That strange feeling Yaya woke to the sight of the brightly lit room. She tiredly tried to look around as she wondered where she was. She made note that she wasn't in class, nor was she home... the white lights, the white curtains, the smell of medicine and disinfectants. "The infirmary..." she mumbled to herself, it was one of those places she rarely gets to visit because she was quite a healthy young lady and she had a funny but not out of the ordinary fear of needles. Turning her head from side to side, she checked if she was alone and seeing no one at least within the area covered by white curtains. She sat up and smiled... It was an instinctive response. She hated the color white. And after she had forced herself to smile at the face of something sad or painful, lying to herself that she was fine or that it didn't bother her over and over again... all of it... made it easier to show a realistic smile. She had forgotten it... she had not needed to think about it or it just didn't come to mind the past years. "It hurts..." she muttered as she placed her right hand over her heart. She wasn't sure whether it was the bad kind of hurt... the kind that she felt that made her leave the female sanctuary that was Astraea Hill or was it the good kind? The one that told her she was alive? Or was that a bad kind of hurt as well? She turned to the table beside her and was relieved to see her bag on the small table beside her bed. She took out a thick black notebook, it was hard bound with a thick leather cover that shielded the pages from all sides and one would think it's a box rather than a diary. She undid the simple knot she made with the red ribbon that she kept in place of a lock, almost laughing at herself when it took her longer than expected to do so. She hadn't written anything in a while. She actually hoped that she didn't have to anymore. But a peculiar event today, peculiar as was the adjective she chose for it, and she decided to write on her old black journal as she promised herself she would. She then wrote something that was in her mind on to the black stationery using a steel blue ink pen that was encased with the note book and two other colors, gold and silver. Finishing what she wanted to write down, she closed the diary, retied the slight faded ribbon after replacing the blue pen she was using back into the pocket and returned it into her bag. She felt a little better now. Still a little sluggish... but she was never again a morning person. Not that she had experienced fainting before. She then placed diary back into her bag before lying down again. And just in time too... The sound of loud and fast footsteps would have completely escaped the raven's still lethargic attention had the door not suddenly slid open with loud "BANG!!" as the door hit the other side of the door frame. "Yaya-chan!!" she heard someone calling her, in a very panicked voice. But Yaya still half a sleep couldn't recognize whose voice it was. "SHHHH! Satou-san! Please be remain quiet she might still be sleeping!" "Ah... sorry..." the tall blonde sheepishly smiled as she apologized to the school doctor. 'Ah...It's just Sei...' Yaya told herself quite unsure of her own tone. She didn't know why, but she was surprised... and oddly not. Confused by that she decides not to bother thinking about it. And luckily she didn't really have a choice in the matter. The sound of a long thick cloth ruffling on itself and some metal rings called the young raven haired to turn her head. The small opening in the curtains revealed her not so favorite senpai, not that she really had a favorite, with a sheepish grin. "Yo! Yaya-chan! Are you ok?!" Yaya nods emptily with her fake smile as her only reply. She wondered since when had Sei been calling her "-chan" or since when had she let this woman call her with so much familiarity. But then again... it wasn't probably that she had let her but more likely because she just never took the time to say that she couldn't. "I see..." said her blonde senpai as she opened the curtain wider for her to enter. She walks closer to her kouhai and... "Yaya!!!" embraces her happily. "I was so worried! I ran here from my class as soon as one of you my spy in your class mailed me and said that you fainted! But you were still a sleep and the doctor told me to come back later. Did you just wake up? It's lunch time." For the second time today, the raven haired had to bear with her senpai's unnecessary concern. She let out a soft sigh and almost playfully pressed her fingers on the sides of Sei's stomach and wiggled them in an attempt to tickle the overly playful lady. And surprisingly it worked! Sei laughed and almost instantly leaped away from her kouhai, rubbing her sides in an attempt to relieve her of the surprised ticklish feeling. "Hahaha! I guess if you can come up with counterattacks, I can assume you're feeling alright then?" said the blonde still with a big smile on her face, as her body tried to contain the laughter that Yaya had luckily let out. "Yeah... I'm fine." The raven haired nodded and stood up from the bed with a short stretch. "That's good to know." Sei gave herself a pause and watched as Yaya stood, turned to her bag and checked its contents. "By the way... why did you faint anyway?" Yaya stopped what she was doing and looked up to the ceiling. It was something that had become a habit to her when being asked things she was unsure how to answer. "I don't know how to answer that..." was her only reply. "What the hell is that suppose to mean?" Sei stared at Yaya with a confused face, eyeing the other girl's sun amber eyes as they seemed to quiver... She had never heard Yaya answer like that. The girl had always something to say. If she didn't... she'd say something anyway, anything to make someone think and lead their minds in circles at least until she actually had an answer. But it wasn't the case this time... And Sei found herself unsure of how to proceed. And then she wondered... 