Komachi's Greenette Cheerleader

 i am a flower quickly fading 

Valerie had pegged Komachi as underselling herself, possibly to the point of Imposter Syndrome - at least as far as her degree from the College of Internetology led her to believe.

So what if she helped her affirm herself in a way she couldn't deny was her own doing? Climbing a mountain - even one with a hiking trail, was a start. It seemed like something her friend would enjoy too.

Oh, and it didn't cost money. So none of that usual stuff.

Wearing the gift barette her friend had so kindly bought her, Val showed up in durable outdoor clothes. Having her paycheck mostly to herself, she'd made the note of showing up in a durable top made by the heiress's company, "Support the businesses of your friends." Not that her entire paycheck would have been a drop in the bucket of their finances, but it was sort of a team spirit thing.

Waiting for Komachi, she leaned against a sign post for a moment before spotting a fallen branch. Deciding to make a weak attempt at humor, Valerie walked over to it, kneeled, and snapped off part of a branch with some amount of effort before making easily breaking off the sticks to the side. Now with a faux-mountaineer's walking stick, she walked over with the sort of awkward grin you'd expect to see on someone who was admittedly a bit out of her element.

Now it was just to wait for her friend.

252| @komachi| notes

ulla

i am not interested in fulfilling borrowed dreams

❝

Komachi's phone got a lot of messages. Her father's business associates, by her request, still kept her in the loop for major dealings. Her friends, though in different schools, still often sent updates. Most of the time, Komachi answered at her leisure, only changing course for the really important business stuffs. But when she got a message from Valerie, all plans (albiet rather not-critical) immediately got dropped.

An opportunity to hang out with Valerie wasn't to be missed. Still, it was a surprise that the invitation was to hike in the nearby mountains. She never got around to much mountaineering; there was no need to in the past. She was an urban explorer at heart - the wild maze that was Tokyo was her home. Even the few trips to the countryside was to largely flat land, visiting the farms owned by her father. The mountains was the realm of Yuki, who regaled her with tales of her trips with her cousin Yumeko when they visited Sapporo.

Fukui, despite its proximity to the sea and its warm summers, had it's share of cold winters, so Komachi was not unprepared for the cold weather. She picked out one of her custom-made jackets, warm but not restrictive, then headed out, taking the bus to get to the meet-up point. The tailor practically leaped out of the bus once it got to the station she wanted, and it was only a short walk to meet the green-haired girl at the start of the trail.

"Heya!" Komachi called out, following up with the more polite, "I hope I did not keep you waiting." She grinned, recognizing the top that Valerie was wearing. "Well, that one, huh?"

Komachi gingerly pinched at the sleeve. "I remember this one. I really can't say I had much of a hand on this one. I saw the original design...or rather, the changes they wanted to make to the old one, and complained and complained. Sure, less material needed, still was warm, but it was so restrictive! They said, 'Koma-chan, you aren't running a marathon in these' but eventually they relented and made it a but more maneuverable."

The dark-haired girl blinked, then shook her head. "A-anyways. It looks good on you." She then glanced over to the trail. "You want to lead the way?"

Valerie Belrose ● notes: ● 000

MADE BY MIZO

 i am a flower quickly fading 

Valerie snapped to attention when she heard the voice of her dear friend. Pivoting a bit, the girl smiled, "Hello again." she mentioned, only to be bombarded with an unexpected story. While she certainly happy to see her friend's enthusiasm, it did take her by surprise a bit, as Komachi pinched the sleeve of her top.

She blushes just a bit at the complement, "Thank you." she told her, as she began up the mountain trail. While the green of the trees may have no longer been present, it left the surrounding area a bit easier to see. Rather than looking over greenery, one expected they'd be able to see the city a bit higher up.

"That's fine by me." she told her, as she started up the mountain, "You know, back in America, you hear that problem all the time. Companies found their product on an idea, but sacrifice that idea on a short-sighted money grab that only hurts them in the long run. So good job sticking to it." She lets out a slight sigh of frustration thinking about it.

Rather than stick ahead, she slowed down just a bit to walk beside her friend as they ascended.

"I suppose this trip isn't a product demonstration though." she mentioned, "So, how have you been?"

