The late afternoon sun filtered through the trees as Saki and Nodoka walked side by side down the quiet street. The warmth of the day had begun to fade, leaving behind a comfortable breeze that lightly brushed against their skin, was an easy silence between them.
Nodoka glanced at Saki from the corner of her eye, her heart fluttering at the sight of Saki's peaceful expression. Despite the calm, there was a lingering nervousness in Nodoka's chest, a soft hum of uncertainty about how to navigate these new unspoken feelings. She squeezed Saki's hand a little tighter, feeling the warmth of her fingers in hers.
"You've been quiet," Saki said softly, her gaze still fixed ahead. Her voice was gentle, as though she were afraid of disturbing the tranquillity of the moment.
Nodoka blinked, caught off guard by the question. She hesitated for a moment before offering a small smile. "I'm just... enjoying this," she replied, her voice equally soft. "Walking around with you like this."
Saki abruptly stopped walking; her eyes wide with shock as she looked around their surroundings frantically. Nodoka, noticing the shift, squeezed Saki's hand gently, her worry growing.
"Saki-san?" Nodoka asked softly, her voice filled with concern. "Is everything okay?"
Saki blinked, her gaze still scanning their surroundings before she looked down at their joined hands, her cheeks flushing in embarrassment. "I-I'm sorry, Nodoka-chan," she stammered, her voice shaky. "I didn't mean to—"
Nodoka tilted her head slightly, confused. "Sorry? For what?"
Saki hesitated, her hand trembling slightly in Nodoka's. Finally, in a small voice, she admitted, "I don't... I don't recognize where we are."
Nodoka's eyebrows lifted in surprise. "What do you mean?"
Saki fidgeted, her face turning redder as she struggled to explain.
Saki glanced around them again before lowering her gaze, almost too embarrassed to look Nodoka in the eye. "I... I don't recognize where we are right now," she confessed, her voice even softer. "I was just... enjoying the quiet with you so much that I didn't pay attention to where we were going."
Nodoka blinked again, her lips parting in surprise. It took a moment for her to process Saki's words before a small, gentle smile appeared on her face. "That's okay, Saki-san. I actually know where we are."
Saki's eyes widened in shock, and she looked up at Nodoka with disbelief. "You do?"
Nodoka nodded, still smiling. "I saw some signs earlier. We're not far from Hibiya Park," she explained calmly. "I thought you were leading us there."
Saki let out a small gasp, her face reddening even more. "Oh no... I wasn't! I mean, I didn't even realize we were walking for that long..." She paused, fumbling with her words. "I wanted to take you to a café... You must be tired from traveling from Nagano to Tokyo."
Nodoka chuckled softly and squeezed Saki's hand. "It's fine, really. I enjoy walking with you." Her eyes softened as she added, "And honestly, I think the park sounds perfect. But if you want to go to the café, we can still do that."
Saki stared at her for a moment before letting out a relieved laugh, her tension easing. "You really don't mind?"
"Not at all," Nodoka replied gently. "Let's enjoy the park, and then we can relax at the café. I'd love that."
Saki smiled, her shoulders relaxing as she felt reassured by Nodoka's understanding. "Thank you, Nodoka-chan," she whispered.
"Look there's a bench right there," Nodoka pointed out to Saki.
Nodoka led Saki towards the nearby bench, guiding her with a gentle tug on their still-joined hands. The cool breeze lightly rustled the leaves around them as they sat down, their legs just brushing against each other. A moment of comfortable silence settled between them, the world seeming to slow down as they took in the peaceful surroundings.
Nodoka smiled, her gaze drifting upwards. "The flowers look beautiful, don't they?" she remarked, watching as a few flowers sway with the breeze.
Saki followed her gaze, her eyes softening as she admired the gardenias and hydrangeas around them. "Yeah, they do," she agreed quietly. A thoughtful expression crossed her face as she added, "The last time I saw you in Nagano... the cherry blossoms were at full bloom."
Nodoka turned to her, listening intently, a small smile on her lips as she recalled how she didn't expect to see Saki back then. Nodoka looked around and noticed the sakura trees and the ginkgo trees, "Hmm, the cherry blossoms would look nice here too."
Saki hesitated for a second, as if weighing her words. "I remember thinking back then..." she started softly, her voice becoming almost absentminded. "You looked... really pretty with the cherry blossoms around you."
