A/N: So sorry for the late update! School and other activities are really killing me, I'm currently suffering from a major bout of sleep deprivation you see.
Anyway, its one more chapter away from the start of High School! That's my plan anyway. Do review/favourite/follow! I'd really love some feedback, especially since I was kinda dead throughout doing this. I'd like to know if y'all would like me to continue the middle school arc or skip to high school though! I hope you enjoy this chapter and pardon me for any mistakes ahaha.
Mayumi straightened her uniform, looking into the mirror, she saw a strand of loose black hair. Tucking it in, she sighed. Blankly staring at her own reflection, she froze for a minute. An image of a beautiful young woman was projected into her unfocused eyes. Jet black hair that fell perfectly, shining bright red eyes were just a few of her features that others would kill for. Sighing yet again, Mayumi turned to exit her private bathroom while mentally chiding herself about sighing continuously. Strolling through the large luxurious Saegusa compound to the front gate, she was greeted by her chauffeur. She thanked him absentmindedly as she got into the sedan used as a 'disguise' so as to prevent any extra unwanted attention.
The vehicle started to move. Mayumi turned her head to face the window, watching as the greenery and buildings flew by. This could be the last time she was going to see this. Previously unnoticed fragments of scenery flew by. It seemed as though it was only yesterday that Mayumi was dreading coming to school. Now only at the last moment did she truly see and enjoy the scenery the was in front of her eyes. Ironic wasn't it that people never do appreciate something until they are at a risk of losing it. Sad but true, thought Mayumi as she started to reminisce the past few years spent in school. First to senior year was mostly about being treated like a sacred queen who was untouchable. Virtually no one dared to approach her as she was timid and shy back then. coupled with her looks, she seemed like a delicate flower that no one would dare to touch. Then along came the Shiba siblings, the highlight of her middle school life. Every day was fun around them, no matter what, they stuck with her through thick and thin. They were the first people to be there for her, to be her much needed friends. Miyuki's kindness was immeasurable, while the quiet support from Tatsuya was uplifting. Leo's upbeat attitude put a damper on negative thoughts, while Shizuku's dry humour and Honoka's sincerity touched Mayumi. Who would have thought a Saegusa wouldn't have friends?
As she pondered her school life, the car stopped. She exited the car again, before her chauffeur could help her out while chuckling to herself. Leaving her yet again flabbergasted chauffeur to himself, she walked away from the station toward school. A heavy wave of nostalgia hit her, it was along this very road that she met the Shiba siblings, all thanks to Miyuki.
'What would I be like if I never met them?" Lonely? An outcast?' She thought and smiled wryly. 'Probably both. Now I can't imagine school without any of them, how will I survive in high school?' Mayumi thought.
Deciding to enjoy her final walk to school, she focused on the scenery around her. When she felt down or lonely, she would leave home early for school. Without the usual crowd of students rushing to school, Mayumi could truly enjoy the quaint and serene surroundings. Pink flower petals of the sakura littered the gray stone floor. Looking to her right, rows of sakura trees could be seen in full bloom. It was a sight to behold. A gust of wind blew, her hair was swept backward in the wind as flower petals flew toward her. She looked like some sort of goddess, alone, beautiful and somewhat untouchable.
Arriving at school, she slowed her pace. The old school buildings were the same as ever, paint was scratched in some places while in other places bright colours were splashed haphazardly, giving any student a disoriented feel. However, as she gazed at the serene school buildings that housed countless precious memories, be it good or bad, she felt regretful that it was her last day here. A pang of emotion hit her, feelings or warmth, happiness, loneliness and bitterness hit her altogether as emotions that played through her mind cascaded all together like a waterfall, seamless yet powerful and overwhelming.
As she stood smack in the middle of school entrance, she was broken out of her reverie forcefully,
"You! Get off the road! The road is for vehicles, not people!" The security officer shouted.
"So sorry sir!" Mayumi bowed and scampered to the side.
