Chapter Text
i. july 14, 2022: the beginning
♪ - “memories and the connecting line of the present”
“Welcome to Fukuoka. The present time is six-twenty-nine in the morning. Passengers, please collect any personal belongings and disembark promptly.”
Beneath her breath, Mizuki mumbles something incoherent. More so a string of random letters than the ten more minutes she wants to communicate. She tips her head to lean on the surface to her left, only to wince at the dull ache that shoots through her neck. Imagining her bed is simple enough. The plush pillows, the comforter pulled up to her chin.
“…uki.”
Maybe that’s Yuki’s voice. Her sister has always woken her up kindly as the early-riser between the two of them. She should get up, pull her curtains open, stretch in the late morning sun and take in the smell of her mom’s breakfast wafting throughout the house. Some toast and jam sounds nice about now.
Her legs stretch forward, and she wiggles her toes from inside her shoes, allowing the ache in her knees to mitigate. Right now, there are no worries to infiltrate her mind, only the struggle of trying to convince her brain to fall back asleep so she can continue the dream she’s already begun to forget.
Yuki’s hand jostles her shoulder roughly. “Mizuki.”
“Ah—Yuki!” she yelps, jolting upright. Her eyes burst open expecting to be greeted by the sight of her older sister and her signature pink bracelet.
Except, there is no pink bracelet. And that’s definitely not her sister.
“Mafuyu?” Mizuki gasps, incredulous. Her gaze sweeps over the girl from her dark purple hair to her shoes. “You scared me! A warning would have been nice, ya’ know.”
“Sorry. You weren’t getting up,” Mafuyu says, taking a step back. “Good morning.”
“Good—“ Mizuki yawns, covering her mouth—“morning.” Like puzzle pieces slotting into place, her surroundings slowly assemble together. She’s not in her bedroom at all; she’s still on the highway bus she and her friends boarded yesterday. A bus which has stopped and that they need to get off of because as painful as getting up early is, waking up to only be back in Tokyo would undoubtedly be worse.
Meaning, their month-long trip around Japan has begun.
Launching to her feet, Mizuki is greeted by the sight of silver and brown hair in the seats in front of her. They must still be asleep. Around them, people get to their feet, shuffling past each other to fetch their bags and luggage. Mizuki grimaces. They need to hurry.
Mafuyu, who seems to have telepathically understood what Mizuki is thinking, stands. “I’ll grab all of our luggage. You wake up Kanade and Ena. Meet me outside.”
Mizuki nods, not bothering to watch as Mafuyu makes her way down the aisle. Currently, she’s in a time crunch with one major problem on her plate: waking up her two friends. One of which she’ll feel incredibly guilty for disturbing and one who is an awfully deep sleeper.
Awkwardly, Mizuki shuffles out of the cramped space. Having a budget dependent on her retail job wage and the income they make from their channel meant they had to opt for a less-than-quality mode of transportation. She moves to be adjacent to the row in front.
From this angle, Mizuki can’t help the soft smile that graces her lips. Kanade’s head leans on Ena’s shoulder, her hair draping over both of their bodies. Mentally thanking herself for remembering to bring her digital camera, she pulls it out and presses down on the silver button on top.
One. Two. Three.
A burst of white flickers with a click! Mizuki grimaces. She forgot to turn off the flash setting.
Kanade stirs and as a result, Ena follows before seemingly falling back asleep. Swiftly, she places the camera back into her purse.
Cracking open an eye and sluggishly rubbing it, Kanade positions herself to sit normally. “Ah…Mizuki? Is that you?” Soft as her voice already is, freshly woken up, she can barely hear Kanade amidst the murmurs of passengers nearby.
“Ding, ding, ding!” Mizuki grins and takes a step back. “Rise and shine! It’s bright and early in the morning, and we have a long day ahead of us.”
Clearly not the kind of person who is energetic this early, Kanade tiredly shuffles around, searching for her phone. Once it’s in her grip, she taps on the screen, only to find that it remains pitch black. She frowns, tapping it again to no avail. “It’s out of battery.” Her gaze hones in on the light outside, filtering through the glass panes from above the horizon. “Where are we?”
Letting her voice take on the same edge as a TV host, Mizuki exclaims, “Our journey has begun! Welcome to the city of food stalls, Fukuoka, Japan!”
At that, Kanade’s eyes widen to resemble saucers. “We’ve already arrived?” Abruptly, she rises up from where she sits, nearly losing her footing in the process. She steadies herself by clutching Mizuki’s arm.
“Woah! Be careful,” advises Mizuki. “There’s no need to panic. You aren’t slowing us down. Mafuyu is grabbing our bags. You should go meet her.”
Relieved, Kanade’s shoulders sag, and she lets go. “I see. I’ll go do that. Thank you.”
