Chapter Text
Despite how much of a front she tried to put up, Natsuki actually did enjoy these outings with her former club mates. Once their lives had started to truly begin, it was rare that their busy schedules wouldn’t conflict with each other. So yes, Natsuki did miss them, a lot if she’s honest with herself.
Whenever they do these outings, per Sayori’s insistence because she loves her friends too much, Natsuki always looks forward to it by the end of the week.
This time is no exception. And she set three goals for herself today.
One. Have fun. Natsuki has not had a good break in weeks, and honestly she was just itching to agree to whatever Sayori’s plan was going to be this time.
Two. Keep a drunk Monika and Sayori under control. Sayori was pretty chaotic on her own, but combined with a perfectionist like Monika who truly needs to get it out of her system? It’s a mess, and not the good kind of messes either.
Three. Actually meet someone new. Natsuki felt it was time to actually talk to girls rather than avoid any interaction with them. She had to woman up, talk to someone, get their number, and maybe get lucky. Easy, right? It should be!
Her eyes glanced towards the person in her passenger seat, the purple-haired woman was adjusting the glasses on her face, something that Natsuki had never seen her wear ever. In all their years of knowing each other, she had no clue that Yuri had worn glasses. No one did apparently, except for Monika, but that doesn’t really count. Monika has this weird thing with seeing things about the former literature club that none of them do. Who would have thought that the girl was wearing contacts for most of her life?
“Seriously, Yuri! You look so cute!!” Sayori exclaimed from the backseat, face coming very close to the taller girl. She flushed under the praise, dismissing Sayori with a shake of her head. She could hear Monika chuckling from her spot next to Sayori, trying to settle the other girl down.
“S-Sayori, please..” The shy girl mumbled.
Natsuki internally groaned, mainly because Sayori was actually right for once. Cute is not the word she would use to describe her though. More like infuriatingly attractive, and it almost feels like the other girl knows it. She has to, with the way she looks so, so…
“We’re here guys!” came from Sayori, distracting her from her thoughts, followed by an excited noise from Monika. Natsuki wasted no time in parking her small beater, locking it with precision, and hoping that the windows would hold up if something was thrown at them. This part of town seemed a bit sketchy, but it was where all the fun night life was at. The three girls followed Sayori into an alleyway, leading to the establishment. If not for the neon signs and people gathered around, Natsuki would not have entered within a ten mile radius. Seriously, this is where people get killed and Sayori was leading right to it.
The place was much bigger than Natsuki had anticipated, and she watched as Sayori and Monika immediately almost got lost in the drunken crowd. The place had the lights off, the only light source being the neon lights occasionally flashing and glow sticks that the crowd had already started throwing around. The dance floor was packed, and despite it being rather early into the night, she already saw different people stumbling about. Talk about alcoholics. The smell of booze, smoke, happy plants, and sweat immediately filled her senses, along with the very loud and booming music. She could feel the vibrations rattle her brain around, yet there was some kind of enjoyment from it.
Yuri, on the other hand, already seemed rather overwhelmed, her brow furrowing and posture tensing ever so slightly. Natsuki, noticing this, decided to drag her friend into the back where there would hopefully be a lot less people around.
“Not liking it!?” Natsuki half-yelled, hoping her voice would reach the taller girl over the loud pop song playing. Yuri simply smiled awkwardly, her eyes looking anywhere, but the shorter girl. Not like she really wanted to face her anyways. However, Yuri was much taller, so Natsuki opted to stay close to her, continuing to drag her to the back where the tables should be. Literally anywhere, but close to the music and crowd right now.
She managed to make out Sayori and Monika, who had both managed to snag a small table at this overcrowded bar. She felt Yuri grab onto her wrist, her actions causing the pink-haired girl’s face to flush. Even if it makes sense, you know, so they don't lose each other in the sea of people, it doesn’t really help to explain the little flip her stomach did. Natsuki decides to push it to the back of her mind, instead letting out a huge sigh when she had finally managed to sit down at their little booth.
Monika grins cheekily, “First rounds on me, girls! I’ll be back!”
