The sun blazed over Taisho Academy as students buzzed with excitement about the upcoming school festival. Laughter echoed through the halls, feet pounded toward the open fields.

Among the students of Taisho Academy, Sakura Kageyama of Class 2-C sat quietly at her desk, flipping through a textbook.

She was a bit distant from the others, not understanding the reason for their overexcitement.

“Guys, after casting votes, we've gotten the activity with the highest vote.“

Sakura looked up at the girl who stood in front of the classroom, a clipboard pressed between her arm and hips.

“Good! I bet it's the haunted house.“

“Haunted house? As if! We can't do that.”

“Why? That's like the coolest activity on the list.“

“The book club is better.”

“Ugh… better, my ass.“

“Come on guys, let's hear Mei out.“ A guy with light blue hair smiled, standing beside the class president.

“Th-thanks…” Mei whispered, raising the clipboard over her face.

She walked to the board, picking up a marker and scribbling down some words before moving aside for the others to see.

She took a deep breath, “The activity chosen is this…” She pointed at the board.

“Wh-what?!“

“Yay~ the cross dressing maid cafe!“

“Nande?!“

“Why the cafe?!“

“Who the hell would want to come into a cafe with guys dressed as maids?“

“Ahem Ahem… I will.“

“Doesn't matter anymore. It's been chosen.“

Sakura stared outside the window, trying to distract herself from the continuous disturbance from her classmates.

*Ah… I've got to get to practice soon.* She sighed, her right hand under her chin.

“Well, we've got to start preparations soon. There's nothing else we can do.“ Haryu, the assistant class president who stood beside Mei, smiled.

“I'm gonna have to hide after all this.“

After the class meeting, which took more time than she expected, Sakura grabbed her stuff and rushed to the court on the school field where the members of the female tennis club had their daily practice.

“You're late, Kageyama-san.“ The tennis coach looked at his wristwatch before looking back at her.

She ignored him, placing her bag on a bench and grabbing her clothes.

As she searched for her clothes, she noticed him staring.

“…class meeting,” she started, her voice flat as she grabbed her clothes. “I’m changing now.”

She zipped up her bag, walking towards the changing area.

He released his already clenched fists before sighing, “Ha… this girl.“

He turned back to the other girls who were busy with practice.

“Come on, Haruka! That wasn't a nice serve!“

“Sorry!“

After a few minutes, Sakura walked back to join the others when she was done changing.

She brushed off the lint on her shirt while walking towards the coach.

“Kageyama-san, after today's practice, you all can have some rest in preparation for the upcoming school festival. I bet you're excited.“ He grinned, acting funny.

She stared at him for a while, expression blank and unexciting. She looked away, walking to join the others.

She sighed, “Just so-so.“

His smile vanished, almost immediately, to avoid further embarrassment,*I… should have expected that.*

“Come on! Bam and Haruka, Kageyama and Ham, would be using that court soon!“

The girl in particular turned to the coach, panting, “Y-yes coach.“

Practice for the day concluded a bit earlier than they had anticipated because of the light drizzle.

Sakura sat on a bench, watching the others who were packing up, ready to leave the field.

She gulped down a bottle of water after huming some tunes.

A girl walked towards her cheerfully, “Yo.“

Sakura glanced at her, adjusting a bit.

“I'm Mayu Maeda. Nice to meet you.“ She grinned.

She studied her for a moment, her eyes flicking to the left, “…Sakura Kageyama.“

Mayu smiled, sitting beside Sakura, *At least she didn't ignore me. That's what I call progress.*

“You're really good at tennis.“ Mayu started.

“I'm just so-so.“

“That's not true. I've watched you since you joined us.“

“…The coach said you were among his aces.“

“He-he, is that so?“

“…”

“We haven't played together. We won't know yet.“

*What's with her?* Sakura thought, griping the bottle softly.

“And Haruka-senpai is way better.“

“. .“

“Oh! Look at the time…”

Sakura looked at the screen of her phone, *Ah, that's true. I've gotta leave now.*

Mayu turned to face her immediately, “Let's walk home together.“

“No.“ Sakura responded immediately, standing up and grabbing her bag.

“Whoa, you didn't even stop to think about it. That was too fast.“

*She looks like trouble. I'd better not get involved.*

“Come on, can't you just indulge me?“ Mayu asked, standing and grabbing her bag.

