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Chapter Text

It wasn't abnormal for Ayano Aishi to see adoring fans all over the world. She was a superstar after all, playing as that lovesick student from a very popular love story series made her all the more fascinating, she wasn't ugly either, in fact, she prides herself in being quite attractive. But that series was long over, no more episodes, and no more seasons. She's in University now, but her love for acting hasn't drawn any closer to its end.

It wasn't abnormal for Ayano Aishi to see adoring fans… but it did make for some interesting sequences to her pathetic social life. While she was an amazing actor, an astute student, and a popular girl to be around, she hadn't made many… friends, you could say. She wasn't reclusive, she just didn't find many people too interesting—or rather, they never had the same interests as her.

Sure, she loved acting and dramas, but that wasn't everything about her. She liked books, she liked reading, she liked silence, she liked gardening, she liked a lot of other things. Yet she was reduced to that simple love for her act. While it was annoying, it was something she was used to.

Yet at the same time, she found herself longing for a friend. Someone she could rant to about the stupid producers mistreating the other actors, someone she could play games with and laugh with when she lost, someone who could be there for her in her darkest moments—when those thoughts start getting a little too concerning.

So, that's what she did. She sought after the drama club vice president and asked to join, and was immediately accepted. She made friends with a couple of the other students, the college was a bit small so everyone knew each other. But one stuck out to her—Kokona Harukawa. She prefers 'Haruka', though.

She didn't treat her as someone above her, instead, she treated her like a friend she could spread gossip with. She wasn't overly gossipy, but the way she'd talk about the crushes people had on each other? Boy, even Ayano was interested. And that says something, Ayano usually hates gossip. But it was always the cute gossip she talked about, nothing like what Ayano was used to back in her years in Highschool.

Today was like every other for the past four months, Haruka helping her pin her long black hair back as she ate her food, the short chats they'd have about the recent crushie-cakes gossip updates Haruka had heard recently, and some occasional complaints Ayano had about her mother being lovey dovey with her father.

"Aishi, do you like anyone?" Haruka asked curiously, Ayano stifled a laugh. "Unfortunately, Haruka, I'm not planning on being part of the crushie-cakes gossip any time soon." Haruka pouted, wrapping her arms around her neck with a whine. "I'm just curious! If I tell you mine, will you tell me yours?" Haruka asked, a small grin crept up her face.

"That wouldn't be very fair. After all, I don't have one." Ayano responded, honestly. Haruka sighed dramatically, typical of a drama member. Eventually, she started to giggle and came back full force. "Okay, I want to tell you anyway!" "Was that just a way to get me to listen to you ranting about your crush?" "Absolutely! Now listen—!"

Ayano laughed, Haruka was always so expressive whenever she told stories. This one was like no other though, Haruka was flushed as she talked, giggling after every other word, sighing dreamily as she reminisced. Oh dear, she might be a bit lovesick.

"Don't start killing people now," Ayano joked, Haruka laughed. "I won't, I won't, you better not though. You're scary good with weapons." She shuddered playfully. "There's a circular saw in the shed in the gardening club, and there's a grinder there too. Easy way to get rid of the bodies." Ayano winked. Haruka shot her a horrified look. "I needed it for my workshop assignment, don't give me that."

Haruka eventually giggled, dropping the subject, "Man.. I want to see her again." She dreamily sighed, Ayano blinked, looking up at her. "Your crush?" Haruka nods. "I.. haven't told my dad yet. But I know I've never been into boys. I always liked girls." Ayano blinked, and then looked down at her food. Huh… She.. never thought that was an option.

"Aishi?" Haruka called, worried. "S-sorry! I-I don't mind that you're—you're into girls! I just… I was thinking.." She sighed, "I never realized that was an option." Haruka smiled. "You're fine, Aishi! It took me a while to realize too, but after that I feel much better." She grinned.

"Hmm… Maybe… I'll ask my parents about it." Ayano shrugged. "Eh? You think your parents wouldn't mind?" "Not really, no? Would your dad mind?"

Haruka blinked, and then smiled. "I guess not. Let's tell them tonight, and see where it goes, okay?" Ayano nodded. "If he kicks you out, come to my place." Haruka giggled, "Thanks, Aishi. I appreciate that." "Ayano." She corrects. "Ayano-?" "You can call me Ayano from now on." Haruka gleefully smiled. "You can call me Kokona, then!"

Turns out, Ayano had nothing to worry about. Kokona's talk with her dad went well. But Ayano was still confused on her stance, even when her dad went through extensive reason as to why lesbians are fine and Ayano shouldn't hate them, he never really explained anything beyond that?

Oh well, she'll just have to figure it out herself.

And figure it out she did—Taeko Yamada, an adorable third year student who shared her interest in reading books, true crime, fiction, non-fiction, you name it. Yamada did eventually share her love for fanfiction, and Ayano can't lie, her flustered persona was easily the cutest thing she'd ever seen. But Ayano wasn't interested in someone like that. She'd need someone else to compare to—Someone who could match her passion for something, someone who still cared, but knew when the paparazzi got too close they had to bail.

Funnily enough? Her best friend was an easy contestant to this need. Osana Najimi, an orange haired girl with a mouth that never learned what a stutter was. She was into gaming, loved cats, and my goodness she knew how to make a crowd go wild. She was one of the popular students in Akademi as well—She was a streamer, and she made bank. Even if some teased her for it, most of her gaming was Valorant and COD related, so she'd challenge them to a one on one and win. That usually got them to shut up.

Her clips consisted of her usually messing up random English words, which was adorable in its own right. Her chat was a bully when it came to her pronunciations of words though, some would purposely use ridiculously hard to read English words just to make fun of her. She never seemed to mind though, she found it funny. Osana Najimi… The cutesy, overly endearing streamer of Akademi, the leader of the gaming club… Didn't like the drama club.

That was going to be an issue, Ayano's aware of that. Doesn't mean she won't try it, regardless of Kokona's protests. Ayano is never easily swayed when it comes to getting what she wants. That's how she ended up being the star of everyone's favorite yandere girl series.

Chapter Text

Osana Najimi was an uptight and closed off girl. She spoke to no one but her friends, and her club members, and even then she was closed off. She had decent grades, almost failing, but she was kind. 

Taeko didn't mention much about her but from the way she carried herself—Her frame hunched downward, as if she was trying to be smaller, her stiffness when someone complimented her… She wasn't used to being treated well. 

Her parents were nice, from what Taeko said, not a financial struggle in sight. And yet, she carried herself like she was terrified. Apparently, it was a recent development. 

Something recent had happened, and it didn't look right. 

Ayano planned to approach her that day. It wasn't like she was eavesdropping—Okay, no, she definitely was.. But for good reason! Who wouldn't be worried when she started a call with a shaky hello? And besides, she was in a public bathroom!

Ayano barely heard her, but the echoey walls helped with that. It was a conversation, her caller wasn't audible, but from her freaked out responses, it wasn't anything good. Whatever this person was doing had Osana wrapped around their finger, even when Osana wanted to claw her way out. 

Ayano quickly steps out of the bathroom, how embarrassing. She didn't want to get caught, but she wants to help her somehow. She's got the means to an end, and she's willing to use it. But even so... They weren't friendly, and bringing it up with Taeko would wound their relationship pretty badly. Ayano didn't like either of these choices. But class was starting soon, so she rushed back to her classroom and pretended like everything was fine. 

Ayano mulled over her choices, chances, and so on. Not many options yielded good results in her mind. First, she'd have to befriend Osana, make Osana trust her enough. But that would prove to be difficult since Osana didn't like any of the drama members, including Ayano. For good reason, all of them acted so annoyingly upright, except for Kokona, she was always too cute and kind. 

Speaking of, Kokona had to take a phone call, and then had to text Ayano she was busy that day. Strange, but her father may have gotten into a drunken state again and called Kokona to help. So what did it matter? 

Ayano mulled over her choices again, trying to find and fine tune what could work. She was getting more and more desperate with every passing second she wracked her brain. Taeko took a seat next to her, a worried smile on her lips. "What's wrong, Aishi?" She asked softly, Ayano breathed a sigh. "I.. want to befriend Osana." She replied, earnestly and honestly.

"Oh."

Ayano stifles a chuckle at Taeko's response. She blushed furiously—"I-I didn't mean—! I'm so so sorry!" Ayano nods and leans back. "It's quite alright. I should just go take a walk in the outdoors to clear my head. Thank you, Senpai." Ayano bowed before showing herself out.

The hedge maze was a nice place to relax in. People were oftentimes too scared to go in, so Ayano quickly took advantage of that, and started hanging out there. She knew how the gardening club always cut the hedges, even started taking it up herself, since she was in there so often. 

She knew how to get into the hedges and how to get out. The leaves were growing in places where they shouldn't, so she had to cut them today, but strangely enough, she found a phone on the ground. An orange cat cover with a small cat pin for decoration. It's quite cute, and for the random student's sake, she didn't peek. She finished cutting the hedges, and placed the equipment she used back into the weird box that housed all the necessities to keeping the hedges clean.

She'll have to find them later then.