Sayori let out a small whine, “Moni! Take me with you!” Natsuki barely heard them, but could make out the small banter of the two girls. If she has to deal with these two eye-fucking each other in the car again she may actually have an aneurysm. But finally, her night is about to begin.
Or so she thought.
Monika had yet to return with anything, and she could tell Sayori was getting uneasy. This was unfortunately, a very common theme with their outings. Monika was a huge people person, and despite being quite awkward herself, she always brought a crowd together. It was like she was some sort of magnet, drawing all kinds of people towards her for literally anything. Natsuki and Yuri tried everything in their arsenal to keep Sayori distracted, but there was only so much they could do.
Finally, once Sayori had begun to audibly whine, she knew it was time for someone to do something.
“Y’know what? Monika is taking too damn long, I’ll go get our drinks myself.” She finally said out loud, standing up and shuffling out from her spot on the inside of the booth. She didn’t allow Sayori to protest or beg to come with, she simply turned away and made her way through the sea of people with only a minimal amount of pushing.
There at the bar, sat Monika, two beers and two glasses forgotten in front of her while she chatted up some blonde chick and her friend. Suddenly, both girls bursted into laughter, which quickly faded away once Natsuki approached them. Monika, noticing the irritated look on her face, sent her an apologetic smile. She excused herself quickly, holding the drinks in hand while an apology was forming on her lips.
“I’m really-!” Monika tries to yell out, but Natsuki holds a hand up.
“Save it for Sayori! Just hurry and give me my beer!” She exclaims, snatching the glass bottle from the emerald-eyed girl. Monika chuckles nervously, and leads them back to their booth. Sayori immediately brightens upon spotting both girls, and Natsuki also sees the relieved breath that Yuri lets out. Monika apologizes to the table profusely, even though both Natsuki and Yuri know it's more directed to their much more emotional best friend. Honestly, the way these two look at each other, Natsuki feels they’re making out with their looks and lingering touches alone. It feels so much more personal and intimate than anything Sayori does with her or Yuri.
“Now we can officially begin the night!” Sayori happily squeals, leaning into Natsuki’s shoulder to annoy her with her own glass raised. Natsuki let out a huff and shrugged her off playfully.
“Would’ve begun much earlier if Miss President over there wasn't being all buddy-buddy with everyone.”
“H-Hey! They came up to me first!”
“Should’ve left first then!” Natsuki stuck her tongue out playfully, causing Monika to roll her eyes at her with an amused grin.
“Very mature, you two.” Yuri chuckled beside her, taking a small sip of her own cheap beer.
The girls had begun their night by loosening up with some more drinks, with them taking turns on heading to the bar to order. Sayori had decided to keep Monika sat down to prevent her from being ‘snatched away’. And since Yuri was rather shy, it was mainly her and Sayori going up there. Their conversations had finally shifted to that same open atmosphere that was once only shared in the comfort of the literature clubroom during their high school years. Laughter, banter, and inside jokes were shared that reminded Natsuki of some of the very first times they had met.
She had missed Sayori’s silly antics, Monika’s teasing, and Yuri’s constant deadpan attitude. She especially missed Yuri, who she has not been able to see as much as the other two girls. What she didn’t miss however, was the taller girl without those glasses on her. Now with a few drinks in her system, she is comfortable enough to say that Yuri looks good. It is definitely a strange thought to have, and she knows she has been staring, but Yuri has yet to say anything, so she continues. Stealing glances, smiling at her small expressions on her face. Since Yuri would be their driver for the night, she had stopped drinking a bit ago, mainly engaging in their conversation now that it shifted to books they had been reading.
It was like a switch had been flipped in her head, suddenly the nervous girl who would stumble over basic greetings had turned into an articulate and charismatic woman. She talked with her hands and eyes more, emphasizing her point with the tone of her voice despite having to raise the volume of her speaking.
“Don’t get me wrong, I sincerely enjoyed DuPont’s new style, however it feels lackluster when you compare it to her older works! I mean, her world building was seriously out of this world, no pun intended! Now she struggles with basic plot holes? It must be her editor because I refuse- ”
Natsuki had been paying attention to at least half of those words. It was just so hard to focus when the girl in front of her seemed to glow tonight. She did not like where her thoughts were taking her, especially about Yuri. The same girl she had honestly disliked for a good year before they became cordial with one another thanks to a lot of communication and poem sharing. Her friendship with Yuri was definitely a little different than with Monika, and even Sayori. Yuri had always… understood her on some deeper level.
