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Just like a normal day, everyone was busy gambling around, it was lunchtime and most of the students were in the gambling area or cafeteria. The mittens and dogs were serving them. Everyone was having fun in their activities. Gambling, eating, playing, and mocking the housepets.
Just like that, the whole demeanor of the place shifted, the noise and carefree became attentive and silent. Every day, once the platinum-haired President entered everyone fell silent. Subconsciously subjecting to her presence. There is the faculty, but no one can achieve the ultimate submission of the school like Kirari Momobami, not even her clan.
The silence stopped, and everyone continued what they're doing with care. Because no one can read what the President will do. Surprisingly the lady was alone. It seems that everyone noticed and it became the topic.
"Sayaka isn't here."
"Is there a problem?"
Lowered voices speak around. There's an unspoken title for the dear secretary. She's the 'President's Housepet' or 'Housepet of the Highest Order' because she is always on her back and of her undying loyalty to her as if she was a slave to the President. No wonder there's a silent hatred of the secretary by the housepets.
No one would dare to speak those titles within the perimeter of this school, but outside, Sayaka was nothing but that. Somebody tried, and after being electrocuted by a taser, no one heard about the poor man. Beautification is surely effective.
But there's always romance, isn't it? Some people speculated that those two were together. There's a long-running bet about them, totaling seven hundred thousand dollars and counting. There are only two choices. Who will confess first? The president or the secretary?
Runa, the neutral officer, held the money. Even the student council joined, entertained by the gossip.
Although the rest of the clan was confused. None of them tried to know the fact. Not that they're scared, rather they can't get their hands near the secretary, and who in their right mind would ask Kirari about that.
The whole council was at their daily meeting, Sayaka was telling them their schedules and activities for the day, and reminding them of their reports, mostly about the election. The tension was high, but it wasn't pressured, nothing major happened unless you consider Jabami, then every day is a major day. Midari was bored, she's playing with the gun in between her thighs. "That's all," the secretary finished.
"Finally," she moaned. All of them are about to stand up and leave but Kirari's melancholic voice rang through the room. "I do have a question."
Everybody tensed up, Kirari barely speaks in daily meetings unless it's a severe situation about her dear aquarium. What the hell is her problem?
Crap! Kirari might have found out about the bet.
All of them slowly sat back down, obviously nervous. The president's head rests on her knuckle. "I had been rereading the audits on our gambles. I noticed some ghost audits. Why are there ghost checks and credits?"
Kaede raised his head and fixed his glasses. "Ah, yes... It's my fault." His obviously crushing pride was seeping from his mouth. They're dead.
"What was the reason?" She asked. Midari looked at the only male in the room, obviously going under stress over the President's gaze. "I haven't met the deadline... I-I'll make sure those ghost checks will be audited properly by Friday."
She was unsatisfied by the answer but she dismissed them. Midari joined the group outside."Seriously Kaede? An unofficial gamble and you audited it? Couldn't be me." She sneered, Yuriko just agreed with her.
"Oh well, who leaves the checks on my table, unclassified while I was busy auditing?" Runa and Itsuki looked away.
"Friday? How will you fool Kirari on a million-dollar worth of ghost checks by then?" Yuriko asked.
"We're already in the million?" The masked Vice-President said.
"Yeah, Yumeko raised her bet just yesterday." They all sighed. It's Monday, and they have 4 days to think about how they will fool Kirari.
"We have no choice but to end the bet by Thursday," Kaede said. "We can forfeit it."
"Forfeiting that large sum of money is suspicious, are you not thinking?" Midari sneered. "Kirari will send you and your whole family to ashes if you do that."
"Yes, and Ms. Jabami also threatened me that if we forfeit it, the school will crumble down." The Vice-President said so casually. She doesn't feel threatened at all.
"Oh to be crumbled down by Yumeko." Midari moaned. Everyone ignored her.
"What if..." Yumemi's annoyingly quirky voice entered the conversation. "Oh, never mind..." It seems that her idea was stupid enough that she even realize it.
"Unfortunately this is unofficial gambling, and I have nothing to offer but hold the money as I am the neutral one." Runa popped her lollipop. "But I do have advice, I guess it'll be easier if you just ask them. And finally, she'll know what those ghost checks are."
"What if I just fill in the checks. I'll let you borrow money--" Itsuki suggested. "That would be my suggestion too!" Yumemi shrieked
"That's stupid and illegal. You're looking for a huge loss and might end up in sudden bankruptcy and the President will know." The Vice-President said.
"Oh to hell I know if that's illegal or not, this school has a caste system for fuck's sake." She banters.
"If we already formed a deadline, then I shall announce this as an official election!" Runa said gleefully, popping out her lollipop.
