What is this? Could it be...?

Yes, it's the chapter 25 of this DAMN LONG fanfiction!

I'm not dead, if you thought about that, I'm just too busy with life. Many things happened and tbh I wrote this chapter at work - that's how busy I am!

Anyways, I really miss writing and hopefully I'll write the next chapter soon. It's not over until it's over!

enjoy and review~

Sky was clear and blue with few small white clouds lingering on that canvas. Weather forecast didn't predict rain in near future so the sun took that opportunity and continuously sent warm golden rays on the small town in the Eastern country, its heat perfectly matching the time of the year and the colorful season of spring. Old, big and proud sakura trees once again crowned the country all over, petals fluttering on the warm wind and falling wherever the wind guided them to. They mostly filled the roads as well as the sunny slope that led up to the fairly new Red East High School. Petals fell on the asphalt, forming a beautiful thin pink colored carpet for students.

Lots of new faces in fresh long sleeved uniforms climbed that slope but among them were those who will this year became their seniors, second and third year students. And on those faces were various emotions: new students were nervous while older shone with pride and confidence, elegantly wearing the school emblem on the uniform. But even those older students felt the nervousness as they approached the school, anticipating to see the class selections.

Sana felt that way – nervous if she'll once again be in the same class as her friends. She walked alone to the school, just like a year ago with feelings jumbled in her heart, brain, stomach. Her whole being reacted to those anxious feelings, manifesting in sweaty palms, short breath and occasional chills running down her spine even though the slight breeze was warm for that time of the year.

It was the second week of April, the day when the school year officially begins and the anxiety builds up in the crowd in front of three large announcement boards. Sana also carefully approached and pushed through the crowd to find her name and it came to her right away. She saw her name on the very first board which was titled with "2-A" at the top. She will be moving to the first classroom on the second floor of the school where second-year students were.

But, that "A" by the number of the year meant a complete change. Everywhere across the country students were classified and put in different classroom numbers according to their success in the previous period and year. And in her school A class meant the place where the "smart kids" were put so with her test results from last year, she was easily elected to that class. Other classes were like that too: the ranking went from advanced students, smart, average and those "okay" ones, put in classes from A to D. But with Aka Azuma being new and private high school, there weren't dumb students as the entrance exam itself was testing their intelligence at a bit higher level than average public high schools. That process was also held in the "brother" school – Aonishi – a bit older school, few train stations away. They also started the school year today and Sana couldn't help but wonder how her old "friends" ranked. But her thoughts were cut by a wimpy cry with a familiar voice. It directed her eyes to her right, where the crowd stood in front of "2-B" board. Upon recognizing the voice, Sana chuckled softly and made her way through the crowd to see what was causing the cry even though she could easily guess.

"But it's not fair! You two will be in the same class yet I'm stuck in B..." the girl cried while her friend tried to calm her.

"But we will still be on the same floor. We're here... just a classroom away."

Sana saw her friends – Emi and Haruna – in front of the board, attracting looks with Emi's childish crying.

"No, let me check the board again!" Emi fired up and pushed people in front of her.

"We checked it three times already!" Haruna tried to call out to her but the determined girl still pushed through. After few moments of silence another loud cry echoed from the front of the crowd and Emi came back defeated.

"It's no use... your names are not there..." she sulked "Yet, why is Maki's there!?" quick shift of emotions put Emi into rage mode.

"We will visit you regularly," both girls turned to Sana's voiced and as soon as Emi saw her, new wave of tears followed with a sad hug splashed Sana. She patted her friend's head and slowly calmed her but her soft words were interrupted with hard male voice.

"So, you two are moving up which means we'll be in the same class, huh?"

Three girls looked up at the source of the voice and saw a tall black haired boy, who threw the term "boy" out of the window – he looked like a young adult both with his built and voice. Ace looked down directly in Sana's eyes and smiled. It took her few moments to remember him but he waited, smiling the whole time.

"Yes, let's have a good year ahead," Sana slightly bowed her head and Ace nodded. He introduced himself to other two girls and shortly after went out of the crowd and in the school.

Few minutes after he excused himself and even after he entered the school building, the girls looked in the direction he went off and just stood in silence.

"And how exactly do you know that hot guy?" Emi's voice came from the hug where she still clang to Sana. The three of them still looked at the same direction.