Sakura walked out of the court as Mayu following behind her, “Don't bother.“

“Come on~ it's just a walk…”

“I'd rather not.“

“Why though?“

*When would she stop following me?*

They were already outside the school compound, and Mayu wasn't planning on letting her leave alone.

“Ah! A shaved ice! Let's buy one!“ Mayu shouted, running to the shop.

She ran back to Sakura after purchasing the shaved ice, “Whoa, that's cold!“

She smiled at Sakura, handing one over to her.

“Here, I got one for you.“

Sakura looked at her, and then back at the shaved ice, “I don't like that flavour.“

“What…? Who doesn't like the strawberry flavour?“

*I just said I didn't…*

“Then i'll go buy you another one!“ Mayu said excitedly, about to run back.

“Eh? No… I'll have it.“

“Really?“

“Yeah… just don't bother me after that.“

“He-he, I can't make any promises.“

*What does she want from me?*

“Ah! Let's walk faster! The bus would be here in a while!“ Mayu shouted, pulling Sakura with her.

“Hey!“ Sakura snapped before shaking her head disapprovingly.

Mayu turned to her immediately, “Ah, sorry about that.“

*Got kinda excited there.* She grinned, letting go of Sakura's arm.

“No… it's nothing.“ Sakura looked away, rubbing the part of her arm Mayu had held.

*More importantly…*

“What do you mean by the bus?“

“Hm? We live close to each other after all.“

*Oh lord…*

...◇◇◇...

“Come on! We've gotta finish up before evening!“ Haryu shouted, standing beside Mei.

They were finally busy with their preparations for the school festival.

Sakura stood on a chair, putting up a bell by the door.

“Uh… we're does this go again?“ She muttered, staring at a flower vase.

Someone walked towards her, stopping just beside the door, “U-um… that goes by the window.“

Sakura turned to the door immediately, looking down at the person who spoke to her, “Tha–”

She stared at the girl who smiled at her, the class president, Mei Fujimoto.

“Ah– I just got hurt while making some decorations.“

Sakura stared at the blood dripping on the floor, memories of the past flooding into her head.

Her head went blank, and the noise made by her other classmates dulled as the only thing she could think of was the blood dripping on the floor.

“… ma-san?“

“… wrong?“

“… no idea…”

“Sakura-san…?“

“Sakura-San!!“

Sakura's breath hitched as she turned to Mayu, who had just walked into the classroom.

“What's wrong, Sakura?“ Mayu asked.

She grasped Mei's arm, studying the injury on her finger.

“I…”

She opened her mouth, but no words came out.

“…” She jumped down the seat, walking past Mayu and Mei.

The others in the classroom stared at her, murmuring as she left the classroom.

“Hey, Sakura, wait!“ Mayu shouted before turning back to Mei, “What happened? How'd you get hurt?“

“I… A needle pricked my finger.“

“Let's go to the infirmary first.“

“Mmn.“

Meanwhile… there was another female student sitting on a bench on the rooftop, Reina Ueda.

She stared at her face on her phone camera, her lips a bit swollen with blood on it.

“Tsk, I didn't even do anything wrong this time. Why'd they hit me?“ She asked, trying to wipe the blood away.

*They haven't bothered me in a while… I thought they'd stopped because of their exams.*

Her phone buzzed just as she was about to switch it off.

She looked at the caller ID as her face twisted.

“Shit!“ She shouted, about to throw her phone on the ground.

She sighed, resting her back against the wall while scrolling through the Internet.

Creak…

The door to the rooftop creaked open, a student walking in and banging the door behind her.

*What?! They also came here to find me? What's with them? Don't they have anything better to do today?* She squeezed her phone, adjusting on the bench.

Sakura slid down the door to the rooftop, sitting on her heels.

She bit her bottom lips, her hands trembling as she buried her face in her palm.

“I– didn't do anything wrong… I didn't…”

Her chest tightened as she felt a lump in her throat.

Reina relaxed, confused for a while, *What's wrong? Aren't they here?*

She stood from the bench, tiptoeing to the other side of the wall.

She peeped at the door, her eyes falling on Sakura, who squatted by the door.

*What's with her?*

She stood by the wall for a while, contemplating on whether to go confront her or to just mind her business.

