Archive of Our Own ^beta

I can do this. I can do this, Minami reassured herself as she paced back and forth in her room. She usually wasn’t the most openly emotional person, but if anyone with half a brain could see her now, they’d recognize her gay panic in a heartbeat.

It’s just a letter. All I have to do is hand it to Yutaka and that’ll be that. Either she loves me back, or… Minami shook the thought from her head. No. I know she loves me, I just have to hope it’s in the same way I love her. She sighed and forced herself to sit back down at her desk.

I’ll just look over it one last time, she thought as she unfolded the white piece of paper in her hands. Reading it over was almost as difficult and emotionally taxing as writing it in the first place, but in the end, she was proud of herself for getting these feelings down. Quickly, she had to move the sheet of paper to the side so it wouldn’t be spoiled by yet another tear falling upon it. 

The letter was done, at least. But actually finding the courage to give it to Yutaka will be the hardest part, she thought melancholically. But I have to. I need to do this.

Tomorrow, Minami vowed. To make sure she committed, she quickly called Yutaka.

I can do this. I can do this, Yutaka reassured herself as she paced back and forth in her room. Not for the first time, she checked the lock on her room door to make sure neither Konata nor her uncle barged in and saw her gay panic. She loved them both dearly, but she wasn’t sure she could take the teasing right now.

It’s just a letter. All I have to do is hand it to Minami and see how she reacts. I just hope she loves me back in the same way I love her… Her pacing was interrupted when her phone suddenly rang. She pulled it out of her pocket and answered.

“Hello?” Yutaka asked.

“Do you want to go to the park by my house tomorrow?” Minami asked from the other end.

“Where we watched the fireworks last summer? Of course!” Yutaka cheered.

“Good. I’ve been wanting to talk to you again in person soon.” Yutaka could swear she heard the smile in Minami’s voice over the phone. It gave her the same butterflies-in-the-stomach sensation as always. She’s so cute!

“Same here. What time do you want to meet?” Yutaka hoped it wouldn’t be too late in the day, lest she explode from anticipation.

“Does noon sound alright?” Minami asked.

“Perfect!” Yutaka replied.

“I’m looking forward to it. In the meantime, I should probably let you go.” Minami didn’t need to explain why. Yutaka knew she could only handle so much time on the phone before she felt drained.

“Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow!” Despite her nervousness, she couldn’t wait for tomorrow.

“See you,” Minami said before hanging up. Well, that at least solved the problem of when Yutaka would give Minami her letter. I should probably look it over again, Yutaka thought.

She walked back to her desk, set her phone and the folded piece of paper on it, then pulled out her chair and sat down. She carefully unfolded the letter and smoothed it out.

The letter was much more eloquent than her usual speech, but it was the truest expression of her feelings Yutaka could express. After she finished checking over the letter again, she had to rub the wet out of her eyes. Feelings can be overwhelming… She tried folding the paper back up.

Oh no, I smoothed it out too much! Yutaka tried folding it again, though it didn’t fold back together nearly as well as it did before. Drat! Well, it’s not like it wouldn’t be unfolded again anyways. Yutaka tried to remind herself of this fact as she stood up from her desk only to go flop back down on her bed.

Can it please just be tomorrow already?

After a long, restless night with little sleep, morning finally arrived, and Minami woke up early to get ready. She briefly considered trying her mother’s makeup for the first time, but seeing as how she hadn’t used it before, she didn’t want to risk doing a bad job.

Besides, Minami thought, that wouldn’t really be me. And I want to be myself for Yutaka. The mere thought of the smaller girl brought a smile to Minami’s lips and a blush to her cheeks. She was hopelessly gay for her adorable little angel.

By the time Minami was done getting ready, it was still early in the morning. She tried to find ways to pass the time. Playing with Cherry, reading, playing a video game—a hobby she’d picked up from Yutaka, who herself had picked up from her older cousin, Konata—nothing seemed to occupy her. Even one of her favorites about a boy navigating a forbidden land to battle sixteen colossi did little to keep her mind off Yutaka. She sighed.

