Chapter 14 - Takashi's Truth

The group make their way back to Haruko's home after all the investigating, Minami letting them into the home with her spare key.

They regrouped in the living room and sit around on the couch. "Today was pretty productive, even if we didn't find much." Minami announces.

Takashi nods in agreement to that statement, "There wasn't much we could work off of, we don't know where they found that body yet so..." he sighed. "Even the whole drug supply thing is a dud, none of us know where to get it outside of the Ishikawas."

"What's the outcome from the forensic lab?" Minami asks Shizuka, whom was glancing at her phone.

"Nothing just yet, I told them to hold off on sending anything digitally." Shizuka admitted, "I will be visiting them on my own time to get the information in person, so there would be no risk of tampering with the research."

"So trusting..." Yukiko mocked, rolling her eyes. "Did Haruko say anything recently? How's her date?" she looks to Minami, if anyone were to get a message it would be her.

"Nothing recently." Minami shook her head. "They watched a movie, I know that but that's about it. It's alright, she's on a date let her have her fun." she hummed. "What could we do next?"

"I do think we should find the supposed 'club' Kadori had mentioned in her recollection of the Ishikawa and those men." Shizuka grumbles, rubbing at her chin thoughtfully. "We've done enough for today though, until we get more evidence or leads we can just proceed as usual."

"I guess we can just wait for Haruko to come home then, make sure she gets here safely." Minami suggests to the group, gaining nods of confirmation from the other three. "Let me go get some drinks, we can just chill here." she offered as she stood up to go the kitchen.

"I'll help you, Mina." Yukiko spoke up, she got up from where she sat and follows after Minami, leaving Takashi alone with Shizuka.

"...."

"...."

The silence felt deadly between them, and not in a good way. Takashi was unaware of that though and offered a kind smile at her, "Good work today, Uehara. You've been very diligent throughout this whole thing, it's very respectable." he complimented.

"I didn't ask for your opinion." Shizuka deadpanned. "I am always diligent, I don't need you telling me that to feel good about myself when it's a known fact." she huffs, there's an underlying coldness in her tone.

"I-I'm just saying..." Takashi rubs the back of his neck sheepishly, "It's an attractive trait of yours."

"Did you just call her attractive?" Yukiko gagged, walking back in with some drinks. Minami following behind her, "What the hell is wrong with you...?"

"The trait, the trait is a-attractive." Takashi flushed red at the accusation.

"She has no attractive trait, the only attractive thing she can do is keep her mouth shut." Yukiko stated bluntly, sipping at the cup of water she had made.

"Oh, how sweet. I can say the same thing about you." Shizuka sneered.

Minami grew a bit nervous when she realized that they might start fighting again. She was relieved when she heard keys jingling at the front door and soft chatter. "Oh thank God... Haruko's home..." she put her drink down on the coffee table and stood up to greet her at the door so she didn't have to deal with the other three.

"I...I'm home." Haruko called out quietly.

"You're home! Welcome back." Minami greeted her, she came around the corner and was surprised to see four women with her instead of one. "Oh, your date multiplied??" she asks.

Minami knew Haruko was getting popular recently, but she didn't think she would get this popular, then again she didn't want to assume that all of them were interested in her like that. But she wanted to be supporting of her best friend so she decided to treat it playfully.

"The date turned into a hang out with my date and her best friends so..." Haruko admitted, trailing off, she motions to Chizuru first before going down the line just as they were making their way to the living room. "You already know Chizuru, beside her are; Airi Saito, Hana Sato, and Lil--"

"Lily...???" Takashi called out, coughing harshly with that. Minami, Shizuka and Yukiko glanced at him in confusion and surprise.

"Well, well, well..." The woman, Lily raised a brow at him before furrowing them in slight annoyance. "Isn't that something... and Shizuka is here too?" she glared between the two.

"Y-You know each other???" Yukiko asks now, she grabs Takashi's arm with a baffled expression. Usually they knew a lot about one another, so who was this woman?

"Know? We've dated." Lily admitted, dropping a bombshell over them. She glared solely at Takashi.