"What?" They all wildly looked at the small girl, like was some lunatic.
"What? If this will be an official gamble, then the audits will be proved true. All you need is a deadline, which is before Friday. Good luck everyone!" They all grunted and separated going to their classrooms.
Sayaka went outside after the meeting. She saw the rest of the council talking about something. More of arguing.
She went the other way, deciding to skip the first class and went to the library, she already knows the lessons anyway. She met some students who are skipping too. It wasn't that big of a deal, as long as you have money and can gamble your future is secure, one way or the other.
The only thing that keeps her in this school besides her academic excellence is the President who let her not gamble. She passes the restroom, and exactly some housepets get out of there glancing at her, their hatred at her is off-limits, she knows. They said that she and the housepets are just the same except that she's a mitten exclusively for the President.
Finally, she arrived at the library.
Ririka rushed to the council lounge. It's afternoon and most of the students are going home. She composed herself and opened the doors, she saw her twin on her couch staring at the aquarium. "Ririka, you're late."
"Sorry, I was running errands. I also checked on our relatives." She replied. But actually, they just finished meeting behind Kirari's back. Decided that they will push the two, stop that chase, and try to risk everything.
"Shall we?" She hooked her arms around hers. Ririka was barely touched by her in the school, but she guesses this is one of the few times.
"Kirari, I'm going to ask something." She said, "We're in the third year now, and we'll be leaving soon."
"Yes, I'm well aware of it."
"What would you do? What's your plan before graduating and leaving your 'aquarium'? We also have the election to think about." She asked. They went on the back and climbed the stairs. "Well, we could throw a banquet if you want to."
"Tha... That's not what I mean. What I mean is we're growing, and high school is the only part of our lives we can enjoy our true selves. Do something before you regret it." She said, Ririka is the older, and even if they're twins she has the eldest sibling instinct.
The truth is she didn't bet, she just wanted Kirari to be truthful about a special feeling in her heart. She's irrational, she speaks and does what confusingly comes to her mind, but feelings weren't the thread Kirari knows too well, neither did she, but at least she knows what it is. "Are you telling me something?" They stopped on mid stairs.
"Yes, I'm talking about Sayaka. When you leave, Sayaka will remain and you know how she's getting the silent treatment." She has to spell out everything for Kirari.
"Sayaka is different. Plus if I lose the election, maybe the future President will take her as their secretary." Yes, Ririka knows, just by saying the secretary's name made her special to others. But she knows the girl would never work for someone other than Kirari.
"Won't you be bothered?"
"There's a reason why she's in a different aquarium, Ririka." Her simple smile became mystifying. A whirring sound above was heard from their position. "Oh there it is, let's go. Let's finish this conversation at the house."
Sayaka was waiting on the helipad of the school. It was 7 in the morning and she's sure they're on their way. "Sayaka!" Somebody shouted from below. She looked at the stairs and saw Runa and Midari coming up.
"What do you need?"
"We need to talk!" Midari shouted, clutching onto the railings, catching her breath. "Fuck!"
"Is it urgent? What happened?" She helped them.
"Fuck..." she breathed. "You always climb that fucking stairs?" Midari slumped on the cement while Runa looked like she's melting.
"Oh please, Midari, to all of us you're the one who should have greater stamina." Sayaka retorted. "What's the problem? The president will come any minute."
"Do...do you like the President?" Runa almost shouted the whole question, which whirled Sayaka's mind.
"Of course, she's the--"
"Not as a president, bastard. As a woman, a human being, a student. Are you romantically invested in Kirari, what's what we mean." Midari finally caught her breath.
"Wow, that's a lot of elegant words for your vocabulary, Midari." Runa chuckled.
"Shut up, midget— I mean Runa! Runa, godammit stop hitting me, bitch!" They started running around the helipad. Sayaka's mind started to overdrive.
Like the president? Like, love her, not as the president but romantically? The thought was enough for her cheeks to turn redder than tomatoes. Why all of a sudden questions? She was sure, yes, but she was never asked. Sayaka snapped her daydreams and helped the twins get out of the vehicle. They didn't wait for the helicopter to leave, they stepped down the helipad to the stairs.
The twins were surprised by the other two students lying on the stairs. "Midari? Runa? What do you need? And why are you so sweaty, we barely started the day." The Vice-President asked. Sayaka remembered their question and glared at the two idiots.
"No... Nothing, we're just playing tag!" They both said while catching breath. "We'll fix ourselves."
She just follows along behind the twins. Asking herself if she likes the president and every time she asks something is screaming on the back of her mind 'Yes!' To be honest, the only thing that probably blocks her from admitting it is because she doesn't see herself deemed worthy of the President.
