Two days later, the sun beamed brightly, and a gentle summer breeze made the heat bearable.
Yui stood outside the station, clutching her bag like a lifeline.
Today was the day she and Mika would visit the new café together.
It's not a date, it's not a date, she repeated to herself like a mantra.
Just two friends hanging out...
But no matter how much she tried to convince herself, her heart refused to calm down.
She had even spent an embarrassing amount of time picking her outfit — a soft pastel skirt with a white blouse, cute but not trying too hard.
Yui checked her phone for the fifth time in as many minutes.
What if Mika forgot...?
Just as she was about to spiral again, a voice called out:
"Yo, kitten!"
Yui turned — and forgot how to breathe.
---
Mika approached casually, one hand in the pocket of her light-washed jeans, the other carrying a small sling bag. She wore a black fitted T-shirt, simple yet somehow criminally attractive.
Her short ash-brown hair ruffled slightly in the breeze, framing her face perfectly.
And that easy, lazy grin—
Yui's heart nearly exploded.
"You've been waiting long?" Mika asked, coming to a stop in front of her.
Yui shook her head frantically.
"N-no! I just got here!"
Mika smirked.
"You're a bad liar, kitten."
Yui pouted, cheeks puffed adorably.
Mika chuckled and ruffled Yui's hair without thinking.
"Relax. I'm here now."
Yui blinked up at her, wide-eyed.
Mika froze for a second, realizing how close they were standing.
She quickly cleared her throat and pulled back.
"A-anyway. Shall we go?"
Yui nodded, flustered.
If my heart keeps beating like this, I'm going to die before we even reach the café...!
---
The café Mika had picked was nestled in a quieter part of town, hidden behind leafy trees and blooming flowers.
It was called "Sugar Bloom", and it looked like something out of a fairytale — pastel-colored walls, a cozy outdoor seating area, and a sweet scent wafting through the air.
Inside, it was even cuter — soft jazz music played in the background, and the decor was a dreamy mix of flowers, books, and warm lighting.
Yui's eyes sparkled.
"It's so pretty...!"
Mika smiled, proud of her choice.
"I figured you'd like it."
They found a table by the window, where sunlight spilled across the wooden surface like golden syrup.
The menus were just as adorable, each drink and dessert decorated with little doodles and pastel illustrations.
---
As they browsed, Mika leaned back in her chair lazily, watching Yui fidget.
"You're allowed to order whatever you want, you know."
Yui peeked at her shyly.
"But... it's expensive..."
Mika shrugged.
"My treat."
Yui's eyes widened.
"B-but—!"
Mika cut her off with a lazy grin.
"Consider it thanks for keeping me company this summer."
Yui flushed, speechless.
Why does she make everything sound so... intimate...?!
In the end, Yui ordered a strawberry parfait and a rose milk tea, while Mika got a coffee and a slice of lemon cheesecake.
---
While waiting for their orders, Mika casually pulled out her phone.
She snapped a quick picture of Yui, who yelped in surprise.
"M-Mika!"
Mika chuckled as she typed something.
A moment later, Yui's phone buzzed.
[Mika]: Proof that I went on a date with a cute girl today.
Yui nearly dropped her phone.
She stared at Mika in horror.
Mika wiggled her eyebrows teasingly.
"Kidding, kidding. It's just for me."
Yui covered her burning face with both hands.
I'm not going to survive today...
---
When the food arrived, it was even cuter than the pictures.
Yui's parfait sparkled with fresh strawberries and edible flowers.
Mika smirked as Yui's eyes widened in awe.
"You're like a little kid in a candy store."
"I-it's just... so pretty...!"
Mika chuckled and took a bite of her cheesecake.
"Glad you're having fun."
---
They spent the afternoon chatting about everything and nothing.
Movies they wanted to watch. Weird dreams. Mika's disastrous attempts at cooking.
Yui laughed more than she had in weeks, and Mika couldn't stop smiling at her.
The sun dipped lower, casting a golden glow through the window.
Neither of them wanted the afternoon to end.
---
As they prepared to leave, Mika pulled out her wallet.
Yui protested immediately.
"I-I can pay for my share—!"
Mika cut her off with a finger to her forehead, gently flicking it.
"I said it's my treat, kitten."
Yui pouted but gave up, rubbing her forehead.
They stepped outside into the warm summer evening.
---
The sidewalk was quiet, the air filled with the scent of flowers and distant laughter from the park nearby.
Without thinking, Mika reached out and grabbed Yui's hand.
Yui froze.
Mika casually intertwined their fingers.
"Don't wanna lose you," she said nonchalantly, eyes forward.
Yui's heart pounded so hard she thought it might burst.
Her hand fit perfectly in Mika's — warm, a little calloused, but gentle.
She didn't say a word, too afraid that if she did, the moment would shatter.
---
They walked hand-in-hand toward the station, the world blurring into a warm, golden haze around them.
Maybe it wasn't officially a date.
Maybe it wasn't a confession.
But to Yui...
It felt like the beginning of something she didn't dare dream of.