This is How I'll Fall In Love With You, Kotoko!

by Shadiest_Artist

Summary:

A retelling of This Is How To Be In Love With You (Mahiru's First Trial Music Video) but she meets Kotoko instead! A 16 Day guide to falling in love <3!

Notes:

Written because of an idea I got from two of my Twitter mutuals!! (I love you both /p) And will be updated more regularly once I finish polishing the other chapters!

Chapter 1: Falling In Love (Even If It's For A Moment)

It was spring, judging by the warmth that reflected off of the sidewalks, or the flowy-green dress that Mahiru had picked out exclusively so it matched the seasons’ colours for her first official outing in Tokyo, despite living there for some time. Mahiru watched the people that passed her as she wandered through the streets. Would she really be able to find love here? That was how it worked from all of the novels that she’d read -- move into the “fresh big city”, and find your soulmate just like that!

 

Mahiru was sure that it’d come true for her, too.

 

She paced through the sprawling streets of the city, watching the crowds that walked in lockstep with other strangers, a smile crossing her features as she did so. That single thread of connection between complete strangers, joining them together even for a split second before they separated to their own daily routines. It was beautiful to her. Something that she wants to feel. Something that she wants all for herself.

 

She looked away from the crowd, instead focusing on the cracks of the sidewalk while she ambled along -- she didn’t have a destination in mind, but Mahiru had heard that there was a highly-recommended coffee shop nearby, so maybe she could go there? It might even help her meet her true love.

 

She sighed dreamily to herself, the chance encounter to meet her lover in something as quaint as a coffee shop -- it was almost dreamlike the way she’d imagine running into her soulmate and the various ways they could introduce themselves. Or maybe it’d be like those rom-coms she’s seen, where the love interests run into each other on the street and have to help each other up… Anything would do, really, as long as Mahiru could find someone to love.

 

Mahiru glanced up, eyes connecting with the brightly painted sign of the café that she’d just been thinking about.

 

Oh! What a perfect chance encounter!

 

She entered, the bell above the doorway signalling her arrival to the employees and other patrons, and joined the growing queue so that she could order a steaming cup of coffee. Not too strong, of course -- she’d recently become fond of coffee that was more acidic and had a lighter roast than normal -- but enough that she’d be able to kick-start her search for love.

 

She ordered, waited for only a couple of moments -- the speedy service was definitely going to make her a regular -- and then left back through the front door, now strolling the streets with a light-brown cup that matched her purse.

 

Maybe this is a sign that my luck is turning around!

 

Mahiru noticed her cheeks raising as she smiled, a slight brush rushing into her cheek and the tips of her ears. She would find love. She had to. There’s no other option for her.

 

Her eyes scanned the streets, locking onto the back of people’s heads and examining their hair. She spotted a few people -- a teen with blue hair, and an older man with silver hair walking with who she presumed was his wife and kids -- but there was one figure in particular who caught her eye.

 

She had relatively short black hair -- like it’d been shaved recently for work -- that reached her cheek at its longest point. Mahiru recognised the girl: she was probably in her literature classes, if she had to guess? She never really paid attention to other people while she was absorbed with her studies. If Mahiru could get a glimpse of the woman’s eyes then she’d know for sure..

 

She approached closer to the familiar(?) woman, who was currently staring daggers into her phone, as she read something off of it. Perhaps a news article, or an annoying text from a family member? Then, as quickly as they came, she mentally chimed herself for coming to conclusions about other people.

 

Mahiru looked down to her half-empty cup of coffee, now only a few metres away from the other woman, and concocted an idea. She raised the cup to her lips, finishing the drink off before she let it fall from her grasp.

 

“Oh, silly me!” She muttered aloud, casting a cursory glance in the woman’s direction while she dipped herself lower and grabbed the cup.

 

She hadn’t checked to see the commotion that Mahiru had caused, but that didn’t matter to Mahiru’s plan -- she’d been able to catch the smallest portion of her iris, and her own pupils widened when she saw their colour.

 

Red.

 

The same as the woman she’d noticed in university.

 

Mahiru let a satisfactory humph escape her lips, plucking her cup from the concrete path and dropping it off into a nearby rubbish bin.

 

This has to be fate. Seeing one another in a public setting… There's no other explanation!

 

She turned back to where she’d seen the woman and began to approach again, intent on making conversation with her at any means necessary, but before she could prepare one of her (many) conversation starters she had memorised just in case she met someone she wanted to talk to, the girl -- Koto-something? She’ll have to check the yearbook -- walked off, shoving her phone back into her jacket and blending into the crowd.

 

Mahiru watched her figure retreat into the crowd, already losing sight of her after a few seconds, and slumped forwards, smile slipping from her face. I guess that means I can’t talk to her today…

 

She let out a disgruntled huff , looking into the bin with her coffee cup laying atop the rest of the trash inside, and then straightened her back.

 

It’s no matter! Even though I couldn’t make conversation today, I’ll have to see her again eventually! We share a class, so we’re bound to run into one another. I’ll sit next to her after I learn more about her!

 

Mahiru’s carefree smile returned, her face devoid of strain or fear, as she prattled information to herself that she’d read in the most recent issue of LAINE: “A good relationship always starts with a good friendship. Make sure you become good friends with the person before diving head-first into romance!”

She’d find someone to fall in love with, no matter what.

And it would be perfect .

Chapter 2: Is Genuine Connection Ever Really Possible?

Summary:

Mahiru Shiina makes eye contact with Kotoko Yuzuriha.

Mahiru muttered to herself, voice hasty yet soft as she flipped through another one of her textbooks — everything that she read was just so confusing! She’d carried her books with her onto her university’s terrace so that the comforting warmth of the sun would help jog her brain — something about catering the environment to have positive emotions so that studying would be less of a chore?

And yet as of that moment, with the sun pelting onto Mahiru’s back and still somehow filtering through her hair and onto the white reflective pages of her book, the terrace’s environment had done nothing but stop her from properly reading through her notes, leading to a heavily slouched position as she tried to angle herself out of the light.

 

She shifted about, turning her book in her hands so she could read it and still have her figure outlined by the sun (while staying cute and comfortable, of course). She hummed the lyrics of a new song she’d heard over the radio last night while she had been fussing over her late social studies homework.

 

She flipped through another literature workbook, choosing to skim the pages for ten more minutes before huffing a tired sigh — she already knew all of the content that the class had been taught (for this unit, at least), and it was mind-numbing that Mahiru had to reread some silly passages just because she missed the due date for her homework submission.

 

It wasn’t Mahiru’s fault that she was too busy scrolling through popular love blogs instead of answering questions about... Gah, I don’t know, some stupid comprehension task!

 

Mentally, she was quiet for a moment, realising what she’d just thought.

 

Well, maybe I could’ve managed my time a bit better, but still!

 

Mahiru forced the book shut, pulling her phone out of coat’s pocket, scrolling to the ‘camera’ and using the selfie function to correct her makeup just in case anything had smudged.

 

She noticed a smidge of feathering straying from her lower lip, gasping. How long has that been there? I’d better fix it before anyone else sees.

 

And so she did.

 

Mahiru took a clean wipe from her purse — which was similar to the one she brought to the town with her last week, but was composed of a more natural cream tone that matched her jacket-and-jeans combo instead of a more bright ‘apricot’ — and cleaned the lipstick from beneath her lip in order to reapply the maquillage.

 

Mahiru opened the product, lifting it to eye level and watching it slowly emerge from the tube as she twisted the base, mentally high-fiving herself for remembering to keep a spare stick in her bag just in case she ran out. She applied her lipstick, swiftly moving across from the centre to the outside of her lips and filling it in.

 

Finally satisfied with the end result, Mahiru lowered her phone, packed away her lipstick, and shot a curious glance to her surroundings, only to see that girl — no, she’s more than that; “Kotoko” — making eye contact with her, brows furrowing as though she were intensely studying Mahiru like she was underneath a microscope.

 

Mahiru had, as she’d vowed to herself, been able to figure out what her name was when she overheard someone greeting Kotoko.

 

Kotoko... That’s a cute name! I wonder how it’d be written...

 

Mahiru was pulled out of her stupor, blinking quickly, after realising that she had been making eye contact with the girl for the entire time she’d been stuck in thought, and quickly flushed as she forced her eyes out of the vivid deep fuchsia of Kotoko’s own.

 

Her breathing stopped, her heart pounding so hard that it felt like it was trying to claw right up her throat but sufficed with fluttering around in the confines of her ribcage. She took a deep breath, feeling her hands grow clammy with the endless thoughts and feelings that were dragging through her brain.

 

In for 4, hold for another 4, out for 4, and then hold again. OH MY GOSH WE MADE EYE CONTACT! THIS IS PERFECT!

