Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Umiri thought, spending some time away would give her enough space to think things through. Since getting dumped by her last girlfriend, she really did not entertain anymore confessions. She started by not allowing any more confessions. She avoided talking to anyone she doesn’t know personally and might seem like they would confess. No more instant girlfriends, she told herself.

By spending some time away, she meant not only avoiding possible confessions, but also minimizing her interactions with Yutenji Nyamu. Her realization of her feelings for her special friend was a bit sudden for her that she needed time to process it all properly.

All this time, she thought that maybe she was just a diehard fan and a friend. She subscribed to her channel, checks her updates on social media, and watches the shows she’s in. She feels proud of Nyamu for every achievement she gets.

But she realized she cares for her more than just as a fan. On every date she went, she always thought of her.

“Oh, you know my friend would love this drink,” Umiri told her girlfriend at the time, it was her third one, as they got their orders from a coffee stall.

She was shopping with her, and the girl was asking if the dress looked good on her. Umiri replied with, “Yes! But also, that dress would look good on Yutenji-san. Maybe I should send her a picture.”

Another instance with one of her past girlfriends, the fifth one, when she was the one who invited the girl out, “I went there with Yutenji-san last week, their food is good. I can guarantee that,” she proudly declared.

And there were many more instances, but Umiri could only recall some before she buried her face on her palm feeling ashamed. She should’ve realized sooner. It was painfully obvious.

Two weeks had passed since she decided to give herself some space, and she started missing her. They still have their text messages to each other. But it was not like how it was before when their conversations could last a whole day going from one topic to another. Now, they could only keep at it for a few minutes before it had to be cut short due to responsibilities.

Umiri haven’t bumped into her in the campus, nor in the dorm hallways. She may have tried to avoid the areas she might see Nyamu at, but she did not see even a glimpse of her too. But she’s aware of the growing demand for Yutenji Nyamu. She even heard rumors from the Nyamuchi fanclub members that Nyamu would audition for a main role on a stage play.

She must be very busy too. I shouldn’t bother her. She tried to tell herself that but, she couldn’t help feeling some kind of loneliness. She was starting to miss her. She misses Yutenji Nyamu.

Heat creep up to her face at the thought. Her feelings might have been there for longer than she knows, but the awareness on it is something new to Umiri and she’s still trying to get used to it. She could feel flutters on her chest just by staring at her name on the screen, when all the times before, she casually messages her just fine even about the most random of things.

Spending some time away from Nyamu only made her more aware of her feelings. Umiri tried to think back on when it could have started. Back when they just met, Umiri had a neutral impression on her, not bad but also not exactly good. She could tell that Nyamu was giving her the celebrity smile during that impromptu jamming session on their welcome party at the dorm when they were first years, but it wasn’t long before she started seeing her real smile.

Resting her back on the chair, she let her mind travel further into her memories. When they went to the café their seniors had recommended to them, Umiri wasn’t expecting them to end up going to the cinemas after. Their conversation started off with what they usually drink at a café, to silly café experiences, and somehow found their way to talking about the film showing at the time that featured one of Nyamu’s adored celebrities, Wakaba Mutsumi.

Nyamu talked about Wakaba Mutsumi probably like how she talked about Nyamu to her girlfriends, or at least close enough. Her lips curved into a small smile looking back on all the times it happened. But that is not to say that Nyamu talked too much about Wakaba Mutsumi. It wasn’t too much if Umiri was enjoying watching Nyamu be passionate about her career and adorations. She might have felt a bit of jealousy, but her fondness of a fangirling Nyamu took over whatever bitter feelings she might have.

One of the times they had a jamming session was when they were both so fed up of university exams and wanted to unwind. Umiri invited Nyamu to join her on her studio reservation to play together. She was half-expecting Nyamu to refuse her invitation because they could’ve been studying for the exams instead of jamming together in a studio for fun.

“I want to join you. Wait for me there, I’m coming to your room right away,” was Nyamu’s response to her invitation.

And surely enough, they had a blast playing together. Umiri could tell that Nyamu was just running free on the drums which she was able to follow through. She must’ve had too much stress before then too. At least, when they played together, she saw Nyamu was back on her feet. Umiri would never know that it was her invitation that already lifted up Nyamu’s spirits.

Looking back on the past two years, Umiri couldn’t figure out when her feelings possibly started. For her, it was probably something that grew over time. It was not something she just woken up to one day.

Umiri remembers the changes between how she reacts when they bumped into each other in the campus or in their dorm. One of the first times was on the university library and they just exchanged simple greetings. Another time was by the hallway of their dorm, and they chatted for a bit.

