"There! That should do it."
Saki smiled happily as she looked around the room. She had just finished cleaning up her whole apartment space before Ibuki were to arrive for their sleepover. "I'm glad I was able to get all the cleaning done. Now, let's see...."
Saki walked over to her fridge, peered inside and grabbed a medium-sized container of strawberries. "I was going to prepare these strawberries as a snack to share together...I wonder if Ibuki-san will like them...? Ah! I must also remember to prepare Ibuki-san's bath sometime after dinner...."
There was no hiding it: Saki was, undoubtedly, quite nervous about this sleepover. After all, she was inviting the girl she's loved for forever over to her house this very night. Towa and Noa would've attended the sleepover as well, but they were unfortunately busy with their own plans.
It will just be the two of us....
Although she was nervous, Saki was looking forward to spending time with Ibuki like this. She always enjoyed speaking with her and spending time with her in general. Saki loved being around Ibuki, and what she loved most of all was how much Ibuki cared for her so. How much kindness Ibuki has shown her. As Photon Maiden's leader, Ibuki was someone Saki truly admired.
And Saki truly adored her.
A blush slowly crept onto Saki's cheeks and shook her head, snapping her out of her daydream of Ibuki's face. Now wasn't the time to have her head up in the clouds. Her dear guest was going to be here very soon. Saki glanced at the clock. It read 3:43pm. Ibuki wasn't supposed to arrive until about around 4:15pm. "I suppose I could get a head start on preparing those strawberries...gotta wash them and take the hulls off...."
Saki looked back down at the container of strawberries and smiled.
"I really hope Ibuki-san will like them. I can't wait to see her."
~
"Thank you for inviting me over, Saki." Ibuki stood in the doorway, greeting her younger unit mate with a smile. "Of course! I'm so glad you're here Ibuki-san." Saki replied happily, smiling at Ibuki in return. "Hehe, I'm glad to be here as well."
Ibuki carried in her small overnight bag placing it by the foot of Saki's bed. While walking by, she noticed the bowl of strawberries on the table. "Ah, strawberries! Did you prepare these for us Saki?" Ibuki asked, turning to Saki. "Yes. I was hoping we could share them together." Saki responded, still beaming happily. Ibuki walked over to Saki and placed a hand on the head of the shorter girl. "Thank you Saki. I'll gladly help myself to some. Let's share them together!"
Immediately Saki's heart skipped a beat and her face began to flush once more. She always seemed to feel a spark of electricity radiate throughout her body every time Ibuki touched her. A pat on the head, a hand on her shoulder or on her back. Her hand always felt so warm. And when Ibuki gave Saki that gentle expression of hers...the look that Saki could see in Ibuki's eyes when she looked at her...
Saki couldn't help but melt a little bit inside.
"Mhm! I'd love to!"
Ibuki stared at Saki's happy face a few moments longer, her gaze softening slightly. She's so cute when she's got that happy look on her face. Just like an angel.
"Ibuki-san?" Saki inquired, tilting her head a little to the side resulting in looking even more cuter in Ibuki's eyes. Crap, I zoned out. "Ah, it's nothing Saki. I'll help myself to some strawberries now." Ibuki smiled, removing her hand from Saki's head and turned to sit at the table. She hoped Saki couldn't see how red her ears were from embarrassment.
Shrugging off her embarrassment, Ibuki plucked one strawberry from the bowl and took a bite. Saki joined her, smiling contentedly at Ibuki from across the table. "This one's pretty sweet! Strawberries make the perfect snack for summer time. Thanks again for preparing them, Saki." Ibuki said before taking another bite. "Really? I'm so glad you like them, Ibuki-san! I know how much you like fruits just as I do." Saki replied, practically radiating with happiness. She reached over, taking her own strawberry from the bowl.
So considerate as always, isn't she? Cute.
Ibuki smiled fondly as she watched Saki munch away on the little strawberry in her hand. She noted the way Saki's face scrunched slightly from the sweetness of the strawberry, and how indubitably happy she looked sitting across from her. Ibuki felt herself beginning to blush again.
Ibuki couldn't tell which was more sweeter: the strawberries, or the adorable girl sitting in front of her.