Maybe I should see if she wants to meet earlier. Minami briefly weighed the pros and cons of trying to up the schedule, but finally gave in to impatience and called up Yutaka.

“Hello?” Minami’s favorite voice answered.

“Do you want to meet at the park sooner? I really want to see you,” Minami blurted. That could’ve been smoother.

“Yes!” Yutaka replied loudly enough to make Minami cringe. “Um, sorry.”

“It’s alright,” Minami assured. “Do you want to meet now?”

“Please,” Yutaka said quickly, making Minami’s heart flutter a bit. “I’ll head there now. See you soon!”

“You, too,” Minami smiled. When Yutaka hung up, Minami immediately got up, grabbed the letter, then headed out to the nearby park. She got to her living room before her mother stopped her.

“Where are you going?” her mother asked.

“To the park to meet Yutaka-chan,” Minami answered.

“I thought you were meeting her later?”

“I was, but I want to see her sooner,” Minami blushed.

“Ah, have fun, then!” her mother replied. Minami quickly made her way out the door. “Oh, to be young and in love again…” she mused.

“You’ll be fine, I promise,” Konata reassured her.

“But what if I mess something up, or she doesn’t feel the same way…” Yutaka frowned.

“Hey, chin up, Yutaka. She wouldn’t ask you to come sooner if she wasn’t desperate to see you. Trust me, she is just as gay for you as you are for her.” Konata had to stifle a laugh at Yutaka’s blush.

“Onee-chan!” Yutaka pouted. Maybe she’s right, though. I hope so… Yutaka thought.

“You’ll see I’m right. And if I’m not, I’ll buy you a manga, okay?” Konata gave Yutaka’s shoulders an affectionate squeeze. “It’ll be alright.” Konata normally wasn’t so serious, but she could see Yutaka needed the reassurance.

“Okay,” Yutaka replied. She took a deep breath. “Okay, I’m ready.”

“Darn straight you are, now go out there and ace that next event!” Konata shouted. Yutaka wasn’t entirely sure what she meant, but she found it oddly comforting regardless. She opened the door to go outside before she stopped and looked back.

“Thanks, Konata,” she said. It was perhaps the softest voice Konata had ever heard from her.

“Any time, Yutaka. Now go get ‘em!”

I hope it isn’t too much longer, Minami thought while she sat on the bench. She knew Yutaka wouldn’t be here right away, but the anticipation was killing her. She bounced her leg up and down hoping the wait would be over soon.

“Minami!” she heard Yutaka shout. Minami quickly stood up and saw Yutaka running over to her. Yutaka quickly jumped and hugged her, turning Minami’s face as red as the fruit she’d named her dog after. Yutaka pulled back from the hug to look at her. I guess I’m not the only one that’s a blushing mess. It gave Minami a little hope that this would go well.

“I’m really glad to see you,” Minami said in her usual monotone, but Yutaka’s bright smile assured her she understood. “Do you remember this place?”

“With the pretty fireworks and the best nap of my life? How could I forget?” There was a wistfulness to Yutaka’s voice that made Minami blush yet again. Minami risked holding Yutaka’s hand, and when she happily giggled in response, Minami took it as a good sign.

“I’ve been thinking of that day often,” Minami said as she sat on the bench, pulling Yutaka with her. It was the same bench where Yutaka had once fallen asleep in Minami’s lap, and where she had realized her affection for the girl might be deeper than just friendship.

“I think of it a lot, too,” Yutaka smiled. They both sat together in the warm, sunny breeze. Without saying anything, both scooted closer to each other until there was no space between them. Yutaka rested her head on Minami’s shoulder. They sat in silence for a few minutes, taking comfort in each other’s presence and the calming summer atmosphere around them. This is wonderful, Minami smiled for a moment, then a frown settled upon her face.

“Minami?” Yutaka looked up at her in concern, shaking Minami from her thoughts. I shouldn’t delay any longer.

