Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Despite how much of a front she tried to put up, Natsuki actually did enjoy these outings with her former club mates. Once their lives had started to truly begin, it was rare that their busy schedules wouldn’t conflict with each other. So yes, Natsuki did miss them, a lot if she’s honest with herself.

Whenever they do these outings, per Sayori’s insistence because she loves her friends too much, Natsuki always looks forward to it by the end of the week.

This time is no exception. And she set three goals for herself today.

One. Have fun. Natsuki has not had a good break in weeks, and honestly she was just itching to agree to whatever Sayori’s plan was going to be this time.

Two. Keep a drunk Monika and Sayori under control. Sayori was pretty chaotic on her own, but combined with a perfectionist like Monika who truly needs to get it out of her system? It’s a mess, and not the good kind of messes either.

Three. Actually meet someone new. Natsuki felt it was time to actually talk to girls rather than avoid any interaction with them. She had to woman up, talk to someone, get their number, and maybe get lucky. Easy, right? It should be!

Her eyes glanced towards the person in her passenger seat, the purple-haired woman was adjusting the glasses on her face, something that Natsuki had never seen her wear ever. In all their years of knowing each other, she had no clue that Yuri had worn glasses. No one did apparently, except for Monika, but that doesn’t really count. Monika has this weird thing with seeing things about the former literature club that none of them do. Who would have thought that the girl was wearing contacts for most of her life?

“Seriously, Yuri! You look so cute!!” Sayori exclaimed from the backseat, face coming very close to the taller girl. She flushed under the praise, dismissing Sayori with a shake of her head. She could hear Monika chuckling from her spot next to Sayori, trying to settle the other girl down.

“S-Sayori, please..” The shy girl mumbled.

Natsuki internally groaned, mainly because Sayori was actually right for once. Cute is not the word she would use to describe her though. More like infuriatingly attractive, and it almost feels like the other girl knows it. She has to, with the way she looks so, so…

“We’re here guys!” came from Sayori, distracting her from her thoughts, followed by an excited noise from Monika. Natsuki wasted no time in parking her small beater, locking it with precision, and hoping that the windows would hold up if something was thrown at them. This part of town seemed a bit sketchy, but it was where all the fun night life was at. The three girls followed Sayori into an alleyway, leading to the establishment. If not for the neon signs and people gathered around, Natsuki would not have entered within a ten mile radius. Seriously, this is where people get killed and Sayori was leading right to it. 

The place was much bigger than Natsuki had anticipated, and she watched as Sayori and Monika immediately almost got lost in the drunken crowd. The place had the lights off, the only light source being the neon lights occasionally flashing and glow sticks that the crowd had already started throwing around. The dance floor was packed, and despite it being rather early into the night, she already saw different people stumbling about. Talk about alcoholics. The smell of booze, smoke, happy plants, and sweat immediately filled her senses, along with the very loud and booming music. She could feel the vibrations rattle her brain around, yet there was some kind of enjoyment from it.

Yuri, on the other hand, already seemed rather overwhelmed, her brow furrowing and posture tensing ever so slightly. Natsuki, noticing this, decided to drag her friend into the back where there would hopefully be a lot less people around.

“Not liking it!?” Natsuki half-yelled, hoping her voice would reach the taller girl over the loud pop song playing. Yuri simply smiled awkwardly, her eyes looking anywhere, but the shorter girl. Not like she really wanted to face her anyways. However, Yuri was much taller, so Natsuki opted to stay close to her, continuing to drag her to the back where the tables should be. Literally anywhere, but close to the music and crowd right now.

She managed to make out Sayori and Monika, who had both managed to snag a small table at this overcrowded bar. She felt Yuri grab onto her wrist, her actions causing the pink-haired girl’s face to flush. Even if it makes sense, you know, so they don't lose each other in the sea of people, it doesn’t really help to explain the little flip her stomach did. Natsuki decides to push it to the back of her mind, instead letting out a huge sigh when she had finally managed to sit down at their little booth.

Monika grins cheekily, “First rounds on me, girls! I’ll be back!”

Sayori let out a small whine, “Moni! Take me with you!” Natsuki barely heard them, but could make out the small banter of the two girls. If she has to deal with these two eye-fucking each other in the car again she may actually have an aneurysm. But finally, her night is about to begin.

Or so she thought.

Monika had yet to return with anything, and she could tell Sayori was getting uneasy. This was unfortunately, a very common theme with their outings. Monika was a huge people person, and despite being quite awkward herself, she always brought a crowd together. It was like she was some sort of magnet, drawing all kinds of people towards her for literally anything. Natsuki and Yuri tried everything in their arsenal to keep Sayori distracted, but there was only so much they could do.

Finally, once Sayori had begun to audibly whine, she knew it was time for someone to do something.

“Y’know what? Monika is taking too damn long, I’ll go get our drinks myself.” She finally said out loud, standing up and shuffling out from her spot on the inside of the booth. She didn’t allow Sayori to protest or beg to come with, she simply turned away and made her way through the sea of people with only a minimal amount of pushing.

There at the bar, sat Monika, two beers and two glasses forgotten in front of her while she chatted up some blonde chick and her friend. Suddenly, both girls bursted into laughter, which quickly faded away once Natsuki approached them. Monika, noticing the irritated look on her face, sent her an apologetic smile. She excused herself quickly, holding the drinks in hand while an apology was forming on her lips.

“I’m really-!” Monika tries to yell out, but Natsuki holds a hand up.

“Save it for Sayori! Just hurry and give me my beer!” She exclaims, snatching the glass bottle from the emerald-eyed girl. Monika chuckles nervously, and leads them back to their booth. Sayori immediately brightens upon spotting both girls, and Natsuki also sees the relieved breath that Yuri lets out. Monika apologizes to the table profusely, even though both Natsuki and Yuri know it's more directed to their much more emotional best friend. Honestly, the way these two look at each other, Natsuki feels they’re making out with their looks and lingering touches alone. It feels so much more personal and intimate than anything Sayori does with her or Yuri.

“Now we can officially begin the night!” Sayori happily squeals, leaning into Natsuki’s shoulder to annoy her with her own glass raised. Natsuki let out a huff and shrugged her off playfully.

“Would’ve begun much earlier if Miss President over there wasn't being all buddy-buddy with everyone.”

“H-Hey! They came up to me first!”

“Should’ve left first then!” Natsuki stuck her tongue out playfully, causing Monika to roll her eyes at her with an amused grin. 

“Very mature, you two.” Yuri chuckled beside her, taking a small sip of her own cheap beer.

The girls had begun their night by loosening up with some more drinks, with them taking turns on heading to the bar to order. Sayori had decided to keep Monika sat down to prevent her from being ‘snatched away’. And since Yuri was rather shy, it was mainly her and Sayori going up there. Their conversations had finally shifted to that same open atmosphere that was once only shared in the comfort of the literature clubroom during their high school years. Laughter, banter, and inside jokes were shared that reminded Natsuki of some of the very first times they had met.

She had missed Sayori’s silly antics, Monika’s teasing, and Yuri’s constant deadpan attitude. She especially missed Yuri, who she has not been able to see as much as the other two girls. What she didn’t miss however, was the taller girl without those glasses on her. Now with a few drinks in her system, she is comfortable enough to say that Yuri looks good. It is definitely a strange thought to have, and she knows she has been staring, but Yuri has yet to say anything, so she continues. Stealing glances, smiling at her small expressions on her face. Since Yuri would be their driver for the night, she had stopped drinking a bit ago, mainly engaging in their conversation now that it shifted to books they had been reading.

It was like a switch had been flipped in her head, suddenly the nervous girl who would stumble over basic greetings had turned into an articulate and charismatic woman. She talked with her hands and eyes more, emphasizing her point with the tone of her voice despite having to raise the volume of her speaking.

“Don’t get me wrong, I sincerely enjoyed DuPont’s new style, however it feels lackluster when you compare it to her older works! I mean, her world building was seriously out of this world, no pun intended! Now she struggles with basic plot holes? It must be her editor because I refuse- ”

Natsuki had been paying attention to at least half of those words. It was just so hard to focus when the girl in front of her seemed to glow tonight. She did not like where her thoughts were taking her, especially about Yuri. The same girl she had honestly disliked for a good year before they became cordial with one another thanks to a lot of communication and poem sharing. Her friendship with Yuri was definitely a little different than with Monika, and even Sayori. Yuri had always… understood her on some deeper level.

“I definitely agree! Her old books were soooo good!” Sayori had nodded her head rapidly, her fist pressed against her chin. She then giggled drunkenly, already feeling the effects an hour and a half later. God knows what round they were on, although Yuri did promise to keep count. 

“Thank you, Sayori! See!” Yuri sighs, slumping in her seat ever so slightly. But Natsuki noticed. She always notices. 

“You probably shouldn’t take her word for it, Yu. That girl is gone.” Natsuki spoke loudly, nudging the tipsy girl beside her. A small smile spread across Sayori’s face, cheeks now tinted a light pink.

“I like that! ‘Yu’ sounds so sweet, it matches her perfectly!”

“Sorry to interrupt, but I could definitely use another drink, girls.” Monika interjected, and suddenly, the beer bottle in her hand feels a lot emptier than before. 

“Damn, me too. Ugh.” Natsuki scowled, already getting up from her seat to make her way for some more alcohol. Yuri, however, stands up with her, placing her hand on her shoulder to guide her back to her seat firmly. Natsuki definitely liked that way too much than she would ever admit to anybody at this table. Her face though, most likely had a confused expression if Yuri’s was anything to go by.

“No need, Natsuki, I’ll go. You three stay here, I don't want you to get hurt.” Yuri explained, gently, but with a firm tone. Natsuki opened her mouth to protest, because she did not need to be babysat, she was not a child anymore. Yet, one more firm staredown from her much taller friend shut her up quickly, her face heating up again. Instead, Natsuki chose to look away, muttering a thank you, which was returned with another shy smile. 