 

Mahiru smiled to herself, barely able to contain the glee that pulled at and raised her cheeks into what others would most likely call a delirious grin. She raised a hand to her cheek, flesh still warm while her mind twirled with thoughts of Kotoko, yet she forced herself to calm down before she confronted the rest of the world, searching desperately for Kotoko’s eyes once more.

 

And yet, she was already gone, weaving through the crowds the same way that Mahiru had lost her the week before.

 

Ah, I lost my chance to talk to her...

 

Mahiru sighed drearily to herself, resting her chin on her free hand and resting her elbow on her knee as she stared out onto the terrace, the students who straggled behind now slowly filtering through the entrance, heading to different scheduled classes or meeting up with friends.

Or lovers.

 

Mahiru felt another giggle rushing up through her throat at the thought of lovers truanting classes to meet one another at coffee shops, or maybe someone waking up early in order to buy flowers and chocolates on Valentines’ Day. She closed her eyes, falling back into her usual habit of imagining 

 

She’d want them to cover her eyes first — that way it would be more of a surprise — and then guide her by the hand through the bustling streets of Tokyo, and into a fancy restaurant where they’d order dinner and talk for hours by candlelight. Oh! Or maybe they’ll take me back to their place? That would be nice... we could watch romantic movies and fall asleep nestled against one another’s shoulders!

 

Mahiru then thought about what Kotoko’s house might look like. Her demeanour makes her seem a bit threatening on the outside, but maybe she's just a really big softie and covers her room in cute pictures! But then again, maybe she prefers something more minimalist? If I get closer to her then I can find out what she really likes...

 

She swung her legs back and forth and reopened her eyes, re-examining her surroundings. The flora that she sat beside seemed to be more vivid, like it’d been pumped full of life and was snaking her, encouraging her to make her next move.

 

And so, Mahiru collected her things, dropping her textbooks into her tote bag and her phone into the pocket of her cream-toned jacket, before pulling out her separate notebook in order to jot down a list of things that she’d need to do.

 

Hmm, She tapped her pencil to her chin. First, I’ll have to get closer with Kotoko, so maybe I should try sitting near her in class? Although, my next literature class is a week away, so that probably isn’t ideal...

 

Oh! I could try and meet with her while I’m out and about! That’ll work for sure! Except I won’t know where she is...

 

Oh well! It’s always worth a shot!

 

Mahiru spent the next thirty minutes scribbling and erasing and rewriting her sentences until she finally had a coherent plan of action. She checked it one more time, tapping her pencil as she read each of the different ‘stages’ of the relationship she wanted to achieve with Kotoko.

 

Great! I’ll fall in love with Kotoko, and she’ll fall in love with me!

 

Mahiru’s smile turned downward by a smidge.

 

But... that’s only if she likes me back...

Notes:

maquillage is just a broad term for make-up! Think lipstick, contour, blush, etc. It all falls under the title! :3

Chapter 3: Two-Way Information Deal

Summary:

Mahiru just wanted to buy bread, and yet now she's stuck in a grimy alleyway with two menacing voices just around the corner.

Mahiru hummed as she leaned back against the rough orange bricks of the bakery. She’d just left the store, having ordered herself five rolls of maritozzi -- fresh, which meant that she could munch on them as soon as she got home. She clenched the brown paper bag tighter in her hands, smiling to herself upon realising that the bag she’d been given for the pastry helped to complement her orange dress.

 

She took in a deep breath, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear and refining her hair with one of the clips in her hair while keeping the bag pinned to her side with her elbow, before she kicked off the wall. Mahiru, after a moment of deliberation, made the decision to start heading back to her house and so she could cook herself dinner before topping off the night with reading a few chapters of her romance manga before bed. There couldn’t be anything better!

Smile still plastered over her face and walking past the tall light poles with the sun setting behind her, Mahiru allowed her mind to drift away from regular thought and instead into thinking about the lovely green shrubs that the city planted years prior. She took in a deep breath of the fresh air, ignoring the slight hint of smog that plagued the air above her, and enjoyed the way the light lengthened her shadow across the asphalt. Her frills rubbed against each other, creating a pleasant ruffling as she strode through the streets

 

However, her attention was torn from her measured pacing when she heard the rip of paper, shooting a glance towards a nearby flyer that was whipping back and forth in the breeze, taped to the grey concrete wall with only two feeble pieces of tape. She approached, her interest piqued, and her eyes snagged on the title of:

 

“MISSING, REPORT TO AUTHORITIES IF FOUND”.

 

She gulped down a sudden weight in her throat. Oh... there’s a missing person case? That’s terrible... I hope they get found soon...

 

She continued to read through the paper, which had an image of the missing persons — 7 years old, a young girl with brown hair tied up in pigtails — attached. It featured the typical descriptions, like her last worn outfit or her height, but the more Mahiru read through the page her stomach continued to drop.

 

Last seen: Seventeenth of March.

 

Exactly a month ago. 

 

Maybe this poster is old and they forgot to take it down..?

Mahiru shook her head at the thought, dismissing it immediately.

 

Probably not, but I hope so.

 

She began to ponder as she turned back down the street and continued her walk to her one-bedroom apartment. Could she still be alive? Maybe she’s just lost? I’m pretty sure there have been cases where people go missing for months and then turn up later, right?

 

Mahiru kept wandering, losing herself in her thoughts while simultaneously losing her way through the streets. She made another turn — into a dark shaded side alley: definitely not the right way to her apartment — and began to trudge through the murky side streets and into the maw of the behemoth.

Mahiru walked onward, blissfully unaware of the dangers of her path -- she’d just missed stepping on a broken bottleneck -- as she continued step-by-step through the hidden underbelly of Tokyo, only becoming aware of her surroundings upon the clattering of a can that she’d kicked with the tip of her shoe.

She re-awoke, breaking from her distant stare, turning her head to reorient herself with her surroundings. Where.... Where was she?

There were the sounds of distant conversation in the background — a dull thrum, muttering in an exchange, of some kind? Both vocals were rough in tone and yet one sounded much more distinct; older, perhaps a smoker? — while the other was much less rough. Maybe in her early twenties at the latest, and self-assured in her speech.

 

There was a stifled shuffling, and Mahiru’s body instinctively creeped closer to the source of the noise, sneaking along a wall with the bag of pastry clutched to her chest in an attempt to muffle the sound of crinkling paper like she was a high-ranking spy in the action movie she’d seen last month. 

 

She hadn’t understood a word of it, but it was fun and it filled Mahiru with the same adrenaline that she had been feeling now. In fact, Mahiru was so giddy that she had clench her nails into the palm of her hand to redirect her focus to the soft pricks of pain in her skin.

 

"You've got it, yeah? And it was ¥20,000?" said the younger.

 

"As I said before. It's about that girl's case?" from the older.

 

"Of course. Hand the card over and I'll give you the cash."

 

Another rustle, this time from both halves of the party — along with the added click of a wallet — and Mahiru decided it was time for her to leave, lest she want to be caught by the two authoritative figures. Although, before she could fully get out of earshot, her back still to the wall as she snuck quietly down the alleyways, she overheard the final snippet of conversation.

 

"It's a pleasure doing business with you, Ms. Yuzuriha."

 

"Of course, Mukuhara, I'll return next month."

 

"Same time?"

 

"If everything works out then yes."

 

Mahiru clutched her bag of maritozzi rolls close to her chest, pining it there like a snake coiled around its prey, and snuck back through the alleyway, followed close-behind by the distant shuffling of footsteps.

Chapter 4: Changing Yourself To Fill In The Gaps

Summary:

Mahiru and Kotoko go jogging together!

"Hey, Kotoko,” Mahiru prompted as she splayed herself out across her desk, catching the attention of the woman, “do you have any plans after class?" Mahiru pushed her back against the rough wood chair, the rest of her class slowly filtering out of the lecture hall.

“As in..?”

 

“Well, it’s kind of self-explanatory -- do you have anywhere you need to be soon or are you free?”

 

The younger woman grunted, clearing her desk of any writing utensils she’d used, shoving everything into her bag with a hasty sweep of her arm. So fast… She’s just like all those ‘bad boys’ in the books I read!

 

“Ah, not really. Don’t have anything scheduled until later this evening…” She paused with the cleaning of her desk while she thought about her answer, “I’ll probably end up jogging or something to help pass the time.”

 

Mahiru let out a soft squeak. Now’s my chance!

 

“Oh, I like running, too!” she blurted out, not thinking as she took the opportunity clearly laid out in front of her.

“Really?” Kotoko raised an eyebrow, casting suspicion but not pressing further, “You don’t seem the type to run all that often, no offence.”

