Before I get into anything, I will state that the heartfelt connection and awkwardness of this story immediately hooked me into this. The prose is done beautifully, moments have their time to breathe, and the world feels alive, but above it all, the connection that weaves Asami and Sayuri together MAKES this story.

There's a groundedness and sensibility to the way they interact, not just in a 'realistic' way, but in a say that just works for our characters. Nothing ever seems like a stretch and every irrational action or word is anything but when it comes down to the emotion welling beneath the surface.

This isn't just fluff; this story is something that comes from a place of hardship, of pain, yet still extends its hand forward as if to say it will keep searching, keep trying to connect, despite the difficulty and persecution that comes with it.

Please give this a read. It's a beautiful piece that snatched my heart, and hopefully, will yours