Disclaimer: I don't own School Days or its respective content and creators. I only my OC.

School Days: A New Life

Episode 4 – Feelings Between Us – Part 2

And so with that came another day at school over. I do have to say I feel like I'm getting used to things here. I really did thing it would be a bit tougher but if anything I find that the Japanese way of education is much more similar to America just an emphasis on the student improving themselves.

But even with these fleeting moments of peace I still had to think to myself… How I of all people in the world found myself in this mess of a world? However I was once again pulled from my thoughts by the clamor of students filing about.

Some going home, some staying for club duties, and some using the free time to stay do other activities such as studying or enjoying the library. I used to be somewhat of an avid reader and with seemingly no want to immediately go home I decided to head there myself.

However as I passed through the double doors to the library I found a most peculiar sight before me; it was Katsura and from what was in her hands seemed to be a love novel. The same one I remember her having in the Cross Days VN… what was it again? Hatsukoi or something like that?

"Hello there." I heard a voice greet me as I turned to see the one person I'd only seen just a few days ago, Yuuki Ashikaga. Same feminine features and all…

"Hello." I parroted back with a small wave.

"Haven't I seen you before?" Yuuki asked me.

"Actually I think I did, but I think it's a bit embarrassing to bring up…" I said sheepishly scratching the back of my head.

"Ahaha, yeah saying you first met someone in the bathroom is kind of awkward. Not the first place to strike up a conversation. I'm Ashikaga Yuuki, what's your name?" He asked.

"Callahan Trystan. But for simplicity just call me Cal, I'm not used to being addressed by my last name. I just transferred from America, I'm living near here because of my mom's job." I clarified.

"If you insist." Yuuki replied.

"Hey, Yuuki. Oh, a new friend?" A new face joined the conversation. He was quite tall, with a head of brown hair and a pair of green eyes I could only assume this guy was in a grade above me.

"Ah, senpai, this is that new transfer we heard about. His name's Callahan Trystan. He's from America." Yuuki introduced me.

"Heh? Nice to me you kid; name's Kasannoin Kyouichi. Although it would be Kasannoin-senpai to you." Oh yeah, this is the guy who's Nanami's boyfriend!

But that's about all I can remember about him. My head was still fuzzy about his character since well… he barely appeared on screen. Though I did still remember his association with two bad endings in Cross Days.

"It's nice to meet you too. Like Yuuki said, the name's Callahan Trystan, but I really would just prefer if you called me Cal." I reiterated.

"If you insist. And I can see how some people would think your name's a mouthful. So then I guess as a fair trade you can call me Kyouichi-senpai. This your first time to the library?" He asked.

"Yeah. I decided to finally come and check the place out. I haven't read much Japanese books outside of manga, so I wanted to try and expand my catalogue." It still surprised me that I can both read and write in perfect Japanese. I deduced that it had to do with the body I inherited. Whoever Trystan was in this life probably had to learn Japanese before coming here so I guess in a way I retained that knowledge despite in real life I only knew were a few greetings and phrases.

"Well enjoy yourself." Yuuki said as he and Kyouichi returned to ther librarian duties.

"Hello, Katsura."

The elegant young girl had her elbows perched on the long table in the what seemed to be the most quietest section with her nose deep in her romance novel wearing a pair of small glasses I forgot she owned.

"Oh, hello Callahan." She replied with her quiet voice. "What brings you here?"

"I could ask you the same thing." I teased. "Weren't you and Makoto going to meet each other later?"

I saw a small bright blush appear on her cheeks as she replied, "N-No… we just became a couple, so we're just taking it slow. I usually like to come here and relax almost every day. Do you read as well?"

"I did back home actually. I had quite a small collection of books. Ones I had since I was kid and of course some novels too even biographies of famous people." I explained. "what kind of genres do you like, Katsura?"

"E-eh… I like… romance novels." Katsura said in a low stutter. But despite all of that she had a small smile on her face. "But I'm sure you'll find good books here like in America."

