This chapter is dedicated to @FTY2– and CityOfFragments who have been VERY patient with me whilst I've been busy with other things, thank you for your continued support not only on this book but my others too, you're a true friend and I hope you enjoy!

What if- Amber Mark

(Monday, 8.54pm)

Queen Haruna 🌸: Nice timing Aki, was just talking about u!

Fuyuppe: Good evening Aki.

Kino Aki: Evening! How is everyone?

Queen Haruna 🌸: Everyone? There's only us 2- private chat 😅

Queen Haruna 🌸: Did u and Ichinose like any of the bby names we suggested?

Kino Aki: We both liked Seiko and Kane but we're still open to options. Kazuya wants the kids to have American-style middle names.

Queen Haruna 🌸: Aw u didn't pick any of mine!

Fuyuppe: :D

Queen Haruna 🌸: Anyway! Speaking of babies... Any ideas on the Natsumi situation?

Kino Aki: Don't call it a 'situation'

Queen Haruna 🌸: That's why I made a separate chat 🌚

Kino Aki: it feels sort of wrong, talking behind her back, don't you think?

Queen Haruna 🌸: Just trust me on this. I only want to help her Aki! She's having a baby completely alone, and I know she's scared out of her mind-even if she doesn't show it. She's got no support rn we need let her know we'll be there for her- we're her best friends ffs!

Kino Aki: I understand that.

Queen Haruna 🌸: It's not just the pregnancy, she's had a shitty couple of years too! First that asshole Yosuke, treating her like dirt all the time and then just bailing! 🤬 I could kill him!
Then there was all that stuff with her dad and then all that madness with you know... It's just too much for one person to handle! And on top of it all she's now a single mum!

Kino Aki: I know, I know. I want to help her too, we all do, but at the same time I want to respect her boundaries Haruna. She's kept this a secret from us for the most part and it's clear she doesn't want us crowding her, asking questions, I think she just wants a little time to herself. When she's ready, she'll come to us.

Queen Haruna 🌸: She's not gonna just 'come to us'- she's too proud for that. We need to go to her!

Kino Aki: She's not proud Haruna, she's just going through a difficult time.

Queen Haruna 🌸: You know what I mean. Fuyuka you agree with me right?

Fuyuppe: Oh, I'm not sure I'm best suited to weigh in on this, I didn't really even know Natsumi all that well
:(

Queen Haruna 🌸: ugh I suppose we aren't gonna agree on this. Fine, but I still think we should at least talk to her a bit.

Queen Haruna 🌸: I've got it! Aki why don't you take her out shopping with you tomorrow or something? Tbh I think you're the best person for the job. You'll have to make it organic- run into her I mean.

Kino Aki: how am I going to just bump into her?

Queen Haruna 🌸: idk you'll have to figure smth out, don't know her schedule...

Kino Aki: Give me moment. I'll be back.

Queen Haruna 🌸: Kay

Queen Haruna 🌸: soooo Fuyuka, how did everything go with Anja's parents??

Fuyuppe: it was good.

Queen Haruna 🌸: Details???

Fuyuppe: Well, dad was a bit standoffish at first, but her parents are so bubbly and funny he was quickly won round. They brought many tasty things with them; breads, cheeses, Brunsviger. Dad especially liked the cheeses. It was good.

Queen Haruna 🌸: Aw that's cute! 😊 Told you there was nothing to worry about! 😤

Fuyuppe: I suppose you two were right

Kino Aki: Natsumi's going to be at the Busy Bean tomorrow. Kazemaru's meeting her for coffee before school.

Queen Haruna 🌸: Kazemaru? They're friends now?

Kino Aki: That's what Ichirouta said- they try to catch up every couple weeks

Queen Haruna 🌸: 🤔Right... That's interesting 😑

Fuyuppe: Something happened?

Queen Haruna 🌸: More than 'something' 😒 it was a shit-show 🙃

Fuyuppe: ???

Kino Aki: That's not important rn, point is I'm gonna meet her after. Wish me luck!

Fuyuppe: Okay :D

Queen Haruna 🌸: Kay, good luck! (Fuyu I'll message you)

(Tuesday, 9.10am ~outside the Busy Bean Cafe)

"Natsumi, what a surprise! Up early too I see?"
The auburn-haired woman turned around at the mention of her name, somewhat surprised to see Aki standing there. She hadn't seen her face to face in...well it was weeks at this point...
"Oh, hello." She replied simply.
"I was just about to do some more shopping for myself and the little ones, did you want to join me?" Aki asked innocently, hoping the other would agree right away so there'd be no need for her to pester Natsumi more than necessary.