“Well, I like to think of it as a hobby -- it’s something that I can indulge in when I have the chance!” she smiled broadly, mentally debating whether she should ask to join the woman or if she should wait for an invitation.

 

Mahiru finally, after some mental justification, thought to herself -- You never know if you don’t try! -- and asked if she could tag along with her crush.

 

It was quiet after that question, and every second that ticked past caused another anxious spike where Mahiru’s heart sped up, certain that Kotoko would turn her down.

“I mean, sure, why not?” she eyed the other, examining her clothing choices, “it’s kind of creepy, to be honest, as though you’d been planning to ask me the whole day.”

 

I mean, it only just crossed my mind, but I guess I’ll take that as a complement?

 

“Ah, I didn’t mean for it to come off that way -- this was just the most comfortable thing I had in my closet!” Not really, but it makes me look cute!

 

Mahiru congratulated her impulsivity for landing her in this conversation, and immediately she imagined her and Kotoko running side-by-side, Kotoko’s vivid pink jacket matching her own pink pastels. Oh, and then maybe she’ll move to hold my hand while we’re running, and we’ll jog hand-in-hand together! Or maybe we’ll go to a park and watch the sunset together!

 

A soft giggle escaped from Mahiru’s lips as her imagination ran wild, which caused Kotoko to glance curiously from her current task of closing her bag.

 

“So,” Kotoko began, pulling the zipper closed around her books, “how does running a five-K sound? We’ll start at the front gate and then just run a loop circuit.”

 

“W- what?” Mahiru clutched her heart at her chest. “Isn’t that a bit too far for an afternoon jog?” Well, it’s not good, but this is still salvageable! Maybe when we finish we can drink water together! Or coffee!

“Why? You said you enjoyed jogging. If you need it then I’ll slow my pace down and match yours.”

 

“I, uh… Yeah, I think I’d like that…” Mahiru let a shaky smile spread across her face. “Uhm, we are only doing the five-K, right? No more than that?”

 

The woman grinned -- her smirk reminding Mahiru of a wolf and how they looked with prey in their jaws -- as she pushed further. “Well, if we finish early, then we could probably train your stamina.”

 

What has Mahiru gotten herself into…  

 

She deflated slightly, letting her left hand lower to her side while she grabbed her (thankfully light) duffel bag and slung it over her shoulder.

 

“Well, I’m ready as I’ll ever be!” No use sulking over this. I can make sure it’s good! At least Kotoko told me that she’ll stay close.  We’ll definitely grow closer this way!

 

All our conversations this last week were pretty blunt, but now we’re forced to be together!

 

“Great.” Kotoko grabbed a hat from the front pocket of her bag, swinging it a few times in her fingers, “We’ll head down to the Takebashi Station, and then we’ll run the five kilometre track, got it?”

 

“Isn’t it going to be busy?” A slight frown covered her smile as she pondered over the quite popular tourist spot. I mean, maybe not if we get to the station at four? Hm…

 

“Maybe a bit, but we can just dodge ‘em. Think of it as extra running practice.”

 

Kotoko grabbed her phone out of her jacket’s pocket, inputting her passcode and then tapping at the screen for a few moments while Mahiru stood by in silence. Before she could ask what Kotoko was doing, the latter quickly shoved her phone into the front pocket of her bag, zipping the compartment and turning her attention back to Mahiru while equipping the cap..

 

“So, it’ll take us ten minutes to get to the station if we keep a steady pace, and then it’ll take us another thirty-ish minutes while we’re on the track, assuming we don’t get caught in foot-traffic or anything.”

Mahiru gulped down the growing anxiety in her stomach. In hindsight, maybe this isn’t the best idea…

Kotoko took charge of the duo, and Mahiru watched her backpack sway back and forth with the movement. Oh well! I’ve made my bed, so I'll lie in it!

After a beat, she looked back down at her pastel clothing, as surprised as Kotoko that she chose something that was perfect for running.

 

… Or maybe I should say, ‘I wore this outfit, so I’ll jog in it?’

---

 

Mahiru’s lungs begged for release as she desperately panted for breath, hunching over as she rested her palms on her knees in a brief moment of respite.

 

She turned, placing her left hand back onto her cap and readjusting it to block the sunlight. “We’re only halfway done -- hurry up.”

“Ugh, Kotoko,” Mahiru began as a bead of sweat ran down her cheek, “I think my knees are going to give out…”

“I thought you enjoyed running.” Kotoko continued to jog in place while she waited for the older woman to catch her breath.

 

Ugh, maybe I should’ve thought this through before I said it...

 

A few minutes of huffing and puffing later and Mahiru straightened herself out, swallowing down the building phlegm that had gathered in her throat with a large gulp of water. “Uh… I guess I did say that, huh..?” If it means I got to spend a little more time with her then it was worth it…

“Are you feeling better? If so then we’ll finish up the lap and then you can head home.”

“Yeah, yeah, I’m nearly alright… What about you though, are you going home too, or do you have something else? You mentioned having something to do this evening.” Mahiru put an uncertain but genuine smile on her face as she recalled their earlier discussion back in class, so far away despite only happening twenty minutes ago.

 

“Yeah, ‘course I’m… of course I’m heading home.”

Mahiru slowly blinked at her lacklustre response, but chose to ignore it in favour of lifting the mood to what it was a moment before. I know! I’ll extend an olive branch that she just can’t resist!

 

“Ah, well how about after this, we go get something to drink? It doesn’t have to be for too long -- just fifteen minutes, promise!” Mahiru laser-focused her gaze onto Kotoko’s expression, examining how her eyebrow creased and her lip twitched.

 

A lot of people -- in their first meeting with Mahiru, at least -- would assume she was stupid. While she might not be the best academically, Mahiru had spent years learning how to read, study, and interpret other peoples’ facial expressions. She had practised so much, in fact, that she usually knew exactly how strangers were feeling.

 

Although, with Kotoko, Mahiru couldn’t read her even a smidge. It wasn’t as though her face was solid, but rather that every single twitch of Kotoko’s face seemed to be planned, as though attempting to throw Mahiru off of her tail.

“No thanks. Maybe another day, but I don’t have the time right now.”

Mahiru pouted slightly at that, but didn’t let that stop her from talking. “I understand. Is it homework you need to catch up on, or..?”

A breath parsed through lips, quickly followed by Kotoko’s brief; “It’s just some personal thing, don’t worry about it.”

“Oh, are you sure? Maybe you could tell me and I’ll--”

“Don’t push it.”

 

Mahiru’s form wilted, her face falling downward while an awkward silence forced its way into the air between them, killing any positive atmosphere that Mahiru could have revived.

 

Then, after a dead minute of Mahiru slowly sipping her water and Kotoko flicking through her phone, the later woman cut into the silence.

“Listen, I’ve got to go. See ya.”

 

Of course.

 

And with that, Kotoko left.

And with that, Mahiru was alone again.

Notes:

Whoops they had a slight argument. It won't happen again !! (it will i pinkie promise :3c)

Chapter 5: Floriography

Summary:

Mahiru makes Kotoko a bouquet as an apology for three weeks and two days ago. Not that she's been counting, or anything.

Notes:

Haiii everyone!!! Hope you all enjoy the chapter :3c There is lots of flower language here that I hope you will enjoy ^-^

Mahiru let out a disappointed sigh. It'd been three weeks since she last spoke with Kotoko and any attempts at conversation after their argument -- Mahiru would rather call it a couple’s spat -- get succinctly cut short by the woman suddenly becoming “busy” and having to leave.

 

She flopped against the counter that Mahiru was working behind, the part-time job that she’d picked up only a week ago now seeming dull and bland. The flowers that flourished during her job interview now curled in on themselves -- especially the roses that Mahiru had been organising earlier that morning. The petals that Mahiru could have sworn were vivid red and were blooming this morning had faded, their petals drooping and the stems flimsy with each tick of the clock.

 

There was a pigeon that flew by -- pure white, like a dove -- who stopped to linger on the threshold of the door to the store, hopping back and forth between the doors as though playing a game of “Chicken”, before it was scared off by a girl -- seemingly in the last year of high school? She recognised the uniform as being from the near-by school  -- who entered to scour the shelves for a few moments before turning on her heel and leaving without anything.

 

I guess that means that it’s going to be a slow day…

 

Mahiru splayed herself further across the counter, trying to push a little further so the tips of her fingers would hang over the edge when she caught a glimpse of short black hair out of the window. Kotoko.

 

She didn’t get to see her for long but, from what she could tell, she’d only been meandering down the street when passing her window. I can talk to her again! This is my chance!

 

Mahiru, leaping up from behind the counter and running out into the quiet street, hastily chased after the woman -- despite having known her for only a couple of months and even then only talking a handful of times -- and called out to her.

