Note:

MSGM is not mine and will never be mine.

I will not be responsible for any brain damage, for sleepless nights and for any boredom I might inflict.

You are fairly warned and duly responsible for your actions.

Thank you! ^_^ Please do comment/criticize/review when you have time. It will be greatly appreciated.

I don't want to post this until it's complete but i just want to know how it will be received and if I should continue it.

The first two chapters are all I have for now. I have not proof read it so there will be a lot of mistakes. Please bear with me.

SACHIKO

Being the heir to the Ogasawara group of companies I had to do my part for the family, to marry the man who will continue the family business. I always thought I didn't have a choice but to marry my cousin Suguru until the day my grandfather asked for me and Suguru to join him in the study. With a few words my grandfather annulled the engagement. Suguru and I didn't say anything other than "we understand grandfather" and left before he changed his mind. That's when everything changed for me. How I see everything changed.

This all started during the month the Yamayurikai were preparing for the school festival and the annual play. I had been upset with the oneesamas for forcing me to the role of Cinderella.

"Sachiko," Rei whispered. She was ahead of me and blocking my view of the room. Once I got a view of my desk I saw a single Rosa Chinesis.

"Who is it from?" Rei asked, placing her bag on her sit beside mine.

"I don't know. It only has my name on it."

"I wonder who it's from." So do I. I don't want a fan girl following me again.

I had been attending a girls' school since elementary. I am quite accustomed of girls admiring other girls. They are more sisterly of course. We have a soeur system here at Lilian after all. A year older student will choose a petite sour to guide her and teach her about the school, its traditions and how a proper lady should behave. It's not compulsory but almost all students do it. I for one have not found one yet. That's one of the reasons why I don't accept chocolates during valentines. I don't want to give them false hope. I will not take responsibility of their feelings I may not return.

"You should keep that away Sachiko. The others are glancing our way already," Rei whispered.

"I see."

The Yamayurikai members or the student council members are seen by students as role models. It is no wonder why students follow what we do and keep track of what's happening around us. They treat as more as idols in which at the beginning I found it preposterous and until now. I don't approve of such behavior but it does not matter whether I approve or not because that is just how it is as the oneesamas said.

"Sachiko, why are you throwing that away?" my oneesama asked as she saw what I was doing.

"Ohhh~ someone gave you a flower? Our ice princess?" Sei-sama said with a smrik plastered on her face.

"Who is it from?" Eriko-sama joined in, looking intrigued.

"I don't know who it is from," I said and got back on my seat beside oneesama.

"Wasn't that a Rosa Chinesis," Oneesama glaced at me.

"Yes."

"The costumes are here for fitting," Eriko-sama said.

"You're not going anywhere Sachiko," my oneesama warned.

"I know," I said.

"We will meet the "prince" at the gym."

The "prince" is my cousin Suguru. A boy. The reason why I don't want to play Cinderella. If Rei played the part I wouldn't have any problems at all but it has to be Suguru for the reason that he goes to the brother school of our Lilian Girls' Academy and that it has been tradition to help each other out during our activities. Since during their festival they gave us important roles the oneesamas made it sure that one of the guys get the other lead role for our play.

My distaste for males was triggered by Suguru when he said after we got engaged that he will only marry me on papers. I used to think that I fancied Suguru but it all vanished when he said that. That we should not get intimate, to find another man to satisfy me because he's gay. My father and grandfather aren't perfect examples of husbands either. They both have their own mistresses. The men that surrounded are the reason why I have this strong dislike for males.

"Sachiko we need to talk."

I was intending to avoid him altogether when we are not on stage but when he continued, "…about this engagement," I didn't have a choice but follow him out. We were going further from the gym. I worried that oneesama might worry.

"What is it Suguru?"

"Oh come on Sachan. Don't be like that."

"Stop it Suguru."

"Okay," Suguru turned serious. "I want out of this engagement." So do I.

"You know we don't have a choice."

"Sachan, you're grandfather's favorite. You can ask him for a pair of jeans and he will buy you one personally," he whispered exasperatedly.

"I don't wear pants," I said pointedly. It was getting ridiculous. "You can ask him if you want."

He sighed heavily and grabbed my arm.

"Stop it Suguru!"

"Sachan please!"

"Stop it!"

"Remove your hand off her Suguru!" Sei-sama threatened.

"Get your hand off Sachiko or I will call the police," my oneesama said with a warning.

The others arrived as well. I guess Suguru and I took too much time and they went looking for us.

"This is all a misunderstanding. Sachan tell them," Suguru said. Between my distaste of Suguru holding me and my guilt for not telling my oneesama, my best friend and the friends I trust the most about my engagement with Suguru I couldn't say anything.

