I opened my eyes to a sight from a dream. Beautiful girls in school uniforms were filling into a classroom. I had a weird sense of deja Vu, but I guessed that was common for a dream, but then I saw a woman enter the room. Not just any woman the woman I had been obsessed with for half a year now. Fuuko Taki, she looked cold and hard, here in the dream world. But wait memories were flooding my consciousness. These were characters in a manga I loved, but these memories, there were things I had never read. It was weird, why would my dream contain additional information. It seemed so real. I was confused especially when I focused my memories on my girlfriend. So many warm nostalgic memories, but that was it, old feelings of how great she had been as a friend and if greater still when she pursued me. Since then loneliness and longing. I searched through everything that I hadn't read looking for a reason why I had loved this woman so much I had crushed Fuuko so completely. To my relief I found nothing. So if this was my dream I would see it ended my way. Next I started searching my memory for where I was in the story. I knew what I would change if I could, but how to go about it was another story. Was I even involved with Fuuko yet? I was having trouble piecing together my memories so I took out my phone and found her conversation, but it was almost blank just the opening conversation. I wanted to see if I could change things so I began to type.
"Thanks for spending the afternoon with me, sorry if I was rude," I wanted her to feel appreciated, but I worried in the story I had never been good at showing that side to Fuuko even when we were together. Would she appreciate it or was it my brash heartless treatment of her that had attracted her to me. Whether it worked or not I had to try. What was the point of living your dream if you couldn't live it your way.
She didn't respond and I grew more nervous as the day went by. I was eating lunch at the top of the staircase to the roof when Fuuko approached me, "Thanks," she said leaning in and kissing me on the cheek and walking away. Well she didn't hate me so I felt like I had won at live. Next was the Festival date with my girlfriends entire sports team. I checked my messages I had already agreed to go. Before heading back to class I took out my phone and quickly typed another message to my girlfriend.
I had already proved I could change things so I wasn't going to let up now. The festival came and things unfolded exactly as they had in the manga. All the way to the shrine where my girlfriend and I kissed as poor Fuuko watched. I kept the kiss short, I had no interest in it anyways. Then I watched as the star volleyball player rushed back to her friends. Then I waited for Fuuko to appear. Ugh Fuuko in glasses, she was adorable in the moonlight, but I was selfish so I played it cool and let her blackmail me as she had in the book.
My anniversary rolled around and me and Fuuko were in the karaoke room to pierce her ear. I had thought about bringing a proper needle so she could have her star ring now and we could match starting tomorrow, but I wanted so many of the experiences I had in the book, now with Fuuko to stay the same. So it was a challenge I didn't want her to hurt, but so much of what builds our love is steeped in that hurt. To change too much of it could cost me the woman of my dreams. So I pierced her ear and sat next to her. Staring into her deep soulful eyes that were reserved for only me. I swallowed hard and prepared to make my next move, "Fuuko, today's my anniversary. Did you know? Never mind of course you did it on my vent account. You know she has this friend that clings all over her and she calls by her first name they share drinks and I mean there on the same sports team so they've been naked together a bunch. I guess what I'm trying to say is if she can do all that I don't see why we can't hang out from time to time," my stomach knotted and my heart raced. I didn't think she had fallen in love with me yet, but I couldn't bring the anxiety I needed to wait for the girlfriend's call that wasn't coming. I could muster being upset when it never came. I was sure of that, because I did it every time I read it. So I had to fill the gap some how.
"You know I thought we would talk a bit and you would vent I would comfort you sometimes and tease you some times, but then would day you'd move on and we'd be done. If you're not careful I'll fall for you," she told me laying down on the floor and going to sleep just as she had in the book. I knew she'd be out for awhile so I laid down behind her and wrapped my arm around her breathing in the scent of her hair. I watched the clock and at midnight I couldn't wait any more. THe anniversary was over and I thought I'd be angry like I was when I read it, but I wasn't. Tears were flowing down my cheeks and my whole body was shaking I pulled Fuuko tight until she stirred.
"Sorry can I stay like this for a little bit?"