Once Yuri had left their table, Natsuki felt the need to rest her head in her hands. Seriously, what was that about? Since when does she listen to Yuri with no resistance or anything? Her face was definitely red, and it wasn't just the alcohol in her system to be blamed.

Out of the corner of her eye she sees Monika and Sayori staring dead at her, a weird glint in their eyes. 

“What?” she demands.

“Oh, nothing. Nothing at all.” Monika responds, although it is filled to the brim with sarcasm, Natsuki can almost see it pouring out.

“So… Yuri, huh?” Sayori starts mischievously, but doesn't finish.

“W-What about her?” Natsuki barked again, feeling heat crawling up her neck against her own will for the fortieth time this night.

“You know, you have been staring hard! Anything you wanna share with the class?” Monika pokes once more, trying to get a reaction out of Natsuki. And it was working.

“Mm, yes.” Natsuki taps a finger against her cheek, before snapping her fingers, ”You should drink less, you're seeing things.”

“Please, Nats! Even I can see you wanna pounce on the poor girl!” Sayori laughs, and immediately receives a sharp smack on her arm.

“Ow- Hey!”

“That’s what meddlers get!” 

“Wha- I am not meddling!”

“Are too!”

“Nuh uh!”

By this point, Monika had been doubled over cackling at their back and forth banter.

So this was definitely a strange situation. Yuri, arguably the most efficient out of the four, aside from Monika, was currently missing. 

Well, not necessarily missing. But she had not come back from her journey to the bar to get them the drinks they had asked for. It was strange of Yuri to overstay or forget, considering how straightforward and to the point she is. Seriously, that girl needs to relax with how precise she is with things.

So, to say they were worried was an understatement. Natsuki was the first to bring it up, and Sayori and Monika dismissed it as maybe a restroom trip. That was enough to calm her nerves, until yet another twenty minutes had passed and still no Yuri. Even Sayori started to get worried, and eventually all three girls had split up to look for their purple-eyed friend. Natsuki took the bar, Monika took the dancefloor, and Sayori went to look at the restrooms. She had to be in one of those three places.

It was a bit hard to maneuver her way through the crowd of people, especially now that she had some alcohol in her system making her fuzzy all over. But she had a mission: find Yuri.

Which, in all actuality, was not that hard because she was at the bar.

Yuri had been sitting at one of the stools, facing away from Natsuki talking to the same blonde that Monika had been talking to earlier. Except this time, she was alone, and definitely all over the taller girl. She let out a shy giggle, completely different from the confident laugh that she had shared with Monika earlier. What was really throwing Natsuki off, though, was the look on the blonde’s face. 

Wide eyes and a red face. Absolutely lovestruck.

Her fists clenched at her side, something hot surging through her entire being, causing a sudden need to intervene whatever was going on between those two. Her attempt was quickly stopped by someone’s firm grip on her shoulder. Natsuki was pulled back, hitting Monika’s front hard enough for the girl to let out a wince and a small apology. 

“What is happening here?” Monika had muttered, gesturing to the scene before them.

Yuri, the shyest and most reserved member of the club was currently talking to a girl- no scratch that. Flirting with a girl and succeeding. The same person who could not maintain eye contact or lie to save her life is managing to flirt with a girl with so much confidence, there is no way that is not an imposter. Natsuki refuses to believe that is their Yuri. Her Yuri. Another weird thought that she is most definitely not going to think about too hard or else it will drive her crazy.

“Who cares? I just want my fucking drinks.” She snapped, her eyes flickering between the brunette and the purple-haired girl with her stupid blonde friend. Natsuki has zero clue as to why she feels so… angry? Maybe it’s because Yuri just kind of ditched them for a good while, with no text or anything. That would make the most sense, considering they had made a mini search party to find out her whereabouts. So if that was the case, she should be relieved to find that Yuri was fine, she just got held up talking to someone at this very crowded bar. Instead, all she feels is irritation at watching the two women, laughing and chatting like they were old friends. Yuri was definitely not drunk enough to hold a conversation with a stranger, so then why were her and this blonde so touchy. No, the girl is the one being touchy. 

A random playful shove here, a hand on Yuri’s forearm there, it was enough to drive Natsuki mad. For no reason! Maybe she is just jealous that Yuri of all people just scored a girlfriend before her. That makes more sense. 

“I texted Sayori we found her!” Monika leaned down to say in her ear, “We should probably bring something back to the table…” 

“What about lovergirl over there?”

Monika shrugs with a crooked smile. “Maybe… we should leave her be?” 

That does make the most sense in this situation. However, to Natsuki’s only half-sober mind, it was absolutely ridiculous.

“I’ll go get the drinks.”

“Hey, wait-! Natsuki-!”

“Too late!” Natsuki yelled over her shoulder, already half-way to her objective. Maybe she was drunker than she originally thought. No way would a sober Natsuki ever approach Yuri, of all people, and demand her to stop… doing what exactly? It was much too late to think about this, the only feelings in her chest being the vibrations of loud music and unbridled confidence.

Yuri probably sensed her approaching, because she had turned to look over to the shorter girl, a very strange expression on her face. It was relaxed, her usually knitted brow and tight lips now forming into a charming smile sent her way. Natsuki felt her chest bloom with a different kind of heat, something close to embarrassment. Her knees suddenly feel weak, and she can’t help, but roll her eyes playfully at the cheesy smile. Any kind of negative emotion she felt earlier seemed to be overshadowed and excused with one simple smile from the taller girl.

“Natsuki! I’m so sorry for taking so long! I met someone here who was interested in Portrait of Markov! Can you believe it!?” Yuri had beamed, her face showing some kind of childish excitement that the girl had not shown in years. Despite the dark glasses framing her face and the nonexistent lighting, she can see the light pink dusting her cheeks. What is the chance that Yuri meets another bookworm at a bar of all places?

“T’s fine, Yuri. We were just worried about you, ya dork. Don’t run off on us now!” Natsuki sighs, letting a smile of her own come out.

The taller girl’s expression faltered, guilt now written all over her face, blood rushing to her face.

“A-Ah! I apologize for making you worry! I-I hope I didn’t make you worried!”

“Hey, no, it’s-”

“Ahaha! Don’t worry, Yu! Your friend here ended up finding you, didn’t she?” The blonde girl suddenly butts in, as she playfully nudges Yuri’s side. Natsuki feels her smile fall, almost forgetting about the intruder next to her friend.

Yuri visibly relaxes a tiny bit, but looks to Natsuki for confirmation that everything was really okay. She forces a smile, and dismisses it with a wave of her hand.

“Oh, where are my manners? Natsuki, this is Mai.” Yuri introduces excitedly, her hand gesturing to the short-haired blonde next to her that she had somewhat met earlier. Up close, she could now see the questioning blue eyes that were set on her.

“Oh, you are Monika’s friend right? I remember you!” The girl, Mai, says recognizing her face earlier.

“Yeah. Nice to meet you.” Natsuki says curtly, turning back to the purple eyes that were now staring at her worryingly. Of course Yuri of all people would notice her short, uninterested answer that was borderline rude. She bites her tongue, and instead tries to force out another smile, much more obvious this time.

Yuri clears her throat, hoping to release some of the tension that was now present in the air. “W-Well I should be going back now… I’ll see you around-”

“Awww, let me come with you, Yuri! I’d love to meet your friends!” The other girl pouts, her hands now clinging to the taller girl’s arm. That definitely ticked something off in Natsuki’s brain, and it showed with the scowl on her face. Yuri didn’t seem to notice it, but Mai most definitely did, and now she knows that she has a problem with the blonde. A sickeningly smug smile is sent her way, and Natsuki simplys wants to punch it off.

This is going to be a long night, and now she seriously wishes she had stayed home.

Natsuki had been drinking way too much. 

The pounding in her head and the fuzzy feeling in her chest had started to become overbearing. Or maybe it was the sight of her former club member chatting away with a stranger so openly that made her feel this way. How Yuri had managed to open up to some random stranger faster than she did with Natsuki is an irritating mystery. Something was eating away at her heart, something ugly, bitter, and green. 

Yet, she could not help feeling this way no matter what she did. No matter what reasonings her head tried to put in her brain to justify how she felt it just… didn’t make sense. All she could do was stare up at the taller girl, glad to have taken Monika’s place to be able to be closer to the other girl.

Yuri and her new friend had been chatting for the past hour, now in front of an irritated Natsuki and a very worried and concerned Monika and Sayori. They’re currently talking about one of Yuri’s favorite authors, which probably explains her very chipper tone. This side of Yuri is one Natsuki usually enjoys to see. She loves the surge of confidence that the much shyer girl gets when she’s explaining her favorite piece of lore from a novel or her opinions on the different writing styles of her favorite authors.

Tonight, though, it is very hard to enjoy with an equally chipper blonde next to Yuri, clinging onto her every word like she was the only person there. Somehow, she had managed to be extra touchy with the taller girl, but that definitely crossed some boundaries, considering how Yuri was shying away from physical contact and purposely leaning away.

But her excitement remained, probably very happy to meet someone with her own much nerdier interests.

“No, I get it, I love his works! I even took some inspiration from his ‘Echoes of Aetheria ’ collection for one of my dnd campaigns.”

“You play dnd?!”

Mai flushes at Yuri’s impressed expression, clearly enjoying the attention from the taller girl. Her hand comes up on the table to wrap around Yuri’s, however the shy girl moves away politely. Seeing the frustrated expression on the girl was definitely making Natsuki’s night though, especially since Yuri didn’t actually say anything. She simply moved away silently, hoping to not make it awkward by outright saying that she does not like physical contact with strangers. She was much too sweet for her own good.

