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Sayaka eyed the familiar mansion as she getting closer to it with her hands fumbling nervously around her purse.
Half an hour earlier, she got called from the president. She was just finished wrapping the older girl’s Christmas gift, in which she spent days and nights while the president was gone into a family business trip she couldn’t join to.
Her hard work though, almost got into vain when Sayaka nearly dropped the gift as she stuttered, “Y-your family’s Christmas party?” And almost dropped it twice–she decided to place it on her nightstand–when the other said the party would be held in two hours. And she was extremely relieved she already put it down because she was sure as hell, she would drop it the moment she heard there was a car already heading to her apartment.
Sayaka couldn’t really recall what the president said when she was getting ready in a speed of light but it was something along the lines, “I do love to keep making you surprised,” or, “Everything is already here, you only need to bring yourself.”
So, here she was, standing in front of the main door, and watched the chauffeur placed a key card against the door before inserted a pin combination she knew so well.
She offered a courteous smile. “Thank you, Hiroto-san”, Sayaka politely said after he pushed the large door open.
The middle-aged man nodded and returned the smile, gentle. He then turned back to the car and drove off.
“Igarashi-san, we’ve been expecting you.” A servant, middle-aged woman, greeted her inside.
The younger girl gave her a polite, not stiff, smile. “It’s nice to see you again, Tomori-san.”
Face wrinkled by age, only increased when she offered a warm smile. The old lady had been taking care of the twins since they were only innocent cubs, away from tarnished hands who sooner or later tore the pure souls within them.
Once, for the reason Sayaka couldn’t catch, she showed her one–and only–photo they managed to obtain from their childhood. No twin loops braids, no white mysterious mask. Just two identical 4 years old-s in their hana asagi–blue–kimonos. One with oh, so lovely, blushed cheeks, the other with familiar cunning smirk. The image was captured by her old, well-worn phone that didn’t belong in the estate. Sayaka immediately asked if she could send the picture to her, which the old lady gleefully did.
Carefully, the servant took off her thick coat from behind. “The pleasure is mine, Igarashi-san. How’s your holiday?”
The secretary uttered a quick thanks as she slid off the coat. “It is nice to be freed from the unlimited paperwork for a while. Although I must admit, too much slacking off made me feel kind of unwell.”
“As expected from Kirari-sama’s ever diligent secretary.” Tomori-san let out a raspy chuckled.
Sayaka cleared her throat. “Speaking of, is the President in her room?”
“Ah, yes. I believe she’s showering in her room right–“
“She is done showering, actually,” said an airy voice. The middle-aged woman visibly tensed up hearing it.
“President!” Sayaka beamed, turned around to see her platinum haired superior walked in. Her bathrobe slightly swayed as she came closer.
“Sayaka, darling, it’s been too long.” Strong arms slid beside slim waist, taking it in. Sayaka let her own arms responded. Her head placed on the other’s shoulder, breathing its earthy scent. It’s been too long indeed.
Sensing an intimate moment happening, Tomori-san began pulling away. “Allow me to excuse myself.” She then bowed before walked away.
Much to Kirari’s disappointment, Sayaka suddenly pulled away. “Ah, Tomori-san!”
The oldest woman in the room turned her attention back to the smaller girl in her top superior’s embrace. “Yes? May I help you?”
“Merry Christmas.” The gentle tone brought an ache into the servant’s chest.
Wrinkles on aged eyes deepened with how wide her smile was. “Merry Christmas too, dear. I hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday.”
Sayaka nodded. “You as well,” she said, smiling. She returned her arms, linking behind the spine in front of her.
“My, Sayaka. Please do remind me who is the owner of this house.”
The secretary giggled. “Merry Christmas to you too, President.”
Kirari hummed. Soft lips, absent with its usual blue tint, pressed against violet hair. She closed her eyes, taking its sweet scent.
Inhaled it one last time, Kirari pulled away, bringing smaller hand with her. And they didn’t know who interlaced their fingers first. “I must say, I’m impressed. Though I expect nothing less from my admirable secretary.”
