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Act. 5

he day after that event everything seemed to be back to normal,

everything but Reis face: the slap I gave her left a clear red mark.
Her skins so delicate I shouldnt have got angry, I felt guilty.
Whatre you thinking?
Oh, nothing, I shook that thought away, focusing on Yukino, who
turned back toward me.
Youre hiding something, my friend narrowed her eyes. You were
staring at Asakawa, did something happen?
No at all, I lied trying to be convincing.
Alright, as you like, she let it go. I guess its pointless asking to the
captain as well, isnt it?
The captain, I remembered feeling a pang in my heart. She asked
me to go out with her, I confessed. She seemed honest about her feelings
Yukinos expression changed:
Youre really lucky. Fujiwara is a good girl
Why are you presuming that I will say yes to her?
Because if you wont do it, youd be an idiot!, she said. Come on,
Miyuki-chan! Dont tell me that you prefer that stupid of Yamato?
I didnt say that, I reached her. Yukino-chan, do you like the Captain?
Of course I do!, her cheeks blushed. But I have no chance with her,
so if shes with you, at least Id be sure that shes in good hands, she
winked.
Sometimes I really cant get you. Dont you want to try and tell her?
No, Im fine this way, she leaned her chin on her hand. I always admired her from afar, I wont confess to her now that she has fallen for you
I dropped the conversation and I let my eyes lay on Rei again, who
were absorbed writing on her notebook.
What should I do?, I wondered. She turned toward me, like she noticed my thought: her blue eyes went right through my soul. I felt like I
couldnt breathe, just like the day before.
The more I tried to hold back those feelings, the more I was overwhelmed by.
Hey, Miyuki-chan?, Yukino called me out again. Look whos out of
the classroom!
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 I turned toward the doorway and I saw Misato, leaning against the
jamb and smiling gently as usual.
It looks like she heard us, she giggled inciting me to go to her.
At that point, I took courage and reached her.
Sorry for bothering you, the captain said.
Dont worry, were between periods, we still have a few minutes, I
met her hazel, bright and charming eyes.
I just wanted to ask you if youre busy this weekend
I have to help my parents at the shop this Saturday, but Im free on
Sunday, I replied right away.
Do you think we could hang out?
You mean the two of us alone?
We can invite some friends if you wish, she laughed. Im fine with
any suggestion. Being with you is enough for me, she said in a tone so
sweet I could melt on the instant.
Why am I developing all these scruples? Yukinos ok with it, after all,
isnt she?, I thought gazing at her from head to toe. Fujiwara was so beautiful and charming! I really wanted to know her better. My mouth opened
slightly to say yes but, even before I could talk, Reis image filled my mind.
Enough!, I lowered my head, grasping my chest with my hand. Asakawa
was pretty clear about what she want from me, but I cant
Miyuki, is everything alright?, the captain was worried seeing me
hesitate.
Yes, of course, I lifted up my gaze connecting our eyes. Id be honored to go out with you and to know you better, Misato-san, I answered
getting rid of all the uncertainties that had swallowed me.
Youre making me happy, she whispered, then she shifted her hair
behind her ear and I notice that her cheeks blushed.
She really likes me, I thought feeling my heart pounding while I
was picking the note with her phone number and e-mail from her hands.
Please, write me, so we can reach an agreement for Sunday, okay?,
she smiled at me. I doubt that Ill see you for the training session tomorrow afternoon, right?
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 I have the cooking club, I smiled back at her. Im sorry