Thankfully, Natsuki was not a stranger. 

And that’s how she ended up resting against the taller girl with her arms crossed, trying to keep herself engaged in their conversation, but failing miserably. She felt Yuri go stiff against her for a moment, before relaxing once their eyes had met.

Yuri sent her a small smile. “Are you alright?”

“Mmh, tired.” Natsuki replied, the alcohol and night finally catching up to her as she let herself sink further into the taller girl’s shoulder. Monika and Sayori had excused themselves to go get their final round and to go use the restroom, leaving the trio to wait for them. Their night was finally winding down, especially with the way Sayori was all over Monika, stumbling over herself. And Natsuki still had not completed her final goal of the night. Ugh.

“W-We should play together some time, you know?” The blonde girl had interjected, pushing a strand of her hair behind her ear, eyes glistening at the proposition. Yuri hums, thinking about it deeply.

“Ah, I-I’m not too good with people… Plus I-I already have a party, so I can't ditch them for our monthly game nights, s-so...” Yuri says apologetically, her fingers coming to play with a strand of her hair under the table. Natsuki notices the anxious movement at the mention of meeting new people, and rests her own hand on the taller girls to try and soothe her. It seems to be working, yet she definitely feels Yuri flush at the contact.

“How about reading together? I… have most Saturday nights off, if you’re… interested?”

Yuri shakes her head, another apology ready to come out. “Ah, Saturdays I spend with Natsuki discussing the manga she introduced me to. I’m almost never free, forgive me.”

Natsuki feels the other girl shrink at the rejection, but sees a glint of determination. 

“Then, how about tonight?” She asks coyly, her hand coming up to rest on Yuri’s forearm. The shy girl quietly grimaces at the contact, but her eyes remain on the blonde in front of her.

“E-Excuse me?”

“Tonight. Me and you. I already called a ride, so if you’d like to join me..” Her hand was now rubbing the taller girl’s forearm, and that’s when Yuri had finally pulled away. Mai now visibly pouted, bracing herself for another round of rejection. 

“I’m sorry, but no. I have to take my… my friends home.” Yuri looks away, and Natsuki sends her a sad smile. She’s only been just watching, trying not to fall asleep or get too irritated at yet another obvious attempt from Mai to get in the taller girl’s pants, but… If she really wanted to go then…

“Fine. You know what? I have to go anyway.” The blonde hurriedly stands up, grabbing her coat and belongings, before turning away, but pausing hesitantly. She turns back around and pulls a pen out from her purse, now extending a hand to Yuri. 

“You don’t have to leave-” 

“Hush. Plus I can tell your girlfriend is sick of me.” Mai huffs out, and an immediate retort is already coming out of Natsuki’s mouth, and Yuri lets out a small squeak.

“Hey, she’s not-!”

“Whatever.” The blonde rolls her eyes, grabbing the purple-haired woman’s hand and writing something on her palm. “For when… if you change your mind, call me, ‘kay?”

Then she disappears into the crowd, leaving a puzzled Yuri and a flustered Natsuki behind her. Sayori emerges, Monika following right behind with relieved expressions.

“Woah! She was mad mad !” Sayori notes, sitting across the two girls. 

“Seriously! What did you say to her Natsuki?” Monika teases, flashing the shorter girl a playful grin.

“Wh- Hey! I didn’t do anything!” Natsuki defends herself, using her head to gesture to the girl beside her. “Yuri’s the one that rejected her three times!”

Monika visibly cringes and Sayori lets out a cackle. 

“That explains it then…” Monika looks away, with her awkward little sympathetic smile.

“Hahaha! No way! Yuri, you just broke that poor girl’s heart, ya meanie!”

Yuri sighs, definitely still reeling from the situation. “I did no such thing. Regardless, she gave me her number to keep in contact, so maybe I can-”

“Oh, she wants you bad .” Monika laughs, causing Yuri to turn a bright red as she attempts to hide behind her bangs. 

“It’s the glasses.” Both Natsuki and Sayori speak at the same time, voices overlapping. Sayori gave her a knowing look, while the pink-haired girl tried not to look the other in the eyes.

 “I… I feel as though I gave her the wrong idea…” Yuri now mutters, rubbing her wrist nervously, embarrassment written all over her face. There is no way this girl could possibly get any better looking, thought Natsuki at this very moment. Again, having very weird, drunken thoughts about her best friend that she will not think about until tomorrow morning.

“She was all over you, Yuri. There is no way you didn’t see the bedroom eyes she was giving you every time you talked about that book…“ Natsuki shudders just thinking about how intensely the stranger had been staring at Yuri’s hands. Like yes, they did look good, but even that was much too obvious for Natsuki (who totally wasn’t looking either).

Yuri groans into her hands, red faced and truly embarrassed. At least Natsuki now knows that she was definitely not interested.

“I-I’m such a fool! I was so caught up in talking about myself, I didn’t even register her… feelings!”

“Trust me.” Monika responds, “She loved every second of it.”

Their ride home had been quiet. By now, Sayori had fallen asleep on Monika, only a soft snore coming from the younger girl. And because Sayori had fallen asleep, it was up to a very awkward Yuri to get her in her apartment complex, where they now waited for the taller girl. 

Natsuki is merely scrolling through her phone when she hears Monika humming in the background. 

“Y’know, Nats. If you don’t say anything, someone else will, right?”

Natsuki freezes in her seat, her eyes glancing up to the rearview mirror to see Monika looking dead into her soul. 

“I.. What are you talking about, Monika?” 

“I’m sure you already know.” The emerald-eyed girl shrugs nonchalantly, peering out the window in the process. Natsuki sees her eyes specifically honing in on the apartment’s third floor, where Sayori resided. 

“Could say the same to you.” She finally adds on, enjoying the brunette’s posture tense for a slight moment. Suddenly, maybe all these thoughts were making… some weird kind of sense. She understood Monika at that moment, even if tomorrow morning she would try to convince herself otherwise. 

Maybe she liked her former club member a lot more than she claimed. Especially after tonight, it’s hard to deny the fact that something is there. She just needs to… confirm it somehow. 

Yuri eventually returns, glasses leaning one way, hair a disheveled mess, and her clothes just a bit ruffled. Natsuki thinks she looks absolutely stunning.

Monika’s home was next, and she dismissed them both with an excited goodbye. Once the brunette girl had entered her home, Yuri made her way to Natsuki’s home. The silent car ride was comfortable, the only noise filling the space being Yuri’s quiet humming. A habit she had picked up that only Natsuki got to enjoy. She felt herself dozing off as the quiet tune filled her senses with warmth, a much preferred change from the booming music at the bar.

She had honestly barely registered Yuri parking in Natsuki’s driveway next to the taller girl’s own car, until she felt warmth pressing up against her. Yuri was helping her get into her home, and honestly, Natsuki let herself be engulfed by the taller girl’s touch, scent, and soft voice encouraging her to stay awake.

Well, if she needed any more confirmation that she was kind of interested in the bookworm, that was it. 

The taller girl had brought her into her home, resorting to settle her in her bed. The mildly revealing top she wore had been replaced with a much comfier sweater she had. 

Was… Yuri helping her change?

Finally, her senses come to her, noting the warmth of her bed surrounding her now. Purple eyes glanced down at her, a sweet smile slowly etching onto her face.

“That girl… she really liked ya, y’know?” Natsuki had slurred out, half-drunk and half-asleep. 

Yuri’s expression falters slightly, her face burning again.

“I realize that now…” She shook her head, chuckling slightly. “I apologize if she made you uncomfortable. You seemed to dislike her a lot.”

“Did you like her?”

Yuri grimaces slightly. But a fondness in her expression was causing Natsuki another surge of jealousy in her gut.

“I.. enjoyed her company. It’s not too often I find someone to actually talk about my interests with so-”

“But do you like her?” Maybe it was the drinks in her system, maybe it was her half-asleep reasoning, or maybe just some stroke of confidence she randomly got. But right now, a beautiful, tall, bespectacled woman stood over her, and Natsuki felt like this was a dream come true. She needed an answer to her question right now before she went insane.

Yuri’s face turned pink, staring down at the girl with adoration in her eyes. She let out a small chuckle, her hand coming down on the smaller woman’s face. She moved some hair out of the way of Natsuki’s face, and all the woman could do was melt into her friend’s touch.

“You’re drunk, suki. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

Her hand was pulling away, but Natsuki stopped it by resting her palm against the other girl’s.

“N-Next Saturday… we can talk about your novels, okay? D-Dork.” 

Yuri hums, acknowledging the other girl’s request. Satisfied, Natsuki now let her body relax, her limbs melting onto the soft mattress below. By now, Yuri had fully pulled her hand away, but muttered a few words Natsuki could not make out. Something along a ‘goodnight’, she figured.

The last thing she registered before finally succumbing to her slumber, were soft lips pressed into her temple. A small, but sweet gesture that she would be sure to be a mess over next morning. 

Maybe she actually did fulfill her third goal afterall. In a very unexpected way.

Chapter Text

The soft, Sunday sunlight poured through the thin curtains of the room, hitting Natsuki square in the face. Begrudgingly, she stirred in her sleep, but regretted it very soon after. Her head was pounding, and it was not alleviated by her sitting up in her bed.

The hangover was always the worst part about bar trips.

Buzz. Buzz. 

Her phone had been vibrating nonstop on Natsuki’s nightstand; her hand reached towards it.

EX- LITERATURE CLUB

SAYO:  dude my head is killing me :(

Moni:  Take something for it! Poor you </3

SAYO: how are you still alive moni, you devoured so many shots

Moni: It’s a secret

Yuri: Good morning everyone

SAYO: yuuurriiiii plz help meee

Yuri: Make sure to drink lots of water, Sayori. Take some painkillers!

