Another glorious day at Nanamori school. A day when students are at their usual best behavior to attend and try their best to get their exemplary grades. While the teachers are away, preparing the materials they have on their tables to teach toward their disciples. Although not bothered by the fact that some 'small' explosions are heard from the lab in the morning, everything was smooth as ever—just another ordinary day for both students and teachers at Nanamori School.
For a certain blonde girl, she hoped for the same if it wasn't for an unfortunate event.
A few minutes before school starts, Sakurako is talking with Himawari in the hallway. They have put down their bags in their class. Both girls are standing one class away from theirs. Other female students come and go around the hallways, talking with their respective friends and even play Shiritori. Teachers aren't in sight just yet until the bell toll. Students would either be running or and jog back to their class if the bell rings.
For the two girls, it would be a simple walk back to their class.
As the conversation went on, a certain girl enters into their conversation. It's a similar particular white-haired girl. But the only difference is that her tsurime eyes are green. The girl was none other than a twin sister of Chitose. Her personality wasn't the same as her sister's.
"Ah, Chizuru-san," Himawari greeted with a smile. "Ohayou."
"Ohayou, Himawari-san," the said white girl greeted back. "Ohayou, Sakurako-san."
Sakurako nods at her. "How was your early morning, Chizuru?"
"Nice, I suppose," the white-haired girl replied in her timid and flat voice. "You?"
"Could be better," Sakurako responded, which irritated the bluenette.
"Is it about homework again?" Himawari asked with eyebrows narrowed down.
"I'm just concerned if I'll get bad grades," Sakurako responded with a shrug.
"We did the homework together yesterday, you know?" Himawari then sighed. "Do you need me to recheck it for you?"
"No need," Sakurako shook her head. "I think I'm confident enough."
"By the way," Himawari then turned at Chizuru. "Is there something up?"
"Nothing," Chizuru shook her head before bowing her head. "I just want to talk with someone."
Sakurako remains composed. "It looks like someone bothered you."
Chizuru sighs with eyes closed. "It's that darn Toshinou-whatever her name again."
"You mean Kyouko?"
"Eh? Y-yeah," the white-haired twin sister awkwardly nodded. "Just hugged me out of nowhere and… messing around with me."
"I guess that is Kyouko for you," Sakurako sighed at her expense of annoyance. "Playful as always."
"Is she?" Chizuru asked with a raised brow. "Does she also annoy you? I think you got along just fine with her."
"You could say that," Sakurako let out a quick sigh. "Ironic. I was also like that girl, except I was much dumber than her."
"What do you mean you were?" Chizuru was a bit confused about buying the statement. "Aren't you also like playing around as she did?"
"She was, but…" Himawari paused to stare at her. "I don't know. She kind of… stopped like that."
"Hm?" Sakurako stared at her childhood friend with an oblivious look.
"Heh, you did stop because of that stunt you pulled," Himawari responded.
"Oh? You mean the stunt she did at your sleepover?" Chizuru's question caught Himawari off-guard, whereas Sakurako only stared at her.
"Did Chitose tell you about it?" Sakurako asked curiously.
"She did," Chizuru replied with a nod. "I didn't really notice until she told me what happened to you. I thought you were just in a bad mood when we bumped into each other."
"Well, I wish I was," Sakurako replied with a shrug.
"What were you talking about, by the way?" Chizuru asked with arms crossed.
"We're just talking about a celebrity," Himawari replied as she clasped her hands together. "Do you know about Gina Fuzuruki?"
"Oh, you mean that idol from Aomori?" Chizuru asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes, that one," Sakurako replied with a nod. "You like her songs?"
"I like some of them," Chizuru replied with a nod. "I kinda guessed you've heard about that scandal."
"Um, do you mean that one where she rips people off?" Sakurako asked.
"Yeah, and also that one incident when she slapped one girl outright for spouting out a lame insult," Chizuru responded.
"Fuzuruki-san is a quite temperamental one, isn't she?" Himawari commented with a finger on her chin.
"And she has a good slap," both girls then deadpanned at the blonde. "What?"
"I never thought you'll be the one to compliment a scandalous action," Chizuru found this a bit appalling for the supposed cheerful girl.
"I mean," Sakurako just shrugged. "It was a solid, loud slap."
"I can't deny that," Himawari responded with eyes closed. "But that girl doesn't deserve to be slap by an idol for a petty insult."
"Then she's just unfortunate to find a temperamental one," Sakurako added with a nod. "I think Fuzuruki-san has the same temper as you."
Himawari procures a blank stare at her. "Is that an insult or a compliment?"
"Just an opinion," Sakurako rubbed her left arm.
"You're dodging the question," Himawari half-shut her eyes.
"To be honest, I'm not even sure if it's either of them both," Sakurako replied. "Like I said, just an opinion."
Himawari sighs with a speck of disappointment or maybe irritation. Where Chizuru then states. "I have to say; it's a good kind of sight to see you both not fighting again."
"I have to agree, Chizuru-san," Himawari placed a hand on her chest. "I haven't hit her head for a while now. Saves myself some energy."
"I'm glad to hear that, Himawari-san," Chizuru nodded.
Sakurako notices just now that she doesn't smile. "You don't smile that often, do you?"
"Erm… I think?" Chizuru was a bit off-guard by the question. "I don't know. Why you're asking that?"
"Well, I just think you're a bit of an… anomaly," Sakurako landed her chin on her fist that is supported by another hand. "You look like your sister, except for your eyes. And you're not that open like Chitose-senpai is."
"I know," Chizuru nodded and looked away for a moment. "I don't like talking with people and staying in crowded places."
"I can understand why," Sakurako replied with a nod. "Where's Chitose-senpai?"
"She's in the Student Council office with Ayano-senpai," Chizuru then took her glasses off.
But Sakurako halts her. "Please don't fantasize for now. The bell's going to toll soon."
"Ah, you right," Chizuru then placed her eyeglasses back. "Thank you for reminding me."
Sakurako only nods to her response. "Something just crossed my mind."
"What is it?" Himawari asked.
Sakurako then turns at the white-haired twin. "Do you like reading, Chizuru?"
"Of course," Chizuru nodded. "You like reading too?"
"More or less," it's a bit vague for the both of them. "I was thinking about borrowing one from the library, but I want to ask someone to see if there's any recommendation for me."
"I can do that," Chizuru replied, now with her eyes widened. "What genre are you looking for?"
"Hmm… Romance," Sakurako paused for a second. "And also mystery. Like a detective story."
"Ah, I have some recommendations in mind. But I'm not sure if those are available in the school," Chizuru then rubbed her head. "How about we look for one at the public library after school day? There should be a variety according to the genres you're looking for."
"Hmm," Sakurako then nodded. "Then it's a deal. I'll let you know if there are any changes."
"Sounds good for me," Chizuru nodded with consent.
*TUNG-TUNG-NUNG-NUNG*
"Ah, the school's starting," Chizuru stated calmly. "I should be on my way."
"Alright," Sakurako replied with a nod. "I'll see you at lunch."
The girls part ways to return to their classes. What another pleasant conversation they had.
"That was rare."
Sakurako then turns at Himawari. "What is rare?"
"I think this is the first time I see you talk with her," Himawari smiled and chuckled a bit. "Chitose-senpai did say she doesn't get along pretty well with anyone else, especially with Kyouko."
"Is she?" Sakurako raised an eyebrow. "I personally liked her."
"You don't know her that much," Himawari stated.
"I know," Sakurako replied as they entered their class.
