Shards Under a Mask

by The Scarf Girls

After the events in Lies Under a Mask, Suwa Nanaka's heart needed to heal. Thankfully for her, she is not alone doing it. This time, Suzuki Aina is by her side to gather all the Shards of her fallen Mask and Heart. How can this affect Aqours, the project and Nanaka herself? Moving on is always hard. The 3 Part of the Masquerade Series.

4. Chapter 4

Notes:

Hi! Misha here! (๑ᴗ๑)

Sorry for the delay! it has been a bit rough being writing almost not stop to catch up with Masquerade.
But we are hoping for you to be enjoying this part of the story as well. (๑ゝڡ◕๑)
I hope your heart is ready for all the love (ˆ⌣ˆԅ)
See You at the end!
Enjoy! (ŐωŐ人)

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

---

Shards Under a Mask.

Chapter 4.

I Shine.

The lights of the reflectors could be suffocating, not only because of the intense heat but also the brightness and the intense flashes. Of course, it wasn't just one reflector; the set is filled up with them on a photoshoot, and it could be very hard to keep the eyes open wide.

It could be said, that you could get lost in the shine.

The reflectors turned off abruptly with the unmistakable voice of The Chief of Staff shouting "Cut!".

The girls gave a sigh of relief, resting not only their eyes but also their bodies.
Being in a photoshoot could be very tiring.

The nine members of Aqours were in the middle of a photoshoot for the "Nikkei Entertainment! Anime Special Actor Bible 2017"; remembering that it was an activity that had pretty much come in last-minute into their schedules, so they were in somewhat of a rush doing it. And that could be easily recognized because of the poor set.

The shoot consisted of some group pictures with a white and boring background, some individual pictures with a plain background of the member's color, and some Subunits pictures as well, but the only Subunit that had a better setting was Guilty Kiss; they somehow had an elaborate set with some gothic burgundy sofa, an interesting chandelier, and of course it looked better than the white and boring background that AZALEA had, or the boring white with red stripes background that CYaRon! had.

Once again, Production was making differences between the members.

After the group photoshoot and interview, the Subunit shoots and interviews stated. Of course, CYaRon! was first to get on their boring set and started taking some pictures, while Guilty Kiss members went to their fancy and elaborate set for their interview. Meanwhile, AZALEA members had to "chill out".

The place was pretty noisy, because of CYaRon! members were loud and energetic all the freaking time.

"Why is it that Guilty Kiss got the full production set and we have to bear the boring white one? Even CYaRon! got some color in theirs too..." asked King annoyed while the hairstylist fixed her hair.

"Just don't complain..." said Arisa with annoyance, she was getting some last touches in her hair as well.

"At least we have props..." said Nanaka in her boring tone, showing her fellow members some flowers.

"Flowers?" asked King looking at Nanaka with notorious annoyance on her face.

"I guess, none of these are azaleas..." said Nanaka looking at the flowers in her hand, they were flowers with very long stems. She had a white one that she clearly identified it as a daisy, but the other two were unknown.

"Oh, right..." said King like understanding why they had flowers.

"I want the red one," said Arisa extending her hand for Nanaka to toss it to her, "I see you wanted to stick with the ponytail."

Nanaka blinked a few times with her "Suwa face".

Of course, she wanted to stick with the ponytail, because she was representing Kanan, but somehow the other girls just wanted to change; Arisa had a small braid to the right, but the rest of her hair was straight, and King had two low pigtails, obviously breaking their character's hairstyles.

"Yes, this is a Love Live! Photo Shoot, the ponytail fits..." said Nanaka giving Arisa the red flowers, "I want the daisies if that's ok..." finished Nanaka giving King the oranges one.

King received the flowers and just shrugged, then looked at the Guilty Kiss team who were finishing their interview.

"Well, I guess we are next," said Arisa standing up.

"I hope the questions are better than the group ones..." said King moving forward to where the interview was supposed to happen.

Nanaka just hummed, but Arisa looked at her with concern.

"You should talk more...you barely talked in the interview..." said Arisa.

"It's hard when there are too many people..." said Nanaka without energy, her eyes getting lost in Aina, who was walking towards her with a goofy smile.

Arisa looked at Nanaka with her serious face, of course, they were having a serious conversation, but Nanaka's attention span was that of a fly when Aina was around.

"You...you should be looking towards the other way..." murmured Arisa by her side.

"Which other way?" murmured Nanaka back, but her sight was lost on Aina.

"Shuka's way? I don't know...to keep up the lie?" said Arisa with a "matter of fact tone".

Nanaka blinked a few times like coming back from the spell.

She looked at Arisa with her boring "Suwa face", blinked a few more times and smiled softly at her.

Nanaka turned slightly towards where CYaRon!'s photoshoot was taking place, and indeed the three members were just having too much fun to be paying attention to Nanaka and her goofy glances towards Aina.

"I don't think she minds..." said Nanaka and greeted Aina with a wide smile.

"Aww, Suwawa! You look so pure with those daisies!" said Aina in her loud and silly tone.

"Just the looks…" said Arisa with a cocky smile; Nanaka raised her eyebrows accepting the punch, while Aina laughed like an old man.

"You two look good, I guess you really work together…I'm glad," said Arisa smiling softly; she bowed slightly and walked away, leaving the two girls who were looking at each other with soft gazes.

"You heard her…we look good…" said Aina with a cocky smile, looking at Nanaka deep into her eyes.

"We…are working on it…right?" said Nanaka getting closer to her.

Aina touched Nanaka's hands while holding the daisies; they became lost into each other's eyes.

Aina smiled at her softly.

"I should give you flowers, you look good with them…" said Aina in her mature tone.

"I like flowers…" said Nanaka like in trance, then mentally kicked herself because that sounded really lame, "…eh...would you…stay at my place tonight…?" asked Nanaka shyly.

"Oh…are ya' missing me already…?" teased Aina.

Nanaka pouted cutely.

"It's….it's been a while…" said Nanaka almost whispering, her cheeks bright red and her sight to the side; Aina giggled.

"That's not true…it's been just three days since my last visit…" said Aina softly and with hints of nostalgia.

"Really…? It feels like more…" said Nanaka with a faint voice, still shyly looking to the side.

Of course, Aina had been too busy with her "Queenty" events to spend time with Nanaka...

"I…" tried Aina.

Nanaka looked at Aina biting her lips nervously, but Aina smiled wide at her and started softly caressing Nanaka's hand, not taking her eyes off her...

"I learned my lesson…and... I would love to stay with you…I… I cut my nails this time…" said Aina shyly with her cheeks flushed. She moved her fingers under the daisies to make her point of having her nails nice and short, softly caressing Nanaka's hands.

Nanaka smiled at her, indeed, after that night where everything looked dark and sad, the next day…the sun shined upon them.

That night had been a long one.

Aina fell asleep in Nanaka's embrace after crying her regrets out, but Nanaka couldn't fall asleep as she had.

Her crotch was in pain, as was her heart.

Aina not only tore her insides but also her outsides, her feelings, her heart, her will…

She just couldn't help but compare her last encounter with Aina with the ones she used to have with Shuka.

It was true that Shuka was a kid, but Nanaka had been her first, and that somewhat gave Nanaka control on the relationship, especially in the sex department.

Nanaka used to make love to her, what they had was pure, there was love and passion, and of course, respect.

Maybe Aina had love, passion, and horniness, but there was no respect at all.
Aina just took whatever she wanted, when and how she needed it.

Nanaka had been clear that night saying "no" to Aina in the kitchen, but Aina hadn't minded that and had just taken Nanaka's core, even against her will, even if Nanaka had tried to push her away from her.

And not happy with that, Aina had been touching herself while doing it, meaning that she was enjoying it.
Her pain was Aina's pleasure.

Shuka had never done that to her.

She hadn't ever done anything against Nanaka's will, she was an obedient kid, and there was always respect for each other. Of course, when passion was greater than reason Nanaka and Shuka had fucked their brains out, maybe in a messy way, but when it came to the confines of Nanaka's bed, there was always love.

Aina had fucked that too.

Trying to "change" her "Shuka habits", she just had fucked her against her will in her bed and had hurt her.

Maybe it was a kink?

But even when Shuka wanted to explore a new kink, in the end, it always was a consensual agreement, and maybe at the end of the kink Nanaka was torn, but Shuka always mended Nanaka's heart by making love to her, tenderly and softly.

Aina just had her way, and the only way she was able to stop was when she had physically hurt Nanaka's insides. But what broke Aina's moral was when after all of it, all the damage, all the forceful actions, Nanaka had asked her how she was doing, if she was ok.

Aina broke into tears and regret, she had gone too far, and after that, Nanaka was worried about her. And it wasn't fair.

In the end, it was Nanaka who had ended up comforting Aina.

And that wasn't much of a change with her relationship with Shuka.

It seems that...both are kids...after all...

With that thought, she could finally fall asleep, but with her heart shrunk.

Morning came, and despite the fact that she had slept terribly, and she would happily try to sleep a bit more, she just woke up with the sight of some clothes that weren't hers scattered on her floor.

Of course, Nanaka frowned at that sight; someone as clean, tidy and neat as she was, seeing something out of its place made her feel total unbalanced in the universe.

Then she remembered that her soaked panties and skirt had ended up in the kitchen and not in the washing machine...

The kitchen! I was...Oh!...Jesus...how...embarrassing...

Nanaka blinked a few times, and while feeling the pain in her eyes, she also recalled she still had her contacts on. Of course, after being fucked in the kitchen, Aina had brought her towards the bedroom where they had another round. There hadn't been a chance to remove her contacts.

But more importantly...

Aina...

Nanaka softly turned around to greet a very happy and cute Aina. She was sleeping peacefully, her body to her right, facing Nanaka. It seemed that somewhere in the deep sleep Nanaka had just turned around and broken the embrace because Aina was in the same position as last night.

Her face looked peaceful, her plump lips slightly open, her breath was soft and steady. Her baby hands barely clenched, and her cheeks looked incredibly puffy and soft.

Nanaka smiled softly.

Aina indeed looked so cute in that position, so much that it was even unreal to think that this cute and tiny being was capable of speaking with such a voice, to sing so amazingly, to laugh so loudly, and mostly, to always being so full of energy.

Nanaka rested her head on her left hand, beach pose, to keep staring at Aina with her sleepy face and a soft smile.

Aina looked cute, and Nanaka couldn't help but notice the three cute and very well aligned moles she had on her left cheek. It seemed that God had very thoughtfully painted them on her puffy cheek.

Without thinking, Nanaka lifted her right hand and softly started caressing Aina's cheeks with her index, paying special attention to her moles.

Shuka also has three moles... but I think they are smaller...

Nanaka's finger moved near Aina's mouth, right on the corner.

...yes, she has her moles...near this area...so close to her...lips...

Nanaka! What the hell are you thinking...!

Nanaka closed her eyes with bitterness, mentality kicking herself.

She softly took away her finger from Aina's cheek and started to caress Aina's silky hair.

Her sight lost on Aina.

It was natural, and it couldn't be helped.

Of course, she remembered Shuka, her moles, her body, her curves, her everything, after all, she had shared a year of her life with her, she had memorized Shuka's body completely, moles included. And it was normal in every human being to "compare" relationships.

All the people were different, and Nanaka didn't think or believe that Aina was a replacement. She wasn't Shuka, and there was a powerful reason why they were no longer together and started something with Aina.

Yes, Aina was great, she was an incredible friend, was always supportive towards Nanaka, and not to mention that she was really cute. It wasn't a lie that Nanaka's heart skipped beats and butterflies started to move around in her belly when Aina locked her incredible big eyes onto hers. There was a feeling there for sure.

But what happened last night was somehow... sad.

That wasn't the Aina that Nanaka knew, or thought she knew.

Nanaka made a sad face; was that the real Aina?

And everything that she had shown to Nanaka this past year was a Masquerade of her own?

"Are you...entertained?"

Nanaka heard softly, almost in a whispering voice coming right from Aina's lips; she curved the tips of her lips almost like a cat, but never opened her eyes, it seemed that Aina was enjoying Nanaka's touch.

Nanaka made a surprise sound and removed her right hand from Aina's hair with shaking hands.

"Sorry, did I wake you up?..." whispered Nanaka.

"Yes..." murmured Aina still with her eyes closed, "But I don't mind...if you keep petting me..."

Nanaka's heart melted.

Her right hand came back to Aina's hair and continued caressing her, of course, Aina smiled wider at Nanaka's touch and moved to become more comfortable.

She was really like a cat.

"Now You are the one who's entertained..." murmured Nanaka still caressing Aina's hair.

"With you, always..." said Aina still in her mellow self.

Nanaka smiled softly, even if Aina couldn't see her, and kept her loving touches.

Aina's silky hair was addictive, it was even relaxing for Nanaka to the point of feeling sleepy again.

Indeed this was a good way to wake up, and not the forceful way that Aina had given her back in Awashima.

Nanaka opened her eyes wide again in resolution; that was the first time that Aina had just taken her, without consent, then in her kitchen, and later...in her own bed.

What was next? Was this the kind of relationship she wanted to have?

With Shuka, these things didn't happen...

But then again.

This was Aina. Not Shuka.

I need to fix this.

And if it was something like telepathy or the fact that Shuka was a thought in Nanaka's mind, Aina opened her big deep eyes, fixing them on Nanaka's, and maybe even in her soul.

Nanaka felt as if her breath had been taken away.

Of course, Aina just stayed still, looking at Nanaka without even blinking, while Nanaka blinked a few times trying to hold back the pain from her contacts, and fighting the urge to start kissing her in that moment; those beautiful eyes staring back at her, her plump lips...well, to tell the truth, she was fighting those desires since she had woken up and saw Aina sleeping...but Nanaka wasn't the kind of person to start touching, kissing or doing stuff while the other person was asleep.

Maybe that was what Aina had felt back in Awashima? The imperious urge to start feeling Nanaka's body whether she was awake or asleep.

Nanaka bit her lips, but Aina gave her a sad smile.

In response, Nanaka raised her eyebrows with sadness and tried to move her body towards Aina, now resting her body only in her left arm.

"What?, What is it? How are you...?" asked Nanaka quickly.

"Wha— What? No no" said Aina raising her torso; Nanaka needed to withdraw her right hand out of Aina's hair and rested it on the bed.

"It should be me asking how you are, Suwawa...I'm, I'm sorry..." said Aina recovering her tone and sadness from last night, "How...how are ya'? Are ya' hurt? I'm sorry—" but Nanaka interrupted her by placing her right index on her lips.

Aina gave her a sad expression, but Nanaka smiled softly; she started caressing Aina's lips with her finger, astonished by her softness, and then withdrew it to place a good morning kiss on them.

It was a short kiss but had a lot of Nanaka's feelings on it.

"Good morning, Ainya," said Nanaka in her singsong tone, looking at Aina who had some tears in her eyes.
"Wow, I'm so terrible that I made you cry..." said Nanaka using her right hand to wipe a tear from the corner of Aina's eye.

Aina gave her a coy smile and brought her right hand to caress Nanaka's hand.

"It's...it's not that...you know that I'm a big crybaby..." said Aina with her voice cracked.

"Then why? Why are you so sad with me?" asked Nanaka softly, now caressing her cheek.

"Suwawa...I, I'm not sad...well, actually I am... but-but... no!" snapped Aina abruptly and sat up on the bed. Of course, the sheets fell, gracefully revealing Aina's breast.

Yes, they were naked.

Nanaka looked at Aina with astonishment, then her orbs fell softly to study Aina's chest.

They were so...

...Delicious...

"Suwawa," called Aina in her serious and mature tone, of course, forcing Nanaka to look up towards Aina's face more than the two good reasons to keep looking at her body.

Nanaka blinked a few times tightening her lips.

"I...Suwawa, last night...I, I hurt you... so it should be me...asking how you are...or how you are feeling...or why the hell ya' want to still share your bed...with me..." said Aina with sadness, her voice cracked, "I... I ruined your bed..."

"And my Kitchen..." finished Nanaka also moving up to sit beside her.

Aina opened her eyes wide like two fried eggs, of course, they were full of tears as she brought her hands towards her mouth, and immediately her tears started falling.

Of course, Aina hadn't been aware of her actions last night.
Maybe she was blinded by her jealousy and had just acted impulsively as she always did.

"Hey...don't cry..." said Nanaka trying to dry some of the tears, but Aina didn't let her.

