10 — Floating

Sera felt as if she were floating on clouds, her feet barely touching the ground as she walked. Her entire being buzzed with an effervescent joy, a kind of pure happiness that left her feeling weightless, like she could drift away on the breeze. The kiss on the rooftop had been a moment out of a dream—no, it was better than a dream.

It was real.

The warmth of Ame’s lips was still on hers, a lingering trace that made her heart flutter wildly in her chest. She was truly over the moon, and she could hardly believe that she was walking down the stairwell now, hand in hand with Ame, their fingers interlaced in a perfect fit.

Every step felt like magic.

Ame, for her part, was lost in the sheer exhilaration of the moment. She had never felt more alive than she did now, her heart pounding with a rhythm that wasn’t quite her own, as though it beat for Sera now too. There was a lightness in her chest she had never known before, a kind of happiness so deep and complete that it made her wonder how she had ever lived without it.

The rooftop had been more than just a kiss—it had been a confession, a promise, and a new beginning all at once. As they walked down together, she glanced over at Sera, her gray eyes softening, filled with a love so vivid.

When they reached the door that led back to the main hallway, they both hesitated.

It was the end of a moment, and the thought of letting go felt impossible. Ame stopped and turned toward Sera, her gaze tender and full of meaning. She took Sera’s hands in hers, holding them with a kind of gentleness that spoke volumes. Her thumbs softly caressed the tops of Sera’s hands as she looked into her eyes, her expression full of affection.

"I have to go now," Ame murmured quietly, her voice edged with reluctance. "Unfortunately, there's still stuff to do."

Sera shook her head, her face lighting up with a wide smile. "It's fine, you do what you have to do. I'll see you… at home tonight, okay?" Her grin widened as she said "home," her heart swelling with the thought that, for the first time in so long, she truly meant it.

Ame’s lips curved into a small, warm grin—her best attempt at mirroring Sera's joy. The truth was that she didn’t want to let Sera go, didn’t want this feeling to end. But there was an unspoken promise in the way Sera said "home" that made her feel like this was only the beginning. Finally, she nodded and pulled Sera into a tight, warm embrace. She sighed holding her close, her arms wrapping around her like she never wanted to let go. After a moment, she leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to Sera's forehead, her lips lingering as if to seal a promise.

"Please make sure you have everything, and get home safe." she whispered, her voice low and protective.

Sera’s heart skipped a beat, her cheeks burning and flushing a deep crimson as she smiled wide to herself, overwhelmed by how gentle and sweet Ame was being. "Yes, ma’am.~" she replied playfully, giggling at Ame's sudden protectiveness.

Ame pulled back slightly, a hint of a blush dusting her own cheeks. "I mean it, Sera." she said, her tone still tinged with that serious care.

They both knew they couldn't walk out together without raising eyebrows, so Sera opened the door and stepped out first, giving one last loving look back at Ame. She waved with both hands, her smile as bright as the sun, while Ame waved back with one hand on her heart, her smile wide and full of warmth. The door closed softly, and Sera's absence seemed to fill the air with a quiet longing.

Ame sighed contentedly, her heart still fluttering as she made her way to her office. There was still plenty to handle before her next class—grading some papers, arranging the student council schedule, and double-checking some documents for the upcoming election. Yet, despite the workload, she found herself occasionally pausing, a small smile tugging at her lips as she replayed the rooftop moment in her mind.

Meanwhile, Sera was on the train, still riding the wave of happiness from earlier. Her mind kept drifting back to the kiss, the way the world seemed to stand still, and how everything else had faded away except for Ame. It was like nothing she had ever experienced, and she was filled with a giddy sense of disbelief that it had actually happened. As she held onto the train’s handrail, her smile wouldn't fade, not even for a second.

Stepping off the train at the station closest to her and Ame's apartment, Sera pulled out her phone and dialed June’s number. "Hey, June!" she said as the call connected, her voice brimming with excitement. "I’m so sorry I ditched you earlier. I had to… um, take care of something with Ame."

June's voice was playful, as if she could hear Sera’s smile through the phone. She also noticed that Sera had called Ame by her first name, something unheard for students at Aina. A smirk formed on her lips, unnoticed by Sera on the other end of the line. "No worries at all, Sera. I figured it must’ve been important if it was with Misaki."

Sera blushed slightly, grateful for June’s understanding. "Yeah, it really was!" she admitted, her tone softening as she walked down the street, the apartment building just coming into view. Life seemed almost unreal, like she was living in a dream, and she couldn't wait to get home. The word "home" felt different now—more comforting, more meaningful, like a place that was waiting for her and Ame to share together.

Sera’s voice carried a playful tone as she spoke into the phone, "I promise I’ll make it up to you soon, June. How about I treat you to crepes or ice cream at the café?"