She checked her her simple black wrist watch. She smiled as she saw the time, one hour before the ceremony started. Just as she planned. She strolled leisurely through the buildings, a singular beauty gracefully strolling through the as yet empty rooms. Usually filled with laughter and noise, the school in the morning was a far cry from the usual. Although some might find it cold and eerie, Mayumi found solace in such a quaint and quiet environment. Despite her seemingly loud nature, Mayumi was deep down a relatively quiet person. Weaving through the school, she found her personal spot. It was a swing in the middle of the school's old garden. As she walked toward the swing, she smiled softly.
A long time back in her junior year, she discovered the old garden. Back then, no one dared to talk to her, much less welcome her, thus the left out and hurt Mayumi would spend ages on end walking aimlessly around the school pondering her predicament. It was during that fateful day that she discovered the garden. Pushing past vines and stepping on grasses and weeds, Mayumi discovered a swing within the garden. Covered in moss and grass, Mayumi decided to clean the garden up as her own spot. Throughout the next month, she disappeared from the view of the class every break, determined to finish her spot as soon as possible. Using knives to cut off the vines and scissors to scrape off the moss, after a long month it was finished. Although she did cut off some vines, it left enough to obscure the swing such that only she could find it. From then on, she would use it as a 'zen' area, reading books during breaks or be it simply taking a nap, Mayumi would come here whenever she was bored or upset. It became a place of comfort, somewhere she felt safe, at home.
As she sat down on the swing, it moved slowly backward and forward. Light creaking sounds reminded Mayumi she had yet to oil it for a month. Sighing comfortably, she leaned back unto the cold metal and closed her eyes. She looked like an angel, so serene and at peace. Beautiful and calm. Her shoulders relaxed and her body's tension was released.
"Boo!"
"Uwaah!" Mayumi fell to the floor startled.
Her hair was messy and she sat in an unusually un-ladylike manner. A startled expression upon her face made her look adorable. This was reflected in Tatsuya's small smile and blush. Leo stood laughing while Miyuki and Honoka stood behind giggling while Shizuku was in front with the guys an unusually large grin plastered across her face.
"Mou, now my uniform is dirty. What was that for? And how did you know my secret spot?" Mayumi scratched her head and pouted.
"Hmm I guess it was for old time's sake, it could be the last time we could surprise you. As for the secret spot..." Leo grinned evilly at Tatsuya who smiled crookedly.
"W-wait you mean Tatsuya was stalking me all along?" Mayumi scampered back into the safety of the swing and curled herself up into a ball for 'safety'.
"N-no I was just worried about you because you tended to disappear for ages on end after school, so one day i followed you that's all," Tatsuya looked away from the bunch nonchalantly.
"Anyway, how are you feeling Mayumi, nervous?"
"Not really Miyuki, I never really had a problem with large audiences so the speech shouldn't be an issue," Mayumi involuntarily remembered her experience in class, being trained in speech by her father at home.
"Wahh, It must feel great to be the Valedictorian, I wonder if I'll ever be one." Honoka looked at Mayumi adoringly her eyes sparkling.
"Ahaha its really not a big thing." Mayumi shook her head and waved her hands.
"Of course its not a big issue," Everyone looked at Tatsuya, even Mayumi looked surprised.
"After all Mayumi-senpai has from the get go been first what would change?" Tatsuya shrugged oblivious to Mayumi blushing at his compliment.
Miyuki huffed at the side.
'Always complimenting Mayumi, why does it have to be like this?' Sighing, Miyuki decided that she would try not to dwell much on Tatsuya's attention on Mayumi rather than whatever attention he gave her instead.
"Anyway, shouldn't we leave for the hall? The ceremony will start soon." Shizuku was on top of things as usual.
"Yeah after all Tatsuya wouldn't bear to miss his dear-ACK!" History repeated itself as Mayumi's pouch hit Leo smack in the face.
