#rinorie

Adventures in Art School: OS Box. 35. Favor (#Atsumina) 36. Seasonal Menu (#RinoRie) 37. Not Often Spoken (#FuuMiru)

Adventures in Art School: OS Box. 27. Burning Spirit Part 4: Queen Slayer (#WMatsui) 28. The Cafe's Contest: Part 5 (#RinoRie) 29. Love Letter (#FuuMiru) Oya Family Welcome (Oya Shizuka, Kizaki Yuria+)

We got drunk again. Just an excuse to feel the warm of each other bodies. Just an excuse to hear each other heartbeats. Just an excuse to spend one more night together with justification that we were too drunk to control our minds and our actions. With justification that it is the last time we are going to spend time in an intimate manner. With justification that when your mind is clouded, you can’t control your actions and thoughts and what we do… is just a result of being foolish… the results of being stupid… with justification… that it is… truly… certainly… surely … the last time…

Sashihara Rino POV Finally — Friday morning. Not sure why I felt so anxious about this day, nothing in particular is going to happen. Well yes… I’m not going to pretend that acting and telling everyone in the party that I’m Rie’s girlfriend is an easy task. I never though of this as a possibility before. Yes, I’m just a fake girlfriend and I’m only helping her to get away from Yukirin which is a weird concept now… especially when Yukirin recently started dating my best friend and roommate Mayuyu. Yuki was clever or cautious enough and avoided our home but I now they’re spending time together. Mayu also gets back late with that dazed smile on her face like the world belongs to her. I’m well aware of that smile… you can see it in movies, you can read about in books… that smile symbolizes LOVE and her crush quite quickly turned into this feeling. She’s like on cloud nine and I’m still a bit nervous about the situation. I hope that Yukirin is true with her feelings. I shared…the shortest conversation possible, with her while getting back home yesterday evening. She waited for Mayu to appear and it was a bit weird not go say hello. I’m not going to pretend, I’m probably would have walked passed her… but for some reason Yukirin decided to speak up. “I haven’t see Rie for awhile… your relationship is okay?” asking simply but leaving me suspicious. Maybe because I could have heard a hint of sarcasm in her voice. “Why do you care?” “Well… I’m curios. Maybe because she’s my ex… maybe because I’m predicting the future and can actually imagine us four sitting together around the table while eating Christmas dinner and acting all weird for that same reason… also, I was aware of your feeling for Rie-chan for a long time. You can call this simple curiosity, nothing else”. “I know you always got back together with her after a week or so, after your previous breaking up… so maybe you can speak the truth?” Was I annoyed? Oh yes… I wanted to scream. If you’re dating my friend (and I’m not punching you in the face for that reason), it doesn’t mean that I want to discuss your ex girlfriend and my present girlfriend with you… well fake present girlfriend. I like to emit this word and believe that its real… Yuki raised her hands in the air with giving up sign “I don’t want a scandal or anything of that sort… and if I’m being honest… I do really like Mayu. At the same time I realize what might happen if this progresses… I realize that awkwardness… I don’t know why Rie is hiding… is it because she found out about my new relationship or she has other issues… either way… I think you should give her more hints”. “More hints?” “Like telling the truth that you actually like her?” “I’m dating her…I don’t understand…” Damn… I realized that Yukirin is probably onto us. “I didn’t believe this relationship for a second. I know you’re faking it… knowing Riechan for long… I’m guessing she’s trying to avoid me for that matter. But at the same time she doesn’t realize her feelings… honestly… I’m not trying to get her back with her… I realized that we just kept on playing around when our love was dead some time ago… I can see clearly that in a way she’s interested in you too. Maybe she’s just unconscious about it… that’s something the two of you should talk about”. “Why are you… trying to be helpful… and if you knew…?” “I’m not lying when I’m saying that I’m truly interested in your best friend. I’m ready for New Love… everyone deserves a chance in happiness. I think we just need to find a right person for that… Rie is obviously your person… just be more obvious or she will slip out of your fingers”. I’m not sure if we would have continued on with the conversation or if it would have died at this point but Mayu appeared ready for the date and I could see… even I couldn’t deny the fact that Yuki’s eyes sparkled when she saw younger girl. Who am I to go between them? At the same time this left me with a lot of thoughts and doubts… I’m not that stupid so I’m not going to believe Kashiwagi’s words all 100% even if I’m trying