Archive of Our Own ^beta

Everything had been going smoothly for Zhu yuan. Miyabi was nice and responsible, even to the point where it was too much. But, by far, all fit in her scheme of what she expects about this whole situation.

First day, and when Zhu yuan woke up, the dorm was in pure silence. She checked her clock and realized it was still early. Had Miyabi already gone? Indoubtably yes. Anyway, once she’s awake, she should get ready for her classes.

A quick breakfast and a change of clothes were all she needed to do. She had already prepared her stuff last night. Thinking that Miyabi could return any moment, she waited to at least say goodbye to her. The thing is, hat moment never came.

Frustrated, Zhu Yuan finally left the dorm and made her way to her class, thinking about where to sit and checking her schedule. Soon, her thoughts were interrupted by a bunch of people gathered around something or better say, someone.

She got close to the first person she saw at the entrance and asked about the situation. “Excuse me, can you tell me what’s going on?” Her voice was as polite as possible. “Oh? You are not aware?” Zhu yuan didn’t take that answer well.

“I’m afraid no,” a forced smile cracked on her face. The guy seemed to notice it as he got nervous around her. “Sorry, uh, well, it’s just that many people know,” still, not telling a word about the situation. “But what is it?” Zhu yuan was starting to run out of patience.

“It’s Hoshimi!” A voice further away finally answered her question. Both of them turned their heads to the star in the room. Miyabi was already sitting on one of the desks, unbothered by the commotion. Zhu yuan kinda felt annoyed by that.

Zhu yuan should be used to having her plans frustrated by now

If anyone there discovered that they were roommates, Zhu yuan’s life would become insufferable. “Wonder why she doesn’t even bat an eye about all the attention she has” the guy who hadn’t answered her spoke. “Don’t you admire her like everyone?” Zhu yuan asked.

He looked at her and gave her a cocky smile “I mean, I wouldn’t say people admire her” he took a peek at Miyabi and continued. “But rather that people desire her name” makes sense, after all, it is said that connections give opportunities.

“And also, who would like to treat daily with a freak like her?” Did she hear right? As far as she knew, Miyabi practically had a fan club about her. But, thinking about it, there should be a reason behind her rumours too.

Zhu yuan opened her mouth to protest, and before speaking, the professor arrived. She quickly scanned the place and decided to sit not too far from Miyabi and behind her. A perfect spot to keep an eye on her.

Once every hour, she would glance at Miyabi, who, most of the time, seemed like spacing out. That happened until Zhu yuan stopped caring about whatever the thiren was doing. She wasn’t her problem.

Many other people were doing as Zhu yuan, she could hear some girls giggling, guys checking her, and then talking to their friends. Lots of voices repeating the same name over and over again. She lost herself and decided to better focus on the professor in front.

Soon the class was over, but the whispers didn’t end. “We should ask her to go out with us,” Zhu yuan overheard just when she was about to leave. Deciding to stay and see what would happen. “Miyabi! Come join us!” an excited girl shouted, getting Miyabi’s attention.

Her ear flickered at the noise and just glared at her, making the girl nervous. “Fine” that didn’t sound like an answer, but rather a word to simply say something. The girl and her friends got excited, one of them even grabbing Miyabi by the hand and then walking away.

Zhu yuan saw all and only talked to herself about that she shouldn’t wait for Miyabi in their dorm before leaving the now empty room behind her. She even took note about how Miyabi didn’t notice her presence, and she doubted that she ignored her. That would be rude.

Her afternoon was peaceful; she went to eat something and began some assigned work. The best thing is that, when you are alone, you can listen to music at the volume you want. If Miyabi’s routine implied to be out like this all afternoons, Zhu yuan didn’t have a complaint.

She was about to finish her assignments when she heard the door open. “I’m here” a monotone voice made Zhu yuan turn down a little bit the music and look at where the voice came from.

Miyabi had a no-face friend all over her and Zhu yuan raised a brow at it. “Why didn’t you answer when I said that I’m here?” the sudden complaint startled her. “I had to?” Miyabi’s faces changed to a light surprise. “Well, why else would I do it if not to get an answer?”

Fair enough for Zhu yuan, who only chuckled at Miyabi’s lack of social skills. “If you don’t want me to, I won’t do it again,” Miyabi tried somehow to defend herself. “No, no, it’s fine, it’s just that you didn’t mention it last time.” her expression again changed to a relaxed one.

“Anyway, how was your day?” Zhu yuan got back to her work, but was still ready to listen what Miyabi had to say. “Nothing special,” a blunt answer, with not even a small joy. “But I saw a group invite you out. Everyone would die to have an opportunity like that on their first day.” Zhu yuan tried to liven up the atmosphere.

Miyabi looked away, everyone was not her. “I prefer to do other things, more productive ones.” Well, that was conceited. “Yeah? Like what?” Zhu yuan was not sure if she wanted to keep going with this conversation. “Taking care of my blade, writing poems, eating melon” , again, Zhu yuan didn’t expect that answer.

“I won’t judge whether that’s productive or not” Zhu yuan commented. “Hey, you should start some assignments, so you won’t be drowning in work during the semester’s finals.” Miyabi froze at those words; after all, she wasn’t fond of that doing writing work. “What are you doing?” Instead she tried to make Zhu yuan the focus of their conversation.

“Just some brief investigation about hollows,” the screen on her laptop being proof of it. “I have the same thing to do, how interesting,” that answered her prior questioning of today. “We... we’re in the same class” Zhu yuan pointed out.

Miyabi turned her face towards Zhu yuan, as if a major realization hit her. “That’s a satisfactory coincidence” her soft voice revealed a pinch a relief if you paid enough attention. Zhu yuan didn’t, for her, Miyabi’s voice tones were all the same.

“Why didn’t you say a word when you saw me?” Miyabi questioned Zhu yuan who wanted to evade the question. “You left early and when I saw you, you were surrounded” she tried to excuse. Miyabi’s eyes didn’t fall for her words easily and opted to ignore her answer.

“I don’t want to be a stranger to you, at the very least treat me like an acquaintance.” She was in all her right to ask for that treatment, especially when they’ll see each other most days, maybe even every day. “Didn’t expect you to want that,” Zhu yuan spat.

“But, as I recall, if you don’t want to, don’t” Zhu yuan was about to talk back, approaching her attitude, only to stop once she remembered what the guy had said to her about Miyabi.

Was Hoshimi Miyabi indeed a freak or she was just being an awkward person?

It’s up to her figure out who Miyabi was tho. She recalls her mother’s words about how the thiren would probably get along with her. It’s only a matter of time. And they had plenty of time to know each other. “As I think I have shown you, I don’t mind” Zhu yuan said bothered.

They kept looking at each other like it was a competition, the goal to be if Zhu yuan was being honest with her words. Suddenly the space between them got shrunk and Miyabi could feel Zhu yuan’s breathe and take a better view on her scowled face.

It was difficult for Zhu yuan to keep herself calm with this whole situation that Miyabi created between them. “Get off of me” she expressed her discontent sharply. “I’m fine with your condition, but please, I want my personal space.” Miyabi understood and got away from her.

The rest of the day was only a few word shared every from time to time. After all, Miyabi was a reserved person and Zhu yuan had have enough for today. Miyabi was still a puzzle and her brain had already been drained from all the work she did during the day.

As Zhu yuan had been told to, the whole week she treated Miyabi with a bit more of friendly, or, she tried to. Miyabi barely said a word to anyone, even to her, to the point when she almost gave up.

But in some specific moments, Miyabi shared her thoughts, not really caring if someone paid attention to them. At those situations, Zhu yuan asked a question or two about the reasoning behind her words. Gaining no information at the end.

Another opportunity came on their physical training day, a moment for people to show their abilities. From what she has gathered about Miyabi, she noticed that by far she preferred physical activities. “So? you excited about this?” Zhu yuan showed a faint smile. Miyabi nodded and ignored her after that.

Why did Miyabi want her to treat her like an acquaintance if she was going to behave like this? There’s a reason why Zhu yuan didn’t like to interact with people and was mainly because of the major possibilities of getting embarrassed.

“Don’t be such a pain, you told me to be friendly,” Zhu yuan complained without caring if Miyabi heard. At least, she wants to believe that. Zhu yuan glanced at Miyabi to be aware of any minor reaction. Which was only some red eyes towards her. “Again with that? You should try something better”

Miyabi frowned in response to what Zhu yuan said. “Oh? Did I tick a nerve?” Zhu yuan shouldn’t push any further. There’s a rule that establishes that there are no changes in dorm companions. But Miyabi did not give her a great impression. “Can’t you answer me?” she kept pushing.

She was about to say more until it was Miyabi’s turn for her physical exam. Leaving Zhu yuan alone. Everyone around her saw their little scene, and the eyes on her made her notice how she probably went a little too far.

“I’m such a jerk,” she faintly whispered while she ruffled her hair, disheveling it in the process. “Not even a month and she has already made me crazy, ugh!” she complained. It was like she was run out of self-control. No, she was

Despite her troubles, she should focus on the fact that she was next in line; however, how could she when Miyabi made a mess out of her with no words needed? Zhu yuan inhaled and exhaled rhythmically in order to gather her thoughts, and steady enough, she dedicated herself to examine Miyabi.

Miyabi was relaxed, stone-faced but not angry, and above all, she wasn’t rushing her pace, nor slowing it. Zhu yuan got immersed in Miyabi’s face, noticing how it barely gives any clue about what she could be thinking.

Miyabi was a mystery box. Or a Pandora one? Zhu yuan shook her head at that idea. No, no, she was going too far about thinking this is a problem. Miyabi was still a normal girl with likes and dislikes. That’s when it hit her.

Zhu yuan then got to a vague idea of what she should work in. Patience. The problem wasn’t Miyabi’s dense personality but her lack of patience to understand her way of acting.

“Good job,” Zhu yuan congratulated Miyabi, who had finished her turn. The thiren didn’t care and simply gave Zhu yuan a thumbs up. Now it was the taller one’s moment and she left Miyabi alone. Zhu yuan will apologize later once they return to their dorm. Miyabi deserves it.

All their activities had already finished, but they didn’t get back together. Again, Miyabi was asked to hang out with some of their classmates. It’s normal, after all she’s popular and it’s a Friday night. What Zhu yuan regretted was not having someone to chat with.

She spent most of her night scrolling through her phone, and an it’ll be nice to have Miyabi’s number just in case crossed her mind. Soon Zhu yuan got bored of that and decided to play some damn solitaire on her laptop, only to get bored again.

After thinking about what else she could do, she opted for going on a night run. The academy’s running track is most likely to be lonely, and some fresh air might do her some good. Miyabi wouldn’t be worried if Zhu yuan wasn’t at their dorm if she came back, right?

But even after taking her own time in her running session and return to the dorm. Miyabi still hadn’t shown up. Should she be the one worried? Zhu yuan’s mind wandered if she had to stay up until a minimum signal of Miyabi appeared.

What she remembers next is her eyes getting heavier. She also had checked the hour; it was 11:40 at night. Another doubt came, was there a curfew hour?

