To the following:
Honulicious – Hm… Unrequited Love..? I don't know. Maybe yes…maybe no. I'm not telling. (^^,) I want it to be a surprise for everyone who's reading this story! And, thanks for reading and reviewing! (^^,)
Leon – Sachiko (tsundere) x Yumi (badass) is good. But, it's not like the story has ended. I mean, the story's still under Season 1 Timeline. And, the first years—Kanako, Noriko, and Touko—are not yet mentioned in the story. There's still time for progress. Anyway, thank you for reading and for the review. (^^,)
amy6776 – I have to say… Shimako is confused rather than in-denial. I mean, Shimako doesn't even know if she likes Yumi. While Sachiko, I have to say… That woman is torn inside. Sachiko knows who she has to confront. But the problem is… Sachiko doesn't know what Shimako is thinking. And, yea~ Sachiko is definitely gonna have herself some competition. (^^,)
D.E – You're welcome! I'll try to update faster, I promise! Thank you for reading and for the review! (^^,)
Miracles79 – Well, as for Sachiko and Shimako's interaction, I'd say… Sachiko is holding back her temper against the person who kissed her Petite Sœur. While Shimako, she's clueless as to why Sachiko is treating her that way. And, thank you reading and giving a review! (^^,)
romancejunky – Thank you if you think it that way. Since, at first, I thought…if I use this sort of love triangle, the readers won't like it. Also, most of the stories I've read in that has a love triangle in it, they're all Sachiko-Yumi-Sei triangle. And, thank you again for reading and for the review! (^^,)
Grace– Thank you for reading and giving me another review! And—YES—I am a fan of Shoujo-ai. I started loving the genre when I first watched the anime "Maria-sama ga Miteru", "Strawberry Panic!", and more. Then, I started reading mangas under Shoujo-ai like: "Gurenki", "Nijipuri", "Poor Poor Lips", and many-many more! So…yeah, I'm quite a fan hehe… (^^,)
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Author' Notes: I'm sorry if I took so long to update. I was busy writing my second and third MsgM story. And, I just finished downloading the MsgM series I couldn't help but enjoy the MsgM series all over again hehe…(- -,) Let's see…in Chapter 15, Yumi is officially Rosa Chinensis en bouton's Petite Sœur. And now, here's She is my Master: CHAPTER SIXTEEN: Yumi: "Yellow Rose Revolution". Enjoy!
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CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Yumi: "Yellow Rose Revolution"
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It's been almost a week since I've been staring at this piece of paper on my hand. Yes, it was the same paper given to me by the Newspaper Club. Somehow, I'm starting to find them rather persistent. And, similar to this piece of paper, it's almost been a week since I haven't heard nor seen Yoshino for awhile. I wonder if she's alright.
Personally, I don't know a single thing about Yoshino. Well, maybe except that her name is Yoshino Shimazu and that she's Rei-sama's Petite Sœur which makes her Rosa Foetida en bouton's Petite Sœur.
And now, here I am searching for her. Heck, I don't even know which class she belongs. If you're asking me why I'm searching for Yoshino; then, I can't answer you that since even I don't know the answer, probably, out of curiosity…once again.
As I walked along the hallway, a lot of students were greeting me with either a smile or a wave. And, naturally, I'd reply to their greeting as well. And sometimes, some students would come and greet me: "Good day, Yumi-sama." And I'd greet back: "Good day to you too." with a smile on my lips. At some point, I noticed. They come, greet me, and leave with a flushed face. I wonder…are they alright? I smiled and continued looking for Yoshino.
I reached a certain classroom. Most the students were almost gone except for a couple of few. Then, that's where I saw Yoshino writing in her notebook. I made an audible noise just enough to get Yoshino's attention.
Yoshino looked at my direction causing her to stop from writing. "Ah, Yumi-san," she smiled then said, "it's been a week hasn't?"