June was quick to respond, "No, you don’t have to—" but then she hesitated, a sudden change of heart evident in her voice. "Wait… maybe I’ll actually take you up on that."

They both broke into laughter. Sera’s laughter was carried by the breeze, her hair whipping around her face as she walked.

"Alright, cool!" Sera said, her tone still laced with amusement. "I’ll let you know when I’m free, and we’ll figure something out, okay?"

"Sounds good," June replied warmly. "See you soon, Sera."

"See you soon!" Sera echoed with a smile, ending the call just as she arrived at the apartment.

June sat at her desk, trying to refocus on the work in front of her, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Sera and Ame. The room was filled with a warmth, illuminated by a single yellow lamp casting a soft glow over her scattered notes. She kept replaying the events of the day in her mind, especially the brief moment in the hallway and just now when she had heard Sera slip up and call Misaki by her first name. It was completely out of character for how students usually addressed staff at Aina.

Could Sera…?  Her thought halted, her pen hovering over the paper as her eyes widened. She had known Sera for awhile now, trusted her instincts and knew when something was different.

Could it actually be possible?

Could her closest, best friend really have something going on with Ame Misaki?

The thought was so outrageous that she almost laughed it off, but even as she shook her head to dismiss it, the idea lingered. There were too many little coincidences, too many moments that didn’t add up if she ignored the possibility. It seemed outlandish, yet… maybe, just maybe, there really was something there.

The more she thought about it, the more plausible it seemed.

Just after sunset, Ame finished up the last of her paperwork in her personal office. She had spent the past few hours grading assignments, preparing for upcoming lectures, and handling student matters, her focus as sharp as ever. The day's light had faded, leaving the room softly lit by her desk lamp, casting a warm glow over the neatly arranged stacks of papers. Satisfied with her progress, she decided it was time to head to the staff office to take care of some filing.

As she methodically sorted through documents and slid them into their proper places, a thought occurred to her—she wanted to do one last check on the student council documents. There was still time, and she was always thorough.

She returned to her office and settled back at her desk, pulling out the candidates’ profiles and proposals. Skimming through them quickly, Ame couldn’t help but feel a spark of optimism. Some of the ideas the candidates had were promising, and as the temporary overseer of the student council, she was eager to see which of them would rise to the occasion and claim the role of president.

Her mind wandered for a moment, thinking about Sera. She pondered whether Sera would ever consider joining the student council herself. It was a significant commitment, especially at AinaU, where expectations were higher than most. Though Sera’s carefree spirit seemed at odds with the council's demanding nature, there was a part of Ame that wondered if her bright, spirited energy could bring something new to the table. But she knew better than to push—such roles were not to be taken lightly.

Ame carefully placed the documents back in their cabinet, leaving everything in perfect order. She rose from her chair and made her way out of the office, her footsteps echoing lightly in the quiet hallway. The night was in full bloom, the stars twinkling through the windows, and the full moon casting its silver glow across the floor. The sight made her pause for a moment, admiring the peacefulness of the campus at night.

After exchanging goodbyes with a couple of colleagues still wrapping up their own work, she headed toward the campus’s on-location train station. Her steps quickened with a subtle energy, a quiet excitement building as she thought of Sera waiting for her back at the apartment. Her heart felt so full knowing Sera would be there at home, that it propelled her forward with a sense of anticipation and joy, propelling her forward through the night.

Not long after, Ame stood at the door of her apartment, a small smile forming on her lips as she pushed it open. "Sera, I'm back." she called warmly.

As the door swung open, she saw Sera on the living room couch, and a wave of warmth washed over her. Sera was dressed in a cute, cozy outfit—a soft cream-colored sweater that hung loosely off one shoulder, paired with fuzzy socks and a pair of snug black pajama shorts. Her hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, a few stray strands framing her face. The casual, homey look stirred something in Ame, drawing her gaze longer than she intended.

"Ame!" Sera exclaimed, her voice bursting with joy as she spotted her. Her mood seemed to shift instantly from relaxed to lively, her eyes sparkling as she sprang up from the couch. When she noticed Ame's lingering gaze, a faint blush crept onto her cheeks, a shy smile tugging at her lips.

Ame stepped inside, closing the door behind her and taking a moment to pull off her boots. She hung her jacket in the walk-in closet, sliding the door shut with a quiet click. As she turned back around, she found Sera walking toward her with an eager bounce in her step, her arms outstretched in an open invitation.

Ame couldn’t help but feel a rush of affection as Sera came closer, her heart lifting at the sight of her reaching out for an embrace.