“I definitely agree! Her old books were soooo good!” Sayori had nodded her head rapidly, her fist pressed against her chin. She then giggled drunkenly, already feeling the effects an hour and a half later. God knows what round they were on, although Yuri did promise to keep count.
“Thank you, Sayori! See!” Yuri sighs, slumping in her seat ever so slightly. But Natsuki noticed. She always notices.
“You probably shouldn’t take her word for it, Yu. That girl is gone.” Natsuki spoke loudly, nudging the tipsy girl beside her. A small smile spread across Sayori’s face, cheeks now tinted a light pink.
“I like that! ‘Yu’ sounds so sweet, it matches her perfectly!”
“Sorry to interrupt, but I could definitely use another drink, girls.” Monika interjected, and suddenly, the beer bottle in her hand feels a lot emptier than before.
“Damn, me too. Ugh.” Natsuki scowled, already getting up from her seat to make her way for some more alcohol. Yuri, however, stands up with her, placing her hand on her shoulder to guide her back to her seat firmly. Natsuki definitely liked that way too much than she would ever admit to anybody at this table. Her face though, most likely had a confused expression if Yuri’s was anything to go by.
“No need, Natsuki, I’ll go. You three stay here, I don't want you to get hurt.” Yuri explained, gently, but with a firm tone. Natsuki opened her mouth to protest, because she did not need to be babysat, she was not a child anymore. Yet, one more firm staredown from her much taller friend shut her up quickly, her face heating up again. Instead, Natsuki chose to look away, muttering a thank you, which was returned with another shy smile.
Once Yuri had left their table, Natsuki felt the need to rest her head in her hands. Seriously, what was that about? Since when does she listen to Yuri with no resistance or anything? Her face was definitely red, and it wasn't just the alcohol in her system to be blamed.
Out of the corner of her eye she sees Monika and Sayori staring dead at her, a weird glint in their eyes.
“What?” she demands.
“Oh, nothing. Nothing at all.” Monika responds, although it is filled to the brim with sarcasm, Natsuki can almost see it pouring out.
“So… Yuri, huh?” Sayori starts mischievously, but doesn't finish.
“W-What about her?” Natsuki barked again, feeling heat crawling up her neck against her own will for the fortieth time this night.
“You know, you have been staring hard! Anything you wanna share with the class?” Monika pokes once more, trying to get a reaction out of Natsuki. And it was working.
“Mm, yes.” Natsuki taps a finger against her cheek, before snapping her fingers, ”You should drink less, you're seeing things.”
“Please, Nats! Even I can see you wanna pounce on the poor girl!” Sayori laughs, and immediately receives a sharp smack on her arm.
“Ow- Hey!”
“That’s what meddlers get!”
“Wha- I am not meddling!”
“Are too!”
“Nuh uh!”
By this point, Monika had been doubled over cackling at their back and forth banter.
So this was definitely a strange situation. Yuri, arguably the most efficient out of the four, aside from Monika, was currently missing.
Well, not necessarily missing. But she had not come back from her journey to the bar to get them the drinks they had asked for. It was strange of Yuri to overstay or forget, considering how straightforward and to the point she is. Seriously, that girl needs to relax with how precise she is with things.
So, to say they were worried was an understatement. Natsuki was the first to bring it up, and Sayori and Monika dismissed it as maybe a restroom trip. That was enough to calm her nerves, until yet another twenty minutes had passed and still no Yuri. Even Sayori started to get worried, and eventually all three girls had split up to look for their purple-eyed friend. Natsuki took the bar, Monika took the dancefloor, and Sayori went to look at the restrooms. She had to be in one of those three places.
It was a bit hard to maneuver her way through the crowd of people, especially now that she had some alcohol in her system making her fuzzy all over. But she had a mission: find Yuri.
Which, in all actuality, was not that hard because she was at the bar.
