Act 1
Start of a Study Case
Chapter 9
An Exchange of Information and Emotion
To be honest, Julis didn't think there was any location in this school with any real privacy.
All classrooms had security cameras installed in place, and both the cafeteria and the restrooms were obviously out of the question as it was currently lunch's breaktime.
Her room in the dorms would suffice, but going back there would take too much time, and Julis wanted to talk with Kirika as soon as possible.
That left the courtyard as her only available choice.
"Ah, it's snowing."
Next to Julis, Kirika muttered softly as she opened her left palm and looked up into the gray skies; the girl didn't repel the snow away with her prana and let snowflakes fell on her hand.
Julis found it odd. Throughout their little trip from the high school building down to the courtyard, the transfer student had been as silent as a grave, despite ample opportunities for small talk. And as soon as they were outside, her first comment was about the weather?
Incredulous as it was, she didn't have the heart to reply with a sarcastic remark as she usually would. Not when Julis could notice the ghost of a smile on Kirika's lips – it was small and barely there, but she could see it was a natural, sincere one.
Nevertheless, Julis couldn't afford Kirika to be distracted now. "Over there. We will talk under that pavilion."
It was one of many pavilions built in the courtyard. The small buildings were uniform and fairly standard in design; painted in white, small square-shaped pavilion with wooden seats lining up its sides minus the entrance.
Julis had often taken refuge in one of these pavilions whenever she wanted some peace and quiet. The courtyard was rarely empty seeing as students from all three school buildings had access to it, but thanks to its wide area she could comfortably get far enough from any crowd.
Now was no different, and with the casual grace ingrained to her from royal upbringing, Julis went into the pavilion and took a seat in the center.
Kirika turned to eye Julis before she threw the snow on her hand away and stepped into the pavilion. However, she didn't take a seat, standing still at the center.
Before Julis could ask why, Kirika already opened her mouth.
"We were seated for hours in the class, and we will sit there again for a few more after the break. I won't sit for any longer than I have to."
What?
Julis knew there were people who would prefer standing still, or at least anything other than sitting down, for a conversation. But Kirika's reasoning was both oddly arbitrary and just a little suspicious.
In fact, it almost sounded as if Kirika didn't want to sit with her, which raised alarm bells in her mind. But Julis knew better than to jump to conclusions – she had assumed the worst of this particular girl twice and was mistaken both times, she was not about to do so a third time.
Nonetheless, it's still a good conversation starter, and she would make use of it.
"Is that so." Julis drawled. "And here I thought you would be running away from me again."
Her sarcasm was intentionally provocative, but Kirika didn't react as expected. In fact, the girl actually had the decency to look guilty; it was slightly surprising.
"I am sorry for running away yesterday." Kirika bowed her head slightly. "I have my reasons, but it was wrong of me."
It was a familiar gesture and tone of voice; the transfer student had bowed her head and spoken like that too when apologizing to Claudia yesterday.
Julis couldn't help but suppress her sigh. She knew the significance of those actions for the Japanese. Kirika had reasons as well, just as suspected.
Still, she would judge for herself if those reasons were acceptable.
"Pray tell, what reasons do you have for running away from me?"
Kirika looked thoughtful, as though she was considering how to answer.
"...There are several reasons, but I suppose the chief among them would be to avoid troublesome scenarios."
Julis narrowed her eyes. What did she mean? "Excuse me?"
"Julis," Kirika said her name placidly, "yesterday, when you confronted me in the class. We conversed in your language, so no one could understand us. But think about it from the perspective of our classmates."
For a moment, Julis chewed those words in her mind. Then the realization clicked.
Yesterday was the first day of the new trimester. And Kirika was a transfer student who just enrolled in this trimester. By all accounts, her introduction during the morning recess should be the first time Julis had seen her.
But after the class ended, Julis had confronted Kirika. That didn't just put attention on Kirika, but also implied Julis had previously known about the transfer student before. It was compounded by the fact they proceeded to converse in German.
Even though I had just met her that morning!
