Chapter 13 - Video Call

  Stepping out of the elevator, I open the door to our apartment. “Hey, I’m home…”

  “In my bedroom, sweetheart!”

  “Is Grandma not back yet?” I ask as I walk toward Mom’s room.

  “She’s staying out overnight for a business trip. So, how was your date? Did you have a good time?”

  I find her folding clothes on her bed. “Hey, Mom, can you unzip my dress? I want to shower first and change into something more comfortable. I promise to share the details afterward—provided there’s coffee involved.”

  She finishes folding and turns to help with the zipper. “I’ll make us a cup when you’re out of the shower. Meet you in the dining room when you’re done, sweetheart.”

  With the dress unzipped, I head back to my room and close the door behind me. The dress slides easily from my shoulders as I step out of it, followed by my bra, which I unhook and hold for a moment.

  It’s pretty, but definitely less comfortable than my soft sports bra.

  I turn my attention to my stockings next. The silky fabric feels nice as I slide them down my legs, and I can’t help but smile.

  Well, at least this part of the outfit feels good.

  Chuckling to myself, I toss the dirty clothes into a small pile before gathering them up to carry to the bathroom. The dress stays behind on the bed. I pause for a moment, eyeing it.

  I’m not entirely sure what to do with it.

  Dry-cleaning, I guess?

  As I walk into the bathroom, I take my time adjusting the shower temperature. When it’s just right, I step under the stream, a contented “Mmm” escaping my lips as warm water cascades over my body.

  Today was fun, playing dress-up, but there’s something comforting about being home again.

  A little while later, dry and dressed in a white sports bra and yoga pants, I enjoy the freedom of the outfit. It’s such a stark contrast to the formal Gothic Lolita dress I was wearing earlier.

  Glancing at myself in the mirror, I pause for a moment, studying the reflection.

  I’ve seen so many girls wearing outfits like this at the gym, moving around with that easy confidence that makes it look completely natural. I’m not quite there yet, but it’s perfect for relaxing at home.

  Maybe I’m a little too aware of how much more attention this body attracts compared to my old one.

  The thought of wearing a bikini on the beach still makes me laugh. But when I imagine Sakura there with me, it somehow feels possible.

  I shake my head lightly and leave the bedroom, heading to the dining room, already eager for a much-needed cup of coffee.

  “Sorry to keep you waiting, Mom, but that shower was just what I needed.”

  I sink into the chair and take a long sip, enjoying the warmth of the coffee before continuing.

  “Anyway, the café had comfy booth seats, and you could order from your phone. Sakura prefers tea over coffee and likes things that are strawberry-flavored. We had a good time there before going to the movies.”

  I pause for another sip.

  “I was worried about choosing a loveseat, and the back row isn’t great for viewing, but it worked out. I walked her most of the way home, but it wasn’t the right time to meet her family yet. Time flew by, and I didn’t want to say goodbye, but overall it was a really lovely first date.”

  Relaxing with my coffee, I take another slow sip as Mom smiles, clearly happy for me.

  “So, you kissed her, and she isn’t actually shy, just scared of being found out.”

  My cheeks warm as I focus on my coffee. Mom gives me a knowing look before continuing.

  “I’m glad it’s as simple as her being secretive. That’s much better than someone who feels conflicted.”

  I take another sip, buying myself a moment to think. Did Mom actually know about the kiss already? Or was it just a really good guess?

  She wouldn’t have spied on us… right?

  Her intuition has always been sharp, though.

  Unless my family can actually see these parts of my life.

  I know Grandma can see pieces of the future. Does that include things like today?

  The thought makes me pause. I shake my head lightly, pushing it aside. When I look up again, Mom is watching me with a slightly raised eyebrow.

  Right. I should probably answer the question instead of spiraling into conspiracy theories.

  “Hmm, we both had a good time, and I can’t wait to see Sakura again. She’s incredibly fun, and her flirty side was a surprise. She’s usually reserved, and I’ve never seen her so playful.”

