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"You want to… what?"
Ena groans and goes back to sketching Mafuyu's face. She even has the audacity to tell Mafuyu not to move too much or she'd turn out ugly in the drawing.
But Mafuyu is having none of that.
She rips the sketchbook off of Ena's hands. "What the hell," Ena screeches and quickly takes her book back, hugging it dearly to her chest as if it was her baby.
It might as well be.
"Ugh, I messed up the ponytail because of you…" she mutters under her breath as she picks up an eraser and starts drawing it again.
"Ena."
The other girl doesn't acknowledge her. Instead, she hums towards her drawing, pretty satisfied with the lines she made.
"Ena," she calls again, growing more impatient as the second passes. She has never been patient when it involved Ena anyway. "Ena—"
"What!? Oh my god," Ena whines. "If I knew you were going to be noisy like that, I'd have let you catch a cold in the rain," she says, completely serious.
"Aren't we going to talk about what you said?" Mafuyu asks.
"Yeah, you're right." Ena puts the purple pencil down before sighing. "Regardless of your attitude, I would've taken you to my place because we're still bandmates and—"
"No, about you wanting to date me?"
Ena freezes. "I didn't say that…" She whispers, so quietly that Mafuyu almost misses it.
"Ah? Because I clearly remember you saying that we should date."
"Shut up! You didn't let me elaborate."
Mafuyu doesn't say that Ena was the one immediately cutting the conversation short, in case Ena gets mad again and shoves Mafuyu off. It's something that often happens with her.
"Oh, so now you're going to start talking?" Mafuyu scoffs.
"How else do you expect me to explain myself!?"
Mafuyu doesn't fight back. Ena takes a short breath and fully turns to Mafuyu. Her eyes are slightly shaking but Mafuyu assumes that it's normal— it must not be easy to ask someone to be their girlfriend.
Nevertheless to say, Mafuyu could have never imagined that Ena had a crush on her.
"First of all, I do not like you."
Okay, straight to the point. Mafuyu nods, actually relieved.
"I… It's embarrassing to say but…" Ena starts, avoiding Mafuyu's eyes, the floor suddenly interesting enough to look at. "I confessed to— Mizuki. And they rejected me. Here, happy? Laugh all you want."
Mafuyu frowns. "I won't make fun of you. It's pretty sad."
"Don't pity me either!" Ena yells, suddenly glaring at her.
"Sorry," Mafuyu apologizes, though she isn't sure why.
"Stop, stop, stop. I hate when you're being like this," Ena says, clenching her jaw, seeming to hold back a scream.
Even after a year of knowing Shinonome Ena, Mafuyu still doesn't understand how she works. If other people are like children's books for Mafuyu to read, Ena is a five hundred page novel with an incomprehensive plot and complex vocabulary. Mafuyu would rather drown herself in her studying than try to take a look into the dreadful book that is Ena.
Somehow, it's frustrating that she can't understand Ena as well as she understands normal people.
"I still don't see where I, the person you asked out two minutes ago when you said you had a crush on Mizuki, come in."
"To show them that I'm over them, obviously," Ena answers nonchalantly, like this is the best Idea she has ever had but doesn't want to be all smug about it.
In her mind, Mafuyu sees herself ripping the pages of Ena's book and throws it through the window. She wonders who, in their right mind, agreed to publish it.
"That's the worst idea you've ever had," Mafuyu doesn't fail to tell her.
"You're sick, Mafuyu, you don't know what you're saying."
"Huh—" Mafuyu doesn't feel sick yet, thanks to Ena finding her quite quickly.
"Listen," Ena orders and Mafuyu does so because as much as Ena is a fucking idiot, she's still curious about Ena's stupid plan. "It was three months ago and Mizuki still looks at me like they just ruined my whole life, and I can't stress enough how I've told them it's okay and I've moved on, they still— ugh, I hate it. I don't need pity, I said."
Mafuyu nods.
"So, I was thinking— you know, by dating you…"
"Seriously, you're kidding, right?"
"I'm really over Mizuki if that's what you're worried about."
"I just think that's not very honest."
Ena closes her eyes and sighs. "Well, of course, we'll be lying to everyone."
"You're going to hurt yourself more than anything else," Mafuyu says, leaning against Ena's bed.
"Why would you care?" Ena gets up from her seat and gets closer to Mafuyu. She kneels down to be at Mafuyu's level and the latter can only see anger in her eyes. "Haven't you noticed how awkward it is between us now? Maybe you didn't because all you can think about is your lyrics, and K is too busy composing to see it too but— it's hard for me. It feels like I lost a dear friend. I miss them, you know? If fake dating you means that Mizuki comes back to me, then I'd gladly do it."
Mafuyu huffs, not impressed with Ena's rant. "You're only using me, I see."
"Do you think you're the first person I thought of?" Ena says, voice dripping with venom. "Don't be so full of yourself, Yuki."
"I wasn't. I'm flattered, let's say."
Ena grunts and steps back, finally letting Mafuyu breathe normal air.
"Mizuki would believe it more if I say that you're the one I'm dating."
"And what do I gain from it?"