Students who didn't know any better would then assume Julis was at least acquainted with Kirika. And knowing the gossiping chickens which made up the rumor mill of this school, speculations were bound to be wild, especially about their 'supposed' relationship.
Yesterday was a truly careless blunder on her part. Her choice of words when she snapped at the transfer student had painted an ambiguous picture of their dynamic; after all, purely from the English exchange, it was apparent Julis was angry at Kirika for ignoring her.
Though now, most are probably more interested about the duel.
Duels involving Page One students had always been sensational spectacles and topics; Julis would agree that much. After all, knowing how other Page One students fought their battles could be useful to gather information about them.
Because Julis had confirmed she, a Page One, had dueled a transfer student, it would add a new spin on the rumors surrounding her and Kirika. She assumed most students would be more interested about their duel now, rather than their relationship.
But what's the point? What's their objective?
No matter how Julis thought about it, she couldn't see how it would benefit the attacker. Yet, she could not dismiss it as simply being part of their plan.
Julis shook her head. There was no point in thinking from that angle, at least for now. At the moment, the matter with Kirika had priority.
"I do understand what you are saying," Julis allowed, "but you don't think that would be enough as an excuse, do you?"
The rumors circulating around the school and the one-sided societal expectations from other students were certainly annoying, Julis could testify for that. A bunch of students had challenged her to unreasonably demand an apology in the previous trimester, after all.
She was not the most socially aware individual when it came to academic environments, but Julis understood rumors and expectations were especially troublesome for a transfer student, which Kirika was.
But, you are different from me.
Julis could say with certainty Kirika didn't truly care about such things. If the transfer student truly did find attention troublesome and wanted a low profile, then Kirika would not have spoken to her in German whilst in class.
She couldn't imagine what kind of scenario could be troublesome enough to actually bother this transfer student. Still, Kirika wasn't done, and Julis would let her finish.
To her credit, Kirika stood her ground and returned her question with a blank stare.
"The stalker who ambushed you."
The reminder from Kirika lit a spark of irritation within Julis. "What about them? How is that relevant to this?"
"Whoever they are, they are part of the student body." Kirika looked at her in the eye. "That means they are likely aware of rumors and events surrounding you."
That was a matter of course. If the stalker had any modicum of intelligence, they would at the very least investigate her surroundings and try to determine her daily activities.
"That's a given." Julis crossed her arms. "Your point being?"
Kirika sighed and closed her eyes. "Seems I have to spell it out."
Julis bit down a retort for that statement. Did she overlook something?
"Because of our encounter in the class yesterday," Kirika blinked open her eyes, "the student body will assume you and I are at least acquaintances, on speaking terms."
That was indeed the most likely conclusion which the majority of students would arrive at, Julis supposed. "Where are you going with this?"
Kirika's expression sharpened. "The student body includes the stalker. If they assumed you and I are on good terms..."
"Then they might target me, to provoke you."
...
Julis tried to restrain it. She really did. But even so, the prana inside her flared in response to the sudden, volatile anger she was feeling.
The surge of power called forth by her emotions practically demanded to be released... but that was as far as she would let it.
She wasn't strong enough to control her own emotions. But she had the strength to command her own magic, her own powers. It would never act without her permission.
Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath – for now, calm down. She had to think calmly and rationally.
Damn it... why didn't I realize it sooner?!
Julis clenched her fists under her arms. She should have thought of that possibility earlier, ever since the stalker made themselves known.
Targeting someone related to her instead of herself. She hated to admit it, but that was a very effective strategy against her.
Right now, Kirika might be just an acquaintance, but Julis knew beyond a shadow of doubt she would be furious if the stalker had targeted the transfer student instead of her.
The stalker had already ambushed her while she was in the middle of a duel. This scenario, hypothetical as it might be, was the norm for scums like that.
With another deep breath, Julis tried to force her anger to the back of her mind. Right now, it had yet to happen.
And if Julis had her way, it never would.
"I see..." And Julis really did see it, now. "Is that why you ran away from me once we reached the dorms? You didn't want the students there to see us together and escalate the rumors."
Kirika nodded. "I wanted to explain to you before we parted ways, but there was no guarantee about our privacy back then, especially as the stalker could still be watching."
