Best Friend

Mayu stretched lazily in bed, Luma nestled beside her. Sunday mornings always held a special charm—slow, unhurried, and full of promise. Luma stirred as Mayu stood, her pink hair falling over her shoulders in soft waves. She was anticipating today. She gave her familiar a gentle scratch behind the ears before heading to the kitchen to prepare a quick breakfast: avocado toast and a side of fresh strawberries. Today, she had plans with her longtime best friend, Riona, and she couldhardly wait.

By the time she stepped outside, Soluma’s skyline sparkled under a clear blue sky. The streets were vibrant, with flashes of neon signs contrasting against the silver architecture. Mayu, attuned to the energy around her, felt her spirits lift with each step toward the meeting spot.

Riona was waiting for her at the park, leaning casually against a tree. Her lavender hair cascaded down her back like a silk curtain, her painter’s hands clutching a sketchpad. Her sharp, artistic eyes softened as she spotted Mayu and waved. By her side was Maru, her familiar—a round, purple seal with a playful personality.

“Mayu!” Riona called, her lips curling into a smile.

“Riona! It’s been too long,” Mayu replied, her own smile brightening as she jogged over. Luma trotted ahead, her pink eyes locking with Maru’s lively gaze. The two familiars greeted each other with a friendly nuzzle before Maru flopped onto his back, rolling in the grass as if to invite play.

“It really has,” Riona agreed, pulling Mayu into a warm embrace.

The two friends began their stroll through the park, their familiars keeping pace beside them. Riona spoke animatedly about her latest painting—a sprawling piece that explored the interplay of light and shadow in the anatomy of winged creatures.

“I swear, Riona, you could make anything look amazing,” Mayu said, her tone light but sincere.

Riona chuckled softly, “It’s just shapes and shadows, really. But enough about me—how’s work been?”

Mayu hesitated for a moment, then shook her head as if brushing off the thought. “Busy but fulfilling,” she said. “Let’s not talk about that today. Today’s for fun, remember?”

“Right,” Riona replied. “Then let’s start with the ferris wheel. I’ve been craving a bird’s-eye view of the city to help unwind.” 

The ferris wheel stood tall at the park’s edge, its colorful gondolas reflecting the sunlight. The sounds of children playing could be heard as they arrived to get in line. Mayu and Riona climbed into one, settling onto the cushioned seats while their familiars nestled onto their laps, looking at one another and communicating through their own sounds and body language queues.

As the wheel ascended, the city unfolded beneath them like a vibrant tapestry. Glass skyscrapers casting shimmering reflections onto the streets below. Parks dotted with lush greenery broke up the metallic cityscape, while streams of people moved like flowing currents between shops and cafés.

“It’s beautiful,” Mayu said softly, her blue eyes wide with wonder.

“It really is,” Riona agreed, her gaze thoughtful. “Sometimes I forget how much inspiration there is right here.”

Mayu studied her friend, noticing the contemplative tilt of her head. “What’s on your mind?”

Riona exhaled, her fingers tracing the edge of her sketchpad. “Just thinking about how far I’ve come. I used to hide behind my canvases, too afraid to let anyone see me. But Maru…” She glanced down at her familiar, who was now sprawled contentedly, his flippers twitching. “He’s taught me to let loose, to find joy in the little things.”

Mayu reached over, her hand resting gently on Riona’s. “You’ve always had that joy in you, Riona. Maru just helped you bring it to the surface.”

Riona smiled, her cheeks tinged pink. “Thanks, Mayu. You’re always so grounded, so steady. It’s like you have this quiet strength that draws people in.”

Mayu laughed lightly. “Luma helps with that,” she said, her gaze fond as she glanced at her familiar. “She keeps me balanced.”

The ferris wheel reached its peak, and for a moment, the two friends simply absorbed the view, their connection deepened by the shared quiet.

Their next stop was a small boutique tucked into a quiet side street. The shop’s window display featured an array of delicate dresses, shimmering scarves, and intricately beaded jewelry.

“Oh, this one’s perfect for you,” Mayu said, holding up a pastel lavender dress with lace detailing.

Riona tilted her head, her artistic eye appraising the garment. “Too frilly?”

“Not at all,” Mayu insisted. “It’ll look amazing with your hair.”

Riona relented and tried it on, stepping out of the fitting room with a shy smile. “What do you think?”

“You look adorable,” Mayu said, her tone full of admiration.

They spent the next hour trying on outfits, exchanging compliments and laughter. Riona playfully draped a dramatic feathered shawl over her shoulders, striking exaggerated poses that had Mayu clutching her sides with laughter. Luma and Maru lounged by the fitting rooms, their quiet presence adding a layer of warmth to the moment.

By the time they reached their favorite ramen joint, the sun was beginning to dip, casting a golden glow over the city. The restaurant’s cozy interior was filled with the scent of rich broths and fresh noodles.

“I’ll have the tonkotsu ramen,” Mayu said to the waiter, her anticipation clear in her eyes.

“And I’ll take the miso,” Riona added. “And some fresh fish for our little ones, please.”

The two friends settled into their booth, their conversation shifting to their dreams and plans.

“I’m thinking of starting a new exhibition,” Riona said, her face lighting up. “Something that explores the bond between humans and familiars, and how they shape each other.”

“That sounds incredible,” Mayu said, her tone full of encouragement. “Your art would capture that connection beautifully.”

“And you?” Riona asked. “What’s next for you?”

Mayu paused, her expression thoughtful. “I just want to keep helping people. But I also want to make sure I’m nurturing my own bond with Luma. She’s my anchor, my constant.”

Their food arrived, and they dug in. The broth was rich and flavorful, the noodles perfectly chewy. Maru and Luma happily devoured their plates of fresh fish, their contentment evident.

As the evening came to a close, the two friends stood outside the restaurant, reluctant to part ways.

“I wish today didn’t have to end,” Riona said, her voice tinged with wistfulness.

“Me too,” Mayu agreed, pulling her friend into a warm hug.

“Let’s do this again soon,” Riona said, her smile soft but radiant.

“Absolutely,” Mayu replied, her eyes reflecting the same warmth.

As they walked in opposite directions, the glow of the day lingered, leaving both feeling lighter and more connected. It was a reminder of the strength found in friendship and the simple joy of shared moments.