Archive of Our Own ^beta

The snow strangely felt warm in You's hands.

A white winter was rare in this part of the country. Its impeccable timing along with the release of Aqours' winter album called for a celebration, the frost layering the seaside landscape enough for them to play with.

At Chika's suggestion, they all decided to make snowmen. Three duos and one trio set to work one gloomy afternoon, snow powdering down from above as nine girls scattered along the chilly landscape.

Among the duos, to celebrate their song ‘Misty Frosty Love’, You and Riko were rolling two balls of snow, one creating the body while the other made its head.

Passing sounds of cars and the background merriment of the others were in the distance, their attention captured entirely by how the other moved. Each long exhale from Riko spurred ocean blue to look, darting away in silent hopes the other didn't notice their lingering stare. Every large handful of snow stuck onto the ground brought on a sole spectator, a silent viewing as the ash-brunette continued her crude creation of a head.

"I can't believe the year's almost ending, huh?" You dared to speak, hoping her anxiety wasn't as visible as the puff of smoke from her lips.

Riko made a soft sound, an agreeing tone as she patted the curves on the snowman's body. "With all our work for the winter album, it's almost like we didn't have time to enjoy the month."

"That's right," You laughed, a stiff, but relieved lightness in her voice. "The song you wrote for us was beautiful, by the way."

She caught Riko go still at her compliment. Before You could wonder, a reply came. "T-Thanks. Your contributions to the lyrics were a great help, too."

Their conversation trailed out into silence along with visible, wispy breaths. You swallowed, keeping her true voice hidden.

Misty Frosty Love admittedly had its embellishments to create a dramatic effect. Neither You nor Riko could remember the thoughts that led to it, but the song had spun a narrative of the duo harboring a desire for Chika's attention.

You let weight shift from her shoulders to her heart. She knew exactly why it happened. As she smoothed the curves of the snowman's head in her hands, she wondered when she had become this much of a coward to allow her best friend to become a strawman for her own feelings.

She watched across the park, seeing the others make progress on their snowmen. Mari and Kanan went small for its size but beautified in decorations of seashells and a sea green scarf around its neck. Hanamaru shaped the main body for her and Ruby, the redhead busy coordinating its clothes.

Finally, she could only pity as Dia tried to wrangle both Yoshiko and Chika in keeping a cohesive motif for their snowman. You stifled a laugh, wondering where Chika had kept two mikans for her to use as eyes.

"They seem to be having fun, don't you think?" Riko remarked, You seeing the gentle curve on her lips. "Though, I don't envy Dia's situation in any way."

You chuckled at that, giving a nod as they looked on at the distractions both found from each other. Their gazes rarely met, fleeting moments that left their minds more cluttered. In her hands, the snow felt hot through her gloves. The dense ball weighed heavy, as perfect of a circle as she could make it. "The head's ready, Riko!"

"Perfect, I'm almost done with mine." Her words were spoken quickly, as if she was pressured to speak. You's hands glided across the ball, sitting unsteadily as she walked over to her. Riko rolled the body for the snowman between them, a size twice as big as Mari and Kanan's, but definitely smaller than the trio.

You crouched down, hovering over, and centering its position. With a soft slush of snow, both head and body were attached together. It was simple and plain as of the moment, but they both watched it with a sense of accomplishment. They exchanged smiles, genuine expressions that warmed them from the cold.

The next moment was a little too warm, and they tore their gazes away. You felt her heartbeat quicken against her chest, distracting herself by fumbling with a pocket in her coat. She took out mismatched buttons, spares from a costume she sewed for an earlier live show outfit.

"We can use these for its eyes," she offered, the buttons flat on her palm. Riko examined its colors, in pink and light blue hues.

"I brought a scarf to decorate it too." Riko pulled out a small, knitted scarf from her coat, wrapping it around between the snowman's head and body. "There. Now it won't be cold."

"Er... They're supposed to be cold, so they don't melt, Riko." You's teasing sound earned her a quick glare. A feigned malice, and it warmed the air with laughter.

"Hush, you know what I mean."

Ignoring You's giggling, Riko finished draping the scarf on the snowman. As she took a step back, You produced a pair of gloves for their frosty creation. Without arms, she tucked it under the folds of the flowing pink fabric, hanging loose on its sides.

Satisfied, she stood back up, admiring their creation. Riko hummed, watching the pair of blue buttons that served as its eyes. "Should we give it a name?"

"A name, huh?" You mulled it over, head weighing down on her hand. Then, a sudden light of inspiration, illuminating a cheerful smile. "How about Yori?"

"Yori?" Riko craned her head curiously, feeling the new name against her lips. "Where'd you get that name from?"

The ash-brunette put her hands on her hips, a smug expression raising her smile. "Simple. Your name and mine mashed together! You and Riko. Yori!"

"R-Really?" Riko stared incredulously, but heat flushed her face. She looked down, the snowman wearing a perpetual smile. "I can't really think of anything, so it'll have to do..."

You shuffled her feet along the snow, hearing the crisp crunch beneath her shoes. "C'mon. Yori loves the name, don't you, Yori?"

Expectantly, there was no response. However, the grin on You's face told enough that it didn't matter. "See?"

"Honestly." A sigh breathed against Riko's small smile. Pristine amber watched the snowman. You saw her lips tremble, as if unsure what to say next.

"Say, Riko-"

"Are you two done?" A carefree voice snapped both from each other. Chika popped in between them, her arms reaching for both and pulling them in. "Woah! Your snowman looks so cute!"

"Thanks, Chika!" You rendered a clumsy salute, scrambling for a reply. She realized how dry her throat had become since she started building the snowman.

"Though, it's not as big as what the others made," Riko commented, her eyes glancing to the snowman the GuuRinPa trio had created. Chika gave a cheerful laugh at her words, shining pink glowing with her unbounding energy.

"Everyone did great!" Looking away from Yori the snowman, she gave each a quick, curious gaze. "So, what were you two talking about?"

"Us?" The question had made Riko look nervous, You noticed. She didn't have a proper answer, herself. They had done nothing. With nothing bearing fruit from weaving her emotions into the song, she had been too fearful to try anything more.

The air went quiet, but before it could weigh heavy, Chika dispelled the tenseness with a bright laugh. Her arms reached farther, pulling both into a group hug.

"I get it, you know?" she began, nodding her head sagely between them. "What you two meant with your song."

"Y-You do?" The one to reply was You, her stutter the only evidence of a momentary panic. "And what's that, Chika?"

"I've known you long enough, You." She put on a serious face, only for a grin to break it as she tightened the hug. "Don't be jealous, you two! I love both Riko and You equally."

Both blinked, watching the convinced look on Chika's face. You spoke first, gaze shying away as she breathed a lie. "Aha, you got us, Chika."

She heard Riko laugh softly, slightly strained. "You came here just to say that?"

"Yeah!"

Chika broke away from the hug, looking back across the park. You didn't look at Riko, instead following her best friend's gaze. "Everyone's waiting for you two!"

"Apologies for taking so long." Riko said. Chika waved off her apology, still showing a bright smile.

"It's fine, don't worry. Everyone's planning to go home after this, what about you two?"

You remembered that they had no plans after making their snowmen. She hummed out in thought. The buses would keep on running until late evening, and she could always stay over at Chika's if she missed the last bus.

She shook her head, looking back at her and Riko's snowman. She wanted time alone. "I was going to go buy some tea before waiting for the bus."

"Going home already?" Chika whined, her dejection bringing out a sympathetic smile from You. "How about you, Riko?"

"Me?"

A response didn't come immediately. You chanced her gaze up, finding Riko's thoughtful look. She tucked burgundy hair behind her ear, tracing her chin with a slow-moving finger.

Then, their gazes met, and You suddenly needed that tea more than ever for her dry throat. "If you're fine with it, I'd like to go get a drink before returning home as well, You."

"S-Sure!" she stammered a reply, her rush to answer causing her words to trip over each other. You composed herself hastily, hands stuffed in her coat pockets. "Guess we'll be seeing you tomorrow, Chika."

The train hummed, the coastal scenery blurring through. Clouds shadowed the blue sky overhead, but streaks of sunlight peered past the blanket of gloom above the vast sea. It would be a terrible day for sailing, You surmised at the tall waves and white foam against the shore.

Years travelling and working out at sea had taught her the wonders and dangers of the wide blue, but nothing would quell the storming anxieties she left behind on land. Even her reminiscing memories of that one afternoon back in high school trailed off with her anxious thoughts. She didn't remember what she and Riko did when they got tea together to warm themselves up.

All she remembered was how stiff she spoke, and how she refused to look at those brilliant amber eyes.

Ten years since then, Aqours had gone their separate ways. Starting with the third years graduating and the rest transferring schools, everyone continued with their lives and ambitions. They kept in touch, from sparse texts to the occasional get together. It was never a complete reunion, always missing a handful of members each time.

You had been the biggest offender, her job working on a cruise ferry causing her to be away whenever a few would decide to meet up. The plenitude of images, videos, and texts always made her want to join, but there wasn't much she could do given her line of work. It was fulfilling to be out at sea, but she always missed her friends during the quiet nights on deck.

Suitcase in front of her, she was glad not to miss today, the 10-year anniversary of their winter album's release. With it, her duet song Misty Frosty Love.

You hadn't seen Riko since college. They sparsely hung out due to their universities based in Tokyo, but time together faded as You boarded ships for on-job training. Graduating and getting a job brought it all to an end, especially with Riko's promising career as a pianist.

It stung that nothing had continued since that day, even ten years later. The pain was numb after the passage of time, but You began to worry if seeing Riko again would surface her cowardly emotions. She expected that Riko's job would make her miss today's gathering, but the thought of not seeing her also made her restless.

" Aah! " You couldn't stay away any longer. Missed opportunities lost themselves in the waves she sailed, her future seeming blank while her mind dreamed of home. Second doubts washed away easily when she submitted her letter of resignation, bidding goodbye to blue seas and far horizons. It surprised her parents, more so her co-workers who thought it was her dream profession. A job in Uchiura's aquarium was far from their expectations, yet here she was. Her suitcases packed and boarded the last train for the day back to Numazu.