"No wonder you avoided crowds of students when I was chasing you..." Julis recalled the game of tag they had unintentionally played yesterday.
It was loathsome to admit, but that was an... acceptable reason for running away from her. It was annoying to the nth degree, but rationale.
But– "Still, you could have stopped running anytime in an empty hallway, and explained yourself. You didn't have to avoid me like the plague!"
Her emotions made Julis raise her voice, but Kirika wasn't at all fazed. In fact, the transfer student's expression became as deadpan as a tax report officer back in her homeland.
"Julis, you were chasing me with all the wrath of an angry goddess."
Kirika's usually soft tone became so monotonous it was as though she was saying the most obvious thing in this world.
"Would you have listened to me, back then?"
That made Julis halt.
...To be perfectly honest with herself, she was a bit unsure about that. A part of her wanted to say yes, but she was very aware of her own weaknesses. Her short temper was one of them.
Half of her was tempted to press on the advantage in the conversation. On the other hand, that would mean she had to say something she was not sure to be true.
When compared like that, it was obvious which to say. Pride had nothing on integrity.
"...Fine, you got me." Julis conceded. "I might have lunged at you if you had stopped."
Her words seemed to please Kirika, who gave her a slight grin. "Just lunged at me?"
Alright, this girl was messing with her again.
"Don't push it."
"I won't, then."
In an instant, the girl's face was impassive once more.
"You do have a point, you know." Kirika said softly.
Julis raised a brow. "What do you mean?"
"I should have thought of a way to explain myself, before I ran. You were right to be angry, you still are."
Huh?
That was a rather surprising admission. The way the conversation was going, Julis had expected Kirika to sidestep the issue, not wholeheartedly accept the blame like that.
"Is there anything I can do for you to forgive me, Julis?"
How... surprisingly bold of her.
More than just accepting, Kirika even offered her what was essentially a favor, just like how she did things. Frankly, it felt a bit suspicious.
"Do you mean those words? Don't say things like that unless you are sincerely apologetic. I would be offended if you are not." Julis threw a glare.
Kirika grinned again. "I know. You are royalty, I could only imagine how many false charities you have experienced. Nevertheless, I meant it. You don't have to believe me if you don't want to, though."
Once again, Julis hadn't expected that kind of reply. One which spoke of understanding of her background and the distrust that background had sowed in her.
It was rather unsettling, but on hindsight, Julis supposed it was nothing to be surprised about. Kirika was scarily perceptive, and likely used to talking with those of higher social status.
Honestly, a conversation like this was... almost refreshing in a way. It was engaging, but not in that irritating manner like with politicians back home.
If Kirika had really meant that offer... then Julis would use it to satisfy the burning curiosity within her since yesterday.
If you are playing by how I decide favors, let's decide the fine prints of it.
"Let's say I believe you. How far are you willing to go for my request?"
The grin on Kirika's face widened just a bit. If the transfer student was someone more expressive, that would probably have been a laughter.
"Anything up to a reasonable degree, is okay."
Julis blinked. Those were...
The urge to chuckle welled up within Julis. Really now? Kirika was echoing her words from yesterday? Fine then.
"Cheeky, aren't you." Julis smiled a little. "Very well, I have no wish to be unreasonable if you are serious with your apology, either. I only have questions, which you will answer without complaint."
"Hum... alright." Kirika nodded. "I will answer all questions you have for me, as long as you can explain why you want to know. This will be in effect for the rest of the day."
The rest of the day? That was quite generous. That meant Kirika would be answering her questions well after this break time was over.
It would be preferable if she could get all her questions answered before the break ended, but just in case the conversation went for too long, it would be useful.
After all, there were quite a number of things Julis wanted to ask Kirika about. This was probably the first time in a long, long while for her to get this... intrigued, about someone.
Now then... how should I begin?
Perhaps... "When we were playing that game of cat and mouse, did you use an illusion spell to hide from me?"
"Yes." Kirika answered immediately. "Do you want to know the specifics?"
