Mei and Yuzu were walking down the street after spending the Saturday evening enjoying each other's company at a restaurant. Today wasn't a special day, but after a pouted sigh from her fiancé that they never spent time 'going out alone', Mei figured it was about time she postponed her responsibilities for one day so they could go on a date.
When the group last came for a lively dinner Matsuri did joke that, for a girl on a relationship in highschool, Yuzu wasn't going out as normal and 'as she deserved'. Mei didn't want to admit, but Matsuri was right. She didn't quite care what was deemed normal, as she found most highschoolers didn't spend enough focus on their studies, but not only Yuzu had improved her grades immensely, she indeed deserved more. It was funny how Mei would now consider that when it came to the blonde, as seeing her smile brightly at the proposition for a date earlier today brought a warmth to her usual cold self. Any chance she could see that smile was a worthy endeavor, even if that mean stacking her work for the next day. Ridiculous.
"Mei"
"Hmm?"
"Can we go on a trip?"
"Next week, maybe. Tomorrow I must catch up to council work."
"I mean for a few days, y'know, just the two of us." she said with a bright yet shy smile that always tug Mei's heartstrings. She started to suspect the blonde knew the effect it had in her. The expression "just the two of us" quickly became a trigger for Mei, who found her possessive self preened.
"Yuzu, we've just started the school year, it will be hard to find the time for that."
"I guess you're right… You had so much work during spring break."
And now, having to disappoint the older girl with something out of her control was the worst. She indeed couldn't spare the time for that, especially if it meant skipping school days and council work. Mei let an audible sigh.
"Where to?"
"Huh?"
"If we could, where would you like to go?" Mei guessed if they couldn't go in any recent time, at least they could plan. Yuzu must have understood because her disappointment was quickly replaced by a surprised and excited squeal.
"Oh! Somewhere far enough that we could walk down the street holding hands all day long! Without anyone recognizing you, of course!"
Mei raised an eyebrow at the silly proposal. That can be partly arranged. She took the bright girl's hand, keeping her chilled yet flushed gazed on the walk. Her fiancé quietened with another surprised face, her eyes stuck to the infinite line of the street as if trying not to fright a scaredy cat that just approached her.
"What else?"
"Someone could recognize you, Mei."
"We're on a date, are we not? We're stepsisters as well, you've told me that's not strange." The brunette was a bit bothered by the idea she was the sole reason for their lack of handholding. "And people could recognize you too."
"I wouldn't mind if people knew." Yuzu said, now gathering the courage to face that scaredy cat, her peach blush accusing her seriousness. Suspecting the suggestion that Mei wouldn't want the same would upset her, Yuzu finished "You have multiple reasons to need to prevent that. If you minded that much you wouldn't be holding my hand now." a comforting smile and a gentle swing of the intertwined hands enforced her words, a fresh yet warming spring breeze brushing their hairs.
"I see. What else?" asked Mei, now looking at the red crossing light attempting to repress her own blush creeping her ears.
"Hmm…" Yuzu hummed, her manicured finger touching her lips in thought. Crossing her gaze at a storefront dazzling with colorful sundresses, she concluded "Maybe to see the ocean!"
Mei's imagination wondered to Yuzu in her natural season, removing one of those summer dresses to reveal a small bikini upon arrival at the beach. She frowned in an attempt to suppress the idea. "Summer is still months away."
"Oh, right!" It seems their trip could be sooner that the summer break, reasoning Yuzu for an even happier smile on the prospect. "How about the mountains, maybe somewhere with an onsen?" Her eyes were sparkling, most likely the gaudy eyeshadow crackling in her eyes.
Mei reflected. "Seems appropriate. I'll check my student council work schedule."
"Yay! And the ocean? I really really wanna go with you, Mei! Just the two of us."
There is that sentence again.
"When the weather is fitting for the beach."
Yuzu's face bloomed into a shade of strawberry, indicating she most likely pictured something similar to Mei's previous wandering imagination. How peculiar, Mei though, how she was acquiring a more thorough distinction of colors. The blonde's imagination must have taken her a bit further, as indicated by her darker shade and fading eyes.
"You've been working so hard, Mei. Even on days-off you spend them on council work or studying. We're highschool girls! We should be enjoying our time!" Mei had a slight frown on her face, not agreeing with the sentiment about their wasted youth, and not enjoying recalling the work left to do tomorrow. "Besides…" Yuzu whispered, trying to gather the courage and the words. "I just want us to have some… privacy." She sure was getting bolder. That's what locks are for, no?
"We're engaged, Yuzu. Mother already knows about us and she often arrives at almost bedtime." The brunette said softly, insinuating about their recurring private times. Later tonight, surely, being one of them. She exhaled with some nervousness.