If anyone asked her, she had no proper explanation. There was something that called her back home. A distant voice that screamed in her mind whenever she was out at sea, and after all these years, her return home finally had quieted that gnawing desire.

The announcer played through the speakers, electric signs reading Numazu station. Her phone buzzed with messages from Aqours members who had arrived at their meeting point outside the station.

You took a deep breath, reaching for the handle of her suitcase. Despite her swirling thoughts, she had missed everyone and was finally ready to see them all again.

"Right."

A sharp, cold breath soothed her thoughts. She stood up from her seat, following the sparse number of passengers toward the door.

Her walk to the station's exit was silent, but her nerves clawed at the deep recess of her thoughts. Winter's chill welcomed her back, the meld of the ocean and the cold in her lungs. Across the street she spotted a small crowd standing in front of the compact plaza, a collection of faces she recognized, though few details were different due to the years apart.

You wasted no time walking up to them, the soft rattle of her suitcase the last reminder of the life she left for home. "Everyone, hey! Am I the last one?"

Her shout brought on their attention. In the crowd, a flash of orange darted towards her, enveloping her in a hug. "You! You're back!"

They both stumbled back, but You caught Chika in her arms as she returned the crushing embrace. Laughter bubbled out her lips, strained from the constriction around her body. "H-Hey, Chika. Missed me?"

"You bet!" Chika giggled, untangling herself from the hug. She gestured to the rest of Aqours, all looking at her with happy smiles. The gloom overhead seemed brighter at the sight, seeing all eight members right in front of her at last.

You paused, then let her gaze trail along the women in front of her. In her mind, she counted the members present, until the sight of pristine amber anchored ocean blue.

"Riko's here, too! We were just talking about if you were going to show up." Chika's explanation was distant in her ears, her mind plunging back into the deep she thought she left behind.

Before anyone could notice, she tore her gaze away. "Aha... Darn, I wanted to surprise everyone by being first, too.”

The rest of Aqours gathered, exchanging long overdue greetings, affectionate embraces, and small teasing on how they've grown. Lively conversation warmed up the winter air. You made sure the last person she spoke to was the one she expected least to show up today.

"It has certainly been a while, hasn't it, You?" Riko greeted, a gentle voice that didn't seem to change since high school. You gulped, her hands suddenly cold.

"That's right! Work didn't give me a lot of chances to come visit, and I know you've been busy being famous," You teased, earning her a shy blush.

"You're exaggerating. I just enjoy playing, and it has been a lot of fun when I'm finally up there."

Riko paused, her thin lips teasing up to a smile. You did her best not to linger her gaze for too long. "Like how much you love sailing, You. Working on a ferry must be a dream come true, right?"

There was a pregnant pause as You digested her turn of phrase. Somehow, she felt Riko's tone held a hidden weight behind them. Her question struck realization in You, and she couldn't help but chuckle.

"It did! And I know I'll miss it now that I'll be working here from now on," You's words felt unsure. The delicacy of Riko's words had shaken her entire reasoning for why she came back. That is, if there was any reasoning to begin with.

Her thoughts couldn't develop deeper before a shocked gasp pierced the air. You looked around, everyone looking at her with wide eyes. Riko held a hand to her mouth, a look of confusion on her face.

"Uh, did I say something wrong-"

"You quit?" Kanan asked, interrupting her words. Everyone voiced out their own questions, sharing their curiosity and shock. It took a moment for it to make sense in You's head, and afterwards she found herself asking the same question, too.

She rubbed the back of her neck, easing their discorded chorus with a hand. "Being out at sea was great. Amazing, actually!"

Silence followed, a short delay as the next few words weighed oddly on her tongue. Then, she spoke, her eyes finding Riko. "I guess I couldn't stay away forever, y'know?"

Her laughter trailed off into silence, the air remaining tense as no one followed after. You grew nervous as she watched the quiet exchange of looks.

Dia was first to speak, a much-needed sound in the cold. "I never would have imagined hearing not one, but two shocking pieces of news today."

You looked at her, raising a brow at the remark. "What do you mean?"

Astute emerald landed on the woman in front of her, Dia crossing her arms as she answered. "Riko also retired from her career as a professional pianist."

She felt her breath stop in her throat, the news catching her off guard. "You stopped playing piano?"

Riko threw her hands up in front of her, dismissing any loose thought before it could form in any of their minds. "It's nothing like that, and nothing has happened to me! Instead, I'm planning to work as a music teacher here in Numazu."

Relief washed over, but You couldn't shake the curiosity off her mind. She wondered why Riko would want to quit when her career was only beginning. Her position was rare, and You couldn't help but linger her gaze.

Chika stepped in the middle, gathering everyone's attention with a shining smile. "This just means we can all hang out more often! The inn gets boring sometimes, you know?"

"Chika..."

Accidental or on purpose, Chika had defused the tense atmosphere. Everyone slowly slid back into the groove of conversation as they walked to the park: the same place they built their snowmen ten years ago.

The plan was loose, and the group had a few detours on the way. Their first stop was a food court, warming their cold faces with steaming food. Catching up on their lives filled the spaces between bites, You feeling herself filled with hot fried food.

Leaning against a wall, blowing on steaming Takoyaki, You thought about Riko's words. Not only had she been surprised to see Riko here at all, but to find out she'll be staying from now on working as a music teacher gave You much to ponder.

"Ah! Hot...!" Preoccupied with her thoughts, the temperature was too hot for her tongue. She blew quickly, hoping to cool the molten Takoyaki bouncing in her mouth.

A water bottle was thrust her way, and she quickly drank from it, cooling down the hot batter. It felt gross to swallow, but it was preferable than burning her throat.

" Haa... Thanks," she muttered out, clutching the bottle to her chest. Her eyes stopped at a concerned gaze. Riko stood in front of her.

"You should wait for it to cool down more."

Her tongue burned, forcing her to leave it out her lips. She pushed for a smile, unable to quell the heat of embarrassment. "I just wanted to warm myself up, y'know?"

Thankfully for her ego, Riko giggled at the joke. She took up the spot beside You against the wall, watching the gray skies. "You can ask me, if you want."

"Ask you what?"

"Why I quit."

You went silent, examining Riko's face. She held up a gentle smile, her eyes a waiting gaze that kept hers from moving. There was no shred of apprehension or shyness present.

However, You hesitated to ask.

"We should head to the park before it gets too dark," Ruby said, stealing You's attention away. Beside the redhead, Hanamaru gave a nod, gold eyes looking overhead.

"Ruby's right, zura. The forecast said it might snow later today, too."

All in agreement, they quickly gathered their belongings to move. Chika wolfed down the last of her Takoyaki, her muffled screams subject to laughter from the others before continuing.

You and Riko walked side by side, trailing behind the rest of the group. Their conversation filled the silence between them, but You could only hear the soft crunch of snow beneath her boots and the beating of her heart.

"So." Her voice rose above the deafening silence, and the world returned to normal around her. Their eyes met, and You chanced a smile. "We'll be seeing each other more often, huh?"

Riko's eyes widened, then a softened look took over. She returned the smile, her voice almost a whisper in its lightness. "I suppose we will. You never mentioned what job you'll be working now."

"Ah! I'll be working in the aquarium. Remember the one we all worked at back in high school?"

She saw the memory flash in stunning amber eyes, the smile underneath spreading wider. "I remember! Never one to stay away from the water, You?"

A bark of laughter left You's lips. "I never said I stopped loving it, right?"

You knew her love had never waned. As her gaze met Riko's, she was unsure if she had meant her love for the sea.

"We're here!" Chika exclaimed as they all crossed the street into the park. It was deserted, a carpet of white draping the landscape. The scene looked identical to ten years ago, but the angle of her sight was slightly taller now.

Her eyes looked down, noticing a difference. "Guess working a physically demanding job had its perks, don't you think, Riko?"

"That's got nothing to do with it," she snapped, looking away with a huff. You laughed at the reaction, nudging the sulking woman with her shoulder.

"An inch isn't that big of a difference, Riko."

She answered with a leer. No malice in her narrowed glare, but it wasn't without annoyance. "Yet here you are pointing it out, You."

The ash-brunette hummed, feigning a disinterested look. "Well, in the end there is a difference-"

"Oh hush."

They looked at each other, then laughter broke out between them. As Aqours broke up into their groups, the air had lightened between You and Riko. Finding a suitable place with a thick blanket of snow, they set to work making a snowman.

"We could use my scarf for decoration, to match the snowman we made last time," Riko said, patting down what would be the head.

Beside her, You pushed snow together, forming a larger body than their previous creation. "Great! In that case, it won’t be the same snowman as last time without gloves to decorate it with."

You looked across the park. Mari and Kanan decided to make a bigger snowman. In contrast, Chika, Yoshiko, and Dia were making theirs smaller, with less ornaments and features. More controlled, the smile on Dia's face a tell that it was just how she liked it. Hanamaru and Ruby used fallen twigs and plastic flowers for decoration in a mix of pink, yellow, and brown.

"It doesn't feel like much has changed, doesn't it?" Riko asked. You watched her lift the head with both hands, waiting for her to finish on the body. "Seeing everyone together really takes away the feeling that time has passed."

"Yeah," You hummed out, smoothing the curves of the frost sphere. "But everyone's a little different though, which is exciting!"

As they attached the body and head together. Mari and Kanan waved their goodbyes to the group. They still had a boat to catch, the late hours forcing them to go home first.

With the snowman's head and body attached, Riko wrapped her scarf around it. Afterwards, You tucked the gloves under the flowing fabric, simulating hands. They both stepped back, examining their simple creation. They were just a little colder with a piece of warm clothing removed, but the cozy look of the snowman made it worth the biting chill. In the middle of it, Ruby and Hanamaru left next, the last bus back to their home approaching in the waning hours of the afternoon.

