Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

"There, there” said Aoi, patting Kuku’s back.

Kuku suddenly buried her face into Aoi’s neck, her tears soaking Aoi’s swimsuit.

“I just can't believe it…he was with some bitch!” cried out Kuku.

Aoi knew exactly who she was talking about, she had seen the pair happily holding hands in the hallway.

Unfortaley Kuku had seen their little “get together” first hand.

On her way to confess to Kugari, love letter in hand, she was completely mortified to find him and Naomi together.

Her heart shattered into a million pieces.

The couple didn't seem to pay her no mind nor did they care. 

“I really am sorry, but maybe you could learn from this experience-”

“NO! You just don't get it…he's supposed to love me- he has to!”

Aoi often questioned where her obsession with Kugari even came from.

The boy hardly paid attention to her yet Kuku was head over heels.

Kuku was convinced it was true love, but Aoi knew it was just infatuation. Deep down Kuku knew too, but she was so caught up in her own delusions. 

She had somehow convinced herself he somehow loved her back. 

Aoi wanted to support her best friend in any way she could but she couldn't help but wonder if Kuku had a screw loose. 

The swimmer checked the time. “I need to go, I have a swim meet soon..."

Hot tears ran down Kuku's face.

"Don't leave me!" she said, tensing up.

"I really don't want to but I can't be late again." said Aoi, abruptly getting up. 

Just as she was about to head out the door, Kuku gripped Aoi's hand.

Her pupils shrank, fearing what her friend could possibly do.

Her friend already had violent tendencies they only came out more after her corruption. 

Even after she was purified, Aoi noticed she was never quite the same. 

Kuku's grip tightened, bringing her back to reality.

"You can't go..." she sniffled.

She hated seeing Kuku upset, making her feel even more guilty.

It was already bad enough she convinced Kuku to finally gain the courage to confess her feelings, only to be greeted by that.

The whole debacle felt like it was her fault. 

"I-I'll..." Aoi eyed the clock once again, "...stay as long as you need." she said finally giving in.

Kuku's instantly grip loosed , throwing her arms around Aoi instead. 

It was like her demeanor completely changed, "Oh Aoi, you're the best, what could I ever do without you?!"

Aoi blushed a little, taken aback by Kuku's words.

They echoced in her head.

Oh Aoi, you're the best, what could I ever do without you?!

Aoi smiled to herself. 

Even if she would regret missing her meet later, to her it was worth it

Chapter Text

Kuku was beyond agitated.

She bitterly watched Naomi make her way down the halls.

The president was aware of her gaze yet paid her no mind.

She had better things to do after all.

Kuku on the other hand, had something else in mind.

Soon it was more than her eyes following her.

Naomi began feeling weary, knowing that something or someone was behind her.

"Kuku, I know it's you."

Kuku smiled sheepishly.

"If this is about Kugari then-"

"Oh no," she gritted her teeth,"I just wanted to talk..." Kuku said in a sinister tone. 

"Okay then, you'll need to make it quick since I have a meeting to attend."

Suddenly Kuku got all up in her face like bad breath or something.

"You may have his heart...but just know he's mine, no matter what" 

She began to dig her fingers into Naomi's shoulders while she smiled darkly.

Naomi wasn't having any of this.

She summoned her harisen and slapped her onto the ground.

"Let's get one thing straight, you are allowed to have feelings for Kugari but you will not lay a finger on me." Naomi said, sternly.

She looked down at Kuku with a face of pure disgust.

Kuku cackled manically.

"It's just so funny to me, you really think you can have my Kugari."

Kuku continued her laughter, the whole situation was just hilarious to her. 

Naomi became increasingly more uncomfortable.

She was only able to muster up, "You are one sick cookie." before walking off.

"Because I'm so sweet, tee hee~"

Kuku giggled to herself before skipping off back to class.

Don't worry Kugari, soon you will have your dream girl...

Kugari was having a basketball game after school and obviously Kuku wanted to attend.

She even managed to drag Aoi into it.

After being late to practice and skipping out on a whole swim meet, Aoi was suspened from the swim team for a whole week.

She was'nt the most thrilled having to see Kugari freely play his sport.

