Vide Cor Meum
Time passed faster than it seemed to be possible. Exams filtered throughout the weeks, essay exams to be exact. Even in math, there were problems that were required to be written out in essay format, creating theories. Anxiety was on a high, but decorum was practiced throughout. For those that studied hard and prepared, flourished with ease in the first semester. However, for those that didn't, struggled. It was as expected. It was always best that one prepared very well and didn't laze about studying hard, which is what one who so desired to exceed did.
So why the hell was she still struggling with these subjects?!
Sagi snarled to herself as her wrists ached. Her fingers were cold and numb from all the writing she had done. All she saw were red marks and brief notes of critiques on her writing. She was complimented on her good thoughts, but her grammar needed to improve, and that was spotlighted on a repetitive cycle. The more she made mistakes, the more her marks would lower. She ate and she felt dizzy. She didn't eat, and she felt dizzy. She didn't know where the silver lining was at times. The sophomore forced herself to take a bite no matter in order to keep her energy. Even with her iron pills, she barely functioned with energy. Her heart would speed up fast, and then slow significantly low. She hated almost every subject, especially Math. She got the final help from Ami's time last week, and she still averaged barely passing. She would find haven in the library, and at times, didn't even bother to open the book today.
Sagi rubbed her eyes, eating an apple in secret (food wasn't allowed in the library), and tried to stay away. Why does she always have to feel like lead?! She decided she wanted to breathe, and laid back against the sofa chair. Since Ami was starting on her internship, her pal wanted to get a head start. Not to get anything wrong, she was extremely happy for her, but she felt like her brain was about to explode, and Ami was the only one who managed to somewhat explain what was anything about extremely well.
"Goddess help me. I want out." She breathed softly and focused on her breath. Softly her mind drifted to her friend...
Her roommate was barely seen due to her school work, study groups, rehearsals, and prepping for her audition in America.
Wow. The States.
That was a huge jump of a move should her friend get into that performing arts program. And she had no doubt that she would. Her friend was extremely talented.
Sagi swallowed a lump in her throat and decided to think about that later. She shut her eyes. She needed to focus on school if she were to succeed. Since Ami couldn't help her anymore, Ami's friend would take over. She thought of her family. She thought of Galexia. She had no time to call her sister. Neither did her sister have time to call her. It is what it is.
She felt a shadow approaching her as she looked up and smiled at Ami, who grinned at her, not seeing her friend behind her.
"Ami Chan!"
"Sagi Chan! Good to see you here! I have to run to my internship, but wanted to introduce you to T-"
She didn't have to say anymore. Her smile dropped the moment she saw the brunette senior standing behind her friend with a neutral expression. She straightened her back, a frown crossing the features of her forehead as she looked at her pal.
"She's amazing, you will love her! She helped me excel and I know I will do wonders with you."
"Um… uh…" Sagi forced herself to keep a polite smile,, though it didn't reach her eyes as she looked at Taiki, who looked at her with books in her hand.
"Sagi Chan? Are you with me?"
She looked back at Ami, who looked at her with concern.
"Ah, Gomen Nasai, my mind is a bit frazzled with all the studying. Arigatou, Ami Chan."
"Thank Taiki San, she was more than happy to offer help. Stick with her, Sagi Chan. Listen to her advice. She will push you to succeed! So happy you two are working together-!"
Sagi's ear went deaf as she kept her eyes on Ami, who happily chatted away and chatted to the senior, being given a pat on the shoulder before she was left alone. She kept her eyes on Ami who was far off, still stunned, like a deer in headlights.
This was the longest stance she ever encountered.
"Did Ami Chan tell you I was helping you?"
"Huh?" Sagi snapped out of it as she looked at Taiki, who lingered on her with a neutral expression.
"Did you know it was me?"
"Um… no…"
"Did you want me to leave?"
Sagi looked at her in disbelief, unsure of how to respond as she looked at the books in her hand. She looked at her mess on the table and was torn. Does she allow her former bully who is somewhat friends with her help and try to have a chance at passing? Or does she send her away and fail? She was definitely torn.
She could handle Kou, but the others…
The sophomore pursed her lips as the senior stared at her. She averted her eyes as she looked at her books.
"Um…"
"I won't get offended if you want me gone. I will try to find someone else for you if that's what you want." Taiki spoke, but she could hear the disappointment in her voice. She remembered that same disappointment with how she treated them after they saved her life in the forest. What would her family have her do?
She shut her eyes and thought of Kou, and how she responded to her coldness, feeling hurt. She swallowed her pride.
