Fugue

Chapter 6 - Fugue

The gang lazed around the day and passed the time, mostly on their phones, sometimes chatting and doing their daily necessities. The sun went down again soon enough, and thus they were able to make good on Akiko’s suggestion: playing some baseball. 

After bringing along everything they needed, especially Haruto and Michi, they left the place and headed for a building with batting cages. Akiko led them through the extinct streets, reaching their destination in about half an hour. 

They entered the establishment and sat down in the lobby. Akiko, Amaya, Haruto and Michi needed to catch their breaths, while Chang-min and Emiko were just smiling and chuckling at the sight of their tired companions.

“Why did you suggest baseball?” Chang-min asked, turning to Akiko.

“I used to play with my dad, so I thought it could be fun. Besides, you two said you liked sports, so half of our group was sure to like it.” She pointed at Chang-min, Emiko and herself, “And it’s not like we HAVE to play, you know. Just whatever we want.”

“True, there are drinks and snacks here, so the others could just watch, and the administrator room doesn’t have a window, so it’s pretty safe for sleeping,” Emiko said.

“True. I’ll try swinging a couple, but I would rather preserve my energy for now.”

“I think I’ll pass.”

“I’ll try later.”

Amaya, Michi and Haruto respectively joined in.

As everyone was charging themselves up with drinks, Chang-min went into the administrator room and turned on the machines. The first penguin he usually is, he grabbed a bat and entered first not long after. The first ball flew towards him, and he swung forcefully. His movements were precise, like a real professional. 

The sight made Akiko a bit motivated to go next, so she also entered a cage of her own alongside Emiko. Akiko recalled the times her dad had taught her how to swing a bat properly. Thinking back on her father’s instructions, she fixed her posture and entered the typical batting stance. Akiko swung her bat, predicting the incredibly fast ball’s rapid approach and its trajectory, leading her to a clean hit and home run.

“Nice hit, Akiko-chan!” Amaya shouted.

“Thanks!”

Akiko, Emiko and Chang-min continued to swing their bats and hit baseballs, as Amaya also joined them for a couple of rounds. A short while later, they exhausted themselves and took a breather. Akiko pulled out a sandwich, while Amaya had a couple of fruits to munch on. Finishing their lunch, the two of them decided to explore the building a little more. Akiko and Amaya wandered into an entertainment section, full of vending and claw machines.

“Wanna try some of these out?” Amaya asked excitedly.

“Yeah, sure. You did say that you liked games; does that include claw games too?”

“Yes. I don’t play these often, and that makes it more special in a way. Besides, now that the world is over, I can spend all my money without a worry.”

“Which should we try first then?”

Akiko looked around the spacious room when Amaya rushed over and pointed at a machine.

“How about this one?”

Akiko scoped out the game, and it seemed it was for a cute anime figurine.

“So you like anime as well?” Akiko asked.

“I don’t watch a lot. I just watch the genre I’m interested in, and this anime is actually my favorite. Didn’t know they were making figurines.”

“What’s it about?”

“It’s about two girls..”

“Two girls? Doing what?”

“Never mind.”

“What? Tell me! I’m curious now,” Akiko insisted.

“..falling in love.” Amaya’s face turned red as she uttered the sentence’s finishing words.

“Huh?” Akiko blushed too.

So, it’s about two girls falling in love. It is more popular these days. Wait, does that mean…? Maybe she likes girls!?

Akiko thought back to just yesterday, when she hugged Amaya.

Uggh, that could be misunderstood very easily. I just really wanted to hug her, I mean… WAIT! Am I…? Do I like girls? HUH!?

While Akiko was frying her brain, Amaya started operating the claw machine, trying to grab or knock over the prize.

But I never even considered the possibility… Why is that revelation hitting me now of all times? Well, I guess I wasn’t that interested in romance before, but still! What the heck!

Akiko’s cheeks couldn’t be described as simply red; that would’ve been an understatement. One could almost see steam coming out of her head, as if she were a malfunctioning air purifier. This was a huge moment for Akiko, yet she was stunned in silence, blankly staring at the claw moving about.

More than the question of liking girls, what I should be asking instead is… Do I like Amaya-chan?

Akiko’s brain shut down. Mouth agape, she turned her head slowly to stare at Amaya’s pretty face, her silky and long black hair, then her petite hands controlling the game. Amaya seemed to notice Akiko staring because she also turned her head to meet Akiko eye-to-eye.

“What’s up?” Amaya inquired.

