Chapter Text
Almost three months later – National soccer awards ceremony
Mira adjusted her blazer nervously as she weaved her way through the crowded foyer towards the registration counter.
Her family followed in her wake, her father with a straight back and sharp eyes, her mother almost invisible in her long black dress and her younger brother incredibly cocky in a brand-new suit, scanning the crowd for hot chicks.
Mira was also sheepishly looking around but only for one particular hot chick with purple hair.
“Don’t look so bloody nervous”, her father scolded behind her. “Straighten up. Show a bit of pride.”
Mira bristled, about to defend herself, when he continued.
“Whether you win something tonight or not, you should be proud of yourself, Mira. I am.”
The words struck her like a blow, and she stopped dead in her tracks to stare at the man in the suit, whom she had been convinced she’d disappointed her entire life.
“You… are?”
He glanced at her, then shrugged, almost embarrassed. “Well yes. You study hard. You play well. You got yourself a fairly nice girlfriend.”
Mira gaped at him.
“I like Rumi, too”, her mother interjected meekly to Mira’s side. “She seems to make you happy.”
“I like her because she’s hot”, her brother Magnus chipped in and Mira swatted at him, trance broken.
“Shut up, you horny little shit”, she grumbled, but inside she felt a strange warmth blooming as her parent’s words sunk in.
“Speaking of hot”, Magnus snickered. “There she is – and her cute friend is with her, too…”
Mira’s eyes snapped up, too busy looking for a familiar flash of purple, to scold her brother any further.
Her breath caught in her throat when she spotted Rumi near the entrance, one arm looped across Zoey’s shoulder, looking like the personification of beauty in an indigo dress, perfectly complementing her pinned-up purple hair.
She was giggling as she whispered something to Zoey while scanning the crowd, still completely oblivious to Mira drooling over her.
“Next”, the registration agent barked, and Mira spun around, stuttering her name, before she got handed her lanyard rather tersely.
“Players at the front of the arena, parents at the back”, the agent explained, sounding like she had said this same sentence a million times tonight already. “No seating order but I recommend sitting by your team. Enjoy your night.”
“Thanks”, Mira mumbled, slinging the lanyard around her neck before moving out of the way for the next person. “I’m just going to get Rumi and find a seat”, she told her family. “I’ll see you after the ceremony?”
“Say hi to her, tell her you guys must make use of our beach house over the summer”, her father said importantly.
“And Mira…”
“Mmmh?” She looked up, not sure she was ready for another heartfelt confession.
“That request you made”, he added, voice low now and only for her ears. “Relating to your coach. I’ve taken care of it. Just know that if there is the need to take any further action, you have our full support.”
Mira almost choked on her stuttered thank you. He didn’t hug her but patted her shoulder firmly, just once.
Mira used the time finding Rumi in the crowd to slip on a mask of relative cool.
Tonight was about them and their relationship.
The last few months had been a chaotic mix of first dates and wild sex, while trying to finish a season, prepare for end of year exams, navigating tender connections with old enemies and awkward to heartwarming moments of getting to know each other’s family.
Mira had spent many weekends in Rumi’s cozy little apartment above the Honmoon with Bobby fawning over them, bringing them snacks while they tried to study (or staying the hell out of their way when they failed to).
In turn Rumi had been spotted at the Saja gym from time to time involved in one or the other fierce workout competition (which usually ended in sex because if there was something that got them fired up it was each other’s competitiveness).
Mira had also realised that she absolutely loved spoiling the shit out of Rumi and coming up with the most extravagant date ideas, because Rumi just got magically excited about everything.
Food was definitely a way to her heart, but she also loved anything sport related, music, nature, writing, reading, stargazing, daydreaming, and of course teasing Mira, because she knew what she could achieve by doing it.
And Mira loved Rumi and all that came with her – her cozy apartment, her super-dad, her apple-and-cinnamon porridge, even her demon tiger of a cat (when he wasn’t being a total cock-block).
The trouble was that Mira hadn’t told her yet.
Perhaps she was scared Rumi wouldn’t say it back, still hurt somewhere deep down by the events on New Year’s Eve. Her teary-eyed, pleading face was rather haunting.
Or perhaps things had just been too hectic lately.
But tonight, most their exams lay behind them, the season was over (Huntrix won and damn, Mira was still intending to make Rumi pay), and summer was in the air, warm and friendly and full of promises.
