10/11
Yui and her friends were studying for midterms at the Junes food court. Yui brought Nanako along because she asked to hang out with Teddie, and she felt it was alright to allow her to focus on studying while giving Nanako something to do.
"The real you?" Nanako asked Teddie.
"I don't really know who I am. My memories began in the other world, not this one. I'm not sure you'd understand." Teddie stated.
"You sound like you might be a king. I read in a book once about a villain who cursed a king to wander through a hollow forest all alone."
"A king?"
"I hope you break the spell, Teddie!"
"Thank you Nana-chan!"
"What are those two talking about?" Chie asked Yui.
"Not sure. They seem to be having fun, so whatever. Are you gonna drink that melon soda I bought for you?" Yui replied.
"I will!"
10/13
When Yui visited Marie in the Velvet Room, she seemed more anxious than usual. Yui asked her what was wrong, but whatever troubled her, she had no intention of talking about it within the vicinity of Igor and Margaret.
"Do you want to go somewhere?" Yui asked Marie.
"Yes, please." Marie said.
"All this secrecy. You know there's no harm in sharing your thoughts with others, right Marie?" Margaret asked.
"It's none of your business! I don't want you knowing!" Marie responded.
Margaret sighed patiently, allowing Yui to take Marie along with her.
Marie asked Yui to bring her to the hilltop overlooking Inaba, which was quickly becoming a favorite location for Yui and her friends. They sat down on the park bench and started talking.
"I have midterms tomorrow, but I wanted to at least spend a bit more time with you before then. So what's wrong, Marie-chan?" Yui asked.
"Why are you assuming there's something wrong with me?" Marie asked in response.
"Because when I went into the Velvet Room, I saw you fidgeting in your seat and hiding a piece of paper. Was that a poem you were working on?"
"It usually is a poem, yes. But...the way I've been feeling lately, poems haven't been...working…"
"What do you mean?"
"I feel so...frustrated. That whatever it is I'm experiencing, I can't put it into a poem like I usually can. It's not enough! What it needs is...is a song!" Marie stated.
"You're writing a song? That's great!" Yui said.
"Is it? I feel stupid whenever I'm writing it."
"It can't be that bad, if your poems are any indication. Did you want to show it to me?"
"...fine, but you're not allowed to laugh."
Marie handed Yui a slip of paper with the song draft written on it. A few lines in particular caught Yui's attention.
If I tell
you show me how to love?
I'll show you how to live
Bukiyou na distance
(There's an awkward distance between us)
Miageteta kimi no dazzling smile
(I gazed up at your dazzling smile)
Sakurairo somete
(Dyed the color of cherry blossoms)
Yui looked at Marie with intrigue, which Marie responded by looking away from her.
"Marie, is this...a love song?" Yui asked.
"Huh? Well...not necessarily…" Marie responded.
"Come on, Marie-chan. 'Show me how to love'?, 'I gazed up at your dazzling smile'?"
"Don't you see now? A song is the only way I can understand this."
"Hey, I get it. We all have our ways of sorting through our emotions."
"I need to work on it more. Don't say anything about it. It's not done."
"Fine, I won't."
"Hey, thanks for listening."
"That's what I'm here for."
10/20
Yui went to see Marie after midterms were over, taking her shopping at Junes.
"Why are we shopping?" Marie asked.
"Don't you want to look your best for your future date?" Yui said.
"Date? Who said anything about dating?" Marie asked with a nervous expression.
"Marie-chan, you have what's clinically known as 'a crush'. And the recommended treatment for a crush is to be brave and tell your crush how you feel. Trust me, I've been there, done that." Yui told Marie.
"Why's it called a crush? Sounds violent."
"Well, it might be because if you try to keep it inside, it feels like a crushing weight around your heart. Not literally, but…"
"*sigh* This is a terrible idea."
"Do you mind if I ask who it is?"
"Huh?"
"The person you like. It has to be someone we both know, right? If you tell me, I can help you."
"If I tell you, you're just gonna laugh at me."
"Marie-chan, you know I'm not like that! I'm your friend, and friends are supposed to support and help each other."
"Well...OK then."
Marie crossed her arms and slowly breathed out.
"...she's been on my mind a lot lately...that Rise girl…" Marie said.
Yui was stunned silent for a couple moments before speaking up.