"Sayaka?" She snapped out again and noticed how far she is from the two.
"Coming, President." She ran along with them. Sometimes glancing at the braided one twin.
Sayaka rushed through the council room. It's her time. It's 3:30 pm and the president has her personal errands. At that time Midari was the only one available. Of course, she's always available.
"Midari!" She called as she opened the huge doors. The one-eyed woman looked in her direction. "Oh, Sayaka?"
"Remember the thing you asked me?" She sat down. "How… how does that work?"
"What do you… oh, you mean that! That… how does love work?" She looked genuinely confused. "Uhm… you see I'm not an expert at that, I'm a crazy bitch who oftentimes co—"
"Just… your perspective. How can you tell you like someone because you like them and not only because you spent too much time together." She asked.
Midari looked at her weirdly then leaned to her chair and put her feet at the table. "You bitch, in the first place you wouldn't question your feelings if it wasn't true." She licked her lips. "That's why you caught feelings, because you spent time with her, and on those times you spent with her you get to know what she really is. And you love those traits you found out about her"
Sayaka nodded. "That was pretty good, Midari. Why have you fallen in love before?" The woman only laughed that resonated through the room.
"Babydoll, coaches don't play the game. Sort your shit out and do what you must, while I am going somewhere." Then she winked, stood up, and left Sayaka in the room.
Kirari in her usual pose stared at the aquarium inside her office, there was a lone fish swimming through the glorious tank. Eye-tracking the fish's movement.
Ririka just watched her sister watch the fish swimming. If it wasn't Kirari, she would've thought she'd gone mad. Ririka just let her sister's mind occupy the question she asked last night. "If you were asked to date, would you go?" Before she sleeps, and she has intuition Sayaka registered on her mind quickly, too quickly. And she probably didn't get any proper sleep.
"Ririka… tell me, would you?" She sighed.
"No, don't throw my question back." The elder twin sighed.
"I would…" Kirari muttered. "I would."
"There's a hesitation?" Ririka straightens up from her chair.
"Rather a nervous answer. Because what if you would but she wouldn't." She slightly showed distress in her expression, drumming her well-manicured fingers on the table.
"I don't know, you and I are inexperienced about this kind of stuff, we both don't understand because we haven't tried it yet, but maybe that's the reason we have to do it. As a gamble, you wouldn't know you'll win unless you play the game, right?" Ririka spoke, not as Vice-President who gave counsel, not the shadow of Kirari who had to speak just because Kirari asked, she spoke as the sister she needed. No matter how big the Momobami Clan is, the truth is only two of them got each other's backs.
"Fascinating, you know a lot of things about this." She said smiling, the enthusiasm in her eyes wasn't the one Ririka wanted to see, therefore she still doesn't understand.
"No, I don't. I just translated it to the language we both understand. Love, Kirari isn't shallow as it seems, adoration over someone is different and you have to understand that, you both have to understand that." Ririka sighed. "It's been painfully obvious, second to me, she can tell things about you more than anyone else. Sayaka was confused by that adoration, so are you. Give it a chance or let her go."
Kirari nodded. "I see." She stopped drumming her fingers and stood up. "I have to take the first step, is that right, Ririka?"
"If that's what you want, I don't know, Kirari, this time it isn't about me and you, it's just you." She also stood up and walked towards the door.
"Good luck, Kirari." She said before leaving.
Sayaka rushed to the tower where the helipad was. She cursed mentally, the President left some of her belongings and she had to fetch it all. She almost stumbled at the stairs climbing up, now she gets what Midari and Runa meant.
"President!" She finally reached the helipad, there was the loud sound the vehicle was producing. The President came to her and took the leather case.
"Sayaka! Tomorrow, bring some casual clothes and make sure your schedule is clear after school!" Kirari's ribbons come loose due to the strong wind, her platinum blonde hair waves in the direction of the wind. Although the hair covered parts of her face the President never fails to look elegant.
"Yes, President!" She watched the helicopter take flight.
Sayaka came to school with an extra bag. She waited at the front gate since they'll be arriving with the car today, which isn't unusual, Sayaka even preferred it like this. Almost every student gave her a look before they passed her.
"Hello, Sayaka!" Yumeko was the first to greet her with a huge warming grin.
"Hello, Ms. Jabami." She slightly bowed. She seemed to notice her bag and pointed at it. Even though she has deep-rooted hatred for the woman, she decided to treat her civilly.
"What's that for?"
"Just, personal stuff…" she said, actually not knowing what it was for. The president just made her bring it.
"Oh… well, wish me luck today, Sayaka!" She ran away to her male friend, the time passed and most of her close friends arrived. She looked at her watch, just any second…
And there it is. The car stopped and the window from the passenger side lowered, showing the President was with a huge grin. "Sayaka, come inside the car."
