Maple, Princess of Autumn
She braced, waiting for Kaede’s rejection and anger.
“That’s very sweet.”
“It was only a fake kiss though! We didn’t actua- What?”
Kaede’s eyes were sincere, entirely oblivious to Mary’s guilt.
“It’s very sweet that you two got to end your relationship so nicely.”
She smiled, trying to hide a laugh.
“Even if it was a fake kiss.”
Mary sat quietly, trying to adjust to the drastic change in atmosphere.
“You seem like you were expecting a different reaction.”
Kaede began giggling unable to stifle it any longer.
“H- hey don’t laugh!”
“I apologize, that’s rude of me.”
Mary blushed, Kaede’s acceptance replaced the ache in her heart.
“Thank you.”
Kaede held both of her hands.
“There’s nothing to thank me for. You accept me and I accept you. No matter what may have been.”
Kaede now blushed.
“I can see why you liked Rika though. She’s really pretty.”
“Ah...”
Kaede’s eyes widened.
“Me saying that leaves you in an awkward spot doesn’t it.”
“A little bit. But...”
She averted her eyes, shying away from looking at Kaede while saying it.
“There is a lot to like about her.”
“Yes. Yuki is very lucky. However, I find you even more pretty, and you are a famous musician. That’s... really cool.”
Mary looked a Kaede with a smile.
“I find you prettier also. Just like your name, a princess.”
Kaede blushed.
“You’re not just saying that?”
Mary poked her cheek.
“I think you know that answer to that.”
Kaede considered shying away again, but she caught herself.
“I-“
The car slowed, halting in front of the gates to a large estate.
“Pardon me, but we have arrived.”
Mary smiled, as Kaede held her breath, remembering the presence of Mister Ichihara.
Mary leaned over and whispered in her ear.
“Finish that thought in the courtyard.”
A placard next to the gate read the family’s name.
“It looks so cool, like out of a Manga or something.”
Kaede held on to her arm.
“It’s only the gate.”
“Still! My apartment building doesn’t have my family name next to it. Or a gate.
Kaede smiled.
“Let’s go.”
Mister Ichihara opened the gate for them, bowing as the estate opened before them.
“Welcome to the Akinomiya manor and gardens.”
Mary marveled as they moved up the path towards the house.
“It’s like traveling back in time.”
Kaede giggled as Mary looked down at her clothes with a look of embarrassment.
“I’m not properly dressed for this!”
“You look wonderful, no need to worry.”
“These boots will be a nightmare to take off! And the jacket, I can’t sit around with this. I should at least be wearing a Yukata. I’ll just ruin the atmosphere!”
“Y- you can borrow something if you’d like.”
Mary blushed.
“A- are you sure? They’re yours and everything.”
Kaede blushed as well, considering her own forwardness.
“It’s okay, I have many.”
A bead of sweat appeared on her forehead thinking of what she was implying.
“Unless you don’t plan on staying too long!”
She sighed, thinking of how she had ended the evening so suddenly.
“I- I’ll stay as long as you’ll have me.”
“I wouldn't mind if you stayed forever!”
Kaede’s eyes widened, her breath caught, and a cold sweat broke out.
Mary’s reaction was far calmer. In fact she smiled, still while blushing from Kaede’s insinuation.
“What should I wear?”
