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 – Final

After a round of event after event the other day I unfortunately found myself in a rather tired state despite my best attempt at sleep which only netted me a paltry 4 hours of sleep. So despite running on only half a tank I decided I would power through this new day.

Leaving for the station imagine my shock when I'm greeted with a face I usually don't see.

"K-Kotonoha? Have you been waiting here?"

Closing the main gate to the apartment complex as it's clicking signaled its closing. I saw Kotonoha standing there wearing her school uniform; her amethyst eyes set on mine. Her hands clutching at her messenger bag. And even thought her eyebrows wobbled she used what spirit she had to maintain eye contact.

"I-I only just made it here." She said, trying to reassure me. "Oh my did you get enough sleep? I can see marks under your eyes."

A little self-conscious I began rubbing my eyes instinctively dragging the back of my hand over my sand-filled eyes. I typically spent little time in front of a mirror; unlike most others I was very basic when it came to appearance and even more, so I had to not astonish myself with the stranger that kept staring back at me.

"R-really? I guess I'm just a little restless is all. It's not the first time I've had it before, I'll be fine I promise." I replied with a smile trying to assuage her concerns, but by the sight of her worried eyes I wasn't fooling her. Even then I kept up my act.

"I-if you insist." She easily replied.

"So what brought you to my building? I wasn't expecting such a sudden visit." I pointed out her presence here instead of at the station.

"After our walk yesterday that we live close to each other it would be more natural to walk together to school… if that's alright I mean."

Well if this weren't a "Make a Choice" moment from a VN I would be rich. But even though I felt like there were two options before me my conscience really only had me make one.

"Yeah, I guess that would make sense," I shrugged. "I just hope you're okay dealing with such a boring, placid presence like mine."

Her closed eyes smiled up at me and sent me nothing but sparks of contagious cheer thought my very being. But seeing such happiness only made me despair further at just when it would be that she'd start to not only detest me, but want me dead. I can only hope for me own safety, it wouldn't go that far.

And so the first of what I believed to be many accompanied walks began. Kotonoha had the shocking ability to keep a conversation going while also keeping my full attention, a rare feat given how when others spoke to her she'd clam up immediately. She continued from where we left off yesterday, poking me with never ending wave of questions.

But she also attempted at levering out more personal info, such as how I I ended up giving out my phone number. She then proceeded to as me about my favorite food (spaghetti, noodle freaks unite!), favorite music, hobbies, old friends, favorite color (brown), favorite movies, and even my own relationship status (In need of a miracle). That last question gave me mixed signals had our arrival at the train station not distracted me.

We greeted Makoto with casual words and soon after, sauntered aboard the train once more. The two love birds perched themselves upon one of the burgundy cushioned benches while I insisted on standing. Unfortunately, seeing as I would have little to add to their pleasant conversation and trying to stick in anything about Sekai might give off red-flags so I choose to stay silent.

I would go on and provide every crucial detail of my classes before lunch, but unlike before I was legitimately tired and wanted to sleep and so for the first time in what seemed like so long I actually put my head down and began to sleep.

And for nearly half the day, the teacher's either never caught me or just didn't want to deal with such an awkward conversation. So I was able to get some much needed shut eye despite the hardwood accommodations.

Finally hearing the bell to signify lunch I awoke finally as I stretched out my arms and to my surprise found myself yawning which caught the attention of my two neighbors below me.

"Hey, Cal. Are you okay? You were sleeping pretty heavily, good thing you weren't a snorer, or the teachers would've been at your neck." Sekai said with some worry.

"Sorry, just a bit of restlessness is all I've dealt with it before. I'm fine." I tried to assuage her worries, but her furrowed brow made her seem unconvinced.

"I guess if he's fine, then he's fine. But hey I have to ask; would you two join us again for lunch?" Makoto asked.

"What?" Sekai asked.

"Kotonoha asked me to bring you two along again." Makoto added.

"Hmm… what should I do?" Sekai said to herself slowly.

"Well… I'll pass." I reply.

"Eh?" Makoto sounded surprised.