The door opened and she went inside, on the other side was the Vice-President on her mask. "Good Morning, Vice-President." She just turned her head, but Sayaka knew she's smiling inside.
"My schedule?" The car rolled and then she got her tablet.
"Uhmm… mostly meetings, classes in-betweens, lunch and free time from 1-1:30 pm, the paperwork A normal day, President." She looked at the President's calendar, and the President shook her head.
"Remove the meetings, I don't want anything that involves that, I'll be focusing on the classes and gamble today." She nodded.
"But, President, the meeting—"
"I'll take it, Ms. Igarashi." The robotic tune of the other twin said. She nodded and cleared the President's schedule, probably not the busiest schedule she got.
"How about you? Schedule clear?" She looked at her and nodded.
"Just today's meeting, then classes, nothing else." She said, the woman's face lightened up, and smiled at her. They got out of the car and proceeded to the student council hall where everyone was present.
The day went, as usual, this time Sayaka attended her classes. Math was their last subject before the lunch break, she focused on the subject no matter how she could already answer it with closed eyes.
A single knock on their door took away all of their attention, there was Kirari smiling, looking only at her.
"Yo! Kira—"
"May I excuse Ms. Igarashi, Mr. Yamato?" Kirari cut Midari mid-sentence.
"Uh… yes, of course, Ms. President. Sayaka, you're excused." Sayaka immediately gathered her notes and fled the room. She heard Midari complain until only the heels of Kirari could be heard on the empty halls.
"Do you have a bento, Sayaka?" Kirari asked. Sayaka shook her head, and they continued walking until they reached the back of the school.
"Good, because I have prepared something for us." Kirari holds her hand and leads the way. Sayaka was familiar with the way, it was the path to the Tower of Doors. The fields of lilies surrounding it were well-kept, it wasn't that grand as the last time she saw it but its beauty still holds under the sun.
"I asked Ikishima something since she's your classmate. She said you're beautiful when under the sun since you barely go outside, your skin easily reddening under it." They ended up in the middle of the field, there was a small space in the middle with a picnic blanket.
"Finally Ikishima said something right, well… you look beautiful no matter what." Sayaka's face went deep crimson after that. The thought of Kirari talking to Midari just for her is endearing enough. She helped her go through the flowers until she saw a whole setup, there was a picnic basket, a larger umbrella and a cooler… and a polaroid camera.
Sayaka cannot form a sentence, not even a word. The whole place, the atmosphere, and Kirari's soft presence lulled her mind into a pause, only focused on her and their moment.
"But if I were to ask, I want your skin basked in the color of sunset." They sat down and Kirari opened the basket and took out a whole charcuterie board, filled with berries, olives, meat, bread and biscuits, different kinds of cheese, and dips. The different aromas played with her nostrils. "The moment on Earth where light and darkness fought its beauty." She smiled cheekily at her, which made Sayaka go haywire, the President smiled at her cutely.
Sayaka's heart thumped against her ribs loudly and Kirari probably heard it. She awkwardly twirls her hair and avoids the warm blue gaze of the woman.
"Shall we?" Kirari started to eat the berries. Sayaka grabbed the cheese knife and took a piece of parmesan and blueberry. The wind was perfectly cool under the warm sunlight, they ate in peace, for the longest time, both of them found peace again, in this place.
They had small talks but never personal, there's nothing to talk about that much since they're always together, but strangely they never lose words to say nor thought to address. Time passed and they almost finished everything on the charcuterie board. Both of them lay down and watched the clouds idle past their sight. "Did you enjoy it, Sayaka?"
Sayaka only nodded, giggling. Her body felt light for some reason, she felt comfortable.
"That cloud reminds me of a flower." Kirari pointed at clumps of clouds floating. Sayaka hummed. "I think that looks like an orchid."
"And that one! Looks like a giraffe." Sayaka looked at the sky and tried to comprehend the shape of the clouds. She heard a shutter and saw the president holding the camera.
"You look beautiful when thinking." The film started to print the image, Sayaka only chuckled, the President just kept on surprising her today. The image showed her staring at the sky, she looks good.
"Go stand in the middle of the field, I'm going to take a picture!" The President helped her stand up and then Sayaka ran into the field. She looked back smiling at Kirari.
They took turns taking pictures, some photos, they're together too, they took pictures until every film was used. They looked at their photos and most of them were beautiful, both of them smiling widely. For the first time, they felt like they're just normal students enjoying their free time.
"This is fun, isn't it? We should do this often." The president asked. Sayaka excitedly nodded.
