A/N: Is Riko's dog, Prelude, a boy or a girl? I can't remember lmao. Also I think this is my favorite one-shot I've written so far. I thought of it at work and it made me laugh so of course I had to write it but then it turned cute and now I love it. Anyways, Yousoro and out (๑◡╹)ゞ !

You's hand slammed by the right side of Riko's head, softly letting her red hair flow over her fingers as she closed the distance between them. Softly looking into her eyes, You had her right where she wanted her. She had practiced her confession a multitude of times, it just had to work at this point. Mustering up in her most suave voice she could, You lowered her pitch as she spoke out,

"Riko, the light of my life, would you please accompany me to a date this Friday after our Aqours performance. It'll be just me, you, and the moon to guide us through our night."

Riko smiled, stifling a giggle as she patted You's fluffy hair. It was the 14th time that You had tried this exact situation. Each time was more adorable to her. Her small friend trying to be cool was a sight to see, especially when she attempted to lower her voice. You had a far too high tone to ever sound sultry.

"You, would you please stop messing around. The bus is going to be here any moment."

Riko walked away from You's attempt at trapping her into a corner. She gracefully strutted towards the bus stop, keeping an eye out for anyone around who might have seen what had just happened. The smaller girl dropped her hand to her side before running along side Riko,

"Oh come on, Riko! What is it going to take for you to realize I'm not joking. I'm super serious about this!"

Riko turned on her heels. She couldn't deny that You was cute, anyone in the world could agree with that. However, she just didn't feel You took what she was doing seriously. Dating was a big thing and it could ruin their friendship if things turned sour. While a deep part of her wanted to agree just to see how You would treat her for the night, she had to think rationally. She wanted You by her side for a long time down the road and she knew just how to do that. You could literally do anything, however there was one thing Riko was sure she had her beat on.

"I'll tell you what you, I'll go on a date with you when you're just a little taller."

You tilted her head, lost at the idea of that being a reason for them to finally go one a date.

"What kind of compromise is that? You won't date me because I'm shorter than you? There isn't anything else I can do to change your mind? Like say anything I can actually, physically or possibly, do?"

Riko giggled at You's attempt to make her rethink her decision,

"I promise later down the road you'll see the real reason, but for now I think this will be a good starting point you can go off of."

You looked down at the floor in thought of just what Riko was talking about. While she didn't know why Riko didn't take her seriously, she was going to do what she could while she still had time to grow.

"Fine, I won't give up. You'll see!"

Riko couldn't help but laugh at that memory. She was taking a sip of tea at a local bakery shop, slowly thinking back to her high school days. Chika and You were supposed to meet with her soon but like always, they most likely got side-tracked on the way there. While each of them had gotten older and their trio group chat had long become dead after each of their schedules became so busy, it was a no brainer that Chika decided now was the perfect time to start it back up. It was soon going to be almost several years since they had last met. After graduation they each went their separate ways, Riko going back to Tokyo, Chika beginning the process to take over her family's Inn, and You was on the first ship with her father across the seas.

With a couple hundred notifications later of You and Chika spamming her phone, Riko finally agreed that a meeting was long overdue. It was time to have a brunch hangout with the three of them once more, for old times sake. It was only then that everything came back to Riko. Chika being the leader of their shenanigans with You rushing in alongside her as Riko was dragged along. Then again being with them was more fun than the other years as they had been through so much together already.

"Riko!"

The red-haired girl looked up to see her energetic mikan loving friend running toward her. She didn't even notice anyone had come in.

"Hey Chi-"

Chika cut Riko off, running at full speed, not caring for anything around her. With a clutter of noises breaking the air, Riko ended up staring at her tea on the floor and an apologetic Chika before her. Embarrassed, Chika sheepishly smiled,

"Sorry about that."

Riko rolled her eyes as she should've expected something like that would happen after not seeing each other for so long.

"It's fine, I'll be right back with some napkins."

Chika nodded her head as she sat down in the clean spot. Grabbing a menu, Chika called out to Riko as she walked away,

"Alrighty, I'll order you a new drink!"

Riko yelled out behind her,

"You better!"

—

Exiting the bathroom, Riko had a handful of paper towels. She thought she should bring extra incase You came along and caused even more chaos.

"Okay Chika I got the-"

Sitting right next to her though, laughing about something said, was You. However, that wasn't the same little sailor Riko once knew before. She stood taller, more confident, tremendously toned. Riko stood there for a second, questioning if that was still the same girl who used to beg to go on a date with her using her little puppy eyes. Chika spotted Riko though as she called her over,

"Riko, look who just showed up too!"

Riko broke her dazed look as she smiled at the two. She couldn't help her face from becoming hotter as You's features really came into light. She had lost her baby face, actually looking like an adult with her defined jawline. While she still had her slightly boyish look to her, her wavy hair had grown slightly past her shoulders. Riko held up her paper towels to get herself to focus on anything else besides her.

"I brought the towels."