"Me too." Sekai joined me.

"But you'd said we'd have lunch together…" Makoto sounded confused.

"Now that I think about, me and Cal have been so focused on helping you and Katsura get together. That I haven't eaten with Setsuna and the others for a while and besides… me and Cal…" Sekai seemed to get slightly nervous after mentioning me.

"You and Cal…what?" Makoto asked a bit confused.

"Well, I've got to go and salvage our friendship, that I don't want Cal to feel left out since he's the new kid." Sekai explained.

"Sekai…" I said softly.

"Really? I… didn't know." Makoto said seemingly convinced, but the frown on his face said something else.

"Yeah, now you two go and have lunch together. Cal, let's head to the cafeteria. Oh, but before we go, here's a present for you two Makoto." Sekai said as she handed Makoto what seemed to be coupons.

"What're these?" Makoto asked.

"They're movie coupons. Use those when you go to the movies, and you'll get 200 yen off each ticket." Sekai explained.

"I see." Makoto replied.

"Well come on Cal, let's meet the others in the cafeteria." Sekai said once again.

"Yeah." I replied as I headed down with her and out towards the cafeteria.

As we headed there I decided to bring up the elephant in the room, "That was nice of you to give them those coupons."

"Yeah, my mom got them in the mail and she's always so busy I wouldn't have any use for them. But for them I know they'll have a good time." Sekai said but I could hear a bit of a whimsicalness to her voice.

"You alright?" I inquired.

"Of course, I just had to work for a few days this week at my Mom's restaurant. You should come some time; it's called Summer Radish. I'll do my best to get you a discount." She offered.

"Hehe, I don't think you're Mom would like you skimming off her profits." I chuckle a bit.

"Maybe you're right. Ahaha." Sekai giggled back. After our small conversation, we finally made it to the cafeteria and we were immediately greeted by the loud voice of one, Hikari Kuroda.

"Sekai! Callahan! Over here!" Hikari shouted out.

"Ha, that girl is…" I groaned.

"Well, she means well." Sekai said with the same exasperation.

"Well, let me get something from the line and…" However, just as I was about to go to the line to get some school lunch, Sekai grabbed my sleeve and stopped me.

"You don't have to eat that slop. Come on, you can have some of mine. I do pride myself on making a decent lunch." Sekai offered as she showed me her rather large bento container.

"If you insist." I replied with a small smile. Eventually we sat with the others. Sekai offering me one of the sandwiches in her box. As I scanned the contents of her lunch; I saw she had several sandwiches, eggs, rice balls and other items too.

"Oh, it tastes good, Saionji." I complimented her which seemed to bring about a small dust of pink to her cheeks.

"Sekai." She simply said.

"Huh?" I replied in confusion.

"Call me Sekai, we're friends aren't we? We've known each for long enough we can do that right?" She explained.

"Yeah." I replied.

"Huh…? Look at the two lovebirds we have here girls. They're off in their own little world as if we don't even exist. ~" Hikari said surprising us as we looked over to see her with her usual Cheshire grin.

"Hehe, she's kind of right you know. One would mistake you two for a couple." Nanami joined in as well.

"S-shut up. We're nothing like that you idiots…" She replied her flush a bit redder as was mine.

"So? Tell me Callahan, how long have you and Sekai been dating?" Hikari seemed insistent on this narrative of hers.

"She already said we're not going out and besides; I'm still new here. Why would she like someone like me?" I said trying to defend myself.

"Besides the fact, you're a gentleman and that you two seem to hang out whenever anyone sees you two together." Nanami added on.

"That doesn't mean anything… Setsuna tell them." Sekai turned to her short friend for help.

"I think you two, would be a great pair." Setsuna smirked in victory as she betrayed her friend.

"Traitor…" Sekai said under her breath.

"Come on girls, enough with the teasing. We're not going out okay." I said trying to put an end to this back and forth.

"Hmm… fine." Hikari seemed to give up for now. But knowing her usual nosy behavior I expected more out of her.

