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There were two kinds of physical contact that Kokomi could never get enough of; hugs and head pats. As a person who showed affection through touches, Kokomi would take every chance she gets to hug Sara. Be it just her arm or a proper tight hug. To Kokomi, it was the most sincere way for her to let the taller girl just how much she liked her.
Kokomi also thrived off head pats. Maybe it was just how gently Sara would stroke her hair, sometimes comb her fingers through it. But there was something addictive about the feeling whenever Sara’s nails scratched her scalp. The sensation alone was enough to make Kokomi’s knees wobble.
Whilst lying on her bed with a light read one day, she was struck by a brilliant idea; she should rate her hugs. Scrambling from her bed, she dug through her drawer and found a small notebook. With glee, she began decorating the cover.
Kokomi slipped her hand into Sara’s, fitting her smaller fingers between the archer’s slender ones as she brought her other hand to rest on Sara’s forearm. She loved how their hands fit perfectly together. Coupled with the warmth against her body, it was enough to fill the shorter girl with bliss.
“Want to stop by anywhere on the way home today?” Sara asked, squeezing Kokomi’s hand.
“Why? Want to spend more time together?” Kokomi teased as she leaned up, enjoying the blush that bloomed across Sara’s cheeks.
“I… Well yes, but I’m just checking if you needed to pick stuff up on your way home,” Sara huffed.
“I don’t,” the pastel-haired girl giggled. “Do you?”
“No.”
“Then we shall just walk slower,” Kokomi nudged Sara and slowed her steps, laughing as the archer grew redder.
Sara’s hands are always nice to hold. They’re a little rough from training but it’s charming. It’s also nice and warm, probably great when winter comes around. But it would be too warm to hold in summer and we would be sweaty. :(
Score: 9 / 10
“Kokomi! Hurry up or we’re gonna be late!” Ayaka called out.
“I’ll meet you at the gate!” Kokomi waved and ran off towards the archery building. She steadied her breathing as she approached, opening the door silently and slipping in.
Club was in session and there were a couple of archers at the range. Looking around, it didn’t take long for Kokomi to find her friend. She briskly approached Sara who seemed surprised to see her.
“Kokomi? Don’t you have to go to Kamisato san’s graduation?” Sara leaned down and whispered, touching Kokomi’s arm.
“I do, but I wanted to say bye first,” Kokomi smiled and subtly slipped her arm around Sara’s waist. She leaned into the archer’s side, taking in Sara’s scent for a second before pulling away.
Though the archery club members were well acquainted with Kokomi, the latter didn’t want to draw any attention to themselves. Especially not when they were in the middle of practice. Furthermore, she didn’t want Sara to be spoken badly of for not being professional.
“See you,” Kokomi whispered and squeezed Sara’s hand, letting go only when the girl squeezed back with a small smile.
She silently took her leave and jogged back to the gate.
“I was this close to leaving you with your lovebird,” Ayaka lightly jabbed Kokomi’s shoulder as they sped walked to the train station.
“I’m sorry,” the pastel pink-haired girl sheepishly grinned.
Side hugs are alright. Though not the most comfortable, but something about being sneaky with the archery club members around make it feel super special. Seeing how Sara’s expression softened when she saw me gives it bonus points. <3
Score: 7+1 /10
“Where does this go?” Sara whispered.
Kokomi looked up from her clipboard. Glancing at the book, she looked up at the shelves that had an empty slot.
“The topmost shelf in that gap.”
Kokomi watched as the archer effortlessly reached up, sliding the book into its spot.
Kokomi was troubled to organize the shelves while the librarian on duty ran some errands. Since Sara was with her, she naturally tagged along to assist her friend. With two pairs of hands, they worked through the cart of books with relative ease.
With the last two books set neatly on the shelf, Kokomi dusted her hands and stepped back.
Arms snaked around her waist from behind and she felt a warm body press against her back. Sara rested her cheek against Kokomi’s head and let out a contented sigh.
The shorter girl leaned her head back against Sara’s shoulder, resting her hands over the latter’s.
“Suddenly?” Kokomi whispered with mirth.
“Complaining?” Sara asked as she gently swayed them side to side.
Kokomi hummed her disagreement. She let her thumbs run in circles on the back of Sara’s hand as they bathed in each other’s presence.
“I like you a lot,” Sara whispered after a long silence.
Kokomi turned in Sara’s arms to face the girl, indigo eyes twinkling with delight.
“What’s gotten into you today?” Kokomi reached up to wrap her arms around Sara’s neck.
“Just felt like it,” Sara shrugged.
