Chapter Text
The call of the night tempted Ena to venture outside, but several frustrating issues held her back. A blank canvas that wasn’t touched for a week, her looming art assignment due on Monday, and of course, that insufferable lyricist who had set up camp in her head. It was so bad that even Airi and her buddy Shizuku seemed to have picked up on her obsession. Like, somehow her mind was projecting everything that was bothering her. Yet, the one person who remained oblivious to this turmoil was none other than the stupid songwriter herself. Asahina Mafuyu, who went by the name Yuki on their nightcord server.
A week ago, Mafuyu had left her home unexpectedly, seeking refuge at Kanade’s place as she gradually rebuilt her life and mindset. This decision followed a harsh warning from her mother, who threatened to disown Mafuyu because of her musical aspirations. Mafuyu’s mother’s audacity to interfere in her daughter’s life and mold her against her own wishes genuinely infuriated Ena.
Who just returned from her Saturday night classes and felt nothing but loneliness without the comforts of her friends. It was totally unfair. Mizuki had ditched their usual shopping adventures for Saki, who needed help at the diner. All the while, Kanade had chosen today to visit her father, leaving Mafuyu alone at her house. Ena tried to stay focused on Niigo’s latest project, but nothing came to her, just like everything she evokes. Instead, all her thoughts went right back to Mafuyu, making her bite her lower lip nervously. Dammit , she knew Mafuyu could fend for herself, and with Kanade’s maid overseeing things, there should be no issue. Yet something nibbled at her, pushing her to find a place to clear her thoughts.
Making her mind up, Ena retrieved her phone, scrolling her music file until she found the familiar tune and tapped it. The surrounding room became distorted, and in an instant, she felt herself detached from reality. In front of her, the Empty SEKAI unfolded. It displayed its signature broken stage equipment, black pyramids, and a strangely serene atmosphere.
Immersed in the transformed environment, Ena’s fingers instinctively tightened around her sketchbook. While walking down the pathway to the stage in the emptiness, a silent yearning guided her steps, in wishes of seeing Miku or perhaps even Rin. The thought of spending time with these virtual singers held an appealing pull—after all, it had been quite some time since Ena had last engaged with them. Their virtual presence could be a comforting distraction, providing a break from her assignments and thoughts of Mafuyu.
However, just as her thoughts drifted to the possibility, reality took a twist. “Ena?” Mafuyu’s voice, like an unexpected interruption, shattered her solitude. Truly, speak of the devil.
Ena’s gaze lifted, meeting Mafuyu perched against a black pyramid, exuding a solitary aura. There she sat, legs drawn up, arms wrapped around them, and her head buried in her knees—a posture that radiated vulnerability. Ena quickened her pace involuntarily, an urge to draw closer, taking hold. Seating herself beside Mafuyu, she maintained a respectful distance. The signs of fatigue were unmistakable—bags under Mafuyu’s blue eyes, disheveled hair, and a hint of distress on her pouty lips. All the while, she remained in her school uniform. The scene tugged at Ena’s heartstrings, a sad reminder of that rainy day when she had found Mafuyu on a bench, in much the same state.
Despite her doubts, Ena’s hand rose and settled gently on Mafuyu’s head. Her fingers combed through the disheveled strands with tender care. It was a soothing motion, and before she knew it, Mafuyu had leaned into the touch, finding comfort on Ena’s shoulder. The heavy rise and fall of Mafuyu’s breaths hinted at the unshed tears she fought against. Ena sensed that Mafuyu probably cried enough in front of Kanade; now she needed a haven where she could be vulnerable without reservation. Ena was determined to provide that space.
“Y’know, you can talk to me about whatever’s bothering you,” Ena began her voice a soft murmur that hung in the air. Her fingers continued their gentle rhythm, offering a semblance of solace as they grazed the crown of Mafuyu’s head. “I won’t judge or anything.” She trailed off with a faint blush dusting her cheeks.
Mafuyu’s response was a murmur, almost as if she couldn’t quite believe the sincerity of the offer. Ena’s lips formed a thin line, her gaze briefly averted as her blush deepened. “Yes,” she reaffirmed, her tone steady. “I truly am concerned about you. All of us are.”
A weighty silence settled, gnawing at Ena’s patience. Her attention shifted back to Mafuyu, who looked ahead with a vacant expression.
“Say something, at least,” Ena urged, the impatience creeping into her tone. Her eyes studied Mafuyu intently, her frustration simmering.
