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Neru rubbed her eyes and let out a small yawn as her limbs splayed across the couch. Now, she definitely would check the time, but she might’ve accidentally dropped her phone into a lake and lost it… Damn, she didn’t even have a clock in her apartment.
If she had to guess, it was probably around 16 or 17 o’ clock. Too early to go to bed, but it wasn’t like she could do anything else until she got a new phone. She was also broke, so it’d probably be a while before she could buy one. Of course, there was the option of asking one of her friends, but…
Nope, would be way too greedy. Never ever ask anyone for anything, that’s simply pathetic.
Still, there was now the decision of what to do. Naps were definitely not something she liked, despite how often she’d call herself lazy. She was tired, yeah, but not tired in a way that made her want to sleep.
Oh, wait. The TV should still work… maybe. If she could juust find the remote, then… Hm… When was the last time she even used her TV? Maybe she shoved it under the couch cushions? Or maybe—
A loud noise made her jolt up, and she only relaxed when she realized it was simply the doorbell. Neru really wanted to ignore it, but a second ring was annoying enough to get her up.
“who’s there?” she grumbled, opening the door.
In front of her was… “Hi Neru!”
Damn it, it was Gumi. Of all people. “oh. hey… why are you here?”
“Can’t I spend time with my friend? C’mon…”
“w-well…” she paused awkwardly. “i did say you could, but…”
Gumi looked behind her. “Damn, your place is a mess, huh.”
Her comment flustered Neru—she was right and that was gross. Before she could respond, the girl entered (WITHOUT GETTING NERU’S PERMISSION) and looked around. She picked up some cans laying on the ground and dumped them all in a nearby trashcan.
“I tried to text you, but I guess you didn’t see it.”
“i lost my phone.”
“Oh.”
Neru closed the door quietly, watching Gumi tidy up her apartment for literally no reason. “why—”
“Listen, do you really think I’m gonna let my best friend live in a freaking dump?”
She called her best friend. “well…”
“Wh—NO! I wouldn’t! Don’t be silly. Do you have anything in the fridge?”
“not really?”
“I’m ordering us food. What do you want? Sushi? Ramen?”
“er… ramen’s fine, i guess.”
The food was average at best, but it was fuel for her body. She watched as Gumi cleaned up the table, setting aside everything before returning to the couch. Neru’s eyes followed her, not breaking contact even as Gumi stared back. She sat down right beside her, causing Neru to tense slightly.
Neither of them said anything, because words are hard. At least to her they were—she had no clue what Gumi was thinking. She’d never know… unless she asked, obviously. Again, words are hard! Really wasn’t her fault.
“You need to take better care of yourself,” Gumi told her.
No response came from Neru.
“Can you promise that for me?”
“...i’ll try.”
After she said it, Gumi visibly got comfortable. She closed her eyes and leaned back, a relieved sigh escaping her. Neru couldn’t help but be a little curious. What was the point in her breaking into her apartment just to clean and buy her food? And then tell her to take care of herself?? And then basically fall asleep on her couch???
The company was definitely nice, it just really confused her. Did she want something? It’s not like she was the only girl Gumi knew. Though, maybe she shouldn’t be complaining—BUT it’s not like she’s actually complaining either though! She’s just thinking, and thinking’s perfectly fine! Having thoughts is normal! It’s healthy to be curious, and—
Neru froze. Gumi shifted closer to her, grabbing one of her hands.
“gumi?”
A blush spread across her face—which felt very odd for her. She felt suddenly very aware of all her little movements; she stopped entirely and even held her breath a little. Gumi repositioned herself again, hugging Neru. She knew Gumi wasn’t the type to shy away from physical affection, but…
Ah, it was worse that Neru still hadn’t pulled away nor protested. In fact, she found herself liking it..? It was cozy! And. Hm. Has she always felt like this towards Gumi? Sure, they were friends, and Neru would say they are pretty close, but. Did she really like her? Like, romantically. Or whatever.
Embarrassingly, she definitely did and only realized now. At the worst possible moment.
Finally, Gumi spoke. “You alright with this?”
“huh..? uh. yeah. it’s fine.”
She let out a hum, letting go to cup Neru’s face with one hand. “Sorry,” she blurted, “I should’ve asked before. I-I just. You’re cute.”
Of course, Neru really didn’t know how to respond to that. Instead, she just let herself ease up. Gumi chuckled, using her thumb to rub Neru’s cheek.
“You’re like a cat.”
“is that supposed to be an insult?”
“Personally, I’m insulted you’d even ask.”
A smile crept up onto her face. “aalllright, shut up.”
“You know full well what I’m gonna say to that.”
Neru leaned closer. “is that an invitation?”
Internally, she was definitely freaking out, but anything to act cool in front of your newly gained crush. Heh. (...And maybe she did want a kiss. That wasn’t relevant.)
Gumi yanked her closer, a small yelp escaping from her in surprise. She hesitated for a moment, before leaning in.
The kiss was short, and maybe sucked a little… It was also singlehandedly the best thing Neru’s felt. She definitely got her wish, that’s for sure. She nuzzled into Gumi’s neck, content.
“...You like me, right?”
“damn, you’re stupid.”
“Hey! I don’t want to make you uncomfortable or anything, I just want to make sure!”
She wrapped her arms around Gumi and squeezed, words muffled. “yes. i like you. i’m sure of it.”