Strawberries. Chapstick. Chocolate soda. Mint.

I tasted all of it on her lips, each and every flavor dancing to the tune of her song.

She smelled wonderful, like a floral breeze in the middle of spring gently wafting into my senses. It caressed my nostrils with the soft reminder of the bath we had taken together.

Was this real? How could it be?

As if reading my mind, I felt a gentle pinch on my arm, a loving squeeze on my hand. It said everything I needed to hear.

This is real. I'm here with you. I love you. It's okay.

Naomi was kissing me. I was kissing Naomi.

How did this happen?

We finished bathing in silence. Naomi washed my body with utmost care, possessing the gentlest touch my abused skin had felt since the incident. She didn't ask if I would wash her in return, for which I was grateful. I was terrified of touching her that intimately yet I wouldn't have been able to refuse her either. Naomi must've known. She retrieved our towels without saying a word, gently draping mine around my shivering shoulders.

"Thank you," I said in a hoarse voice. When she still didn't reply, I asked the question that burned inside me. "Are you…angry at me?"

"Not at all," came the immediate answer from behind. I exhaled loudly. "Sorry for scaring you, I was lost in thought."

I turned around to face her. Naomi was holding her towel tight to her chest, staring at the floor where droplets of water were landing as they fell from the strands of her hair. "Penny for your thoughts?" I asked in a quiet voice. She looked up, chocolate gaze melting into mine. A smile ghosted her lips, quiet and small. I felt a warmth blossom in my chest.

"I'm happy, being here with you. Seeing your back, knowing that an injury like that could've killed you, but it didn't...I'm just really happy being here with you." She kneeled in front of me, eyes shining with honesty and a glimmer of tears. She grabbed my hand. "I'm very happy you're here, Seiko."

My heart felt like it was pounding out my chest while thumping wildly against my ribcage. A genuine grin broke out on my face for the first time in a long while. The familiar lump formed in my throat, but for once, it wasn't from sadness. "I'm very happy you're here too, Naomi."

There it was. A fully unrestrained Naomi smile, full of assurance and love and everything right in the world. Warmth exploded through my whole body, and I felt like everything was going to be okay. I felt like maybe, just maybe, I could find the courage to tell her. I could take the power back. I could confide in the person I loved. I could banish the feeling of filth and start again. Maybe.

Just as quickly as it came, though, it was gone. Naomi's smile really was like a drug to me. I longed to chase that high again. It was times like these that I remembered why I became the class clown in the first place. It was all for that smile of hers.

"Naomi, you need clothes don't you? You can borrow some of mine," I told her. She nodded.

"Yeah, thank you." Silence settled between us as Naomi looked down at herself and then at me, seemingly just now noticing how naked we both were. A blush spread across her face as her eyes wandered my body. I watched as she clutched her towel noticeably tighter and squirmed. "Um…right! I'll...I'll get our clothes. Be right back." As she turned to leave, I couldn't help but add the phrase that slipped out.

"Uh, wait! Naomi!" She paused. "I mean...we don't really need clothes. It's a pretty long trip back to my room, you know. I don't mind this in the least." It felt weird to joke around again, but I wanted to see her smile.

At first, it was silent, and I feared I had made a mistake. Then, I saw Naomi's shoulders shake ever so slightly, and giggles began to bubble out her mouth. She turned around, laughing freely with a beautiful smile. "That's my Seiko," she said, eyes shining. "You're right, it's a long trip, so c'mere goofball. Gimme a hug before I go."

I still felt awkward, timid, and shy. I still felt like something was wrong with me. However, the bath had soothed me, and being washed by Naomi had helped to reaffirm that there was nothing wrong with us touching. There was work to be done, but I knew that I was making strides in the right direction. That alone made me feel better. So, I walked over to Naomi and wrapped her in my tightest embrace. As Naomi returned it, I felt warmth seep into every inch of my skin. Yoshiki was right: I needed Naomi to help me heal. I needed to let her in. I made my decision in that moment.

"Naomi?"

"Yes, Seiko?"

"I want to tell you."

Naomi stiffened, then pulled away from our hug to look me in the eyes. Her hands held my shoulders as she gave me her most serious look. "You don't have to, Seiko. There really isn't a rush."

I gave her a small, nervous smile. "I know I don't have to. I want to. I want you to know what happened."

"Are you sure?"

"Very sure." Also very nauseated, but she didn't need to know that.

"Okay. Let's talk about it after I make you some food. Clothes first, then food, then we talk."

"Sounds good."