After more than half a year of their first year in university, they wouldn’t let the chance of bumping into each other to chat for a bit pass by, even if they only have less than five minutes. By the time they were already second years, Umiri already frequents Nyamu’s dorm room, and hopes every day that she would bump into her to spend a little bit more time with this celebrity of a drummer.

She should’ve been suspicious of herself since then. But no. It had to take more than a year and 8 breakups before she realized that her feelings for Yutenji Nyamu was not a mere affection and adoration towards her favorite celebrity.

***

It had been a long day for Umiri. She had an important meeting in the afternoon, followed by band rehearsal, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that she was exhausted. She plopped herself down her bed the moment she got inside her dorm room. She could just let herself fall asleep right there and then if not for the guilt she would feel for herself if she does not shower before going to bed.

“Umiko~ are you free? Can we hangout today?”

She was reminded of the text message she received from Nyamu earlier that day. That was another guilt she’s been feeling since the afternoon. The person she was meeting was already close by when she received it that she couldn’t cancel.

A sigh came out of her mouth which was interrupted as her phone rang. She pulled it from her pocket and checked who was calling before answering it. Getting a call at almost midnight was quite unlikely for her. So, seeing Taki’s name on her screen got her wondering if something has happened to her at the bar. She knew Taki must still be working at that hour.

“Hello? Taki-san?”

“Where are you right now?”

Alright, that adds fuel to her worries.

“I’m at my dorm room. Why?”

“Okay. Where were you?”

“Ha?” Why does she sound mad?

“Just answer the question.”

Taki is straightforward but she was not usually this… Invasive? Umiri couldn’t be sure what to call it but there was something for sure. So, she decided to just answer it.

“I was at the band rehearsal of NOTARIA. We have a gig coming up. What’s the matter?”

“Yutenji-san saw you on a date with a new girlfriend.”

“What? Girlfriend?” She saw us today?

“She said, you were with some blue-haired, seemingly rich lady this afternoon. What happened to not getting another instant girlfriend?”

“Togawa-san isn’t my new girlfriend!”

“Then, what is she? Wait, Togawa, as in Togawa Sakiko?”

“Yes. She’s the girl asking me to join her band! I told you about it.”

“Ha? Oh… Sakiko.”

“Yes. Wait, you know Togawa-san?”

“Yes, sort of. It’s a long story. I will tell you next time.”

They’re growing tension finally went down with both of them going silent, Umiri letting Taki process what she just said while taking a mental note to remind Taki to tell her about her connection to Sakiko, and Taki remembering one of their recent conversations.

The person she met up with was Togawa Sakiko. She recently approached Umiri after one of her gigs. She was wary at first given her experiences with girls approaching her after a band live. She wanted to avoid confessions as much as possible even if she could already say no to them. She thought it would still be better if she could not have to face the situation again. But instead of a confession, what came to her was an offer.

“Would you join my band?”

She was surprised, but also relieved that it wasn’t another confession. It was evident how serious the girl is as she proceeded to tell her the vision, she has for the band she was forming. So Umiri agreed to have a formal meeting with her about her offer. She told Taki about it briefly but not Nyamu. She was planning to do it soon after having the said meeting with Sakiko.

“Yutenji-san said you were smiling at her.”

“She even saw that?”

“So, you really did smile at her.”

Umiri faced her palm, embarrassed for being seen. “Not at Togawa-san. I was just happy.”

“And why is that? Is there a difference between this new band that you were invited to, and the 30 other bands that you are already supporting?”

“Yes.” Her lips curved into a smile as she added, “I might get to play with Yutenji-san on this one.”

***

Few days later, Umiri finally made her move. It’s not like she had a concrete plan. She just thought, that she should finally be more proactive when it comes to Nyamu. But maybe, it was a bit too impulsive of her for deciding to go see her in their college building on a school day. She doesn’t even know if Nyamu would be free to hang out with her. But she knew she had to. Even more after she found out that Nyamu is under the impression that she got a new girlfriend, plus how she had been kinda avoiding her the past few weeks.

Almost as soon as she got to their college building, Umiri was stopped by something she overheard at the ladies’ bathroom entrance.

“She keeps on telling me about that girl’s vlogs. She was like a diehard fan, it was kinda creepy. I was turned off. See this conversation here.”

Out of 8 of her ex-girlfriends, 3 of them goes to their university as well. One is taking the same major as her, while the other two takes a different major. And while she would expect that she might bump into them in the campus from time to time, she wouldn’t expect to hear one of them talking loudly about her from the bathroom of Nyamu’s college building. She was just passing by, but the ladies’ bathroom was near the entrance of the building. It wouldn’t be Umiri’s fault to overhear their conversation.