"Did your girlfriend hurt you again?" my heart raced at that question. I didn't want to let Nanase hurt me ever again, but apparently Yuni had other plans. It made sense I had all her memories, her body, and I was in her world. So right now I was more her than me. Even so I would fight for my happy ending with the women I loved.
"She did. Over and over again she picks the team, she picks public perspective, she picks social norms, she picks her family, her dogs, and that stupid Yuki. Fuuko why do you think she never picks me?" I knew these weren't my questions, this was Yuni and what she could never bring herself to say, because she didn't want to depend on Fuuko, but I was already in love so there was no reason to hold back the question.
"Well that's obvious. Mrs. Girlfriend clearly is not that smart."
I chuckled at her response. It was good to know that some things never changed. Now just as she had in the manga she was saying exactly what I needed to hear. After that I gave her an opening and she told me I was the lone moon in a sky of stars and my heart raced and I draped myself over her and we kissed passionately and time ticked by. Then it was time to get back on script and listen to my girlfriends lame lie about not being able to shoot one lousy text the whole day because she was training to be a starter. I searched my memory and was happy to realize Yuni was just hopelessly in love not stupid. She had already known Nanase wasn't going to call. After all she had already told us she had no idea anything was happening this weekend when she told us she'd be practicing. I swallowed the hurt and went to see the liar.
I let things play out as they had in the story. In the back of my mind I was more worried with a nagging memory of the story. Fuuko was sure of my passion when she confessed to knowing about my anniversary and setting me up. I had remembered to tell her all the boring stuff about the earrings, but we hadn't gotten into a fight. I don't think I could've hit Fuuko if I had to. I just had to hope she fell for the rare caring side of Yuni and not the bristly harsh side determined to keep her at a distance. I checked Fuuko's vent feed as I was walking. Sure enough the first thing to pop up was her seductive posting of her piercing and declaring to the world I was her crush. I was the happiest woman in the world as I reached my destination I quickly tucked away my phone and tried to remember what I called my lying, cheating girlfriend in the story in times like these. I decided to just let the script unfold when I realized I could think of no subtle way to change it. After all letting this slide was one of things I had hated the most when I read the story so the details always eluded me. When we started getting all lovey dovey I couldn't give in to the moment and I just gave her a couple soft kisses and a single I love you. I tried to let the story unfold, but I realized I wasn't guaranteed to be able to let the story unfold the way it always had. Yuni was here with me even though I was in control. The more we changed the less she'd be able to stay on script. Luckily before long we would be in Osaka and Fuuko would be in love.
I couldn't help but wonder. How wrong was I for not just telling her the truth and trying to make her love me. It was so complicated, but at the end of the day it's a dream so it didn't matter, right?
Nanase had injured her ankle and went to the nurse. I had been the dutiful girlfriend and sent her just as I had in the story. I had skipped taking the picture I knew it bothered her and I didn't want it. I wanted my alone time with Fuuko and I was on my way to get it. I entered the nurses office and there she was. She pulled me behind the curtain and pushed me against the wall. I wrapped my arm around the back of her neck and pulled her into me. She offered no resistance as our lips met. My art raced as my hand drifted down to her waist brushing over her shapely curves before falling to my side. Then I gently, but firmly pushed her away. I had gotten carried away in the moment. I missed her so much when we weren't together. Still we had a long hard road to our happily ever after and I couldn't let things falter now so I had to recover. To say something to maintain the distance. Something like, well isn't that what you wanted. I'm leaving. That would be perfect. So I swallowed and prepared my cruel dialogue for the woman I loved.
"I'm sorry that was a bit out of character for me. I've missed you. Being with Nanase is so hard. Fuuko what am I to you?" Is what I said instead. My mind raced, I had not meant to do that, but with my feelings opening Yuni's heart there was no since of betrayal or emotional reserve holding us back and we wanted to know if Fuuko was as serious about us as she always seemed to be.
"My how forward and honest of you Yuni-chan. You're my moon, I believe I told you that already. You are quite precious to me. At the risk of scaring you away I love you Yuni-Chan and the fact that you can't love me back will never change that."