A wide grin spread across Kokomi’s face as she nuzzled her face into Sara’s shoulders. Feeling fingers comb through her hair, Kokomi unconsciously began leaning more of her weight onto Sara.
“I hope you’re not falling asleep,” Sara chuckled and Kokomi felt the archer’s chest rumble.
At that, she straightened up, moving her hands down to hold Sara’s biceps.
“Come on, let’s tell Izumi san that we’re done,” the archer gently nipped Kokomi’s cheek with her fingers.
Sara gives the best back hugs. Though our height difference makes it a bit uncomfortable for me to rest my head on her shoulder, leaning on it is just as good ^^ I love when she combs through my hair but sometimes it really pushes me to want something more…
Score: 10 / 10
Thunk .
The arrow planted itself cleanly into the center of the target. It took Kokomi all of her self-control to not break into cheer. Instead, keeping her hands clasped tightly on her lap. Her admiration-filled gaze trained onto her archer, watching as she bowed before stepping back to the benches.
The pastel-haired girl cheered the loudest as they hung the gold medal around Sara’s neck. The latter made eye contact and gave a small wave, shooting a small finger heart her way. Kokomi grabbed at her chest and leaned back, feigning hurt. She grinned when Sara hid her laughter behind her hand.
As soon as the ceremony ended, Kokomi was down on the field and running into Sara’s arms. She felt the archer lifting her slightly, hugging her tight. Sara buried her face into Kokomi’s shoulder as the latter patted her on the back.
“You have no idea how proud I am,” Kokomi said into Sara’s ear. The latter laughed as the shorter girl’s breath tickled her ear.
“I’m glad I made you proud,” Sara pulled away with a bright smile. Intertwining their hands, she brought Kokomi’s knuckles to her lips, making the shorter girl blush.
“Let’s regroup with the club,” the archer said and tugged a giggly Kokomi towards the waiting area.
Sara is the best archer in the world and no one can tell me otherwise. Tight hugs are the best hugs, though I wish my brain didn't blank out after that little kiss she gave on my hand >< ♡
Score: 200 / 10
“Congratulations Kujou san!” a girl with long hair came up to Sara’s desk.
“Thanks?” Sara blinked, unsure of who this girl was and why she and her two friends were with her.
“We saw a clip of your winning shot at the competition, it was really cool,” one of her friends said.
“Thanks,” Sara fidgeted. It was lunch and she was supposed to meet Kokomi right about now. She looked to her two friends who seemed to make no moves to save her from her predicament. Miko looked rather amused, taking a piece of chicken into her mouth as she looked on.
The pastel-haired girl appeared in the doorway of the classroom. Seeing the girls around Sara, she immediately looked towards her friends. Ei flashed Kokomi a weak smile as the latter approached.
“What’s going on?” Kokomi asked, eyes not leaving the crowd.
“They’re congratulating Sara on her win,” Ei explained.
Kokomi frowned. Without thinking, she walked towards the group.
“It’s about to get spicy,” Miko sang and Ei smacked her on the arm.
Just as Kokomi stepped up behind Sara, her senses snapped back into her little being and she froze.
Sara is still the club president. I can’t ruin her reputation by doing something impulsive now.
The shorter girl took a deep breath, calming herself before she spoke.
“Sara,” Kokomi called in a sweet voice.
The archer immediately turned around, a relieved smile spreading across her face as she caught sight of the familiar face.
“My friend is here, we’re going to have our lunch now,” Sara said politely as she stood up. Kokomi offered her a hand to which the archer gladly took, eyes widening at the unusually rough grip.
Kokomi was silent on the walk up to the roof and almost the entirety of their lunch, though she did respond to Sara’s questions and prompts. Seeing that the girl was obviously upset, Sara packed up as soon as they were done. As Kokomi was about to stand, Sara took hold of her wrist and tugged her down onto her lap.
“What are you doing?” Kokomi asked an octave higher as her ears turned red.
“I want to know what’s got my little fish upset,” Sara asked, hugging Kokomi’s waist. “I do have a guess, but I want to hear it from you.”
“It’s stupid…”
“Not if it’s enough to put your mood down. I’m not gonna get mad or anything, mm? Talk to me,” Sara touched Kokomi’s chin.
“It’s… I’m just petty. They weren’t even close to you until you won and now they’re acting all friendly. I can’t be angry at them for congratulating you but I’m just… Annoyed. Like they’re only talking to you now? Because you won?” Kokomi huffed.
Sara couldn’t help but chuckle at that, resting her forehead against Kokomi’s shoulder.
“What’s so funny?” the shorter girl pouted.