I thought having all that time to prepare would've been enough, but deep down, I knew it would never be enough time. As we sat on my bed in my room facing one another, our bodies now clothed and our bellies now fed, I realized she was probably waiting for me to say something.

"Um...should I start?"

"If you want to. I'm here to listen. Silence is okay if you need a moment."

I nodded, then tentatively reached for her hand. She met me in the middle, wrapping her cold fingers around my clammy hands. I no longer felt filthy when she did this. That revelation gave me hope. I only prayed that when I told her the truth, she didn't think differently of me.

"Naomi?"

"Yeah?"

"Promise me…promise me you'll still be my friend no matter what. It's okay if you think I'm filthy, just...please stay by my side."

Naomi's eyes were vulnerable and open. There were no secrets between us. "I could never think you were filthy, first of all. Second of all, I promise I'll always be with you. Even if you get tired of me, I'll stay by your side until the end. You need me, and I need you. We're a team."

I couldn't help but smile at that. "Thank you."

Naomi gave my hand a squeeze. "You're welcome."

I inhaled shakily, wondering how to begin and praying I didn't have a panic attack from reliving the experience. Naomi's presence did help calm my nerves, but the traumatized parts of me feared this story with every fiber of their being. This was not going to be easy. "Where do I even start?"

"How about the beginning?"

I nodded. "Okay. It all started with a trip to the store. Dad said he needed me to run some errands…"

"I'll be back before you know it! Love you!" I shouted, skipping out the door happily. It was going to be a pretty quick trip and the weather was nice. I enjoyed running errands on days like this.

I whistled as I skipped through the streets, certain that nothing could ruin my good mood. Naomi had smiled for me so much today. I was high on my love for her.

So high on my own love that I didn't notice I was being followed.

I made it safely to the convenience store, barely noticing how dark it had gotten outside. It didn't take long to ring up my purchases and get back on my merry way. Once I was outside, only then did I notice dusk had settled in. Deciding I wanted to be home before it got too dark, I took a shortcut I had taken dozens of times before. From time to time I'd be scolded by my dad for using it, but I figured what he didn't know wouldn't hurt him. Nothing bad has ever happened to me before, so why should now be any different?

I thought I imagined it at first: muffled voices, darting shadows, swift figures. I didn't think much of it. However, the voices became louder, the shadows grew larger, the figures drew closer. I tried to speed up, but it felt as though I was being closed in on from every angle. Growing paranoid, I started to run. That's when I found myself slamming into something, or rather, someone. I fell backwards, hard. My bag of groceries flew from my hand.

"Where do you think you're going, huh?" a voice sneered. My body began to shake against my will, and I squinted in the darkness.

"Who are you? What do you want?"

"You're Seiko Shinohara, aren't you?" Another voice. My question was ignored.

"Who's asking?" I barked, sitting up. I couldn't see anything. I decided my groceries would have to get left behind; all that mattered now was getting away from these people.

"That's her alright. Oi, Seiko—"

"Don't call me by my first name, asshole. I don't know you."

It was so quick I didn't have time to react. A kick to my stomach knocked me flat onto my back, and the wind left my lungs. I wheezed for air. I barely noticed I was lying on my grocery bag full of broken glass bottles.

"I'll call you what I want, bitch. As I was saying, our friend here has a problem. You see, he's still a virgin. A seventeen year old boy, still a virgin! Isn't that embarrassing? Don't you feel sorry for him?"

"Not really," I growled. My heart was racing, and my stomach ached. I felt like my ribs had cracked. I couldn't focus on that, however, because someone grabbed my hair and pulled so hard they probably ripped out a decent chunk. I howled in pain.

"Why do you want this bitch, Ren? My ears are bleeding just listening to her."

"We didn't bring him here to talk with her, you know. Who cares if she has a smart mouth? She'll shut up sooner or later."

"Why are you doing this to me?" I asked in a careful tone. I was scared. They had already proved they can and will hurt me.

"Are you deaf, Seiko? Our friend is a seventeen year old virgin. You're going to help him get rid of that embarrassing title. Be thankful; we're gonna help you get rid of yours too." Oh, no. Oh no, no, no. My first time was for Naomi. This wasn't happening. This couldn't be.

"I don't want to. Please let me go."

"You're kind of cute when you beg. Ren, can I have a turn with her when you're done?"

"Back off," Ren said. I felt a hand stroke my cheek, and I whimpered. "Shh, it's okay. I'll be gentle. I like you, after all." Tears slid down my cheeks. I was frozen with fear. I couldn't run, I couldn't even stand. I was trapped.

"Please, no, let me go! I don't want this!"

"The less you struggle, the easier this will be, Seiko."

