the school gates, glancing around for a glimpse of Sachiko. They hadn't made any arrangement to meet before school, but she was hoping Sachiko would be there nevertheless. She needed to see her.

What if she didn't show up?

She'd been waiting a little over an hour, but what if Sachiko had already arrived and she'd missed her? Maybe she'd come to school even earlier in order to get some study done? Maybe she'd gone to the library? She should've called her this morning.

Yumi looked at her watch and frowned. It was almost time for class. Where was Sachiko?

She would wait a few more minutes, then she absolutely had to go or she really would be late.

She was just about to give up when she heard her name being called.

"Yumi?"

"Sachiko!" Yumi looked up as her girlfriend approached. "You're, here. I'm so glad. I thought I'd missed you."

Without warning, Yumi leaped towards Sachiko and wrapped her arms around the girl's waist in a fierce hug, holding her tight.

"I thought you weren't coming," she whispered against her neck.

"Yumi, what's wrong?" Sachiko tenderly stroked her hair and placed a brief kiss against the top of her head. "Were we supposed to meet? What are you doing here? How long have you been waiting? You're going to be late for class."

"I don't care," Yumi mumbled into Sachiko's collar, refusing to let her go. "I needed to see you. Where were you?"

"I had trouble sleeping last night and overslept," Sachiko put her hands on Yumi's shoulders and pulled her back a step. "I missed my bus so I had to call for the driver to take me. What's going on?"

Yumi blushed and looked away, feeling a little silly. "Uh..it's nothing. I just...I wanted to see you before class, that's all."

Sachiko's gaze softened and she pulled her in for another hug. "Silly..." she whispered lovingly against Yumi's ear. "How did you know I wasn't already here?" she teased. "Really Yumi." Sachiko pulled away with mock exasperation and lifted a hand up to Yumi's cheek. "How long have you been waiting?"

Yumi lifted a hand to cover Sachiko's and leaned into the girl's touch. "Over an hour," she admitted with a blush.

"Oh Yumi," Sachiko gazed down at her with adoration. "Come on," she urged as she pulled away. "Lets get to class. We'll be late."

"Okay," Yumi agreed. She linked her hand with Sachiko's and allowed herself to be led in the direction of the school building.

As she walked beside her girlfriend, Yumi began to feel nervous again. She was of two minds about the letter in her bag. She'd never written a love-letter before and was afraid of its reception.

Had she been too sentimental? What if she'd revealed too much? What if Sachiko thought it was silly to write such things? Maybe she should just burn it. She didn't really need to give it to Sachiko...

Yumi sighed inwardly and squeezed Sachiko's hand.

"Sachiko," she stopped walking as they entered the building. "I...I...want to give you something."

Before she could change her mind, Yumi released her grip on Sachiko and reached into her satchel. She quickly pulled out the letter and thrust it into her girlfriend's hand.

"Sachiko," she blushed as Sachiko picked up the letter and looked down at it quizically. "I...I want you to read this when you're alone. I'll see you at lunch, right?"

"Yes," Sachiko confirmed. "I might be a little late though. So don't wait for me. Rei and I have a free study period before lunch and we need to review a few topics for an upcoming exam. This might take us into a part of the lunch hour. But we'll make our way to the Rose Mansion after we're finished. Okay?"

"Okay," Yumi smiled. "Don't forget to read my letter when you're alone. Bye."

With that, she gave her girlfriend a quick wave and hurried off to class.

xxx

Sachiko looked down at the letter in her hand as she contemplated reading it. Yumi had said to read it when she was alone. Well, for the most part the room was pretty empty. Apart from Rei, there were only a few other girls in the classroom, but they were already putting away their books. Since lunch had started, most of the students had decided to leave.

She glanced over at Rei who was busy writing out summaries.

No, she wouldn't be disturbed...

She hadn't been able to stop thinking about the letter since she'd gotten it. What had possessed Yumi to write her a letter? What kind of letter was it? Was it a love letter?