to trust her with my friend. I just need to see what happens with myself… and decide if I should be braver as well. If I’m being honest… I’m just really nervous to see Rie after she disappeared like that for almost a week and at first didn’t even answer my calls and texts. I’m glad that she’s okay and gave me a confirmation of that. Still… this makes me more nervous than I usually am. Kashiwagi Yuki POV On Friday evening I agreed to come and pick Mayu up. Every single day this week we spend our evenings together and tried to meet up on the campus as well. I was clear with my intentions from the very start so I’m quite open about our relationships. Those who were curios and wanted to know got their answers that we’re dating. I didn’t feel very easy though. I’m aware of my feelings for younger girl, I truly like her… but at the same time I understand that it might not be that easy with whole Rie and Rino situation… Rino kept on staring at both us whenever I came to pick up Mayu. I’m not sure if she was aware of it but not once, not twice, but at least four times I saw her peeking through the window. That’s why I avoided going to that apartment in the first place. Also, I have a lot of places that I enjoy spending time in and I like showing them to Mayu as well. This girl seems amazed by most of them and without a doubt I’m amazed by her. Especially, when she doesn’t notice me looking and keeps on talking about anime and other things that keeps her attention at that moment. I wouldn’t have thought that I might enjoy these kind of talks… I am used to pretending that I’m listening and just nod my head in the past. I did that quite often, even when Rie talked about her favorite mangas. But maybe we weren’t on a good path at that point anymore… Also, I mean what I have said to Rino. During all the time we dated, the only one I was actually jealous about was that weirdo. I’m surprised to say this because well… she’s Sasshi. Who would have thought, right? But somehow Rie seemed genuinely interested to hear what the girl wants to tell and that should have been a clear sign for both her and myself that we’re going in the wrong direction. I wouldn’t be surprised if she had started falling for Rino while being with me as well. At the same time I don’t think she’s actually aware of it. As I wasn’t aware at first that I’m curios to know more about Mayu. Yes, first meeting was only for the sake of causing Rie jealousy… but all the other after it… Even I’m surprised how suddenly these feelings appeared and keeps on growing by a day. Oh Mayu… who would have thought… Watanabe Mayu POV We went to Kuramochi Asuka’s party on Friday evening. There were quite a lot of people there but not as much as you can see in those American movies. I think it was mostly people that she actually knew instead of inviting any kind of strangers that you meet on the street. That’s how I imagine that it happens in the movies… don’t mind me and my imagination. I was nervous for a lot of reasons but the most important one is the fact that Yukirin is holding my hand while we’re walking around, greeting people and even come to say hello to the host of this party. Asuka seemed a bit nervous looking around and biting her lip few times. I guessed she looked out for the only one she actually wanted to show up. “Akicha is not here yet?” “No…well I haven’t see her”, Asuka hugged herself unconsciously probably surprised that she has been so obvious. “And you two? Official and all? That was pretty fast… I’m kind of invited Rie with Rino as well… I hope that won’t be a problem”. I opened my mouth to speak but Yuki answered instead while looking at me shortly “not a problem…for me. But we will see how the night goes” she shrugged her shoulders quite simply “it would be weirder if there wouldn’t be any awkwardness. I think we should worry if that’s the case…” She looked at me for few seconds with those eyes… eyes that made me forget the worry…and leaned in kissing me on the cheek. It doesn’t really matter where Yukirin kisses me… as long that she keeps on doing it I feel butterflies in my stomach and I can feel my mind being clouded in some way. I wonder if that’s the affect that kisses have on people or… it just depends on the person who’s kissing you. I doubt I would feel the same if some random stranger grabbed me and gave me a smooch… eh… erase that… that would be like my worse nightmare. Lost in my thought I haven’t even noticed how Asuka already left us alone running to greet other people and yes… Akicha. Obviously she ran the moment she saw the girl she likes. I guess we all act a little bit crazy when we have someone that we like…that same person that we want to be with every moment… this brings me back to my teen years… and realize that you look at everything differently while you fall in love. Uhuhu… Rie and Rino came as well. Two couples at the party… two exes… two best friends… I wish we can somehow coexist and survive this evening.