"No. It's- it's fine. I'm… it's difficult for me to learn… you might not have patience. I'm not as advanced, like Ami Chan, where I'm able to comprehend complicated instructions."
"I wouldn't worry about that." She heard her smirk as she opened her eyes and looked after, shocked as she saw the senior pull up a chair and sit next to her. She immediately cleared her papers into a neat stack and massaged her wrists.
"Did you have exams today?"
"Yes. The past two weeks. I can't feel my wrists."
"Same here."
Sagi looked at her and Taiki smiled and then saw the expression in her eyes shift.
"I think… we need to clear the air between us if we are to work together. I want you to pass, but I don't want us to have any obstacles that might prevent harmony."
The sophomore breathed and decided to grow some. She nodded as she looked at her in the eyes.
"Okay."
"Seiya let me know the deal."
"How many people did Kou San talk to?"
"The four of us."
"Huh…" Sagi was extremely odd now.
"Did it just get weird now?"
"Yeah, it got weird. Not, it's just, not sure why Kou…I mean… I… she never ceases to shock me."
Taiki looked at her as she thought of the irony of what the sophomore said just now, considering her behavior this past semester.
It's You that tends to shock us if anything. The senior wanted to chuckle but needed to tread on safe waters.
"She cares about you. And we agree with her, that we were in the wrong."
Sagi went quiet as the senior breathed.
"I'm so sorry, for the pain I've caused you, and for attacking you with the others. We all are. We acted like monsters against you without knowing the entire facts and it was no excuse. Elsie made it very clear when she went after us. All of us are accepting the consequences."
Sagi remained silent as Taiki looked at her, seeming somber.
"Gomen Nasai, Yurekasikuya San. I don't expect forgiveness. None of us do. But, Gomen Nasai, sincerely."
The senior watched the sophomore remaining silent. Those eyes … Seiya nor Haruka was kidding when they found this teen's expression unsettling. She was a moon of mysteries. After a few moments, the sophomore subtly nodded.
"Arigatou Gozaimasu."
She nodded again but said nothing. Taiki decided to get to work.
"Listen, I want you to succeed. Give me a try to let me help you. I know I can get you to where you need to be if you give me a chance."
"I'll accept your help. I need to pass and will take any help I could get at this point."
"Except Beryl San." Taiki teased as Sagi went wide-eyed. She almost laughed, but she held it in. She was willing to accept the truce, but not give her laughter. Too vulnerable. They can't have it all from her, she has to keep some kind of decorum!
"That'll be the day."
The senior smiled and extended her hand. Sagi briefly hesitated, but she trusted Ami, and she seemed sincere. Kou was something else. She thought of the black-haired senior and sighed inside. She kept her demeanor and took her hand, softly feeling the warmth that enveloped hers.
"Let's help you pass this bitch." Sagi went wide-eyed as Taiki winked. She smiled and nodded. Yeah, a bit of Seiya rubbed off on her.
"Arigatou, Katanowe San." She responded with grace.
…
Seiya was doing drills in the piano room as she heard a knock on the door. She paused as she didn't want to be interrupted, but figured someone might have needed the piano room.
"Nani?"
"Bitch."
"Baka."
The senior grinned as she opened the door, seeing her best friend grinning.
"So, you're getting ready for Julliard?"
"Yes."
"Would you like feedback?"
Seiya breathed as she thought about her audition. Some part of her wanted to continue practicing until she was perfect. But she trusted the music tone of her best friend's ear.
"Hai. I'd appreciate the honest feedback."
"I got you." Haruka stepped inside with no-nonsense as she sat on the bench.
"Alright, show me where'd you like to work on."
"I got this part right here. I want to work on this chord."
With ease, her pianist's fingers floated through the keys. Seiya was an amazing piano player, but Haruka, who mentored her on the instrument, was on another plane. She was grateful.
"Hai. Okay. You're ready?"
"When you are."
The senior took a deep breath and sang with her all as the other senior played the keys and listened attentively to her best friend. The sandy blonde kept her face neutral, but inside, she was so fucking proud of her girl.
Juilliard had no idea what was going to hit them.
…
Dusk, the moon started to form within the clouds.
…
Sagi was alert, surprisingly, as the brunette glided through the instructions with ease. Despite the long problems that were presented, she tackled it with grace and simplified it to her understanding. For the first time, she understood what was presented to her.
She was good!
Just like Ami Chan, she helped significantly. And to be frank, she might have been better than her pal in her clarifications. Ami Chan was very kind and by the book. Katanowe San, however, was very direct, no-nonsense, and didn't budge when things seemed hard. In fact, the harder the problems, the better time she had with challenging Sagi. But the sophomore had to admit, despite tackling hard problems, her mentor spoke with unrivaled clarity. No wonder her pal praised her friend. For the first time, she believed she would get a passable grade.