Not that she knew about it, but that’ll be a matter for tomorrow. Oh, by the way, it’ll be weekend, Zhu yuan will make sure to visit her parents.

Morning came, and as always, silence seemed to take over the place. Zhu yuan didn’t pay attention to that and dressed up to be away during both Saturday and Sunday. And just when she was about to leave, someone called her.

Turning her face to the kitchen, she encountered Miyabi in what seemed to be some training clothes. “Ah, Miyabi,” Zhu yuan now called for her and then remembered last night. “Why didn’t you say anything when you arrived?" Zhu yuan commented

“I’m not so discourteous,” Miyabi objected Zhu yuan. “You were already sleeping and didn’t want to interrupt you” Those are some good manners to be honest, yet Zhu yuan felt irked by it.

“Bet you had fun, when did you finally come back tho?” she teased, forgetting for a moment how she wanted to apologize in the first place. “Almost at midnight, and no, I didn’t particularly enjoy it”

Miyabi walked away to the bedroom and that’s when Zhu yuan recalled about her thought. “I’m sorry for, uhm, for how I acted,” she softly said without looking at her face. Miyabi’s ears twitched at the words and expected for Zhu yuan to face her.

“It’s just that you kinda rubbed me the wrong way, but sorry.” Now that Miyabi was able to see her eyes, she noticed the shame in them. “I was rude too” making a petition and then ignoring it was insolent from her.

“Seems like you’ll be out this weekend,” Miyabi directed the attention to Zhu yuan’s backpack. “Have a nice one, Zhu yuan” for a moment, the said one perceived a gentle voice from Miyabi. Zhu yuan smiled at her before leaving.

“You too, enjoy yourself Miyabi.” When she was about to go through the door, Zhu yuan stopped. “Oh, by the way, mind giving me your Knock Knock number?” Zhu yuan said while taking out her phone.

Miyabi was confused for a bit and chuckled at the request, “Sure,” simple, but kind and friendly. Didn’t take long for them to exchange numbers, and then Zhu yuan was finally off.

Miyabi wasn’t a bad person; they only had a rocky start, and Zhu yuan had made up her mind that she would try to understand Miyabi a bit more.

Hoshimi Miyabi was strange, but not odd.

“What do friends do?”

A question Miyabi asked her at some point since they had started talking more, well, interacting would be the best word. Chatting during long periods is still due on their mental to-do list.

Still, Zhu Yuan found the quick step up in their relationship a bit strange. Becoming friends implied shortening the distance Zhu Yuan had planned to maintain during their whole time together, and she was not fond of that idea.

She thought keeping the space would be easy, considering how Miyabi was popular around the academy and how she initially wasn’t so talkative. Never thinking about the possibility that the Hoshimi would be the one who would look up to further their closeness.

Thinking it that way was not doing Zhu Yuan any favour, especially since she was now struggling to pay attention to the lecturer. She sighed at her defeat and looked towards the one person who defeated her with some mere words.

Calm. Zhu Yuan was getting used to Miyabi's serene face, which was usually unreadable. Noticing some interesting features about the thiren. Zhu Yuan had observed that besides her rather large ears, which caught your attention first, if you look close enough, her eyes were also stunning.

Sharp white pupils inside some deep carmine, that sometimes dilate at the mention of melon or divagate curiously through Zhu Yuan’s stuff. Yes, she has caught her staring at her desk and shelves above her bed. A strange behaviour, cause, according to Zhu Yuan, nothing was interesting about her.

Sure, she has a good physique and outstanding scores, but her hobbies are just too casual. Gardening, reading, exercising, and maybe even watching series and movies, such trivial things about her. On the other hand, Miyabi liked poetry and sword practice, which were already far cooler.

Something they probably shared in common was training, focusing obviously on martial arts, Zhu Yuan should try to start from there next time. She sighed again, the only difference being that Miyabi noticed it. Her ears faintly twitched at the soft sound.

Her eyes first encountered Zhu Yuan, followed by her face. “What’s the matter?” the way Miyabi asked took Zhu Yuan by surprise and made her face Miyabi back. Zhu Yuan delayed her answer for a second to just say it was nothing. Miyabi didn’t question her, she didn’t know her well enough to do that.

What she did do was peek at Zhu Yuan once in a while during the rest of the lecture. When Zhu Yuan sometimes noticed it, she slightly curved up the corner of her lips. As if she was showing how she paid attention to Miyabi, even tho she indeed was.

Today was not a going-out day, so both stayed at the dorm. For two different reasons. Zhu Yuan was merely resting; she had already finished all her due work, and it was raining outside, so she felt rather lax about having her usual run. In a few words, it was a day off for her.

On Miyabi’s side, she hadn’t finished her assignment for humanistics. An essay about being a public official, what they should follow, who they are in New Eridu, and what each one needs to do their job.

It should take Miyabi a simple search to get this done, even faster if she knew what to search for. But she was not feeling like it, it seemed more fun to simply spin in her chair or play solitaire. With her document still intact.

Every time she glanced at the white page, she was painfully reminded that her deadline was around the corner. Miyabi groaned and even murmured under her breath some stuff. Paperwork was a pain in her ass. She hated it with her whole being

After minutes of silent complaints, Miyabi noticed how none of her attitudes were reprehended by Zhu Yuan. That made her look around her and find she wasn’t in her bed or desk. So, the other possibility was what they could call their ‘living room’

And there she was, casually wearing shorts and a black tank top. Her hair was untied from her characteristic ponytail, and she had her headphones on. Oh, she was also reading a book. Then Miyabi thought that she wouldn’t be a bother to Zhu Yuan.

The perfect opportunity to slack off

Silently, Miyabi got closer to Zhu Yuan, not that she would hear her anyway. Luckily, Zhu Yuan was not lying on the sofa, so there was space by her side. Which Miyabi, with no doubt, took.

“Hello Zhu Yuan,” Miyabi greeted the other. Who was seemingly confused by the sudden approach. “Uhhh, hello Miyabi?” Zhu Yuan took off her headphones to pay better attention to her.

“What have you got there?” The book in her hand has piqued her interest, she has never seen one like that before. It could be mainly because Miyabi has a preference for nonfiction cultural books. Still, she’s open for other categories.

“Oh, it’s just a fiction book, a really good one too.” Zhu Yuan seemed awkward about sharing her interest. “I see, what is it about?” Miyabi continued asking. “Well, let’s see where I should start…” Zhu Yuan explained all the details she could remember till the part she had read.

With Miyabi having more and more questions which Zhu Yuan kept answering with pleasure. Until she realized that Miyabi doesn’t usually start a large conversation. “Miyabi,” Zhu Yuan called her out, and the girl replied with a hum.

“Have you already finished your assignment?” Miyabi tensed up at the mention of that horrendous task, and the lack of response answered Zhu Yuan, “I’ll take that as a big no.”

Miyabi evaded her eyes, and Zhu Yuan huffed at that. “But I was truly interested in your book.” Miyabi pouted; she was not lying. There was a point where Miyabi found herself immersed in Zhu Yuan’s explanations that she even thought about asking to borrow it.

“But, you can’t postergate something due tomorrow, is not too difficult,” tried to encourage miserably. “Have you finished it already?” Miyabi pointed at Zhu Yuan, trying to make her look like a culprit.

“Yeah, since, I don’t know, last week?” Then Zhu Yuan had every right to tell her about responsibility. “If you look for the right information, it takes you around an hour or two.” For Zhu Yuan, this seemed like a bearable time, but for Miyabi, it wasn’t.

“No, not in any circumstances, a paper does not show my true skill.” Yep, now Miyabi definitely was like a kid. “I know, but it also doesn’t make you bleed if you do this.” Every word from Zhu Yuan was thought out carefully for Miyabi.

Miyabi looked away, bothered by the fact that Zhu Yuan had a point. Her reaction made Zhu Yuan sigh as she realized her efforts were mostly pointless. So, she ought to take a different approach.

“You sure are a hard one to break, miss Hoshimi Miyabi” a cocky smirk showed all across Zhu Yuan’s face and the said person didn’t particularly get the point. “I’ve never broken a part of myself,” she refuted.

“All my bones are intact.” Her frowning and so serious expression made Zhu Yuan crack her smile, and her eyes widened. Zhu Yuan’s surprise was getting visible enough for Miyabi to notice. And before she could have a word.

Zhu Yuan burst into a laugh

Miyabi was perplexed by where Zhu Yuan’s laughs came from. It took some thoughtful time for her to realize, to connect that Zhu Yuan was laughing at her.

When Miyabi realized that, her ears tensed, and red began to show in her face.

“Don’t laugh at me…” Say that Miyabi was just a bit embarrassed, would be a lie. This was probably the first time Miyabi had felt this way, and Zhu Yuan was not stopping soon. “Please…” Miyabi tried to cease Zhu Yuan’s attitude.

But every second that passed, the red tint on Miyabi was getting more visible. “Zhu Yuan” tried to call out, with no result. “Zhu Yuan!” The second time turned out better as she stopped gradually.

They should work on how Miyabi understands certain words. “No, no, that’s not what I meant,” Zhu Yuan said as she rubbed her eyes and gasped for some air. “The point is that is kinda hard to reach you,” the words that came from Zhu Yuan lowered Miyabi.

It felt like she had made no progress with Zhu Yuan if she said that. A wrong thought. How Zhu Yuan joked about Miyabi showed otherwise; their progress could be called slow, but it was significant for Zhu Yuan; she just needed to show it to Miyabi.

Zhu Yuan stood up from the couch and went to the kitchen, and searched through the fridge. Unfortunately, what she was looking for was long gone. Zhu Yuan recalls seeing some cans of soda a few days ago. However, thinking they were still there was probably her fault.

She also surveyed all their remaining groceries, and apart from some leftovers, they were practically empty. “Guess it’s time for some shopping,” Zhu Yuan told herself as she closed the fridge.

“Hey Miyabi, I gotta run some errands, we’re out of a lot of stuff.” Zhu Yuan left the living room and walked towards their dorm to change her clothes. She’ll probably just put on a puffer jacket and call it a day.

Miyabi was left alone, and her thoughts were a mess. They were having a good time together, but why was Zhu Yuan leaving her so abruptly? There’s something she’s aware of that keeps people around, and she’ll use it to keep Zhu Yuan for some more minutes.

She ran towards her side of the room, ignoring Zhu Yuan's strange look at her. Who kept an eye on the swiveling ears as Miyabi’s face was not in sight. Her puzzled mind kept like that even when searching for her jacket and while putting it on.

What Zhu Yuan began to hear were rustling sounds. Miyabi was searching for something euphorically, and that made Zhu Yuan focus on Miyabi even more. A clinking sound that hit against the floor and how Miyabi picked the small metal pieces clicked in Zhu Yuan’s mind.

“What is this?” Miyabi showed an amount of dennies on her hands. Miyabi remembers that her father pays the housekeepers according to the time they spend on their jobs, it was always a generous pay, tho. “Stay for a bit.” Miyabi was full of surprises.

And Zhu Yuan decided to tease Miyabi.

