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"So, um... Would you like to go somewhere? The weather is nice and I don't wanna miss out on it at home." Kaoruko scratched the back of her neck, looking at Haruka.
They were standing in front of the school, having just finished their classes. It would be way less awkward if Sayo were with them, but she had to tend to the shrine. Besides, that would ruin her plans.
After months of coming to terms with her feelings and mentally preparing, she decided to confess her love to Haruka, but it was easier said than done.
Haruka's eyes lit up. "Oh, I know where we could go! There's a really cute ice cream shop not far from school. I often go there with my siblings."
"I heard about it. It'll be crowded this time of day, but the ice cream is worth the price."
That sounded like a perfect first date. She imagined them sitting by the window, eating the same ice cream. It was just a thought, and yet it made her blush. Haruka was a genius without knowing it.
“Let’s go then.” Suddenly, she took her hand and pulled her forward. Kaoruko could only yelp, forced to keep up with Haruka's springy steps. “Quick, before the line gets too long!”
She was touching her hand!
Her grip was firm but not painful, and she turned her head occasionally to check if Kaoruko was keeping up. The latter girl tried not to lose her mind, but it was hard to do so when Haruka kept looking at her with her beautiful teal eyes; her pink twintails bouncing in the air. And her laugh was so soft.
How was she going to confess when something as simple as eye contact was making her nervous?
After a bit, they have slowed down to a peaceful walk, but their hands never let go of each other. The scorching summer sun shone directly on them, and there was little shade in their path.
They could already see the ice cream parlor that was on the first floor of a larger building with multiple floors. The store stood out with its unusual pastel pink walls and several tables with chairs and striped pink and white patio umbrellas outside.
The inside was just as pretty, with the same color combination and ice cream-shaped decorations. Behind the glass at the counter was a long line of ice cream in every flavor Kaoruko could imagine. Several other students from their school got there before them, so they had to wait.
Haruka didn't mind it at all and took her time to greet each of them. Kaoruko adored her friendliness, but was just a tiny bit jealous that she wasn't paying attention to her at the moment.
"You like the mint chocolate chip the most, right?" she asked, making Haruka return to her side.
"I was just going to pick that one. How did you know?"
"You once said it's your favorite."
"You remember that? That's so sweet. And your favorite ice cream is... chocolate?" She tilted her head, not entirely sure.
"I don't think I have a favorite flavour, but I do like chocolate. There are too many to choose from."
When it was their turn, Haruka chose mint chocolate while Kaoruko ordered cherry. They left the shop since it was too crowded and nobody was sitting on the chairs outside.
She sat down at a table with two chairs facing each other, and Haruka followed her. The umbrella cast a cool shadow over them. They both sat in comfortable silence, eating ice cream.
Kaoruko wondered when it would be the best moment to tell her. They were spending a cheerful afternoon together, and she didn't want to kill the mood. This could be the date of her dreams, but she could also get her heart broken. She would rather get it over with and be rejected than never let her know.
"What's on your mind, Kaoruko-chan?"
She didn't expect Haruka to notice her nervously tapping her fingers against the wooden surface. She could either lie and get out of this situation, or she could admit the truth. "There's something I need to tell you."
Was she actually about to confess her love?
"What is it?"
She took a deep breath. "I love you." She said it. She fucking said it. There was no going back now.
"Oh... Oh." Unexpectedly, Haruka lowered her head, and her face turned red too. "I-I had no idea... Does that make us a couple?" There was a hint of excitement in her voice.
She couldn't believe her ears. Did Haruka like her back? "Only if you... if you want to."
"Of course I want to! I'm so happy that you're my girlfriend now."
Her words alone could cause Kaoruko to melt. Ugh, why did she have to get like this around her? It was a struggle to even speak. She had imagined them becoming a couple many times, and it always made her heart race, but it was nothing compared to the real thing.
"And you've gone so quiet again. Why is that?"
"You make me shy when you say stuff like this." She pouted, and it made Haruka giggle.
"Wow, that's adorable!"
"You're not being helpful right now..." She glared at her.
"Sorry." She stirred the ice cream in her cone with her spoon. “I’ll try not to do this too often if it makes you squeal instead of talk."
As they continued eating their ice cream, they changed the topic to something casual to let Kaoruko relax and stop her from being flustered, although the blush did not leave her cheeks, as she was delighted with Haruka loving her back.
The conversation was typical until Haruka asked, "Can I kiss you? It's something that couples do, and we are a couple, so..."
"Miiii!~" She made a pitiful sound and hid her face in her hands. Haruka said she'd try not to do something like that! It was unfair. She wasn't prepared.
"Is that a yes?" The other girl wondered.
She nodded because she wanted Haruka to kiss her; she just didn't know if she would survive this.
"Can you get your hands out of your face? It will be hard to kiss you if I can't reach it." She laughed.
"S-sure." She put her hands down and closed her eyes. She didn't know if she could handle having Haruka so close.
Haruka gently put her hand on Kaoruko's cheek, pulling her closer. Kaoruko held her breath when she felt her breath on her lips. It was going to happen. They were going to kiss.
Realizing this, she turned her head away in shame, causing Haruka's lips to land on her cheek. Even the feeling of those soft lips against her skin was too much.
"Huh? I thought you wanted me to kiss you."
"I do."
"What's wrong then?"
"I don't know! I get shy!" She loved the way Haruka made her feel, but she was starting to get irritated with herself. It didn't fit her at all and was humiliating.
"Hey, it's cute. I really don't mind it."
"Let's try again."
This time, she made the first move and leaned closer, but stopped midway. Luckily, Haruka closed the space between them and pressed her lips to hers. Their movements were a bit clumsy, but also gentle and full of love. It wasn't like wild fireworks going off, but rather like being enveloped by a warm, beautiful sunshine. It was a short peck that lasted only a second, but it felt like an eternity.
Kaoruko was waiting so long for this moment. She was so happy that her love was requited. Haruka was her girlfriend, and they had their first kiss.
Kaoruko had waited so long for this moment. She felt like the happiest girl on Earth, now that her love was reciprocated. Haruka was her girlfriend, and they kissed for the first time.
"I love you," she said when their lips parted. Haruka was blushing just as much as she, and she looked stunning. She was so lucky to have met her.
"I love you too," she replied.
They spent the rest of the day walking around the city, checking out places, and holding hands.