The small girl was sniveling on the ground attempting time and time again to tie her kimono.
"This is so stupid! Stupid!" The small girl cried out flailing her arms like a bird.
"Hiyoko? Do you need help?" A girl with cherry red hair called out, she came stepping into the rest area with her hand outstretched. "Here, allow me" She said to the smaller girl.
"I... Don't need help...But it would be appreciated" the small blonde sniffled. Hiyoko Saionji, that was her name. She was a girl of short stature with the hair to compensate. Her hair was thrown up into large banana-like pigtails. The other girl, Mahiru Koizumi, was her only friend on the island. After a few pulls and twists, Hiyoko's kimono was fastened perfectly.
"There we go!" Mahiru sighed, wiping her forehead despite not having accumulated any sweat. Hiyoko was pouting, she liked to be independent but Mahiru was always there to help her out. It was annoying...But she would never say she hated it. Mahiru was her best friend after all. "Come on! Let's go out to see the rest!" Mahiru beckoned.
"No! I mean... Can't we just...Stay a moment?" Hiyoko stumbled over her words. She wanted to stay with Mahiru, alone. No annoying disturbances. Hiyoko didn't know why but for some reason seeing Mahiru smile and laugh with others pained her. How could she be happy with anyone other than me? She thought. It was a horrible thought but that's just how she was. "Hiyoko's annoying, Hiyoko's got the worst personality!" it's what she's heard all her life.
Mahiru paused, "Yeah! That's a good idea! Let's just chill out here for a bit." Mahiru smiled, she had always entertained Hiyoko no matter the request. Hiyoko didn't understand her feelings, why was she so emotional right now? Tears welled in her eyes. She tried to turn away but Mahiru had already noticed. "Hiyoko? What's the matter?" Mahiru queried with concern tinging her tone.
"Mahiru...Why do you smile for them? Why can't you smile only for me?" Hiyoko whined, no longer attempting to hide her tears. Mahiru's expression softened.
"Hiyoko...Do you love me?" Mahiru pulled Hiyoko towards her.
"W-what..?" Hiyoko stuttered, taken aback by the bold question.
"Sorry, it's a method I learned...You say something so odd to a crying person that it just pulls them right out of it! Was that weird..?" Mahiru smiled nervously, letting go of Hiyoko. Hiyoko grabbed back onto Mahiru, staring directly into her eyes. The tears had stopped but they still stained Hiyoko's cheeks.
"Mahiru, I think I do love you.." Hiyoko sputtered. Mahiru's eyes widened and a pink hue tinged her cheeks. "Sor.." Hiyoko was cut off by Mahiru grasping her in a tight embrace. They both fell to the floor on their knees, their bodies pressed together. "Mahiru..!" Hiyoko gasped but Mahiru silenced her with a kiss. Mahiru cupped Hiyoko's face lightly as she pressed her lips into hers. They pulled away from eachother's faces for a brief breathing break only to continue kissing after. Seconds felt like forever in the moment. Finally, Mahiru pulled away for the last time. Still cupping Hiyoko's cheeks Mahiru said,
"Hiyoko...The smile I share is only yours to touch. I love you too." Mahiru was the one crying now. She pressed her forehead into Hiyoko's. Hiyoko began to sob too. They cried as they held each other tight, smiling with their tear streaked faces.