She let the taller girl lead her way. “It’s nothing special. I simply want to act nice.”
Kirari rubbed her thumb on knuckles she held. “Although it didn’t really concern me, I’m glad it brings them comfort around you as well as my sister.”
They paused in front of a private elevator. Kirari then pressed its button.
“It shows how you are a perfect fit in this place.” The two girls entered the elevator. In it, she hit the button for the third floor. “A nice additional on that one.”
Sayaka blushed at this. “You gave me too much credit, President.”
Kirari glanced at the younger girl as they waited. “How’s your holiday?”
“It’s nice, to get a break from school and stuff. But I couldn’t rest well if I be too much of a laze.” Sayaka seemed to consider it before saying, “So, I was making... something.”
The president raised her eyebrow. “Oh? May I know what it was?”
“I promise I will show it to you soon.” The elevator pointed out a number: 3.
“Alright, then. I hold on your words.”
Sayaka followed the older girl stepping out, still hand in hand. “What about you, President? How was your trip?”
“Boring.” They walked towards the end of the hallway, where her room was. “I didn’t have any cute secretary with me.”
Any? “Do you possibly have another secretary?”
Kirari grinned. “Why?” She stole a glance at the other girl. “Is there a problem with it?”
Sayaka scowled. “It’s... fine, I guess.” Was she lacking too much that her president even needed another secretary?
“Now, don’t you think too much. I didn’t exactly confirm anything,” amused the President.
They both turned to a large door at their side. “Ah, is this perhaps just another one of your teasing, President?” Sayaka recalled how much her superior love seeing her reactions.
“Who knows.” Kirari then turned the knob.
Dark violet eyes immediately aimed to foreign objects on the familiar king-sized bed. Kirari turned around to face those eyes.
“Are you going to shower first? Or have you done it?”
“I took a quick shower at my place. It’ll take unnecessary too much time if I do it here.” Sayaka found herself calmly answered, despite the fact that she could feel her heart on her ears. Her eyes never left the bed, or more precisely, what was on it.
“Always the thoughtful one, aren’t you? Well then, let us just change right away.”
The taller girl released her grip to grab the subject of Sayaka’s attention: a dress. Sayaka stared the long silk white fabric. It looked awfully a lot like those wedding dresses, but much simpler. It might not have those complex ornaments, but still.
“Here.” Kirari handed the cloth.
“Here?”
“I believe the measurements are accurate.” Because Sayaka didn’t seem to accept the dress soon, Kirari took the shorter girl’s hand and placed it herself.
Sayaka mindlessly took the dress. “Yes?”
“You may change in the bathroom.” Kirari grinned at the bewildered girl. “Or, I am guessing you want to change here with me?”
“Yes? Wait, what? No–“
Kirari tapped her knuckle to the other’s forehead, giggling. “My, does the dress astound you so much?”
“Ah, well, it’s just that–“
“I know my dearest secretary will look gorgeous in it. I did design it myself with her in mind, after all. Oh, but of course the main factor is because she is indeed much of a stunner.”
The mentioned girl flushed. Ah... you and your honeyed words. She then looked at the dress in her arms. The president made it herself? “It is perfect, President. I couldn’t thank your kindness enough. I’m going to put it on now.”
“Splendid! I am right here if you need anything.”
Kirari turned back to her bed after she heard a click from her private bathroom. She stripped off her robe and slid on the black trousers from her bed. Then she reached for her usual blue gloss from the nightstand. As she twisted the cap off, she got a better plan for it. So, she twisted the cap back and put it in her pocket instead.
Right after Kirari put on her white shirt, another click could be heard from behind. “Excuse me, President? I might need a little help.”
“But, of course.” Kirari turned around to see her secretary’s head popped out from the bathroom door.
She saw how Sayaka visibly startled. “Ah! You aren’t done yet! How reckless of me! Please do continue.”
“It is quite alright, my dear. Come here, let me do help yourself first.”
“If you allow then...” Sayaka walked out with her previously clothes in her arms, making sure not to stare at pointed collarbones in front of her. She put them on the nightstand before showing her exposed back to Kirari. “I tried to reach out the zipper but it turned out too low for my hands to reach.”