Messages with "Kokoni💜"

Hey, Kokona, do you know who's phone this is?

Uhm.. no? You should ask Aikawa-senpai. She's in 3-2,, uhh she's the leader of the 'Info-Club' i think?

Okay, Thank you.

Chiaki Aikawa. She was a reclusive red-head with a faithful and charming personality, she also went by the alias "Info-chan". She stays loyal to her friends, yet they all seem to leave her in the end. She usually stayed in her freakishly cold club room, and only left for class or to go home.

Ayano didn't see much of her, but she seemed quite nice. So here she was, knocking upon her clubroom door and hoping for a response. 

She noticed the camera move towards her, and then she heard a quiet thud in the room. Ayano blinked as she heard quiet whispers of curses and promises to carpet the floor next before the door opens slightly.

"I.. um... Have a question." Ayano started, Info-chan blinked at her. "Okay, what is it?" Aikawa sighed, huh, she wore make-up from Ayano's point of view, if the redness of her cheeks was anything to go by. "Uhm.. Do you know who's phone this is..?" Ayano offered her the phone she found, and Info-chan takes it quietly to inspect it.

"Osana Najimi, class 2-2." Info-chan eventually concluded. And Ayano smiled, "Thank you, Senpai." She bowed before taking the phone back, her hand brushing against Info-chan's hand, Aikawa nods and heads back inside her clubroom, rather clumsily, if Ayano may add.

The door shuts closed and Ayano heads off to the gaming club, that's where Osana usually stayed. 

Ayano spots her in the bright colored crowd, and tries to get over to her, only for Gema Taku to appear to protect Osana from a nasty stranger!

Ayano found him cute, honestly. But she'd rather die than confess that, crushie-cakes was not somewhere she wanted her name on. "Could you do me a favor?" Ayano asked quickly, she didn't want to make a scene, especially when Osana is so close by. Taku eyed her carefully. "What is it?" "I found this in the garden maze earlier today, and I asked around to see if anyone knew who it belonged to. Aikawa-senpai said it belonged to Najimi, so could you give it to her for me?" Taku blinked, taking the phone from Ayano, and the black haired girl quickly takes her leave before things get awkward.

Well, that was that, Ayano guessed. Class was going to start soon, so she had to get to class. And dammit... she forgot to eat her lunch today. Guess she'll starve until after class.

The following day was the same. Ayano picking Kokona up from her house, and heading to school together. Well, not exactly the same. Osana didn't seem to mind her too much anymore, and even snuck a few glances at her. Whenever she'd get caught, Ayano would wave and she'd go back to her work assignment.

"Soo~ How has befriending Osana been?" Kokona asked teasingly, Ayano sighed. "Pitiful. I haven't even talked to her yet." Kokona laughed in response, while Ayano pouted. "Still, though, why befriend her of all people? I mean, she's nice to everyone but drama club members." Ayano huffed, "Because she's cute, and I want to game with her. You share my love for cooking, but definitely not my love for gaming. I want a gaming buddy." Ayano shrugged.

Kokona snorts, "Is that it?" Ayano hummed in response. "I guess I wouldn't mind if we became more than that though. Like.. actual friends, you know? I like hanging out with you, but I think everyone knows just one person can't match my drive." Ayano giggled.

"Ehh, true. Osana is quite energetic with her streams and games, despite everything." Kokona smiled. Ayano huffed, "I watch her streams religiously, I don't need you telling me that."

Shortly after lunch was free period, thank god. Ayano made her way to the hedge maze again—only to be approached by none other than Najimi herself.

"Hey, Aishi !" Najimi called, her boisterous voice called, Ayano whipped around to meet her face to face. She was a little smaller, so Ayano had to look down slightly, it was cute. "Thanks for finding my phone! Who would've know what would happen if I lost it for good." She chuckled sheepishly. "You'd lose all your passwords to every single social media platform?" Ayano asked, with a small smile. Osana laughed, "Bingo!"

"You come around here often?" Ayano nodded, leading her in. Osana gasped, and attempted to protest, but Ayano's quick to reassure her that Ayano knows what she's doing. "People don't come in here since it's always hard to get out, but I've memorized this place from the inside out, so no need to worry."

Osana sat next to Ayano on the pre-prepared picnic blanket on the grassy floor, "I... Thought most drama club members didn't like being alone." Ayano hummed, "I definitely do. It's nice having time alone and just thinking to yourself."

Osana's eyes flit from Ayano laying down on the picnic blanket, and to the phone in her hand. "...Do you like gaming?" Osana asked dryly. Just as she's cursing herself for asking, Ayano replies "Yeah, I do." Osana blinked and looked at her incredulous.

"Really..? What kind?" Osana asked, Ayano grinned. "I've stream sniped you on Valorant before." Osana gaped. "You what-?!" Ayano laughed, "Yeah! I wanted to play a game with you, and we ended with a draw." Ayano laughed at the memory, "You called me a stupid cheese grater in English." Osana breaks her shock with laughter.

"You were Yanyan-chan?!" "Yeah ! It was my alternate account, since my main got banned for 48 hours and you were going to stream." Osana snorted. "Desperate much?" Ayano nodded with the best earnest face she can muster, and then laughed.

They spent more time talking about their time as influencers, the time it takes up from school, what they spend their money on, things of the like. And they found themselves really enjoying their time. 

"It's almost time for class." Ayano noted, "Aww, already?" Osana pouted, Ayano giggles, "You act like we aren't in the same classroom."

"Well, we still sit farther away than what I'd like!" "It's literally just your best friend." Ayano deadpans. "Still! What are we gonna do to talk?" She whined, "I refuse to pass notes in class, teacher might read it out loud."

"We can walk home together if you'd like." Osana clapped her hands, "Sure! Do you mind if Rairai comes too?" Ayano shook her head. "I don't. I'll ask Kokona if she wants to come along as well, I haven't heard the latest updates on crushie-cakes." Osana quirked a brow. "You like gossip?" "Not usually, only the cute romance ones." Ayano giggled. "Ah, young love." Osana snorted at the sentiment.

Chapter Text

Osana had a surprisingly good time with Ayano, as did the latter with the former. Only about a day had passed since their talk in the hedge maze. Ayano was studying for an upcoming exam since she needed to get full marks on all of her tests like some sort of overachieving maniac. Additionally, the stress of emails from different companies trying to get her in their new movies was a pain in the ass, so she stopped looking at them. 

Osana, for whatever reason, had started looking for her. Finding her in the library having a miniature breakdown—okay, more accurately a silent mental breakdown over some test that wouldn't even affect her overall grade. Osana hummed, taking a seat next to her. 

"Oh, hey, Najimi. What's up?" Ayano asked casually, trying not to seem borderline fed up with how half the book was 'it could be this or it could be this!' she was studying not taking a damned test!

Osana shrugged, "Nothing much. You seem a little stressed right now though." "I envy you." Ayano hissed, Osana snorted in response. "You haven't studied, have you?" Osana shook her head. "Do we have a test coming up?" "I take back what I said, I don't want to be like you."

Osana ended up studying with Ayano, until breaktime and free period was over. They went over their newfound knowledge while walking to class, the exam was going to happen on the first day of class next week, so they had a bit of time to catch up on their reading later. It was only wednesday anyway.

When class started, Ayano took note of the teacher's discussion. Her livelihood would be taken from her if she wasn't! Okay, not really, but Ayano can't miss one stream from Osana! She could probably just watch Osana stream while she studied, but she was kind of worried about Osana's grades as well. How she managed to survive the first year, Ayano would never know.

Once classes ended, it was cleaning time, so Ayano cleaned the blackboard and a few desks before going over to the hedge maze to sweep up any leaves that had fallen from the hedges. Kokona usually cleaned the classrooms, and then the girls bathroom, and they'd usually head to the clubrooms to just chat over some things.

Ayano watches as the cherry blossoms float down from the trees, it was always nice seeing them fall down. Not so much cleaning them, though. Still, Ayano—with a lot of struggle—swept them into a dustpan and put them into a garbage bin.

Ayano walked to the Drama club and greeted Riku and Tokuko. Tokuko was always a sweetheart, but never afraid to ask questions. Her headstrong personality worked well with Ayano's quick wit, but Ayano didn't really count her as a friend, even then.

"Good afternoon, Aishi-senpai!" Tokuko smiled, "We recently received a new script—Would you to take a read?" Riku asked politely, his posh accent coming through. Ayano nodded, taking the stapled together script of paper into her hands.

It was a Romeo and Juliet script. What? Ayano's not suffering for this again, oh hell no.

"Who are the actors?" Ayano asked, rereading the script. "You and still pending." Tokuko sighed, "She's interested in seeing what you can perfo—" "No thank you." Ayano quickly shoved the script into her hands. "I'm not playing Romeo and Juliet again." Ayano shuddered. Tokuko looked at the script and sighed. "I know. It looks so dumb. Why can't we just do Castle of Fire?" Ayano shrugged, and threw herself onto the comfiest chair that everyone would fight for. Nowadays, it was reserved for her, since she'd be the one who carried most of their school plays.