“I’m not gonna stay for an amount of dennies I can get with a lotto ticket.” What Miyabi offered seemed around eight or five thousand dennies. Miyabi, on her side, frowned and counted the coins in her hands, and then an idea popped into her head.

She searched again on her side and returned as fast as she had left. “Then what about 10k?” Oh, so she’s going to up her offer. Zhu Yuan sarcastically placed her hand down her chin and thought about it. “Fifteen,” she spat.

Miyabi had made up her mind, this was going to become a challenge, a form of training for her. She could give better than what Zhu Yuan asks. Bigger, better, stronger, that’s what Miyabi aims for. Wait, isn’t this supposed to be about dennies?

“Eighteen,” Miyabi furthered the amount. Zhu Yuan was not serious about it, so she continued anyway.

“Twenty”

“Twenty-two”

“Twenty-three”

“Thirty”

“Thirty-one”

“Forty-nine”

“Fifty?”

“Fifty-eig-”

“Hey! Hey, don’t go too far!” It was probably pointless to fight against Miyabi, maybe it was her family’s blood or her thiren attributes, but she was so competitive. “If what you want is my time, I’ll have plenty once I return,” Zhu Yuan made sure to reassure her.

Miyabi’s ears went sloppy, not knowing why; however, Zhu Yuan noticed and followed her wishes. The dennies were taken by Zhu Yuan as she left. Miyabi looked at her hands, Zhu Yuan didn’t take all; she took what Miyabi initially offered

“I’ll be back in around two hours,” before stepping out. Zhu Yuan decided to remind Miyabi about her work. “And I hope you’ll be finished when I come back.” Miyabi froze at that, Zhu Yuan had caught the sly fox.

Well, not so sly if she had caught her.

Miyabi sighed once Zhu Yuan left and walked back to the bedroom. Her gaze was directly on her desk and the empty document on her laptop. It was just a brief essay, three pages even. She can do this.

It turned out that it was as Zhu Yuan said, this was fast if you think right, humanistic was all about giving your ideas a try, and a well-built search. It ended up being interesting. Miyabi was deep in thought and taking her time.

The clock ticking wasn’t bothering her, and making this tedious anymore, Miyabi wasn’t even paying attention to the time she had been spending on this. Soon one page was finally fille,d followed by the other two.

Miyabi was not the type of person to leave her work ‘untidy’ either, so she spent another good hour reviewing every word, punctuation, and structure. Her knowledge in terms of writing turned out to be useful in an area she didn’t expect.

She didn’t notice when the door opened or how a bunch of bags were tossed onto the small kitchen counter. Not even the steps that were getting closer and closer towards her. What she did feel was a coldness on one of her cheeks.

A yelp came from her mouth, and wasting no time, she looked upward and encountered, not an intruder, but her roommate. “Sorry if I scared you,” Zhu Yuan quickly turned to the now finished essay on Miyabi’s screen. “Seems like you managed yourself,” she smiled at Miyabi.

“Oh, that,” Miyabi said plainly as ever. “It was as you said, I was indeed… slacking off.” Those last words gained a chuckle from Zhu Yuan. “Good job, and here,” she tossed a cold can to Miyabi. She noticed it was a melon-flavored soda. Nice.

“You didn’t have to.” Anyway, Miyabi still opened the can and took a sip from it, tasting it carefully. Her ears wobbled at the sensation, and Zhu Yuan made a mental note that she liked this one. “I bought it with what you gave me.”

The thiren was confused. Why would Zhu Yuan do it? “That was for you to use it on yourself.” She took another sip, and Zhu Yuan huffed. “You’re not going to buy or rent my time and friendship.” There was a faint annoyance in her voice.

“Every single denny you give me, I’ll use it on you...” That took Miyabi aback, who didn’t think this could be an option. “Unless I stop spending time with you, but I doubt that would happen, cause, you know, I’m already your friend,” and also because Miyabi was her only proper company.

There was a strange warmth in that. Miyabi liked it, she should search for how to please Zhu Yuan. Miyabi wouldn’t let her be the only one who gives. It’s not a ‘take everything’ situation but a ‘give and receive’ one.

“I’ll make sure to take that into account,” she finally replied. “Maybe I’ll make you buy me all the melon candy I want.” Miyabi fooled Zhu Yuan, who simply answered a few okeys.

“I should retract my words from earlier,” Zhu Yuan again sat on the couch like she was before leaving. “Out of all of them, which ones?” Miyabi followed her and also took her place by her side. It was comfortable, Miyabi now remembers why she was slacking off in the first place.

“That you’re a hard one to break.” Zhu Yuan got closer to Miyabi’s side before continuing her speech. “You’re just not used to this,” said as she closed her eyes and, without further thought, Zhu Yuan lifted her arm and approached her hand to Miyabi

Ruffling her hair and the base of her ears.

There was a painfully awkward silence for Miyabi while Zhu Yuan realized what she was doing. First, she opened her eyes, then noticed her hand placement, and finally what was there.

Clearly, the hair was not the problem.

It was Miyabi’s ears

Zhu Yuan touched them.

It made sense why Miyabi suddenly didn’t answer. Miyabi always made sure to give a reply by mere politeness. Her frowning expression was also not a usual one on her face.

Carefully and embarrassed, Zhu Yuan released Miyabi. Once everything was settled, Miyabi spoke. “Don’t do that without asking…” There was again a soft voice, and how she sounded struck Zhu Yuan about how she was rude.

“Sorry, won’t happen again.” Zhu Yuan’s gloomy expression made Miyabi rethink her wording. “I’m not saying you can’t, only that you should ask.” Nevertheless, Zhu Yuan did everything to show Miyabi that it was her fault.

“As I said, just have it in mind, with me and or with other thirens.” Miyabi made sure not to make Zhu Yuan a bigger, nervous mess than she already was. A mess, which Miyabi smiled at and giggled. “Oh, the soda was delicious, by the way.”

A change of topic would do Zhu Yuan some well, and it did. The atmosphere changed back to normal, and Zhu Yuan talked about how she wasn’t aware that there were lots of melon-flavored items in stores. Miyabi followed the conversation and even listed all the stuff she has tried related to melon.

“So, uhm,” Zhu Yuan doubted whether to ask or not. “What would you like me to bring, if we can share it, it’s… better.” Thinking about it, Miyabi has barely seen this shy side of her.

If Zhu Yuan’s initial tough personality had dissolved, Miyabi knows she is doing things right. After all, she’s not too clueless.

“A cake would be a great choice, there are good options at the 141 store in Lumina Square,” Miyabi said before leaving and finishing other work she had been… procrastinating on. She suddenly had a stroke of inspiration to finish them.

Zhu Yuan smiled at the thought of what had happened today. Making mundane plans seemed like something friends typically do.

“Zhu Yuan!” She turned around at the mention of her name. One of her classmates seemed to need help and approached her. “Have you done your work?” he asked desperately. His concerned face demonstrated how much trouble he was having much trouble.

Hesitating, Zhu Yuan looked at Miyabi, who was silent, and gazed back with an impassive face. Not deeply caring about the matter. “Well, y-yeah, what do you need help with?” Zhu Yuan tried not to make her nervousness visible. “I'm stuck here,” he pointed at a problem.

Miyabi was not paying attention, even if she was directly looking at them and the conversation between them. Zhu Yuan was amazing at explaining, and Miyabi herself has experienced it. The guy who was a mess in words ended up calm enough to thank Zhu Yuan appropriately.

Then Miyabi could have peace on her mind again. “Seems like you’re making yourself a name,” the thiren spoke tiredly, gaining Zhu Yuan’s attention. “I just hope I don’t attract lots of people,” answered, bothered, she disliked drawing attention.

She huffed before noticing a sleepy Miyabi on the desk. “And you seem tired, how late did you finally arrive?” Usually, when Miyabi is out, Zhu Yuan at least notices when Miyabi comes back to the dorm. Last night was not the case; at some point, Zhu Yuan was knocked out.

Miyabi rubbed her eyes and lay down on the desk, humming an answer to Zhu Yuan, which gave Zhu Yuan the idea that Miyabi didn’t even know what hour it was. “Why don’t you stop meeting with them? It’s not like you enjoy it,” Zhu Yuan suggested.

Fairly enough, it was a good idea; Miyabi barely knew any of those people, so it wouldn’t be such a hassle. Nevertheless, it was going to become a bother for her if they began to go after her. Looking for Miyabi and insisting that she needs to come back.

“Hmmm, it’ll be a pain, they won’t leave me alone if they don’t feel like it.” Miyabi buried her head in her crossed arms, leaving only her ears visible. It was a funny view, but it also made Zhu Yuan realize that Miyabi was thinking of that as a big pain.

Then, how about Zhu Yuan herself becomes an option for Miyabi?

Zhu Yuan doubted for a moment that would put her in a compromising position. No one in their group was aware that they were roommates, and making plans together seemed like a way of exposing it.

But thinking further, it would only be compromising if Miyabi said any details about it. They could hang out only as friends. Friends who happen to be roommates, yet no one had to know that, tho.

Zhu Yuan was making a problem out of nowhere, and Miyabi noticed it, deciding to step in. “What have you got on your mind?” Miyabi interrupted Zhu Yuan’s thoughts. “N-Nothing, just had a stupid idea,” she said with embarrassment.

Miyabi eyes her curiously before inquiring more. “Mind telling me?” Zhu Yuan felt like she was caught doing something wrong and stuttered to say a word. “U-Uh, I was thinking that maybe if you don’t feel like accepting their plans…”

The pause was making Miyabi impatient, even if she was hiding it as best as possible. “We can stay at the dorm and, I don’t know, perhaps watch a movie?” Zhu Yuan evaded Miyabi after finishing. Leaving a surprised Miyabi by her side.

Miyabi saw this as a triumph, which was Zhu Yuan’s first petition to do something together. Just the two of them. Miyabi was so happy that she wanted to know more about that idea. “Oh? Is that so?” Her words made Zhu Yuan more of a mess, mainly because of the tone she used.

“So you want to act as an excuse for me to laze around?” Miyabi's expression was mischievous. This was the first time she had teased Zhu Yuan, and Zhu Yuan also owed her this opportunity after what she said last time to her. “Well, that’s a way to put it, yeah.” Still, Zhu Yuan prefers the word ‘option’.

Miyabi’s ears fluttered playfully while keeping a peek at Zhu Yuan. “It will be nice to spend time with you,” the way she’s leaning on her arms, and her slightly squinted eyes filled with joy, made Zhu Yuan realize this is something Miyabi would hardly forget. “At least, better than being with them.” Zhu Yuan should feel special with those words, but can she?

Zhu Yuan couldn’t believe that it was easier than she expected. Or rather, she should have expected Miyabi to agree. By now, Zhu Yuan was already aware of how Miyabi is always eager to spend time together.

But there was a slight hope from Zhu Yuan that Miyabi would forget this; it was a silly idea after all. The last thing she wants is to get involved with additional people. And in any case, what could they watch together when they had different tastes? Well, in the first place, Zhu Yuan had no idea what to look for.