The words hung in the air for a moment, and Nodoka's heart skipped a beat. She blinked, her cheeks immediately flushing a warm pink as she turned shyly away, her fingers tightening slightly around Saki's hand.
Saki froze, the realization of what she had just said hitting her. Her own face began to burn with embarrassment, but she didn't retract the compliment. Instead, she glanced down at their intertwined hands, then back at Nodoka's blushing face, feeling her own nerves soften at the sight.
A small, nervous smile crept onto Saki's lips. "I mean it," she added, her voice barely above a whisper, but sincere.
Nodoka's heart fluttered at the sincerity in Saki's voice. She felt a warmth bloom inside her, "Thank you," Nodoka said quietly, her own smile growing as her shyness melted away just a little.
Without thinking, Nodoka reached out, her fingers gently brushing against Saki's cheek. It was a small, tentative gesture, but the way Saki's eyes widened slightly in surprise made Nodoka's heart race.
"I—" Nodoka started, but the words caught in her throat. I…what?
Saki's cheeks flushed, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she leaned into the touch, her smile softening even further. "Nodoka-chan..." she whispered; her voice barely audible.
Before Nodoka could respond, a sudden splash of water burst from a nearby fountain, startling both of them. The sound of joyous laughter followed, and as they turned, they saw a young child chasing the fountain's mist, giggling and jumping as the cool water sprayed around.
The peaceful moment between them slipped away, replaced by the vibrant life of the park. Families strolled by, children ran and played, and the gentle hum of conversation filled the air. Suddenly, they weren't alone in their quiet little world anymore.
Nodoka quickly pulled her hand back from Saki's cheek, her heart racing for a different reason now as her cheeks burned in embarrassment. She glanced around, feeling a little self-conscious, while Saki shyly rubbed the back of her neck, her own blush still faintly visible.
"Looks like we've got some company," Saki said with a light chuckle, her voice a bit shaky as she tried to brush off the tension.
Nodoka nodded, laughing softly as well. "Yeah, I guess so..." She glanced at the children playing by the fountain, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "It's nice, though. Watching them play feels... peaceful."
Saki tilted her head slightly, her gaze lingering on Nodoka's profile as she watched the scene in front of them. "It is," she agreed quietly. "And it's nice being here with you."
Nodoka's smile deepened, and she turned back to Saki, their eyes meeting for a moment. Despite the interruption, there was still an unspoken connection between them, one that didn't need words or grand gestures. Just the warmth of being in each other's company.
"Do you still want to go to that café later?" Saki asked after a beat, her voice gentle.
Nodoka nodded, feeling her heart settle into a comfortable rhythm again. "I'd like that. But for now, let's just enjoy this moment a little longer."
Saki smiled, her earlier nervousness fading as she relaxed into the atmosphere around them. "Hmm," she agreed softly. "Let's stay here a bit longer."
They sat together in silence for a while, the gentle hum of the park surrounding them. The laughter of children echoed in the background, and the rustle of leaves danced in the breeze. Saki noticed how absorbed Nodoka was in watching the kids by the fountain, her expression soft and peaceful.
After a few moments, Nodoka broke the silence, her voice thoughtful. "You know, Saki-san, I've been thinking lately... maybe in the future, I'd like to be a kindergarten teacher."
Saki blinked, her head turning in surprise. "A kindergarten teacher?" she echoed; her curiosity piqued. "Don't you want to play pro mahjong?"
Nodoka smiled gently, her gaze still fixed on the children. "I do," she said quietly. "But I also love working with kids. Maybe one day, I could teach them mahjong too. It'd be fun to introduce them to the game."
Saki tilted her head slightly, her expression softening. "Did you learn mahjong because of a kindergarten teacher?" she asked, clearly interested in how Nodoka came to love the game.
Nodoka let out a shy laugh, shaking her head. "No, not quite. I actually learned mahjong in the hospital."
Saki's eyes widened in concern, and she quickly sat up straighter. "Hospital?" she asked, her voice tinged with worry. "Were you sick?"
Nodoka turned to her, noticing the worry on Saki's face, and quickly reassured her. "Oh, don't worry! I was just a little sick back then, nothing serious. My mom was overly cautious and admitted me for a few days."
Saki relaxed, her shoulders visibly easing as the concern melted away. "I'm glad that it wasn't anything serious," she said softly, her relief evident.
Curious now, Saki leaned in slightly. "But... how did you end up learning mahjong there?"
