Chapter Text
The heat was getting to Ena as she wiped her head with the back of her hand while walking with the other three members of Niigo to the Shibuya Scramble Crossroads.
Mizuki had wanted to have another sort of party with the group, but thought it would be a better idea if they all went shopping together this time, instead of how they had planned the last outing. Ena was carrying the party favors and plastic utensils in her bags, while Mafuyu and Mizuki had the food and refreshments. Kanade had nothing, since no one had wanted her to overexert herself. Still, that left Ena holding four bags instead of two, which was so unfair.
“Ena, please let me carry at least one bag…” Kanade pleaded when she noticed how exhausted the artist was.
“No way, not after all those sleepless nights you had working on that damn song.”
“Aww, Ena really is a softy~” Mizuki teased her as they turned around at the front next to Mafuyu. “Guess we should call it a day, huh?”
“Y’think?” the artist muttered as Mafuyu walked over to her and grabbed two of the bags she was carrying.
“Oi, I can carry that!” she protested.
“Your arms were shaking.” Mafuyu stated matter of fact.
“Were not!”
Mafuyu pursed her lips together and waited before Ena sighed and accepted her help.
“Damn you…”
Mafuyu didn’t say a word as she turned back around to walk ahead. Mizuki gave Ena a small smile before walking up next to the other taller girl, as she and Kanade took the rear again. Ena was happy Mafuyu and Mizuki were getting along, even though sometimes it seemed like Mafuyu would be annoyed by them. That and also her new enjoyment of scaring Mizuki from behind whenever meeting up, which Ena had to admit was hysterical to watch.
Still, could Mafuyu be acting this way because of her?
It wasn’t a bad guess considering how possessive she had been regarding their cuddling sessions. Even if Mizuki was only kidding, Mafuyu had a really, dare she admit, sexy aura when she said that a couple of weeks ago. So, much so, Ena did something she would never admit to anyone before going to sleep. Damn, just thinking about that look was making her sweat. Ena needed to focus on the now, which was the sun that was bearing down on her back.
“Hmm, there seems to be construction going on over there…” Kanade said, snapping Ena out of her previous delusions.
“You gotta be kidding me!?” she sighed with disappointment. “The whole road looks blocked all the way to the intersection. What are we gonna do?”
“Not to worry,” Mizuki assured her and spun around away from the construction. “This is sort of a scenic route, but wanna try going around and through that park over there?” They said pointing towards the area they were talking about. “We can head straight for the station once we're out.”
“Guess we have no choice, huh?” Ena said as her shoulders were killing her because of the amount of weight she was carrying. “Why does it have to be so hot? I knew I should have worn a tank-top.”
“That would have caused more problems, Mafuyu here would’ve gotten distracted~” Mizuki smirked, causing said girl to look up in confusion as Ena felt her whole body turn red.
“MIZUKI!”
“Just saying! Also, this will be really good for you and Kanade, who need all the exercise you can get.” Mizuki reminded Ena before turning around.
“Oi, you look no different than us, don’t put yourself on such a pedestal Mizuki!” Ena huffed as the other just kept walking ahead.
“Then try to keep up Enanan~”
The group walked for what seemed like an eternity to Ena as they went into the threshold of the park and started their long trek to the station. However, it wasn’t as bad as Ena had dreaded, the shade the park provided made it easier for her along with the lack of bags she had been hauling before due to Mafuyu’s kindness. Or was that pity? Either way, it had made it much better for Ena as she followed Mizuki, trusting them and their sense of direction.
“There we go, we just gotta go through this part, and we’ll be at the station.” Mizuki pointed to the shrine up ahead.
“Huh, I never knew this shortcut existed…how did you find it?” Ena asked as she put the bags in her hands down for a breather.
“Ehh, I was wandering around here one time and found it by complete accident.” Mizuki shrugged as Mafuyu walked closer near a bulletin board.
“It looks like they are getting ready for something here?” Kanade said, finally catching up to where the other three were.
“It's for the Shibuya Summer Festival…” Mafuyu answered, pointing to the board.
Ena’s eyes brightened when she heard that. “Oh, I went to one with Akito when I was still in junior high, way before we met, Mafuyu.” She recalled and hummed at the thought. “It was a lot of fun! There were games, food stalls, and even a concert.”
“Ohhh, a concert, I wonder who’s playing!” Mizuki perked up as they went closer to where Ena stood.
The artist rolled her eyes at her and opened her phone to check out the roster. “Here, there is a tone of performers it seems. Some famous, some not so much.”
“What!? That’s ZEROster coming! They’re huge.” Mizuki exclaimed. “They’ve done a lot of anime openings and everything.”
“I’ve listened to them, they have a fun style.” Kanade agreed as she got more interested in the festival.
“Uh, I don’t know much about anime, but they sure have a lot of famous performers…” Ena shrugged as she let Mizuki take her phone to read the rest of the list.
“Me neither, seems to be a waste…” Mafuyu said with a bored tone.
“Ohh, ohh, you did not just say that!” Mizuki cried and pulled Mafuyu to them. “Now, you and I have to have a mahou-shojo marathon, no exceptions!”
Ena giggled at the way Mafuyu looked like a deer caught in the headlights trying to escape the clutches of an overly excited cat. She wanted to take a picture of it, but Mizuki currently had her phone, while telling the girl what they were gonna do together for their ‘anime marathon’. Kanade, who had taken out her own smartphone, came over to Ena to read the rest of the performers list as one name made her eyes widen.
“Oh A-GURI will perform too…”
“Do you know them?” Mafuyu asked after freeing herself from Mizuki’s bear hug.
“Yes…Though, they aren’t really that famous.” Kanade explained. “Only, recently, they did get more popular.”
