AN: This is a three-parter showing snapshots of the developing relationship between Yutaka and Minami. The chapters are somewhat separate, but follow each other chronologically.

Everything is already written, so expect me to upload the next two chapters realtively quickly, they only need edition. Sorry if anything feels rough.

As always, I'm thankful for all your remarks and corrections.

Have fun!

- Cytrus

1 - Beaconing

Yutaka Kobayakawa was not one for stereotyping people or hurtful preconceptions.

On the other hand, she felt more acutely than anyone the need to form opinions based on little information and forge lasting impressions in what amounted to no more than minutes of interaction. For her, the phrase "good morning" was the only common commodity beyond which nothing was certain. She often said "goodbye" but only rarely "see you soon".

Which was why she had already had her mind made up about Minami Iwasaki long before she learned the other girl's name.

And so, the Minami in her mind boasted qualities the original may or may have not possessed. She was a valiant defender of the weak, ready to step in whenever injustice happened. She was a supporter to the uncertain, she would patiently listen to their doubts and offer her thought-out advice. She was an example for others to follow.

The idealized Minami in her mind was an honest person who would never speak a lie.

xxx

The eyes of the two girls met and Minami reached out her hand to receive the object.

"I've ended up inconveniencing you."

But Yutaka's joyous features in that moment would burrow themselves deep into her memory.

"I did not expect to see you again."

xxx

On that warm May day, the two were walking together down a school corridor, Yutaka at the front and Minami half a step behind.

"Without having read your notes, I would have never answered that last question," the smaller girl admitted sheepishly "Being absent on math lessons does make it tough."

Minami answered this thanks as she always did: with the slightest nod of her head and lowering her eyes. Yutaka would nevertheless notice – that was another thing that never changed.

And involuntarily, Yutaka's steps became shorter and slower as her eyes took on a faraway glaze. Her thoughts took her back to the times not so long past when she had been always walking alone, when she had lacked support and-

She realized. A true friend.

That things could be so comforting, so right…

"Minami-san."

Yutaka stopped so abruptly she almost lost her balance, but when she turned to face her companion, Minami was, dependable and unwavering, exactly half a step behind her. Yutaka raised her head to look the other girl in the eyes, her face a mask of resolve.

Even if she was to be misunderstood…

"I'm glad you were there to lend me that handkerchief," she let out.

Minami was silent for a long while. But silence meant nothing between them. And their interlocked stares remained.

"I am terribly sorry. I have lied to you," the silent girl replied stoically.

And then, much to Yutaka's surprise, she bowed humbly and apologetically.

Yutaka did not yet understand that it would be the day when the Minami in her mind was to change most profoundly.

Minami didn't either.

"When I lent you the handkerchief," she paused.

And it was her turn to realize.

"I sincerely wished to meet you again."