❀ January 30th, 2013 - Shirakawa ❀

If being locked up inside the small, yet humble, student council was not enough to make my anxiety skyrocket to unbelievable heights, what made matters worse was the reason as of why I found myself in this particular predicament, sitting right next Manabu who seemed to be in his own world, smiling without a single hint of worries in him, even if we had, as well, right in front of us, a tall, blonde girl who was hitting with increasing anger a tiny whiteboard that was filled with annotations made with black marker.

An empty classroom that with the years began to change, adapting to the different students that decided upon themselves to take this role to improve the lives of their fellow members by creating activities, regulating clubs and being in charge of every single event either for the elementary or the junior high section of the school. A job that demanded dedication, responsibility, passion, and determination.

That was why I felt out of place inside here, especially having Miss Hazawa intently staring at us with her watery-green eyes almost without blinking.

"Get a grip, underclassmen! You are the only class that has not planned an event for the upcoming Open House!" Slapping with great force the innocent whiteboard, some piled up papers fell from an untidy desk in the far-off corner.

"Aw, no need to be so violent, Miss Seira!" Smiling as if this wasn't a big issue, Manabu placed both of his arms behind his neck. "We still have five days left, don’t be such a worrywart!”

“I am in my right to worry about this, five days is not enough. Even if this Open House lasts for only two days, it doesn’t mean you can be as laid back as you are now,” sighing, she fixed her small light-blue hat which had fallen a bit from a side due to her violent movements. “And that’s upperclassman Seira for you!”

“Aw, c’mon Seisei! We can let the younguns be a bit wild and rash with this! Don’tcha remember the times when you were in their position last year?” Banri Ueno nodded, his wild black hair swaying.

The second-in-charge of the student council, the boy who was known for being the King of Laziness, had spoken on behalf of Manabu’s excuse as if it was perfectly understandable to be so irresponsible. That was why my childhood friend gave him a thumbs-up as if it was all an intricate plan to sabotage Miss Hazawa’s attempt to punish us.

“Please, don’t group me together with you.” Was her only response to his wild remark. “Anyhow, truth to be told I expected this could happen once I was informed that underclassman Hazakura proposed himself to be in charge. Nonetheless, underclassman Samidare… You as well?”

I had nothing to say to defend myself against the truth.

“I…” Biting my lower lip, I noticed it was futile to even think about a petty excuse.

“I dragged Yui-Yui into this so don’t bully her!!” Defending me, Manabu stood up. However, it was a mistake to even believe that would turn out okay. “It’s not her fault she arrived late, fell asleep in class and ended up being my partner in this after I told Mr Kamioka to make her our class-representative to atone for her student sins!”

“Don’t expose me like that!!” Sweating bullets, I did my best to not snap. I was in front of Miss Hazawa and Ueno after all, and God knows when Koharu would appear, opening the door out of nowhere and stumbling up this dramatic chaos. “That’s not… true… I think.”

“Hah…” sighing, Miss Hazawa delivered a tired look towards both of us. “Look, we don’t have time to lose, okay? Even if it’s only for two days, which implies less prepping time, we still need to know the activities each class is doing on both sides so there are no two similar events. You won’t be able to leave this place until you think up of something. There is no time to even discuss it with the rest of your class. Whatever you suggest here is what goes underway.

“Bunny—!” However, Manabu was interrupted half-way.

“Approved!!!” Holding a stamp, Ueno was ready to place it onto a paper, approving what could be the worst idea my childhood friend could’ve come up with.

“No bunny-girl themed cafés!!!” Crossing both of her arms, Miss Hazawa yelled in panic. “Nothing of that sort, that stuff is forbidden. Think of the kids!”

“Aw, we all know those kids have seen even worse than what we saw when we were their age… party-pooper.” Muttering under his breath, Manabu seemed to be discouraged. “That was my only idea… Well, it’s all up to you, Yui-Yui! What you suggest is what we’ll do! Now, think up something amazing because I don’t want to stay here until I’m an old man… And I need to see Dream✩Star’s Blog tonight too… And play「Angel Live!」's newest Event… So much to do!!!”

Of course, lay all the pressure on me, Manabu.

"I had forgotten all about Aika's event…" I could have sworn Miss Hazawa believed we were unable to hear her. "Hope I have enough Stamina Bottles for the Rhythm Section… I lose my LP so quickly in them. Why must I suck at rhythm style gameplay?"

"So you do play it!" With his index finger pointing towards her, Manabu strikes a victory pose. "When will you send me your game ID?!"

All life had left Miss Hazawa, now being her turn to be exposed by Manabu.

"I don't play it! I don't even know who Aika Miyanoshita is! Don't change the subject!"

"Says the one who has her as a profile pic on Chipper…"

"... How do you know that…?" Miss Hazawa was losing her cool. "No one knows my social media handles… Oh, God."

"Wait, I got it right?" Grinning, the red-eyed boy gave the final word. "Lucky!"

"Well, let's get back on track shall we?" Ueno suddenly spoke, gaining everyone's attention once again.

He stared at me, everyone following suit.

Having three pairs of eyes piercing my soul just to see with what idea I could come up with was raising all sort of red flags inside my heart. Something had to come out of my mouth. Something fun. An activity that everyone could have fun with. Something simple, quick and exciting. Something that would bring smiles to everyone.

Am I capable of thinking of such a thing?

That was when it hit me as if a rumble of thunder had stricken right into my very deep core.

“How about… sharing what you’re passionate about?”

Tripping between my words, just like if I were running and jumping against obstacles, I prayed for my voice to be heard.

“Sharing what you’re passionate about?” Miss Hazawa questioned my suggestion, finally taking a seat. “What do you mean with that?”

“For example…” Hesitating, I tried to bring into my mind a lovely experience I had a while back. “Upperclassman, back on our Job Experience Project, you shared with me your passion for makeup. You were so happy talking about it, doing your best to transform me into something different… You were enjoying yourself and smiling! Seeing you like that…. Made me have a little bit of interest in make-up! If we all shared what made us happy, we could show the visitors and our schoolmates’ new things that maybe they never had heard before or… or even had any interest, to begin with… and… that way we share our happiness with them, make them happy in turn and share what makes us happy!”

“You’re repeating yourself in the very end but I guess I get your point,” with a soft, heartwarming smile, Miss Hazawa took the stamp from Ueno’s desk and pressed it firmly against a sheet of paper after writing our proposal and signing it. “It’s simple and easy enough to do. Just remember to tell your classmates about it and we’ll be looking forward to what everyone has to share.”

Miss Hazawa has changed a bit since the incident… However, we haven’t had time to talk about what actually happened and her stumbling upon my… secret? I suppose it can be called a secret.

“Um, Miss Hazawa… would you mind if I…?”

“Speak up, underclassman Samidare!”

And, just as if it were on cue, right before Manabu and I stood up to finally leave the student council, Koharu’s figure appeared after sliding the door with all his might while seemingly carrying a huge tower of files with a pale face that was slowly turning purple.

“Heavy….” I heard him whisper while his glasses slipped from the tip of his nose.

And that was when he collapsed towards the floor, all the files flying in slow motion as if they were multicoloured snowflakes during a fierce blizzard. The blonde girl rushed to quickly grab some of them in the air, while Ueno whistled, and I and Manabu yelled to lookout.

Albeit a little too late.

The ash-coloured hair boy was lying on the ground, his body clearly out of stamina as if he had passed out. Miss Hazawa had managed to catch three files and hurriedly started to grab the rest of them that were around Koharu. However, none of us aided him for some reason. Yes, I was deeply worried about him, he is my friend after all! Yet, Manabu was holding down his laughter and I was dumbfounded as into how little strength and physical resistance Koharu had.

“That’s the fifth time this week, a new record!” Ueno suddenly mentioned. “Don’t worry you two, Koharuno’s alrighty. He just needs to take a break on the floor. In a few minutes, he’ll be back on his feet!”

“Shouldn’t he go to the infirmary, though…?” I suggested.

“It’s okay, he’ll be fine.” Miss Hazawa mentioned nonchalantly while picking up more files and leaving them in an orderly fashion on top of the central desk while checking one that had fallen half-open. “His stubbornness is stronger than his poor stamina…. Aw, that’s so sweet! The first graders in the elementary section are doing a stuffed animal café!”

That was when I learned how little respect Koharu had in the Student Council even if he was the vice-president and was feared by half of the school population due to his constant patrolling.

“Well then, we’ll be going! Recess is gonna be over if we don’t hurry up, Yui-Yui!” Grabbing my hand, Manabu took me out of the council towards an almost empty hall so we could walk to the patio outside and finally meet-up with Shinji and Yuiko.

No!!! I have to talk to Miss Hazawa!

“Time to eat the yummy food Shinji got for us back in Takayama! He should be here already from delivering lunch to his sis. I can’t wait to eat that scrumptious omelette rice! What didja ask for?”

I guess I can try tomorrow...

“A condensed milk popsicle!” Happily, I giggled.

“Isn’t it too cold to eat ice-cream….?”

“...D-Don’t judge me… It’s always time for ice-cream no matter the season!” Slightly blushing, I quickened my pace.

I hope Yuiko is doing okay all alone with Shinji. Even if it was not for a long time, I’m still worried. We were inside the Student Council room for at least fifteen minutes, Shinji should’ve arrived just a few minutes ago. I need to apologize to her for making her have to endure that considering her primordial fear… I feel awful about that.

