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Chapter Text

Emu wants to make her senpai, Asahina Mafuyu smile. Though seems like an easy task, the honor student hides a secret not many knows, the secret being that the smile she wore was fake. Not many know about this, only very very close friends and one unsuspecting kouhai know about the fake smile. Even if Emu knows about the fake smile, she doesn't know the reason behind it. Determined to make her smile with her heart, she tried everything to make her smile, but to no avail, she failed. Emu has seen the true smile that Mafuyu bears, she seen it once and that moment was etched into her memory. Since another school year has passed and she did not succeed in her journey, she'll be extra diligent this year to make her senpai smile. Any other attempts to make her smile has failed and she's stuck on how to make her senior smile again, she want to make her smile so that she can look at that beautiful smile of hers again...

Ahem..

"I really want to make them smile, but it never works!" Emu sat on the stage with her knees to her chest in a fetal position, her teammates sat next to her sighed, "You sound like you're in love or something, try not to say lame jokes? Maybe that'll work." "Now, now Nene, don't be so rude to Emu, it's probaly her first time in love. But i have to say, try not saying anymore jokes" Rui smiled and patted Emu's back. "Hey, I'm not in love with them! I just want to make people smile!" Emu pouted, "Sure, Emu. But maybe try knowing about them more, try hanging out with them or something." Tsukasa loudly exclaimed, leading Nene to give him a look of 'seriously, man?' "weren't you the one who suggested the jokes or something?" Nene glares at Tsukasa, making him cough loudly "Great idea Tsukasa-kun! I'll try inviting her here tomorrow!" Nene sat there as Emu runs away, but a realization hits her that leads her to snap her head at the direction of where Emu went. 'Her?' Nene thought, 'Never imagined her to be the type to fall for a girl, seemed more like a single-type to me... Wait, am I talking about myself?' ... never mind that, Nene felt alone just now.

In the busy hall of Miyamasuzaka Girl's Academy, stood the honor student, Mafuyu. She stood talking to some classmates that needed help with homework, she then excused herself to go to the bathroom. On the way back, she bumps into Emu running in the halls again. "Ootori-san, please don't run in the halls." The younger student sheirked internally but then remembered wanting to invite her to Pheonix Wonderland, "Asahina-senpai! I was wondering if you are free this weekend?" Emu scratched the back off her head waiting for the elder's answer. "Hmm, I don't think so, but the school year just started, So maybe i am free, why?" Emu's face brighten, "That's super wonderhoy!! I wanna invite you to Pheonix Wonderland!" Mafuyu was surprised, either way, she smiled at the the kouhai. "Is there any reason why you wanted to invite me?" Emu hadn't thought about this, she quickly came up with an excuse to cover up her plan of wanting to see Mafuyu's smile. "Oh, i figured since we're both in the student council, we can learn more about each other!" Not bad, pretty good cover up story and she's already glad to be in the student council. Mafuyu smiled, she won't lie, she wanted to go to Pheonix Wonerland, it has been a while. But her mother... "I would love to go with you but I'm not sure if my mother would allow it." She smiled, sending a shill down Emu's spine. Emu thought for a moment, trying to come up with a reason reasonable enough to convince any parent to let their child hang out at a amusement park. "Why not say it was for the student council?" "Eh?" "See, by telling her that you're going to Pheonix Wonderland to watch a show so that you can make a report about it and maybe have a school play here held by the student council!" Mafuyu thought for a moment, resting her chin on her hand. "That could work, but who's performing? You're an actor right? If you're here with me, how do will you perform on the stage?" Emu smiled, "Well, we'll make a personal show dedicated for you!" Mafuyu's eyes widen, a show... just.. for her? But why? "Really?" The senior's voice came out a little shaky "Of course! You're so nice, yet people almost never repay you! So I wanted to repay you myself!"

Mafuyu's eyes widens even more, shocked at the kouhai's dedication to invite her her chest burns warmly at the statement. Her face heats up a little, as a light blush spread across her face. "Thank you so much, Ootori-san. I- I really appreciate it, you don't know how much it means to me." She smiled. Emu stood looking at Mafuyu's face, staring at her true smile, her beautiful smile. Her face flushes red just as the bell rings, "AH- I uhM NeED tO gO! bYe BYe, AsAhiNA-seNPAi!" Emu ran quickly, leaving Mafuyu standing alone. Her face warm and her heart hot, she wants more of the warmth but for now it can wait if she can experience it more later. A few moments later, Emu arrives at her class and quickly takes a seat trying to calm down. "Emu-channnnnnnnnn!" "Saki! Slow down, this is a classroom!" Emu turns and see Saki running towards her with Shiho trailing behind. "Woah! are you ok, Emu-chan?" "Your face is a little red, are you ok?" Saki and Shiho makes a concerned face as they waited for Emu's answer "Oh- uhm. It's just- uh nothing? Uhm, it's nothing really." Emu shakes her hear and waves her hands frantically as she try to recover from what just happened. "Are you blushing?" "What? She is? Let me see." "AARARJAUDASJGHGHAGASHADHSTOPPLEASEE" Emu desperately try to calm down from seeing Mafuyu's smile but she wasn't pretending good enough as she was so shocked that her actor experience was gone. Emu took a few deep breaths, calming down. Just when she wanted to explain herself, the teacher came in and class had started. At recess emu went up to Saki and Shiho "You were hallucinating" and she ran away. Just when she ran out of their sight, she coincidentally bumps into Mafuyu. "Asahina-sanpai! uhm, sorry for running in the halls again?" Emu bowed down and apologized, "It's ok. Uhm, you can call me Mafuyu." Emu's smile brighten, "Really? Wonderhoy! You can call me Emu too! Mafuyu-san!" Emu jumped up and down happily. "My mom agreed to let me go, so when do we meet up?" Emu smiled brightly at the progress thats she;s making.

Mafuyu wore her casual clothes and went to Pheonix Wonderland.

Chapter Text

Arriving at Phoenix Wonderland, Emu was waiting for Mafuyu by the entrance. Emu spotted Mafuyu and started to wave her arms over her head to attract Mafuyu’s attention, Mafuyu spotted Emu easily and smiled, she walked towards her and greeted her. “Good morning, Emu-san. How are you doing?’ Emu smiled, “Good morning! I’m doing very wonderhoy right now!!” “Shall we go in?” Emu smiled brightly and nodded, she brought her to the entrance and brought her inside. Mafuyu didn’t question not needing a ticket, as Emu is a staff after all. “What do you want to do first? Your show will start in 1 hour!” Emu asks, Mafuyu hums as she thinks. “What do you like to do? Maybe we can do that after the show? But for now, let's explore or buy food.” Mafuyu smiles.

