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[alargebear]

Nozomi’s Love

Summary: Nozomi has a hard times seeing things in herself that she easily see in others. Sometimes that thing is love

Pairing: NozoHono

LInk: AO3

Word Count: 1.5k

Note: Would you look at that I’m back and unsurprisingly it’s with a nozohono confession fic.love these two to death.

Nozomi, with foresight Nico would swear bordered on supernatural, was taken off guard by something she always thought would be simple. It wasn’t something she realized immediately, Honoka wasn’t the person she had in mind whenever questions of love passed her lips. The realization took time, maybe too long.

 Nozomi was supposed to see it coming like she did everything else. She saw it first in all her friends. Whether it was the gentle conversations Nico and Kotori shared over the hum of sewing machines, or the natural warmth coming from any conversation amongst the first years. Love was something that Nozomi convinced herself could be seen from miles away. If it was obvious when observed from so far away, then it made sense that it would only be more so when it came to her own love. Those gentle smiles and light blushes couldn’t feel normal, right?

 Were Nozomi to fall in love, she’d know, as she did in all those around her. There was never a reason to second guess it. What it felt like, and how to react, were foreign to her, she’d admit. Only so much could be gathered by watching, but Nozomi would have had to have known when it would happen. It would be her own love, how hard could that be to understand? A question that would come to annoy the two close friends she was comfortable enough to confide in what she learned to be her budding feelings.

 Love wasn’t what it was at first, and she was so sure of that. Nozomi saw Honoka as a friend. A wonderful, charismatic, goofy, and pretty friend who brought her out of a shell she didn’t want to believe she was hiding in. A friend that brought with her smiles and warmth that was foreign, even in all of her time spent with Eli and Nico, but that was all it was. Friendship. A friendship that Nozomi cherished and held as close as any other. A friendship that brought with it a brightness she hadn’t known. A friendship that came with butterflies in the stomach and stuttered words.

 It wasn’t friendship, but Nozomi liked to believe she knew better.

 It took weeks for her to understand. A foreign yet wonderful feeling that brought with it joy paired with an inescapable nervousness. It took gentle reassurance from Eli and Nico’s own flavor of encouragement for it to get through. That warm gentle feeling she’d seen in all her friends at some point or another was what it was. Friendship wouldn’t be the right word, it didn’t do it justice, couldn’t do it justice. It was deeper, coming from a place inside Nozomi didn’t know she had. Filled with nothing but care and a want to be close, a want to be the one Honoka looked at in that way. Unique, wonderful, but above all scary, and Nozomi did not do well with an unknown fear.

 Sure and joyous in her own love, but that fear everpresent. That supernatural and ever knowing Nozomi that helped guide their group to the highest of highs couldn’t understand the one person she wished she could. Honoka wasn’t one to hide anything. A heart that was worn so prominently on her sleeve that at any point you’d know what she was feeling. That was what made it so hard.

 Nozomi searched for anything in Honoka to get a hint. A shred of hope that her first love wasn’t doomed to be something she’d look back at and regret. Shining brighter than any idol, Honoka proclaimed any emotion  as they came to her, and Nozomi never saw a hint of love. It wasn’t like the embarrassment she saw on Maki when with Rin and Hanayo, or the sharp deflections Nico gave any time Kotori came up. She couldn’t get a read on the girl she’d come to love, and the anxieties burrowed deeper and deeper into the pit of her stomach anytime the thought came up.

 Thinking she could be content with being close, and hoping that one day Honoka may notice. Might catch onto feelings that Nico told her were ‘super freaking obvious’. Nozomi watched and waited for something that she half-believed would never happen anyway. For all she didn’t know about Honoka’s thoughts on love, she did know about the girl’s lack of attention when it came to others. Honoka would never notice on her own, and Nozomi wasn’t naive enough to believe it.

 A step forward had to be taken. A terrifying step that Nozomi was unsure if she would be able to take on her own. Asking for help in everyone and all the answers a no. Friends offering encouragement, but wouldn’t step in. It was Honoka, which meant there was no way to address it other than head-on and with confidence Nozomi would have to fake. Scraps of courage were borrowed from the shine in Honoka that she fell in love with. If Nozomi’s love meant anything, and if it were as strong as the jitters of the heart made her think, than Honoka deserved nothing but a fitting confession. A straightforward and terrifying confession Nozomi couldn’t have foreseen in all her years leading to meeting Honoka. A confession possible because it was Honoka who brought it out of her.

 The afternoon wasn’t a picturesque backdrop. A cloudy, chilly spring day like so many the past weeks. A bland evening spent walking with Honoka to her shop to help out for the night. There was no bright setting sun in the background, no birds filling the air with song, and no beautiful flowers blooming to set the mood, but Nozomi knew it was the only she could muster the courage.

 “You know you don’t have to help out all the time.” Honoka tucked her jacket in closer as a light breeze blew, walking shoulder to shoulder down deserted sidewalks. “Like, my mom and dad really appreciate it, but if you don’t want to you don’t have to.”

 “It’s fine. I really like hanging out with you guys, and the sweets are wonderful.” Nozomi took a second to respond gripping tightly onto the straps of her bag, a mind so jumbled she couldn’t focus on anything but Honoka.

 “And they’re so much better when you make them yourself, right?”

 “Yeah.” Nozomi kept her answer simple, eyes transfixed on the way Honoka’s spark contrasted with the dreary. Beautiful, and she sank deeper and deeper a love harder and harder to hide.

 The small talk droned on, Honoka dominating the conversation in a way that was very her. A few minutes from the shop, Nozomi’s time ran thin. The confidence was there knowing she to make whatever move she was going to make. The fear that was rooted so deeply inside made earlier attempts die before they could get out.

 In and out, deep breaths as Nozomi walked forward, occasionally bumping shoulders with an overly-excited Honoka. Her eyes focused on blue eyes, lively even in the drab light. Swallowing and twisting at already gripped bag straps, Nozomi fought that irrational fear back.

 “Honoka, I love you.”

 It came out with little warning, Nozomi surprising herself. Stomach-churning, she put her attention forward and did her best in keeping a normal pace. It took a second to realize the pattering of steps at her side stopped and looking back, Honoka stood with wide-eyes and an unfitting blank stare.

 Nozomi waited, hoping to give Honoka time to process, but not knowing what to say. Dropping a confession with no warning.

 Honoka opened and closed her mouth, “What?”

 “I.” Nozomi couldn’t look away. Honoka’s eyes boring into her own. “I said I love you, Honoka, and I meant it.”

 Nozomi only saw a blur as Honoka lept forward with reckless abandon, bringing the both of them to the ground with giggles that Nozomi knew she’d cherish forever.

 “Well, I love love love you too, Nozomi.”

 As it clicked, Nozomi wrapped her arms around Honoka as tight as she could, lost in the warmth contrasting the cold pavement bellow. Her back hurt, and some of the nerves lingered in jittery fingers, but who could care about that?

 “You mean it, right?” Nozomi knew it was a silly question, in all that confidence and hope Honoka brought, she found it hard to escape that lonely girl from years ago.

 Honoka rocked them back and forth, still on the ground, and with no intention to get up. “Of course I do silly. I’ve loved you for a long time, you know?”

 “Really?” It was an honest, if dumb, question. The intuition Nozomi prided herself on had failed her and in the most spectacularly wonderful way possible.

 Honoka noded fast nuzzled up closer to Nozoim’s cheek.

 People passed by as they stayed embraced on the ground, but Nozomi hadn’t a care for anything but the girl in her arms. Giggling like she wouldn’t have imagined only a year ago. Proud of her confidence to be as straightforward as Honoka, but above all else, Happy. Happy that the girl she fell in love with loved her back. A feeling she thought she understood, but the joy unique, and so special she wouldn’t want let go of.

#nozohono #nozomi tojo #kousaka honoka #love llive #love live fanfiction

[alargebear]

Back Home

Summary: Dia comes back home after college and has a talk with a girl she could never forget about.

Words: 2.2k

Pairing: ChikaDia

Links: AO3

Note: Gosh it’s been a minute but I’m back with some simple ChikaDia sweetness. 

The gentle, warm breeze rolling off the waves signaled to Dia that summer was around the corner. Replacing that chill from the spring months, kicking off the start of a new season and for her a new path to walk. Staring out at the sea with a rather boisterous group behind the front door to a familiar inn, Dia was home truly for the first time in over four years.

 Visits from college and the few weeklong breaks were only a small taste of the home she never could soak in until now. With graduation only a couple days behind her, and a new life of work ahead, Dia took solace in the quiet moment of respite from the rowdy party thrown for her. Deep breaths and a content smile filled a moment that allowed everything to sink in. She was at home. Surrounded by seven girls she held closer than any she’d met in her years studying, and one that she never could move on from.

 A rattling of the door and a bump in the back drew Dia’s attention from the picturesque scene in front of her and toward the woman at her side.

 “I found ya!”

 Chika was as loud as Dia remembered. Hair still the same length with that signature braid and goofy little strand sticking straight up on top. Still smiling like always, still lacking any sense of personal space like always, still looking with eyes that knew a bit too much like always, and still gorgeous like always.

 “It’s not like I can out here to hide from you guys.” Dia looked back out toward the sea, Chika’s eyes too bright. “I needed a bit of fresh air, and I definitely did not need to be in there when Mari started pulling out the alcohol.”

 “If it makes you feel any better Kanan is trying to keep things under control a little bit.”

 “It doesn’t.”

 Chika laughed. “But you should come back inside. You’re kinda the star of the show here.”

 “I’ll be back in a couple of minutes.” Dia took a quick glance back to Chika, who stared with a shine too bright before looking away. “I haven’t gotten to enjoy this view very much lately.”