Nodoka eyes lit up with the memory. "Well, I was really bored one day and wandered around the hospital. I came across patients playing mahjong in one of the common rooms. They noticed me watching and invited me to join. That's how I learned—sitting with them and playing during my stay."
Saki smiled at the image, her heart-warming at the thought of Nodoka as a child, learning to play the game she now loved. "That sounds nice," Saki said quietly.
Nodoka smiled at the memory she shared, her heart warm from reliving the moment. She turned to Saki, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "What about you, Saki-san? How did you learn mahjong?"
Saki hesitated, her gaze briefly flickering away before she answered. "I learned from my family." Her voice was soft, almost distant. "Everyone in my family knows how to play... my sister, mother, and... father. Even our grandparents and extended family."
Nodoka's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Wow, that's amazing!" She chuckled lightly. "I'm the only one in my family who knows how to play."
Saki smiled faintly at Nodoka's response, but her gaze had drifted ahead, focusing on something unseen in the distance. The way she spoke about her family, the way her voice grew quieter with each word—it should have been a sign that the topic carried more weight for her than Nodoka realized. But Nodoka, caught up in the casual nature of their conversation, didn't pick up on it.
"I guess," Saki said, her tone measured as she tried to keep her voice even. "It's just... how it always was. We played together a lot."
Nodoka leaned back on the bench, her mind turning over Saki's words. She thought about how different their experiences with mahjong were. She smiled, not noticing the subtle tension in Saki's body. "That sounds nice, having a family tradition like that."
Saki didn't respond right away. She bit her lip, her fingers tightening slightly around the fabric of her skirt as she kept her gaze forward. Her hand still adjoined with Nodoka's slightly squeezed. Memories of her family flickered in her mind—some warm, others not so much. The game, while deeply ingrained in her life, also carried the weight of complicated emotions, ones she wasn't quite ready to unpack in front of Nodoka. So, instead of diving deeper, she simply nodded.
"Yeah," Saki whispered, her voice barely audible. "It was."
Nodoka glanced up at the sky, her smile returning with the gentle breeze. "You know, I didn't really have anyone to play mahjong with for a long time," she admitted softly, her tone thoughtful. "So, it would've been nice if we had been friends back then... if we could've played mahjong together when we were kids."
At those words, Saki's head snapped up, her eyes widening in surprise. She turned to Nodoka, the weight of her previous thoughts lifting as a soft, almost wistful smile spread across her lips. "If we had known each other back then..." Saki repeated quietly, the idea sparking something warm in her chest. She imagined a younger version of herself sitting across from Nodoka, barefoot and their hands placing tiles on the mahjong table, laughter filling the air.
For a moment, the tension that had been gripping Saki melted away, replaced by the simple joy of imagining what could have been. The idea of having Nodoka by her side during those early years, when everything felt confusing and overwhelming, was a comforting thought. Her heart lightened at the image of them as children, playing together, perhaps even with fewer worries than they carried now.
"Yeah," Saki said softly, a bit more life returning to her voice. "That would've been nice."
Nodoka, oblivious to the emotional shift she had just caused, smiled at Saki, her eyes still filled with that same gentle warmth. "Imagine it," she mused, her tone lighthearted. "I wonder who would've won more games."
Saki chuckled softly, the sound more genuine now, as if Nodoka's presence had pulled her out of the shadows she had momentarily slipped into. "I think you might have won most of them," Saki humbly said with a soft laugh, her eyes sparkling. "I was kind of a mess back then."
Nodoka laughed softly in return, completely unaware of the deeper emotions at play. "Maybe... but I barely have the yakus down then so we are both a mess, Saki-san," she replied warmly, her words filled with genuine admiration.
As they sat there, side by side, watching the flowers sway with the gentle breeze, Saki felt a quiet sense of peace settle over her. Nodoka, meanwhile, continued to smile, her thoughts already drifting ahead, unaware of just how much her words had lifted Saki.
Nodoka stood up then gently tug Saki's hand. "Let's look around some more, Saki-san."Saki looked up at Nodoka and smiled. They walked slowly around the park.
Nodoka squeezed Saki's hand gently, her warmth flowing through their joined fingers. She glanced at Saki, the connection between them deepening with every step they took. After a few more moments of walking, the path opened up to reveal a charming restaurant nestled amidst the trees, its wooden exterior blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of Hibiya Park. A sign hung outside, reading Hibiya Matsumotoro.
