Work Text:
[AMIA] (๑꧆◡꧆๑)
[AMIA] enanannnn
[AMIA] i have a favor to ask youuu
[ENANAN] knew i felt a chill down my back when i saw those notifs…
[ENANAN] ill bite. whats the favor
[AMIA] weeeee~ll! you see, im a little tired of seeing k and honami-chan beating around the bush
[AMIA] AND BEFORE YOU SAY IM SEEING THINGS!! im not
[AMIA] never doubt your favorite girls romantic instinct okay?
[ENANAN] i didnt even say anything???
[ENANAN] but seriously… whatre you getting at?
[ENANAN] are you going to try and wingman for them?
[AMIA] bingo! youre so smart enanan ☆⌒(≧▽° )
[AMIA] i cant have k pining and yearning forever or ill get sad
[AMIA] and i know you dont want to see her stuck in romance limbo
[AMIA] you werent there but watching them at the bridal fair…
[AMIA] i think it was a scene worthy of your art!
[AMIA] („• ᴗ •„) sooo… help me out!
[ENANAN] …
[ENANAN] fiiiine
[ENANAN] tell me what to do
[AMIA] YAHOO!
What a favorable outcome! Mizuki let out a long, relieved sigh as she spun away from her computer. Her back hit the base of the chair as she slid off, only picking herself up off the ground once the computer entirely blinked off. She grabbed her phone and tapped the flashlight on. The alarm clock, now lit up, read 3:42 AM.
Ah. Hm. … You know what, she had more pressing matters that needed attending to! Like putting her money where her mouth was when it came to her plot with Ena!
Once her bedtime ritual was completed, Mizuki crawled into bed. “ Tomorrow’s the day. Kanade… we’re gonna get you a girlfriend! ” she mumbled to herself, rolling to her side. There were no doubts in her mind that this would work out perfectly in everyone’s favor.
The morning came swiftly, accompanied per usual by the call of birds. A cheerful song as always, Mizuki awoke with a stretch and yawn. She flopped back onto the bed, watching the ceiling. “ Alright, today’s the day! Now, what should i wear to get– ”
DING!
Mizuki glanced at her phone, brows pushed together. she was busy thinking out loud here! Rude. Even so, she blindly fumbled for it and looked at the…
“ … T… Twenty missed messages?! Who’s… ”
Her fingers moved quickly, logging in and cracking open her nightcord notifications. The bright red bubble hung next to ena’s icon felt like a crosshair aimed right at her forehead.
[ENANAN] am i seriously here before you
[ENANAN] jeez… you pull me into some plan and you arent even here waiting for me…
[ENANAN] amia
[ENANAN] its been 30 minutes where are you
[ENANAN] AMIAAAA
[ENANAN] theres no way youre still asleep
[ENANAN] oh my god
The barrage of messages continued exactly like that. Mizuki felt her jaw drop the further she read, shame settling deep in her stomach. It was only then that she checked the time.
1:27 PM.
She had intended to meet Ena closer to 12:30. Every message was a sliver of whatever rage that brunette had building in her and Mizuki felt it like a thousand suns.
[ENANAN] jeez… its because we stayed up too late huh? i normally wake up later than this
[ENANAN] look ive got it handled here
[ENANAN] ill hang out with kanade so you BETTER message me a new plan or im gonna really be mad at you!
[ENANAN] make sure you ACTUALLY message honami-chan this time!!!
Mizuki pressed her forehead to the screen and sighed. Ena was so so so kind to her… she couldn’t let her down again! A new plan, a new plan…
…
Wait. Waaaait.
Maybe that super cute cafe needed a super cute helper for a day again? A single shift would be all she needed to find the perfect opportunity for Honami and Kanade to have a little date!
God, she was a genius. The sweat was wiped from her brow and her fingers moved fast, tap tap tapping out messages to minori.
[AMIA] minoriii-chan! (o˘◡˘o) your number one fan has a question!
[MINORI] mizuki-chan!!! what is it? i’ll do my best!
