Today had been another demanding day for Yanagi. Managing the strong personalities of the Section 6 team while coordinating with other departments and attending back-to-back meetings left her with barely a moment to breathe. Her workload stretched well past sunset, forcing her to work overtime. Yanagi sighed, reflecting on how quickly the day had passed. This marked the fifth consecutive day she hadn’t been present in the office. Yet, this wasn’t unusual—it was just another day in the life of Tsukishiro Yanagi, deputy chief and information officer of Section 6.
Despite her packed schedule, Yanagi wished she could spend more time in the office, checking in on how the team was doing. She had left Soukaku in Miyabi’s care, confident that Miyabi understood the demands of her work. Miyabi often offered her help, but Yanagi always declined, even though she secretly appreciated the gesture. She simply couldn’t bring herself to burden the chief with her workload, choosing instead to shoulder everything herself, even at the cost of her health.
Meanwhile, Miyabi remained in the office. It was a relatively uneventful day, even by her standards. Typically, there would be at least one pressing issue to address, but the past few days had been quiet. She busied herself with routine paperwork, regular training sessions, and attending a few briefings that Yanagi had scheduled. She also looked after Soukaku, as Yanagi had requested, bringing her along to training sessions to help her develop her skills.
As the day drew to a close and the sun dipped below the horizon, Miyabi glanced around the office. There was still no sign of Yanagi. This had been the pattern for the past several days. Miyabi stared at her desk, lost in thought, before letting out a quiet sigh. Soukaku, noticing her mood, looked up from her own desk.
“Chief, is something bothering you? You smell... different. I’ve noticed it for a few days now. It seems to happen once in a while. I wonder why...”
Soukaku furrowed her brows, adopting a thoughtful posture as she tried to make sense of the scent. Miyabi, recognizing the sharp perception of an oni, decided to steer the conversation elsewhere.
“Everything is fine, Soukaku. How has Yanagi been doing these past few days?”
“Nagi? Well...” Soukaku paused, letting out a loud “hmm” as she thought. Miyabi waited patiently for her response.
“She’s been really tired lately, Chief. I’ve asked her a few times if she’s okay, but she always gives me the same answer—that everything is fine. But I still worry about her. Sometimes she mumbles about wanting to be in the office more often, but when I ask why, she says it’s for work-related reasons.”
Miyabi listened carefully, a small smile tugging at her lips as she pieced together Yanagi’s true feelings.
“I see. Soukaku, it’s getting late. I’ll take you home.”
“What about you, Chief? Shouldn’t I wait for Nagi? She did say I’m in your care.”
“It’ll be fine. I’ll make sure Yanagi gets home safely and on time.”
“Okay! I’m starving! I heard they’re selling those huge snacks at the market. Can I have some?”
Soukaku’s enthusiasm was infectious, and Miyabi couldn’t refuse her request. Together, they left the building, stopping by the market to buy snacks before Miyabi took Soukaku home.
__
Meanwhile, Yanagi was racing from one meeting to another, her schedule packed with no time for breaks. This had been her routine for the past several days. She sighed deeply as her thoughts wandered.
“I’m almost done for the day,” she muttered to herself.
“It looks like I’ll be the one closing the building again.”
By the time her final meeting ended, the sun had long since set. It was night, and a few last-minute calls kept her from heading home immediately. Tomorrow promised to be another busy day—another day away from the office, another day without seeing Miyabi. The thought made her chest tighten, and she instinctively placed a hand over her heart. How long had it been since they’d spoken properly or spent time together? Most days, Miyabi was already home by the time Yanagi finished work, despite her insistence that she didn’t need to wait. Yanagi didn’t want anyone wasting their time on her. Yet, she couldn’t deny a small, selfish wish that Miyabi would wait for her, even if only for a brief moment. She sighed again, shaking her head to refocus.
“Now’s not the time for this. I need to concentrate.”
After completing her last call, Yanagi stretched her arms and took the elevator down to her department. She didn’t expect anyone to be there at this hour, but as she entered the office, a familiar voice greeted her.
“Yanagi, you’re back.”
“Chief? What are you doing here at this time of night? I thought you’d gone home.”
“No, I’ve been finishing this paperwork for you.”
“But why? There’s no need for that—I had it scheduled to finish tonight before tomorrow.”
“Perhaps.”
Yanagi stood there, dumbfounded. Why was Miyabi still here? She’d made it clear that she didn’t need to stay. What about Soukaku? Before Yanagi could voice her questions, Miyabi answered them.