Smiling, I excused myself and seated at the desk next to Yoshino's. Then, I asked. "Are you alright now?"
"Yeah, for now," Yoshino said as she continue to write in her notebook, "but it's a real pain to transcribe all the notes I missed while I was out." Then, she added. "I'll only be a little longer; will you wait for me for a bit?"
"Sure," I answered and waited. Or, more like, watched Yoshino copy all of her notes.
As I watch her flip, read, and write her notes, my eyes would sometimes travel around Yoshino's face as if I was memorizing it. And there was a time when I was watching her eyes move as she quietly read her notes. I only stop looking when I heard Yoshino say: "What? Something stuck on my face?" I hurriedly shook my head and tried to think of other things to talk about. "Are you going to the Rose Mansion today?"
Yoshino shook her head. "Onee-sama told me not to push myself too hard since it's my first day back at school in a while."
"Rei-sama did?" I asked, disbelievingly.
Yoshino sighed, looking irritated. "She's coming to the classroom to pick me up. …She's a real worrywart; it can be a real pain." She added. "On top of that, she's quite timid."
"I don't think so though…" I said, looking confused.
Yoshino said, smirking at me. "You think she appears to be strong because she does Kendo?" She added. "I only know because I've known her since I was born."
"Since you were born?" I repeated, looking confused again.
Yoshino looked at my already confused face. "Yumi-san… You didn't know?" She told me. "Onee-sama and I are cousins."
"EH?" I exclaimed and, at the same time, slammed the top of Yoshino's desk. My reaction must have been really exaggerated to make Yoshino to laugh like that. "That was quite embarrassing…"
"Well, you're fixated completely and exclusively on Sachiko-sama, Yumi-san." Yoshino said. She giggled, then, stopped. "What's the matter with you? You're acting as if you're not actually fixated on Sachiko-sama."
"No. I really am not." I answered.
Yoshino scowled. "Are you sure? Then, what about during the rehearsals? You were like Sachiko-sama's knight in shining armor when you beat the crap out of that Hanadera's Student Council President." She looked at me for a bit with a familiar glint in her eyes and whispered. "Do you like Sachiko-sama?" Still, that familiar glint was in her eyes. With a smirk, she added. "You know what I'm talking about, Yumi-san." She kept staring at me intensely as if the answer will show itself on my face.
"You're quite merciless. Aren't you, Yoshino?" I said and, in-return, I received a nod from Yoshino. "You really like to ask this sort of question…" I said as I remembered the time when the Yamayurikai was in my house. Yoshino was asking questions after question related to love; she really could put an M61 Vulcan to shame.
"So, do you like her or not?" Yoshino asked. This time, she was the one who slammed her hands on her desk.
I only sighed at Yoshino which made the braided girl irritated.
"Come on, tell me! Oh, I get it! It's Shimako-san, isn't it?" Yoshino said with a teasing gasp. Damn her! She giggled teasing me even more.
"What about Shimako?" I asked.
Yoshino stopped laughing. "Relax…" she wiped the small tears at the side of her eyes and added, "I was just saying… Aside from Sachiko-sama, who else in this school do you spend your time with most of the time? Hm?" And the next thing I knew, Yoshino was giggling. "I'm sorry. I just couldn't help teasing you about it," then, out of the blue, she asked. "Hey, were you excited and nervous when you got your rosary?"
"…Weren't you, too?" I asked, curiously.
Yoshino slammed both of her hands on her desks and exclaimed. "Not one bit!" Continuing her rant, she said. "Onee-sama and I have always attended Lillian, you know? There ended up being an implicit understanding that we would end up being Sœurs. During the High School Entrance Ceremony, I was sick and stayed home, in bed. Then Onee-sama came back, and just casually placed her rosary in my hand. It wasn't exciting at all." She giggled. "I'm sorry. Somehow, I just wanted to tell you about it." She paused."I've never had a friend like you before." Smiling, she added. "You're precious to me, Yumi-san." Then, all of a sudden, she said. "Clearly, as a FRIEND… Okay, Yumi-san?"
