《From nothing came something, and you lasted a lifetime (GirlxGirl)》 1: Elise Elise lifts her head from her short nap. She wishes it could be longer but its always uninterrupted by the laughter of her classmate. Elise groans and rubs her eyes, careful not to smear her makeup. Does she ever shut up? She asks her friend who sits next to her. Yuna just likes the attention. I wish she would just let me nap, Elise sighs. Tell her to shut up then. Elise takes out her phone and checks her notifications. Shes been waiting on a text from her date all daybut hasnt received it. Ill rather not get suspended again. Her friend laughs, Enemies until the end, huh? Elise slouches forward and turns her head towards the still-laughing girl, Yuna. Shes sitting on top of her classmates desks, cracking jokes. Elise wonders how anyone could stand Yuna. Shes rude and vulgar and doesnt treat anyone with respect. She acts like shes better than everyone else and hotter. By all accounts, Yuna should be an outcast, a loner but Elise guesses that real life isnt a storybook filled with stereotypes. Yuna catches Elise staring at her and flips her middle finger. Elise turns back to her friend and says, What are you doing tonight? Want to hang out? Arent you going out with that guy tonight? To that show? I havent heard anything from him, I think hell ghost me. He asked you out. Elise rests her chin on her palm and pouts. Im used to it. Hes missing out. Youre a catch. Of course, Yuna eavesdrops on all of this. Its good ammunition to use later just to piss off Elise. The best way to rile her up is to poke at her insecurities. The more Yuna finds the more fun it gets. Class ends and she walks right behind Elise but isnt paying attention. Elise and her best friend walk out of the classroom together but she suddenly stops remembering she forgot to turn in her homework. Yunas the one who suffers when she bumps into Elises back. Dont you pay attention? Yuna groans. Elise moves out of the way and rolls her eyes. You ran into me. Excuse me for not being able to see the future, she snarks. Whatever. Fucking bitch, Yuna says under her breath when Elise goes back to the classroom. I hope she gets stood up. Elises friend nudges on Yunas shoulder. What? You sure spend a lot of time eavesdropping. Dont get on my shitlist, Nat, she tells her before leaving. - Elise stares at her phone while waiting just outside the line at the Wamu Theater. The guy who invited her out texted her that hell be late so she should find them a spot inside to meet. Elise hopes he doesnt bale. She wants to go home but she already paid too much for an Uber here. I guess Ill just go in alone, she thinks. Elise gets in line and looks around at the people around her. All the girls are dressed provocatively and in neon clothing. The guys in tanks or jerseys paired with shorts. Elise is the only one who feels shes out of place. It makes her want to go home even more. As soon as she gets inside the theater she finds a spot towards the back where it isnt too crowded. The music doesnt even resonate with her ears. She thought she was going to hear a band but its just a guy at a DJ booth in the far front. The people around her are dancing and vibing but Elise doesnt get it. The music is too chaotic and it doesnt even sound like theres any structure. It''s like metal is just hitting each other as hard as it can. Like a robot is trying to beatbox. Nice, they havent started yet, Elise hears a girl who chooses to stand next to her. I told you we wont be late. Elise tries not to look but turns her eyes to the person the girl is talking to. Its some dark-haired boy whos barely any taller than the girl. Hes handsome and pretty and so unlike anyone else shes ever seen. Elise turns away when she realizes shes been staring for too long. A few minutes pass and her date hasnt shown up. She texts him and asks where hes at but doesnt get a response. Elise starts to look around as she isn''t getting the best cell reception inside. Her phone vibrates and Elise sighs as she gets the news shes been expecting. He isnt coming. She starts to look around when the music stops while the DJs switch. Waiting on someone? the girl next to her nudges on Elises shirt. Oh, um, not anymore. He bailed. Shit. Im sorry. Are you here by yourself? Yeah, Elise laughs nervously. Chill with us then so you wont be alone. Im Grace. Elise. Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel. Grace takes a step back to introduce her friend, This is Yuele. Elise notices Yuele has been staring at her this entire time. Hi, nice to meet you. Likewise, he says and takes his eyes off her. Elise cant. Shes never seen a guy like him. Hes dressed in all black with a white long shirt under his ripped black t-shirt with a band logo. Three chains hang on his baggy pants and completes it with heavy black boots. Elise hasnt seen a guy with more than one earring on his ear. This guy has five on his left, three on his right. On his left are two hoops on his helix and three small chains on his earlobes but that isnt what interests her. Yuele has black eyeshadow that deepens his tired eyes. Elise doesnt know how long his hair is as its covered by a strap-back hat but assumes its long as she can see his strans of long hairs poking out and his jet-black bangs coming down the side of ears.. Yuele is a pretty boy. She looks over at Grace who is the complete opposite of the boy. Grace isnt dressed as provocatively as the other girls but still wears the same bright colors. Elise and Grace share the same hair color, light brown, and even share a similar hairstyle. Elise might be taller but cant help to feel shes looking at a mirror. Are you two together? Elise asks. Yeah, Grace answers unknowing that Elise was asking if they are boyfriend and girlfriend. Is this your first show? You can tell, huh? Grace smiles, Yup! Its okay. You can throw down with us. Youre here to see Zed''s Dead, right? Elise shakes her head, Im here blind. I dont even know what this is. Yuele hears this and rolls his eyes. This is dubstep, its not for everyone. Although were just here to see the next artist. Theyre our favorite. Hopefully theyll be better than the last, this isnt the stuff I usually listen to, Elise nervously laughs. Youll probably wont like it either, Grace laughs. Its really heavy and dark. Theyre called Elvllvli3 (Elevelie), when Grace finishes, the music starts with a rise. No ones up there, Elise comments when she sees the music started with no one at the booth. Its an anonymous act. No one knows who they are, but its hype. The rise drops and the music hits Elise through her chest. Its so much different than the artist before. Its so dark. Its evil. Its a machine gun shooting waves of darkness that are tearing through Elises body. The bass shakes her body and unconsciously her head starts to move up and down in sync with the heavy kick and even heavier snare. She notices everyone around her is doing the same. Theyre all absorbed by the music just like her. It just gets heavier and heavier from that point on. Her head moves up and down more violently and wonders if itll snap off. She hears the vocals and its similar to what she has heard in death metal. It catches her off guard. At one point, Grace grabs her hand and turns toward Elise. The two headbang as hard as they can together. When Elise lets go, she catches Yuele staring at them. Elise extends her hand toward him with a big smile. Yuele smirks and takes it. Youre not bad, Basic, he whispers to her ears when they finish headbanging. His words catch Elise off guard. He said it so sexually towards her. Elise brushes it off. Its nothing new. She gets hit on all the time. The set ends and everyone gets a chance to breathe. Grace turns to Yuele and says something to him then turns to Elise. Im going to the bathroom, you need to go? Elise shakes her head, No, Im fine. Okay, wait here. Elise turns her head towards Yuele who isnt paying any attention to her. She barely had a chance to see if he had any fun as she was absorbed by the music. The way he acts makes her wonder how he ever managed to get Grace to date him. Introverts and Extroverts dont mix, at least not in real life. She thinks of all the Manga shes read and how their relationship is exactly a stereotypical romance story. Yuele, right? How long have you been dating, Grace? Yueles eyes move first before his head. Does it matter? Um, no. Im just wondering how you got together. You two are like polar opposites. Yuele chuckles and takes his hands out of his pockets. Elise notices the three black rings on his left hand. Trying to steal me away? What?! No! Elise jerks back. Even though Elise is taller, Yuele lowers his upper body as if hes looking down on her. She thinks its a bit silly when he has to look up. Youve been staring. You started it. You have a bad memory, he laughs and stands up straight. Im surprised you liked the last set though, you looked bored stiff when we first got here. Im surprised too. Elise focuses on Yueles smile too much. Youre staring again. Its like youve been waiting for me youre entire life, Yuele smirks. Elise catches herself blush and turns away. Im going to the bathroom! As she runs away, she can hear him laugh. He isnt an introvert at all! Hes a cocky little dick. What does Grace even see in him? The line to the bathroom is long but Grace pulls Elise in right as she was leaving. Is this okay? Elise asks. It is if you dont want to miss the opening song. Ill wait outside. Elise just splashes her face with water to cool down. Her cheeks are still burning and her mind is still scrambling with thoughts of Yuele. Who does he think he is? Hes short and super skinny. Just because he has a pretty face doesnt give him the right to act like that! I should tell Grace that he was flirting with me! Elise takes a deep breath and looks at herself through the mirror. Her hair is all over the place, no wonder all the girls here have their hair tied up or in buns. At least her makeup is still on point. Its no wonder Yuele was hitting on her. Yuele was flirting with me, Elise opens when she finds Grace waiting for her at the stage entrance. Oh yeah? Thats hilarious. Youre not mad?! Hes your boyfriend. Grace laughs, Yuele? No, we just go to raves together. But you said- Did he really hit on you? Thats a first. Congratulations, Grace pulls out her phone. Whats your Snap or Insta? Ill love to hear the details later. Oh, uh, Elise pulls out her phone to check. I just changed it. Elise.Lyes. Its for both. She watches the notification of a new follower and clicks on Graces page to follow back. Grace.Ciotta. Its nice and simple. Eleveli3 was so good, right? I didnt think you would like them but you went hard just like us. Elise can barely remember the music she heard. She was too into it. Ive never heard anything like it. Whos playing next? Is it just as good? Zed''s Dead. Its far different, but I think just as good. This is fun, how often come to these things? Well dubstep doesnt come here often but we usually go to illegal underground stuff. Stuff with techno and house. Graces words nearly fly over Elises head. All she could understand was that shows like this dont happen often. Grace is cool, maybe shell show me more of this stuff if I ask. I can see Yuele- Elise stops herself from finishing that thought. Grace and Elise meet up with Yuele as soon as Zed''s Dead comes up on stage. Elise watches Grace say something to Yueles ear but cant hear because the crowd erupts with cheers. His eyes move Elises and gives her a smile that weakens her knees. Elise turns her body towards the crowd and only has one thought in her mind. Oh, fuck. 2. Yuele Yuna wakes up with the heavy bass of last night still playing back in her head. She thought her night was going to be ruined when they ran into that girl but she was surprisingly enjoying herself. That show was the last place she thought she would run into Elise. Dubstep doesnt even come close to the music a girl like that would listen to. She gets up to tie her hair up and puts on the baggy pants she wore the night before. Yuna sweated quite a bit so she decides to put on a clean shirt. Its oversized and hangs a bit long so it just past the waist. Its baggy enough to cover her breasts but her sports bra already does that job well enough. Next, she hangs three long necklaces over her shoulders and puts on her favorite cap. Its a bit childish but it has devil horns on top. Yuna heads to the bathroom to check if she remembers to take off her eyeshadow. She did. The girl twirls around to check if anything is missing then coughs to deepen her voice. Its Saturday so she gets to be Yuele again. Nothing makes her happier. Yuele runs out of his room to leave his apartment as soon as possible but is stopped by his father. Not even gonna have breakfast? Thats where Im going right now. His father sighs, Where and with who? Yuele rolls his eyes because the answer never changes. With Grace and at Kats Cafe. Yuele, when was the last time you had breakfast with us? Yuele puts on his shoes by the front door and says, I dont know. When was the last time Mom spoke to me? She speaks to you all the time. Not when Im me. Yuele, Yuna, what difference does it make? She just wants you to stop dressing like a boy. Yuele grins and opens the door, Ill be back before sunset! then shuts the door. He lives up high in an apartment in downtown Seattle. The elevator ride down takes a while so Yuele uses the time to text Grace that hes on his way. Grace just responds with an emoji. When the doors open, Yuele jogs out of the building and then runs down the street. The way to the cafe requires going downhill so its hard to slow down when running. Yuele never does anyways and he turns the corner at a full sprint. Its never been a problem as he always looks before turning. Today, hes distracted by the events of last night and he slams into a girl carrying a cup of coffee. It spills everywhere and drenches them both. Yuele catches himself on his hands with his small body over the girl on her back. Watch where- he stops himself he hears his real voice. What are the chances? He thinks when realizes who he just ran into. Watch where youre going, he finishes as deeply as he can without it sounding too unnatural. Elise herself cant believe it either. Yuele gets up and wipes himself off as best as he can. Whats the hurry? he jokes and extends his hand to pick Elise up. Youre the one who ran into me! Elise complains but accepts the offer anyways. Yuele, right? This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon. The one and only. You owe me a drink, Elise looks down at herself and bites her lips at the thought of having to wash her new top and jacket. Make it a date? Yuele jokes again. Elise blushes. In truth, Yuele finds it funny that Elise doesnt recognize him. He doesnt think he looks that different from when he dresses as Yuna for school. Its why he was staring at her last night. He wanted to know if Elise recognized him but she never once hinted at it. Its not a big secret that Yuele is Yuna. Or at least he doesnt think so. He doesnt exactly hide it but he comes to school as Yuna and no one there has seen him as Yuele. Only his closest friend and family know. He might not get along with his mom anymore, but hes grateful for the Japanese genes she gave him that allow him to be both genders. Is that a yes? Ew, no. Like Ill ever be into you. Yuele smiles, amused. Hes known Elise since middle school. Hes never liked her. She always hung around the popular crowd; the preps and jocks. Elise always came to school flaunting her daddys money like it makes her important. Shes just the type of girl who uses her looks to get whatever she wants. She listens to only pop and whats popular. She follows the crowds. Elise is bland, shes boring and has no personality. At least thats what Yuele thinks. Now that Ellise has met him as Yuele, he can fuck with her. He sees the instant attraction Elise has towards him. Itll be fun to get her to like him just so he can crush her heart. She deserves it anyways. Youre kind of mean, he laughs. Well, youre treating me like Im easy. There are a lot of things Yuele wants to say, instead, he says, Im just nervous. Elise sighs and looks into Yueles eyes for the time since they ran into each other. Now that theyre out in daylight, theres something off about him. Elise cant place her finger on it. Maybe it''s weird seeing a half Asian guy look a tad feminine. Or like shes seen him somewhere before. Well I still want my coffee, Im still tired from last night. Youre in luck, I was going to get some anyways. Care to clean my clothes too? Dont push it, Yuele chuckles. He takes Elise to Kats Cafe which is just two blocks away from his apartment. He hopes Grace isnt already there waiting. Shell keep Elise around longer than Yuele would like. Luckily, his wish comes through. I''ve never been here, is it any good? Yuele shrugs, Find out yourself. He inserts his card into the machine once Elise orders and moves over to the waiting area. He leans against the counter once Elise joins him. How old are you? Eighteen. You? Same, but Im still in high school. I graduate in two months. Elise doesnt pay attention when Yuele rolls his eyes. Yeah, I know. Were in too many classes together, dumbass. Must be nice. Theres silence until the barista calls for Elise. We square? The coffee is much better than Elise was expecting. Its sweet taste almost makes her ignore Yuele. Hmm? Oh, yeah. Thanks. Dont run when you turn a corner next time. Debt repaid, off you go, Yuele motions his arm towards the exit. Elise doesnt find it as amusing as he does. Dude, whats your problem? I havent done anything to you to act like such a dick to me. Theres no difference in personality between Yuele and Yuna. Hes treating Elise the same as he would when hes Yuna. Maybe itll be better if I pretend to actually like her, he thinks. If he actually wants to mess with her he should hide the fact that hes Yuna as much as possible. Right, youre right. Im sorry. Elise scratches the back of her head. She wasnt actually expecting an apology. Well, I do have to go anyways. Thanks again for the coffee. Ill see you around? Too soon for my liking. Maybe. Dont lose your glamor. Yuele watches her leave. Shes just as annoying as she is in school. He should have asked her what she was doing in the area. Its odd for someone from the school to be Downtown this early. It was odd enough that they ran into each other last night. Who would take her to a show and just ditch her like that? Serves her right. I guess the rumors of her always going on dates is true, such a whore. Its going to be fun making her fall in love with me. 3. Friendly Machine Elise stares at Yueles Instagram page. Its private so she could only look at his profile photo. Hes gorgeous. Far too beautiful to only have a couple hundred followers. She wants to click the follow button but feels itll be too weird without asking first. She shouldve asked when they ran into each other Saturday morning. Is that the guy? Elises friend, Nat leans it to take a peak. Mmhmm, Elise nods and turns her phone screen off. Hes so full of himself, its annoying. Sounds like a fuck boy to me. Elise rests her chin on her palm and smiles at Nat. I think theres more to him behind what hes showing. Yuna sits not too far from them. She rests her head on her arms while she listens to the conversation. Hearing Elise gush over her is giving her an ego boost she never thought possible. Shes enjoying it to no end. I dont know, I get the feeling that hes just being a dick because hes nervous around me. I think he mentioned that, but I didnt hear him clearly, Elise says. Yuna turns her head to look at Elise. The girl is too focused listening to Nat to notice. Yunas been thinking about ways to get close to Elise. One option is to follow her Instagram first and make the first move but thats boring. The most fun would be getting close to her as Yuna. Shell use the information she learns to set up one more accidental run in. But that option isnt realistically possible. After all, there hasnt been a moment where Yuna and Elise havent been enemies. Im sure Ill meet him again, Elise sits upright. Ill get him to behave. Yuna smirks. She rips off a little piece of her notebook and crumbles it up into a ball. Its tossed and hits Elise on the nose. Does little Elise have a crush? How cute. Elise scoffs, Says the girl whos never had a boyfriend. No ones been good enough. Elise rolls her eyes when she sees Yuna say that with her eyes closed and a smirk. This is the exact reason why Elise has never liked her. Yuna thinks shes Gods gift. Its a miracle they went through their final year without getting into a fight. Elise still hasnt forgiven her for getting her suspended last year. Maybe its because nobody can stand you. I should be the one saying that seeing you get stood up all the time. The sound of Elises screeching chair gets the attention of everyone in the classroom. Yuna sits upright a bit surprised Elise nearly jumped out of her sit. Elise feels everyones eyes on her which is enough to calm her down. She sits back down and sighs. And here I thought I finally managed to push you over the edge. Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions. Graduation cant come soon enough so I dont have to deal with your ass anymore. Likewise, Yuna grins. Elises gaze doesnt leave Yuna when her attention is turned elsewhere. She doesnt understand why Yuna is the way she is. When they first started middle school, Yuna was bullied for how she looked for a year. Everyone thought she was a freak for having a shaved head. That experience must have turned Yuna into the bitch she is now. Yuna catches Elise. Youre staring again. Elise pouts then looks away. Her eyes move again towards Yuna. Theres something familiar about her that Elise cant place. Her eyes move back forward and she tries to think about anything else. - Yuna and Elise share three classes together. Their final one just so happens to be P.E. Elise always spends it on the sideline with Nat and tries to do as little as possible. Todays no different as the class plays a game of volleyball. Elise and Nat sit along one of the walls while they watch the game together. Wow, look at her go, Nat comments on a miraculous save that Yuna did. Dont compliment her, itll just go to her head. Oh, shes not so bad. Its cause Yuna leaves you alone. What did you do to make her hate you so much anyways? Elise pulls her legs towards her body, Ask her and find out for me. She was a bitch to me first. Maybe she has a crush on you. Elise laughs at the joke even though Nat was being serious. I need to find some dirt on Yuna so I can hang it over her head. What do you know about her? Theyve known each other for a long time but this is the first time Elise has ever paid attention to Yunas personal life. The little jab that Yuna made earlier in the day truly did push Elise over the edge. Since then, Elise has been trying to find something to make fun of Yuna. Shes checked the internet but found nothing. Theres no social media presence. Yuna doesnt belong to any certain friend group either. She floats around and hangs out with whoever she feels like that day so no one truly knows her that well. As much as you do, Nat answers. Elise turns her attention to Yuna. For a small girl, Yunas really athletic. Shes the only one who is actually trying. Its a bit admirable. When Yuna wipes her sweat off with the bottom of her P.E. shirt, Elise notices just how pretty she is. She especially likes her long and jet-black hair. You okay? Nat asks when she notices her best friend is violently shaking her head. Just fine! Elise grits her teeth. There isnt a world where she should have those thoughts. Im going to the bathroom. Before she can fully stand, Nat yells, Watch out! Elise flinches when she notices the volleyball flying straight toward her face. Nothing happenes and confused, Elise opens her eyes just as a body tackles her against the wall or rather it runs into her. Elise cant form a thought as she stares at Yuna whos on top of her; nearly identical to how Yuele was. A bit of Yunas sweat falls on Elise while she catches her breath. Once Elise realizes what just happened, she pushes her enemy off. Fucking seriously? Yuna lands on her butt and wipes off her sweat. Youre welcome, she pants sarcastically. Elise calms herself. Yuna didnt mean to run into her and was just trying to save the ball. At least I know now youre not a complete bitch. Ha! Yuna gets up. If there was a school shooter I would use your body as a meat shield. Dont get it twisted. The next thing Elise sees is Yuna on the ground again and her teacher in front of her. Hes yelling at her to go to the Deans office. All the attention is on her again and this time she couldnt stop herself from calming down. Elise comes home flabbergasted and with a three-day suspension. 4. Yuna One of the two things that have come out of the suspension is that all of Elises friends are praising her for finally giving Yuna a taste of her medicine. Thats fine and all but it bothers her that Yuna can push her buttons that easily. Elise doesnt even want the praise either. Its not like she wants the approval of people she barely tolerates now. The other good thing is that Elise gets grounded so she has an excuse to cancel all of her plans for the week. It also gives her a reason to go to Seattles library. Her mom approves of this of course as its one of the places Elise used to go often. Shes been going less and less over the years but now she has all the time in the world to indulge in her hobby. When do you want me to pick you up? her mom asks when she drops her off. A few hours. I dont really care, just when you get done with your stuff I guess. Elise immediately power walks inside and into the section she always goes to. This is where she feels like she could be herself, a place where no one will ever find her or recognize her. Japanese Manga. Its a hobby that nobody but Nat knows. Its something she cant ever publicly share seeing that everyone expects her to be the stereotypical cheerleader white girl. That isnt who she is, just something shes forced to be because of how she likes to look. In Japan, they call it Gyaru. Here its just your typical blonde hair boring girl. Its a look she accidentally stumbled on and it somehow made her popular even though it was all unintentional. Elise finds the newest volume of her favorite manga. Unexpectedly, she grabs the last copy available and then sits on one of the many open seats in the gigantic library. As soon as she opens the book all of her troubles disappear. - Yuna rubs the bruise that formed on her left cheek that was given to her yesterday. She has to admit, Elise can throw a punch. Its raining today so she puts on her favorite black and white jacket over a crop top. Todays some joggers and Vans type of day. As always, she ties up her hair and puts her favorite hat on. With the addition of three black rings and the two helix earrings she takes off for school, her transformation to Yuele is complete. Yuele twirls around and decides that something is missing. He puts foundation, and contour on her jawline and a bit of mascara to make him feel hot. The bruise still manages to show through a bit after all of it. Theres nobody to impress anyways, hes just going to the library but Yuele wants to feel like the main character. Getting a three-day suspension wasnt what he was expecting as he never laid his hands on Elise unlike she did. It was the joke about the school shooting that got him. Nobody knows how to take a joke these days. Grace calls him while he walks towards the library. Hey listen, my sister is coming home for the summer. She wants to go to Pride, that cool? Shell be coming with her girlfriend Oh? I finally get to meet her. Yeah, of course. Also that girl we met on Friday is asking if were going to any shows soon. She wants to come with, thoughts? Yuele silently laughs to himself, I dont care. Does she seem cool to you? I thought she was bland. You had the same thought about me when we first met, Grace reminds him. Shes cute, cmon. Elise doesnt strike me as a person wholl judge you, Yuele. Also, werent you flirting with her? As a joke. Yuele hasnt told his best friend that he already knows Elise and that he hates her. It''s better to keep that to himself for now. Grace will only try to make the two get along if she finds out. Its out of character. I thought you stopped doing that. Well sue me. Grace laughs. Ill invite her to the All Inspiration event. She doesnt strike me as a person wholl do anything that breaks the law. Have faith in people. The worst shell say is no. Anyways, I gotta go my class is about to start. Later, Yuele hangs up. Yuele takes the escalator up to head over to the manga section. His favorite manga just released a new volume and has been looking forward to it all day. Shes already read it already as she reads it weekly through fan-made translations. Still, nothing beats the official release and the feel of the physical pages. Yuele arrives at the O section only to find the new volume is missing. Annoyed, he grabs the previously released volume just to reread it again. His heart drops when he almost sits next to the person hes been running into far too often lately, Elise. She doesnt notice him as shes too absorbed in the manga shes reading. Its the new volume Yuele was looking for. He backs away and returns his book back to where it belongs before he runs to the bathroom. What the hell is she doing here? And shes reading One Piece too? Nah, this must be a joke. Elise would never be into shit like that. Fuck, why did I even panic? Yuele slowly walks out of the bathroom and finds a spot to sit. Its far enough to observe Elise and for her not to ever notice him. Yueles curiosity is getting the better of him. Elise feels a shiver travel down her spine and it breaks her out of her spell. She looks around feeling that someone was looking at her but the area she''s in is empty. She turns her head back to the pages. None of the chapters she reads are new to her. She spends an hour every night reading these stories. Its faster and more enjoyable than watching anime. The only time she does is to watch a scene from a manga that captivates her. Elise cant even remember how many stories shes read. She only pays attention to the ones shes reading right now which is around 20 in total. A chapter is