"Wasn't Chisako your only ex...??" Yukiko turns to him, desperate for confirmation. That was all she knew, she knew Chisako was his ex, that they broke up because of an argument, but that was it.

Her fists tense anxiously when she notices the guilty expression on him.

"Would you believe me if I said she was the other woman?" Lily's gaze had not changed, it was just as intense as when she first noticed him. "How fitting, she broke up with you? I expected none the less from a girl who didn't deserve the same treatment I got."

"Takashi....??" Minami gasps.

"You..." Shizuka started, her fists trembling. She stood up and faced him angrily, "You're the guy that cheated on Lily...." she hissed.

"I-I-- listen, I didn't-- it's complicated..." Takashi tried. "I didn't want to hurt you badly... we didn't go to the same schools and Chisako was just--... she was there."

"Oh, so I wasn't there for you? Funny how you want to say that and yet you still wanted to hide me from everyone. " Lily scoffed. "You only cared about soccer, attention, and having your way with women." she deadpanned before hooking her arm with Haruko's. "But never mind that, I'm not here to validate your ego or self-esteem. Haruko invited us over, so I will be with her like I intended."

"E-Eh?" Haruko looks up in surprise, she was in the midst of figuring the situation out. The whole thing was baffling, especially for someone who played the game on the outside, where there weren't a lot of details.

"Show us to your room?" Lily suggests when Haruko looks her way.

"O-Oh uhh..."

"What's wrong? Were you just all talk on the way here? No bite?" Lily teased playfully, "I did say you could end up with all of us if you play your cards right~"

"Ah..." Haruko flushes when Lily kisses her cheek softly.

"Woah, no." Takashi shook his head when he saw that. "You can't just do that, get revenge on me like this. She can't just take my ex like this..."

"Are we ex's?" Lily snapped at him harshly. "I don't remember having a proper break up."

Takashi took a moment to think back on it, his shoulders slumping when he realized that he kind of just... ghosted her when he got with Chisako. "O...Oh... No..." he mumbled softly, suddenly feeling small.

"Did we not have a proper break up? Oh, my apologies Hasegawa." Lily hums, she lets go of Haruko and faces him directly. "I'm breaking up with you." she said blandly before turning to Haruko with a smile. "You room?"

"R...Right..." Haruko coughs awkwardly, she motions up the stairs for them to follow. She stops when Lily made a sudden stop to turn around again.

"One more thing, you should pick up a book on how to satisfy a woman; physically and mentally. It's so tiring having to fake it all the time around a man whose only concerned with himself." Lily tells him directly, Haruko wincing at the venom spilling off of her words. "Think about that if you're going to date again, I wouldn't want the next woman to suffer."

"I--" Takashi started, watching as Yukiko and Shizuka begin to follow after them. "W-Where are you going??" he asks wearily.

"Stay here..." Yukiko frowns, hurrying up the stairs.

"Ouch..." Minami pats his shoulder awkwardly. "Uh... I can't really support this behavior. You kind of messed this one up by cheating in the first place."

"Ugh... I know..."

*

Haruko lets the women into her room, motioning for them to sit on her bed. "I-I'm so sorry... I didn't know about your background with Takashi..." she said awkwardly, rubbing her arm anxiously. 'Was that the argument Chisako and Takashi had... did she find out he was cheating on her...??'

"You wouldn't have known, it's alright Haruko." Lily shook her head, she pats at the open spot between her and Hana. Haruko taking it timidly. "I'm surprised you're friends with him??"

"I um... we met through mutual a mutual friend so..."

"That makes more sense."

"I-I can't believe this... you dated my brother...?" Yukiko was still in disbelief, staring at Lily. "Someone like you...??"

"Oh, you're his younger twin sister, right?" Lily asks, glancing at her. "I've heard so much about you, but I've never met you properly."

"I-I'm Yukiko Hasegawa..." Yukiko says, introducing herself properly.

"A pleasure. I figured he was still keeping me a secret from his family and friends." Lily huffs.

