"Italicized" = Signed

"Regular" = Spoken

Italicized = Yō typing

= Someone else typing

----- = A spoken word Yō can't understand (or at least not lip read)

...

Yō's POV:

The next day, Chika was finally able to go home. The moment I could, I went to visit her. She was thrilled to see me.

It seems she's confined to her bed. She has crutches and her foot is wrapped still. Her mom answered the door for me.

"How are you doing?" I asked.

"I'm okay. If I move my foot in a wrong way it really hurts still. I'm hoping at least that much will stop soon." Chika pouted.

"Yeah. I hope so too." I nodded.

"So, how are things going with practice?" Chika asked.

It was only a matter of time before she asked. I knew that much.

"It's been going well. Riko seems a little unsure of herself as the center, but she's doing well. I'm still really shaky with my part, but I'm slowly getting there." I told her.

"Do you think you'll be ready by the time we have to perform?" Chika questioned.

That was definitely a worry I had. I feel the others had it as well. Am I making enough progress to be able to confidently perform when the time comes? Or... will it not be enough? I don't know.

I can't push myself. They won't let me to begin with. I really don't want to repeat what happened the last time I tried to work harder. I have to work at the pace everyone else is, whether or not I like it.

"I'm worried I won't be." I admitted.

"If we have to drop out of this performance, then so be it. It's only one out of how many we can do." Chika shrugged.

"And yet before you were determined to do every show you could get." I teased as I took a seat beside her on the bed.

"I want to save our school. I do. But, I was only thinking of that. I didn't take into consideration everyone's feelings. Now I am. The school comes last compared to everyone in Aqours. If we can't save it... then I guess I'll just have to live with it. I won't put anyone at risk doing it. Not anymore." Chika explained.

Wow. She's really matured since this first started. I'm really impressed. She's grown a lot. I wish... I could say the same for me. Sure, I've regained my confidence to dance again, but I don't think it's that big.

"If we can't save our school, what will you do?"

Chika didn't answer me. I guess she doesn't have that answer. She's still counting on us managing to save it. But... she really should think about what will happen if we can't. Time is slowly running out, after all.

"I don't know..."

"I know you don't want to think about it, but you should try to be ready to accept that fate if it ends up happening." I told her with a frown. I hope we can save the school too. But, I'm also prepared to face defeat.

"I know... but it's hard..." Chika sighed.

"I bet it is. So, you focus on getting better so we can get back on track, okay?" I smiled at her as I held her hands in my own.

Chika returned the smile, "Of course. I'll make sure to do what I was told."

We both stared at each other for a while. A silent message seemed to be passed between us, seeing as we both moved closer. I guess maybe there is some truth to telepathy existing.

We leaned closer. Chika cupped my cheeks with her hands and pulled me to her. We kissed. I don't know for how long, but when we pulled away, we were both out of breath.

That felt amazing. Every time we kiss it always makes me feel this way. I don't think I'll ever get tired of it. I... I kind of want more...

I pushed Chika down onto her back and kissed her again. She kissed me back with the same intensity. She pulled her closer to her.

Then, she suddenly stopped and pushed me off. She was staring with wide eyes at the door to her room. I followed her gaze. Oh... it seems Riko came to check on her as well...

Riko was frozen in place, her eyes wide and her mouth agape. She tried to speak, but I don't think anything was coming out. She seems to be in quite a bit of shock. Oops. I guess this wasn't the best place to make out right now.

Chika sat up and started talking. I silently fixed myself into a proper sitting position. I watched as they exchanged some words between them. I wonder what exactly they're talking about?

"I'm sorry I interrupted you guys..." Riko finally started signing, "But, it's time to go to practice. We said we'd go together."

Oh... right. I didn't realize it was that time already. I awkwardly walked over to where she stood. We said goodbye to Chika and headed out of the house.

We didn't talk at all during the walk. Not that I was surprised. That was... probably not what she was expecting to find when she came to get me.

"Sorry about that." I signed, "I lost track of time..."

"I should've knocked first. I just opened the door." Riko flushed red.

"Haven't you done anything like that with Hanamaru?" I asked curiously.

Riko looked away from me. She nodded after a few moments.

"Not like that, though. Just a few kisses here and there." Riko added.

"Well, hopefully that um... doesn't happen again..." I bet I'm red as well. That was embarrassing.

We fell back into the silence that we had been in. I don't know what else to talk about. It's already awkward as hell. I don't want to make this worse.

Neither of us were very focused during practice. Riko kept messing up in places she never had before. I also found myself forgetting parts that I had been doing perfectly fine days before.

I think everyone can tell something happened between us. I just hope they don't think we fought or anything. Hopefully tomorrow everything will be back to normal for us.

...

When practice finally ended, I left quickly. I don't need anyone questioning me.

I made my way back to Chika's house. I want to check on her one last time today. So, I walked inside. She was in her room, fast asleep on her bed. I smiled as I carefully sat down.

Chika's mouth moved. I suppose she might be sleep talking. Well, anyway, I think I'll lay down with her. It wouldn't hurt, right?

It seemed I woke her by doing that, though. She sleepily blinked up at me. I smiled and kissed her on the cheek. Chika returned the smile as she nuzzled closer to me.

I don't mind this at all. I enjoy these moments a lot. It doesn't matter what we're doing. As long as I'm with Chika, I'm happy with whatever we're doing.

Chika reached an arm around me and pulled me closer to her. She buried her face into my shirt. She's adorable.

"You're really tired." I stated.

It seems a bit strange. It's not that late yet. Why is she so tired already?

"New medicine..." Chika sloppily signed.

Ah. Must be a side effect of it. Well, it doesn't bother me if she just wants to sleep. I smiled and pulled her even closer to me. I could soon feel her breathing even out. Looks like she fell asleep already.

I brushed some hair out of her face. She looks so cute when she's like this. I'm lucky to have such an adorable girlfriend.

I kissed her on the forehead, before deciding I might take a nap as well. Practice was tougher than normal. Doesn't help when you're constantly messing up cause you aren't focused enough. I think some rest might be nice right about now.