Tonight, Mira wanted to be brave.
She fumbled the small gift she had picked for her girlfriend in her jacket pocket, when she finally came face to face with the most beautiful girl in the room, Rumi’s eyes lighting up like a rising sun.
“Mira”, Rumi smiled breathlessly, tugging a loose strand of hair behind her ear, and Mira’s heart was suddenly working overtime.
“Rumi”, Mira grinned, leaning in to steal a quick kiss, before she acknowledged Zoey with a quick nod. Zoey stuck her tongue out in return. “Hey, Saja.”
“Where’s Bobby?”, Mira asked when they had wrapped up their greetings.
Rumi’s face split into a mischievous grin. “Socialising”, she smirked, and Mira lifted an inquisitive eyebrow. Rumi tilted her head and Mira followed her gaze. Bobby was near the entrance, in a very entranced discussion with a handsome guy in a tracksuit – too old to be a player so likely a coach or referee.
“Oh. I see.” All three girls looked at each other holding in a laugh.
“And how was your trip down?”, Mira asked, resisting to put her arm around Rumi, as they started milling towards the entrance to the arena.
“Remind me to fly down next time – I don’t think I’ll ever survive another seven hours of Bobby’s old school music and dad jokes”, Rumi snickered.
“At least you weren’t cramped into the back seat with your grandparents”, Zoey reminded her. “And it took us more like eight hours by the time we accommodated everyone’s piss breaks…”
They entered Spark Arena, the annual venue for the awards, a massive space clustered with enough tables to seat a thousand plus people. Dozens of spotlights cast dancing lights across the crowds milling into the space, laser beams cut across the (still empty) stage and music almost resembling a heartbeat throbbed from the speakers.
The air tasted like success and opportunity.
Mira found Rumi’s hand, keeping her close amidst all these people as they were weaving through chairs and tables, excited players and anxious coaches. She cast a death stare at a young male player she caught looking Rumi up and down and the guy shrunk in on himself.
“That’s right”, Mira hissed at him as she pushed past, too quiet for Rumi to hear.
They reached a table only a couple of rows back from the stage, to find Mystery, Abby and Ro already sitting down already, looking an odd mixture of excited and nonchalant.
“Urgh”, Zoey moaned at the family faces. “I’m not sitting next to no Saja…” Her gaze fell on Mystery who was shuffling a deck of Pokemon cards under the table with a bored expression.
“OMG you collect?”, she chirped, expression changing from disgust to excitement quicker than a flash of lightning.
Mira and Rumi glanced at each other, then quickly looked away so they wouldn’t burst out laughing.
Abby got out of her seat to give Rumi a quick, shy hug. She was still blaming herself for the unnecessary heartbreak Mira’s team had caused and had meanwhile apologised to Rumi.
Mystery simply claimed it had nothing to do with her, staying in her own world and Ro still shot daggers at Rumi whenever Mira wasn’t looking but forced herself to be polite otherwise.
A couple more Huntrix and Saja players joined their table, including Baby, who was the only one giving Mystery a run for her money in looking unphased. It was an odd mixture of rivalling players drawing the attention from a few of the neighbouring tables, but before there was much time to argue the music cut and a hushed silence fell over the arena.
The MC took the stage, exuberantly greeting the gathered crowd, and the awards ceremony began. Team prices were awarded first, with Huntrix piling onto the stage to collect their trophy. Rumi smirked when the Football Federation President passed her the cup and through a wink in the general direction she expected the Saja girls to sit – the beaming spotlights made it impossible to see from her position on stage.
“You can’t let her get away with that”, Abby teased Mira and Mira smirked as a fair idea for payback was already forming in her mind. One thing was for sure, Rumi would not be going back to this cheap little Airbnb Bobby had booked for them tonight.
Meanwhile, Celine started to sob on stage, throwing her arms around her captain in a rare show of acknowledgement.
Rumi was pretty much buzzing when they took their seats again.
After the team awards, dinner was served, and they moved on to the individual awards.
“…and last but not least”, the MC droned after handing over the ‘Male Player of the Year’ trophy to a guy with a buzz cut.
“The hard contested Women’s Player of the Year.