"He would, his close friends are probably the only ones that know about this." Chizuru scoffed in annoyance.

"And you, Shizuka? You're related somehow?"

"Co...Cousins...." Shizuka answered hesitantly, wanting to keep up her act while they were still an alliance. She gagged at the thought of being related to the cheater, but there was no turning back if more people were going to know about their relation to one another. "I'm more friends with Haruko though, so..."

"I see... so this is where you've been, huh? Small world." Lily mused, staring at Shizuka now.

"I-I knew about a guy cheating on you back then, I just didn't expect it to be him..." Shizuka held her head low, realizing how it may look to an outsider's perspective. "I'm sorry..."

"You didn't know your cousin was dating Lily?" Chizuru frowned. "Then again, you wouldn't, huh? You're never interested in what's happening with us..."

"You're one to talk, you saw us the other day..."Shizuka hissed at her.

"I don't care for boys. Of course I paid no attention to him." Chizuru scoffed, "I had my sights on Haruko, do you not see her??"

"You saw us the first time with him and his stupid friends." Yukiko reminded in annoyance. Haruko remembers that happening as well.

"It slipped my mind once I saw Haruko... obviously I was distracted..." Chizuru whines.

"Distracted by what??" Haruko asks, clueless.

"Goodness, I love the oblivious types." Chizuru sighs in awe, she crawls over to hug Haruko from behind, nuzzling her back cutely.

"Ahem..." Yukiko clears her throat to get their attention again. "I-I'm sorry for my brother's stupidity..." she tried, looking at Lily.

"Please. Don't apologize, you didn't do anything wrong, it was him." Lily grumbles, she leans against Haruko's body, pouting. "My mood is ruined from seeing that guy..."

"S-Should I take you home??" Haruko offered, she looks at the time. "Oh shoot, I didn't check the time before we got here. Will your parents be okay with you staying out so late?? I know you girls mentioned that they were kind of protective over you..."

"Don't worry too much about it. As long as we give them a heads up about what we're doing and let them know we're somewhere safe, our parents could care less if we stay out late. We're all adults, it's fine." Airi shrugs.

"Ah, that's good. Then I can have you all to myself." Haruko said unconsciously, her smile radiating innocence. "I like having people over sometimes, it's better than being alone."

“You give me the word and I'll move in with you, Haruko.” Chizuru swooned. “In a heartbeat, I'll have my family's helpers bring my things over right now.”

“Goodness, show some restraint.” Hana giggles in amusement at Chizuru's forwardness.

“Allow us to start some dinner since you'll be staying over for a bit, it's about time for that.” Shizuka offered to the women on the bed, “Yukiko, Haruko, come with me.” She motioned.

“Ehh, can't you leave her?” Chizuru whines, clinging to Haruko.

“No, I need to talk to them… privately.” Shizuka grumbles, she grabs Yukiko's arm and tugs her outside.

Haruko stood up right after, about to follow them. “Oh! Um, feel free to watch whatever on my TV. I-I'll be back??” She scrambles to follow the others, shutting the door behind her and going down the stairs to the kitchen.

She stands by Minami who was awkwardly watching from the side as Shizuka glared at the twins in front of her. “Just when I thought my hatred for you couldn't get any worse, we learn about this shit…” Shizuka hissed, “You're the one that cheated on Lily…”

“I–” Takashi had no room to speak.

“Chisako was right, you only say things that make yourself look better.” Shizuka continued angrily, “She had every right to break up with you just now.”

“Let's try and calm down.” Minami tries, going for a soft approach. Haruko walks over and rests a comforting hand on Shizuka's shoulder, trying to hold her back from hitting anyone.

“No! You don't understand how angry this makes me…” Shizuka shook her head, leaning into Haruko's hold. “Lily was so sad when she caught them… she told me everything, you lying prick. She gave you everything and you took it for granted.”

She scoffs when Yukiko stood between them, her arms outstretched protectively as she faced Shizuka.

“What…? What are you going to say now…?” Shizuka crossed her arms, she wasn't surprised by the outcome. “You really want to support him after putting all the pieces together? After figuring out why Chisako treated him so badly in the first place…?”