After a rather teasing-filled lunch we returned to class and as lessons were going on I heard my phone vibrate in my pocket. I checked the sender and to my surprise it was Kotonoha:

We missed you guys at lunch. But we understand if you want to eat on your own. But we do hope you both drop in from time to time. I really did like the atmosphere we all had before. :)

I replied:

I'm happy you enjoyed all that before. To be honest I always thought you were scared of me since our first meeting. But I promise, we'll eat together again. Hopefully soon.

After sending it I found myself exhaling a large breath I seemed to have taken in without even knowing.

I knew that message depended really on both mine and my two neighbors' actions as well. The only good thing that seemed to be from this is that Makoto didn't seem to be interested in Sekai or was in the fence about his relationship.

I could then hear the usual passing of journal notes below as my memory began whirring to remember what they could be talking about. And as it comes to me I remember that it must be about how Makoto and Kotonoha seemed to have a good time having lunch together and about the movie coupons.

Since however there would be no way I could even interfere in a date like that. I once again found my options limited since I know if the line of events were to match Makoto will take her to one of three movies, but I have no idea of where he'll take her so once again I'm at a lose at what to do.

The day ends as the end bell rings and I begin to head out as I do so I find myself being tugged on by someone, I turn to see that it's of all people Setsuna.

"Setsuna, is there something you needed?" I asked her. Her usual stoic state looking back at me as I looked down at her.

"Come with me for a little bit." Setsuna said as she walked, and I followed behind slightly confused as to why she was doing this.

"So, what is it you wanted to tell me?" I inquired of the school committee member.

"What're your intentions with Sekai?" She asked me.

"Huh? W-what are you talking about?" I ask taken a back at the sudden inquiry.

"I said what're your intentions with Sekai? You seem to be around her quite a bit. I've known her for quite some time as a friend, and I know when she's feeling down that means something happened. Recently, she's not been answering my calls, so I've been worried." Setsuna explained.

"So what does that have to do with me, huh? I don't know where you come off blaming strangers for issues. But I can tell you I'm not one of them. Sekai, is one of my friends and one of the only few to be my friend since I moved here. I wouldn't do anything to her." I retorted.

"Then why have you been with that other girl? The one Makoto is with all the time? Sekai also needs someone as well." I could tell where she was going with this.

"I've already told you. We're not going out and besides Makoto is free to date whomever he wants. Kotonoha isn't some threat." I reiterated. "It was her that brought those two together."

"She became a threat to Sekai ever since she laid eyes on him. Sekai also deserves to be happy right?" Setsuna countered. I stood silent knowing that Sekai did have her occasional depression spells about Makoto.

"Sekai's told me that you and her have been having lunch together the last few days, but she doesn't seem to be happy. Just know that I'm watching you." Setsuna left off with that as she walked down the hall.

"Where do you get off… and what did she mean having lunch with her? We haven't even…Ah?" I think back to our phone call a few days back where we promised to eat together. IS that what Setsuna meant by that?

"But why would Sekai lie about that? We haven't been able to do that. We've been with Makoto and Kotonoha the whole time." I'm with a conflicting sense of guilt and confusion in the pit of my stomach as I finally head out.

Making it home, I'm greeted by my mom who surprisingly was able to get off early today. She was in the middle of making dinner as I greeted her and headed for my room. Putting my bag on the foot of my bed and jumping in I'm left to ponder on what's been bugging me.

"Look at the lovebirds…"

"Sekai also deserves to be happy…"

"But what's that got to do with me? I'm the problem here…" I say as my mind races through things. Eventually after dinner I take a bath and head for bed; however, my previous thoughts still plague me as I can't help but focus on one thing…

"Sekai…" The thought of that smiling face fills my head as I pull out my phone and look at the wallpaper looking back at me. It had been over a week and a half since I had taken this picture.

Why? Why did I take it that day? Even now I'm conflicted as my thoughts of interfering seemed to be overtaken by… thoughts of her smiling… at me?

