Mizuena

For the first time in several days, nightcord was opened on Amia's computer. A few dozens of messages from K and Yuki, about fifty in the general chat, and... oh my god. 99+ from Enanan.

There probably would have been fewer messages if she had not written almost every word in a separate message, in a fit of emotions. 'Well, here we go.' 

— Hi, Enanan. I'm sorry that I couldn't read your messages for a long time. I'd like to talk to you. About the festival, about me... let's meet in the Sekai by the lake today? I'll understand if you need time. — Not sent.

Mizuki's finger hovered over the send button. Inhale. Exhale. 

Sent — 8:32 pm

'And now I'll only wait for an answer. Just a little bit of waiting. Yeah.' 

Mizuki couldn't sit still: anxiety was taking over. It was time for a conversation, a showdown, but, as expected, there was absolutely not enough courage.

Ena is kind, Amia understands this very well. But is Amia deservedly receiving this kindness? These smiles, messages, experiences. This friendship. 

Ena will be better off without Mizuki. And Kanade and Mafuyu too. Mizuki does nothing but shake in fear, but is it possible to build a relationship based on fear and distrust? Maybe it's not too late to delete the-

The notification sound cut through the silence of the room.

— Mizuki! I'm so glad you're okay. Let's meet. At what time? — 8:35 pm

She replied. 'Ah... oh no. It's really happening.' 

— Let's do it on 8:50. I'll get us something to sit on. — 8:36 pm

— Got it. See you later, Amia. — 8:36 pm

Well, there's no turning back.

***

A familiar gray horizon, a light melody and a slight coolness. The lake in Sekai hasn't changed at all. Only now Mizuki had a blanket, fear and hope for the future with them. 

The space lit up, and Ena appeared next to them in her usual home clothes. She looked around, and when she noticed Mizuki, she smiled cautiously. In response, she received a nervous twitch of their lips, only vaguely resembling a smile, and an invitation to sit next to her. The girl agreed.

They sat in silence, gathering their thoughts.

"Hello. Again", Mizuki's voice was like the rustle of leaves in the wind.

"Hi. Um, how... have you been?" Ena tried to drown out the silence.

"Not that bad, thanks. I... you know, let's not delay this. It didn't end well last time..."

"Oh, you betcha..." the girl giggled nervously. She smoothed out the fabric of her shorts and prepared to listen.

"So, um... How do I put this. You've already heard everything during the festival, but I'll repeat it again. I'm sorry I couldn't tell you sooner. I'm sorry that I was hiding all of this. You, Kanade, Mafuyu, you all deserve more than that. A better and more honest friend." Inhale. Exhale. 'It's so scary...' "Those guys... were right. About my sex assigned at birth."

Ena inhaled sharply, accepting this information again. She nodded, waiting for them to continue. The least she could do was listen.

"And... it was very rude of me not to tell you. You kept telling me that you'd wait for me forever, but I couldn't believe it. It seemed like such a, how should I say it, a fairy tale. That the slightest mistake'll ruin it, and I understand if, after those two weeks of nightmare, you wouldn’t want to work together anymore."

"Mizuki, stop it!" Ena's snapped, she couldn't help but scream. Noticing her friend's nervous twitching, the girl immediately covered her mouth with her hands. "I'm sorry! I shouldn't have shouted. But I can't sit here and listen to you belittle yourself. You're a wonderful person and a friend, and damn, yes, it hasn't been the best two weeks, but for you too! I was ready to wait for as long as it took, and this promise extended after... that terrible festival. I only wanted to hear the truth from you. You are interesting, funny and cute person! And I love you regardless of your sex, gender or whatever is your concern, you idiot!!"

The silence after Ena's phrase seemed like it could swallow them both whole. The girl flushed and immediately covered her mouth with both hands, looking at Mizuki in shock. Mizuki, on the other hand, couldn't make a sound. Their face was gradually turning pink, and their heart was pounding in their ears.

"Wh-what?"

"Oh my god, and I ruined everything again, didn't I..." Ena muttered, lowering her gaze for a couple of seconds, and then raising it up again. "Well, you're not the only one with secrets here, huh? He-he, yeah…" 

"Ena... I..." Mizuki sobbed, and the girl jumped in surprise, moving closer. "I can't believe it... Is this not a dream? I can't… It's just..." the sentences were falling apart, and the tears didn't stop pouring.

"Oh no, Mizuki, Mizuki! I promise it won't affect our friendship, please, Mizuki, don't cry…" 

"Ena, it's all so confusing! All these feelings, friendship with niigo, those blurred boundaries… Please don't get me wrong, I... the truth is, I love you too, god, but... ah..." Inhale. Exhale. "I love Kanade and Mafuyu too. It's terrible, isn't it?" 

Enanan couldn't believe her ears. She sat even closer and put her hand on top of Amia's.

"It's terribly beautiful. Because, to be honest..." the girl switched to a whisper, as if passing on a cherished secret to only one person in the whole world. "I love all three of you too. S-surprise?" 

A ragged sigh came from Mizuki's side, and the tears began to subside. The warmth of Ena's hand warmed their whole body, and especially the heart.

"But what will happen next? It's all so confusing..."

"We can talk, all four of us. And decide what will come of it. In the meantime..." Ena smiled gently, resting her head on Mizuki's shoulder. "I'm just glad to hear your voice again." 

Amia's hand hesitantly reached out to her friend's head and began gently caressing it, feeling her familiar warmth. Their fingers shifted to her cheek, and Ena looked up, embarrassed.

She leaned up, lightly and gently leaning her lips to Mizuki's tear-dried cheek. She stayed in this position for a while, but then she buried her face in their shoulder again. She was ready for the ground to swallow her whole...

A smile appeared on Mizuki's face again, and the couple sat there in an embrace, enjoying each other's presence. It seems that the two-week nightmare was on its way to ending.

To the sixth chapter>>>