“I brought Soukaku home before sunset and prepared a meal as you once suggested.”
Yanagi should have expected as much, but hearing it still caught her off guard. She didn’t know how to react, but a warm feeling spread through her chest. Despite her insistence on handling everything alone, she felt a deep sense of happiness that Miyabi had chosen to stay for her.
Miyabi put her pen down on the desk, stood up, and walked toward Yanagi. As she approached, Yanagi tilted her head slightly, her eyes following Miyabi’s every move. Soon, Miyabi was standing in front of her. The height difference between the two was evident. Miyabi looked up at Yanagi, her hand twitching slightly as though she wanted to place it on Yanagi’s cheek but decided against it. In the end, she simply looked at her and began to speak slowly.
“Yanagi… you look tired. Are you alright?”
“It’s nothing, Chief. I enjoy my work. Even if it puts me on the line, it gives me a certain sense of achievement.”
“I see. Please, take good care of yourself.”
Miyabi’s ears drooped slightly to the side, and Yanagi gave her a small nod, silently reassuring her that she would. A moment of silence passed between them as they stared at each other. No one else was in the office—or the building, for that matter—at this hour. They both knew it was just the two of them. The full moon’s light streamed through the windows, casting a soft glow in their direction. It felt like a scene straight out of a romance movie.
As they gazed at each other, Miyabi spoke again.
“It has been a while, Yanagi.”
“What do you mean, Miyabi?”
Miyabi’s lips curled into a faint, wistful smile.
“It’s like a melon seed that hasn’t seen water in days, keeping itself from growing into a melon. But now that the rainy day has come, the seed has found the strength to continue its growth.”
Yanagi blinked, processing the metaphor.
“Uh, Chief… if you put it like that, it really has been a while, hasn’t it?”
An awkward silence settled between them again as both realized how true the statement was. How many days had passed since they were last alone together? Five days? A week? They couldn’t keep track, but one thing was certain—they had missed each other’s presence. Yanagi tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, while Miyabi stared briefly at the floor, maintaining her calm, expressionless face.
Both spoke at the same time.
“Yanagi.”
“Miyabi.”
Their eyes met once more. Without another word, Miyabi stepped closer. She placed one hand on Yanagi’s chest, looking up at her. A faint blush appeared on Miyabi’s face, though her expression remained composed. Yanagi couldn’t help but blush as well. The atmosphere between them was unmistakable.
Miyabi leaned in, tilting her head slightly, as if asking for permission with her eyes. Yanagi responded by tilting her head in the opposite direction, silently giving Miyabi the confirmation she needed. It seemed their thoughts were perfectly aligned. This was something they had both wanted for a long time.
Before closing the distance, Miyabi whispered softly.
“I’ve missed you a lot.”
And then their lips met.
The kiss began slowly—gentle and soft, without any rush. Miyabi kissed Yanagi delicately, savoring the moment, pouring into it all the longing she had held back over the past few days. She wanted to touch Yanagi so badly but didn’t want to rush. Yet, the time they had missed together surged in her mind, and her restraint faltered. The kiss deepened, becoming more passionate and slightly hurried. Yanagi adjusted to the rhythm, letting herself be swept up in Miyabi’s intensity.
Miyabi pressed her body against Yanagi, their chests meeting as they embraced. A soft sound escaped from both of them as their lips parted briefly, only for Miyabi to lean in again, pressing her lips against Yanagi’s once more. This time, Miyabi tentatively pushed her tongue forward, silently asking for permission. Yanagi responded by slightly opening her mouth, allowing Miyabi’s tongue to enter. Their tongues met, exchanging gentle movements. It was sweet, wet, and soft—everything they had missed. Sweet noises filled the room as their kiss grew deeper and more passionate.
When they finally broke apart to catch their breath, their eyes met again, both faces flushed. They stared at each other, their hearts racing.
"Yanagi, your lips taste like red bean buns. They're sweet. I like it." Miyabi said softly.
Yanagi chuckled lightly.
"Your lips taste like cantaloupe. They're delicate, just like you."
Miyabi smiled faintly, her ears twitching slightly.
"Good. They belong to you, just as yours belong to me."
Yanagi raised an eyebrow, smirking.
"Oh my, since when did you become such a flirt, Miyabi?"
Miyabi’s cheeks turned a bright shade of red at the remark. Yanagi giggled softly, finding the reaction endearing. Then, with a thoughtful expression, Yanagi tilted her head slightly, catching Miyabi’s attention.