Nodoka paused, her gaze lingering on the sign for a moment before shifting to Saki. She tilted her head slightly, her silent question clear in the way her eyes searched Saki's face.
Saki, picking up on the unspoken words, smiled softly. "Would you like to go here?" she asked, her voice quiet but sincere.
Nodoka hesitated for just a moment, feeling a shy smile tug at her lips. "Is it okay?" she asked, her tone gentle. "I wasn't sure if you wanted to try it..."
Saki's expression softened; her earlier tension gone as she looked at Nodoka with warmth. "It's okay…we can go to the café next time," she reassured her. "I haven't tried eating here before, but..." Her voice trailed off, her cheeks flushing slightly as she finished, "I'd like to try it with you."
Nodoka's heart skipped a beat at Saki's words, next time, her own cheeks flushing with a warmth that spread through her entire body. She squeezed Saki's hand again, feeling a sense of quiet joy settle over her. "Then let's go in," she said, her voice full of quiet anticipation.
Nodoka led the way, gently pulling Saki towards the entrance, their hands still clasped together. The subtle warmth of their connection sent a quiet thrill through both of them, neither willing to let go just yet.
The restaurant's wooden doors creaked softly as they opened, welcoming them into a cosy, intimate space. The scent of freshly prepared dishes filled the air, and the soft hum of conversation floated around them, creating an atmosphere of warmth and comfort. Nodoka glanced around, her eyes lighting up at the charming interior—the simple wooden tables, the view of the park from the large windows, and the calming ambiance that seemed to embrace them as they stepped further inside.
Saki, sensing Nodoka's happiness, felt her own nerves settle. It felt easy, natural, to be here with Nodoka, to share this moment with her. She glanced sideways at her companion, watching as Nodoka exchanged a few quiet words with the host before they were led to a table at the lovely terrace.
As they sat down, their hands finally parting, Saki found herself missing the connection almost immediately. She tucked her hands under the table, suddenly unsure of what to do with them. Nodoka, on the other hand, seemed perfectly at ease, her eyes already scanning the menu with an eager curiosity.
"I'm glad we came here," Nodoka said softly, her voice breaking the quiet between them. She glanced up from her menu, offering Saki a gentle smile. "It feels... peaceful, don't you think?"
Saki nodded, her gaze softening as she looked at Nodoka. "Like an oasis amidst Tokyo's chaos" she agreed, her voice quiet. "It's really nice. I'm glad we're here together."
Nodoka's cheeks flushed slightly at Saki's words, her smile widening just a little. She turned back to the menu, though her thoughts were lingering on Saki's quiet sincerity. There was something so natural about being with her—something that made Nodoka's heart feel lighter, as if this moment was exactly where she was meant to be.
After a few moments of comfortable silence, they both decided on their orders, and once the waiter had left, Nodoka rested her hands on the table, glancing at the trees around them. "It's beautiful out here," she murmured, her gaze far away for a moment before she turned back to Saki. "I didn't think today would turn out like this, but I'm really happy it did."
Saki smiled, her heart-warming at Nodoka's words. "Me too," she whispered, her voice soft but filled with meaning.
The waiter approached their table, carefully placing their desserts in front of them—two banana milkshakes, a strawberry shortcake for Saki, and a matcha cheesecake for Nodoka. The delicate presentation of the desserts matched the tranquil setting, and for a moment, both girls simply admired the dishes before them.
Saki smiled, picking up her fork to take a small bite of the strawberry shortcake. She savored the sweetness, the soft layers melting in her mouth, and nodded in quiet approval. "It's good," she said, her voice soft, as she glanced over at Nodoka.
Nodoka, already taking a bite of her matcha cheesecake, nodded in agreement. The rich, earthy flavour of the matcha mixed perfectly with the creamy texture of the cheesecake. "It's really good," she said with a warm smile. Her eyes sparkled with contentment as she set her fork down for a moment, letting the flavours settle on her tongue.
Saki's eyes softened as she watched Nodoka, an idea sparking in her mind. Her cheeks flushed slightly, but before she could second-guess herself, she cut a small piece of her strawberry shortcake and lifted her fork, offering it to Nodoka. "Would you like to try it?"
Nodoka blinked, momentarily caught off guard by the gesture. Her cheeks flushed a light pink as she glanced from the fork to Saki's face, her heart skipping a beat. An indirect kiss...? The thought sent a wave of nervousness through her, but Saki's warm, expectant gaze was impossible to refuse.
