Shizuka The Fashionista Part 3

Chapter 7

Shizuka makes a life-changing decision in pursuit of her blooming career.

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The next morning, Yuki woke up to the sound of her phone buzzing in her pocket. She groaned and reached for it, annoyed that she had to get out of bed at such an early hour. She reached for her phone, careful not to disturb Megumi who was sleeping next to her. 
She saw that it was a message from Arisa, who wanted her to come to Moon River early. Yuki groaned and threw the covers off of herself, getting dressed quickly. She didn't want to disappoint Arisa, but she also didn't want to leave Megumi.
Yuki quickly got dressed and headed for the office, wondering what was so important that she needed to have a meeting so early in the morning. She arrived at Moon River's office building and made her way to the elevator, eager to see what Arisa had in store for her. When she entered her office she was surprised to see Shizuka was there as well.
"Hey, Yuki, glad you could make it," Arisa said. 
Yuki nodded, trying to hide her discomfort at the unexpected presence of Shizuka. She took a seat next to Shizuka. "So, what's up?" she asked, curious.
Arisa cast a glance at Shizuka, then back at Yuki. "Yuki, I know how much Shizuka means to you, which is why we wanted you to be one of the first to know."
"Is there something wrong?" Yuki asked.
"No, it's nothing like that," Arisa assured her. "In fact, technically it's good news. Shizuka was invited to work in a major Hollywood movie."
Yuki's eyes widened in surprise. "Really? That's amazing!"
Shizuka smiled, but there was a hint of sadness in her eyes. "There is a catch, Yuki. The movie is being filmed in America, and I'm going to have to leave the country for about six months."
Yuki froze in shock. "Six months? That's a long time!"
Shizuka nodded. "I know, but at least that gives us time for fashion week."
Yuki's heart sank. "But what about Megumi and the wedding? In those six months we'll be married and you won't be there!" She shook her head. "I don't want to get married if you can't be there."
Shizuka sighed. "I know, Yuki. I'll try my best to make it work. But I can't promise anything."
Yuki's heart ached with the weight of their separation. She turned to Arisa, hoping for some comfort. "What are we going to do about this situation?" she asked. 
Arisa shook her head. "I'm not sure yet. We'll have to figure something out."
Yuki nodded, feeling overwhelmed. She knew that Shizuka was her best friend and her partner in all things, but it was still hard to imagine a future without her. She felt very numb and lost in her own thoughts. 
Shizuka noticed Yuki's distress and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry, Yuki. We'll figure something out," she said softly.
"Yuki, I want you to take the rest of the day off," Arisa suggested. "Try to relax and take a break from work."
Yuki nodded gratefully. "Thank you, Arisa. I could use a little time to myself," she said, standing up from her seat.
As Yuki walked out of the meeting, she thought about how much she cared for Shizuka. She had a hard enough time dealing with Shizuka moving out and having a more limited personal life with her best friend, but she still had their professional life to cling to. Now, it seemed, thanks to Shizuka's success as an actress she was no longer going to be available in Yuki's professional life, either. Yuki sighed, feeling a mix of sadness and frustration. She knew that she and Shizuka would find a way to make it work, but it would be hard without her.
She made her way back to her apartment, returning in time to see Megumi cooking breakfast. Yuki was thankful she managed to catch her before she went to work at the coffee shop as she needed someone like her to comfort her. Yuki sat down at the table and Megumi handed her a plate of eggs and toast. 
"Here you go, Yuki. I made some breakfast for you," she said cheerfully. "Where did you run off to so early?"
Yuki explained to Megumi what happened at the meeting earlier that morning. She listened intently, waiting for Yuki to finish recalling the events. Megumi listened intently, nodding along with Yuki's words. When Yuki finished, Megumi sighed and put a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm sorry, Yuki. I didn't mean to cause you any trouble," she said softly.
Yuki smiled weakly at Megumi. "It's nothing you did. It's just it feels like the world is conspiring against me. There's no guarantee Shizuka can fit flying back to Japan to make the wedding in her schedule. I really want her to be there."
The couple ate their breakfast quietly, trying to sort through the problem in their own way. Megumi reached across the table and took Yuki's hand in hers.
"You know, Yuki," Megumi said, "we never did iron out a date to have the wedding." 
Yuki nodded, feeling a mix of relief and disappointment. "Yeah, I know. I don't think it's fair to ask you to wait for Shizuka to come back to have the wedding."
"Well, when is she leaving for America?" she asked.
Yuki shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe within the next two or three weeks. I wasn't paying attention."
"What if we have the wedding before she leaves?" Megumi suggested. "That's the only way you know for sure she'll be around."
Yuki looked down at her plate, feeling conflicted. On one hand, she wanted the wedding to be special and memorable. But on the other hand, she didn't want to wait too long for Shizuka's return. She knew it would be hard to have the wedding without her, yet she also didn't want to rush things.
"I don't know, Megumi," she said finally. "I just don't want to rush things. It's not fair to either of us. We kept talking about our lovely fairytale wedding, but if we do this we won't have one."
Megumi nodded understandingly. "I get it. You don't want to lose out on what you have planned. But let's think of it a different way. For instance, if my parents were unable to make the wedding, I would be devastated. I would ask us to find a way to make sure they could make it. That's more important than a fairytale wedding." 
"But they're your parents," Yuki protested. "They're family. Shizuka isn't. It's not the same."
"They are the same in all the ways that matter," Megumi countered. "You chose Shizuka over your own parents. She is the one who matters to you the most. That makes her important enough to have come to the wedding."
Yuki nodded slowly, thinking it over. "You're right," she said finally. "I guess you're right. But it still feels like we're being selfish. We want the wedding to be special, but we're not thinking about how it affects everyone else. We'll need to find a new venue and some of the people we invited will likely not make it."
"That's true," Megumi admitted.
"Maybe I can ask Kanna to help," Yuki voiced. "She might have connections useful to us."
"That's a good idea."
"I'll talk to her today and see what she can do."
Yuki left the apartment with purpose, heading to Kanna's mansion to talk to her wealthy friend. She felt she was being selfish. She didn't want to hurt anyone else's feelings or plans, but she knew Megumi was right. Shizuka was important to her and she had to make sure she was there for the wedding.
She made her way to the mansion and was let inside by a maid. The maid brought her to Kanna's den, where she usually was doing whatever she pleased. The maid quickly introduced Yuki and let her inside. 
"Yuki!" Kanna exclaimed. "What a pleasant surprise!" 
Yuki smiled politely at Kanna. "I was hoping to catch you in here," she said. "I wanted to talk to you about a wedding venue."
Kanna raised an eyebrow. "I thought you already picked out a venue."
"We did, but things have changed," Yuki replied. 
She explained the situation with Kanna, particularly how they want to make sure Shizuka attends the wedding before she leaves for America. Kanna nodded quietly, taking in the information. 
"I see," she said finally. "Well, I do have some connections in the wedding planning industry. I could definitely help you find a new venue," Kanna offered.
Yuki's face lit up with gratitude. "That would be amazing, Kanna. Thank you so much."
"I have to warn you that securing a good location is difficult within a two-week window," Kanna warned. "It would either cost a lot or there won't be any openings. Are you, for instance, prepared to get married in my dojo?"
Yuki's eyes widened in surprise. "Your dojo?" she asked. 
Kanna smiled at Yuki's reaction. "Yes, my dojo. If there are no venues available, that space is available to you, if you need it."
Yuki's mind raced with possibilities. This could be a great opportunity to make the wedding unique and memorable for everyone involved. "Thank you, Kanna. That's exactly what we need." 
Kanna blinked in surprise. "Wait, you really want that?"
Yuki nodded eagerly. "Yes, I do. It would be perfect for us."
"Alright then," she said. "I'll make arrangements for you to use the space. Just let me know the date and time and I'll take care of everything else."
Yuki couldn't believe her luck. She had been worried that they wouldn't be able to find a suitable venue, but now it seemed like everything was falling into place. "Thank you so much, Kanna," Yuki said, bowing gratefully. "I really appreciate your help."
Kanna waved her hand dismissively. "Don't mention it, Yuki. It's the least I could do for a friend." 
Yuki smiled, feeling grateful for Kanna's kindness. As Yuki left the mansion, she felt a sense of relief wash over her. She knew that the wedding planning was far from over, but at least now she had a plan. She texted Megumi to inform her of the availability of the dojo and to ask her to check with her parents of their availability on the weekend for the next two weeks. In the meantime Yuki headed back to Moon River to talk to Shizuka in person. 
She found Shizuka in their shared office, sitting at her desk furiously typing away at her computer, likely putting her affairs in order before the trip.
"Shizuka?" Yuki said as she entered their office. 
Shizuka looked up, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of Yuki. "Oh, Yuki. I thought Arisa told you to take the day off?"
Yuki smiled at her friend. "It's still my day off. I just need to talk to you." 
Shizuka motioned for Yuki to take a seat across from her desk. "What's up?" 
Yuki sat down, pausing to collect her thoughts. "Well, I talked to Kanna earlier. She offered us the use of her family's dojo for the wedding." 
"Really? I thought you liked that inn up in the mountains,"
"I do," Yuki replied, nodding her head. "It's just... Megumi and I talked it over. About your trip, I mean. We decided that it's important for you to be at the wedding, so we're moving the date up to just before you leave for America."
"Why would you do that?" Shizuka asked. She stared at Yuki in shock. 
"Because you're important to me, Shizuka," Yuki said, smiling softly. "And we want you to be there on our special day." 
Shizuka looked down, her fingers fidgeting with a pen on her desk. "I don't know what to say, Yuki. I mean, I appreciate it and all, but I don't want you to feel like you have to change your plans just for me." 
"We're not changing our plans just for you, Shizuka. We're doing it because we want you to be there. You're our friend and you mean a lot to us," Yuki said, smiling kindly at her friend. "You mean even more to me." 
Shizuka looked up, her eyes meeting Yuki's. "Yuki... I don't know what to say. I'm not good with words like you are." 
"You don't have to say anything, Shizuka. Just know that we want you there with us on our special day." Yuki looked around the office, hoping no one else was around to hear, before adding, "And besides, I've been thinking about something for a long time. My ideal wedding, I mean. You were always a part of it. My perfect wedding doesn't exist without you. I want you to walk me down the aisle." 
Shizuka's eyes widened in surprise and a small smile formed on her lips. "Yuki, I don't know what to say. That's a big honor." 
Yuki smiled back at her friend. "I know it is. But I want you to do it. You're the most important person in my life, Shizuka. And I can't imagine my special day without you." Yuki took Shizuka's hand in hers. "So, will you do me the honor of walking me down the aisle and giving me away on my wedding day?" 
Shizuka's face was filled with emotion as she looked at Yuki. "Of course, Yuki. I would be honored to." She squeezed Yuki's hand gently. "I'll be there for you." 
Yuki smiled, feeling a weight lifted off her shoulders. "Thank you, Shizuka," Yuki said gratefully. "This means everything to me." 
The two friends shared a warm embrace, feeling closer than ever before. Yuki felt so lucky to have such a wonderful friend like Shizuka in her life. 
----
Yuki's plans for the wedding began in earnest. She quickly checked with Megumi and determined the best course of action was to hold the wedding on the weekend in two weeks. Since they already decided to have a small wedding with their closest friends they did not need to invite many people. Yuki's wedding invitations explained the reasoning for the suddenness of the change in plans and thankfully all of the invitations were accepted. That left the couple with the details of organizing the finer details, such as the decorations, music, and food. Yuki spent countless hours in her apartment, going over every detail with Shizuka. They discussed the venue, the food, and the music, all while laughing and teasing each other.