“I made this for you,” Minami said, pulling a neatly-folded sheet of paper out of her pocket. “A letter.” Yutaka took the letter in her hands and smiled.

“I uh, I made one for you too, actually,” she laughed and pulled a poorly-folded note out of pocket. It might not look at pretty as Minami’s, but that only made it more adorable to her. They both blushed and slowly unfolded each other’s letters.

She wrote me a letter, too? Yutaka thought. She tried to contain herself as she opened the letter and read.

”My dearest Yutaka,” the letter began. She carefully read through the rest of the note, her eyes widening.

”I’ve never been great at expressing myself through words, so I write this letter instead. When I met you, I was at perhaps the lowest point in my life. I met you at a time where no one seemed to care to know me for who I am, and I thought I was okay with that. In truth, I was lonely and far too shy to try to talk to people. I didn’t know how to.

”That changed the day you came into my life. At the time, I thought you were merely a stranger in need of help, and after that, I’d never see you again. Then you came back with the handkerchief. A small gesture, but it meant more to me than I could ever describe in words. You remembered me.

”After that, you insisted on being my friend. You didn’t judge me for my social insecurities, never lost patience with me. You were kind, gentle, and so unyieldingly loving. You were the first person to truly see me for who I really am, the first person to give me a chance.

”And though that would have been more than enough, then you introduced me to people I now consider my family. Patty, Hiyori… I never would’ve had the courage to speak to either of them without your help. Not only did you show me your friendship, you helped me form similar bonds with others.

”You saved me, Yutaka. Like a guardian angel, you gave me a reason to hope again. I’ve vowed to always take care of you as you have taken care of me. And as we’ve grown closer in our time together, I’ve realized that what I feel for you is deeper than friendship, deeper than sisterhood.

”I guess what I’m trying to say is… I love you. I love you in a way I’ve never loved anyone else. You’re the light of my life, and I’d like to spend that life with you. Together.

”Forever yours, if you’d have me. —Minami”

Yutaka couldn’t stop the stream of tears flowing down her face. It was the single kindest thing anyone had ever said to her, and it only made her love grow even stronger. She truly didn’t know what to say.

She… wrote a letter for me, too? Minami was surprised. This wasn’t a development she’d expected, but she unfolded the letter with a level of excitement she didn’t normally feel.

”My beautiful Minami,” the letter started. The words sent a wave of happiness through her as she read the rest of the letter.

”I know you struggle with words, so I’ve written this letter so you can feel as comfortable as possible. When I met you, it was the most nerve-wracking time of my life. I met you at a time where my whole life was changing so much faster than I was comfortable with. Of course, I never told anyone since I didn’t want to bother them, but switching schools, homes, and losing everyone from my old school was a stressful time. Not that I knew them all that well anyways with as sick as I always was…

”But the day you came into my life, it was like a fairy tale. Suddenly I knew someone my age going to the same school as me, someone really sweet and nice. And when I found out we’d be in the same class, it was like all my anxieties lifted.

”The first day I got sick in school, you offered to take me to the nurse’s office without any hesitations. You didn’t judge me for it, and no matter how many times I needed your help, you were always there. I don’t know if you realize, but I’ve never had an ally like that before. You were the first person outside my family to give me a chance.

”The friendships… no, the family I’ve made in Patty in Hiyori… I wouldn’t have had the courage to try and form those bonds without you. I’d have been too afraid of being a problem to try getting to know them. Your caring, patience and calm has given me more strength than I ever thought possible.

”You saved me, Minami. Like a guardian angel, you gave me a reason to hope again. A reason to accept who I am, to think of myself as more than a weak, frail burden and bother. I’ve always loved and admired you, but now I realize just what kind of love I feel for you. You’re more than a best friend, you’re my hero.

”I love you, Minami. I love you more deeply than I’ve ever loved anyone. You’re my world, and I want to be with you.