“You can be so childish sometimes!” Grinning, my red-eyed friend caught up to me, taking his smartphone out without a care in the world.

“Hey! If any Professor sees you with that out…!” Quickly, I did my best to grab the electronic device but, unfortunately, he was faster.

“No, no! No touchy. Any electric thingy you touch dies!” Manabu shook his head. “I don’t want my phone to be a part of your electronic graveyard!”

“Please…. Don’t remind me of that….” In distress, I did my best to empty those thoughts.

“I’m re-reading Dream✩Star’s blog, ya see! She posted something super interesting last night!” examining the most likely to be screenshots since there is no Wifi reception here, he slid his fingers slowly while focusing on his screen.

Once in a while, I had to grab Manabu in order for him to avoid crashing against the walls from the hallway.

“Woah, look out…” rapidly, I managed to move him right in time so he wouldn’t bump against a group of people. “Honestly, Manabu. What is so interesting about that post of hers? Is it about what she ate?”

“How dare you Yui-Yui say that Dream✩Star only talks about food!! That’s rude!! I know she is as cute as that pink small round puffball that has an infinite stomach but sheesh!!” Genuinely hurt about my mistake, he pretended to be mad. “Actually…”

Before I could hear what exactly he had to say, we arrived at the courtyard.

Situated at the back of the school building, it was surrounded by a rusty fence. The same fence Shinji always uses to trespass his way inside whenever he goes out of his way to deliver her older sister her forgotten lunch boxes. The garden itself was extremely vast, being the countryside, and it had an old baseball court which was mostly used by the elementary students during their own recess. Not everyone used the courtyard, though. Most people ate inside the classroom or the small cafeteria.

Sitting down on opposite sides, on an uneven circular bench around an old tree, were Shinji and Yuiko. My nutmeg haired coloured friend seemed annoyed, playing with his uneven bangs under his beanie hat. Apparently, he had already finished whatever he had brought to eat since I could see nothing of the sort.

My lunchbox was peacefully waiting on top of Yuiko's knees, its polka dot motif making a high contrast with her’s that had a checkered pattern.

“Yui!”

A gentle breeze touches my cheeks once I see her standing up, warmly waving her hand.

“I’m so sorry for the wait!” Leaving Manabu behind, who still was deeply engrossed in his own cybernetic space, I stood between my two friends. “The student council issue took longer than expected.”

“It’s okay!” Smiling as if the sun lived inside of her, the girl that was a perfect version of me extended my lunchbox on both of her hands. “Let’s eat together!”

“Tsukiame was nice enough to wait for you but I was dying over here. I would’ve eaten Manabu’s omelette rice but I wouldn’t hear the end of it if I did… I already had my bread.” Sighing, Shinji shoves me a white, plastic bag into my chest. I did my best to balance between it and the gigantic lunchbox Nobu made for me that morning. “I ate one of your popsicles though.”

“... You really did!” Discouraged, I looked inside the bag to face the truth and took out the remaining one, just to notice it was about to melt through its wrapping. “I guess I’ll eat the dessert first…”

You’ll pay for this, Shinji.

“Maybe you should start with your own food. I take it you can’t still measure properly your rations?” Shinji raised an eyebrow, making me flinch.

He was absolutely right: my lunchbox was already big.

I’ve told Nobuyuki thousands of times to hold back!!!

“I am excited to see what you brought today. I love sharing my lunch with you!” Clasping her hands, Yuiko turned around towards the bench and took out her garden mat, stretching it on top of the garden.

Giggling, she sat down on the pink surface, opened up her food and served some barley tea she had on a warm mug. Slowly, she gave a cup to Shinji, then to me, and finally one to Manabu who had somehow spawned on the bench, still glued to his screen.

Now that I think about it… Yuiko never told me what actually happened that day. I remember Miss Hazawa fainted in the room and she came inside saying she would explain something to me the next day. However, Yuiko never did. I wonder how should I ask her about it… if she even wants to tell me anymore...

“Does the tea taste good?”

Her voice shattered my thoughts.

“It does, just like always!” Enthusiastic, I opened my lunchbox as well after unwrapping it.

I’ll just stop thinking about that, Yuiko isn’t a bad girl so I shouldn’t be making up those things… Now, I’ll eat what I can from here and then dive deep into the popsicle. I need to hurry or it’ll melt away even though it’s freezing outside!

Although, once I saw what awaited me I couldn’t help but let a small gasp escape from my mouth.

Mr Magic Boy had done it once again.

He had sent me a huge portion of grilled eel with the remaining wagyu beef from some weeks ago.

Doesn’t he realize how expensive eel is nowadays!? And we still have that beef at home!?

I quickly closed it and wrapped it up, pretending nothing was wrong before anyone realized a thing.

“I just realized I’m not even that hungry, ahaha!” Fake laughter made its way outside while I scratched my head. “Ha, ha… ha…”

Growl.

I’ve suffered the ultimate betrayal by my own body…

My stomach had finally spoken the truth.

I could feel Shinji’s gaze fixed right into my back, piercing right into my awful lie while my belly didn’t stop its obvious growling.

“Well, maybe juuuuust a little…” Not knowing what to do, I was still rather hesitant to open the lunchbox since I had no idea of what excuse to give. “Oh, Yuiko! What did you bring? Your mum makes your food every morning, right? I loved the egg salad sandwich she did last time!”

“Umm...!” Due to my random outburst, I leaned a little bit too close for comfort near her face. “T-Teriyaki chicken meatballs and rice.”

“That sounds nice.” Shinji’s reply caught me off-guard.

“T-Thanks.” As well as Yuiko’s.

A heavy silence settled over them, thicker than the uneasy tension in the atmosphere. Unsettled eyes glanced around and tried to avoid catching each other while I stayed in a dazed state. Shinji shifted uncomfortably in his place and Yuiko grasped her nervous hands, playing with her fingers as if making small circles.

Did something happen between them while we were gone?

“Want to try some?”

Breaking what seemed to be a heavy atmosphere formed only by myself, the girl that made my insecurities go away, opened her lunchbox, unpacking it and releasing into the world a two-layered tupperware. My eyes were having a feast with all the colour combinations the food had managed to portray.

On one side, there were the teriyaki chicken meatballs, softly broiled with that honey hue the sauce usually gives, alongside steamed rice that seemed to had been done this same morning, alongside boiled broccoli in the corner. However, what was much more pleasant to the human sight were the side-dishes on the other lunch compartment.

Half a boiled egg was cut right next to some small tomatoes, which had a little plastic stem connecting them both with a leaf as if portraying a cherry. There was another broccoli right next to what seemed to be a flower, yet it was sliced ham shaped like one, accentuating Yuiko’s mother’s talent. Finally, there was a portion of crab salad, a mandarin orange with another green plastic stem on top and fresh strawberries.

“Everything looks so good…” Shinji and I muttered at the same time, surprising myself once again since he was suddenly sitting right next to me.

I couldn’t even move, nor breathe. I was frozen on the spot. Silently echoing inside of me, my heart was unable to stop pounding.

“Oh!!! My!!! Bloody!!! Hell!!!”

Leaping on top of the three of us, Manabu threw himself pushing his smartphone between us. Yuiko was barely able to pick up all of her lunch from the pink mat, while some of the tea spilt on the bare garden and Manabu’s knee went straight into the bag where my popsicle was.

“My ice-cream!!!!” I yelled.

I’m going to destroy Manabu.

Not caring at all, with both of his arms he hugged out necks, bringing us closer to him and his phone. However, in the process, me and Shinji’s cheeks were touching each other, making me forget all about my upcoming dessert having been destroyed by the blonde. Nonetheless, at the same time, I could make out Yuiko being extremely uncomfortable yet she did her very best to don’t cause any troubles by it.

“What’s going on!? Let us go!” Pissed off, Shinji couldn’t help but lose his patience.

“Don’t you read this???” Pointing right into a sentence in his smartphone, Manabu was clearly distressed. “I thought I had read it half-asleep in the morning, praying it wasn’t true but…!”

Two pairs of orange eyes alongside a pair of nutmeg coloured ones stared intently at the screen, clearly unable to comprehend what had Manabu completely in distress.

“Dream✩Star is going on a hiatus!!!”

“... Huh?” After freeing us, our heads tilted to one side.

“A!!! HI!!! A!!! TUS!!!” Remarking each syllable separately, using his hands as well to emphasize his point, his red eyes were all over the place. “That’s unheard of! She is an ally of justice! She prides herself on being a magical girl that protects us from the evils of this world! If she takes a vacation who is supposed to…?”

“I could!” Without thinking, I spoke.

Astonished by my remark, everyone looked at me with sheer curiosity.

“Could not!” Fixing my own sentence, a burst of nervous laughter escaped my lips. “Also, both of you owe me an ice-cream now!”

Gosh, even if I haven’t been a magical girl for at least a whole month I felt my pride being shattered for some reason.

“But I already bought it for you and Manabu was the one that ruined it just now!” Shinji protested.

“He did to the leftover one!! You were supposed to bring me two! Who told you, you could eat it?”

“My money.”

“A-Anyway… what brought her to that decision?” I heard Yuiko ask. “To your um, magical girl to go on a break, Hazakura?”