Mizuki allows her to squeeze past and doesn’t let her out of her sight until she’s certain her friend has descended safely. Then, she directs her attention back to the girl in front of her, noticeably still asleep.
Even that couldn’t wake her up, huh.
Craning forward, she pokes a finger into Ena’s cheek, letting it sink into her soft skin.
A beat passes. Two, then three and four and five. A few more.
No reaction.
She tries again, this time pressing multiple times in rapid succession. Dragging out the last syllable, Mizuki chirps, “Ena.”
Still, Ena hasn’t moved. Pushing her lips to the side, Mizuki pouts. Lifting her hand once more, she resorts to shaking her.
Ena snaps, “Ugh! Akito, just what do you think you’re doing? Do that again and I swear I’ll—”
“Hey—I’m nothing like L’il Bro. I’m much cuter, dont’cha think?” whines Mizuki lightheartedly.
Her lashes flutter before her eyes open, squinting to adjust to the light. “Don’t think that what you’re doing is okay just because you’re not Akito.”
With a faint smirk playing at the corners of her mouth, Mizuki giggles.
“You think you’re so,” before she can continue, Ena’s face stretches into a yawn that she only half succeeds in covering, “funny. Don’t you?”
Cute.
Usually at this time of day, they’re still sleeping. Mizuki can’t blame her for being slow to adjust. “Why, yes, of course! Entertainment is an essential part of a trip.”
“Hah. You make for good entertainment, alright.” She crosses her arms.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
Ignoring her, Ena opts for checking the notifications on her phone instead, idly swiping her thumb. She continues to do so as she asks, “What now? Have we arrived?”
“About that…” Taking on the most regretful image she can muster, Mizuki mutters, “We missed our stop. We're actually in Nagasaki.”
Ena’s gaze rakes her up and down before transitioning into a deadpan, twenty-meter-long stare. “I know you’re lying, you know. You’re obvious.”
Taken aback, Mizuki chuckles abashedly. She knows me so well. “Okay, okay. Fine, you caught me.”
Murmuring something along the lines of Wasn’t like it was difficult to figure out, Ena rises, stretching as she does so. Carefully, she gathers all her items before turning to face Mizuki once more. “Well, Kanade and Mafuyu are waiting for us, right? Let’s get going.” Her words have a tired edge to them.
Mizuki shoots her a dazzling grin. “Come on, then!” Adjusting her purse’s strap, she marches down the path, tugging on Ena’s sleeve as she brims with anticipation.
—
And now, they’re in the middle of Hakata Station. Dozens of gates in every direction, gleaming blue signs hung in different halls, convenience stores with various posters nearly plastered onto glass, ATMs. Even if Mizuki hadn’t known what city she’d just arrived in, the sheer number of flyers with images of Dazaifu Tenmangu and Ukimi-do Pavilion would be enough clues for her to figure it out within seconds.
By virtue of Mafuyu, Mizuki now strides with her baggage in tow: a medium-sized, pastel pink suitcase with four wheels she bought specifically for this occasion. Packing wasn’t easy. As it turns out, stuffing her layered clothes with an abundance of frills and accessories into this instead of the giant piece of luggage she usually uses when traveling is difficult. Being forced to leave her newest skirt behind had been painful.
After a whole sixteen hours of travel, Mizuki finds herself grateful to finally be able to use her legs again. For the first time ever, she feels a bit envious of Kanade’s height. Travel accommodations must be simpler for her.
Well, there is one way they can still treat themselves even when they’re hundreds of kilometers from Tokyo.
“Hey,” Mizuki stops in place. “Guys!”
They halt in his tracks, coming to an abrupt stop like a car slamming down on its brakes. Mafuyu hums. An acknowledgment.
Another thing about Hakata Station. It’s all glass, so much glass. Window panes scale the walls, the ceiling. Hell—the roof is even open at some points. And consequently, light. Rays of sun filter into the hall, radiant beams tinting everything beige and amber, embracing the tiles and most noticeably, the girl in front of her.
Her best friend is objectively good-looking, pretty. Nevertheless, Mizuki’s been around her for years, practically has every feature of her face engraved into her brain. Could sketch it from memory if her artistic ability ever surpasses that of an amateur’s.
So, it doesn’t entirely make sense why Mizuki’s breath hitches in the middle of inhaling when Ena turns around. Technically, there’s nothing new.
And yet, three things still catch her attention all the same, demanding her attention. Eyes, hair, skin. Brown irises tinged honey-gold, thick lashes casting a faint shadow over them. Short brown strands reflecting the sun that’s filtering in through the stained window. Warm-toned skin gently kissed by vivid orange and yellow and peach. Something she’d see in a prestigious art gallery in Paris. A watercolor painting encased and guarded behind thick, red velvety rope.
