The two girls stood face to face.
Their strikingly beautiful faces held polite smiles, but behind those smiles lingered something sharper, something layered with unspoken intent.
As Haru's confirmed girlfriends, they were supposed to have equal chances, equal treatment. Yet the barely-followed Girlfriends' Code made it clear enough, there was no such thing as true equality in the war of love.
If you wanted it, you had to fight for it.
No one won forever, but no one lost forever either.
Still, if you didn't fight, the fruits of victory would never fly into your mouth on their own.
Soyo kept her gentle, graceful smile in place. Even under the sharp pressure of Sakiko's gaze, she showed no fear. Instead, she deliberately leaned into boldness, launching the first strike.
"Sakiko, are you really fine not working? You're the important 'manager' of this place, aren't you?"
"The staff here are all highly capable. Even without my supervision, the café runs perfectly well." Sakiko's reply was smooth, without hesitation, as though she had already prepared for that exact jab.
Hey, hey! That's not what you said earlier…
Haru, watching from the window seat, wore a complicated expression. How had she managed to overturn her own words in just two sentences? Maybe this was the "softened Sakiko" that came after letting go of her rigid pride.
"…"
Sakiko, of course, felt Haru's pointed gaze. A hint of fluster slipped across her delicate face, her amber eyes (bright as starlight) darting away, her lips pressed tight in a shy confession of her maiden heart.
Honestly, could he not look at her like that?
It was perfectly normal for a girl to be a little two-faced sometimes, especially in front of the boy she liked!
Forcing her embarrassment down, Sakiko drew in a steadying breath. Her features returned to their dignified composure, and her voice flowed out smooth and flawless, like a proper lady's.
"But more importantly, Soyo, why the sudden visit today?"
"I heard MyGO's been preparing for the Future World Fes preliminaries. Don't you have band practice today? Skipping out on rehearsal for a Live seems a little irresponsible, doesn't it?"
Surprise flickered in Soyo's eyes. She had never underestimated Sakiko's charm, but in terms of combat strength, she always thought Sakiko was weak. That was the only reason she dared to attack so openly.
So why did it feel like Sakiko had… changed since "that incident"?
"It's no problem at all~"
Soyo twirled the tips of her honey-brown hair around her fingers, strands catching the winter sunlight with a soft caramel glow. Even the air around her seemed to grow sweet and sticky.
"We've been practicing diligently for the preliminaries. Thanks to Haru composing for us and adjusting our training plans, I actually had some time free. So today I thought I'd come and properly 'thank' him."
A strong counter.
Yet even before such a powerful vixen, Sakiko's face remained calm, her smile refined and unshaken. Folding her hands neatly, she returned fire with a soft but steady tone.
"So Soyo has the same thought as me? You see… I've only ever caused Haru trouble. To this day, I haven't given him anything in return. Last time, I even caused him to get hurt…"
"I'll never forgive myself for that mistake. That's why I also want to fulfill my duty as a girlfriend, to make it up to him as best I can. Otherwise, I could never face my own heart."
What a solid defense! Not a gap in sight!
Even Haru was stunned for a moment. In all his memories, Sakiko had never once won a battle in the war of love. Too dignified, too proper, she could never stand against sly rivals.
But now she was trading blows evenly with Soyo. What divine spirit had possessed her today?
"…"
Sakiko's lips curved in a faint, soft smile. She kept her gaze gentle and steady.
When she saw the flash of surprise on Soyo's face, quickly hidden, she exhaled quietly in her heart.
Did Soyo really think her hundreds of defeats in those "dreams" were nothing but false illusions? The rivals she had faced there were far stronger than the real ones in this world.
That was why she could be so confident now.
"As expected of you, Sakiko. It seems we really do share the same feelings."
"Thank you, Soyo. And as a girlfriend, you also have Haru in your thoughts at all times."
Passive-aggressive much.
Soyo smirked, throwing her words like a mocking mirror of Sakiko's earlier attack. But she hadn't expected Sakiko to keep her composure and parry back instantly.
She admitted it now, she had underestimated Sakiko.
"Why don't we sit down first? Standing here chatting looks a little odd."
"You're right, Soyo. We can't keep Haru waiting like this."
