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Chapter Text

Hanayagi-san I'm going to kill you. The only thought that rung in my mind considering the situation I am in.

It all started when their instructor announced that they will be doing a special activity to enhance their acting abilities. Although it doesn't mean everyone should participate and only those who are willing to do it because the activity will take place after class. Besides, it will only be considered as an extra credit. Of course, as a stage girl who strive to better myself, I signed up to it along with my friends.

We all form a circle and the instructor is in the middle. At first, the activities doesn't seem too different to their actual lessons and boredom strikes to those who are easily influenced by it. I have to pinch a dozing Karen on my side every ten minutes to prevent the girl from sleeping. Hanayagi-san keeps whining and repeatedly saying "This is so boring, Futaba-haaaan I want candy." While Isurugi-san only sighed and muttered a low 'later' again and again.

Even so, I thought the activities were not even that bad and I believe I can do well.

"Since you are all aspiring stage girls, I'm sure you would be open-minded about the next activity. Today, you will all learn the art of stage kissing."

Or not.

A series of different expressions followed the announcements. Tendo-san looked at Saijou-san with a challenging smirk and the blonde seems to return it but there is a subtle blush covering her face.

Karen's sleepy demeanor disappeared instantly and immediately bent down on one knee in front of a very flustered Tsuyuzaki-san, "Are you ready my lady?" Making her voice deeper causing the poor girl to hyperventilate. It worsens when Kagura-san imitates Karen's position but without saying a word. Tsuyuzaki-san short-circuited from then on.

Hanayagi-san bellowed her most terrifying laugh that can cause even the devil himself to cower and hide. I freaking shivered. Isurugi-san covered her ears and yelled "Will ya shut up!" to the laughing gremlin.

I face palmed so hard I thought my glasses will break. A pounding headache is forming inside my head already because of this commotion. I hear a click beside me and I know Nana is taking photos again.

"Well that is one turn of events isn't it, Junna-chan?" I turned my head and saw Nana with an amused smile on her lips, her phone in her left hand. "This is just a disaster in the making Nana." I answered her, a sigh escaping my mouth.

A loud cough breaks the commotion and everyone stopped their antics when they saw the irritation in the instructor's face. "Before I was rudely interrupted by all of you, can I continue what I'm saying?"

A chorus of "Yes, Sensei!" rang inside the classroom. The instructor continues what she is saying and the only thought that runs through my head right now is why did it have to be that? I mean it's inevitable that we will tackle that subject but why now?

"So to properly demonstrate the art of stage kissing, may I have Saijou and Daiba as the volunteer?"

Saijou-san choked on her bottled water after hearing the names uttered by the instructor. As for me, I'm grateful that I'm not drinking any water right now or I might have spluttered it everywhere too. My brows are furrowing and I can feel something gnawing in my chest.

Hanayagi-san's face is displaying a shit-eating grin which annoyed my whole being. Tendo-san has an unreadable expression on her face and Nana seems surprised since I'm not hearing the camera clicks anymore. She raised her right hand and the instructor allowed her to speak "If I may ask, why me and Kuro-chan, sensei?"

"Well for starters, you're the tallest person here Daiba and Saijou's figure is feminine, I don't see anything wrong with my choices here. Unless you have another person in mind that you would like to be your partner for the activity, hmm?"

For the first time I saw Nana's face grew a shade of a tomato, caught off guard by the question of the instructor. She looked at my direction and quickly averted her gaze when our eyes meet. I can feel my face grew hot too, why did you look at me just now?

I can see Hanayagi-san's snicker behind her fan and God if you're out there give me the patience I need. The devil incarnate folded her fan and pointed it to me. "Sensei~ I think Banana-han wants Hoshimi-han to be her partner in this activity."

Forget the water, I choked on my own spit and the blush on my face worsens. "Hanayagi-san!" I exclaimed loudly.

Nana seems to freeze on the spot because her right hand is still raised. I glared at Hanayagi-san and she only smiled widely in return.

Sensei looked at me then at Nana. "Hoshimi, Daiba will the two of you stand?" Nana lowered her right hand while I stopped glaring at Hanayagi-san and complied to her request. She walks over to our position and began scrutinizing us. "Why this is interesting. I can see that the two of you are the ideal height of a man and a woman!" She exclaimed excitedly.

Oh. My. God. THAT'S WHAT I SAID TO NANA BEFORE. I couldn't masked the horror that's quickly creeping in my face. One look on Nana's face and I know she remembered it too. Hanayagi-san began laughing out loud again along with Isurugi-san this time. God reconsider my wish. I don't want patience, I want the ground to eat me right. now.

"Well Saijou, you don't mind if Hoshimi switch places with you?" Sensei asked the blonde who seems very satisfied about the outcome. "Bien sur, Sensei!" She winked at us then settled comfortably in her seat. A flash of relief can be seen in Tendo-san's face for a split second but it quickly vanished.

"The two of you, please stand at the center."

And this is the moment I decided to plan different ways on how to murder Hanayagi-san and getting away with it. That gremlim has the widest smile right now and what's worse? Isurugi-san didn't even try to stop her because she too is donning her own wide smile.

Tsuyuzaki-san looked like she recovered from her situation and she's giving me and Nana an encouraging smile and Karen shouting "Go go Banana! JunJun!". Kagura-san is giving me that look after the valentines incident.

We moved to the center and I sneaked a peek at Nana, the red on her face is not diminishing. Her right hand tightened in her shirt and she looked so "Cute..."

I quickly clamped my hand on my mouth while Nana lets out a surprised squeaked and now we are staring at each other. Looks like I don't need God's help because I'm digging my own grave anyways.

"Now that we have the volunteers to demonstrate stage kissing, let me ask a few questions first, did the two of you have experiences regarding this matter? Even if it's just kissing on general."

I shook my head because the idea of kissing someone didn't even crossed my mind. I mean the act of doing it is for two people in love only and I'm sure Nana doesn't have any experiences on the matt-

"I have, Sensei." She speaks shyly and everyone look at her in shock including me. That feeling I can't describe is back again full force and I don't even know why.

"Oh la la~ our sweet Banana-han already had her first kiss?" Hanayagi-san is back to her teasing again. Nana laughed nervously and she scratched the back of her head. "S-something like that."

Nana already had... Does that mean she has someone she likes and... The uncomfortable feeling keeps gnawing my chest again. Why am I feeling this way, what the heck is this?

"Hoshimi, are you alright?" Sensei asked me and I can see the worried looks of everyone except Hanayagi-san, whose giving me a knowing look.

"I-I'm alright Sensei, please continue the lesson." I said and everyone stop giving me that look. Nana still look concerned so I tried lifting the corners of my mouth. She accepted it and also give a smile in return.

Sensei nodded on my answer and continued her lessons. "To start of, stage kissing is all about making sure that there is a chemistry between the two actors so that when it comes to that part, the audience will think that the act is real even though it's not."

She make her way to us and then give a ring to Nana. "So how about we do a scene from Phantom of the Opera where Daiba will act as the Phantom and Christine will be acted by Hoshimi? The scene you two will perform is where the Phantom realizes that Christine's love for Raoul is the real 'true love' after she kissed him in his lair." The squeals coming from our classmates is equal to the sound of the pounding of my heart. Sensei really know how to pick a veeery intimate scene I'll give it to her.

"You can start anytime you want because as I've said, chemistry is important so the mood needs building up. I'm counting on the two of you to give a spectacular performance." Sensei's final words as she sits together with my classmates.

Nana looked at me with the same concerned expression a while ago. I tried to calm my breathing and I nodded at her so that we can start. Okay you've got this Hoshimi Junna, you're already familiar with this script just like Nana. The only difference this time is that the 'kiss' will happen. Yeap, I really got this.

Nana took a deep breath first before her expression morphed into a pained look that if you didn't know she was concerned a while ago, you wouldn't assume otherwise. "Ah Christine, why can't you be mine!" She clutched her chest like she's hurt. I could see the audience in my peripheral vision being captivated by her, and who wouldn't? Even without the costume, Nana portrayed the Phantom's anguish really well.

"Tell me in your singing voice where I swore my life. Tell me why my love cannot become yours!" The way she portrays her voice, her acting... It looks so true ... now is not the time for that focus!

I tried focusing more on Christine's lines and didn't think too much on how contradicting her feelings are to what I'm really feeling right now. "No, my love is yours! It is true, I loved you, but I cannot promise it forever!" I shake my head to emphasize the point of the lines, "My body and the soul here in my bosom already belong to Raoul. Could you still love me should I betray that and choose you instead?" I give my all to this one line, my feelings building up.

"I would still love you!" Nana lamented, "My love shall shine forever like the diamond in this ring." This is the scene where we will act the stage kiss. I'm already preparing myself to walk up to her to finish our act but she beat me to it.

