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

[jitensha]

I'll protect your past, then! Even if it's painful, I'll definitely try to be there so you don't have to force yourself next time.

[makotoned]

[.......oh.

He blinks at that, very clearly stunned, and then flushes a little--but smiles at her.]

That's... You don't have to worry about me that much, but...

I appreciate it.

[jitensha]

You're my boyfriend. And even if you weren't, you'd still be someone important to me.

So it's my privilege to worry!

[makotoned]

[...ah...]

In that case...I suppose I'm honored that you think so.

[NOBODY HAS EVER SAID THEY'RE PRIVILEGED FOR SOMETHING LIKE THAT...]

[jitensha]

You say that, but...

... No, I guess if the situation was reversed, I'd probably feel the same way.

[makotoned]

[He chuckles at that, because how is she so adorable...but he nods.]

You have to know by now that I feel the same way, right?

[jitensha]

I know you'd worry. [ and she flashes him a smile. ] But I don't think you'll have to.

[makotoned]

You know...somehow, I don't think I will either. At least, not for now.

You seem pretty good at taking care of yourself.

[...]

And other people, too.

[jitensha]

You think so? [ and she seems cheerily pleased at this. ] My dad said I should always be strong enough to protect the people who needed it [ because they weren't manly enough ] so maybe that's why. And I've just always liked making people happy.

[makotoned]

[...right, it's completely about manliness, okay makoto's father okay.]

Well...you're definitely very good at it. You make me happy every time I see you.

[jitensha]

Well, if that's all it takes to cheer you up, I'll have to show up a lot!

[makotoned]

[...and even if she's joking, he has to be honest to that--]

...I'd like that. I know it's difficult sometimes with how far away we are, but...it's always so nice to see you.

[jitensha]

[ maybe just a little, but this is Makoto, and if he was serious about her cheering him up, then she's more than willing to do her best to keep it up. ]

Like they say, the important things are worth fighting for! [ a swift nod. ] It might take some work on my end, and I might not always be able to make it... but wanting to be with you isn't a bad thing, so I'll work really hard to make that happen!

[makotoned]

[ah, well, he doesn't want to put all of the pressure on her, so he smiles, tilting his head.]

I can do my part as well. If the both of us make the effort, then...We'll definitely succeed. Isn't that right?

[jitensha]

That's right! And in the meantime, we can still talk to each other.

[makotoned]

Of course we can.

[...............and that does remind him--]

I'll...try to tell you right away when things happen from now on.

[jitensha]

You'd better. [ with a warm huff, promptly ruined by her grin. ]

I'm... maybe not as good at being the one to rely on someone else, but if something happens on my end, I'll tell you too.

[makotoned]

[He just smiles in return, carefully tightening his hold on her, just a little bit.]

I'd really appreciate that. I definitely always want to know what's happening in your life.

[jitensha]

A lot of it involves performing. You won't get bored?

[makotoned]

I don't see how that could ever be boring, especially with you doing the performing.

[THEM'S THE FACTS.]

[jitensha]

... [ don't mind her staring at him like he's the shocking source of all her shoujo dreams. ]

How can someone as amazing as you exist?!

[makotoned]

[...her shock shocks him, and he looks a little startled and panicked despite himself.]

Er--I don't think it's so surprising that I exist...?

[jitensha]

It's not surprising to you, but whenever I think about it, I get more and more amazed!

[makotoned]

I'm sorry for startling you so badly...! That was never my intention!

[he's misunderstanding a little, maybe...but she looks so shocked!]

[jitensha]

No, you don't have to apologize... [ oh boy. ] I'm okay.