released every day for at least one of them so she always has something new to read. There were a few times when she tried to share her interests with her friends but all of them brushed them off as a joke. She thought about joining the anime and manga club at school but she knows how they act. All of them are weirdos and itll be bad for her to be associated with them. Nats the only one she can talk to about it because they have been friends since they were able to talk. Elise closes the book when she finishes it and gets up. She feels like shes being watched but no ones around. The manga book goes back to its place and Elise grabs another one of her favorites. Yuele walks over to where Elise was to figure out what she grabbed next. Its pretty easy to figure out with a quick glance at the cover she got as Elise was walking back to her seat and the only missing book from the shelves. Its the first edition of Berserk. Just who is she? Yuele goes back to his seat, shaken as the image hes built up of Elise is changing. Perhaps theres more to her than he thought. Elise comes home with the three manga volumes shes been missing from her collection. She places them next to the others, completing the series, and never to be open ever again. There are about 20-plus notifications on her phone all of which have been ignored until now. None of them are of any importance except for three. The first comes from Grace and an invitation to an underground event a month from now. The second is from the guy who stood her up on Friday. His excuse was that he had an emergency to take care of and wants to make it up to her by taking her out somewhere special. The third, and most exciting is a follow from Yuele on Instagram. Elise hits the follow back button and stares at her phone expecting it to be approved right away. It takes an hour for it to happen. There are only twelve photos. Half of them are candid photos of him where he somehow manages to always look like a model. The other five are of random objects each accompanied by a paragraph of a caption. The most recent of Yueles naked body facing away from the camera. He lays on a bed with the sheets covering his ass. Elise notices he has long hair that flows over his shoulders. Why is he so hot? Why cant I get him out of my mind? This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there. Elise lays on her bed and holds her phone up towards the ceiling to stare at this photo. Its caption reads, And just like that, I am just a person who is stuck between two identities. One is who I am, the other is who I am as well. I''m unable to choose. Elise doesnt understand it, but it reads like poetry to her. She loves it. - Yuele undresses himself and puts on some tights and shorts. He leaves the sports bra on and undoes his hair. The rings go back on his countertop and she puts on a choker. He sighs and leaves the room. You didnt buy any books today, Yuna, her mother opens up when she sits next to her in the living room. I didnt find anything interesting. Yuna doesnt look at her mom when she notices her turn her head. She rubs Yunas cheek firmly enough to cause her a tiny amount of paint. You need to do a better job of covering this up. Think about what people would say. Its not that Yuna doesnt love her mom, it is that she doesnt understand Yuna. Its frustrating. The only time they talk is when shes Yuna. Yuele gets ignored. Her therapist tells her that it isnt her mothers fault. Shes a product of being raised in an extremely conservative country and at a different time. At least her father is accepting of her even though he doesnt understand it. Its a small perk of living in good ol progressive Seattle. You need to stop getting into fights. What if you lose your scholarship? I wont cover the rest either. Hey, I didnt fight. You instigated it. Whatever, Yuna groans. Her mother changes the TV channel to the news. You have two months, dont screw up. Yunas attention switches to her phone, ignoring and not bothering to answer her mom. Elise has requested Yuele to follow back. She almost hits the button but remembers that shes trying to seduce her. Its best to make her wait for a bit. Yuna cleans up her room to pass the time. Once an hour passes, she accepts the request. She flops onto her bed and scrolls down Elises page. Its everything she expected. Photos of her and her friends in poses, photos of her in the tourist traps of Seattle, and the typical selfies. The only thing that stands out is that none of them have captions. Still, every photo has likes in double digits and some cross three. Yuna catches the notification that Elise liked one of her photos but when she clicks on it, the like is gone. An accidental like with a panic unlike. Its cute. Yuna contemplates sending her a message. - Elise bites her bottom lip, embarrassed of accidentally liking the photo. The option of sending the first message is thrown out of the window now. Itll just confirm to Yuele that yes, Elise is that easy. She takes one of her pillows and shoves it on her face so shes able to scream without it being too loud. - Yuna writes, I ran into you again. What are the chances lol? I didnt know you were into anime. You dont look the part. then deletes it all when she realizes its stupid. It makes her seem like a stalker. The option of getting close to Elise by being nicer as Yuna is out the window now. Yuele has to make the first move. She texts Grace if Elise said yes to the event. Grace sends a thumbs-up emoji immediately after. Two months is too long to see Elise as Yuele. Its a miracle that its already happened twice since Friday, she doubts itll happen any time soon. Theres no other option. - Elise stares at her home screen after she sees the notification that Yuele has just sent her a message. Shes too nervous to open it. Its been a while since she felt this way; a year, no longer. What she feels now is a bit different after all she barely knows anything about Yuele. He likes robot music and likes to dress like the internet e-boys. Thats all she knows about him and tries to figure out why she finds him so attractive. She always thought she could only fall this hard after getting to know someone. Elise didnt want to admit it back then, but she was crushing hard the moment she saw Yuele. It takes a while, but she finds the courage to read the message. Can I apologize for the spilled coffee some other way? I didnt mean to be a dick back then. Elises fingers move on their own, Sure. She drops her phone on her face when she hits send. Its such a boring and uninteresting response. Miraculously, Yuele responds right away. Lol ok. - Yuna curses at her weak response. She sends another, Im free Friday night and Saturday, you? Its a lie. Yuna will be stuck in her room all week. Shes read that guys shouldnt be available all the time. I can do Friday night. - Elise cheeks turn red as she realizes that its quickly becoming a date. She has no idea what to expect. What do you have in mind? she double texts. Youll find out, he responds with a winking emoji at the end. Okay :) - Yuna sighs and scrambles her hair because she has no idea where to go. A cafe is out of the question, its too simple. Diner? No thats too formal. Bowling? Her dad is out of town this week and shell have to go as Yuele. Theres no way her mom will give her money if thats the case.. It has to be something cheap or free. She panic calls Grace, Whats up? Whats something cheap or free that I can do as a date? Huh?! With who!? Yuna''s eyes widen and becomes too stunned to speak as her own words replay back in her head. Just answer the question. Its not for me. Grace sends a request to Facetime which Yuna agrees. Bitch, dont lie to me! Who?! Whos this new Yuna Im seeing? Yuna smiles and almost laughs. The cats out of the bag. Besides this isnt something she should hide from Grace. Shes the only person who completely accepts her. She even goes the extra mile to use the proper name and pronounce it whenever Yuna switches Gender. Its something Yunas father struggles with. Okay, but dont laugh. Promise. Elise. Grace pulls the phone away from her. Part of it is shock and the other is excitement. This is the first time shes seen Yuna show interest in someone in a long while. Biiiiiitch. I knew it was weird when she told me you were flirting with her. Yuna was just fucking with Elise that night because she didnt recognize her. If she tells Grace her true intentions shes sure Grace will be able to convince her to stop. Elise was right about something. Yuna/Yuele and Grace are polar opposites. Grace is a shining angel, and Yuna/Yuele is a devil who enjoys peoples suffering. I ship it. Grace adds. Just answer my question, please? I dont have one, she laughs. Back home we would always go to the tallest point in town at night or the forests campsite. Thats as free as we got. Shit, should I take her there? And do what? Its bland. All we did was drink and talk. Besides, I bet Seattle has a bunch of stuff to do. Just google it. You are no help. Yeah, whatever, Grace giggles and moves her phone to where Yuna can only see her eye. What do you like about Elise? Im curious. I dont know. Its just a feeling. Oh, Ive been there. Shit sucks when they dont like you back. I got your back if it doesnt work out, okay? Yuna subconsciously says, What if shes freaked out when she finds out Im gender fluid? Im still a girl. Theres no chance shes gay or even bi. You wont know until you find out, no? Grace pulls her phone away and gives her friend a warm smile. Yuna has never told her but she knows why Yuna never tries to date. The thought of people rejecting her terrifies her too much. Okay, Ill try. - Elise is on a phone call with Nat. So he asked you out but didnt tell you where? Thats some serial killer vibes, Nat laughs. Well at least you know hes interested. You have that going for you. What if he bails? Life goes on? Not. Helping. Seriously, I dont think I can take another one. Is there something wrong with me that scares guys away? Why even ask me out if youre not going to show up? Have you seen yourself? Youre hot. They probably just get too nervous to go through with it. Yeah sure, maybe for the first three guys. But five? Five is too much. Whats with me that scares guys away. Nat unintentously laughs. Youre cursed. Haunted. Its the only explanation. Relax, I have a good feeling about this guy. Itll go well. It''s better. Shit, what should I wear? Nat chooses to ignore that question. In front of her is last years yearbook and her laptop with Yueles Instagram pulled up. She had her suspicions when she first saw Yueles photo. Nat has run into him once a couple of months ago. It was in a cafe near Elises apartment. Nat only remembers because she found it extremely odd that he went to the womans restroom. Comparing Yunas yearbook and Yueles profile photo confirms it. Theyre the same person. Its crazy how different they look. Yuna wears little makeup, just enough to hide her blemishes and imperfections. Her hair isnt too long, just a half foot past her shoulder. Nat wonders how shes able to hide it so well when she wears that hat. She also notices her eyebrows are different; theyre worked on to change their shape. Her eyes are different, theyre natural and have the typical Japanese slimness. Yuele is completely different and Nat accepts why Elise hasnt recognized her yet. Shes curious how Yuna is able to change the shape of her jaw. Its obviously through makeup but its so clean that it looks like theres none. Yuele''s eyes are a bit more sharper and intimidating. Nobody knows a lot about Yuna, the little that they do know is that shes half Japanese. You cant tell with Yuna, but its obvious with Yuele. Hey, you there? I wouldnt try too hard, Nat answers. But I wouldnt dress too casually either. Nat wonders why Yule dresses like a guy. Its even more perplexing that she asked Elise out on a date. Her best friend has never hinted that she was even a bit curious about the same sex. She wants to tell Elise what she just found out, but doesnt. Its curiosity first. Its mean second. There isnt a world where this ends well. Yuna is just probably doing it to fuck with Elise. But what if its the odd chance that its genuine? Elise. What? Be careful, okay? Always. - Yuna dresses herself up as Yuele that night for no reason. He doesnt want to admit that hes actually excited for Friday. He does admit that he wants to find out more about Elise. Finding out she reads manga piqued his curiosity. This entire time he thought her only hobbies were shopping and gossiping. Hes never bothered to even get to know her. It turns out she just isnt another plastic doll. Elise liked one of his favorite artists, Elvlvlie, She even reads the same manga he does. Yuele realizes theres Elise hides much more than she leads on. It excites him. 5. Pretty Bones The very first thing Yuna does when she sees Elise again is to sit at her desk. The date they have the following day has been stuck in both of their head since it was made. Nat keeps quiet now that she knows whats going on. I seriously dont want to get suspended again, Elise complains. Yuna rests her chin on her palm, supported by her leg. It disgusts Elise how shes looking down on her. Sorry about Monday. It wasnt cool. The apology only surprises Elise. Yeah, well I didnt mean to hit you. At least not your face. Then were square. Lets try not to fight for the rest of the year. Youre the one who antagonizes me. Every. Time. Yuna smiles, Would you believe me when I say Ill stop? Ill believe it when Ill see it, Elise scoffs. Yuna hops out of her seat and extends her hand. Great. Lets enjoy each others company! Elise doesnt accept it. - Elise goes with her friends to a diner near their school for lunch. On the car ride there, one of them asks, Nat says youre going on a date tomorrow. Why havent you told us? Elise pays more attention to the moving streets than her friends. Ill probably get stood up again so its not worth mentioning. What, this will be the fourth? Sixth, one of her other friends corrects the first. You shouldnt have broken up with Angel. He was good for you, Els. Elise doesnt even bother reminding them why she broke up with him in the first place. She has more self-respect than staying with a cheater. Its a topic everyone should know to never mention again. The conversation quickly changes and she stays silent for the entire car ride. Lately, Elise has been feeling out of place with her friend group. She has forced herself to pretend to enjoy the same things they do just so she has people to hang out with. Its tiring. All Elise wants to do is hang out in her room and read her silly little stories. She even wants to go to more concerts now that she knows that type of music exists. Elise checked out Dubstep while being suspended and found out she doesnt like it all. She finds it odd that the only artist she likes is Elvlvli3. Grace has been sending her different songs each of a different genre so Elise can find out what she likes. So far she likes the genre of House the best. Its groovy. She hopes Yuele likes it too. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. - Yuna chooses to change into her P.E uniform in the same section as Elise in the locker room. Its the first time shes ever has. Elise is too busy talking to her friends to notice Yunas glances. There isnt anything too special about Elises body once she sees it half-naked. Yuna is jealous that Elise has a bigger butt. The breast size isnt impressive either but she admits Elise is alot more curvier than herself. Yuna keeps taking peeks whenever Elise isnt paying attention. As she thought, Yuna isnt attracted to Elise at all. After class, its Elise who glances over at Yuna when she isnt paying attention. Even though Elise is barely three inches taller than her, she feels like shes twice her size. Yuna has no butt and breasts so small they barely make a bump on her shirt. Its no wonder why no one has ever dated her. Theres nothing to offer. Elise struggles to put her pants on and bumps into a sitting Yuna. Oh, sorry. Even though Yuna doesnt appreciate Elises butt-smacking her on her head, she said shell get along with her. Its cool. Elise is surprised the girl is keeping her word. She notices Yuna is still sweating from playing volleyball. Why do you try so hard? I mean in class. Its just P.E. Yuna shrugs, I dont know. I like to move around. Ive always played sports as a kid, its fun. Why not just join one of the teams? Because thatll require me to be a girl for longer than I want, she answers in her head. I have better things to do after school. Elise doesnt mean to but she asks, Like what? Yuna scoffs. Just because I said Ill play nice doesnt mean I want to be your friend. Right, sorry. Elise shuts her locker. I didnt mean to ask anyways. She puts on her backpack and leaves the locker room without giving Yuna a chance to respond. Yuna didnt mean to say what she said either. It came out of instinct. Shes left questioning why she even wants to play nice with her as herself. If reading manga is a big secret that she hasnt told anyone, theres no chance Elise would tell her more secrets if shes Yuna. Theres no point in trying to be her friend. She can find anything she wants as Yuele. - They run into each other at the front entrance after school. Its raining again and Yuna is waiting on her Uber. This school is on the opposite side of the Seattle area, nowhere near Downtown where she lives. Its the reason why shes comfortable always walking around as Yuele there. Theres hardly a chance shell ever run into someone from her school. Yet shes bumped into Elise twice despite that fact. Elise doesnt notice that shes standing near Yuna under a small roof while she texts her mom asking if shes close. She also lives far so the rain doesnt bother her. She always takes an Uber to school and her mom picks her up after. The complaint that she wants a car has been made but its already been agreed that shell get one for college. Yuna, just to fuck with Elise sends her the first text since the date was arranged. I decided what were doing. She watches Elise smile in a way shes never seen before. Its charming. Elise hears Yunas phone get the notification of her reply but doesnt pay attention at all. Its been killing me! What is it? Its still a secret ;) but youll have to ditch class for it. 3 pm. Yuna giggles when she sees Elises eyes light up. You seem chipper, she grabs her dates attention. Oh!, Elise looks over completely oblivious that Yuna was there. Its nothing. Yuna gets the notification that her ride is arriving. She walks over to Elise and gets a second peak on Elises phone. Whos the guy? she asks when she sees it has her instagram page pulled up. Its none of your business. Everyones business is my business. Like you actually care. He looked cute. He is. Yuna smirks. Her ride arrives and she takes a step forward into the rain. Ill see you tomorrow, Yuna winks then runs towards the car. Elise clutches her phone towards her chest. She must have gotten a beating if shes being this nice to me. 6. Pocky boy Elise cant stop staring at Yuele while they wait in the short line to get into the Fyre Art Museum. He somehow gets hotter with each time she sees him. She thinks its the clothes. Its just a white t-shirt and black cargo pants. Elise likes simple. Youre staring again. Oh, I know, its just- Im pretty? Yeah, Elise nervously laughs. So, uh, you like art? I didnt expect you to have me meet you here. Nope! Yuele chuckles. But what better way to get to know someone through something they both dont like. Is this a date? Yuele smiles at Elise which completely absorbs her to him. Darn, I should have made myself more clear. Elise laughs. I saw you have long hair, why do you always hide it with a hat? Stalker. What?! Its literally the first photo on Instagram. And who shows that much skin?! Stick around long enough and youll find out why, Yuele jokes. How has she not figured it out yet, is she that dense? But its a personal reason. Why not just cut it? Again, its personal. Alright, Mr. Mysterious. Ill play your game. The pair enter the museum and walk around looking at all the art pieces. Nothing captives them and Yuele starts to joke around with describing the art with fancy sounding words that make no meaning. It makes Elise laugh hysterically and she joins in the fun. Yuele does take a second to stop to look at one painting. Its a jigsaw puzzle forming a portrait only its of two people forming one face. A male and a female. Whatchu thinking? Elise asks not notices that its actually pulling him in. Yuele waits for her to start making fun of it, but she doesnt. Its quite inventive how this piece captures the struggle of an aesthetic woefully misunderstood. The contrast is romantically and emotionally charged. Yuele isnt sure if Elise meant that or she just happened to accidentally say the right words. Its beautiful, he says. Elise hasnt even taken a look at the piece. She pulls him away into the next room. Yuele looks down to see shes holding his hand. She lets go and takes a seat on what she thinks is a chair. My head hurts. Do you want to leave? Elise shakes her head, I just need a break. Yuele sits on the other art piece beside her. Having fun at least? Plenty, she smiles. Hey, are you in school? Yeah, why? College or high school. I know were the same age but I cant tell with you. What do you think? I cant which is why Im asking you. Yuele chuckles and looks down at the floor. High school. Graduating in two months, same as you. So do you always take girls to the art museum or am I just that special? Its not always girls, sometimes guys, Yuele jokes. Theres no way in hell hell ever tell her that this is the first official date hes ever been on. Ah, shouldve guessed you swing both ways. Yuele meant it for her to take it as a joke but now hes curious what she would say if he meant it. Is that a problem? Elise hops out of her seat by kicking her feet first. Nope! If anything, it makes you hotter. Yuele doesnt allow her to catch him smiling. Thanks for the ego boost. Youre very welcome. What about you, what are you into? If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Guys, obviously. No dumbass, as in things. What do you do for fun? Oh! Nothing special or exciting but I like to read. Read what? Yuele has to confirm that she actually is a closeted otaku. Elise laughs, Japanese picture books. Manga, Yuele corrects her. Elise looks away embarrassed. She answered so naturally like it wasnt a secret she kept. It was so easy and didnt even give it a thought. I never strike you as someone who does. You dont look the part, Yuele chuckles. Its cool though. Not a lot of people know. What else, Elise? Her heart jumps when she hears her name. Its the first time Yuele has said it. Those secrets are reserved for later down the road, mister. Fair enough, Yuele extends his hand, You ready? Elise nods and the pair walk into the next room holding each others hands. - Yuele looks down at his hand and tries to remember the exact moment he started to hold Elises hand after leaving the Art Museum. He didnt have anything planned after because he thought he could only tolerate Elise for those two short hours. Now they find themselves roaming the streets with no destination. As he hears Elise talk about some story he isnt listening to, he comes to the conclusion that Elise isnt all that bad to be around. Shes funny. There were various times when she made him laugh when he least expected it. Elise is nothing like the person hes built up in his head. If she was, this date would already be over. They wander to a nearby park where they sit on one of the benches. Yuele finishes his story about his first concert. So when did you meet Grace? You didnt mention her at all. Elise asks. Two years ago. She was a real mess back then, but shes cool now. Theyre raves, like the show I met you, yeah? I always hear everyone just goes to them to do drugs. Do you? Yuele shakes her head. I personally dont. Hearing that makes Elise happy. The most shes ever done was smoke weed and even then she didnt enjoy it. One of the red flags she looks for in guys is whether theyre involved with drugs or not. Good! Elise smiles with her eyes closed. Yuele catches it and for the first time notices how pretty Elise is. Hes never paid attention. Elises hair is what he likes the most. Its straight as hell but heavily layered so it all flows downwards neatly and stops as soon as it reaches her shoulders. He has a thing for bangs and Elises are parted perfectly down the middle to join the rest of her hair backwards. Her brown hair changes shades all throughout and it gives her the illusion of it being dyed. Elises eyes are light brown but almost look like they glow orange. The eyeliner and eyeshadow she is subtle but it makes her eyes look much sharper than they are. Her lips are a shade darker than the usual pink and a thought gets in Yuele''s head that makes him want to taste them. His eyes move back up the moment Elise opens her eyes. Something on my face? He shakes his head and pulls out his phone to fake that he got a text message. My mom wants me home now, I guess this is where it gets cut short. What a buzzkill. Do you live far? Ill order you an Uber or Lyft. No, its alright. Yuele stands up to take a few steps forward then turns to face Elise. How was I? Am I forgiven for the spilled coffee? Elise laughs and stands herself. It was more than enough. Thank you for inviting me. I had a lot of fun. Yuele never expected to have as much fun as he did either. Elise is still a bit boring for his liking, but she isnt who he thought she was. Elise is kind and patient. Yeah, she has a short temper when you push her buttons but shes quick to calm down. Shes a bit dumb but that doesnt stop her from trying to learn new things. Yuele did watch her when she was reading the history of some of the old paintings they saw. Elise isnt the self-centered, attention-seeking, and easy girl he thought she was. Theres a lot more to Elise than she shows. Elise cant even look Yuele in the eyes. She was skeptical of how he would act because of the first impression he gave her. Yuele came off as an overly cocky dick just because hes incredibly hot. A playboy. A fuck boy who treats girls like crap because they were just numbers to him. No, today he was nice even if he still walked around with the same confidence he always carries. Yuele is extremely funny too. She tries to think of a time when she has ever laughed so hard but cant think of any. To top it off, he even showed genuine interest in her, unlike the other guys she has gone out with. Elise has even figured out what makes him a bit uncomfortable already. Right before they left the museum, Elise jokingly slapped Yueles baseball hat off. She wanted to see how he manages to give the illusion that he has short hair on the back. The truth is often disappointing, he just kept it in a knot that somehow hides perfectly inside. She thought nothing of it but Yuele freaked out a bit and rushed to put it back on. He said he felt naked without it. Another mystery to add to the list. Elise doesnt notice Yuele approach her. She might be cool, but Ill never forgive her for what she did to me. Ill crush her. These are Yueles thoughts, masking what he really feels. I like you, Elise. Huh!? her head jolts to meet his. There isnt a single thought that comes to her head. Its like her brain is unable to push the words just said to be processed. Yuele moves his attention to her left eye, then her right. His gaze moves down to her shocked and open lips. Elise becomes conscious when she feels him grab hold of her left arm and his right grabbing the back of her neck. She closes her eyes. Her lips taste like any other. Its not special. It reaffirms to Yuele that he truly doesnt have feelings for her. He reminds himself again that all of this is just to fuck with her. But for Elise, its far different. Its just like her first kiss with her first love. It melts her and doesnt want to let go. She wants it to go on forever. When can I see you next? she asks when Yuele pulls away. Ill let you know, but soon. A part of Yuele wants to reveal that hes the person Elise hates the most right now. It wont have the same impact as he wants but itll make for the greatest prank. It would be so easy. All he would have to do is untie his hair and fluff it around so his bangs fall how Yuna wears them. None of them notices just how long their lips were locked as Yuele gets a text message that his ride has arrived. I gotta go now. See ya! Text me! Elise yells right before Yuele gets inside. 