Both Yuki and Megumi were reluctant to hold a traditional Japanese wedding and opted to have a Western style wedding with modifications to suit their needs. They decided they both wanted to wear wedding dresses and walk down the aisle one after the other, with Megumi going first with her father and Yuki second with Shizuka.
Kanna handled the setup of the dojo for the purpose of the wedding. She cancelled the daily training for the maids in order to accomplish this and had many of them assigned to cleaning it and setup. She coordinated with the catering service to provide food and set aside space in the mansion's garden for the guests to eat. She also took care of the wedding cake, which was made on short notice as a favor. While it was not extravagant it was far from modest.
After most of the details were covered Yuki and Megumi decided to find their wedding dresses separately, wanting to surprise each other on their choices on the day of the wedding. To this end Yuki decided to bring Shizuka along to help her pick out a dress. 
The two friends spent the whole day trying on different dresses, with Shizuka offering her opinions and Yuki twirling around in front of the mirrors. Several dresses later Yuki finally found the perfect one: a white, strapless gown with lace detailing and a flowing train. 
"Wow, you look absolutely stunning," Shizuka said, looking at her friend up and down. 
Yuki blushed and twirled around once more. "I think this is the one," she said with a smile. "It's fun to be the model for a change!" 
"I know. You look like a princess in that dress." 
Yuki blushed even deeper at the compliment. "I'm glad you like it," she said, feeling her heart swell with happiness. "I'm really excited to wear it on the day of the wedding." 
Yuki paid for the dress and instructed to have it delivered to Kanna's mansion. They left the shop and got on the train to return to Yuki's apartment, satisfied that everything was coming together.
"I thought for years about this day," Yuki revealed, staring out the window of the train car. "It's definitely not exactly how I pictured it, but I'm really happy." 
"I'm glad that you're excited about it," Shizuka replied.
Yuki turned to look at Shizuka and smiled. "I just can't wait to see Megumi in her dress." 
"She's going to be surprised when she sees you in that dress."
Yuki blushed again and looked away, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "I hope so," she said softly. "I want to make her happy on the day of the wedding." 
The two sat in silence for several minutes. Yuki thought of all the wonderful things that happened in her life and looked forward to having more until she remembered Shizuka was only going to be around for another week at most. Her eyes fell, wondering what it was like to go to America and leave home behind for her career. She wondered what kind of movie motivated Shizuka to make such a decision, and wondered if they would drift apart.
"Shizuka," she said finally, "when you go to America, I know you'll be busy and experiencing new things. I... I fear that you might forget about me and never come home." Yuki's voice was tinged with sadness and her eyes were filled with concern. 
Shizuka turned to look at her and saw the sincerity in her friend's eyes. "Yuki, I won't forget about you," she said firmly. "I know the most we've been apart in the past was maybe a month. Six months is a lot, I know. Maybe I'll be gone longer." She shrugged. "But you know how these things go. Sometimes the work isn't continuous. You know I'll be back. I've got things to come back to." 
Yuki nodded, relieved that Shizuka was so understanding. "I just hope you'll always remember how much I mean to you," Yuki said softly. 
"I will always remember you, Yuki," she said with a smile.
They sat in silence for a few more minutes, enjoying each other's company. When the train pulled up to their stop they got off the train and walked back to Yuki's apartment. Yuki's knew she would miss her friend, but she also knew that she was excited for what the future held for her. Shizuka was her soulmate, her best friend, and the love of her life. Yuki couldn't imagine her life without her. 
They reached Yuki's apartment and went inside. Shizuka sat down on the couch while Yuki went to the kitchen. She pulled out a bottle of wine, something she saved for an occassion such as this, and poured two glasses, offering one to her friend. Shizuka took it with a smile, and they clinked their glasses. 
"To good friends." Yuki raised her glass, and they both took a sip.  
Yuki looked at Shizuka and smiled. Shizuka looked back at Yuki with a small smile of her own. They both knew that their friendship was the most important thing in their lives, and they had each other's backs no matter what. Yuki took another sip of wine and leaned back on the couch, feeling content, if only for a little while.
"So, what is this movie you're doing that you have to go all the way to America for?" Yuki asked.
"Somebody in Hollywood saw the movies I was in and thought I'd fit in some expensive action movie they want to make," Shizuka answered. "It's a huge opportunity for me. And I can't afford to miss it." 
Yuki nodded, understanding her friend's drive for success. "I'm sure you'll make it a big hit." 
Shizuka smiled at Yuki, her eyes shining with excitement. "I hope so. It's a big change for me, living in America, but I'm excited to try something new."
"What does your brother think about it?"
"I don't know, really," she said, shrugging. "He's okay with it, I guess. It's kind of weird that I got Hikaru and Kurumi to come live with me, and now I'm leaving for a while and they've got a nice house to themselves. I hope when I come back they've found success. Maybe the house will still be in one piece."
They both laughed, imagining Shizuka's little brother being a whirlwind of trouble.
"I'm sure Arisa will take care of them," Shizuka added. "She's taken good care of us, after all."
Yuki nodded, taking another sip of her wine. "I'm sure she will. And hopefully, we'll all come back home safe and sound." 
"We've done a lot in our time together," Shizuka said, breaking the silence. "But there's always room for more. We can always find new adventures and experiences, no matter where we end up." 
Yuki nodded in agreement, feeling the same way. "I just wish I could go with you to America," she said, sighing wistfully. 
"I know," Shizuka said sympathetically. "But we'll keep in touch every day. You can see all the pictures I take and we can talk on video chat. And when I come back, we can have a huge celebration and catch up on everything." 
Yuki smiled at her friend, feeling better already. "That sounds like a wonderful idea. We should talk as much as we can that way." 
"Definitely. It's the best way to keep in touch." 
Yuki finished her wine and stood up, stretching her arms above her head. "Well, I should probably get some rest. I have a big shoot tomorrow." 
Shizuka nodded, standing up as well. "Of course. Sleep well, Yuki." 
Yuki smiled at her friend, feeling grateful for her support and friendship. "Thanks, Shizuka. I'll see you soon."
Yuki showed Shizuka out the door and watched her leave. Yuki felt a pang of loneliness; she had been with her friend for so long, and now she was leaving to start a new chapter in her life. She knew that Shizuka would always be there for her, but it was hard to imagine life without her. Yuki took a deep breath and tried to shake off the feeling of emptiness. She reminded herself that she had a lot to look forward to and that it was important to take every moment for what it was.
----
The next morning, Yuki woke up to the sound of the alarm clock ringing. She groggily got out of bed and made her way to the bathroom to take a shower, being careful not to wake up Megumi. After she finished showering, Yuki got dressed and made her way to the studio to get started on her day, stopping by a coffee shop to pick up a coffee and a morning snack.
When she got to the office Shizuka was not there. Yuki remembered she had to take care of a lot of things before leaving for America, but her being missing from her usual spot still hurt. She knew she only had a week and a half before the wedding, and then soon afterward Shizuka would get on an airplane and fly to America. Yuki took a deep breath and tried to push aside her worries. She had a job to do, after all. She decided to start her day and get to work on her photography shoot.
Yuki's work on the shoot was automatic. While she was still being professional her mind was on Shizuka. She thought about her friend and her upcoming trip to America. Yuki wanted to make sure Shizuka remembered her when they were apart as she feared the long distance and six months would cause irreparable damage to their friendship.
After finishing the shoot Yuki went to the break room to clear her mind and figure things out. While Yuki sat in the break room, sipping on her coffee, she thought about all the things she wanted to do with Shizuka before she left for America. Maybe they could go out for dinner or take a trip somewhere special. She also wanted to give Shizuka a meaningful gift to remember her by while she was gone. 
During this time Erika entered the break room. She smiled when she saw Yuki and walked over to her. 
"Hi, Yuki! How are you doing?" 
Yuki smiled back at Erika, happy for the company. "I'm doing okay, thanks. How about you?" 
"I'm doing great! I just finished a photoshoot, and it went really well!" 
Yuki nodded, impressed. "That's great to hear! Is there anything I can help you with?" 
Erika laughed. "No, I'm good! Just wanted to say hi and see how you're doing." 
Yuki smiled warmly at Erika. "I'm glad you're having a good time as a model. Have you ever thought about quitting your maid job?" 
Erika shook her head. "No, I love it too much! I want to be a fashion model someday too. I'm still working on my portfolio." 
"I would have thought you wouldn't like wearing such a skimpy skirt all the time." 
"I don't mind it, actually. Having a shorter skirt means my legs are more free. It's important because we have to train in the naginata as part of Lady Kanna's protectors." The maid shrugged. "Yeah, sometimes having a short skirt is inconvenient, but it's not all drawbacks." 
"I see. Well, I'm glad you're enjoying it. And you're doing great on your modeling career too. You'll be a big success soon enough." 
Erika smiled confidently. "Just you wait. Sooner or later I'll be as big a model as Shizuka!"
At that moment Yuki had an epiphany. "Erika, do you think an action girl would wear your maid uniform?"
"I don't see why not?" she replied. "Why?"
Yuki smiled. She knew how to give Shizuka a memory she would remember, something that was uniquely Yuki. "Erika, thank you for this talk. I know what I need to do now!"
She got up from her seat and headed straight out the door, with Erika looking after her in confusion. Yuki knew it was time to put her sewing skills back to work.
----
The past week was tumultuous for Hikaru and Kurumi. Hikaru had mixed feelings about Shizuka taking a movie role in America, which meant she was going to leave the country for at least six months. While he liked the idea of having a large house for himself and Kurumi, he didn't like that Shizuka would not be around to help them for much longer. The latter was blunted slightly after she helped arrange for Arisa to become their agent, but Hikaru nonetheless felt upset that Shizuka was going to disappear from his life again.
Their professional career improved under Arisa's guidance. Hikaru had some recognition after his brief stint on the TV drama and accumulated a small following of fangirls. As a result he did not find much trouble getting cast into another TV show, having landed a supporting role in a Sentai serial. Kurumi, on the other hand, was starting to land bit parts in various shows while Arisa suggested she take her career path into theater. Kurumi, who was trained in theater yet desired to appear on TV shows, was resistant to the idea, but took it under advisement.
The two exited a meeting with Arisa, feeling better about their futures, but wondering how they should deal with Shizuka's impending departure.
"We should really do something for Shizuka," Kurumi suggested. "We'd been separated from her for years, but leaving our lives again for six months seems like it would take forever for her to come back."
"I know, but what can we do?" Hikaru replied, looking thoughtful. "We could host a farewell party for her, maybe? That would be a nice way to say goodbye."
"It kind of feels like that's what Yuki is using her wedding for," Kurumi pointed out. "I'm not sure if having a separate party is a good idea."
Hikaru shrugged. "I guess you're right, but we really should do something."
They walked to the break room, where they found Erika eating her lunch by herself. Erika waved to them, a huge smile on her face. "Hey guys! What's up?" she asked cheerfully.
Kurumi turned to Erika. "Hi Erika. We're trying to think of something nice to do for Shizuka before she leaves for America."
"Oh, well, I'm trying to organize a bridal shower for Yuki and Megumi," Erika said. "All the same people will be there, so maybe we can do something nice for Shizuka there?"
Hikaru nodded in agreement. "That's a great idea. We can plan a surprise party for her and Yuki and make it a fun and memorable occasion for both of them."
Erika smiled. "That's a great idea! I'll start organizing it right away."
"That's great, Erika," Kurumi agreed. "We'll make sure to help you with everything." Erika beamed at them. "Thank you! I'll make sure to keep you updated on the details."
As they left the break room, Kurumi turned to Hikaru. "I'm glad we're doing something nice for Shizuka. It'll give her a proper send-off."