She grabbed my wrist and placed a kiss to the back of my left hand. "I may have done unforgivable things, but please Christine, accept my love I have for you?" She's looking deeply in my eyes when she said those words. The surprised gasp of everyone entered vaguely in my ears when Nana recite a different line from the script. She looks so ethereal right now as she bent down on one knee and inserted the ring on my ring finger.

I couldn't control my emotions any longer. The only thing that matters is the girl right in front of me. My body move on its own, I cupped her face with my right hand and pressed my lips to hers, pouring what I'm feeling right now to this one moment.

"I love you too, Nana."

I muttered as I slowly break the kiss. I opened my eyes and what greeted me is a very shocked, tomato-faced Nana. Horror dawned upon me as I realized what I've said and done. I looked around and everyone too is shocked by what happened. I took a step back and tried to say something "I-I'm-" I don't know what to do anymore so I did the first thing that pops in my mind.

I ran.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I didn't know how long I've been running. The only thing that matters is that I need to get away from everyone especially from Nana. I stopped and I noticed that my own feet dragged me back to the dorm. I entered the front door and quickly made my way to my room.

I made a beeline to my bed and went to the corner and hugged my knees. What the hell am I thinking?! It's clear Nana likes someone else already. She already kissed that person!

I'm always doing it, how could I let my feelings slip and get in the way of everything. And now Nana...

Someone wipe the tears that are falling from my eyes. I didn't even know I'm crying. I looked up and come face to face to the last person I wanted to see right now.

I already plan to run away again when she hold me back by the shoulders. "Junna-chan don't..." Nana pleaded to me and I feel my resolve crumbled when I saw the look on her face. She looked worried but I can see many emotions play from her eyes: scared, doubtful... And an unknown emotion I can't decipher at all.

Nana starts rubbing my shoulders and I feel myself calming down. The tears stopped completely and my breathing became normal again.

"Feeling better?" Her voice is small but I can hear the concern behind it. I nodded my head, not trusting myself to speak yet.

After a moment of silence, I began speaking. "You followed me." My voice is hoarse from crying. She smiled that wonderful smile that always make my stomach turn into knots. "I will always follow you, Junna-chan. Didn't I say that you can rely on me more?" A memory of our class president election passed through my mind and I couldn't help but smile about it.

"I know that." I whispered to her and closed my eyes.

"Did you regret it?" I heard her voice cracked and I opened my eyes to look at her face. Nana's face looked like she was the one whose gonna cry now and not me.

Something tugged at my chest when I saw that look. It reminded me of the time when she spilled her loops to me. Her expression is very pained and the image of her phantom act pops out again.

I made a mistake of not answering her question because she took it the wrong way. "It's fine Junna-chan... You don't have to answer that. I'm sorry for making you cry." She said dejectedly and began to stand up, but before she can fully stand, I grabbed her wrist to prevent her from leaving.

"Sorry I kinda spaced out there. I'm just thinking of something else." I pulled her to me and I nervously touched her cheek with my right hand. "I didn't regret what I did Nana I'm just embarrassed..." She seems relieved by my answer and returned to her position.

"So do you mean what you said Junna-chan?" She leaned into my hand and I feel something blooming in my chest. I nodded and looked away because of embarrassment.

She turned my head in her direction and I gasped when I see how big her smile is. "Hehe, Junna-chan finally loves me back~"

Wait what?

"Wait what?!" My eyes widened and she only giggled in response. "Don't laugh Nana what do you mean by that!?" Her giggle turned into a full blown laugh. "Nana..." I tried to glare at her but one look of her happy face and it immediately crumbles. She proceeds to wrap her arms around my body and whispered the words I didn't know I will be hearing at all.

"I love you Junna-chan."

No quotes of Shakespeare's can make me smile like how Nana said those words. Warmth is quickly spreading to my body and I let out a laugh at how absurd the situation was.

And here I thought Nana likes some...

I roughly pulled back from our hug and she yelped. "Junna-chan?" I narrowed my eyes and started crossing my arms. She looks taken aback by my actions.

"Who's that person?" I can hear the bitterness in my voice but Nana just tilted her head like a cute puppy. Don't think of such thoughts right now Hoshimi!

"Who are you talking about Junna-chan?" The bewilderment in her voice is apparent.

"You know! That person you share your first kiss with!" The indescribable feeling is back and I don't know how to control it this time.

Instead of feeling guilty, she have the audacity to smirk at me and- "Why Junna-chan? Are you jealous?"

The feeling burned brighter after she said those words.

"Why would I be-" and realization dawned upon me. I pouted and looked away from her. So what if I'm jealous?

"Eeeeeh, Junna-chan look at meeeee." She tried making me look at her direction again but I didn't relent this time. I heard her sigh and since I'm not backing down she decided to directly place her face in front of me causing me to yelp. She grab my face with both of her hands to prevent me from looking away.

"You know about the loops right?" She asked me. "Of course I know you told me that." She then place her forehead on mine causing my heart to beat erratically again. "Well during those loops a certain roommate of mine," a peck on my nose, "Tripped and accidentally kissed me on the lips because she's trying to catch Karen-chan for causing trouble in the hallways."

I can feel the giddiness inside me because of the kiss and I can't help the blush that is rising from my cheeks again, "So technically I'm your first kiss too?"

She smiled that breath taking smile causing my stomach to flip. "Of course you are, and you reacted the same way. Running off to some place although..." Her smile turned into a bittersweet one, "You said it was only an accident and asked me to forget about it."

I feel a pang in my chest after hearing what happened after that.

She looked me in the eyes, "That's why I'm happy when you said you love me back now Junna-chan. So don't be jealous anymore, I mean it's technically you."

I can't believe this, here I am getting jealous over myself? I pinch her cheeks making her yelp. "That's what you get for making me jealous over myself." She rubbed her nose to mine as an apology causing me laugh. "Well Junna-chan looks so cute when she's acting like that, I can't help it."

"Well this time I won't ask you to forget it Nana. I don't regret it too, I promise." I assured her.

Our face become so close now and I can feel my pulse quickening. Nana seems to notice it too and she smirked. "Say Junna-chan..." Oh God her voice is deeper now.

I gulped when she says my name like that. "W-what?" I unintentionally licked my lips and her eyes began to have a deeper color.

"You stole two kisses from me now and I think that's very unfair." Her hands now went to my arms and she's rubbing it up and down. I can't help the shiver running down my spine. I gather my voice to speak confidently but it came out shakily. "W-well what are you going to do about it?"

Her smirk grew wider if possible and she whispered to me. "I have a few things in mind that I want to steal from you too..." Capturing my mouth in a heated kiss.

That moment, let's just say we stole a lot of 'things' from each other.

Chapter Text

"Maya-chan why?" I couldn't comprehend what's happening. Just a while ago, the two of us are fighting side by side. Teaming up against our four opponents. Now she stand atop the stairs while I look up to her, my swords far away from me. My body won't move at all no matter how I much I want it to.

"The position of top star is for one person only, Daiba-san." She answered monotonously, sword pointing at the center of the stage claiming her spot of victory.

I want to shout, accuse her of being a traitor. But I can't because I'm too shocked and confused.

"Position Zero, this is Tendo Maya." Just like that the curtains fall down on us and the revue ended.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Nana wake up!"

My eyes snapped open and I gasped for air. I jolted from my bed as I tried to calm my uneven breathing. Someone touch my hand but I quickly pulled it back. I'm too afraid of physical contact right now.

"Hey, it's alright. It's just me..." I turned my head to the sound of the voice and a worried emerald pair of eyes greeted me.

"Nana..." That did the trick. My breathing returns to normal and this time, I'm the one who took her hand and clutched it like its my lifeline. The way she softly says my name never fails to calm me down.

"J-Junna-chan I'm-" She puts a finger against my lips and began climbing in my bed. She proceeds to touch my cheek and gently wipe the tears staining my face.

I leaned into the touch and loosened my tight grip to her hand. "Do you want to talk about it?" She gently asked me while stroking my cheek.

Just then, the nightmare came back and the tears threaten to spill in my eyes again. I don't think I want to recall it anymore.

"Hey, it's ok if you don't want to, Nana. I won't force you to tell it." Junna-chan assures me. My head feels light after hearing those words, she really knows what I'm thinking...

"I'm sorry, Junna-chan..." I finally uttered but she only shook her head in return. "It's alright, Nana."

A comfortable silence fall on us as she continues to stroke my cheek and I savor it a lot. After a few minutes of silence I spoke aloud, "Thank you, Junna-chan. I feel better now." I smiled at her and she return it with one of her own.

She lets go of my cheek and the warmth from before diminished. Suddenly her face turn red and I tilt my head curiously.

"Uhm, Nana... can you let go of my hand?" My face turned red too as I realized what she meant. She tried retracting her hand I'm holding but I unknowingly tightened my grip on it. I muttered an apology but I didn't make a move to let go.