“Ah, Kotoko!”

 

Due to her loud (but what Mahiru would describe as boisterous) voice, the younger woman immediately spun on her heel and came face-to-face with the florist.

 

“Kotoko! Are you free right now? You didn’t seem to be in a rush just now, but if you have somewhere you need to be then that’s fine!” Mahiru was flushed, hurriedly getting her words out of her mouth to not lose her chance.

The woman raised a hand up to scratch the back of her neck, “I mean, not today, why?”

 

“Come on, follow me! I have something to show you!”

 

She took the woman by her hand who, after a slight jolt, followed along without pulling away as Mahiru guided them both into the shop and in front of the counter, quickly slipping into her own station.

 

“Now, now, stay here, I want to make you a bouquet!”

 

“...Why?”

Because I want to spend time with you!
…

She won’t take that for an answer.

Mahiru fiddled with her black apron’s strings while she came up with an excuse. “Oh, well… I just thought that, maybe, it’d be a nice gesture to apologise for…” she felt her throat close up, but pushed through so she could finish her sentence, “three weeks and two days ago.” She immediately busied herself by going back to work, snatching the butcher’s paper and scissors from under the counter.

 

Kotoko was quiet, as though she was lost in thought while watching Mahiru work, before she responded to Mahiru. “You’ve been counting how long ago that was? To the days?”

“I mean, of course! It’s only natural to want to remember every little detail about someone, right?”

 

“...Not really, to be honest.”

“Well, that’s not important,” Mahiru darted back around the counter and gathered a few of the blossoming flowers that she’d wanted to put into her on-the-spot gift, “what matters is that I’m sorry I pushed you too far, okay?” A bittersweet smile graced her features while Mahiru slowed her movements, easing back behind the counter. “I didn’t mean to make you so… I don’t know, uncomfortable, and I should have just dropped the subject.” 

 

“...I -- listen -- I’m sorry for--”

“No, no, there’s nothing to apologise for,” Mahiru cut off the other woman by raising her own hands and waving away the concerns, “we’ll put this right behind us when I finish this for you, alright?”

“...Sure, if it’ll stop you from panicking about it.”

 

Mahiru squealed, quickly plucking at the different blooms behind her -- a stem or two of purple hyacinth put right in the centre; the buds of purple heathers and calla lilies and blue roses to surround it; a singular edelweiss sticking out of the corner, and then flourished with mulberry flowers and the leaves of a spindle tree. Mahiru glanced back up as she came to the completion of the bouquet.

 

“So… How have you been recently, Kotoko?”

 

The other woman took her concerned gaze off of Mahiru’s still-active hands, which were currently waving scissors around with disregard to her own safety, “Oh, uh, fine. Nothing interesting’s been going on. You?”

“Same here…” Mahiru let out a dreary sigh as she turned back to the shelf of additional flowers behind her, searching for something she could use to spruce up the bouquet. Ah! a striped tulip! Aren’t those symbolic of a persons’ beautiful eyes? Maybe I could…

 

Mahiru peeked over her shoulder, noticing that Kotoko was busy checking her phone instead of paying attention, so Mahiru used as much time as she could to study her eyes. Yeah, I think this is fine.

 

She turned back to the counter, Kotoko’s attention snapping back on her as she worked, shoving three tulip stems down into the bundle and positioning them so they’d harmonise with the others.

“You seem to really enjoy this kind of work.”

 

Mahiru jumped at the sudden conversation starter, but quickly calmed down after the shock. “Well, you know how it is! I guess you just get caught up in the things that you enjoy! Flowers look pretty, so I like to arrange them in a way that brings out their own personal pop !”

 

“Makes sense. These flowers do look good, so I’d say you’re doing your job well.”

A blush crawled across Mahiru’s cheeks at the compliment, face turning red and the tips of her ears deepening in colour. “Aww, thank you, Kotoko! I’ll make sure they look extra pretty, just for you!”

 

The woman in return looked away, scuffing the tip of her boot against the tiled floor, before softly muttering a brief “don’t mention it”.

 

Mahiru returned with scissors in hand to the shelf, her eyes scouring once again. A burgundy rose or two, maybe?

 

…

 

The scissors clicked three times, and Mahiru was back to the butcher’s paper and quickly merging the deep reds with the whites, purples, and blues of the rest of the bouquet.

 

Okay, I have room for maybe one last flower type before I run out of space… She contemplated her options as she re-reviewed the shelves, different coloured pots and plastic wrapping to protect the plants from any bugs that may want to take a bite. I wonder what would work with this--

 

Her gaze snagged on the purple violets. Could she? Would it really be appropriate to use them in the bouquet? Mahiru stole another glance at Kotoko.

 

She wasn’t occupied with her phone this time, instead making eye contact with Mahiru, who gave the best smile that she could manage after what she’d just found in the shelves.

 

I… Sure! It’s not like Kotoko knows what they mean, or anything! This is just a harmless plant that looks nice, that’s all! If she asks about it, then I’ll just tell her that I didn’t know! …Yeah!

 

Mahiru snipped the scissors twice, taking each flower and fitting them snuggly on either side of the bunch. There! It’s perfect .

 

“Here you go, Kotoko!” Mahiru was bright, back to smiling as she dried the flower stems of any remaining water with the butcher’s paper, and then wrapped the bouquet with opaque white plastic. “Nice and tidy, just for you!”

Kotoko took the base of the bouquet with a delicate smile on her face, searching her pocket for her wallet. “They look great, thanks, Mahiru. How much do I owe?” She pulled open one of the compartments featuring a credit card, and held the card at the ready.

“Oh, nonsense!” Mahiru took her purse from behind the counter, taking a wad of cash and inputting the required price of the bouquet into the register before dropping the cash in afterwards and taking her change. “This is a gift! You shouldn’t pay for something special like that.”

“Alright, if you insist.”

“I do!”

 

The duo were silent while Mahiru finished ringing up the register, opening the register for a second time to confirm the purchase and quickly closing it again. “Well, that’s all I had for you, Kotoko!” Mahiru quickly hurried back past the counter, taking flowers with her to put them back in their right places on the shelves. “I would do more with you, but I’m on the clock until… I think it’s five o’clock? Maybe six? Doesn’t matter -- the point is that I don’t have the time, unfortunately.”

“Yeah, that’s fine. Listen, I’m sorry I’ve been semi-ignoring you…” A brief pause while Kotoko collected herself, “how about we go grab that coffee you mentioned some time soon? As my own apology.”

 

Mahiru, her face still warm from the last compliment that Kotoko gave her, immediately felt her face deepen into a harsher shade of red. “I-- Of course! Yes, yes-- oh!” Mahiru hurriedly tore off a small square of butcher’s paper, “Here’s my phone number, so that we can hash out the details later, alright?” Mahiru quickly wrote down the numbers as she continued to ramble, debating whether she should add a love-heart after the message or if that would be going too far before ultimately deciding to go with her heart.

 

Kotoko nodded stoically, squinting at the numbers but then smiling when she got to the doodle that Mahiru had added to the end of the message. “Thanks. I’ll call sometime. Does eight p.m. sound good?”

 

Any time works for me. “Yep! I’ll be waiting!” Mahiru grinned as Kotoko left the shop, bundle of flowers in her hand and examining them in further detail while she walked before she quickly disappeared behind a wall.

Ah, I’m sure that’s made today much less boring!

Notes:

Please let me know if I butchered either of the characters Kotoko feels too mellow in this one. Might come back to this chapter at the end of the fic and edit the dialogue again lol.

Chapter 6: Ring-a-Ling!

Summary:

Mahiru goes out to town with Kotoko! Although, it seems something's come up to get in the way.

Notes:

Haiii I hope everyone enjoys!!! I'm going on hiatus for two weeks while I study for exams, so enjoy this chapter!!

Ring-a-ling!

Mahiru leapt from her bright orange couch and towards the antique telephone -- an impulsive purchase she bought in her first few days of university in order to ‘spice things up’ in her apartment -- at the first ring. The clock hung on her wall -- another impulsive purchase made last year -- read eight thirteen p.m.

 

She’s a little late with her call, but whatever!

 

“Hello~?” She answered in a singsong tone with the phone held to her face, her voice as sweet as the strawberry shortcake she'd baked the week before.

 

“Mahiru, hey.” The gruff-in-contrast tone carried from the other end of the line, and Mahiru felt her cheeks warm at Kotoko doing so little as to say her name.

 

“Kotoko! How are you?”

 

“I’m fine. Just calling so we can set up a date soon for us to get drinks.”

 

Does she think this is a date too? “Oh, of course! What are you thinking?”