'do eyes quiver like that?' The raven haired only shrugged before turning back to Sei. She wasn't proud of it... but the blonde was the closest thing she had to a best friend now. "Wanna ditch classes?" Yaya blandly asked. "Oh! Maria! Who are you and what have you done with Yaya-chan!?" Sei asked, dramatically feigning over reaction as she pointed at the raven haired in an accusing way. "..." Yaya raised a brow, clearly annoyed. "... just because you dress suspicious doesn't mean you should act like it. Satou..." 'Oh crap! Must have been a really bad day already...' The blonde yelled in her mind. The last time the raven haired had used her family name it was to say; "I'm not talking to you anymore." last year. It took her three months of flirting, following her everywhere, hugging, absolute clinginess and favors before the Yaya actually started talking to her again. And she had more sense not to mention she wasn't willing to go through that again. She raised her hand behind her head and pretended to scratch herself as she grinned sheepishly as usual. "Haha... Sorry. It was just so unlike you that I had to say that." Sei was relieved when Yaya sighed and the look of annoyance on her face seemed to lower somewhat. "So... were did you want to go?" She asked her, thinking that maybe she'll talk when they find a more comfortable place. "To a Love Hotel." Yaya answered rather blankly. Sei had heard her say that about a dozen times. And each time she was sure that she used it as a fake suggestion, maybe even a signal, to get her out of a certain situation... like ten girls wanting her to tutor them in English all at once or a party she doesn't want to stay in. It was a silly comment that gave birth to a rumor of them being a couple for about two months, but it had died down when someone actually followed them and they were never near a hotel district. But this time... She actually looked serious. And Sei hand only one reaction... She placed her hand on the raven hair's forehead and checked her temperature. "Hmmmm..." "I'm not sick, Senpai. And I was joking... as always." Still with her blank face. Sei then let out an exaggerated sigh of relief with a fake hint of disappointment. "Ha... Too bad, but I guess it's good too... I'm not skilled enough yet. I still have a hundred girls to feel and practice on before I think I'll ever be ready to touch Nanto Yaya-megami-sama's body!" it was a lie and Yaya knew it, then again... she wasn't so sure, but she was willing to play along and let Sei believe what she wants her to at least for now. "You're such a pervert Senpai." Yaya tried to look a little disgusted. As a response the blonde approached her closer and with her index finger traced Yaya's left cheek and said rather seductive; "Anything for you! My love..." "Okay... now, you're just being creepy..." her eye brow twitched awkwardly as she looked at Sei's face. "Hehe! Sorry. Why don't I just get us some food? I'll get you that strawberry shake you like." Sei said as she gently pushed Yaya down to sit on the bed again. "Get as much rest as you want. Since you're here already, why not make the best of it." It wasn't a suggestion Yaya surmised but nodded as she quickly decided to be tempted by her offer, despite her small dislike to stay too long in the infirmary, and just laid back again. To which the blonde smiled at, feeling quite happy that the raven haired girl actually did what she asked her. "I'll be back in a bit." The taller girl immediately left, after telling the doctor she'll get her something too if she'll let them eat in the infirmary. But of course, the blonde didn't wait for the physician to actually answer her not that she would argue with Sei anymore. Hikari was walking towards the infirmary when Sei had left. She wondered why the girl seemed like she was in a hurry, but after a few steps decided it wasn't something she had to worry about. After a few minutes... the door opened again, and Yaya heard the soft foot steps that she quickly noticed were coming closer to her. She assumed it was Sei, the only time the girl was quiet was 1) when she was kissing someone, 2) when she's absolutely must be, 3) when she actually has nothing to say, which is very very rare, 4) when she's holding something with her mouth and 5) when she was trying to surprise her. "That was... quick..." Yaya said as she sat up from the bed only to find herself face to face with a blonde girl... that was not who she had expected. The raven hair's face paled a little, but Hikari didn't notice. She was quite nervous and she hasn't been like that in about two years. And though she didn't like it when she was nervous, she couldn't help but be glad she that was and to whom she was nervous about. She stood in front of her just like that as she tried to collect her thoughts and decide what to say or do. She wanted to be angry, she wanted answers, over a year of very close friendship... all ended without a real goodbye. She forced herself to grit her teeth, to make herself angrier than she actually was but then... "Hikari." The raven haired had called her name so softly, gently and with, to Hikari at least was, the most heartwarming smile. Hikari's angry mask broke instantly. "YAYA-CHAN!!!" She rushed forward just dropping her bag and throwing herself at the raven haired girl with her eyes in tears she coiled her arms around the other girl. The force and speed led them down onto the bed, Yaya