I couldn't contain my laughter right after hearing: as a FRIEND…
Yoshino asked. "Hey, why are you laughing?"
"Yoshino, you don't have to say that," I said, referring to the clearly as a friend thing. "I mean, I didn't say I'd like just any woman…"
"Yea, you're right…" Yoshino said.
"Anyway, you're not my type. So don't worry." I said with a smile. "And besides, don't you think you should start getting ready since your escort just arrived."
The sliding sound of the door caught both of my and Yoshino's attention. From there, we saw Rei-sama entering the classroom. "Yoshino! Sorry to keep you waiting." She said. "Oh? Yumi-chan is here too."
"No—I was just…" I started to mumble.
"Hm?" Rei-sama smiled at me, as if urging me to answer. She turned towards Yoshino and helped her pack her belongings. After that, they both turned their attention to me. "Good day, Yumi-chan." Rei-sama said.
"Good day, Yumi-san." Yoshino said. "Thanks for listening. It took a weight off my shoulders."
As Rei-sama and Yoshino exited the classroom, I was thinking about Yoshino's words: It took a weight of my shoulders. Then I wondered: Of what? I immediately walked out of the room. And, thankfully, both sœurs were still in sight.
I called out, "Yoshino."
"Yes?"
"Could you possibly be up to something?" I asked.
For a brief moment, Yoshino stared at me. "I wonder," she said and left me thinking or, shall I say, confused. I wonder if I did something wrong…
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The next day.
My thoughts—when I remembered Yoshino's words—was: What did Yoshino mean when she said that? It was still running inside my head as I kept on wondering what my newly acquired friend meant. I was only interrupted from my musings when I bumped into someone. I looked and it was Shimako, looking at the bulletin board with a shocked expression on her face.
I stood next to her and asked. "What's wrong?"
"That…" Shimako said pointing at the bulletin board she was looking at awhile ago.
I gazed at the said bulletin board which was owned by the Newspaper Club and read their front-page headlines:
Yellow Rose Revolution
Catastrophe for Rosa Foetida en Bouton Sœurs!
What's going on with the Yellow Rose Family?
"Honestly, can't they do anything better with their lives?" I said, referring to those persistent Newspaper Club members. And, unconsciously, pulling Shimako's hand as we walked our way to the Meeting Room of the Rose Mansion.
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"I see." Youko-sama started. "Yoshino got angry because of Rei's actions and returned her rosary. So—where is Yoshino today?"
"She's absent today." Shimako said.
"I see…" Youko-sama replied.
While they were discussing about Yoshino's absence, I noted that Eriko-sama was no-where to be found. My head was obviously swiveling from every corner of the room. "What is it, Yumi-chan?" Sei-sama asked, looking confused at what I was doing.
"Rosa Foetida isn't here either." I said.
"She was here. But…" Sei-sama said. But, unfortunately, she paused.
"—But?" I asked.
"She's even more out of it than Rei is. Her mind is totally somewhere else." Sei-sama said.
Youko-sama kept reading the newspaper. But after a few seconds, she snapped the newspaper. "This article really is a nuisance." She continued and added another snap on the scandalous paper. "It's too different from what really happened. It's the worst. They made it into a dramatic story."
I read the article:
Onee-sama, you're going to become Rosa Foetida someday. But instead of helping you, I do nothing but cause you trouble. If I'm going to be a burden for you, then I'll choose to withdraw from you on my own. I think of you more than anyone, so I've chosen this way for us to part—…I'm sorry, Onee-sama…
I wonder where they heard that version of the story… I mused, after reading the article in the newspaper. I was being too lenient around my surroundings. I didn't even realize Sachiko-sama was speaking.