They return to their respective chairs, greeting both Akari and Chinatsu, who sit in the adjacent column of chairs. After waving at the redhead and the pinkish girls, they both sit down and prep their books and writing tools. However, for Sakurako, she halts. There's something off with her chair. To be specific, on her bottom. Something wet touching there.
She then tries to stand up, only for the chair to follow suit. She stops and continues to stare at her chair.
"Chinatsu. Akari."
The said girls turn their heads, whereas Himawari only glances in her direction.
"Did someone put some glue on my chair?"
The girls stay silent and then simultaneously… "Wait, what?!"
Sakurako then looks at their shocked faces. "You didn't see who did this?"
"N-no," Chinatsu shook her head. "We just got in."
"We didn't notice that until now," Akari is too honest even to do this kind of prank.
Sakurako can't help but sigh. "Crap."
"Do you need help?" Himawari walked over to her.
"No," Sakurako began to push the chair downward as she tried to stand up. "I think I can get this off. Let me just…"
With enough force, she pushes the chair off her bottom with all her might.
*SRAK*
"Ah, finally," Sakurako then patted herself. "Time to get the glue off-"
Her words trailed off when she saw her friends are aghast at her with bewildered wide eyes and mouths left open a little. There was also a sense of 'disgust' in their eyes. That could only mean one thing for the poor blonde.
"Please don't tell me I just ripped the bottom half of my uniform."
"Erm…" Akari could barely nod. "Yes… you did."
Sakurako lazily turns around, and what a sight before her. The remaining fabric of her uniform is still stuck on her chair, glued like a welded metal. She didn't bother to look at the condition of her dress because she could feel the cold wind on her exposed underwear-covered butt. What's worse was that everyone in the class look in her direction, including the teacher, just came in the wrong time, all having a horrified stare.
Sakurako was angry and fretful, but the only proof of that is through her tightened fist, not on her face that remained expressionless.
"I think I know who did this."
In the neighboring class.
"Kyouko."
"Yeah?"
Yui shows her concern about the blondie brat's plan. "Are you sure that's a good idea to do that to Sakurako?"
"Oh, what's wrong?" Kyouko asked with a potty mouth. "It's just a prank."
"I know you just want to make fun of her," Yui shook her head. "But do you really have to do that to her chair?"
"What?" Kyouko asked back with a sly smile. "It's a genius idea! I can't wait to see what's her face looks like!"
Yui could only sigh. "You should apologize to her later."
"Ah, don't worry about that," Kyouko doesn't look so concerned at all. "I'm sure she'll be fine."
Twenty minutes or so were wasted for finding another spare uniform for Sakurako. It was rather unfortunate for the teacher's time. For the students, not so much. The teacher herself promised to find the person who did this. However, Sakurako politely declines and tells her she'll do just fine. It took some convincing for her to let Sakurako deal with it. While Sakurako knew who might do this, it was just speculation. She would deal with this later.
For now, they went ahead to study Social Science. Not good, but not bad either for Sakurako. The current chapter is about studying the meaning of assimilation, corporation, coalition, etc. Sakurako is familiar with the word 'coalition.' Two or more people or groups worked together temporarily to achieve the same goal. This is something she might already understand when she began running assignments for Shiba, more or less.
However, her focus began to faint. She has supported her forehead with her left hand. Her eyes began to feel heavy, that she started to rub them. Sakurako had straightened her back to stretch herself, a way to make herself feel awake. Even so far as to tilt her head left and right to break her stiff neck into two.
The bluenette who is sitting behind her did not enjoy the troubling sight of Sakurako. It might be she was telling the truth about insomnia. While the teacher is currently writing on the board, Himawari pokes on her shoulder. Her head merely turned sixty degrees and looked out the corner of her eyes. Oddly enough, she doesn't seem to feel irritated being called quietly.
"What is it?" Sakurako asked quietly.
"Are you feeling tired?" Himawari asked in concern.
"A little bit," Sakurako slightly nodded. "Why?"
"I think you should take a rest at the clinic," Himawari suggested quietly.
"That won't be necessary," Sakurako replied. "I will be doing just fine."
"Are you sure?" Himawari frowned her eyebrows. "I don't want the teacher to catch you sleeping in class."
"I'm fine."
"Sakurako."
She instinctively turns her head forward, almost hurting her neck like she was an owl. It's clear that the teacher is pretty displeased with her behavior. Nevertheless, the teacher is pretty forgiving for this kind of behavior. With a sigh and both hands on the hips, she sharpens her attention at the blonde student.
"Weren't you paying attention?" the teacher asked.
"I was paying attention," Sakurako replied sincerely. "I'm just having a hard time concentrating."
"Is that why you talked with her?" the teacher asked again.
"No, sensei," Sakurako shook her head. "She just asked why I looked tired."
"I see," the teacher shut her eyes for a moment before pointing at her with the stick. "Now, Oomuro-san. Can you give me an example of a coalition?"
Sakurako continues to stare at her for a moment, at which the teacher sigh. "See? You're not paying attention-"
"I'm sorry, I just got the answer."
It's rude to cut her off, but that's the word the teacher's looking for. "Okay, what's an example of a coalition?"
"Two different private security companies, one that focuses on network security and one that specializes on armed security service, worked together temporarily to stop and destroy a terrorist group that wants to steal secret information and destroy the employer, which is the government official."
Sakurako was a bit stressed to answer that but already feels relieved that she said it. Alas, she did not expect to have everyone deadpanning at her for having an incredibly intricate answer. She could feel that Himawari was about to drop her head on the spot. Akari and Chinatsu, like the rest of the students, are perplexed and intrigued by the answer. The teacher, well… she looks like she had just taken a drug.
"That's… that was very good, Oomuro-san," the teacher awkwardly replied. "But I didn't expect for you to answer that long and complicated."
"That is what I had in mind," Sakurako nodded. "So forgive me that I couldn't think of any other answer."
"No need to say that," the teacher assured with a smile. "Alright, now back to the board."
The class continues as usual. However, the girls around her can't help but be amazed at her response. Akari was the only person in the class to be severely awed by Sakurako's composure. Something rare to see for her.
Thankfully, the lesson ends before moving onto the next subject, which is science. Yet again, Sakurako manages to alarm everyone about the same 'lessons of life endangerment.' Only a few would get the joke. Rise must have like the joke.
And for today, everyones' obvious favorite thing at school, lunch-bloody-time. Today's menu would be stir-fried pork and pepper, spinach salad, and miso soup, accompanied with rice and a drink of milk. It's somehow nice to know that Himawari doesn't have to deal with bell peppers. Everyone will be packing their stomachs full of energy. Then again, there's one thing that frustrates Sakurako a bit.
The fact that the school won't allow giving coffees to students, probably for a good reason. Maybe she should buy one from the vending machine after this.
As of now, Sakurako is sitting together with her usual group of friends. Himawari seems pretty thankful that she isn't being a glutton for now. Akari and Chinatsu are a bit bothered about her same oblivious expression and the fact that her previous uniform got shredded by glue. It was appalling to know that she didn't feel embarrassed when having her bottom exposed to the whole class.
Not that Sakurako was 'that' kind of girl.
Sakurako is eating quietly on her food when Akari shows her concern. "It must be embarrassing for you."
"About the prank?" Sakurako let out a haggard breath through her nose. "I barely angry that someone would do that to my chair."
"Barely?" Chinatsu asked as she leaned back. "I expected that you'd be screaming back there."
Sakurako slowly turns her weary eyes at the pink girl. "I'm in no condition to scream for this morning."
"Well, you usually that energetic," Chinatsu commented. "Frankly, I just noticed you looked a bit weary."
"Erm… did you sleep overnight again?" Akari innocently asked with winced eyes.
