A/N : I've been reading about how to read tarot cards and searching their meaning through some website- i might made a mistake on that. Feel free to review and comment, though I may not be able to reply them all. Thank you!
Second year in Otonokizaka High-school, the two once again placed in the same classroom. Their score in the previous exam was almost perfect. Though at the end, Eli was a little left behind from Nozomi's mark. Eli was too busy working between her own study and the needs of the school. She is very determined to save the school from what rumor have said long before she enters Otonokizaka High-school.
Nozomi still remained calm, she knows that it's no use to stop what Eli wants to do right now, so she just keep staying behind her back and push when needed. All the paperwork piled up, request form raising like there is no tomorrow. Despite all that, the two remained in silence and work it all.
A few hours passed, they finally finished their works when the sun about to set.
"Ahh… that was exhausting, we should go back home now…" Eli said.
"Sure…" Nozomi replied sweetly. Eli stood up, she began to tidy her table up.
"Anyway, I'm glad we still have applicants coming next year…" Eli said.
"You did great on the previous bazaar; I think those new students are really taking a shine on you…" Nozomi teased.
"I bet they are all mesmerized by your looks too— who doesn't like a girl of mystery like you?" she said.
"A girl of mystery? Am I a mystery to you, Ericchi?" Nozomi puzzled,
"Hey— I didn't mean about that. What I mean is, look, ever since you helped at the nearby shrine, you have this spiritual aura around you, then with your growing beauty, I doubt anyone can look away from you now— or at least, that is what I have in mind about you…"
"So you're saying…." Nozomi blushed,
"You're beautiful, Nozomi… you always have, just a little more beautiful this year…" Eli said straight to the point. It made Nozomi's blush getting redder.
"Ah— anyway, I want to visit your apartment again. I kind of want to thank your parents for giving birth to you…" she said— Nozomi's face suddenly grow dark. Eli noticed it in instant,
"N-Nozomi… what happen?" Eli start to be worried,
"Nothing… Let's go…" Nozomi replied— faking her smile.
Apartment door, Nozomi carefully taking out her key and opened the door, she entered before Eli — she was all quiet and just walking in.
"Excuse me…" Eli politely said. No one answered. Nozomi still all quiet.
"Eh? Your parents away?" Eli asked, still clueless about what exactly happening here. She placed her shoes to the shoe rack and walks in, looking for them.
"They're gone…" she said.
"Wh-what!? No-Nozomi, you don't mean…" Eli looked so surprised as she quickly turn around to Nozomi,
"No, not like that, I hope not, it's nothing like that, Ericchi." Nozomi tried to calm Eli down.
"So, where are they?" Eli asked.
"I decided this myself, just like what you suggest me to…." Nozomi replied.
"Let's straight to the point, Nozomi… where are they?"
"They're off to another place— I don't know where, but they are there to work… so don't worry about them…" Nozomi explained, she was down as she spoke.
"Ah— that's a relief, but you should have told me earlier, you know…." Eli said as she rested herself on the nearby seat.
"Huh?" Nozomi lifted her sight back to Eli,
"If you told me earlier, I will visit you every day— twice a day if possible…" Eli said
"Ericchi….." Nozomi smiled, her tears going out.
"Oh— I can stay here for a few days too, we can work some plan together… or homework— you've been leaving me behind on marks because I kept forgetting one or two homework."
"Ericchi…." Nozomi wiped her own tears.
"What?" she responded ,
"Can I hug you?" Nozomi asked.
"Anytime…" Eli replied, Nozomi ran to her and hugged her passionately. She received a few pat on her back then a gentle stroke on her long hair. She cried— happily. She was glad that staying here also means to experience an incredible love from someone new— a best friend.
Evening, Nozomi's apartment,
Nozomi prepared a dinner for two— one for herself and one for the special person that she expect to arrive here in a few more minutes. It was the first time for her to have a friend staying over. Even when she told Eli that she may not be able to provide a good hospitality, Eli insisted that it's alright.
The plan is, Eli will be staying here for the next three days because in a coincidence, Eli's parents want to spend their valentine day somewhere too while Arisa also went back to Russia to take care of some uncompleted matter.
"I'm back…" Eli said as she opened the door without knocking. Nozomi borrowed her duplicate key so that she could return straight here without have to wait in front of the door.
"Welcome back…" Nozomi said— cheerfully. Eli put down all of her belonging for the next three days.
"Ericchi…" Nozomi called her lovingly. As usual, Eli choked a bit.
"Ericchi, why are you always choked when I call you that way?" she turned around. Eli just looked away— her face blushed.
"Ericchi!" Nozomi's voice is more demanding.
"It's nothing— anyway, where do I sleep if I stay here?" Eli asked.
"Well, you could use my parent's bedroom…. But…." Nozomi blushed, Eli looked at her puzzled, she was then looking around the area— ignoring Nozomi that have been twirling her hair shyly.
"Alright, the sofa it is…" Eli pointed at the sofa. It annoyed Nozomi to hear that. She swears she has gave enough hint for another thing a few second ago.
"No! You're sleeping with me, silly!" Nozomi yelled. Eli smiled at her mischievously.
"Eh? Why are you looking at me like that?" Nozomi's face blushed shyly again.
"If you ever want me to do something for you, Nozomi…. You just need to ask… I won't know it if you never told me" Eli said. Nozomi nodded.
"You're now one of my greatest treasures, so I will cherish you forever, Nozomi… remember that…" Eli continued.
"So, do you think a pure gold will yell at you if they need you? Help I'm going to be melted into a necklace perhaps?" Nozomi jokingly replied, her face still blushed shyly. She knows that its not the gold that going to melt, it's her heart that is going to melt.
