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It was another busy day at the Grand Imperial Theater. They had the final dress rehearsals for their upcoming play, and everyone was preoccupied ensuring that the play would turn out to be a success. After a day filled with hard work, Sakura found herself in the second floor balcony. She admired the city lights shining through the darkness of the night, each one glimmering with a warm radiance, painting a breathtaking picture. The chill night breeze gently caressed her skin and combed through her hair. She breathed in the air, hoping it would calm her nerves. Still anxious, she looked up at the sky, its rich color drawing her in. She focused on the stars, trying to decipher the map they drew.
Suddenly, she felt a pair of hands wrapping around her waist and a body pressing against her back. She felt herself instantly relaxing, warmth spreading throughout her.
“Maria-san!” She called out, placing her hands over the ones holding her.
“Couldn't sleep?” Maria asked gently.
“I just wanted to take some fresh air”
Maria could feel the tension in Sakura’s body, she knew she was distressed. Slowly, she tilted her head and started pressing soft kisses on Sakura’s neck. Sakura let out a small moan and nuzzled her body against Maria's, rubbing her head against hers. She closed her eyes and reveled in the sensation, letting all the stress and bad thoughts leave her body and feeling her muscles loosen with every kiss. Maria continued on, finally pulling up when she felt Sakura's body go limp.
“Feeling better now?” Maria asked.
“So much better, thank you” Sakura responded with a smile.
“So, tell me what's on your mind”
“It's just…” Sakura hesitated “It's about the play”
“And what about it? I saw you during rehearsals, you were wonderful. I'm sure you'll do an amazing job on stage”
“Yeah, but…” she said in a shaky voice, expression twisting. “This role is unlike any I've done before. Doing the scenes correctly is one thing, but what if I don't pull off the aura? What if the audience doesn't like me?”
“ They'll love you!” Maria affirmed
“Are you sure?”
“Sakura, listen to me” Maria let go of her and turned her around, putting her hands on her shoulders “You're the most ambitious and hard working actress I've had the honor to work with. You've given it your all for this role, and it will certainly pay off. You have incredible range and everyone will see it on the day of the performance. Believe me!”
Sakura's expression softened, and she went in to hug Maria. “Thank you” she responded. Maria hugged her back, squeezing her tight. She planted a kiss on her head, then started caressing her hair. They stood there intertwined together,both enjoying each other's warmth and finding comfort in each other. Then Sakura broke the silence, never letting go of the embrace.
“It's weird… Whenever I have a role opposite you, I don't feel nervous at all. When I look into your eyes, I feel so assured. It's like your shine reflects on me, and strengthens my performance”
“Sakura, you have your own shine. I see it everytime I look at you, and it's so bright”
Sakura's face was beaming and every worry went away like it wasn't there.
“I love you, Maria-san”
“I love you too”
After what felt like a gleeful eternity, Maria spoke again: “Shall we head back? You need to rest well for tomorrow”
Sakura nodded, and they untangled their bodies and held hands, moving towards their rooms. When they reached the corridor, Sakura tilted her head up for a goodnight kiss and Maria joyfully obliged. They each went their separate ways to their own rooms. When Sakura got there, she layed on her bed not able to stop giggling. She couldn't believe she was anxious before as all she could feel in her body now was butterflies. That was Maria’s power, and Sakura felt like the luckiest person alive to have her as a girlfriend. Sakura went to sleep praying the days they spend together would never end.