 Silence as they stood shoulder to shoulder. Dia didn’t know how long, her sense of time going haywire as Chika stood by her like nothing was wrong. Like nothing ever happened. It was reassuring in a way, to not have to worry about the bits of awkwardness that came in the times they talked in those first years after she left.

 “You can head back inside,” Dia said, motioning back toward the door. “I won’t be long.”

 Chika shook her head with a hum. “It’s nice out here. So I think I’ll stay.”

 Dia was never good at small talk, but something needed to be said. At least she thought something did. There wasn’t the tension she expected, but there was a tad awkwardness to the silence between them. A silence that in high school would have been filled with Chika’s inane ramblings that Dia missed so dearly. She rubbed her hands up and down the side of her dress a sweat beaded on her palms. Why couldn’t they go back to the way things were before she left all of it behind?

 “Are you happy to be back here?” Chika broke the silence.

 Dia met Chika’s eyes head-on. The question seeming out of the blue. “Yeah, I missed it a lot. Tokyo is nice, and there’s always something to do, but this is home.”

 A faint smile across Chika’s lips as she started. “So you’re staying here for good, right? You’re taking over for your parents, or whatever.”

 Dia nodded and didn’t miss the small sigh from Chika. “I’ll still have to travel for work and all that, but I’ll always come back.”

 “Good.”

 That faint smile turned into the bright grin that Dia was drawn in by five years ago. That playful grin and the shining glint in Chika’s eyes were the same as the ones Dia knew she would never be able to forget, and seeing them in person made her remember. Remember what she left behind.

 “Was Tokyo fun?” Chika asked. “It was so cool when we got to go there with everyone for Love Live.”

 “I didn’t get to see all that much of it.” Dia’s smile drooped, lips forming a straight line. “I was os busy with all my school work, and student government responsibilities that I didn’t have any time to get out and see as much of the city as I wanted to.”

 “Well, that sucks.” Chika kicked at a pebble that wasn’t there, smile holding. “I’d have gone all over the place and explored the big city.”

 Dia giggled. “And probably got lost and wouldn’t know what to do.”

 “Hey!” Chika pushed her face in closer. “That happened one time when we went there together, and it wasn’t even my fault.”

 Dia folded her arms. “I seem to remember you calling me because you couldn’t sit still while I stopped to use the restroom. So you wandered off and I had to go and find you.”

 Chika looked back toward the sea, scratching the back of her head. “Okay maybe it was my fault, but it wasn’t all that bad. I mean, we found that little cafe that had that tea you liked.”

 “You’re right.” Dia’s jittery heart was slowing, feeling herself fall into her familiar, comfortable rapport with Chika. “I wish I could remember the name of that place.”

 “So do I.” Chika’s excitement faded and warped into a bashful stare Dia hadn’t seen in years. “That was also when we had our first kiss.”

 The awkward tension was back as soon as it left, and Dia was unsure what to do. A topic she was hoping to avoid being brought up in the most nonchalant way by the person she least wanted to hear it from. She knew, deep down, that it was a talk that needed to happen. Seeing Chika smile at her like she used to made her remember. Made those long-dormant feelings rekindle into something Dia knew as her first love.

 The silence gripped for a few minutes longer. Dia’s hands were back at her side sweat began to bead behind her bangs. More deep breaths and an attempt to swallow down the lump in her throat were all she could muster. She didn’t know what to say. How could she? It was her idea in the first place.

 “Uhm, Dia?” Chika squeaked her question out. Her voice was fraught with worry and doubt so out of place. “Did you. Did you, ya know, meet anyone when you were in Tokyo. Cause I wouldn’t blame you one bit I mean it was four years ago and you’re pretty and I’m sure everyone there was super smart and pretty like you so I wouldn’t be surprised. I’m just kinda a little curious.”

 The knots in Dia’s throat tried hard to keep her words down, but she would fight through it. This was Chika, and she deserved nothing but Honesty.

 “There were two.” Dia’s answer was curt, her heartbreaking as she saw the life in Chika’s eyes die.

 “Of course there were,” Chika mumbled to herself. “Are you still…”

 “Oh, gods no. None of them were ever able to get very serious.” Dia’s words were quick doing anything she could to bring that shimmer back.

 A sigh from Chika, much longer than before. “Why not?”

 “I never had much time for it.” Dia looked to Chika, who shot back a look that said she didn’t buy it. “And honestly, I don’t think I was every looking all that hard for someone to love. Which now I can see wasn’t very fair to them while we were dating.”

 It was the truth, not all of it, but the bits that Dia was comfortable telling Chika. How could she say that she never truly got over some high school puppy love that made it barely a year? How could she say that she couldn’t get some loud, obnoxious, and, in her own words, normal girl out of her mind long enough to be with anyone else? How could she say any of that knowing she was the one that ended it all?

 “Are you still not looking?” Chika’s question was met with an odd stare from Dia. “For someone to fall in love with, I mean.”

 How open could Dia be? She wasn’t blind. The obvious pain that Chika was in from bringing the topic up was written on a face that Dia learned could hide things better than most thought. But she learned to read it. The jittery eyes, the uneven smile, and the dim eyes were things Dia wished she could say she hadn’t seen before. Chika was in pain, and searching for hope the Dia knew she could give, but was it alright? Was any of this fair to Chika? That rekindling love burning brighter and brighter and the sun dropped lower and lower behind the waves.

 It was Dia’s turn to be strong for Chika.

 “I’m not looking.” Dia wanted to wait, but Chika’s worsening mood forced her to keep going. “I’ve always only ever had one person in mind. Even during those years at college there was one girl who I just couldn’t stop thinking about, and no matter who asked me out, or who I tried to date, none of them ever came close to how I felt about her.”

 Chika was speechless, and Dia found it cute. A bashful yet scared Chika that was so new yet beautiful like all the Chika’s were. It was unfair of Dia, she knew that. To come back and expect things to fall into place like she never left, but the flame was back. The love was back faster and deeper than she expected.

 Licking her lips and with bright cheeks Chika looked up, rubbing her hands together with a nervous vigor. “Dia, I really really don’t wanna get my hopes up, but this girl. Is it.”

 “I know this is so selfish of me, Chika, and I’m sorry.” Dia didn’t want Chika to continue, the fragility not something she ever wanted to see again. “I said we needed to break up when I left and I think it was the right thing to do, but. Chika, I missed you so much, and I know things might not go back to the way they were right away, but I want you to know that I love you just like I did before. I’ll never ask for something this selfish again, but please let’s try again.” 

 There was a tug on one of Dia’s folded arms that forced them apart. A nervous hand interlacing their fingers with her own. So warm, an act of intimacy bringing a year’s worth of wonderful memories with it. It wasn’t an answer, Dia wouldn’t believe any of it to be true without Chika saying it, but it brought hope. Dumb, irrational, yet wonderful hope.

 “I never hated you or anything,” Chika said, voice trembling as she slid in, shoulder touching Dia’s. “I cried a ton, and if I ever vent to You again she might explode, but you were just looking out for me. I still think it was stupid, but you did what you thought was best. That’s what Mari and Kanan always told me at least.”

 “So?” Dia squeezed the hand in her own as if she were the one in need of reassurance. Asking a question she was sure she already had the answer to, but needing to hear it.

 A lightweight rolled onto Dia’s shoulder that she still knew from the weight. It was Chika’s head. Still accompanied by the faintest hint of oranges and comfort.

 “I’m so happy.” Chika sniffled. “I didn’t think you’d want me back. I thought you’d find some beautiful, smart woman in Tokyo that I’d never be able to compete with. Because I’m still  plain ‘ol me, and you’re even more amazing Dia, but I’m so happy because I never stopped thinking about you.”

 “I could never find anyone to replace you.” Dia hated that that side of Chika was still there, even after so long. “You’re the amazing girl who pulled me back into a wonderful life with friends that I’ll cherish forever, and I’m going to do whatever I can to make sure you understand that.”

 Chika nuzzled in closer. “I still love you, Dia.”

 Dia hummed, rubbing small circles on the back of Chika’s hand. “And I still love you, Chika. So much.”

 Quiet again, but this time Dia was content to sit and bask in it. The party back inside could wait. Knowing there was work to do, and that this was a start of something that would need the effort to grow. Those thoughts were for later. Instead, Dia enjoyed the moment alone with the girl she never stopped loving. Knowing it would be the first of hundreds to come.

#ChikaDia #Chika Takami #dia kurosawa #love live #love live sunshine #love live fanfiction

[alargebear]

On The Balcony

Summary: It was how Chika always felt. She just needed to put it into words.

Pairing: ChikaRiko

Words: 1.3k

Link:AO3

Note: Holy I actually finished something. It’s quick and IDK if its any good but I was finally able to write something and Im happy with just that.

Deep down, Chika wondered if all the worries and fears were worth it. If all the practice she had done beforehand, and all the doubts that wouldn’t leave her mind were something she needed to overcome at all. If all the words of encouragement from her family and friends were something she could find enough confidence in.

Keep reading

#self reblog

[alargebear]

On The Balcony

Summary: It was how Chika always felt. She just needed to put it into words.

Pairing: ChikaRiko

Words: 1.3k

Link:AO3

Note: Holy I actually finished something. It’s quick and IDK if its any good but I was finally able to write something and Im happy with just that.

Deep down, Chika wondered if all the worries and fears were worth it. If all the practice she had done beforehand, and all the doubts that wouldn’t leave her mind were something she needed to overcome at all. If all the words of encouragement from her family and friends were something she could find enough confidence in.

Deep down, she wondered if Riko would even care, and that may have been the biggest fear.

