L: Created page with "'''Log: ''' Fuuka and the Mean Girls '''Cast:''' Natsuki Moriyama, Fuuka Yamagishi, Maki Noguchi '''Where:''' Paulownia Mall '''OOC Date:''' 2025-10-28 '''IC Date:''' Thursday, August 02 2012 '''Summary''': ''Fuuka and Natsuki go to Be Blue V to refresh themselves while they're out shopping, and make some plans for future adventures -- because Natsuki's turned over a new leaf, and Fuuka can actually have fun with her these days. Unfortunately, Maki Nogu..."

2025-10-29T03:11:56Z

Created page with "*'''Log: ''' Fuuka and the Mean Girls *'''Cast:''' Natsuki Moriyama, Fuuka Yamagishi, Maki Noguchi *'''Where:''' Paulownia Mall *'''OOC Date:''' 2025-10-28 *'''IC Date:''' Thursday, August 02 2012 *'''Summary''': ''Fuuka and Natsuki go to Be Blue V to refresh themselves while they're out shopping, and make some plans for future adventures -- because Natsuki's turned over a new leaf, and Fuuka can actually have fun with her these days. Unfortunately, Maki Nogu..."

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*'''Log: ''' Fuuka and the Mean Girls
*'''Cast:''' [[Natsuki Moriyama]], [[Fuuka Yamagishi]], [[Maki Noguchi]]
*'''Where:''' Paulownia Mall
*'''OOC Date:''' 2025-10-28
*'''IC Date:''' Thursday, August 02 2012
*'''Summary''': ''Fuuka and Natsuki go to Be Blue V to refresh themselves while they're out shopping, and make some plans for future adventures -- because Natsuki's turned over a new leaf, and Fuuka can actually have fun with her these days. Unfortunately, Maki Noguchi is still stuck in the past... and she's blaming Fuuka for Natsuki's shift in attitude.''

----

[[Category:Logs]]
[[Category:Season 1]]
[[Category:Season 1, Episode 1]]

<Pose Tracker> Natsuki Moriyama has posed.
<poem>

Be Blue V has some ''excellent'' spa services on offer, even if some of those crystals seem like they're not ''really'' good at healing. Regardless, as Natsuki Moriyama and Fuuka Yamagishi emerge from the store, the former's tanned cheeks are all but ''glowing.''

"Woooow, I feel so much better after that...!" Natsuki exclaims, streeetching her arms up over her head. "It was just the thing to wipe away the stress of those exams, right? Thanks to studying with you, I really outdid myself, but ''man'' that was a lot!" Natsuki, notably, still only ranked around the 'Middle' of the pack...

... but she ''used'' to always score in the bottom third of the school, so it's a big improvement for ''her.''

"Thanks for trusting me on this one," she smiles, turning to Fuuka, as she jerks a thumb back towards Be Blue V's bluescape signage. "I know it might have sounded weird that I suggested this place... but it really ''does'' have ''great'' manicures, right?"

Of course, Natsuki couldn't have ''blamed'' Fuuka if she thought Natsuki was going to make fun of her for going to the woo-woo store. ... Natsuki does have things to blame herself for, these days; she realised after she locked Fuuka in that warehouse that she'd gone way too far against someone who was really just ''like her.'' Ever since then, she's been making active efforts to repair the relationship, asking Fuuka for help with studying and inviting her out shopping.

That does mean she's been neglecting her old gang, but...

Well, ''Natsuki'' thinks she's made her feelings on what they used to get up to clear.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>
A spa day... It isn't the kind of thing Fuuka is used to. Certainly not sharing it with ''other people''... She didn't quite know what she was in for - but sure enough, as she exits Be Blue V alongside Natsuki, Fuuka is practically glowing herself.

"Yes, it was... I didn't realise they could make stress melt away like that..." Fuuka agrees, still a little mystified. As for exams... "You really made a lot of progress... I was impressed, Natsuki-chan. I have to thank you, too, your notes really helped..."