"Cheesecake?" Ena suggests. When Mafuyu raises a disgruntled eyebrow at her, she adds: "A lifetime supply of cheesecake?"
"I don't have a sweet tooth," is all Mafuyu says.
*^*
Somehow, after four days of Ena pestering Mafuyu to date her — which was weird because it's not everyday that one of your groupmates begs you to date them — Mafuyu finally indulges in her crazy idea.
They establish some rules first because Mafuyu may be a good actress, Ena is someone who acts before thinking, which could cause them harm. So, no kissing allowed, only hand holding and cheesy pet names, even if it would freak everyone out if they ever heard Ena call Mafuyu her 'little cupcake'.
They decide to tell Ena's brother, Akito, first in order to test the water. When told the big news, he only shrugs and warns Mafuyu that handling Ena would be complicated. Mafuyu decides that Akito is the better sibling.
Then, they tell the rest of their bandmates. Kanade and Mizuki are both very surprised, but Kanade smiles and congratulates them — while not forgetting to remind them that their main focus should be the group's activities. On the other hand, Mizuki jumps and hugs both of them so hard and giggles and—
—And Mafuyu is confused. Is Mizuki that relieved Ena has found someone else?
"I guess they really cared about you," Mafuyu says one day on a fake date with her fake girlfriend. "It won't be awkward between you two anymore. It's cool."
"Yeah," answers Ena around a mouthful of rice. Mafuyu scolds her for speaking with food in her mouth.
Surprisingly enough, Mafuyu and Ena have put both of their differences aside to work this better together. Mafuyu is starting to understand Ena a little bit more. If you try hard enough, the book isn't that complicated to read.
Mafuyu even finds herself enjoying some parts of the book.
"Let's take a selfie for Mizuki," Ena says another day when she has successfully forced Mafuyu to go shopping as her brother not-so-kindly told her that you have a girlfriend now, go bother her instead of me!
"You're trying too hard," Mafuyu sighs but lets Ena hook their arms together and flashes a photo with her phone.
"Say cheese!"
Mafuyu doesn't say cheese.
Ena eagerly types on her phone, probably talking with Mizuki. "They say we look so cute together. Hehe." When she notices Mafuyu squinting at her, she frowns. "What?"
"Are you sure you don't like Mizuki anymore?"
"Wh—what? Of course not! Who—who do you take me for!?" She splutters, bringing her phone closer to her face to hide herself.
Mafuyu isn't convinced at all. "Keep lying to yourself I guess."
"I hate you so much," Ena says.
"I hate you more," Mafuyu answers automatically. Ena only huffs and guides them to another clothes shop.
*^*
After almost three weeks of fake dating, Mafuyu bumps into Airi at school, Ena's middle school best friend, and Hinomori-san. They have already met before at some festival. Airi isn't annoying like Ena so Mafuyu likes her.
"Asahina-san," Shizuku greets first. Airi does the same. Mafuyu tells them to drop the formalities. "Oh, well, we heard you're dating someone? Congratulations!"
"Ah," Mafuyu sheepishly rubs the back of her neck. It's always embarrassing to hear someone congratulate you like you just got engaged when, last time she checked, she couldn't stand Ena a month ago. "Thank you, it's nothing, really."
"Yes, Shizuku, I told you it was Ena," Airi says to her friend.
"Oh, right, Ena-chan!"
Airi then turns to Mafuyu and smiles. Mafuyu starts feeling uneasy. "You're happy with her?" She suddenly asks.
Mafuyu's eyes widen. "Excuse me?"
"I'm just saying like— it must not be easy to be with her."
"Haha, everyone says that," Mafuyu laughs. "No, I like her. She's good to me. That's all I ask from her."
Airi nods like a strict mom with furrowed eyebrows. "That's good to hear. Thank you for taking care of her as well."
"It's nothing—"
"I was afraid you were going to reject her when she told me she was gonna confess because from all the stories I heard from her, you two are always bickering."
"I can't imagine Asahina-san bickering with someone," Shizuku laughs behind her hand.
On the contrary, Mafuyu isn't laughing at all, trying to assimilate the pink haired girl's words.
"Asahina-san?"
"You— you mean to Mizuki, right?" Mafuyu stutters, voice slightly shaking. "Akiyama Mizuki, you know?"
"Yeah, yeah. I know Akiyama Mizuki. But I'm sure Ena was talking about you and not Mizuki," Airi says. "Why? Is it so hard to believe that your girlfriend wanted to date you and not someone else?"
"No no, sorry," Mafuyu apologizes. "I just thought she liked Mizuki before liking me," she offers as an explanation. She just can't outright tell them that Ena and her are actually in a fake relationship.
"Oh no, I'd have remembered if she told me about having a crush on Mizuki. All she has ever talked about during our sleepovers was you."
Mafuyu freezes.
Shizuku chides in: "The first time Ena-chan told us about her crush on you was when I invited her and Mizuki-chan to my birthday party."
"Yeah, I remember," Airi confirms with a smile.
Shinonome Ena, you lying bastard.