[AMIA] would you happen to know if your job has an opening tomorrow… for a worker…
[MINORI] oh! i heard my manager complaining about a call off tomorrow… i’m sure she would be super happy to hear that you can cover a shift! even better that you already know what to do!
Her luck was boundless! Except for the foiled plan of today, but that didn’t count.
[AMIA] (≧∇≦)/ YES!!! let me know the time and ill make sure im there!
Well! With that out of the way, Mizuki got out of bed and pulled some proper day clothes on. Now, what exactly would her plan entail? It was a cute cafe, but this almost felt like a solo mission compared to her failed attempt to use Ena’s help.
Not that Mizuki was incapable. She knew enough about Kanade to manage a proper wingwomaning of this relationship and what time she had spent with Honami made the type of person she was clear. A grand public display would be embarrassing for both parties, buuuut…
Wasn't that how people were pushed together? Didn’t it make latent feelings pool at the surface, ready to burst when the opportunity was clearly presented? Hell, in Mizuki's own life she’s had those moments where a simple kind phrase or gesture had drawn out every tear she had in her body.
… Yeah, this’ll work out wonderfully. It had to. For Kanade and Honami's sake, Mizuki would make this happen!
[AMIA] enanan!!! sorry for screwing up today… but i have another plan! itll all be on my shoulders when it comes time, but i need you to do me a favor…
[ENANAN] finally… alright, what do you need?
As if on cue, Minori messaged her back with the schedule for the next day.
[AMIA] so im gonna work at that cute cafe weve been to before! i have a shift tomorrow so i need you to tell k that ill meet her there while i text honami-chan the same time! theyll have a reservation waiting for them there
[ENANAN] dont you think theyll get mad that were lying?
[AMIA] ☝🏻 its not lying if i AM going to be there!
[ENANAN] okay. fair
[ENANAN] im still with k, so ill let her know now and set up a reminder in her phone just in case
[AMIA] (❛◡˂̵ ̑̑✧) thank you!! i owe you my life!
Easy peasy! Now it was her turn. Honami's number was still in her phone from the bridal fair, so there weren’t any more hoops to jump through.
[AMIA] honami-chan!!! i hope youre free tomorrow because you! should come with me to this cute little cafe!
[HONAMI] Eh? Oh…
[HONAMI] I’m free tomorrow after I do some things in the morning… is that okay?
[AMIA] thats perfect! ill meet you [HERE] at around 2!
[HONAMI] Okay! Thank you for inviting me out, Mizuki-san!
[AMIA] ヽ( ´ ∇ ｀ )ノ
Okay, maybe it felt a smidge like a betrayal to word it like that. Still, the things that had to be done to ensure that a love formed would not wither before the sun could shine upon it! Mizuki fixed up her hair and hummed a tune, ready to take on the rest of today… into the beautiful, romantic tomorrow!
Mizuki's shift at the cafe was about as upbeat and busy as expected. The minute she received her section, she high-tailed it over to the hostess and penned Kanade and Honami in. This wouldn’t work out the way she wanted it too if someone that was completely unaware of the situation got to take care of them.
She scampered to chat it up with the waitstaff whenever possible. What were the most popular dishes among couples? Was sharing a drink too intimate for a first date? Could they make pancakes in the shapes of hearts and do some cute decorations?
Then again, if needed, Mizuki would be back in the kitchen temporarily. That'd be her chance to make the perfect adjustments. She straightened up her apron and returned to the front of the house, stopped dead in her tracks by Honami and Kanade, already locked in conversation with the hostess.