"Stop!"

"Calm down."

"Don't tell me to calm down!" I lashed out wildly and dug my nails deep into flesh. "Let me go!"

It all happened very quickly. Fingers tangled in my hair, yanking my head up and slamming it back down on the concrete. There was another blow to my stomach and then a foot placed itself on my chest and pushed. Pain unlike any I'd ever known exploded through my back as shards of glass embedded themselves deep in my flesh. I couldn't even scream. The only sound that came out was a wet gargle and a cough. The pain made me dizzy. I tasted blood in my throat.

"Hold her down! Ren, you get to it."

The rest happened as I faded in and out of consciousness, tears streaming down my face from a mixture of horror and pain. As fate would have it, I was just barely aware enough to feel it all happening. Shaky fingers sliding off my skirt, lifting my shirt, tearing my bra, ripping my panties. I was being violated, filthy hands poisoning me with every touch. I prayed to any higher power out there to just kill me. I wanted to be dead. It would've been better than feeling every inch of my skin being violated as my virginity was stolen from me. What should've been a tender intimate experience was now a dirty public spectacle. The hands that held me down only further pushed the glass into my back. Did they know I was bleeding, or did they not care so long as their grimy hands were on my chest and their filthy tongues were violating my mouth?

"It hurts! Stop! It hurts!" I screamed out the same words every time my mouth was spared from the torture, which, honestly, wasn't very often.

Everything I had saved myself for was robbed of me that night. My first kiss was stolen, my virginity brutally taken. Not an inch of me was left untouched. I stared at the moon, wondering if my life would be taken too. I lost so much blood I didn't have the strength to fight. I didn't even have the strength to keep my eyes open.

"Please kill me," I whispered. "Please kill me." My eyes closed, and I felt the strength leave my body fully.

"Seiko? Fuck! Wake up! Hey!"

Naomi...I'm scared...I'm not really ready to die...I wanted to see you one last time…Naomi...I love you…

Sobs rattled my entire form as I finished telling what had happened. It felt like all the oxygen had been sucked out of the room, and I couldn't breathe. Naomi kept me grounded, just barely in the present, but that didn't mean I wasn't deeply shaken every time I thought about that night. Her arms around me were the only things that kept me from slipping into a panic attack.

"I couldn't stop them, Naomi!" I sobbed, burying my face in her shoulder. "I'm so sorry for keeping it from you! I was so ashamed that I couldn't bring myself to tell you!"

"Shh, shh." Naomi rubbed my back soothingly. "You don't have to be sorry for anything. I understand why you kept it from me. You're the strongest person I know, Seiko, but even you can't go through this alone. Thank you for letting me in. You can count on me."

I wailed loudly, unable to contain myself. The pain and sorrow in my heart was absolutely overwhelming, and Naomi's kindness only made me more emotional. I knew I was safe now, but the fresh reminder of the experience was too much to bear, at least, it was too much to bear alone. I slumped forward into Naomi's embrace, allowing the gentle stroking of her hand to soothe me.

"They took so many important things from me," I whispered, hiccupping. "I wanted to save myself, and now...now…!"

"They didn't take anything," Naomi corrected in a stern voice. "Your first kiss and your first time...only you can give those away. You have to choose who you give them to. Someone can't just...take that from you."

Her words struck a chord within me. She was right; they couldn't take what I didn't give. My virginity still belonged to me.

"Thank you, Naomi." My energy was low. All that crying exhausted me yet again.

I felt her embrace wind tighter. "I love you, Seiko. Rest now. I'll be here for you when you wake up."

I nodded weakly. Right before I drifted off, I heard a tortured sob that came from the woman that was holding me. Naomi's body was trembling.

"Why couldn't it have been me?" I heard her whisper. I was so tired, I could only listen. My voice wouldn't work. "Seiko didn't deserve this!"

Neither do you, I thought. I'm glad it was me and not you. Imaging Naomi going through what I did made me feel ill. I truly was thankful every day they chose me and not her.

Not even god could help them if they ever hurt Naomi.

When I woke up from my strangely dreamless nap, I was lying on my bed and tucked safely into the covers. A sight so angelic greeted me that I had to rub my eyes a few times to make sure I wasn't imagining it. Naomi was curled up on her side, dozing peacefully just inches away from me. Short, rebellious brunette strands were tousled around her features, messily curling around her delicate bone structure like ocean waves crashing gently over the shore. I heard her soft breaths that drifted from her parted lips at an even pace, signifying a peaceful slumber. My eyes drifted to those dark lashes, so very long and thick that they brushed the tops of her cheeks when her eyes were closed.