...Even if it was just because filling them out into actually ''useful'' notes proved to be an effective study session in its own right. But she does mean it, and she ''is'' impressed. It's a lot of progress!

Natsuki smiles at her, and Fuuka glances back at Be Blue V for a moment. Her expression turns hesitant for a second... and she nods.

"...I was a little suspicious at first." Fuuka admits. Can anyone blame her? The road to get here hasn't been an easy one, and sometimes she feels like she's just waiting for the other shoe to drop... But Natsuki ''does'' seem to be making a legitimate effort, so Fuuka's done her best to meet her there. No one can change if they aren't given a chance, after all. "...But you're right. That ''was'' incredible. I'm glad you suggested it."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Natsuki Moriyama has posed.
<poem>

"Just like butter!" Natsuki agrees, brightly. Their ''appearances'' couldn't be more different, but they sure both look ''great.'' "And that's great, Fuuka-chan," she smiles, with far less veiled venom in her name these days. "I put a lot of effort into my notes, you know?"

She draws cute little multi-coloured borders for every page, and all of her dot points are swirls which are coloured with two highlighters, and there's always a Cool S in at least ''one'' corner... you know, a lot of effort!!!

"I can't blame you," Natsuki says, scratching at the corner of her cheek. "I was a real jerk, for a long time... I can imagine calling you out here just to make fun of the crystals and stuff. But like... you know the dumbest thing?" She laughs, with a bit of a hapless shrug. "I would have picked a place like this because ''I'' liked going here, and I still remember when Maki-chan gave ''me'' crap over thinking crystals can heal anything! Even though, y'know, it's the spa stuff I like..."

... man, the bullies must have spent some time keeping each ''other'' in line, too, huh?

She smiles, hands clasping together. "... but that's kinda why I figured, y'know, you might be into it too, you know? Even if it doesn't look like 'your thing'... I don't know a girl out there who doesn't like getting pampered a little!"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>
"Yes." Fuuka agrees with a small laugh, and then nods. It ''is'' nice, to hear her name being said and not have to wonder what joke she's missing. She nods. "Mm-hm. I could tell."

They were very expressive - looking at them could say a lot about Natsuki herself. Fuuka wonders if there's a universe where they became real friends sooner, and ended up in art club together. She certainly has an eye for aesthetics.

Natsuki admits that she can't blame her for being suspicious - calls herself a real jerk, even.

"Natsuki-chan..." Fuuka murmurs, listening as she continues. Maki-chan... It seems like things were tense, even between them. She was most used to seeing them when they were united in a single cause - that being her - but she supposes it's a reminder that even Natsuki had her reasons for not wanting to show weakness...

Fuuka smiles back.

"I don't have a lot of experience with it, it's true..." She admits. "...But you're right. It does feel really nice. I ''feel'' nice."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Natsuki Moriyama has posed.
<poem>

Natsuki has a passion for all things artistic! Whether it's fashion or fashionable ''notes,'' she surely has a bright career as an artist ahead of her, if she can manage to survive high school. And she's really ''happy,'' when Fuuka says she can ''tell.'' "Yeah!"

She waves a hand, before it comes down on her hip. "It's fine, it's fine!" She assures her, concerned she might have ''worried'' her with that little story. "I'm a lot happier now we're friends, you know?"

Natsuki does a little twirl, in the middle of the mall. "Yeah! It's summer vacation, this is the time for it! Man, we've gotta venture out to Shibuya sometime... the shopping there is ''intense!'' And that's not even getting into Harajuku...! Oh, and Shimokitazawa, too!"

She turns, to Fuuka. "How about you? Is there a place in the big city you're raring to visit, Fuuka-chan?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>
Fuuka can't help but smile when Natsuki looks so happy when her art is noticed. How often can she say she's seen her genuinely happy like that? It's a nice change.

She nods when Natsuki assures her that it's fine, and offers her a small smile.