I know this is always a hard one to choose because we have so many incredibly talented ladies in this country, but this young lady stands out from the rest… I know she is still completing her studies, but a lot of bigger clubs are watching her with keen interest, and we can’t wait to see her represent our nation in the FIFA world cup next year. This award goes to RUMI RYU!”
There was a split second of stunned silence with Rumi turning to Mira, mouth open in surprise, then the world around her exploded in chaos. The crowd roared, Mira pulled her up with so more force they collided into a hug, while Zoey just about scaled the table screaming - even Ro had the decency to clap politely despite turning green with jealousy.
“Ohhhhh my god, Rumi”, Mira laughed, sound mostly swallowed by the crowd cheering, threatening to crack Rumi’s ribs because she hugged her so tight.
Rumi furiously wiped the tears off her face as she made her way back onto the stage to accept her award. This time when she glanced in Mira’s direction there was no mockery or arrogance.
Just an expression of sheer gratitude and love.
It took them a while to come down from their high after. Even when the tables had all been moved and the DJ had started playing to end the night’s celebrations, Rumi was still shaking slightly in Mira’s arms.
“I think I need a drink after this”, she laughed motioning to the bar. “Can I get you something?”
“You know my favourite”, Mira grinned, giving her a last squeeze. “Thanks, babe.”
Rumi made her way to the bar, feeling like she was floating. The bar tenders were all busy, so Rumi stood to the side scanning the menu when she heard someone say her name.
“Rumi.”
It was not a voice Rumi had wanted to hear tonight - or ever again in fact.
Ice settled in her veins, the mood titling from exhilarated to uncomfortable in split seconds as she turned to find Mira’s creepy coach cornering her against the bar.
“Hi”, she said politely, already scanning for an escape route. People around them paid them no attention, most already drunk, ready for a night of intense partying.
“Well done on your award, well deserved”, Hugh purred stepping way too close to her.
“Thanks.” She angled away, but he extended an arm placing it on the bar behind her, cutting her off with casual innocence.
“Look, I still think your talent is going to waste. I think you and me should have a chat about your future – in private.”
“No thank you, I would rather not”, Rumi said as firmly as she could muster. She was not going to get herself into some bullshit situation at these awards ever again.
Hugh just laughed as though her words had meant nothing. “Don’t be silly girl, I’m offering you an opportunity.”
“And she said no.”
Hugh’s face fell as Mira cut in, sliding in next to Rumi, protective arm wrapping around her girlfriend’s waist. Rumi instantly felt safe, her jaw unclenching, shoulders easing.
“Did you know”, Mira continued, directed at her coach. “They took this ref to hospital after I hit him? His nose was broken in three places, so they had to put a bit of metal in there permanently to hold the bits together? But he’ll never look the same.”
Hugh’s eyes narrowed but he didn’t back off.
“Mira”, he said, voice friendly on the surface but full of venom underneath. “Do you know what a dangerous game you’re playing? Are you thinking about the… implications your words may have for your upcoming season?”
Mira smirked, pulling Rumi in so close their bodies were flush. “I’m guessing none”, she said unconcerned. “Given you won’t be my coach.”
“Planning on leaving?”, he mocked her.
“Nope. But you will be.” A beat of silence. “I have reported you to the committee. Turns out I was not the only one who felt… uncomfortable in your presence.”
Hugh’s face turned an angry shade of red and he backed off slightly.
“Don’t pick a fight you can’t win, Song”, he snapped but Mira just shrugged.
“Oh, I’m intending to win this one. My parents are two of the top lawyers in this country so you can choose between a court case you are going to lose, a broken nose, or backing the FUCK OF MY GIRLFRIEND.”
The colour drained from Hugh’s face when he realised the tables had turned on him. Mumbling something about just offering an opportunity he fled into the crowd.
“I’m not done with him”, Mira grumbled, then she felt Rumi’s gaze on her, warm and trusting.
“Thank you”, Rumi whispered, turning so they were facing each other before leaning in for a tender kiss.
“Mmmmhhh”, Mira hummed, relishing Rumi’s lips against hers before pulling away just far enough to speak. “Kiss me like this one more time and we’ll have to forfeit the drinks and head to my room.”
Rumi looked up at her, eyes glowing with mischief. “Show me that room of yours”, she smirked. “So I can thank you properly, Saja girl.”
……………………….
There had been a lot of intention when Mira had booked a room for herself across from the venue.