Shozo and Riku never had to deal with any of this because, let's be real, they took the dibs on tech management. Who wouldn't want to if you had to put up with Kizana's bullshit onstage? She was such a control freak, from all the stories Ayano heard.

Additionally, the amount of scripts she sent Ayano to practice was near annoying. She usually just did a one-take, and sent the video over with a huff. Kizana would seem to be happy with it, and then send her another script. Eventually, Ayano stopped entertaining her requests by reasoning she 'had to study'. She did not, but if it worked, it was fine.

Kokona walked into the clubroom, along with Yamazaki and Kurosawa. She looked a bit annoyed, but lit up when she saw Ayano.

"Good afternoon." Ayano waved, Kokona grinned, hugging her. "Yan-chan! You got casted for the new script!" She cheered. Ayano gently pat her on the head, "I'm pretty sure this is just some petty way to get back at me for not answering her emails," Ayano sighed.

Kokona giggled, letting her go. "Maybe! Aren't you excited though?! It's an American play!" Kokona spun around excitedly. "Not really. I had to act as Juliet when I was in my third year of Highschool. Was not fun." Ayano sighed. Kokona frowned, but then giggled to herself. A clear indication that she was planning something, and that something involved her best friend and a dumb idea.

"What if we made it gay?" Ayano barely stifled a snort. "I don't think the teacher would mind!"

Ayano sighed, knocking on the gaming club door. Ayano smiled when she sees a familiar orange haired girl open the door. Her cat-ear headphones on her head, and her pink jacket were a welcome sight. "Oh, hey Aishi! We just finished up a pretty good terra raid on Pokémon Scarlet and Violet," Osana smiled, Ayano nodded, "It's time to go home, lest you all want to be kicked off school property again." Osana laughed, and nodded.

"That'll be it for today, everyone! Go pack your things and go home, we don't want the teachers calling all of us into the headmaster's office again!" Osana announced. A few groans and whining later, everyone was out the door. Osana sighed, and took her bag from the nearby chair. it was a light orange with white straps. There were stickers all over the place.

Ayano noticed some missing. The Pretty Miyuki ones. Huh, that's strange. Osana really liked that anime, didn't she? Why take off the stickers now?

Raibaru and Taeko had some things to iron out back at home, and Kokona went off already. So it was only them walking together. It wasn't quiet, but the conversations were a lot less energetic than the ones she usually had. And then Ayano felt knives on her back and neck, a shiver runs down her spine. 

Looks like she'll have to be careful what she says, especially out on the street like this. Ayano takes Osana's hand, and the latter blushes furiously. "What are you doing?!" "I want cupcakes." Osana blinked, and groaned. "Ayano, we just passed Odayaka bakery, we can't—" "We're getting cupcakes." Osana stared at her weirdly, but Ayano's face was serious. "Fine, if you want cupcakes so bad, let's go get you some."

Ayano finally let up when they reached the town. It was nice, the ambience was a bit loud, but you can't fault everyone for that. Odayaka's bakery was a nice place to relax. Osana rolled her eyes as she watched Ayano eat the cupcakes like they were some sort of divine meal.

"Geez, we could've just ordered at your place, you know. They have delivery here." Osana pokes a cupcake before peeling off the paper, ripping off the bottom half and making those ridiculous cupcake sandwiches. Ayano blinked and then swallowed her food down, along with some water.

"We were being followed." Ayano said quietly, Osana flinched at the idea. "I don't know who it was, but I know it wasn't good. We needed to get out of the neighborhood before they jumped us. They weren't nice." Ayano looked up at her, and Osana looked stupefied. The horror and terror in her eyes was enough to cause Ayano to start freaking out.

"Najimi? Are you okay?" Osana blinked, tears welling in her eyes as she looks down and shakes her head. "No.. No... He's here...!" She whispered to herself. Ayano covered her head with the hoodie. "Let's go back to my place. Tell your parents you're spending the night at my place. I don't want either of us to walk home alone." Osana nodded.

The walk home was quiet, Osana was on edge, obviously. Ayano kept a keen ear out for anything suspicious, and took a detour before making her way if there was.

Ayano couldn't explain it, but she had this strange ability to.. feel when people were nearby. Eventually, they lost that weird entity and ended up at Ayano's place. How Ayano knew her way around the neighborhood so well, Osana would never know.

Osana entered her home and it's quite nice. The floor is wooden and there aren't very many decorations, and a few kitchen items had been misplaced. There's a picture of a girl in a shrine, Ayano reached for some incense sticks and quickly lit three for her, sticking them into the holder and then clasping her hands together in a prayer. Osana sat down next to her as she prays. She'd never been one for that kind of stuff, but Ayano didn't seem to mind it.

Eventually, Ayano unclasped her hands and smiled at Osana. "This is Sumire Saitozaki, she was a close friend of my mom's." Ayano quickly explained. "She.. committed suicide in the girl's third floor bathroom." Ayano frowned. Osana couldn't help but feel sorry for her.

"My mom told me stories about her when I was still a kid. She was kind, loving, caring... She always said I should visit her in Akademi when I had the chance, and.. well... I want to. Sometime soon." Ayano mumbled. "My mom often told me that she would've loved me. She loved acting, just like me. My mom wanted to name me after her, but my dad said no." Ayano chuckles. "It would be kind of weird to meet the daughter of your best friend, only for her to have the same name as you, no?"

Osana offered a small smile in response. "She definitely would've loved you, Ayano." Osana breathed. Ayano's breath hitched. The black haired girl turned to the orange hair. And Osana blinked at her. "You said..?" Osana blinked, confused, before realizing her mistake. "Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry!" Osana exclaimed. Ayano laughed.

"It's—Its alright. You can call me Ayano." Ayano smiled. Osana nodded with a smile, hm. She looks good in pink.

Ayano ends up studying on her bed, while Osana borrows her PC to play Valorant. Osana took note of the different games she had, mangas too. Life Note was definitely an interesting read, and it makes sense considering Ayano is an actor that mostly thrives on serial killer movies. But the others were... interesting. Cherry Touch was a.. less than appropriate manga. Who would've known someone as innocent looking as Ayano would read something so dirty.

Yokai Story is definitely something interesting. The body horror and the gruesome scenes were a debatably enjoyable and horrifying read. Makes sense Ayano of all people would read it. There were old—almost ancient, if Osana was going to be dramatic, books coupled into the shelf too though.

Enchanting Petals, which was also... an interesting and very intimate manga about seducing men and women alike. Ahmya, another psychological and body horror manga. Osana may as well get her a manga based on Jesus because what she was reading was anything but holy. And finally, one volume of Magical Girl Pretty Miyuki. Offensive, honestly, but okay.

"Stop judging my tastes in books. Half of those are my mom's." Ayano scolded, embarrassed. Osana shrugged, "Why only one volume of Magical Girl Pretty Miyuki? Where's the rest of them?" "Waiting for them to go on sale." Osana snorted at her honesty.

After eating the food Ayano bought from the shop across her house, Osana logged off her account and flopped onto the futon kindly prepared by Ayano. It's soft, definitely just shoved into the closet without use for maybe a couple months and only brought out to be cleaned.

Ayano sat on her bed reading Ahmya, the final volume. She must've been reading that for a while. "Do you crack the spines of your mangas?" Ayano snorted in response. "The ones I read, yeah. My mom keeps a separate version of the books we buy for aesthetics." Osana laughed.

Ayano's room wasn't overly decorated. Only two photos set up on her desk and TV stand, both of them pictures of her parents, her awards sitting atop her bookcase.

"I'm surprised you don't have more pictures, I was kinda sure you'd have at least a few of you in the Grammy's." Osana commented, "I do have a lot of those, but my mom steals the printed ones to stuff into her little photo book." Ayano sighed. "That's cute! My mom does the same thing." Osana giggled.

"Baby pictures too?" "Oh my god, don't. She has like, four of them somewhere."

It was late, maybe about eleven at night? Ayano placed the manga down on her desk with her bookmark in. Osana was still fiddling with her phone, likely tweeting something dumb like she always did. Ayano stared down at the manga. There were several cracks and bent pages, thoroughly loved by her and her mother.

"Osana." Osana hummed, acknowledging her. "Do you have a stalker?"

Silence. Not a breath from either of them.

Osana sat up quietly, the futon and the sheets ruffling under her. "...How did you..?" Ayano turned to face her, "I've had my own, you know."

Osana looked guiltily at the ground. "Why don't you call the cops?" "No!" Osana exclaimed. Tears welled up in her eyes, and Ayano moved to comfort her. The hug was warm, opposed to the AC's cold air. "He.. It's stupid." She hiccuped. "If it's a stalker, definitely not. You have the right to feel scared. They threaten your safety. They're called stalkers for a reason." Ayano assured. 

"He has my cat.." Osana mumbled into her shoulder. Ayano's grip tightened slightly, "Whatever you're thinking of doing, don't. He's- he's a dangerous guy, Ayano." A stutter. Osana stuttered. Ayano withholds the urge to kill whoever this is.

"I'll figure something out. I'll make sure you cat gets back safe, okay?" Osana seems hesitant, but she gives the okay.