"Right now?"
'Won't it be awkward though? You haven't seen each other properly in so long, what if she starts asking questions?' Natsumi mentally scoffed at her thoughts- Aki wasn't like that, Aki was kind and caring, she never pried into other people's business and overall she was just simply a wonderful girl. 'Aki wouldn't do that. I can trust her.' She thought before turning her wrist, pretending to check the time on her watch. "Well...I don't have anything better to do at the moment." She said with her usual grace and elegance.
'It will be nice to spend time with my friends again.'

The two women entered a small boutique store, in all honesty Aki didn't need anything else, but she figured Natsumi would find things she'd like here. To see her looking happy would make it all worth it.
"This is so cute." Aki said, holding up an dinosaur-patterned onesie for her friend to see.
"It is." Natsumi replied, albeit absentminded, she seemed to not be paying much attention, barely taking notice at any of the adorable clothes or items on offer.

For a moment Aki thought this may have been a bad idea, maybe she didn't feel comfortable or ready?
"Natsumi?" She asked, taking her friend's hand gently. "Um, do you know the sex yet, or are you not bothered?" She asked, placing the onesie back on the rack. After all Natsumi was already at four months, it was an important scan to have. Natsumi looked at her pleadingly and shook her head, she'd been putting if off for days. It made everything too real.

"I can go with you if you want?" Aki asked with a gentle smile. It was important, they both knew that. Natsumi's eyes showed immense gratitude; she didn't want to ask but the thought of having to go through such an important milestone alone had been eating her up inside. She was grateful to have such an amazing and supportive friend. Then her expression changed. She sent a cursory glance towards the shop assistant before answering- a little louder than before "Well yes, I'm not sure my husband will be able to make it."
Aki didn't say anything, she'd noticed the ring her friend was wearing that morning.

"Did you maybe want to check out some toys? I'm sure we could find a cute teddy or something." She coaxed, leading her friend over. "These are so sweet." She mused as she eyed up the many cuddly toys on display 'maybe I should get some for the twins?' she thought before dismissing the idea- Domon had already bought them far too many.
She looked over at her friend to see her carefully studying a plush penguin, almost lovingly so. "Uh Natsumi?"
"Huh-yes?" The auburn-haired woman replied quickly, almost fumbling the small animal. Aki suppressed a giggle. "Do you like that one?"
Natsumi regained her composure, picking a speck of fluff off the purple penguin's head "It will be adequate." She replied diplomatically.
Aki just chuckled, glad her friend seemed to find something she liked.

"Do you require any assistance ladies?" A shop attendee in a smart uniform asked. Aki just smiled at her, saying they were okay. "Excellent." The woman said, grinning brightly; she seemed very interested in the two women, enthusing and asking many questions to which Aki tried to politely answer. Natsumi had gone uncharacteristically quiet again, simply staring down at the plushie in her hands with a somber look on her face- she wasn't in the mood for questions.

"Could I interest you in our new maternity-wear line?" The employee asked after what seemed like ten whole minutes. "We've got new stock in." Aki looked at her friend's blank expression before nodding lightly, she could do with some new clothes now that she was getting bigger. "I won't be a minute, okay Natsumi?" She asked, her friend simply sending her a tired wave before walking off to another part of the store.
'Some people are far too nosey.' She thought to herself before smiling lightly at the colourful array of cute baby clothes. She looked down at the plushie in her arms "Would it like this?" She wondered out loud, subconsciously stroking her belly.
"Oh I'm sorry!" A small voice suddenly squeaked. Natsumi turned around, seeing that a girl had reached for the same onesie as her. "Oh that's okay." Natsumi replied, taking in the girl's appearance; she looked to be around 18 years old, if that, and as far along as Natsumi herself.

"Well...excuse me then..." the girl said quietly, gently pulling the item off the rack- her eyes going wide when she felt how soft the material was. Then her face fell. She quickly placed it back, an awkward look on her face "Ah I um never realised how expensive all this would be." She laughed nervously "I don't really know what things I actually need." Her face suddenly crumpled, small tears pricking in her eyes "I don't know how to do any of this..."
Natsumi didn't know what to say, she knew exactly how the girl felt, and yet she didn't know how to comfort her.