224| @tagged | notes

ulla

i am not interested in fulfilling borrowed dreams

❝

It always was a joy to see Valerie blush the way she did, and Komachi smiled as she followed the green-haired girl, taking a few skips so that she could stand side-by-side as they amde their way along the trail. The greenery around her, while amazing, still seemed to fade into visual noise as Valerie talked about the very common horror story of short-term gains, eliciting a hearty chuckle mixed with a groan of frustration. Then the topic shifted to her.

"Me? I'm okay," Komachi replied reflexively, pausing as a small set of stairs interrupted her thoughts. For a moment, she sized it up before jumping, making it only to the second-to-the-top step and walking normally after. The tailor remained candor as she continued to speak. "Classes aren't too bad. Group projects suck and always drain the life from you. Still chatting with friends and family in Tokyo. They're doing okay. Dad is twisting peoples' arms because of supply chain issues. Nothing he hasn't handled before. That said! I do have a problem that has been on my mind a bit."

Despite calling it a problem, Komachi's expression remained rather jovial, eager even. She glanced over to Valerie with a grin.

"I mean, you know I'm trying to make a jacket for you, right? I was trying to make it a surprise for you, but I ran into the problem of...balancing it between something that was visually..." The brown-haired girl trailed off, waving her hands in an ambigous manner before pointing to Valerie. "Well, visually 'you', while also being practical. And I agonized and agonized before I realized...I never asked for your input. Sure, asking would defeat the surprise but...I can't care about that if the product turns out bad!"

With a laugh, Komachi threw her hands into the air before letting them fall and flail comically, then looked to Valerie with a more earnest expression, asking, "Can you think of what kind of stuff you'd want in it?"

Valerie Belrose ● notes: ● 000

MADE BY MIZO

 i am a flower quickly fading 

Though not by thought, Valerie was distracted by the presence of Komachi as well. As they reach the stairs, she swings her arms a bit as she nearly trips, falling to a crouching position, "I'm okay." she says, snapping back to reality. She wasn't sure why she was so intently focused on her - usually she was more attentive.

She thought for a moment, "Well..." she blushed slightly, "One idea does come to mind. It's a bit bland though." She mentioned, practicality coming to mind. She giggled at seeing her friend's display of enthusiasm, taking a deep breath afterwards, as if instinctively trying to recompose herself.

"Well, something I could step off a trail, brush off the fallen leaves, and into a meeting room with." she said, with a bit of a smile, "Something that could be worn in a lot of circumstances - ah, I guess that sort of practicality is 'pretty me' I suppose."

She thought a few moments, "But... you know."

She gave her a genuine smile, making clear eye contact with Komachi, "It's hard to make something that's an expression of someone else. Would it be cheesy to say 'I'd love to see something that you really think is cute?'" Valerie blushed just a little as she said that.

219| @tagged | notes

ulla

i am not interested in fulfilling borrowed dreams

❝

Out of reflex, Komachi reached to Valerie as the green-haired girl lost her balance, though in the end, it wasn't necessary. Komachi made no effort to hide her attempt to help, letting her arm fall to her side naturally as Valerie righted herself. Still, a sense of relief washed over the tailor, as well as an amused smile - it really was so cute to see Valerie blush the way she did.

Then it was time to turn her attention to the previous topic: the jacket. It was a relief to Komachi to have, even in part, her suspicions confirmed. Something practical, versatile - the No restrictions with colours or...anything aesthetic really. Except for one thing.

"Well...technically...yes, asking for something cute would be a bit cheesy, but that's not a problem," Komachi laughed, turning to face the trail and walking slowly again. She was in no rush. "But what you said...something you could step off a trail, brushing off the fallen leaves, and right into a meeting room..." Komachi trailed off as she echoed Valerie's words. "That's two rather disparate actions, plus, trying to make it 'cute'. That's quite a challenge...I like it."

As they walk, images started to flood Komachi's mind as she brainstormed. She started with her father's attire when they visited the farms they owned. But that was too business-like. Yuki's jacket was also the kind she could take while snooping around but also being presentable when she had to report to someone. But that was too 'cool'. There were other styles she had studied as well - Mori-girl came to mind. That was a good starting point - like some sort of forest noblewoman. Komachi started to chuckle, softly at first, but more loudly as the ideas piled in.