"Why? You... Suwawa, you are too kind...too kind for this world... I'm...I'm gonna leave..." said Aina between tears, and moved to leave the bed.

"Eh? What? No, what are you saying?..." said Nanaka and grabbed one of her arms with enough strength to tell her to stop.

Aina looked at her with her watery eyes.

"Suwawa, aren't you concerned about what I did...to you...?" asked Aina with sadness.

"I am...are you?" retorted Nanaka with a strong tone.

"Of course! I AM! I don't deserve your bed! What— how— I should—" she said, out of herself.

"Just stop already!" said Nanaka in a very imperative tone.

Aina looked at her with her big sad eyes and like a scolded kid.

Great, another kid... another kid I need to lecture...

Nanaka took a deep breath.

Maybe it was in her nature to fix things, and as she could see the situation, it could be fixed, so she gathered all her patience, her soft tone, and a gentle smile to proceed.

Aina was important and it was worth to give a fight for her.

"Aina, we are adults... let's talk about it...I don't want you to leave..." said Nanaka with her gentle smile and in a soft tone, "If I wanted that... I should have kicked you out last night...not hold you tight..."

"You wouldn't..." said Aina in her serious tone, "You are just too kind to kick me out in the middle of the night..."

"That's right too...but that's not the point..." said Nanaka with a giggle.

"I'm sorry...I did wrong..." murmured Aina.

"Yes, you did...but I wonder why..." asked Nanaka, "Aina...you and I...are together right?"

Aina looked at her with her eyes wide again, her lips sealed in silence.

"I... Yes... we are...Right?" said Aina, but of course, it was in a tone that was so unsure about every word.

"Well, that doesn't sound solid to me..." said Nanaka lifting her knees to her chest and hugging them.

"Yes, it doesn't...and now I doubt you want to be with me..." said Aina with sadness.

"I never said that..." said Nanaka softly, "you know I like cute things, and you are too cute to let you go..." Nanaka giggled, but then in a more serious tone added, "But I want to know what happened...why?"

Aina looked at her sadly, her cheeks bright red.

"I know it's childish... and you might get mad..." started Aina, but Nanaka just raised one of her eyebrows.

Why is it that these kids think that I might get mad about everything...?!

Dammit!

"What is childish is that after you fucked up you wanted to leave my bed, my house, and me, without any explanation..." said Nanaka.

"Right... I'm sorry..."

"Stop apologizing too... I need explanations, not apologies right now..." said Nanaka more in her mad tone.

"I'm so—shit...ok, "tried Aina massaging her temples, "I...I got jealous..."

"Jealous?" asked Nanaka dryly.

"Yes...it's so lame...you will think I'm pathetic...but...yes, I got jealous..." said Aina now in her serious tone, "I've told ya' that with her...I'm always jealous..."

"But why? She wasn't here!"

"She...she is everywhere..." murmured Aina, then turned towards Nanaka, "She was in Awashima, everywhere...she is here in your house, in this bed...in your body...I... I was blinded by that...so much that I wanted...I'm sorry I'm so disgusting..." finished Aina, covering her face in shame.

So Nanaka was right, all of Aina's actions had been because she was blinded by jealousy and wanted to tear out every single trace of Shuka in Nanaka's body.

But Aina just couldn't erase the past, or what happened.

"You should have talked to me..." said Nanaka, "Maybe I wasn't the one who wasn't ready, it was you...you are the one who isn't ready to have a relationship with me..." said Nanaka softly.

Aina took her hands from her face with an astonished looked.

All this time it was her who had been saying that Nanaka wasn't ready, but it turned out that it was the other way around.

"I... Nanaka..." murmured Aina, "maybe it's both...we rushed..."

"Yes, we rushed, but I'm not as troubled as you are..." interrupted Nanaka, "Aina, it's normal, It was me who needed to end my relationship, but... but I have feelings for you... those are real, what we did in Awashima, I liked it, I felt it...and I loved it...you are the one in my bed...no one else...but you have to respect me..."

"But I do—"

"No you don't." finished Nanaka; Aina bit her lips.

"You don't respect me, as you don't respect my house, my words, my will...and my body... you just took whatever you wanted when you wanted it...and as much as I said 'no' to you last night...you did anyway..." said Nanaka with a strong tone but trying to sound kind, after all she was indoctrinating her new kid.

"Oh, fuck, I'm sorry...I really messed up...big time..." said Aina with her hands on her face again.

"You Did...my panties are now wet and dirty in the kitchen, you know how troublesome that is..." said Nanaka in her monotone; Aina withdrew her hands from her face to lock gazes with Nanaka with a goofy smile, feeling that Nanaka was joking about it.

"Its...troublesome...?" asked Aina with amusement.

"Yes, Aina I'm serious...what if my parents came in and found my clothes scattered in the kitchen...or the things from dinner left dirty..."

"Eh? What— ya' are being serious..." Aina was said with some astonishment.

"Yes Aina, I'm serious, my house is clean and neat, I'm very careful with my stuff...I move at my own pace, if I tell you to wait for just five minutes for my mental health to take care of the dishes, then you have to wait five damn minutes...not go into the kitchen and take whatever you want! That's not being respectful!"

"Oh... ok... I didn't know...you had this...kind of cleaner madness..." murmured Aina.

"Of course, you didn't, normally, when you were here before, we ate, watched TV, played games, and then you left, or went to the bath...then I used that time to clean, but mostly it's because it was a 'friend's routine'..." said Nanaka gathering patience.

"Yes...you're right...that routine now sure changed..." said Aina softly, "But what about spontaneity?..."

"Spontaneity...? Aina, I suck at improvising...and in any chance, you want to do it in the kitchen again...well, just wait for me to do the dishes or clean...at that moment my head was around that idea..." said Nanaka still in her serious tone.

"Ow..." said Aina softly, somewhat realizing that there were "a lot" of rules around Nanaka, that of course, as a friend, she just ignored.

"Then, there's the bedroom..." said Nanaka, Aina locked gazes with her, "I told you, that my bed is my love nest. Here," said Nanaka showing the bed, "is where I make love...to the people I love... and you deliberately wanted to change that..."

"Yes...because...I got jealous again..." finished Aina interrupting Nanaka, "But, Suwawa, I've heard you, and I saw how you used to have sex with her. What makes it so different from what I did?... Well maybe what we did in Awashima is a better example than what I did yesterday..." asked Aina with a conflicted tone.

"Yes, I think yesterday isn't a good example... and I believe in Awashima we both were possessed by lust and desire... besides, that wasn't my bed..." said Nanaka with a smug face.

"Oh... ok..." said Aina thoughtfully, "So...you have some rules…?" asked Aina thoughtfully.

"Well...like everybody I guess..." said Nanaka a bit confused.

"I don't think I do..." said Aina still thinking.

"Nonsense...everybody has their rules...what to do, where, how..." said Nanaka, "But what's most important is...Aina..." called Nanaka locking gazes with her, "we aren't just friends anymore...so you have to learn how to treat me like your something else...you can't take me whenever or however you want; when I say 'no', it means no, period...and, my house...my rules, maybe you should invite me to your place and then we can play with your rules..."

Aina smiled at her cutely.

"I would love for ya' to stay at my place..." said Aina smiling softly.

"Yes...But with that...we need to settle things...right?" asked Nanaka shyly.

"Settle things?..." asked Aina back, "Jesus, I didn't know that dating you was this harsh. Did Shuka also sign a contract or something?" finished Aina with an amused tone.

"A contract? Don't be ridiculous..." snorted Nanaka, "Aina...we need to settle things like, what are we? Are we girlfriends? Lovers? Fuck buddies? Just friends? What? Are we dating?!"

"You want a label for us?... I mean...we started fucking not a week before now! Suwawa, you are going too fast..." said Aina with a bit of concern and with some panic.

Is she having commitment issues here?...
And again with the "fucking"...this is just fucking for her?

"Fast? Aina... I need to know how committed are we..." said Nanaka seriously.

"Why?!" cried Aina.

"Because...because I need to know how I should behave with you...I mean, you rejected me yesterday! When I tried to act as a girlfriend towards you...and it didn't—"

"You What?!" Interrupted Aina.

Nanaka bit her lips tightly and closed her eyes tiredly, feeling her cheeks bright red.

"Oh...you...that's why you were so weird when I came in?" asked Aina surprised; Nanaka opened her eyes in annoyance.

"'Weird', for you that was weird? To want to be nice and cute...it's weird for you?" asked Nanaka dryly.

"Well..." said Aina and made a goofy smile, "Suwawa, you aren't that sweet with me...it surprised me..."

"Of course! Aina, you know the 'friend Suwawa', the one who is in the Lantis building, or in practice, the one who is professional...the —"

"The diligent one, the boring one, the serious one...the—" mocked Aina.

"You got the point!" said Nanaka with annoyance while Aina mocked her.

"That's the Suwawa I know!" laughed Aina, then in a more serious tone said, "I see, that's true...we can't see your mellow self at practice..." said Aina very thoughtfully.

"As I can't see other Aina..."

"That's not true, what you see is what you get..." said Aina with a smug face.

"That's not true either... I saw another Aina yesterday..." said Nanaka softly.

Aina opened her eyes wide and then looked at Nanaka with shame.

"Yes, I guess...that's true..." said Aina with sadness.

"So, I need to know, if you want us to be just friends, ok, then I'm not going to be romantic with you, or mellow...but I need to know how to behave by your side..." said Nanaka with sadness.

"I..." started Aina with a shy tone and looking at her hands, she was nervous, "I actually don't care about the label..."

Nanaka opened her eyes wide.

"At least not yet...Suwawa, I'm just happy to be by your side...that's all that I want, for now, you make me happy, I...I shine to make you smile..." Aina lifted her sight shyly to lock gazes with Nanaka, "I... I try to save you one more time from your lonely place where you need a friendly face, you know, when you are low I lift you from below or something..." then she smiled softly.

Nanaka gave her a sad face; so Aina was good just being a supportive friend?

"I just...love being with you, no matter how, or the label... I just want you to be happy..." said Aina, then looking at her hands with sadness, "I know my behavior was terrible last night, I freaked out...I ...actually it's a lie that I don't know your 'mellow self', of course, we know it, you were mellow...with her..." Aina was saying while her voice cracked, "We saw how kind you were, how lovely you were, so fondly...and I...I wanted that..."

"But—" Nanaka tried to retort, but Aina didn't let her; she raised her left hand to stop her, Nanaka bit her lips.

"I ...I couldn't believe that we had crossed the line, being with you feels like a dream that I don't want to wake up from...that's why I feel my time with you...is limited...in any moment you will grow tired of me, or you will kick me out ...or I will hurt you, or...or... you will go back with her..." said Aina in deep sadness still looking down, Nanaka felt her heart shrink.

"That's why I feel...the imperious desire to take whatever I can from you before you leave me..." said Aina in shame, "And last night...last night I felt that way...it wasn't just jealousy...I freaked out...the way you were looking at her..." Aina raised her sight to lock it with Nanaka; her eyes full of tears, "The way you looked at her!...it was full of love, full of pride... full of... I... I'm sorry...I felt that I would lose you...that you are still in love with her! And my time with you was gonna end already! And I'm not ready for that! I DONT WANT THAT!— That's why ...that's—...that's why I got blinded by jealousy, anger, I don't know! I needed to erase her...from your skin...I...I..." but Aina just couldn't finish, she covered her face to cry bitterly.

Her love was so messed up, that it made her lose control.

Nanaka moved towards her and hugged her tightly. Aina started to cry fiercely in the embrace.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry...I'm so fucked up! I'm a mess, you don't deserve this...I thought I could do better than her, but no! I'm not better than her! I'm disgusting!" mumbled Aina in bitter sadness and behind her tears.

Nanaka tightened her embrace taking in all of Aina's feelings.

"Aina-chan ..." called Nanaka softly, but Aina was sobbing and sniffing, "Aina-chan, I want you to listen to me...can you?"

Aina nodded in the embrace with a few sobs, and from time to time sniffers.

"Whether Shuka is my ex or not, she is from Aqours, she is our friend too, and of course, it makes me proud to see her on TV...she was there representing us...remember when she first started, she was scared about everything, and now she was there, representing US, how can't I be proud of our teammates?... So, you have to let her go...as I had to... it should be me worrying about her, but it seems that you are worse...Aina-chan, I'm with you...I want to be with you...and I want you to allow me to love you..."

"I want you to love me..." murmured Aina on Nanaka's chest; of course Nanaka smiled at that.

"I know...but you don't let me..." said Nanaka with a soft voice, "Don't compare yourself to her, we haven't done anything for you to say that you are no better than her, or that you did worse...you and her are different people...and hearing this...I guess we can't be a couple yet...not only because we need to protect Aqours, but because...we are not ready to commit at that level with each other..."

"You...do you think that?..." murmured Aina with a cracked voice.

"Aina, we know the friendly side of us, but...I didn't know this side of you for example... As you don't know me in my other states, or the fact that I have 'rules'...maybe you don't want that as a girlfriend...also, you need to get over Shuka, as I did...you are more concerned about her than me..." Nanaka giggled.

"I...that's...yes, that's true..." murmured Aina again against Nanaka's chest.

"So, let's work with that for now; no labels, just you and me...and let us shine together..." said Nanaka giving a soft kiss on Aina's hair.

"I...I want you to love me..." repeated Aina cutely with a soft voice.

Nanaka blinked a few times and smiled wide, feeling Aina's love.

Maybe she understood that after waiting for one year Aina was faced with something that she really wanted, but now that she had it, she didn't know how to act, feel, or do without the fear of losing it again. So she acted as if the magic was limited and time was borrowed, and as if she needed to get the most of it before losing it.

Because she was convinced that she would lose it.

So she needed to take it, roughly or hard, or whatever, she just couldn't lose it, she just needed to enjoy the best she could, when she could, because Nanaka's love was not going to last forever.

But what Aina didn't know was that Nanaka's love was powerful.

Nanaka broke the embrace to touch Aina's puffy cheeks with both hands and made her look at her; of course, Aina's eyes were all watery and full of tears, but her sight was clearly pure. Aina wasn't a bad person, she was just scared.

"Then, let me love you..." said Nanaka softly with her eyes glued into Aina's.

Aina opened her eyes wide, feeling the tears gathering again in her eyes, feeling that maybe, even after what she had said and done, there was someone really willing to love her, no matter how weird, disgusting or broken she was...

Nanaka wanted to love her.

So Aina nodded.

"Good... I want to make love to you..." said Nanaka as she closed the space between them and kissed her softly and tenderly.

Of course, Aina answered the kiss with the same soft pace, trying to enjoy her lips, Nanaka's tongue, and her love.

It was a bit of a salty kiss, but it was for sure full of passion. Nanaka never let go of Aina's cheeks as she deepened the kiss, she was really enjoying those plump lips, and with her love take away Aina's fears.

Aina encircled her arms around Nanaka's neck in a sign that she was accepting Nanaka's feelings and wishes to do it her way.

Her house, her bed, her rules.

The kiss was growing deeper and wet by the second, and even if Nanaka could just spend the whole morning kissing and biting Aina's plump lips, she needed to move along with her feelings.

She made Aina change position, and with her hands softly guided Aina back to the bed, her head resting on her pillows as she straddled her, but never breaking their intense kissing session.

Nanaka was really fond of kisses, and found it really addictive to kiss Aina; she, on the other hand, tried to glue her body to Nanaka's, keeping the embrace on her neck, but for sure a bit inpatient in her lower half.

Nanaka just couldn't help but notice that under her.

So she broke the kiss softly as she opened her eyes to lock her gaze with Aina.

She took her time to enjoy the sight; Aina's face, her lips swollen, panting heavily because of the intense kissing, her lonely tears that were slowly falling from her cheeks...

Nanaka used her left hand to support her body over Aina, but with her right wiped one of those tears.

"Don't cry Ainya-chan..." said Nanaka with a soft voice, but Aina just gave her an apologetic smile.

"Those aren't tears of sadness..." said Aina holding back the urge to cry again, "it's...it's just joy..."

Nanaka softly smiled again at her, tenderly caressing her cheeks.

Maybe that was the first time that someone had looked at Aina as she did, weird, broken and all, and was willing to love her anyway, with all her flaws and with all her insecurities; maybe it was the first time that someone was making love to her.