“I…” Yukiko didn't know how to argue with her, she didn't know what to say. She lowered her gaze in defeat, realizing how bad it was. “Drop it. You don't have to like him, you never liked him to begin with and have made your point. We're here as a group for one reason and one reason only… so drop his problems and leave him alone. And he won't bother with yours.” she said, referring to Lily.

“Yuki…” Takashi stared at her hopefully.

“Don't… I– don't look to me for help either… I don't know how to feel about all of this.” Yukiko rubs at her arm in discomfort. “That… doing that to them is so disgusting…”

“Please… can we all just– calm down??” Haruko pleaded with them, looking between the three wearily. “I'm sorry, this wouldn't have happened if I hadn't brought them here…” she was apologetic that their own group was falling from within, but at the same time… this was a much needed revelation. She's been curious about Takashi's character for some time.

“This is your home, you have every right to bring over whoever you want…” Shizuka grumbles.

“But still…” She still felt guilty about it. Sure she had no clue of the bad blood between Lily and Takashi up until now, but she couldn't help but feel she was responsible for all the fighting today.

“Let's just- let's try and move on for now…” Minami suggested between the four. “You three just separate for now, Shizuka you go hang out with your friends in Haruko's room and you two sit in the living room to take a breather.” She motions. “Haruko and I will make something for all of us to eat.”

“Fine… I think that would be for the best…” Shizuka sighs heavily, she smooths out the wrinkles in her clothes. “Take your time, I will try to keep them entertained.”

They part and go their separate ways in the home, Yukiko opting to watch Haruko and Minami make something to take a breather away from Takashi.

*

After the awkward dinner, everyone was about ready to leave. They were sitting around in the living room for a bit to digest.  “Invite us over any time.” Hana tells Haruko with a kind smile, patting her cheek softly. "Perhaps alone?~"

“I will… I-If I'm allowed to contact you, of course.” Haruko became timid under their gazes.

“You might as well, you do have our numbers.” Airi giggled.

“Text me anytime.” Lily hums, she reaches out curiously and touches Haruko's hair. “Be truthful, Haruko. Do you have a girlfriend?”

“Eh??”

“Someone like you, must be taken already. I find it almost impossible that no one has snatched you up already.”

“Oh Goodness no, not me.” Haruko shook her head. She was speaking from experience on both parts, “I-I have been going on dates with other people though.” She admitted truthfully. “Chizuru actually asked me on a date when I was on one with Yukiko.”

“R-Really???” Chizuru looked at Yukiko apologetically.

“Ah. Don't worry about it, we can just reschedule. You weren't the first person to interrupt our date anyways.” Yukiko merely shrugged.

“When have you rescheduled? I wouldn’t want to overwhelm her by accidentally scheduling a date on the same day.”

“We haven't discussed anything yet, I was hoping next weekend… but we'll have to see if anything else comes up.”

"I see, please let her know to inform me if so."

“Is this not her cheating on them…??” Takashi spoke up suddenly, gaining a surprised look from Minami and Haruko. “She's practically meeting different women for dates. Why isn't anyone calling her out??”

“She just admitted she wasn’t exclusive with anyone.” Lily deadpanned. “And I'm pretty sure all parties are aware of each other. She said it herself that she's going on dates with other people. Told us the truth… you on the other hand, were exclusive and decided to lie about it to be exclusive with another woman… a big difference between the two, huh?”

Haruko was still baffled hearing about it, but it was making sense as to why Chisako would never date him again. 'But in the game she was still an option... just a complicated route. Is it because I'm an NPC learning more about Takashi's actual character?'

'The more I uncover, the more the story changes... it's going to be complicated to find him a love interest now with this information...' She frowns slightly. 'This is not going to be easy... how do I make him charming...' 

"I'm a bit awestruck that you both seem okay with her going on dates with the other?" Minami added in, looking between Yukiko and Chizuru. 

"I'm open to her dating anyone, like it was said, she's not exclusive. As long as she's truthful about it, I don't see a problem." Chizuru smiles. "Yukiko seemed alright with this arrangement as well, sooo..."

