Chapter Text
"Saki. Are you ok?"
"Uh? Yeah, I'm good."
"You've been acting weird. Even Shiho is getting worried about you."
Must be a pretty big deal if Shiho was getting worried about her. Saki shakes her head, reassuring Ichika that there's nothing to worry about. It's only been a couple of hours before she left the hospital in the sky, Airi and Shizuku has sent the other 3 off. Saki thinks back to what seems like days ago.
"You take care of yourself, Tenma-san."
"Mhmm, Haruka-san."
"If you need anything you have my number."
Haruka could help with many things, but fixing her relationship with Ichika wasn't something Haruka might not very interested in fixing. Saki shuffles around her pockets, her fingers digging around for wallet. Carefully eying Ichika, the black haired girl was sipping on a glass of lemonade, her hair tied up in a pony tail and a cap. She donned a leather jacket and pin stripped jeans, Ichika doesn't like make-up, her skin a couple of blemishes here and there from the injuries she sustained while performing, the past 2 years flew by like a storm.
Saki wears a similar outfit, a black leather jacket but underneath was a pink white dress and high laced shoes. Saki stirs her drink with the straw in her mouth, did she really look any different. It's barely been 3 hours with Ichika and she already found out? Well, too be fair, she might have been acting odd the last couple of days. Taking time for herself, sitting alone and spending time just writing down notes and planning. Saki shakes her head, just because of that conversion business doesn't mean that she a completely different person.
Saki smiles, looking at Ichika, the mid-day sun shone upon her face, her lips sucking lightly on the straw, the liquid going up the straw. Saki raises her finger, taking the time to take in the view that is the love of her life. Poking Ichika on the cheek, Ichika turns to face Saki, her surprised expression turned soft after a while, her smile soft, letting Saki reminisce about the times Ichika would visit her at the hospital.
Ichika would smile, hold her hand and occasionally bring some of Saki's favorite snacks, don't get Saki wrong, Ichika still does all that, neither does Saki want to go back but Saki can't help but be reminded about the past. Nearly a decade has pasts since she last seen that dreaded hospital bed, it's whitewashed walls seemingly sucking the life out of everything, Ichika being the only one bring color to Saki's life.
"S-Saki?"
"Mou~ Icchan is so cute."
"Saki, it's embarrassing."
"You'll have to blame my girlfriend for being so cute."
Saki and Ichika were never an actual couple but her friends assumed that they were so Saki is enjoying the ride that is Hoshino Ichika. If anything, Saki would happily date Ichika, the person who gave her hope, a cute girl, caring and loving, and to top it all off actually pretty handsome? Yeah, that sounds like perfect boyfriend material. Saki smiles at the thought brushing the the hair out of Ichika's flushed red face.
A thought popped into Saki's head, weighing the pros and cons, Saki smiles at Ichika.
"Icchan..."
"Mhmm? Saki?"
"Have you thought of dating."
"Eh, where did this come from, I've never really thought of these things, we are all so busy after all."
"Well, I never said who you want to date."
"Oh, so what do you have in mind."
"Me."
"Eh?"
"Date me, Ichika."
Saki smiles innocently, Ichika's shy blush a blessing to her eyes. Ichika's finger's weaved into each other, barely covering her gaping mouth, her eyes dizzy from the sudden confession.
"I mean, even Shiho and Honami thought we were dating, especially when I was hospitalized. So we might as well right, you'll never know, maybe you were meant to be with me after all."
"S-Sa. Erm, I, don't... Is that a confession?"
Saki gave it a thought, she really loved Ichika, she just thought to herself that she'll happily date someone like Ichika, but now faced with the choice, she doesn't want to leave with regrets.
"Yes, I love you Ichika."
"Ehh!?"
"Please go out with me, Icchan. You're so cool!"
"Saki, that's embarrassing..."
"Hehehe."