After playing for an hour, Emu leads Mafuyu to the Wonder Stage for the show. Mafuyu was the only person, she sat in the most VIP seat with a great view of the stage. She sat with a water bottle in her hand and a little notebook. The show starts, and the story goes like this:

The main character (Emu) is a middle school student who really admires her classmate (Rui), she starts a friendship with him and they become great friends. As time went on, Emu failed the majority of her test, making Rui and other classmates talk behind her back. Emu was genuinely hurt, but she pretended to still be friends with Rui, making her put on a mask pretending she’s oblivious to the insults. Emu’s sister (Nene) is disappointed at Emu, not being able to get good grades. The pressure on Emu is a lot, she’s tired, but she continues to study harder than before, making her busy and not having time to bond with everyone. The next time, she finally got a good grade, in fact she got first place but everyone has become distant. Instead of trying to talk to them and establish a bond again, she pretends to be friends with everyone. One student from another class (Tsukasa) admired Emu. Tsukasa approached Emu and they became friends and slowly, you realize… that it’s a loop. Emu being friends with everyone and trying to fit in, she also insulted Tsukasa behind his back. (I’m so sorry if this story was lame, i suck at writing these things)

When the story ended, Mafuyu felt that the story was meant for her, not directly but some elements do feel familiar. Emu ran from the back of the stage to Mafuyu, she excitedly jumped up and down waiting for Mafuyu's response. "It was great, thank you Emu-san." She smile, Emu returned a even brighter smile to her, "Wonderhoy! I'm so glad! Are you hungry? Do you need to eat?" "Sure, let's get something then we'll go on the ride you wanted to go." Without thinking, Mafuyu held Emu's hand and walked away, Emu didn't seem to notice and left with Mafuyu. "Is it me or is Emu blushing?" Tsukasa turns around to ask Rui and Nene. "And there she said she isn't in love." Nene rolled her eyes, "Oya? Lonely Nene?" Rui teased Nene. "SAYS YOU, YOU LONELY WEIRD ROBOT ENTHUSIAST!" Nene snaps at Rui, making Rui shed a fake tear dramatically.

Mafuyu and Emu finish their food as they have a conversation about how their school year will be like this year and the things that await them. "Emu-san, you never actually told me where you wanted to go on your last ride before I leave" "Oh! I wanted to ride the ferris wheel, is that ok with you?" Emu points in the direction of the ferris wheel. "Of course, shall we go now?" Mafuyu offers her hand, without realizing, Emu also accepts her hand with no thought. Their walk to the ferris wheel was filled with conversation as both Mafuyu and Emu slowly realized they were holding hands, Mafuyu felt warm looking at Emu's smile, she just wanted to protect the smile, never letting it fade. Emu is so happy to see mafuyu smiling, her true smile is so rare and beautiful, she just wants the time to stop so she can look at it forever. Without realizing, they've already reached the ferris wheel, they get in and they slowly rise to the top. They both sat in silence across from each other, both admiring the scenery. "Why did you choose this as our last ride?" Mafuyu's voice was low and quiet. Emu didn't respond for a while, leading Mafuyu to look at her. "My grandpa." "Eh?" "He built this place, including the Wonder Stage too." It was then when Mafuyu learnt that Emu was the child of the owners of Phoenix Wonderland. "I said goodbye to him one year ago- Actually it's two years now.." Mafuyu frowned. She never saw her kouhai so… so.. sad? It seemed like sadness was a foreign concept to Emu, she always seemed so happy. "They wanted to destroy Wonder Stage, but I saved it. And I'm now giving smiles to people." Emu felt so nostalgic, on the ferris and talking about Wonder Stage. She talked about it when she was with Tsukasa, and then, Wonder x Showtime was formed. "Ah! I'm sorry, I kinda just rambled, whenever I'm on the ferris wheel with someone, it's usually my friends who are concerned for me." Emu apologizes for rambling "Why were they concerned?" Mafuyu presses Emu, "Huh?! it's uh-" Emu was shocked by her senpai's question. "They wanted to make sure I'm ok, that's it." "I see." Mafuyu didn't continue to press, she now knows that her kouhai is not what she seems.

And now the day comes to an end. Emu didn't want the day to end, but she still had fun. "Could we maybe do this another time?" Her voice wasn't her usual voice, it was calmer and a little sad. "Are you sad that the day ended?" Mafuyu asked Emu, she remembered Emu telling her that she disliked the sunset. "Of course I am." Emu replied as she stared into the sky. "Can we hang out next weekend?" Mafuyu proposed. "Really?" Emu's voice was going back to normal, "yes." "Yay! Thank you so much Mafuyu-San!" She's now normal again, making Mafuyu's heart calm, she didn't want to leave Emu sad when she left. "See you at school." "See you at school!" Mafuyu then walks away from the theme park.

Mafuyu arrived at Kanade's house, she entered and placed her belongings on the couch and went and got a cup of water. "Hello Mafuyu, did you have fun?" Kanade walks down the stairs as she greets Mafuyu. "I did." Mafuyu was smiling a little and her voice was filled with a hint of happiness. Kanade was shocked to see Mafuyu so emotional.. she smiled knowing that she's healing. "Care to tell me what happened?" Kanade sat on the couch "She performed a show for me, and I learnt that she probably owns that park. Oh she's also not what she seems" Kanade did not see that coming. "What?" Mafuyu sighed, "she told me her grandpa built that place and she was sad." "Ootori-San sad?" Kanade repeated, she met her before and she was definitely quite a character. She was loud, happy and optimistic, she never imagined her to be sad. "That's exactly what I'm saying, she was sad and her friends were concerned for her." Mafuyu's brows were furrowed. "Do you wish to help her?" Kanade asked. "Yes." Such dedication, she really wants to help her doesn't she?

Chapter Text

Emu

I arrive at school, today will be wonderhoy! I enter my classroom and greet Saki and Shiho-Chan. They seem to want to know why I was blushing last time, I don't think I was blushing, so I told them they were hallucinating. They don't seem to believe me though. Oh well, the teacher came in and class started. I paid attention for the most part but my mind kept floating to Mafuyu-San, though I'm not sure why. It has been like that after I asked her to hang out with me, I wonder how she's doing right now.