Saliva runs down her throat, visibly bobbing as it does so. Mizuki clears it and blinks once, twice, and then cocks her head in the direction of the closest 7-Eleven, still a little dazed. “Let’s go grab a snack for ourselves before we go to the inn.”
After a moment of exchanging glances, Ena claims, “I don’t want anything right now.”
In an exaggerated manner, Mizuki gapes. “Impossible. You don’t want anything? We haven’t eaten since last night. There’s no way you aren’t hungry.”
Mafuyu pitches in, “Are you worried you might eat something that makes your skin break out? Just avoid anything sugary.”
“You’re such a—whatever. Fine. Let’s go get breakfast,” scoffs Ena.
“I like the sound of that,” agrees Kanade, cooperative as ever.
Together, the four of them make their way to the convenience store.
Making sure to greet the cashier on the way in with a nod, Mizuki begins to stroll around, past the magazine rack containing the latest issue of Shōnen Jump and the protein bars. She’s not super adventurous with her tastes. Today, she’s not in the mood to experiment. Gaudy shelves stocked with grape-flavored gummies and caramel chocolates make her scrunch her nose. Sugar in the morning makes her feel sick.
Continuing to meander, Mizuki lets herself take in what’s in stock. Tamago sando, protein shakes, miniature tubs of ice cream, milk tea with a wide selection of flavors. None of it currently draws her attention. Although, she hasn’t had a proper tamago sando in a while. Maybe she could ask her mom to make some when they’re back home.
Out of her peripheral vision, she can see Mafuyu and Ena examining the fridge, pointing out different options. Beside her is Kanade, visibly unsure of what to get.
The crowns of other’s heads peek over the aisle and low voices murmur throughout the room: Let’s try that one, and I’m not sure. It looks a little weird. Mizuki tries her best to tune them out. The world drowns out, leaving herself, Kanade, the white fluorescent lighting beating down on their skin, a whole of 2150 physical yen in her purse, and the hot bun rack in front of her.
Curry bun, the label reads. Mizuki feels her stomach growl. “Hey, Kanade.” She pulls the door of the warming oven open. “What are you thinking of getting?”
“Uhm…I’m not sure. I’m having trouble deciding.”
The reminder of Kanade’s poor food choices causes sympathy to grow in her. Silently, Mizuki makes it her mission to ensure her friend stays clear of cup noodles for the next month. A masterclass in horrible self-care. Not that the rest of them are incredible. Still, she sometimes finds herself wishing Kanade looked after herself more.
As she pulls the steamed bun out, her mind racks up possible choices. I’m not a fan of strong smells Kanade had said once while they were at the diner. With that, a figurative lightbulb shines above her.
“Follow me!” She beelines to the fridge and reaches to the top shelf. Kanade stumbles behind her, opening the palms of her hands to the sky to let Mizuki give her the food.
“...Kelp onigiri?”
Enthusiastically, Mizuki nods. “Yup! It’s just light enough for breakfast and doesn’t have an overpowering smell.”
Kanade continues to stare at the packaging, drawing out just enough time for Mizuki to start wondering if she did something wrong. A somber glint settles in her iris.
A bit awkwardly, Mizuki queries, “Sorry. Do you not like it?”
“No, that's not it,” reassures Kanade. “I was just thinking that I haven’t had one of these in a while.” She pauses before going on, swiping a thumb over the plastic, “My dad used to make them often. They’re fairly easy to make, so he didn’t struggle.”
Distantly, Mizuki recalls a patch of white carnations swaying in the spring breeze. How their petals got swept up by the wind and carried throughout the park. Whenever she goes there now, she keeps an eye out for those same flowers that carried a new meaning from that point on.
Softening her expression, she meets Kanade’s gaze. “Let’s make onigiri together sometime. All four of us.”
“Make onigiri together?” Kanade tilts her head to the side. “That sounds nice.”
Fifteen minutes later, they’re back to walking through the station with Mizuki in the lead. With purpose, she advances onward, occasionally making sure to slow down her pace so Ena and Kanade don’t stray too far behind.
After about five minutes of walking, Mafuyu questions, “Mizuki, where are you taking us? We passed the gate to the buses.”
Turning to look over her shoulder, she dramatically brings a finger to her lips. “It’s a secret. You’ll see!”
“You better not be aimlessly dragging us around,” says Ena.
“Have some faith in me, will you?”
Looking back and forth between the map on her phone, Mizuki scans the area up and down. The second she begins to wonder if the forum lied to her, she spots it. She rushes over, nearly tripping over her own feet as she does so. At last, she’s found what she's spent the last few minutes searching for: the stamp.
Mafuyu is the first to catch up. “A stamp?”
Kanade leans in, examining the design. “The pattern is pretty.” Apologetically, she looks into Mizuki’s eyes. “I don’t have anything to use it on, unfortunately.”
“And that, my dear Kanade, is where you’re wrong!” Mizuki exclaims.
