Work Text:
Melting…
Can’t form thoughts…
Hitori: “Aghhhhhhhhhhh…”
Nijika: “What are you doing, you silly?”
Hitori: “Melting… into… an undiscovered liquid…”
Nijika: “Hoooh, maybe the Bocchi element will be added to the periodic table!”
Hitori: “Ehehe…”
Nijika: “You know you could just take your tracksuit off, right?”
Hitori: “Ehhhhhh? N-No way! This is like my skin !”
Nijika: “You take it off for our shows, though.”
Hitori: “…O-Only because you force me.”
Nijika: “Huuuuuuh? I do not ! Don’t act like you weren’t all smiles the first time you put the Kessoku Band shirt on!”
Hitori: “…”
My plan was not going well at all…
When Nijika invited me over today, I said yes without a moment’s hesitation. It’s been a few weeks since we started dating, but I feel almost as at home with her as I do in my closet. We had already finished band practice for the day, and Manager gave us the day off, so it was just Nijika and me in her apartment right now.
But, alongside just wanting to spend time with this amazing girl I get to call my love, I had an ulterior motive… Well, actually, it’s still related to my girlfriend but it’s about something I read online. Something about how making your partner blush is a perfect way to confirm your words are reaching their heart. When I really thought about it, I couldn’t remember a single time I made Nijika blush. Granted, any time I had the courage to say something with that effect, I was probably blushing too hard myself to notice, but I can’t get rid of my doubts with that flimsy of an explanation! That’s why, today, on this date… T-This is a date, right?… O-On this date, I-I’ll make Nijika Ijichi blush!
Or at least… I was supposed to… But…
Hitori: “It’s sooooo hottttttt…”
I’m sprawled out on the couch, dying in the heat, while Nijika hovers around me, making sure I don’t actually die.
Nijika: “I know, right? I thought it would cool down by the time we were done practice. And I read it’s gonna rain tonight? Haah, that’s summer for you.”
My brain is totally melted from this heat. I’ve tried remarks here and there to make her blush, but none seem to work. I’m not sure how much longer my brain can hold out… I need something to cool my overheating cranium…
Hitori: “Haaaaaaaah…”
Nijika: “Sorry… Your house had air-conditioning, didn’t it?”
Hitori: “I-I can’t believe you don’t… ”
Nijika: “Ahaha, sorry. Guess it was just the deal Sis got with this place.”
Hitori: “F-For the next house… I-It’s a priority…”
Nijika: “Hehe, I’ll let Sis know that.”
Hitori: “Huh?”
Nijika: “Eh?”
Nijika seemed to interpret my words as the next house she and Manager would live in, but I meant- W-Wait, don’t think about this, she’ll-
Nijika: “Ohhhhhhh, you’re already wanting to get a house with me, huh?”
Hitori: “E-EH!?”
…read my thoughts. A light push from her right pointer finger presses against my forehead.
Nijika: “Hehe, jeeeeez Bocchi~ You got a real romantic’s mind hidden under that seishun complex.”
Hitori: “I-I-I…”
Nijika: “It’s okay. I like seeing parts of you that you don’t show others. It’s like… exclusive content for your number one fan, right?”
I couldn’t help but drop a little at that reasoning. Maybe I was just being pedantic, but she didn’t mention the real reason I’m able to say things like that to her, even accidentally…
Hitori: “N-No… I-It’s not about you being my ‘f-fan’… It’s because… y-you’re the girl I… love…”
In a complete reverse of my efforts, I was the one blushing red while barely being able to utter the words I wanted to say most. Despite my hazy eyes, I could see Nijika give me a gentle smile, as the finger on my forehead moved to a hand on my cheek. She knelt down, and brought her face close to mine.
Nijika: “I’m sorry, Hitori. Of course I know that. And that makes me happier than anything in the whole wide world.”
Feeling especially apologetic, she rewards me with a kiss.
Nijika: “…I love you too, by the way.”
Hitori: “A-Ah… Mm.”
I wasn’t worried about that… but it makes me happy to hear anyway.
Nijika: “I’ll make sure our house has air conditioning.”
Hitori: “Mm.”
Nijika: “Will you stay with me until then?”
Hitori: “O-Of course!”
