Here's my answer to a PM sent by Fade to Osaka. Due to my writers block in December I didn't get much done…but I didn't realize how long it had been since I updated this story. My apologies to everyone.

Sakaki leant down and tied up her shoelaces as the bright Saturday sun shone down. She called out a brief goodbye to her mother before leaving, briskly walking along the pathway. She paused, turning slowly as she was certain she'd heard a loud cracking sound from somewhere behind her. She waited for a moment, but nothing was present- she guessed it must have just been her imagination. She turned back, pausing a moment before her heart suddenly missed a beat, a smile appearing on her face.

A young cat, not quite a kitten, but not yet an adult had appeared on the low brick wall in front of her. The young cat paused, Sakaki staring at it intently. A small grey cat. It seemed to be returning Sakaki's stare just as intently. She wiggled one finger, the cat watching it and mewing faintly. She slowly moved forwards, the cat not moving an inch, merely sitting and studying. Sakaki took in a deep breath as she stuck out one hand, moving closer to the cat which still did not move.

She watched as her fingers moved closer. At home all she could look at were pictures, her parents suffered from allergies so she'd never be allowed a pet- especially not a pet cat. Her fingers stopped a few inches from the cats head and Sakaki took another deep breath. Surely it wouldn't be a crime to simply pet a cat? Even so she looked around quickly to make sure no one was watching her. Her fingers moved forwards and in a flash the young cat's head had raised and sunk its teeth into her fingers. She looked down in pain as the cat scarpered away, leaving Sakaki to lick the faint blood off her finger. She stood confused for a moment before continuing on her way.

In short time she reached the park, staying close to the trees as she walked around the perimeter, trying to not be seen by the rowdy group of older girls that were busy chatting and laughing loudly on the grass. Passing by the trees she soon found a secluded bench, hidden in shade which was useful as it had gotten hotter. She pulled off her rucksack and sat down, taking a book and a bottle out. She had wanted to get some fresh air for a while, and she had been on the final few chapters of this book for quite some time. She started reading, holding up the book and trying not to move too much when a group of passing boys noticed she was busy reading and laughed at her.

They soon disappeared, Sakaki lowering the book as she continued to read. After twenty minutes she paused for a drink, noticing a girl running along the length of the park. She sat watching for a moment as the girl ran- she seemed to be the same age as Sakaki, yet had a look of deep concentration etched upon her face. She soon returned to her book, quickly looking at how much she had left to read. If she was lucky, she might be able to finish it in this sitting.

Her eyes began to tire after reading another two chapters, and she placed the book on her lap, slowly rubbing her eyes. As she lowered her hands she was surprised to see the girl from earlier walking towards her. The girl continued, heading straight for her. She glanced around nervously, fidgeting with the book as the girl, who had a boisterous air about her, sat down beside her.

"Hi there!" said the girl enthusiastically as she pulled a small bag from underneath the bench. Sakaki had never noticed it.

"H-hi" said Sakaki, trying to force herself into making eye contact.

"So, enjoying a book huh?" asked the girl, pointing at the paperback novel. Sakaki nodded her head faintly. The girl started to speak again. "Yeah. I don't really have time for that at the moment. Next term I'm joining the school swimming team- it'll be the first time I've ever took part in proper competitive swimming."

"Oh" said Sakaki. "The running?" She didn't know why, but despite the energetic demeanour of the person sitting next to her, she felt slightly relaxed. She couldn't explain it, but she had a strong feeling she could…well…trust this person.

"Wanted to get a bit more into shape" said the girl. "My mum thinks I'm pushing myself a bit too hard, but I enjoy the running, and if you like it, you might as well do it huh?"

"Yeah…I guess."

"Besides, this is a healthy hobby" said the girl, "And it's always good to have something healthy that you enjoy doing. Oh wait!" she suddenly exclaimed.

Sakaki jumped slightly, and rearranged the book that was sitting on her lap, trying to draw attention away from the fact she had just been startled. The girl grinned but didn't say anything, instead turning to face Sakaki.

"I never told you my name did I? Here I was blabbing away and you don't even know who I am do you?"

"N-no" replied Sakaki, not quite sure if the question required an answer or not.

"I am Kagura, and it is a pleasure to meet you miss…" said the girl, her voice trailing away as she waited for an answer.

"Sakaki. M-my name is Sakaki" stated Sakaki quietly, not sure about giving her name to a stranger.

"Well as I said I am Kagura, and it is a pleasure to meet you Sakaki!" said the girl. "I noticed the badge on your bag; it looks like we go to different schools."

"Oh, I guess so."

"Well who knows, maybe we'll see each other again huh?" stated Kagura, standing up. "After all we live in the same city…it's pretty big but we might cross paths again. Who knows, we could even meet up at the next school we go to."

"Perhaps."

"Well take care of yourself Miss Sakaki" said Kagura, slipping one strap of her bag over her tanned shoulder. "I have to get going now. Enjoy the rest of your book" she stated, before sprinting off. Soon she had left the park and vanished from view.

Sakaki remained seated, not quite sure over what had just happened.

---

Slightly invigorated after her random meeting with the girl (due to not making a fool of herself socially) Sakaki found herself taking the main street as opposed to taking the back path back to her house. She looked upwards as she headed towards the large swimming complex; head swooping back down as she narrowly avoided walking into someone.

She was surprised to see Mr Kimura standing in front of her, the man watching her. She looked uneasy, the man having the same expression. Sakaki was unsure of what to say, but Kimura stopped it by staring right at her and opening his mouth.

"Yes well today at the pool there may only be training sessions for sixteen year old girls but I was there to cheer my…friends…daughter on. Good day" said the man nonchalantly before turning one hundred and eighty degrees around and walking away at pace.

For the third time that day Sakaki found herself slightly confused about what had just unfolded, but decided simply to ignore it and walk home…not before getting bitten once more when trying to stroke the grey cat.