If I Knew
Sagi counted the days till exams were over until it finally arrived. She was able to breathe and sigh in relief. She worked hard on those exams. And she was grateful for all of Katanowe San's help, that she was able to go from a D average to an A average. She kept quiet about her good grades. She was not in the mood to be a tutor to study more work than she needed to. For some reason, Katanowe San never minded. Neither did Ami San. But she did. Ugh.
Seiya San, like a champ, was caught up on all of her work. Same with her friend Tenouh San. Sagi was still intimidated by her friend, for some reason. She didn't understand why. But every time she thought of the sandy blonde, it made her a bit uneasy. It wasn't bad, just… intimidated. Seiya gave off that same kind of intimidation, but she had more gentle energy to her, whereas for Tenouh San's energy was… hard edge.
Takahashi San and Kaioh San attempted to take her out for girls' day out shopping. But she kept derailing them with her focus on her homework. She was too shy to shop. Many of the clothes didn't fit her whenever she tried on clothes that her mother would choose for her. In honesty, she hated shopping with her mother…
She never liked shopping with her mother. But she was gracious and too polite to say anything to her.
So she found the excuse of escaping to herself. She was left alone. For that, she was extremely grateful. Also, she was still warming up to them.
Yes, she had a history with Seiya San. So far, nothing came about between them that made her angry, but she was still somewhat on guard with her. At the same time, she truly enjoyed her company. She was extremely…
Sagi blushed as she thought of the senior. She felt tenderness whenever she was with her. Miyu spoke about crushes along with her other peers. She started to understand what a crush was...
Other girls would swoon over magazines that were shown to her… She even heard classmates whispering about crushes on cute men. They would talk of giddiness. They spoke about butterflies in their stomach. They spoke about their desired crushes being inside of their minds. They spoke about feelings for said crushes, and their faces would flush whenever they said their names. Every time someone would think of someone like they would heat up all over… and a feeling of importance would develop inside the soul for that person.
Sagi said nothing, but she unintentionally eavesdropped to the clandestine whispers of her peers whenever they felt no one would hear them… For some reason, whenever she looked over and noticed the pictures of the boys on the girls' magazines, she wouldn't feel anything. Maybe she was supposed to feel something when she was older, but at the moment, she felt nothing whenever magazine pictures of male celebrities were shown to others. Sure, they were nice looking, but as far as any stirring emotions inside of her, she felt… nothing.
Seiya San was supposed to meet her today after she cleaned up from the gym. Sagi saw her suitcases laid out before she went to class this morning. Thank Goddess the exams were over! Now she may relax. She was excited for her friend. The senior was leaving for England tomorrow to have the audition of a lifetime for that Juilliard school in America. She had a good feeling the senior would get in. She was extremely talented. And Seiya San's voice was so divine. Seeing her perform made this past Saturday made her heartbeat. Her mind went to the reception last Saturday, where Seiya San and her friends met up with Elsie Chan, Miyu Chan, and her… Seiya took her to the side, revealed the bracelet she gave her, which Sagi felt excited that she wore everyday… and that girl held her in those strong arms, feeling that girl's tender kisses on her eyelids...
The sophomore stilled in confusion as she felt herself flushed, feeling butterflies in her stomach, out of breath, floating on air… She shut her eyes, wondering why was it everything she thought of her, she felt like she would lose her ground. Her. Seiya San always encompassed her mind. And…
Sagi gasped, realizing a truth that she didn't realize before.
She has a crush on Seiya San!
"Oh, Goddess!" The sophomore gasped in shock and covered her mouth.
Sagi was blushing hard and red, feeling her heart pound hard as she shut her eyes super tight.
"Oh, Goddess… Nani…?!" She whispered to herself and ran up to the dorms.
She immediately went inside and shut the door. Shaking in her body, she grabbed a towel and moved to take a shower, still in extreme shock.
…
Seiya ran off the track as she finished accompanying Elsie. Haruka grinned, always finished ahead of them. The black-haired beauty winked and smiled as she drank some water. She was completely relieved after finishing those exams. All of them were. The seniors had the toughest exams out of the entire school as they had to test on everything they have learned in school in order to graduate. She, Haruka, Michiru, Taiki, and Yaten all felt they passed with flying colors. Elsie Chan was freaking out with Miyu Chan, but they were sure they did wonderfully. They studied hard for these exams, on top of their usual midterms. She wondered the other underclassmen must have had it easy-
SHIT! She had a date with Sagi! She needed to get ready.
The senior quickly grabbed her things and waved.
"Jane!"
Elsie was lying on the ground, looking up into the sky with laziness, whining and crying about how tired she was. Haruka laughed hard but looked at her best friend running off like she was on fire. Her eyes narrowed.
…
Sagi felt the warmth of the water spray on her hair and back as her eyes shut. Steam formed around the bathroom. Her eyes trailed to the liquid body soap that her friend had… it smelled really good. She was too shy to use it. So she used the bar of soap along with the standard shampoo that her father sent her via package. She was finishing up. Now that she calmed down in the shower, she was able to focus.
…
Seiya ran as she shut the door. She didn't see her roommate anywhere. Figuring she was still with Elsie and Miyu, she quickly undressed and got her towel. She was running late for her date. She rushed to the bathroom door.
…
Sagi turned and was too comfortable with the warmth of the water as it softly shut off. She opened the curtains to the shower as the bathroom door opened, making her eyes go wide and gasp as she heard the senior yelp and saw her face flush super red.
…
"FUCK! Gomen Nasai, Sagi, I didn't know you were still here!" The senior shook a bit as she turned and moved out into the room, shutting the door, shutting her eyes, thinking of the sophomore...
Her Body...
…
Sagi was super red all over. Her heart stopped as she lost oxygen in her chest. She hyperventilated a bit and swiftly got out of the shower, grabbing her towel and covering herself. She realized she forgot her clothes outside in the drawer.
That was the second time this happened. Not only she herself bare, but she thought of the senior catching her bare again,, and seeing her...
Her Body
…
Seiya shut her eyes and sat down as she breathed, flushed red. She pressed her hand against her heart, feeling butterflies in her stomach, shaking, replaying the image of her over and over again, nonstop.
"Oh, Goddess…" She whispered to herself as she pictured that the sophomore must be viciously angry. She hoped she wasn't, or at least forgive her quickly because she intends to take her out today.
She heard the door opening and she quickly covered herself.
"Gomen Nasai, Seiya San… I didn't know you needed the restroom-"
"Iie, Sagi. You have nothing to apologize for. Gomen Nasai, I should have knocked."
"Daijabou Gozaimasu… I'm done."
Sagi blushed hard but was calmer as she noticed Seiya wrapped in a towel. She swiftly moved to the drawer as the senior got up and swiftly moved into the bathroom, slowly started to shut the door, but kept it open a bit to speak to her through the door.
They heard only voices, still making each other blush by each others' energies.
"Sagi, when I'm done, we'll go out, okay? I got permission from Mistress Hotaru San."
"Oh, she gave permission for me?"
"Hai.,. She trusts me with you. I told her I would take extreme care of you under my watch. Based on what you said to me, I took the liberty and told her your family was not going to visit you for a long while, but that you needed a break after all the hard work and troubles you went through this year and stay nearby the school. I told her we will walk around the neighborhood, and I would bring you back straight to school."
"Oh… we're walking around the school?"
"Iie. No way. We're leaving this area, going to a special district that is dear to me, and eating at a new restaurant that opened up, and then we are seeing that movie you love so much… I'm dying to watch it with you!''
"Nani! For real?!" Sagi went wide-eyed, looking at the closed bathroom door.
On the other side of the bathroom door, Seiya grinned looking at the door to the room.
"Oh, Hai. The one by Miyazaki San… What's it called again?"
"I think… Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi… I think… but oh, Seiya San, it's beautiful. You'll love it… are you sure…?"
"Hai Sagi… it's our secret between us though. We will "walk" around the neighborhood, but we're doing this. We must go to the Rainbow District. It's a passage for both of us. I'm auditioning for Juilliard tomorrow. We finished our midterms exams. We both passed. And I finished my university entry exam, which is a hard exam by the way, that tests you on all subjects learned up to our senior year. When it's your time, Taiki said she will fly in to help you study for it. But we are doing this today. You deserve this. We both do… Besides, the neighborhood around the school is boring. If you get bored at school, the neighborhood will put you to sleep even more so."
Sagi smiled as she couldn't believe it.
