Together Always
A New Start
Author's Note: Yahoo! We'll be following our girls from the end of their trip through a friend's farewell and new jobs up to their very own place before their first year of college begins! I hope you'll enjoy!
"There you are!" Tomo called out as we walked up to the house from the beach.
"Did you guys get busy last night?" she added with a smirk.
"Tomo!" I blushed embarrassedly.
"Honestly!" My dad placed a hand on his forehead. "Can't you just control yourselves even for a moment? I know you're like wild tigresses in heat but that doesn't –"
"Dad!" I rounded on him.
"Just messing with you," he chuckled, waving a hand.
"Seriously, nothing happened," I muttered. "We just went for a night's walk."
"That must've been nice," Yomi nodded as my dad left to check on things.
"But tell us!" Tomo jabbed my arm. "You got it on then, didn't you?"
I narrowed my eyes. "…Is that really all you can think about?"
"No!!" Tomo gasped in mock shock. "I think about other…stuff, too!"
"It shows," Yomi exhaled deeply.
"Still, it was only a walk and nothing else," I stated finally.
"Yeah, yeah…" Tomo walked off, figuring she wasn't going to get anything worthwhile out of this talk.
After she and Yomi had gone, Sakaki leaned in close.
"Kagura?" she whispered. "That kiss promise still stands, right?"
I giggled. "Yeah, when we get home…we'll see…"
"Oh, Kagura! Sakaki!" Chiyo greeted us as we reached the porch. "You're back, come have breakfast with us!"
"Sounds good!" I smiled, following her in.
Again, we were seated at the table with the group – save for Yukari whom was still sleeping – enjoying our pancakes. Sakaki was petting a content Mayaa on her lap as she ate.
"Kagura!" Tomo spoke up. "Your dad makes the best pancakes! What's his secret?"
"Ah…" my dad leaned an elbow on the tabletop. "The secret is…"
"Dad, please don't get weird," I muttered in warning.
"The secret is love!" Dad patted his chest.
I hung my head. "I spoke too soon..."
Miss Kurosawa swallowed the last of her meal, setting down her fork. "So girls, have you made any plans to get ready for college? You know, it's very important that you are prepared."
"Miss Kurosawa makes a good point," my dad nodded then he eyed us. "Right, Kagura?"
"Eheh…" I rubbed my neck. "Yeah, we really haven't got around to that yet…but we will! We just have to look into apartments and stuff..."
"Better get started soon," Miss Kurosawa noted. "It's not that far off."
"Hah!" Tomo picked up her glass. "I'm way ahead of you guys! I've now got a job and my eyes are already set on a place!"
"You do!?" I exclaimed at her. Everybody stared at her, only Yomi didn't seem that much surprised.
"…You say that as if it's a bad thing…" Tomo murmured.
"Ah, that's right," Osaka looked over at Chiyo. "Chiyo, you're going to America, right?"
"Ah?" Chiyo glanced up. "Oh, yes, I'm leaving next week…"
She sighed as she looked at her plate.
"That was one of reasons I wanted us to come back here, so we would together one more time before I had to leave…I wanted us to remember…"
We stared at her. It was one of the most mature sentences we'd heard her say.
Sakaki then placed a hand on her shoulder.
"Hmm?" Chiyo blinked, looking up at her.
"…Please tell me when you leave," Sakaki gazed at her. "…I want to be there for you."
"Sakaki…"
"Yeah. Me, too," I smiled softly at her, resting my head on Sakaki's arm.
"I want to come as well," Osaka said as Chiyo turned to her. "We're your friends, aren't we?"
"Yeah, we'll be there," Yomi nodded.
"Yep!" Tomo added.
"Err…" Kaorin looked around awkwardly, considering she really wasn't an 'official' part of our group, but still she smiled. "Yes…that's right…"
"You guys…" Chiyo gasped, her eyes shining with tears. "Thank you!"
We all smiled at her. Then a new voice broke the tender moment of ours.
"Hey!!" Yukari said loudly, rubbing her eyes. "What's happening here? Ooh, that looks delicious!"
She snatched a pancake from the main plate, stuffing it into her mouth.
"So…" she mumbled, her mouth full. "What's up?"
After we had finished our breakfast and packed away our things, we started off for home. This time, Sakaki sat in the same row with me, allowing me to nap beside her.