"As tempting as that sounds, no," Julis shook her head. Kirika figured her magical imageries with just a few glances – she would return the favor, "what I want to know, is whether or not you intend to breach my privacy with that."
"Breach your privacy?" Kirika tilted her head. "Ah, you mean things like stalking, poking or tickling you in plain sight, flipping your skirt in public, following you into the toilet, and the like?"
W-wha!?
How could Kirika say such scandalous things with a straight face?! Just thinking about any one of those things were preposterous!
Julis couldn't stop her voice from raising. "I-if you do any of that, I swear I am going to roast you alive!"
Kirika shook her head. "Don't worry, unless I deem it necessary, I won't do such things."
Necessary?! "And what exactly would make any of those necessary!?"
"It differs from moment to moment." Kirika put a finger under her chin. "Hum... but I suppose, it's mostly your reaction."
Julis saw the bait for what it was and refused to play along. Goodness, this girl was nearly as playful than Claudia, and that was saying something.
"Forget it." Julis glared at her again. "Just remember this, don't use your ability to hide around me without my permission."
"That I can promise," Kirika frowned slightly, "so I will ask in advance. Do permit me to be around you, at least until we can catch the ones who interrupted our duel."
Julis didn't miss the hint of anger hidden under those words; Kirika didn't emit any prana, but even so, she could not forget the shivering sensation when their duel was interrupted.
If that was the reason, Julis could accept it. The ambushers had offended the two of them; it was just as much Kirika's business as it was hers.
"Granted."
"Thank you."
"That brings me to my next question," Julis breathed in, "are you in any way related to the Integrated Enterprise Foundation?"
"Excuse me?" For once, Kirika's soft voice gained an inflection – annoyance.
Julis had expected many reactions – confusion, denial, pretense – but she hadn't expected the girl to be so obviously irritated.
"I need to know whether you are someone affiliated with my brother, his advisors, or anyone invested in my homeland's government."
Her brother, Johann – the puppet king of Lieseltania – had been against her going to the Asterisk City, especially for the Festa.
Johann had tried to dissuade her on the basis anyone in charge of overseeing the government might see her as a possible threat to their interests. How typical of him.
Thus, there is a chance either my overprotective brother or the Foundation might send someone to keep an eye on me... for good or for ill.
Kirika widened her eyes slightly for a moment as if she had figured something, before her gaze relaxed and became understanding. Julis was almost annoyed at that perceptiveness.
"So, your brother is a worrywart." Kirika's voice softened again. "To be honest, I like to think of myself as a ninja. A loyal one who would sooner freeze myself than work for the likes of them. No offense to your brother, Julis."
Julis didn't like how nonchalantly Kirika answered her serious question, but it was difficult to determine whether she was serious or not. She could agree about her brother, though.
"None taken. I hope for both of our sakes, you are saying the truth."
"I am. But it's always up to you to believe I am or not."
"Indeed." Julis affirmed, though she was inclined to believe Kirika for now. "Next question. If you are not affiliated with the Foundation or my brother... then what intentions do you have with me?"
Kirika raised a brow at her question. "What do you mean?"
"Don't play dumb with me," Julis warned, "I know you are approaching me with something in mind. Ever since you asked me for a duel, I have been thinking about it."
"Oh?" Those blue eyes glinted, it was definitely interest. "And what can you infer?"
"You were not being entirely honest when you said our duel was merely a contest of strength. You... you are interested in me. I don't know why or how or what are you after, but you challenged me to a duel for it, and even now, you are talking with me because of it."
Julis made sure her eyes and Kirika's came into contact. "So speak. What are your intentions?"
Slowly, Kirika's hands moved into a clap. "Bravo. You got most of it right, Julis."
Most? "What did I get wrong?"
"I am interested in you." Kirika drawled her last word, a smile on her face. "To be more specific, your nature as a person."
...Eh?
"What?" Kirika's admission made her feel uncomfortable on several levels, but Julis refused to let it show in her face. "What are you talking about?"
"Perhaps it's hard for you to understand." Kirika closed her eyes. "Being a princess, I am sure at least a few people have expressed interest in your face, your title, or any number of material and immaterial things attached to your name."