“Sorry, it’s not your feelings that I’m laughing at. It’s just… I’m glad that you feel that way, or it would mean you don’t care enough,” Sara looked up at the girl.
Kokomi felt entranced by the soft gold eyes looking straight into hers. Sara’s face was so close, she could feel the former’s breath on her lips. Her eyes strayed from the gold orbs, falling to the soft pink lips. Unconsciously, she licked her own lips.
Sara raised her head and saw how Kokomi’s eyes met hers once again in a blink.
“We should go back,” Kokomi said as she tried to push herself off Sara’s lap.
“Just a while more. I need to recharge my battery,” Sara tightened her hold around Kokomi’s waist, smiling when she felt the girl sigh.
Today was dangerous for many reasons. Why does it seem like I’m getting more impulsive every day? Too many close calls… But I’m glad that we were able to talk openly about feelings like this instead of letting them fester. Minus points for me not being able to get it together ●﹏●
Score: 10 ( -4 ) / 10
Sara swept the floor as she listened to Kokomi talk about her outing with Ayaka over the weekends.
“Let’s go during our winter break! The scenery was really pretty,” Kokomi turned back from cleaning the chalkboard to look at Sara who nodded.
Sara returned the broom and dustpan to the locker before walking back to the front of the class. She sat on a desk and watched as the shorter girl reached for the top of the board.
“Need some help?” Sara sniggered. Kokomi, without turning back, let out a dramatic sigh.
“I will throw this duster at your head,” the shorter girl huffed as she tiptoed to reach the last bits of chalk.
Rubbing it off, she put the duster down and turned to Sara who stretched her hands out. Kokomi crossed her arms and looked away, feigning annoyance. Her act didn’t last long for hands were around her wrist, tugging them loose without a struggle.
“Am sorry,” Sara grinned as she pulled the shorter girl between her legs.
“You don’t look very sorry,” Kokomi mumbled.
Sara nuzzled her nose against Kokomi’s hair, taking in the scent of the latter’s sakura shampoo. Burying her face deeper into the soft pink tresses, she got close to Kokomi’s neck, intentionally exhaling against the latter’s skin. She felt Kokomi shiver in her arms and hands were instantly on her shoulders, pushing her back.
“Alright! Alright,” Kokomi stuttered. Sara grinned, amused by how easily she could make the girl flustered these days.
“You’re so unfair,” Kokomi pouted.
It’s nice when Sara and I are on the same eye level but it’s getting harder to rate these hugs when she gets me so… Is she teasing me on purpose? (ﾟ▽ﾟ｀*)?
Score: … what am I rating again?
With winter drawing closer, their layers of clothing gradually increased. Unfortunately for Sara, she’d overslept after stopping her alarm this morning. The good news was that she’d somehow made it to class a minute before homeroom started. The bad news, she’d forgotten to grab a scarf in her rush.
As luck would have it, today’s forecast reported an unusually chilly day. It was fortunate that Sara was not sensitive to the cold weather. Instead, she rather liked it. The chilly air blowing against her skin felt refreshing as compared to the hot summer air.
Kokomi, however, wasn’t buying it.
“You’re gonna catch a cold,” she frowned as she pulled her scarf from her neck.
“It’s fine, the walk home isn’t that long and it’s refreshing,” Sara assured the shorter girl who wasn’t taking ‘no’ for an answer.
“Just put it on.”
“But then you’ll be cold.”
“I have my coat,” Kokomi challenged and Sara sighed, lowering her head. The former hummed in victory as she twirled her scarf around the archer’s neck.
“Now you’re just like me,” Sara looked at Kokomi. Reaching down, she took hold of Kokomi’s hand, tucking their joined hands into her coat pocket.
“There, we’ll both be warm,” the archer grinned at her friend who snuggled up by her side.
“ Ikemen ,” Kokomi giggled as she adjusted the scarf around Sara’s neck.
Sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky to be with Sara. Especially when she does stuff like this (〃▽〃) Just holding hands like this makes me so happy… I really am falling… >3<
Score: 11 / 10
“Sara Sara, look!” Kokomi excitedly pulled Sara towards a shelf of mittens. “These are so cute!”
“They suit you,” Sara smiled as she pulled a baby blue mitten from the rack, slipping it onto Kokomi’s hand. There was even a little pom-pom on the back of it.
“Oh!” The shorter girl clapped her hands as if struck by a brilliant idea. “We should get matching mittens! Or we should pick some mittens or gloves for each other!”
“Why not?” Sara tugged the mitten off Kokomi’s hand and placed it back on the rack.
