Do You Really Wanna Love Me?

Okay!~
New year - new pairing, and what's more another rare one T^T (*insert dramatic bishounen pose* I have been cursed with a terrible fate, it seems)

And, thus, by the chats with comrade on Stoat (previously known as Revolt), this pairing was born, and these gals are now a new set of my barbies:


Aside from that, after reading one butchxbutch anthology manga, I had sudden inspiration along with some of the entries of it hitting close to the home.

Also, huge thanks for Yuzu proof-reading this chapter!💖 (yep, it was supposed to be one shot, but alas...)

A-anyway,
As always,
Enjoy!~

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Life is not easy, especially when you are just a girl and trying to survive through possibly the most stressful time and hope it will pass soon. Especially when the main cause of your problems is living next to you.

It’s the worst.

It’s only her first year in the college, but for one gloomy girl, named Miu Kurosaki, it already feels like getting stuck in limbo.

No, it’s not like she is bullied or anything. That wasn’t even an issue in high school or even before that.

If anything, despite having an unreadable doll face, even the toughest delinquents were quivering by her giving a cold shoulder alone.

Although as long as she could recall, Miu wasn’t violent but she would become overprotective over her little brother. Her precious brother, who meant the world to her… Or at least until one certain girl has entered her world and becoming the light in her eyes, whose presence alone warmed her. Even if eventually Miu would understand that this girl, like the sun, wouldn’t only shine for her.

It was her first year in high school.

As the ebony-haired girl expected, this year she may be a loner again. But it was alright because getting too much attention would distract her from far more important things like studying, which should be her top priority. While stuff like friendships and love can wait. Besides, that alone wouldn’t assure a good future, and people's hearts change. So, today you might be irreplaceable and beloved; tomorrow you are just strangers.

Even your own company could be more comforting, and having peace of mind is more than calming. Or at least she convinced herself to think that way.

It was the end of the afternoon classes, but Miu’s mind was already far away somewhere else. That’s right; perhaps after finishing homework, she could finally install a new voice bank and see what she may do with it.

After leaving through the main entrance door and being greeted by the golden sunset and refreshing wind, she was in her own world while keeping her poker face.

Unfortunately for her, a harsh hit across her face made her trip over and gasp.

While she shakily respired and covered her face, she refused to make any noise or cry.

Meanwhile, the ball continued to roll away on its way, and other students briefly glanced at the poor girl who was sitting on her knee with a hung face before rushing through the school gate.

A moment later, Miu could hear rapidly approaching steps and a panicking voice. “Aaahhh! I’m sooo sorry!”

While covering her mouth and nose, the dark-haired girl with a long ponytail turns her face and stares at this person with her bewildered eyes.

Apparently, it was a brunette with shoulder-length hair still wearing a sports uniform.

Despite the concerned girl’s face while she was panting, Miu could recognize that she was one of the seniors from one of the sports clubs. What was more, she might have been one of the more popular students who had that distinct western accent that made her stand out.

But now, the brunette squatted near her and extended her hand at her. “Hey, are you okay? Did it hurt you badly?”

However, Miu didn’t say anything and turned her head away.

As she lowered her palm, the bright red blood painted her mouth and chin. Aside from that, the purple bruise under the curve of her nose horribly contrasted against her pale skin, making her look like a ghost.

“Oh goodness! It looks bad!” The girl in the sports uniform widened her eyes and covered her mouth.

Meanwhile, Miu only stared at her stained palm indifferently and let the nose bleed as if it was just dirt, just another inconvenience.

However, just when she stood up and planned to leave, the feeling of her hand gripped by someone made her look back.

“The nurse’s office might still be open. So, let’s hurry up!” The brunette prompted her, and after pulling out a cotton white handkerchief, she offered it to the injured girl. “Here. Don’t worry, I haven’t used it yet. So, it’ll do until we get there.”

Then she looked back and addressed her teammates. “Please continue without me! I need to take this girl to the infirmary.”

In the end, the ebony-haired girl only closed her eyes and silently sighed. It seemed she may need to warn her mom that she would come home later tonight.

It cannot be helped then...

On the other hand, even if she knew that this girl just wanted to help her, her hand's warmth was surprisingly pleasant. Perhaps it was warm enough to even reach her cheeks.