“That’s what she doesn’t mention!!!” Crossing his arms, Manabu pouts. “Rumours say that it’s because she’s getting engaged into some online drama. But I don’t believe that since she’s a sweet girl!”

“Drama? She is leaving because she’s engaged in a programme?” When I spoke out, Shinji hit my head, slightly, with his knuckles. “....??”

“Online drama, Yui.” Was all he said.

“That’s what I said! Can’t you watch dramas on the internet nowadays? I’m sure I’ve heard you can!”

“I believe that what Hazakura and Hinaga mean is online arguments, Yui.” Patting my head, right where Shinji had just stuck it mercilessly with his hand, Yuiko smiled.

“Then why are they called drama?”

“Because they are dramatic, just like watching a soap opera at home but on your phone or PC about strangers and more strangers engage into it sometimes without knowing the true reason behind it and it can lead to purges as well. They are super scary and spooky!” Manabu hugged himself. “That’s why I know that everything they are saying are lies! It’s impossible for my endearing Dream✩Star to start fighting with her own fans!!”

“I don’t see anything sweet nor endearing about a girl who asks for money using a hoax.” Standing up, Shinji grumbles his opinion and turns his back onto us.

“It isn’t a hoax, magical girls are real and she proves it!” Fuming, Manabu does like him as well.

“Is this a live-action version of an online drama?” Still somewhat confused, I dared to ask.

“You could say that…” Without losing her smile, albeit a bit scared, Yuiko confirmed my suspicions.

“Oh right, before I forget!! I have to go back to the classroom and talk with Mr Kamioka about what we’ll do for the Open House this weekend.” Suddenly remembering my duties, my voice broke Shinji’s and Manabu’s argument.

“Oh yeah, how did that go?” My tanned skin friend asked nonchalantly, pushing Manabu’s fury with a single palm while he kept trying to punch him in the face. “Everything okay?”

“Surprisingly, it went well! I suggested that our class should talk about the things they are passionate about!”

The sunlight came all at once, its rays slowly warming up the damp ground from yesterday’s dew. It came alongside a lively wind, caressing my small pigtails into an unknown vortex. The sensation made me smile, doing my best to transmit what made everyone happy towards others. However, even if the sun had come out to play, the wind to sing and my emotions to bloom…

If I’m happy, I end up losing everything. If I’m happy, I inflict pain onto others. What could I even share?

❀

The non-colourful hues of winter were slowly melting away, as far as my eye could see while walking back home from school. The sun that had decided to bless us with its mighty glory roared still at this hour, making me wonder if Spring this year was going to be an early Summer. Different sized leaves fluttered in the wind, dancing with my grey skirt and red ribbon. Even if the breeze was freezing, it was a nostalgic feeling living all of these seasonal changes. Even if I was all alone right now, I did my best to believe that something good would happen at any moment.

I perfectly knew, too, that at home, a cosy new sensation I was slowly accepting into my heart would be ready to greet me with a sweet “Welcome home”.

The boughs glistened with frost; the air hung silent and cold. The population of Shirakawa had doubled, the new half being made of snow and ice that would soon become small riverbeds.

It was odd to see the fields so quiet, not a single soul tending the rice fields. The sun was a radiant, all-watching eye, its light creeping into every corner, bathing the whole world in a warm glow.

Upon the road, I stand as still as the trees, not totally frozen, for just as their budded twigs move so do my short pigtails. My eyes were closed. Tousled purple hair whipped into my face; blown by air as fresh as any after a rainstorm. After several deep breaths, I took in the view, from here the fields were laid out like as quilts and I missed seeing the trucks parked nearby, carrying out the most recent harvest from there towards Takayama or even the capital city of Gifu itself.

Once I saw Hachiman Shrine’s silhouette, I quickened up my pace and arrived home, which was just right in front of it.

Surrounded by gravel and small stones, the entranceway was decorated with large flower pots, each containing different buds ready to bloom once spring begins. Violet, red, white, pink. Nobuyuki had been taking care of them while giving this place proper maintenance. Both windows that looked outside were firmly shut, while the ones on the second-floor open, the green mosquito net covering them being seen. It would seem he was ventilating my room.

Sliding the pinewood door, I came inside taking my shoes off and changing into slippers. I could see magic boy’s ones as well, which used to be from my late father, indicating he was here.

“I’m home.”

Carefully making my way inside, unusual sounds made their way to my ears.

“Nobuyuki?” I called, with no answer whatsoever. “I know you’re in the house. Your shoes are at the entrance and you left the second-floor windows open.”

With the floor cracking up against the slippers, silently I kept making my way further in, leaving my school bag on top of the sofa in the living room, right next to the dinner table where I carefully placed my uneaten lunch. The kitchen was empty and clean, with no traces of food being prepped up to be cooked later tonight, which meant Nobuyuki had not gone outside to buy the ingredients yet.

I do still wonder where he gets the money to do that.

However, once I was about to make my way upstairs, an incredibly loud noise could be heard. It was just as if a gigantic tornado had formed itself devouring everything in its path making me endlessly spin on the spot. A hand grabbed my shoulder, the blue-haired boy with the yellow scarf being the cause of it all.

“Ah yes, you’re finally home my dearest! Now, now, it’s time to pick up the pace… It’s already 3:45 PM!” Hurrying up, he opened the kitchen cupboards and took out a small bottle, filling it with water and storing it into what seemed to be a large green backpack. “Move, move!”

“What are you even doing…?” I mumbled, clearly unable to comprehend the situation.

“Are you seriously going to ask that, my dear Yui?” With ragged breaths, he pushed me outside the house while closing up the door and grabbing up my hand, carrying me down the street. “We’ll be late at this point!”

“Could you explain yourself? I wasn’t even five minutes inside! I’m even with my slippers on!”

Nonetheless, he shoved with his other hand a pair of sneakers against my face.

“We have no time to lose! It’ll take us at least an hour to get there if there is no traffic and then around twenty minutes on foot to arrive at our final destination!”

Doing my very best to get his grip off me, I had no idea where I was being kidnapped to. I thought of raising my voice and screaming, yet I was completely terrified of what he could do to me if that situation arose. I mean, the first time we met, he threatened to kill me. It wouldn’t surprise me if he had a trick up his sleeve if I tried to run away.

That was when I noticed the direction of where we were walking towards to: The Village Town Hall.

There was a bus stop there.

That was when I realized it.

“Are we going to Takayama?”

“Yeah, where else?” He kept dragging me until I caught up to his pace. “I don’t know anywhere else except that place and here.”

“Are there any special offers there? That’s why you’re taking me too? To be your guide?” I couldn’t think of anything else. “Did you hear a sale on the radio or on the TV?”

“Now that you mention it, I should’ve thought of that before we left. Oh well, what’s done is done. I already have my focus on a noodle udon restaurant three blocks away from where we’re going. Next time I’ll do a quick search and buy all the offers on the supermarkets!”

And in an instant, we were just right next to the bus stop.

What should’ve been at least a twenty-minute walk turned out to be insanely fast.

Did he do something?

And right on cue, the bus arrived and opened its doors while letting go of some steam.

“Time to go for your lessons!” He said, with a wide, big smile while going up the small stairs.

“My what?” Still dazed, I followed him.

“Your tennis lessons, of course!”

I HAD DELETED THAT INCIDENT FROM MY MIND! Did he really…?

“Aren’t you excited about your first day?!”

He really did. HE REALLY DID SIGN ME UP FOR THEM.

And with that, the doors closed and the bus went on its merry way, leaving me with no means of escape.

The bus was chilly, a little colder than I found comfortable.

Fortunately, only two people were on it, probably going to Takayama for cram school.

Nobuyuki paid our fee and made his way towards the very back of the bus. While he walked, the green backpack he was carrying made loud sounds, objects clacking against each other inside. Patting down on a seat right next to him which was the one next to the window, he sat and left the oversized luggage on the floor. The seats were made of a velvet-like material and of a very bright blue colour, being bothersome for my eyes while I made my way on the small aisle holding onto the handrails.

Once I made it to my indicated seat, I sighed.

“You really are something else,” without knowing what else to say, all I had were questions. “I don’t agree with this. I can’t use the money I have for these lessons. Once I am there, I will say it was all a mistake and go home… God, I’ll start homework late. How did they even let you sign me up in the first place? This isn’t something like paying up weekly food at the local mart! The fee should’ve been expensive.”

“My lovely Yui, everything is under control. You can one hundred per cent trust me on this!” He smirked, apparently proud of his endeavour while the bus’ wheels hit the uneven pavement, making his bead-hair bounce up and down. “I will cover up the expenses of these lessons. After all, it was my idea so I must be a responsible partner so rest assured! I’m doing this for your own good! After my research, this seems to be an excellent sport for you to work your stamina, reflexes, strength…”

“Wait a second… You signed me up first without knowing anything about tennis?”

I wanted to choke him right on the spot.

No, Yui! You cannot let Shinji’s behaviour rub onto you so much!

“There isn’t a sport like that from where I come from, unfortunately.” Nobuyuki crossed his arms.

“But apparently, you have enough knowledge of dumb stuff in order to save yourself from rule number one, Shower Time.” Remembering the incident which made me feel like a complete idiot, I pouted. “That isn’t fair at all!”

“I didn’t make that up!!” Excusing himself, he raised both of his palms, hiding his face deep into his tattered yellow scarf. “A-Anyhow, I am well versed about this sport now so you can ask me anything!”