I swallowed hard and bit my tongue. I could speak any more. I could feel the next question on my lips, but I wouldn't ask it. Not till Osaka. I ran from the room and shot her a text.
"Sorry got kind of emotional. Heading back to class. Take care," I couldn't bring myself to push her away like Yuni had in the past. I could feel it me and Yuni were melding more and more. Her emotions and mine were almost inseparable at this point. I couldn't mess with the time line any more until Osaka.
Before I knew it the girlfriend was talking about that very trip and I pretended to be surprised and cornered. Just like in the story Fuuko came to my rescue, but I didn't amonish her when she got handsy, and she only stopped when her and Nanase locked eyes. I left class to a message from Nanase asking me about Fuuko and her being so touchy.
"It's nothing, we've been riding the train together lately and she doesn't have many friends so I've been talking to her when you're at practice and stuff. She's a bit clingy, but she's a good person and she's quickly becoming my best friend," I shot back the response, I had long since worked out.
"Best friend? Is it really appropriate for two girls who just started hanging out to be so touchy feely?" She responded almost instantly. I saved a screenshot of the message and continued to get ready for the trip. We had our outfits and our matching earrings and our beautiful night out on the town. My annoying girlfriend called and I almost rejected the call, but I had to admit I loved the jealous domineering side of Fuuko. So I answered it and before I knew it I felt the sharp piercing pressure of Fuuko's teeth digging in to my tender flesh. I pulled away, hanging up on my girlfriend as I did so.
"Are you jealous Fuuko? You know you brought me here so I could be with her," I teased. She looked at me unamused.
""I think I'm done here," she told me. Obviously I was unsurprised, but I went threw the argument the best I could. Pleading with her to stay, letting the tension build and then I pulled her in and kissed her. More passionately than before, allowing my lips to part and sliding my tongue into her mouth. Then I kissed her neck and then raised my head to her ear.
"Please, stay by my side Fuuko. I need you," I was sure that wasn't what I had said, but things were getting further and further from the story and I needed Fuuko to hear that if everything fell apart.
She seated my bottom, "Let's head back," she had a playful smirk on her face and a bounce in her step I didn't remember from the story and I let myself believe maybe we were closer then we had been in the book. Either way tonight I would get to make love to the woman I loved.
We were back in the hotel room and she was going threw her dialogue. I was grateful I hadn't messed things up to the point were she had abandoned the story altogether. I want to take control of this night though. This would be the first intimate night of what would hopefully be a long and happy relationship.
"Hey Fuuko, let's take a bath together. You're my girlfriend while we're in Osaka, right?"
She blushed, nodded, and started to strip. Then I had a horrible thought. What if Fuuko only likes forbidden fruit? She didn't seem that way to me, but I was in love. I had already asked though so I stripped and we climbed into the small tub. First me and then Fuuko. She settled easily in between my legs pressing her head against my bosom. I could hear her heart beat. The water was still running and there was a floral aroma in the air. I wrapped my arms around Fuuko's shoulders and let them rest on the top of her chest. I sighed deeply, my mind racing with all the uncertain that came even in the midst of knowing the story.
"Fuuko, um, if I found a way to love you, maybe even prioritize you, would you still love me?" I know I shouldn't ask this question, not yet, maybe not ever. This question hinted that I already cared, but I couldn't hold it in any longer. More so than anything else I wanted to know if happily ever after was possible for me and Fuuko. I knew how messed up she was and I knew traditional love was not possible for everyone. Though I loved the kind and caring heart as well as the fragile nature and true devotion of Fuuko, if all that was just a mirage I had new interest in being some sadist plaything.
"My Yuni! That's not a question I ever expected. I suppose I can't say for sure. I have little experience with love. The only other time I experienced she fled my world and shattered my heart. I thought I would never care for another human as long as I lived. Then I seen your hurt and read how you had been abandoned by the one you loved. Maybe you had a girlfriend, but I couldn't help but think we were a lot alike. So it might not be the answer you want, but I truly think the would make me the happiest I could be, but I will stay with you either way."