Yuri had been sitting at one of the stools, facing away from Natsuki talking to the same blonde that Monika had been talking to earlier. Except this time, she was alone, and definitely all over the taller girl. She let out a shy giggle, completely different from the confident laugh that she had shared with Monika earlier. What was really throwing Natsuki off, though, was the look on the blonde’s face.
Wide eyes and a red face. Absolutely lovestruck.
Her fists clenched at her side, something hot surging through her entire being, causing a sudden need to intervene whatever was going on between those two. Her attempt was quickly stopped by someone’s firm grip on her shoulder. Natsuki was pulled back, hitting Monika’s front hard enough for the girl to let out a wince and a small apology.
“What is happening here?” Monika had muttered, gesturing to the scene before them.
Yuri, the shyest and most reserved member of the club was currently talking to a girl- no scratch that. Flirting with a girl and succeeding. The same person who could not maintain eye contact or lie to save her life is managing to flirt with a girl with so much confidence, there is no way that is not an imposter. Natsuki refuses to believe that is their Yuri. Her Yuri. Another weird thought that she is most definitely not going to think about too hard or else it will drive her crazy.
“Who cares? I just want my fucking drinks.” She snapped, her eyes flickering between the brunette and the purple-haired girl with her stupid blonde friend. Natsuki has zero clue as to why she feels so… angry? Maybe it’s because Yuri just kind of ditched them for a good while, with no text or anything. That would make the most sense, considering they had made a mini search party to find out her whereabouts. So if that was the case, she should be relieved to find that Yuri was fine, she just got held up talking to someone at this very crowded bar. Instead, all she feels is irritation at watching the two women, laughing and chatting like they were old friends. Yuri was definitely not drunk enough to hold a conversation with a stranger, so then why were her and this blonde so touchy. No, the girl is the one being touchy.
A random playful shove here, a hand on Yuri’s forearm there, it was enough to drive Natsuki mad. For no reason! Maybe she is just jealous that Yuri of all people just scored a girlfriend before her. That makes more sense.
“I texted Sayori we found her!” Monika leaned down to say in her ear, “We should probably bring something back to the table…”
“What about lovergirl over there?”
Monika shrugs with a crooked smile. “Maybe… we should leave her be?”
That does make the most sense in this situation. However, to Natsuki’s only half-sober mind, it was absolutely ridiculous.
“I’ll go get the drinks.”
“Hey, wait-! Natsuki-!”
“Too late!” Natsuki yelled over her shoulder, already half-way to her objective. Maybe she was drunker than she originally thought. No way would a sober Natsuki ever approach Yuri, of all people, and demand her to stop… doing what exactly? It was much too late to think about this, the only feelings in her chest being the vibrations of loud music and unbridled confidence.
Yuri probably sensed her approaching, because she had turned to look over to the shorter girl, a very strange expression on her face. It was relaxed, her usually knitted brow and tight lips now forming into a charming smile sent her way. Natsuki felt her chest bloom with a different kind of heat, something close to embarrassment. Her knees suddenly feel weak, and she can’t help, but roll her eyes playfully at the cheesy smile. Any kind of negative emotion she felt earlier seemed to be overshadowed and excused with one simple smile from the taller girl.
“Natsuki! I’m so sorry for taking so long! I met someone here who was interested in Portrait of Markov! Can you believe it!?” Yuri had beamed, her face showing some kind of childish excitement that the girl had not shown in years. Despite the dark glasses framing her face and the nonexistent lighting, she can see the light pink dusting her cheeks. What is the chance that Yuri meets another bookworm at a bar of all places?
“T’s fine, Yuri. We were just worried about you, ya dork. Don’t run off on us now!” Natsuki sighs, letting a smile of her own come out.
The taller girl’s expression faltered, guilt now written all over her face, blood rushing to her face.
“A-Ah! I apologize for making you worry! I-I hope I didn’t make you worried!”
“Hey, no, it’s-”
“Ahaha! Don’t worry, Yu! Your friend here ended up finding you, didn’t she?” The blonde girl suddenly butts in, as she playfully nudges Yuri’s side. Natsuki feels her smile fall, almost forgetting about the intruder next to her friend.