Her heart skipped a beat at the idea.

Opening the envelope, Sachiko glanced up casually to see if Rei had noticed her. Satisfied with the result, she turned her attention to Yumi's letter.

My Dearest Sachiko,

I find myself unable to sleep without you by my side. Even though we were together only a few hours ago...and I can still feel the soft pressure of your lips against mine, against my skin, my breast...lingering like the effects of a powerful perfume...I find myself missing you as if we've been apart for an eternity.

This is why I am now sitting at my desk, writing you this letter at 3 o'clock in the morning. I need to let you know what is in my heart. Maybe then I'll be able to still my thoughts long enough to get some rest...

I cannot get you out of my head - in fact, to be honest, I don't really want to. Why would I want to stop thinking about the one person who can make me happy with just their smile?

My world changed this time last year when you became a part of my life. I'm not the same person I was then. You've helped me grow in ways I never thought possible. I'm a stronger person for having met you, but most importantly, I am whole.

I don't really know why I feel compelled to write these words..

But I want to share everything with you.

I don't want there to be any secrets between us.

I want to open my heart to you so completely that I no longer feel like I'm a single entity.

I want to become a part of you.

I want you to know what's in my soul.

You once told me that you would know me anywhere - that you would recognise my heart even if we were in a sightless, soundless void. Even if I was covered in bandages...

I felt as if I would never feel greater happiness than I did that day...

I was wrong.

That happiness was surpassed the day our lips met for the first time and we declared our love for one another.

As I think about it though, if I'd paid closer attention to your words, I would have realised that you were also declaring your love for me back then. You even proved your words to me the next day...

My only regret is that we spent the first year of our lives together hiding from the true nature of our feelings. If only we could have been more honest with ourselves...

But I guess it was necessary. The gradual development of our relationship has allowed us to better understand one another now. And since we are both the sort of person who has always found it difficult to speak the words of their heart, we've come a long way together.

I know we have made each other sad in the past by not speaking our minds, and I never want this to happen as we move forward.

That is why I will make you this promise.

No matter how hard or terrifying it might be to reveal the truth, I will always let you know what I'm feeling.

I love you Sachiko - and I entrust you with my heart.

Your girlfriend,

Yumi

Sachiko stared down at the letter in her hands as the tears began to fall.

She couldn't believe the raw emotions...

What had Yumi been thinking? Did she have any idea about the effect this letter would have on her? How could she have given this to her at school?

"Oh Yumi..."

Sachiko let go of the letter as Yumi's name slipped between her lips and the tears began to fall.

She was unable to contain the burst of emotion and lifted her hand to her mouth as her shoulders began to tremble.

"Sachiko, what's wrong?"

Rei was by her side instantly and she could feel the girl's hand on her shoulder, squeezing her gently in concern as she knelt by her desk.

She couldn't speak however, and simply shook her head as the tears continued.

"Sachiko?" Rei said her name again, concern evident in her tone.

Shaking her head, Sachiko continued to cry. She couldn't speak.

"Sachiko, are you okay? What's wrong? Is this about Yumi? Did you have a fight?"

Sachiko merely shook her head again as her sobs began to get louder. She was glad the other girls had already left the room.

Not knowing what to do, Rei looked around Sachiko's desk for some sign of what might have caused her friend's reaction. She spied the letter and scanned her eyes over the first paragraph.

A blush ran to her cheeks and she looked away. She didn't need to read anymore. With a warm, understanding smile, she reached for Sachiko and placed her arms around the girl's shoulders, pulling her into a tight embrace.

She allowed Sachiko to cry on her shoulder for a long while, until she could sense her friend's emotions were steadying.

"Go to her," Rei stood and pulled Sachiko up with her. "Go!" she urged when Sachiko continued to stare at her blankly.

With a smile, Rei picked up the letter on Sachiko's desk and folded it into her hands. "Here, take this and go!"

With that she turned Sachiko around to face the door and gave her a gentle push.