7. Pixel Affection Yuna rests her head on her crossed arms facing the direction where Elise sits. A smile forms when she sees Elise feel around her lips when she looks at herself through her phones front camera. Nat sits next to her and glances over to Yuna before she begins to talk to Elise. Its too quiet to hear anything as the voices of all of her classmates drown it out. The bell rings and everyone shuts up. The teachers words fly over her head as shes too sleep deprived to pay attention. Ever since the date ended, shes been texting Elise nonstop. Its all she could focus on on the weekend. Sunday night they ended up talking to each other until 4 AM knowing they both had school at 7. In their many conversations, she found out exactly the time of music Elise listens to. Yuna was wrong again. Elise mainly listens to indie and bedroom pop. She even gave her a playlist so Yuna could listen. There are only a few songs and artists that she recognizes. Its dreamy. But what surprises Yuna the most is the odd inclusion of emo/sadboy rap. Elise is the last person who would listen to the likes of Lil Peep and XXXtentaction. Yuna finds it charming. Elise is far more interesting than she ever imagined. In return, Yuna sent Elise a playlist of her own. There isnt a particular genre she listens to, its all over the place so she collected her favorite songs and sent them away. She still hasnt received feedback on it. It makes her a bit self-conscious that Elise doesnt like it. Class ends but Yuna doesnt notice. She has fallen asleep while she was listening to the playlist using her hair to cover the earbud. Shes awoken by Nats nudge. Im guessing the date went well, Nat opens. Yuna groans not yet processing it. What date? You and Elise. Shit. my cover is blown. How did she find out? What are you talking about? Nat sits on the open desk next to her. Its okay, I wont tell. Youre Yuele, right? Im not as dumb as Elise. Yuna laughs. Why not? Mostly because I want to find out where this goes although I dont know why youre doing it. I thought you hated her. If youre doing it just to fuck with her feelings I will tell her though. Yuna leans back in her chair. Would you believe me if I told you that I was only mean to her because I liked her all this time? No. Whats the real reason? She isnt who I thought she was. Shes actually really fun to be around. So why a boy? Is it just for fun? You wouldnt get it, Yuna looks down. No one does. You know it wont end well when Elise finds out right? So why not just tell her? Nat smiles and pokes Yunas cheek. What if shes okay with it? No one ever is. Shes tried. All the girls freak out and then ghost her. It never ends well. The only people that accept her are the guys and thats only because she presents herself with her biological gender. What she wouldnt give just to be born a boy. She wont shut up about you, by the way. Keep it up but dont hurt her, okay? Shes already been through a lot. Nat stands up and then leaves. Like what? Yuna falls asleep in the second class she shares with Elise. This is the only class Elise doesnt have any friends in. When the bell rings and everyone leaves the classroom, its Elise who wakes her up. Long night? Thats twice now. The girl stuck between the two genders explodes her head out of her arms to wake up. I was kept up. Elise yawns because she didnt get any sleep either and its now catching up to her. Same here. Whyd you wake me up? Were playing nice, no? And isnt your next class with Videtto? Doesnt she lock you out if youre late? Why does she know what class I have next? Hmm. thanks, She yawns getting out of her seat and packing all of her stuff. Elise moves in front of her ready to leave but stops to put her earbuds in. Yuna can see her pulling up the Spotify playlist and clicking play on her all-time favorite song. Elises shoulder is nearly ripped off when Yuna pulls on it to grab her attention. You listen to Lane 8!? Elise catches herself from falling by grabbing onto one of the desks. She drops her phone and lands with the playlist facing both of them. I just started. My friend sent me this playlist. I never met another person who listens to him. Do you like him? Elise nods grabbing her phone and handing it over to Yuna. Hes my favorite so far, but man this playlist is all over the place. Its pretty cool though, Elise laughs. Yuna scrolls through the playlist pretending to be amazed and shocked as if she wasnt the one who made it. Synthwave, Cyberpop, Dubstep, Trance, Hardstyle, Death Metal, Rap, and Screamo, she mutters to herself. Youre right, it is all over the place. I dont know what any of it is called, Elise nervously laughs. Do you listen to all of this, you seem to recognize it all. Yuna nods with a smile and hands the phone back. Its hard to stick with one style so I listen to a lot. What about you, what do you like? Elise is shocked that Yuna is this interested but welcomes this new side shes seeing. Slow jams and such. I dont know. Songs that sound like they were made in a room with little equipment. Its one of my guilty pleasures. No Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Ariana Grande? Elise shakes her head, Some sure but its not like I put them on when Im alone. Huh. What? I had you all wrong, Elise. Meaning? Youre not just another plastic doll like everyone else. Hearing that reminds Elise that Yuna bullies anyone who looks white and popular. I always wanted to ask, whats your problem with that? Yuna shrugs. Its boring. Everyone is just a copy of each other and jerks each other off validating themselves. Its boring, basic, and bland. At least the weird kids I talk to have interesting hobbies that arent shopping, drinking, drama, and popularity contests. Elise hears her and understands expreciselyhat she means. She hasnt had fun with her friends for a while now. They all do the same things, talk about the same things, and never switch it up. Elise once thought that being well-known and liked mattered, like it would increase the amount of fun she could have. All this time, Yuna has been doing her own thing. Shes well-liked even though shes mean because can get along with literally anyone. Elise, gets a bit jealous knowing Yuna isnt bound by a mask she has to wear to keep up appearances. Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more. Happy? Yuna rolls her eyes. Then how come youre nice to Nat? Shes the same as us. Because she was the only one who treated me like a person back then. She was the only nice one, unlike what you did. "Why don''t you ask her?" Elise bites her lips. It reminds her of the boy she kissed who makes her feel like she can be her true self. Yuna is already that person. I want to be friends. Huh!? You heard me. I want to get to know you better. I feel like Ive been hating you because youve been doing the things I always wanted to do. Whats your Instagram? Its-, Yuna stops herself, forgetting. I dont have one. Twitter, Snap? Yuna shakes her head. She does have Twitter, as Yuna no less but it isnt an account she wants to share. All she does is repost gay and lesbian smut. I dont have any socials. Why? Im just that cool, Yuna giggles. Then your phone number. I do want to be friends. Yuna smirks at Elise. For a moment, the cheeky smile reminds Elise of the ones Yuele always gives her. Fine, its 206- Elise types down the number and calls it. Yuna pulls out her phone to decline the call. Not wanting to make Elise feel bad, she saves the number as Elises Dumbass and makes sure she sees it. On the other end, Yuna reads what her name is written down as. Yunnie. It makes her laugh exactly how she laughed on Friday afternoon. Elise hears it and notes its exactly how Yuele laughs only in a much higher pitch. Okay, heres yours then, Yuna grins when she changes the name. Elise lies a lot. What does that suppose to mean? You dont show this side to your friends. Youre a liar and a dork. Elise clutches her phone to her chest and looks away a bit embarrassed. What do you know about it? I dont know. I just have a feeling. And you? What screams to you about me that makes you want to be my friend? You do what you want and dont care what others think. The bell rings, reminding the two that they have a class to get to. Yuna cant even get in anymore even if she wanted to. Elise had completely forgotten that she was leaving before Yuna stopped her. Shit. Lets ditch class together? I dont have a choice. When they leave the classroom, Yuna takes a look back. This entire time their teacher has been listening to them and never said a word. Her teacher just waves her goodbye. You ever ditched before? Yuna asks. Of course. Where do you go to hide? Oh, I just leave school so I dont have to deal with the stress of getting caught. You? Library. Dont they check? Not if you scan your badge. Let''s go then, I have a few books to return anyways. Elise tries her hardest to hide the manga books shes returning to the drop box. The act of her trying to hide it clues to Yuna that its manga. You read? Yuna asks when Elise joins her inside. A little. It helps me fall asleep. You look like the type of person who spends all their free time reading huge novels, though. Not all of it, Yuna thinks this is a good time to reveal she also reads Japanese picture books. Yknow Im half Japanese, right? All I really read is manga. Whats that? Elise asks as cluelessly the best she can. Japanese comics. They take a seat around a round table in the very back of the library. So like superheroes and such? The fake obliviousness annoys Yuna. Of course, Elise would never admit it to her. They just started to get along. Its better if I just show you, Elise leaves and comes back with the first volume of One Piece. This ones my favorite. Its about this guy who wants to be the King of the Pirates in a whole dominated by pirates. Elise stares at Yules fingers as she turns the pages as explains the beginning of the story. Its crazy just how much they have in common. Not only does Yuna read manga; but her favorite is also the same as hers. Yunas nails are painted black but only on her left hand. Sorry, Elise sighs. Hmm? She shakes her head. Im now lying to you. I know what manga is. Its all I read too. One Piece is also my favorite series. Yuna thought it would be a lot harder to get her target to admit it. No shit? she acts surprised. Where have you been my entire life? The only people I get to talk to about it are the nerds in the anime club. Weve been at each other''s throats since we met. Yuna laughs, Yeah. Whoops. Can I ask why you hate me or hated me? You treat me the worst out of everyone. Was it something I said or did? its a question that has been on her mind for a while because Elise cant think of anything shes done to Yuna. She always left her alone until Yuna started picking at her. You dont remember? Yunas tone changes and her pitch. Its lower. It happens unintentionally and when theres something that Yuna cant face, but Yuele can. No. It was sixth grade and the very first class where we met. Everyone was picking on me because I was bald. There were like five kids who never said anything about it and left me alone, you were one of them. So then- Until I forgot my math book and I asked you if we could share. You told me no and to go away. You called me an ugly wannabe boy. Elise doesnt remember any of it. Did I really? Yeah, Yunas pitch lowers further. Thats the whole reason. After that, you left me alone for the next three years. Its stupid, but it stuck with me. Everyone else was just teasing me, but you said the only thing that has ever hurt me from it. I dont remember, but Im sorry that I did that. I really am. Yuna gets her voice back, I know, she says with a smile. Were all good now, right? Friends, like you want? Yes! They switch subjects and talk about One Piece and other manga series for the rest of the period. - Yuna sits in between Nat and Elise in P.E. Not feeling it today? Nat asks. Im trying something new. Yuna doesnt say anything else and spends it listening to the conversation Nat and Elise have. They dont talk about Yuele like she hoped. - Yuna leaps onto her bed and finally replies to Elises text from this morning. She sent a selfie of what she was wearing today. A pink shirt with a flower running across it and ripped-up shorts. Youre cute. Hot even. She leaps out of her bed and grabs new clothes to change. Today, Yuele wears some tech pants with fancy zippers and pockets all over the place. He doesnt bother changing the shirt he was wearing but covers it up with a heavy black hoodie. Once his hair is tied up he puts on a random beanie on the floor and takes a picture and sends it to Elise. Dreamboat, Elise replies with multiple emojis with hearty eyes. Yuele lays back on her bed and holds his phone towards the ceiling, wondering why he even did that. He takes all of his clothes off and tosses them towards the closet. Yuna grabs one of her pillows and hugs it tight because her heart starts to ache. Her eyes widen and takes a second to feel it. She doesnt like it. Guess what happened today, Elise sends over a message. At the same time, she gets one sent to her phone number. Come sit next to us tomorrow. Yuna replies to her Yuele account. Not even if you forced me. She then replies to Elise as Yuna, Ok. I became friends with my mortal enemy lol Lol, how so? I dont why but she said she was gonna play nice from now on and I was just testing if she meant it. Turns out we have a lot in common. Why were you enemies? Turns out it was because of something I said when we were kids that I dont even remember. I feel bad, but it was literally a dumb joke. Yuna bites her lips and shoves her face into her pillow. Maybe to you, it was. I cant be myself at school because of you. You were the only one who saw I was trying to be a boy. Elise sends another text. I asked her to be my friend but Idk. She pulls a lot of pranks on people and Im scared she just accepted to do something to me. Im going to fucking destroy you. Did you ask why what you said to her that hurt her so much? No. Should I have? Yes. Yuna starts to suffocate the pillow by squeezing it as hard as she can. Her heart begins to beat too fast for her liking. Its making it hard to breathe. Her mother hears a faint scream coming from the bedroom and ignores it. Ill do it tomorrow then! Yuna rolls over and spreads her limbs across her entire bed. Theres only one way she can describe what shes feeling and hates it. It wasnt supposed to happen. 8. sulky baby Elise tells the person who sits in front of her to find another seat. Its already taken for the day. Nat flops down on her seat, exhausted and Elise stares at the door waiting for Yuna to come in. She never does. Yuna doesnt come to their second class either. Curious, Elise sends her a text asking if shes okay but never gets a response. Her new friend is absent from the other two classes as well. After school, her friends try to convince her to join them on a trip to Pikes Place. If it was any other day, she would accept. Its her favorite place to go in the city and its not even too far from her apartment. She declines, somber that she didnt get to talk to Yuna today. Wait, why am I even sad about that? I just got to know her yesterday. The elevator doors in her apartment building close a second before she manages to reach them. Elise sighs and clicks the up button knowing itll take forever for one to come down. She prays for the day the nearly broken elevators get fixed. Theyre only reliable when someone comes down. Miraculously, she doesnt have to wait too long. She stands upright from leaning her back on the opposite wall. The doors open and Elise takes a step forward before she stops. Yuna comes out and becomes as stunned when she notices Elise is standing in front of her. Elise notices Yuna is dressed much differently than she does at school. The skirt isnt any different, but its paired with a black and white jacket that''s twice her size. Usually, she wears tight-fitting shirts or turtlenecks and always somehow manages to get away from trouble for showing too much skin. The jacket and oversized sweater under it almost make Yuna look like a different person. What are you doing here?! they both say at the same time. Why werent you at school today? Elise adds. Yuna takes her hands out of the jackets pockets and remembers what shes wearing. The instant panic pushes her to run away in a full sprint and turns the corner to reach the stars thatll lead her back to her apartments floor. Elise, still stunned, get in the elevator and clicks the button to her floor. Shes avoiding me, she sends to Yuele but doesnt get a response back. In her room, she opens up her laptop to read the newest chapter of one of the manga series shes been reading. Even though the pages are locked into a screen, all the speech bubbles move around. Elise cant concentrate at all. Why would I run into Yuna here? Does she live here? A text is sent asking just that. DO YOU?! Since last summer, yeah. LMFAO! Lol, why did you run away? Theres no response to that one. Yuele responds, Its cuz youre scary :O At least that text lifts her mood a little. Who is she btw? Send me a picture so I can judge. This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it. Her name is Yuna, and hold on. Elise remembers that Yuna has no online presence. There is no picture to send. She scrolls through her phone to see if Yuna was caught in the many thousands she has taken. Sure enough, Elise finds one where Yuna is sitting down at the cafeteria table. Its a picture of just her and Elise tries to remember why she even took it. Shes hot. You should marry her LOL. Elise laughs at the joke and lays down on her bed. Yuele is the only thing she starts to think about for the rest of the night. She wants to see him again. She wants to feel his lips again. She wants to know why it''s so easier to be her true self around him. Hes safe. Elise, honey, can you run to the gas station real quick and buy some milk? Were out, her mother asks while she lies on the couch in the living room waiting for Yuele to respond to her. Im getting myself some chips then, Elise grabs the money her mom is handing her. Nothing spicy, please. Elise puts on her earbuds and starts Yueles playlist while she waits for the elevator. The difference between waiting for it to come up and come down is staggering. No one else joins her on the ride down. Running to the gas station is never a bother for her only because theres one directly across the apartment building. One of the many perks of living downtown. Walking across, Elise reminds herself that Yuele ran into her when she turned to walk up the street to her building. She should ask him what he was even doing there. The clerk wishes Elise a good night and she returns the sentiment. Even though shes been living here for less than a year, they already know each other by name. Elise steps outside and spots Yuna walking up to the apartment building. Yuna! Elise runs over to her. This time, Yuna isnt wearing her jacket so she holds still. Its crazy we live in the same building and never knew! Yuna sighs and sits down against the wall. What are the chances, huh? Whats wrong? Yuna looks up at Elise and bites her cheek. You werent supposed to see me today. Why? I thought about it. I cant forgive you. Were not friends. Elise sits next to her. Because of what I said? Im sorry. It was insignificant enough for me not to remember, but I really hurt you, didnt I? Yuna nods and swipes away the tears forming in her eyes. Can I ask why? Yuna shakes her head and laughs. Youll never understand. Can I at least try? What? Did your boyfriend tell you to find out why? Sometimes, no a lot of times lately, Yuna has been saying stuff to Elise that is making her question if she can read her mind. I dont have a boyfriend. Oh please, Yuna wipes a tear that manages to escape. I see how you look when you talk about him to Nat. All happy and shit. Does that make you mad? Yuna nods. Elise looks over to her friend and grabs hold of her hand. It feels familiar but thats not important right now. Why would that bother her? Elise thinks. It crosses her mind for a moment that Yuna might be jealous of Yuele but quickly dismisses the idea. Yunas too stubborn to ever get jealous. That is who Yuna is. Elise never dreamed she would see Yuna like this, to see her so vulnerable. Yuna has always been hard-headed and abrasive, Elise never thought this side existed. Ill stop. Yuna I-. Tell me whats going on. The small girl pulls her knees to her chest. No. Elise doesn''t understand what''s going on. Everything was well just 24 hours ago. Something happened to Yuna that makes her bring all of this up. Please? Yuna lowers her head and sighs. Everything has been happening too fast for her to handle. Last night pushed her over the edge. She wants to forgive Elise but at the same time, still wants to hurt her. Yuna doesnt know what to do anymore. She doesn''t want to admit the feelings she''s been having since last night. Its been one constant state of panic. They just begun being friendly towards each other and Elise is already trying her best to make Yuna feel better. Its her best quality and the smaller girl of the two has been drawn to it. It draws her in even more now. Yuna hates it. Ill tell you tomorrow, okay? Okay. 9. Separation Anxiety Yuna never shows up to school for the rest of the week. What''s worse is that Yuele has stopped responding to Elise and it makes her think he''s ghosting her. All of this pushes Elise''s insecurities front and center and makes her depressed all week. Lonely, and even desperate, she accepts the offer from the guy who stood her up two weeks ago. Nat can''t stand watching her best friend lose her shine. She was actually hoping that Yuna was starting to like Elise. They were finally starting to get along. Yuele accepts the message request from Nat and agrees to meet her Saturday morning. In person, Nat can''t tell Yuele apart from Yuna. His stance and body language are completely different like they are actually different people. They meet at the pier closest to the aquarium. Yuele leans his body over the rail as he stares at nothing but the sea. "Shit, you really do look like a guy." Yuele doesn''t look at Nat. "Thanks." Nat leans on the rail with him. "Why are you avoiding her? It''s destroying her. She''s head over heels for you, and she even talks about how much she likes you as Yuna." Yuele doesn''t want to answer. He already knows this is why Nat wanted to see him and why he agreed to it, but it''s hard now that it''s here. "You were right. I don''t want Elise to find out about me. It won''t end well when she does." "Hmm, what to do, what to do?" Nat sighs. Yuele glances down at Nat and then back to the sea. She wears a smile that tells him Nat finds it amusing. "I''m cutting it off now so I don''t hurt her like that." "But that''s not what you want, is it?" "No." "Because you''re actually starting to like Elise." Yuele closes his eyes when his heart starts to ache more than it already is. It''s been like that ever since Monday, ever since Elise and Yune spent the whole day talking about their favorite series. He doesn''t want to admit it. It would mean he has forgiven Elise and that his goal has changed. It would also be an admission of an emotion he''s been hiding for far too long. You know how shes sensitive about being stood up or ghosted? Thats what is bothering her so much. She thought things were going well. Why does she, by the way? I mean get ghosted. Honestly I dont know, Nat sighs. I think its because they find her weird the second she starts to open up with her interests. They all expect her to be something shes not. I think youre the same. "It''s kind of funny how I like her the most when she sees me as a girl," he chuckles. "It''s less puppy dog and more natural." "Is that a bad thing?" Yuele shrugs, "I thought I liked how I am here more." Nat laughs and turns to rest her back and arms on the rail. "I would ask why you haven''t shown anyone, but I think I know why. For what it''s worth, You and Yuna are the only ones I''ll allow to date my Elise." "Not that I could anyways. She''ll never speak to me again when she finds out. She''ll think I was just doing it to fuck with her again." "Weren''t you?" Nat laughs when Yuele stays quiet. "Well, well, well, if it isn''t the consequences of your actions." "Fuck off." "Here''s what you do so that never happens. Enjoy her as you have but make her fall in love with the Yuna side of you. That way when she finds out, it''ll be easier for her to accept you." Yuele turns his head to look at Nat for the first time. "Elise told me herself that she''s straight." "I wouldn''t be so sure of that." "Nat, why are you so invested? If anything you should be against me." Nat looks over and gives Yuele the same welcoming smile she always does. "Let''s just say I''m a fan of who you are as a person. With that being said, Elise is going on a date in a couple of hours because she thinks it''s over between you two. If you don''t want to lose her, I would stop her. Apartment 7 on floor 34." Yuele turns his attention back to the water. Im really falling for Elise, arent I? Nat grabs hold of his wrist and grins, As you should! - Elise hasnt been able to form a solid positive thought all week. She moves through the world as if its layered with a light static filter. Its dizzy. It makes her nauseous. She doesnt know what shes done wrong to have Yuele ghost her. It was just after Tuesday when Yuna was acting weird. That night keeps replaying in her head as she tries to figure out if there was something she missed. Yuna was clearly distraught about something and wouldnt share. She even sounded a bit jealous of Elise. After Yuna agreed to tell her what it was tomorrow, she went up to her apartment building confirming that they do live in the same building. Elise received Yueles final text shortly after. Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator. She now stands outside her apartment building waiting on the guy who bailed on her. He told her hell make it up to her if she gave him the chance. This is what that is. Truly, Elise just wants to get fucked so she can forget about Yuele. The car parks right in front of her and they both wave at each other. Elise moves forward to open the door but before she can her hand is grabbed. She doesnt panic because she instantly recognizes who it is. Shes even unable to stop herself from grinning. Yuele pulls her back inside their apartment building, only letting her go once theyre completely inside. Elise looks outside and grins at her date and flips him off. Shes the one whos bailing now. What do you think youre doing? Elise wants to be angry. Its all she wants since shes been left feeling like she isnt good enough because of him. The relief she feels overshadows any anger she might feel. You stopped talking to me, so. What the hell is he even doing here? This is straight out of a romance manga. Are your parents home? He asks. The question catches her off guard but shakes her head regardless. Yuele grabs hold of her hand and leads her towards the elevator where someone just happens to get off. What are you doing? She asks and then notices Yuele press her floor number. Why have you been ghosting me?! Yuele presses his body against her and touches his forehead with hers. Would you believe me if I told you I was going through something? You couldve just said that. I didnt want to make you worry. Well, you failed. Sorry. I wont do it again. The doors open and Yuele once again grabs hold of Elises hand and leads her towards her apartment. Elise just watches in awe of this person. The second he showed up, the static filter in her vision disappeared and it was replaced with one that makes everything more vibrant. Why do you know where I live? Yuele almost messes up and tells her the complete truth. Your friend Nat messaged me and told me just how sad I was making you. She also told me you were going out with someone today. She sent me your address. You just cant show up and pretend everythings fine. I thought I lost you. And why are we outside my apartment. Open the door. Elise sighs and complies. Yuele doesnt waste a second to push her inside and slam the door behind them. Shes grabbed by the waist and pulled into his lips. Every negative emotion and all the self-doubt disappears in an instant. I havent been able to stop thinking about you all week, Yuele gasps for air. I want you, Elise. I want only you. He pushes her down on the couch and grabs one of her knees to pull her towards him. Im crazy about you. Elise breaks free for a second. Im crazy about you too, Yuele. Youre all I think about. Yuele lightly bites her neck. I want you to be my girlfriend. Elise is left a bit stunned after he backs up. She gulps down her saliva. Please. She sits upright and straightens out her clothes. Yes! Yes. Uh. Uhm, Elise laughs. Where is this coming from all of a sudden? This whole week Ive been in denial about something I never wanted to admit. It scared me. It caused me to pull away from you and Im sorry. Then I realized that when Im around you is the only time where I can admit it. What is it? Yuele leans in again to kiss her. I want to tell you but were only known each other for a few weeks. Can you give me a bit more time? I want to be more comfortable around you when I do. Yes. Elise smiles and in turn, quells the ache Yuele has been feeling this entire time. Yuele looks around the apartment for the first time to see how Elise lives. The first thing he notices is an open door where he can barely see inside. All he can see is a bookshelf. Elise opens her mouth to speak but stops when he jolts out of the couch and runs inside her room. She panics and follows him. Not even her room is what he expected. Several bookshelves filled with manga. A tapestry over her bed covered with dozens of pillows. There are a few posters of Shonen and shoujo anime. I wouldnt be caught dead having someone over with this room, Yuele jokes. Elise shoves him out of the way and quickly grabs a notebook laying on her bed and shoves it into a drawer. Exactly why I dont invite anyone over! Whats with the panic hide? Hiding more secrets? Its my dairy! Yuele walks around to examine the bookshelves. Shes read dozens of more stories than he has. He can barely recognize half of them. When hes done, he finds Elise sitting on her bed embarrassed. You never cease to surprise me. Why are you in my room? Yuele lays a knee on her bed and leans forward towards her. I told you. Im crazy about you. I want to know everything that makes you, Elise. Elise melts at his advances. She would be lying if she never thought about it. She imagined how he would act, what he would do, and what he would say. Everything is going exactly how she dreamed. She takes off her top as it keeps getting caught with his jacket. Her eyes dont move away from his. Her hand moves towards his collar and he allows her to take off his outerwear. Yuele becomes a bit insecure. The loose t-shirt isnt enough to hide his frail body; his female body. But Elise doesnt care. Lost in the action, Elise manages to pull herself together for a second. We cant have sex, she pushes Yuele away. Its too soon. I didnt have the intent anyways. Elise doesnt believe him. All boys want sex. Hes no exception. Then what are you doing? Showing you just how much I want you. I can at least give you a blowjob, to show you how much I want you, she says crawling towards him. Elise only manages to unbuckle his pants before he flinches and gets up from the bed. Uh, shit. Sorry. Thats not what I want. I got carried away. Thats okay. We dont have to do anything until were ready. Yuele locks eyes with Elise again. There isnt a thing she says that isnt genuine. He cant even believe that hes even here let alone what hes doing right now. All of this wasnt supposed to happen. The emotions he has caught for Elise were not supposed to be real. But they are. They have always been there. Even now hes lying to himself when he admits he caught them in the library on Monday. Hes lying if he says it happened on their date or when she first met him as Yuele. It was long before any of that. Yuele has always been jealous of her. Jealous that Elise would never see him as he sees her. Hes even jealous of himself now. Jealous that it was he who captured her heart and not Yuna. Elise stares at who is now her boyfriend. Its all moving at breaking fast speed but she doesnt care. He doesnt talk about himself much and has lots of mysteries to uncover. Hes smaller than her but it doesnt deter him from the staggering confidence he has. The things that he likes are all over the place and he does what he wants without a care in the world. Elise is jealous of that. She wishes he could be a bit more like him. Elise grabs hold of his hand and pulls him down to her. She wraps herself around him tightly enough that she can hear his heartbeat when she presses her head against his chest. Her eyes close and for once feels theres a person who accepts all the little quirks she hides. Shes safe here. Yueles heartbeat rises. Not because Elise is in his arms admitting his infatuation with her, but because hes afraid shell feel the fatty tissue of his breasts. He worries the tape around his chest and the sports bra he wears to make himself completely flat isnt enough. Elise closes her eyes and soaks in his scent as he embraces her. 10. Desire Yuna pulls Elise aside before she enters their first class. Im sorry about last week. I was an emotional wreck. Its fine. I know were just getting to know each other, but I do want to be a person you can talk to. Meet me in the library during lunch so I can tell you. Elise smiles, Okay! Yuna sits through all of her classes without Elise ever leaving her thoughts. The more time she spends with her, the more she likes her. Sunday felt like a fever dream. From sunrise to sunset, they were together. There hasnt been a day where Yuna can remember it all so clearly. The lie of Yuele is one she plans to keep for a long time. Its her selfish desire. Yuna has Elise in those palms and doesnt want to let that go. It wont end well. Itll probably end with the entire world learning her secret. Yuna doesnt care. For now, the happiness she has found is worth the destruction at its end. The only way forward now is to get as close to Elise as Yuna. She has to make her fall in love with biological gender for all of this to work if it is even possible, for that destruction of her heart to never happen. What chance does Yuna have if Elise doesnt even hint to swing that way? Nat hinted that she doesnt believe Elise when she says she is straight. Shes been wondering what Nat meant by that. Elise sits across Yuna exactly where they sat last week. Have you been okay? Yuna looks down at her hands, You said that you like me because Im able to do what I want without caring what others think. That isnt true. What do you mean? Theres a lot of things I hide from everyone. Like how I only make fun of the people who treated me badly in middle school. Or how I force myself to be loud and obnoxious just so people can leave me alone. And how I contradict that by trying to have as many friends as possible because Im afraid no one actually likes me. Especially with you and how I hated you for so long over something that doesnt even matter now. Elise was wrong. Yuna does wear a mask just to keep up an appearance. Shes just like everyone else. It doesnt make her any less admirable to Elise. She just becomes more relatable. What if I tell you that Im also hiding a part of me I cant ever show anyone? Thats whats been scaring me the most. Why? What if people treat me differently because of it? I wont. Yuna giggles and finally notices the tears forming around her eyes. She wipes them away and lifts her head. Youre saying that like weve been best friends all this time. Elise is curious about what Yuna means about a secret side of her. She knows enough to not ask about it right now. After all, Elise keeps one of her hobbies completely secret from everyone. Not even Nat knows. You shouldve read the fine print when you agreed to my friend request. I come with unwavering support to no end. Yuna laughs. How have we never once run into each other if we live in the same building? I know right?! What floor are you? Im at the very top. Oh, I guess my familys not as rich as yours, Yuna jokes. Im up at 17. We should have sleepovers then! Woah, you move fast, dont you think? It was just an idea, you dont have to accept. I dont know. I always thought you were this bitch with no redeemable qualities, Yuna. Aw, thanks! I dont know. Youre just really easy to talk to. And nice when you want to. The little truce after we got suspended, what was that about? What changed? Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit. Oh nothing, Yuna looks down to hide her blushing cheeks. After all, it was only a ploy to get close to Elise. My mom threaten to pull my college money if I got in trouble again. Have you been accepted anywhere yet? Yuna nods, Just Seattle University, nothing fancy. And you? I think were just destined to be in each other''s lives, Elise laughs. Im going there too. Hearing that makes Yuna oddly happy. Its like it extends the deadline for Elise to fall for her. Knowing that theyll go to the same university means shell have all the time in the world. Yuna rolls her eyes but with a smile so Elise knows its sarcastic, Great, now Ill have to deal with your ass another four years. - Nat finds Yuna after school by her locker. Its located in a hallway where hardly anyone travels by so theyre fairly secluded. Jesus Christ, Yuna. Elise told me what happened. What if she really did want to have sex with you? What would you do? Dont you think things through? No, Yuna snarkily smiles. But yeah, youre right. That was really dumb. I dont think you know how much you fucked up. You were supposed to take it slow. Shell want to have sex with you at some point and you only expedited the process by putting it in her head. Then Ill just say no? Nat sighs and slouches her shoulders down. Just hope shes patient enough. How are Yuna and Elise? She mentioned she was meeting you at the library. Slow and steady wins the race, I hope. Yeah if you werent a ticking time bomb. What do you want me to do? I just cant magically make someone gay. It doesnt work like that. Flirt with her more like you do as Yuele. You say that as if you already know Elise is gay. Not gay. Bi. Or at least I think. How do you know? I read something of hers that I think she meant to keep a secret. It was a poem and very intimate. She wasnt talking about a guy. Yuna remember the notebook that Elise panicked over. She said it was her dairy. Dairies are meant to keep secrets. Elise likes to hide who she really is because shes afraid people wont accept her interests. Maybe theres more that Elise is hiding that shes afraid of people knowing. - Against her better judgment, Yuna invites Elise to her apartment that Friday. Her father walks into her room and catches his daughter moving all of her clothes inside a trash bag. Yuna tosses one inside her closet when it gets full. Yuna, what are you doing? My friend is coming over! She cant find out about Yuele. Thats a first, who is it? A girl from class. Shes cool, youll like her. Her father laughs to himself and leaves to let her hide all of Yueles clothes. Yuna shuts her bedroom door behind them and Elise takes the time to examine it. Unlike her room filled with light colors, Yunas has hers dark. Light strips are hung along the edges of the ceiling to add a little bit of ambient light. The walls are covered with posters of music artists and anime characters. She recognizes some of the anime, but none of the artists. The only one she does is of Emmah Melody Ryan. The closet is open but theres hardly any clothes hanging. To Elise, Yunas room resembles more of what a guy would have. Does it live up to your standards? Wheres your TV? Elise asks taking another look around. I watch everything on my computer so I dont need one, Yuna says as she sits on her computer chair. She spins around once in it when Elise looks over. It was somehow overlooked the first time. So what do you do for fun? Video games, again on my computer. Elise walks over to see Yuna move around the mouse to highlight all the programs on the screen. Like most things, she doesnt recognize any of them. If Im not here, Im roaming the streets being a thug. Do you think Im boring? Elise asks insecure that the only interests she has with Yuna are Manga and one artist she started to listen to. Why do you ask? Well, Elise pauses. You have more hobbies than I do. You know so much music and play video games, Elise notices a program icon she recognizes from one of her classes. Do you make music too? Thats Ableton, right? Yuna takes a quick second glance at her screen. Its something she tried to get into but never found the passion for it. How does that make you boring? It just makes me feel like youre right about me. That I really just another plastic doll. Youre much more interesting than I am. Why does that matter? I like you the way you are now. Elise looks away and Yuna stands. Even the way you dress sets you apart from everyone else. Yuna remembers Nats words and grabs hold of Elises shoulders. Yeah, but I wont ever be able to brag that Im yours! Huh?! Your friend! Let me finish! Oh, Elise laughs. Right. Right. Im still getting used to the idea of you not hating my guts for once. Dont push it, Yuna smirks. Want to watch the new episode of One Piece? I still havent watched it. Ive only actually watched the Luffy vs. Lucci fight. I havent seen anything else. Yuna never thought of something surprising her enough to gasp. Nuh-uh. Thats unacceptable. Youre going to watch it with me from the very beginning and Im not letting you say no. Elise laughs, Thats fine with me. 10.1 Text conversations 1 Yesterday 8:58 PM Yuele Whats with Peep and X on ur playlist? Elise Idk. I like it. do u not? I dig it its just odd. You never striked me to be the type It just shows me theres more too you Well duh! it calms me, thats why i like them Are you a sadboy??? sadgirl! the lyrics speak to me LOL. weirdo ?? Like your not? ur playlist is nonsense! I at least stick to a theme! Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. Im unique like that Uniquely stupid. I like Lane 8 the most. Oh and Elvvli3 even though i dont like any of the other dubstep. Is that weird? Ouch. And no. Behind the heavy sound, I find it to be oddly melancholic Thats why i like it its like being angry to get over the sadness Dont like anything else? Well i like it all except for the heavy metal, sry Lol No worries Are you free tomorrow? I wanna see u ??I told my friend Yuna ill hang out with her I want to see you too ?? Do I have to worry shes going to steal u away? No. Shes funny. Youll like her I bet. I should cancel ill rather be with you Thatll be fucked up. Didnt you tell me you wanted to be friends with her? Dont stand her up Youre right Dont worry about me, girl. Ill be chilling, have fun Give her a lil kiss for me too Well if youre giving me permission ?? LOL. Dont get it twisted, girl on girl turns me on Send pics! Boys ?????? 10.2 Text conversations 2 Today 4:04 PM Elise 206-696-xxxx Sry about Danny but thanks for leaving it alone Yuna 206-505-xxxx ? I said I would play nice Lol. I never thought i would see the day Btw, r u going to prom? A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation. Fuck no lmao :/ I was hoping u would I need a date Youre not going with Yuele? Supposedly hes going to be on a vacation with his parents Hell miss his 2 And youre asking me? Yes Go with Nat school dances never were my thing Shes with Dion Please? Ill keep my friends of ur back ?????? Yunieeeee Okay But what would I even wear? Dont you girls go in dresses or shit like that? I dont own any R u home rn? We can go shopping for one Then we go boba after Im dying 2 talk about the new chapter of one piece I usually put out before getting drinks w/ someone lul Give me like 10 to change Okay ?? 4:19 Hey im outside One sec! 11: Reverie May approaches much faster than the two girls would like. Since Yuna has embraced her growing feelings toward Elise, their relationship has blossomed. For Elise, her boyfriend is everything she could ever wish for. She spent every waking moment on the weekends with him. Yuele was able to those days to express and release his pent-up emotions. His infatuation only grew as Elise became more and more comfortable around her. However, the time he spent with Elise as Yuna meant much more to her. It always felt more special. It feels genuine. Because of this, she feels that shes actually starting to fall in love with Elise when its Yuna. Her entire life she has felt uncomfortable in her own body like it wasnt hers. She grew up being more interested in the things boys would typically like. Young Yuna liked to run around and play sports and it felt good to her when she would win. When puberty hit she quickly realized how much stronger guys were and became frustrated that she couldnt keep up. She started to hate her gender because it didnt let her do the things she wanted. It was then that Yuna wished to be born male. It never crossed her that one day she could permanently present herself as Yuele. It was a nice thought, but one she denied. Even if feels uncomfortable in her skin, Yuna still finds herself embracing her femininity from time to time. Those feelings were shared with others she met online. They only shunned her because she wouldnt let Yuna go. She didnt know why as there are parts she likes about being a girl. Like how Yuna loves the Elise she sees when they''re together. Its very similar to when shes Yuele except Elises nervousness doesnt get in the way. Even when that eventually went away, Yuna feels like Elise puts him on a pedestal. When shes Yuna, Elise treats her as an equal. - Elise readies herself for tonights event. Shes already spent far too long trying to get everything perfect even though she doesnt have reason to now. This night has been planned weeks in advance ever since Grace invited her. She was looking forward to seeing Yuele in his natural habitat. Especially now that hes her boyfriend now. All of that went out the window when Yuele came down with a fever. It was almost enough for her to not go anymore but Grace asked her to bring another friend instead. Nat declined and anyone else wouldn''t go because they dont like the music. The only other option was Yuna. All of this was planned of course. A setup because Yuna thinks that she can make something happen if shes the one going. Maybe she can convince Elise to see her differently. Grace parks her a few feet away from Yunas and Elises apartment building. Yuna got ready at Graces house so she could explain the entire situation to her. Text me when you get home so I can text Elise that Im here. Yuna gets out but runs over to her friends side and motions to her to lower the window. Remember, we dont know each other. Grace rolls her eyes, Im not stupid, Yunes. I better see you two kissing by the end of the night. Is that a threat? Yes. Yuna laughs and runs inside. Elise knocks on Yunas door and it''s her who opens it. The outfit shes wearing stuns Elise. She cant find the words to describe it other than something out of a psy-fi anime. In reality, Yuna wears a black body suit thats cutout. All it leaves is enough material to cover her chest supported by two straps over her shoulders and two straps that meet down in her crotch. Her legs are covered with a black skirt and the lower half of black with what looks like black leg warmers with garter belts that connect to the skirt. Its something Yuele would wear if he was a girl. Damn, you outdid me, Elise giggles. Yuna loves how Elise decided to dress. Elise spent all week trying to figure out how girls dress for a rave. She found one outfit she liked but still feels uncomfortable wearing it. Its showing too much skin for her liking. Its a glittery pink short top and skirt with multiple skinny straps that go around her body to connect the two pieces. Its not anything extravagant or flashy but it should work. When did you get so hot? Yuna comments and it flies over Elises head that she was being serious. Are you ready to go? My friend is waiting downstairs. Yeah. Thanks for inviting me, by the way. Grace drives them an hour north to the middle of nowhere. She takes a dirt road off-road and drives for another then. They eventually reach an open area where dozens of cars are parked. Elise sees people getting out and walking down on path toward some broken-down buildings. A few others are drinking and goofing off in their cars. Were here, Grace announces as she grabs her bag. Elise watches her search around it, I feel like were going to get mugged. Grace laughs, Nah. We all look out for each other in these things. She pulls out a little baggie and dumps its contents into a dollar bill. I forgot. Elise, do you do any drugs? She doesnt bother asking Yuna since she already knows she doesnt. No. Im good thank you. Yuna, pass the bottle. I need a shot! Hmm, hold on, Yuna takes a drink of Jack before handing it over to Grace. Shes been taking shots periodically throughout the entire car ride to calm her nerves. Its been ten minutes since she hit the sweet spot between being too drunk and too sober. Grace passes the bottle to Elise who drinks a bit too much but wants to match Yunas energy. They stay in the car for another five minutes getting everything ready and drinking some more. Once they finish, they walk down a path that travels inside a forest. After five minutes of walking, the three girls begin to hear the faint sound of music in the distance. The underground takes place in a broken down and destroyed building. The walls that do stand are covered in graffiti. The building itself is on the side of an abandoned ghost town that looks like it has endured the cost of war. The atmosphere is far different than what Elise ever expected. In the main crowd, everyone is dancing sure but there are plenty of people scattered around the sides all doing their own thing. The music is different from the metal beatboxing Elise from before. Here theres more of a heavy but fast kick drum constantly slapping her chest. Its very similar to some of the songs in Yueles playlist. Its much easier to get into, much easier to dance. Grace watches the girls settle into the music. Yuna is who is the first who loosens up. Shes been to dozens of these things so shes used to them. Its Elise whos stiff as a board. She was like that when they first met but thats okay. These things take a while to get used to. Grace has been coming to raves for over three years now. Shes a veteran. Whoever she goes with, shes been designated to be the one who takes care of everyone. Shes the rave mom. Part of that job is to make sure Elise gets comfortable. Grace jumps in front of Elise and turns to face her. She begins to dance in a simple way that gets Elise to groove. The music begins to infect Elise. The beat and rhythm are fast and unrelenting but shes able to keep up. She knows shes a bit stiff and wants to loosen up just as Yuna is. Elise catches herself glancing over at Yuna throughout the night. Yuna dances like no ones watching; no ones judging. Shes so admirable. It reminds Elise that Yuele exists. Here, Yuna moves like him. Elise always thought they were a bit similar, but tonight its so much more. Realizing this, Elises tense muscles release their anxiety. Grace allows Yuna to take her spot so shes able to dance with Elise. She watches them dance together, perfectly in sync with one another. If she didnt know the situation between them, Grace would think they were best friends. No, the way they wear their smiles says it''s more than that. Elise just hasnt realized that. Yuna couldnt be happier. Shes sure it would be more intimate if she just went as Yuele. She treasures the time she can as her boyfriend, but Yuna has to get close to Elise as Yuna. No, lately shes been enjoying herself more as Yuna when shes around Elise. There isnt a good explanation. Yuna always thought she enjoyed being Yuele more. That hasnt been the case for a while now. The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement. Grace hands them both water bottles when they sit. Hours of nonstop moving eventually got too tiring. They sit along one of the broken walls outside the building. Elise gulps down half her bottle in one swing. This is nuts. How do you and Yuele do it? Elise asks Grace. Grace glances over to her friend in disguise and giggles. You get used to it. Im surprised you lasted as long as you did. Most newbies cant keep up with us. You kept up too, Yuna. You made it look so easy. Yuna just smiles and takes a light drink of water. The news that Yuele began dating Elise shocked Grace as she has never known him to get romantically interested in anyone. She was happy enough that Yuele found someone but thought it would be under the truth of who he really is. The side eye Grace unintentionally gives to Yuna whenever she sees her look at Elise isnt out of malice. She may not have all the details but still thinks Elise shouldve known the truth since the beginning. Sucks that Yuele couldnt make it. Im sure he would be all over you, Elise. I would have loved to see that, Grace jokes. Yeah, I miss him, Elise giggles. Back when we first met and I thought you two were together, you said it was first for him to flirt with someone. Whats up with that? Yuna glares over at Grace, praying she doesnt say anything unnecessary. Not much just that he doesnt actively hit on girls. Why not? Im sure he could get anyone. Grace laughs and looks over to Yuna. Despite how he looks, he has trouble with girls. Elise looks down at her water bottle. Yuele doesnt talk about himself much so theres still a lot Elise doesnt know about him. The way he acts and speaks makes him seem like a playboy. Elise realizes she doesnt know Yuele as much as she thought. Yuna looks over to her girlfriend, rather, Yueles girlfriend. Even here she feels like Elise has him constantly on her mind. Anything Yuna does will just be an afterthought. There might not be a way to switch her affection over to Yuna. The way you talk about him makes me want to steal him away from you, Elise, Yuna laughs. As if. That will never happen. Then can I steal you away? Try it and find out. That a promise? Elise laughs a little harder than she wanted. Did I ever tell youre just like him? You both say dumb stuff like that. Grace almost chokes on her water while Yuna looks away embarrassed. Yunes, I would take it as a compliment, Grace coughs. I see it. Although if Yuele was here he wouldve kissed Elise right then. Yuna glares at her best friend which Elise finds odd. She turns to Elise. Ignore her, shes just drugged out. Just a little bit. Will you be fine to drive? Grace nods, Dont worry Elise, Yuele trusts me with you. The trio get up from their spot and join the crowd again. This time, its Elise who begins to dance first. Yuna sticks back and watches. After a while, Grace notices and backs up. Something wrong? she says in her ear as the music is too loud. Am I in over my head? Grace shakes her head, Maybe at first, but I see it now. See what? I see how she looks at you. I dont think she knows, but she likes you back. Yuna laughs, Ill try my best. She doesnt believe her. Grace pushes her friend to join Elise. Yuna bumps into her and it catches her attention. The warm smile Yuna receives ceased the forming anxiety in her heart. Elise moves in towards Yuna, almost hugging her, and almost kissing her. Yuna freezes up thinking it is a kiss. No, Elise just wanted to say, This genre is really dope. Do you know what is this? It takes a second for Yuna to register the words. With a big grin, Yuna replies, Dark Techno. - Yuna helps Elise walk into their apartment building by supporting her over her shoulder. The sheer amount of exhaustion she accumulated throughout the night caused her to crash asleep on the way back. Even now she struggles to stay awake. Yuna just hopes Elise doesnt ragdoll down on her. I hope you had a lot of fun tonight, Elise mumbles as she drifts between consciousness. I really did. Grace was calling you Yunes. Thats a really cute nickname. Ima start calling you that, Elise yawns. Yuna giggles. Okay. Not everything went how she wanted. There wasnt a moment where she felt that Elise was attracted to her. Still, she got the spend the entire night dancing so she cant complain too much. If it was up to Yuna, she would have rather spent the entire night sitting down just so she could watch Elise dance. Elise opens the door to her apartment but needs help reaching her room. She grabs a shirt and some shorts to change out of her outfit. Yuna, unsure what to do, looks away. Can you help me with this? My hair is stuck, Elise says. Yuna turns her head and sees Elises hair stuck on one of the tops strap loops. You dont have to look away, were both girls, Elise says once everything is off. Uh, okay, Besides, were friends, Elise yawns. Yuna watches her crush, her lover, and her desire undress. This isnt how she wanted to see Elises naked body, but shell take it. Elise walks over to the bathroom to take off her makeup before she flops down on her bed and nearly passes out. Yuna sighs and starts to move Elise under the covers. At least get comfortable. There. Sleep tight, okay? Elise grabs hold of Yunas wrist before she can leave. Dont go. Stay. I dont want to sleep alone. Yunas heart stops after hearing that. Elise isnt even conscious when she said that so theres no way she meant it. Itll be too selfish to take up the offer. They might be friends now but they arent besties. Would Elise be alright with it in the morning? Would she even remember? Yunaaaa, Elise mumbles. The grip on her arm loosens and Yuna can only give a weak smile. Okay, she says weakly. Can I use your clothes to change? Course. Yuna opens the drawer where Elise got the shirt and shorts from. She grabs a tank top and some shorts-shorts. Elise begins to quietly snore which causes Yuna to pause. She has to remind herself that theyre just friends. Yuna looks down at the tank top shes holding and wonders what the hell shes even doing anymore. Inside the drawer, Yuna spots the same notebook Elise panicked over the last that she was here. Its her dairy. Against her better judgment, Yuna grabs it and opens it. Nearly all of the pages are blank except for the first ten. Yuna wants to read them but this is already a huge invasion of privacy. She allows herself to only read the first. Its a poem. Its a poem about Yuele. Its the most beautifully written poem Yuna has ever read. All its about is the strong hurricane of ecstasy that Yuele gives to Elise. Yuna closes the diary and puts it back in its place before the temptation to read more overtakes her. What she read isnt infatuation or just a crush. Its love. Its love that Yuna wants to feel. Yuna gets under the covers next to Elise but gives herself enough space to not get close to her. Its Elise who grabs Yuna and pulls her towards her. Yunas racing heart cant take it. At the same time, this is heaven. Yuna rolls over and sees that Elise is knocked out. It feels like Elise already knows that Yuna is Yuele. Why else would she do all this? She closes her eyes and tries her best to ignore Elises warm breath as she falls asleep. - The notification of a phone is what wakes Elise. Her eyes open to Yunas back facing her. Elise was so tired that she nearly forgot that she asked Yuna to stay. She can barely remember the car ride back. The phone makes a noise against and it comes from in between them. Thats when Elise notices shes holding hands with Yuna. Its not that Elise minds it, it just feels too familiar like shes held it before. Elise grabs the phone with her other hand and turns it on only to see its Yunas. She nearly sets it back down but stops when she notices that one of the songs Elise listens to is paused on the music player. Elise doesnt question it as its a fairly popular one. It just makes her smile that Yuna also listens to the type of music she does. What catches her surprised is the Instagram notification. Yuna said she doesnt use social media. I suppose she was just lying to me because we werent friends yet. Ill ask for it later. Elise rolls over on her back not letting go of Yunas hand. The memories of last night start playing back in her mind. She had so much fun even though she was a little drunk in the beginning. She wishes Yuele would have been there. Elise wouldve had much more fun then. Still, the way Yuna was dancing was inspiring. Elise couldnt help being drawn to her just to match the energy. There were times when Yuna grinned and smirked at Elise just as Yuele does. It was nearly identical. Thinking about it now, theyve always been pretty similar. Its why Yuna was so easy to talk to and befriend. Elise has gotten used to the cocky type. Elise finds that Yuna might be even easier to be around. Yuele always seems to be on guard and never shows his vulnerabilities at will. Elise finds that behind the Im the shit attitude Yuna has, theres still a girl whos able to cry. It feels more real. Elise turns her head to Yuna whos still fast asleep. They have been friends for barely a month now but feels like it''s been longer. The only other person who has ever gotten this close to Elise is Nat, but they have been friends since they were in preschool. If things would have gone differently, Elise wishes she would have become friends with Yuna sooner. The guilt of the things she said that she cant even remember come back again. She understands how much it hurt Yuna, she just doesnt know why. Its like Yuna said, she has things to hide. Just as Elise hides her poetry. There are just some things that should never be shared. Yuna wakes up and rolls over, in the process, letting go of Elises hand. Before she can question it, her eyes lock with Elises. For a second, everything is perfect. This is what Yuna wants to wake up to every morning. Shes more sure of her feeling now. Shes in love with Elise. The two smile at each other. 