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Mami blinked.
The first thing she noticed was the light.
Neon reflections stretched across the wide streets of Tsukuyomi, towering holographic buildings glowing overhead. Avatars passed by in clusters, laughter and chatter echoing faintly through the plaza.
The second thing she noticed was her arm being yanked forward.
“Wait—!”
Roka was pulling her through the crowd at full speed.
Mami stumbled, nearly tripping over her own feet as she was dragged along the glowing pathway. “Roka—slow down!”
Her voice came out somewhere between a shout and a whine.
“Roka!”
The girl ahead of her finally glanced back over her shoulder. Roka’s avatar slowed just a bit, laughter slipping from her lips.
“You’re so slow,” she teased.
“I’m not slow, you’re sprinting!”
Mami nearly lost her footing again when Roka tugged her forward once more. “Can you not—?!”
Roka stopped abruptly.
Mami bumped into her back with a soft oof.
For a second she just stood there, slightly hunched over, catching her breath. A couple avatars walking past threw them curious looks.
Mami noticed.
And immediately felt heat crawl into her face.
She straightened up quickly, brushing her jacket like that would somehow erase the awkwardness.
“…You’re embarrassing me,” she muttered.
Roka only laughed quietly.
Mami exhaled, still panting a little from being dragged halfway across the plaza.
“Why are we even here in the first place?” she asked, trying to regain some composure. “You didn’t explain anything, you just—”
She didn’t finish the sentence.
Roka suddenly stepped closer.
Mami barely had time to react before Roka cupped her cheeks, warm hands holding her face in place and tilting it upward.
Her words died instantly.
“…Roka?”
For a moment the noise of Tsukuyomi faded.
All Mami could see was Roka.
Her expression wasn’t teasing anymore.
No smirk.
No playful sarcasm.
Just a soft, genuine smile—bright enough that it almost felt unreal.
The kind of smile that made your chest tighten without warning.
Mami felt her heart slam against her ribs.
“…What are you—”
Roka spoke first.
“I love you.”
The words landed so suddenly that Mami’s mind blanked.
Completely.
Her ears rang.
Her face burned.
She stared up at Roka, frozen in place as the sweetest smile she had ever seen stayed right in front of her.
It was the kind of smile that could melt anyone.
And Mami felt like she might actually dissolve on the spot.
“…Huh?”
It was the only sound her brain managed to produce.
She then suddenly heard her mother’s voice.
“Mami!”
The sound echoed strangely, cutting through the bright noise of Tsukuyomi.
Mami blinked.
“…Huh?”
The plaza around her flickered faintly.
“Mami!”
Her mother’s voice again—louder this time.
That was odd.
Why would her mom be—
“Mami, wake up!”
The neon skyline warped, colors smearing like wet paint. The ground beneath her feet faded. Roka’s face blurred in front of her, that smile dissolving into streaks of light.
Mami jolted awake.
Her eyes opened slowly, heavy with sleep. For a second everything was hazy—just the soft morning light leaking through her curtains and the warmth of her blanket wrapped around her.
She yawned, stretching one arm across the bed.
“…Mm…”
Then her brain caught up.
Mami froze.
Her eyes widened.
“…Wait.”
Her hand shot up to her face.
“That was a dream?!”
Heat exploded across her cheeks.
“No way,” she whispered, horrified. “No—no, no.”
She buried her face into her pillow with a muffled groan.
Did I seriously just dream about that?
Roka’s voice replayed in her head.
I love you.
Mami yanked the pillow over her head like it might smother the memory.
“Oh my god.”
Her face burned even hotter.
“Am I that far gone already?” she muttered into the fabric.
This was bad.
This was very bad.
Before she could spiral any further, her bedroom door creaked open.
Her mother stepped in, arms crossed, letting out a tired sigh.
“Mami, breakfast has been ready for a while now.”
Mami peeked out from under the pillow.
Her mom gave her a look.
“You’re going to be late if you don’t start moving.”
There was a pause.
Then Mami’s brain processed the words.
Her eyes widened again.
“What..”
A beat of silence.
Then—
“WHAT?!”
Mami shot upright with a shriek, nearly tangling herself in the blanket.
“I’m late?!”
Mami stumbled out of bed, blanket slipping from her shoulders as she scrambled toward the floor. Her mother quietly closed the bedroom door behind her, letting out a soft, amused chuckle.