Months had been spent coming to understand a feeling that at first, Chika wanted nothing to do with. Love was never something she thought much about. Love was always that thing shoehorned into movies that got in the way of all the good bits. Love was something that happened in fairytales and was gossiped about amongst the older girls at school. Love was never something that the normal monster Chika Takami ever needed to concern herself with.

Love was something made for those amazing people worth admiring, and not a country girl from some small town in Japan.

Those thoughts were made worse when Chika understood that it was love. That twisting of the heart whenever Riko looked into her eyes was so unique it took everything not to blurt it out on the spot. The only thing stopping Chika being her fears, and an odd thought that it didn’t matter anyway. Because in the end, she was just Chika, and Riko was Riko. Amazing, talented, and shinning Riko.

Riko was her polar opposite. A city girl raised in Tokyo with a talent and passion for music that Chika believed she could have never felt herself. Riko had a dream, a passion, that Chika watched rekindle into something special.

Chika knew of the way Riko talked about her. How special she was for starting Aqours, how amazing she was for helping Riko find her passion again, and how Riko believed she had a shine all her own. Chika had heard it all, and that may have been where the small bits of confidence she could find were mustered from, but it didn’t mean the same thing. It couldn’t have, right? What Chika felt was love, and what Riko felt was friendship. That was how she kept any hope in check, and how the fears won out in her head.

But Chika had friends. Wonderful, caring friends that made sure she knew not to let those fears win. From late night pep-talks over the phone with You, encouraging cheer from the first-years, and experienced advice from the third-years. Chika found a will to try. A hope that if a goofy little country girl could form an idol group than maybe she could confess to a girl she adored more than any other.

It was those thoughts that lead to Chika taking deep breaths on her balcony in the middle of the night. The spring air was cold as it rolled off the ocean's waves, but Chika couldn’t feel it over her red cheeks and sweaty palms. Months of practice and prep had lead to a moment may be more important than standing on the Love Live stage, but this was just her. No audience, no friends, just her and the girl she hoped wouldn’t break her heart.

One more deep breath before Chika chucked the balled up paper the short distance to Riko’s window. No turning back as the paper left her fingers and hit with a quiet, unceremonious thud.

The seconds of waiting the worst part of it all. The anxiety almost pushing her to turn around and head to bed as if nothing ever happened, but she couldn’t. She was stronger now, Riko always told her she had a lot to be confident in, so that was where she kept her hope.

The glass door slid open without any ceremony and Riko emerged in pajamas and rubbing at her eyes.

Chika stood up straight, eyes wide and doing everything to keep her jittery hands still. “Ah, did I wake you up Riko? I’m sorry I didn’t mean to.”

Riko yawned as she put her arms back at her side. “Don’t worry you didn’t wake me up I was getting ready to go to bed.”

Chika didn’t talk as Riko stared not a single hint of annoyance or displeasure, but she still couldn’t find her voice.

“What did you want to talk about?” Riko asked as her head drooped to the side. “You know we have school in the morning?”

Chika swallowed down some doubt, allowing herself to speak up. “I know, but this is important so I needed to tell you right now.”

Riko kept silent as she stared, more attentive, and urging Chika to continue.

“It’s, umm.” The words were hard to find. Chika thoughts jumbled into a mess of love for Riko that couldn’t come out right. “I needed to tell you something.”

“You already said that.” Riko leaned forward on the balcony wall. “You never look this nervous Chika. If it’s that important take your time.”

Chika bit her bottom lip, falling even further as Riko showed nothing but care. It wouldn’t make the confession come any easier. Only helping to solidify feelings she was already much too sure about.

A bark from Shiitake helped Chika focus. Bringing her back to a world that was just her and Riko. “I need to tell you something about how I feel.”

Riko kept her head tilted but quirked an eyebrow urging Chika to continue.

“I’ve been thinking about it a whole bunch lately and if I don’t tell you now I’m going to explode.” Chika pulled her eyes away from Riko, focusing instead on the space just behind her. Red cheeks only darkened, and those sweaty palms gripped and wrinkled shorts. “Because I’m super in love with Riko Sakurauchi.”

More silence and Chika couldn’t read anything from the short glances at Riko’s face. The silence more unnerving than all the months leading up to the confession. So as those seconds turned into minutes Chika couldn’t stop herself.

“It’s just, you’re so beautiful and talented and caring and amazing I can’t stop thinking about it.” Chika’s thoughts spilled out in a daze, failing at fighting back tears she told herself not to cry. “I don’t think you’ll ever love me back or anything like that since I’m just plain ol’ Chika, ya know? But you’re still so amazing and I love you so so much that I couldn’t help it anymore so I told you and know I feel dumb because it’s almost midnight and I’m making things weird now, but I can’t help it. I love you so much, Riko and I can’t hold it anymore.”

Chika couldn’t focus on anything but her own sniffles and tears. The only thing keeping her from running was her legs being too weak. So she waited for a response that she had already decided was coming. Preparing for a broken heart everyone told her not to worry about.

“How many times have I told you I hate it when you say things like that?” Riko's question was asked through slight tears of her own, there was an edge to her voice, not one Chika was sure she’d ever heard. “If you’re going to confess to me, do it as the shining leader of Aqours that won Love Live and changed peoples lives, not as ‘plain ol’ Chika’.”

Looking up, Chika saw cheeks that she was sure were as red as her own, and eyes as bloodshot, but filled with a determination she had never seen. The silence tense but she knew what to say.

“How about this, then.” Chika took in another deep breath, the last of the night. “I love you, Riko. You’re the most talented, beautiful and amazing person I’ve ever met and I really really want to be your girlfriend.”

No silence as Riko’s expression softened. “I can’t believe it took you this long. I was so scared I was being too obvious about it.”

Hope came rushing in as Chika's eyes sought out nothing but Riko. “What does that mean?” she asked, before pulling away from the final grip of self-doubt.

“Silly.” Riko chuckled, propping her elbows up with her head in her hands. “It means I love you, Chika.”

#love live #love live sunshine #Chika Takami #riko sakurauchi #chikariko

[alargebear]

A New Apartment and Old Feelings

Summary:  Moving in together has a way of bringing up old thoughts.

Pairing: HonoUmi

Words: 1.3k

Link: AO3

Note: yeah I still love HonoUmi a ton. idk what it is about these two but they bring the absolute sap out of me.

The morning had been hectic. Nine girls running amok in a small apartment not too far from Otonokizaka. Yelling, arguments and laughter were what filled the tiny space for hours before, and Umi knew she was just as apart of it all as anyone else. Cardboard boxes filled every corner, makeshift tables were made from textbooks, and boxes of takeout the only food in the place. It was a new home.

Keep reading

#self reblog

[alargebear]

A New Apartment and Old Feelings

Summary:  Moving in together has a way of bringing up old thoughts.

Pairing: HonoUmi

Words: 1.3k

Link: AO3

Note: yeah I still love HonoUmi a ton. idk what it is about these two but they bring the absolute sap out of me.

The morning had been hectic. Nine girls running amok in a small apartment not too far from Otonokizaka. Yelling, arguments and laughter were what filled the tiny space for hours before, and Umi knew she was just as apart of it all as anyone else. Cardboard boxes filled every corner, makeshift tables were made from textbooks, and boxes of takeout the only food in the place. It was a new home.

Clutter had a way of making an already little space seem that much smaller, but the will to clean disappeared as soon as the last of the guests left. A couch was all too inviting to a tired back and aching arms.  Umi supposed it could all be done the next day anyway. Wondering when thoughts like that started forming in the first place, but knowing the source of them as they came.

“I can finally sit down,” Honoka said with a loud sigh. Plopping down next to Umi on the only furniture set up outside of the bedroom. Her head rolling to the side onto Umi’s shoulder. “Why do we have so much stuff anyway?”

Umi chuckled, shifting in closer to press her own weight into Honoka’s. “You know you’re the one who just had to take everything from your old room, right?”

“Ugh.” Honoka’s shoulders slumped. “Don’t remind me.”

Umi wasn’t sure how long the silence lasted as they sat. Honoka pressed up against her side, gentle breathing the only sound in the room. For the first time, it sank in that they were home. No going back to her parents at the end of the night. No wondering if Honoka would make it back to her own safe and sound. They were together in their apartment.

There was so much to do. Set up furniture, go and get groceries, and make sure everything was paid for . The thoughts were there for Umi, not forgotten, but pushed off to the side for a moment alone with Honoka in a place they called there own. Nico might call the thoughts sappy, and maybe they were, but Honoka taught her many times not to care.

“What’re we going to have for dinner?” Honoka asked over a rumbling stomach.

“Well, we don’t have any food here.” Umi moved her arm around Honoka’s waist. A more comfortable spot than smashed against her side. “Should we order a pizza?”

Honoka nodded. “I like that idea. A lot less work than going to the store.”

Umi hummed her approval, making a quick order on her phone before returning all her focus back to the girl in her arm. No tv to break the comfy mood, crammed away in some room that they’d have to find tomorrow. Their only permanent furniture the coach where they sat, and Umi knew it would move another handful of times before the perfect angle was found. Thoughts like those were for tomorrow. She knew where her focus needed to be, and it certainly wasn’t on mundane furniture arrangements. Not with a woman she loved more than anything snuggled up against her side.

“Umi,” Honoka muttered between a yawn. “When did you fall in love with me?”

With bright cheeks, Umi’s attention shot to the half-lidded eyes on her shoulder. She sputtered trying to find the words. Embarrassed in a way that only Honoka could bring out of her anymore.

Honoka rolled her head up to face Umi. Eyes glimmering with a child-like curiosity. “Well?”

“What brought this on all of a sudden?” Umi asked, still able to keep eye contact despite the desperate urge to look anywhere else.

