This fanfic is for rukakikuchi (I’m not really a fan of vampires but I’ll see if I can write one) and karkat-1313. You probably don’t know me.

Jurina is broken after Rena’s graduation. Mayu attempts to comfort her and she’s friendzoned…or not.

It’s almost midnight. I can’t believe I lost track of time during my date with Yukirin. We went to this karaoke that she likes; it’s been so long since we hung out together.

I missed her.

She offered me to stay the night in her apartment but I insisted that I should leave. As I turn my head to the convenience store across the street, I saw a familiar face with the famous Cheshire grin—except she’s not grinning.

“Jurina?” I called her.

She raised her head from the ground she’s been staring blankly at and smiled a little. She doesn’t look so good—except for the oversized pullover that she’s wearing, which looks really good on her.

I walk to her side.

“What are you doing here? And…” I pointed at the can she’s holding, “is that beer?”

“Relax, Mayu-chan, it’s just coffee. Why would I be drinking beer?”

“I wonder,” I smile as I narrowed my eyes at her.

Her smile faded and looks away.

“Wanna grab ice cream before I walk you home?” she says.

“Sure but are you really walking me home?” I reply as I try not to act excited.

She laughed and led the way.

After finishing our ice cream, we exited the convenience store and took my route. I shouldn’t be surprised that she’s walking me home since she’s a sweet girl but right now, she looks really down. I wonder if this is about Rena’s graduation.

“How are things going on with Rena-chan?”

“Good,” Jurina nods. She went silent for a moment before finishing her sentence. “We still talk.”

“That’s good to hear,” I tell her. It’s a relief. I thought she tuned bitter over it.

Jurina is smiling now. She looks much better when she flashes that smile.

“We were on the phone before you saw me in front of the convenience store. She told me she missed singing and dancing with the group.”

“That’s sweet. We miss her too,” I smile.

She looks away and slides her hands inside her pockets. The streetlights are soft on her skin. She wears a straight face. Her eyes speak of solitude. This is what Rena sees every time they walk home together—or not. Maybe Rena only sees her cheerful side because Jurina is always happy around her. And Rena is the reason behind this expression of Jurina’s.

I wonder if she’s comfortable talking about Rena’s graduation or not. I want to know how she’s feeling.

“How are you coping up?” I ask her.

Jurina’s face softens at my question. I think I see her eyes, misty.

“It’s harder than I thought it would be,” she answers.

“My new neighbor loves melon pan as much as her. I don’t understand why she had to stand outside her apartment while she eats the bread. I smell it and I remember her. The bearded guy in the convenience store earlier was eating spicy noodles. I remembered her. I remember her in roses. I remember her in kissing couples,” she says. I cannot miss the tear that drags down her face as she speaks.

“It’s like I remember her in everything I see, I hear, I taste, or smell,” her words went on, “…or in cute girls I walk home at night.”

Cute, huh.

I rub my cheeks. I feel it burning at her last words.

She stopped walking.

“I know I’ve shown her my support with her decision but… don’t you think it’s a little selfish of her…?” I hear her voice crack.

“Jurina…”

I wrap my arms around her. I’ve never seen her like this before. The moment she sobs, I hug her tighter. Her larger hands drag across my back and she pulls me closer. Hugs sure do wonders. You feel warm. You hear her breathing. It’s comforting. You smell each other and hear tiny whispers gratitude. You look up and see her looking back at you.

For a moment, I was lost in her eyes.

Until a passerby shouted at us, “Get a room.”

The magic was gone and Jurina pulled away.

I fight back the disappointment within me.

“I’m sorry you had to see me cry, it’s embarrassing,” she says as she scratches her head.

I shook my head and touched her wide shoulder.

“It’s… cute,” I tell her.

She stares into my eyes and I hold her gaze.

“Aren’t you a sadist,” she chuckles and pokes my forehead.

We laugh and continue walking.

I’ve witnessed a lot of members graduating from the group. It’s hard to imagine that I have to do it too. One day, I’ll hear 48 and I can only smile because that was the largest turning point of my life. I made a lot of friends here. It’s sad. I don’t feel like leaving.

“I feel like everyone is leaving me…”

Jurina whispers. She glances at me, as if waiting for affirmation.

“I’m not,” I assure her.

Her face beams a little.

“Not until I’m the number one,” I say.

She laughs. I laugh at her laugh. I just find it cute. Everything about her is. She looks at me. She’s confusing me sometimes.

“Wanna take the top together?” I suggest and wiggle my brows.

“What—like Center and Nezumi?” she grins.

“It feels a little weird though. How can Wota be the top, right?” I tell her and she laughs.

“I’m not gonna lose to you, Mayu-chan,” she says. She looks a lot serious than before. “I’ll definitely be the number one, for Rena-chan.”

I force a smile. I think Jurina made it clear on the last part.

“I won’t lose to you too,” I answer her with the same seriousness.

She smiles in content.

“I better get going,” she says.

I didn’t even realize that we were already standing in front of my apartment. Time sure flies when you’re with someone you like.

We said our goodbye’s to each other and I thanked her for walking me home. I watch her walk away. She looks so strong on the outside but she hides a lot of fears inside her.

“Jurina,” I call her and she turns around. “I’m always here if you need to talk.”

That’s right. I’m here for her, even if she doesn’t like me back. After all, we’re still friends.

Jurina nods.

“I’ll keep that in mind,” she waved her hand and walked away.

I was hoping I could get another hug or something but, who am I kidding. I realize that I’m not the princess in her story.

I walk to my door, slowly.

“Mayu-chan,” I hear her call me and I spin around.

“Even when I cry?” she asked. It took me a second to register what she said.

“Even when you cry,” I assure her.

Her eyes find mine. I find hers. We gaze at each other from a distance. Like the sun and the moon.

“Let’s take the top together,” she yells.

She flashed her dimple.

Her dimple and her charming smile.

Before I could even react, she hopped away from my view.

Her sweet giggles echo to the empty street.

I think I need to wash my face with ice immediately. It burns.

I cover my curved lips with my hand.

How unfortunate that she only needs one person and she’s not me.

I grabbed my phone and dialed Yuki’s number.

“I changed my mind. Meet me outside your apartment in 30. I’ll bring beer.”