But… I don’t really mind it.

After entering the nurse’s office, the brunette quickly looked around. However, there was no sign of the nurse.

Although it wasn’t important at the moment, and they may still handle it before she returns.

For now, while Miu’s eyes were following the other girl searching through the shelves and drawers.

When she removed the handkerchief from her face, she carefully tapped under her nose and humbly commented. “It’s fine. It already stopped bleeding.”

After opening the freezer and picking up a smaller ice pack, the brunette wrapped it in a flannel and objected. “But it still looks like someone punched you really hard in the face. So, sit down and let me take care of you.”

Of course, Miu didn’t want to argue and wanted this to be over soon. So, she had no choice but to listen to this girl.

It’s bothersome. But it cannot be helped then...

After sitting on the hospital bed, she turned her head away and lowered her gaze.

“Come on, I need you to face me.” The brunette addressed her in a friendlier tone.

Even when Miu followed the given instructions, all she could do was stare with her sparkling eyes at this bright, sunshine-like girl so close to her.

Maybe an angel...

Now, she remained in awe at the brunette gently pressing the wrapped ice pack against her nose and reassuring her like a real nurse. “Here you go~ Just press it for a while like this and you’ll be good.”

At that moment, even her hands moved on their own and pressed the ice pack.

However, Miu was returned to this world by the other girl’s voice. “By the way, what’s your name?”

A moment later, she noticed how the brunette sat down next to her.

At first, the dark-haired girl gave her a confused look, but she averted her shy gaze and answered. “… Kurosaki Miu.”

“Miu-chan, then…” The brunette repeated her name as a newly learned word while looking at the ceiling.

When turned to the quiet girl, she smiled and introduced herself. “I’m Habana Moe. So, nice to meet you, Miu-chan, and let’s hang out together!”

“Hang out? Why?” Miu raised her eyebrow.

“Why? We are friends now, aren’t we?” Moe immediately responded as if it was the most obvious thing to say.

“But you are already popular, and everyone likes you, Habana-san.” The dark-haired girl politely objected.

After closing her eyes and sighing, Moe patiently explained, “First of all, you don’t have to be so formal with me. So, Moe is fine,” and fixed her hair while swinging her legs. “Besides, I like you. Or do you need another reason?”

You shouldn’t say such things so casually. Miu pressed a bit harder on the ice pack, making the ice crack.

“I see…” The ebony-haired girl said, and gave a demanding look like asking for confirmation. “Then will you be okay with that, Moe-san?”

“Of course, I will!” The brunette nodded and added. “Then if you wait for me at the school gate until I change clothes, we can exchange phone numbers.”

Lastly, despite still questioning this girl’s ulterior motives, Miu silently nodded.

Surely, even if their first encounter was clumsy, perhaps it was that moment when Miu fell for Moe. Despite that, she was convincing herself not to build high hopes, and it might have been nothing more than this girl just being friendly with her.

But is it okay to have these unknown feelings?

Besides, even if it didn’t take long for Miu to attach to Moe, she felt that the brunette was only taking care of her like how seniors do with their juniors, or even as a little sister.

Of course, she knew better; that’s how things should have stayed. It would been better that way. Even then, she attempted to push her luck and confess about these feelings, risking their friendship.

Thus, she decided to pick the right date and hope for the best.

It was the February 14th, which that year wasn’t just another date on the calendar, but a fate deciding day for Miu.

Of course, as usual, this couple wearing almost matching uniforms met in the changing room. Although there were a couple differences. While Moe preferred long loose socks and a sweater that nearly reached the bottom of her skirt, her friend kept the uniform jacket and had long black socks above her knees.

But for now, the ponytail girl curiously observed her senior opening her shoe locker and seeing a pile of letters in the pink envelopes and decorated with heart stickers.

Meanwhile, Miu wasn’t surprised at all or had any reaction to such a discovery. After all, it was natural that a girl like Moe would have a bunch of admirers.

However, seeing the brunette studying a purple envelope made Miu grasp around her chest and silently respire.

“Huh?” Moe raised her eyebrow and took the letter out.

Now, she started reading it aloud while keeping a suspicious look. “Let’s meet in the cafe at 6 in the evening. There’s something important I want to tell you. Okay, then?”

