Beep! Beep! Takara shut the alarm clock off. She groggily opened one eye and shrieked when she saw the time.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CavPs91WP 維尼

She dressed herself with the speed of Idaten[1] despite fumbling for the fasteners. After tripping over the carpet mat underneath her bed she hobbled towards the kitchen.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡVoCGcWp8ii 維尼

When her hand met the cool sturdiness of the kitchen bench, her smile was as maniacal as it was triumphant. She made herself some toast and decided that the best course of action was to put in in her mouth and eat it on the way to school.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVfrKkInEv 維尼

The race against the clock to her destination was made more exhilarating by the toast’s constant reminder of her similarities to many anime characters.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡX6r6JkcbJA 維尼

The word ‘Dojikko’ repeated inside her head until she reached school, then reality set it. No one at this school described her that way.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡ89NULBcr9Z 維尼

The way people looked at her made it clear that, behind her back, they would call her either an annoyance or a freak.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0ApXQsjJ1 維尼

A list appeared in her mind of acceptable topics of conversation: fashion, school, boys and…. sports. Images of Tsubaki’s strong legs invaded her mind, her memories scattered ofuda[2] in the temple of her mind.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡOepOUSevR6 維尼

Takara had not seen Tsubaki, the girl she had met and quickly befriended at a convention, since the day they met. They had exchanged emails, but for Takara it wasn’t enough. She contemplated praying to any god who would listen to let her once again see that beautiful and kind girl. She would do anything to discover where things between them would go.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡh456YIevvJ 維尼

“How many times did she trip over on the way here?”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡiPhCYKczUO 維尼

Takara turned around and saw a group of girls in exemplary uniforms. Their perfectly tied bows and expertly ironed skirts were almost as impressive as their muscled arms and legs.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2TosdZM2t 維尼

Takara scanned each girl, her hope getting the better of her, until she recognised a girl with dyed blonde hair and peridot eyes.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhEIU8Ztd6 維尼

She leapt towards her. “Hi! It’s so great to see you!” When Tsubaki frowned and shifted her eyes away as if trying to protect herself from a horrible sight, Takara’s smile faltered. “Don’t you remember me? It’s Takara, you know, from the convention? I was dressed as Megumi and you were Junko. We had so much fun together and-”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡRnpNZdeX0n 維尼

Tsubaki cut her off. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡTv3g277jid 維尼

“Oh. You are Tsubaki, aren’t you?”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dvIu4cxrp 維尼

“Well, yes, but I don’t know how you know that, because I don’t go to conventions. I’m not some sort of crazy otaku.”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡTS48nGYqRN 維尼

Takara scrunched her eyes, as if when she opened them the harsh words would disappear. A girl with a fluffy orange ponytail chuckled.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aZKHqkjkW 維尼

“Wow, she must be some crazed fan or stalker or something. Do you feel flattered or freaked out?”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQahGIrOhs 維尼

Takara escaped into her school, just barely noticing that Tsubaki’s eyes were half-closed in dejection. She took a piece of paper containing the other girl’s email address and hurled it to the ground in frustration.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡfwAmga7Yaj 維尼

“Damn you, you… you… hypocrite!”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡQJls97ZGNJ 維尼

‘What’s so weird about it?’ Tsubaki had asked her with regards to being an anime fan.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1Ikq6hxcc 維尼

“I wish Junko had really died in the final episode when that monster nearly ate her alive!” Takara yelled, earning many a confused glance from other students. “How would that feel, Tsu-baka[3]? You would have dressed up as a dead girl, and you would have been the crazy one!” Her voice lowered to a tear-choked whisper. “If our relationship is dead, then the relationship between our favourite characters should be dead as well.”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbTF1sLHm2 維尼

Takara spent lunchtime chatting about popular topics, but the raised eyebrows and awkward smiles suggested that everyone knew she was a fake.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTlI37PRsY 維尼

“I’m a hypocrite too,” she muttered when class resumed.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFm119jHQB 維尼

That night she received an email from Tsubaki, apologising for the incident that morning and explaining her hesitance to out herself as an anime fan.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfpwJgfTgx 維尼

Takara almost laughed at this. ‘At least you won’t have to out yourself as something else,’ she thought. ‘Or…. Huh.’ In her mind, a gust of wind blew away some of the ofuda with her memories inscribed on them, leaving one behind.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVwxDQHU9d 維尼

Tsubaki was a yuri fan, just like her. Did she also like girls?8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡphsHNIdYPO 維尼

Takara sighed happily at the possibility, but mentally kicked herself for not realising that she liked girls sooner. Surely her choices in anime were a sign, right?8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUrtdWhzKA 維尼

She typed up a response to the email.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡKygXbhQHgh 維尼

‘Why are you a yuri fan?’ she asked.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGi7WBuEUb 維尼

Tsubaki replied. ‘I don’t know. When I was little, I thought lesbians in anime were gross, but as I grew older I saw how cute their relationships were and even started supporting relationships between girls in anime who weren’t couples. It just happened gradually. Something about their relationships seems sweet and innocent.’8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡd0m8EjZKaC 維尼