Ayano phones her mother on the way to school. She walked Osana back to her house before beelining for Akademi. Ryoba picks up.

"Sweetie! How's my little baby?" She cooed. Ayano chuckled to herself, "I'm okay, Mom. Do you know anyone with the last name 'Mizuki'?" Ryoba hummed in thought. "I think your father worked with someone once, Kenji Mizuki? He lives down in Shisuta Town. Why?" "Does he have a son? Or any children at all?" 

Ryoba seems to get what's happening, her tone changing from a light and joking one to serious. "He has a son and a daughter, I think. His son hasn't come out of his room for about a year now, maybe he did recently, but that's it. Is he bothering you?" Bingo. "His son is. I'll go down and visit him today, could you warn him?" "He's busy on Thursdays, but I think his wife isn't working, so I can warn her about your visit. Take care, hun."

Ayano hummed, pleased with the results. Using violence was against the law, but no one's ever said she can't haggle with someone's parents to get her way. And that's exactly what she planned on doing.

"Aishi? Are you going somewhere?" Raibaru asked, noticing her packing her things. "Yes. I have some important things going on, it's a bit annoying, but I plan on getting into a new agency and seeing what I can act in." Ayano sighed, "Please tell Kokona, I've already told the guidance counselor and the teachers." She bowed. Raibaru smiled, "No worries! I'll tell Osana and Kokona for you, good luck on your auditions!"

Right. Auditions. That's what she was lying about.

Ayano bowed one more time before taking her leave. She made her way to her home before changing into something more presentable, something indiscernible. Just a cute frilly black top and some shorts with fur at the trim. It looked okay. Deciding not to think too much about the shoes, she just put on her black shoes for school.

She ties her hair up in a half up ponytail, and then she's off to Shisuta Town.

The wife's name was Nariko Mizuki. Ayano rang the door bell and a cute, preppy, blonde girl opened the gate for her. That must be the daughter. 

After being welcomed in, Nariko brought biscuits. Ayano didn't touch a single one. 

"So, your mother said there was something you wanted to talk about? Regarding my son?" She asked kindly. Ayano nodded, "Did he happen to bring home a cat recently?" She hummed, "I think I've heard meowing from his room, but I didn't think much of it. He's always playing games, and watching those girls play games, I was sure it was just one of those."

Ayano sighed as softly as she could. This woman... "Is he in his room right now?" "He left just recently. Would you like me to check his room for you?" Ayano nodded.

She left and quickly came back with a cat carrier. "Is... this your cat?" She asked hesitantly, Ayano looked at the cat. It looked like the one Osana would bring on stream a lot. "Yes, this is my friend's cat." She breathed a sigh. "Do you mind if I take her home?" Nariko shook her head, "Of course not. He'll be back in about an hour, I hope your friend doesn't press charges, but I wouldn't blame her if she did." 

Nariko waved Ayano off, and the black haired girl took a different direction, away from Buraza Town. She didn't want to get caught by that damned stalker.

Once she got home, she breathed a sigh of relief. And quickly messaged Osana to ask her for some time. She needed Osana to press charges, and fast, lest she wants to get hunted down by a crazy Miyuki-Osana fan. 

Fav Streamer 🧡

Can I come by your place today? Sorry, I went missing, I wanted to get to the auditions for a movie.

yea ofc!! dw abf it haha i did get kinda worried ngl

Sorry.

its ok!! js glad u didn't do anything dum

"Oh my fucking god, Ayano." Osana groaned, and Ayano wheezed slightly. Osana's parents didn't get home until late, so they were fine for a while. "You went out—? To my stalker's house?! And you got my cat back for me?!" Osana exclaimed, almost offended by the thought. "Nibbles deserves everything." Ayano responded, cuddling into the soft fur of the white and orange colored cat.

"And here I was, thinking you didn't do anything dumb. When did you even hatch this plan? Did you get caught?" Osana questioned, "I put it into action this morning on my walk to Akademi. My mom's pretty friendly with almost everyone, and my dad works with his father, so getting ahold of his mom was easy. I just asked her to check his room, and she handed Nibbles over when she found the carrier. He went out about an hour after I arrived to talk to his mom, probably to buy those limited edition posters of Miyuki." Ayano replied.

After a long chat, they decide to press charges against the stalker. And threw a quick announcement stream as well. Osana talked for the most part, explaining why the streams had been more infrequent, and why Nibbles wasn't in any recent ones until today. Ayano occasionally chipped in with her own opinions which would make the chat break and Osana would have to fix it again. Each time, Ayano would receive Osana's glare, but she simply smiled as if she didn't know what she was doing. 

Looks like a lot of people were fans of Ayano and Osana too. 

The morning after, Ayano headed back to her place to get ready. Osana, Taeko, Kokona, and Raibaru were already there. The three seemed to be ganging up on Osana, "Um.. What's going on?" Ayano asked, tilting her head. The shiny glares sent her way were terrifying.

The three chased her all the way to Akademi. Raibaru eventually caught her, that crazy woman. Osana helped her up with a laugh.

"Seriously, Osana, you should've told us!" Raibaru sighed, "Yeah, I wouldn't have wanted a creepy guy to be stalking my best friend." Taeko agreed. "What's done is done." Ayano sighed, "Mhm. But I'll definitely tell you guys next time." Osana smiled. Taeko cheered.

Ayano being called to the office was honestly her last straw. She leaned on the wall, comically sulking as Osana assured her she was fine. 

She was not fine, she got yelled at by the counselor, and was told not to lie to her again. Well, she didn't get yelled at per se, but she did receive a good scolding. After that, they went to lunch, thank god. 

Taeko, Kokona, and Raibaru all decided they had to fight some demons, whatever that meant, and wandered off together, leaving Osana and Ayano at the east fountain to eat. The cherry blossom petals kept falling into their food, and each time, Ayano would pick the blossom up with her chopsticks, and put it in Osana's food. She'd do the same thing too, which resulted in a silent war of 'Who gets a cherry blossom in their food'.

Eventually, they finished eating and set aside their bento boxes. "Hey, Ayano, do you ever dream?" Osana asked. "Nope. Pitch black on my end. Just lights out." Ayano responded, Osana gave an eloquent snort in response. "Well, I have dreams, unlike you, you demon." Osana jabbed. "What's it like?"

Osana hummed. "Well, it's kind of... its serene, I guess. I can hear the waters of the shore, and I can hear the loud caws of the seagulls. It's warm, and it feels nice." Osana smiled. "And it kinda reminds me of you."

Ayano hummed to herself, thinking quietly. Osana pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. And Ayano blinked, looking at her. "Just a thank you for what you've done for me. Don't think too much about it." Osana huffed, Ayano smiled.

A serene beach side, where the air is warm, and the ambience is nice. Ayano would like that.

Chapter Text

Ayano watched the crowd come and go, that's how mornings usually went. Everyday was the same for her. People came, they waved, they left. 

Thats how life worked. Her name was nothing but a vague response, a question, a query of what she could do. What kind of creations could the name 'Ayano' bring about?

It's not like she's good at anything special. Acting was a waste of time, she couldn't spend her precious life on that. 

Yet, all the same, she wanted to. She, so so desperately, wanted to.

"So why don't you?" That little girl asked. Ayano blinked, looking up at her. Familiar colored eyes staring back, curious and unafraid. "..Huh..?" Ayano softly murmured. "Why don't you become an actor? You have a choice to, don't you?" She asked again, clearer this time. Ayano blinked, before shaking her head.

"..But what if it's the wrong choice...?" Ayano mumbled, "Well, if it's wrong, you can always change it." She supplied. Ayano sighed, exasperated that the girl was right. The little girl grinned cheekily. "What's your name?" She asked.

"Aishi. Aishi, Ayano." Ayano responded. The girl's smile widened. "I'll be looking forward to your future movies, Ayano!" Ayano flushed red, "I-I didn't even—!" "Who cares? You're eight, I'm eight, it doesn't matter! I'll be supporting you from the sidelines, no matter what!" She cheered.

"Now come on! I wanna play on the swings!" The pretty eyed girl grabs Ayano's wrist, dragging her away from the bench. "Ayano Aishi..."

"It's a lovely name for you, I think."

Ayano stared at the ceiling of her bedroom, the clock had just hit 9:45. It was a saturday, so it didn't matter. Osana wouldn't be up until 2 in the afternoon.

That little girl she used to play with... Ayano never caught her name. Ten years had passed since then, and Ayano would like to say she's grown a lot since then. Her meek and timid personality doesn't show as often anymore. She's bolder, takes the chances when she can, and she doesn't hesitate to chase her dreams. 

Ayano wanted to thank her for everything. If it wasn't for her, she doesn't think she'd be here right now. Well, she probably would be laying in bed still, but that wasn't what she was referring to anyway!

She never did get to say her goodbyes to that girl. The last time she saw her, Ayano was trying to give her an invite to her 9th birthday, but apparently her parents had planned a trip to Europe for the weekend of her brother's birthday, and she couldn't attend.