The president hummed as she eyed the porcelain spine. Slowly, the tip of her middle and ring fingers followed the sallow path from nape to loin. The other girl shivered from her touch. Then she lowered herself and switched her digits for her lips. Pounding pulse could be felt on them.
Closing her eyes, she sighed, Kirari. It was a pity, really, she couldn’t mark this flawless skin with blue. But oh, well, she could always do it another time.
Giving it one last peck, Kirari moved her lips right beside flushed ear and began pulling up the zipper, slowly. “Keep this in mind, Sayaka,” she breathed. “The only one who can do this is me. And these exact same hands will be the one who rip it open too, do you understand?”
“Y-yes, of course. Thank you, President.”
After she made sure it attached well, she softly ordered, “Turn around.”
Kirari stared at those bright red cheeks and quivering irises that didn’t meet her own. And she stared at how dark violet strands so beautifully sparked under the dim light of her bedroom, contrasting with the white fabric. The sleeveless, high neck dress only made fine shoulders stroke the most, and with the A-line design, it hugged the slim waist perfectly.
“Gorgeous, indeed.” She grabbed the other girl’s chin so that their eyes could finally meet each other. “My eyes are on you, Sayaka.” It was true. She saw her. Her energy and passion, her invaluable efforts. All of her. “How improper of you to not do the same.”
“But I always do, President.” She did. The way a commoner looked up to the brightest star. And she was grateful she was given a chance to be surrounded by its light. Seemed close, but really, it was so, so far. Always, she looked. Always, she reached. But never did once even a tiny bit of her fingertips, touch its surface. And being an earthborn that she was, sometimes it was too much for her mortal eyes to bear. So, she couldn’t help but turned away, so that later she could look at the light longer.
Kirari smiled. “I know,” she said before closing the gap between their lips. Hitched breath could be felt from the other’s lips, but eventually they relaxed against her own. And it was too fast, with how Kirari withdrew.
“Now that I helped with your clothing, it is only fair if you helped me with mine, is it not?”
Sayaka looked down to unbuttoned white shirt before her. “Y-yes, I suppose,” she stuttered, noticing the magnificent sight of a toned stomach and the absent of bra. “If you permit me...”
The president watched with amusement at the shaky hands reaching out her shirt. Although they might seem clumsy, they still moved carefully. Steady, just like the girl. Each button was done with exact precision, not too long nor too fast.
“Good girl.”
She rested her hands on the other’s hips. Blue eyes shifted to the face, where flushed cheeks and now focused eyes were. Here, she noticed something.
“Breathe, Sayaka,” she whispered.
I would love to breathe too, Sayaka didn’t say that. She just nodded, like the obedient little girl she was.
Hooked up the last button, Sayaka paused. Kirari could see her contemplating. Should I tuck her shirt myself? Or should I wait for her command? Am I even allowed to do it?
Kirari watched, wondering what choice will her favourite fish choose. Her wait didn’t last long when trembled hands headed towards the end of her shirt, in contrast to determined eyes. Smiling, she decided it was time to help the poor girl.
“Sayaka.”
Dark amethyst orbs shifted to aquamarine ones, drown in each other. “Yes, President?”
The president rubbed her thumbs against pointed hip bones. “I’m afraid I’m not capable of doing my tie correctly. Would you mind giving your assistance?”
A lie, they both knew, but Sayaka appreciated it. “Of course. It’s my pleasure.”
Kirari released her hands so her secretary could grab her black tie from the bed. As Sayaka moved away, she tucked in the shirt herself. And the same order as before repeated. At first, the hands tying up the tie on her neck slightly quivered, but soon they became as agile as ever.
But Kirari didn’t mind them. Instead, she looked at how long those dark eyelashes were, and at how delicate those blushed cheeks seemed, or at how soft that pink pair of lips she planted a kiss not too long ago looked.
She blinked when the object of her gaze pulled away, picking up the black suit jacket.