"I'm sure I could." I smirked. "You don't mind if I sit here do you?"

She shook her head lightly, and I helped myself to the seat across from her.

For a while we both sat there as I distracted myself with some homework as with Yuuki working I couldn't get a word in to him. But as I watched Katsura reading away I focused on the cover of the book she seemed to be knee deep in.

The front cover had a boy and girl with what seemed to be them entangled in several hearts with a pair of roses separating them. While I do enjoy a good romance, I don't think something as open as that would be on my reading list.

"Um… Callahan?"

"Hmm?"

Kotonoha looked up from her book but as we made eye contact her eyes would occasionally dart back and forth to the book and then to me. Her blush still adorned on her face.

"Would you like to walk to walk home together?"

I had no choice but to be surprised in the moment as I was truly shocked at how many surprises this girl had up her sleeve. Was it getting hot in here?

"Sure, that is if you can stand my company. I'm still getting used to the train system, and I think we both take the same train as well."

She nodded when I agreed and returned to her book and me to my assignment. The minutes began to stretch into hours as the library began to fill occasionally with the low chatter of talkative students. Along with the ticking of the clocks on the wall that seemed to hypnotize no matter what. Before I could even tell, I began to feel my eyelids go heavy…

"Callahan."

I jerked my head just as it seemed as I was about to fall into a slumber on the desk. I turned to see who had called out my name.

"Yes?" I said a little warily, I turned to face the who disturbed my sleep; in my peripheral vision I could see Kotonoha still in her seat focusing on her book but she was now shifting rather uncomfortably and her eyes were much more shifty then before.

Looking over my shoulder I'm greeted by a girl with tawny hair, slim athletic build, and said hair in a bouncy ponytail. Once again I found myself in the company of Otome Katou. However instead of her usual uniform, she what appeared to be the school's yellow shirt and shorts basketball combo. She still seemed nervous like our last encounter but seemed to have improved since before.

And while her posse was absent, I could see she would occasionally look over her shoulder. Looking over said part, I spotted some other girls dressed similarly to her. That must've been some of the other girls on the team.

"Do you think now would be a good time to take those photos for the team?" She innocently asked. In the moment, I had completely forgotten since she had asked me about this quite a few days ago. I guess this is my comeuppance for forgetting about it.

"Uh, does it have to be now?" I softly inquired as I stole glance over to Kotonoha. She remained glued to her book, but I could tell the presence of Otome alone made her worried.

Otome's eyes shifted as the frown she wore transferred to her eyes which had a guilt-inducing effect on me. Her rather nervous atmosphere had returned , and now spread to me. She simply nodded her head. Well, I did promise her that all she needed to do was find me after school… so here I am.

"Katou, is he able to do it?" I heard a rather authoritative voice come from behind Otome.

"A-Ashikaga-senpai… well Callahan… can you?" She finally put on me. Ashikaga? Wait, now I remember… Crimson hair, tall, basketball uniform… this had to be Yuuki's older sister, Chie!

"If you insist," I said getting out of my seat. "I'll be back in a bit, Katsura. Hopefully this won't take long."

Chie smiled as I saw Otome give the bookworm a somewhat intense look that I could not decipher properly. With that I strode out of the library with the girls ahead of us as I had Otome by my side. Yuuki himself was no longer at the front desk as I looked over when we left, probably not wanting to be the victim of his sister's shenanigans.

That was when I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket. Opening up the flip phone to be greeted by the luminescent screen I noticed I had received an e-mail from Sekai. Apparently my absence was a bit of a surprise to her, Hikari and Setsuna.

"Where are you right now? Classes are out and I haven't seen you in a while."

Oh, she was just worrying was all. I sent back:

"Sorry, something came up. I guess I loss track of time. Tell the others I'm sorry for not meeting up. Call you later."

After taking those few seconds to reply. To be honest I was quite surprised that Sekai had been so quickly accepting of me into her friend group. I completely expected the usual shunning of the new guy, but I guess with someone as boisterous and energetic as Sekai, she gets what she wants.

