Festival! That Day Has Come
Festival! That day has arrived. It was the festival. Even in the early evening as night draws near, the streets are buzzing with energy. Shops that would normally be closed have strung up festival lanterns from their eaves, and vendors line the roads hawking all sorts of colorful wares.
It's almost time to meet Serina. To avoid getting swept up in the crowds, we agreed to rendezvous on the outskirts rather than the main festival drag.
Ah, there she is, already waiting. Dressed in classic festival attire that instantly springs to mind when you think "festival," her long brown hair is twisted into an elegant updo, secured with a flashy decorative pin. Even her usually light makeup is a bit bolder today, and it suits her perfectly. Why'd she go and dress up so damn cute? Like it's a date or something.
"Lily! Over here!"
She spots me and waves with a bright smile, naturally drawing eyes from everyone around. It pisses me off a little, seeing people gawking at her like idiots. Not jealousy or anything—it's just that most of the onlookers nearby are guys. Hands off my reserved yuri girl, you creeps. I'll gouge your eyes out.
Compared to her, I'm in plain old everyday clothes. Not like we're doing anything special. Besides, I don't even own festival outfits.
Ah, up close she's even prettier. I blurt it out without hiding my thoughts.
"You look insanely pretty today."
"R-Really...?"
"Yeah."
Good. She passes. I remind myself why I'm even here: to hook up Serina and Alicia. So what "passes" is her overflowing with so much yuri energy that Alicia could flip out, pin her down, and grind away without it being weird at all.
"You too, Lily... you're pretty...."
"... "
That doesn't count. I pretend not to hear her typical girly compliment-return. Serina's face is beet red. One poke and she'd probably pop like a balloon. Our eyes meet, and she startles, dropping her gaze to the ground.
What's with that reaction? Before I can think, she sidles up even closer, head bowed but grinning ear to ear like she's thrilled.
"Shall we... go then...?"
"Ah, hold on a sec."
"Huh? Why?"
"One more person's coming."
"One more? What're you talking about?"
She tilts her head, totally confused. My conscience stings like hell, but I play it cool on the surface.
"Alicia said she wanted to come too."
"......Where?"
"The festival."
"She can just go."
"Yeah. So we're going together."
"...."
"Ahaha."
"......"
"Ohoho."
"........."
"Uhihihi."
"............"
"Eek...."
The silence is terrifying. My awkward laughter fades as I shrink back. I know, I know—I feel like total trash right now. I'm not clueless; I'm doing it anyway. If some uninvited third wheel crashed my hard-scheduled date with those two, I'd be pissed too. No, beyond pissed—I'd blow up. What the hell is this? I'd demand.
What makes me even trashier? I played dumb, innocent, and oblivious right up until festival eve, not saying a word to her. Because I knew she wouldn't agree. There's that saying: it's easier to ask forgiveness than permission. The festival's here, Alicia's invited—if you're gonna rage, rage now? Or just bail home? That's basically what my stunt is asking her.
Just call me trash already....
But for the sake of yuri, what won't I do? The title "Dark Knight of Yuri Village" wasn't handed out lightly. I can take all the hate. So just get along, you two... rub those pussies together for me....
With that mindset locked in, I ham it up. Peeking at her nervously like I'm gauging her mood, then—oh?—as if it just hit me: "Did you two fight or something?"
"...No, nothing like that."
Then why's my skin crawling with goosebumps? Just her staring at me steadily, and chills race across my flesh. Serina... she might actually be kinda scary....
I figure I might end up hated over this. But admitting I planned even that would make me sound cocky, huh?
Truth is, I still hate getting too deeply tangled with these yuri-charged girls. Even after seeing her as a friend, I can't shake this lingering urge to keep my distance.
Fine. Hate me. Call me out like, what kind of bitch is this? Glower at me with contempt. If you wanna kick me, stomp my head with those pretty feet. That'd feel good...... Wait, no, that's not it.
"...."
"...."
The endless silence finally breaks with Alicia's arrival. Serina spots her and lets out a deep sigh. "For real...." she mutters like a sulky kid. I pointedly ignore her. Any more guilt-tripping focus and fur might sprout, turning me into an orangutan.
One silver lining: Alicia at least knows the situation. I spilled it ahead of time—that hellish day in the staff room. Wasn't planning to, but when she demanded why I was ditching our plans, it tumbled out: gotta meet Serina. Somehow, after that, the torment got even worse....
One thing I'm proud of? I never caved to her pleas to ditch Serina. I achieved my goal—made her give up, got her to accept meeting up. Sure, it took me groveling on my knees, begging like a worm, pulling every cutesy act in the book with "ahhe~ wanna go with Alicia~," but...
...Not thinking about that.
Instead, I focus on Serina's reactions.
"Seriously, Lily. You're killing me...."
She sighs heavily, then shakes her head like she's given up. Fair enough—my high-handed announcement deserves a few choice words, but she doesn't snap. Just accepts it like, well, it's done, what can ya do?
Aah... so sweet.... Way too sweet; she probably wouldn't even get mad over a little pussy-grinding.... Alicia, you hearing this? Step up, or my efforts go to waste. Got it?
Anyway, mission success. Classmates with opposite personalities, but they get along fine. Throw in some mood-setting, and boom—al-dul-dal rice cake couple in no time. I'm a genius...!