“So, the performances are a mix of amateurs and professionals? Mafuyu questioned with some interest.
“That’s actually really cool!” Mizuki joined in, which made Ena spark up a plan of her own.
“Ne, Then why don’t we all go? It’ll be at night and would be a good experience for us all?!” she suggested, which made Mizuki hesitate.
“I don’t know, I’ve been to a concert before and they can get pretty hot.”
“Like I said before, it’s at night, so it will be cooler.”
Ena waited for another excuse from Mizuki but was pleasantly surprised when Kanade had also wanted to go. It made the artist happy to see the girl excited for something else other than completing her compositions. Mafuyu also seemed interested as she informed the group that her cram school would be let out early. However, Ena did wonder how the girl was going to lie to her mother this time, since they would be home very late afterward.
Maybe she should invite her to sleepover?
“Hmm, you guys are leaving me no choice, huh?” Mizuki’s voice sighed in defeat. “Guess I’ll come too then, my first summer festival in a super long time.”
“That’s the spirit!” Ena said as she picked up the bags off the ground. “Now, let’s get this stuff to SEKAI for the party already, otherwise all the food will rot.”
Everyone agreed to that as they cut through the shrine to the station with ease. Ena was also excited about the festival they’d all be going to. It would be a nice change of scenery.
By the time Ena had gotten home, she had informed her mom about the festival. However, when she spotted the bag in her hands, Ena just said it was for something else. Her mother still looked skeptical but brushed it aside as she went up the stairs to her room.
“Oi, are you going to the festival too?” Akito asked as he also was going to his room, a bag in hand.
“Yup, with my friends.” She informed him before noticing the logo on his bag. “Ne, did you get something from that new dance store that opened a month ago?”
“H-How did you—that’s none of your business!” Akito blushed as he tried to shield them away from her.
“Oh, c’mon, let me see!” Ena dropped her stuff near her door as she went up to Akito before taking the shoes out of his bag. “Huh, are these dancing shoes?”
“What’s it to you!” Akito muttered as Ena’s smirk grew even more.
“Nothing, just kinda impressed, though the design is way out of your league.”
“Shut it, just give them back already!” he whined as Ena did just that.
She waved at him as she took the bags into her room. A yawn escaped her lips as she placed the stuff on her bed before laying down herself.
Today was fun, Ena thought as she remembered all the places Niigo had gone to, to get this stuff. The party wasn’t until another two hours, so she had just enough time to shower and relax a little.
Ena let out a hum as she remembered how hesitant Mizuki had been acting again when she spoke about the summer festival. Mizuki had been trying to excuse themselves a lot recently and Ena was getting annoyed by it. Even though she promised herself to let Mizuki talk to her when they're ready. Just like what Airi told her about her…thing.
“Would be wild if we both had something under the same umbrella…pfft.”
However, it wouldn’t be that out of the ordinary. There were plenty of people in Japan who live in the closet. Ena just happened to be very deep in hers. A sigh of frustration made the thought even more unbearable as she turned on her side and pulled out her phone. Messages from Airi, Mizuki and Mafuyu were new, but Ena just didn’t feel like answering them. The thing with Airi especially made her nervous because her friend was still in the dark of what had been bothering her.
A memory came to her as she thought about her brother. The only one who actually knew she was a… Lesbian. Damn, just thinking that made Ena’s skin crawl, she hated labels, even as a kid, she just didn’t think they were all that important. Now, though, it was the only thing that plagues her mind.
She really needed a break from all this…time to shower.
On the night of the festival, Ena walked with Akito into the park filled with excitement, games, and food stalls. Lots, and lots of food stalls. Ena could already imagine the amount of food as she skipped dinner just for this alone. Akito next to her looked nervous and more irritated than usual. It made the artist’s enjoyment die down a little as she turned her head to look at her brother with worry.
“Akito, why so glum?”
“Tch, what are you talking about? I'm fine, just looking for Toya.” He told her as his eyes scanned the area for his best friend. “Why don’t you just meet up with your group, not like we came here to spend time together anyway.”
“Rude, I was trying to be nice to you, but whatever.”
After that, the two parted as Ena made her way back to the front of the stairs of the shrine. The orange hues from the paper lanterns hung all over the area made it look majestic in a way. Ena could already picture something to draw as she noticed some children in yukata running around with candy apples in hand.
“Ena?” Someone said her name from behind.
Ena spun around and was met with Mizuki, Kanade and Mafuyu, all of them wearing normal clothes like herself for the night. Mafuyu was the one who had called out to her as she stood there in a pair of tight jeans and a white button-down shirt opened, with her black tank top peeking out from underneath. Kanade was wearing what she usually wore, and Mizuki had on a cute white bowknot shirt and ruffled grey skirt overalls.
“Awesome, we’re all here!” Mizuki was the first to speak up. “I’m glad that Mafuyu actually made it…”
”My cram school let us out early…” Mafuyu said with an unreadable look on her face.
“Did you go home afterward?” Ena had to ask, to make sure her thoughts were correct.
“Yes, I told Okaa-san I would be spending time with you and two other friends who were into art…” Mafuyu sighed, her eyes shifting away to hide her discomfort.
“Well, that’s good enough for me!” Mizuki chimed and grabbed Kanade’s hand. “C’mon Kanade, let's play some games!”
“H-huh?” Was the last thing the poor composer said before Mizuki ran and dragged her into the crowd.
“Wait, Mizuki, don’t run so fast!” Ena shouted at them before letting out a sigh. “That girl…it’s like they want to ignore me.”
“Ena, are they still troubling you?” Mafuyu’s voice asked as she came closer to where Ena was standing.
“They’re acting distant again, ugh, I just don’t know what to do.” Ena frowned as Mafuyu grabbed her hand and started walking further into the festival grounds.