“As if I had a choice… it’s either that or an awkward silence between us for at least an hour.” Preparing myself for the worse, I asked the only question that was burning deep inside of me: “How did you even learn about it? There isn’t a PC or laptop at home and you don’t have a smartphone. And even if you did, there is no internet connection at home… Now that I say all of this out loud my house sure is living in a completely different era...”

“Now you have a point there, I should get one of those gadgets,” nodding to himself, Nobuyuki proceeded. “Having what you call phone could be super useful at some point. However, we have our own communication skill so I see it unlikely for now!”

“Please, if something happens while I’m at school? I could contact you that way.”

“Please,” mimicking me, he replied with what seemed to be a witty look which I couldn’t stand for some reason. “Our own communication skill doesn’t have an operating radius. I can get in contact with you no matter the distance!”

“...What?”

“Today at school, during your lunchtime, you had very ill thoughts about your friends in regards to some ice-cream. Really, my dearest? That’s so childish!” Holding up what apparently was a laugh, he went on. “And sheesh, I did hold back on your lunchbox! The eel wasn’t so expensive… It was lower than what I spent on those wagyu slices of beef last time, to be honest.”

“That’s still expensive! And oh my Lord, I won’t be able to even feel safe on school anymore. You can read my thoughts everywhere with your silly telepathy! Won’t I ever have some privacy back into my life!?” Hitting my head against the cold window, my forehead froze in an instant.

“I am not invading your thoughts anymore as you asked me to, so I consider that an improvement! See how I am not constantly entering your mind?” Happily, he smiled. “And it’s not telepathy… Plus, I truly wanted to abide by your petition by suggesting the transfer student option but what? What was your reaction about it? Plain denial!”

God, give me patience. This...sneaky... guy!

“I haven’t even done any exercise yet and I already feel exhausted…” Doing my best to keep calm, I sifted through my seat and tried to lead the conversation elsewhere while changing from my slippers into the sneakers Nobuyuki imposed on me. “So? How did you find out what tennis is about? There aren’t any public libraries nor net cafés in Shirakawa.”

An evil laugh escaped from his lips.

“Well, well… What do you think I could have been doing while you were working at the Post Office with that guy that barged into the house the other day?” Raising up his index finger, he had made a valid point. “At that time, you had no idea it was actually I, Nobu, who followed your bus down the road!”

“Don’t make me remember the anxiety attack that gave me… I really thought it was a dog, not you.” Lifting up my face after putting my sneakers on, I left the slippers on my knees. “And ‘that guy’ has a name and it’s Shinji.”

“If you knew it was me it wouldn’t have broken your heart!?” Speechless, the yellow scarfed boy’s soul was shattered. “Note to self… Yui is a cold-blooded veneficae.”

The bus rocks us from side to side as we travel these familiar roads. I gazed out of the window and felt like the scenery was recurring, going round and round, observing the same trees, houses and fields.

“Seeing as you ignored my remark, I’ll take it as the truth.”

Honestly, answering would have led to an argument I have no energy to engage into.

“As I was saying, before learning how truly evil you are, I decided to stroll around the premises. You know, scout around so I can aid you if anything happened. That’s why I was nearby when that HeartBit afflicted adult attacked you and the other girl.” Fixing his throat, Nobuyuki was slowly catching my attention again. “In any case, while I was doing my rounds, I saw the tennis pamphlet at a certain store.”

“A certain store…?” Something smelled fishy here.

“Why did I had to go and say it that way…?” I could hear him mutter, with a slight blush on his cheeks. “I.. saw it in.. a bookstore.”

“What were you doing in a bookstore if you were supposed to be patrolling?” Raising both of my eyebrows, I leaned closer to him with suspicion.

“Can’t a guy have a rest!?” He protested, blushing more than usual. His face was almost burning in shame. “Mangas are fun okay!?”

“...You got distracted… with manga?” Holding a laugh, I tried to connect the dots. “So, while you were doing your rounds, you stumbled upon the bookstore and started reading manga… and that’s when you saw the pamphlet. I can’t believe something so silly lead to all of this...”

“『Macaron Honey Beats』is a masterpiece, not something silly!!!” Bashfully, he turned around, clearly hurt. “It’s obvious you haven’t read it in order to say that… I feel sorry for you, almost.”

“I beg your pardon?” Ticking me off, I had to sigh in order to keep my composure. “A guy that could be called a transforming alien with magic powers dares to tutor me about manga, a thing he didn’t even know existed at all until I casually mentioned it that day we met???”

“I’m not an alien!! And skip those technicalities!!” Ashamed, Nobuyuki did his best to get back on track. “Anyway, that was when I thought that in this place, libraries should exist! I should go and learn about the sport as soon as possible!”

“Just say you thought you could find more volumes of that manga in the library…”

Nobuyuki coughed.

“After going to the city library, I found some books there that taught me everything I needed to know!” Proud of himself, he puffed his chest.

“Admit you couldn’t find any manga and resigned you decided to do that…” covering my mouth, I was near the point of breaking down in laughter.

“Alright, keep on making fun of me!! I won’t talk to you anymore during this hour trip!” Pouting, Nobuyuki fully turned around, giving me his back. “I won’t give you an easy-to-follow tutorial about tennis either.”

“Suit yourself, I guess?” Confused about how everything turned out this way, I had nothing better to do than to fiddle with my phone.

Now that I remember, Yuiko sent me a text that day, didn’t she? The day I passed out for three hours inside the archives room in the postal office. Given Nobuyuki doesn’t want to speak with me anymore, I could ask him about that later.

Taking out my flip phone from my grey skirt pocket, I went directly to the “new messages” area and found Yuiko's unopened text.

Here it is!

Holding my breath, my fingers shake as I press the phone’s keyboard.

In the past few years, I lived in a bitter life with no light. My heart was chained with emotional numbness and rejected the single concept of happiness. I was scared of feeling myself being content with life, so I pretended that every happy moment I felt were just fake. As time passed by, my perception of happiness eventually changed. How was I supposed to know I was truly happy? At what point would I realize I was living in a happy moment? Happiness within me only brought sorrow to my surroundings.

However, why is my heartbeat pounding so fast? Why is my breathing becoming erratic? This isn’t an uncommon situation at all. I am used to getting text messages. Yet, why oh why, was this one, in particular, causing foreign emotions inside of me?

When I met her, I jumped directly to the conclusion that she was a pure reflection of a perfect me. Her innate beauty was heavenly and exceptional, provided that her voice was like a perfect melody. I couldn’t provide a perfect adjective that would perfectly describe her perfect perfectness against imperfect me. It was like a huge puzzle to me, one that I could not find the perfect piece for it to fit.

The moment she talked to me, my whole body became numb. It seemed that her angelic face was stuck on my mind and her innocent voice gave me this warm, nostalgic feeling. Her unique and prevailing beauty caught my attention and that sweet personality of hers captured my entire world. She was immaculately the complete package of what I aspired to be and her approach gave life to something in my heart I couldn’t quite pinpoint what it was.

For what reason does Yuiko generate such unusual feelings within me?

I should feel scared of our similarity. I should find it unusual, creepy, even disgusting. Nonetheless, that same thing is what makes me believe I have a close, special connection with her even if I have not known her for at least a full month.

Every time I see her smile, her being happy, her being content, fills me inside with an indescribable feeling. That was why, the noon she confessed her androphobia, brought me to tears as well. The shining moon reflected our unreachable, wavering agonies. Her fears and unhappiness resonated so much within me, I felt like a bad person for not noticing. Me, someone useless and pathetic who even dared to think I wanted to be like her, failed to notice her pain.

Me feeling ‘happy’ around her brought Yuiko inner misery, unable to tell me the truth straight out.

Maybe she was mad about that? That I was unable to notice it and she endured it?

The distance between my finger and the button suddenly seemed eternal and ethereal. Why did such a small thing, a simple text, make me so terrified and anxious?

“I’m sleepy…”

With a sudden long yawn, stretching both of his arms as if he had all the space in the world, Nobuyuki pushed me on accident and unleashed my worst nightmare: I had pushed the button.

I yelped, unable to take ahold of myself any longer, enduring the tears that wanted to come out of my eyes.

That was when I noticed that everything up until now was just in my mind.

【From: Yuiko Tsukiame. Sent: 8:32 AM. Date: January 24th】

「Dear Yui,

Good morning, did you sleep well yesterday? I wholeheartedly hope you did. It became a chaotic evening after all… I truly apologise for what happened at the rooftop. It was not my intention to be seen so vulnerable while pouring one of my fears onto you. It was selfish from my part. I should have found a better way of telling you about it. However, for some reason, I could not find it within me to think of something logical. It suddenly happened, and that is not like me at all.

Would you mind, after all of this is over and we are back at Shirakawa, talk about this and properly apologise to you?

Sincerely yours,

Yuiko.

P.S: Is it alright if, afterwards, we talk about something? It has to do with what I promised to tell you today, the thing I mentioned last night when Miss Seraphine collapsed. Oh, and I forgot to mention this before but, Hazakura gave me your contact information, I am sorry if it caught you off-guard. I remember we exchanged phones one day but I did not manage to get your info.」

【REPLY】【DELETE】【BACK】

Such sophisticated writing…

However, one thing broke me inside.