~
"Are you hungry, Saki? If you are, I can make us some dinner!" Ibuki said, making her way over to the kitchen. "I-Ibuki-san, please leave dinner preparations to me! You are my guest after all...." Saki stuttered nervously. She quickly followed Ibuki into the kitchen with a worried look.
"It's fine! I insist, Saki. I'm always happy to cook for you." Ibuki replied with a laugh. "Besides, you're always being so considerate; I'd like to repay you for your consideration once in a while!" she added with a smile. A small bashful smile appeared on Saki's face, her cheeks warm. "Ah...well, if you insist! Thank you, Ibuki-san. I...I can tell you're going to make someone very happy one day." Saki shyly twiddled with her fingers.
If Ibuki was drinking a glass of water right now, she would have spit it all out from surprise. Make someone happy one day?? Were her ears turning red again? Ibuki had hoped not, but to her it felt like they were burning hot. It wasn't unusual of Saki to say such bold things out of the blue despite her calm demeanor. Still, such things like this always seemed to catch Ibuki off-guard.
"You think so? I'm happy to hear that..." Ibuki's words trailed off into silence as she met Saki's eyes. She was staring up at her like an innocent doe, still slightly twiddling her fingers. Those silver eyes seemed to pull her into a trance instantly. Saki, realizing she was staring longingly at Ibuki for too long, quickly looked away. She felt her cheeks growing even warmer. Ibuki quickly snapped back to reality as well. "...A-Anyways, you can leave this to me." Ibuki turned to the sink to wash her hands while also trying to hide how red her face was.
"Mhm...what do you have in mind Ibuki-san?" Saki asked. "Well, I was thinking of trying out a certain dish. A chicken and veggie stir fry mixed with rice. Would that be alright with you?"
"I have those ingredients in stock, so yes that's fine with me! Thank you again Ibuki-san." Saki beamed happily. Before leaving the kitchen, Saki stopped in the doorway. She looked over her shoulder slightly, sneaking a glance at Ibuki. Saki felt like her heart was going to burst just by looking at her. "Ibuki-san is so thoughtful and kind...." Saki muttered.
"Hm? Did you say something, Saki?" Ibuki looked over at Saki curiously. Saki's eyes widened and clapped a hand over her mouth, letting out a surprised noise. Did I say that out loud...? Flustered, Saki began to blush profusely.
"I-It's nothing Ibuki-san! P-Please let me know if you need anything!" Saki stammered, her words practically spoken in one breath. She hurried out of the kitchen, leaving Ibuki to her own devices. Raising an eyebrow, Ibuki turned back to her task at hand. She then chuckled and smiled to herself.
"Thoughtful and kind, huh?"
~
"The bath is ready for you, Saki." Ibuki said, stepping into Saki's room. Saki glanced up from her book and was about to thank her, but instead was immediately enthralled by the view before her. Ibuki stood there in her spacey cat themed pajamas drying her loose, damp hair. Her long, silvery hair fell over her shoulders and down her back, her usually sideswept bangs now tousled...and Saki couldn't help but stare in awe at the beautiful sight before her. Saki rarely saw Ibuki with her hair down as it was always tied up, so seeing Ibuki like this made her feel, well....
To put it simply, she was having a full-on gay panic.
Not to mention the fact that Saki had never seen Ibuki in pajamas before (even though she knew she was going to see her in pajamas anyway as this was a sleepover, after all), especially since they were cute pajamas with cats and stars on them, which were two of Saki's favorite things. For some reason, she was glad she was the only one seeing Ibuki like this. Like it was something secret meant for her eyes only.
Just that thought alone made Saki's cheeks flush a deep red, but she needed to keep it together before Ibuki noticed how red her face was.
"Y-Yes...Ibuki-san, your pajamas are very cute. They suit you very well." Saki smiled, approaching closer to Ibuki. "And I'm not used to seeing you with your hair down...I think you look really pretty." Saki shyly added, averting her eyes downward.
It took all of Ibuki's self-control to stop herself from wanting to scream into her towel, but she certainly felt like she was screaming on the inside. Ibuki believed she wasn't as cute as her fellow unit mates. No one really knew she thought that way about herself, including the fact that she once attempted to style her hair in a cuter way. Despite that, Ibuki was pleased that Saki liked the way she looked even if it made her feel a bit shy.