"He's Sanji's friend..." Sana replied, remembering how they met.

"Wha-" but just when Emi was getting out of the hug and about to shout, the school chime rang, noticing and warning them that they've been in front of those listing boards for too long.

Students that were also there ran along to safely make it to their seats in the gym, to safely make it before new students come in, to sit and welcome the juniors. Sana and her friends sat close together and she was sure that just like them, other second-years felt proud and a bit more important because it was them last year who were applaud to when they entered the gym as fresh students of the school. Principal's speech seemed to drag on but soon after new homeroom teachers were introduced, some older students had their speeches and as they continued new students gradually started to relax. After all speeches were done, everyone stood up and older students sang the school song, with it also welcoming their juniors and also letting them know that it'll be them next year who will along the tune on the speakers sing the words which they practiced whole year long.

After the ceremony students in lines or small groups went to their assigned classrooms, each year on separate floor so Sana and friends were on the second floor yet different classrooms.

"Whyyyyy?" Emi began to cry again, pulling on Haruna's blazer sleeve. Her two friends now really felt sorry for her and couldn't find any more encouraging words and the others are getting in the classrooms fast.

"We can't do anything about it, that's how it's been decided so we have to bear with it. We'll still see each other so don't worry," Sana patted Emi's shoulder and smiled at her. She nodded when Emi calmed and wiped her teary eyes. Girls parted, wishing each other good luck, and entered their new classrooms.

At first it all seemed like a wild jungle to them and the one thing they didn't know is that it seemed like that to those who entered before them. There were those who were in the same class last year so they immediately formed groups. And thank god that Haruna was beside her, otherwise Sana would be just as lost as Emi in the class next door. Emi there only knew Maki but she didn't consider her her friend so their eyes met just for a brief second before Emi sat in the seat somewhere in the middle of the middle row. But only few seconds passed before the girl behind her tapped her shoulder and they started talking as they knew each other for ages. In now new 2-A Sana and Haruna sat next to each other and already recognized bunch of people from class A last year. There were actually more than half of them and one blond head Sana very easily recognized.

Sanji, along with his older friends, joked around and laughed by the window in the front. He didn't even notice the two of them which made Sana a bit relieved. He was very close and relaxed around his friends which also made Sana warm inside – she was glad that he's smiling and happy after... after what happened on White Day in March. Haruna already started knowing students that were sitting close to her yet Sana continued staring at the bunch by the front window. She stopped watching the happy group of friends and flinched once the front door slid open and their new homeroom teacher came in. Unlike last year, their homeroom teacher turned out to be a tall and very beautiful woman, long dark hair which glimpsed on sunlight. Sana could hear boys whispering around the room, commenting about the teacher. Dressed in formal black pencil skirt and matching blazer over her snow white blouse, woman looked around the classroom smiling and waiting for everyone to settle down in their seats – the first homeroom is starting.

"Hello everyone and welcome to your second year of high school. I will be your new homeroom teacher. My name is Nico Robin and I teach history to second and third-years at this school. I will try my best to guide you through this year so whatever problem you have you can ask me. Let's have a great year," she smiled the whole time and at the end bowed and students did the same, wishing a nice year ahead. At the mention of her name, whispering continued with many students assuming she was a foreigner as the way she formally talked and a bit of accent she had also hinted on some far away country in Europe. And one boy from the back row by the window was brave enough to ask some personal questions which the teacher answered with a gentle smile.

"No, I am not single; I'm engaged and happy, but thanks for asking." she paused but continued with a bit different smile – it was still a smile yet students felt a cold chill from it "But as that was a very personal question, I now have to kill you all." She still smiled but the students didn't and that suffocating cold pause lasted where the young ones expected her to say that it was a joke but she never did. Instead of that she changed the subject and put on that teacher-like vibe.

"The textbooks are all in the office so I'll need few of you healthy young boys to come with me after class to pick them up," she said and students that were tensed up for few minutes started relaxing.

After that came their introduction where each of them stood up from their seat, said their name, the class they were last year and some put it phrase or two; mostly bragging about themselves (boys) or telling the others which club they belong to (all students). While Sana talked about herself, she could feel the curious eyes and specifically Sanji's glare on her even though he sat somewhere behind her. And the teacher made it worse by recognizing her name.

