Yumi's breathing was laboured when Sachiko's lips finally left her own. She kept her hands around Sachiko's waist as her eyes drifted up to meet her gaze.
"Oh Yumi," Sachiko exhaled, her own breath coming out in short gasps as her hands moved to cup Yumi's cheeks.
"Where did everyone go?" Yumi questioned as she looked around the room in surprise.
Sachiko smiled reufully. "I think they were kind enough to allow us some privacy."
Sachiko looked down at the floor and bent to pick up the letter she'd dropped.
"I'm sorry I over-reacted to this," Sachiko folded the letter and placed it inside the pocket of her skirt. "I didn't intend for my words to come out so harshly. Or to accost you like I did - in front of our friends no less."
She took a seat in a nearby chair and motioned for Yumi to join her. She pulled her girlfriend down onto her lap, lifted her legs over her thighs and placed the girl's arms around her neck, before wrapping her own hands around Yumi's waist comfortably.
"It's okay," Yumi whispered into Sachiko's ear, resting her head against her shoulder. "I'm not too heavy for you like this, am I?"
"No Yumi," Sachiko placed a loving kiss against her cheek. "It's fine."
"Really?" Yumi pulled back so she could look into Sachiko's eyes.
Sachiko smiled lovingly and kissed her lips gently. She ran her tongue over Yumi's bottom lip and drew it tenderly into her mouth, eliciting a soft moan from her girlfriend.
"Oh Yumi," Sachiko pulled away so she could rest her forehad against Yumi's. "I love you so much. Your words left me speechless."
"They did?" Yumi closed her eyes, enjoying the embrace. "They weren't too sentimental? I don't know why I wrote them. I just missed you so much last night. I couldn't sleep. All I could think about was you. I needed to let you know what I was feeling. I just couldn't keep it inside."
"I also found it hard to sleep from thinking about you"
Yumi opened her eyes and joined Sachiko in a soft chuckle.
"I am sorry I raised my voice though, Yumi," Sachiko repeated her apology. "I was so overcome by emotion after reading your letter that I acted rashly, without thinking. I'm sorry if I upset you."
"I was a little surprised," Yumi admitted. "I thought you were angry with me for a moment there."
"Angry? No, not for sharing your emotions. I was just a little embarrased. In a good way," she was quick to qualify and gently brushed her lips against Yumi's. "I don't always handle embarrasment well," she continued, dropping her head down to Yumi's shoulder.
"I noticed," Yumi tightened her grip around Sachiko's neck and lightly kissed her cheek. "I'm sorry," she whispered into her ear.
"Mmmm," Sachiko shivered as Yumi gently nipped at her earlobe. "Apologies aren't necessary. Your words were so special Yumi. They spoke to me in a way I cannot describe. I was so touched by your letter that I couldn't stop crying. If Rei hadn't been with me, I think I'd still be sitting in that classroom."
"Sachiko..." Yumi lifted her head, tears forming in her eyes. She moved her hands to Sachiko's face and gently cupped her cheeks. "You were that moved?"
Sachiko nodded, her gaze locked with Yumi's.
"Yumi...my love..."
She trailed off as her gaze deepened and she found herself getting lost in the love shining from Yumi's eyes.
Wordlessly, Yumi began to caress her cheekbones, her own thoughts fading as she too became lost in the love reflecting back at her.
She could stare into Sachiko's eyes forever. They were amazing, like deep blue pools of heaven.
She remained frozen in place for a good while, time ceasing to have any meaning for her. It wasn't until she heard a soft rapping on the door that reality began to seep in.
"I'm coming in," Rei's voice sounded in warning as she opened the door.
Yumi looked up in a daze, not bothering to move from Sachiko's lap.
"I'm sorry to interrupt the lovebirds," Rei chuckled as she took note of their position. "I brought your books for you Sachiko," she placed her friend's satchel onto the table. "The lunch hour is almost over by the way. I'll leave you to say your goodbyes, but don't take too long. We don't want your teachers sending out a search-party, do we?"
With that, she flashed her friends a teasing grin and gave them a sly wink before exiting the room.
Yumi slowly turned her gaze back to Sachiko, her eyes heavy as if she were half asleep. "I guess that means we have to go," she pouted.
"I guess so," Sachiko leaned in to rest her forehead against Yumi's, her breath tickling the girl's lips as she spoke.
"I don't want to go," Yumi closed her eyes, enjoying the way Sachiko's breath felt against her lips.
"I don't either..."
With those words, Sachiko leaned in for a kiss, her body shaking with emotion.
When she finally pulled away, Sachiko forced herself to stand, taking Yumi up with her. She shivered as Yumi's legs slid over her thighs until they came to rest on the floor. With a soft groan, she pulled Yumi close for another kiss, indulging herself for only a moment before pulling away.