"Miyabi, now that I think about it… have you been practicing?"
"Practicing?"
"Yes." Yanagi said with a teasing smile.
"You’ve become a much better kisser than the first time we kissed. If I remember correctly, back then it was… a little awkward. You seemed unsure, hesitant to explore my mouth, and we struggled to find a rhythm. But now…" She paused, her tone softening. "Now, your kisses are confident. We move in perfect harmony. You even used your tongue this time, which surprised me—but I didn’t dislike it. You know how to roll it well. I’m impressed."
"...Yanagi."
Miyabi murmured, her expression unreadable.
"Hm?"
"That’s… quite a detailed analysis. I didn’t know you were keeping track."
Yanagi blinked, suddenly realizing how much she had said. She looked away for a moment, her cheeks flushing slightly as she placed a hand over her mouth.
"I-Is that so? My apologies."
"Yanagi.''
Miyabi said gently.
"It’s alright. I appreciate it."
"You do?"
"Mhm. It means my training is paying off."
Yanagi tilted her head, confusion flickering across her face.
"Training?"
"Yes. I’ve been training in the art of 'how to kiss my girlfriend more confidently' to make up for lost time."
Yanagi’s face turned bright red.
"G-Girlfriend!?"
She waved her hands, flustered by the term. But then again, what had she expected? They were kissing each other passionately—surely this wasn’t something coworkers did on a weekly basis. As her thoughts raced, Miyabi watched her with a calm yet curious expression, blinking.
"Yes," Miyabi said matter-of-factly.
"Aren’t we?"
"I… suppose so." Yanagi muttered, shaking her head to clear her thoughts.
"But, Miyabi.." Yanagi began hesitantly.
"How do you even practice something like that? Don’t you need a partner for such training to work?"
"Well…"
Miyabi’s face flushed as her bangs obscured her eyes.
"This is a bit embarrassing."
Yanagi leaned in slightly, intrigued.
"I’ve been practicing on a watermelon."
Miyabi admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Since watermelons are sweet, I thought it would be the most appropriate way to improve if you like the taste of something on your lips."
Yanagi blinked in surprise, then smiled warmly. She should have known that it would be such a Miyabi thing to do so. She find it very adorable. That's a part that she loved about her.
"That’s… very thoughtful of you, Chief. So you really had no one to practice with except for fruits or tools."
"Yanagi." Miyabi said, her tone serious
"Wouldn’t it be strange to practice with someone else?"
"You’re not wrong. It would be… ethically questionable to practice this with anyone but your partner—or the one you desire."
"Mhm. I only desire you, Yanagi."
Miyabi hesitated for a moment before continuing.
"Actually, I was going to ask if you’d like to practice with me once a week. I think, with your help, I could become a better kisser, and…"
Her words trailed off as she realized the boldness of her proposal. Her face turned a deeper shade of red, and she looked away, flustered. Yanagi noticed the shift in her demeanor and couldn’t help but smile.
Yanagi coughed lightly, her own cheeks tinged with color.
"Well… I could make room in my schedule every now and then, especially for you."
"F-Forget it, Yanagi.'' Miyabi stammered.
"Please, pretend you didn’t hear my request."
"I can’t pretend that, Miyabi." Yanagi replied softly.
"Besides…"
Yanagi placed her hand gently on Miyabi's cheek, her touch warm and reassuring. Miyabi tilted her head slightly, feeling the soft caress as she looked up at Yanagi. Her expression was as composed as ever, yet a hint of shyness peeked through her demeanor. Yanagi’s tender smile deepened, radiating a warmth that made Miyabi’s heart flutter.
"Didn’t you just say I’m your girlfriend?" Yanagi said softly. "How could I possibly refuse such a delightful proposal from my girlfriend? I’ll make sure to schedule our time properly. Maybe we can even make it a twice-weekly 'training.' How does that sound? We shouldn’t waste time or let too much slip by again. This will be our sweet time."
Miyabi nodded slightly, her heart beating faster with every word Yanagi spoke. The sincerity and affection in Yanagi’s voice were enough to make her feel weightless. As Yanagi leaned in closer, her gentle smile never wavering, she closed the distance and kissed Miyabi softly. This time, it was Yanagi who initiated the kiss, and Miyabi responded by wrapping her arms around Yanagi’s neck, pulling her closer. Yanagi slid her arms around Miyabi’s back, leaning forward to give her better support. Their bodies pressed together in an embrace as the kiss deepened, filled with unspoken emotions and a longing that neither could suppress.