“I guess since we made such a big step today I was a little curious.” Honoka lifted her head, still as close as she could manage, but with a better view of Umi. “You’ve never told me before.”

“You haven’t told me either.” Umi deflected as best she could.

Honoka went wide-eyed. “I haven’t?”

Umi shook her head.

“Alright, then I’ll tell you after you tell me.”

“Why do I have to go first?” Umi asked, wanting to argue, but Honoka’s insistence was enough to know she wouldn’t win. With a deep breath, she resigned herself to her fate.

Umi didn’t answer right away. Taking time to collect thoughts that had been forced back up by a surprise question. A question she found hard to answer because she wasn’t sure if there was an answer. When did she fall in love? It wasn’t a question Umi found herself ever thinking.

“I don’t know.’ Umi answered, knowing full well it wouldn’t be enough, and Honoka’s rolled eyes and slumped shoulders were enough of a tell that she was right.

“Oh come on.” Honoka managed to say over her groan. “There has to be something, right?”

Umi ran her free hand through her hair as she thought. All her memories of Honoka blurred together in one filled with nothing but love. She couldn’t imagine a time before knowing what love was and it not being Honoka.

“If I had to say.” Umi brought her hand back down to her lap. “I guess it would be our first year in middle school when I realized I could even fall in love with someone. It was always you, Honoka. I think even before I knew what it meant to be in love, I was in love with you. You’ve always been the person I found more special than anyone else that I can’t even imagine a time thinking you weren’t someone I loved.”

Honoka was quick to wrap her arms around Umi, hugging tight to her side. “That was such an Umi explanation.”

“And what’s that supposed to mean?” Umi returned the affection with both arms around Honoka. Asking her question with no offense, only pure curiosity.

“It was so sappy but sweet at the same time.” Honoka put a quick kiss to Umi’s cheek. “Which is just like my Umi.”

Umi couldn’t take the sudden burst of affection, looking away with arms still around Honoka. “I told you mine. So now it's your turn.”

“Promise you won’t make fun of me and call it dumb?” Honoka asked.

Umi felt the jitter fingers on her back as the question came out. “Of course I won’t. Even if it is ‘sappy’ just like mine.”

“Good.” A deep breath and Honoka started. “Well, I don’t know if you really remember, but you know when I asked you to be an idol the first time in high school and you said no, but I still wanted to do it and practiced on my own?”

“How could I forget that.” Umi’s embarrassment was gone as she answered Honoka’s chaste kiss to the cheek with one of her own. “It was when I realized how serious you were, and I hold that memory very dearly.”

Honoka smiled that bright, toothy smile that could enchant entire stadiums. “So do I. Because when you offered to help me up I realized that I was super in love with Umi Sonoda. You were so beautiful and kind like you always were even though I was dragging you into another one of my dumb plans. That was when I knew I didn’t want you to just be my best friend anymore, and that I was going to make sure we would be together for a long time.”

There was a lump in Umi’s throat that she fought back with the bite of her lower lip, eyes on the verge of letting loose tears. Nearly breaking as Honoka leaned in for another kiss, this one to the lips. “Well, I think we’re off to a good start.”

Honoka looked about the cluttered apartment, their apartment, before directing all her attention back to Umi. “I think you’re right.”

#honoumi #honoka kousaka #umi sonoda #love live #My fic

[alargebear]

A Place To Start

Summary: When did Uchiura become home?

Pairing: ChikaRiko

Word Count: 900

Link: AO3

Note: This is a jumbled mess tbh. Title and story inspired by A Place To Start by White Denim.

Riko wondered when a tiny town on the edge of the sea became home. Tokyo and the bustle of city life were what she was acquainted with in her younger years. Growing up in a place that was almost the polar opposite of the place she settled. When did it happen, and why was Uchiura the place she could never see herself leaving?

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[alargebear]

A Place To Start

Summary: When did Uchiura become home?

Pairing: ChikaRiko

Word Count: 900

Link: AO3

Note: This is a jumbled mess tbh. Title and story inspired by A Place To Start by White Denim.

Riko wondered when a tiny town on the edge of the sea became home. Tokyo and the bustle of city life were what she was acquainted with in her younger years. Growing up in a place that was almost the polar opposite of the place she settled. When did it happen, and why was Uchiura the place she could never see herself leaving?

She knew the answer to both those questions, one taking longer to understand than the other.

In passing, Riko would say she fell in love with Uchiura during those wonderful high school years she wouldn’t trade for any other, and maybe there was truth to that, but it wasn’t the whole truth. Years spent away at a fancy college learning how to compose beautiful works under the supervision on the countries greatest sowed seeds of doubt. The big city seeming to be the only place she could achieve a dream made long before she even knew where Uchiura was.

It was in those four years that Riko came to understand what made a home and that the who was just as important as the where. All of the joy that performing her own pieces on stage brought paled to the giddiness of performing on stage with eight other girls in a ragtag group that became special. A realization that was so shocking it brought back doubts that Riko hadn't felt since that first month after her high school transfer. Thinking that it was a stupid dream after all.

It wasn’t until she came back home that she understood what she was missing. The simple answer was Chika. The longer, more complicated answer was still Chika. She was the glue that held Riko together, even when the world seemed hell-bent on making her shatter. It was something she knew. A fact she had understood since that fateful encounter on the beach. A point reinforced every year since they got together in the blissful second year of high school. Love that was so consistent and obvious, that she knew it wasn’t anything ever to be questioned.

All of that fear brought on by lost direction. Old anxieties that were forced back up when confronted with new, but wholly terrifying thoughts of what to do as she entered her twenty-somethings. Her love of music not meshing with the traditional recitals and lonely solo performances in front of crowds who favored technical skill over all else. It lacked that indescribable shine that Chika wouldn’t stop blabbering about, even as they grew older. There was nobody to share the bright stage lights with, no one to share in the glee of a heart-pounding performance.

Riko was lost until she made the decision to stay. Deciding to make Uchiura her new start. Chika questioned it at first, making sure she was alright with giving up on a dream they’d discussed since they first met. Riko was sure, and in that coming year, waking up each morning next to Chika. There was never a reason to doubt. The right decision had been made.

“Riko.”

Riko shook her head, forcing her focus from the shimmering ocean to the bright orange hair at her side. The cool sand tickling her bare feet as she walked with fingers entwined with Chika’s.

“I’m sorry, Chika. I was thinking about something else.”

“Geez, and everyone calls me the airhead,” Chika mumbled, swinging their held hands back and forth as they walked. “I was trying to ask you what you thought we should do for tonight.”

“Oh, yeah.” Riko kept walking but forced her eyes forward. Jittery fingers spinning the gold band on her finger. “Didn’t we get everything we needed last night?”

“We’ve got all the food ready and stuff, but I want to make sure tonight’s perfect, ya know?”

Chika asked, but didn’t wait for a response. “We haven’t had everyone in town at the same time in over a year. The last Aqours reunion was awesome, so this one needs to be, too.”

Riko hummed her approval, hand tightening around Chika’s as they walked in silence. She’d come to find the crashing waves against the shore calming, helping to ease the anxiety of the coming night. It was silly to be afraid, she knew, but it wasn’t something so easily left behind. A part of herself she was sure would never truly go away.

“I can tell you’re nervous,” Chika said, sliding in closer so their shoulders touched. “We don’t have to announce it to everyone right away if you don’t want to.”

“No.” Riko didn’t waste any time answering. “I want everyone to know at the same time.”

“Good.” Chika smiled, radiant like they were still in high school, and Riko felt the butterflies in her stomach die off as soon as they came. “Because I can’t wait to introduce you as my future wife instead of my girlfriend.”

Chika made sure to swing their connected hands high as she finished, making sure her own gold band dazzled in the setting sun.

They walked until the sand ended and their feet met concrete. The ocean breeze cold as the sun threatened to fall even further. As they stopped in front of an old family-owned inn, the only warmth the shoulder on Riko's own, and the clasped hands. Not alone in Tokyo, but together in Uchiura. Not for the first time, but now sure in her new start, and calling this place home.

#Chika Takami #riko sakurauchi #chikariko #love live #love live sunshine #My fic

[alargebear]

Don’t Ever Think That

Summary: Old thoughts from high school were hard for Honoka to escape.

Pairing: NozoHonoEli

Words: 1.3k

Link: AO3

Note: Hey so these three are great together, didn’t ya know? If you want you can follow me on twitter here. 

For Honoka, no spot felt more natural than between Nozomi and Eli. It had been months since the move, and well over two years since they got together, but it never got old. The gentle caress of Nozomi’s arm around her side. The soft hum and comforting weight on her shoulder as Eli leaned in. It was where Honoka could be most at ease, where she could unwind after a day of rigorous training from her mother and father on how to run their shop.

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#self reblog

[alargebear]

Don’t Ever Think That

Summary: Old thoughts from high school were hard for Honoka to escape.

Pairing: NozoHonoEli

Words: 1.3k

Link: AO3

Note: Hey so these three are great together, didn’t ya know? If you want you can follow me on twitter here. 

For Honoka, no spot felt more natural than between Nozomi and Eli. It had been months since the move, and well over two years since they got together, but it never got old. The gentle caress of Nozomi’s arm around her side. The soft hum and comforting weight on her shoulder as Eli leaned in. It was where Honoka could be most at ease, where she could unwind after a day of rigorous training from her mother and father on how to run their shop.

That spot in the middle of a couch which was a size too small was somewhere Honoka could be open. That couch was somewhere she didn’t have to worry about asking the wrong questions, or prying too deep. So she knew everything would be alright, even if that meant a question had to be asked. A question that had been on her mind longer than she thought it ever should have been. Something she hated thinking, but could never get away from. No matter how obvious it was that Nozomi and Eli loved her. A stupid thought that had plagued her since high school.