As they embraced, Sera hugged onto Ame tightly, nestling her head gently against Ame’s upper chest. Ame wrapped her arms around Sera’s back, holding her close with a firm yet tender touch. She leaned in, her head instinctively tilting to rest against Sera’s, her cheek brushing softly against Sera’s hair. The warmth of Sera's body seeped into her, and Ame felt a deep sense of comfort, as if they were fitting into each other perfectly.

After a few moments, Sera lifted her head, her eyes meeting Ame's with an earnest gaze. "I missed you." she said quietly, her voice carrying a sincere note that seemed to echo in the space between them.

Ame's breath caught for a moment, and she let out a small, involuntary sound—almost like a soft, surprised squeak. She quickly broke the embrace, a quiet awkward giggle slipping out as her cheeks flushed a rosy hue.

She looked away, trying to distract herself by fidgeting with her fingers. "I wasn’t gone... for that long…" she murmured, her voice a bit higher than usual as she glanced away.

Sera giggled at Ame's reaction, the sound light and playful. "Long enough for me, now come here!" she said with a teasing grin. Without hesitation, she took Ame's hand, her fingers curling around it as she practically pulled her toward the kitchen.

Ame's heart skipped a beat at the sudden, confident tug. Her pulse quickened, and her cheeks grew warmer as she was led along, feeling flustered at how effortlessly Sera took the lead. The assertiveness in Sera's touch stirred something inside her, and as they walked, she found herself unable to suppress the smile that tugged at her lips.

Ame’s cheeks grew hotter by the second, a small smile playing on her lips as she tried to hide her face with one hand. She couldn’t help but be embarrassed at just how much Sera's sudden confidence was affecting her. As Sera pulled her along, Ame watched the golden strands of her hair dance with every step, feeling a bit dazed by the unexpected show of energy.

“S-Sera, what's going on? W-wh—" Ame’s words were cut off as they came to a sudden stop in front of the kitchen counter. Her eyes widened at the sight: a chocolate cake sitting proudly amid the scattered baking tools, flour, and cocoa powder littering the countertop.

Sera turned to Ame with a bright, playful smile and gestured dramatically toward the cake. “Tahhhdahh~!!” she chimed in, her voice full of delight. The icing on top read, "For Ame." written in sweet, swirled letters.

Ame’s face went even redder as she glanced from Sera to the cake, her eyes wide and mouth agape. “S-Sera...?! Did you... I-Is t-this...? Did you make this for me?!” she stammered, struggling to get the words out.

Sera grinned, a spark of pride in her eyes. “Mmmhm~ think of it like a gift, a token of my appreciation for earlier.” she said, nodding confidently.

Ame felt as though her heart was about to burst; the rush of shyness overwhelmed her, and her blush deepened to the shade of a blooming rose. She fidgeted nervously, her hands fumbling for something to do before she clasped one hand to the other. “A-Ah Sera… Thank you!” she managed to say, her voice rushed and filled with genuine surprise.

Sera’s affection, her comfort in being close, and the sheer thoughtfulness of the gesture were almost too much for Ame to process. She had never been the recipient of such tender attention, and now it was all directed at her, so earnestly, that it left her completely smitten. Her expression was a mix of disbelief and pure adoration, unable to fully contain the joy.

Sera took Ame's hands gently, intertwining their fingers with a tender touch as she grinned wide. Ame tried to keep her composure, but it was a losing battle; her cheeks flushed a deep pink, and the look of adoration she returned to Sera barely contained the giddiness swelling inside her. She felt like a teapot about to whistle, her thoughts a jumbled mess as she tried to speak.

"S-Sera, I… this is... I-I don’t even know how to... it’s just…!" Ame stammered, words tumbling out in a chaotic rush, trying desperately to thank Sera but failing to form a coherent sentence.

Sera laughed, her eyes bright with amusement. "Ame, please relax! It’s just a cake." she teased, squeezing Ame's hands a little.

"S-Seraaa~…." Ame whined quietly, her voice half-embarrassed, half-playful. She turned her head away with a pout, her lips curling slightly in a smile as she tried to hide just how flustered she was.

Soon after, the two of them settled on the couch side by side. Sera eagerly watched as Ame picked up a fork and took a small bite of the chocolate cake. The moment the taste hit her tongue, Ame’s eyes went wide in disbelief.

"Sera…this is so good!" she mumbled through a mouthful of cake, her voice muffled and uncharacteristically mannerless.

Sera couldn’t help but snort a bit, bursting into laughter. Seeing Ame so caught off guard, with that improper but utterly endearing reaction, was a treat. "I'm glad you like it, there’s more where that came from!" she replied, beaming with joy as she watched Ame savor another bite, her delight unmistakable.