We’ll go walk around alone for 15 minutes and meet back here when we’re done,” Kokomi bounced on her feet in excitement. “And no peeking at what the other got!”
“Alright,” Sara ruffled the shorter girl’s hair before parting ways.
It was tough to choose just one pair. Sara was tempted to get five pairs for the girl because there were so many mittens that suited her, but she resisted. Kokomi only had one pair of hands, so she should get one pair. Though she could wear them on different days of the week…
Sara, no. Just one.
Kokomi on the other hand was looking through the racks very seriously. It was just a mitten, but the shorter girl had turned it into a mission to find the perfect one for Sara. She wanted something that would fit Sara well, look cute but not to the point where it would be embarrassing to wear, and reflect a little of Kokomi as well.
Indeed, very high demands.
Eventually, the girls settled on the mitten of their choice and returned to the agreed meeting spot. Kokomi saw Sara waiting with her hands behind her back and grinned.
“Shall we do the big reveal now?” the shorter girl asked.
“Sure, but you first,” Sara gave a lopsided smile.
Kokomi produced the mitten that she was hiding behind her back and raised it between them. It was a pair of convertible fingerless gloves in a soft shade of lavender.
“I figured this would be the most practical for you. It keeps your hands warm without hindering your fingers. I think the color would fit you too since you like purple,” Kokomi explained as she eagerly watched for Sara’s reaction.
The archer’s face seemed to light up as she took the gloves.
“It’s really soft,” Sara’s eyes widened at the material in her hand. “Well, I hope you’ll like this.”
Sara extended her glove towards Kokomi. It was a baby blue knitted mitten, similar to the one Sara had put on Kokomi, only that there were jellyfishes knitted in white on the back instead of pom-poms.
“If you find it too childish to wear, I have 4 other options for you to pick from,” Sara said as Kokomi slipped them on. “The tops on these don’t flip up though, I didn’t think about functionality…”
“I like it,” Kokomi giggled, raising her mitten-covered hands at Sara, waving her fingers.
“That’s strangely cute,” the archer laughed and Kokomi held Sara’s face in her hands.
“Right? I think it’s because you picked them for me.”
“How smooth of you, Sangonomiya san,” Sara teased.
If I could, I would wear these mittens forever. I don’t know how she found this but gosh, these jellyfishes on the back are the cutest things I’ve ever seen. Other than Sara of course (๑>ᴗ<๑) I haven’t been rating the hugs like I intended to… Oh well~
Score: 10 / 10
“I… I’m not too sure this is a good idea,” Sara gulped as Kokomi beckoned at her.
“It’ll be fine! Do you trust me?”
“Yes, but-”
“I won’t let you fall, I promise,” Kokomi held out her pinky. Sara looked at the little wiggling finger and then at the girl who seemed a little too excited.
“If I fall, you’re not getting hugs from me for a week,” Sara grumbled as she hooked her pinky around Kokomi’s and pressed their thumbs together.
“That won’t happen,” the shorter girl said confidently. “Now come!”
Sara watched as the pastel-haired girl settled down on the hammock with ease.
“How do I…” Sara licked her lips, holding on to the fabric to stop the hammock from swaying.
“Sit on the other side like how I am now, and on the count of 3, we’ll just swing in,” Kokomi explained.
“Won’t it flip?”
“Not if we do it at the same time.”
“Is this safe…”
“If it wasn’t, the adventure club wouldn’t be able to set it up, right?”
Pursing her lips, Sara walked over to the other side, slowly easing down on the fabric. She managed not to flail too much when the hammock dipped under her weight.
“Ready? 3, 2,1!”
Kokomi swung her legs up with relative ease, settling in the cocoon. Sara on the other hand, had an unnecessary amount of struggle, trying to regain her balance from the sudden tipping motion of the hammock.
“Komi!” she hissed.
Reflexively, Kokomi’s looped an arm around Sara’s shoulder, and another grabbing at her arm to pull her close. With their legs now tangled, the hammock’s erratic swinging slowed to a gentle sway as they remained still.
“You’re okay,” Kokomi giggled and patted Sara’s chest. The girl had completely frozen up as if fearing that even the slightest movement would send them tipping over.
“Felt like I was about to fall out and die,” Sara huffed.
“There there.” Kokomi stroked the girl’s soft indigo hair, pulling her closer to her chest. “I’ll let you be the little spoon, you big baby.”
Sara remained silent but carefully snuggled closer to Kokomi.
“I could do this more often,” the shorter girl nuzzled her face into the archer’s hair.
“Sitting in a hammock?” Sara asked cautiously, making the other girl laugh.