I look forward to this Sunday, she winked before leaving.
Finally, I started to breathe again normally. The teacher was just arrived when I got back to class, but Rei wasnt at her seat anymore.
I have to forget about what happened yesterday and move on, I sat
back focusing on the present.
So, what happened?, Yukino asked me whispering and reaching for
my desk.
She asked me out and, I showed her the folded note this is her
number
No way!, she jumped. A real date! So you two are going to get
together?
Dont speak so loud, I scolded her in a low voice looking around.
Sorry, youre right, she collected herself. Its just that Im so thrilled for you!
Thank you, but I still dont know how all of this will end, so lets try to
avoid putting the word out, please
Okay, boss! But know that Ill call you and youll have to tell me all the
details
Okay, but stop it now, youre making me feel embarrassed!, I grumbled, then we burst out laughing catching irremediably the attention of
the teacher. We composed ourselves immediately and my sights, unintentionally, set on Reis empty desk once again: she didnt come back to the
classroom that day, but I forced myself to not wonder if she got away because she saw the scene between Misato and me, or just because someone
from the student council called her in the role of class rep. My mind and
my heart, for the first time, seemed like they didnt want to be on the same
page: to kiss a girl and desiring her, to date another girl being fascinated
by her. Probably, to me it wasnt very clear how love works.
***
So, is it true? Youre going to go on a date with Misato?, Yamato stopped me at the school gates, visibly disappointed.
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 Yes, it is, I confessed feeling a little embarrassed while Yukino, standing by my side, was starting to champ at the bit.
Oh, damn! I cant wage war to her, I love her too much, he grumbled
kicking a pebble.
Youre pathetic!, growled my friend tugging me from my arm. Like
if its you the one who could choose who Miyuki-chan can date
Its because of what happened the other day, you still havent forgiven me,
have you?, asked hostile the boy, and at that point I decided to confront him.
I need to speak with him, I directed an explicit look towards Yukino.
Ok, ok!, she turned her back, giving us a dozen meters.
The days were starting to be longer, soon there would be the exams and
right after thered be the summer vacation. Many people were looking for
someone to share those days of fun and relax, but I was certain that those
werent Yamatos intentions with me: his eyes revealed something deeper
than he wanted me to believe.
Im sorry, I said to the boy, he shrugged with a grimace.
My feelings wont change so fast, I like you for real, he said dejected.
Though, you see can I ask you if youre rejecting me because yeah,
you know, because you like girls more than boys?
Actually, I dont know if I can answer you sincerely. Ive never dated
anyone until now, I confessed. But I dont want to give you false hopes.
I see, youre really into her, arent you?
She intrigues me andYes, I like her, I lowered my eyes feeling under pressure.
Of course, its normal, Misato is a force of nature. No one can resist
her, he became even gloomier.
Can we stay friends?
You dont need to have any doubt about this, he finally smiled.
Yamato, can I ask you a question, too?, I stared him into the eyes.
Why did you break up with Rei?
I lowered his head for a moment before looking in my eyes again:
I told her the truth. I like you, Miyuki, he confirmed what Rei had
told to Misato. But its not just that.
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 I stayed in silence, I wasnt certain I wanted to know more about his