"Sometimes you're so…umm…good to me that I find it difficult to…respect mom's sleep schedule." Definitely, she is getting bolder. And good with words too. Whenever mother went on a work-related trip it was a school night, and Mei was adamant on keeping her sleeping schedule. Or at least try. Mei's memory travelled to the previous night, Yuzu's naked breasts tainted by a flush that spread from the blonde's face. Her mouth was covered by her hand tangled in sweat-covered hairs, desperate to contain whatever sound would come. Mei would often approach that covered mouth to allow Yuzu to smother those dangerous moans in her neck or, worse, to soothe them out softly and quietly to the younger girl's ears. Mei never considered what would those sounds be if let freely roam in the musky bedroom air.
"Mei? Are you thinking about work again?" Yuzu asked, her face showing worry for her stepsister's health.
"I believe I understood your requirements. We have a day-off next Friday, we could travel then. I'll try to get the work ahead as to not bring it along. But since we have tests scheduled for the following week, I expect you to prepare until then. If you drop your grade for a single point, then we won't go to the ocean this summer."
"Deal!" That smile was her curse. As powerful as her career was set to be, and as used to high-ranking responsibilities as she is, Mei found herself powerless in its wake. She would need to keep that secret to herself lest someone take advantage of it.
Yuzu was running around the house in a frenzy. How many bags would she need for two nights? She seemed posing no reflection while stuffing clothes after clothes on the suitcases.
"Which one are you taking? Surely not both." Eyes still stuck reading the student council documents she still had to finish.
"But Mei! I don't know what the weather is going to be! Or if I'll want to wear this" the blond said, in a matter-of-fact stance while holding a tight-fitting blue crop top "or this!" she squealed, replacing the top with a baggy long-sleeve with revealing shoulders.
Mei sighed. "That one." She spoke, pointing to the latter "It's more suitable for the weather."
No way, Mei was helping her pick clothes? Never has she expressed any preference directly, leaving Yuzu to engage in her talented fashion sense to stimulate the younger girl's fancy.
"How about between this and this?" the blonde now lifted a flowy burgundy dress in a hanger and some random skinny jeans in hand. She was going to take every advantage to gather information given the opportunity.
"The dress."
"What!? You just said it's going to be cold!" Yuzu stated with a laugh.
"You should select some pants to wear tomorrow as we travel and stick to those, don't take more on the luggage, that would be counterproductive."
"And between this and this?" Yuzu replaced the pants with a soft woolen jumper, keeping the dress in hand as option. She was testing her. Mei didn't answer, turning back to her pile of council work.
Yuzu smiled, removing the dress from its hanger to gently pack it in the suitcase.
"Take the sweater too, it might get cold. It's two nights, no need for any more clothes."
"Oh, just this one more." The older girl said, placing a rather revealing low cleavage top that she remembered causing a distraction in Mei the last time they went out on a date. "And now I gotta pick the underwear." She announced, causing Mei to move her work to the kitchen where she wouldn't be distracted.
For the first time since…always?...Yuzu was the first to get out of bed. She didn't even snuggle with Mei whilst pretending to sleep, she simply shrugged at the alarm in a mild panic and shot out of bed. Such was the sudden movement that she woke up the brunette. Today was a day-off, why was she so energetic? Oh, right, the trip.
"Good morning!" Yuzu peeped from the bathroom before going back. "If thy don't arise this instant we shall be delayed for our arranged departure." The blond said in a giggle, clearly mimicking an exaggeration of Mei's usual speech, aware of the reversed roles.
The jest did pick a hidden smile from Mei. Yuzu was very happy. Mei got up and dressed. Knowing Yuzu, she was going to take a while to get ready. So, she took their bags to the entrance, ready to leave, and set on making breakfast. Once ready, she called on Yuzu. The brunette wasn't a fan of breakfast right after waking up, usually taking a couple bites of a small toast and coffee, but they had a few hours of journey ahead. While waiting for Yuzu to show up, she called their family's chauffeur to request if they had time to take them, along their bags, to the station. If they couldn't, she would call a cab. She could take a small backpack but that was out of the question for Yuzu.
"Was that Sato-san? Isn't he on day-off too?"
"No, he isn't. He should arrive in 15 minutes. Is everything ready?" the brunette laid the phone back on its stand and sat on her spot on the table. She still felt the need for a coffee for all of this.
"Yes!" Yuzu said with a twirl, causing Mei to finally turn her gaze to the girl. She was wearing some washed-out straight jeans with an olive oversized sheepskin-jacket, covering a cropped green blouse that mimicked her eyes. The sneakers were neutral yet cute, chosen for their flexibility in attire. Her expertly curled hair was tied into a high cascading ponytail, and the makeup was probably so well done that Mei had a hard time to discern if it existed beyond the glossy lipstick.