With a shy smile, Nodoka nodded, leaning in slightly. "Thank you, Saki-san," she whispered, her voice barely audible as she accepted the bite. Her lips brushed the fork, her heart fluttering as she tasted the strawberry shortcake. It was sweet, light, and delicious—but what lingered even more was the feeling of sharing the moment with Saki.
Saki's face turned slightly pink as well, her heart racing as she watched Nodoka take the bite. Seeing Nodoka's reaction, her shyness, and the way her cheeks had flushed, made something flutter in Saki's chest. She smiled, trying to mask her own nervousness. "Do you like it?" she asked softly.
Nodoka, her cheeks still warm, nodded. "It's delicious," she murmured, her voice a bit quieter than usual. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her mind still buzzing with the thought of the indirect kiss.
Nodoka, feeling a playful determination rise within her, decided she couldn't let Saki be the only one offering bites. With a soft smile and a glint of mischief in her eyes, she carefully cut a small piece of her matcha cheesecake and lifted it with her fork. She held it out towards Saki, mirroring the gesture from earlier.
"Your turn," Nodoka said softly, her tone teasing yet warm. Her gaze never left Saki's face, eager to see her reaction.
Saki blinked in surprise, her cheeks instantly turning a light shade of pink as she stared at the offered bite. "Eh?" she stammered, clearly flustered by the sudden reversal. "I-I'm okay, Nodoka, really…"
But Nodoka wasn't about to let her off that easily. She leaned in slightly, holding the fork closer, her expression gentle but insistent. "Come on, Saki-san. You let me try yours, so it's only fair that you try mine," she said, her voice tinged with affectionate determination. "It's really good."
Saki's blush deepened, and for a moment, she hesitated, her heart racing as she glanced between the fork and Nodoka's expectant gaze. She could feel her pulse quicken, and the thought of accepting the bite—the same way Nodoka had—sent a wave of nervous energy through her.
But there was something in Nodoka's insistence, the playful warmth behind her words, that made it impossible for Saki to say no. She finally leaned forward, her blush deepening as her lips brushed the fork, accepting the bite of cheesecake.
The matcha flavour was rich and smooth, mingling with the sweetness of the cheesecake, but all Saki could think about was the flutter in her chest and the shy smile on Nodoka's face. She sat back, feeling her heart pound in her ears as she tried to steady herself.
"It's… good," Saki managed to say, her voice soft and a little breathless. Her cheeks were still warm, and she couldn't quite meet Nodoka's eyes, feeling the intensity of the moment linger between them.
Nodoka's heart skipped a beat as she watched Saki's reaction, a soft warmth spreading through her chest. Her cheeks were still flushed from the intimate exchange, but she felt a sense of satisfaction in having Saki share the moment with her. "I'm glad you like it," Nodoka replied, her voice just as soft as she smiled, a subtle hint of victory in her eyes.
Nodoka, feeling the intensity of the moment settle into something more than she was ready to handle, quickly sought a way to shift the atmosphere. Her thoughts racing, she glanced down at her half-eaten dessert, her fingers fidgeting slightly. Before she knew it, her voice broke the delicate silence between them, almost a little too quickly.
"So... Saki-san," Nodoka began, her tone slightly nervous as she avoided Saki's gaze for a moment. "What are your plans for tomorrow?"
Saki blinked, taken aback by the sudden change in topic. "Tomorrow?" she echoed, her brows furrowing slightly in thought. After a beat, she added, "The opening ceremony?"
Nodoka nodded, relieved to have steered the conversation into safer waters, even though her heart still raced from their earlier exchange. "Yes," she said quickly, eager to move past the feelings she didn't fully understand.
Saki looked at her with a faint smile then softly said, "The rest of the Shiraitodai's main team will be there."
As the words left her lips, Saki hesitated for a moment, her expression tightening ever so slightly. A subtle discomfort flickered in her eyes, as if the weight of that title pressed a little heavier than it used to. She bit her lip, feeling the tension rise again, but pushed through it with a small scratch of her head, trying to keep things light.
"And..." Saki added, her voice quieter now, almost as if she were revealing something personal. "My onee-chan and I... we'll be doing the athlete's oath together."
Nodoka blinked in surprise. "You and your sister?" she asked, her eyes widening in admiration. "That's... that's incredible, Saki-san!"