"We should go back now, President." Kirari agreed and they tidied their little picnic, Kirari carried the basket and umbrella while Sayaka only carried the blanket and photos then both of them proceeded to the building while casually talking.
When the both of them finally reached the main building the whole hallway was crowded with students and faculty alike, the break was still ongoing. Although it stopped them the moment the platinum blonde hair stepped inside. Kirari ignored the crowd and continued talking to Sayaka.
"Maybe we could play baccarat later." She said, Sayaka only chuckled. "I'm not going to gamble mostly with you, President." She also ignored the stares.
"Aw, that hurt my feelings." Kirari laughed, which startled half of the crowd. "But seriously, I wanted you to join me on a table and just play." They both strolled to the hallways aimlessly until one of Kirari's family members intervened.
"Ibara, Rin." Kirari's tone suddenly shifted. The dark-haired boy smiled sweetly at her. "Why the cold tone all of a sudden, Kirari?" He said.
"What do you need?" She raised her eyebrows, her wall all of a sudden rose. Sayaka only gave them a scrutinizing look.
"Terano called a meeting about the election." Rin smiled at them innocently. Sayaka never liked the family, they're all against Kirari and trying to end her. To be fair she doesn't like anyone except her.
"You can go to Runa, I'm busy."
"It's a family matter." Rin insisted, Kirari pressed her lips into thin lines.
"This better be important or else this will be your last day here." She smiled just as sweetly as Rin. "Sayaka, the blanket."
"Oh, I can bring this back to the office, you can go." She clutched into it.
"No, give it to Ibara. Ibara, if you let anything touch the ground, you'll be walking outside this school immediately." Sayaka followed the woman and handed everything to the orange-haired man.
"Give us a moment." Kirari brought her away from them and whispered, "you got what I asked you yesterday?"
Sayaka remembered her things. "Yes."
"Good, later on, the school gate, after school okay?" She smiled at her, Sayaka's face blushed.
"Do… anything to note?"
"Nothing much. Enjoy your day, Ms. Igarashi." She bent more and the blue-painted lips of the President landed on her cheeks. She ran off with her relatives and left Sayaka bemused by the gesture. Her mind… can't think of anything other than the touch of her lips against her cheeks.
Lacking senses, she strolled through the crowds not giving any attention, her cheeks still seared hot red and she might look silly, but that was the most rational, lovely gesture the President gave to her. Not licking her in the forehead or her unusual antics of bothering her.
She found herself back to her empty classroom, sitting down staring at the board. She's so smart, she's a genius! Her decision makings are the best and she handled the situation pretty nicely. But when it comes down to her, Kirari, everything just seems to crumble down. The logic in her was gone as if she was a different yet familiar person.
"Hey!" Suddenly, Midari startled her from the back.
"What the- Midari!" She came back to her senses and hit Midari in the arm.
"So… what happened to you and Kirari? Did you do the nasty?" She gave her a sly grin.
"What? No! Keep your dirty thoughts inside that head. We just ate at the field." Sayaka sighed. "And talk and eat."
"She ate you?"
"Yes… NO! What the hell, she— Midari shut up." She massages the sides of her temple. "I think the President asked me for a date." She whispered.
"Oh, why do you sound surprised? Haven't you just come back from one?"
"No no no. This is different, like going outside, not here or anything else, just the two of us. She told me to wait later at the school gate." She kept on whispering and avoiding the nosy ears around.
"Yeah… That's what a date is, Sayaka. Do you have anything to wear later?" Midari hammered into her head that she'd been phasing out and she must focus on her upcoming date.
"Well… I do have one." She said Midari's hand hit Sayaka's back, hard.
"Then you have nothing to worry about!" Just in time, their teacher entered the classroom.
Sayaka stared at the bathroom mirror, her Literature teacher just made her stay for a bit after class and now she's rushing to dress up in one of the school bathrooms. She usually doesn't dress up and the clothes she brings were really casual, just muted blue dress pants, a beige collared shirt, and a dark grey coat plus her good old white sneakers.
She looks like she's just going to some library. She grabbed her bag and rushed through the corridors, to hell with the rules, the President is waiting!
Finally, she reached near the gates when she noticed a huge commotion over there. She saw the council complete and some other close people she talked to twice or more.
"Midari!" She called the patched woman and everyone looked at her. Under the pressuring looks, Sayaka only found a set of comforting blue eyes in the crowd. The wild woman finally reached her and took her bag.
"Hey!"
"Don't be ridiculous and run to your girlfriend!" Midari tapped her shoulder and pushed her forward, Sayaka only grunted then continued walking to her date.
"What are you all doing here?" She stared at every one of them.
"Why wouldn't we? We wouldn't pass to see you and the President in casual clothes." Itsuki said, grinning at her. "And I… expected what you would wear."