”Always yours. —Yutaka”

First she’d stained her own letter with tear drops, now this one. Minami was usually the definition of stoicism, but not even she could avoid crying at the letter. Never in her life had she met a sweeter soul.

“Minami, I…” Yutaka choked up. She was just as lost for words, but words were never her strong suit anyways. She quickly leaned over and pulled Yutaka into a deep kiss. It was the most amazing feeling either of them had ever experienced. The kiss intensified, and Yutaka reached up with her free hand to cup Minami’s cheek. Minami reached around and grabbed Yutaka’s waist, pulling her even closer.

The wind blew through their hair and the sounds of the birds in the air made it an even more relaxing and blissful experience. Happiness and joy passed through both of them, overwhelming them in the best way possible. Both reluctantly parted for air, silently cursing the human body’s need for oxygen.

“W-wow,” Yutaka panted.

“Yeah,” Minami smiled. Truly smiled. It wasn’t a small, barely noticeable thing, nor was it a faint smirk either. Yutaka’s heart melted at the sight of a full-teeth smile and laugh from her partner.

“I love you, Minami.” Yutaka’s voice was soft, and happier and more content than Minami had ever heard from her before.

“I love you, too, Yutaka.” They pressed their lips together again, though this kiss was far calmer than its predecessor, more confident. It was a feeling both wanted to experience again and again.

“So,” Yutaka started after they parted again, “does this mean we’re girlfriends now?”

“I think so, yes,” Minami smiled widely.

“It’s just… I don’t really know what to do now,” Yutaka giggled, “I never actually thought I’d get this far. I mean, I hoped, but, you know…” she trailed off.

“I understand. I guess… I guess where we go from here is up to us now. Both of us.” She took Yutaka’s hand in her own.

“Together,” Yutaka beamed.

“Together.” She’s so beautiful, Minami thought. A long moment of silent comfort passed between them.

“So…” Yutaka started, “should we go see a movie now? I’ve heard that’s a popular first date thing. Or maybe we should go to a nice restaurant… What do you think?”

“I’m alright with anything as long as you’re there,” Minami replied.

“Or maybe we can just sit here a while longer,” Yutaka said and rested her head back against Minami’s shoulder. Minami placed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

“I’d like that,” she replied.

“No matter what we do, this is already the best day of my life,” Yutaka sighed happily.

“Me, too.”

“I want everyday to be like this,” Yutaka said as she nuzzled even further into Minami’s cheek.

“It can be. We have the whole rest our lives to experience together,” Minami smiled. She’d never been as hopeful for the future as she was now.

“The rest of our lives,” Yutaka whispered happily. And it was true. They really did have their whole lives ahead of them. For both of them, there had once been anxiety over what the future might bring. Once upon a time, Minami thought herself cursed to live a life of loneliness. Once upon a time, Yutaka thought herself cursed to a live a life of constant sickness with no one to love and take care of her.

Now, they had each other. For Yutaka, Minami was a symbol of stability, protection and caring. For Minami, Yutaka was a symbol of comfort, love and hope. They were each other’s guardian angels, and they would remain so until the end of their days.

Before long, Yutaka had fallen asleep against Minami’s shoulder. As carefully as she could, Minami turned and picked up Yutaka, holding her in a bridal carry as she walked back to her home. Yutaka was even lighter than she looked, not that Minami was complaining.

After a short walk, Minami arrived at her home, carefully freeing a hand to open the door. She stepped inside, kicked the door closed and walked to her bedroom. Carefully, she placed Yutaka in the bed, took off her shoes and placed the blanket over her.

After that, Minami crawled into bed alongside her and hugged her girlfriend close. Girlfriend… Minami thought, I love that. She leaned over to give her sweetheart one last kiss.

“I love you, Yutaka.” Cuddled up together, Minami soon found herself growing tired as well. I guess neither of us slept well last night. But it was worth it in the end. Before long, Minami fell asleep alongside her partner, dreaming of the future that lay ahead for both of them.

It was the best rest they’d ever had.