Holding Onto You
Sagi slowly opened her eyes as she stared at the white ceiling. She felt tired again. Rubbing her eyes and yawning, she turned to her side and looked over at the dresser. Patterns swirled around the wood as her eyes kept locked on it. She breathed and slowly looked down at her hand. Stretching it out, she laid it on the blanket, mimicking the patterns she'd seen on the dresser. Her eyes averts across the room and she paused for a moment.
The black haired senior had her eyes shut as she was sleeping. Bangs swept on the front of her black brows and tan, soft looking skin. There were definitely bruises on her, lips still cut a bit, but that never tinted her appearance whatsoever.
No. None whatsoever.
The sophomore noticed the older teen was an eye catcher. She had long fingers, pretty, and owned a tall, strong, toned, lithe body. Sagi looked back at her own hand and grew self-conscious. They were short, slender, but small compared to the other girl's hands, which could appear on any magazine. The senior, now that she was taking a good look at her, and hated to even admit, not sure why, wasn't fake looking either. This Kou girl had this natural, organic beauty to her. She was too stunning to be ordinary, but unlike the wavy blonde bully, those looks of her roommate suited her to be a movie star on the big screen, or even a singer on stage. Those other friends of hers, the sandy blonde long haired one, the aqua haired green one, the light haired one and the dark brown haired one were not hard to look at too. All of them looked… Her lips pursed as she turned and breathed deeply. A frown creased on her forehead. She faced the wall, feeling more discomfort for whatever reason unknown.
Fuck my life.
Her shoulder was getting so numb. She could just turn around and sleep on her other side, but emotionally it felt safer this way. Sagi breathed and sighed. She did not know where her life took her, or where it was going. She also did not know why her parents did not show up last night. It's not like her father was not able to take off work, whatever he does for the family, she never asked him, except he always provided, but they could have at least shown their face out of curiosity. She'd figured they be proud of her pushing through this hard school. It was supposed to be known as the best. Still, not a congratulatory word was said. All they seemed to focus on was her sister.
Sagi frowned as her mind pondered back on that bully tormentor. Something about the whole thing, with her and her sister, did not add up. She wondered if anything went on in the school that involved her sister. Teachers never mentioned anything. Even her friends knew nothing of the sort, with the exception of Larxeen and Xion. The spiky blond always makes innuendos with her. It's like she gets a kick out of it by pure joy. After the locker fight that happened yesterday, Sagi wanted to ask Larxeen when they managed to get away from Baryl about that girl. All the spiky blond weirdo friend of hers did was look at her with a sinister grin and smiled, and changed the subject, like purposely keeping her on edge for whatever kicks she gets out of it. That frustrated Sagi to no end. She couldn't not be her friend, but at times, she felt like hitting her face for being kept in the dark. When they met up with Xion and told her of the fight, along with Siren later on, Xion shrugged her shoulder and averted her eyes, but said nothing. She did not know what irritated her more. Siren did not know what was going on, but intended to find out for her.
She thought of the locker room fight, and remembering Kou's word to her tormentor. Funny how her former tormentor fought her current tormentor for tormenting her. Sagi laughed darkly and shut her eyes. Yes, she admitted she had a grudge, and she had no idea when she would ever be comfortable with anyone. But getting to the point, that Kou person knew something about her sister. She did not know what disturb her more, her former tormentor knowing of her sister, her bully knowing of her sister, Larxeen knowing, Xion knowing, or her not knowing. Siren even confronted those two about it. Xion changed the subject, and Larxeen kept talking about mysteries. She was developing a headache and shook her head.
She will find out eventually. Maybe Yuuki will know. She will write to her.
Sagi shut her eyes as she drifted off, or tried to at least. She sighed loudly and covered herself more, not knowing that her roommate had her eyes open, being awoken by her sigh.
Seiya stared at her roommate across the room as she recently woke up from a long sleep. She was still feeling a bit hung over, still store from her bruises with the fight on Sarah, but decided to take it easy. Sleep was so welcoming, but after hearing the fourth sigh of that sophomore, she opened her eyes, and wondered if she was awake. Was she awake? She's been hearing her sigh the past few minutes. She was not sure why, but felt Yurenkasykuya was uneasy about something. That girl was always so quiet. She was surprised she managed to hear her this morning.
Sagi remained with her eyes opened, unable to. With a sigh, she turned around, and allowed her body to naturally lean on her other shoulder. She shut her eyes for a brief moment, before she opened them to figure out why she could not sleep. She felt someone looking at her as her gaze followed her instincts.
Shuddering inside, she noticed the midnight sapphire blue hues piercing at her.
Nothing was said.
Those crystal blue eyes watching her caused an unknown shudder inside of her body.
A knock was heard as the door burst open, Larxeen walked in. Sagi jolts up as Seiya glared at the intruder, moving her body up.
"What the flying shit…?" She groaned.
Larxeen pursed her lips and went wide eyed as she noticed Seiya. She pursed her lips and looked back at Sagi, who stared wide eyed.
"Well fuck, forgot you were not alone Sagi Sama."
"Are you kidding me, Anchorman?" Seiya hissed. Larxeen ignored her as Sagi looked over, feeling bad.
"Common get up, will wait for you outside." The spiky blonde haired senior grinned and went out, shutting the door. Seiya covered her eyes as she frowned. Sagi looked over at her and softly got up, putting her slippers.
"Gomen Nasai, Kou San."
Seiya looked at her as the sophomore swiftly moved to the bathroom. That was the first time she spoke to her in the morning, with an apology! The door was shut as Seiya sat up against the bed post. She still felt groggy, but figured she might as well get up. Larxeen knocked as the black hair beauty jumped off the bed and opened the door.
"What the-?"
"Anchorman, people need to sleep. I am sure she is getting ready and said she will meet you. Stop knocking on the door."
Larxeen breathed in annoyance and placed her hands on her hips. Seiya holds her arms and leans on the threshold, challenging her. The spiky blond rolls her eyes and waves her hand.
"Tell her to meet me in the library then. I would tell her myself, but you will get a stick higher in your ass."
"Thank you, Baka."
Seiya shut the door firmly and locks it. She jumps back into the bed and shuts her eyes. She was not tired, but she did have a bit of a headache. Sagi got out of the bathroom, refreshed, with her head pinned back in a bun.
She was about to change, but paused and moved to the door. Just as she was about to open the door, she heard her speak.
"She told me to tell you to meet her in the library."
Sagi looked at her, startled as Seiya looked at her. She said nothing for a while, but then after speculation in her mind, she nodded.
"Arigatou." That was another one for the book, getting her thank you.
"Douishimashite."
The sophomore looked at her as she then focused on her change of clothing. Seiya was about to sleep, but she kept locked on the sophomore, who moved through clothes to change. She should have looked away, but she could not help not looking at her. Did she always wear a bun? What was that about? Not even Galexia wore a bun every day from what she remembered, though the two sisters are different, but still. Nothing was said. After a while, Sagi was covered up in her sweater with a collared shirt underneath. It was buttoned all the way to the top of her neck. She had long socks and long skirt with shoes. Sagi took her bag, walked out and softly closed the door.
Seiya kept her eyes on the door as her hand laid on the covers, keeping her other hand behind her head. She turned to the wall and slept. Feeling out of sorts, she opened her eyes and jumped out of the bed, looking at the door as she moved to the shower.
