To the following:
Miracles79 – Thank you for the review. Also, just like you—I too am split between Sachiko and Shimako. I honestly don't know who should I choose for Yumi—maybe, I should choose both haha… And, as we all know, Shimako has a shy and timid personality those personalities are still there. And, just like in Yumi's character, I added a little bit of something in Shimako's character as well. So, everybody should wait for it.
Rasta Lioness – (^^,)Good luck for that 200th place! Ah yes, I will try to update more frequently. Also, I will try to make the next update worth the wait! And, thank you for reading…good luck again!
D.E. – You're welcome! I'm glad that you like it. And, YES—there will be more 'Shimako-and-Yumi Scenes'. I hope that answers your question.
Honulicious – Thank you so much! You know? After writing Chapter 14, I couldn't help but to listen to Switchfoot's song, 'Only Hope' and as well as the song, 'Amazing Grace'. What about you? Which one do you prefer—with lyrics or without lyrics? Now on to the story, merging both companies through marriage, why not?
ExceptMe – Thank you! I'll try to keep up and write more. In fact, I already have a new MSGM story entitled—'The Office Affairs'. This will be my second MSGM story and, officially, this will be a Sachiko-Shimako-Yumi triangle. (^^,)
romancejunky – Thanks so much! (^^,) Truthfully, I thought I wouldn't be able to finish this chapter. Yumi's past is still hidden, but, in the future chapters… hopefully, I might reveal everything.
Grace – Thank you again for reading! About their reactions, obviously, they'll be shocked, surprised, and everything that goes along those lines. But of course you'll have to wait for it. (^^,)
=o0o=
Author's Notes: In Chapter 14, the Cinderella Arc is finally finished. And, Sachiko and Yumi are sœurs already. Also, in Chapter 14, we've read/seen scenes that show Yumi's dislike towards Kashiwagi. Everyone, don't forget that you can always ask me questions, okay? And now, I give you She is my Master: Chapter 15: Shimako: "I really am lost". Enjoy!
=o0o=
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Shimako: "I really am lost"
=o0o=
It was a bright and cold morning when I left my home for school. I waited for the public bus for almost a quarter of an hour. 'One month from now it will be Onee-sama's birthday…' I thought as I stepped inside the public bus. Later, the bus I was riding; arrived at a certain familiar stop. From there, my heartbeat seems to quicken its pace. 'Why is that?' I wondered, nervously. Back then, I was curious about its source. I even did a research, hoping that somehow I could give myself a proper explanation. But I don't think books and other scientific archives have the answer to what I'm looking for. 'I'm still lost…'
"Good day, Shimako. Do you mind if I sit next to you?"
I turned. And once again, my heartbeat pulsated loudly. "Yumi-san," my voice nearly croaked…it was so embarrassing.
"So, can I sit?" Yumi-san asked.
I nodded and she sat next to me that was also the time I noticed she was holding a medium-sized white box. I know I shouldn't pry on other people's business. And, I don't want Yumi-san to think badly of me.
"Are you thinking: What's in the box, Yumi-san? Or, is there a surprise in that box, Yumi-san? Which one from the two did I get right?" Yumi-san asked, mimicking me in the process.
Yumi-san surprised me, yet again. I giggled at her and I know the other passengers were watching us as well. Especially, those who were wearing the same school uniform like mine and Yumi-san's.
"What? What's so funny?" Yumi-san asked.
"I'm sorry…it's just that, did you realize that…what you said earlier were just the same?" I giggled again when I saw Yumi-san's reaction as if she finally took grasped of the situation. 'I never knew Yumi-san can be clueless, how cute…' I smiled inwardly.
"…Really?" Yumi-san said in disbelief. "I actually thought they were different." She added.
And once again, I giggled. I only stopped when I noticed Yumi-san smiling at me.
Once again, my heartbeat pulsated loudly.
"Hey, why are you smiling like that? People might actually think you're crazy if you're going to keep on smiling like – like that." I said. Only God knows how I tried to change our topic of conversation—and most of all—get Yumi-san's attention away from me.
'I don't think my mind is working properly.' I said to myself as I breathe in, taking the cold air that ran past through the bus' window.
"But, don't you want to know what's inside the box?" Yumi-san asked. Still, she was smiling adorably at me.