“Hey… are you alright?“

She took a step towards Sakura, who turned to her sharply.

She stopped in her tracks, Sakura's teary deep red eyes frightening her, *Why does she look that way?*

Sakura stood up immediately, stepping back.

*Wait a minute! Isn't she the rude girl from that time! And that other time!* Reina thought, clenching her fists.

“Hey! You probably thought I'd forget you!“ Reina shouted, walking towards Sakura, who stepped back.

Sakura stared at her, her gaze blank.

She sighed, brushing past Reina, who tried stopping her.

“Hey, what's with you?“ Reina asked, holding her back.

“Let go…” her voice was low, not loud, not weak… just cold.

“Huh?!“

“Tsk.“

Sakura grabbed her arm, immediately pushing her against the wall.

“Ow…”

“Hey, didn't you hear me…” Sakura paused, her eyes fixed on Reina's.

“Wh-what…?“ Reina asked, her lips quivering as she tried not to look away.

Sakura let go of her before walking out quietly.

The very first meeting was on a Friday, Sakura had just finished morning practice and was on her way to the restroom.

As she walked in, three other female students walked out, giggling.

Reina stood in front of the mirror, washing her face as Sakura walked past her.

Reina released a deep sigh, *Ugh! Why'd they have to drag me to the restroom? It's so disgusting.*

She looked at the mirror, checking to see if there was any injury on her face.

As she stared at the mirror, her handkerchief fell on the floor.

"Ah..." She muttered, watching the handkerchief as it fell on the floor.

*Yikes.*

Sakura just got out of one of the restroom stalls. Seeing the handkerchief on the floor, she bent without a word, picking it up and holding out for Reina.

“Here.“

She stared at Sakura, *Huh? Why'd she help me?*

“Uh… ah, thanks.“ She grabbed the handkerchief, still staring at Sakura.

Sakura walked out of the restroom without saying another word to Reina.

*Hm…*

By lunch break, Reina walked up the stairs leading to the rooftop, staring at her phone screen.

*Who's this person? Always posting negative comments.*

She pushed the door open, walking into the rooftop.

Sakura lay on the floor, behind a wall on the rooftop, listening to music from her earphones.

*Ah, it's the girl from this morning.*

Reina stood by the door, still staring at Sakura.

*I should probably thank her for earlier.*

Sakura opened her eyes when she noticed someone staring at her.

She turned towards the door, her eyes fixed on Reina for a moment.

Reija looked away immediately, *Ugh… I was staring too hard. That's too embarrassing.*

*Someone's come to disturb my peace. I'd better leave.* Sakura sighed internally.

Sakura stood from the ground, walking towards Reina.

*Wh-why's she coming over?* Reina thought, stepping back.

As she stepped back, Sakura walked closer, closing the gap between them.

Reina felt the wall behind her, *I've been cornered! Wait, why am I trying to run away? It's not like I did something wrong to her.*

Sakura leaned in, their eyes locked for a while before Sakura raised her hand over Reina's head.

*I should probably push her aside. We don't even know each other, Why's she so close?*

Sakura placed her hand on Reina's head, gently stroking it, “There was dirt on your hair.“

Sakura stepped back, “Sorry about that… Your hair's really pretty. Take good care of it.“

「”I like your hair. It's really pretty.“」

She stepped back again before walking out of the rooftop, leaving Reina there alone.

Reina stood frozen, the warmth rushing to her cheeks.

She slid down the wall, burying her face in her palm, *What just happened?*

““That line… where have I heard it before?”

She couldn't really meet Sakura again after that day, and since they had a busy schedule in school, it was even more difficult.

On another Friday, Reina had gone to the school field to grab her phone. She was dragged out of joint PE class held in the school field by some meddling Senpai's.

The girls from the tennis club were busy with their practice, and so were the guys from the basketball team.

*Where did I leave it?* She sighed, looking around the areas she stopped by with her friends.

“Hey, watch out!“ Someone shouted.

She immediately turned in the direction the voice came from.

A tennis ball hit her face as blood rolled down her nose. Some others ran towards her to help her up.

She stared at the floor, blood dripping on it before looking up to see who had hit her.

Sakura threw her racket on the floor angrily before walking towards Reina.

*Ah… she's the girl from that time! Why'd I have to see her now? It's so embarrassing.*

Sakura walked past her angrily, grabbing her bag and leaving the school field.