"No way."
"Hai. I kid you not. But the Rainbow district, that's a whole other ballpark. That's where I'm taking you, is amazing. Actually... you went there!"
"I did?"
"Hai. "Mermaids", the club we all went to that night, is there."
"Oh, the night I had that… fight… with Galexia's…"
"Oh hai, that bitch."
"I didn't know it was that area…"
"Hai… But yes, that club you went to that night. You didn't see the rest of the district, did you?"
"Iie. Onee-chan along with Miyu Chan and Larxene Chan along Xion Chan and Siren Chan had us go straight there. We took several buses there."
"You guys didn't take a cab?!"
"Iie. We found it too expensive."
"If we would have known, we would have taken you with us."
"We weren't friends yet then, and you were on another… date..." Sagi whispered in discomfort. She felt a pang in her heart.
Seiya frowned as she remembered they weren't friends yet. They were not enemies, but Sagi at the time wanted nothing to do with her friendship… her heart ached at that thought. Not to mention that night was so awkward with her crazy date at the time and… she breathed, shaken by their history, and now their present. That centered her as she exhaled.
That was then though. This is now. SAGI was the one she was dating now.
"Hai… but now we are close friends now, ne…?"
"Hai…"
"And you're my date today, ne?"
"...Hai…" Sagi whispered in confusion as Seiya smiled.
"Hai. We are so. And we are definitely doing this. I can't wait to take you to this amazing place. The food in that area is delicious! And I saw the trailer for that film. It looks phenomenal. And going by what you said. I've never seen you beam so much about anything before. And that's what excites me. We'll watch your movie after we eat. I also might take you shopping and buy you something nice."
"Oh… um… eating and watching the movie is fine enough… you don't want me to pitch in?"
"Iie, Sagi, this one is on me. Please, let me treat you. Let me treat you special today. You're very important to me. I want to give you your special treatment."
"Okay… Arigatou Gozaimasu, Seiya San. You're important to me too… I wanted to be considerate."
"You're always considerate, Sagi. That's what I love about you… You don't like shopping, do you?"
"Iie."
"Douishte?"
Sagi breathed and said nothing as Seiya remained silent.
"I just don't."
"Okay… I'll shower quickly and be ready to head out with you. I'll be quick."
"Arigatou Gozaimasu… I'll wait for you."
"Arigatou. I'm excited!"
"Me too…" Sagi whispered as Seiya swiftly shut the door as the shower turned on.
Sagi thought of Seiya as she softly smiled.
…
Inside the shower, Seiya grinned as she got ready for their date.
Yes, they were definitely closer… and hopefully, by today, even more so…
...
After time passed, the girls were ready.
Seiya had her sweater, jeans, and make-up done. She wore her favorite maroon lipstick. She convinced Sagi to do a little makeup on her.
"No foundation."
"Hai. Just lip gloss?"
"... Mascara is fine, and the lip gloss is fine."
"You got it. Besides, I think you look as beautiful as you are."
"Arigatou Gozaimasu, Seiya San… so do you."
Seiya smiled as she saw her avert her eyes and swiftly worked on her.
Sagi looked at her lips, then she averted her eyes. She wondered about her lips. It looked rosy and luscious… she breathed and calmed herself, staying still as the senior worked on her face.
This sophomore drove her crazy.
Seiya watched her in silence as she worked on her eyes. Sagi wore a turtleneck sweater and loose jeans. She wanted to get her new clothes. Her current clothes were nice, but they hid her beautiful body. And when Seiya offered one of her shirts to borrow, Sagi politely refused. It made her think Sagi did not like wearing fitted things.
But she looked beautiful in those fitted things!
She remembered how Elsie and Miyu dressed her that one time for Mermaids.
She looked so delicious.
Still looks beautiful, no matter what she wears. She has a body she envies sometimes. Maybe it was for selfish reasons that she wanted to see more of that beautiful body… thinking of her from earlier…
Seiya shut her eyes briefly and breathed. She continued to put her makeup in silence.
Yet, Elsie and Miyu managed to convince her to wear clothes, but not her, nor the other girls. It made her pause. She inquired again, but Sagi smiled and politely declined.
"I'm fine, Seiya San. Really. Arigatou Gozaimasu."
"Douishimashite. If you change your mind, let me know. I'd love to treat you."
Sagi looked down as Seiya finished her make-up and caressed her lips, making her shudder.
Those beautiful petal looking lips… fuck...
"Let's go." She took her hand and held it as Sagi exhaled and left with her.
…
They stepped out of their room, shutting the door behind, and walked down the hallway. Miyu ran up with snacks in her hand.
"Oh, where are you guys going?"
She paused at them, her eyes going wide in excitement.
"We're walking around the school." Seiya fibbed with a grin.
"Really?" Miyu scrunched up her nose in disgust.
"Hai. We'll be back. Jane." Seiya chanted as Sagi swiftly followed.
"Jane, Miyu Chan! Tell me about the exams later!"
"Hai, Sagi Chan! You and Seiya Chan have fun around… the school... Yayyy…?"
The two left down the stairs as Miyu watched them and smiled as she whispered to herself.
"Oh, Seiya Chan, Sagi Chan… if only you two weren't so blind to each other, you would see how much you both like each other, it's so freaking obvious. Hopefully, you two will wake up to each other… walking around the neighborhood - how freaking boring!"
Miyu shook her head in disbelief and sighed, relieved exams were over for now, and walked inside the room to eat snacks. She would never understand that.
Who the hell walks around this neighborhood for fun?!
…
Rainbow District
Seiya grinned as she took a cab with Sagi. They sneaked out through the back entrance behind the garden wall. They spoke about the movie. Sagi, being the honorable audience, never revealed any spoilers. Seiya was grateful for that! Whenever she and the girls went out with Elsie and Miyu, they LOVED to spoil. It irritated her. She loved them, but it irritated her and the others. Taiki would send murdering glares to anyone who tried to she loved how Sagi remained quiet.
"It's beautiful, Seiya San. Miyazaki San did wonders. That's all I will say."
"I can't wait. I've literally never seen you so excited before."
"I am!"
"And you must be excited. I'm taking you to the best restaurant. I never took anyone here before, but tried it on my own. It's delicious!"
"Wow… are you sure you don't want me to-?"
"I'll bite you if you ask me again, Odango. And I will bite nice and hard, making your blood rush to the skin."
"Nani?!" Sagi yelped as she chuckled.
"Come, Odango. Be a good girl, let me treat you well."
"Fine… I am good…" She whispered in shock.
"I know you are. That's why I'm going to treat you so well today."
Seiya grinned, chuckling at her cuteness as she blushed. Sagi blushed hard as she winked, making her heart beat hard.
They went to a quiet, intimate restaurant in the back alley.
"Seiya San… where are we going?"
"Hidden secret place. You will love it."
They went to a single plain door. There were no signs It was so odd! She softly pulled it open. The delicious aroma of the food entered through their nostrils.
"Oy… Sugoi…" Sagi whispered in wonder as her mouth salivating.
"We haven't even started yet. Their food is beyond delicious." Seiya whispered with excitement as she went to the host. It was dim with candles but vibrant with guests. A woman… man… woman…she wasn't sure… but the person with rainbow hair greeted them.
"Hello, Darlings? Party of two? Ooh, you two are so cute! So young! Are you guys out of school?"
"Konnichiwa Gozaimasu. Hai. We passed our mid-terms and are celebrating."
"Congrats! I will get you a table."
"Actually... May we be seated at one of Zashiki?"
"Oh! Look at you girls! So cute! Very well, Madams, right this way!"
"Arigatou Gozaimasu, Madam! I love your hair, but the way!"
"Oh! Love you, Darlings! So Kawaii! Thank you! Just had it done…"
"Sagi… let's remove our shoes."
"Oh! Hai…"
They did so. This was so elite!
Sagi was wide-eyed as Seiya held her hand, following the gracious host. The rest of the restaurant was super stunning. She still was not sure if the person was a woman… man… woman… she never saw anyone dress like-"
"Try the five-course meals. Fill up your tummies. It's soooo worth it!" The girls bowed as the host bowed in return. They went inside the Zakishi.
It was small, intimate, and beautiful with the candle.
"Arigatou Gozaimasu."
"Douishimashite Gozaimasu. Itadakimasu!"
"Arigatou Gozaimasu. We can't wait!"
The host left them. The door was shut.