I couldn't resist it anymore. My hand moved on its own, almost trance-like, and I gently brushed Naomi's cheek. Chocolate strands caressed my knuckles, barely kissing the surface of my skin. I smoothed the rouge hair back into place around her ear before slowly lifting my fingertips away from contact. It was then that Naomi began to regain consciousness.

"Mm...Seiko? You awake?" Her voice was slurred and tired, but she tried her best to sound alert. A few bleary blinks later, eyes the color of melted chocolate greeted me.

"Mhm," I replied, feeling my lips stretch into a smile involuntarily. Naomi was too cute.

"Feel better?" Naomi asked, stifling a small yawn. I nodded. "I'm so glad. You had me a little worried there."

Overwhelming amounts of affection coursed through me, and I had no choice but to allow it to spread throughout my entire body. It was as though it was simply too much to contain in my heart alone. My persistent feelings of filth had never been more quiet. Overcome with emotion, my eyes began brimming with tears. I couldn't help myself from reaching towards Naomi and burying my face in her ample chest.

"Thank you," I whispered. "Thank you so much, Naomi." I felt her giggle softly.

"Where's this coming from all of a sudden?" she inquired in a gentle tone. I felt her arms wind around me again, and I felt complete. There was no room for filth when she radiated so much purity. "Seiko, you don't need to thank me."

"No, Naomi, you don't understand." I took a deep breath. "The doctor said I was lucky to be alive, but the truth is, I wasn't alive. I...I died that night. Every time I saw you from that point on, I was breathing and my heart was beating but I felt like I was dead inside. You never realized that simply looking at me like nothing had changed made me feel whole again, even for just one moment. I was scared to tell you about what happened most of all because I didn't know what I'd do if you saw me the way I saw myself and stopped looking at me like that." I pulled away just enough to look into Naomi's eyes. Other than seeming like she was struggling not to burst into tears, but I could see the same look I was talking about in her chocolate brown irises.

"In hindsight, I really should've told you sooner. You're looking at me right now like I'm the same Seiko I've always been despite everything that's happened. Maybe I can't see myself that way yet, but knowing that you can and do really means a lot to me. I can't thank you enough for the hope you've given me." A single tear slid down Naomi's cheek, and her full lips quivered. I reached out to wipe the droplet. The tomboy closed her eyes as my fingertips brushed her cheek, drawing in a raspy breath. I withdrew contact as she began a shaky exhale, but more tears fell unbidden despite her best efforts. Sighing a bit, I reached forward to wipe them away. "Hey, if you're gonna cry, could you at least try to not look so cute? It's easier to take you seriously if you ugly cry like me."

"Geez," Naomi croaked, voice hoarse from emotion. Her eyes opened, shining amber orbs full of affection. The brunette cracked a smile. "I know I'm a crybaby, don't rub it in." She sniffed and brought her hand to rest on top of mine where it touched her cheek. "I don't want to leave you."

"Then don't."

"Won't your siblings be getting home soon?"

"They aren't going to kick you out, Naomi. If anything, Aya might try to keep you here forever. She's been dying to meet you." Naomi giggled.

"She has? How does she even know about me?"

"You think I would keep my best friend's existence hidden from my family? Nonsense! You're the hottest topic at the dinner table."

"All good things, I hope?" A snort slipped out of me.

"Kei thinks you're my imaginary friend because you're 'too cool to be Seiko's real friend'."

"You're kidding!"

"Just wait 'till you meet him. He might pass out from shock." Naomi burst into a fit of laughter, shaking from mirth. I felt her wide grin from where my hand was still resting on her cheek. My heart sang with happiness.

"Oh my god, I can't wait." Naomi's giggles finally started to subside. "Any other misconceptions I should know about?"

"Aya doesn't know the difference between a girl that's a friend and the word 'girlfriend' so don't be alarmed when she calls you that."

"I think I can handle it." I could've sworn I felt Naomi's cheek heat up beneath my hand as I said "girlfriend". Maybe it was just wishful thinking. My gaze lowered to Naomi's full lips that were stretched into a smile, and I was hit with a strong desire to move my fingertips a few centimeters over to caress them. I had to avert my eyes. It wasn't right for me to have thoughts like that.

Sure, I agreed that my first kiss was still mine to give away, but a part of me didn't know if I'd ever be ready to have it. What if I had a panic attack during the special moment and ruined everything? What if I hated it just as much as I did that night? What if it didn't feel different at all from when I was violated and those boys really did steal my first time experiencing a kiss? It scared me so much.

"What's wrong?"

