#harumichi

Michiru & Haruka to me

Original post and art by @katieaki 💚💙

Non-wholesome Romantic Asks: Harumichi

17. Is there a secret that they don't dare tell the other? Why? Will they ever say it?

I don't believe there's a single thing Haruka Tenoh can keep secret from Michiru. Not because she doesn't want to, but because of how the nature of her true, honest and naïve character acts as the perfect open book for Michiru's endlessly perceptive mind.

Michiru might not know what the secret is at first, but she knows Haruka is keeping one and, as long as it's not something that could possibly be endangering herself or their relationship, she lets it be. She still finds out what it is, always, but she doesn't need to let Haruka know that she knows. She'd rather keep those illusive boundaries up for Haruka's sake as well as for the sake of her own image in Haruka's head.

I guess Michiru's secret is deeply connected to that thought; that image. She's terrified of the prospect of Haruka ever truly finding out just how obsessed (for lack of a better term) Michiru is with Haruka, how much indirect control she yields over her and over aspects of her life. Her blatantly selfish and even cruel self indulgence can manifest in multiple ways, ranging from something as simple as brewing feelings of bitterness and jealousy over the love Haruka holds for her admittedly terrible family members to being utterly disregarding of anything and everything if it guarantees Haruka's safety.

There's a certain naivety and denial Haruka holds for Michiru's character. Not only because she loves her, but because she genuinely sees Michiru as a good person, unlike herself. She knows what evil people look like, what they do, Michiru would never come close to that, even at her lowest moment. She never pondered much on the question of "what would Michiru do if I died?", she'd be distraught, yes, but things would turn out okay. People die, for how unfortunate and bleak, it's reality.

If she EVER asked Michiru that question in one of her more somber nights, it would be a question born from a desire to rest assured that Michiru would be safe. She WILL find another that will love her just as much because she truly deserves it, a woman so full of love.

"What would you do if I died?"

"What was that, dear?"

"I mean, if something happened to me? Could you find someone else?"

"Are you asking whether I intend to dedicate myself to a lifelong vow of mourning, service and celibacy?"

"N—No. I would like it if you were able to find happiness again."

Chapter 7: The Perfect Daimon

Chapter 6: The visitor

Michiru and Hotaru are at home for the day without Kaori. But they get surprise visitors to their home

And the artwork is done by the amazing @hazurasinner