Chapter 16: Communication and Boundaries

It is midterm week. After school, Yuu needs to go home immediately, as it gets busy at the bookstore when students are cramming. Getting used to going home with her girlfriend, Sayaka offered to walk Yuu home. Trying to get as much time as possible. It is a compromise, as Yuu doesn't want them to walk towards the parking lot, which is in the other direction, just so they can ride the car to the store. And also rejected the idea that Jin could pick them up somewhere nearby and then take her home.

When the brunette waves goodbye to Yuu, she still doesn't feel like going home yet. Or to text Jin to pick her up. Walking alone is something Sayaka was used to, but now it feels weird. As she walked on, she saw the coffee shop they went to when they had their misunderstanding. She enters the café on impulse.

Sayaka was told that she could sit anywhere. She chose the seat her girlfriend had taken on their last visit. Ordering coffee, as she intends to study when she returns home. Right now, she's trying to decide the next steps in her relationship with Yuu. She is torn between wanting to please her girlfriend and if it is really time for them to take it. They had only been dating for a few weeks now and had known each other for just over two months. Everything seems to be moving fast for her. But the way they feel for each other is something even she can't deny. The numbers might not add up, but she knows she has stumbled upon something that only happens once in a lifetime. 'Is it really okay to just plunge into it like we did with kissing?'

Her reverie was broken by the bell ringing at the door. Having good ears makes her sensitive to sounds, even if she's lost in her thoughts. Hakozaki-sensei walks in and is greeted by the owner of the shop, who welcomes her back. The way they look at each other is familiar and affectionate. 'Oh'

The teacher didn't notice the student and just went to the bar to drink. Sayaka watches as discreetly as possible. The couple chatted for a little bit before her teacher said goodbye. Mentioning test papers to check and grade.

-*+/

When Sayaka got home, she couldn't get over the image of the two older women. They look happy and satisfied with their relationship. She wonders if years were added to her and Yuu's relationship—would it look something like that? Not just burning passion but contented smiles and warm conversations.

After walking Yuu to the bookstore again the next day, Sayaka decided to visit the coffee shop again. This time she sat on a bar stool at the counter and was determined to talk to the owner.

"Ah, you again."

"Oh, hello. You remember me?"

"I always remember a pretty face."

Sayaka blushed. But the owner just chuckled.

"So, coffee again?"

"Yes please."

As the owner prepare her coffee. Sayaka is building up the courage to talk. When her coffee was placed in front of her, she took the first step before she has a chance to change her mind.

"Uhm, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure"

"This may be too f-forward of me. E-even rude, actually, I apologize if my o-observation is wrong…" She keeps tripping on her words. She took a quick breath. "Are you in a relationship with Hakozaki-sensei?"

The owner was stunned for a bit. Sayaka looked away out of embarrassment.

"Yeah, we are. She is my girlfriend." The owner spoke confidently.

The lanky girl looked up and was astonished by the frank answer. She has always liked people who get to the point immediately.

"But don't mention it to Riko, or I will be in trouble."

"I won't, I promise."

"Is that all you want to ask me about?"

"Ah, there is something else. I hope I won't offend you."

"Don't worry. When I was your age, I felt like I needed to hide everything. So, this is quite refreshing. And you seem to be a good kid. Just ask away."

"I have a girlfriend. We just got together recently." Sayaka said she was trying to phrase her words carefully. Running it over her mind first. "Things seem to go so fast, and I feel like we are rushing things. I wanted to protect her and give her as much time as possible. But at the same time, it feels right. Sometimes I am confused if it was just hormones, but one thing I am clear about is that I love her, and she loves me."

"You really care for this girl."

"I am sorry if that was abrupt and confided too many things at once. These thoughts have been nagging me for days, and I can't seem to make up my mind. And it is something I don't feel comfortable talking to my parents about. Even though they are amazing and supportive. It is still something private, and I don't know if they would understand at the level that you would."

"Wow, thanks for trusting me."

"Ah, well when I saw you with Hakozaki-sensei yesterday, I felt this weird bond towards you. Even though we haven't talked before."

"I'm Miyako. Just call me Miya."

"Please call me Sayaka."

"Pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine." The brunette said after sipping her coffee. "So, what do you think? What should I do?"

"First thing is communicate this to your girlfriend. Communication is really important. Most failed relationships happen when people don't communicate enough with their partners."

"Yeah, I have been burned by that before. I almost lost her. How did you make it work with sensei? You guys seem to be in a loving relationship and are happy with each other."

"We have been together for almost five years now. It has its ups and downs. But yes, we are very happy. There isn't one trick that could solve everything. Every relationship is unique since it is shared by two people with unique personalities and upbringings. All I can tell you right now is to talk to her first before making a decision."

"I did promise her that we would talk about it after midterms are over."

"You're on the right path, kiddo. You treasure this girl. She is lucky to have you." Miya goes to the side, making another coffee.