"Do you think it needs something?" You mused, looking at the snowman in front of them. Riko nodded at her assessment, eyes breaking away to look around.

"The head is looking barren. Perhaps something like a hat or an accessory would be fitting."

You scanned the park. The blank white made her eyes wander, the lack of color giving her nothing to focus on. "Hmm... How about..."

She spotted something pink halfway buried in the snow. Pulling the object out revealed it to be a small pink pail. Plastic, and a faded pattern on its surface. You brought it back to both Riko and their snowman, holding it up. "Will this do?"

"Perfect. We didn't have a hat last time, so this will do nicely."

You lowered the pail on the snowman's head, gently affixing it on so it wouldn't fall. They both stepped back, admiring their work. It was a welcome distraction from her thoughts.

"Not bad, huh?" she laughed out, a toothed grin splitting her face. A gentle curve of the lip returned the gesture. "Good to see you again, Yori!"

A soft gasp left Riko's lips. "I had completely forgotten you gave it a name."

"C'mon, we came up with it together." You crouched in front of the snowman, looking at its perpetual, radiant smile. "Yori exists because of us, don't you, Yori?"

Expectantly, there was no reply. You seemed satisfied with it regardless, standing back up before looking at the rest of the park. "Everyone already left first."

"They are still busy, after all," Riko remarked, walking up to her side. "It was lucky everyone had the day free to meet up, so I'm satisfied."

You looked down at the ground, digging up a small pebble in the blanket of snow. "We both live in this city now, so..."

She took a bold step forward, meeting Riko's eyes. "Want to get some tea before heading back home?"

A familiar look crossed Riko's face. You smiled at that, gesturing with an arm to the direction that blurred in her memory ten years ago. "It's my treat, this time!

Late afternoon tea warmed both body and soul from the winter chill. You and Riko enjoyed a lively conversation, mainly catching up on their lives. Every aspect since high school was told, and the awkwardness from their reunion outside the train station all but forgotten.

However, there was a certain distance that You maintained. An apprehension in her heart that shied away certain topics and questions. It didn't hinder the mood up until they said goodbye, and Riko didn't pry further into obvious deflections the ash-brunette made.

The trip back home had tired her out more than You thought, and she had fallen asleep as soon as she arrived back at her parents' house. It was a fact that became clear when her eyes opened slowly, eyesight swimming in the darkness of her bedroom.

" Ngh... " She heard her phone ringing, muffled by something but still piercing in the quiet. Letting out a yawn, You sat up, rubbing the sand out her eyes. "Who's calling this late?"

Her hand reached for the nightstand, her attention piquing when she couldn't find her phone. Following the sound brought her eyes to her coat draped messily at the end of the bed, her cell phone sure to be in its pockets.

You took her time, crawling on the bed to fish out the device. The brightness of the screen blurred her vision, accepting the call without reading the contact. "Hello?"

Attempts to hide her drowsy tone fell through, but the voice on the other side of the line ignored it, frantic and quick with every word. "You? Finally, I've been trying to call you for five minutes now!"

"Who is this?" You paused, bringing the phone in front of her. Riko's name burned bright on the screen, several missed call notifications relayed on top. "Riko? Why are you calling so late at night?"

"Come to the front door of your house right now. I'm here waiting!"

"Riko-" A sharp beep cut her off, You seeing that the call had ended. Left in silence, she stared bewildered at her phone, then to the blackness outside the window. "Did she walk all this way from her house?"

You dragged herself out of bed, body protesting from the chill that seeped in her bones. Fighting against it, she walked down to the first floor, memory and instinct reflexively knowing every corner and path of the house. Her apartment was still in the process of finalizing paperwork and she would be back to living by herself by next week. Until then, she reclaimed her old room, still adorned with images and memories from a simpler time.

Her small reverie soon broke when she reached the door. Shadows shuffled, shown in the small gap beneath. You took a deep breath, preparing herself for what's to come. She remembered that night Chika biked to her house, and she felt more nervous as the door opened.

It flew open in an instant, a force knocking her down to the floor. She braced for impact, the floor cold against her skin, but the force surprisingly lighter than she imagined. "H-Hey, Riko-"

Pale maroon hair bundled against her chest, lifting up for her to meet pale blue eyes. You stiffened at a face that was both familiar, but also one she had never seen before.

A child. She had a pink scarf wrapped around her neck, You spotting a pair of gloves she easily recognized. Plain clothes were underneath a coat too large for the girl, the sleeves bundling along her short arms. Atop her hair was a pink hat that seemed to balance perfectly on her head. "Mom, it took you long enough to answer!"

You blinked once, then twice. "What did you call me?"

Riko stepped in the house through the opened door. Her body shivered from the cold, but she had no coat. Why the child was draped on a coat several sizes too large made sense now.

Their eyes met when Riko crouched down at her side, a serious look surfacing her mind from initial bewilderment. "This is going to sound insane, but you have to listen, You."

Before she could reply, the child clutched against her body moved. She pulled away, leaving You to pick herself up from the ground. "Mom, are you okay?"

"Wh- Who are you calling mom?" You stammered, confusion leaving an agitated high in her voice. The child tilted her head in response, as if she got asked an obvious question.

"You are!" She moved in for a hug, You too shocked to react. "Riko-mom and I have been looking everywhere for you!"

You had her arms pinned in the hug. Luckily, Riko gave the child a gentle tap on the shoulder, the words following a soothing calmness.

"Yori, let You get up from the floor, okay?"

It worked, the child— Yori, pulling away from the hug and standing back up. You fumbled a hastily put thanks as she picked herself up from the floor, her eyes trained on the young girl between her and Riko.

"So... Mind telling me what's going on?" You asked once more. She was taken aback first by the sudden visit at the dead of night, and now by a child calling her mother. You hoped it was some sort of practical joke, and in a matter of moments it would all be unveiled. Perhaps, You wondered, this was a vivid dream, and she was bound to wake up at any minute.

Yet, the look on Riko's face remained serious, and the hug was still felt on her body long after the child had let go.

"Mom, can I take this coat off?" She looked up at Riko, who gave a gentle reply.

"Sure, Yori. Do you mind if we come inside, You?"

She stood in the middle of the entryway, breaking away from Riko's gaze down to the child. Seeing Riko's approach, You tried an easygoing smile. "Alright, tell me, kid... Who really are your parents?"

Again, she was met with a confused look. "You two are! You both made me, don't you remember?"

Yori giggled, happy at her own reply. She shrugged off the large coat, Riko catching it before it hit the ground. You stood to the side as the child ran inside, hopping on the couch.

She watched, taking every detail of the young girl. Her hair resembled Riko's silky burgundy, but she wore a smile You saw in the mirror and pictures that had her in it.

Her scarf and gloves stood out to her most. She remembered where she last saw them, right before they left the park earlier in the afternoon.

You turned around, seeing Riko nod in understanding. "I know it's a lot to take in, You."

"You're pretty accepting of the whole situation, I'm surprised." She walked forward, closing the front door. Riko pointed to her phone, the call logs of failed calls bright against tired eyes.

"I tried calling you an hour ago. You didn't answer, so I took her here to your house so you could see for yourself."

"See what?" Silence followed. Riko bit her lip, hesitating before she answered.

Her voice was gentle, a sharp contrast to the heavy revelation of her words. "It's Yori."

The accompanying quiet gave You time to let everything weigh in her mind. She stared back, astonished more by the matter-of-fact tone in Riko's voice. "You mean, the snowman we made?"

A nod brought her back to her thoughts. There was no possible way for a snowman to realistically come to life. Christmas carols were fantasy, and Frosty the Snowman was nothing but a cheery jingle during the holidays.

Despite rational thinking screaming such, her eyes took in sight of Yori's clothes. The gloves, scarf, and hat were unmistakably the ones they used to decorate the snowman with back in the park.

Left with conflicting emotions, You felt her confusion fall out between her lips. "That's impossible."

"I thought it was impossible as well," Riko said. She brushed her arm against the ash-brunette, a gesture You smiled at. "Yet, if we rule out every possibility, this is the only explanation."

You wondered if it really was. She walked to the living room, standing in front of Yori seated on the couch. "Can I ask you something, Yori?"

"Sure thing, mom!" You hid the way she recoiled at the name. She flashed a smile, strained by the weight of her tangled thoughts.

"What's the first thing you remember?"

Yori hummed loudly at her question, eyes darting along the ground under her feet. You waited patiently, curious for her reply.

She looked back up, returning the smile with a wide grin. "I don't remember! Before I knew it, Riko-mom opened the door when I knocked."

"I, uh, see..." You stammered, floored at her response. She wracked her mind to question further, coming up blank as drowsiness mired her mind.

"It's late. Shall we continue this in the morning?" You felt that Riko had read her mind. That, or her yawn wasn't hidden enough. "We'll come back tomorrow, You."

"It's the middle of the night, will you be alright going back?"

Riko sent a confused look as she walked past, holding out a hand to Yori who took it in a heartbeat. "The drive isn't that far, don't worry."

"R-Right." You rubbed her neck, a crawling heat along her face. "S-See you two, tomorrow, then."

"We're leaving mom already?" Yori asked, her innocent drawl tugging at You's heart. Riko guided her to the entryway, her voice always in her gentle calmness.

"You needs her sleep, Yori. So do you." Her explanation was taken well, but Yori stopped right at the door, spinning on her heels, and facing up at You. The sudden gaze made her feet shuffle. "Yori?"

The young woman made a sweeping motion with her arm. A wave, and she paired it with a smile. "Bye-bye, mom! See you tomorrow!"

You stared, watching the energetic wave a few steps in front of her. She gathered herself quickly, awkwardly smiling at her enthusiasm.

"Y-Yeah, don't be strangers, you two..."

She watched as Riko ushered the child out the door, giving a quiet wave before the door closed shut. You's mind still spun, unsure if it was the drowsiness or the whiplash of everything that weighed her thoughts. In the span of a few minutes, she was introduced to a new person. A child that claimed her and Riko to be her mother.