I closed the phone and continued to follow the girl's teams. I couldn't help though but have my thoughts drift to what was possibly going on with the other three; Sekai, Makoto and Kotonoha.

"We're here." I stopped at the sound of Otome's voice as I heard the loud raucous of a sports team in the middle of practice as I saw girls on the court going up and down the field passing and dribbling with the occasional shot-taking. As I looked around the rather gymnasium I spotted Nanami her large frame was very noticeable and again I spotted another character who I never suspected I'd see either.

Roka Kitsuregawa. Great, just great. Now I've nearly met all of the Cross Days class; now I just have to meet those 4 other girls and my life will be complete. Not…

But now my brain runs again wondering since I've run into her has she already met Yuuki and all that? Have they had their misunderstanding yet? I mean I haven't seen Makoto hanging around any other girls so, I'd assumed not.

"So," as my spectacled eyes scanned the gym . "Where's this camera you wanted me to borrow, Katou?"

Our footsteps echoed what they could as Katou led me towards a rather large duffel bag. She reached inside and pulled out a digital camera with a lanyard as well. At the very least the camera looked more like the usual Kodaks and Nikon's I remember seeing amateur photographers using. She handed me the camera with a bit of a smile.

"Remember, make sure you get some of me okay?" She asked with a subtle smirk as it seemed some of her confidence returned.

"Are you sure it's okay for me to handle this thing?" I asked with some uncertainty. "It seems a bit expensive and with everyone here I don't know how I'm gonna take orderly photos."

"It's okay." Otome giggled, settling the mood. "This was a gift from my uncle, but I don't use it anyway. Don't worry about it."

"Otome! Stop flirting with the camera boy and hurry up we're about to start our practice match!" I heard the voice of Chie come through across the auditorium.

"Y-Yes!" She squeaked out as she shot me a smile before running onto the field. That was when Chie walked up to me.

"Name's Chie Ashikaga. I'm one of the captains for the girls' basketball team. Sorry for Otome wrapping you into all this but the guy who usually took photos moved away after the first semester." She told me.

"Yeah, Katou told me about it." I informed her.

"Hhm? So Katou told you herself, huh? Well then let's see how good you are! Hey girls come introduce yourselves!" Chie called over the team.

Suddenly I found myself nearly surrounded by a small crowd of girls; if my face didn't have some kind of blush it did now as some of the girls' giggling and whispering seemed to show me.

"Eh, Callahan?" I heard Nanami's obvious voice. "You're the photo guy Katou found?"

"Haha, yeah? Lucky me huh?" I answered with a slight chuckle. It was then I spotted Roka in the front of the group. She noticed my stare and also too found herself blushing. What is with girls and blushing in this world over the smallest things?!

"I-I'm Kitsuregawa Roka. It's nice to meet you. I hope you take some good photos." She said softly. Geez, at this point she might as well be a short Kotonoha with that kind of voice and disposition. But considering what I remember about her, that was not the case.

"I'm Kira Youka." I'm greeted by a member who seems to have her eyes closed. Wow, I've finally met a person of that trope. Brock would be proud… (All jokes intended). But in all seriousness she had a certain charm to her.

"I'm Ishibashi Ion." Yet another girl introduced herself. With a much tanner complex, but still just as tall as some of the other girls. I remember her too; she and Ion were the ones who always harass Yuuki in his own story because they have crushes on him.

"Well then I think that's everybody. Alright then people! Line up for an inter-class practice match like we planned!" With that order from Chie all of the players took their spots, Just like everywhere else five took to either side.

The first one's to play seemed to be the first and second years as I spotted both Roka and Otome on the same side of the court.

The practice match started as Otome took the ball and began dribbling down the court as her teams ran ahead and the opposition tried to stop her.

My own instincts kicking in I took one knee and brought the viewfinder up to my face. After lining up a shot of Roka catching a pass from Otome I took a test photo as a flash of light lit up the gym. A few seconds later, the photo printed and showed Roka with a rather serious look on her face just as she was about to dribble.