Sagi breathed as she felt the hand gently press on her lower back.
"Sagi… would you be willing to sit next to me, please?"
"Hai…"
Seiya smiled and took her hand. They sat down on the floor to the small table and held hands. There were cushions. The floor was so soft. So were the cushions. It was extremely dim and intimate. Sagi breathed, swallowing nerves as her heart pounded hard.
"Wow. It's beautiful."
"Hai. It is…"
"And it smells so good."
"Like you wouldn't believe. Wait until you taste the food. It will melt in your mouth."
"Mm!" Sagi grinned and shut her eyes.
So food was a way into this beautiful girl's heart, ne? Seiya was taking note of it as she watched her. She would make sure she fed her well.
She had much work to do as she intended to get into this girl's heart for a while now.
Sagi smiled and breathed as she felt her hand softly caressing her lower back.
"Is this okay, Sagi?"
"... Hai…"
"Good. You worked so hard in school. You took a hard exam. I want you to relax, and enjoy this time with me.
"Hai… arigatou, Seiya San."
"My pleasure, Sagi… my pleasure."
Sagi looked at Seiya, who lingered on her, making her blush.
"Arigatou, Gozaimasu, Seiya San… this is amazing."
"Douishimashite, Sagi San… I intend to spoil you today."
Seiya grinned and Sagi smiled and shut her eyes. She touched her back, soothing it with tenderness.
...
Sagi wanted to be polite, but she had to ask…
"Seiya San?"
"Hai, Odango."
"Um… I was curious… about the really nice Host… I'm not sure how to ask-"
Seiya smiled tenderly and nodded.
"Go ahead, Odango."
"It doesn't matter to me, but I wasn't sure… if the host was a woman… or a man… or a woman…?" She innocently looked confused.
"I imagine you've never known about the trans community before, ne."
"Iie."
"The host is a woman… since your family is not… averse to this world, I will teach you what's appropriate… in the trans community… if you are ever not sure but want to converse with anyone here, be it gay, bisexual, trans, non-binary, or lesbian, it's safer to ask about what pronouns they prefer to go by. Like her, him, and them."
"Them…?"
"Hai. For those who identify as non-binary, they is considered a singular noun."
"Hai… that makes sense… So our host is a woman, ne?"
"Hai. Met her last time when I came by myself. She told me she goes by She and They, and she is really nice!"
"Hai she is… she's lovely."
Seiya smiled. She knew Sagi was still getting used to their world a bit. But no discrimination or disgust whatsoever. Wow… she and the others were really off about her character months ago. But she's happy she knows her now.
She did sense Sagi had rainbow within her, and that this beautiful girl was a part of their world. Seiya was a proud lesbian. But Sagi… she wasn't sure what she was. The sophomore never said a word, but she sensed she had rainbow the more she spent time with her and observed her.
Seiya loved spending time with her. The senior's been gradually making advances on her.
And Sagi didn't seem to mind.
Seiya intends to fully confess to her today. And hopefully… make the first move on her. She looked at her lips. She liked her and cared about her so much. She couldn't wait to ask Sagi if she had feelings for her in return…
Seiya hoped Sagi did return her feelings. If she didn't, it would crush her, and they'll still be friends, she will always be there for her… but… it would crush her.
But if she did return her feelings, she wanted to go further with her...
Seiya noticed her shuddering a bit. She felt at ease. This beautiful girl shuddered a bit whenever she caressed her.
And she still didn't mind being touched by her...
Seiya softly smiled and decided she was going all in. Sagi was making her work for it this whole time. And it was lovely. It made her want her even more.
Time to amp up her moves.
Sagi released a breath, shuddering, and blushed hard when she felt her hand soothe her lower back with even more tenderness. She felt her move closer, feeling her thigh being pressed by hers. She was heated up. They were physically close. Her heart was pounding hard. Her emotions were going overload. And they were only sitting next to each other. The way this other girl was behaving seemed…
Did Seiya like her… in that way…? She wasn't sure.
Sagi knew that she herself had feelings for Seiya… she definitely had a crush on her, now that she was recognizing those feelings… but Seiya never said anything… She usually is vocal… not to mention, she didn't know where to go from here or know the first step… Sagi didn't have the courage to say anything. She was too shy...
But this tender caress in her lower back, which fingers trailed on the seam of her shirt, made her think twice. It's possible the senior feels something…
Sagi breathed deeper as she felt her move closer, the side of her body warmed as this other girl trailed her fingers on her skin below her seam...
Seiya watched her, breathing slow as she touched the soft skin in her lower back.
This girl of hers had the softest skin… She's never felt others before like this… and this was only a sliver of tenderness below her seam. She observed Sagi and noticed her breath. But she made no move to stop her. Instead, she watched her eyes flutter, making her heart beat hard.
Okay, Sagi might feel something…
She felt so happy. She might actually have a shot with her!
The screen door was knocked on as a server stepped in and took their orders. They of course got the five-course meals. Sagi was salivating. Seiya grinned and thanked the server.
…
When the food arrived, it got more intimate between them. The food was fucking delicious! Salivating. It actually did melt in your mouth. Sagi started to have food coma. Seiya took her time, enjoying a variety of bites.
"Here, try this, Sagi."
Sagi looked over with excitement and blushed as Seiya softly pressed the sushi roll on her lips. She gently parted her mouth and tasted it. The chopsticks delicately moved from her lips in a subtle, sensual manner.
"Mm!"
"Mm-hm?"
"Hai… oh my Goddess, Seiya San… oh my Goddess… why doesn't the school serve this?"
"I know, right? They so should!"
"Wow."
"May I try one of yours, please?"
"Hai."
"Can you… feed me one?"
Seiya smiled as Sagi blushed but softly nodded. She took a roll from her plate and placed her other hand underneath the roll, to make sure nothing falls. She softly brought it to her lips.
The senior softly parted her lips and tasted the roll. The sophomore breathed as she saw her tongue swipe delicately on the chopsticks, taking the last bit of the roll. It made her blush, especially when the girl looked into her eyes as she ate the roll from her sticks.
"How do you like it?"
Seiya was silent as she ate and looked at Sagi, who breathed. She took her time and eventually, consumed it.
"Delicious. Arigatou, Sagi."
"Doushimashite Gozaimasu, Seiya San."
Sagi resumed eating some more and felt a soft kiss on her shoulder. She then felt a whisper to her ear, making her lose her breath, beat red.
"You taste even sweeter."
Seiya watched Sagi go still and grinned. She saw her flush completely and continued to consume the remainder of her meal. Eventually, she smiled as she saw Sagi move to resume consuming the rest of her meal. They shared a delicious dessert.
Everything was exquisite.
…
"Wow!"
"Ne?"
"Hai… Wow…"
"We'll come back here again. I'll pay the check. We have to go catch that movie."
"Oh hai!"
"Ready?"
"Hai!"
…
Spirited Away
They got balcony seats. The movie theater was packed below. But above, people rarely sat there because it was so far. They got an entire section to themselves. It was perfect, though.
"Are these seats, okay, Sagi?"
"Oh, this is perfect, Seiya San! I'm so excited!"
"I'm so glad."
The last time she saw this film when Sagi came with Shigeru San and Tsubaki San at the mall's theater, she sat near the front on the ground. But this is the first time in this district, in this theater, and the first time she was high on the balcony. Even though they were on the second level, it elevated the experience.
And this theater in the Rainbow District was really nice! It had curtains, set up very antique, and the sound system was crystal clear.
"I never thought to sit in the balcony section before. I actually like it better."
"Hai. More privacy. I don't like a lot of people around when I watch films."
"Me neither."
They sat in silence. The movie theater darkened as people continued to whisper.
"Did you want any snacks?"
"Oh… believe it or not, I think I'm fully stuffed."
"GOOD."
Sagi grinned as she found Seiya lifting the cushioned arm between them.
"I didn't know the arms came up?!"
"Have you ever been to a theater before, Sagi?"
"Only that one time with Shigeru San and Tsubaki San, at the mall… when we saw you guys… but my family never took me out much."
"Seriously?"
"Hai."
"Sagi… what does your family do?"
"My Otousan does business… not sure what… my Okaasan goes out to shop, and mostly hangs around my Oneesan."
"But they never took you out before?"
"To family dinners, yes. But nothing else."
"No museums, no fairs, nothing?"
"Iie. I only went to the fair with Shigeru San and Tsubaki San. But my family wanted me to study with the governess. We did go out to restaurants. That was fun."