'I know I've noticed this before—but—I couldn't get tired of staring at Yumi-san's eyes. I've learned that whenever the lights passed through those pair of eyes, the color changes from brown to golden brown. Also, just by staring, you could see Yumi-san's golden-brown eyes. Just like now.' I gulped. And inwardly, I thanked the bus driver for suddenly stopping in front of the school's main gate.
"Oh good! We're here!" Yumi-san said. She promptly stood up and walked towards the main gate.
Considering the time, there were already a lot of students around the campus. Some of them were glancing, murmuring, and even pointing towards Yumi-san's direction. I'm surprised; she's handling the situation fairly well.
"Yumi," someone had called from behind.
Both, me and Yumi-san, turned around and met Rosa Chinensis and Rosa Chinensis en bouton.
"Good day, Yumi-chan…Shimako-chan. I hope you both had a pleasant rest after the play." Youko-sama said. She turned towards Yumi-san. "And, Yumi, I hope you enjoyed yesterday's activity." Youko-sama said.
"Good day, Rosa Chinensis…Rosa Chinensis en bouton." Yumi-san and I greeted both of our seniors with a bow.
"Ah yes, if you consider lazing around as a form of relaxation, then I guess, I did relax yesterday." Yumi-san said, smiling again. 'Why is she smiling now?' I thought.
"That's good to hear then. Shall we go to the Rose Mansion? I think I could use some hot tea in this weather." Youko-sama said. She led us to the Rose Mansion with Sachiko-sama next to her; while Yumi-san and I, followed behind.
And all the while, Yumi-san was smiling. "What are you smiling about, Yumi-san?" I asked, curiously.
Yumi-san looked at me, still, with a smile on her lips. "Would you rather see me frown then, Shimako?" she asked, playfully.
'Am I facing my Onee-sama right now?' I thought to myself, nervously.
=o0o=
We arrived at the meeting room but the only people who were already present were Onē-sama, Rosa Foetida, and Rosa Foetida en bouton.
"Good day," Eriko-sama greeted.
"Good day, Rosa Foetida." Sachiko-sama greeted.
"Yo..!" Onē-sama greeted with a wave.
"Good morning to you too, Sei," Yōko-sama said with a sigh.
Onee-sama just smiled cheekily and approached Yumi-san and I. "Good morning my little ones!" she said while hugging us that seemed to last forever.
"Sei-sama! You're gonna make me drop this – this box!" Yumi-san said. She was trying to squirm away from Onee-sama's grasp but…couldn't. Well, except for me since Onee-sama already let me go.
"Why? What's in the box, Yumi-chan?" Onee-sama asked as she finally let Yumi-san go.
"Well… I thought since the play was a success…" – Yumi-san placed the box on the table and started taking off the scotch-tape on the sides. – "We should at least celebrate with this." – She said. And finally, revealing what's inside the box…it's was a perfectly shaped blueberry cheesecake.
"Wow, Yumi-chan! Did you bake this?" Onee-sama asked as she studied the cake on the table.
"I… Well… I didn't have anything to do yesterday and…" – Yumi-san paused. – "…let's just eat the cake, shall we?" – Immediately, Yumi-san walked behind me. – "Help me prepare." I heard her whisper behind my back, surprising me once again.
I only nodded and followed Yumi-san towards the kitchenette of the meeting room. We prepared the needed kitchenware; also, the hot tea that will go along the cake. Yumi-san started by boiling one-liter of water for the tea. Next, she opened one of the cupboards to get the dried tea leaves while I took the butter knife, saucers, teacups, and the teaspoons.
I also took liberty of placing each kitchenware in front of my seniors.
First were the Third-years and then the Second-years.
But, by the time I was placing Sachiko-sama's teacup, I hate to say it but I can feel a little bit of tension from her. 'Something must have happened to Sachiko-sama.' I thought as I took notice of Sachiko-sama sudden change of mood.
Yumi-san, who was cutting the cake for everyone, noticed something as well. "Where's Yoshino?" Yumi-san asked while cutting another piece of cake again.
"Yoshino's absent, Yumi-chan. You don't have to worry; she's always like this after an event." Rei-sama said.
"That' too bad… I even baked this cake…" – Yumi-san sighed then, suddenly, her mood changed from disappointment to excitement. She walked back to the kitchenette right away. – "Would you give Yoshino this…" – Yumi-san handed out a clear plastic container to Rei-sama which contains a piece of the blueberry cheesecake. – "…and, tell me if Yoshino enjoyed it." She added with a smile.