  I pause briefly, turning my cup in my hands.

  “This is my first real relationship as the real me, and it’s not like I had much experience before the change. Honestly, I’m surprised by how much I already care about her. But with love at first sight, I never really stood a chance.”

  Did Mom just flinch?

  I watch her carefully as she takes a slow sip of her coffee, looking like she’s gathering her thoughts.

  “Sweetheart, life offers both chances and choices. Your grandmother and I will support you in every way we can. Fate has its plans, but trust your instincts and shape your own path.”

  I know she means well, but I can’t see the future like some people can.

  “Ah, so was it the part when I said ‘I never had a chance that made you flinch before?”

  I keep my tone light, but I can still see Mom getting a little twitchy about the subject.

  Putting down her coffee cup, Mom stares into my eyes. There’s warmth there, but also something else—something a little more Valkyrie.

  “Vala, do you want the freedom to choose? Or would you prefer I literally tell you each choice to make for your desired outcome? Not that that's really a question, sweetheart. Skuld wouldn’t tell either of us anyhow. We want you to choose what you want, and we’ll lend our support. However, we may provide some opportunities along the way.”

  Opportunities, huh?

  My mind drifts back a couple of months, to sitting at the old table as Riku. What did Grandma say back then? Her words are fuzzy in my memory, my head wasn’t exactly in a great place at the time, but eventually they surface.

  “It required opportunities, ones we had to send you off to find,” I whisper.

  Mom looks like she wants to say something, but she hesitates.

  “It’s okay, Mum. Look, I kind of get it, but I’m totally shelving this as a future-me problem, because apparently that’s what it is.”

  I tilt my head slightly, the tip of my tongue poking out as I try to lighten the mood.

  She tries to hold onto that serious expression for another second before finally chuckling, and the tension in the room dissolves.

  Getting up from the table, I wrap my arms around her from behind and kiss her cheek.

  “Thanks for the advice, coffee, and listening, Mum. I appreciate it. Let me know if you need anything.”

  “I’m fine, sweetheart. Go call your girlfriend. It’s been like an hour, so…”

  Her teasing tone makes me smile, and I can’t even argue with that because she’s kind of right.

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  I head back to my room and close the door behind me, spotting my phone on the bed where I left it earlier. Picking it up, I tap the video call icon next to Sakura’s name and flop onto the bed, holding the phone at arm’s length just as she answers.

  “Hey, I finished coffee with Mom and wanted to see your face. It doesn’t have to be a long chat if you’re busy.”

  Her eyes study me through the screen as I smile.

  “Hello, Sakura? Earth to Sakura, do you read me? It’s just a sports bra and yoga pants. What’s up, babe?”

  “No, it looks good on you,” Sakura says with a small smile. “I’m just feeling a bit weird, sorry. This is… honestly kind of amazing, but seeing you in such great shape does make me a little self-conscious. I’ve never really had to think about that before. I mean, martial arts and my looks have always given me plenty of confidence since I train so hard to be the Ace of our team. I’ve even done some modeling before, which… came with its own downsides, but still.”

  It sounds like my girl is comparing us, which is flattering since she clearly thinks I’m hot. Still, I don’t love that it’s making her feel awkward about herself. Even with most of her body covered, I get the feeling our builds are actually pretty similar.

  Taking a bit of a risk, I decide to ask.

  “Sakura, can you take your shirt off for me? I think if we compare, there won’t be that much of a difference.”

  To my surprise, she pulls off her shirt and faces the camera as if it’s no big deal. We’re dressed almost the same now, both of us wearing low-impact sports bras. She isn’t even blushing, and that somehow makes it easier for me to stay calm too.

  I guess I’m still adjusting to what counts as normal between girls. Maybe it’s because we’re dating, or maybe this is just how girls act around each other. Either way, I’m not complaining.

  As Sakura watches me quietly, I sit up and carry my phone over to my desk, propping it against a stack of textbooks before stepping back so the camera can see more of me.