relationship with my childhood friend.
I was tired of a relation like that, Yamato continued. I tried to ask
her why she acts like that, but she
She didnt want to answer you?, I blurted out without thinking.
She says shes like this, he shrugged again putting his hands in his
pants pockets. She likes me, but she doesnt want any commitment.
She made clear that she didnt care if I confessed to another girl nor if
we broke up
Yet, Id seen her cry in her sleep saying that sentence: Dont leave
me, is it possible that Rei lied to him?
I said goodbye to Yamato and Yukino, who walked home with me, and
I decided to not ask any more questions about that story: if Asakawa wanted to live her life that way, I couldnt help it.
That Saturday something unexpected happened at my parents shop,
though. After getting up early to bake the sweets for the day, I was helping
at the counter, when an unknown figure appeared on the doorstep:
Good morning, Miyuki-chan, Mrs. Ritsuko greeted me reaching the
counter. Rei was following her closely behind.
Hello, I said freezing while I was drying a glass.
Is there your mother by any chance?
Ill call her right away, I rushed to open the door of the bakery. When
she heard that her dear friend came to visit, my mother took her apron off,
instructed our two employees and fixed her hair before entering the room:
Reis here as well, isnt she?, she asked.
Yes, theres her daughter, too
Good, are you two getting along?, she pulled me by my arm. I didnt
even get to reply that she was already across the counter hugging Ritsuko.
It looks like they really want to make up for lost time, I heard and
quickly I turned towards Rei who was sitting on the stool in front of me.
Yeah, I answered casually picking up glass and dishcloth. Can I get
you something?, I asked looking somewhere else.
Tea and two mini croissants filled with orange cream, please
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 I prepared what she asked for and I served it trying to be calm with all
my might.
Would you like to move to a table? Youd be more comfortable, I proposed.
No, Im fine here, she stared at me and I immediately lowered my
eyes getting back to tidy up the dishes.
Are you really angry?
My heart was up in my throat hearing her tone of voice change: she
seemed sorry.
No, Im not anymore and sorry for slapping you, I lifted my look
on her feeling unarmed: her blue eyes kept confusing me.
I put you in a corner. I deserved it, she replied while a smile was appearing on her lips.
Anyway, thats water under the bridge, I made haste to answer. Lets
try to get along for them at least, ok?, I pointed our mothers.
Ill do my best, she took a sip of her tea.
Thank you, I cracked a smile: Rei and her image of composed class
rep, serious, steady Rei and her dark, passionate side
I gaped staring at her lips opening to bite one of the croissants filled
with cream, which I made with my hands. I inevitably thought about
when her mouth tightened on my breast making me lose control.
I blushed and lowered my head in time before Rei could notice my
agitation.
Are you going to go out with Fujiwara?, she said out of the blue.
Surprised, I opened my eyes wide:
Why do you ask?
Just curiosity, she answered with apathetic tone.
Yes, I admitted.
Rei didnt reply. She finished her tea, then she turned back towards her
mother, who was still talking with mine:
Do you think they still have a lot to do?
I dont know, but we could try and ask them, I went along her attempt to change subject.
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 Is it possible that knowing that Ill go out with the captain is bothering her?, I wondered feeling my heart skip a beat. Was Rei jealous of me?
Just the thought filled me with an incomprehensible excitement. Whats
happening to me?, I lift my look on my classmate who was staring at me
puzzled.
Miyuki, did you hear me?
Oh, no, sorry what were you saying?, I came down to earth.
I said that I should buy something in a store nearby. Can you come
along with me?, she raised her eyebrow.
C-Come along with you? Err I actually Im on duty this morning,
and
Never mind, she stood up from the stool. Ill go alone
Without even realizing it, I gaped looking at her while she was fixing
her shoulder bag on her light blue thin dress.
Miyuki, she came closer narrowing her eyes. Why are you staring
me like that?, she pulled a lock of hair aside from my cheek and in an
instant my face was on fire. Whats up? Are you blushing?, she laughed.
Stop it, I moved aside.
Sorry, its just that, she breathed. Youre really pretty, she ended
gently.
Hearing those words I felt a sudden shot through the heart, the air was
blocked into my lungs and, when I saw her walking out the door, I wished
only one thing: to be with her again, even just for a few minutes.
I took off my apron and chased her.
Miyuki, where are you going?, my mother called me out, noticing
that I was going fast towards the entry of the shop.
Ah Mom, Ill be right back. Im going to take Rei to buy something,
I justified myself impatient to go out.
Fine, but dont be late. You were the one who asked to work this morning, remember?, she glared at me.
Ok, well be back soon, I assured turning the handle of the door to
run after to what had become an irresistible temptation by then. Yes, I
am. I went completely insane, I gritted my teeth stretching my stride, un107

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til I saw Rei among the people walking and looking at the shop windows
on the street. Hey, wait for me!, I called her. She turned back toward me
astonished. Well make it quick, right? I dont have much time
Alright, she smiled at me. The place is a few steps from here.
I followed her, I still had short breath cause of the running, and walked
through the door of an adorable shop full of all kinds of souvenirs and
accessories.
For whom is the gift?, I asked curious.
Its for a school mate who was kind to me, Rei answered while walking
slowly among the shelves.
A school mate?, I mulled. Is it someone from the student council?
Why all these questions, are you jealous?, she smirked.
Absolutely not!, I denied with too much resolution.
Rei giggled, then she stopped in front of some foulards:
This could be suitable, dont you think?, she pointed one of those
with a pretty printing of colorful butterflies.
Yes, its not that bad, I felt a sudden complaint in the pit of my
stomach. Uhm, do you mind if I take a look while you decide?, I distanced myself from her. Whats wrong with me? Why am I feeling so out of
place?, I tighten my lips and picked up a stuffed animal that resembled
a tiger. Anyway, if Rei gave one of these to this mysterious girl, I guess
that itd annoy me even more, I admitted beaten. Its worthless to delude
myself that shes the one whos jealous, when its clearly the opposite.
I wandered around the shop trying to focus on the choice I had taken
towards Rei, in the attempt to recover some clarity. I needed to speak with
her, I couldnt let things pending.
Here I am, Ive finished. We can go back, Rei came beside me and in
that moment I noticed that the foulard that she showed me shortly before
was still in its place.
What did you choose in the end?, I asked her being on pins and needles.
If youd helped me searching, you would know, she replied in her
usual teaser tone.
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 Oh, youre impossible!

