Stargazing

“Morning, Chippy. You’re up so early. Don’t you usually sleep in on Saturdays?” Ivy raised an eyebrow after taking a small sip of her coffee. She was wearing a mint green bath robe and was sitting alone in the common area with her mess of hair tied up in a bun.

“Hi Ives-Sorry, I’m a little frazzled right now,” Kanna said in a stressed tone, as she was on her hands and knees gathering cleaning supplies from under the sink.

Morning light streamed in through the panel windows of the green dorm’s common area. Ivy’s red hair was radiant as usual. It was early Saturday morning and the sun had just risen. The birds were chirping, and the day was in full swing. Most students would have used this time to sleep in or start a day of leisure and fun, but unfortunately Kanna had other plans laid out for her.

“Woah, Chippy! What’s with the rush?” Ivy said, wearing a concerned expression.

“The illustration student body marked today as my week to host the weekly lab. And for…reasons… I only just found out this morning,” Kanna said as she slammed the sink cupboard closed and trotted up to Ivy with her arms full of cleaning supplies.

“What a drag. On your Saturday? Honestly! They could have had the decency to at least warn you.”

In truth, Kanna knew that this was mostly Aya’s fault. Aya had been told about this day several weeks prior, but had neglected to mention anything due to her recent obsession with a certain pink-haired classmate. For several weeks Yae and Aya had been messaging each other all day, and spending just about every night together. Kanna had to pick up the slack in more areas than one, which left their dorm room looking like a smelly crash pad, filled with trash, clothes, and other unmentionable things strewn about.

“Sigh. No, it’s not their fault. This is sort of on me. I can’t get into it now, but I’m running behind on everything and need to have this place ready before this afternoon.”

“What all needs to get done? It can’t be that bad, Chippy.” Ivy smiled wryly.

“Oh you couldn’t be more wrong, Ives. My room is a complete mess. I wouldn't dream of letting anyone in there right now. The common area hasn’t been cleaned in a week, we’re low on food, and to make matters worse, I need to run out and replenish the illustration supplies with the student body collections. To get everything on their supply list, I’ll need to take the train downtown and-”

“Woah, woah, just take it easy, sweetheart. Deep breaths, okay?” Ivy had moved over to Kanna and wrapped her arms around her. She scratched her back, rubbed her shoulders, and gently ran her nails down the length of Kanna’s neck. Ivy’s touch was hypnotic. Her warm scent filled Kanna with the fragrance of wild honey and morning dew. She couldn’t help but notice how wonderfully her hair conditioner mixed with her bodily scent. Kanna leaned into Ivy’s embrace and relaxed her head on her shoulder. The two remained in place for a few moments, allowing Kanna a moment to destress.

“Feeling better, Chippy?”

Kanna nodded slowly and sniffled “Yes, thank you, Ivy. That helped a bit.”

“Good. Much better. Now, let’s just take this one step at a time, and everything’ll be just fine. I need to do a few things this morning, but will be back before you know it and can help you then, okay?”

“Thank you so much, Ives. Seriously, this helps a ton,” Kanna said with a warm smile. She embraced Ivy with a tight grip and nuzzled into the crevice of her neck.

With that, Kanna and Ivy parted ways. Kanna did some light cleaning and mostly finished cleaning her room. She then threw on some nicer clothes and caught the train downtown, where she bought supplies for the group and lugged them back to campus in two oversized shopping bags. After several hours of doing various chores and prep for the eventual gathering, Ivy arrived to help as promised. She was a bit more put together, her hair in shiny smooth curls, and her body smelled like rose petal essential oil.

“I got us a few sandwiches, Chippy.” Ivy held up two wrapped subs and smiled. “Why don’t we take a few minutes to relax and eat these before we continue? I can handle the kitchen while you finish setting up your room for the lab.”

“Oh, that sounds perfect. Thank you so much. What do I owe you for the sandwich?”

“Just relax, Chippy. It’s on me,” Ivy said with a wink.

Some time passed and the two girls ate a brief lunch in the kitchen. They enjoyed cool drinks and each chatted lightly about their classes so far.

