A Woman's Voice

The coolness of the autumn air seeped into Miyami's lungs, as refreshing as it was soothing. Sunlight had just faded behind the line of mountains to the west, chased away by the stars, and despite the crispness of the atmosphere, a pleasant all-encompassing heat flowed through her, embraced beneath the layers of her kimono.

Miyami continued to take shaky steps on her wooden sandals, keeping close pace to her girlfriend beside her. The distant sounds of music, the chatter of crowds, and the smells of street food drifted through the air, infused with the scents of nature and the city.

Honestly? She was as nervous as she was ecstatic. She could feel every strand of the soft, woven silk as it hugged her skin, and every step she took only amplified the exhilarating sensation. Wearing it in the changing room and the apartment had been one thing, but wearing it in public?

The dark-haired girl tensed slightly as a few festivalgoers passed by, their eyes meeting briefly before they hurried past.

It was a lot. In a good way, of course, but still a lot. She was so exposed, yet so covered and protected. She felt free, yet so confined and restricted. Everything was a paradox of emotions, a swirling storm that threatened to sweep her off her feet and carry her away.

She was a girl.

The couple sidestepped a group of teens as the revelry grew closer.

It wasn't that she didn't feel feminine when in her normal, somewhat unisex clothes, nor was it that she was feeling any doubts. It was just that… this experience was on a whole different level—an unmistakable affirmation of who she was.

She was a woman and proud of it.

Hinoka's arm wrapped tighter around hers, and she glanced down to see her partner smiling up at her. The shorter woman was dressed in a similar outfit to her own, a beautiful kimono with a pattern of white flowers blooming on scarlet silk. Her streaked hair was tied in a loose bun instead of a ponytail, and her lips were painted a dark, rich red that matched the fabric.

"Once we get there, what do you want to do first? It'll be another two hours or so until the fireworks start, so there should be plenty of time."

"…" Miyami thought about it, not wanting to rush into anything as they finally reached the perimeter of the festival.

"Maybe something to drink?" she whispered. "I don't think I can handle much of an appetite with these obi."

"Yeah, fair. There's tons of options for drinks at least. We got tapioca tea, beer, sake, hot cocoa, cider…"

They continued their stroll, admiring the colorful lights as they dived into the lively atmosphere. People were everywhere, laughing and talking as they moved between the different stalls and booths.

"…How about some tapioca tea?" Miyami answered after pondering a bit. "I think it'd be nice to drink before it gets too cold."

However, Hinoka gave no response. The girl just continued leading the way, pointing out different options as they passed by. "Hm, I'd feel guilty suggesting a soft drink, but those melon sodas look tempting. Oh! They even have a booth that sells mochi ice cream!"

Miyami tried again, this time a little louder. "T-tapioca tea sounds good. There might even be some honeydew flavor for you."

The shorter girl's hand tightened around hers as the crowd surged, pulling her along like a kite caught in a breeze.

"Hm, looks like the lines are getting long. Maybe we should get a snack and relax for a bit before getting a drink?"

"…" A frown threatened to form on Miyami's lips.

Was the crowd really that loud?

"I-I think the tea would be good!" She tried one last time, raising her volume to a level she felt would be audible over the chatter.

Unfortunately, her chirps of protest went unheeded as Hinoka's attention was pulled away by another food booth.

"Crap! I didn't realize they'd have takoyaki too! Man, that smells good. I know you said you weren't that hungry, but would you mind if I grab some for myself? We could just sit and relax while I eat. My treat, of course."

"…" Miyami resigned herself. Embarrassment warming her face with a nod.

Of all the things to eat, she supposed takoyaki wasn't that bad. She was rather fond of the taste.

Her eyes drifted to the stall in question as they arrived, the scent of grilling octopus and dough tantalizing. Steam rose from the metal grillpan as the chef, a portly man in a stained apron, was busy at work, flipping and turning the balls with a practiced hand.

A smile, a louder than average request, and a moment later, a full dish of the food was secured in the shorter girl's grasp.

Hinoka led the two of them away from the bustling crowd and into a slightly quieter corner of the park, handing a pair of chopsticks to her partner.

"Feel free to dig in. It's more enjoyable when eaten together anyway."

"…"

The penguin gave a polite bow as she accepted the sticks, then sat down on the bench. The takoyaki was piping hot, and she carefully blew on the one she'd picked up to nibble on.

"!" She flinched, the crispy exterior and gooey center making her mouth water despite sacrificing a few tastebuds to the heat.

"Hehe, somebody got a little impatient, didn't they? The trick is to stick a hole in it first and then blow in there. That way you can cool it down faster—"

Her partner demonstrated firsthand. However, her cheeks puffed up immediately upon plopping the 'cooled down' ball of batter in her mouth. She awkwardly juggled the food with her tongue and exhaled rapidly to cool the still seething remnants.

Miyami giggled.

"S-shut up! That was a fluke!" The girl swallowed and grabbed another from the dish, blowing on then popping it in her mouth with the same method.