Mizuki practically bodyslammed another girl as she beelined for the host stand, a clammy hand pressed to the hostess’ shoulder. “ H… Heeeeey! ” she greeted her friends, all cheer as she ignored the sweat that clung to the back of her neck. “ I'm so happy you made it! I've actually got both of you penned in! ”
Kanade blinked with a tilt of her head. “ … Are you working? Ena said that we were going to eat together. ”
Shit. Well, okay, that was what Mizuki wanted but–
Honami looked equally nervous, but seemed to catch that something was up. Her eyes met Mizuki’s, almost suspicious underneath the concern. “ Yoisaki-san, I think Mizuki-san may have offered to help if they were short-staffed. ”
Had it not been for the fact that would distinctly go against the entire point of this, Mizuki would kiss Honami. She beamed at her, nodding furiously (and finally releasing the poor hostess from her desperate grasp with a nervous laugh and apology). “ Eeeexactly! I even put you both down for a reservation since I wasn’t gonna be available anymore! Sorry for the change of plans, but you both don’t mind, right? ”
Kanade’s expression softened and she let out a gentle sigh, offering Mizuki a smile. “ I enjoy spending time with Mochizuki-san and you… so I don’t have a problem with this either. ”
You’re always so kind, Kanade. That’s why I’m doing all of this for both of your sakes, okay?
Now that she was allowed to do her job, the hostess led Honami and Kanade to one of the tables with two seats. She pointed out the little placard with the options for the day and dropped off two drink menus before returning to her stand.
Mizuki kept an eye on them, only stopping when she was reminded of her previously seated tables. “ Ah-ha… right, sorry! ” she apologized, picking up some of the dishes from the counter and hurrying about. Her ears remained perked for any conversation made between her friends, waiting until it was clear they were waiting for someone to take their order.
My time to shine!
She finished up her prior tasks and whipped out the pen and notepad, stepping right up to Honami and Kanade’s table. “ Oh! You’re our waitress, Mizuki-san? ” Honami asked.
“ Yup! I’ll be taking care of you both today, so you guys get to relax! ” Mizuki said. “ Now! What would you like to eat today? ”
Kanade looked at Honami then Mizuki. “ May I have strawberry milk? ”
Cute…! “ Of course! And for you, Honami-chan? ”
“ Ah… I’ll take an apple green tea, and we wanted to share a plate of fluffy pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream. ”
…
Whoa?! Wait, this is perfect! Mizuki beamed at both of them, far too pleased by this outcome as she scribbled the order down. “ Of course, of course! Really great selections, guys! I’ll get right on that! ”
Kanade opened her mouth to say something, but she wasn’t fast enough to watch as Mizuki rocketed into the back. She let out a breath and slumped into her chair, fiddling with the ends of her hair. “ Mizuki… looks like she’s in high spirits, but I wonder how she really feels about having her plans ruined… ”
Honami kept her eyes locked on Kanade, a gentle expression working its way against the nervousness. “ I think… she’s genuinely having fun. That sparkle in her eye reminds me of the bridal fair when she saw all of those dresses. ” Sure, it’s all conjecture as someone who hardly knows Mizuki compared to one of her closest friends, but she wasn’t fibbing to protect Kanade’s feelings either.
There’s something very… Saki about Mizuki’s enthusiasm in the moment. A resonance that Honami can understand better than anything.
Kanade’s silent in response before giving a nod. “ … No, I think you’re right. She’s found a way to enjoy the day with us even if the initial plan didn’t work out, ” she mused, watching as Mizuki rushed about delivering orders. If Kanade wasn’t so unsure, she’d almost think that her friend was a little too focused on them. Her other tables couldn’t be neglected for them and Mizuki was responsible enough to recognize that…
“ … I think Mizuki-san would appreciate you worrying about her. Maybe, like before, we would be happiest if you were able to take it easy for yourself, ” Honami said, keeping her voice soft. It’s hesitant, but she set her hand on the crook of Kanade’s arm. “ Your appetite is still okay, right? You’ve been eating well at home, but this is definitely heavier than your normal meals and sweeter too. ”
Ah, the same-old worry that Honami had for her. Kanade’s smile could hardly be called confident, but it was reassuring enough. “ Mhm. I made sure to drink plenty of water and eat part of one of your prepared meals before I came here. ”
“ Oh! Which one? ” Honami asked, curiosity evident in her gaze.