"Why is there something wrong?"
"There is nothing wrong." The President intervenes, her long platinum blond hair swayed perfectly on her movement. She looks much taller on her black stilettos, her dark blue coat fits perfectly on her, and the plain black dress that reaches above her knees. The President reached her ribbon and pulled it, the long straight purple hair fell like a waterfall, she fixed it a little and then let go of her locks.
Sayaka looked up at her and smiled. She tucked a small part of her hair behind her ear. "You wear a dress."
"Well, I usually wear traditional clothes so I had my maids find me something more casual."
"I looked underdressed," she said shyly, Kirari only laughed and took her hand.
"You look beautiful in your clothes. Shall we?" They proceeded on the black Sedan, her back was tingling in excitement.
"Goodbye, Kirari, Sayaka!" They heard Midari shout before leaving the school.
"Where are we going?" She shifted comfortably nearer to Kirari.
"Oh… secret." The other woman cheekily grinned at her. Sayaka only chuckled and inhaled the prominent scent of the President.
"Our trip will be long, so you can rest your head for a while." Kirari shifted and removed her coat and placed it over her, her gentle hand guided her head to her shoulders.
"There, are you comfortable?" Sayaka nodded.
"I guess we can talk about our day while we wait." She said, gaining her confidence and trying to swallow the lump on her throat.
"Yes, but… call me Kirari from now on, okay?" She stared in shock, but then smiled at the woman. "I might need to adjust for that… Kirari."
They stared at each other and laughed. "Okay, let me tell you about my day first," Kirari said. "So last night, my sister asked me this silly question. She asks and I quote 'If someone asks you as their date, would you say yes?' And then left me in my chambers."
"What did you answer?"
"That was the tricky part because you will never ask me that question, you'll stutter and become a whole mess just thinking of that." Sayaka was surprised, waiting for Kirari to say it was a joke but she was serious.
Both flustered and proud, she chuckled. "Oh, Kirari. I… I mean you're right but… maybe the Vice-President was asking a hypothetical question and wasn't about me at all."
"Silly, of course, it's about you and if someone even dared to think of asking me out I would be rejecting them as soon as possible." Her arms moved around her and pulled Sayaka closer."Anyways, I realized that you'll never ask me so of course, I had to ask you. I spent the night thinking about it. Then I ask you, and here we are." Sayaka realizes that those ensued not last night but rather the night before she was asked to.
Sayaka nodded. "Wow, it's nice to hear, well, my day was a bit busy. My literature teacher joined me in this competition I wasn't aware of, good for him I ate a really good charcuterie board with you, or else I would reject it."
Kirari chuckled. "I remember when I was offered to join a quiz bee on Physics, I declined. Of course, I don't like the topic if it was about Astronomical Physics then maybe."
"Because of the supernova…" Sayaka's eyelids felt heavier and consciousness slowly drifted away.
"Yes, because of the supernova."
Sayaka was slowly woken up by a tap on her knees, she noticed a wrinkled man's hands from the driver. "Ah thank goodness you've woken up already, Miss Igarashi. We've arrived and I can't manage to wake up the mistress."
She noticed the weight of the woman cuddling her. Kirari was sleeping well although she was not accustomed to sleeping in a car. Sayaka carefully shook her and removed the arm around her. "Kirari, wake up."
Kirari fluttered her eyes open and her beautiful blue irises showed up. Sayaka smiled at her, aware of the situation, she sighed. "Forgive me for oversleeping."
"It's okay, you look cute while sleeping." She grabbed her coat and they stepped outside the car, it was already nighttime. The path to the parking lot was wide enough for four cars, it was lit by LEDs hidden on the side. There were street lights around and a huge garden on both sides with a stream of glistening water on it. There was a humbling huge traditional mansion in front of them.
Sayaka and her family live a lavish life and her life living in luxury, but this alone made her look like an ordinary person. "Welcome to Momobami Estate, Sayaka."
Sayaka held her hand and they walked towards the entrance, the door slid open, and the lineup of servants bowed at them. Sayaka felt like living in a movie and her nervousness was devouring her alive. "Welcome back, Miss Momobami, Welcome to Momobami Estate Miss Igarashi."
They gave their coats and shoes, Sayaka slid on the soft slippers provided to her. "Her luggage in the car, have you prepared her room already?"
"Yes, Miss." One of the maids said.
"My room? Luggage?"
"Oh didn't I tell you, ah I must've forgotten?" They walked around and Sayaka noticed the balance of traditional Japanese and maximalism. "I personally came to your house to ask your parents about you staying up here for the weekend."
"Why would you… it's not even Friday yet." She sulks. "Anyways, I'm already here." She said playfully.