Her feet were barely back on the ground in Numazu, and she was already thrown into a whole new storm.

Walking back to her bedroom, You knew her sleep would be shallow until the morning. A tense sigh pushed between her lips, the blanket messily thrown over her body. Sleep didn't come easy, You counting the times she tossed and turned in her bed.

Coffee and anxious thoughts kept her awake as she waited at her dining table, watching her phone as the clock continued to tick. Sunlight peered through the window, the day marking a new life for her back home.

When her phone rang, You couldn't answer it fast enough, snatching it off the table and holding it up to her ear. "Riko? When are you coming over?"

"Good morning, You. You picked the phone up faster compared to last night." You could hear a soft laugh from the other line. It alleviated the pressure on her chest slightly, but the mere mention of last night cemented the fact that it was all real. "I don't want to make a scene in front of your family, so do you think you can come over to my apartment instead?"

"You already have a place for yourself?" She began to wonder how long it had been since Riko quit her former job as a pianist to already have a place prepared when she moved back. She's always known Riko to be more thoughtful than herself and was likely less impulsive in decision-making.

There was a soft hum through the speaker, the gentle sound tingling her tired mind. "Only recently when I was moving back. It's halfway to Chika's house, so it isn't far from yours at all."

 A ten-minute drive, You estimated. She debated on buying breakfast on the way, but loud thoughts churned her stomach. Even coffee struggled to sit right.

"You, are you there?"

Catching herself spacing out again, You slapped her cheek. The soft sting shook her awake. "Gotcha'. I'll be there soon."

She heard a sigh of relief. "All right. I'll text you the address. See you soon."

You listened to the deep tone of the call ending, Riko leaving her in the silence of her dining room. She peered down at her mug, the dark liquid lukewarm. Leaving it on the table, she walked back to her bedroom. A suitcase rested against the wall, her clothes still packed inside. She chose her clothes quickly and grabbed her coat from yesterday.

A momentary glance at the mirror saw her fix her attire and the fringe of ash-brown hair. Her face looked tired, clothes mismatched.

She shook her head before taking off her coat. Heading for the bathroom, she eased her thoughts by reminding herself that Riko never said when she needed to be over. Though her worries continued to occupy her mind, she wanted to look presentable.

You didn't stop to think why and refused to entertain any thought on who for.

"There you are! You certainly took your time," Riko said in lieu of a greeting, opening the door right after You knocked. A loosely worn smile met her gaze, You rubbing the back of her neck.

"The GPS got me a little confused, I guess?" she said, hoping the lie passed up. Watching Riko observe her, You worried that she may had gone a tad overboard in finding the right clothes.

Whether or not she was found out, Riko didn't show it, the woman stepping to the side to welcome her in. "Working on a boat and getting lost navigating? It's a wonder you didn't get lost at sea."

"Hey, that wasn't my job, and the ocean doesn't have as much street corners, either." You stepped inside, entering an unassuming entranceway and shoe rack. She saw it lead to a living room, morning light illuminating the neutral colors. "Nice place you got, by the way."

Riko smiled, waiting for her to remove her shoes. "Thank you, though it might be a little too big for just myself to live in."

No sooner had those words left her lips did they hear light footsteps thumping toward them. You stood up and turned, seeing the child from last night barrel into her legs. She was prepared and remained upright as she was shackled in a small hug.

"However, this little one has kept the place lively since last night." Riko giggled, watching the gleam in Yori's eyes as she stared up at You.

"Mom, you're here!" Her smile was bright, frighteningly like her childhood pictures. "Now all three of us can live together!"

"L-Live together?" You repeated, stuttering her words. Prying the child gently off her, You returned the enthusiasm with a simple smile. "Sorry, Yori. I'm just here to-"

It clicked that she hadn't stopped to ask why Riko wanted her to come. Their eyes found each other, Riko watching with a pointed expression. "Hmm... Why am I here, Riko?"

Riko stepped forward, combing her hand through pale maroon hair. "Yori, we're all going outside today. Why don't you go get your coat and gloves, okay?"

"Yay, outside!" In a flash, Yori dashed back further into the house, disappearing around the corner. Little footsteps echoed into silence, concluded by the soft sound of a door closing.

You didn't let the silence linger, speaking as soon as the echoes quieted. "So, what's your plan?"

"I know what I said last night," Riko started, her eyes downcast and words carefully picked. "But I want to go around town and find her parents."

As You digested her words, she continued. "We could get the rest of Aqours to help, too."

"Have you told them?"

Riko shook her head, her expression unreadable. "They probably won't believe the snowman theory, either."

With Yori adamant about the two being her parents and a bizarre theory, You had little options to consider in finding the child's true parents. Help from the other members would reduce the time they took for searching, however a worry was obvious in her mind.

"I'm ready!" If they don't find Yori's parents (if that is her true name, You also considered), what do they do?

"Great," Riko said with a smile, helping the girl slip on her boots. "Would you mind if you drive, You?"

The walk to the car was silent, the drive out onto the road filled with nothing but Yori's excitement and the gentle hum of the engine. You found comfort in the latter, a droning sound that distracted her from intrusive thoughts.

"Let's stop by Chika's, first. She's lived here longest, so she might know something." At Riko's suggestion, she drove to Tochimann Inn. Despite her years away, the roads remained the same and the view looked tranquil in its stagnant silence. Winter made the waters a depressing gray, trees blanketed in thin layers of snow. Yet, it was the same home You remembered. The same home she left unresolved.

The car pulled into the driveway, gravel crunching under the wheels. You hesitated before shutting off the engine, the low hum leaving her in silence.

"Are you ready?" She caught Riko at the corner of her eye, concern in her voice. You faced her, feigning confidence through a broad smile.

"It's Chika, so she'll help us out." Unbuckling their seatbelts, they exited the car. Riko helped Yori out from the seat behind, You taking a moment to admire the old inn. Nothing major had changed, its vintage aesthetic surviving the years.

She noted a few key differences in her visual surveying. Some bushes had grown taller, a few trees with larger canopies than before. There were two doghouses instead of one, and there were a few lanterns hung up against the walls.

"This place looks pretty!" Yori exclaimed, her neck craned up at Tochimann. You couldn't help but giggle, watching the wonder in small pale blue.

"I've texted Chika, so she should be heading out to meet us now." Riko stood beside her, holding onto Yori's hand. At a glance, even You was convinced that the child was hers. They shared a few similar features, maroon hair a few shades in difference. "What are you staring for, You"

"Ah, nothing!"

Tearing her gaze away a little too late, Riko narrowed hers at the ash-brunette. "You were imagining something weird, weren't you?"

You brought her eyes back to meet leering amber. Her words stuttered at hyperbolic accusation.

"Who do you think I am? I was just looking!"

Riko crossed her free arm below her chest. Gazes locked, emotions flashing in settling expressions. "Didn't I say you were free to ask?"

"This and that are completely unrelated things, Riko."

"Aha! So, you admit you were thinking of something."

Their spontaneous spat was broken by a sudden burst of laughter. Both looked down, seeing Yori continue to erupt in joy. Words died in their throats, the argument fizzling out as lively laughs filled the air.

"Riko-mom and You-mom sure get along!" she said, face red from laughter. A grin split her face, even her eyes narrowed into an amused curve.

"Get along, huh?" You heard Riko's whisper, shooting her a quick look that was answered back with a humored eye roll.

"It sure is lively out here!"

Chika's voice pierced the brisk morning air, all turning around to see the energetic ginger step through the front door. She skipped toward them, bearing her usual energetic smile. "So, what's the surprise about, Riko?"

"Well, we need your help with something-" Her words were cut off by a shrill squeak of delight. Shining pink looked down, even surprising Yori.

"Who's this? She's adorable!" Chika stepped forward, hands clasped together. "Oh! Is she a relative?"

"Not exactly-"

"I'm Yori!" Her introduction halted You's attempt at explaining. She mimicked Chika, taking a step toward her, returning the smile with her own. "Both Riko-mom and You-mom created me!"

Riko and You could only hold their breath as they watched Chika dumbly nod her head, then see the gears turning underneath orange hair.

"That's a cute name-" Realization hit, and she suddenly screeched to a stop. "They did what?"

You felt her gaze, then it bounced to Riko. "You two are parents?"

"Chika, let us explain-" Before either could, Chika bounded toward them, the gravel grinding against the firm step of her feet.

"Why didn't you tell us? How many surprises are you two hiding from the rest of us?!"

Neither You nor Riko had the energy to deal with two balls of excitement early in the morning. Remembering that she worked in an inn, Chika stopped her interrogation to invite them inside. They sat in the dining hall. You was reminded that she hadn't had breakfast yet.

Yori found Shiitake's children, energetic dogs that were a splitting resemblance to their late mother. While she played, the former second year trio sat around a table, Riko explaining everything that had happened.

"I see," Chika let out as Riko concluded. She held a cup of warm tea, gingerly sipping with pinched eyebrows. You dutifully listened in the middle of bites of a needed breakfast. "That's cool!"

"Wait... You believe us?"

You understood the heavy confusion in Riko's voice. Despite her soothing tone, the events of last night suspended any form of reality.

"I don't see why you two would lie," Chika replied, setting down her tea. "Yori says you're her parents, and she looks a lot like you two."

You set her breakfast to the side, her appetite waning at the ridiculous, but truthful observations. Beside her, Riko kept quiet, but her face relayed a troubled train of thought. "What do you think we should do?"

Chika closed her eyes, a thoughtful look weighing on her features. You and Riko exchanged a glance, waiting in silence.

"There hasn't been news about missing children." You felt her stomach drop but said nothing as Chika continued. "Dia knows more people, so you can try asking her."

"Would Dia believe us though?" Riko doubted that their most level-headed friend would readily accept an outlandish story. "She isn't as open minded as you."

"True, but she'll still help out!" Her optimism eased the anxiety in their chests. You wasn't completely convinced, but they knew Dia would always help them out regardless. As one of the few Aqours members who stayed in Numazu after college, both her and Chika were the most likely ones to help in finding Yori's true parents.