was only glad that her blonde friend's face was digging on her shoulder by now because it had take her a few seconds to wipe the surprised look she had on her face. The girl's embrace was incredibly tight and passionate... the kind one didn't expect to receive from a friend. She hugged her old friend back, if at least to give the blonde girl a little comfort. There were quite a few questions in her mind now as well. But she decided not to ask them now. And something else was in her mind... Her chest didn't feel painful. In fact, she felt nothing... but Hikari on her herself which should have at least surprised her more. But she wasn't in fact it surprise had subsided and all she felt was happiness... happy that Hikari was here with her. Then suddenly she felt surprised... she was surprised she was happy seeing Hikari. She then felt a little disappointed at herself... she had thought she was over the girl. But then again... she had barely seen and talked to her. Sure she fainted when she first confirmed it... but that was probably all from the surprise. She forced herself to believe that, telling herself in her mind as she patted head and back. A few moments passed by and the two old friends remained silent on the bed still in each other's arms. "How are you, Hikari?" Yaya was really quite lost on what to say. She decided on pleasantries... anything to get a conversation started. "I'm fine." She replied, as she slid her arms from underneath Yaya and held herself up so that she could be face to face with her long lost friend. "I was very lonely when you left without a word... but I'm fine now." She added with a sad smile. Yaya allowed her hands to drop down on the bed when Hikari moved. She looked at Hikari, as the blonde looked at her. She found herself looking at each and everyone of her features; her eyes, nose, brows, hair, cheeks, ear, neck... trying to burn it all into her memory and trying to remember what the young lady in front of her looked like four and a half years ago. The raven haired let out a soft and short giggle before she said; "You're not as cute as you used to be." Hikari was surprised at first before she frowned, she felt a little hurt, that this coming from Yaya who always complemented her for being cute, it didn't sound to her that what would follow would be. But fortunately for her she thought wrong. "You've grown quite beautiful Hikari." Yaya followed, with a soft smile... that Hikari had only seen once before. Hikari blushed, in a way that only Yaya could. She never understood why she blushed like that whenever Yaya complemented her looks. Not even Amane could get her to blush and feel the way she did now. She thought it was odd... and here years of not seeing each other, Yaya could still make her do it. "You're still quite cheeky aren't you? Yaya-chan." Yaya could only smile. That might be true once in a while... but compared to their high school days, she's been very tame. That is if no one placed Sei in the picture. A falsely hoarse voice said; "Ahem." called the attention of the two young ladies on the bed. Both snap their heads to the direction of the voice and realized that a tall blonde girl with short hair was standing near the curtain's opening as she held a plastic of food and drinks. "Ah! Sei-senpai..." called the raven haired. She noticed that Sei looked rather annoyed for some reason but decided to not mention it. Hikari recognized the blonde as the same young woman that rushed out of the infirmary just moments ago. She didn't know why... but she gave this feeling that she didn't like her. She turns back to Hikari and notices that the girl was still practically on top of her. "Um... Hikari?" "Yes?" Hikari turns her head back to face Yaya. "You can sit up now." Yaya suggested with a small smile. "OH!" Hikari then noticed what a compromising position they shared, blushed a few shades of red harder before she flopped herself to the side and seated herself more than half a foot from Yaya on the same bed. "Sorry..." "It's ok." The raven haired sat up and fixed the wrinkles of her clothes. Sei looked confused at the exchange. She had known Yaya for almost a year and there has never been a girl that had gotten that close to the raven haired other than herself. Even more confused since Yaya didn't seem to mind being so close to this girl. "Sei-senpai, let me introduce you." Yaya said as she gestured her hand towards Hikari. "This is my best friend from my high school days back in Spica. Konohana Hikari." Hikari bowed to her politely towards the taller blonde girl and decided not to say anything for now. Then Yaya gestured her hand towards Sei. "Hikari, this is Satou Sei-senpai." Sei also bows and to Yaya's surprise, didn't say anything. "Is something wrong senpai?" Yaya asked in a soft voice. Sei snaps out of her thoughts and turns to Yaya. "No! Nothing really..." She paused and thought of what to do. She then remembered that she had bought food. "Oh yeah... Here!" Sei dug into the plastic and handed Yaya a sandwich meal and the strawberry shake. Yaya thanked her senpai for the food, before she even considered to open her food she turns towards Hikari and asked; "Have you had lunch yet Hikari?" The smaller blonde shakes her head and stands to pick up her bag. "If you like we can share this." Yaya offered her best friend. Sei took that a chance to rid them of the new comer's company and immediately said; "No! You should let her get one herself! You fainted remember? You need your lunch!" Hikari by chance had looked at their senpai, she looked awfully and obviously jealous for some reason adding that statement just now... told her that she didn't like her being here. "It's ok. I have already