You smiled at Riko before standing up to greet her like old times sake. Glancing up, Riko was taken back at You's height. She had a major growth spurt after high school as now Riko had to look up to her.

"Chika was just talking about how she caused a mess and you had to clean it. Sounds just like the old days, huh Riko?"

Hearing You's voice really brought back everything Riko hid for years. All the embarrassing diary entries and fantasizing scenarios hit her like a truck. Even more so after realizing even You's voice changed to that slightly deeper tone so used to try so hard to achieve.

"Y-Yeah."

Riko smiled awkwardly at You. It was going to be a long brunch.

The girls had ordered their food finally, Chika paying for Riko's as an apology. With their meal before them it was time to catch up on their life's they had missed out on.

"So, You, I heard you stopped working on your dad's ship. What's up with that?"

Chika questioned You as she attempted to speak with her food in her mouth. Laughing at her speech, You answered,

"Yeah, I just realized I didn't want a life like my dad's for myself. You know, rarely being home for my family and just missing out on the big things in life."

Riko choked on her sandwich with those words,

"F-Family? You have a family, You?"

You realized the mistake in her words, waving her hands around she attempted to clear the misunderstanding,

"No, no, no! I mean, when I do settle down, I'd rather be there for my partner than running off every couple months. I'd never tie down anyone if I lived like that."

Riko nodded her head as Chika went on, teasing You about the idea of having a family. While they were young, the young pianist couldn't lie to herself as she did always want someone to come home to day after day. Yes, her dog prelude was great, but he just didn't fill that missing part of her. Riko had tried seeing other people though nothing ever lasted more than a few dates. Everyone wanted a fast hookup and call Riko prude but she just wanted more. Sighing, Riko took a sip of her water just thinking about it all. At least You had her head on straight. Whoever she was going to go after would get the world at their fingertips.

It was then that Riko choked on her water, You was finally taller than her. Had she remembered their deal, was she still an item in her heart after so many years?

Slightly coughing after the realization, You lightly tapped on Riko's back,

"Whoa, are you okay? I know we're boring to be around but don't eat too fast Riko."

You laughed at her attempt at a joke. If she were being honest it did seem that Riko didn't want to be there. She didn't talk very much and when she did it just faded out after a while. You wasn't exactly sure what had happened between them from the years, they used to get along so greatly.

Riko tried to save herself though as she spoke in between coughs,

"N-No! I like hanging out with you guys! I just, remembered something funny. That's all."

Chika perked up,

"Oh! Share it!"

Riko panicked in that moment,

'Oh god, I can't say You being short or having a crush on me when we were younger was funny'

Riko quickly tried thinking of an answer yet when she glanced at an awaiting You, nothing came to mind.

"Uh, I-I forgot?"

Chika pouted in disappointment,

"Ah, well if you remember please do share."

You smiled at Riko in confirmation with Chika yet when they made eye contact, Riko looked elsewhere. That didn't go unnoticed. Looking down at the half drinken tea in front of her, You knew when it was time to go. Standing up, the grey-haired girl looked at both of her friends,

"Well, I think it's about time I take my leave. I had fun and we should do this again soon!"

You let out in a cheerful tone as she grabbed her jacket from her seat. Chika and Riko watched as she grabbed her tea as well before winking towards them,

"Don't have too much fun while I'm gone!"

Chika giggled as she waved to a departing You,

"Alrighty, we'll schedule another meetup soon!"

Riko waved until You was far out of sight. Once she was though, Chika was the first one to talk,

"Riko, what was that?"

The red-haired girl looked at Chika in a desperate tone,

"Why didn't you tell me You got hot?!"

Chika was slightly backed up from Riko's raise in pitch. She was so calm and collected a couple moments ago,

"I have literally no idea what you're talking about. She looks the exact same."

Riko threw her hands to the side as she rolled her eyes,

"Oh come on, Chika. I can tell you right now that You got three times hotter than you and me combined."

Chika quickly glanced down at herself,

"Jeez, thanks for that?"

Riko put up her hands,

"It's an insult to the both of us, trust me."

Chika put on a smug look as she realized what was happening. Finally, the roles were reversed.

"Well, well, well. I remember back in the day she would worship the ground you stepped on, yet you never even spared her a second glance. Who knew all You had to do was get a little taller and slap a six pack on."

Riko held up her finger,

"Ah, correction, she always had a six-pack. I should know, I used to watch her on pool days."

The orange-haired girl rolled her eyes. The little details didn't matter.

"Either way, doesn't that sound a bit shallow? You know, to only actually like someone for their looks and not, oh I don't know, the tremendous amount of love they used to have for you?"

Riko sighed, Chika was right. No matter how you put it, talking about her looks only wasn't the best thing when there were so many other great qualities to her.

"I know, I know. If it counts I really did like her too back then but we were kids. It's just that, if I agreed to date her and she wasn't serious about it then we could've really lost our friendship and a moment like this, where we reconnect as adults, wouldn't have ever happened."