In a flash I see the sight of me and her all on our own eating together. Her looking back at me laughing as we enjoy each other's company. Even in my own mind I couldn't help but confess that I did enjoy my time with her…

"Do I… like Sekai? No… that's impossible. She couldn't like me like that right?" I try to convince myself. I slowly go to sleep but this feeling in my stomach won't stop.

Over the next few days however I find myself unfortunately unable to find Sekai during lunch and with Makoto and Kotonoha eating by themselves I find myself. Heading for the lunch room alone and eating by myself.

Without anyone to talk to or really anything to do. I find myself throwing away my lunch and heading back to the classroom earlier than usual.

As I do I'm greeted by the sight of Sekai's friends; Setsuna, Nanami and Hikari, but now Sekai herself.

"Eh, Setsuna? Isn't Sekai with you?" I asked her.

"I don't know." She replies.

"You don't know? I thought she's been wanting to eat with you guys for a while now." I reply back.

"Sekai told us she was planning to eat with you." Setsuna said.

"Well we used to would when we were hanging out with Makoto and Kotonoha…" As I said the latter's name Setsuna's brow furrowed even more and her mouth turned to an angry frown.

"Not 'used to.' She's been telling us since last week and the week before that that you've been eating together since the semester started." Setsuna explained leaving me confused.

"What? S-she didn't tell me…" I try to explain but then a familiar voice made itself known.

"Wow, it sure is cold outside. I could feel the wind just go 'whooosh!'…" I turned to see it was Sekai. "Huh, Setsuna and Cal talking? That's not something you'd see usually."

"Sekai…" I said to her.

"Yeah, what's wrong? You don't look so good, and your eyes have bags." Sekai pointed out.

"Callahan was looking for…" Setsuna tried to butt in.

"No, it's nothing. Still getting over my restlessness. And I guess I might be feeling a bit fatigued is all." I replied stopping the small girl from saying something unnecessary.

"Callahan?" Setsuna seemed taken aback by my brushing her off.

"It's alright. Thanks for worrying, but I'll be fine." I say with a small smile that I muster.

"Well, if you insist. Just ask and I'll help escort you to the nurse's office." Sekai offered. "But what were you saying Setsuna?"

"What… indeed?" Said girl said confused still.

As class goes on I surprisingly hear little in the way of note sharing, but wanting answers and not wanting to get caught I took the chance and sent Sekai a text:

"Hey, where did you go for lunchtime?"

I could hear a vibration below meaning she got the message. I could feel her turning around so I pretended to be looking at my notes:

"I was with Setsuna and the others in the lunchroom."

"I was there. I didn't see you in there or them. I think they were in the classroom today."

"I was in the classroom too. I just went outside for a walk is all."

"No you didn't. Liar."

"Then we must've missed each other in the lunchroom is all."

"But you said you had been outside and how could it was. The cafeteria isn't outside, you know?"

"I already told you; I went for a walk after lunch. It's the truth!"

After that message we went for the rest of our classes until the ending bell rung.

"Hey, Sekai…" I called out to her.

"Mmm, what now?" She sounded annoyed.

"Just tell me the truth is all." I demanded.

"Why does it matter where I had lunch for one day?!" Sekai countered angrily.

"It matters. Cause you're my friend and I'm worried." I explained.

"Why does it matter? It's not like we can keep eating with them all semester long…" she tried to turn this into a conversation about our lovely couple, but I wasn't going to let that past.

"You know that had nothing to do with this. Setsuna and the others said they haven't seen you. What's going on? You haven't been fighting right?" I try to ask.

"Aah, I just remembered I have to work today." Sekai said trying to change topics.

"I thought you had told me; that your Mom's work only has you go on summer holidays?" I reinformed her.

"Sometimes I go when she's short-staffed like today. Well I'll see you later." And with that Sekai walked off leaving me without an answer.

Again with nothing to do I headed home and as I was laid out on my bed waiting for sleep to overtake me I found myself once again with my phone in my hand.

"Call her. Just call her you wimp and get this over with!"

"No! This has nothing to do with you! Remember this is about the three of them!"

"It's quite obvious you have something at stake in this! Now pick up that phone an call her. And stop being a pansy!"