Yuri visibly relaxes a tiny bit, but looks to Natsuki for confirmation that everything was really okay. She forces a smile, and dismisses it with a wave of her hand.
“Oh, where are my manners? Natsuki, this is Mai.” Yuri introduces excitedly, her hand gesturing to the short-haired blonde next to her that she had somewhat met earlier. Up close, she could now see the questioning blue eyes that were set on her.
“Oh, you are Monika’s friend right? I remember you!” The girl, Mai, says recognizing her face earlier.
“Yeah. Nice to meet you.” Natsuki says curtly, turning back to the purple eyes that were now staring at her worryingly. Of course Yuri of all people would notice her short, uninterested answer that was borderline rude. She bites her tongue, and instead tries to force out another smile, much more obvious this time.
Yuri clears her throat, hoping to release some of the tension that was now present in the air. “W-Well I should be going back now… I’ll see you around-”
“Awww, let me come with you, Yuri! I’d love to meet your friends!” The other girl pouts, her hands now clinging to the taller girl’s arm. That definitely ticked something off in Natsuki’s brain, and it showed with the scowl on her face. Yuri didn’t seem to notice it, but Mai most definitely did, and now she knows that she has a problem with the blonde. A sickeningly smug smile is sent her way, and Natsuki simplys wants to punch it off.
This is going to be a long night, and now she seriously wishes she had stayed home.
Natsuki had been drinking way too much.
The pounding in her head and the fuzzy feeling in her chest had started to become overbearing. Or maybe it was the sight of her former club member chatting away with a stranger so openly that made her feel this way. How Yuri had managed to open up to some random stranger faster than she did with Natsuki is an irritating mystery. Something was eating away at her heart, something ugly, bitter, and green.
Yet, she could not help feeling this way no matter what she did. No matter what reasonings her head tried to put in her brain to justify how she felt it just… didn’t make sense. All she could do was stare up at the taller girl, glad to have taken Monika’s place to be able to be closer to the other girl.
Yuri and her new friend had been chatting for the past hour, now in front of an irritated Natsuki and a very worried and concerned Monika and Sayori. They’re currently talking about one of Yuri’s favorite authors, which probably explains her very chipper tone. This side of Yuri is one Natsuki usually enjoys to see. She loves the surge of confidence that the much shyer girl gets when she’s explaining her favorite piece of lore from a novel or her opinions on the different writing styles of her favorite authors.
Tonight, though, it is very hard to enjoy with an equally chipper blonde next to Yuri, clinging onto her every word like she was the only person there. Somehow, she had managed to be extra touchy with the taller girl, but that definitely crossed some boundaries, considering how Yuri was shying away from physical contact and purposely leaning away.
But her excitement remained, probably very happy to meet someone with her own much nerdier interests.
“No, I get it, I love his works! I even took some inspiration from his ‘Echoes of Aetheria ’ collection for one of my dnd campaigns.”
“You play dnd?!”
Mai flushes at Yuri’s impressed expression, clearly enjoying the attention from the taller girl. Her hand comes up on the table to wrap around Yuri’s, however the shy girl moves away politely. Seeing the frustrated expression on the girl was definitely making Natsuki’s night though, especially since Yuri didn’t actually say anything. She simply moved away silently, hoping to not make it awkward by outright saying that she does not like physical contact with strangers. She was much too sweet for her own good.
Thankfully, Natsuki was not a stranger.
And that’s how she ended up resting against the taller girl with her arms crossed, trying to keep herself engaged in their conversation, but failing miserably. She felt Yuri go stiff against her for a moment, before relaxing once their eyes had met.
Yuri sent her a small smile. “Are you alright?”
“Mmh, tired.” Natsuki replied, the alcohol and night finally catching up to her as she let herself sink further into the taller girl’s shoulder. Monika and Sayori had excused themselves to go get their final round and to go use the restroom, leaving the trio to wait for them. Their night was finally winding down, especially with the way Sayori was all over Monika, stumbling over herself. And Natsuki still had not completed her final goal of the night. Ugh.
“W-We should play together some time, you know?” The blonde girl had interjected, pushing a strand of her hair behind her ear, eyes glistening at the proposition. Yuri hums, thinking about it deeply.