Saki smiled softly, though her expression carried a hint of uncertainty. "It's a big honour," she admitted, her voice measured. "But it's also a little intimidating...and uncomfortable," she chuckled lightly.
Nodoka, sensing the subtle shift in Saki's mood, leaned in slightly, her expression softening. "You'll be great, Saki-san," she said gently, her voice full of quiet reassurance. "I'm sure of it."
Saki's gaze flickered toward Nodoka, her heart warmed by the sincere support. She nodded, her smile returning, though this time it was tinged with gratitude. "Thank you, Nodoka-chan," she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur.
Nodoka twirled her fork absentmindedly, still savouring the sweetness of the moment. Then, as if the question had been quietly sitting at the back of her mind, she spoke again, her voice soft but full of genuine curiosity.
"Saki-san... do you have anything going on after the opening ceremony?"
Saki looked up, slightly surprised by the question. She hadn't really thought beyond the event itself, but there was something about the way Nodoka asked—so tentative yet hopeful—that made her pause and consider her answer carefully.
"After the ceremony?" Saki repeated, as if the idea of plans hadn't occurred to her until just now. She met Nodoka's gaze, her expression thoughtful. "I don't think so... I should be free."
Nodoka's heart fluttered at Saki's words. Though she wasn't sure what she had hoped for exactly, the answer filled her with a quiet kind of joy. She nodded, her face brightening as an idea started to form in her mind, though she wasn't quite ready to voice it yet. Instead, she simply smiled, her fingers resting lightly on the edge of her glass.
"That's good to know," Nodoka said softly, her words carrying a hint of something unspoken, as if she were laying the groundwork for something she wasn't sure how to express yet.
Saki, picking up on the subtle shift in Nodoka's demeanour, tilted her head slightly, curious. "Did you have something in mind?" she asked gently, her tone warm and encouraging.
Nodoka hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to share her thoughts just yet, but the way Saki was looking at her—so patient and kind—made her feel safe enough to continue. She smiled, her fingers fidgeting slightly as she spoke.
"Well... I was thinking," she began tentatively, her eyes flickering toward Saki's before quickly looking away. "Maybe, if you're free... we could do something? Us two?"
Saki's eyes widened slightly, her heart skipping a beat at the suggestion. She hadn't expected it, but the thought of spending more time with Nodoka, filled her with a quiet sense of excitement.
"I'd like that," Saki said softly, her smile growing as she looked at Nodoka. "I'd really really like that."
Nodoka's heart swelled at Saki's response, and for a moment, all the nervousness she had been feeling melted away, replaced by a warm, happy glow.
Nodoka smiled beautifully, her eyes sparkling with a warmth that made Saki pause for a moment. Caught off guard by how radiant Nodoka looked, Saki found herself staring, her heart skipping a beat. The air between them felt charged, and Saki, flustered by the sudden realization of her own feelings, quickly shifted her attention back to her plate, poking at the strawberry shortcake in an attempt to distract herself.
"I… I think I need to buy some for my teammates," Saki mumbled, her voice a little rushed as she tried to compose herself.
Nodoka nodded, still smiling, seemed oblivious to Saki's inner turmoil. Instead, she calmly called the waiter over.
When the waiter arrived, Saki cleared her throat and asked, "Could we get two cake sets for takeaway, please? In two separate boxes."
The waiter nodded politely, jotting down the order before heading back to the kitchen. Nodoka watched the interaction without much thought, assuming that Saki's teammates at Shiraitodai must have a sweet tooth.
Nodoka, having finished her matcha cheesecake, glanced at the time. Realizing how much time had passed, she looked at Saki, who had just taken the last bite of her strawberry shortcake.
"Should we head out soon?" Nodoka asked gently, noticing that Saki had finished her dessert as well, and their takeaway boxes were ready.
Saki nodded; her eyes soft as she set down her fork. Without missing a beat, Nodoka signalled the waiter to bring the bill. But just as the waiter approached, she was caught off guard when Saki quickly handed over a card instead.
Nodoka's eyes widened in surprise, immediately trying to protest. "Saki-san, you don't have to! I can pay for my part at least," she insisted, reaching for her own wallet. But Saki, with a shy smile, shook her head.
"It's okay, Nodoka-chan," Saki said softly, her cheeks flushing slightly. "I wanted to treat you today… If you really want to, you can treat me tomorrow."