Takara gulped. Nights of dreams following the convention proved that her feelings were not entirely innocent. ‘Do you like girls too?’8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡpE85jcbVTq 維尼

‘No. Real-life relationships between girls aren’t as cute as those in anime.’8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyuZ4V4HUw 維尼

These words bubbled in Takara’s brain as if they were in a kettle. Her entire body felt hot with anger and shock. She desperately wanted to escape this furnace of rejection.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIs1ulOEg7 維尼

She turned off her computer and groaned. “Well that’s it, then.”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxBkhPayWy 維尼

The next night, the two decided to meet in secret so they could discuss anime together. Part of Takara wanted to reject Tsubaki’s offer and never see her again. However, her conscience reminded her that it would be cruel of her to end a friendship just because the other person did not return her feelings.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpqzr5bVM1 維尼

Their meetings were both heavenly and painful for Takara, who desired to kiss Tsubaki more and more each day.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfX2qoGWjF 維尼

“Are you okay?” Tsubaki once asked. “Your face is all red. Do you have a fever?”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSPL2aQa3k 維尼

Takara released a tiny squeak, refusing to admit that her friend’s proximity to her was making the situation worse. She nodded to say that she was fine.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CYOhq5EyN 維尼

She changed topics. “So, um, did you hear about the remake of Merry Merry Megumi they’re going to make? They better keep the relationship between Megumi and Junko close.”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGS63wsdhk 維尼

It seemed that the only thing Takara could do to escape awkwardness was to talk about anime. Was this all she and Tsubaki shared?8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzNrXWw21Y 維尼

“I had no idea!” Tsubaki replied, drowning Takara in a false state of delusion before she realised what her crush was talking about. “That anime does need an animation upgrade, but I can’t help but be worried that they’ll mess up the characters. What if they try to make it darker and make Megumi some sort of antihero? She’s too cute to do evil things!”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyt1m7Hb5M 維尼

‘You never called me cute when I was dressed up as her,’ Takara remembered sullenly.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2xAINQoHyi 維尼

For some reason this was the last straw. Takara stood up. “I… I’m sorry, but… I can’t hang out with you anymore.”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡjl80pyiydj 維尼

“W-why? Did someone spot us?”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEnCxFCG7s 維尼

Takara’s fists were so tight that they trembled. “No, but… this is too painful. I want to be your friend, but then I’m reminded that we’re just that- friends.”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35ITXCLphL 維尼

“What?”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡqMhefOxQ2F 維尼

“You never call me cute, or hold my hand, or kiss me or anything! It’s like you said. Relationships between girls are cuter in anime than real life.”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZdRfMpDxj 維尼

She ran out of the coffee shop, angry tears penetrating her tear ducts like an invading army. Tsubaki sat, dumbfounded, trying to piece together what had just been said.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡZOwIpJgEvs 維尼

A man put a warm hand on her shoulder. “I know what that’s like. Sometimes you think it’s fine to be afraid of intimacy in relationships, until she dumps you.”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyqr1JEbWa 維尼

Tsubaki glared daggers at him. “We weren’t in a relationship. I didn’t even know she wanted to… kiss me!”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡO005TqdhD9 維尼

That night Tsubaki decided to visit the website she frequented to read yuri manga for free. She slowly breathed in an out before turning the ‘anti-Not Safe for Work’ filter off.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡQXWEc8rO2j 維尼

When morning arrived and she was travelling to school with her friends, she was unusually quiet. She felt disgusting for what she had done and couldn’t bring herself to talk in fear of it accidentally spitting out of her mouth.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyPNYC5jJH 維尼

She noticed Takara tripping over a rock on the pavement and fought the urge to hold her close and help her up.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡgImUjDgS2z 維尼

‘Now you’re convincing yourself of something that might not even be true,’ she told herself.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡKYz0BNpTBv 維尼

At home she decided to rid her mind of her confusion and worries by drawing. However, each drawing ended up being of either Megumi or Takara herself.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvtEcYebPV 維尼

“If only cupid wasn’t so cruel,” she murmured. “He’s driving me insane.”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGlKP5kxlC 維尼

Before she knew it, her room was littered with drawings. She separated them into piles based on the character and the focus of the drawing, keeping pictures of Takara’s eyes away from those of Takara’s hair.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡvI3QJA8pT8 維尼

She pushed the piles into a corner, causing them to look almost like a shrine to Takara. “Damn it. Why am I so obsessed? This isn’t just love anymore. It’s downright creepy!”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡomNFZg7DnZ 維尼

She turned her computer on and was surprised to see a message. ‘I’m sorry about earlier. I was being selfish and made things awkward for you. Can we be friends again?’8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡDywVrcWXYh 維尼

Tsubaki had the feeling that if she didn’t tell at least one person about her new obsession, she would not only regret it but would also fall into a downward spiral of insanity.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjdCrvkRbS 維尼

