No human is perfect.
Moeka understood that sentence deeply. Ever since learning about Earth's miraculous existence in the vast universe and witnessing the upheavals those aliens brought to shatter the human civilization's reality, she had come to accept that she was, for better or for worse, an ordinary individual.
Even then, she, as a magical girl wielding powerful magic, possessed a certain pride. When the pinkish mascot appeared before Moeka five years ago, offering her its tiny paw, her life forever changed. Becoming a public figure, a savior to the common folks, and someone to be admired. Life was hectic, but she eventually found an equilibrium. Chaos soon settled into a routine, one that she had become too familiar with. So when that routine broke, she was left drifting, unsure of herself.
''Isn't that true for everyone?'' Fumiko replied to Moeka's concerns, ''People are slaves to habits and patterns. They all fear the unknown.''
''I know, but...''
Moeka took a look at her reflection on the marble top. She, like everyone else, was still adapting to her new life. Just that... she was different from everyone else—an Omega—a sheep among a pack of wolves. In her consciousness, she could not, in good conscience, group herself with ordinary Omegas. Not because she looked down on them, but rather, she saw them as people of a different world.
She, an Omega who could endure the magically enhanced Alpha's heat, an Omega who absorbed magical power from her partners, and someone of a unique position, was sought after like a rare gemstone. Yes, like a commodity.
The benefits were good. The prospects looked bright. Yet...
''...Is that who I will really become?'' Moeka muttered, ''My identity. They'll think of me as that one Omega when they hear the name 'Osbeckia.' Not myself.''
Fumiko's heart ached when she heard those words. For one, she could not stand it when her girlfriend was down. Worse yet, she knew Moeka's concerns were valid. Moeka was not a fool. She would realize immediately if Fumiko tried to comfort her with empty words. Painting a fantastical world where everyone was kind, and every person was happy—it would not cut it.
Instead, Fumiko moved closer to Moeka and gently hugged her, ''I'm not sure about other people—I'm not them,'' She said, ''But at least I'll see you for who you are. We've been together for years, haven't we?''
''...Mhm.''
''Just remember to be yourself. That way, people will surely come to love you. And... no matter what happens, I'll always be here for you.''
Enveloped in Fumiko's scent and her reassuring arms, Moeka's doubts significantly faded away. Sometimes, even simple words could make all the difference, she thought. More than anything, she was truly grateful to have a presence like Fumiko beside her. Although this childhood friend... this girlfriend was mischievous and lewd, she was reliable.
Chuckling softly, Moeka said, ''Cheesy.''
Heat instantly rushed to Fumiko's face, but before she could even mutter a word of retort, Moeka decisively sealed her lips with her own. Moeka was practically clinging to her partner, pushing, yet barely able to seize the initiative. As the kiss deepened, she quickly lost momentum and became an easy prey for Fumiko, who pushed her all the way back against the wall.
''Hah... hah...''
Heavy breathing. Leaked pheromones swirled in the air, gripping one another. Realizing it could be a disaster if they lost control in public space, Moeka shyly suggested, averting her gaze ''...Take me to a hotel or something. I don't have classes tomorrow.''
''...I know.'' Fumiko swallowed dryly.
In the end, with an atmosphere so close to the brink of exploding, the two successfully moved to a nearby hotel and finished their business inside. This time, too, Moeka was left with trembling legs and a weak back, yet Fumiko looked completely refreshed.
'So unfair... why am I the only one suffering...?!'
Even though Moeka liked to grumble, she was quite delighted by the romantic endeavour. Those who knew her well could even describe her current mood as 'beaming with happiness.' Especially when she returned home on the next afternoon.
''Oh, my...''
''W-What is it, mom?''
A mother's instincts were powerful. Moeka experienced this first-hand as her mother shot her a knowing gaze the moment she entered the living room. Even without words, that sly gaze and gossipy smile were enough to express her intent. Moeks felt as if she was seen through in an instant.
Well... it was not particularly a secret since Moeka had to text her mother about staying out yesterday.
''So, who was it?'' Mrs Yuzuki nudged her daughter excitedly, ''Quickly, tell mom.''
''Um...''
Yuzuki had always had a specific person in mind for Moeka. Someone her daughter could get along with, who was reliable and cared for her daughter's feelings. And, fortunately, Moeka's answer did not disappoint her.
''It's Miko...''
''Yes...!''
Yuzuki felt as if her favorite sports team had won a world title. Ever since she received the news of her daughter's differentiation, a dream scenario of the two's wedding had been haunting her mind restlessly. Now? It was about to become reality.
''When should we plan the wedding?'' Yuzuki mused, ''Oh, I need to contact the Uehara family, too. Or do you want to wait until you finish college?''
''S-Slow down, mom...!''
''I already had you when I was your age! Hurry up and give me two... no, three grandchildren!''
Thanks to alien technology, two women having children together was possible for decades, but they were a little niche compared to the usual. Besides, because it required the use of cutting-edge magical biotech products to execute safely, the prices per baby were steep.
But when Moeka inevitably thought about having children with Fumiko... it was surprisingly pleasant.
''E-Either way, we just started dating! That stuff is out of the question for now!''
Saying those words, Moeka bolted back into her room.
''Hah...''
Flopping onto the bed, Moeka enjoyed a moment of true peace. As it was her day off from school, as long as nothing urgent came up, she was free to laze around the house. Being a magical girl sponsored by the state was quite comfortable. Due to the nature of her work, she was exempt from group assignments and projects in college. Those usually were the most tiresome, according to a few acquaintances Moeka talked to.
'They're not that useful anyway...'
Moeka could rant for hours about how scuffed the system was, forcing students to give presentations for virtually every subject, even when it did not require such efforts. Besides, everybody used artificial intelligence to cheat anyway, so students could only gain experience for speeches and presentations. But then, why not make dedicated courses to teach those skills?
It was a mystery of modern education.
''...Hm?''
Though as Moeka was mulling over the system while swiping forums, a direct message reached her. The contactor's avatar displayed an elegant black cat with yellow eyes. Moeka was a bit familiar with this person.
[Hello, senior!]
[Waving Emoji.jpg]
Kogane Yui, or Magical Helleborus—Moeka's direct junior.
[Um... could I ask for your service right now, senior...? I feel like I'm losing control...]
''...''
'Ah... my peaceful evening...'