As the bell rang for recess, I left the classroom in search of her. I eventually find her standing by herself, I call out to her from afar and she turns around and starts to smile at me. Her smile, it's so nice… she seemed so happy to see.. me? Hm, "Hello Emu-san." She greeted me, "I wanted to hang out with you after school by going to a restaurant, is that ok?" "Sure, we'll meet at the school gate, is that ok?" I nodded enthusiastically, she giggled at my optimism, her laugh was so cute, I felt my face heat up. "Anyway, how was your day?" I asked that question only out of kindness, but the moment I asked that question, the corner of her lip seemed to fall but immediately went back up to a smile again. She reminded me just how scary her fake smile is, the uncanny feeling of emptiness behind that sweet smile of hers. It just makes my skin crawl, but why did she suddenly become sad? "Ah, nothing much happened, it is a new year so people are still adjusting. But nothing really happens." Her voice is coated in a thick layer of lies, that false sweetness she puts on when her classmates seem to praise her. Her tone had a slight hint of sadness, mixed with years of emptiness. It was a scary sight, at least for me. "I'll tell you something after school. Bye for now!" I have to tell her, I have to know why she keeps on pretending, if I reveal I can see through her fake smile, will she accept me? What should I do if she doesn't? Only time will tell, but I'm so mad, why is pretending? I have to find out and help her.

I need to tell her, if I tell her maybe she'll tell me. But I can't be certain, I can only wish fate is on my side. I also hope that she doesn't misunderstand me, I wish to help her and make her smile. I hope nothing goes wrong. I guess I'll tell her when we eat together.

I stood by the school gate waiting for the upperclassman's arrival, "sorry, did I make you wait?" A voice came from behind me, I turned around to see Mafuyu-san with a strained smile. "Not at all, I was just early." I smiled back at her. We started to walk away from the school to start a conversation. "By the way, you haven't told me where we're going to eat." "Oh, it's somewhere close to the crosswalk, I think it was a family diner." "Ah, I think I know where that is, I went there with my friends." "Wow, that's so cool, I also went with my friends before too!" Our conversation continues as we reach the restaurant.

Mafuyu

As the door to the diner opened, a familiar figure was there. I stood frozen, she doesn't seem to notice me yet. But as she turned around to face a waiter she saw me, her mouth was agape, her eyes were wide with shock. I was frozen. I didn't want to see her, at least not now. Not now. Not now. NOT NOW. She stood up and walked towards me, her hand was extended towards me, she looked as if she wanted to capture me, to bring me back to that place of a phony; a lie of a home. I couldn't breathe, I stood frozen. But the voices of Kanade, Ena and Mizuki sounded in my mind. I couldn't go back to that place called 'home' . I have to run.

I turned around and ran as fast as I could, I didn't forget about Emu-san. I plan to apologize to her when I calm down. But to my surprise, she caught up to me and flashed me a worried expression, I had forgotten how fast she really is. I could feel tears forming in my eyes, but I kept running even if my vision was blurred. I entered a place known as 'Vivid street' if I remember correctly. I went into an alleyway and fell to my knees. I was out of breath, I was crying, Emu-san looked at me worriedly. I sat down and held my knees close to my chest. My chest felt so cold, so empty, so scared, like an old scar being discovered, I feel so cold, I want it to stop.

Emu-san knelt down beside me, carefully she wrapped her arms around me. I suddenly felt so safe, so warm… so warm and nice. "It's okay, Mafuyu-san." She whispered to me, her voice is so warm, so nice, so great… I want to be like this forever, as she hugged I continued to cry and sob. I don't want to see her again, I'm so scared, what will she do? She saw me with Emu-san, what measures will she do to make me go back? Go back to that place she called 'home', it's suffocating to think about it.

Perhaps for now I can forget about my mother as I stay in Emu-san's embrace.

Chapter Text

In a dark corner of an alleyway, knelt two girls. One embracing the other and the other crying. Mafuyu's tears kept coming and she was choking on her sobs, her face was wet with tears and eventually she crying became a sniffle. Emu didn't let go of Mafuyu and kept hugging her and she combed through Mafuyu's hair with her fingers, trying to comfort her.

"Are you okay?" Emu asked in a low, quiet and calm voice. It's not common for her to be this calm, her usual energetic and optimistic demeanor has changed.

Mafuyu didn't move, but a tear rolled down her cheeks. Upon seeing this, Emu tightened her grasp around Mafuyu, feeling the urge to protect her. Her senior, the model student of Miyamasuzaka Girls Academy, is currently crying.

Emu didn't understand the situation, she thought back to the restaurant and she remembered an individual with the same coloured hair as Mafuyu. She had some of her hair down her left shoulder, her eyes were also the same as Mafuyu's. Maybe they're related, like her mother? She looked down and looked at Mafuyu's eyes, it was empty, it looked so empty and scared, as if she's a bug on an apple that just got thrown. That woman extended her hands like she wanted to capture Mafuyu, they probably had something in between that she didn't know. 

She was deep in thought and she didn't realize Mafuyu turned around to return her embrace. Her cheeks felt a little warm when Mafuyu hugged her. Eventually, Mafuyu stood and looked at Emu with flushed cheeks.

"Thank you, E-Emu.." Mafuyu said in a low voice

"You- You're welcome, Mafuyu." Emu was shocked, they stopped using honorifics completely, and are now on a first name basis.

"Do you still want lunch?" Emu asked.

"..." Mafuyu didn't respond. 

"Okay." 

Emu held up her hand and Mafuyu took it without a thought. As soon as they walked out of the alley, Mafuyu lowered her head. She didn't want people to see her like this. Emu noticed this and stopped to do something. Mafuyu tilted her head in confusion as she waited for Emu, Emu took off her jacket and gave it to Mafuyu. She gave a sympathetic smile towards the senpai, Mafuyu feels her face heats up and she accepts the jacket. She takes off her own cardigan and puts on Emu's jacket. Emu's jacket had a good which Mafuyu's cardigan didn't have, she pulled up her hood to cover her face and hair to not be recognized by anyone. Emu then gave Mafuyu a mask to cover her face, Mafuyu put on the mask and they went to the same restaurant for lunch.

They entered the restaurant and that person was gone, she was nowhere in sight and Mafuyu sighed in relief. They sat in their booth in silence after they'd placed their order. Mafuyu didn't want to meet her underclassmen's gaze, she was too scared.

"Mafuyu… if you're okay with it, can you please tell me?" 