I can feel her hand grow warmer as time passes by and I like the feeling of it. Instead of just gripping it, I interlaced my fingers to hers causing an embarrassed squeak from Junna-chan.

"Can we stay like this for a little while longer?" I asked her. Her face looked like it might burst but she nodded her head. I felt a shy squeeze in return and I can feel something blooming in my chest.

"Junna-chan, what would you do if the only way to win is to betray the people close to you? Will you do it?" I suddenly asked. Junna-chan replies to my question in a heart beat, "I wouldn't do something like that Nana. I may not show it well but I value the friendship everyone offered me here in Seisho. Betraying someone just to win is just plain cruel to me. I want to reach my own star someday but not in that kind of way."

I smiled after hearing her answer, I raised the hand I'm holding and placed a kiss to the back of her hand. She started making cute faces again and I giggled from her reaction. "You're really a nice person, Junna-chan." She seems shocked by what I said and she pushed her glasses further by her other hand. "I-i'm not, it's just the way it's supposed to be and - "

I cut her off by gently pulling her near me. She allow me to do that and I bump my nose to hers. "I really can't thank you enough for what you've done to me..." She seems ready to deny that but I shushed her by pressing my lips to hers. She flinched from the contact but immediately relaxed and deepened the kiss by pulling me closer.

We broke apart for air and I'm delighted to see that her face is a shade of tomato again. I will never get tired of seeing that look from her. Ever. I playfully drag her down the bed with me making her yelp. "Nana that's dangerous!" She reprimanded me by slapping my shoulders but she didn't try to push me away.

I removed her glasses from her face and placed it at the top of my desk. After that I wrapped my arms around her waist and put my head in her neck, inhaling her scent. She sighed but she returned my hug. "I will never betray you, okay? I promise." She answered the nagging question I have in my head and I feel the tears ready to spill again. Not because of pain, but because of relief as the person whose the most important to me continues to save my entire being.

I tightened my hold on her, "I know, Junna-chan. I wouldn't betray you too." I replied sincerely. I can feel my eyes drooped and let the darkness consumed me. This time, my dream is all about the purple-haired woman beside me and I couldn't be more happier than that.

Chapter Text

Saturday is that day wherein you take a break after five days of going to school and do things that doesn't have anything to do with studying. But for me, I don't want to waste my time doing things that are unproductive. That's why I declined the offers of my friends when they invited me to go outside.

Somehow, it was Tendo-san's idea. Instead of going to school for practice, she invites Saijou-san to the aquarium. Hanayagi-san overheard the conversation and announced it really loud causing the jellyfish fanatic Kagura-san that she too, wants to go to the aquarium. Saijou-san looked like she's ready to strangle Hanayagi-san whose snickering behind her fan and Tendo-san seems disappointed by the outcome. Isurugi-san only face palmed and Tsuyuzaki-san chuckles nervously.

Karen decided that it will be a group outing and looked excitedly at me. "JunJun, come on it'll be fun!"

I shook my head, declining the offer and Karen even trapped me in a hug in order to 'convince' me to come but I'm firm about my decision. 

That's why I'm here in my room, reading the books of different authors and taking notes of things I find interesting. It's supposed to be a peaceful day for me: a book in my hand, inspirations are everywhere but alas it is not because a certain someone is distracting me.

"Junna-chaaaaaaaaaan." That certain someone is currently calling my name. I sighed and closed the book I am reading. I turned to look at the whining voice and tried not to laugh at how ridiculous she looks right now.

Nana is pouting like a child who wanted attention (she does). She's lying down on her bed sideways and giving me the puppy eyes.

"Junna-chan, I'm bored."

I clicked my tongue in a disapproving manner, "Then why didn't you join the others to the aquarium?" I asked her.

"Then you will be left alone in the dorm, Junna-chan. Knowing your habits, you're going to forget eating because you will be too busy reading and that's a big no." She lectured me while shaking her head.

I can feel myself getting flustered because what she said is true. It's not that bad. I mean it's just one meal.

"It is bad, Junna-chan." The disappointment in her voice can be heard and I squeak in surprise when she knows what I'm thinking.

"Well, what do you want to do Nana?" It's better to get straight to the point now. Nana's face lights up and she sits up from her lying position.

"Let's play a game!" Nana exclaimed. She walks to her chair and places it behind me. After that she grabs the notebook where I've been writing quotes and flips it, "Since you are on your 'study mode' Junna-chan, I'm gonna recite a quote from your notes and you will tell me who said it."

I narrowed my eyes at her to determine if this is some sort of a trap but she only look excitedly at me. Besides the game looks fun and I wouldn't mind a little challenge.

"Okay."

"Yay~" She proceeds to sit on her chair, "You can't look behind Junna-chan so that I know you're not cheating. If you look, you lose ok?" I giggled in response, "I won't, I promise."

"Oh really?" Now that sends warning bells on my head, hearing her say things in a teasing way always end up in...

Warm hands are suddenly on my waist and I gasped. "Nana..." I tried reprimanding her by my voice but she only tightened her hold in return. "Relax Junna-chan, we're going to play a game remember?" Her voice is comically low near my ears. Yeap, definitely a trap.

"Remember, you promised that you won't look so I expect you to do that~" She said in a sing-song voice, hands never leaving my waist. "Nana, you- "

"Let's start!" She cut me off and I just sighed, accepting my fate. "Hmm, let's see..." She retracts her right hand from my waist and I can hear flipping sounds behind me. "To a great mind, nothing is little." Well that one is easy, I remember that line when we do the exchange program with Siegfield.

"It's from Sherlock Holmes, isn't it?" I jolted when she suddenly nipped my ears. I pinched the hand holding my waist and she only laughed in return. "Correct~ as expected from Junna-chan."

I hear another rustle of pages and the hand holding my waist began to travel to my stomach, I suppressed a shiver because I know it will only encourage Nana.

"Found one! Ahem, 'It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves.'" She recited dramatically and I can't help rolling my eyes at her antics. "William Shakespeare's words, that is one of my favorite quotes." I answered without missing a beat.

"I know Junna-chan, I can clearly see why." I hummed and she's flipping the pages again. I decided to grab the hand on my stomach with my left hand and bring it to my lips to deliver kisses to each fingertips, I heard a gasp behind me and I can't help the grin spreading in my face. Payback is sweet sometimes.

"You're playing dirty, Junna-chaaaan." She whined. I raised my eyebrows at what she said, "Says the one who keeps making distracting actions."

"It's not my fault, you keep making cute gestures every time that I can't help it." To prove her point, she starts attacking my neck with kisses and I groaned, letting go of her hand. "See? You're doing it again." Nana proceeds to rub my stomach slowly.

"Do you still want to play, Junna-chan?"

To hell with it.

I turned around and crashed my lips to hers. I can feel her smirk through the kiss as she lets go of my notes and pulls me closer. The audacity.

Irritation builds up inside me and I bit her bottom lip. She yelped in surprise and I use the opportunity to shove my tongue. Her moans vibrated inside our mouths causing me to shudder.

I broke the kiss to gasp for air and I'm satisfied to see the dazed look on Nana's face. I decided to back away but Nana suddenly grabbed and placed me on her lap. Her eyes now a shade darker and something warm is building inside me.

"More..." She whispered and I relented, lips meeting in a kiss for the second time. Tongues battling for dominance and this time, I let Nana win. She explored every corners of my mouth as I let out a moan of my own. We parted from the kiss, foreheads pressed against each other.

We both panted as we tried to calm our breathing. Nana is the first one to catch hers and she donned that breath taking smile that I love. I returned her smile and playfully rubbed our noses together.

"I admit, that's a clever way to get me to make out with you Nana."

She bursted out laughing and I can't help joining her. She puts her head in my neck and hugged me closer. "I'm just helping you unwind a little, Junna-chan~"

"Honestly." I let myself be comforted by her warmth.

"You lost the game, though."

"Oh shut up."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After some time, our friends entered the dorm. Karen and Kagura-san have so many jellyfish merchandise and I feel pity to Tsuyuzaki-san all of a sudden, knowing that those merchandise will be scattered all around their room.

Isurugi-san entered with a sleeping Hayanagi-san on her back. The former looked tired but I can see her contentment when the latter buried her face in Isurugi-san's neck.

Saijou-san and Tendo-san were the last to enter. There is a certain smugness in Tendo-san's face and a blush adorning the blonde. Something happened in the aquarium, that's my guess.

"Banana! What's for dinner I'm hungry!" Karen made a beeline to Nana whose setting the table. Nana patted Karen's head, "Just the usual curry, Karen-chan."

"I can smell something delicious in the air~ Futaba-han carry me there." The pink-haired only groaned and proceeded to drop Hanayagi-san in the chair. "Thank you."

Everyone decided to take their respective seats and talked about what happened in their outing.

"It's unfortunate that the two of you didn't join us in this outing, Daiba-san and Hoshimi-san." Tendo-san remarked.