The group laughed merrily and heartily, enjoying whatever time they had left together.
"Please give a round of applause to the valedictorian of the graduating batch, Saegusa Mayumi!"
Thunderous applause rise from the crowd. As the applause slowly died down, Murmurs could be heard circulating the auditorium.
"There was a Saegusa here? I didn't know."
"What's a Saegusa doing here? I thought they'd attend a private school!"
A clacking of heels reverberated throughout the auditorium immediately silencing the audience. Mayumi stood at the mike, hands clasped in front of her chest earnestly. A calm but longing look was etched on her face, as if reliving the past in the present.
"Good morning to all teachers and fellow students... ..."
The auditorium was a hive of activity, fellow students were congratulating each other while others were crying, sad to see their seniors leave the school. Tatsuya stood up calmly, signalling Miyuki and the rest to follow suit.
"Where are we going Tatsuya?" Honami asked quietly.
"Oh I arranged to meet with Mayumi at the field." Tatsuya smiled softly.
From afar they could see Mayumi still clad in her graduation attire. As she looked around, she spotted the group and began waving and jumping around.
"You know this is about the last time you'll be able to act like this right, Mayumi?" Tatsuya chuckled
"Mmm! So I'd better make full use of this last opportunity right Tatsuya-kun?" Mayumi bent forward in a teasing manner.
"Hmm so its not because you were excited to see YOUR Tatsuya?" Leo prodded Mayumi yet again.
"Of course it is, do you even need to ask?" Shizuku added fuel to the fire.
Mayumi looked flabbergasted. She turned from Leo to Shizuku with her mouth open unsure of how this even occurred.
"Anyway, I wanted to invite all of you out to have some fun. It'll be at the new theme park today. Would you be able to make it at 4pm today?" She looked around the group in a somewhat questioning manner.
They nodded in an almost synchronised manner that seemed really uncanny,
"Alright! How about heading out of school for lunch then? I'd like to spend my last day as a Middle school student with all of you!" Her eyes sparkled brightly and her smile seemed so lively.
"Mmm alright lunch sounds good! How about a buffet?"
"Miyuki? What do you think?"
"I guess I don't mind! After all its the company not the food that matters!" Miyuki beamed.
"Leo-kun, always thinking with your stomach. Well I don't really mind. Honoka?"
"Haa could we go to the latest international buffet restaurant? I'd love to try that!" Honoka chirped happily.
Light casual conversation continued with more vigour than usual. After all god knew when they would meet again.
*Ting* "Welcome!" A chorus of voices of staff was heard from the restaurant.
"Table for 6 please!" Mayumi didn't skip a beat.
"Alright this way please!" A waitress led them to a window seat.
"Thank you for choosing our restaurant!" She bowed politely.
"Do feel free to help yourselves to the food. The plates are over there, Japanese cuisine is over there, western cuisine is located over there and there. Feel free to order any special dishes from the menu by approaching any of the staff! Would there be any drinks for you?" The waitress professionally 'briefed' them about the meal while using gestures to refer to locations.
"Could I have 1 iced cappuccino?" Mayumi smiled genially.
"One iced cappuccino coming up! Would there be anything else?"
"Two iced teas please." Tatsuya stoically replied.
"One iced green tea and one blended coffee!" Honoka bubbled.
"Hmm I'm not sure... How about a peach tea?" Leo answered after much deliberation.
"Alright! Your drinks will be served soon!"
Thus, lunch proceeded as planned...
"Ah that was satisfying!" Leo leaned back contentedly.
Everyone had long finished eating, after all, Leo had the biggest appetite of them all. The rest were currently sipping their second round of drinks while chatting idly.
"Wow everyone, look! Leo is finally done! Hurrah!" The Shizuku commentary had begun.
"Yeah isn't that great? That took just about 2 and a half hours." Tatsuya added.
"You know, Leo-kun, when others say 'I can eat a cow!' They mean it figuratively, but I believe you actually can!" Miyuki flashed him a sickly sweet smile.