"That's really sweet of you, Yumi-chan. I'm sure Yoshino will enjoy the cake." Rei-sama said.
"Alright! Let's enjoy and eat Yumi-chan' cake!" Onee-sama announced, excitedly. She even draped her arm on Yumi-san's shoulder until… "Well – well – well, what do you call this, Yumi-chan?" Onee-sama asked as she pulled a silver chain that look like a rosary—Sachiko-sama's rosary. "Ho~ so, when and where did the ritual take place, Yumi-chan?" Onee-sama asked another question, more like, pushed the question towards poor Yumi-san. 'Gomen'nasai, Yumi-san… I can't help you when it comes to Onee-sama; she's just too much for me.'
"Ro – Rosa Gigantea…" Yumi-san started to fidget.
Meanwhile, Youko-sama's voice rang. "I want to know too, as Sachiko's Onee-sama of course." She said with her all-knowing-smile.
"And I, as a friend of her Onee-sama," Eriko-sama said, teasing Yumi-san even more.
"Rosa Chinensis! And even Rosa Foetida!" Yumi-san nearly shrieked from where she stood. Nervously, she turned around Sachiko-sama, maybe, asking for help. But Sachiko-sama, she looked at Yumi-san as if saying, 'If you say it, I won't forgive you.'
"Now – now – now, Sacchan… Don't be like that," Onee-sama said. Once again, she placed her arm around Yumi-san's shoulder. "Let's just celebrate! After all, you and Yumi-chan just became sœurs and…Yumi-chan even baked this cake that I'm sure that it's amazingly scrumptious." – She paused. – "Oh and ah… Congratulations to the both of you." – Then, Onē-sama hugged both Sachiko-sama and Yumi-san as she congratulated them both.
"Congratulations, Sachiko…Yumi-chan!" Eriko-sama said with a smile.
Youko-sama walked to her little sisters. "Congratulations," she said and turned towards Yumi-san. "Our sister tends to lose her temper and sometimes she would be stubborn. I'm telling you this, so, I want you to be patient with her." Yōko-sama said while hugging her Petite Sœur's Imouto.
"Of course, Youko-sama," Yumi-san said after returning the hug she shared with Youko-sama.
After Youko-sama had congratulated both of her little sisters, Rei-sama congratulated Sachiko-sama and Yumi-san in the same fashion like Eriko-sama's. "Congratulations, Sachiko…Yumi-chan." She said with a hug.
When it was my turn, I tried not to think about what I felt earlier this morning. "Congratulations, Sachiko-sama…Yumi-san." I said. And instead of giving a hug, I bowed at them.
"Eh? I don't get a hug?" Yumi-san said as she smiled at me. 'She's starting to tease me again.' I said to myself while thinking of a way to get out of this embarrassing situation.
And so, I only did what Yumi-san asks me—I hugged her.
I walked just a few distances away from Yumi-san. And my heart, it started to pound crazily. And to think that I haven't even moved, what more if I really did give Yumi-san a hug? 'What should I do?' I asked myself. And nervously, I clutched on neckerchief as my heart pounded even more and a little louder and faster. I remember this feeling…it's the same with during that time… at Yumi-san's house.
"Three – Two – One!"
"Eh? Yumi-san?"
I was really taken by surprise yet again. I never would have thought that Yumi-san would hug me in a way that almost too similar to how Onē-sama would hug me. I only giggled when I noticed what she was doing to me.
"There – There…"
Yumi-san said after letting me go. And now, she's petting my head. I only wondered, 'Why is she petting my head?' I only sighed when I tried to take a glance at her. 'She's still petting my head.'
"Um, Yumi-san?" I called.
"Hm?" that was Yumi-san's reply while giving me a questioning look.
"Um…" I was trying to say, 'Please stop petting my head, Yumi-san.' But somehow, I find it really hard. 'She's giving me that look again.'
"Oh! Don't worry; I'll be done in a few seconds." Yumi-san continued to pet my head. But once she's finally done, she let me go.
"What was that?" Onee-sama asked. And as Onee-sama's Petite Sœur, I think I can tell Onee-sama's thinking something mischievous.
"Ah that…it's just the number of times Shimako stepped on my foot during the play. Of course, during—hrmph!"