"Tell you what….?" Mafuyu's voice was low.

"Let me rephrase and explain. Mafuyu, I'm sorry for hiding this from you, but do you remember the day we first met at the sports festival?" Mafuyu nodded.

"Your classmates approached you, they complimented you. But, you didn’t smile. You did but it was fake, I could tell.” Emu explained. Mafuyu stared at her with shocked eyes.

“H-how did you know-w?” Her voice was shaky, she got found out?

“I have.. A keen intuition for emotions I guess. But I never told anyone, there’s a reason why you lie, that’s why I tried to help you smile.” Emu and Mafuyu locked eyes, Mafuyu was shocked and confused. Emu had a serious face, she wanted Mafuyu to understand that she was trying to help her.

"Please… don't tell anyone… Please." Mafuyu was on the verge of tears again.

"I won't. My goal is to make the world smile and I will make you smile one day." Emu was determined, she took Mafuyu's hand and clasped them together.

Mafuyu felt her face heat up, why is her underclassmen so nice after seeing her true self, why isn't she trying to tell her what to be? Her chest was warm, and she did want her hand to be let go.

"Why?" She whispered, Mafuyu looked up again to see Emu looking at her softly.

Emu's cheeks were dusted with a slight pink blush, Mafuyu had seen a beautiful sight of Emu, a sight of the dreamer smiling warmly and lovingly at her. Mafuyu feels a burning in her chest stronger and more different than the normal one she feels when she's with Kanade, Ena and Mizuki. She felt her face starting to heat up too, she’ll have to ask Kanade later. But for now, she can enjoy this moment. She felt so touched, someone going out of her way just for the world, and for her. She reminded her of Kanade, wanting to help the world. Emu then let go of their hands, leaving Mafuyu longing for more of her warmth. Their food finally arrived and Mafuyu had never felt her food being so nice and delicious, she couldn't taste anything before. But now, her chest was warm and her food tasted nice. She still can't taste anything, but the food was great.

"I wanted to ask why." Emu spoke when she finished her food. Mafuyu tilted her head in confusion.

"Why you lie, and why you're broken. Are you willing to share it with me, Mafuyu?"  Emu smiled at Mafuyu. For a moment, she saw a flash of her mother. Her breathing sped up, she was scared that the same thing would happen again. But a small part knew that she's wrong, Emu wouldn't do what that woman had done.

She's different, she cares about her, she understands her, she accepts her and...

.........

 She loved her... Mafuyu loved her.

Mafuyu sat in silence as the dots connected in her head, eyes wide open at the realization. Her heartbeat started increasing and her face was bright red, she didn't know how to react to this. And she wondered if it was actually love or not... She can't feel anything, she could only tell by how warm her chest was. How did she feel like this, how, when, what made her feel this emotion. Her chest felt warm, yet so cold at the same time. How can she just fall in love? It's just so sudden, she can't let Emu find out about her feelings. She was torn on whether the emotion she's feeling is love or not. Perhaps the desire to be perfect made her think this way. She was always perfect, not a single flaw was known about her. I mean, how would her mother react to her falling in love? But at the same time, she's free. She doesn't need to be held in the shackles that her mother held her in, she ran away. But the city is a small place, she just ran into her mother a few hours ago. She'll try to do anything just for her 'beloved' daughter to go back. She can't go back, she can't. 

"Will you promise to keep it a secret?" Mafuyu finally responded.

"Of course, if it means I can see you smile beautifully." Emu responded.

Silence.

"I- I mean- uh.. I"

"I appreciate it. Thank you." Mafuyu cuts her off and continues.

"I don't know when it started. I started losing my 'true self' because of the high expectations people gave me, I needed to meet their expectations or I'm seen as 'useless' or 'not good enough'.  I kept pretending and hiding my 'true self' to not disappoint my mother. I wanted to become a nurse, but they said a doctor is better. And I did, I'm going to a medical school to become a doctor, not a nurse. But it's different now, I... I ran away from my home. I went to Kanade's house and stayed there, but my phone was destroyed in the process." Mafyu explained.

"wow." Emu was speechless, she did not expect it to be so long.

"Do you still have your phone's SIM card?" Emu asked as she took a sip of her drink.

"Yes, why?" 

"Nothing. By the way, you're almost done right? I'll pay, tomorrow meet me at the school's rooftop." Emu smiles at Mafuyu.

Mafuyu feels her chest warm at the sight of her, maybe she really is in love. For Emu, She feels so bad for her senior, having to put up a facade of who they aren't. It all feels so familiar, lying to everyone so they don't bat an eye. It all feels so familiar.

Too familiar.

Chapter Text

"Do you all think I'm healing, becoming better??" Yuki asked.

"Hah? That's sudden, I think. Why?" replied Enanan.

"Please do not laugh." Yuki scratched the back of her head, showing embarrassment or nervousness despite her relatively blank face. K tilted her head at her.

"I.. I think I have a crush?" Yuki blurted out in a low voice. After she realized what she did, she quickly took off her headset and also pulled K's headset to protect her.

"WWHHHHHHHHHHHHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTT?!?!?!?!" Came a high pitched scream from the headphones, followed by the sounds of things crashing.

There was a moment of silence.

"Amia." Enanan's camera showed no one in sight.

"Uh-oh." Amia seemed to start sweating profusely.

"You will pay for this. Tomorrow." Enanan emerged from the bottom of the camera and her hair messed up when she came crashing down.

"Amia, please refrain from screaming loudly." Yuki says as she put on her headset

Despite everything that happened, Nightcord at 25:00 still largely remained the same. Their friendship, bonds and feelings for eachother unwavering, strong and genuine.

"I will get you tomorrow. But Mafuyu, could you please elaborate?" Ena gave a forced smile at the camera.

"I seem to feel my chest being warm and my heart beats very fast everytime is look at her." Mafuyu's face starts to redden at the mention of her new found 'crush'.

"Oh my god. You're blushing, you're not lying." Ena exclaims. Kanade turns around to look at Mafuyu, Mafuyu turns around to look at her. 

"She's right, you know." Kanade confirms Ena's observation. Mafuyu touches her cheeks and feels it's warm.

"So the blood rushing to my cheeks is actually me blushing, I see." Mafuyu feels her cheeks get warmer, but this time of embarrassment.

"So, who's the lucky boy?" Mizuki entered the conversation after causing Ena to lose her hearing.

"..." Mafuyu didn't respond.

"It's a girl actually." She said quietly, Kanade turned her head to look at her with one eyebrow raised.