The following monday after that was a heartbreaking one. The little girl came back, but she was distant and cold, and eventually, she transferred out. Ayano still laments it at times, like in the times of her late mornings when she isn't in a frenzied mess.

Ayano sits up in her bed, staring at the Ahmya manga. And then at the calendar.

"SHIT PRETTY GIRL MIYUKI GOES ON SALE TODAY—"

After clumsily putting on a quick outfit, she ran to the manga store to find the sale section.

Oh thank god, there was one of the original copies left. Just as she's about to approach it, someone else takes it. Her heart shatters in her chest. Ayano just takes the rest of Miyuki's mangas, lamenting what could've been.

"Oh, are you a big fan of these?" A feminine, soft voice asked. Ayano turns to look at the girl, light brown hair, mint green eyes, and a matching mint handkerchief that pulls a bit of her hair back. She looked a bit familiar. "...Y-yeah. I was waiting for them to go on sale since last week.. I-it's fine though, you can have it." Ayano assured, inwardly screaming at herself for letting this stranger take what could be the final book of her collection. She shook her head, "No, no, I was just browsing, you can take it! I don't think I'd enjoy it very much." She giggled, "I only picked it up because of the sweets on the front." She pointed at it. Oh right, this part of the series had a baker as the antagonist.

"I was actually wondering where the cook books were?" She awkwardly offers the Miyuki manga to Ayano, who gratefully takes it. "Ah, this is a manga store..?" Ayano said, confused. She blinks, and then flushes red.

"N-no wonder! I thought it was weird all the books had those anime drawings all over them!" She exclaimed. Ayano giggled, "It's fine, I've walked in here trying to find bread once. That was an interesting conversation." The girl laughed.

They chatted as Ayano paid for her things, and Ayano helped her to the actual bookstore. The girl was a sweetheart but not at all timid, which Ayano was all for. Ayano ended up lingering with her as she bought her cook books. Some western cooking and baking books, and an occasional cook book for japanese cuisine.

"Thanks a lot for the help! Who knows how many times I would've twirled around the manga store." She sighed, "No worries! Thanks for the manga, I'll see you later!" Ayano bowed before taking her leave.

Huh, she forgot to ask for a name, too. 

Ayano carefully placed the new volumes into her bookcase, and smiled when she finished. Eventually, she decided she needed a shower. That quick run to the store wasn't exactly the freshest idea. She was sweating bullets just remembering the run.

This is why Ayano's worst subject was sports. She'd never survive the sports club. 

After the shower, she put on some decent clothes, stockings, and put her hair up. She and Osana had planned for a girls day, and they were getting their hair cut too. Osana's hair was getting a little too long, and Ayano's was far too thick now. She couldn't even dry it correctly! It was like a big lump of cat fur.

Her doorbell rang loudly, and she rolled her eyes. She quickly grabbed a leather handbag and shoved her necessities in there before tripping out the door like an anime school girl. There Osana was, in her usual cutesy cat aesthetic attire.

"C'mon, Yan-chan! If we're tardy, my neck's gonna break from this braid." She huffed, Ayano snorted. "Shouldn't have put it in a braid then." The glare sent her way was almost terrifying, if it actually worked. She kind of just looked like a very angry wet cat. Regardless, Ayano took her hand and ran for Buraza Town, much to Osana's protests.

First stop, definitely the hair salon. Osana wanted it really short, for some reason. Something about a major change. Ayano just got an undercut, and fixed up the layers already in her hair. Thick hair was gonna be the death of her, if anything.

Ayano kept her hair down most of the time anyway, so the undercut didn't matter too much. Osana looked like a totally different person. Her hair looked a little more rosy gold than orange.

"Well? What do we think?" Osana asked with a grin, "It looks cute. Super different from when we first met, though," Ayano replied honestly. Osana hummed, walking through the streets with her. "Yeah, but I like that, makes me feel like a new person." Osana giggled.

After that, they went shopping for some more cute outfits, Osana leaned for the comfy ones, and Ayano leaned towards the... less than appropriate ones. She picked up a crop top and showed it to Osana, who immediately recognized what "Daddy's little slut" meant, shoved it back onto the shelves, and made a run for it.

The last stop was at Odayaka's bakery, which was their new favorite place to hang out in. The baker was nice, the food was nice, they even served complimentary drinks there too. Mostly milkshakes, they likely didn't want anyone to confuse their bakery for a coffee shop.

They had a nice conversation when the waiter came out. "Oh, looks like Odayaka-senpai is finally feeling better." Osana smiled to herself, "Odayaka..?" Ayano repeated curiously. "She's from our school, idiot. You'd know that if you paid attention to the school assembly." Osana huffed. "But assemblies are boring." Ayano whined, "Besides, I've kind of been busy dealing with your situation, you know." Ayano poked her hand. Osana playfully rolled her eyes. "Speaking of, what should we do if he ever gets out? We can't exactly call the cops on him again, and especially not if we're alone." Osana sighed. Ayano hummed, "Raibaru is with you almost every hour of the day, she used to be the leader of the martial arts club, you know. So if anything ever happened, she'd be the one to help you out." Ayano explained.

"Me on the other hand..." Osana snorted when Ayano doesn't name anyone. "Tell me you're a pathetic loner without telling me you're a pathetic loner." Osana snarkily retorted. Ayano pouted in response.

When their drinks finally came out, Odayaka-senpai was actually the one to bring them. "Good to see you, Najimi!" She smiled, and Ayano can only think of one thing right now, and it's—Holy fuck, Manga girl.

"Nice seeing you're finally well again, Odayaka-senpai." Osana cheekily grinned. "We're in the same year!" The girl exclaimed in embarrassment. Osana raised her hands in mock-surrender. "Oh, right, Odayaka, this is my new friend, Ayano Aishi." Osana introduced, Ayano sat up and smiled at Odayaka. "Oh! You're the girl from the manga store! You're almost unrecognizable," She giggled. Ayano flushed red.

"Miyuki went on sale, and if I didn't grab a copy fast, I'd have to wait another year." Ayano reasoned. "Right, thank you for helping me to the bookstore, again. My name is Amai Odayaka! I'm the leader of the cooking club back in Akademi!" Amai smiled.

They chatted for a little while before Amai returned to the counter to help the other customers with their orders. The way she handled people was flawless, not a crack in her resolve as she dealt with the customers—even if they were meaner than usual. Her cheery and upbeat attitude was definitely rubbing off on people, because the whole bakery felt so alive. Bustling with cheer and smiles, operating so perfectly.

Ayano and Osana finished up their plans, and headed their own way home. Ayano made her way home with a dreamy sigh. Those cupcakes were way too good. Like Amai just grabbed a piece of heaven and served it up fresh.

Ayano's slightly surprised to find her door unlocked. Had she forgotten to lock it before she left? She was in a bit of a hurry... 

Ayano opened the door, regardless, and entered, taking off her shoes and putting them into the shoe closet. "Ayano!" A familiar voice called excitedly. Before she knew it, she was enveloped in the warmth of her mother's hug. And suddenly everything makes sense again.

Of course her mother and father were back. Their vacation was only a couple of weeks. Ryoba chittered endlessly, cooing over every single detail of her little girl. Jokichi was able to pull his wife off their daughter, only to smother her in his love as well. Oh boy. This is gonna be a long weekend. 

My fav streamer🧡

My parents are back from their vacation

oh?? that's good then!

No tf its not😭 girl they're trying to break into my room

LMAOO R.I.P. YAN-CHAN

UPDATE: THEY BROKE THE FUCKING DOOR

HELO

Sunday was nice, since Ayano got to relax without needing to do anything. Ryoba handled the cleaning and the ironing of her clothes, and (after he cleaned and repaired his daughter's door) Jokichi went off to work again.

She sighed, appreciating the short read of Magical Girl Pretty Miyuki than Ahmya's long ass ninety seven page chapters. Her homework was already finished, so she played music as she read through MGPM.

Maybe she should read up more on LGBTQIA things. It's not like she's getting anywhere with it, but knowing an inkling could give her something to work with.

So that's what she did. She also had to look up several wikipages—how the hell was there an LGBTQIA+ wiki and she didn't see it?

People were fascinating. From Cupioromantic, to Recipromantic. Nebulasexual, to Orchidsexual. The names definitely needed work, but she can live with it. Her attention landed on a less recent, but still lesser known, sexuality. Demisexual.

Demisexual is a gray asexuality and it refers to people who can only feel sexual attraction to someone they have established a close emotional connection with. This connection can be platonic, romantic, alterous or some other form of connection.

...It's not perfect, but she supposed it's close enough. But then again, Love at first sight wasn't real. It's just an easy way to make a shitty romcom movie series. Love is built up overtime, it's not some sort of magical dose of a drug. Well, it kind of is, but that's not her point.

People don't just fall in love. They can fall into lust, feel a connection, feel something, but it isn't love. It never would be. Love is fragile, and it hurts when they leave.

Her first love taught her that. 

Monday was a pain, not because of the people. There were roughly a hundred students at most, she knew everyone. But because paparazzi swarmed the goddamn gates. Well, considering what the students could do? Understandable. Annoying, but still understandable.