"You were in the top 5 students last year so it's only natural that you're in a advanced class like this one. If your grades continue to be great this year too, your future is guaranteed to be in Tokyo Uni."

"Yes, thank you." Sana bowed and sat back when the teacher nodded. She was the center of attention and that was the thing she hated the most – it made her feel uncomfortable and anxious, with all those glares of envy and curiosity piercing her from all around the room. Her palms started sweating and her stomach aching. Even the biting on her lower lip didn't help so she took few deep breaths, no longer keeping the track of students' introductions.

After the introduction came mandatory elections for student officers but it was as always those who wanted to do those jobs regarding the class. Majority of the class nominated Sanji for class representative and he had to say yes. Other officers were easily selected as now everyone wanted to do something if Sanji agreed to it, which meant going to the committee meetings, doing the paperwork and other important jobs regarding the class with him.

Everything was done smoothly without any major problems which gave students more break time to know each other and talk. Not much of schoolwork was done on the first day, students used that to relax a bit more before the real thing begins and they start studying again because mid-semester exams were just month and a half away.

And everyone seemed relaxed while exiting their new classrooms; unlike that morning where they anxiously stood in front of the large boards outside, searching for their names. For some it was easy to adjust to the new class and make new friends fast while others had a hard time adapting to the new environment. Sana, however, stuck with Haruna but she already made new friends with her refreshing and sweet nature that the poor girl had to go with it. Sana couldn't adapt to the new things and changes fast; she was like that since ever. She saw Emi exiting the classroom next door but she was too surrounded with new friends so she didn't want to interrupt since Emi was really anxious that morning about two friends leaving her so Sana watched her with a smile, glad that her friend was happy. And both of her friends were so into the conversation with the girls around them that they didn't seek for each other which disappointed Sana a bit yet she didn't say anything so as they passed the classrooms her eyes met his. Her walk was nervous and slow, Haruna continued without noticing but he just nodded and walked away... alone, with no friends he could talk to endlessly like her two friends. Just a mere sight of him made her memories replay to the last week and the conversation two of them had while slowly sipping on canned soda he bought from the vending machine next to the convenience store they were in.

…

The protective plastic which red cups were covered with was all wrinkled and messy for being in her nervous hands. She counted the plastic cups over 20 times, each time getting the same number but neither that counting or ripping off the protective nylon helped her to calm her rushing thoughts and nervousness. In her field of vision came the bright orange color of a can. She took it, barely muttering words of thanks. Tortured plastic cups now rested on her lap while she stared at the soda can, reading off it – the ingredients, calories, concentration of CO2 in the water and "all natural flavors" - that way trying a new method of thoughts distraction. But that couldn't be achieved with him sitting a bit far away from her in front of the store they were in just few minutes ago.

Neither of them spoke, the only sound that was produced was the opening of the can, soft soda sizzling and quiet gulps he made while drinking. Finishing off already half of the can, he sighed and the silence came up again. And it lasted...

"Could it be that you don't like orange soda?" he asked and finally broke the silence.

Sana couldn't stay quiet forever and it was out of politeness to answer yet she stumbled in words, "A-ah, no... I like it..."

Their eyes met and she was the first one to look away.

"I'm sorry..." she muttered. Her voice was so pale and weak that she was ashamed of it.

"I don't know why you're the one who's apologizing..." she looked at him again but he drank his soda as if he didn't want to hear her explanation. "To be honest..." he started again, this time looking in front of him, "I don't want to know what happened on that day on the hill between you and the eyebrows. That is not the reason why we're sitting here. I don't care even if you two started going out, that's not my business to know. And by any means, you don't have any obligation towards me. Your life and your choices are just that – yours." he shortly glanced at her but looked back at the road. "Why we're sitting here is because I want to tell you that you don't have to be awkward with me whatever the hell happened." He stood up from the concrete, dusted off his pants and looked down at the confused girl, "Live your life the way you want, don't let anyone tell you how to do it or decide something for you."