“You know, we should spend more time together, Chippy.” Ivy said with a smile. “I keep missing you or something; Haven’t seen you around the dorm in what seems like weeks.”

“Ahh-sorry about that. I-uh-I’ve been a little busy recently, I suppose.”

“You mean with Yae?” Ivy shot Kanna a foxlike grin. Kanna returned her expression with a pained sigh.

“Yeahhh…don’t remind me.” Kanna put her face in her hand and shook her head.

“Seems like you two are having a lot of fun. Why the long face, Chippy?”

“It’s sorta complicated.”

“Ohh…Relationship troubles huh? You know a happy relationship is just a tarot card reading away.” Ivy said, putting her arm around Kanna’s shoulder. “My office is always open for you, even during off hours.”

“Maybe…or better yet, why don’t we just talk after today’s over?”

“Of course, Chippy. I’m all ears.”

“Can you keep it secret?”

“Yep. Tarot card readers are basically like a second therapist for most people. My lips are sealed.” Ivy gave a thumbs up. Kanna felt a troubling weight in her heart lighten. The clouds parted and she broke into a gentle smile.
“Thanks, Ives. You mean a lot to me.”

“I’d do anything for you, Chippy,” Ivy said, as she reached over and ruffled Kanna’s mess of green hair.

Some time passed and the two girls cleaned up the table after lunch, before each splitting off into different tasks. Kanna spent time gathering supplies and preparing her room for the lab, while Ivy cleaned the kitchen and made some snacks for the other students to enjoy. By the time everything was finished, the room was fully equipped with an excess of tables, chairs, and several other pieces of furniture, all of which were beautifully crafted and generously provided by Runa. Kanna had tried to offer compensation, but Runa had insisted as she’d rather have the extra space and gave Kanna all of the furniture to keep, free of charge.

Kanna surveyed the room, it looked completely transformed from the mess she had woken up in just earlier that day. As Kanna admired her hard work, Ivy came in through the door and placed a bowl of dip and a bag of chips beside it.

“Hey Ives, what’s all this?” Kanna asked. Ivy turned around and proudly put her hands on her hips.

“What’s this you ask? Why, this is a bag of chips. Perfect for you, Chippy,” Ivy chuckled. She gestured to the bowl on the counter. “This is my school famous signature recipe. I bring it any time there’s an event or gathering on campus. Trust me on this one, Chippy, it’s got a perfect track record,” Ivy said with a wide grin. Kanna dipped a chip and crunched down on it.

“Oh. Onion Dip,” Kanna said. She munched on it for a moment before the distinct flavors began to set in. “Oh wow, it’s actually super good,” Kanna said, her eyes wide with genuine surprise.

“Hehe. Well duh! You like, can’t have a school event without my onion dip—And get this, it gets better. My onion dip just happens to be the center of one of the school wonders!”

“School wonders?” Kanna tilted her head. “Can’t say I’m in the loop.”

“That’s why I’m here, Chippy. Always here to keep you in the know! Ehem!” Ivy cleared her throat. She grabbed a potato chip in one hand, then took Kanna’s hand with the other. “So. Rumor has it that students who eat from the school witch’s onion dip bowl at the same time…together…”

Kanna’s hand went limp and her face started to glow a soft pink. As Ivy spoke, her hands gilded delicately. She took the potato chip and gingerly coaxed Kanna’s fingers into holding the chip with her.

“T-together?”

“Yup. Like this…” Ivy said, gesturing to the bowl. The two proceeded to dip the chip in together and moved its position between them. The two girls gazed at the chip between them, Kanna’s focus shifting to Ivy’s soft lips.

“Do we bite down on it at the same time?” Kanna asked anxiously.

“Mmhm. That’s the idea.”

“And what’ll happen if we do?” Kanna frantically asked.

“Just try and find out, love.” Ivy winked playfully.

The two girls leaned in each bit down on the chip. Their noses tickled eachother as they bit down and crumbs went everywhere. Dip and chip crumbs got all over both of their faces. Ivy bursted out laughing and Kanna chuckled lightly for a good few moments after.