After pushing through the large amount of reporters with Kokona and Osana—Since Raibaru and Taeko had the foresight of going to school early because of Osana's stream last week, they were already at school. Chatting.

Osana was less than pleased her best friends didn't have to suffer like her. Raibaru was a martial arts master, she likely would've gotten in trouble for throttling a reporter who got to close. Taeko.. was Taeko, she was an average girl, reporters wouldn't have been too interested in her input. They love her still—She's the only one who can calm everyone down anyway, it's like a superpower.

Either way, Kokona and Ayano made their way to the Drama Club room while the others made their way to their respective clubrooms as well, they still had to make adjustments to the script after they brought it up to the teachers and the guidance counselor. They were allowed to make it gay, but no weird scenes. The kiss scene was fine, so Kizana didn't have to throw a tantrum over it. 

The main story was a bit different now—They didn't want to have the same story, but gay, they wanted drama. That's why they're the Drama Club. Not the acting club. So Ayano was the one who had to help with importing scripts, rewriting dialogue—because let's be real, script writing for Ye Olde English when you're close to failing Modern English is not fun. And also proofreading, but the entire club had to do that anyway, group activity or whatever. 

They had to think of a new title, too. 'Romeo and Juliet but Gay' was funny, but not gonna cut it. So they brainstormed over that. Kizana was able to discuss with them since Yamazaki had brought in his laptop. She was outgoing, and surprisingly friendly through the call. Joking quips being slipped in, and Tokuko falling for it. It felt like a second friend group. Nothing like the stuffy studio where Ayano was basically used for prop.

"So, have we decided who's going to be the actors for Romeo, Juliet, and Juliet's lover?" Kizana asked. "Dibs out!" Riku yelled, Shozo followed after. Yamazaki sighed. "Oh dear, again?" Kizana sighed. "Unfortunately, I'm not able to attend school on Friday next week. I can't, Riku and Shozo are also part of Tech Team." Yamazaki stated. "What happened to Toga?" Kizana asked, "He quit." Shozo answered.

"Looks like we'll have to ask another student then. Personally, I'd like to be Juliet." Kizana batted her eyes. Kokona and Tokuko snorted. "Of course you do." Tokuko sighed, "Well, that leaves Ayano for Juliet's lover." Kokona happily supplied. Ayano gave her an absolutely betrayed look. Kokona laughed.

"You have to! You're the best actor here!" Kokona exclaimed. "I will shove you into a meat grinder."

After being casted as Juliet's lover—with begrudging acceptance, if Ayano may add—they began discussing the titles. Kizana tacked on some somber ones, since they were still keeping with the double suicide themes. More like double homocide at this point because the script writing was going off the rails, from what Tokuko said.

'In Absolution, I am yours.' was a favorite between them all. But eventually, 'Courtesy of, Your dearest affair.' won out. Akademi plays were often caught on camera, and the public would be able to see it, so rehearsals would get more stressful. Ayano's pretty sure Yamazaki was gonna have a heart attack if he had to deal with more stress, so with a bit of charisma and flirting on Riku's end, they got the science club involved in their ridiculous shenanigans.

Thank you, Kokona, for supplying that Riku Soma and Homu Kurusu were in a relationship. It would've taken longer to convince them to help if they didn't make him flirt with his girlfriend. No wonder Riku was the tech guy. His girlfriend was practically the mastermind of Akademi, with that working twin robot and all. Apparently, it was made to replicate her late twin sister. She was cold and distant, but definitely weak for her posh klutz of a boyfriend.

A lot of her mannerisms reminded Ayano of that girl she met when she was eight. Ayano wonders for a second how long it would take for her to let that girl fade into memory again. Three weeks? Two? Maybe only this one, considering how busy she's going to be. Kokona waved her off, as she headed towards the cooking club to spy on her crush. Riku wanted to stay with his girlfriend, so Ayano made her way to the courtyard.

But considering everything now... Could that little girl have been dealing with her own loss of a family member? Ayano shook her head. She shouldn't think about her too much. She'd stay stagnant again. She sat on the bench in front of the hedge maze, quiet and peaceful, yet her brows were schooled into an unwavering expression.

A cupcake appeared in front of her, and she blinked, looking up at the perpetrator. There stood Odayaka, a smile on her face. "Would you like a cupcake?" It's sweet. An invitation to talk, discuss, and just have a moment to breathe. Like entering a bakery, and the smell of bread wafts through the air, or taking to a coffee shop and having a nice conversation with the friendly barista.

"Sure." Ayano replied.

Odayaka was quiet, and listened intently with a smile. Ayano was the last student to be given a treat, so she wasn't busy. She gladly listened to her ramble about this girl who's name she didn't even remember, and she even listened to her boring rants about writing Ye Olde English.

She had her own comments, which Ayano appreciated. Ayano breathed a sigh. The scent of confectionery still in the vicinity.

Odayaka simply smiled and offered her unyielding support. If Osana was the warm summer beach, Odayaka was the warmth radiating from the heater in the cold winter evening.

The bell rang out in the courtyard, scaring the ever living daylights out of Ayano. After a quick thank you, and even swifter goodbyes, they both head into their classrooms. Well, Ayano did. Odayaka headed for the clubroom to return the tray, club leaders had those duties so the teachers were much more lenient with them.

The lessons were boring, sure, but that didn't mean she could slack off. Unlike the annoying orange a desk away from her who happily slept through the lesson without a care in the world, Ayano was one star of a student. The teachers didn't mind her, but her grades were far beyond average. Besides, it's not like she was trying to impress the teachers.

Regardless, when lessons finished, Ayano was more than happy to leave the classroom. Only for the realization that she had forgotten to pack a bento with her to crash like the Titanic against an iceberg. Looks like she'll starve.

Kokona shot her best friend a half sympathetic, half amused look as she ate her bento. Only for her to drop the look as soon as Ayano brought out the rat poison. While it wasn't lethal, she'd rather not consume that right now. How she was able to bypass the teachers with that, Kokona would never know.

Ayano eventually sighed, succumbing to her hunger and heading over to a vending machine downstairs. Surprisingly, Odayaka was there too. Trying to figure out how to work the damned robot. 

"Odayaka..?" She yelped, "Aishi! H-hi! What are you doing here?" She nervously giggled. "...I forgot my bento at home, so I'm getting a snack." Ayano replied, eyes softening. "Do you need help with the machine?" Odayaka nodded shyly.

The machine was jammed. With a sigh, Ayano slipped in her yen and entered the same code for Odayaka's chosen drink. It slipped down, thankfully. Ayano handed it to her with a smile. "These things get jammed a lot. You're better off with the ones in the out door cafeteria." Odayaka smiled and nodded, clasping it in her hands like it was some sort of divine treat.

Then she blinked. "You don't have lunch with you, Aishi?" Ayano shook her head. "No, I forgot it today, it seems." She sighed. And she used her allowance for a cute girl too. Ah well, at least she'll die remembered as a good citizen. "Let me make a bento for you then!" Odayaka offered. Ayano nodded briefly before realizing what she just agreed to. "Wait you want to-" "Great! Let's go to the cooking club then!" Odayaka cheered. Her drink still in her hand as she drags Ayano by the other hand.

Oh dear, what has she gotten herself into?

Ayano offered to help her with anything, but she was quick to decline and usher her into a seat. Ayano simply had to watch as she danced around the kitchen with mindless elegance, multi-tasking, and then finishing up the bento box. 

Unsurprisingly, Odayaka's cooking was phenomenal. They ate together in the cooking club, since most of the members would go out and eat some place else. The cooking club was laced in frilly white curtains, the walls were a nice mint green color while the decorations, furniture, and kitchen appliances—save for the teddy bear stickers on the fridge, and the large teddy bear in the corner of the room—were all white.

The white shelves of the cooking club had colorful cookbooks stacked around, a lot of them. There were trinkets on display as well, it was quite cute. 

It had an adorably soothing vibe, and it was definitely Odayaka's color. Now that Ayano thought about it, most of the clubrooms represented the leaders well, even the golden badges pinned to their uniform had been different from each other. The drama club one was a rose bud, the gaming club one was a controller, and the science club president badge was an atom. The cooking one was a cute whisk in a bowl.

"Hey, Aishi, are you acting in the new play next week?" Odayaka asked. "Oh, yes, I am. I'm not the lead, but I'm the supporting cast." Odayaka gasped excitedly. "Oh, that's so cool! I'm a horrible actor, personally, but I loved your J-Drama series! It's always fun seeing what new innovative methods your character can create to kill her rivals." She giggled, as if she wasn't discussing Ayano's concerning ideas regarding her character's murder schemes.

Ayano chuckled softly, taking a sip from her bottle. Holy shit, who would've known Odayaka was into murder mystery.

They chatted for a while until they finished their meals. Which prompted Ayano to do the dishes and clean the table, despite Odayaka's continuous protest. Ayano doesn't listen, of course.

After she finished, she sat back down and chatted with her until the bell rang.

Rehearsal was exhausting. Ayano slumped across the chair with a soft sigh. That lunch with Odayaka perked her up a lot more than she imagined, and she was able to run through scenes 4, 7, and 8. While her clubmates barely made it past two scenes.