"We'll give her a call and meet her if she's not busy." Riko stood up, bowing politely at the ginger. "Thank you for helping us out, Chika."

She raised her hands up, waving the politeness with a nonchalant giggle. "Just looking out for you two! I didn't think you two would move back in so soon. Now, you two have a kid!"

"I told you, it isn't like that at all!"

After Chika finally calmed down from laughing, they relieved the sense of urgency in the air with light conversation. Around them, tenants of the inn began to wake up, a sign for them that the day was starting.

"See you soon, Yori!" Chika beamed, crouched down in front of the girl. In the short span of time, Yori had warmed up to the ginger. You suppressed a laugh as they exchanged short, energetic words. This was Chika, she got along with everyone.

She stood back up, her smile tugging a little higher. "Good luck with Dia, you two."

Back in the car, their next destination was the Kurosawa family home. You remembered its grandeur, relieved to see it more or less the same. Their driveway was free of snow, no doubt shoveled by groundskeepers.

Unlike the natural exuberance of Chika, their visit to Dia would've been stiffer if not for surprise guests. Mari and Kanan were coincidentally there, Dia explaining that the trio had spent the night in celebration of meeting up together. All three didn't expect the news You and Riko brought, and the small lifeform that captivated the blonde.

"You two moved back home to raise a kid, huh?" Kanan remarked, watching Mari carry Yori on her back, playing in the garden.

You shook her head, a shallow sigh rushed out her lips. "It's not like that. I didn't know until last night."

"So, it's a surprise kid." Kanan looked at Riko, nodding sagely. "Pretty sly, Riko."

She produced a hiss when Dia nudged her, focusing everyone's attention on her. "Don't mind her, she's just teasing you both."

Dia let the silence linger, using the reprieve to take a sip of tea. A practiced motion of perfection that awed You, every movement precise up to the moment she set the cup down. "I can ask for more details, but I won't get results for a few days."

You looked down. She listened as Dia continued. "I know it sounds ridiculous, however..."

Her voice quieted. You craned up to see Dia wear an accepting look, her smile delicate. "What you say is the most plausible explanation for the child's whereabouts."

"Wait, really?" You blurted out in reflex, eyes wide. Dia didn't follow up with anything, the words coming from the woman at her side.

"I mean, have you seen her?" They all looked to the garden, watching Mari pretend to be a horse, Yori giggling as she held onto golden hair. "She looks exactly like both of you."

At the corner of her eyes, You saw Riko's shoulder drop. Her eyes lowered to the table, wandering in the wavy grain of the wood. Setting aside her tea, You looked back at Dia, suppressing hopelessness in her voice. "What do you think we should do now?"

 Dia and Kanan looked at each other, a silent conversation exchanged through subtle expressions and furrowed brows. You watched with bated breath, releasing pent up air when Dia let out a soft sigh.

Emerald eyes grasped her gaze. Beneath, a line that were the manifestations of You's primary worry. "You two could raise the child yourselves."

The table went silent. Nothing but cheers from Mari and Yori could be heard, and the realization of Dia's words seeping in. At her side, Riko tried to speak, her lips parted but no words coming out. Her own mind swirled, crashing against one another in a flurry of confusion and uncertainty.

It wasn't that she disliked Yori or hated taking care of a child, but her worries concerned far greater.

You could barely speak, but no argument took flame in her mind. She knew Dia's suggestion was carefully weighed, taking both her and Riko's situation and the oddness of it all. She felt a degree of trust in her emerald gaze. To seem uncertain, You felt, was a betrayal of the trust Dia had put in.

"We'll look after her until you find anything," You answered, her tone hushed, but resolute.

"You?" Riko looked taken aback, but she said nothing else. Kanan and Dia shared a mutual look of understanding, and the conversation trailed out to futile attempts on easing the atmosphere. Mari and Yori came back a few minutes after, the blonde winded after running around.

"Why the long face everyone?" Her smile could replace the sun shadowed by clouds. Yori was perched atop her shoulders, a grin pulling her lips.

"Mom, look!" She waved a hand, still bundling blonde hair. "Aunt Mari says I'm really good at horse riding!"

Riko looked up at her, giving a smile at the exuberant child. "That's great to hear, Yori. Did you have fun?"

You watched. Despite the shock just seconds before, Riko fell into a natural groove when speaking to Yori. Her gentle smiles, soothing voice, and kind demeanor were all perfect for the energetic child.

In comparison to all that, You felt inadequate that she wondered what possessed her to speak so resolutely to Dia.

They bid goodbye to the third-year trio, standing outside the door as it slid close. It was nearly noon, the drive back to Riko's apartment was quiet between the two adults. You couldn't bring herself to speak, every thought crashing against one another that resulted in a choked silence.

Raising a child was something she never saw herself doing. It was a thought she might've entertained later in life, not right after meeting Riko again after all these years.

"Ah, Yori, why don't you head inside first. You and I have something to talk about." Riko opened the door, gently guiding Yori through it. She didn't protest, cheerily skipping into the house. When the lock clicked shut, a sigh broke out. You noticed the apprehension in the way her lips trembled.

"You, about what Dia said we should do," she began, taking a step back from the door. It seemed to loom over them both, behind it Yori's chipper voice. You was patient but the silence crushed her all the same, waiting on Riko to continue. "Why did you sound so sure?"

A question You hadn't expected. Her eyes searched troubled amber eyes, finding a difficult expression. "Dia felt like she trusted us enough to say it, so I didn't want to seem like she was wrong."

"It's raising a child, You," Riko snapped. Her tone was sudden, its sharpness surprising even its owner. "A-Ah, sorry. It's just that-"

You raised a hand, interrupting her scavenging for apologies. "I know, Riko. I don't really know if I'm all that sure, myself."

"Then, why?" There was a sense of desperation in her question, but You could only answer with a strained smile.

"This doesn't seem like something we can run away from, Riko." You let her words out gently. "Yori wants to be with us, too."

Riko opened her mouth to speak, stuttered, then fell quiet. You took in the way her eyes darted around, searching for an answer that wouldn't come that easily. Guilt settled in her chest, her words pinning Riko into a corner.

It was her turn to stutter, but You forced her words out in the air. "You don't have to if you don't want to. Once I'm settled in with my own place, Yori can stay with me."

Riko froze. Gazes met, unblinking eyes returning her suggestion. You sensed hurt beneath pristine amber, a disbelief that gripped her in silence for a few moments. The next few moments were quiet, You saying nothing as she saw the thoughtful look cemented on her face.

"No." Then, a shake of her head. A rapid motion that You almost missed. "We can figure something out."

A week after, Dia turned up with nothing in her search for the child's true parents. When she asked Yori once more, she simply repeated that You and Riko were her mothers. Her innocence and blunt response seemed to convince Dia, and You had prepared herself for this crawling inevitability.

"Whatcha' got there, Yori" Across the table, Yori looked up from a book, pale blue meeting her gaze.

"Riko-mom got a book for me." She showed the cover, grinning from ear to ear. "It's a ton of fun!"

You leaned over, scanning the colorful title printed over the paperback. A nature magazine. She never thought Riko to be the nature type, remembering the girl to be a bit of a shut-in back in high school.

She matched the child's enthusiasm with her own smile, sliding back to her side of the table. "That's pretty cool. See anything you like in there?"

Laughter bubbled in her chest as Yori took her question to heart, scanning through the magazine with keen interest. You leaned back, looking out the window. Luckily, she had finished finalizing the paperwork of her apartment and moved in only a few days after both her and Riko decided to raise Yori. It avoided an awkward conversation with her parents, and You was thankful for the extra space.

Another week had passed since then, and You had already begun to slip into the new routine of her life, and the people that were close in it.

While she was busy moving, Yori had stayed at Riko's apartment and lived with her. They decided on an alternating weekly schedule in taking care of Yori. Riko would have her for the weekends and Monday, and You with the other days. It worked with their work schedules, Riko's teaching job occupying her weekdays whilst the aquarium was busiest during the weekends.

"Ah!" Yori suddenly exclaimed, bringing You out from her reverie. "Penguins!" She flipped the magazine around, showing her a page. Numerous pictures of African Penguins, along with facts surrounding the animal.

You whistled, nodding in approval at her choice. "Penguins are very cute, I agree! Taking care of them is a load of fun, too."

"You take care of penguins, too?" Yori looked with an awestruck face, stars glistening in her pale eyes. "I thought You-mom worked in an aquarium."

"That's right, but aquariums can have more than just fish, Yori." You crossed her arms, a sagely nod dipping her head low. "There are tons of sea life. I should show you this weekend!"

"Yay! The Aquarium!" Her cheers resounded around the living room. The excitement was contagious, and You soon found herself excited for the trip. She'd have to arrange for a leave at work. You worried for Yori if she was left alone to wander around the aquarium.

As that thought entertained her mind, Yori's question brought it all to a screeching halt. "Is Riko-mom going to come with us?"

You stammered, then looked away. Until now, their arrangement in raising Yori was a split affair. They took turns handling the child into the other's home. Only sparse conversation filled the other in on what Yori would do during the other's guardianship.

She bit her lip. Guardianship felt too cold of a word. You remembered that they were supposed to be Yori's parents, yet she still felt stiff around the child. Every time she brought Yori back home at the start of the week, Riko always felt natural speaking to her. Her gentle words, but careful attention as she checked if Yori had everything before You drove them back.

Riko was easily more qualified than she. You was determined, but that didn't mean she couldn't despair at times at her own inadequacy.

"Mom?" The gentle call for her gripped You, the pleading tone tugging against her chest. Every time Yori was with her, she would always look for Riko.

You understood. She was the better parent between them.

"I can ask her if she'll be busy that weekend," You made an attempt not to promise what she may not keep. "We can ask Chika to come with us too, how does that sound?"

To her surprise, Yori shook her head. "I want just the three of us to go!"