11.5. Elise dreams of Yuna The world seems slightly off. Theres something in the air that Elise cant quite explain. Its as if everything is covered in light but warm fog. Looking around, shes sitting with all her friends in the cafeteria. This rarely happens. Aside from her friends sitting beside her, Elise doesnt recognize anyone else in the room. Her attention shifts when she spots Nat seated on the cafeteria''s far end with Yuna. Yuna tells a joke that makes Nat laugh hard enough to hear. Nat grabs hold of Yunas hand right after. Seeing this, Elise jumps out of her seat. She clutches her chest, startled that shes jealous but unsure why. Elise walks toward them while trying to figure out why shes so bothered. Why didnt you two invite me? She asks the pair. What are you talking about? Yuna scoffs, What makes you think I want you to sit with us? Elise, now more confused looks at Nat. Shes looking away, ashamed. I thought we were playing nice. LOL! You have some nerve, Elise. Just leave us alone, Nat sighs. Im lost. Stop pretending youre okay with me and Nat dating all of the sudden. Its cringe. Oh Elise feels like her heart just got slapped and backs away. Her fixation doesnt leave Yuna and Nat afterward. The conversations of her friends around her are nothing more than white noise while Elise watches. Yuna has always been friendly to Nat and only Nat. Elise just never knew it was because they were dating. When did this happen? I thought she agreed to be my friend. Was that all just a dream? Lost in thought, Elise doesnt hear the bell ring. By the second ring five minutes late, shes the only one inside the room. Her trance is broken when and nudges her shoulder. Yuele! Her boyfriend stands behind her, dressed far differently than shes used to. Yuele wears an oversized tank top and five inches reamed shorts much akin to the other boys in school. Even his hair is far different and too short for her liking. When Elise stands to hug him, she notices just how taller Yuele has gotten. You okay, love? Better now! Elise nods and breaks away. What was wrong? Yuna was back to her old self again. Even worse, shes dating Nat. Oh, right. Im sorry. If we go get Boba, will that make you feel better? Elise nods and takes hold of Yueles hand. Perfect timing. Youre just who I wanted to see. Arent I always? Yuele smirks before leading Elise outside to the hallways. Watch your ego. You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version. Hmm, and lose my shine? For a brief moment, Yuele lets go of Elises hand to push the doors open that lead outside. At the same time, Elise hears Yunas laugh which catches her attention. When she turns her head back, Yuele is good. Looking around, hes nowhere in sight. Yuele! Elise calls out when she steps outside. She doesnt even notice just how dark it is now. Her anxiety blinds her to all the things that are out of place. A whistle of wind tickles her ear and she mistakes it as a voice. When Elise jolts her head toward the direction it came from, shes shoved and slams against the wall. Elise opens her eyes and sees shes pinned against the wall. Yuna has one of her arms pressed against the wall just above Elises head. The other is lifting her chin up with the index and middle finger. Elise notes that Yuna towers over her. Dont look so scared, Yuna giggles. What do you want? Elise says abrasively. I should be asking you that, love. Are you jealous? Are you jealous that Im with Nat and not you? Elise gulps and then slaps Yunas hand away. No. I think you are, Yuna smiles. Then youre imagining things. What if I told you that its you that I really want? Yuna moves her body closer and lifts Elises chin again. Isnt this what you want? Elise stays silent and stares at Yunas lips as they ever so slowly inch their way closer. Her eyes close right when Yuna is an inch away. A spark of electricity ignites in between just before their lips brush. Elise giggles, breaking away from their kiss, You kiss just like Yuele. Dont talk about your ex, Im your girlfriend now. Right, sorry, Elise kisses her girlfriend. Yuna breaks away to take a small breather. If I was Yuele, would you do? Isnt it obvious? Elise wraps her arms around Yuna and takes a light bite of her neck. The upper region of her pelvis begins to heat up the more they continue to kiss each other. Then Elise feels Yuna placing her palm under Elises shirt, right on her stomach. It gently travels down and nudges itself inside her pants. Then Elise feels a finger. - Elise nearly jumps out of her bed when she wakes. Her lower stomach still burns and it takes a while to catch her breath. Realizing it was all a dream, Elise calms and even laughs at the ridiculous dream she just had. The details become harder to remember while she tries to play it back. Once she gets dressed for school, all Elise can remember is how Yuna had her pinned against the wall and the first kiss they had. Theres no way that could ever happen, Elise thinks. Yuna isnt like that. Im not like that. Though, I wouldnt mind. Elise quickly expels that thought from her head. The dream is still all Elise thinks about as she takes her seat in her first class. Nat says something to her but its ignored. From the corner of her eye, Elise spots Yuna walking in. Yuna smiles and waves at Elise before taking her seat. Youre staring, Nat notes. Yuna looks over to Elise and smiles again. The second their eyes meet, Elise feels just how red her cheeks become. She buries her face down between her arms in embarrassment. The only thing on her mind is the faint memory of how Yunas lips felt in the dream. Elise tries her best to convince herself that its all a dream and it doesnt mean anything. Nat looks over to Yuna, then to Elise. She smiles, wondering what could have happened that would make Elise so flustered. If anything were to happen, she would know the second after it did. Perhaps this is just Elise being startled at new emerging emotions. Whatever it is, Nat just wants Elise and Yuna to kiss already. They already act like a couple. Yuna bites down on the head of her pencil while she listens to the lecture. It phases right through her as she only has one thing on her mind. If it wasnt for that stupid dream she had, Yuna would have bothered Elise like any other day. She had similar dreams before so she doesnt know what makes this one so different. Either way, Yuna tries her best to act normal around Elise for the rest of the day. She notices Elise doesnt even attempt to look at her, but its better this way today. Yuna can barely hold it together as it is now. Yuna feels her lips with her fingertip. As Yuele, she has already kissed Elise enough times to last a lifetime. The one she had as Yuna in that dream, well it felt so much better. 12. Perfect Blue Nat rapidly switches her focus between Elise and Yuele at Kats Cafe the following weekend. Elise can only roll her eyes as this little hang-out was Nats idea. Nat insisted on meeting him before she gave Elise her stamp of approval. Yuele doesnt mind but questions why Nat is doing all of this. Do you have a sister, Yuele? Nat asks, teasing him. You sorta look familiar. You remind me of our friend, Yuna. Yuele tries his best to glare at Nat without Elise noticing. No, but I do get that a lot, He laughs. So like, did you guys do it yet? Elise, annoyed, kicks her friends leg under the table. Oh my god! Is this an interrogation? You just cant ask that! Yuele decides to play in Nats game. What if we did? Does it make you jealous that Im taking your best friend away from you? Shes with me for life, bud. Youre just the third wheel that decided to tag along. Yeah but the one wholl replace you once you brake. Where do you go to school, Yuele? Nat scoffs, changing the subject completely on purpose. What if I told you that it doesnt matter seeing were all graduating in a week, That phrase catches Ellises attention. Its not that she hasnt been, she just pauses on it. Shes sure she heard someone something similar. Im going to take a piss, Yuele excuses himself. Dont go deaf from the sound of your own voice. Dont go in the wrong bathroom, Nat teases him even further. Yuele flips Nat off before he enters the mens. Hes a feisty one, Nat says to Elise. Elise with a smile a bit too wide replies, I know right? He doesnt take your shit. Hes a real man. Nat almost laughs, If you say so. I still cant believe you managed to bag someone that hot. Are you sure hes not a model? I wouldnt doubt it. Nat gets an Instagram message from Yuele. Dude, I thought you were on my side. Whats with the probing? LOL. Ill chill She replies. So? What do you think? Hes good for me, right? Maybe. I would still try to get to know him a little better before you go even further. I think you should take it slow this time. Its HARD! Elise shouts. I want to fuck him so bad. But youre right, I have to take it slow. I actually really like him. Do you love him? It sure does feel like it. Nat giggles. I have a good feeling about this one. He hasnt done anything weird though, right? Elise shakes her head, Aside from that one night where we were all over each other, no. I think he wants to take it slow too which is odd to say. I mean, hes a guy. But he is Bi, so I dont know. Youre overthinking it, Elise. Yeah, youre right. It feels like- Youve been waiting for me your entire life? Yuele interrupts and sits next to Elise again. As if, Elise laughs. I dont need to feed your ego anymore. Nat cant help herself but laugh to herself as she watches the two lovers start to banter with one another. Shes sure now that she made the right choice to support Yuna or Yuele. She still isnt sure whats proper. - Yuele walks Elise home after, holding her hand. Elises mind focuses on how similar it feels to Yunas. Even inside the cafe, she caught him saying things just as Yuna would say them. Right now, she chalks it up to pure coincidence. Your friend is funny, Yuele tells her right as they turn the corner to walk up to their apartment building. Did I pass the test? You aced it. Elise circles back to a question Nat asked. Hey, where do you live? You met up with us pretty quickly. Do you live nearby? Yuele nods calmly, he has prepared for these sorts of questions. I wouldnt say close. Its a house near the park at Loyal Heights. When are you letting me come over? I still need to make fun of your room, yknow? Ill have to find a day where itll just be the two of us then. Ill rather not have my parents interrogate you how Nat did to me. This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it. Elise giggles. Fair enough. Walk me to the elevator, it takes forever to come down and Im not ready to leave you yet. Dont tell me you''re the type to miss me after a minute of me leaving. What if I am? Then Ill make it a point to keep you by my side forever one day. No matter how used to Yuele she gets, there are some things he says that make her blush. Embarrassed, she pushes the button to the elevator. You say that like were going to get married one day. Yuele laughs and then notices the elevator is coming actually coming down on command. Who knows? Maybe were just meant to be. The doors open and Yuele gently pushes Elise in. An idea pops into his head thatll make this more romantic. No kiss? Elise complains. Yuele waits until the doors start to close before he stops them with his hands. He grabs Elise by the waist and goes in for her kiss, but only kisses her forehead. I want to leave you wanting more. Elise bites down on her lips, hard. As the doors close, It worked. Yueles smirk is turned into a sigh once the doors fully shut. He walks over to the front desk and asks, Did they fix the elevators? Early morning. Finally, am I right? For once I wanted it to take its damn time. - Elises parents are out on a date that Saturday night. They go on once a month to keep the marriage alive. Their philosophy is that even if theyre married and have a kid, they shouldnt stop doing the things that made them fall in love with each other. Despite all the ups and down, this is what has held them together for 25 years. Elise doesnt mind either. She used to use the night to go to a party or to invite a guy over, but lately, she just stays in her room to read or watch TV. She asked Yuele to stop by, but he hasnt responded. Instead, its another person she wants to hang out with that knocks on the door. Yuna walks straight to Elises room the second the door opens and doesnt say a word. The brief look that Elise got tells her that Yunas in a bad mood. You okay? She asks, shutting her room door. Yunas pacing back and forth. Not really. I just got in a fight with my mom. Can I chill here for a bit until she cools down? Yeah, Elise sits on her bed. What about? Oh yknow. She wants me to be someone Im not. Shes pissed because a family friend was home when I got home and not dressed like she wants me to. Your moms Japanese, right? Theyre strict and traditional, yeah? Yuna nods and sits next to Elise. Yeah. She expects me to be quiet and respectful, something Im clearly not, Yuna giggles. I dont want to talk about it. What are you up to? I was just reading. From your collection? Elise grabs her iPad behind her and shows it to Yuna. No, online like a regular person. Mind if I join you? Ill grab one from the shelf like a weirdo. Elise laughs and watches Yuna grab the first volume of one of the very first manga she bought. There isnt a chair to sit on so Yuna opts to sit on the edge of the bed and the two begin to read in silence. They only occasionally talk to each other to talk about a panel that catches their eye. Elise slowly becomes unable to focus when she notices Yunas hair is tied up in a bun. The similarities to Yuele start to add up again. Looking at her side profile, theyre nearly identical. Its nearly midnight and Elise cant stand the silence any longer. Yuna hasnt been herself tonight but Elise passes it off as her being in a bad mood. Hey, do you speak Japanese? Have you been there? Elise breaks the ice. Yuna flops her back on the bed and looks up to look up at Elise. When I was little we used to go visit my grandparents. I havent been back since they died. And Im not like fluent, but I speak it. Do you? Youre a closeted weeb, so I bet. Elise laughs. Besides the basic words, no. Hey, say something. I want to hear it. Yuna gets on her knees and bites her lips. Elise only reads manga and never watches anime so she wouldnt know common phrases. Its safe to say, ۤƤ롱 What does that mean? Yuna smirks and it once again reminds Elise of Yuele. Its an industry secret. Hater. Dont lose sleep over it. Yuna gets up to get the next volume of the series. Yknow whats my biggest gripe with the Japanese? Yuna pauses and gives Elise the side eye. Are you about to say something racist? Elise laughs, No. Its just that in every slice-of-life romance manga I read, The MC is always a wimp whos too dense to see that the main girl is into him. Even at the slight hint of sexual tension they always all pussy out. Then it just drags on for hundreds of chapters for no reason. I mean, wheres the MC who takes the initiative and isnt a pussy for once? Yunas impulses take over. She walks over to Elise, exactly as Yuele does, with the exact same confidence. Elise has to rapidly blink in order to confirm they''re not one and the same. Yuna pushes Elise down on the bed and gets on top of her and closes in on her lips but stops a few inches away. Sort of like this? Elise is left stunned, clutching her iPad towards her chest. She gulps down the built-up knot in her throat, unsure what to say. Shes unsure of whats even happening. But willing nonetheless. Yuna gets up and laughs. Just kidding! Elise feels her cheeks. Theyre warm. Yeah, just like that. Yuna looks away because shes embarrassed by what she just did. She doesnt regret it but hates how nervous it''s making her feel. Yuele doesnt have this problem. Yuele doesnt have to fear being rejected. But this is the kind of stuff he did to make Elise fall for him. Yuna has to find the courage to do it too. She sits back down and reads the text message that beeps. You okay? Elise asks a few minutes later. That interaction was embarrassing for both of them, she knows this but the silence has been too much. Yunas eyes havent left her phone screen since which has prompted Elise to ask. Hey, Elise pauses and puts her phone away. Can I stay over tonight? Is it your mom? Yeah. Of course, Yunes. Yuna laughs, trying to forget the text message she just read. Youre so easy to take advantage of Not really. This is just how I am. Right, too nice for your own good. I shouldve read the fine pint. Its too small for anyone to read anyways. What if I told you thats exactly why I decided to be friends with you? Elise doesnt say anything. She takes the five seconds before Yuna goes back to the bookshelf to really observe her face. The words she just said struck a chord that Elise just cant shake. The way she talks, the way she has her hair up, the color of her hair, the way her eyes are, the off ways how she changes how she walks, and the way she sometimes acts. Its all too familiar. Its identical. That night, Elise isnt able to sleep. She stares at Yunas back the entire time. Its the same. Elise refuses to believe it. The concert, the following day after, and the sudden change in Yunas behavior. Its all been right there. Again, Elise refuses to believe it. It cant be. 13. Flowers are Dead Elise sits up right after only sleeping for three hours. She hugs her knees, unsure of what to do. She still doesnt want to believe it but the thought has been on her mind for a while now, not just yesterday. It just became more obvious as time passed and as she paid more attention. She looks down at Yuna, whos still asleep. Elise moves down to smell her hair. Even that is the same. Elise then sends a message to Yuele. Yunas phone beeps. Her heart tightens as the evidence cant be more clear. Still, after all this, Elise denies it. After all, it can all just be a coincidence. She gets up and walks over and picks up Yunas phone. She uses Yunas fingerprint to unlock it and sure enough, its logged in to Yueles Instagram. Elise nearly drops it as all the air leaves her body. Why? Elises mind races to find a coherent thought. Every single one comes crashing in at the same time, leaving it all nonunderstandable as if there is none at all. She wants to get mad, but just cant. Shes just confused. There isnt another emotion that she can pinpoint either. Its like all of them are coming in at once. Anger, horror, and disgust. But at the same time, theres relief, joy, and excitement. She scurries to the bathroom and sits on the toilet to gather her thoughts. But one thing is clear. Yuna has been Yuele this entire time. Why would she do this? How did I not notice sooner? Is she messing with me? Is she being for real? Who else knows? Shes been lying to me this entire time. Ive been catfished. Shes a liar. Shes been using me. No, she loves me. This is what she was afraid of. This is what Yuna was talking about. Yuele is what shes been hiding. Shes been trying to get close to me so she can tell me. Does she really like me that? Is that why she never had a boyfriend? Shes gay. A weirdo. She dresses like a guy. For what? To catfish dumb girls like me? Shes messing with me. Yeah. She never forgave me. Its one big prank because she hates me that much. No, that isnt the real Yuna. Yuna is actually really nice and fun. Then last night when she-she wanted to kiss me then. No. I dont like girls. Its gross. Oh, god. Ive been dating a girl this whole time. Fuck. I hate puking. What the hell am I doing? I should have figured it out sooner. Im so fucking stupid. What if she really likes me? I dont want to break her heart. No, that''s not what I Elise sits back on her toilet and stares at Yunas phone. Its all there. Every message sent, every picture received, and even the Spotify playlist. Yuna hasnt talked to anyone else about Elise, just Grace. Grace is even on it. Even then, Elise is hardly mentioned. Theres not enough to find Yunas intentions. She wants them to be genuine. Then she opens Yunas notes. Theyre all gibberish except for one. The Make Elise fall in love then break her heart plan It hasnt been touched since March, but its enough. Elise feels like she can crush the phone with how hard shes gripping it. Yuna wakes up happy to have spent another night with Elise. Shes never had a sleepover before but hoped to spend it talking to Elise until 3 in the morning. Her wish didnt come true as Elise wanted to go to bed shortly after Yuna asked. But thats okay, she can spend the whole day with Elise until her mom calms down and lets her back home. Her hands search for her phone as she struggles to open her eyes. Shes sure she left it on the countertop. Elise, are you awake? Yuna tries to poke Elise with her toes but doesnt find anyone. She clears her eyes as she sits upright and smiles when she finds Elise standing in front of her. Morning, sleep well? Elise doesn''t say anything and then Yuna notices her phone in her hands. Then she notices how hard Elise is gritting her teeth. Yuna panics, afraid that her first thought of why Elise is scowling at her is true. Yuna feels the back of her head, remembering that she never untied Yuele''s hair. She didnt even remove her make-up that sharpens her jaw and eyes. Then Elise violently throws the phone at Yuna. Do you hate me so much that you would lie to me like that? Elise says as calmly as she can but her voice vibrates midway. What do you mean? Yuna asks, afraid that she was right and now everything is going to crash down. Just how Elise is acting confirms it. Am I just a plaything for you? Do you take me as a joke? Am I here just to make you laugh?! Elise, I can exp- No, you cant. I tried to give you the benefit of the doubt. Then I read your disgusting note. HOW COULD ANYONE BE SO CRUEL?! WHAT THE FUCK DID I EVER DO TO FOR YOU TO HATE ME THIS MUCH?! Yuna looks down at her hands. It was the note she wrote when she came up with the idea. The dumb little step-by-step plan to get Elise to fall for Yuele that she didnt even follow. She didnt even need it because it came naturally, just as how natural Yuna fell for Elise. If it wasnt for that note, Elise would listen to reason. Youre disgusting. Its just like she thought. Elise is just like everyone else. Elise said she would accept Yuna when the time came when she was ready to tell her the truth. That was just a lie. Yuna will never find someone who accepts her just as much as Yuele. Shes just a freak who cant pick a gender. A freak who is even shunned from the LGBT community for not conforming to their ideas of what a non-binary gender-fluid person should be. Yuna will never find the love she so desperately has been seeking for her entire life. All she has left is to play the part of the villain Elise is making her to be. I thought we were friends. I truly thought we could become close because you are one of many few who actually understand me. But you just wanted to break my heart. I fell in love with a lie. Dont say that. It wasnt a lie. Dont break me like that. I fucking hate you, Yuna. Yuna only has one choice. So what? It was hilarious. Watching you gush over me and making you think a guy would ever give you the time was funny. It was so fucking funny that it took you this long to figure it out. Making you accidentally gay is the best prank to pull. How did my lips feel? If I remember correctly, you couldn''t get enough of them. Want the real thing now?! This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Youre disgusting! Im not the gay one here. I was merely playing a part. Youre the one whos the faggot for kissing me all those times like the world was ending. I was gonna wait until you told me that you loved me, but oh well, this works too. Surprise, Elise. Im Yuele. The one and only, your boyfriend. Elise cant bear it anymore. She even hears her parents moving around, probably to investigate the commotion. Elise looks at Yuna one final time. Yuna leans her upper body down and looks up to Yuna just to give her the nastiest smirk. GET THE FUCK OUT!!! Elise screams one that can be heard throughout all the apartments nearby. Yuna doesnt waste a second as she storms out of the apartment. In truth, she didnt want Elise to see her break down and let all the tears she has been holding back. Yuna cant even make it to the elevator as she collapses and screams out her tears. Her knuckles start to bleed as the repeating blows to the floor start to add up. Yuna clutches her chest once it starts to feel like its being crushed and ripped apart. The pressure becomes so much that she becomes unable to breathe as she gasps for air. There isnt a heart to feel anymore. - Who was that? Elise''s father asks when he finds his daughter suffocating herself with a pillow. You alright? Some girl from school who I thought was my friend. I kicked her out because I found out she was lying to me, Elise answers once she takes a breath of air. What about? The terms of the friendship. She just wanted to backstab me. Her father sits on the edge of the bed. Do you want to talk about it? I can ask your mother if youre not comfortable sharing. Elise is unsure what to do. Yunas betrayal isnt exactly an easy thing to explain. Let me gather my thoughts first, then well talk. Alright, Ill be ready whenever, he pats her leg before standing. Just know Ill always be here to support you, just as much as your mom. Thanks, Dad. - Elise becomes impatient with Nat because her best friend is trying to play devils advocate. In truth, Nat is just trying to mitigate the damage as much as possible. She knows Yunas true motive but she isnt in a position where she can tell Elise and have her believe it. Nat, you need to stop. Youre saying all of this like youre on her side. She was fucking lying to me. I saw all the proof. The girl on the other end of the line sighs. She thinks that this will take a long while to fix. Elise doesnt have a clear head to listen. Im not. Youre RIGHT, she is a bitch for lying to you. Then why are you defending her?! Im not? All I asked is if you let her explain herself. And Im telling you there was no need. She had a note on her phone that told me everything. She just wanted to break my heart because shes that type of bitch who gets off to my misery. Then why would she bother becoming our friend? Yuna had no need. Are you dumb?! It was so she could hurt me more. The girl who just wants Elise and Yuna to end up together sighs again. She cant believe Yuna was dumb enough to leave evidence of her initial intention behind. Then again, who would expect Elise to snoop through her phone? If Yuna didnt have a fingerprint as an option to unlock, all of this could have been avoided. Nat knows Elise better than anyone. She gives everyone the benefit of the doubt. She believes in the good in people until proven otherwise. Youre right, I didnt think about that. Hey, what about Yuele? You fell for that part of Yuna, what do you feel about it now? Hate. Disgust. I mean, its gross. He was a girl the entire time. Shit, Nat giggles. It was pretty convincing though. I didnt notice either, she lies. Of course, I noticed. I noticed the second I saw his face. You just didnt want to notice. Im pissed about that too. Now that I know, its so obvious. She didnt even change her makeup before coming over. I just didnt want to believe it. Are you still in love with him knowing its Yuna? Ew, no. Im going to burn those memories. Elise gets a text from Grace in response to the one Elise sent demanding why Grace participated in the joke. I think its better if you talk to Yuna about it. Please just listen to her. Nat giggles. How does it feel kissing a girl? Whats with the 20 questions? Well I never kissed a girl, I want to know. Lips like any other. Gender doesnt change that, but now that I know, Elise pauses to feel her lips. Finding out it was Yuna made her vomit, but the memories of the kisses arent bad. She means when she said they felt like any other. Its the emotion behind them that changed. Icky. Icky? Nat laughs. You gotta give me better than that. Its just gross, okay? Not that I suddenly hate it now, I just, she pauses again. A thought creeps in that she blocks out. I dont know. I just dont want to do it again. Fair enough, Nat smiles at hearing the pauses. It gives her hope that Nats suspicions for all these years are true. Elise just a bit more pushing. Are you okay though? We can go shopping or some dumb shit to take your mind off it. I think I just need to think with just myself for a while. Sorry. Let me know if you need anything. Im always here for you. I know. Youve always been. - Yunas mother rips off the covers that she was using to hide inside her bed. Her mother sees the lifeless eyes of her daughter but doesnt care. Get up, youve been in bed all day. You cant lie down and cry the entire time. You have to study for your Finals. I dont feel like it. Yuna! I let you indulge in your weird little fetish as long as you kept it private. Do you know what people are saying about you now? They are talking. Theyre calling you a homo. That isnt right. You have to be a proper lady. You have to finish your school year strong. You have to get a degree and then find a nice boy to take care of you. I cant let you run around and do what you want anymore. Its time to grow up. Yuna has heard all of this. Its always the same speech with slight variations and every time she drowns it out. It was the last night too. The only difference then was she had to courage to speak back. Now Yuna can only sink into her bed. If I get up to study, will that shut you up? Yes. Ever since Yuna decided to change her name to Yuele, she hasnt been on good terms with her mom. Just like everyone else, her mom doesnt support it and even ignores Yuna whenever shes Yuele. That''s how it was back then and thats how it still is. Yuna thinks her father means well for trying to understand her, but she knows its a farce. She knows he secretly hates it. Its why he doesnt intervene when her mother scolds her like this. He doesnt even try to console her as he only tries to make Yuna see her moms point of view. Everyone is the same. The only one who isnt is Grace, but that platonic love isnt the one Yuna has been looking for. She wants acceptance from her parents. She wants acceptance of people who dont matter. She wants the acceptance of her lover. So for all this time, she has worn a mask, pretending to be someone shes starting to hate again just to please everyone. Then Yuna found what she was looking for in Elise. She thought Elise was the type of person who let Yuna cry in her arms, finally releasing all the suffering that shes accumulated throughout her short life. Maybe if Elise would have let Yuna talk. Maybe then things would have turned out different, or at least less painful. Maybe then Elise would have seen just how madly in love Yuna is for her. But those are just dumb dreams and poems. Yuna has been alone her entire life and always will be. 14. Too Dead Inside Elise never bothers to