“Geeze! Okay. Okay! I did everything. So tell me what happens now?” Kanna crossed her arms and smiled.

“Oh, nothing big or anything.” Ivy casually picked at her nails. “Just a shared destiny of mad romance that’ll last several lifetimes.” She grinned and looked up at Kanna. “You do know I’m the school witch, right?”

“You can’t be serious,” Kanna said, crossing her arms. “This can’t be a real school wonder.”

“Oh it's a thing, Chippy. You and I are now bound by destiny’s design. Sorry honey, can’t be overwritten,” Ivy said as she took out a chip, dipped it, and popped it into her mouth. As she munched blissfully, she flashed Kanna an impish wink.

“Looks like It can’t be helped,” Kanna smiled and shrugged. “I suppose you’ll be moving your things into my room then?”

“Yup, looks like it.” Ivy said with a chuckle.

The two girls exchanged blushing giggles and then proceeded to relax in Kanna’s room for a few moments. Ivy then took out her phone and looked at the clock.

“Alrighty, Chip-Chip. My work here’s done. Message me if you still wanna talk later, okay?” Ivy said as she hopped to her feet. Kanna thanked her, and the bouncy redhead left as quickly as she came.

A few moments later the door creaked open, and a girl with snow-white hair peeked her head through. Her hair was cut into a messy pixie cut with straight bangs. She had round frameless glasses, and wore a plethora of pink heart shaped jewelry, tight fitting jeans, and a black crop top sweater. Her skin was pale, and she had bright pink eyes that glowed with the essence of mischief and quirkiness.

“This the place? Hm. I wonder…” The girl said. She spotted Kanna and let out a sigh of relief, letting herself into the room. “Phew, that would’a been pretty cringe if I walked into some random dude’s room. Especially if he was in the middle of jerkin’ it,” Tori flashed Kanna a smile and took a seat, as she unpacked her art supplies. “You know, on second thought, that wouldn’t be so bad. Heck, maybe I’d join in and come up with some good material for one of my dead doujins that’ve dried content well.”

“Um, hello there. You’re here for the lab, right?” Kanna smiled pleasantly.

“Nah, I’m here for the group sex.” the girl grinned playfully. “Duh. This the place, right? You’re Minami?”

“Mmhm. That’s right. It’s a pleasure to meet you. And…you are?”

“Tori Sumimori. You can just call me Tori. I don’t mind being on a first name basis. If ya catch my drift?” Tori grinned.

“Right, um. Please feel free to help yourself to some onion dip while we’re waiting for the others.” Kanna said, gesturing to the table with the snacks.

“Ah. Ives has beat me here I see,” Tori said with a grin. “Don’t mind if I do.” She began helping herself to the bowl when suddenly the door opened once more.

“Greetings! Hello everyone,” the girl said as she made her warm presence known. She entered the room and immediately approached the two other girls.

The new girl had shoulder length dirty-blonde hair that was put up into a cute side ponytail. She was incredibly short, about the same height as Kanna, which was quite small. She had emerald green eyes and wore a dress made from a thin hand stitched cloth. She also wore several leggings with different patterns, and a warm jacket that looked like it was made with some kind of canvas material. “I’m Yui, and you must be Minami, right?”

“Yup, that’s right.” Kanna nodded. “Nice meeting you, Yui. Please make yourself at home.”

“Thank you much, Minami.” Yui entered the room and looked around, her eyes wide open. “My, the ambiance here is breathtaking. I’m envious! This interior would make the perfect backdrop for my outfit-of-the-day post,” Yui said with a genuinely warm smile, her words lacking even the slightest hint of malice.

“Yeah I got lucky I suppose! The rooms here are very cute. They’d suit your cottage aesthetic quite well,” Kanna commented with a warm smile.

“Awh, how sweet of you to say.” Yui walked up to Kanna and kissed her on the hand. Kanna blushed and reflexively bowed.

“Um-your day has gone well I take it?” Kanna asked.