Of course, it made sense for Nanaka. The way Aina acted towards the "sex issue" was something completely mechanical, it lacked all romanticism, almost as if it was taken from a porn movie, it was just functional and for the sake of pleasure. For her, sex was just fucking around.

But for Nanaka it was communication. A connection with another being, a bond with someone who loved and loved back. It wasn't just for pleasure, there were feelings involved, it was a deeper way to show closeness, affection, and love to someone. For her, sex was an act of love.

In Awashima both gave into pleasure and desire but didn't explore a deeper bond, and the later encounters were all under Aina's prism; sex because of sex.

And now it was time for Nanaka to show Aina her way...

With that in mind, Nanaka softly caressed Aina's right cheek, touching her lovely moles, then softly traveled towards her lips, and started touching them with her fingertips, slowly wandering around her plump lips...

"You are so beautiful..." said Nanaka like in a trance; Aina in response trapped Nanaka's finger with her lips and started licking it.

It surprised Nanaka of course, she wasn't expecting that.

Then again, she understood; Aina was an energetic kid, and her sexual encounters were fast and dynamic; this might have been a bit slow for her.

Ok, so she needs to be busy while I'm getting busy...

Nanaka raised an eyebrow and without saying a thing she inserted her finger inside Aina's mouth. Where her tongue started to lick it.

A treat for a kid.

Seeing that Aina closed her eyes to start eagerly enjoying Nanaka's finger, she decided to get busy and went to Aina's neck.

She started to cover her in kisses, hot kisses, wet ones, even to lick her; Aina started to make some small grunts of pleasure against Nanaka's finger.

Jesus, how impatient...

Nanaka started to feel Aina's lower body moving a little bit impatiently too, to the point that Aina tried to stick her body to Nanaka's to have some friction between them.

And maybe Nanaka could just give into that, use her hand to make her come and that was it, but no.
That wasn't how she made love.

So in response to the impatiens, Nanaka bit Aina's neck with a bit of strength.

"Ohh~ Oh!" Aina tried to complain, but remembered that she had a finger in her mouth.

"Behave...otherwise you are not going to enjoy it..." murmured Nanaka against Aina's skin.

"Sowy...mmm..." said Aina as she sucked Nanaka's finger.

Nanaka took out her now soaked finger and studied it carefully, then looked at Aina with a grin. Aina gave her a coy smile.

Nanaka just moved up for a second to lock her lips with Aina's once again, this time in a messier way, more tongue and biting was involved, until Nanaka bit Aina's lower lip with more strength, making Aina moan.

"Behave..." murmured Nanaka in her low tone which made Aina shiver.

"Yes...Nana..." said Aina in her shy way.

Nanaka started to softly trace her soaked finger throughout Aina's skin until she reached one of her breasts.

She took her time to play with Aina's left nipple, squeezing it, moving it around, and it wasn't long for it to become hard and erect. Indeed Aina was so easily aroused that it was even scary.

Scary because it made Nanaka think about how Aina's body was "trained" for sex...

Nanaka shook that thought away to pay more attention to Aina's gorgeous body, and to enjoy every curve of it.

She started to grope Aina's left breast while she started kissing and tracing her tongue all around Aina's collarbone, to her chest, to her right breast, to then start sucking it.

It was slow at first, as her tongue moved very carefully around Aina's body; making Nanaka start tracing a mental map of Aina's body. Now with all the time at her disposal, she was getting notes about every mole, and every cute mark on Aina's skin, tasting her body and every inch of it.

"Mmm...I'm...in...love...with your body..." said Nanaka against Aina's skin while delivering cute kisses; Aina just moaned in return, shaking and moving her legs impatiently.

"Tsk! Nana, I can't take...all this ...teasing..." cried Aina in her spot, looking down at Nanaka with pleading eyes.

Nanaka slowly lifted her head to lock gazes with her; Nanaka gave her a gentle smile and looked at her with sweet eyes.

"You need to bear it..." said Nanaka softly.

"I— nnnn...please touch me..." begged Aina.

But Nanaka gave her a sad smile.

Making love to Aina was not going to be a successful task if she wasn't on the same page as Nanaka.
Aina wanted to come already. She needed to release herself urgently and quickly, and maybe she wasn't even enjoying Nanaka's touches or licks because she felt in a hurry.

Clearly, Aina wasn't used to being loved that way.

"Hey...look at me..." said Nanaka softly, rising her torso to go back towards Aina's face.

Aina looked at her shyly

"I'm...I'm sorry...it's just—" but Nanaka Interrupted her by locking Aina's lips with her own.

She started kissing her fiercely, biting her lips, sucking her tongue and the room became noisy just with the sounds of the wet and hot kisses.

Nanaka brought her hands up and grabbed Aina's, she gently pushed both of Aina's arms above her head resting them on her pillow. Happily, Aina's arms were short so she couldn't hit the headboard.

Aina moaned into the kiss. That was how she liked it.

Nanaka used her right hand to trap Aina's hands, while her left hand came back to Aina's right breast, and as the intense kissing session was still ongoing she kept squeezing and playing with it, softly but intensely. Of course, Aina's body was reacting and started to move impatiently.

While Aina wanted to keep kissing at a fast and desperate pace, Nanaka was slowing her movements to make it feel deeper and taking control of Aina's body, tightening her grip on her hands, feeling how her body that once was moving fast and desperately started to slow down to Nanaka's pace, gradually calming her down.

Or better said; communicating with each other.

In no time, Aina's body felt more into the kiss than to the urge of release; Nanaka felt blessed.

And as she continued kissing Aina and connecting with her, Aina just couldn't hold on for much longer, and broke the kiss with a loud moan, arching her back and sticking herself to Nanaka.

Aina's body dropped tiresomely on the bed as she breathed heavily and panted with her eyes closed but with a huge smile on her face, her temples sweating too.

Nanaka looked down at Aina with satisfaction; now that she had completely disarmed Aina, it was time to finally make love to her.

With that determination, Nanaka didn't waste any time and almost jumped on Aina's tiny body; she started to trace it with kisses, Aina jumped in surprise, of course, she was in a post-orgasm slumber and wasn't expecting Nanaka to continue.

But Nanaka was serious in her task, and continued kissing, licking and sucking Aina's skin; from her neck to her collarbone, her left breast, then continued to tease her belly, where Aina started giggling because it tickled her, to later kiss Aina's hipbone.

At that point in the teasing, Nanaka was a little bit far from Aina's face to keep kissing her, but luckily she was closer to Aina's lower lips.

"Su—Suwawa..." called Aina.

Nanaka stopped kissing to look up at her.

They shared some glances; Aina was panting very elaborately while Nanaka had a peaceful gaze, almost as if this was a normal routine.

"Yes, Aina?" asked Nanaka softly.

"I..." but Aina just couldn't finish, she just bit her lips shyly with her cheeks bright red.

Nanaka smiled softly and gently kissed Aina's inner thigh.

"Don't worry Ainya-chan...I adore you, you are so cute, so lovely...I could just eat you up...in just one bite..." and Nanaka bit her right inner thigh, Aina moaned at that, grabbing the sheets with strength.

"Ah~ Nana..." moaned Aina and then bit her lips, trying to resist Nanaka's teasing.

"I told you...that I'm fond of kisses..." said Nanaka taking her sight away from Aina's face, to lock it on Aina's lower half.

Nanaka smiled proudly at the sight.

That was her doing.

"Nana..." called Aina shyly once again; making Nanaka stop moving, even her breath. She just looked at her from between her legs, Aina's scent driving her crazy...

"Yes, Ainya-chan?" asked Nanaka in her low tone while licking her lips.

"Please... eat me..." said Aina with the cutes tone ever.

Nanaka tightened her grip on her thighs, licked her lips once again and said, "I'll be happy to receive... everything you give me..." and Nanaka kissed Aina's lips.

She started to slowly tour around Aina's wet lips with her tongue, exploring her insides at a really calm pace, taking her time to enjoy and taste everything that Aina offered her.

Of course, Aina started to moan, pant and grunt, and she was not being quiet about it; her moans started to increase at the same time that her hips began to move.

Aina's clit was so erect and juicy, that it invited Nanaka to leave Aina's inner lips and start giving love to the bump of nerves. Slowly, delicately and lovingly.

"Ahhh~ fuck...Nana! Uhmmm— there...there...Yes...yes...oh~" was Aina losing herself as her hips started to increase their movements.

Nanaka opened her eyes to look at Aina while still sucking the bump; Aina had her head back, eyes closed tight, her grip on the sheets tight.

It was all about the orgasm.

Nanaka closed her eyes and bit Aina's clit.

"OWW~! Suwawa!" snapped Aina in surprise mixed with an angry tone, moving her head to lock gazes with Nanaka, she had a frown on her face.

"Sorry..." murmured Nanaka popping from between her legs with an evil grin, "Were you about to come?..." asked Nanaka encircling Aina's legs with her arms, and with her right hand reached Aina's clit once again and started rubbing.

"Not...Oh~ yet...mmm that's good...Oh, Nana, your fingers...hmmm..." purred Aina moving her head back to the pillows once again.

"Yes...focus on me... Ainya...in the things I AM doing to you..." said Nanaka softly while rubbing her clit, "It's not about the orgasm... it's what I'm making you feel..." and Nanaka finished with a long lick on Aina's slit.

Aina moaned louder.

But Nanaka didn't stop, now teasing Aina's clit with her right hand while she devoured her, she had full control of her, and somehow she understood that Nanaka's slow pace in her licks and her rubs was setting a pace for Aina to follow.

She started to move her hips on Nanaka's face, but at her pace, her moans being controlled by her breathing, by Nanaka's guidance while licking her.

Then Nanaka changed her tactics; she moved her hand towards Aina's entrance and started to suck on Aina's clit while using 2 of her fingers inside her.

She started to move faster, and so did Aina with her hips.
filing the room with some intense wet sounds mixed with Aina's grunts and pants.

"Mmm you are delicious..." said Nanaka like in trance and continued sucking.

Aina kept moaning, which of course, were getting louder as Nanaka's fingers moved in and out from Aina, her tongue sped up too, and Aina just couldn't hold onto the sheets; she brought her hands towards Nanaka's silky hair and clung onto her scalp tightly, rubbing herself on Nanaka's face as she inserted a third finger inside Aina.

Prodigiously moving inside, curling them, exploring all of Aina's insides...

"Ahhh~ Nana, Nana...I'm gonna come...I'm gonna...come...come...come...coming~!" shouted Aina in her loud and incredible voice, arching her back, extending her legs and shaking her toes. Maybe Aina had reached the most intense orgasm so far under Nanaka's watch.

She tightened her grip on Nanaka's hair to the point of it being even painful, remembering that Aina had incredible claws as nails, but Nanaka didn't care, Aina had enjoyed with another beautiful orgasm as they connected together.

Aina's body fell once again onto the bed like a starfish, her breathing very elaborate, her eyes closed tight. She was licking her lips constantly while trying to recover from the orgasm.

Nanaka licked her lips tasting Aina's nectar and feeling it all over her face; with her right hand, she tried to clean her cheek.

"Are you ok Ainya…?" asked Nanaka softly, looking at Aina's almost dead body; her voluptuous chest going up and down incessantly, she was licking her lips as her breathing recovered gradually.

"I— …I—…tsss—God!" snapped Aina raising her left knee.

Nanaka grabbed her leg and started to softly caress her thigh, making Aina jump in surprise and look down at Nanaka. She laid on her leg and looked at her with a loving gaze, then licked her soaked fingers, cleaning them while looking at Aina.

She removed the fingers from her mouth and gave Aina a smug look.

"I believe, my name is Nanaka, not God…I can be God…" said Nanaka in an amused tone; Aina laughed like an old man.

"Geez! Suwawa…" called Aina in a sweet tone.

"You ok…?" asked Nanaka again and started to softly caress Aina's thigh once again with soft touches.

"Yes…I'm ok…I'm happy…" said Aina looking at Nanaka with a loving gaze and a goofy smile, "You…you make me happy…"

Nanaka smiled tenderly at her and placed a new kiss on her inner thigh; Aina jumped in her spot once again.

"I can probably continue doing this…" purred Nanaka while filling Aina's leg with more kisses.

"Suwawa…" called Aina with a soft voice; Nanaka stopped, but never departed from Aina's skin to look at her, she raised her eyebrows like asking "what".

Aina swallowed, and shyly gave Nanaka a sweet smile. She took a deep breath and spoke;

"You….you made me fall in love with you within seconds…" said Aina with a soft tone, a pure one. Like if Aina was letting out her feelings, no mask, no lies, no second intentions, just…love.

Nanaka slowly departed from Aina's skin looking at Aina with loving eyes; feeling that maybe Aina was able to feel her love by her touches, with her kisses, that her connection succeeded, that she was able to make love to her…

Aina gave her a shy smile, her cheeks flushed with red.

She bit her lips suggestively.

It was like flipping a switch in Nanaka's body.

Now that finally they were on the same page, she just couldn't miss the opportunity to seal the deal.

She moved her body up without saying a thing, directly to Aina's lips and kissed her deeply, her hands trapped on Aina's head. Aina just closed her eyes feeling in complete sync with Nanaka, encircling her arms around Nanaka's neck.

They shared the kiss, at first slow but incredibly powerful, and soon they were lost in it, biting their lips, tasting their tongues, feeling a love that was growing inside them like a volcano almost erupting.

Nanaka felt somehow incomplete, she wanted to melt in Aina's body, so without breaking the kiss, she moved her left leg over Aina's right, and then joined her core with Aina's.

Both moaned in the kiss, but never broke it. They were possessed in their love and started to move in sync. Aina locked her left leg to Nanaka's hip, as Nanaka placed her left knee on the bed to have better support to move.

The room started to fill with wet sounds that escaped from both wet cores, their moaning, their pants, and grunts, and soon the headboard hitting the wall intensely.

It was intense, their movements were at the same speed, none rushing it, no one pushing it, both sharing one feeling, one kiss, one pace. Nanaka just melted into Aina, she didn't know where she began and Aina ended, they were like one.

And as they were, they climaxed at the same time in an intense orgasm, their love blooming.

For the first time silence was something bothersome for Nanaka. She didn't want to hear silence, she wanted to hear more of Aina's sexy voice, maybe she had become addicted to making love to Aina, but to tell the truth, Nanaka was feeling very weak.

She was still on top of Aina, she could feel her body hot, sweaty, and sticky.
Her breath was very elaborate as she tried to recover from the orgasm. She could feel how Aina's wet core was still stuck to her own, how her leg was still over Nanaka's hip, how Aina was still hugging her tightly.

Nanaka slowly opened her eyes, feeling Aina's soft breath in her right ear.

They locked gazes; they were full of love, full of passion and desire.

They kissed one more time.

It was soft and tender, because both seemed exhausted.

Aina broke the kiss and gave a deep and loud sigh, unhooking her leg from Nanaka's hip, but not breaking the hug.

"I love you Nanaka…" said Aina softly but with a clear voice, like meaning every word.

Nanaka looked at her with a loving gaze, caressed Aina's right cheek tenderly and answered;

"I love you too, Aina…"

They shared some smiles, and they kissed again.

It was soft and quick, but incredibly powerful.

Aina giggled.

"Now I get what you meant…this bed is incredible…" said Aina giggling; Nanaka raised an eyebrow.

"The bed?…" asked Nanaka astonished.

"Your love nest…" mocked Aina, "It's amazing…"

"The bed?…" asked Nanaka again in a bitter tone.

Aina giggled.

"You know it's not just the bed you silly…" said Aina in more of her soft tone, "you are amazing Suwawa…" finished Aina, caressing Nanaka's cheek with a gentle gaze.

Nanaka smiled at Aina feeling fully in love with her, they were clearly devouring each other with their gazes, but feeling a little bit exhausted to go for another round, at least for Nanaka.

So she moved to her side, ungluing her core and leg from Aina's body, feeling herself really sticky and a little bit gross, but then she remembered that that was proof that their love had been consummated, and in a really weird way, to say that now Nanaka's body was being filled by Aina.

Very literally.

She rested her back on the bed with a heavy sigh, but Aina just didn't want to separate herself from Nanaka, so at the first moment Nanaka touched the bed Aina clung to her chest entwining their legs, of course, moving Nanaka from her laying position, once again Nanaka could feel her wet core getting stuck to Aina's body.