Mami didn’t even acknowledge it—she lunged for her bed, quickly straightening the sheets and fluffing the pillow, then bolted toward the bathroom. Teeth brushed, face washed, hair roughly combed into place. Every motion was frantic, her thoughts a jumble of panic.
I’m going to be late… no, already late… what if I miss first period… why did I dream that… oh no, Roka… ahhh!
Minutes later, she tore out of the bathroom, yanking her uniform from the closet and hastily dressing, fumbling with buttons and her tie.
Then her eyes landed on the clock.
Two hours before school even starts.
Mami froze, blinking at the display as if it might suddenly change.
“…Huh?”
She stared at it, dumbfounded, heart slowing. The panic that had gripped her melted into disbelief.
She groaned, dropping back onto her bed with a dramatic flop, arms splayed out, staring at the ceiling.
“Ughhh… mom!!” she wailed, curling a hand over her face.
For a moment, she just lay there, half-laughing, half-grumbling, still flushed from the dream—and still a little dazed from her early morning sprint.
Mami flinched as her mother’s voice carried through the hallway again, a little louder this time.
“Mami! Breakfast’s getting cold!”
Her eyes widened, and she stumbled slightly in surprise. “I-I’m coming! Coming!” she stuttered, voice higher than usual.
Quickly, she tugged at her uniform, straightening the collar and adjusting the ribbon. Socks went on in a rush, one crooked before she yanked it into place.
Finally, she grabbed the edge of the banister for balance and carefully—but still hastily—made her way down the stairs, each step echoing softly in the quiet house.
Her mind was still partly elsewhere, cheeks faintly warm from the dream, heart still thudding a little faster than necessary.
The aroma of breakfast hit her as she reached the bottom, grounding her slightly.
“…Okay,” she muttered under her breath, taking a deep breath to steady herself. “Breakfast… then school… then everything else…”
Her mother finally smiled when Mami appeared in the kitchen and gestured toward the table.
“Sit, sit. Eat before school starts,” she said, sliding a plate closer to her.
Mami nodded quickly and took her seat, scooting the chair in with a soft scrape. Her eyes dropped to the breakfast neatly prepared in front of her.
For a moment, everything felt normal.
Then—
The dream flashed in her mind.
Roka standing right in front of her.
That smile.
Those three words. I love you.
Mami’s shoulders jolted.
“—Eee!” she squealed under her breath, the sound barely escaping her before she clamped both hands over her mouth.
Her eyes widened in horror.
Did I just make that noise out loud?!
Slowly—very slowly—she peeked over her hands.
Her gaze darted toward her mother.
Then toward the living room where her dad was lounging on the couch.
She froze, silently praying neither of them had noticed.
After finishing breakfast, Mami hurried back upstairs and slipped into her room again. She still had an hour and a half before school, after all.
Sitting carefully on the edge of her bed—making sure not to wrinkle her skirt—she reached for her phone and unplugged the charger. The screen lit up as she turned it on, and almost immediately she opened Tsukuyomi to check the current activity.
Her eyes scanned the list of users.
Roka — Offline
Mami blinked.
She checked again.
Still offline.
Iroha was offline too.
A few other friends were online, their avatars glowing faintly beside their names. Normally she would’ve joined them without thinking.
But today…
Mami sighed quietly.
She didn’t really feel like it.
Just because Roka isn’t there, her mind chimed in immediately.
Mami squeezed her eyes shut, gripping her phone slightly tighter.
“Stop that,” she muttered under her breath, scolding her own thoughts. Her cheeks warmed again despite herself.
When she opened her eyes, she quickly looked back down at the screen, pretending to be completely focused. She began scrolling aimlessly, flicking through posts and updates in her socials, mostly just to pass the time while waiting for school.
Still, every now and then…
Her gaze drifted back to Roka’s name.
When Mami noticed the time creeping closer to when she had to leave, she quickly grabbed her bag from beside her desk.
She hurried downstairs, nearly skipping the last step.
“I’m heading out!” she called, slipping on her shoes near the door.
Her mother waved from the kitchen while her father glanced over from the living room. “Have a good day!”
“Bye!” Mami chirped, pushing the door open.
The morning air was cool and calm. Mami bounced lightly on her steps as she made her way down the street toward school. The neighborhood was still quiet, the roads mostly empty except for a few students walking in the same direction.
A couple of classmates who recognized her waved as they passed.
“Morning, Mami!”
“Hi!”