The kiss was unhurried, yet passionate, carrying the weight of all the moments they had missed in each other’s absence. It was as if time had paused for them, granting them this sacred moment. They knew this kiss would last long, but neither of them cared. This was what they had both longed for—an intimate connection that no words could fully encapsulate.
No declarations of love were necessary. Their gazes, their touch, and the way they held each other spoke volumes. This was their moment—private, unbroken, and cherished. No one could interrupt them here. It was just the two of them, and that was all they needed.
__
As their kiss deepened, the world around them seemed to dissolve. The quiet hum of the office building, the faint ticking of the clock on the wall, even the moonlight streaming through the windows—all faded into the background. Yanagi’s hands moved gently, brushing against Miyabi’s back as if trying to memorize every detail of the moment. Miyabi, feeling the warmth of Yanagi’s embrace, tightened her hold slightly, resting her forehead against Yanagi’s when they finally broke apart for air.
Their breaths mingled, their faces close, as a comfortable silence settled between them. Miyabi’s usually stoic expression softened, a rare vulnerability showing in her eyes. Yanagi smiled, brushing a stray lock of hair from Miyabi’s face.
“You know...''
Yanagi began softly, her voice carrying a rare tenderness.
“If I’d known you were capable of such sweet gestures, I would’ve scheduled these moments a long time ago.”
Miyabi blinked, her ears twitching slightly in response to Yanagi’s teasing tone.
“I… I only do this because it’s you.'' Miyabi admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
“You’re the only one I’d wait for. The only one I’d… practice for. Didn't I just admitted that before?”
Yanagi felt her cheeks warm at the earnest confession and let out a soft laugh.
“I know. Still, you really are full of surprises, chief.”
Yanagi said, using Miyabi’s title in an affectionate way that made Miyabi’s blush deepen. Miyabi cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure.
“Well, you work too hard.''
Miyabi said, her tone turning more serious.
“Someone has to make sure you don’t forget to take care of yourself. And if that means staying late, I don’t mind.”
Yanagi’s heart swelled at the words, and for a moment, she was at a loss for how to respond. She reached out, taking Miyabi’s hand in hers and giving it a gentle squeeze.
“Thank you.”
Yanagi said simply, but the weight of her gratitude was evident in her tone. Miyabi nodded, her expression softening once more.
“You’re welcome.”
They stood there for a while longer, neither in a rush to let go. The moonlight cast a gentle glow over them, and for the first time in days, Yanagi felt the stress of her work lift, replaced by a sense of peace she hadn’t realized she needed. Finally, Miyabi broke the silence.
“It’s late. You should head home and get some rest.”
Yanagi chuckled.
“You’re one to talk. You’ve been here just as long as I have.”
Miyabi tilted her head, her expression thoughtful.
“Then how about this? I’ll walk you home. That way, I can keep my promise to Soukaku to bring you home safely and make sure you actually rest.”
Yanagi raised an eyebrow, amused. “And who’s going to make sure you rest, Miyabi?”
Miyabi’s lips curved into a small smile. “I’ll rest once I know you’re safe.”
Yanagi couldn’t help but giggle, shaking her head. “Alright, you win. Let’s go.”
As they gathered their belongings and headed for the exit, the quiet intimacy between them remained. Outside, the city was calm, the streets illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights. They walked side by side, their steps in sync, the silence between them comfortable and filled with unspoken understanding.
When they finally reached Yanagi’s apartment, Miyabi hesitated at the entrance.
“I’ll see you tomorrow,” she said, her voice gentle.
Yanagi turned to her, a soft smile on her lips.
“You could come in for a bit, you know. Just to make sure I don’t start working the moment you leave.”
Miyabi raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical.
“Would you actually listen if I told you to stop?”
Yanagi laughed. “Maybe. If you stay to keep me company.”
Miyabi considered this for a moment before nodding.
“Alright. But only for a little while.”
As they stepped inside, the warmth of the apartment enveloped them, and for the first time in days, Yanagi felt like she could truly relax. With Miyabi by her side, the weight of her responsibilities didn’t feel so heavy. Sharing quiet conversation and stolen glances, Yanagi realized that moments like this—moments of connection and understanding—were what she had been missing all along and so did Miyabi. They couldn't help, but kiss each other once again.
They were just like the star and the moon. A star cannot shine without its moon and a moon cannot orbit without its star.