Sashihara Rino POV I still couldn’t reach Rie. I was halfway to her home when I changed my mind remembering that I don’t even know where she lives. Also, what if she’s really avoiding me and I would make it even more awkward. I’m still confused why she is acting this way… unless she remembered that night we spend together… and realized… that I have lied… shamelessly… Would Rie forgive me? I think I’m starting to panic now and for that same reason I decided to go back home. To my surprise from afar I noticed both Yuki and Mayu in Yukirin’s car. That’s just so weird. Wait… did Yuki just kiss my friend? I decided to wait until Yukirin left as I don’t want to cause a scandal but something is not right… Mayu is blushing and seems head over heels. She has lost it. This girl… what is she thinking…? “Mayu?” “Oh! Hey!” she waved at me excitedly as we went back to our apartment. I could have let it slide but my curiosity didn’t let me do it. Instead without even waiting I asked the important questions “why were you kissing Yuki? Why she drove you home? Since when you even know the girl?” Mayu looked at me shocked. Yes… maybe I should have settled for one question. But she should realize what I want to find out. “Am…okay… so don’t freak out… but only today I found out that… Yukirin is the same girl that I have liked for so long… you know the one I spend so much time with lately? Its her!” “BUT!” “I know! I know!” Mayu raised her hands in the air truly panicking and trying to defend herself. Well I wasn’t planning to attack her… but with such movements… I don’t know what else my friend might be hiding from me. “Speak up!” I demanded while we still stayed in our spots without moving since we went inside the house. “I haven’t asked for her name…all this time… you know how I can get… so I had no idea that I’m spending time Yukirin… I do realize know that she’s Rie ex and all that… but they broke up for a reason, haven’t they? And well… you know how I’m crushing on her…and…” I face palmed myself. It made sense in a way… but did Mayu forgot everything I told her through this time. Actually… I need to voice it out. Maybe this could bring her back to reality. “Have you forgotten everything I told you about Yukirin? We have discussed this girl few times before… she enjoys playing games… you sure she actually cares about your feelings?” “Can’t you be happy for me?” Mayu pouted and I sensed some sadness in her eyes. Obviously my younger friend was also uncertain about this whole situation but because of her strong and growing feelings for Yukirin she chose to believe an illusion. All I can wish for is that… Yukirin actually means it. If she’s playing with my friend feelings just to get back with Rie… I will kill her… okay… well maybe I can’t sign up myself for homicide but at least I will punch her very VERY hard. I realized that I need to be a supportive friend. I dislike Yukirin but if she can make Mayu happy… and she’s the happiest I have seen… probably because of that kiss that even I got to witness. Maybe I can just look at them from afar and decide if Yukirin is sincere… I hugged Mayu and congratulated her. I’m not a hugger but… sometimes I make exceptions. “I want you to be happy… so I will try to be supportive… but if she ever hurts you… promise me I’m the first person you will come to!” I force Mayu to pinky promise and only then went back to my room. I message Rie a lot during this day and still no answer… I’m really worried but I have one more message on my mind. I can try that out… My message: hey, so we’re going to that party on Friday, right? Mocchi invited me… mentioned that you’re going to… are we going as a fake couple or…?” I decided to stop at this point letting Rie decide. I hope she will answer at least this question. If not… I will start panicking to a point where you will see me calling to every hospital and police station near by. While I was still debating with myself I heard a sound of new message. Wow… it actually took her just few seconds to write me back. Rie: “Sorry for not answering and messaging back. We can talk about all of that later, okay? I went home and I will be back on Friday morning… so we can have a talk before that party… if you like. Goodnight”. Not even an emoji. I guess I should be happy that at least she finally texted me back, right? Well… I will just have to find out everything at Friday. In the meantime… I can see if Mayu and Yukirin’s relationship is actually progressing. Watanabe Mayu POV Next morning I rushed leaving my home and hoping I get a chance to see Yuki before my classes. Luckily she appeared out of nowhere grabbing my hand and walking away from the crowd. Once again I looked at her mesmerizing smile and those tempting lips that soon captured mine. She stole a short and sweet kiss from me and even though I liked it to last longer, I knew that maybe that’s not a good place for it so just smiled still in daze. I feel like I’m on some drugs when I’m Yukirin. Not that I have ever been on drugs… don’t get my wrong. I just trying to explain the effect she has on me. Though that’s hard to explain… only someone who’s falling in love or is in love…or is crushing very hard on someone would understand it. Well…probably half of civilization then… because even if we’re not in relationship, people still have someone that they like. Usually. But I’m getting away from the point…and the point is Yuki who captured my lips one more time probably wanting to bring me back to reality as she noticed how I dozed off. “Morning” “Morning” I answered shyly in the same manner as she did. I still have my doubts about everything… I’m not even sure what we are… we haven’t talked about it… but still I’m enjoying this moment to the fullest. As if reading my mind Yukirin decided to comment “maybe…we can try making this official?” “Eh?” “Would you like to be my girlfriend? We can also go together to that party… well… honestly I’m not sure if I’m going to enjoy Mocchi’s party as the whole point of it was to get the girl she likes spend time with her. But still… it might be fun”. I bit my lip wanting to scream. YES. But at the same time… “I think…I’m pretty sure Rie and Rino will also be there… wouldn’t that…be awkward? For all four of us?” even in my daydream world I still manage to think clearly. “I promise I won’t get weird if you won’t”, Yukirin smiled brightly and once again I got hypnotized by those lips. “Oh…but you haven’t answered to my first question” I thought I had. At least I do remember screaming YES in my mind for at least 10 times while staring back at her eyes. Oh damn…I should voice it out… gosh Mayu its not that hard… just say yes… I tried to force myself but for some reason got really shy. Why exactly at this moment? Surprisingly Yukirin understand my intentions again. “Well…you can just nod if you agree” and raised her eyebrows curiosity while stroking my hair and later on cheek with evident interest on her face. As if trying to show and prove to me how she admires me. Without waiting for another second I nod my head. I can’t believe it… I’m Kashiwagi Yuki girlfriend. Official girlfriend.