...Again. Julis was not surprised by how casually Kirika could guess the things she had experienced, but it was definitely unsettling.
"But," Kirika opened her eyes – unmistakable fondness reflected in her blue irises, "I am sure you can guess I don't care about such things."
"I find your personality interesting, I want to see more of it. That's all there is to it."
"My personality...?"
As far as Julis could remember, her disposition had rarely ever garnered positive opinions. Contrary to what others might say, she was aware of how headstrong she could get; she simply didn't care if anyone took offense to such a trivial thing.
None of that had ever bothered her, but it was fact she could not recall many occasions when she was complimented for how she behaved.
Thinking back, the only ones who did were...
Her real family, the ones in that orphanage. The children, the sister. And the first among them all, Orphelia... she closed her eyes. She didn't need that melancholic memory now.
With a breath, Julis focused her attention at Kirika again.
The whitehaired girl was smiling gently, her gaze clear – it was the polar opposite of the ravenous, hungry expression which Kirika showed yesterday during their duel.
Julis looked away from that achingly familiar expression.
An unspoken message...
It was hard to look at, because of how sincere it was.
It was an admission and a request – 'I want to know more about you... may I?'
"Does that answer your question, Julis?"
To be honest, that... had answered some of her questions. And deep in her heart, it was relieving to confirm the interest to know each other was mutual. She couldn't say it was a completely satisfactory answer, though.
Honestly, Julis felt asking any further about this topic would not get her clearer answers. If she wanted to know more... then she would need to figure out the answers for herself, by spending time with this peculiar person.
Still, I want to press a bit more...
"Yes," Julus affirmed, "it does. But surely you know how hard for me... to believe that's your entire reason, don't you?"
"Of course." Kirika replied mirthfully, her small smile widening just a bit. "It's definitely difficult to prove with just words alone. I am a woman of words, but more than that I am also a woman of actions. Would you give me a chance to prove it?"
"Oh?" That had her attention, Julis could admit. "How do you plan to do that?"
"I'll take that as permission." Kirika muttered lightly, again with that cheeky undertone. "Go for a date with me this weekend."
Julis felt like her mind grinded into a halt. Go for... a date?
All of a sudden, Julis felt her cheeks heat up for no good reason. "Are you...?"
The transfer student raised a finger. "Don't get the wrong idea, Julis. This date is for you to keep your promise to me."
"Huh?" A dumbfounded noise escaped Julis' mouth.
Promise? Did I make any promise to her?
Her confusion must be visible on her face, because Kirika wiggled her finger as if she was reprimanding a younger child.
"Let me ask if these words ring a bell. I can tell you more about it, if you survive this~"
...Ah.
Now Julis remembered. Those words were her own, when she was about to use Amaryllis against Kirika, during their duel yesterday.
Could it be...? "Are you really asking me to teach you more about... being a florist?"
"I am already one, for flowers on this side of the world at least." Kirika spoke plainly. "But on yours? You are right about me being just a by the book theorist. Fortunately, there is someone close by who could help me about that."
"Me." Julis sighed. She had to admit, she didn't foresee Kirika would bring it up. "I suppose I can find time to teach you about it. But why a date?"
"Several reasons." Kirika paused a bit, seemingly to articulate herself, before continuing.
"I am sure both of us would like learning with actual flowers than with pictures. Since we can't really go to any garden in this school without being seen as two friends hanging out together, our only options are flower shops in the city... why not make it a date?"
Julis frowned at the reminder of the fact Kirika was now a possible target by her stalker. Still, those were entirely agreeable reasons. "You have thought this through."
Kirika smiled again. "I think too much about everything. This is no different. Speaking of which..."
As if on cue, the transfer student took out something from her jacket's pocket – on closer look, it was a projector phone, which quickly projected a one-sided holographic screen. Kirika furrowed her brows as she saw whatever was displayed on her side of the screen.
"...We are almost out of time. Breaktime will end in about 3 minutes."
That made Julis raise her brows in surprise. Their conversation had dragged on for so long?
I lost track of time... again.
And it's because of Kirika, again. Julis really didn't know if that was a good or a bad thing.