Riko laid her head on the table, not even bothering to look up,

"I can't really do anything about it now anyways. You didn't seem interested at all. I'm sure she grew past that part of her life, like I should."

Chika set her hand on Riko's head, patting her hair,

"I don't know, Riko. Maybe her heart needs a little reminder."

Riko turned her head, looking up at Chika,

"Do you really think so?"

"Of course you still do! Were you even listening to our conversation?"

Riko looked back to the table bashfully,

"Not entirely."

Chika sighed as she repeated their conversation,

"Well if you must know, You was talking about how she hasn't seen anyone because she always had hope that a certain someone would come back into her life. While you probably threw her hopes out the windows with you being silent and looking ready to leave any moment, I think you still had a solid chance before that."

Riko stepped up from her seat,

"Y-You're right! I mean, she could be talking about someone else though,"

Riko backed down into her seat but before she could Chika stood up, grabbing her by the shoulders,

"No, she was talking about you! You literally did everything you wanted, I think it's time you do something she's always wanted."

Riko still looked at Chika with doubt though. She hadn't ever prepared a confession before, she didn't really know how You could do it so many times after being rejected. Seeing the doubt in her face though, the orange-haired girl's expression dropped. Looks like there needed to be a bribe as well.

"Ugh, fine. If you do this, I'll buy your food next time too."

Riko perked up, if all else failed at least she had a free meal. Standing taller, Riko looked towards the door,

"Deal, now if you'll excuse me I have to go."

Riko rushed towards the door. Though she was slightly panicked, she had to do it. Chika called out to her as she left,

"Good luck! Get that little, but also not little, Yousoro's heart!"

—-

Riko ran down the sidewalk as she kept an eye out for You. To her luck though, she knew no one else who could be noticed from so far away. You was slowly strolling through the town park, looking around at the cherry blossoms, watching them as they bloomed around her. Running over, Riko called out to her,

"You!"

As she turned around though, Riko hadn't slowed down. With her arms out, Riko tackled You to the ground. With a series of bumps and possibly new bruises, You found herself staring at an embarrassed Riko on top of her,

"Uh, Riko. You spilled my tea."

Riko looked over to see that her tea she had taken from the coffee shop was spilt on the ground away from them. It had most likely been projectiled out of You's hand when they had collided, but that wasn't what was important.

"I'll buy you a new one, but now isn't the time for that!"

You laughed at just how the entire situation was going.

"Okay, what time is it then?"

Riko gulped. It was now or never,

"I think, it's time that I do the confessing for once."

You tilted her head, giving Riko the same confused look as when they were kids. Before she could speak though, Riko got off You, helping her to stand.

As they stood in front of one another, Riko still held onto their conjoined hands,

"Okay, I want you to know that this doesn't exactly have anything to do with our deal as kids and you finally getting taller than me."

You's face began to heat up at the memory, scratching her neck, You looked elsewhere,

"Oh, you remembered that. Can I just say really quickly that I'm sorry for how I acted when I was younger. I rushed too much into things without thinking about it. That kind of mentality really screwed up some stuff for me in the long run."

Riko shook her head. You wasn't supposed to be apologizing at that moment.

"No, I'm sorry. I didn't want to take chances on anything new. Living like that only messed up what could've happened between us. There were so many things I regret now, but I don't want that list to keep growing now that I finally get to see you again,"

Riko paused for a moment. She was already speaking like she had confessed. Quickly looking at their hands once more, Riko slightly whispered,

"Well, I mean, if there is an us."

You could feel how embarrassed Riko was and while she wanted to tease her, she also was feeling the same way over everything finally being brought into light. With an equally red face, the latter girl looked at their hands as well,

"I wouldn't mind an 'us'."

Both girls looked at one another. They still had that same look in their eye as when they were young, almost as if several years hadn't ever passed in their hearts. It wasn't before long though that they broke into a fit of giggles. Apologizing over old things didn't sound like them and neither did confessions in open park grounds. Riko was the first to speak up again,

"Well, let me be the one to do this this time."

Riko grabbed onto You's right hand as she got on one knee. In her best imitation of You's old confession, Riko softly looked up to the girl before her,

"You, the light of my life, would you please accompany me on a date this Friday night. It'll be just me, you, and the moon to guide us."

You laughed, throwing her head back as she put her hand over her blushing face. She recalled that confession so well. It was her last one to Riko and her most practiced. She thought her words were so cool at the time but now, actually being told them, it was no wonder Riko never took her seriously.

Pulling Riko up, You went in for a hug,

"You have no idea how long I've waited to hear those words. So, yes, I'll definitely accompany you this Friday."

As they backed away, Riko wasn't ready for them to depart just yet and You could definitely agree. Holding out her hand, Riko grabbed a hold of You's.

Taking their slow stroll through the park, You turned to her side to really look at Riko while they conversed. She had changed so much from the past couple of years. Her eyes shined brighter, her laughs were a little louder, her smile was even a little wider.

Yet, in the end, she was still that same girl she had fallen for when she was just 16.