Nodoka hesitated for a moment, her heart-warming at the quiet sincerity in Saki's gesture. There was something endearing about how Saki, despite her shy demeanour, had insisted on treating her. Smiling softly, Nodoka finally relented, slipping her wallet back into her bag.
"Okay," she said with a light laugh, "but I'm holding you to that tomorrow."
Saki's blush deepened, but she nodded, her gaze dropping to her hands as she quietly responded, "Hm."
As they stood up from the table, takeaway boxes in hand, Saki hesitated for a brief moment before nervously reaching out to hold Nodoka's hand. The warmth of their palms pressing together made both girls blush, but neither said anything. Their fingers intertwined naturally, and the quietness of the gesture only seemed to amplify the fluttering in their chests.
Walking side by side, they moved in the same direction they had come from, the soft breeze brushing against them, and the park was relatively quiet. The connection between them—subtle, unspoken—wrapped around them like a warm blanket.
Both enjoyed the silence, savouring the peacefulness of simply being together. Neither felt the need to fill the air with words, letting the gentle rhythm of their walk speak for itself. The trees above, gently swaying in the wind, mirrored the tender emotions they kept so carefully guarded.
After a few minutes, Nodoka, pull out her phone. She glanced down at the address Teru had sent her earlier, the name standing out clearly 'Imperial Hotel Tokyo.' She looked up wondering which direction to go, her eyes scanning ahead. It wasn't hard to spot—the enormous, grand structure of the hotel towering in the distance, a stark contrast to the ryokan Kiyosumi was staying at.
Smiling softly, Nodoka gently tugged Saki in the direction of the hotel, their hands still linked. Saki followed without question, feeling a quiet contentment settle in her heart. As they walked towards the grand hotel, both girls felt that the world had, for this brief moment, narrowed down to just the two of them.
Saki glanced at Nodoka out of the corner of her eye, her cheeks still pink, but she didn't pull her hand away. Instead, she squeezed gently, feeling a sense of closeness that words couldn't quite capture.
Saki and Nodoka finally reached the entrance of the grand Imperial Hotel Tokyo, its large, elegant structure towering over them. The soft lighting around the hotel illuminated the area, casting a gentle glow on the two as they stood together. Saki put the the bag containing the takeaway boxes on a nearby bench and pulled out her phone, still holding Nodoka's hand, and quickly dialled her sister's number.
"Onee-chan?" Saki said softly into the phone. "We're here at the hotel now."
Nodoka stood silently beside her, their fingers still intertwined. She couldn't help but feel the warmth radiating from Saki's hand, she found herself focusing on that simple, intimate connection.
After a brief exchange, Saki ended the call, her cheeks lightly flushed. "Onee-chan said to wait for her at the main lobby," Saki explained, her voice quiet and soft. They both turned toward the entrance, stepping through the grand revolving doors into the luxurious main lobby of the hotel. The lobby was spacious and elegantly designed, with plush seating areas and towering chandeliers overhead. They stood side by side, waiting.
While they waited for Teru to arrive, Saki opened the takeaway bag and handed one of the boxes to Nodoka. Surprised, Nodoka blinked in confusion. "Saki-san, I thought those were for your teammates at Shiraitodai?"
Saki shook her head, a small but warm smile forming on her lips. "No, this one's for you and Kiyosumi," she replied softly.
Nodoka's eyes widened, her heart touched by Saki's gesture. She quickly tried to decline, feeling it wasn't necessary. "You don't have to do that," Nodoka said, her tone gentle but firm. "Really, it's fine."
But Saki insisted, her gaze filled with sincerity. "Please. It's my way of thanking you. And I… I really enjoyed today." She looked down, a slight blush dusting her cheeks. "I'm glad you came with me."
Nodoka, still holding the takeaway box, felt a warmth wash over her. She couldn't find the words to protest anymore. Not with Saki's face looking like that. Instead, she smiled—soft, beautiful, and full of unspoken emotions—and nodded, accepting Saki's kind gesture.
"Thank you, Saki-san," Nodoka said quietly, her voice tinged with affection.
Note:
Happy Birthday Saki! So yeah here's the cake!
Researched the surrounding area around the InterHigh's venue and I might have gone overboard with it.
If you haven't notice Saki seems to be able to spend more money here. One, magazines. Two, interviews. Three, scholarship and benefits. Four, Teru. Five, allowance from their mom.
So yeah, things aren't so great at the moment IRL situation wise but I will still try to update next week.