Seriously? I asked you to come to give me some advice, but you disappeared, and Im the one whos impossible?
I got distracted, I lied crossing my arms.
I figured, she giggled.
Rei, her name without the honorific came out from my mouth.
Why did you do that?, I asked her out of the blue while people were
passing by us like a river.
Do you want to know it now?, she suddenly became serious, immediately realizing what I meant.
Yes, I do, I replied unconcerned about where we were.
She came closer to my ear:
Because I am the worst Ive already told you, she smirked roguishly.
I stared at her in the eyes, which became dark and deep.
What does that mean? Be clear, I confronted her without beating
around the bush.
Do you want me to be clearer?, she grabbed me by an arm pulling me
to her. Do you think that kissing you here in front of everyone could help
you understand?, she said with her usual cheeky smirk.
Would you do it with feeling?
What kind of feeling do you mean?, her expression hardened.
I mean that kind of feeling that isnt just locking in somewhere to
do those kinds of things, I silenced her unreservedly.
You didnt seem so annoyed the other day, she looked at me with
disapproval. Now you tell me, with what kind of feeling youd do it, instead? Because, if Im not mistaken, you have a date with Fujiwara tomorrow,
havent you?, she, in turn, struck me leaving me speechless. You see? Its
precisely this that I cant stand, she came closer my face. Hypocrisy,
she ended icy.
Youre unfair! If things were different between you and me, I wouldnt
have agreed to go out with Misato-san, I blurted without thinking and I
regretted it right away.
Very well. Does Fujiwara know that shes your second choice?
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 I like her, and theres nothing wrong with knowing a new friend, I
lowered my eyes feeling at fault: my words were turning against me.
A new friend?, Rei burst out laughing. Then youre only faking to
be nave! Because youd be such a fool believing that Fujiwara wants just a
friendship from you, she got nervous. She likes you that way, Miyuki!
Stop it now!, I raised my voice on edge, catching without wishing the
attention of the bystanders. Rei didnt say anything else; she withdrew into
a cold silence, continuing to glare at me with that kind of look that could
tear me down more than a thousand words.
Ryo came back to me, he asked me to try to repair our relationship,
she suddenly started to talk again. You made a good choice. Between
the two of them Fujiwara is the one whos best suited for you, she came
close to my ear again. Have fun with her, tomorrow, she whispered and
quickly turned her back to me.
Hey, wait! Where are you going?
Home. Tell my mother that something came up, she got away without turning back anymore.
I went back to the shop alone, tormented by what had happened. Reis
words had shaken me:
What am I doing?, I wondered snuggling up on my bed. Right then
I got a text on my cell phone: it was from Misato, who were asking details
for the next day.
***
Miyuki-chan!, Yukino ran towards me when she saw me walking
through the gates of the school.
Good morning, youre always full of energy early in the morning,
uh?, I greeted her.
The same cannot be said about you, she worried. You look
I didnt get much sleep last night
O-Oh! You mean yeah you and senpai, she stuttered.
No! What are you thinking?, I blocked her right away. Actually
We didnt go out yesterday
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 What? Why? Phew I was hoping in some spicy story!

