Chapter Twenty-Five: Springtime
The air smelled of fresh sakura flowers.
A satisfied smile was on her face as she walked through the familiar paths leading to their school. She wore the same uniform; the only difference is the colour of her bow tied by her collar. Hitomi was beside her, stifling his yawn with a hand, the other holding hers. Surprisingly, he had made the effort to wear his uniform properly this time. Probably because Reiichi wouldn't let him hear the end of it until he did, his reason being they were already third years so they needed to act like it.
She reached out a hand to catch a pink petal, landing softly on her open palm. She brought it closer to her, inspecting it with mild fascination.
"Which reminds me, Mika-senpai said she wants us to go flower viewing this weekend," she stated, letting the petal fall on the ground that almost reminded her of pink carpets.
He glanced at her, blinking a few times in an attempt to rid of his sleep.
"Hm? She did?"
She nodded her head, tugging him slightly so he would pick up his pace. He did but slowed down once again due to his drowsiness.
"What shall I bring?"
"Definitely not hamburgers and fries," he instantly told her, as if already knowing what she was planning on bringing.
"Why not?" She asked with a slight frown. "They're good though."
"It's not really suited for flower viewing."
"Oh…" They stopped at a red light, along with the other pedestrians who were waiting for their turn to cross the street.
"I hope Nobuyuki-san is going to make food then. Did you know he makes really good bento boxes?"
The light turned green and they crossed, this time, it was he who tugged her.
"Why did I imagine a grim and perfectionist man like him making those cute-looking bento boxes…?" He had meant it as a joke but when Yukiko let out a giggle, he gave her a wondrous look.
"You obviously haven't seen his boxed lunches."
"You're joking!"
"I'm not!" She says with laughter, swinging their enclosed hands.
And they fell into their usual relaxed banter, staying close to each other until they arrived at school.
It was a start of a new school year.