You relented to her adamant request. She quietly took out her phone, texting a message to Riko surrounding her weekend. The message was brief, and she put the phone down on the table as soon as she hit send.

"Fingers crossed, Yori." She flashed a grin. Yori nodded, putting the magazine down to cross her fingers in the air. They both watched the phone, waiting for a notification sound to come through. They waited for a few minutes in silence, staring down at the device.

To their surprise, the phone began to ring. Their eyes met for a fleeting moment before You picked up the phone, confirming the caller before answering. "Hello?"

She could feel the eye roll in the small silence before she spoke. "Now what's this idea of going to the aquarium this weekend?"

You nodded, despite Riko unable to see the gesture. "That's right, and it's all Yori's idea!"

"Using innocent Yori as your scapegoat, are we?" Riko giggled, the light beats of her breath sending shivers down You's spine. She laughed in response, deflating the building pressure on her chest.

"Of course not! If anything, you can blame that magazine you gave her. It had penguins on it."

"What's she saying?" You had almost forgotten Yori was sitting right across from her. She slapped the table, eager. "Let me hear, too."

You obliged, pressing the loudspeaker, and setting the phone down on the table. "Yori can hear you now, by the way."

"Can you hear me, sweetheart?" Riko called out. You raised a brow. She didn't know Riko called her that.

"Hi, Riko-mom!" Yori stood up on her chair, leaning in closer to the phone. "You-mom said the aquarium has penguins. I want to see them."

Riko's humored laughs broke out from the speaker. "That they do, Yori. I thought you had seen plenty of them at the zoo we went to last week?"

You peeked at the magazine. She flipped to the cover, reading the publisher on the corner. A souvenir from the zoo. She hummed, understanding Yori's sudden interest in animals now. The child shook her head strongly, as if Riko could somehow see it.

"I want both Riko-mom and You-mom to go this time!"

There was something beneath Yori's childish excitement that brought You to look back at her. The words she spoke were no different than all the rest, but there was a strange weight that she couldn't shake once it entered her mind.

It was a similar odd feeling to the nagging call that brought her back to Numazu. This time, disguised as a child's loud pleas.

"I suppose I can't say no," Riko relented, a resounding cheer whooping from Yori. "You, could you text me the details?"

"Aye-aye!" You rendered a salute. Yori blinked at the motion, then mimicked it before looking down at the phone.

"I'm looking forward to it. You two have a good day," Riko said, concluding the call. You and Yori voiced their goodbyes, and a beep of the call casted a momentary spell of silence in the room. You grabbed her phone, sliding it back inside her pocket.

"So, guess it'll be a family outing this weekend," she remarked with a non-serious tone. However, Yori beamed, grinning from ear to ear.

"I'm excited! You two never hang out with me together. It's either I'm alone with you or Riko-mom." The girl clapped her hands, eyes shimmering in excitement. "We'll all be together!"

You mulled over what she said. Yori excitedly returned to the magazine, flipping through a section of sea life. Her words struck a chord with You, a realization dawning.

She and Riko had been raising Yori separately. It explained Yori's excitement and desire to have both present. You felt guilty at the current arrangement for Yori's life. Only a few weeks, but the constant change of houses and inconsistent company was sure to weigh on a child's mind.

"Hey, mom?" Yori spoke up, her eyes not leaving the page. "What's Riko-mom's favorite animal?"

"Animal, huh?" You brought a hand to her chin, silent musings of high school memories washing up on the shore of her brain. "She used to hate dogs, but now she loves them. She even got a dog at the end of our second year, even though she was scared when we met."

Yori hummed, listening intently at You reminiscing. She flipped through the magazine, this time a tad faster. "I hope dogs will be at the aquarium."

You giggled, reaching over to stroke faded maroon hair. "There aren't any, Yori."

"Oh..."

"Why do you ask, anyway?"

Her answer came easy, Yori sparing no second to think. "I want Riko-mom to enjoy the aquarium, too!"

A smile tugged at You's lips. She admired the simplistic worries of Yori. Gently, she reached forward, giving her a soft pat. "If you're there, I'm sure Riko will enjoy herself."

Yori met her gaze, lifting her head up from the touch atop her hair. "She'll be happy to see you, too!"

"Is that so?" You smirked, leaning against her arm propped on the table. She knew about Riko’s lingering glances. When both Riko and Yori had helped with the moving process, You had caught her gazes while she carried heavy boxes. 

You was never one to assume, so her eyes found Yori’s, feeling a playfulness tug at her smile. 

"Does she talk about me a lot?"

The weekend couldn't come any slower. You successfully filed for a day's leave for the trip, and Riko had no work obligations during the weekend from her teaching job.

On a sunny winter's day, they passed the gates and paid their tickets. For You, it was a path all too familiar, but there was a certain magic when one is being dragged forward by an excited child.

"Woah, it's a crab!" Yori ran towards one of the tanks, her parents in tow. She held a hand to each one, stuck in between the two adults. "You're right, there's more than just fish in an aquarium!"

"You've seen nothing yet, Yori," You said, matching the child's enthusiasm with her own. She pointed to an aquarium window in the wall. "There's jellyfish too."

"Ooh, I want to see them!" Following her finger, Yori yanked them to the jellyfish tanks. Her steps, although energetic, were tiny, so little distance was covered.

"I feel like she's going to pull my arm off," Riko whispered, but a smile was on her face. You giggled, resigning herself to fate.

"You're keeping her entertained, though," You hummed, shooting her a quick glance. "Guess teaching music to kids makes you patient, huh?"

"I teach high schoolers, You." Riko rolled her eyes, but the smile never left. "None of them have particularly dragged me along an aquarium, either."

You shrugged, yanked to a stop in front of the jellyfish. They stopped to look, admiring the glow of the aquarium lights reflecting off translucent bodies. "You have to admit it's fun, though."

Riko combed her hand through pale maroon hair, seeing the look of wonder on Yori's face. "I'm happy she's enjoying herself."

"Already getting used to being a mother, I see."

She huffed, throwing a look to the side. "I have to, because you're such a bad influence on her."

"How am I a bad influence on her?" You watched playfulness tug at her composed expression.

"She's been doing that salute you always do whenever you agree with anything."

You barked in laughter, feeling oddly proud. "Is that so?" She reached down, giving a small shoulder an approving pat. "You're learning well, Yori!"

They toured the aquarium. You was an indispensable guide, being her workplace. She allowed Yori special privileges with the help of her colleagues working their shifts, ranging from allowing her to touch certain sea life and giving her a chance to feed the dolphins.

"Are you sure this is safe?" Riko remained worried as she watched Yori hold a piece of fish. One of You's colleagues assisted her. They stayed a few steps back at Yori's insistence, telling them she wanted to do it herself.

"It's fine," You reassured, waving a hand. "Dolphins don't bite... much."

She received a light slap on the arm for her remark. "Next time we're going somewhere more relaxing."

"C'mon, the aquarium's fun!"

Riko huffed, feigning a cross look. You laughed, watching as a dolphin broke the water's surface with a jump, performing a trick to receive a reward. It danced along the water and air, a look of awe on Yori as the dolphin approached the water's edge. With the help of the caretaker, she offered the fish, the dolphin eagerly eating.

"You know, Yori has always been asking for us to do things together," Riko said, breaking the wordless silence. You noticed how quiet it had gotten between them, the cheers from Yori enough to distract her. "Ever since we agreed to raise her, she's always wanted both of us there."

"I don't blame her." You shrugged. Water splashed up in the air, sprinkling down on the ground beside the pool. "She really wanted today to happen, too."

A hum left Riko's lips but said nothing else. They watched Yori in silence, another fish in her hands, cheering for the dolphin to do another trick. You let her thoughts turn in her head, words delicately arranged on her tongue.

"We could do this again," she spoke, almost a whisper that barely broke the air. "That is, if you want?"

She didn't look to her side, finding herself holding a breath as Riko remained silent. The dolphin broke the water, gliding upright across the water. It splashed, then disappeared back under the blue.

Then, Riko spoke. "We can-"

Suddenly, the dolphin shot out the water. It launched itself up into the air, arching down towards them both.

"Watch out!"

A loud splash filled the air, water gushing from the impact of the dolphin reentering the water. You didn't see, her back faced to the pool, arms outstretched. In front of her was Riko, thankfully still dry.

Much couldn't be said about her, winter air already punishing her sacrifice.

"Cold!" A chill shot up her spine, her body frozen as water seeped in her clothes. She looked down, meeting amber eyes. "Aha... Looks like you're still dry, Riko."

She just noticed the difference in their bodies. Riko's frame was more slender compared to her own, likely attributed to the physical work from working on a boat.

"I a-am, thanks to you," Riko said, taking a step back. Her eyes scanned You from head to toe. Then, a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "You're absolutely drenched."

You lowered her arms, pushing aside wet hair on her forehead. "Gee, you don't say?"

They stared at each other before sharing a laugh. It warmed You's core, fighting off the stabbing cold freezing wet skin.

"You moved so fast, You-mom!" Yori exclaimed, running towards them. Her laughs laced into excited words, body bouncing on her feet. "I want to splash, too!"

"Trust me, Yori, you wouldn't want to in this weather..." You looked down at herself, then touched the clothes on her back. It squelched softly, her entire backside unsalvageable. She played a smile, letting her spirit keep her body warm. "Don't worry, I have a spare change of clothes in the staff lockers."

She turned to Riko, the curve of her lip turning cheeky. "Good thing I work here, huh?"

Riko scoffed playfully, taking a step toward Yori. "We'll wait for you at the starfish tanks while you change."

Taking the child's hand, Riko began to walk with her out of the dolphin pool. You watched their backs, raising an eyebrow when Riko stopped. Amber eyes looked over her shoulder, beneath it a small smile.

"Next week, we can look around town. I was thinking of shopping for Yori's clothes. If you're not busy, that is."

She didn't wait for a reply, turning back around and walking through the small gate. Yori spoke to her, but they were too far away for You to hear.