"I-I shouldn't stop her from meeting others...and I'm sure it's vice-versa if I ever want to go out with someone else--" Yukiko started.

"Which should be never." Shizuka added in. 

"-- we're all adults." Yukiko deadpanned, glaring at Shizuka harshly for her comment. 'To be fair, she's supposed to be meeting other people anyways... like the Ishikawa-kai and Chisako, it's not like I can interfere with the mission...' Yukiko thought. 

"Then you two wouldn't mind if I took her for a day then~" Lily says playfully. "And you Shizu? Are you also going on dates with Haruko?"

"What? N-No... I still have a boyfriend." Shizuka shook her head, somewhat surprised by her question, she grew timid.

"Ugh, you're still with that guy?" Chizuru rolled her eyes. "Dump him already."

"That's weird. I never asked for your opinion, and yet you still try to give it to me like I'm going to listen." Shizuka scoffed, "Isn't it time for you four to go home already?" She crosses her arms, a frown on her face. 

"It's barely dark out."

"I know, but get lost anyways."

"UGH!!" Chizuru huffs, Airi and Hana trying to calm her down before she throws anything at Shizuka. The two aware of how Chizuru gets sometimes. 

"Um... can anyone pick you girls up?" Haruko asks suddenly, she remembered what they had discussed earlier about a student being found dead. Not wanting to take any chances. 

"Not me, unfortunately." Lily sighs. "My parents practically live at their jobs." 

"I would offer for you to stay over but you could probably just get one of them to drop you off, or a helper to pick you up, right?" Haruko motions to her other friends. 'She could also just stay at one of their places...'

"I can take her home~" Hana starts, she pauses when Lily holds up a hand to stop her.

"I'll stay here." Lily says, smiling softly.

"Eh??" Shizuka gapes, looking up in confusion at her. "Why would you want to stay here??"

"Haruko offered, so I'm taking it." Lily giggles. "Obviously. Come on, Shiichan, let me enjoy the night a little."

"'Shiichan'..." Minami shared a look with Haruko, repeating the name in awe. 

"L-Lily...!" Shizuka flushed red when Minami and Haruko repeated her nickname outloud. "I-I told you not to call me that...!" she scolded.

"Oh please, it's adorable." Lily hums at the reaction she got. "You girls can go home, I will stay here." she tells the other three women.

"Don't keep her all to yourself." Chizuru pouted, clinging to Haruko's arm.

"You give me too much credit, Chizuru. Unlike you, I have some restraint."

"Well, let's get ready to head out then." Airi suggests, the group getting out of their seats to head to the front door. Haruko watching quietly as they change into their shoes and such. 

"H...Haruko, can I talk to you?" Takashi asks quietly, the others talking amongst themselves about other things.

"Sure." Haruko nodded, 'This is weird... I wonder what's up...?' She follows him to the side, a bit away from the others so he can speak his mind. 

"You don't have to be nice to her, tell her to go home." Takashi said, she assumed he was suggesting it but it sounded more like a demand. "She's probably doing this to get back at me for... you know." he huffs, leaning against the wall with a frown. 

"Are you uncomfortable?"

"Is it wrong if I am?" Takashi began to rub the back of his neck, "Truthfully, it's kind of... weird, watching my ex-girlfriend flirt with you..."

'What?' Haruko gave him a weird look. "Takashi... I-- Chisako and I have been flirting this whole time?" She was confused, "Was I not supposed to do that either? I'm sorry..."

"No, it's not-- I could care less about Chisako, she was a huge bitch. But I cared a lot about Lily..." Takashi admitted. "And I care about you... I just don't feel comfortable watching this play out??"

'Does he not hear himself right now...? Who is playing him...' Haruko clears her throat and shakes her head, "Takashi, Chisako is not a bitch..." she said, "She was mean to you, and we now know why. You can't blame her for treating you that way after that whole thing."

"I just... be careful around her." Takashi shook his head, "I don't want you getting hurt in the end."