Some were acquaintances. Some were fans. Either way, Mami returned each greeting with a bright smile and a friendly wave before picking up her pace into a light jog toward campus.
Soon the school gates came into view.
Mami slowed as she stepped inside, her eyes instinctively scanning the courtyard.
It didn’t take long.
There they were.
Roka.
And Iroha.
The two stood together near one of the trees, talking like they always did.
Mami’s heart lifted immediately when she saw them—
Then another thought slipped in.
Roka with Iroha.
Mami’s expression faltered for a brief second, a small frown tugging at her lips.
Her grip tightened slightly on the strap of her bag.
But she quickly shook her head.
No!
She shouldn’t think like that.
Iroha wasn’t doing anything wrong. Neither was Roka.
And honestly…
Mami sighed quietly to herself.
She was just as hopeless for Roka as Roka was hopeless for Iroha.
“…Yeah,” she murmured, straightening up again.
Then she started walking toward them.
Mami quietly crept closer, carefully timing her steps as she approached from behind.
Perfect, she thought mischievously.
Then—!
She suddenly placed a hand on each of their shoulders.
“Good morning!” Mami declared triumphantly.
…..
Nothing happened.
Neither Roka nor Iroha flinched.
They didn’t jump.
They didn’t even look startled.
Instead, both of them simply turned their heads slightly.
“Morning, Mami,” Iroha said casually.
“Good morning,” Roka added with a small smile.
Mami blinked.
“…Huh?”
Her triumphant pose slowly deflated.
“No way!” she whined, dropping her hands. “You didn’t get surprised at all!”
Iroha shrugged lightly. “As always.”
Mami gasped in betrayal.
Roka chuckled softly and glanced at her. “We were already expecting it.”
Mami frowned. “What?! How?!”
Roka tilted her head slightly, her smile teasing.
“We saw you sneaking behind us from the gate.”
Mami froze.
“...You did?”
“Mhm.”
Mami puffed her cheeks out into a dramatic pout, clutching the strap of her bag.
“That’s not fair!” she complained.
Both Roka and Iroha burst into laughter at Mami’s exaggerated pout.
Before Mami could protest further, Roka reached out and gently pulled her forward, slipping her right between the two of them as they started walking toward the school building.
“Hey—!” Mami squeaked, nearly stumbling before steadying herself.
Now boxed in between them, she huffed once more before turning her attention to Iroha.
“Oh! Speaking of things,” Mami said, leaning slightly closer, curiosity lighting up her face. “How’s Kaguya doing?”
Her eyes brightened almost immediately after.
“And also! I saw your ranks!” Mami added excitedly. “I was honestly surprised! You two are climbing way faster than I expected!”
Her eyes sparkled with genuine admiration.
Iroha smiled at that—but the smile looked a little tired around the edges.
“Kaguya's been fine. I just hope she isn’t causing too much of a ruckus at home,” Iroha sighed lightly. “Or spending all of my savings on random… stuff again.”
She rubbed the back of her neck before glancing at Mami.
“But thanks,” she added sincerely.
Even with the exhaustion in her voice, the gratitude was clear.
They reached the shoe lockers just inside the school entrance.
Mami quickly opened hers, slipping off her outdoor shoes and neatly placing them inside before stepping into her indoor pair. She balanced easily while switching, clearly used to the routine.
As she finished, she glanced sideways at Iroha.
“Hey,” Mami asked curiously, “are you and Kaguya streaming later tonight?”
Iroha paused for a moment, thinking.
“Probably,” she said after a second, nodding slightly. “But it’ll most likely just be Kaguya tonight.”
Mami tilted her head.
Iroha sighed, though there was a small amused smile on her face.
“She’s been whining about making another song,” she explained. “So I’ll probably be busy composing.”
“Ahhh,” Mami nodded in understanding.
Then her gaze shifted.
Roka was standing nearby, already changed into her indoor shoes, patiently waiting for the two of them with her usual calm expression.
Mami’s smile widened.
“And you, Roka?” she asked brightly. “Are you going to stream later too?”
Roka shrugged lightly, slipping her hands into her pockets.
“…Maybe,” she muttered. “If I still have enough energy when I get home.”
Mami hummed thoughtfully at that.
After the three of them finished changing their shoes, they stepped out into the hallway together.
But only for a moment.
Their classrooms were in different directions.
Mami slowed slightly as the intersection in the corridor came into view. Roka and Iroha would be heading one way… while she had to go the other.