She is not mad at me. She does not hold a grudge against me. Yuiko wants to apologise for something that is not even necessary… She didn’t even mention anything about this while we hung together during lunchtime either...

“Why am I so self-centred, I wonder,” holding my cry, I swallowed my inner tears. “I was being selfish again.”

【REPLY】

「Hi, Yuiko!

I’m so sorry I’m replying so late to this. I hope you don’t think I read it and decided to ignore you, I would never do that (´；д；`). Is it okay if we talk tomorrow? And you weren’t selfish!! Also no worries, I really don’t mind for you writing me out of nowhere. It was a pleasant surprise! Let me know if it’ll be during or after school! Maybe we can grab something to eat on our way if it’s the latter!

See you tomorrow!!」

【SEND】

Trying to sound happy while I’m suffering on the inside makes me feel like a fake person… But, in reality, I am actually a fake. I am unable to really enjoy happiness, thus why I pretend. I wonder, will Yuiko see through my act, just like Shinji does? I hope she doesn’t.

Bringing myself to endure this excruciating pain, the best thing I could do was to close my eyes, praying for the bus to stop just as I wished for my heart rate to cease.

❀ January 30th, 2013 - Takayama ❀

“Ah yes, we are here in the city!”

Standing just outside the Takayama Bus Centre, Nobuyuki stretched his whole body while the exaggeratedly big green backpack rattled with each movement he made. His hair swayed with the winter breeze, his amber eyes shining more than usual with indescribable excitement.

“Now, using my handy-dandy map I took from the Information Centre last time we were here…” He reached his right hand towards his trouser’s pocket, bringing out a map that was folded into four in order to fit. Once he opened it, I could notice how he had marked different locations. “We should cross over the station to reach the other side of the road, do some other things and we should be there in twenty-nine minutes!”

“How can you be so accurate with the time?” I dared to ask.

“Poodle Maps is a wonderful thing!” Smiling, he closed the physical one he had and proceeded to explain. “When I went to the library, they had these machines you humans call, personal computers. While learning my way with one, I was able to reach this search engine called Poodle that had maps and some other stuff, even I could see your planet from there, in Poodle Earth! I was scared for a second that you could see my homeland but then I remembered that’s impossible because it’s called Poodle Earth for a reason!”

“I am sure the name isn’t Poodle but who am I to argue, I have no idea what the most common search engine’s name is…”

And I can’t believe a guy like him knows more about PCs than me!!

“Now, now. No time to dawdle. Let’s go!” Extending his fist towards a grey, cloudy sky, Nobuyuki started what would be the pace of our small little journey around Takayama towards an unknown location. “Time to appreciate the city while we’re here. It’s totally different from where we live!”

Nodding, I followed suit.

We found ourselves walking around what seemed to be a mix between a residential and commercial area. Various houses and buildings could be seen right in front of the other, as well as small shops, dance centres (there was one that taught ballet!) and casual restaurants. Surprisingly, we walked right next to a French pastry café called “Pont-Neuf” which seemed delicious. A pleasant aroma of chocolate bread, madeleines and what seemed to be millefeuilles triggered in my mind a certain girl we met a few days ago, Ameka Hayami or, how she likes to be called when she transforms into a magical girl: Sweetch.

“I wonder if Miss Ameka has come to this place before. I’m sure she would love it!” Talking to myself, I walked right next to Nobuyuki on the pavement. “She gives me this impression of only eating the fanciest and most delicious of sweets.”

“Hm.” Was everything he said, apparently still hesitant about Miss Ameka.

He did not seem to like her at all. Almost as if she were an irregularity according to his knowledge. I would like to ask about it but… It does not seem to be the right time for it.

We kept going down the road, passing by a fire station, a few more small restaurants and the rest became an exclusive residential area with big Japanese style houses that clashed, once in a while, with occidental styled ones.

After crossing a small bridge, we walked straight for ten more minutes until we gave a right turn, just as Nobuyuki had mentioned before. His face was deeply buried into the map, me having to hold his shoulders before he nonchalantly crossed the street when the red signal was on. That was when something crossed my mind once the light became green and continued our way.

“Say, Nobuyuki.”

“No-bu!” he emphasized.

“I was wondering… Does the place you come from have any means of transportation as we do here?”

The people flowed like rivers, never stopping for obstacles but swirling around them. On the wide pavement, we were walking surrounded with wilted trees, their naked branches curled and froze in the winter’s chilly wind, buildings towering on each side.

“Yeah, we do.” He replied matter-of-factly. “Although they don’t leave lingering pollution like yours. It is already hard to breathe for me here, Shirakawa’s air is much cleaner, albeit there is some pollution in the air as well but in less quantity than here.”

“I see…” Nobuyuki had a point. With the details he had just revealed, I clearly imagined his land to be a clean place. “So the vehicles you use to transport are like ours or…?”

“Maybe someday you’ll see them,” smiling warmly towards me, he stopped for around five seconds before doing a left turn around a pasta restaurant.

“That would be lovely,” I replied happily, still following him.

The scenery kept repeating itself: residential area, small shops, houses, and so on. Nothing major to lose myself into visually. However, the most pleasant thing to experience was the sound.

Who knew that the sound of the birds in Takayama was so distinct? They were circling in the sky, their white bodies soaring across it. The silver linings of the clouds were being sliced by vast, beautiful wings. Their figures stood prominent in the grey above, with only small pockets of clouds to hide them. Their wings beat the air as if it took no effort at all, each movement precisely on time as it should be. They flew through that ever-developing canvas of the grey dawn, as if their wings were fine quills, drawing such hues.

Our scenery changed as further away we got from the city, elegant houses surrounding the green pastures. Going into what seemed to be an uphill path, we kept walking for around ten more minutes, until we finally reached a bit of civilization again. Finally, Nobu gave a final left turn and we had arrived at what seemed to be a giant tennis area.

It had six courts, each of them with a brand new net and right in front of the entrance, children and teenagers of all ages could be seen with their parents or friends, excited to start their lessons. Some of them had brought their own pieces of equipment, such as rackets and balls, alongside special sneakers in order to don’t damage the floor of the court. However, I looked at myself, still in my school uniform while more than ninety per cent of them were all wearing white.

“I feel out of place…” I whispered.

“Don’t you worry ‘bout a thing, I came prepared!” taking off the green backpack and dropping it into the ground with a loud thud, he began to take out stuff and throwing it into my arms. “Here is your water bottle I prepared before we left the house, gotta stay hydrated! Here is a white shirt I found and a white skirt I bought the other day for you, I hope I got your measurement right! Those sneakers you are wearing right now I found them as well… What else, what else?”

“W-Wait, Nobuyuki!” Stuttering, I caught every item he kept on throwing. “Where did you find the shirt and the sneakers? And how did you even…?”

“I was doing some cleaning today and decided to look for appropriate clothes for this sport in your room! As I told you, I read all I could about it! And about the skirt, I secretly took your measurements at night. I might know your three sizes but it’s better to be safe than sorry. What if you finally gained some weight and the skirt doesn’t fit you? I had to make sure everything was perfect to make this an amazing experience for you, my dearest!”

“I have so many things I’m angry about right now.” However, I was unable to say them. “Many things you did were so wrong on so many levels…”

I don’t feel safe while sleeping all of a sudden.

“Now, now. There is a toilet right here so go and get changed!” Pushing me towards the place he was talking about, he hurriedly locked me inside while cheering right behind the door. “I’ll be watching on the benches. Go have fun and train to your heart's content!!”

I sighed.

“I hope they lend rackets here…” Was the only thing I could say.

Quickly undressing and putting on the clothes magic boy had bought and found for me, I felt ready and folded my school uniform.

Once outside, I could see him sitting down in the distance, waving his hand happily towards me, which, for some reason, made me smile in return. I was already trapped in this crazy scheme of his, and I knew he did not have bad intentions at all. Putting a bit of effort from my part should not hurt, it’s not as if he hadn’t done it for my good and I truly need to build some stamina if I’m going to be fighting strange monsters like what happened with Mr Yamada last time.

While walking down the court, I noticed a lady talking in a loud voice.

“Those who have signed up for the novice course, please line up here!”

I rushed towards there, following her instructions and that was when I noticed…

I’m surrounded by children!!!

All the other students were around five to nine years old, me being the only ‘grown-up’. I found that completely astonishing. However, the lady who was arranging everything for the novice course didn’t think of it as strange. Apparently, people my age were already in the advanced courses and that made me think that perhaps they had been doing this sport since they were of a young age.

“Here’s your tennis racket!” She was suddenly in front of me, stretching a black coloured object.

“T-Thank you,” examining it, I pretended to hit a ball.

“You are welcome. Please remember to return it once the lesson is over.”

Her short, light-green hair swayed in the wind my impromptu movement generated, her swamp-deep coloured eyes shining brightly as precious stones. With white ribbons on each side of her head, the rest of her clothing was of that colour as well and I thought that, perhaps, she was going to be our teacher.

“Everyone, welcome to the novice lessons! I will be your teacher for the whole duration of this course. My name is Riaru Ninomae, it is a pleasure to meet you all. Before we start, we’ll do a small warm-up, so your bodies can become used to a certain rhythm and be ready for when we start practising.”

Certainly, she was the one who would be teaching us the basics.

