Chapter 8: The Prism

--

The house was quiet, but the tension between Sakura and Tomoyo hung in the air. They had spent the last few days dancing around conversations about Sakura's dreams and the confusing emotions surrounding Li. Sakura broke the silence first, half to herself.

"Where all the colors of the rainbow meet... I can't shake that phrase."

Tomoyo glanced at her and smiled. "I know just the place," she said, her voice light. "It's a bit... colorful, but I think you'll like it. Rainbows aren't just in the sky here."

Sakura raised an eyebrow. "Colorful?"

Tomoyo winked. "It's a hidden gem—a place for people like us."

Sakura blinked in confusion, not fully understanding what Tomoyo meant by "people like us," but she trusted her. "Alright," she said with a soft smile, standing to grab her coat. "Lead the way."

--

They walked through town, the crisp air biting at their cheeks. Tomoyo, unusually talkative, began sharing stories about the Prism Bar and how much it had meant to her.

"I've been going there for years now," Tomoyo said, her voice soft but steady. "It's the first place I felt like... I could be myself. No judgments, no pressure. Just... acceptance."

Sakura glanced at her, surprised by the vulnerability in her tone. Tomoyo rarely spoke so openly about her personal struggles, especially about her identity.

"Seiko was the one who introduced me to the bar," Tomoyo continued. "She's... well, she's been there for me through a lot."

Sakura stayed silent, listening intently as Tomoyo opened up. They walked slowly, letting the conversation flow naturally, the tension between them gradually easing. Tomoyo looked down, her face slightly flushed.

"There was one night... I stayed over at Seiko's place," she said, almost casually. "She let me crash in her bed."

Sakura's eyes widened in surprise. "In her bed?"

Tomoyo quickly waved her hands, her face turning red. "Not like that! I mean, yes, but no. We didn't do anything... intimate. She just... held me. I needed that. I needed someone."

Sakura blinked, processing Tomoyo's words. She felt a wave of sympathy for her friend, realizing how much Tomoyo had been through that she hadn't fully understood. The moment hung between them, heavy with unspoken emotion, but neither pushed further. They let the conversation shift back to lighter topics as they neared their destination.

Tomoyo gave a small chuckle. "You'd be surprised how much clearer things seem after a night of burying your sorrows in Seiko's arms. Not that I recommend it. Emotional hangovers are the worst."

Sakura gave her a concerned glance but felt an odd tug in her chest at the mention of Seiko's arms. The idea of Tomoyo being held by someone else, especially someone who looked so much like her, made her uncomfortable in a way she couldn't quite place.

Tomoyo noticed Sakura's expression, but before she could say anything, she grinned. "Don't worry, I'm functional... mostly."

--

When they reached the Prism Bar, Sakura was struck by how ordinary it looked from the outside—a simple, unassuming building with a neon sign. But as they stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted completely.

Rainbow lights illuminated the space, casting a soft, welcoming glow over the patrons. It was vibrant but comfortable, a place that felt like it belonged to everyone and no one at the same time. The bar was filled with a mix of people, all relaxed and enjoying themselves, their voices blending into a low hum of conversation.

Tomoyo smiled. "This place... it's always felt like home."

Sakura looked around, her eyes scanning the room. It was warm and inviting, but there was an underlying sense of mystery that she couldn't quite shake.

"Come on," Tomoyo said, leading her to a small table near the bar. "Let's get something to drink."

As they sat down, a waitress approached their table. She was tall, with a striking resemblance to Sakura—something Sakura immediately noticed. Her hair was cut shorter, but their facial features were almost identical. Sakura blinked, startled by the likeness.

"You must be Sakura," the waitress said, her tone light and teasing. "Tomoyo-chan has told me all about you. I'm Seiko, by the way."

Sakura nodded, still slightly disoriented by how similar they looked. "Yeah... I've heard people say we look alike."

Seiko smiled, leaning a little closer to Tomoyo. "I don't know, Tomoyo-chan. You must have a type."

Tomoyo immediately turned red, burying her face in her drink. "S-Seiko!" she sputtered, clearly flustered by the comment.

Seiko laughed softly, enjoying Tomoyo's reaction. "Just teasing, dear. But honestly, you're looking more adorable than usual tonight."

Sakura's chest tightened as she watched the exchange, a faint sting of jealousy prickling at her. She tried to shake it off, but the way Seiko looked at Tomoyo—how easily she could make her blush—made her stomach twist uncomfortably.

Tomoyo peeked out from behind her drink, her eyes catching Sakura's for a brief moment. There was a flicker of realization in Tomoyo's gaze as she noticed Sakura's reaction, but she didn't say anything. Instead, she gave a small, nervous smile and quickly changed the subject.

--

Seiko returned a few minutes later with their drinks and sat with them for a moment. Her presence was comforting, but the air between them felt thick with unspoken tension.

As they sipped their drinks, the conversation turned casual, but Sakura couldn't stop glancing at Seiko. Not because of the scars—though they had left an impression—but because the resemblance to herself was unnerving.

"You know," Seiko said suddenly, her tone shifting. "There's someone you two should talk to."

Tomoyo looked up, curious. "Who?"

"The owners of this place," Seiko replied, her voice calm but serious. "They know things. Things that might help you."

Sakura and Tomoyo exchanged a glance. "Help us?" Sakura asked, frowning.

Seiko shrugged, but there was a knowing look in her eyes. "Let's just say... things aren't always what they seem around here. The owners—they've been around for a long time. They've seen things. They might have the answers you're looking for."

Sakura felt a chill run down her spine, though she couldn't explain why. The suggestion lingered in the air as the girls finished their drinks, the weight of Seiko's words hanging over them.