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Kissing, in theory, is not something Ryoko is a stranger to. In several plays, there have been couples and, of course, one or more kissing scenes. Tricks like using the thumb as a barrier, slowly rotating the faces to find an angle that seems convincing are often used by actors to “kiss”. For some reason, she found herself with her friend Minku talking about the incredible performance in the rehearsal by their classmates. All while walking to their next class.
“And then they both close the space between them and kiss” Ryoko sighs dreamly “Such a romantic scene. The chemistry was there, like a real couple.”
“I’ve never done the real thing so… I wouldn’t know.” Minku adds.
“uh? kissing?, me-me neither.” Now talking faster, Ryoko starts rambling. “But there’s nothing to be worried about, Minku, everyone has their own experiences and time, and we’re young so-” She finds herself interrupted.
“Sometimes I wish I could get to kiss you, Ryonryon.” Minku thinks out loud
“HUH?!!!” Thinks Ryoko, not saying anything and blushing. “Minku, that’s…” Tries to find the right words. “I’m pretty sure we’ll get to have a couples roles if we keep practicing”
“But on stage is all fake, right? A bummer.” Says Minku
Almost not believing what her friend was implying, Ryoko pauses for a little trying to calm herself and, again, form a coherent sentence.
A bit of curiosity sparked in Ryoko’s mind. She’s read and watched a lot of kiss scenes but actually experiencing, outside of rehearsal would be another thing.
“Minku, would you want to practice? K-Kissing, I mean…” Ryoko awkwardly offers
“For real? That would be amazing!” Minku excitedly answers. If she had a tail it would be wagging. “Do you really mean it? Like, right now?”
Not now, for sure, maybe after school. Ryoko doesn’t know how she could bluntly offer something like that, but there she was, with her friend as excited as a puppy, smiling in front of her, waiting for her reply.
“After classes! When we both get to practice dancing alone.” Ryoko regains composure. “I-I’ll be waiting at the studio.”
“That sounds nice, Ryonryon! I’ll be looking forward to it.” Minku happily replies. “See you after classes then!” She hums and enters the classroom.
---
After class, in the dancing studio, the two friends find themselves in silence facing each other. Something unusual for them, they usually chat about interests or classes.
Ryoko finding the right timing to address the fact that they’re practicing kissing and not in an actors kind of way.
“Should I like… hold your hands?” Minku breaks the silence.
“I think it’s fine how you are now.”
“Okay!” Says Minku with a reaffirming smile.
Ryoko doesn’t know how she’s not nervous at all. Is it not embarrassing for her? Well, is kissing embarrassing? It’s not like their classmates are watching; even then, they should be able to do it, as actors. Still, acting and actually kissing “for real” is different. But why is it different? Is it really that much of a deal to touch lips? They’ve held hands and hugged, skin touching before. Is it because it’s reserved for couples? Good friends should be able to show affection too. Minku often asks if she can hug her, and it feels nice. They laugh and enjoy time together.
As she thinks more about it, she feels like her heartbeat is slowly calming down, she feels safe in the situation, and there’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Her friend is just curious, and she would be lying if she said she wasn’t as well.
“Let’s close our eyes.” Says Ryoko.
The other girl nods and does as told. “But, how are we going to aim for the lips? If we can’t see.” Asks with the eyes closed.
Good point. “Well, just go forward, we’re in front of each other.” Answers as she closes her eyes as well. “I’m going to start moving. Is that okay?”
“Wait!” Minku interrupts, “Can I hold you?” she asks, opening her eyes.
???!!! Ryoko almost jumps at the question, now blushing and feeling her heartbeat go up again. She opens her eyes. “Like an embrace?”
“Yeah, or just hold your sides or your arm so I know I’m not going to bump into you, or miss. That would be pretty embarrassing heh” Minku answers with a chuckle.
So now that would be embarrassing. “Well, hold onto my arms if you want.” Ryoko directs.
“Thank you, now we can do it.”
“Yeah”
Now, both close their eyes while approaching each other. Minku with hands on the sides of Ryoko's arms and Ryoko holding her own hands, feeling a little sweat forming.
In less than they expected, their lips meet each other. Both blushing. It feels weird but calming like a hug. Their lips part with a small sound and as Ryoko opens her eyes, Minku asks if she could go again with her eyes still closed. “Sure.” answers and receives another peck on the lips. They continue for a while, small short kisses that each other can slowly feel growing into grins.
Once they’re fully smiling they both separate, open their eyes, and stare at each other.
“Can I hug you really tight?”
“Uhum”
And Ryoko is hugged tightly, laughing a little, as all her nervousness fades away.
“Thank you so much.” Minku adds as she hugs her. “I thought you wouldn’t want to kiss me, I mean we’re friends but kissing feels...” pauses a little “I really meant it when I said I liked you, not only I love your acting but you’re a precious person to me.” Now break the hug to stare at Ryoko “And as much as I like hugging you, sometimes… I wish I could kiss you too, is like I have all this affection to give, but well… I didn’t know you’d be willing to receive it. I hope it doesn’t sound weird at all.” Minku backs a little.
“I don’t think it’s weird. That’s how you are. You’ve always been affectionate like that. And, I like you too, Minku. There’s no reason for me not to like the idea of kissing you.” Ryoko holds Minku's hands as she reassures her that the feeling is mutual.
“So we could. Repeat this?” Minku plays with her fingers.
“Umm… Not sure about kissing in front of other people. That feels a little embarrassing…With all of them watching.”
“Then, when it’s just the two of us! Like this”
As if she knew Minku would start saying “pretty please” she accepts.
“Yaay! I get to kiss you as much as I like!!” With a huge smile Minku exclaims.
“As much as you like… geez, Minku. How much do you like me?” Ryoko asks
“I like you THIIIIIS MUCH!” Minku opens her arms to symbolize that she loves her friend a lot.
Ryoko laughs. And with that, they start their ballet practice.