After considering what she just heard "Is there a second thing to the first thing?"

"You're witty, aren't you?" Sayaka gave a shy smile. "The second thing is that you have to respect each other's boundaries. Not everything is about your needs, and not everything is about her needs. You have to find the balance and agree on the terms that each of you will lay down. Relationships will have compromises, but never lose yourselves just to please each other. If you guys can meet in the middle without breaking each other's identity, I think you guys will just go on just fine."

"Wow," Sayaka said, trying to absorb the piece of wisdom given to her. "That is some great advice. Thank you." She drank the last of her coffee as she pondered. "And thanks for listening to me. I really needed someone to talk to."

"It's okay. I enjoy listening to the stories my customers want to share." The owner gave her another cup of coffee. "On the house, since you're so kind." Sayaka blushed. "So, this girlfriend of yours, what is she like?"

"Oh, the best one. That is why I am so afraid. I don't want to screw this up.

-*+/

The midterms are finally over. Yuu's scores gave her a place among the top students in her class. Surprising even her friends. Her parents couldn't be more thrilled since their athletic, gamer, and manga-obsessed daughter finally got serious with her studies. That is why when Yuu asked for permission to go out and celebrate with Sayaka after her Saturday shift, her parents happily agreed, knowing that the senpai played a major role in their daughter's success.

Sayaka greeted Rei when she arrived at the bookstore.

"Oh Sayaka-chan. You look so pretty."

The brunette blushed. She was used to being complimented, but when it comes from people she cares about and if it is genuine, she can't help but feel shy. She is wearing a knee-length navy blue cocktail dress with gold linings. Hair is up with the usual strands here and there. Simple earrings and light makeup

"Thanks Rei-chan."

"Can I have a quick word with you?" Rei whispered. "Yuu won't be down for two more minutes, I think."

The younger girl became uncomfortable at the sudden request but nodded.

"You and Yuu are together, aren't you?" Rei mumbled even lower.

"Ah, uhm…" Sayaka knows that Yuu hasn't come out of her family yet. But the way her girlfriend talks about Rei, it seems like she's someone who won't have a negative reaction to her sister's sexuality. "I think the answer should come from her."

"I am cool with it. I am happy for her. My sister always hesitates to make the first move. I was hoping someone would help pull her along. I am glad it is you."

"Thanks"

"Take care of her?"

"I will give it my best shot."

"Then I promise that I will do everything I can to support the both of you."

"What are you guys mumbling over there?" Yuu asked. She's wearing a yellow dress. It is simple but would pass for the place that Sayaka is taking her tonight.

"I was asking Sayaka-chan if she has a boyfriend."

"She has someone." Yuu said matter-of-factly.

"But she's so pretty. She can just collect anyone she likes."

"Don't give her any ideas." The petite girl said quite irritably.

Sayaka raised an eyebrow. She had always been the one who was jealous. This side of Yuu was not really apparent, and it pleased her.

"Alright, sis. Enjoy tonight. If you want to stay over with Sayaka-chan, I'll cover for you."

Both girls blushed. One is redder than the other.

"What…"

"Ah, you know, if you become drunk, don't come home. Mom and dad won't like that." Rei winked.

"I won't drink... too much."

"Yikes, you need to learn to lie properly."

"I won't let her drink alcohol tonight, Rei-chan."

"Offer still stands. Just chat me. Now go away."

The pair went inside the car.

"It feels like forever since I did this." Sayaka said as she put her girlfriend's seatbelt on.

"Yeah, last week we used the same seat belt, and this week we didn't get to go to your house. I miss you."

"Even when we see each other every day?"

"You know what I mean."

"I know. I miss you too."

Both lean in for a kiss. The first one after almost a week. They felt that mild electric shock that passed through them every time there was a gap between their kisses. And the midterm week is the longest so far. The kisses are hungry, but Sayaka broke them before they escalated further.

"Do we really need to go on a date? Can't we just go to your house?"

"I thought I was the one with touch as the main language."

"I am discovering that it might be mine too."

"Be patient. I think you will enjoy what I have prepared for you tonight."

The car took them to the heart of the city. They talked about the questions in the midterm that were on the practice tests.

"Those really help me a lot. Thanks again."

"I am happy. I like that I get to help you and fulfill my promises."

"And now you are spoiling me. Where are we going anyway?"

"Hmmn, why don't you look outside?"

Though still far away, the towering skytree stood in the center frame of Yuu's window. Ever-changing multi-colored lights dance all over it, making the buildings beside it even smaller.

"No, you're kidding me, right?"

"I reserve a table for us at the restaurant at the top."

"Sayaka, that's excessive. I would be happy to share a cup of coffee with you. We don't need to go there."

"My love, please let me do this. A promise is a promise, right?"

"I don't remember you promising this. You just said we should go sometime."

"That is a promise for me."