The brunette only scratched her head. “I don’t get it at all. At least be bold enough to leave your name so that I would know who you are. Geez…”

After taking a deep breath, Miu tightened her lips and asked. “Aren’t you going to meet this person, Moe-san?”

Surely, her friend’s voice made Moe turn to her and she softly smiled. “Why should I? Not only this person wasted the paper by printing this out, but also forgot to sign. How am I supposed to take this seriously?”

“But what if it’s something serious?” The reserved girl argued.

The brunette frowned and shoved the letter back into the envelope. “I doubt it. Even if that were the case, how am I going to explain to my parents whom I am gonna meet? Of course, they would be too suspicious and worry. So, it’s either a prank or, you know, a creepy stalker.”

After exhaling and lowering her shoulders, she returned to her usual self and declared. “That’s why after our classes are over, we’re gonna go to a karaoke bar, unless you have other plans.”

Miu shook her head and replied. “No. But are you sure it would be okay to turn this person down?”

In the end, Moe declared with confidence. “You know, I would rather hang out with you at any given time over some stupid guy. Besides, it would be waaay more fun~”

Surely, Miu could swear that moment she may have been blinded by her friend’s bright face, which might have been brighter than the morning sun vanishing the darkness.

Even if her plan utterly failed, the dark-haired girl was secretly happy because of these words. Besides, who knew how it may have ended if Moe decided to meet her? Her feelings would have been crushed; that was for sure.

But now… For now, Moe swore to keep her feelings a secret and take them to her grave.

It should be for the better, right?

Unfortunately for her, no matter how hard she tried to bury her feelings, they only grew stronger day by day, and it was challenging to hide them behind her reserved look.

That’s right; like flowers managing to penetrate the concrete and bloom, these were undying even after she entered college.

Of course, she has accepted that her love was one-sided, but it was okay. Even living together in the same dorm was more than enough for her.

Moe may think she was the only one looking after her, but she wasn’t aware how her long-time friend was keeping an eye on her and fending off any potential threat to the brunette.

However, Miu would stand no chance against someone who may become her worst nightmare and break her.

What if someday she introduces her boyfriend to me? No… I doubt I can endure it without falling apart.

But for now, she straightens her back and puts her headphones on before continuing to work on a new song or going live on stream.

It is the evening of another day. Finally, after finishing with the assignment tasks, while sitting in the comfortable office chair, Miu stretches out and starts twisting her neck and shoulders.

Fortunately, today her classes ended earlier. So, not only was she lucky to have the kitchen for herself, but she also changed into her more casual clothes, a black and purple striped long-sleeved sweater with loose shoulders, a black skirt and long warm striped socks. On top of the sweater, she also wears a short, thick black buttoned vest with pockets on the sides. While her skirt is decorated with attached chains on the sides.

However, a knock at the door makes her turn her head and glance in that direction.

Of course, even by the sound of it alone, she can instantly tell who that person is. That’s why, without wasting much time, she gets up and heads to the door.

Opening the door, her senses are correct again, and seeing one brunette only confirms them.

Moreover, judging from her outfit, she may have just returned from her work. That’s right; Moe is still in her open jeans jacket, white t-shirt, and pair of jeans.

While holding her friend's arm, Moe tilts her head. “Hey, Miu-chan, can I ask you something?”

The ebony-haired girl closes her eyes and calmly invites her. “Come in.”

One thing is for sure: for Miu, her room is her sanctuary, where she allows only those whom she trusts enough to enter, and her longtime friend is that one person who is granted that privilege.

Although while anyone else may prefer their bedroom lit up in either fake daylight or warmer tones, Miu prefers the light purple lighting. Besides, it’s more comforting.

Another source of the light in her room is coming from her monitor on the desk where rest the glowing keyboard, webcam, expensive headphones, microphone, or even small drawing tablet that at the moment is charging, along with a few trinkets.

One of them is the statue of a raven chilling on a skull, which is on top of the few books. Another eye-catching detail about this statue is that the skull has the glowing gem eyes. Of course, it might be just a mere Halloween decoration, but for Miu it’s her treasure. After all, it’s a present from Moe. What’s more, the brunette gave it to her because, according to her, she thought of Miu when she saw it. That’s why this raven now sits next to the monitor and works like a charm.