"Can't we do something for them? If things continue this way, the two of them will—"
"Something…?" Youko-sama looked at Sei-sama and—almost ignoring Sachiko-sama's words—asked for her opinion.
Sachiko-sama raised her voice. "Onee-sama, aren't you being too cold! Rei is suffering so greatly, and you—"
"Sachiko-sama, please calm down." I said, placing a hand on her back, trying to calm her down.
Sachiko-sama faced me. "Yumi…" At first, she looked at sternly. But then, she sighed.
"Sachiko-sama, I'm sorry for interrupting you. However, I think it's best for couples to solve their own problems." I said. When I saw that she was listening, I continued. "Think about it. If you and I were having problems, would you want someone to intervene? I know for a fact that it would bother you if someone tries to step in and arrange things for us since you like your privacy, Sachiko-sama." Turning towards Youko-sama, I asked. "Was I correct, Rosa Chinensis?"
Youko-sama smiled and—with her hands intertwined together on the table—nodded. "Yes, Yumi-chan," she smiled. And now, with her chin resting on her intertwined hands, she continued. "If it really was a problem between you and Sachiko, I would question you're Onee-sama about it in detail. Do you know why, Yumi-chan?"
"Um…" I started looking at the floor then back to Youko-sama. "…Because Rosa Chinensis is Sachiko-sama's Onee-sama." I answered which gained me a smile from Youko-sama again.
"…So that's how things are?" Sachiko-sama asked straightly.
Youko-sama nearly sighed. "Yes." She answered Sachiko-sama directly. "It's a matter of courtesy for outsiders to not interfere with family problems." Then, she turned towards Rei-sama and continued. "Of course, if Rei wants my help, I'd be happy to advice her—well?"
"No…" Rei-sama declined. "I'll think about it myself a bit longer…"
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Yesterday, back at the Rose Mansion, when Rei-sama said: I'll think about it myself a bit longer… I started to think… Was it about what Yoshino had said? I just hope that they'll be reunited again as Sœurs. Wait, is that Rosa Foetida? I thought and, glancing down at the stairs, called out to her. "Rosa Foeti—" Immediately, I shut my mouth when I she looked back at me. Did someone slap her? I asked myself. "Wh-What happ—" I tried to ask but, Eriko-sama turned away from me with her hand covering her swollen cheek.
"Sorry, but I'm in a hurry." Eriko-sama said.
"Yes, I'm sorry to have stopped you." I said immediately.
"I'm sorry, but could you—" Eriko-sama was telling me, but immediately, I chimed in:
"Yes! I won't tell anyone about this!" I said jumpily.
With that Eriko-sama turn away and left. I stared at her while she left me thinking: What-? Somebody slapped her? Slapped Rosa Foetida? When? Who? ACK! Now I'm worried about it!
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Sighing, I entered the Meeting Room and, surprisingly, I found Sei-sama seated on the edge of the window, alone with a cup of coffee in hand. Somehow, I feel cautious when I'm with her. I thought. Sei-sama looked at me and smiled. "You were amazing yesterday, Yumi-chan. If I didn't know you, I might think that you were not a First-year at all." She drank from her cup and, glancing outside, continued. "You even handled the situation well… ARGH, I said that all at once, and now my throat is dry." She coughed, clearing her throat.
"Oh, should I make some more coffee?" I asked.
"Yeah, make enough Black Tea for three people." Sei-sama said.
"Three people?" I asked, waiting for her confirmation.
"Yes, please." Sei-sama answered.
"Is Darjeeling alright? Or—" I started in a questioning-manner. But when I slowly turn around for Sei-sama's reply, I shrieked. "EEK!"
"Screaming like that. Oh… You wound me, Yumi-chan." Sei-sama said, devastated. "I was just trying to help you…"
"Oh! I'm sorry." I said. I really need to be cautious with this woman!