"Huh, nice one new guy. You got good timing." Chie commentated over my shoulder seeing the photo I just captured.

"People always said I had a knack for 'capturing the moment' I guess I'm just lucky sometimes." I answered.

"Hey even here sometimes it's about luck. But that's just one get to it photo guy." Chie told me.

"I have name you know. It's Trystan. But I'd prefer if you call me Cal, since I'm not used to this whole thing about names in Japan." I told her as I focused on yet another shot which was Otome taking a two-pointer right by the edge of the out of bounds and scoring.

From all the racket their shoes we remaking it didn't stop me from taking a few good photos. I stopped at ten as I saw this camera only had enough film for 25 and I didn't want to waste all of it on one go around.

As the game proceeded I watched Otome as she seemed to dominate the court as she weaved in and out of players trying to stop her. It was as if she was an omnipresent blur. With each jump she made to shoot her figure cleared the space allowing the ball to fall in with relative ease.

Roka was no slouch either, they both showed their ability as their shirts fluttered through the air just seemed to scream they had superpowers almost as if they were gliding through the air for a few seconds.

I had already caught a few shots of either of them dunking the ball, but now my eyesight seemed caught not to camera but on their own individual forms. The swish of them passing by me on occasion had weld up a bit of excitement inside me. I hadn't ever been one for basketball, but if this is how it felt to watch I was thoroughly impressed.

However in that moment of e not paying attention to my surroundings I was too late to respond to the warnings others were giving me. It wasn't until I heard Otome scream, "Trystan, watch out!"

It was too late to move as I saw Roka come flying at me and in that next second I was found myself knocked to the ground with the short first-year on top of me. She must've been tripped or pushed by another player which caused her to come flying into me.

As I came to; Roka did as well. And we both responded the same way as we both had a blush on our faces, and she began to get up as I did as well.

"S-s-sorry! I should've been watching my step! I'm sorry for that!" Roka bowed while apologizing profusely.

"N-n-no! It's fine, I've taken harder falls than that. I'm fine." I then remembered to check if the camera was fine after that little incident and turned out it was still fine. I guess in that moment I must've cushioned it in my arms. And surprisingly my glasses were just fine.

The others girls joined us as they rushed over to check on us. But after some reassurances from us, everyone calmed down and the practice match resumed as someone else took Roka's place for a while.

Afterwards the third and fourth years took their practice match and I took photos of their match too finishing off the rest of the film in the camera as they did so.

Afterwards they began filing out towards the locker rooms having finished for the day. I returned the photos and camera to Otome's bag. After doing so I heard the voice of Chie behind me.

"Thanks for that Callahan. Those should be some good photos for the yearbook, who knows we may make you an honorary member so you can get one!" She teased.

"Thanks, but I'll take the school picture instead." I replied back with a slight smirk.

"Hey now, don't be such a killjoy it wouldn't be a bad thing besides you'd get to see Otome even more ~" Her voice became a bit more sultry at the inclusion of Katou's name and a bit of flush appeared on my face.

"O-Oi, senpai just what're you saying?!" Otome's voice pierced our conversation as I turned to see said girl now in her school uniform.

"Hehe, just trying to help you is all. Here Callahan, my number if you ever want to hang with us. Just shoot a text." Chie handed me a piece of paper with her e-mail.

"Hold up, Ashikaga right? Do you have a brother with the same hair color as you?" I asked already knowing the answer.

"Hmm? Oh yeah, my little brother eh? You probably saw him at the library. Yeah were siblings. I should tell him about that cake I need too… See ya, Callahan." With that Chie left leaving it only me and Otome left in the gymnasium.

"I'm sorry Callahan, I didn't mean for all that to happen today." She apologized.

"No, not at all. Besides it was a bit exciting to watch you guys. You're pretty amazing yourself you know?" I complimented her with a slight smile.

"Y-you think so? T-thank you…" She replied with an embarrassed stutter as she moved some of her hair out of her face. "Hey, do you know about the festival we hold around here?"

