Chapter Text
Miko takes in a deep breath and sighs heavily as her hands stop packing momentarily.
She felt a lot of things at once: Nostalgia, anxiety, excitement, but most of all - a strong wave of euphoria.
Her sister—Saiguu—was going to visit Inazuma, and she had only mentioned it to Miko a week before her flight. Of course, Miko did not like the idea of staying in her sister’s apartment when she also could’ve been in Inazuma. So, she spent the entire week begging and persuading her. In the end, she only relented when Miko was moments away from deleting the picture of her ticket on her phone.
Needless to say, it worked. Even if it meant getting ignored and pinched in the ear. She just needed to return to Inazuma. It was as if something was whispering to her ear, eagerly telling her to come back. After all, that was where she spent her childhood.
That, and a certain someone resides there.
The thought of it made Miko’s heart flutter, a soft smile and shades of pink peeked out of her face. She couldn’t remember any of her worries anymore as it occupied her mind. Maybe that was one of the reasons she felt euphoric. If anything, anxiety did not seem like one of the major emotions she had anymore. It made her feel giddy to the point where she thinks it’s silly. Although, she doesn’t try to get rid of the warm feeling.
Before she realized it, 5 minutes of staring into the unknown just passed. She shakes her head and clears her throat. She could only discern that meeting her again would be nothing more than being one of her greatest dreams. Miko couldn’t possibly look for a woman who dedicates herself to work almost 24 hours a day. And, where should she even begin looking for her?
Still, she wanted to try and look for her at the very least. Even if it might not be a successful attempt.
The sight of her bag reminded her of what she needed to do. She finishes packing up her things and closes it tightly, making sure that the contents of the luggage won’t get messed up while traveling. Once she was done, she practically flung herself on the bed. She allowed her eyes to close tightly when she felt the mattress rub against her back.
She takes a minute to feel and steady her breathing. Breathing in, then out. The room’s silence made it easier for her to feel tranquil. It was like the serenity of the soft pitter patter of the rain.
It didn’t take long before she fell into deep slumber.
- / -
Her sleep was interrupted when the bright light of her room forced its way through her eyelids.
“Rise and shine, dimwit.” Saiguu commands as she stood beside her sister’s bed and flicks her forehead. Miko replies with a small grunt and turns to the other side of her bed as she tries to go back to sleep, ignoring her sister’s call.
Saiguu could only whine in displeasure. She’s tired from all the tricks that Miko has been pulling endlessly on her for the past week, so she leaves the room, loudly slamming the door shut. At first, Miko smirked at the reaction, then snuggled comfortably in her blanket.
She was about to doze off again, however, only a few seconds later, something creaks in the room and alerts her. It seems that Saiguu wasn’t about to stop telling her to wake up.
Telling her to wake up..
The flight immediately crossed her mind. She sat up in haste, but when she did, her head audibly clanged against something metallic.
She winced in pain, then turned around to see the culprit. Saiguu was holding up a pan and allegedly hit the back of her head. Sometimes she wished they weren’t born in the same family.
“At least wake me up properly, geez..” She gently stroked the back of her head where Saiguu just inflicted a pang of pain at.
“I tried doing that a minute ago but clearly you were too stubborn and sleepy to listen.” Saiguu huffs in annoyance. “Now come on, go get ready. We leave in an hour.” Once content, she leaves her alone and shuts the door. Miko sleepily rubs her eyes, getting used to the bright light.
Her gaze quickly fell to the astounding view outside , small hues of orange and red painted the sky. It was dawn.
Everything progressed smoothly from thereon, very uneventful. Miko just stared outside the taxi’s windows where the sun was starting to peek out on the horizon.
Saiguu seemed like she was beginning to drift off to sleep herself. Each time her consciousness slipped, she shook herself awake and went on her phone to text someone. Miko curiously stole glances on her phone. The conversation was an odd mix of humor and solemnity. She figured it was the person she was supposed to meet in Inazuma. After all, she did say that she needed to meet up with someone, which was why she didn’t want Miko to tag along.