“Do you want me that bad, Miyabi?” Zhu Yuan opted for a change of topic before realizing how her words could be taken. And just when she was about to apologize, Miyabi quickly answered. “Can I not?” If that’s the case, Zhu Yuan had no other option than simply playing along with her. “I’m honored to have the Hoshimi Miyabi behind me.”

Zhu Yuan didn’t want to admit that maybe, there’s a slight chance that she might fall for Miyabi. What Zhu Yuan expected was that it wouldn’t be happening anytime soon. For now, she only wanted to be friends with her. Because, how would Miyabi feel if her only friend turned out to have feelings for her?

Zhu Yuan sighed at her train of thought. “I’ll look for a movie or two to watch, you can also give it a try.” It was also better to give Miyabi the chance to pick something of her liking. Perhaps they can even run a movie marathon, and it’ll be an even better excuse. Zhu Yuan giggled at the idea and also at the fact that Miyabi has been opening more.

They both will have an entire weekend to choose wisely, It’s been a while since Zhu Yuan has dug into her stuff at her house. Especially her videotapes, she doesn’t even remember the kind she has. And about Miyabi, she’ll probably rent them, cause she definitely has lost hers.

Meanwhile, both Zhu Yuan and Miyabi should start having an idea about what they want, and also focus on what needs to be done for them. It’s Friday, and tomorrow Zhu Yuan will leave. But before that, they came to an agreement that Miyabi has to not have any unfinished tasks.

Whether it’s about self-care, work, or chores, Miyabi tends to be very distracted, so Zhu Yuan has to step up whenever the thiren starts forgetting about herself. Took an hour for Zhu Yuan to help in Miyabi’s mental checklist until everything was finally settled. Now with everyone ready, Zhu Yuan can head out without any worries.

Or not, she’ll be concerned about Miyabi even when the fox is not around her. “If anything comes up, send me a message or call me,” Zhu Yuan said, frowning and worried about how Miyabi kept staring. It made her doubt if she was even listening. “Can I not message you if it is trivial?” Zhu Yuan hummed a yes, noticing Miyabi’s expression soften.

“I’m off, I hope you’ll take good care of yourself,” Zhu Yuan waved as she left the dorm, followed by a beeping sound. Miyabi spent some good minutes standing up, not taking her eyes off the door. She gave up at some point and returned to her bed; a bit of sleep never hurts.

She’ll wake up again in around an hour and clean her sword. Miyabi would also seize the opportunity to let Tailless wander around while she looks around for anything she can entertain herself. Unsheathing her sword, a faint blue fire gathered around in the air as it came from the sword.

Soon enough, a small round spirit made its appearance, a familiar figure for Miyabi. Sharp horns revealed the nature of the being, and its eye pierced through anyone who looked at it. However, as no danger was near, Tailless didn’t present itself as one.

Miyabi silently observed its behaviour, taking note of every space it flew around or where it stayed. Seemed like Tailless ended up liking their bedroom, specifically Zhu Yuan’s side. She doesn’t have to know this, or else she’ll complain to Miyabi about it.

“Don’t make any disturbance, mainly there,” Miyabi pointed out Zhu Yuan’s bed and desk, because she won't tolerate if Tailless makes a mess. The spirit made a kind of side-eye move as it stayed on the opposite side where Miyabi was, careful not to make its master mad.

The thiren decided to focus, for the first time, and picked up her laptop for something else than assignments, or to slack off. For a moment, she forgot why she did it, but quickly minding again on her goal: looking for a movie to watch with Zhu Yuan.

To say that Miyabi was inexperienced in this would be a bit too much, it was true, tho. Honestly, she wasn’t fond of the mundane feeling of sitting and looking at a screen for an hour or more. And can’t even remember which was the last movie she watched or when.

So, as a result, she didn’t even know where to start.

Almost giving up browsing through the vast catalogue of movies all across New Eridu, Miyabi thought that it would be better if she consulted an expert. Then, her search changed into finding a place close to her that’s suitable for the situation.

A video rental store seemed like the best idea, people who worked there must be afficionated and do whatever it takes to make the customer feel attracted to the cinematographic industry. And, it’ll also serve as a walk for Miyabi.

On Zhu Yuan’s side, a door leading to an apartment opened, and as she got inside, a warm welcome awaited her. It didn’t even take minutes since she left her backpack on the couch near her when she received a hug.

“My lovely Zhu Yuan, welcome back.” Her mother squeezed her harder. “Now, let my girl catch her breath,” her father interfered, putting his hand gently on Zhu Yuan’s shoulder. “She must be tired, Zhu Yuan, feel free to settle yourself,” he patted her head.

She did as he said and walked towards her room, She was ‘lucky’ to not have any siblings because she most likely would have to share her space. And that might not help her to get a proper rest, but, not that she cannot argue a lot about it.

In her room, Zhu Yuan noticed that the space looked different. A glance made her realize that her mother must have arranged the place for her visit. Zhu Yuan let a relieved sigh, those small actions made her smile.

Zhu Yuan took out the clothes she’ll be using for the weekend, then dug through her backpack until she found her phone, turning it on, expecting a message from Miyabi. Her comment about sending trivial messages gave Zhu Yuan her hopes up.

To her surprise, there were no notifications, and she even waited for one. Zhu Yuan soon gave up after a couple of minutes while she scrolled through the inter-knot. She let a breath out. She expected too much, maybe. It would be better to focus on something else.

She looked through her whole room for a specific box, it wasn’t in sight, and decided to a peek under her bed. Still nothing, Zhu Yuan began to wonder if what she remembered was wrong. Or, she should ask her mother about it. The best possibility was that she only changed the position.

If her mother had trashed out the videotapes, uh, it’ll be a problem.

Continuing with their search, Miyabi was walking around Lumina square, taking note of the people gathered around, kids playing, parents chatting, friends joking, and cats or dogs chasing each other. It’s been a while since she observed human behavior.

For a moment, she stayed there, and an unconscious smile appeared on her face for no one to notice. One day, all of them will be protected by her and look up to her figure. For now, there was still time for her to enjoy her youth.

Miyabi walked past a lot of stores until she reached an alley with little bustle in comparison to Main Street. The decoration outside made it visible that it was indeed a video store. Once she entered, she quickly got used to the geek atmosphere there.

“Oh! Hey there, what are you looking for?” A young lady approached Miyabi, enthusiastic to see a customer. Miyabi hesitated to answer, even doubting about if the girl was referring to her. Miyabi turned her face to both sides, making the manager chuckle.

“I’m talking to you, I can tell that you are a bit confused about our catalogue,” she pointed out the shelves alongside the vast amount of different audiovisuals. “So, why don’t you tell me what you're looking for?” A big smile appeared on her face, which reassured Miyabi.

Miyabi’s small and cautious steps made it seem like she was hunting for something, which kept entertaining the girl. Miyabi, confused by the titles and not reading the synopsis, finally opted to ask, “What can you offer?” It could sound rude, but the girl was too happy to answer.

“Mom, you know I can clean my room by myself, right?” Zhu Yuan wasn’t protesting, it was more as if she was worried about giving trouble. “Yuan, but you must be tired.” Her mother only wanted the best for Zhu Yuan; spoiling her daughter wouldn’t hurt anyone.

Also, Zhu Yuan was wonderful, attentive, responsible, and caring, it’s natural to give her treats from time to time. “You won’t win your mother, you know she can be stubborn,” her father sneaked into the conversation. “Now, let’s enjoy dinner together,” he said as he placed the dishes and sat.

It was nice, her father had delicious cooking skills, Zhu Yuan missed this type of meal whenever she was at the academy, and savoured every bite. They chatted about how Zhu Yuan had been and how things around without her. Her parents making sure to calm any of her fears.

Zhu Yuan then recalled the videotapes and asked about them. “Uh, mom, have you seen our old tapes?” The sudden question startled her. “I put the above the TV, but why are you asking?” If Zhu Yuan wanted to watch a movie, she most likely would wait till she’s at home.

The girl felt embarrassed by the question her mother directed at her; now she had both of her parents waiting for an answer. “Well, I was planning to have a movie night with my roommate.” Not mentioning Miyabi’s name would make this sound as something normal.

However, her parents know her very well.

“Is it this girl, Miyabi, you have been talking about lately?” her father said mercifully, almost making Zhu Yuan choke with her food. “Y-Yeah, but, as I said, it’s just a movie night!” The way Zhu Yuan shouted took them aback. “I won’t ask any further” for now.

A moment of silence made its presence, Zhu Yuan was doubting what Miyabi could like, so Zhu Yuan kept going with her questions.” What do you think she’ll like, considering that she tends to be into historical or realism?” Her worry was sure to be seen.

Her mom and dad exchanged glances. It’s been a while since their daughter was preoccupied with pleasing someone. “But, is she picky with her tastes?” her mom pointed out first, trying to make Zhu Yuan think further about the situation.

As far as she was aware, Miyabi was open about sharing new things. Zhu Yuan remembers how, at the end, talking about the book she was reading turned into Miyabi borrowing it and finishing it in a day. “No... She liked a fantasy book I showed her,” the corner of her lips raised subtly.

“Alright, then, how about TreCarls?” Everybody loved bangboos, and the film was also catalogued as a familiar one. Zhu Yuan admits that it's to her liking. Still, she’s considering borrowing two more options, what’s a marathon without plenty of movies?

“Rookie’s Guide to the Hollow it’s amazing! You like time travel stories?” the store’s manager held the videotape too close to Miyabi’s face.

“A scientist from the old civilization is 'transported' through time to the peak of the Hollow disaster period due to an accident that occurred during his research. And then, he is looking for a way to return to the past, while also trying to help people in this time period resist the Hollow!”

Her fast talking made Miyabi have a problem processing the information, and she instantly agreed to rent this. “Yippie! You’re gonna love it, oh! oh! We also have violent movies if you're into that.” No, that’s not what Miyabi had as an idea. Anyways, Miyabi followed her to another shelf.

“The Port Peak! You might get some nightmares, especially if you watch it at night.t” It sounded like a challenge for the thiren. “I assure you, I never get nightmares.” The girl got sparkling eyes after what Miyabi said, “Really?! Miss, you must be amazing, but the true trial will be the film”

Her now smug face really surprised Miyabi. Well then, she might as well bring this one. Hoping Zhu Yuan won’t scold her for picking a, most likely, inappropriate one, even if both of them had already reached the age of majority a while ago.

“You can also show her Coffee Mate or Oh, Sweetie.” Zhu Yuan’s father interfered with giving options. Honestly, she was curious about how Miyabi takes romantic films, so it's a huge yes to bring one of them.

Everything was finally settled with both Miyabi and Zhu Yuan, who were finally done with their commission about their videotape search adventure. Miyabi was pretty satisfied once she returned to the dorm and carefully placed the tape above the small TV. Should she write to Zhu Yuan about this?”

-Zhu Yuan, I have succeeded regarding the films-

The girl was surprised but relieved by the notification from her roommate, Miyabi kept her word about chatting about trivial things.

-Yeah? Well, I had good luck too!-

Zhu Yuan’s fast answer contented the thiren, whose ears were waggling. If Miyabi had a tail, it might as well be wagging.