Now I understood she loved me before the story began. That's why she approached Yuni. The love didn't happen gradually. Yuni truly was a fool, "I love you too Fuuko. Give me some time."
I got what I wanted most in this world a beautiful relationship with an unbelievably devoted partner. Of course we went immediately from the tub to a night of passionate sex. Fuuko was right Yuni's ears were unbelievably sensitive and Fuuko really knew what she was doing. Between me and Yuni's experience I like to think we still had the upper had and left Fuuko satisfied. After she went to bed I posted tons of pictures to my vent account. Even linking Fuuko's account as well. I had announced to the internet that this was my woman. I couldn't be happier, but I had to prepare for tomorrow.
I went to the match and then to meet the girlfriend and she hugged me. I pushed out of her embrace, "We're in public," I scolded.
"I don't," she started and I cut her off.
"Your teams here. I couldn't live with myself if we got found out in the heat of the moment because I didn't remind you. You don't want people to know about us."
"Well they're all in the locker room so it's fine. Right now I want this," she said leaning back in for another hug. I relented and listened to her heart beat. I felt bad for a moment as it was clear she cared for Yuni. Just not enough to ever prioritize her, "You smell really good."
"Yeah a friend brought it with them. I really like it think I'll buy some glad you like it."
"Friend?" she looked at me the note of accusations obvious in her eyes.
"Yeah, well it wasn't a cheap trip so we made a party out of it. It took a lot, but I'm glad I got to cheer you on."
"I see. I hadn't considered. Well did you guys have fun?"
"Sure did. I'm glad you suggested it. To think if you hadn't I might not have gotten to experience any of it. Anyways your team is waiting and me and my friend are grabbing lunch before we leave. Nanase, thanks for being you and congratulations. I hope you continue to get everything you want," I said gave her a quick peck on the cheek and left. I meant it from the bottom of my heart. Nanase was instrumental to my happiness. Without her asking Yuni out I would've never met Fuuko and without her neglecting me I would've never been prepared to accept Fuuko. Plus I knew now that I had Yuni's memories that she had been a good friend. She like me just loved someone else.
I had already moved on so pushing Fuuko away was no longer an option even on a surface level. So I did what I wanted to instead. I took her hand and laid my head against her shoulder, "Hey Fuuko, why do you love me. Is it just because my love life is a train wreck."
I decided we were in the final countdown so I would ask all the questions I wanted answered and pray that we found a path to a happy ending.
"Yuni, the fact that you can't see why you would be loved breaks my heart. You are a train wreck that much is true, but you persevere through it all and you still care about other people. Your heart is so big and your determination so resolute. The thing about the moon is it's ineffable and you Yuni are much the same. I could never articulate everything that makes you so amazing, but above all I think lately I've come to love your acceptance most of all. You don't pry or make me feel judged or wrong. You've even returned my affection. That gives me hope. Probably not the answer you wanted, but your vulnerability on this trip has made me want to meet that with my own."
"Fuuko, your amazing. I love.. Um, loved this trip we should do it again sometime," I stammered. Now was not the time for me to confess. I still had a couple more steps then I could be with Fuuko all the time without feeling guilty or leaving loose ends for my subconscious Yuni to resent.
I drifted off and enjoyed the ride. My other inquiries could wait.
We were at the pool I had fumbled my way through the events leading here well enough, but I couldn't get off script soon enough but I had a couple hurdles left. I was wearing my moon stud and spending time with the girlfriend when Yuki came barreling in to steal the show and of course even thou she new we were dating instead of reminding her she was on a date she went with her. I wanted to go find Fuuko, but I couldn't be with her when my girlfriend found her. So I waited for Yuki to find me.
"I um," she began and I was over it already.
"I know who you are and I know even though she agreed not to she told you about us. So why did you drag her away in the middle of our date. It wasn't to tell her about my affair with Fuuko. So, does she know you love her?" She looked stunned and offended, "It's fine you don't need to answer. Yes I'm her girlfriend. Shut up about Fuuko. Believe it or not I care about Nanase too. I just wish she wasn't so stubborn and blind. Everything will work out Yuki."
