Work Text:
"HYOUKA!!"
A strong, female scream rang across the locker room, followed by a loud thud.
"What is it?~"
Another feminine voice could be heard, chuckling innocently.
Chigiri Hyouka, the captain of Kagoshima High's female football team, has just assassined her best friend with a hug from behind.
"I told you to stop doing this..." The tall, orange haired girl named Renya Kunigami muttered, averting her gaze as a flush of embarrassment appeared on her cheeks. That girl... She really was a handful. Always startling her from behind, always dragging her around like some dog on a leash... Though, Renya didn't need a leash. In reality, she'd follow the other out of her own free will. After all, she wasn't complete without her second half. At least that's how she perceived Hyouka. She was the one who held her hand out to her. If not that, Renya would've stayed unnoticed.
She was the type to appreciate her solitude and personal space, she really was. Having a few classmates that said hi as they passed by was more than enough. Not like her social skills were advanced enough for more, anyway.
Everything changed the moment she joined the football team of her school, forced to pick a club activity to participate in. Growing up with two brothers, she's grown passionate about sports, especially this certain one.
That was when she met Hyouka, the athletic star of their school. The one highly admired and recognisable, under whose pride hid a humble soul.
The one who showed her the bright colours of a concept named "friendship."
...But where were we?
"You are NOT going home." It was clear as day Hyouka beared the nickname "princess" for a reason. The sentence spoken wasn't a request nor a suggetion - it was a clear command.
"I have a Japanese test, though..." Renya muttered with annoyance, lightly glaring at the other from above.
"You'll fail it anyway." She scoffed with a grin.
"Hyouka..."
"Oh jeez, we'll practice these kanji later. We're getting starbucks. Change quicker."
Renya knew she wouldn't have a last word in it, no matter just how much courage she'd gather. She couldn't refuse, both because of the fact she was unable to refuse another hour spent with Hyouka, and... That girl just wouldn't let her refuse. She'd use every trick possible just to drag her "dog" along.
As they changed, Renya couldn't turn her eyes away from Hyouka. Her eyes traced over Hyouka's curves, the way her muscles moved, the delicate line of her collarbone, the smoothness of her skin... Every inch of her was causing Renya's mouth to water, and she couldn't help but think of herself as some damn pervert. She couldn't help it, not when her teammate was so astonishing.
She quickly finished changing, her hands shaking slightly as she tried to button up her shirt. She dared to look at the other girl again once she was done, and her heart skipped a beat at the sight - Hyouka was fully dressed now, but her clothes only accentuated her figure even more, and the sight was almost too much for Renya to handle. She lowered her gaze.
Hyouka brushed her short, pink hair back with her hand, before putting her training bag over her shoulder and grabbing Renya's arm, just as usual.
"You got changed quicker than yesterday, congrats. I think I should scold you more often." She teased.
Renya's face turned even redder, and she could feel her heart pounding even louder. The moment the shorter female grabbed her arm, it felt like fireworks went off in her mind. But she tried to act normal, even though the simple touch was making it difficult to focus on anything else.
"You don't... need to scold me."
She gathered it in herself to protest, knowing full well it was useless. Hyouka always did whatever she wanted, and she was practically powerless to stop her.
Hyouka chuckled, shaking her head at the girl's words. She knew damn well how much her touch affected the other, but she just couldn't resist teasing her a bit. Her hand lingered on Renya's arm for a few seconds longer, before she let go.
"Of course I do. Otherwise, how would you ever learn?" She teased again, as they headed out of the locker room.
"S-Stop... making fun of me..." Renya muttered, looking away with a small pout on her face. It didn't help that Hyouka was being overly touchy today, or that she was being extra amused by her flustered state. It made her want both to yell at her captain, and bury her face into her chest, all at the same time.
Hyouka just chuckled and began dragging her to leave the training hall, as if nothing had happened. As if she hadn't been constantly doing something so suggestive, so intimate, so ambiguous...
It was driving Renya insane. She felt like just yelling her feelings in the girl's face.
She walked beside the object of her feelings, her mind still racing with thoughts and emotions. Her heart was racing, and her body tingled as the other grabbed her hip playfully. She couldn't stop thinking about the gesture, no matter how much she tried to focus on anything else.
The thought of Hyouka touching her so casually, like it was the most natural thing in the world... It was making her go insane. Why? It was too suggestive for its own good.
After another while, Hyouka broke the silence with her observation.
"You're tense, Renya. Like, extremely tense." She pointed out with a somewhat neutral expression, as they were getting closer to the coffee shop.