With that said, a faint smile and a wave Zoro turned and walked away, digging his hands in the puffy west pockets. That day he was calmer than ever, he had annoyance mixed in his voice when he talked about Sanji but everything else sounded calm and supportive. His words lingered in the air around Sana, repeating in her brain over and over again. Because of that she didn't hear anything or anyone; she only looked in the direction where he went off to even after he was out of sight. She didn't feel anything – not the nudges of her friends, them calling and hugging her nor the burning tears dripping from her eyes and sliding down her cold cheeks. She only held the orange soda can with many words on it, written in smallest font, which she remembered – the ingredients, the calories and the concentration of CO2. She wanted to tell him so much yet he didn't let her – he said what she didn't quite want to hear even though he really meant every supportive word he said. She only stared at the empty space long after he was gone as the tears burned.

…

A nudge on the shoulder made Sana snap out of her thoughts and almost miss the last step on the stairs. Behind her, Emi greeted her with a wide grin.

"It's too early to be spacing out; school year has just begun," she laughed.

"Was I too obvious?" Sana asked, following on the joke

"I don't think you've gone deaf so yeah, you were obviously thinking deep," she giggled more and Sana smiled. Two of them walked to the lockers, chatting about various stuff although it was Emi who mostly talked about her new class and fresh experience, "I couldn't believe it – I made friends fast and some girls I talk to were once Maki's followers. It's hilarious." she said while opening and taking her outdoor shoes. "But hey, you two are in all popular A class. You two made it in the elite, I'm jealous," she pouted, "By the way, where IS Haruna? Why aren't you together?"

"She most likely went off with her new friends..." Sana sighed and put on her shoes.

"That's a bummer... But did you find any new people and got to know them?"

"No, I didn't..."

"Well, you're naturally shy and don't pressure yourself. I remember you being like that in the first year too. You would probably be lonely even now if I didn't speak up that day." Emi grinned proudly, "Even if you don't meet anyone new, I'll always be here. I don't forget my friends," she added as they exited the school building. They made just few steps when they saw a girl running towards them, her puffy long hair dancing everywhere around her, her cheeks red as tomatoes. She was easily recognized and drew attention fast as no one expected her to run. Haruna finally stopped in front of two girls, breathing heavily with her palms on her knees.

"I... I'm... I'm sorry..." she panted and taking a deep breath straightened up. Her rosy cheeks and messy hair made the other two girls giggle. "I got caught up in the conversation with girls from the class that I didn't realize I wasn't with you two. I'm so sorry!" she bowed but Emi pulled her up with a smile.

"You're forgiven, now let's go home," Emi said and the group was once again complete.

They walked the familiar route, talked as if they didn't see each other for ages, laughed to Emi's jokes and just enjoyed their precious friendship.

"So, since clubs won't start soon, we can take it easy and relax, right?" Emi asked, already knowing the answer.

"No." Sana and Haruna said at the same time.

"But..." Emi started but was quickly stopped.

"Club activities will start very soon, lectures too. We don't have time to relax," Sana said just before they stopped at the crossroad where they parted every time.

"You wouldn't like to attend supplementary classes, right?" Sana asked and Emi noticeably shivered just on the memory, "Start studying early and you won't go there and lose this summer."

"Aaah, no! I already have plans for the summer with you guys! Don't ruin it for me," Emi pleaded.

"Only you will be to blame if that happens," Sana added with a smile.

Three friends soon parted with two of them continuing up the small slope and Sana going straight in her street and remembering that her mom asked her to buy some food she went to the store.

Taking the shopping basket, she looked through the aisles searching for the items her mom sent her via text. Reading the list which was in the text message Sana carefully walked around, observing the shelves. There weren't many people around so she was rather calm, not scared that she'll "bump into someone". After some time of walking around and greeting people from the neighborhood Sana's basket was already filled with various foods, the only thing that was left to buy was milk and it was always in the back of the store where the large refrigerators were placed. There, she slowed her pace, carefully looking for the brand her mom messaged her to buy. Finally, she found it in the tall refrigerator, right under the fruit yogurts. Happy that she'll finish the shopping and finally go home, Sana opened the refrigerator door swiftly, not aware of her surroundings. That large thick glass door met the nearest person, met with his face precisely. That loud sound attracted everyone's attention and seeing who she hit Sana quickly closed the door, not even taking the milk, and just watched his painful expression waiting for him to get mad.

Zoro, with his fist tightly clenched and face wrinkled in pain, just stood in place as his nose started getting redder by the second, waiting for painful stinging to calm down just even a bit so that he could open his eyes. Several seconds passed before he "unfroze", took a step back and put a hand over his nose.