My more aggressive conscience won out and I tried to call Sekai's number but the two times I tired they went to voicemail after a few rings. Getting nowhere I put the phone on my charger and headed to sleep.

The next day, I had made it early and to my surprise Makoto hadn't arrived yet. But I was greeted to a yawning Sekai.

"Fwaah… morning." She greeted me with a yawn.

"Morning. Are you okay, you sound drained." I pointed out.

"Yeah, working yesterday and the day before that must've taken a lot out of me." She replied.

"You know… I called you last night and you never picked up. Was your phone dead?" I asked her about my calls to her.

"You did? I guess I never heard it. I leave my phone in my locker during work hours. But I'm sorry I didn't check. But now at least I've got a little income for the month. With how cold it is, I think I'll go scouting for a nice winter coat." Her perky, happy attitude seemed to return.

"Hey, I still need to ask you about something." I told her.

"Ahh… mmn… I'm kind of sleepy… you can tell me later. Hey Cal, wake me up before Yamamoto gets here okay?" She asks me.

"Yeah… I got your back." I reply as she rests her head in her arms and closes her eyes. As I spot her sleeping form I can't help but find myself to smile at how peaceful she looks.

The lunch bell rings again with Sekai standing up, "Well, off to the cafeteria."

"Hey, wait… I still have to…" But Sekai seems to ignore me as she heads out the door. Makoto heads out as well behind her, but I assume he's going to try and find Katsura.

"Hey, let's head out too." I hear Nanami say besides me.

"Okay!" Hikari agrees with her.

Getting their attention I call out to the basketball player, "Hey, Nanami?"

"W-what is it Cal?" She says turning to face me.

"Has Sekai been hanging with you guys recently?" I ask her.

"Hang out?" She parrots.

"Well you guys are friends right?" I point out.

"Sure, we're friends." She answers.

"You guys are always together, right?" I ask also.

"Yeah all the time. What's your point with all these questions?" She asks for why I'm asking.

"Well you guys have been eating together this week right?" However instead of Nanami it was Hikari who replied.

"Callahan." Hikari said this time with a furrowed brow and an angry look on her face.

"I used to think you were a great guy. But now we don't think you going out with Sekai is so good anymore." She says.

"Huh?" I say surprise.

"Sure, we used to eat together during the first semester, but now ever since you came along she's been eating with you it seems like everyday or she brings you along this whole semester now." Hikari explains.

"I mean personally, I think it's fine if you were to go out. We used to think she and Makoto were a thing, but she told us you two were eating together so I thought she took a liking to you." Nanami spoke for herself.

"Nanami, it's not fine. This guys just a two-timer! He hangs around Sekai, but he's also friends with that Katsura girl from the other class." Hikari angrily counters.

"H-hey now Kotonoha has nothing to do with this, and I'm going out with any…" I try to explain things but Hikari refuses to let me have a say.

Shut up, don't give me that. You two have been having lunch together evert day, don't you? And then you have the gall to talk to another girl. You're horrible." Hikari piles on.

"She is right…" I hear Nanami say in passing.

"Wait what do you mean this whole week?" But Hikari continues on.

"She's been eating with you this week too, hasn't she? That's what she told us. I don't really care if you're eating together or whatever it is you two are doing, but…"

"Wait, 'doing?' But again we're not…"

"It's your fault she's been looking so lonely and depressed lately isn't it? If you ever hurt her, so help me…"

"Hikari, enough." Nanami comes to my rescue this time. "Cal, ignore her, Just go, and see Sekai. You two have been eating outside, right? You shouldn't keep a girl waiting." Nanami told me.

"Y-yeah…" I reply.

But as I head out I'm once again greeted by the appearance of one Setsuna Kiyoura.

"Setsuna…" I say.

"Outside, in the courtyard. That's where she is." She informs me.

"Eh?" I say shocked.

"Hah… I knew she was up to something, but after yesterday I knew it had to be her lying. I don't blame you for anything, Callahan. Just go to her." She tells me.

"Yeah. Thanks, Setsuna." I thank her.

"Setsuna." She says.