Watanabe Mayu POV Yukirin took me to the same place where we had our first date at and I awkwardly step out of the car walking with her to get better view of this incredible nature. She kept quiet all the way here and I had no intention of starting conversation because my mind was blank at this point and I still didn’t know what to say or do. The more I thought about it the more I realized that I had no reason to be angry at Yukirin. First of all, I never asked her name so it’s not like she was forced to say it in the first place and even if she wanted to I was talking all the time so I guess… probably that was an issue too… Secondly, it’s not that I have any right to ask about her relationship with Rie, that has nothing to do with me or with our spending time together (not sure how should I call it now) and … well Rie’s dating Rino now right? I still wanted to cry wondering what Yuki really wanted from me. I mean… she could have wanted to get closer to them right? She probably knows that I live with Rino and… no… I can’t start crying again. I don’t want to get at this point again and I couldn’t run away from her because I have no idea where I am or how to get home. I was so stupid that I even left my phone with Rino so I couldn’t call anyone to come and pick me up. I was definitely in messed up/complicated situation and I wanted nothing but disappear. Of course Yuki decided to let me talk and didn’t encourage me just stopped and looked directly at me with those eyes… those eyes that made me weak… that’s not good. I will start telling my life story again. I guess we both waited for the other to start speaking and Yukirin was winning this round. But she always wins everything, doesn't she? “Takamina…I’m sorry about her…” I started mumbling and trying to control my words that I wouldn’t start saying useless nonsense. “Your sorry about what exactly?” She didn’t make this easy on me at all. Actually Yukirin was attacking with all force. Those eyes that looked through my soul and with her short but direct words. She was all business and had no intention on messing around. “I’m sorry that she…you know… kind of attacked you… she shouldn’t have done it…or…” “So why did she attack me, Mayu?” she asked sharply. I was not used to this Yuki and it kind of scared me. Okay I’m lying. It’s scared me a lot. “I’m just sorry…I just… can you take me home?” I asked hopelessly and she looked incredulously at me. “Are you serious? I took you here to talk. You told Takamina you want to talk with me alone” She was losing her patience meanwhile I was losing my voice incapable of forming words when I realized my eyes can start watering any second now. “I just didn’t want her…attacking you… that’s why I told Takamina that…so she will…go away and don’t say…” “Don’t say what?” she cut me off before I could finish but to tell the truth I was too scared to finish my thoughts in the first place. “I don’t want to talk about it…can you please take me home?” I almost begged too emotionally drain to try any harder. She was taking none of it. “Fine.You know what…I could just go back there and ask Takamina herself. I bet she will tell me whatever she was thinking of telling me”. She turned around and started walking back to her car. I panicked and didn’t know what to do and just stood there confused and scared. So is she…like leaving me here…all alone and… “You coming or not?” Yuki asked sharply not looking at me while sitting in her car. I literally sprinted so she wouldn’t leave me alone. The way back home was similar to driving here. She said nothing and I kept quiet as well too scared to open my mouth. When she stopped the car in front of my house I panicked and though of one thing I’m capable of doing in any situation when I got really scared and panicked. My first thought was to jump out of the car and run away but Yuki beat me to it. When I tried opening the door I noticed that they were locked and when I turned to look at Yuki she was looking straight ahead in front of her firmly. I opened my mouth but wasn’t able to say anything and just looked at her shocked and wide eyed. After few minutes she finally looked at me “You’re not leaving until you tell me everything. I have no intention of hearing about it from third party” (she meant Takamina obviously). “So…it’s your choice how long we will sit here. I have all night.” Sashihara Rino POV I was rushing but unfortunately for me Mocchi appeared out of nowhere almost knocking me down but the second she saw me she immediately handed me the flayer she had in her hand. “Hey, Sasshi you should join us! We’re going to hand out on Friday after lectures. You know before all the exams while we’re still in this calm state of mind…” she also showed a sighed of going crazy what usually happened with students during session. I can’t believe I forgot about exams that were actually close enough. Rie was all that I got on my mind lately and that wasn’t such a good thing considering the fact that real life exists out of this bubble. I smiled doubting “I don’t know…maybe I should better get to my studies… you know start preparing and stuff…” Mocchi cut