“Ah, I-I’m not too good with people… Plus I-I already have a party, so I can't ditch them for our monthly game nights, s-so...” Yuri says apologetically, her fingers coming to play with a strand of her hair under the table. Natsuki notices the anxious movement at the mention of meeting new people, and rests her own hand on the taller girls to try and soothe her. It seems to be working, yet she definitely feels Yuri flush at the contact.
“How about reading together? I… have most Saturday nights off, if you’re… interested?”
Yuri shakes her head, another apology ready to come out. “Ah, Saturdays I spend with Natsuki discussing the manga she introduced me to. I’m almost never free, forgive me.”
Natsuki feels the other girl shrink at the rejection, but sees a glint of determination.
“Then, how about tonight?” She asks coyly, her hand coming up to rest on Yuri’s forearm. The shy girl quietly grimaces at the contact, but her eyes remain on the blonde in front of her.
“E-Excuse me?”
“Tonight. Me and you. I already called a ride, so if you’d like to join me..” Her hand was now rubbing the taller girl’s forearm, and that’s when Yuri had finally pulled away. Mai now visibly pouted, bracing herself for another round of rejection.
“I’m sorry, but no. I have to take my… my friends home.” Yuri looks away, and Natsuki sends her a sad smile. She’s only been just watching, trying not to fall asleep or get too irritated at yet another obvious attempt from Mai to get in the taller girl’s pants, but… If she really wanted to go then…
“Fine. You know what? I have to go anyway.” The blonde hurriedly stands up, grabbing her coat and belongings, before turning away, but pausing hesitantly. She turns back around and pulls a pen out from her purse, now extending a hand to Yuri.
“You don’t have to leave-”
“Hush. Plus I can tell your girlfriend is sick of me.” Mai huffs out, and an immediate retort is already coming out of Natsuki’s mouth, and Yuri lets out a small squeak.
“Hey, she’s not-!”
“Whatever.” The blonde rolls her eyes, grabbing the purple-haired woman’s hand and writing something on her palm. “For when… if you change your mind, call me, ‘kay?”
Then she disappears into the crowd, leaving a puzzled Yuri and a flustered Natsuki behind her. Sayori emerges, Monika following right behind with relieved expressions.
“Woah! She was mad mad !” Sayori notes, sitting across the two girls.
“Seriously! What did you say to her Natsuki?” Monika teases, flashing the shorter girl a playful grin.
“Wh- Hey! I didn’t do anything!” Natsuki defends herself, using her head to gesture to the girl beside her. “Yuri’s the one that rejected her three times!”
Monika visibly cringes and Sayori lets out a cackle.
“That explains it then…” Monika looks away, with her awkward little sympathetic smile.
“Hahaha! No way! Yuri, you just broke that poor girl’s heart, ya meanie!”
Yuri sighs, definitely still reeling from the situation. “I did no such thing. Regardless, she gave me her number to keep in contact, so maybe I can-”
“Oh, she wants you bad .” Monika laughs, causing Yuri to turn a bright red as she attempts to hide behind her bangs.
“It’s the glasses.” Both Natsuki and Sayori speak at the same time, voices overlapping. Sayori gave her a knowing look, while the pink-haired girl tried not to look the other in the eyes.
“I… I feel as though I gave her the wrong idea…” Yuri now mutters, rubbing her wrist nervously, embarrassment written all over her face. There is no way this girl could possibly get any better looking, thought Natsuki at this very moment. Again, having very weird, drunken thoughts about her best friend that she will not think about until tomorrow morning.
“She was all over you, Yuri. There is no way you didn’t see the bedroom eyes she was giving you every time you talked about that book…“ Natsuki shudders just thinking about how intensely the stranger had been staring at Yuri’s hands. Like yes, they did look good, but even that was much too obvious for Natsuki (who totally wasn’t looking either).
Yuri groans into her hands, red faced and truly embarrassed. At least Natsuki now knows that she was definitely not interested.
“I-I’m such a fool! I was so caught up in talking about myself, I didn’t even register her… feelings!”
“Trust me.” Monika responds, “She loved every second of it.”