Renya let out a shaky breath, realizing that her friend had noticed her inner turmoil. She tried to brush it off, knowing that it was probably too obvious to deny.
"I... I'm fine. Just... a little tired after training, that's all." She muttered, her voice slightly shaky. It was a lie, of course. The cause of her tension was walking right beside her, clueless as ever... Right?
Hyouka's chattering rang through the air, but despite occasionally nodding, Renya paid no attention to whatever she was yapping about. And when they finally reached the coffee shop, Hyouka let go of her, sending a pang of disappointment through her chest.
"What are you getting, by the way? Don't tell me it's gonna be plain coffee again, even though the new seasonal menu is out. It's pissing me off." The shorter girl elbowed her playfully.
"...I'll probably just get a plain coffee. It's what I always get, why would I change now?" The other muttered, trying to sound nonchalant, hoping Hyouka would drop the subject. But deep inside, she wanted to say 'Because I want to try whatever you're having.'
"Girl, be for real... You can have plain coffee at home!" Hyouka pinched the bridge of her nose in annoyance. "At least let me try recommending you something for once. Trying something new won't kill you."
"Fine. You can recommend something, but nothing too sweet. " She relented, giving in to the other girl's will.
"Well, considering that you're boring and prefer the traditional bitter tastes... I'd say chai latte? It's basically latte with black tea. Tried it once, too bland for me. That means it's perfect for you." Hyouka scoffed teasingly, and Renya could feel her heart flutter at the fact how the other knew her so well...
Renya tried to ignore the fluttering in her chest, but the girl's words and the fact that she knew exactly what to suggest... It was overwhelming. She took a deep breath to steady herself.
"Alright, I'll try a chai latte then." She said, her voice even quieter than normal. She couldn't help but feel like this small act of trying something new held deeper meaning, because it was Hyouka who suggested it.
"You're not gonna regret this, I'm telling you~" To other smirked, proud of herself that she finally managed to convince her stubborn friend to try something new. She walked over to the counter and placed her order, later beginning to search through her training bag for her wallet.
"Shit..!" She hissed with panic, upon realising she left it at home.
"Oh, again?.." Renya muttered unphased, already pulling her own wallet out. She had it secured in a special pocket of her training bag, unlike Hyouka, who never knew where her stuff was.
Hyouka looked at Renya as if she was some goddess sent from the heavens to save her, her eyes shining.
"Ughhh... Thanks, Renya..." She whined, shifting away with embarrassment to let Renya pay, and place her own order while at it.
The taller girl blushed, feeling the weight of Hyouka's gratitude and the way she called her name. It sent a shiver down her spine, but she tried to remain calm.
"It's alright, really." She murmured, paying for both their orders. As they waited for their drinks, a comfortable silence fell between them, giving Renya a moment to steal glances at the other when she thought she wasn't looking.
Finally, their orders were ready. Renya took the drinks and handed Hyouka hers, their fingers lightly brushing. She quickly pulled away, hoping her racing heart wasn't too obvious.
"Here you go" she said, her voice soft and a bit shaky. She took a small sip of her chai latte, trying to distract herself from the butterflies in her stomach. It was definitely different from her usual plain coffee, but not unpleasant. Even... good.
"Thank you once again... I probably didn't take it out of my purse when I went to that date yesterday..." Hyouka groaned with annoyance at herself, taking a sip of her drink.
Renya froze. Date?... It wasn't anything out of the ordinary for Hyouka, probably... She was popular, after all. Still, her heart sank.
She tried to keep her expression neutral, but it was difficult. Of course Hyouka dated... But that didn't mean it didn't hurt. She cleared her throat and forced a smile.
"Oh, uh, a date? How was it?" She asked, trying to sound casual. Her grip on her drink tightened, her knuckles turning white.
"Well, I'm glad you asked! Absolute crap!" Hyouka exclaimed with frustration, eager to open up and start complaining.
"It was the first time a girl asked me out on a date, so it was the first offer I didn't turn down. But not only was she late, but she turned out to be some fangirl of mine and that's it. I don't need to be idolised more than I am."
After a short pause and noticing the other didn't have anything to say, she continued.
"I guess I only agreed because I was desperate for something. But it led me nowhere... Man, I want a girlfriend..."
She groaned quietly, sipping on her drink with frustration. She seemed oddly open about her preference for girls, but somehow, that was something new to Renya. Even though she was the closest to her...