"That was so clear. Arigatou. I think I might get a C with ease."
"NO."
"Oh…" Sagi frowned as Taiki glared at her a bit.
"I will push you to get an A, no less. I'm going to challenge you to do no less than your best."
"I'm not that advanced-"
"It doesn't matter. Stop second-guessing yourself. You will ace that class."
Sagi breathed. She didn't believe she would obtain that high of a grade, but the way this senior spoke and pinned her down from thinking any less, she figured not to fight with her. She was the best mentor she had as of yet. She nodded.
"Okay."
"Are you tormenting her, love?"
Sagi was startled as she saw the light-haired senior embrace her girlfriend from behind.
"When did you finish?"
"Just now. Can you tutor me?" Takahashi San huskily spoke as the senior blushed red.
"Sure." Katanowe San struggled a bit to keep her composure, but she held it. Sagi felt like she was witnessing a private moment between the two. She flushed a bit as she slowly gathered her things.
"Good. I have a lot of work to do."
"Okay, just take that seat over there."
"Actually, if you want, you may take mine." The sophomore spoke as she finished packing. Taiki looked at her.
"Oh. Okay." The brunette whispered.
"Are you sure?" Yaten asked with warmth as Sagi nodded and got up, taking her backpack with her.
"Hai. Absolutely, Takahashi San. Katanowe San, Arigatou Gozaimasu. I appreciate it." She nodded her head as the senior looked at her, nodding in response.
"Good job today. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Oh. Okay. Arigatou Gozaimasu." She nodded, surprised, but kept her face neutral and looked at the other senior.
"Takahashi San." She nodded as Yaten smiled.
"Oyasuminasai."
The sophomore briefly kept a polite smile and swiftly moved out of the library as the seniors watched her in silence. When she was out of sight, they moved to sit together.
"So… how did that go?"
"It went well. Surprisingly well."
"I'm glad. I honestly thought she was going to, I don't know, use that look that she has sometimes."
"Oh, yeah. That look…" Taiki smirked a bit as she lingered on her books. Yaten looked at her and took her hand, holding it tight in her own.
"I apologized to her, you know."
"How did she take it?"
"She was silent for a while. But eventually, she gave in. I think it's because of Seiya. I think it's only because of Seiya, to be frank. She was kind though."
"Interesting... have you ever noticed a connection between those two? Or is it just me?"
"No. I see it too."
"Good. I thought I was hallucinating."
"But I don't think anything will happen, like that, considering the history between her and us."
"True. yet, life is full of surprises. I definitely didn't see her coming into our lives."
"Yeah, she is one of a kind." Her girlfriend whispered. Yaten soothed her hand as she looked at Taiki's books.
"Is it true that she won't forgive us?"
"Correct."
"Not even a little?"
"She will accept apologies and will be friendly. I'm not going to lie, it seemed hard for her to accept apologies from me, but I could see she was trying... She was very pleasant today. But forgiveness will be out of the question. I accepted that. We have to."
"Hai." Yaten went somber as she thought of the sophomore.
"Seiya said she was never going to forgive us."
"Hai. But she also said she would never be friends with us, and she's friendly-ish."
"Friendly-ish." Taiki reiterated as she looked at her girlfriend. She smiled, leaning in to kiss her lips. Yaten giggled as her lover released her lips.
"Get to work."
"Yes, my Queen."
They lingered with love on each other before they both hit the books as they studied for their projects.
...
Sagi walked down the school grounds as she lingered on the tree that Rhett Butler used to be at. She missed that furball. It was her first lesson of dealing with death that happened. She went into a small part of the clove and sat on a bench.
Her homework was done! She couldn't believe it! And she had free time to relax. With Ami, it took forever. But her new tutor, she made her start learning with ease. There were still many problems that she was not confident enough to do on her own. But she felt like she would truly pass!
The sophomore looked up at the dark sky and saw stars lingering around the clouded moon. The sun was setting, but she focused on her night preference.
Sagi thought of the two seniors she was with and realized that they've come a long way, considering… it was them.
It was true. She still could not offer trust, but things were slowly getting easier to accept regarding apologies. She took deep breaths as she thought of the sandy blonde. Her girlfriend and her mentor's girlfriend most likely would get her alone sometime. She was not sure how to feel, but it could not be as intimidating as the sandy blonde.
Still, she was going to try, for her new friend's sake. Her face heated a bit on her face as she thought of Kou. She didn't know what was going on, but her feelings were all over the place. Every time she thought of her, butterflies would erupt inside of her tummy and her face would flush hard.
