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Hiyoko hated days like this. Days where she got all self reflective. Not quite depression days, but just a step above. She didn't like needing to think, especially about herself.
Her and Mikan had been dating for what, 4 months now? Time feels like it's gone by faster ever since Hiyoko confessed her feelings to the nurse, a decision she had been sitting on for what felt like ages. Truth be told, Hiyoko had a crush on her pretty early on. She was never one to believe in love at first sight, and be damned if she'd ever fall into that trap… but Mikan was different…
Mikan always cared about Hiyoko. After all of the insults, tripping, and anything in between, Mikan still found it in her heart to smile at Hiyoko, and tell her to look out for herself.
And that made Hiyoko mad
Why the fuck is Mikan giving her band aids when she gets hurt?! Why is she offering to look after her when she's sick?!
Why does she care? She really shouldn't…
That's what Hiyoko told her support system, consisting of Mahiru and Hajime. They were the older siblings she never had, and whenever she second guessed herself, she consulted their wisdom. Of course they wanted her to apologize and mend their relationship, that much was obvious. But Hiyoko was stubborn, and everyone knew it. She can't apologize to Mikan! Hiyoko wouldn't be caught dead giving some half assed apology, nor breaking down crying in front of the very nurse that she made do exactly that so many times.
At least… that was what she told herself…
Hiyoko remembers it like it was yesterday. It was easy to psych herself up. But the slow walk to Mikan's door, wooden sandals echoing in the empty halls. Her hand knocking on the door. The sound of Mikan turning the door handle, somehow not tripping on the way there.
That feeling was worse than any cold Hiyoko has ever caught. Her throat was tighter than ever, like a snake was wrapped around it. Her stomach felt like it was tied up in a billion knots, and she was fidgeting like there's no tomorrow.
But the worst part was when she looked up to meet Mikan. That damn clumsy nurse, usual happy smile on her face, sunlight flowing in through the window behind her to truly give off an angelic look.
Why is she so happy to see me? Why is she asking if something is wrong?
Why. Does. She. Care.
Tears had been pricking the corners of Hiyoko's eyes for only a few seconds. That was all it took for the dam to break, and leave her a sobbing mess on her knees. An appearance she normally would NEVER let another soul see if they weren't sworn to secrecy.
And now Mikan saw it.
At first the nurse was surprised. Who wouldn't be? But she knew to bring the dancer into her room to at least prevent others from seeing her in such a state.
When Hiyoko finally got to the point of actually being able to speak coherently, her thoughts came out with little rhyme or reason.
Mikan didn't speak much throughout the whole thing. She's not exactly a therapist, but she knew that letting Hiyoko get all of this off her chest was for the best. It didn't take a genius to realize that she had a lot bottled up.
But the hugs. Those damn hugs…
Hiyoko was weird when it came to touch. She was absolutely touch starved, and if she trusted someone, she let them know how much she cherished things like hugs and kisses. But anyone else couldn't even dream of laying a finger on her, lest they face the wrath they already knew all too well.
Mikan's touch was soft, gentle, and loving. It was everything Hiyoko wanted… but from Mikan?
She didn't deserve that
But after an eternity of squirming (Hiyoko made a mental note that Mikan's hugs are stronger than they'd seem) she eventually tired herself out, and allowed Mikan to truly comfort her.
While she may have confessed her feelings for Mikan, the two didn't start dating then and there. They had both agreed to try being actual friends first.
It was a very new feeling on Hiyoko's part. Previously she'd go play video games with Chiaki and Ibuki.
But now… she'd invite Mikan…
Before, Hiyoko was sure to be the main subject of as many of Big Sis Mahiru's pictures as possible.
But now… she'd share the spotlight with Mikan…
And she'd show her some of her dancing…
And braid her hair…
And spend most of the school festival with her, arms interlocked as she finally realized that even Mikan could in fact pull off a kimono as well as she could.
It was at that festival that they had shared their first kiss. And Mikan gave a tired, yet happy Hiyoko a piggyback ride back to the dorms.
Since then, their bond had been inseparable. If you had asked Hiyoko even a year ago if she had this much love for anyone other than her older sibling figures or her dad, she would have shut you down immediately.
Hiyoko finally had someone to love. Someone to protect. And someone who felt the same towards her. She may be a handful, but Mikan was more than capable, and willing to undertake that.
Hiyoko Saionji had finally found what she was looking for her entire life. And she was more confident than ever before that she wouldn't mess this up.
Sometimes these self reflective days suck. But other times… it's good to be reminded of just how far she's come. And just how lucky she is to be dating the silliest, clumsiest, and cutest nurse that Hope's Peak Academy would ever see.