“Hey! Kageyama-san! You just hit someone!“

“Tsk.“

*Kage-yama?*

Reina turned to see her walking past the chain-linked fence.

“Hey, are you okay?“

“What's with Kageyama? She didn't even wait to see how she was doing!“

“She's always been that way!“

“I didn't expect her not to care after hurting someone.“

Reina stared at the fence blankly, *Huh? What's with her?*

“Come on, let's go to the infirmary.“

And now, they met again on the rooftop.

Reina sighed, sliding down the door, *She was so kind before. Why'd she become rude all of a sudden? It's already too late for regrets.*

Reina blinked after recalling their previous meetings.

*But just now… that expression of hers. I've never seen it before. She looked… broken.*

◇◇◇

“Ha! Ha!“

Sakura was in the tennis court, practising her swings and jumps.

*Tsk.*

She grabbed a tennis ball, tapping it against the racket continuously.

“Yo~!“ Mayu called, walking towards a bench.

Sakura glanced at her before continuing with her practice.

Mayu placed her bag on the bench before walking towards Sakura.

She picked up a racket before jogging to the other side of the court.

“I had a feeling you'd be here. Thank goodness I wasn't wrong.“ Mayu smiled, bending her knees slightly while stretching.

“… what do you want?“

“Hm… nothing. Hey, why don't we play a set?“

“No.“ Sakura replied bluntly, not sparring a glance at Mayu.

“Hey, at least think about it for a second.“

“I'd rather not.“

“Why though? Scared that I'd win you?“ Mayu smirked.

“Hmph. Scared? As if.“

“Then? First to three wins. Let's do a set.“

“Okay… cool.“

“You serve.“

“Of course.“

Sakura stepped back, standing at the backline before tossing the ball above her head.

Her eyes stayed fixed on the ball till it reached its arc.

She bounced off the floor, sending the ball to the other side of the court, the serve precise.

Mayu reacted on time, lunging to her right and sending the ball back to Sakura before it could bounce on the court for the second time.

“Whoa, almost an ace.“

“Hmph.“

Sakura stepped back, shuffling to the right, sending the ball back to Mayu.

The rally continued for some minutes before the first point was gotten by Sakura.

“Love 15. I'm getting the next one.“ Mayu smiled as Sakura got ready for the next serve.

Their 'one' set lasted almost an hour before a winner finally emerged.

The set was won by Sakura with a score of 3-2.

“Wah! You're really good.“ Mayu smiled, sitting on the floor.

Sakura sighed, drying her sweaty face while walking to the bench.

She grabbed a towel from her bag, “You're not so bad either.“

Mayu stared at her, mouth slightly open. She then smiled, “Thanks…”

“It's already late. We'd better leave.“

“Mn.“

Sakura studied her for a while before looking away, “Let's buy a shaved ice on our way back.“

“R-really?!“

“You don't wanna?“

“No-no! I do, let's do it!“ Mayu shouted, standing from the floor and lunging for her bag.

*She’s really loud… but I don't dislike it. Maybe this won’t be so bad after all.”

“… then let's get going.“

“Okay! Cool.“

Mayu grabbed her bag, walking behind Sakura, “What's your class doing for the cultural festival?“

“… A cafe, I guess.“

“A cafe?! We're doing a play.“

“Oh?"

“I'll come over. You should, too. I promise you, it'll be really fun.“

“…”

“You'll come, right?“

“… I guess."

Fireworks exploded overhead.

The atmosphere at Taisho Academy buzzed with energy and excitement.

Students darted between booths, and visitors strolled about with smiles on their faces.

It was finally the school festival for Taisho. The students were already in their respective booths, waiting to welcome the visitors.

“Come! Welcome to Class 1-B's haunted house.“

“That was so scary!“ A girl clutched her chest, walking out of the haunted house.

Everywhere was lively on that day. The students were happy that their events were a success.

“Mama! Look, sister is a butler!“

“Oh dear~”

“Bwahaha! Son, what on earth are you wearing?!”

“D-Dad?! I told you not to come today! It's so embarrassing.“

“I'm really sorry, Kageyama-san.“ Mei apologised, standing before Sakura.

They were both outside the classroom. She held out a white piece of cloth for Sakura.