Hikaru nodded in agreement. "I agree. She deserves it. She's been such a great friend to us all these years," he said, smiling fondly.
Kurumi smiled back. "Yes, she has. And I'm sure she'll be thrilled to have a surprise party in her honor."
The two of them continued walking down the hallway, planning and discussing ideas for the party.
----
That Saturday Megumi escorted Yuki to the bridal shower, which was being held in a room in Kanna's mansion. Yuki did not know the details of the party and Megumi left it up to her best friend, Erika, to surprise them. They were escorted to the room by one of the maids, and the two were impressed by the decorations. The room was decorated with white and pink balloons, streamers, and flowers. There was a long table in the center of the room, filled with delicious-looking snacks and drinks. Yuki couldn't help but smile as she saw the thoughtful decorations and preparations. Megumi gave her a reassuring squeeze on the hand and they both entered the room.
The room was devoid of people save for Erika, who was wearing an unusually large cloak covering her whole body. Yuki and Megumi exchanged a nervous glance as Erika approached them.
Erika smiled warmly at them, her hands clasped behind her back. "Hello there, Yuki and Megumi. I'm glad you could make it!"
Yuki's heart raced as she scanned the room. "Where is everyone?" she asked.
The maid laughed. "They're all waiting outside in the garden. It's going to be a surprise party, after all."
Yuki's eyes widened in surprise and excitement. "A surprise party? That's amazing!"
"Yeah, and now it's time for the surprise," Erika announced. 
She snapped her fingers, and out of nowhere Yuki and Megumi were surrounded by the mansion's maids. Each one had a smiling, giggling expression on their faces. Yuki and Megumi looked at each other, wondering what Erika planned.
"What's going on?" Megumi asked.
"Well, before we get the party started, we're going to give you two a makeover," Erika said with a sly grin.
Yuki and Megumi exchanged a confused look. "A makeover? What do you mean?"
"You'll see."
Erika led Megumi away with one set of maids while Yuki was taken to another room. She spared a glance at Megumi before she disappeared into the side room, and wondered what was going to happen.
Yuki was sat down in a chair when Haruka showed up in front of her. Haruka's eyes lit up as she saw Yuki and made a beeline for her. "Yuki! I'm so glad you could make it!" Haruka exclaimed.
Yuki grinned nervously. "Hello...?"
Haruka giggled. "I'm going to be in charge of your makeover. Sweet little Erika, bless her youthful heart, wanted to do it for Megumi." Haruka's eyes sparkled with excitement as she continued, "Now, don't be alarmed, but we're going to undress you."
Yuki's heart raced as she watched Haruka's hands move towards her body. She tried to push Haruka away, but she was too slow. The maids that escorted her started undressing her down to her underwear, then removed those as well. She was completely naked, and Haruka merely laughed.
"Oh, don't worry, we're not doing anything bad," Haruka assured her. "We just need you to change into your new attire."
Yuki looked to the side and saw what Haruka was referring to. Another maid brought a corset and fishnet tights, and Yuki realized they were going to dress her up as a bunny girl. Her heart sank as she felt the corset tighten around her waist, constricting her breathing. But she tried to remain calm, not wanting to make a scene. Yuki realized she likely put on a few pounds since she last wore one.
Haruka pulled a makeup kit out of her pocket and began applying it to Yuki's face. She painted her lips a deep shade of red, applied eyeshadow to accentuate her eyes, and lined her lashes. As she worked, Yuki could feel her heart beating faster in her chest, feeling greatly aroused by the attention she was getting. Once Haruka finished the makeup, she handed Yuki a pair of bunny ears to wear. Yuki reluctantly put them on and stood up, feeling uncomfortable in her outfit. She looked at herself in the mirror and couldn't help but feel embarrassed. Her platinum blonde hair was styled into cute pigtails, and the corset accentuated her curves. 
"Wow, you look amazing!" Haruka said with a smile. "Let's go show everyone your new look!"
Yuki followed Haruka out of the room and back to the main hall where Megumi was waiting. Yuki's heart raced as she saw Megumi in her new outfit. She was also dressed as a bunny girl, and her shy expression and blush made Yuki feel more at ease. Megumi looked up as Yuki walked in, her eyes widening at the sight of her fiancé dressed as a bunny girl. She couldn't help but let out a small laugh at the ridiculousness of it all. 
"Wow, Yuki, you look... cute," Megumi said with a grin.
Yuki felt her face grow hot with embarrassment. "Thanks, I guess." She smiled awkwardly. 
Erika reappeared, and threw off her cloak. She, too, was wearing a bunny suit, and she picked up a microphone and made her announcement. "Welcome, Yuki and Megumi, to your bridal shower!" she announced. 
Yuki and Megumi's eyes widened in shock, and Yuki felt her heart race as the guests started to filter into the room. She recognized Kanna, who was wearing an elegant kimono as usual, and her husband, followed by a maid carrying their young son. After them came Hikaru and Kurumi, then Arisa, Masato, and several other people she recognized. Finally, Shizuka entered wearing a pink kimono decorated with cherry blossoms.
Yuki felt very silly for wearing the bunny suit, and was glad that Megumi and Erika were wearing it as well so she wasn't the only one. As the guests gathered around, Yuki tried to keep her composure, but her heart was racing and her hands were shaking. She felt like a deer caught in the headlights as she stood there, awkwardly trying to fit in with everyone. 
Finally, it was time for the shower to start. Yuki and Megumi exchanged a nervous glance, but then the maid brought out a small table with food and drinks on it. The guests started to mingle and chat, and Yuki found herself relaxing and having fun with her friends. They played silly games and told embarrassing stories about each other. Yuki even found herself joining in on the laughter and teasing, forgetting about her bunny suit and the awkwardness she felt at the beginning of the party.
Shizuka, who had been sitting quietly in the corner, stood up and made an announcement. "Yuki and Megumi, I have a surprise for you," she said with a small smile. The room fell silent as everyone turned to look at her. "I know how much you both love photography, so I have arranged for a special photoshoot for the two of you."
Yuki's eyes widened in surprise and delight. "Really? Thank you, Shizuka!" she exclaimed, feeling a surge of gratitude towards her best friend. 
Shizuka nodded. "Yes, it's my way of showing my appreciation for all the support you've given me throughout the years." 
Yuki felt a warm glow in her chest as she realized how lucky she was to have Shizuka in her life. The photoshoot was set up in another room, and Yuki and Megumi were both excited and nervous. Yuki felt like a kid in a candy store as she looked around at all the equipment.
"We're doing a photoshoot dressed as bunny girls," Megumi whispered nervously. 
Yuki giggled at her friend's comment. "Let's make the most of it, then!" she said, feeling her heart race with excitement. 
Shizuka had arranged for a photographer to take pictures of the two of them in various poses, ranging from silly to cute. As the photoshoot continued, Yuki and Megumi were able to relax and have fun, enjoying the excitement of the moment. Yuki was especially grateful for Shizuka's thoughtfulness and effort to make the photoshoot special for them. When the final shots were taken, Yuki and Megumi were overwhelmed with happiness. The photographer had captured them in all their silliness and love for photography.
Yuki and Megumi collapsed from excitement when the photoshoot was over. They laughed and hugged each other, feeling grateful for the opportunity to have such a special moment with each other. As the two of them looked at the pictures, Yuki was struck by how beautiful they both looked in the bunny girl outfits. 
She turned to Megumi and said, "I can't believe how much fun this has been." 
Megumi nodded in agreement. "It's been a great day, Yuki. I'm glad we could all enjoy ourselves like this." 
The two were escorted back to the party, where everyone was waiting for them. Yuki's heart was full as she looked around at her friends and their families, feeling grateful for the support and love they had shown her.
Erika glanced at Kurumi, who gave her a nod. She stood up, and announced, "Thank you all, for coming here. We're not just here to celebrate Yuki and Megumi on their marriage, but there's also someone here who is a close friend to everyone here. With apologies to the happy couple, I'd like to honor her." She turned toward Shizuka. "Most of us wouldn't be here if it wasn't for Shizuka. As you all know, she's starting a new chapter of her life and going to America."
Shizuka stared at Erika in surprise, but the maid kept going. "Shizuka, I know you don't want a going-away party, but Kurumi and I wanted to do something special for you while all your friends are gathered in one place. So we decided to make this for you." 
Kurumi stood up, holding coffee table book, and walked over to Shizuka. "This is for you, Shizuka," she whispered, handing the book to her.
Shizuka graciously accepted the book and looked at the title. "The first five years of my career, huh?" she said, surprised.
Arisa cleared her throat. "Truthfully, Shizuka, this was in the planning stages for a long time. You see, I was putting it together to get it published for sale. Kurumi and Hikaru approached me and we talked it over, and I managed to secure a preliminary copy for you."
Shizuka smiled at Arisa. "Thank you, Arisa. You know how much this means to me." She looked at the book and saw the dedication page, which read, "For the first five years of your career, a true friend and supporter." She felt a warmth spread through her chest at the sight of the words. "This is really sweet, Kurumi." 
"We wanted to show you how much we care about you and your future," Kurumi explained. "And we wanted to give you a little something to remember us by, so each of us left a message in the book for you." Kurumi's cheeks turned pink, then quickly added, "But you don't need to read them right now, of course!" 
Shizuka chuckled at her friend's embarrassment. "No, don't worry about it. I'll read them when I'm feeling nostalgic." She looked at the book again and saw that there were also messages from Yuki, Hikaru, and Arisa. "Thank you all so much for this. It really means a lot to me."
Erika smiled, then raised her microphone again. "Now, I know the party is kind of winding down, but now is the moment you've all been waiting for!" she exclaimed, holding out her free arm in a grand gesture. "In honor of our three lovely ladies of the night, we're going to play a game."
As if on cue, two of the maids wheeled a large spinning wheel with numerous categories on it. Erika gestured toward it lovingly. 
"My dear friends, it's time to play... the Wheel of Fate!" She spun the wheel, and everyone stared at the spinning patterns. 
Yuki stole a glance at Megumi, and she shrugged back at her. She wondered just what kind of game Erika had in mind.
Erika reached her hand to the wheel and stopped its spinning prematurely. "Now, don't be shy! Here's how this game works. Anyone who wants to play can come up here and spin the wheel. You have to do whatever the Wheel of Fate tells you to do!"
She glanced at Shizuka, who folded her arms and shook her head. 
"Come on, any takers?" Erika pleaded. "I spent so much time making this wheel!" 
Yuki looked around the room. Erika looked awkward when nobody wanted to volunteer to spin the wheel first, until Kurumi stood up for her friend.
"I'll go," Kurumi said, stepping up to the wheel.
"Excellent!" Erika said. "Our first victim of the day is the lovely Kurumi! Let's give her a hand!"
Kurumi smiled at her friend, and gave the wheel a strong spin. The wheel spun for a few seconds before coming to a stop. Kurumi looked down at the wheel and read the categories, her face beaming with excitement.
The Wheel of Fate stopped on a space that read:  "Do you have the courage to admit your deepest desire?" Kurumi's heart raced as she looked up at Erika, who was smiling encouragingly. She took a deep breath and then spoke out loud, "I want to become a successful actress and make my dreams come true." 
The gathered applauded for Kurumi, and she blushed and bowed deeply. 
Erika watched Kurumi resume her seat and turned back to the guests. "Who else wants to give the wheel a spin?" she asked eagerly. 
Yuki and Shizuka exchanged a knowing look, both knowing what the Wheel of Fate meant for them. Yuki stepped forward, spinning the wheel and coming to a stop on a category that read "Do you have the courage to confess your deepest desire to a loved one?" 
Yuki's heart raced as she looked up at her friend, who was smiling encouragingly. She took a deep breath and spoke out loud, "I want to be with you, Shizuka, my best friend and soulmate." 
Some of the guests were shocked, but Yuki's closest friends and Megumi were already aware of her feelings for Shizuka. There were murmurs in the room wondering if Yuki had inadvertently thrown Megumi under the bus, but Yuki glanced at her and Megumi gave her a reassuring smile.
Megumi gave Yuki a warm hug and stepped up to the wheel, giving it a strong spin. It landed on the space that read "Do you have the courage to do something that you've always wanted to do, but never dared to try?" Megumi's heart raced as she looked up at Yuki, who was smiling encouragingly.