Ame sat quietly after finishing the last bite of cake, a soft smile resting on her lips as she gazed thoughtfully into the distance. Her eyes seemed to glimmer with the apartment's warm light, her hair catching a soft sheen, while her expression gave away the faintest hint of inner thoughts.

Sera's gaze never wavered, her eyes tracing every delicate curve of Ame's face as she wondered what thoughts might be taking place behind those enchanting gray eyes. There was always a softness to her beauty, yet it held an undeniable allure that drew Sera in, leaving her captivated at every moment.

Finally, Sera couldn’t hold back any longer. "What's up?" she asked softly, her voice breaking through the quiet and pulling Ame out of her thoughts.

Ame blinked, the words catching her by surprise as she turned to look at Sera. "Oh, nothing.." she said, shaking her head with a smile, though the rosy tint in her cheeks betrayed her.

Sera smirked knowingly, leaning forward a little, her curiosity evident in her gaze. "I know you well enough to know that means you have something to say, Ame." she teased, tilting her head as a few strands of golden hair fell across her face.

Ame’s lips curved into a shy smile as she bit her bottom lip gently, brushing a strand of her hair behind her ear in a small attempt to steady herself. She knew Sera was right; there was no point in pretending otherwise. "It's just... I can't believe it... you know?" she began, her voice soft and sincere. "Even just little things like these... it makes me so happy. I can't believe you would just... without any notice, do things like this for me...." Her words hung in the air, each one filled with a quiet awe.

Sera's smile grew as she listened to Ame’s sincere words, her heart swelling with affection. She leaned in closer, her ocean blue eyes shimmering with warmth. "Of course, Ame." she started. "Look at me, you deserve every bit of this and more. This is nothing compared to how much I care about you…" she replied, her voice low and bold. 

Sera's cheeks flushed lightly as she realized how direct she was being, her gaze dropping for a moment before meeting Ame’s again. "I just want you to be happy." she finished, her voice growing softer.

Ame's heart soared as she took in Sera's words, her breath catching slightly in her chest. Her eyes widened, filled with an overwhelming joy, as if she could hardly believe she was lucky enough to have someone like Sera in her life. The disbelief melted into a radiant smile, a warmth spreading through her that reached all the way to her fingertips. She reached out to gently cup Sera's cheek, her thumb grazing over the blush there. "Sera..." she breathed, her voice trembling with a quiet awe. "I... don’t even know what to say."

As they sat facing each other on the couch, Sera’s blush deepened, her cheeks warming under Ame's gentle touch. Her breaths grew uneven, and with a rush of boldness, she quickly grasped Ame’s hands, entwining their fingers together. Her gaze flickered down to Ame’s lips, lingering there as she bit her own lip softly, the yearning unmistakable. Her heart pounded in her chest, a quickening beat that always seemed to rise around Ame.

Ame’s eyes followed Sera’s, catching the telltale signs of desire in the way Sera looked at her. Her own breath hitched, her pulse echoing in her ears as her body leaned forward, almost instinctively. She was drawn to the deep blue of Sera’s eyes, that endless, hypnotic ocean she could lose herself in forever. Her lips parted, an almost eager frown on her face, her whole body leaning towards Sera, melting into the moment.

"Then don’t say a thing..." Sera whispered breathlessly, her voice low and urgent before she closed the distance collapsing on top of Ame, her lips meeting Ame’s in a slow, tender kiss. Ame let out a soft, almost needy sound, her eyes fluttering shut as she responded with equal fervor. Her hands slipped free from Sera’s and found their way onto her back her fingers gripping onto her back and holding her close as if she couldn’t bear to let go. Their lips moved together seamlessly, melting into each other’s warmth.

When they finally pulled away, Sera’s breath came in soft, unsteady whispers. She opened her eyes slowly, her voice hushed as she confessed, "I swear, every time I kiss you…it feels like the first time."

Ame laughed, a sound that came from a place of pure joy. She nodded, her cheeks flushed with a delicate pink. "I know…" she murmured, her voice a little breathless. "I know exactly what you mean…"

After lingering in each other's gaze for a moment, they eventually rose from the couch. Ame cleared her throat, as she ran a hand through her hair to tame it back into place, her cheeks still warm from the kiss. "I... I have a few things I need to take care of.." she said, her voice light as she tried to steady herself.

Sera nodded in understanding, smiling sweetly. "Of course, go ahead." she encouraged softly, giving Ame the space she needed.

Ame headed to the washroom for a soothing shower, letting the warm water wash away the day of work.

Afterward, she slipped into something comfortable for the night before making her way to the kitchen. She would quickly do the dishes and set a kettle on the stove, waiting for the water to boil for her tea. The fabric of her red satin pajamas clung to her figure, the glow from the kitchen light seemed to highlight her making the gown shimmer against her skin.