“Then, let's not stand around and wait.” She said and guided Ena into the crowd of people, making her feel like she was a kid again with their hands locked together like this.
They walked in comfortable silence as Ena admired the scenery once again. It brought back so many memories with Akito, the way his chubby but cute kid face lit up when he watched the band on stage. How she wanted him to do what he wanted and told him if he worked hard enough he could accomplish anything. Well, before her own dreams shattered during her third year of junior high. She was just as innocent as him back then, which made Ena wonder if Akito was doing something this year for the festival and that’s why he bought those dance shoes.
That could be it…
“There they are...” Mafuyu pointed out, which made Ena's mind come back to the now and away from the past.
“The shooting gallery…of course Mizuki would want a stuffed animal.”
“You shouldn’t talk, with all those plushies in your room…” Mafuyu retorted with a hint of amusement in her voice.
“S-Shut up! Akito gives them to me, I can win one on my own, easily!” Ena narrowed her eyes and let go of Mafuyu’s hand, crossing her arms.
“By all means, I’m not stopping you.”
“Y-you! I’ll show you!” Ena challenged as she marched up to where Mizuki and Kanade were at the shooting booth.
She then paid for a toy rifle, only to stagger when it was handed to her. It was no wonder Kanade had trouble, this thing was super heavy. Not to worry though, Ena was sure she could handle it as she positioned it towards the balloon that was holding the cute black bunny plushie.
Ready aim…
“Fire!” She muttered to herself as she clicked the revolver before being blown back by the recoil from the trigger.
She missed…
“Huh?! That was a good aim!” She growled and took out more of her money. Mizuki and Kanade both looked at each other with worry at what this might become.
Pshuuuuu
Ena watched in shock as the balloon holding the bunny plushie popped before the game meister gave it to the person next to her. Who was none other than…
“You!” She huffed indigently, only to be surprised when the toy was pushed into her arms.
“Here.” Mafuyu said like it was nothing, before shooting another balloon on the wall with ease.
Right, archery, this was her wheelhouse…
Mafuyu then gave her another plushie, this time a jellyfish. Ena almost dropped the rifle she was holding as another toy was shoved into her arms, then another, and another.
“Wait, I can’t hold all of these!” She whined as Mizuki snickered in the background with Kanade watching in amazement.
“Hehehe, I’m actually glad I only got one thing, otherwise I’d be Ena right now with a mountain of toys.” Mizuki said with a smile before revealing their new keychain that they won. “Chacha! It's Shibunyago, a local character that represents Shibuya. It's been getting some press lately!”
“Is that supposed to be a cat? It’s not really appealing…” Mafuyu tilted her head before giving Ena another plushie, this one a dog wearing a beret.
“The eyes are strange, is it supposed to be that way?” Ena couldn’t help but agree as she tried to understand the cute factor.
“Yes, that's the best part! Its eyes are sort of meant to be made fun of, you know?” Mizuki insisted before putting it on their bag, which clashed so badly with the rest of their outfit.
“And you once told me you had impeccable fashion sense, huh?” Ena smirked but decided not to tease Mizuki too much. What with her arms filled with random plush toys that just kept coming?
“Who cares about fashion, this is a remembrance for how much fun we’re all having at the festival…” Mizuki said with a genuine smile that made Ena’s own grin drop.
They’re letting their guard down…
“Ena...here’s one more.” Mafuyu said next to her, making Ena drop the gun, which almost hit her foot, if she hadn’t jump out of the way.
“Haaah, I’m gonna need a bag for all these…” She complained before Mafuyu pulled a big plastic bag, out of nowhere.
How does she keep doing that!?
“I guess, we’re done with the shooting gallery, huh…Mafuyu pretty much took out every balloon.” Mizuki giggled as Kanade next to them had zero luck getting anything.
“Yeah, this was harder than I thought. Mafuyu, though, didn’t even break a sweat.” Kanade sighed as she put the rifle back onto the stand, seemingly disappointed at how poor she did.
“Awww, c’mon Kanade let’s play another game, I’ll win you something!” Mizuki promised and once again…left Ena yelling at them to not run so fast. Poor Kanade looked like she was gonna die, being dragged away like that.
“Dammit, they knew we would be slow because of all the plushies you won for me…right?” Ena asked, unsure of Mafuyu’s actions.
“Yes.” Mafuyu nodded as she was about to put the plushie that was of a brown hedgehog into the bag, looking at it with fondness before stashing it with the rest.
“You can keep that one if you want.” Ena said softly, as she put the bunny into the bag, before pressing the stuffed jellyfish to Mafuyu’s lips. “This one too, cause I sure wasn’t looking at it.”
“O-Okay…” Mafuyu’s voice muffled before Ena brought the toy down to stare up at her eyes.
The two girls stood in front of the game stall for what felt like hours as Ena noticed Mafuyu’s softened gaze, the way she leaned closer into Ena’s personal space, before the former remembered where they were. It took all of the, artist’s will power to veer Mafuyu away from her before linking their arms together and making their way to where Mizuki and Kanade were, which happened to be another game that Ena was terrible at.
After another thirty minutes of playing games, Ena still had no luck even with balloon fishing, which she was pretty good at when she was a kid. To her surprise, Mafuyu also had trouble, rubbing her eyes in the process each time water went into them. So, farsighted people also had trouble with close, proximity games.
Ena didn’t even shy away to help her as she got behind the taller girl, feeling her body close to hers as she guided her arm in the right direction so she could get the slippery thing. When she did, Mafuyu’s eyes widened and stared at it with interest, turning to Ena to thank her, before Mizuki had ruined everything after they finally got one and gave it to Kanade with a triumphant smile.
“So much for the atmosphere…” Ena couldn’t help but mutter to herself as Mizuki bounced around with a bright expression on their face.