Nijika’s face turned into a genuine smile, as if my simple two word response had made her entire day. It was the kind of smile that could fuel my heart for a month at least.
Hitori: “…I’d still rather be here.”
Nijika: “Huh?”
Hitori: “E-Earlier… y-you said my house has air-conditioning, but… I’d still rather be here… with you…”
Nijika: “Really?”
Hitori: “Y-Yeah… so… u-um… c-can you…”
I couldn’t seem to say what I wanted to, but… she hadn’t lost her knack for reading my thoughts.
Nijika: “Jeeeeez, my needy Bocchi~”
Despite her words, she was all smiles before giving me another tender kiss. Her lips brought a warmth unlike the one from the weather. It was gentle and inviting. Something I’d want to melt into…
And yet, it was so desirable because it only lasted a short moment. She pulled away and stood up once more.
Hitori: “A-Ah, wait!”
Nijika: “Eh? I’ll be back, don’t worry. I was just gonna grab a fan for you.”
Hitori: “A-Actually…”
…
I had an idea…
But she was already going to do something for me…
If I bring it up now, she might be upset…
“What, my idea wasn’t good enough for you?? Do you ever stop needing things from me??? I can’t believe you’re guitarhero…”
…
A poke on my cheek snaps my focus back to reality. Nijika’s face is close to mine once more. Her beautiful ruby red eyes tell me she already knows I was spiraling again, yet they hold nothing but benignity.
Nijika: “It’s okay. Just ask me, silly.”
Hitori: “…Can we get ice cream?”
Nijika: “Of course!”
Hitori: “Ah…”
Hey brain… don’t think of my girlfriend like that again.
Nijika: “Ah, but you should probably change before we go.”
Hitori: “Eh? I-I didn’t bring any other clothes…”
Nijika: “I have an outfit for you here!”
Hitori: “Ehhhhhhhh?”
Nijika: “D-Don’t look at me like that! There were cute matching dresses I saw while I was shopping for myself, so I bought one for me and one for you.”
Hitori: “…Are you gonna wear the other one?”
Nijika: “Mmmmmm, I think I’ll save it for a really special date.”
Hitori: “O-Oh, t-this is a date?”
Nijika: “Eh? Why wouldn’t it be?”
Hitori: “N-Never mind…”
Nijika: “If you say so. Here! Let me go grab your dress for you.”
Hitori: “O-Okay.”
I couldn’t lie and say I wasn’t excited to see what outfit Nijika had picked out for me. I do always dress up for her on our dates, but I’ve never seen what she wants me to wear…
Nijika: “Ta-daaaaa!”
Coming back from her room with her prize in hand, she held out a beautiful white dress. It was extremely pretty. To the point that I wondered if someone like me even deserved to wear it…
Hitori: “Nijika… are you sure that’s not…”
Nijika: “You’ll look amazing.”
Hitori: “…Y-You really think so?”
Nijika: “Mm-hm! I’d stake my life on it.”
She took a prideful pose as she said this. I always find it cute when she gets proud like this. And… it makes my heart beat so fast knowing it’s over me…
Hitori: “M-Mm. I’ll put it on then.”
Nijika: “Okie dokie! Here you go!”
Hitori: “…N-No peeking.”
I wasn’t really worried about that, of course. But I was worried that I’d be too embarrassed to come out and take way longer than I should. Now I have the perfect cover story for her to give me as much time as possible!
Nijika: “Mm. Take as much time as you need.”
Oooooof course she sees right through it…
Nijika: “But don’t take too long! Don’t forget, you’re doing this for ice cream.”
Hitori: “…W-With you.”
Nijika: “Huh?”
Hitori: “…T-That part‘s just as important.”
Nijika: “Ohhh, so your girlfriend’s just about on level with ice cream, huh?”
Hitori: “T-That’s not-“
Nijika: “Hehe, I’m just teasing you, Bocchi. Go ahead and change.”
Hitori: “…O-Okay.”
Already walking into the bathroom a blushing mess, by the time I was done putting on the dress I was back to my neutral state. In fact… I think I might’ve even looked… good? N-No, that’s getting way too ahead of myself, presentable at best!