After telling Bobby, who was still crying tears of joy at Rumi’s success, that he would not be seeing her until at least tomorrow, Rumi let Mira lead her out of the arena, across the car park and into the adjacent hotel.
“This place is so flash”, Rumi giggled as they made their way down a long hallway, thick carpets swallowing the sound of their heels.
“Oversized shower, oversized bed, I hope you weren’t planning on sleeping tonight”, Mira teased as she swiped her key card to let them into the room.
Rumi didn’t really get a chance to look around. As soon as the door had closed behind them, Mira had her up against the back of it, leaning down to pull the other girl into a deep, passionate kiss.
Rumi hummed, eyes fluttering shut, hands coming down around Mira’s waist pulling her in.
“Someone’s missed me”, she smirked when Mira finally pulled back but that smirk dissolved quickly as Mira started kissing a trail down her exposed neck and shoulders before lowering to her knees in front of Rumi, skirting her hands up her thighs, edging underneath her dress.
“Women’s player of the year…”, Mira mused, glinting up at Rumi. “Let’s put your balance to the test.”
And before Rumi could ponder the meaning of those words, Mira had grabbed her left leg and lifted it over her shoulder, pushing up Rumi’s dress so she was face to face with her object of desire.
Rumi let out a part surprised, part aroused gasp as her right leg tensed to counterbalance the sudden shift.
“M… Mira…”
“What is it, Rumi”, Mira teased, both hands working up Rumi’s dress until there was only a thin layer of fabric between her waiting mouth and Rumi’s throbbing pussy. “I thought you liked a challenge.”
She moved Rumi’s thong to the side to run two fingers through her slick folds, marvelling again at how fucking wet Rumi got for her.
Rumi let out a whimper of both need and humiliation and Mira used her index and middle finger to open her, exposing the little nub of nerve endings she knew would send Rumi into oblivion.
“Mira… fuck… please”, Rumi gasped, fingers curling against the cold door behind her, as the cool night air teased her most sensitive part.
“You can win the season”, Mira smirked, relishing in the control she had over her girlfriend in this very moment. “But you’re still begging a Saja girl to make you feel good.”
“Oh, fuck you”, Rumi laughed, followed by an “OH FUCK!” when Mira slid her tongue softly through her folds.
“Still all this attitude”, Mira mumbled against Rumi’s clit and Rumi’s right leg started to shake, left leg pressing against Mira’s shoulder desperately. Then the taller girl used her tongue again, this time hitting Rumi’s clit unguarded with her tip and Rumi clasped a hand over her mouth to muffle the sound rolling out of her.
“Don’t”, Mira hummed before placing another well-placed assault on Rumi’s clit. “Want to hear you.”
Rumi shook her head stubbornly, teeth clenching around her own index finger, as she tried her best to remain silent and upright, when Mira really started to work her, tongue, lips and teeth.
She knew Rumi so well by now, knew what made her buckle and gasped and moan in desperation and Mira pulled out everything in her skill set to play her favourite game – breaking Rumi – tonight. (In a good way of course but Mira trusted Rumi enough by now to use her colours if she needed to.)
She continued to give Rumi just enough to keep her at the edge but never enough to push her over, until Rumi finally cracked and begged in earnest.
“Please Mira… please”, she whimpered, right leg threatening to give out underneath her.
“Please what”, Mira cooed against her, one hand coming up to steady Rumi’s hip, the other coming up to her dripping entrance, fingers teasing lightly.
“Holy shit”, Rumi swore, trying to wriggle into Mira’s touch without collapsing, one hand grabbing onto the door handle for balance, the other yanking Mira’s hair.
“Tell me what you want”, Mira demanded, her own body starting to tremble with arousal.
“Just… fuck me… please…”, Rumi moaned and Mira could feel her wetness trailing down her fingers. With her last ounce of will-power she forced herself to be patient.
“How many fingers”, she gasped.
“T… two…”
Mira obliged, easing in two fingers, letting out an excited gasp when she found Rumi tight, clenching around her already.
“Good girl”, she moaned as she started to fuck Rumi against the door, both of them still fully dressed, Rumi’s drenched thong pushed to the side.
The Huntrix player nearly cried out at the praise combined with the double stimulation and Mira’s mind glazed over with bliss.