She wanted a girlfriend, but she was saying it so casually, like it was nothing. Meanwhile, Renya had been pining after her for years. She took a gulp of her drink, trying to compose herself.
"You'll find someone... Someone who appreciates you for who you are, not just because you're popular" she muttered, her voice a little shaky. She cursed inwardly at herself for feeling this way.
The ruby eyes suddenly glanced up to meet the amber pair, the gaze in them softening.
"Yeah... Someone who appreciates me for who I am." Hyouka nodded with a small smile, seconds before realising she was halfway done with her drink and she hasn't offered it to Renya once. Damn her.
"Wanna try?" She asked, holding the plastic cup out to the other.
The other girl's mind went blank. Was Hyouka offering her a drink with a straw she drank from?.. That's almost an indirect kiss...
She took the drink, her fingers lightly grazing Hyouka's. The small touch was enough to send a shiver down her spine, and she tried to appear nonchalant as she took a sip.
It was so sweet she almost winced. The aroma of sweet caramel stayed on her tongue for longer than she'd like to. Not to mention, she could also feel the faint taste of the girl's lip gloss - that one clear, passion fruit moisturising lip gloss she was obsessed with.
"Thanks... It's good" she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. But on the inside, she felt like she was going to explode.
"Really? Well, I thought so. It's less sweet than I expected it to be" Hyouka hummed, then glanced at the other with a smirk.
"Won't you look at that... My little Renya is broadening her preferences."
The said girl blushed at the words. "My little Renya" was something that got to her, even though it was a tease more than anything. She cleared her throat and tried to act disinterested, though she knew it won't give her peace now.
.
.
.
Since that day, things have changed a bit. Not that Hyouka noticed, though, or so had Renya thought.
She was way too confused. She did, and didn't stand a chance at the same time. Hyouka wanted a girlfriend, but talked about it so casually in front of her, as if she wasn't even an option... It was killing her. Maybe she was just an advisor in the other's eyes. That one friend to complain to, not an actual option.
The distance was visible, but the way Hyouka treated her never changed. And so, a week ago, Renya was forced to visit Starbucks in her company once again. Once again, ordering chai latte.
They were now sitting by an indoor table in the corner of the café, as the taller girl almost choked on her drink.
"W-what do you mean you're worried about me?"
"Of course I am." Hyouka responded with a soft, yet stern tone, her eyes locking on the others.
"I can't ignore it any longer. Your behaviour is getting worse by the day, and you don't even seem to notice it." She leaned forward, her voice becoming even softer as she put her hand on the other girl's. "...What's bothering you?"
Renya's heart skipped a beat as Hyouka's hand touched hers. The simple gesture was enough to almost undo her completely. Her emotions were a mess, and she could feel herself getting even more flustered. She was tempted to tell Hyouka the truth, to confess everything. But fear and uncertainty held her back. What if Hyouka didn't feel the same? Would their friendship be able to withstand the confession?
She took a deep breath and averted her eyes, avoiding the girl's gaze.
"It's... It's nothing. Really. It's so stupid you'd make fun of me."
Hyouka sighed again, knowing that the other was trying to avoid the subject.
"Renya, you know I wouldn't actually make fun of you no matter what." She reassured her, her tone now softer. She lifted her other hand and gently touched the girl's chin, tilting her head up, so they were face to face.
"You can tell me anything, okay? I promise I won't judge you."
Renya opened her eyes reluctantly, feeling like she couldn't hide from that gaze any longer. She met the ruby eyes and immediately felt herself getting lost in them. Her heart pounded in her chest, and she was torn between wanting to tell the truth and keeping it hidden.
But looking at the other girl, at her concerned expression, the way her hand was still gently holding her chin... She felt like she was on the verge of spilling out her feelings right then and there.
Hyouka could see the inner battle in her eyes and hear the tremble in her voice. She gently stroked her cheek with her thumb, hoping to soothe her.
"Take your time. I'm not going anywhere" she said softly, gently coaxing her to continue.
Renya felt the touch on her cheek and closed her eyes for a moment, savoring the feeling. The gentle touch was like a soothing balm on her nerves, helping her find her voice. She took another deep breath, her heart drumming hard in her chest. She couldn't hold it in any longer. She was too far gone, and she was tired of hiding her feelings.
And so, she locked eyes with the other again, her expression a mixture of nerves and determination. Then, she mustered up all the courage she had, and before she got the chance to lose her nerve, she quickly spoke up.