Sera sat quietly at her desk in her room, her textbooks open in front of her. Sera's room was impeccably tidy, as if Ame had anticipated her return and prepared everything to perfection. Minutes later, Ame gently knocked on Sera's door, a cup of tea in hand. Sera's face lit up as she called out, "Yeah, Ame?"

Ame pushed the door open, her red button-down top shimmering in the warm light of Sera's room. "Sorry to interrupt. I know you're studying," she said with a soft smile.

Sera leaned back in her chair, her cheeks flushing slightly as she took in Ame’s appearance. "It's totally fine!" she replied, her eyes lingering a bit too long.

Unaware of Sera's gaze, Ame gracefully placed the tea on the desk beside the lamp, her movements precise, almost as if she were serving at a cafe. "Here, I made some tea for you." she said warmly.

"Thank you, Ame." Sera said, holding Ame's gaze with a grateful smile.

Ame turned to leave, her hair cascading like silk down her back but before she could reach the door Sera’s voice stopped her.

"Oh, and, uh—Ame..." Sera began, her cheeks deepening in color as she nervously twirled a strand of her hair. "You look great… but, uh…isn't it a bit much for bed?" Her voice trailed off as her eyes drifted down the curve of Ame's back, struggling to find modesty as she met Ame's gaze again.

Ame paused, her cheeks flushing at being caught. She did want to look good for Sera. She turned her head over her shoulder, a playful, sly smile forming on her lips. "I just got this set actually… thought I'd try it on tonight, see how it fits… you know?" she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of seduction.

Then, with an almost feline grace, she strutted out of the room, deliberately closing the door behind her. Sera's eyes followed her every step, until she vanished from sight. She turned back to her textbook, her face burning, thoughts utterly consumed by Ame, her focus now entirely shattered.

Sera's cheeks flushed as she sighed, a small, disbelieving smile spreading across her lips. She took a sip of the tea, letting its warmth soothe her.

It was hard to believe that the same woman who had just confidently teased her was the one who had confessed her feelings. Shaking her head with a smile, Sera finally returned to her studies, forcing her thoughts back onto the pages in front of her.

Later that night after finishing the tea, Sera found herself standing outside of Ame’s room. She gently placed the empty cup on a nearby shelf and tapped softly on the door. "Ame?" she called, her voice warm and inviting. "Mind if I come in?" A small, affectionate smile played on her lips as she waited for a response.

Ame’s voice came through the door, soft and warm, “No I don’t mind at all, come in.” She was lying on her bed, a book in hand, her reading glasses perched on her nose, giving her a more stern appearance. As soon as Sera stepped inside, Ame took off the glasses almost instinctively, setting the book aside.

Sera moved quietly into the room, her steps soft, feeling welcomed by Ame's calm invitation. As Ame shifted out from under the covers, she did so with an understated elegance, her motions deliberate and smooth. She crawled to the edge of her bed and sat there, her posture upright yet relaxed. She shifted her posture slightly, smoothing out her hair as she did, allowing her signature lock to slip down, framing the corner of her eye and cheek just right, framing her face as she waited for Sera to reach her.

Sera leaned against the wall across from Ame, her gaze drawn to the large window beside her. Outside, the faint rumble of a plane drifted through the quiet night as it crossed the star-speckled sky. She smiled at the sight, a touch of wonder filling her as she watched it disappear. Her thoughts were soon interrupted, though, as she heard Ame’s soft voice pull her back to the present. Turning away from the window, Sera’s warm blue eyes met Ame’s sharp gray ones.

Ame’s smile softened as she tilted her head slightly, her hands resting gently in her lap. "What's on your mind, Sera?"

Sera’s lips curled into a small smile as she shifted against the wall, her fingers brushing the hem of her sweater absentmindedly. "Nothing really, just... happy to be back, you know?"

Ame’s smile widened as she nodded, her expression reflecting a genuine warmth. "I'm really happy to hear that," she replied. Her gaze lingered on Sera for a moment, a hint of relief and happiness visible in her eyes. "Having you back around… it feels complete, somehow."

Sera’s eyes sparkled, a matching look of happiness shared between them. "I feel the same." she said softly. The air between them was comfortable, filled with an unspoken appreciation that neither seemed to need to explain. Ame let out a quiet sigh and leaned back, placing her hands behind her to keep herself propped up. Her posture relaxed as she allowed herself to enjoy the ease of the moment, an almost uncharacteristic looseness in her usually composed demeanor.

After a beat of silence, Ame shifted slightly and looked at Sera. "Sera," she began.

"Hmm?" Sera murmured, still leaning against the wall, her fingers still toying with the hem of her sweater.

