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"You're still sure about this? I mean, really sure-?"
Hana groaned, "Yes, I'm sure!"
Akiyama twiddled her thumbs in response. "It's just- I could do this myself..."
"Mhm."
"So then-" she tried to argue, but Hana held up a finger and tutted her.
"But you wouldn't. And!" she smiled, "Don't they always say, if you want something done, you have to do it yourself?"
Akiyama clicked her tongue, scratching the back of her head, and Hana hummed triumphantly.
"Fine, fine... you have a point..."
"Of course I do!" she laughed, "So what kind of look are you thinking?"
In answer, Akiyama sighed. She tried to picture her reflection done up in the style of her hostesses, but the only impression she could get was that of a toddler rummaging through her mother's stash - a sight only worthy of laughter and jeering.
Her silence betrayed her, as Hana asked, "Are you alright?"
Though she answered with a simple yeah, Hana couldn't buy it - not with the way she seemed to curl in, almost hugging herself defensively.
"...You know, when I started playing with makeup, I was scared too."
"I- I'm not scared," she shook her head.
Hana continued, "I mean, look at me. I'm fat - I'm not the shape a woman 'should' be, either. I don't have the right curves, o-or the right face."
"That's nonsense..." Akiyama objected, her voice quiet, "You're beautiful."
Hana reached out, tilting Akiyama's clean-shaven chin up to meet her gaze, and smiled.
"And so are you."
"...Hana-chan..."
She sniffled, starting to cry. Hana wiped up each tear, patting her back and letting the sadness run its course. Though her own pain wasn't the same, she knew a little of what it felt like, and how long it had taken for her to feel confident. She knew just how long it might take, and that she wanted to do her best to be there each step of the way.
When Akiyama calmed again, she nodded, "I- I feel a little better."
Hana laced her fingers in Akiyama's with a smile.
"Good, Kaho-chan, I'm glad. Ready to get started?"
"Mhm."