“I can’t believe her. She was so insensitive. Are you sure she sees you as a girlfriend?”

“Well, you know it was me who confessed. I really thought I had a chance but… look, Nyamuchi seemed more like her girlfriend than me. It was so annoying, so I dumped her. I didn’t like her that much anyway.”

Umiri had no doubt by then that they were talking about her. She remembers the voice of the girl, plus the mention of Nyamu.

Nyamuchi seemed more like my girlfriend than her. I see. I really made them feel that way.

She felt bits of guilt once again for giving her exes false hope unintentionally. But she was more embarrassed about herself for being too obvious about her feelings and not realizing them herself.

“Then why did you confess in the first place?”

“For bragging rights. It’s not every day that you get to date a cool beauty like her.”

For a short while she wondered why girls were approaching her one after another. It didn’t take long for her to realize that some of them had the same reason as this girl who only liked her for her looks. And yet, she gave them a chance and tried to trust them and see for herself if she would like them. Maybe it was also one of the reasons why she never developed feelings for any of them.

“How disgusting.” 

Her thoughts were interrupted when she heard the voice she had been longing to hear for the last month, had suddenly spoken with those words.

“What did you say? Who even are you?”

A moment of silence passed until she heard some gasps came from the bathroom.

“That Nyamuchi?”

“Oh, I know, she must be homophobic!”

Oh no. This is bad. Why did remove her disguise?

She was itching to take a peek inside when she heard gasps.

“What the—”

“How rude!”

“You both are the rude one here.”

Oh no. They’re dead meat.

She felt the urge to hide from Nyamu even if she was outside the bathroom anyway and she wouldn’t be seen by her yet. That was the first time she heard Nyamu got that mad.

“I don’t care one bit if you’re dating girls. Everyone is free to love whoever they love. It’s you both who are disgusting for even bragging and talking about dating someone just for show.”

She heard a thud, and then everyone went silent. Umiri was so close to thinking if some violent actions were already taking place inside. It’s not like she was implying that Nyamu could get violent. Just, who knows what’s happening, right? The silence was making her nervous, however, a moment later, she saw Nyamu hurriedly walk out of the bathroom.

Nyamuko…

Yutenji Nyamu had defended her. Umiri let that thought sit in her mind for a while. Because not only that Nyamu had stood up for her, she also risked herself getting involved in some kind of scandal that people might brand as, her bullying people.

The realization made her rush inside the bathroom, shocking the people inside once again, especially her ex-girlfriend.

“Umiri-senpai?”

Umiri looked around, checking if anyone has their phone out. “Did anyone record what just happened?” She doesn’t exactly expect them to tell the truth, but she wanted to check their reactions. That way she should be able to tell if they were lying.

“No, I don’t think anyone has recorded.” Said one of the girls near the entrance.

“Although, I wished I could’ve recorded that.” Umiri quickly turned her direction to the other girl who spoke. This time it was the girl behind her ex and her friend. “I mean, she was so cool and intimidating. I swear I almost squealed! Also, you two,” the girl faced them, “Have shame on yourselves. This is the senpai you were talking about? You don’t deserve her at all.”

“You don’t know anything!” Flustered, her ex retorted.

“I know one thing for sure. This senpai here rushed to check for recordings. Do you know why?”

“How could I know that?”

“You couldn’t even tell that? Fine, I’ll spell it out for you.”

Some of the other girls in the bathroom chimed in saying, “Yeah you tell her!”, and others said, “Go girl! Make her regret.”

Then she continued, “This Umiri-senpai here,” the girl looked at her as if asking for confirmation if she got her name right. Umiri nodded, signaling her to continue. “She rushed here to check for recordings to protect the image of her girlfriend. She wanted to make sure no one here would twist what happened and bring scandal to Nyamuchi-san. Do I need to say more?”

Umiri wanted to correct her term for using girlfriend to refer to Nyamu, but the cheering of all the other girls made her feel like it wasn’t really necessary to do it. And, it wasn’t exactly her point anyway. However, not clearing it up meant that a portion of the students with the same major as Nyamu are now thing that she’s already dating her.

Her ex and the friend, rushed out of the bathroom, probably missing their chance to use the toilet at all, out of shame. Not before a quick “I’m sorry, senpai” as they exit the bathroom.

She thanked the girl for her kind words, and excused herself out, getting a bit overwhelmed by the attention she was getting from all the other girls. Besides, the person who was the reason she came there for had walked off somewhere. She needed to catch up to her.

Umiri ran towards the direction she assumed Nyamu went to, while sending text messages to her. Right outside their college’s building is a wide field of grass that is sometimes used by the football team for training. There were benches around the area as well, under the trees. She looked around as she walked, trying her luck of finding a familiar purple-haired girl.