While picking up the props they were using, Odayaka knocked on their clubroom door. 

"Oh! Odayaka-senpai !" Kokona exclaimed, shortly after swinging that damned purple door open. Ayano snorted, shoving the random props into the prop box. "Hello, Kokona ! I heard your rehearsals when I passed, so I thought I should make some cookies for you all!" Odayaka smiled. "Don't go taking my club members now, Amai!" Kizana quipped. Odayaka stuck out her tongue like a petulant child, before handing out a bowl of cookies for the members to share.

"How are your broken bones? Healing well?" Odayaka asked kindly, taking a seat in front of the laptop. "Yes, yes, I'm healing fine. Your fever's gone away, I assume?" Odayaka nodded. "That's good to hear! I wouldn't want you to miss my greatest performance!" Kizana boasted. Odayaka giggled in response. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

The two club leaders chatted as the rest of the members put away the props they had taken out to use while eating their share of cookies.

"Oh, looks like my father's home. I'll be going then, Yamazaki, please lock up the clubroom." And with that, Kizana left the call. Odayaka sighed quietly. Yamazaki closed his laptop and shuffled it into his bag with care. Kokona pat Amai on her back. "I'll be going now." Ayano announced, trying not to disturb Odayaka and Kokona. The purple twin drill haired girl gave her a nod and a thumbs up, so she went off to the gaming club to collect the leader.

The walk home was filled with chatter, yet Ayano couldn't bring herself to join in. Osana seemed to notice, but didn't bring it up. Raibaru was first to leave their group, since her house was in a different neighborhood, and then Osana and Taeko followed, heading into their own homes.

Before Osana left though, she sighed and gave Ayano a pat on the shoulder. "I don't know what's bothering you, Yan-chan, but I will say I'm open to listen if you need it." Ayano nodded, and then the orange haired e-girl went into her own home.

Ayano felt something strange stir in her chest. The way Odayaka talked to Kizana... It was somewhere between friendship and romance, but unmistakably intimate in a way that neither could quite explain nor accept.

The evening sun cast an orange hue over the skyline, illuminating her path as if lighting up her own inner reflection. Is.. is what they have... love?

Chapter Text

Tuesday was an interesting day. It wasn't as busy as Ayano expected, since Kokona had to deal with the writing with Tokuko, and Ayano already finished her share. Which meant Ayano was practically free for the day.

Osana was busy running the gaming club, and even with Gema's help, she still couldn't hang out. Raibaru was getting chased down by her admirers, and while Ayano can run—she cannot run far, so hanging out with Raibaru was also a huge bust. So, she only had one other option, other than sit alone outside dramatically crying for attention.

Thankfully, Odayaka was free, despite having a bakesale the following day with her fellow club members, so she need not do the last option.

While Ayano wasn't much of a baker herself, she's adept at making several different dishes to make sure she didn't starve, or need to spend money, while her parents went out on their weekly vacation—well, it wasn't vacation, but still.

"Oh, your parents go out a lot then?" Odayaka asked, Ayano nodded, "Yes. My mother's work calls from outside Japan, so traveling a lot comes with the territory." Ayano shrugged. Odayaka paused, thought for a little while, and then decided to speak. "...Does it get lonely?" "With how clingy my parents are? It's like a breath of fresh air." Odayaka laughed in response.

The brunette shook her head with a small laugh, "I'm guessing you got to go with them a lot?" "Only if I didn't have school. If I did, I'd be looked after by a babysitter." Odayaka kicks her feet up and sighs, "I can't imagine living alone so much... My parents are always home with me." Ayano hummed, and Odayaka panicked. "I-I didn't mean like-!" "No, it's okay, I understand." Ayano assured. Odayaka breathed a sigh. "You mean to say my parents suck, right?" Ayano quipped, Odayaka stammered out a frightful no. The black haired girl laughed.

After afternoon classes, Ayano made her way to the drama club room to find Amai not too far away. Then again, her clubroom was right next to them, so what could Ayano say? A lot. But she won't.

She knocked on the door and it slides open. "Oh, hey Yan-chan!" Kokona smiled, and then she spotted Odayaka creeping at the club door not too far away, then turned back to Ayano gesturing for her to come closer. "Yamazaki-senpai says Odayaka-senpai isn't allowed in since she'll distract Sunobu-senpai, so your task today can be... I don't know, just keep her out of the room, I guess..? I'll tell Yamazaki-senpai about your duties, don't worry." Kokona swiftly whispered. Ayano snorted, but gave a thumbs up.

Ayano went back through the outside area where Taeko was—Ayano completely forgot she existed, poor girl—then took a 90° turn to her right as soon as she reached the fountain. Then just walked back to the cooking club room to scare the ever living shit out of Odayaka. The turnabout lasted roughly five minutes. And Odayaka's terror was absolutely priceless.

After calming down a bit at the table where the other cooking club members usually sat, Ayano quickly eased herself into a conversation.

"So.. Why aren't you in the clubroom?" Odayaka asked, fidgeting. "I'm not part of the writers, so I'd likely just distract Kokona if I was in there." Odayaka frowned. "I wanna see Kizana..." She murmured sadly. "Can't you see her after school?" Odayaka shook her head. "She's from a different town, so I have to take the train to see her."

Odayaka sighed. "I'm sorry, this is really dumb, huh?" Ayano shook her head in response. "Not really. I understand wanting to spend time with someone as much as possible." Odayaka smiled, "Do you have someone too, Ayano?" Ayano decided the table was more interesting than Odayaka's curious face. Kizana would likely strangle her if she said that though.

"No, I don't." There's some rustling from her, Odayaka leaned on her hand as she gave a curious glance. "Really? That's a surprise. Not even a crush?" Ayano shook her head. "I.. kind of just learned about being LGBTQ and stuff recently, so I'm exploring that. I've never really been interested in men my whole life..." She shrugged. Odayaka hummed. "That makes sense. It took me quite a while to get used to being... well, bisexual."

Ayano glanced up at her, she had a soft look on her face, as if she was reliving her memories right in front of Ayano without any shame.

"How-.." Ayano cleared her throat, disliking how nervous her voice sounded. "How did you and Kizana... you know." Odayaka hummed, happily recounting it in her head. "Kizana and I met when we were kids. She and I went to the same highschool—She was one of the loners, and I was one of the popular girls." Ayano blinked in surprise. "Kizana was a loner?" Odayaka laughed. "Yes, despite that prickly front she puts up, she was one of the biggest loners back in highschool. She hated my guts." She dreamily sighed. Ayano snorted.

"The time we actually.. became friends was when someone was hitting on her just outside our school." Odayaka sighed. 

"Please stop. I don't like you like that-" Amai paused just before she turned the corner, hearing a familiar voice. "Oh come on, I don't bite." Amai's mouth dried at that moment. "I don't want to-"

Amai breathed deeply and turned the corner swiftly. "Hey, Sunobu, thanks for waiting-!" She announced, seeing the purple haired girl pinned to the wall by some random guy, probably a handful of years older than them. Amai felt her blood boil. Before she could even think of what she was doing, she was screaming waving her bag around to scare the older man. "What the hell do you think your doing, you creep?!" She shrieked. "I wasn't—" He tried to protest, "Get the hell away from us! Do you want me to call the cops?!" Amai screamed, not letting him finish, he flinched before running off without a second word.

Amai huffed, out of breath from her outburst. Kizana was shaking, and Amai held her tightly. Silently assuring her that she would be fine.

"It was pretty scary." Odayaka chuckled. Ayano blinked, and then smiled. "I'm glad you were able to step in like that." "Me too!"

There's a brief pause between them both and then Ayano started up the conversation again. "After that, you two started dating?" Odayaka laughed. "If only it was that easy! I had a boyfriend back then, we didn't get together until our first year in university." She sighed, shaking her head. "Really? What was that like?" Odayaka flushed red. "I-I don't really-! Well-!" She cleared her throat, still red in the face.

"It was.. ah... well. Okay. I'll tell you, but don't tell anyone else, okay?" Ayano made a zipping motion across her mouth, and Odayaka smiled.

"Okay, three, two, one!" Amai announced, lifting the cover to show a line of adorable pride cupcakes. Kizana stared down at them and then looked up at her with a sly grin. "How long did it take you to get the colors right?" She quipped. Amai flushed red, embarrassed she got found out so easily. "Kizana!" Kizana laughed.

The purple haired girl smiled as she took a bite of the lesbian flag inspired cupcake, and Amai took a bite of the ally flag inspired cupcake. Solely because it was chocolate flavored, and the others were red velvet and vanilla flavored. Amai really liked chocolate flavored things, which is hilarious because she hated normal chocolate.

"It's red velvet." Kizana said, taking a look at the cupcake she just bit into, some of the frosting smearing under her nose. Amai nodded, "It's your favorite!" Kizana chuckled, "For someone who's only the baker, you sure are sweet, cupcake." Kizana teased. The brunette blinked, too focused on the frosting on the purple haired girl's face to hear her.

