Inspiration

Italics are her thoughts, her thoughts don't always link with the subject of the conversation. On that note, read her thoughts and find out if they have double meanings (because most of them do).

Inspired by the manga 'Ichirei Shite, Kiss'.

We were bundled up together in that old room.

"And the winner of the Alice Academy High school Summer Tournament is..."

I felt intoxicated as the winner was read out.

"Natsume Hyuuga"!

So, he won again, huh?

While I was 2nd to last place in the High school section.

As Summer came to an end, I, Mikan Sakura, realized how unfair life was.

It was hard, I admit - always being behind. As I raised my bow I thought about my life, I'm in my last year of High school, what am I doing here?

I aimed, and I fired.

Pang!

The string bruised my arm as I let it go. Damn, that's gonna leave a mark.

I sighed as I went to pick up my arrow, maybe I should just leave. I dropped my head, as I let my thoughts overtake me.

"Sakura! Did you let the string bruise your arm again?"

A voice brought me back to reality, I snapped my head up and saw Mr. Jinno, the teacher of the Archery Club standing near the entrance. I gulped as I stood up, my arms hanging limply by my side.

I shivered, nervousness controlling my body.

I'm going to do it.

"Hey, sir" I croaked out, "I have something I need to tell you"

He stared at me, understanding glistening in his eyes as he ushered me into his office.

The arrow lay on the ground, forgotten.

Mr. Jinno sighed as he sat behind his desk, fatigue showing on his face.

I started fidgeting, was this the right decision? I knew that the club would still be the same no matter what I did but my thoughts always seem to hold me back.

The silence was killing me.

"I told you to be careful when you draw back the string" said Mr. Jinno, breaking the uncomfortable silence, "the mixed gender tournament is coming up soon. You are the head of the club Sakura so get your act together, okay?"

I raised my head up and looked at him square in the eyes. I'm going to do it.

"Sir, about that..."

I gulped.

"I want to retire before the Autumn Tournament, it's time for me to be serious about my exams."

I shut my eyes tightly, trying to avoid looking at the expression he was making.

Disappointment.

Thoughts ran through my head, they were chasing me around like a nightmare refusing to leave a child.

"I'm sorry" I said, before I bowed and turned to leave.

Mr. Jinno spoke up, once again receiving my full attention. "That's right, the other 3rdyears retired in Spring. Good luck on your exams, Sakura".

I silently let out a thank you before turning to leave once more.

"Can you do me a favor Sakura, before I forget?"

I halted, signaling him to continue.

"Natsume Hyuuga"

That name made me tremble, what about him?

"He's going to be the new Captain; can you tell him about it?"

I swallowed my saliva and licked my lips nervously:

"Sure"

I'll try.