Ame’s expression grew a touch more serious, her voice calm and measured. "The Student Council Election is coming up."

Sera’s eyes brightened as she nodded, her voice carrying a note of excitement. "Yeah, I know! I knew it would be a big deal, but it’s such a big deal at school. There are posters littered everywhere. Everyone’s talking about it."

Ame mirrored her nod, studying Sera’s reaction carefully. "What are your thoughts on the Student Council?" she asked, her tone both curious and intent, eager to hear Sera’s perspective.

Sera tilted her head thoughtfully, feigning a tone of deep consideration, though in truth, her feelings about the Student Council were less intense than she let on. Still, she didn’t want to seem indifferent, especially knowing how important the Council had been to Ame. Her words flowed with an almost theatrical enthusiasm.

"The Student Council is such an important part of Aina University," Sera began, her voice carrying a confident tone. "The way they handle student issues, organize all those events… It’s like they’re holding everything together! And during your time, Ame, I heard the Council did so much for the sports clubs, like when you arranged for them to have new equipment and better practice hours. That made such a difference for everyone on all the teams. ”

Ame’s eyes widened in surprise, and she blinked, a small, genuine smile touching her lips. She hadn’t expected Sera to know something so specific about her time on the Council, let alone remember it so clearly. Sera continued, noticing the pleased surprise in Ame’s expression.

"I mean, stuff like that shows how much the Council cares about each student here," Sera added with admiration. "I really like that."

Ame's lips curved into a wider smile, her gray eyes shining with a mixture of pride and appreciation. "I'm impressed," she said warmly. "You know way more about the Council—and my tenure—than I thought you would." Her cheeks took on a soft, rosy hue, and she quickly lowered her gaze, her usual composure momentarily softened by the unexpected warmth filling her.

For a moment, Ame simply looked at Sera, finding it unexpectedly challenging to get her next words out. She hesitated, reaching up to twirl a lock of her sleek hair as she searched for the right approach. "Soo…" she finally began, a little uncharacteristically hesitant. This slight falter drew a soft giggle from Sera, who folded her arms and arched a brow playfully.

"What’s up?" Sera asked, her tone light and teasing.

Ame took a small breath, clasping her hands in her lap and looking at Sera intently, though there was a subtle hopefulness in her expression. Her voice was gentle, and she knew the question might sound a bit forward, but she couldn’t help herself. "Would you… ever consider joining the Student Council?" Her voice softened, her fingers still absentmindedly playing with the ends of her hair as she awaited Sera’s answer with bated breath, her gray eyes reflecting a hint of her eagerness.

Sera hesitated, her gaze drifting to the floor as she gathered her thoughts, not wanting to let Ame down entirely but feeling the need to be honest. "Well," she started, treading carefully, "I’ve seen the Student Council room, and it’s actually really cozy in there. And you guys do some great stuff—like organizing events and helping people directly. That part’s really cool."

She paused, glancing back at Ame, gauging her reaction. "But, you know, all those technical things, like managing budgets and dealing with paperwork… I guess it’s not really my thing. Probably not for me… but, maybe." Her voice softened, and she gave Ame a small, uncertain smile.

Ame averted her gaze, her hand dropping away from her hair as she absorbed the answer, her expression falling just slightly as she nodded. "Ah, I see…" she murmured, looking back at Sera with an understanding expression.

Sera for a second felt a pang of regret, wishing for a fleeting second that she could just say yes. But that wouldn’t be fair. "Yeah… sorry, not really my thing." she admitted, laughing softly and scratching the back of her neck, trying to lighten the mood.

Ame’s smile returned, more compassionate this time. "I don’t blame you," she replied gently. "It’s a big commitment. There’s a lot to keep up with—not just events but overseeing club requests, balancing academic schedules, and…" she trailed off, noticing Sera’s nodding and faint smile as she listened. "And I know you’re busy with your own classes, and you’re so active already. It would be hard to take on much more."

Sera nodded in agreement, adding a quick “Yeah, mhmm.” as Ame continued, seemingly touched by the support and understanding.

"But," Ame continued, her gaze warm as she studied Sera thoughtfully, "honestly, you’d make a good fit regardless. You’re outgoing, and you have that natural energy people are drawn to. And you’re outspoken—you say what you think, which is rare and valuable on the Council. Those qualities alone could make you a strong influence there."

Sera’s eyes widened, her cheeks taking on a slight pink flush as she registered Ame’s words. She hadn’t expected such encouraging words from Ame there, and a shy giggle escaped her. "That’s sweet, Ame. Thank you," she said softly, her voice sincere, almost shy as her fingers brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, her admiration for Ame’s faith in her shining in her eyes.