"Don't worry about it Maya-chan, there is always next time and our day isn't that bad." Nana assured.

"Oh? Please do tell." Hanayagi-san inquired, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Nana didn't even missed a beat "We played a game where I recite a quote and Junna-chan will guess who says it, that's all."

I tried to prevent myself from blushing because if I react, I'm sure Hanayagi-san will catch something.

She seems to study Nana's answer then she let out a sigh. "What a boring way to spend the day."

Nana giggled in response. I catch her gaze and she winked at me. I only shook my head in return but I can agree on what she said.

My Saturday turned productive after all. 

Chapter Text

"I repeat, it goes like this." Junna lectured Karen as she explained the paragraph again. Said girl only groaned, "Why do we need to have written exams anyways and why does the answers have to be in English? We are training to be stage girls and - "

Junna hit the rambling girl in the head, "Stop complaining, you're disturbing my night for this so focus." Karen sighed dejectedly and tried to listen.

"I still don't get why are you asking me this, Kagura-san is more knowledgeable in English than me. She practically lived in England for years." Junna asked, Karen sheepishly rubbed the back of her head. "Well, it's actually Mahiru-chan whose always helping me with studies but now she's busy because Hikari-chan doesn't comply her homeworks yet so she is being drilled by Mahiru-chan at our room.That's why I'm here."

Junna's eyebrow twitched at her explanation, "I feel bad for Tsuyuzaki-san, you and Kagura-san are two bodies with linked brain cells." To her disdain, Karen stuck her tongue, "Jokes on you JunJun because I'm taking that as a compliment, I like sharing with Hikari-chan."

"Good Lord," Junna pinched the bridge of her nose, "You're a lost case."

Nana watched the display in front of her. Lately, Karen is coming to their room after dinner to ask for help regarding school works. This is the third time the energetic girl asked for help and she knows this is turning into a habit.

She stands up from her bed and makes her way to the door, Junna noticed her actions and asked where she is going.

"I'm just going to get the two of you some snacks, maybe Karen-chan needs a boost." She winked at Karen and said girl beamed, "You're really the best, Banana!" Junna looked like she accepted her answer and began tutoring the other girl again.

Nana closed the door and sauntered to the kitchen. When she's inside her second haven, she finally allowed her emotions to run wild. Something is prickling at her chest ever since Karen barged into their room. She clutched it and took a deep breath. 'I thought I will not feel this anymore, Karen-chan is just asking for help.'

She shook her head and opened the fridge, taking out two banana muffins and a strawberry juice. Suddenly, a crash can be heard inside their room and she quickly made her way back. What greeted her is a sight that makes her eyes darkened.

The two are sprawled on the floor. Junna is clutching her head while Karen is on top of her roommate, a dizzy look on her face. Nana quickly settle down the snacks in her desk and lifted Karen off of Junna.

"What exactly happened here?" Nana tried to keep her voice steady as she also help Junna to stand up. Her roommate glared at Karen who sheepishly rubbed her head, "Karen wants to take a break because according to her we've been studying for too long and I said no. This idiot right here decided to 'convince' me by tackling me for a hug and lost her balance." She pinched Karen by the ears, "Aaaaah, JunJuuuun I'm sorry!"

Nana is doing her best to calm herself, 'It was an accident, nothing happened. Karen is just being her playful self it doesn't mean a thing.'

She forced a smile on her face, "Karen-chan is right you know, besides here's the snacks I promised the two of you." Karen broke free from Junna's grip and made a beeline to the snacks. Her roommate sighed but she also made her way to the snacks, only slower.

"These are sooooo good, Banana! Your banana muffins are diverse!" Junna hit her head again, "It's divine, BaKaren." Karen shrugged her shoulders, "Same thing." A tick appeared on Junna's forehead but she let it be, too tired to deal on her shenanigans.

A yawn escaped from Karen's mouth after she finished her food. "Maybe it's time we call it a night JunJun." Junna didn't have the energy left to argue so she just nodded her head. "Sure Karen."

The girl delivered another hug causing for Junna to return it, afraid they might fall again. "Karen!" She only giggled in return then proceed to hug Nana too. "Thanks for the food, Banana!"

Karen grabbed her things from Junna's desk and finally walked out of their room. Junna sighed in relief and let her head down, "Honestly, that girl is so energetic right Nana?"

Silence is the only answer she received. Junna glanced at her roommate and noticed an unreadable expression in Nana's face. "Nana?"

Nana snapped out of her daze and saw Junna looking at her worriedly, "Ahh sorry Junna-chan, I spaced out. What were you saying?"

"I said Karen is always full of energy. I'm getting tired just by being near to that girl." Nana's eyes flashed another set of expressions but she quickly hide it. "Yeah, Karen-chan is always like that."

Junna is observing her roommate's behaviour, "Nana is there some-"

Nana quickly cut Junna's words, "I'm tired Junna-chan and I'm sure you are too, why don't we call it a night?" But before she can lift the covers of her bed Junna grabbed her wrist, halting her movements. "There is, isn't it?"

"There's nothing wrong Junna-chan so let me-"

"No, we talked about this already Nana. I told you, you can rely on me." If this is just a different issue Nana would relent on Junna's words, but this is about 'that' feeling and Nana is not ready to discuss it with Junna yet. So instead of succumbing to Junna's words, she breaks away from the girl's hold and finally lifts the covers of her bed.

She didn't say anything as she lie down on her bed. Junna also remained silent. After a few moments, she can hear movements from the other side and Nana knows Junna decided to drop the issue and sleep. She finally closed her eyes and sleep with a heavy heart.

The next morning, Junna groggily woke up from her slumber. She grabbed her glasses from her desk and stretched a little. "Good morning, Na-" she glanced at her roommate's bed but it is empty.

Memories of what happened last night came back to her and her stomach began churning. Nana is hiding something from her again. Junna is afraid that it is something big like the 'time loop' and became worried.

She got dressed for the day and made her way to the dining room. To her surprise, Nana is laughing with their friends at the table and when she saw her, Nana smiled her usual smile, "You're up late today Junna-chan~"

Junna blinked. This is not what she expected from her roommate, but before she can asked Nana, a figure slammed at her back. "Good morning, Junjun!"

Karen wrapped her arms in Junna's waist. Junna groaned, "It's too early for this Karen." She pinched the arms of Karen making her yelped. The arms finally let her go.

Junna turned around and was met by a very bubbly Karen, "Hehehe that was thanks for yesterday JunJun!"

"You already thanked me last night, BaKaren." She sighed, "Why are you always hugging me anyway?"

"It doesn't matter if I did it already I will always thank you. To answer your question, it's because you're so warm and soft JunJun! You're a good cuddle buddy."

Something shattered and Junna looked at the direction of the sound. The plate Nana's holding slipped from her grasp and the emotions she saw from last night are back.

Everyone gaped at Nana, the girl snapped out of her reverie and realized what she's done. "A-ah, sorry about this." Nana tried to pick up the plate but because the edges of the plates are sharp, she ended up hurting herself. "Uhm Mahiru-chan, can you take over? I need to treat this." Nana escaped from the scene.

When Junna saw Nana walked away, she quickly followed her roommate, "Nana, wait!"

Everyone snapped out of their daze too. Mahiru goes to the broken plates and proceeds to clean the mess carefully. Hikari dragged Karen to the table, muttering a low "We need to talk." Karen whimpered, "Eeeh? Hikari-chan are you angry?"

Claudine looked worried, "This is the first time I saw Nana and Junna like that, did they fight?"

"I'm sure they will be fine, Saijou-san. It's those two after all." Maya assured Claudine.

"Still, it's a little alarming don't ya think?" Futaba inquired her own opinion.

"Well, I'm not surprised about that if you asked me. I already figured out that Banana-han is the jealous type. Hoshimi-han is just clueless because Banana-han is not telling her about it." Kaoruko said seriously for once.

"Wait are they an item already?"

Kaoruko sighed. "Nah, if they are we would notice it immediately. But..." Her face is back to her usual smile, "I can tell it's gonna happen now~"

Nana sure is fast and Junna almost slammed her face at the door if she didn't have quick reflexes. She slided her body from the small gap and entered their room.

Nana is standing at the center of their room, her back turned away. Blood is dripping from her right hand but it looks like she doesn't care. Junna slowly stride to Nana, careful not to startle her roommate if she suddenly make a wrong move.

To her relief, Nana didn't try to escape again. She nervously lifted her hand and hold Nana's pinky finger. "Let's clean your wound."

She dragged Nana to her bed and gently coaxed her to sit down. Nana complied. Junna grabbed the first aid kit in her desk. She kneeled in front of Nana and cleaned her wound. 

After Junna applied the bandages, Nana apologized. "I'm sorry... I should've have done that." Junna looked up and saw that Nana have a guilty look on her face.