 

“Well,” she began, and immediately cut herself off with a brief pause. “I thought just getting coffee might be too small of an apology, so how about we get lunch at a cafe instead?”

 

Mahiru let out a delighted squeal directly into the mouthpiece -- accidentally, of course, but that didn’t prevent the soft “ouch” Kotoko muttered afterward -- and twirled the black phone cord around her index finger while she responded.

 

“Oh, that sounds amazing! Where did you want to go? What time do you want to meet up? What are we getting for lunch?”

 

“Urgh, could you slow down? I can't even tell what you're saying at this point.”

“Oh, sorry!” Mahiru calmed herself, also making sure to whisper into the mouthpiece from now on. “When are we meeting, and where?”

“Well, I’m a bit tied up until the start of June -- probably the third at the earliest -- and how about we meet up early-ish; does eleven sound alright? I'll text you the location later so you don't have to write it down.”

Mahiru squealed again, covering the mouthpiece this time as she kicked her feet against the cushions. “Of course! I’ll see you then. June third at eleven a.m., yeah?”

“Yep.”

“Great! I can’t wait~!” Mahiru kept the phone to her ear, just in case Kotoko had anything else to tell her, but after the resounding click echoed through the phone Mahiru let out a sigh and hung her own handheld on its hook.

 

I can wait a few weeks. They’ll fly by in no time!

 

___

 

Mahiru glanced at her wrist, the ticking baby-blue watch she'd chosen to match with her denim jacket and purple skirt caused Mahiru to anxiously tap her foot: a light chill was falling through the food court, as was common for the beginning of June.

 

Kotoko’s late…

 

A sigh escaped her lips as she continued to flip through the romance book opened in front of her, and yet Mahiru was only skimming the pages as she kept an eye out for the woman she wanted to meet.

 

There were quick, light footsteps; only betrayed by the scraping of the shoes’ material -- leather? Kotoko wears leather boots, right? -- as they crossed the pavement and kicked any stray pebbles from their path.

 

Mahiru spun in her chair and looked up, meeting Kotoko’s extremely close gaze which pierced into her own.

 

“Oh!” she jumped backwards in her chair at just how close the woman was behind her. “I thought you weren’t going to show!”

 

“Yeah, sorry I’m late, I had to…” she coughed into her elbow, clearing her throat and restarting her sentence. “Something came up. I’ll make it up to you, though.”

“Oh, please, don’t worry about it! I wouldn’t mind waiting if it means I get to spend time with you!”

“I…” Kotoko tilted her head downward as she blushed, spinning her hat so it faced  three-quarters, the brim covering her cheeks. “Thanks. I appreciate it. Listen, how about I pay for drinks today?”

“Ah, no, no!” Mahiru quickly hopped in with a refusal. “It wouldn’t be right to accept your generosity if you’ve been busy. How about I cover the bill here and you can cover the tab next time?”

“Or…” Kotoko fished her wallet from her hot-pink jacket as she spoke, “How about we split it -- fifty-fifty? Then neither of us would have to feel guilty.”

 

Mahiru’s flushed deeply, like white flowers left in water dyed red, the petals staining pink the same way her blush creeped up her neck and consumed her. “I-- of course! How could I say no?” This really is just like a real date! I’ll have to ask her out officially soon because there’s no way I can pass someone as sweet as Kotoko!

 

The younger woman smiled; hastily shoving her wallet back into her pocket, zipping it closed for extra security, and then looked back at Mahiru. “Have you ordered anything yet?”

 

“Oh, nope! I’ve been waiting on you. Hey, I’ve been thinking, though,” a deep breath while Mahiru chose her next words, “how about we grab a drink here while we choose our next stop?”

“You want to do more than have lunch here?” Kotoko shot a question, tapping her sharp claws nails against the glass tabletop, stare lingering on Mahiru’s eyes.

“O-oh!” Mahiru shrunk in her seat. “It’s just a suggestion! If you have other things to do then we can skip it!” Her heart churned, each throb sending unbearable pain through her, but Mahiru kept her smile as she desperately battled with herself to not start crying right then and there.

 

“Ah, sorry, that sounded harsh. It’s fine, I was just,” she looked back at the table, “surprised. I was surprised.”

Mahiru regained her energy, hands becoming active as she tried to calm her growing glee. “That’s… Oh, that’s such a relief!” Mahiru took a deep breath as she stood from the table, closing and dropping the book she’d been reading in her purse, which she slung over her right shoulder. “How about we get our drinks to go, and then we can walk and talk while choosing where to go?”

“Yeah, sure,” Kotoko took a stand too, following Mahiru who guided them to the counter and ordered. Plain black coffee for Kotoko, an iced mocha with whipped cream and caramel drizzle for Mahiru. Opposites do attract, right..?

 

“Are you really sure you don’t want anything else in your coffee, Kotoko? It looks a little…” Mahiru gestured with her spare hand to the inky-coloured mixture in her crush’s Kotoko’s cup.

 

“What? Nah, it’s fine.”

“I mean, I guess, but isn’t it a little… bitter?”

Kotoko shook the drink, removing the lid from the cup and peering at it. “It’s fine, it keeps me awake.”

 

“Why do you need to stay awake?”

 

“It’s -- no reason. It’s nothing important.”

 

Mahiru hummed, accepting the response while looking down to her drink and poking a straw through the given opening. “If you say so. Hey,” Mahiru took the chance to change the subject, “now that we’ve got some drinks, where do you want to go?”

“How about we just wander the streets for a bit? There’s something I want to check out in the city centre, but it can take a backseat for a while.” 

 

Mahiru’s brain sparked, and she immediately spun on her heel to face the woman. “Oh! Do you mean the thirty-percent-off sale LAINE’s physical store is holding this weekend? Ah, I’ve been meaning to visit so I could buy this absolutely stunning blue dress I read about last week!”

Her friend blinked, staring deep into Mahiru’s eyes as though she were scrutinising her. “...Sure. How about we head off?” She raised a hand to her face and fidgeted with her chin while Mahiru bounced with glee beside her. “Yeah, that works.”

“What do you mean?”

 

“Oh, uh… Don’t worry about it.”

“Okay!”

---

 

The duo spent the next thirty minutes navigating the bustling streets of Tokyo, with Mahiru pointing at different dresses or shirts which caught her eye in shop windows as they passed, and even dragged Kotoko inside one to grab a pair of shoes she “just needed to add to her collection!” and only upon leaving was Mahiru content enough to walk without further interruptions.

---

Kotoko, while Mahiru made her purchase, stared across the street at a flyer -- a missing child’s case Another on her list -- flickering in the soft breeze, taped to a light pole with several tears around the page.

 

I’ll need to talk to Mr. Mukuhara, then…

 

“Hey, Kotoko!” Mahiru hurried next to her, “sorry I took so long but these were just so cute! Now, what was it you wanted to check out?”

Kotoko turned her attention to the woman -- no, her friend; she trusted Mahiru enough to call her a friend now -- and took a moment to think about how she’d answer.

“Can we make a detour quickly? There’s… something popped up nearby that I want to check. We’ll keep moving to the centre after, and it’ll only be twenty minutes tops.”

“Oh, of course! Take the lead!” Mahiru smiled before her eyes widened and a blush overtook her cheeks. “Ah, although… I don’t know the way.” Mahiru squirmed where she stood, “you might have to hold my hand as we walk, Kotoko…”

Kotoko rolled her eyes, taking Mahiru’s hand in hers -- eliciting a very loud yet delighted squeal from the latter -- as she easily traversed the streets, darting past crowds and blending with the shadows. It’s probably a good thing I’m holding onto Mahiru. At this speed I wouldn’t be surprised if she got lost.

 

“Hey, Kotoko,” Mahiru said from behind her, “where are we going?”

She paused, hand still clenched on the older’s while she thought about what to say. “I’m just… I’m visiting a friends’ workplace. I need to go over a few things with him.”

“Ooh! You know, this kinda makes me feel as though I’m in a spy movie! Like,” Mahiru lifted a finger to her cheeks, tapping a few times while she pondered her words. “There was this foreign film I watched a few months ago -- back in April -- and this reminds me of that!”

“Well, if you want to treat it like a film, go for it.”

 

Kotoko crept through a few extra back-alley streets for good measure, before she and Mahiru appeared in front of a towering police station.

“ This is where your friend works? I didn’t know you knew someone with the police! I guess that means I should be careful with what I do around you, right?” Mahiru laughed at her own joke as she followed Kotoko inside.

 

“I don't think you could hurt a fly, so I won't need to worry about you.” Kotoko turned her attention to the receptionist, “I'm here for Mukuhara. Tell him Yuzuriha called.”

 

“Right away.”

 

---

 

Where have I heard that name before? Mukuhara… it's familiar for some reason. Huh.