"Yumi-san!"
Immediately, I covered Yumi-san's mouth with both of my hands. And frantically, I said, "Geez, Yumi-san, you didn't have to tell everyone about that!" I know, at that time, my face was in many deep shades of red. I don't think I was able to breathe right at that time too.
"Hrmph~!"
Yumi-san, whose mouth was still covered with my hands, was making an incomprehensible noise. I asked, worriedly. "What is it, Yumi-san?" She pointed toward my hands. And hurriedly, I took my hands away from her mouth.
"Ah…finally, air," Yumi-san said after taking in some air. "Remind me not to get on your bad side." She added with a little laugh. "But wow… You sure have quite a grip there, Shimako."
"…" I honestly do not know what to do with her.
"Oh my…what a cruel finisher," Eriko-sama said.
"Eh?" Yumi-san looked at everyone, confused.
"You really did hit the final blow there, Yumi-chan." Onee-sama said as if she was trying to put a little of blame on Yumi-san.
And again, Yumi-san looked confused as if asking, 'what did I do wrong?' 'Could Yumi-san be… she couldn't be, right?' I slightly shook my head after thinking that Yumi-san might actually be dense.
"Now – now, let's enjoy Yumi-chan's cake, shall we?" Youko-sama said. She took a bite from her piece. "Hm… This taste delicious, Yumi-chan," Youko-sama took another bite again. "I really think this will go along with the tea." She proved her point with a satisfied smile after drinking her hot black tea.
"I think so too." Eriko-sama said. She actually looked like she's enjoying the pastry. And so, I took a bite as well. 'It really is delicious.' I thought while taking another bite.
After we ate, it was almost time for our classes. The first one who was able to notice it was Yumi-san. She said, "Isn't almost time for classes to start?"
Youko-sama, who's already finished eating, said, "You're right; we only have one hour left before classes start."
"Ah~ I think I'll skip class and enjoy Yumi-chan's Blueberry Cheesecake." Onee-sama said with a wink directed towards Yumi-san.
"Sei," Youko-sama's voice immediately rang inside the room as if giving my Onee-sama a warning…a deadly warning to be exact.
And once Onee-sama heard her name being called by Youko-sama; her body stiffened as if Onee-sama was scared of something. "Come on, now…it was only a joke." Onee-sama said. 'She looks like she's trying to offer her excuses to Rosa Chinensis.' I thought.
While Yumi-san, suddenly blurted out, "Wow~ you really got yourself whipped out there, Sei-sama." She even chuckled a little. Well, compare to Eriko-sama, who kept on laughing, Onee-sama, Sachiko-sama, Youko-sama, and even I were the only ones who were not laughing at all. I'm guessing, Onee-sama was not laughing because the joke was directed to her. And just like me, Sachiko-sama probably did not understand what Yumi-san meant. However, I didn't understand why Youko-sama's face was in different shades of red.
"Ha~ I've never laughed that much." Eriko-sama said after taking in some air. And even though Eriko-sama laughed quite a lot earlier; she would still chuckle every now and then as if remembering what had happened moments ago.
And at that time, Onee-sama looked like she would burst out due to Eriko-sama's actions. 'Here they go again…' I sighed inwardly while watching Onee-sama trying to make Eriko-sama quiet. "Shut it, Dekochin!" She said, causing Yumi-san to be curious.
And again, Yumi-san blurted out what I think is on her mind. "Dekochin? What word is that?" she asked, looking at us questioningly. "I'm sorry…it's just that I haven't encountered that word yet."
Eriko-sama walked in front of Yumi-san and placed her hand on Yumi-san's shoulder. She looked at Yumi-san seriously and said, "Yumi-chan, there are also a lot of things in the world that you should not be curious about. Let's take for example, ever heard of the saying, 'Curiosity killed the cat'?"
Yumi-san could only nod at Eriko-sama. Her 'Curious Face' exposed for everyone to see.
"So, as you're senior, I am giving you this advice. You should feel honored about that, you know." Eriko-sama said, giving Yumi-san a final pat around the shoulder.
"What the hell?" Onee-sama suddenly chimed in.
"Sei, language." Youko-sama said, giving another stern warning. But, unfortunately, Onee-sama ignored that warning.