"You…" Sei-sama started. "…Thought I would do this, didn't you?" She suddenly hugged me from behind squeezing me as if I was some toy. What the heck does she think she's doing? ACK! I can't breathe— She's starting to annoy me, honestly.
"Ro—Rosa Gigantea, you'd do this to anybody without caring who it was, wouldn't you?" I said, trying to get away from Sei-sama's tight grasp.
"Doing it to just anyone would be unprincipled." Sei-sama said back. "And, what about you?"
"What about me?" I asked.
Sei-sama released me but only to turn me around. "You're really cute, Yumi-chan." She smirked and the next thing I knew she kissed me on the cheek. What's with the White Rose Family? Kissing me all of a sudden… Well, at least, Sei-sama kissed me on the cheek. Unlike her Petite Sœur…' I stepped away from Sei-sama. That is until…
# THUD #
"Yumi," Th—this voice… Why does it always have to be her? I thought and turned around. I was right it was Sachiko-sama. She walked briskly in front of Sei-sama. "You've gone too far with your games. You knew that I was on my way, and did it nevertheless, do you not?"
Sei-sama shrugged. "Well~ it couldn't be helped. Yumi-chan is nice to hold, so it might become a habit."
"If you long for contact with human skin, then please feel free to embrace your own petite sœur?" Sachiko-sama said.
Sei-sama repeated. "Shimako?" She paused and, as if thinking about Sachiko-sama's words, continued. "Hm~ I never considered that."
"And I hope that then, you will no longer need to touch and pester my Petite Sœur…" Sachiko-sama said. 'Sheesh… does she not realize that Sei-sama is just playing with her.'
"I'll think about it." Sei-sama grinned while Sachiko-sama glared at Sei-sama as if the said Second-year Red Rose was shooting daggers at the Third-year White Rose, literally.
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On the same day, back at my house, I was answering my homework in my room. Then, all of a sudden… I heard a knock from the door. "Yumi, there's someone who wants to speak with you on the phone." I heard Maria said from the other side of the door. "She said: she's from the Yamayurikai."
After hearing—Yamayurikai—immediately, I opened the door. "Thank you, Maria. You can go now." I said after taking the phone from Maria's hand. "Hello, Fukuzawa Yumi speaking."
"Yumi-san, it's me—Yoshino."
I was hearing voices from the background it's as if there's a crowd somewhere near Yoshino. "Yoshino! Wow, it's been a while! What's wrong? How are you?"
"I just wanted to hear your voice a bit." Yoshino said, trying to change the topic. "Say, was that Maria-san just now?"
"Yes, that's right." She sounds like she's doing fine… I hope she doesn't mind if I ask her this: "Why you did you call me?"
For a brief moment, there was an awkward silence. "…The truth is… I called because I wanted to see you, Yumi-san."
"Me?" I said, disbelievingly. "H-Hold on there. I thought you said we're just friends—"
"—BAKA! I didn't mean that! I just want you to come here, will you?" Yoshino asked.
"Sure. But, where is this "here" you're referring to?" I asked.
"Itou General Hospital," Yoshino said.
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Next day, my first thought was Yoshino's call. She's in the hospital. Is she that ill? I thought as I continued to choose from the long line of clothes in my walk-in closet. But after a few minutes, I decided to choose a white long-sleeved shirt along with a black thin necktie, black skinny-jeans, white sneakers, and a grey suit. After putting on my clothes, I checked my appearance on the mirror before heading to the dinning-room where I found Maria placing the breakfast on the table. "Oh my, what's the occasion?" Maria asked, taking notice of my appearance.
"Oh this," I referred to my clothes. "I'm visiting a friend who's in the hospital."
"I see… Then, you better buy a "Get Well Soon Gift" for your friend." Maria suggested.
I was thinking about it for a moment. But, what should I buy? I racked my head for any possible gift that I can give Yoshino. Hm… Flowers are a norm "Get Well Soon Gift" so it's a "No". And besides, I don't even know what kind of flowers Yoshino likes. Sweets… the doctors must have prohibited her from eating something so it's a "No" also. How about Reading-materials? That's a "No" also since I don't know what kind of book she likes.