“You will do laps around the court for twelve minutes! There is no need to be quick, or focus on being first. This is not a competition, just a tranquil way of warming up your body. You can run if you wish, or jog! Whatever makes you feel comfortable. Remember to breathe with your nose and not with your mouth, if not, your throat will become dry and your chest to hurt! If you become tired, walking is okay! Don’t push yourselves to the ultimate limit. Everyone is starting at the same pace, and we’re here to have fun!”

Twelve… minutes…!?

However, I was the only one truly astonished by the time since all the little kids were highly excited, raising their own and rental rackets up the grey sky.

“Now, go!” Miss Ninomae blew a black whistle she was carrying around her neck and everyone began to run.

I need to pick up the pace! If not I’ll be a huge embarrassment in front of all of these children!

The steady pound of my footsteps echoed into my ears. I felt a bead of sweat roll down my forehead and splatter to my chin. I wasn’t giving up. Adrenaline coursed through my veins, pouring everything I had into a silly warm-up routine. My breathing quickened, trying to appease my need for oxygen, forgetting I was not supposed to run with my mouth open. That caused my chest to actually hurt and lower my velocity. Watching how all the small kids passed right through me as if nothing, made me really wonder if I was actually suited for combat. If children have better stamina than me, how am I supposed to fight? That was when I realized I’m not only mentally weak but physically as well.

“That’s… depressing…” I said between ragged breaths.

And in less than three minutes in, I was in the last place, if it were an actual race of course. Most of the children were already on their fourth lap, while I was suffering to at least make it to one. That was when I took notice of another exaggerated, erratic breathing just behind me. Apparently, I actually wasn’t the last one at all.

Right behind me, there was a little girl.

Her steps were pounding in time with her heartbeat, small trails of sweat dripping through her neck while her innocent, pure cinnabar-coloured eyes shined brightly, giving her very best during her slow-paced run. Yet, I could clearly see that for her, the velocity she was going felt as hyperspeed. Her silver-grey hair was tied up in two long low twintails which were close to kissing the ground.

“Hah…”

Suddenly, her eyelids slowly descended, her feet tangling up while her body. Her falling down was like looking at the death of a flower. Gracefully, just like petals withering during winter, her pale body was near to collapse.

Breaking my pace, I turned back to catch her before her white clothes were covered with dirt. No one else stopped, no one else seemed to care while the other kids kept on their track passing right next to us. The body of the girl was as light as a feather while I carried her towards the benches. Miss Ninomae noticed the incident, rushing to where I was leaving the girl lie down.

“What happened?” Was the first thing she asked, while the little girl breathed heavily still with her eyes closed while sweating profusely. “Did she faint?”

“I think so. I managed to catch her before she fell…” I mentioned, seeing how our teacher’s worries grew.

“She needs some water, as soon as possible.” Looking around, she found the nearest water fountain with her eyes. “I’ll go grab some for her and…”

“It’s okay, I have some right here.”

Nobuyuki was right between us, giving us the bottle drinker he had made just for me. Miss Ninomae took it after a quick thanks and told me to hold the girl carefully, trying to make her sit down and open her lips making her drink some water. After a few drinks, colour returned to her cheeks and her eyes were halfway open, looking around, clueless about what happened and why she wasn’t on the court running, with a recently met woman and an unknown teenager looking at her.

“???”

“Do you feel okay?” Miss Ninomae asked, holding the little girl’s hand. “Does anything hurt?”

“W-What happened…?” Her voice crackled up, still unable to breathe properly.

“You collapsed but Big Sis here made sure you were safe,” the light-green haired woman proceeded, holding my shoulder with her free hand. “Make sure to rest all you can right now. Big Sis and Big Bro here will take care of you.”

Miss Ninomae looked at me pleadingly.

“L-Leave it to Big Sis!” My voice came out awkwardly, not knowing why these series of events were happening.

“O-Okay…” confused, the girl nodded.

“I am sorry to impose this onto you Miss…?” Our teacher looked around the court, suddenly spotting two boys breaking on a fight while screaming about making a foul play while running to the other. “This does happen often in the novice class, I need to separate them now.”

“Samidare. Yui Samidare. Now, please, go, Miss Ninomae. I will look after the girl!”

“I appreciate your help, Miss Samidare.” Running back towards the court, she yelled at both from a distance. “Hey! No fighting!!”

I sat right next to the girl, and Nobuyuki on the opposite side. We exchanged looks, not knowing what to do about the situation at all. We were clearly worried about the girl since she seemed to not be doing well at all. However, she was slowly gaining back her energy and smiled at both of us.

“Thank you, Big Sis. Thank you, Big Bro.” An angelic smile aura invaded the place.

So cute!!!!

“Are you feeling better now?” Nobuyuki asked her, slowly shuffling her hair. “Everything will be okay with Big Bro Nobu here!”

Nodding, the girl shuffled in her seat.

“What’s your name? I’m Yui and this guy here is Nobuyuki.” I said, thinking that the best course of action was to engage in meaningless talking so she would forget about the accident she had. “How old are you?”

“No-bu!” The blue-haired boy emphasized the syllables.

“Li-Xue! Li-Xue Morita! My friends call me Kaai though because it’s easier!” Regaining some of her vitality, the girl introduced herself happily. “It’s because my name can be read that way. Oh and I’m eight-years-old!”

A Chinese name?

“Well then, I’ll call you Kaai!” Nobuyuki intervened. “Do you want more water?”

“Thanks, Big Bro Nobu!” Taking a sip, the little girl was becoming more and more energetic. She gave yellow scarfed boy the drinker back with a sigh. “Big Sis Yui, did I faint on the court…?”

How do I even reply to her question without making her remember how it felt…?

“Yes, you did but Big Sis here saved you just in time so nothing ugly happened!” Smiling towards her, Nobuyuki held the little girl’s hand and pointed towards me with his face. “It’s alrighty, Kaai! Are you sick? You need to take care of yourself!”

Nobuyuki is good with children… I could never… Reassure her that way.

“I have asthma.” Playing with her hands, the girl I just met today admitted. “That is why mummy signed me up for lessons so I can do exercise at my own rhythm!”

“You’re a strong girl, Kaai! You are trying your best, just like Big Sis Yui here. Just make sure to don’t put so much pressure to yourself next time you run, m’kay?” With a thumbs-up, Nobuyuki comforted her.

I’m not strong at all. I’m not trying my best at all. Kaai here is stronger than me. She is fighting against a condition she’ll have for the most part of her life up until the point of exhaustion while I was… just being my gloomy self, giving up without even trying. What am I even doing? What are you doing, Yui?

We spent the rest of the lesson making Kaai some company, Nobuyuki entertaining her to the best of his capabilities while I was deep in thought, reflecting on my immature actions and selfishness while Nobuyuki and the little girl played a small round of shiritori. Apparently, Nobuyuki was having a hard time losing a couple of rounds by using words that ended with the letter ‘n’.

That was when my phone vibrated, indicating that a message had arrived.

Yuiko?

BIIIP.

The whistle’s sound reverberated throughout the field, indicating the end of the lessons, making me forget about replying to my friend.

“That was quick…” I said, holding my chin.

Unconsciously, I looked into Nobuyuki’s eyes.

“?” He tilted his head, smiling, while he played a clapping game with the girl we just met today. “Time sure flies when you’re having fun, huh! Are you feeling better, Kaai?”

“I’m feeling all better, thank you for playing with me Big Bro.” Turning around, the silver-grey haired child scooted right next to me, bowing her head in apology. “I am sorry, Big Sis Yui for making you miss the lesson for looking after me…”

It hurts. It hurts so much. Don’t apologise. It hurts.

“It’s oka—” My voice was cut impromptu.

“Li-Xue!!” Rushing towards us, a beautiful woman ran with fashionable white high heels and pink shaded sunglasses, embracing as strongly as possible the small girl and checking every part of her body. “Nǐ shòushāngle ma? Fāshēngle shénme?”

“Māmā, wǒ méishì. Dà gēgē hé dàjiě zhàogù wǒ!” She replied.

What is happening?

The gorgeous lady looked at both of us, examining every single aspect of Nobuyuki and me.

Is she mad?!

Her long, celadon coloured hair swayed with the sudden chilly winter breeze. Wearing a white summer hat in the middle of an untamed season, her baby blue coloured dress roared with her sole presence. Using a long, willow-shaded coat, she lowered her sunglasses, her coal eyes piercing my soul.

“Um…” I felt how I became smaller and smaller, lowering my head between my shoulders.

Nonetheless, unexpectedly, strange noises came out from Nobuyuki’s mouth. His face transformed into the exact definition of hostile, growls escaping from his lips while his teeth were slowly becoming larger and visible to everyone else.

“How could I ever thank you?” Smiling just like a bright sun, the mysterious beautiful adult patted both of our heads. “I am in your debt.”

When the black-eyed woman placed her hand on top of the yellow scarfed boy, his growls started to disappear, slowly retreating into what seemed to be an ultimate pleasure, closing his eyes in delight and his right leg moved up and down, slowly, as a reflex from his enjoyment.

He really is a dog, isn’t he!?

“There is no need!” Quickly, I lifted both of my hands in front of my face, shaking it vigorously. “I just did what I thought felt right!”

The woman stopped patting both of our heads. When she let go his hand off of Nobuyuki’s head, I could clearly hear a whimper of disappointment.

He clearly is a dog.

