CW: Tenkaede

Summary: Tenko confesses to Kaede.

Author's Note: So, uh. You're probably wondering why a oneshot for Flufftober is getting posted four months later (and during a new year, no less). Well, uh, it's a funny story: I'd just gotten the first oneshot posted when I wasn't able to use my phone for, like, a week. When I finally could use it again, I lost all motivation to write. So, yeah.

Anyway! Day Two's Prompt was Love Confessions. I hope you enjoy, and if you wanna, you can come find me on Tumblr at strawberrymixt.

Confessing your feelings to a crush was always a nerve-wracking experience—especially when your crush was also your best friend.

And, yet, that was the exact predicament Tenko was currently in, as she gripped a letter with sweaty fingers. She shifted nervously in front of said crush's locker, internally debating whether she should slip the letter inside, or hightail it back to the dining hall.

Tenko almost did just the latter, but she immediately berated herself for it. No! You are not going to be a coward, Tenko! It's now or never!

...Okay, the situation wasn't that dire, but she had to hype herself up somehow.

Ultimately, Tenko forced herself to shove the letter through the slits of the locker, then scurried off before anyone spotted her.

As soon as the last bell of the school day rang, Kaede made a beeline for her locker. She wanted to do nothing more than to go home and listen to some relaxing piano music. Maybe Nuvole Bianche by Ludovico Einaudi?

When she opened her locker, however, a piece of paper came fluttering out. With an annoyed sigh, Kaede swiped the letter off the ground and examined it; it was slightly crinkled, but nothing outstanding about it otherwise. It read:

Dear Kaede,

If you get this letter, I would like for you to meet me at the local park 4:30 PM this afternoon to tell you something. I hope to see you there!

— Your Secret Admirer

Kaede's mood improved almost instantly, as she carefully tucked the letter into the side pocket of her backpack. The sender didn't put their name, but it was obvious to her who wrote it—after all, Tenko's handwriting had always been exceptionally messy.

She wondered what Tenko wanted to tell her, though. It was pretty weird for her best friend to write a letter instead of just talking to Kaede herself.

Unless...

No. Kaede quickly perished the thought. There was no way that was what Tenko wanted to meet her for. Oh well. Kaede figured she would find out the reason soon enough, so she decided not to ponder on it too much for now.

Tenko, to put it simply, was absolutely freaking out right now.

She lost her composure just speaking to cute girls, how in the world was she supposed to ask out one?! Jeez, if only love confessing was included in the aikido lessons she took...

She carefully set the bouquet of flowers and box of chocolates she was holding down on the nearby bench before she ruined them with her sweat or accidentally crushed them, instead using her hands to put her long hair up in a ponytail to keep the light wind from blowing it into her face.

Okay, Tenko, breathe. There's a very low chance that she'll reject you. She's not even straight, so that eliminates the possibility of her not liking girls. Unless... she already has a partner?! No, no... Kaede would definitely tell me if she had a girlfriend or boyfriend. ...Right?

A new wave of anxiety washed over Tenko, but she had no time to process it, as,at that moment, she spotted the blonde entering the park in the distance. Tenko's eyes widened, and she quickly retrieved the flowers and chocolate and got into position, rehearsing what she would say in her head.

"Tenko?"

Kaede had finally reached the strip of path Tenko was standing at; the former's mouth formed into an "o" as she approached the latter.

"Kaede!" Tenko flashed her best smile as she held out the flowers and chocolate. "H-Here! These are for you."

Kaede blinked; she glanced down at the gifts, then back up at Tenko again. "Huh? What's the occasion?"

"Good question! Um, well, I..." Tenko took a deep breath.

Kaede tilted her head to the side, giving her a patient smile. "Yeah?"

"I-I don't really know how to put this, but, um. I... I like you! Like, like-like! And I don't know if you feel the same—of course, it's okay if you don't! I've just liked you for a long time and I know we're best friends and I don't want things to be awkward, and—oh god, I'm already making things awkward, aren't I—"

Kaede suddenly stepped forward, firmly planting her hands on Tenko's shoulders. Tenko froze. "Hey, calm down. I, um, also have a confession to make. I've also realized that I actually feel the same way—maybe even earlier than you did. I didn't want to ruin our friendship, you know? So, yeah. I like you, too. I love you, actually."

Tenko stayed silent for a moment, eyes widening. Tears suddenly started to stream down her face, and she dashed forward and scooped up Kaede in a bear hug. "Oh, Kaede! You should've told me sooner! Of course I love you, too!"

"I'm glad, Tenko..." Kaede wheezed out. "But... I can't... breathe."

Tenko set her down. "Sorry! I'm just a bit excited, huh?"

"That's a bit of an understatement," Kaede teased, running a hand through her blonde hair.

Tenko giggled as well, and began to twiddle her fingers. "S-So... Does this mean we're girlfriends?"

"Yeah." Kaede leaned forward and kissed Tenko on the lips. "I'd like that."