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I wish we were bound to meet either way.
No matter how tough we experience every day
We'll find each other like two broken souls that were destroyed by summer.
Stay to hug and heal one another.
As the wind blows, a certain person was guided by her feet in an unfamiliar place, away from the people and its noise. Izumi knows she shouldn't be doing this with a little time left before break ends, but no matter what, she felt something that led her to this blooming tree standing alone with its pink petals dancing in the air. The wind blows hard again like a warning. She takes off her glasses, her eyes closing for a second, and when she opens them again, it feels like a star has descended in front of her.
And eventually feel the fondness of affection
The way her hair shines in the sun, petals surrounding her beautiful face, she watches as the girl basks in the sunlight, and she stands there unmoving, her cheeks becoming very warm and her hands gripping the side of her skirt, holding her sanity in place.
She doesn't know it yet, but this is the story of how their hearts entangled the red string that leads to each other's arms.
You belong in a poem I'm yet to write.
Izumi tried to hide at the back of the tree, only listening to the unfamiliar tune the blonde girl provided. It was simple, but every line struck a chord in her heart, making her body feel light.
The wind struck again. Izumi lost her balance but was thankfully quick on her feet, kicking off fallen petals and leaves, alarming the carefree girl.
The second their eyes met as she heard her voice like a melody weaved in her ears, from that moment on Izumi Yuki began to believe in destiny.
Can you ignore reality and be in my arms?
It wasn't love at first sight, but Izumi knew she was bound to fall in love with her.
“I didn't think someone would come here” the blonde started up.
Izumi should say something, but her brain is still busy floating along with the song.
“Are you okay?” She tried again, hands waving to get her attention.
“Is it an original?” Izumi asked.
“Ah yes, but it's a poem. I just tried to add a melody; that's all.” The blonde scratched the back of her neck, feeling bashful that someone caught her in her little moment.
“...Beautiful.” She muttered
“What?”
“The poem is beautiful.” Even Izumi is surprised the moment the words leave her mouth. Sure, it was the first thing she thought, but she isn't the type to voice out such words; she'll die from embarrassment.
“Thank you.” The girl smiles warmly, and if that isn't enough, Izumi doesn't know what else she needs.
“Although I think it's missing something” the girl added.
“What is it?”
“I need a muse.” Red eyes stared at her intently.
“Muse? Like a source of inspiration, right?” Izumi put her hand on her chin, striking a thinking pose, while her brows lowered as she seriously thought about a solution; that's the least she can do as thanks for the wonderful performance.
'Can it just be about spring? but that's too common i guess…’ Just as she was lost in her thoughts, the blonde suddenly shouted.
“Oh, I know! Why don't you be my muse?” She held her hands and leant in; sparkling eyes bore holes in her poor heart.
“I'm sorry, what?”
Izumi didn't know it was the moon disguised as a star.
While silently sitting in the same tree where they met, a question rises in Izumi's mind.
“I've been meaning to ask this, but...” She saw the girl besides her lying peacefully while already snoring. She would never say this, but she wishes to see this scenery every day, hiding in the shade of a tree, just the two of them in this little world. She was more than happy seeing the other person relax around her.
Is it okay to ask for more?
“Hey, Kayamori, wake up. The break isn't that long.” She gently patted the girl's head, and it did the trick and slowly opened the blonde's eyes.
“How long are you going to call me Kayamori? If you don't call me Ruka, I'll sleep.” The sleepy girl sat up and hugged her knees.
“Why are you sulking?”
“Goodni-” The blonde lay down in the grass again.
“Wait, Ruka, don't sleep! We will be late again!” She pulled her up and watched her intently.
“If Yukki is saying that much, then.” Red eyes stared at her back.
‘Why am I being this desperate? I could just leave her here.’ Izumi loses in their little staring game and sighs.
‘But then again, I know to myself I can't do it willingly.’ She pushes down her thoughts as quickly as they pop.
“Why is your face so red? allergy?”
“T-this is nothing.”
“I see… by the way, what are you going to ask me?”
“So you're already awake.” The exasperated girl sighed again, but, well, banter like this is what makes them unique from others; if words fail, then actions can just speak louder, and so Izumi leant.
“Why did you become a poet?” A whisper only audible because of their closeness
The blonde turned her head, red orbs landing on her face, bewildered.