“Your arms, please?” the girl behind her requested, lifting up the suit jacket. After Kirari slid in her arms smoothly, Sayaka came back in front of her to adjust it. Blue eyes could be felt, watching every movement she made.
“How do I look?” The older girl asked after Sayaka attached its button. She witnessed how dark violet irises eyeing her entire being with marvel before they puzzled.
“You look... stunning, President.”
“Are you sure? I am confident that your eyes say otherwise.”
“Ah! Pardon me! It is just something seems off...” Her suit is nothing but fine. Is it her hair? Maybe it is, because it’s not in its usual braids. Yes, maybe it is. Because there’s nothing on her face– Oh!
“Your lip-gloss! Are you not going to use it tonight?” Sayaka stared at the bare lips.
“Actually, I was just about to ask you to apply it for me.” Kirari pulled out the object mentioned from her pocket.
“Apply it for you...?” Confusion filled the smaller girl when she watched the president stirred off the cap and aimed the gloss to the secretary’s lips instead of giving it to her.
“Yes, with your lips.”
Sayaka quickly backed off before the tip reached her lower lip. “W-w-wait, President!”
“Hm? What’s wrong?”
“That surely is not effective at all! The colour will not turn out well! And the shapes of our lips are different, it’s going to be hard to justify it later,” blabbered Sayaka.
Kirari chuckled. “Oh, my. I suppose it is. Well, let’s just use your hands, I guess.” This time, she handed it to her.
“A-alright.” Using her right hand, Sayaka directed the lip gloss to the other’s lips.
“No, Sayaka.” Violet eyes immediately moved towards blue ones, alarmed. “I said hands, not hand.”
The president picked up Sayaka’s left hand and rested it on her chin. “You have to maintain the balance of my face so it doesn’t go on all wonky. In order to get a perfect lip, you have to move my face into the proper position.”
Unnecessary, they both knew. Because Kirari never did once let her head wobble. And it was always her who moved others as she wanted, not the other way around. Nevertheless, Sayaka took the challenge.
“Understood. Please forgive my ignorance. May you part your lips a little, if you wouldn’t mind?” Polite, as always. Kirari curled up the edges of her lips before parting them.
With absolute carefulness, Sayaka traced the soft lips with blue shade. Warm breath could be felt on her fingers, as well as the feel of gleaming aquamarine orbs bore into her eyes. Both her hands moved together; one moved the chin slightly according to the other.
Sayaka retracted her hands. “T-there.” She cleared her throat, sensing how her voice cracked. “I don’t know if I did a good job or not–“
“Sayaka.” Soft smile plastered on the president’s now blue lips. “If it is you, I don’t need a mirror.”
“Ah,” she flustered, Sayaka. “Thank you, President. Again, you gave me too much credit.”
Kirari shook her head. “Now, what should I do with my hair?” She turned toward her dresser.
Before Sayaka knew it, she mumbled, “Low ponyta–Ah!” She quickly shut her mouth.
“Hm? What was it?” amused Kirari as she sat before her dresser.
“Nothing! Please do your hair as you see fit.”
Chuckling, Kirari reached for her brush and black ribbon. “Come here, love.”
Ignoring the pet name, Sayaka stood behind the president. “May I help you, President?”
“Yes, in fact. Please make my hair as you think it should.” Kirari handed the brush and ribbon.
“Are you sure you let me do it?” The secretary hesitantly accepted the goods.
“Sayaka, stop doubting yourself. Because I never once did.”
“If you wish...” Sayaka brushed the silky platinum hair for the umpteenth times. But instead of braiding it, she gathered it around the nape and secured it with the black ribbon. After making sure there was no even a single strand of hair out of place, she stepped back.
Kirari hummed. “Now, how do I look?” Tenderness could be seen in her gaze.
There, in the mirror in front of her, Sayaka could only saw a heavenly prince charming straight-out escaped those silly fairy tales. And the second she realized she said it out loud, it was too late.
The prince mentioned, grinned widely to the heavy-blushing girl across the mirror. “Oh, my. How flattered you made me be. But please pardon me for how I do not possess such thing as white horse.”