“Still, thank you for taking care of my daughter.” Extending her hand towards the little girl, she stood up happily. “I’m glad she made nice friends both Big Sis and Big Bro here.”

“It was our pleasure!” Casually shaking off his sudden abnormal behaviour, the blue-haired boy came back to his human senses. “See you next week, Kaai!”

“Yup! See you Big Sis Yui, Big Bro Nobu! Bye-bye!”

Waving her free hand, the girl started to walk towards the exit while her mother bowed down, making me uncomfortable and causing me to do the same, just to hit myself with the bench I was sitting down on.

“Well, it seems that today’s lesson wasn’t a success but next week it should!” Nobuyuki casually mentioned. “Now, let’s go eat. I’m hungry and I really want to try that udon noodle restaurant down the street I saw in Poodle Maps.”

“Sure, just give me a second…” Taking my phone out of my white skirt pocket, I noticed that the message I had received was not from who I expected it would be. “Miss Ameka…?”

“Please, don’t mention her name. I really don’t like that girl.”

“No, no. I mean, she just sent me a text message…”

【From: Miss Ameka Hayami (Sweetch). Sent: 5:20 PM. Date: January 30th】

「Hey,

Are you free tonight? Can you come over? There is something I forgot to mention last time and I want to train up a bit. At this rate, I’ll become rusty and it’s good for you, rookie.

Let’s meet at Shiroyama Park.」

【REPLY】【DELETE】【BACK】

“Do you know where Shiroyama Park is?” Nobuyuki looked at me.

“No, but, we have your map so it should be okay.”

“I’m allowing this because she is mentioning something about training. I’ll let it slide this time,” crossing both of his arms, Nobuyuki seemed ticked off.

“Well, time to change and go. We’ll most likely be there when nighttime comes.”

❀ January 30th, 2013 - Takayama, Shiroyama Park ❀

The trees rustled loudly against the cool night breeze giving off an eerie feel, debris covering the trail we followed. Metal creaked in the background, making me notice the children games placed in a far off area and sending a shiver down my spine. The only lights of the park were the depressing street lamps scattered around it that barely lit up. It was as an eerie ghost town. Everything was obscure, and unknown to me as if it had been abandoned for decades. The swings slowly dazed and swished back and forth.

As the lights fade to black the deep into the park we went, the colours of the grass and leaves remain in my mind almost like a fragrance. My surroundings became more silvery between the shadows that stretched out as if yawning. The breaking of simple leaves or twigs becomes the focus of my attention, making me lean closer to Nobuyuki who was walking in front of me without a single trace of fear.

I looked up into the sky while holding onto his yellow tattered scarf.

The moon under the siege of the stars seemed to lighten the night, bringing them forth, and they shone and hung in the blackness. It consumed everything. Except for the stars, which stood out like pebbles in front of a storm, as an endless twilight ocean up above.

“She’s here.”

Nobuyuki stopped, a silhouette making its way towards us from one of the faraway swings. The lamplights illuminated her body under the quiet moonlight, bathing her in shimmering dust particles floating around her body. Wearing what seemed to be the school uniform of last time, I did not feel out of place with mine being so late into the night.

Miss Ameka stood right in front of us, both hands on her hips.

“Glad you could come.” Her voice had an unusual tone.

“Quite the fancy place to summon us,” the boy replied. “I thought you would leave us alone.”

“Nobuyuki!” Ashamed, I tried to call him out.

“Honestly, I didn’t want to do it either but I’m pissed off right now so I thought that some ‘training’ could help,” casually speaking, Miss Ameka came closer to us, her dark honey-coloured hair tied down in two twin-tails shining brightly under the stars.

“Hold on a second. You want to technically fight against Yui to just ‘cool off’?” Extending his right arm in front of me, the boy that turned my life upside-down scowled.

“C’mon. If you say it that way I’ll look like the bad girl here!” Stressed out, Miss Ameka closed her eyes while caressing her temple. “There are no HeartBit incidents, I already did my round around the whole prefecture and after knowing that the dumb celebrity is being a complete coward, I had to be reminded of something I despise by someone stupid so yeah, I’m in a really foul mood so training could help me relieve some stress and have this rookie girl here gain some more practice. It’s a win-win situation!”

“It’s a selfish win-win situation!” Pointing at her, Nobuyuki walked forward. “Yui is not a toy you can use to vent your anger into.”

“Very well then.”

In a couple of seconds, my eyes were unable to follow the succession of events.

Nobuyuki had been blasted off in supernova speed, flying across the park just to be knocked out against a far off tree. Branches collapsed, leaving him on a worrying state.

“Nobuyuki!!!!”

My heart rate accelerated. Fear welled deep inside of me. The world had become a loudspeaker I couldn’t turn off.

The girl was standing right in front of me, drawing with her lip a terrifying smile. She was still with her regular clothes on, meaning she hadn’t transformed. Miss Ameka released a laugh, just to send shivers down my spine and well-up anxiety in my stomach. On her right hand, she was holding what seemed to be a small handgun made of biscuit. From the tip, smoke was being released while the fancy decorations swirled around the weapon. Proud of what she had done, it seemed she was eager for more.

“Don’t worry. The mutt isn’t dead. I just strapped him down with some sugar against the tree so he won’t interrupt like last time.”

Turning around to where the attack had taken place, the smoke had cleared, my eyes barely making out a coughing yellow scarfed boy who couldn’t move his body at all. What seemed to be a white, solid thread, was holding him in his place unable to move nor speak, his whole body is covered by it. The green backpack he carried had been completely destroyed, the objects scattering all around. However, the destruction it had left behind made me realize that the weapon Miss Ameka carried was not to be underestimated, even if the attack itself had been ‘harmless’.

“Wanna know more about this?” Making the handgun go round and round with her index finger, she made it disappear with a fancy pink coloured smoke. “If you fight with me, I can tell you and teach you about it. I can even guide you to summon your own weapon… Which I suppose the mutt hasn’t told you about.”

“Can’t we just… talk about it instead?” I gave a step back, clearly afraid.

I have to help him.

“Fighting is just…”

“Fighting is just what?” Miss Ameka gave a step forward. “Useless? Nonsensical? Let me tell you a fact of life, rookie. The world isn’t going to stop just because you want to. No one is going to stop and talk everything with words because you want to. Things won’t end up peacefully because you want to. Battles will come straight up to you, with no chance to even think about it, without a way to avoid them. Sometimes, the only way to stop someone is going up against them. You cannot avoid the inevitable.”

My heart sunk.

“That is why I am going to destroy that frail hopefulness of yours.”

The moon wailed, a storm of powdery sugar coming off from the sky, just as if the stars were pouring down their tears against my cold skin.

Miss Ameka’s transformation took place, her words escaping frantically from her lips while her body glowed, skyrocketing towards me with no intention of stopping midway. My body was numb, unable to do a single thing. Fear had taken hold of me, reminding me how useless and pathetic I actually am. Did I really believe that being a magical girl could be that easy? That I could actually help people? If it wasn’t for Nobuyuki that day, and even Miss Ameka’s interference, I wouldn’t have been able to save Miss Hazawa. Miss Ameka took charge of the HeartBit, me being just a background character, as I’ve always been.

«Yui! Move!!!»

Albeit, Nobuyuki’s voice came to me too late. Miss Sweetch was right in front of me, holding her handgun right against my forehead. Her wild mint hair complementing the starry night while her aquamarine eyes twinkled with excitement.

“Goodbye, Somnia.”

Even still, time stopped. Everything ceased to exist. No movement, no wind, no breaths. Washing away every last piece of my inner self, a lock was opened unleashing a massive breakthrough. The magical girl of sweets was sent towards the endless night sky, the unleashed energy from my inner screams demolishing everything in a three radius perimeter.

What did just…?

“Using magic without transforming isn’t fair, y’know!” Flying downwards, Miss Sweetch had taken a hold of herself, accelerating, right towards where I was standing.

You just did it when attacking Nobuyuki!!!

«Transform, Yui! Demystify Missing Power only works once!»

Saying the words as fast as I could, without understanding the chain of events, the crystal rose shining light enveloped my whole body, turning me into my alter ego. Into the person, I find myself reflected into. What I aspire to be, to become, to live as by. In slow-motion, my body changed drastically from the length and colour of my hair, including my chest size and eyes. This was my other self, the magical girl of dreams.

“Never-ending feast, a sweet demise! Crushing lullabies of candy-flossed desires!” Manifesting a colourful dancing ribbon, Miss Sweetch shot it, it’s vigorous speed making its way towards me. “Let this child embrace the denial!”

Curling up against my body, the ribbon held me tight making me unable to breathe. My head was pounding, every cell inside of me screaming for oxygen. I kept fighting until I felt like my head was about to explode, I fell further and further into the darkness until it threatened to swallow me whole.

With the last bit of strength that remained on me, the excruciating pain reached my fingertips, trying to form any kind of magic to retaliate. Exhausting myself to the brink of madness, recalling every single detail from how I did it during the battle with Mr Yamada, I poured my soul into unleashing an attack that never happened. Perhaps, that time, it had been a brink of luck, amateur luck. Right now, I was in a one-sided fight against someone much more stronger and knowledgeable than I. Attacking someone just for the pure sheer of adrenaline wasn’t in me. That time, I fought to protect someone. Could it be the reason why nothing is working for me right now?