Amai swiped a finger under Kizana's nose and wiped it on her apron. "You had frosting on your nose." Amai commented, Kizana blinked before taking another bite of the cupcake. This time, frosting smeared right next to her mouth. Amai didn't notice as they continued eating the cupcakes, Kizana eating more since she enjoyed red velvet and vanilla, and as mentioned before, Amai only likes chocolate.

They stood on the balcony of Kizana's vacation home, Amai leaning on the railing, breathing the fragrant summer air. The waves danced as the skies turned a fluorescent orange pink hue, reflected down into the normally blue waters.

"Amai—" Kizana cleared her throat. Amai turned to smile at her patiently. Kizana wasn't good with words. She never had been back then, and even now. Her hatred for Amai's swift quips and easy responses weighed heavy on their relationship, yet at the same time, she loved it—every word they'd share was like a drop of gold no wealth could ever satisfy. Maybe that's why she stopped spending so much on herself. It wasn't enough anymore.

"I'm in love with you."

Amai blinked at her, eyes widening, almost unbelieving. Someone as rich and noble as her—? Falling in love with some low wage baker?? That's ridiculous...

"I-I'm not a Shakespeare. O-or a romantic novelist... I'm not some— some great writer." Kizana breathed shakily. "I didn't- I hadn't planned anything to say to you yet— I didn't write anything down, you just baked me cupcakes and I-" Kizana shook quietly. "I-I had to say it. I don't know why, I just—I knew I had to. I've always known—Deep down, that I wasn't jealous of you."

"I was jealous of the people who were always around you—Taking your attention. But I... I confused it for hating- hating you. I never envied you, I just thought I did. I.. I just wanted to talk to you more. A-and..."

Amai leaned closer Kizana flinched, the brunette took Kizana's face into her hands, swiping at her lips. Kizana flushed red.

"You had frosting on your face." Amai commented.

Kizana opened her mouth to yell, to scream, tell her she was being serious—Something! But, Amai cut her off. With a kiss on the lips. Kizana trembled beneath her, eyes fluttering closed. Amai leaned her into herself, keeping Kizana from falling. Amai pulled away with a smile, Kizana panted for breath, flushed red.

"If I had a dollar every time I wanted to kiss you, I'd be richer than Jeff Bezos." Amai quipped. Kizana turned even redder. "That was okay, right? You liked it?" Kizana nodded softly. Amai smiled, leaning down to the crook of her neck. "I'm in love with you, too. I don't know how many times I've dreamed of this. Of kissing you, waking up next to you. Every second I spend with you, I fall in love more and more. Every day that passes that we spend together makes those dreams come true."

Kizana leaned back on the railing, breathing slowly. Hand coming to cradle Amai's brown hair. Pressing a soft kiss to Amai's head, Kizana smiled and laughed.

"I'm so fucking in love with you it hurts." "I know it does."

"So that's how you two got together?" Ayano asked, almost comically. Amai nodded. "It was nice... Really nice." Ayano smiled, almost bitterly. It wasn't like she was happy for them—She was! But that nagging feeling of that little girl in her chest, that pounding in her head, it irritated her beyond belief. Why wasn't her life so easy like that? Being able to know just how much you love someone and them only being one fucking call away.

It's unfair. 

Why couldn't she have that?

"So what's your sexuality, Aishi?" Amai asked, Ayano shrugged. "I'm leaning toward demi-sexual." Ayano responded, Amai smiled. "Ah, really? That's nice. I've never been one for love at first sight tropes." Amai chuckled. Ayano smiled. "Me either."

Falling in love with someone was something Ayano thought of, yes. But she never expected it to be so cruel. Every turn, every face, every second of the day, her mind was swamped with that girl—A girl who's name she didn't even know.

And it did nothing to quell her anxieties. Osana sat next to her on her gaming chair, finished with homework and just playing games on her switch. Ayano also finished up her own homework, trying to forget about everything.

"Hey, Osana?" Ayano called out with a sigh, Osana responded with an affirmative hum to signal she was listening. "...Have you ever fallen in love?" Osana blinked, pausing her game to grimace at Ayano. "Why?" "I'm curious." Osana blinked at her before sighing. "I have, yes, why?" Ayano shrugged. "Is it the lesbianism thing?" Osana asked, Ayano merely snorted.

"Probably."

Osana breathed a heavy sigh. "Alright, talk to me. Who is it?" Ayano blinked at her, confused. "Who do you have a crush on?" Osana deadpanned. Ayano gaped. "I'm not crushing on anyone, jackass!" Ayano threw a pillow at the ginger haired girl, which she caught and swiftly placed underneath her. "Sure you aren't." Osana replied, unconvinced.

Ayano sighs. "I-.." Should she tell her?

"I've just been seeing Kizana and Amai's relationship and.. It got me curious, is all." Ayano shrugged. Liar. But what Osana didn't know wouldn't kill her. "Oh. Those two." Osana grimaced. Ayano laughed. "They practically undress each other with their eyes every time we have a club leader meeting with Saikou. It's fucking ridiculous."

Ayano hummed. "If you're wondering, not everyone is like that with their partners." Osana steals a glance at the black haired girl sprawled across the bed. Her bed. "Some people are more reclusive, others are softer, and some are more... insulting? I don't know." Ayano snorted, "I wouldn't like to be insulted by the girl that supposedly loves me." Osana bit her cheek. "I don't think I would either."

Ayano somehow ended up at Info clubroom after hours. The red haired girl smiled—before it was quickly shot down into a scowl, if she may add—and helped her inside.

There had been some students that graffitied a wall behind the hedgemaze, and Ayano was the first to be contacted about it. Which was certainly a surprise to learn since everyone was usually quite friendly.

"So I'm thinking its one of these two groups." Ayano blinked, Aikawa pulling up eleven photos. All blondes, Ayano noted to herself. Six girls and five boys. "Who are they?" Ayano asked, leaning to press her hand onto the desk, creating a weirdly intimate position with Aikawa being pinned into the chair, lest she wishes to be graced by the touch of another woman's chest.

She cleared her throat, and pointed at the group of girls with dyed hair. "That's Musume Ronshaku's gang. They're known for their gyaru style, and I wouldn't be surprised if she was the one behind this." She then points at the girl posing with two peace signs up in the air, her accessories a pale blue. "That's Musume."

Ayano's eyes narrow. "Evidence?" "None at the moment. Like I said, without any security cameras, we don't have anything on them." Aikawa yawned, "So you're basing this all on...?" "Behaviors. Musume bullied one of the girls in her school into suicide way back when. She's currently in the midst of doing it to someone else." Ayano choked. What??? How can she say something like that so casually?!

"The other group are the ones we call 'delinquents'. They work under Osoro Shidesu. But she's currently on leave because of suspension." Aikawa sighed. "But the thing is..." She pulled up a photo of the graffiti.

It was a tag of Ayano's name. They tagged the wall behind the hedges... with Ayano's name.

The nerve. 

"Who the hell would do that kind of thing to you?"

Ayano shook her head, "Don't know." "Well, this was a total bust then. No leads yet. I'll call you if I ever figure out another clue. In the meantime, go finish and help out your club members. You've got a play coming up soon, don't you?" Ayano nodded. "Thanks, Aikawa-senpai." "Chiaki is just fine." Ayano blinked. "Thank you, Chiaki." "You're welcome."

Ayano slid the door closed with a sigh. Kokona jumping for joy when she spots her. "Ayano! C'mon! There's leftover cookies for you!" Ayano perked up at that. "Alright, I'll be right there!"

She supposes the detective work can be put on hold for now. 

Chapter Text

Hi.

It's.. been a while.

Listen. I know people love this fic, and honestly, I loved writing it at first, but by the time chapter 5 aired, i got caught up with myself and realized, "hey. this.. isn't what i want to write anymore."

i had a lot of chapters planned. and originally, i wanted to continue it when i had time, but then the recent thing with YanDev's grooming victims came out and I.. just couldn't.

I know people say "separate the creator from the work" but honestly, something as big as that is... frankly disgusting. i can't ignore it.

As a victim myself, it's hard to fathom how Alex preys on innocent little girls with no remorse whatsoever. I was groomed when I was younger, thankfully not sexually, though it did result in a lot of mental scarring.

I planned on leaving this fic on my account, since I enjoyed writing it and I'll forget it existed if I orphaned it, but in the end, I think I'll orphan it anyway.

I honestly like this game and all the fan creations that have stemmed from it but writing for it myself makes me feel like I'm simply ignoring my own past, being a hypocrite.

It feels disgusting, and it's hard to stomach, especially because I'm so out of tune with myself. My moral compass is already fucked, so if it says something is absolutely fucked, I'm not going to stick my head in the sand. No matter how much I like something.

So, this is the final post I'll make related to Alex and his game.

This is the end of “Honey, Dinner's Home!”

You can create spinoffs, worlds, and whatever else with this AU. Feed it to an AI or something, I don't care. Thank you for reading.

Notes will share extra prompts I had in mind while making this fic, as well as chapters and the reveal of who the little girl is, which is honestly very obvious considering someone already guessed it.