"I... well, want to jump in the swimming pool with my clothes on," Megumi admitted.
Erika clapped her hands. "Hah! That's it, then! It's time to throw Megumi in the swimming pool!" 
Two of the maids grabbed Megumi by the arms to her shock. "Wait!" she protested. "You want me to do it now?!"
Her friend laughed heartily. "Of course! The Wheel of Fate demands it!" 
Megumi started laughing as more maids approached her and picked her up off the floor. They walked down the hall to the pool room with the guests trailing behind to watch the spectacle. With quick motion the maids tried to throw Megumi into the swimming pool, but all of them fell in as well. 
Kanna stood behind, shaking her head. "They're going to have to clean the pool again later," she muttered under her breath. Her husband, Shion, patted her shoulder.
Megumi broke the surface of the water, soaking wet in her bunny suit along with a handful of maids. Yuki laughed at the spectacle as other maids approached them with towels. "You guys are all crazy," she said, shaking her head.
After the commotion settled down the guests returned to the party room, where more of them took their turns spinning the wheel. While nobody else did anything as extravagant as Megumi Yuki had a good time.
When all the willing participants finished their turns on the wheel Erika stepped up. "Well, I guess now that you've all had your fun, it's my turn!" She spun the wheel as hard as she could. The wheel turned with a loud whirring sound and landed on the space that read: "Do you have the courage to kiss the bride?" 
Erika looked at the wheel in alarm. "What? No, I don't have the courage to do that," she said, shaking her head.
Haruka stepped up and grabbed her arm. "Well, you know what that means, Erika?" she said, her tone low and sultry. "You've defied the Wheel of Fate, and now it's time for your punishment!" 
Erika's eyes widened in fear as Haruka pulled her towards the door. "Wait, what do you mean? I didn't do anything!" she protested.
"It's your game's rules, remember?" Haruka replied, giving Erika a knowing wink. "You're going to have to do it on camera, for all to see!" 
Erika's heart raced as she realized the gravity of the situation. She knew that she would be humiliated and embarrassed in front of everyone. "No, wait! I'll kiss Yuki!" she pleaded, hoping to avoid the punishment.  
Yuki stepped forward, a gentle smile on her face. "Don't worry, Erika. I won't mind." She looked at Erika with understanding.
Haruka released her grip on Erika's arm, groaning in disappointment. Erika and Yuki stood before each other, the eyes of the guests on them in anticipation.
"Come on, Erika," Masato encouraged, "you can do it!" 
Erika took a deep breath and stepped closer to Yuki, her heart pounding in her chest. As she leaned in, her eyes locked onto Yuki's, she felt a rush of excitement and fear. She leaned in and gave Yuki a swift peck on the cheek.
There were several groans of disappointment from the guests who were expecting Erika to kiss Yuki on the lips, but Yuki looked into Erika's eyes and saw relief and embarrassment. She put her hand on her shoulder reassuringly. "It's okay, you fulfilled the conditions of the Wheel of Fate."
Yuki turned to face the rest of the party guests. "Thank you, all of you, for a wonderful bridal party," she said. "I'm glad to have such wonderful friends in my life." She turned back to Erika, who was still blushing from the incident. "And to Erika, for being brave enough to do something you didn't want to do." Yuki smiled warmly at Erika, wrapping her arms around her in a big hug. Without prompting she gave Erika a deep kiss on the lips.
Erika's eyes widened in surprise and the guests cheered. Her cheeks burned red. When Yuki pulled back she turned away and stared at the ground in embarrassment. "I'm so sorry," she whispered to Yuki. 
Yuki gave Erika a soft smile and gave her a reassuring pat on the back.
Megumi stood up and joined Yuki, her hair and bunny suit still soaking wet from her dive in the swimming pool, and gave Erika a hug. "Hey, Erika," she said, "you did a great job with the game. And I'm so glad you were able to fulfill it. Thank you for being brave enough to do it." 
"It was no problem," she replied, her face still red from the kiss. "I'm just glad it worked out."
"So, do you want to end this party on a high note?" Megumi asked, leaning in with a conspiratorial whisper. 
The maid looked up at Megumi, her eyes widening in surprise. "I-I don't know," she stammered.
Megumi added Yuki into the huddle. "Let's go jump in the pool together!" she suggested. 
Yuki's heart raced as she considered Megumi's offer. She looked into her eyes and made her decision. "That sounds like fun!"
Erika sighed and slumped her shoulders. "Oh heck, why not?" She turned to the guests. "Good night, everybody!"
Without waiting, the three bunny girls ran out of the room and headed for the pool room. They ran as fast as they could, racing to see who would be the first to jump in the swimming pool. When they reached the pool, they all jumped in at the same time, splashing each other and laughing. 
----
As the night wore on, the party continued to wind down. The guests gradually began to leave, and the bunny girls were left alone in the pool room. Yuki and Megumi sat at the edge of the pool, chatting and laughing as the cool water surrounded them. Erika sat nearby, still feeling a bit embarrassed about the whole thing.
"I'm glad you guys were able to enjoy the party," Yuki said, looking at her friends. "It was a blast."
"Yeah, it was," Megumi agreed, smiling at her. "You were really brave to jump in the pool like that."
Yuki shrugged. "I just needed to let off some steam. It was kind of weird, but it was worth it."
"I know what you mean. It's not every day you see someone take a leap of faith like that."
Erika smiled, feeling a bit more at ease now. "Yeah, I guess it was pretty crazy."
"I think you're amazing, Erika," Yuki said, giving her a warm smile.
"Lady Kanna is going to be so mad at what we did to the pool," Erika lamented. 
Yuki giggled. "Don't worry, we'll make it up to her somehow."
The three grabbed towels and did their best to dry themselves off. Erika led the way back to the party room, which was now empty save for a handful of maids cleaning things up. Yuki and Megumi went back to the side rooms to retrieve their clothes and get dressed while Erika went back to her room to put on her maid uniform.
After Erika got dressed she heard a knock on the door.
"Who is it?" she asked.
"It's me, Erika," she heard Haruka from behind the door.
Erika finished tying her apron and opened the door. Haruka had a look of concern on her face.
"What's wrong?" Erika wondered. 
"I just wanted to check on you," Haruka replied, stepping inside. "Lady Kanna saw what you did at the pool. I think you need to stay out of her way for a while."
Erika nodded, understanding the severity of the situation. "I'm sorry, Haruka. I didn't mean to cause any trouble."
Haruka smiled reassuringly. "It's okay, Erika. I know you're just trying to have a little fun. But Lady Kanna can be a bit strict."
"I know. I'll try to be more careful in the future."
"Well, just between you and me, I heard that you and the other maids who fell in the pool are going to be cleaning the pool tomorrow."
Erika flinched at the thought. Cleaning the pool was not one of the jobs she particularly enjoyed since it was very hard to do. Having random bits of fabric floating in it made it worse. She sighed, slumping her shoulders. "I guess that's the price of having too much fun."
Haruka chuckled. "I know, but it's all part of the job. We have to work hard to keep Lady Kanna happy."
Erika nodded, knowing that it was true. 
"Don't worry, Erika. You'll be fine as long as you don't fall in the pool. Again." 
As Haruka left the room, Erika let out a sigh of relief. She knew that it was important to stay on her best behavior around Lady Kanna and her husband, Shion. But sometimes, it was hard to resist the temptation to have a little fun. She made a mental note to try to be more careful in the future and not to let her guard down around her employers.
----
With a week left before the wedding and her flight to America Shizuka decided to spend the rest of the week making preparations and spending time with her closest friends. She enjoyed seeing everyone at the bridal shower, but felt she needed to connect to some of them in an individual manner. She approached Yuki first, but she claimed she had something special planned and asked Shizuka to wait until the day before the wedding, which she accepted. 
Instead, Shizuka decided to approach Arisa first. They decided to spend the day playing Mystical Dream Girl 6, which Arisa was particularly fond of and which Shizuka voiced a character, Mia. While they played, Arisa and Shizuka shared stories about their experiences in the games and their favorite characters. They laughed at the absurdity of the events in the game and enjoyed reliving the stories of Mia's adventures. Shizuka especially enjoyed playing as the mysterious and secretive Mia, who always seemed to be one step ahead of the player. She found the character to be endlessly fascinating and admired her for her creativity and intelligence. Arisa felt the same way, and they shared some stories about their own favorite Dream Girl characters.
On the second day Shizuka visited Kanna and Shion. They decided to go view the cherry blossoms while they were still in bloom, and while it was late in the season they still looked good to Shizuka. As they walked through the park, Kanna pushed her son's stroller and Shion carried a picnic basket filled with delicious snacks. Shizuka walked beside them, enjoying the scenery and the company of her dear friends. They talked about their plans for the future and what they hoped to achieve in the coming years. Shion mentioned that he was working on a new project that would change the world of information brokering, but didn't divulge any details. Kanna talked about how she was adjusting to motherhood and how her priorities had shifted since giving birth to her son. Shizuka listened intently, grateful for the opportunity to connect with them in this way. 
On the third day, Shizuka decided to spend some time with Hikaru and Kurumi. They went to a small cafe that had just opened up in the city and enjoyed some delicious coffee and cake. As they sat and talked, Shizuka learned more about their aspirations as actors and the struggles they faced trying to make it in the industry. She offered them some advice based on her own experiences, telling them to stay true to themselves and always keep pushing forward no matter how difficult things may seem. Hikaru expressed his jealousy towards Shizuka's success as an actor, but Shizuka assured him that everyone has their own path and that success takes time and hard work. Kurumi decided to accept Shizuka as her sister, and the two bonded over teasing Hikaru, to his chagrin.
The fourth day saw Shizuka visiting Kanna's mansion to see Erika. As a show of recognition from mentor to student Shizuka offered to duel Erika in the dojo, which Erika readily accepted. In a best of three tournament Shizuka won twice, defeating Erika soundly. After their duel, Shizuka and Erika had a heart-to-heart talk about their shared experiences as models and the challenges they faced in the industry. Shizuka offered to help Erika improve her modeling skills and introduced her to some industry contacts that could help her get more gigs. Erika was grateful for Shizuka's advice and felt inspired to work harder towards her goals.
When the fifth day came, Shizuka decided it was time to approach Yuki and see what surprise she had planned. They met at Yuki's apartment while Megumi was at work so they had the time to themselves.
"I hear you've been spending a lot of time with your closest friends this week," Yuki said.
"Yeah," Shizuka confirmed. "I know it seems kind of morbid, but there's no telling when we'll see each other again. I mean, if something happens at least everyone will have some sort of positive memory with me."
Yuki nodded. "And that's why I needed to do something special with you. I want our time together to be a treasured memory that we can both look back to and say, 'I did this with Yuki'."
Shizuka smiled. "I'm excited to see what you have in store for us."
Yuki walked to her room and stood in the doorway. "I made you something special," she said, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Come with me."
Shizuka got up and followed Yuki. "Are we going to cosplay or something?"
"Of a sort," Yuki replied, "but I've got something a little different in mind."
Yuki walked to her closet and opened the door. She reached in and grabbed a hangar and held it out for Shizuka to see. "Ta-dah!" Yuki exclaimed, a mischievous grin on her face.
Shizuka looked at the outfit on the hangar. It was a maid outfit with a very conservative top, but a very short skirt. "A maid outfit?" she asked, disappointed.
"Yes," Yuki confirmed. "I made it to your measurements. It is no ordinary maid outfit, though... it's a ninja maid!" 
"I had no idea you were such a fan of ninjas," she joked, smiling.
"Well, you are a true live action ninja, so it fits," the photographer said with a laugh. She went back into the closet and grabbed a few more articles of clothing. "Go ahead and change, and I'll put on my outfit, too."