Miko sighed, bored out of her mind. Whatever should she do in a situation like this. Ultimately, she dawdled on her phone, looking for online books to read.
Soon enough, they reached their destination. They arrived earlier than expected, so they roamed around the airport aimlessly, examining food stalls for a quick breakfast. After a while, they paused in front of an eye catching cafe.
The duo decided that they needed caffeine in their system, so they ordered coffee. Miko ordered some additional baked goods for them, since Saiguu had the tendency to live off on unhealthy amounts of caffeine. They watched as the machine and barista began to work. A particularly strong, intoxicating scent of coffee grounds permeated the air.
The machine went off with a small ding, before the employee pleasingly poured it in separate cups. He slid it towards the two and they proceeded to walk leisurely towards their assigned gate. Though the place was anything but quiet, silence brewed between the two. Saiguu seemed pensive, like she was piecing out a puzzle.
“.. Miko, is there any other reason you wanted to tag along with me?” she sliced through the deafening silence between them.
Saiguu was in deep thought. Miko couldn’t do much other than pay a visit to their old house and go wherever she was going, at least that’s what she thinks. That was why she was asking Miko herself. Although, she doubts that Miko would agree to tail her like a lost fox.
Miko also wasn’t the type to just sit back and relax, evident from the way she did all means necessary to get back to Inazuma. She was almost sure that the other girl had some hidden motive, explaining why her resolve appeared to strengthen when she mentioned the news of her trip.
“What? Is it so bad for me to finally return home?” Miko questions, but not in a way that exasperated the other. It was more like she wanted to know what was occupying Saiguu’s mind.
Saiguu let out a discernible exhale and quickened her pace as she strode through the hallway, “Obviously not. I just doubted that you would actually stay put and let me meet up with an old friend without causing trouble.”
Miko chuckles at the assumption, also walking in haste in order to catch up to her sister. “Well, I can be quite the troublemaker sometimes, hm?”
The other pauses, recalling just how many problems Miko caused for her. “Oh trust me, I’ve had to deal with you for as long as I can remember.” She gently swirls her cup before taking a sip from the beverage. They continued to wander and loiter around the seats near the boarding area.
Miko took the next period of silence as a good time to confess and confirm her guess, “I do plan on doing something other than wait for you all day in the hotel room, of course. I merely thought that it won’t interest you in the slightest.” As soon as Miko was done explaining, she took a bite out of a muffin she bought just a few moments ago.
Saiguu slightly furrows her brows, “As long as you don’t cause a ruckus, I suppose..” She also takes a sip of her beverage once done.
Miko grabbed another muffin once she saw her drinking coffee and shoved it in her sister’s mouth. “You’re going to get an acid reflux if you keep this up.”
Saiguu knitted her brows in annoyance and protested. Miko stared at her confusingly before bursts of laughter invaded their ears. “You look very unprofessional mumbling out undecipherable words with a muffin sitting on your mouth.” She said between laughs.
It prompted Saiguu who miserably chewed on the muffin faster and gulped it down. “You’re the one who shoved it in my mouth in case the first place!”
As if sensing their squabbling, the PA system announces the passengers of their boarding time.
Upon hearing the announcement, the two women willingly approached the passenger service agent and walked through the jet bridge.
A flight crew member assisted them to their seat. Miko took the window seat, eagerly looking at how busy the runway was. A few airport staff loading luggages into the plane, some aircrafts leaving and arriving, a few passengers deboarding it too. Before Miko knew it, the airplane started taxiing through the runway, eventually lifting off.
The flight duration was two hours and thirty minutes long, so it was a good thing that Miko brought some books with her. She couldn’t simply sit as still as a mannequin for the entire flight. Being on a cramped chair, nonetheless.