"Alright, let's go!"
I charge ahead like a vanguard, keeping back just enough to let them walk side by side naturally.
...But wait, when did I end up sandwiched in the middle? They're way closer than expected—no, practically glued. Serina on my left, Alicia on my right. Yeah, like they're competing over a doll, subtly tugging my arms....
Th-This is getting awkward.... Not what I planned...?
"So, Lily."
"Yeah?"
"Why'd you dress like that?"
Alicia's question hits like I'm wearing rags.
"It's a festival."
"Ah, I'm plenty happy just watching you two."
True story. Both in outfits perfect for them—it's bliss just looking. Of course, the bliss comes from imagining them stacked together in those pretty clothes, but anyway. Obi sashes undone, fabric as a sheet for outdoor action. You two are too slutty...!
But Alicia isn't pleased with my attitude.
"Nah, that won't do."
"Huh?"
"You need to dress up too."
"Suddenly? I don't even have clothes...."
Serina chimes in: "Lily, we can borrow some. Unless... you don't wanna?"
"No, it's not that...."
Why bother? Total time sink. No desire to look cute for anyone. I try explaining, but they're faster—next thing I know, I'm dragged to a rental stall.
And now Alicia and Serina are teaming up to pick my outfit?!
"No, not that—let's make better use of our time...."
"Lily, be quiet."
"Y-Yes ma'am...."
Ah, wait—maybe this is it. While I'm changing, they'll sneak off for some flirty alone time. If so, 100% welcome!
...Nah, probably not. They're not that yuri-vibey yet, even if they're not on bad terms.
Can't slack. Love's Cupid Lily must intervene pronto.
But picking one outfit takes forever. Festival time's ticking away, making me antsy. Desperate to wrap this and ship them outside, I grab something nearby at random.
The shop auntie asks if that's the one; I nod. They look dissatisfied but don't protest.
"Know how to put it on?"
"Nope, first time...."
"Hold on. I'll help you dress. Friends, step out."
"Can't we stay?"
Serina, what? And Alicia, don't nod along!
"Gonna change—stay out?" Auntie sounds baffled; they finally back off sheepishly.
Moments later, fully dressed, I check myself in the full-length mirror. Twist and turn—eh, not bad. Won't wear this hassle again, though.
"Miss, you look stunning."
"Th-Thank you...."
Whatever. Done now. No more outfit complaints—they can finally get to their hehe-hoho lovey-dovey antics. Just gotta play matchmaker. You got this, Lily...!
… … …
Serina's insides feel like they're burning to ash. Does she even know how much she'd looked forward to today? Staying up all night wide-eyed, covering dark circles with makeup to hide her sleeplessness, agonizing over outfits for days—up to stepping out, it was great. No, "great" doesn't cut it. Heart pounding like crazy, nearly bursting when she spotted Lily approaching from afar, rehearsing her lines in her head over and over, soothing her anxious self about conveying these feelings right....
Serina thinks she's gone a bit weird. She's a totally different person from before these aching emotions hit. And who could blame her? Pink fills her mind awake or asleep, won't fade. Like an addiction to cherry-blossom hues. Her gaze drifts there naturally....
Chest feels like it'll explode. I'll really go crazy. Can't hide it anymore. One day, I'll just blurt it out. So, somewhere atmospheric. Drunk on the mood, Lily might slip—by mistake, coincidence, delusion.... Or maybe, just maybe, truly feel the same and nod.
That's why she suggested the festival. But what the hell is this? Why Alicia? Was that "urgent thing" her? Did I obliviously wedge between them? We had plans, Lily. That's not okay....
For the first time, Serina hates Lily. It aches so bitterly she bites her lip to keep from unleashing it.
The feeling lingers into the festival streets. She drifts like a soulless shell. It stings more that Lily doesn't notice, but she fakes normalcy—no need to be a hassle.
Outside the costume rental shop, waiting for Lily. Serina just keeps sighing endlessly.
Disappointment breeds resignation. Her racing heart chills cold. Rehearsed words fade. Maybe this is for the best, happening early. Past excitement feels like a dream. Me and my delusions. Liking on a whim, crashing on a whim.
She mutters bitterly. If it'd end like this, better never to have liked at all. From now on, I should try. A quiet resolve. Not too late. Better than confessing rashly, getting rejected, drifting apart. Staying friends like this... that's enough. Feelings will fade slowly, till seeing Lily's casual again. Might even make Lily happier....
Her determination solidifies. Outwardly meek, but once decided, she's resolute. Barring something special, she'd really follow through.
…But that special something happens. Nothing wild—just Lily appearing before her again. That's all it takes; steadfast Serina's resolve shatters to dust, not a trace left.
That shy, bashful smile—why so pretty? The embers she'd tried stamping out flare wildly. The blaze engulfs her. Mouth agape, she stares at Lily.
Bitter frustration vanishes; just looking heats her face, her whole body. Ah, what delusion was that? Can't quit so easily. That's all she can think.
"Why stare like that, both of you...?"
"......"
"......"
"D-Doesn't suit me...?"
"Suits you great."
"Yeah. Perfectly...."
"Ehehe."
Lily laughs. It looks like a pitiful girl's tender smile tending flowers, or a mature woman's sultry grin. Serina's mind blanks. No thoughts left. Or, romantically: she's utterly smitten.
Completely.