From the looks of it, the rest of the group chat— that Sayori had made years ago— had just been filled with Sayori complaining about a headache and Monika and Yuri coddling her playfully.

Natsuki scrolls up a bit further to where the initial messages started and there she sees a bunch of pictures Sayori took of the previous night. One of them was of Monika half-way through chugging a big glass of alcohol, another of Natsuki and Sayori wrestling for some fries that Natsuki doesn’t remember ordering, and one of a sober Yuri posing awkwardly for a picture.

There also seemed to be a few pictures and videos, some of just Monika and Sayori dancing at the end of the night once they were away on their own for whatever reason. The rest of the pictures were all four of them at the table, doing something drunk or silly. 

Memories begin to flood back as she giggles, saving a few of these moments to her gallery. Natsuki makes her way to her kitchen in her pajamas, shivering from the morning cold. She opens a cupboard, taking out some painkillers for the headache caused by her previous endeavors.

Suddenly, her phone rings, and Yuri’s contact picture stares directly at her. Natsuki feels her face flush, because of course she had to remember everything about last night, including her acting weird with Yuri.

Natsuki takes a deep breath. She’s got this.

”Morning, Yuri!” Natsuki hopes the other woman doesn’t notice the slight hitch in her voice.

“Natsuki? How are you doing?” 

“Ugh. My brain feels like hell,” Natsuki replies, swallowing the pills in her hand and washing it down with some lukewarm water; it makes her cringe. “I don’t know how Monika can work in these conditions!”

Yuri laughs through the phone, a light and sweet sound that Natsuki enjoys way too much. God, now all Natsuki can think about is last night and how she embarrassed herself. It wasn’t like Yuri hadn’t seen her drunk, but it didn’t mean it was flattering. Yuri had to drag her inside, change her, and…

”Holy shit.”

”Is everything alright?” Yuri’s voice cuts through the thoughts and memories that stirred in the pink-haired girl’s brain.

”Oh! Yeah, uh, sorry- I saw… a cat.” Natsuki wants to facepalm.

A beat of silence passes between them, and if the earth could swallow Natsuki at this current moment she would be thankful.

”A cat?”

”Anyways! How’s work?” Natsuki asks, hoping to change the topic.

“Oh, yes, work. I-I have a meeting in a few minutes, but other than that it’s… rather dull at the moment.”

Natsuki switches the phone to her other hand, throwing herself on her small, white couch. “Jeez, what does your ass of a boss want this time?”

”One of our departments is… lacking, to say the least. That means we all have to deal with it.”

”You need a raise, Yuri. Seriously, a few guys mess up and now you’re all gonna be yelled at? Such BS,” She huffs. “You should come work with me instead, we could use an extra pair of hands.”

“That’s working corporate in a nutshell, suki,” Yuri chuckles. “And I’d love to.”

They continue talking for what feels like eternity, even though it was only about 30 minutes before Yuri had to go to attend her meeting. Before she hangs up, Yuri reminds her about their weekend plans.

“I promise it won’t be too scary, okay?”

”I’m not a baby, Yuri! I’ll be fine! Now go, go! Before they yell at you too.”

”I’m pretty sure that was already the plan.”

”Yeah, yeah,” Natsuki sighs. “See you later, Yu.”

”Bye Natsuki.”

The phone clicks, and Natsuki lets out a breath she didn’t know she was holding in. A wide smile breaks across her face, but it is quickly shoved into the decorative pink pillow next to her. Everything suddenly feels hot, like her whole body has lit up on fire.

Yuri kissed her. Last night right before bed. Is that considered a kiss? Was that considered friendly? Well, it definitely didn’t feel friendly. 

Everything comes flooding back to her in that instant.

Everything. 

From how good the taller woman looked with glasses framing her face, to the blonde chick that was trying to steal her away. Natsuki remembers all the weird thoughts she had about her friend, especially the creepy ones. Yuri was pretty, that was a known fact, but was it normal for Natsuki to think about her like this?

To think about gleaming, purple eyes filled with nothing but joy and mirth? To think about the sweet smiles sent her way? Or the way bangs framed a perfectly charming face? Why was Natsuki thinking about all of this now? 

It was all too much; everything poured out of her brain at once.

Natsuki laid on her couch, staring at the ceiling. Has she always felt like this? 

Her phone vibrates one more time, and Natsuki hesitates to pick it up. Thinking it could be Yuri definitely helps her decide.

Sayori<3: Hey Nats! Thought you could have these yourself wink wink 

Sayori<3 sent (5) Images

Sayori had sent her five more pictures from the previous night, and most of them were of Yuri. The bespectacled woman was facing away in two, which made her look angelic. She had a distant look in her eye— probably lost in her own thoughts— with the beer bottle pressed right against her lips. The dark lighting added to the alluring nature of the photo, fitting Yuri’s personality really well.

The third image had Yuri and Monika pressed against one another in an awkward hug, although the latter girl was halfway off the frame. It was obvious they were laughing though, Yuri’s eyes squinting just a tiny bit and her lips forming a cheeky smile. Her head was tilted upwards, showing off a bit of Yuri’s neck. Natsuki swallowed hard.

The last two were actually of Natsuki and Yuri— taken at a distance by the looks of it. Natsuki was leaning against the taller girl, arms crossed and a frustrated look etched on her face. Yuri leaned towards her just the smallest amount, but it was noticeable that they were just laying in each other. The final one, Yuri was staring down at Natsuki, a soft smile on her lips. Natsuki does not remember when that happened, but she does know when these were taken.

Yuri’s… friend had been cropped from the image, but Natsuki remembers the moment well. Ugh, that blonde girl was such a pain. Does Natsuki even remember her name? The better question should be what Natsuki’s problem was with the blonde? Was she jealous?!

Regardless of everything, Natsuki smiles and saves every picture. They look great, sue her. Then she remembers she should probably respond to Sayori, that girl hates being left on read. 

no idea what you mean by that you weirdo 

Sayori<3: you know EXACTLY what I mean

Sayori<3: you end up going to work today?

with this headache? fuck no

figured you didn’t either

Sayori<3: ofc not…. but monis stopping by later for some lunch if you wanna join

Sayori<3: yu hasnt answered me :(

shes in a meeting rn

plus yk she eats her own meals at work

Sayori<3: of COURSE you know that hehe

Sayori<3: so what do you say? 

fine ill go 

but Monika is paying

Natsuki figures she could get some… outside perspective on this. Monika and Sayori would be terrible sources, but they’re the only ones Natsuki currently has. Not to mention they are the closest friends that she has.

Yes, she may have other friends and now coworkers, but they don’t really know Natsuki. Not in the way that the club does. They haven’t witnessed a messy, drunk Natsuki on Saturday nights. They haven’t seen the emotional rollercoaster that was her life while living with her father. And they definitely haven’t seen the soft side that she has for the former Literature club. These are her best friends, and currently Natsuki needs these friends to help her figure out her feelings. Sober. 

It doesn’t help that they also know Yuri, but… it kinda does? Monika knows her actions, Sayori knows her mannerisms, and Natsuki knows her behavior. The three of them have become a powerhouse when it comes to Yuri, so how hard could it be? 

What could go wrong?

“She did what!?”

Natsuki throws a balled up napkin at Sayori’s head, shushing her harshly. “Sayori!”

Monika approaches them with her tray of food in her hands, a confused expression on her face. “Who did what?” She asks, sitting next to Sayori and across from Natsuki.

Sayori whips her head to look at the brunette. “Yuri kissed Natsuki last night!”

Monika’s eyes widened, darting towards the shrinking pink-haired girl. “Oh!”

“Not that kinda kiss! Also be quiet, jeez!!” Natsuki groaned, shushing Sayori for the second time.

“Wait, wait, what?” Monika questions, shaking her head in disbelief. “What do you mean Yuri kissed you?”

Natsuki sighs, pinching the bridge of her nose. She takes a deep breath and looks up at both girls. “L-Last night when she dropped me off home, we made some plans or whatever, then s-she…”

Natsuki continues, nervously fiddling with the half finished drink in front of her. “She kissed my forehead? Maybe she thought I fell asleep, but… well I definitely felt it.”

Monika hums, popping a fry into her mouth. She waits for Natsuki to finish while Sayori is excitedly rocking in her chair up and down.

“What- uhm. What do you guys think?” Natsuki finally mumbled.

“Uh, what do you mean?” Comes from Monika.

“I-I don’t know! What the hell should I make of this?” Natsuki answered exasperated.

Sayori places a hand on her chin, squinting her eyes. “The real question is,” she leans in slightly towards Natsuki. “What do you think?”

“H-Huh!?” Now it was Natsuki’s turn to be shushed by an embarrassed Monika. A few eyes turned to look at them for being too loud for the third time; Monika sent an apologetic smile to them, while Natsuki returned their nasty glares.

“S-Sayori’s right,” Monika begins, her face slightly red. “Regardless of what we think about… the kiss, you’re the one who received it.”

“Yeah!” Sayori adds, “cuz I can tell you what I think, Nats, but how did you feel about it?” 

The gears in Natsuki’s head begin turning. What does she feel towards it? Natsuki knows that it definitely caused her to feel embarrassed. She wasn’t really used to most kinds of affection yet, which is the reason such a small, but intimate, moment is causing her such distress. Not to mention the fact that the peck was given to Natsuki by Yuri– of all people.

But it wasn’t unappreciated.

The small kiss caused the spread of a comforting warmth throughout the smaller woman’s chest. Natsuki imagined Yuri, an adoring expression decorating her face, leaning down and kissing her ever so gently. It was as if Yuri was unable to resist stealing the kiss, yet too scared to fully indulge in it. It was a fleeting moment of intimacy, one that makes Natsuki’s skin crawl with uncomfortable yearning. Like she wants it to happen again, but this time Yuri would mean it.