"Um well...I'm sure they can give you some advice." She said awkwardly as the attendee from earlier walked over. The girl sniffed, her eyes downcast "O-okay.."
Natsumi sighed 'Aki's better at this kind of stuff than me.' She looked at the girl before tapping her lightly on the arm "Um it will be okay."
"Everything okay over here?" The attendee asked. Natsumi nodded, holding up the penguin "I'm purchasing this."
"Ah excellent choice, very cute!"

Aki emerged from the dressing room, empty-handed. "Well that was a waste of time." She sighed before noticing Natsumi standing outside the store, talking to someone.
"-thank you again, for these and...for everything." Aki heard the younger woman say shyly as she opened the door, she was holding a bag full of baby clothes and the plushie Natsumi has been previously clutching.
"Who was that?" Aki asked as the other woman left, Natsumi had a bright smile on her face.
"I told them I would be taking my triple-platinum credit card elsewhere. They were being disrespectful to her."

Aki sent her an incredulous look and Natsumi sighed "She's young, unmarried, they pretended like she didn't exist. I wasn't going to stand for that." Aki looked over at the woman, at the penguin plushie she was holding in her arms.
"I thought she could do with a few things. I gave her my number in case she wants to talk...I don't know if that's weird or..." Natsumi went a little red as her friend chuckled at her. "Aw that was sweet Natsumi!"

"So, how are things with you and Kazuya-kun?" The two had decided to take a stroll in the Sun. Aki smiled, it seemed that since the incident in the shop Natsumi had opened up a bit more. She was glad to see her friend starting up a conversation again.
"We're fine. It's been a bit weird since I'm not running the café anymore- I'm supposed to be 'taking a step back, looking after myself and the baby'. But it's okay, Dom's picking up the slack there, and Kazuya's working so hard as well." She let out a light laugh, walking over to a nearby bench- her feet could do with a rest. "It's weird..." she began, just watching the people who walked by, all manner of people, enjoying the day. "...being stuck in the house all day, alone, nothing to do. I have to find things to keep myself occupied." She murmured wistfully.

Natsumi could relate to that, being stuck at home, bored out of mind with nothing to do, no one to talk to. It was so isolating. Maybe she should have told her friends sooner, then they'd be there for her, spend time with her and help her out. She wished she hadn't been so afraid...
"Haruna suggested I make some cooking videos or something in the meantime, maybe focus on pregnancy diets, cravings, those sorts of things." Aki said, back to her usual cheerful self. "I'm a little nervous about that, but I think it would be nice to do. I know I would've wanted something like that earlier on."

Speaking of cravings, Natsumi was trying hard to ignore the smell of grilled meat coming from a nearby food stall. Aki chuckled a little. "Red meat huh?" She asked to which her friend sighed heavily "I feel like a carnivore."
Aki smiled again, that was one thing she'd gained a massive aversion to: the look, the smell, it made her feel sick. "I got sweet things, especially dairy." She explained "I had to move onto yoghurt because I was consuming a truly ungodly amount of ice cream before I hit six months."

She laughed a little again, feeling the slightly awkward tension from earlier in the day completely gone now. "Kazuya said he'd go on a pregnancy diet with me, which was a sweet gesture. Not that he lasted very long though bless him, I found him devouring a tub of ice cream at three in the morning."

Natsumi thought about how lucky Aki was to always have Ichinose to help her with everything. She had no one to help her, she was alone.
'Not like you need anyone.'
"I was thinking..." Aki began, capturing her friend's attention again. "Would you let me plan your baby shower? You just did such a lovely job with mine so I thought I'd return the favour." She asked, a little nervously, she'd only just thought of it now.

"You were so great." She whispered. Natsumi must've known she was pregnant at the time, but she hid it so well, there wasn't any inkling that anything was wrong at all. Aki couldn't begin to imagine what it must've been like for Natsumi to go through that day when she was trying to figure out what to do with her own pregnancy. After the shower was when she began to distance herself...
"I know it's a while away but I just wanted to say that if you did want to have one down the line I'd be honoured to do it for you. And the girls would love to help too."
Natsumi looked at her, unsure of her answer. A baby shower, it made it all so real... "Thank you." She whispered finally. "Thank you, I'd love that."

Aki smiled. She took out her phone, pretending to look at the time. "I should be going." She said, taking her time to stand up from the bench. "Oh! Before I forget, Haruna's having a girl's night at hers tonight- you should come! It's been so long since we had a proper girls night you know? Haruna's made all the preparations, we'll watch a movie, have fun, like the old days!"
Aki missed them, the sleepovers they'd have; staying up late eating junk food and watching movies, giggling and telling each other's secrets. Of course whenever they stayed over at Natsumi's it was always a more elegant affair- at least to start with.