"Hmm, yeah I heard about, what is it?" I inquired.

"Great, so, uh, you know most of the time you invite a friend to go with you right?" She stammered. She didn't have her bag in her hand and her now returned low voice forced me to move closer to hear her.

"Yeah, why?"

"I was wondering… would you, if you'd like to go together…?" The last part of her request tapered off, but I knew what she was asking. But I also remembered the significance of what it meant to go with someone to te festival. Being together especially with a boy and girl signified to others that you two were possibly a couple.

If this had been in the real world, I would've thought this was an elaborate pranks, but seeing her reaction like this I could tell from her this seemed genuine as her blush and squirming she showed. But the fact she wanted to go with me just perplexed me slightly. Why? I mean wouldn't she rather spend time with the boy she's been crushing on for so long, Makoto?

"I-it's just… as friends." She squeaked out shattering the silence we had between us. "It's not like it has to be a date or anything. I just don't want to walk around alone is all. And… I want to get to know you better and about your country."

Friends. Yeah, duh it would be just as friends. Why do I have to overact to every silly little thing.

"Of course you should idiot! She's crushing over Makoto! Why would she go for you?! Get your head out of the gutter and stop with the deep thinking!"

"Sure, yeah. I'll go with you." I reply with as I tug on my collar. "When is the festival by the way?"

Otome's expression lit up like a Christmas tree as she hugged me and said, "It's in four weeks."

"Four weeks!?"

I was back in the library as Kotonoha nearly rocketed from her chair at my sudden reaction. I had asked Kotonoha for reference as she was on the implementation committee for the festival. After agreeing to Otome's request I had made my way back to the library surprised to see Kotonoha was still there.

"Y-yes, is something wrong?" She croaked out with her startled eyes.

"No, sorry." I rubbed my temples as a slight headache began to form and I wanted it gone. "I just wasn't expecting it to come so soon. I mean didn't the new semester just start and all?" This all had just felt so fast, almost as if fate was telling to Hurry It Up!

There was no way I was gonna straighten up all this guys in four weeks was there?

"I'm sure everything will turn our fine." She sent me a reassuring smile. With such warm optimism I found myself smiling as well in thanks.

"There's just a few books I want to check out today." Kotonoha scooped up the small pile of books. I couldn't help but smile seeing her try and carry so many in her dainty arms.

"Here, I can at least carry some of these for you." I offered as I got out of my seat.

A few minutes later we were both walking through the streets of Sakakino together talking and just enjoying the moment together talking about books from America and different genres. Deciding that I really needed to take a stand in finally getting involved I tried comically to both text Chie about wanting to meet her brother and juggling Kotonoha's books.

Luckily getting to the train station made things easier as I was now able to set the books aside and focus on my conversation. I had finally gotten a reply from Chie:

"Why? Oh, you must bat for the other side, huh? It's okay I don't judge. ;)"

Slightly annoyed, "No you idiot, its nothing like that! Isn't there a bakery you said you send him to get sweets?"

She confirmed my suspicions and said that see would arrange something for us to meet at Sweets Ohara soon this coming weekend on Saturday. Luckily enough it was a Thursday, so I didn't have to wait long.

"Hey Katsura. Didn't you say you were also on the student council during lunch?" I inquired.

"Oh, yes. In fact I'm helping coordinating with the festival committee as well. It's a lot of work, but I don't mind." She admitted with a tired look. Her long strands of violet hair dangled like curtains as her eyes were aimed at the ground.

"Well don't work yourself to hard now." I warned her with a grin. "If you ever need help just come and see me about it."

"No really, it's all fine. I couldn't bother you with something like that since you just arrived a few weeks back." She giggled making her shoulders bounce. "But thank you though."

We finally got off the train, but if I had once again been paying attention would've noticed a girl with squid rings in her haor was watching me and Kotonoha with a rather deep frown on her face almost as if she were disappointed and angry.

We stopped in front of a familiar building, "Well this is me, but how far is it until your house?"