She stood up and tenderly stroked Nana's cheek with her palm. "Hey, it's alright." Nana shook her head, "It's not, Junna-chan. I'm being irrational..."

Junna stopped stroking Nana's cheek but she decided to lift it. "Irrational about what?" She saw the emotions appeared again, she's afraid that she asked the wrong thing when suddenly, Nana dragged and pinned her down on the bed.

There is an unreadable expression on her and Junna didn't know what to make of it. "I don't like it Junna-chan, the way Karen-chan acts around you, the way she hugs you, the way she calls you JunJun, the way that she can easily do what I want to do to you. I don't like it, I hate it!" Tears sprung from Nana's eyes and she buried her face on Junna's neck.

Junna is surprised and felt her heart beat quickened she thought it might burst from her chest. 'Does that mean she's...'

Nana seems to realize their position, 'what have I done?'. She hastily removed herself on top of Junna and scrambled at the corner of the bed, "I-I, Junna-chan I don't know what came over me I'm - "

Nana didn't have time to finish her sentence because she was engulfed in a hug. 'No I don't deserve this.'

She tried to break herself from the hold, "Junna-chan, I might do something stupid again."

Junna shook head, "It's not stupid, Nana. It's because you've been bottling your emotions for too long that's why you did that. I just didn't expect it, that's all." Junna hugged Nana tighter, "Let me do this please..."

"Sorry..." Junna nodded head. She began drawing circles to Nana's back and she can feel her relaxed from the touch. Junna sighed in relief when Nana stopped crying.

"Do you mean what you said?" Nana's mind are in shambles again but she tried to calm down because she doesn't want to do things she will regret.

She nodded her head, "I-I'm just, you are allowed to get close to anybody else it's fine Junna-chan, but I..."

"I want you to stay by my side all the time."

Nana knows she's being selfish. It's not right to keep Junna all to herself but she can't help it. This is the girl who offered her friendship, forgives her mistakes and accepts her flaws.

To Nana, Junna is hers.

Junna broke free from their hug. She seems to be in deep thought and cupped Nana's face with both of her hands, wiping the tears staining it.

"Nana, I can't promise that I will always stay by your side all the time..." Nana's head drooped. She expected this. Her body is getting numb and she's starting to regret this conversation.

"I-it's fine Junna-chan, I'm not asking you to promise anything, sorry for bothering you."

She began stroking Nana's cheek in a soothing motion. "I'm not done talking yet, Nana." Junna softly said.

Nana nervously looked at her and saw the most beautiful smile adorning her face. She feels her breath catch because of the warm look Junna is sending her.

Junna lets go of her cheek and proceeds to bring Nana's hand to her heart. "But this thing here, I can promise you this."

Huh?

She looked bashful all of a sudden and began pushing her glasses. "I-i mean if you want it of course."

Nana's eyes widened and her own heart started pounding really hard from her chest, "Junna-chan? Y-you... Does that mean..."

'You love me?'

Nana's mind went blank from then on. A squeeze brought her back and she can see Junna is playing with her fingers, a small smile adorning her face. "Mean what Nana?"

Her roommate proceeds to interlace their fingers together, "That I love you?"

Nana did the first thing that came to her mind, she shrieked. "Junna-chan!? You can't just say that!" Heat is quickly spreading to her face and she knows she's blushing. Hard.

Junna's smile widened, "But it's true. I lo-"

"Aaahhh! Let me think properly first!"

Junna is giggling and another set of fluttering feelings entered her body. 'What is this turn of events?!'

Junna lifted Nana's hand and pressed a light kiss to it. "Doubt thou the stars are fire, doubt that the sun doth move, doubt truth to be a liar, but never doubt I love, William Shakespeare."

Junna is smooth, too smooth that Nana is reduced to nothing but a blushing mess. "You're so unfair, Junna-chan."

"Well you won't let me finish what I'm saying."

Nana finally gathered her thoughts but the giddy feeling inside her remained. She pouted, "It's because you're saying it so suddenly, I'm not expecting that you know." She laid her head on Junna's shoulder. "I'm in love with you too, Junna-chan."

A smile appeared on Junna's face. She removed her hands from Nana and began stroking the girl's hair. "Are you really okay with me?" Nana asked.

"Of course. You're the one I want to be with, Nana."

"Even if I'm like this?"

Junna lifted Nana off of her shoulders and cupped her cheeks. "Even if you're like that. Listen, it's normal for people to get jealous." Junna pressed her forehead to Nana, "If you start feeling like that again, I'll just have to remind you how important you are to me."

Her doubts are erased, replaced by a sense of clarity. Only Junna can deliver this kind of feeling to her. A giggle escaped from her mouth and Junna joined her.

When their laugh subsided, they noticed the distance between them. Light blushes covered their faces. Junna slowly leaned forward until contact happened...

With her lips and Nana's point finger. Junna blinked and she felt embarrassed, "Ahh! S-sorry!" She backed away but Nana didn't let her.

"I-it's not like that Junna-chan!" Nana tugged her forward, "You're the first to confess so it's only fair that I initiate this right?" Their blush worsened after Nana said those words.

They didn't dare to move in there position, too conscious about their actions. Nana broke the tension, "C-close your eyes, J-junna-chan!!!"

"O-okay." Junna closed her eyes and waited. Nana took a deep breath, 'I got this'. She turned to look at Junna's face and her resolved crumbled. A cute blush is covering Junna's cheeks and her lips are slightly parted... 'This is illegal, Junna-chan is illegal why does she have to be this adorable, I changed my mind I can't do this!'

Junna peeked at her right eye and noticed the situation. Nana is currently covering her face with both of her hands and her nervousness vanished. "Nana."

The girl squealed, "Give me time Junna-chan! I'm going to do it, just stand by." Junna giggled, "Eeeeh don't laugh."

Junna crawled and removed Nana's hands from her face and placed it to her cheeks. She leans forward until their noses are bumping, "Well then, do it Nana." She said, their lips near each other but not touching yet. Junna is waiting for Nana to close the small gap between them.

Nana shuts her eyes, 'Here goes...' and pressed her lips to Junna lightly. They parted from the chaste kiss and stared at each other's eyes. "My turn..." Junna pressed a light kiss of her own to Nana's lips and pulled back slowly.

It was like something snapped between them. Lips meeting for the third time, Nana removed her hands on Junna's cheeks and pulled the girl closer, while Junna pushed Nana on the wall near her bed.

'Junna-chan's lips, it's soft' Nana thought as she tilted her head sideways to deepen the kiss. Junna moaned and began rubbing Nana's arms in retaliation. Nana felt her body is on fire. 

Junna is doing no better, her body is shivering every time Nana touches her. She grasped Nana's right hand and decided to squeeze -

"Aww!" They stopped their kissing because Nana is clutching her right hand. Junna cringed, 'I totally forgot it's injured.'

"Sorry about that, Nana." This time, she grabbed it gently and began soothing the pain by drawing circles with her thumb.

Nana took a deep breath, her mind is hazy from the kiss. "It's okay, it was an accident. I also forgot about it too." She bumped her nose to Junna, "You're too distracting, Junna-chan~"

Junna giggled at her antics, "Looks like someone's not a nervous wreck anymore." Nana grinned, "Of course because I'm so happy right now."

"I love you."

Junna's heart soar. She smiled and playfully rubbed their noses together, "I love you too."

"Say, Nana." The girl hummed.

"Do you want me to ask Karen to minimize the hugs?" Junna can feel Nana tensed so she gently tightened her hold in her hand to reassure her.

"I don't think you need to do that, Junna-chan. Karen-chan's way of showing her care is by physical affection. Hugging you symbolizes she treats you like a close friend and I want you to have that." Nana whispered the next words, "and you promised me your heart. That's enough for me, Junna-chan."

Junna sighed in relief, knowing that the issue is solved. She stood up and dragged Nana with her, "Let's get back to the dining, Nana. I'm getting hungry."

Nana complied and the two of them walked out of their room, hand in hand.

They were greeted with different expressions when they get back. Mahiru, Karen and Claudine looked worriedly at them while the others are more concerned on their joint hands.

Kaoruko smirked, "Called it."

"I can't believe Kaoruko can be correct sometimes." That earned an 'hey!' from the girl.

"Banana-chan, how's your hand?" Mahiru inquired. Save it to her to worry about the injuries. Nana smiled sheepishly, "It's alright  Mahiru-chan. Junna-chan patched it up."

Karen looked apologetic. She made her way to the two and bowed her head, "I'm sorry Banana, JunJun, I mean Junna-"

Junna bopped Karen's head, "BaKaren, it's fine. No need to worry about that. You can still call me with that nickname, it's growing on me anyways."

Karen nervously glanced at Nana, the latter let go of Junna's hand and hugged the smaller girl, "I'm sorry too, Karen-chan. It's not fair for me to react like that." Karen looked up and sniffled, "Bananaaaaaaaa!"