She tried not to show it too much, but there was a small drop in her chest.
Still, she quickly lifted her hand and gave them a bright wave.
“See you later!” Mami said.
“See you,” Iroha replied.
Roka gave a small nod and a soft smile. “Later.”
With that, the two turned down their hallway.
Mami stood there for a second longer than necessary before finally turning toward her own class.
As she walked, she puffed her cheeks slightly.
“So unfair…” she muttered quietly under her breath, her voice carrying a small, childish whine.
It really was unfair.
The next time Mami finally got to meet up with them was after class.
The three of them were walking through the familiar streets, sunlight fading softly as the afternoon stretched on. Yes, technically there had been a meal period, but Roka had been caught up with other classmates, and Iroha had been buried in her books, leaving Mami waiting impatiently for this moment.
The plan was simple—Roka and Mami wanted to go back to the café they often hung out at when it first opened. And part of that plan, of course, included dragging Iroha along.
Iroha hesitated slightly as they walked. Her thoughts flickered to the pile of things still waiting for her back at the apartment, the composing she hadn’t finished. But before she could voice a proper objection, Roka’s hands gently but firmly grabbed both of her arms.
“You’re coming with us,” Roka said, her smile soft but unwavering. “No excuses.”
Mami watched for a moment, tilting her head at the scene. Roka holding Iroha’s arms like that—teasing, insistent.
......
Then she shook her head slightly and stepped forward, giving Iroha a playful push from behind.
“Yeah! You’re coming too!” Mami chimed in, her tone energetic and teasing. “No backing out!”
Iroha let out a resigned sigh, a small smile tugging at her lips despite herself, and the three of them continued down the street together—Roka and Mami determined, Iroha dragged along willingly.
The café wasn’t far, and the afternoon felt lighter somehow with the three of them walking side by side.
As they neared the building, the afternoon calm shattered abruptly.
Kaguya appeared—suddenly, impossibly fast—and startled Iroha so badly that she stumbled forward, almost collapsing into Roka’s arms.
“Whoa!” Roka exclaimed, her hands shooting up to catch Iroha just in time. A surprised gasp escaped her as she steadied her friend.
Iroha’s heart raced, a mini-panic overtaking her for a brief moment.
Kaguya shrieked in alarm at seeing Iroha nearly faint, frantically shaking her shoulders. “Iroha! Are you okay?! Don’t pass out on me!”
Mami froze in place, wide-eyed, completely stunned by the sudden chaos unfolding before her. She watched, mouth slightly agape.
Roka’s eyebrows lifted in curiosity, staring at Kaguya’s sudden, energetic presence.
Iroha blinked rapidly, finally snapping out of her mini-heart attack. “W-why are you here all of a sudden?” she asked, breath still a little uneven.
Kaguya grabbed onto Iroha’s arm gently but firmly, giving a sheepish smile. “I kinda… may have promised my fans that you’d be in my stream later, so… come home now?”
Kaguya rubbed the back of her neck nervously, a small whine escaping her lips as she pulled Iroha along lightly.
Iroha let out a resigned sigh and glanced at Roka and Mami. “Sorry about this,” she murmured, almost apologetically.
Roka’s expression softened, a small smile spreading across her face. “No worries,” she said. “Go ahead.”
Mami nodded and hummed, waving energetically. “See you later!” she called, still smiling as Kaguya tugged Iroha away.
But Mami noticed the quiet beside her. Roka wasn’t moving, her eyes fixed on the retreating figures of Iroha and Kaguya. She didn’t even wave.
For a few silent seconds, Roka just stood there, watching until they finally disappeared from sight.
Mami frowned slightly, then tugged on Roka’s sleeve once… twice… three times.
Roka blinked, the blankness in her eyes slowly giving way as she snapped out of her thoughts.
“…Ah,” she murmured, shaking her head lightly, as if trying to shake off the image of them from her mind.
Mami glanced at Roka as they walked, arms crossed and brow slightly raised, trying to read her expression.
Roka just shrugged, her usual calm facade intact, and kept walking toward the café.
Mami quickened her pace to catch up, falling into step beside her. “Hey,” she began cautiously, “what were you thinking about earlier?”
Roka shook her head lightly, her gaze fixed ahead.
“Nope,” she said softly, but Mami didn’t buy it for a second.
“Rokaaa,” Mami whined, her tone insistent. “I’m not letting this go until you tell me!”