Mafuyu’s unexpected words caught Ena by surprise. “You’re annoying,” she stated in a dry tone.
Ena halted her soothing gesture, pushing Mafuyu away slightly, her confusion palpable. “I was just trying to help! Do you even realize how worried you made me when Kanade contacted the group chat? Not that it seems to matter,” Ena growled, irritation creeping into her words. “I rushed to your school in the rain without even changing!”
Mafuyu’s next question was like a curveball. “Why?” The curiosity lacing Mafuyu’s voice cut through her mounting frustration.
Ena’s response was immediate and incredulous. “Seriously?”
Mafuyu got up from the ground, brushing off her uniform with a nonchalant air, as if shielding herself from Ena’s gaze. Subtly nodding, she parted her lips as if to speak. “I meant, why would you do something like that?”
The question landed with unexpected weight, evoking a surge of emotion in Ena. Her voice trembled as she confessed, “Because I care!” The words erupted from her, a blend of concern and exasperation woven into her tone. She spun her head away abruptly. Her cheeks flamed with embarrassment. “You can be so frustrating—always absorbed in your own world while the surrounding people are waiting to help you. ”
Mafuyu’s next words held a fragile vulnerability that caught Ena off guard. “I thought you disliked me…”
Ena’s anger softened, giving way to a more sincere tone. “I don’t,” she insisted, her blush refusing to fade as she met Mafuyu’s gaze directly. “In fact, I have a lot of respect for you, especially when you show drive—like that time you stayed over.”
A perplexed furrow creased Mafuyu’s brow, and Ena braced herself for the expected question, determined not to revisit the memory of that moment. However, Mafuyu’s next words took a turn Ena hadn’t foreseen.
“Do you like me?” Mafuyu’s tone held innocent curiosity, like a lost puppy—endearing yet tinged with the absurdity of the statement.
Ena’s cheeks flushed even deeper, the warmth spreading from her ears to her neck. Which stunned her as her reply tumbled out. “Hah!? I—I never even said that!”
Mafuyu’s reaction was a blend of skepticism and boldness, an intriguing mix that defied Ena’s attempt to deny the situation. Ignoring boundaries, she boldly entered Ena’s personal space, closing the gap until their lips almost touched. Ena’s heart, known for its unpredictability, triggered an impromptu beat of excitement and uncertainty.
In that suspended moment, they shared a kiss that shattered all of Ena’s preconceived notions about Mafuyu. With their legs entwined and their lips locked. It was as if a master painter had reimagined their relationship, leaving Ena’s thoughts in a whirlwind of colorful chaos. Rationality took a backseat as this kiss swept her up in a cascade of emotions and confusion.
Oddly enough, or maybe not so, Ena caught herself responding to the kiss. It was a contradiction, a blend of disbelief and unexplainable longing. Was she losing her mind? Just moments ago, she believed that any romantic feelings for Mafuyu were off the table.
Yet the undeniable truth was impossible to ignore. Ena felt herself drawn to Mafuyu like an artist’s hand to a canvas, unable to suppress the passionate attraction she had been avoiding. With urgency, her arms encircled Mafuyu’s neck. Each movement painted an emotional brushstroke, intensifying the kiss as she tilted her head, driven by fervent desire. It was as if her heart was painting the truth she had been denying, the colors of her emotions finally merging into a messy and heated confession.
Mafuyu appeared equally swept up in the storm. Their lips engaged in an earnest exchange, a conversation that transcended mere words. Ena playfully nibbled and gently tugged on Mafuyu’s bottom lip, evoking a soft, yearning murmur. This sent an exhilarating shiver down her spine, intensifying her growing excitement. She trailed her fingers up Mafuyu’s neck into her hair, bringing the lyricist closer while moving her lips in the same fast rhythm. Mafuyu may have started this, but Ena had the power of control on her side. As she swept Mafuyu’s mouth for access before taking the leap of fate to solidify this new stage, they appeared to stumble on.
After they finally broke apart, their eyes locked with a shared intensity, and Ena found herself satisfied with the change she had sparked in Mafuyu. Her lips were now swollen, a hint of newfound desire in her gaze, and her uniform now displaying the subtle evidence of their passionate interlude. Ena couldn’t contain a soft, amazed laugh, still wrestling with the intoxicating uncanniness of the moment.