"Oh...I...oh no." Yui muttered.
"What? What is it?!" Marie asked.
"It's not as bad as I'm making it sound! Relax! I'm...surprised more than anything." Yui clarified.
"I don't even know if I really like her that way! I just...want to know her better. Like what we're doing." Marie stated.
"I get it. You're looking for a platonic relationship, for now at least."
"I guess?"
"This is Rise-chan we're talking about. She'll either be easy to impress or hard to impress, depending on how things go. And she gets jealous easily."
"Then what do I do?"
"Be yourself, of course. It's pretty clear she likes you well enough. So I think she'll be happy to hear you invite her to go somewhere."
"When do I ask her out?"
"Why not today? She should be at her house, helping her grandma. For now, come with me. Let's find you a good waterproof eyeliner."
Yui and Marie stood in front of Marukyu Tofu, preparing to go inside.
"Don't get cold feet now, Marie-chan." Yui told Marie.
"Hmph! I'm not quitting." Marie replied.
Yui and Marie went inside and saw Rise preparing some tofu dishes.
"Hello Rise-chan!" Yui greeted.
"Yui-senpai! Oh, and Marie-chan!" Rise chimed.
"How are you today?" Marie asked, a bit awkwardly.
"I'm alright! I'm glad midterms are over. Did you want to order some tofu?" Rise said to Marie.
"Um, no thanks. I actually came here to ask…"
"Ask what?"
Marie fidgeted in place.
"Go on Marie-chan." Yui whispered.
"I was wondering if you'd like to...go somewhere. Just the two of us?" Marie asked Rise.
Rise's eyes widened in surprise at this, and for a couple moments, she found herself reluctant to speak.
"Oh! Are you...are you asking me out?" Rise asked Marie.
"Ah! Not like that! I mean...maybe?" Marie replied in a panic.
"*giggle* Where would you like to go? I should be available tomorrow." Rise stated.
"Eh? You mean it?" Marie asked.
"Sure! You're so cool and mysterious! I'd like to learn a bit more about you."
"I see! Why don't we go to...that hilltop where you can see the town? That's my favorite place."
"I like that hilltop too! Alright, it's a date!"
"Sounds great! We'll let you get back to work, Rise-chan." Yui said.
"Bye senpai! See you soon, Marie-chan!" Rise said with a smile.
When Yui and Marie left Marukyu Tofu, Yui noticed that Marie was rather red in the face.
"You alright, Marie-chan?" Yui asked playfully.
"My face is all hot! I hate it!" Marie growled.
"A normal symptom. You'll get used to it. Look at you, earning yourself a date with THE Rise!"
"Is that special?"
"Doesn't it feel special? To you? Lots of guys would do anything to get a date with Rise. I guess a few girls would love that too."
"Take me back home. I need to be my best for when I get onstage!"
"That's what I like to hear! Good luck!"
10/21
After school, Yui went to the shopping district and saw Marie standing outside where the door to the Velvet Room was. She was carrying her electric guitar in a case on her back.
"Hey." Marie greeted Yui.
"Hey! You look like someone who's getting ready to serenade a lovely girl." Yui stated, amused.
"Stupid idiot, stop embarrassing me!" Marie mumbled.
"Just a moment."
Yui took out her eyeliner and added some extra touches to Marie's existing eyeliner.
"If I know Rise-chan, she appreciates good presentation. That should highlight your eyes nicely!" Yui stated.
"Arigato." Marie thanked Yui.
"Ready to go see Rise-chan?"
"Yeah."
Yui and Marie began walking over to Rise's home.
"I told Margaret about my date, and she insisted that I'm not allowed to be on my own. Who does she think she is, my mom?" Marie complained.
"She's concerned, I guess. I'll still come along, but I'll watch from a distance. Pretend I'm not there." Yui said.
"OK? Whatever…"
When Yui and Marie reached Marukyu Tofu, Yui stepped back and hid away, allowing Marie to go inside by herself.
"Hello?" Marie called.
"Marie-chan!" Rise chimed.
Rise came down from her room dressed in a comfy orange dress and hat, which succeeded in leaving Marie starstruck.
"Wow! I've never seen you wear that before!" Marie stated.
"I wanted to wear something special! I've actually never dated anyone before." Rise explained.
