Cheerleader

Bandage free, that was how Dazai entered school the next day. She felt exposed. The scars littered on up and down her arms were visible. She wasn't popular, but she stood out enough for people to whisper in the halls about her. The anxiety got to her, making her scratch at her wrist. She was sitting against the wall before classes started, scratching. 

"Dazai?" a familiar voice called out. The brunette looked up to see the student council president. Her face was twisted in worry and concern. Dazai could almost sense pity, and that made her angry. "Are you okay?" the blonde asked as she sat down next to Dazai, leaving enough space between them for the other girl to be comfortable.

"Yeah, I'm fine." Dazai responded coolly, still scratching at her wrist. She could feel Kunikida's gaze burning into her. Honestly, it felt suffocating, and she wasn't even looking at the other. 

Kunikida gave the brunette girl a gentle smile, softening her gaze. "You look nice, but it was just an unexpected change." In response Dazai gave her an awkward smile back, wanting to escape her current situation. The taller blonde set her hand on Dazai's shoulder as she stepped past her. "Have a nice day, Dazai." She said warmly before walking off. The brunette's heart beat immediately quickened, beating out of her chest. Those words burned into her mind. The way that Kunikida expressed her kindness to Dazai made her want to die, but in an oddly good way. Kunikida's kindness towards Dazai made her feel uneasily settled and comfortable for the rest of the school day. 

Dazai was rarely noticed by the other girls in her school, but she still got odd looks. She stood out enough as the 'bandaged girl', so now that she wasn't people noticed her more. The clock was ticking towards the final bell, and Dazai was scratching at her wrist. To Dazai not wearing her bandages felt weird. At home she would wear them for as long as possible, not because she hated her scars, but because she felt like herself while wearing them. It was odd, but Dazai never questioned herself. 

Finally, the last bell rang, and Dazai bolted out of the classroom. Today, more than any day, she wanted to get home, but when Dazai turned the corner she saw the giger beauty blocking her path. Though Nakahara was short, she still stood out. Her eyes locked on Dazai's, and a smirk shot on her face. "Hey, Dazai, taking my suggestion?" she asked with a hint of tease in her voice.

Dazai shifted nervously and nodded. She didn't like confrontation, and she would rather not talk to Chuuya in front of her friends. Though Dazai didn't know their names, she knew who they were. Nakahara wasn't an upopular person, which also meant Kunikida was going to be arriving soon. 

"Any thoughts on becoming a cheerleader?" Nakahara asked, boredom seeping into her voice and actions as she checked her manicure.

"I've decided against it." Dazai mumbled in response.

Nakahara's gaze shot up to meet Dazai's. "Come on! You got the looks for it." She complained openly, complimenting the other girl in the process.

As much as Dazai wanted to become a cheerleader, she was scared, terrified even. She didn't believe she had the skills, since she's never done cheerleading before. However, she wouldn't be opposed to Nakahara's teaching her. Dazai met Nakahara's eyes. "I'll join once I get the skills. Maybe you could teach me?" She attempted to negotiate.

Nakahara snickered. "Deal." 

"Awesome." Dazai sighed happily, smiling down at the ginger. 

Their moment was soon cut off by a hand on Nakahara's shoulder, making her look up. "Hi, student council president." the ginger obviously teased her 'friend'.

"Hello, cheerleader." Kunikida returned, smiling at the other girl before turning to look at Dazai. "We meet again. Hello, Dazai." She greeted kindly.

"Hi." Dazai responded awkwardly, feeling the obvious connection between the two girls standing in front of her. The sight was a stab in Dazai's heart. She wanted both to be with both girls. They were both so gorgeous and had their own pros and cons. Dazai felt bad for hating that they were dating eachother. She just wanted to date one of them, or even a simple romantic connection with one of them would satisfy her. 

"Doppo, this is the firl I was telling you about. The one I want to be a cheerleader." Nakahara explained, almost child-like, demonstrating an odd sense of vulnerability in front of Dazai that she has not seen in anyone before.

"I think Dazai would be an excellent candidate for that. She's very kind and beautiful, just like you." the blonde responded gently. Her words made the knife in Dazai's heart twist. She spoke so much more gently to Nakahara than she did to her. Dazai barely registered that both girls she had a crush on called her beautiful. Maybe she just wanted to push that aside.

"Nakahara said she'd teach me." Dazai added in a mumble, feeling uncomfortable in their conversation. However, she slowly grew more and more comfortable. Unbeknownst to them, they talked for almost an hour. It was refreshing for Dazai, since she rarely talked to anyone, having no friends herself. When she finally arrived home, her mother thought something terrible had happened to her, which made Dazai laugh. She hadn't properly laughed in a long time. It was odd. For a day that she expected to be horrible, it was actually fairly good. Honestly, Dazai would classify it as one of her favourite days.

The brunette closed her bedroom door behind her and sat in front of the mirror. Right now her scars looked beautiful against her pale skin, which usually looked sickly, but today her skin looked gorgeous. She smiled and laid down on the floor. Happiness flooded her every thought as she let her mind race with images of Kunikida and Nakahara.