"We'll be late for class..."
"Okay," Yumi acknowledged with a pout. "Will I see you this afternoon?"
"Definitely," Sachiko was quick to respond. "I'll meet you outside the front gates. We could go out for some afternoon tea if you like? I'd invite you home for dinner, but I really do need to get some studying done this evening and I don't think that'll happen if we're together."
Yumi chuckled. "No, I don't think it will. I'd love to have some tea though."
"Great," Sachiko grinned and leaned in for a brief kiss. "Okay," she said breathlessly a moment later. "Lets go before I change my mind and forget about class altogether."
Yumi giggled and quickly packed up her lunch before following her girlfriend out the door.
xxx
Yumi looked at Sachiko with adoration as she sipped her tea, happy to simply be in the same room as her loved one. She'd sat in silence for the most part once they'd arrived at the cafe. It was a comfortable silence though.
"I wish we didn't have to spend the night alone again," Yumi spoke as she finished the last of her tea.
"I'll telephone you before I go to bed if you like," Sachiko suggested. "So keep the phone near you," she continued shyly. "I'd rather not have to speak with your parents. I still feel a bit awkward, especially ringing late at night."
Yumi smiled. "I know what you mean. I always hesitate when I have to phone your house. I have no idea if I'm announcing myself correctly. Speaking formaly over the phone is so hard."
"Hmmm..." Sachiko frowned in thought, and Yumi could see the beginnings of an idea forming.
She saw her girlfriend look down at her watch and then smile.
"Yumi, how would you like to go for a quick trip to the shopping complex? It's not even 4pm yet so we've got a bit of time before we're expected home for dinner."
"You want to go shopping?"
"Yes," Sachiko confirmed with a smile. "I'd like to make a purchase."
Yumi smiled back, warming to the idea instantly. "Sure, I'd love to go."
xxx
Yumi couldn't contain the huge grin on her face as she stepped into the shopping complex, hand-in-hand with her girlfriend.
"So Sachiko, what did you want to buy?"
Sachiko looked at her with a mysterious smile. "It's a secret. I'll show you once I find it."
"If you tell me what it is, I can help you locate it. I know this place inside and out."
Sachiko laughed and squeezed her hand gently. "Yumi, do they not have directories here?" She pointed at the large board only a few meters in front of them. "I'm sure I can follow a map after twelve years of schooling."
Yumi smiled reufully. "I never thought of that."
"Come on Yumi," Sachiko pulled her by the hand eagerly.
She followed obediently as her girlfriend inspected the map, her curiousity increasing by the second.
"I've found it." Sachiko turned and flashed her a satisfied smile. "The store I need is up on the third floor. Lets go."
"Okay," Yumi smiled back and allowed herself to be dragged towards the elevators. As they neared the lifts, a sudden burst of inspiration hit her.
"Sachiko, wait!" Yumi froze in place and tugged at her girlfriend's hand.
"What is it Yumi?" Sachiko turned around to face her, a questioning look in her eye.
"Over here," she pointed at a nearby photo booth. "Have you ever been inside one of these before?"
Sachiko furrowed her brow in thought. "No, I don't think so. What is it?"
Yumi grinned. "It's a photo booth," she dragged her girlfriend over to the device so she could point out the writing on the side. "See. Lets get our photo taken. Please...?"
She looked at Sachiko expectantly, using what she hoped was her most adorable 'puppy-dog' expression.
"Yumi, you don't have to use that look with me," Sachiko smiled at her adoringly.
"What look?" Yumi affected an innocent expression.
"You're incorrigable," Sachiko chuckled and gently tapped the side of her head in reprimand.
"But you still love me, right?" She met her girlfriend's eyes with a grin.
Sachiko laughed again and couldn't resist pulling her in for a brief hug.
"Come on, lets get our photo taken," Sachiko smiled as she pulled away.
"Aye!"
With that, Yumi dragged her girlfriend into the photo booth and pulled the curtain closed.
"We'll just get standard prints," Yumi suggested. "What do you think? There's a lot of options. We can add sparkles or hearts or stars or whatever patterns we like and have them on a plain or sticky paper. I like the sticky ones. They're just like a standard photo, but the backs can peel off so you can stick them onto anything you like."
Sachiko glanced over at the board with their options and then smiled at Yumi. "I don't really mind Yumi. It was your suggestion, so choose whatever you like."
"Okay," Yumi grinned. "Plain stickers it is. We can have a roll of 4 photos and get doubles of everything."
"Sounds good," Sachiko agreed.