"Just get your hands off her Suguru," Sei-sama warned.

"You are all misunderstanding this. Tell them Sachan. Sachan and I had been engaged ever since. I can hold her whenever I want, touch her and kiss her," saying the last part he lifted my chin and tried to kiss me but I didn't let him. I slapped him and ran away from everyone.

Oneesama found me at the old greenhouse. It was then that I told her everything. Why I'm repulsed by men. She told me she will pull me back from the role but I said no. I knew it would be selfish of me to back down. I refused to lose as well.

"Sachiko-sama, I think this is for you," one of the stage crew said handing me a bouquet of blue roses.

"My, who gave it to you?"

"I don't know Rosa Chinesis en bouton. It was just left by the door," she said pointing behind the gym.

I can already feel the stares I was getting from my fellow schoolmates especially from the Yamayurikai members.

"Who is it from?" Rei asked. I flipped the card open. "Miracle. You were great Sachiko-sama. I hope you find your true love as Cinderella did." Rei read. "Is it from the same person who left you the Chinesis?"

"I think so. It has the same hand writing."

"Fancy~" Sei-sama said looking over our shoulders.

"If the person hopes for you to find your "love" then I guess he or she is not interested in you in that direction," Eriko-sama seemed interested.

"Since he or she said 'Sachiko-sama' that just means he or she is younger than you," Yoshino said with a hand on her chin.

"You read too much mystery novels Yoshino," Rei reprimanded.

"I wonder who it is. It's kind of sweet," Shimako said, as serene as always.

I looked at oneesama and she smiled. "At least it's not a stalker wanting your attention, right?"

"Yes." Well at least that is a relief. I still wonder who sent the flowers though. I guess I'll bring this one at home. This is a good day after all. I stepped on Suguru's feet a lot during the final dance. It made me feel good to some extent.

The next day after the play that's when things got better for me. My engagement was annulled. My father and grandfather was letting me get involve with the business as well, not just the wife of who will continue the business.

"You look happy Sachiko," Rei observed as we walk to the Rose Mansion for our morning meeting.

"Yes I am," I said and she probed for more.

"I will tell you with everyone."

"If you say so," she smiled and let the topic go.

"I have something I want to announce," I said to everyone in the council once we were complete. Everyone looked up from their paper works to me. Some looked confused and some looked intrigued.

"What is it Sachiko?" oneesama asked and nodded for me to continue.

"Yesterday my grandfather called me and Suguru,"

"And," Sei-sama cut-off.

"And," I looked at her pointedly. I looked back at everyone and continued, "He cancelled my engagement with Suguru. That's all."

I returned to my task as I let them process my words.

"Sachiko! That's great!" Rei said abruptly standing and knocking off her seat.

"Yes, Rei. It is," I said looking at her. My best friend was happy for me.

"Congratulations Sachiko-sama!"

"Sachan! Congratulations."

Everyone congratulated for getting my engagement 'annulled'. It was bizarre. The usual would be having everyone congratulate you for getting engaged but my friends knows I was suffering from it.

I looked at oneesama who was the only one who didn't say anything yet. She stood up slowly and went behind my seat. I felt her arms wrapped around me.

"I'm happy for you Sachiko," she whispered to my ear. I knew she was close to crying and so was I.

"Thank you oneesama," I whispered back as my tears finally fell.

"Sachiko-sama," Yoshino called my attention and I looked at her.

"Yes?"

"Can I join you?"

"Yes, of course."

We started walking to the rose mansion and she kept on giving me glances.

"Is there something you want to ask?" I finally asked her.

"'Say' actually but not until we get to the rose mansion."

I stopped and stared at her but she just did that Cheshire cat smile of hers and continued walking.

"I'm sorry I'm late," Shimako entered the council room. She went and sat down beside her oneesama, Sei-sama.

"It's okay Shimako," Sei-sama said.

"Now that everyone's here I want to discuss some things you might find interesting Sachiko-sama," Yoshino interrupted.

"And what is it, my grandchild?" Eriko-sama said glad for something interesting happening from the boredom of the council paper works.

"Now, this is interesting. Spill it," Sei-sama seems interested as well.

"What is it now Yoshino?" Rei asked worriedly.

"Oh! Relax Rei-chan! I haven't said anything yet," Yoshino glared at her.

"I know you Yoshino. What are you up to now?"

"I am not up to something I just want to discuss something with everyone!" Yoshino said exasperatedly.

"Fine," Rei sighed.

"Can you tell us now what it is you want to share Yoshino?" Oneesama intervened what Yoshino was going to retort to Rei.

