Is there anyone out there 'cause it's getting harder and harder to breathe;

[jitensha]

[ work, as she'd predicted, has been getting increasingly schedule-jamming. Not that Makoto minds, but in between work and studying and the few occasional moments of free time she could get with the other idols, it's been even harder to get the chance to see her... boyfriend (and she'll get used to thinking of him like that sooner or later, but it never fails to make her feel unusually shy).

Well, she'd reasoned, he had a training camp, so even if she'd had the time, he would have been gone anyway-- but that doesn't stop her from texting him, taking a breather from the rehearsal with Mami and Haruka to do so. ]

Hey! How'd the training camp go?

Comments

[makotoned]

[...but he just...laughs.

It's such an inane thing, but she seems so proud of it and he can't help it--it's funny, and he's cheerful enough now to be able to laugh.

And when he catches his breath--]

Well, you were definitely right about that.

[jitensha]

[ and there she is, still sitting beside him and some weird mix of proud and relieved. ]

... I got to hear your laugh, too.

[makotoned]

[Ah...

It's like Nagisa, again-- "You finally smiled, Mako-chan." It makes him smile fondly, as surprised as he is.]

Thank you, Makoto-chan.

[And--]

I suppose I shouldn't expect anything less from my own princess, hm?

[jitensha]

[ don't blush, don't blush-- so she just clears her throat, doing her best to look like she's not embarrassed. ]

So I'm a princess again?

[makotoned]

You've always been a princess.

[He just tilts his head with a firm smile.]

Just a princess with a wide range of skills, like princely kisses.

[jitensha]

[ did someone say anything about not blushing, she actually has to release him completely just to put her face in her hands because of how hot she's turning. ]

H-hold on, I wasn't ready--

[makotoned]

[oh no makoto-chan, stop being so adorable...

He just smiles at her, if a little concernedly.]

I hope that's okay?

[jitensha]

[ she might not be able to lift her head for a good few minutes. ]

That wasn't bad, I've just never... heard that before...

[makotoned]

Ah, well...that's just what I think from what I've seen.

[now he's feeling a little sheepish too, though he's not taking it back!!]

[jitensha]

[ and that's when she suddenly jerks her chin up and-- slaps her palms against her cheeks with a decisive noise. ]

That's what I've always wanted to hear, though! I'm actually really happy right now!

[ ... Makoto pls? ]

[makotoned]

[...ah. And he just sighs in relief and looks pleased with himself.]

I'm glad then. It's hard to believe I'm the first one to tell you this, but I guess I'm just lucky.

[jitensha]

No, I'd say you just have different tastes than the majority of guys.

[ matter-of-factly. ]

[makotoned]

Hmm...

Or I've been lucky enough to get to know your charms.

[He nods once, thoughtful.]

Yes, I think that's what it is.

[jitensha]

... You really might have me beat.

[ sheepishly. ]

[makotoned]

[...and he just gives her a smile.]

I hope that you'll accept it.

[Because he's certainly not backing down on thinking she's a princess.]

[jitensha]

I will, I will!

I get the feeling you'd be stubborn about it otherwise...

[makotoned]

[And he chuckles at that, nodding slowly.]

I might as well be stubborn about something that really matters, like this.

[jitensha]

Saying stuff like that... [ she sighs, but she can't stop smiling now. ] It's no wonder I'm a fan of yours.

[makotoned]

Even after all of this...

[the almost drowning thing, and the being scared of the ocean thing, and...all of that.]

I'm really glad to hear that, then.

[jitensha]

[ she shakes her head, on the heels of another sigh. ]

Especially after this. Not only did you race out there against your biggest fear, but you managed to talk about it, even if it's a painful memory. No one really likes remembering things that make them sad or upset, but you still told me.

... I think that's amazing, Makoto-kun.

[makotoned]

[...ah, he's making her exasperated with him--but somehow, he's just feeling very positive. Maybe it's the fact that she is exasperated with him, all because of this. Or maybe it's her words. Regardless...he drapes an arm around her shoulder almost without thought, if only to be a little closer, and smiles.]

...You're right. Thank you, Makoto-chan. I think...I think you're absolutely right.

[jitensha]

[ she hardly minds, beyond the initial surprise, though she gives him a long, searching look before she relaxes. Not because of the gesture, but because she wants to make certain that the meaning had reached him, that she hadn't somehow hurt him. ]

... You do?

[ ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN... ]

[makotoned]

[.........eheh...]

Is it that doubtful...

[REGARDLESS--]

Yes, I do think so. And...I'm honestly feeling much better.

[jitensha]

... Good! [ complete with sigh of relief. ] You look a lot less strained, too.

[makotoned]

[He pauses, but only long enough to pull her a little closer with that arm around her shoulder.]

I feel less strained. Like I said...I feel much better. And it's thanks to you.