Even if it was a weird sensation, and maybe a little bit uncomfortable, Nanaka felt at peace, her body tired but her heart full. She answered Aina's embrace hugging her tightly but lovingly.

Nanaka started caressing Aina's hair softly; this was her second favorite part of making love, the cuddles.

The feeling of having expressed her love, being reciprocated and then the love being consummated. All rested in this special part of the act, where she could take the real weight of her act of love, feeling very satisfied with her or her partner's performance, and filling their hearts with calmness and more love.

Maybe this was the only thing she and Kanan shared; the love for hugs…

"Suwawa...?" called Aina softly on her chest.

"Mm?" Hummed Nanaka in her complete state of bliss.

"I adore you..." said Aina on her chest; Nanaka's response was to tighten her embrace, but Aina wasn't finished, "I...I get why she loves you so much..."

Nanaka couldn't help but open her eyes wide, somehow her peaceful state of mind was broken.

She indeed needed to give Aina her disapproving look.

That wasn't cool at all, after all of Nanaka's efforts to make love to her, to make her feel special, that this was just between them, and that Shuka needed to be forgotten for both of them, she had brought her up in the cuddling.

Nanaka looked down at her to give her that disapproving look, but instead met a cute Aina looking up at her with wide watery eyes and looking like a puppy under the rain.

It melted Nanaka's heart.

So, she needed to wait to scold her, definitely, there was something else going on.

"Aina...what...are you saying?" she asked instead.

"I'm sorry...I... didn't want to bring her up, but-but..." Aina tried to say, she tightened her embrace and buried her face into Nanaka's chest, "I'm sorry, I just couldn't help but think about that now..."

"Eh...why?..." tried Nanaka to make sense.

If someone would be thinking about Shuka it should be me right? I'm the ex... I'm the one who could be comparing...but I didn't... I...

Jesus Christ Superstar!

Nanaka closed her eyes and tried to count to 10.

"Because...I don't know...you used to...make love to her...here..." said Aina shyly.

Nanaka opened her eyes and raised her eyebrows with astonishment.

"But Aina...stop that...you can't be thinking about that..." said Nanaka trying to hold on to her nerves, "Then what? Are you going to think about that in every place we stand? What about my other exes...don't be silly..."

"Eh? Were you doing dirty stuff with her everywhere?..." asked Aina with surprise, trying to lock gazes with her.

"Not everywhere...but...you get my point! Ainya, please! I told you that I'm not going to live another relationship based on jealousy issues! Stop comparing yourself to her, and especially after I made love to you... where there was no one else in my mind...but you..." said Nanaka in a mad tone.

Aina smiled at her.

"You are right..." said Aina softly, "I'm sorry Nana..." and she kissed Nanaka's collarbone, "I'm...I'm learning..."

Nanaka raised her eyebrows with sadness; maybe this was going to take a little while, adapting towards someone else who had their own issues wasn't easy.

It would be a lie to say that this love making wasn't easy, it felt like the relationship itself. Aina tried to go at her own peace, quickly, clumsily and trying to have her way, and Nanaka was always there reminding her that she was also part of the relationship, trying to hold her, to guide her, to take things more calmly. For both to enjoy at the same time.

But no.

Aina kept trying to sabotage her own happiness with her own insecurities until Nanaka tried once again to make her to behave, even if this might hurt Aina in the process, but, Nanaka being her kind self, would guide her to keep things steady, and in time, they could sync.

But actually all that was required was an enormous amount of energy.

Aina needed constant leashing up, and Nanaka doubted she was going to be able to do so; of course, she needed to love Aina for all she was, love was about that, but it was clear that Aina was too spontaneous for Nanaka, too wild, and if she wasn't careful she could take her against her will again.

She just couldn't control her as she could Shuka; she just couldn't change it as she tried with Shuka.

It was wrong and it didn't work.

"Hey...Suwawa..." called Aina in her arms, "Are you awake?"

"Eh? Yea— ah, I'm sorry...I'm a bit tired..." said Nanaka with an indeed a very tired tone.

Making love to Aina was really satisfying but completely exhausting...

"I was telling you that I would like to cancel my Queenty rehearsal and event..." said Aina still in a comfortable position between Nanaka's arms.

"Eh? Why is that...?" asked Nanaka while caressing Aina's hair.

"Well, I would like to spend my day with you...I love being with you..." said Aina starting to trace Nanaka's skin with her right index.

"Mmm, I get the feeling...I don't want you to leave..." said Nanaka closing her eyes, enjoying Aina's touch.

"Really?" asked Aina surprised.

"Really..." repeated Nanaka softly.

Nanaka felt a soft kiss on her chest.

She looked down at Aina with a surprised face.

"What?..." asked Aina.

"I...didn't know you were so insecure Aina..." said Nanaka in a soft tone, "You are really loud, really bold and weird back at work...but here you are so—-"

"Affectionate…" said Aina dryly.

"Yes...maybe...?" said Nanaka not sure.

"Suwawa, I've already told you, I don't want to lose you, I... I adore you, you are so precious...and with you...being held like this...makes me so happy, that... I think I can melt here…" said Aina still caressing Nanaka's skin. Then added...

"And… with you, I feel safe, I feel that I can show you maybe a more frail part of me?… I don't know…I don't need to use a mask or something, I've already shown you my worse and you are still here, loving me..." said Aina now touching one of Nanaka breast.

Nanaka smiled faintly; Aina would always be Aina, and like her, she was learning too. She needed to learn to accept her personality and share their pace. If Aina wanted to do it roughly and in her own twisted way of love, then she needed to accept that. If Aina wanted to scream dirty stuff while being "fucked", so be it, but it was burned in Nanaka's mind, that when Aina was being loved, she just enjoyed herself, no needed to "act" like a tough girl.

Love was a negotiation.

"I would love if you skipped work today...and stay with me..." said Nanaka understanding that Aina was gradually returning to her messy clumsy self, as her soft touches became some firm squeezing on her breast. "I guess we won't have too much time this week for us..."

"Uhm, you're right...I think we would see each other in what?!... the photoshoot?...And that's it...?" asked Aina now playing with Nanaka's nipple.

"Mmm, yes, and I have... the radio show with AZALEA-...Aina...what ...are you doing?" asked Nanaka in a tired tone.

"Well, since I can't skip work today...I thought that... I should prepare breakfast... Don't ya' think?" asked Aina in her goofy tone.

Nanaka rolled eyes.

Then she looked down at her with a faint smile, Aina greeted her with a grin, definitely Aina was back in the game.

Her game.

Well, step by step...we are both learning...

Nanaka brought her hands to touch Aina's cheeks softly.

"I think, breakfast is already served..." murmured Nanaka with a coy smile, Aina opened her eyes wide with sparks in them, as if a mother had just told her kid that there was a cabinet full of candy ready to be eaten.

"Oh... then...I should..." Aina was saying when Nanaka tightened her grip on her cheeks.

"No fingers...you just can't use those claws in me again..." said Nanaka setting "a rule".

Aina smiled wide and nodded.

"I'm learning..." she said as she moved up to steal a kiss from Nanaka's lips, then both smiled.

And before Aina disappeared from her sight, Nanaka grabbed Aina's cheeks and kissed her forehead with such tenderness that Aina felt puzzled about what to do.

I'll shine...to make you smile...

Nanaka left Aina's head, smiled and nodded for Aina to continue; Aina smiled wide and licked her lips, of course, if she couldn't use her fingers, she needed to use her mouth.

Nanaka moved again to lay on her back comfortably on her bed as Aina traveled south to "have breakfast", of course, in Aina's way.

There was nothing else to do but enjoy the ride.

Both were learning, and every person was a world on it's on, so Nanaka needed to gather all her patience and love to fit into this new adventure with Aina at her side, no matter if it seemed exhausting or hard, Nanaka was ready for the challenge, because Aina never gave up on her, and for sure she was not going to disappoint.

She will make sure to put the shine on them.

The loud claps marked the end of the photoshoot.

For some weird reason, AZALEA was the last on the shoot, so while that went on, the other Aqours' members were there looking at them. This, of course, made Nanaka feel more eyes looking at her than she would have liked.

Not only Aina was looking at her with her goofy smile and her big shiny eyes, but Shuka was staring too. There was something unsettling in both looks. Maybe Aina was still under the "lovemaking" effects because she seemed lost in space with a loving gaze, like daydreaming something nasty, while Shuka who had her wide smile seemed more, proud?

"Good job girls!" said The Chief loudly, "Remember that this issue goes out at the end of the month…look forward to it!"

The girls cheered as they moved out of the poor set.

AZALEA members were greeted by the rest of the members with happy faces.

"Good job everyone!" said Anchan with her happy tone and a few claps, "We did great!"

"It was fun! Wasn't it?" asked Aiai in her squeaky tone.

"Indeed!" said Aikyan.

"I still don't get why we had such a boring set!" said King in her annoyed tone, then looked at the Guilty Kiss members, "Yours sure were much better pictures…"

"Aw, c'mon Kanako…don't complain…" said Arisa softly hitting King's shoulder with her prop flower.

"I do! They shouldn't show preferences! They should treat us equally…" complained King.

"What are you saying…you looked cute…" said Shuka with her wide smile, then fixed her sight on Nanaka who was playing with her prop daisies, "You look so beautiful with flowers…"

Nanaka looked away from her prop to look up at Shuka and found that all the gazes were on her, then on Shuka, and some of them went "aww".

Aina gave Nanaka a serious look, while Arisa just looked away.

"Eh?… What?..." said Nanaka clueless.

"Your girlfriend is flirting with you!" mocked Aiai giggling; then Nanaka looked at Shuka.

Of course, the lie was still in Aqours minds. She needed to play along.

"Oh... thank you…" said Nanaka with little feeling.

"Eh!… So cold!" said Aikyan in her loud voice.

"Yes, you are like the weather….it disappoints me…" mocked King.

"What? You complain if we are cute, now you are complaining if we are not?" said Nanaka with annoyance, Shuka giggled.

"Ok, why don't we go and change out of our outfits…" said Arisa trying to move on and save Nanaka's ass.

Nanaka gave Shuka a serious look as the girls started to move.
The idea was to play down the "relationship", for the members to forget about it, not to keep pointing it out.

But Shuka smiled at her wide and cutely.

Yes, it melted Nanaka's heart as well.

She started walking and gave Shuka one of her daisies.

"Stop it." said Nanaka passing by; Shuka took one of the flowers and pouted.

"It…It wasn't a lie…"

Nanaka could hear that, but she was just done with that.

If she wanted to move on and make Aina happy, she needed to start treating Shuka like another member, no special treatments.

Aina greeted her in the room they had to change.

"You ok?" murmured Aina, but Nanaka looked at her with her "Suwa face".

"Yes, and you?…I'm sorry…" said Nanaka shyly.

"It's ok….she is playing her part… as I need to do mine…" said Aina walking towards her bag, that of course was close to Nanaka's.

"You are adorable…" said Nanaka and gave her the other daisy, "You look good with flowers too…"

Aina received the prop and smiled at Nanaka with her face full of love.

"Hey! Guys, is the plan still on?!" asked Anchan taking off her skirt.

"Yeah, sure, it's what we talked right?" said Arisa also getting undressed.

Nanaka looked at her teammates and raised an eyebrow, then looked at Aina.

"Eh?… What plan?" asked Nanaka murmuring, but Aina couldn't answer...

At that moment Shuka entered the room but stopped abruptly, locking her gaze on Aina's hands, of course, she had the other daisy.

Shuka looked at Nanaka with a sad face, raised her daisy to look at it, and then without a word walked to one of the assistants to give the prop back.

"Ah…very smooth…" murmured Aina, then looked at Nanaka" I guess….I should return this as well…to avoid conflict…"

"Eh...but—" tried Nanaka, but it was too late, Aina started moving towards the assistant to return the prop as well.

Nanaka frowned and scratched the back of her arm, then turned and faced Arisa, somehow she looked annoyed.

More than usual.

"What's wrong?" asked Nanaka dryly.

"Eh…? What?" asked Arisa a bit confused, "Are you going?"

"Eh? Where?… What's with this plan…?" asked Nanaka now starting to change.

Arisa stopped moving to look at Nanaka with a frown.

"Are you serious?…" she asked.

"Yes, I don't know what you are talking about…" said Nanaka taking her skirt off.

"Aikyan's birthday?… we talked about it on the 23rd! You even congratulated her…" said Arisa concerned.

"On the…. oh!" snapped Nanaka, of course, she didn't remember, that day was the morning that she and Aina were busy… so, obviously all the planning and the messages had been ignored.

And as the Aqours LINE chat was mostly spam from the members, she just ignored everything until the afternoon when Aina left, and then with tired fingers wrote a "Happy birthday" message, but of course, ignoring everything else.

"Uhm….so…what's the plan?" asked Nanaka.

"You are unbelievable…" murmured Arisa busy changing.

"I was busy…" said Nanaka.

"Doing Ainya…"

"Yes," she answered dryly.

"You have no shame…"

"What happened to you?" asked Nanaka trying to change the topic.

"Nothing I guess…" said Arisa putting her regular clothes on.

"You are a terrible liar…" said Nanaka, then both stopped that pointless conversation to turn because Guilty Kiss was making so much noise and being loud; they were taking pictures together.

Nanaka and Arisa stood there looking at the scene.

"You know? I'm not feeling in the mood to celebrate…" said Arisa looking at the trio.

"Oh… eh?! Why?…" asked Nanaka, but just didn't get an answer. Arisa looked clearly mad or upset.

Nanaka looked back at the Guilty Kiss trio; they looked happy, but something was clearly bothering Arisa.

On the other side of the room, CYaRon! members started to make noise as well, leaving King behind in the jokes, so in no time she walked with her bag and stuff towards Nanaka and Arisa.

Nanaka gave King a puzzled look, but then looked at Shuka; so happy, so in her element, fooling around with Anchan and Aiai, of course, the Daisy all but forgotten.

"Geez! This became a Zoo!" said King resting her stuff on the table.

"It's funny that you mention that…" said Nanaka drily while resuming her task.

"Yeah…when they are in the Subunits groups…I'm kind of left out…" said King changing.

"I get your feeling…" said Arisa dryly.

"Well, this is AZALEA for you...a serious trio..." settled Nanaka with a smile.

In the end, AZALEA was the only Subunit who was actually changing and being diligent. But it was clear that some sense of annoyance was in the unit; Arisa was mad about something in Guilty Kiss, Nanaka hoped it was something unrelated to Aina, King was gloomy because she was constantly left out of the CYaRon! jokes, and Nanaka…

Nanaka was mad because Shuka and Aina had returned the Daisies.

For Shuka it was comprehensible, she had given her that flower because of politics, but Aina?

Nanaka felt like her love was like those daisies, some cheap prop, from the cheap set, that could be returned anytime, because of politics or to avoid conflict.

Of course, when Aina came back to change, it was like if nothing had happened, but Nanaka was a little bit sad and almost annoyed that Aina had returned her gift. Maybe it wasn't that literal, because, it was a production's prop, but figurative. Nanaka felt that way.

They did celebrate Aikyan's birthday that day. But two of the AZALEA members were too much in a dark mood to even enjoy it. King's annoyance passed when she became drunk with the rest of "First Years", but Arisa and Nanaka were a hard nut to crack.

Even if Nanaka never knew why she was mad.

But, Nanaka even rejected Aina to stay at her place that day with the excuse that she needed her energy for the next day because AZALEA would take to the Radio, and she needed to be up early, and the shoot had left her tired, and then with the celebration…and that Mumbo Jumbo.

Yes, excuses, but somehow Aina understood.

Aina was kind and said it was ok, of course, what else would she say.

Sometimes, it was just too hard to shine.

.

.

.

The shine of traffic and street lights passed by while a taxi drove at a very prudent speed in the middle of the night in a very busy avenue in Tokyo. It was raining and that made it hard for the taxi to maneuver.

With some apologies, the taxi driver needed to stop at a corner and asked the passenger to step off the vehicle because there was too much traffic and needed to turn due to the rain, and it would be better to just walk the remaining half block.

Watching the scenery, of course, the passenger agreed, paid for the ride, and hopped out.

Suwa Nanaka opened her pinkish Sanrio umbrella and walked under the rain.

She was caught for the 20 minute long taxi ride talking by phone with Anchan, in a serious conversation about Aqours.

