Hi there! Before you read on, please do note that this a sequel to "Like a Blank Sheet of White Paper". So if you haven't read it, I highly recommend you do so to know Shirane's background.
Prologue
"We have arrived in Kyoto Station. Remember to not leave any of your belongings with you. Upon exiting the train, please mind the platform gap. Thank you for traveling with Shinkansen."
After riding the longest train ride that I ever had in my life, I have finally arrived at Kyoto. With my belongings, I stepped off the train. From now on, I will be living and attending school in Kyoto.
It came as a surprise to my family when I told them about my decision to study at Rakuzan High. At first my mum was against it, however Shun and Dad stood by my side without needing to ask why and convinced her to allow me to.
My decision was solely based on the fact that I wanted to continue to learn what was left behind. Coach left me that question which made me reconsider what I planned to do next. I finally made my decision because of it.
There was also the fact that I promised Akashi that I would follow him despite him saying that it was okay not to. That's what I told myself but the truth was that I wanted to get away from there and start anew.
There was just too many painful memories for me back there. Those memories triggered the throbbing pain in my head. Therefore leaving was the best option there is. Furthermore I didn't have to worry that my family would find out about my condition.
After taking several local trains and walking for quite a distance, I finally arrived at the dorm which I was set to live in for the next 3 years.
"Excuse me."
I entered the building with my belongings. There wasn't anyone in sight.
"Hold on!"
A voice from the end of the corridor answered. Not long after, a old woman hurried up to greet me.
"Are you the one that is moving in today?"
"Yes. I'm Shirane Jun. Pleasure to meet you."
I bowed at the old lady.
"My, you don't have to be so formal with me."
The old lady waved her hands at me to get me to get up.
"I'm the manager for the female dorms. You must had a long and tiring journey especially when it's a young girl traveling all the way to here from the city."
"I had plenty of rest on the train so there's no need to worry."
"I see. Well then, your other belongings are already at your room. Allow me to show you to your room."
The old lady guided me to the room which I would be calling home for the next 3 years. It was a rather decent room with it's own bathroom. And just like she said, my belongings were there.
"Here are your keys."
The old lady handled them over to me.
"Dinner would be at 7. The cafeteria is on the first floor. Have some rest till then and I will see you in a bit."
"Yes. And thank you."
"My pleasure."
With that, the old lady left me to be in my new room.
"I guess I should start unpacking."
Approaching one of the boxes, I opened it to find one of the most memorable thing I had of him.
I reached out to take the rabbit plush toy. It was something I treasured the most along with the hair clip that I clipped onto my hair since the day I received it from him.
Holding it close to my chest, I felt my chest tighten with feelings of sadness.
"I have been doing well without him right? So why didn't I throw it away?"
I told myself to get rid of it but I couldn't. I was planning to leave it behind but in the end I couldn't and brought it along with me.
Deciding not to think about it anymore, I set it aside on the desk. The important thing was that my new school life in Rakuzan high was about to begin.
And that concludes the prologue for this story! Since the second season of the anime is coming up this weekend, I thought I would post this up first to celebrate the new season.
My updates won't be like how it use to be since I have school now but I will try my best to at least give a weekly update. Therefore, I hope you all can stick with me through the end of this.
That's all from me. I will post a cover image of Shirane in her shorter hair high school version soon!