"Oh, Okay." Mizuki finally said, she's quick to cover up the shock she received.

"That's it? Not even a good luck for her, Amia?" Ena smiled at Mizuki.

"Ugh, I wish that your feelings can be.. uh- what is it called? Reprocasinated? Ugh nevermind- Mafuyu I your feelings can be returned."

"Yes, I hope your feelings can also be returned." Kanade smiled at her.

"So who's the lucky girl?" Ena repeated Mizuki's question.

"It's Ootori Emu." Mafuyu replied

"OH, IT'S HER?" Mizuki screamed again but not as loud, Mafuyu simply nodded.

"Mizuki, you're screaming so loud that even my deaf ass brother can hear you with my headset on." Ena's camera shows her brother at the doorway staring at her with a pissed off expression.

"Oh, tell lil'bro I say hello then." Mizuki then struck a pose.

"No."

"Please?????"

"No."

"We're getting off topic..." Kanade speaks into the mic.

"What else do we talk about? Does she know that you like her?" Ena rolls her eyes. Mafuyu shakes her head slowly as her head droops down.

"Well, make her fall for you, it's easy, just uh..." Mizuki trails off.

Mafuyu sat beside Kanade, she's smiling. Her friends are helping her to find her feelings, being nice to her, just like Emu. Emu is so nice to her, she is nice to everyone. She's always happy and energetic, wanting to make people smile. But she wonders if anyone has seen her sad before, she did once. She recalls seeing Emu staring outside looking into the sunset, with a sadder expression than neutral. After a talk with her, she learns that she dislikes the dusk as she thinks it marks the end of a day. She was really different that day, she spoke calmly, her eyes not filled with optimism, and she wasn't really scared of her. Today, Emu told her that she can see through her facade, but she only wanted to help her. Unlike her mother, she only cared about her image, she didn't care what she felt. But, Emu did, she cared about how Mafuyu was feeling. She cared, unlike her mother.

It's kinda funny, the mother is usually viewed as the protecting figure that gives the most support to their child, and the friends come later. But Mafuyu had it differently, her mother was a poison slowly killing her inside. But it's different now, isn't it? Haha, yea it is.

---------------------

"Mafuyu-!" Emu's voice came from the rooftop door. Today she isn't wearing her jacket, which isn't normal for her as her jacket shows her personality, with all the pins at patches showing her personality

"Ah, Emu." Mafuyu reached into her bag and pulled out Emu's jacket. "Here you go, thank you for lending it to me yesterday." Mafuyu's face had a wide smile.

"Mafuyu, it's okay. You don't have to force yourself." Emu frowned slightly at Mafuyu's smile. Mafuyu's smile falters, but she's still grateful for Emu's actions, that's why she still had a slight smile with a light blush.

"Here." Emu pulls a phone box out of her pocket and hands it to Mafuyu. 

"Eh?" 

Mafuyu looks down at the box in her hand. "Eh??"

It's a brand new phone box. "Eh???"

"Ehehe," Emu giggled at Mafuyu. "You're reaction is so funny, Mafuyu." Mafuyu can't help but blush at the giggling kouhai's statement.

"What's this for?" Mafuyu looks down at the box again.

"Well, you said that your phone was broken right? I brought the greatest phone my friend suggested! Don't worry, he's an expert." Emu smiled happily at her senpai.

"I- Thank you so much, Emu. You didn't have to do this, I- I can't accept it." Mafuyu is in shock.

"Mafuyu, please accept this, you told me your phone is broken and plus-" Emu's face flushed a light pink tint, "I can use this to talk to you too. And, I never got your phone number either.."

Mafuyu gulped at the last sentence, she nodded and accepted the gift.

"Thank you, I'll make sure to repay you." Emu smiled, "Hehe, I'll be waiting!"

Arriving home, well, Kanade's home, she set her things aside and set up her phone. It was easy, turn it on, sign in and all the necessary apps were already there. All her contacts were saved to her account, so that was easy too. She took out a piece of paper with Emu's phone number that Emu had given her just before they parted ways. She saved the contact and sent her a message.

A_Mafuyu: Hello.

WxS_Emu: HELLO MAFUYU!!!1

Mafuyu smiled as she stared at the screen.

"Chatting with Ootori-san?" Kanade appeared beside her rubbing her eyes as if she just woke up.

"Just woke up?"

"Uhn." Kanade nods.

"I'll prepare dinner then." Mafuyu stands up and leaves her phone on the table.

"Did you buy a phone?" "No. Emu gifted it to me." “Ah, is that so? Sometimes I forget she's rich."

"Uhn." Mafuyu nods and prepares some food that Honami had made last time she was here.

Under the bright sun, Emu and Mafuyu sat at the school rooftop enjoying lunch together.

"Hey, Mafuyu, a really important show is coming up, do you want to see it?" "Important show? What does that mean?" Mafuyu inquired

"It's our anniversary show, it's still not here yet, it'll probably come in 5 months. It's not confirmed, but we'll definitely do an anniversary show!"

[Reference to Our Happy Ending event]

"Hm, I see. Sure." "Really? Yay! I'm so happy! Then, you'll have to cheer us on, okay?"

"Uhn, I will."

"..." Emu seems to be silent, deep in thought. For a moment, Mafuyu thought she saw tears well up in her eyes. They disappeared as soon as they came, leaving Mafuyu staring at her wide eyed.

“Hey, Emu.” “Hm? Yes?” Emu snapped out of her trance and smiled at Mafuyu.

“...” Mafuyu didn’t say anything at first, unsure of what to say.

“You’ve been really nice to me, and I really appreciate it. I’m grateful to have someone like you to be by my side. I want you to know that I’m here for you, I may not be good with feelings like you, but I still wish to help you if you’re at your lowest.” Mafuyu gently took hold of Emu’s hands as she talked, staring into her eyes. Emu blushed,

“Ehehe, thank you.” She smiled, she said nothing after that.

Emu’s POV

I can’t worry Mafuyu, I can’t make her sad over something so small like this, it’s okay.

It’s okay.

It’s okay, Nene and the others will be able to reach their dreams, and I’ll reach mine too. Just without them. It’s for grandpa’s sake, I’ll make people smile. I’ll make people smile in Pheonix Wonderland by myself, the others can reach their dream together outside.

It’s okay.

You can’t be sad Emu, Be happy, smile, be wonderhoy.

wonderhoi…

wonderhoy..

Wonderhoy.

