Chapter Text
It had been a normal playtime just like every other dull one before it. The other more 'normal' kids played while Mizuki watched them, they of course longed to join the children playing but that was a dream they'd since understood was something they specifically would not be allowed.
So what could Mizuki do but silently stare, as kids walked past and snickered at their 'too girly' clothes..? Nothing. By now they knew, this treatment was something they deserved it was all they'd ever known after all. The only other person to truly think differently was Yuuki, Mizuki's fashionable, accepting older sister. She told Mizuki it was ok to be themselves and that the other kids just couldn't understand that yet, unfortunately.
But on this particular day, as she hid under the shade of leaves, theoretically cloaked away from others view (in their mind at least). Mizuki's playtime would change for the better from that day forth, in the form of a bold artist whom for better or worse seems very intrigued by the child who's hidden away all alone.
Mizuki's inner monologue was now abruptly disrupted by the sound of someone approaching.. They braced themselves for the usual teasing to ensue and clenched their eyelids shut, burying their head into their arms. However, no harsh words ever did come their way only-
"Hi my name's Shinonome Ena, whatcha doing all alone?"
"H-huh."
Of course Mizuki had seen the girl around but the sudden greeting had certainly caught them off guard. So they slowly perked their head upward..
"H-hi my name's Akiyama.. Mizuki.. and err-"
They figured this was some kind of dare afterall why would anyone care enough to even wanna talk to them.
"You didn't say why you're all alone.. You have a cute name by the way!" The brown haired girl spoke calmly as if she wasn't disgusted..? Her completely strange reaction made Mizuki panic. I mean sure she was kind Mizuki logically knew that, has seen that, even so.. could they just forget how everyone else treats them?
"It's because I dress weird or that's what all the other kids say.. they don't want to associate with someone so.. different. You shouldn't either-!" They had abruptly blurted out everything they ought not to say however, they didn't regret that confession.. the way Mizuki had been treated left their walls built sky-high and yet- yet.. somehow they already wanted to trust this strange girl. It was if they were tied together almost meant to meet, that Mizuki had already found such a comfort in her.
Through Mizuki's clouded mind she eventually registered a low giggle beside her..
"That's so silly!"
"W-what?"
Mizuki couldn't believe this girl had said that so matter of factly. Does she mean Mizuki's silly or the others are.. no way that's absurd she wouldn't be on Mizuki's side of all people..!
Slowly the brunette also realised how her words could come across and lowering her snickers she elaborates.
"Sorry sorry- I meant.. Who cares how someone chooses to dress! Nobody should be left alone especially someone who has such cute clothes!! I bet you they're just jealous!"
Mizuki was in a state of disbelief who was this girl to come out of the blue and start telling them everything they've ever wanted to hear. It was so strange they felt almost bubbly as they watched this Shinonome girl get angrier.
"Oh.. I'm sorry my papa and stupid brother tell me I can get mad pretty easily and say weird stuff but I just hate that people can be so awful!"
The girl added at the extended silence ultimately concluding she may- may.. have come on too strong. She finally had cooled off after the sudden outburst and plonked herself against the tree beside Mizuki. At which Mizuki lightly lifted their head properly finally taking a close look at the older girl. And she was even cuter up close than afar playing with others. From here Mizuki could even see the little pain streaks that decorated her clothes.
"It's fine! It was nice to see someone mad for me since I'm so used to it-"
"But it's not okay!!"
...?
Now Mizuki was really confused. Why would this girl possibly care so much about how others treated them only Yuuki ever has.
"I've seen you for the past couple days you know. You sit here and you pretend you're ok with it but you really do end up watching the other kids play and I know you wish you could join them!"
Again misinterpreting for the worst Mizuki responds meekly, "Oh.. I'm sorry please don't tell them I don't mean to stare I can stop."
Mizuki was beginning to grow panicked she felt like this girl was about to tell them they were weird, they shouldn't watch, they aren't allowed to see any of the others, because they're a freak and she only spoke with them to set them in their place which is.. alone-
"No that's not it at all!! They're the ones who should stop being so mean. I would totally go after them for you. Like just now, my friends were being total jerks earlier laughing and snickering at you so I decided I don't need them. Who wants friends who's only interest is laughing at others.. it's just so lame.."
Mizuki was sure their mouth was gaping wide open by now, jaw to the floor. I mean this girl seriously left her friends because they were being mean to.. Mizuki.. she doesn't even know them?
Despite how the girl clearly didn't care Mizuki felt a rush of guilt. I mean clearly it's their fault if they weren't so.. odd.
"I'm sorry about your friends.."
"Nah don't be!" Huh. "I think they're better off gone if they're gonna be mean I don't want them to be my friend. So anyways, Akiyama.. can I be your friend instead?" The girls eyes stared almost directly through Mizuki. It was petrifying she felt frozen in place beneath her gaze, unable to run.
"Oh I see.. I err- if you want to be friends.." This girl was nice.. Mizuki shouldn't befriend her what if Mizuki is the reason she gets bullied too..
"Soo.. is your answer a yes or a no?"
Mizuki once again sat gaping like a fish she didn't want to say no after the girl had been sososo kind to them but she couldn't say yes and become a burden to the girl either.
"But aren't you worried you'll get bullied too..?" Mizuki weakly breathed her thoughts aloud.
"Of course not and even if I did it wouldn't bother me only if it hurts you, I'd be ok knowing I had a cute, fashionable friend like you! Plus I could scare them away from us like I do when my brother takes my cheesecake!"
'Cute' That word brought a rush of colour to the pinkette's face.
"T-then let's be friends Shinonome-! But if we're friends do we call eachother by our first names? I think my sister does that with hers."
Mizuki knows she'll find them weird eventually and leave, everyone else did.. but fornow they should be allowed one friend again, right? This girl seems funny too especially her expressions when she speaks of her lil' bro!
"That sounds good to me! I think I'm the year above you, Mizuki but you can still just call me Ena!"
And just like that playtime had ended, but it wasn't as dull and gray as before because Mizuki had gained a friend. While Ena found that her life grew less irritable, as she removed two more idiot 'friends' and gained a cute, fashionable one instead.