Saki smiles, holding Ichika's hand, her eyes twinkling under the mid-day sky. Ichika returns the favor, standing up to press her lips onto Saki's forehead. They ought to leave anyway, Shiho and Honami should be meeting them at the recording studio by now. Hooking her arm over Ichika's, Saki grins, never would she had thought that it would be that easy to finally date the love of her life.
Saki grins at the thought that Ichika never gave her a solid reply, as if she was still uncertain of the future. Nevertheless, Saki made it a mental note to call Ichika by her name in front of Shiho and Honami. If Ichika wasn't going to start taking things seriously, Saki might as well do. After all, she was the one who confessed, no?
Saki wouldn't lie, but it does suck admitting that asking Ichika to date her didn't have some sort of external influence. After all, she had a job to do as much as she loved Ichika and she needed to complete the job regardless of whether Ichika agrees. So she might as well kill 2 birds with 1 stone.
Whispering into Ichika's ear, Saki mumbles to quietly.
"You're free tomorrow right?"
"Hmm, yeah, you have something on?"
"Actually yeah, I wanna meet a old friend of mine."
"Then let's go together, then we can go out."
"Mhmm~ Sound like a plan."
Saki did feel bad at Ichika was so agreeable. She shouldn't do that to her new girlfriend, but what's done can't be reversed. Saki might as well make the best out of the situation. She'll eventually have to tell Ichika everything.
She will tell Ichika everything. Ichika deserved to know more than anyone else.
Ichika deserves a lot of things. Saki thinks back to a couple of days before they went pro. Saki was nervous out of her mind, Honami was mere pressure points away from fainting on stage. Even Shiho was sweating from the fear. But Ichika, Saki still wonders how, was completely calm, smiling even. As if it was just another casual show that they would do. Saying that they do perfectly fine. Sure enough, they smashed it.
Ichika said she was just so nervous she wasn't thinking properly but Saki would much rather imagine that Ichika was just some cool ikemen that could swoon anyone. She's cool that way.
"Saki, where are you going."
"Oh, eh, oops."
Saki looked around, noticing that she actually overshot the recording studio. Covering her mouth as she jogged back, entering the small shop with Ichika, fingers laced and hands intertwined, it was a good feeling. Blood rushed to Saki's face, God, she'll never be able to get over this euphoria. If casually holding hands would turn her into such a pile of mush, imagine what happens when Ichika actually wants to swoon Saki.
I might just fucking die a second time.
On second thought, that wouldn't be such a bad way to go.
-
Shiho and Honami wasn't surprised to say the least. If anything, they were hoping for this outcome. Years of watching Ichika be the oblivious boyfriend troupe can really rile up someone, especially Shiho.
"Fucking finally, I thought we'd have to retire before you two started dating."
Shiho sighs, eyeing her friends. Saki smiled innocently, clinging onto Ichika. The black hair girl only blushed in response, Honami just stood there and grinned giggling at Saki's antics.
"Was that the thing that was caught up on your mind."
"Eh, what thing."
"Shiho is just worried about you, Saki-chan, Shiho might look like that but she only wants the best for you alright."
"Honami!"
"Mou~ Shii-chaaan."
"Get off me, damnit!"
It's fun to bully Shiho, Saki giggles, eyeing back at Ichika, who only smiled in return, she seemed happy. That's good enough for Saki.
I just want to see you smile. After all, it should be my turn to return the favor.
The band just finished practice when Saki basically broke the news to the other 2, cupping her hands around Ichika's face before pressing her lips on Ichika's. Giving her new lover a kiss, causing a equally as dramatic reaction from Ichika. A gasp from Honami, Shiho slams her hand on an amp and Ichika who stumbled backwards.
They were dating after all, this should be normal for them. The time was past 8 and everyone was tired. Honami removed her gloves, fingerless gloves looked nice on Honami, almost as good as if they were on Ichika. Shiho set down her bass, after working with Shiho for so long, Saki could finally understand why some guitars and basses are so expensive.
Fenders aren't cheap, Saki knows from experience, she almost dropped Shiho's bass and both of them nearly got a heart attack that day.