“S-sorry, did I step over my boundaries?” The purple head widened their distance, cheeks becoming more red.
“Oh, not really. I just thought you were going to kiss me.”
“What!? Don't be stupid. What would I gain when I kiss you!?” Izumi panicked, her face warming up like summer.
“I'm just kidding, I was just surprised that's all.” Kayamori brushed it off.
‘I'm surprised that you want to know more about me.’ The blonde hides her smile behind her palm.
‘I hope I don't look that messy. I want to be cool in front of her, but letting her peek into my heart… I'm scared to pour it out. What if it doesn't stop?’ She became aware of the seed ready to bloom in her heart.
What if I tell you that I've fallen
Kayamori tried to lean on her now, waiting for a reaction, a response, anything that could confirm that this moment felt right, but red hands pushed her face away, although she didn't fail to see how red Izumi's face had become.
She was about to take the challenge that is Izumi Yuki, but it stopped the moment the bell rang, signalling the end of their time together.
“That's the bell, sorry Yukki I'll tell it to you another time.” Kayamori was the one to stand up and pat her skirt.
“I see, pay attention to class so you don't get scolded by the Teacher” Izumi followed.
“Oh wait, Yukki, open your hand.” Izumi did as she was told, and Kayamori placed something in her hands.
“Paper star? Are you really that bored during class?” she sighed but carefully put it in her pockets.
The wind blew again, and Izumi began to get ready to leave, and Kayamori wondered if she reached out for her again, would she choose to stay and hold her hand?
‘I want to be with you for a little longer.’ The words stuck in her mouth, left to dry. She knew the snow would disappear when the winter ended, but was she willing to choose the pain for a little happiness? Are they both willing to do it?
Just how could I show you what spring feels like when your heart is all about winters?
As the season gets warmer, so do their hearts. There's an unspoken rule about the way their lunch breaks are spent together under the same tree. Kayamori would tell Izumi about how her morning went since they aren't in the same class, and Izumi would scold her to study and not skip classes. Between their mundane talks, the blonde would always take time to recite her verses to Izumi. It wasn't said, but this part will always be the reason why Izumi looks forward to lunch breaks.
Although it was merry, there is one thing added to their little routine.
As the bell rang, both of them were getting ready to leave, and as if it were certain, Izumi reached out her hand while the other excitedly brought out yet another paper star, clasping it in the other's hand.
“I'm surprised the Teacher hasn't caught you yet.”
“Meaning I'm that good at sneaking.” Kayamori proudly said
“I think I've given you many; are you collecting them?” The blonde asked but was met by silence; again, it wasn't said, but Izumi indeed stored them in a jar with a red string sitting besides her computer.
As they went their separate ways, time fast-forwarded in the blink of an eye, and before Izumi knew it, she was at her desk with the jar in hand. It's definitely not that many, but it's weird it kept adding up every day.
‘Is she just really bored in class, or is there another reason?’ Izumi wondered, and before she could continue thinking about it, she got very embarrassed and stormed off to cool her head in the shower.
In a completely related case, Kayamori stayed up all night surrounded by papers imbedded with poems she dedicated her heart to. She knew Izumi would be worried to see her with a lack of sleep, but she could just sleep in classes again; the other girl wouldn't need to know.
As soon as she thought of their interactions, the verses would naturally find their way to her, and before she knew it, she was smiling so hard again. Her arms definitely hurt, but her heart was light and happy.
Before sleep took her, she took a paper strip and wrote something before folding it into the shape of a star. She put it in her bag before hopping to her bed, wishing to see the other girl in her dreams.
The girl in my verses has always been you.
As the days passed, their routine still continued without a problem… until today.
Kayamori Ruka cannot be seen anywhere. Between the two of them, the blonde always gets in the place first, but now Izumi has been sitting for 20 minutes, but there are no signs of the other.
‘It's not like we've agreed on anything' the girl reminds herself.
Feeling very distracted after eating, she decided to leave and head to the library, and on her way, you guessed it right, Kayamori could be seen surrounded by people. It's not often they can meet inside of school, but it's definitely not surprising to think Kayamori would be a celebrity.
‘From her personality, it makes sense she is so popular.’ She ignored her thoughts and headed straight to her destination.
“Sorry, Yukki! I couldn't come yesterday,” Kayamori bowed in front of her, exaggerating the apology. Izumi just stared at her, and the poet just looked at her with puppy eyes.