"What do you think? Up for it?" Aki continued. "It would be really nice to see you." She urged, hoping she didn't sound too pushy; she wanted their plan to work of course, but she would understand if Natsumi turned the offer down.
Natsumi pondered the question, it would be nice to spend time with the girls...but on the other hand...
"Yes, okay." Now wasn't the time for overthinking- Natsumi was tired, and she just wanted to spend time with her friends, that was all that mattered.

(7.50pm~ Haruna's apartment, Shibuya)

"Natsumi! You came!" Haruna exclaimed as she swung open the front door to her apartment, greeting her smartly-dressed friend in a black crop top and Pikachu pyjama bottoms.
"I brought alcohol-free champagne, and some marshmallows." The other woman replied, suppressing a small giggle.
Haruna grinned a wide smile, a sight Natsumi had sorely missed. "Ooh yummy!" She squealed, taking the gifts from the other and inviting her inside.

"Everyone, Nats is here!" Haruna yelled happily before quickly turning to her friend who was slowly unzipping her jacket. "Sorry, it's a bit cramped out here at the moment, I've not completely unpacked yet."
Natsumi followed her friend into the living room where the two other girls were waiting.
Fuyuka and Aki both greeted her with warm smiles as Haruna added the marshmallows to their 'snack pile'.
"Oh, and Fuyuppe brought some Danish pastry with her." Haruna said, disappearing into the kitchen.
"Weinerbrød." Fuyuka corrected. "Anja showed me how to make them, I was worried dad was going to eat them all." She explained as Natsumi took a seat on the sofa next to Aki.

"Haruna was just showing us her first portfolio." Aki said, patting the space next to her. "You were her first model, right?" She asked as Natsumi sat herself down on the sofa next to her.
"The very first, and she was so great at it too!"
The navy-haired woman added, coming back into the room. Natsumi looked down at the photographs and smiled lightly, she did look very pretty in them, she'd almost forgotten about it. Haruna had asked her to model for her as a favour since she was just starting out.
"I had asked Aki as well but you were a bit too shy for the camera, Natsumi was a natural though." Haruna stated, handing a glass of champagne to each of her friends in turn.

Haruna's lifelong ambition had been to become a journalist; and her big break came when she got a job at one of the biggest news firms in Tokyo, Mainichi Shimbun. It wasn't all it was cracked up to be though, and for a long time she wasn't getting much work (much of that-she believed- was down to her boss who was kind of a dick). So, she decided to take matters into her own hands, starting a side blog about something she was passionate about: fast-fashion and it's environmental and social impacts. Her editorial skills were soon noticed and she was offered a new job working for a fashion magazine. A year later she decide to finally take the scary leap and start her own business focusing on sustainable and ethical clothing.

Fuyuka turned the page "Oh it's Rika!" She exclaimed, the other two marvelling at the photos of their friend.
"Yeah she did the swimwear and summer line for me." Haruna explained.
"She's absolutely beautiful." Aki muttered, flipping through the glossy pages. It was true, the woman looked stunning and modelled the clothes perfectly. Haruna sighed "I miss having her around, she was so fun and lively." The other girls nodded, Rika had recently taken over from her mum in the restaurant, meaning they hardly saw her anymore.

"Touko too..." Aki mumbled. "We should throw a reunion or something." It had been months since they had even spoken on the phone. "Do you know what she's up to these days?" Aki asked but Haruna shook her head.
"I saw her actually, about two months ago." Natsumi stated "At a fancy event. She goes overseas a lot, she's an Ambassador for girls getting into sport."
"Ah that's so cool! There's the Touko we know and love!" Haruna exclaimed but Natsumi just sighed deeply "I suppose, but she said it's putting a strain on her relationship, being away from Osaka all the time, and their difference in status of course... It looked like she really didn't want to be there- socialising with high-society I mean. She looked like she was looking for an escape route all night. I can't blame her, I didn't want to be there either."

The mood swiftly dampened after that. Aki and Fuyuka looked at each other worriedly before Haruna quickly shut the portfolio. "Right, enough of that! Let's get this night properly started okay!"
She switched on the tv, swiftly logging into Netflix.
"That's definitely Kidou's account." Aki said with a smile, Haruna smirked, selecting Pretty Woman and sitting back "Obviously."