Meanwhile, as if almost instantly, the other sibling fell asleep. Poor thing must’ve been exhausted from waking up early. Miko’s shenanigans were partially to blame as well.
Out of pity, Miko lends her a travel pillow which she accepted delightedly and starts drifting off to sleep once again.
Due to how immersed Miko was with her novels, two hours seemed like nothing. Though, it would be one long wait if her light novels did not come to her rescue.
Before she knew it, the plane landed and they were out of the airport.
The picturesque dance of sakura petals and the scent of cherry blossoms on the wind made Miko feel at home. While her room also felt peaceful, it couldn’t compare to the soothing hums of birds perched on the brightly colored trees.
They’re finally back in Inazuma.
Miko’s face beamed with ecstasy. There were barely any sour memories she could remember while growing up at the place. It always held a special place in Miko’s heart, even now.
And she could tell it was the same for the older sibling, however she would never admit it. Her expression was soft and calm, but there was a hint of pain along with it.
It was always like that, every time she went back. Miko wondered if that was the reason she wanted to live away from the nation. She wanted to know why, but she was never one to pry.
She concluded that it doesn’t matter at the moment. Still, it concerned Miko.
When she stopped pondering about trivial matters, Miko took notice of a taxi that stopped in front of them without delay. She took it as a sign to go and prepare herself for yet another boring taxi ride.
The hotel looked anything but ordinary. To tell the truth, it looked so luxurious that it seemed like only the wealthy people could ever dream of staying a night or two. Well, it wasn’t like their lives weren’t lavish enough already.
Another thought came to Miko’s mind. Her sister was broke so there’s no way that she was the one paying for their stay. To make matters worse, they were staying for multiple days. Just thinking about the cost sends shivers down her spine.
Miko nudges Saiguu’s side. “Psst, I know you’re not the one paying, so make sure to apologize to whoever is because I think we’re about to spend their entire life savings.” she incredulously whispers to her ear.
“Such big words for someone who spends my money on nothing but fried tofu.” Saiguu bites back in a mocking tone.
“I’m not as heartless as you think,” Miko crosses her arms in irritation. Maybe it was time she cut down on being a pain in the ass.
Saiguu giggles at her little sister’s attitude. “Don’t worry, I did make sure to thank them properly. I bet you wouldn’t let me off the hook if I didn’t anyways.”
Miko let out a sorrowful sigh, realizing that whoever was paying for their hotel bill was now paying twice more than they planned, since she decided to accompany Saiguu last minute. Even so, she wouldn’t let her pride falter. Essentially, she did also deserve to go back, and Saiguu was cruel for even considering the option about leaving her in her dreadful apartment.
They walked up to the reception and Saiguu casually checked them in. Even the lobby and corridors were fancy, and oh boy was Miko wanting to see how their room looked like.
She practically barged in the room, eyes frantically scanning the place. Her face beamed with amusement and delight, admiring the intricate design from the ceiling, walls, and even the marble floor. It was spacious and extravagant.
She turned around in disbelief to Saiguu who was carrying their luggages inside. “I would’ve killed you if I found out that you had all this to yourself.”
“Should I take that as a threat or a compliment about how considerate I am?” Saiguu asks in all uncertainty.
“Take it however you like,” before Miko even finished, she began touring the room excitedly.
It was more of an expensive apartment than a hotel room. A kitchen with a medium sized table in the center, a living room with a massive television and perhaps even a game console, a bathroom with a shower and a small jacuzzi, and finally two spacious bedrooms with king sized beds.
She’s definitely in for a one of a kind stay.
She walks to one of the bedrooms and puts her luggage aside. Miko threw herself on one of the king sized beds and stayed still in content. Though they weren’t traveling for that long, she felt the fatigue leave her body when the soft pillow rubbed her face.
Miko wonders when the last time she felt so comfortable in bed was. She thinks it’s been a few years or so and she takes a trip down memory lane.