Seiya frowned a bit as she was definitely doing research on the Yurenkasykuyas whenever she was free. She never heard of such a thing. She knew the family was reserved, cold, and kept to themselves. She also knew they were closed-minded due to Galexia. But the fact that Sagi never really went out baffled her in confusion.
"Daijabou… I'll make sure you go out more."
"Arigatou Gozaimasu, Seiya San. I'm having fun."
"I'm so glad, Sagi. I'm so glad…"
Sagi smiled and blushed as she looked at the screen. The film was about to start as the theater started to hush. It was really isolated in the balcony. She had less anxiety with people.
And it was also intimate.
Sagi breathed as she felt her strong arm slip behind her neck, around her. She stilled a bit, but then relaxed when she felt the fingers softly and tenderly soothing her shoulder, causing her to relax and lean into the other girl. Seiya moved into her a bit.
"Is this okay, Sagi?"
She breathed and softly nodded.
Seiya held her arm around Sagi's shoulder. She also leaned into Sagi and placed her hand on hers, linking their fingers.
Sagi blushed as she felt a tender whisper in her ear.
"Arigatou Gozaimasu, Sagi, for being with me now."
"Arigatou Gozaimasu, Seiya San."
The film started. They took the story in silence as the music played.
But their intimate connection remained in their thoughts and hearts.
...
It was getting dark. The film got a standing ovation.
Sagi, once again, was in tears. She looked over and grinned, seeing her close friend in awe.
"Wow."
"Hai, ne?"
"Wow, Sagi. This was… wow… I have to get the others to see this. We usually don't see anime, but this is so fucking good."
"I told you."
"Hai. You did. You so did."
Seiya grinned and hugged Sagi tight, kissing the top of her hair.
"Arigatou Gozaimasu for recommending this. This was excellent."
"My pleasure, Seiya San. My pleasure."
This was such a beautiful day. And the embrace, and the hold, was so lovely. They watched the credits until the end. They didn't want to leave. They waited until the audience filtered out.
Seiya kept her embrace around Sagi, who lingered on their linked hands. For some reason, this made her happy...
It was such a perfect fit. It startled her how much of a perfect fit their hands were...
It was only when the ushers were coming in downstairs that they decided to get up and head out of the theater.
"So, we still have plenty of time. What would you like to do next, Odango?"
"Um… I don't know. I have never seen this district before."
"I'll take you around. It's so amazing."
"Okay."
The girls left as the ushers watched them walk out.
Even watching them together from the outside, the ushers could tell they gave strong energy of connection between each other.
…
Mermaid
They walked around leisurely as they held hands.
Truth be told, Sagi never had the luxury to fully go anywhere. She was so mystified by the district. Always in a rush. Always in danger of getting into trouble. Always being in trouble. Or just… caged... It was so vibrant, colorful, and exciting! Even the various shops were enchanting. There were Spa places, clubs, coffee shops, crystal stores, and they even passed the Mermaids club on top of the hill.
She saw the painting of the Mermaid logo, bare in her chest with diamonds on her-
NAKED!
The Mermaid looked seductive with purple hair, red eyes, and a long tongue. She had a mischievous wink.
When Sagi looked around, she noticed something. She saw men walking together, smiling as they held, arm in arm. She saw a flamboyant wardrobe on individuals, wearing wigs, high heels, and flashy dresses. She saw women dressed as men, with crew cuts, tattoos, and gloves, wearing biker leather jackets. She also saw an old couple, two women, sharing a dinner. They looked intimate, loving...
Sagi felt… calm… She didn't know what it was. But for some reason, she felt at peace here.
They passed an alley, and there were two women, pressed against the wall, making out with each other with gusto and passion.
Sagi's heart was pounding hard. For some reason, this image in front of her now made her adrenaline rush.
She looked away and walked in silence. Then she realized they were in silence for a while as they passed more shops. Looking over, she noticed her close friend.
Seiya was looking back at her. And she had emotions that crossed her eyes. Sagi was unable to decipher it.
"Seiya San… daijabou?"
"Hai…"
The way she looked at her…
Sagi was about to continue walking, but Seiya stopped short.
"Nani?"
"Arigatou for coming with me, Sagi… and being with me… you have no idea what it means to me."
Sagi breathed and smiled.
"Arigatou, Seiya San."
Seiya walked up to her as Sagi looked at her. She was embraced and held close.
They held each other in an embrace for a while, in the middle of the sidewalk, with others passing them by, who paid no mind.
The sophomore embraced her softly as the senior kept her close. She said nothing, but their embrace spoke louder than words.
Never has the senior had anyone like this in her life before... But she knew something was obvious… holding the sophomore in her arms, there was definitely something between them. Now it was just a matter of getting her to speak.
Maybe soon, she will confess to her.
Sagi's heart pounded as Seiya remained still, holding her back with tenderness.
The senior remembered something and grew excited, releasing her a bit.
"Nani?"
"Oy… oooh, Sagi, there is a store you need to check out around the corner! I just remembered!"
"Oh… Seiya San-"
"Listen. I know you don't like shopping. But before you say no, let's pass by the window. We won't need to try any clothes, or buy anything, just pass by it. This store is so amazing! There is amazing music, BOA, Utada, Ayumi, Bowie, Queen, Oasis, Tori Amos, beautiful unique clothes, a plethora of books, and also have couches and a coffee shop. If you don't like what you see, we may continue passing it by. May we go there, please?"
"Um…"
"Pretty please, Sagi?"
"... Okay…"
"YEAY! You'll love it, Sagi! I promise you!"
Seiya giddily took her hand and ran with her. Luckily by now, the food has gone down.
Sagi swallowed. She had a weird feeling about this.
...
Reflection
Sagi walked by the window. She saw loud music playing with a bunch of young men, women, and teenagers laughing around. It was a popular place! She saw more same-sex couples going in and out of the shop.
Wow.
There were all types of people there. Like from different cultures, different races, different backgrounds. The store actually was cool looking!
Seiya looked over at her with a cute pout. Sagi looked at her and smiled.
"Okay…Fine..."
"You won't regret this, Sagi. You're gonna LOVE this!"
"If you say so-"
"Oh, I know so."
They went inside, still linked in hands.
Pop music played about. It gave adrenaline to the place. There was something cool about this atmosphere. There were antiques all around, very colorful designs. The interior designs and the structure was out of this world.
Sagi was in awe. Seiya browsed with her. For a while, the girls were having a good time.
But then they were in the clothing sections, and things started to feel… odd… She saw stunning clothes, jackets, and shoes. And she saw women, men, and teens trying on different kinds of clothes.
Sagi found herself with full-length mirrors around the area, looking at Seiya's reflection, and then at her own reflection…
She grew silent. She started to feel tight in her stomach, and flashes of her mother appeared in her mind along with her Oneesan when they shopped at the Galleria... She started to feel tight in her throat and softly lost her breath a bit.
Seiya held her hand as she walked around with her, and noticed so many beautiful things…
...
A beautiful woman, who was a plus-size woman, middle-aged, who looked very voluptuous, very endowed in her chest, was frustrated as she tried on different clothes with what appeared to be her friends, who had smaller frames, and were helping her into the clothes. Her thighs were thick. Her feet were small. Her derriere was full. She had a short bob and was trying on a short dress that fell above her knees with a zipper in the back. It didn't go up much, only halfway.
"None of this fucking fits!" She shouted.
"It will be fine, darling-"
"Shut the fuck up! I look fugly as hell with this!" The woman chanted with such confidence in her demeanor, even though she had no shame. She hated that she couldn't fit into her clothes.
"Darling, you're beautiful."
"Yeah. You know this place can alter clothing."
"Yeah, I know I'm beautiful. It just sucks, because I like this dress, and it doesn't fucking fit. I have to look good tonight! If I pop out of this dress during the date, I will die!"
"You are perfect."
The woman was startled and looked over with her friends at the senior, who was the one who spoke up and grinned.
The woman and her friends smiled.
"Oh, darling, thank you! See! This young teen agrees with us! You have a killer body!" The woman looked at the teen and smiled at her.
"Thank you, darling, it's sweet of you. Though I feel I will break this dress. But I need it."
"You look amazing. Sometimes the dress doesn't fit with you because you might be too good for it."
"Oh honey, you gave me confidence! I like you! Thank you, darling! I'm trying to find something for my date tonight."