There wasn't much new stuff and rather histories of their clan paste in the house, through and through she can see how long does the family influence reach not only in power but in history. The walls are adorned with red and green glittering gold. Some of the corridors are dim and others have a maid cleaning them. They took turns until the view suddenly changed, the walls were gone and they were looking over a pond, with a deck leading to the gazebo in the middle of it. Glamoured with white lilies around the pond, shining under the moonlight.
"Have our dinner prepared." Kira briefly said to the maid and they walked towards the place then Sayaka saw how long the field of lilies stretches, it was beautiful and elegant.
"It was like the Tower of Doors." Sayaka smelled the wonderful lilies.
"This is where I find inspiration for that."
"But it seems too much don't you think?"
Kirari's forehead formed lines. "You didn't like it?"
"No! I mean… I like everything, but… it's… your family and everything." Sayaka may be paranoid but she feels like she's being watched. She knew this clan's reputation, she heard things directly from the twins.
"Don't bother on such things, Sayaka." She said, they both crossed the wooden deck to the gazebo. "I may not be in my kimono but I'm pretty sure they still recognize me as their clan leader."
Kirari helped Sayaka sit down, she saw the smaller lady relaxed a bit, she smiled. "So you planned all of this?" Sayaka asked, before sitting down Kirari took in her pocket a small remote for a speaker that played melodic tunes.
"Hmm, yes, with the consultation from Ririka since I don't want to go overboard," Kirari muttered. "I hope I didn't go overboard, she said I tend to." Then she sat on the opposite side of Sayaka.
Sayaka shook her head. "No it's perfect, if I were going on a first date I would bring her to my house too."
Kirari's eyebrow perked. "I guess our next date is settled then." She said with a sly smile, watching Sayaka come undone.
"I… wait, it's not— Kirari!" She flushed hard, Kirari enjoyed the flushed Sayaka under this kind of atmosphere. She laughed.
"I'm just joking… unless you want more, I'm okay." Kirari dropped her tone to know she's serious.
This is the purpose of this whole fiasco, to ask Sayaka to be her… well, to be her girlfriend.
"Wha… Presi— I mean, Kirari. You and I… exclusively dating?" Her cheeks were tinted red, anxiety showing in her eyes. Kirari held her hand to calm the woman down.
Kirari is confident, she knew Sayaka has feelings for her, she would wager her whole life on it. The tower proves it is solid. And her to Sayaka, she's confident in it. She's not confident about how Sayaka will decide. Don't get her wrong, she trusts her, but they're down the rabbit hole where affection seems a dilemma. Kirari wants Sayaka because she fell and she wants Sayaka to be with her not because she has to or she needs because she's asked.
"Sayaka." She smiled genuinely. "Trust me on this, I know how I feel and I do want to express it freely to you. I don't doubt you and never will, I just don't want you to feel pressured. I wish for your genuine answer, you can take your time and I'll wait—"
"No, Kirari." Sayaka squeezed her hand tight. "I don't want you to wait, I also don't want to think about it, because it shouldn't make sense. I love you."
Tears of joy streamed on Sayaka's cheeks. All of the pent-up feelings that wanted to escape came out in those three words. She has a lot of words to say, and feelings to express but her mind cannot form words but rather tears. An explosion of emotions traveled through her; it was overwhelming.
Kirari stood up without breaking their contact, her other hand snaked to her head, gently placing it on her chest, just right where her heart resides.
"I love you too, Sayaka." She chuckled. "I'm your girlfriend now, right?"
It was Sayaka's turn to chuckle. "Yes, you're my girlfriend now." Then wiping her tears, her other hand clutches onto Kirari's arm, feeling the warmth of her lover.
Just in the nick of time, the maids served their dinner with a huge grin on their face, probably seeing the whole scene and decided not to ruin it. The whole time, Kirari talks about her plans if this one goes south.
"I will serenade you in front of the whole school." She said before taking the last bite of Cordon bleu.
"That's too much!" Just imagining it made Sayaka unconscious internally if it's possible.
"Well, who am I if not exaggeration." Kirari chuckled. 'Fair point.' Sayaka thought.
After their dinner, they played baccarat, just a game not a gamble as they both agreed while talking about themselves more. Bedtime chimes in and Sayaka is about to be escorted to her room but Kirari has her own plans.
"Stay with me for tonight." Kirari has her soft pleading eyes she always uses when convincing Sayaka to add more sugar cubes to her tea.
"Kirari, are you out of your mind? What would your family think!" Sayaka resisted even though she knew she couldn't win against those blue eyes.
"They wouldn't know." Then the taller woman winked at her, Sayaka feeling disgraced.