"Sure that's possible, if they have the guts to say that." Eli replied, giving Nozomi one mischievous grin and continued with a soft giggles.
"You're impossible, Ericchi…" Nozomi chuckled.
"Look who's talking…" Eli replied.
Having a dinner, just two of them, that is what Nozomi had wished a while back. She also hope that she could be a lot more romantic too in the very moment, but Eli might not be one person who could pull such a scene out of the blue— that is what she thought though.
Today's dinner isn't special, just a usual set of Japanese dinner with extra miso soup. Eli looking at it with a curious looks, she never had such meals in her own place.
"Ericchi? What's wrong?" Nozomi asked.
"What is this?" she pointed to some pan-fried dumplings.
"It's called Gyoza… you never heard of it?" Nozomi asked.
"No…" she shook her head.
"Give it a try, let me know if you like it or not…" Nozomi said. Eli nodded, carefully, she took it with her chopstick and take a small bite.
"It's good..." Eli said. Nozomi feels glad as she heard it. Eli continued to eat— but she seems to be not exactly enjoying the meal. Nozomi giving it a small thought, then she stood back up and take out a box of instant cocoa milk. She has prepared the hot water a while back when she made ocha for them.
"What are you doing?" Eli asked, Nozomi quietly continued on what she do. Eli curiously trying to take a peek but she barely can peek through Nozomi's body.
"Here…" Nozomi turned around, she have one cup of Hot Cocoa Milk on her hand. Eli couldn't see it yet, she is still wonder what it might be. Nozomi placed it in front of her,
"Cocoa milk! Harasho!" she said happily.
"Save the best for the last…"
"Then I'll save you for the last…" Eli replied with her happy face before she continued her meal with full of joy.
"Ericchi!" Nozomi protested, she couldn't help to not blush over such a sentence. She was wrong about Eli couldn't make a romantic teasing out of the blue. But then again, it's still unclear about the intention of those teasing. Nozomi might have been thinking too much, but she just feels like she wants to be much more intimate with the blue eyed girl, yet, what if it just ruins her relationship instead? She surely afraid to try, but what can be done?
Valentine day is going to arrive in two days too, Eli would still be in her house by then. What should she do? She wondered. Shaking off that thought, she continued to eat her meal. Eli might've noticed her to be in a deep thought but she decided to be quiet for now. She doesn't want to ruin the appetite.
After they cleaned the dishes and put everything back to its place, they headed to the bedroom.
"Nozomi…" Eli called, she was stripping her top. Nozomi didn't realize it yet as she was too occupied by the previous thought. She focused on her tarot card, shuffling it carefully and channeled her energy.
"Nozomi?" Eli turned around, she saw Nozomi still hasn't changed to her pajamas— her eyes are blank and still shuffling her tarot cards. Eli just smiled and keeps doing on what she is doing— changing to her pajamas.
Nozomi take out one card— wonder about what she should do in the very moment.
Upward Chariot,
She may have been a little too fast on progression; this card told her that she should slow down her pace. Nozomi looks a little disappointed with the result, she turned around to see her beautiful friend— already changed to her pajama. She totally missed the moment.
"You've changed?!" Nozomi said in a surprise.
"Well, yes…" Eli replied.
"You should've told me, I want to peek…" Nozomi said with teasing grin— even though it was true that she really do want to see her naked, she have that thought since they first met.
"Next time then… what about you though? Do you sleep with that dress?" Eli asked. Nozomi is in her casual clothing.
"No, I have a night dress." she replied shyly.
"Then go change…" Eli said. Nozomi stood up on her feet, taking her night dress. Then before she was about to change,
"Are you going to watch me changing?" Nozomi asked, her face blushing shyly.
"Why not… I've been wondering about something…" Eli said. Nozomi pouted.
"That's not fair, I want to watch you changing too…" she grumbled.
"You can watch me later. I promise I'll make it slow too if you want.." Eli said.
"Really?" Nozomi seems to be very excited,
"Yup, did I ever break my promise?"
"Nope, thank you Ericchi!" she smiled happily. When she turned back her focus on her night dress, she could feel Eli's eyes watching her thoroughly. Does she want to change in front of her? Won't that be a little obscene for her eyes?
Either way, Nozomi started by grabbing on the top button of her clothes, she was then giving a second thought about what she will do. She know those blue eyes of her still focusing on her, but what exactly she want to know about?
Third time of thinking, Nozomi still not sure if she will let her watch, and surprisingly too, Eli is still watching until now. Nozomi didn't know what to do— she needs to change but she feels so nervous.
"Something wrong Nozomi?" Eli asked, Nozomi shook her head,
"You look troubled…?"Eli asked again, Nozomi sighed.
"Ericchi…." She said. Eli only responds with bewildered eyes.
"HYAT!" Nozomi changed to her night dress within a second. Eli's eyes become wider as she saw it.
"Harasho! Ninja style!"
The bed was apparently a little too small for the two, though Nozomi insisted Eli to sleep next to her that night. They're only held each other hand and facing to the ceiling, eyes closed, blanket up to their chest.
"Ericchi…" Nozomi called her lovingly. Eli seemed to be quiet now, no more choking.
"Ericchi….?" Nozomi called again, it's strange that she didn't respond, but Nozomi could feel that her hand is holding her very tightly.
"Ericchi? Are you okay? You're holding my hand very tightly." Nozomi questioned her again.
"D-Don't let go of me…" she said weakly.
"Ericchi….?"
No answer.
Is she afraid of darkness?