"Oh, I see. So this is special for you too."
"Come on, let's go!"
Rise walked alongside Marie as Yui followed from a distance. When Rise noticed Yui, Yui quietly waved to her and made a gesture that said, "don't mind me". With a smile, Rise followed Marie to the hilltop.
Marie and Rise sat down on a park bench, while Yui sat on the grass far from them, but still in view. Marie pulled out her guitar from her case and unfolded a sheet of paper in between herself and Rise.
"I had a lot of fun at the concert a while back. It was a good memory. So I wrote a song. It's like a poem, but even more to do with harmony. Is that how you'd describe a song?" Marie said to Rise.
"Yeah, that's pretty much what a song is. I'm impressed you tried something like this! I'm pretty amateurish when it comes to composing, so I'd love to hear what you've done." Rise replied.
Marie readied her guitar and sighed a bit before beginning to play.
"I tried really hard making this. I call this song, 'Dazzling Smile'." Marie said.
Sokonuke no sora ni mayoigo no watashi,
(I am a lost child in the bottomless sky,)
Kimi wa aruiteku
(And you are walking across it)
Haritsumeta kotoba haritsuke no kokoro
(My words are strained, my heart crucified,)
Yuki ga someru made wa
(Until the snow dyes them)
If I tell
you show me how to love?
I'll show you how to live
Bukiyou na distance
(There's an awkward distance between us)
Miageteta kimi no dazzling smile
(I gazed up at your dazzling smile)
Sakurairo somete
(Dyed the color of cherry blossoms)
I just say
you show me how to live
I show you how to love
Konarenai emotion
(My emotions are still immature)
Mioroshita machi no memory
(The memory of looking down over the town)
Akaneiro somete
(Is dyed crimson)
Rise sat and smiled pleasantly as she continued to listen to Marie singing, while Yui listened from a distance and was greatly impressed.
"She's pretty good at this! Wish I could join in." Yui thought.
Maiochiru sora ni umatteku kokoro
(They flutter down in the sky and my heart is buried)
Kimi ga kieru made
(Until you disappear)
Chiguhagu no watashi junpaku no hana e
(I feel so mismatched, going toward a snow white flower)
Ah mou kimi no sei da
(Ah, it's your doing again)
If I tell
you show me how to love?
I'll show you how to live
Kawaranai due day
(The due date is unchanged)
Gomakashita kimi no earnest eyes
(Yet your earnest eyes deceive me)
Nijimu iro somete
(They're dyed a blurry color)
I just say
you show me how to live
I'll show you how to love
Toraware no due time
(In the due time of my imprisonment)
Adokenai hibi no irony
(The irony of our innocent days)
Namida iro somete
(Is dyed the color of tears)
Marie sang the rest of the song, and when she was finished, she looked at Rise with anxiousness and anticipation.
"That was amazing, Marie-chan! You should do this kind of thing more often!" Rise praised.
"Thank you! I should thank Yui-chan. She's the one who got me into making music." Marie said with a grin.
Marie looked away shyly.
"And I should thank you for...encouraging me before." Marie said.
"You're welcome. I know I didn't warm up to you right away, and I'm sorry if I came across as unwelcoming, but I want you to know that I think you're really cool." Rise told Marie.
"That makes me happy. Arigato…"
Marie stood up from the bench, and Rise stood up along with her.
"Let's go somewhere else. I'm bored here." Marie said.
"You wanna go get steak skewers from Souzai Daigaku?" Rise asked.
"Fusuteki? That sounds great!" Marie said eagerly.
"Um...it's bifuteki, but yeah."
"But calling it bifuteki doesn't really tell you what it is. If you removed...oh, never mind." Marie mumbled.
Rise giggled as she walked with Marie to Souzai Daigaku. Yui followed behind, watching them go to various places in town like Junes and the Tatsuhime Shrine.
Ikusen no kotoba meguri meguru wakare
(A parting with thousands of words spinning around)
Atenai negai daite nemuru tokoshieri…
(I embrace my feelings with no address and sleep, forever...)
How I say?
you show me how to love?