Sagi took deep breaths, looking at the roses within the walls of the garden. The school was built very beautifully. Inside it was very regal. But outside, nirvana. There were orange leaves that laid on the grass all around her.
In her peripheral vision, she noticed Kou San walking out with Tenouh San. She wasn't fully aware of how her heart skipped a beat when she saw the black-haired senior. Both of them walked with purpose. They seemed to be in a deep discussion. She didn't know what they were talking about, but it seemed very important. She watched them until they left school grounds.
The sophomore remained in stillness as she thought of her life. She noticed the seniors took their work very seriously, well, with the exception of Larxene, Xion, and at times, Elsie and Miyu. They did work but were very placid about the work. Somehow, they managed to pass with grades they were satisfied with. Even Siren was pleased with her work. But those seniors that she knew, the ones that pretty much kept to themselves when it was time to work, they were militant.
No wonder they excelled in everything that they did. Maybe she should push to get higher grades. Didn't have to be perfect grades, but maybe, Bs? No… her mentor would murder her. She might do an A and then the rest, Bs… she could live with that.
Keep in mind, she would never in a million years, advertise about wanting to do better. And she would rather drop on the floor right now than admit that she was inspired to try to do better. Like hell... But she figured if she would have a chance to go to the next level, and in less than three years' time, graduate with decent grades, she wouldn't have to go anymore. She would graduate. She would move out on her own and could do something meaningful with her life.
Sagi admits that she hates school. It was a realization that might have brought shame, but she does not care for it at all. She knows it's not for her in the long run, like others who want to pursue college. She couldn't admit that to her parents. She still did not know what to do, but she was now being overwhelmed with emotions that she never encountered before, and it's causing her to question things that she was already familiar with. There was nothing wrong with this school. It was better than being at home. And she was honest when she mentioned the teachers were kind. And no one bothered her. And she had good friends. And she possibly had new ones… But school was not something she would choose to do if this was the last day of her life and she had to choose one thing to make her happy. It was a strong realization that hit her like a bulger.
Sagi figured she had less than three years to figure it out. There was still time.
She looked up and saw stars in the sky, surrounding the moon. She placed her backpack down and stretched out on the stone bench. She briefly got up to check and make sure there were no ants crawling. Satisfied and figured it was the cold air that kept them away, she laid back down and breathed, staring up into the sky.
Sagi looked at the stars in the dark sky, seeing the moon shine so bright with them around her. She felt the wind and soft, barely noticeable moisture in the air. The golden blonde breathed and felt her heart pound hard.
She felt there were new beginnings to a new start in her life. She never felt so strong before in her life, but she felt some changes were coming into her life, unexpected changes. She stared at the moon, which stared right back at her, or so it seemed.
The teen counted the stars in the sky as she laid still, humming to herself as she felt the stars twinkle for her. She made random wishes on each one, thinking of receiving her favorite candies, having good health, trying something new with her hair, and having something… good.
Sagi laid as she thought of her roommate. No longer fighting anything, she surrendered to her thoughts, remembering their walk together that one night, flashback to that moment between them...
"Sagi San, you may call me Seiya... if you want to."
Sagi was quiet and said nothing. The senior breathed and sighed.
"You can. I just wanted you to know. I'd like that. I'd like that very much."
Her belly inhaled as she laid her hand on her stomach, feeling her heart filled with emotions, pouring out into an exhale. Sagi breathed and allowed herself to whisper one single word...
"Seiya."
Sagi flushed dark red on her cheeks. There was no denying it. Saying her name felt so intimate. So intimate… she grew a bit nervous. Emotions ran high as she felt like she was about to fly. Her crystal eyes shimmered as she continued to stare up into the sky.
…
Seiya tried on some lipstick. She pressed her lips together one time and released it, giving it a lush touch to her midnight black hair. Her dark midnight blue hues shimmered as she lingered in the mirror and looked at the sandy blonde, who leered at her.
"Love that color on you."
"Hai?"
"Utsukushii…"
"Arigatou…" She whispered and winked flirtatiously.
"Oh, that is gorgeous!" Michiru leered, wearing a coral hue as she walked around and smiled salaciously.
"I think I'm going to get this one."
"For Julliard? You're gonna knock them dead."
"Hai."
"Ravishing. Let's get you some clothes." Michiru chanted as she moved to the counter to purchase makeup.
"I'm done with practice until next week." Seiya sighed in relief.
"Get to rest our fingers." .
"Not fully." Haruka salaciously responded in a whisper, looking at her girlfriend as Michiru blushed red, but winked at her. Seiya giggled as she looked at the sales associate, who was oblivious to the whole thing.
