Shiho's eyes flit briefly between Ann and Akira in that moment.

Then she smiles brightly. "Is that going to be enough for you, after skipping lunch until now, Akira?"

"I wouldn't mind a crêpe, if you're offering." Akira smiles her best smile.

"Yeah. We ate breakfast late, too, so this is our second meal. What kind would you like?"

"Chocolate would be good."

Ann nods, and squeezes Shiho's hand. "I think we can manage that."

Shiho squeezes Ann's hand and stands up. "We'll be right back," she says, quickly heading off with Ann to order three crêpes.

Ann heads off with her girlfriend, of course.

And Akira's left to eat her lunch in peace for a little while. 

I would not give up hope just yet, chérie.

Akira sighs and spears another piece of wiener with her chopsticks.

What do you think is going to happen, Julie? It's clear Ann and Shiho have the history with each other that I don't. It'd be a crime to break them up.

There are more shapes of relationship in Heaven and Earth than are dreamt of in your philosophy, mon cœur.

Julie's mental voice carries the unmistakable impression that she's winking at Akira.

She supposes Julie would know. 

Alright. I'll... keep my eyes open. 

Possibilités aside, the boy is cute too, non?

She blushes a little and smiles as she eats.

Yes. Yes he is. 

Very sweet, too. And he blushed adorably about being home alone with you.

That he did.

I've never fallen for a guy before, but Ryuji...

There is a first time for everything, chérie. Simplement consider it. On a related subject, have you considered telling him and Shiho about yourself?

I have. I keep stalling out on it. But... 

She thinks about Ryuji, his puppy-dog attitude, his earnest care. 

She thinks about Shiho, the way she's borne so much, the strength in her as a person. 

... Julie is right. She really should say it. 

Good girl, mon cœur.

She flushes. Oh no, she's not even safe from praise inside her own head anymore. 

And that's when Ann returns, still hand in hand with Shiho but bearing a plate with three crêpes on it for the table. 

Shiho pulls Ann's chair out for her, then sits down as well, taking a savory cheese crêpe for herself.

"Aw, thank you Shiho." Ann sits, and deals Akira her chocolate crepe.

Akira accepts it, and takes a bite. She's not sure what to say. It would probably be smart to come out to both Ryuji and Shiho at once...

She'd be more comfortable coming out to just Ryuji, to be blunt about it. But Shiho deserves to know too.

She drums her fingers on the table.