Then she stopped, blinking and looking to Valerie.

"Erm...if you don't mind me asking - I know you're used to your own wardrobe, but I am curious..." There was a slight frown on Komachi's face. "You do seem to know well what a cute outfit looks like, and I really think you'd look good in a lot of them, but...what is stopping you from outfits that are...not work clothes?"

Valerie Belrose ● notes: ● 000

MADE BY MIZO

 i am a flower quickly fading 

"I um..." she responded, visibly slowing for a moment. She went silent. Why?

"Nothing. Nothing, I suppose." she mentioned, shaking her head. Why couldn't she answer such a simple question? It wasn't really even a matter of preference. "I guess I just tend to the more serious side of things."

She took a deep breath. Something about that bothered her, but she couldn't put her finger on why. Perhaps half the pendulum swinging back, a grin some might say was slightly mischievous was on her face.

"But... if you're thinking something cute might be the way to go... maybe that's the way to go." she mentioned, "Make me look cuter than a pack of puppies." She blushed just slightly after that, glancing aside as she realized how silly that simile sounded.

Shaking off a bit of the awkward feeling, she looked back,, "I swear, I'm not sure why, but I feel like I'm tripping all over myself today. Figuratively and literally." she chuckled a bit, "I blame you."

176| @tagged | notes

ulla

i am not interested in fulfilling borrowed dreams

❝

Komachi watched Valerie closely, unconciously trying to take in as much as she could. She didn't expect the question to hit so hard, but the tailor did her best to try and give an encouraging smile. Though they were still flanked on both sides by trees, there was enough space for the wind to blow, and for a moment, she had to brush her hair out of the way as a slight breeze passed between them.

"Heh, no need to apologize for that. If anything, it should be me apologizing for asking a question that would make it so awkward." Komachi replied, also chuckling. "Frankly speaking, it's actually kind of...a treat to see you like this, you know? You really have that reputation in school for being such a super serious task master. So seeing you being this candid is...really nice."

As Komachi walked slowly hands went to her pockets, though she had a much more ambling gait, swaying side to side as they continued along the trail. At first she seemed more visibly relaxed, even though her expression showed that she was once more digging through her mind. Step by step, the smile faded, and Komachi spoke candidnly once more.

"You know, when we get back? How about I show you what I have, and we can figure out something from there. Because half the reason why your jacket has been on my mind is like..." Komachi faltered, trying to chuckle as a way to hide her loss of words, but more and more she found herself floundering. "I really wanted to...I don't know...win you over? For lack of a better term..."

With a disgused groan, Komachi batted the side of her head with both hands before sighing heavily. She looked ahead, still walking but her eyes seemed to be looking far ahead for just a moment. "Urgh...I mean...I don't need to do that...r-right...? We are f-friends right...? I don't...need to prove anything like...with Yuki..." Komachi's voice faded, barely able to say her old friend's name.

Valerie Belrose ● notes: ● 000

MADE BY MIZO

 i am a flower quickly fading 

"I'd say taskmaster Valerie is who I am on the clock, but... I frankly don't always know what to do with my free time." Maybe she should get a hobby, she thought, though she'd never really had much time to commit - so she didn't even know where to start looking. She idly readjusted her glasses, as she thought for a moment, before adding in, "I suppose you're easy to be at ease around. You're free-spirited enough that you remind me I need to kick back every once in a while. At the same time, you're grounded enough that it doesn't come across as flippant."

Valerie's own gait gradually straightened, feeding off the ambitious energy of her friend. Passion almost felt like something Valerie had to learn - so in a way, when she got it second hand off someone else, she felt it a bit more acutely. She glanced over to the heiress with a smile, gradually becoming more eager to hear her thoughts. Though it faded to concern as Komachi's own smile did.

And then she gave a rather peculiar statement.

"One, that sounds great. Two, of course you don't." she added in quickly, before a small blush graced her cheeks once more, "I'm your friend for a reason, after all. I like hanging out with you. I enjoy your company, and I look forward to spending time with you."

