Story Arc 3: Fabricated Reconciliation

FABRICATED RECONCILIATION

STORY ARC 3

One afternoon after school, Yuuko is waiting in a burger joint called Burgerqueen (Burger King?). Makoto had texted her saying that she wanted to meet Yuuko there, and by the way, Miki was going to tag along for whatever reason. When Makoto and Miki finally meet Yuuko, Miki is all 'flowers and sunshine', apologizing for the comments she made the other day to Yuuko. Miki claims that she said those words because Yuuko became angry out of nowhere. Yuuko also apologizes, but tells herself that she wasn't actually mad at that time.

Next, inbetween gulps of a 'giant killer' soda, Miki says that she wants to learn more about "L.G.B.T."! Yuuko is nonplussed. Makoto asks, "Why?" Miki states that certain concepts bother her. Like, Makoto-chan was assigned male at birth (AMAB), but on the inside is "both" genders, right ? Given that, Makoto is dating a "girl". So, in the end, Makoto, regardless, is still a "boy", no ? Such flawed reasoning vexes Yuuko. Yuuko mimics the flawed reasoning by stating to Miki that if her suppositions were correct, wouldn't that mean that all lesbians are 'male' by nature, too ? Miki loudly proclaims, " No way ! Lesbians don't have 'boy bits' !" Miki's loudness begins to embarrass Makoto. Makoto now speaks up. She says Miki may have difficulty 'wrapping her head around this', but Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity are two completely separate concepts---

" Who do you like ? One must involve and be shipping with another person. That's Sexual Orientation.

Who are you on the inside; your mind, heart, and soul ? You could be in solitary confinement, and still ponder this. That's Gender Identity.

These concepts are not as simple as 'I'm this, therefore, I'm that' !", concludes Makoto. Miki lets out loud, obnoxious laughter. She drones on---

" If that's true, then can *you date me*, Makoto ? "

A dark brooding comes across the face of Yuuko. Miki notices, and observes, 'that there is a scary face'. She, Miki, was only speaking hypothetically.

" So......how about it, Makoto-chan ? ", as Miki continues to push the idea of dating.

Makoto again is embarrassed, as she under the table grabs the hemline of her pleated mini-skirt with clenched fists. Then she says, like she stated at lunchtime at school, she is not specifically 'into girls'. She likes Yuuko-chan because they are "Yuuko-chan".

" I see....... ", as Miki bursts out laughing and making obnoxious slurping sounds on her giant soda. " Then what about you, Yuuko ? Wanna date ? "

Under the table, Yuuko deftly reaches out to Makoto's clenched hands, and lovingly wraps her one hand around them. She than matter-of-factly states---

" It's the same for me. I like Makoto because she is "Makoto". Even though I was assigned female at birth (AFAB), I don't identify as either female nor male. I have a female gender expression, and wear female clothing, just because I'm used to it. No more and no less! "

Miki offhandedly comments---

" I see.....*'I have no gender'* ......that sounds really complicated ! It's time for me to go, Hey, Yuuko ! Let's be friends online! "

Miki hands her iphone over to Yuuko. Yuuko adds her information, and a manga picture that she drew, to Miki's phone memory. Miki asks if Yuuko drew this ? "Yeah, kinda." Makoto says that Yuuko is an aspiring manga artist. Miki remarks that the picture of the manga boy is beautiful. But aren't the hands drawn too big ? It's twice the size that they should be ! Makoto objects. Yuuko silently resumes her dark brooding, with exasperation thrown in for good measure. Miki, all flowers and sunshine, takes her leave.

Now alone together, Yuuko looks away from Makoto, but asks her if she, Makoto, really likes her, Yuuko ? Makoto fervently replies that she likes Yuuko **very much** ! Yuuko is still uneasy and edgy. She then forcefully states that she **can't stand her** (Miki)........

Makoto apologizes for bringing Miki along.

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Click here for Story Arc 4, the next section of the story.