"You look…surprisingly appropriate for a trip."
"Aww, thank you, you look very beautiful too!" teased the girl, noticing Mei's sleek dusky turtleneck and caramel pants. Her shimmering black hair was laid on one side of her shoulder, leaving an adorable ear exposed. A dark forest-green lapel overcoat awaited in the back of the chair. Her stepsister always looked so mature in casual clothes, unlike herself.
"Good morning girls, I see you're all ready to leave." Ume emerged, looking at the bags near the entrance.
"You're up already mom? It's still early!"
"You tend to cause a commotion on these occasions."
"Haha, it's okay Mei, I just wanted to see my little girl off on her first outing." Ume sat with them after taking some rice from the cooker for herself.
"It's not my first outing mom." Yuzu complained, rice sticking to the side of her mouth while rushing to finish her breakfast. Mei took a napkin and cleaned the older girl with an exasperated sigh. Ume observed that kind routine with a tender smile. Months have past since her daughter had the courage to tell her, and although at first it was harsh for her to deal with the newfound relationship, especially with them sharing a bed, she was glad they trusted her enough to do it. Also, she admitted, they looked good together.
"You better take proper care of my daughter, I'm trusting you with my greatest treasure, you know." Ume placed a hand on Mei's shoulder and pat her head, causing the neatly displayed hair to spread on her back. Mei recomposed it behind a blushing ear. "You too, Yuzu. You're the eldest, take care of your stepsister." Yuzu criticized her mom's protectiveness stating how grown they were, which Ume kidded on how aware she was.
"Yuzu, it's time." Mei stated looking at her watch, taking their plates. With that, a tornado revealed itself in Yuzu's body, the blonde running back to the bedroom to get whatever she forgot, streaming her golden curls about as she left.
"It's okay Mei, I'll clean those, get yourself ready."
Mei nodded, picking her jacket. Yuzu returned with a bright shine. With a jiggle of her head, she pointed to the large dangling earrings she almost forgot, exhibiting their ring still in her finger. Reflexively, Mei spun the ring in her hand with her thumb. They had the habit of sleeping with it, and last night they agreed to keep it during their trip. She took their bags, Yuzu demanding her own back.
"Now girls, be careful, don't stay up too late, no causing trouble, get home safe."
"Yes yes!" Yuzu smiled "Bye mom!" kissing her mom goodbye and zipping out the door.
"Don't worry mother, I have the schedule set for our return Sunday afternoon. And… I'll take care of Yuzu…" quite an adorable girl. Truly, Yuzu had the power to break any ice. Ume hug her stepdaughter without expecting her to reciprocate yet felt a small hand tug on her back.
"Good morning, Sato-san!"
"Good morning miss, I take you have lovely plans today?" the gentleman asked, probing for their destination. He usually drives their grandfather anywhere he needs, the rides spent in respectful silence. Since he has been on absence due to his frail health, his journeys have been greatly reduced. So, his services extended to Mei's necessities. Every time Yuzu was in his care, however, was always a joyous occasion.
"Yes Sato-san. We have a train at 8h30."
"We're going on a two-night trip!"
"Haha, how wonderful, miss."
Yuzu kept describing their plans, where they were going, what's the hotel, discussing spots to visit. From the mirror, Sato-san saw how Mei didn't discuss much herself, only intervening for small corrections, but had an unquestionable adoration in her eyes for the girl talking.
At the station, Yuzu waved goodbye to Sato-san while Mei was already distracted checking the departing trains. Everything was on schedule and they still had plenty time to wait, earning her a sigh of relief. They waited on their line for the train to arrive, Yuzu already on the phone with Harumi. When the train appeared in the horizon, Mei took Yuzu's hand to stir her from her chat and, from then until Sunday afternoon, they didn't seem to separate.
During the journey, Mei read a novel gifted by Himeko on her birthday. She wasn't as used to this type of reading but given the quality of the narrative and writing, she had increased fondness for it. Depending on the author, she could find clarity on how to examine her personal life. Equally, when reading other people's point of view, she uncovered how she could express herself as well. Himeko clearly chose this one for its thematic proximity to Mei's life and choices, making it easier. It was a form of study in itself.
Since she needed both hands to hold the book and sometimes turn the pages, her girlfriend kept a hand on her thigh whilst on the phone as a replacement. Yuzu kept talking to Harumi, who seemed to have plans with Matsuri that day, so they were chatting clothing options. Mei wondered how those two could take on a career in fashion. Their expertise in discussing, describing and combining apparel at a distance seemed to Mei a task similar to a chess player competing without looking at the board. Such careers can be high risk of no reward, but a wasted talent is an afront. She thought to herself she should read on the subject, noting where she could find an applicable book.