Once we returned to the driveway in front of Chiyo's mansion, we stepped out to stretch and see our friends off. We knew that this wasn't a real farewell, though; we already decided to meet again for Chiyo's leave to America.
After their short break, Miss Kurosawa and Yukari climbed back into their car. My former gym teacher leaned out of her window, smiling at us.
"Kagura, Sakaki…" she sighed. "I wish the best for you and may you achieve your dreams."
"M-Miss Kurosawa…" I was touched. "T-thanks…"
"That is so corny!!" Yukari bemoaned, causing her to frown. "Seriously, can't you think of anything better?"
She then reached out of the other window, waving at us. "Just do your own thing! Don't be afraid to be bit crazy every now and then! Live young!"
She sat back down and soon they drove off.
"Wasn't that nice of them?" My dad grinned from inside the sedan.
"Yeah…" I sighed as Sakaki hugged me, nuzzling my cheek.
Meanwhile, Kaorin watched us from afar.
She is really happy, isn't she? I suppose there's nothing to be worried about…if she's happy, I'm happy…That's all it matters…her happiness…
With that in mind, Kaorin walked up to us. "Sakaki…?"
"Yes Kaorin?" Sakaki faced her, keeping her hands on my shoulders.
"I want to tell you that…" Kaorin gulped. "That I'm happy for you two…Be sure to treat each other good, all right?"
Sakaki smiled genuinely then placed her hands onto Kaorin's shoulders, causing her to blush slightly.
"It's great to hear that you've accepted us," she replied. "Kaorin…I'm sorry again that we can't be more than friends, but I wish you best of luck on finding that someone special in your future."
"…Thank you, Sakaki," Kaorin bowed her head. "Have a nice life together, won't you?"
"We will," I wrapped an arm around Sakaki's waist. "You have a good one, too."
"Thanks Kagura," Kaorin nodded then Chihiro called out to her which was her cue to leave. "Well, I suppose I'll see you around then…"
"See you," we waved her off.
After we had made our good-byes, we returned to our car and headed back to our home. Upon arrival, we grabbed our bags and went upstairs to my room where we both collapsed onto the bed.
"Ah, home sweet home!" I sighed blissfully as Sakaki cuddled close. "I don't care if the bed's bit small for us, it's still so comfy!"
"Kagura?" Sakaki kissed my cheek. "The promise?"
"Right…" I smirked. "Go ahead."
She smiled then kissed my lips before moving on to the rest of my face to my neck and shoulders, pulling down my shirt collar in process.
"Sakaki, Sakaki…" I giggled as she pecked me over. As I put my arms around Sakaki, I glanced at my right hand where I still bore the silver ring she had given me on New Year's Eve.
"…We'll be together always, won't we?" I smiled, stroking Sakaki's soft hair.
"Yes…" she took my hand, nibbling gently at my fingertips before she leaned in for another kiss. "I love you."
"I love you, too."
--
The day of Chiyo's departure to America arrived almost immediately. We joined our friends to the airport entrance where we would meet with the girl and see her off.
After some direction following and searching, we caught up with Chiyo at the counter along with her mother and their dog.
"Oh, Tadakichi," Sakaki crouched down before the large cage which he was in, reaching her fingers through the bars so he could lick them.
"Oh, hello!" Chiyo's mother greeted us with a warm smile. "You must be those nice girls I've heard so much about from Chiyo!"
"Yeah, pleased to meet you Mrs. Mihama," I bowed. This was the first time I'd seen her in person. She looked very much like Chiyo, only she was an adult and much more slender, her bright auburn hair reaching past her shoulders. "We're here to see Chiyo off."
"Yes, it just wouldn't be right for her to leave without a proper good-bye between us friends," Yomi nodded.
Chiyo sniffed. "T-thank you so much, again!"
"Wow, you really are nice people!" Mrs. Mihama sighed. "Chiyo's so lucky to have you."
"Yes, she is…" I agreed.
After her bags had been loaded and the dog safely seen off, we started for the waiting area, though Sakaki was still concerned for him.
"Will he be alright?" Sakaki asked quietly as we walked through the halls.
"I'm sure he will," Mrs. Mihama replied. "I hear airports take very good care of their passengers be it people or dogs."
She giggled; Sakaki stared at her for a moment then she brought up another question.
"Chiyo's father…where is he?"
"Oh!" the woman exclaimed, she didn't seem to have expected that. "Well, he's very busy but don't worry, he's made his farewells to Chiyo so he isn't all that bad!"