Kanade hummed. “ Tamagoyaki… It was delicious. Thank you again for all that you do for me. ”
Honami exhaled, one hand to her chest. Having praise heaped on her was a foreign feeling even now, but coming from Kanade of all people… it always made her heart beat faster. She tapped her heel against the ground and eased the pulse back into normalcy. “ I’m just happy to know that I’m helping you in some way. I have fun doing it too, so we both… I - I mean, both of us are… ”
“ Okaayyyy! Kanade, Honami! I’ve brought your food! ” Mizuki announced with a twirl, tray balanced perfectly in one hand. She lowered it and pulled the drinks off first, delicately placed in front of their respective owners. Next, with what felt like a mischievous gleam, Mizuki set the pancakes between them.
Fluffy as expected, but they were cut into two hearts. They were placed next to each other with powdered sugar, syrup, and the whipped cream on top as requested along with the strawberries lining each heart as if to make the figure more obvious.
Honami’s face immediately turned red as she fumbled for her words. “ M… Mizuki-san, the… on the menu, it had an image of them being… round…? ”
Mizuki winked. “ Consider it a special adjustment specifically for both! Of! You! ” she sang, taking two steps back and bowing before taking off away from the table.
Oh, she felt faint. Honami glanced between the pancakes and Kanade, who seemed to be deep in thought. She had to calm down… Mizuki was fond of cute things and they were friends, so this wasn’t anything worth freaking out about…!
… But what if it was obvious? Was this support? Honami’s hands cupped her cheeks, hoping that covering them would make the heat start to disappear.
Kanade made the first move, picking up the fork and cutting a piece off of her pancake and putting it in her mouth. She chewed, swallowed, paused… and smiled. “ Mochizuki-san, it’s delicious. Please, try it, ” she commented, cutting off another piece and holding it out for Honami to taste.
Ah? Ah?! This is worse than the hearts!! She stared and stumbled over every potential word she could say. “ Y… Yoisaki-saaan… ” she whined. No, she couldn’t squander Kanade’s efforts like this! Honami steeled herself with a deep breath and almost lunged forward, biting right into the fork.
This couldn’t get more embarrassing–
– and then a flash went off.
Honami yelped, narrowly keeping the food in her mouth. Her hand flew over it, desperate to not make a complete fool out of herself. She whipped her head in the direction of where the light came from.
Mizuki stood, frozen with her phone in her hand. Her eyes were blown wide, mouth half hung open as she scrambled to put it away like Honami and Kanade hadn’t already caught her red-handed. “ U - Ummm… ” Mizuki mumbled, looking around. “ … You guys were just so cute!! I’m sorry!!! ”
She fled into the back once again, surely to catch up on her orders and not escape the immediate consequences. Honami sank into her chair, finally chewing the pancake. Despite the sheer embarrassment coursing through her right now, the food was delicious…
It took a bit longer than expected, but they finished their treats. Kanade searched for Mizuki, but found her to be too busy to try and talk. Honami had already deposited money onto the table before she could even think of it. “ Mochizuki-san… ”
“ Please, let me pay. I… ” As flustered as she wound up today, it… was one of the best days she’s felt she had with Kanade. She had to update the rest of Leo/Need on the developments for the day or holding all of it inside would make her explode. “ … Had a lot of fun. Thank you for spending time with me again. Do you want me to take you back home? ”
“ … I would like that, ” Kanade answered, finally able to wave to Mizuki once they locked eyes. Sheepish and apologetic as Mizuki looked, it was impossible to hide the delighted satisfaction that filled her smile.
Hours later, when Mizuki was released (after a bit of an understandable lecture), she flopped over into her bed and pulled out her phone. Ena had to get an update and then…
Onto the next plan. Now, out of Honami’s closest friends, her best option for scheming was…
[AMIA] sa-ki-chan!~
[AMIA] how would you feel about helping little ol’ me turn a crush into a full relationship
[SAKI] Is this about Hona-chan and Kanade-san because I! Am in!! Please!!!
[AMIA] heheh… so heres the plan
Beating around the bush would no longer be an option. A week had passed since the cafe ploy and Mizuki, wiser and older now, wouldn’t slip up the multiple times she had before. The plan was simple: have Saki hang out with Honami for the day at a nearby park… and then swoop in with Kanade! If they got caught up in conversation enough with romantic music in the background, then… without a doubt…!