"I will recommend you stop meeting with Igarashi for a week, President, her mind is rubbing on you." She sulked which made Kirari chuckled.
"I'm joking, can you please get Ms. Igarashi's nightwear and brought it to my room," Kirari said, speaking to the maid.
In the end, Sayaka found herself in her cotton pajamas snuggling with Kirari enjoying the warmth of her girlfriend.
Due to her body clock, Sayaka woke up even before sunrise. Immediately went to the bathroom, trying to find a disposable toothbrush but failed.
Sayaka badly wanted to go to her room and brush her teeth. Also, drinks tea, but she's smart enough not to leave this room. Instead, she sat down on the bean bag at the balcony, smelling the fresh air of incoming sunrise.
"Good morning, Ms. Igarashi." Her peace was short-lived when someone on the next balcony spoke. Ririka without her mask was standing there with a cup of tea in her hand.
She saw the other twin without a mask only once. From head to toe, it's unmistakable to assume they're only one person, but their eyes. Ririka has a soft eye like default but never fails to show aggressiveness like Kirari.
As if a part of the person lives on the other.
"Good morning, Vice President." She bowed to show respect but the woman only chuckled, her voice warm against the cold wind. She looks perfect early this morning it's a crime.
"You can call me Ririka now, I suppose." Giving her a meaningful look.
"Please call me, Sayaka." The two of them rest on the balcony in silence. Sayaka looks at the sleeping Kirari from time to time.
"Thank you, Sayaka," Ririka said without batting an eye. She only smiled at the woman, knowing what she meant.
Not for so long, Kirari's alarm sounded, slowly waking up from a good sleep. Sayaka immediately ran to her and smiled. "Good morning, Kirari."
Her bare lips formed a huge grin. "Good morning, Sayaka."
The three of them were rushing to the Student council hall. They're already 15 minutes late, the blame on Sayaka for forgetting to print out important documents.
When they reached the door, Sayaka almost banged it open, startling everyone inside. "Good morning," Sayaka said, hiding her tiredness.
Immediately everyone went to their respective positions to start the meeting. "I'm sorry for being late." Kirari smiled at her subordinates.
The meeting went normal, although silent. Sayaka just thanked the heavens above for Midari not bombarding her with questions. A little suspicious but she paid no mind.
The whole half-day went smoothly, although Sayaka is still on cloud nine because of last night's occurrences. She could still smell Kirari on her skin, a bit weird but she's still in her world so she couldn't be blamed.
"Psst. Sayaka!" Midari called her just before leaving for lunch. Sayaka walked towards the one-eyed woman. As expected she asked about last night.
"It was fantastic! I know Kirari is romantic in her own way, but pulling off something normal yet still her? Amazing, I can't even describe the feeling." Even though Sayaka's still shy about it, she got a friend to listen to her love life, she can't stop speaking.
Meanwhile, Midari just nodded and was very attentive to the story. "So Kirari was the first one to confess her feelings?" She almost shrieked. Sayaka hushes her.
"Yes! It was so romantic, Midari!" Sayaka said. Midari is happy for her best friend but she has money to grab later and it's gonna be a feast!
Sayaka left her alone in the room to join lunch with her girlfriend, while Midari contacted the group chat.
MIDAHOE: It's Kirari! Confirmed by Sayaka herself!
Then her phone chimes with multiple notifications.
BLONDIE: WHAT? THAT WOMAN GOING FIRST?! MUST BE A LIE!
ACETONE ADDICT: WHAT?!!
Midari scoffs at Saotome's comment.
Vice President: please immediately contact Runa for money for those who voted for Kirari confessing first.
Again, the confirmation made her notifications go wild.
BLONDIE: I hate this school.
RED EYES: My my, the wait is worth it!
Suzui: thank god I listen to Yumeko.
MIDAHOE: Yumeko we can go claim our win together ;)
Suddenly she was kicked out of the group chat. Midari stormed out of their room and went to Runa's office where most people crammed up there. The midget was handing over cheques.
Yuriko was on the corner weeping on her loss while Itsuki was flaunting her cheque at Saotome, she can also see Yumeko jump in joy. Other students, normal and house pets alike left as soon as they got their bet.
"Ugh! I hate this kind of gamble." Runa tucked herself on her loose jacket. Midari smelled the cheques almost comically.
"Did the whole -bami fam really lose?" Saotome asked.
"Ha! The looks of disappointment on their faces." Runa laughed. "Even Terano couldn't believe it!"
On her way to the beautification room, she saw the lovebirds talking happily under the tree. She saw her friend smiling so genuinely. Too bad Midari can only smile maniacally. Which is very much attractive, no one just wants to admit it!
[FINISHED]