“No, being the one smothering you in hugs. Makes me feel like I’m the one protecting you every once in a while,” Kokomi giggled against Sara’s hair.
“You already do in your own little ways, but yeah… This is nice,” Sara smiled. Hearing Kokomi’s heart thumping in her chest was new to Sara. With every breath, Sara’s head would rise and fall with the motion.
Just as she began relaxing in Kokomi’s arms, she felt the hammock being swayed slightly. Instinctively, her hold on Kokomi tightened.
“Ah sorry, I tend to like rocking back and forth whenever I sit on stuff like that,” the shorter girl laughed.
“Kokomi…”
Being the big spoon is nice. Sara also smells really nice and it’s strangely comfortable when she lies on my chest. I could get used to the feeling （˶′◡‵˶）
Score: 20 / 10
“It’s too early for this,” Kokomi groaned, voice husky from sleep.
“I know,” Sara stroked her head, taking her bag from her hands. “On the bright side, it’s not a full day and winter break begins as soon as the bell rings.”
“That’s in six hours. It’s too long,” the shorter girl yawned as she took a flimsy hold of Sara’s hand.
“Looks like someone needs charging,” Sara chuckled, setting their bags on the ground. Gently, she tugged Kokomi into her arms.
The pastel-haired girl slid her arms around Sara’s waist under her coat, burying her face into the soft fabric of Sara’s scarf that hung over her chest.
“You smell good as usual,” Kokomi mumbled softly.
“You too,” the archer smiled fondly as she pulled her coat around Kokomi to keep her warm.
They remained in each other’s embrace in a corner of the street. Neither took note of how much time had passed, only knowing that they had stood long enough for the sky to light up.
“Komi?” Sara called out softly. There was a muffled hum of acknowledgment. “I hope you’re not asleep.”
“I was.”
“We have to go now or we’ll be late,” Sara stroked Kokomi’s back.
“Can we just skip? It’s the last day anyway,” Kokomi mumbled, barely audible as she moved deeper into Sara’s coat.
“And what are we gonna do instead?”
“Go home where it’s nice and toasty and cuddle some more,” the shorter girl replied matter-of-factly.
“That was very convincing.”
“Cuddles.”
“What do I do with you…” Sara shook her head. “Can you let go for just a moment?”
Sluggishly, the arms loosened around her waist and Kokomi stepped back, eyes barely open.
Sara grabbed their bags off the floor and took Kokomi’s hand, leading her back towards the apartment blocks.
“Where… Where…” Kokomi mumbled incoherently.
“My place.”
Sara opened the door to her apartment and kicked off her shoes. Kokomi managed to toe her shoes off without falling over, much to the archer’s relief. Dropping their bags by the couch, Sara led Kokomi to the bedroom.
“Can’t believe we’re actually skipping class,” Kokomi laughed as she crawled into the futon.
“Can’t believe I listened to you,” Sara nudged the girl’s feet. “No more all-nighters to finish books for you. No matter how good they are.”
“Okay,” the girl sang. She made grabbing motions at Sara, gesturing for the girl to join her.
As soon as the archer slipped under the covers, Kokomi already had one leg over Sara’s waist and an arm thrown over her torso, trapping her.
“Head, up,” Sara prompted and Kokomi complied, lifting her head for Sara to slide her arm under.
Once they got comfortable, Kokomi mumbled her goodnights and promptly knocked out.
“The things I do for you,” Sara whispered as she pulled the covers up to cover the girl’s shoulder.
This is the first time we’ve skipped school just to spend more time together. Will I get in trouble? Maybe. Was it worth it? Definitely. Will I do it again? Yes. … But maybe once a semester and not on days where there are actual classes :P Cuddling in the futon makes me feel like we’re a real couple (*˘︶˘*)
Score: happiness that’s out of this world / 10
Kokomi closed the book, letting out a sigh as she put her pen down. Maybe she should talk to Sara soon about their next step.
They’ve gotten a lot closer over the past 5 months. Having spent so much time together, Kokomi was able to read Sara like an open book, seeing and learning many things about the archer. How she would get up before the sun rose to stretch and run a couple of laps around the neighborhood, how she’d been living alone since middle school since her parents traveled for work a lot, how she has a strange liking for EDM even though she enjoyed the silence for her daily meditation.
Every little tidbit of information made Kokomi realize just how much she liked the girl. At this point, maybe love was a better word.
“Maybe I should talk to her on Christmas Eve,” the pastel-haired girl mused to herself as she flopped onto the bed.
Spending our first Christmas together… I wonder how that would go.