me off before finishing “you can’t be serious! Come on! Everyone is joining! Even Rie and Mayu! You live with Mayu, right? You should both definitely come!” Mocchi and I… well we didn’t really talk a lot so I was surprised that she was asking me to come with such persuasion. This also made me realized that she will got something out of it and I decided to use this and got the information “okay…I will come…” She already smiled widely before I continued “but…first of all…tell me what’s the reason? Let’s face it we don’t really talk and you’re more of Yuki’s friend and Yuki… I guess she doesn’t like me at all and I don’t blame her. It goes both ways” Mocchi squinted her eyes doubting but finally exhaled deeply giving up “Fine. So you know Akicha… you guys still talk a lot right? And she doesn’t know many people…and when I invited her I kind of told her that you…Mayu…and many other people that she knows will be there…so…and I want her to come and…” “Wait? Why? You don’t really….” I was going to say ‘talk’ but then it hit me “Wait a sec…you have a crush on Akicha?” I asked loudly surprised but also excited. I don’t even know why honestly. “You couldn’t be louder, could you?” She asked glaring angry at me now. “I guess it’s not a secret anymore when you shouted this so loudly!” “There no one here…and in this case… I would love to come” I said smiling friendlier. Who could have thought self-confident and sometimes even cold and distant Mocchi could have a soft side. Especially to Aki who was complete opposite from her. Watanabe Mayu POV I was starting to panic really hard. I think I even started sweating which was embarrassing because Yuki didn’t take her eyes out of me. Sometimes she glanced around and those short moments I used to breathe or exhale or just try to compose myself. I though she will give up after 10 minutes silence but she sit as nothing. Like it didn’t bother her. I guess I finally cracked asking “Yuki..rin…can I go home? I’m really tired… and…” “Tell me what I want to know and you can go whenever you want.” “Do you at least know what you want to hear?” this time I asked angry not really controlling myself and I definitely surprised Yukirin because of the way she looked at me. As if… hesitant. Kashiwagi Yuki POV “Do you at least know what you want to hear?” Mayu asked me and honestly I’m not sure what I was expecting to hear from her. That’s the truth. Of course I soon hide my surprised face though she noticed it and can use it against me in further conversation. “The truth. I don’t really care what is it but…” She sighed and growl with frustration while hiding her face then finally looked at me and she had tears in her eyes. “Fine..you know what…fine…you wanna hear it… hear it… I..I was…” she murmured unsure but soon continued not facing me and sometimes hiding her face in hope that she could disappear and forget about it. “I…Takamina was going to tell you…that I was crushing on you…for…for some time..because I… saw you everyday in that coffee shop…actually I go there…there…just to see you buy your coffee… that’s how I met Takamina actually…and today I come crying and she thought…that you’re responsible for it…and was going to attack you and…you know…probably say bad…things… because you hurt me…but it’s not like…I mean…it’s my problem that I got in a way…because…you’re Rie’s ex…and she’s now with Rino…and Rino is my roommate…and…” “Wait?What did you say? Rino is your roommate?” this kind of surprised me because I heard this for the first time. But Mayu also looked at me a little bit shocked that I didn’t know about this asking “you…didn’t know about it?” and immediately started rumbling again “I mean…I though you knew…and…still…you used me, right?” Wow this kind of hit me bad. It even hurt in a way. I don’t even know why but it did “I…” “You don’t need to say anything…I know…I just…stupid…liking…like you…you’re too…you’re Kashiwagi Yuki…and I’m…I’m me…can you please let me out? I really can’t take this anymore!” this time she asked me desperately and I already saw tears rolling down her cheeks while I couldn’t stop myself and touched her face gently brushing it away. “Yuki…” she shuttered and looked at me sadly meanwhile I leaned closer whispering until her face was only few inches away from mine “We have a problem here, Mayu… because I like you too…” I didn’t leave time for information to sink it just saw her confused look and leaned in closing the gap and kissing her gently. I guess she was too shocked to answer and kiss back but I didn’t really mind. I kissed her few times keeping it simple but long at the same time and then sit back looking at her lips then at her eyes “I got my answers” I told her unlocking the doors and smiling shortly. “See you tomorrow?” I asked hopefully with the same sweet and genuine smile on my face while Mayu stared at me shocked. It took her long enough but she finally realized what just happened, she blushed which was adorable and smiled shyly “Mmm.ash..aauafea…yeah…”