-I’m looking forward to watching them together, the manager from the store said one of these will give you nightmares-

Oh, Zhu Yuan didn’t know how to take that, or if she should be afraid of what Miyabi picked. She’ll discover it soon, and hopefully not regret making her choose.

-I’m also excited about this, have a good night, Miyabi ˶ᵔ ᵕ ᵔ˶-

Miyabi looked at the smiling face Zhu Yuan sent, It was warm to know she was happy about this plan of hers, even if it would be used as an excuse.

Deep in thought, Miyabi didn’t notice when Tailless approached her, its only eye on the thiren and flying around.

Miyabi was then quick to perceive its presence and frowned at how Tailless seemed like it was judging her. “Zhu Yuan is mine.” Miyabi wasn’t intending to sound possessive, but she had noticed how Tailless was comfortable around Zhu Yuan’s belongings.

The next day, Zhu Yuan came back to the dorm and was received by the thiren, alone in the living room. Miyabi had sealed Tailless a while ago. She made sure not to frighten Zhu Yuan about the spirit. That and also she wanted to personally welcome her.

Their week was as usual: new assignments, training, and studying. Miyabi’s schedule remained the same, to the point where Zhu Yuan thought Miyabi had forgotten about their agreement. It wasn’t a big deal on her side; however, on Miyabi’s side, she had spent money on renting the videotapes.

“Miyabi~, let’s meet up after class as always,” one of the guys said, getting closer to her. Zhu Yuan could already hear her answer; to her surprise, it was not the one she expected. “Sorry, I’m busy this afternoon and night, please excuse me,” Zhu Yuan flinched for a moment at her words.

The guy was puzzled by Miyabi’s reaction. “Is it so important? You can always cancel them.” Zhu Yuan didn’t like that answer, it made it look as if she was disposable. “I’m afraid not, it’s an important training,” Miyabi made sure to make herself clear.

The guy felt intimidated by the Hoshimi and left without a word. “So, I guess today’s the day, huh?” Zhu Yuan lifted the atmosphere, glad that Miyabi kept her word again. “Of course, a Hoshimi never defrauds.” A stain of pride and perked up ears showed it.

As agreed, once they got back to their dorm, and after making Miyabi finish all for tomorrow, they changed into more comfortable change of clothes. Zhu Yuan would be lying if she said that she wasn’t nervous. This will be their first time doing this.

Worry not, Miyabi noticed it and was the first one to suggest watching one of her tapes. Unfortunately, she chose Port Peak, and Zhu Yuan tried her best not to show her horror. Turning to Miyabi from time to time, and astonished at her lack of reaction.

Zhu Yuan continued with TreCarls, Port Peak wasn’t bad, but it left a bad taste in her mouth. As her mother said, everyone liked bangboos, and Miyabi was no exception. Her ears showed excitement whenever one of the little guys got a funny or cute moment.

It was Miyabi’s turn again, and her last option was ‘Rookie’s Guide to the Hollow’. It was enjoyable, maybe not too accurate when it came to Hollow research, mainly cause it also involved time-travelling and a lot of fantasy.

And finally, Coffee Mate, its simplicity caught Miyabi’s attention. The story was not out of the ordinary, maybe only the fact that the love interest was a coffee machine. However, it was caring and nice to watch. Thinking about it, this was one of her first romantic films she had ever seen.

Love seemed wonderful, and the unusual protagonist gave Miyabi the thought that love was a concept she liked the idea of. Can she fall so hard for someone? Nah, no one came to her mind, and Miyabi was fine with it.

Their so expected marathon, for the surprise of no one, ended up late at night, their yawns and lack of effort to stand up and walk to bed were proof of how tired they were. Especially Miyabi, who was already all curled up on the sofa.

“C’mon, Miyabi, you're gonna get a back pain if you stay like that,” Zhu Yuan scoffed. Miyabi groaned, even if she was right, and finally got out of her state. “By the way, how did you end up picking the Port Peak?” It was... indeed something. Miyabi stared, oblivious. “They say it makes you have nightmares.”

Alright, it was Miyabi, still, her answer was lacking in explanation. “I’ll surely have some weird dreams,” Zhu Yuan joked on their small walk to their bedroom. “I liked both of yours.” Zhu Yuan was relieved by it, she was worried about not pleasing Miyabi.

“And, I really enjoyed it, all of it, I wouldn’t mind staying up late if it’s like this,” Miyabi mumbled before passing out. Heavy breathing was a signal that their next conversation would come tomorrow morning.

Zhu Yuan stayed up for a while, thinking about Miyabi’s words. Zhu Yuan might propose setting up a weekday just for them and watching movies. Yeah, as far as Miyabi likes the idea, there won’t be any problem. Also, Zhu Yuan was fond of it too.

The silence in the room was far from disturbing; it was soothing. There was also a fresh feeling in the air, as the sun was still rising, and there wasn’t even a single voice from the young students. It was pure silence. That’s why Miyabi liked this routine when she woke up, to have time for herself and forget about her duties.

What she was fond of the most was to take care of her sword, carefully, almost like an art. She ran her fingers along the sharp, cold blade of her sword, removing any imperfections along the way. Be it grease stains, traces of ethereal matter, or even scratches. All of this was erased by the smooth silk cloth she held in her hands.

She had done so many times that the mere thought of cutting herself was practically impossible, to the point where anyone who saw her would think the blade was dull. Still, no one dared to touch it; after all, it was reserved for the Hoshimis only. Miyabi also hummed, not breaking the silence, but filling the room with even more peace.

She closed her eyes and lost herself in her mind, with a familiar figure appearing in her thoughts. Black hair as hers, longer and fox ears flickering. A soft, long-gone smile adorned the woman’s expression. Miyabi missed her. When she remembers how she can only see her in faint memories, a melancholic feeling flutters in her.

Miyabi has a space in her life where her mother’s lessons are concerned, ranging from proper eating and sleeping habits to the use of various weapons, with one notable exception: her now ‘cursed’ blade, Tailless. The one who also took away her, Miyabi, should hate her sword, but has no option but to use it to protect.

The subtle change in her memories bothered her. Miyabi wanted to keep her mother’s figure for a bit longer. Her love, which had been taken away from her. Her wiping got ruder as if she was specifically trying to get rid of her thoughts. Miyabi wanted to protect the peace this brings her, to protect her mother.

The more she was getting buried, the more her fingers were the ones beginning to touch the blade instead of the cloth. The softness from it was replaced with a coldness, one that Miyabi didn’t notice. Her fingers also got closer to the sharp, threatening to stain it with blood.

Finally, her clouded mind was interrupted by the sound of blankets brushing against each other at such an unusual hour. Miyabi got self-conscious about how she nearly cut her finger, again, maybe they were too used to it, that it wasn’t even a possibility.

She looked to where the sound most likely came from, messy hair with red streaks falling was the first thing that caught her attention. Instantly forgetting about her previous mess. Miyabi maintained her eyes on Zhu Yuan, observing every one of her movements.

Looking at how she stretched her arms, leading them behind her head, and taking her time to feel comfortable enough. Miyabi kept her attention even when Zhu Yuan only yawned and rubbed her eyes. She looked tired. When Miyabi noticed it, she finally moved her gaze to the clock in the room, which marked 4:47 in the morning.

“Morning,” Zhu Yuan stood up from her bed, stumbling with her feet until she got conscious enough to walk. “You’re up earlier than usual,” Miyabi pointed out. She can recall the fact that Zhu Yuan usually wakes up at least an hour later than this. “Didn’t you also go to sleep too late?” She also remembers not noticing when Zhu Yuan got into her bed.

It seemed that Zhu Yuan was tired since she took time in answering Miyabi, almost as if she had forgotten about it. She just responded by simply nodding at the question. Well, she does, in fact, not remember the hour she finished her project, only the pleasant moment of finally touching the softness of her bed.

“Then why didn’t you stay sleeping?” For Miyabi, it didn’t make any sense; she even expected to encounter Zhu Yuan later this morning. “I.. uh, I couldn’t keep my eyes closed.” Zhu Yuan washed her face as she said those words, a sign that she wasn’t planning to lie back. Guess they’ll start their morning together, Miyabi thinks to herself.

She unconsciously tightened the grip around the sheath on her fingers; she’ll have to finish her sword’s maintenance now if she wants to keep Zhu Yuan some company. Taking it by the hilt, she searched nearby for the sword cover, finding it not far away and grabbing it with one of his hands.

Just as she started to put it away, Zhu Yuan's voice made her turn back to her. “Is that your family’s famous cursed blade?” The question caught her off guard. Miyabi wasn’t expecting Zhu Yuan to know about Tailless remotely. It also was contrasting to what Zhu Yuan was doing, simply brushing her teeth and expecting what Miyabi had to say.

The stillness of her body made Zhu Yuan wonder if she was allowed to ask about that in the first place. Thinking that Miyabi would forget her dumb question, Zhu Yuan turned around to rinse her mouth. “How do you know about it?” Miyabi wanted to get an answer first, her ears flickering with curiosity.

“Mhm? Well, it is kinda famous, if I could list all the stuff related to your family that has made a name, it’ll probably be your father, you, and that blade.” Miyabe was aware of the first two, but Tailless? What makes it so significant? At least for a common New Eridu citizen. “Can you tell me more about what you’ve heard?”

Zhu Yuan tried to remember anything related to her question, the toothbrush still in her mouth and immobile. “Nothing incredible, just that it’s cursed and it’s an important relic to the Hoshimis.” A sense of relief invaded Miyabi, after all, it was what people unaware of the true nature of Tailless would say. Trivial gossip.

“I see, better keep it that way.” Zhu Yuan heard Miyabi say at a distance, even if it was only a few meters away, as she washed her mouth. “What do you say? Are they close to the truth?” She giggled, she was very aware how it was all silly words said by people not remotely close to her family.

Miyabi liked this side of Zhu Yuan, the one that she knew she didn’t have to take so seriously, relaxing even more when the taller one approached her. A wave of curiosity arose in Zhu Yuan once she had the chance to take a better look at the sword; it had a tempting aura all around itself. Maybe she could…

Her hand tried to reach the now stored blade, hoping for at least to touch the case with the tip of her fingers. Zhu Yuan thought that they had enough trust for it, that Miyabi would allow it, after all, it wasn’t as if Zhu Yuan could do a lot when she had no training in handling swords.

Miyabi was not expecting the sudden movement from Zhu Yuan. It felt like time went slower in her eyes, thinking about what to do, the best option was to simply move it away, but her light desperation was bigger. It happened in less than a second, and Miyabi slapped Zhu Yuan’s hands.

“Ow! What was that for!?” Zhu Yuan called out, and the speed of the action was a main point in how it hurt her. Miyabi, on her side, wasn’t sure what to explain; she acted by pure instinct. “That was…” she tried to find an excuse; however, it was better to apologize to Zhu Yuan first. “I’m sorry,” Miyabi held Tailless closer, trying to protect it.

Zhu Yuan captured the atmosphere, seeing how Miyabi evaded her and her eyes. “No, I should’ve asked first,” she tried to mean her words while also repeating to herself how stupid she was. Zhu Yuan always made sure to remember how Miyabi is new at getting closer to people.