Yumi deposited a few coins into the machine and then pointed towards the camera.
"Smile Sachiko," Yumi commanded and pulled her girlfriend close, pressing their cheeks together as she looked into the camera.
Sachiko quickly obliged and blinked as the flash blinded her momentarily.
"Next photo," Yumi spoke eagerly and surprised her with a kiss against her cheek.
Sachiko couldn't help but smile at the contact and once again blinked her eyes to regain focus after the camera's flash.
It was her turn to surprise Yumi, so before the next flash could blind her, Sachiko turned her head and pressed a tender kiss against her girlfriend's cheek, closing her eyes to avoid the light.
After the flash, Sachiko moved to pull away, but Yumi's hand reached for the back of her neck and stopped her. Before she could react, Yumi's lips were pushing insistently against Sachiko's, effectively halting all movement.
As she pulled away from Sachiko, Yumi couldn't help but lean back in for another kiss, taking advantage of the privacy offered to them by the photo booth.
"Mmm, Yumi," Sachiko whispered against her girlfriend's lips. "Much as I would love to continue with this, I do have a purchase to make."
Yumi pressed her lips hard against Sachiko's to silence her, maintaining the contact for a long moment before pulling away with a sigh.
"I know, you're right," she pouted.
"Oh Yumi," Sachiko laughed at her expression and couldn't resist leaning in for another kiss. "We really should go..."
"Okay," Yumi agreed reluctantly. "Lets go see the pictures."
With that, she stood up and pulled open the curtain with one hand while her other grasped Sachiko's.
"Oh wow!" Yumi's eyes widened as she picked up the column of photos from the machine. "Here," she handed a copy to Sachiko and blushed.
Sachiko met her gaze warmly before looking down at the photos, a soft gasp escaping her lips.
"They're amazing huh?" Yumi reached for Sachiko's arm and rested her head against the girl's shoulder. "I like this one the best," she pointed to the last photograph, the one showing them locked in a loving embrace, their lips fused together. "We look so in love..."
Yumi was unable to contain her emotions and taking a moment to quickly glance around, she dragged Sachiko back into the privacy of the photo booth and instantly captured her lips.
Sachiko's hands reached out and pulled her closer, deepening the kiss.
Yumi pulled away breathlessly, her cheeks flushed and her eye-lids heavy.
"I'm sorry," Yumi whispered as she regained her breath. "We need to go, I know..."
Sachiko smiled at her with love, her own breath coming in bursts. "Come here Yumi," she pulled her in for another kiss, her lips sliding against hers urgently.
When they finally pulled away, Yumi struggled to stand up and dragged Sachiko out of the photo booth. If they remained inside, they would probably never leave.
Yumi returned her gaze to their photos as she tried to regain her breath. She couldn't tear her eyes away from the last one.
"I like that one too," Sachiko pulled her close from behind. She wrapped arms around Yumi's waist and pressed her lips against her earlobe. "We look good together," she whispered huskily.
Yumi closed her eyes and shivered as she felt Sachiko's breath against her skin. "We do," she agreed, her voice coming out hoarse. "We just need to find the right place to keep this photo. If anyone saw it..."
"You're right," Sachiko pulled away and turned Yumi around in her arms. She looked at her thoughtfully, her brow furrowing in concentration as an idea came to her. "Lets make another detour Yumi."
"What do you have in mind?"
"Let me check the directory," Sachiko dragged her back towards the map.
Yumi followed obediently, curious as to her girlfriend's intentions.
"There's one on the third floor," Sachiko told her with a smile.
"One what?"
Sachiko laughed and grasped Yumi's hand. "You'll see what I mean soon enough. The other item I need to buy is on the same floor, which is quite convenient. Lets go."
With that, the girls pocketed their photos and headed off in the direction of the elevators.
xxx
Yumi was seated on a nearby bench as she waited for Sachiko to make her purchases. Sachiko had insisted she go alone, wanting to keep her secret a little while longer. Yumi couldn't help but feel a little curious. What did her girlfriend have in mind?
With a shrug, Yumi took out her copy of their photo strip and immediately glanced down at the last one. The sight of herself kissing Sachiko moved her to no end. They looked so happy together, and completely in love. All the photos were adorable actually.
A while later, Yumi looked up as Sachiko approached, sensing her presence almost instinctively. She gave her a loving smile and stood up so she could pull her into a tender embrace. She briefly kissed Sachiko's cheek before pulling her down to the bench with her.
"What took you so long?" She smiled to soften her words of reproach. "You've been gone for almost half an hour. I was about to go look for you."
Sachiko laughed and gently pressed her hand against Yumi's cheek. "I never realised how pushy sales-people could be. It took me forever to work out the right deal."