"Huh?"

"Call me Setsuna. You are a friend aren't you?" She says with a small smile.

"Yeah, thanks again… Kiyoura." With that I take off heading towards the outside courtyards.

Back outside, Sekai sits on a bench alone with no one around as she looks at her cell phone.

"Haha… does this charm even work…? It sure is hard to tell… but of course I only took this one a few days ago so…" She looks at her phone as she looks back at the wallpaper of a sleeping Trystan she had on her phone.

Initially she had one of Makoto on her phone, but after seeing how Makoto was doing with Kotonoha and spotting their kiss the other day on the platform she knew she had no chance. How she came into possession of the picture of Trystan was another story.

She had taken it around the time when Cal had fallen asleep in class. Even though she knew it was risk of being caught she couldn't help but stare at his peaceful form. So when she saw that no one was looking at her she took the photo.

"Even though he's been so nice to me and so caring… does he even like me that way? The maybe I should…" She said just as she choosing to delete the photo.

A voice then said, "You know I technically like to think my right side is my best."

"Eh?! C-Cal… what're you doing here?!" Sekai said shocked at Trystan's sudden appearance.

"You should tell me. Why're you out here all by yourself?" I ask her.

"Lunch…" Her reply came.

"All by yourself? And without your friends or telling me? They're worried for you know? I'm worried for you. Why come all the way out here to a place like this?" I question her.

"Setsuna and the others… I couldn't tell them the truth… it would've been embarrassing." She replied. "For some reason everyone thinks I'm going out with you. Before it was me and Makoto. I ate with them one day, and they were all worried about me."

I merely listened as I sat down beside her she continued, "Had we fought? Had we broken up already? Hikari was so angry, saying she'd now never approve of you and me going out…"

"Ahehe… I mean it is silly when you think about it. We aren't really dating so what did it even matter right?" She said nervously. "Besides, I thought it would've been embarrassing for you to deal with that… so I tried to be considerate."

"Idiot…" I say.

"Even still, I'm surprised you found me here. I like to think I can find nice spots; you know. The roof, this place… Aah." She then felt Trystan pull her towards him as he put his arm around her shoulder.

"Eh, Cal?" She said looking up at me. I looked at her with my teary eyes as her eyes went wide.

"Idiot… how can I ever hate being around you? Besides… you're the only one who's ever been able to put up with a pathetic, stupid guy like me. Also to be honest… I do like you." I confessed.

"It was just really surprising to hear that everyone thought we were dating. Like I said I never thought you'd even settle for a boring, sarcastic…Mmh!?"

Then I felt Sekai put her face into my chest, "Idiot! Don't say that!" She yelled into my chest, "Every time I kept hearing them talk about you, I couldn't help but keep thinking about us until one day… I couldn't help it."

I could feel her fingers curl as they snatch at parts of my blazer. I swallowed a lump in my throat as I stood there hesitantly with a cute girl in my arms. I think about how despite my seemingly lack of action in trying to interfere I think more so this is a change from simply me meeting him.

I remember the old adage about how a every time a butterfly flaps it's wings a tornado appears someone else. I just didn't know which one I was.

"I like you." I could hear Sekai's muffled voice.

As I pulled her back from me I could now feel a wet stain on my chest. But I didn't care. I stood up and Sekai followed as I noddled my arms around the small of her back putting her in a comforting embrace.

"I like you too, Sekai."

AN#1 – Well here's the final part to my School Days remake in this fourth episode, Feelings Between Us, Trystan finally fins out what's been going on and to his shock it seems the others think HE and Sekai are now a couple!

After several days of confusion, Trystan tries to confront Sekai about it but it's not until Setsuna and the others do that he finds the drive to look for her.

He finds her by herself sitting alone having lunch. It's there she knew about the rumors about them and wanted to try and stop them, but they wouldn't. Knowing things wouldn't stop and his own feelings finally coming to fruition he couldn't deny things anymore.

Trystan confesses to Sekai after he finds out she had a crush on him too.

How will things go now for this new couple? What drama is to come? Stay tuned!

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!

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