Looking only through one teary eye, his muffled voice still reached the girl, "Convenience store is definitely not a safe place," he said and as they made sure that he was okay the people around them continued what they were previously doing.

"I am SO sorry about that!" Sana bowed few times and straightened up when she heard a chuckle that came in front of her. She was rather surprised with that warm and nice sound that she wanted to listen to it longer.

"Don't worry about it," Zoro said, wiping small tears from his eyes, still bearing the gently smile on his face, "I guess milk is just more interesting than anything," he teased which made Sana embarrassed – did she really seem that hyped about a carton of milk?

In the end, it was Zoro who now carefully opened the refrigerator door and put the milk Sana reached for earlier. He casually put it in her basket and went behind her to the other refrigerator while she just stood there, ashamed.

…

"You're stubborn..." he said

"Well, maybe I am but I can't and I won't bother the person I just hit with the glass door," she replied, clenching her fists and gritting her teeth, dealing with the pain in both hands.

Zoro watched that stubborn girl while sipping soda from the sweaty can. She barely walked with heavy plastic bags in each hand. She huffed in pain and would hop and wiggle each time her schoolbag slid down her shoulder. He was annoyed by her attitude so he took the last gulp, threw the can in the trash and hurried to her.

"It's not like I got disabled with that hit. It still kinda hurts, yeah, but I can still help-" and just when he was about to snatch the bag from her hand, she pulled it away perfectly predicting his move.

"No!"

"Listen..." Zoro stopped and scratched his head in annoyance, "This is getting us nowhere so if you don't cooperate-"

"I'm fine! My house is close anyway..." Sana took another large sigh and a pause to pull the schoolbag straps back on her shoulder before continuing her slow walk.

Not wanting to push the situation further in the arguing, Zoro took the moment where she paused and took the bag from her loosened grip. That move surprised Sana and taking that advantage, Zoro took the other bag too, hopped backwards and victoriously smiled at her.

"You're not fair!"

"Says the girl whose palms became almost purple..." he grinned more and she looked down at her hands. Embarrassed that he was right, Sana quickly hid her hands in her small blazer pockets.

An old lady that was near them, walking her small dog, giggled to their silliness and youth, probably remembering her own younger days. Her eyes specifically locked on Zoro and a small blush could be seem on woman's pale cheeks. She only nodded when passing the two which they followed. Their little act happened in the broad daylight and it was already too late for Sana to be embarrassed of her loud voice and stubbornness.

"Come on, I'll walk you home," Zoro signaled with his head and turned around, slowly walking. Not wanting to attract any more attention and old women who would talk around the neighborhood, Sana slowly continued behind the tall boy. She bit her lower lip, not because she was embarrassed but because she didn't know how to start the conversation... And she knew what to say, she just didn't have the courage to speak up. Chanting and encouraging herself didn't help either, she bit the lip harder while looking at his wide young shoulders covered with black fabric of the school blazer. And they were already close to her home – she had to speak or the guilt she would feel after if she stays silent will eat her. One more chant and one large breath.

"That day you didn't let me tell you my side of the story..." she started but Zoro didn't even flinch on her words. He continued walking yet slowed his pace. As he didn't say anything Sana continued, griping the strap of the schoolbag on her shoulder "I always considered Sanji as a friend and his confession-"

"I said that I don't want to hear anything about it, okay?" Zoro yelled, his voice filling the street. There were no people around but that didn't make it less awkward and scary. Sana stopped walking, not knowing what to expect next from him. But she didn't want to back off – she needed to make things clear.

"But I need to tell you!" her voice was a bit louder which surprised her. It was then that Zoro turned and looked Sana straight into her hazel eyes. His eyebrows were frowned while her face showed determination. He didn't say anything, "I don't know why but... it'll eat me forever if I don't tell you. The situation between us really seems awkward and I don't want that. I don't want you to think that something happened when it didn't!" Zoro's eyes widened and his face relaxed just a bit, "I... rejected Sanji... And now that we're in the same class... it can't be more awkward than it is. He seems fine but I... some sort of guilt is strangling me. I feel awful."

"You seriously feel sorry for him? Or is it for yourself?" Zoro asked, frowning again.