"Haa Miyuki good one!" Honoka chortled.
If you looked carefully at Leo, you could see beads of sweat running down his temples as an uneasy expression dawned on his face. Mayumi laughed
"Seems like our dear Leo-kun hasn't gotten used to the sarcastic treatment.
"Neh then have you yet, Mayumi-senpai?" Shizuku's eyes glinted darkly.
"Hmm have you gotten use to the sickly sweet treatment then, Shizuku-chan?" Mayumi leaned forward in a teasing manner.
Shizuku shivered. The rest broke into peals of laughter. Sometimes these things reminded them how much of a natural Tomboy Shizuku was despite being raised as an Ojou-sama.
"Onii-sama, should we be heading home to change and get ready now?" Miyuki tugged at Tatsuya's sleeve in a very sisterly way.
"Hmm, I guess so Miyuki, it is after all just 2 hours to meeting again. Mayumi, why don't we part ways for now?" Tatsuya suggested.
"Fufufu I was already prepared so I have my change of clothes with me" Mayumi smiled at Tatsuya.
"Could I visit you today? I'd like to pay a visit to Honami-san pleeaassee." Mayumi implored earnestly with a face many guys could not resist.
"Miyuki,m I'll leave it up to you." Tatsuya deftly turned away and continued to sip his drink, at which Mayumi pouted, disappointed at being ignored.
As Mayumi turned her pleading look to Miyuki, Miyuki started waging a mental war.
'Onii-sama always treats Mayumi nicely, and forgets about me! But, it might be the last time we see her...'
Sighing Miyuki nodded her head tiredly. She decided that Mayumi should see Honami at least one more time. Mayumi smiled gratefully at Miyuki who smiled back, who was hoping that she would not rue her decision later.
"Eeeeh? The married couple is finally going home together!" Leo bursts out.
"Shush! No inappropriate comments now!" Shizuku silenced Leo by stuffing a nearby bun into his mouth causing Honoka to guffaw.
"Honami! We're home!" Miyuki's voice rang out through the 'Shiba' household as she ran in to find Honami.
"Sorry for the intrusion!" Mayumi politely greeted before placing her shoes on the shoe rack before removing a pair of sport shoes from her shoe bag and replacing it with her school shoes.
"Come in, Mayumi, Honami is likely to be on the second floor from the racket I'm hearing.
A shriek followed by series of laughs recognisable to originate from Honami echoed through the household. Tatsuya shook his head as he let Mayumi in, while closing the door. Mayumi looked confused and worried,
"Is Miyuki alright? That was pretty loud!" Mayumi looked at Tatsuya with worry in her eyes.
"Its nothing serious. You'll see why in a while." Tatsuya chuckled as he walked forward with Mayumi.
Plodding up the stairs, Tatsuya saw various articles of female undergarments spewed across the floor outside of Miyuki's room. At the doorstep Miyuki was covered in a pile of undergarments. Tatsuya, unable to withhold his laughter, laughed out heartily at the amusing display.
"Onii-sama! Instead of laughing you should help me…"
"Are you sure you would want me to touch your undergarments?" Tatsuya looked at her quizzically.
Miyuki's face reddened when she realised what she had just asked of her brother and squealed, hiding her red face in the various assortment of clothing.
"Neh Miyuki, let me help you clean up." Mayumi walked over and started picking up her clothes while Miyuki looked at her in a dazed manner.
Smiling, Miyuki nodded and muttered an "Arigatou!" before she herself and the prankster Honami helped to clear the mess.
'Maybe she isn't so bad after all...' Miyuki thought as she looked at Mayumi diligently helping her.
After finishing clearing the mess, Mayumi and Honami sat at the living room for a heart to heart talk while Miyuki and Tatsuya went to wash up and change for the outing later on.
Half an hour later, Tatsuya was currently conversing with Honami and Mayumi while waiting for Miyuki to get ready. He wore a simple white shirt with grey bermudas as well as moccasins to complete the look.