I show you how to live
Kanawanai our vow
(Our vow is unfulfilled)
Omoi egaita yo after time
(I imagined a time after)
Usubeni ni somaru
(Dyed in light pink)
Kiss and cry!
you show me how to love
I'll show you how to live
Todokanai day dream
(A day dream that will never reach you)
Datta hazu naru ni aa
(Alas, that was how it was supposed to be)
Kanashimi wa sora e
(With my sorrow sent to the sky)
By evening, Rise told Marie that it was time for her to go back home, and so they walked back to Marukyu Tofu, a bit sad that the day went by so quickly. As Rise stood at the entrance to her home, she gave Marie another smile.
"Thank you for taking me out today. And thank you again for the song." Rise told Marie.
"I had fun making new memories with you, Rise-chan. Can we do this some more?" Marie asked Rise.
"Of course! I'd love to! I'll give you my number!"
"You mean phone number? But...I don't have a phone."
"Eh?! You don't have a phone?"
"They won't let me have one."
"You mean your parents? Wow, they sound strict…"
Marie chose not to clarify.
"Well, that's OK. You know where to look for me." Rise said.
"I want to go to that city with you." Marie told Rise.
"Oh! You mean Okina? Yeah, that sounds great! This upcoming Sunday should be a good day."
"So...it's another date?"
"Yes. Marie-chan?"
"Yeah?"
Rise went up to Marie-chan and planted a kiss on her cheek. Marie's stunned expression caused Rise to giggle in delight.
"That's my gift. Good night, Marie-chan!" Rise said with a smile.
"...Ah, yes! Good night, Rise-chan." Marie replied, after snapping out of her trance.
After Rise went into her house, Marie walked over to where Yui was hiding.
"Oh, Marie-chan…" Yui said in admiration.
"What? Don't look at me like that, idiot!" Marie said nervously.
"Someone's in love, and it's not just me. Also, that's a lipstick mark." Yui stated, pointing to a sakura pink lip mark on Marie's face.
"Eh?! Where?!" Marie shrieked.
"I'll just wipe that off for you. Unless you want to keep it there!"
"No! Why would I want that?!"
Yui took out a hand cloth and wiped away the lipstick mark, all while chuckling to herself.
"Let's go home." Marie muttered.
"I agree. May you see Rise in your dreams." Yui teased.
"It's not like that!"
Yui continued to laugh as Marie pouted. As they walked to the Velvet Room, Marie thought back on today, wishing for more days like it.
Miagereba kimi no dazzling smile
(When I gaze up at your dazzling smile)
Sakurairo somete
(It's dyed the color of cherry blossoms)
10/22
Naoto approached Yui after school, much to her surprise. Naoto asked if they could go somewhere private to speak, to which Yui agreed without hesitation. They ended up going to the Samegawa Flood Plain, seated at a picnic table.
"I finally came up with a way to address you." Yui stated.
"So you have?" Naoto asked.
"Is it alright if I call you 'Naoto-san'? I feel like you don't want to be called 'Naoto-chan', and 'Naoto-kun' just isn't accurate anymore." Yui rambled.
"It's quite alright if you want to call me 'Naoto-chan'. I am...a woman after all. Although 'Naoto-san' does sound nice. Thank you for being so considerate, senpai."
"Man, it feels weird having you refer to me as 'senpai'. I feel like you're way smarter and mature than I am."
"Not necessarily. Your intelligence and tact is quite commendable. And you are older than I am. That is a simple fact."
"Well anyway, what did you want to talk to me about, Naoto-san?"
"Truthfully, I did not wish to bring you into this. But I'm at a bit of a loss."
Naoto pulled out a white card and placed it on the table.
"I found this in my locker. Just a blank card with no writing."
"Weird. What do you think it could be?"
"The fact that it's a card and not a regular sheet of paper tells me that it's not ordinary. But I have no idea who would send me something like this."
Yui thought for a while, but couldn't come up with anything.
"Ugh, I've got nothing."
"Personally, I think it's a prank."
"It has to be something."
Naoto's phone began ringing, interrupting the silent mood.
"Excuse me." Naoto said.
Naoto picked up her phone.
"Hello? Yes, it's me. Yakushiji-san! What seems to be the matter? What's this? A thief stole from the Shirogane estate?!" Naoto said.
Yui immediately became concerned upon hearing the word "thief".
"No, I don't keep anything in that room that I'd miss. You've already reported this to the police, yes? Good. I'll leave the rest to you." Naoto continued.