"Don't listen to that Old Goat, Yumi-chan." Onee-sama said while holding Yumi-san in an arm's-length away from her and she asked, "Do you know why Einstein is called a genius?" Onee-sama didn't wait for Yumi-san's answer; she just gave the answer trivially. "The reason to that is because Einstein is curious. So, don't believe in sayings like, 'Curiosity killed the Cat', after all, there's always the saying, 'A Cat has nine lives'. So, shall I fill up all the curiosity you have there, Yumi-chan?" Onee-sama asked with her famous grin.
Yumi-san, who was staring at Onee-sama, blinked… If not once, twice or maybe three times. Then, she said, "Um…no offense, but I think I'll pass. Thank you for the offer though." She bowed then, "Shimako, let's start cleaning up." She dragged me towards the table and we started to pick up the used dishes while everyone was starting to gather their belongings.
Meanwhile, Yumi-san and I were washing the used dishes. And as much as I want to talk to her and start a conversation with her, I just couldn't do it. 'She must find me plain and boring…' I sighed, feeling depressed. My thoughts over depression only stopped when I felt something cold and wet on my cheek. When I turned left, I noticed Yumi-san's finger in mid-air as if she was pointing something. 'Oh I see… Yumi-san was poking me awhile ago. Why on the cheek though?' I thought as I tried to take a glance at her… Oh, she's back to washing the dishes.
"Hey, Shimako? Do you find me boring?" Yumi-san asked.
I first looked at Yumi-san as if saying, 'What are you talking about, Yumi-san? I should be the one asking that question.' Since here I am next to you unable to say a thing…again. 'Why am I like this?' I asked myself frustratingly.
"It's alright; you don't have to answer." Yumi-san said with her attention completely on the saucer she was washing. By the time she was done, she turned towards me. And with her clean, smooth, and wet hands, she wiped the remaining bubbles on my cheek.
"Thank you." I said while staring at the faucet. 'I really – really can't look at her now.' I thought again with a sigh. I'm just grateful and at the same time disappointed when Onee-sama suddenly came between us. 'Why though?'
"Are you both done?" Onee-sama asked as she placed one of her arms on my and Yumi-san's shoulder. "Oh! You both don't have to worry about the cake. We took the liberty of placing it inside the fridge. See? It's right here." Onee-sama pointed at the pastry in the fridge. "So, let's go to class before we all get late." Onee-sama added.
One by one, we took our satchels and headed to the door. Before going down, Youko-sama checked if the door was properly locked while Sachiko-sama, who looked like she has no intention of leaving anytime soon, was waiting just near the biscuit door.
"Yumi," Sachiko-sama called.
Yumi, who was walking next to me, paused and started to walk towards Sachiko-sama. From where I stood, I could see them talking. I guessed this was the moment that Sachiko-sama was trying to be the Grande Sœur. She even retied Yumi-san's neckerchief even though it doesn't need one. Just looking at Sachiko-sama retying Yumi-san's neckerchief, I could see that Sachiko-sama was happy and satisfied all at the same time.
'What am I doing here? I should have gone walking with Onee-sama and not waiting for Yumi-san. After all, she's with Sachiko-sama right now.' I thought while trying to take a glance inside the Rose Mansion until…
THUD
I bumped with the person I was waiting for… Yumi-san!
"Are you alright, Shimako?" I heard Yumi-san's voice…it was close. When I opened my eyes, there it goes again… That loud pounding from awhile ago…it came. Only this time, much louder than ever. I gulped and tried to divert my attention to anything but it was a complete failure. How can I when Yumi-san's face was just inches away from mine?
That's when I noticed our position.
I remember my body falling backwards after colliding with Yumi-san. I was trying to reach for something anything to hold onto at that time. I did manage to hold onto something. But I never expected it was Yumi-san's hand raising my right hand while her left was carrying me and at the same time breaking my fall. For a moment, I was in a trance…a dream-like state. And next, I remember nothing.
=o0o=
'Where am I?' I asked while trying to survey my surroundings. 'Is this the Infirmary?' I wondered as I took notice of the white-washed walls and the curtains surrounding me. I tried to get up but, unfortunately, I couldn't. At first, I started to panicked. But when I looked at my side, I saw Yumi-san sleeping. 'How long has she been here?' I wondered as I continued to stare at Yumi-san that lasted for a few minutes.
"Good morning," I greeted.
Yumi-san chuckled. "Shimako, I think what you're trying to say is, Good afternoon," she said.
