The words used in shoujo manga and lyrics to love songs... are mostly sparkly and bright. Don't need to look them up to understand what they mean, but they're somewhat still foreign to me. Listen to them everyday, but haven't found an meaningful clue.

When would I get to understand.. I sigh as I walk the road leading to the school gate.

It only has been weeks since I went to this high school, so I'm trying to get used to this scenery. 5 minutes before I go into the gates, the only things I see are girls chatting. No , since I chose to go to this 'Aihara Academy', I would need to adapt faster.

I walk through the gate. Student council members are always on the high school is not one of those typical schools; the school laws aren't that phone use allowed until school is over. No makeup. No accessories. So on so regulations about hair color only changed recently, from what I it's not fully free either; green/blue/white colors are still not ? Dunno. One thing I know for sure is that this school is surely conservative.

At least from what I heard, this movement for variety started less than a year ago, and still ongoing leaded by...a 2nd grade senpai called Nanami Touko. I don't know much about her yet, only saw her couple of times around the gate.I say hello to her sometimes, but only when we accidentally meet our eyes. Today is one of those days.

"Hello, senpai."

Not as awkward as the first time.

"Hi~"

She replies in a smooth tone, waving her hand. Seems like she's on a good mood today.

As I walk past her, I hear an argument from a distance. A sparkly blonde girl and the black-haired 1st grade council member. The black-haired's name is Aihara Mei. She's my classmate. Not the friendly type, to be honest. I understand, since she's the successor to this big academy. Think about the burden she has to take from a young age.. The blonde girl though, she must be new.

The arguing goes on.

"Then what's the point of being in high school?! Besides, it's not like dressing up nicely will affect my studies for the worse!"

Interesting argument. I don't see the meaning of this strict regulation either. Nanami senpai's friend Saeki senpai has blonde hair and also does well when it comes to grades. 2nd in the entire school, in fact.

Aihara Mei argued back.

"Living by the rules prepares for society. We are all under the same conditions. So if you want to go to this school, you will abide.. by the schools regulations!"

That escalated quickly. Those two sure has the guts.

"No, we aren't. I didn't know about this 'cause i just moved here. The conditions aren't the same. Aren't I right, miss council member?"

Umm... this feels bad. The black-haired came closer to the sparkly. Are they gonna really fight or something? Dead silence. I should've just gone my way...

"Hey, that's enough, you two."

That's Nanami senpai's voice.

"Aihara-san, I'll take it from here."

This got way more interesting. I get closer to the post-disaster situation. I can hear Nanami senpai talking.

"So, your name is..?"

"Aihara Yuzu.. this is my first time on this school..."

Aihara..? So, she's also from the Aihara family? Or is it just a coincidence?

"Aihara-san. Unfortunately you're disobeying part of the school laws.. I know this is your first time here, but we can't let you go in like this."

"But then what's the point of being a high schooler..? I was waiting for this time to come for years.. I can't let my dreams just shatter.."

One can have a fantasy of something. But that moment you realize that fantasy was in fact, merely just a fantasy; the moment you know that special something isn't what you thought it was... it's a bit heartbreaking. Once I had this thought that love.. would be like fireworks on midnight, blooming flowers on a spring sky, reflected sunlight from a graceful pond.. or at least a shimmering tingling spark of emotion deep down in my heart.

None of this happened when I first heard my confession.

'Koito, I'm in love with you. Please go out with me!'

My feet..as well as my feeling was tied on the ground. It felt.. bland.

'...Can I have some time to think about it?'

Months have passed since I said that. And still, nothing came to me. My friends talk about love once in a while but I have nothing to say. What was supposed to give me joy, instead gave me a pressure of confusion and isolation.

'I may never find all the answers

I may never understand why

I may never prove

What I know to be true

But I know that I still have to try..'

At least I got to understand this lyric. I will, still try to find what love is to me.

Meanwhile the conversation goes on.

"I understand. I'm working to change these unreasonable regulations, but still the law stands valid today. I think you have to erase your makeup, and put your accessories in the bag. Thankfully you wore your uniform. Would you consider doing these?"

Nanami senpai said, trying to persuade her.

"...Yes, ma'am.."

It's settling down. Then I feel a slight touch on my shoulder. It's Saeki senpai.

"I think you should get going, there's only 5 minutes left till the bell rings."

Oh god, seriously?! It is..!

"Thank you!" Not my usual day. I run as fast as I could to my class. Geez, this school is huuuuge..

"Yuu, you're almost late!" Akari exclaimed.

"Yeah, some things happened." I answered. "Nothing bad, just interesting."

"You mean the thing that happened today in front of the gate?" said Koyomi. "That was intriguing.. but I never saw you. Where were you?"

"Around where the argument began. Dunno exactly where I were.." I replied.

"That was you? Guess I was too far away to notice you. But I should say," Koyomi continued, "You were slowly going close to Nanami senpai, you know."

"I did? Oh, that's why some people looked at me like that." I said. "I mean, I couldn't hear what they were saying, so guess I walked toward there."

"It would've been so awkward if you bonked over someone!" Akari laughed. "Just imagine what would happen if you bonked over Nanami senpai!"

About 15 minutes of laughing and talking, our class teach took our attention. Is he going to announce something?

"There's a newcomer here in this class, please welcome her sincerely."

Newcomer. Hm. Pretty rare considering this school's stance.

Wait.. could it be? As soon as I got curious, I saw a hint of blonde.

"Hello, my name is Aihara Yuzu. Pleased to meet you all!"