 

Mahiru watched Kotoko lean against the wall, eyes trained on the hallway the receptionist had just walked down. “Geez, you're kinda scary when you're so focused, Kotoko.” Mahiru attempted to lighten the mood, shimmying next to her and leaning against the wall in an imitation of the woman.

 

“Hm? Ah, sorry,” Kotoko's brow unfurrowed slightly, still focused on watching the hall. “I'm not mad, just… there's some stuff I need to think about before Mr. Mukuhara arrives.”

 

“Oh, alright! What is it?” Mahiru tilted her head as she watched Kotoko's face. I wonder what she's thinking .

 

“Not much. I've got some details I need ironed out, and he's had… experience with what I'm looking for.”

 

Their chatter was cut off by a large man -- who easily towered over Mahiru -- walking through the hall’s archway, scanning the room and spotting the two leaned against the opposing wall.

 

“Yuzuriha,” he commented, meeting the two halfway across the room, “I didn't expect you here today.” He gestured to Mahiru as he asked his question. “Who's your friend?”

 

His voice sounds familiar, too…

 

Weird…

 

“This is Mahiru Shiina. I want to talk with you -- privately -- out back for a few minutes if you have the time.”

 

“Of course. I'll assume you've got a new…” his gaze quickly darted to Mahiru before returning to Kotoko, “job you wanted to discuss?”

 

“Yeah, something new popped up that I've got to deal with now.”

 

“Alright. I'll take fifteen for lunch and we can meet outside. Will Ms. Shiina here be joining us?”

 

Kotoko glanced over her shoulder to the mentioned woman, making eye contact for a brief moment before refocusing on the tall man. “Not yet. Maybe someday, but for now this will be kept between the two of us.”

 

Kotoko turned to the woman, taking a magazine from the table. “Here, you mentioned you read LAINE earlier, and this station is close enough to the shop where they can get the magazine updates a day earlier than most convenience stores. Feel free to read them if you want while you wait. We won't be long.”

 

Mahiru was, to put it lightly, suspicious of the duo and what “job” they were talking about, but instead focused on the more pressing matter. “Wait, you mean this police station gets new releases first?! I'll have to make this a new weekly stop! Have fun talking, you two!”

If Kotoko wants to tell me something then she will, but for now … Mahiru looked at the light pink cover of her favourite magazine. I suppose it won't hurt to take a quick read through while I wait…

Chapter 7: Phone Calls

Summary:

Mahiru likes staying up late to talk to Kotoko.

Notes:

a quick chapter between my studies enjoy <3

Ring-Ring, Ring-Ring!

 

“Hi Kotoko, good morning!”

“...Mahiru? It’s three a.m.”

“Yeah! I woke up to call you and say good morning!”

“...Right. Unfortunately, I was just about to head to bed.”

“Oh, uh… I could call in an hour or two if you’d like?”

“...I’ll just ring when I get up.”

“Alright then! Bye-bye Kotoko!”

“... Yeah, bye.”

… Ka-Clunk …

 

….

 

Ring-Ring, Ring-Ring!

“Hi, Kotoko~! Good morning!”

“It’s morning already?”

“Yeah! You mentioned yesterday you went to sleep at three, so I thought I’d try calling at one so I could catch you!”

“...Don’t you need to sleep?”

“Not when I’m talking with you!”

“I mean, alright, but I’ve got work to do. I’m going to have to keep working while we talk.”

“Oh, yay!”

… Ka-Clunk …

 

….

 

Ring-Ring, Ring--

 

“Mahiru?”

“You know it!”

“What do you want to talk about tonight?”

“Well, I’m writing an article for a romance blog right now, and I was wondering…”
...

… Ka-Chick …

 

….

 

Ring-Ring, Ri--

 

“G’morning, Mahiru.”

“Hi, Kotoko! How was your day? School’s been out for a while so we haven’t been able to meet up a lot…”

…

“Do you want to…”

…

“Yeah, that sounds great!”

“We’ll meet in two days, then.”

“Okay! I’ll see you soon~!”

 

… Ka-Clink …

 

….

 

Ring-Ri---

“Hi, Kotoko! I really enjoyed our day out.”

“Yeah, me too…”

…

“Hey, Kotoko, did you maybe… Would you like to meet up with me this weekend? Maybe later in the evening?”

“...Why?”

“I… I want to hang out with you more! And night-time is just so romantic!”

“Hm, sure. Saturday or Sunday? What time?”

“Oh, uh… How about Saturday, and we’ll meet at six? Then we go to Yoyogi park if you’d like. Just taking a stroll would be nice!”

“That works. I finish my 7/11 shift at six, so we can walk to the park since it’s close.”

“Oh, I can’t wait! See you soon, Kotoko!”

“Me either. See ‘ya.”

 

… Ka-Click.

Chapter 8: Wait and Ambush!

Summary:

Mahiru meets with Kotoko outside a 7/11 so they can go to a park! Although, Kotoko asks a question Mahiru would have never been ready for.

Notes:

I'M SO SORRY THE CHAPTER TOOK SO LONG LOL I'VE HAD EXAMS AND ALSO THIS WAS JUST. KIND OF A SLOG TO GET THROUGH SO THE CHAPTER'S ONLY BEEN EDITED ONCE. I MIGHT COME BACK AND RE-EDIT WHEN I FEEL LIKE IT BUT FOR NOW HAVE THIS.

Mahiru felt an electric tingling in her cheeks -- maybe summer’s lingering heat had finally gotten to her, but it brought for a red tint that splayed across her face while she waited for Kotoko, her back pressed firmly against the brick exterior of the 7/11 she’d mentioned last night.

 

It was five-fifty-eight, which Mahiru confirmed when she looked down at her watch the twentieth time in the last five minutes, meaning Kotoko should be finishing her shift right about now. She glanced to her left, where a dog sat patiently waiting for their owner. Maybe another employee’s pet?

 

“Hey. Hope I didn’t keep you waiting,” Mahiru jumped at the voice, quickly pulling her gaze away from the dog and instead meeting Kotoko’s gaze, simultaneously puffing out her hair so it'd frame her face better. 

 

“Oh, I just got here, don’t worry.” She added a giggle at the end of her sentence, before pointing to a black duffel bag that hung from the woman’s left shoulder. “Is that your uniform?”

 

“This?” She pulled the bag down from her shoulder and quickly unzipped it, displaying the contents to Mahiru. “It's a combo of both my uniform and a few sandwiches I bought right as I was leaving. You know, since we'll be out all evening,” she said as she re-zipped the bag and slung it back over her shoulder.

 

“Oh, that's a great idea! You're so smart, Kotoko!” Mahiru straightened her T-shirt -- light pink to match the forecast sunset that evening -- and dropped her phone inside her handbag before the two decided to start walking.

 

There were a few minutes of tranquil silence while they walked, the crip breeze ruffling through Mahiru’s hair and her pushing it back out of her eyes, before she decided to strike up a conversation.

 

“I never thought you’d start working at a 7/11 of all places, Kotoko! It doesn’t seem like it’d suit you -- not to be mean or anything, but it feels so out of character!”

 

Kotoko peered at Mahiru through the corner of her eye, before lulling her head to the side and staring at the sky instead. “It’s not a huge deal or anything -- I was running low on cash so I picked up a part time job last week to cover the costs. Didn’t you work as a florist -- what, two months ago? When you dragged me into the shop? What happened to that?”

Mahiru felt a bead of sweat drip down her cheek -- one that she would definitely blame on the heat of the sun bearing down on the duo -- and hurriedly moved another strand of hair out of her right eye. “W-well, you know, the owner might have caught me browsing the shelves more often than standing behind the counter and ‘properly working’,” she emphasised with air quotes, “even though I tried to explain that I was reorganising the shelves, and I got fired…”

“Were you really, though? From what I know of you you’re… easily distractible, to put it lightly.”

 

“Well, he had a point, but still! I was working for a solid thirty percent of the time!”

“...How long did you hold the job for at a rate like that? I’d be surprised if you even lasted a week.”

“It was…” Mahiru blushed and turned away from Kotoko as she tried to fan the heat out of her face. “...my third week when I got fired…”

 

Kotoko let out a laugh -- it was sharp, loud, but short; similar to a wolf’s bark -- before covering her mouth and her cute fanged tooth with her free hand. “Sorry, sorry,” she waved her hand as though dispelling the laugh, “I shouldn’t laugh. That sounds like something you’d do, though.”

“Well, I’m not that distractible! I… I pay attention sometimes! A lot of the time, even!”

 

“ Sometimes .”