Sakura grabbed the cloth, “… it's alright.“

*I just have to stand outside here, right? Doesn't seem hard.*

“Th-then… please do your best in welcoming the guests.” Mei smiled nervously before heading back inside.

*Ha… and I ended up outside the classroom. I knew i should have sat this out.* She adjusted her tie, standing outside the classroom.

Some visitors walked by, some stopping to try out Class 2-C's cafe and some others standing in line for a totally different reason.

“Wow! They're doing a cross dressing maid cafe!“

“Little butler, let's take a picture.“ One of them said, standing beside Sakura.

“Aww, she's really cute with that butler outfit. I'll take a picture after you.“

Sakura glanced at the girl who stood beside her, clutching her arm tightly.

*Does she have to hold onto me?*

「”Please! If they ask for pictures, don't refuse 'em.“ Haryu had pleaded earlier.」

*I have no choice but to put up with this…*

“Kyaa~! Look how cute it turned out!”

“Her expression’s adorable!”

*How's that even adorable?* Sakura sighed internally.

“My turn next!”

“Hey, no cutting!”

Sakura tried calming them down, but all to no avail.

Haryu popped his head out, “The cutie out there would be going on break in a bit. Why don't you come have something in here.“

“Of course we would!“

After taking more than a dozen pictures, Sakura was finally relieved from the 'pests'

She sighed, resting her back against the wall.

“Bwahahaha.“ She heard someone laugh, followed by footsteps.

She furrowed her brows, her eyes flicking to her right.

Mayu walked closer to her, her hands on her abdomen as a drop of tears rolled down her cheek.

“You must have enjoyed that, huh?“

*She really came… I wasn't expecting that.*

“Haha, ha… I got a really nice video of that.“ Mayu laughed, holding up her smartphone.

Sakura turned to see the phone, “Hey! Delete that.“

She walked towards Mayu, who stepped back, shuffling to her left immediately.

“Hehe, I'm gonna hold onto this for a while.“ She grinned mischievously, waving the phone at Sakura.

“Ha…”

“Ah! Mayu~” Mei called, walking out.

“Mei-Chan~! I knew you'd look great in the outfit.“

“You came to see me? I'm so embarrassed~”

“Eh? Errmm… mn. I came to see you, definitely. Ah-haha.“ She laughed nervously, glancing at Sakura, who scoffed softly while looking away.

“You're really rocking that butler outfit.“

“And you look good with your… uniform?“

“He-he, we're doing a play. It's by noon, so I'm free right now.“

“I'll come visit during my break.“

“Cool.“

“Class president!“ Someone called from inside.

“Oh, I'll see you later, Mayu.“

“Mmn.“

“So… when's your break?“ Mayu asked after waving at Mei.

“… in about 30 minutes, I guess.“

“Cool then! I'll be in there till your break, so let's check out other class booths together.“

“Mn.“

Mayu looked at Sakura after Mei left.

She grinned widely, “I'll be in there, cutie.“

“You--!“

Mayu walked into Mei's class before bursting into laughter.

...———...

By noon, Sakura was finally free from her classmates and their visitors.

She was given a break since she stayed outside for a longer time and also had time to serve some visitors inside the cafe.

Her hands were stretched out as she extended her limbs.

She walked down the stairs, finding her way to the school's gym hall.

*I'm a little late. Should I still go watch Mayu's play? She won't really blame me for not showing up.* She sighed, looking into the hall.

The play had just started a few minutes earlier, and Mayu was currently on stage.

*How far have they gone with the play? Ha… I guess I’ll just sit and relax. I'm really tired now.*

The lights in the hall had already been dimmed, and many visitors and students were seated in the hall.

Sakura took a seat at the back, beside a girl who looked gloomy.

“The journey might be a long one, but I promise you that we'll meet again.“

Sakura watched them closely, her eyes fixed on the stage, *Oh? That's some good acting there.*

She adjusted on the chair to get a better view as the piece of cloth Mei gave her earlier fell on the floor.

The girl beside her bent to help her pick up the cloth just as Sakura bent.

“Uh—” Sakura started as their eyes made contact.

They stayed in that position, their eyes locking for a moment.

Sakura sat up slowly, leaving the piece of cloth for the girl who sat up.

Reina smiled weakly, handing the cloth over to Sakura, “Here.“

“Ah… thanks.“

She reached out to the cloth and grasped it.