Roka gave her a small, faint smile, reminiscent of last night, but said nothing.
Mami pouted, her patience wearing thin. “You’re acting just like last night…”
Before she could continue, Roka suddenly reached out and tugged Mami closer, guiding her through the café’s door. The warm smell of coffee and pastries hit them, and the gentle murmur of other patrons filled the space.
Roka spotted a vacant table near the window and led them there, slipping into the seat first.
Mami stared at her for a brief moment before reluctantly sitting across from her.
Roka leaned back slightly, muttering softly, “You shouldn’t trouble yourself over this. I’m doing alright.”
Mami groaned audibly. “I want to trouble myself!” Her voice faltered as she looked at Roka, noticing the subtle tension lingering in her posture. “You’re obviously still affected, aren’t you?”
Roka’s silence was confirmation enough.
“Then!—” Mami’s eyes gleamed, saddened. “Then maybe if you looked somewhere else,” she said, voice low, “away from Iroha… and to me… then maybe you wouldn’t be worrying so much about that one-sided feeling.”
She froze mid-sentence, realizing how casually the words had slipped out.
Roka’s eyes widened slightly, disbelief written across her face as she stared at Mami.
The café seemed to quiet down around them for a second, the space between their gazes thick with unspoken weight.
Mami’s face flushed bright red, and she immediately began stammering, her words tumbling over each other in a frantic rush.
“I-I mean—no! Wait, that’s not—uh! I wasn’t—I just… uhm,” she waved her arms around helplessly, flailing like she could somehow erase what she’d just said.
Roka, however, was quiet, her brows furrowed—not in anger, but in pure confusion.
Did Mami really just say that? she thought, blinking slowly.
Meanwhile, Mami was busy trying to backpedal, her mind scrambling to explain, to justify, to somehow make sense of what had just slipped out.
“No! I didn’t mean it like that! I just… I was talking about um—well, you know, like… if you, uh, look at—no, that’s not it! I mean… um, maybe if you… never mind! I was talking about the… coffee! And the—um—the pastries!”
Her explanation grew more ridiculous with every second, the words barely connecting but fired out with desperate speed.
Roka didn’t frown. She didn’t laugh. She didn’t roll her eyes.
She simply looked at Mami, processing every frantic gesture, every scrambled excuse.
And in that silent observation, she understood.
Even with all the flailing, all the defensive nonsense, Roka knew exactly what Mami had meant.
Mami’s frantic words gradually slowed, her arms lowering as she noticed Roka still staring at her.
No smirk. No frown. Just… quiet, calm, observant.
Her heart thudded painfully in her chest, each beat echoing like a drum.
She… she knows, Mami realized, a lump forming in her throat.
Her shoulders slumped slightly, and she muttered, almost to herself, “I-I didn’t mean to say that… not out loud… and so suddenly…”
For a moment, silence hung between them, heavy and thick.
Then Roka scooted a little closer, her eyes soft but curious.
“Wait,” she said gently, leaning in, “do you… really like me?”
The words weren’t teasing, weren’t joking. They were calm, almost hesitant—but unmistakable.
Mami froze, her lips parting slightly, heart hammering, unsure how to even begin answering.
Mami felt her chest tighten, a wave of shame washing over her.
If I admit it… it’ll just be another trouble for her, she thought miserably. Roka doesn’t like me back… She’ll feel bad… and everything will just get awkward…
Her hands flew up to cover her face, hiding behind her fingers as if the act could somehow shield her from the truth—or from Roka’s gaze.
The café’s gentle hum seemed distant now, her world narrowed to the warmth of her flushed cheeks and the pounding of her heart.
Then—
Roka’s hands were on hers. Gentle, steady.
She pulled Mami’s hands down slowly, forcing her to look up. Concern was written across Roka’s face, soft but unwavering, eyes searching.
“…Mami,” Roka said quietly, leaning just a fraction closer, “do you… really like me?”
The question hung in the air, soft yet insistent, as if Roka needed to hear it for herself.
Mami’s breath caught. Her heart raced even faster. She could feel the sincerity in Roka’s eyes.
It wasn’t teasing. It wasn’t a joke.
Roka wanted an answer.
And there was no hiding from that.
Mami’s gaze dropped to the floor, unable to meet Roka’s eyes. Her voice trembled slightly as she admitted, “Y-Yes… I do…”
Even saying it aloud, she told herself, nothing would change. Nothing could.
But she had to answer. How could she not?