And then Yuki got brought up again. Right. She took a deep breath, spotting a bench ahead.

"Can we sit down for a moment?" she said. For a moment, she could almost feel the shell of composure she usually put up. For a moment, she closed her eyes as she took a soft calm breath, and for the moment, psyched herself into letting it down.

Her smile took on an uncharacteristic, almost motherly warmth, and her shoulders relaxed. "I promise, it won't be bad." her tone went, sounding concerned but it lacked the air of formality she seemed to always put up.

... In fact, Komachi would have never heard her speak like this before.

352| | notes

ulla

i am not interested in fulfilling borrowed dreams

❝

It was a relief in a ways to speak Yuki's name and thus get the spectre of her childhood friend out of Komachi's mind. Valerie's reassurance helped immensely as well, which let the brunette tailor regain her own composure, standing up and walking normally again, catching sight of the bench ahead. While Komachi's feet and legs weren't tired, she did realize that perhaps after going off on a tangent, having a nice sit-down would be good to re-align her mind.

"Yeah, sure, we can sit!" Komachi replied with a soft chuckle, her relief clear in her voice. The way Valerie asked was a surprise; in a way, Komachi vould hear the infamous 'mom voice' and wasn't quite sure how to take it other than in stride, literally and metaphorically. At the same time...she felt kind of special, as if it was something her and her alone could hold onto. "You know the way you say that, it's kind of the thing where you say it won't be bad as a way to cover for how bad it is, isn't it?" the tailor said with a weak laugh. "But I believe you. I know I kinda...dumped a lot on you, so it's my fault for not handling it well."

It was only a few steps more and they both arrived in front of the bench. Opposite to the bench was a clearing between the trees, enough for the valley to be in view, and in the distance was the city. Komachi stood in front of the bench, and for a moment, contemplated collapsing into it in a relaxed deliberately humourous manner, but decided to sit down properly, taking in the view ahead.

"Thanks for being my friend, Valerie-chan." Komachi said, only glacing towards the green-haired girl after a few moments. "And for taking care of me when I do dumb things. Ever since I got here in Fukui, it's been a kind of struggle, you know? I forgot how hard it was to make friends. Middle school, it was Yuki who brought us all together. Now, I'm here and everyone else is still on Tokyo. I can definitely chat with my classmates, but never...manage to stay around them."

There was another chuckle as Komachi gave Valerie a small but earnest smile.

Valerie Belrose ● notes: ● 000

MADE BY MIZO

 i am a flower quickly fading 

She blushed just slightly, her hands on her lap as she listened to her, "It's been wonderful having you as a friend as well." she told her.. Despite the seriousness of the discussion, her posture was relaxed. As if the barriers that she unconsciously put up were down for once.

"This is the first time I've been without my family. It's like..." she giggled a little bit, wistfully, "Those moments. I guess they're oddly comforting, in a familiar way." she told her. She smiled.

"Komachi. I..." How to put this, she thought, "Half the time you bring up Yuki, it's how amazing she was. And I believe you. She sounds like a wonderful person, and if she ever stops by town, I'd like to meet her." she told her, "But..."

She took a deep breath, this was the heavier part, "When you said you wanted to prove yourself. It... sort of puzzle fit together for me." She mentioned.

"Everything could, could have been handed to you on a silver platter, and you could have coasted through life. But you're passionate about your work, you have the attention of business people who'd normally be contacting folks twice your age, you're always striving to do things just a little better, you're humble despite wealth, and you have the energy to get a straight-laced nanny of a girl like me out and about without being obnoxious. And I wouldn't be surprised if those are the very sort of things that made your father a wealthy man. And you're a great friend to boot." Her tone almost took a rambling pace, as it was just a bit awkward for her to make that procession of compliments.

She smiled, blushing a bit more, "My friendship isn't a rat race. You've proven yourself just by being the wonderful person and friend you are. And... I know it's not easy, but... I hope you can remember that the next time you have the urge to compare yourself to others."