Library
Hieroglyphics. Her mind started to hurt as frustration grew in her eyes. Larxeen was popping her gum as Ami started to give instructions to her. Sagi rubbed her head as her pencil rattled back and forth with nerves. The blue haired senior pointed to the book as she moved to Sagi and smiled.
"How are we doing, Sagi Chan?"
"Senpai, this is hard."
"Hai, talk to me."
"Here. Linear Equations and Linear Inequalities. I understand how the first problem works, but then when I look at the answer key in the book, it shows a completely different set. Paprika San has been kind, but her tests never gives instructions on how to do what. It never explains the rules." Ami smiled and nodded.
"It takes time. I know the problems are ugly, but don't get frustrated. Keep practicing, eventually you will get it."
"I already failed two times, Ami San."
"I failed five times, don't feel bad girly." Larxeen smiled. Sagi looked up at her.
"How did you pass?"
"Oh I never failed, I just see the whole process as a failure. Completely unnecessary in life." She grinned as Sagi frowned as her blue haired mentor frowned at the senior.
"Larxeen Chan, what are you doing here then?" Ami said with a frown.
"I need help." Larxeen said as she winked at Sagi, who blushed and looked down at her work. Already she was getting frustrated at her. Ami looked up at the clock.
"Okay, I have to go to another session. I will see you next week, Sagi Chan." She looked at Sagi, who sighed at her.
"Hang in there." She patted the younger teen's back, grabbed her books and took off. Larxeen chewed her gum as her eyes glittered and moved to the sophomore, who breathed and pressed her temples. She looked over her guide as Xion walked up to them.
"I need to help out on set today. Wanna come?"
"Yeah." She grabbed her books as they started to walk off. Larxeen paused as Sagi stayed behind, looking over her notes. She rolled her eyes and moved to the sophomore."
"Common. We got to go. Drop the books."
"Larxeen, I can't."
"You don't need the books, girl. Drop them." She went to grab the books as Sagi swiped at her.
"No!"
"What's the matter?" Larxeen frowned as Xion rolled her eyes and pulled at her.
"You are passing the class, I am not. I need to figure this out, otherwise I will fail." Sagi hissed. Larxeen pursed her lips as Xion nudged her.
"Common, will grab you later Sagi Chan. Let's go Larxeen!"
"Boring."
"Thank you. I take it as a compliment."
"You are boring." Larxeen bit her tongue. She followed Xion and held her hand as Sagi rolled her eyes.
"Thank you Goddess." The sophomore turned the pages and frowned. She tried a chapter, failing to understand and turned it again. Even practicing examples, she could not comprehend anything, making her feel completely inadequate.
"Shit." Shutting her book, she shut her eyes and placed her head in her hands, looking down on the table.
Taiki watched the sophomore from the window table. She just finished her Astronomy work. Her violet eyes stayed on the sophomore, witnessing the private scenario. Swallowing her pride, she placed her book in her bag and moved up to walk to her table.
Sagi gave up.
"Fuck it."
She got up, shoving her book and notebook inside and placed it on her bag as she shuffled out quickly, not even noticing the tall senior approaching the table from behind her. Sagi swiftly moved from the table and walked off.
Taiki frowned as she stood by Sagi's table as the sophomore walked out the library door.
"Well, that worked out great, Taiki." She whispered to herself and smirked.
The Flower Arena was busy all around with the Main Rose Recital. Xion was moving sets as Seiya was warming up on the side of the aisle seats, talking to Elsie, who laughed at her jokes.
"Seiya Chan, how the hell do you end up in these fights? Don't think I don't notice."
"You know me Elsie, I love to wrestle with people."
"You are fucking terrible. But so am I!" She laughed out loud as her hair was growing back from being bald after the Nair incident months ago. Now it was cropped tapered in tight curls.
"So any sex?"
"Nope. I don't do sex randomly with people. You know I only had sex with two women in my life. The others were just light fun. Been abstinent for a while."
"Not even fooling around?"
"Nah. Not interested."
"I had one last night."
"That's so you, Elsie." Seiya giggled as her friend grinned. "Who is she?"
"Can't remember." They both burst out laughing for a while.
"But seriously, Seiya, you been too saintly."
"And you are a devilish girl." She whispered, tying her ballet shoes as Elsie cracked up. Taiki came in and walked up to the group.
"How was study hall?" Seiya asked.
"Good. Finished everything." Taiki sat down and pulled out a script.
"All done! Sweetness." Elsie raised her hands.
"Now we could focus on our scenes. Where is Yaten?"
"Oh, she and Michiru are running late. Haruka is doing track. You know her."
"Like the wind." Elsie cheered as she and Taiki kissed each other's cheek.
"Hello Miss Actress."
"Seiya is the actress."
"Taiki stop it. You are phenomenal. Both you and Yaten." Seiya growled.
"Hai, I have to agree with Seiya."
"They talk so much shit." Seiya smiled as Taiki put up her middle finger at her and extended her script to her friend.
"Elsie, help me run lines, please?"
"Oh yes, I am star now." Elsia puckered her lips as she took the script and fanned herself while Taiki smiled.
"A pretty one at that, Me Lady." Taiki executed in perfect Old English. Elsie responded in a horrible accent as Seiya chuckled.
She looked over at Xion and frowned. The blue haired bob girl threw the curtains to the side as she swept the stage. Then saw Larxeen was chewing gum as she walked on the stage and lied down. She never understood why those two and her roommate were friends. They were complete opposites of each other's' demeanor. It seemed to happen while she was suspended with her friends. Elsie continued practicing with Taiki, who got character perfectly. Seiya sat back as she thought of Sagi and leaned on her hands as her thoughts trailed off.
Yaten walked in as Michiru followed to the group. Haruka came inside, feeling a bit sweaty as Elsie waved her hands, enunciating the words with horror. Yaten giggled as Michiru and Haruka briefly kissed.
"Michi."
"Ruka."
"That is charming, Elsie."
"I am a super star now." Elsie said as Haruka purred as Taiki continued. Yaten yawned as Elsie stumbled on a word and laughed, tossing the script to Yaten, who put it in her bag. Without further ado, Yaten continued the scene with grace.
"Look at this one with the other one. They so flawless. I quit." Elsie chuckled as she blew a kiss to Haruka. The sandy blonde watched Seiya in her own world and moved behind her. Seiya yelped as Haruka growled and tickled her, causing her to shout and smack her hand. The group laughed hard.
"Damn you Tenouh!"
"Earth to Kou."
"What do you want?"
"We've been calling you for an hour."
"Nani?!"
The group laughed hard as Seiya saw Elsie clap her hands in laughter.
"Seiya, who is she?"
"I am not-nothing! I already told you Elsie!"
"Mmm-hmm."
Seiya blushed hard as the girls laughed harder. Yaten arched an eyebrow and continued to practice. Taiki smiled but said nothing. Michiru giggled as she took out her violin and nudged Haruka, who watched black haired friend with curiosity.
"Who is she?"
"Nothing, no one, Haruka…" Seiya looked at her and focused on stretching. Michiru rolled her eyes and nudged her girlfriend.
"Ruka, practice."