You rushed to the staff exit, finding the locker room with few familiar turns. Riko's words sank in, and suddenly the wet clothes didn't feel so cold anymore.

Finding her spare change of clothes, she was thankful to remove the wet articles, drying herself first before putting on a dry shirt and pants.

She hoped no one would mistake her for an employee, pushing past doors back to the public areas of the aquarium. Riko and Yori were immersed with the exhibit of starfish, the looks on their faces reminding You of what Yori said earlier in the week.

A spring revived her step, and she eagerly joined them. "Hey, Yori, you said you wanted to see the penguins, right?"

Excitement lightened up her features. Her eyes were gentle like Riko's, but her smile matched her own. "Penguins! Are they really here?"

"Of course!" You laughed, taking her free hand, and pointing down a hall. "They're that way. If I ask a friend, we can get all close to them, too."

"This time let's keep the same distance as everyone else," Riko interjected, chopping at You's head with a hand. "I don't suppose you have another spare change of clothes, do you?"

You blew a raspberry, pretending the blow hurt more than it did. "Penguins are harmless, so it'll be fine, Riko."

The stern look on her face left no arguments, but You could only smile at her concern. Riko shook her head, easing her expression when she looked down at Yori. "Sweetheart, make sure to hold onto You so she doesn't wander off and get wet again, all right?"

"Okay!" Yori readily agreed. You blinked, suspecting that she may have a favorite between her and Riko.

A light feeling blossomed in her chest as she admitted defeat. With Yori firmly grasping her hand, she began leading them towards the penguins. In the middle, the child began swinging their joined hands, humming a familiar tune as they walked.

You recognized it, turning to Riko with a raised brow. "She's listened to our duet?"

"I play it for her at home sometimes," she answered, giving the young girl an endearing glance. "She never gets tired of it, no matter how many times I play it."

They passed through to the outside, gentle winds dancing along their skin. You said nothing, listening to the chipper humming as they walked.

"That makes two of us, then," she whispered, unsure if she wanted anyone else to hear. Her eyes scanned the passing exhibits, sparse visitors enthralled by the variety of sea life.

Beside her, a small laugh bloomed. Her eyes found Riko, suppressing tickled breaths.

"That would make three."

Yori yanked them forward, her rendition cut off abruptly as a chorus of chippering filled the air. "Look, penguins!"

Hands linked, the family of three got as close to the penguins as they could. Yori watched the birds with close attention, Riko reminiscing about the past as her eyes scanned the enclosure. You watched their reactions, then to the tight grip on her fingers.

She stifled a giggle, returning the hold.

Their visit to the aquarium was a joy not only to Yori, but for all involved. Riko took pictures frequently, and You had forgotten what the aquarium was like on the other side of the enclosures.

Spending time together as three was something You found herself thinking much about. Luckily, Riko's plans the following week came to fruition.

She looked in the mirror, wearing the sweater Riko had picked out for her. A soft gray fabric, thick but breathable for the winter climate. After picking out clothes for Yori (although Riko offered, she refused to wear any other scarves except the pink knitted scarf she wore all the time), they wandered around the shopping center, stopping at food stalls and attractions that were new.

Along the way they had bumped into Hanamaru and Ruby, who were having a day out. They hadn't met Yori until then and left You and Riko alone to have fun with the child. She didn't mind, enjoying any company of her parents.

"Let me repay you for keeping me dry back at the aquarium," Riko said, bringing her to a clothing store. Despite You assuring her that there was no need, Riko was adamant in picking out something nice. In the end, they walked out with a few articles of clothing for You to bring home.

Now, thinking back, You had forgotten that she had kept her wardrobe sparse when she worked on the ferry.

The week after their trip to the mall, Chika invited all of Aqours to Tochimann Inn for an evening together, giving specific instructions to bring Yori. She was no secret to the group, but she wasn't properly introduced, either.

Evening came quickly, and Chika had one of the inn's dining halls reserved for them. Yori was the center of attention, and she enjoyed their company. You watched from the opposite end of the table, helping herself to a tall glass of beer as Yori drank in the absurdity of Yoshiko's words.

"She seems to fit like a glove with Aqours, wouldn't you say?" A question brought her out of thought. She glanced to the side, finding Dia neatly sat beside her.

You nodded, setting down her glass. "She is, which I'm thankful for! I was getting worried she might get bored if she was only hanging out with me and Riko."

"I don't think that is the case," Dia argued, a light smile on her face. She took tiny sips, which was odd for You to see considering it was beer. "I must apologize for putting both yourself and Riko on the spot with the suggestion to raise Yori all those weeks ago."

"Ah, don't worry about it, Dia." You dismissed her apology with a soft wave. Back then, she felt like she was drowning. Her feet were barely back on the ground, her swirling thoughts battering at her emotions.

A month later, she found herself at peace. Her face would alight with joy whenever Yori would stay with her. Despite the short amount of time, they had grown close. From how doting Riko had become, she knew Riko adored Yori.

Since the aquarium trip, Riko would sometimes join them for dinner on her days to watch Yori. In return, You did the same. A daily event like dinner became livelier, and Yori never wished for the other's presence since.

"I suppose it's safe to assume that you two have gotten used to it?" Dia asked. There was a tinge of amusement in her tone, and You realized she had been smiling at her own thoughts.

She quickly composed herself, embarrassed laughter dropping from her lips. "Used to it isn't the right word. More like, we've gotten closer."

Dia nodded in approval, taking another short sip of beer. In contrast, You took a swig. It was her last glass for the evening, for she was the designated driver. "That is good to hear. I can rest assured that Yori is in capable hands."

"You mean you were doubting us before?" You teased. Dia shook her head, looking down to the commotion in the room.

"Not necessarily, I can trust you both separately, after all."

"What does that mean?"

Dia paused, taking a moment to rest the glass upon her lips. You stared as amber liquid slipped in, white foam stirring on the top as she set the glass down. "How are you two?"

You raised an eyebrow at the sudden question. Dia's expression was unreadable, and her lips stayed still. "Well, Riko and I have gotten the hang of our schedule in taking care of Yori and-"

"Not that," Dia interrupted. Ocean blue found astute emerald, a calculative gaze that stole the easygoing atmosphere in the room. "I'm referring to you and Riko exclusively."

The question hung in the air between them. Any thought to deflect it died in her mind, You knew better than to be dishonest with Dia. She grew quiet, deciphering the question.

You was still dishonest. Not at Dia, but at herself as she pretended not to know. "I, uh, wish I could tell you, Dia."

Her answer didn't seem to be the wrong one, Dia's gaze flickering away. You let out a breath she didn't know was held, free from her scrutiny. "I suppose neither of you had time to think, with Yori at the forefront of your priorities."

A laugh escaped You, a reflex to acclimate to the tense air. "I don't want to blame it on Yori, though."

You stopped to nod, affirming the words in her head. "I guess it's just me not knowing the right time to say it."

An honesty she didn't expect herself to say. From the look on Dia's face, she hadn't expected it either. Her expression softened, eyes finding her own.

"I hope that it will be next on the agenda. For the sake of your budding family."

She said nothing else, going back to taking gentle sips from her beer. You mulled over their conversation, sighing deeply when it all seemed to click.

You and Riko got along fine with Yori, yet between them lied a subtle apprehension. There was hesitation that stilled Riko's lips, and a worry that rooted itself in her own mind.

She had loved Riko after all this time, but their new life raising a child had let that affection explode into a monster You struggled to contain. Now, she worried if that would hinder her relationship with Riko, one that had a child to consider.

"Thanks, Dia. I'll think about it," she said instead, offering her gratitude all the same. Suddenly, she was keen to finish her beer, but not before a thought crossed her. "By the way, how do you know?"

The softness in Dia's expression disappeared, replaced with offended disbelief. "I read the lyrics to your duet, You."

That would do it, You thought. Everyone else was successfully fooled by the song's diversion, but nothing would fool Dia.

"Can't pull a wool over your eyes, huh?" You conceded, helping herself to the remainder of her glass. The liquid chilled her throat, its bitter taste a welcoming feeling.

"Of course not," Dia said, sounding a little proud. "It wasn't all that subtle, either."

Their routine became easier by the day, but Dia's words continued to weigh heavy in You's mind. When she didn't worry about Yori, her eyes found themselves on Riko, taking in her sight and sound.

They found more time to spend with each other as Aqours got more involved in spending time with Yori. During play dates or visiting, she and Riko made use of their time alone doing a wide array of activities. Catching up on years apart, simple conversations, and mindless fun around Numazu.

As they spoke, You felt that silent apprehension both shrink and grow more obvious. With it, her own feelings that gripped her every word.

"Are you sure it won't snow?" Riko asked, looking up at the gloom overhead. Like always, her hand held Yori's, who walked between her parents. You held the other, a gentle swing cradling their hold.

"It'll be fine. Besides, you like snow, don't you, Yori?"

"Yeah!" Yori cheered, her smile replacing the sun. "I want to see snow this time."

A sigh left Riko's lips. She looked at the girl with a heartfelt fondness, and You felt her own lips curl into delight.

They stopped at a bench, overlooking the woodland surrounding the park. It was a slow afternoon, the path bare with tranquil silence. Snow blanketed the landscape, the pale brown trees contrasting the white wonderland.

You sat down first, then Riko. However, Yori remained on her feet, childish energy refusing to keep her still.

"Let's play!" She bounced, powdered snow flying around her feet. Before You entertained the notion, Riko spoke first, offering her usual gentle smile.

"We will, Yori. However, I have to speak to You first."

You shot a look of curiosity at the sudden request. Yori blinked, cocking her head to the side. "Did You-mom do something bad again?"

A laugh left You's lips. Riko was clearly her favorite parent. Her eyes caught the hint of amusement on the woman's face, but she let her quiet victory pass without a word. "Not at all, sweetheart. Don't wander off too far, all right?"

Yori nodded, rendering an energetic salute. "I won't!"

Returning the gesture, You flashed a wide smile. "I'll see you back here after Riko puts me through the ringer again, sailor."