“Hey, by the way, do you usually wake up this early in the morning?” Miyabi didn’t understand where that came from; it wasn’t strange for Zhu Yuan to be the second one to wake up. “Weekdays only, but yes, why?” Zhu Yuan’s question came from the fact that every Saturday, she has to leave, and she has problems waking Miyabi.

“Just asking,” she answered from afar while looking for her uniform. It was too early to wear it, so she’ll tidy it then. “It’s your turn to make breakfast,” she continued, thinking about how Miyabi coincidentally tends to forget her chores. Sometimes. She’s not lazy, but not fond of working if it’s not training. “Would you like eggs and toast?” Miyabi requested.

Zhu Yuan nodded; her being cooperative was a good start in their morning and a great way to strengthen their relationship. Miyabi left her sword on a shelf above the side of her bed, placing a box first to be able to reach it with less difficulty. Zhu Yuan silently stared and giggled at the sight and how Miyabi even had to get on tip-toes.

Miyabi always said that her height is 170 cm, but what she never mentions is how she counts her ears. If you point that detail out, she most likely would get away saying that height includes all her body and not just where her head ends. Also adding how her ears are part of her head, if someone goes against her.

The sun began to rise, and the sparkling sound of the homemade breakfast filled the room, having practically no doors made the scent spread, perfect to make the other one drool. Zhu Yuan approached Miyabi by her back, she didn’t expect that she was quite skillful about cooking, the basics at least. Maybe she had watched other people?

“Looks good,” Zhu Yuan praised without any lie on her lips. They sat down on their usual place on their sofa, taking care not to leave crumbs or stains. The warmth of their mornings together was something Miyabi and Zhu Yuan were starting to get used to, looking forward to it.

Because the difference here to being out of the dorm was that no one could interrupt them, they were just them. Miyabi might tell her father about this and will write a letter to her mother.

From that day, Zhu Yuan had in her mind the Hoshimi familiar relic. She hadn’t cared about it before, but Miyabi’s reaction to a mere touch got her off guard. It made sense, Zhu Yuan had no idea how to handle it in any case, if it had some sort of strange power to it. Nonetheless, her curiosity was bigger than anything else.

Zhu Yuan tried to ask indirectly about it to Miyabi, but her efforts were unsuccessful. The thiren wasn’t stupid and just answered in the most vague way possible. So, once she faced a dead end, she tried a different approach: books and records. Any source of information in general is welcome.

“What do you think about people wanting to know about Tailless?” Souichirou was stranged by her daughter’s words. Miyabi usually doesn’t show interest in the object that took away someone precious to her. “Where does that come from, Miyabi?” she stiffened, not sure if she should answer that. “There are people who have curiosity about it, and I don’t know how I should handle it,” she said sincerely.

Souichirou guessed it’s about her friend, after all, no other would dare to even get close to Miyabi. “What worries you about them getting near Tailless?” She was not sure what to say, Miyabi knew Zhu Yuan wasn’t careless, and the idea of her getting hurt hadn’t crossed her mind. “I don’t know if I want them close to it.” Her eyebrows frowned alongside her ears tensing.

She wouldn’t say Tailless was dear to her, nor was it important to her in combat. As someone once said, Miyabi alone is a monster in terms of strength, a total prodigy in any combat style. However, it gives her a strange comforting company, sometimes she even forgets about how Tiny Tailless is supposed to represent the curse passed through all the generations of her family. She liked the blue flames that couldn’t burn anything near it.

Maybe what troubles her is how she doesn’t want Zhu Yuan to know about its capability to destroy. “You always make sure to keep it safe, don’t you?” Her father reassured, “It’s easy for someone to unsheathe it.” it was like Miyabi made sure to keep finding any inconvenience. “Are you scared?” Souichirou asked, catching Miyabi off guard.

She gasped, trying to mutter something, failing at the attempt. “Not that I know, I just, I simply don’t want anyone to have it,” he wanted to make sure Miyabi answered herself, and that she also noticed that. “Then, there’s nothing else to talk about, do as your heart and mind tells you to.” Although the advice could look simple, it did comfort her a bit. She should try visiting her father more often.

“Changing topics, it's nice having you around here, you always say you’re busy.” his faint smile was different from the ones he shows at a banquet. “I felt like coming,” or was there something else on her mind she couldn’t properly express? Souichirou may or may not notice his daughter’s behavior, mainly because she was not easy to read.

“You might change,” he kept her eyes on Miyabi, observing how her features changed to confusion. Her lack of answer gave him room to talk more. “I would like to meet this friend of yours, Zhu Yuan, sounds like a nice person,” because if someone managed to make Miyabi worry, they must be important to her. “Of course, this matter depends on whether you want it or not,” but first, he needed his daughter’s approval; she can be quite protective about it.

“I’ll talk about it with her and let you know as soon as I get an answer,” Souichirou could swear he heard her voice become softer. Zhu Yuan. He looked forward to having a nice chat with her. And to meddle with Miyabi and her personal life at the academy. He could also show her some of Miyabi’s photos if the opportunity crosses by.

Miyabi came back from her visit, and her routine continued as always, attending to classes, training, or practicing her calligraphy. Now that her thoughts were in order, she could better focus on the last one. Zhu Yuan on her search ended up with nothing, whether it were books, videos, or tapes, everything surrounding the Hoshimis was only about the importance they had in New Eridu.

Sure, they mentioned their arts, and some even touched on topics like the genealogical record. But in the end, she had nothing new, not even about Miyabi’s close family, like her father.

Surrendered, she also got back to her routine, thinking that there wouldn’t be another opportunity to know more about the cursed sword from Miyabi. Hell, it didn’t matter; if Miyabi said no, then it’s a no, and she’ll respect that.

Or maybe if there was a slight chance to, she’ll take it. Snatching would be a better word to say it.

Having the whole room for herself was normal for Zhu Yuan at this point; the difference today is how she felt attracted to the sword that is Miyabi’s property. That morning was the first one she had ever seen Miyabi cleaning it, the first time she took a glimpse at the sharp, uncovered blade. Beautiful, just like its holder.

Zhu Yuan was mesmerized by the view of it, and also raised a question in her mind. What exactly does it look like? She had all perfectly arranged to be able to touch it with her hands, Miyabi was gone, and Tailless was in a place easy to reach. So, Miyabi wouldn’t mind if she didn’t find out, and there was no way she would.

Steadily, Zhu Yuan walked towards the other side of the room, the one scattered with books, parchments, brushes, and ink. She didn’t need the box that Miyabi often uses to pick her sword, so that was another evidence that Zhu Yuan could easily evade. With much care, she grabbed the extremes and lowered till she had full grip of the shaft.

It was surprisingly light, her fingers roamed through all the length and stopped at the handle. Above it, the eye-shaped print drew her attention; it felt like a strange detail. Was there a meaning to it? Zhu Yuan also noticed how there was nothing to secure it, and she could take it out anytime she wanted.

Miyabi walked until she faced the entrance to the dorm. Today, she was a bit fed up about the chit chat the group she hung up with had. The thiren looked for the card to open the door and felt relieved the moment she touched it. Now Miyabi just wanted to hear the beep and be received by Zhu Yuan.

The sound came as always, and her gaze was looking for Zhu Yuan. Said one, once she heard the open door, turned to face Miyabi, oblivious to the obvious scene in her hands. Miyabi’s eyes widened once she read the room and Zhu Yuan’s actions. First, her startled expression, then quickly taking a glance at where a Zhu Yuan was.

Why was Zhu Yuan on her side? Why was she near where she placed her blade? Miyabi’s questions were answered once she became aware of Zhu Yuan’s hands. Miyabi wasn’t sure what her expression turned to, maybe it was a mix of surprise and perplexity, or simply confusion, but what she was aware of was the thought on her mind.

Why was Zhu Yuan holding Tailless?

Her face must have changed to one that showed anger, because Zhu Yuan instantly stuttered to say a word to her. Looking for anything to cover her mess. Zhu Yuan even prepared herself to feel an impact on her face, followed by a burning ache in mere seconds.

The thing was that it never came.

What she encountered was a pain on her back, not even noticing the sound her body made when it hit the floor. And next, the burn she expected was replaced by a stinging pain on her left cheek. A dripping sensation got her out of her clouded mind; she needed to know what had just happened and how she could repair her error.

Once her vision got clearer, strands of hair brushed her face, and a shadow blocked her from getting a full view. She perceived that there was something on top of her, or rather someone.

It was Miyabi. Who had for the first time an expression she wouldn’t forget, one that would stick in the corner of her memories.

“Didn’t I tell you not to touch Tailless?!” Miyabi snapped, her sharp fangs accentuating her anger. Zhu Yuan stayed silent, even if it was for a few seconds, she could feel her breath, anxious and timid. “What are you doing with it?!” Her anger demanded an explanation, one that Zhu Yuan couldn’t give.

“I-I don’t know! I mistakenly thought that I could take a look at it.” Her voice was cracking. Zhu Yuan was too focused on avoiding being crushed by Miyabi’s strength. It was incredible how, despite being smaller and less corpulent, she had full control of Zhu Yuan under her.

This was a taste of her inhuman capabilities. Zhu Yuan would never lie about how she felt if someone asked her about this moment. She was scared because she had just realized the fact that Miyabi could beat her with no problem. And all for her stupidity.

“Let it go,” Miyabi raised her voice, expecting Zhu Yuan to instantly obey her. She did. She didn’t have the right to force something that’s not hers. “Alright, alright, just please, give me a break!” Her safety comes first; it would also be bad for Miyabi if Zhu Yuan turned out injured.

Miyabi’s strength was still visible even when Zhu Yuan had released the sword, the thiren impacted against the floor, and anyone could have heard it. Zhu Yuan tried to assimilate every detail; her upper body stood up, and her hand touched where the pain came from. She wasn't worried about the cut, even if it was deep enough to leave a mark.

She hoped it wouldn’t; this experience was unpleasant, mainly to Miyabi. “What was the point of you asking me about what I wanted from you if you’re not going to follow it?” Shit, this was a stab on the chest for Zhu Yuan; this was even worse than their rocky start as roommates.

“What should I do?” If there were a way to mend her mistake, she would take it without a doubt. Miyabi scanned her, looking for a clue about what to say, but honestly, she just wanted to be alone. She didn't want Zhu Yuan near her for at least the rest of the day. “Get out.”

“What?” Zhu Yuan asked without thinking about it. “I told you to get out!” There was again that sharp tone from Miyabi. Zhu Yuan stumbled to stand up, but managed to, running through the dorm until her presence faded away from the place. Leaving Miyabi alone with Tailless.

Miyabi usually had trouble reading people and her own feelings. She was sure about the general things she wanted to express, and right now, she knew that they were a mess. The thiren even became aware of how stiff her body was and relaxed her expression once she also noticed the now-empty room.

She held closer her sword, tempted to unsheathe it. Tailless was not a bad company, and there wasn’t a person she could run into. Her trust in her father had its ups and downs; however, he was her only family left. Miyabi disliked how much she missed her mother, and how, after kicking out Zhu Yuan, she would also miss her.

