It Starts With A Letter

Chapter 9

Natsuki walked along the sidewalk, lost in her thoughts. She clasped her hands for warmth and used her reserved energy to navigate back to Yuri's house. The darkness, coldness, and hungriness couldn't stop her.

She trekked along the driveway and its pointy rock and up the stairs. The lights were turned off, and the curtains were closed. Maybe she overstayed her welcome, Natsuki thought as she twisted the knob. But maybe not, as she heard sounds on the other side.

Yuri was still upset and could barely be heard. Natsuki pressed onto the door. There's no mistake: those anguished pleas are what lingered in her mind and heart. Would Yuri even take her back? She took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

No response.

She knocked again, this time louder.

No response.

Looks like Natsuki did overstay her welcome. Even though she wished to fix the damage, the stunt she pulled off broke their relationship beyond repair. She sat on the stairs before a yellow hue shined behind her.

The black door opened, and in the doorway stood a teary-eyed, blanket-wrapped, Yuri, whose mouth was open but said nothing, "Yuri, I–"

"Come inside, take off your onesie, and I'll reheat your spaghetti." She held the door open, and Natsuki entered. She walked down the hallway and found herself lost in the pictures Yuri hung in the hallway once more.

She entered the living room, and the pens, paper, hat, and clipboards were still on the floor. She smiled and walked into the bathroom. She didn't bring any spare clothes but found a towel on the shelf, so she wrapped herself in that.

With her wet clothes on a hanger, Natsuki exited the bathroom and walked into the kitchen. From there, she saw the pot of spaghetti, the silicon spoon beside the stove, and a microwave with five seconds left. Yuri poured a glass of cold water, grabbed the plate, and walked to the dining room.

"Why are you forgiving me?" Natsuki sat where the plate of spaghetti was and twirled her fork in the noodles. She blew off the steam and was surprised that pasta, left in the open for seven hours, tasted this good. She shoveled the food into her mouth, and Yuri watched.

"Why would I forgive you when you did nothing wrong?" Yuri smiled as she looked at her friend's pasta-covered face, "Your reaction was justified. My selfish nature and actions are what caused this problem."

"Are you sure you aren't talking about someone else? You aren't selfish. I just overreacted and let my emotions control me." Natsuki cleaned her face with a napkin, "If anything, I'm the selfish one for not hearing your explanation."

"We can either both be selfish or not selfish." Yuri walked over to Natsuki's chair and rested her head on hers, "But in the end, you deserve to know the truth. Meet me in the living room, and I'll tell you everything."

And that's what Natsuki did. She sat on the other side of the deep-seated couch and looked at Yuri. She shivered, and Yuri waved for Natsuki to come near her, "You're hotter than usual..." She giggled and rested her head on Yuri's thigh.

"And you're cuter than usual." Yuri played with Natsuki's hair, "Before I tell you anything, I want you to know, Natsuki, that I've admired you for two years now."

"Ever since I was a freshman? We haven't had any classes together, and I haven't known you until this week, though?"

"While we haven't had any classes together, I remember seeing you in the hallway, alone. Ever since, I've expressed in my poems about me being drawn to you."

"Go on..."

"Monika found out by the third poem that I was talking about you. Sayori, who, ironically, shares the same lunch as you, took longer to figure out, hence how I knew you lied about having a late lunch."

"Why didn't you just say that earlier?"

"Because you'd probably think I was a stalker." Yuri locked eyes with Natsuki, "Anyway, Monika suggested I invite you to the club. And I now know my choice of words could've been better."

"Much better." Natsuki returned Yuri's stare, "But then again, I probably would've thrown the invitation away if it was written any other way."

"I guess I was too caught up in fantasies where we actually talked with one another and drove home in my car." Yuri's voice lowered, "And I hope you can forgive me..."

"Even though your blackmailing plans were stupid, I wouldn't be back at this house if I didn't forgive you." Natsuki raised her hand, "Lower your head. I have some explaining to do, too."

Yuri lowered her head, and Natsuki rubbed her right cheek. She talked about why she was so hellbent on Yuri's forgetfulness and how she came to her senses on how special their connection was. How she was sorry for her tears. How stupid she was to leave, "Of course, I forgive you." Yuri cupped Natsuki's left cheek, "I remember what I wanted to say earlier when we were in the kitchen. Promise you won't leave me if I tell you?"

"Mhm, promise."

Yuri bent her head closer to Natsuki's face, "Friendship can be special. When two people hang with each other, their connection can go further beyond friends." Yuri blushed a bright red, "What I'm saying, Natsuki, is that we have something special. More than just friends. I want a relationship with you. One where we can ride in my car and tease each other while listening to each other's music. A romantic one where we share the same bed and eat at the same table because I love you."

Natsuki's smile widened, and her cheeks turned dark red. She was as giddy as a kid on a playground. Like a dog in a field. Like an angel who just got their wings, "Is that your confession?" She couldn't stop her gleeful smile.

"Part of it." Yuri closed her eyes and kissed Natsuki's pinkalicious lips.

This was the confession Natsuki expected. She leaned into the kiss, her head above Yuri's thigh. Yuri's lips weren't just soft. They were beyond soft. Delicate even. They were fragile like hers, meaning this was both their first time. They held each other's hands and let go for air, "That's my confession. And since you didn't pull away and promised you wouldn't leave, does that mean?"

"Yes, Yuri, I'd be happy to be your girlfriend."