Wonderhoy

Wonderhoy!

WONDERHOY!

WONDERHOY!!

WONDERHOY!!!

Hahaha! I’m happy, it’s ok, wonderhoy will make me happy!

Mafuyu’s POV

I can’t help but feel that Emu is sad when she mentioned the performance. She seemed to be crying just now, but I’m not sure. I’ve confirmed my feelings for her, and I want to help her anyway I can just like how she kept the secret of my facade. I really enjoy seeing her being a happy and optimistic ball of energy that tries her hardest to make everyone smile.

She seems to be deep in thought right now, staring at her face, she slowly smiles, it almost looks uncanny, it looks fake.

It is just, wrong.

I don’t know what to do, maybe I can get closer to her? I guess that’s one way… Maybe I should ask for help. 

For now, I’ll just stay close to her and hope she’s alright.

Chapter Text

Emu sat alone on her bed.
"Is this what I want?" She questioned herself.
This is just all so confusing and messy, Wonderland x Showtime, disbanding? It'll happen in a few years but, isn't time passing too quickly? Why can't she just stop the flow of time and be with them forever? Tsukasa, Rui and Nene all have the ambition to go pro and improve. But what about her? What about Emu? What about the girl that brought them together? Why is she the one left out? What can she do? She has to protect her grandfather's legacy, right? But, they want to leave this place, and she doesn't. 

These thoughts plauge Emu's mind as she sits alone in her room. It's feels hard to breath, her breaths become shallow and quick, sweat forms on her forehead and everything spins. The corners of her eyes fogs up and turn black, there's tears in her eyes.

*ding!*

...

She looks at her phone.
----------------------

Nene: can we come 2 practife earlier tmr?
Tsukasa_Star: OF COURSE NENE, WHY NOT? SO THAT WE CAN PRACTIVE HARDER!
Kamishiro_R: Fufufu~
Nene: what so funny?
Kamishiro_R: I can tell that's not the only reason~~~
Nene: ew, not the'~~~'
Tsukasa_Star: NENE, WHAT SO BAD WITH USING~~~?
Nene: nvm
Kamishiro_R: We need a time~~
Nene: ugh 4:30 then
Tsukasa_Star: OF COURSE! I"LL BE THERE!
-------------------------

Emu takes note of this and turn off her phone. For a while it seems, the thoughts are gone. But now they return again but worse.

She really doesn't want to leave them, they're so nice and- and...
percious to her.

this is where it hurts.

I just want someone to reassure me, tell me it's okay, tell me there's another way. But I have built a mask on how I'm always happy, and, I make people happy. If I'm not happy, how can people be happy? They'll never be happy if I'm sad, I'll have to pretend.

---------------------

"So, Mafuyu, about your crush.." Ena speaks into the mic
"Yes?" Mafuyu reponds, looking into the mic
"Uhm, what do yall usually do together?"
"Hmm, eat lunch."
"and?"
"that's it."
"Nah, aint no way bro" Mizuki shakes their head in disbelief
"I guess I also watch her shows." Mafuyu recalls a conversation on the rooftop.
"I think someting is troubling her."
"Why do say that?" Kanade turns to look at Mafuyu
"She seems a little sad when she metioned an anniversary show."
"Sad? That doesn't sound like her." Ena speaks as she recalls the time where they interacted
"Surprising, isn't it? I once saw her looking at the sky when it was dusk, and she has a sad expression too. She dislikes the dusk I learnt that day." 
"Yo, that's crazy, I never thought that she would ever be sad." Mizuki was right, literally no one imagined Emu to ever feel sad.
"I think- No, I want to help her. She listened to me and was by my side, I will help her." Mafuyu was determined as she straighten her back.
"Hahaha, then you better help us when we need help then, Mafuyuuu~~" Mizuki laughed.
"I will.' Mafuyu promised
"That was a joke, but thanks Mafuyu." Mizuki smiled softly at the camera

-----------------------

In school, Emu focused in class but the thoughts of leaving her friends haunted the back of her mind. As soon as she was alone, she feels so sad and empty. For now, she can cherish this moment, she'll be happy when they leave.

"Emu." Mafuyu placed a hand on Emu's head,
"Uwahh!!" Emu jumped and her cheeks warmed.
"You were spacing out." Mafuyu giggled softly, it wasn't an act.
"Ahah, my bad, what do you need?" Emu tilts her head.
"..."
"I'm sorry if I'm meddling into your business, but I don't think youre okay. Do you want to talk about it?" Mafuyu doesn't know how to beat around the bush here, she beat it straight on and hoped for the best.
"..."
"Emu?"
"I think.. We're more similliar than we thought." Emu whispered softly.
"Hm? Really?" Mafuyu tilts her head.
"I don't know my emotion well. I think I also put on a mask, but please, let me put it on. Don't stop me." Emu turns her head away to the ground.
"But- You helped me, you listened to me, you wanted to make me smile. I want to help you too. Let me repay you."
"I don't know...."
"It's okay Emu, I can always hear you out. I'll be going now."
"I see, okay. Bye."
"Bye." Mafuyu smile softly at Emu to reassure her.

Mafuyu leaves and as she enter her classroom, she feels a cold and painful feeling in her chest.
"Ah, I couldn't help her." 
She feels so useless. Regardless, she has made herself an option for her to open up to. And she'll try to support her. Maybe she'll visit her when she finished her practice.

During practice, which was earlier than usual, it ended with half an hour remianing before they go home. Nene tells everyone to gather in a circle to talk.

"This looks serious, so unlike you, Nene. Fufu~" Rui sighs then put on a little serioues face.
"I agree! Taking the initiative today?!" Tsukasa said with his loud voice.
"I don't care, listen. About our future..." As the words left Nene's mouth, Emu tensed up and Tsukasa and Rui also leaned in closer in attention.
"I am set on becoming a Diva, and I'm sure Tsukasa wants to have better acting, and Rui wants better directing skills."
".."
"But Emu, You don't want to leave, right?" Nene questioned. Emu felt as if that question hit her right in the heart.
"Yeah." Emu tried to respond looking normal.
"I'm sorry, Emu. I didn't mean it like that. It's just, that- we'll be leaving. But, I think we'll be back, sometimes." Nene looks a little sad.
"Nene is right, maybe we'll get to perform again in the future, but let's still enjoy our time here." Rui leaned towards Emu and tried to comfort her by placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Yes! Let's enjoy our time here!" Tsukasa placed his hand on Emu's other shoulder. Striking his signiture pose.
Emu laughs at this
"Of course, let's enjoy our journey!" Emu beamed.
"It's time for me to leave, see you tomorrow!" Nene turns around and leave, she turned her head at the group and smiled at them
"We'll be leaving too then~" Rui packs up his bag and slung it over his shoulder. He leaves with Tsukasa, walking home together.
"Guess I'll leave too." Emu speaks to herself.