Nozomi wondered. She tried to wake up, but Eli quickly grabs her back to bed. Nozomi wasn't sure of how to feel— part of her likes how she clings to her in the dark, but part of her want to turn on the light so she could feel more secure.
"Don't go! Please stay!" Eli begged. Nozomi blushed— she thinks that she could die of happiness to hear such words coming out from her beloved friend,
"Ericchi…." Nozomi called her— once again with loving melody. Eli didn't reply, she shut her eyes close very tightly. Nozomi could see that in the darkness, she was then sliding the curtain open with her one available hand. The night sky shines through the window, the stars too— looks a lot brighter.
"Open your eyes, Ericchi. It's bright here…"
Eli slowly opens her eyes. She was immediately amazed at how blue the sky was, also how beautiful the moon looks between those sparkling stars. She never realized that before— and now she does, thanks to Nozomi.
"Nozomi…." Eli called her.
"Yes, Ericchi?" Nozomi turned around.
"Can I hug you?" Eli asked,
"Anytime…" Nozomi replied.
So the two hugged each other and eventually fall asleep.
Morning, still in the bedroom, Eli finally woke up from her good night slumber. She never felt better than this before. It's like bring up back some old memory of her time in Russia— a time when she still snuggle with her mother.
"Morning, Ericchi…" Nozomi said as she is brushing her long hair carefully, she is already in her Miko's dress, though that goes unnoticed by Eli.
"You're awake so early, Nozomi…" Eli said, her vision still blur.
"I have to help at Shrine, remember? I won't have enough spiritual power if I didn't do so…" she said— still working with her brush. Eli finally noticed the clothing as she mention it. She also noticed that Nozomi is wearing her uniform under it, that's how she know if Nozomi is ready or not.
"Oh— Then I'll hurry and get ready!" Eli quickly jumped out of the bed.
"Ericchi, you don't have to—…"
"Nope, I'll do it so we could walk to school together…" Eli cuts in as she quickly gets what she needs and kept running towards the bathroom. Nozomi smiled— she really likes the lively Eli that she know; yet she hope that Eli could be that lively too at school.
Not that she mind with the special treatment Eli gave to her, but for the sake of Eli herself, Nozomi think that she just really-really needs someone else to help with what she strives for— to save Otonokizaka High-school.
It's true that this year, Eli managed to get a lot of applicants in— but that because Eli is such a charming figure and she is still at second year. Next year, she will be at the third year and that would be a time when people know that Eli will be graduating soon. That won't attract more people to school except there will be another person that is as charming as her in the Student council seat.
[ding!]
A bell ringing, that was the sound of toaster in the kitchen; she prepared it for their breakfast. At first, she expect Eli to wake up later, but since she woke up early and now is in the bathroom— might as well eat their breakfast together.
A pair of toasted bread and half-cooked eggs on each plate; should be enough to fill their stomach. She didn't expect Eli to stay here yesterday so she wasn't prepared enough for her. Perhaps it also means that she should go shopping after school.
At school's student council room; Lunch Break, The two was not supposed to eat in that room but they found that place to be much more comfortable lately. There are only two of them in that room; it won't be a trouble to keep quiet from the discipline committee.
"You prepared lunch for me too Nozomi? Harasho!" Eli said, she seems to be really happy as she opens it. Eli staring at it with flustered face, she only know rice in that box,
"What are these things?" Eli asked,
"You never ate those before?" Nozomi asked, Eli shook her head with innocent looks on her.
"Then go eat it one by one, I will tell you the name…" Nozomi said while she began to eat. Eli started with a square white box, it's very soft but it looks like fried.
"Fried Pudding?" Eli asked.
"No, that's fried tofu…" Nozomi giggled. Eli still looks confused, yet she took a bite on it. She could swallow it easily and it does taste ok in her mouth.
"Harasho…" she said. She continued with the next one, it's chopped in bite size, looks like it is also fried too with rice flour and egg.
"That's Tori Katsu…" Nozomi said. Eli nodded, she feel like she used to eat that before but it never be in the bite size. Nothing special, but she likes it since it taste more Japanese than the one that her mother cook. Next, she took another piece— its yellow and rolled very nicely, it looked like a layer of egg.
"Fried Egg?" Eli asked, Nozomi nodded. Eli took a bite of it.
"It doesn't taste different… but its fine on my mouth so I will eat it…" Eli said. Looks like Eli doesn't really enjoy a regular food like that. Nozomi take a note of it, next time she has to make it different.
Eli took another piece again, it looks like a dried fruit.
"Pickled plums…" Nozomi said. Eli seems a little bewildered, maybe she never taste any plums before so she just take a small bite of it.
"Yuck!" Eli said straightly. Nozomi giggled,
"Ew… that is terrible…" Eli said, sticking out her tongue and squinting her eyes in disgust.
"I kind of expect it, so I only gave you one. Let me take it if you don't like…" Nozomi pushed over her lunch box. Eli put the pickled plum to her box. She pull her lunch box back, they began to eat their meal quietly.
They finished their meal around five minutes before the lunch break over, they quickly tidy up everything and keep them back to the hand bag that Nozomi brought with her.
"Nozomi…" Eli called her,
"Yes, Ericchi?" Nozomi replied lovingly. Eli choked again; it's still a mystery about why she always choked whenever Nozomi call her with a loving melody.
"Uhm… do you want to go shopping after school?" Eli asked.
"Good timing, I need to shop for some grocery too…" Nozomi replied.
"Great!" Eli replied with a big smile.
[knock-knock]
Someone is on the door.
"Come in…" Eli said — her voice that was warm and friendly turned cold again.
"Excuse me, we are from the drama club…" they said. Eli frowned, her lips that was once smiling turn into grim again.