Shizuka accepted the costume and went back to her old room to change. She noted that her old bedroom was bare and devoid of any furnishing, and wondered if Yuki ever intended to put anything in it. She quickly changed into the maid outfit, noting that the skirt barely went to mid-thigh while her white stockings went to the same length. She put on the gloves and scarf Yuki added as accessories, and put on the maid cap and went to the bathroom to look at herself in the mirror. The outfit was stunning, and she looked like a true ninja maid. Shizuka giggled to herself and went back to Yuki's room to find her waiting. She was surprised that Yuki was wearing an identical ninja maid outfit. 
"Wow, you look amazing," Shizuka said, admiring Yuki's work.
Yuki grinned mischievously. "Now come on, let's go out and have some fun."
Shizuka's eyes lit up at the thought of adventure. "I'm ready," she said.
Yuki grabbed a duffel bag and walked out the door, with Shizuka following. They went down the street to the park, a familiar location as it was the same place the locals held a cosplay event every month. Since it was still a weekday it was empty so the two had the park all to themselves. Yuki led Shizuka to a secluded spot under a tree, away from prying eyes. 
"Okay, so here's the plan," Yuki said, opening up her duffel bag. She pulled out a camera and a tripod and began setting them up. "We're going to do a little play fighting in this small area, just so we can capture all of this on camera."
"Play fight?" Shizuka repeated, confused.
"Yes!" Yuki said, nodding. She reached into her duffel bag and pulled out two cans of shaving cream. "With these!" she exclaimed, holding them up for Shizuka to see.
Shizuka laughed and shook her head. "It is just like you to want to do something like this."
"Well, I was going to use silly string, but it's harder to get out of your clothes, your hair... everything." Yuki shook her head. "Shaving cream is cleaner and it gets all over the place."
"You put a little too much thought into this, Yuki," Shizuka teased her, laughing. 
Yuki grinned and opened the cans of shaving cream, handing one to Shizuka. "Come on, let's get started!" she said.
Yuki and Shizuka stood facing each other, their cans of shaving cream poised like weapons. Yuki had been planning this night for a long time, and now it was finally time to let loose.
"One, two, three!" Yuki shouted.
They unloaded on each other, their laughter echoing through the morning air. Yuki aimed for Shizuka's face, but she ducked out of the way. Shizuka sprayed at Yuki's chest, covering her boobs in a generous foamy mound. 
Yuki giggled and rubbed the cream off her chest. "I can't help it, you're just too cute," she said, grinning.
They danced around each other, spraying shaving cream in every direction. Yuki squeezed her eyes shut and laughed, trying to avoid the shaving cream. Shizuka sprayed her face and hair, making it look like a white, foam-covered monster. 
Yuki opened her eyes and looked at Shizuka, a mischievous glint in her eye. "You're a riot, Shizuka."
"I'm glad you think so," she said, spraying Yuki with more shaving cream.
They wrestled each other to the ground, rolling around in the grass like a couple of kids. The scent of freshly cut grass and the sweet scent of shaving cream filled the air. Yuki and Shizuka laughed and giggled as they covered each other in shaving cream. They collapsed to the ground, laughing and panting.
"That was the best shaving cream fight ever!" Yuki said, her voice muffled by the shaving cream on her face.
"I agree!" Shizuka replied, wiping foam out of her eyes. 
She lifted up Yuki's skirt and sprayed her betwen the legs. Yuki giggled and playfully swatted Shizuka's hand away. "You're such a pervert, Shizuka," she said, still laughing.
"I just can't resist," Shizuka claimed, spraying Yuki's thighs with shaving cream. 
Yuki squirmed and giggled, but couldn't help but appreciate the playful banter between her and Shizuka. They continued to laugh and playfully spray each other with shaving cream, enjoying the moment even though they knew it would soon be over.
"Do you think we really got all of it on camera?" Shizuka asked. 
"I don't think so," Yuki replied, "but I don't think it matters." She collapsed on the grass and stared up at the sky. "We ought to get back to the apartment before someone sees us." 
Shizuka nodded in agreement and helped Yuki up. They made their way back to the apartment, their clothes still damp from the fight and the lingering scent of shaving cream. Yuki thought about the fun they had just had and how much she enjoyed spending time with her best friend.
After they showered and changed they sat down on the couch. Yuki showed Shizuka the pictures her camera took of their shaving cream fight. Shizuka chuckled at the images, her eyes glinting with amusement. "You really captured the moment," she said, studying the pictures closely.
Yuki nodded, a smile on her face. "I'm glad you think so," she said, showing Shizuka a picture of herself and Yuki covered in shaving cream.
"I can't believe we did this," Shizuka said in disbelief. "We would get in so much trouble if we were caught."
"It's one last, stupid thing for the road," Yuki said, chuckling softly. "Plus, it was really fun."
"But we can't tell anyone about this. It's just too embarrassing."
"I know, I know," Yuki replied, understanding the sentiment. "Let's just keep it between the two of us." 
Shizuka smiled and leaned in to give Yuki another soft peck on the lips. "I won't tell anyone, Yuki," she said, her eyes locking onto hers.
Yuki's eyes widened in surprise. It was the first time Shizuka kissed her on the lips. "I...I don't know what to say," Yuki said, still processing the unexpected turn of events.
Shizuka laughed and pulled away, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Don't worry, Yuki. It's a harmless one-time thing," she said, winking at her friend. "Just enjoy the moment."
Yuki smiled, feeling her cheeks heat up. "Thank you, Shizuka," she said, grateful for her friend's understanding. "I really appreciate it."
Shizuka leaned in and gave Yuki another gentle kiss on the lips, this time with more passion. She parted from Yuki and stared into her eyes. "I want you to remember this. This is my memory I want to give you." Shizuka's voice was soft and filled with emotion as she spoke. "I want you to have this moment with me, Yuki. My memories of you and me, just the two of us."
Yuki's heart skipped a beat at the words, but she quickly regained her composure. "I'll always remember, Shizuka," she said, smiling at her friend. "I love you."
She surrendered herself to her emotions, knowing that Shizuka was only acting for her benefit, but she didn't care. She wanted to know what it felt like to be intimate with her soulmate. Shizuka leaned in again and kissed Yuki softly on the lips, her hands running through Yuki's hair. 
Yuki had tried to seduce her best friend in the past, before getting together with Megumi, but knew they were both immature and insecure about their feelings for each other. Now, after facing so many trials together, they knew their boundaries and limits. She knew Shizuka did not feel nor understand romance, and that this moment was reserved especially for her. But she also knew that she would always treasure this moment, no matter what.
Shizuka pulled back and looked Yuki in the eyes. "So, how do you like my gift?"
Yuki stared back, unsure of what to say. "I... well...." 
Shizuka raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Is there a problem, Yuki?"
Yuki shook her head. She did not know how to put her feelings to words. Instead, she cupped Shizuka's head in her hands. She gathered up all the frustrations and pent-up feelings in her heart for the past five years, and leaned in and gave Shizuka the deepest, most passionate kiss she could, knocking her down on the couch. Shizuka's eyes widened in surprise as she felt Yuki's lips on hers, but she quickly regained her composure and wrapped her arms around Yuki, pulling her close. Yuki felt Shizuka's body pressing against hers, her hands running through Yuki's hair. The two friends held each other for a long moment, lost in their own thoughts and feelings. 
Eventually, Yuki pulled back and looked at Shizuka, a small smile on her lips. "I'm sorry," she said softly. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."
Shizuka gave a small laugh. "You're going to have trouble at the wedding at this rate," she said. "But I don't mind. As long as you're happy, Yuki." 
Yuki smiled, feeling a warmth in her chest at the thought of Shizuka's acceptance. "I am happy."
Shizuka nodded, her eyes still fixed on Yuki. "Good," she said. "I'm glad you're happy. And Megumi is going to make you even happier."
The two friends quickly composed themselves, settling back into their normal boundaries. They decided to spend the rest of the day putting on their old cosplay costumes which Yuki kept in her closet. Some of the older ones did not fit Yuki anymore to her chagrin, and Shizuka poked fun at her for gaining weight. Yuki laughed along with her, feeling grateful for the moment of levity and connection with her closest friend.
"I keep saying this, but I'm really going to miss you," Yuki said finally.
Shizuka turned to her and gave a soft smile. "I know. You're going to see me off at the airport, right?"
Yuki nodded, her eyes filled with emotion. "Yes, I will. And I'll miss you too, Shizuka. You're like a part of me."
"I know, Yuki. And I'll always be here for you. We're family, after all."
Shizuka left Yuki's apartment, not wanting to still be around when Megumi got off work. She waved at her best friend and headed for the train station to go back home, the memories she made that day filed away in a prominent corner of her mind. They both knew Shizuka's acting career was taking off and this was an opportunity too good to miss. She would miss Yuki, but she wouldn't cry. Yuki would make sure to keep in touch, and they would continue to be each other's support system.
----
On the day of the wedding Yuki arrived at Kanna's mansion separately from Megumi. They intended to put on their wedding dresses separately so they would see each other's dresses for the first time at the ceremony.
The dojo was minimally decorated for the wedding per Yuki's instructions. A few rows of seats were set up for the guests, but the couple planned for it to be a small wedding attended by their closest friends and Megumi's parents. Kanna's maids were in attendance to make sure everything went smoothly, setting up tables and chairs for the reception and bringing out the modest yet impeccably decorated three-tier wedding cake.
Yuki went to put on her strapless wedding dress, assisted by the maids, when Kanna and Shizuka entered. Kanna wore a resplendent purple kimono with several expensive ornaments in her hair. Shizuka's kimono was wearing a simple pink kimono with cherry blossom patterns, likely the same thing she wore at the bridal shower, and her hair was tied in a bun with a simpler ornamentation.
"Yuki, you look fabulous," Kanna praised. 
Yuki blushed, happy to hear her words. "Thank you, Kanna. You look beautiful too."
Shizuka smiled at her best friend. "Megumi arrived with her parents not too long ago. She's getting dressed as we speak." 
Yuki nodded, grateful for the distraction. She took a deep breath and tried to calm her nerves as she continued to put on her dress. "I really need to go on a diet!" she complained. "It feels like this dress is tighter than when I tried it on the first time." 
"That just means you need to lay off the junk food," Kanna said with a laugh. "Maybe you shouldn't have the cake or you might burst out of your dress." 
Yuki rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. "Maybe you're right. But I can't help it, I love cake." 
Shizuka and Kanna exchanged a knowing look. "Well, if you really want to indulge, go ahead," Shizuka said with a smile. "But I hope you'll still think about your health. I don't want to come back in six months and see you turned into a fatty." 
Yuki chuckled. "Don't worry, I'll make sure to eat healthy," she said, adjusting her dress once more. "Well... healthier. I can't help it, I love cake too much."
Yuki finished putting on the dress and admired herself in the mirror. The strapless dress was a bit tight against her body and she felt like she would explode out of the fabric. She shook her head, reminding herself that she was getting married today and it was not a fashion show. 
She turned to Kanna. "I think I'm ready. Can you go check on Megumi?" she asked. 
Kanna nodded and left the room, leaving Yuki and Shizuka alone. 
"You look stunning," Shizuka said. "Megumi's a lucky girl." 
Yuki blushed and smiled. "Thanks, Shizuka. You're not looking too shabby yourself." 
Shizuka rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile tugging at her lips. "I don't know how you put up with me." 
"You know I love you just the way you are," Yuki said, putting a hand on Shizuka's shoulder. "And I couldn't imagine going through this without you by my side."  
"Well, I hope so, because I'm going to be walking you down the aisle shortly," Shizuka teased her. 
Yuki took a deep breath, feeling the excitement and nerves bubbling up inside her. She was getting married to Megumi, and she couldn't wait to start their life together. 
A few minutes later Kanna peeked her head inside the room. "Megumi is ready," she announced. "The ceremony will start shortly."
Yuki nodded. "Thank you, Kanna, for everything." 
Kanna smiled and left the room, closing the door behind her. 