“Very much so. I made a trip to the girls urban youth center to donate some extra garments I had crafted, attended an impromptu shoot, and then went stargazing,”

“Stargazing? In the middle of the day?” Kanna put a finger to her lip.

“Why yes, silly. There are stars around us all the time, the brightest of which happens to be out during the day,” Yui said with a proud smile.

“So in other words, you stared at the sun all day?” Tori said as she crunched down on a chip. “And here I thought my head was in the clouds.”

“Beautiful Tori, a simple misconception I can easily forgive. You see, that which we perceive as day, happens to be an illusion of proximity. Such is a construct of our bias, derived from our limited faculties. And to be clear, I gazed not with my eyes, but rather, with my mind’s eye,” Yui said as she pointed to the center of her forehead. Tori stared back blankly. An awkward silence fell upon the room, filled only by Tori crunching down on another fresh chip.

“…Am I interrupting something?” Sara asked, who was suddenly standing in the center of the room.

“Haa—Don’t scare me like that, woah,” Tori said while holding her chest and exhaling a sigh of relief.

“Sara, merry meet! Quite a serendipitous occasion, for we’re all here, gathered, and ready to begin,” Yui declared.

Sara ignored the two and wordlessly began unpacking her supplies.

“Ah. It’s quite lovely to see you again, Sara,” Kanna said, approaching Sara with a warm smile. “Care for some homemade snacks? You’re free to help yourself.”

Sara stared at Kanna for a good few seconds and tilted her head, as if noticing something.

“Sure. Thanks.” Sara replied.

“Of course.” Kanna nodded and forced a smile. “If this is everyone, then we should probably start the lab.”

“Agreed. I’ve quite the distance to cover before I feel worthy to be among you three muses,” Yui let out a small chuckle.

“If by muse you mean, ‘smut queen’, then I’ll take it,” Tori said with a snort.

Sara ignored Tori and began taking out her art supplies. After a few moments the three had sat down, opened their books, and began working through the assigned drills together. A few hours passed, and the small group had worked mostly in silence. Kanna had completed 10 full pages front and back of figure studies, anatomy studies, and other various exercises. Meanwhile Tori had a full 15 pages completed, Sara 7, and Yui…

“Oh gosh. This quite thoroughly steams my broccoli,” Yui said while crumpling up the only sheet she had been working on.

“What a colorful vocabulary,” said Tori, her eyes remained locked on her paper and her pencil moving furiously. She stuck her tongue out as she dialed in on her work.

“I’m being quite serious, Tori,” Yui let out a sigh and slouched in her chair. It creaked loudly. “I feel quite behind compared to you both.”

Kanna put her art materials to the side of her chair, stood up, and walked over to Yui. She leaned in and gave her soft hug.

“Everything will be okay, Yui. I think you’re a fantastic artist and you’re doing great,” Kanna said in a soothing voice. She ran her hands along Yui’s back, scratching it gently.

“Ah-how lovely…Miss Minami, you’re every bit the picture of empathy that my partner has painted you as.”

Kanna’s hands froze. Her heart raced and she grew a bit uneasy.

“Eh, you’re-partner?” Kanna asked.

“Mm, yes. Partner. I do have a few of them.” Yui leaned her head back and put a finger to her lip. “Say Minami, your first name is Aya, isn’t it?”

“Aha-kind of. But no, not really.” Kanna shifted uncomfortably where she stood, biting her lower lip. “It’s a little complicated.”

“Oh, my mistake. I must be thinking of someone else then. Is Aya your little sister perhaps? From the descriptions I’ve been given, you’d be a perfect fit,” Yui said.

“Well…we certainly fight like siblings. That’s for sure.” Kanna chuckled awkwardly. “So is your partner dating Aya then?”

“Oh they’re all but dating.” Yui smiled and waved her hand dismissively. “But don’t let titles fool you. They might as well be dating. I can see it in their eyes.”

“I see…” Kanna smiled and put a finger to her lip. “Then I suppose that makes one of your partners…the light novel person, right?”

“Hehe, Yae? Yes. We’ve been on and off and somewhere between for ages now.” Yui chuckled. “Honestly, I couldn’t get rid of them if I tried, and believe me, I’ve tried.” Yui shrugged and smiled.