As Ame saw Sera’s shy reaction, a faint flush touched her own cheeks, though she quickly composed herself and offered a warm, small smile. "It’s nothing." she replied softly, almost to herself, but with a note of fondness in her tone. She straightened up, reaching over to the nightstand for her cup of tea, taking a gentle sip and savoring the warmth as steam rose in delicate wisps.

After sitting back down on the edge of her bed, Ame looked up at Sera. "So, who do you think is going to win the election?" she asked, curiosity lighting up her expression.

Sera brightened at the question, reflecting for a moment. "Maybe Ai Tanaka," she said, tilting her head as she thought about it more. "I’ve heard she’s really focused on bringing more attention to the clubs and sports, just like you did back in your day. It’s impressive—she reminds me of some of the things I’ve read and heard about you."

Ame let out a quiet, amused giggle, her eyes sparkling as she nodded in agreement. "That’s exactly who I had in mind." she admitted, watching Sera’s surprise.

"Really?" Sera asked, grinning. The two of them shared a warm laugh, their voices mingling softly in the late-night quiet. Time slipped by comfortably as they continued talking, and before long, it was close to midnight. Sera was now sitting cross-legged on Ame’s bed, facing her directly, while Ame leaned back on one arm, a relaxed ease in her posture. After a final sip, she placed her empty teacup next to her book, glancing back at Sera with a contented look.

After a moment’s lull in the conversation, Ame spoke, her voice soft but clearly intrigued. "I… knew you were fit, but I didn’t know you were so good at so many sports." She smiled, a hint of admiration in her eyes.

Sera’s smile widened as she laughed a little. "Oh, yeah. I loved sports growing up. I was basically on every middle and high school team you could think of." She leaned in a bit, her tone playful. "I even won regionals in basketball." Then, grinning mischievously, she added, "You’re looking at a regional champion!" She stood up for a second, mimed a tiny, dramatic basketball move, complete with a little dribble and pretend shot.

Ame couldn’t help but let out a hard laugh, a clear, unexpected sound as she covered her mouth gently, her eyes crinkling with delight. She even gave a little clap, her admiration genuine. "I would’ve never expected that. That’s so cool." she said, still giggling.

Sera shrugged sitting back down where she was, casually still smiling. "I still play, but it’s more for fun now. I actually joined intramural volleyball last week, and I even tried out for the main team! Haven’t checked the results yet, though."

Ame raised her eyebrows in surprise. "Wow… that’s impressive. What are you waiting for? Why haven’t you checked the results?" she asked, her expression genuinely curious.

Sera’s shoulders sagged slightly as she shrugged, looking a bit resigned. "I mean… even if I made it, I’m not sure I could really join the main team. I don’t think I’d be able to keep up with everything at once. The workload’s just a lot," she admitted, trying to sound nonchalant, though a hint of disappointment crept into her voice.

Before Sera could say more, Ame’s hand landed firmly on her shoulder, and she cut in with a surprisingly fervent, "Hey, no…!" Her voice was uncharacteristically loud and resolute. The words hung in the air as Ame blinked, realizing how forceful she had sounded. A rosy flush spread over her cheeks as she pulled her hand back, looking away for a moment, clearly taken aback by her own response.

After a brief pause, she cleared her throat softly, gathering herself before looking back at Sera, her gaze softened but sincere. "Sorry… I just… you seemed so passionate about it, and I really think you’re probably great at it. There should be a good chance you made the team," she said, her voice gentle yet filled with quiet conviction.

Sera blinked, smiling with a mixture of surprise and warmth, touched by Ame’s unguarded reaction. She hadn’t expected Ame to feel so strongly about her joining the team.

Ame gave a small, encouraging smile, her eyes reflecting a deeper concern and care. "I think you should check, and if you made it… you should try to join. I’d like to help you manage it all," she added, her voice softening even further, showing her willingness to support Sera through the challenges.

Sera’s eyes softened, a warm glow lighting her face as she absorbed Ame’s words. She hadn’t expected such intensity from her—such a firm belief in her potential. There was a hint of surprise in her voice as she replied, "You… really think I could handle it all?" She looked down, her fingers tracing a small pattern on the bedspread before her gaze returned to Ame, a flicker of renewed determination behind it. "I mean… I guess it would be pretty amazing to be part of the team. I love playing… and I hadn’t thought about how much I’d miss it if I didn’t at least give it a shot."

Ame’s expression brightened, a pleased warmth spreading across her face as she watched Sera reconsider. "Yes, I think you could." she said softly, her eyes meeting Sera’s with a subtle glow of happiness. "I believe in you, Sera."