But she tried to make the most of it, she was with Kuku after all!

Kuku was mesmerized by the green haired boy, watching him play on the court.

Oh how she wished to be beside him.

She attempted to join the girl's basketball team at the beginning of the year, yet no amount of passion could make her master basketball.

She threatened the coach after not making the team which lead to some grueling hours in detention. 

Kuku's thoughts were interrupted when she heard Cheery and the other cheerleaders begin their chant.

At the end she added a little something extra, "Go Kugari!" she cheered.

"Go Kugari!" chimed in Kuku from the stands, seemingly louder than the actual cheerleaders.

Kugari blew Cheery a quick kiss before getting his head back in the game.

Did Naomi see that? thought Aoi.

Kuku definitely did yet brushed it off.

Aoi began to feel a little anxious, all these people the stands began to overwhelm her.

It didn't help that the noise level started to rise.

The cheering, Kuku's gushing, chatting, basketball dribbles, and the sneaker squeaking on the court was too much for her.

She needed a reason to get out of there.

"H-hey Kuku, I was thinking we could get some concessions," she brought up casually, "I haven't ate since lunch."  

"Sounds good to me" said a cheerful Kuku.

Aoi was surprised Kuku was willing to take her eyes off Kugari.

Kuku gleefully took hold of Aoi's hand and rushed to the concession stand. 

After waiting behind four students, it was finally their turn.

Aoi picked out a water and some popcorn.

Kuku with her usual sweet tooth picked out a large tub of cotton candy.

"Ah, your favorite" chuckled the swimmer.

Kuku plucked out a peice and plopped it in her mouth. "Mmm hmm!"

She nodded cheerfully as a large grin began to spread across her face.

"Want some?" she asked, holding out another piece to Aoi.

Aoi had been trying to cut back on the sweets but they were somehow irresistible when Kuku was around. 

Aoi mindlessly indulged some of Kuku's sweet.

"I could have gotton you the blue tub if you wanted some..." said Kuku.

"No really it's fine! I'm not supposed to have that much anyways." said Aoi awkwardly.

"Suit yourself." said Kuku, finishing the last of the cotton candy.

She had somehow finished the whole thing before they made it back to the gym.

Not even a gram of sugar would be safe around the senpai slayer.

When they returned Kuku's first instinct was to look for Kugari.

Kuku jumped for joy once she saw him on the bench.

Only her happiness was short lived once she realized who he was with.

Naomi.

Kuku grumbled. "Why is she even here?!"

She had her filthy hands all over him!

"Well look who finally showed up." teased Kugari.

Naomi grumbled. "You know how busy I get..."

"Yeah, yeah I know."

Naomi planted a kiss on his head.

"But Luckily I was able to clear my schedule today." 

Kugari smiled warmly and returned the favor, by planting one on her lips.

"Kugari! Enough fooling around we need you on the court." said one of the coaches.

"You got it." replied Kugari.

"Good luck!" called Naomi.

"No thanks, I already have my lucky charm.:

Naomi playfully rolled her eyes.

Kuku weakly watched him make his way back onto the court.

She looked back at her best friend with an expression that read nothing but sadness.

"I'm so sorry..." mustered Aoi.

Kuku gripped Aoi's hand.

"Let's go."

Kuku rushed outside, when no one was in sight she began bawling.

Aoi seated herself on the curb.

"She did that on purpose!" Kuku said, slamming her fist onto the concrete.

She quickly brought her hand back due to the unbearable pain she just inflicted onto herself.

"Coming here was a mistake anyways..." added Aoi.

"It was! I don't want to see either of them ever again..." 

Aoi stood up and stretched her hand out to Kuku. 

"Can we hang out at your place? I don't want to go home yet..." asked Kuku, back on her own two feet.

Aoi was surprised.

It had been ages since anyone visited her house.

Especially Kuku, but she wasn't opposed.

"Y-yeah sure!" 

Aoi tried to hide her enthusiasm but it was pretty obvious. 

Aoi backed up a bit and looked at the ground shamefully.

"Let's go already, I can't stand being in this place another minute!" Kuku said impatiently. 

"Rodger that" said Aoi.