"Ooh ooh this is the bit!" Haruna exclaimed as Julia Roberts' character walked into the shop, dressed elegantly in her iconic white outfit. The navy-haired woman sat up quickly "You wouldn't serve me yesterday, you guys work on commission don't you? Big mistake, big, huge!" She said in time with the movie. Aki and Natsumi looked at each other and smiled.

After the movie finished Haruna got up with a start, grinning at the other girls. "I have a surprise, wait here!"
She waltzed back into the living room, expertly carrying a tray of cocktails. "Look what I've got!" She sang before placing them on the table. "Personalised mocktails, alcohol-free of course, because we cannot just drink that awful champagne all night- no offence Nats."
"None taken, it's pretty bad." Natsumi retorted.
The tray held four distinct drinks. She held up the first one ceremoniously, a tall glass with whiteish-yellow liquid inside. "For our darling Aki I have picked a yuzu, shiso sugar syrup, soda and elderflower cordial mocktail. A tasty, yet still elegant drink. Also known as the Shi-so fine; which of course Aki is." She grinned before handing Aki the drink who just chuckled at the recital. Fuyuka clapped her hands together softly. "Thank you for that Fuyu!" Haruna replied before grabbing the next drink and holding it in the air, putting on a posher voice this time.

"And for our angel Fuyu, I have prepared a drink that may seem subtle at first, but has a bit of a kick; Peach, lime, soda and lemon and lime ginger beer- the Strong Gingerpendent Woman." She explained, handing the drink to the other before grinning "Though I'd like to think we all fit that title really."
Aki nodded her head at the comment "Yes, we're all strong."

Haruna sighed and picked up the last two drinks, one purple and one a pretty pink colour "It was at this point that I ran out of clever names." She admitted "So it's blueberry and watermelon for me, and a strawberry chamomile martini for Nats."
Natsumi outstretched a delicate arm and took hold of the drink, letting out a gentle thank you. Haruna frowned at how quiet the other was being, but plastered a smile back on her face when the other looked back. At least she came along, hopefully Natsumi would brighten up as the night went on.

"There's more in the kitchen too, I made quite a lot." She continued, Aki chuckled "Alcohol-free is good for us but let's make sure we aren't overdoing it with the sugar yes?"
"Of course!" Haruna retorted, as if the pile of sugary snacks they'd all brought weren't staring her in the face.

After the mocktails it was time for a good-old-fashioned pamper session: face masks, pedicures, manicures, the works.
"This nail art is so pretty Nats, I almost feel bad taking it off." Haruna mused, gathering up some polish bottles.
"It's alright." Natsumi simply said, eyeing the dark coloured polishes that were being presented to her- they really weren't her usual style at all.

Haruna took her friend's hand, it was baby-soft, though she expected nothing less, applying the first stroke of indigo before Natsumi spoke up. "And how is your love-life going Haruna, since you always seem to be interested in ours?"
Haruna had to laugh. "Non-existent, that's what it is." She answered before lowering her voice slightly "Well...except for..." she looked up at her friend's eyes that were wide with curiosity. "I mean it's just a stupid crush..." her cheeks began to bloom with a slight pink haze.

"Oh?" She heard Aki ask. It wasn't even like she was embarrassed, it was just...
"Do tell." Natsumi said and Haruna wanted to protest but she knew it was futile. "Okay!" She giggled, putting the polish down and sitting cross-legged in front of the others like an excited schoolgirl. "So there's this cute chick that works down at the animal shelter right? I keep having to pretend that I'm looking for a pet in the hopes of seeing her."

"A she huh?" Natsumi asked and Haruna tipped her head to the side "She's soooo pretty, like stunning actually- ugh like dusty-peach pink hair, deep blue eyes and cares about animals?? Like?!?" She waved her hands around frantically, much to the others' amusement. "Sounds like more than a silly crush to me." Said Aki.
"Have you spoken to her?" Fuyuka asked quietly and the redness returned to Haruna's cheeks. "I...tried to, messed it up though. I told her I liked her nails, that they were really pretty and that she was so talented. She said she had them done at a salon."
That earned a small snigger from Aki, only making her friend go more red. "It's not funny! And then I ended up rambling on for ages before deciding to leave- that's when she asked me if I actually wanted to have a look at any of the animals, and you know what I said? 'I'd rather look at you.' I could've died! I just had to run away, I've not been back since!" She whined, as all the women, including Natsumi, tried to contain their laughter.

