Just like me - Game Gyaru Fanfiction [DISCONTINUED]

Chapter 18: Lost

The paper crinkled in Daniella's grip, she loosened it, not wanting to ruin the drawing. But still, she couldn't take her eyes off of it... It nearly made her cry. She'd had such a fun day, but it seemed this day meant even more to Arina, so much more... Daniella's eyes lingered on the band-aid, her name written on it, why? Had she really done that much? This was their first real hangout... Then it clicked, like a rusty gear snapping into place. This was Arina's first real hangout, ever.

She opened her mouth to speak, she wanted to say something like "Thank you." That would be what Arina wanted to hear. But instead, as she took a breath what escaped was something different.

"You never told me."

She spoke, her voice echoing into the open air, beginning in silence and dissolving out into more silence as Arina opened her eyes slowly, giving her a tilted look.

"What do you-?" She said quietly, bringing her knees up to her chest she lowered her head towards them.

"Where you lived before coming here, what you were doing. You never told me." Daniella blinked confused, she didn't know why she said that, she didn't intend to. It just sort of happened, but now it had she really wanted to know... Whatever it was it must be bad because Arina just looked down at the ground and sighed.

"It's not a very satisfying answer." She replied, mouth quivering into a sad smile that Daniella couldn't quite read.

"I-I don't mind. I won't judge you, whatever it is. I promise." Daniella said, moving closer to her. She expected Arina to move away or seem uncomfortable but she didn't. She didn't move a muscle, just sighed again and looked away.

"I... I was..." Her face scrunched up, she bit her lip, fiddled with her hands. Whatever she was trying to say was clawing at her to stay hidden.

"I-I don't want to say." She decided at last. Finally making eye contact with Daniella, desperation in her eyes as she stared at her. Daniella gave an understanding nod and Arina was released from her anguish.

"Thank you." She smiled, properly this time, a happy smile. Even though it was faint... She got up with an awkward wobble and started packing up her sketchbook. Daniella stood up too, jolting as she realized she still had the picture in her hand.

"O-oh sorry! Here you go. It's, um, really sweet by the way." Daniella cringed at herself, covering up her awkwardness with a toothy smile. Arina giggled, a tinge of pink showed up on her cheeks as her eyes wandered over to the page, then back to Daniella.

"Keep it." She said simply. Daniella froze for a moment, holding the picture up and looking at it again.

"Thank you..." She said speechlessly, crinkle lines appearing again as she held it tight.

"No problem. I-I'm really happy you like it." Arina responded meekly, nodding her head as she wandered off out of the park, looking back over her shoulder as Daniella didn't come with her. Instead she just stood there, feet glued to the ground as she clutched the picture close to her chest.

"Arina," She said quietly. "I- I love it."

Arina turned away from her, standing so still, she shuddered and Daniella swore a flash of electric pink flickered around her, if only for a moment. She turned around with tear stained eyes and ran over to her. Daniella quickly flung her arm out to the side, holding the picture away so it didn't get crushed under Arina as she jumped into her arms.

"Thank you." She whispered a half sob into Daniella's shoulder.

"You're welcome Ari."

Arina broke away and wiped her eyes dry, giving a quick smirk she hopped back behind Daniella and took her hand. Daniella looked down at Arina's hand clasped in her own and rose an eyebrow.