It wouldn’t be a quiet or quick gesture, but one where they both could fully immerse themselves in the feeling of being with another person.

At Natsuki’s silence, Monika smirks. “Oh, that look tells me everything I need to know.”

Sayori giggles next to the former club president, leaning slightly against her shoulder. Sayori reaches over to steal one of Monika’s fries while the brunette was trying to take a bite of her burger, causing some playful shoving while Natsuki let out another groan.

“I can’t believe I’m getting my love life advice from you two idiots.”

“Hey! Me and Moni know everything about love! We’re the love doctors!” Sayori grins, thumb pointing towards herself before it presses against Monika’s shoulder.

“Love doctors? Seriously? What are we, ten?” Natsuki scoffs. “And who said this was about love?!”

“Listen, Natsuki,” Monika cuts them off, chuckling while changing the topic, “While we may not know love like Sayori claims, we know you. And we know Yuri.”

Natsuki visibly deflates, any irritation that was growing inside her immediately snuffing out. She continues to listen to what Monika has to say.

“So, don't be afraid to talk to us, okay?” Monika smiles, and the tension in her bones lifts up.

Natsuki nods, taking a deep breath to collect the swirling thoughts in her head. She takes a moment to appreciate her friends for being there for her, even if they are annoying. Internally, of course. Natsuki doesn’t need to feed Monika or Sayori’s ego any more than Yuri already does.

“I think…”

A beat of silence falls between the trio, before Natsuki finally admits what she has been trying to avoid.

“I-I kinda liked it.” She finally says out loud.

“That,” Monika starts gently, “We can work with.”

Sayori nods beside her, a twinkle of mischief present in her eyes. Natsuki may or may not regret this later, but right now? She’s so glad to get it off her chest.

“And how do you feel about Yuri?” Sayori questions, her tone already knowing, but still open and gentle.

“I-I’m not too sure.”

“Okay, here!” Sayori adjusts herself in her seat, wondering how she’s going to reword her question. “Say… someone really really nice looking were to kiss you right now, just like Yuri did. Is that weird?”

“Hell yeah, that’s weird,” Natsuki cringes at the imaginary scenario. “I don’t want that from anyone else. Ew, especially not a stranger. If I were to be kissed again, I think I would definitely prefer it to be…”

Natsuki’s eyes widened at the realization of what she was going to say. She wanted Yuri to kiss her again. Natsuki wanted it to be Yuri, feeling as though it shouldn’t be anyone else but the bookworm. It felt right coming from Yuri, it felt as though— no matter how chaste the kiss was— it was their moment to share and no one else’s.

“Oh.” Natsuki says, breathlessly.

“‘Oh’ is right, my friend.” Sayori chuckles. Monika lets out a breath of relief, shaking her head at the absurdity of her friend coming to terms with her romantic feelings at a fast food place.

The pink-haired girl groaned into her hands, but continued to ramble to her two friends, who both listened intently and offered their best words of advice. Eventually, they touched on a subject that Natsuki was dreading: Yuri’s blonde friend.

“You know, I kinda figured you were jealous-“

“Hey, I was not jealous!”

Monika grins, “Oh, please! It was really obvious!”

“Yeah, you were super bad at hiding it!” Sayori giggled, a teasing smile sent Natsuki’s way.

Said girl now had a crimson color that spread from the tips of her ears to her neck on full display. Her face was hot with embarrassment from her drunken activities; Natsuki swore they would never happen again.

“Haha, very funny, assholes!”

Natsuki’s half-hearted anger only served to fuel Monika and Sayori’s laughing fit. Both girls were now clutching their sides, and eventually, their laugh was too contagious for Natsuki. She, too, began to giggle at her own silly actions that were a direct result of poor drinking choices.

Once the laughter died down, and the teasing stopped, Monika had finally said it was time for her to return to work. Much to the other two’s dismay, who were hoping to keep the brunette for a bit longer.

“Talk about being a workaholic, huh?” Natsuki teases.

“You know me,” Monika shrugs, standing up to put on her dark blazer. “Gotta stay busy.”

“Too busy! You’re gonna wear yourself out, Moni.” Sayori also stands up, turning to help Monika adjust the coat over her shoulders. She runs her hands down the fabric, taking off any extra lint that Sayori can see with her naked eye. Finally, she glances up, giggling shyly when Monika meets her bright, blue eyes.

They hold each other's gaze for a moment before Monika clears her throat, seemingly remembering that Natsuki was there too. These two need a room.

“I’ll see you guys later, alright?”

Both girls waved Monika off, agreeing to talk later and make future plans. Sayori and Natsuki were left to decide what to do with the rest of their afternoon.

They decided to walk to a nearby park that had a few stores in the area, including a small arcade. That’s where they spent most of their time, laughing and goofing off while trying to win prizes. It was all silly and fun, which was a welcomed change to Natsuki after the emotionally charged day she’s had. Between Sayori and her, Natsuki had won the most games, but Sayori had the coolest trick shots.

“I was raised here! Watch this!” Sayori would confidently say, throwing a basketball over her head to score her 103rd point. The sixty-second timer went off, signaling the end to Sayori’s scoring and her victory. Natsuki grumbled something about her being a show-off.

Their day came to a slow end when Sayori recommended a walk for them to wind down. Natsuki agreed– considering she blew some of her budget trying to win a stuffed cat. Sayori had offered to buy them ice cream once their walk back home began. Thankfully, there was a convenience store right by where Sayori lived. 

“Strawberry?” Sayori asked, pulling out some coins and bills from her purse.

“Always.” Natsuki answered, eyes darting through all the options she had. They seem to land on the raspberry flavored ice cream; Yuri’s favorite flavor, along with chocolate. Natsuki remembers their high school years, when she believed that Yuri would love green tea flavor more. It took her by surprise to find out that Yuri had such a sweet tooth, and Natsuki was glad to feed into it.

“Thanks!” Natsuki said once Sayori handed her the small, pink cup of ice cream. Sayori herself had a cookie dough cone that she had scored miraculously.

“Mhm!” Sayori chirped back, already halfway through her cone. “Sho goof!”

“Pfft- you’re so weird!” Natsuki laughed, taking a small spoonful of the ice cream dessert. It immediately hit her mouth with a wave of coolness, the ice cream melting on her tongue and coating it with a sugary layer of artificially flavored strawberry. It was absolutely delicious.

Their walk to Sayori’s house was quiet, but comfortable. Both girls were enjoying their ice cream too much to hold a conversation, the only sound that occasionally broke their silence being Sayori’s whistling. It reminded Natsuki of Yuri’s humming.

A question now lingered in her mind, and Natsuki blurted it out before her brain could catch up with her mouth.

“What if that kiss was platonic?”

Sayori had a mouthful of her ice cream cone in her mouth, which left a rather comedic sight for the shorter woman.

“You’re kidding right?” Sayori giggled nervously once she had swallowed the food in her mouth. But when she registered Natsuki’s downcast expression, her face became serious. “Nats…”

“I mean- It wasn't really a kiss kiss. What if I’m overthinking this like some creep and Yuri was just being nice?”

Sayori stares at her bewildered, and Natsuki subconsciously thinks she must have something in her face. Her hand reaches to wipe her mouth in a stupid attempt to regain control over her emotions. It was strange to be so open, so willing to be vulnerable, considering her past. But Sayori, Monika, and especially Yuri have managed to sneak their way past her tough exterior, to the point it’s become normal for them to have such emotional conversations.

Sayori sighs. “Natsuki. This is Yuri we’re talking about, right?”

Natsuki nods reluctantly, kind of worried about the seriousness in Sayori’s tone.

“Yuri? The same girl who took a full year to text us on her own accord? You think Yuri would kiss you to be nice?”

“When you say it like that, I sound stupid,” Natsuki huffs out, irritated by her friend’s accuracy.

“Cuz you are silly!”

“Hey!”

“I mean, don’t get me wrong Yuri is such a sweetheart,” Sayori ignores Natsuki’s protests. “But, she’s not ‘kissing friends’ sweet… yet!” She grins.

“Well, she was ‘sweet’ enough to entertain that chick at the bar,” Natsuki reminds herself, once again very irritated by… Mina?

“Aha! You were totally jealous!” Sayori teases.

“I was not jealous!”

“Then what do you call that? Friendly protectiveness?”

“I call it mind your business!”

“Hey, you brought it up this time! Not me! Meanie…” Sayori pouted, popping the last end of her cone in her mouth. She chews it excitedly, the expression on her face replaced by nothing but pure bliss. It makes Natsuki giggle at her friend’s love for food; she doesn’t doubt Sayori could still devour some more dessert.

Sayori’s apartment complex comes into view, signaling the near end of their improvised hangout. Natsuki decides to leave the Yuri situation aside to focus on a funnier problem at hand.

“Speaking of business,” Natsuki slyly grins, and Sayori freezes just a bit at the familiar playful tone. “You and Moni? How’s that going along?”

Sayori laughs nervously, her smile faltering. “Ahaha, I have no clue what you’re-“

“Please, you are super obvious! I don’t know how Monika hasn’t noticed you’re crazy for her…”

“She has other things to worry about! A-And I don’t wanna hear it from you!” Both girls stick their tongue out at each other, before bursting into giggles.

“Seriously, you need to make a move soon, Sayo. Y’know what she told me? She told me to ‘say something before someone else does’,” Natsuki uses her fingers to put air quotes around Monika’s words.” And right now? I think you need to hear that too!”

Sayori humbles under her breath, “Easy for you to say…”

“I totally could! If- If I wanted to!”

“Nuh uh! There’s no way the Natsuki I know would do that!”

“Wanna bet?! Ten dollars, I’ll confess before you!”

“Make it twenty, and you’re on!” Sayori exclaims her hand extending, challenging Natsuki to shake it. And she does, confidently and firmly, with the intent to not lose this playful bet of theirs. It will probably be forgotten by the time either do confess anyways.