Before Ibuki could reply, Saki was already speaking again. "If it isn't any trouble...would it be alright if I brushed your hair?" Saki looked back up at Ibuki with eager eyes, a hint of nervousness in her tone.
"Eh? You want to brush my hair?" Ibuki's eyes widened in surprise. It seems like Saki is catching Ibuki off-guard more than usual today.
"I could also help you dry your hair a bit more...would that be okay?" Saki slightly tilted her head, once again giving Ibuki those doe eyes that made her heart stop.
"S-Saki...Hehe, that's alright with me. If you don't mind?" Ibuki walked over to Saki's vanity and sat down on the cushiony seat. Looking back at Saki's face, she could see that her expression had completely lit up, eyes now sparkling with excitement. It almost made Ibuki want to laugh again.
Saki excitedly scurried over, taking the towel that was draped over Ibuki's shoulders. "I'll be sure to be very gentle, Ibuki-san!"
Watching Saki's face in the reflection of the vanity mirror, Ibuki could see how happy Saki looked. She always loved the way Saki's eyes would crinkle whenever she smiled. It was just like the same expression she made when Saki had prepared those strawberries for her.
It was a sight that Ibuki could never get tired of seeing.
Saki spent the next few moments gently patting and scrunching Ibuki's hair dry. Grabbing the hairbrush from her vanity, she set the towel down and began combing through Ibuki's hair. "Ibuki-san, your hair is so beautiful! It's so soft and silky." said Saki, gently running her hand through a handful of hair.
Ibuki's face reddened a little bit. "It's quite the hassle to take care of sometimes, but thank you. I really appreciate it, Saki." she replied, a hint of bashfulness in her tone. "Of course! I truly think you look pretty...." Saki said softly. Ibuki could see Saki in the reflection in the mirror and how sincere she looked gazing down at her. Seeing Saki smile like that at her...
"That also means a lot to hear from you...."
It was silent as Ibuki watched Saki brush her hair through the mirror. She just couldn't help but stare at her. Because she believed Saki was pretty too. And right now, something inside her was urging her to do something crazy. Something she's been wanting to do for so long.
More silence passed until Saki placed the brush back on the vanity. "You're all finished, Ibuki-san!" Saki said with a smile. "I'll go and take my bath now. Feel free to relax and read one of my books in the meantime." Saki was about to turn and head to the bathroom but Ibuki stopped her, grabbing her by the wrist. Saki looked over her shoulder and saw Ibuki's nervous expression. "Ibuki-san...?"
"Saki...I need to tell you something."
Eh...?
What was this all of a sudden? Was it finally happening? Could Ibuki possibly feel the same way...? Or could it be that Ibuki knows that she likes her, but is getting rejected? Saki didn't want to jump to any wild conclusions, but this sudden confrontation was making her feel very anxious. She had already been so nervous about today after all. In any case, Saki needed to make her escape quickly in order to collect herself.
"Saki...I–"
"U-Um...!" Saki stammered, stopping Ibuki in the middle of her sentence. "Saki...?" Ibuki said with slight concern. Saki stood there unsure of what to say, feeling all her nerves wrangle inside her. Most of all, she felt like a coward. "I...I'll go take my bath now!" she blundered out, and without another word, Saki hurried off to the bathroom. "Wait, Saki!" Ibuki moved to stop her, but Saki was too quick and had already enclosed herself off in the bathroom. Ibuki lowered her head, her face fell in her hands. The utter embarrassment was now sinking in. "Hahh..." she sighed. Looking back up, she peeked at her reflection between her fingers. Staring back at her was her own blushy face.
"Gosh...what am I doing?"
~
If it wasn't completely obvious, Saki wasn't the only one with a big fat crush.
Saki sat anxiously in her bathtub, hugging her knees to her chest. "What was that just now...? Ibuki-san...." she mumbled to herself. She let her chin sink a little into the water as her cheeks flushed pink. Could she really feel the same way as I do...?
Saki leaned her head back and stared up at the ceiling, as if it would have the answer for her. She felt so nervous and unsure of what to do. There was just too many thoughts rushing through her mind all at once.