It was a little after 2 o’clock in the afternoon. Most of the students were already back in their lectures, or stays indoors as it was more effective for avoiding sunlight than staying under the tree. Umiri considered looking for Nyamu at one of the nearby buildings, but she had a feeling that the drummer would prefer the nearest and easiest accessible place where there wouldn’t be much people. And after walking halfway through the whole field, she finally saw her purple-haired friend sitting on a bench.

She contemplated whether she should approach her or not. Nyamu looked deep in her thoughts, with frustration written on her face, or at least on her side profile that Umiri could see. Then she finally decided to just call her. A part of her thinks that Nyamu might not be comfortable to face her after what happened. Let alone let her know that she heard everything.

Umiri sent one more text message, which finally caught the attention of the drummer. When Nyamu pulled out her phone, that was when she finally called.

“Yutenji-san?” Her voice came out gentler than she intended.

“Umiko? Did something happen?”

Nyamu sounded so concerned. Then she realized, she just spammed her with messages asking where she was. It shouldn’t be a surprise if Nyamu thinks that there is a sense of urgency in that.

“No,” she answered, but took it back right away. “Well, yes.”

“What is it?”

“I missed you.” See. I could actually say that easily.

It was her usual flat tone, but her heart warmed up at being able to say it. She truly meant it but, she could see in her expression that she didn’t believe her. She seemed annoyed.

“Liar.”

It stung her slightly. But she couldn’t blame her. She was the one avoiding her for the past month.

“I should be the one asking you if something happened. You sounded annoyed.” She put her other hand on her hip, as she continued to study Nyamu’s expression. 

“Because I am.”

“I...” She felt guilty, and almost said I am sorry. She felt guilty that Nyamu got involved somehow in her affairs and put her at risk. She couldn’t exactly tell her that she talked to the girls, and she couldn’t be a hundred percent sure that no one would spread some twisted rumor about Nyamu. Which is why, she held back.

“No, wait.” Instead of feeling apologizing, she thought that she should just went on with her plan and do her best to make it up to her. And so, she asked, “Are you free this evening?”

“What? Do you want to treat me or something?”

“Yes. Something like that.”

“What do you have in mind?”

She noticed a slight change in Nyamu’s expression. She looked a bit calmer, with her feet tapping on the ground in a slow beat.  

“NOTARIA will be performing at that rooftop restaurant I told you before. I got you an invitation for the live, and a table reservation.”

“Hmm…”

Nyamu seemed to be deep in thoughts once again as she raised one hand up to the sky. She must be thinking of her schedule, or it could be something else.

And yes, it was something else as she noticed her lips curled down to a frown. A little after, she put her hand down, while still staring off the distance.

“Please, Nyamuko?”

Umiri pleaded, and it’s not that rare. What is rare is that she called her the nickname she playfully gave to her when Nyamu gave her the Umiko nickname. Would it be an unfair thing to do? She doesn’t particularly think that Nyamu would be softer to her if she did that. And yet, it seemed to have worked.

“Okay. If my photoshoot finishes early, I will let you know. Or maybe I could come in the middle of the live. I suppose that’s fine?”

“Yes! Yes! It’s totally fine! I will send to you the QR code for your free pass. I will wait for you, okay?”

She couldn’t hide her happiness that she forgot, she was just a few distance away from Nyamu. Much to her advantage, she was far enough that Nyamu wouldn’t hear her unless she shouted so loud.

“Yeah, okay I’m coming.”

“I’ve got your word. See you later!”

“See ya. Do your best on the live.”

“Of course I will! Even more now that you are coming.”

She disconnected the call out of slight embarrassment about what she just said. But at the same time, her smile was ear to ear. Getting Nyamu to come was one of the hardest parts, after all. And now comes the real thing.

***

Nyamu made it to the live. She was even earlier than she expected. Her photoshoot went smoothly that she barely had any retakes. The photoshoot was for a magazine feature on her. They already did the interview the day before, leaving only the photoshoot.

With no other schedule after her photoshoot, she was able to leave early with her manager’s permission. She even wished her luck thinking Nyamu must have wanted to rehearse by herself for her upcoming stage play audition.

She felt no guilt about it. She plans to make up for it anyway. What’s more important for her right now is to make it to the restaurant before the live starts.

When she got there, the restaurant was already set. Some of the guests have already arrived, and the band was getting ready on the backstage. Apparently, a fan of NOTARIA rented the restaurant for an engagement party, and paid them to perform.

Then, what did she mean when she said she had a table reservation if the place is rented for this party tonight?