“It's not like we've agreed to meet every day; what are you apologising about?” She looks at her again, and suddenly the blonde jumps on her, hugging her with teary eyes.
“Wha—Idiot, stop that! It's getting warmer these days. Do you want us to have a heatstroke?” She pushes her away, but the girl just clings to her more hard.
“Then we'll establish it right now: from now on Izumi Yuki and Kayamori Ruka will be together during lunch breaks!” she pouted.
“You little… So the place doesn't matter?” She gave up fighting back.
“As long as we're together, I know we will surpass anything.” She smugly said.
This woman is going to be the death of her.
Izumi's ears are not printed out, and she indeed heard the blonde's words clearly, and yet the same person was nowhere to be seen yet again. The girl has been on her phone for 30 minutes, and yet there is no sign of the other. At first it was fine, but it's getting so frequent that she started getting worried herself.
‘Isn't it good this way?’ She knew not to expect too much, but the blonde kept reassuring her, but at the end of the day, why is Kayamori so invested in her anyway? They are the polar opposite of each other, and not even their interests align, so why her?
She knew better what the right thing to ask herself was: is she willing to burn her hands just to save the star? as if the universe will answer for her.
Shall we continue to waltz between the lines of friendship and lovers?
“Good timing, Kayamori; help us arrange these printouts.” Just as it was said, a loud bang could be heard, and a mountain of paper blocked Kayamori’s view of the blackboard.
“Sorry Tojo, I have plans during lunchtime” Kayamori said, getting ready to leave, but the other girl didn't move to make way.
“That wasn't a request; remember, you still owe me something from saving your sleepy head in class.” Kayamori can feel the chills run through her spine.
“Don't give her too much pressure.” A brunette walks in.
“Sorry, Kayamori-san, the others who are supposed to help today have a little dispute, so we really need some help.” Asakura apologetically smiled at her.
‘Well, there goes my time with Yukki.’ At times like this she wished she had gotten Izumi's contact to let her know; with a sigh she resigned and started to sort the papers.
As quickly as their classes finished, droplets from the rain began to pour out, and before Kayamori knew it, it was raining very hard, and just her luck, her morning self forgot to bring an umbrella, and she was left there waiting for the rain to stop.
“You’ll catch a cold if you make a run out of it; we can share.” Suddenly a purple umbrella was placed above her. She looked at the source of the voice and saw Izumi unbothered as always.
‘I can't really leave her alone for a second’ the purple head thought.
“Yukki!” Just as she was so happy, she remembered what she did just hours ago, and her mind began to race trying to think of an excuse because there is no way she will tell the other girl what really happened and get found out later she got scolded in class for sleeping; it's pouring oil on the fire.
“About this afternoon, sorry I was invited by Tojo and Karerin and just couldn't refuse.” She smiled nervously.
Izumi stand there, unmoving, with an unreadable expression Kayamori doesn't recall seeing. What was Kayamori expecting her to do?
Something felt off for her, Kayamori wanted to say something, but Izumi brushed it off.
“No problem. I remember I have a book to return to the library anyways.” She said normally, and they start walking in silence, shoulders touching the other. It feels warm, but why does it feel heavy? As if the distance Kayamori don't know existed makes its presence known.
“Hey, why don't we stop here for a little bit and eat?” The blonde said, fingers pointing at a restaurant.
“Hungry already? Didn't you eat lunch?” The other replied, puzzled.
“Yea, but it's not with you.” Kayamori said, silently praising herself for delivering it smoothly.
The other girl was at first hesitant, but she couldn't win against those puppy eyes, and so they decided to check it out.
With a creak, the wooden door opened along with a chime of a bell. They quickly found an available seat besides the glass window and decided to settle themselves before ordering some food. The silence stretched out again, and the blonde tried to study the girl in front of her.
Her guts tells her something is different from what she imagined but what is it? What does she wants to have with Izumi? What is she willing to do to get it?
It's frustrating; Izumi knew her like the back of her hand, and yet she doesn't know a single thing about how the other feels when she's with Kayamori. Just how deep is she willing to let her see?
How deep and to what extent?
She tried to analyze their past interaction, and yet it just confused her more. Thinking isn't really her thing, and normally Izumi would tell her what it is, but she cannot tell her this problem and expect her to even respond positively.