Naomi's voice cut through my thoughts. "Nothing," I lied.

She frowned and removed our hands from her cheek so she could prop her head up on her arm. "You don't have to lie to me, Seiko. You know you'll feel better if you tell me." She was right, and I couldn't argue. I sighed.

"What if my first kiss really was taken? What if the moment comes and it's not any different after all? What if I panic? What if—"

A finger on my lips silenced me before Naomi took a turn to speak. "Shh. Take a breath. Are you really that worried about it?" I nodded. Naomi removed her finger from my mouth and paused to contemplate what she would say next. Finally, she said, "You could kiss me and find out."

"I—sorry, what? Come again?" I expected Naomi to laugh it off or say she was kidding, but aside from a glowing pink blush and avoiding eye contact she made no move to take back what she had said. In fact, she repeated it.

"If you want to know what it's like to kiss someone who really cares about you, you could kiss me."

"...Naomi, did you hit your head?"

"I'm serious, Seiko!" Naomi was blushing furiously and became fidgety. "Think about it! You're in a safe place right now with someone who loves you. If something bad happens, I'll be right here to help. If all goes well, then you don't need to worry any more and we never have to speak of it again. I just think it would be better to find out the answer when nothing is at risk, you know?"

My heart felt ready to explode. I couldn't even fathom kissing Naomi. It sounded too good to be true. "Naomi...are you sure? I mean, this is your first kiss! Don't you want to save it for the person you love?"

Naomi blushed even deeper, but she met my gaze as she said, "Well, I love you, so isn't it the same?"

Oh god, my face was on fire and my heart felt ready to burst from my chest. "Naomi! How can you give up your first kiss so easily?"

"I'm not, Seiko. Although, your health and well-being are more important to me than a silly first kiss. I was serious when I said I wanted to help you in any way I could."

"Still…" I had to look away. I was certain my whole face was bright red and steaming by now. "I'm just scared. I don't like when you see me like...you know."

Naomi touched my cheek with a feather-light caress. "I know, but we don't know for sure that'll happen yet. That's why it's important we find out while you're in a safe place." I sighed. I saw her point, and I wanted to do it. I was simply frightened. "Seiko, close your eyes." Oh, god. This is really happening. I blinked instead of closing them due to nervousness. Naomi rolled her eyes. "I'm not gonna kiss you right now, I just want you to close your eyes." I did so. "Take a few deep breaths." I did so. "Good. Now, be honest. Do you want this? I don't want to force you." I nodded. "Then stay still. I've...never done this, either."

I waited. Each second felt like an eternity. My heartbeat thundered in my ears. After multiple eternities had passed, I felt her hand touch my cheek with the gentleness of a lover. I knew my skin must've been hot enough to cook an egg beneath her touch. Just when I thought she might've had second thoughts, I felt the mattress bow slightly beneath me, signifying her moving closer. Her breath fanned my lips, excruciatingly close. Finally, finally, her lips brushed mine and electricity exploded through my body. She drew back and connected our lips again, this time sure and firm. I practically melted. This was nothing like last time. This was...incredible.

Strawberries. Chapstick. Chocolate soda. Mint.

I tasted all of it on her lips, each and every flavor dancing to the tune of her song.

She smelled wonderful, like a floral breeze in the middle of spring gently wafting into my senses. It caressed my nostrils with the soft reminder of the bath we had taken together.

Was this real? How could it be?

As if reading my mind, I felt a gentle pinch on my arm, a loving squeeze on my hand. It said everything I needed to hear.

This is real. I'm here with you. I love you. It's okay.

Naomi was kissing me. I was kissing Naomi.

Ah. So that's how it happened.

Hello everyone! I hope you're enjoying the story. It's really starting to heat up, huh? If you are enjoying it, well, you can thank BashfulShade for this update! I was feeling down about my writing, and their review came in at just the right time. I sat on the floor of my room, reading it over and over just trying to comprehend how someone could take the time to write something that wonderful about my writing. I won't lie, I cried a bit. It meant the world to me, as does every other review you guys leave. So, if you have to time, please take a few moments to review my writing below! You might think it doesn't mean much, but seriously, just getting one review gives me the push I need to start a new chapter.

Also, extra shoutout to BashfulShade for their incredible Corpse Party fanfic titled "Corpse Party: Destination". It's so good and gives me all the feels! Sometimes I read it just to get back in the grove of Corpse Party dialogue because theirs always reads perfectly in character, which I really admire. It's also my all time favorite CPA fanfic, so there's that too! Please give it a read :)

Alright, I've blabbed enough! See you in the next chapter!

-Juuvi