She looked around and got her answer when she saw the area of the restaurant for other customers. At the same time, she also didn’t spot a certain blue-haired girl whom she expected to see.

The feeling on her chest still doesn’t let her breathe freely when she thinks of the possibility the Umiri might introduce that girl to her tonight. It’s not like it would be the first time the bassist would introduce a girlfriend to her, but it was the first time that it would be face to face. She didn’t like the idea but, it was unfair. She couldn’t say no to Umiri.

When the live has started, the blue-haired girl was still nowhere to be found. And Nyamu was already focused on watching rather than looking for her. How could she not focus? The moment Umiri saw her on her seat, the bassist smiled at her warmly. She felt annoyed how it got her hooked, and stopped her from looking away.

The last time Nyamu watched for a band Umiri plays for, it was for DISRUPTION. It was at a live house, and the people were pretty much hyped with every song. She noticed a good number of the audience squealing and screaming Umiri’s name.

Now that she has attended NOTARIA, she noticed the same. She felt proud how popular the bassist is with their fans, but at the same time, her annoyance grew. Some of those very fans are those people who approached Umiri and confessed to her. And with the incident from earlier that day, those instant girlfriends have a bad image on her now. Who knows how many of them actually had feelings for her? And how many only wanted to make themselves look good for dating someone amazing like Umiri?

She was about to get really furious thinking about those things, but then she focused on watching Umiri again, then it was all gone. Seeing the bassist enjoy herself on stage while playing made her smile. Her foot started tapping along the rhythm.

It would be nice to play in a band with Umiko.

She had that thought for a long time now, but never did anything about it. Nyamu thought, Umiri was already too busy with her 30 bands even if she says only 10 of them are active. She imagined, it could be hard to handle their schedule. She was content with being able to play with her from time to time. But the idea of being in a band with Umiri still knocks on her mind sometimes.

When the performance ended, Nyamu waited for her at the backstage. The party went on with the newly engaged couple thanking the members of the NOTARIA fan club for being part of their journey. She knew she didn’t belong there as she was only invited by Umiri personally.

“Nyamuchi-san?” An unfamiliar voice suddenly called out to her.

Nyamu turned to see a blue-haired, well-dressed, lady. And then she remembered that she was kinda expecting to see her. She remembered that she must be Umiri’s new girlfriend.

“Yes, that’s me.” Is she going to introduce herself to me?

“My name is Togawa Sakiko, I am pleased to meet you.” The girl said, as she bowed politely at her.

Nyamu bowed to her as well, customarily. The way Togawa Sakiko dressed and carried herself told Nyamu even more that she most likely came from a wealthy family. She thought about her last name for a while, then finally remembered.

Togawa? “Togawa, as in from Togawa group?”

“Yes, that is correct. I am also the head of the Togawa group of companies.”

And one of the big shareholders of my agency.

She stood there dumbfounded, not knowing what else to say. Nyamu prepared herself to meet her, but not this way. She thought Umiri would be the one to introduce them to each other and finally confirm to her that she is her new girlfriend, then she would fake a smile again and congratulate her, and—

“Forgive me, if I have startled you. Yahata-san told me that you would be here so I took my chance to meet you.”

“A-Ah, no, it’s okay.” She snapped out of her thoughts and quickly pulled off her celebrity smile. “May I know what you need from me?”

She was starting to feel out of breath, or at least she thinks so. She even asked the question she didn’t really want to ask. At the same time, she was too straightforward not to.

“Oh yes, of course. I came here to meet you because—”

No, why did I even ask. I already know. Her hand gripped tight at the hem of her skirt as if holding herself from running away.

“I want to invite you to join my band.”

See, there it is. She wants to— what? Band?

“What?”

“I am forming a band to debut under Win Wing Production, which I know is also your agency. And I want you to join.”

Before Nyamu could process properly what she just said, another voice came in, interrupting her thoughts.

“Yutenji-sa— Oh, Togawa-san. So, you really came?”

Umiri who had already changed to a more comfortable outfit came out of the dressing room looking for her. She seemed nervous when Nyamu looked at her closely.

“Why, yes. I so happen to be invited as the head of Togawa group. But also, it’s a nice chance to see you play and meet Nyamuchi-san to tell her about the band. By the way, that was an amazing performance as always.”

“Oh, I see. Thank you.”

The bassist eyed both of them as if trying to read the situation. They were all silent for a moment.

“Anyway,” Sakiko breaking the silence looked at her. “I just wanted to tell you in person about it. We can have a formal discussion about the band in another day, of course at your convenience. I will reach out to you.”

“Oh, yes sure.” She responded mindlessly, still absorbing the information.