I didn't know if she believed me. After all neither Yuki nor Nanase had much trust in me. That had been one of the main issues in the story and I had done nothing to fix it. Either way I knew she wouldn't tell Nanase. She viewed that as being the one to break her heart and she couldn't bear it. I left to go find the girlfriend and release some of my frustrations. Just like in the story she refused to accept that I should be trusted and consulted. She thought our relationship should be decided. How hypocritical. I knew Fuuko was enjoying the show. She wasn't a pure sadist but she did have her sadistic moments and who was I to deny the woman I loved her joy. So I gritted my teeth and pushed through the argument. She accused me of cheating and I decided to change my tactics.
"You're right, let's tell all our friends today. That's what I want. Everybody doesn't need to know, but anyone who cares about either of us should. Don't you think?" If she went for it, it would change the story completely and lay the groundwork for the happy ending I wanted. If she turned me down it would be her doing this time.
"I can't tell all of them what if it gets me ostracized from the team. It's all I've got. I couldn't live, but I told some one why don't you pick someone to tell too and we'll slowly tell more people," she offered a half hearted compromise and her true feelings. The team was the only thing with value in her life.
"No, I'd rather wait till you're ready. What if we pick the wrong person and it ends up all over school. Not everyone is as trust worthy as Yuki," I said before mumbling under my breath, "Apparently not even me," even knowing how she felt my heart broke. Between the lack of trust, asking for opinions she didn't want, and admitting her volleyball team was number one in her heart can you blame me, "I need to go to the restroom," I say excusing myself from the conversation. This was the first time in this dream Nanase had effected my emotions and it was brutal. If this rejection was what Yuni felt all the time it was no wonder she was so cold and distant all the time. I shot Fuuko a text and headed for the ladies restroom. I went into a stall and waited and moments later my angel arrived.
"Did you like the show? You little sadist,"
"I am not," she weakly rejected hugging me, "Did your girlfriend hurt you again?"
"Fuuko, would you go out with me? I can't leave Nanase yet, but I want you by my side and I'll always love and cherish you."
"Let's give it a try then."
We made out for a bit and then I texted my girlfriend, "Stomach's upset going home," I knew she wouldn't get it for a while and she might be worried until then, but if I went back I wouldn't be able to keep our relationship together and force the showdown I needed.
I went to the nurses office the next day and waited for my girlfriend to go to lunch with her team mates. I told Fuuko I was fine I'd meet her at the top of the stairs to the roof and then I went and took pictures of my loving partner and the joy she was having eating alone with another woman. Then I had to hurry to meet Fuuko so we could be almost caught. I felt bad for causing so much pain to my girlfriend. Even now I could feel the part of me that was Yuni wanting to fight to preserve our love. I suppose it made sense it was human nature to romanize your first love.
I checked on her with Fuuko and she disappeared like she had in the book. She promised we could have lots of dates and Fuuko reappeared right on cue. She checked on Nanase and snydly called her misses girlfriend, but she didn't confront her. I had affirmed her love and when we were together we were happy. So why did she need to assert herself over Nanase. However I needed this so I hoped if I messaged her she'd check it and a simple message would get us back on track.
"I need you to help me confront Nanase. If I'm ever to resolve this pain in my heart," sure enough she checked it and than wrapped around behind me and we were right back on script. We found our way to the karaoke room and I watched as Fuuko stood up for me and berated My girlfriend. I was so turned on and that was before she began molesting me to make her point. She told all the stories of pain I had endured and we went I confirmed everything. As she had in the story she got tired of listening when I told her I deserved her time to pick me over her team and she fled. My girlfriend left dejected and hurt. The sadness welled in my heart, but I reminded myself of all the times she had chosen everything before me. Even now she would choose Yuki to spend her time off with. Most importantly now I was openly with Fuuko and in no time we would have our shot at happily ever after.