Saki had a mini-speaker at the ready and a playlist loaded up with all the best songs to make this happen. She had already set it within a patch of unusually tall grass at the leg of one of the benches that they would lead the budding couple to… and then, with the mood set, they would confess!
Mizuki and Saki giggled about their plan, already positioned at opposite entrances. After she greeted Kanade, they started to make their way deeper in. The sun felt particularly strong on this day if the sweat that immediately beaded up on Kanade’s forehead was any indication.
Luckily for her, Mizuki always had a water bottle on her– wait, where was it?
Oh no. Ohhhh. The images flashed through her mind of the bottle on the counter, filled to the brim with ice, and the sudden phone call from Yuuki. A fatal distraction from her own family… how could she…
“ Um… Kanade, dooo you want me to hold your jacket…? ”
“ Ah, no… I - I’ll be okay… the jacket makes the outfit… look better… ”
Leave it to Kanade to be stubborn about this. Mizuki always wished she’d expand her closet, but it would be cruel to push her into wearing things she found uncomfortable. “ If you say so… ”
Mizuki looked around their part of the park for a cart that would potentially sell water, clicking her tongue when she spotted none. Shoot, she really messed up on this one! How did this keep happening?!
She led Kanade onto a branch of the path that kept them under the trees. She pulled her phone out to check the constant location ping that Saki sent her, checking the distance apart. The bench they wanted to get them to sit at couldn’t be that far, right? It didn’t seem to be!
The walk continued in silence, Mizuki far too concerned to keep anything up. She fiddled with the hem of her shirt, checked up on Kanade every couple of minutes, and continued to scan the surroundings. “ Ah, over there! Kanade, they have to have– ”
When Mizuki’s gaze turned back, Kanade was halfway into collapse. She yelped and moved, catching the smaller girl against her. It wasn’t like she weighed a ton, but the suddenness of the movement brought Mizuki to the ground. “ Hey–!! ”
Kanade breathed out, shaky. Her eyes cracked open, comforted by the softness beneath her head. It wasn’t the ground, so she hadn’t entirely fallen over… but Mizuki’s face was filled with worry. “ Sorry… I overheated… ”
Well. She was awake and that’s what mattered! Mizuki exhaled, relieved, and whipped out her phone. They needed a hand–
[AMIA] SOS!! KANADE DOWN
[SAKI] Σ(￣。￣ﾉ) EH?! OKAY HONA-CHAN AND I ARE COMING HANG TIGHT!
Honami and Saki appeared faster than Mizuki had even expected. “ Ohhh, thank goodness… she’s okay, just overheating and faint… the shade is helping keep her cool. Can you both help me carry h– ”
Mizuki didn’t even finish her sentence before Honami was on it, arms stationed below Kanade’s knees and at her shoulders before she lifted her with ease.
… Whoa?! She almost forgot about how strong Honami had to be from all of her work and drumming…
“ That’s our Hona-chan!!! ” Saki cheered, looking around and pointing at a bench under a blossoming tree. “ There, there’s a free bench! Lets go sit her down on that one! ”
Honami nodded and kept her pace brisk, but refused to jostle Kanade around when she was already half-conscious. She sat down first and gently moved the other girl off of her, head now rested across her thighs. As embarrassing as it was, she wasn’t about to peel the track jacket off of her either.
“ Saki-chan, can I use your water bottle? ” Honami pleaded, met with it before she could even finish speaking. She thanked the blonde and held Kanade’s head up, tilting the edge to her mouth and letting her drink slowly. Eventually, with her body heat returning to something close to normalcy, Kanade fully opened her eyes up.
“ … Thank you. I’m sorry for the trouble, ” she apologized. Her cheeks were flushed red but whether it was the remains of the sun’s rays or from embarrassment was anyone’s guess.
“ It’s okay. We’re just happy you’re awake and talking. ” It was true! Honami’s seen Kanade unconscious on the ground more than once from poor habits. It’s less stressful to know this was from outside influences as opposed to personal neglect. She breathed out and leaned back, focusing on the sound of the birds, of people playing, of…
Was that… circus music? Honami’s expression twisted into pure confusion as she glanced around. Saki looked… mortified for some reason while staring at her phone. The music changed with two taps to something softer, a sound akin to rose petals that settled into water on a clear night sky.