"Correction, I didn't sleep."
It was no surprise for Himawari, but it sure the hell does for the two other girls.
"W-what?" Sakurako is now pretty concerned about Akari's worriedness. "Are you sure you're not sleepy?! You could be sleeping in the class!"
"N-no…" Sakurako was a bit awkward to answer her panicky question. "I'm pretty wide awake, Akari-chan."
"B-but it could be bad for your health, you know?!" Akari leaned forward with severe consideration.
"Calm down, Akari," Sakurako can't help but shed a sweat. "I'm still fine. I just need some coffee, and I'll be energized."
"I doubt that drinking coffee is enough to keep you awake," Chinatsu disagreed with her suggestion.
"I know," Sakurako replied with a nod. "It's like using chloroform to keep me sleeping."
Himawari awkwardly shuts her eyes. "That's just far-fetched."
"Hmm," Sakurako then drunk her milk.
Akari then sheds sweat and nervously smiles. "Are you still upset about your chair, Sakurako?"
"It would be better if you didn't even bother to mention."
Akari awkwardly opens her mouth with a wide smile. "A-ah, I'm sorry!"
"It's fine," Sakurako then ate her pork. "I should ask if she really did it."
"Is it really necessary?" Himawari asked with a raised brow. "You know what kind of person Kyouko is."
"It's still a conjecture," Sakurako responded with a shrug. "But that's a very good chance."
"What are you going to do with her if she really did it?" Himawari then ate her rice.
"I'm still thinking about it," Sakurako paused for a second. "But I assure you that it won't be nice."
"You're not planning to hit her, do you?" Himawari bowed her head a little.
"No," Sakurako flatly answered. "I'll think of something."
Himawari then sighs, unamused. "I'm sure whoever did that will apologize to you."
Sakurako acknowledges with a nod. "If she wanted to."
"Don't be like that, Saa-chan," Himawari was against the opinion. "I'm one-hundred percent sure she will apologize to you."
Sakurako didn't reply, but she looks up at her for a moment before looking back at her food. This doesn't bother Sakurako much. That girl, possibly Kyouko, would apologize. But the only thing that she felt uncomfortable with was the resentful feeling in her mind. She eats quietly as her friends chatted with each other.
When her food is finished, she noticed out of the corner of her eye was a white-haired girl coming into the class. Her posture seems rigid at best. It was the same girl with green eyes, none other than the other twin Ikeda's sister. The girl then walks over to where they sat.
"Hello, everyone," Chizuru greeted them.
"Ah, Chizuru-san, hello," Akari greeted with a smile. "Is there something you need?"
"No, not really," Chizuru then looked at Sakurako. "By the way, I just figured I have a couple of books you might want to read."
Sakurako raises her eyebrow, piquing her much. "Do they have the genres I asked?"
"I have one on mystery," Chizuru then looked over to the other book she brought. "The other one, well… it's a romance book."
"I don't mind," Sakurako replied. "Can I have a look?"
"Here you go," Chizuru then handed over the two books to her.
Chinatsu tilts her head as she looks at the blonde. "Didn't you say you were interested in only manga?"
"I don't really remember if I have said that to you," Sakurako looked over to the books' back cover. "But I like novels too. It looks like we both don't have to bother heading for the library, right?"
"Well, if you like these books, then we don't have to bother," Chizuru replied. "Do you like it?"
Sakurako really likes the books Chizuru had, especially the mystery genre. Although, what's more interesting about the mystery-genre that it involves military personnel in the story. Upon reading the name of military personnel, something had struck her mind. An idea came up in her head. Of course, a mind-blowing one.
"Huh, I just remembered something," Sakurako then put down the books. "The books are interesting, but keep them for a moment. I'll take them back home later."
"Where are you going?" Himawari asked with a raised brow, watching Sakurako getting off her chair.
"I need to talk with Nishigaki-sensei on something," Sakurako responded.
"Something about what?" Himawari asked with a raised brow.
"I'm just worried if I forgot something," Sakurako turned her head to the white-haired girl. "I'll see you later, Chizuru-san."
"Hm," Chizuru nodded before they all watched her left the class.
Himawari stares at where she left off and could only leave thought to herself. "I wonder what's up with her."
Unbothered and unaware by her neighbor's concern, Sakurako makes her way in a jog towards the nearby restroom. She also makes sure that the restroom is empty. Two girls were talking in the mirror but soon made their way out. After a simple stretch of her shoulders, she pulls out the phone. She looks over the contacts and makes a call to the only person she had in mind.
None other than Shiba Matsubara.
After three duts, the violet woman answered the phone call. "Hello, Shiba here."
"Shiba-san, it's good to hear you again."
"Ah, Sakurako. It's nice to hear you too."
"Are you busy?" Sakurako was a bit concerned if she's interrupting important deadly business.
"Only a bit. But if you're looking for a job, I still don't have any potential assignments for you."
"No, no, I'm not calling you for that," Sakurako shook her head.
"Ah, right," Shiba paused for a second. "You're still in school at this early afternoon. Shouldn't you be studying now?"
"It is still break time," Sakurako occasionally looked over the exit. "I was wondering. Do you know about flashbang?"
"Well, duh," Shiba responded; she could swear she feels Shiba is rolling her eyes on her end. "Why are you asking? You feeling the AK and the pistol are not enough for you?"
"Do you know the components of the flashbang?"
"Huh?" Shiba was heard surprised. "I think it's made from a pyrotechnic mix of magnesium or aluminum. There's this potassium nitrate as an oxidizer or something. Huh, I'm not even sure why I even know that. Why askin'?"
"Hmm…" Sakurako paused for a moment. "I am going to make a flashbang."
"Pfft… ha ha ha ha ha!"
Sakurako remains silent as she blankly stares forward. She doesn't have to ask why. A girl making a flashbang on her own is the same as letting a monkey try to shoot a rifle on its own.
"Haha, oh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry," she heard her taking a long breath on her end. "Alright, no way you're making that on your own. You rather buy them off me."
"Don't worry about that," Sakurako assured with a bowed head. "I know someone who could make that."
"Oh really?" Shiba didn't believe that. "Who is it?"
Sakurako rolls her eyes at the phone. "Nishigaki-sensei."
Then she waits for a reply. If she had paid attention, the silence lasts for about ten seconds. And, of course, Sakurako already knew what her response would be.
"Oooh… shit."
Sakurako turns her eyes at the exit again before replying. "Looks like I don't have to tell you why."
"A-are you even sure you want to ask her help?"
"I think she'll be fine about this."
"N-no, I-I mean," Shiba sounded pretty frantic. "Are you sure you don't risk telling her you're getting work from me?"
"I think I'll be fine," Sakurako felt confident of her decision. "Don't worry about it."
"Why do you want to make them in the first place?"
"Well…" Sakurako paused with a silent sigh. "Someone has made a prank against me, and I am angry."
"Eh?" it seems Shiba can't find that believable. "Do you even have to go that far?"
"I couldn't help myself, to be honest."
"Erm, I guess that's fine. But remember, it seems harmless, but that doesn't mean it won't kill people."
"I know," Sakurako nodded as she replied. "I'll always keep that in mind."
"Good, good," Shiba huffed with relief. "Is there anything else you want to talk about?"
"That would be all for now," Sakurako replied with a nod. "I'm closing the call."
"Okay, see you, Sakurako."
"See you too."
*TUNG*
And with a single click, she turns off the call. She is feeling pretty satisfied to know that. After learning how much time she has, she doesn't waste time standing there and makes her way out of the restroom. The hallways are still lively as always, with no teacher on sight. She fastens her pace and makes her way towards the science lab.