“What’d you want to talk about, Honoka?” Nozomi asked, snuggling in closer to Honoka with a reassuring arm around her side.

“Yeah,” Eli said, sitting straight, but leaning enough weight into Honoka to catch some of the warmth. “Normally when you want to tell us something you just say it. So this must be important.”

Honoka swallowed, hands balled up in her lap. “I’ve been thinking about something.”

The answers were a nod of the head and a light hum. Both Nozomi and Eli patient in letting Honoka continue. Staying quiet, offering their support through a caress of the side, and deeper snuggle into the shoulder.

“It’s something I’ve wondered about ever since high school.” Honoka waited, staying quiet in hope of some response to allow her time to gather messy thoughts.

“It must be bothering you a lot. You’re never this quiet unless you’re worried.” Eli leaned her head over to try and meet Honoka’s eyes. “And you know how we hate seeing you worried. ”

“You know you can tell us whatever you want.” Nozomi rolled her head onto Honoka’s shoulder. “We’ll do whatever we can to make you feel better because we love a smiling Honoka the best, right Eli?”

“Of course.”

A deep breath, in through the nose and out through the mouth, kept Honoka’s heartbeat in check. It should never have been so scary to tell the two girls you loved more than any other a problem that should never have been one in the first place, but it was always there. Dumb insecurity fueled by the thought that she wasn’t as special as either Eli or Nozomi. That the love she had for both of them couldn’t compare to what they had together before she met either of them. It was a fear that should have been fought back after years together, but it wouldn’t leave. Not without asking first.

“You know I love both of you lots and lots, right?” Honoka asked.

Two quick nods of the head her answer her answer.

“And I know that you two love each other a whole bunch too, right?” Honoka kept her breathing in check as she asked again.

“We do,” Nozomi answered, taking her free arm and reaching across her body, taking one of Honoka’s fist into her own hand.

Honoka relaxed her hand enough to open it, entwining their fingers. “And you two have been best friends since before we even met, right?”

“We have.” Eli followed Nozomi’s lead, reaching across to take Honoka’s free hand into her own. Thumb on the back of Honoka’s hand offering small circles.

“It’s just that somethings I think that maybe.” Honoka stopped as the sentence bunched up in her throat, refusing to come out. Hard to find the will to continue, but there were two girls right next to her that she could find that will in. Relief that was spurred on by love found in compassionate touches. “Maybe you guys like each other a teensy-tiny bit more than you like me.”

Honoka thought there would be time to let the dust settle as she opened up. Think of some follow up on the spot as the words sank in, but there wasn’t. Tightened grips of her hands helping to convey more meaning than words ever could in such a short amount of time. Nozomi’s arm at her side pulling in tighter, and Eli ’s search for her eyes more frantic than before.

“You were right Nozomi.” Eli didn’t leave more than a second for Honoka to wallow, answering quick.

“I wish I wasn’t.”

Frantic, Honoka looked between them, wondering what their cryptic talk meant. Heart speeding up despite the quick breath. Knowing deep down that their love was more evident than ever, but those thoughts wouldn’t leave. Thoughts of all the things Nozomi knew about Eli that she didn’t, and all the things Eli knew about Nozomi. Jealousy that had no place in a relationship she cherished more than any she’d ever had. Dumb, but she couldn’t let it fester below the surface any longer.

“What?” Honoka asked the only thing she could manage through the lump in her throat.

“I’ve been worried that you’ve been thinking about stuff like that. That Eli and I are closer to each other than we are with you.” Nozomi didn’t spare any physical affection as she started, hands still offering Honoka whatever she needed. “You’ve always got this sad look whenever we talked about stuff that happened before we met you.”

Of course, Nozomi noticed. Honoka was much to easy to read for her not to catch on, and she felt stupid for trying to hide. But now it was in the open, and Honoka wasn’t sure where things would go. How they would see her once they knew about that deeply rooted jealousy that couldn’t be pulled out.

“Honoka,” Eli started, but not continuing until Honoka looked her eye to eye. “You’re right, there are some things that Nozomi and I know about each other that you don’t. It’s not that we’re trying to keep secrets from you or anything, it’s something that happens when you’ve known each other as long as we have.”

“Eli’s right,” Nozomi said, surprised by how hard Honoka’s grip tightened on her own. “But that doesn't mean we don’t love you just as much. We adore you, Honoka, and we hope you never forget that.”

Honoka sniffled, trying to find the words to say, but everything failing in her mind before it could reach her mouth. Opting instead to sit and listen, soaking in the affection showered on her by two people whose love she was learning to never doubt.

“I love you so, so much, and I know Nozomi does, too.” Eli leaned in planting a quick kiss to Honoka’s cheek. “So please, Honoka. Don’t you ever think for even a second that we don’t love you as much as we love each other. Because I know that I’ll never be happier than when I’m with the both of you.”

Nozomi didn’t follow up. Instead, she showered Honoka in a quick flurry of kisses. Some to the cheek, some to the shoulder, and a fleeting few to the lips. Hoping it was enough to make her understand. Knowing how much affection and love each movement carried.

Honoka basked in it. Giggling to herself as the short kisses tickled her skin. Each one carrying away a tiny bit of the rooted fear. Eventually taking all of it.

“There’s that smile,” Nozomi pulled back from Honoka’s cheek, grinning to herself. “You're so much cuter when you’re happy.”

Eli smiled as she stopped herself. “Are you alright now?”

“Yeah.” Honoka unlaced the hands in her lap, reaching both arms around the loves at her and pulling in as tight as she could. Nestling further into the couch to get more comfortable. “I love you two so much.”

“We love you, too.”

#love live #eli ayase #nozomi tojo #honoka kousaka #nozohonoeli #hononozoeli #My fic

[alargebear]

Long Distance

Summary: A bit of distance wasn’t anything to worry about. Was what Riko told herself.

Pairing: ChikaRiko

Word count:2.9k

Link: AO3

Note: I wrote this for the ChikaRiko secret valentine for @starluck40 on twitter. Super sorry this is so late but work has been a lot lately.

The apartment’s balcony was different. Riko looked out and saw the sprawl of a large city, a skyline littered with different, bright lights, and streets that bustled with all the commotion she’d thought to have left behind. Two years since the view had been something she saw every day of her life. A view that she wanted nothing more than to forget about when leaving Tokyo for the first time was back as it had never left.

Keep reading

#self reblog

[alargebear]

Long Distance

Summary: A bit of distance wasn’t anything to worry about. Was what Riko told herself.

Pairing: ChikaRiko

Word count:2.9k

Link: AO3

Note: I wrote this for the ChikaRiko secret valentine for @starluck40 on twitter. Super sorry this is so late but work has been a lot lately.

The apartment's balcony was different. Riko looked out and saw the sprawl of a large city, a skyline littered with different, bright lights, and streets that bustled with all the commotion she’d thought to have left behind. Two years since the view had been something she saw every day of her life. A view that she wanted nothing more than to forget about when leaving Tokyo for the first time was back as it had never left.

Different from the gentle sounds of a small seaside town that she hoped to never leave, but life wouldn’t allow that. High school had to come to an end, which meant that a future that Riko once felt was so far off was upon her. Numazu didn’t have a school with the music program she’d always imagined herself in. Which meant leaving behind the place that became her home.

Leaving behind a school that she felt comfortable in. Leaving behind a group of friends that she found hope and acceptance in. Leaving behind a town that became home. Maybe worst of all leaving behind a simple, shining girl who changed her life forever.

It was a decision made on her own, and with the support of everyone whose opinion she cared for. A dream was meant to run toward, that was something Chika would always make sure she knew. So there was never any regret. No looking back thinking and wondering if it was the right decision to leave behind everything that became so dear.

There was never regret, it was a decision made with confidence, but that couldn’t fight back that budding loneliness. Even in classes filled to the brim with young, talented musicians, and streets packed with passersby shoulder to shoulder, there was a hope to see eight girls she missed. One more than the others.

“So, how was the first day?”

Riko sighed into the phone held against her cheek, even so far away, Chika’s voice was a balm that could soothe any anxiety.

“It was good,” Riko said.

“Just good?” Chika chuckled. “Isn’t this the school of your dreams? Shouldn’t the first day be shiny and magical.”

Riko laughed for the first time that day. “We didn’t really do anything. Just went over what we were going to do for the rest of the year, talked about everyone's interests and instruments, and stupid icebreakers that just made things more awkward.”

“I bet you’re awful at those.”

“Very funny.” Riko rolled her eyes at nobody. “Not everyone makes friends with the whole class on the first day, you know?”

“Maybe you should just try harder.” There was a playful mocking to Chika’s voice.

“No, icebreakers are stupid, and I don’t care if I am bad at them.”

“So, you are bad at them?”

“Shut up.” Riko leaned her elbows on the balconies railing, resting the phone against her shoulder. “Did you call me just to make fun of me?”

“Of course not.” Chika scoffed. “I haven’t talked to you in a week. I missed hearing your voice.”

Riko blushed, Chika’s blunt affection hitting her just as hard through the phone as it did in person. “I missed talking to you, too.”

A brief silence took hold, and Riko wondered how things would go. Only a week of no Chika that seemed so much longer. Sweaty palms gripped at the cool metal of the rail. She would need to get used to the distance that she knew was coming. It wasn’t a surprise, but that didn’t make it any easier. Seeing Chika every day had become the norm. Having to wait months between visits was weird, and just a bit scary.

“How are things at the inn?” Riko broke the silence, fearing thinking too much.