"So I thought Yaten was joining us?" The senior looked at her friends.
"She's with Taiki. I invited her earlier, but apparently Taiki started tutoring sessions today."
"Ah." Haruka smiled as Michiru looked at Seiya from the side.
"With Yurenkasykuya..."
Seiya slowed down her walk as she looked at Michiru, who was having her kicks.
"Sagi?"
"Hai. The one and only."
"She tutored Sagi?" Seiya inquired as her thoughts ran in her mind.
Michiru giggled as Haruka looked at Seiya and then at her girlfriend. She pursed her lips in disbelief and slowly inquired.
"How… did… that-?"
"Go?" Michiru chanted.
"Hai." The aqua-haired beauty calmed down from laughing and thought.
"I don't know. Ami Chan apparently introduced them. I don't think she mentioned it was her. Ami Chan just said that she couldn't tutor a friend anymore due to her internship. So Taiki volunteered, not knowing it was her. And of course, it was not mentioned to… her… I could only imagine the surprise of her life."
"Huh," Seiya whispered as she walked, distracted with her thoughts.
"I passed by the library after practice when I bumped into Yaten. We watched them for a few minutes. They seemed like they were fine, but they kept talking back and forth, it was hard to hear. Taiki was composed. Though… with her… she is hard to decipher sometimes. She has this look in her eyes…"
"Yeah. That look is…" Haruka whispered as she frowned.
"That infamous look…" Michiru whispered as she softly chuckled in disbelief. Her lover put her arm around her as they walked.
"Hai…" Seiya responded but continued to be distracted as they walked.
…
An alluring woman, slightly older than them, walked by as she threw something in the trash, passing the three. She walked back, looked at Seiya and winked, causing the teen to pause in her walk a bit. Then she went back to the food court.
"Damn, she is fine." Haruka whispered.
"Hai." Michiru agreed as she looked down at her body.
Seiya softly smiled at the woman and winked at her.
"So, are you going to talk to her?" Haruka chanted.
"I might."
"What do you mean, you might?" Michiru inquired as Seiya smiled, blushing a bit.
"I have to focus on Julliard."
"Seiya Chan, cut yourself a break, give me that." Haruka extended her hand as her best friend smiled and gave her the bag, making her grin.
"Now, get her number. Don't come back until I hear you have a date."
"Hai…" Seiya paused, wondering if she should pursue something, especially with Julliard coming up, but then she figured she should have fun, she was not attached. She needed to live a little bit.
Just a little bit.
The woman looked at her and smiled.
"Um, hi. I couldn't help but notice your smile."
"I like your lips. They are nice."
"Arigatou Gozaimasu. What brings you here?"
"I'm shopping with my best friends over there."
"Awesome."
"Are you single?"
"Yes. Are you?"
"Hai."
"Nice."
"Would you like to hang out and get to know each other?"
"Sure-"
"What the heck?!"
Seiya frowned as she heard Michiru curse.
"What the hell are you guys doing here?" Haruka hissed in disbelief.
The senior turned to look at the hellions, Shigeru and Tsubaki, who glared at Seiya.
"I'm sorry. Are you trying to steal my date?"
"Are you on a date?" Seiya asked, confused.
"Are we?" The woman frowned as she was confused, causing the black-haired senior to smirk.
"I asked if you wanted something to eat?" Shigeru looked at the woman, looking wounded.
"Yes, and you took off before I answered." The woman spoke, very amused as Seiya smirked.
Haruka covered her eyes, chanting the Goddess to help her as Michiru giggled in silence.
"Well, I got you these churros. Here." She practically shoved the plate in the woman's hands.
"Okay. Now that's settled, you guys could leave." Tsubaki chanted and waved the three seniors away.
"So you are not attached?" Seiya asked the woman as she smiled.
"Iie."
The black-haired senior had a gleam in her eye as she looked at the two hellions, who glared at her.
"Oh, I see how this is. It's a challenge, we accept." Shigeru put the peace sign up in the air.
"Oh, this is nice." The woman smiled in excitement as she munched on her churros.
"Are you encouraging this? Okay, pretty lady, we will win your heart."
Seiya chuckled as she looked at the woman.
"I won't interrupt your time with them if they are spending time with you now. But I'd like to take you out if you're free some time."
"Okay. How about this Friday? We'll watch that new action thriller that's coming out." the woman smiled.
"Sounds good. I'll see you there. Where do you live?" Seiya whispered.
"Hey!" Shigeru shouted.
"No fair?!" Tsubaki shouted.