“That was so much fun! I wish we could do stuff like this with Miku and the others.” They expressed as they let out a little chuckle.
“Hah? But even if we tried to do that in SEKAI, there's nothing there, really…unless Mafuyu finds something out of the blue.” Ena tried to reason as her eyes went to Mafuyu, who was still staring at the balloon they won together.
“True... But we could try doing some of these things in SEKAI, right?” Mizuki argued and nudged Ena with their elbow.
“Such as?” Mafuyu asked with a little more interest.
“Like balloon fishing and the shooting gallery? We could use rubber band guns instead and stuff.” Mizuki explained as they continued to concoct their masterplan.
“Miku and Rin might like that…” Kanade said with a soft smile as it became very obvious to Ena how attached the composer had become to the two Vocaloids, especially Miku.
“I like balloon fishing…” Mafuyu said, as Ena’s face turned a little red.
“I guess, we could try, if it really makes you all shut up…”
“Ah, Enanan is being tsundere again!” Mizuki teased.
“Haaah?!” She gawked as the other let out another giggle.
“Ne, just so you know this is just food for thought, I mean, when would any of us have the time to get all the stuff…”
Ena paused mid hand chop as she noticed the same sad look in Mizuki’s eyes. Her heart ached for her friend, and still, Ena had no idea what was wrong, or how to help. With Mafuyu, she could read the girl like a book, and knew most of the time how to make her feel better. Mizuki on the other hand, just keeps dodging any of Ena’s attempts to get to know them beyond their cheekiness. It was infuriating, and worrisome at the same time.
They’re like junior high Mafuyu all over again…save the falling in love part…
“Mizuki…Is there…”
“Oh, no, It’s nothing!” Mizuki said with a strained smile before remembering something. “Ne, isn't the show about to start? I know the amateur division's first, but we should probably still check it out, right?”
“Ah, right…” Ena agreed in mild defeat. Once again, Mizuki had evaded her attempt to be truthful.
A hand grabbed hers as Ena looked up to see Mafuyu, who was carrying both her balloon and the bag full of plushies. She looked so ridiculous as she stared at Ena with serious eyes. It was no wonder that this idiot somehow stole her heart with how innocent she could be, and yet was so full of maturity.
Yeah…she definitely has a type…
“Ena, Mafuyu? Is everything okay?” Kanade said and turned around next to Mizuki. “We don’t want to be separated.
“We’re coming.” Mafuyu said, giving Ena a little more time to breathe as she let the taller girl guide her to where the other two were waiting.
The concert field was already full and Ena felt overwhelmed by the crowd, as she and Kanade were shielded by Mizuki and Mafuyu on either side. The atmosphere was chaotic at its core, as people were piling up at the front. Some mosh pit had also emerged in the middle, and her small stature made her the perfect target to get picked on by drunks if they dare.
“There are more people than I expected…” Mafuyu said as she pulled Ena closer to her as they pushed their way further to the back.
“Yeah, Ne, Kanade are you doing okay?” Mizuki agreed before looking down at Kanade who was clutching onto Ena’s back in between her and Mizuki.
“I-I’m okay, just a little um…”
“S’okay Kanade, we gotcha!” Ena told her as her eyes noticed a spot near the trees. “Ohh, that place looks free, I don’t see a lot of people there either.”
Mafuyu followed her line of sight and then nodded as she pushed another drunk out of the group's way. “I see it too, It looks like a good viewing spot, nice find, Ena.”
Ena felt her heart race at the compliment as she pushed herself further into Mafuyu, away from Kanade’s hold, as a need to feel the other girl suddenly took over her senses. It felt so good getting praised as Mafuyu tightened her hold around her midsection, like the desire wasn’t one sided. Ena was so close to Mafuyu’s heart, that its wild beating surprised her a little as the two behind Kanade and Mizuki tried to keep up.
“Gah, finally. That took forever, but we made it!” Mizuki announced as they all separated from one another. “Oh right I almost forgot, Kanade I bought this frozen drink earlier and I think it’s just about right, so—”
A rustle was heard as Ena shook her head out of its daze, only to see Mizuki frantically looking at their bag. The shock on their face made it a scary scene to behold as their breathing became erratic the more they moved around.
“What’s wrong?” she asked and walked further to them.
“I lost my keychain…” Mizuki said in a controlled voice.
“The one you got at the shooting gallery?” Kanade asked with a little frown on her face
“Wasn’t it on your bag just a minute ago?” Mafuyu tilted her head as she also looked concerned for Mizuki.
“It must have slipped off.” Mizuki sighed and looked dejected.
“Then there is a good chance we can still find it!” Ena told them as her eyes blazed with determination. “C’mon, didn’t you want that to be a remembrance for the night?”
“Yeah, but…everything is about to start, there is no way we can find it at this rate…” Mizuki tried to reason with the artist, but Ena wasn’t having it this time.
“Shut up!” She said as her anger flared. That voice was the same one Mafuyu had whenever she apologized to her, and it was a voice that Ena hated to hear from anyone close to her. “We’re going to find your keychain, okay? Mafuyu and Kanade can stay here to save our spots!”
“Okay…” Mafuyu said with slight annoyance, as Ena had to hide her pure joy from the jealousy in her voice.
“B-Be safe…” Kanade murmured as she blinked at the spectacle in front of her.
Minutes went by as she and Mizuki searched the empty areas for the cat keychain. Ena bent down to look under stalls and every nook she could find, as Mizuki halfheartedly looked behind with that defeated expression that Ena wanted to wipe off in an instant.
“Mizuki, was it behind that stall?” she asked, getting up from where she was looking.
“No, it wasn’t…look Ena, there is no way we can find it, it's gone.”