"Yes, Rosa Chinesis." She looked at everyone and grabbed some papers from her bag. She passed everyone a copy. It seems to be a compilation of stories from the other students. "So a few days ago I heard this interesting story from a classmate."

"And this story is included in this?" Sei-sama asked as she schemed through the two pages.

"No, if I may continue?" she glared as her for interrupting her.

"That you may," Sei-sama replied with a chuckle. Yoshino looked at us and when satisfied that she had our attention she continued.

"As I was saying, I heard a classmate retelling another about an experience. When I heard about a rose she received from an unknown person I knew I had to know the story." She looked at me and I stared back at her.

"You think it's the same person who gave me the flowers?" I asked her. I will not deny that I am getting into this. I do want to know who gave them to me.

"Yes," Yoshino said firmly and I believed her.

"What makes you so sure it's the same person?" Oneesama asked.

"You will think the same when I tell you her story,"

"Go on Yoshino," Eriko-sama probed her.

"Thank you Eriko-sama. So she told me that during the time she lost her cat she was depressed. One day here at school she received a flower telling her to cheer up. And the next day she found her cat in front of their house or rather someone found it and brought it back to her."

As Yoshino told the story I started thinking of the possibility that this person is the one who made it possible for my engagement to get annulled. What would be the chances?

"So the flowers?" Rei asked.

I hope you find your love, that's what the card said. I was still engaged with Suguru then, provided no one knows about it other than my friends. But if he or she know then that means he or she was wishing me well.

"Yes. After that they told me that it has been going on around the school."

"What?" Eriko-sama asked.

Yoshino smiled and everyone can see that sparkle on her eyes. "That this mysterious person or group had been helping students with their problems. It's becoming a legend actually. No one wants to say much about it because they don't want to jinx it."

"It's no wonder it didn't reach us then," Sei-sama looked pensive. "I haven't heard about that ever since I've been here."

"The newspaper club would have been all over it if they knew," Eriko-sama said.

"My theory is it is only happening this year. I haven't found anything that happened from prior years."

"So these stories here are what you gathered from others?"

"Yes. A documentation."

"I think we should keep this to ourselves for now," oneesama said.

"We're not going to do anything about it?" Yoshino asked in anticipation.

"And what do you suggest?" oneesama smiled. Of course if Yoshino is asking that then she must have a plan.

A smile spread on her face.

"So what you're suggesting is one of us walk around depressed and hope to catch this person's attention and we get him or her caught in the act? And then what? Why should we go along with this?" oneesama asked.

Everyone looked at Yoshino. "I don't know!"

"My engagement." Everyone got confused as well as Yoshino until another second and it dawn into them as well. "I was called by grandfather the day after the play," I told everyone.

"Isn't that enough reason then?" Yoshino said and everyone nodded in agreement. I knew Yoshino was in this for the thrill as well as Sei-sama and Eriko-sama.

"You really want to find this person Sachiko?" Oneesama asked as we walked to the gate.

"Yes, I would like to meet him or her. To thank her or him personally," I said sincerely.

"What if this person doesn't want to be found?"

"I will still look for him or her."

"Then, I will help you," she said and paused. "That is a nice smile on your face Sachiko."

"Thank you oneesama."

"I think it's a 'her'," Oneesama chuckled.

"I think so too," I smiled as well.

"Should we make bets then?" Sei-sama suddenly interrupted.

"I think it's a 'boy'," Shimako said unexpectedly. She seems into this as well.

"Good girl," Sei-sama praised her.

"I bet for 'they'," Yoshino said. "One person can't be doing this alone. I mean how exactly did one make the old Ogasawara change his mind about the engagement?"

"Maybe but there could also be a possibility that he or she just asked for help from different people," Sei-sama speculated as well.

"I'm with Yoshino," Rei said. I know she's just saying it for Yoshino.

"I think it's a girl as well," Eriko-sama said.

"I'm for 'boy'," Sei-sama said. "A girl can't be romantic and send flowers to girls she helps like that. It's more of a guy thing to do."

"If there's a bet what is there for the winner?" I asked suddenly.

"May, Sachan~ you're learning," Sei-sama said.

"Just spill it Sei," oneesama chuckled.

"The losers will be the winner/s' servant for half a day!"

"Will we be allowed to change bets?" Rei asked.

"No, no cheating Rei," Eriko-sama chastised her.

"Oneesama, I would never do that," Rei looked hurt.

"I know. I was just teasing you baby giant," Eriko-sama laughed at her. Everyone chuckled at Rei's expense.

"So tomorrow?" Shimako notified.

"Yes," everyone agreed. I think this is exciting for everyone. It's something to look forward to. Trying to figure out a mystery is not something I would have thought before. Indeed, I'm looking forward to this.