Yuu can't believe what he is seeing when they arrive at the restaurant. It's making her knees weak whenever she looks down. But the view of the horizon is mesmerizing. The sky is like an upside-down rainbow. It's a blend from dark blue to violet, red to orange, and then yellow, with a fraction of the sun still visible.

Menus are given. And the redhead tried her best not to look at the prices. She settled on shrimp pasta and let Sayaka decide the drinks. They talk about their families. Store and the corporate center. Updates from the design team, sending them greetings from Osaka. The dessert was given when the lanky girl changed the subject.

"Yuu, do you still remember the promise I made about us talking about something after midterm?"

"Remember? I am trying to pull the days so midterms will be over."

"Would you be comfortable talking about it here?"

"You just have to ask that in public, huh?"

"I want you to have a choice."

"Alright, lay it on me."

"I have desired you since that stormy night. I have wanted you since we first kissed."

Yuu was startled at this. And at the manner in which they were delivered.

"I had to control myself each time. I wanted to cherish you. And not demand anything. You are so willing to give me everything that it sometimes worries me. The way you trusted me is something I will treasure till the day I die. And I don't want to do anything that will break that trust. I feel like we rush things that are important. We kissed, and suddenly we were dating without really knowing each other. We feel attracted to each other, of course, and we develop feelings. But is that all that we are? If we take passion, attraction, and desires out of the equation, Is there anything left? Do you still like me? You know some of my faults. And we both discover how badly I handle things. And I hurt you in the process."

"You know that math is not my strong suit." Yuu smiled weakly. "But I understand what you are saying."

"Now, I want you to take your time to decide about the things we can and can't do. And I will respect each one of them. Also, the things you expect from me."

"Do you have a list of yours?"

"Oh, that was sudden, uhm at the top of my head. I wanted to kiss you every time we were alone. Hold your hand when you are comfortable doing so. I wanted to be there for you when you had problems. Protect you. Give you comfort. Sanctuary. I want to provide the things you will ever need. And give you the things you want. I want you to depend on me, even for the little things. I want to talk to you until we are both exhausted. Greet each other in the morning and say goodnight before sleeping. I want to discover and explore things with you. I want to experience life with you. I want you."

"Sayaka"

"You can reject anything on it."

"It feels like you proposed to me."

"You can think that it is. When you decide, then we can take the next step."

"Do I have a deadline for my list?"

"No. I will wait for you."

"I already have an answer"

"Yuu, be serious."

"I want you, Sayaka. I decided to love only you a long time ago. That decision was being reinforced every day. And what happened in the garden last week was the final brick. You may think everything happened so fast. But extraordinary things happen unexpectedly, and they are some of the best things in life. I am not belittling the efforts you put into trying to make me feel comfortable and safe. I am very thankful, really. And yes, we are both still very young and inexperienced with life. Things can still change. Life will have its way with us. But I am sure I could not love another. Every day, I fall for you. I just know from the core of my being that what we have is something rare and precious. I will be damned if I let you slip by.

"About the boundaries you are talking about, I can discover them as we journey together. I know you well enough that I am sure you will accept all of them when the time comes, and respect me, and take care of me. All the things we have done so far are acceptable to me. And I want more."

"Then," Sayaka said, placing a small velvety box in the middle of the table. "Will you open this? It's not an engagement ring. Don't worry."

Yuu took the box. And slowly open it. A pair of rings were sitting in the middle of the silk bed inside the box. One has several tiny yellow gems around an intricate design of the silver and white gold band. The other has a diamond counterpart.

"I designed those myself. You remember when I said you were my Sun?"

The redhead could only nod.

"The one with the yellow diamonds is for you."

Yuu took the one indicated and examined the design. There are wavy halo rays surrounding a yellow gem, which overlap until they reach the next gem, some halo rays were disturb by puffs of fluffy clouds. The band isn't big. She wonders how much work it took to recreate the design in the ring.

"The clear one will be for me."

The other ring was examined. It has fluffy, wavy outlies, and the gems aren't fixed in the middle. It forms a wavy pattern.

"So, mine is like the clouds with some light going through it. I chose that since you like White Clouds too much when I play it for you. And it was the song that led me to finally tell you how I feel."

"Sayaka"

"Can I be the white clouds to your sun?"

"Are you expecting another answer than 'absolutely yes, please'?" Yuu said, echoing her words from that first contact.

The green-eyed girl chuckled. "Maybe"

"How about 'yes, a thousand times yes'?"

"Much better"

"Put it on me."

Sayaka gets up from her chair and goes to the chair beside Yuu. She put the yellow gemmed ring on Yuu's left ring finger. The petite girl then took the clear one and put it on her girlfriend's finger. Since they were not alone, they couldn't kiss and just stared tenderly at each other.

"Want to come over my house?"

Yuu's eyes widen.

"You probably need to chat your sister."