"Hai. Hai…" She followed her girlfriend. The sandy blonde looked back at her best friend and pointed two fingers at her own sky blue eyes, pointing back at the black haired beauty. Knowing she would eventually tell her, or have her best friend force it out of her, Seiya waved her off and softly giggled.
"Nosy bitch." She whispered.
Siren got out of the office as Sagi was seen walking in the hallway. She ran up to her.
"Sagi Chan!" The golden blonde turned her head and went wide eyed.
"Siren Chan! Hey."
"Daijabou? You look down in the dumps."
"Hai, been frustrated with this assignment."
"I wish I could help you, but I suck at math."
"You are passing though Siren."
"Barely, I am on the margin."
"Still, at least you are not failing or have to worry about what your parents or guardians will say."
"Hai. Well, let's go to the Flower Arena! I hear Xion is helping out with sets and costumes for the big show. Larxeen is probably lingering over there too. She is performing as well, but has not done any practicing."
"Ugh… alright let's go."
"You don't want to see them."
"No they are cool. I'm just hungry and need to grab a bite somewhere. Besides, I hate anything with performance. It gives me the jibbies."
"You don't have to perform Sagi. It's just watching! Besides, there are amazing talent! Common I will take you out!" Siren laughed and tugged her friend as Sagi frowned.
"Ugh. Seriously Siren. Why do people enjoy that stuff?" Dragging her feet a bit as Siren tugged more.
"Same way you enjoy whatever it is you do."
"I don't know what I like."
"That's okay, you don't have to like anything now. Common!"
"Fine!"
The girls moved around, one of them with reluctance, as they both moved to a ramen place. The fumes of the noodles and ponsou sauce eroded into their nostrils.
"Mm. Ne?"
"Are we even allowed here, Siren Chan?"
"Sagi Chan, common, it's my treat. Sumimasen-" Siren moved to the counter and order two bowls of seafood udon. Sagi looked around and saw am empty table amongst the crowd. The food here did smell good, as her friend stated, even though she was shaking from being off school grounds. She felt two hands on her hips.
"Sagi Chan, let's sit." She whispered.
Sagi flushed as she was moved to the table. Both girls sat at opposites ends. Siren's eyes sparkled as she looked around and leaned in.
"Sugoi, ne?"
"Siren Chan, what if they catch us."
"Daijabou."
"Lady San or Setsu-" She was caught off as Siren took her hand and soothed it.
"Daijabou Sagi. Relax." She smiled as Sagi breathed and nodded.
"Hai."
"You'll love it. I don't think it gets better than this." The sophomore breathed and smiled as their drinks were set down. Sagi opened the drink as she swallowed it through the straws.
"Mm!"
"Sugoi, ne? Sagi swallowed the bubbly fruity sweet drink.
"Watermelon. Delicious."
"Wait until you taste the noodles."
"I cannot wait." Sagi was still nervous about being off school grounds. However, unlike Larxeen, Siren was not as intimidating, and promised it would be good.
Wow, watermelon soda's so good!
It would also help ease the nerves from her math issue. If she failed the year, her parents were definitely shun her.
Yet it would not be any different. There was a time when the family did talk to each other, including her sister. Ever since Galexia graduated, her sister had become recluse. Now her parents only focused on her sister, making her mind travel to Sarah, which made her uncomfortable, which made her mind jump to her roommate. The more Sagi thought of the black haired senior, the more she felt…
Siren drank hers as she watched the golden blonde drink, going into her own world. She saw her face flush as she released her straw and took a breath.
"What are you thinking about, Sagi Chan?" She asked quietly as Sagi snapped out of her thoughts.
"Nani? Siren Chan, you said something?"
Siren grinned as she looked down at her drink.
"Iie."
Sagi blushed as she finished her drink. Their appetizers of edamame and dumplings came. Siren watched her the entire time. The sophomore started to munch on more food. She never had this much of an appetite before.
"So, I think we may still make it to the Main Rose Recital rehearsal. I know they are going to have great performances. Sagi Chan, you need to see them, they are great."
"I will, I guess."
"You will like it. I promise you."
"Okay."
Sagi munched on some dumplings as her cheeks were bloated, mirroring Siren, whose cheeks was filled with food as well.
"Mm!"
"Mm-hm!"
The sophomore felt euphoric at the food as more dumplings came into the table.
"This is so good!"
"I told you, you'd love it!"
"Arigatou Gozaimasu Siren Chan!"
"Douishimashite!"
"Mm!"
The food was tasty. It felt like heaven. And for once, she did not worry about herself. Normally, she would eat light, but for some reason, she felt more comfortable eating around Siren and outside of school. It was a completely different atmosphere from the cafeteria. Not that they did not have high quality food, but sometime the energy there of people were so heavy, Sarah especially. She thought of Galexia.
"Siren Chan, did you find anything, regarding my Oneesan?"
Siren's eyes dimmed as she looked at her.
"Hai."
Sagi felt relief as she nodded for her to go on.
"I don't want you to get mad."
"Nothing will get me mad. I just want to figure out what happened so that Sarah may get off my back."
"Has she been bothering you?"
"Not for a while. But in case she does again, I want to be ready to figure out the mystery so that I may stop it."
"Gomen Nasai Sagi. You having to go through this."
"It's not your fault. I feel bad for you, since you like her."
"I don't care about her anymore, Sagi. Honestly."
"I know, thank you. Even if you did, I won't get weird. But, what happened with my Oneesan?"
"Okay."
Siren took a deep breath and slowly breathed out the words.
"Galexia and Sarah were an item."
"An item."
"Together."
"Like…" Sagi was confused as Siren sighed.
"They were girlfriend. And girlfriend."
"Oh." Sagi nodded as Siren smiled. Then the sophomore paused and went wide eyed. "OH!" She was shocked.
Her Oneesan?!
"Oneesan… liked girls?"
"Hai."
"Wow. I did not see that coming. She never told me."
"No, I am sure she did not tell anyone in the family."
"Wait, not that it matters, but does my parents know?"
"I… am not sure." Siren was confused.
"I wonder if that is the reason why they were all distant with me."
"Could be… now that I think about it, you mentioned they all focused on her!"
"Yeah… wow…" Sagi was sucker punched since her sister had boyfriends that she brought over during the holidays. She never heard her had a girlfriend. Why did she not tell her? Why did her parents not say anything? Did her parents know? Or not know?
"This is so confusing."
"Hai."
"I wonder, should I talk to them?"
"Actually Sagi…" Siren felt off in her gut as her family was mentioned. Sagi looked at her innocently as Siren held her hand.
"Maybe it's better if you keep this to yourself."
"How come?"
"I don't know. Just trust me, okay? Maybe your sister wanted it to be a secret from your parents?"
"Ah…" Sagi was in wonder that she might know her sister's secret. Even though she wanted the bullying with Sarah to end…
"What am I going to do with Sarah?"
"We will find another way. Maybe I would ask your sister, but only talk to your sister, make sure no one is around her, not your parents. And don't tell them about anyone else. Only talk to your sister about Sarah."
"Hai. Okay."
"But don't do it now. Wait a while. Then ask your sister about Sarah, let her know without prying, about what Sarah has been doing."
"Hai."
"I just feel its better this way for you, Sagi. And for her. Not a lot of people desire us who like girls as much." She whispered in a low voice as she looked down sadly at her food. Sagi looked at her and thought of Kou.
Kou likes girls.