Naoto hung up as her expression grew even more serious.
"Someone broke into your house?" Yui asked.
"Yakushiji is my grandpa's secretary. He asked me if I had anything important the thief might want. Some of Grandpa's belongings were also stolen." Naoto explained.
Yui reflected on this for a few seconds when she suddenly came up with an idea.
"Naoto-san! That card! What if it's a calling card left by the thief?" Yui theorized.
"Yes, I was beginning to think the same. See? You are quite clever, Narukami-senpai." Naoto said with a smile.
"No need to praise me so much!" Yui replied.
"We have more pressing matters to attend to, what with the case and all. But if anything else comes up, I think it'd be wise to inform you."
"Sure! I'd be more than happy to help."
"Your concern and care for others is noble. Thank you."
10/23
Yui brought Marie to Rise's house, and once Rise came out, they went to Yasoinaba Station to depart to Okina City.
"Hope you two have fun in Okina!" Yui said to Marie and Rise.
"We will!" Rise said.
"Wait, aren't you coming? I can't go anywhere without you." Marie asked.
"Rise-chan, can I trust you to take care of Marie-chan?" Yui asked Rise.
"Of course, senpai! I'll make sure we get back safely!" Rise stated confidently.
"Then we have nothing to worry about."
"If you're leaving me with her...can I ask you to do something?" Marie asked Yui.
"What's that, Marie-chan?" Yui asked.
Marie reached into her bag and pulled out her bamboo comb.
"I want you to hold onto this. Since I don't need to worry about the past anymore, I also don't need this." Marie told Yui.
"Marie-chan! Didn't you remember combs are bad gifts?!" Rise said.
"It's alright, Rise-chan. It's not a gift. I'm just...taking it off her hands. I'll keep it safe." Yui stated.
Yui took the comb from Marie, causing her to smile.
"Thank you, Yui-chan. We're not done making new memories together. But I'll make some with Rise-chan for now." Marie said.
"Please do. Don't let me hold you back."
As Rise took Marie's hand and walked with her to the train, she looked back at Yui and saw her give her a knowing wink. Rise giggled and brought her attention back to Marie.
"God, those two are adorable."
Yui met up with Kanji later that day and was asked if she wanted to have a meal at Aiya's.
"Chie-senpai told me the steak bowl was really good." Kanji stated.
"It's true. I've had one with her." Yui agreed.
"She's the expert." Kanji said with a grin.
Suddenly, two police officers approached them, which instantly made Yui nervous.
"Are you Kanji Tatsumi? We'd like to have a word with you." One police officer said.
"Yeah? Well I don't." Kanji replied sternly.
The police officer's brow furrowed at this remark.
"You'd better come with us…" The officer said.
"Hold it! On what charges? Kanji-kun didn't do anything!" Yui defended Kanji.
"Senpai…" Kanji said with a smile.
"You in cahoots with Tatsumi?" The other officer asked.
"What's the big idea? Senpai didn't do anything either!" Kanji stated.
"There's been a group of bullies going around threatening kids. You two know anything about that?" The officer asked.
"Threatening kids? That sounds awful." Kanji said.
"What can you tell us?" The officer asked further.
"We're not involved, if that's what you're getting at." Yui stated.
"Hello, Mister!"
The boy that Kanji gave the felt dolls to happened to walk by, surprising Kanji and Yui.
"Oh, you again?" Kanji asked.
"You know these two, kid? Tell us how you know them. They're not being straight with us." The officer asked the boy.
"That's probably because we're not straight, you dumbass…" Yui thought to herself, frustrated.
"He made some dolls for me! My mom baked him cookies as thanks, and I was going to Tatsumi Textiles to give them to him." The boy said as he held up a bag full of cookies.
This statement made Kanji sweat a little, and perplexed the officers.
"Dolls? And you're saying Tatsumi made them for you?" The officer asked.
"This guy? No way you expect us to believe that." The other officer said.
"It's true. Tell them, Kanji-kun." Yui stated.
"Senpai...you're right!" Kanji said with a nod.
Kanji turned to the officers and looked them in the eyes.
"Yeah, that's right! I made 8 dolls for this kid, his friends, and his mom! You saying that ain't like me? Then go ahead and laugh! I'm used to it!" Kanji boldly stated.