“Thank you for your time, Nyamuchi-san.” Sakiko then took a step back and looked at them both with a smile. “Well then, I will excuse myself now. Have a good evening, you two.”

They bowed at each other one more time before Sakiko left. A moment of silence had passed between her and Umiri. A moment that was enough for Nyamu to understand the situation better.

So, she wasn’t here as Umiri’s date?

“I want you to join my band.” She heard Sakiko’s voice in her mind again as she recalled the conversation from the last few minutes.

Togawa Sakiko is forming a band under Win Wing Production, which is also her agency. The girl took the effort to meet her personally and tell her about it. And that was enough for Nyamu to tell that she must be serious.

“Yutenji-san?” Umiri waved a hand in front of her, getting her attention.

“O-Oh, Umiko.”

Offering a hand to her, Umiri asked, “Shall we go?”

“R-Right.” Despite being surprised by the gesture, Nyamu took her hand. “Yes, let’s go.”

***

Umiri did not exactly planned for a confession date. She literally just thought of making it up to Nyamu for avoiding her the past month, and for what happened in the afternoon. But somehow, just sitting across her made her chest feel tight with the things that needed to be said.

The same seemed to be the case with Nyamu. She hadn’t said much since they got there. If it were one of their past usual hangouts, Nyamu would have noted of the night view and start considering it for one of her next vlogs. The drummer would tell her about it and ask for her input as a regular viewer of her videos. But now, they were both just quiet and only spoke when they were deciding what to eat. After they were done ordering their food, the waiter had given them service water and garlic bread which neither of them had touched.

When she saw that Nyamu was talking with Sakiko while waiting for her, she got anxious. She didn’t know exactly what to expect. She knew that Sakiko came to tell Nyamu about the band, but Nyamu was probably thinking about Sakiko being her new girlfriend. Knowing Nyamu, she half expected her to directly ask Sakiko about it because she is straightforward like that. The other half was not expecting her to ask because she knew Nyamu doesn’t invade on her personal life unless she would be the one to pull her in.

The best scenario for her was that, Sakiko spoke first and told Nyamu about the band before Nyamu mentions girlfriend thing. Oh how she was so relieved when Sakiko confirmed it to her leading her to the current silent situation with Nyamu.

Maybe I could start with the band?

“Umm…” she began, catching Nyamu’s attention. “About Togawa-san. I heard from Taki-san that you saw us the other day.”

Okay, maybe it wasn’t a good start. There was a look of panic on Nyamu’s face for a moment, followed by an awkward hum, urging her to continue.

“That was our formal discussion about the band. She explained to me her plans, the band direction, and stuff.”

“Oh, I see.”

Her tone seemed that of indifference but Umiri could feel something close to anxiety from Nyamu. Thinking it would be better if she just cleared everything right away, she continued.

“I do not have a new girlfriend and I know I did not tell you when I was dumped by Aihara-san. I’m sorry.”

That finally got Nyamu to look at her directly. Her eyes were filled with mixed emotions.

“What are you apologizing for? I’m not your girlfriend to know everything about you.”

Now that sounded like she was annoyed. Umiri was taken aback. Even Nyamu herself looked surprised with herself after a few seconds.

“Forget what I just said.” Nyamu waved a hand in front of her as if erasing the words in the air. “But, did you get home safe that day? You must’ve drunk again.”

“Ah, yes, I got home safe. In fact, I did not drink much. I stayed over at Taki-san’s place.”

Nyamu nodded with a hum. Silence has settled in between them once again It was just in time when their orders have arrived.

Various dishes were laid in front of them such as sashimi, tempura, kani salad, and more to come. Umiri said to order anything Nyamu wants from the menu and she really did. The drummer would usually be on diet but she was glad that she did not hold back on the food this time. And she’s not one to speak. Nyamu might be holding back on food, but she was still eating in a healthy manner. Meanwhile Umiri is the opposite, relying on protein shakes and some supplements. So, when they go out like this, Nyamu also makes sure that she eats a lot of the real food.

Nyamu snapped some photos before they started eating. Umiri let the silence continue for a while longer. She could tell that there are a number of things that must be going on inside her mind. She wanted to let her have her time to think.

“So,” much to her surprise, Nyamu broke the silence already, five minutes into eating. “That Togawa heiress is asking you to join her band too?”

It was nice that Nyamu has taken interest about the band, but she can’t help feeling like there was something else she wanted to talk with her. Umiri would be grinning ear to ear if it happened to be the same thing she has been holding to say.

“Yes. And I believe, she invited you too, right?” She replied, as she took another prawn and shove it into her mouth.

“That’s right. She also invited me.”