“Stop that. Why are you staring without saying a word?” Izumi interrupted her thoughts.
“Have you ever thought of kissing me?” Kayamori suddenly asked, If she can't figure her out, she'll just have to look for clues.
“W-what are you talki-” Another expression Kayamori hadn't encountered appeared in Izumi's face, but this time, it's downright adorable.
“Look at me in the eyes and answer me.” She interrupted her.
For a split second their eyes met, but no words were said; instead, the purple head leant her chin in her hand that was resting on the table and looked away at the window, hiding her very red face.
“Do you feel empty when I'm not beside you?” Kayamori persists. Again she sank in her seat, avoiding the hot gaze pointed at her.
Curious Red met teary Green, and instantly loud laughter could be heard.
“W-why are you laughing!?” Izumi tenses up.
“Because your face is so red! ” Kayamori pointed out.
“Stop!" Hands don't know where to go, found its way to the blonde's face, stopping it from embarrassing her further. The sound disappeared, but the hand she tried to retract was caught by the blonde's own, leading it to her cheeks and leaning on it.
“I didn't know we were both that down bad, huh?” The blonde smiled brightly.
“Both…WHAT!?” The purple head exploded in crimson red, sinking further in her seat, head leant at the table but showing no signs of moving her hand.
‘So she's not going to deny it’ Kayamori thought, her face also getting warmer. She took Izumi’s hand away from her cheek and kissed it with care.
“W-what are you doing!?" It's too much; Izumi can't handle the affection and wants to run away, but still she doesn't.
“What I've always wanted to do right from the very start” Kayamori smiled tenderly.
Izumi just let her, burning this sight in her eyes, because she knew not to take each moment for granted. Someday the stars will be taken away by clouds, and it will be always out of her reach, but just for this moment the snow pleads.
If only I could become a constellation with you.
“Hey Yukki, what are you thinking about?” Kayamori interrupted her thoughts. She is once again staring at her after they finished eating and the situation calmed down.
“You joke too much.” As if Izumi would tell her the truth.
The blonde froze and changed its demeanour into a serious one, carefully choosing its words with eyes not leaving her; Izumi tensed up.
“I’m serious about you.”
No flowery words, cheesy lines, or deep meaning—just a straightforward confession, a rare choice for a poet, but it left no room to be misunderstood. It's her raw feelings bared in front of Izumi.
It's all hers; all she has to do is take it.
Izumi's thoughts race just like her heartbeat threatening to get out of her chest. She didn't know what to say. She imagined different scenarios, but none of them prepared her for this.
“How can you be so sure?” After what felt like an eternity, she whispered
"Did you know paper stars symbolizes love?” The blonde reached out at a vase of bellflowers, playing on its petals.
“I think you've misunderstood; admiration is not the same as love.” She refused to believe, hand fixed in her lap clutching her skirt tightly.
“Love is something you earn, something you have to prove you deserve, and I'm ready to spend my lifetime to experience what life has in store for me with you by my side.” She stated firmly, eyes not leaving her even for a second.
“Izumi Yuki, would you give me the honour of being a part of your life as your lover?” Kayamori reached out for her hands, and Izumi noticed it shaking. She's nervous, and yet she is still doing it.
Izumi rested her head on the table and let out a long sigh; she was an idiot for hiding. She raised her head, and once again she is met with her red eyes sparkling just like how it was when they first met, and even now she still can't win against it.
“Ruka… I'm not good with words like you, and I don't even know what you see in me, but... in your trembling hands I felt safe and assured that everything will turn out great. You are sometimes annoying, but that does not lessen what I feel for you. It's my first time feeling like this… I don't know what to do, but I know that there is nothing more worthy than being by your side.” Her features softened, her hands still holding on to the other.
“We have a whole world to explore, we'll just have to figure it out, together.” Kayamori looks at her like she's her everything, this moment revolving just for them to be happy and finally be together without hesitation.
“I guess I'm in for another roller coaster.” Izumi laughed lightly, preparing herself for the new journey because not a single moment is dull with Kayamori by her side.
I wasn't searching for love.
Not in the past and supposedly in the future,
And yet you unknowingly gave it to me.
The thrills, the butterflies, the happiness It was all a new experience,
But it wasn't so bad.
Although there is no way I'm going to tell you that.
Their hearts lighten up just like the sun making its way back.