"She seemed a little weird, I hope she's okay." having finished her chat, the blonde looked at Mei engrossed in her reading. "She's going with a tiny, short skirt, it's a little cold but they are going to the movies so should be fine."
"Movies?" Mei asked, rarely interested in these matters but raising a questioning eyebrow.
"Yes, she wanted to go see a new movie today but I couldn't."
"And only with Matsuri?"
"Yes, why?"
"Hum, nothing."
Yuzu though on the question. "Maybe they all depend on me to get the group together…"
"Sure."
"It's nice they are trying. Matsuri can be a handful but she has improved, no?"
"Hmm-hmm." Mei agreed, turning a page.
"You never get nauseous reading like that?"
"No."
"Impressive. What is it about?"
"It's a novel. I can lend it to you sometime." Mei sighed with her eyes still stuck to the book, worried Yuzu would keep her distracted further. However, the older girl simply observed her, as if taking in the image to memory. When Mei looked at her with inquisitive eyes perturbed by Yuzu's gaping mouth, as if organizing words to say something, the blonde simply shook her head, her earrings jiggling with the movement. She should read more often and find whatever words she was looking for.
Yuzu took Mei's free hand and cuddled it, leaning on her shoulder. Her golden hair draped on Mei's forest-colored coat, its smell entrancing the usually stoic girl. She gazed into the distance for a short moment, enjoying the view through the window. The fluffy white clouds were grazing the stiff red pines in the horizon. The world was teasing her. She had to read more or she too wouldn't know what to say.
Arriving at their destination, Mei called a cab to their hotel. They chose to stay at an onsen, a high expense for their highschooler budget, but it would be worth it. Yuzu made quite an impression on the hosts with her usual bubbly demeanor, questioning for tips on local knowledge and how quiet the place was. The room was bright, modern and airy. The double bed, although similar to the one they had at home, had a magical promise. Mei took notice how the sound of people chatting outside immediately dissipated when the door was closed, causing her cheeks to warm.
"It's so nice! Oh I can't wait, I bet the onsen is fantastic." the blonde exclaimed, dropping her luggage to look out the window after checking every corner of the room, as if it's the first time she's ever been in a hotel.
"Shall we go? If not, we won't leave any time soon." Mei said, without much insinuation.
Yuzu took those suggestive words where they belonged. "Don't rush, Mei. We have time, it's not even noon yet." Her snake-like arms dragged from Mei's pristine lapel up to her exposed nape. The brunette noted again the ring on the finger, causing the blush to deepen.
"Yuzu." Mei pleaded, already nervous as it was with the presence of the bed. It didn't stop the gentle flutter of affection beaming from Yuzu. If anything, hearing her name said in such a weak voice just made it worse. Mei's bag fell from her hands when Yuzu's lips finally touched hers, the window scenery of white clouds cloaking the faraway mountains coming to her mind. Such gentleness scraped her heart bare and made her body move on its own accord. Yuzu was right, it was still rather early. Palms fallen on yuzu's waist skillfully roamed upwards, avoiding with proficiency the jacket and the blouse.
With a chuckle vibrating between their lips, Yuzu interrupted their kiss. "Nah nah, we gotta go or we won't see anything. I'm also getting hungry, let's check the place they suggested?"
"Sounds good."
Mei took some necessary belongings from her bag while Yuzu texted her mom and Harumi about their successful arrival. They left the room taking note not to leave the keycard behind, soon joining hands down the street.
They had a light lunch outside the restaurant, chatting on their plans and reminiscing their last time on an onsen during a school trip. They enjoyed their stroll in town, spotting small differences in architecture from their area in Tokyo, the mountain that appeared momentarily between rows of streets, and the whereabouts of locals. Yuzu enjoyed observing people and trying to figure who was a resident and who was a tourist, a game which Mei found with little harm and quite charming.
"I bet that gentleman moved here because of his marriage. The one in blue." She said, nose-pointing to a group of people.
"Why is that?"
"I don't know, I feel like it. Besides, he has your expression being dragged to places by his wife." The older girl noted how the lady next to him held his arm close yet walked slightly ahead of his step. The group chatted approaching a house, clearly being expected for a gathering, received warmly by an old couple that hugged the young woman tightly. "Oh, I was wrong."
"You're not dragging me anywhere I don't want to go."
"Really, Mei? Even if I asked you nicely?" Mei frowned at the cheerful girl. I guess some exceptions could be arranged. I mean, Mei was far away from home on the weekend prior to multiple tests. On a lover's elopement no less. She must be getting crazy.