"We are going back." Julis declared. "I still have more questions for you, but they could wait."
"About that," Kirika put away her phone, "I will give you my number. This way, you could simply call me later for the rest of your questions."
That was a little surprising. Julis hadn't expected Kirika would give her number like that. To be honest, the transfer student didn't seem like the type who would share it to just anyone.
"You would give me your number?" Julis repeated. "I know I said we are basically acquaintances now, but..."
"Hihi. It seems too soon since we just met yesterday?" Kirika interjected, a playful chuckle escaping her. "It's not just the quantity of time spent which defines the depth of a connection, but the quality as well."
"And for me, the quality of our time spent since our meeting has been nothing but enjoyable. Giving you my number is something I simply must do, at this point."
Embarrassing. Hearing those words were embarrassing. Even though Kirika was the one speaking, for some reason Julis felt she was the one embarrassed by listening.
Yet, Julis didn't deny it. She didn't find it in herself to. Those words... resonated with her, more than Kirika could ever know.
Besides, it was a sincere appreciation and a gesture to know each other more. An offered hand, metaphorically.
Julis had to answer that.
"...If you say so. Do tell, Kirika."
Saya felt annoyed.
It was a very familiar emotion for her. Expressions were never her strong suit, but it did not mean she was out of touch with her emotions – quite the opposite, in fact.
If Saya was being honest, there were many reasons to feel annoyed over in her life in this academy. But it had been a trimester since she became a student, she could get used to it.
No, right now she was feeling annoyed for reasons she never even imagined before, things she didn't even think would happen.
It was unbearable. Her prana was fluctuating in ways which made her itch to do something, anything, to vent.
So here she was, booking her usual shooting range, a gun in each hand, shooting away her frustrations on 40 dummies who stood back up no matter how many times she shot them.
Saya didn't know, and didn't care, how long she had been shooting. All she knew was, it felt good.
It calmed her down enough to start thinking straight again. About today... and about her...
Kiri...
Saya could not recall any moment in her admittedly young life which had shocked her more than this morning had. 'A sudden reunion with Kiri' couldn't describe the magnitude of what she felt.
It still didn't feel very real. True, Saya had seen Kiri who had physically grown and changed a lot with her own eyes. Her friend had also spoken directly to her, in German at that, and she had conversed back.
But it just wasn't enough. Saya was sure it was the same for Kiri as well. There were just so many things they had to say for each other, to 'connect' once again.
And yet–
Unpleasant surprises followed Kiri, one after another.
The first one was when the breaktime began, to hear Riessfeld said she had dueled Kiri, which apparently was part of the school's rumor mill this morning.
Saya could not believe it at first. Kiri had dueled Riessfeld? And the redhead was unharmed? Under normal conditions, that should not be possible.
Riessfeld was admittedly one of only 3 individuals in this class year which could measure up to Saya's standards. However, those were parameters to measure other students, what she considered 'impressive' for most Genestellars in their age group.
It did not apply to Kiri or herself. Saya wouldn't assume about Kiri's standard, but her own basis for strength was Haru-nee, their older sister. A mentor who taught her unforgettable things, whom her past self could not hope to defeat on her own.
Haru-nee was strong. So strong, Saya estimated her current self could only barely equal the warrior in her memories from 6 years ago – when Haru-nee was also a highschool freshman.
If she had reached Haru-nee's level in the same age, there was little doubt Kiri had, as well. However, from what Saya could gauge about Riessfeld, the redhead's abilities and skills were far from this level.
In fact, the younger Kiri of 6 years ago probably had a reasonable chance of winning a duel against Riessfeld as she was right now. Saya had every reason to believe the current Kiri would defeat her quite badly – Kiri was not the type who would hesitate hurting people.
Fortunately, Saya could clear her doubts with just a glance at Kiri's signature smirk. It was such a familiar sight to see – it meant 'it was just a playful game' – which meant Kiri was just playing around, and wasn't injured from the interruption to their duel. It was relieving.