Kanji pointed at one of the police officer's shirts.
"That button's coming off! Want me to sew it back on?!" Kanji said.
"What are you doing to Kanji-kun?"
Kanji's mom came by after hearing the commotion.
"Well ma'am, there's been a series of bullying incidents…" The officer began to say.
"Kanji has nothing to do with it. He may be short-tempered, but he's a strong and gentle kid. Just the other day, he showed me his dolls and said I could sell them!" Kanji's mom explained.
"Mom!" Kanji said in embarrassment.
The police officers looked at each other anxiously for a moment.
"We apologize for wasting your time. Excuse us…" The officer said.
The police walked away, to the relief of Yui and Kanji.
"...thanks for...sticking up for me, Mom…" Kanji thanked his mom.
"I know you would never do such a thing. You're welcome. Don't eat too much at Aiya's now. I'm making dinner at home." Kanji's mom said as she walked to Tatsumi Textiles.
When his mom walked away, Kanji started to tear up, moved by her loyalty and kindness.
"Oh, Kanji-kun...are you crying?" Yui asked.
"I ain't crying! I just...have a cold!" Kanji said defensively.
"Come here, silly! I'm proud of you!" Yui said with a laugh, giving Kanji a hug.
"Hey! Stop that! You wanna catch my cold?!" Kanji shouted.
"Why don't you go home and have dinner? Aiya can wait another time." Yui said.
"OK then...thanks senpai…" Kanji replied quietly.
Rise asked Marie to tell her about herself as they rode to Okina, and Marie was at a loss as to what exactly to say.
"Well...I write poetry. It never makes sense though, so I don't show it to anyone except Yui-chan." Marie stated.
"That's a shame. You should feel more confident about your work. I know how capable you can be." Rise told Marie.
"I guess. You're very supportive. That's nice."
"Where are you from? I noticed you don't attend Yasogami." Rise asked.
"Um...I don't like talking about it." Marie mumbled.
"Oh...did you have a harsh life before?"
"I'm only visiting. I'd stay here if I could, but eventually I'll have to go back."
"Well then let's make sure you make the most of your time!"
"What can we do in O-keen-a?" Marie asked.
"A lot of things! I'll show you around!"
When Marie and Rise arrived in Okina, the first place Rise took them was Croco Fur. Despite Marie insisting she didn't want new clothes, Rise was able to convince her to get a nice blue coat for winter. Rise herself bought a pair of mittens and a novelty bunny hat whose ears flopped when you pulled on some strings. After that, they went to Chagall Cafe to try their coffee and pastries. Rise managed to convince Marie not to drink their strongest coffee and instead go for their Pheromone Coffee. This coffee was a popular choice among customers for its fragrant aroma and its supposed effect of making the drinker more attractive to others around them. When Marie drank the coffee, she couldn't help but notice that Rise seemed prettier than before they entered, and Rise noticed a similar thing happening with Marie. Rise told Marie that the advertised effect of Pheromone Coffee was just marketing, with no proof that it actually worked like that, so she claimed as her face grew pink.
When evening came along, Rise took Marie to a karaoke bar and invited her to sing a few songs. Rise was reluctant to sing the songs from her idol days at first, but gradually became fine with it when Marie showed some interest in singing them. Though Marie's singing was a bit awkward, having never heard the songs before, with practice and encouragement from Rise, she was able to sing just as well as the day of the Junes concert.
Yui called Rise to see how they were doing, and also to tell them to come back home. Having had a satisfying day, Marie and Rise rode the train back to Inaba.
"I had a great time, Marie-chan!" Rise told Marie.
"Me too. I have plenty of new memories to look back on. Thank you for that." Marie said with a smile.
"I'm happy to hear that."
Rise's smile shined bright, but slowly wavered as she reflected on her feelings. Marie took notice of this and became worried.
"Rise-chan? Why did you stop smiling?" Marie asked.
"Oh, I did? I didn't realize…" Rise replied.
"Are you not satisfied with our date?" Marie asked nervously.
"No, it's not that…"
Rise held her hands in her lap, thinking carefully about what to say.
"I just wish we had more time to spend together. There's not enough hours in a day." Rise stated.
"I'm a bit sad we couldn't spend more time together too. That was the most fun I've had since the concert." Marie told Rise.