Nana giggled and patted Karen's head, "There, there Karen-chan."

Junna smiled at the scene. She's glad that their relationships with each other is not damaged.

"I notice something."

"Kaoruko don't ruin the moment please."

"Too late, Hoshimi-han and Banana-han are like a married couple with Karen-han as their kid."

Junna blushed, "Hanayagi-san!" Nana chuckled but their is a slight red on her cheeks.

Karen's mood instantly brightens up, "Waaaaaah you're right Kaoruko-chan! So whose my Dad and whose my Mom?" She questioned while looking back and forth between Junna and Nana.

Junna hit Karen on the head again, "We are not your parents!"

An idea popped on Nana's head, "Well, how about we adopt her Junna-chan? I would love that." She grabbed Junna's hand and pulled her closer.

"Haaaaaaah?!"

Laughter erupted from everyone and only Junna is suffering from embarrassment.

Chapter Text

Even though Junna said before that she can rely on her, Nana choose not to. The latter didn't confide about her problems, giving Junna the illusions that everything is alright.

That's why she didn't expect what Nana spilled before her fated audition with Karen. When the familiar ringtone reverberated in the room and Nana walked away, guilt started eating Junna's conscience. She remains standing in that room, getting angry at herself. How naive she was for believing everything is fine, that she didn't notice Nana's pain, making her suffer alone. Tears suddenly fall from her eyes but she didn't bother wiping them. Instead, she succumbed to the thoughts entering her mind.

It's already evening when Junna stopped crying. Her eyes landed on the battered script Nana left behind. She picks it up and flips the pages. Some words were unreadable already and the pages were crumpled but Junna is amazed. Even though the notebook is in this condition, Nana tried her best to restore it. Tapes connecting some ripped notes and highlighting important events again and again. She hugs the notebook and Junna vows to protect its owner from now on.

When she walked out of the school building, she saw Nana sitting on the grass. Junna stride towards the unsuspecting girl, wishing a silent prayer that she can help Nana overcome her problems and maybe, she can convince Nana to move forward together.

After her impromptu quotes, Junna wrapped her arms around the blonde and told Nana they will do the next Starlight together. Nana apologized and began crying.

Junna hugged her tighter. Her uniform is getting wet because of the tears but she doesn't mind, Nana finally lets go of her emotions and Junna will be here to support her this time.

They broke the hug. Junna told Nana that she can take the script with her, include it in their 100th Seisho festival. Warmth flowed inside her when Nana smiled at her. It may be small but it is the realest smile she's seen on Nana. Junna took a mental note to make that smile bigger.

"Let's go back to the dorm?" Junna asked Nana gently. Nana nodded her head.

She grabbed Nana's right hand and mentally patted herself when she saw the smile widened on Nana's face. They went back to the dorm, hand in hand.

Junna opened the door to their room and turned on the lights. She tried to make her way to her bed but Nana didn't let her. Instead, she found herself being dragged and the two of them fell to Nana's bed. "Nana! That's dangerous!"

Nana responded by wrapping her arms around her, burying her face in Junna's neck. Junna can feel her face heating up, "N-nana?"

"I know it will be a tight fit, but will you sleep with me?" Junna's heart started beating erratically and something keeps fluttering inside her stomach. She doesn't trust herself to talk so she settled in nodding her head.

She can feel the smile on Nana's lips, sending her heart into another overdrive, "I think we should change into something more comfortable before we go to sleep Junna-chan."

Junna looked at herself and face palmed when she noticed that they were still in their school uniform. "R-right, let's change first." Nana slowly removed her embrace and she turned around, giving Junna the privacy to change her clothes.

When Junna is done changing, she taps Nana's shoulder and they switch places. Junna is the one lying in the bed, facing the wall while Nana dresses up. After some time Junna can feel the bed creaked and she turned around.

Warm jade eyes greeted her and Junna's breath catched. "Thank you Junna-chan." She tucks a few strands of Junna's hair behind her ear and gently stroked the latter's cheeks. Junna leaned into the touch, "You don't have to hold anything back to me Nana because I will stay by your side, as long as you want me to." She said with conviction and a hidden promise.

Nana hummed. Junna can feel the drowsiness already and she let herself be lulled to sleep by Nana's heartbeat.

When Nana is sure Junna is asleep, she pressed her lips on Junna's forehead, "Goodnight Junna-chan."

The next morning, Junna woke up only to find herself face to face with the sleeping blonde. It took all her willpower to prevent the heat from crawling at her face. 'What is...'

Then the events from yesterday came back to her, 'Oh right, I slept in Nana's bed...' Junna relaxed and a fond smile appeared on her lips. Nana is making a funny expression and a drool is coming out of her mouth. Aside from that, Nana is sleeping peacefully, her arms wrapped around her. 'You're not a restless sleeper when your sleeping with someone, huh.'

She wiped the drool from the corner of Nana's mouth. Nana's brow furrowed and Junna watched with admiration as she sleepily opened her eyes. When Nana saw her, a grin broke out of the blonde's face. 'Cute'.

"Sorry, did I wake you?" Nana tightened her hold on her, "It's fine I don't mind." Her voice is still hoarse and Junna giggled. "We need to get up now, Nana."

"Eeeeeh... Can we stay a little bit longer, Junna-chan? Besides, it's Saturday." A pout settled on the blonde's face, her eyes widening.

Junna is amused at the sight. This is the first time Nana acted like a child who wants something out of her, definitely not the usual behaviour of her roommate. "I know I said this last night, but you really are a child Nana." Junna said while pinching Nana's right cheek.

A small frown replaced the pout on Nana's lips, "Sorry..." Junna placed her point finger to shush her, "It's fine Nana, I'm not bothered by it. In fact..." A small blush appeared on her face,  "I find it cute."

Nana beamed. Feeling emboldened, she playfully bite the finger on her lips making the blush on Junna's cheeks worsened. "Nana!"

She lets out a laugh and Junna's heart fluttered because of how carefree it is. "By the way, your offer is tempting Nana but what about breakfast?" She asked and Nana stopped laughing.

"Ahh! You're right..." The frown is back on Nana's face and Junna doesn't want that. Suddenly, an idea popped in her head, "How about I join you in making breakfast? If you want me to, that is."

Nana grabbed her hand, "I'd love that." A soft smile graze her lips.

Junna let Nana lead her to the kitchen. She can't help thinking that they should do this more often, plus...

She could get used to this.

"Is this alright, Nana?" The blonde paused what she's doing and checked Junna's progress. The two of them decided to make a traditional breakfast consisting of rice, miso soup and various side dishes.

"A little bit smaller Junna-chan, here let me show it to you." Nana goes behind Junna and covers the hand with the knife and her other hand holding the green onion, "Something like this." She demonstrate and chopped it, "Oh, now I get it. Thank you Nana, I'll handle this."

Nana lets go and proceeds to wrap her arms around the smaller girl's waist. "Junna-chan..."

Junna squeaked, totally not prepared about the sudden action, "N-nana?"

"Can I request something?" Nana asked. Junna can detect the nervousness from Nana so she placed the knife down and covered the hands on her waist with her own. "Sure, what is it?"

"I like hugging you..." Junna's heart started racing from the confession, "I know it's kinda childish and selfish on my part but can I do this every time I feel like it?"

'Can I hug you when I feel alone again?' Junna understood the hidden meaning behind those words.

Junna shifted and returned the hug, "If this brings you comfort then do it. You don't have to ask permission about this Nana. Besides, this will not be considered childish nor selfish if I want to hug you too right?" She looks up to meet Nana's gaze, "You don't have to be conscious about your actions to me."

The distance seems closer between them. Junna's mouth went dry. She unintentionally licks her lips and Nana's attention diverts to it. The blonde pulled her closer and slowly leaned, "Junna-chan I - "

"Banana are you here?"

The two sprang apart from each other. Nana returned to her position and Junna turned around as Karen popped her head in the doorway. "Oh JunJun's here too."

"Y-yeah, she's helping me to make breakfast. Do you need something Karen-chan?" Nana asked the brown-haired girl. Karen scratched her left cheek, "Uhm, I was wondering if we could talk, you know about what happened..."

Nana realized what Karen meant, she glanced at her roommate and tried to contain her emotions, "Sure Karen-chan. Junna-chan wait here I'll be back." She saw Junna nod her head and Nana walked out of the kitchen with Karen following her.

When Junna is sure she's alone, she gripped the kitchen counter tightly, 'Is she going to...' She remembered the distance between them, Nana slowly leaning and - 'Oh my God she will. If Karen didn't popped out of nowhere, Nana and I...'

She slapped her own cheeks, 'I need to stop.' But her mind won't listen to her, it keeps replaying that one moment between her and Nana.