340| @tagged | nots

ulla

i am not interested in fulfilling borrowed dreams

❝

Komachi had been praised in the past before, but hearing it from Valerie really was something else. There was that strange feeling of joy to hear Valerie speak so candidly that it almost made Komachi feel guilty - like she didn't deserve all of this. Bit by bit, Komachi's more prim and proper postule relaxed as she slouched more naturally.

"Thanks, Valerie. To hear all that from you... It... it really means a lot." Komachi said, smiling softly at the green-haired girl before looking ahead in thought. The tailor thought she was aware of how much Yuki's spectre lingered over her, but to hear Valerie call her out on it was a sudden impact that Komachi wasn't prepared for. A sigh escaped Komachi's lips before chuckling.

"Good grief...I really talk about Yuki too much, don't I?" Komachi asked. As she spoke, she felt like a great weight was slowly being lifted from her chest even though she slouched a bit more. "As for comparing myself to others? Guilty as charged."

With a laugh, Komachi raised her arms in surrender before leaning back on the bench. Slowly, she closed her eyes, poring over her memories and trying to find the right words for a moment.

"I had feelings for Yuki. But I never asked her out. There was another one of my friends, Miharu. One of the smartest girls around, fastest girl on the Track team, and had a force of will to match Yuki. How could I compare to that?" Even with her eyes closed, Komachi shrugged, even though she kept smiling. "So I just...never acted on my feelings. Hell, when Miharu came around to how she relt, I pushed her to confess. And she did, so as of two months ago, they're dating."

A sense of relief washed over Komachi. It strangely felt good to admit that she had lost out. Her eyes opened and the blue sky in front of her reminded her of the conversation she had with the girl on the roof. Back then, Komachi bragged about being all loud and confident with a confession, and the fact that she now Komachi couldn't seem to summon the energy to pract what she preached.

But maybe there was another way.

"So. Why have I been agonizing over your jacket?" Komachi continued, sitting properly again. "I know I can't do what Miharu does, so I decided to double down on what I do best." The brunette leaned over to pinch at Valerie's sleeve jacket. "But at the same time, if I'm going to do what I am best...I can't be giving you a sub-par product right? Anyways."

Komachi let go of Valerie's sleeve and stood up, dusting herself off and slapping her hands together as she took a few steps forward. "So! The original plan was for me to confess to you when I had your jacket done. But...since you've pretty much caught me, I have no choice." There was a sense of excitement in Komachi's voice, as if her old spirit was returning. But it wasn't the usual loud and showy style. First, she turned her head to look at Valerie with a grin before turning around, almost striking a pose and pointing to Valerie.

"Hey. Valerie." Komachi started. It may not have been the proud shouting she had planned before, but it still held that joyous recklessness.

"I really like you. Please. Go out with me?"

Valerie Belrose ● notes: ● 000

MADE BY MIZO

 i am a flower quickly fading 

For a moment, Valerie was content to play the role of confidant and friend, maintaining a warm, motherly smile. For a moment. It didn’t take long after Komachi started her speach that she revealed that Yuki was more than a friend. Well… at least that was what she’d wanted. That… explained a few things. More importantly though…

“Komachi likes girls!?” she thought, not hiding her surprise in expression, including a slight blush – though of course, no ire crossed her face. For reasons you, the reader, can probably guess.

She smiled a bit as she felt her hand on her sleeve – and then…

Silence.

Valerie was gobsmacked. She did not know how to process this. “I…” she coughed, face red, “Ahem...” After a moment, a few seconds that felt interminable to Valerie, Komachi would feel a touch of warmth as one of Valerie’s hands lightly grasped her friend’s.

She had to say something.

“I didn’t know you were...” Her face went beet red, as she was out of control. She didn’t know how not to. Until one thought.

“Say something you idiot!”

Both hands grasped Komachi’s as she stood up. “Well… you’re wonderful, and yes, I’d… yes.”

She gave Komachi the first ‘I have no idea what I’m doing’ awkward smile she’d given… well, anyone for quite a long time.

