“Do you want to talk to them?”
Her voice is quiet. Non judgemental, she stares at her with calm acceptance. No matter her answer, Junko will support it. Mikan hesitates, “What do you think I should do?”
“That’s up to you,” she assured. “I don’t think Koizumi or Mioda meant to hurt you, at least. If it matters to you, I think they care for you.”
“Do they?” she wonders with a wavering voice. “Or does Ibuki only like my body, does Mahiru only like my pitiful?”
Junko twitched. “I don’t know,” she answers, “And neither do you. You have to talk to them to get those answers.”
Mikan bit at her nail bed, until she could taste blood. Gently, Junko extracted her hand from her mouth. “None of that, Mikan.” she denied. “I’ll be with you the whole time. You won’t have to do it alone.”
“You want me to talk to them, don’t you?”
Junko’s hand faltered from where it held her wrist. She sighed. “I think that's what would be best for you, but I could be wrong,” she answered, “And it’s up to you. No matter what you choose, I’ll support you.”
Mikan pressed her lips, her eyes watering. “What if I talk to them, and my worst fears are right?” She whispers. “What if they don’t care? What if they pick Hiyoko over me?”
“Then I’ll be here,” Junko assures, “You won’t have lost everything. I’ll be here, and we can find you new friends, friends that deserve you.” A pause. “But I don’t think your fears will come true. I think even Hiyoko cares about you in her own way; we just have to make it clear that how she’s behaving towards you will no longer be accepted, and never should have been. Because you deserve better than how they’re treating you right now, Mika-chan, don’t get me wrong. But I don’t think they truly conceptualize how much this is hurting you… I don’t think they want to hurt you. That’s why they don’t stand up for you… But you have me now. And I will always fight for you, because you're worth that, and more.”
Mikan took a breath. “Okay,” she agreed, “Let’s talk to them. Let’s… Mend this relationship. Let's repair.”
Junko grinned, scooping her up into her arms and twirling her, before placing a kiss on her forehead, “I’m so proud of you, Mikan. You’re so brave.”
Mikan flushed, leaning into her. “It’s because I have you. You give me strength, my love.”