"Deal? On what?"
Sachiko smiled. "Close your eyes and turn around, Yumi."
Yumi looked at her girlfriend questioningly, but complied nevertheless. "What's going on Sachiko?"
"I have a gift," Sachiko explained.
"A gift?" Yumi shivered. She felt something cold press against her chest as Sachiko's fingers moved to the back of her neck.
"It's something you can use to keep our photograph hidden," Sachiko whispered the words into her ear husikly. "You can open your eyes now Yumi."
Yumi did as she was told and quickly dropped her gaze down to her chest. Her eyes widened in surprise as she spied the silver, oversized heart-shaped locket that was now resting against her skin.
"Oh my God!" Yumi lifted the locket to get a better look and turned around. "Sachiko, it's beautiful."
Yumi reached for her girlfriend and hugged her tightly. She pressed a long kiss against her cheek before pulling away.
"I can't believe you did this. It's so amazing. It's perfect. Oh Sachiko, it must've cost a fortune..."
Sachiko smiled at her with love. "Don't worry about the cost Yumi. It's a gift. I wanted us both to have one."
With that, Sachiko reached into her own collar and pulled out a matching necklace.
Yumi instantly realised the significance of Sachiko's gift and tears came to her eyes. She was at a complete loss for words and could do nothing but reach for her girlfriend, pulling her into a tight embrace.
Whenever she was alone, or she missed her, she would now be able to press a hand against her heart and be reminded of their love. She'd be able to open the locket and gaze at their photograph, knowing that she probably wasn't the only one doing so. It would be like sharing a hidden connection with Sachiko...a direct link that transcended all boundaries.
"Oh Sachiko," Yumi whispered into her ear. "I love you so much."
"I love you too, Yumi," Sachiko whispered back and tenderly kissed her cheek. "I do have one other gift for you though."
"Another gift?" Yumi pulled back with a look of surprise.
Sachiko smiled at her with adoration. "Yes. It's why I wanted to come here in the first place."
"Oh, yeah," Yumi chuckled. "I almost forgot. What is it?"
"Hold out your hands and close your eyes," Sachiko replied.
"Okay," Yumi obliged, eager to apease her curiosity.
A moment later, she felt something smooth yet hard pressed against her palm.
"You can look now Yumi."
Yumi blinked in surprise. "A cell phone! Sachiko," she spoke her name firmly as she looked up. "It's too much. I couldn't accept something so expensive..."
Sachiko smiled and placed her hands on Yumi's shoulders.
"Listen to me Yumi," she looked at her with determination, an unyielding expression in her eye. "Cost is no issue. "
"But--"
"No buts," Sachiko interjected and leaned forward to whisper into her ear. "You're my girlfriend," she spoke in a hushed tone so that no one else could hear them. "I have the right to buy my girlfriend a present, don't I? How would you feel if I refused a gift of yours? I'm trying to be romantic here Yumi, so unless you want to hurt my feelings, please indulge me."
Yumi looked up at Sachiko as she pulled away and blushed. When her girlfriend put it that way, how could she refuse?
Sachiko was being romantic...
Sachiko's gaze softened and she briefly ran her thumb over Yumi's cheek
"I do have alterior motives Yumi," Sachiko smirked as she pulled out a matching cell phone from her bag. "I can keep track of you now, " she teased. "I can call anytime without worrying about your parents. And if it's too late to call I can message you."
Yumi opened up the phone and looked over the settings. "Sachiko...it's amazing. I still can't believe you did this. Hey...this is the type that can make video calls, isn't it?"
"It is," Sachiko confirmed.
"And there's a camera as well. Sachiko...these are so expensive...not to mention the phone costs--"
"Don't worry about that Yumi," Sachiko interjected. "I have it all covered. The bills for both phones will be sent to me. I worked out a special deal with the sales-person. There's a plan which allows for discounted calls to a specified number and free calls to that number between 8pm and 6am. It was perfect for us. I've already programmed my phone number into the phone book and it's also number 1 on the speed dial. "
"You thought of everything," Yumi chuckled. "It's perfect Sachiko."
Yumi pulled her girlfriend in for another hug and couldn't resist kissing her cheek. "I love you," she whispered. "You're the most amazing girlfriend ever."
She smiled at the blush in Sachiko's cheeks as she pulled away.
"Come on Yumi," Sachiko stood and pulled Yumi up with her. "Lets go home. I have studying to attend to."
"Okay," Yumi agreed and reached for her school bag.
She pressed herself close against Sachiko's side and wrapped both her hands around the girl's arm.
As she followed Sachiko out of the store, Yumi couldn't help but feel as if she was walking on air.
Life couldn't get any better than this.