This is quite difficult. I sighed."Thanks for reminding me that." I said and heard a chuckle from my Personal Attendant.
"Shall I call a cab for you?" Maria asked.
I shook my head. "No need. But, thanks anyway." I stood up. "Thanks for the meal." I said and started to walk towards the door.
"Be safe," Maria said. "…Don't do anything reckless, understand?" she added as if lecturing me.
"Yes, Ma'am! I fully understand." I said with a mock salute. "I'm going now, bye!" I smiled and left my temporary home while Maria stood by the gate waving goodbye at me. And, after a few minutes of walking, I managed to get a cab.
"Where to?" the driver asked, making an eye-contact with me. I looked at him through the rear mirror and replied. "Itou General Hospital…" I paused for a second. "Um, before heading to the hospital, could you stop by at a flower shop?"
"Sure ya can!" the driver said with an unusual accent. Is that what they call Kansai accent? my thoughts were suddenly interrupted when I heard the driver ask: "Are you visiting a friend or a special friend?"
"It's a friend." I said.
The driver chuckled at me as he drove along the streets. He managed to find a flower shop for me before arriving at the hospital. I guess, I'll settle with the norm… Flowers and Reading materials…
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I stared at my "Get Well Soon Gifts" the flowers and reading materials. I wonder if Yoshino will like this… I thought. Oh well, I wouldn't know if I wouldn't give it to the patient and stop staring at the door like it would open for me on it's own. Okay, this is it. I knocked on the door. By the time I heard Yoshino say: "Come in", I opened the door and let myself in…
Yoshino's words—when I walked in—was "WHA—" She absolutely didn't manage to finish what she was trying to say. Maybe it's the flowers. I slowly peeked at Yoshino and I noticed her surprised face. Is she really that surprised? I wonder. "Yu-mi-san? Is that really you? What's with the flowers?" Yoshino asked, almost incredulously. I tried to stifle my laughter at Yoshino's [incredulous] question but, unfortunately, it failed. My laughter must have caused Yoshino to snap or something. "Yumi-san!" Yoshino cried out. Though, it only made me laugh more. "Mou… Yumi-san," Yoshino glared at me but, on top of that, she was pouting [cutely] as she looked away from me with her arms crossed.
"I'm sorry. I couldn't contain my laughter." I said as I continued to wipe my eyes. "Here, it's Moth Orchids—I hope you like them." I said and gave the bouquet of flowers to Yoshino.
"Wow… They're so beautiful, not to mention, expensive, Yumi-san." Yoshino smiled. "But Yumi-san, you're only visiting a patient in a hospital…NOT courting a patient," she gave a dramatic pause while pointing a finger at me, "and it's NOT even Valentines Day yet. Anyway, thanks for the flowers!"
"I'm sorry; I guess…I just got carried away hehe…" I said and, scratching the side of my cheek, continued to giggle. "So, how are you feeling?" I asked, changing the topic.
"Fine, I guess." Yoshino said. She would sometimes sniff the scent of the flowers and touch the decorations of the bouquet like the Freshwater Pearls, Sparkling Beads, and the Swarokvsky.
Looks like Yoshino likes the flowers. Then, I guess, she'll also like the Reading Materials I bought. "And this…" I handed a package, "I thought you could use it to kill some time…" I glanced at the side of Yoshino's bed and found a pile of books novels…maybe and a small TV, "But…you seem to be all set in that area."
Yoshino giggled at the mention of: all set in that area… "Yeah, I've read those over and over, so I've been… Wanting a new one," she smiled again, "thanks for this too."