“Fine.” Chika’s voice was indifferent. “I’m mostly just cleaning and helping customers with luggage and stuff. My mom and sisters said I’d get more responsibilities when I’ve worked more.”

“Sounds like you’re working hard.” Riko smiled, soft and to nobody in particular.

“You should tell that to Mito.” Chika sighed. “I’ve gotta go soon. There’s this family coming in a little bit and we need to get some stuff ready for them.”

“Alright.” Riko’s smile dropped. “You’re going to call me more than once a week, right?”

“Duh. Since I don’t see you every day anymore how else am I going to get my dose of Riko?” Chika asked, but didn’t leave anytime for an answer. “I love you, Riko.”

Riko took in a sharp breath, the three words setting her heart aflutter. “I love you, too, Chika.”

A subtle click and Riko was once again left to the sounds of the busy streets below. She relished in the warmth in her stomach and flutter of her heart as her talk with Chika ended. The distance something new after two years of getting so lost in each other. A distance that would take time to acclimate to.

A sharp breeze brought with it a shiver despite it being late summer. With a deep breath, Riko turned, opening the sliding door and stepping into her apartment. The content warmth in her stomach replaced by a chill not yet cold enough to worry about.

The weeks passed, but the phone calls stayed the same. Like clockwork at the same time at the end of her day. A time that Riko found solace in amongst the hustle and bustle of a new, frightening, and exciting college life. The calls were moments she could lose herself in with the person she wanted to see more than any other.

Chika’s voice was still the same. Lovely and bubbly in a way that set Riko’s heart pounding. Warm enough, loving enough, that Riko could continue to bear the brunt of the feelings their new distance caused. They’d talked about this move, they knew the distance was coming. Riko couldn’t let that small seed of doubt take root. It would be unfair to Chika who cheered her on, whose encouragement lead her to chase a dream she’d had since childhood.

A bit of distance wouldn’t be enough to break what they had, Riko hoped.

“Sorry, I can’t talk very long tonight.”

Chika’s voice was frantic and stuttered over the phone. A sound that didn’t put Riko at ease.

“It’s alright, Chika,” Riko said, staring out over the city lights. She knew better than to lie, but she couldn’t bring herself to put more pressure on Chika. “You did say you were going to be busier lately.”

“I know, but I didn’t want it to cut into my time talking to you.”

Riko didn’t know how to respond, opting to stay quiet and bask in the sentiment. Always aware that Chika loved her, but hearing it put so plainly never failing to make her fall further.

“I’m sorry, Riko,” Chika said again. “We’re just getting so many new customers all the time, and my sisters are trying to teach me a whole bunch of stuff, too.”

“Don’t worry,” Riko answered without thinking. “I know you’re doing your best.”

“I love you a whole bunch.”

Riko blushed, not able to dwell on the sweetness too long, hearing familiar yelling that she’d come to learn was usually Mito. It meant things were coming to an end, and she gnawed on her bottom lip at the realization.  Bitting back a selfish urge to ask for Chika’s voice for a few minutes longer. Selfish and childlike, she thought, so she wouldn’t. Even if it wouldn’t help quell the twisting of her heart.

“It sounds like they need you to get back to work.” It was all Riko could find in herself to say.

“I guess,” Chika yelled something unintelligible back before returning, voice faster than before. “I’ll try and call tomorrow. Bye.”

“Bye, Chika.”

Riko hung up, staring at her phone with an unreadable expression. Inklings of doubt seeped into a mind that would have never questioned love before. Small enough that they were fought off with a simple shake of the head and reaffirming thoughts, but their presence scary altogether. She didn’t head back inside, choosing to bask in the crisp air of coming autumn. The chill offering comfort that never fit before, used to finding that comfort in the warmth of Chika.

It was already past the usual time. Riko checked down at her phone for the umpteenth time that night, standing out on her balcony once again in anticipation. Waiting for a call that she was becoming more and more sure was never going to come.

Not calling at all was new. Scary, and Riko dreaded anything that it meant, but new all the same. Chika had become incredibly busy with training to take up the mantle of her new life, the rational part of Riko understood that fact. Knowing that even if she wouldn’t be able to hear the voice of the girl she loved that things would be okay. They’d still be together, and the temporary distance wouldn’t wear that away. Chika wouldn’t let any of that happen, and deep down, Riko knew she wouldn’t either.

That wouldn’t make it easier. From becoming accustomed to seeing Chika every day, spending every possible moment together without wondering where the other was. To whatever it was they were dealing with now. Not even able to set up a routine phone call without those plans falling through.

Riko learned her wandering thoughts were no good. Dwelling on fears that once could be pushed out with the melodic sound of Chika’s voice. That comfort being gone only allowed those ugly, intruding thoughts to fester. Festering into an irrational fear that maybe, and only just maybe, things wouldn’t be alright.

Before sinking too far, her phone buzzed. Looking down at her hand, she saw the name she wanted.

I’m super sorry I can’t call you. We’re crazy busy again and Mito would kill me if she caught me slacking off. It’s gonna be like this all week so idk if I’ll be able to call or not. Sorry but I love you so so so so so much.

It wasn’t a phone call. The words on a screen only a band-aid fix to deepening trouble. Riko mulled it over, reading each line over and over and over. Trying, and with little success, to get that same reassurance that Chika could always bring. It wasn’t there. The comfort brought on by such a blunt love not conveyed in the same way in text. Missing a bubbly exuberance that Riko loved more than ever once thought possible.

It’s ok. I’ve got tons of homework anyway so it’s not a big deal. I love you too Chika.

A sigh as Riko pressed send. None of it a lie, but she knew none of it the full truth either. There was always homework, but there was never enough time talking to Chika. She couldn’t say that. Not if their many talks before graduation meant what she thought. All that time telling each other they’d be fine despite the distance, and they would, if Riko thought hard about it, but the new doubt was unexpected.

Over a year into a relationship where nothing ever had to be questioned. Where each other's love was always enough to quell even the biggest issue or patch over their biggest fights, but what happened when they couldn’t see each other? A question that Riko was learning she might not want the answer to.

Riko didn’t bother waiting for the phone calls the rest of the week, knowing full well it would be useless. Chika had been more than happy to keep her bombarded with text after text. Trying so obviously to make up for something that was out of her own control. The messages were sweet, just as anything from Chika tended to be, but they were texts.

The piano in front of her didn’t want to cooperate, and the dim light of her room made it all the more worse. Stuck in a way she hadn't been in well over two years. Fingers that grew accustomed to moving freely, uninhibited by fears of a distant past, sat frozen above the keys. Mind occupied with what she knew were senseless worries. Though senseless worries were still worries that chipped away at love once thought untouchable.

Running a hand through her loose hair, Riko sighed. Frustrated at her inability to focus, frustrated at how quick those past anxieties could come back, frustrated that even a hint of doubt could seep into her mind.

It wasn’t late, sometime in the midafternoon after finishing the day's classes, but Riko was done for the day. No hope in getting anything finished with a mind that couldn’t focus on anything but a need to see Chika. That need to reaffirm something she shouldn’t be doubting in the first place.

She thought of calling. Maybe hearing that voice would be enough to get her through another month as it did before, but that was selfish. Chika was busy, and Riko knew. It wasn’t her place to get in the way of that, and what would Chika think anyway? What would she think of these doubts of a love that Riko knew Chika never questioned? Would things still be the same if she told Chika she was scared of the unknown future they shared? That it only took a couple months apart for doubts, no matter how small, to seep in?

The knocking stopped Riko from spiraling too deep into her thoughts. She wasn’t expecting anyone. Ignoring the sound, she leaned forward over her piano, head down.

The knocking wouldn’t stop, only getting louder. Resigning herself to the fate of an awkward talk with some stranger, Riko got up and tiptoed toward the front door. Hoping if she took enough time they’d just go away on their own.

She was wrong. The knocking turned to banging and wondered what type of weirdo goes up to some strangers door and started beating. Hand on the handle she took in deep breaths. Getting better with these types of interactions over the years, but strangers were still scary, and this one too loud for her own good.

A click and the door was open. Riko stared, processing the orange hair and braid that were unmistakable.

“Riko!”

There wasn’t a wasted second. Arms were around Riko’s waist and she was pulled in tight by a girl she hadn’t seen in some months. Her hands were glued to her side as she processed. Chika was at her apartment in the big city holding her like they were still in Uchiura.

“What?” It was the only response Riko could find, still frozen in place.

“I came to see you.” Chika backed off, hands still on Riko’s side as she pressed a kiss to her girlfriend's cheek.

Riko floundered, opening and closing her mouth, trying for any words. Chika was with her, hugging her. Gone were pestering fears brought on by irrational doubt, replaced with the girl who held her close.

“Aren’t you happy to see me?” Chika smiled as wide as she could, teeth on full display.

Riko nodded, swallowing down a growing lump in her throat as she stared into Chika’s bright eyes. Another kiss to the cheek, forcing them a dark shade of red. The burst of affection too much.

“It was a good surprise, wasn’t it?” Chika asked, Riko again nodded. “I had to beg Mito to let me have this weekend off, but even then she wouldn’t let me. Shima had to tell her I deserved a break because I’ve been working so hard.”

Riko still stared, quiet. The entryway cool but Chika beyond warm as she was held in close. Overwhelmed she bit her lip, meeting your girlfriend face to face again for the first time in months wasn’t the time to cry, so she fought it back. It meant her voice couldn’t be trusted.

“What’s up?” Chika tiled her head, never letting go of Riko’s waist.  “You’re so quiet. I expected you to be all like ‘oh my god Chika you came to visit me you’re the best girlfriend ever’.”

Riko chuckled, covering her face with her hands to hide the embarrassment. “I just missed you so much.”