She let out a soft whine, like a small, helpless sigh.
Roka’s grip on her hands loosened just a little, the concern in her expression softening.
“I-I mean… you’re… you’re so ridiculously beautiful… and… fashionable!” Mami continued, words tumbling out in a rush. “And—your style! And… your traits! There’s just so many things I… admire about you…”
She pouted slightly, the corners of her lips tugging downward, embarrassed at her own rambling.
She looked back up at Roka, eyes glistening. “I… I know you’ve liked Iroha long before I even… before I… developed feelings for you. But I… I couldn’t control it…”
Roka blinked, eyes widening just slightly at the confession, absorbing every word.
Mami hesitated for a moment, then finally met her gaze. The words came quietly, painfully honest.
“It’s… it’s not fair. I’ve always seen you—how selfless you are… always supporting… Iroha and Kaguya. And that… that’s why…”
Her voice trailed off, caught somewhere between shame and longing.
Roka’s expression softened further, understanding flickering in her eyes as she processed what Mami had just confessed.
Mami’s chest tightened as she waited, bracing herself for the inevitable.
Most likely, Roka would reject her. Say she was sorry. Say she didn’t feel the same way.
But instead…
A soft tap landed on her cheek. Gentle. Warm. Followed by the lightest caress.
Mami stiffened, frozen in place.
Roka leaned closer, her expression calm, and softly said, “I… I’m sorry I never noticed before.”
Mami’s heart sank for a moment—it was exactly what she’d predicted. An apology, but no acceptance.
Except… there was no rejection next.
Roka’s lips curved ever so slightly into a teasing smile.
“I guess… I’m up to trying,” she added lightly, almost brushing it off like it was nothing.
Mami froze completely. Her eyes shot up at Roka, wide and sparkling with disbelief.
“Wait—what?!” she breathed, her voice a mix of shock, hope, and something that felt dangerously close to relief.
Roka just blinked at her calmly, still teasing slightly, as if daring Mami to process what she had just said.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Mami’s heart raced—not from fear, but from excitement.
Roka’s gaze drifted away for a moment, scanning the café as if lost in thought.
Mami’s fingers gripped the edge of the seat cushion, heart hammering. She couldn’t stop the question that had been nagging her since the scene outside.
“B-but, what about Iroha?” she began hesitantly. “Don’t you still—”
Roka shook her head firmly, cutting her off gently.
“I know,” she said softly, eyes meeting Mami’s again. “It’s kind of obvious that the two of them are getting closer. More than just friendly progress.”
Mami’s breath caught in her throat.
Roka continued, her voice steady, careful. “And I’ve been acting selflessly I probably always will be. Until just now.”
Mami froze. The words hit her. Just a few minutes ago, she had confessed out loud, and now. Roka was saying this.
A deep blush spread across Mami’s cheeks.
Roka leaned in slightly, eyes locking onto Mami’s with a calm determination. “So, like you said. It wouldn’t be so bad to try,” she said, pointing lightly at Mami, “to look away from Iroha and to you, right?”
Mami’s lips parted, her thoughts scrambling. She tried to form words, but they tangled and stumbled over each other.
“R-Roka… I—”
Her mind went blank. Her heart didn’t stop racing; it felt like it would burst. She couldn’t focus on anything except the way Roka’s eyes held hers, the soft tilt of her head, the quiet strength in her voice… and the effortless beauty that seemed to complement every word she said.
“Mami?” Roka’s voice called out softly, concern creeping in.
But Mami was too far gone.
Too overwhelmed. Too happy.
And with a soft, almost inaudible sigh of pure joy, she fainted, slumping forward slightly into Roka’s waiting arms.
Roka’s eyes widened as Mami’s body went limp in her arms. A quiet yelp escaped her lips, drawing the attention of a few nearby customers and staff.
“Uh—she’s okay!” Roka said quickly, forcing a small, reassuring smile.
She pulled Mami a little closer, cradling her gently. Her heart thudded fast, both from surprise and from how sweetly peaceful Mami looked even in her fainted state.
Roka noticed the corners of Mami’s lips curved upward in a soft, unconscious smile, even now.
“Uhm.. Mami,” Roka whispered quietly, her voice gentle as she shook her slightly, trying not to startle her more.
A soft sigh escaped her, part relief, part amusement.
Looks like it’ll take a few minutes for her to come down from that happiness, Roka thought, carefully holding Mami, letting her rest in the warmth of her arms.