"I understand that, thank you for worrying." Haruko nodded. "Also, I know I don't have to let her stay. I'm aware of what I can or can't do. Just-- you have nothing to worry about, okay??"

Takashi sighs, "Okay, I'm just making sure... thanks for listening."

They head back to where the others are, Takashi choosing to stand behind Yukiko quietly. 

"I should take my cousins home now." Shizuka pointed out, "Before it gets too dark."

"Our rides should be here soon as well. Will you be okay, Lily? We have classes tomorrow morning." Hana reminded her, "I'm still open to letting you stay over."

"It'll be alright, Hana. But if you could please get me in the morning, with some clothes." Lily giggles. 

"Fine, fine." Hana chuckles, she walks over to Haruko and places a teasing finger on her chest. "Next time, It's my turn to stay over. Okay, Haruko?~" she smiles playfully.

"Y-Yes..." Haruko nods in agreement. She escorted the group out when their rides get there. Watching them leave with Lily beside her.

Takashi glances back briefly to see Lily clinging to Haruko's arm. He frowns but shakes that off, following Shizuka and Yukiko into the car. 

*

Haruko enters the home again with Lily following behind her. "So um... I guess you could take one of the guest rooms?" she offered to Lily awkwardly. 

"Hm... can I sleep with you instead?" Lily asks suddenly.

"I-I mean, if that's what you'd like, I wouldn't mind." Haruko nodded, she leads her to her room again and offers some clothes that Lily could sleep in. "You can wear these. Do you want to shower first?"

"Ah, thank you. If that's alright?"

"Go ahead." 

Haruko watches her go into the bathroom with the clothes, she sits at the edge of the bed feeling a bit awkward. She reviews what had happened, and it was just too much honestly.

'Takashi always seemed like a good protagonist whenever I played the game... wait...' Haruko pauses when she thought about dating sim mechanics. 'He's projected on the player's choices... our choices determine the paths we're able to go down...'

"Was there ever a path that made Takashi a bad guy...?" She grumbles, she was in the middle of taking notes on her phone. 'I could never make the bad choices, even if I wanted to 100% the game achievements... I always had a difficult time treating the girls badly...'

‘But wait, are they purposely making bad choices or are they only given them because of my interference…? He hasn't been able to make any connections with the others up until now…’

But is that truly Haruko's fault…?

Just who is playing the game right now…??

"Is everything alright?" Haruko jumps in surprise when Lily appears in front of her face. Leaning in closely. "You look so serious." she giggles.

Haruko backs up, falling back into her bed. "Woah!" she gasps, "Y-You're back...?" she clears her throat, sitting back up. 

"I was gone a while, but I suppose you were so focused on your phone you hadn't noticed." Lily sat beside her, "Everything alright?" she asks again. 

"U-Uh, yea, yea..."

"Doesn't look like it is..." Lily hums, "Let me guess, did Takashi warn you to be careful of me? Because I'm 'using' you to get back at him?"

"E-Ehhh??"

"Typical. He would think that way." 

"You're not though, right...?" Lily didn't seem like the type to do so, it seems that she moved on already. 

"Of course not, silly." Lily shook her head. "I just wanted to enjoy my time here with you... how we enjoy it in the end though is entirely up to you~"

"I-I mean, we could watch something on Metflix?" Haruko offers with a sheepish grin. "L-Let me just was my body as well." she stood up to grab some clothes to take along with her, her heart pounding. 

She was nervous, that was a given. 

Her shower didn't take that long, she tried not to prolong it for too long and leave Lily alone. She makes her way back into the room to see Lily was sitting on the bed, playing with her phone.

"Welcome back." Lily smiles, "So you were saying about watching something?"

"Yea... we can chill and watch a movie on Metflix..." Haruko offered again, sitting beside her. 

"Metflix and Chill, already? Are you sure I'm the one Takashi is supposed to be worried about here?" Lily asks in a teasing tone. 

Haruko realizes what she meant and became flustered right away, "I-I-I didn't mean anything like that, I-I wouldn't-- we just met today and all..." she rambles. 'God, I forgot that was a phrase people used for hooking up....' 