“So did I.”

Riko took a deep breath, face still hidden behind her fingers. “I’ve been so scared since we haven’t talked a lot lately, and I haven’t gotten to see you since I moved. I just didn’t know anymore. I love you so much and it’s hard not seeing you every day anymore.”

Quieter as things were laid bare. Riko quivered behind her makeshift defense her hands provided. Feeling silly trying to keep any of it hidden. Chika would notice if given enough time, it was just the type of girl she was, but being open about it scary. Even if she knew Chika would never judge her for it.

“Well.” Chika’s hands went from Riko’s waist up to her wrists, tugging down to reveal a deep red face with shimmering eyes. “I’m here now, and I’m going to try and come even more.”

At a loss again, Riko nodded. Fears driven off by a look in Chika’s eyes that wouldn’t leave any room for doubt.

The short distance between their faces closed before Riko could react. Lips on hers that she’d missed. Comfort found in the way Chika’s thumbs rubbed small circles on the underside of her wrist held with such care.

Riko pulled back first, mind only able to form a few words.

“I love you, Chika.”

#chikariko #Chika Takami #riko sakurauchi #love live #love live sunshine

[alargebear]

Worries

Summary: Chika was scared of an uncertain future.

Relationship: ChikaRiko

Word count: 1.3k

Link: AO3

Note: I’m gonna try and write more often so you might get short and jumbled stuff like this idk.

Chika loved having Riko in her arms. It was a lazy Saturday morning spent together in her room, days after their graduation. Cuddled up on her bed with Riko held close on her stomach between her legs, and head rested on top of Riko’s. Warm despite the air conditioner putting out cold air to fend off the coming summer’s heat.

Keep reading

#self reblog

[alargebear]

Worries

Summary: Chika was scared of an uncertain future.

Relationship: ChikaRiko

Word count: 1.3k

Link: AO3

Note: I’m gonna try and write more often so you might get short and jumbled stuff like this idk.

Chika loved having Riko in her arms. It was a lazy Saturday morning spent together in her room, days after their graduation. Cuddled up on her bed with Riko held close on her stomach between her legs, and head rested on top of Riko’s. Warm despite the air conditioner putting out cold air to fend off the coming summer’s heat.

Keep reading

#self reblog

[alargebear]

Worries

Summary: Chika was scared of an uncertain future.

Relationship: ChikaRiko

Word count: 1.3k

Link: AO3

Note: I’m gonna try and write more often so you might get short and jumbled stuff like this idk.

Chika loved having Riko in her arms. It was a lazy Saturday morning spent together in her room, days after their graduation. Cuddled up on her bed with Riko held close on her stomach between her legs, and head rested on top of Riko’s. Warm despite the air conditioner putting out cold air to fend off the coming summer’s heat.

Taking a deep breath, Chika relished in having Riko so close. The subtle smell of shampoo, the gentle weight on her body, and the subtle ring of Riko’s voice just quiet enough for her to hear. She dragged her hands back and forth along Tshirt clad sides.  Basking in the softness of it all, and the joy found in their shared presence. No big plans for a date, just an afternoon with each other. Happiness unique to being with Riko that Chika would never tire of.

It was happiness unique to moments spent alone with a girl Chika loved more than anything. Moments that she knew Riko cherished as much. Moments that she knew wouldn’t be possible once Riko left.

“You’re spacing out again.” Riko tilted her head back as she spoke. “You haven’t heard a thing I’ve said, have you?”

“Sorry.” Chika shook her head before scary thoughts could come back. She focused down at Riko’s eyes filled with worry. “I was thinking about something.”

Riko didn’t respond but kept her eyes focused. Letting the silence linger as she tried to get a read on emotions.

“What?” Chika scratched her cheek, knowing she couldn’t hide. If she learned anything in her year with Riko it was that masking fears wasn’t something she could do. Riko knew all there was to know about her, so Chika kept quiet and waited.

Riko shuffled in closer, her face inches from Chika’s. “What’s wrong?”

Chika’s first instinct was to deflect, but that wouldn’t lead to anything good, and she knew. “I wasn’t lying. I was thinking about some stuff.”

Riko hummed. “It wasn’t good stuff was, was it?”

Chika gripped at Riko’s shirt with jittery fingers, biting back her urge to brush the concern aside. “No.”

Another silence as Riko took her eyes from Chika’s. Looking away as she brought a hand to one of Chika’s arms at her side, giving gentle rubs. An attempt to coax something out, feeling the tightened grip.

Chika took a deep breath, steadying herself to continue. Her stomach did tumbles and mouth grew dry, attempting to bring up a topic that both hated. It was Riko, she could be open. There wasn’t a need to be strong anymore, no need to take things onto herself. It was a mantra Riko wouldn’t let her forget.

“I was thinking about graduation again.” Chika waited for an answer that never came, instead a hum. “How we aren’t going to be able to do stuff like this anymore. I’m not going to get to see you every day, or hold you like this when I want to.”

“We’ve already talked about this before,” Riko said, quiet.

“I know.” Chika swallowed, biting her lip to keep back cries she said she never would cry. At least not in front of Riko. “This is your dream. You’re going to be at an amazing school because you’re super amazing, and I’m going to support you one-hundred percent even if we are going to be far apart. I’ll still love you a whole bunch and make sure I can talk to you as much as possible.”

Riko sat up, back still to Chika, and still in her arms. “Thank you, Chika.”

“But.” Chika stopped herself. Wondering how far she could go. How much she could admit.

Riko broke herself from Chika, turning herself to face her, still sitting on the bed. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m just really sad.” Chika reached out for a hand that Riko was quick to provide, gripping hard to fight back tears. She couldn’t cry. “I know I’m being a baby, but I’m going to miss you so much.”

“You’re not being a baby.” Riko leaned in, placing a kiss to Chika’s cheek. “I’m sad about it, too.”

Chika was lost. Trying to find anything to say that might calm her shaking hands and a worrying Riko. It was an odd sensation, not being able to find the words to say. It came so naturally when with Aqours, being able to find happiness in any situation, even if at her own expense. With Riko, it should have been just as easy, but a lump in her throat prevented any words. What could she say to fight off the inevitable? After getting together, and falling so deeply, there was no hope found in the inevitable.

“Chika.” Riko brought her hands from Chika’s arms to her legs, giving the same gentle reassurance. “You remember what I was like when we first met, right?”

Chika nodded, remembering the scared girl she met on the dock. Someone wanting to run away from everything she found joy in. A girl that Chika fell for in a moment she would never forget.

“I was scared and ready to give up on my dreams.” Riko gave the first smile, kind and inviting. “I was going to quit piano, and I doubt I would have made any friends at school either, but you didn’t let me.”

“But you didn’t.” Chika’s will to speak was found in the gentle smile. Not enough to crack her own, but enough to fend away tears.

“And you know why, right?” Riko asked, sliding a hand up to Chika’s face, thumb rubbing a red cheek. “Becuase of everything you said to me. You were gorgeous, telling me that I should be a shining idol like you wanted to. I felt like I could do anything I wanted to  from listening to you.”

A small laugh as Chika sank into the touch. Chika didn’t speak, but the shaking shoulders stopped, and the lump in her throat gone.

“I realized I was in love with you when you left.”

“Really?” Chika asked, her hand clasped over Riko's on her cheek.

Riko nodded. “You’re so important to me Chika. I love you so much.”

“I love you so much, too,” Chika said, wondering what it meant. Why Riko was so insistent on her knowing something she’d never be able to forget. Their love was never something she questioned.

“Than why are you so scared?”

Riko leaned in, taking Chika off-guard. The kiss was deep, their hands clasped together on Chika’s face for as long as the kiss held. She was lost in it like every other kiss, savoring Riko's touch. There was desperation from Riko that Chika hadn’t known. The kiss pouring out everything Riko, making sure Chika understood.

They pulled apart, Riko glowing with a bright smile Chika had never seen before. The silence that held between them was gentle, and as Chika stared into Riko’s eyes, which conveyed thoughts with the same desperation the kiss did, she understood.

“I don’t know why.” Chika absently answered, caught up in a new side to Riko she loved as much as any other. “Because I know I’ll always love you a whole lot.”

Riko nodded, turning with her back to Chika and reclaiming her spot in the girl’s lap. Humming some subtle tune that she wasn’t sure had a name yet.

Chika didn’t wait, wrapping her head back around Riko’s waist and tugging in as tight as she could. A love found a year ago was now something she couldn’t imagine being without. If she thought about it, maybe that was where the fear came from, but it was an odd fear. That somehow it would weaken with a bit of distance. Chika was much too stubborn to let something like that happen. A little help from Riko the kick she needed.

Chika kissed at the top of Riko’s head. “So, what were you trying to tell me before?”

Riko shifted in closer, snuggling deeper into the firm grip. “I wanted to know what you thought of a new song I’ve been working on.”

#chikariko #rikochika #Chika Takami #riko sakurauchi #love live #love live sunshine #My fic

[alargebear]

Faith In A Smile

Summary: Kanon knew she was in love but couldn’t find the confidence to act. Chisato could help.

Pairing: KanoKoko / KokoKano    idk what its called

Words:2k

Link: AO3

Note: It’s a good ship folks. This is the first part of a little series I’m gonna do on these two.

Kanon loved playing the drums. Sitting on stage behind the bright lights and the extravagant group she called her bandmates became something she put her all into. They were moments she could get lost in without bogging herself down in self-doubt and shyness. Moments that made her smile in a way that would have been thought impossible before joining her ragtag band of misfits that even she didn’t have much faith in when it all started.

Keep reading

#self reblog

[alargebear]

Faith In A Smile

Summary: Kanon knew she was in love but couldn't find the confidence to act. Chisato could help.