“But…” Ena couldn’t stand this feeling of helplessness, it was the same one she felt just a week ago before she confronted that damn woman.
“Dammit, I’m not giving up! And you shouldn’t either…you looked so happy when you showed it to us, y’know.”
“I was just being dumb…” Mizuki sighed and looked away.
“No you weren’t!” Ena insisted and grabbed Mizuki’s shoulders. “That keychain is important to you, so we’re gonna find it!”
“Ena…Why, it's just a stupid keychain.”
“I don’t care! You’re my friend and it’s important to you, right?.” Ena almost shouted as she watched Mizuki pull back. “S-Sorry, I just… I don’t want to see anyone close to me sad anymore…”
“Close to you…we’re friends…” Mizuki muttered in realization.
“Yes, you idiot!” Ena said with a small smile. “We’re friends, and friends help one another no matter what! So, let's keep looking.”
“But we looked everywhere…” Mizuki mumbled, sounding defeated again.
“What about the lost and found?” Ena suggested before running ahead of the other girl. “C’mon, I bet it’s there!”
“Ena! Don’t run so fast, damn girl, when did you become a speedster?” Mizuki yelled behind as they ran to keep up with the artist.
When they made it, Ena couldn’t stop herself from being a little smug as she peered down into the box to see the ugly but cute keychain Mizuki had won. She noticed Mizuki’s eyes widen when they caught sight of it as they took it out and brought it close to their face. Their joy was contagious as they asked the staff how it got here.
“Two sweet girls found it in front of the outdoor stage and brought it here.” The staffer told them with a warm smile.
“Ohh, whoever they are, I want to thank them!” Mizuki said with a sincere smile. The same one Ena saw when they were both on that day trip with Airi and Shizuku.
“That's good to hear!
“I owe you one too Ena, thanks for all this…” Mizuki said with a shy glance, as Ena could only sigh in relief.
“Don't mention it. I was the one that made you look for it in the first place. Let's just get back to Kanade and Mafuyu now, okay?” She said, which she regretted the moment she saw Mizuki’s eyes glimmer with deviousness.
“Mafuyu was so jealous, y'know? You’re gonna have to give her extra cuddles for being fickle.”
“Do you ever get the mood?” Ena grumbled before overhearing a conversation regarding…dancing shoes.
Wait a second…
Ena went over to the person and noticed the bag in their hand as soon as she saw the label on the front of the box inside. She then explained to them that it was her brothers, and that he must’ve misplaced them somehow.
“So, that’s why he was in such an awful mood.”
“Otouto-kun, will be super happy when you give them back to him.” Mizuki joined in before whistling at the design. “Hmm, can he really pull it off though, they seem way out of his league.”
“Hehehe, that’s what I said, we better get these to him though…”
“Right!”
The artist nodded as she opened her phone to call that brother of hers. He answered it rudely, not a surprise, but after explaining to him where she was, his spirit lit up.
“Ena, can you please bring them to me? Me and Toya are up soon.” Akito asked through her phone in a desperate manner.
“Where exactly are you?”
“The outdoor stage for the festival…” he answered as his patience was running thin.
“Alright, fine, you owe me though.”
“Yeah, Yeah, I’ll get you cheesecake on Monday!” He told her which made Ena smile.
“Deal, see ya soon!”
After she hung up, Mizuki snickered at how she always managed to get what she wanted when it came to Akito. Ena brushed it off, saying that she’d do the same thing for him with pancakes, it was just their way of communicating. Besides, she owed Akito a lot after everything he’d done to help her adjust to being…that. Honestly, it really shocked her how caring he was, as he made it easier for her to accept this part of herself, despite still being totally afraid to come out for real.
“Oi, Akito, here’re your dancing shoes.” She called out to him near the stage, as she held the bag in front to give him the proper reach to grab them. “You’re lucky they’re easy to spot.”
“You are a lifesaver, thanks Ena!” Akito told her as he checked to see if they were damaged.
“Whoa, so you and Toya-kun are next on stage? I can’t wait to see what you guys have to show.” Mizuki grinned as they looked up towards the other boy, who gave them a soft smile in return.
Ohhh that’s an interesting look Mizuki…
Ena kept to herself as she watched Mizuki talk to the two boys in a friendly manner. She was aware that her brother was kind of friends with Mizuki, but didn’t know Toya was too, as he spoke to the pink-haired student with kindness and that tender voice of his. The artist finally had something on her friend, but knew she would have to be subtle about it. Mizuki was the best at dodging questions or laughing at her expense. Still, the two first years were kinda cute together.
“Ne, Akito, you better do good, these shoes have to be worth something y’know?” She teased her brother instead, sparing Mizuki.
“Duh, we’ve been practicing all month for this.” He said with a smirk.
“Is that why you had been coming home wiped out lately?” Ena questioned with her own smug smile.
“So, you have noticed…”
“Of course you idiot, we live together.” she said, placing her hands on her hips. “You really think I don’t worry about you?”
“No…”
“I just never thought you’d be performing here though…” Ena closed her eyes as more thoughts came to mind. “Still, you seem a lot better than back then, guess you never gave up, huh?”
“You…remember…”
“How could I not forget? It was the first time your eyes shined brighter than your hair.” Ena said before letting out a laugh. “Break a leg, Akito.”
After she said that, she wasn’t expecting a hug from him, as her brother shook in her arms before pulling away. A true smile graced his lips as Ena took that moment to leave with Mizuki to get to where Kanade and Mafuyu were waiting.
“We’re BAAAACK!” Mizuki greeted as Kanade and Mafuyu looked up from where they were standing.