"It's all over the school already," Sei-sama snickered.

"Where's Eriko?" Oneesama asked.

"She was with that four eyed photographer. They set things up this morning. I don't know where she is now."

"Tsutako-san? How did you get her cooperation?" Shimako asked.

"It was Yoshino actually. That ace photographer got an interest for mysteries as well."

Rei has been oddly too affected of what happened. She's been walking around school in daze. Almost all of the students who passed her knows the story already because she keeps murmuring about it. I don't know what's wrong with her. When did she get so good at acting?

"I think this will be more trouble than I expected," oneesama started.

"Why oneesama?"

"I already saw a couple trying to copy Yoshino and Rei's breakup as soeurs."

"Oh my," Shimako said, taken aback.

"Indeed, Yoshino and Rei were voted as the best soeurs. They have a lot of fans who follow them and copies their actions," Sei-sama said, leading by the window.

"Knock knock," Tsutako said as she opened the door, followed by a dazed and confused Rei.

"Oh my!"

"Rei!"

"I tried talking some sense into her but she wouldn't listen so I brought her here instead," Tsutako said, addressing everyone.

"Thank you," I said as I led Rei to sit.

"Rei-sama, here," Shimako said as she put a tea in front of Rei. Rei just looked at it until I urged her to drink.

"Rei we already discussed this yesterday. What's wrong? This is only acting Rei."

"Sa-..b-but we never talked about her getting the surgery," Rei said, barely a whisper as if she couldn't believe it herself.

"What surgery Rei?" I asked. I looked at the others and they seem to have no idea as well.

"Yoshino… after she gave me back her rosary as planned…s-she said she won't be coming to school starting this afternoon. She will be having the surgery on the same day as my tournament," Rei explained, unable to lift her head up.

"So she chose to fight the same day as you," Sei-sama said.

"That's not the point! We didn't agree anything about this," Rei lifted up trying not to tear.

"Rei," I started sternly to get her attention. "It's her body Rei. You know Yoshino more than anyone. She knows what she's doing. You have to respect her decisions."

"BBu-but why now? I-"

"You what?" I asked.

"I don't know! I'm-I'm j-just," she trembled.

"You're afraid," as I said this I stood up and held her. She started crying. This is the first time I saw Rei cry like this.

When everything settled down we tried to discuss our next move. Tsutako excused herself as she answered a call.

"Umm-"

"What is it Tsukako-san?" SHimako asked.

"That was Yoshino-" Tsutako said guardedly glancing at Rei.

"Yoshino," Rei whispered miserably.

"She said she received a get well soon rose."

"So it's Yoshino? Not Rei?" Sei-sama said, puzzled.

"Why Yoshino?" oneesama asked.

"And another thing. She said they wrote, 'get well soon feisty younger sister of Rosa Foetita en bouton.'"

"Rei did you receive anything?" oneesama asked.

"I don-" Rei started but the she seems to remember something and opened her bag. There on the table was a yellow rose and a small envelop. "I think someone gave it to me while I walked around school this afternoon. I don't remember much."

"You were dazed. Which places did we set up the cameras?" Sei-sama asked.

"By Rei-sama's shoe locker, the classroom, the kendo club and here," Tsutako counted.

"Did you see who gave her this?" Oneesama asked.

"No, I didn't. I was checking the cameras after class and then I found Rei-sama. After that we came here."

"I see. So what did it say?"

I picked up the envelope and read it. "Idiot. You're making a commotion walking around like a zombie. You're too much of a softie to be looking like a bishounen."

Everyone cracked up laughing, even me, while Rei was shocked, looking at the card wide-eyed.

"So we have to make sure someone follows Rei in between classes. We already set-up cameras to places Rei usually is. From Yoshino's data the flowers are usually received here in the school. In Yoshino's case I don't think the hospital will let us set-up cameras in her room. So we can only focus on Rei. Just in case we should set-up a camera on Yoshino and Rei's residence. Is that okay Rei? Tsutako?" Oneesama explained.

"I can set it up this afternoon," Tsutako said.

"It's okay. I don't think our parents will mind."

"So Sachiko,"

"Yes, oneesama."

"You stay with Rei in the morning until the afternoon class. Tsutako, you follow Rei when she goes to the kendo club. You know what to watch out for."

"Yes."

"Yes."

"Rei-san, you are called at the faculty office," our Math teacher called. I looked at Rei questioningly.

"I don't know," she whispered. When Rei came back classes we were already over for the afternoon. "It's another flower and a card."

"What did it say?"

"I didn't read it yet."

"I see. Do you have practice today?"