The brunette noticed two girls on their route, about their age, gathering her notice. One of them had a focused gaze on their entwined hands, not stopping the stare as they crossed paths. The attention caused Mei some discomfort. She looked back to them, perhaps her protective reflex. But no. She saw with amazement how the girl's arm quivered before gathering the courage to hold her walking partner's hand. She glanced at her own hand holding Yuzu's, who delightedly pointed to two passerine birds she couldn't identify twirl in the air "Look! What are they? They look so cute!" In a way, they just had the same experience.
After a few hours of walk and a cream-filled crepe, they returned to the hotel. They decided to dine at their location, having reserved a spot earlier today. Right now, they really craved relaxing their legs at the onsen. They removed their clothes in a sudden awkward silence, apparently having forgotten the nature of these places and how used they should be with each other's body. Having washed themselves clean, as soon as they entered the hot bath all shyness faded.
Most women here where older and seemed distracted with their own group. So, they felt comfortable to lay close to each other, Yuzu's arm surrounding Mei's. A glass wall revealed a moss-covered woodland floor outside the building, the green tint contrasting the treated hardwood ensuring their isolation.
This was a large and luxurious hot spring, so Yuzu was sure Mei lied on the price. The usually icy girl wasn't an expert on displaying her feelings with words, but Yuzu was attuning with her displays of care and affection. She remembers how the sweet girl was troubled while choosing their stay, insisting on doing it alone to force Yuzu to focus on her studies for the upcoming week.
For the second time today, Yuzu laid her head on her shoulder, the golden tresses tickling Mei's exposed skin. The younger girl felt breasts rest on her side which, along with the heat of the water, was soothing yet tempting. Yuzu's hand lowered to hers, finding her ring under the water. She played with the ring, circling it in place. Mei relaxed with the touch, closing her eyes.
However, her eyes quickly shot open when Yuzu guided her own palm on her thigh, her head lowering into her clavicle. Mei was surely bleeding red, eyes camouflaging with the onsen's steamy fog. She found her own head leaning on Yuzu's, as if trying to cover the older girl's probably indecent expression. A water droplet roamed from the silky raven hair, gliding down the strands fast to its impending doom.
"Behave."
Yuzu lifted her head, bumping her nose to snuggle on Mei's jawline. The brunette found that motion stir within her an instinct of protection and adoration. Had she looked down she would surely find doe-like emerald eyes, offensively pleading her almighty goddess to clear the room. Yuzu slowly leaned on the cherry ears to whisper "You make me so happy, I can't."
"You're asking too much of me."
Most would confuse these harsh words, the blonde surely understood her selfish demand disturbed Mei in such a respectable public setting. But Yuzu knew Mei was not angry, disappointed, hurt, or anything that would contrast with her wandering hands on her inner thigh, travelling further than they should. Yuzu was asking a control from Mei that she didn't know if possible.
"Mei. I want to kiss you." The nuzzling nose was slowly turning to plant a kiss on her neck. It didn't seem obvious to them how scattering that kiss wouldn't change the perception people would have of them, given how close and closed they already were. Luckily, nobody was paying attention, the couple tragically dissipated among the vapors.
"Absolutely not." Empty threats vanished in the fog. She tried valiantly to suppress the ominous desire, but she was fighting for two. Yuzu's hand abandoned hers underwater to immerse in the brunette's stomach. The water was crystal clear, gilding the enchanted ring from the depths. That charming hand kept crawling its way upward, stopping at the projected shadow of Mei's breast like a hiding fish among the rocks. One brazen finger lifted to touch the mounds. "I… S-Stop it already. If you keep this, we might be asked to leave."
"You're one to talk." Mei's traitorous hand have edged upwards on Yuzu's thigh, now looming next to her shameless torching core. One of her own fingers, too, was anticipating its final command to approach. "I had to see you all day looking at me like I'm edible, do you know the effort I've put to ignore it? If anything," the finger trembled "I've been a good girl."
Mei was startled by the words "What do you want for dinner?" She asked, attempting to distract herself. "I feel like eating hotpot."
Yuzu giggled, the soundwaves rippling the water around them like Mei's heartstrings. "I guess it matches the onsen. We're just two pieces of beef simmering."
"Tofu."
"What?"
"You're soft tofu." Mei repeated rationally, stirring her arm to pinpoint Yuzu's breasts still resting on her. Another louder giggle sprouted from the blonde, used to Mei's absentminded fact-like jokes.