Ena was expecting a welcome back, but not Mafuyu, literally pulling her into a semi-hug from behind. The clear possessiveness she emitted made Ena shiver as she bit her lip to keep herself from showing how into it she was at the moment. Mafuyu even had to brush her nose against the bite she made a couple weeks ago as Ena inhaled sharply to keep herself from falling over. Her scenes had overloaded as her brain short-circuited from the amount of touch Mafuyu displayed.
“There are literal children here.” Mizuki said as Kanade kept her focus on the stage.
“You were gone too long.” Mafuyu retorted with a blank look.
“Yeah, we were getting a little worried…” Kanade finished as she turned to give Ena a smile.
“Well…something else came up, so we had to deal with that.” Ena sighed as she leaned further into Mafuyu, letting her head press against the other’s shoulder.
“Something else?” Kanade asked as Ena buried her head further into Mafuyu’s arms that were around her neck.
“You guys had to be there! Toya-kun and Otouto-kun are gonna be performing next! Isn’t that so cool. I knew from rumors that Toya-kun had a background in music, but I didn’t know he could dance too.”
“Akito-kun?” Mafuyu whispered near Ena’s ear.
“Yeah, this is kinda the first time I’m gonna see him sing on stage for real.” Ena said wistfully. “He’s always been so secretive about it…which I think is kinda dumb.”
“I see.” Mafuyu said but settled her chin on her shoulder, as her arms slid down to Ena’s waist, making the artist shudder to the touch.
She had gotten really bold since I talked to her mom…
Mizuki, who was too excited to care about their intimacy, cheered when they heard Bad Dogs group name announced. “Look, it’s them, and they look great too!”
Ena had to admit, her brother was a pretty good dancer, as he and Toya went on stage with finesse and style. The vibe was also cool as she moved her body a little, which also caused Mafuyu to sway as well. Mizuki, next to the two, was also lost in the performance as they put their phone up like a light or something. Even Kanade seemed to enjoy it, making Ena smile even more. All of Niigo was having a good time, a rare win for Ena, one she would l cherish as she turned her head to see a slither of enjoyment in Mafuyu’s eyes.
Yeah, this def was a win.
“This is so cool. They’re awesome dancers too, like I’m fangirling here!” Mizuki called out with glee as Ena smiled back at them.
“Akito told me they usually sing, but he wanted to add a dance routine, to help bring the crowd into the performance.”
“Well, guess it’s a good thing we found his dancing shoes, huh?” Mizuki shouted over the music as they continued to move their body to the beat.
“Yeah, I’m glad we did!”
Akito did a flip on stage, which made Ena gasp as her brother landed it perfectly before he spun around again, in time with the song. Toya also had a wonderful voice as he did his slick rap that made even Mizuki swoon when he winked towards the audience. It was a good performance overall, as Ena relaxed in Mafuyu’s strong but warm arms.
“He’s so happy up there…” She whispered for only Mafuyu to hear.
“Akito-kun, looks like you, when you’re sketching in your book…” Mafuyu said as Ena frowned a little at the comparison.
“Are you saying I look boyish?”
“No, you look at peace…” was Mafuyu’s response as the crowd cheered for the two boys.
“Erm, well um, I see, uh, want to let go of me now?”
“No.” Mafuyu said with a hint of…something. “I like the warmth.”
“But, it’s so hot?”
“I don’t mind…if it’s you.” Mafuyu said, near the shell of her ear.
Why was she so weak, Kami-sama that just killed her…
“F-fine, but if you fall asleep, don’t drool on me.” was the last thing Ena said before focusing back on the concert that was beginning the pro section of the performances.
Her ears were still ringing as she walked alongside Mafuyu, who was also experiencing the same thing as they went ahead of Mizuki and Kanade, who were discussing the performances in a more extensive manner. Ena tilted her head a little as she put her hands behind her back, noticing Mafuyu’s subtle discomfort, before pushing her to the side, away from the others and off the cobblestone path. It may have been a little reckless, but Ena could feel something was bothering the lyricist, as she didn’t stop her doing that in the first place.
“Ne, you okay?” She asked, as the two were now within a greener area of the park.
“It was louder than I thought…” Mafuyu sighed, but wasn’t too annoyed by Ena’s actions. “I guess I just wanted to be somewhere…quiet.”
“Your wish is my command. Here we are then?” Ena joked as she pulled her bag closer to herself before noticing the fireflies glowing in the distance.
“What is it?”
“Say, Mafuyu, have you ever caught a firefly?” Ena asked, as an idea formed in her head.
“No…”
“Come with me.” Ena motioned as she took Mafuyu’s hand and brought them further away from the festival lights and into a more moonlit clearing.
Ena then went into her handbag and was happy to find the empty jar of the frozen drink Mizuki had earlier with Kanade. They were going to leave it on the ground, but Mafuyu insisted someone pick it up. She opened the lid and went close to where the fireflies were before gently catching at least four inside. Mafuyu watched in wonder as Ena turned around and showed them to her, a smile of accomplishment marrying her face.
“Me and Akito used to catch them when we were younger and went camping with my dad.” She explained as Mafuyu went closer to the jar.
“It’s like our own source of light…”
“Yeah! Well, until they die… I should probably poke some holes into this, huh?” Ena questioned before taking out a pen from her purse.
“You really like all forms of life, don’t you?” Mafuyu observed as Ena finished making holes to the lid.
“I guess, despite everything, I really do love nature and its inhabitants…”
“Me too…” Mafuyu whispered as she went closer to Ena. “Though most animals don’t like me, I scare them.”
Ena shook her head at that as she grabbed Mafuyu’s hand and placed it on the illuminating container. “Do these guys seem to be scared?”
Mafuyu squinted her eyes to get a better look as she watched the fireflies come near her hand and flicker that special green light of theirs.
“No…”
“That’s right, like most insects, they’re drawn to warmth, Mafuyu.” Ena said with a gentle smile, as Mafuyu’s lips curled into a little one afterward.