"If you are okay with it, I'm good at finding dresses."
"Even for my size?"
"For any perfect body. You are perfect."
"Go for it! I will thank you forever!"
"Give me a second, Sagi, I'm gonna quickly help her."
She saw Sagi nodded but said nothing. The senior swiftly looked around and shifted through the racks. The woman looked at the sophomore and grinned.
"You two are so kawaii!"
"I know, right! They are so!" Her friends chanted.
"How long have you guys been together?"
Sagi remained still as Seiya, who missed the question, came back with a stunner.
"Nani? I missed what you said, Gomen Nasai. Ooh! Try this one!"
The woman looked at it as her eyes went wide. She immediately tried it. It stretched nicely and still complimented her figure as it fell right on her skin.
"Oh, my Goddess! GIRL! YOU SAVED ME!"
"Perfect for a perfect body!"
"You're the best!"
"So what do you do? You guys look so young!"
"We're high school students."
"You should go into fashion design!"
"My best friend, Yaten, is in fashion. She taught me a thing or two."
"Well, your best friend taught you well, because, my Goddess-!"
…
Outside-
Sagi left the group clandestinely as she walked outside. She didn't know why, but she felt a sting in her chest. Anger rushed into her, as memories of trauma haunted her mind. She was unable to breathe in there. She needed to get out of here.
…
Back inside-
"I recommend this designer as they make dresses for every person. Yaten's mom works in fashion as well-"
"I think that's amazing-!" The woman was cut off by her friend.
"Uh… Gomen Nasai for interrupting you guys, but I think your friend stepped out. I didn't want you guys to lose each other."
"Nani?" Seiya frowned and turned to notice that Sagi was no longer next to her. In fact, she saw her outside, walking off.
"Sagi?!"
"Go-go, Arigatou Gozaimasu for everything! You girls have fun! Go catch her!"
"I will. Good luck on your date!"
"Arigatou Gozaimasu!"
The senior rushed outside.
…
Sidewalk-
The sophomore walked in a rush as she pushed past pedestrians, startling them as she started to run.
"SAGI?!" She heard her call out.
Sagi breathed and continued to run. She started to run faster, but then was caught with a hand on her arm.
"NANI!?"
"Hey, Sagi… what's wrong?"
"I… please take me back to school."
"Nani, what happened?"
"I don't want to be here anymore. Please take me back to school now. Please. PLEASE."
Seiya looked at her in disbelief as Sagi looked pale, shaking with anger, and looking cold, looking as she was about to have an attack.
"Okay… let's call a cab." She whispered.
Sagi hates school... That's what made her believe that something was extremely wrong.
…
Stillness
The cab ride was quiet. And there was so much distance...
They remained in silence. But it started to get odd when Seiya tried to hold her hand in the cab, and Sagi refused to return it. In fact, she saw her pull away a bit. At first, she thought it was jealousy, thinking Sagi was bothered by the woman at the store. Seiya was fluttered by it and did everything she could to make her feel treasured in the cab. But she denied it. Sagi even said she liked the woman. But she went back to that cold demeanor. Seiya was hurt. She had no regret taking her out. But she was hurt.
Both arrived at the school.
"May you drop us off at the back, please?"
"Hai." The driver responded as he turned onto a street.
When they stopped by in the hidden grass wall, Seiya took out money as Sagi jumped out.
"Sagi?!"
She paid and immediately thanked the driver as she jumped out.
"SAGI?! WAIT UP!"
"I can't… I need to be alone…please, Seiya… give me space..."
…
They went secretly back into the school, and Sagi ran off as she looked like she had a fire under her, leaving Seiya behind, who was stunned.
"What the fuck?!" She whispered in disbelief.
What... the hell happened? Something was wrong… but she would respect her. For now…
But later, they will need to talk. Because this was so fucking random.
…
They had a beautiful day. Beautiful. The loveliest date she'd ever had in her life. The restaurant was so intimate. The movie was enchanting. And holding her in her arm… even holding her hand, was divine…
And somehow, she was convinced to go shopping. Everything seemed fine, they browsed around without trying anything on and went straight for the hats.
Yet the moment they saw the woman who tried on dresses, they saw her struggling. Seiya graciously complimented her, woman to woman, and empowered her. They continued to shop. That's when she noticed Sagi went extremely quiet.
Then she went cold.
Then she left.
Then she refused to hold hands. Then asked to have space.
So she gave her space once they safely arrived in school and checked in with Mistress Hotaru San. She changed and left to play basketball with other girls.
Seiya had a frown as the ending to this date turned out to be... disappointing. It was going great the whole day. And she even had permission to leave school. And it was still an hour before curfew.
...
Time passed to dusk. Sagi sat on the bench in the garden. Seiya saw her and walked up to her, got her alone to try to confront her. Sagi denied everything was fine and said she was tired and left her. She ran to her dorm. Seiya followed her but was ignored.
Something was dead wrong when she snapped at Elsie earlier when she checked in on her. Elsie was extremely hurt, sucker-punched even. Sagi swiftly apologized but said she preferred to be alone and hang another time. Elsie nodded with a pout, confusion, and left. She left to give her space.
Seiya did nothing wrong. She was baffled. The others tried to pry information but swiftly told them to leave it. She rather deals with this matter about Sagi herself.
Sagi was the 'one on one', not one against the entire group.
...
Then night time came. She decided to focus on Juilliard. But she struggled to do so. She didn't like this. She felt to cool off.
When Seiya came back, she saw Elsie come out of her room. She had a judgemental look on her face but said nothing.
"Elsie Chan... Did she tell you anything? She won't talk to me. Even when I gave her space."
"I'm leaving her alone. Did something happen today, Seiya Chan? She won't talk about you at all."
"I did nothing!" Seiya snapped as Elsie went wide-eyed.
"Gomen Nasai for snapping, Elsie. But I honestly did nothing. I don't know what happened. We were having a good time. And then she went cold on me. It's driving me crazy.."
"Hmm... so odd… she even snapped at me earlier… talk to her. Something is going on with her. But she won't tell me. Maybe she will now. She confides in you as of late… More so than me, believe it or not… Try again. Keep me posted."
Seiya nodded as she went inside.
...
Sagi was in the bathroom. Mistress Hotaru San did her rounds and left. She sat down. She took a while in the bathroom…
…
Star and Moon
Now she was pissed.
Eventually, Sagi came out. But she said nothing. She didn't look at her and moved to her bed.
She had enough.
"Iie. Sagi. We need to talk. Now."
Sagi steeled but stood at her bed, back turned on her. She breathed and said nothing. Seiya glared as she got up and moved behind her.
"Sagi... I don't understand. What did I do wrong? I thought we were having a good time, a really good time, and you just went cold... for... no reason I know of. Talk to me. Please. I don't want us to sleep on bad terms. If you don't like me, say so and I'll move on. But I need to hear it from your lips."
She said nothing, but she felt her breath deep, her shoulders shuddered. Her anger evaporated as she felt her pain.
She heard sniffles.
SHE WAS CRYING?!
Silently. But said nothing. Without thinking twice, she moved to her.
...
Sagi cried and was shocked as she was embraced hard from behind, feeling her behind and hearing Seiya's whisper in her ear.
"Oh Goddess, Sagi, my Goddess what is it?! Why the tears, Odango? Talk to me. Please. I'm begging you..." Seiya tenderly whispered as she soothed her. At least Sagi didn't push her away… for that she was relieved… but there was such anger and sadness she felt from her. She then softly heard her whisper, full of pain.
"I'm trying... not to feel anger... but I... it's hard..."
"Tell me. What did I do? How can I fix it? Are you upset because of the woman I complimented? She was struggling to fit in her clothes because of her weight. I just told her she was perfect to be proud of her body and boost her confidence. And I looked to help her find a dress for her date. That's all. I swear."
"I know. You were nice to her and did the right thing. She's not the issue… I liked the woman… and her friends... I'm just still haunted...because I understand her." She softly cried and still held anger in her voice as Seiya steeled.
Right there, she knew where this conversation was going…
Fuck.
It was a hard pill to swallow. Seiya said nothing and shut her eyes. She allowed herself a brief moment before she grew the courage to approach the issue...
"Is it our history...?"
"Hai... I'm trying... I don't even know why you somehow like spending time with me... I'm still struggling to trust you... because of what you said to me that day… when you were with Tenouh San… what you did to me... about..."