Minutes had gone by as the echoes of the kiss lingered. Ena’s voice turned into a hushed tone as she looked up at Mafuyu, her thoughts tangled in a web of confusion. “What the hell just happened... And why did you...?”
Mafuyu’s response was typically straightforward. “I’m not sure. It seemed like you wanted it too.”
A blend of exasperation and disbelief painted Ena’s expression. She averted her gaze, muttering under her breath, “You really are something…”
Mafuyu’s tone shifted, a hint of vulnerability seeping in as she laid her head on Ena’s chest. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t want to give this a try,” she confessed softly. “Could you run your fingers through my hair again? I… I find it comforting.”
Ena complied, her fingers gently threading through Mafuyu’s hair as her mind raced. Was Mafuyu suggesting a friends-with-kissing-benefits kind of arrangement? The idea carried both appeal and complications, making her heart race.
“So, you’re up for this?” Uncertainty laced Ena’s words, her curiosity piqued.
Mafuyu’s response maintained its straightforwardness, but a subtle sincerity crept in. “Yes, it’s a little hard to explain. You’ve always caught my attention more than most.”
Ena’s indignation flared. “Wait, are you calling me plain!?” Frustration painted her tone. “You—”
Mafuyu sighed, as if well-acquainted with Ena’s reactions, and shifted to face her directly. “I meant beautiful.”
Ena’s cheeks flushed, her heart skipping a beat at the unexpected compliment. She glanced away, wrestling with a surge of emotions and racing thoughts.
“Ena?” Mafuyu’s voice drew her focus.
“Just give me a moment,” Ena snapped, her voice tinged with a touch of vulnerability. “Alright…”
A contemplative pause followed, and then Mafuyu spoke with gentle curiosity. “Hmm?”
Ena’s agitation hovered beneath the surface. She furrowed her brow, suppressing the urge to physically vent her frustration. “I said it’s fine. Let’s give it a shot,” she responded, a mix of determination and uncertainty threading through her voice.
In response, Mafuyu’s lips met Ena’s once more, a renewed eagerness infusing the kiss. Amidst the tumultuous rush of emotions, a single question resounded in Ena’s mind:
What are we?
Ena collapsed onto her bed, her chest heaving as she buried her face in a plush pillow, releasing a muffled scream. Her mind raced, replaying the scene repeatedly. If she told Mizuki, they’d probably burst into fits of laughter at the sheer absurdity of it. But it had to remain a secret—no telling Mizuki. Lost in thought, Ena absently licked her lips, as if savoring the memory. When suddenly, she realized she had just lost her first kiss. Yet anger wasn’t her first reaction. The whole situation felt surreal, like a fever dream. That aggravating, enigmatic girl had achieved to sweep Ena off her feet and plant a kiss on her. In a bizarre twist of fate, they ended up making out for an hour and a half in a world of their own creation. Ena even pinched herself to check if it was all real.
It was, undoubtedly, real.
However, just as she was about to accept the reality of this crisis. Akito’s boisterous voice abruptly shattered the tranquility of her alone time. The door swung open, and he barged into her room without a second thought.
“Oi!” He bellowed, his presence filling the room. “Mom’s been hollering for you to come down to dinner for like ten minutes. Move your ass, will you?”
Ena’s eyes lazily shifted to the taller figure, her mood clearly not on the upswing. “Would it kill you to knock just once?” she drawled.
His response came as an exasperated growl, brimming with impatience. He strode over and tugged her upright. “I can’t dig in until you grace us with your presence at the table,” he snapped, a hint of annoyance lacing his words. “Now, quit being a pain and move. I’m starving, damn it.”
“Cut it out, I can walk,” Ena snapped back, her irritation indisputable as she shoved him aside and trudged out of her room.
A derisive snort escaped him as he followed her, his eyes narrowing in mock appraisal. “You look like shit.”
Ena retorted almost instantly, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Well, congrats on your award-winning shitty attitude.”
The two siblings continued their familiar bickering as they made their way to the dinner table. Ena playfully rolled her eyes, absentmindedly fixing her hair—more conscious of Akito’s earlier comment than she’d like to admit.
Amidst the banter, Akito eyes squinted, catching something unusual on Ena and using their mother’s absence in the kitchen to speak up. “Oi, what’s that on your neck? It almost looks like paint splatter.”