Their ride home had been quiet. By now, Sayori had fallen asleep on Monika, only a soft snore coming from the younger girl. And because Sayori had fallen asleep, it was up to a very awkward Yuri to get her in her apartment complex, where they now waited for the taller girl.
Natsuki is merely scrolling through her phone when she hears Monika humming in the background.
“Y’know, Nats. If you don’t say anything, someone else will, right?”
Natsuki freezes in her seat, her eyes glancing up to the rearview mirror to see Monika looking dead into her soul.
“I.. What are you talking about, Monika?”
“I’m sure you already know.” The emerald-eyed girl shrugs nonchalantly, peering out the window in the process. Natsuki sees her eyes specifically honing in on the apartment’s third floor, where Sayori resided.
“Could say the same to you.” She finally adds on, enjoying the brunette’s posture tense for a slight moment. Suddenly, maybe all these thoughts were making… some weird kind of sense. She understood Monika at that moment, even if tomorrow morning she would try to convince herself otherwise.
Maybe she liked her former club member a lot more than she claimed. Especially after tonight, it’s hard to deny the fact that something is there. She just needs to… confirm it somehow.
Yuri eventually returns, glasses leaning one way, hair a disheveled mess, and her clothes just a bit ruffled. Natsuki thinks she looks absolutely stunning.
Monika’s home was next, and she dismissed them both with an excited goodbye. Once the brunette girl had entered her home, Yuri made her way to Natsuki’s home. The silent car ride was comfortable, the only noise filling the space being Yuri’s quiet humming. A habit she had picked up that only Natsuki got to enjoy. She felt herself dozing off as the quiet tune filled her senses with warmth, a much preferred change from the booming music at the bar.
She had honestly barely registered Yuri parking in Natsuki’s driveway next to the taller girl’s own car, until she felt warmth pressing up against her. Yuri was helping her get into her home, and honestly, Natsuki let herself be engulfed by the taller girl’s touch, scent, and soft voice encouraging her to stay awake.
Well, if she needed any more confirmation that she was kind of interested in the bookworm, that was it.
The taller girl had brought her into her home, resorting to settle her in her bed. The mildly revealing top she wore had been replaced with a much comfier sweater she had.
Was… Yuri helping her change?
Finally, her senses come to her, noting the warmth of her bed surrounding her now. Purple eyes glanced down at her, a sweet smile slowly etching onto her face.
“That girl… she really liked ya, y’know?” Natsuki had slurred out, half-drunk and half-asleep.
Yuri’s expression falters slightly, her face burning again.
“I realize that now…” She shook her head, chuckling slightly. “I apologize if she made you uncomfortable. You seemed to dislike her a lot.”
“Did you like her?”
Yuri grimaces slightly. But a fondness in her expression was causing Natsuki another surge of jealousy in her gut.
“I.. enjoyed her company. It’s not too often I find someone to actually talk about my interests with so-”
“But do you like her?” Maybe it was the drinks in her system, maybe it was her half-asleep reasoning, or maybe just some stroke of confidence she randomly got. But right now, a beautiful, tall, bespectacled woman stood over her, and Natsuki felt like this was a dream come true. She needed an answer to her question right now before she went insane.
Yuri’s face turned pink, staring down at the girl with adoration in her eyes. She let out a small chuckle, her hand coming down on the smaller woman’s face. She moved some hair out of the way of Natsuki’s face, and all the woman could do was melt into her friend’s touch.
“You’re drunk, suki. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
Her hand was pulling away, but Natsuki stopped it by resting her palm against the other girl’s.
“N-Next Saturday… we can talk about your novels, okay? D-Dork.”
Yuri hums, acknowledging the other girl’s request. Satisfied, Natsuki now let her body relax, her limbs melting onto the soft mattress below. By now, Yuri had fully pulled her hand away, but muttered a few words Natsuki could not make out. Something along a ‘goodnight’, she figured.
The last thing she registered before finally succumbing to her slumber, were soft lips pressed into her temple. A small, but sweet gesture that she would be sure to be a mess over next morning.
Maybe she actually did fulfill her third goal afterall. In a very unexpected way.