"I feel so guilty running away from Ibuki-san like that...." she said dismally. It didn't feel good to do that to someone whom she cares about so much; Saki was afraid that she had hurt Ibuki's feelings. "Perhaps it's finally time...to tell Ibuki-san how I truly feel."
Placing her hands on her heart, she took in a deep breath to calm herself down and got herself out of the tub to get dressed. After throwing on her pale blue pajama set and a cozy hoodie, she then tied her hair in a braid and braced herself before leaving the bathroom.
Cautiously stepping back into her room, Saki saw Ibuki still seated at the vanity table. She spotted Saki from the corner of her eye, quickly turning to face her. Ibuki didn't look upset, but rather relieved to see her. She stood and approached Saki, opening her mouth to speak. "Saki–"
"D-Do you want to know what my favorite colors are...?" Saki blurted out nervously. Ibuki looked at her with a dumbfounded expression. "Huh?"
Saki lowered her gaze for a short moment, as if thinking of what to say next, and looked back up. "My favorite colors...they're the ones I see in the other units, and the ones I see in Photon Maiden...." she paused, taking one step closer to Ibuki. "But most of all, my favorite colors have to be the ones I see in you, Ibuki-san."
Ibuki's eyes widened in surprise. "Saki...you really mean it?" she asked, sounding almost hopeful. Saki nodded shyly. "Mhm...your colors, Ibuki-san. They're the most beautiful that I've ever seen. Periwinkle, sky blue, pure white, light yellow and lilac...and so much more! They create such a pretty blend. And sometimes, they even remind me of the early sunrise!" Saki rambled passionately. "I've adored these hues you create for so long now....and I want to keep seeing them, always!"
"Saki, you...." Ibuki tried to say more, but she was stunned speechless. "So please...Ibuki-san...."
Saki's eyes suddenly filled with tears, unexpectedly overcome by her feelings of love mixed with nervousness. She quickly dropped her head into her hands, trying to hide her face from the girl before her. Ibuki, on the other hand, was caught completely off guard. "S-Saki! What's wrong?" Ibuki asked worriedly. She cupped one side of Saki's face with her hand, slightly lifting her head up. Warm tears left wet splotches on her red cheeks. She wiped a tear off the younger girl's face. "I...." Saki blubbered. "Saki..." Ibuki said her name softly, gently pulling Saki into a hug. Ibuki lightly caressed the top of Saki's head, which rested against her chest.
"I love you, Ibuki-san...." Saki whispered, almost sounding like she was breaking. She slowly glanced up to look Ibuki in the eye, slightly bracing herself for the rejection. But the rejection didn't come. Instead she was met with affectionate eyes staring back at her. Eyes filled with relief. And that smile she adored so much. "Saki...hehe!" she said and quickly pulled Saki into another embrace. "I-Ibuki-san?" Saki stammered, startled by the sudden action.
"I'm so happy to hear you say that, Saki...." Ibuki said softly into Saki's hair. Pulling away, she gently took Saki's hands in hers. "For so long now, I've always been drawn to you, Saki. As an individual, and as a performer. Ever since the audition...you've kept amazing me more and more. I want to keep expanding the world of Photon Maiden, with you and the others. You shine so brightly. And, well..." Ibuki's voice trailed off as she began to blush. She averted her eyes nervously before looking back at Saki. "I...I love you too, Saki."
Saki's face flushed red as well, her expression completely starstruck, smiling as she felt the relief wash over her. "Ibuki-san...." she said happily. She could feel her whole body and soul radiating with joy, and Ibuki loved to see her look so happy. "Hehe..so is this why you ran off earlier?" Ibuki asked Saki teasingly. She still held onto Saki's soft hands.
Saki's happy expression quickly changed to one mixed between embarrassment and surprise.
"A-Ah! I'm so sorry about that, Ibuki-san. I was just nervous...and to be honest, I was afraid of being rejected by you...." "It's alright. That was my fault for suddenly springing that on you. However...it would be impossible to reject you, not when I love you so much." Ibuki replied smoothly with a smile. Saki became even more flustered, making Ibuki burst into laughter. "Ehehe! Saki, you really are adorable, you know?"
Saki hid her face with her hands again. "I-Ibuki-san...! You sound like Noa-san...."