"Ah…" Sakaki tilted her head. "Um…what's he's like?"
"Why do you ask?" Mrs. Mihama answered curiously, but Sakaki didn't say anything. "Well anyway, he's very nice to be around, a great guy I assure you. I'm sure you'd like to meet him."
"Don't worry, I already did," was Sakaki's distant response.
"So have I," Osaka said suddenly, spacing out as well.
"Huh?"
"There's my plane," Chiyo spoke up as a large jet descended onto the runway, rolling up to the walkway into our zone. "Well, I guess it's time for me to leave…"
She sat up, picking up her white shoulder bag. "Goodbye all…"
She then hugged her mother. "Bye Mom."
"Bye Chiyo," her mother sighed, returning the hug. "Be careful and have a nice time in America, okay?"
"Yes, same from us," Yomi nodded.
"Yeah, good luck Chiyo!" Tomo gave her a thumbs-up. "Be sure to enjoy America, all right?"
"Yah, you have fun," Osaka hugged Chiyo lightly. "I know you can make it as a president!"
"Um…" Chiyo giggled weakly. "Osaka, I keep saying that's not possible…"
While all this had been going on, Sakaki watched silently. Chiyo…
Then she crouched down, pulling Chiyo into a tight hug. We all stared in bewilderment, I'd never known Sakaki to get this close to others aside from me…
"S-Sakaki?" was all Chiyo could say as she held her close.
"Chiyo…" Sakaki sighed. "For the past three years, you've been a real friend to me…my first ever friend. You've been so nice and helpful to me all these times, you helped me to be less shy and be more open, you helped me earn new friends, you helped me to keep Mayaa, you helped me have Kagura. There just isn't enough right words I can use to describe how much I've appreciated all that. Chiyo…P-please keep in touch with us…I-I'll miss you so much…"
She hugged tighter, tears running down her cheeks.
"S-Sakaki…I'll miss you, too!" Chiyo sobbed, clutching at her jacket. "I'll miss you all!"
Watching this, I felt myself beginning to tear up. The rest of girls turned somber, all looking ready to cry as well.
"Oh Chiyo, we'll all miss other…" I rubbed my eye.
Sakaki exhaled, holding Chiyo out at an arm's length. "Good-bye…and thank you…"
She pecked her on the forehead before standing up beside me. I leaned on her, taking her arm.
Chiyo sniffed, her eyes still wet as she waved at us. "Goodbye everyone!"
We waved in return; we all kept waving until we both lost sight of each other as she left through the walkway. We then stared outside at the airplane, watching it take its flight into the great blue, disappearing among the thick clouds.
It had been a real parting of friends; the rest of us, we were bound to run into each other sometime as we all still lived in the same area. But Chiyo…she was truly now somewhere far away from us. We wouldn't be able to see her again for a long time…
It was a sad farewell.
--
"What do you think about that one?"
"It's nice, but it doesn't allow animals. I want to stay in a good place where Mayaa's allowed."
"Okay, what about that one?" I pointed to a spot on the map spread out before us.
We were in my room, lying by side on the bed as we looked over the apartment listings and pinpointing their locations. Ever since Tomo brought up that she'd already gotten a job and found her place, we had to get moving now.
"It's way too far from our colleges," Sakaki exhaled. "Pets aren't welcome there either…"
"Fine, since every single thing I pick is so wrong," I huffed. "Why don't you give a shot yourself?"
"Ah, okay…" Sakaki tapped her chin, looking over the brochures then she placed a finger on the map, between our colleges' locations marked in red. "There; the rent isn't too expensive, it's in a good place near the shopping district and it's within distance, too, so we can buy our needs and go to our colleges easily, and best yet, Mayaa's welcome."
I looked at it then smiled. "It's so great to have someone smart like you around."
I kissed her as she slid an arm over my back shoulders.
"Mm," I sighed as we parted. "But first…we need part-time jobs if we're going to afford all this…"
"Ah, that's true…"
"You know," my dad suddenly peeked through my bedroom door. "I'll be more than happy to help you along in your moving."
"Thanks Dad," I smiled. "But I think we'll be fine on our own…"
"Still, don't be afraid to ask, if you need it," my dad nodded before he left.
"So, what will you do?" Sakaki asked. "The jobs?"