It lasted for all of twenty seconds before the clown music returned.
Mizuki snorted, stifled only by Saki turning a baffled and slightly miffed expression on her. The two girls huddled further away, whispering among themselves. Eventually, Saki exclaimed and took off at a fast walk deeper into the park.
“ Ahhh, ummm… haha… ” Mizuki laughed, attention split between the retreating Saki yelling about her brother and her friends half-cuddled on the bench. Opportunities really did come in the most mysterious of ways… she ran behind them and snatched the speaker, turning it off before she stood up. “ We’ll be right back!!! Both of you stay put, okay! ”
Honami watched Mizuki follow after Saki and let out a soft giggle of her own. “ They’re so lively… it almost makes me jealous, ” she lamented. Kanade’s gaze shifted away from the budding tree to her friend, mouth drawn into a thin line.
“ Why? The way you are… Mochizuki-san, I wouldn’t want you to be anyone but yourself. If you weren’t you, then… ” she started, every few words punctuated by a gradual reddening of her face again. “ I wouldn’t feel so relaxed around you… I wouldn’t be able to live as well as I do. You’re spirited in a different way, so don’t… take yourself for granted. ”
Oh. How was she supposed to respond to such candid kindness? The unabashed warmth that weaved into every word Kanade spoke jabbed right into her soul. Honami laughed, short and watery. She brought her wrist to her eyes and scrubbed at them. It was astounding how easily she could cry at words like that, but to hear it from someone she…
… She loved. It was love. It had been for a long time now.
“ Yoisaki-san, ” Honami said quietly. “ Can… Can I… admit something? ”
Kanade held no fear when she met Honami’s eyes. “ I’m listening. ”
“ I… It’s scary… to say something like this when I don’t know how you’ll react. I’m sorry if this puts a burden on you and… y - you don’t need to answer right away. Please take your time, but… will you… be my girlfriend? ”
Her heart was hammering in her chest, eyes squeezed shut to prevent any tears from slipping out and right onto Kanade’s face. She hadn’t even been rejected yet, so why was she already on the verge of crying? The doubt that sat in her heart wasn’t healthy and she had been working on her confidence lately, but this wasn’t about the band or drumming or her friendships; this was a different kind of love she had never spoken aloud of before.
Kanade stared, clearly taken aback by the confession. One hand came up, sleeve shadowing a good part of her face. After minutes of stale silence, Kanade sat herself up and laid her head against Honami’s shoulder and exhaled. “ … Mizuki must have known. There’s no reason for her to set us up twice… if she didn’t. Maybe the day with Ena was supposed to be like this too… ”
Ah. That’s why it was Saki here today, wasn’t it? One of her own closest friends and one of Kanade’s would make for the perfect duo when it came to cooking up ideas such as this. “ Does… that mean you…? ”
The laugh that Kanade let out was melodic. Honami had never heard a more beautiful sound in her entire life. “ Mochizuki-san… no. Honami. Yes. I want to be your girlfriend. ”
Honami didn’t know how long she cried for, but Kanade held her the entire time. The joy that burst from her chest was almost too much to handle, unleashed with a kiss placed delicately upon Kanade’s forehead. She kept her grip as careful as possible, face buried into the crook of Kanade’s neck until she tuckered herself out.
By the time Saki and Mizuki returned to the scene, both girls had fallen fast asleep under the light of the setting sun. The glow that settled behind them was more picturesque than they ever could have planned.
“ … Eheh. Saki-chan, we did it. No one cuddles like that unless they’re dating, right? ”
“ I don’t know… sometimes I do that to– ”
“ Shhh. Let me have this …! We can ask them before we all go home, but for now… as a commemoration to the potential finale to Operation: Apple Heart– ” Mizuki whispered, phone already out and the camera lined up to frame them perfectly.
And, this time, Mizuki remembered to turn the flash off.