"Mayumi, what do you think of dating younger guys?" Honami popped a sly question.
"E-eeh? Whatever do you mean? Ahaha…" Mayumi faltered, and began looking around skittishly, while tapping her fingers against the table.
Honami gave Mayumi a knowing look, to which Mayumi gave up and drooped her head. Tatsuya Pretended not to hear a thing as he whistled a popular tune as he looked at the stairwell.
"Mayumi, I'd like to give you one important piece of advice. Never regret not doing anything in your life, if you want to do something, just go ahead." Honami smiled kindly as she faced Mayumi, immediately transforming from the playful young-at-heart lady that all loved to the mature and wise woman Miyuki and Tatsuya had grown to love as their own flesh and blood.
Mayumi nodded as she swallowed.
"Tatsuya-"
"Finally. Miyuki, we have been waiting for you. You look gorgeous as usual." Tatsuya stood up before Mayumi could say anything.
The older girl seemed to droop like a wilted flower, her usually vibrant and lively face seemed sad. Shaking it off, a look of steely determination crossed over her face.
'I will do it, I have to do it!' She looked at Honami who nodded before crossing over to her with a knowing look in her eyes.
"Know that love knows no boundaries. Good luck." Honami smiled and gently nudged her toward the siblings who were waiting for her at the doorstep.
"Hey! You're late!" Leo waved above the crowd.
The trio made their way to where Leo and the others stood. Mayumi whipped out 6 day passed for the park and began plodding toward the entrance gantry. Leo kept shooting suggestive glances Tatsuya's way. Tatsuya facepalmed and rubbed his temples.
"No Leo, nothing of the sort happened."
The girls who were ahead were completely oblivious to the line of conversation Leo and Tatsuya were having, which was fortunate for Leo.
"Leo, you go first." Tatsuya made way for Leo.
Leo scanned the card. *Beep* *beep* the machine displayed a red error error message.
"Eeh?" Leo repeatedly scanned the card only to see the same error message being displayed.
"Could the idiot at the front please hurry up? I don't have all day!" A voice echoed from the back while Leo still repeatedly tried to tap the entry card.
A foreboding feeling came over Tatsuya, somehow he felt that a fight was about to erupt. At that moment, a red short haired girl of average height squeezed her way to the front with a menacing expression on her face.
"Baka! The problem is the electronic card in your wallet!" She roughly grabbed Leo's card and tapped it, Leo's expression altered to an annoyed one.
After several tried by the hot-headed girl, Leo decided to retrieve his card.
"Seems as if Ms Know-it-all isn't god almighty." Leo rolled his eyes as he took back his card.
Behind him, the girl looked as if she was about to blow her top. Stomping toward Leo who was heading to the customer service counter, she snatched the card out of his hand and grabbed it from him, utterly bewildering Leo.
"Good evening! My friend had some issues with entering with this card! Could you help us with it?" The girl smiled sweetly.
Leo gagged upon seeing her 180 degree change in attitude. She turned around and glared daggers at Leo, at which he freezed as if she was medusa. Tatsuya meanwhile watched, amused at the impromptu confrontation. Internally, he noted her pretty features and brilliant smile, her manners also showed upbringing of a certain class. Above all, her red hair reminded him of the Chiba clan of the hundred families.
"Onii-sama! Is there an issue over there?" Miyuki cocked her head and looked questioningly at Tatsuya.
"Oh, nothing much. Leo might have found someone compatible that's all." Tatsuya chuckled as he looked at Leo and the girl going at it.
"What's your deal anyway, can't handle the idea that you could be wrong?" Leo countered.
"What's your problem? Getting personal when you can't win? You know it was a possibility why the card couldn't work or are you as silly as you look?" She shot back with venom.
Both parties were practically growling at one another with fangs bared and ready to fight. Meanwhile, the forgotten card lay adjusted with the counter lady who was sweating buckets trying to grab their attention.