"What is it, this time?"
"Ah-h-Err…" the girl's legs are all shaking. Nozomi know— Eli won't have mercy on her, but she also know that she must do something about this. They can't possibly save the school reputation if they keep that attitude.
"Please come in, we only have three minutes before the bell ringing…" Nozomi said in friendly manner.
"Y-yes…mam…" she walk closer, closing the door, carefully taking a step in.
"Th-This…. This is our plan for Valentine day event…" she handed the paper to Eli. Eli stares into her with stern looks, then she took the paper a little roughly. A fast scanning and she gave it back.
"We played Romeo and Juliet over and over— in every single valentine day, can't you make something better?" Eli replied. No answer from the student.
"Maybe you can try to make something Original… A love story doesn't have to be between man and women, right? It could be for a friend— or a family." Nozomi suggested. The student nodded shyly. Nozomi believe that student might soon pee on her pants if she stays any longer.
"Now hurry back to class, we only have one more minute until the Bell ringing…" Nozomi said to her. The girl bowed and ran away.
"Hey! Don't run in the hallway!" Eli yelled.
"Ericchi…" Nozomi called her.
"Nozomi?" She turned to Nozomi.
"You'll have to fix that attitude of yours. You almost made that girl shaming herself by peeing on her pants…"
"Really? Then I should've said more…" Eli scratched her head. Nozomi giggled.
"Come on, we should go back now…"
After School, in the classroom; Nozomi overheard a group of student, gossiping in the hallway. Eli still sitting on her seat to list up some work schedule,
"I heard that the student council president scolds another student again… she was crying all the way to her club room"
"Ayase-san? Well, yeah. She is cold one… but for some reason, she attracted a lot of student to study here. She has a charming side, I suppose."
"She always have reason to scold someone, I believe she is a good girl inside… She has protected the school for a year now along with the Vice President." another student said.
"True, but anyway, don't you think the Vice President is been acting nice in front of her? She wasn't that friendly when I talked to her…" a familiar girl voice. Nozomi have heard that voice before.
"Sawada-san, you're just jealous you can't be that close to Ayase-san… Well, no one can but Tojo-san… that's the truth…"the other girl replied.
"What? No! I was talking to that nerd a year ago, she totally brushed me off, okay? She isn't a friendly girl, she is just a two faced liar!" she ranted, a little too loud.
"Sawada-san, the vice president suggested a lot of useful things to our club, I don't think she isn't a friendly girl... maybe she is just shy."
"That's because she is next to Ayase-san… I will bet with all of my li—…"
Eli stood up from her seat.
"Ericchi.." Nozomi called her, Eli ignored it and walk towards the hallway.
"Hey, Five of you… Don't you have anything better to do after school?" Eli's voice filled with a slight anger. They looked at each other, bowed and about to walk away.
"Sawada Fuuko…" Eli called, her tone is strong and intimidating. The other four students left her behind.
"Hey-come back you coward!" Sawada called them,
"Sawada Fuuko!" Eli once again called with louder voice.
"I- I'm warning you, Ayase-san… that girl you've been with is just leeching out your popularity, she isn't a friendly girl, not at all…" she said in a throaty voice.
"You have no right to talk. If I ever heard you talking about my Nozomi like that again, you should prepare yourself to have your parents invited in your disgrace… understand?"
Nozomi could hear a soft snivel,
"Go home…" Eli said. The other girl ran away. Eli turned around, then she sat back to her seat to continue listing.
"Ericchi…" Nozomi called her softly.
"Don't worry about what she is saying about you, Nozomi. She is just some of the stupid garbage…"
"No, she was right… I wasn't a friendly girl…" Nozomi said.
"That's the past… I don't care who you are in the past— but I really like you. You're my best friend after all…" Eli replied— still working on her list. Nozomi feel a heavy burden as she heard "best friend" word despite the sweetness on the other part.
"A best friend…." Nozomi said softly.
"What? You don't want to be just a best friend?" Eli asked. It lightened Nozomi to hear that— it's like she is giving out an opportunity to be more than that.
"Fine, a rival, a mother, and oh….! A sister, yes, you're like a sister to me…" Eli said. Heartbreak. That was not what Nozomi want to hear, but she smiled anyway.
"Anyway, I'm done with the list. Let's go shopping…" Eli said with a smile on her face. Nozomi nodded in respond.
Akiba city shopping district, to be precise, in the grocery shop;
"Yup, this will do..." Nozomi finished picking her needs. She looked at Eli— who is currently looking at a big chocolate display case— currently on sale.
"You want that?" Nozomi asked, Eli looked back at her, her eyes are so wishful.
"Yes!" she said— happily, then quickly dragged her to the cases.
"Nozomi, which one do you like?" Eli asked with enthusiasm.
"Hmm… I rarely eat these, but, I guess any works except caramel. I don't like those…" Nozomi said.
"Ah. Then what about dark chocolate? It tastes really good!" Eli said. Nozomi nodded,
"That works for me…" she said.
"Oh— oh... one more… I've been thinking of someone special lately…" Eli said.
Someone special…? Nozomi was sure that words ached more than the best friend words to her. She may have seen Eli in many emotional, she have seen her happy, angry, sad, shy, scared, laughing, and all the other feelings— but it doesn't mean that she knew anything about her past life. Does Eli— her Ericchi have someone special already? What about her? Is she special to her?
"What about it?" Nozomi asked— faking her smile.
"Yes, I wonder if you can choose one for me… because… I have no idea what that someone special like…"
"Well, I don't know about that someone special too…" Nozomi replied.