But first, Zhu Yuan needs to repair her error if they want to keep going further with their friendship.

On her side, Zhu Yuan ran and ran, not caring if she drew the attention of other students or citizens. She was not planning to stop soon; she wanted to punish herself and run out of breath. Thinking about reaching a point where her muscles feel sore, if she tripped on her feet first, that’ll be better.

She ended up on the alley behind the Gravity cinema, hoping to have time and gather her thoughts, or at least steady her rhythm. Zhu Yuan rubbed for the last time the scratch on her face, now it was a good moment to think about what she should do about it. Not so far from her site was a pharmacy that she planned to visit.

A pack of bandages would come in handy; she also had to clean the wound and make sure it won’t get infected. The tips of her fingers caressed the cut, flinching at the slightest touch. Miyabi had to be so enraged to react as she did. The always so steady Hoshimi, losing her mind was not something she wanted.

A sigh escaped her lips while she collapsed, crouching against the wall in the dark alley. Zhu Yuan thought that she should come back late at night. In the meantime, she’ll probably wander around Lumina Square or Port Elpis, the longer her walk, the better.

Or she can also just sulk in the position she’s in. There was no one near to see how pathetic she thinks she looks. With that in mind, Zhu Yuan didn’t notice another presence by her side, let alone the almost silent sound of their steps. The stranger swayed their tail, ready to startle the unaware student.

It slid by her side, carefully and steadily. The closer it got, the more Zhu Yuan felt like there was something in the air. However, her intuition was slower,r and what made her notice the intruder was the encircled tail that subtly lifted her chin. Getting a yelp from the student.

“Hey there, darling.” The charm in her voice was undoubtedly sweet, but further in it lay a sour subtone. Zhu Yuan finally got a clearer image of the person in front of her, observing from bottom to top until her eyes met theirs. It was a young woman around her age, at least that’s what she wanted to believe, and a rat thiren.

“Can I help you with something?” Zhu Yuan did her best not to sound rude, even if her expression said otherwise. “Mhmm, I’m just curious about you.” The point of her tail teasingly stung her not-injured cheek, bothering Zhu Yuan a bit more. “What’s someone from the Public Security Training Academy doing here?”

Oh, right, she still had her uniform on, so there was no reason to feel intimidated by the highlight. “And why do you have such a wet puppy face?” Alright, Zhu Yuan may have no idea who this rat thiren was, but she won’t let that slide. She stood up until she was face to face with the stranger, trying not to show any weakness.

“My, there’s no need to be so rude, let me see, Zhu Yuan?” the named one froze at her name, her uniform had no nametag, so the only other way to know it was.... “Hey! Give it back!” Zhu Yuan exclaimed as she pointed out her ID held by that slippery tail. The thiren chuckled; she enjoyed playing with anyone.

“I will, but first...” She walked around Zhu Yuan, making sure to get every bit of her attention. “You’ll have to tell me about what worried that little head of yours.” She leaned against the wall and tapped the space by her side.

Zhu Yuan surrendered, to have the opportunity to get some advice regarding how much she fucked up with Miyabi, was not bad in any way, and would be a waste not to take it. Maybe this was a sign from the world that’s telling her to face her mess.

“So, you crossed a thin line she told you not to?” Zhu Yuan pinched the bridge of her nose after hearing the same thing for the fifth time. “You can’t make it worse, or can you?” The thiren was sharp with her words and loved teasing people. Zhu Yuan wondered why she had accepted her help; maybe she shouldn’t say yes to the first opportunity that came her way.

“I know! Crap, you’ve been scolding me and not telling me how to mend my mistake,” she was losing her composure. Zhu Yuan tended to be patient, but now it was not showing. Her wound wasn’t helping either; it felt like a sting to her skin that kept annoying her. “Relax, darling, I’m going to help you, I just need you to take it out of your system,” she tried to soothe, knowing well that was not her point.

Dead in the eyes, Zhu Yuan huffed. She was about to lose her mind to a complete stranger and still had not a minimal idea for a solution. “Do you need me to tell you about anything else?” Maybe she needed to be more cooperative. A grin suddenly showed up across the thiren’s face, as if she had caught a prey in her hands. “Oh my, if you insist, I’ll gladly ask bout that friend of yours.” Zhu Yuan might need to think about her words more often.

“Say, who’s she? You’ve not mentioned a name, maybe I know her.” That was quirky; this person was a little too peculiar. “You probably do know her, who doesn’t?” That annoyed tone was still lingering in Zhu Yuan’s voice. The thiren wanted more of it; she didn’t want to push her “new friend”, yet her morbid fascination for having fun was stronger.

“Is that so? Tell me more about this one that has you heart beating fast~” that grin was not leaving soon.“Have you heard about the Hoshimis?” A stupid question, according to Zhu Yuan. “Of course I have, I don’t leave under a rock,” she escaped from one of Zhu Yuan’s sides to the other, swaying her tail in front of her face.

“Stop that, or I’m going to tug it.” The stranger was not willing to discover if she was lying. Zhu Yuan sighed after the thiren decided to finally stay still, or at least not to bother her with her tail. “The daughter, Hoshimi Miyabi, she’s... the one who has been on my head.” There was shame in saying her name, as if she didn't deserve to be mentioning it.

“Now that’s interesting, it’s like I’m close to hearing about a celebrity.” Zhu Yuan didn’t get mad at the carefree attitude. “Do as you please, ask me about her if you want.” Was she in a position to say that? They haven’t known each other for even a year. “Eh? You sure you can? I don’t think that bringing her up is a great idea,” the thiren instantly read Zhu Yuan’s body.

Zhu Yuan was about to collapse again. She wanted to curl up until she was left alone in the alley. She wanted to curse herself because everything other people said was right, and what she had said all day was out of line. At least that’s how she felt. “I don’t know, I want to put effort into this, I may think that talking about her might help,” she wanted to make Miyabi her priority.

The rat hummed, thinking about a solution that the student had been looking for. “How do you feel about her?” and first she had to know her target. “Huh?” Zhu Yuan was taken by surprise by the question, forgetting about how she was the one to offer it first. “As you heard, or were you lying about it?” she teased.

Zhu Yuan brought the palm of one of her hands to the back of her neck, slowly stroking it; her mind had abruptly emptied itself. “Uh... Well, she’s certainly unique, I guess.” That said nothing to the other young woman. “She’s... eh, she can be a bit awkward when it comes to her emotions?” Zhu Yuan remembers how Miyabi tends to take things literally.

“Aha? Is that all? Come on, you definitely think more about her,” otherwise she wouldn’t be having a headache over her. “Be honest, I will know if you lie.” Zhu Yuan instantly let a faint blush appear on her face. A shy one. There were a lot of things she could already list about Miyabi, and again, they hadn’t known each other for even a year.

“Miyabi doesn’t know how to read people, or well, she doesn’t care about it.” Miyabi doesn’t avoid, but her coldness says the contrary. “That brings her a bunch of problems she’s not aware of. People don’t really like Miyabi; they only want her family’s name.” Many around her can even point out that it’s obvious Miyabi is not easy to like.

“And... there’s something else, right?” Yes, Miyabi was nothing like the rumors paint her as. “She’s gentle, so beautiful, and doesn’t let anything take control of her.” That’s precisely why Zhu Yuan was conscious about her mistake; she disturbed Miyabi’s nature: her steadiness. “She’s a lot, and I’m scared that I can’t make things work.” There was something else to that.

“Hey, don’t be surprised if you come back one day to me and tell me that you’re madly in love with her.” Zhu Yuan’s eye twitched. What made that thiren think she would ever come back, and what had she just said? “Shut up, don’t talk as if you know what the hell is going on with me and her.” Zhu Yuan will make sure not to fall for Miyabi.

“Fuck you, you just ruined the mood,” Zhu Yuan chastised. Damn rat and her way of being sneaky. “Aw, don’t be so mad, doggy. I’m still going to give you some advice, so, not growling at me,” Zhu Yuan was struck again by why she was not sharing her thoughts at first. Being mocked by a stranger was straight-up annoying.

“There, there, now, I’ll say the obvious, you need to say you are sorry first.” That wasn’t Zhu Yuan’s plan; she had in her mind that she only wanted to evade Miyabi at all costs for now. “You make her sound like she’s an understanding person, I don’t know, maybe a gift can also help,” according to Zhu Yuan. That was rather simple, so she was not sure if it would work.

“Er, I-is, is that all?” She felt it was rude to doubt the advice someone gave her, extra guilt points if they had listened to her ranting. “What do you mean by that? I know it wass shitty, but hey, sometimes the obvious is the last thing someone does.” She had a point. “And you sulking here, rather far from the academy, makes me realize you tend to run away.”

That felt personal

“Hey! That was rude,” Zhu Yuan forgot again her bad mood, or at least the worst one. That thiren sure knew how to liven up the atmosphere. “If being impolite gets you out of here, then I’ll gladly be” she pushed Zhu Yuan with her hips, making her stumble. “It’s getting late, y’know, and you also haven’t taken care of that horrendous wound.” Right, she needed to do that first.

“Here, have some dennies and get yourself a bandage,” the thiren tossed a couple of brilliant, metallic pieces to Zhu Yuan, who immediately caught them without missing any. “Thanks...” she observed the coins in her hands, feeling suspicious about them. “I hope these are yours and you didn’t scrounge me.” If they were, it didn’t matter; they are now hers.

The stranger started to walk away without looking at the student, thinking it wasn’t necessary. “A-Again, thanks,” she faintly heard, which made her ears twitch and her tail sway. She chuckled while a smirk showed up on her face as she turned around to face Zhu Yuan. “Ah, there’s no need, I just enjoy meddling in others’ troubles.” Zhu Yuan smiled at her, hoping it would show her gratitude.

“Oh, by the way, have you got a name or...?” She paused; maybe this new friendly stranger was not willing to share such information with her. “Hmm, let me see,” her tail travelled to her chin as if she was coming up with an idea. “If we meet again, you can call me Jane; it doesn’t matter if you forget it anyway,” then she disappeared without a trace.

Zhu Yuan hopes she can cross paths with her another day, but for now, she needs to focus on getting those bandages and disinfecting her unattended wound. After that, she will have to face Miyabi even if she was not into the idea of it. She kinda has a vague foreboding that Miyabi won’t give her forgiveness so easily; however, it’s worth a shot.

And, she could actually get kicked out if she doesn’t come back, so it’s a huge no to stay the night out.

Miyabi had forgotten about how much time had passed, how much time she had been alone with her presence. Minutes? Hours? It was painful how she felt about what her friend had done. And yet, there was a hint of guilt too that whispered in her ears how she was pushing her away again. The thought that Zhu Yuan would no longer want to see her scared her.

She ironically cursed the curse she was holding with her hands while embracing it with her chest. After all, it was the main cause of this little rupture between them. Should she have permitted Zhu Yuan even if she wasn’t fond of the idea? That didn’t seem like the answer either, Miyabi felt her expression tense at the thought.