"Yumi-san, did you skip class?" I asked, curiously. I watched her nervously scratching her cheek. 'Don't tell me, she really did skip class!' I thought, giving me this fluttering feeling inside my stomach.
"Haha… I guess you caught me there." Yumi-san said, smiling cheekily.
"But, Yumi-san, it's not right to skip class." I said.
"I know—BUT—I just can't stop blaming myself from what happened to you this morning!" Yumi-san exclaimed. "Do you know how scared I was when you fainted in front of me?" Yumi-san stretched both of her arms widely apart, "I was that scared," she said and sighed. "Ha~ I think I'm traumatized with girls fainting in front of me." Yumi-san said, adding along a sigh at the end.
"I'm sorry, I must have been heavy." I said, timidly.
"Don't worry about that. And besides, if I were to compare you against Yoshino, I'd say, Yoshino is heavier. No doubt about it." Yumi-san said while I could only blush and listen to her words. "Oh, since it's already lunch break, you must be hungry." Yumi-san added. She walked out of the curtain for awhile. I heard her footsteps stopping at some point. After a few seconds, Yumi-san was back with two satchels in hand. I noticed the first one was mine.
'So, the other one must be hers…' I thought.
"Here," Yumi-san gave me my satchel. "I didn't want to look inside your bag so…I couldn't take out your lunchbox." Yumi-san said as she pulled a stool near my bed and started taking out her lunch. "I already asked permission from Ritsuko-sensei if it's alright for us to eat here. She said, 'Sure, why not?' So, shall we eat?" Yumi-san paused. "Or, could it be you're still feeling weak? Do you want me to feed you?" Yumi-san asked.
'How can she ask something so embarrassing with a straight-face?' I wondered.
I was only brought back to reality when I heard a snapping sound of wood similar to that of a chopstick. I turned back to Yumi-san, who was busily taking a slice of karaage from her lunchbox and moved her chopsticks at my direction, she said. "Say, ah…"
"Kawaii~"
We heard a familiar squeal not to far from us.
Yumi-san, who hadn't turned around, said. "Good day to you too, Sei-sama," her voice sounded irritated…almost similar to Sachiko-sama's.
"Ara – Ara… You're not going to greet your other seniors, Yumi-chan?"
Yumi-san turned around immediately and saw Sachiko-sama and Youko-sama.
"We heard that you fainted, how are you feeling now, Shimako-chan?" Youko-sama asked.
"Better though…a little dehydrated." I said.
Yumi-san suddenly chimed in. "Would you like me to buy you a drink then, Shimako?" she said.
"Then, could you buy me a drink also?" Onee-sama asked, smiling.
Yumi-san stared at Onee-sama for a few seconds. She blinked once then twice. "Okay… What do you want?" Yumi-san asked, monotonously.
And just like Yumi-san, Onee-sama stared and blinked once then twice, mimicking what Yumi-san had done to her earlier. "Hm~ anything's fine," she said.
Yumi-san turned her attention to me. "How about you?" she asked.
"Anything hot will do." I answered.
Yumi-san then turned to Youko-sama. "What drink you would you like, Rosa Chinensis?" she asked.
Youko-sama pondered for a moment before answering. "Sachiko knows what drink I usually buy. So, why won't you both go to the Milk Hall together? I'm sure you'll need extra hands by the time you're done buying, okay?"
Yumi-san could only nod. And soon, she and Sachiko-sama walked out of the Infirmary leaving me with Onee-sama and Youko-sama.
"Shimako," Onee-sama called.
"Yes, Onee-sama?"
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Of course"
"Do you like Yumi-chan?" Onee-sama asked.
"Well, I suppose I do like since I don't dislike her. And with Yumi-san's personality, anyone will like her without a doubt." I answered, truthfully.
Both, Onee-sama and Youko-sama, stared at me for quite some time. The first to react was Youko-sama. "Shimako-chan…what Sei was trying to ask was—Do you like Yumi-chan in a romantic-sense?" she said while looking at me intensely in the eyes. Youko-sama only stopped when we heard the sliding noise of the door.
"We're back~" Yumi-san declared happily and walked over to us to give each of our drinks. Then, she stood next to Sachiko-sama who was slightly flustered at the moment.
"That was fast," Youko-sama said. "What did you two do to make it out alive at the Milk Hall?" Youko-sama asked in a teasingly-manner.