Eventually, both girls had to part ways. Upon arriving at the stairs of Sayori’s apartment building, both girls said their goodbye and well wishes. Whether it took them both an extra five minutes before actually leaving— that was spent teasing each other— is their business and their business alone.

Natsuki took the last ten minutes of her walk home to appreciate the neighborhood. The streets didn’t feel like they were empty, despite the lack of traffic and people, but rather it felt peaceful. Like someone reading a book in a coffee shop; they weren’t lonely, but they were unbothered. It reminded Natsuki of Yuri immersing herself in one of her novels, that same tranquil look in her eyes.

It was a hallucination that Natsuki couldn’t get out of her head when she arrived at her doorstep, nor when she finally  entered her bedroom. Not even a hot, steamy shower could get the purple-eyed woman off her mind. It was an endless loop of Yuri, Yuri, and Yuri. Moments they shared alone or with the club, of discrete looks and soft smiles sent both ways.

It startles Natsuki to think about her friend this way. She has a growing fear that her newfound feelings may get in the way of their friendship. But if that were the case, then Yuri wouldn’t have left the ghost of her lips on Natsuki’s temple.

The best course of action— much to Natsuki’s dread— will be to talk to Yuri. To have a conversation about what that kiss meant, no matter how small, and why Yuri did it.

God, Natsuki hopes she isn’t overreacting.

And finally, for what feels like the 60th time this week, Natsuki has yet another realization: the fact that she took advice from two idiots. These same idiots had been pinning for each other for at least a year now, yet both were too scared to say anything.

Natsuki wishes she could facepalm right now, but the small, chocolate and raspberry cupcakes in her hands would fall, and make a huge mess in Yuri's expensive apartment lobby. The only way Natsuki could ever afford that carpet cleaning fee would be if she did 12-hour shifts at her bakery job and picked up another five side hustles.

Speaking of her job, she’s been a real mess up until this point. Her boss had been on her ass the whole week because Natsuki was ‘distracted’.

Truth be told, she absolutely was distracted. Yuri had been running in her mind nonstop, and the fact they had plans over the weekend definitely didn’t help. All Natsuki could think was that kiss she received; that stupid, mind fogging kiss that wasn’t even a real kiss for fuck’s sake!

If she were to get a real kiss from Yuri, how would she react if a forehead kiss is leaving her like this? And now, Natsuki is thinking about kissing Yuri, great.

This had been a constant cycle through the week, Natsuki thinking of Yuri, and then her thoughts just kept reeling her in further. Not to get her wrong, she always had Yuri on her mind. Take that information as you will, but the bookworm being in her brain wasn’t the weird part.

It was the mushy, electric feeling of what Natsuki would imagine her doing. Instead of imagining Yuri and her reading or writing together, she would imagine them both making out. She would imagine Yuri’s arms wrapped around her waist, or Yuri’s hands running through her hair.

Gone were the thoughts of a warm, domestic life Natsuki had wished for with Yuri, and in came the hormonal imagination of some teenage girl. Except she wasn’t a teenage girl, Natsuki was a grown woman with a job and bills to pay now.

“This is infuriating,” Natsuki can only mumble to herself, entering the elevator and taking it up to the fourth floor. The doors opened up, revealing the white marbled tile on the floor, with warm, yellow lights illuminating the long hallway. Plants were at every corner, along with a small, but long, bench.

Natsuki walks down to Yuri’s door, apartment 104. She takes one final deep breath, steeling her nerves. She isn’t going to let some weird crush on her friend ruin their very pleasant evening. And she’ll clear up whatever happened with Yuri last Saturday.

Natsuki has got this completely under control.

Her closed fist comes up, rapping against the dark wood a few times. Hopefully, loud enough for Yuri to hear. Natsuki hears some shuffling on the inside, before everything goes quiet again. She feels her hand coming back up to strike one more time for good measure, but suddenly the door bursts open.

Oh god.

Natsuki is absolutely done for.

Yuri is leaning against the door frame for support, her cheeks slightly flushed and beads of water still dripping down her neck. Her bangs are obviously wet, just a shade of purple darker than usual, and loose strands cling to Yuri’s face ever so slightly. All that is covering Yuri’s frame is a white dress shirt with three undone buttons, and a messy collar.

Those silly glasses— that Natsuki had finally admitted she liked— sat on the out-of-breath woman’s nose, adorning her dorky face in a way that took Natsuki’s breath away. Although, that could’ve been the result of the strong scent of lavender and herbs coming from within Yuri’s house, and the woman herself.

“N-Natsuki! You’re here earlier than I expected, please come in!” Yuri seems just a bit startled, but welcomes her regardless. Natsuki apologizes for any intruding she did, taking off her old sneakers at the entrance hallway.

It’s at that moment that she notices the grey sweatpants that Yuri currently has on, completely contrasting with the dress shirt she was wearing. It was weirdly funny to look at.

“Pfft- what’s with the getup?” Natsuki snickers, and Yuri’s face turns a crimson color as she looks away pitifully.

“I- er- had a virtual meeting right before you came. I was washing off my makeup when you knocked,” Yuri explained, twirling a piece of her hair between her fingers; it was a nervous habit she never seemed to drop. “Please forgive me; I look like a mess.”

“Hey, hey! Fine by me! Don’t worry about it, it’s not your fault you can’t even be free at home.” Natsuki dismisses it with a wave of her hand while she makes her way towards Yuri’s kitchen.

“I mean seriously, why didn’t they tell you about this meeting earlier?”

“One of the managers wasn’t present to give us his…” Yuri cringes. “Motivational speech.”

Natsuki snorts, placing the cupcakes on the counter and taking off the foil that covered the container she brought them in. “Let me guess, just more yelling?”

“He’s very passionate.” 

Natsuki stares, watching Yuri rub her eyes before she looks back down at the batch of cupcakes. Natsuki made them using the ingredients from her job at the bakery she lives by. The owner of the place didn’t mind them using the place for their personal needs, so long as they kept everything nice and tidy.

Yuri comes up behind her, curiously looking down at Natsuki’s desserts. “Chocolate?”

“Yep! Try ‘em, you’ll love it!” Natsuki’s grin is contagious because Yuri couldn’t fight a small smile of her own.

“I always do, Natsuki.” She states firmly, eyeing the sweet treats before her. “B-But, I’ll go change first! The tea isn’t ready yet either, but you can wait in the living room, I’ll be quick!”

Natsuki hums in acknowledgment, and with that Yuri gracefully walks away to her room. She waits to hear the soft click of Yuri’s door locking to finally take a big deep breath. Natsuki felt like her heart was jumping out of her chest, the sight of Yuri alone being enough to send her into a frenzy. Seriously, all this over a forehead kiss. She feels like a thirteen-year-old boy who just found out what boobs are.

She follows Yuri’s request, settling down on the far end of the long couch— Natsuki’s designated spot— while the cupcakes are placed on the coffee table in front of it. In the meantime, her eyes scan through the huge bookcases on both sides of Yuri’s TV. It’s a bit pointless to have, considering how little the purple-eyed girl watches television. It’s only really used when both of them watch a horror movie/anime or when having movie nights with Monika and Sayori.

Natsuki takes in the many different covers that were in the bookcase, and the sheer thickness of one of those novels. Seriously, it looks like it would weigh a ton. How the hell Yuri consumes long novels like they’re cake is forever a mystery; that girl reads fast as hell. On the last two rows of the bookcase on the left, she spots two different series of manga: Parfait Girls and Berserk. Pride immediately swelled in her chest at the sight, even if she did have to swallow her lunch multiple times while reading the latter manga. 

It’s only around twenty minutes later that Yuri comes into the living room, a much comfier oversized shirt on and two cups filled with warm, honey-colored tea.

“I apologize for the delay, you came earlier than i anticipated so I hadn’t even started on tea,” Yuri apologizes, placing both cups down gently. “Two of sugar, correct?”

“You know me too well.” Natsuki jokes, sitting up on the couch and scooting forward. Yuri shoots her a small smile, eyes now falling to the chocolatey goodness before her eyes. Natsuki can practically see the other girl’s mouth watering. “Jeez, they’re not gonna run away, Yuri. Try one!”

Yuri wastes no time in picking the one with the most frosting, even licking some with her fingers (no, Natsuki was not staring). She lets out a noise of approval, before slowly taking off the wrapping and biting into it gently. Natsuki waits for a reaction, debating if she should ask or not.

Yuri’s eyes immediately widened, “Is that raspberry filling?” She inquired through chews. 

Natsuki nods, looking away awkwardly. A blush creeps up her face, so she refuses to meet Yuri’s eyes. “I-I know you like it as ice cream so… figured you’d like it as a cupcake.”

“Do you like it?” Natsuki finally caves and asks.

“Natsuki, it’s delicious! I don’t think I’ve ever had anything this good!” Yuri hums excitedly as she takes another bite, satisfaction present in her features. Another swell of pride rises in Natsuki, as she tries to shrug it off as nonchalantly as she can.

“Of course it is, ya dork, I made them!” Confidence surges through her, despite the fact that she was totally panicking over this while making them earlier today. Can you blame her? Yuri loved green tea cupcakes, that was the safe option to bring, but Natsuki wanted to try something new. And it worked in her favor, so maybe God does like her, just a bit.

Yuri continued to sing her praises, and Natsuki willingly took them all with a smug grin and a blushing face. The girls devoured three cupcakes between the two of them— with Yuri eating two out of the three— and accompanied the sweets with some of the tea Yuri made.

“Still can’t get over how good you make this shit!” Natsuki blows on the golden, hot liquid trying to make it cool enough to not burn her tongue and actually taste it. Yuri, on the other hand, had already begun taking small sips, the burning sensation practically nonexistent to her much higher heat tolerance.