Anchan, as the leader, was troubled because she was noticing that the Unit was having some issues, and she, as the leader, didn't know how to face them. So as it concerned her, and because Nanaka was the quietest of the 9 members, she thought that Nanaka was something like a "silent vigilante", and might have the answers, but because she was too quiet she was just too shy to tell them.

Basically, she wanted Nanaka's opinion about it, and if she was sensing the same thing.

Of course, Nanaka had known about this for a long time, it was even a surprise to her to learn that Anchan, the leader, had just noticed. But later she thought it was almost normal, since even if Anchan was the leader, she was a kid too, and part of CYaRon!, so that could have blurred her judgment.

And also, Nanaka knew that she couldn't just tell her all her conspiracy theories about how her breakup with Shuka could add more damage to the Unit. But Nanaka listened to everything Anchan needed to say and ask, and she just politely answered whatever Anchan wanted to hear.

But, Nanaka needed to end the conversation a bit suddenly, because after something like a 5 minute walk, she had reached her destination and it wasn't her home.

Yes, it was a Saturday night, a rainy and cold one, and she had just to cross almost half of Tokyo from A&G+ headquarters to Sumida to meet the one and only, Suzuki Aina.

Aina was standing outside a big building that had some weird theme that Nanaka just couldn't get, but it reminded her of something like the Caribbean or even Hawaii. She couldn't get it quite well because it was raining and she needed to be more careful on where to step, listening into what Anchan was saying, hold the umbrella, not shake her bag too much while it hung from her right arm, and to tell the truth, when she saw Aina, even breathing felt pointless.

Aina was standing there in front of the building, with a cute coat, some girly boots, a bag also hanging from her arm, and an umbrella that was too big for her. But what took Nanaka's breath away, was that on her right hand rested a bouquet of daisies.

Fresh and nice.

Nanaka said goodbye to Anchan and hung up without even blinking.

Aina just gave her a wide and beautiful smile.

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting..." said Nanaka softly getting closer.

"You always keep me waiting..." said Aina in a goofy tone, but with clear love in her face, "but for you, it's worth every second..."

Nanaka's heart skipped a beat, her butterflies flapping all around her belly, her cheeks turned red with embarrassment.

She went closer to her but both umbrellas were in the way. So she determined to close hers, get inside Aina's while flexing her knees, of course, and reach Aina's lips.

No matter if they were in the street, Aina was just too short, so the umbrella did the work of covering the kiss. Thou it wasn't long, it was something like a greeting kiss.

When they broke the kiss, Aina stood in tiptoes and raised her umbrella trying to avoid hitting Nanaka with it.

Like in trance, Nanaka gave Aina her own umbrella and took Aina's, of course, this made Aina rest from her tiptoed intent to be the Ikemen in the relationship. In matters of tallness, Aina just couldn't be the "handsome" one.

Aina closed Nanaka's umbrella with a goofy grin and with some troubles because of her other hand being busy with the bouquet of daisies.

"What?" asked Nanaka.

Aina looked at the umbrella, then locked her gaze on Nanaka.

"You are so cute, Nana," said Aina.

"You know I like cute things...like you..." said Nanaka in a husky tone.

Aina smiled wide and extended her arms, giving the bouquet to Nanaka.

"These are for ya'" said Aina with a soft tone; Nanaka received it with her free hand.

"Woo...Aina... Why?…" asked Nanaka with her sight lost in the daisies.

"Why not? I told you, you look beautiful with flowers..." said Aina, giggling shyly in the end, "I don't need a reason to give you presents... Do I?"

"No, you don't..." said Nanaka shyly and smiled kindly at Aina, "Thank you Aina-chan..."

Aina smiled at her and then turned around, Nanaka moved the umbrella a bit and turned too to face the entrance; her eyes widened in surprise.

"So! Shall we go inside?" asked Aina looking at the entrance, "It's cold, and I need my Nanawarm hugs..."

Nanaka giggled and looked with more attention to the entrance.

A fancy entrance, surrounded by plants, stairs, it looked like a themed building.

It was a hotel.

A love hotel.

But not any love hotel. It was a Bali An Group hotel, which was classified as one of the best love hotels in Japan. It was the "Bali An Resort Kinshicho" located somewhere in Sumida.

"Fancy..." said Nanaka in her low tone.

"Well, I can be classy too..." mocked Aina, then looked at Nanaka with a loving gaze, "The best for you Nana"

Nanaka looked at Aina and held her desire to toss the umbrella and start kissing Aina right there, in the street, under the rain and...

"We should go inside..." said Nanaka cutting into her own thoughts.

Both entered the hotel with huge smiles, leaving their wet umbrellas in the umbrella stand at the entrance.

Nanaka had been recording her "Fuwasata" program on the A&G+ headquarters that Saturday, when she received a message from Aina a few minutes before the broadcast started, inviting her to enjoy an early birthday celebration, just the two of them.

Aina told her that she knew a wonderful place and that they needed some quality "NanaAinya" time, since last time they had seen each other, somehow "Nana was mad at me, so I wanted to spoil her". Nanaka's heart melted and replied that she was ok with the idea, but it had to be late, and Aina said that it fitted perfectly.

So Aina had sent the location and it terrified Nanaka to learn that she needed to travel all the way to Sumida. And now it terrified her to know that the place was an actual Love hotel.

The Bali An Resort Kinshicho was a Bali theme hotel; the whole lobby, and even the main façade was on theme. Nanaka entered the hotel looking around everywhere with astonished eyes, but Aina entered as if this was her place.

While Nanaka looked around and felt like she somehow had teleported to another place on Earth, Aina was at the reception talking with the receptionist.

The lobby wasn't that big, but it had an incredible atmosphere and there were a lot of plants, statues of animals, lots of sofas and armchairs that faced a window to some view to waterfalls, some stalls with products, a gift shop, and an area were a lot of food was displayed.

So... for Aina, celebrating Nanaka's birthday was equal to bringing her to a love hotel. Like, just for the "fucking".

Nanaka blinked a few times, shook the idea off and told herself that Aina wouldn't be that shallow. Besides, that place looked fun, it wasn't a regular and normal hotel, at least it had a theme.

Oh...sweet pancakes! I don't know if I'm prepared for sex today…

At her normal and slow pace, she walked towards the reception desk and smiled softly as Aina settled everything. The receptionist gave them all the specifics and then asked them to wait a bit for the room.

"So... A love hotel..." said Nanaka softly, grabbing her bouquet tightly, her cheeks bright red, "Do you...come here frequently?"

Aina looked at her with her smile and giggled.

"What's wrong Suwawa-chan? Haven't you been to a love hotel before?" asked Aina in a mocking tone.

"Eh...yes...yes I have...but—" Nanaka was saying, but then she felt embarrassed and her cheeks turning a new shade of red.

"But? Aww, you are really cute Suwawa..." said Aina still in her mocking tone, "Are you ashamed to tell me that?"

"I feel that...that's private..." said Nanaka shyly, trying to hide behind the bouquet.

"Oh... well, Suwawa, remember that I live far from... Well, everything, so I frequently spend the night in these kinds of hotels, they aren't that expensive, they are everywhere, and they are pretty fun too!" said Aina in a goofy tone, "Besides, the food! Nana, it's excellent here...and see that?" asked Aina pointing to the corner where the food was displayed, Nanaka nodded.

"Those are FREE snacks! Free...FREEEEEEE!" said Aina with a lot of enthusiasm, Nanaka opened her eyes wide.

"So, you basically come here...to eat?" asked Nanaka looking at Aina.

Aina looked at her and grinned.

"Tonight I came to eat you... but sure, the other times I came here to eat...and sleep, this is a hotel after all, it isn't a big deal..." said Aina shrugging, "And yeah, why not from time to time also to fuck... You never went with her to a love hotel? Or it was always at your place or hers?" asked Aina, now her smile fading.

Nanaka gave her a sad look.
Why should she bring Shuka into the conversation? And Aina was always referring to Shuka as "her". It sounded so...cold and scornful.

"Why do you ask?" asked Nanaka dryly.

"Well, curiosity."

"You want to keep comparing yourself with Shuka... Aina, stop it..." said Nanaka with a serious tone.

"No no, Nana I don't wanna... Really...this— this time is for us! I'm just curious! I don't see you as the type of girl who visits love hotels...when you have your place almost always to yourself..." said Aina a bit scared to know that she might fuck up her own romantic date.

"Uhm...are you sure?" asked Nanaka.

"Sure about what?"

"About asking these kinds of questions, I don't want to hurt you with my answers..." said Nanaka softly, but Aina gave her a wide smile.

"Nana, please... I want to spend the night with you...and there are no answers that could ruin that for me... You want to be with me tonight right?" asked Aina shyly.

Nanaka grabbed her left hand and entwined their fingers.

"I'm happy and I would love to spend the night with you..." said Nanaka in her sweet tone, Aina smiled wide, her eyes becoming watery.

"Well, as you asked, " started Nanaka, "before Love Live!, my parents were around often, so I didn't have the house to myself...and before Shuka...yes, I had some love affairs too...there was, an amazing happy man, but somehow things didn't turn well..." Nanaka said, Aina raised her eyes with sadness, "and then Shuka came, it's true that we often used my place...or Lantis building...because her mother was home often, or her siblings...so that made it difficult... And well, sometimes my parents are at home too—"

"Like today..." quoted Aina; Nanaka raised her eyebrows in surprise, but Aina gave her a sign to continue.

"Well, yes, like today... So, it's correct...we sometimes went to love hotels too...but this is new for me...with the theme and all..." said Nanaka now with a smile.

What Nanaka just didn't want to tell her, was that she had also come to Sumida with Shuka, to have their final and decisive date at the Sky Tree, and after Shuka's confession, they became an official couple and went to a love hotel to seal the deal, also in a rainy day.

Shuka made love to her with such passion and love that day...

Nanaka's heart shrunk. She shouldn't be digging up her memories of Shuka.

She was with Aina and needed to focus on that, in the end, Aina had planned all this for a reason, more than to just fuck.

Right?

"Well, this place will blow your mind!" said Aina with confidence. Let's enjoy it! Ok?"

Nanaka nodded with more energy and smiled.

Then came the receptionist and gave Aina the room key and a few more instructions, that of course, for her it was almost pointless because she already knew the place.

Then Nanaka's heart shrunk again.

Aina said that this wasn't her first time here, that she had used this place to crash and eat, and of course, to fuck.

Fuck with who...?

Aina knew her romantic history (or at least the last two...) but Nanaka was clueless about Aina's. Besides, Aina's sexual habits were of concern to her. It was clear for Nanaka that Aina liked it loud, to cry out some "dirty talk", to have quick rounds, and to have the most amount of orgasms as possible.

Did she even enjoy it?

"Suwawa, ya' listening?" she heard Aina asking.

"Eh? What?" asked Nanaka cluelessly.

"We are ready to go...but we can grab some of the snacks from the bar...remember... It's freeeee~" ended Aina with her goofy tone.

Nanaka smiled wide.
This was Aina, food was a priority.

Of course, they first went to the free snack bar, grabbed some paper bags and started filling them up with candies, nuts and whatever colorful thingie they saw. They took their umbrellas back and continued walking, they passed by the gift shop where Nanaka saw a platter full of some cute and fluffy plushie frogs in a variety of colors.

Aina was too close to buying one for Nanaka, but in the end, Nanaka convinced her that she didn't need a plushie for the night if she had a "fluffy Ainya-chan" to herself, to hug and care for. At hearing that, Aina dropped the plushie, grabbed Nanaka's hand and sped up towards the room.

They took the elevator. Inside, Aina explained that in the gift shop they also sold the amenities of the rooms, so if there was something she liked, she would be able to buy it later. Nanaka was once again amused by all the knowledge Aina had of the place.

They started walking around the hall looking for their room.

"I got us the "Pretty type", I hope you don't mind..." said Aina.

"Eh? What is that supposed to mean?... Aina, this is my first time here, I wouldn't know..." said Nanaka with an apologetic smile, then realized that Aina's hands were all sweaty, Aina was indeed nervous about this.

"Oh! Yes, I know...well, it's not that fancy..." said Aina checking the room numbers.

"Eto... By the way, how much I owned you? We are splitting the bill on this…" said Nanaka in a serious tone; Aina stopped.

She looked at Nanaka with a serious face.

"I can't accept that! Spending the night with you was my idea, so don't worry about it," said Aina in a strong tone.

"Eh? No way...Aina, this is no way cheap! And it's something we both are going to enjoy..." tried Nanaka, but Aina continued walking and dragging Nanaka around, "Aina, liste—"

"Save it!" said Aina dryly, stopping and almost pushing Nanaka against one of the hallway doors; she almost dropped the bouquet and the bag she was still caring on her arm.

"Nana, this is my idea, my treat and my way of spoiling you... I...I don't know what I did on the photoshoot a few days ago, but clearly, I did wrong and you were upset... So I want to compensate you, and love you..." said Aina in her serious tone, "Was it because I returned the daisy?"

Nanaka opened her eyes wide and her cheeks were red with embarrassment.

"I... I..." tried Nanaka, but it sounded so foolish that her upset mood that day had been because Aina had returned Production's prop. It wasn't a real gift from Nanaka.

But Aina smiled at her, went closer to Nanaka and instead of kissing her, she opened the door. Nanaka lost her balance but didn't fall.

"Thought so, it's ok Suwawa, just let me take care of you tonight...ok?" Aina smiled.

Nanaka nodded slowly.

Aina separated from her, and finally, fully opened the door for both of them to enter.

The room had a receiver where Aina and Nanaka left their shoes and their umbrellas in the umbrella stand. Then entered, the room wasn't big and didn't look fancy, except for the king-size bed and the fact that it had 2 veils on its sides, and cute red rose petals very well aligned on the bed.

Besides the bed, there was a big "L shaped" sofa with a coffee table and a screen placed on the wall maybe for some karaoke, because there was a small piece of furniture with a stereo in addition to a huge piece of furniture where the TV was set.

On the coffee table, there were 2 champagne glasses with a bottle and more flowers to add to the decoration.

The room also had some chandeliers; it was kind of hard to say that this "wasn't fancy".

Because it looked fancy.

Nanaka left her daisy bouquet on the coffee table, also the bag she was carrying around and her purse. Actually, she felt very relieved to drop all her extra weight. Then proceeded to take off her coat.

She left it on the sofa and then turned around to find Aina was still in the entrance of the room looking at her with a silly grin.

She still had her coat on. Also, she was still carrying the bag and the snacks.

"What?" asked Nanaka.

"Nothing... you are so... organized..." said Aina with a silly tone, "I was going to drop everything on the bed and jump into the tub..." she giggled.

"Oh... well..." Nanaka scratched the back of her arm.

"I love that one-piece dress, looks so good on ya'." Aina said also leaving her stuff on the coffee table, Nanaka smiled shyly, "what's in your bag?"

"Oh! This?" Nanaka showed her bag. She opened it and revealed a box, "Mike and the staff gave me this cake for my birthday..." finished Nanaka, showing what was left of the cake.

"Actually, this is for you... I saved you a piece..." said Nanaka softly.

"Oh...it was a pretty small cake, right?" asked Aina looking at the poor piece that was left.

Nanaka raised her right eyebrow; the cake had indeed been small. Maybe for just one person, maybe it was better said that it was more of a classic tartlet, with custard and strawberries and a cute piece of white chocolate where "Suwawa happy birthday" was written.

"Well, do you want it or not?" asked Nanaka a bit annoyed; truth was that Mike and company had brought that tartlet, period. It was a detail, and a way to show affection towards a colleague.

"I will love anything that comes from you..." said Aina with a smile, "but, shall we save it for dessert?"

"Yes, we can..." said Nanaka closing the box and returning it to the bag; at that moment, Aina took her off her coat and grabbed Nanaka's.

"I'll hang these in the closet..." said Aina while moving.

"What's in your bag?" asked Nanaka looking at it.

"Oh! You will love it! Actually, my idea of giving you a bouquet of daisies came from it..." said Aina coming back.

Nanaka blinked a few times waiting for Aina to open her bag and show her a magazine.

Nanaka opened her eyes wide. It was a copy of the "Nikkei Entertainment! Anime Special Actor Bible 2017".
In which Aqours was on its cover.

Nanaka smiled wide and her eyes shined brighter.
The 9 members of Aqours were on the cover imitating the pose of the promotional poster from Anime's first season.

"Wow...I thought it would be out on the thirty-first..." said Nanaka grabbing it, it felt unreal.