Ena’s brow arched in curiosity as her fingers instinctively went to the spot Akito was pointing at on her neck. Wincing, she felt a faint bite mark. Wait, when did she… Oh no. Realization hit her like a lightning bolt. She immediately got up, excusing herself, and practically sprinted to the bathroom. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, her blush deepened at the undeniable evidence of what Mafuyu had done without her awareness. How could she not have noticed or even felt the sensation of the other girl’s teeth on her skin? Had she truly been that lost to the moment?
In a last-ditch effort to look presentable for her mother and conceal her recent make-out session, instead of studying. Ena swiftly fastened the first two buttons of her blouse. Turning on the faucet, she splashed her face with water, attempting to quell the heat that had taken over her cheeks. At this rate, Ena thought. She might as well plunge herself into a tub of ice, countering this intense warmth that surged through her body whenever she thought about Mafuyu. As if her fucking life depended on that insufferable girl’s touch.
Dammit, just remembering the way Mafuyu’s teeth tugged on her lips sent a jolt of embarrassment and something else entirely through Ena.
“Ugh!” She stifled her exasperated groan, hastily tilting her head downward to submerge it in the water, then resurfacing. “Get a grip, Ena! Quit acting like a dummy!”
After one last glance at herself in the mirror, Ena smoothed back her hair, rolled her sleeves, and took a deep breath. Trying to regain her composure, before rejoining Akito and their mom at the dinner table. Akito cast her a puzzled look, sensing that something was off, while their mom remained blissfully unaware of Ena’s current disarray. The woman didn’t even seem to notice Ena’s damp hair or the slightly haphazard buttoning of her blouse.
“How were your night classes, dear?” her mom asked, her voice warm. “Have you finished that assignment that’s due?”
“Not yet. I was actually thinking about asking a friend if they’d model for me.” She responded preoccupied, before taking a bite of her food, stopping immediately when she realized she had carrots in her mouth.
“Oh, will it be that girl, Asahina Mafuyu?” Her mom’s smile brightened as she recalled her recent visit. “She’s such a lovely person, and I can see she’s been a wonderful influence on you.”
Ena let out an awkward coughing fit in response to her mother’s question. While her mind involuntarily creates a string of rather inappropriate mental images. If only her mom had the faintest clue about the reality of the situation.
“Oh yeah, that’s totally her! You know, she’s dealing with some family stuff, so I thought I’d offer a bit of artistic therapy. You know, even if it means forcing her to sit still for a while.”
“Is that how you’re spinning it?” Akito’s smirk was infuriatingly smug as he exchanged a knowing glance with Ena. “Bet you’re planning some daring nude art session, huh?”
“Oh, that would certainly be quite the artistic endeavor!” Their mom’s excitement was a surprising twist, causing both siblings to exchange baffled glances. “And I’m sure you’d secure a passing grade with that kind of creativity!”
“Mom!?” Ena’s face turned a fiery red, her mind involuntarily creating an image of Mafuyu posing nude in her room. She seethed at Akito, struggling to control her temper. “You fucking—-”
“Shinonome Ena, watch your language!” Her mom’s reproachful tone cut her off.
“Hah!? You’re scolding me while he—” Ena bit her lip, cutting herself off before she exploded. “Nevermind, I’ll just head to my room.” Her glare remained fixed on Akito. “I’ve lost my appetite.”
Akito watched her leave, a hint of regret flickering across his features, even though Ena was too immersed in her own turmoil to care about his feelings. All she craved was an escape from the smothering of her mother’s enthusiastic encouragement to create audacious pieces of art.
By the time the clock struck 12:25 AM, Ena had already changed into a comfortable ensemble of sleep shorts and a cozy sweater. Settling in near her tablet and computer, she couldn’t help but notice the lively buzz on the group’s nightchord channel. Curious, she opted to jump in, immediately spotting Mizuki in their designated room with headphones on who had a faint sign of weariness. Clearly, they were waiting for others to join. Recognizing an opportunity to immerse herself in the group’s video project, Ena saw it as a method to briefly escape her own swirling thoughts. Besides, she knew she could always count on Mizuki’s spirited chatter to keep her mind pleasantly occupied.
She reached for her earplugs, turned on her microphone, and joined the video call. Mizuki greeted her with their typical enthusiasm, and the call carried the softer tones of Kanade’s presence too.
“Enanan, you’re in the house! Way to join the party!” Mizuki’s voice radiated cheerfulness.