"I live a block from here on 3rd-"
"Nani! What-" Shigeru paused as she felt Haruka in front of them.
"How about you enjoy your date today, while it lasts, huh?" The sandy blonde chanted as the two frowned.
Shigeru glared and then went neutral. Tsubaki gave the stink eye as the aqua-haired marine senior smiled.
"Yeah. If you make your date today worthwhile, she could just break it off with Seiya."
"You guys are sick. Okay, you're on. Hey Lady! Let's go to the best date of your life. you're going to enjoy it so much, you won't need a date with this loser here" Tsubaki shouted to the woman, who was amused.
"Okay. I guess we are on a date." The woman spoke with amusement as she looked at Seiya.
"Looking forward to Friday. Come by at noon. Bring your friends." She whispered and winked, handing her the address. The black-haired beauty smiled.
"See you, Friday. I will."
Tsubaki and the women went off as Seiya smiled and pocketed the address. Shigeru walked up to her as they stood at a stance.
"You, are you going to pay for that so bad."
"Are you threatening me?"
"Oh, no threats. It will be your own unravel." Shigeru chanted as she walked off, grinning. Seiya frowned a bit as her best friends chuckled.
"Wow. Talk about desperation." Michiru sighed.
"Yeah. Like where is your backbone? If that hottie really wanted them, she would have told Seiya no." Haruka chuckled.
"Anyways, I got a date." Seiya chanted as she smiled. Her best friends smiled and hugged her tight.
"So proud of my girl. Now you may focus on Julliard. And Friday, have fun, okay?"
"Hai. Arigatou."
"Doushimashite."
"That's what friends are for." Haruka winked as they hugged tight.
….
Nighttime has fallen.
Taiki and Yaten walked to the senior's dorms as they paused, seeing the other three with excitement. She looked at their shopping bags and they all rushed inside, going upstairs, catching up on the latest gossip.
...
It was 9:50pm.
Sagi nodded off on the bench. Feeling so peaceful in the breeze.
HEY! GET GOING! YOU'RE ABOUT TO BREAK CURFEW!" Beryl snarled.
Startled by the most unpleasant awakening, she sat up in a hurry. Sagi frowned and rubbed her eyes,
"What?!"
"I'LL PULL YOU TO LADY SAN IF YOU DON'T GET!"
"OH, MY GODDESS!" Sagi shouted.
"WATCH YOUR LIP!"
"I'M-GOING! IT'S NOT LIKE IT'S FAR!" The sophomore moved swiftly in anger as the security guard shouted after her.
Sagi managed to reach inside.
...
She ran upstairs and saw her door open, hearing conversations from down the hallway. The sophomore slowed her walk down as words were spoken in secret, which caused lead to form in her stomach, and a lump in her throat, unintentionally eavesdropping.
"Is she pretty, Seiya Chan?"
"Oh Hai. Very pretty. We have a date this Friday."
"Good. You deserve it, Seiya Chan. Have a little fun."
"Hai, I'm with everyone. You need to enjoy life.
"I'm glad you guys met. I can't wait to meet her."
"Same."
She didn't mean to eavesdrop. But, it was inevitable.
She was cold all over. She shook a bit. The sophomore felt sick to her stomach, but decided to keep it cordial. She realized she left her backpack back in the garden. She shut her eyes. And that BITCH was patrolling the gardens.
Tonight was not a good night.
She turned and almost bumped into Sarah, passed her by, ignoring her, but kept with an insincere smile plastered on her face. She glared at her and went back downstairs. She didn't want to go back down, but she needed her backpack.
…
Mistress Hotaru San saw her and frowned.
"Yurenkasykuya San? It's almost curfew."
"Gomen Nasai. I forgot my backpack in the garden and needed to grab it. I have homework that's been done."
"Make it quick. I'll explain to Beryl San."
"I promise I'll be quick."
After being allowed outside, she took a deep inhale and ran fast to the garden.
…
She found her backpack tossed over the bench. Sighing in relief, she climbed over the stone bench and grabbed it. She was about to run back, but was severely out of breath. She decided to power walk back.
…
Unfortunately, the security guard saw her and snarled.
"YOU BROKE CURFEW! COME WITH ME!"
"I still have one minute left!" Sagi ignored her as she went inside. Of course, Beryl followed her.
"IT'S TEN AND I CAUGHT YOU OUTSIDE!"
"I was not late! I went to grab my backpack that I accidentally left at the garden with Mistress Hotaru's permission!"
"STOP LYING!"
"OH MY GODDESS! I'M NOT LYING!" Sagi snarled and hissed as Beryl continued to shout.
"COME BACK HERE! I'M- NOT DONE WITH YOU!"