Seiya swallowed the lump in her throat. Her eyes burned with tears, but she swallowed her pride and held her tight. Sagi allowed herself to speak her truth.
"Go ahead. I can take it... Please, get it off your chest."
"When you… when you were with Tenouh… that time I saw you both… You called me ugly names... insulted me... spoke about my weight... spit at me.. and ironically, today, you praised someone who struggled to get in her clothes… told her her body was perfect… and it baffles me how ironic it all is, with you... It makes me think of how lucky she was to receive your support and not receive the opposite from you... like I did months ago... I'm trying Seiya. I don't want to lie to you. But I hate you for it sometimes..." Her waist was embraced tighter and felt a soft kiss on her shoulder, which made her melt.
Sagi felt wetness on her skin, not realizing the other girl's tears.
"It makes me wonder if you mean what you say to me as of late... Gomen Nasai. I truly wish I didn't feel this way. I really do. I try… even with my mother… But, I don't like lying. I'm trying so hard-"
Sagi gasped and was shocked as she was swiftly spun as sat on the bed. She saw the other girl kneel down on her knees in front of her and moved in between her legs to embrace her waist tight, leaning her head in her lap.
"Fuck. I hate myself so much, Sagi. I'm... I triggered you with nightmares... Gomen Nasai for being horrible to you months ago.
Sagi breathes as Seiya holds her waist boldly.
"Sagi… listen to me, please. Every single word... I was a horrible person to you then. I was not right in my head. Before you, I was a mess. Even if it seemed like I had everything… and it's no excuse, but I was triggered by trauma, and because of that bitch's lies, I placed my anger from triggers on you. When you saw me that day, I was going through stuff at the time, which is why Haruka consoled me then. When I saw Kino San… then you… then Michiru… and saw her pain, I believed you both tried to separate all of us, and purposely hurt Michiru... You may or may not know this, Sagi… but Kino hates our kind. Since we were freshmen… I'll tell you the full story one day. We had a rivalry, even before we met you. She's the reason we were bullied. She failed a year due to being absent from school. But she hates us. She hates us… like her sisters... When we saw you were friends with her and hearing Sarah's lies… We made a wrong assumption and thought you sided with her. That day, I went blind with hate. Our hate was valid with hers… and unfortunately, invalid with you... Not realizing, you automatically become friends with people who were automatically kind to you… which Kino San seemed to be… and we, unfortunately, were not… Gomen Nasai, Sagi… for being so fucking stupid. And for what I did to you, I fucking hate myself. I paid the price for it. Kino San and her sisters made sure of that. So did our parents. So did Principal Lady San, Mistress Hotaru San, and Mistress Setsuna San… You don't need to worry about that. But I swear to you, you are not ugly. You have a beautiful body. And there is nothing wrong with your body. You have captivated me, even then, by force, no matter what fucking lies I was clouded by, and how much I wanted to wrongly hurt you with those words, and I was fucking dirt when I spat at you…fucking hate myself... deep down, whether I wanted to think it or not, I had feelings for you then, and I have feelings for you now. I think you should know I have feelings for you, Sagi. In case you question it. It's true." Her smooth voice confessed as Sagi shuddered. Seiya continued as she sat up a bit on her knees and looked into her eyes. She softly cried. Her eyes were wounded, red, stained with tears.
Sagi breathed, watching her in awe as she felt Seiya soothe her waist and held her tight.
"I know I was a disgusting person to you, with what I've done, what we've done to you. I was a monster for attacking you with them when we believed you harmed Elsie… we all were monsters, which we regret with our lives by the way. I would give you anything, anything to take that away… I give you free rein to take a shot at me. Go on... Spit at me. Punch me. Here, I will take it with grace and happiness. I swear I will make amends to you for the rest of my life."
"That's disgusting Seiya."
"Please."
"Iie."
Seiya pursed her lips and looked at her as Sagi shut her eyes. The senior leaned her head into her sophomore again.
"You always showed to be the better person that I feel so ashamed of myself sometimes. Seriously…"
"And…"
"I really wished you got ugly and spit at me. Hit me. Kick me. Take your revenge. I will do anything to replace your nightmares with your glee."
This oddly made her feel at ease. Even though it was disturbing as hell.
"...I did get ugly with you once."
Sagi remained complacent as Seiya pondered on her memory of their personal fight. Somehow, it gave the older teen some relief. She was so surprised by this beautiful girl.
"Yes, you did. You punched me hard in the face, as well as kicking my back hard. I do remember our personal ugly fight, which I regret. You shocked the shit out of me, beautiful. And you had to stop me from being stupid. I'm glad you fought back."
Sagi blushed hard as Seiya blushed harder.
"I am glad you did. I'm so glad you did. Woke me up to the truth. Despite Kino San and her sisters, and she did spit at us a few times, I hope that makes you smile…"
The blonde smirked in disbelief as the black-haired beauty grinned.
"You are so disturbing."
"Does it make you feel better, hopefully?"
"Iie… Maybe the spitting, yes, but not the way they were attacking all of you. I wouldn't wish that on anyone… they intended what I felt was something beyond harm… I don't know why, but they intended beyond harm for all of you…I was in my room when I felt danger, and I was guided to leave the school, which I know I shouldn't have… but I followed my gut… and then saw all of you…"
Sagi's tears fell as she wiped them away. Seiya watched her in awe.
"... You shocked all of us then when you showed up. We didn't expect you to be there, and we didn't even think you were out of school without permission… we were just shocked to see You…"
The sophomore remained quiet as the senior caressed her some more.
"We expected you to take Kino San's lead… And when you didn't, you did… what a Superhero would do. And we didn't deserve you saving us, but you saved us... Sagi, you are so out of this world. It's not even funny. I never met anyone like you before. Neither of us did... We realized we were in great error with how we judged your character. It haunted me. Seeing the look in your eyes… as much as I hate how much they attacked us, the way we saw it, we got our karma by what we did to you in that way, which we did not mention to anyone. Their disastrous attack made us all wake up to how beautiful you are."
"Good."
Seiya smirked as Sagi smiled at her confidently and allowed herself to breathe.
"Thank you for saying that, Seiya... it puts things into perspective. I'm feeling more at ease... Gomen nasai about today..."
"Iie, you don't need to apologize. Your anger is understandable. Now that I know where you are coming from… I will accept it. I have to… I do have a question though. You said something about… your Okaasan?"
"Oh... I didn't mean to talk about her-"
"Sagi… it's okay. This is between us, I promise you. I will never spill your secrets to others… but there's no secret between us."
Sagi breathed as tears rolled down her cheeks. Seiya softly kissed them away.
"Okaasan… means well… but she talks about my weight too… I can't fully eat well with her when I go out on family dinners… when I go shopping… it's always clothes she picks out for me, that never fit me, and then she… I shouldn't-"
"Hai Sagi. You should. Don't hold anything in. It's not healthy to keep it inside. Even if it's by our own parents. They are humans too. That's something they told me when I got in trouble with them, for what I did to you… They say hello, by the way. They know we are good friends…
"Tell them I say hello, and thank you."
"I will. They'll be happy to hear from you… going back to your Okaasan… Get it off your chest. I give you permission to do so as your senpai… give yourself permission to breathe… tell me. You still love your Okaasan, I'm sure she's a good person, but she is still human, so tell me…"
Sagi breathed as she trusted Seiya, who nodded for her to go on, and exhaled.
"She continues to lecture me about my weight as I try on clothes, or go eat somewhere with the family, or if I have friends of my dad coming over to the house. She would only let me eat salad and drink water… She even ordered the maids to give me no more than that… even with holidays, she gets strict. The servants and my governess at times would sneak candy to me… but she never allowed me to be at peace when I ate… I realize that now. And… she measures me constantly to Oneechan's looks, eating… clothing, I can't even look at myself in a full-length mirror… she… Gomen Nasai, I shouldn't speak about Okaasan-"
"I've heard enough. You love your mother… she is not evil, but your mother made a mistake when she starts to measure your weight, compares you to your older sister… she made that mistake. And I don't understand her with your looks… I know months ago, when I was ugly with you, I called you ugly… even though you are definitely NOT ugly… but I'm confused why your Okaasan would speak about your looks. What does your Otousan say?"
"He gently tells me he is proud of me with my schooling. But he never says anything else... we hardly talk."
"... and your Oneesan?"
"She says nothing… sometimes she will convince my mother to allow me to drink or eat a dessert… but she is reserved."