The ceremony decided upon had Megumi walk down the aisle first with her father, followed by Yuki and Shizuka with Shizuka being the one to give Yuki away. Yuki felt her heart racing with anticipation. She couldn't wait to see Megumi waiting for her at the altar. She knew that this was the start of a new chapter in their lives, and she was ready to take on whatever challenges may come their way. 
Shizuka held out her arm. "Are you ready?" she asked. 
Yuki nodded, taking a deep breath. She had planned out every detail of the ceremony, from the flowers to the music. She was ready for everything to be perfect. She hooked her arm to Shizuka's and gave her a smile. "I'm ready." 
When their cue to enter arrived they entered the dojo. Yuki could see Megumi standing there, looking beautiful in her white dress. Her parents were there too, and Yuki could see the love and support in their eyes. Megumi's eyes were shining with tears of joy as she watched Yuki approach her. The room was filled with soft music and the sweet fragrance of the flowers that Yuki had carefully chosen. Finally, they arrived at the altar, and Shizuka stepped aside to allow Yuki to stand next to Megumi. They looked into each other's eyes, both filled with love and happiness. 
The ceremony began, and Yuki felt as though time stood still. She couldn't help but focus on Megumi's smile, the way her eyes sparkled with joy and love. They exchanged their vows, promising to stand by each other through thick and thin, in sickness and in health. Yuki felt tears in her eyes as she spoke from her heart. After they exchanged rings, the officiant pronounced them as married. The room erupted in applause and cheers. Megumi and Yuki shared their first kiss as a married couple, and Yuki felt like her heart would burst with happiness. 
As they walked back down the aisle together, hand in hand, they were met with more cheers and congratulations from their friends and family. Yuki and Megumi danced their first dance together as a married couple, surrounded by their loved ones. Yuki felt like she was floating on air. She had never felt so happy in her life.  
----
Shizuka joined in the festivities, but she couldn't help but feel left out. Shizuka excused herself from the dance floor and went outside to get some fresh air. She looked up at the night sky, taking in the stars. 
She felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Erika, who had followed her outside. 
"Hey, are you okay?" Erika asked, concerned. 
Shizuka gave a small smile. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just needed a moment alone." 
Erika nodded and stood beside Shizuka, looking up at the stars. "I know how you feel," she said softly. "Yuki and Megumi will have each other, but you're going to America by yourself, leaving all your friends and family behind. It's like leaving home again, isn't it?" 
Shizuka was surprised by Erika's insight and touched by her kindness. "Yeah, it is," she admitted. "But I'm excited too. It's a new adventure, and who knows what opportunities will come my way?" 
Erika smiled and nodded, understanding. They stood there in silence for a moment, taking in the peacefulness of the night. "Well, if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here," Erika said, giving Shizuka a warm smile. She took a step closer to Shizuka, her eyes locked onto hers. "You know, I envy you sometimes," Erika said, her tone sincere. "You have your dreams and aspirations, and you're willing to take risks to make them happen. But I know how hard it can be to make a move like that. I'd be scared." 
Shizuka looked at Erika, surprised by her words. "Really?" she asked, amused. "What do you mean?" 
"I mean, you're going to a country that's completely different from your own. You'll be surrounded by people who don't understand you. You'll have to adjust to a new culture and a new way of life. It's scary, but maybe... also exciting. And it takes a lot of courage to make that kind of move." She paused for a moment before continuing. "But I think you're braver than you give yourself credit for. You're not afraid to stand out and be yourself." 
Shizuka smiled at Erika, feeling touched by her words. "Thank you, Erika. That means a lot to me," she said. "But I think you're brave too. Being a maid is hard work, and you always manage to keep a positive attitude despite the challenges." 
Erika blushed at the compliment. "Thanks, Shizuka." 
They both stood there in silence for a moment, enjoying the peacefulness of the night. A few minutes later Kanna appeared, surprised to see both Shizuka and Erika together.
"Well, there you are," Kanna said. "People are missing you." She turned to Erika, adding, "Can you give us a few minutes?"
The maid nodded quickly, and stepped past Kanna and back inside. Kanna walked next to Shizuka and looked up at the stars with her.
"You have a truly blessed life, you know?" Kanna said. "I envy you for your dreams and aspirations. I know how hard it can be to make a move like that, but I admire your courage." 
Shizuka smiled at Kanna, feeling grateful for her words. "Thank you, Kanna," she said. "But I also envy you in many ways. You have a wonderful family and a son with Shion. That's something I've never experienced." 
Kanna smiled back at Shizuka. "Yes, I am blessed in many ways," Kanna said. "But I think we all have our own challenges and struggles to overcome. What's important is that we support each other and find happiness in our own ways. That's why I'm going to help you with your long trip to America." 
Shizuka looked at Kanna, surprised by her offer. "Really? You would do that for me?" she asked, her eyes widening. 
"Of course. You're my friend, and more than that, you're my sister. I'm going to give you a generous expense account to use for your own needs, so you won't be tempted to live like a poor girl. I know how you lived in your little apartment, so don't act surprised. I'll make sure you have everything you need for your trip, and I'll be here for you if you ever need anything," Kanna said, placing a hand on Shizuka's shoulder. 
Shizuka felt a warmth in her heart at Kanna's words. "Kanna... I don't know what to say," she said, feeling grateful for her friend's kindness.  
"Well, we'd better get back to the festivities before someone else comes looking for us," Kanna said with a small laugh. "After all, Yuki will come looking for you sooner or later."
"Yeah, I'll bet," Shizuka replied. "Let's go, then."
Kanna led the way back to the festivities, with Shizuka following closely behind. They took their seats in the reception area when Yuki and Megumi began the ceremonial cutting of the wedding cake. They cut two slices of cake for each other, and grinned at each other mischievously. They held up their slices of cake to each other and smooshed it onto each other's faces, rubbing the cake over their cheeks. Yuki and Megumi laughed, their faces flushed with happiness. 
Shizuka watched the two of them with a fond smile on her face. It was just like Yuki to want to make a mess even on her wedding day.
Kanna leaned over to Shion, seated next to her. "I'm glad we didn't do that on our wedding."
"Well, we had a traditional Japanese wedding," Shion pointed out. "It went nothing like this."
"I know, but I'm just saying I wouldn't like that," Kanna replied, shrugging.
The reception continued, with Yuki and Megumi slicing up the cake for all the guests. Shizuka politely accepted a slice, then set it aside to discreetly give back to Yuki after the reception was over. As the night wore on, Yuki and Megumi continued to dance and laugh, enjoying the company of their guests. Shizuka watched them from a distance, feeling content in their presence. Yuki caught her eye and gave her a small smile, which Shizuka returned with a gentle smile. The night was long and festive, with many drinks and dances. 
As the night wound down, Yuki excused herself from the group and walked outside. Shizuka followed her outside, taking a seat on a nearby bench. Yuki sat down next to her, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight. 
"I'm glad you came with me tonight," Yuki said softly, looking at Shizuka with a gentle smile. 
"It is your day, after all," Shizuka replied. She stopped herself. Shizuka did not want to ruin the moment by adding, "Before I leave for America tomorrow." This was Yuki's moment. 
Yuki leaned in closer to Shizuka, her hand reaching up to gently brush a strand of hair out of her face. "I just wanted to thank you for being there for me today." She held out her ring finger playfully. "Look, I'm a married woman now!" 
Shizuka smiled at Yuki. "I'm happy for you, Yuki. And I'm happy that you're with Megumi." She looked at Yuki's ring finger, admiring the ring. "I'm proud of you, Yuki. You've become a wonderful person and an excellent photographer." 
Yuki blushed at Shizuka's words, feeling a warmth spread through her cheeks. "Thank you, Shizuka."
The two sat on the bench for several minutes with no words passing between them. They didn't need to as their presence was good enough. They did not speak of Shizuka's departure for America and the long distance they would be between each other because they already knew, and their feelings passed each other several times. The silence was enough for them.
----
The next morning Shizuka finished packing her luggage for her extended stay in America. She did not want to carry too much luggage with her, packing it only in one large luggage bag with clothes she wanted to bring with her. She intended to make use of the local facilities to handle her stay; if she needed more clothes she could simply buy them.
She brought her luggage down the stairs of her house quietly. Shizuka did not want to wake up Hikaru or Kurumi with her noise, but soon realized that her efforts were for naught when they were waiting for her at the front door.
"You shouldn't have gotten up for this," she told them, a hint of disappointment in her voice. 
"Well, you're going to be gone for a while, so there's no harm in seeing you off, is there?" Hikaru replied. 
Shizuka rolled her eyes, knowing that Hikaru was just trying to make himself feel better by being dramatic.
"Well, it's not like there's any reason for you to sneak out this early in the morning, is there?" Kurumi added. "Your flight isn't until the evening. Just where do you think you're going, anyway? You're not seriously going to hang out in the airport all afternoon, are you?" 
Shizuka smiled at Hikaru and Kurumi's teasing. "Kanna is helping me with the flight. I'm going to have lunch with her and Yuki. There's some other stuff I need to settle with Arisa before I go, too." 
"So what you're really saying is you want to avoid saying 'goodbye' to us," Kurumi guessed. 
"I know it's not fair to just leave without saying goodbye, but I don't want to make things awkward between us." 
"We understand," Hikaru said with a pat on her back. 
Shizuka offered a small smile, feeling grateful for their understanding. "Well, at least you're smart enough to think this far ahead." She looked at each of them in turn, studying their faces. She could see the concern and worry etched into their features, but she knew they were just being caring. "I'll be back soon, okay? Don't burn down the house while I'm gone."
"Of course, we'll be here waiting for you," Kurumi replied.
Shizuka walked out the front door with her luggage, where the limousine Kanna provided was waiting for her. She turned around and waved to her brother and his girlfriend, wondering how far they'll progress in their relationship and their careers when she got back. 
As she settled into the back seat of the limousine, she felt a mix of emotions-- excitement at the prospect of a new journey, nervousness about what was to come, and a deep sense of nostalgia for leaving Hikaru behind to pursue her career a second time. The car ride was smooth and quiet, with only the hum of the engine breaking the silence.
The first stop was at the Moon River Taleng Agency, the place where her life in Tokyo turned around five years ago, and where Shizuka would meet with Arisa and finalize their plans.
Arisa handed Shizuka a binder. "I have your travel arrangements here," she said. "Everything should be smooth sailing from here to your hostel when you arrive." 
Shizuka nodded, taking the binder from Arisa. She opened it and perused the itinerary, feeling grateful for Arisa's professionalism and organization. "Thank you so much for everything."
Arisa smiled warmly at her. "It's my job to make sure everything goes smoothly for you. And I'm glad to have been able to help you with your travel arrangements."
She held out her hand and Shizuka shook it, giving her a strong, professional handshake.
"Call me when your plane lands, okay?" she added. 
"You and a lot of other people want me to do that!" Shizuka complained. "You, Kanna, and Yuki asked the same thing." 
Arisa chuckled. "We're just trying to keep you safe and comfortable during your trip. And we have a lot of other people we want to keep an eye on as well."
"Okay, okay. I'll do it," she said with a playful grin.
"Great. We'll be in touch once you land. Have a safe trip!"
Shizuka walked out of Arisa's office and to her own shared office, where she found Yuki at her desk, waiting for her.
"So, are you ready to get some lunch?" Shizuka asked.
Yuki nodded quickly. "Of course!"
The two left the Moon River building and got back in the limousine. The limousine headed for Kanna's mansion, where Shizuka planned to have lunch with her and Yuki before killing a little time right before going to the airport. When they arrived at the mansion Shizuka and Yuki stepped out of the limousine and were greeted by the maids, who escorted them inside. Shizuka and Yuki made their way to the dining room, where Kanna was already waiting for them. 