She half-expected that there will be another explosion going on before she steps into the lab. She's pretty thankful that her expectation doesn't happen when she reaches the lab. The lab's door was open, and she could peer from the door. A certain short, white-haired scientist woman is cleaning up her table with a rug. There wasn't much study practice today, so she doesn't have much fuss cleaning her lab.
"Nishigaki-sensei."
The science teacher turns her head with a smile. "Ah, hello there, Sakurako. What's up?"
"Are you busy at the moment?" Sakurako asked as she entered the room.
"Not really," Nishigaki then stretched her back and pushed her hips forward with both hands. "Do you need something, Sakurako?"
"I need your help to build something."
Nishigaki sometimes fond of her when she gets to the point. "Really? Shouldn't you be asking Ayano first with what you're asking?"
"That is not necessary, Nishigaki-sensei," Sakurako shook her head.
"Is it really?" Nishigaki smiled and looked away for a moment. "What do you want me to build anyway? A talking clock? Medicine? Robot?"
Sakurako only shakes her head to say a no. "A flashbang."
Nishigaki's façade stays bright, suddenly turns into a gloomy one with eyes shaded. "Eh?"
"A flashbang," the blonde repeats. "Can you make it?"
"I-I guess so," Nishigaki nervously scratched her head. "For what, though?"
"I'm afraid I cannot say what for."
Nishigaki frowns her eyes at the response. "Hey, I cannot go ahead and make something like that all you like. Even if it's for fun."
"Sounds ironic coming from the mouth of the teacher whoever made a self-destruct alarm clock."
"H-hey!" Nishigaki sighed with slight annoyance. "I don't know if I should feel insulted on that."
"Teach me how to make it," Sakurako pressured, although keeping a straight face.
"No," Nishigaki shook her head with a frown. "I'm not going to make it for you-"
"I'll give you 30000 yens to teach me how to make one."
"No, I'm- eh?!" the teacher deadpanned at her with jaw dropped. "What the heck did you say?"
"I'll give you 30000 yens to teach me how to make one."
"Wha- are you trying to bribe a teacher?!" Nishigaki leaned back so much that she might break her spine.
"No," the reply was relatively flat and composed, something that the science teacher didn't expect after her outburst. "I'm trying to pay you for teaching me how to make one."
"What?" Nishigaki shook her head and smacked her lips thrice. "Look, even if you have convinced me to do that, I'm pretty sure you don't have that much money."
Sakurako stares at her for a while before pulling her wallet out. The teacher didn't say a word and curiously tilted her head as she watches her action. The blonde girl then looks over the slits of her wallet before pulling out the said money she's about to give. Imagine the dismay Nishigaki had when Sakurako is showing the truth.
"Eh, how did-" the teacher paused; the thought of getting 30000 yen right now is very tempting instead of spending each hour on saving up enough money. "How did you get that much money?"
"I won a lottery."
There was a streak of disbelief in her eyes, being the one who ever bought a lottery and didn't win some money. "You've gotta be kidding me."
"No, I'm not," Nishigaki can't tell if Sakurako was showing off her money or really didn't care about her money.
"Are you sure that's not fake?"
"I have asked my parents about the money, and they're confident it's not fake."
Nishigaki was feeling a bit unnerved by her emotionless response. She cannot decide if there's something weird in her empty eyes or her words somehow sounded chilling, and that's coming from the former idiotic, bright blonde student. Nevertheless, she could only let out a sigh with her eyes closed and her right hand on her hip. She wants to stay respected as the teacher, but her greed can't help but give in for a good reason.
"Huuuhh, fine. I guess I'll take it," Nishigaki reluctantly bowed her head. "I may need it to pay a replacement for my roof."
"I am glad to hear your consent," Sakurako replied as she returned her wallet to her pocket.
"Don't get too happy first. Making this thing will be a bit complex," Nishigaki reminded as she leaned forward. "Do you even know what flashbang is made of?"
"A pyrotechnic oxidant mix of magnesium or aluminum along with potassium nitrate as an oxidizer."
"Huh, well said," Nishigaki felt pretty impressed. "I didn't expect you to know about that."
"I get too curious sometimes," the blonde admitted with a slight nod.
"Alright," Nishigaki then looked over at the clock in the lab. "We still have much time to make that. Come with me."
Sakurako quietly nods before they both move toward the chemical stations. From there, the science teacher begins to teach her curious student how to make the pyrotechnic and oxidizer filler. Nishigaki knew what she's committing is something illegal. But a deal's a deal. The thought about teaching and making a flashbang less than an hour is dumbfounding.
Sakurako can't help to notice that Nishigaki did that in a short time.
The next subject in play is home economics. You know what that means. Cooking.
For today's subject, they'll be cooking corn soup. If Kyouko was here, she might dislike making that. Himawari, who's next to the blonde girl, even convinced that Sakurako would pout for this healthy soup. It was rather pleasant for them when Sakurako said that she didn't mind having one, which significantly calms down Himawari's nerves. Although. Sakurako requested that she's not the one to do all the cutting on vegetables, admitting that she wasn't as focused as a running horse.
However, you know how things are when Himawari begins insisting Sakurako to do it.
"Sakurako, I want you to do the cutting."
"I have told you that I'm not that focused," Sakurako's tone was a bit ragged.
"You did have your coffee, right?" Himawari asked with eyes closed.
"Yes, I have," Sakurako replied, leaned forward, and turned at her.
"Good, now go do the cutting with Akari," Himawari insisted with her finger pointing at the blonde.
"I don't want to," Sakurako winced her eyes with more petite rue. "Let me do the cooking."
"I'm not letting you do the cooking!" Himawari insisted yet again with such a firm voice.
"Why?"
"Because the last thing I need from you is to overcook the soup and make it tasteless!" Himawari's looking pretty angry right now. "Isn't that what happened the last time I helped you cook a soup?!"
"That is because I was careless," Sakurako somehow remained composed from all that bickering. "I'm still okay to do the cooking. I can simply ask if I'm having trouble."
"No is a no, Sakurako!" Himawari retorted as normal as she can. "Leave the cooking to Chinatsu and me."
"Hey, Himawari, Sakurako," Chinatsu shed a sweat. "Can you both stop bickering for now?"
"Because…" Akari paused with a false smile of concern. "Kitamiya-sensei is right behind you."
Himawari is pretty alarmed. But for Sakurako, it's more of a relief than an annoyance.
They both turn around, one in haste and the other composed. In front of them stood a strict home economics teacher, Kitamiya Hatsumi. A stern teacher with short, slightly messy grey hair and narrow purple eyes. The back of her hair reaching her neck, and one long fringe covering her forehead. Her arms are crossed, and there's such wrath in her eyes. She knew they'd bicker like this a lot and, in the end, caused a lot of nuisance.
"What is it with you two?" the stern teacher shut her eyes. "Would you both quiet down?"
"A-ah, I'm sorry, Kitamiya-sensei," Himawari bowed with a solemn look. Sakurako did the same, although keeping a straight face.
Kitamiya sighs with slight dissatisfaction. "What's the problem, you two?"
"Himawari-san keeps insisting me to cut the vegetables," Sakurako answered, her eyes glaring at Kitamiya's. "But I want to do the cooking."
"I don't see the problem here," Kitamiya narrowed her eyes. "Why you don't want to cut the vegetables?"
"My hands are still feeling too clumsy to cut vegetables," Sakurako replied as she looked down at her hands.
"That's not a good excuse, Sakurako-san," Kitamiya's firm voice did not deter the blonde from changing her expression.
"You even had a coffee," Himawari stated again.