"Marie-chan?"
"Yes, Rise-chan?"
"Did you miss Yui-senpai while we were away?"
Marie was a bit confused as to why Rise asked this question, but answered honestly.
"I did feel a bit lost without her around. She always told me how things were and what was important. But...today I managed to do things without her help. I just...wish she could have seen how much fun we were having." Marie explained.
"Don't worry, we'll tell her all about it." Rise said.
"Why did you ask about Yui-chan?"
"I just felt like…"
Rise stopped herself from continuing, avoiding eye contact with Marie.
"Are you...jealous of her?" Marie asked.
"Jealous? Well, I can't deny that...senpai is so smart, kind and pretty. Anyone would be lucky to have her as a girlfriend." Rise admitted.
"Girlfriend...she told me it was a female friend you like more than normal…" Marie stated.
"Yeah, that's about right. I'm happy for her and Chie-senpai, of course. But I can't help but want something like that for myself."
"Like a boyfriend?"
"Boy or girl. I don't really mind either way. For a while, I was uncomfortable about liking other girls. It just wasn't...appropriate? I don't know. As an idol, I had an image to maintain." Rise said contemplatively.
"Are idols not allowed to like girls?" Marie asked in confusion.
"You don't know? Japan doesn't let girls marry other girls. Or let boys marry other boys." Rise said sadly.
"What kind of rule is that? That's stupid!"
"You think so, huh Marie-chan? I agree. It's not fair."
"Rise-chan?"
"Yes, Marie-chan?"
Marie looked away for a moment, collecting her thoughts before continuing.
"I...I think I like you...more than normal." Marie muttered, a blush forming on her face,
"You do?" Rise asked, a gentle smile forming.
"I think about you a lot lately. And I daydream about getting to be with you often."
Marie pulled up her arm warmers, still trying to avoid looking Rise in the eye.
"I know you probably didn't think things would end up this way. But if I keep quiet any longer, my heart might get crushed."
Marie bravely made eye contact with Rise.
"Rise-chan, can I be your girlfriend? Would that make you happy?" Marie asked sincerely.
Rise was silent and breathless for a moment.
"Marie-chan...aren't we already girlfriends?" Rise stated.
"Eh?" Marie replied.
"Just the other day you played me a song. Ate steak skewers with me. Visited the shrine. I even...I even gave you a kiss on the cheek." Rise said, relaying the events of their previous date.
"Oh, that's right. You did." Marie said plainly.
"Sorry I did that without your permission. I didn't know if you felt that way at the time."
"I think I did. I definitely feel this way right now."
"I guess to answer your question…"
Rise wrapped her arms around Marie's waist and gazed at her with affection.
"Yes...that would make me happy. Us being girlfriends. I...I want this." Rise whispered.
"I...I want this too." Marie replied, struggling to speak.
Marie's breathing became shallow as she listened to both her and Rise's hearts beating loudly. Rise started leaning closer to her, causing her to panic even more.
"Wait!" Marie said.
"What is it?" Rise asked.
"I…I don't know how to do this!"
"Kiss?"
"Y-yes…"
Rise smiled joyfully at this statement.
"Oh, it's pretty easy, Marie-chan! You just...close your eyes, lean closer...and then…"
Rise brought her lips to Marie's, making an audible ~chu~ sound. She slowly and carefully continued to kiss her until Marie understood the idea and wrapped her arms around Rise's waist. After several more kisses, they stopped to look at each other's smiling faces. Rise leaned against Marie and sighed romantically.
"I've always wondered what it's like to kiss another girl…" Rise stated.
"I was just wondering what it's like to kiss...you." Marie responded.
"Was it fun?" Rise asked.
"It was…" Marie replied.
"Thank you so much for today, Marie-chan!" Rise muttered.
"No, thank you, Rise-chan! Also..." Marie said.
"Yes?"
"You really do have a dazzling smile..."
Rise nearly fell asleep as the train neared Yasoinaba Station, but Marie woke her up just before arriving. When Yui asked them about their ride back home, Rise said that it was alright. Yui instantly knew something had occurred between her and Marie, but chose to leave it up to the imagination.
Author's Note(6-4-23): I don't actually have a lot to say about this chapter, strangely. But I did get emotional when writing it. Dazzling Smile is a great song by the way.