“I’m honestly happy for you all.” Kanna smiled warmly. “Life’s taken such a different path from anything I could have ever imagined less than a year ago.”

“Life has a way of surprising us.” Yui closed her eyes and crossed her arms. “It’s why I always keep my mind open to the possibilities, and never lose sight of the stars, even when they can’t be seen with the naked eye.”

“Call it what you wanna, it’s still just sun gazing to me.” Tori said, as she loudly ripped another sheet from her notebook and continued rapidly working through her lab exercises.

“The picture of subtlety, this one.” Yui sneered. She looked up at Kanna and smiled. “We’ll have to spend some time together, you and I. It seems we share some few degrees of separation.”

“I’d love to, Yui.” Kanna said with a warm smile.

“Oh, and please feel free to extend the invitation to Aya, or perhaps any partners you might have.”

“Sure-ah but. It might be difficult. I uh-don’t have any partners I could bring.” Kanna said.

“Oh my apologies. Friends are fine too. Perhaps that Ivy girl would like to join us? You two seem to be close.”

“They’re more than close, Yui. Ives made the onion dip.” Tori said, grinning down at her work as she continued rapidly scribbling.

“Ah I see…So they’ve reached that stage? How intense.” Yui said with a toothy grin.

“W-what’s that supposed to mean?” Kanna clenched her fist and puffed out her cheeks.

“Oh this ship is steamy. I’ll have to keep you and Ives in mind later tonight when I draw my next chapter,” Tori chuckled.

“P-Please don’t draw porn of us,” Kanna pleaded.

“Awh, why not? I already started on the first few panels,” Tori held up a sheet of paper with 4 roughly sketched panels depicting a very not-safe-for-work scene.

“T-Tori!” Kanna lunged for the paper, but Tori was quick to pull it back. The two played keep away for a moment before Tori finally conceded. “Fine fine. Keep it. And here I was hoping I’d finally get to add some fresh material for my washed up series.”

Kanna folded up the paper and stuffed it in her bag. She exhaled and started picking up her things.

“Anyways. I think we’ve done enough for tonight. Could you all help me clean up? I’m exhausted,” Kanna said, rubbing her eyes.

The three nodded in agreement and began stacking the chairs and moving the tables against the wall. Cleanup didn’t take long, and before she knew it, Kanna was waving goodbye to her three guests. They exited the room one after the other, each thanking her for hosting and exchanging goodbyes. The last person, however, lingered just outside the door frame.

“Something wrong, Yui?” Kanna asked.

“It’s not quite that. I just thought, well…” Yui replied, her voice trailing off.

“Ah—what’s that exactly?”

“ I think—You should talk to Yae too sometime.”

“Yeah, Think so?”

“Yes, I do.” Yui nodded. “Given how close you and Aya are, I think it’s important they know about you too, Kanna. You’re as much a part of things as Aya is.”

“Maybe you’re right.” Kanna sighed and scratched the back of her head. “I just don’t want to ruin anything for Aya, I love her and she’s so happy with them right now. I’d just complicate things for those two.”

“I think complexity is beautiful.” Yui smiled and winked at Kanna. “Take it from me, I know Yae better than anyone. They’d adore you and feel joy in having met someone important to Aya.”

“Thanks Yui…I think I just might.”

The two girls waved goodbye and parted ways for the evening. Kanna exhaled and collapsed at the door frame. She took out her phone and looked at the time, pondering to herself for a moment. She then walked over to the window and looked to the stars. They sparkled in the night sky brilliantly, like a blanket of diamonds. Kanna lost herself in the nightscape, her eyes wandering from one heavenly body to the next. She pondered Yui’s words about stargazing, and wondered what secrets the black sheet of the night was hiding from her. Kanna closed her eyes, and tried to picture it.

I think…it’s time that we start learning to trust people. Kanna thought. She nodded to herself in affirmation one last time, opened her messenger app, and flipped open to Ivy’s contact.

…and for that, I’ll need the help of a witch who can read the stars.