"It's not that far," she smiled as she reached out to take the books from me. "I think I can manage the rest of the way."

I merely smirked and insisted, "Don't worry, I don't mind dragging this along for a while longer."

We continued on as we made conversation still along the way. With such as air of modesty it was always hard to know if Katsura was just being polite or trying to be truthful. While I felt my arms start to strain I toughed it out as we finally seemed to reach the front gate of her family's house.

"Thank you so much." Kotonoha bowed as we made it inside. "I apologize for it being such a long walk."

"Hehe, it's no problem at all." I grimaced as I could feel the weight of these books catching up to me. "Now I know what it feels like to walk all this distance with so many books."

"Here, um… you can come inside and drop those off… if you want." Katsura blushed as she fumbled with the doorknob.

Resting my chin on one of the hardcover books I walked inside while carefully taking off my shoes. It was a little nerve wracking to be in a girls house. Were her parents home? I hope they wouldn't misunderstand the situation. I shouldn't be here long though, just got to drop these and be on my way.

"Welcome home big sister!"

"Aah, Kokoro calm down!"

I heard a miniature girl come rushing out as she wrapped her arms around Kotonoha's body like a leech wearing a fluffy dress. For a good minute it took a while for Kotonoha to calm her younger sister. It was funny to watch her pry her off and struggle in calming her down. But in doing so prolonged my arms' suffering.

"Hey, hey mister! Are you here boyfriend!?" I heard Kokoro ask me as she looked up at me with her rather big eyes.

"Ah, no I- "

Not even listening to me Kokoro ran behind me and pushed me from behind and into what seemed to be a quaint living room with vanilla walls, giggling all the way there.

"Come in, come in!"

"Wait a minute, Kokoro, stop bothering him! Go away!" Kotonoha was flustered as she followed. "Here Callahan, we can go upstairs and you can put those books down."

"Tch, you're no fun keeping him all to yourself big sister!" Kokoro pouted as she puffed her cheeks, I felt Kotonoha pull on my sleeve.

Only catching eyefuls of the house's passing decorum I couldn't describe what the place looked like but only caught passing images of the mansions seemingly elegant, yet simple furnishings. I then found myself in a very foreign and feminine room. Wait, a girl's room?

I'm in Kotonoha's room… How did this happen?!

"You can dump those books over on my bed." She pointed to her rather large, comfortable looking bed.

With a grunt I released the pile of books onto the bed and nearly fell over myself from the imbalance and strain on my body. I could see my hands were red and sore, but I fought through it. No point crying like a baby over varying a few books. I took the time to look around the room: Shelves of books adorned the walls, a tidy desk with stacks of paper, a round and small TV, and her large bed. A rather cute and clean atmosphere.

"I don't think my room is that special." She said noticing my studying gaze.

"Hehe, are you kidding. You should see mine. It's a pigsty compared to yours. You look like you someone who has it all together."

"Would you like some tea?" She said shaking her head at my previous comment. Her face adorned with a slight crimson on her cheeks and moving some of her hair.

"No, I don't want to be a bother…"

"It'd be no trouble at all!: She interrupted before sending a hand to her mouth. I know in anime people love cutting others off… no, that's a poor choice of words.

"I mean, it's the least I can do to repay you for helping me. I don't really mind at all." She continued.

"Well if you're sure… I guess it's fine." I chuckled sheepishly. "I hie it'll be good like your cooking when we first met."

I took a seat at the small table on the floor as I waited for Kotonoha to return with the tea. I know she probably just started her lessons from her mother to try and better her cooking. But if that first time was any indication… this was going to be rough.

"Hey, you didn't answer me before!"

I turned to see the culprit who had yelled at me. It was Kokoro standing in the doorway. The little girl flashed a toothy smile at me while I stared back, my mind reeling from the shock of her sudden appearance.

"What question… was that?" I asked cautiously.

"Are you my sister's new boyfriend?" She asked, her head cocked to the side like a curious bird. "I heard about you yesterday! She's been really happy since she made a bunch of friends."