"No one really talks to you at home…"
"They do… just…"
"Not about personal things, things that bother them, or bother you."
"Iie."
"... That's why you feel alone… and we made it worse… when we bullied you months ago."
Seiya's tears run down her cheeks as Sagi breathes, shakes, and shuts her eyes, continuing to whisper.
"Hai…"
"Shit. Sagi. I hate myself even more. But Sagi, you have a beautiful body. You do."
"I know I should like my body. Setsuna San talks about it in class, to be proud of our figures… Seiya San…I'm haunted because it makes me feel like I shouldn't do so sometimes… you weren't the first to not think me pretty-"
"Sagi, I-"
"Let me talk, please."
"Hai. Gomen Nasai."
"Arigatou Gozaimasu… I was never admired for my looks. I struggled with that…The pressure of being perfect… it stresses me… not just with my weight… but with my… looks… making me randomly feel unpretty… I don't have your body types…It's not being overweight that stresses me… If no one has ever said anything to me in my life before, I think I would have been fine. But because I constantly heard criticism from family members, their associates, and hearing it at school, or receiving looks, is a constant nightmare. I'm constantly struggling, having heavy periods… and the pains in my chest… I get anxious… and I could never enjoy what I eat fully when I'm with Okaasan… I have to walk on eggshells in front of others out of habit... and I could never relax when I look at myself in the mirror… Yes, your physical attacks from all of you months ago… did make it worse… I still… don't feel… comfortable with you guys sometimes… it went better with you… and somewhat better with others... But these traumas haunt me… sometimes I just want to sleep for good, so that I won't have to hear anything from anyone anymore."
"Shit. Fuck. Fuck..." Seiya softly cried hard and held her tight. She was fucking pissed at herself.
"Gomen-"
"Iie-Sagi, do NOT apologize. To NO ONE. Do you hear me? Not to me. Not to your Okaasan, nor ANYONE. Let me talk now… Gomen Nasai… for all of us… I will apologize for us all… we made you feel like shit months ago… and you can't be at peace because of it… please let me hold you, and let us start over. I will be angry with you and hate myself... I will be angry for you at everyone else and hate them for making you feel like shit. Gomen Nasai. Fuck all of us, ne? Fuck all of us... You are so precious, Sagi. And you deserve to have relief… and love… and to eat delicious food and try whatever clothes that I know will look beautiful on you, and you are beautiful. You are beautiful! I don't give a shit if you believe it or not. You are fucking beautiful, Sagi. I envy you and your body sometimes because you tend to somewhat have a woman's body… fully developed… Goddess only knows how you will turn out to be when you are older, you're going to break people's hearts... and when you smile… when you SMILE… It stops my heart. You are so fucking beautiful. For what I did to you then, I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you… I can't speak for your Okaasan, I'm sure she is not a bad person… but she was wrong to say those things to you. Even if she is an adult. Even my Okaasan would agree with me, along with my Otousan. It's wrong... I'm so fucking sorry, so are the others, and I will do everything in my power to protect you. So will the others. I promise you. Forever. I promise you. I fucking promise you, I will protect you and be there for you."
Sagi felt in awe as Seiya pressed her head into her chest, holding her tight around her waist.
"I promise you, Sagi. Believe me."
"Arigatou Gozaimasu… Seiya San… I believe you. I do..."
"Arigatou, Sagi… I mean it… It's okay, to feel anger and pain, it's valid. But know that you will heal from it eventually. And I promise you, as long as you allow me to be in your life, I will make it up to you and protect you because you are so fucking important to me. You matter to me, okay? You matter to me."
She held her strong and the younger teen cried silently, hearing how much those words meant to her, that she mattered.
She mattered to her.
Those words helped her breathe. She started releasing all of her emotions in her quiet sobs. The older teen cried silently along with her.
It was their first release of sadness together…
…
She's never been able to fully release her sadness. But being in her arms, she had that good, ugly cry. So did she. It was a long-awaited cry…
And now, Relief.
Sagi softly smiled as tears and pain were released from her. She breathed and shut her eyes, wanting to softly caress Seiya's hair as she was embraced tighter, but was too shy to assume touching her hair, too shy... So she opted to softly hold her strong shoulders.
After the two released their fears and pain, they whispered to each other.
"Do you feel a little better?"
"Hai…"
"Good… good…"
"Seiya... I... um... may we try again... please... forget this afternoon...?"
"Hai. I think you needed today to heal. But hai, I want us to try again. I would love that. Next time will be better. I promise. And if you need to hit me or take revenge, I will embrace it, if you give me a new black eye, with tenderness, and I will take you out more."
Sagi giggled softly as Seiya grinned.
"Iie, Seiya, you're so silly... That won't be necessary. I just need time to heal from triggers. Shopping is one of them. If emotions come up, I might be reclusive and need space from you when it happens."
"Wakarimasu. I will respect you when it does and give you space."
"But it's not forever. Even though I do get… emotional… and need space, I still do enjoy your company."
"I'm so glad. I always enjoy your company. I want more of it."
Sagi smiled so beautifully as it took Seiya's breath away. She caressed her waist and leaned into her, kissing her tears away. Sagi breathed and shut her eyes as she held her arms, breathing with her in tenderness.
"You are important to me, Sagi."
"You're important to me too, Seiya."
Sagi breathed as she blushed. Seiya got up on her knees, still embracing her waist, and leaned into her face.
"I did enjoy the food and the movie," Sagi whispered as she looked at her.
"Really?"
"Hai."
"I'm so glad. I did too… no more shopping, for now, until you change your mind and feel better about it. I won't push you to shop. Deal?"
"Deal. I feel better."
"I'm glad."
Sagi grinned as Seiya leaned into her, kissing her cheek.
"You are beautiful Sagi." She whispered with tenderness as the girl felt dizzy. Her friend melts under her words.
"Beautiful." She whispered again in reverence as she kissed her other cheek. Her friend kept her eyes and looked down in shyness.
"Look at me. I want you to see me see you." She whispered, pressing her cheek to hers.
Sagi slowly looked up into Seiya's eyes.
They were extremely close, feeling each other's breaths on their lips.
"You are beautiful," Seiya whispered, looking as if she intended to say more. Sagi saw her frown a bit as she looked into her eyes.
"Sagi…" The senior whispered her name without honorifics. The sophomore struggled to breathe as she saw the senior linger on her. Sagi breathed in, it was so overwhelming to have her so close. Seiya breathed her in return, needing to ask, and whispered to her.
"Do you feel something for me, Sagi? As in... more than just a friend...?"
Sagi breathed as she took a while to answer, seeing a strong blush on her cheeks. Seiya watched her as she slowly saw the girl softly nodding, making her beam.
"Hai..."
"Oh, Sagi. I have feelings for you. For a while now... I want to..." She said softly, softly caressing her back, making Sagi shudder at her touch. She softly held her arms. Seiya playfully narrows her eyes at her.
"You drive me so crazy, Odango." She whispered as her friend blushed hard.
WOW.
Sagi looked at her as the guard was dropped completely. She felt genuine warmth and tenderness and truth from her lips. She softly smiled.
Seiya breathed as she saw a shift in her, giving her relief as she looked into her eyes. Her smile falters and lingers on Sagi, who blushes hard at her.
"You are important to me, Sagi," Seiya whispered tenderly. Sagi breathed as she whispered to her in return.
"You are important to me, Seiya."
Their eyes locked before their sights slowly trailed to each others' lips.
…
And it was true. This girl scared her with excitement and excited her with her acceptance.
This beautiful girl... And she cared for her... so much... and even though she is a girl... it didn't matter to her.
It never has. It never did. And it never will. And she wanted her.
She wanted her.
She breathed as she felt her lean in, feeling that beautiful cinnamon breath on her lips. She held still as the girl paused, looking at her as their faces were close to each other.
When the other girl saw no resistance, she leaned in, closer, angling to her, feeling her sweet bubble gum breath on her lips.
A sweet, tender, taste, so divine...
Seiya breathed, tenderly kissed Sagi's lips, and embraced her tight waist tight, pressing her body to hers.
Goddess.
Goddess. This was…
Goddess. This...This was so unlike anything she ever felt in her life.
Sagi breathed, shocked, shuddered, and then, held her. She shuts her eyes and feels her lips on hers, softly kissing her in return. They kissed, with tenderness and adoration.
It was inevitable. It was realized without mention of words or thoughts. They each had such powerful energy towards each other. A gravitational pull. Something was bound to happen between them.