Steeling myself, I walked out into the main room where Nijika was waiting near the entrance.
Nijika: “Ohhhhhhhh!”
Hitori: “…S-So?”
Nijika: “I think I’m in love.”
Hitori: “W-With the dress?”
Nijika: “Nope!”
Hitori: “O-Oh… Ehehe~”
As I began to melt into a blubbering, blushing fool at the words I wanted to hear most from my beautiful girlfriend, she quickly took my hand and led me out the door.
Nijika: “Ready to get some ice cream?”
Hitori: “A-Ah, yes!”
Nijika: “Hehe, good! I know the perfect place! It’s super close too!”
After locking the door, Nijika once again took my hand in her own and led the way. I know it was silly, but I couldn’t describe how much this simple action meant to me.
Hitori: “D-Do you go often?”
Nijika: “Not really. Sis would take me there as a treat sometimes, so it’s kind of a special place to me.”
Hitori: “O-Oh, s-sorry…”
Nijika: “Why are you apologizing, silly? It’s because it’s special to me that I wanna take you there!”
Hitori: “Eh?”
I almost wanted to stop out of surprise. I thought she was just putting up with another needy request of mine, but there was actually more to this.
Nijika: “You like ice cream a lot, huh?”
Hitori: “E-Eh? W-Well…”
For some reason, I feel that liking ice cream that much comes off as uncool… I don’t wanna say it…
Nijika: “It’s one of the only things you’ve ever asked me for. Besides hugs, cuddles, and kisses of course.”
Hitori: “A-Ah…”
Nijika: “What you like is important to me. Of course I’m gonna wanna go all out!”
Hitori: “N-Nijika…”
I can’t get enough of this girl… She pays so much attention to me… and always uses it to spoil me as much as she can… she’s completely taken over my heart~
Nijika: “Hehe, should I add ice cream to the list of things we’ll need at our house?”
Hitori: “E-Eh!? A-Ah… M-Mm. Ehehe.”
A gentle quiet moment grew between us, each of us just living off the warmth of the other’s hand. I had stopped paying attention to where we were going, just letting Nijika guide my way. I knew she’d always bring me to the best place imaginable, after all.
Hitori: “…Thank you, Nijika.”
Nijika: “Don’t thank me yet! We’re almost there!”
Hitori: “Mm.”
I was more than happy to just exist with the girl I love until we got there, but she really wasn’t kidding - in about a minute, we arrived at her special ice cream place. Going into the building definitely gave a sense of time. It was by no means aged poorly, it was probably recent when Manager first took her, but it failed to live up to the glow of truly modern buildings in the neighborhood. Or maybe I’ve just let Kita take me on one too many trips with her before we end up going to Starry…
Nijika: “There’s the menu up there. Let me know which one you want!”
Hitori: “A-Ah… O-Okay.”
I was going to argue and say that I could order myself, but… she was doing something nice for me. I wanted to appreciate that instead.
Hitori: “…L-Let me pay for mine though.”
Nijika: “Nuh-uh.”
Hitori: “B-But-“
Nijika: “When we live together, we’ll share finances, so it’s fine, right?”
Hitori: “T-That doesn’t… I-If I was Ryo-“
Nijika: “That girl gets no mercy because she’s my friend. I genuinely worry about her spending habits. I don’t want her to rely on me forever.”
Hitori: “T-Then I-“
Nijika: “But I want you to.”
Hitori: “Eh?”
Nijika: “I wanna keep spoiling you for the rest of my life. Sorry. Guess it’s just a little quirk of my love for you!”
…H-How am I supposed to argue when you put it like that??
Nijika: “You’re not supposed to argue, duh.”
One day, I’ll remember she can do that.
Sighing in resignation, I examine the menu and am surprised at its depth. I suppose it goes to show that this isn’t a new establishment, but one with history. It has a nice mix of common flavors as well as some unique and particularly delicious-sounding ones.
Hitori: “…W-What are you gonna get?”
Nijika: “…Are you gonna change what you want if I tell you?”
Hitori: “E-Ehhhhh? N-No way…”
Busted…
Nijika: “Haah… Tell me yours first.”
