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I was a little nervous, admittedly. It hadn’t been long since we last saw each other, but she had come so far in the world. A college student that somehow got an acting job on a show she’s loved for years? That’s a lot for 2 years apart. When she asked to meet back in Iwatodai just for some simple catching up, I said yes as quickly as I could. That didn’t help the nervous feeling that built up inside me. Yukari had gone out and seen the world, made a career that undoubtedly inspired many people, and learned so much. I, meanwhile, was stuck mostly here, working with the Kirijo group on some Anti-Shadow equipment. Regardless, our meeting time was soon. My chauffeur was taking me to the place Yukari chose: a small little coffee shop that opened up around a year ago. She seemed enthusiastic about it over the phone, so I hope it’s good. We arrived at the shop not too long later, and my chauffeur opened the door to let me out, driving away once I was on the sidewalk. I stepped inside the coffee shop, the smell of coffee and pastries filling my nose. It was divine. Just after that, I heard an all too familiar voice.
“MITSURU! OVER HERE!”
I looked over to see Yukari waving excitedly at me. A smile as bright as the sun was on her face, it brought me joy to see it. She looked beautiful. I walked over and sat in the chair opposite her.
“Yukari, it’s great to see you.”
“It’s great to see you too! I’m glad we managed to meet today, it’s gorgeous outside. I hope you don’t mind, I ordered you a drink I think you’d enjoy.”
“I’m sure I’ll love it.”
“It should be done in a bit, the owner said not a lot of people get it so he wanted to make sure he got it right. Well, how’ve you been? It’s been a while.”
“I’ve been well. Tired, admittedly, but well. Yourself?”
“As good as I can be. Acting is a little tricky to balance with college.”
“I would assume. Your studies are going well, I hope.”
Yukari scrunched her nose a little.
“Oh, Mitsuru, let’s not talk about school. It’s so, bleh.”
I chuckled a bit at that.
“How are things back here? I haven’t been back to Iwatodai in a while, and while it seems all the same, I know there’s probably more going on than most people know.”
“Well, while policy and concern for the public restrict me from saying too much, I will say we haven’t had any challenging opposition in a while.”
“That’s good!”
“Indeed. Akihiko and Aigis still help out from time to time, we may see them later.”
“Oh, that would be-“
A man stepped up to the table we were at. He was holding a tray, on which two cups and two pastries were placed.
“Here you are, ladies. A coffee for you, and tea for you.”
He placed the coffee in front of Yukari and the tea in front of me. He also placed the pastries on the table as well, then turned to go. Yukari briefly looked at the pastries with a confused expression.
“Excuse me, sir. I didn’t order these.”
The man turned back around.
“Ah, I know. My daughter is a huge fan of Phoenix Ranger Featherman Victory, and I recognized you, Pink Argus! I had to show you appreciation for your work somehow. Truly, thank you for your work.”
The man turned again and continued to the place he had just come from. I went to look at Yukari, who was red in the face.
“Still not quite used to the fame, I take it?”
“A little. Not used to the “getting free stuff” part of it either.”
“I would imagine.”
I sipped from the tea Yukari had gotten for me. It was the best tea I think I’d ever had.
“I take it you like it?”
“Very much so, yes.”
“Glad to hear it!”
She sipped from her coffee as well. This was nice. Sharing drinks together in a quiet place like this. It felt right, somehow. Like this is where I belonged. She offered me one of the pastries, a chocolate croissant, and I took it gladly. It was delicious, and complemented the tea well. After more small talk, we rose and stepped outside, thanking the owner for his kindness again. We walked down to the park. I sensed Yukari was trying to subtly hint at something, notably because she kept trying to grab my hand while we walked. After a moment, I gave in and grabbed her hand. I felt her pulse rise a little, I hope she’s okay. We found a bench and sat, releasing hands and talking for a moment. After a little while, Yukari took a deep breath before looking at me.
“Mitsuru, can I…tell you something?”
“Of course. What’s on your mind?”
“Ever since I left town, I can think of only one thing. It’s not something that would force me to stay here, I think it’s something that would do the opposite. I want to take it everywhere I go and keep it near to me.”
“I see.”
Yukari grew red, redder than she was when the coffee shop owner mentioned Featherman.
“Mitsuru, I think I like you. And I want to be with you. We’ve been through a lot together and coming back here today has solidified it in my mind.”
“Oh. My. Uh. Apologies.”
I turned away from her. I understand how she feels, I feel similar. Luckily I don’t have to say anything in terms of confession, she did that for me, but still. How do I follow up? What should I say?
Her hand gently caressed my cheek. I looked back at her. She was still beet red, but she was still pretty. I reached up, placing my hand over hers. I gently brought our hands down, tying our fingers together as I did. I tried to look her in the eyes, but that just made me flustered.
“It’s okay.”
I felt her hand touch my shoulder, to comfort me. I raised my eyes to her, trying to stay coherent and not become a blubbering fool.
“Yukari, I believe I feel the same way towards you. You’ve grown into such a fine young woman and I’ve treasured our relationship for years. If you want to take a new step, together, I’d be more than happy to.”
She smiled. I thought my heart was about to stop from the overload of sweetness emanating from her. She looked at me in a way I had never been looked at before. I hoped only that I was looking at her in a way like that as well. She scooted in closer, putting a hand around me and resting the other one on my thigh.
“May I?”
“Yes.”
She kissed me. Gently, sweetly, like it was all that mattered. There was only love behind it. Not a desire for more than that, not a passion of insatiability. It was just a kiss so that she could feel her lips on mine. She pulled away after a moment. She was still red, I’m sure I was as well. She rested her head on my shoulder and we sat in comfortable silence for a few minutes, letting our hearts calm back down.
“Should I call for my chauffeur to bring us somewhere?”
“In a bit. I just want to be here with you a little longer.”
We sat there a while longer. I noticed after a while that Yukari had fallen asleep on my shoulder. While adorable, I don’t think sleeping in this park is a great idea. I called my chauffeur and waited for him to come by. When he arrived, I picked Yukari up and brought her to the car. She didn’t show any signs of waking. We drove to the hotel she was staying in and I brought her inside, placing her gently on her bed. I kissed her forehead, and I noticed her mouth subtly curl into a smile when I did. I turned to go, but felt a very tired hand reach out and touch mine.
“Stay here, if you can.”
I looked back to see Yukari fighting for consciousness. I laughed, she was just adorable. I went and got into the bed with her, and she snuggled up to me. I heard her whisper something under her breath, but I couldn’t make it out. I laid there embracing Yukari until I fell asleep. It was the best sleep I’ve ever had.