She took a sip of her ginger ale, her other choice of drink above beer. Meanwhile, Nyamu seemed to be taking her time chewing the sashimi she just placed in her mouth. There was a delightful look on her face.

Maybe the sashimi is that good? I should give it a try next then.

As she was about to reach for the plate of sashimi, the drummer spoke again, softer this time.

“So, she’s inviting us to be part of her band together?”

Oh. Is that the reason…

Her hand stopped midway in the air, then her eyes looked directly into Nyamu’s, and nodded. “Yes,” her lips curved into a smile saying it. “It will be a band where we can play together. Apparently, it’s only us left that she was looking for. A bassist, and a drummer.”

“Are you joining as a support? Or as an actual member?”

Good question.

“I am considering it. For now, I told Togawa-san that I will prioritize it once we have a professional debut. And maybe, eventually… Let’s see.”

“Hmm…”

Nyamu seemed satisfied with her answer. They finished the rest of their food, enjoying each of them up to the last bite. Umiri settled their bill as she promised. But only that part of her promise was fulfilled. She hadn’t fully made it up to Nyamu yet. So, even with her nerves somehow starting to get to her, she invited Nyamu to stay for a bit by the stargazing spot of the rooftop, to which the drummer agreed.

Umiri doesn’t get nervous for any of her band gigs. She was naturally calm. However, she could feel her nerves differently this time. Her heart was throbbing so fast, and it’s taking everything in her not to shake. It was a strange feeling she never felt for anyone else but Nyamu. She suddenly felt so silly once again how she did not realize her feelings sooner. At the same time, she must have been holding herself back as well, knowing that Nyamu might not feel the same way.

“Umiko, I know you did not bring me here for stargazing without the equipment.”

Nyamu was facing her with her arms crossed, genuinely curious. At that point, she supposed Nyamu already got her answers from what she had seen the other day.

“You’re right. We’re not here for stargazing. She turned to face the drummer as well. The lights from the other establishments on the rooftop was just enough for them to see each other clearly. “I want to talk with you about something important.”

At the same time that she did not plan to confess on this date, she also did not plan on confessing at all. Umiri thought she would be fine just keeping it to herself and love her secretly. But then, when she was face to face with her again, the words repeatedly flowed in her mind.

I like her. I like this sharp-tongued kind person. I like this cat. I like her everything about her.

She realized, she wouldn’t be able to keep it a secret at all. It would only be a matter of time for Nyamu to catch on, maybe? But also, a big part of her wanted to come clear with her. If they would be in a band together from now on, she wouldn’t want to keep a secret from her.

The drummer only nodded in response, and urged her to continue with her pink eyes.

“I have been so stupid these past months. I apologize for the troubles and worries that I have caused you and Taki-san.” She bowed her head slowly, then continued, “There is nothing worry anymore, because I won’t get another girlfriend any time soon. At least, not the instant ones.”

“Instant ones?”

“Yes. I won’t accept any confessions from someone I barely know anymore.” She bit her lower lip, considering her words before letting them out. “I realized, all this time, I have been hurting them. I gave them a chance but then, I unconsciously compared them with someone else, always thinking of that someone else”

She took a step closer to Nyamu, and looked her in the eye. “I hope it won’t be an inconvenience for you to know this but,” she paused once again to take a deep breath. And then, she finally said, “That someone else is you. And just to be clear, I’m saying that, I like you, Yutenji-san. I know you don’t swing this way as you told me before. But, if I could be selfish, I want to be able to stay by your side. If it makes you uncomfortable, I would give you some space for a while, and—”

A pair of soft lips interrupted her mouth from saying more. Her ramblings finally stopped, and her mind was filled with a gentle silence, focusing on the lips that had locked with hers, and the hand caressing her cheek. The realization of what was happening got her heart racing, she was no longer able to hide the shaking of her hands.

“Y-Yutenji-san?” She uttered her name with wonder the first second Nyamu pulled away.

The thumb of the hand that was still holding her cheek, rubbed it gently. “It’s like you wouldn’t shut up soon so, I had to. I also hope I made something clear, Umiko.” She said, almost whispering.

With their faces so close to each other, Umiri was made aware again of how few centimeters taller Nyamu is compared to her. It felt strangely nice for her to have to slightly look up to meet her eyes. And the kiss, felt so right unlike her almost first kiss experience.

“I am still figuring out how I feel towards you but, I would like it if you could stay by my side.”

“Really?” She had to ask, wanting confirmation if she heard her correctly.

“Yes.”

“For real?” She asked once again, just to be sure.

“Yes, for real.”

“Really, really?”

At this point, Nyamu’s brows furrowed in annoyance, and started pinching her cheek.