“President...” Couldn’t contain her embarrassment, Sayaka hid her burning face behind her palms.
“Now, now, my princess.” Kirari stood up, walking behind the other girl. “Do not hide that lovely face of yours. Here, let me return your favour,” she said, offering the now vacant stool.
“Y-you don’t have to, President. I can do it myself.”
“Please, I insist.” Kirari gently pushed the girl to sit and took the brush from her hand. “Now, what do you want your hair to be?” Pulling off the white ribbon securing usual side ponytail on dark violet hair, she asked.
“Eh? But I’ve done yours according my will. Isn’t it only fair if you choose mine?”
“I know you already have the idea of it. Now, what is it?”
Sayaka hesitated before saying, “I think... long hair like mine will appear the best if it held in a low bun, with this type of dress, I mean.”
“Alright, then.”
Sayaka closed her eyes, relishing the smooth gesture at her hair. A small moment of relaxation wouldn’t hurt, she thought. The president hands may be cold and full of wickedness, but they were also filled with gentleness, especially for the younger girl.
Feeling no longer motion at her hair, she opened her eyes. Right on the time the president gave a sweet kiss on the top of her head. She couldn’t help but melt within her touch. When their eyes met, they gave each other the earnest smile.
“A princess with the strength of a warrior. How did I receive such liberty as borrowing you through this night from your enchanted wonderland?”
Sayaka shook her head. “I am not a princess nor I am from any dazzling wonderland. But I will be a warrior to protect my vow to you. So, you don’t have to get anything for me to be with you. Every time you ask for me, I will come to you.”
Kirari put her lips back on top of her head. “You will always be a princess in my eyes.” She mumbled against violet hair. “Not like Cinderella though, no. Because she did not lose both of her shoes, did she?”
“Huh?” Confused, Sayaka followed where Kirari gaze was landed: her bare feet.
Giggling, Kirari stepped back. “Wait here, yes? Let your prince fetch those shoes really quick.”
Before Sayaka had the senses to respond, Kirari was already gone into her walk-in closet. Her president had always been a flatterer, especially with her honeyed words. So, this was nothing new. But somehow tonight, those words seemed to be in another level of sweet. Not to mention about her doings.
She stood up when her superior came back, holding a shoe box heaven knew how much it cost. She also noticed the black oxfords already hugging the president’s feet.
“Sit back, you.” So Sayaka did, her back facing the dresser this time.
“Eh?”
Kirari kneeled in front of her and put down the box beside her. Inside it were white pumps heels, in which Sayaka could relieved a bit because they weren’t too high. Then the older girl grabbed one of them.
“Your left foot, please.”
Sayaka gasped when she realized what was the other trying to do. “President... What are you doing?”
“Sayaka, you have already done so much for me. These are the least I can do.”
“But this is...” Inappropriate? Unnecessary? Unbefitting? To be truth, all of those seemed fit because how not? Someone she cherished deeply, someone she held in the highest regard, someone she worshipped, kneeled before her, asking for her foot like some servants.
Hesitatingly, Sayaka lifted up her left foot. What is she doing? I know I’ll never understand her intentions, but what is this?
She slightly raised the white fabric of her dress–it reached her ankles–as Kirari grabbed her heel and slid in the shoe. It fit perfectly like a resin in its mold. And Sayaka couldn’t get the slightest idea of how the president could get all of her measurements right.
Kirari smiled to her secretary after she put the second shoe on.
“Please get up, President.” She practically begging now.
“Just a little more touch,” the girl kneeled said as she fishing something out from her pocket–when even did she put it there?
Purple eyes widened when Sayaka realized what it was. If she was shocked before, now it was ten times more. Because how could she not? When there, in front of her, the president kneeled, holding a small black velvet box. She may be didn’t open it yet, but even a blind man knew what inside it.
“...President...?”
Sayaka found herself couldn’t breathe. Inside it was what she just expected: a ring. A delicate three-stone diamond ring. Three stones; each for past, present, and future. The two side diamonds accentuate the size and brilliance of the centre diamond, the present.