When Yoshino saw the contents of the package, I could tell that she was trying to hold back her laughter. Her cheeks were even flustered during that time too. Were the Reading Materials I bought were really no good? Indeed this was embarrassing. And, she didn't even hold back her laughter. Ugh… Yoshino you really are merciless… "I thought you might like them, but—"
"—yeah, thank you, Yumi-san." Yoshino said with a smile. Though, after a few seconds, the smile on Yoshino's lips faded as well as the happy and wonderful sensation around her. Yoshino looked more serious. "—how is… Rei-chan?" she asked.
Inwardly, I was surprised at the straight-forward question and sighed. "Rei-sama…she's been out of it for a little while," then, I added, "I even wonder if she's really alright."
"I see…" Yoshino said and asked, "But she's not out of it anymore, is she?"
"More or less," I said.
And with my answer, the gloominess around Yoshino seems to step-up to another level. "Next Saturday, Rei-chan has a Regional Kendo Match. I'd be happy if she was doing well again." Then, all of a sudden, "—say, how do you see me? What does my image seem like to you?"
"Um…like—you seem like a real girl? Like someone who likes to bake wearing a frilly apron, knits lacey table cloths, prefers pink rather than blue, and whose favorite fruit is strawberry." I wonder if I got it correct this time. When Shimako asked me what's my first impression of her, all of my presumptions were the opposite.
Yoshino smiled at me again. It was almost like a smirk. Did I guess wrong? "I wonder if you'll be disappointed if you see this." She took one loosely covered book of hers and slid off the cover. "This is how I really am." She showed the original cover of the book which says: Onihei Hankachou by Ikenami Shoutarou. There was an awkward silence after Yoshino had shown the said book. I understand the awkwardness. But, what I didn't understand was the book! To be precise, I didn't understand the connection of the book to what Yoshino has been telling for awhile. In all honesty, I don't even know the Book or its Author. "Heh~ you don't seem surprised at all, Yumi-san." Yoshino grinned and teasingly, said. "Or, could it be you haven't read this book or any other books that Ikenami-sensei had written?"
"A—haha, you got me there, Yoshino…" I said along with a defeated sigh.
Yoshino confessed. "I'm sorry, but I can't knit table cloths." She added. "If I had time to do that, I'd rather watch sports instead. Baseball, Soccer, or even Sumo… The Olympics are the best, aren't they?" You have got to be kidding me! Then, the reading materials I bought were really no good at all… I even asked the Saleslady at the Bookshop about their bestsellers. I guess Yoshino won't read them. That made me down quite a bit. It was a complete set of the Twilight Saga and I presumed Yoshino would like them, but I'm guessing that she doesn't. Now, I'm confused.
"Huh? Then that cardigan…"
"This?" Pointing at the said garment, Yoshino said: "Rei-chan made it."
"NO WAY!" I shouted, surprised, I even shouted in English due to the surprising revelation. The Members of the Yamayurikai are really shocking to boot! Is there anything else that I don't know about them?
"She's good, isn't she?" Yoshino said, laughing at my sudden reaction. Her laughter died right after it was followed by a sigh. "…You know, I think Rei-chan might be pushing herself too hard." Pushing herself? "She's been protecting me for a long time… Everyone thinks she's really masculine, but she's really not that strong." She continued. "…When I'm around, Rei-chan becomes useless. She always says: "I'll get stronger, for Yoshino's sake."So, what would she do if I'm not around anymore?" She took her time to choose her next words. "Right now, Rei-chan is just pretending to be strong, using me as a pretext." She added. "I want her to realize that soon. Because… She really is a strong person."
"Is that the reason why you gave back her rosary?" I asked. I see… Their relationship is running in an opposite kind of way.
"I want Rei-chan to become much stronger." Yoshino said, seriously. "In exchange, I'll never make her suffer because I'm going to get stronger too." You're going to get stronger? …That made me curious. During our conversation, she wasn't this serious until I heard her say:
"I've decided to have a surgery."