even look at Yuna at school although the latter spends her entire time with her head in her arms, always facing the directions of Elise. The accidental glances she gets of Yuna throughout the week always reignited the anger she feels towards her former friend. She half expected Yuna to tell everyone at school what she did, but its been kept secret. If anything, the secret of Yuele was genuine. Its not something Yuna would willingly expose. The week passes and ends with nothing happening. Yuna couldnt resist paying attention to Elise the entire time. She wanted to find a chance to go up to her and explain, but Elise never gave her the chance. Yuna regrets playing what she said to Elise. She thought it would ease the pain to go back to her original plan. It just caused to her to cease to exist. She doesnt know who she is anymore. Nats the one who becomes concerned for her. She watches Yuna withdraw from the world. She doesnt talk to anyone and hides away at her desk. Nat wishes there was a thing she could say to her thatll make it better. For now, all she can do is try and get Elise to pay attention to Yunas suffering. Yuna chops off most of the length of her hair. It now sits a few inches past her chin. She takes off her shirt and debates wrapping tape around her breast as shes going out tonight. I guess theres no point. She just puts on a crop top and a half jacket over it. For pants, its trousers that end on the of her shins. The rest is covered by leg warmers that half hide the black platforms that shes never worn. Yuna has never dressed like this before, a mix between Yuna and Yuele. Looking at her, one couldnt immediately guess her gender. You look cute, Grace compliments her when Yuna gets in the car. New look? I guess, Yuna sighs. Call me whatever tonight. I dont care. Grace doesnt say anything and drives the car forward. Tonight is a last-minute impulse of Yuna. She just wants to escape her mind for a bit. When they arrive at the venue, Grace makes sure she has it in her bag. Yuna spots the dollar bills Grace moves around and asks, Can I have some tonight? Grace pauses and sets everything down. Getting fucked up wont make you feel any better. Please? No. Remember what I went through last year? Dont repeat my mistakes. Its just for tonight. I promise. Grace sighs and hands Yuna a folded dollar bill to Yuna. Inside contains powdered MDMA crystals that enhance Yunas night. Itll make everything better, just for tonight. Just promise me youll take it slow. Of course. - She slams her head against her bedframe. All Yuna wants to do is try to express her true feelings to Elise. She tried today at school. Elise bolted out of the conversation she was having with some guys the second Yuna got close. Online doesnt work either. Elise has blocked her on everything. Instead, she messages Nat. Yuele: I dont know what to do Nat: I dont either. She wont listen. Sorry :( Yuele: I miss her. I love her. Nat: I know Nat: Whats your #? Lets chat Why are you even helping me? Yuna asks when Nat calls. Because I like you two together. Youre her best friend, shouldnt you be on her side? Yeah, but I know the truth. You said you think Elise isnt completely straight because you read something from her. What did you mean by that? Oh uh, Nat stutters, I cant tell you that. Its something Elise doesnt share with anyone, even me. Is it her poetry? You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story. Nat doesnt respond right away. She doesnt question why Yuna knows either. It doesnt matter if she found out by accident or if Elise told her. Yeah. What did you read? Nat bites her tongue because what she read shouldnt be shared. If Nat told Yuna, it would cause her to act recklessly and make things worse. You just have to trust me, Yuna. Yuna gets up from her bet to sit on her computer chair to view to discord notification she just receive. Its from her online friends asking where shes been. I dont know if I can. Yuna, Nat pauses, unsure what she should say next. It''s true that out of everyone in Nats friend group, shes the one who Yuna never picked on. Nat knows its because she was the only one who was actively trying to be friends with her. Of course, Yuna keep pushing her away but that small act of kindness never left her mind. Can I ask you something personal? What is it? Why are you so hard of your own beauty? What do you mean? I feel like youre too hard on yourself. Like you dont like who you are. - Another night, Yuna pushes a guy she met on Tinder onto his bed. It just isnt the same. The taste of lips, the touch of skin, and the heat of the moment are all dull. Yuna grabs hold of the guys penis and starts to stroke it. She doesnt like when his hand goes under her pants. The mere anticipation of his fingers causes her to jerk his arm away. She doesnt like that shes doing this. Yuna backs off. The barrage of memories of Elises smile is ruining the moment. Yuna curses at herself, disappointed that she cant even do this. - Yuele goes out alone again. Hes bought drugs from Graces dealer because he knows his friend wouldnt give her any. Hes never done cocaine before. On top of the alcohol hes drunk and the molly in his system, he snorts the powder inside the stall of the venues bathroom. It hits him and he immediately wants another so he does. It wakes him. Its like hes been asleep until this moment. Hes no stranger to the stares of girls. Its one of the things he takes pride in. His hotness attracts nearly everyone so its easy for him to talk to them. There have been many points where he managed to get into a girls bed multiple times, but every single one has rejected him for the lack of a penis. Its why he doesnt bother flirting anymore. Tonight is different. Hes wired. He talks to everyone and gets all of their contact info. This cocaine makes him feel like hes truly the main character. He even gets invited to the VIP sections and drinks with the people there. It makes him happy. He wants to do this forever. Curious about his well-being, Grace checks Yueles Instagram and sees where hes at through the stories hes posted. He wasted. She excuses herself from her friends apartment to drive down to the club. It takes her a while to find Yuele, but she spots him going to the bathroom. Graces follow inside and hears him snorting snow. Yuele is forced outside to the smoking area once hes done and only recognizes its Grace who pulled him outside then. What do you want? What the fuck are you doing?! Whatever the fuck I want. Grace knows this path all too well. The path of self-destruction. Whats worse is that there is very little she can do about it. For now, she forces Yuele to leave the club so she can take him. He protests that he doesnt want to and that its better that he spends the night at Graces. Drugs won''t fix things, Yuele, she breaks the silence in the middle of the long car ride home. It helps. Until it doesnt and it becomes the only thing that you will want. Dont kill yourself over some girl. Im not. Im just doing what I want now. Im not gonna hold myself back anymore. Not that anyone cares. I care. And youre the only one. I get that Im not enough, Grace sighs. I get that you hate yourself right now. I get that you feel alone. I get that you feel like no one else will ever accept you. Just know that I will always love you for who you are. I wont ever leave you. Yuele doesnt say anything. He just watches the faint outlines of the passing trees as they cross through the mountains forest. Tears start to swell up in his eyes but do not drop. Grace is right. All hes been doing lately has been running away. Hes been doing everything he can to get Elise out of his head. Hes never felt such hurt. Yuele closes his eyes and remembers the very first day he saw Elise. They sat next to each other on the very first day of sixth grade. She remembers Elise had freckles and much longer hair than she does now. Elise introduced herself to Yuna with the very same kindness she shares with everyone. That was the moment Yuna felt attraction toward a girl. Those emotions have never left since. Itll get better, I promise you. Lately, promises have meant shit. Do you love her? Yes. I dont know. I dont know the feeling but I never felt this way before. I would do anything for Elise. Back when I was in school, I became friends with this guy and girl who have been madly in love with each other since they were kids. Stuff happened and she moved away and cut all contact with him. My friend thought their story was over. Then she came back for a weekend three years later. Those three days were enough for my friend to follow her to New York. You suck at telling stories. The point is, theyre back together again. Dont lose hope. I saw the way Elise looks at you. Im sure she likes you back. She''s just mad you lied to her. Just be patient. Your time will come. Yuele rests his head against the window. What good is hope when itll just be ripped away from me? He remembers the opening line of the poem he read from Elises poem. Darling, dare I say how deep Im in? Its a deep spiral daring me to send me down to drown. The days are bleak when youre not around. I bear the dusk to see your dawn. Yuele can only think of the spiral hes going down. 15. Veil of Darkness Surely you noticed how miserable Yuna has been, Nat tells Elise. Its the last week of school and Elise sits with Nat against the wall during P.E. again. Since grades are pretty much set in stone, no one in class is trying all that hard. No one does except for Yuna. Shes exhausting herself trying to beat all the guys in a game of basketball. I dont care. Dont you think she grew to genuinely like you? If she still hated you, I dont think she would look like shit every day. I dont care. Nat groans. I know you care. I dont. Dont lie to yourself. Nat. Stop. You wont even look at her, Nat sighs. She watches Yuna run back and forth to the court and out playing everyone shes up against. Look at her go. Shes going even harder than usual. For the first time in a long while, Elise intentionally looks over at Yuna. The first thing she notices is how angry and exhausted Yuna looks. Then Elise notices her new haircut. Nat smirks when she sees the slight twitch in Elises mouth. Yuna glances over which makes Elise turn her head away. Has she tried to talk to you? I blocked her on everything. The times they would run into each other, Yuna would try but Elise always moves out of the way. Now that the initial anger has settled, Elise can only feel betrayal. Its now sadness that fills her heart and Elise doesnt understand why. She isnt mad anymore and thats what makes her angry. After all, Yuna had been taking advantage of her the entire time. Elise has every right to be angry; to be livid. She was, or at least she thought. Elise started to really like Yuna. At first, she always thought Yuna was this hard-headed obnoxious girl who she couldnt get along with. Then Elise saw how vulnerable Yuna really is. Its a side she never thought Yuna had. It was soft and warm. Elise really liked it. But it was an act. Was it? The day after we became friends, she started to avoid me. Even when she was pretending to be Yuele, she avoided me. She said she needed space to sort things out. Nats who messaged her and told her something to stop. Then Yuna apologized and teared up when she was explaining herself. That had to be real right? What was she trying to say? Hey, Nat. You messaged Yuna when she was avoiding me. What did you tell her? Hmm? That? Oh, I just told her how sad Yuele was making you be. I feel like youve been invested in this too much for my liking. What are you keeping from me? Nat giggles. Elise can be an airhead but she still has her brilliance. You have your secrets and I have mine. Lets keep it like that. Elise lowers her head towards her knees. Nat has always been much smarter than her. Its never bothered her before but now Elise feels like shes missing out on something. Natalie has been pestering Elise about Yuna ever since the truth came out. Its obvious now that Nats been talking to Yuna and helping her out. That much is what Elise figures out. If thats true, then Yuna lied when she didnt deny the note Elise found. Yuna genuinely wanted to be my friend. After all, Yuna wouldnt look so depressed all the time. Nats right. Elise has noticed. She just never wanted to admit it. Elise doesnt want to see the truth. Its much easier to stay angry and let it all fade away. Its easier to let go. The reason why Elise never looks at Yuna is because shes afraid of what shell see. That was a fucking foul! Yuna screams at a guy who pushed her to block her from shooting. Its not my fault you ran into me, he retorts. The entire class gasps and it grabs Elises attention. She sees Yuna holding her fist in pain and her classmate covering his mouth. Most importantly, Elise doesnt see the same Yuna anymore. She doesnt even see Yuele. Its something else entirely. - Elise hears that the school suspended Yuna again with the talks of expelling her and stopping her from graduating. It bothers her all night because thats all she could think about. This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere. Her father notices and sits next to her in the living room while she watches a sitcom. Is everything alright? Not really, I just had a bad day is all. Youve been having those pretty frequently lately. Is it about your friend who lied to you? Elise did say she would talk about it with him. Hes the father, hell know what to do. Yeah. I cant stop thinking about it. What happened? I dont know how to explain it. You can start with her name. Its Yuna. Her father recognizes the name from the two times Elise has been suspended. Both of them happened because they fought. Well, what did Yuna do thats been making you so upset? Ugh, Elise groans. There isnt a way to explain it thatll make it any less weird. This is going to sound super weird, but she sort of became my boyfriend. She dressed up like a guy just to trick me like the bitch she is. And why would she do that? Elise shrugs, Shes hated me since we met. I guess she wanted to fuck me over one more time before we graduated. Her father doesnt know what to say. Elise is right, this is weird. You must have really liked her if its making hurt this bad. When she was pretending, yeah. She acted so cool and mysterious and was really funny. Then we became friends for reals and I thought we were getting really close. Turns out I was just being played from both ends. Now she got suspended again for fighting and I cant stop feeling like its my fault. Yuna hasnt been herself since I yelled at her. When you said it was all to deceive you, how do you know? I started to notice how similar she acted and looked to how she is to Yuele. So I went through her phone and found her plan to break my heart. Yuna didnt deny it either. Her father sighs. He doesnt know what to say or do in this situation. All he knows is how happy Elise was whenever he caught her texting on her phone. It reminded him of how he felt when he began dating her mother. The shine of Elises eyes was the same as his; of being in love. Elise. How do you feel about Yuna now? I dont know. Im just sad. Sad that she lied to you or sad that you lost her? What do you mean? I mean, you really liked this girl. Anyone would be mad at what she did, but thats not what you feel, is it? Elise, Ill support you no matter what even if youre- No Im not- Elise cuts her father off but stops herself from saying what she wants next. She bolts up from the couch and says, I gotta go, before leaving the apartment. I dont want to feel this way. I dont want this to be true. Elise texts Nat telling her shes coming over. When the elevators door opens when it reaches ground level, Elise is too busy glued to the message shes sending to look where shes going. At the same time, Yuna is too busy tieing her shoe to notice. Elise trips over Yuna but catches herself with her arms over the last person she wanted to see. Yuna is pushed back and holds herself up with her elbows and her face pressed up against Elises breasts. Um, can we tal- Elises heart jumps out of her chest and she gets out of the building as fast as can; cheeks burning hotter than she ever felt before. Its too soon. Elise wants to gather her thoughts before shes able to face Yuna. Yuna sits on the floor until her lips start to bleed from biting them too hard. Elise has to stop and hold her chest for a minute because its pounding so hard. She only caught a glimpse of Yuna just then but it was enough to make her feel this way. Elise only thinks about the heavy bags under Yunas eyes. Shes been miserable. I want to know the truth, Yuna. Why did you write that note? Why did you confirm it? And why do I think you were lying? I heard you screaming in the hallway. Why did you have to lie? I''m sorry I don''t have the courage to talk to you right now. - Its been a long time, but Elise finds herself at her favorite spot in all of Seattle. The pier is just outside the aquarium. She comes here whenever she has to take time and breathe. Watching the water wave around calms her. The sound is a form of ASMR for her. Elise stares over the seas horizon long enough that midnight comes. Elise and Yuna never talked about it, but this is also Yunas favorite spot. This is where Yuna finds Elise when she arrives a little past midnight. Shes dressed again as a cross of Yuna and Yuele and doesnt know what to call herself. Again, it doesnt matter anymore. Yuna stands across the street and watches Elise. Theres nothing more she hates than not having the confidence to do something. Right now, Yuna wants to cross the street and talk to Elise. Yuna hates how nervous its making her. She hates that Elise is the only person in the world that makes her feel this way. Elise is her weakness. She strips Yuna of all the bravado she built up over the years. Yuna despises that Elise makes her feel like shes a girl. There was a time when Elise wrote a poem after reading a manga series. It was the first time she read that type of genre. It was a fleeting thought, but Elise did think about it. She thought about how itll be to be that way. She wrote about an imaginary scenario where she was and with her. At the time, there was only one person who she was able to think about. Elise thinks about this poem now. That was the very first and last time she ever read a Yuri manga. A manga about two girls falling in love. Her heart begins to twist. It squeezed hard enough for Elise to fall to her knees. She doesnt know when or why, but she cant run away from what she feels anymore. All its done is hurt her. All she wants is to feel how felt when Yuele was a real person. Elise wants to feel the comfort and ease of being around Yuna. She wants to see the smile she saw when they woke up the night they slept together. It was then that I knew. It was your hand and your smile when I started to piece it all together. I cant forgive you for lying to me, but I want to. Even now, youre lying. Elise remembers what Yuna said in the library. Yuna wears a mask because her true self is someone no one would ever understand. Yuna was talking about Yuele. She wanted to tell Elise. Thats what she was talking about that night too. I get why you hated me for so long. I told you I would accept you when you did tell me. And I rejected you. All because I was scared of what I felt. I wanted to believe your lie. I wanted it that way because it meant I didnt have to admit it. I was scared because I dont know what itll mean to me. I was never mad because you were lying about Yuele. Im happy that it was you, she says out loud. Im just mad that you didnt tell me from the start. Elise takes a deep breath and finds a new resolve. She turns around knowing what to do and opens her eyes. For whatever reason, she hoped that Yuna would somehow be behind her. After all, they have a knack for bumping into each other. Across the street, she finds no one. 16. The things they did, out of love Its 3 AM and Yuna feels the cracks in between her chapped lips. The only light coming from her room is the bright screen of her computer. The only thing she can hear is the quiet music of Elises playlist. Its the only thing that brings her comfort but it also gives the same amount of pain. Yuna wonders how long itll take for her to fall asleep this time. Her phone vibrates but she doesnt bother to check it. Then she gets a call that doesnt stop ringing. Annoyed, Yuna grabs it and tosses it across her room. Then there is silence. Then theres a knock on the door. Yunas heart stops. Elise waits on the other side hoping; praying that Yuna is awake. She stands there for minutes, holding her notebook against her chest. Elise knocks again. She thought about doing this in the morning but her anxiety got the best of her. It was stupid to think that Yuna would even be awake. Then the door opens. Yunas heart feels like its about to explode. She stands on the other side, scared to open the door. She can look through the keyhole to see who it is, but her heart already knows. After a very long breath, she opens it and finds Elise on the other side. Um, hi. Elise greets her with a voice crack. Yuna just wanted a chance to talk to Elise and tell her the truth. Shes been killing herself over the act she played just to spare herself from Elise rejecting her. Now, for whatever reason Elise is here, and Yuna gets scared again. I dont want you here. Fuck off before you piss me off. Elise ignores her and invites herself in which Yuna lets. Are your parents asleep? Leave. Yuna follows Elise to her room trying her best to keep a cold face. Then force me. What do you want? Elise sits down on the bed and places the notebook on her lap. I want you to tell me the truth. I want you to stop lying to me. I told you. I was just fucking with you. I fucking hate you, Elise. Hearing those words makes Elise doubt herself a bit. The girl who now accepts her feelings, shakes her head. See. Youre lying again. Be honest with me, Yuna. The girl whos completely terrified bites the inside of her cheeks because the lump in her throat gets in the way of her saying anything. She takes her time to stare into Elises eyes. She cant read them. Yuna doesnt know why Elise is here but she can only dream its about what shes been wanting all this time. Please. I hate you. Part of Elise starts to think Yuna isnt lying. If thats true, Elise doesnt know how shell be okay after this. So she says, Yknow, I was only ever mad that you were taking advantage of me. I was never mad at you for being Yuele. Im actually really glad its you. Im just mad you didnt tell me from the start. Elise, I- Yuna chokes on her words. She can feel her eyes begin to become wet. Elise is the only person who can do this to her. But I get it. I dont think I wouldve gotten close to you if you did. I wouldve proven you right, just as I did when I found out. Stop, Yuna falls to a squat so she can hold her shaking legs. Tell me the truth. No. Elise moves down to sit in front of Yuna. She grabs her notebook and opens it on the floor. Can I read you something? All you have to do is listen. She''s beautiful in every sense of the word But it doesn''t make sense that every night a smile is what you yearn From her to you is a piece of wood stake dripping blood heart to heart This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it You''re so far apart, you''re so lost in thought From every word that she said Every night, every moment, every time that you wept Every light, every life, every death that you slept Every tear, every wish, every hug you never dreamt you could lose Every kiss, every bruise, every love that came and grew Every source of pain that you learned to consume Emotionally, is what we all yearn to The hold hands, whole talk, trust in one Just this once you want justice fought For the right mind talking at the right time And you''ll spend it all writing with your right hand Right now, logically, it''s the wrong kind. She''s beautiful in every sense of the word But that doesn''t mean it gives you the right to fight the world just for her The feeling isn''t mutual even though that''s not the issue You just know what you''ll be getting into Yet you just try to find a way to misconstrue the truth And it hurts and it burns But deep down you know it''s just tacit So you play passive and be patient but that just it Another lame tactic to play by with So you stay up all through the night to the dawn light She''s beautiful in every sense of the word A heart warm with the ambition she doesn''t like to show When she talks as it starts to snow and the world just stops She stops the world, the world stops, the world stops Her smile makes my world stop She''s beautiful in every sense of the word There isn''t a time or a place where we could fall in love But if we did, I would make the world stop Just to get a glimpse of what it would feel like to be loved You are always the only exception A warm heart, a warm hug, every kiss Everything, from your fears and your dreams Every wish, every cut, everything that has hurt you Every little bit and a chew that consumes Because darling, I fell In love with you, Yuna I wrote that our freshman year. Yuna holds her head in between her knees, not wanting Elise to see her tears. Elise waits for her while her heart can only beat faster. Yuna calms herself and takes a breath. Dont lie to me, she gasps for air. I wrote it on a whim and I never wrote anything like it since. I just wanted to tell you that even now, youve been the exception. Ive always found you to be cute, Yuna. Stop. Please. Just tell me what I want to hear. I know you want to say it too. Yuna is unable to hold herself together. Once Elise grabs hold of her hands, Yuna breaks down in tears. Elise holds her and just listens. I I didnt know how to tell you, Yuna cries. I did want to hurt you. I did lie to you so I could make fun of you. I never meant to fall for you. By the time I realized, it was too late. I didnt want you to hate me. I dont like being a girl so I dress like a boy. No one understandsp that. No one can. I knew you wouldnt so I kept pretending because you only liked Yuele. I thought maybe I could get you to like me so I- Yuna! Elise interrupts. Lift your head. I want to see you. She does as such but is terrified of whats next. Yunas heart calms when she sees Elises small smile. It tells Yuna everything she needs to know. Just say it. I love you," the words softly roll off her tongue. Yuna looks away, head burning in embarrassment. Elise doesnt know what to feel. Shes sure she isnt gay. Elise has never seen another girl that way, that much she was sure of. Or at least that''s what she liked to tell herself. Its Yuna whos always been different. The very first time she saw Yuele, Elise always thought they looked a bit alike. It was easier to pretend they didnt because Elise has always been scared of Yuna. Now she has heard the truth. Elise has come to terms with the emotions shes been denying all this time. All thats left for Elise is to say it but she doesnt know how to. Shes kissed Yuna plenty of times but its always been as Yuele. If she does this now, how different would it be? Yunas eyes are closed. Elise decides to be the one to take what she wants this time. Yunas eyes open in shock the second her lips are grabbed by Elises. Its only for a second but it feels as if time stopped. This small kiss is different than all the others. Yuna cant put it into words. Neither can Elise but both of them feel that something in their hearts has completed. The world just stops. I love you too, Yuna, Elise says ever so softly after she pulls away. But I- Im sorry it took me a while. I-Im sorry too. Elise pushes Yuna to the floor and kisses her again. Your lips are cracked, she laughs. I know, Yuna joins but in embarrassment. Let me sleep over tonight. Then in the morning, tell me all about you. I want to know the real you. I want to know everything about you so I can fall for you all over again. Even if Im a boy and a girl? I fell in love with you both. Yuna closes her eyes. Her entire life she felt like she never belonged. She always felt like there wouldnt be a person who would love the person she is. Yuna has always felt alone. Elise is the only person who has made her feel whole. 