Yumi-san thought for a moment. "Nothing actually," she said.
Onee-sama and Youko-sama looked at Yumi-san curiously. "Really? Are you sure?" They both asked at the same time.
"Of course, I'm sure." Yumi-san said.
I noticed Onee-sama glancing discreetly at Sachiko-sama. Then, she turned towards Youko-sama whispering something. Onee-sama must have said something that could take Youko-sama's interest. "I think I know why there weren't many students barging their way towards you, Yumi-chan." she said with a grin.
And for the first time, I saw Yumi-san raise her eyebrow. "That would be because of what, Sei-sama?" she asked.
Onee-sama's grin just grew wider. "Now, why won't you take a look at you're right, don't you think she's a passable Charm to get rid of your growing number of fans?" she said, pointing at the person standing next to Yumi-san—Sachiko-sama.
Yumi-san looked confused. "Charm? Fans? What are you talking about, Sei-sama?" she asked.
Youko-sama giggled probably because of Yumi-san's confused state. "Oh my, it seems that you haven't read the latest issue of the school's newspaper—you and Sachiko were in the front page headlines." she said, giggling even more at Yumi-san's reaction.
"You don't have to look so shocked. I did that interview to stop the members from the Newspaper Club from asking you for an interview." Sachiko-sama said. And instead of receiving any form of gratitude from her Petite Sœur, Yumi-san just sighed which made Sachiko-sama confused. "What? What's wrong?" she asked.
At first, Yumi-san looked hesitant. But after a few seconds, she told us, "I received a letter in my shoebox recently. It said, 'Please answer this questionnaire and send it to the Newspaper Club's Chief Editor, thank you!' attached to it was a folded paper and it was the questionnaire the letter was talking about… I still have it with me and I don't have any intention of sending it with full details of my life."
"Can I take a look at this questionnaire you're talking about, Yumi-chan?" Youko-sama asked. And when she finally got hold of the said questionnaire, she said, "Why not answer it? It's only a couple of minor questions."
"Yes, I know. But can't they just leave it as, 'Fukuzawa Yumi, 15-years old'. PERIOD—just like that and not add any other questions like, 'When is your birthday?', 'Do you play any musical instrument? If so, what is it?', 'Aside from English and Nihongo, do know any other foreign languages? Please write them down.', and etc." Yumi-san said, exasperatedly.
"Yumi-chan, just look at it this way. These people who are asking you these questions, they just want to know you better…especially, a certain someone who's inside this room." Onee-sama said with her cheeky grin.
"And that would be me!"
We nearly jumped from our positions after hearing such loud voice combined with the sudden shuffling of the curtains.
"Ritsuko-sensei, you get gave us quite a fright there." Onee-sama said.
"Oh really? That's good! Don't you know it's almost time for class?" Ritsuko-sensei said.
"Oh course, we knew." Onee-sama said. She turned to me and asked, "How about you, Shimako? Are you feeling well to take your afternoon classes?"
"Yes. Onee-sama; I'm fine." I said while carefully putting my shoes on.
"Shimako, let's go back to our classroom." Yumi-san said with a smile. I even noticed that she was carrying my bag.
"Yumi-san, I'm alright. I can carry my bag." I said and tried to give a reassuring smile to, at least, prove my point.
"No, it's okay. Let me carry it for you. I don't want to hear or see you collapsing all over again." Yumi-san said.
"Just let her do what she wants, Toudou-san. And besides, Fukuzawa-san must be scared until now." Ritsuko-sensei said with a grin similar to Onee-sama's.
After hearing what the School Nurse had said, I looked back at Yumi-san. I noticed she suddenly turned away when our eyes met. I also noticed her cheeks were in different shades of red. "Come on, Shimako! We don't want to be late for our classes!" she said, dragging me outside of the Infirmary.
As we walked our way to our classroom, I stared at the hand connected to mine then to the person who owns that hand.
'Do you like Yumi-chan?'
Onee-sama's words rang through my head. At first, I shook my head. But another thought came to my head again and it made me restless.
'Do you like Yumi-chan in a romantic-sense?'
That was what Youko-sama said.
'I wish she didn't elaborate Onee-sama's words…' I sighed.
'I really am lost…'
=o0o=
Disclaimer: Maria-sama ga Miteru is not mine.