"Well, do you at least know her name?" Aki asked, laughter dying down a bit. Haruna looked up at her and pouted. "She did say...but I've completely forgotten- which makes it even worse!"
Natsumi suddenly piped up, a smile on her face. "I think I know who you mean. It's Takanashi Shinobu, we go to the same nail salon." Haruna's face practically lit up. "You're right, that was it!"
"She works at the shelter part-time, for the other she has a small tattoo parlour- she's rather talkative." The auburn-haired woman explained.

Haruna's eyes grew wide as she sighed whimsically "She couldn't get any cooler."
"She sounds like a nice woman." Fuyuka said sweetly, giving her friend a pat on the shoulder "You should try to speak to her again, be brave."
"Be brave- right okay yeah I can be brave." Haruna said with a grin. "I'm gonna ask her!"
Natsumi let out an amused laugh "Well you do that, in the mean time..." she stretched her hand out towards the girl "...this manicure isn't going to finish itself."

"Ah I'm so excited for this wedding you know? I'm so happy for them, I really am." Haruna said, placing a cucumber and mint face mask onto Fuyuka's face.
"They are an adorable couple aren't they." Aki mused, rifling through their depleting snack pile for something chocolatey.
"Hell yeah they are! I swear those two were destined for each other." Haruna exclaimed with a laugh, she'd never seen a couple more in love than those too. Natsumi was quiet, playing with a bowl of strawberries but not really eating them as the cherry-scented mask dried on her face. Haruna frowned. "Aren't you excited too Natsumi, will give us all an excuse to dress up fancy, and we'll get to visit Okinawa too!" She tried but her friend just placed the bowl down melancholically.

"I am...excited for them of course, it's very sweet but..." she sighed, looking over at the door. "If I go then it will all be real, everyone will see me...like this." She turned back to her friends, a distraught look on her face, her voice pitching ever-so-slightly. "What if people start...asking questions?"

"They're our friends, no one would do that." Aki tried, placing her hand on her friend's knee and gently rubbing it. Fuyuka stood up and took a seat next to Natsumi, wrapping an arm around her shoulder- it felt strange but she wanted to be closer to the other, show her she cared as much as Aki or Haruna, that she could still support her. "You don't have to answer anyone at all, it's not their business. Besides, you have us."

Natsumi looked down at her nails; deep indigo with gold stars and silver hearts- it was actually kind of cute. She sighed. "I've...patched things up with some of the people in my life, that chapter is over and I am, really glad but...I'm still really scared." She mumbled, clutching onto the knitted jumper she was wearing; the one Endou had given her for her 20th birthday that was three sizes too big.
Aki nodded, knowing the situation all-too-well, it had been so messy. "It's ok to be vulnerable you know? We're your best friends, we're here for you, and even though it's scary we're here to help."

Natsumi just gave her friend a sad smile. "I'm not supposed to be vulnerable, I'm supposed to always be strong and now...I've gone from a socialite with everything to pregnant and alone. And I-I don't know how to cope with all of that I d-don't k-know how to be a mother and-"
Haruna stood up, placing her hand on either side of Natsumi's face- not caring that she was smudging the mask. "Hey hey! What's all this about being alone? You aren't alone you have us yeah!" She stated in between breaths. "We aren't going anywhere!"

"She's right Natsumi." Aki said, appearing beside her with a warm smile on her face. "I was scared too when I found out, I had so many doubts in myself but I had you for support, all of you." She said turning to the other two "That's what friends are for after all right? It's okay, because we're here, we're going to get through this, together." Natsumi looked up at her, a little worry falling away as she stared into those kind eyes. She took a deep breath, calming herself as she felt faint tears being wiped away. "You're right, I'm not alone, I have you girls and...I do...really really appreciate you all, even if I don't always show it or express it very well." She sighed "You girls are like sisters to me- oh god that sounds so sappy doesn't it?"
Haruna grinned "Absolutely. Now come here and let me hug you!" She exclaimed, pulling Natsumi and the others into a group hug.

((That's it! Sorry this took so long to update, and sorry it's so long, I kept trying to cut it down but ahhh, anyway hope you enjoyed!
Extra info:
Brunsviger- Danish caramel bun
Wienerbrød- a type of Danish pastry
Canon character in this chapter: Takanashi Shinobu (Shin Teikoku) - I only recently became aware of this ship but I actually think it's really cute and they complement each other well 😊))