"But Nozomi is always right, she knows everything. So… even if you choose randomly, you will always pick the right one…" Eli said a little shyly. Nozomi chuckled to that.
"I'm not a Goddess you know…"
"W-well! Just choose one already…" Eli said again, her face seems to be agitated. Nozomi giggled and she pointed to a pair of cute chocolate— dark chocolate, both shaped like fox head.
"That one?" Eli asked.
"Yup, it's really cute… maybe that someone will like it…"
"Alright then…" Eli gone to the counter to get everything that they've discussed about.
Nozomi's apartment— family room; Tomorrow is a valentine day, but Nozomi hasn't prepared anything for it. Hearing her Ericchi having someone special bothers her mind— no, it torments her. She know well that she always wished for something better than just a friendship they have right now— but what is better than that? It's already something that Nozomi treasure and she believes Eli would say so.
A lover relationship is one of the option— but what if Eli doesn't swing that way? It scares her to ask for it, especially after she heard that she already have someone special. One of the questions she has in her mind— when does she meet that someone special? She knows that Eli has become popular from day by days, maybe someone in school introduce her to that person? No way. Nozomi is always being on her side. Is there a time when they split? Maybe, but that's only the time when Nozomi was sick and couldn't even walk properly— that too, only three days. Is that person coming to Eli's life in those three days?
"Nozomi…" Eli called her, snapping her out from her day dreaming.
"Yes, Ericchi?" she replied weakly.
"Are you ok? I wanted to ask something but…."
"Ask me anything, Ericchi…. I will give you everything you want to know…"
"Sure?"
"Yep, what is it that you want to ask?" she smiled— weakly.
"Well, I wonder if you're willing to help me decide…. Again… with your tarot cards perhaps?" Eli asked shyly.
"Oh…? Is it about that special someone?" Nozomi grinned mischievously. Eli nodded.
"Well then, please wait here…" Nozomi stood up from her seat to take her cards.
She walks to her room. Still with an ache inside her heart, Eli never asked for a fortune telling to her before, it's always be her who did it. So far, she always made an accurate fortune telling, from ever since she began reading until now. That's how she started to be a little more popular on her own name— as a fortune teller at school.
Some students began to ask her about a lot of things— they sometime boldly came into the student council room to ask her for a fortune telling. Eli didn't comment much on that— she was just being the cold and quiet Eli. The only time when Eli got upset is the time when a girl suddenly barged into the student council room and insisted Nozomi to help her out, she was totally trying to pull Nozomi out from the room, but Eli protect her.
With that memory flew around her head, Nozomi couldn't imagine if that someone who protects her have someone else in her life. Even though Nozomi knows that it just mean that they have to keep moving on— Nozomi still doesn't want her to have anyone else, especially a lover which is not her.
Once again, Nozomi giving a thought of what she will really do to this reading. She is scared if the reading indicates this potential lover as a true love for her Ericchi. She is sure that her Ericchi will go over that person— because she believes her.
Because she believes me…? —Nozomi thought.
Yes. Because she believes me….—She nodded.
Back to the family room, Nozomi has prepared with her cards. Eli waited there patiently,
"Sorry, I was collecting my spiritual energy first… hehe…" Nozomi smiled at her.
"Oh— are you fine now?" Eli asked.
"Yup, sorry. I was just a little exhausted before. I'm fine now…" Nozomi replied sweetly as she sat down, placing her card deck on the table.
"Now, Ericchi…" Nozomi gazed at her with a hint of mischievousness on her lips.
"Please shuffle the card…and while you're doing it... please ask the question on your head— and you really have to believe me on whatever I'm going to say…" Nozomi said.
"Alright, sounds easy.." Eli said as she accepted the deck of card. Nozomi waited her and her eyes are watching her thoroughly. Eli did what she asked, then placing the card on the table.
"Ericchi, are you ready?" Nozomi placed her hand on the deck.
"Yes… I am…" Eli replied with full of enthusiasm. Nozomi pulled the top card a bit— then she quickly pushed it back and takes one card that she have marked with a very small cut on the side.
"Upward Chariot…" Nozomi said.
"What does it mean?" Eli asked.
"You're being too eager, Ericchi. Your special someone is not ready to take it…" Nozomi said, with a sweet smile to her. Eli looks a little disappointed as she heard it.
"I see…." She pouted.
"Oh come on, Ericchi, don't pout. The time keep running… there must be a time when you will be able to reach this special someone…"
"Alright, I believe you Nozomi…" She replied sincerely. It wounds Nozomi to hear it— she just tricked her and she believes her. What kind of friend is she?
"I have another question…" Eli said— Nozomi already expected that.
"Is it about the feeling?" Nozomi asked. Eli nodded shyly.
"Alright, we are going to do the same thing…." Nozomi said, she once again handed the card deck to her while Eli also did what she was asked to do. Once again with the same trick, Nozomi pulled out another card, one that she marked with a small cut on its bottom.
"Reversed Temperance…" she said.
"That means….?" Eli curiously looking at her.
"It means that your love is heavy on one side. One of you may love the other fully, but the other is not doing the same. Hmmm… I know Ericchi always love something fully, maybe that special someone doesn't really love Ericchi? What a meany ass…" Nozomi said.
"Can it be the other way around?" Eli asked. Nozomi's heart ached more than ever as she heard it. It sounded like Eli really-really believes this special someone and Nozomi just trying to trick her to not believe on that person.
"It can be…" Nozomi replied, hiding all the bitterness that she felt.