In unison, they give her befuddled looks. Unzipping her bag, she reaches her hand in, sifting through her belongings: her makeup bag, lotion, hand-sanitizer, wallet, ah-hah! Theatrically, Mizuki pulls the four notebooks out, presenting them to her friends. “Ta-dah! Books for all of us to collect stamps from yours truly.”
Once she hands them out, leaving one for herself, they all take a moment to examine the gift.
“It’s so cute!” Ena flips through the pages. Then, she looks up to face Mizuki, a tender countenance on her face. “Thank you, really. I adore it!”
Oh, God. Mizuki’s heart drums against her chest, thrumming through her veins. That look, how unrestrainedly soft it is—she doesn’t think she’ll ever grow used to it.
“Did you do the embroidery yourself?” asks Mafuyu, tracing over the cherry blossom pattern on the cover.
Grateful to have an excuse to focus on something else, Mizuki holds her book up to show it off. “Yup! It was done by yours truly. I thought it’d be fitting since the first big trip we all went on together was during cherry blossom season! Do you like it?”
“It’s lovely, Mizuki,” says Kanade, clutching her book to her chest. Hers is white, Ena’s is light brown, while Mafuyu’s is a deep purple; and of course, she got herself a light pink one. “Thank you very much.”
Mafuyu thanks her as well. A semblance of a smile gently flickers onto all their lips.
Opening to the first page, Mizuki approaches the podium once more. “This is a necessity for travelling through Japan! Every station has their own individual stamp.” Excessively dipping the stamp into the ink, she goes on, “We’re going to make the most of our adventure and that starts with these!” Using all her weight, she presses it at the very center of the paper.
One by one, they all stamp their page. A deep scarlet paints the margins of their paper in eight stars and a man and a woman playing two different instruments.
“Hakata Station stamp, check!” Mizuki cheers, slipping the book back into her bag. “Now we can move on. Let's go catch the bus!”
“We missed it,” states Mafuyu, far too calmly for Mizuki’s liking.
“What?” Mizuki twists her head to read the digital screen hanging from the ceiling. DEPARTED, it says in glaring green letters. “You could have said something!”
Mafuyu’s face remains mostly impassive, save for the minuscule upturn of her lips. “You seemed very excited about the stamps.”
“But—”
“—Don’t stress it, Mizuki,” comforts Ena. “The bus comes every fifteen minutes, remember? We’ll just catch the next one.” She’s still holding onto her book, keeping it close to her chest.
“Wait,” she pauses, shoulders slumping in relief. “Seriously?”
“Did you really forget?” Ena deadpans with no real malice in her voice.
Mizuki scratches the back of her neck. “Aha…maybe?”
“There’s no need to worry about it now,” says Kanade. “We have plenty of time to make the next one if we get going now.”
“Well then no point in standing here!” Falling into place next to Ena, they move on, side by side.
—
And this marks the beginning of their journey. One music group, four girls, and a goal to make the most of the summer break.
By the time they board their bus, the travel time of this one being much shorter than the last, the sun is much higher in the sky. This time, Mizuki sits by Kanade, letting her take the spot by the window. With her curry bun having cooled down to a temperature she can handle, she slowly eats it, savoring the flavor and being careful not to let it drip onto her shirt.
“Hey, Mizuki,” begins Kanade.
In the middle of chewing, all she can do is hum as a response, letting her know she’s listening.
Kanade’s voice drifts into her ears like a soft melody. “You’re the one that suggested this whole trip. How come?”
Staring at the insides of her bun, Mizuki contemplates what to say.
“I guess…I just wanted all four of us to do something special. I mean, Ena and Mafuyu are going to be graduating this year alongside you. Soon, you’ll all have these big responsibilities to work towards.”
“Something special?”
“Yeah.” She takes another bite.
Sometimes, the knowledge that her friends are extraordinary stings. Kanade, a prodigy composer, Mafuyu, who remains strong despite everything, Ena, oh dear, Ena, who’s a contender for the most incredible person she knows. It’s not jealousy—no. Far from it. She couldn’t be happier for her friends.
Being so patient and kind to someone like her, sometimes Mizuki still can’t believe it.
But, even if she wants to stay with them forever, she hasn’t been able to shake the feeling that they’re above her.
Mizuki continues, “Plus, we all had fun that one time, did we not?”
That seems so distant now. The tall cherry blossom tree, laughing about how Kanade had accidentally scared Ena, the worn down building. Warmth grows in her chest. They’ve come a long way.
“We did,” Kanade agrees. Content with the answer, she grows quiet, choosing to watch the world through the sun-stained window.
With a small smile, Mizuki finishes the rest of her breakfast. Through the open zipper of her bag, her gaze hones in on the notebook and the flower in the top left corner.
In the heart of their first destination, Fukuoka, their adventure begins. All together as one.