Ibuki leaned in closer, gently grabbing Saki's wrists and pulled her hands away from her face so that Saki was slightly peeking at Ibuki between the gaps of her fingers. Ibuki tilted her head at her playfully. She was looking at her so lovingly. Even though she was embarrassed, Saki was smiling too. Saki couldn't possibly stay embarrassed when Ibuki was looking at her like that. She leaned forward, resting her head on Ibuki's chest once more. Maybe just to hide her face from Ibuki again, but it just felt so comforting. So much that it was making her start to feel sleepy.
Ibuki giggled. "Shall we get to bed, Saki?" she whispered softly. "Mhmm..." Saki nodded in response. Without lifting her head, Saki continued to speak. "Ibuki-san...would you like to sleep in my bed...?"
Once again, Ibuki was caught extremely off-guard by Saki's surprisingly bold words. "E-Eh?? Would we both be able to fit? I wouldn't want to impose, and I don't want to make you uncomfortable...are you sure about this?" she asked flusteredly. Saki nodded again, looking up at Ibuki. "I'm sure. Besides, you could never make me feel uncomfortable. Sleeping with you would actually make me feel quite relaxed. So, if it's okay with you...."
Ibuki pondered this for a moment. "Hmm...I did bring a futon with me. But I'd actually love to sleep together. It would feel relaxing for me too."
And there was that adorably, shy yet happy expression on Saki's face once again.
"Seriously...you really are so adorable, Saki."
~
"I'm so happy, Ibuki-san..." Saki sighed dreamily. The two were cuddled up in bed and Saki had laid her head on Ibuki's chest, curled up like a content kitten. "Hehe. I am too. I've been dreaming for this kind of moment for forever." Ibuki replied warmly. She gently held Saki close to her body, rubbing her back slowly. "I have too...that's why I'm so very happy." Saki murmured. Ibuki hummed happily in response.
Saki could feel Ibuki vibrate beneath her head; hear her calm heartbeat and feel her chest rise up and down with each breath. Even through the sound of Ibuki's heartbeat could she see her beautiful hues filling her mind. Her dream had come true, and it was like heaven on earth to finally be living it.
Saki inhaled, drinking in the scent of Ibuki, creating another color in her mind. "Mm...Ibuki-san, you smell so good!" "It must be my body soap. Do you like it?" "Mhm! Vanilla...and pine. It's a relaxing, earthy scent; I see a lovely blue-green hue in it." Saki replied as she slightly nuzzled her head deeper against Ibuki's chest. "It's indeed a very nice smell. I'm glad you like it, Saki." Ibuki responded tenderly.
There was silence for a few moments, save for the sound of breathing quietly filling the air. Then, "Ibuki-san...?" Saki whispered. "Hm? What is it, Saki?" Ibuki replied back softly. Saki shifted and sat up slightly so that she was looking at Ibuki. Thankfully the moonlight was able to light the room up enough to see her face. "Does this mean we're dating now...?"
"Hehehe! Well...what do you think?" Ibuki questioned lightheartedly. Saki blushed. "I...I think we are...?" Saki concluded. Ibuki laughed again. The way Saki sounded so flustered and unsure at the same time was so damn cute. "Oh, Saki. You're adorable. I'd like to think we are. I'm all yours, Saki. I've always been yours." Ibuki answered, reaching up to pat Saki on the head.
"Ah.....mm..!" Saki, now even more flustered by Ibuki's words, burrowed her head back into Ibuki's chest. Ibuki giggled, still caressing Saki's hair. Some more silence passed. Saki was starting to feel much sleepier. There was just one more thing she needed.
"Ibuki-san...can I ask you something?" "Yes?" said Ibuki. "Mm..I want to hear you sing as I fall asleep..." Saki mumbled sleepily.
Ibuki felt like her heart was going to explode right then and there. She truly loved this girl so much. "Of course, Saki." she replied lovingly, and began to softly hum. Her melodious voice mixed with the sound of her heart seemed to make a whole sky full of colors. And to Saki, it was the most soothing thing in the world. Soon enough, Ibuki's song was finished and Saki was completely lulled to sleep, right in Ibuki's arms. Her breathing was slow, and her face wore a serene expression. She was safe. And she was loved.
Ibuki watched her with a warm smile, as sleep was catching up to her as well. And so she whispered softly into the darkness.
"Good night, Saki."