Hearing that from her little sister was actually quite humbling that I felt a rather warm feeling reach my stomach. In that moment I didn't feel as nervous as before. I seemed to remember how back in her middle school life Kotonoha was mostly alone with no friends until she met Sekai and Makoto. And now me… I guess. One of whom was now her boyfriend, of course she'd be soaring in sprits. But knowing that she was so happy and the tragic things that would come to pass… made me immediately feel depressed.

But I hid that feeling as I replied with an uneasy laugh, "No, no I'm not her boyfriend." I saw as Kokoro's shoulders slumped in disappointment hitting me with another pang of guilt.

"Are you sure?" She asked again. But I replied with a nod once more. "Ah, I wanted to me my new older brother since Big Sis doesn't really talk about it. But are you one of her new friends?"

I smiled and replied, "Sure, I guess you could say were friends. Unfortunately we're not in the same class so we only can talk during lunchtime. By the way, what's your name? Mine's Trystan."

"I'm Kokoro!" She blurted out. "Nice to meet you!"

I covered one ear as her outburst nearly blew one of my eardrums. I could then hear a quick succession of soft thumps in the hall as I heard someone approaching as it was Kotonoha with a silver tray of tea with all the essentials. It was my first time seeing a traditional te pot before.

"Ah, Kokoro!" Kotonoha yelled loudly, as her soft voice would carry. "Stop bothering Callahan and get out of my room!"

With a little wave the girl skipped out of the room but not before sticking her togue out and blowing a raspberry at her sister. Ah, the fantastic show sibling rivalry and antics. Kotonoha's cheeks puffed as came back inside with the tea.

"I'm so sorry, I don't know what's gotten into her," she groaned as she balanced the tea tray and lowered it onto the table. Filling a cup she handed it to me, "Here."

Then with a movement that caught my senses off-guard Kotonoha brandished a silvery object in her hand. She held it out in my direction with a speed so fast I couldn't even catch it. I unconsciously found myself jump back as my survival instincts took over.

"Callahan? A-are you okay?" Her voice echoed concern as I looked to see it was just a tea cup in her hands. A quick shake of my head and calming my breathing and my slight terror dissipated like it never existed.

"Huh? Y-yeah…" I babbled out reaching for the offered cup. "I'm sorry for that, I don't know what came over me. Again I'm sorry for that."

"O-oh, okay." She replied. She seemed to want to say more but stopped herself.

Even with that episode she still served me tea with her ever present cute smile. After enjoying our tea for a few minutes was when the silence between us was broken. Surprisingly it was her that broke it asking me about questions from where I was from in America and what life was like there. She told me that she hoped to go to America to one day go to a good university or college. From there our conversation moved onto a bunch of different topics.

"You mean you've made sushi before, but out of cucumber?" She asked me with wide-eyed puzzlement. "How do you do that?"

"It's easy really. You just use a peeler on a cucumber after washing it and then you lay out the strips and then fill them as if you would sushi. I like to use salmon, crab, and avocadoes in mine along with cream cheese."

She was truly bemused at the idea of my creation and asked that one day I show her how to make it. Really now, what is with girls and requests today? But even so unable to deny her pleading smile I agreed to show her one day.

"So… how are you and Makoto doing?" I asked the million-dollar question. But as soon as I asked that question she almost immediately began to frown.

"S-sorry! That was a bit insensitive of me." I apologized.

"No… it's alright. Actually…" She tried to speak but couldn't seem to find the strength.

"Did something happen yesterday after lunch? Is everything okay?" I asked.

"Well… Makoto told me "sorry"… and just… walked off like it was nothing…" Kotonoha seemed to start looking puffy. "I know we don't have that much fun… and that things are slow between us… but to say that it's 'over' with a single word like that… saying it's fine…"

"Wait, Katsura. What're you talking about?" I said trying to stop her. I guess Makoto in his own way of trying to fix things instead of asking for clarification went with the choice of simply saying 'Sorry' for seemingly "ignoring" her at lunch.