17. About Her For the first time in days, Yuna is able to get a full eight hours of sleep. She has to pinch herself to make sure she wasnt dreaming. She rolls over and meets Elises eyes. Good morning, Yunie. Elise hasnt slept a wink. After they got into bed together, the reality of what she did kept her up from embarrassment. She doesnt know whats next. Are they dating? Will they keep it a secret? Will anyone judge her? Would anyone be okay with it? All of these worries go away when she sees how stunned Yuna looks when she wakes up. Youre real. Why wouldnt I be? Elise laughs. What time is it? A bit past noon. Shouldnt you be at school? Im right where I want to be. Yuna sit up, still in a bit of disbelief. She tries to remember everything that happened the night before but everything after the kiss is a blur. It doesnt feel real. You cut your hair, Elise sits up too. I think its perfect for you. Oh, uh. Thanks, she blushes. Um. Can I ask something? Yeah? Are we dating now? Yes! Yuna jolts her head to Elise. The next second shes on top of her. This time its for real. Elise laughs at just how fast Yuna moved. One second Yuna is unsure of herself and then another she acts how Elise has always known her. This is the real Yuna, the Yuna only Elise is allowed to see. Please dont hold me hostage here for the entire day. I dont think I can hold myself back anymore. Yuna, uh, I still want to take it slow. This is all new for me. It scares me just how much I like you. Even now Im so nervous. I need to get used to this. Wow, Yuna scoffs jokingly. You pervert, I wasnt thinking that at all, Yuna laughs. Im scared too, Elise. Ive never done this too. The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation. Elise wants to tell her that she thought she wouldve but thinks about how Yuna would feel if she said it. Anyone she would have tried with would have rejected her after finding out Yuele is a girl, so Elise holds her tongue. What are you doing? In the dull, Yuna began texting on her phone. Im telling Nat. What?! Shes the one who pushed me forward. This whole thing is because of her. Its her weird little fetish, I dont know, but she should be the first to know. Shes been so annoying, Elise rolls her eyes. Did it work? Yeah, Elise grins. She moves forward and kisses Yunas unaware cheek. Can you show me how you make Yuele happen? Im curious. I want to know about it. Yuna sets her phone down and looks at Elise for a second. Okay, wait here, she smiles. Elise pulls the cover towards her face while she watches Yuna rummage around her room. She smells them and thinks theres no better smell. Yuna never wears perfume or carries a strong feminine smell. The bed sheets smell a bit like Yuele does. Its faint but sweet. Yuna gets embarrassed right before she takes off her shorts. She looks over to Elise whos been staring the entire time. There shouldnt be a reason to feel this way but she does so she runs over to the bathroom to change. She comes out dressed as Yuele. He decided doing the makeup would take too long so he skips it. His hair is too short to be tied up so he leaves it as is. Youre so fucking hot, Elise blurts when Yuele pops out. Yuele feels like a different person whenever hes like this. He sits in front of Elise to see if she makes him nervous about how she does as Yuna. Is this everything you ever wished for? Elise nods being the nervous one this time. Even though she knows hes the same person as Yuna, his energy is different. She leans in and kisses him. Do you not like being Yuna? Are you more comfortable like this? I guess, he answers. Its easier. Its like I dont have to pretend even though I am. "So like, are you trans? Sorry if I''m being insensitive." "No. I thought I was for a while, but I like Yuna too. I''m sort of in between. I feel like I''m both." Elise grabs his hands and holds them together. She thinks of the words she told him; the ones she cant remember. Elise denied his existence without ever knowing it. Im glad I was able to meet such a wonderful person. Yuele looks down, feeling bad. He also hurt Elise. Even though its been resolved, he still feels the guilt. Are you okay with this? I mean-Is this fine? Of course, Elise giggles. I told you. I love you both. I want both. Thats what I decided. What are we going to tell people? We dont have to tell them anything. You dont have to explain your existence to anyone. Yuele has never once felt like crying. Its something hes taken pride in. Its what makes him a man. Yuele is cold and unemotional. Thats what Yunas for. But after hearing what Elise just told him, its hard to back. Even as Yuele, Elise manages to break through his walls. I fucking hate you, he laughs. Before Elise can ask why, he kisses her and pushes her down on the bed. I hate how you make me feel. Im weak around you, you know that, right? Elise grins and nods. Im going to have to punish you for it one day. Ill be ready. 18. Dont be so hard on your own beauty Graduation comes and passes. In the end, Yuna gets away with the three-day suspension and is able to receive her diploma. Elise and Yuna decided to keep their relationship private until then. Its not like anyone ever suspected anything in the first place. Nats the only one who has been teasing them about it. She spent the final days watching them interact. For the first month of summer, the pair spent nearly every day together. At first, it was Yuele who Elise saw the most. But as time went on, Yuna showed up more and more. Its not like it mattered to Elise. She enjoys her time with both of them. Yuele is assertive and dominant towards her. It makes Elises knees weak. Yuna tries, but Elise notices just how vulnerable she becomes. Its the one thing only Elise gets to see. When theyre around other people, Yuna acts like her regular self; an extroverted Yuele. One day, Elise introduces Yuna to her parents. Theyve already known about her and Yuele and were curious to meet her. Yuna felt too nervous about it and decided to dress her top half as Yuele. It just felt more right. In the end, she was stunned at how accepting Elises parents were about their relationship. They even asked what she preferred to be called so they never mistake her. Yuna gets particularly jealous of how excited Elises mother was. When am I going to meet your parents? Elise asks a few days later. If my mom ever finds out Im dating a girl, shell disown me. That harsh huh? What about your dad? I dont think hell care but hell just end up siding with her. Hearing that saddens Elise. Besides Grace, there isnt a person in Yunas life who knows about Elise. Yuna barely has anyone who supports her compared to Elise. Even two others of Elises closest friends know about Yuna and support it. She wonders if shes truly enough to keep Yuna happy. Today theyre out shopping for new clothes as their college life is fast approaching. Elise tends to gravitate to anything thats lightly colored and shines. Yuna loves anything black. The girl finds a particular jacket she likes and gets an idea. She leaves Elise to grab a pair of black jeans, some boots, and an oversized t-shirt before returning. Youre buying all that? Elise asks. No, Yuna grabs hold of Elises arm and takes her over to the changing room. Put these on, I want to see how you would like if you dressed a bit like me. Eh? Elise giggles, Okay, but only if you dress like me. Deal. Elise stares at herself with the clothes Yuna picked out. Shes never tried on boys clothes before but finds it extremely comfortable. Her body has so much room to breathe. She sees why Yuna likes it so much. Elise ties up her hair just as Yuele used to have it. She shuffles her bangs around until they become a mess. For a moment, she doesnt recognize herself. Still, its very clear that Elise is a girl. She steps out and waits for Yuna to finish. Yuna steps out at first feeling extremely uncomfortable. It goes away the very moment she sees her girlfriend. Elise isnt paying attention but her presence is enough to calm Yuna. Shes never had a problem wearing girls clothes. She likes skirts, long socks, and thin tops. Its just her style is much different than Elises. Yuna doesnt do lights. Yuna wears a long handkerchief skirt paired with a button-up cardigan and pink cat-eyed glasses. Shes never worn loafers before, much less a purse. Today that changed. I need to get you the actual clothes I wear from the internet. You''ll look better then. But damn, sort of love it. Elise looks over to Yuna and becomes too stunned to speak. She always found Yuna to be cute or handsome. How she looks now cant be described as anything less than gorgeous. Youre staring again. Sorry, Elise snaps out of it then giggles. Im just admiring you. Youre too pretty not to. I would say the same and I like how you look, but I prefer my Elise. Elise thinks of what she just made Yuna do. Its not too uncomfortable for you, is it? I know- Elise, its fine, Yuna walks forward to grab hold of Elises hands. You dont have to walk around eggshells with me. If I dont like something Ill say it. I just wasnt thinking. Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation. Being around you has been making me confused lately. What do you mean? My entire life I felt like I never belonged in this body. I dont feel that way when Im around you. Its been fucking with me. I love how you look at me. Elise doesnt know what to say. She drops her forehead to rest on Yunas. I dont ever want you to hate yourself. Youre so beautiful, Yunie. Let me sleep over tonight. I dont think Ill be able to let you leave me today. Elise nods. Its been long enough. She wants to feel every part of Yuna. She wants Yuna to feel her. Its been popping up in her mind lately. Yuna hasnt talked about it or even tried. Elise wonders if this is her way of asking. They havent slept together since they started dating because they both are afraid of where it would go. Elise feels that shes ready. After she changes back, she waits for Yuna. Elise is tapped on the shoulder by one of her friends. Theyre not close and Elise has never liked her to begin with. The friend has always been too judgemental and two-sided for her liking. They greet each other just as the friend expects Elise as if theyre besties. Elise, we should get ice cream, Yuna says popping out of the changing room. Ew. Elise why are you with Yuna? the friend grimaces. Elise notices Yuna getting ready to talk back so she gets in front of her. Shes my girlfriend, Sam. What?! I thought you were dating that guy Yuele. She is Yuele. Sam laughs, I always knew you were homo. Yuna gets in front of the girl and smirks. Didnt I hear you say I was the hottest guy youve ever seen with Elise showed you a picture of me. What was it that you said? That you think Im the best fuck ever? Want me to change so you can find out? Yuna, please, Elise sighs. Whatever! Im telling everyone, Sam snickers. Go ahead. Try not to get a UTI again! Yuna shouts as Sam leaves. I didnt expect you to tell her outright. Elise grabs hold of her hand. I dont want to hide you. Yuna feels something new again. She doesn''t know the words for it. She takes hold of Elises arm and takes her away. Whatever anxiety still left in her is gone now. Yuna takes Elise to her apartment. "This is Elise, my girlfriend," she introduces her to her parents. Yuna does feel afraid. She''s ready for whatever comes. It''s far different than having courage. It''s as if Yuna doesn''t care anymore. "You''re nothing but a disappointment, Yuna," her mother turns her back then. "You have until the end of the week to pack up all your stuff." "um, excuse me, ma''am," Elise scowls. "I don''t appreciate you talking to Yuna like that. She''s your daughter and never once considered how you make her feel. Not that it matters anymore, we''re moving in together for university." Yuna glances over at Elise. This is the first she''s heard about it. Then again, it probably won''t matter. Yuna''s mother scoffs, "Didn''t she tell you? She got suspended again I''m not paying for her." Her father has heard enough. "Yukino, I never agreed to that. You''re taking it too far. Yuna graduated meeting your expectations. Just because you don''t agree with her sexuality doesn''t give you the right to treat her like you''ve been." The mother slams her hand on the table and storms to her room. "You''re both fucking ridiculous." Yuna turns to her father who only shrugs, then to Elise to notice she''s been leaning on Yuna this entire time. She looks at her dad once more and he''s smiling at her. Her shoulders feel light and her heart starts to hurt. It''s not actually painful but it feels like it wants to give out. It takes her breath away and Yuna realizes she''s just falling deeper in love with Elise. - Yuna doesnt stop thinking about how Elise has been standing up for her all day. It sort of scares her but that is overtaken by the amount of pride she feels. Elise is all hers. And right now as Elise pushes Yuna down to the bed, Yuna wants her even more. She melts as Elises kisses move from her mouth to her neck. A bolt of electricity shocks her in mind-numbing pleasure when Elise lightly bites her breasts and her nipple. Even though it''s through a shirt, Yuna lets out a squirming moan. Elises traveling hands from her arms, chest, waist, thighs, and calves all feel as if Yuna is being bathed in caramel. Yuna begins to get goosebumps when Elises hand feels her stomach then begins to travel down to her pelvis. She gulps when the hand gets underneath her tights. Then she feels a finger touch her labia. Yuna pushes Elise off. What?! What?! Elise freaks out. Yuna catches her breath and holds her trembling hands. Shes tried this before with someone else only for the girl to freak out when she found there was nothing there. Its the only thing she can think about now. Did I do something wrong? Yuna, Im sorry! Yuna shakes her head. No, Im sorry. She knows Elise is different. She knows its okay now. And yet the memory doesnt leave. I dont think Im ready. Its just- Elise wraps herself around Yuna, instantly calming her. Its okay. You dont need to explain yourself. The soft voice Elise makes Yuna want to try again. She remembers the initial touch and the other memory comes back. If we just cuddle, would that be enough? Its more than enough. Yuna takes a breath of Elises intoxicating and addictive scent. Then she sucks up a bit of slightly salty sweat from her neck. What did I ever do to deserve you? I should be asking you that, Yuna. Just what makes you so special to make me feel this way? I get crazier about you every day. Yuna closes her eyes and lets herself fall asleep inside Elises arms. There isnt a thing that would make this moment more perfect. Every day has been better than the last. Yuna doesnt want anything else. 18.1. Fourth of July with the two idiots and Nat as a third wheel. (It''s July 4th, in case you can''t read) On the very top of a hill in Gas Work Park, Elise lays down a blanket. Its still early in the day therefore theres still plenty of open space to be filled. It wont be too long until its packed full of everyone wanting to see the firework show. Elise comes here every other year with her parents so she knows how tight it gets. This year, she gets to spend it with the person she loves most, Yuele. Is it too late for me to leave? Nat jokes knowing shes a third wheel. She sits across from Elise and Yuele who are too busy playing the red hand slap game to pay attention. I need to get laid, Nat groans. Suck it up, virgin, Yuele teases but it doesnt deter his concentration. He hasnt let Elise win so far. Nat has never dated anyone, Elise says, getting her hands slapped before she can even react. Damn, I was joking about the virgin. Im not a virgin. Oh, so youre just a loser. Elise laughs and tries to slap Yuele thinking hes distracted by his own laughter but misses. Fuck, I thought I had you! No more than the person with a whole alternate identity, Loser. Bitch, Im beautiful. Beautifully deranged, Elise jokes and makes her partner laugh a bit too hard. Shes able to get her first win. Yes! To an outsider, the jokes they make to each other would be classified as too mean. The trio knows its just playful banter and its never serious. After all, theyre all best friends. Elise is equally made fun of for her past poor taste in guys and how the last turned her gay. Nat is also teased any time Yuele learns something about her. I let you win, babe. Cope harder. Nat sighs and flops down to the ground. Getting Elise and Yuna into a relationship had been her entire goal since she figured out that Yuele and Yuna are the same person. Now since she accomplished it, or at least helped, not much else has kept her entertained. The clear skies shes staring at dont give her any other ideas to cure her boredom. Im going to get food, you two want anything? Yuele stands. Just water, Yunes. The next five minutes of peace is enough. Im getting you fries covered in dog shit. Nat sits up when Yuele leaves. As much as I love you guys, I do feel like a third wheel right now. Dont be, Elise slides her butt to sit next to Nat. Our friend Grace was supposed to be here so its not like we wanted to be alone tonight. Yeah, where is she? Her sisters brother came to visit, so shes with them. So her brother? No. Grace and her sister arent related. Its complicated. Nat laughs. Sounds like it. Oh well, its not like I had anything better to do today. Its been a while since I could just relax like this. And you get to watch me flirt with my boyfriend whos also my girlfriend, what more can you ask for? Nats unhealthy fascination with my relationship fulfilled. Nat giggles half genuinely, half nervously. Her constant support of Yuna isnt a secret. Nats motives ultimately came into question when she tried to get Elise to forgive Yuna a while back. The secret that Yuna was actually Yuele this entire time wasnt an easy pill to swallow. Elise felt like Nat was always on Yunas side while she was untangling her emotions. Once she accepted that she loves Yuna just as much as Yuele, Elise thought Nat was only trying to help her see the truth. Nat still hasnt told Elise why she shipped them together so much. Yuna thinks its because of the poem Elise wrote about her. Nat hasnt told her the truth either. Growing up, Elise tried to get Nat into reading manga. Natalie just couldnt ever get into it, or at least thats what Elise thinks. In her free time, she started to read all sorts of stories just so Elise could have one person she could talk to. Out of everything she tried to read, there was only one that got her hooked. It was unlike anything Elise would ever read and too embarrassing to tell her. Nat quickly became obsessed with the genre of the manga she read. They werent the type of stories she could talk about with Elise, so she never told her. It became Natalies secret. And the more she read, the more obsessed she became with girl-on-girl relationships. Yuri manga was the last thing Nat thought she would enjoy, much less seeing it in real life. Seattle is a progressive city. Theres no shortage of lesbian relationships for Natalie to fan over. Following them became a hobby. Learning that Elise might be attracted to girls was like winning the lottery. She spent years trying to figure out if her best friend swung that way. There was never any more evidence until she noticed how Yuna would treat Elise. Out of everyone in their friend group, Elise was the only one Yuna treated a bit differently. It felt like behind all the mean remarks; a bit of flirting was also added. Elise would then bite back the same way. It was always odd. Odd until Elise met Yuele. Odd until Nat saw that Yuna and Yuele were the same person. The fire in Natalies obsession with Yuri was set ablaze. The complications of who Yuna is made it even better. It became Nats sole purpose and something she has to take to the grave. She knows just how crazy Elise and Yuna would think she is if she ever told them. Hes taking a while, Elise stands. Im going to see whats up. Dont leave. Oh, dont worry about me. Ill be here. Forever alone. - The influx of people arriving at the park makes the food truck area too crowded. Every line is long so Yuele chooses the one which he thinks is the shortest. The line moves much slower than all the others and he thinks about switching. He decides that there wouldnt be a point as all the others have only gotten longer. By the time he orders, the park becomes too crowded to see where Elise and Nat are seated. It takes another five minutes for him to get his food. He bought a burger with fries for Elise because he knows shell only steal his. Before he can make his way back, Yuele is tapped on the shoulder. Hey, I just really want to say I like your style. Two girls stand before him. Thanks, Yuele says. His elbow is grabbed when he tries to turn around. This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source. Are you here alone? We have a tent set up if you want to join us. Im Avery, this is Jill. And you are? Yuele is used to all the girls who find him attractive. Its a source where he gets all his confidence. Yet its rare for girls to approach him this boldly. Sorry, I already have people waiting on me. Oh come on, I bet were much more fun! one of the girls pulls on Yuele''s elbow. He yanks himself out of her grip, Not interested. Just ten minutes. Please. Were lonely. Before Yuele can respond, a familiar hand grabs his. Friend of yours, Yunes? Hi, I''m Elise, his girlfriend. Elise announces proudly, making a face Yuele hasnt seen before. Her little grin screams, Back off, hes mine. No, he pulls Elise closer. The visible annoyance on the two girls'' faces amuses him. Lets go back. It was nice meeting you two. Elise looks back at the two girls while they walk back and sticks her tongue out at them. I was ready to beat some ass, she tells her man. Were they hitting on you? Yeah, Yuele chuckles. Youre cute when youre jealous. I saw the whole thing. The audacity of those bitches. Did you see their faces when they saw you were with me? Ah, I loved it. Yknow, its my job to stop guys from hitting on you, not the other way around. You made me look like a bitch. Oh shut up, Elise laughs. Let me have this. I dont get to flaunt you often. Now I just feel like a trophy, Yuele laughs. He places the stacked trays once they join back with Nat and hands over his fries to her. Elise pouts when shes given her food but accepts it nonetheless. Arent you hot? Nat asks with a mouthful of fries. How can you wear a jacket all the time? Im sweating just sitting. Im used to it. Dont lie, Yunes. Its just us two. Yuele sighs. He forgets that he can be whoever he wants with these two. The jacket and hoodies he wears are only there to hide his feminine body. Elise grabs the jacket and lays it on her lap. Then Yuele takes off his hat and unties his hair. Oh, I didnt mean to- Its fine, Yuele says in his natural voice, signaling to the two of them that its Yuna now. Isnt Yunie the cutest? Elise kisses her girlfriend on the cheek. Get a room, Nat rolls her eyes. Your new haircut makes you so androgynous, Yuna. Its eerie, in a cool way. Thanks, I cut it on impulse. Elise runs her fingers through the back of Yunas head, playing with her hair. Everything you do is on impulse. If I didnt, you wouldnt be mine, Yuna lifts her arms to stretch and yawn. And all it took is a bit of manipulation and lying. I dont think thats something to be proud of, babe. - The sun sets and the park becomes so crowded that the three girls barely get any space to sit. Theres never a time when somebody isnt a foot away from them in any direction. Luckily it never gets too uncomfortable while they wait for the firework show to start. Elise knows itll get worse the closer the show gets. They spend the next two hours talking as they have the entire day. Sometimes dull and silent moments happen but no one gets bothered by it. Elise and Yuna treat it like any other day so they dont find the wait all that special. Its Nat whos enjoying this time the most. She watches her two best friends flirt but it brings up a topic they talked about earlier. Why hasnt she ever gotten into a relationship? Watching how Elise and Yuna act around each other makes her feel a bit lonely. Nat never gave the idea much thought, but now she wants one. The first firework is launched and it makes the entire park stand. Elise grabs onto Yuna as the two watch the show with Nat behind them. This is the first time Yuna has seen the fireworks this close. She can barely remember the last time she took the time to stop and watch them somewhere else. For Elise, none of this is new and yet it feels like its the first. Having Yuna beside her makes it much more special in a way she cant quite put into words. Elise thinks about everything that has happened up to this point. She thinks about how Yuna deceived her. She thinks about how Yuna tried her hardest to make Elise fall in love with her so that lie could become a reality. She thinks about how she hurt Yuna because Elise was scared to admit she fell in love with her. Right now, shes grateful it all worked out. All it took was one honest conversation and a little bit of courage. Yuna has all these thoughts as well. The firework show is magnificent and she thinks shell remember this moment forever. Yuna watches as the explosions only get more grand and complex but eventually, they lose their magic. Her attention turns to Elise. It takes a while for Elise to notice. Youre staring again. I know. Dont you want to watch? Its pretty, sure, beautiful even. But youre more beautiful than the fireworks, Elise. Elise blushes. She thought shes gotten used to how easily Yuna can make her feel embarrassed and awkward. Its just how she felt with Yuele at the beginning. Yuna doesnt break away from her stare and it makes it hard to look her in the eyes. Youre not playing fair. Telling you the truth is fair. Elise calms and meets with Yunas sultry eyes. The fireworks are reflecting off of them, giving them a slight shine. I should be the one telling you how perfect you are. A barrage of fireworks lights up the sky and muffles any other sound from being heard. Theyre so frequent and violent that it almost becomes blinding. Elise and Yuna are the only ones not affected as they are only looking at each other. Yuna says something but her words are drowned out. Elise responds with her words rendered silent just the same. It matters not. Elise brushes her lovers cheek with her fingers then move to grab the back of her neck. Yuna accepts and Elise gives her the kiss shes been yearning for all day. Like always, it feels like the world disappears around them. Its just Elise and Yuna. The fireworks stop for a few seconds only for the whistle of a single one to be heard as its launched into the air. As it goes up, a tail of fire follows it. Nat is the only one to notice or even care that the trail it leaves is directly between the two lovers. It explodes perfectly above them, lighting up the sky with a monster of a light show. The loud boom quiets. Then the sparkles fall and begin to fade. Its only then that the girls pull away but rest their heads on each other''s foreheads. They dont open their eyes nor say a word to each other. They just hold each other''s hands as if theyre praying. They stay like this for a while as they hear the firework show continue. Yuna breaks their trance when she decides she wants another kiss, a shorter one this time. When shes done, she rubs her cheek against Elises. Elise in turn, opens her eyes and pulls Yuna so her head rests on her shoulder. She gets a tighter hug than she expected. Next year, can it just be just the two of us? Next year, well do more than just this, Yuna giggles. I love you, Yuna. I know. Elise lightly slaps the back of Yunas head, knowing its just a joke. Dont I know me! jerk. Yuna laughs, lifting her head towards Elises ear and whispers, I love you too, Elise. Much more than I know, right? Much more than even I know, honestly. Well, mines new and fresh, confusing but exciting. You better watch out, maybe you wont be able to handle it. Im willing to make that bet, Yuna rests her head on the shoulder again. She exhales and it loosens the tense body she was unaware she had. Then a ridiculous thought creeps in and overtakes any other. Shes been so focused on the now that she never considered the possibility, but wants it nonetheless. It doesnt matter how new her relationship is. Elise has the same thought. She gets scared of just how badly she wants it to come true. Between the two, Elise is the only one who thinks about it beyond just desire. She takes a moment to think about how it could go and how early she could make it happen. Elise comes from money so that would realistically never be an issue. Her parents would even support it and help out. Then it baffles her on having the thought pop up at all. Her mother once told her when Elise asked as a kid. She asked how would she know when she finds the person she- When you know, you know. Elise knows that Yuna is the person she wants to marry. Yuna knows that Elise is the person she wants to spend the rest of her life with. She wants to marry her. Fuck the details, I should propose right now, she plays with the idea. Nah, this is too basic. I have a better idea. You okay? Elise asks when Yuna giggles for apparently no reason. Just fine. The fireworks end. Elise thinks, Who would propose anyways? Were both girls. Would it be Yuele then? I dont want to wait for that. I want to do it. What if I do it right now? That would be really funny. Yuna moves her arms down to Elises waist and pulls herself away. She notices that Elises eyes are fixated on her. Youre staring. Maybe because Ive been waiting my whole life for this moment. I fucking love you so much. I love you just as much, maybe more. Promise? Promise. Yuna pulls her hands off and gives Elise the widest grin she can. Its like a silent laugh. Elise slowly opens her mouth in awe. For a second she doesnt believe what shes seeing. Yunas eyes are glowing and her pupils somehow have shapeshifted into bright stars. There wasnt any doubt in Elises mind, to begin with. She didnt need any more convincing. Yet, Yuna continues to do things that make Elise fall even deeper in love with her. Yuna is the person who Elise belongs with. Elise is the person who Yuna has been searching for. They both dont know that theyre sharing the same thoughts. They dont know just how badly they want to impulsively want to propose to each other. All they know is just how much they love each other. Thats the only thing that matters. 19. sometimes its scary, but its still you and me I dont understand my emotions at all. I dont get why I feel the way I do for Yuna. I cant even pinpoint when I started to like her. I always found her pretty. I did think about her when I first questioned what it would be like to have a girlfriend. Shes the only one I ever found attractive. I just dont get it. Why is she the exception? Its not because of Yuele. I fell for that side of her first. Or perhaps its because he always reminded me of her is the reason. All I know is just how confused it makes me. I have loved before. Yuna just makes me question if that love I felt before was even love at all. When Im with it feels like Im home. Thats the only way I can say it. That this is where Im supposed to be. And whenever shes Yuele, I just feel safe. I do have to admit. It is weird having a boyfriend and a girlfriend be one person. But because its Yuna its easy to be comfortable with it. I havent told her that I do see Yuele as a separate person. Im not sure if I want to. She tells me I dont have to be careful around her but I dont want to ask her if she wants me to view him as such. I dont ever want to make her feel bad. Yuele takes me to my favorite spot in Seattle. It surprises me that he does but then he says, This is where I go to clear my head. I saw you here too. Dont tell me youve been stalking me. I cant help but laugh. I go here to think too. What are the chances? Its actually starting to become kind of creepy. I dont think so. Yuele lifts himself up and sits over the rail. When you told my mom were moving in together. What was that about? Oh. I got mad and I wasnt thinking. He shakes his head. Its not like Im opposed to the idea. I think Ill be better off moving out. Just tell me beforehand. I cant tell if hes mad. Ive never seen him mad. I wonder what hes like. We havent fought yet either. Is this one? Are you mad? Yuele smirks, If I say that I am, can I punish you? My body becomes hot. He does it so easily and frequently that its starting to get annoying. Not even Yuna is this good at it. Im still waiting for the first one. Saying that reminds me of how he freaked out at me a couple of days ago. I didnt ask but I didnt have to. Hes been hurt before and I just reminded him of it. I didnt tell him how bad it made me feel. I thought it was going to be okay if it was me. But thats okay because I know Ill eventually get there. Is something on your mind? I ask after he doesnt say anything. Her turns to me and runs his fingers through my hair. You said I have always been the exception. Its been bothering me lately. Why? It doesnt feel right. It makes me feel like Im dating a straight girl. And you are, except your not, at least for me. Ive been thinking about it too. I never found another girl sexually attractive except for Yuna. Im starting to think its only because I liked her first as Yuele more and more. I bet thats what shes thinking too. But Ive denied my feelings towards Yuna far longer than I should have. I just now been finding out the beauty of girls bodies. You dont want to feel special? I rest my head on his thigh. I think its because youre my very first. Who knows, maybe one day well ogle girls together. Im still trying to figure myself out. Im sorry I made you feel that way. Yuele laughs and buries my cheek into his leg. On second thought, I think Ill just get jealous. Okay, but can we talk about all the girls that have been staring at you all day? Youre your most adorable when you get jealous. You hold on to me tight just to tell them Im yours. I love it. I jokingly punch him on the arm but he only laughs. Jerk. Yuele jumps downs and wraps his arms around my waist. He doesnt say anything and Im able to enjoy the moment. I close my eyes and just listen to the soothing sound of the waves. Yuele was open to me about his feelings just now. He addressed his concerns with me and I havent. I dont think I have any. Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site. No. I remember what Grace told me a while back. She told me how Yuele went down a spiral of self-destructive behavior for a while. She didnt tell me much but did imply a few things. I dont have to be scared, right? Are you doing okay now, Yuele? Grace told me something and- I stopped the second you knocked on my door, he whispers in my ear. It sends a shiver down my spine. I just wanted to run away. I just wanted to forget. I dont ever want you to resort to that stuff even if I do hurt you in the future. I wont. I promise. I get to punish you because you did. Yuele chuckles, Ill let you do anything to me. We dont say anything else and just enjoy each other again. I cant imagine what hes thinking, but Im feeling hot again. It gets harder and harder to resist each time. I wonder if theres anything I can do to make it easy for him. Its not like I would know what to do either. I dont have the slightest idea how to have sex with him. I just know I want to, badly. I started to watch lesbian porn just to learn. I wont lie and say it hasnt turned me on a bit. Everything I watched has been so aggressive and I dont want that. But I think the positions and actions can be done the same just slower. I want it to be special. And now that Im thinking about it, I start to get wet. The solution to Yueles problem just comes to me. Its so simple. - Nat texts me a picture of the new car her parents just bought her for her birthday in a week. Shell be in Cancun then so they decided to give it to her early. Yuele has gotten in front of me because I got to focus on thinking if he ever told me his birthday. He notices and stops for me. Have you ever told me your birthday? Hmm, no. Its the 9th of March. We met on the tenth. Are you telling me that show was for your birthday?! Yuele laughs. Not really. I dont celebrate my birthdays. Whens yours? Who doesnt celebrate their birthdays? It just proves theres much more to learn about him. September 1st. Im assuming youre already doing something. My friends are taking me out. I see the look on his face and dont like it. The whole world knows about us now. Half of my friends dont care or are happy for me and the others stopped talking to me. Its not like I care, Ive barely seen any of them seen Ive gotten to know Yuna. I want you to come. Eh, not my crowd. The friends Im going out with are the ones who support me anyways. Im not giving you a choice now. Yuele half smiles and takes a few steps toward me. Yuna or Yuele? Yuele. I want to show you off. Oh please. We both know Ill just mock them if Im Yuna. More the reason then. - Yuele changes back to Yuna in my room. Shes been keeping some of her clothes with me as weve been sleeping together much more frequently. Every morning that she does I wake up holding her hand. Im always the first to wake up and the last to fall asleep so I dont know at what point in the night we hold hands. There has even been a day when I woke up with Yuna sucking on my finger. I remember each smile she gives me when she opens her eyes and sees me staring. Are you staying over tonight? I ask. No. My dad wants me home so we can talk about college and stuff, She sighs and grabs my iPad. She lays down and I sit next to her. Are your parents still going to pay for it? I think so. I think my dad is going to do it. Hes been fighting with Mom a lot lately. I think theyre going to get divorced, Yuna burps. Oh. Im sorry. Dont be. Yuna continues to lead a life of hardships. I think I know her well enough that shes just putting up a brave face. There isnt anything I can do but do be there for her. Im sure thats what she wants so I dont say anything else. I lay down next to her and she moves the iPad in between us. Whats this. Komi cant communicate. Its the cutest slice of life I found. For the rest of the night, we spend our time reading until we reach the last chapter published. I walk her to the elevators and kiss her goodnight. The day itself went just like any other. The only thing new that happened is that we talked about our grievances. But thats good. I think it was about time. We need to be on the same page if we want things to continue as they have. Like always, I start to miss Yuna the second I enter my room. Her scent still lingers where she lay so I use it to quell my addiction. They call it the honeymoon phase and it wont last. I dont ever want it to go away. Things are perfect the way they are. I know Im asking for too much. As I said before, Yuna makes question what love is. I just stumbled upon it. I dont think it. I know Yuna is my person. Its silly to me now that I was ever scared to feel this way. Girl or boy, it doesnt matter to me. What does my orientation have to do with any of that? Im not sure why I ever was scared to like a girl. Yunas skin is soft. Shes small and a bit flat but the little curves she has are fun to play with. I even found out her breasts are bigger than I thought when I touched them. I want to see them for real. I want to see everything. Oh god. I love this girl. 20. from nothing came something, and you lasted a lifetime I dont think I could ever love someone as much as I do with Elise. I would say I dont deserve her, but that isnt true anymore. The doubt should have never been there, to begin with. There was never a reason why I didnt deserve to be loved. My insecurities just got the better of me. Elise just pushes me forward and gives me the strength to overcome them. Elise showed me this Manga where the premise is about a Viking warrior learning he has no enemies. That there is no need to have one. I think my enemy has been myself my whole life. Ive hated who I am this entire time. I know that isnt true anymore. For the first time in my life, Im comfortable in my skin. Theres no mask to put on. Theres nothing to hide from anymore. All I have to do now is love Elise as much as I can. She introduces me to her friends when we show up at one of their houses. No one questions me. Theres no side eye or flinch. They all just tell me how cute we look together. Ive never liked her friends. Theyve all teased me at one point so I made it a point to tease them back. I guess its all because we never got a chance to get to know one another. They arent half bad. For Elises birthday, were drinking here and then going out to one of the clubs. They all get drunk before I do except for Nat and some guy whos driving one of us. She pulls me to the side. You better fuck Elise tonight. Youre so weird, I laugh. Nats been too invested in us ever since she found out about me. I think the poem she secretly read was the one Elise confessed to. You need to get off my dick. Youre the hot topic of the night, yknow, she changes the subject. Everyone seems to like you, even the guys. Im not really here for their approval. I know. Im just telling you so you loosen up a little. Its not like you. Im pulled away by Elise before I can respond. She takes me to the kitchen where the two guys are. Hey! Hey! Yuele, tell em where you get your clothes. They wanna know! Yeah man, you dress so dope. I tell them but its not like its anywhere special. I give them the list of websites and they take the time to note it down. They pour me a shot of liquor and we all take one together. This one is enough to make my vision loopy. Ive never been to a party. I know were just pregaming right now but parties are just like this just with more people. I rarely ever hung out with people outside of school. I never stuck around a particular clique to ever get close to anyone. They all called me their friend. I dont think that was ever true. I dont consider them to be my friends. Grace is a friend, and so is Nat. But here everyone treats me like Im one of them. Like I always have been. Its nice. The two guys treat me like Im one of them. Even though they know Im a girl, they still see me as Yuele. I should have tried harder to make friends. As Yuele and Yuna. Ive been missing out. Again, I let my insecurities stop me from doing such. Inside the club, Im forced to use the males bathroom. I go with the sober guy and he pees in the urinal next to the stall Im in. Hey, Yuele. Can I ask you something? Yeah? Back in middle school. I used to bully you cause of how you looked. Listen, man, I just want to say sorry. I was a dumb kid. Can we be cool? Were square. He waits for me outside for a fist bump. Yo, listen. Elise never talks about it. Like never. But her last boyfriend cheated on her. I dont ever want her to go through that again so dont ever think about it, okay? It really fucked her up. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation. I didnt know. She just told me he broke up with her. Its not like ever planned to but its nice to learn something new about it. Dont ever tell her, but I plan on marrying her one day. He wraps his arm around me and shouts, On boys! Thanks for telling me. Yo, you chill as fuck man. Give me your Insta, we need to kick it sometime. "Doesn''t it bother you that I''m Yuna?" "Not at all. I find it cool actually." Friends. There are always new things to try out. I should start by acknowledging his name, Danny. Elise is dancing with her friends when we come out. When spots me she nearly jumps on me. Im not fond of clubs. I prefer concerts and raves. At least being with Elise makes it much more tolerable. She shakes her ass right where my dick should be and it turns me on. Im unable to resist and pull her closer. Ive been thinking of when I should try again. I shouldnt have freaked out on her back then. Its just the memory is too traumatizing to let it. Ive never been called such hateful words. Ive never been hit like that before. I know it''s making Elise impatient. I see it in her eyes. Ive been trying to think of ways to get past it but I dont think I can. Maybe I should try getting as drunk as I can tonight and try then. Thats the only thing I can think of right because Im getting impatient too. Elise has gotten comfortable changing in front of me. Her body is too beautiful. I want to ravage it. I want to be inside. I want to hear her moans and have her calling out my name. Its all I can think about when I touch myself. Just thinking about it is getting me wet. She turns and moves her mouth to my ear. Dont drink on the way back, she says like she read my mind. Im getting sober too. What do you mean? I have something for you. Elise you know I- Just trust me, she bites my lips. She sticks to her words as were both sober by the time we get back to Veronicas house. We only stick around around long as we were only there to grab our stuff and say goodbyes. Everyone asks for my socials before we part. I catch Nats enormous grin while we walk to her car. Luckily, she stays quiet. I know what to expect once we get back. Im just not sure if I can do it. I want to but I know how itll make Elise feel if I freak out again. Shell just think shes not good enough and special enough to overcome my wall. Just thinking about it only makes it higher. But she told me to trust her. Maybe she thinks if Im Yuele Ill be able to do it. Itll only work until I strip down enough to feel like Yuna. Elise shuts her room door. Its 3 am and there isnt a sound to be heard. Her eyes are so lustful. So are mine. Ive been wanting you for far too long now, her sultry lips say then lead me to bed. You have no idea. I want to try again. Im sorry in advance if I cant. Elise pushes me to sit. You dont have to worry. She walks over to her nightstand and opens the drawer. Tonight, you just have to be Yuele, she pulls out the last thing I expect. I want you to fuck me, nothing else. She hands me the strap and I grab her down to join me. Any other thought disappears when I bite her lips and move them down to her neck. Elise gasps and grabs onto my jacket. She takes her time taking off while she enjoys my fingers moving up and down her back. She pushes me off to stand so she can take off her top. Her warm hands then move to take my shirt off. Its enough to turn me back to Yuna. Take my pants off, she kisses my ear. I push her down and do just that. Shes been wearing the lewdest lingerie this entire time. I can almost see everything and I lose focus on everything else. I never thought much of Elises body. The thin lingerie only accentuates her curves; all the places where my hands want to grab. This is just for you. I kick off my shoes so she''s able to take mine off. Elise holds my hips tight and kisses my pelvis. I feel my underwear get soaked and the world just becomes stupid. I have to close my eyes while I feel her fingers travel down and up my body. Its just like last time. I feel my breathing getting too heavy for my own comfort. Take off your bra for me, slowly. Her hands grab hold of my ass. Im not gonna touch you. Just please. Elise grabs the waistband of my briefs and slowly pulls them down. Put it on. Remember, youre Yuele. Elise. Oh, God. I love this girl. No matter how many days, weeks, and months pass, I hope that Elise will know that. Shes kind, far too kind for her own good. I should have never thought she was anything else otherwise. Ill forever cherish the moment we truly got to know each other. Ill forever cherish the time we spent together since. I want to remember every word that she says. I want to be there for every night, every moment, every time that she weeps. Every light, every life, and every touch as we sleep. Every tear, every wish, and every hug that shell never lose. All the kisses and bruises we mark from the love that only grows. I want to be the one who stops her world. Because she makes my world stop. I love you, Elise. 21. one last thing, never said. Yuele forcefully shoves Elise down and gets on top of her. Elise has never seen Yuele look so hungry, so lustful. Hes a savage dog getting ready for its kill. The girl takes off her thinly-laced frilly white bra and lifts her chest up to give Yuele full view. He takes a second to lust over her tits. Elise does the same as this is the first time shes seen Yueles. As she thought, the sports bra Yuele wears hides their true size. Elises nipples are much lighter than her partner''s but it only makes it more inviting. He grabs the top of the headboard and violently grabs hold of Elises neck with his teeth. Elise wraps her arms around him and pulls him closer before grabbing his head and moving it up to her lips. Her ass jumps when feels the strap-on rubbing against her pussy only being saved by her panties. Fuck me good, Elise moans in Yueles ear. Her moans slowly increase as Yuele takes his time exploring her body with the gentle touch of his fingers. Palms placed firmly against her shoulders then descend down her breasts. Yuele squeezes then kneads them only for him to get wetter when he hears Elises whimper. His tongue sneaks out as it lowers towards her right nipple to playfully run up and down. Elise gasps at the light bite and pull. Nails begin to dig into his back when she hears her name roll off her lovers tongue, Elisemmm, oh fuck. The nails only dig deeper when she feels his hand travels down her stomach and inside her panties. Elise lets out a loud moan when shes teased by the two fingers rubbing her folds. Knees buckle inwards when her nub is teased only for her legs to be forcefully open. Yuele takes her panties off and begins to kiss her inner thighs. Elise is now steaming in anticipation and closes her eyes to await whats next. Two fingers gently go inside simultaneously receiving a gentle kiss on her lips. She squirms as they play around and takes their time going deeper. Elise gets a moment of breather only to find Yuele smirking when she opens her eyes. He takes the two fingers inside his mouth to suck on them as he lowers his head between her legs. She feels the smirk against her clit as the boy begins to kiss her, going down and sucking her in his tongue slips between. It stops for a split second as it finds the entrance and begins to run circles. Elises toes begin to curl and her back slowly arches up. Her head jolts up to stare at the ceiling when Yuele decides to dine. You like how Im eating you out? This is your punishment. Mmmhmm! You taste amazing. Yuele is unable to contain himself when Elises moans get more frequent. He lifts himself and grabs the toy and teases Elises pussy by rubbing it on it. Elises sultry face nods at him desperately. One hand grabs the arch on her back as he enters inside her. Once in, he uses the other against the bed to keep him stable. This is his first time so he doesnt know what to actually do. His hip moves forward and back slowly, deciding its best to start there. The speed slowly accelerates as get gets comfortable with the motion. See? Elise gasps, not noticing the tear forming in her eye. Thank you for trusting me. Yuele moves down to her ear, wiping the tear away, and whispers. I love you, Elise. Elise isnt able to respond because the speed only increases and pleasure becomes too much. She pulls him down as the ecstasy forces her to tense up. Yuele keeps a steady pace of his thrusts and only adjusts based on the frequency of her moans. Oh fuck! Elise yells. Shit. Yeah. Fuck. Right there. Right there. Dont stopmmmnoyeah Hearing all that sends Yuele into a frenzy. All his thoughts are replaced with just one. Oh, Yuele. Oh fuck. Im cummingIm cummingIm cumming! Elises body, unable to contain itself anymore, lunges upwards and pressed againsts Yuele. Elise flops back down, trembling at the orgasm she just felt. It takes a moment to catch her breath. Elise gets scared when she opens her eyes and sees Yuele isnt looking at her. Instead, its Yuna who looks back. She hovers over Elise, one arm holding her up on the headrest, the other on the bed. Yuna grabs the exhausted girls hand and walks it toward her aching pussy. Um, Yuna, Elise pauses when her fingers make contact. Yuna uses them to rub herself with them. Is this okay? Yuna presses her body against Elise. The accidental brush between their nipples makes Yuna moan. Elise falls in love with it. I want to feel what you just felt, Yuna giggles as she continues to use Elises finger to play with herself. She lets them go, You try, now. Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there. I dont know what to do. Elise wasnt nervous before but is now. Her anxiety only rises as she gets scared she wont be able to meet expectations. After all, Elise didnt plan on this. The fact that this is her first time with another woman doesnt help either. She wonders what she could do and if she should imitate what Yuele did. Yuna rolls them both over so Elise can be on top this time. As long as its you, it doesnt matter, she kisses Elises nose tip. I want to feel you. Unconsciously, a middle finger begins to play around Yunas labia. Its so wet, much wetter than Elise ever got. Its warm, a bit sticky, and ever so inviting. This time, Elise is the one who begins to explore Yunas body. At this point, enough sweat has been built up that makes Yunas body as slippery as much as its soft. The musky aroma that now lingers around is somehow turning Elise on again. It pushes her forward. Punish me, Yuna pleads. Elise lightly bites her nipples before moving up to lick off the sweat on her neck. The Japanese girl lets out a loud combination of a moan and a whimper when Elise accidentally brushes her nub. Then she feels a finger slowly enter inside and her body locks only for a brief moment. The traumatic memory comes back, but this time, its okay. Elise loves her. There isnt any doubt. Her body relaxes wholeheartedly as it allows Elise to enter. Mmmjust like that, Yuna gasps once the fingers find the exact motion she likes. Elises head begins to steam hotter the more she hears Yunas cute little moans. She switches hands when it becomes soaked in Yunas hot liquids. Elise rubs her pussy with it just because she wants it inside her. The moaning girl with little thoughts left giggles and grabs the hand so she can suck on it too. I want you, Elise exhales. You dont have the balls, Yuna jokes. She grabs Elises head and leads it down. Dont be shy. Elises lip gently brushes past the top of Yunas pussy. She takes a second to examine it. Not out of hesitation, but just to marvel. The anxiety she has felt up to this point disappears when she takes her first taste. Yunas eyes roll back when her pussy is being played around and teased with. Her fingers clutch down on the bed sheets as hard as they can when a tongue goes inside. Her walls tighten around it as she raises her leg over Elise. Theres a particular spot that Elise plays with that turns Yunas brain into mush. Her moans are uncontrollable as it feels like shes being messaged into dough. Theyre so adorable that Elise begins to finger herself because they put her in heat. Dont stop, dont stop, dont stop! Yuna accidentally screams out. Elise feels Yunas legs begin to cave in as her core starts to give out. She feels Yuna trying her best to keep the open. Lightly, she dips her tongue in then curls it a bit up to thrust deeper in and partially out. Elise doesnt stop as its only making Yuna melt even faster. Yuna uncontrollably thrusts her hips up with one push of Elises tongue. Her entire body nearly bends over backward orgasmic with Elise still inside. Her hands dont waste any time in bringing Elise towards her so she can taste herself. It catches the slightly bigger girl off guard by just how fierce the kiss is. Grabbing the leg around Elise for support, she readjusts herself on top of Yuna and then drops it so their hips intertwine. Oh, Yuna pants, realizing that Elise isnt done. Her hand grabs hold of Elises left breast as her pussy is pressed up against the majority of Elises. Rubbing Elises erect nipple, they passionately kiss as the lustful girl begins to sway her hips up and down. The speed picks up a bit once they move their bodies a bit closer to each other. Yuna begins to slightly move her hips when Elise breathes heavy and hot air against her ear. Her fingers begin to scratch down Elises back as she feels her clit gently be messaged by Elises folds. They both feel the blood inside their core begin to boil as they continue to grind. Nothing is said as they listen to each other''s moans and heaving breathing. The speed only increases as they slowly begin to reach their climax. Elise tilts her head back as the nails on her back begin to hurt her except its not the pain she feels. Yuna rests her head against Elise unable to move anything else. Her tears drip down and hope her lover and her best friend dont notice. The two girls let out a squirming moan together as they reach the limit of their climax. They dont stop and gradually slow down to work off the high. Elise falls down beside Yuna trying to control her trembling legs again and to catch her breath. Yuna''s pants are heavier than shes ever had. It takes her longer to come back to reality. She doesnt notice Elise snuggle up against her. I hope I did okay, she asks but doesnt get an answer. I love you so much. Its those words that bring Yuna back. You did amazing. Elise giggles and rests her head on top of Yunas heart. She listens in. Its not beating too fast but feel it push through the chest. There are a lot of things she wants to say right now, but none of it feels right. The words just dont exist right now. It''s hot and humid. Yunas covered in sweat and get self-conscious that Elise will find it gross at some point. I should shower, she sits up. Elise follows. Let me join you. The hot jet stream of the water hits them both and they embrace each other soon after. Not many words have been said since they got up from the bed. No words are said here. They clean each other off, both taking the time to examine and gently touch their bodies. Not in a lustful way but just to get to know one another. They exchange lips periodically during the shower. Elise blow dries Yunas hair first. It doesnt take long as its relatively short but runs her fingers through to pad time. Yuna wraps one arm around Elises waist when its her turn. She tackles the girl just to hear her giggle. What do we do tomorrow? Yuna asks once theyre under the covers. All this time she hasnt said much because theres been a blanket of peace surrounding her soul. Anything. As long as it''s with you. Elise, you complete me. And you give me strength to be more honest towards myself, Yuna. They fall asleep while they stare into each others eyes; never once their smiles fading. Never once their intertwined fingers ever leaving one another. Yuna is the first to wake up. Its too hot and there are strands of hair tickling her nose. She knows she fell asleep just holding her girlfriend''s hand so she questions when Elise wrapped her arms around her. She doesnt mind being too hot since its Elise whos the source. Just to be able to watch how she looks when shes asleep makes it worth it. And there are many more times to come. Elise panics when shes unable to feel Yuna when she wakes up. She feels around but her girlfriend isnt there. Its not until she sits up that she finds Yuna slightly smirking at her. Looking for someone? Elise pouts, pulling the bed sheets towards her. Youre staring. So are you. Yuna crawls towards Elise and gently grabs hold of her lips with her fingers. She pulls them towards her and lightly sucks on them. Because youre the love of my life, they both whisper. Author Notes [If you''re here to see how it ends, go read the previous chapter LOL] Thank you for reading and I hope you enjoyed it. I don''t even know if it''s good. RATE IT!!!! FOR EXPOSURE please cuz It''s a dumb story and I fell in love with Elise and Yuna and I really need the validation from strangers on the internet. I made their Playlist into reality so you can listen to what they like Elises playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0flTrdHjPhsHRvAR2cWFJq?si=GommxZa_TJKMO-fhHjqcOA Yuna/Yuele''s: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2hsvQbl3nbBvrpxGvZVatW?si=zI6CxHg7QdSpEY_YzUYMeA (I feel that Yuna should have figured out Elise was fruity the second she saw Girl in Red was on the Playlist.) This whole story was made entirely of a conversation I had with my friend. We were discussing the third generation of Skins (Go watch it it''s peak TV) and how they teased two girls getting together but they never did. The whole basis of this story is for that wish fulfillment. The last chapter was already written in my head on day one. I just had to find out how to get there. Nothing besides that was planned. I just wrote and this is the story, I guess you can say it''s all written freehand. If you encounter this narrative on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it. Elise was inspired by anyone in particular. I just took my love for Manga and making poems and wrote her out of those hobbies of mine. I admit that her character is the least interesting out of the two, but that''s okay. I think in the end Yuna was meant to be the main character. As for Yuna/Yuele, at first, they were supposed to be an androgynous person who just never tells Elise they''re a girl when Elise thinks otherwise, but somewhere along the way didn''t pan out. The idea of being genderfluid but not quite trans comes from one of my former friends. Our friendship was brief but man were they cool. If you noticed, I don''t name or introduce a lot of characters as I thought it would only bog the story down and solely wanted to focus on the girls. Did I blitz through the story? Yes. Even having Elise figure out Yuna''s secret past the halfway point felt like it took too long. I did write her to be kind of dumb tho. As for Yuna, I kind of hated how I made her become super vulnerable and girly around Elise. I want to explore her abrasive personality late on but I need a break. After all, I wrote this entire thing within 14 days with a 14-day break in between. I also wasn''t sober at a single point LOL. I wrote like 4 chapters sober but I threw them out cuz they were shit. the entire story was written with Yeule''s songs on repeat then Leaving Laurel for the last few, which is why each chapter is penned under one of their songs. Shameless self-insert, but the character Grace also appears in this: https://www.royalroad.com/fiction/49146/petrichor-act-one It takes place 4 years before this story Anyways, If you''re still reading this and haven''t read the story then what the hell are you doing dingus? Go away. You''re not my target audience? Who is my target audience? I feel like I offended anyone who would be with some shit I said in one of the chapters LOL. Anyways I wrote this for me, so I don''t care. thanks for reading. I''m subconsciously dressing like Yuele now as a result of writing this.