"MMMMGH!"

The dark-haired girl's shoulders shook with suppressed amusement as a duplicate result occurred, only this time a bit more audible, and with Hinoka's face taking on the same red as her kimono.

A few moments of cooling, chewing, and swallowing later, the shorter girl was left to pout.

"…" Miyami reached over and patted her head. She could feel the softness of the other's hair through her hand, the heat of her skin, and a bit of sweat—likely a prize from her girlfriend's battle with the takoyaki.

"D-don' gi'e meh you' pity!" Her partner grumbled, tongue lulling slightly out of her mouth. She didn't move to stop her though, and the taller girl continued to comfort her, not unlike how one might do for a cat.

A hmph. "Okay, that's enough."

*fwap!*

She lightly swatted at Miyami's hand, the woman still unable to suppress her smile.

"…Did you want me to grab us some drinks?" The penguin offered, hoping that her voice would finally be heard now that things had settled.

Alas, her query was ignored again, but not because of volume. "N-no. I got this! Third time's the charm, right?"

"…"

Miyami watched her girlfriend pick a third piece, chopstick piercing the exterior. The persistent woman blew into it several more times, ejecting steam from within. Then, once she was certain it was fine, Hinoka popped it in her mouth with confidence, chewing slowly.

"…"

"…" Miyami tilted her head.

"…" The other girl chewed some more—

"MMMHGH!" —Only to suffer a third time, coughing and fanning her mouth. "D-dammit! How the hell do they stay so hot inside?!"

The dark-haired girl snorted, slowly standing up.

"I'm going to get us something to drink now. You mind honeydew tea?"

"Wh-wha?" The other girl looked up at her confused. "Sure, I guess. But I thought I'd be the one to lead and guide you through the festival—"

An exhale as she cut herself off. "Um, sorry. That sounds great. Thanks."

Miyami leaned down, pressing her lips to her girlfriend's forehead before turning to leave. "I appreciate you looking out for me, but sometimes, this senpai has to step up, right?"

A sputter. "Ahem, well, uh…"

"I'll be back soon. Just try and keep yourself from burning your tongue off, okay~?"

*thwak*

The dark-haired girl nearly yelped as the cat swatted her butt.

Shooting back a mortified glare, she shuffled onward, nursing her wounded pride and posterior. Thankfully, it didn't take long until she was back amongst the crowd.

*blink*

It took a moment to register, but there were so many people in comparison to earlier. The festival was a turbulent sea of color and bodies now, packed enough to make it hard to find an opening amidst the thrum.

But the penguin stayed on task, refusing to let herself get overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the atmosphere.

*inhale*

Then dived in, nudging through a sudden gap.

She needed to get those drinks.

Channeling her inner strength within the current, she cautiously summoned forth Chibi Hinoka from the depths of her psyche to assist. The impish sprite gave her the most confident smirk possible at the request, before acquiescing and solidifying her thoughts into a straightforward quest.

• • • • • • • • ✧MISSION✧ • • • • • • • •

⊳ GOAL: Quench thirst and satiate girlfriend

─ TYPE: Fetch

─ RANK: ★★★☆☆

─ OBJECTIVE: Obtain a tapioca tea of your choice and one honeydew melon. Return to girlfriend.

─ REWARD: A happy Hinoka.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

*♪ MISSION START! ♪*

Miyami's eyes darted to and from each stand in the lane, using her height to bob over heads and shoulders. All the while, her mental cheerleader pointed out potential leads as she navigated the hazardous strait.

'Come on, Miyami! You can do this!'

She nodded, finally spotting a promising island, and made a beeline to the nearest tea stand, adrenaline pumping. The popup was a simple wooden structure, decorated with paper lanterns that emitted a dim glow of light.

Her hands clenched into fists. This was it! The refreshment destination of her desires. Miyami straightened her posture, donned her most confident face, and displayed a light smile, vaguely modeled after her partner's signature smirk. Step by step took her closer, until finally—

"…"

—she stood in line, patiently.

"…"

"…"

"Next customer please!"

*shuffle-shuffle*

"…"

"…"

"Next customer please!"

*shuffle-shuffle*

"…"

"…"

Victory was in sight. Just ten more people to go!

***

By the time Miyami held her precious cargo, she was exhausted, the two drinks seeping cold through her hands. One of the cups was filled with strawberry red and tapioca bubbles, the other green. Both looked refreshingly delicious.

*♪ MISSION HALF-WAY ACCOMPLISHED ♪*

Now it was time to get back to her partner.

Chibi Hinoka returned to the mindscape as Miyami stepped into the crowd, maneuvering as deftly as she could past obstacles. A raised power cord cover, a group of middle-schoolers, a mother with a baby carriage, a middle-aged man in a vest—

*fwump!*

"A-ah, excuse me!" Miyami blurted, narrowly avoiding colliding with a young man. She struggled to keep both herself and the drinks upright but thankfully managed it. The stranger, a businessman in work-clothes despite the weekend, gave her a weird look during the wobble.