"I'm happier, too." Fuuka agrees.

Summer vacation, though... they have a lot of lost time to make up for, and this is a good time to do it. Fuuka listens thoughtfully as Natsuki lists out all of the possible places they could go. Shibuya, Harajuku, Shimokitazawa...

"There's always something exciting going on there, isn't there...? I'm sure there's a lot worth seeing." Fuuka comments thoughtfully. Natsuki turns toward her, then, and asks if there's a place ''she's'' raring to visit. Fuuka thinks it over. ...Truthfully, it doesn't take long to settle on a place - it takes longer to work up the courage to actually say it.

"Well... I'm really interested in Akihabara..." Fuuka admits. Saying that is tantamount to admitting that she's a ''huge nerd'', and even now she has a hard time talking about her interests with other people... but she ''does'' admit it.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Natsuki Moriyama has posed.
<poem>

"Akihabara! Cool! Let's definitely go there, okay?" Natsuki's smile at hearing Fuuka express an ''opinion'' is genuine, and she doesn't say a ''thing'' about how nerdy it is. "Ahh, I'd just better make sure my makeup's going to look good with all those lights... I heard Akihabara's a district where you're always lit up, you know?"

"Ugh," comes a voice, from behind them --

-- where stands Maki, arms folded, looking ''completely'' disgusted with the revelation. Maki ''Noguchi;'' this Maki is a second-year, with pale hair and brown pigtails. She's hale and hearty by ''now...'' and glaring at ''both'' of them. "This has ''got'' to be a thing where you're setting her up for the other shoe to drop, right? Come on, there's nothing ''nerdier'' than ''Akihabara!''"

Natsuki's smile closes off to a scowl, as she turns, hands on her hips. "Do you mind? This is a private conversation!" ... one might note that in the way she turns, she puts herself a little in ''front'' of Fuuka.

"Seriously? You're just hanging out with her now? You're ''always'' just hanging out with her now! When are ''we'' going to go to the mall?!" Maki demands, gesturing angrily.

"Why don't you improve your attitude, ''then'' we'll talk?" Natsuki scowls. "I said we were through giving Fuuka-chan crap... I'm done with getting my kicks that way. If you're still into that toxic crap, I've got nothing more to say to you!"

"Wow," Maki smirks, quite unkind, as her gaze shifts to Fuuka. "And you really believe her, huh? It's going to be sooo funny when she embarrasses you in front of ''everyone.'' Don't say I didn't warn you, okay?"

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>
She was nervous about bringing it up - but Natsuki's genuine excitement for Fuuka's idea causes her to relax a little. She nods, smiling back.

"Mm-hm. It can get pretty bright... If we go early enough it shouldn't be a problem, but -" Fuuka is cut off by a disgusted 'ugh', from right behind her. Fuuka turns - and flinches back at Maki's sharp accusation, at the way she snipes at her suggestion.

She notes the way Natsuki moves, interposing herself between the two of them. She's quietly grateful - even if it feels like she can't do much but stand there and listen, as they argue... she's never been great at situations like this.

...But when Maki turns her gaze from Natsuki to ''her'', Fuuka takes a deep breath. They've had a good time today. She looks nice and feels nice. Maybe that's partially what gives her the courage to stand up straighter.

"Noguchi-san... I do, yes." Fuuka confirms with a nod. She looks back at her, managing to maintain eye contact - even if it's from behind Natsuki. "I don't think that's a kind thing to say. I know you're not... actually concerned for me. We don't have to be friends, but... please don't talk about Natsuki-chan like that."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Natsuki Moriyama has posed.
<poem>

They were making ''exciting plans'' and then Natsuki's ''old crew'' shows up. Typical!

(Well, it's not that typical. Maki... hasn't been making a point of running into them together. Maybe she was just hitting the mall, too...?)