"I have connections...do you like it? We look so good!" said Aina with a wide smile, and yes, they looked good, the fact that they had taken it with that poor white background was even meaningless.

"We...we do..." said Nanaka with a faint voice.

"Eh...? What is it? You should look at the interview section...AZALEA looks so good..." said Aina trying to cheer Nanaka up.

Nanaka looked at her with a faint smile.

"It's... that, I see this...I'm, I'm on a cover...I...I never thought that I would... " said Nanaka almost shaking, her eyes glued to the magazine.

Maybe for Aina, this wasn't new, or something huge, Aina already had covers of her own.

"And you look stunning, " said Aina with a wide smile, "'Kanan-chan' must be proud!"

Nanaka gave Aina a genuine wide smile.

"I know you told me once that you wanted to be in a magazine cover...well, mission accomplished!" said Aina happily.

"Maybe next time I can have one of my own...but I don't know how I could archive that..." finished Nanaka with a gloomy tone.

"Eh? Suwawa...one step at the time..." said Aina getting closer.

"Yes, I know...I'm happy Aina...I really am... The thing is...how could I do that, I mean...I'm the weakest of the members...I still can't dance without having a hard time...I'm not that popular...I'm—"

"Stop, stop! Suwawa, I didn't show ya' this for ya' get depressed! Look, this is a step! And you look gorgeous and cute...please, open the Subunit section..." asked Aina.

Nanaka did as she was told.

She greeted herself, with King and Arisa by her side, in a full-page picture, of course, she was holding the daisies.

"I saw that picture and thought that you just looked too cute with flowers...with daisies...so I brought a bouquet for you..." said Aina with a wide smile, her cheeks bright red.

Nanaka looked at her, feeling her eyes all watery.

She closed the magazine abruptly, and without taking her eyes off Aina left the magazine on the dresser, grabbed Aina's cheeks, and kissed her.

No one supported her and her career as Aina did.

Of course, Aina answered the kiss encircling her arms around Nanaka's neck and tiptoed for Nanaka to be more comfortable.

The kiss lasted a few minutes until Aina just got tired of being on tiptoe.

"I love you so much..." murmured Nanaka, taking her hands off Aina's cheeks and hugging her by her waist and getting lost in Aina's eyes.

"I love you too..." said Aina looking up and smiling at her.

They shared a few more kisses until Aina broke the embrace.

"I guess, we will have plenty of time to love each other tonight...so I think we can enjoy ourselves first..." said Aina smiling and walking back to the closet, "you totally need to see the bathroom..."

Nanaka blinked a few times; hadn't Aina invite her to this Love hotel to "make some love"?

Knowing Aina, by now she should be already wet, horny, and ready for action.

"What do you have in mind? I thought you wanted to...eh...do it..." said Nanaka softly, watching Aina get some Yukatas from the closet.

"Eh?" said Aina looking back at Nanaka. "What?"

Nanaka bit her lips embarrassed, but Aina laughed.

"Suwawa you think I invited you here because I just want to fuck with you?" asked Aina with a goofy smile, Nanaka blinked a few times and shrugged.

"My my..." murmured Aina and left the Yukatas on the bed, then took out some sleepers; she put on her own and then walked towards Nanaka for her to be comfortable too.

"Suwawa, I know you might think that, but that's not the occasion, I'm learning...and I believe I learned a few things from our last encounter..." said Aina with a big smile and with the sleepers in her hands, she took a deep breath and continued;

"You are a romantic girl...you like things at your pace and with calm...my plan was to take you to a nice restaurant and have dinner, but you finished your Radio broadcast late...there aren't many things we can do at these hours...well, things you like... You are an indoor person... So, inside my bag, it's my Nintendo DS too if you want to play some games...we have karaoke here...I just...I wanted to spend time with you, and I know your parents are home tonight...my place is far away... So yeah... here... " said Aina extending her arms like showing around, "I know, it's a love hotel, but it's like a regular hotel I guess...there's food, free snacks, drinks...the bathroom is nice, the bed is huge! And if you don't want to have sex, don't worry... I don't need to... Spending time with you is everything I need... We can look at the ceiling, I don't care..."

And then she offered the sleepers.

"I want you to enjoy..." finished Aina smiling at her.

Nanaka took the sleepers. And then locked her gaze on Aina.

"After everything you said...how can't I jump all over you and make love to you in this huge bed...?" asked Nanaka with her cheeks bright red, her heart pumping fast.

"Well...if that's what Nana wants!" said Aina with a happy grin.

"I... I want to kiss you lots today..." said Nanaka with a husky voice, dropping the sleepers and wrapping her arms around Aina once again to kiss her deeply, but softly.

Of course, Aina reciprocated the kiss, smiling while kissing Nanaka.

But it was Nanaka who broke it when she felt Aina's hands touching her butt and trying to lift her dress.

"Wa—wait..." said Nanaka separating their bodies, "I...I actually...I'm not prepared for sex today..." and then she hid behind her hands shyly.

"Eh...? What?" said Aina blinking quickly and then broke into her old man laugh.

"So—sorry..." said Nanaka shyly.

"Suwawa, I told you that I'm not here for the sex...but...if you are not prepared... We can prepare you? I mean, this place is all set for that..." said Aina walking towards the bed, behind it was furniture that worked as a headboard. On top of it, there were 2 lamps, a telephone, and a cute basket.

"Aina that's no—"

"Look..." said Aina while starting to take out some of the amenities from the basket, "we have lotions, tissues, some...what the hell is this?" asked Aina while looking at some small packages, "I think these are condoms...see? We have free condoms!" snapped Aina looking back at Nanaka with a huge grin, Nanaka chuckled.

"Maybe I can use one of these in ya', I don't wanna get you pregnant..." added Aina giggling.

"You can put one on your fingers next time you hadn't cut your nails..." said Nanaka joking.

Aina put the condom away and turned again.

"I cut my nails today, just in case..." said Aina smiling.

"Good...but still, I...I wasn't thinking about having sex today...so... I'm not—" tried Nanaka.

"Is it because you are in some ugly underwear? No pajama? You didn't shave? What?" asked Aina, then she opened her eyes wide, "you...you got your period?!"

Nanaka deadpanned her.

"Aina, please..." said Nanaka tiredly with her cheeks bright red, "it's not my period..."

"Then whatever it is...there's a solution; no PJ? There's a Yukata, " said Aina showing the clothes on the bed, "Ugly underwear? Yukata! You didn't shave? I believe there are more amenities in the bathroom and there might be a razor there...but...you know? I don't care about that...you are beautiful just the way you are..." finished Aina with a smile.

Nanaka smiled and sighed. Yes, Aina was a shiny person and might look for the bright side of everything.

"Ok...you win..." said Nanaka softly, "Then, I'll use the bathroom first..."

"Oh...su—sure..." said Aina softly and with disappointment.

Nanaka caught that; of course, even if Aina said that she was ok without sex, she wanted it, or at least be in contact with Nanaka's body. Maybe she wanted to repeat what they did in Awashima and share the tub. Well, Aina wanted to spend time with her and shutting her out of the bathroom was a bad move.

"Maybe..." said Nanaka softly, "...maybe you can come in later...?"

Aina opened her eyes wide and her mouth in an "o" shape.

Then she nodded with energy.

"I'll ask for something to eat in the meantime if that's ok with you..." said Aina.

"Ok... I'd love that..." said Nanaka, then moved closer to Aina and stole a kiss from her plump lips. She put on her sleepers, grabbed one of the Yukatas, a scrunchie, and her contact lenses case from her purse.

"Give me like ten minutes and then you can come in... Ok?" said Nanaka as they shared some smiles.

"Ok..." said Aina with a fading voice; Nanaka moved towards the bathroom, and as she closed the door Aina said loudly, "Shave it all!"

Dammit, Aina!

Nanaka closed the sliding door and found out that the bathroom wasn't that big. She faced the sink, as Aina had said, full of amenities, from lotions to creams, more tissues, and everything that was expected in a hotel bathroom, including... a razor.

Dammit, Aina!

To her left, the toilet with a separate door. And to her right, another door that separated that space with the tub and the bathing area.

The bathing area also wasn't big, the tub was enough for 2 people (or 1.5, thank God Aina was fun size) and was set with hot water and some pink flowers floating in it. Very romantic.

But the bathing area was small, and there was just one stall and one bucket.

So, Nanaka had like 8 minutes before Aina came in; with that in mind, she hurried up and got undressed, took off her contacts, and made her silky hair into a bun.

She took some of the amenities from the basket, a towel and went into the bathing area.

Of course, since this wasn't in her daily plans she needed to adapt to the circumstances. A thing that maybe made Nanaka a bit uncomfortable. Someone that liked to plan every move and sticks to a schedule, being invited to spend the night in a love hotel without notice was a bit unsettling.

But Aina had done this out of love. Maybe Aina wasn't the romantic type at all, but she was doing her best there. The flowers, the idea, adapting the idea because this wasn't the original plan, thinking about every possibility, she had even brought her Nintendo DS if Nanaka was feeling nerdy enough to play video games instead of... Well, doing "adult things".

And that was because they used to do that when they were together, they used to go to Nanaka's place to hang out, play video games, talk about manga, sometimes about work, and to eat. Aina even cooked for her.

She was always doing her best for her.

Nanaka was taken out of her thoughts by a knock, Aina popped from the door with a shy smile.

"You done?... Can I come in?..." she asked shyly.

Nanaka was done with what hurried her but was in the middle of scrubbing.

"There's only one stall..." said Nanaka softly with her head turned towards the door; Aina was already naked, her left hand holding a towel. Aina wasn't shy to cover herself.

She didn't have anything to hide anyways, at this point Nanaka was almost done memorizing her body.

Aina smiled wide.

"It's ok...can I scrub your back?" Aina asked shyly, Nanaka blinked and smiled softly at her, then nodded.

Aina came inside with a soft "pardon the intrusion", closing the door behind her.
She left her towel next to Nanaka's and revealed some things she was carrying behind the towel.

First, she moved towards the tub with 2 bottles; with her right hand checked the temperature, and because it felt right, she nodded and opened the bottles and dropped their contents in, then she put her left hand in the tub and mixed the water, causing a nice scent to come from it as for some bubbles.

Nanaka opened her eyes wide; just how many times had Aina stayed at this place to know all those kinds of details.

"That's better..." said Aina with a smile, "you mind if I borrow the bucket?"

"No, I'll fill it for you..." said Nanaka and started filling it for Aina.

Meanwhile, Aina started to make her own hair into a bun with a scrunchie. Then she went behind Nanaka and kneeled.

Nanaka felt her heart stopping as she closed the faucet when the bucket was filled.
She passed her the bucket, and in seconds Aina just splashed the water over her body.

"Now we are even..." said Aina and gave the bucket back.

Nanaka smiled at her through the mirror that was in front of her.

Yes... We are even...

Nanaka gave Aina the soap for her to start scrubbing her back, who started with diligence and love.

"You have such smooth skin..." said Aina while scrubbing.

"You think? I think it's normal..." said Nanaka in her boring tone.

"Nothing with you is normal...everything is gorgeous..."

"C'mon! Ainya..."

"It's the truth..." said Aina with her sweet tone.

"You seem like pro at this..." said Nanaka trying to lock her gaze with Aina's through the mirror, but she was just too focused on her back.

"With what? Scrubbing your back?" asked Aina amusedly.

Nanaka snorted.

"Yes, and with the whole Love Hotel thingie..." said Nanaka amused.

"Aww, Suwawa, remember that I have younger sisters! I used to scrub their backs and help them all the time..." Nanaka said a soft "oh", "And about the Love hotel... I told you, I've used it to crash to sleep...this are hotels...no biggie..."

Nanaka hummed softly as she started to fill the bucket again.

"Also...this is why I don't want you to pay a thing today..." said Aina softly while scrubbing Nanaka's lower back, "You've let me crash at your place just too many times, you've fed me, given me a roof, a nice bed, incredible company...I can't repay that...and also, you can't find that in these hotels..." Aina finished saying and then softly traced her fingers on Nanaka's back, "This is my best time here...with ya'."

Nanaka stopped the faucet and gave Aina the bucket again.

"Thank you..." said Nanaka softly.

"Don't mention it..." said Aina as she washed Nanaka's back.

After a few more splashes, Nanaka's body was ready and clean. She turned around to lock her gaze with Aina who gave her a wide smile. Nanaka's heart melted.

She softly brought her right hand to touch Aina's cheek, of course, Aina understood the motion and got closer to receive the kiss.

It was soft and tender. Also short.

"Wait for me in the tub..." said Aina in her sexy mode, Nanaka raised her eyebrows.

"I thought that I could help you as well..." said Nanaka, but Aina just gave her a silly smile.

"Today it's about you... There's only one stall...and I don't want you to kneel for me...not today..." said Aina and locked her lips with Nanaka again.

Nanaka stood up from the stall slowly, giving Aina a full view of her body, and she couldn't help but catch Aina licking her lips.

"Wait, you already asked for food..." said Nanaka moving to the tub.

"Yes, I did...but may I have an appetizer?..." asked Aina following Nanaka with an intense gaze as she entered the tub.

"Mmm maybe...clean yourself first..." said Nanaka sitting in the tub.
The temperature of the water was perfect, the bubbles were nice, the scent was delicious, and the floating flowers looked cute.

"Ah~ what a bliss...this is excellent Ainya..." said Nanaka getting comfy, "Thank you so much..."

"Don't mention it..." said Aina sitting on the stall and starting to wash herself, "It's good to take a break from time to time..."

"You are right... We will need more times like this...once the rehearsals start..." said Nanaka looking at Aina's back.

"Yeah, First Live is coming...are you nervous?" asked Aina starting to scrub.

"I'm always nervous about this project..." said Nanaka getting herself lost on Aina's body.

"Eh? Why?! It's fun... It's exciting!"

"Yes...but for me, it's always about failing..." said Nanaka more gloomy, Aina even stopped scrubbing, "I'm always behind everyone... I need to repeat my recordings hundreds of times, I need more vocal lessons... I have no stamina...I..." Nanaka closed her eyes sadly.

"Suwawa..." called Aina turning around to lock her gaze with Nanaka.

"I'm sorry... "said Nanaka, and gave her an apologetic smile, "I'm always fighting with this..." Nanaka raised her knees and hugged them.

"I was last in the latest popularity poll... I'm not popular...or 'Kanan'... I'm one of the weakest of the nine members... It's been hard...trying to stand beside someone like Arisa...not only as a 'Third years', but I have to do it with AZALEA... It's not her fault, but I still don't get why Production chose me for this role... I'm so boring...I'm not energetic...I'm too out of place..."

"If it helps, Arisha isn't that popular either..." said Aina with some goofy tone, "Neither am I, I think we 'Third years' are the ones that got it more complicated..."

"But Arisa has personality, she is someone who stands out...and you..." Nanaka snorted, "Aina, you are incredible... You have such a persona, on stage, your voice, you are cute, you are loud, funny...you can dance, you... Sing incredibly, even if you are the shortest, you've made more of an impact than the either of the eight of us..."

"Suwawa, that's not true...you have such incredible skills too!"

Nanaka laughed.

"Skills? Like what? Playing the piano? Being the gay one of the group?" said Nanaka while giggling.

"You are incredibly hardworking!" said Aina with conviction, "And you are extremely cute! And beautiful! And you have improved lots! Now you can dance five songs, and maybe at the end of the year, you will sing and dance eight...and next year more...because you work hard! Maybe you've worked harder than any of the members! And you know... I admire you because this isn't easy for you, but you are here, still, trying and trying...and you have accomplished things! And besides that, you have more jobs, and you did awesome on those while you suffered in a tired relationship!" finished Aina breathing very elaborately.

"What?" asked Nanaka looking at her, feeling that no matter what, Aina would always bring Shuka into their lives.

"I know it wasn't easy, to juggle your professional life with your personal life...it has been too hard for ya' Suwawa...you were doing your best for both lives...and I'm sorry that you needed to give up on one... But I'm sure that your professional career will rise!" said Aina with a very enthusiastic tone.

Nanaka gave her a shy smile.
Aina was always supporting her, she shined to make her smile.

"Thank you, Aina..." said Nanaka softly.

"Trust me...it's a matter of time, and you will shine and you will blind us..." said Aina turning again to finish.