 

Mahiru’s blush deepened, and she turned away from the girl, instead focusing on the trees as she begged her warm face to cool down. I’ve been blushing a lot around Kotoko recently…

 

“Hey, you alright?” Kotoko asked, waving a hand in front of Mahiru’s face, who jumped upon realising she’d been spacing out.

 

“Oh! Sorry, Kotoko, were you saying something?”

“Nah -- nothing important, at least -- I just saw you spacing out and wanted to check in.”

“Aw, that’s so nice of you, Kotoko! Don’t worry, I was just busy thinking.”

 

“That’s cool -- look,” Kotoko tapped Mahiru on the shoulder and pointed her to a bench, “let’s sit here for a while and just talk if you want.”

“Yeah, that sounds fun!” Mahiru hurried to take a seat, dropping her bag next to her and quickly patting the seat. “Come on, what do you want to talk about? We’ve got all day! -- Or, rather, all night!”

 

“Hm,” Kotoko dropped next to Mahiru -- pretty close, if Mahiru had to say so herself -- and dropped the duffel bag on the ground before her feet, kicking it under the wooden bench. “How about…”

 

Kotoko raised a hand to her mouth, covering it while she scanned the surroundings for a diving point. After a moment of scouring, it seemed that her eyes had snagged on a child -- no older than twelve years old at most -- standing in a field and practising a baton twirl. Her short green hair was matted with sweat, as though she’d been practising for hours, and she raised a gloved fist to wipe across her forehead before returning to practice.

“Did you ever… play an instrument?” She finally snaps back into the conversation and made eye contact with Mahiru as her heart flutters , who took a moment to respond.

“Well, I learnt how to sing if that counts? My parents also wanted me to learn piano, but I didn’t have ‘enough discipline’ for it, so my parents cancelled the rest of the lessons,” she giggles at the end of her sentence, and then flips the question to Kotoko. “What about you?”

“I played main bass in a high school band but quit the moment I left for university.”

“Oh?” Mahiru raised an eyebrow at Kotoko’s response but then thought about it for a moment more -- bass guitar definitely fit her aesthetic, especially with all her earrings. “Then that would mean that your hands are really calloused, right? But, I didn’t feel any when you held my hand a few weeks ago…”

 

Kotoko sputtered, before grabbing her hat and covering her face with it. A quirk of hers, it seems . “Well…”

Immediately, like a cat cornering its prey, Mahiru pounced.

“Kotoko, do you have a skincare routine?”

“... Shut up.”

“Aww, Kotoko! That’s so adorable! Is it daily?”

There was a stretch of silence, and Mahiru was worried that she’d overdone it, when Kotoko finally mumbled a soft, “...yeah.”

“Aww!” Mahiru giggled to herself before she faced the woman. “There’s no need to be embarrassed, Kotoko! It’s good to keep your hands healthy!”

“Well, they’re not totally gone -- the calluses, that is…” she took a breath, moving her cap out of her face and back on top of her head, cheeks still vehemently red. “If you want to check then I won’t stop you…”

 

Does that mean she..?

 

Mahiru gingerly took Kotoko’s hand in her own and turned it over, their fingertips barely touching while Mahiru felt around the different wrinkles, creases, and bumps in the younger woman’s hand. She was delicate, of course, taking utmost caution and watching Kotoko’s expression while she felt around.

Mahiru could feel the grooves in Kotoko’s hand -- it’s like she said, her fingertips still had the whisper of calluses on them -- but it was obvious that she cared for her skin enough to maintain a daily routine, and Mahiru could respect that.

“Do you… want to check the other one?”

Mahiru didn’t need to be told twice.

 

She reached over, taking Kotoko’s left hand in her right, tracing her knuckles with her thumb before making eye contact with Kotoko. “They feel really nice... Thank you, Kotoko.”

“...Yeah, it is.” She blushed, turning away and looking back to her occupied hands. “Yours are soft, too. I--” Kotoko mumbled, flustered, for a few seconds before finally choosing the right words, “I like your nail polish. It matches your hair.”

Mahiru giggled and muttered a soft “thanks”  before she directed her attention to Kotoko’s nails -- barren, chipped, bitten short -- and knew she had to rectify it.

 

“Kotoko! Your nails are so…” Mahiru let go of the other woman’s hands, instead grabbing her handbag and rummaging through it. “You’ve bitten them so far down that I can pretty much see the nail bed -- if you keep chewing on these things then eventually they won’t grow back…”

She grabbed a bottle of nail polish -- Mahiru always keeps a spare with her just in case she chips her own work -- and unscrewed the cap, soaking the brush in a hefty amount of polish -- Hibiscus red, to match with Kotoko’s irises -- before Mahiru leaned in to diligently fill the gaps from where Kotoko had picked at her nails. There was more silence while Mahiru worked away, hopping from one finger to the next while she waited for them to dry before Kotoko started to talk, voice awe-struck with Mahiru’s patience.

“You’re… really good at this. I’m surprised your hand isn’t shaking.” Kotoko muttered, eliciting a giggle from the other.

“Well, I’ve been painting my nails every morning for the last…” she trailed off as she wet the brush again, “I think it’s been seven years? I’ve just gotten really good at filling in the gaps, y’know? Practice and all that.”

 

“Makes sense, I guess, but seven years is impressive -- and every day, more so.”

“Well, if it means I’ll find love, then I’m willing to do anything.”

 

Kotoko raised a brow at her response.

 

“Anything?”

“Of course!” Mahiru screwed the lid back onto the nail polish and tucked it safely inside her bag before taking hold of Kotoko’s hands once more, the two admiring her handiwork. “Love is special, it’s…” she took a moment to think about her next words, “it’s the most important thing to me. I wouldn’t be able to live without it, to be honest.”

 

“Really? It’s that essential for you?”

 

“Yes, it is. And I believe that.” The smile on Mahiru’s face dipped slightly, melancholy filling her expression before vanishing just as quickly. “Now, come on! There’s no time for a depressing conversation like that -- we’ve still got the whole evening to spend together!”

Chapter 9: The Time Will Pass Anyways

Summary:

Mahiru likes talking with Kotoko. Kotoko likes to listen.

Notes:

I'm SO sorry this took (checks notes) NEARLY 7 MONTHS?????? TO FINISH?????? It's been in the editing stage since December but whenever I tried to edit I'd get stuck with a particular scene, and I had a bunch of study I had to do for exams, so this fic took a backseat to everything. Luckily, I have time now, so updates should be more frequent!!! (Minus final exams in November)!!!! Thank you all for sticking with me during this fic

The next hour passed quickly, Kotoko’s shoulders stooping lower as she felt herself caught in the conversation, topics shifting as quick as they came due to Mahiru’s more… distractible personality. To finally let loose like this, it was…

 

Welcoming? Pleasant? She couldn’t form the right string of words to describe how relaxing it was to take an aside from her work.

Kotoko had obviously relaxed before — she’d had moments of an evening where she’d let herself break after a long day of exercise, or tracking down sources, but to be spending time with someone else while she did so? Talking and letting the evening pass them by as they switched subjects faster than a car switching lanes… Kotoko couldn’t remember the last time she had genuinely enjoyed talking for the sake of getting to know someone.

 

Of course, Kotoko remained alert — even in a reprieve such as this it’s necessary for her to keep watch — but even then she could feel the tiredness snaking into her joints, creeping up on her, so maybe it’s okay to let herself rest, just for a moment.

With her rationalisations finally seeping into the folds of her brain, Kotoko squeezed her hand in Mahiru’s, enjoying the sensation that came with their hands being interlocked with one another.

“Oh- Kotoko! What is it?” Mahiru responded to the squeeze, cutting herself off mid sentence — most likely a tangent about some dating advice — and focusing her stare on Kotoko.

“Hm?” She hummed back in response, squeezing again, “It’s nothing, but do you want to go for a walk? We can…” her voice trails off as she stares out to the scenery, “We could probably do a couple of loops around the park, if you want.”

“Sure! This’ll be so much fun, Kotoko!” Mahiru quickly hopped up onto her feet, taking both of Kotoko’s hands in her own and dragging her up as well, bringing their bags with them in case they decided to leave after. Kotoko diverted her attention from Mahiru’s hand, glancing at the space the school student had been practising earlier and realising she had already left, the duo now alone in the clearing as they stood from the bench.

 

“Let’s go this way,” she pointed down along the path, mentally mapping the circuit they’d travel for the most efficient scan of the park. “That way we can get in some of the prettier sights before the sun fully sets.”

“Sure, Kotoko! Whatever you want to do!” Mahiru smiled back, locking their hands in one anothers’ once more while they meandered along through the park, Mahiru taking her time to point at the trees, or the different birds she could point out from their chirps — all different things which Kotoko found impressive, especially after she started listing the meanings of the flowers she saw; the hydrangeas along the path; the rose bush near the entrance gates; a carnation’s closing bud as the sun continued to set.