As Soyo was the first to speak and yield to Sakiko, the sudden "seat war" came to a pause. The two girlfriends seemed to exchange a silent understanding with just their eyes and, without a word, both sat down together.
Only, instead of sitting opposite Haru, they both settled at his sides. The four-seat booth suddenly became uncomfortably cramped.
For the two girls, this was the optimal solution where neither lost. If they kept fighting, who knew how long it would drag on. Better to each take half than to let the other have everything.
"…"
Haru raised an eyebrow.
Excuse me, but what about my opinion?
He wanted to quip, "Three people in one row, don't you think that's a little crowded?" But knowing the current situation, he swallowed the words. He wasn't bold enough to risk the consequences.
Thank goodness it wasn't Valentine's Day, or it wouldn't just be these two.
At that thought, Haru's gaze drifted toward the other end of the café. A few high school girls working part-time had been sneaking glances at their table, but a single look from their intimidating boss was enough to send them scattering like startled birds.
The absurdity of it all drew a faintly awkward smile to his lips. Before he could speak, Soyo murmured at his side, "Haru, you're not having tea today?"
"Haru usually prefers coffee. He's always praising the way I brew it," Sakiko quickly chimed in, seizing what felt like a chance to score points. Her face, soft and pampered like porcelain, carried a faint pink glow that almost begged to be kissed.
Soyo's smile faltered for a moment before she smoothly countered, her tone light and teasing. "Oh? I don't think so. Ever since Haru's been with me, he always drinks the tea I recommend."
"Or maybe, Haru was just being considerate of your feelings. Haven't you noticed what he really wants?"
Unwilling to be outdone, Sakiko struck back just as sharply. Their words clashed from left and right, their jewel-like blue and amber eyes locking across the table, sparks flashing in the unseen space between.
Crackling tension filled the air.
Though both girls sat with outward elegance, beneath the table their crossed knees angled closer, their skirts brushing as the silent battle deepened.
Perhaps because of some unspoken irritation, Soyo shifted closer. Her long, pale leg brushed Haru's ankle, then her entire body pressed subtly against his side.
Breaking the unspoken truce, she slipped a hand to his waist, resting her cheek against his chest in bold intimacy, drawing sharp glances from the lady across the table.
"…!"
Sakiko, noticing the move, immediately claimed her own stake. She clasped Haru's hand, interlacing their fingers tightly, and leaned in as well, the faint scent of her shampoo rising from her blue ponytail.
As their rivalry grew more brazen, Haru finally lost his patience. Expression blank, he wrapped an arm around each girl's waist, pulling them in close. Both stiffened instantly, their resistance melting away.
"You two need to calm down."
"Sorry…"
The two girlfriends, who just moments ago had been bristling like drawn swords, now bowed their heads in shame at his rebuke. The tension evaporated almost instantly.
Seeing them finally settle down, Haru let out a helpless smile.
"You're both completely shameless. This is the window seat. Aren't you worried people might see?"
At his pointed remark, both girls flushed red. They hadn't cared about bystanders while trying to outdo one another, but now they could only pretend not to notice.
Soyo pouted softly, twisting a strand of honey-brown hair between her fingers. "But what else were we supposed to do? It's your fault, Haru, for always drawing girls' attention…"
"…Soyo's right. Haru, you really should reflect on that." Sakiko echoed, her face still pink, siding with her rival in an instant.
Hey, and now this is my fault?
What's next, are you going to say I tricked Madoka into becoming a magical girl too?
"Fine, fine, I'll reflect."
Pinned between them, Haru raised both hands in mock surrender, then deliberately put on a solemn face. "From today on, I'll be strict with myself and keep a safe distance from all girls."
"Not「all」!"
At those words, Sakiko instantly panicked, throwing herself against him in protest, as though afraid he'd actually keep his distance from her.
Her reaction made Haru chuckle. He gently cupped her face, the faint pout in her cheeks making her look all the more enchanting, enough to topple anyone who met her eyes.
But Haru was not so easily toppled.
"Then tell me, what do you two want me to do?"
He turned his gaze to Soyo with deliberate interest. His sudden question left both girls momentarily stunned. But in the next second, when their eyes met, they each knew exactly what the other was thinking.
This was an opportunity they could not waste.