Nanaka smiled softly at her as she got comfier in the tub. Maybe Aina was right, maybe she needed to keep trying and maybe one day she would rise, or would catch up with everyone. It had only been a year since Aqours started, she just couldn't give up yet.

But it was hard. The constant feeling of failing.

The sound of water splashing made Nanaka blink abruptly and took her out of her thoughts, Aina was finishing cleaning the bucket.

"You ready?..." asked Nanaka with a shy smile.

Aina stood up and slowly turned around to face Nanaka, showing her entire body for her.

Nanaka blinked a few times and smiled sweetly.

"Get in..." said Nanaka in her low tone, Aina nodded and shyly said "with your permission..." as went into the tub; Nanaka opened her legs to let Aina sit in front of her, Aina's back resting in Nanaka's embrace.

Of course, Nanaka just couldn't wait a second to cling onto Aina, hugging her torso lovingly and resting her head on her shoulder.

"Good to know that we fit here..." said Aina moving her toes on the other side of the tub.

"It's because you are pocket-size..." said Nanaka and started giving some cute kisses on Aina's neck.

"Uhm...that comes handy..." murmured Aina.

"Yes..." purred Nanaka into Aina's ear.

Nanaka's voice was so low and deep that it made Aina jump in her spot splashing water.

Nanaka grinned; having Aina disarmed, naked and close, was like turning on a switch.

"Oh-oh...Nana...don't do that...so...mmmmm~" but Aina couldn't finish, she was caught by Nanaka's diligent hands and fingers; her right hand was teasing Aina's clit, while her left hand was busy with Aina's left breast as Nanaka was kissing, biting, and sucking her neck.

"I...I thought you...said no...OH~ sex!" complained Aina but biting her lips, Nanaka's fingers moving so diligently in all the right spots.

"I said I wasn't prepared for it...but seemed that you were..." said Nanaka in her husky tone into Aina's ear, to later bite her lobe with a bit of strength which made Aina moan.

Aina brought her hands towards Nanaka's legs for support.

"Let me thank you for cleaning my back..." said Nanaka again and gave her another hot and wet kiss on her neck, where she started to suck.

"Oh~ you will leave a mark...Suwawa...no..." cried Aina.

Nanaka opened her eyes and stopped that teasing.
She was obedient. If Aina said "no", then it was no.

"Sorry, Ainya..." she said softly and gave her a cute kiss instead.

Aina was panting very elaborately; she lay more into the tub, brought her left hand out of the water and turned her neck a bit to face Nanaka, touching her cheek softly, they locked gazes.

"Kiss me..." begged Aina and Nanaka obeyed.

They kissed intensely while Nanaka fiercely moved her fingers, on Aina's breast as her clit, pinching her nipple hard, or rubbing the bump of nerves insatiably, both were so erect for Nanaka to play with as she pleased, that in no time Aina broke the kiss to start moaning her "dirty talk" out of control, as her hips splashed water everywhere...

"Oh fuck! yes...yes! YES! AH! AH! Faster! Fuck me! Ohhhh~ I'm coming...IM...AHHH~!" Aina arched her back splashing more water than before, as Nanaka tried to hug her tightly while receiving the orgasm.

The bathroom was silent except for the sound of a few drops falling from the faucet, and Aina's heavy pants.

"You ok Ainya-chan...?" asked Nanaka in her singsong voice.

"Ah...? Su— Suwawa...why...I wasn't...I wasn't expecting that..." Aina said panting.

"Sorry... I couldn't resist...having your body so close to me..." said Nanaka and gave Aina a soft kiss on her forehead.

"I...I love it..." said Aina faintly; Nanaka raised her eyebrows.

Aina loved being teased and "fucked" like that, more than romantic and slow "lovemaking". Nanaka smirked.

"Mmm, really?" said Nanaka huskily.

"Eh?..." said Aina in a clueless tone.

"You know...here is no one's land...it isn't my place...as it's not yours...and that King-size bed definitely isn't my bed..." said Nanaka with a more confident tone; Aina slowly sat up properly and turned around with her eyes opened wide.

"Su...Suwawa..." called Aina; Nanaka just gave her a malicious grin.

Aina moved towards her, encircling her arms around Nanaka's neck and they became lost in another kiss, a deeper, messy, and wetter one.

Nanaka was so pleased; kissing Aina's lips was so addictive that she could spend the whole night in that tub just doing that, but Aina had other plans.

She broke the kiss and gave Nanaka a sweet smile.

"Suwawa...can I...can I ask you something then?" she asked shyly.

"Sure..." said Nanaka with a wide smile, "If it's in my power..."

Aina broke her embrace and stood up revealing her wet self to Nanaka; she opened her eyes wide at the sight and followed almost every drop on Aina's body, from her legs to her face. Aina smiled maliciously at her.

Then turned around and walked a few steps towards the wall at the end of the tub, and slowly bent using her hands as support against the wall.

Nanaka's eyes widened like two fried eggs at the sight that she was even speechless, she even closed her legs involuntary.

Aina looked back to lock gazes with Nanaka, she brought her left hand towards her mouth and said...

"Can...can you...fuck me...like this...?" asked Aina with her cute tone, and with her big begging eyes.

Nanaka felt her heart racing crazily; she didn't need to think twice.

They were in no one's land, in a love hotel, and that was what was expected to happen in such places. Also, Aina had kinks, and that was a great place to put that in practice.

Nanaka stood up slowly and approached Aina almost with fear. She bit her lips.

"You...you sure?" asked Nanaka as she touched Aina's perfect and round butt.

"Yes...please...take me by my rear..." said Aina shyly, looking to the wall.

Nanaka gulped and recalled her own feeling when Aina took her rear...

She didn't say a thing and firmly grabbed Aina's hips, at the touch, Aina bent down a bit more, rising her butt for Nanaka.

With her right hand, Nanaka traveled to check Aina's wetness...

Oh...my...lord...
She is soaked...

"Oh..." snapped Nanaka surprised, Aina started to grunt in pleasure at her touch and to move her butt impatiently..."Here I go...Ainya..." said Nanaka huskily.

So Nanaka slyly slid two fingers inside Aina's dripping core, softly of course, Aina moaned. Nanaka bit her lips, this was a kink, Aina wanted to be submitted and dominated, so Nanaka took a deep breath and drowned her senses, she started to thrust with her fingers, trying to find a good speed for Aina.

Of course, Aina started to moan loudly, to bend more and to submit more into Nanaka's thrust and fingers.

As both of their desires were being fulfilled, the room became noisy with moans, grunts, and Aina's dirty screams of pleasure that echoed in the bath as in their ears. Filling their hearts, their passion, and the hours.

Of course, when they left the bathroom, they did holding hands, the Yukatas in a very messy state, but their smiles wide in happiness as they shared kisses and touches.

They realized that the food was already served on the coffee table and there was a nice vase with the bouquet inside. Aina told Nanaka that she had asked for it too.

Then Nanaka's cheeks became wild red when realized that someone of the staff had just come while they were fucking their brains out in the bathroom. Then Aina laughed like an old man waving that problem away telling her that the staff must be used to that, or even worse.

Nanaka smiled at Aina's simple way waving off problems and kissed her again so deeply and intensely, that it was Aina who needed to stop Nanaka, to at least take a break and maybe enjoy the food.

Of course, Nanaka agreed, she realized that she needed some rest too, Aina was just too enthusiastic and had made Nanaka fuck her a few more times in the bathroom, not that she was complaining anyway. But she just couldn't deny that even if she felt tired from those rounds, she felt happy.

Aina made her happy.

They dropped their messy shapes on the "L shaped" sofa, Aina sat on top of Nanaka as they shared the food, more kisses while they fed each other and went into deep conversations about the Unit and Anchan's phone call.

For the serious conversation, Aina, of course, left Nanaka's lap and sat beside her.

The conversation ended up turning a lot into deep thoughts about how Anchan was acting as a leader; while Aina thought that Anchan was doing a great job, Nanaka begged to differ.

"You know, she is a kid a too..." said Nanaka cutting a slice of tartlet and fed Aina, "How is it?"

"Mmm, delicious...the tartlet too...points for Mike!..." said Aina while chewing, after she swallowed added, "I know she is a kid, maybe we all are, but I think you expect too much for Anchan..."

"Eat more..." said Nanaka offering another bite, Aina received it happily, "I expected nothing more from a leader than maintain the peace inside her team..."

"Mmm... And... You...think...she isn't doing a great job?" asked Aina between chewing, then grabbed her glass of juice and drank.

"She does what she can, but she needs to be more strict, like, I don't know, Arisa for example..." said Nanaka taking her tea.

"You want to have another serious dead person in the Unit?" asked Aina now taking some of the snacks, some chocolate balls.

"Not as much...but someone who can put some order; it needs to be Anchan, Arisa is in the middle of the chaos when it's about Subunits or everything for 'Second Years'." said Nanaka now rubbing her tummy, "I think I ate too much…"

"It was good right?" said Aina with a happy grin and eating another chocolate ball, "It's hard when you put it that way, I mean…" she ate another one, "it isn't our fault, it's Production's...they want 'Second Years' to do stuff, they wanted Guilty Kiss to have a fancy set…who knows! I don't care, it's not Anchan's responsibility…."

"I'm not saying it is…how can you still be eating?… Jesus…" said Nanaka drinking another sip of her tea, "Of course, it's Production's orders, and we need to obey, but when you have nine different individuals in the Unit, not all of them will be the same…and not all of them will be happy about it…we can feel…misplaced… and someone needs to set order when the Chief isn't around..."

"Are you feeling that way Suwawa…? Misplaced..." asked Aina with a sad tone.

"Well…" she took her time to think, then locked her gaze on Aina's, "it isn't that I feel misplaced inside, I feel left behind…how am I suppose to show Production and the fans that I'm capable, that I can work hard, that I can do the job…if all the opportunities are for 'Second Years'?…or for Guilty Kiss…? We all want to shine…but they keep giving the spotlights to the same people…I know we are rivals too…I need to do better…I want to…but, I need the chance…"

Aina gave her a sad face.

"I do agree with King in a lot of things…but I just… well, I know my place, and I don't have the same personality as King or Arisa, even Shuka, to complain or speak my mind…I'm not a conflictive person…and that's why Anchan seeks my advice…" said Nanaka resting her cup of tea on the coffee table.

Aina raised her eyebrows with surprise.

"Yes…that's something that I've wondered….how did this Anchan's friendship thingie started?… This is unusual… Do I need to be jealous…? I'm gonna be jealous…" said Aina in a teasing tone, Nanaka giggled.

"Don't be… well… I think, since training camp? I don't know, Ainya… we get along, when I was with Shuka we went to see her plays often or hanged out, she is a good kid…she is insecure and needs some other perspectives and as I told you, she seeks for my advice in a lot of things…" said Nanaka in a diligent tone.

"Eh?! really?…" asked Aina amused.

"She said that she finds calm in my sleepy face…" said Nanaka and shrugged, Aina deadpanned her.

"Really?…" asked Aina annoyed.

"Don't get mad…" giggled Nanaka, "She is a good kid, she is facing a leadership that she didn't want and needs support…I told her that I would support her no matter what…even if that means giving her calmness…" said Nanaka with a funny smile.

But Aina didn't look so amused.

"Sorry… is this bothering you?…" asked Nanaka now more seriously.

Aina stopped eating and looked troubled. Her sight lost on the dishes on the coffee table, maybe she was debating with herself how to act? How to react? This wasn't Shuka, it was Anchan… Why should Aina be jealous? Was she going to take her against her will again?…

"Aina…?" called Nanaka softly.

"I'm sorry…" said Aina looking at her, "You are such a good person Suwawa…I get why she looks for advice from you…" finished Aina with a soft tone.

Was she holding back…?

Nanaka smiled at her.

"Hey…come here…" said Nanaka and pat her own lap, "I want to spoil you…"

Aina raised her eyebrows with sadness, maybe understanding that Nanaka saw through her incoming jealousy.

"I'm disgusting..." murmured Aina in shame, Nanaka gave her another smile.

"Aina, come here..." ordered Nanaka with more strength in her voice, but with kindness, she patted her lap once again.

Aina shyly nodded, understanding her behavior, and like a scolded child sat on Nanaka's lap, encircling her arms around her neck.

"I'm sorry Suwawa..." said Aina with sadness, hugging her.

Nanaka answered the hug with kindness and rubbed her back while snuggling into Aina's neck.

"You are such a baby..." murmured Nanaka, "A very loud one..."

Aina giggled, and departed from the hug to lock gazes with Nanaka.

"You love me, right?" asked Aina shyly.

"Yes Aina, I do..." said Nanaka with her soft tone; both shared a smile, and of course, locked their lips together.

The kiss started softly, tenderly, and very slow. But Aina was a little bit eager to go deeper, so she started to put her tongue inside, trying to make it wetter and messier, she wanted to take Nanaka.

Aina undid Nanaka's bun with her left hand, making her silky hair fall over her shoulders, and started to press her body against Nanaka's, sticking her chest to her.

Of course, the Yukata was made of thin cloth and felt almost as if Aina's bare breasts were against her chest.

Intoxicated by lust and Aina's lips and tongue, Nanaka just couldn't take it anymore and with skillful hands undid the knot in Aina's Yukata, and with a strong movement opened in two, reveling two good reasons why Aina was irresistible while naked.

"Oh~! Suwawa so bold..." snapped Aina almost in Mari's tone, but Nanaka didn't care and trapped Aina's lips once again for more kisses.

Clearly, Nanaka didn't want to waste time, so she started groping Aina's breast with her two hands, making Aina grunt into the kiss.

But Aina had another idea.

She undid the Yukata down to her hips and kissed Nanaka with more intensity, squeezing Nanaka onto the couch, and while kissing her also brought her hands to the front and also undid the knot of Nanaka's Yukata, opening it and then taking it off.

Aina was possessed by lust too and started delivering kisses and licks on Nanaka's neck.

"Mmm Ai…Aina…wa…wait…" murmured Nanaka.

Aina stopped kissing her and then noticed that they were almost falling off the sofa.

"You…you don't like it…?" asked Aina with panic in her voice.

"No…it's not…its…I—" tried Nanaka.

"Let me do you," said Aina, "I'm hungry for you…"

"Oh…eh?" said Nanaka clueless.

"Right in the bathroom, you did me…and several times...I want to do you…" said Aina softly and with a big smile, "I promise I'm not going to take you…I want to …eat you… May I?"

Nanaka blinked a few times, indeed, Aina's gluttony was something else. She nodded.

At least this time Aina was thinking in every step before doing something to Nanaka, and that melted her heart. This time Aina was asking for her permission.

"Good," said Aina and stood up from Nanaka's lap, removed what was left of the Yukata and put it on the sofa, of course, she was completely naked, then she extended a hand for Nanaka to stand up too.

When she did, it was Aina who removed her clothes with soft movements, leaving Nanaka naked too. Then grabbed Nanaka's hands and started giving lovely kisses to her fingers.

"I love this…part…of…you…" said Aina while kissing, then held her hands and dragged Nanaka to the elbow of the "L shaped" sofa.

Aina sat.

Nanaka looked at her with a confused gaze, she thought that Aina would take her to the bed. To the King-size bed. But Aina gave her a goofy smile.

They were still holding hands; Aina brought Nanaka's hands up again and kiss them lovingly.

"I…I want you to…sit on my face…" Aina asked softly, her cheeks bright red.

Nanaka opened her eyes wide.

"Eh…? What?… Why—"

"C'mon…I'm hungry…" said Aina trying to cover her embarrassment with a bolder tone and pulling Nanaka's body towards her.

Nanaka just couldn't say a thing and landed with her knees and hands on the sofa on t it's backrest as a reflex.

"Aina…are you sure…?" asked Nanaka maybe a little bit scared; Aina's head was on her stomach.

"Yes, don't worry…fill me in…" said Aina still covering her embarrassment with her boldness as she lay more onto the sofa and grabbed Nanaka's thighs.

Nanaka couldn't help but move her torso up, standing on her knees afraid to stifle Aina with her weight.

"It's ok..." said Aina moving down and pulling Nanaka's body again towards her, of course, now her head right at her crotch.

"Oh, my oh my..." mumbled Nanaka with embarrassment as Aina grabbed her butt with a firm grip.

Aina giggled.