Sakura turned back to face the stage, stealing glances at Reina, *This girl…*

“No! I refuse to forget him! I believe he'll come back!“

“He won't! Come back to your family now that you have the chance!“

“No… don't say that about him. He'll… definitely come back…”

*Something's wrong with the leading character of this play. How could you trust someone so blindly? He must be hooking up with some foreigner right now.* Sakura sighed, shaking her head disapprovingly.

“You don't seem to like the play.“ Reina said, fiddling her hair with her fingers.

Sakura threw a side-glance at her before looking back at the stage.

“I never said that.“

“So you do?“ Reina asked, staring at her.

“… it doesn't seem bad. It's watchable.“ Sakura responded.

It was finally time for Mayu to come on stage to play her part as a…

“A tree?“ Sakura asked almost immediately.

*I came here just to see a Christmas tree?!*

Reina giggled softly beside her, “You know Mayu?“

“Ah…”

Sakura leaned back, clearing her throat nervously, *Got too excited there.*

“Kinda.“

“Hm… you came to watch the play because of her?“

“… kinda.“

*We just met. Why's she talking so much?*

“I was supposed to take part in the play too…” Reina started.

Sakura glanced at her, noticing her sudden change of expression.

“Oh?“

“I'm Reina Ueda, from Class 2-A.“ Reina smiled radiantly, extending her right hand.

Sakura's eyes widened for a second before blinking, “A-ah… Sakura Kageyama, Class 2-C.“

She grasped Reina's hands, their eyes locking for the second time.

“Oh, that explains the butler outfit.“

“… yeah.“

“So you're the little butler everyone was taking pictures with.”

“Ah… you saw that?“

*That's kinda embarrassing.*

“Mn… it looks good on you.“ Reina smiled, facing the stage.

Sakura pursed her lips, looking away, *Obviously.*

“Thanks.“

“Some trains arrive late. Some never do. But that doesn’t mean the promise was a lie.” The leading character said.

*Oh? She finally realised the dark realities of life.*

“Well that was a good line.“ Reina said.

“Yeah… it was.“

The play finally ended a few moments later.

The visitors and students began scattering in different directions.

“It was nice meeting you.“ Reina smiled, standing from her seat.

“…”

*She doesn't even remember me. Am I that forgettable?* Reina pouted.

“Hey, you really came, Sakura-san.“ Mayu smiled, walking over to Sakura and Reina.

“Reina-chan.“ Mei called, waving at Reina.

Mayu turned to Reina, “Oh? Reina, you came too. I thought you'd be at home.“

“Of course I'd be here.“

“Hm… looks like you both have met each other. I bet Sakura didn't bother with you. Don't mind her.“

“We had a great time,” Reina said, tilting her head and smiling knowingly.

“Eh?! This Sakura?“

“Mm-hm,“

“Well that's surprising. Sakura, this is Reina, my cousin. And Reina, this is Sakura, we're best buds.“

“Don't go deciding that on your own.“ Sakura muttered, standing from the seat.

“Eh? I thought we finally hit it off.“

“Ha… I'm leaving.“ She mumbled, leaving the hall.

“Wait up, Sakura-san.“ Mei called, running towards her, “Bye then, Reina, Mayu.“

“Buh-bye!“ Mayu shouted, waving at them.

Reina watched Sakura as she left the hall with Mei, “How'd you both know each other?“

“You mean Sakura? He-he, are you interested in her?“ Mayu asked, grinning mischievously.

“Oh, come on~”

“Hm… well, we are in the same club… so…”

“Mm-hm? Mm-hm?“

...◇◇◇...

“Aww! Just one more point, and we would have come first!“

“Yeah! But we still went up compared to last time.“

“Let's take a picture to commemorate today's festival.“ Haryu suggested, smiling at Mei.

“Yeah, let's do that!“

“Sakura-san, would you join us?“ Mei asked.

Sakura glanced at her before nodding, “Mn,”

“Really? Thank goodness.“ Mei smiled, walking over to her. “Then, let's get in there.“

“O-oh… mn.“

CLICK.

*Lately… something feels off. Not bad, just… strange.*

“Hey! The picture came out well!“

“Wha! So cute~”

*Well, not all strange feelings are bad. Is this what it means to change?*