"Sagi Chan."
"Gomen Nasai." Sagi blushed as she stuttered, looking at Siren, who gleamed at her.
"What's making you nervous?"
"Nervous?"
"I did not know math could grab your attention like that." Siren teased in a whisper as Sagi breathed in and spoke without thinking.
"Iie, not math. I was thinking of Kou San-"
"Nani?!"
"Gomen?" Sagi flushed in confusion at Siren's outburst, who went wide eyed at her.
"Did you say, Kou?"
"Gomen… nani -" Sagi leaned in as her face flushed hard. "Nani?"
"Sagi Chan!" Siren squealed, making the onlookers turn to them as they continued to chatter.
"NANI?!"
"Kou." Siren whispered in a low husky tone.
"Kou?" Sagi was confused, freaking out at Siren's face.
"Tongue tied, oh, Sagi Chan! This is good." Seeing the blush darken on the sophomore's face.
"Nani, what is?"
"You. Kou."
"Me. Kou. What? Nani? I don't follow."
"You probably won't, Sagi Chan." Siren laughed hard as she held her stomach.
"Nani, Siren Chan, tell me?!"
"Food is here!" Siren cheered as Sagi scratched her head.
"I don't get you Siren." She whispered in confusion. Her friend shook her head and laughed harder. Sagi shook her head and dug into the ramen. Siren smiled wickedly.
"One day you will, Sagi Chan. You will get it good." Sagi looked at her as she said nothing. She continued to eat her food, wondering what her friend meant by that.
She did not get it now.
But maybe one day she would.
Both girls walked for a while around Tokyo. Sagi was still stuffed from the food, but Siren wanted to grab an eggroll from a Chinese restaurant. Briefly going in, her friend ordered her snack as they were given fortune cookies. Siren went to use the restroom as Sagi stepped outside. She took a breath of fresh air and yawned with a frown. Covering her mouth, she felt her heart slow down a bit. She was so confused. Usually, she feels more energetic after she eats, but for some reason her body was not having it. She looked at her fortune cookie and decided to open the packet. Softly, she cracked it open, pulled a soft paper out and bit into cracker.
The unexpected awaits you.
The wind moved the paper out of her hand as she gasped. She was about to grab it, but a young tall man with light brown hair and dark shades in a black suit bent down to pick it up for her. He seemed to be in his late twenties. Stunning. She looked at him as he looked back at her and smiled.
"Is this yours?"
"Hai. Arigatou Gozaimasu." Sagi bowed as he waved her off.
"For a young lady, it is my pleasure. Here you go."
"Arigatou Gozaimasu." She whispered and took it in her hand. He looked at her as she looked up at him.
"You are Yurenkasykuya's girl, right? Sister to Yurenkasykuya Alexia?"
"Hai…" She frowned in confusion. She never saw this man before.
"Your father works under me. We do business together. Granga, Ail."
He extended his hand as she nervously extended hers and shook his hand. He turns her hand over and pressed his lips to her forehand, making her blush.
She never spoke to her father's associates before, and did not know his boss was younger than him. But then again, she never knew what business he was in.
"Hai. Yurenkasykuya Sagi." He smiled at her shyness. She looked at the other men in dark suits, who said nothing, and looked like they could cut someone with their stance. All of them remained emotionless with their shades.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you, Sagi San." Ail semi bows his head in grace as she bows again. Siren comes outside with confusion as he looked at her friend, then at her.
"Jane." He whispered to her, nodded at her friend, and moved inside with the men. The girls softly walked off as Siren moved to her.
"Who is he?"
"I don't know. He works with my father."
"Ah. He seems nice. And kind of attractive." Sagi was quiet at her friend's observation.
"I think we should head back soon."
"Hai." Siren agreed.
Larxeen did her number, proudly as she moved around the stage. The girls looked bored, except for Xion, who was excitedly watching from the wings. They whispered amongst themselves, except the five who watched. Even though they thought her ridiculous, they did know about stage etiquette when it was getting closer to show time.
Seiya watched her friends bellowing out their scene on stage on the instruments. The sandy blonde glided across the piano. The aqua haired senior fiddled on the violin with passion. They were literally masters at what they did. Once they finished their music, the girls applauded. Like their drama teacher, Minnasan mentioned, this was going to be a phenomenal show. Larxeen was chewing gum on the side of the wings as Xion started to move the set onto the stage for the next scene.
Haruka and Michiru took their hands and bowed. Seiya looked at her as she saw her wrangling her fingers. Without hesitation, she took her hands in hers and massaged them.
"Arigatou."
"Don't mention it."
With relief, Haruka breathed as Seiya expertly massaged her hands and fingers. Michiru came in and smiled. Once her best friend was relieved, her other best friend extended her fingers and hands as Seiya massaged her as well.
"Arigatou."
"My pleasure."
"We have our own masseuse."
"I will expect you to massage my feet after I dance."
"Nani?! Hell no." Haruka whispered as Michiru giggled.
"I will massage you."
"Really?! I was just kidding, but I love you." Seiya whispered as they giggled in a whisper. They watched their best friends acting on stage, reciting lines from Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra as the leading tragic characters. (Act III, Scene 11).
"How much you were my conqueror… My sword, made weak by my affection, would obey it on all cause." Taiki recited in agony as she felt betrayal, away from her lover.
"Pardon, pardon!" Yaten quivered as she moved to Taiki, who turned to face her.
"Fall not a tear. I say, one of them rates. All that is won and lost." She takes her shoulders and leans close to her lips.
"Give me a kiss. Even this repays me." Their lips passionately brushed as they released, causing the girls to swoon from the audience. Once the girls released their lips, staying true in character, they continued the scene ferociously, as the lights went dark and the talent around the audience thundered in applause.
They were really phenomenal. Seiya wanted to kill them for undermining themselves. She hated it when her friends downplayed their talents. She smiled as the girls exited the wings. They hugged tight. Seiya breathed as she hugged them tighter.
"I hate you guys."
"Shut up, Baka." Yaten kissed her cheek as Seiya pulled back and looked at them. They squeezed her hand as she took a breath and waited for the music to start. She had the jitters, it's been a while since she practiced on stage. She practiced ferociously back home, even if she felt she would never perform this piece here again, she was glad and scared about performing again. Taking a deep breath, and feeling a slight rub from Haruka and Michiru, she walked out onto the stage, and crossed her hands over her heart as posed a pointe crossed over her back ankle. Her presence commanded the stage.
The music has not even started, and already this senior took everyone by storm with her presence.
Silent all these Years (Tori Amos) played as Seiya breathed as she crouched and stood on her toes, holding her hands out. She extend her arms in a beautiful en haut, going into en bas as her long legs extended out to beautiful points. She made a swift jete, causing the audience to gasp in wonder as she landed in a plie and rolled down gracefully to the floor, keeping to the beat of the drums within the soft lullaby. With seduction, and grace, she enraptured the music with her body. The song was about pain, suffering, finally having the courage to being bare, and she expressed it exceptionally.
Elsie smiled as Miyu sat by her. Maria watched in silence as she sat alone. Minako San was gleaming as her eyes sparkled. Haine sat with Kairi and Namine as they were grinning.