"I know, but I don't want to do it," Sakurako disagreed with a shook.
Kitamiya dislikes her attitude, but she looks over to Himawari. "Why don't you let her do the cooking?"
"She's bad at cooking," Himawari glared at the blonde. "The last time she tried to make soup, she burned the whole pot."
"I see," Kitamiya then turned at Sakurako. "You should stick to cutting the vegetables, Sakurako."
Sakurako sighs. It would be unwise to protest towards the teacher. "Alright, Kitamiya-sensei. I'll go ahead and cut the vegetables."
"Good," Kitamiya then looked over to Himawari. "I believe there will be no more problem after this?"
"Yes, sensei," Himawari nodded with a smile.
"Good, now continue your cooking," Kitamiya replied, leaving the group alone.
"Yes, Kitamiya-sensei," Himawari then turned at Sakurako. "So?"
Sakurako didn't say a word as she grabs a knife and a cutting board. She looks annoyed. No, annoyed might not be the correct term given her straight expression. Downhearted, that's it. Nevertheless, she grabs the parsley and begins cutting them.
Himawari notes how slow and careful Sakurako is. But that would be enough on her part. She turns her attention at Chinatsu, who is singing quietly, something about Yui-senpai.
"How are the shallots?" Himawari asked with a raised brow.
"Smells nice," Chinatsu shifted herself for the bluenette to see. "Do you think this is enough?"
Himawari looks over into the cooking pot. "I think that sho- eh?!"
It is at this point she might need to ask NIshigaki about amnesiac. What lies inside the cooking was grueling that she couldn't describe anything else than just censored-brown buttery substance. Oddly enough, for Chinatsu to be so bright that she didn't even notice that Himawari looks like she's going to throw up. Both Sakurako and Akari know why the bluenette looked so blue, and they won't even dare to see what's inside the pot. However, Sakurako is pretty much concerned about Akari's well-being because she is one step away from getting her soul to leave her host.
Himawari stutters and takes the ladle from her cooking assistant. "E-ehm, l-let me take over this one, will you?"
"Ah, of course, Himawari-chan!" Chinatsu happily replied. "Is it time to pour in the broth?"
"Wait a bit on that one," Himawari then turned Akari and Sakurako. "How are you doing?"
"I'm almost done cutting the corns," Akari then looked at the blonde. "What about the carrots?"
"Let me finish this one," Sakurako cut up the final parsley before grabbing a couple of carrots. "Here you go."
"Alright," Akari then began chopping up the carrot.
The blonde could only sigh as she prepares the carrot on the board, unconscious that she's holding the knife in a reverse grip. "Time to cut this one up-"
*WRRR-BUAK* - *DAK*
"KITAMIYA-SENSEI~!"
Everyone in the class was startled by the sudden noise, including the said teacher. They turn at the door to find Kyouko was the one entering the room with such loud display. The white-haired girl accompanied the noisy blonde. Of course, this was clearly Chitose from how mannered she is from there. What's irritating is that Kyouko did not even pay heed that everyone nearly had a heart attack.
"Kitamiya-sensei~!" Kyouko, still bright, calling her out with both hands raised.
Kitamiya didn't reply. Instead, she walks over towards Kyouko, who looked a bit perplexed by now. And then she proceeds to pull her ear as hard as she can. To say that Kitamiya is angry just wasn't enough.
"How many times do I need to tell you… not to announce yourself like that?!" the teacher pulled her ear even harder. "Especially when we're in the middle of cooking."
"Owieowieowieowieowieowieowie!" Kyouko tried her best to escape herself from Kitamiya's grasp. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"
The teacher finally lets her tend to her hurtful ear. "Ow… that really hurts."
"Would you learn how to knock for once properly?" Kitamiya shook her head and crossed her arms. "You're such a nuisance."
"Aw, you meanie," Kyouko pouted with an 'innocent face.' "How dare you are willing to hurt your own student like that?"
"Don't try to play a game on me," Kitamiya then looked up to the student council member. "By the way, why are you looking for me?"
"The principal wants a word with you, Kitamiya-sensei," Chitose replied with her usual smile.
"Right now?" Kitamiya leaned her head back a little. "Tell him I'll be right away-"
"I am sorry to interrupt, but you can talk with the principal later."
Every student in the class was taken aback by the words none other from Sakurako herself. The teacher and the girls by the door turn to where the emotionless blonde is standing. Kitamiya narrows her eyes harder and even places a firm hand on her hip. If there's one thing she didn't like, it is for someone to interrupt their chat like that. Despite that, Sakurako was polite.
"What is the meaning of this, Sakurako?" the teacher's stern voice slightly shook the whole class in silence.
"I have a much bigger problem right now."
"A bigger problem?" Kitamiya then looked over to Sakurako's well-being, from top to bottom. "Can you explain what do you mean by… that…"
It is rather alarming for the students to hear their teacher trailed off like that for the first time. Once they look over to Sakurako's well-being twice to finally realize what kind of problem she has, that problem is already on the table, inside their line of sight. The kind of problem they wished to know through ears than sight.
The knife she's holding stabbed through her left hand on the cutting board.
"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
Himawari, among few others, screamed in pure terror. Their screams shook the neighboring classes with a fright. Akari and Chinatsu – which happened to be standing next to her – fainted on the spot, not minding the hard drop they suffered as their soulless eyes left open. On the other hand, Kitamiya-sensei goes straight to her aid and looks over her stabbed hand, leaving Kyouko and Chitose standing in shock by the door. The sight alone is severely distressing that it is a miracle that a teacher like Kitamiya remains composed and relaxed.
"A-are you alright?" Kitamiya made sure she didn't move her hand. "Sakurako?"
"S-Sakurako!" Himawari carefully approached her blonde neighbor, trying her best to evade her sight away from the wounded hand. "Wha- are you okay?"
Apart from the sharp, weary gaze, the girl did not say much as if she is lost in another world. Moreover, she didn't even bother to hold onto the knife, doing nothing other than just standing there without moving a single limb.
"You two, get a nurse!" Kitamiya yelled at Kyouko and Chitose. "Quick!"
"O-okay!" Kyouko responded before she and Chitose immediately leave the room.
"Hey, can you hear me?" Kitamiya waved a hand on her face as she made sure not to touch her arm and the knife.
"Sakurako?" Himawari pressed her busty chest tight like a pillow. "How are you feeling?"
She didn't respond for a mere ten seconds before she finally looks up to both of them. "Three things."
"First: that hurts."
"Second: I'm feeling so irritated."
"Third: I'm starting to enjoy the pain. Is that a good thing?"
They are pretty relieved of her oblivious response, albeit not the kind of response they're expecting.
"Ah, good then," Kitamiya nodded slightly. "As for your question, probably not a good thing."
"Oh…" Sakurako paused as her teacher tended into her wounded hand. "I think I should tick this one off my bucket list later."
"Wha-" Himawari held back for a moment, still feeling too alarmed. "Is getting shot also the next thing on your list?"
"Of course."
Sucks for her to know that ship has sailed.
Sucker than that, Kitamiya glares at the bluenette. "That's not helping, Himawari-san."
Himawari immediately bows down, being so ashamed with the response. "I'm sorry, Kitamiya-sensei."
Kitamiya looks back to the wounded hand before looking over behind her. "Where are they? Himawari, turn off the cooker. Get a rug and clean her blood for me."
"Okay," Himawari went to turn off the cooker and quickly grabbed a small rug from the neighboring group. "Okay..."
"Everyone else, continue on cooking," Kitamiya-sensei ordered with a composed voice. "If you're finished, write up a report and put it on my table before you can eat."
"Hai, Kitamiya-sensei!"