"It's good to know then hahaha," Mafuyu forces the words to come out. All she can think about is how she's going to kill Ena without leaving any evidence that it's her doing.
The school bell rings right at this moment and the two other second years leave with a promise to talk to her soon, and Mafuyu just waves at them, unfocused.
She can't believe she got played by Ena.
Couldn't Ena confess like a normal person instead of lying and involving innocent bystanders? Sure, Mafuyu would have rejected her but isn't it better to have your heart immediately broken instead of fulfilling it with fake dating?
Fake being the key word. None of this is real so what does Ena gain from it except a few awkward hugs? They didn't even kiss once!
Despite how mad and betrayed she's feeling, she decides not to confront Ena about it and continues going on dates with her. Listening to her talk about how Mizuki is supporting of their relationship is kind of annoying because Mafuyu now knows that Mizuki is genuinely happy for them and not because they felt bad for Ena.
"Hey, Mafuyu!" Ena shouts one day when Mafuyu is hanging out with Kanade outside— a first after months! "Oh, Kanade, you're here too."
"You don't sound too happy to see me…"
"Sorry, Kanade," Ena laughs and pats their leader's head, who sighs at the physical touch. Ena then turns to Mafuyu with a small smile. "Hey, babe."
"Ena," Mafuyu replies.
Ena is taken aback by the hostility. She throws a look at Kanade to see if she has noticed the tone in Mafuyu's voice but Kanade is busy complaining alone about the hot weather.
"What's your problem?" Ena whispers angrily.
"I don't have one," Mafuyu answers innocently, cocking her head to the side like a kicked puppy. "Why?"
"I thought there wasn't any pretending between us anymore."
"Oh really? What are we doing right now then? Are we dating for real now?"
Ena clenches her fists. "What the fuck, Mafuyu. What's wrong with you suddenly?"
"Why don't you tell me, hm?" Mafuyu challenges her.
"I—"
Kanade cuts them off with a loud sigh. "Can't you fight in private?"
"We're not fighting!" Ena protests.
"Oh no, please Kanade listen to what Ena has to say to me."
"Again— what the hell, Mafuyu!"
Kanade looks uncomfortable to be stuck between a lovers' quarrel and Mafuyu would have felt bad for her but she wants to humiliate Ena more than anything. She wants her to admit that she lied about everything so she could have a taste of dating Mafuyu. Her crush.
Kanade anxiously looks back and forth between them. "Humm…"
"What's—" Ena takes Mafuyu's arm. "It's not you to start a scene in public like this. Can't we talk at my place instead— I live nearby. And not get Kanade involved," she says. "Please?"
That's how Mafuyu finds herself leaning once again against Ena's bed, just like the day Ena asked her out. How ironic.
Today, she's here to break up with her.
It's not like they were dating in the first place anyway.
"Would you finally tell me what's gotten into you?" Ena impatiently asks after a long moment of tense silence.
Mafuyu's eyes trail on Ena's drawing of her hanging on the wall before saying, "You lied." Ena doesn't say anything, probably confused. "You like me."
"Well, of course, you're my bandmate—"
"No!" Mafuyu suddenly gets up, pointing an accusing finger at the shorter girl. "You said you liked Mizuki but it was false. You lied!"
Ena gasps. "Mafuyu—"
"No, no. I just don't understand why you felt the need to trick me."
"I… I don't know," is all Ena can muster.
"Poor girl couldn't handle a heartbreak?"
At Mafuyu's words, Ena also gets up, irritated. "Hey! Don't say that. I had my reasons."
"You're a narcissist. Thought you could have me all for yourself because people were happy for us. Even your mom rooted for us," Mafuyu says and watches as surprise floods Ena's eyes. "Yeah, right, we— no, you, fooled everyone. Are you satisfied?"
"It's not about being satisfied or I don't know," Ena defends herself.
"Then what? Tell me, Ena."
Ena hesitates for a moment. "I wanted to—"
"You wanted to?"
"I fucking like you, Mafuyu!" Ena yells. "What else was I supposed to do!?"
"Just move on! Is that too hard to do? I wouldn't have stopped being friends with you because of your feelings for me."
"We never were friends…"
"Yeah, and I don't think we will ever be."
Ena flinches. Mafuyu sees her eyes getting watery.
"Why are you even crying," she mutters under her breath. "Crying when slapped with the consequences of your lies. The audacity…"
"I— I'm not crying because you called me a liar, I'm crying because— because I like you!"
This time Mafuyu completely loses it. "Like me?" she shrieks. "How dare you! You're nothing but a coward, Ena—" She takes a pause. "I don't believe in anything with you Ena."
"What—"
"You thought I was gonna fall in love with you, right?" Without waiting for Ena's answer, she continues, "You only thought about yourself. What about my own feelings? Don't I deserve to be the one to control them?"
A silence.
"Okay, Ena. Let's stop talking about this."
"Can… Can we talk again tomorrow when… Please, Mafuyu, please. I like you so much I can't—"
Mafuyu slams the door as she leaves, making the drawing Ena made of her fall into the ground. The glass of the now broken frame spills everywhere in Ena's room.