From the wings, Larxeen had her arms crossed, looking stiff as Xion remained on standby, relaxed as they watched the performance from the back of the wings. Near the front side of the wings, Haruka held Michiru from behind as their best friend in awe. Taiki and Yaten held hands as they looked at their girl with pride.
Siren was nodding her head to the beat as she was grinning, swaying to the tune with other girls in the audience. Her friend next to her was quiet as she watched. She leaned forward, having watched all of the performances with her friend, who was quietly watching the girl on stage.
Her mind was reeling. She could not believe what she was seeing. This individual, the one who lived with her at night, was gifted from the Goddess. She knew she excelled in athletics, never saw her in the artistic category before. All of them, it seemed, were exceptional with what they did. And they performed daring pieces, with complexities within their skills that she did not even think was possible, or felt people were too afraid to touch themselves, including she hated to admit, herself. She envied them. Everything they touched turned to gold. But this one, this one shined above all of them. Her heart was rapidly speeding at an unnatural rate, but she was too stunned to notice inside her chest. The golden blonde girl watched as she studied the black haired beauty on stage.
Yes, there was a lot of pain in her as she performed. She wondered if this senior ever experienced something that she was unaware of. It was hard to place a finger on. Yes, they knew terror of each others fights and whatnot, and true, she was still not fully comfortable with her, or them for that matter. She did not think that she'd ever would be comfortable, as much as she'd like to think she would be. Yes, she was popular and beloved amongst her peers. Even her enemies had respect for her, with the exception of Makoto and her friend, ex-friend's sister. She will deal with that later. Most likely she did lose a friend. But looking at this Dancer, there was something in her eyes, and the way she moved, something in her essence, that shook her to the core. Her gut never lied to her regarding picking on things like this. She was never aware of lighter things, innuendos that people tease her about, but she was extremely intuitive when it came to the matters of pain. It was one of her unfortunate or fortunate gifts, however one would see it. Kou went through something prior to herself coming here, and she's exuded it in her performance, over and over. This older girl hypnotized any soul that laid eyes on her. The golden girl made the realization of her own spirit being captured by the senior.
Seiya's tears brimmed as she shut her eyes and did a releve to a pirouette, spinning around on her toes as she arched her back to an attitude arabesque, extending her hands to the sky. She landed gracefully and looked down on the floor, caressing her hand to her body. She performed complicated moves with chasses, en croix, jetes, and continued on, constantly having the audience would be heard saying an ooh, wow, and ah throughout her piece. The senior combined her ballet movements with contemporary modern, jazz and lyrical styles. She thought of all the pain she experienced in her life, the horror she and Haruka experienced freshman year, which was hard to share with others except between the two of them. She extended her scapula out, extended her hands out as she landed down from her toes. Her hands curved as they gracefully moved to her sides. She breathed and shuts her eyes. Tears moved down her face as she crossed her heart.
A thunderous applause exploded throughout the Flower Arena as the talent moved up and clapped hard. Mistress Minako was crying as she moved up.
Seiya opened her eyes and gracefully bowed like a dancer, with her leg behind, genuflecting to the ground as she bowed her head with her arms crossed. She got up and grinned, turning around as she briefly wiped her eyes before she moved to the wings. Haruka embraced her tight as she smiled.
"Beautiful." She whispered, causing her to blush. She pulled back as they looked at each other in silence. Haruka had tears in her eyes as she smiled, ruffling her long hair.
"Oi"! Haruka sneered as Seiya laughed as her best friend retaliated, causing her to yelp. Michiru hugged her tight as Taiki and Yaten grinned, hugging around her.
Siren hugged Xion as blue haired girl smiled.
"Sleep."
"Hai. All of you." Her derriere was smacked as she giggled. The seniors were yelling for an awesome show over all. Siren moved up to the six seniors, who were coming from talking with their drama teacher. The two girls cut in front, crushing their friends into a big group hug.
"Oh My Goddess! That was phenomenal!"
"You liked it?" Seiya grinned as Elsie squeezed her.
"It was stunning. Katanowe, Takahashi, you guys blew me away with that rendition of Antony and Cleopatra. Wow!" Miyu spoke with excitement as she looked at the duo.
"Tenouh, Kaioh, wow. Kou, you were brilliant."
"All of you were, you made me cry."
The seniors smiled and watched the junior put up thumbs up.
"Great job!"
"Arigatou Gozaimasu Siren Chan. You here for Xion and Larxeen?"
"Hai. You guys were amazing! We loved it."
Seiya's eyes moved over to the girl behind her, who made no move them, but kept her eyes on Seiya, causing her breath to pause. The others noticed her too. Siren looked over at her friend, who said no word. Larxeen of course, moved straight to Sagi.
"So did you like my performance?"
Sagi snapped out of her trance as the seniors looked at her. The sophomore looked Larxeen for a brief moment before she nodded once.
"Well done. All of you." She acknowledged in a quiet voice, not looking anyone in the eyes as she looked at Siren, which caused her friend to arch her eyebrow. Elsie released Seiya as she moved to her with Miyu. She's been wanting to chat with her. Galexia was always a doll to them.
"You must be Yurenkasykuya's Imouto. I am Elsie. This is Miyu." She said cheerfully, moving to the sophomore, who briefly shook their hands with warmth.
"Yurenkasykuya Sagi. Nice to meet you two." She quietly spoke as the curly hair girl and her friend smiled warmly at her. Seiya stared at her as Haruka, Michiru, Taiki and Yaten looked at their best friend and then at Sagi, who looked at Siren.
"I have to go Siren."
"Hai, okay, Sagi Chan. Thank you for coming with me today!"
"Will do it again." She turned swiftly and moved outside. The seniors felt off with her but said nothing.
"Wait a minute…" Larxeen glared at her and Siren as Xion moved behind Larxeen, frowning at the two younger girls, one of them who was leaving.
"You mean to tell me, she would not go out with us for the past several weeks, but she went out of the school with you today?!"
"Huh? Oh, Hai." Siren grinned proudly. The seniors looked at her in silence.
"What the fuck?!" Larxeen snapped as Siren sighed. Xion laughed hard.
"Don't be hating."
"Oh, you got her to break some rules. Nice, we'll all take her out and shake her up." Elsie cheered as Siren laughed. Her senior friends went wide eyed.
"Good luck." Xion said.
"What the fucking fuck." Larxeen stormed out as Xion followed in laughter.
"It took forever, months to get her to come out. You don't understand, she refused to go out until I told her about the ramen place." Siren said as she moved out.
"Ah, so food is the way to the girl's heart and stomach. Wonderful, we'll go together next time. Ciao everyone." Elsie said and blew kisses as the seniors blew kisses to her.
"I concur, we'll make a plan to trap her and take her with us." Miyu spoke with a cheer.
"Sleep now guys."
"Hai, arigatou." Everyone left out of the arena.
Sagi was still awake. She did not feel like talking to anyone at the moment. She felt completely off. She was not sure why. No one did anything to her. She noticed Sarah from a far as she froze and felt sick in her stomach. So apparently, the bully was there in the arena, but kept to herself, considering she was outside by herself. At least she did not go near her. The thing with her sister would have bothered her, but for tonight, she just wanted to think about herself. Her chest tightened a bit as she felt out of breathe. She walked over to the garden as she shut her eyes and crouched down. Her hand placed on the wall of the garden. Her heart was going at a slower rate than normal. She felt briefly for a moment that she was going to drop. Why does this keep happening? She did not understand. She already ate. Why was she always tired? Feeling nervous she continued to go to her dorm.