"Ugh, you two are all buddy-buddy now, huh? It makes me sick," Maki pulls a face, lips pulling back over her teeth. "Natsuki-chan used to be ''cool'' before she decided she'd been sooooo unfair to you or whatever! Now she's just -- just -- ''lame!''" She gestures to Natsuki with an open palm and open frustration. "Like, you ''broke'' her!"

"Your ''brain's'' the thing that's broken," Natsuki sniffs, a touch of old haughtiness coming back in with a new context. "Putting people down all the time isn't as cool as we thought it was, all right?! Like, get a new thing."

"Yeah, well... maybe your 'new thing' ought to get what's coming to her," Maki scowls, as she turns and stalks off into the crowds -- but not before throwing one more parting glare at Fuuka.

"Ugh," it's Natsuki's turn to utter the grunt of ''being utterly bothered,'' a hand at her forehead. "That was totally lame... sorry about her. Uh, I tried to talk to her, back then, but... y'know," Natsuki waves a hand, glossing over a no doubt difficult conversation. "I guess she thought I was betraying something by, like, growing up, but she couldn't just be ''normal'' about it."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>
It ''is'' strange. It feels like Fuuka hasn't seen any of them in a while outside of school. That's a good thing, really... but she supposes it's hard to avoid running into people at Paulownia Mall for long.

Maki complains, and accuses Natsuki of being lame - and then accuses ''her'' of breaking her. The sharpness manages to cut into her confidence and she flinches back, looking away briefly.

"That's not..." She starts, trailing off.

...Natsuki, as it turns out, is still plenty capable of giving as good as she gets. She counters Maki - and Maki stalks off with one final glare. Fuuka shudders - she can practically ''feel'' the venom being directed her way.

"...It's alright. It's not your fault." Fuuka assures with a shake of her head, as Natsuki apologises for Maki. "...I'm sorry, too. It must be difficult for you..."

Having people she considered friends turn against her... Natsuki has changed, but it wasn't without cost. Fuuka hadn't realised just how much, until now. ...It's says a lot to her, that she's still trying to stick with it.

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Natsuki Moriyama has posed.
<poem>

"Hey, don't worry about it, okay?" Natsuki smiles, turning to Fuuka. "It's probably just, like, karma or something... anyway, ''she's'' the lame one, getting all huffy because we're not still roaming around picking on ''other'' people."

If it's the 'cost of doing business' as someone who doesn't make themselves feel better by pushing down someone ''else,'' Natsuki's evidently willing to put her money where her mouth is... though it certainly wasn't an ''easy'' change to make.

(Then again, what kind of change ''is'' easy, in high school? There are a lot of people who'll put you in a box and ''tell'' you what your deal is... maybe Fuuka is so precious to Natsuki because she ''doesn't'' try to box her in.)

"Just let me know if she causes trouble for you, okay?" Natsuki adds, gesturing with a hand. "Or, like... if you can't tell me, let people at the dorm know! C'mon, the whole point of it being co-ed has gotta be to get guys to stick up for you, right?" Natsuki still doesn't remember a thing about what SEES really gets up to, but... her guess might be close enough!!

"Anyway, let me shout you a coffee, wash that taste out of our mouths," she turns around, to look towards Chagall Cafe. "It's the least I can do."

</poem>
<Pose Tracker> Fuuka Yamagishi has posed.
<poem>
Natsuki says not to worry about it, calling it karma... She smiles, just a little, as Natsuki insists that Maki is the lame one for that.

"I will, thank you." Fuuka assures with a nod... and then a small laugh, as she comments on the co-ed nature of the dorm. "Yes, there ''are'' a lot of reliable people there... I'm not worried."

Not just the guys, even!

Natsuki offers a coffee, and Fuuka considers it. She doesn't really want to impose on her - but ''Natsuki'' could probably use one too, after that, and she needs to learn to be able to accept kindnesses...

"...Okay." Fuuka accepts, offering Natsuki a nod and a smile. "That sounds great. We should be able to get in before the crowd..."
</poem>

2025-10-28: Fuuka and the Mean Girls - Revision history