Kanade’s presence soon graced the video call, and in the background, Mafuyu was deeply immersed in her work. Kanade’s voice held a serene quality as she shared, “Hey, I just got back. Mafuyu’s been on fire, jotting down these incredible lyrics. I had no idea she possessed such a fervent… imagination.”
Ena’s cheeks warmed as she absorbed Kanade’s comment. Her attention remained gripped by Mafuyu, who sat on Kanade’s bed, engrossed in her writing. The intensity of Mafuyu’s focus was gratifying, and Ena’s heart raced a little faster with every stolen glance. Mentally scolding herself for the blatant staring.
Mizuki’s playful voice snapped Ena back to reality. “Hey, Ena? Why the rosy cheeks?” they chimed, a hint of mischief lacing their words. “Is K’s face really that captivating?”
Ena’s eyes widened, and she stumbled over her words, “I’m not checking out Kanad—I mean, seriously, stop it!” Her inner frustration grew as she narrowly avoided exposing her thoughts.
Mizuki’s raised eyebrows hinted at their realization, but they wisely chose not to dig deeper. Instead, they briskly transitioned the conversation. “So, how’s that assignment going?”
Ena, eager to shift focus away from herself, quickly replied, “Fine. And how’s everything with Saki? Did you fix whatever issues she had?”
Mizuki’s enthusiasm radiated as they embarked on a lively recap of their recent activities. However, Ena’s attention kept wandering back to Mafuyu. Her gaze would inadvertently drift toward the girl, only for her to catch herself and refocus on Mizuki’s words. Yet, it seemed, Kanade had other plans.
“Guess what? Mafuyu said I could send you the new lyrics!” Kanade’s tone was brimming with excitement.
“Let’s hear it! I’m ready to witness Yuki’s lyrical prowess!” Mizuki’s eagerness prompted them to spin around in their chair.
With a contagious smile, Kanade shared the file. Ena hesitated momentarily before finally clicking on it. The words Mafuyu had penned stirred something within her, causing her cheeks to warm in sync with the lyrics’ escalating intensity.
Embraced in your warmth, I feel safe
Your voice carries me to salvation
Don’t let go of this passionate hold
Melting my world as we distort,
this once cold dream.
“Whoa, Yuki, caught up in a romantic storm, huh?” Mizuki playfully fanned themselves, their eyes dancing with amusement.
Mafuyu, having taken a writing break, joined Kanade on screen and tilted her head curiously. “I—”
Ena interjected swiftly to avert any accidental confessions. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s a poetic vision or rooted in reality. These lyrics are good, and that’s what counts.”
Her inner worry remained steadfast - if Mizuki caught wind of the truth, they’d make her life a living joke. She couldn’t allow that to happen. She had to cut this thread before it could unravel any further. Sensing her discomfort, Mafuyu spoke up, her voice calm and composed.
“As I was saying, it just came to me while binge-watching a drama series with Mizuki a couple of nights ago,” Mafuyu explained, trying to downplay the situation.
“Ah, that makes sense now!” Mizuki readily accepted the explanation.
“Hah!? You finished the series without me!?” Ena exclaimed, her attention laser-focused on Mizuki, who sported a sheepish grin.
“You were too busy and Yuki was the only one online that night.” Mizuki attempted to justify themselves, raising their arms in a futile struggle to shield themselves from Ena’s playful wrath. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise!”
“You better!” Ena pouted, and the room fell into a focused silence as they each delved into their respective tasks for the next video. Her phone vibrated, drawing her attention. Perplexed, she checked her private messages, and Mafuyu’s message was at the top.
Yuki: Are you okay?
Ena’s cheeks gained a subtle blush as she noticed Mafuyu messaging her discreetly from behind Kanade. She quickly replied.
Enanan: yeah, I just… your lyrics were really intense, more than usual…
Enanan: hey, would you mind modeling for me again? your help almost got me a passing grade last time.
…Yuki is typing.
As Ena’s gaze shifted back to Mafuyu, she detected an unfamiliar expression on her face. It was as though something had touched her heart.
Yuki: Really? I guess I could ‘help’ you again, though I’m still puzzled why you randomly drew me the first time.
Ena rolled her eyes internally. She had explained herself countless times about that. Her unease grew, and she rose from her seat, heading to her room’s door. She leaned against it, back against the wall, and nibbled on her lip, mulling over her words.
Enanan: so, is that a yes or no? funny how my mom thinks having you pose naked would get me an even better grade…
Dread surged within her as she realized she had mistakenly sent that message to Mafuyu. Since she wasn’t near her computer, she couldn’t gauge Mafuyu’s reaction. Her anxiety spiked when Kanade’s voice interrupted the silence.