Seiya watched her from a few yards as she moved towards the same direction of her roommate. She noticed that sophomore would tend to press her hand to her chest on and off. She wondered why she did that frequently. She looked tired, more like she was about to pass out. She was ready to take action should anything happen, but so far, she seem to be doing fine?
She had no idea that Sagi was watching their performances. Did she like what she saw? She said nothing, but her eyes seem to say so much. Was she still uncomfortable with her? She did not feel hostility from her, but she was curious about her demeanor. It still seem distant and not warm yet. She saw how she reacted to her friend Elsie and Miyu. And she would not lie about what she felt about that. In a way, she hated to admit, she envied her friends. Sagi seemed warm and open when she politely introduced herself. Yes, she was closed off to a lot of people. Miraculously she was open to that crazy Larxeen, along with Xion. She was even uncomfortable with them. Though she liked Siren. That girl was always kind to them and befriended everyone. She even felt Siren crushed on Sarah a few times.
So far her ex-friend has not bothered the sophomore, but she would still take it upon herself to keep an eye on her. Luckily, all of her friends agreed to do the same.
Sagi moved into the room. She undid her sweater as she pulled it out of her sleeves. She did not notice her roommate stepping inside as the door was softly shut. She started to unbutton her shirt from her neck. Once she was relieved she stripped to her pink bra. Just as she was about to take off her skirt, she heard someone and looked behind her, seeing the senior pull off her shirt, revealing her black bra. Blushing red, she turned to the wall.
"Kou San."
"Yurenkasykuya San?" Seiya innocently asked as she moved out of her skirt, placing the shirt down as she looked over at her.
"Um… were you here just now?"
"I just came in. You did not hear me?"
"Iie."
"Oh." Seiya breathed and unclipped her bra. She moved towards the bathroom.
"Do you need to use the restroom?"
"Iie. I am good. Arigatou."
"Doishimashite."
Sagi was beat red as she waited until the girl was heard moving in. Hearing the water run, she moved out of her skirt. She heard a yelp of pain as she looked over at the bathroom.
"Kou San?"
There was silence for a while. She repeated again as Seiya noticed she was calling out to her. She peaked her head out.
"Nani? Did you say something?"
"Um… are you okay?"
"Hai."
"Oh."
"Doishte?"
"Well, I heard you yelp."
"Oh. Hai. My ballet shoes did a number on my feet. Blisters."
"Ah." Sagi grew concerned as Seiya watched her and smiled.
"I am used to it."
"Okay. If you need anything, I have a first aid kit in the bathroom."
"Oh. Awesome. Arigatou." She winked as Sagi breathed and turned around.
"Douishimashite." The sophomore flushed harder as she gathered her gown.
Seiya watched her for a bit. She pulled back in the bathroom when she saw her turn around. Mostly likely she was shy of stripping bare in front of her. She noticed that about her.
Not that she had anything to be ashamed of. She still remembered her body…
Seiya blushed hard and shut her eyes tight. She needed to focus. She walked and hissed as she sat down and looked at her feet. Her toes were battered with blisters, bleeding a bit through bandages.
"Shit."
"Kou San?"
"Gomen Nasai. I am fine."
"Okay." The senior smiled as she breathed with warmth inside of her chest.
"I promise." Waiting a bit, she believed she heard the sophomore sigh in relief.
"Okay. Enjoy your shower…" Her voice trailed off quietly as Seiya grinned.
Enjoy your shower?! What the fuck was she thinking?!
Sagi took off her clothes as she thought of Kou and remembered the bathtub incident. She blushed and shut her eyes.
She had to focus. She shook her head as she thought of math and sighed.
Ah. Better.
But math made her queezy, so she decided to focus on something that always calmed her, and looked at the hidden moon that was now revealing itself out of the day's' sky. Swiftly putting on her long sleeved gown, she heard a knock on the door. Frowning, not thinking it was the mistress since it was only 8pm, she opened the door, seeing Larxeen leaning on the threshold, her glacy eyes piercing into hers. The shower started.
"What are you doing here, Larxeen San?"
Her friend arched her eyebrows.
"You turned me down flat when I asked you out." The way she made statement with her words made Sagi flush, not knowing why.
"Nani?"
"Siren asked you once, and you go out with her?"
"Hai. It was Ramen."
"Now I will know how to bait you."
"Larxeen, you asked me to a club, late at night. I don't dance. Ever. That is entirely different. I don't think I will leave again no matter what Siren says. I am a sophomore."
"Next time I invite you to go out with us, you say yes. No questions. I mean it."
"Larxeen, I can't go out-"
Larxeen moved into her space as she gently but firmly took the collar of her gown and moved into her face, breathing on her lips. Sagi's eyes went wide eyes. No one ever got that close to her like this before! This felt too-! This felt too-!
"Next time I ask you, you say yes." She playfully hissed in a husky tone. Sagi blushed hard as she was released. Larxeen chewed her gum and grinned like a Chesire cat.
"Oyatsumenasai." She cheered and waved her off before she walked off.
Sagi was stunned in place before she snapped out of her world and shut the door. She noticed a presence and looked over at the black haired beauty, holding a white towel over her waist, barely over her chest, watching her in silence. Her midnight sapphire eyes made her shudder as she blushed hard, feeling flushed about her weird incident with Larxeen and said nothing, except Sagi could not move her eyes away from her eyes.
Seiya looked at her as Sagi stared at her, wide eyed. No one said anything. Then, the black haired beauty gracefully moved into the bathroom.
Sagi went red as she turned around and moved to the bed. Her heart pounded hard, with the way Larxeen moved on her, with the way Kou looked at her now. She moved under the covers and faced the wall, still flushed on her face. Yeah, this wall became her companion as of late.
And now she would have trouble sleeping.
The moment Seiya stepped out of the bathroom, Sagi moved in and closed the door behind her. As Kou was about to release her towel, Sagi opened the door and shut her eyes.
"Kou, I'm going to shower. Do you need to bathroom?"
"Iie. Go ahead."
"Arigatou." Sagi shut the door and stripped. She felt weird in her chest and turned on the water. It was still toasty warm, and the scents Kou used smelled divine. Shrugging off the thought, she took her regular scent and washed.
Outside, Seiya dried off and placed her nightgown on. She took a magazine and looked through some trends. She felt hurt for some reason, not sure why she did, but she dropped the magazine back down and leaned back on the bed, pushing the covers over her head as she turned to the wall.
It was time for bed. Sagi jumped out as she moved out of the room. She felt flushed, so it was a nice quick cool shower. Mistress Hotaru knocked on the door and opened it as Sagi moved into the bed.
"Lights out. Sweet Dreams Girls."
"Oyatsumenasai Hotaru San."
"Oyatsumenasai Yurenkasykuya San."
Hotaru smiled and shut the door. Once the lights were off, Sagi laid down.
Seiya frowned as she trailed on her stomach, feeling sick in her stomach. She shut her eyes breathed.
Sagi remained awake, still unable to sleep, but at least she was not flushed anymore. She felt the bed on the other side of the room shift, and was drawing patterns on the wall with her fingers. There was silence for a while. For some reason, she was unable to sleep. She breathed as she turned around, being startled as she noticed Seiya sitting up on the bed, looking down at her covers. She wanted to ask if she was okay, but decided to say nothing.