"WELL-LIKE-I'M-LIKE-DONE-LIKE-WITH YOU-LIKE!" The sophomore shouted sarcastically and mocked her to the top of the stairs.
"YOU DISRESPECTFUL LITTLE SHI-!"
"NANI! WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?!" Mistress Hotaru shouted in anger and disbelief, startling the two.
"SHE BROKE CURFEW! I NEED TO REPORT HER TO LADY SAN!"
"I WAS GETTING MY BACKPACK!" I CAME BACK ON TIME!"
"YURENKASYKUYA SAN! COME DOWN THIS INSTANT!" Mistress Hotaru spoke in a warning.
Sagi went red as she realized others from dorms came out to look at her. She breathed in anger and reluctantly walked downstairs. Beryl was about to snatch her arm, but she snatched it away.
"BERYL! HANDS OFF!" Mistress Hotaru warned as Beryl sneered in disbelief.
"SHE BROKE CURFEW!"
"Yurenkasykuya San was grabbing her backpack that she forgot back at the garden. I gave her permission to obtain it. She was actually on time."
"BUT-BUT-BUT…!" Beryl was tongue-tied as she turned purple.
"Thank you, Beryl San. I will let you return to your duties. Leave Yurenkasykuya San to me."
Beryl sneered at the Mistress, who looked at her with no expression. She glared at Sagi, pointed at her, was about to speak, but shook her head and waved her off. She immediately left.
Sagi breathed in anger as Mistress Hotaru looked at her.
"Yurenkasykuya San, I will not allow this behavior to happen again."
"Gomen Nasai, Mistress Hotaru San. But she was screaming at me for no reason at all, threatening me to take me to Mistress Lady San, and I did nothing wrong."
"I'm aware that Beryl San can be a bit… passionate… But even if she was in the wrong, that gives you no excuse to talk back to your elders, especially in the way that you did."
Sagi breathed as tears rushed into her eyes, but she held herself. Still red in the face, she breathed and nodded, bowed her head as she shut her eyes.
"Understood, Mistress Hotaru San."
The mistress looked at the sophomore, and saw that she was really distraught. Did Beryl actually have that much of an effect on her anger? Or was it something else that added to it?
"Don't let it happen again. Proceed to your room. Oyasuminasai."
"Oyasuminasai, Mistress Hotaru San. Gomen Nasai. Arigatou Gozaimasu."
"Daijaobou. Doushimashite Gozaimasu."
They bowed. The sophomore was excused and walked upstairs, dreading to be near anyone. She was too clouded with anger, but she kept quiet as seniors peaked their heads out. The only one who did not was Sarah and Maria, which was fine with her.
"Little Moon, daijabou?" Elsie whispered in concern as Miyu stood by her.
Sagi said nothing but nodded as she walked to the open door. Seiya stood there as the others lingered behind, startled.
"Sagi…" The black-haired senior whispered with concern.
She passed her as well as the other four. As much as she appreciated their kindness, she ignored them. She was too angry to speak to anyone. Everything came at the wrong time, and her emotions were unstable right now. She needed to be alone. Without saying a word, and saying something she might regret, she placed her backpack down. She got her nightgown, went to the bathroom, and shut the door.
"LADIES?!"
The five were startled as Mistress Hotaru walked in the hallway with a glass of water.
"Excitement for the night is over. It's curfew. Go to your rooms now." All the girls in the dorms bowed to her and chanted.
"Yes, Mistress Hotaru San."
"Yes, Mistress Hotaru San."
"Oyasuminasai Hotaru San…"
Mistress went inside their room as she noticed the five girls looking at the bathroom door.
"Ladies? What are you waiting for?"
"We just want to know if she's okay."
"Hai, we care about her."
The mistress smiled. They surely did come a long way.
"She will be fine. Off to bed, the lot of you."
The four girls reluctantly moved, but kept their eyes on the bathroom door. Seiya went to her bed and sat down, looking at the bathroom door. She saw Mistress Hotaru placed the water near Sagi's bed and then went to the bathroom, knocking on the door.
"Yurenkasykuya San? It's Mistress Hotaru. I left a glass of water by your bed. Drink it, and then head to sleep, okay?"
After a moment of silence, her whisper broke out.
"Arigatou Gozaimasu, Mistress Hotaru San."
"Doushimashite. Oyasuminasai."
"Oyasuminasai Gozaimasu.
The mistress went to step out and saw Seiya lingering on the door.
"Kou San?"
The senior looked at her and nodded.
"Hai. Oyasuminasai, Mistress Hotaru San." She got up and bowed, then got ready for bed as the mistress nodded.