But then the second unpleasant surprise reared its head. When Kiri leaned in and whispered to her ear–
"I am sorry, Saya. For this break, I need to speak with Julis. I had a promise, and we don't break promises, no?"
Though Saya had relented, she was very concerned. Kiri's words had implied things which gave her reasons to.
Why did Kiri need to speak with Riessfeld?
It could only mean Kiri had business with the redhead. This only led to more questions – What could it be? Why did Kiri need to speak with Riessfeld in the first place? How did they even get to speaking terms?
What happened yesterday, when I was absent?
Saya didn't regret oversleeping from time to time, never had any reason to, but a part of her might make an exception just for yesterday – if she hadn't overslept then, she would meet Kiri earlier and personally witness whatever had happened between her friend and Riessfeld.
It was truly vexing, being out of the loop when Kiri was inside it. Saya wanted to demand an explanation right then and there, but she had to relent – after all, the sooner Kiri was done speaking with Riessfeld, the better it was for her. It was a matter of waiting.
But it was undeniably bothering her. As Saya had lunch, she noticed Kiri and Riessfeld weren't in the cafeteria. She had even waited until breaktime was nearly over, and they still didn't visit – this meant they had skipped lunch for their talk.
Genestellars could survive without eating anything for days on end, longer than normal humans even, so skipping a lunch was nothing to worry about. However, it did mean whatever they were talking about, it was something important.
But what? What is it?
Saya was about to ask just that when Kiri and Riessfeld came back, but breaktime was already over by then and the next class for civics of all things was about to begin. She had to bite her own tongue just to keep quiet – she knew by then she couldn't wait for much longer.
Fortunately, in the last two classes Kiri could communicate via facial expressions and eye contact – just like good old times, really. It was a bit limited for Saya's taste, but at least she finally learned what was it between Kiri and Riessfeld.
'To sum up. I like Julis. I want to be her friend. So I apologized for messing with her.'
It was surprising, yet at the same time, it wasn't. It was just so... so Kiri, Saya didn't have any words to respond.
To learn Kiri was still picking 'exceptional' people to learn and befriend made her feel a rush of happiness and nostalgia. Saya could list many things to like about Kiri, but her friend's perception and desire to connect with the heart of anything were just lovely.
However, she couldn't deny the fact Kiri could lock on to Riessfeld the first day they met made her feel a vague sense of annoyance. Saya wasn't completely sure why – she was not the best in analyzing people, herself included – but she could guess.
Maybe... it was because Kiri had locked on to her in much the same way, so long ago.
...Saya didn't want to think about it. The conclusion was obvious, but she didn't want to think about it. She would have plenty of time sorting this particular line of thought after she could finally talk with Kiri, when class was finally over.
Or at least, that's how it was supposed to be. Then the third unpleasant surprise of today showed up.
When the bell rang to signify the end of today's class, as Saya was just about to open her mouth, Kiri noticed something in her jacket's pocket had vibrated. It was her projector phone, someone was calling; as it projected a holographic screen to show who it was...
It was that woman.
She had difficulty recognizing who it was at first. It was just a face shown on a 2-dimensional screen, after all. But hearing that obnoxious voice quickly jolted her memory; it was the blondie who was apparently also the student council president, Claudia Enfield or something.
Seeing the blonde, it made Saya remember Kiri was a transfer student and one who transferred in the middle of a school year at that. It was normal for the student council to know student contact numbers, though to call Kiri out of the blue... it was suspicious.
Saya had expected Kiri to be cordial. What Saya hadn't expected was for the vixen to ask Kiri to come to the student council room and then sign some documents.
The blonde fox stated it was necessary as part of the procedure to borrow an Ogre Lux. It seemed Kiri was still curious about those demon-like crystals Haru-nee used to talk about, since she had applied to borrow one.
Unfortunately, Kiri couldn't delay the meeting, since the appointment to test Ogre Lux compatibility was tomorrow, and there were a lot of documents which required signs by today, as soon as possible.
In other words, Kiri was needed elsewhere again, and this time most likely longer than 30 minutes.
To be honest, Saya wanted to scream by that point. Strangers whom she barely even knew had somehow made appointments with Kiri before her, taking away precious time which could have been used to catch up with her friend. It was unfair!