"Yes, the tournament is this weekend already. Here," Rei said handing me the card.

"Aren't you going to read it?"

"Um- okay," she hesitated. "Idiot."

"That's it?"

"Yes," Rei sighed. "I really am an idiot aren't I." I couldn't really contradict that. "I'm becoming a liability for my team."

"No you're not Rei."

"No Sachiko. I've been out of sorts yesterday and today. My teammates had been worried as well… I need to go to practice," Rei said looking more like she had a mission to do and I knew not to worry anymore.

"It was relayed through your class advisor?" oneesama asked.

"Yes. Rei said the advisor picked it up in front of the faculty office," I said as I savored the tea Shimako made.

Later in the late afternoon Tsutako came with Rei.

"It's hopeless. There's a lot of fans following Rei-sama this afternoon. I think they want to see if she's well," Tsutako explained.

"You didn't find anything different?" Sei-sama asked.

"No- wait-," Tsutako looked pensive. "No nothing."

"What is it?" Sei-sama asked inquisitively.

"Well," she dragged on. "I think it's normal for her to ask questions since she's not from the affiliated middle school."

"Oh? We can't just leave her out though," Sei-sama said.

"I think Sei is right. These things are only happening now, isn't it? More or less we should investigate those who are actually new to the system. Like this friend of yours," oneesama said pointedly. Tsutako doesn't seem to agree.

"I don't think so Rosa Chinesis, oneesama," so does Shimako.

"Why Shimako?"

"I think I know who Tsutako-san is telling us about but I don't think she's someone who would do that. She's a sweet girl and very much an open book."

"You know her very well Shimako?" Sei-sama asked.

"Not exactly. She's our classmate. We talked several times." Shimako seemed to be fond of the girl so did Tsutako.

"I'm friends with her. She's one of my favorite subjects," Tsutako added.

"So what is your friend like?"

"Well as Shimako-san said. She's very much an open book. Her expression changes a lot. It's quite amusing."

"Well if you think she's this open then why don't you offhandedly ask her a few things?" I finally said.

Tsutako and Shimako looked at each other and agreed.

As I got in the student council room I was surprised with Shimako and Tsutako's reactions. It seems I startled them.

"Did I interrupt something?" I asked, as I laid my bag on my usual seat.

"No Sachiko-sama," Shimako said and went to serve me tea.

"Good day Rosa Chinesis en bouton."

"Good day Tsutako. Did you find anything? Thank you Shimako."

"You're welcome."

"We didn't find anything but," Tsutako started and looked at Shimako who nodded. "But we did get an unusual reaction from Yumi."

"Yumi?"

"Our classmate we were talking about yesterday."

"I see."

"So we asked her what she does on her free time. For a second she looked guilty and then she proceeded on telling us about playing the flute," Tsutako looked pensive.

"We asked her if she likes roses as well. She said yes. Then I asked if she buys them frequently or grows them. She hesitated at first but then said she does buy them frequently," Shimako continued.

"Just after class ended I said I was thinking of studying the stock market and investing when I get to college. I nonchalantly asked her if she would help me and she said yes. I didn't really peg for her to be the kind who'd be involved in business. When I asked her a few things she seems to know well about it."

Yoshino did listed a story of a girl who had trouble with their family business. I wonder how she covered her trails. Maybe I should check who invested in their company at that time.

"What else?"

"Nothing really, but I still don't think Yumi-san would do those things," Tsutako-san said.

"And why not?"

"If we look at your case Sachiko-sama how do you think did she manage to convince your grandfather?"

I did think of possible ways someone may do to convince my father and grandfather. One thing I could think of is threat to the business, the family reputation or the life of a family member. My family deals with threats a lot. My family silences them before things happen. So I don't really know how a person can get through it. I fear for her if it's really her. The other would be business negotiation. So far I haven't heard of any new business partnership or ventures.

"She may had help from someone else," I stated calmly.

"Maybe so but I think Yumi-san isn't the type to go against, no offense Sachiko-sama, scary and powerful people like your family."

"No offense taken."

"What's this? Are you discussing without us?" Eriko-sama barged-in along with oneesama and Sei-sama.

"My my! The young ones are ready to take over Youko," Sei-sama smirked.

"So what do we have?" Oneesama asked.

Shimako and Tsutako relayed to them their conversation with their classmate and our ideas earlier.

"So you still don't think it's this girl?" Eriko-sama asked.

Shimako and Tsutako affirmed.

"We better get this solved. My family is broken here," Eriko-sama chuckled.

"Rei is doing well since I last saw her," I told her.

"I thank you Sachiko. I've been worried."

"You didn't seem worried. Where were you these past few days?" Sei-sama asked.