Sachiko took a step forward, stumbled and then froze, still half dazed.

"Oh for goodness sake," Rei rolled her eyes good naturedly.

Not bothering to pack up their books, Rei grasped Sachiko's hand and dragged her out of the room.

xxx

Yumi gazed into space as she opened her boxed lunch, her thoughts preoccupied with images of Sachiko. She wished her girlfriend was here with her. She wondered if Sachiko had read her letter yet.

What would she say? What would she think of her words? Had she been a little too honest perhaps? Was it too soon in their relationship for love-letters?

No...how could it be too soon? She thought about the love she'd seen in Sachiko's eyes as she'd held her yesterday. The gentle smile...

"Yumi, have you heard a word I've said?"

Yoshino's voice dragged her out of her thoughts and she looked up reufully. She gave her friend an apologetic smile.

"What were you thinking about?"

"Sachiko's smile..." Yumi spoke without thinking and blushed as she realised what she'd said.

Yoshino laughed and punched her friend lightly on the shoulder. "At least you're honest."

"I'm sorry," Yumi apolgised again, her blush deepening.

"Hey..." Yoshino frowned in thought. "Since when do you call her Sachiko?"

"Since she became my girlfriend," Yumi answered immediately, her honesty betraying her once again.

Yumi froze as she realised what she'd said. Her hand went to her mouth instantly and she closed her eyes in embarrasment.

What had she done?

"Oh my God, Yumi, are you serious?"

Yumi opened her eyes as she felt Yoshino's hands on her shoulders.

Seeing the excited smile in her friend's eyes, Yumi relaxed somewhat, but could still feel the warmth in her cheeks increasing.

"Um...yeah..." She looked away shyly.

"Oh Yumi," Yoshino pulled her in for a warm hug. "I can't believe it. Really? She's your girlfriend? I'm so happy for you. You're so lucky. I'm jealous..."

"Jealous?" She questioned her friend as the girl pulled away.

"To be so close to your Onee-sama..." Yoshino trailed off as a wistful look came into her eyes. "I'm so envious. I wish I could..." Yoshino blushed and stopped herself from finishing the sentence.

Yumi looked at her friend curiously.

Her eyes widened in realisation.

"You--?"

Yoshino laughed nervously and looked away. "No! Of course not. Forget I said anything. So, you and Sachiko-sama eh? How long? When did this happen? Come on, you gotta tell me. I'm your friend, right? How could you keep this from me?" She teased her with a gentle push of reprimand.

Yumi giggled and shrugged. "I'm sorry. I didn't really mean to keep it from you. We only got together this weekend. Everything's still so new..."

"What's new?" Touko asked as she entered the room.

"Nothing," Yumi smiled at her petite seour in greeting. "I was just talking about me and Sachiko."

"Oh," Touko chuckled in realisation and took a seat. "You let it slip, huh?"

Yumi nodded reufully.

"You knew?" Yoshino questioned.

"Of course," Touko responded with an air of superiority. "I found out straight away. She is my Onee-sama after all. "

"Touko-chan," Yumi rolled her eyes in rebuke. Her little sister could be so exasperating sometimes. "She caught me and Sachiko kissing," Yumi explained to her friend with an embarrased smile.

"Kissing..." Yoshino's gaze turned dreamy. "Kissing your Onee-sama...I bet it was amazing..."

Yumi blushed and gave her friend a gentle push. "Yoshino-san!"

"Sorry," Yoshino giggled, snapping out of her daydream. "So, what was it like?"

Yumi's blush deepened and she shook her head. "That's none of your business Yoshino-san."

"Fine, be that way," Yoshino folded her arms and gave her friend a mock-pout. "I'm hurt Yumi-san. First you keep secrets from your best friend. Now you won't even give her a little service."

"Service!?"

Yumi looked at her friend in disbelief. Noting the sparkle in the girl's eye, she couldn't help but chuckle as she realised she was being teased.