"Well Katsura… did Makoto actually say it was over between you two?" I inquired knowing the answer but wanting clarification.

"Well… when I think back on it… not really no…" She confessed. "He just said that he was 'Sorry'."

"Then I just think it's a misunderstanding. He may have just been apologizing for something he thinks he did to you." I clarified.

"But… he didn't… I just wanted him too…" She just couldn't seem to finish.

"Katsura. I may not have known Makoto for long, but he doesn't seem like a guy to just say goodbye especially after he's done so much to go out with you."

"But…"

"Tell me, what did he saw exactly to you?" I ask her.

"He said… 'Sorry. That's all I wanted to say.' With a smile on his face…" Kotonoha began to softly sob.

"Katsura, listen… I know this probably isn't my place to say it. But I'm just guessing here. Makoto was probably trying to apologize to you for ignoring you and all those comments he made like saying he'd go to the arcade without you." I explained.

"But…"

"No really if you think about he was probably trying to apologize for his behavior. But unfortunately he didn't tell you why. Sekai was right… he really is an idiot at times…" I lamented.

"He was talking a lot with Sekai and me and you felt left out I'm guessing right?" Kotonoha didn't speak, but I say her confirm with a slight nod of her head.

"See… he was probably just apologizing. It's all just a really big misunderstanding is all." I clarify again to her.

"Yeah… I think I understand…" She answered.

"So please, don't cry okay. It makes me feel horrible to see you like that. You're my friend, so I don't want you guys to be like this." I comfort her.

"Thank you…" She says softly but with a small smile. She then looks at the clock on her desk. "Oh my, we've been talking for nearly an hour now."

"Wow that long? I guess I should get home before my mother gets there. She hates it when I'm late." I gagged, I should've realized how long we were here after she brought up a third pot.

"Thanks again for helping me with my books." Kotonoha said as she accompanied me to her front yard.

"Not at all, it's no problem. Thanks for having me over, and I hope you and Makoto work things out." I shrugged as I put my backpack across my back. "Thank you for the tea. It was delicious."

A brilliant red blush appeared on her face in response. It seems the confidence from our previous conversation had all but faded away. Easy come easy go I guess.

"Well, I'll see you guys again tomorrow, Katsura," I said as I waved ad began to walk down the sidewalk. A deep color of blue shaded the sky as the sun seemed to give way for the coming moon. I always liked the dark better, it was much more calming then the daytime.

Pushing my inner turmoil I'd been holding in all day I at least had a hope my walk wouldn't be as painfully long as it felt before…

"Um, hold on a minute!" I heard Katsura cry out.

"What's up?" I asked with a spin I saw Katsura ten steps away from her front yard, just as about the same from me.

"I just wanted you to know," she spouted with her eyes closed and hands clenched at her front trying to gather what determination she could muster. "If you wouldn't mind calling me by my first name."

My eyes widened for a few seconds feeling the impact of her request hit home for me. She wanted me to call her by her first name? I know that's a big social deal in Japan isn't it?

"I mean if you really want me to… sure I can do that." I nodded in consent. I mean it couldn't be a bad thing right? "But in return I want you to call me Cal or Trystan if that suits you better. I never really was used to being called by my last name."

"Okay!" She agreed, her mouth stretched in happy smile and her face glowing with a beet red merriment. "Then it's a deal, Cal."

"It's a deal, Kotonoha."

AN#1 – Well here's the second part to my School Days remake in this fourth episode, Feelings Between Us – Part 2, Trystan finally has that picture day but in the process meets a bunch of characters he never expected to interact with.

Who knows what this will bring for him? Not only that but the first telling of how things will happen appear to be in motion.

What will happen now… Stay tuned for the final third part.

AN#2 – I hope you guys are enjoying this rewrite. So please don't forget to leave reviews and also follow and favorite as well too!

Here's a NEW challenge for you guys: Tell me who's your favorite girl in the series and rate them from 1 to 10.

AN#3 – Remember I wouldn't be here without you guys! Remember to Favorite, Follow and Review! :)