"Thanks, Nozomi…" Eli replied again, her smile is pure and she doesn't even ask further about how Nozomi did the readings. She doesn't even notice the trick that she just did. Nozomi felt guilty, she can't believe that she did such things to her precious best friend. But she have to make sure she will try the reading again later when she is alone. That would probably be in the next two days since Eli will return to her home by then.
Morning, Nozomi's bedroom; Today Eli woke up a lot earlier than Nozomi, she was already in the kitchen preparing for their lunch and breakfast. Nozomi carefully walk down from her bed and check on her.
"Ericchi…." Nozomi called her lovingly, still half asleep. Eli choked to that again,
"Uh— Morning, Nozomi…" she continued to cook.
"You're up so early…" Nozomi said.
"We have to go on meeting, remember?" Eli said. Well, that rings one big bell on Nozomi.
"Whoa—Right!"Nozomi quickly prepare her uniform and gone to the bathroom. Eli chuckled as she noticed that behavior.
Once they are all set, the two began to run to school. Student councils are supposed to go to school an hour early for meeting with club representative. Luckily, as they arrived, no one is in the room. They came in twenty minutes early.
"N-Nozomi…. Are you alright?" Eli asked— her voice a little raspy.
"You should ask yourself about that first, you're out of breath…" Nozomi replied— still breathing heavily. The walk could've been a lot more enjoyable if they didn't hurry too much, but either way, they are here now and they used the twenty minutes to tidy up the room.
The first representative arrived— a drama club member. She seems to be still shaky on her feet as she enters the place. She is the same girl that Eli scold yesterday.
"Welcome…" Eli said, her tone was still a little cold, but it sounded almost friendly. Nozomi was surprised to hear it from her.
"T-Thanks…" the girl said.
"So how is the club taking the suggestion?" Eli asked.
"W-We couldn't change it because we already practiced it and—…we….already bought everything… but we did change a few scripts to make things unique…"
"I see, next time; please give that to me before you prepare everything— not at one day before the show date…" Eli replied— her tone is much friendly too, although it's still different with the way she talk with Nozomi.
"S-so… we can perform?" she asked.
"There is no choice; I believe the drama club has done their best too… just do it better next year, alright?" Eli said, the girl burst into tears. She seems to be very happy to hear it. Nozomi couldn't believe her eyes.
"Ericchi…." Nozomi called.
"Yes?" Eli replied,
"When I was asleep, did I hit your head?" Nozomi asked— her eyes staring at her intently.
"N-Nozomi, what with that question…" Eli tried to whisper to Nozomi.
"Did I hug you too tight— and you just suddenly damage your brain because of the lacking oxygen?" Nozomi asked again,
"Nozomi!" Eli blushed red and she just pushes Nozomi outside of the student council room— leaving the bewildered drama club representative alone.
At the Hallway, Eli tried to compose herself before she began to speak.
"So… what happen, Ericchi? Why you suddenly become friendly to her?" Nozomi asked.
"I just think to loosen up a bit, thanks to your advice last night…" Eli said.
"My… advice….?" Nozomi tilt her head, confused.
"Well, I kept thinking about that special someone over and over, but I was also thinking about this school, about my mission. It's true that I'm splitting my focus, it made me not to be able to love that special someone fully… "
"So you're going to give up that special someone?" Nozomi asked.
"N-no… not exactly… I'm just waiting for the right time. Maybe you're right about it being too fast. I haven't finished my own mission; I also still don't know enough about that Special someone. I think I need to get to know more first… so if we ever be going to be together, we can submit to each other fully…" Eli replied,
"So… you're saying that—…"
"I'll focus on this mission while getting knows to this special someone more and more… maybe there is a part that still hidden somewhere… who knows." Eli answered; it made Nozomi feels guiltier, such a pure love from her— how could she trick her last night? How could she prevent it to bloom? But perhaps the real answer wasn't as far as what she told her. She may have to find out tomorrow night and as for now…
"Ericchi, that special someone is very lucky to be loved by you…" Nozomi said.
"Maybe…." Eli replied.
"uhhn… Excuse me!" another student called. Eli and Nozomi quickly turned around, the representatives are waiting them.
"S-Sorry!" They quickly replied, their faces are all red.
The meeting session ended, it turns out very well accepted by everyone. Everyone went to prepare the show; the student council room was left with three people left. Eli, Nozomi and one little girl with black hair, she looked really sad.
"What are you doing here? The others already gone to tell their club member…" Eli asked coldly. No answer. Nozomi and Eli looking at each other flustered,
"You're going to be late if you don't go now…" Nozomi said with much more friendly tone.
"I know!" She yelled before she stood up and ran out from the room.
"Hey! Show some respect!" Eli yelled back at her.
"Ericchi…" Nozomi called her,
"What? You're being too soft, Nozomi. I should make her pay for being disrespectful to you…" Eli quickly took the club representative member list.
"Ericchi, I'm okay with that. Perhaps she doesn't mean to snap on me…" Nozomi said.
"Still— that girl must apologize to you, no matter what…" Eli searched through the name.
"Ericchi! Don't think too hard on it. I'm okay!" Nozomi tried to convince her.
"Yazawa Nico, from the idol club…" Eli said.
"What are you going to do with that, Ericchi…" Nozomi stood up, she began to worry about what she is going to do with her. Of course she is glad that Eli is being protective to her, but she just can't imagine of how bad things can turn out for the girl— and it could hurt the school reputation too which mean will be bad for Eli's dream to save the school from being closed for real.
"What else? I'm going to give an intense lecture to the club president…" Eli said as she now began to look for the club member list.
"Ericchi! Relax, stop thinking about it!" Nozomi finally made a moves, she tried to hold Eli's hand from trying to look for the club member list. It was too late, she found it— yet she is astonished by the result.