"I envy them."
Sagi was startled as she frowned in confusion.
"Sumimasen?"
Seiya breathed as she frowned. She looked up and stared at the wall ahead of her.
"Are you okay?" Sagi asked tentatively.
"No."
Sagi was frozen as she was not sure what to do.
"Okay. Um…" She was not sure if she wanted to converse, or if she wanted her privacy. She did not feel hostility from her, however, her emotions made her uneasy.
"May I ask what is wrong or is it private?"
Seiya stayed silent for a while as Sagi waited. Figuring she wanted privacy, she breathed.
"I will leave you to your thoughts. Gomen Nasai. Oyatsumenasai Kou San."
Sagi turned around as she felt the bed shift again.
"I envy Elsie. I envy Miyu. I envy my friends."
The sophomore frowned as she was in disbelief.
"Nani?"
Was she hearing right? What would this girl be envious about? Was she crazy?
She turned to face her. Seiya was facing her as she still kept her eyes down. Okay. This night was definitely different. She cautiously sat up. She was no friend, but she was a great listener. Maybe she would hear her out so they may both get some sleep.
"Okay, I'm… all ears." Sagi whispered. Seiya looked up at her as the sophomore crossed her legs in front of her. Her night gown covered her entire legs, it looked like she was in a sleeping bag from the waist down.
"I understand your friends are close to you. They have been for a while. And seeing Elsie and Miyu introduce themselves to you… you offered nothing but warmth. You just met them today."
Sagi felt like she knew where this was going, and she was not sure she wanted to continue. But she had no way out as she studied the senior, who breathed and trembled, due to the cold or due to the emotion. She could not stop listening to her.
"Does it bother you that I spoke to your friends?"
"Iie. Please, don't misunderstand." Seiya whispered tenderly.
"I am trying, Kou San." Sagi's voice steeled a bit.
Seiya took a deep breath as pain was shown in her eyes. Sagi was derailed by her sudden anger dissipating with that reaction.
"I know. I know you don't feel comfortable with me, or with the others, meaning Haruka, Michiru, Taiki and Yaten. What we did to you was horrible. The way you feel about us, I get it."
"Okay, we are having this talk now." Sagi's voice hardened in disbelief as she sighed in defeat, trailing her hand down her face. She took a deep breath and listened.
Siren warned her once that she might encounter this talk, but she never figured it be soon. She hoped they mentioned nothing, kept their distance, and then they go their separate ways upon graduation. She reluctantly was aware she was not ready to forgive them. Yet, how do you say that to someone who is right in front of you who committed at terrible act against you, and making an effort to do right by you? That she did not know. She remained silent and let their conversation play out, or at least, let Kou play out her thoughts.
Seiya breathed as she got more courage, remaining tender with the girl who was severely uncomfortable now.
"Yes. We need to. If we are moving forward with the rest of the school year together in the same room, we need to."
"You are right." Sagi took a deep breath as she straightened her back and looked her dead in the eyes. Seiya mirrored her as she breathed, extending her hand in expression.
"I don't expect you to forgive me at all. I don't want you to unless you feel it in your heart to do so. If you don't, not that you should care, and I know that you don't, but I want you to know I will not judge you. You have every right to be angry with me. With all of us."
Sagi was taken aback. The senior was gracious, better than she thought she would be, and it made it harder for her to not continue listening to her.
"Okay."
Seeing she did not cut her off, the black haired senior continued to speak out her heart.
"I know the truth. I know this reality we have now, that you will probably never see me as a friend." Seiya's eyes brimmed with tears as Sagi frowned. That she did not want to see, no matter how truthful she was being. Seeing her in pain caused her to hurt, which threw her off.
"You will probably never see any of us as friends. As much as it hurts me, I will respect it. But I will not lie to you about not wanting that casual warmth one day, seeing that warmth that you gave Elsie and Miyu." Sagi narrowed her eyes as Seiya breathed and continued.
"I know, it will probably not happen in this lifetime, but I would like to wish, that there might be a possibility, that you will know you can feel safe with me. You are safe with me. With us. I hope you know. I am not the same person I was two months ago, and I know who I am now, and I know, I will never hurt you. I will never hurt you again. I want you to know, and they want you to know too, that neither of us, will never, ever hurt you again. You have my word at least. And if you give them a chance to speak to you, should you decide to hear them, they will swear to you too. You are safe with us, no matter what happens in life. If you decide you want to come after us out of the remaining anger you still have on us, its… okay. We are okay. I want you to know, you are so safe with us. Even if you don't want to ever be friends with me. Please know you are safe with me."
Seiya's tears escaped her eyes. She swiftly swiped it and held herself as she kept her emotions in check. She wanted to cry, but she could not cry now. She needed to be strong. Sagi stared at her as she said nothing.
How the fuck do you respond to that? Now she was confused, more so than ever.
Seiya breathed as she swallowed. Sagi watched her, still quiet, but more relaxed than she'd ever seen her. That was a small start.
"Do you have something you wish to say to me? Anything. I will take it. I'll take it all."
Seiya looked at her as Sagi arched an eyebrow. She bit her lip as she looked to the side. The senior watched her pull her legs to her chest. There were so many things she could have done. The senior feared the sophomore would say nothing and go back to sleep. But so far, she is still there. The sophomore looked back at her with a calm demeanor.
She was definitely a fighter.
Sagi could have gone back to sleep and left it at that. But her heart was not in it. She will never feel comfortable with them close enough to be buddies, but it was nice to hear that she promised her to feel safe around them. That gave her a sense of warmth that she will not admit, and probably never admit in her lifetime. And yes, she did want to get whatever was bothering her off her chest.
"Yes. Kou San. I do."
Seiya straightened her back, relieved that there were no secrets between them for the moment, or she hoped.
"No secrets. Don't hold back. I could handle it."
"So can I Kou San."
"Gomen Nasai."
Sagi looked at her as she looked down on her legs and crossed her legs again. She sighed and looked at her eyes.
"You pissed me off. All of you did. And it wasn't only because of the fact that all of you, the five of you, hated me. You didn't just hate me, you HATED me. That fucking hurt me. That is a nightmare that will play in my head. It got better, but I don't feel safe with you now. With any of you. You wished me dead, so much to the point that, I started to wish you dead. All of you hated me, for no reason I knew of, and you called me all horrible name that I never heard of in my life as much, as well as you nicely put it, an uncoordinated fat ugly girl when I accidentally caught you and Tenouh San, your friend, doing whatever. Not that I give a fuck, because I don't, in case you guys assume that about me again, you guys are not that interesting to me. I have better things to focus on in my life. But you did call me that. And you spat at me. So forgive me, if I don't feel safe with you because of that, to begin with." Sagi whispered as Seiya frowned.
Ouch, that fucking hurt.
"Of course, being new, I expected to be pointed in the right direction, but silly me, I was lost that day, and your other kind friend, ex-friend, bully, whatever her name is, I don't give a fuck, told me that it was the right way to my dorms I was looking for when I asked where I was, before she revealed herself to me. I saw her true colors the moment she smiled at me. She guided me to you guys, for whatever the fuck her reason was, maybe she gets her kicks sending people to you guys, I don't know what your history was with her, and I don't know if I would consider that a real friend. Don't care. And somehow, your friend, Kaioh, got upset with me when she saw you guys, because I believe Sarah sent her to go after me. I believe that is what your friend said to me. I purposely brought her there to you guys." Sagi sneered, meaning to sound calm, but she ended up hissing and taking a breath. Seiya felt sick as she forced herself to stay quiet.