"I don't think it's either of those... he's laughing and joking around with his friends. We didn't speak to each other since White Day... He seems happy yet I..."

"Get over it," Zoro said and turned around but didn't start walking "I really don't care about that blond idiot. What matters here is whether or not you're happy with the way your life is right now... and regarding the "awkwardness" between the two of us... I don't think you should worry about it." she stared at her feet and didn't notice Zoro's smile and him approaching her. She finally looked up as Zoro softly 'knocked' her head with knuckles, "Stop thinking about unnecessary things, your head will hurt," he stepped away from her wearing a clever smirk, "Now let's get ya home, these bags are starting to annoy me."

She chuckled and looked at him, tilting her head a bit, "Are you saying that they're too heavy for you, Mr. Swordsman?" she teased. Familiar feeling of joking around with him came back to her, brushing off all those negative thoughts.

"I didn't say anyth—"

"Yeah yeah..." she walked pass him, proudly smirking and waving her hand.

Zoro's annoyance dropped and he smiled, too. "You're back." he said as he walked next to her.

Yes, it was all back to normal. They were both relaxed and back to what they used to be before and uncomfortable situations – they were friends again.

…

"What do you mean by that?" Sana stared at her upperclassmen, utterly confused.

"I meant exactly what I said," Hinomiya Akemi nodded proudly.

"But... I only performed live once and it was at this school, just last year. I never held a concert!" realizing her voice was a bit too loud, Sana covered her mouth.

"For now, it's just an idea we have aka it's a proposal we got from Aonishi High," Akemi spoke quiet and secretly, "Once club activities begin, I'll inform the others. For now, it's just you who knows about this because I want to have you on that stage."

"That's impossible!" she shut her mouth again as the students that were around the hallway looked at her suspiciously, some clearly interested in their conversation.

"Please reconsider the idea, you have time as we're talk about it openly in the club next week," president of the music club was always optimistic so she only winked and patted Sana's shoulder before walking to the stairs, going back to her third-year classroom.

Sana was left confused and a bit worried... this is not how she imagined her week to end...

…

"What's with the long face?" male voice came behind her and she flinched, dropping the shoe she was about to put on her foot. Turning around, Sana saw Zoro with his one eyebrow raised, clearly confused.

She sighed, "Nah... nothing..."

"Your friends are not with you?"

"They had to leave early..."

Zoro noticed the depressing tone in Sana's voice but didn't push further questions. They exited the school grounds on a rather sunny April day and walked in silence beside each other. The silence lasted the whole way until they stopped at the familiar convenience store. Sana continued thinking about Akemi's suggestion, her words about the 'concert' and just by imagining herself on a large stage in front of a massive crowd made her stomach twist and turn. With her swimming around in her thoughts Sana didn't notice or hear Zoro offering her a drink. It was only when the cold aluminum touched her cheek that she "woke up" and looked up at Zoro and his offering hand.

"I've been calling you for a whole minute. Will you tell me what's wrong or will you accept the cola shower?" he asked, slowly shaking the red can of soda.

"Thank you," she bowed her head slightly, taking the sweaty can. Her smile was weak, she seemed pale and she barely opened the can of soda. They continued walking home and after another deep sigh Sana spoke up her problems.

"It's just that president of the music club asked me to perform at the concert that Aonishi High will perform on Golden Week. Apparently, they sent the invitation, asking for female voices which they need for their song."

"Can't they just find some at their own school?" Zoro asked. He was starting to get annoyed.

"The invitation was sent by the teacher that manages their music club and approved by their principal so it would be rather rude if we decline the offer. Yet I don't think I can do it... Maybe I'll ask someone to take my place..."

"Huuuh? That's gonna be a waste!" third voice came behind them and the two immediately turned to see who it was. Tall boy, wearing similar school uniform with his hands on his head pouted behind them, "I would really want you to join and sing with us, Sana. Your voice is great so it'll naturally go well with mine at that performance, don't you think so?" he smirked, throwing a short glance at frowning Zoro before looking back at Sana. She didn't expect to meet her childhood friend as this problem bugged her. Akihiko only ruffled his light brown hair and smirked more, putting his hands in the pockets of his trousers, clearly enjoying the situation he was in while Sana, on the other hand, didn't like it at all.

~To be continued~