Twelfth

One day, as the meeting of all student councils came to an end, Tamao is left at the conference room on her own. The meeting participants had already left a few minutes back. Among them included Tougi Hitomi and Kanou Mizuho. The two sixth years had been helpful in assisting the new president in carrying out her duties. These two had been asked by Miyuki to assist and observe her during meetings; of course, this was done by the former president behind Tamao's back. Periodically, the two girls secretly report to Miyuki about the younger girl's progress. Miyuki felt inwardly proud towards her protégé, though one comment from the black haired senior caught her attention.

"Suzumi-san seemed pensive during the meeting earlier. I guess it's because former Etoile-sama was present."

"Shizuma…" Miyuki could only think that she was the main reason for Tamao's behavior earlier. Aware enough, Tamao had exhibited an aloof behavior towards the silver-haired since the Etoile election. The meeting earlier, however, needed the former Etoile's presence in order to properly educate the new Etoile of their duties and responsibilities.

"It's not something that's easy to shrug off, I suppose." Miyuki sighs. The two sixth years glance at the new president, busily looking over reports and other pile of paperwork. Moments later, the two sixth years nod their heads at the former president and took their leave.

"Please excuse us, Rokujou-sama."

As she holds onto the door knob of the conference room, Miyuki sees Tamao stalling her current task. The younger president bows her head as she unfolds a piece of paper. Miyuki enters the room silently. She stares down at the younger girl as she reads the words from the folded paper. Seemingly aware of Miyuki's presence, Tamao folds the paper again and gazes at the older woman.

"Is…there something I can help you with, Miyuki-sama?"

"Oh, nothing in particular. I was just…checking on you." Miyuki replies with a small smile on her face. "Are you feeling alright?"

Tamao is surprised by her mentor's question. "Of course, I'm fine."

Miyuki can't hide the worried expression in her face. Tamao's gray orbs look up to her reassuringly, and tell her wordlessly that she is fine. The older woman suddenly notices the folded paper beside the piled paperwork. She sees the younger president's name on the folded side, and gets surprised when she looks at it closely.

"Isn't this—?"

Tamao apparently cuts her off. "Shizuma-sama's handwriting…" Without facing her mentor, she hands the folded piece to Miyuki. The older woman unfolds the paper and gets startled by what she sees.

"When did she—?"

"The day after the Etoile election, Miyuki-sama." Tamao's reply was solemn.

Miyuki reads the letter silently. It takes a few minutes for Miyuki to finish reading it. As she read the closing remarks, Miyuki's eyes close and tears well up on the edges. She can't quite figure out what reaction she should have upon reading the former Etoile's letter to her protégé. She wanted to feel mad at Shizuma, at her deeds for that matter, but a part of her tells something else. She feels…thankful…for the second chance at love both given to them. The older girl had never felt this content. Miyuki suddenly embraces the younger woman, letting out a small sob.

"Tamao-chan. Let me stay like this, please…"

As the younger woman returns the hug, she whispers affectionately, "I'm not letting go, Miyuki-sama…"

Tamao sleeps beside Miyuki that night, with her head resting on the older girl's shoulder. The younger girl's left hand draped Miyuki's chest, her heart beating against the warm palm. She smiles at the sight of Tamao's sleeping face, comparing it to an angel. Miyuki slightly shifts and kisses Tamao's forehead. As the older woman covers herself and her angel with the sheets, she feels Tamao's head slightly move up, resting it more comfortably on her shoulder. Miyuki holds her close and nuzzles her cheek on the younger's girl's hair. The warmth causes Tamao to slightly move her head upwards, her lips closing to Miyuki's ear.

"I…love…you…" The younger girl whispers in her sleep.

The older woman kisses Tamao's hair and mouths the same words, letting her know that she feels the very same.

"Me, too. I love you."