"Well…err…" I scratched my head. "I guess I'll just check the newspaper and see what's available. What about you Sakaki?"
"Mm…I saw an opening in a store this other day…" Sakaki patted a rolled-up piece of paper against her cheek distractedly. "When we were out for the groceries…"
"Oh really?" I grinned. "Well, here's some hoping you get that job!"
And she did. Turned out it was a local pet store owned by a friendly woman and Sakaki was very thrilled to be working there.
"I start tomorrow," Sakaki one day said, barely able to contain her excitement.
"You have fun," I smiled at her. "Meanwhile, I'll just be looking."
So I got busy with searching possible part-time job choices while Sakaki headed off to work.
Late into the day, after I'd made my picks, Sakaki returned looking bit disheveled. I noticed that she was hiding her arms behind her back. I became concerned.
"Um…did it go okay?"
She gave a pained look and revealed her arms, causing me to cry out in shock. They were covered in deep red cuts and nicks from fingers to just above the elbows.
"Owowow…" she whimpered. "They hurt so much…"
"What the hell happened!?"
"It was the kittens…" she gasped sharply. "I only had to check on their meals and all…a-and they attacked…"
"You'd better go soak in the bath," I murmured, seeing that it hurt a lot for her to move even a twitch. "I'll get the bandages."
"I-I'll do that…" she grimaced as she slowly made her way upstairs. "Thank you Kagura…"
"No problem," I nodded as I watched her go.
After I'd found the first aid kit in the closet, I headed upstairs to the bathroom. Inside, I saw Sakaki wincing with pain as she sat in the warm bathwater.
"Um…does it feel better?" I knelt down next to the tub, opening up the kit.
"A little bit…" she groaned quietly as she raised her right hand.
"Maybe you should quit," I suggested.
"No!" she said sharply. "I have to keep working there, all I have to do is avoid the cats, there are other animals that don't mind me and other chores I can do, so it'll be fine."
"Okay…if you say so…" I replied uncertainly as I brought out a roll of cloth bandages. "Well, this'll sting a little bit, but it'll help."
'A little bit' was an understatement; she had to bite her lip to keep from crying out and wouldn't stop squirming until I had finished applying them.
"Now, do you feel any better?" I sat back down.
"…Ow."
The next day, she went back to the pet store, her arms now hurting less but still very sore.
"Welcome back Sakaki," greeted the owner as she stepped in, the door chime signaling her entrance. "It's nice to see you're still working here despite that unfortunate assault from yesterday. Why don't you take care of their breakfast? Suka can handle the cats."
"Yes…" Sakaki nodded then she set off towards the back room to bring out the food for the young pups. I can do this…I just have to try avoid anything involving the kittens…
It would be hard for her as she really loved them, but she did also wish to stay in one piece at the end of the day. So, for most of time, she did her job and was doing fine in her goal until in the last few hours.
"Excuse me?"
Sakaki turned to see a middle-aged lady before her. "What can I do for you?"
"Yes…you see my daughter's been asking for a cat for awhile now," she replied softly. "So I would like it if you could show me what you have before we decide?"
"Um…well…" Sakaki looked around, the other worker was nowhere in sight so she was on her own. "Ah…okay, I'll show you…"
She gulped as she led the lady towards the cages. I can do this…I just have to show them to her…I don't have to come in contact with them at least…
"Here we are," Sakaki waved towards the enclosed kittens.
"Wow!" the woman exclaimed. "They are certainly adorable! Are they good-tempered and well-behaved?"
"W-well…" Sakaki stammered, glancing at them. How could she answer that? She'd been bit and scratched…how could she call them well-behaved?
"That black and white kitten catches my eye," the woman pointed. "May I get a closer look?"
"Oh…" Sakaki was afraid this might happen. "U-um…okay, I'll p-pick her up…"
She turned to the cage, unlatching its door then reached her trembling hands towards the kitten.
"It's all right…" she soothed, though her voice was shaky.
The kitten that had been looking quite cuddly previously suddenly turned vicious, hissing as she bit onto Sakaki's hand.
"Ow!" Sakaki winced, sucking her bleeding knuckles. Why?
"Oh dear!" the woman gasped. "I guess I was wrong."
"N-No…it's j-just…" Sakaki stammered, trying to explain. She wasn't going to lose a customer just because she'd been bitten; it was just the way she was with cats.
"What's this?" said a new voice. "Oh, I'll take care of this."