“If you ask one more time, I’m gonna punish you for avoiding me at the campus, and our dorm.”

“Wha—” her eyes grew wide, “How do you know that?”

Nyamu pinched her cheek harder. “I didn’t. So, you really were avoiding me?” Then gave her a Gotcha look, raising a brow at her.

She looked away, feeling ashamed. “I needed some time. I didn’t know how to face you yet.”

“And now, do you know?”

She looked her in the eye again, and held her hands. “I’m still getting used to it.” she said, her hands were still shaking and cold in contrast to Nyamu’s calm and warm ones. “But I am sorry for avoiding you. I won’t ever do it again. Or if I will have to, I will let you know.”

“What reason would ever have you have to avoid me?”

“I don’t know. Maybe, if your mother will disown you for having me? Or, if it affects your career.”

“Mom won’t disown me, for sure.” She didn’t miss the quick smirk on her after saying that. “My career however, hmm…”

It would be a lie to say that it would be an easy decision for Umiri if it ever have to come to that point. At the same time, she wouldn’t want to be the reason that Nyamu wouldn’t achieve her dreams. She wants to at least be prepared for the worst, which was still something she needs to work on.

A hard squeeze on her hands brought her back to reality. She was then greeted with a smirk.

“Isn’t it too early to think about that? I haven’t even answered your feelings yet.”

“Huh? Even so. We need to prepare. We need to be careful. Your fans could be unforgiving and cruel. We don’t know what they’re capable of.”

“Calm down.”

“What if you get stabbed by some stalker? What if they send you death threats on a regular basis?”

“Umiko, stop.”

“They could even harass you online. Post a lot of hate comments and say whatever they want about your family or—”

A loud smack cut her off from her ramblings. Umiri was stunned for a few seconds before she realized what had just happened.

“Did that cool you off?”

The pain on her forehead was just settling in when she noticed the red mark on Nyamu’s forehead. The drummer headbutted her, contrary to the sweet kiss from earlier.

“And I thought I was the yapper of the two of us. Did you think I would kiss you again to shut you up?”

“I was counting on that.” She teased, but then quickly guarded her head with her hands when Nyamu was about to land a hand chop on her. “Just kidding, please take it easy on me, Yutenji-san.”

“You deserved it.” Nyamu almost retracted her hand already but then it quickly made its way into her forehead, a bit panicked. “You’re bleeding Umiko! Gosh, I hit you too hard!”

“I am now officially a battered wife.”  

“Excuse me?” Annoyed, Nyamu pressed hard on her bump.

“Ouch.”

“Stop fooling around. We need to treat that. Do you have a first aid kit at your room?”

“Yes. Wait, you don’t?”

“That’s not important right now. Let’s go.”

Umiri let Nyamu drag her to the elevator, up to the taxi. It was getting late anyway, and she thought it was just about time they go back to their dorm.

“Don’t you have any bumps?”

“No, I don’t think so.” The drummer touched her forehead and confirmed that it was still the usual. Umiri only saw that it was a bit red earlier but no signs of possible bleeding unlike her.

“Just how tough does your head have to be to not have to suffer any damage?”

“Do you want to test that again?” Nyamu turned to her with a glare.

“No, please spare me.”

“Hmp!”

They were filled with silence for the rest of their ride back to the dorm. It was a comfortable silence with Umiri sneakily reaching for Nyamu’s hand to hold it, to which the drummer accepted. They only let go of each other’s hand when they already have to get off the car.

Upon reaching the door to her dorm room, Umiri fetch the keys from her bag. But instead of unlocking her door, she turned to face Nyamu who was waiting behind her.

“What’s the matter? Don’t tell me you forgot—" Nyamu cut herself off noticing the keys with a crossed drumstick keychain shown in front of her. “Oh, it’s in your hand.”

“I want you to have it.”

“I’m not your girlfriend yet.”

“Exactly. Not yet.” This time, it was her smirking at Nyamu.

“Don’t get carried away. This idiot.” She said, while taking the key and proceeding to unlock the door. Umiri happily followed behind her, and closed the door with a content smile.

***

A few days later, Nyamu would have a formal meeting with Togawa Sakiko about the band. While she was already thinking of accepting the offer because it is a good opportunity for her with her aim on becoming a multi-talented artist, plus finally being able to be in a band with Umiri, she got more eager to join when she found out who the other two members would be. Misumi UIka of Sumimi, a popular idol duo unit, who would be their vocalist and lead guitarist, and Wakaba Mutsumi, daughter of well-known celebrities, and an actress whom she adores.

The band would debut a few months later, and they will be known as, Ave Mujica.