"Welcome, Shizuka and Yuki," Kanna said with a smile as they entered the room. "Please, have a seat."
Shizuka and Yuki took their seats at the table. Erika, Kanna's maid, served them each a bowl of hot miso soup and a plate of salad. 
"Thank you, Erika," Shizuka said with a smile as the maid placed the bowl and plate in front of her. 
Erika blushed a little, pleased to have received a compliment from one of her idols. "You're welcome, Shizuka," she replied before moving on to serve Yuki. 
Yuki smiled at Erika and thanked her for her service. As Erika moved on to serve the main entree, Shizuka took a sip of the soup and closed her eyes, savoring the flavors. Yuki picked up her chopsticks and began to eat her salad, taking small bites and enjoying the crisp leaves and fresh vegetables.
"I've gathered all your things here," Kanna said, shoving a small travel box to Shizuka. "You should be satisfied with what I'm giving you."
Shizuka nodded, grateful for the thoughtful gift. "Thank you, Kanna. You're always so generous," she said with a smile. 
Kanna smiled in response, her eyes sparkling with happiness. "It's nothing, really. I just want to show my appreciation for all that you do for me."  
The three of them ate their lunch, talking about their plans for the future. When they finished their meal, Shizuka and Yuki thanked Kanna and Erika for their hospitality and got up from the table. Before they got back in the limousine, Kanna and Erika showed up at the door to see them off. Shion also took time out of his busy schedule to show up as well as Haruka,  who was holding the young master in her arms. Shizuka bid her farewells to Kanna and her family, then got back in the limousine with Yuki.
"We've got a few hours to kill before my flight," Shizuka said. "Is there anything you want to do in the meantime?"
Yuki turned to face her friend. "I've got nothing in mind. Maybe we ought to go somewhere nice to look at, so you can look at Tokyo one last time before you leave."
Shizuka smiled. "That sounds like a good idea. Do you have any suggestions?"
Yuki thought for a moment before suggesting, "How about we go to Shinjuku Gyoen? It's a beautiful park with gardens and ponds. We can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the scenery." 
Shizuka nodded in agreement. "That sounds perfect. Let's go."
The limousine pulled up at the entrance of the park and they stepped out. As they walked through the park, Yuki pointed out the different varieties of flowers and plants that lined the paths. Shizuka marveled at the colorful and vibrant blooms, taking pictures with her phone to capture the beauty.
"This place is amazing," Shizuka said, looking around in wonder.
Yuki smiled. "I love coming here to relax and recharge, and take pictures, of course." She paused for a moment, looking at her friend. "Are you feeling okay about leaving Tokyo? You've been here for so long."
"Yeah, it's bittersweet. I'm excited for new opportunities and experiences, but I'll miss Tokyo and all the memories I've made here," she said with a small smile. "But I'm grateful for the time I've had here and for the people I've met, especially you." 
Yuki smiled back at her. "I'm grateful for you too, Shizuka. You've been my rock and my soulmate. I don't know what I'd do without you," Yuki said, her voice filled with emotion.
Shizuka reached over and took Yuki's hand in hers, squeezing it gently. "I'll always be here for you, no matter where we are in the world." 
Yuki felt a wave of warmth and comfort wash over her at Shizuka's words. She squeezed her friend's hand back, grateful for the bond they shared. They continued their leisurely stroll through the park, taking in the beauty of their surroundings. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the landscape. Yuki felt grateful for the peacefulness of the moment, knowing that it was a rare luxury, but knew her time with Shizuka was nearing it's end.
"I think it's time to head for the airport," Shizuka decided. 
Yuki nodded in agreement, her heart heavy with the thought of losing her friend. Shizuka took Yuki's hand again and led her towards the exit of the park. They got back in the limousine, and during the ride to the airport Shizuka noticed Yuki had a pensive look on her face, as if the gravity of her leaving was suddenly hitting her. Shizuka reached out and took Yuki's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze. 
"Don't worry, Yuki. I'll always be here for you, no matter what," she said with a reassuring smile. 
Yuki managed a small smile back at her, grateful for the comfort her friend was providing. "I know," she said softly. "It's just hard to say goodbye to someone who's been such an important part of my life for so long." She took a deep breath. "But I'm also excited for you and the new adventures you'll have in America. You deserve all the happiness in the world, Shizuka." 
Shizuka smiled gratefully at Yuki's words, feeling touched by her friend's support. "Thank you, Yuki. You've always been my biggest cheerleader and supporter, and I appreciate that more than words can express."
When the limousine rolled up to the terminal Shizuka turned to Yuki. "Well, I'll call you when I land, okay?" 
Yuki nodded, her eyes filled with tears. "Okay," she said, her voice choked with emotion. "I'll be waiting for your call." 
Shizuka gave Yuki's hand a final squeeze, but before she could step out of the limousine Yuki threw her arms around her and kissed her deeply on the lips. Shizuka was taken aback by the sudden kiss, but quickly realized the depth of Yuki's emotions. She responded with tenderness and care, holding Yuki close as they kissed. When they finally pulled away, Yuki's eyes were still filled with tears, but there was a sense of peace in her expression. 
"I'm sorry." Yuki's voice was barely above a whisper. "I know I can be a bit impulsive sometimes." 
Shizuka smiled gently at Yuki, stroking her hair. "It's okay, Yuki. You're allowed to be emotional sometimes. It's natural to feel like you're losing someone you care about." She looked at Yuki with affection. "And I promise to always keep in touch with you through our mutual interests and passions." 
Yuki nodded, tears still streaming down her face. "Thank you, Shizuka. Call me when you land." 
Shizuka nodded, a small smile on her face. "I will, Yuki. I promise." With that, she stepped out of the limousine, gathered her luggage, and waved goodbye to Yuki before heading towards the airport.
Yuki, now alone in the back of the limousine, watched her best friend disappear into the crowd. Only then did she break down and cry.
----
Yuki spent the ride back to her apartment crying. The driver offered to stay with her for a while longer, but she declined. She didn't want to burden him with her sadness. As the limousine pulled up to the apartment building, Yuki wiped away her tears and straightened her clothes. She took a deep breath and stepped out of the limousine, feeling a mix of emotions.
She waited quietly for her partner, Megumi, to return home from work.
"Yuki, are you alright?" she asked. 
Yuki turned to Megumi, her eyes red and puffy from crying. "I'm fine, Megumi. Just a little overwhelmed." 
Megumi took Yuki's hand and led her to the couch. "It's okay to cry, Yuki. It's normal to feel sad when you lose someone you care about." 
Yuki nodded, grateful for Megumi's understanding. "I know, Megumi. It's just been a long day." She took a deep breath and tried to compose herself. "I miss Shizuka so much. I'll never forget her." 
Megumi wrapped her arms around Yuki, pulling her close. "I know, Yuki. And I'm here for you." Yuki leaned into Megumi's embrace, feeling safe and loved. 
Yuki recounted the events of the day to Megumi, tears still streaming down her face. Megumi listened attentively, offering words of comfort and support. When Yuki finished her story, Megumi pulled away from the embrace and looked at Yuki with concern. 
"Yuki, I'm worried about you. Is there anything I can do to help?" 
Yuki shook her head, tears still streaming down her face. "No, Megumi. It's just that...I feel like I'll never see her again." 
Megumi placed a hand on Yuki's shoulder, giving her a reassuring squeeze. "I know it's hard, Yuki. But you'll see her again. You know you will. She's a part of our lives, and we'll always be there for you." 
Yuki smiled weakly at Megumi's words. "I know, Megumi. It's just hard to believe that she's gone." 
"I know it is, but you have to believe that she's going to a better place. And I have to believe that one day, we'll be able to see her again." 
Yuki nodded, wiping away her tears. "I know, Megumi. I just miss her so much." 
Megumi leaned in and kissed Yuki on the forehead. "I know you do. But don't worry, we'll always have each other. And that's what matters most. I'm here for you, Yuki. No matter what. I love you." 
Yuki smiled at Megumi's words, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. "I love you too, Megumi. Thank you." 
Megumi pulled Yuki into a tight embrace once again, holding her close and whispering comforting words in her ear. As Yuki held Megumi, she felt a mix of emotions. She loved Megumi, her friend and partner, and she was grateful for her support. But at the same time, she couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if Shizuka had stayed in Japan. Yuki sighed, feeling a pang of sadness. She knew that life was full of uncertainty and change, but sometimes it also felt like everything would be just perfect if Shizuka had stayed.
Or, she suddenly realized, if she chased Shizuka to America.
"We never decided where to go on our honeymoon, did we?" Yuki asked. 
Megumi pulled away from the embrace and looked at Yuki with concern. "No, we didn't. We didn't even have the chance to talk about it, especially after we moved up the date of our wedding." 
Yuki smiled sadly at Megumi. "I know. But I was just thinking... what if we went to America?"
"You want to go chase after Shizuka?" Megumi guessed.
"Am I really that transparent?" Yuki asked. 
"Well, let's just say that you're not exactly subtle when it comes to your feelings for Shizuka." 
Yuki blushed, feeling embarrassed. "I know, I know. It's really unfair to ask this of you, especially now that we're married. I should be more faithful to you." 
Megumi shook her head. "No, Yuki. You can be as faithful as you want to be. I trust you. And besides, I love you more than anything. If you feel the same way, then there's nothing holding you back." 
Yuki smiled gratefully at Megumi. "Thank you, Megumi. I appreciate that. And I promise, I'll always be faithful to you." 
Megumi hugged Yuki again, holding her close and whispering in her ear. "I know you will, Yuki. I trust you completely. And I'm excited to see what adventures we'll have in the future." 
Yuki pulled away from the embrace and looked at Megumi with a small smile. "Let's plan our honeymoon."
----
Shizuka sat back in her seat on the airplane, relaxed. She had to thank Kanna for giving her a first class ticket. The first class cabin was mostly empty on this flight and the flight attendants were polite. She had a small window seat, so she could see the view from above as the plane ascended into the sky. She closed her eyes and let out a deep breath, feeling the weight of the day finally lifting off her shoulders.
The last time she left home it was when she was eighteen, when she decided she wanted to make a career out of being a fashion model. Her parents tried to discourage her from throwing her life away, but Shizuka was stubborn enough to go through with it. And now, here she was, flying to America to pursue her dreams, leaving the home she made for herself from her success in Tokyo, and a number of good friends as well. This time, Shizuka was well prepared, having secure finances and a strong network of friends to help her establish herself in America. She had no doubt that she would have some troubles in America, but knew that it would not be like the first time. She had gained a lot of experience, and she was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
She reached into her jacket's inner pocket and pulled out her pocketbook. The very first page was a picture of herself and Yuki, back when they lived together in the same apartment, before they made it in their respective careers. She remembered how young and reckless they were in pursuing their careers and remembered fondly the trouble they got themselves into by doing so. She closed the pocketbook and replaced it, the inner pocket being properly over her heart, and she patted it gently.
When the plane leveled out and was in cruising speed, the flight attendant approached her. 
"Hello Shizuka," she greeted her. "Can I get you anything?"
Shizuka smiled back. "A pillow and a blanket, please." 
The flight attendant nodded and returned with the requested items. Shizuka thanked her and settled into her seat, feeling the softness of the pillow and the warmth of the blanket. She closed her eyes again, taking in the familiar surroundings and feeling grateful for the comfort she was able to find on this flight. 
Shizuka's mind wandered to the future. She knew that there would be challenges, but she was excited for the opportunity to see what America had in store for her. She mentally reminded herself to thank Arisa and Kanna for taking care of the arrangements for her stay. She knew that she had a lot to do once she arrived in America, but she was confident that she could handle it. 
As the flight continued, Shizuka drifted off into a peaceful sleep, feeling the gentle sway of the plane and the hum of the engines. She dreamed of the days ahead, the excitement and anticipation building within her.
She dreamed of seeing Yuki again.