"Thank you so much miss, I apologise for the issue." Tatsuya bowed and collected the card much to the embarrassment and relief of the lady.
Tatsuya walked into the arena and stood beside Leo, the girl turning her attention to the newcomer with some annoyance.
"Leo, I think its time to go, unless you would like to spend more time bonding with this young lady over here." Tatsuya smiled at the girl who looked astonished.
"Why would someone want to even be friends with this baka over here?" She folded her arms and snorted before walking away.
"You're probably like that because you have no friends anyway." Leos said to himself.
The girl suddenly stopped in her tracks. Turning to look at Leo, she had tears in her eyes. Shocked, Leo stepped back. It seemed he had hit too close to home. She Looked devastated, yet unsure of what to do. Mayumi had been watching from the very beginning and at this point she felt exactly empathic toward the girl. She probably felt upset and angry at society for segregating her. Making a decision, Mayumi exited the gantry to aid them.
"Come on, why don't you join us then? The more the merrier right?" Mayumi grabbed the girl's hand from behind.
"E-eh?" She looked stunned beyond belief.
"B-but you just wasted your ticket," She stuttered.
Putting her hand on the girl's shoulder, she smiled.
"There are more important things in life than money."
"Chiba Erika. Call me Erika." She smiled at Mayumi.
"Saegusa Mayumi, call me Mayumi." She smiled as a somewhat shocked expression came over her face before a self-degrading smile surfaced for a moment.
"Saijou Leonhart, sorry for that comment." Leo offered his hand.
Erika jumped backward at the sudden appearance of another voice.
"Baka! Why would I want to shake your hand? And what's with that weird name?" Erika glared at him with tears still in her eyes.
"I'm quarter german that's all. I apologise for my behaviour." Leo bowed deeply, surprising Erika.
"Hahaha there's no need to be so old-fashioned and formal! I'll be calling you grandpa from now on!" Erika burst into hearty laughter suddenly.
Tatsuya looked at Miyuki, as she smiled crookedly back at him. Shaking their heads at one another, they turned back to watch Leo and Erika go at it like a married couple.
'Sometimes instant connections are possible, I guess?' Tatsuya thought while looking on, amused.
The day went by without much incident, it turned out that Shizuku was a daredevil. She laughed at all the rides while the other girls screamed. It was one of the few times that Tatsuya saw Shizuku smiling really brightly. Miyuki waltzed through the haunted house with Tatsuya while Erika laughed at Leo cowering in the shadows, it was a really funny sight to see, a large hulking boy being laughed at by a hyper red haired girl. Mayumi was pretty much the most typical girl one would expect at theme parks, screaming at the haunted house and many rides.
The group walked toward the last ride, the ferris wheel. It was touted as the highest wheel in Japan.
"Ahhh! The highest wheel in Japan! I heard you can see the sea from the top!" Honoka clasped her hands as her eyes widened in anticipation.
"Mmm! I heard its quite romantic up there." Mayumi added.
"Hmmph! Its slow and not at all thrilling. I think I'll wait for you down here."
"Hahhh? Shizuku, you really aren't coming?" Honoka looked at Shizuku with pleading eyes.
"Nope, I'd rather stay down here and munch on snacks from the stalls." Shizuku remained adamant about her decision, disappointing Honoka.
"Leo and Erika are up ahead huh." Tatsuya commented.
"Hahaha baka! You're probably gonna get scared again from the height!" Erika smirked at Leo.
"At least girls take notice of me. Guys probably don't even notice you since you're more like a guy anyway!" Leo shot back.
Their banter continued back and forth as the group approached the queue.
"Excuse me! Might be this the queue?" Mayumi asked politely.
"Yes it is!"
The queue was littered with couples holding hands. It was expected since it was a romantic spot. Honoka's spirit dropped as the length of the queue dawned on her.