Emu stood there alone, she felt so lonely. The time passes by so fast, by the time they leave, she still wouldn't even realized until it's too late. She starts sniffling a little, what's happening? She doesn't know. All she knows is that, she'll be alone when her best friends leaves and there will be no one to gives smiles to everyone with her. 

She starts crying. Tears flows down her cheeks and her nose are blocked by snot, and eyes became red and her shoulders slumped inwards. She drops to her knees and continued crying, she tries to wipe her tears but her eyes stings and more tears flow.

"Emu..." Emu looks up and see Mafuyu looking at herwith shock and worry.
"I'm... ok..ay. It's nothi-" Emu sniffs "nothing."

Mafuyu walks towards Emu and kneels beside her, she cups her cheek with her left hand and brushed away the hair covering her face with her right hand and tucked it behind her ear. Emu looked up at Mafuyu and she remembers the feelings she have for her.

"It's ok, Emu. I'm here for you." Mafuyu softly spoke to her.
".." Emu says nothing

Mafuyu pulls her into a hug. Emu's crying has now sub-sided, and she hugs her back. There was a comfortable silence.

Mafuyu's demenour is calm, but her her mind is racing and her face is warming.

there'snowayIjustdidthatohmygodwhatamIdoingIblushingsohardrightnow

"Mafuyu." Emu's voice was soft
"Thank you." Mafuyu looked at her and smiled softly.
"You're welcome."
There was another silence.
"Can we stay like this for a while?" Emu's voice becomes softer and and quieter.
"Uhn."Mafuyu nods.

They stay like that for a while, Mafuyu softly hugs her as if she was protecting Emu from the world and Emu embraced Mafuyu like she was the only thing that existed. For a while, they were calm and they only thought of embracing each other. Mafuyu has stop blushing at her actions and Emu had forogtten all the feeling. At this moment, they both only knew of the warmth of each other.

Chapter Text

In Emu's house, entered Emu and Mafuyu.

"I'm home." Emu entered her own house.

"Pardon the Intrusion.." Mafuyu followed behind, slowly stepped into Emu's gigantic house, she looked around in awe.

"Please make yourself at home." Emu welcomed Mafuyu into her house.

"Where's your family?" Mafuyu looked around in the empty house.

"They're out and busy." Emu replied simply  with a shrug. Mafuyu nodded and sat on the living room couch.

Emu went into the kitchen to make something for her guest. Mafuyu looked around Emu's house, it was empty of people and it was quiet. Emu placed a cup of tea on the coffee table with a plate of cookies beside it. Mafuyu took a piece of biscuit and placed it in her mouth. It tastes of nothing, unsurprising. She then took a sip of tea. It tastes of nothing as well, as expected. She exhaled the hot breath from the hot tea, she turned to look at Emu.

Emu looked so sad. This is so shocking. She always looked so happy, but now she's sad. It should be expected that under every mask, is someone frail and sad. Of course you won't know whether they're under a mask or not, that's why the person under the mask suffers more. Mafuyu can't help but feel the urge to protect this child. Even if she's only one year younger, she's a child underneath the mask. She acts childish, but it's her personality. She is truly a child under the mask, a child that was never taught how to express sadness. That is why she's so frail and innocent.

"Emu, are you okay?" Mafuyu had no idea what to say.

"No." Mafuyu was shocked at how honest Emu is.

"Do you want.. to talk about it?" Mafuyu asked in a quiet and gentle voice. Emu sighed and looked Mafuyu in the eyes.

"You're so nice, Mafuyu. I feel terrible now." Emu placed her forehead on her hands.

"What do you mean? You wanted to make a smile, and listened to me and gave me a phone. Aren't you the nice one?" Mafuyu walked to her side and sat beside her.

"It was my desire to do so." Emu shook her head.

"It is mine too, to help you." Mafuyu placed a hand on her back.

"My group is disbanding soon, and I'll be alone." Emu simply explained.

"Wait, what? Why?" Mafuyu was clearly confused and shocked.

"They plan on going pro, which means that they'll be leaving to improve." Emu's voice sounds pained and sorrowful.

"Can't you go with them?" Mafuyu spoke softly to Emu.

"But, who will protect Pheonix Wonderland?" She seemingly paused, before responding to herself "Me."

"You don't have to shoulder all the burden yourself." Mafuyu shook her head at Emu.

"Perhaps, but I was the closest to my grandpa who built this place. And I have to protect it and make people smile." Mafuyu frowned.

"But you can't even smile at yourself and plus, you're not obligated to run Phoenix Wonderland." 

"I know. But I just want to protect the place he worked so hard to build and since he's not here anymore, the Phoenix Wonderland is the only thing I have to remind me of him."

"That's not true. I don't think you understand that you're not obligated to protect this place. Not only that, there are other things that remind you of your grandpa. Like your memories, maybe gifts he gave you, maybe advice, but the Phoenix Wonderland isn't the only thing you have of him."

Emu smiles. Emu giggles. Emu laughs.

"Huh?" Mafuyu tilts her head at Emu's laughing.

"Mafuyu, you're really trying to comfort me, but in that empty tone of yours, it's funny!" A little bit of tears form in Emu's eye from laughing.

"But, I'm trying to help you, like what you've done to me."

"I know, thank you." Emu smiles.

"I'm glad to see you smiling again." Mafuyu softly smiles

Emu feels at ease now, but she can't help but feel a strong sense of love towards Mafuyu. The news of WxS disbanding made her feel so sad and empty, clouding all her other emotions, and she remembers her love for Mafuyu. This has made her and Mafuyu closer, and maybe Mafuyu feels it too.

Emu looks Mafuyu in the eyes, looking at her beautiful empty eyes. Mafuyu looks into Emu's eyes as well. The feelings they have been feeling for the past months are coming back to them,

"Mafuyu..." Emu softly whispered

"Yes?"

"..."

"..."

under the light of the room, their shadow closed together to become one.

Chapter Text

Kanade poured some tea into two cups, one for her, one for Mafuyu’s father. The teapot was a little heavy, but since Mafuyu’s father has become a weekly occurrence, Kanade's arms are strong enough to hold a small teapot on her own.