Ichika set down her own guitar, smiling at Saki, walking forward and accepting Saki into her grasp. Pressing her cheek onto Ichika's, the duo seemingly in a comically wholesome scene. Saki could get used to the closeness and affection for sure.
As the band left the studio, satisfied with the practice session, they agreed to grab dinner together before heading for their respective holdings. Ichika walked behind the group, taking her time, absorbing the view around her. The rain had just stopped and Ichika suddenly found water puddles awfully interesting. But Saki didn't, she would much rather like her new love to be next to her. Sliding back next to Ichika, allowing Shiho and Honami to carry on with their very very interesting conversation about bass strings. Saki leans into Ichika's arm, holding her hand, lacing her fingers into Ichika's.
No response from the other girl, except for a small smile as her finger brushes against Saki's hand. Feeling the dying drizzle of the rain on her face, Saki musters some courage to speak.
"Ichika?"
"Mhmm. Saki."
"Can I go over for the night?"
"Shouldn't you ask Tsukasa-san first."
"I'm not a kid Ichika, I'll just tell onii-chan, he's not the boss of me."
Saki puffs, she loved her brother with her heart but this is not the time, she had a more attractive target on her mind. Tsukasa Tenma is barely a year older than Saki, same blonde locks and pinkish tips, an equally as boisterous attitude and very much alive.
Ichika scowls a little, before relaxing, nodding her head in approval. Being able to stay over for the night means Saki was able to discuss the plans for tomorrow to meet this mysterious Mizuki person. As well as try and get even closer to Ichika. Maybe they'll get to do some really, really bonding activities. Such as Monopoly or something, Saki wasn't so sure.¹
The band makes a couple of turn before stopping by a road side stall, it's plastics sheet roofs barely holding onto it's wooden frame, drops of rain fell onto the sheet, the soft pitter patter of the rain rather soothing. The band carefully pushes open the noren², polietly asking for a table of 4 and shuffling their way to the table at the end. A waitress soon approaches them with the menu, pointing out the specials for the night.
"Tonight there's a special for alcoholic drinks, let me know once you are ready to order."
Saki giggles at the last part, the group was legal to drink, all of them being 20 years of age. But the only one who actually drinks is Honami, which was unexpected to say the least. The band originally agreed to try a bit of alcohol on Honami's birthday for the sake of finding out. Ichika didn't hate it but washed it down with a yakisoba bun. Shiho didn't enjoy it as much so she just passed on the next one. Saki was willing to go a little bit further having a can of beer maybe once a month.
It's cuz of the health benefits!
Supposed health benefits.
For those who are legal, drink in moderation. And for everyone, eat everything in moderation.
Honami on the other hand, quite liked the kick, and is more or less a fair patron of fancy sake³ every once in a while. Of course, Leo/need can't have their number 1 drummist go to waste, literally this time. Normally Shiho would be there to accompany her.
"Not this time actually. I feel like we need to have a nice conversation today."
"That's a rare one, Hona-chan."
"I like that idea, I'll just get us green tea."
"Oh, I remember they have good yakisoba buns."
"How are you still not tired of that thing."
"Mmmm, it's very.... nice."
Chatter surrounds the band, almost as if they are back in high school. Casual jesting between Shiho and Saki littered the area as Ichika and Honami stood aside and smiled. Shiho finished ticking the items off the menu, keeping the piece of paper out of Saki's reach. Knowing Saki, there's a good chance that she'll start ticking everything and anything that might even slightly appeal to her.
"But I want the kaaraaageee."
"You can ask Honami to make it for you, we already ordered enough food for at least 5."
"Mou~ Shiho-chan is so unfun."
"I would much rather not waste money."
Saki slumps in defeat, truth be told, she likes to act like this, knowing very well that her friends would willingly play into it, people might call her childish but Saki does it because she loves her friends very much. Her act usually screaming something along the lines of "SPOIL ME, ICHIKA!!!" and Ichika delivers, of course none of her requests are stuff she can do on her own. Saki's not a monster.