Having cloaked themselves in a yukata, they returned to their room to drop off their clothes. Yuzu also wanted to fix their hairs with care while Mei took the quiet moment to continue reading. Thinking she could have brough some council work to review, or at least her laptop, she sighed. Meanwhile, Yuzu tied the brunette's hair neatly down on its side. Yuzu hummed softly while brushing, and the reading girl felt herself settle. After leaving her girlfriend to her book, Yuzu arranged her own to a messy bun, locks deliberately fleeing in gentle waves. Noticing by the corner of her eye the older girl put on makeup, Mei sighed again and commented on how unnecessary it was.
"Yuzu, I don't see why you're covering your face with that. We are at a traditional accommodation and we're going to have dinner soon." Mei turned a page and a light tint of color on her face accused her thoughts. "Besides, you already…look good without it."
"Thank you, Mei." Yuzu said while skillfully drawing a black line streaming out of her eyelashes. She scoffed "Just so you know, at the highschool I'm at, students shouldn't wear makeup either. The council president is pretty but she's such a stuck up sometimes."
Mei frowned at the indirect accusation, seeing the girl apply lipstick. "I believe I've been more than permissive with you. You could at least use the uniform tie."
"I know you like it, Mei. You simply can't or won't admit it." The blonde smacked her lips on a napkin with a playful wink through the mirror. Mei's frown deepened, along with her blush. She was being a tease. It's impressive how increasingly comfortable she has become with being a cute brat to Mei. "You may have a serious, cold and frowny face at the academy, but your eyes can't lie to me. Not anymore."
She conjured from God-knows-where a hairpin to adorn her own hair with red coral, with a creamy pearl dangling from a gold chain. Mei observed in astonishment the surprisingly alluring movement, the raised arms adjusting the hair forcing gravity to slide the sleeves down her soft skin. Emerald eyes approached hers close enough to brush noses, and Mei felt something stick to her hair. Looking at the mirror, a simple hairpin with two small plum blossoms leered near her ear, the edges of the petals decorated with silver threads.
"Perfect. Sorry, I saw you so focused planning the trip for us that I had to give you something." Setting her book down, the taller girl approached her girlfriend, who had resumed her makeup routine. Poor mortal Mei couldn't suppress a kiss after so much torment. She had lost against such a marvelous foe. Having died a heroic death, she was graced with heaven. How corny. The kiss was nice, sweet and soft, the almost inescapable attraction they felt at the hot spring returning their eyes.
"These look expensive, Yuzu. You didn't have to."
"They weren't. You know I couldn't afford any real thing." Sounding defeated, she lowered her gaze. She had no doubt her girlfriend couldn't care less. However, Yuzu would have to admit, it would still be difficult to find one good enough to match her strikingly beautiful girlfriend, even if she had all the money in the world. Mei approached her to touch her hair, holding by a finger a lock of warm gold. She did like it. She wouldn't admit how much she loved the defiance of the girl. Looking at the small coral branch mimicking in color how her face often gets, Mei caressed Yuzu's pearl with a seductive beckoning finger, the orb swaying blissfully from her touch.
"I don't believe you, they are beautiful."
"Your eyes must be broken." Yuzu pretended with a sly smile, knowing she still chose something nice. It took her so long even with Harumi's help. She recalled how they also picked new underwear and Harumi joked 'if that was all she planned to wear'. Remembering her best friend, she wondered if her encounter with Matsuri was going well. She had been acting strange, but Yuzu thought she was just disappointed they didn't go to the mall and movies during their day-off.
"Hopefully not." The brunette responded, holding her cheeks with a sudden seriousness. "I couldn't bare not seeing you." You know what? Maybe those novels were a bad influence on her. The usual mysterious silence was replaced with a frog's declaration. That revelation self-inflicted a blush.
Yuzu, however, was just the girl to take those honeyed words. Her eyes returned to Mei's, sparkling with adoration. "Really?"
"Yes. Look at you. I don't know what I did to deserve you." A soft bright giggle broke from Yuzu's lips and the brunette felt it wasn't so bad to let silly words slip sometimes.
Yuzu leaned into Mei's chest, her hand laying on Mei's sternum as if trying to examinate her heartbeat. She kissed Mei lovingly, their soft lips toying the opening as if tempting a tongue to come out. Their embrace deepened with Yuzu's hand sliding down the yukata's opening. Their heads dropped to the side for better contact between their lips, causing Yuzu's little pearl to sway for its freedom. Yuzu's tongue licked Mei's lips, making the younger girl moan to grant her access. She held a fistful of Mei's lavender Yukata as if afraid this stunning rare frog would jump away. The walls of their room blushed with the setting sun.
"Now you have lipstick too."
"I do?" The brunette laid two fingers on her mouth, as if probing for the color. Yuzu found that gesture both cute and sexy.