Pairing: KanoKoko / KokoKano    idk what its called

Words:2k

Link: AO3

Note: It’s a good ship folks. This is the first part of a little series I’m gonna do on these two.

Kanon loved playing the drums. Sitting on stage behind the bright lights and the extravagant group she called her bandmates became something she put her all into. They were moments she could get lost in without bogging herself down in self-doubt and shyness. Moments that made her smile in a way that would have been thought impossible before joining her ragtag band of misfits that even she didn’t have much faith in when it all started.

Each member of the group was someone Kanon held close as a dear friend, and maybe that was why it was so easy to smile on a stage that had previously brought with it nothing but panic and regrets. Hagumi was a never-ending fountain of joy and spunk that would do anything to make sure you were just as happy as she was. Kaoru, despite her eccentricities, cared deeply and her devotion towards those she considered her friends could never be put in doubt. Misaki was a regular dose of cynicism and reality that helped keep everyone from running too far off ahead, and she’d do anything for the band, even if she may never admit it.

She couldn’t tell you when the change started. When Hello Happy World went from something she was trapped in to her refuge of smiles and hope, but it did, and she was acutely aware of who it was that brought about those changes, and who it was that pulled her into the whole thing from the beginning. Even if that one person wasn’t someone Kanon had ever seen herself growing so close and so affectionate towards.

That affection and those new emotions that came with it, like all new things Kanon experienced, brought on deep fears and untameable anxiety. She wasn’t dumb. What the emotion was and how it came to be weren’t things that she had to think deeply about. Kanon knew it was love. A love for a girl that smiled more than any being ever should. A love for a girl that made her believe she had a place doing something she enjoyed when nobody else would dare give her the chance. A love for a girl whose optimism so bright and intense, it drove countless others away.

A love for Kokoro was what Kanon knew it to be. Identifying and understanding the love weren’t things Kanon needed help with. What to do about it was. Even so much as a passing thought or quick glance at her crush was enough to make her a stuttering mess, or an even bigger one.

It was how she found herself face to face with the one person she was comfortable enough to confide in. Tucked away in a corner table in a cafe they’d been to over a dozen times. Kanon sipped at her tea, eyes darting from the mug to the picture of elegance across from her in nervous haste. There was no fear of judgment, Chisato was much too good a person to do that, but fear of where to start.

“So.” Chisato set her cup down as she started, offering a faint smile and wide, sympathetic eyes. “What was is it you wanted to talk to me about. You sounded so nervous over the phone so I’ve been a little worried.”

Kanon eased her stiffened shoulders. A combination of warm tea and friendly face helping push back her anxiety. “I’ve been thinking about something a lot lately, and I really need advice. You’re so mature and sweet that I figured I should ask you.”

“Thank you.” Chisato leaned forward. “You know that I’m always willing to listen to any problems you have.”

Kanon nodded as she focused on her breathing, fist clenched so tight at her side nails dug into the skin. “I don’t. I don’t really know where to start. I’ve never told anyone something like this before.”

“Take as much time as you need.” Chisato took a drawn-out sip, giving Kanon more time to gather herself. “I’ve got as much time as you need. Plus, this tea is wonderful, so I don’t mind at all.”

The familiar sensation of sweat beading just above the brow caused more deep breaths. “Have you.”

Chisato didn’t press as Kanon paused. Still staring with the warm expression she’d worn since they arrived.

Kanon shook her head as she began again. “Have you ever loved someone?”

A few taps on the side of the cup as Chisato thought, tossing the words back and forth in her head. “That’s not the question I expected, but yes, I have..” A pause as she hummed. “Well, do, love someone.”

It wasn’t the answer Kanon had prepared herself for when running this scenario over in her head in the days before. Chisato’s face never faltered even with the blunt admission, and she wanted to dive deeper into who and how, but it wasn’t the time for questions so personal. Curiosity was driven back by a lump in her throat that made it harder to start.

Tension filled the silence that Kanon was sure she only she was aware of. She downed the rest of her tea in one quick gulp, but couldn’t find what to say, or even where to begin.

“Kanon, could it be that you called me here because you’ve got your eye on someone?” Chisato asked without breaking eye contact.

The tenderness with which the question was asked made it impossible for Kanon to look away. Fears were driven away by someone she knew could be trusted, but her only response was a nod.

“My isn’t that a wonderful thing.” Chisato reached across the small table to give one of Kanon’s hands a quick squeeze. “Is it alright if I ask you who it is?”

“She’s in the band.” It was all Kanon could blurt out before the gnawing in her stomach became too much.

Chisato hummed, not letting go of Kanon’s hand. “Is it Misaki. She seems a bit gloomy, but I know from how you talk about her she’s a wonderful person.”

Kanon shook her head no.

“Than could it be Kaoru?” Chisato asked, not getting as a quick a response. “A strange as that girl is, even I can admit she can be charming, and very sweet. “

“No.” Kanon managed to find her voice. She wanted to just blurt it out instead of playing a guessing game, but it was easier on her nerves to let Chisato lead the conversation.

“I don’t know Hagumi all that well, but she is very cute and seems like a sweetheart.”

“Not her either.”

Kanon unfurled her free hand that was balled up at her side, taking a quick sip of tea. It was in the open. There was no running away from something that had been laid bare in front of her closest friend.

“I see.” Chisato rubbed a small circle on the back of Kanon’s hand. “So it’s Kokoro, than?”

“Yeah,” Kanon said as she nodded.

Silence as Chisato took time to process. A dainty sip of tea and dab of the lips with her napkin were all the time needed.

“I think that’s great, Kanon.”

“Really?” Kanon kept eye contact, expecting some judgment in falling for the infamous Kokoro Tsurumaki, but found nothing except a smile.

“Of course.” Chisato pulled her hand back, using it to prop her head up as she finished her drink. “But I hope you don’t mind me asking what it is in Kokoro that you fell for. You’ve never shown enough interest in someone to ask me for advice before, so I’m curious.”

Kanon sputtered. “Well, she’s very pretty.”

“That’s true,” Chisato said. “But so are a lot of our friends. That can’t be the only reason.”

“Of course it isn’t.” Kanon looked down into her empty cup, blushing as her mind filled with nothing but memories of Kokoro. “She’s important to me.”

“How so?” Chisato leaned down, trying and failing to meet Kanon’s eyes.

“When I look at her smile, it makes me feel like I can do anything,” Kanon started, sliding her cup between her hands. “I was going to quit playing drums, and give up on music, but she wouldn’t let me. I thought she was really strange at first, and I couldn’t understand why a total stranger would even care about my problems in the first place, but Kokoro didn’t care as long as I smiled, and I did. That first time I played the drums after I said I would quit was with just her out in the park in front of a bunch of strangers and I was terrified, but I smiled.”

Chisato chuckled. “From what you’ve told me about her all she cares about is making people smile.”

“Well, it sorta is.” Kanon surprised herself with the small laugh. “She’s reckless and doesn't really think ahead, but the only thing she wants is to have fun, and to make sure everyone else does, too.”

“It sounds like she’s a wonderful person.”

Kanon nodded, surprised by how easily it all spilled out. “She is. Hello Happy World is special to me, and without Kokoro being how she is it would have never happened. I don’t know where I’d be without it, or without her.”

“I certainly can attest to that,” Chisato said, Kanon tilted her head. “Ever since you’ve joined that band, you’ve grown.”

“You think so?”

Chisato nodded. “It has been remarkable watching you open up.”

Kanon scratched her cheek. “I couldn’t have done it without you and everyone else in the group, but especially Kokoro. Any time I see her smile when we’re performing I think I can do anything. Like I don’t have to be scared anymore. She has this effect on people that I can’t really explain, and I love it.”

Chisato laughed, a hearty, mirth-filled laugh as she leaned back in her chair.

“Hey,” Kanon said with a pout. “I told you because I thought you wouldn’t do something like that.”

“I’m sorry, Kanon.” Chisato took a deep breath. “It’s just, the way you talk about Kokoro is so wonderful. It’s obvious how much she means to you.”

“Well, I love her a lot,” Kanon mumbled to herself.

Chisato regained her composure, sliding a stray hair back behind her ear. “Than you should tell her that.”

“I don’t know about that.” Kanon’s voice lost its gaiety, falling back into a well-known meekness.

“And why is that?”

“Because this is Kokoro.” Kanon hoped that was enough an explanation, but by the way, Chisato narrowed her eyes, she knew it wasn’t .”I’m not sure she even knows what love is. Even if she did, why would she fall for me?”

“Because you’re a wonderful person, Kanon,” Chisato said, not a hint of doubt in the statement. “And you can’t know that without telling her.”

“Well, yeah.” Kanon’s voice died, looking down at the table.

“And I might know Kokoro as well as you,” Chisato said. “But I think if it were her, she’d walk right up to who she was in love with, and tell that person without a second thought.”

Kanon chuckled. “You’re right, and I know she’d tell me the same thing.”

“So?” Chisato crossed her arms.

“I’ll try, but I can’t promise anything.”

They shared another cup of tea before leaving. Kanon was lost in thoughts as she wandered home. It was Kokoro, she had to be confessed to in the most straightforward way she did everything else. It was a downright terrifying idea. Proclaiming your love straight to someone's face. Even the thought was enough to paint Kanon’s cheeks a deep red, and form all too familiar butterflies in her stomach.

The sun was setting, and the fears were hovering over her, but she would try. Putting hope in everything Chisato had told her, and finding faith in the smile she knew Kokoro would be wearing the next time they met.

.

#Bang Dream #bandori #kokoro tsurumaki #kanon matsubara #kanokoko #kokokano #wtf is this ship name