A breeze had picked up during their conversation, wafting the scent of the flower shop around them. The unusually quiet shopping district became nothing more than the perfect place for Chie to express everything. Her undying resolve to protect her friends, her desire to become stronger, and most importantly, how much she cared for her best friend. Groups of people wandering the shops were nothing but muffled murmurs. All that could be heard was the faint wind and Chieâs words.Â
At first, the innkeeper wasnât too sure how to feel, mainly because she wasnât sure why Chie was telling her all this. They were already friends, and she didnât have to worry about anything becoming between them. Yet, Chie felt there was. A sort of invisible barrier keeping her from becoming even closer with Yukiko. She blushed at the very thought of being the source of Chieâs strength. She was already so strong on her ownâŠ. It was flattering to hear that Yukiko helped her with all that. Chie needed her, that was true. YukikoâŠneeded Chie so much more.
âItâs gotten pretty quiet around here⊠Even though weâre in the shopping district, all I hear is the warmth in your voice, Chie. Itâs a nice day out and thereâs a gentle floral scent in the air⊠You couldnât have chosen a better place to say all this.â
Yukiko may have been oblivious to other advances during her time at Yasogami High, but she knew now. She could finally grasp what Chie was trying to convey. Feelings of care. Feelings of⊠ofâŠ
Even in her own mind, Yukiko blushed at the very thought.
She reached out slowly towards Chie, taking her hands in her own. Chie always responded so positively to touch, and it served as a reassurance that she was listening. Understanding what she was saying.
ââI probably donât feel the same wayâ⊠I really hope you donât think that⊠On the contrary, youâve really hit the nail on the head. I care about you, Chie. So much. Having you by my side since the day we met is one of the happiest moments of my life. Weâre always there for each other. I promise⊠Iâll always be here with you. Forget the prince⊠Youâre my King.â
It was actually really warm out, and that surprised Chie. The scent of flowers permeated her nose for a moment, but it dissipated along with everything else around her as Yukiko took Chieâs hands into her own. The mere sensation of Yukikoâs touch was enough to cause Chie to feel as though her heart skipped a bit, and the air was sucked right out of her lungs. As her cheeks became redder than Yukikoâs sweater, Chie felt as if she was going to die.
Of disappointment or happiness she wasnât sure, however, until Yukiko opened her mouth once more to reply. And then the world felt like it stopped. Did... did Yukiko just... seriously...
ăIâm... the King to your Queen, huh? So then...ăThe thought of what she was about ready to say made Chie feel even more embarrassed. Still, sheâd come this far, so... may as well take the last little plunge, right?ăOh, Yukiko. You have no idea how happy I really am to hear you say that kind of thing to me, of all people. You deserve so much better than me, and yet... here we are, heh...ă Â
Chie would have rubbed the back of her neck sheepishly, but instead she simply stood even more embarrassed in Yukikoâs grip. Still trying to process what was going through her head, Chie simply brought her friend in closer for a tight hug, as if to protect her in a loving embrace. Love... a funny concept, and one that Chie didnât think about much because she didnât feel like she was worth it. At least, until now... until Yukiko came back to her once again and made her feel like a superhero.
But really, Yukiko was the real hero out of them.
ăI... I still canât really believe you feel the same way I do, Yukiko. Really... the reason I didnât tell you all this earlier because I was scared of that being the case. But now... now I feel like Iâm on top of the world. Like I really am worth it after all. And, best of all I can safely say that...ăA deep breath. She had to calm down, but somehow she wasnât sure that was possible anymore... not with what she wanted to say.
ăThat I... I love you.ă