She smiled mischievously "Mei, when you kiss me secretly in school and half of my lipstick goes missing, where do you think it goes?" Mei looked confused then surprised. "Miss Aihara, you have used lipstick at school and I doubt nobody noticed."
"No," the brunette said almost dramatically "I didn't apply it myself! You put it there!"
"And do you think that's any better? Making out at school grounds?" Poor Mei was red and her eyes sparkling. "I'm joking, Mei. Now I use a long-lasting lipstick to school, I wouldn't want to mess your pure appearance in case you'd have a…umm…sudden need for me. Well, I do, but it would ruin our 'opposites attract' thing." She reapplied the lipstick. "This one is different though."
"What do you mean?" Mei didn't understand any of it. "A lipstick that doesn't paint?"
"You could say that. It's not that strange, Mei. With a regular lipstick, like this one, I could accidentally mark your clothes or something. Last thing you'd want is walk around the halls with a lipstick mark on collar like some sort of cheating office worker."
"I… I wouldn't…" her voice trailed to silence, regretting whatever sentence she was going to say.
"Hum? You wouldn't what?"
"Nothing."
Seeing the younger girl refuse to answer and averting her gaze, Yuzu took the queue. For a moment Mei though she would kiss her again, resuming their make out for a third session since they entered the room. Instead, Yuzu advanced on her neck and grabbed the brim of the yukata. Not feeling the lips on her skin, Mei looked at her girlfriend, who playfully placed a kiss on the cloth, leaving a light pink mark.
"Y-Yuzu! I can't go out like this." On the mirror, her reflection showed the pretty pink print on her neckline. If she kept blushing at everything she might faint from a misplaced blood stream.
"Hotpot?" Yuzu asked casually.
"Yuzu, seriously."
The blonde took her hand and tugged her to follow. "We don't have another yukata and I'm too hungry to wait. Don't worry, Mei. You look beautiful with makeup, even in the wrong spot."
"Should be just around the corner." guided Mei as they exited the elevator.
Yuzu's hand found its way back to hers. She commented the lovely flower arrangement at the entrance and the enticing smells from inside. It seems most people thought alike, almost every table covered in uncooked meats surrounding a big simmering pot of broth and vegetables.
They were sat in a quiet corner. Mei had seen pictures of the place, so Yuzu was the one most distracted with the room. The walls were covered in wood panels and shoji screens, cleverly hidden lights illuminated the room in an intimate yet lively setting. Mei could see the spherical lights suspended from the ceiling reflecting on Yuzu's eyes.
"You looked beautiful today" she whispered.
"What? I don't anymore?"
Mei was surprised by the rhetoric, confused to how she got here. She only said one sentence? "I-I mean, hum, when we left this morning I…umm… Nevermind." She stuttered, struggling against her usual shyness. It seems the frog has ran off, Yuzu jested. She knew what her darling girlfriend was trying to say, but self-growth was due and Yuzu was keen on taking their alone time to squeeze those imprisoned words out.
Yuzu herself was detaining her own words today. Oftentimes she would blurt her feelings unabashedly, wavering only by her own overwhelmed heart staggering her words. Any moment she felt it, like at night during their routine bedtime kiss or whenever Mei graced her with an adoring yet shy expression, she would say 'I love you'.
Today, however, had she allowed herself that, she would have sounded like a parrot. If she learnt something from Mei's mysterious silence is that rarity matters, each few times Mei would say those words was a pointblank gunshot to the heart, with little survival.
"I'm not good at… this." Liar.
"Try it, sweetheart."
Mei's face snaped so quicky at her girlfriend's term of endearment in public that it seemed she was slapped, her face as red as if a firm hand had strike her, amethyst eyes widened like jewels about to fall and break. "I..."
Yuzu left her head rest on her palm with a tender smile. "Yes?" those eyes were liquefying on Yuzu's lips.
"Excuse me. Good evening." a waitress interrupted their little bout with a respectful bow and a smile. "Can I take your order?"
Both girls gave their request of hotpot of meat, mushrooms and tofu, along with some tempura on the side. When ordering their drinks they asked for suggestions. The waitress recommended a cool drink to contrast the hotpot, like a beer or iced oolong. Mei chose the tea and Yuzu a beer. Seeing a wink from Yuzu, Mei burst out for some sake. For some reason, the waitress didn't request any identification.
"Hahaha, I've never seen you take a drink!" Yuzu laughed heartedly.