"I'm just kidding, of course. You're so fun to tease." Lily smiles, she motions for Haruko to come closer. "Watching something is an idea, but I'd prefer having intimate talks instead." 

Haruko shuffles closer, surprised when Lily tackles her down onto the bed. She rests on top of Haruko, laying her head on her chest gently. "L-Lily...??"

"Just getting comfy.... Shiichan explained that you helped her when she got caught in the middle of some delinquents fighting?" Lily hums. 

'Oh, do they not know of Shizuka's affiliation with her syndicate...? I suppose because they're friends from school..' Haruko keeps her hands to her side, not wanting to touch her anywhere she wasn't supposed to. Because, God knows this game loves it's fanservice. "I saw her in the middle of some delinquents and got in a fight with them to protect her..." she lied, technically... those delinquents were Shizuka's delinquents after all...

"Thank you for protecting her." Lily hoists herself up a little to stare up at Haruko. "She acts tough, but really... she's a total softie."

"Were you close to her...?"

"We're childhood friends." Lily admitted, "I want to say we're close but I wouldn't know how she feels about me. You can tell she has quite the reputation when it comes to friendships..." she sighs, laying her head back down on Haruko's chest.

"... I think she cares about you. A lot." Haruko mumbles softly, she thinks back to Shizuka earlier. "She was scolding her cousin when you girls were in here..."

"I figured she was..." 

Haruko ponders, wondering why Shizuka didn't know it was Takashi in the first place considering how close she seemed to be with Lily. "She didn't know it was him?"

"I never really told anyone, until after the whole cheating thing happened... Takashi didn't want anyone knowing I suppose... I just wanted to respect that." Lily says in a lower tone, grumbling into her chest. She sighs heavily, "I was a fool, falling in love with someone like that..."

"Love is..." Haruko trails off, she has no right to speak on it but she at least wanted to try and comfort her. ".. it's a fickle thing. Love is complicated in all aspects."

"... You know, he was alright in the beginning. I really thought he cared about me." 

"What happened...?"

"He started asking for things I was uncomfortable with, he was persistent on getting those things. And he would always, I don't know... downplay my worth, my likes, my abilities."

'He did the same thing to Chisako... and Yukiko...' Haruko frowns, she remembers the first time she became friends with Yukiko. She wasn't confident in her abilities at all and always brought up how Takashi was better at things than her. "I... I never really thought he'd be like that.."

"Valid. You just met him recently."

"Maybe he's changed?"

"Even if he did, I'll never give him a second chance."

Haruko tenses, Chisako said the same thing apparently. So the complicated love options weren't available then. "What about friends...?"

"If only it were that easy." Lily sighs, she rolls off of Haruko's chest to lay on her arm instead. The woman flushed against her side. "My feelings... they're complicated but I know I don't ever want to deal with him again."

"I'm sure things will work out for you..." Haruko offered a slight smile, she pushes a strand of hair out of Lily's face. "You can find someone better for you, someone that'll appreciate you more."

"Thank you, Haruko. Shall we head to bed? You must be tired after your date with Chizuru, and this whole thing that happened afterwards." Lily asks, she leans in closer to Haruko staring into her blue orbs. 

"I'm truly sorry for bringing you two together. I-- I just want you to know that." Haruko grumbles, she rests their foreheads against one another. "I don't know you well, but I know that you didn't deserve that. You're the type of woman that men would grovel to the ground for..." she sighs, shutting her eyes. "I-- let's just sleep today off..."

She was unaware of it but a pink beating heart had appeared above Lily's head. Lily's face becoming red from what she had just claimed. "M...Maybe I'll find someone that could help me forget..."

"I'm sure you will. I can believe that..." Haruko yawns,  "Well... Goodnight, Lily..." she grumbles tiredly, dozing off to sleep.

"Maybe... she's closer than we thought..." Lily mumbles, noticing Haruko was already asleep. She cuddles into her closely, dozing off as well in the other woman's arms. 

"Goodnight, Haruko..."