Hitori: “…T-The f-flavor that looks like a s’more looks p-pretty good…”
Nijika: “Ooh, going into the special flavors, huh? I haven’t had that one before but it does look pretty good! Are you a big chocolate fan?”
Hitori: “E-Eh? Well…”
That felt like another thing that was embarrassing to admit…
Nijika: “Cuz, if you were, I might be inclined to learn some good chocolate desserts to make the next time you were over~”
Hitori: “Yes, I-I love chocolate! A-A lot.”
Nijika: “Hehe, good to know!”
The idea of Nijika making anything for me food-wise… is dangerous for my heart…
Hitori: “S-So, what are you getting?”
Nijika: “Mmm, think I’ll go for a good ol’ banana split!”
Hitori: “Ohh, I didn’t even realize they made those here!”
Nijika: “Mm-hm! It’s a tiny part of what makes them special to me, hehe.”
Hitori: “U-Um, do you want me to find us a table?”
Feeling bad that I was having her order for me, I wanted to do something . She gave me a gentle smile.
Nijika: “That would be great. There’s some nice seats near the back I think you’ll like. Meet you there?”
Hitori: “A-Are you sure? I-I can sit near the front if-“
Nijika: “I’ll be comfortable as long as I’m with you. I just want you to feel comfortable.”
Hitori: “…I love you.”
Ah… I didn’t even think before saying that… This girl does dangerous things to my usually over-anxious brain…
Nijika: “Hehe, got two out of you today. Dang, I’m good.”
Hitori: “…”
Nijika: “Ah, sorry! I love you too!”
Hitori: “Hehe.”
Satisfied with that, I all but skipped to the back of the parlor. Even when I was seated, I couldn’t help but kick my legs under the table. I couldn’t get over how much I loved my drummer. And before long at all, she appeared with both of our orders. She promptly sat beside me. It took all I had not to cuddle up with her right now, but… I knew it would make eating the ice cream harder… Should I rush eating so I can cuddle up to her faster?… Another poke to the cheek brought my attention to her.
Nijika: “We can cuddle all night, but this ice cream’s special. Let’s enjoy it, okay?”
Hitori: “A-Ah… Okay.”
Taking a bite into mine, I instantly understand Nijika’s affection for this place. The flavors are rich but not overpowering of each other. They all blend together into a perfect creamy masterpiece. I already love my order, but it also makes me want to try every other one. If they’re all as good as this, then I might be coming here the rest of my life…
Hitori: “N-Nijika…”
Nijika: “Yes?”
Hitori: “T-Try to find a house around this place…”
Nijika: “Hehehe, I’ve won you over already, huh?”
Hitori: “It’s so gooooooooood! I-I think it might be some of the best I’ve ever had…”
Nijika: “It really is something else. I’m just glad we found a new date spot.”
Hitori: “Have you tried yours yet?”
Nijika: “Nope, was too busy looking at you, hehe.”
Hitori: “T-That’s… Y-You should try it.”
Nijika: “Hehe, okay!”
Nijika took a bite into her frozen treat and instantly a smile spread across her face. I could tell it was just as good as she remembered.
That smile was so powerful to me. It held hints of nostalgia - happiness that the fond memories she had with her sister were as good as she remembered, but there was also a new happiness. I think… she was genuinely happy that she was having this experience with… me…
That smile… More than any blush, or whatever… I think… that’s what I wanna make her do as often as possible…
Hitori: “Hey, Nijika…”
I move to ask her a question just as she puts another small scoop of ice cream into her mouth. Realizing she can’t answer right away, I decide to just tell her what I wanted to say.
Hitori: “…When I think of things that comfort me, o-or that I can trust beyond a shadow of a doubt… Y-Your hand in mine is starting to take the lead… Every time I’ve taken it, you’ve led me to a new happiness. So, if you keep reaching out your hand to me… I’ll grab it forever!”
Nijika: “Hitori…”
With pure love in her eyes, she moved her face towards mine until our lips met once more. Though chilled from the frozen dessert, the warmth of her love was still clear to me. But then… thinking about that very frozen dessert… a silly idea hit my brain…
Nijika: “Mm-“
I put some quick tongue into our kiss, just enough to get a taste of her ice cream, before pulling away myself. For a split second, Nijika was just stunned that I had done something like that, but she soon broke out into a giggling fit.