238| @tagged | notes

ulla

i am not interested in fulfilling borrowed dreams

❝

Komachi had absolutely no plan at all. No plan, no expectations. Her confession was spur of the moment, driven by adrenaline. As the tailor's heartrate slowed and her senses returned, she seemed to relax her stance a bit. A sense of embarrassment crept in followed by a tinge of regret. Not because Komachi had said anything remotely romantic, but she felt that she was acting so selfishly. She was so

Slowly, Komachi's posing hand lowered, but instead of returning to the tailor's side it fell right into Valerie's hands as the green-haired girl herself got to her feet. The brunette blinked in surprise and froze up. Even when she still only looked to Valerie as a close friend, Komachi was very consious to not touch Valerie so much, feeling it was pushing boundaries too much. But now? Well,any plan Komachi had for apologies was immediately scuttled, and or a moment, Komachi looked at Valerie's awkward smile and blushing face, as if entranced by how pretty it was.

"Oh...that..." Komachi could barely speak before laughing softly, slowly clasping her hands with Valerie's and matching the green-haired girl's awkward smile. "I didn't...think that such a declaration would work, Valerie-chan..." A tired and nervous sigh escaped Komachi's lips, her shoulders lowering as the tension inside eased.

"I don't think an apology is what's supposed to happen after a confession and...I kind of am defeating the point by saying this now...but I do want to apologize," Komachi continued, weakly squeezing Valerie's hands as her face turned a bit somber. "Because of my own pride and...hurt feelings from the past, I sprung this on you without considering you. The fact that...you may not be interested in girls never crossed my mind and...it really was just so rude of me to be so pushy."

Once more, Komachi squeezed Valerie's hands, her breath getting a little shakey. "I...I really am lucky that you said yes. I'd probably be in a lot of trouble otherwise." The tailor laughed and shook her head, still stuttering lightly. "Than- Thank you so much..."

It was difficult for Komachi to managed the multitudes of emotions inside her, so she turned to her default. Tears started to streak down despite the wild and eager smile across the brunette's face as she looked into Valerie's eyes as she made her next declartion.

"I promise...I'll make you...the best jacket ever! And then...! Anything else your heart desires...I'll make it for you...!"

Valerie Belrose ● notes: ● 000

MADE BY MIZO

 i am a flower quickly fading 

Valerie let out an awkward giggle alongside her new girlfriend's, Honestly, it was hard not to feel what she was - that was a good sign, right? "I know you will." she told her. Her breath faltered for a moment. Her head was still spinning, and only now were her thoughts getting into something resembling order.

A moment passed, and she laughed again, still tear stricken, "It's funny, i-if you hadn't taken that leap of faith." she told her, her grip tightening slightly, "Hah... I'm not sure I'd have ever put two and two together about how you felt."

Without thinking, she scooted slightly closer to Komachi, "You throw yourself into every thing, and..." she mentioned, tearing up, "For all my planning on stage, I'm never sure what to do with myself off it."

"Komachi, you don't need to appologize. Because...well..." she looked deep into her eyes, leaning in just slightly.

"That's... that's was truly you. And that's one of the things I love about you. One of the many things." she told her.

178| @tagged | note

ulla

i am not interested in fulfilling borrowed dreams

❝

Komachi wasn't used to hearing such words of praise. Commendations for her tailorwork were plentiful, but it always for what she had done, never for who Komachi was. Awkwardly, Komachi difted towards Valerie, still holding her new girlfriend's hands and looking into her eyes, inching closer and closer and leaning forward as well until their foreheads barely touched, causing Komachi to straighten up with a soft chuckle.

"One of many..." Komachi echoed before taking a deep breath. She opened and closed her mouth a few times, as if trying to find the words to express how she felt before blurting out once more. "I have absolutely no idea how to take that kind of praise other than saying thank you."

There was a pause as Komachi's mouth had over taken her mind. The mountain wind picked up and blew between them, as if to remind them where they were and what they were doing just before they stopped. Komachi glanced towards the trail that lead on.

"...I think I understand a bit better." Komachi said softly before looking back to Valerie. Memories drifted in and out as she tried to put to words her feelings. "Do remember how you said you didn't know what to do outside of school. So...I brought you along to that bookstore and curio shop. And now, I tagged along with you here. One person...follows the other. But that's...not the right way to think about it, right?"