"I... I like you, Hyouka." She stated firmly, her heart trying to beat out of her chest. She clutched her trembling hands into a fist, bracing herself for whatever reaction the other girl would have.
God, she couldn't believe she just said it. What the hell was she thinking? Hyouka was way out of her league. Popular, gorgeous, cool and talented... And she was just some average shy outcast. Hyouka probably saw her as some sort of a pet, as she deserves to be nothing more.
But the other was simply frozen, her mouth slightly open out of surprise, and her cheeks... blushing. Her mind was blank, trying to process what the girl just said. She didn't expect this. At all. Sure, she noticed that the girl got flustered around her more often, especially today, but it never occurred to her that... she would actually confess to her. It made no sense at all. Renya has been giving her some odd vibes, but she was sure the girl was straight?.. And not interested in any relationships. She was surely flustered all the time because she was shy, that's what Hyouka decided she didn't stand a chance.
"M-me too... I really like you too, in... that way..." She muttered, her usual boldness gone as she could barely look Renya in the eyes.
Renya's heart skipped a beat as Hyouka's words hit her full force. It was as if a dam broke, and a wave of emotions flooded her entire being. She couldn't believe it. Hyouka liked her back. It almost felt like a dream, but the warmth of Hyouka's hand on hers was all too real.
"You... You mean it, right? This isn't some weird joke, is it?"
"Trust me, I wouldn't play such a cruel prank on your sensitive, insecure ass. I think you know me well enough to know that." Hyouka pouted, looking Renya back in the eyes, deadly serious.
"I mean it. I just never said anything. I... wasn't thinking you'd want it."
"I-I thought I was out of your league... I mean, aren't I an average pushover?..." The other muttered with a small, nervous smile.
Hyouka exhaled with a hint of disappointment on her face. She knew that idiot would say that.
"Stop it. You're so much more than that. And first of all, you're... genuine and sincere. You never try to act like someone you're not, and you never make me feel pressured to do so, either" she said with a hint of vulnerability in her voice.
"I... I didn't think you'd notice that about me. I always thought I was just... boring, and quiet. That no one would notice me... Especially not you." Renya muttered, looking down at their hands, feeling the warmth and softness of Hyouka's skin.
Hyouka felt a pang of pain in her heart at those words. Renya was such a beautiful soul, how could she say that?
Her grip on the other's hand tightened.
"That's exactly why I noticed you. Because I knew you would see past my popularity, and would be able to contrast with my difficult personality. I chose you, Renya. And I'm happy with my choice."
Renya felt a mix of shock and happiness. Chosen? She was chosen. Hyouka, that popular girl with a fiery personality, chose her, a simple girl with nothing special, despite all the guys that were trying to win her over... It was as if a dream come true. She locked gazes with the other girl, her eyes starting to tear up a bit.
"I... I don't know what to say... I thought you didn't even notice me, not in that way anyway... When you said you were looking for someone, it made me think you'd never even consider me being an option..."
Her mind was still hazy from the earlier words, but she managed to gather her thoughts enough to muster up a question.
"But... I still can't wrap my head around it. If you felt like this about me, then... why didn't you ever say anything?"
The other just sighed, a sad smile forming on her face.
"I didn't want to risk our friendship. I... think it's safe to admit you were the first friend of mine I considered a real one. I was so torn on whether I should say something but... it was scary. Terrifying, actually. I didn't know what to do if you didn't return my feelings." Her fingers absentmindedly traced the contour of the taller's face, gently cupping her cheek in her hand.
Renya leaned into the touch, savoring the feeling, her mind still trying to believe if this was real or not. Seconds later, she let out a shaky sigh, her voice barely above a whisper as she responded.
"I was so scared too. Even today, I was feeling like I'd ruin our friendship if I admitted my feelings. I... I just couldn't bear the thought of you rejecting me, or even worse... being disgusted."
"Oh, please. You knew I was a lesbian, didn't you? I'm more surprised about you. Though, I should've known from the way you stare at me when I change." Hyouka chuckled, watching Renya's cheeks burn up.
"I d-don't stare!" The other sputtered, trying to hide her ever growing embarrassment. She thought she was sneaky all this time...
Hyouka chuckled again, enjoying as the girl kept on getting more and more flustered.
"It's okay, you know. You can stare as much as you want now. I mean, if you're gonna be my girlfriend... I think it's only natural that I allow you to."
In this exact moment, Renya was tempted to shut her up with the world's most aggressive kiss. But they were in public.
"S-shut up."
"Aww, can't my little Renya handle a bit of teasing from her... girlfriend?"