Watanabe Mayu POV I’m still unsure what to do next. Should I tell Rino what I have told Rie or not? Or maybe I’m just interpreting situation differently and I just misunderstood something. Okay… I didn’t misunderstood the fact that they had … you know… they did it… (oh gosh I don’t really like repeating myself especially while talking about any of this. One of the reasons is because well… I haven’t done it before so it’s not very… convenient topic for me) but still… Maybe it was only because it was morning and I was too sleepy to understand everything correctly. Maybe Rie left because she really had something important to do and it couldn’t wait any minute? Yes, I know it’s stupid and I’m only consoling myself so I wouldn’t feel guilty but… can it be that they… you know… and Rie forget about it and Rino didn’t tell her about it and now they are dating? It’s just very…very strange… and I don’t know if I should interfere or leave it as it is. Maybe it’s a couple thing? I don’t really know much about dating… I don’t even hear what Rino is telling me though she talks a lot. Mostly about Rie and their night watching movies together. She’s obviously excited but I’m too thorn out what to do next and I didn’t dare to talk with her about it. I can’t believe I actually asked Rie that next time they do this in her place! What got into me?! Gosh I don’t think I will ever dare to look at her again! Next thing I know is that I need to wait for Rino as she goes to the bathroom. Sashihara Rino POV Mayu looks distant today which is quite strange because she’s usually really enthusiastic. I though she will tell me about her evening with that girl but she was just listening… Honestly, I’m not even sure that she was listening to what I was telling her, but I guess I wanted to talk about it either way. I was kind of disappointed when I found out that Rie left without saying goodbye but I will see her later today. We have few same lectures and then I can continue our talk. I wash my hands and leave the bathroom but when I see the sight in front of me it actually surprises me. I had no idea Mayu knows Yukirin I mean when I told her about the girl it looked like she didn’t. She even said that she didn’t like her and wouldn’t want to talk/meet with person like that. I waited patiently until they ended their conversation, Yuki didn’t notice me and she rushed to her lecture and I confronted Mayu “Hey, what was that about?” She looked at me wide eyed and confused “What do you mean?” asking honestly. So maybe she didn’t know that it’s Yuki? That’s logical. Probably Yuki just asked her where should she go and Mayu told her and I stood here assuming things. “That was Yukirin” I stated simply but now Mayu looked shocked. I was taken back by her reaction as well. “Whaaat?” she asked shuddering. “No..no she’s not…” she said trying to convince herself more than me. “Rie’s ex” I added looking more attentively at Mayu’s changing expressions. I could see confusion, anger, surprise, disbelief and I guess I would have seen much more if Mayu wouldn’t have shaken her head from one side to another and then blurted out quietly “I have to go!” “What? Where? Our lectures…” But it was too late to catch up with her. “I have to go!” Mayu shouted back while running through the grass to the opposite side of the our college. Takahashi Minami POV Mayu come to the coffee shop looking like a mess and I took it upon me to take care of it. It was honestly the first time I saw her this way and I saw her drooling over Yukirin for few months without making a move which I thought was the lowest someone could fall. Obviously I was wrong. “Hey…what’s wrong?” I asked sympathetically. There was something I liked about Mayu and she needed a friend right now. She tried to compose herself but I guess she was crying while coming here. “It’s just…” “Come here…let’s talk in private” I leaded her to the farthest table where she usually sat and asked friendly “You know you can tell me anything..what happened? Is this have something to do with that girl?” Mayu nodded her head simply and one tear rolled down her cheek. The sight of it was actually heart breaking. I was used to this goofy girl who didn’t care about anything and her only issue was that she was too shy to talk with her crush. “What did she do?” I asked a little bit angry. I feel like older sister, protecting her. Mayu tried answering but then shook her head and couldn’t. Like on queue Yukirin appeared as she always did on the exact time. I guess Mayu forgot about it and come here out of habit and now looked honestly shocked like a lost puppy. Yukirin obviously did something to hurt her and I couldn’t stop myself now “I will take care of this” I said walking away angrily. Mayu still tried shouting after me scared “Takamina? What? No…!” But it was too late because after few more seconds I was face to face with Kashiwagi Yuki and I had a lot to say. Kashiwagi Yuki POV I was about to order my coffee as I usually did every morning when Takamina appeared out of nowhere. We haven’t talked a lot but sometimes she took my order and was always smiling mischievously as if knowing something I should know as well but it just slipped my eyes and I didn’t notice it. This time opposite than all the others times she looked