Slowly, Komachi let go of one of Valerie's hands, holding on to the other as she walked to stand at Valerie's side. "It shouldn't be a matter of...one following the other. I tried to follow and...chase Yuki for so long when I really shouldn't have." With her free hand, Komachi gestured down the trail, pushing on with what words she could get out of her mind. "This time, we're together...at each other's side...right?"

Valerie Belrose ● notes: ● 000

MADE BY MIZO

 i am a flower quickly fading 

Valerie barely felt the chill of the mountain air, as it felt like all that mattered in the world were the two of them. She listened to Komachi, as she went through the events. The idea of working as equals wasn't foreign to her. In theory. In practice, she barely recognized the idea. "I..."

She teared up a bit, as she stood up alongside her new girlfriend, "... suppose that's true..." She didn't really know what to say. It cut deeper than Komachi probably realized, because she genuinely was thinking forward and wondering... how? Oh, in theory, you communicated, you compromised, you worked together. Her grip on her hand.

"I think... I might be a little broken up on the inside." she said, realizing she just wasn't used to working with people so much as above or below them, still walking along the trail.

152| @tagged | note

ulla

i am not interested in fulfilling borrowed dreams

❝

It was hard for Komachi to not be conscious of trying to match Valerie's walking pace as they proceeded down the trail. Not that it felt wrong or unnatural or even difficult. But it was different than the usual charge-ahead pace that Komachi preferred. The autumn wind still kept blowing at their backs, but Komachi resisted, steadfastly holding Valerie's hand as she listened to her girlfriend.

"Broken...up..?" Komachi echoed, tilting her head and visibly showing confusion on her face. It took the tailor a moment to process things. Reading how other people were feeling was always a difficult task for Komachi. Her mouth opened, but before she could apologize again for springing her confession on Valerie, she smiled and simply squeezed her girlfriend's hand. Still, Komachi wanted to know, to -understand- how Valerie was feeling, and without any of the tools her friends used to magically extract an answer, Komachi stuck to what she knew.

"Want to talk about it...?" Komachi finally asked, glacing ahead breifly to take note of the bend in the trail before looking to Valerie with a slightly worried face. "I'd...I'd really like to understand. I have...some ideas but as dad said sometimes, to 'assume' tends to make an 'ass' out of 'you' and me."

Valerie Belrose ● notes: ● 000

MADE BY MIZO

 i am a flower quickly fading 

"I know it's... kinda heavy. For one thing. A lot of who I am... I've wondered... how much is me, how much is who I've always had to be." she said, shaking her head, giving a bitter chuckle as she continued along the path, "Don't get me wrong, I like what I do in production. But I also wonder... whether how much of who I am is just a mask that got fit too tightly."

Her hand squeezed a bit tightly onto her lover's, and she told her, "And then... how much of who I am and what I do will still work outside the school?" She said, almost losing her footing when she stepped on an errant rock. That woke her up a bit.

She shook her head, "Am I... waxing philosophical too much?"

144| @tagged | note

ulla

i am not interested in fulfilling borrowed dreams

❝

Komachi listened intently to Valerie, nodding as she processed each bit. The tailor was never the fastest to process emotional things, a fact she was painfully aware of. But she tried her best to understand. A conflict between one's self against what one was supposed to be? The brunette's thoughts drifted once more to Yuki, then to Yuki's sister Yuko.

Yuko embraced her role as a member of noble family. Yuki rebelled against. And of course, Komachi followed Yuki's example, not wishing to be constrained by the title of heir to a family fortune. But it really wasn't the same, was it? Komachi felt that she had succeeded in breaking away, even if it was by mimicking her best friend a little too much. The tailor's heart sank in self-loathing - she had no right to claim familiarity, did she.

Valerie's stumble brought Komachi back to earth, and the brunette immediately sprung into action to try and make sure Valerie was okay. But in the end, the green-haired girl could easily take care of herself. Komachi smiled and shook her head in response to Valerie's question. "No, not at all. It's...rather refreshing to hear. I really...actually like it."

Komachi chuckled, letting Valerie set the pace for when to continue. She had lost track of how far along the trail they were.

@tagsomeone ● notes: ● 000

MADE BY MIZO