A hate towards Tailless was growing for a question of seconds, thinking about how it is an obstacle in Miyabi’s life. Impending her to live a normal life, just like her mother wanted to. Instead, she was stuck with a stupid blade, in a stupid life, in a stupid loneliness. The last one was the one who mainly caused an internal problem to the thiren, that’s why she ended up unsheathing it to cling onto something.

Tailless revealed itself, comforting light blue coming from it showed a sign that it was there by her side. It simply flew around Miyabi for a while before staying in a certain place by her side; it’s not like it can go far anyway. Miyabi shouldn’t take out Tailless whenever she feels alone, as her father once said, it’s not a company she truly pursues.

Those clouded thoughts in her mind were starting to get annoying, making her feel distressed with her head spinning around. Her mind then wandered to her fingers, Miyabi suddenly had a moment of consciousness about what they had done before. They weren’t particularly drenched in blood; nevertheless, the red smear was getting dry, and it would be more difficult to clean it later.

Miyabi didn’t want to get up even though she had already made the decision in her thoughts. Not because she wanted to, but because she could probably feel more guilt if she kept staring at the stain in her fingers that was getting rustier by the minute. She was doing nothing. Not even an effort to move her legs that had jumped out of mere instinct before.

Despite her lack of will to get going, Miyabi did end up going to the bathroom. Each step she took was slower than the last one, as if there was a remorse in washing her hands. It was. Zhu Yuan’s scared face was the one that her thoughts kept bringing into her. That fast breathing, eyes that wanted to evade Miyabi's, but didn’t want to lose track of them either.

Not to mention Miyabi particularly remembers the words she said, recalling how she didn’t know the reason for her actions. A ‘tch’ resonated through the empty room. Miyabi was the only one who could have done it, which served as a prove of her anger. She wasn’t sure if it was at herself or at Zhu Yuan, maybe both, they deserved it.

The thiren got in front of the sink while again taking a look at her fingers. It wasn’t a lot of blood, and with a lot of effort, it painted her digits. Her left hand had let the water run, not expecting it to be warm; the coldness was only gonna be momentarily, she thought. Miyabi didn’t squirm when the water ran through her skin; it wasn’t as if her fingers were sensitive.

Her right hand caressed the left one, noticing how her nails weren’t particularly large; sure, they could scratch, but if they cut, it should be because of the strength she used. Still, Miyabi made a mental note about taking better care of them, thinking about the possibility of hurting herself.

Soon the stain was gone, there was no trace of it; instead lingered a fruity scent lingered in the air, and bubbles had gathered in the middle of the sink. It was all clean now, her hand, the water, but not her consciousness. Miyabi looked up to the mirror; it wasn’t smeared, so her reflection was clear.

She opened her mouth, noticing her teeth, especially her fangs. They were sharp, sharper than what she expected her nails to be. That must be another reason why Zhu Yuan was so panicked by her reaction. Who would feel trapped like prey if what was in her eyes were teeth that could tear her skin, followed by eyes red as a burning coal.

Miyabi shook her head; nothing about what she was thinking was helping her gather her composure. To clear herself better, Miyabi took advantage of the fact that she was already near the sink and washed her face. This time, the water did affect her. Miyabi gasped for air after a bit of water had entered her nose.

She slammed her hands into her face too; the hit from her palms echoed in her ears. Miyabi left them there for a couple of minutes.

Breath.

Hold.

Count.

Take it out.

Miyabi was aware that she wanted, no, needed, to talk to someone about this. Tailless was a good option, only if she didn’t want an answer or advice, so it was a no. She didn’t have friends she could rant to; the people she hung with didn’t count. That big wolf thiren that her father has hired a couple of times, and was a complete stranger. The housekeepers around her house weren’t an option either.

So that only left her father. Miyabi hasn’t updated him about her friendship with Zhu Yuan; the last time they talked about it was when Miyabi told him she thought she had made a friend. She shouldn’t just pop into him and be like, “Hey, Dad, guess what, she kinda fucked up our relationship”. That would only worry him and would make him insist to Miyabi about all.

Also, Miyabi was still figuring out how she should act when Zhu Yuan comes back, any time soon, probably. She had no idea of how Zhu Yuan would behave first, as far as she had known her, she would feel awful and sorry. Or not, what if Zhu Yuan was a meanie and decides the wrong one was Miyabi? What if she snaps too? What if-?

Screw it.

Miyabi wants to get her father’s opinion first.

She hurriedly searched for her phone, reaching it on top of her bed. Her typing was neither brute nor calm; if you paid attention to her fingers, you could definitely guess something was off. The fact that she looked for her phone may be enough, in the first place, to tell there was a difference. The tapping of each letter was loud and only stopped once she finished her message.

-Can we talk? If you have free time, for sure.- Souichirou read the text, startled at the moment he was done.

-Of course, did something bad happen?- he was quick to make sure Miyabi knew he was there and ready to listen.

The icon that showed Miyabi was typing felt like an eternity to both of them. On her side, she was figuring out how not to make it sound like it was out of her hands. By his side, Miyabi being slow was unusual; she tends to be concise.

-My friend got close to Tailless- she finally managed to send. Souichirou was then starting to understand the situation.

-Zhu Yuan?-

-Yes-

It seemed like there had happened a few important things he would later ask his daughter about. Now Miyabi was her priority; he was aware of how she probably didn’t know how to feel.

-Are you mad at her? If that’s so, you two need to talk first- it couldn’t last too long, Miyabi’s mood.

-I don’t know if at her, I don’t want to be-

-Have you talked about how important Tailless is to you?- Souichirou needed at least a bit of context for the situation.

-I told her she shouldn’t grab it-

Well then, Miyabi was not wrong about her reasoning.

-She should come to you first. I would like to think she’s the type to notice their mistakes. Or what are you expecting?- actually nothing.

-I want her back, but I don’t know how I will react- typical from Miyabi, Souichirou thought.

-Want her back? Did she leave you?- Now that he had read it twice, what exactly had Miyabi done?

-I may have told her to get out of the dorm, and she hasn’t returned- well, that’s untypical, he sighed. She still has to learn about herself and others.

-Don’t blame it on you, it’s natural to act impulsively, what counts is what you do after-

-What do you mean?- Miyabi was completely lost, having no idea of what she could do.

-You can allow her to mend it, give her an opportunity. However, at the end, it’s up to her if she takes it or not- it might be a bit difficult since she has the possibility of not wanting to talk to Zhu Yuan.

-I’m sure you’ve chosen your bonds well, don’t worry, and just let it happen- he said as his final words to comfort her.

-Thanks-

Miyabi turned off her phone, revealing again her reflection on the black screen. Her expression was a mix of relief with bits of bother still there. She wonders if Zhu Yuan was getting back to the dorm. Miyabi then thought that maybe she should clean up in case she came late. First of all, she wanted to take care of her sword, so she looked for her sheath to guard it.

She also ordered Tailless to get inside the blade again; she doesn’t want to have a reminder of the root of the problem. It instantly obeyed, not opposing any force to its master. Now the cover lay in her hands, ready to be guarded again. Miyabi’s arms moved as always until the end of the blade finally reached the beginning of the sheath.

She observed the place where it belonged, on her side of the room. There was no evidence about Zhu Yuan being there, maybe fingerprints, if Miyabi were to be picky. Then it came to her mind, would she be right now snuggling on the couch by Zhu Yuan’s side only if she had returned later to the dorm later? Undoubtedly yes. She thought as she changed her clothes.

The sound of the door opening got her out of her bubble as her ears twitched. It took a minute for Zhu Yuan to peek her head. She searched for Miyabi with her gaze until it met hers. Once it did, Miyabi noticed how it seemed like Zhu Yuan had bitten her tongue; she was also wary about her next action. Zhu Yuan knew the thin line they were on. How it was threatened to be cut.

Her steadiness also made Miyabi realize that maybe this was going to happen soon or later. She crossed that door at that hour, not later, and perhaps it wasn’t bad. It was better that this happened today, when they were still building their trust, when a miss wouldn’t crumble their progress.

“Uhm, I-I’m back.” Zhu Yuan made sure her words meant she had Miyabi in her mind, that she cared first for what the thiren might think. Miyabi’s lack of words and cold eyes as an answer felt like a stab in her chest. “Can I come in?” If she said no, Zhu Yuan would respect it; she had no actual word in this.

Miyabi only walked away; there was no verbal claim that she said yes, nor the other way around. That was the effect of her irritation coming back; she hadn’t forgotten about it, it had only gone away for the moments she was alone. Which thankfully helped clear her mind, now it was fine, as she demonstrated her feelings, even if it was a ‘bad one’.

Zhu Yuan picked up on the mood between them, so she walked in with a steady pace, making sure her steps didn't make a noise. She also made sure to keep space between them, whether it was because she was scared Miyabi might hurt her again or merely cause she felt like she was not really welcomed.

She hesitated over the words that were about to come out of her mouth. Zhu Yuan opened and closed it a few times, which made Miyabi start losing a bit of patience. Her ears twitched, waiting for any sound from Zhu Yuan; she was expecting to hear anything from her. Zhu Yuan looked away the very moment she finally spoke

“I’m sorry,” but it didn’t change anything. Her posture was weak, and her whole body language was rejectful. What? “Are you?” Miyabi unconsciously talked back, making Zhu Yuan flinch. She wasn’t going to give up easily. “Y-yeah, I mean, I know that I pissed you and, and I want to mend it,” she was starting to breathe faster again.

“Really? Zhu Yuan, you should have thought about the consequences the moment you touched Tailless,” sharp as always when she wants to push someone away. Zhu Yuan was feeling threatened; she was now conscious of the fact that Miyabi outdoes her in terms of strength. She needed to be even more careful now.

“Listen, it was stupid from me, but I didn’t realize the weight that sword has in you, it’s, it’s just a blade.” Zhu Yuan stopped; she bit her tongue again as she noticed how it sounded rude. “I-I’m so sorry again, I don’t know what to do, but I’m serious about it.” She was about to add something like, Don’t you trust me?, but she couldn’t blame Miyabi for not.

“I don’t want to hear a bunch of probably empty words.” Miyabi got closer as she accentuated each one in her speech. “You thought I would forgive you with something so simple? Zhu Yuan was ashamed of what she was about to say. ”Yes…” Because Zhu Yuan was always close to her sayings, she thought that an “I’m sorry” was enough to fix it.

But Miyabi was different; she couldn’t be persuaded by them. She had been tried to be lured by multiple people and their mouths. The thing was that Miyabi was sharp, cold, and knew how not to please them. That’s why volatile emotions get her worked up, because she can’t keep a distance.

“Then you’re stupider than I thought.” Zhu Yuan closed her eyes; she expected another impact on her face. Miyabi then looked at the bandage on her cheek; she didn’t want to hurt her. The thiren huffed, trying to arrange her thoughts to give a solution to this. But that didn’t mean to let Zhu Yuan go so easily.

“If you truly are sorry, as you say, you should show it.” It was Miyabi’s stubbornness that wouldn’t let her get completely mad at Zhu Yuan. As her father said, the first step is to give an opportunity, “I’ll do my best for you,” and the second step is for that opportunity to be taken.

Which Zhu Yuan did.