========================

This story was written with AI assistance.

The story started out as a weird hodgepodge of vignettes where Shizuka stumbled her way through fashion shoots, guided by Yuki, wearing all sorts of strange outfits. Out of it the AI was starting to suggest that Yuki was attracted to Shizuka which sort of colored everything she did up to that point (the rewrite Yuki was probably infatuated with her from the start), but I decided to 'fight' with the AI and keep their relationship platonic. It pretty much turned into a story about how amazing their friendship was and inadvertently turned into a lesbian and aromantic pair. I think that's what motivated me to push this story so far because there aren't enough stories out there that celebrate a proper platonic friendship.

There were two moments the AI produced something I thougth was genuinely funny: 

1. Nana reacting that her fans were calling her an idiot. Her reaction to that was she didn't know she was an idiot (sadly the Incredible Hulk thing was my doing).

2. Megumi contemplating getting demoted at the maid cafe or get humiliated on national television. She decided she would rather get humiliated on national television.

I don't consider myself a romantic (but I won't claim to be aromantic, either), but I felt like I had to help steer the story where Yuki and Megumi back on track after they had their fight. Obviously Megumi was being clingly, but Yuki was also being terrible about it by running at the first sign of trouble. I mean, I get why she would after having to deal with someone like Nana, but it kind of showed how immature she still was herself. It's true you learn a lot with age, but a lot of people arrogantly like to think, just because they're older they know better and double down on things they should know is bad behavior.

Shizuka is someone I don't think would take to acting (this is something firmly built into Hikaru and Kurumi's stories), but the way the story progressed it seemed like the natural thing to do (although, for entertainment purposes, she has to swallow her pride a lot). It started small and then blew up into being a huge part of the story. Some of the stories she took part in are other stories with the serial numbers filed off: "Magical Girl Wars" is Sailor Moon Sailor Stars and "Legend of the Green Dragon" is Chrome Shelled Regios. "Mystical Dream Girl" is vaguely inspired by 999: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors with the escape room premise (and probably with Mia being 'the one who got away'), but everything else is hodgepodge from other visual novels. 

"The Shogun's Bodyguard" is a vague reference to a particular part of the James Clavell novel "Shogun" mashed with Yoshitora Tokugawa from Samurai Shodown. For "Yandere Murder Massacre" and "Vampire Princess Luka" it was more of a vehicle commenting about how the general public has a vastly different perception of Gothic Lolita than what the fashion entails itself, particularly how people like to draw/dress it with an erotic bent when the fashion itself calls for modesty. "Masquerade of Moonlight" was generally a vehicle to showcase poledancing as a sport rather than simply an erotic dance. I toyed with the idea of this after mocking up a model of Hokuto spinning around a pole in Warcraft 3 (obviously never used, but I may have left that animation in her updated model if you're curious).

"Legendary Flying Swallow" and "Romance in Three Hotels" were simply vehicles to move the story along, with the former putting Shizuka in an awkward cosplay situation and the latter forcing Shizuka to come to terms with romance even if she was not destined to get involved with anyone (if anything, it advanced her existing relationship with Yuki).

Shizuka's background was kept vague on purpose. It's one of those things where I think unravels a bit if you put too much thought into it, and I didn't really want to dwell on the reasoning of her parents for treating her like that. I've done a few sessions with the AI to discuss it, but it all boiled down to having to put some attention on them, which I didn't feel like doing.

Kanna is a very weird character. In the past I've frequently wondered whether it's a good idea to have Shizuka and Shion hook up instead of having Kanna and Shion hook up, so I took the opportunity to write the latter. Of course, since she is very weird she offered to allow Shizuka to become Shion's mistress, something which is... well, very strange in modern times (arranging for this, I've read, was a possible duty of a samurai wife if she was... well, unavailable, but it was hardly a universal concept). There is, however, a version of the story where Shion and Shizuka did agree to sleep with each other, but it felt VERY wrong, so that story was discarded. I've also toyed with the idea of having Kanna surrogate a child with Shion for Shizuka, but it never came up (nor could I imagine a scenario where Shizuka would agree to that; since Shizuka was disinterested in having a relationship there wouldn't be an opportunity for her to desire to have a kid and follow that chain of events).

As long as this story is in its current form, a lot of material was removed. It wasn't just because some of the material was incomprehensible, but some of it was just useless melodramatic fluff (for instance, Yuki came on to Shizuka a lot earlier in the story than when she did here which made Yuki overly weepy like a soap opera parody), and some of it was pretty explicit (Nana's stint as an adult film star was only alluded to, while story bits of it actually existed, among other stupid things she did as a washed-up artist). I didn't really want to publish smut so all of that was cleaned up (Erika and Masato's sex was pretty graphic); probably the most explicit thing left is Haruka shaving Erika (which I think makes the scene funnier because it's intentionally set up to mislead you in thinking she's shaving her head). The biggest thing removed was a story where Erika thinks Shizuka slept with Masato, which was removed because it was just too stupid and it didn't add to anything (beside making Erika look stupid).


~ Razorclaw X