"I mean, there's plenty of space in here. Why are you always leaning on me?"
Yumiko stared helplessly at the white-haired little bitch currently draped across her side. She'd just managed to hold herself back from doing something reckless — and now this little menace was the one nuzzling up against her. If that wasn't playing with fire, what was?
Mio paused internally for a moment — the line felt oddly familiar. But she didn't dwell on it, instead reaching out and poking Yumiko lightly on the cheek.
"I'm teaching you," she said cheerfully. "When you're alone with someone you like, you have to take the initiative. Especially with someone like Hayama-kun, who loves burying his head in the sand."
...Not that she had any room to lecture anyone on that front herself.
Yumiko knew exactly what Mio was doing — but every time Mio got close, strange thoughts started trickling into her head. Especially in a space this small.
Those thoughts were like seeds, taking root and quietly growing. Yumiko was genuinely a little worried she might accidentally do something she'd regret.
And yet Mio kept leaning on her, completely oblivious.
Screw it.
Yumiko gave up trying to resist. She shifted position, pulled Mio into her arms, rested her chin on Mio's shoulder, and pretended to watch the screen like nothing had happened.
She'd been a little worried this might raise suspicions.
Mio blinked in surprise — then laughed softly. "Not bad, Yumiko. I didn't expect that counter. But unfortunately... based on Hayama-kun's personality, even if you tried this on him, he probably still wouldn't do anything."
Yumiko quietly let out a breath of relief. Good. She just thinks it's a demonstration.
...She did notice, though, that Mio smelled really nice.
She took a slow, subtle breath.
I'm such a creep.
Cough cough.
When Yumiko came back to her senses, she blinked. "Mio? What's wrong?"
Mio was looking at her with a faintly pink face.
"...Hey. If it's not too much to ask — please don't breathe on my ear. It's, um. Sensitive."
Yumiko's expression stiffened for a half second. Then she filed that information away in the deepest, most secure corner of her memory.
No idea when I'll need it. But better safe than sorry.
She managed an awkward smile. "So, uh... want to play a game together?"
"What kind?"
"A two-player co-op stage-clearing game. Needs teamwork. You've already taught me the basics, so — no holding back this time."
"Fair enough."
Mio gave a small nod, and they started playing.
Yumiko had specifically chosen this one. It was rated highly as a couple's game — though some reviews warned that bad communication could lead to breakups. She wasn't too worried about that. She had full confidence in both their gaming skills.
She'd even quietly gone home last night and practiced, just in case.
That way, even if Mio's coordination wasn't perfect, she could cover for both of them flawlessly.
As it happened, playing games with Mio turned out to be one of the best experiences she'd had lately. Every time Yumiko pulled off a good move, Mio would lean close and lavish her with the sweetest, most adoring praise in that soft, warm voice of hers.
Even after experiencing it a few times now, Yumiko still couldn't help feeling a little... floaty.
But she kept her head on straight. She still had intel to gather.
"Mio," she said, eyes on the screen, "can I ask — what kind of guys do you like?"
Mio gasped dramatically. "Yumiko, that's so mean."
"...???"
"Asking your girlfriend what type of guys she likes?" She turned to face Yumiko with a wounded, reproachful look. "You're going to lose me like this, you know."
"Can you please not switch into girlfriend mode without warning?"
Mio let out a quiet laugh at Yumiko's exasperated face. "Don't worry, I'm not interested in Hayama-kun."
Or in guys in general, honestly.
"I know you're not interested in Hayama-kun. That's exactly why I'm curious what type you actually go for~" The question was partly reconnaissance. Partly... a test.
"Me? I like your type, Yumiko~"
Yumiko had already half-expected that answer. She pressed further, more carefully: "Mio... you don't actually like girls, do you?"
Mio's hands paused on the controller — just for a beat. Then she composed herself and said, with practiced calm, "Honestly, I don't really have a preference when it comes to gender. If I like someone, I like them."
Why does it feel like Yumiko's been asking an awful lot of questions about me today?
What Mio didn't catch was the flash of something in Yumiko's eyes after she answered.
Is she serious? Yumiko wondered. Is she actually serious?
"YUMIKO, MOVE, I'M DYING—!"
"Ah — oh, right!"
······
"The sky's already getting dark."
Mio stepped out of the internet café and stretched lazily. The temperature had dropped noticeably from the afternoon.
"Yeah. Are you heading home?"
"Mm. I think today's date has run its course — unless Yumiko wants to take us somewhere else?"
She let her gaze drift pointedly toward the hotel sign visible in the distance. Yumiko caught it immediately.
But this time, Yumiko didn't dodge it the way she usually did. She smiled instead, and said, "If you really wanted to... I wouldn't say no."
Mio looked at her, genuinely surprised. "I hope you mean that when the time comes."
"...Oh, right — don't forget to ask Hayama-kun out. Christmas only comes once a year. Don't waste it. And if things get too complicated, call me. I'll be your backup."
"Got it."
······