kind of furious and I really haven’t done anything to deserve it so it did make me feel alert. “Can I help you somehow?” I asked kindly while taking my coffee. I was in a good mood today which was strange because I should be furious at Rie and her new little puppy and their sudden relationship. That was stupid and I guess that was somehow a way to get to me but for some reason my mind kept coming back to Mayu and I didn’t really analyse this whole situation. “What have you done?” Takamina asked suddenly and looked at me like she will kill me if I say something inappropriate. She always seemed like kind, funny and friendly girl and this change of heart definitely through me out while I looked at Takamina surprised not really knowing what to say. “What do you mean?” I asked honestly waiting for some kind of explanation. It look like she was going to explode when I heard weak familiar voice “She didn’t do anything” and looked behind Takamina’s shoulder noticing Mayu. Mayu looked really sad, her nose was red and eyes puffy. She looked like she was crying and the second I realized this I wanted nothing but to hug her and ask what’s wrong. Takamina looked at her surprised “Mayu!”. She hesitated for a moment but then said more confident “Can you leave us…alone please?” Takamina still looked uncertain “But…” This girl was really getting on my last nerve. What’s with her? Mayu obviously wants to stay alone with me. Go away would you? Takamina exhaled and throw her hand in the air as a sign of giving up “Fine! But don’t come back here again crying!” She added harshly and I was about to attack her but Takamina left sooner than I could say anything so I gazed back at Mayu expecting some kind of explanation. Sashihara Rino POV Surprisingly Rie wasn’t here during our lectures and she never missed them before. I guess she has a reason for that but still… she should have showed up here and it got me worried. I texted her few times between lectures asking if everything is okay, where is she, is she going to show up or simply asking for some kind of text but she didn’t text me back and I got more anxious by a second. I had no idea what to do in this kind of situation and it’s not like I have real girlfriend before… yes, I did kind of dated Akicha for some short time before… but it wasn’t really serious and you can say it ended before it even started. We stayed friend and had no issues with this only because we haven’t seen each other often and I guess she always saw that I was crushing on Rie even when I was with her so yeah… that definitely didn’t help with that situation. Either way I was getting nervous and when our last lecture ended I was the first one to run out of the class rushing while calling and trying to reach Rie but she didn’t answer me at all. I hoped that everything was okay with her and I‘m just being paranoid. Maybe she overslept or maybe met some old friends, maybe her family come to town and she decided to spend time with them. I mean there could be many reasons but something told me that it was nothing like that. Something inside (like six sense I guess) told me that either something bad happened or Rie was avoiding me but I had no idea why. There could be a lot of reasons whether she decided to be with Yukirin again or she… no I don’t need to think about worst things I just need to reach her as soon as possible and figure it out. Watanabe Mayu POV I had no idea what to say or how to start this. I come here without thinking but I couldn’t let Takamina say about my stupid crush, stalking and all that stuff… it’s embarrassing as it is. I already feel horrible there no reason to torture me any longer. Still I guess Yukirin could have seen hurt in my eyes because she looked worried and concerned which kind of surprised me at the moment when I was trying to stay angry at her. Though I never really asked her name so why should I be. We were standing near the coffee shop now because Takamina kept on glancing at us and Yuki got annoyed so she pulled me with her still looking at me attentively and waiting until I will explain what is happening. “Yuki…” I started for the first time saying her name out loud and waiting for some kind of reaction though she didn’t look surprise that I know it. “Yuki…” I started again not really knowing that to say next. She noticed that asking “Do you want to ask me something or…?” And finally I managed to form words “You’re Rie’s ex…and…” She squinted her eyes annoyed “I see people do talk about me. So what?” she ask somehow angry. No scratch that. She looked pissed. “What about Rie and me? What it has to do with any of this? I mean… why would Takamina attack me?” “Be..because…I didn’t know your name when…” “You didn’t ask my name”. “That’s not the point…I mean it is…I…” She sighed again, more annoyed this time “I don’t really want to talk about any of this in the middle of the street. Let’s go” she said without hesitation taking my hand and dragging me with herself while walking to her car. I was incapable of saying something or protesting because of skin on skin contact and just followed her still unsure what to do or say next.