It was Suka, the other worker; she bent down and took out the kitten with no harm done.
"Here, she's a very friendly kitten," she smiled at the woman. "She was just being playful, there's nothing to worry about."
"Well, if you say so," the lady nodded lightly, holding the kitten. "She does seem quite affectionate…"
The cat purred in response, nuzzling.
"Oh, look! She likes you already!" Suka smiled. "I think you'll be a good owner!"
Sakaki watched the scene – with just the slightest envy.
Only almost two days into her job and Sakaki already knew what Suka was like despite not having talked to her even once.
Suka was Sakaki's age but she was short – even shorter than me, she later noted – with a somewhat cute petite appearance. Her warm brown eyes and deep chocolate hair which was always tied back just added more to her charm. Even more so, she was a natural with the animals especially the cats which Sakaki had to admire.
"You alright Sakaki?" Suka asked, looking down at the tall girl.
"Um…y-yes…" Sakaki glanced at her bitten hand.
"Gee, I don't get it," Suka sighed, crossing her arms. "They're usually so nice, why do they always attack you like that?"
"…" Sakaki lowered her head. "That's just it…I don't know…"
"Hmm…" Suka tilted her head. "Well…I do have a theory which might just be crazy enough to fix that…"
"Yes?" Sakaki looked up in anticipation. She was now noticing that they were really conversing now.
"When you approach them…how do you feel?"
"Um…" She hadn't thought about that before. "W-well…I don't know…just…I do get little nervous…"
"Therein lies the problem," Suka raised her finger. "Cats and other animals can sense feelings like that, when you're nervous, they're nervous. Why don't you just relax? I'm sure then they'll warm up to you."
"Really?" Sakaki blinked. Was it really that simple?
"Yes, try it will you?" the small girl smiled.
"Ok…" Sakaki stood and advanced towards a cage where a white kitten waited.
She reached inside towards him. Will it really be alright?
Still doubtful, she hesitated, causing the kitten to flinch.
"See that?" Suka noted.
"Y-yes…" Calm, I need to calm, I'm always calm with Kagura and Mayaa…right, I need to imagine them as Mayaa, believe they're Mayaa…
Within moments, she was cuddling the kitten in her arms. She did it.
"Good job!"
Sakaki smiled at this. Now that she knew how to handle them, she didn't have to worry about any problems being a vet. She spoke too soon.
She let out a yelp as the cat bit her.
"Whoops," Suka rubbed her neck. "I guess they still like to bite, huh?"
After she had returned the kitten into its cage, Sakaki turned to Suka. She had to ask.
"S-Suka…how are you so good with cats?"
"That's just it, I can't explain it myself," Suka scratched her chin. "I'm just here to make money for this summer, I don't mind animals so it was an all right job - I'm studying psychology and stuff in college, I'd like to be a therapist."
"Oh really…?" Sakaki raised her head. "…Where?"
It became a conversation of college choices and goals, when Suka heard about her plans, she let out an exclamation. "Wow, hey that's close to my college! It'd be nice to run into each other then, wouldn't it?"
"Yes…"
After her shift was done, Sakaki told me about it and Suka.
"Sounds like a nice person," I nodded. "But really, I've never known you to get that talkative with people you don't even know."
"Ah…it just happened…" Sakaki mumbled.
--
While Sakaki got to know Suka, I was occupied with my job antics. Not every one of them had worked out…
My first job attempt was working at a sports store, I think I was doing pretty good but apparently my impatience got in way. A customer had asked me to find golf clubs of a specific so I got to it yet they weren't just 'right.' Eventually I lost it and just snapped at him. Shortly after, I was released for being so 'rude' but I still think it's his fault.
Next try was at a café, but that didn't do well either. I was told that I was just too awkward with the regulars and I also tended to spill lot of trays. So thus ends my second job.
The third time, I tried the gym center. I quit soon after. Not that there was anything wrong with it, but I couldn't stand how it could be so slow and the fact I was assigned really dull tasks. It wasn't fit for me, so I left.
And much more…
"Agh! Why can't I do anything right!?" I groaned in frustration as I fell back on my bed after a yet another job failure.
"Oh Kagura…" Sakaki sighed, snuggling at me. "Don't give up, there's still more, right?"
"Yeah, but why should I even bother?" I sighed in exasperation. "It's not going to do any good."