Idol club, it was formed with five members, yet it began to lose its member one by one– and Yazawa Nico is the last member and she is probably the club president. The club is still running for one year. Eli never noticed it because she never has an interest to see the club member list.
Nozomi noticed the change on her face; it was full anger— and now is full of pity. She is glad that Eli still has a heart to listen or feel for others— or perhaps, she just always thinking of others. She remembers the time when one student rants on her, yet Eli didn't do much about it. What happened just now is that girl is snapping on Nozomi— and that made her seriously angry.
The hand that was once supposed to hold her hand, moving down to her waist while the other hand goes to the other side, Nozomi embraced her and placed her chin on her shoulder.
"Ericchi…." She called softly.
"What will you do now?" Nozomi continued. Eli didn't respond.
"I believe you understand her feeling now, right?"
After School, on the path before the school gate; the school event is over and everyone start to tidy up everything before going back home. Eli and Nozomi had to make sure everyone did their job right, because at this part of event— some club usually become lazy and not cleaning after their mess.
"Hey, are you going to spend all day snacking? You have a job here!" Eli scolded a first year student who supposed to clean the garden from snow pile. Nozomi sighed, but she couldn't comment much about it because that is what doesn't exist in her. She couldn't scold someone like that.
"And you! Why are you hiding in the snow?! Do I scare you or something?" Eli yelled at a few other students who hid inside the snow pile. Nozomi couldn't help but giggle to it.
"You! Why are you sitting here! You're supposed to be the one who ran around and make sure everyone is doing their job, not me!" Eli scolded a student who wears a jacket and a cap like yakuza, she is sitting like one too.
"Huh? Are you picking a fight with me?" The student said— with her fist clenched.
"Are you nuts? You're the discipline committee, right?! I'm a student council!" Eli yelled,
"Who cares, no one can lecture me…" the student replied.
It doesn't look good; they could really do a fight if it kept for long. She began to search for weakness, but the only thing that might be a weakness for Nozomi is her breast since it's so small; just right on that spot, Nozomi got an idea. If a lecture didn't work, and violence will probably make things worse—
She swiftly moves to the student's back. Eli stood still, she observed Nozomi's movement in confusion.
"What are you looking at? Huh?" the student challenged her, Eli still looking at Nozomi instead.
"Hyat!" Nozomi grab the student's breast from behind; Eli swears she could see her squeezing it very roughly after. She just can't imagine how painful that is.
"Aaa!" That student screamed like she is going to die all so sudden. Nozomi began to twist it and rubbing it roughly. She even made a perfect perverted face.
"Whoa-whoa-whoa I surrender!" she yelled. Nozomi released her,
"Good, now do your job…" Nozomi said, her face still grinning in delight.
"That look hurt…" Eli commented. Nozomi smiled at her,
"Ericchi want to try?" She said teasingly, she is already twiddling her fingers and giving out a perverted face as a sign, yet Eli remained calm and confused in the same time.
"Try what?" Eli asked. Nozomi paused, she didn't know how else to explain her, she thought that gesture already explain it. She looks down to Eli's breast— almost as big as her, and while she imagine herself groping that— she blushed. She can't do that to her! She knows there is something special on Eli, a reason why touching her would need a further relationship and it can't be a joke.
"Nozomi?" Eli called her once again.
"Ericchi! I can't explain you!" she got upset, her face blushing red.
"Uh? Okay then, what about, this…. So… which one do you mean? Being the victim or doing that to others?" She asked— another pause,
Nozomi imagined herself being groped like that by Eli— her temperature rocketing up high, nose bleeding, her face all red and she collapsed on the spot.
Evening at Nozomi's bedroom;
Nozomi finally gained her consciousness. She was usually be the calm one, but how could she turn out like this when it's about between herself and Eli? She didn't know, imagining such things could be really dangerous.
"Nozomi!" Eli said as she enters the bedroom. She is already carrying a plate of dinner along with a glass of milk. There also a bowl of vegetable salads too, everything looks very Russian.
"I'm glad you're fine…" Eli said as she placed her meal on the end table. She moved some items away to make space.
"I'm sorry, I didn't know you were very exhausted…" Eli said, her face is like begging for forgiveness. Well, it was her fault to imagine it— and to try teasing Eli with that joke, but she wasn't exhausted at all, the job didn't cause her to get exhausted at all. She was fine.
"Ericchi…" she replied weakly. Eli is a little occupied with preparing the meal. She cuts each of the piece into bite size- planning to help her eating with it.
"Ericchi..." she said again, she want Eli to look at her.
"Hm?" Eli didn't turn around still. Nozomi know she won't be able to catch her attention when she is working, she decided to gave up on the idea to make Eli look at her.
"Tell me, did you carry me all the way here?" she asked.
"Yup... you're pretty heavy so don't be so proud..." Eli said. Nozomi smiled at her,
"I'm not even proud of being carried by you, silly..." Nozomi said, Eli looks like she is about to finish soon.
"Thank you, Ericchi..." she said. Eli just nodded shyly, but she kept on working on the meal.
When she finally finished, she made sure everything is all set. Then she said,
"Please eat first, so you could gain your energy back— also, if you're really tired, feel free to skip school tomorrow.."
"No… I'm alright, Ericchi…."
"No talking, please wake up and eat… we will argue about that later." She insisted as she offered the meal. Eli isn't exactly plan to be romantic this time, but Nozomi taking it as a form that Eli really-really cares about her and will do anything for her. Of course, she is really happy that she did so.
An hour passed, Nozomi finally finished with her meal, Eli took the dishes and about to go to the kitchen to wash it.