  “Alright, babe, hold on a second,” I say, rolling my shoulders. “You’re overthinking this.”

  I stretch my arms overhead before bending forward slowly.

  “Look, we’re probably way more similar than you think. Just… watch for a minute.”

  I move through a few easy stretches like I normally would after training, keeping it casual.

  Though… I might bend a little deeper than necessary as I reach down to touch my toes, the fabric of my yoga pants tightening slightly.

  “No complaints about the view, but you’re definitely in better shape. Nice flexibility, by the way.”

  She’s smiling when she says it, and I realize I may have drifted from ‘helping Sakura feel better’ into ‘trying to impress my girlfriend,’ which she’s clearly noticed.

  Fortunately, I still have a way to salvage the situation.

  “That felt nice. How about you try something similar?”

  She hesitates for a moment, then stands and begins her own stretching routine.

  I watch her move, shifting easily from one position to the next like her body knows exactly what it’s doing.

  Years of martial arts, obviously… though that’s not what captures my attention.

  The way she fills out that sports bra, the curve of her waist when she bends, the shape of her arse when she stretches out—

  Yeah. My girlfriend is hot.

  “Hello? Are you still with me, Vala-san?”

  Her voice snaps me out of it. Our eyes meet through the screen and warmth rushes straight to my face.

  Right. Busted.

  “Sorry, I was probably a little too focused,” I say with a sheepish smile.

  Her grin tells me she definitely noticed.

  “I agree, Vala, it does feel nice,” Sakura says, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. “It’s a little embarrassing, but knowing you’re interested in me like that… it does make me feel more confident. Maybe the difference between us isn’t as big as I thought.”

  She shifts slightly before continuing.

  “The movie helped too. I believed you when you said you were into girls, but that kiss… it made things clearer. Having such a beautiful girlfriend who’s also an amazing kisser is a little dangerous for me.”

  She looks away shyly, gathering her thoughts.

  “I really liked kissing and cuddling with you, but… let’s keep that just between us, okay? Today is about as much as I can handle, so no funny ideas, alright?”

  Her honesty makes me feel shy, but my smile spreads so wide my cheeks start to ache. I glance back at the screen and notice she’s clearly enjoying my reaction.

  “You win this round. Sorry, I’m not used to a lot of this myself. It’s definitely not a phase for me.”

  And now I’m rambling. I can hear it happening, but stopping feels impossible.

  “I’m not interested in guys, and while I can work or socialize with them, I’m wary of friendship because I’m worried they might hope for more. Maybe there’s a cool guy out there who I can be friends with someday, but that’s kind of hard right now.”

  I shift slightly on the bed, trying to organize my thoughts while they keep spilling out.

  “I’ll probably avoid parties or mixers just to steer clear of drama. The lock on my locker is also there so I don’t have to deal with letters or gifts. Not that I think it’s necessary, but it gives me a sense of security.”

  I pause briefly before continuing.

  “I want you to show people I’m taken. It doesn’t have to be anything sexual, no kisses or stuff if you don’t want to, but just enough so people know I’m not available. Even if it’s a bit tricky.”

  I watch her smiling face shift into a frown. Fortunately, I know her well enough by now to recognize it as her thinking face rather than anger directed at me.

  “Hmm, that makes sense, but it doesn’t feel like you. The lock part, yes, but the guy part, no. You’re not shy about your feelings or sexuality, so…”

  Her eyes narrow slightly as the pieces click together.

  “It’s me, isn’t it! You hate leading people on or giving a false impression. The whole stupid potential girlfriend thing. Just because you didn’t want to pretend to be a friend. You’d just tell a guy you’re a lesbian and be done with it!”

  She leans a little closer to the camera, clearly on a roll now.

  “So this is also why you think it would be hard to make guy friends. To keep my sexuality secret, you’re hiding yours too. The part that annoys you is trying to tell people you’re not available without hurting them.”

  Her expression softens slightly.