Kirari gave her most sincere look to the frozen girl. “Allow me.” Gently, she took the other’s right hand and slid in the ring to where it belonged.
The secretary didn’t know if she should laugh or cry–she did neither–because there was no four words question nor three words statement. She simply put it there, without giving any context. Sayaka shouldn’t have expected anything though, because that was just so Kirari. She did what she wanted to do, she got what she wanted to have.
The president observed her hand–or the ring–before she kissed the ring finger–or the ring, she didn’t know–. “Merry Christmas, Sayaka.”
The called girl wanted to scream. That’s it? A Christmas present? But why on Earth did she put it there? What does it mean? What is she doing? Why doesn’t she say anything? For heaven’s sake tell me something! Anything!
A single droplet of tear streamed down her cheek, and she didn’t know if it from happiness or the contrary. But she did know Kirari licked it away–like she always did.
“I love you.”
Yes, that came from one of them. No, that didn’t come from the one who should.
Kirari smiled and whispered, “I know.” Sayaka wanted to cry, but no, only that single tear managed to come out.
And when she received a lovely kiss on her lips, once again cursed thoughts she never dared to say, came flooding her mind. What does this kiss mean? Does she love me too? Or is it just a consolation? Please give me answers...
“Ah, it always left imprints,” Kirari said, wiping away blue traces on the other’s lips. Sayaka wanted to say it was okay, that she was marked with her colour. But she couldn’t, not when there was a thumb on her mouth.
“What do you think?”
About what? About how frustrating all of this was? About how this was everything she could ever dreamed of except it wasn’t?
“It is lovely, President.”
“I am glad.”
The president pulled Sayaka to her feet. “Then, shall we go?”
“Actually... I have something I want to give to you as well.”
“Oh?”
Sayaka grabbed her purse and took out a small box wrapped in blue matte paper and black ribbon.
“It might not much, but I wish it is up to your liking.”
“Everything you do, you did well, Sayaka.” Kirari received it. “May I open it now?”
“Y-yes, you may.” Although she knew well even if she said no, the president would open it anyway.
Inside it was a small white wooden music box with lilies sculpt on its surface. Kirari spared a quick interested glance to the other girl before opened it.
Soft tune–not unlike celesta–filled up the whole room. Kirari found herself closing her eyes to the beautifully heart-breaking melody.
“What is this song’s name?” Kirari asked, still closing her eyes.
“Lily Flower.”
“I have never heard of it. Who made it?”
“...Me,” Sayaka hesitantly answered.
She hummed, Kirari. “You do have the digital version, yes?” Looking at her secretary now.
“Yes, I do.” Her heart pounding, unsure of what the president thought.
“Sent it to me later, will you?” The music was still playing in the background.
“O-of course.”
“Oh, and sent an errand to buy a white grand piano and place it at the first floor.”
“Wha–I mean, yes, surely.” Sayaka picked out her phone and began typing the order. What is she thinking? Does she not like it so much to even need to buy a whole piano–
“I want to hear it every day. You are willing to play it for me, aren’t you?”
Sayaka felt tears began forming in her eyes because the only opinion that mattered was the president’s. “Of course, President. It's my pleasure.”
“Good.” She closed the music box and gently placed it on her nightstand. “Now, shall we?” Wrapping her arm around the younger girl’s waist, she smiled at her.
“We shall.”
They were inside the car now. Sayaka rubbed her ring, uneasiness began forming inside her. The more they got closer to the party the more she realized that this wasn’t a ball held by the prince’s kind-hearted parents, filled with their cheerful folk. Because Kirari wasn’t a prince. Instead, she was a queen. The wicked and unscrupulous one. And this party filled with her creatures, or she should say, devourers.
“Chin up, Princess. Or the crown slips,” she heard Kirari said.
And maybe the president was right, that she was a princess. Manipulated and trapped within her magic for the queen to use. But even if it right, she never wanted to be freed from her grasp.
So, Sayaka straightened her posture and looked up at the front. “You as well, President.”
Kirari grinned widely.