"Wait, Ericchi, you don't have to do that much for me!"
"What are you talking about? I'm supposed to be the one who said that to you. You've done too much for me… It's my turn to do it for you…" she said before she left to the kitchen.
"Ericchi!" Nozomi woke up and approach Eli. When she step her feet to the kitchen, she saw the chocolate that she chose for Eli's Special someone placed on the table. It pains her to remember that she has tricked her on the previous reading, just because she doesn't want Eli to have somebody else in her life other than her family and Nozomi herself.
What if that Special Someone can give a better happiness for Eli? How could she be a selfish bastard who blocks her best friend path to her true love? They won't even be able to make a child— even if they could adopt a child, it's still not as proud as making their own. What if Eli wants to have her own child? What if that special someone could give everything that Eli needs?
Putting that thought aside, she returned to her bedroom— searching for her Tarot card, then ran all the way back to the kitchen.
"Ericchi!" she called.
"What is it Nozomi? Just lay down and rest, I'll handle the house…" Eli replied,
"Ericchi, please, let's do the same reading like yesterday!" She said, her eyes teary and her face blushed madly.
"Nozomi…?" Eli flustered.
"Please…." She begged.
"I want you to be happy— I want to give the best for you, and If I didn't do this… I won't have peace…" she said as she began to sobs.
"Nozomi, calm down…. What happen to you all so sudden?"
Nozomi began to cry instead.
It takes pretty long time for her to be finally gains her usual calmness. After a few minutes of meditation, she finally feels ready to do another reading. Eli sat in front of her, waiting patiently.
"First off, Ericchi..." Nozomi said. She was about to confess that she lied about the previous reading- but it may be better if she did the reading once more first. It it was worse, she will just need to tell her to believe the first one.
"Do you remember how to do this, Ericchi?" Nozomi asked, Eli nodded in response,
"Alright, let's do this…" she said as she placed the card deck in front of her and let Eli shuffle it.
The first question for the first card, this time, there is no trick in this reading.
"Upward Lovers…" Nozomi said. Her heart aching, yet she knows that she really have to tell this.
"It means that you're really in the time to say love to that special someone…." She continued. She placed back the card into the deck. There is still hope in this— perhaps if this reading turning out bad, she would still have Eli all for herself.
They repeated the same procedure.
A second card for the second question,
"Upward Strength…" Nozomi said— she swear that she just lost all hope, broken into pieces and she feel like crying more, yet she have to endure it— so Eli could send that chocolate in peace.
"It means that your love with that special someone is strong and getting stronger…"
"So it's good?" Eli asked. Nozomi nodded.
"I knew this, Ericchi, since the time you began to speak about this special someone. Your love to that someone is pure, true and unbreakable. Even if I tried to trick you to disbelief, you believe to that person… you are willing to change for that person; even you're willing to sacrifice yourself for that person… and according to the card, that person loves you too…" Nozomi explained, her heart ache getting more and more painful.
Eli quietly pays attention to her. She did notice everything- the pain, the wish and all the things that Nozomi try to say behind her bitter sweet words. She just keep looking at her and waiting for anything that Nozomi want her to do.
"What are you waiting for? Go take that chocolate to that special someone! I bet that person would be more than happy to greet you on their door step!" Nozomi yelled at her. Eli stood up in instant. She went to the room, changing her clothes and going back out with really good looking clothes— she was about to walk away.
"Ericchi…" Nozomi called. Eli turned around.
"Don't forget to tell, You're the luckiest person in the world… to that person." she continued.
"I will…" Eli replied before she went out from the room. Nozomi fall into a sorrow as she heard the door closed tightly. She don't know what to do now, she might just lost her best friend— her precious Ericchi, a person that she loved for all of her heart.
She knows for long that she loved her more than anything in this world— but to know that she is in love with someone else, being her best friend means nothing. People say that best friend is better than lover, but it's a whole different case for her. She wanted her to be a best friend and also a lover, just because she wants everything from her and she loves everything about her.
She also knows, she could just try to make more friends, but she wanted Eli to be special— and she too, want to be special for Eli. Perhaps in this case, she do want Eli to be able to speak with someone else and be friend them— so that she could smile and enjoying her life more, but that doesn't mean she want Eli to have someone else that is more special than her and her own family.
She want to be in the top, she want to be in the first— not that she mind if placed in the second place if the first place is her family. She just doesn't want to be in the third place under someone that she doesn't even know or at least doesn't love Eli as she do.
The door bell ringing. Nozomi was surprised as she heard it. Who will come to visit her in this time of the night? Eli have a key, she wouldn't need to ring the bell to enter. She quickly wash her face, tidying up her dress and hair then opened the door with a smile that is probably faked.
"Excuse me… sorry if I bother you in this time of the night…"
"Ericchi….?" Nozomi blinked— she doesn't know what to say.
"Here, Happy Valentine…" Eli handed her the very same chocolate she bought for that special person, a big red roses bouquet, then also a small letter with only one sentence that is seen through the transparent envelope. It says:
"I love you."
Nozomi could feel her cheek burning— is it a dream? Has she gone insane? Did she collapsed again because of a heartbreak?
"Oh— almost forgot. Hmm… Well, You're the Luckiest person in the world…" Eli said with a sweet smile. Awkward silence, Nozomi couldn't speak a single word. She tried to blink her eyes, again and again, yet the vision remains in front of her.
"Will you be my girlfriend?" Eli's hand reaching out to her.
A/N : and from here I have to make sure I get Eli's character development in the Anime series, and also the timeline. The third chapter might gonna take a while for me to finish, but by then, I'm looking forward for the review and comment.