Aside from all the noise, Himawari begins to tend onto Sakurako's wounded hand. She can't help but feel pretty unnerved by such sight. It wasn't easy for her to clean the blood around the knife that is currently sticking out the middle of the palm. What's more morbid is that Sakurako didn't cry out or at least squirm in pain by even the slightest movement. Kitamiya, on the other hand, made sure that the knife did not move an inch to prevent further damage.
"Kitamiya-sensei, where's she?"
They look back at the door to see Nishigaki-sensei, along with the nurse, rushing toward them. Kyouko and Chitose followed suit from behind. Kitamiya shifts herself to give way for the nurse and Nishigaki, putting down the aid box on the table.
"Oh, my," the nurse is already too upset about the situation. "What happened?"
"I accidentally stabbed myself when Kyouko came in too loud," Sakurako's tone remains flat like how Terminator speaks. "I was so frightened that I didn't realize I already stabbed through my left hand."
"How poor of you," the nurse commented as she grabbed her tools from the box. "Let me prepare the medicine and a dressing for you."
"Well…" Nishigaki shrugged, a little bit bothered at the sight. "At least you'll be all right."
Sakurako hums. "Very funny, Nishigaki-sensei."
Everyone narrows their eyes. "What's so funny about it?" asked a confused Chitose.
"She said it's all right."
"All right? What's wrong with-" Himawari immediately realized the joke. "Oh…"
Except for the nurse, the rest finally realized the joke too, and they stare back at the science teacher. "This isn't funny, Nishigaki-sensei," Kitamiya is ready to whip her head with a ladle.
Nishigaki only grins. "Sorry, couldn't help it."
"Alright, I'm going to pull the knife out," the nurse told the unfortunate blonde. "So-"
"I know, I know," Sakurako nodded. "On count on three."
"Okay," the nurse then held onto the knife. "Ready?"
Sakurako readies herself, taking a deep breath, and the nurse begins to count.
"One."
"Two."
"Three!"
*SHAK* - "GRRRKH!"
"Okay, okay," the nurse put aside the knife and grabbed the dressing. "Nishigaki-sensei."
"Got it," the short, white-haired woman then took the remedy and applied it over her bloodied hand. "You're doing great, Sakurako-chan."
Sakurako only grunts in response, wincing her eyes which cover at least eighty percent of her vision. A grimace appeared on her face as the edges of her mouth tensed. She cannot decide which is more painful between getting shot and getting stabbed. It looks like it doesn't matter much for her since she's been shot more than once. This is rather ludicrous for her if she had to admit it, not horrible. She might think that way because she doesn't have enough coffee in her stomach.
"Herrgh…" her face is a mix of pain and… the same irritation. "Jesus Christ on a saltine."
"Pffft!" Nishigaki covered her laughing mouth as she shut the remedy. "I'm kinda surprised you handle that pain pretty well."
"I guess I'm lucky that I'm tired," Sakurako sighed as the nurse dressed her wound. "Do I need to go to the hospital?"
"I think it won't be necessary," the nurse carefully wrapped the entirety of her palm, leaving the fingers open. "Do you have bandages and medicine for the wounds at home?"
"I think we have the medicine," Sakurako replied. "But not bandages."
"I see," the nurse acknowledged. "I'll finish this soon."
"While you're at it," Nishigaki added. "I should let your parents know. I just need the numbers."
"Okay, Nishigaki-sensei."
Really can't believe that her study would be interrupted by such an unfortunate event. Not even forget to mention the two girls who fainted on the spot. It looks like she's going to skip this current lesson. But she is very confident she can study for the next lesson.
At least she could get herself a bowl of corn soup after this.
The school day is over. Finally over. One more business left to do.
A certain lone blonde girl is walking down the hallway with a bag in her hand. I need to remind you it's in her right hand. She's currently heading for the student council office. She had to stay back for a moment to finish up her remaining schoolwork. That was nothing but an excuse to convince Himawari to go ahead to the office alone. She had to prepare something first before making her way there.
Sakurako is confident by now that Kyouko, along with her clubmates, is in the office. All she needs to do is only to come over and kindly ask her if she did it. It doesn't take long for her to reach the door of the office. She puts down her satchel next to it before opening the door. A sight of the Amusement club members and student councils behold before her.
They turn at the girl as she greets them. "Konnichiwa."
"Hello, Sakurako," Ayano greeted back, representing everyone in the room. "How are you?"
"A very good question."
"O-oh, I see," Ayano's smile soon fade, along with the rest of them. "I'm sorry about your hand."
"It's fine. Also…" Sakurako soon looked straight at the other blonde in the room, the one with the long hair. "Kyouko."
"Yeah?"
"Were you the one who put glue on my chair this morning?"
All eyes are on the suspected girl, although the only people who show their disgust are only Yui, Ayano, and Himawari. Kyouko only gives out her cheeky smile and naughty giggles. She is casually scratching her head as if there's nothing wrong with that.
"Aw, me?" Kyouko stuck her playful tongue out. "Hmm… maybe."
Yui sighs to herself. "Actually… it was me and Kyouko. We decided to play a prank on you to… change your mood, I guess. She didn't say she's going to put glue on your chair until she showed it."
"So it was you two?"
"Yep," Kyouko admitted with a thumbs up. "It kinda sucks that I don't get to see what's your reaction looks like."
"That's one way to rip half of my uniform, Kyouko."
Those who sat on the neighboring classes, alongside the unnoticeable Rise, stare back at her with eyes jolting out.
"Haha, that's a nice joke, Sakurako-chan!" Kyouko pointed at her, still keeping her bright face.
"Erm, she wasn't joking, Kyouko-chan," Akari bowed her head and tapped her index fingers together. "The bottom-half of her uniform was ripped off by the glue."
"What?" Yui then glared at her long-blonde friend. "I thought you're using a normal glue."
"That was normal glue!" Kyouko then pulled out her glue bottle. "Here! I'll show you that what I bought is a normal… glue…"
Kyouko's bright face slowly turns into a dumbfounded one when she looked over to the bottom edge of the bottle. Sakurako only stood there, unmoving as a statue. Chitose and Yui finally look over at the bottle.
To their surprise and disappointment, it was not a normal glue.
"Kyouko…" Chitose paused, making a false smile as her sweat came down her forehead. "It says superglue…"
"Oh…" Kyouko then looked up from the glue. "Whoops."
Yui shook her head. "How many times do I need to tell you to fix your head? And it's also my fault that I allow you to do that."
The Oomuro blonde crosses her arms. Her ragged breath was enough to tell them she was pretty angry. Sakurako shuts her eyes for a moment to ease her slight weariness. There's one thing to do here.
"Everyone except Yui and Kyouko, get out from the room."
"Huh?" Chinatsu asked, followed by Himawari. "But why?"
"Get out from the room. Now."
They could ask again, but her eyes really mean business. Ayano had sensed that this would be a bit messy, so she tidies up the papers first. Everyone in the room except those two exits the room without a single word. Yui and Kyouko are confused as they stare at the supposedly angry blonde.
"You both step away from the table for about a meter or two."
Both of them stare at each other, perplexed. "O-okay," Yui obeyed before they do what she says.
Sakurako then produces some sort of a device from her pocket. It looks like a small metal tube, with a pin hanging on top of it. They really can't tell what it was, but Sakurako seems to know how to use it. She pulls the pin and throws the tube on the table before she quickly exits the room and shuts the door.
Sakurako looks away from the door and shuts her ears while the girls wondered why she behaved like that.
*BANG*
All students in that hallway nearly had a heart attack, save for Sakurako, who only jumped a bit by the loud sound. Of course, that's not the only thing that frightened them.