FEW MONTHS AGO Watanabe Mayu POV Coffee. That’s the first thing I think of when I think about this girl. About this amazing, glorious girl that I get to see every morning though she doesn’t even notice me. I always sit in the same corner at the back just texting Sasshi or looking through my blog until she comes inside and every time when I look at her entering I feel like the world stopped for those few seconds. As if someone slowed down the time so I could see her. She leaves me breathless and only after a minute or so I remember that I have to breath embarrassing myself in front of people that are sitting around me. But I find it advantageous because she comes here really early so there’s not so much of them. She never stays and usually talks with the bartender for few minutes until she gets what she wants and leaves. She never looks around as if the world around her doesn‘t exist but who could blame her? Though her eyes never looked directly at me but I can feel the power of it. Even from far away. And I know that I’m always staring with my mouth open because Takamina usually notices it “Again?” asking and making fun of me because she’s used to this sight. I’m not annoyed because she’s a good friend and I can talk with her about random things, she actually likes my awkwardness and randomness and I need more people like that. “Stop it…” I try and fail because well its the routine we repeat every day expect weekends. Takamina sits in front of me not that I’m surprised. I’m a little bit annoyed that I can’t see the girl I like as clearly as before “You should go and talk with her. You know it’s like stalking?” “She wouldn’t go for someone like me, Takamina. And she’s like…my crush…I guess I will…get over it… eventually…” I say not believing it myself. Takamina laughs because probably she thought the same thing “It’s your choice, Mayuyu, but you never know if you don’t try and I mean…her answer might surprise you. At least you know that’s she’s into girls so…” “It makes it more difficult…if she would like boys…well…I wouldn’t have false hope” I say sadly now because of sudden realization. Takamina sighs with frustration “just go for it” and stands up leaving me alone. The same routine as she always does trying to convince me to do something instead of sitting and staring at her. And as well as probably hundred times before I stand up trying to compose myself and go closer to this girl but I couldn’t move just staring at her leaving this place without a second glance. I can see Takamina’s judgmental look from afar while she takes care of other orders, meanwhile I sit back in my chair and continue to look at  her through the window. The girl disappears from my view completely after few short minutes and I left alone with my thoughts and stupid dreams. All I hope now is that I could see her again tomorrow. I don’t even know her name but I’m head over heels nevertheless. PRESENT TIME Watanabe Mayu POV As soon as I woke up I went to the kitchen for breakfast because that was the most important meal of the day as they say… though I eat whenever I can and whatever I can so every meal was really important for me. Of course when I came there I wasn’t expecting to see Rie sitting there and eating my food. So okay maybe that wasn’t my food it was Rino’s but still… I guess they’re jumped in this relationship pretty soon, haven’t they? I decide that it’s not really my business and food is the first priority “Good morning” I say as excitedly as possible though I want to die because its so early and all I could think about is sleep. Rie smiles back at me and slightly nods her head acknowledging me “hi” saying while still eating “I hope you don’t mind that I have stayed? I mean…I fall asleep while watching movie and…” “Wait?You fall asleep while watching Pitch Perfect?” I asked with disbelief “Rino probably hates you now!” I say shocked because I guess that was one of my friends favorite all time movies. “No no… we watched new Hunger Games movie after it… I’m not sure why we started watching it because Rino was practically sleeping and I was really sleepy as well… but yeah… She’s still asleep on the couch I didn’t want to wake her up. Oh... and sorry if I‘m intruding your space.” That was actually sweet of Rie and I liked the fact that she cared for my friend enough to let her sleep. I mean.. that’s kind of girlfriend I would like to have. Or just her… (still don’t know her name which is embarrassing…I really need to ask it today!) “Aww…but I don’t mind… it’s not the first night you stay here after all…and at least this time you were quiet” I said without actually thinking how it would sound. I mean… come on… it was still morning. I don’t really know how I managed to drag myself into the kitchen. Okay… I kind of know it… food is the only reason. Though Rie looked at me suspiciously “what do you mean?” I guess I would have noticed and realized that something is off but like I mentioned before it wasn’t the best time for that. “When you stayed after the party.. I mean… I couldn’t actually sleep for the whole night because Rino was quite…loud…so…oh crap… it’s so awkward I shouldn't have told you this!” I said suddenly feeling my cheeks getting red “I mean… I just…it’s… okay… so I was actually thinking of asking her…well but now I’m talking with you…so I guess…I already embarrassed myself enough… maybe next time you can…like… do it in your place?” “Do it?” Rie asked still confused of what was happening and looking at me with wide eyes shock written all over her face. “Don’t make me say it out loud!” I almost shouted already embarrassed enough but I guess that’s the moment when realization finally hit her. “Oh…” Though it’s not that kind of realization you would expect from someone. She looked surprised as if hearing this for the first time and I guess she’s not the only one realizing something right at this moment. We heard Rino groaning in the background and I know my friend is almost awake but still too lazy to wake up. Rie took the opportunity suddenly leaving all the food on the counter and looking around (just like the first time when I saw her running away after the night with Rino) “I need…to…go..really… say goodbye to Rino for me okay? I just…can’t be late…” she said with obviously bad excuse but I didn’t try to stop her. Rie practically ran from our apartment only few seconds before Rino appeared in the kitchen looking around a little bit surprised “I think I heard Rie’s voice or…?” she asked confused. I smiled but I guess guilt was written all over my face “She has just left…can’t be late somewhere…but I guess she will see you later?” I added. Rino nodded simply too tired and too sleepy to actually notice my expressions and took the food that Rie left “Let’s eat and hurry up!” I know I should tell her what I blurb out but now I honestly have no idea how to do that. I mean… should I?