"…"

He didn't say anything, but he did stare at her for a few good seconds before walking off.

*thump-thump*

The dark-haired girl's anxiety spiked slightly as she watched him disappear into the sea of people. For a moment, she'd been transported back to her old office, judgmental gazes and all, but the feeling quickly subsided.

*glug, glug, glug, gulp*

A swig of strawberry matcha tea calmed her down. That was fine. It was nothing to worry about. He'd probably just been upset she'd nearly ran into him, not scrutinizing her gender.

*glug, glug*

Another few sips to refuel her courage and stamina bar. Then she was back off to the bench, eyes darting around in search of her girlfriend as her feet carried her to the edge of the crowd.

Where was she?

Perception heightened as she squinted her eyes, scanning again for the bench and partner. The shorter girl's streaked hair should've stood out amongst the rest of the park. However, despite her best efforts, she was nowhere to be seen.

Wait, no. There!

Miyami spotted a flash of the familiar figure, and she happily shuffled forward. But as her vision focused, she froze, realizing that her target was blocked in on her perch.

By two strangers.

Men.

One was tall and muscular, his short-cropped hair and broad shoulders making him look like a recruit in the defense force. The other was shorter and skinnier, with messy black hair that fell over his eyes. They had a youthful aura about them, like they were just out of high school.

The two were clearly trying to engage in conversation with her partner in firmly loud voices, despite Hinoka's very evident annoyance.

"Come on, what do you mean? You're here alone, right? Let us treat ya to something!"

"No, jackass. Go away. I have a date!"

"Psh, if your date left you then he must've been a failure of a man. Take a look at us, you have your pick of two winners!"

Teeth ground. "I'm a lesbian, you idiots. My GIRLFRIEND will be back soon, so just get lost. I'm not interested!"

"Hey, don't be mean! We're just trying to—" Heads turned toward her shuffling.

*thud*

*fwip, plop*

Miyami's body moved on its own, heart pounding and heat rushing to her head as she placed down the drinks on the bench. The pair of men looked up at her and stared, pupils locking onto her like chauvinist tapioca.

"Uh, can we help you?"

"…" The woman's cheeks were red and puffed, fists clenched at her sides. Nervousness was wracking through her nervous system like an out-of-control freight train, but she hoped her upset expression was clear enough to see.

"Y-you need to stop." Vocal cords strained to push the words through. "I-I'm her girlfriend, so leave, please."

Silence descended upon the area as all three parties stared at her. Miyami felt her heart thump hard, bashing against her ribcage like an enraged animal.

Then, the taller of the two strangers broke it with a snort. "Really? That's your girlfriend?"

His companion followed suit. "Crap. I mean, she's pretty cute and all, but—"

"She's made the point clear. So go eat shit."

Both winced at the fiery lady, who'd finally gotten up to wrap an arm around Miyami. The dark-haired girl tensed slightly under the pressure, but the warmth was reassuring enough to soothe some of her nerves.

There was obvious uncertainty in their stances now. The two men exchanged glances, bravado faltering as they looked from Hinoka to Miyami.

She sagged a little in relief. Good, that should be enough to make them—

"Mm, we don't judge. We're fine with sharing a four-way if you're down."

"…"

"…" Both girls blinked, dumbfounded at the gross response.

Then Hinoka tensed up beside her, muscles stiffening. Miyami quickly foresaw physical retaliation in the immediate future, and squeezed her partner's hand, silently pleading for her to stand down before confronting the two troublemakers instead.

"Y-you're making both of us uncomfortable. Please, stop."

Anxiety wrapped around her throat to suffocate her, but she refused to be silent. She needed to speak her mind despite her wavering voice, not just for her sake, but for Hinoka's as well.

"I-it's clear you're both young, so maybe you just don't know any better, b-but it's still not okay!"

A breath. "I-I don't know what's going on with you, if you're just bored, or looking for a fight, or even actually trying to be nice, b-but leave us alone. Please?"

Contemplation.

The two boys exchanged glances again for several moments. However, before long, they started eyeing the couple again, some type of idiocy still squiggling around in their heads.

"Look, we just wanna talk." A light smile. "You won't know if you don't try at least once, right?"

Miyami's eyes widened as the tall one outstretched his hand toward Hinoka—

"LEAVE MY GIRLFRIEND ALONE!!!"

"…"

Muteness enraptured the scene, the raw, unmistakably masculine quality in her voice hitting them like a grenade.

*murmur*

"…!"

She tensed up. Eyes were on her now. A few festivalgoers had turned to see the spectacle from the main path.

Her breathing grew rapid, and blood drained from her face, but she continued very slowly in the aftermath, stressing every syllable.

"Leave us alone. Or do you want me to shout even louder?"

Both boys stared at her in disgusted terror.

"D-damn crossdresser!"

Then they fled into the sea, retreating as fast as they could.