I could tell how determined she was at that time. Her eyes spoke loudly as she looked at me seriously when she said those words. And, as a friend, I only offered a sincere smile and said. "I'll be rooting for you, and I'll pass you're message to Rei-sama."
"Thank you, Yumi-san."
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I did say I will pass Yoshino's message to Rei-sama like a…Carrier Pigeon, and I did. I somehow understand Yoshino's words after seeing Rei-sama's reaction when I said the message. "…Rei-sama, without Yoshino, will you be able to function?" I'm sorry, Rei-sama. I need to ask you this for Yoshino's sake. "It's a wonderful thing that Yoshino's existence makes you a strong and kind person Rei-sama—but—what if Yoshino were to go away, would you stop being you, Rei-sama?"
"With…out Yoshino?" Rei-sama said in a trembling voice as if she was realizing something terrible. "I would stop being me…?"
"Rei-sama…" I looked at her, from her already blood-shot eyes down to her never-ending tears.
Rei-sama admitted. "I'm not that strong…" She turned away from me and, gloomily, said. "I… was a burden for Yoshino, wasn't I?"
Immediately, I said, "—that's not true! Yoshino loves you so much, and I know Yoshino will always be by your side—so please… Do your best in the match, because that's Yoshino's wish…" I looked at her, but she doesn't appear like she would say anything. I only bowed and turned away before I left her on her own to think.
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After talking with Rei-sama, here I am in front of Mother Mary's statue with Sachiko-sama whose retying my ribbons. "So you're acting as Rei and Yoshino-chan's carrier pigeon?" She said while pulling sides of my ribbon. Honestly, she doesn't need to retie my ribbons. And, what's with that stoic face?
I turned my head and, facing her a bit, said. "Yes," and explained further, "but it's not like it's every day. And, I'm just telling Yoshino how Rei-sama is doing."
Side by side, we walked our way towards the main gate of the school. And during that time, I noted Sachiko-sama wasn't talking much. I asked, "What's wrong? Why aren't you talking anymore?"
Sachiko-sama stopped from walking and turned to look at me. She said, "—I wonder what could be the matter with Rosa Foetida? It's been nearly a week that she's been absent from school due to a fever, hasn't it?" She added. "…Worrisome, isn't it?" That's true… it's been a week since my encounter with Eriko-sama. I promised not to tell anyone, but…I wonder if it would be better to talk to anyone in the Yamayurikai about it.
After Sachiko-sama said: …worrisome isn't it? I immediately grab hold of Sachiko-sama's hand and intertwined my fingers with hers. I looked at her and I could tell that she was struggling not to blush. How cute… I giggled inwardly at that.
"Yumi? What on earth—"
"Come on!" I said, pulling Sachiko-sama with me towards the bus stop. When we arrived, I looked at Sachiko-sama's blushing yet stoic face. She's really trying to compose herself. I wonder if she'll start calling me—The Presumptuous Rude Fox—again. I asked, "What's the matter, Sachiko-sama?" I whispered teasingly, "Did you thought… I'll drag you to a place where you and I can be alone?" Heh~ someone's thinking naughty stuffs here hehe… I grinned. Then, asked. "Hey, you're not thinking anything perverted, are you?"
Sachiko-sama was about to shot back, but the bus already arrive causing her to scowl at me instead. Ah…it's been awhile since I last teased her hehe… I laughed silently; after all, I wouldn't want to be stabbed by Sachiko-sama's infamous death glare.
"Shall we?" I said.
But, Sachiko-sama, who's obviously irritated at that time, went ahead and entered the bus. Wow… She completely ignored me… And after we sat inside the bus for awhile, Sachiko-sama was still ignoring me…she didn't even look at me in the face. When the bus we were current riding arrived at the station, Sachiko-sama and I parted ways, but before that, I told her: "Take care… And, see you at school tomorrow," with a smile on my lips and waved goodbye at her.
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Disclaimer: Maria-sama ga Miteru is not mine.