Yukino-chan, please, thats just not the case, trust me, I lengthened
my stride towards the entrance of the school building.
Alright, alright, I was just joking a little, she reached me on the stairs.
May I know what happened?
I didnt feel well, so I postponed it
What a bad excuse!, she stole a glance at me, but I acted as if nothing
had happened. I placed my schoolbag on my desk and waited for class to
start. Yukino didnt ask any other question and, like a good friend, changed subject, while Rei, sitting in her chair, didnt so much as look at me all
day long.
In the late afternoon, when classes had ended, I reached Misato at the
gym to talk to her. I was feeling awful towards her and the right thing to
do was to explain how things really were: I needed some time to clarify my
feelings.
I read the text saying that you were waiting for me in front of the gym
after practice. What did you have to tell me?, Fujiwara smiled at me coming closer.
Im sorry I didnt show up yesterday, I bowed.
Dont worry. The important thing is that youre fine, she winked.
We can go out another time if you like
Well, I stuttered trying the right words to not hurt her.
Is there something more?, Misato was worried. Do you mind if we
talk about it while heading home? All my teammates are going to come
out from the locker room; I dont want them to interrupt us
Its fine, I nodded.
It was true that I liked the captain, but what I was feeling for Rei was
something different I just needed to admit the truth, that truth that had
been shoved in my face and which made me think and call everything
into question.
How are you doing in school?, asked me Misato trying to break the silence.
Fine, thanks, even though Im looking forward to summer vacation, I
need a break
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 You said it!, the captain laughed shifting her hair behind her ear,
then she suddenly stopped.
What is it?, I worried seeing her face suffusing with awe.
So its true that the two of them, she whispered staring in front of her.
I slowly turned toward the same direction and something broke inside me: Yamato and Rei had just closed the room of requirements door
behind their back. It was a really awkward moment for the four of us to
meet each other.
Ryo, is this the reason why you skipped practice?, Misato scolded
him darkening.
I informed the coach. I had to take care of something important, the
boy stood up for himself.
Sure. I figure, replied the captain with disdain.
I couldnt say a word. My eyes were staring at Reis ones, who seemed
to reflect my same state of mind.
Why?, I clenched my chest with my hand. The pain went so deep into
me that for a second I was afraid of falling to the ground and not getting
up anymore. Can we leave, please?, I asked to Misato in a whisper, clenching to her arm.
Yes, were leaving right away, the captain grabbed my hand dragging
me away.
While we were passing by the two of them, Reis scent overwhelmed
me and by instinct I looked up on her: her eyes, blank and distant, looked
like they had left me definitively, and so all the good intentions I had forced on myself.
What a fool I was to believe that she, I gritted my teeth thinking
about when she had accused me of hypocrisy again, making me feel guilty.
Miyuki, are you alright?, asked me worried Misato, while keeping to
hold my hand.
Not much, sorry, I tried to collect myself.
I got you. After all, Yamato had just confessed to you, you must feel
bad, right?
No, its not about that
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 Misato stopped in the middle of the street:

Whats the matter, then?, she looked at me puzzled.
Seriously, its not about Yamato, its just that I dont get Asakawa, I
couldnt contain myself feeling the anger rising.
You dont know her, she darkened. If you want some advice, stay
away from her
Stay away from her? What do you mean?
All the people who deal with Asakawa end up subjugated by her and
victims of her selfishness, she bitterly revealed.
You mean that theres was something between you two?, I asked
holding my breath.
Nothing like that, she reassured me starting to walk again.
Lets just say that I lived a really particular moment last year and she
knew about it. I hoped till the last minute that we could be friends, but
she preferred to destroy everything I loved, my relationship with Ryo included, she squeezed her lips.
I lowered my head sending away the thought of Yamato and Rei together going out of that damn room.
Miyuki, lets stop talking about them. Theres still something that you
have to tell me and that we left open, right?, Misato stood in front of me
and looking anxious.
Im sorry if I didnt go out with you yesterday. I didnt want to reject you
You told me you werent feeling well. I believe you, she relaxed immediately and her eyes met mine. I found a warm and attractive light
inside them.
Misato-san I, I whispered clearing my mind from all the bad
thoughts, warmed by that light that was flooding all my body.
So, are you busy next Sunday?, she asked me gently.
Actually, yes, I surrounded her neck with my arms, dropping my bag
on the ground. I absolutely have to go out with my girlfriend, I stood up
on my tiptoe and kissed her.
Time seemed to stop and so my heart: it wasnt time to get hurt and
destroy myself anymore. I just wanted to love and to be loved.
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Orange Cream
di Scarlett Bell

with drawings by Aeryn Sun

English translation by Sakura21 from micettescans.blogfree.net

Quality check by Kitsune

TO BE CONTINUED...

All rights reserved to the author. Every reproduction prohibited.

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