“It’s nothing, really…” Yuri dismisses.

“It’s totally not! I can’t make one as good as this!”

“I thought a skill baker such as yourself would have no issues with something as simple as tea.” Yuri giggles, in a teasing way that makes Natsuki’s insides turn to mush. Because yes, while she did receive some sought after praise, she also was playfully being teased. By Yuri. Natsuki is such a mess right now.

“Shut up! I totally could! It’s just… mine always comes out way too bitter,” Natsuki complains leaning back into the couch and throwing her arms up, “Doesn’t matter how much sugar I pour it!”

“It means you’re burning the leaves… or bags.” Yuri explains, putting her mug down to fully turn to the smaller woman. “Delicate teas can be burned if the water is too hot, such as green, oolong, or white tea.”

Yuri goes into a mini rant about the different teas and the temperature at which they should be boiled. So apparently, Natsuki was doing it completely wrong. And she was also pouring water on the leaves, which was wrong too. Something about over-extraction and it pulling out the ‘tannins’ Yuri had said. Natsuki was struggling to pay attention when the woman looked so absolutely in her element, teaching a baffled Natsuki about tea of all things.

By the end of Yuri’s little rant Natsuki had learned that black and herbal teas should be boiled with hotter water, and something about chemical compounds found in the tea leaves that make it bitter– so that’s what tannins were. Honestly, this felt like high school again, but with a prettier and much sweeter teacher.

“Seriously, you’re such a nerd!” Natsuki giggles, having followed Yuri to her mini closet behind the couch. They were currently pulling blankets together to be able to do what they came here to do: read.

“I-Is that a bad thing?” Yuri hesitantly inquired, pulling out a bright pink and red striped blanket before handing it to Natsuki. The taller woman pulled out a different, much heavier blanket, with a deep purple and black checkered pattern on the front; Natsuki’s favorite blanket because it smelled the most like Yuri.

“Nah,” Natsuki answered, before her brain could catch up with her mouth. “I like it.” 

She tensed up, hoping Yuri wouldn’t take it in the way that she meant, but it seemed too late. Yuri stared at her, eyes curiously inspecting the smaller woman in front of her. Natsuki cursed herself internally, but before she could apologize, Yuri smiled at her.

“I’m glad,” Yuri muttered, turning away to hide in her hair while closing the closet door. Natsuki felt her brain sputter at the sight, turning around quickly to head back to her spot on the couch. She threw the striped blanket on the opposite side of the couch, where Yuri would be seated.

Before Natsuki could ask what they were going to read, she felt a heavy pressure fall on her head. Yuri had thrown the balled up blanket directly on top of Natsuki, causing her to be temporarily suffocated.

“Hey! Asshole!” Natsuki half-heartedly glared at the other woman, who was covering her mouth. Yuri had eventually just burst out laughing at the sight of her friend’s pout, leaning against the couch to help keep herself up. Natsuki felt a smile play on her own lips, despite the fact Yuri was teasing her again! Seriously, is it something in the air?

Finally, when Yuri had stopped laughing she walked around the couch, leaning down to the candle on the coffee table. With the lighter right next to it, she lit the soft purple candle, most likely lavender. The woman had an obvious theme in her own home.

“What we’ll be reading is… a guilt pleasure of mine, to say the least,” Yuri spoke, drawing Natsuki’s attention to her immediately. The woman walked towards the bookcase on the right, scanning through the covers on the top shelf. Her hand ran across the spines of the different books, in such a delicate manner, almost as if Yuri was admiring each one individually.

“Aha,” Yuri had said excitedly. She pulled out a thick— though not as thick as her other novels— sage green book with a golden, floral pattern on the spine. The edges of the front cover seem worn out, but the book seemed in good condition. Yuri came towards her, extending the book towards Natsuki to take.

“‘Haunted By You’?” Natsuki reads out loud once the book is in her hands. “What’s this about?”

The front of the cover has a woman with long, dark, flowy hair cascading down her shoulders. The tip of a blade is pressed against her chest, causing small pools of blood to form, staining the white gown she wore. Despite her situation, she stares up at the holder of the blade, an intense expression on her face while her hands gently cradle the sword.

“I know you enjoy romance more, so I made sure to find a novel that incorporates it. This particular book is part of a series, but they can all be standalone stories.” Yuri calmly replied. She disappears into her room for a split second, before returning eagerly with a copy of the same book.

Yuri continues, “Our main characters are running away for different reasons, but with a similar destination. Their romance sparks in a dungeon, where they face different challenges and dangers in the forms of magic, monsters, and something a little more sinister.”

Natsuki is actually kind of intrigued. Her eyes scan the synopsis on the back, basically retelling what Yuri had said, but much longer and with flowery language. She was definitely going to have to get used to that.

“I thought you ‘didn’t like romance all that much’,” Natsuki teased, glancing back up. 

Yuri meets her eyes, something warm and playful beneath those purple irises. “There’s a lot of things I like that you may not be aware of, Natsuki.”

The room seems to have become overbearingly hot at that moment. Natsuki felt the playfulness behind Yuri’s words, but they were also filled with… something entirely different. Something that Natsuki was not about to lose to.

“You like being mysterious, huh?” Natsuki leans forward, attempting to cool herself off by pulling the blanket down to her feet. “Does that get you girls orrrr…?”

Yuri shrugs, a sudden air of confidence emerging from the woman. Natsuki’s mouth is entirely dry, waiting for a response. She watches the taller woman sit down gently before her eyes flicker towards Natsuki’s.

“Is it working?”

The tension in the room seems heavy, yet at the same time so fragile. Both women hold their gazes, perhaps worried that if they don’t this moment will end; a dream that neither realized they were having.

Yuri seems to realize what she had just said, her eyes being the first to break away, blood now rushing to her face. Crimson painted the tip of her ears and cheeks, and Natsuki couldn’t help the blush that covered her face either.

“Uhm- Ah- this-“ Yuri coughed, trying to clear her throat and regain composure. “T-This was actually one of my f-first novels!”

Natsuki simply nods, not trusting her mouth to not spew some nonsensical sounds that’ll scare Yuri. Her heart is pounding in her ears, her face is so irritatingly warm, and all Natsuki wants to do is run away and hide somewhere. Not to mention the conversation that she has been avoiding throughout the night.

Natsuki was surprised by how fast she had consumed the introductory chapter to the novel they were reading. Despite the complex use of language and symbolic expressions, Natsuki had actually been really reeled in by the main character. A rude, brazen girl who was fleeing persecution from her village due to wrongful conviction.

Halfway through the second chapter, Natsuki’s eyes begin to wander off. They seem to hone in on the purple-haired woman cross from her, deep amethyst eyes scanning the words on the page as quicker than anything Natsuki could read. Yuri’s head rested against the plush, cream colored couch, her chest rising and falling slowly.

It was a sight that Natsuki could not get enough of, her attention split between watching Yuri read and the interesting story before her. Eventually, Natsuki’s eyes trailed towards Yuri’s arms.

Her forearms were littered with old, white scars that ranged from thin and almost invisible to thick and very noticeable. Natsuki remembers the night that Yuri had broken down about her bad habits; it was on a random Thursday night when the club was over for a sleepover. They were still in high school at the time, only two months from graduation.

They were a sign of hardship, a part of Yuri’s life that she wished the world would never see. Although with time, and lots of therapy, Yuri had slowly recovered from her self-harm. Natsuki recalls the many long nights on the phone with Yuri, both girls sobbing about something that seems so small now.

Yuri held no shame in showing her scars to her friends, although she still didn’t wear anything too revealing or without sleeves outside of their homes. She had claimed that she had gotten used to covering up, but Natsuki knows Yuri still has a slight fear of being seen at her worst. Of being judged for events in her life that she had no control over, in turn causing her to regain control through self destruction.

Despite her struggles, Yuri had still managed to come out on top, proudly showing off her victory by being here at this moment. By continuing to move forward in her life, and leaving herself open to accepting herself slowly. By being Natsuki’s friend and Monika’s and Sayori’s. By driving them around doing stupid stuff Sayori recommended or making them tea late at night when Monika needed something to drink.

Natsuki realizes just how thankful she is to have the woman laying before her. So at this moment, she needs an answer to the question that has been simmering in her mind since Saturday. The same question that had caused Natsuki such a turmoil of repressed emotions to come barreling forward and displacing her place.

What did that kiss mean?

“You’re staring, suki.” Yuri comments, her eyes still glued to her page. “Are you not liking the book?”

Natsuki yelped, “Uh- No! No, I like it, I just…!”

“S-Sorry, I was just…thinking.” Natsuki winced at how wrong that sounded. But it was now or never, before she cowers out and never asks Yuri. Before she buries everything she’s been thinking for the past week; maybe even for the past few months without realizing.

Yuri finally looks up, closing the book softly to focus all her attention on Natsuki. “Is something wrong?”

‘Now or never,’ Natsuki thought, taking a deep breath to work up the courage.

“L-Last Saturday, do you remember dropping me off?” She begins.

Yuri nods, her brows now furrowed in worry in that way that Natsuki likes.

Natsuki works her jaw, trying to find the right way of connecting the words. Eventually, she got too frustrated to think about it any longer, opting to just spit out whatever words her mouth wanted to before she backed out. Natsuki scoots closer towards the middle of the couch, closer towards Yuri.

“Why did you kiss me?”

Yuri’s reaction is immediate. Her eyes widened impossibly big, and she looked like a deer caught in headlights. Her face flushed a dark red color that spread down to her neck. Yuri’s mouth dropped, only letting out occasional sputters or sounds that sounded nothing like words.

Eventually, Yuri gives up with words and simply hangs her head, shame present on her face. Like she was caught doing something she wasn’t supposed to. Silence hung between them, to the point it almost became overbearing for both girls.