At the other side of the room, there’s a bed pressed against the wall. Unlike a regular twin-sized bed, the dark-haired girl has added her own touch to it as well. That’s right; with the help of Moe, she has turned it into a canopy bed.

For now, the black curtains with the lacy edges are open, revealing what’s inside. It seems the bed is neatly made and covered with a black blanket which is decorated in dark floral patterns. Then on two large soft dark pillows lean the smaller purple cushions and a couple of kitten plushies – one of them is white and another is black. Both kittens have button eyes and sewn whiskers and paws, matching ribbons, and simple lolita-styled dresses. Of course, like the raven statue, this couple of plushies is also one of Miu’s precious treasures.

Then next to the bed, there’s a window already covered with the night blinds, which is also decorated with the matching curtains as the canopy frame. Under the window, there’s a night desk with the night lamp on it, the charger, a small two-sided standing mirror, and a few other smaller items.

Lastly, on the walls, there are the several posters and the soundproof panels. Although instead of a wooden floor, her room has the carpeted one as well.

But for now, Miu gets right to the point. “What do you need?”

Seeing the brunette slightly swinging on the sides and grasping her arm tighter, Miu raises her eyebrow. “Did anything happen?”

“Nothing really. It’s just… You see, I need one favor from you. So, can you come to my piercing salon tomorrow after I finish with work?” Moe explains.

“And that’s it?” The ebony-haired girl asks.

After biting her lower lip, Moe lowers her shy gaze. “There’s something I want to try with you, but I’m not sure if you will be fine with it.”

At that moment, Miu can swear that her friend looked even more gorgeous, and the way she bit her peachy lip while asking such a thing is enough to take her breath away.

Even the way the brunette visibly blushes and gives her impatient look makes her heart skip a beat and see nothing but her.

Could it be...?

So, without thinking twice, Miu immediately takes her partner’s hand into hers and, with a strong determination on her face, declares. “It’s alright! We can do it here, Moe-san! I… I don’t mind it.”

Seeing Miu anticipated like that and bringing her palm to her chest surprises the brunette, but she tries negotiating with her. “But… I don’t have the right equipment with me, and I don’t want to harm you. So, it would be better if I were supervised by Yagami-san.”

These words bewilder Miu, and she grips tighter her partner’s palm while hearing a loud heartbeat inside her head. Being watched by someone else… If this is what you want, I’ll show I’m not giving you to anyone.

Now, the dark-haired girl gives her a firm answer. “If this is what you want, I don’t mind it.”

“Then do you prefer your ears to be done, or do you want me to pierce another spot?” Moe warmly smiles at her.

At the moment, not only Miu widens her eyes, but even feeling her tied hair standing straight like scared cat’s tail. “Huh?!”

Surely, the other girl’s genial confusion makes Moe rapidly blink and tilt her head. “What’s wrong? Did you expect anything else?”

However, Miu remains flabbergasted while doing her best to regain her calm posture.

After cooling down, she closes her eyes and exhales. “I’m sorry. I just thought about something else.”

When she releases her friend’s hand, she adds. “But what are you planning?”

“You once mentioned that you want me to pierce your ears. So, I thought that I would finally be able to do that. Unless you changed your mind, of course.” Moe calmly explains.

That was years ago… But you haven’t forgotten it. Why?

In the end, while containing her excitement, Miu replies. “Then I’ll go with you.”

“Great! Then I'm only gonna let Yagami-san know that you are really coming tomorrow. So, I’ll wait for you by then.” The brunette responds before taking her leave.

But for now, Miu wonders why her longtime friend decided to bring this up just now.

On the other hand, perhaps Moe just needs someone to assist with being her model, and she thinks that she can be good as one.

Although Miu is still amazed at how she could recall what was nothing more than a silly thing she once said.

Either way, it seems she won’t be needing these clip-on earrings any longer, and she may be able to wear whatever she wants.

Also knowing she’ll be pierced by someone whom she not only trusts the most but also loves the most somehow warms Miu’s chest and overwhelms her with that thrilling feeling.

However, yet again, she reminds herself not to set too high hopes, and it might be just nothing more than a friendly gesture.

But what if…?