"AAAAHHHHH!" "I CAN'T SEE!" "MY EARS! MY EARS!"
The girls with her stare with pure terror. For Sakurako, she is both satisfied and quietly shaken by what she did. And yet, she knew she would have an earful after this. To the teachers' office, she goes.
Sakurako is now sitting on a single chair, with Kyouko, Yui, and Himawari standing behind her. In front of her, four teachers circled around her, with Nishigaki and Kitamiya sitting in their chairs. A short young adult with short brown hair and blue eyes in her tracksuit, Tsubasa Minamino, the PE teacher, leaned her bottom against the desk. Another woman with semi-long black hair tied into a small ponytail dangling on her left shoulder, blue eyes, and a mole under her left lips is Shihoko Azuma, the art teacher; she clasps her hands together on her chest.
Kitamiya sighs out with slight frustration. "Alright, Sakurako. So you're telling me that you already knew Kyouko was the one who put the glue on your chair this morning?"
"Yes, sensei."
"And you didn't bother to tell other teachers about it?"
"It saved them from other problems."
Kitamiya narrows her eyes. "That's not the point, Sakurako."
The convicted blonde nods. Kitamiya takes another sigh before asking again. "So you thought it's a good idea to send a prank back at Kyouko and Yui?"
Kitamiya only sees that Sakurako glares at her, one with a puzzling look. "Why are you looking at me that? That's your plan, right?"
"I never said that was a prank."
"Really?" Tsubasa crossed her arms. "What'd you call that then?"
"A retaliation."
They fall silent for a moment. It sounds a bit the same, like pranking back, but the context Sakurako's having is quite different.
"Retaliation is a strong word, Sakurako," Shihoko frowned with eyes shut.
"And you thought blowing their ears off is a good idea?" Tsubasa grinned her teeth.
"Not forget to mention you also turn their eyes blind for a while," Himawari looked a bit tired, but probably because she has low blood pressure.
Sakurako leans against her chair. "I was just too angry."
"Even if you're angry, that doesn't mean you can harm people all you like," Kitamiya stated. "And that was too far."
"I know," Sakurako continued to stare forward. "I just can't hold back."
"Also," Kitamiya added. "Did you use some kind of firework back there?"
"A flashbang."
Tsubasa shakes her head, misheard her words. "A what now?"
"A flashbang."
Shihoko looks up to everyone. "What is a flashbang?"
"What did she say?" Yui asked a bit aloud, given she was a little deaf at the moment.
"She said what is a flashbang," Kitamiya responded loud enough for her to hear.
"Hang on," Yui raised an index finger. "You mean that was literally a stun grenade?"
"Yes."
The teachers, except for the science teacher, look so pale with the revelation.
"You had a grenade?!" Shihoko even took a step back. "H-how?"
"What the heck?!" Tsubasa stepped forward and leaned down at her. "What have you done, Sakurako?!"
Sakurako only shrugs to her retort. "What can I say about it?"
"Where did you acquire that dangerous device?" Kitamiya's voice became more vicious.
Sakurako didn't reply straight away and instead looked towards the only science teacher in the room. Kitamiya was about to retort but finally, realize where she's staring at. Everyone turns their heads at the science teacher, and she could do nothing but smile awkwardly.
"Eerm…"
"Nishigaki-sensei…" Himawari paused, eyes shaded. "What have you done…?"
"Well, look," Nishigaki raised both hands in the air. "I'm really sorry, alright?"
"What has gotten into your head, Nishigaki-sensei?!" Tsubasa retorted. "I know you like explosions, but what makes you think it's okay to hand out explosives to a student?"
"I didn't hand it out to her for free," Nishigaki defended. "She paid me to teach her how to make a flashbang."
"WHAT!?" their screams could have shaken the whole office for all they know.
"HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND!?" Tsubasa screamed in her ear. "And what do you mean by she paid you to teach her that?"
"Well," Nishigaki awkwardly gestured at Sakurako. "She paid me 30000 yens to teach her that."
Himawari has never been so horrified to find out about that. That is her secondary concern. Her main concern that her interests in firearms might have gone too far at this point. The teachers and her friends had a dumb look on their faces as if they're starting to wish to put the science teacher on house arrest.
Kitamiya turns at Sakurako. "From where did you get 30000 yens?"
"Lottery."
"Oh," Kitamiya can't say she's exactly surprised. "Why did you take it, Nishigaki-sensei?"
"I couldn't help it," Nishigaki sighed out in defeat. "I really need that money to replace my roof."
"I can see why," Shihoko added with a nod. "But you're a teacher. You can't do something like that."
"I know it's wrong, so I'm really sorry about that," Nishigaki had to raise an open palm and shut her eyes with embarrassment. "I'll make sure that won't happen again. Just don't take away the money."
"Well, from this context, it's not bribed money," Kitamiya replied with a nod. "So we're not taking your money away."
"Thank you," Nishigaki sighed out in relief.
"But you're going to talk with the principal of this incident."
"Oh no."
Himawari shakes her head with a deep sigh. "I can't believe this. Your uniform got ripped, your hand got stabbed, and now you pulled off that dangerous stunt, all in one day."
"I guess today is not really your day, huh?" Kyouko, who is ironically the cause of her bad day, asked as she rubbed her ears. "Even though that was so loud and bright."
"It seems that way," Sakurako then rubbed her bandaged hand. "Now I need to deal with punishments."
"Yes," Kitamiya looked over to her weary and straight composure. "But with all the stuff that happened to you, we'll just let you help us out with the books and papers if that's okay with you."
Sakurako nods. "I can do that."
"Kitamiya-sensei," they all turned around to see Chitose is coming over with a stack of books. "Here are the books you asked."
"Ah, thanks, Chitose-san," Kitamiya took the books off her and put them on her desk. "Ah, it's your book on the top, Sakurako."
"Really?" Sakurako asked as Kitamiya opened her book.
"Well, you must be glad that you get only to write than doing the cooking," Kitamiya then incidentally flipped the pages further into the middle of the book. "Despite your left hand being… wait, what's this?"
Kitamiya's sudden change of tone had Sakurako stood up from her chair and looked at her book. Sakurako has caught off-guard when she sees a drawing inside the middle of the book. It's a crude drawing depicting Kitamiya-sensei, only that her personality has been modified into such a playful, idiotic one. Alas, Sakurako nearly gagged that her face on the drawing showing how she left her tongue out.
"Sakurako…" Kitamiya looked up at her alarmed face. "Did you draw this in the middle of my lesson?"
"No," Sakurako somehow became irritated again to see the drawing style seemed familiar. "Kyouko, is this your drawing?"
"What?" Kyouko was also a bit deaf, and then they showed her the drawing. "Oh, I drew that."
It was a full five seconds. Sakurako stares at her before settling herself down back to her chair, looking a bit frustrated than before. "When did you draw it?"
"What?"
"When did you draw it?"
"In the morning, duh."
Sakurako barely rolls her eyes. Unfortunately, that wasn't all. "Sakurako, it seems most of the pages in your book have been torn up. You only have a few pages left after the report."
Kitamiya's statement had her eyes wrinkled so much, and she could barely turn her head at Kyouko. "Did you do something else on my book, Kyouko?"
"What?"
"Did you do something else on my book?"
"Ah, about that…" she made an awkward smile, poking onto her chin. "I kind of accidentally dropped some glue while I was scribbling on your book. So, after I finished drawing, I had to rip those pages off, and I hoped you didn't suspect anything."
"Oh…" Sakurako blankly stared forward. "No wonder it feels lighter."
