Show By Love!!

Show #11 - Friendship

Cyan slowly opened the door to her room. Her eyes still stung from crying outside her front door. She tried her best to hold it together for the girls. She didn't want to bother them. Her fingers were crossed that they were fast asleep.

"Cyan! How was the study date-" Chuchu stopped herself short at the sight of Cyan's swollen eyes.

"Cyan? Are you okay?" Retoree stood up walking up to her. Moa followed from behind.

Great. All of them in her room. Cyan really didn't want to bother them.

"Guys. It's nothing. Don't worry about me and please get some sleep. It's pretty late." Cyan sniffed.

Chuchu stood up and held Cyan in a gentle embrace. Cyan's eyes widened. Chuchu was soft and smelt like lavender. Her motherly hug made Cyan's eyes water.

"You are never a bother to us Cyan. Please tell us what is wrong. I don't think any of us could get a good night's sleep knowing something is troubling you." Chuchu said in hushed tones.

Retoree hugged Cyan from behind. She smelt of vanilla and her long, soft hair tickled her shoulder. Moa joined into the group hug, wrapping her arms around everyone.

Moa giggled, "You all are so soft."

"Please tell us Cyan." Retoree pleaded.

Cyan let her tears go when the other two joined in on the hug. She was more than thankful to have such caring friends. Once everyone released their embrace, Cyan took a deep breath and sat down on her bed while the others sat on the cushions on the floor around the table. Cyan grabbed her stuffed teddy bear and held it tightly. She didn't know where to start. There was so much happening. Shu's kiss and Crow's reaction to it. Her own feelings, she wasn't even sure of.

"Look guys. I don't know where to start. Earlier yesterday, I saw Shu running. He was beautiful. I could feel my heart beating against my chest. When he was done, he caught me watching and... He kissed me."

Moa covered her mouth. Chuchu stood up straight with a surprised look. Retoree's eyes widened, then she looked at the ground.

Cyan continued, "... It was all a surprise. He told me only to look at him. I didn't say anything at the time and before I knew it, it was time to head back to class. Later that evening when you guys left the music room, Crow stayed. We sung together and I told him how I was afraid to open my heart to somebody. Thanks to him, at the time I wasn't afraid to fall in love anymore because he told me that it pushes you to work harder. It inspires you. But when I was at their place, I couldn't say anything to Shu. Love's not as easy at it seems. Shu blurted out that we kissed and Crow looked upset... When Crow walked me home, we didn't say anything and it hurt me. I tell myself I'm ready. But when I try, I only end up hurting someone else and I end up hurting myself."

Chuchu looked at Moa, both frowning. Retoree held her gaze at the floor.

Chuchu stood and sat next to Cyan on the bed, "What bothers you more? You not confronting Shu or Crow keeping his distance?"

Cyan turned to Chuchu, "Well both bother me..." Cyan took a few moments to think and she held her hand close to her chest. "But... if you want an honest answer... It would be Crow not talking with me. Not laughing with me like he usually does."

Chuchu watched Cyan carefully. Cyan held her fists tightly, at the same time letting out a soft sigh. Cyan didn't look straight at the girls but instead at the window across from her. Cyan's eyes glittered in the moonlight. She was replaying the memories she shared with Crow. How they'd joke with each other back at the music world. How he'd teasingly pet her hair. How they'd exchange smiles and laughter. She remembered his ruby eyes, the warmth she felt in her chest whenever she looked deeply into them. She remembered his smile when she gave him his birthday gift. She wanted to protect that smile.

After a few moments, Cyan shot her head up, "Crow... I-I think I love Crow!" Determination filled her eyes. Finally it was clear to her who her heart really yearned for.

Chuchu smiled and hugged Cyan, "Cyan. I think you've already loved him for a long time. You just came to realize it now."

Moa stood close by, "I think you two suit each other really well!"

Retoree stood beside Moa, "Cyan. We will support you now matter what." Retoree smiled.

"Now that you know, you know what to do. Follow your heart. Love is never easy. If you really love Crow, talk to him. Don't let your chances pass you by. " Chuchu smiled with her eyes.

Cyan's own words echoed in her head: "If it's really love, it's worth the risk."

Cyan's eyes began to tear up again. This time, she didn't hold them back. They were tears of joy. Tears that celebrated a beautiful friendship and a love that began to shine through the cracks of a once closed door.

—

Chuchu and Moa shortly left the room to let Cyan rest once her tears dried up. Cyan lay on her bed. She held up the bracelet Shu had given her up against the moonlight.

"Cyan. I need to tell you something." Retoree whispered as she lay on her futon on the floor.

Cyan turned her head, "Oh Retoree.. You aren't sleeping yet? I'm listening."

Retoree turned to face Cyan, her eyes fixed on Cyan's bracelet.

"Since you were honest with us. I'll be honest with you," Retoree took a deep breath. "I-I think I like Shu. I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. I thought..."

Cyan quickly sat up and lifted her bed sheet off of her, "Retoree. No."

Cyan played with the bracelet in between her fingers. She grabbed the clasp with her thumb and index finger and released the bracelet from her wrist. Cyan reached over and opened Retoree's palm. She carefully placed the bracelet in Retoree's hand and closed Retoree's finger's around it.

Retoree jumped, "No- Cyan I can't-"

Cyan shook her head, "Take it. You don't have to wear it. Keep it with you. It's a thank you for telling me."

Retoree held her grasp on the bracelet tighter.

Cyan continued, "I should have known sooner it was Crow. I'm sorry if I've hurt you. To be honest. I thought it was Shu whom I was in love with. But. The more I think about it... I feel like I wouldn't be able to be myself around him. He's handsome and curt. But he doesn't make me smile like Crow does. I don't laugh with him like I do with Crow. When he kissed me I think that I was more shocked than excited. Everything was blank at the time - my mind and my surroundings. But I should have payed more attention to my heart too. It was also blank. Also empty. I thought a kiss was supposed to be more special than that."

Retoree hugged Cyan tightly, "Cyan don't apologize..." Retoree's eyes turned glossy and soon tears formed at the corner of her eyes.

Cyan returned her warm embrace, "I'm here supporting you too okay?" Cyan laughed, "I'm a bit disappointed my first kiss didn't go as imagined."

Retoree giggled over Cyan's shoulder, "I'm sure a kiss with Crow would make up for it ~"

Cyan suddenly let go of Retoree and Cyan quickly covered her face with one of her stuffed animals to cover her embarrassment, "Retoree?!" The thought of Crow's lips against hers sent a chill down her spine, butterflies batting their wings vigorously in her stomach.

Retoree laughed and pointed at Cyan's stuffed animal. Cyan looked down to see that she was holding tightly onto a cute dark brown hedgehog with big round eyes.

Retoree playfully turned the hedgehog around and lifted the hedgehog up to Cyan's face. She pushed the hedgehog's pointed nose towards Cyan's trembling lips.

"Chu ~" Retoree winked behind the hedgehog.

"Jeez, Retoreee!!" Cyan cupped her hands against her own burning cheeks.