Pretty soon both girls were laughing, with Touko joining in a moment later.

"Good day," Shimako ventured as she entered the room with Noriko.

"What's the joke?" Noriko questioned.

"No joke," Touko explained as the two girls took a seat. "Yoshino-sama was just teasing my Onee-sama."

"I see," Shimako looked over at Yumi and gave her a warm smile.

Yumi met her friend's gaze and returned the smile.

She should really tell Shimako the truth...

Now that Yoshino knew, it wouldn't be fair to keep Shimako in the dark.

"Shimako-san..." She ventured nervously. "I...um...I just told Yoshino-san...so I wanted to tell you as well. I want you to know that...as of this weekend, Sachiko-sama and I...um...we are.."

Yumi jumped at the sound of the door slamming open. She was surprised to see Rei burst into the room with a determined expression, dragging a dazed Sachiko behind her.

She glanced over at Yoshino and shared a confused look. What were their Onee-samas up to?

She looked back up at the third years to see Rei letting go of Sachiko's hand and gently pushing her forward.

"Sachiko?" She questioned softly.

Her gaze fell to her girlfriend's hand and she gasped softly as she spied the love-letter.

It was as if hearing her name triggered a switch inside Sachiko and she saw her girlfriend's eyes focus and lock onto her own.

"This!" Sachiko held up the letter in emphasis before lowering it. "This Love-Letter. What's the meaning of it, Yumi?"

Yumi flinched at the harshness in her girlfriend's tone. Had she done something wrong? Maybe she had gone too far with the words in her letter...?

"How could you write something like this?" Sachiko continued, her voice rising with each word and her cheeks becoming redder and redder.

"You think I can ignore it? You think I can concentrate on my studies after reading that? You give this to me before school and then walk away as if it's nothing important. How...how could you...?"

Yumi blinked as tears began to form. She'd never seen Sachiko so worked up before. She wished a hole would form in the floorboards and swallow her up. How could she have made her girlfriend so upset? What had she been thinking?"

"Oh Yumi!" Sachiko trembled and Yumi was surprised to see the tears in her eyes.

"What are you doing just sitting there?" She spoke the words roughly, almost demandingly. "How can you be so cruel when you see how much I need you right now?"

Before she could respond, Yumi found herself being pulled up and dragged into Sachiko's arms as the girl's lips descended upon hers.

She failed to respond for a moment, her eyes wide with shock as Sachiko's lips pushed hard against hers, almost urgently. As her initial surprise faded however, she couldn't help but close her eyes and wrap her arms around Sachiko's back, pulling her in closer.

She was oblivous to her surroundings. The rest of the world no longer existed. It was just her and Sachiko - their lips pressed together, their arms holding one another close and their bodies pushing forward to deepen the contact.

As she began to move her lips against Sachiko's, she was completely unaware of her friends' reactions.

She failed to notice Yoshino's dreamy expression, or the way her eyes twinkled as she glanced over at her own Onee-sama. She also failed to note how the girl smiled adoringly at her cousin as Rei lifted a hand to brush off a wayward tear. The older girl's romantic side getting the better of her.

Noriko and Shimako's reactions also remained un-noticed. The two girls had looked on in surprise, their eyes wide with shock. After a moment, their gaze had turned towards one another, and they were now smiling warmly as they shared a knowing look.

She also failed to notice the way Touko looked on with a smile, clearly enjoying the sight of her two favourite people sharing a loving embrace, before she rolled her eyes and returned to her lunch, choosing to act as if nothing untoward was taking place.

As it became obvious the two girls had no intention of breaking their embrace anytime soon, Rei glanced over at Yoshino.

"Lets give them some privacy," she spoke softly and headed towards the door.

Yoshino nodded at her Onee-sama and picked up her lunch. The other girls quickly did the same.

Rei held the door open as they piled out, allowing herself a parting glance at the kissing pair. Her eyes welled up and she was unable to mask a jubilant smile as she closed the door behind her.