.::note: so sorry it's been a year::.

The sausages sizzled amongst the oil as Yoshiki tipped the frying pan back and forth. He yawned and rubbed at his eye with his other hand. A conveniently placed mirror hung on the wall right of the stove. Yoshiki glanced at his reflection. His roots were growing in and his hair looked strange. He reminded himself to buy more hair dye and bleach at the pharmacy on the way home today. He was awake earlier than usual today to help clean up after last night.

Last night.

He felt empty knowing Mayu would never sit in the same homeroom as him or any of his friends ever again. He also felt guilty for promising a visit during winter break, too. If his financial difficulties remained the same by then, he wouldn't be able to afford a train ticket, let alone winter clothes.

His cell phone vibrated on the counter beside him.

ONE MESSAGE FROM SHINOZAKI AYUMI

He switched off the hob while placing the frying pan on an idle ring as he opened up the notification. The message read; "Kishinuma, don't forget we must clean up today! –S". He sighed – he was smiling to himself. He had received three messages from Ayumi last night reminding him to be up early and another one as soon as he woke up.

"You really are persistent. Aye, class rep?" he whispered to himself.

"Thanks everyone," Ayumi said wholeheartedly. They had all successfully tidied up the classroom five minutes before class was to begin. "Ms Yui will be so happy with us!"

The boys had been in charge of lifting the tables and chairs from the corners of the room and to position them in their normal positions. The lighter, more flexible labour was left to the girls, in which the lighter, more flexible labour was left to the girls, in which the put the props back into their cardboard boxes and carried them to storage.

Satoshi struggled to lift a chair to the other side of the room. His knees wobbled as he lumbered back and forth. Of course, it turns out he did the least amount of work.

"Well Ayumi," Seiko began. "If you hadn't have reminded us and motivated us to attend to our big responsibilities, I don't think we would have ever done it so quick!" Ayumi blushed and looked down at her feet. She was about to speak when Ms Yui slid the classroom door open.

The young teacher stood at the door frame and scanned the room. She squinted at every corner. The students were apprehensive. She suddenly broke out a giggle.

"Got you," she chuckled. "Great job everyone! It's as if nothing happened." Ms Yui set her folders onto her desk as discontent flooded her eyes.

"In light of what happened yesterday, todays and Friday's classes will be cancelled." She lifted her head up and smiled at her beloved students, hoping to be optimistic. "Now, go on guys. Enjoy your long weekend!"

The class looked up at her, all sharing confused expressions. "Is she for real?" Satoshi leaned towards Naomi, whispering softly.

"I guess so," Naomi replied.

"Kishinuma!" Ayumi called. Yoshiki turned his head, shocked that she was paying attention to him.

"What is it, class rep? Do you need help with something?" he said to her, putting his slippers in his locker.

"I do. But it's not school related," Ayumi replied swiftly.

"Okay – What is it, Shinozaki?"

Ayumi smiled a bit, but immediately returned to her stern expression. "I know we don't talk an awful lot, but I need some advice."

"What for?" Yoshiki was extremely confused why anyone would ever come to him for words of wisdom.

"You know the upcoming Fairy Tale Ball that's coming up next week?" Ayumi began to twiddle her thumbs. She kept her head down, her face going red.

"What about it?" Yoshiki kept up his cool façade.

"I've been meaning to ask s-someone. But I don't know how to come about i-"

"Woah, slow down. Who are you asking?" Yoshiki knew it wasn't him. There was no point in hoping at this point. Not anymore.

"M-Mochida," she stuttered. "I figured, because I know you two are pretty close, that you would know him much better than me."

"You're right," Yoshiki smirked. "I do." He shifted he weight onto one of his legs.

Ayumi lifted her head up to seek guidance in his slate-coloured eyes,

"Where do I begin," Yoshiki rubbed his chin. "You know yourself how goofy Satoshi can be. He's clumsy, and a bit disorganised. But don't let that throw you off, Shinozaki.

"Be upfront with him. Just ask him at his desk or meet up with him at a café. Satoshi isn't a difficult and over-complicated guy."

Ayumi's eyes lit up, now filled with newfound hope and enthusiasm. "Thank you so much, Kishinuma! I'll let you know how I get on. I owe you!" She took off without Yoshiki having the chance to say good-bye. Nonetheless, he smiled to himself.

"Well, that was both unexpected and disappointing." Sakutaro stepped out from behind a row of lockers, giving Yoshiki a terrible fright. "Sorry, I couldn't help but overhear."

"For crying out loud, Morshige. You almost gave me a heart attack!"

"Excuse my curiosity, "Sakutaro adjusted his glasses. "-but why did you just let the girl of your dreams furtherly out of your grasp?"

Yoshiki stared at his locker, contemplating his thoughts.

"See," he began hesitantly. "I care for her as much as I love her. I want her to be happy, even if it's not with me.

"Just because I love her doesn't mean I can't support her."

"I will never understand you," Sakutaro scoffed.

Yoshiki gave him a cheeky grin.

"Don't worry. You don't have to."