She has her in her arms now, with the most delicious kiss.
Seiya breathed and kissed her, softly tasting her. She's been wanting to kiss her for months. She pictured her every moment since she's known her. Now she's able to breathe. She released one hand from her waist and caressed her hair, causing her to shudder.
Sagi's heart was pounding hard, feeling her hand within her strands as Seiya kissed her, soothing her lips with hers. She breathed as she felt her get more strength in her kiss, making her gasp as she felt her strong tongue lovingly thrusting into her lips, touching hers. Seiya breathed as she felt her lips and kissed her some more, sucking them firmly a bit... She could tell, Sagi never kissed anyone before. But it didn't matter. Actually, it made her fucking happy that she was her first. This girl made her feel something. Sagi should believe Seiya cared for her. She would let her know it. Her lips sucked her lower lip. She shuddered as that delicious tongue softly caressed her a bit, inviting her to taste. Seiya smiled and caressed her lips with her own and licked inside her lips.
Her tongue.
Feeling her tongue, Sagi hyperventilated as she didn't know what to do at the start. Then she remembered making out with her hand, how she practiced and felt guided by her now. She breathed, and softly, slowly tasted her in return, making Seiya shudder.
That taste of her was so divine.
Their whole world disappeared as they lived in each other's kiss. She couldn't believe they were kissing. But they were kissing.
It was the most beautiful thing she's experienced. She never thought about kissing until Seiya came into her life. And their connection never left her head... nor her heart. Sagi shuddered as Seiya kissed her stronger as she released her waist.
She felt her shift up to her feet and softly yelped when she was lifted further up a bit on the bed and laid her down. Seiya continued to kiss her strong as she moved on top of her and pressed her body to hers, making her softly moan, causing the other girl to groan. Fire moved in the current of their veins as their skins touched. Their lips molded to each other, along with their tastes. Despite the girls' thick nightgown and the other girl on top being in a sweater and jeans, she felt her entire body pressed upon hers, their connection inverted with fire.
Seiya released her lips and tongue as Sagi hyperventilated. She trailed down her soft neck and sucked her skin.
The senior lingered on her soft skin and smiled on it, making her shudder. This was her favorite part. She softly bit her, making her sophomore gasp a bit, and tenderly sucked on her skin, creating a love bite.
Sagi shuts her eyes as she softly embraces her. This beautiful being on top of her remained, making her heart pound hard.
Yes… she nibbled on her… but this time, she didn't mind it. She held her closer.
All the madness… all the anger… all the angst… all the heartaches… all the misunderstandings… all the wounds… all the sadness… all the tears… all the healings… all the surprises… came to this particular moment.
It was worth it. It was so worth it.
Seiya breathed as she released her neck, seeing her love bite marked on her beautiful skin. She hugged her tight, holding her back strong as her lips moved to hers and kissed her strong. She couldn't get enough of her.
She loved kissing her.
Today was so lovely, and then it went dark. Then they wept, and then they slowly healed...
Now, it's fucking bliss.
They rejuvenated into their new connection between them now.
Fuck, Goddess, Seiya was so happy to feel Sagi's lips with her own. She craved her lips for so many months. And feeling her body against hers drove her insane. She kissed her for a long while, making her lose oxygen.
Sagi did in fact lose oxygen. She never experienced this before. But now that she has, she wanted more of her...
The moment Seiya released her bruised, swollen, smeared maroon lips, Sagi took a strong breath. Seiya, whose lips were also smeared, took in a breath, looked at Sagi's eyes and lips, then back in her eyes, and smiled. She was so fucking ecstatic. She never expected their first kiss to come about this way.
But they were so unique, so why not?.
Sagi was seen shuddering, hyperventilating a bit as she realized they got very intense.
Seiya slowly climbed off her before she pushed any further. She had to go slow on her, no matter how fast she wanted to speed on her. She took her hands and sat her up as she knelt down on her knees in front of her, holding her waist.
"Arigatou Gozaimasu, Sagi. This... believe it or not, this was the best date I ever had in my life."
"Seriously? Even when we... earlier..."
"Hai... even with earlier... I love this. With you."
Sagi softly smiled as she blushed. Seiya caressed her cheek.
"You beautiful girl. Look what you do to me. I will miss you when I leave tomorrow."
"Oh? Where are you... oh! That's right. Julliard... London audition."
"Hai."
"I'm excited for you."
"Me too."
"Gomen Nasai about earlier… the day before you fly for your audition... I want you to leave with a fresh mind. "
"Sagi… you have nothing to apologize. I wanted you to call me out on your anger with me for so long. It just came about today. I don't ever want you to feel like you feel suffocated."
"I'm really rooting for you."
"It makes me so fucking happy you are rooting for me. Your support for me gives me power. That right there is enough to lift my heart."
"I'm glad, it lifts mine too, seeing you pursue your dreams... I will miss you too." Sagi shyly whispered as she blushed, feeling sad that Seiya was leaving. The senior watched the sophomore and smiled with tenderness.
"And now we are close, amazing friends… well… more than friends, ne?"
"... Hai…"
Seiya softly leaned into her and tenderly kissed her lips.
"Odango. I will definitely miss you for the next few days. I'll be back soon, and we will definitely spend more time together, even more so... You made me happy today, so happy... I hope... I really hope I made you happy too..."
"Hai... you did. Despite... earlier... I truly am... Seiya, you made me happy... And you lifted up my heart too… Arigatou Gozaimasu."
"Anytime, Odango. Anytime."
Sagi tenderly smiled and looked down. Seiya breathed and kissed her lips.
"I'll go slow with you. Don't worry. You may trust me... if you want to lay next to me tonight, I would love that. But I won't push you."
Sagi lingered on her as she breathed. Seiya smiled as she softly nodded.
"Hai... I think it will be fine. We've... laid next to each other... before..."
"Hai. We did. Sleep next to me. We'll go to our classes tomorrow. Spend a brief time in the locker room before I head out with my parents to the airport. I'm flying out after class."
"Wow. I'm excited for you. Do you feel ready?"
"Hai. Haruka has been helping me."
"Tenouh San...?"
"Hai. You may call her Haruka if you like."
Sagi softly breathed as she lingered on Seiya and looked down. The other girl smiled at her and sighed.
"She would love that. But I understand if you are not ready to call her by her first name yet."
"Iie... not yet..."
"As long as we call each other by our first names, that's what matters the most to me."
"... Hai..."
"Since we slept in your bed several times, do you want to sleepover in my bed?"
"... Hai..."
"Okay. I'm going to get ready and clean myself up. I'm already packed. If you want, head over to my bed. I'll be there shortly and we'll cuddle... and sleep."
"Okay... do you need help?"
"Iie. I'm good. I've traveled before."
"Okay. That's good."
"Have you ever traveled?"
"Iie."
"Oh, you will love it, Sagi. You will love it."
Sagi breathed as she smiled. Seiya softly kissed her lips and released her.
"Okay. I'll leave you now, otherwise, I will get carried away. Feel free to move to my bed and rest. I'm going to shower."
She got up and walked to grab her clothes and move to the bathroom. Then she shut the door.
Seiya grinned and shut her eyes. She was fucking ecstatic.
Outside, the sophomore got up and moved to the senior's bed. She softly moved in there and laid on the bed. Immediately, she shut her eyes.
Sagi breathed as she thought of their kisses and smiled. That girl was so beautiful, in and out. Her heart pounded hard as she felt anew in her soul.
And for the first time, she believed Seiya, about liking her, about calling her beautiful, and her somber regret... maybe one day she will be ready to fully forgive her without any triggers... It took time, but she finally believed that she cared for her.
Eventually, she herself will believe she is beautiful. Sagi is not there yet with herself, she has way too many insecurities, but one day will be on her way…
...
Seiya came back out after she got ready for bed. She immediately got into bed with her girl, and gently held her, snuggling to her.
Sagi breathed and shut her eyes. She loved their cuddles. She felt so safe with her. She felt Seiya's lips as she turned her face. Seiya gently kisses her lips.
"Goodnight, Odango." She whispered lovingly on her lips.
"Goodnight, Seiya…San…" She whispered shyly.
"You can drop the San… I don't mind. I would love it if you only said my name."
"... Seiya…"
"Arigatou."
"Arigatou."
They softly kissed again.
Both girls shifted and spooned as they drifted off to sleep, the Star with her arm around the Moon.