If it isn't for Mahiru entering the kitchen, Junna is sure she'll be there standing in front of the chopping board for who knows how long. Mahiru noticed her turmoil and offered to take over the cooking. Junna's initial response would be to decline but she doesn't know if she can prepare breakfast anymore so she accepted.

After thanking Mahiru, she walked out of the kitchen and saw Nana patting Karen's head, Nana is giggling while Karen is teary-eyed but the grin in her face is big.

Junna relaxed after seeing the scene in front of her, she's glad that there is no ill feelings between the two. Karen bid her goodbye and Nana waved her hand.

"I'm glad that Karen decided to talk to you about this." Junna suddenly piped up. Nana turned to look at her and smiled fondly, "She's growing Junna-chan and I'm happy too. Talking to her made me see things in other perspectives."

Junna nodded her head, "Well that's Karen for you, I guess she's smart in her own way." Her mind betrayed her again and it flashed the memory from before, "O-oh yeah, Tsuyuzaki-san took over in making breakfast."

If Junna is focused, she can see the subtle blush on Nana's face. "I-is that so? I guess I'll go over there and help her. What about you?"

"I think I will go back to our room, I'll see you there?" Junna inwardly cringed, 'of course I'll see Nana there she's my roommate!' Nana doesn't look like she noticed something wrong and nodded her head.

When Nana returned to the kitchen, Junna made her way to their room. After closing the door, she removed her glasses and groaned. She doesn't know what baffled her the most. The fact that Nana tried to kiss her,

Or the fact that she's willing to let that happen.

The rest of the day passed like a blur. Junna is glad that Nana is doing better after her what happened yesterday but sometimes, there is a look of uncertainty in Nana that Junna noticed every now and then. Whenever she saw that, she will try to cheer Nana up. Saying quotes, opening a conversation about frogs and trying to make her laugh. Nana's eyes light up every time, the child-like behaviour of her roommate is showing and Junna finds it endearing.

When they get back to their room, Junna is relieved that Nana is finally opening up to her. They were sitting side by side in her bed, talking about anything. Nana is the one who opened the topic about the loops this time and Junna gladly listened.

"Did you know that Maya-chan is not good at art?" Junna's brows furrowed but their is an amused smile settling on her face, "I have my doubts, she's always gone when it is time for art class. I guess even Tendou-san has weakness too."

Nana giggled, "Whenever we have an art class, Maya-chan is in the practice room but she's not practicing, rather, she's trying to draw. I confronted her in one of the loops and that's the first time I saw her act differently." Nana laughed harder, "You should've seen that look Junna-chan, pure bewilderment and utter horror."

"I guess the saying 'Don't judge a book by its cover' applied to her situation." Junna playfully slapped the right shoulder of her roommate, "Same goes for you, Nana. I didn't expect you to be this mischievous." Nana grinned at her, "Well it can't be helped, oh and Junna-chan?" Junna glanced suspiciously at Nana, "What?"

A playful glint appeared in the blonde's eyes, "I discovered your ticklish spot." A look of panic flashed in Junna's face and before she can plan her escape, Nana grabbed her face and blow a puff of air in Junna's left ear. "Kyaaaah! Nana! Pfffft no stop ahahahaha!" Junna tried to squirm but Nana won't relent. "That's it!" Junna snaked her arms in Nana's sides making the blonde yelped. "Ahh!" Junna pushed Nana on the bed and began tickling her waist.

"Ju-Junna-chan, ahh stop HAHAHAHAHA!" Junna grinned, "No way!" Her hands travel to Nana's stomach and did the same treatment. A series of laughter echoed in their room.

"I can't believe you're this ticklish, Nana." Both of them are panting really hard. Junna finally stopped her 'attacks' and let Nana breathed. She dropped her weight on Nana's body while Nana played with her hair.

"You're mean Junna-chan." Junna looked up and poked Nana's cheeks, "Am I the one who started this?" An adorable pout is the only answer Junna get.

She removed herself on top of Nana and moved to her side, occupying the space between the wall and Nana. "Tell me more about the loops?"

"What do you want to know, Junna-chan?" Nana turned sideways so she's face to face with Junna, "You said we haven't face each other yet in this audition, but what about before?"

Different emotions flash in Nana's eyes. Junna grabs her hand and waits patiently for Nana to speak. "We did and I don't like it." She interlaced her hand with Junna's small ones. "After our revue, you always sensed that I'm hiding something. You will always confront me here in our room but I'm not telling anything. You never gave up even though I'm pushing you away..." A sad smile appeared on her face, "I don't deserve someone like - "

"Don't."

Nana blinked. Junna removed her hand and lifted it to stroke Nana's cheeks. "Don't say that."

"Junna-chan..."

"No. Don't ever say you don't deserve me like you never did something good in my life. No one tried to get close to me because I'm a stickler for rules but when you told me I could rely on you after the class president election, I was happy." She took a deep breath, "You offered me friendship Nana, I'm only returning it."

"You really are a kind person." Nana grabbed the hand stroking her cheek and placed a kiss on Junna's knuckles.

The feel of her lips makes Junna's heart thumped louder. Nana looked at her with admiration and she felt herself drowning in it. She traced Nana's upper lip with her thumb. "Nana..."

"I'm in love with you."

Junna's mind went blank the moment those words left Nana. Her heart is beating like crazy and something is fluttering in her stomach, "You what?"

"I almost said it when we were at the kitchen but Karen-chan barged in." Nana smiled softly, closing her eyes before continuing, "You shouldn't be surprised about this Junna-chan." She traced circles in Junna's hand, "I fell in love with you the moment you called me 'Nana'. I love it when you call me that, it made me happy. The way your eyes light up when you're reading. You keep making cute expressions when you discovered something new, the way you dance, sing and..." Nana suddenly paused and a blush settled on her cheeks, "I'm rambling, aren't I? It's just I could list so many things I love about you that I could go on and on about it."

She took a deep breath and opened her eyes, "I'm not expecting you to return my feelings Junna-chan. I just want you to know this..."

Nana makes a move to stand up but Junna prevents her, tugging her back in bed, "Junna-chan?"

"Is it really what you want?"

"Eh?"

Junna pulled her closer. "How many times do I have to tell you..." She lowered her head, covering her eyes with her bangs that Nana can't see her expression. "You don't have to hold anything back when you're talking to me."

Junna looked into Nana's eyes, "You didn't even asked if I feel the same way or not." There is something in her eyes that Nana can't decipher at all.

"T-that's because - "

"What if I tell you I'm in love with you too?"

Nana didn't have time to process because something cut her off. Warm lips covered her own and all thoughts vanished in her mind except the feeling of Junna's lips on hers.

When the initial shock subsided, Nana pulled her closer by cupping Junna's cheeks and returned the kiss, pouring all her pent up emotions in this moment.

After some time, Junna broke the kiss and pressed their foreheads together. "I love you too." Nana gaped, her mind is buzzing from the confession and the kiss.

"Stop holding back, Nana." Warm breath is teasing her mouth and something snapped when she heard those words, igniting the feelings she's hiding all these years.

Nana pinned Junna in the bed and leaned down, capturing Junna's lips for the second time. Junna eagerly complied, snaking her arms to the blonde's neck. Loving the way Junna's lips moves with hers, Nana tilts her head sideways to deepen the kiss. Junna gasped, sending Nana's heart into overdrive.

She could feel Junna's body underneath her and it's making her dizzy. Her hands began roaming as she moves her lips to Junna's neck, delighting the way Junna shivered. "Nana..."

Placing one last kiss, she slowly pulls away. Deep breaths are filling the room. Junna is panting, her lips raw in abuse and her eyes are unfocused, "Wow, that was. I uh don't, just... Never mind."

Nana fights the urge to kiss her senseless again so she settles on placing a kiss to Junna's forehead, "You're not making any sense right now Junna-chan~"

Something soft licked her neck and Nana yelped, "Junna-chan?!"

When Nana returns her gaze in Junna's eyes, her mouth becomes dry from the look Junna is sending her. "Don't care..."

Her voice is deeper now and Nana gulped, "Junna-"

"Again." Her last word before she rolls her over and lies on top of Nana, running kisses in the blonde's jaw and neck before landing a kiss on her lips.

This is different from the first one Junna initiated before. This one is passionate and Nana knows she's under Junna's pace now but she doesn't mind, loving the way Junna reacts when she lets out a moan of her own. Junna opened her mouth and invited Nana's tongue inside, touching her own. Their tongue's encircled with each other and heat is quickly spreading through their bodies.

As much as Nana wants to continue, she knows they need to stop before she really lose her control. Even though the sharp inhalations of Junna when she teasingly touches her waist temps her, she slowed down the pace of the kiss and tapped Junna. Said girl complied and lifted her head, breaking their kiss. A trail of saliva leaving their mouths after parting.

They are gasping for air and Nana is the first one to catch hers. She wipes the beads of sweat trickling from Junna with her hand and giggled, "I learned something new today."