“Mafuyu, are you okay?”
“Bathroom,” Mafuyu’s quick response echoed.
Ena’s head spun as she rushed back to her computer, swiftly muting her microphone just in time for her phone to ring. Fumbling to answer it, she retreated closer to her door for privacy.
“You’re asking me to be your nude model for an assignment?” Mafuyu’s question pierced through the air, leaving Ena struggling for a response.
“Y-yes?” Ena’s voice wavers as if hoping her hesitance would go unnoticed.
“Is this part of our relationship?” Mafuyu’s inquiry held a note of curiosity, muddling the conversation further.
“I mean, we could see it that way?” Ena’s words came out awkwardly. As her, embarrassment colored her response and contributed to the growing misunderstanding.
The phone clattered audibly, conveying Mafuyu’s haste on the other side. “Alright, I’ll help you with it tomorrow. What time should I come over?”
Without a second thought, Ena replied, “How about in the afternoon, around 2:00?”
“Okay, I’ll let Kanade know.”
“J-just not the weird part!” Ena hastily added, her embarrassment clearly audible even over the phone.
The phone went dead, and Ena let out an exasperated groan, practically banging her head against the door in frustration. The impact was stronger than expected, causing the door to swing open, which ended up making her tumble backward and land unceremoniously on the floor. As she massaged her sore head, the sight of her brother’s annoyingly concerned face greeted her.
“What the hell is going on with you?” he asked, raising an eyebrow at her.
“Your face,” Ena retorted with a dry tone, rolling her eyes and looking away.
He frowned, clearly unimpressed by her response. “Look, I was actually coming to apologize for earlier, but if you’re gonna be that way…”
Quickly grabbing onto his pant leg to stop him from leaving, Ena pleaded, “Wait, I’ll talk, but promise me you won’t breathe a word of this to anyone.”
“Okay, fine,” he sighed, giving in with a hint of annoyance.
After taking a deep breath, Ena clumsily explained her situation to her brother, leaving out some of the more awkward details. As she finished, he gave her a deadpan look that mirrored their father’s classic expression. Then gently tapped her forehead before speaking.
“Sounds to me like this ‘friend’ is in major denial about her relationship with this other person,” he concluded, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Then again, what would I know? I’m not into that kind of drama.”
“It’s your fault I’m in this mess, you and your stupid brain!” Ena growled, her irritation palpable as she shifted back into a seated position and averted her gaze from her brother. “I need to get back to the others. Just go away.”
Akito’s frown deepened, not appearing too thrilled with her response, and he went back into his room. Exhaling in frustration, Ena returned to the group chat just in time to hear Mizuki’s voice on the other end.
“Kanade called it a night. Mafuyu somehow convinced her to go to sleep,” they reported with a hint of amusement. “What happened that made you disappear like that? By the way, Mafuyu vanished too.”
Ena released a heavy sigh, grappling with her words. “It’s nothing, really. I just asked Mafuyu if she’d be willing to model for me.” And, yet again, her words slipped out before she could intercept them. “And, uh, the last time I drew her, I almost ended up with an A!”
Interest sparkled in Mizuki’s pink eyes, an emotion that Ena struggled to define. “Model, huh? You’ve never drawn me, Enanan!”
Her response was casual as she brushed off Mizuki’s playful banter. “If you ever want me to draw you, just give me a heads-up.”
A pout appeared on Mizuki’s lips, and their tone turned playful. “I want to be asked in style, like Yuki! Why’s she so special?”
Ena fired back with a smirk, her pencil already moving across her sketchpad. “Because Mafuyu seems to be an all-around ace, even in staying perfectly still. Something you should work on.”
Mizuki’s dramatic reaction prompted a roll of her eyes. “Oh, come on. You’ll live. Anyway, I’m calling it a night. I’ve got an early start tomorrow.”
“Not you too!” Mizuki lamented playfully as Ena waved her goodbyes.
“Later, Amia,” Ena responded with a smirk, signing off before making her way to her bed.
Nestling herself among her plush pillows, she clutched her favorite yellow one, seeking solace in its comforting embrace. The night had been taxing, from her brother’s antics to the online chat and the intricate web of thoughts she had woven about Mafuyu. All she craved now was rest, even as the looming art session occupied her mind.