“Are you sure it’s fine?” Mafuyu’s father asked in worry.

“Yes, I’m gradually getting better.” Kanade sets down the teapot.

They both take a sip from their cups, exhaling the hot air from the lungs. They look at each other for a moment.

“Mafuyu’s a little late today, isn’t she?” He ask.

“Yeah.”

“...”

“...”

“So, how was the things I gave her?” He asked, referring to the laptop accessories he gave to Mafuyu.

Kanade chuckled.

“She's using all of them, it looks a little overprotected, but I understand that she's just scared that something might happen again.”

“I see, I'm glad she's using them.”

They took more sips of their tea, enjoying the company.

“It's kinda weird, she’s late today.”

“Yes, I'm worried for her.” Mafuyu’s father sighs.

The sound of the door clicks open, drawing both their attention to the door.

“I'm back.” Mafuyu says out loud, while taking off her shoes.

“Welcome back.” Kanade and her father replies.

“I'm sorry I was late, I went to Emu’s house.”

“Oh, who's that, Mafuyu?” Her father asked in interest.

“It's a friend from school, you might know her. She's Ootori Emu, child of the owner of Phoenix Wonderland.”

“Oh! That's nice, I'm glad you're hanging out with your friends other than your music group, I don't want you to be lonely since they're more active at night.”

“I know, really, thank you for caring.”

“Make sure you don't forget about Yoisaki-san here, she's a frail child.” He laughed. Kanade laughed too, embarrassingly.

“Of course.” Mafuyu softly smiled back, both her father and Kanade were stunned by this.

“Did something happen?” Kanade asked.

“Hm? What do you mean?”

“You seem so much happier, I guess.”

“Really?” She pauses.

“...” Mafuyu slightly blushes, she averts her eyes to the ground.

Mafuyu’s father smiles at her, he can tell something good has happened.

“I won't press for details, but I'm glad you're happier.”

“...” Mafuyu paused.

“Thank you.” Mafuyu replied.

Kanade can't help but smile at their relationship, after witnessing Mafuyu’s mother's terrible relationship, Mafuyu’s father is a refreshing parent that actually cares. 

Emu sat on her couch alone kicking her legs absentmindedly, her mind floats back to the kiss she had and she immediately shakes her head hard and blush uncontrollably.

“Hah…” She sighs and places one hand on her head.

The sound of her door being unlocked and opened attracted her attention.

“I'm home.” Both her brothers speak together.

“Welcome home!” Emu replies.

“You're home early, did something happen?” The eldest asked.

“Ahahah..! No, nothing happened!” Emu is an actor part of a troupe named Wonderland x Showtime, yet her attempt at trying to pretend everything is fine as she recalls the kiss is not working.

“..?” Her brothers look at her confused.

“Ah, whatever. We'll have dinner in two hours, get ready by then.” The second eldest shrugs.

“Okay!”

—---------------------

WxS_Emu: Mafuyu

A_Mafuyu: ?

WxS_Emu: Thank you.

A_Mafuyu: …

A_Mafuyu: It's nothing

WxS_Emu: …

WxS_Em

u: Can you meet me backstage tomorrow?

A_Mafuyu: Sure

—--------------------

Chapter Text

Emu took in a shaky breath as she walked backstage.

Today, is the day she will confess her feelings to her senior, Asahina Mafuyu. Her feelings have been hidden for far too long, and she wants Mafuyu to know that she does really like her and wishes to see her happy and be with her.

She remembers the kiss she shared with Mafuyu, and blushes. This kiss they shared last time surely means that MAfuyu at least have some feelings for her too, right?

She takes out her phone with her taiyaki phone case and texts her teammates.

—----------------

WxS_Emu: Guys, is it normal to kiss your friend?

Nene: ???

Nene: NO????

Kamishiro_R: Fufu, certainly an interesting question~

Tsukasa_Star: OH EMU, IT IS IF YOU SAY NO HOMO AFTER IT.

Nene: Do u genuinely believe that or did u kiss Rui and tried to deny it

Kamishiro_R: We have never kissed~

Tsukasa_Star: WHAT DO YOU ASSUME WE KISSED, NENE?

Nene: cuz yall act like a couple in front of me every damn time bruh

WxS_Emu: You guys aren’t helping much, but thank you.

Nene: wait

Nene: i want to say that it kinda depends on the mood ig

Nene: if it was like a quick one playfully with no romantic feelings

Nene: it’s prob fine

Nene: if not then no

Kamishiro_R: Quite the expert for someone who complains about being single~

Nene: STFUUUUUUUUUUU RUI

Nene: FUCK OFFFFF

—---------------

She puts her phone into her pocket, as footsteps approach her from behind.

“Sorry, did I keep you waiting long?” Mafuyu, asked as she approached Emu from behind as she turned around to face her.

“Not at all.” Emu smiled at her.

A pause.

“So, what did you want to see me for?” Mafuyu can’t begin to imagine what Emu will say to her. Her feelings for Emu have grown and changed over the time they’ve been together, and she is unable to hide it.

And so is Emu, her desire to make her senpai smile has grown into love and wanting to protect her from things that makes her sad.

Both have seen each other during their lowest point and have helped each other recover from their lowest point, seeming to fall for each other more and learn about each other more during those times.

(Ah, my heart is going dokidoki and I can’t calm down. I feel harahara but wakuwaku at the same time. I have to be clear with my emotions, I won’t hide them to Mafuyu.)

“Mafuyu,” Emu took a step closer to Mafuyu, taking her hand into hers

“..yes?” Mafuyu asked, barely above a whisper.

Emu exhaled.

“I love you.”

Mafuyu didn’t know what to expect from her.

“I love you too.”

“I love you, no matter what. And I want to make you smile, my goal has never changed, but my feelings towards you did.” Emu looked into Mafuyu's eyes.

Mafuyu stared back.

“Emu, you were special from the start, even to me. You were scared of me, yet you tried to make me happy. You value others before yourself while I valued my image before myself.”

Emu smiled, so did Mafuyu.

“You really do look beautiful when you smile, Asahina-senpai.”

“You’re also cute everyday, Ootori-san”

They giggled.

“How long has it been since I called you that?” Emu started crying from laughter

“I don’t know” Mafuyu smiled and wiped her tears with her thumb.

They look at each other again.

“So, will you become my girlfriend, Mafuyu?”

Mafuyu smiled.

“Yes.”