Butterflies Are Everywhere (Part 2)

Even though me and Hajime were spending time in what was basically my suburb, I wasn’t too acquainted with the scenery around us as I rarely went out of my way to explore places unfamiliar to me. In most cases, I felt inclined to use the shortest possible route to go home straight away after school was over. Thus, when my companion had suggested the nearby park as our next destination after I had come back from my supposed bathroom break, I had nothing against it.

The freshness of our environment was not only figurative: the park, gilded by the afternoon sun, was flowing with lush life and atmosphere alike. Under the clear sky, our view was nothing short of vibrant.

However, I had no time for secondary senses such as sight or hearing. The delicate clasp of my companion’s hand in mine was all I could focus on.

I couldn’t believe I was holding hands with Neri-nee! For all those times I had verbally and vocally expressed my desperate longing to embrace her lovingly in my arms, have her lean her head on my shoulder or play with her hair – all of those things were mine to keep now as long as Hajime consented to whatever I dared to ask.

But I was too hesitant to ask for anything. A perfect chance had fallen right into my lap but it was exactly because it was so close that I couldn’t grab a hold of it! The opportunity was so heavy my hands were being crushed under the weight of it.

Luckily, we were both victims of the same dilemma: Hajime had an understanding of my needs as if it were a meeting of minds. Without even having to go through the trouble of asking, she had taken my hand as soon as we had exited the mall and was still holding onto it.

“What’s on your mind, producer? You look spaced out”, she observed.

You’re on my mind, you’re always on my mind. Neri-nee was both the first person and the first thing altogether I thought of when I woke up in the mornings and that’s where she stayed until I fell asleep. She was like a tenant who had made a home of my brain. Though, it was me who paid her to live there, not the other way around.

“Nothing. Just thinking about... the weather”, I replied.

“You’re always like that. You should know you can’t fool me, producer. There’s always something interesting going on in that head of yours and I will make you spill it, whether you want me to or not!” she teased, ending her sentence in a playful giggle.

The sense of familiarity Hajime managed to create between us was incredible. I had been playing Kira-Kira Party for almost as long as the game had existed, Neri-nee being my first and only oshi. If it were to be put in concrete measurements of time, it would’ve come to roughly four years. So, it was only natural we spoke to each other as two individuals who had known each other for that long.

“Fine, I was thinking about you. But the weather thing wasn’t a lie! I’ve never been to this park before so I was admiring the scenery”, I explained.

“Oh, I see! Do you think this could make for a good music video location?” she asked.

There’s also the Neri-nee I know, always hooking up with work. She was responsible to a fault but it was adorable.

“We’ve really got to do something about that habit of yours... Do you remember what you promised in the café?” I scolded gently.

“But work isn’t a person!” she defended.

I couldn’t argue against Neri-nee, so I ended up laughing it off. Although, it wasn’t a fake laugh by any means. I was having so much fun it came out naturally.

We ended up spending the rest of the day in the park, right until sundown. To be honest, I was somewhat surprised we managed to entertain each other for over eight hours – not even Iruka had hung out with me for that long consecutively and that guy could’ve literally kept himself amused in a padded room.

Because me and Hajime were headed in the same direction regardless, I escorted her to the train station. Apparently, she lived a couple stops away so commuting by public transport had been the most convenient option for her today.

“I had a lot of fun today! Thanks for coming on such a short notice. I’ll see you later”, she smiled.

The strong gust of wind caused by the passing train struck me with a sudden reminder: I couldn’t let her go just yet. Otherwise, my little detour back in the shopping mall would’ve been rendered meaningless.

“Wait. Can I have one more moment of your time?” I stopped her.

“Oh, sure! We’re a little early anyway”, she yielded.

I took out a small bag from my left jean pocket and handed it over to her. She seemed genuinely surprised but quickly collected herself to reply in character.

“A present? You’re spoiling me again!”

She took out its contents to uncover a silver necklace with a butterfly pendant. Maybe it was just me seeing her every move through rose-colored lenses but based on the look in her eyes, I think it was safe to say it was to her liking.

“I got you this, as a thanks for today. It’s not much, just some cheap trinket from the mall... I don’t know all that much about jewelry and whatnot, but it caught my eye when I was looking for something to get you. It reminded me of you”, I explained.

“You can’t determine the value of a present in mere money... producer. Thank you, I’ll treasure it”, she smiled as she was putting the necklace on.

“Actually, feel free to have this one as Hajime”, I corrected.

“Really? That won’t change my reaction a bit, you know. Except cut the producer, makes it sound like you’re my pimp or something”, she laughed.

“Are you mocking idol games?” I questioned jokingly.

Though, I was ready to throw hands for real if her answer had been positive. Fortunately, Hajime denied the accusation.

“Of course not! Actually, I got totally hooked on Kira-Kira Party... I spent all weekend reading up on the lore trying to decide on an oshi.”

“Never underestimate the power of idol hell!” I claimed jubilantly. “Be sure to update me once you find your favourite. I won’t be mad if it’s not Neri-nee! Actually, the less fans she has the better because lower borders make tiering a lot easier.”

“I’ll keep that in mind! But hey, if you need anything else, just text me. I need to get on the train before it leaves”, Hajime pointed out.

“Oh, of course! Don’t let me keep you, see you”, I chuckled.

She had already boarded the train, preparing to take her leave, but she turned back once more to answer the question that’d had me preoccupied all day.

“By the way, I used to do theatre. I know what getting a role and getting into it takes. See you tomorrow, Mikarin!”

That was the last I heard of Hajime before the train doors closed between us. At last, my curiosity had been satiated and my spy suspicions were cleared to be solely the speculations of a man who had consumed too much fiction. Though, being a former actress doesn’t necessarily clear her of the possibility of being a secret agent...

As I was walking home by myself, I decided to try calling Iruka – it wasn’t always the other way around. As soon as he picked up, I sighed four words in delight.

"She's my ideal woman.”

"Congrats, she's only putting up a front because ya asked her to. When’s the next date? Are ya even prepared to act for her?", the guy on the other end proceeded to bombard me with great questions.

It did indeed take me a snap back to reality from my best friend to realize I had a role to fill in the contract as well. Unfortunately, I had been too stoked about getting to date Neri-nee to remember that. Even though Hajime had just kindly reminded me. "See you tomorrow, Mikarin", that’s what she said – meaning that I had under 24 hours to become her favorite character and prove myself worthy of this arrangement.

My lack of audible reply was enough of an answer to Iruka’s inquiries.

"I knew it. I'll help you research that dude."

"You’re a lifesaver! I’ll get on Discorb as soon as I get home", I thanked.

"Don’t mention it. I’m mainly helping because I'm curious too”, he admitted.