‘I don’t think we can be friends again after that. Sorry, but the things you said in the coffee shop really stuck with me. I think you’ve somehow turned me into a lesbian.’8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbYNnCq3ZC 維尼

‘How does that work? I don’t think you can just turn someone into a lesbian. Maybe you’ve liked girls all this time.’8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡkppbxnqJIX 維尼

Tsubaki grit her teeth in courage and determination. ‘But I haven’t. I haven’t had romantic feelings for anyone except for you.’ She considered erasing the last few words before sending the email, but some instinct in her gut stopped her.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡzyuu0GQCwM 維尼

Takara bounced off her revolving chair and collapsed onto her bed, pushing a pillow against her face as she squealed. After a good two minutes of squealing and dancing, she finally replied.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡsu4tnIFNXP 維尼

‘It’s the same here. I’ve liked you since the convention and I was surprised when I noticed it. So should we start dating or are you not ready for that?’8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡKH9rqxKm87 維尼

‘I don’t know. Dating you sounds nice but who am I going to tell? I haven’t even told my parents that most of the anime and manga I’ve bought are yuri! And I go to an all girls’ school, so I’m sure everyone will be uncomfortable around me.’8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMTxVcLD7w 維尼

‘Well, I don’t want to date in secret. The idea is too exhausting. I did just come up with a plan to help us come out, though.’8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡTq9BxeC18T 維尼

She outlined the plan and told her friend and possible lover to see her on the way to school. ‘Bring your friends,’ she ordered.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡqfy3i3In1p 維尼

The morning’s wind was not the only thing that chilled Tsubaki to the bone. Her teeth were jittering and her mind was being attacked by negative possibilities.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡHigw8QWtry 維尼

“What’s wrong?” the girl with the ginger hair asked her. “We don’t have any tests today, do we?”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFxGRk1ddb 維尼

Tsubaki shook her head. “You’ll find out,” she creaked like a door being opened.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGrU2ygKYe 維尼

Takara, as part of the plan, tripped over near the gate. Tsubaki shivered as she walked up to her and grabbed her hand.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSGmKwaRgj 維尼

“Are you okay, beautiful?”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaVcl2YWaz 維尼

Takara blushed. “O-onee-sama!” she cried. Tsubaki cringed at this term of endearment. ‘Why do I have to be the onee-sama?’ she wondered. ‘We’re the same age.’8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡwCm00whxVG 維尼

“Onee-sama?” the redhead asked in a voice that held back laughter. “I didn’t know you two were sisters.”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡ36Qt0NqdR1 維尼

Tsubaki closed her eyes and put on the air of the coolheaded love interest. “We may not be sisters but our bond will last a lifetime.” She turned towards Takara and held her hands up to their chests. “She is a sweet girl whose clumsiness only serves to make her beloved by all. I’m worried that I won’t be able to keep her for long. Don’t you agree, Kisa?”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoRPu8U7E5 維尼

The redhead blinked quickly, trying to make sense of the events placed before her. “You two are acting like the characters from a yuri anime…. n-not that I’d know anything about that. I… I have a friend who’s into that stuff.”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkU9ktVjyI 維尼

Tsubaki’s heart leapt. “There is no use in denying the beauty of two girls’ feelings for each other blossoming. It is the same in both the fictional realm and in reality.”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLSp7vyLYI 維尼

The rest of Tsubaki’s friends stared at the couple like they had transformed into giant monsters. One girl asked how long they had been together and why they didn’t tell the group.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡnNxwdyVKOn 維尼

It was Takara’s turn to talk. “Like I said, we met at the convention. Tsubaki loved talking about anime with me and we formed an instant connection. She does not feel comfortable talking about something with you that you do not understand. Because of this, she kept her love for both anime and me a secret. Isn’t it adorable? Does your heart not jump for joy at the romanticism of it all?”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dNzNA857o 維尼

“You two are joking, right?” another girl spat.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKrkqLOdwf 維尼

Takara shook her head but was unsure how to prove the truth to this girl. Tsubaki took the initiative.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBQriMQBqj 維尼

She caressed her lover’s cheek and smiled when Takara touched the hand placed on her cheek. She leaned in and kissed her tenderly.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbaC6zQTOU 維尼

All of the girls except for Kisa contorted their otherwise beautiful faces into a frown. Kisa simply blushed and looked away.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkBDUIk4Ew 維尼

“I can’t believe we did that,” Takara whispered into Tsubaki’s mouth.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡAR8enQotPb 維尼

“I know. I thought we would wait for the third date or something.”8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡaV7yiOnhRZ 維尼

The couple squeezed each other’s hand before letting go of each other and giving the other a farewell.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTazPzXmYn 維尼

Tsubaki’s smile lit up the sky when she realised that her friends were still talking to her despite their disgust. She knew Takara was a genius when she used the method that made Tsubaki begin to accept love between two girls.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Ehls93Jwk 維尼

Takara, meanwhile, had sorted all of her memories in her mind’s temple, leaving it clean and open.8964 copyright protection558ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvlWXD0YY3 維尼

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