bought something this morning for lunch." Yaya nods in acknowledgement before turning her attention to Sei, who looked a little out of character and clearly disappointed about something. "Sei-senpai?" she called her. The tall blonde was eyeing the other rather annoyed that the girl was prepared. "Senpai!" Yaya called again, this time Sei snaps to attention. "Yeah?!" she called out nearly panicking. Yaya just tapped the empty space of the bed right beside her, as she assumed that Sei wouldn't settle for anywhere else. Sei nodded and quickly sat herself beside the raven haired, only she sat right beside her not bothering to keep even the smallest of distance between them. She noticed that Yaya looked at where their clothes touched and though she didn't seem to like the close contact she didn't say anything or move away either. It made her wonder 'why...' They all ate in silence most of the time, the three would then and again break into conversation. And it was almost amusing to Yaya that the two blondes seemed to be asking about the other girl through her instead of asking one another directly. Some of which included were; 'Where did they meet each other and how?', 'How close were they?' and 'How long have they known each other?' were the questions that Hikari had won, at least in Sei's mind she did. She was jealous... except that she didn't quite know why. Yaya hand finished her sandwich and was about to take a sip of her shake when she noticed that Sei silent. "Sei-senpai are you ok?" Sei looks at the raven haired and wasn't surprised that there was still not a trace of care in her face. There never was. "I'm not sure." She mumbled and looked away for a bit. 'She's going to say... Kiss me maybe I'll feel better.' The raven haired thought to herself, almost betting that the taller blonde would say those words or something similar in a few short moments. And they did! "Kiss me so I can feel better! Yaya-chan!" Sei said as she quickly turned towards Yaya again and wrapped her arms around the raven haired, her lips poised for a kiss. Yaya didn't struggle, surprised that she had not thought of whether to evade or to deflect Sei's advances earlier. And Hikari too was surprised by the scene, she was also beginning to think that Sei liked Yaya. "Are you stupid? Why should I?!" Yaya yelled out to the blonde as she tried to push her away from her face. She had finally decided to not kiss her like she always have, but she did wonder why she too so long to decide. "Aww come on! One little kiss! We're friends aren't we?" Sei said with her lips still puckered asking to be kissed. Hikari then decided to test a theory. What it was exactly didn't form well enough in her mind... just that it has something to do with who Yaya will kiss and or what Yaya would say. "Oh! If friends can kiss then I should get one too Yaya-chan!" "EH?!!" Yaya was almost completely shocked by that. But glad that Sei was squirming so much that it kept her from even considering fainting as an option. And almost immediately Hikari felt a glare coming from their senpai. She looked at the other blonde and returned her glare in kind. They began to argue and even used words that the raven haired wouldn't consider adding to her vocabulary anytime soon. Yaya looked at the two blondes she believed that Sei was joking, however she wasn't quite sure why Hikari wanted a kiss... nor was she sure why the two of them didn't seem to get quite along. But one thing was for sure... she wasn't about to kiss either. An idea pops into her mind and she quickly rolls with it. Pushing the two girls away from her and each other, stands and tells them; "Alright! Stop! I'll kiss you both." "Really?!" The two quickly react almost at the same time. The raven haired nods but adds; "But first! Please close your eyes." "Why?" Ask Sei rather cheekily. "It would be embarrassing otherwise." Yaya said as she feigned embarrassment. She wasn't a member of the drama club in her highschool for nothing. Oddly the two blondes look at each other before looking away as if the other was the most repulsive thing they've ever seen and nodded at Yaya's request. They both closed their eyes and readied themselves for Yaya's kiss. In Sei's mind, she was knew that she was joking at first... but when the other girl said that she wanted a kiss too she just lost herself and started attacking the girl with words and her eyes. She wanted to win, sure this girl had known Yaya longer... but she wanted to be the one closer to her. She thought it unlike her, she had never liked anyone so much to act this way. She then noted she had to call Yumi or Sachiko later... or maybe even Shimako can help her out a little. To Hikari, she had meant that as a joke, to satisfy a curiosity and maybe to tease the blonde senpai. But she also felt that she didn't want to loose... if Yaya was going to kiss Sei she better kiss her too. It was an odd feeling, she never thought she'd want a kiss from Yaya. But recalling the one time Yaya did kiss her, even though it was on the forehead... it felt nice. Yaya on the other hand... hand no intention of kissing either. She quietly and stealthily picks up her bag, walks away from the bed the two were sitting on and headed for the door which she quickly opens and dashes out of. When the two girls heard the door open, they of course realized that they had been tricked and quickly gathered up their things to chase after the raven haired girl. "YAYA-CHAN!!!" "WAIT!!!" But they soon lost sight of her when she turned at a corner. Sei quickly gave up, knowing that Yaya was faster than her and she surprised herself when she advised Hikari to do the same.
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