I have to think of something. If not… If not… Miss Sweetch might really end me here and now.

The rose wasn’t speaking to me either.

I can’t hope for a miracle to happen out of nowhere.

“Vibrant colours of life, let this child see the edge of the world within mortality and chaos. Like a rose, let the beauty of the moment pierce the heavens with its thorns, crystal clear as a pure soul. Love is the law, and you shall love under will is my sigil: Aurora Aurea!”

A majestic golden light emanated from the sky, lightening up in a vibrant casket of luxurious colours. Miss Sweetch loosened the grip of her dance ribbon, releasing me while I coughed up, inhaling all the air I could. I could feel my chest deeply burning, while the golden light resonated in the area. Lifting my head, I took notice that Nobuyuki was sparkling in a dazzling aura, transforming himself completely. The crystal rose in my chest stung, as if the scene were something painful to see, breaking me into a million pieces.

“What is going on with your mutt!?” Miss Sweetch’s voice broke midway, her battle determination lowering in intensity. “Speak up, Somnia!”

“I… I don’t… I don’t know either,” I gulped, unable to process how the boy broke the solidified sugar chains, rocketing himself towards where we were, his appearance completely changed. “Nobu… yuki?”

He wasn’t a human anymore.

What we had between us could be called a gigantic beast, covered in black fur standing upright, with claws as vicious as knives. He was growling, his massive jaws showing white fangs that could end with life itself in a matter of seconds, amber eyes splendidly shimmering while he let off of a contained howl.

“Hold on, what the bloody hell is wrong with him!?” Doing a backflip into the sky, the mint-haired magical girl floated in the air, planning a safe distance between us. “Is this what a familiar is…?

“As one who has Fera blood in his veins, it is my duty to protect my master.” Even if his voice was lower-pitched, my anxiety was washed away knowing it really was Nobuyuki after all. “Master, your orders. If you wish to do so, I can end up with this fake veneficae right this instant.”

“E-End up with…?” I stuttered, fear coming back.

“Killing her.”

My temperature lowered, my blood freezing.

“H-How can you even suggest t-t-that!?” I was speechless.

I couldn’t believe that the silly, happy-go-lucky magical boy had suggested something so outrageous.

“I am afraid, my master, that is the only option I can suggest at the moment. That, or distracting her for you to attack. Nonetheless, I would very much appreciate it if you chose option number one. The vermin needs to be exterminated before it expands, fake.”

“W-Why are you calling me a fake!?” Miss Sweetch was trembling, yet her courage was still burning deep inside of her. “As if you knew a thing!”

“You are an anomaly. Anomalies need to be exterminated.”

“You would rather silence someone instead than letting the truth be known?” The girl took out her handgun. “Leaving this child in a veil of ignorance?”

“What I chose to do is none of your concern, fake veneficae.” Growling even more than before, Nobuyuki’s teeth were almost like recently polished daggers ready to gnaw on the enemy.

I have to do something… if not…!

“Nobuyuki, distract her!” Pulling myself through, I couldn’t believe what I had just said. “Distract, but don’t harm. I… I will… I will fight my own fights!”

“... As you wish, my dearest.” The golden lights dimmed off, his body returning back to normal. The blue-haired boy with the yellow tattered scarf was back. “Consider this your lucky day!!!”

He pointed towards Miss Sweetch, with his tongue out.

“Are you really the same individual that just threatened me…?” Dumbfounded, the magical girl of sweets spoke.

“Believe me, I asked the same thing when I met him.” I sighed.

“Now, now, my dear! If you want to fight, you should have your own weapon just like that silly goose of a girl has. While I am distracting her, do your best to come up with something, m’kay?”

And with that said, Nobuyuki went straight towards Miss Sweetch, grabbing her from her wrist.

“Shall we fight?” The boy blinked an eye.

“This isn’t the correct way to hit on girls, you mutt!”

Right on cue, as if it were a dance, a fantastic fight was taking place right up above me. However, I had no time to lose myself into it. I had to do something. I needed something to fight with. To protect me with. Something to protect the people I cherish.

Pouring my deepest and purest of desires, my fingers caressed the crystal pink rose right in my chest. Every lost emotion was finding its way through a vein towards my undying heart. Fluttering butterflies flew all around, bell chimes echoing in the night. A circle shined below my feet, enveloping my intentions while joining them together alongside my aspirations. A dream where everyone could be happy. I don’t know what happiness is anymore. I am unable to express happiness to avoid despair. Even still, I wanted to catch those dreams and make them come true.

“Synthesis… Come forth, Fullmoon Starbow!”

What seemed to be a magical stick had made its way into my hands, growing in size. Made of what seemed to be of an ivory colour, a star was right in the middle, spinning while a bow formed as if signalizing me that I could use it to shot arrows. When the star stopped it’s endless spin, nets formed all around it from various colours with feathers. I had no idea what it could be used for, however, it was worth a test-try.

Interfering between Nobuyuki’s and Miss Sweetch’s fight, I went up above the clouds holding the newly created weapon, catching her off-guard. The nets grew in size, as if ready to catch her.

“Traumfänger!!!”

My world was enveloped in an aquamarine colour, while my senses drowned surrounded by black.

❀ ? ? ?❀

They say that dreams are the reflection of our inner self. Our fears gain life, our wishes become true and we see long-forgotten memories. Yet, at the same time, dreams can be nonsensical with apparitions, plot-thickening adventures and grim outcomes. However, what I was seeing was a pure aquamarine coloured world, just like her eyes.

Was I, perhaps, seeing the world from her point of view?

Love and weakness welled-up inside of me, while the surroundings became clearer. Just as if it were a paranormal activity, opening the doors to help me see a phenomenon I wouldn’t be able to perceive with my current self. Harmony was breaking inside the lonely bar in the early morning, everything is being prepared to open when evening struck. That was when I could clearly assume I was inside Miss Ameka Hayami.

Still, something felt wrong.

I felt I was her, yet not quite at the same time. It didn’t have anything to do with this ethereal possession, but more in a physical sense.

Suddenly, the door towards the outside world opened, a chime bell echoing.

“I’m looking for—”

“You again. I told you to never come back.”

Reflected through the winter's sun rays, a young girl had entered the bar with gleaming passion. Her short, evenly cut blue platinum hair resembled a recently lit flame, her diamond pink eyes burning with sheer determination. Both of her ears were pierced, with long, copper earrings. Wearing a black pullover with a pair of jeans, the mysterious girl seemed unpleased with the greeting.

“Please, reconsider!” Bowing in front of me, or in fact, Miss Ameka, the girl pleaded.

“How could I even expect someone so young to understand this?”

“Please!”

“Don’t come here anymore. This matter doesn’t concern you. You keep chasing a fantasy that is not real. Everything ended before you even knew. What you admire is already gone, with no chance of it ever piecing up again. Stop chasing this broken, path with no signals towards a deep dark, endless pit and go look for your own light.”

“You’re a coward…” With both of her fist-shaking, the pink-eyed girl confronted those painful words. “I can’t believe I admired a coward!”

“The truth is always ugly, isn’t it?”

And then, thoughts began to appear inside my—or rather, her—mind. Memories of smiles. A chain of memories filled with happiness. Music invaded my ears, mellifluous melodies ringing up to the heaven’s above with wonderful instruments and voices. Laughters came forth with a group of friends right next to a river enjoying the simple pleasures of school life.

Pleasures that shatter down when one of the friends spoke words that changed, what seemed to be, her world.

«This is the end of everything.»

Black.

Celadon.

Light-blue.

Wine.

Orange.

I could feel Miss Ameka’s pain.

I could feel Miss Ameka’s anger.

I could feel Miss Ameka’s never-ending sorrow.

Hence, I caught them.

That way, she could have a pleasant night, without memories that caused her agony.

❀

When I came into, I was holding the seventeen-year-old girl in my arms. Her weight was as light as a feather, all her energy crashing down just like after you passed after a sugar rush. Nobuyuki stared at me, clearly concerned.

“What happened, Yui?” He asked.

“I saw… something. I… caught… something…” Blabbering, the staff I was holding seemed to have disappeared. “What was…?”

It was so short, it almost felt like a quick vision or glimpse of the... past? Present?

“From my understanding, it seems you sent her to sleep and caught the bad things that afflicted her at the moment. That can explain why she is sleeping so peacefully right now.” With a finger under his chin, the blue-haired boy explained.

“You mean, like a dreamcatcher?” After saying it, the nets on my weapon made a lot more of sense.

“Probably.” He nodded. “C’mon. Let’s take her to her home. Today has been a long, exhausting day.”

“You’re right…” I gave one step ahead, just to pause in my tracks. “Hey… Nobuyuki… what you said to Miss Ameka…”

“Not now, Yui. You have seen how I get carried away explaining. This isn’t the right moment to tell you about it, please.”

“Promise you will tell me about it… And the reason why Miss Ameka’s Rosa Crystallum is different than mine.”

Nobuyuki froze, implying I had said something he wouldn’t be able to hide anymore, his golden eyes filled with an eternal sorrow which I knew wasn’t directed to me but, instead, to somewhere far away.

A glimmer of a faded, long-time memory he tried to forget.

I had finally seen what I could not that fateful day.

Staring at Miss Ameka’s hydrangea shaped Rosa Crystallum, I somehow knew that things would start to get out of control, unable to grasp them, leaving me in the unknown.