Tsubasa tilts her head, having a minor concern on her blank face. "Are you feeling alright, Sakurako?"
The poor wavy blonde girl ignores her question and instead slowly turns her head at the white-haired student council. "Chitose, please leave the room for a moment."
She raised an eyebrow at Sakurako. "Why?"
"Do you want to see me angry?"
"Oh," Chitose widened her eyes for a moment. "Um, okay."
Chitose bows before making her way to exit the office. The girls and the teachers watch on with interest with her remarks. But they don't see evidence of her anger, apart from the exasperated face. A good indication that she had enough for the day.
"Well… you said you're going to be angry," Shihoko remarked with a frown.
"And you better don't start screaming at her," Kitamiya reminded with a stern voice.
"Actually," Sakurako paused. "I have something better than that."
"And what is that?" Nishigaki dared to ask.
A question she should regret. Because the next thing that happens, Sakurako pulls out a device from her pocket. They are bewildered to see there is some sort of metal tube in her hands. Of course, Nishigaki was the first to start bewildered.
"Oh… crap!"
"Nishigaki-sensei," Kitamiya called immediately. "What is that in her hands?"
"That's the flashbang!" Nishigaki frantically responded aloud. "I didn't just make one."
"W-what?!" everyone around her responded, save for Kitamiya, who is still staring at the dangerous blonde. "Sakurako, don't do it."
Sakurako shakes her head in denial. "Forgive me, but I can't while I'm angry."
*CLICK*
The pin is pulled, and she lets the safety cap loose. The flashbang is active.
"WAAAHH!" – Himawari
"No, not again!" – Yui
"Nononononono!" – Kyouko
"Sakurako, get that thing off-! – Kitamiya
"Whatshouldwedo!?" – Tsubasa
"Aaaaaaah! – Shihoko
"Shut your eyes and ears-!" – Nishigaki
*BANG* - "KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
Everyone within the room, especially those at the close radius of the flashbang, immediately suffered flash blindness and became deaf for the next hour, accompanied by temporal subjective tinnitus.
16:00 PM.
Nadeshiko is tapping her finger on the table while Hanako sits beside her reading her children's book. Their mother is sitting on the couch, watching the news about newfound crimes in the city. The news primarily consists of theft, vandalism, fraud, and battery. With the crimes going about throughout the town, the family considered themselves lucky to have a BB shotgun at home to at least deter a possible assailant. To know news such as this was enough to warn her children like Sakurako and Hanako not to stay outside too late.
Their business is interrupted when two people enter the room. They turn their heads to see it's Sakurako and Himawari by the doorway. The first thing they notice is Sakurako's bandaged hand. Hanako, at least, a little perturbed by such sight. When they look over to Himawari, they found it odd that she's massaging one of her ears.
"konnichiwa," Sakurako greeted her family.
"Konnichiwa," the mother greeted before looking over to Himawari. "Is something wrong?"
"What?"
They're a bit startled by her sudden loud question. "Is something wrong?"
"Oh, I'm sorry," Himawari grimaced as she massaged her ear. "My ears are still ringing a little."
"Huh?" Nadeshiko tilted her head to the side. "What do you mean?"
"She got flashbanged."
"Flashbanged?" Nadeshiko asked with a raised brow.
"Yes," Sakurako nodded. "I have made homemade flashbangs with Nishigaki-sensei's help."
The three family members find themselves starting at the second sister with disbelieve. "What?"
"You mean, you made a flashbang like that one from that police game?" Hanako looked so petrified.
"Yes," Sakurako then gestured at Himawari. "As you can see, Himawari is nearly deaf by now."
Nishigaki shades her eyes to her honesty. "Why have you done that to her?"
"Even better," the mother is staggeringly shocked. "Why did you even build one?"
"Actually, she was mad at Kyouko-chan and also Yui-chan for giving her a bad day," Himawari shut her eyes with a sigh. "Kyouko and Yui had pranked her with superglue. Her lower part of the uniform got ripped that she had to use a spare uniform at school."
Their tongues are tied for the moment. And Himawari continues.
"And Kyouko was also the one who caused her to accidentally stab her own hand."
Empty eyes are the next thing they can give for the following remark.
"I can understand about Kyouko and Yui," Nadeshiko commented with a nod. "But why she flashbanged you?"
"I guess… she didn't want to bother to wait for the rest of us to get out," Himawari shyly answered and massaged her neck. "She was already too mad at that point."
Sakurako then adds in. "Too mad that I even flashbanged the teachers."
They then drop their jaws in horror. Is Sakurako becoming too dangerous to handle?
"You know, at this point, I should make some measures for you," the mother commented flatly. "But I'm still not sure what to do with you after hearing all of that."
Nadeshiko looks away and lets out a soft sigh. "I'm not sure if I want to know, but how harmful is a flashbang?"
"Oh, you want to know?" Sakurako pulled something out of her pocket. "I have another flashbang to use-"
"NONONONONO!" – Himawari
"Hang on, don't!" – Hanako
"HOLD IT!" – Mother Oomuro
"WAIT!" – Nadeshiko
"Oh, you don't want to know?" Sakurako just shrugged and put it back. "Okay then. I'll just put it back."
They let out a sigh of relief at their quick intervention. Nadeshiko is already sweating like hell, and she didn't even exercise today. "Now, putting that aside, how's your hand?"
"A little irritating," Sakurako flatly replied.
"I see," Nadeshiko nodded. "Well, Nishigaki-sensei has had let us know what happened to your hand, and we're thinking about getting you to the hospital for a little check-up."
Sakurako still stands there with the same gaze, but Nadeshiko swears she barely saw her body shook in surprise. Sakurako looks over to her bandaged hand before giving the nod.
"When?"
"Tonight, Sakurako."
Sakurako contemplates her thoughts before giving the go. "Okay then."
Himawari then smiles at the family. "I'll be sleeping over for today."
"Really?" the mother asked as she stood up. "If that's the case, I'll let your mother know."
"Don't worry. I had told her I'd be sleeping over," Himawari assured her. "Can I come along as well to the hospital?"
"Of course, Himako," Nadeshiko then stared at her second sister. "The more, the merrier."
"Alright then, we'll just go ahead and get changed in her room," Himawari replied with a nod.
"Okay, Himako," Nadeshiko smiled as they watched the two girls left the room.
After they are out of sight, Hanako turns her head at her mother and eldest sister. "Do you think Saa-chan is becoming too scary?"
"I'm… not sure," Nadeshiko scratched her head. "But Himawari's explanation about her affinity on weapons are on point."
"Remind me again, why did we let her keep the shotgun?" the mother asked like an idiot. "On second thought, don't answer that."
Nadeshiko then turns back at the doorway, giving out a concerned smile to herself. "I hope her wound hasn't gotten worse yet."
19:30 PM.
Unbeknownst to her family and Himawari, she had another wound that is not on her hand. And she wanted to make sure they overlooked that.
Sakurako excused herself to the bathroom to rinse up her eyes, which she did with her right hand. But she also takes a quick look with the help of the mirror to look over a wound. She opens up her dark blue shirt through the collar and looks over her left shoulder. The same 9mm wound that had forged on her skin is now fully healed. And now, nothing more than a coin of slightly shaded white skin. She applies her former wound with whitening lotion to erase the evidence. It was thanks to this lotion that she often applied to normalize her skin.
She puts the lotion cream back on the sink and closes her former wound. Sakurako corrects her shirt by the collar, letting out a sigh of relief at the progress of her wound. She doesn't have to worry much now. Of course, this is already the time to leave. She exits the bathroom and turns off the lights along the way.
It's time for her examination of the wound.