They watched Yori skip off down the field, darting through the small woodland. Without her, the air grew quiet between them, sitting side by side on the park bench.

"So." You moved first to break the silence. She felt the familiar weight begin to show once more. "What is it you want to talk about?"

Riko took her time to speak. You waited, watching the way her lips felt the words in her mind. After what felt like forever, she began. "How are you?"

You knew that it wasn't the question, familiar with Riko's penchant to warm up to the main subject. "I'm fine?"

Instead, Riko shook her head. "With raising Yori, I mean."

"I mean, it's going great. Why do you ask?" Her question was laced in equal parts curiosity and confusion. Riko seemed to shrink at the tone, but her voice didn't falter.

"Raising Yori together made me realize something." A silence persisted for a second, a fleeting period of Riko pausing to collect her thoughts. "It's been so fun, and I love her so much."

You found herself smiling at Riko's feelings toward Yori was mutual. Her chest tightened, wishing that it wasn't the only thing mutual.

"And, seeing how we're like together. All three of us." Riko took a deep breath, a broken string of laughter breathing out. "It's the happiest I've ever been."

Her emotions bubbled to the back of her throat, Riko's words resonating with You. Her hands began to move restlessly, hoping the gloves kept them inconspicuous. To distract herself, she chimed in quickly. "It's been great, and Yori has been having fun too, I bet."

Riko hummed, agreeing. "She's changed our lives, definitely."

Her words trailed off. Their breaths were visible, and You saw Riko's grow still. "However, I know there are some changes I need to make for myself."

You began to feel a rush down in the pit of her stomach. Her heartbeat began to race, lips quivering under tense breath.

“You never asked why I quit as a pianist. Something called me back here. Back home.”

Their eyes met, a searching look in pristine amber. "You, I-"

"Riko!"

It brought something out of You, her words coming out before she could think. "I need to say something, too."

She shook her thoughts in order. It brought out everything. After hearing it from Riko, realization struck her. "Raising a kid together was definitely something I never imagined us doing, not after being apart from you for so long."

You moved, removing an inch from the gap between them on the bench. "I was unsure then, but now I know why I was so sure when I answered Dia in the beginning."

Their hands touched briefly. It was the last of her hesitation, taking a moment before they held Riko's. She felt how slender her hands were despite wearing gloves.

Her head shook softly, never once breaking eye contact. "No, it's something I've known since high school."

You drew in a breath. She didn't realize how close they had gotten.

"I love you, Riko." Her words left her so easily that she wondered why it took ten years. "From back then, right now, and for the future that I imagine together with Yori."

Her mind finally caught up, but no words were left. Everything was laid out, her emotions out for Riko to hear.

The first thing You felt was the weight leaving her chest, the second being the nervousness as Riko processed her confession. There was an unreadable expression, and You bit her lip at the silence.

"H-How-" Slowly, Riko found her voice. Quietly, she spoke. "How did you beat me to it?"

Disbelief was the last tone You had expected. "Come again?"

Riko tightened their hold. It almost hurt. "I was seconds away from declaring my love for you, and you beat me to it just as I was about to?"

You blinked once, then twice. "Wait, that's where that was going?"

"Where else do you think it was going, You?"

"I-" You stopped. Hindsight sank in, and it all dropped on You like a boulder. "I don't know."

"Did you think I was going to say something negative after all that?"

"I panicked, okay?" You exclaimed, mustering up to her full height on the bench. "After Dia said something weird, I had it on my mind for so long."

"You sure chose the most opportune time to steal my moment!"

Their raised shouts filled the air, echoing into silence when they stopped. They looked at each other, the sheer ridiculousness fading as the weight lifted. You burst out into laughter, and Riko couldn't help but let her laughs join the chorus.

When laughter died down, silence followed. It was different, a comfortable void that left no pressure for them to fill.

"After all these years, this is how it concludes," Riko said, composing her breathing. "It's ridiculous that I love you after so long with these circumstances."

"You make it sound like it's a chore," You remarked, a bark of laughter following.

"Oh, it most certainly feels like it is." Their hands found each other, resting them atop Riko's lap. A warm feeling surrounded You, watching the woman's upturned gaze.

"I have no complaints carrying this love, however."

Riko closed the gap, culminating ten years of emotions into a single, heart stopping kiss. Her lips were gentle, but You lost herself in the soft feeling of her skin. She kissed back, pouring everything into the quiet action.

When they pulled away, the heat had affected them both, their faces flushed red. Riko looked away, her words an embarrassed stutter. "You?"

Her eyes refused to look back. You hummed, a light laughter as her heart soared. "What is it, Riko?"

"Do you want to move in together?"

An indirect proposal for a relationship, but clever enough to make You giggle. "I would love to."

They shared another kiss. It took just once for You to know that she would never get over the explosion of warmth from one simple act.

"Should we look for Yori?" Riko suggested, wrapping close against You's side. It was warm, and she didn't want it to end.

Her eyes moved to the park's expanse in front of them, not seeing their child among the small tree line. "You're right. She must've started exploring when she got bored waiting for us."

Walking the path, they looked for Yori. Their bodies stayed close, hands linked between them. Sunset gave the gloom a slightly orange hue. Around them, lamps turned on, the late hour suddenly evident.

"I guess Yori will enjoy no longer needing to move house every few days," Riko said, her voice light. "Since you're so eager, I'll let you do the honors by telling her."

"You're still hung up on that?" You bumped their shoulders together, unrestrained laughter filling the air. "I'll do it if we move into your apartment."

"Why mine?"

"Because it's bigger."

They crested over a small hill, seeing a small clearing. Snow blanketed the field, a sole figure skipping along the white. "Yori!"

The child looked at them, waving energetically. You responded by raising her and Riko's intertwined hands, waving at her gently. "Is that really necessary?"

Riko smiled at the gesture despite her words, and they both made their way towards the field. Yori stared at them. It was a soft expression You hadn't seen her wear, different to the usual bright smiles she always wore.

"Is everything all right, Yori?"

"Everything will be fine!" she answered, a grin returning to her face. A flake of snow settled on her cheek, interrupting everyone to look upward. "Snow!"

"It ended up snowing, huh?" You chuckled, holding her hand out as snowflakes fell to the ground. "Should we get going?"

"I want to make a snowman!" Yori cheered, an unwavering insistence that neither You nor Riko could ever refuse.

"Good choice! Riko and I make a good team in making snowmen." Beside her, Riko laughed, tugging at their hands.

"If you let me go, we can get started."

You brought her close, her free arm coiling around her middle. "After being apart for so long? Never."

They shared a laugh, breaking away to stand between Yori. As they did, the child ran forwards, her feet sinking into the snow.

"I'll make it perfect. Riko-mom and You-mom make the body!"

"Don't wander off too far, all right, sweetheart?" Riko instructed, conscious of the growing shadows around the park. You waved off her worries, rendering a quick salute at the child.

"Help us make the perfect snowman, okay, Yori?"

"I will!"

As Yori skipped off, You and Riko set to work making the body of the snowman itself. They had experience, but they took meticulous care in constructing its body and head. As they worked, endearing bantering filled the air.

With practiced precision, they planted the head on the body, stepping back to admire the blank canvas. Right on time, they heard footsteps, turning around to see Yori carry twigs and pebbles. "How are these?"

You caressed her head beside Yori's pink hat, a happy smile on her face. "It's perfect. Thanks, Yori!"

They began decorating the snowman with the twigs and stones. Riko gave the snowman a bright smile, and You raised the twigs to imitate waving hands.

"Ah, how about these?" Riko had a pair of pale blue buttons. She used them as eyes, a gentle gaze that could get either of them to do its bidding. "Perfect!"

"I have some gloves too!" You draped a small pair of gloves over the twigs, giving its hands a proper winter attire. A pair of hands that reached above its head, outstretched to receive. You giggled as Riko held one hand. She reached over and grabbed the other.

"It's been growing colder, so it needs a scarf," Riko remarked, presenting a small knitted pink scarf.

"Snow being cold is sort of the point, don't you think?"

Riko rolled her eyes at the retort, reaching over to wear the scarf around the snowman. Even in the coldest and uncertain nights, it would be warm. You watched Riko affix the scarf, taking care to drape it perfectly.

They both took a step back, admiring their work. A snowman no taller than their knees, dressed in a pair of gloves, scarf, and a smile. You could feel its warmth from the wide curve below pale blue buttons.

Beside her, Riko hummed, a hand on her chin. You took the other, grasping it gently. "It needs something else, wouldn't you say?"

You gave the snowman another glance, its familiar form seemingly incomplete. "You're right. Hey Yori-"

The field was empty, the snow falling onto the white expanse around them. You turned her head, finding nothing in the winter landscape all except a pink pail partially buried in the snow.

“You?”

You picked it up, brushing off the frost. For a moment, she saw herself reflected in the familiar pink pail in her hands. Her eyes flickered to Riko, brushing away the momentary confusion like freshly fallen snow. "Ah, sorry, I was thinking about something. This would be perfect for a hat, don’t you think?"

She walked towards the snowman, Riko staying close. She gently sat the pail on the snowman's head, slightly askew before taking a step back.

Wind blew past, but they were warm. You felt a smile against her face, watching the snowman's smile.

"You know," Riko started, finding her place against her side. "Every time we build a snowman, we're always together."

A small laugh bubbled from You's lips, ocean blue meeting pristine amber. "You're right. We've done it thrice, why not make it a tradition at this point?"

Riko giggled at her logic. Her head rested against You's shoulder, her voice a gentle whisper. "I'd love that."

"It's decided then." You grinned to herself, looking back at the snowman. It stood still, wearing its smile.

You took a step forward, taking hold of its hand. A familiar feeling rushed in her mind. With it, she remembered a smile brighter than any sun, and a heart that bridged between her and Riko. It was a faint memory, but a smile bloomed across her face.

Falling frost had settled atop the gloves, but she paid no mind as she grasped gently.

Strangely, the snow felt warm.

"Let's meet again soon, Yori."