"Here." A box of ice cream cones were shoved in Honoka's face.
Looking up, Shizuku gave her a small smile. Honoka gratefully took a cone with a smile. Shizuku was a really great friend. Although she seemed gruf and uncaring, she often simply didn't know how to express her emotions.
*After half an hour and countless snacks*
"The next pair please!"
"Come on Miyuki! Let's go!" Honoka grabbed Miyuki's hand and tugged, dragging her foward.
"B-but Onii-sama!" Miyuki gave up as Tatsuya smiled and waved at her as she and Honoka entered the small 2 person 'carriage'.
After a short while, Erika and Leo entered, leaving Tatsuya and Mayumi alone. Awkward silence pervaded the two as they watched and heard Leo and Erika fight even during the ride.
"Tatsuya-kun, have you ever been in love?" Mayumi faced Tatsuya with reddished cheeks.
"I don't know…" Tatsuya faced her with a wistful yet unsure expression.
"Next pair please!"
Tatsuya helped Mayumi into the ride, as their skin touched, Tatsuya felt a jolt of electricity seemingly pass through his hand. Her skin felt smooth, perfect, probably what many other girls would envy. Mayumi's face was tinged with red as she let out a small gasp. Entering the ride himself, he closed the gate and it started to move. They watched in silence as they ascended together. For Mayumi, many thoughts of uncertainty passed through her head as the scenery passed below.
'Should I or should I not?' She snuck a glance at Tatsuya who held his hand in his head as he leaned out, admiring the view.
'This is probably the best chance. Honami believed in me, I shall try.' Her resolved steeled.
"Tatsuya-kun." Tatsuya turned his head and looked at her.
Feeling his gaze on her, she swallowed. His gaze softened as he smiled.
"What is it, senpai?" He asked gently.
I-I, I li-" She stuttered and looked down, finding it hard to say those few simple words that meant so much to her.
A finger came in contact with her lips. Looking up, her kouhai put his finger on his lips.
"Senpai, not now, let us simply savour the moment." Tatsuya smiled as he tucked a few loose hairs behind her ear.
She blushed, not knowing what to do, she returned to the previous position and looked out of the window with Tatsuya.
"I guess this is it then, Thank you everyone for coming, even our new friend, Erika!" Mayumi greeted everyone.
'This is the end I guess.' She thought bitterly.
"Thank you so much Mayumi!" They all echoed out with the exception of Erika who smiled.
As Mayumi got into the car prepared for her, Tatsuya flashed her a smile even through the tinted glass.
That night, she could not sleep. She thought hard about middle school all the times and fun, but within it all, the name Shiba Tatsuya could not be erased or avoided.
'Was that rejection? What was that? Why couldn't he even let me finish?' At that moment, her mobile terminal vibrated.
She got up restlessly. It was a mail from Tatsuya.
"Thank you Mayumi for being a friend, our first friend as well as someone we could look up to. Someone with a big heart and limitless kindness, I don't know if we ever deserved to meet you. For all the good times, I sincerely thank you, though it was a pity that it was only a year. All the best in high school and hope to meet you again. Your beloved kouhai, Tatsuya."
She immediately called the Shiba home line to hear the error message.
On the other side, Tatsuya looked bitterly at his mobile terminal. His aunt had already blocked all contact with Mayumi, be it mail or by line. That was the power and control which Maya exacted upon members of the Yotsuba, absolute control. Thoughts o f Mayumi's near confession sprung in his head, it was lucky that he had stopped it for if not, the consequences would have been great, the repercussions of that far greater. No matter how Tatsuya reasoned to himself, he knew what he did was cruel and unfair to her.
Mayumi felt confused and pained as she lay in bed, her eyes wet from crying.
'Why did he do this? Why did it have to end up like this?' Anger formed and built inside her like a damn.
She vowed never to love again. She would do so well in high school that he would forever regret. Saegusa Mayumi would make a name for herself separate from the Saegusa.