"C'mon, Suwawa... Don't be shy, you are dripping wet…." and Aina gave her a deep kiss on her right inner thigh, Nanaka shivered in her spot and felt weak on the knees, of course, she lowered her hips involuntarily and Aina took the advantage to pull Nanaka's body with more strength towards her to lick her slit.

Nanaka moaned at the sensation. She couldn't deny that it felt incredible. Trying hard to resist the feeling, Nanaka still wanted to put all her weight on her knees to avoid sitting on Aina's face, but Aina was insistent and her grip on Nanaka's butt became stronger as she kept pulling her down.

"Ah...ah...Aina...mmmm" mumbled Nanaka shyly, of course, Aina was devouring her fiercely, to the point that her knees just gave in and Nanaka finally sat on Aina's face.

It was an incredible sensation.

Aina's tongue moved fast, twitching, licking and curving in the right places. It was making Nanaka lose all her senses. Aina stopped her tongue for a second to give special treatment to her clit, sucking it, and playing with it and using her lips.

She started to move her hips, her grip on the backrest was even painful on her fingers, trying to resist the urge to move at a faster speed, remembering that Aina's head was under her.

But Aina was too good at that.

Nanaka started to moan louder, her voice mixing with the wet sounds of Aina's tongue and her own wetness. Definitely, that made her hornier and wetter.

Suddenly she felt something moving in her rear; using what was left of her senses Nanaka could identify it being Aina's fingers that started to wander around, she was playing with her butt cheeks.

"Ai...Aina what...mmmm Ahhh~" Nanaka interrupted, Aina's tongue started to penetrate her and that was enough for Nanaka to lose it.

It was as if Aina had pressed a switch inside Nanaka; she started fiercely moving her hips without any control, her head back, eyes closed tightly, even her back was arching into the movement as Nanaka started to moan incredibly loud for her own taste.

She was totally out of control. She forgot completely that Aina's face was below her, she just moved insatiably against her face, feeling that crazy tongue inside and Aina's curious fingers exploring all her lower half.

It was an amazing feeling, she felt that her hip might fall from all the movement, but she just didn't have any control over it.

"Ahh! Ahhh, Aina! I'm...I'm...AHHHH~!" Nanaka moaned louder as her back arched receiving an incredible orgasm.

The room became silent except for Nanaka's hard pants and her very elaborate breathing. Her body was tired, very sweaty, and bent forward, her eyes shut tight as she recovered her senses.

Nanaka tried hard not to fall with all her weight on Aina's face; her knees were shivering, and she felt tired. Maybe she had burned more calories in that single round of sex than an intense dance practice. Her thighs were really sore.

"Ah...ah..." panted Nanaka with difficulties; she opened her eyes softly, looking down and searching for Aina, "Aina...Aina-chan... You...you ok?"

Nanaka could only see half of Aina's face, from half of her nose up, of course, the rest was still hidden below Nanaka's core. Aina had her eyes closed, but she abruptly opened them to lock gazes with Nanaka; Aina gave her a long lick.

"AH~!" moaned Nanaka, arching her back and throwing her head back again.

"Ya' kidding...I'm in heaven here..." said Aina as she continued licking Nanaka's core a little more.

"S—...stop...Ah...Aina...hmmm" tried Nanaka, but of course, Aina's head was buried there and she had no strength left to get her out of her crotch.

"Can't help it...you are so delicious..." Aina kept murmuring while licking all around Nanaka's slit.

Nanaka was grunting again, but both concentrations were interrupted by their phones. If both phones were ringing it could only mean that it was the Aqours' LINE chat, or the Third Years one.

"Ignore it..." mumbled Aina focused on her duty.

"Ah...no, I can't feel my legs...Aina..." said Nanaka, and using all her strength moved to the side of the sofa, falling very ungracefully on it.

Aina giggled.

Nanaka stretched her legs, it was painful.

"Thanks so much for dessert..." said Aina sitting up on the sofa, looking at Nanaka with a malicious smile.

Nanaka from her melting and indecorous position gave her a tired smile.

Aina licked her lips and then her fingers like if she was tasting whipped cream, then she locked her eyes with Nanaka.

"What? I don't like to leave leftovers..." said Aina with a wide smile.

"You...you are so weird..." said Nanaka trying to sit in a better position, "Jesus! I'm...sore..."

"I believe my name is Aina...I can be Jesus..." mocked Aina and then she laughed. Nanaka rolled her eyes.

Then Aina stood up.

"You know I love your taste and scent, but I'm gonna wash my face if you are ok...?" said Aina while moving back to the bathroom.

Nanaka nodded faintly, that was indeed a good call knowing that she didn't like her own taste.

She rested on the sofa like a melted corpse for a few minutes until she remembered the phone; it was late, why would Aqours members be texting at those hours. Maybe something had happened.

With weak desire, Nanaka tried to move off the sofa, her legs were like jelly but she managed to grab her purse from the dresser.

She took her phone out and opened her eyes wide in surprise.

The message was from Arisa on the Third Year's LINE chat.

Finally! Congratulations! ＼ ( ) ／

"What the hell?" said Nanaka confused.

"What?" asked Aina from the bathroom.

"The message...it's from Arisa..." answered Nanaka with a weird tone, like no matter how many times she read it, she couldn't get it.

"Oh..." said Aina softly.

"Did you win the lottery?" asked Nanaka still confused.

"EH?! What? " snapped Aina still in the bathroom, "You mean spending the night with you counts as if I had won the lottery... Then yes..."

I doubt this "Finally congratulations" is because Aina has just eaten me... Or the fact that we are in a love hotel or something...Arisa doesn't know that we are together...

Nanaka giggled.

"Arisa sent us congratulations..." said Nanaka dryly.

Aina laughed.

"Well, you had a hell of an orgasm! Congrats!" mocked Aina, Nanaka rolled her eyes.

"Did you win something?... Or you were in a magazine or the such?" asked Nanaka in a dry tone, then she opened her phone to answer Arisa.

"No Suwawa, I haven't won a thing...or did anything lately that requires congratulations..." said Aina leaving the bathroom.

They shared some smiles.

Before Aina started walking to grab her phone, they shared a soft kiss, then Aina continued her path.

"I don't know, it's late...that's why I got worried...no one writes this late..." said Nanaka writing Arisa back.

Waa?... ( ＾＾； )

Aina took her phone and walked towards the bed and sat on it doing a cute jump.

"Mmm weird, maybe Arisha just lost a screw..." said Aina with her phone and wrote.

Waa? ( _ )

Then giggled.

Nanaka and Aina shared a complicit smile. Nanaka thought about throwing her phone back to her purse and continue enjoying her Aina a bit more, and maybe Aina was thinking the same because her gaze became intense while checking her out.

Yes, she was still naked for Aina to enjoy the view.

But Arisa's answer was quicker than both of them to react at something that wasn't the phone.

Hurry up and check your social media! ۹ (Ò ہ Ó) ۶

"Eh? The social media?" read Nanaka.

"Mmm, what day is today?" asked Aina, her eyes glued to her phone.

"Well, it's past midnight...so it's the thirtieth already..." said Nanaka checking her phone, "Why?"

But Aina didn't answer, she was frowning while searching for something on her phone, her eyes moving up and down.

"Maybe it's the magazine...but... Why her 'final congratulations',? This isn't—" Nanaka was saying.

"Suwawa..." interrupted Aina, her tone was strong, strong enough to shut Nanaka abruptly.

Aina looked at her with wide tearing eyes.

"What?... What is it...?" said Nanaka and walked a few steps towards Aina.

Aina got off of the bed, her right hand on her mouth, tears falling from her eyes;

"The...the results..." she said, "The popularity poll...Suwawa... YOU WON THE POLL!"

"Eh...?"

"YOU GOT THE CENTER! 'KANAN-CHAN'!" shouted Aina still with tears falling and showing Nanaka her phone.

Nanaka blinked a few times, then realized that she wasn't wearing her contacts, but what Aina had said felt like a dream.

"What...what?" she asked not believing a thing.

"Check it! See for yourself!" said Aina, she was in such a shock that she just couldn't move from her spot.

Nanaka brought her phone up and opened her social media, she didn't need to search long as Aina did, it was the first thing on her Twitter.

Nanaka opened her eyes wide. Everything was green.

The results of the popularity poll were up. And just as Aina shouted, Matsuura Kanan had won it. She was first, on the top. It felt unreal.

The weakest of the members, the one who was always behind, the one who lacked stamina, the one who couldn't sing and dance at the same time, the one that needed to repeat her recordings thousands of times, the one who never stood out, the quiet one, the one who wasn't up for the task and Production had needed to change her character for... The one who had to give up the leadership to another member because she lacked personality, the one who couldn't do a simple leapfrog...

The one who was LAST on the first poll.

"I...I won..." she murmured without realizing her sight was blurry, her voice cracked; she was crying.

She dropped her phone and brought her hands to her face.

"Oh, Suwawa!" called Aina and moved towards her quickly, "Don't, don't cry..."

"These...these are tears of joy..." said Nanaka moving her hands to her cheeks to look at Aina.

Aina was crying too, she smiled wide and hugged her tightly.

"I'm so proud...I'm so proud...I... CONGRATULATIONS!" shouted Aina still hugging her and crying on her belly, "I love you I love you... I knew you would win...oh my God, I'm so happy..."

Nanaka didn't say a thing, her tears were falling without control. It was pure joy.

After that terrible year when she came into a project, who knows why, and who knows how she got the role of Kanan, a character that had NOTHING she could relate to. By some miracle, she had gotten it. And after she did, she sucked at it. Not having the right tone, she had given Production more headaches than relief and made everything hard and complicated, not only for her role but her role inside the Unit.

Her friendship with Arisa compromised by her own failure.

A failure.

She was a failure.

One after another. Frustrated almost the whole year.

But now...she had won.

She had the Center.

Nanaka hugged Aina tightly and cried with her. It was a mixed feeling of joy and sadness, maybe a bit of satisfaction. But sure it tasted as glory too.

"I... how...how was it for 'Mari'?" asked Nanaka in her cracked voice.

"Who the fuck cares?! Suwawa!" snapped Aina and separate from Nanaka's belly to look at her, she brought up her hands and grabbed Nanaka's cheeks, both girls crying, "I can't care less, if 'Mari-chan' is last, well so be it; you won...YOU WON!"

"I won..." repeated Nanaka softly, trying to convince herself.

"I'm the one who knows best how hard you worked for this, how hard you have been struggling with this...how painful it has been... How frustrating...you deserve it...you will shine...you will make us blind!" said Aina with such energy that made Nanaka cry more.

Aina was the witness of Nanaka's every single failure in her performance as Kanan inside the Sunshine project. She had been in every one of the failures, since the voice check, from failing the leapfrog to being the perfect mocking target of the Lead Teacher while dancing and failing at recording... Aina was always there.

There to support her, there to encourage her, there to collect every piece of herself, of her failures. All the shards that had been spread for about a year, Aina had collected them all... And there she was, gluing them for Nanaka to shine.

"I... I shine..." murmured Nanaka and grabbed Aina's cheeks with her hands, getting lost in Aina's watery eyes, Aina nodded. She was equally emotional about everything to even mumble a word.

"I love you... I love you so much..." said Nanaka with a strong and loving voice, it was like having her heart and mind clear, no doubts about anything.

Aina smiled wide.

And they kissed.

Maybe it was salty, but tasted like victory, like perfection.

It didn't matter if the world ended that morning, Nanaka had reached happiness in a different dimension. She had the Center, she had Aina's unconditional love, she even had a magazine cover! The building wasn't enough to hold such happiness.

It was Aina who broke the kiss as she caressed Nanaka's cheeks, they locked gazes.

"Suwa Nanaka..." called Aina with her mature tone, Nanaka blinked, "May I make love to you tonight?"

Nanaka felt her breath was taken away.

She closed her eyes slowly, letting her tears of happiness fall helplessly from her eyes and cheeks. Then nodded.

Maybe she deserved so much love in her life, after all, it had been a rough year, from her failures in the Project to her painful and failed relationship.

It was time to be happy.

Aina held her hands and softly guided Nanaka towards the bed, where she sat.

Aina caressed her cheeks, softly cleaning every single tear from her eyes and cheeks with such love that Nanaka felt Aina's touch soft as feathers.

Then Aina caressed Nanaka's lips, softly; Nanaka responded with a soft kiss on her fingers. Both smiled at each other.

There was so much love in Aina's gaze that it made Nanaka frail like a flower.

Aina softly touched Nanaka's cheeks once again and caressed them;

"You are so beautiful..." said Aina with love, dazzled.

Nanaka brought her hands to softly touch Aina's arms, she closed her eyes trying to feel her love completely, but Aina just trapped her lips into a sweet kiss.

It was soft, it felt safe, it felt right.

Somehow, Aina's passion and clumsiness found a way to behave and be something else, like a complete feeling. A mature message that Aina was trying to send to Nanaka.

It was communication.

Aina was in control of it. But in a mature way.

She wasn't taking over Nanaka or doing something against her will, or fulfilling a kink. Not at all.

There was communication with each other in that kiss, as Aina was deepening it, Nanaka was felt lost in Aina's love.

She didn't realize how, but somehow Aina made Nanaka lay on her back while she climbed the bed and straddled her, their chest against each other's, feeling their breasts, their skin on each other.

Nanaka wanted to melt in Aina's body again, but this time, she was on the receiving end. And felt right. Aina had control of everything, but it was in Nanaka's way.

Aina stopped kissing her for a few seconds to look at Nanaka with such a loving gaze that it melted her heart.

"This isn't your bed..." said Aina softly, "This is our bed..."

Nanaka opened her sleepy eyes in surprise, feeling that her body was just too small to hold such a feeling of love; she realized that Aina was serious about everything, that she was going to make love to her, in a King-size bed, surrounded by red rose petals.

Almost if this was taken from one of those cheesy western love movies, but Nanaka was pleased, she was in love, and was so full of love that the only thing that crossed her mind was...

Perfect.

Everything was perfect.

Aina touched her skin with her soft baby hands, it gave her incredible electric sensations on all her body. Without taking her eyes from Nanaka's, she traced her body completely until reaching her hip, where Nanaka made a cute jump on her spot. Of course, that was a weak spot.

Aina smiled softly at her.

"I...I'm going to make love to you, Suwa Nanaka..." said Aina in her mature tone, so in control of everything that Nanaka didn't even realize when Aina started to play with the wetness in her core.

Nanaka also traced Aina's body with her fingers, trying to convince herself that it was Aina the one who was on top of her.

"You are ready..." said Aina moving her fingers all around Nanaka's slit, "Should...do I need a condom?... " teased Aina, Nanaka giggled.

She moved her arms to hug Aina, but in a quick movement, she just undid Aina's bun, making her silky hair fall on her back and shoulders. She tossed the scrunchie somewhere else.

Then she encircled her arms around Aina's shoulders.

"No, I want you raw in me...I want to feel you," said Nanaka with her low tone, her eyes glued onto Aina's, "make love to me, Suzuki Aina…"

Aina smiled wide; with a slow movement, Aina went to her lips, as Nanaka opened her legs and locked them on Aina's hips to feel Aina's fingers getting inside her.

Of course, Nanaka moaned at the sensation of finally having Aina's fingers inside her. No pain, just pleasure, and love.

As they started to move in their act of love, Aina's thrusts became intense as their love was being consumed.

There was no more doubt, there were no more fears, just love and the feeling that finally, after a year of frustrations and pain, the sun was finally shining on Nanaka.

Finally, all of Nanaka's efforts had paid off; it was a privilege, an honor, almost a miracle. But she couldn't be happier about it.

That night, Aina made love to her several times, in a very romantic and intense way. There was love, lust, respect, and why not, a few giggles and laughing. Mostly because Aina's fingers were just too short, but still, that wasn't important for Nanaka.

What was important was that finally, she felt happy, complete and nothing could break that feeling.

She would shine to make her fans happy and smile, she couldn't let them down, not after all the effort they had put on choosing her, and now she was determined to shine for Aina to smile too. For them to shine together, to embrace this wonderful feeling.

It was perfect.

She shined.

-0oo0-

---

Notes:

#LoveforNanaka

FINALLY! we can deliver some love for Nanaka! at last a happy ending! - not everything must be drama and painful for her, right?-

I don't know if I'll be able to deliver another chapter before New Year... but I'll try my best! (๑˃̵ᴗ˂̵)و
Thanks so much for Favs, Kudos, and Comments!
See you next time! (◕‿◕✿)