“I see…”
Mafuyu then dropped the bag of plushies and bent herself further towards Ena before their foreheads touched in the most intimate way Ena had ever experienced with the girl. Their eyes were locked as the summer cicadas could be heard in the distance. Her breath almost hitched when Mafuyu tilted her head. The feeling of their mingled heat was making Ena dizzy as their hands touched at the same time on the little glass jar.
“I didn’t like it when you were gone…” Mafuyu murmured. “I know I have to share with the others…but you’re different.”
“D-Different, different how?” Ena stuttered as Mafuyu’s hot breath tickled her skin, making goosebumps appear up her bare arm.
“I don’t know…” was Mafuyu’s answer as her knuckles caressed Ena’s cheek, before finding her side braid and putting it back behind her ear. “But right now, I want to…”
“OI, MAFUYU, ENA, WHERE THE HECK ARE YOU TWO!?” Mizuki’s voice called out, as both girls pulled away while Ena busied herself freeing the fireflies.
“S-Sorry…” Mafuyu was the first to speak, picking up the plastic bag of plushies. “I-I don’t know what came over me…” She touched her temple as she brushed some sweat off in an attempt to cool down. “The heat must be getting to me...”
“Yeah, you and me both…” Ena agreed breathlessly, as she put the empty jar back into her purse, as if nothing had ever happened.
Hah, she wished. This was set in her memories…no doubt about it.
“Oi, seriously, Kanade was about to leave, c’mon you guys this isn’t funny!” Mizuki’s voice held a hint of frustration as Ena grabbed Mafuyu’s hand and guided them back to the cobblestone path.
Mizuki jumped in surprise when they got out through the bushes. A smirk made its way to their lips as they pieced everything together. Ena narrowed her eyes at them as she was prepared for their next onslaught of teases.
“Well, if you guys wanted to be alone, you could have said something.” They shrugged as Kanade appeared, too focused on something else to notice.
“We just needed to be away from the noise, that’s all, nothing happened.” Ena rolled her eyes, knowing damn well it was a lie.
“...Yeah, sure. Anyway, Mafuyu, did you enjoy the concert?” Mizuki turned the discussion towards the other girl.
“It was a little too noisy for me, but being close to Ena made it more bearable.” She said in monotone.
“Aww, that’s super cute!” Mizuki gushed as Kanade took out her phone.
“It’s getting pretty late, I think I’m going to head home…” she said with a soft hum before putting her phone away. “I’ve gotten some good ideas for the next song, and really want to start working on it.”
Mafuyu also took that moment to look at her phone with a nervous expression making its way across her face. Ena took that as a sign to invite her over, something she wanted to do since they met up.
“Just tell her you’ll be sleeping over at my house.”
“Do you think that’ll be enough?” Mafuyu asked with a little frown on her lips.
“We’re closer to where I live, so, I think that’s a good enough excuse…” Ena shrugged as Mafuyu nodded her head and walked away to call that woman.
Once she was gone, Mizuki scooted closer to Ena with a serious expression on their face. “You really want her as far away from her home as possible, huh?”
“After the shit that woman pulled last time? Why wouldn’t I?” Ena retorted and crossed her arms. “She’s been different today, haven’t you noticed?”
“I have, just hope you know what you’re doing…don’t push yourself.” Mizuki shrugged.
“Says the one that always pushes themselves?” Ena said with an unreadable expression as Mizuki let out a sigh.
Mafuyu came back with a more relaxed demeanor than earlier as she went up to Ena and nodded her head. “She said as long as I wake up early and get home in the morning, I’m allowed.”
“How early…”
“...the usual.” Mafuyu answered.
The things she had to endure for this girl…
“Fine, set your alarm.”
“Okay.” Mafuyu said with a cute nod.
Mizuki had a huge smile on their face as Kanade also appeared relaxed to know that Mafuyu would be looked after by Ena for the rest of the night. Kanade then took that moment to say her goodbye to the other three, as she made her exit up the stairs.
“So, what should we do now?” Mizuki questioned before looking at Mafuyu. “Want to get something to eat, Mafuyu? Cotton candy sounds really good right now. I saw these really pink ones earlier!”
Mafuyu had a blank face, but then nodded. “Okaa-san never let me have some... but I would like to try.”
“Hmm, so we’re going to spoil our appetite with candy, yup, sounds about right.” Ena teased as she linked both her friends' arms with hers and made their way towards the food stalls.
Mizuki ordered two and even paid for them as they gave the blue one to Mafuyu. Ena watched as the girl tried it, but also seemed puzzled by the taste. Mafuyu was still having trouble identifying what sugar was as she took another piece of the cotton candy and just put it in her mouth. It took Ena to stop her as she had to remind the girl that eating too fast would cause stomach problems, which wasn’t because of her own experience. Nope, not at all.
“Ena?” A masculine voice called behind the trio.
“Ah, Akito?” Ena turned to face her brother, who was, of course, right next to Toya. “That was a good concert, you two gave. That performance really drove the crowd wild.”
“Erm, I guess?” Akito said with a slight blush on his cheeks. “Listen, thanks again for earlier…”
“No problem, I’m glad it helped.” Ena raised a brow at him before another familiar voice caught her attention.
“Huh…A-Airi?”
“You're here too! I’m so happy I found you.” The pink-haired idol said next to her co-member Shizuku.
“Oh, Mizuki and Asahina-san, you’re here as well!”
“Asahina? Huh, well I certainly wasn’t expecting you here…” Airi tilted her head with a smirk playing on her lips.
“Likewise,” Ena stepped in before Airi could start embarrassing her. “Did you guys skip practice to come here?”