"A woman doesn't reveal her secrets," Eriko-sama smiled mysteriously.

"She had her appointment to the dentist," oneesama chukled.

"Youko," Eriko-sama sighed, looking disappointed.

"Oh forehead! You're still afraid of the needle?" Sei-sama laughed.

"As if."

"Didn't you tell me you couldn't get yourself to get in the hospital for days until your brother called an ambulance since you were having a high fever and your tooth hurting?" oneesama teased.

Everyone found it amusing and Eriko-sama glared at oneesama for ousting her.

"Can't we go back to the main topic now?"

"We just continue what we're doing and wait. Rei's tournament and Yoshino's surgery are the day after tomorrow already."

The next day was uneventful. Just like during the festival after Rei's tournament someone sent her a bouquet. When we went to the hospital Yoshino received the same.

"We wait for tomorrow. I think you should go to school early," Yoshino said getting hyped.

"Yoshino please be careful. Don't get too excited," Rei said worriedly.

"Relax Rei-chan. I'm fine now."

"Not until you're healed."

"Rei is right. Leave this to us." Sei-sama said.

That night I found myself unable to sleep properly. I was looking forward to tomorrow than I thought. I had a feeling we were going to find out who our mystery person is. At least I hoped.

It's close to nil that we'll find out who our mysterious person is. I know that. I even used the family name to find out who invested in that girl's company but I couldn't. The alleged investor was from middle class who conveniently received money from someone and was told to invest it to a company. And the said 'someone' seems to have no name.

If we 'did' find her or him tomorrow then what will we do? What do we do with him or her? How can I thank her or him? Doe she or he even want to be thanked?

I should just stop thinking. I just want to thank her or him. I don't want to do anything to harm the person who helped me.

"Sachiko, what are you still doing?" my mother asked as she went in my room.

"I don't know mother. I'm nervous for some reason," I told her honestly.

"Why so? Is something wrong at school?" Mother asked worriedly.

"Nothing mother. Maybe I just lack sleep. I wasn't able sleep well last night."

"Is that so?" she looked at me curiously.

"Yes."

"Well, the driver is waiting for you outside. Go on. You said you want to go to school early today. Is it another yamayuri meeting?"

"Yes mother."

"Good morning Sachiko," Rei greeted as I got out from the car.

"Good morning. Did you wait long?" I asked.

"No, I just got here when I saw your car," Rei looked more relaxed compared to this past few days. I can say she's back to normal.

"How's Yoshino?"

"She's recovering well. She didn't want the back rosary yet. She said she'll ask me in front of Maria-sama when she gets back to school," Rei had conflicting emotions for it.

She must be disappointed that Yoshino doesn't want her rosary back yet and happy that the girl will ask it from her in front of Maria-sama.

From the corner of my eye I saw Tsutako approach from the other way.

"Good morning," she greeted and joined us. She looked deep in thought. Did she find something?

"Good morning," we both greeted.

Once we got in the building Tsutako went to her club room and we went to our class to drop our bags. When we saw the object laid on Rei's desk we looked at our camera, thinking if it captured our mystery person.

"It's a shinai," Rei said. "'For Yoshino', I don't think Yoshino should get this. She might get the wrong idea and start practicing kendo."

"I don't think it's up to you. It's Yoshino's decision Rei," I reprimanded her.

"It's just-" She sighed.

"Let's go get the others," I said already heading out.

After getting everyone in the photography club we had Tsutako replay the video. Seconds were becoming slow motion as we anticipated for it. It was rewinding fast but it still seems slow. I didn't know I was holding my breath until Tsutako paused the video and we saw a lone figure in the class. We couldn't see the face but Shimako and Tsutako looked dumbfounded. Did they know this girl? And yes it's a girl.

Sei-sama took over TSutako who seemed not being able to play it back. Sei-sama rewind the video to when the girl enters the class and then she played it to normal speed.

We watched as the pigtailed girl enters the class and walked directly to Rei's desk. She paused and wrote something on a card. She looked outside the window and smiled. She looked happy, even in the way she stands.

She looked at my desk for second and smiled. It somehow warmed me to see that. I wonder what she was thinking.

Then she went out. Sei-sama paused it back to when we could clearly see the girl's face.

"You know her don't you?" Eriko-sama asked Tsutako and Shimako who nodded.

"It's Yumi?" Tsutako was confused. "It doesn't make sense."

"Yumi… is the type who would volunteer to help someone go to the infirmary or any taxing job others would normally refuse. She's a very caring person but-," Shimako trailed off. "I didn't know she'd be doing something to this extent."

"Exactly," Tsutako said.