Sera felt her cheeks warm, smiling shyly but brightly in response. Her heart swelled, comforted by Ame’s gentle yet unwavering support. "Thank you, Ame. I guess… maybe I’ll check the results after all." she murmured, laughing softly to herself, her gaze lingering on Ame as a moment of shared warmth filled the space between them.

The conversation between the two would go on for awhile longer, eventually drifting off into another topic entirely.

Sera, still beaming with energy, leaned forward with a bright grin. "Okay, okay, so listen to this—" she started, barely able to contain her laughter before she even got into the story. "So, last week, June and I were in the main library, right? We were supposed to be studying for a midterm, but June, being June, got bored after like ten minutes and started doodling in my notebook. And I mean full-on drawing some ridiculous, totally fucked up caricature of our psych professor—who’s actually French."

Ame arched an eyebrow but smirked. "Sera. What are you on about?"

"Wait! It gets better!" Sera chuckled, shaking her head. "So, I look over and realize she’s not just doodling—she’s narrating under her breath, giving this whole backstory to ‘Sir Boulanger’—which is what she called him, doing this French accent. And I’m dying right? I’m trying so hard not to laugh, just covering my mouth, shaking, the whole thing."

Ame’s lips twitched, already sensing where this was going.

"And then," Sera continued, her voice catching with laughter, "out of nowhere she says—'I wish he would just eat his baguettes and can it already!' And for some reason, that was it for me. I snorted—like, full-volume, no dignity left, and the entire library went dead silent. People turned to look. Even the librarian gave me that ‘I will end you’ stare."

Ame let out a short, amused laugh at the image, shaking her head. "Sera come on, that’s mean."

"It gets worse," Sera said between giggles. "Because guess who just so happened to be standing right behind us when she said that?"

Ame’s eyes widened slightly. "No way.."

"Oui Oui. Monsieur Boulanger himself," Sera gasped, barely holding in her laughter. "I don’t even know how long he was standing there! June just turned slowly and went ‘…Oh. Hi, Professor.’ And I swear to god Ame, he looked like he was about kill her and sighed like he’d aged ten years n’ walked away.”

Ame, much to her own surprise, laughed—a quiet but genuine sound. She covered her mouth for a moment, shaking her head before clapping softly. "I can’t believe you guys. That’s ridiculous." she admitted, her laughter melting into an amused sigh.

Sera beamed at the sight of Ame laughing but as the laughter died down, she glanced at the clock and stretched with a small yawn. "I should probably get back to my room, gotta get ready for bed. I didn't mean to interrupt your reading." she said softly, uncrossing her legs and getting up.

Ame, putting her reading glasses back on, watched her move toward the door. "It’s no problem," she said, trying to sound casual as she shifted in her bed, lifting her book again. "I really didn’t mind."

She prepared to return to her reading, adjusting her position against the pillows, but her eyes lingered on Sera as she left. She willed herself to look unbothered, flipping open the pages as if fully absorbed in her book again. But the truth was, she didn’t want Sera to go just yet.

Just as Sera reached for the door, she turned around vibrantly, full of energy despite the late hour. "Night night!" she chirped.

Ame glanced up, warmth flickering through her as she smiled softly. "Night night." she returned, her wave small and gentle.

Sera disappeared into the hallway. She hummed a tune under her breath as she went through her nightly routine—brushing her teeth, washing her face, and tying her blonde hair up into a ponytail. She pulled on her pajamas, the cool fabric soft against her skin, before making her way back to her room.

The late-night quiet seemed to stir something in her, a sudden burst of motivation taking hold. She grabbed her sketchbook and sat cross-legged on her bed, pencil in hand. The blank page quickly filled with lines and shapes—fabric swishing, patterns forming, the vision of her main piece for the fashion show coming to life. The spark in her eyes burned bright as she refined the design, adjusting details, making notes.

But before she knew it, exhaustion won. Her fingers slackened, the pencil rolling from her grasp. Her sketchbook lay open, abandoned as she collapsed into the sheets, sprawled out haphazardly, breathing softly in sleep.

Across the apartment, Ame turned another page in her book, but her mind was beginning to drift. The words blurred slightly, the meaning lost to the creeping haze of drowsiness.

With a quiet sigh, she set her book down, placing her glasses neatly beside it. As she lay back against the pillows, a faint sense of longing and emptiness curled around her—a feeling she was far too familiar with. She reached for another pillow, pulling it close against her body, as if it could somehow fill the warmth she desired. Her gaze flickered toward her door for a moment, her thoughts of Sera.

Was it too soon to ask Sera to sleep with her?  She questioned, the thought swirling in her mind. Exhaling softly she closed her eyes.

The night stretched on, the apartment wrapped in stillness. Eventually, sleep claimed her too, her breath steadying, her grip on the pillow unconsciously tightening.