The last time must’ve been when Ei cuddled her. That morning, it was also the first time Ei was physically intimate with her in bed. She never felt her tiredness leave her body so quickly when she felt Ei’s touch around her body. She felt so.. pleased at that time.
She grunts at the thought of her name again. the Miko just can’t get her off her mind these days. She sank her face deeper into the pillow.
The longer this eternity without Ei drags on, the more she questions her sanity. She wanted Ei back. She wanted their old but serene relationship back. They were satisfied, they had everything they ever wanted—to be with each other. However, it’s been so long since they last talked to each other.
It didn’t help that Ei changed her number for some unknown reason. Her friends also said that they haven’t talked to her for a while. It’s almost like she shut herself out from the world. ‘Of course she did, she’s always like that’ Miko thought.
She knew that Ei swore she’d come back and Miko was willing to wait for her no matter how long it’d take, but she couldn’t help it. She yearned for her touch, her affection, her voice, her everything.
That’s when she made up her mind. Miko knows she told her she’d wait, but she’s impatient.
She briskly grabbed her laptop from her bag and started searching up any leads that the internet might have about her. She felt like a stalker, but she really couldn’t wait anymore.
She recalled that Ei said something about continuing her family’s business. Allegedly, she would work as the CEO’s right-hand woman, so she starts with that.
Then again, Ei never told her the company’s name. Miko slumped her shoulders in defeat. But if there’s anything people should know about Miko, it’s that she is not the type to easily give up when it comes to what she wants.
She tries again. This time, she does some research about the Raiden family, and bingo.
The Raiden family has always been a prominent family in Inazuma. They are also known outside the walls of the nation and the entire Teyvat. Their efforts to build Inazuma from the ground up gained the favor of her subjects and they have been indebted to them ever since.
The Raidens ran a company called Bakufu Electronics, as weird as that may sound to Miko. Though if Ei was working there, then she has to somehow convince the staff to let her have an audience with one of their higher ups. She’s not letting the opportunity slip from her grasp.
It was going to be a challenge, but she searched up the company’s address and thanked the gods when it wasn’t far away from their hotel.
Just as she was about to journey out the building, Saiguu let herself in Miko’s room to inform her about a necessary matter while scratching the back of her head “So.. From the looks of it, you’re going somewhere and I know you don’t want me to hit you with a curfew but someone really wants to meet you tonight.” she explains carefully, scrupulously observing Miko’s reaction, making sure she wouldn’t hurl a pillow at her.
She continued nervously, “Look, I tried to tell her to just ignore you and meet up at a restaurant nearby, but she insisted so you have to be back before dinner.” her exasperated tone rang through the room.
Now, this person intrigued Miko even more. “.. Who is this person you’re meeting up with, really?” Her suspicion only rises. It could also be anticipation. A part of her was wishing it was Ei.
Saiguu lets out a long exhale before answering, “She said she wanted to surprise you, so I can’t tell you who it is until you’ve seen her. All I can say is that—if you haven’t noticed already—you know this person.”
For a brief second, Miko’s eyes lit up. Perhaps it could’ve been Ei after all-
“Although, it’s not Ei.” And just as her excitement came, it left just as fast. A sorrowful expression replaced her earlier expectant one.
Saiguu notices this and concern dawns her face. “D-don’t worry, we might still have a chance to meet Ei. I know you’ve missed her for quite some time now, so I’ll also try contacting her.”
Saiguu also knew Ei to some extent because they shared some classes together, but they didn’t necessarily talk all the time. She was often distant, obviously not the most social person. If anything, she knew Makoto better than Ei.
She got a bit interested in Ei after Miko spaced out more often and her cheeks flushed red every time she mentioned her. Oh how Saiguu always loved to tease her for it.
Miko nods in gratitude, “Thank you.” She picks up her purse and places some of her belongings in it. “I’ll make sure to be back before dinner then.” She gives her one last smile before she left the room and took the elevator to the ground floor. An incredulous grin spread through her face as she rushed across the streets of Inazuma.