It was in that instant that Akiko became aware of Amaya’s charming green eyes, and a moment later, her feelings also became crystal clear.

Oh shit… I can’t stop staring.

“Are you ok? Why are you staring so much?” Amaya showed her worry, but it also made it clear that Akiko has been staring for far too long for comfort.

Akiko coughed and regained control over her body.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to! It’s just that I gotta tell you something.”

“Hmm?” Amaya tilted her head.

“I’m in love with you!” Akiko exclaimed, practically shouting.

“EH?” Amaya froze.

The claw machine also stopped abruptly, resulting in a brief silence.

“S-since when?” Amaya whispered shyly.

“I realized it just now.”

“And you confessed immediately!?”

“Hehehe… Well, we might die any day now, so I don’t want to have any regrets. And if possible, I would like to spend more time with you instead of worrying over my feelings. If you don’t feel the same way that’s fine too; I would rather spend time as friends than not.”

“No, I like you quite a lot too, so… I wouldn’t mind dating if it was with you.”

“Really!?”

“Yeah. I’m just more of an overthinker, so I can’t help but worry over everything.”

Akiko threw her arms around Amaya’s neck in her joy, almost knocking her down with the force she jumped at her with.

“It’s alright! Let’s just forget everything for now and let’s have a blast! We’ll have our first date!”

“O-okay! We’re moving fast right now!” Amaya’s face was burning, but she was also excited for their first date.

“Let’s get this prize first, then! Can I try? Maybe I’ll have beginner's luck.”

“Of course, go ahead.”

Akiko didn’t know what she was doing, but she pressed a couple buttons, aimed the controller at where she thought looked good and let go. To everyone’s surprise, Akiko’s attempt was perfect. The claw poked a corner of the box, knocking it down and earning them the figurine.

“What? You actually did it!” Amaya said in shock.

“Here you go,” Akiko handed over the prize to Amaya with a proud and smug look on her face.

“Thank you!”

“No worries!” Then let’s try some other ones. How about this one?”

They had endless fun after that, winning prizes left and right, making them forget about the time.

After playing a variety of types of games, Akiko and Amaya both felt satisfied. They probably would’ve kept on going for a little while, had they not realized that the sun was about to come up, making it dangerous for them to linger there longer. Realizing that their time was running out, they retreated with their newly won prizes to the administrator room, where everyone else was already sound asleep.

“We should also get some rest, but today was really fun,” Akiko whispered.

“Yeah, I’ve enjoyed it a lot,” Amaya also whispered.

They put their blankets and pillows in the corner right next to each other.

“Good night!”

“Good night!”

I don’t know how this happened, but I have a girlfriend now… It was embarrassing, but I’m glad I mustered the courage. I wonder what tomorrow will bring. I couldn’t be happier right now…

Before she could ponder more, Akiko closed her eyes and fatigue soon took over, sending her to a sweet, lovely dream.

******

Amaya woke up last after everyone else. Probably because of the amazing time she had with Akiko, her mind was clear, and her body felt lighter than ever. Amaya sat up to find Akiko still next to her, writing in her notebook.

Akiko-chan is my girlfriend now…

The thought that Akiko has become Amaya’s first and probably only lover, crept up out of nowhere, making Amaya blush. Noticing that Amaya woke up, Akiko shot her a wide smile.

“Good morning! Did you sleep well?”

“Yeah, the best sleep I’ve had in a while, actually.”

“I’m glad.”

“What are you writing?” Amaya pointed at the notebook in Akiko’s hand curiously.

“A new song. It’s still just a combination of ideas and messy phrases, but I’m getting there.”

“I can't wait to hear it.”

“You better, cuz this one is gonna be dedicated to you.”

“For me?”

“Yep.”

“Oh, thanks… I appreciate that.”

“We can sing it together once it’s done. I’ve never tried singing, though, so I may not be that good.”

“Your voice is already calming to listen to, so I’m sure you’ll do great with singing.”

“Thanks…” Akiko became a bit flustered at the sudden compliment.

I just said something really embarrassing! I didn’t know I could flirt like that… *sigh* What kind of timeline do I live in? She’s so cute!

“We have some free time right now, since the sun is still up. After that, we’ll see what we’ll do next. But for now, do you want to just relax together?” Akiko pulled Amaya out of her thoughts.

“I would like that,” Amaya replied.

As Amaya also leaned back against the wall, Akiko pulled out her earbuds so that the two of them could listen to some music together.