"Putting two and two together, I believe your friend lost her hair now, due to a bottle that was meant for your Barbie wavy blonde bully, and somehow, Elsie burrowed her shampoo? Is that right? Don't answer. Your bully friend blames me for something shit that my sister did to her, that I don't even fucking know about, because no one ever talks to me at home. And somehow, she points the finger at me." Sagi smiled as the black haired senior watched her in sadness. She was getting sicker.
No one talks to her? She had it worse than she did her freshman year. At least her parents talk to her.
"And somehow, once again, by crazy fucking assumptions that happened to your friend Elsie, who was sweet with me, by the way, so yes, I am kind to those who are kind to me, I blessedly get beat up, by the five of you. Yeah, I ran that day when I heard nothing but screams at me. If you see five tall people with angry eyes running after you, and you were my size, alone with no teachers, you'd run too." Sagi's angry tears ran down her cheeks as she swiftly swiped at her eyes. Seiya shut her eyes as she wished maybe she would have waited to have this talk. She put her discomfort aside.
They needed to get past this.
"Now, it's honorable, how you guys turned yourselves in. Maybe because you felt I saved you from those girls. See, if that did not happen, if you guys were not in that situation of trouble, would any of you had ever turned yourselves in to Lady San, is the question? That makes me curious. Or would you guys be silent, and continue to bully me, which makes me curious, what caused you guys to change your mind to treat me nice all of a sudden? You know what, don't answer that. Because if you never knew that information, you'd probably continue hating me, beating me up in case another incident happens to one of your friends."
Shit, she had a valid point. Even though they were not like that, being in her shoes, it does appear bad. Seiya felt like she lost a battle as she nodded. Sagi stared at her.
"Be honest with me Kou Sama." Seiya looked up at her and frowned.
"As you like me to call you that."
"You don't need to-"
"Oh, but you insisted."
"Please-"
"Fine. Look me in the eyes, be honest with me."
Seiya swallowed as Sagi breathed and looked at her, no longer in anger, but in sadness, now that it was off her chest.
"Have any of you ever been bullied, meaning before you met me?"
The sophomore saw the black haired senior flinch and swallowed.
"Yes."
"You?"
"Yes."
"The others?"
"Haruka. Tenouh…"
"Anyone else?"
"Besides dirty looks… no. And we haven't been since."
"Except the Makoto and her sisters' incident. But prior to meeting me, you, Kou, and Tenouh have been bullied. And for some reason, it's buried enough that you won't talk about what happened."
"Yes." Seiya grew uncomfortable as Sagi breathed.
"The people that bullied you guys, are you friends with them?"
"No."
"Are you guys, cordial with them at least?"
"No."
Sagi was silent as Seiya breathed.
Her questions were tough as fuck!
"I am assuming you both took care of them at some point, when you got older, taller, and gained respect in the school. I figured since no one is bullying either of you. From what I see, everyone respects all of you now. Something tells me you weren't friendly otherwise in reaction to those former bullies of yours, which is why they won't bother either of you anymore."
Seiya smirked and shook her head.
"You are extremely intuitive, Yurenkasykuya San. Surprises me. She looked up at her as Sagi breathed.
"You don't have to tell me what happened, because I could tell it makes you uncomfortable. That is between you and Tenouh. I'll honor that. But understand where I am coming from, as I don't know if I will ever see you as a friend, or Tenouh, or the others. Gomen Nasai. I don't want to lie to you and pretend that everything is great."
"Now I am the monster." She saw her midnight sapphire hues going empty. She hated that, averting her eyes.
"Stop, Kou San. Just stop." Sagi felt hurt as Seiya paused and nodded.
"Gomen Nasai."
"I know you are. I know you apologized. Several times, you have." Sagi looked at her as she looked at her. Those crystal blue eyes pierced her.
"And I know the two of you, oddly enough, defended me against that bully who apparently dated my sister, don't know what the fuck happened, I don't care to know anymore since my sister chose to conveniently not tell me about her. I will find another way to figure out what the hell happened with the bully as long as she backs off of me. You defended me, twice. It didn't go unnoticed, as much as I would love to deny it. Believe me, I would." She whispered as the senior smirked at her confession.
"At least you are honest. I like that." Seiya whispered as Sagi blushed.
"Kou San. I admire you for facing your challenges head on now. I could have suffocated you in your sleep if we did not have this talk now and I went postal one day like the Barbie did on Tenouh." Sagi sighed as Seiya breathed out in a silent laughter.
"I know. I'd embrace it."
"Hmm." Sagi pursed her lips as she was feeling light. Seiya wondered if she'd ever smile.
"Forgiveness is not happening. What you guys did to me was beyond disgusting, and it's a nightmare that will replay in my head from time to time. I won't lie to you. And being friends with you guys, I don't see that happening in this lifetime. At least not like me and Yuuki, or like Siren. I don't see it."
Seiya grew silent as her smile faded. She nodded, though her eyes were wounded. Sagi kept on her as she felt her heart grow slower.
"But, I will consider one day, for us to be cordial. And I am glad that at this point in my life, I could work on feeling safe with you guys, as you put it, since I do see a change within all of you now. And I hope, for a lack of stupidity, no offense, you guys feel safe with me, regardless of any ridiculous rumors you hear about me in the future."
"Sagi that won't be a problem." Seiya blurted out as Sagi's eyes narrowed. The senior realized what she said and covered her mouth.
"Gomen Nasai, I did mean… gomen S-Yurenkasykuya San. Gomen Nasai."
Seiya went tongue tied as Sagi breathed.
"It's okay. Kou San. I know you were responding to my statement. Arigatou."
The teenagers looked at each other as the sophomore watched the senior trail her finger on the covers.
"Okay. I think I said… what I had to say." Sagi replied as Seiya nods.
"Me too."
"Good."
They both said nothing for a long while as they stared at each other.
"Well, this is the lengthiest conversation I've had with you."
"Hai. First time too." Seiya smiled as Sagi softly smiled.
"So… Oyatsumenasai, Kou San."
"Hai, Oyatsumenasai, Yurenkasykuya San. Sweet Dreams."
Sagi blushed as she moved into the covers and faced the wall.
Seiya laid down into her covers as she continued watching her. Yes, she was glad she spoke to her. No, she was not happy that they could never be friends, or receive forgiveness, and she would have to live with that. It was something she accepted long ago.
But if they could have more conversations like this, being long, without the pain, that is something she would truly wish for.
"By the way Kou San." She heard the sophomore tenderly whisper as hear heart pounded.
"Hai." She tenderly replied.
"You're stunning. Performance wise." She quickly whispered. The sophomore was tongue tied as the senior blushed hard.
"Arigatou."
Seiya watched her across the room, nodding off to sleep.
Meanwhile, Sagi stayed awake, replaying the conversation in her head.
The fact that she told her that forgiveness and friendship would never happen was true from her gut, but her heart started to feel sad. It scared her.