But she didn't let her volatile thoughts show. Not in front of Kiri, at the very least. Saya was feeling so, so frustrated then – but she didn't want Kiri to be concerned of her worsening mood.
Though it seemed like Kiri had seen through her eyes and into her soul.
"Sorry, Saya. If it makes you feel better, you are not the only one... displeased with the timing of this development."
Saya tried to reply with as much positivity as she could muster at that moment.
"Don't apologize. It's okay. We have waited for years... what's a little more?"
Kiri didn't seem convinced, but thankfully didn't point it out before leaving.
"I'll be back as soon as I can."
To be honest, Saya was barely paying attention to anything after that point. She had never been the type who bottled up her negative feelings, and she needed an outlet to let it all out.
Gunning things down just so happened to be the most reliable activity for that. It was violent, but it was also cathartic.
Seeing as I am now actually thinking instead of fuming... I'd say it's effective, as it always has been.
Letting out a sigh, Saya closed her eyes, while her arms continued to aim and shoot. She had calmed down, but she couldn't say she was feeling much better.
Rather, she was tired. Too tired of the repeated 'surprises' which did nothing but annoy and frustrate her.
...Calm down. Just a little more. I need to be patient just a bit more.
After all, her situation right now was no different from earlier. It was just a matter of waiting.
Saya just had to wait for a bit more until Kiri finished her business with the vixen... And hope there would be no more interruption.
Because if there was yet another interference... then no matter who or what, Saya swore she would––
"Saya!"
Saya snapped her eyes open at the familiar voice calling her name.
Before she could even think, her body had turned around to the voice's direction – near the entrance of the shooting range.
Kiri stood tensely between the sliding doors, eyes wide with an emotion Saya could not tell at first glance.
You are back...
It took Saya only a moment to recognize Kiri was staring at her with something she had not seen in a long time: concern.
That realization froze everything else in her mind. Had Kiri noticed her growing bad mood earlier?
A wave of guilt made her chest feel tight. Saya did not want Kiri to be worried about something as trivial as her mood.
...But I suppose that's just the way you are.
Saya was about to open her mouth, but her words were stuck in her tongue as she noticed Kiri inhaled a deep breath.
In the next instant, the whitehaired girl charged straight at her––
"Ah..."
What happened next quite literally took her breath away.
Saya could feel the exact moment her eyes widened as Kiri halted right before they would collide, scooped her arms, and lifted her body off the floor.
Kiri raised her up until the two of them were eye level. Saya could tell her heartbeat had spiked up the instant their eyes met.
"..."
"..."
Moments passed without either of them moving or even breathing, as if time had stopped. Or at least, that was how Kiri seemed. Saya knew herself, she was spiralling on the inside.
Facing Kiri like this was... almost overwhelming. That smooth face, those oxymoronic eyes, the quiet expression – Saya felt things at such a sight. Things she wasn't sure she should feel.
But before long, Kiri's expression shifted, lips curving into a beautific curl of a smile. Then, her body was slowly pulled closer... until their noses almost touched.
...Oh. Thank you.
Even without any words, Saya could understand what the gesture meant. She immediately let the guns in her hands clatter to the floor.
Finally...
Saya reached out and wrapped her arms around the chest tightly, before snuggling her head to the left side of Kiri's neck.
...Warm. Smooth. Firm. Filled. Saya didn't know if there were more appropriate words to describe how pleasant Kiri felt. By instinct, she tightened her hug.
Kiri let out a little giggle in response – Saya knew it was not because being ticklish, but a purposeful laugh purely for the sake of pleasing their ears.
It's wonderful.
"Kiri," Saya whispered, her voice thick with emotions even to her own ears, "I miss you."
"Me too." Kiri returned with a little tremble in her voice. "We have waited... for too long."
Far too long.
6 years. Many things had happened to them, for sure. Perhaps just as many things about them had changed, as well. And above all, there were many things for them to catch up about.
But for now...
"...You are right. But can we stay like this... just for a bit?"
"As long as you wish, as much as you want."