  “So, you want my help figuring out how to stop people from asking you out?”

  Listening to her lay it all out like that, I realize she’s absolutely right. That had been bothering me.

  She figured out my problem before I even understood it properly myself.

  That’s… embarrassing. Even for me.

  My eyes drift off to the side, shifty. Part of me wants to dodge the question entirely, but she already nailed it. And honestly, if I can’t be honest with people, making friends will probably be difficult.

  It’s also not fair to push that burden onto Sakura.

  If it came down to it, I’d choose her over anyone else anyway—even if that meant not making other friends.

  I shake my head lightly, pushing the spiral away.

  “Just don’t leave me hanging if something cringy happens. I absolutely hate that stuff.”

  I stick my tongue out at her, trying to lighten the mood.

  It sort of works… though now she’s staring at it with an expression somewhere between amusement and excitement.

  “Really wish you were here, babe. It’s been a great day, and I’m not complaining, but I want to cuddle.”

  She frowns again, then smiles, turning her iPad so I can see the screen. A map fills it.

  “It’s a short walk to your house, and I want to see that balcony view. You said your family supports us, so I’m excited to visit.”

  “You can visit anytime. I meant it when I said that. Bring a toothbrush if you want to stay over. I’m happy to share clothes, but not those,” I tease.

  She nods, surprising me with how quickly she accepts the idea.

  “I can’t remember my last sleepover, and it’s the first time staying over with you. I’m really looking forward to tonight. I’ll tell my Mom and pack a few things. See you soon.”

  She blows a kiss before ending the call.

  I stare at the blank screen for a second.

  That definitely made her happy. Everything is good… but I’m left a little surprised. Maybe even stunned.

  Mom was right. She isn’t shy at all.

  Just scared of being found out.

  Here, though, she doesn’t have anything to hide. So maybe she just wants a place where she can be herself.

  The thought of Sakura being completely herself around me leaves my face feeling warm.

  I take a slow breath, forcing myself to settle down.

  I can understand the pressure of pretending to be something you’re not. Or even just hiding something that matters to you.

  Leaving my room, I find Mom relaxing on the couch. I walk over and settle into my favorite position beside her, gently placing her hand on my head so she knows I want attention.

  She looks down at me as I tilt my head back to meet her eyes. She still hasn’t said anything, just watching me with quiet amusement while I try—and fail—to stop smiling.

  “I asked Sakura if she wanted to have a sleepover tonight and she said yes. I’m honestly surprised, and sorry I didn’t ask for permission first. But I’m too happy that she’s coming over for me to stop smiling.”

  Fortunately, the amusement in Mom’s eyes only grows. She seems perfectly content watching my reactions while idly playing with my hair.

  “I’m looking forward to meeting her, sweetheart. She is your partner and welcome to come over and stay anytime. Ours is a small family, and it will be nice to have a new face around. You’ll never need to ask for permission in the future. Just let me know so I can organize something for dinner. Since you failed to do so tonight, you will be in charge of that. Consider it training for your Operation Housewife.”

  “Hmm, fair.”

  I close my eyes, enjoying the feeling of her fingers moving through my hair.

  My phone vibrates with a message, and I open my eyes to check it.

  “Sakura will be here soon. She’s just left and only lives a few minutes away.”

  I quickly throw on a shirt and slip into some slippers before heading for the elevator outside our apartment. The doors open with a soft chime, and I press the button to go down.

  It takes a moment, but I still manage to reach the reception area just as she approaches the entrance.

  Walking toward her, I wave as soon as she notices me coming out of the building. She’s carrying a small bag in one hand and is dressed in streetwear—similar to my style, though her loose-fit black shirt and dark green cargo pants give it a slightly different edge.

  For a moment, I wonder if she’s trying to match my vibe when it comes to outfits.

  Or maybe we just have similar taste.

  “Hey, Sakura-san, thanks for coming over.”

  She smiles as she takes my hand.

  “Thanks for having me.”