"Let's go back to the Mansion to discuss this properly. I don't want other students wondering why we are here," oneesama said.

"So it was really Yumi I saw earlier," Tsutako murmured.

"You saw her?" Sei-sama inquired.

"I guess I did. I was not sure because I lost her before I could call to her."

"So tell us about Yumi," Eriko-sama asked. Since Shimako was busy preparing tea Tsutako started talking.

"Like I said. It's her first year in this school. She came from the US. She said her mother want her to attend her Alma mater so she came here. She didn't say much about her family. She said they have a family business abroad. And she lives alone as well."

"What is it Shimako?" Sei-sama looked at her questioningly. For a second Shimako looked like she wanted to say something but then she looked serene.

"Nothing oneesama."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes oneesama," she looked at Sei-sama square in the eyes.

"I see. So do you know anything else about Yumi, Shimako?"

"Only that she has a sweet tooth," she said then smiled.

"If this girl is able to do these things then she must be something. Academically how is she?" oneesama asked.

Tsutako and Shimako looked at each other.

"She in the middle of the whole class Rosa Chinesis," Tsutako answered.

"Any particular subject she's good at?" Oneesama asked.

"She's fair in all the subject I can say," Shimako said.

"Even English?"

"She's fluent but in writing I guess she's average," Tsutako said.

"So she's pretty much normal aside from this sideline of hers," Sei-sama said.

"So what do you want to do now Sachiko?" Oneesama asked. Everyone looked at me.

"I want to get to know her. And I ask to keep her identity to ourselves as well. Just to be on the safe side. I don't want grandfather to know about her if he doesn't already."

Everyone agreed with me.

"How about a celebration for solving one of the school's mystery?" Sei-sama hyped-up.

"Can we do it when Yoshino gets back?" Rei asked.

"Why not? This is her idea after all." Oneesama smiled.

The next morning I saw her. On impulse I called for her to stop in front of the Maria-sama statue. I can see her expression changed from surprised-confused-flustered as I asked her to hold my bag and I fixed her neckerchief. I held back on showing my amusement as I reprimanded her to wear her uniform properly. It was just an excuse of course. I didn't know why I called on to her either when I didn't know yet how I should approach her.

"Sachiko-sama," Tsutako called as I walked to the rose mansion that noon.

"Yes, Tsutako?"

"Well, I thought I should show you this first," she said smiling while handing a photo.

There it was. A picture of me and Yumi in front of Maria-sama. She looked flustered. I chuckled as I remembered her reaction this morning.

"You can keep it if you want," Tsutako offered. "I was wondering though if you'd let me put it as an entry in a photo contest?"

"Oh my, a photo contest? Do you think we're good enough to be the subjects?"

"Of course Sachiko-sama."

"It is fine with me Tsutako. Do as you please."

"Thank you."

"Tsutako, how do you think should I approach Yumi? As I said before. I want to get to know her better. I'm curious about her."

"Hmmm. Yumi is very approachable but sometimes she shy away from other people as well. You're the intimidating type Sachiko-sama so she might become reserve when it comes to you. But I think if you just try to talk to her and let her know you as well she'll open up more."

"I see."

"Wait! I got an idea," Tsutako got excited all of a sudden that I found it amusing.

"What is it?" I asked in anticipation.

"Do you have a meeting this afternoon?"

"Well, yes. Why?"

"You'll see," she said then run off excitedly. I didn't even had a chance to tell her not to run on school grounds.

"What's that Sachiko?" oneesama asked. She was looking at the photo I was holding as I entered the room.

"Tsutako gave it to me," I said handing her the picture. A smile spread on her face and beamed at me.

"Working fast aren't we?" Sei-sama said as she looked over oneesama's shoulder.

"I had the opportunity. I don't see why I should not act on it," I said conceitedly.

"Our Ice Princess is learning fast, isn't she?" Eriko-sama chuckled and the other two roses as well.

"Ah…Yoshino will be back in a week," Rei informed.

"That's good. I miss teasing that kid," Eriko-sama laughed.

"Oneesama, please take it easy on Yoshino," Rei pleaded.

"Don't worry Rei. I'll hold back until she heals completely." Rei could only sigh at her oneesama's reply.

We were discussing about the election coming when we heard a knock on the door after classes that afternoon.

"Excuse me," Shimako said as she entered the council room followed by Tsutako and non-other than Yumi. I wanted to smile at her but it wasn't really me. 'Sachiko' don't smile to strangers so I remained calm. I can't help but remain my stare at Yumi as they introduced their presence.

"So you want Sachiko's approval for Tsutako to use the picture as an entry in a contest?" Oneesama asked amused. I finally released my stare at Yumi who was looking uncomfortable at her seat. I glanced at Tsutako and understood what she was doing.