Yuri would be the one to break the tension. “I’m sorry.”

Yuri’s head snaps up, “I’m really sorry, Natsuki.”

Natsuki stares at the other woman, her own eyes filled with sadness. The kiss really didn’t mean anything then, it was simply a form of affection from her friend. She felt so stupid.

“I apologize for making you uncomfortable, I-… I don’t know what I was thinking.”

Yuri leans forward, her knees now only a few inches from Natsuki’s. Now they were truly face to face, a staring contest that was too frighteningly intense to break. Yuri took Natsuki’s hands, clasping them with her own, hanging her head once more. 

“T-Thank you for entertaining me today… I-I understand if you would want nothing to do with me-“ 

“W-Wait, what?” Natsuki stammered out, her eyes trying to find Yuri’s. “W-What are you talking about?”

Yuri glances back up toward her, holding the woman’s gaze. Something devastating was held behind her smile, and it made Natsuki’s heart ache.

“You don’t need to p-pretend anymore. I stepped over your boundaries and… and now…” Yuri trailed off, too scared to finish the sentence.

Natsuki swallowed the lump in her throat, deciding that Yuri definitely had it all wrong. Her hand squeezed the other’s firmly, a gesture that had always provided them comfort, and today was no exception to that.

“I’m not saying that, you i-idiot.” Natsuki stated firmly, causing Yuri to flinch at the insult. Though she knew it carried no ill intent behind it, Yuri couldn’t help but shrink due to the situation.

“I’m asking you why you did it because…” Natsuki chooses her words carefully. “I want to know.” 

Yuri’s eyes curiously trace Natsuki's face, on the lookout for any sign of disgust, anger, or anything that would imply their friendship was over.

“You looked beautiful,” Yuri finally breathed out.

Natsuki’s breath hitched in her throat, a sudden burst of emotion ripping through her. Something akin to excitement, yet terrifyingly warm. Yuri looked at her like Natsuki was the answer to her prayers, with something soft and adoring. Almost as if, if Yuri were to blink, Natsuki’s presence would be an illusion she would be punished to never see again. To never feel.

“You’re crazy…” Natsuki finally says, breaking the spell between them. There was no bite in her words, only playful teasing that both were used to between them, something to lighten up the tone. Her eyes look down at Yuri’s lips, with a sudden urge to just…

Yuri chuckles, leaning into the other woman, whether she realized it or not. “I’m sorry…”

“S-Stop apologizing.”

Their faces were mere inches from each other, something strong and electrifying pulling them together like magnets. No matter how hard, Natsuki couldn’t find it in herself to want to pull away.

So she didn’t.

Neither did Yuri.

“I-I’m sor… okay,” Was all Yuri said.

“D-Do it right this time…” Natsuki commands, too scared to move back or move forward. And Yuri, the woman who would worship Natsuki if she asked her too, obliged willingly and obediently.

Their lips met gently, almost frightened by the warmth of another being pressed against them. Yet it still felt so good. Their mouths moved in sync, slowly getting used to the other, opening their hearts to this new tender feeling.

Yuri’s hand came to cup Natsuki’s face, adjusting their positions just a bit before deepening the kiss. A sudden wave of passion and desire sparked between them, an unbearably strong urge to never stop. Natsuki was the first to pull back slowly, her lungs crying out for air, but if Yuri kept kissing her like that, she would allow herself to be suffocated.

Their chests rose and fell in sync, something quiet and sweet lingering in the air. Natsuki turned away to try and save face, hiding her embarrassment from the shy woman in front of her. Yuri, on the other hand, kept her gaze steady on Natsuki, refusing to look away.

“W-What?” Natsuki eventually spoke, breaking the quiet spell.

Yuri smiled, “You look beautiful,” She repeated.

“God, you’re so cheesy,” Natsuki rolled her eyes playfully, poking fun at the other.

“I never thought I’d get to do that. Ever.” Yuri remarked.

“Me either.” Natsuki agreed. “How long have you been thinking of it?”

Yuri hums, “I’m not sure. A few weeks ago I just.. w-wanted to kiss you.”

“You?” Yuri asked.

“S-Since Saturday. I was thinking of you all night and then… well you took me home.” Natsuki replied, tone laced with shame and embarrassment.

“Fufu, all night?”

“Don’t be weird about it, Yuri, I swear!”

Yuri giggles, hiding her face between her hands. “I’m just teasing you, suki.”

Suddenly her expression shifts to a cheeky grin, “That explains your behavior that night then…”

“Ugh,” Natsuki groans, “D-Don’t start with me, woman.” 

“Oh? I didn’t even say anything?”

“Y’know, for someone who struggles to order through a drive-thru, you seem real cocky.”

Yuri lets out a laugh, loud and confident. A hand clutches her chest as she leans forward, her face meeting the soft couch. Natsuki pats her on the back, also letting out a chuckle at her own words, but mainly Yuri’s actions. She seems to have completely changed from earlier; from skittish and nervous to confident and bold. That’s Yuri for you.

“Does that mean my assumptions are correct?”

“Yuri…” Natsuki warns, crossing her arms over her chest.

“Natsuki, were you perhaps,” Yuri flashed a smile, “Jealous?”

“Now you’re getting it!” Natsuki jumps forward pouncing on the other girl who lets out a loud laugh. Both girls strained against each other, rolling around and tangling themselves in the blankets. Nothing but pure childlike joy and laughter floated through the room. Natsuki had somehow managed to lose her balance, and Yuri took her opportunity to pin her on her back.

Their laughter died down, both girls now focusing on each other and on catching their breath. Both of them realize the position they're in, yet neither try to make a move to change that.

“Can I?” Yuri asked gently. 

Natsuki huffs, and instead of answering Yuri’s question, she takes matters into her own hands. Her arms wrapped around Yuri’s neck, the other woman letting a small gasp of surprise. Natsuki pulls Yuri down to her lips, closing her eyes in the process.

Their second kiss is much different than their first. It was a lot more heated, more intimate than before now that the two women were comfortable. Their bodies were now pressed together, and still Natsuki wishes they could be much closer. Yuri bites down on Natsuki’s lip eagerly, causing her to let out a soft gasp. Her hands play with the hem of Natsuki’s shirt, almost teasing her stomach. 

Natsuki pushes back against the kiss, separating the two for a split moment. Her hand pushes Yuri off completely; the taller woman blinked in surprise.

“You’re not getting the goods ‘till you take me out to dinner, got it, lover girl?” Natsuki instructed, causing Yuri to let out a small giggle.

Yuri crawls off, cocking a brow in the process, “I must say, I’m offended, Natsuki. Who do you take me for?”

Natsuki sits up, “An eager dork. I felt your hands almost under my shirt, Missy.”

“T-That…” Yuri flushes, her skin tinting to a delicious pink color. “F-Forgive me…”

“No need,” Natsuki dismisses with a wave of her hand. “As long as you pay for dinner.”

Yuri takes Natsuki’s hand, bringing it up to her mouth, and planting a soft kiss on her knuckles. “Whatever you wish for, it’s yours.”

Now it was Natsuki’s turn to be embarrassed by the blatant display of affection. Yuri stares at her again, something that the other woman seemed to love doing.

“W-Why are you looking at me like that?”

“You know the answer.”

Natsuki huffs, looking away, “Dork.”

“Why do you insist on calling me that?” Yuri wonders, leaning back and pulling the blanket over her torso. Natsuki shrugs, “It fits you.”

Both girls once again sat in silence, soft smiles and playful touches here and there. Eventually, Natsuki ends up on top of Yuri, wrapping around her stomach. Their legs were intertwined with one another’s, more playful banter ensuing between them.

Natsuki felt so comfortable, so relaxed, everything felt peaceful. Her heart rate now thumped slowly, the sound still ringing in her ears. For once, she feels at ease and Yuri’s warmth is definitely the reason for that. The taller woman’s hands were running through her pink hair, twirling long strands  in her fingers and scratching Natsuki’s scalp lightly.

“Natsuki?”

“Hm?”

“What uhm-… what would this make us?” Yuri places the question gently between the two, afraid of the answer.

“Well, I don’t kiss my friends, Yuri,” Natsuki jokes, enjoying the hum of Yuri’s laughter through her chest. “And I don’t do friend-dates.”

“I could’ve sworn you and Sayori-“

“Sayori,” Natsuki interrupts, “is my only exception!”

Yuri hums, letting the sound of Natsuki’s breathing calm her nerves. “I-I want to go on dates with you. I want to hold you. I-I want to.. k-kiss you.”

Natsuki plays with the hem of Yuri’s shirt trying to slow down the beating of her heart. “I’ll let you. I-If you want, we can, y’know?”

“Does that mean…?”

“Yeah. It does. Y-You’re my girlfriend now, Yu.” Natsuki smiled into Yuri’s abdomen, in disbelief of her own words. Natsuki has a girlfriend now, and it’s Yuri of all people. How come she has gotten so lucky?

“I’m glad.”

Natsuki doesn’t remember when, but she had fallen asleep. The sound of Yuri’s breathing, the soft scent of lavender in the air, and her stomach full of tea and cupcakes definitely had something to do with it. She’ll wake up tomorrow, probably bother Yuri for another hour or so, or maybe just stay here another night. She wishes she could. 

Right before she fell asleep though, she had reached into her pocket, pulling out her phone and sending Sayori a playful text. Natsuki tossed the phone on the coffee table, burying herself in Yuri’s arms once more.

you owe me twenty dollars by the way

Sayori<3: ????

Sayori<3: wat do u mean?? 

Sayori<3: WAIT NO WAY NO WAY NO WAY

Sayori<3: NATS WHAT WHAT COME BAXK???

Sayori<3: BATSKI WHAT HAPPENS

Sayori<3: NATSUKIIDIJSKSKS