The relationship between Moeka and Fumiko had always been ambiguous.
As childhood friends since kindergarten, back when Moeka's father was still alive, they knew almost everything about one another, from hobbies to personality, down to miscellaneous truths. There was not a drastic change, not a significant development between them for years, but by merely staying and growing up together, they had, little by little, built a bond impossible to sever.
At first, like good friends, then close enough to call sisters, and now, both were at the age where they began having other thoughts about each other. The 'What ifs' rolled occasionally in their heads, now greatly accelerated by the tendencies emerging from deep within them.
Officially, the two were not lovers. Still, if one took a look at them together, they would instinctively realize how attached either of them was to their childhood friend—and how guarded they were. Most stayed away from Fumiko since they were afraid to face Moeka's frozen hostility, while virtually none dared to approach Moeka thanks to Fumiko's ruthless glares.
At some point, even Fumiko herself thought they would eventually end up with one another. The relationship just needed a bit of time to shimmer—time it never had. Fumiko was beyond relieved when she and Moeka were compatible. She was an Alpha, while the other person was an Omega—a match in heaven.
The problem? She was not the only Alpha who had eyes on Moeka.
Because of her special constitution, perhaps the most unique among the magical girls in the world, Moeka was sought after by other powerful colleagues. Even if Fumiko's family had some sway in this small city, she could not compete with the kind of giants coming from the capital, much less the galactic federation. But if that was her only concern, she would have snatched Moeka away and claimed her long ago.
What Fumiko could not easily do was force Moeka not to give up something she had set her heart on doing. Her childhood friend was deathly stubborn. Once she set her sights on a goal, she would commit to it. And unfortunately, the Omega had decided to take on the offer to 'treat' those Alpha magical girls. The competitions arrived too suddenly, and the battlefield became too chaotic, out of Fumiko's control.
That said, she still had the largest advantage, being the closest to Moeka's heart.
Her confidence was immense... until she found out how another girl had marked Moeka right on the same spot she had marked her before. It happened in less than a day, right under her nose. The alarms went off in Fumiko's head. And, uncharacteristically, she asked Moeka to stay on impulse.
''So... what do you want to talk about?'' Moeka asked, casually strolling inside the lab, where only she and Fumiko remained, ''Is it about my pheromones?''
''...''
Fumiko stood close to the window, deep in thought as she followed her childhood friend's figure.
Kisaragi Moeka was a lovely woman. Beautiful, gentle, but never a pushover—someone who could stand on her own and relentlessly chase her dreams. Fumiko had always adored the sight of Moeka as she gave her all to achieve something. She loved watching over Moeka from an intimate distance, like seeing a flower blooming in its most beautiful season.
Kisaragi Moeka was also very prideful. She never liked to rely on others' philanthropy for things in her life. That was why she refused when Fumiko said she could help her buy a house or a car. Even though Moeka could easily cling to her childhood friend and never have to worry about studying and getting a job, she chose not to. Fumiko also liked that side of Moeka.
But nothing could stay the same forever.
Fumiko herself felt it the most vividly after kissing and marking Moeka in that parking lot. Her fundamental psyche had begun to morph into something more sinister. From the depths of her mind, a gripping desire to possess the Omega whole enveloped her reasons, strongly nudging her toward total domination.
Thirst. Jealousy. Lust.
Those ugly emotions swirled endlessly in her, squeezing the rational consciousness breathless. Perhaps it was the instincts of an Alpha, the greed and possessiveness that made them who they were. Fumiko was ready to accept this new side of her and move on.
But then... what about Moeka?
Would she, too, change into a submissive and overly indulgent woman? A meek, wimpy lamb like the typical Omega? Fumiko actually did not mind it. She only worried about how Moeka herself would take it. For someone with such a strong sense of self-identity, the transition could be disastrous.
''Miko?''
At some point, Moeka was right in front of Fumiko, tilting her head. Only then did the latter snap out of those thoughts, realizing she had been silent the whole time.
Fumiko quickly organized her words and spoke, ''It's about your new job.'' She took a deep breath, ''It seems like you've thought about it carefully, so I won't stop you. But...''
''But...?''
The purple-haired woman's eyes overflowed with concern, though beneath them lay an intense layer of frustration. Gritting her teeth, Fumiko continued, ''Don't forget who you are, no matter what happens. Don't let anyone belittle you—no one is above you. Keep your pride, and keep your selfishness.''
''...''
Perhaps thanks to the mark that day, but Moeka felt she could sense Fumiko's moods better. She instinctively realized those words were out of consideration for her, and at the same time, she also understood what her friend referred to.
''I know,'' Moeka replied, ''Even as an Omega, I'm still myself. I won't let anyone take anything away.''
Hearing it finally put Fumiko at ease. She nodded gently, smiling, ''Good. And remember, I'm always here to help you—as a leader, and as your best friend. Got it?''
Moeka somehow could not take her eyes off the woman's dazzling face. The Alpha's words were soft and caring, as if caressing her ears. The subtle, refreshing scent in the air tugged at her fragile Omega nerves, making her heart drum incessantly.
Blushing, she replied, ''O-Okay. I'll have to rely on you, then...''
''...''
''...''
Eager to escape this awkwardness, Moeka was about to change the subject, but right at that moment, her hands were caught by Fumiko. She shyly perked up, tracing the source of this sudden affection.
''...Miko?''
Though the Alpha kept a straight face, the sheer desires within those plunging red eyes could not be concealed. They oozed onto Moeka, pooling around her, sticky and viscous, as if entrapping its prey.
''M-Miko, you're not in heat again, right...?'' Moeka stammered, backing away. ''Hold on...''
''...You know,'' Fumiko exhaled a hot breath as she slowly cornered Moeka, ''As much as I want to remain your reliable friend...''
Moeka could see the looming peril about to close in on her. Her legs felt weak, almost melting under the anticipation, while her arms involuntarily gave way to the assailant. The sight of her so easily caving in, flushing like an obedient little girlfriend, was beyond addictive. It triggered a wave of violent response from Fumiko, who nearly slammed Moeka's wrists against the wall.
Fumiko's presence swallowed Moeka whole. Within that cramped space, their breaths mingled, and the heat mixed with swirls of pheromones seemed to entice something more daring.
As they stared at one another in this suspense, Fumiko caught Moeka's chin, a thin, almost predatory smile blooming on her face, ''...It's all your fault, Moeka. You leave me with no choice but to want more.''
''You...''
Moeka could not utter a word of refutation, nor could she find the strength to retaliate. Fumiko seemed to have lost it, and worse... she was about to as well.