Shiho returns with bottles of green tea, passing the chilled bottles of liquid around the table, walking back to the counter before returning with a hot cup of tea for Saki. Saki felt as if she's become a old woman, non-ironically enjoying hot green tea made her feel this way. Maybe it's because off all the wonderful elderly people she met at the hospital during her stay, but whatever it is, hot green tea is now one of her favorite drinks.
Carefully hoisting up the warm ceramic cup, Saki brings the edge of the cup to her lips, blowing the steam away before taking a small sip, the hot tea burnt slightly in her mouth but it was a feeling Saki has gotten used to well enough. Heaving a satisfied sigh, Saki places the cup down glancing around at her friends all more than happy to be there.
Saki enjoyed the company, 6 years ago they were all further away then ever but now, Saki could never imagine a day without any of them. Saki really loved all of them, she loved how Honami would casually drum her fingers on whatever surface she could find. She loved how Shiho would brush her fringe out of the way. And Saki especially loves how Ichika kept the same innocent childlike smile, the same smile that brought her through darker days.
The food came soon enough, Saki didn't even have time to overthink anything and dug in.
"Itadakimasu~"
The band cheered in union, everyone helping themselves to the array of food the waitress brought. It's your average late night supper food, with plenty of fried items and fresh vegetables. Saki thought of what to do next, usually she's the one thinking of the fun stuff to do.
"When the next practice session again?"
"it's 2 days from now. Don't forget that, then 3 days after that session we have a finally rehearsal before the big event."
"Is Tsukasa-san going to MC?"
"Yeah! Onii-chan is gonna rock it!"
"Oh, that's reassuring to hear."
"Yes, Tsukasa-san has been a rather nice host."
The knowledge that Tsukasa was a well established MC in Shibuya means that Saki didn't need to check on her brother all that often since he was pretty well off. But the Tenma siblings' bonds are still tightly knitted. Saki knows about Tsukasa's secret lover and she wasn't going to blow up the earth by exposing the next rising star's secrets.
Saki smirks to herself, obviously proud of her brother's accomplishment, he's also only 21 years old! How amazing is he? VERY! Saki is a huge fan of her own brother if you couldn't tell. But her friends? Maybe a little more than they used to...
"I remember when Tsukasa would act at that theatre stage, he was so overly flamboyant."
"I still think he'll be a great alarm clock."
"Hehe, after 6 years and you still think Tsukasa-san's best purpose is to be a alarm clock."
Saki giggles, her brother loves her a lot and he was also a part of her up bringing, being the only other person to visit her other than Ichika. Which meant a lot to Saki, being able to have another friendly face appear once in a while was life changing for her. Saki thinks back to the past once more, she's been doing it a lot more recently. Shaking her head, she needs to get these thoughts out of her, now was the time to enjoy herself.
She wasn't going to let this brilliant night go to waste. The moonlight reflected onto the street as the band left the stall, Shiho staying inside to pay for the bill before exiting as well. Shiho took care of majority of the band's finances, sure they all have their own pocket money but Shiho insisted that they all still plays a part in ensuring the band's normal life.
"Alright, Honami and I are going this way, how about you two."
"Oh, Saki is staying over at my place today. So we'll both be going this way."
Honami blinks, a light bulb seemingly popping on top of her head. Scurrying towards Ichika, pulling her aside and out of earshot, her light grey dressing swaying in the cooling breeze, a nice contrast to Shiho's dark blue cardigan.
"Alright, just return it to me tomorrow alright."
"Eh, alright, I still don't know why I would need this... I'm a guitarist, I need to pluck notes!"
Honami and Shiho had left by the time Ichika finished her sentence, turning the corner and waving back at Saki.
"So.... What did Honami give you?"
Ichika stopped to think, her eyes closed and focused on the question.
"Well... It's a pair of nail clippers..."