 

The path curved around the threshold of the park, and Kotoko drew her attention from the facts Mahiru was spouting and to the people who were meandering along the footpath. What were they going to do? Were they going to meet with other people, or heading home from a date? Kotoko hungered, insatiable in her thirst for knowledge.

“Oh! And there’s also-” Mahiru paused her babble, following Kotoko’s directionless stare into the crowd, “Ah, are you interested in people watching, too?”

 

“Hm?” She looked down, processing Mahiru’s question as she focused on the act of walking through the park, “I guess so. I like interpreting what people are doing from the snippet of their lives I get to see.”

 

“Oh, that makes sense! I get that, it’s so cute seeing people’s expressions and trying to guess what put them in that mood!”

“So you just do it for fun?”

 

“I mean, what else would I read people for? I’m not some creep who’s trying to stalk somebody, I just like guessing people’s contexts from how they appear! Like, crafting a story based on how they walk or how they furrow their brows at an inconvenience!”

 

“... I see. What a striking reason. Thank you,” Kotoko snaps her gaze back to the footpath, the tessellating patterns of the bricks merging into one another as darkness consumes them and enlarges the shadows of the cracks.

 

“Hey, Kotoko, is something wrong?”

“What? No, of course not. I’m just tired from my shift, I’m a bit spacey.”

 

“Ah, really? Hm,” Mahiru pondered, using her free hand and tapping at her chin, stopping the both of them in their tracks while she mulled Kotoko’s response over. 

 

“Do you want to go lie down?” She asked, finally, pointing at a clearing in front of the two of them, “you did seem super exhausted when you were spacing out like that, so if we get some rest together you’ll have the energy you need to get home and get a good sleep!” Mahiru turned, eyes flicking from the grassy space in front of her and instead peering into Kotoko’s eyes, tilting her head while she read her expression.

 

“... Sure, that sounds great, actually.”

 

Kotoko went quiet again as she took in a deep breath, the summer breeze still prominent and as warm as before as it continued to ruffle through her hair, pushing her fringe out of her eyes while Mahiru continued onto another tangent — something about how grass can be purple or red under the right conditions.

 

They continued, hand-in-hand until they reached the aforementioned clearing, and Kotoko gripped at her head, letting out a soft chuckle as she let her legs buckle under herself, falling backwards and splaying out against the grass. There were very few stars littering the expanse above the two, the rest corrupted by the city’s light pollution. 

 

Mahiru gasped next to her, and Kotoko pushed her fringe out of her eyes to see the older woman better. “I’m fine, Mahiru. Come on, let’s just…” she gestured at the grass around her, dark enough that passerbys wouldn't be able to see them easily, despite how close to the street they were. “Let's lie down together. We can count how many stars we can see and kill some time talking again. The rest of the circuit can wait for another day.”

 

“We would’ve finished in another 10 minutes anyways, I read about this park a while ago online and it’s a really quick path!” Mahiru giggled as she flattened her shirt out, taking her place next to Kotoko. “Now, those stars aren’t going to count themselves! Come on, we can make a race out of it, whoever loses pays for the next date!”

 

Kotoko felt her heartbeat pace, and she’d swear the flush that permeated on her cheeks was because of the heat lingering on the air if Mahiru asked.

 

“Sure, I can work with that.”

 

—-

 

The two sat together, the streets around them slowly emptying of people while they pointed at the stars, or noted the moon's current phase, or at the grass and how it slowly became more dewey as the night crawled on and the breeze dipped into a chill.

 

“You know, Kotoko, I don't think we've had those sandwiches you brought with you.”

 

“Gah, I knew I was forgetting something.” Kotoko sprung up from where she was resting, sitting on the grass and reaching over to her duffel bag, pulling out the two paper-wrapped sandwiches — lettuce, cheese, and tomato — and handed one to Mahiru, who accepted gratefully.

 

“The sky is really pretty, don’t you think?”

Kotoko focused up at the sky again, her hands busy unwrapping her dinner, and took a good look at the stars. “I guess so. Aside from today, I never really pay it much mind.”

Mahiru suddenly sat up from her spot, leaning over to stare at Kotoko from directly above her. “You don’t?! Kotoko, come on, there’s this beautiful clearing hidden in the trees nearby where the lights are dimmer and we can see more stars!”

 

Kotoko, with no strength to resist (and no desire to, either), walked hand-in-hand with Mahiru, who dragged her further along the path, her honey blonde hair fluttering behind her as she hurriedly jogged along the pavement. “I’ve only been in the city for a while, but I’ve already mapped out the best spots for a secret midnight rendezvous, and this is by far the prettiest spot!

 

“The quiet rustling of the trees while you lay side-by-side with a lover, or sending a letter to a crush and asking them to meet you here…” Mahiru rambled on about the different ways that the clearing could be used — unsurprisingly, all of them had to do with potential crushes or dates — while Kotoko scanned the treeline as they walked, in case Mahiru missed their turn-off.

As she’d suspected, Mahiru had gotten carried away talking about some romance book she’d read recently with a scene similar to their current outing, and Kotoko cleared her throat with a rough cough, garnering Mahiru’s attention. “Hey, look,” she pointed through the trees and towards a moonlit patch of grass, “that’s our destination, I’m pretty sure. We should be able to see the stars from there.”

“Oh, you’re right! Sorry, I didn’t even realise that we’d passed it!” Mahiru smiled, teeth shimmering in the light like pearls, and Kotoko quickly diverted her gaze to the ground as she hurried behind the woman, letting her guide them past the bushes and around the trunks before reaching their spot.

“Hey, it’s fine, don’t worry about it.” She mumbled, the blush strengthening as she laid down next to Mahiru. “Now that you mention it, the stars are a lot clearer from here. I can’t really tell you the technical terms for them, though.”

“Oh, me either! It’s just relaxing to stare at them, isn’t it? Look, it’s kinda like cloud watching where you can connect them together and try making new constellations!” She raised her right hand, pointer finger perpendicular with the sky, before tracing random squiggles and shapes into the air.

 

“What are you making?”

“I made a heart, look,” Mahiru shifted closer, and Kotoko leaned into her in response, until their faces were basically touching . “See?” Mahiru reached over and wrapped her hand around Kotoko’s wrist, who pushed her pointer out as Mahiru dragged it around to point at different glittering stars.

“If you drag it down here and curve up to reach this one,” Mahiru muttered, innocuously, in Kotoko’s ear, the electric tingle zapping through each piercing as she watched the other control her hand, “and then we can swoop through this other one to reach your starting point, and… you get a heart!”

Kotoko held her breath for a few more seconds, her heartbeat rapidly pounding as Mahiru let go of Kotoko’s hand (she’d give anything for her to hold it again) and turned onto her cheek to look at the younger woman. “How about you? Do you see anything in the stars?” Kotoko mimicked her, turning onto her cheek, pushing her fringe out of her eyes while she stared in awe at the woman before her.

 

Kotoko felt her breath catch in her throat at the sound of her name. The two women stared at each other, the silence interrupted only by their breathing; Mahiru inquisitive, Kotoko in awe. After the eternity of silence Kotoko had stretched between them, Kotoko parted her lips and finally mumbled the only thing occupying her brain—

 

“You’re really pretty.”

 

There was another beat of silence. Kotoko’s heart was pacing fast, despite her typically stoic demeanour, and she let herself panic, if only internally — should she have said something else? Was it weird to compliment her when they were lying together like this? People usually like getting complimented, and Mahiru shouldn’t be an exception-

“You are, too, Kotoko…” Mahiru’s face was flush, and Kotoko's world stopped; a freeze-frame. A moment she’d remember for as long as she lived. She ignored the cars travelling down the streets around them, honking in the distance, or any potential passersby who could peer through the trees and catch them. She focused on Mahiru, devouring every detail of her face and committing them to memory, the warmth reflecting from her cheeks and spreading to her own, and soon they were both burning, an intense pyre spawning in her chest as she stared into her friend’s crush’s eyes.

 

“Hey, I was,” Kotoko began, lips suddenly dry and chapped, every bump of skin noticeable as she tried to find the right words, “I was thinkin’, do you wanna do this again sometime? Maybe not here but- y’know?”

 

Mahiru’s blush deepened — another reaction she’d commit to memory, something she wanted to spark in her again — before squeaking, tripping over her ‘yes!’ and excitedly rambling about all the things they could do together, her hands fidgeting and finding solace in Kotoko’s own, who sat and listened to each word.

 

…

 

It was nice getting to relax. She wanted to feel like this as long as she could.

 

Time stretched on, the universe granting them their reverie. For once, Kotoko had all the time in the world.