"I see," I started. I stared at the picture first to give myself some time to think. Everyone was silent as if waiting for a verdict. I finally looked up trying not to break into a smile when I asked, "Yumi, are you in any club or do you any extracurricular activities?" which I know she doesn't. I looked at her records.

"No, Rosa Chinesis en bouton," she said meekly. Why is she staring at her hands? Is she afraid of me?

"I see. We are shorthanded here in Yamayurikai Yumi and since you want something from me, it is just that I receive some compensation," I told her. From the corner of my eye I saw the oneesamas trying to hold back a chuckle or a smile.

"Ekk," Yumi finally looked up surprised.

"Oh my. You don't really expect to ask for something freely do you?" I feigned surprise as well.

"Bu-but," she looked at Tsutako pleadingly. I wonder what Tsutako said to make Yumi ask such request. Tsutako could have asked me herself, which she did. Yumi must have fooled Yumi good. She and Tsutako were whispering with each other and Yumi had a defeated look when she asked, "What do I have to do? I mean, how can I compensate you?"

"Like I said, we are shorthanded here. One of our members won't be here until next week. The oneesamas will be preparing for their college entrance exams soon. Even with all the members here we are still short with two people. That's where you come in. You will be helping here at Yamayurikai. Is it okay oneesama?"

"Of course Sachiko," Oneesama replied without a second thought.

"Can I think this through first?" Yumi asked. She looked conflicted with it.

"Of course you can. Since you are already here why don't you join us for the rest of the meeting?" Sei-sama jumped –in.

"Then, I'll be leaving," Tsutako announced and I almost laughed when I looked at Yumi's reaction. She looked like a lost puppy. With my training as an Ogasawara I remained calm.

"See you around Tsutako-san," Shimako bid her goodbye.

Once she got out oneesama started the meeting. "Shimako, you have yet submitted your application for the election?"

"No, Rosa Chinesis," I looked at Shimako. She's a first year student yet she's the Rosa Gigantea en bouton. Sei-sama chose a first year instead of a second year as her petite soeur. Running for the election must be conflicting for her. This year someone called Rosa Canina, a second year, is also running for the election. If Shimako doesn't run for the election and Sei-sama graduates then she will be leaving the student council. That would be disappointing but it is her decision to make. Knowing Shimako I know she will do what is best for her.

"So Yumi-chan, do you have an oneesama yet?" Sei-sama changed the topic.

"N-no, Rosa Gigantea," Yumi replied.

"That's good!" Sei-sama exclaimed and winked at me. For some reason she irritated me.

She's already calling her 'Yumi-chan'. They're not even close yet. "Sei-sama, didn't you say you were leaving already?" I said coldly.

"Hahaha, yes yes. I was just waiting for Shimako. Bye-bye," she said and bid everyone farewell.

"Yumi," I called on to her. She looked at me nervously.

"Y-yes?"

"Don't stutter when you talk," I said before I could stop myself. Just like earlier this morning I called on to her without reason and ended up reprimanding her instead.

"Yes," she whispered dejectedly. Now I made her upset. I sighed inwardly.

"Sachiko, take it easy on Yumi," Oneesama told me.

"Already acting like her oneesama Sachiko?" Eriko-sama teased.

"I see where you are going Eriko-sama. Please do not put any meaning to it," I covered up. I haven't thought about making her my petite soeur but if Yumi asks me to be her oneesama I'll say yes without a second thought.

"Sachiko, do not think and for a change do something on impulse. It would be cliché but I'll say it anyway. Follow your heart Sachiko." Like make Yumi my petite soeur?

"Oneesama?" I asked as we stopped in front of the gate.

"When I chose you I didn't think much about it. I just had a feeling that it will be the right decision for me. And I do not regret it one bit," oneesama said, beaming at me. As she said it I was thinking of Yumi. I don't really have to think about this do I? I was already anticipating of knowing her even before I saw her and met her.

"You are right oneesama," I said gratefully.

"So when are you going to make her your petite soeur. I'm graduating already."

"Oneesama please do not remind me yet. It is still months away." Oneesama had been the one who saw the real me and my pain. With her I felt safe. She never left me. She guided me for two years and I know she will continue to stay by me even when she graduates. It still pains me though that we won't be seeing each other more than we used to. She truly cared for me and she gave me a place I can be me. Through her, the Yamayurikai, I was able to find people I can call friends, who I can trust my life to.

Oneesama held me as she whispered, "Sachiko that is my last wish before I graduate from Lilian. You will make it true, won't you?" I only nod. I knew if I said anything I would break and I didn't want that.