"W-what?" Junna managed to stutter, still breathing heavily.

"You're a good kisser Junna-chan~" a flick on the forehead is the only response she gets from Junna. Her giggle turned into a full blown laughter, making the already embarrassed girl above her flushed a deep shade of red, "Nana!"

Nana wrapped her arms around Junna, holding her by the waist. "But it's true~" Before Junna could flick her forehead again, she catches the hand and interlace it with her own, enjoying the warmth emanating from it. Her smile turned gentle, captivated by the girl in front of her, "I can't believe you love me back..."

Junna's expression softened. She pecks Nana's nose making the blonde giggle, "You shouldn't be surprised about that Nana." 

"Returning my words I see. That's very you, Junna-chan." Nana cups Junna's cheeks with her free hand, "I've made a lot of mistakes Junna-chan... Are you sure about me?" Nana can't hide the slight shake of her hands and Junna can feel it. 

Junna leaned into the hand holding her left cheek and squeezed the other one, "I love thee, I love but thee. With a love that shall not die, till the sun grows cold and the stars grow old." Junna smiled softly, "Bayard Taylor."

Heat creeps in Nana's face and her heart is hammering inside her chest, not expecting a quote at all. "You're so unfair, Junna-chan..."

"I could recite more but it will only mean the same thing. You're the person I love Nana, I'm sure of it." Junna's words are said with conviction and the doubts Nana feels are washed away.

Junna propped herself to Nana's warm body, enjoying the sound of Nana's heart as it transformed from rapid to steady beats. It's so calming that Junna has the urge to sleep, "Hey Nana." She sleepily said.

"Hmm?" 

"Let's go out tomorrow, on a date."

"Eh?!" 

Soft breaths is the only answer she received. Nana glanced at Junna and an amused smile donned her face, the girl is sleeping sideways, ears pressed in her chest. "Sure, Junna-chan." 

Nana removes her glasses and places it on the desk. She kisses Junna's forehead and wrapped her left arm to Junna's waist, their other hands still interlaced and Nana didn't bother letting go.

For the first time, Nana is looking forward for tomorrow to come that she didn't get a wink of sleep at all.

Chapter Text

Every person will have a significant event that will be forever engraved in their mind. Junna is no exception, encountering that one magical moment when she was a kid.

Even before, she was not an outgoing child. She would rather drown herself to the pile of story books in her room than spend the day outside, doing things that requires engaging with other people. 

Her mom though, seems to have a different view of 'fun' and coaxed her to go to the park near their home, telling her she needs to go out and be like the other kids. She tried to get away from it by looking at her dad and gave him 'the' look. Her dad almost falters, but because her mom's decision is absolute, it didn't work.

That's why here she is, grumbling as she tries her best to entertain herself with whatever comes to her mind. She's been sitting in the park bench for an hour and now she's bored. 

Junna feels out of place. Even though the kids in the park looks approachable, they are all playful and loud, unlike her who likes peace and quiet. 

Until she noticed a girl who's about her age, carrying a small red backpack. At first, Junna thought she's just like the others, to have 'fun' and play whatever they want. To her surprise, instead of joining the other kids, the girl marched her way to the pond near her location and kneeled at the side, settling her backpack on the grass before opening its contents and revealing a book.

Now that piqued her interest. 

Suddenly, she heard loud croaking sounds and her eyes widened when she noticed five little frogs approaching the girl. A happy giggle escaped the girl's lips. It's very different from the noisy guffaws of those children, this one is soft and adorable that Junna can't help but like the sound. 

Her ears perked up when the girl read the book aloud and huffed in amusement when she recognized the story. 

The Little Frog Prince.

Her dad reads her stories during bedtime, but this girl has a way with words that mesmerized her. The girl is even acting some parts. She keeps adding a little bit of intonations and dramatic gestures when needed that Junna blocks the background noises and allows herself to listen to the girl's voice only. 

Even the frogs around the girl seems to be attracted to her company. They looked like those little toddlers listening to their nursery teacher, causing a smile to break out of her lips. 

When the girl finished reading/acting the story, she unintentionally clapped her hands making the girl squeaked in surprise, the frogs around her scrambling back to the pond. 

She lets out an embarrassed yelp and the girl turned to her, red dusting her cheeks. Awkward silence falls between them. 

It was broken when the girl releases a laugh. It's so carefree that the nervousness she feels vanished in an instant and she joined the girl, letting out a laugh of her own.

When their laughter subsided, the girl suddenly goes to her position and sits beside Junna. Now that she's closer, Junna can tell there's a sweet smell around her and she wondered what it was. Twiddling her fingers, she tried to open a conversation.

"H-hi..." Junna winced when she heard the stuttering in her voice.

"Heya." The girl replied.

The nervous feeling is back as well as the awkward silence. They are both shifting in their seat as she struggled to talk, racking her brain for a topic.

"Uhm, that's a nice perfume you're wearing. What's that?" She started, unable to say anything.

"Hmm?" The girl tilted her head, "I'm not using perfume, must be the bread." 

"Oh."

A grin appeared on the girl's face, "Did you enjoy the story?" 

She furrowed her brows, then her eyes widened when she realized what the girl meant, "Y-yeah, I like it." She said, nodding her head for emphasis.

She heard another giggle from the girl and her ears rung from the sound. "I like your glasses too, it suits you." 

"T-thanks." A blush appeared on her face, clearly not expecting the sudden praise. Junna treated these specs as a hindrance to her reading time, but now, hearing someone complimenting her glasses makes her happy. 

Without warning, the girl leaned over and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

Warm. 

That's the only thing existing inside her mind. Even when the girl pulled away, the kiss is still lingering on her cheek, like she's been branded with affection. 

And that's the first magical moment Junna experienced in life. 

Unfortunately, the moment ended because Junna heard someone calling her name. Turning around, she saw her dad making his way to her direction. 

When she looked back, the girl disappeared. 

A feeling of disappointment washed over her. She didn't even get to ask anything from the girl, not even her name. She slowly goes to her dad and keeps on looking back, hoping to see a glimpse of the girl that made her feel magical.

Ever since that day, Junna keeps on coming back to the park, waiting for the girl which later on became the mysterious 'frog princess' in her mind. 

But sadly, the girl never came back and Junna stops her visits when she entered middle school.

Even so, Junna treated the girl as her first ever friend. She always declined her parents' suggestion that she needs to replace her glasses with contacts. Junna started growing fond of it because for her, this is her only connection to the mysterious girl aside from the kiss she received (which still sends fluttering feelings inside her stomach every time she remembered it).

As she grew older, the girl became a distant memory of the past because of the recent conflicts between her and her parents. It made her focus on other things, like her dream for example.

When she entered Seisho (even though it's against her parents' wishes), she met a girl named Nana, a cheerful girl who has a weird hair style and has a knack for cooking delicious desserts.

They became roommates and something keeps bugging her mind from then on. That 'something' keeps on bothering her every time she watched Nana do her stuffs, whether if it's just cooking, her habit of taking photos, whenever she performed an act or anything in particular.

At first, Junna is anxious of this 'something', that's why she distanced herself from her roommate. She has a goal in mind and she can't let herself be distracted by these feelings building up whenever she's near Nana.

But fate doesn't agree with her plans and they became rivals for the class president election. The two of them started a little competition, courtesy of Karen, to prove who is the better leader between them. Realizing Nana's competence and natural talents, Junna is disheartened. She lost her self-confidence when they entered a kindergarten and no children approach her. 

As she leaned her back on the wall, her gaze drifted to the lonely kid at her side. She finds out that the little girl thinks she's bad at singing. Feeling a sense of sympathy, she taught the little girl her way of singing and a proud feeling emerged in her chest when the little girl sang beautifully.

Nana approached the two of them along with everybody else and asked them to sing altogether. Hearing Nana's voice makes that 'something' appeared again, but this time she doesn't mind and let the feelings grow, sending warmth to her heart.

In the end, Nana withdrew from the election and she became the class president. She confronted Nana outside the class but the girl only thanked her in return, muttering something she couldn't hear. 

She disagreed, in her mind, it's supposed to be her line. From then on, Junna treated Nana with utmost respect. Making it her goal to support Nana in her own way. 

One day, when they are practicing for a play, the two of them became partners for the dance lessons. In their session, Junna noticed a sweet scent when Nana drew her closer, and that nagging sensation came back full force. Before she can stop herself, she asked Nana what kind of perfume she's wearing.

The blonde only look quizzically at her, "I'm not wearing perfume, Hoshimi-san."

Junna raised her eyebrows, but she accepted the answer. Throughout their dancing, that scent remains. It grew stronger now that Junna's aware, making her a little bit dizzier.

Their practice is done, untangling herself from Nana's hold, she was about to head out to clear her head when the next string of words made her stopped dead in her tracks.

"Must be the muffins I'm baking or something."