Nijika: “D-Did you… kiss me just to get a taste of the ice cream? Hehehe! Jeeeeez~ What am I gonna do with you? Hehe~”
Hitori: “I-I wanted to see if all of the ice cream here was as good as the one I ordered.”
Nijika: “You could’ve just asked for a bite of mine, you silly! Hehehe!”
Hitori: “Y-Yeah, but…”
I wanted to make you smile.
Nijika: “Hehehe… I wonder what happened to the girl who wouldn’t even make eye contact with me when we first met?”
Hitori: “…M-Maybe you just made her feel so at home when she’s with you that she does crazy things now…”
Nijika: “…That would make me happier than you could even believe.”
Hitori: “I want… t-to make you happy.”
Nijika: “…A girl who makes me this happy might be dangerous for my heart.”
Hitori: “…A-Am I trying too hard?”
Nijika: “Of course not. I’d rather live dangerously if those are my options, but… don’t push yourself, okay? Remember that I love everything about Hitori Goto.”
Hitori: “…T-Today’s special, right?”
Nijika: “Yeah… It definitely is.”
After we finished being silly with each other, we finished our respective ice creams and let it settle for a while. Once we calmed down, we were able to talk without setting off each other’s hearts like crazy. It was beginning to get late, so we decided to leave. What awaited us outside was a beautiful sky.
Nijika: “Woahhhhh! That’s so pretty…”
Hitori: “…Yeah… T-The stars will be out soon.”
Nijika: “Wanna wait for ‘em?”
Hitori: “E-Eh? Are you sure?”
Nijika: “Yeah! I know the perfect place! We’re not really that far from home.”
Hitori: “O-Okay!”
Nijika: “Hehe!”
With a giggle, Nijika held out her ever reliable hand. Of course, I grabbed onto it like it was the most precious thing on Earth. She led me to a nice bench with a good view of the sky. We sat together, but I was honestly starting to get tired. I leaned my head on her shoulder, and then she leaned her head on mine. It was so nice. A warm silence bloomed as we simply existed together.
Nijika: “…Hitori?”
Hitori: “Mm-hm?”
Nijika: “Did you really mean what you said before you kissed me?”
Hitori: “Huh?”
Nijika: “A-About my hand?”
Hitori: “Oh… Y-Yeah, of course. Ever since I took it… I’ve been nothing but happy. Thinking back to that day you found me, you led me by the hand to such a happy future. Sometimes… I don’t know what I’d do without you, hehe.”
I couldn’t see her face, but her silence was a little odd to me. I thought I said something pretty good.
Nijika: “…You’re wrong.”
Hitori: “Huh?”
Nijika: “You don’t give yourself nearly enough credit. I didn’t ‘lead’ you to a happy future, you took it for yourself. Even if I never found you, you would’ve paved your own path. I know it. Someone else would’ve found you, or maybe you’d just do it yourself. Because… you’re incredible. I’m lucky to have been the one to find you…”
Hitori: “Nijika…”
I had no idea… that that’s how she felt about our meeting… I think she’s giving me way too much credit, but… even so…
Hitori: “…Even if someone else could’ve found me and brought me to a happy future… In my mind, for the happiest future… it had to be you.”
Nijika: “E-Eh?”
Hitori: “…I don’t want to follow you to the ends of the earth just because you’re inviting, it’s the fact that you make me more comfortable than anyone else in life. In fact… you might have been the one to make me feel truly comfortable living… Kessoku Band is such a huge part of my life now, I can’t imagine life without it… And you’re the most important person in the world to me… No one but you could’ve given me those. So it had to be you.”
Nijika: “H-Hitori…”
Hitori: “I love you, Nijika.”
Nijika: “I-I love you too!!”
I still couldn’t see her face, but I could tell she was losing control of her emotions. Before long, I felt a wet drop hit my head.
Hitori: “Eh?”
Nijika: “…T-That’s weird… I-It’s not meant to rain for a few hours still…”
There wasn’t a cloud in the sky. Only the bright stars shine over us. I can’t help but smile…
Hitori: “Yeah… Guess you can’t believe everything you read…”
A way to know your words reached their heart, huh…