"Don't be like that," Sakaki whispered, kissing my neck tenderly. "You have potential, you'll find something I'm sure."
"Ah…thanks Sakaki," I gave her a small smile. "Guess you're right, I'll keep trying…I'll look for jobs that are near the apartment."
"That's good."
"So what are you going to do when we make our move?" I asked. "The place's far from your job."
"Well, there's a vet clinic around," Sakaki pointed. "I thought I'd go there then."
"That's a nice way to start," I nodded then rested my head on Sakaki's shoulder. "I guess it's goodbye to Suka then?"
"I suppose."
--
The big day soon arrived, just few weeks before our schools started, we had gotten our apartment and were getting ready to make our move. My dad offered to help us out with some of the furniture and our boxes, packing them in a rented truck.
"So, everything all set then?" he called out as we came with the last of the packages.
"Yeah, it looks all good," I nodded as I set mine down then stared at our house. "…It's hard to believe I'm actually leaving…"
I stared at my home which I'd grown my whole life in; recalled memories of running around those rooms as a child…my late mother…all those past experiences including Sakaki…
I broke up, burying my face into my arm.
"Oh Kagura," Sakaki hugged me.
I sniffed then looked back. "I'll certainly miss being in my old home, but we're growing up, it's time for a new start."
"Kagura," my dad placed a hand on my shoulder. "That's my girl, I'm so glad you're taking this maturely."
"Oh Dad…I'll really miss you…" I hugged him tightly, my eyes blurring with tears.
"Hey, save it for when we actually part after we're done with the apartment," he patted my back. "Besides, you can still visit."
"But…" he then smiled softly, returning the hug. "I'll miss you too, I guess it's part of being a parent."
"Dad…"
He then walked over to Sakaki, holding her shoulder.
"Sakaki, it's been nice having you around," he said. "In fact, you've been like a second daughter to me."
"…" Sakaki bowed her head. "T-Thank you for taking care of me, Akio."
"You take good care of Kagura too," he smiled, patting. "I know you'll do a good job."
"…I will," she promised, nodding.
Afterwards, we entered the truck and as my dad started up the engine, I looked out the window at my old home. I watched it shrink in distance as the truck began moving down the road. I then leaned against Sakaki, sighing.
So…this is where it starts…
--
"Wow, it really looks nice!" I exclaimed as we took our view of the new apartment.
It was late out, we had finished unloading our stuff and said goodbye to my dad. I spread my arms, spinning around in the spacious room. Sakaki put down Mayaa whom then began his search throughout the new home.
"And it's ours," I smiled as Sakaki hugged my waist. "Only with a monthly rent payment."
"Yes, let's look around," she let go. "We can put away the rest later."
So we did; the small kitchen was just to left and the sitting room to the right where we had a nice window view of the town ahead. Across the hall were two more rooms, one a bathroom, the other our bedroom.
We fell back on our bed which was big compared to mine back home where sleeping had always been bit cramped. But not anymore in this one, it was very comfortable and just right for us, we could do plenty in it…
"Kagura?" Sakaki whispered.
"Yes Sakaki?"
"Um…" Sakaki blushed slightly. "Do you think…maybe…we c-could…um…"
I grinned. "I think I know what you're thinking, I agree."
I rolled on top of her, placing my lips firmly on hers.
--
"New boarders, you say?"
A tall girl with long, messy golden-brown hair stood in the main hall one floor down, leaning on the counter. After a few more words with the clerk, she spoke up.
"So they're my neighbors then," she smiled. "I suppose I'd better give them a neighborly welcome!"
She then headed upstairs and down the corridor, pausing before her room at the end. She glanced at the other door. "So, they're right across the hall from mine, this'll be interesting."
She then stepped into her abode.
"I don't have much…but maybe this'll do," she murmured as she checked her fridge inside, puling out a carton of apple pie. "I was saving this for myself, but then it's nice to share."
She hummed happily as she left for the neighboring residence. She knocked on the door.
"Hellooo!" she sing-sang. "It's your friendly new neighbor!"
No response but the door creaked open slightly on her rapping.
"Hmm?" she blinked at it. "It's open? How careless, they should be more careful."
"Still," she trilled. "Maybe I can introduce myself in."
She grabbed the doorknob and was about to step in but then she heard a noise. A deep red blush crept across her face and she shut the door securely, hurrying back into her own apartment.
"Maybe I'll just meet them tomorrow…"