A few more well-placed thrusts and flicks of her tongue and Rumi came all over her wrist and chin, right leg finally giving in, but Mira caught her. Coming up to lift her, she carried her girlfriend’s trembling body to the bed with ease (it wasn’t for nothing that she could bench press more than her body weight).
“You know one is never enough”, she grinned down at Rumi, lying on her back, cheeks flushed and body twitching.
“Look at the mess you made”, she added, lowering herself on top of her girlfriend, sliding her wet fingers effortlessly into Rumi’s mouth, making her taste herself.
Rumi sucked her clean with eager obedience, before Mira withdrew and started peeling them both out of their clothes.
“Are you ready to try something new?”, she finally whispered against the shell of Rumi’s ear when they were both naked, skin already glowing with sweat from the exertion and warm summer night air.
“Always”, Rumi mumbled and Mira repositioned herself with a satisfied grin so she was hovering above Rumi’s face, however facing away from the headboard.
“You’re familiar with position 69 I’d assume?”, Mira asked placing her hands on Rumi’s hips as she lowered herself down. Rumi responded with an enthusiastic hum, hands coming up around Mira’s ass to pull her down onto her waiting lips.
Fuck, Rumi had always been a magician with her mouth and it took Mira a lot of control to return the favour but she did, face coming down between Rumi’s shaking thighs to pleasure her.
It was a blessing really that Rumi was already so overstimulated because it didn’t take long for Mira’s movements to become sloppy and uncoordinated as she spiralled towards her own orgasm.
Eventually she gave up, driving her hips down against Rumi’s face instead in desperate need, simply moaning against her girlfriend’s pussy as she came riding her face.
Her body convulsed then fully collapsed atop of Rumi, thighs clamping shut around her head.
It was only when Rumi meekly tapped her leg that Mira’s soul came back into her body and she hurried to roll off the shorter girl, letting her breath.
“How the fuck are you so good”, she gasped as she turned so they were facing each other, wiping the wet off Rumi’s chin.
Rumi let out a smug chuckle. “Natural talent, Saja girl, I’ve got it in spades.”
Mira didn’t even argue, leaning in to kiss Rumi’s wet lips. “You do”, she whispered. “You’re so perfect.”
“Oh shush”, Rumi mumbled, slightly embarrassed. “I mean you’re not so bad yourself.”
They helped each other up to take advantage of the shower, before brushing their teeth, slipping into the white fluffy hotel robes.
“There’s a balcony!”, Rumi cheered when she stepped back into the room, looking right past the wet patches on the bed. “Mira, let’s go stargaze!”
Mira led her outside with a smile, sliding into a large rattan chair, pulling Rumi onto her lap.
The night air around them was mild and smelt of spring and new beginnings.
Rumi snuggled into Mira’s shoulder, arguably not so many stars but the lights of the city below them reflecting in her amber eyes.
“Beautiful view”, Mira mumbled and Rumi looked up to see her looking at her rather than the skyline beyond. She blushed, her hand finding Mira’s, fingers merging gently.
“Imagine this time last year, we hated each other’s guts”, she mused.
“You were an annoying little brat”, Mira conceded. “Sometimes you still are, but it’s fun.”
Rumi giggled, hiding her face in Mira’s robe. “I only do it because I’m a sucker for your punishments.”
“I know”, Mira grinned, only a little satisfied with herself. Then her expression sobered, hand working its way into the pocket of her robe. “I got something for you, Rumi.”
Rumi looked up in surprise, eyes sparkling. “For me? Like now?”
“Yea.” Mira collected the little item in her hand before sneaking it into Rumi’s with a shy smile.
Rumi felt cool metal, looking down to find a tiny key ring of a panda, a twin to Mira’s giraffe key ring, sitting in her palm.
It was a small gift, a tiny gesture, but it meant everything.
Eyes shining, she looked up at Mira. “I… thank you.”
Mira cupped her face, planting a gentle kiss on her girlfriend’s lips.
“I’m sorry”, she said quietly. “For what I did to you at the beginning of the year. I know it’s in the past now. I just really need you to know – and to never forget – that I don’t hate you. I love you.”
Rumi considered her for a moment, eyes blown wide, pupils fully dilated. Her fingers closed around the key ring, the hurt it reconciled, the promise it held for their future, washing through her.
The words came easy and soft over her lips like she had always meant to say them.
“I love you, too, Mira. I love you, too.”