If it had been only Soyo or only Sakiko here, she would have asked for private time with Haru without hesitation, hoping for intimacy that would naturally deepen their bond.
But the problem was, both were here together.
"..."
Soyo's fingertips traced circles in Haru's palm, her brows furrowing slightly. She was stuck in a bind, unable to advance or retreat. Her face turned a little bitter, showing her inner conflict.
If she pushed forward, she'd clash head-on with Sakiko, who shared the same thought.
If she backed down, she'd be handing this rare opportunity away.
"Mm…"
Sakiko's face was bright red, like she'd been possessed by Anon. She held her breath for ages, unable to force a word out. Truthfully, other possibilities had crossed her mind, but anything too daring she quickly rejected out of sheer embarrassment.
Unlike Sakiko, who was still every inch the sheltered lady, Soyo finally spoke after some hesitation:
"…Since Haru already said that, I'll share what I think."
"This might sound a little selfish, but I believe every girlfriend should be treated equally. Regardless of how things were before we made things official… Haru, you've already gone on dates alone with Uika and Anon, right?"
Understanding flashed across Sakiko's eyes. She looked at Soyo with a gaze that said, "I see."
It wasn't just the old CRYCHIC bond between them, or the bittersweet rivalry of lovers, at this moment, their thoughts connected perfectly.
Before Soyo could finish, Sakiko, her chin resting on Haru's shoulder, hurried to add, "So… shouldn't Soyo and I also get to go out with Haru alone?"
Haru's dark eyes widened with surprise, his shifting expression clearly caught by the two girls.
To them, as his "wives," every small change in his demeanor was engraved in their hearts. His subtle expressions and little habits had long been etched into their very bones.
And right now, his expression clearly held no trace of refusal.
"You're both right. I have no objections."
Just as they had guessed, their "husband" agreed almost instantly. Soyo and Sakiko's eyes sparkled, unable to fully hide their excitement.
No matter how bold or subtle an advance was, nothing carried more weight than a promise.
It meant that on that day, no one else would intrude, and they would have uninterrupted time alone with him.
"…"
Soyo snuck a glance at Sakiko, her slightly raised eyelids carrying a silent message. Caught between them, Haru blinked in confusion.
Wait, since when did they learn to communicate like this?
Haru sighed inwardly. The speed at which girls' relationships could shift was insane. Just a moment ago, they were ready to claw each other's faces off, and now they were trading secret eye-signals.
But wait a second... was this "party chat" on shared view?
Because somehow, he could read it too.
[So, what about today?]
Soyo asked with her eyes.
[For today, let's each take a step back. We can't get true alone time… but at least we've secured the lead, and no one else will interfere.]
Sakiko shook her head lightly, responding in kind.
At this moment, the only girlfriends by Haru's side were the two of them. No third rival would intrude. If they stopped fighting and chose instead to work together, it would be a win-win situation.
Even if they couldn't deepen things all the way, at least hugs, kisses, and maybe even being lifted into his arms should be fair game, right?!
Just as Haru was about to say something, Soyo suddenly brightened with a warm smile. Her honey-sweet tone was soft, yet carried a sharp edge.
"Haru, do you have time later?"
"…If you really want to know, yeah, I have some."
Band work had eased up, and the painting for Manager-san's art exhibit was already finished. Free from his usual grind, he'd come to the café today with a clear schedule.
"Then after I get off work, why don't the three of us go eat together?"
"I've been wanting to talk more with Soyo anyway. Haru, you'll keep us company, won't you?"
I don't buy it. This is definitely another Banquet.
Haru was now thoroughly convinced that this sweet, innocent Sakiko wasn't so pure. She knew full well he wanted to smooth over the lingering awkwardness between everyone. If not restoring old friendships, then at least making coexistence bearable.
And knowing that, she turned it back into a bargaining chip against him?
Haru sighed and, half amused, half exasperated, replied,
"In that case, let's go to the place where you two fought last time."
"Don't bring that up again!"
Sakiko's face turned scarlet as she slapped a hand over his mouth. The blush spread from her cheeks all the way to her ears. When she finally felt the warmth of his breath dampen her palm, she yanked it back in embarrassment, fidgeting in place with no idea what to do.
That incident really had been her fault. Let the black history stay buried in the river of time!