"Yes you have, just last month on Matsuri's 16th birthday you insisted I joined the celebration. Alcohol has negative effects on the developing brain and I find that Matsuri doesn't need any more of that." Yuzu was laughing at the memory, Matsuri insisting Mei take 'one bullet for her' from an European celebration she read online of drinking one shot for every year of your life. That tradition was welcome that any friend could help the birthday girl, marking the hand or arm with a pen to account for it. Mei, not understanding the reference, was highly offended.
"Oh yeah, you took it like a champ alright." Yuzu joked sarcastically, laughing loudly. "When you drank your second shot it got to you so fast you were knighting Matsuri for her services to the Aihara Academy for that time she 'showed you where true value lies'." Yuzu's arms now held against her spasmic belly to control her laughter. "I couldn't keep your hands off me!"
On the other side of the table, Mei looked angrily at her girlfriend. That alcohol-driven silly antic sure turned Matsuri into their unwavering supporter. However, she would often clamor in the canteen she was a "devout knight of this academy", causing a generalized laughter except for Himeko's confusion and Mei's exasperated sigh. That "knighting" however was mostly Matsuri getting into random student's business, basic academic trouble, or into some girl's pants. As long as she remained the top of her class, it was fine.
Their order arrived, directing their conversation towards the food. The tempura was crunchy and contrasted greatly with the soft meat fished out from the pot. Yuzu would sometimes feed a piece of soft tofu to Mei, insisting it was for her only. Mei ended up drinking most of Yuzu's beer, the iced tea left to cool down the nerves. For the next hour they talked about a multitude of things, glasses of beer piling while the room filled with activity and energy from all the groups.
"You think so?"
"Perhaps. You are more acquainted with them than me, but it appears so."
"You were so blacked out on her birthday I thought you wouldn't remember."
"No, unfortunately I do remember…" Mei said referring to the makeshift royal ceremony. "And I know what I saw."
"So, Matsuri drank Harumin's tequila shot?"
"More like she licked her hand and then drank the shot."
"Oh! She licked the salt. Right, makes sense." Mei lifted an eyebrow in confusion. "It's how you'd do it, you lick salt from your hand and drink the shot. Then what?"
"Hmm" pondered, trying to recollect. "She put a piece of lime in Harumi's mouth, I think? Do you do that after that drink, stuff a piece of fruit in someone else's mouth? Strange game."
"No no! Hahaha" Yuzu laughed at her girlfriend's inexperienced confusion "No, we don't! But then again why did she?"
"I don't recall what happened afterwards."
Yuzu gasped. "Maybe she did that as an excuse for them to kiss!" Yuzu's eyes were sparkling at the image, holding her face in awe. "So you might be right, they could be getting 'more intimate'. You didn't see what happened next? Where was I on that moment?"
"You were definitely dancing. That's why…I didn't see the rest of the exchange."
"Dammit. I mean, thank you babe for noticing, but I wasn't there for her!" gasped again "and Harumin didn't tell me!" she laid a hand on Mei "I'm sorry for dragging you into gossip, Harumin was acting strange lately, but now I have my suspicion."
Mei was predictably blushed by the new name, but assured Yuzu. "You're worried. I'm sure if that was the case then she would tell you first. Since she hasn't, then it didn't develop as fast as we're predicting. You know how Matsuri is…" Explained Mei, referring to Matsuri's involvement with a few girls just the last month.
"My dearest Harumin is scared! … The time that idiot choses to make an advance is while drunk, anyone would reconsider if those feelings were true."
"In vino veritas." Mei cracked with a nod, as if that was the punchline to the story.
"You dork, what was that?"
"It's a Latin saying, it means that wine is a source of truth in the sense that someone inebriated is more likely to succumb to their honesty and desires."
"Still, Harumi didn't tell me either thing which means she's still trying to understand what happened." gasp "And that's why she wanted my help with her clothes today! Mei, I thought she was missing me or something, but she was so thorough with her closet for a simple encounter with Matsuri… I should have known! My poor girl… I'm going to kill Matsuri for this!"
"I'm sure they will be fine. Matsuri has increased her advances on other girls lately, that is true, but in a disturbing way that's how she…tries to reach someone she likes."
"You're becoming very insightful in relationships." Yuzu nodded with honest wonderment.
"I'd wager she's that much dedicated to Harumi, considering how she always announces it as publicly as possible. If it's even true. For a knight, it's unbecoming."
"Your stupid knight is hurting my maid-of-honor!" Yuzu stated eating the last piece of tempura, the crunchy sound contrasting with her theatrical mild panic.
"It's lady-in-waiting." Mei chucked the rest of her second beer. Yuzu fished a piece of tofu that she promptly fed Mei with.
"What?" Yuzu asked, dangling her head sideways curiously.
"In the analogy you're constructing, Harumi is your lady-in-waiting."
"Mei, I swear…"