“Nope, we had practice, as usual.” Airi shrugged before letting her eyes wander to Akito, with a warm smile gracing her face. “Then we ran into Akito and his friend, so we decided to stick around and see him perform!”
“T-Thanks Airi…” Akito looked away, which made Ena revolt at the thought of those two together.
“Ew, really?”
“S-Shut up!” Akito growled and leaned closer to her. “Like, you’re one to talk.”
“Damn you…”
Airi giggled at the quarreling as she interjected their next hurl of insults. “You two seriously never changed, I really missed a lot this past year…”
“Airi…” Akito said in a quiet voice.
“Ne, since we're all here, wanna check out the rest of the festival together?” Airi asked the two, which Ena wanted to accept, but she also had her other two friends she wanted to hang out with.
“I don’t know, um, are you two cool with this?” she turned to Mafuyu and Mizuki as the two had somehow finished their cotton candy without her knowing…damn.
“Yeah, sure, I’m totally up for it!” Mizuki smiled before Mafuyu nodded her head as well.
“I don’t see why not, it would be fun, no?” she said in that…honors student voice.
Ena’s left eye twitched when she heard that stupid persona Mafuyu always seemed to fall back into. She tried to play it cool when others spoke up, but once they all started walking to the more savory food stalls, Ena made sure she was next to Mafuyu as they walked, even with Akito on the other side.
“Listen, Mafuyu…” She began as the other girl turned her head just a little to face her. “You don’t have to act that way just cause they’re here, Airi is cool, and Shizuku wants to be closer to you, y’know?”
“I suppose, I’m just used to being that way…”
“I know, you can if you want, but don’t force it if you’re too tired…” Ena sighed as Mafuyu nodded her head.
“I will try…thank you for letting me stay, Enanan.”
A smile formed on Ena’s face, knowing Mafuyu meant that. Mizuki soon stopped talking to Shizuku and turned to include Mafuyu into their discussion, even if she had no idea what they were talking about, having Mizuki there was enough to ease Mafuyu’s anxieties. The picture was almost perfect, if she wasn’t now stuck in the back with Akito.
“She’s looking healthier…what did you do?” Akito asked briefly.
“None of your business…”
“Tch, fine, how did we end up here, huh?” Akito asked and put his bag over his shoulder.
“I’d rather be talking with Airi or Mizuki than dealing with you.”
“Not Asahina-san?” Akito smirked which made her elbow him.
“Do you really want to talk about girls, Mr. Idol Fanboy?”
“O-okay, okay.” He surrendered and glanced away towards the paper lanterns.
“Oi, did you remember to talk to the staff after the performance about what happened to your shoes?” Ena questioned, going into big sister mode, as Mizuki liked to call it.
“Yeah, I did, don’t worry about it…” He told her, trying to ignore the subject.
The two siblings were both comfortable as they continued to walk at the rear of the group. Ena felt a lot of nostalgia as she remembered her time here with Akito. He was such a kind boy back then, even going so far to…
“Y’know, this reminds me of that time, with my shoes…” Ena said out loud as Akito's eyes flickered towards her with slight shock.
“So you still remember... I thought you'd long since forgotten about that…”
Ena frowned at the way he said that. “Of course I remember. How can I forget about what happened with my sandals that time?”
“Yeah, and I had to treat you like a princess, cause you were such a crybaby.”
“Oi, that's not fair! I thanked you afterward, didn't I?” Ena growled at her brother, really regretting bringing this up at all.
“Did you?”
“Yes, you asshole! I still remember how I put on my sneakers and went to see the concert with you.” Ena argued as she put her hands on her hips.
The two had kept bickering until Airi called out to them about playing ring toss. In a flash, the two siblings stopped their discussion and everyone was already paired up. Even Mafuyu, who was now Shizuku’s partner for the competition.
No fair, when did she agree to that!?
“Heheh, I guess you two will be a pair, cuz I volunteered to be ref.” Airi said with a toothy grin.
“We’re going to get served…” Akito groaned. “Might as well just not do it at all.”
“Nah, let's do it!” Ena protested as her competitive side came out. “If we can beat the Kyūdō Duo, we’ll be legends!”
“...I was talking about Toya…” Akito hung his head as Ena pushed him forward.
“Okay, him too, but c’mon, let's have fun!”
“Ohh, I like this side of Ena! Yeah Otouto-kun, chill dude, let's just enjoy this while it lasts!” Mizuki giggled and poked Akito’s cheek.
“I agree…” Mafuyu said as Shizuku nodded next to her, followed by Toya's insistence and desire for more prizes.
Ena cackled, as Akito was outnumbered. Even Airi joined in to get him to play, which took a while, but it worked, and the ring toss competition was as chaotic as she had imagined. Mafuyu and Shizuku won the most things, and both gave their prizes to either Airi, herself or Mizuki. Mizuki and Toya were the second best with Toya’s gaming skills. That left her and Akito at the bottom, well she tried her best, and she still got a lot of plushies due to Mafuyu’s insistence. It was overall fun.
Now, though it was time to go, Akito walked up to her and Mafuyu, who were waving goodbye to Mizuki, who left with Toya. Ena noticed her brother was staring at Mafuyu with understanding eyes before taking a head start, leaving them alone for this very last moment.
“That…was fun.” Mafuyu said all of a sudden as a small smile formed on her lips.
Just like when they were alone before…
“I’m glad, I was able to get you to stay... We better catch up with him though, or he’ll leave us.”
Mafuyu didn’t say a word and instead took Ena’s hand as the two followed Akito up the steps towards Shibuya Station. Ena couldn’t believe how well this all went by the end of the night. It was a real miracle she had found Mizuki’s keychain at the lost and found. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have found her brother’s sneakers, gotten Mafuyu to stay the night, or have one of the best outings she had in ages.
Maybe, things were looking up…?