"Oyasuminasai. Make sure she drinks some water." She shut the door behind her.
…
In the bathroom, Sagi remained on the floor as she started to silently cry. Emotions ran high, and she didn't know why. Normally, Beryl San would not cause her to have so much anger, but she just exploded at the poor security guard. Even though she was a BITCH, she could have calmly told her she had permission. After she calmed down, she washed her face. Most likely, Kou San would need the bathroom. She couldn't stay in here forever. She kept the lights off as she opened the door and stepped out.
She felt eyes on her, but she kept on her bed. She saw the water and took it, immediately drinking it down.
Seiya watched her as she placed the glass down. She looked so shaken and distraught.
Why? Who made her feel like this? She and her friends heard some incoherent shouts earlier with the others coming from downstairs. But by the time they stepped out, Sagi was already walking up the stairs and walked down the hallway.
"Sagi… daijabou? Talk to me."
The sophomore didn't look at her. But she softly smiled in acknowledgment. She lifted the covers and slipped into the bed. She faced the wall, never saying a word.
The senior watched her. She didn't like what she saw. And it started to make her distraught, seeing her like this.
What caused her to shout downstairs and be so angry?
Sagi breathed, inhaling and exhaling long breaths, calming herself down as she thought of the garden. It was a place where she felt peace.
She was startled as she felt her covers lifted and felt behind. She froze, unsure of how to respond. Then she felt her body press behind her and a strong, steel arm slipped around her waist. She went red, flushed, and her heart pounded hard.
No matter what happened, she saw that she was there for her. The senior was always there for her. She didn't know if this should make her happy, or if this would break her.
Seiya held her close, holding her tight. She never wanted to see that pain on her face.
The sophomore shuddered as the senior moved to her cheek and placed the gentlest kiss on her cheek. She shut her eyes, reveling in her warmth. She then felt her press her lips to her neck and held her for the rest of the night. Immediately, she felt peace in her soul, calm, despite anger that prevailed earlier on. Kou's warmth was too strong. She couldn't fight her tonight. And she wouldn't bother to anymore.
Eventually, sleep succumbs to sleep.
...
It was the longest week she had to endure. Kou San tried to get her to talk, but she said nothing, just smiled, stating she was fine. The other girls were extremely curious, especially Elsie and Miyu, Larxene and Xion. But Sagi continued to say nothing. She just smiled and said she was fine. Even in tutoring sessions, when Katanowe San tried to get her to talk, she smiled and said she was fine. She just continued to keep a polite decorum.
...
Then Beryl San got sick. Not that she wished for it, but she was so relieved to have some of the tension gone.
Still, the mystery continued, and the girls wanted to continue decoding her.
The staff needed to have a meeting about renovations in the school. So the girls had Friday off.
…
"Sagi, please. Talk to me." Seiya whispered after she got ready for her date that morning.
"I'm fine, Kou San. Promise."
"I don't believe you."
Sagi smiled but decided to say nothing as she looked out the window.
"You know that I'm here for you, right?"
"Hai. I know. I appreciate it. Arigatou Gozaimasu."
Seiya lingered on her as she noticed the others come to the door.
"Ready to head out?"
"Yeah."
"Let's go. Supposed to start the matinee and the lines will be super long."
"Alright."
The other four looked at Sagi, but she made no acknowledgment as she kept her eyes to the window. They wanted to say something, but they looked at Kou, who shook her head in defeat. She would let it slide for now. But one way or another, she was going to get Sagi to talk.
"Take it easy today, Sagi, okay? Come to me for anything."
"Arigatou Gozaimasu, Kou San. All of you have a good day."
Seiya wanted to shake her but figured she would get her alone.
"You too, Sagi." She sighed in concern and walked out with the others.
Sagi waited until they walked down the hallway. She turned to see the back of Kou, who looked striking.
As always.
She lifted her legs and pulled her knees in. She decided she needed to be alone.
...
After the seniors left, Sagi decided to chance it outside. Making sure no one was around to question her, she walked down the stairs and out into the gardens. She wanted to go to her favorite spot, and noticed Shigeru San as well as Tsubaki San at the gate. She was startled as she walked up to them.
"BABY CHAN! There you are! How are you?! We miss you!"
"I'm good, how are you guys? What are you doing here?"
"We're gonna see the new feature. HEY! Do you want to come to see some movies with us?"
"I'm not allowed out."
"Oh bummer. Do they ever let you guys out?"
"The seniors have permission to step out-"
"But you don't?! That's discrimination. What kind of school is this?"
"We're only allowed to step out if the family drops by to visit and wants to spend time with us." Sagi shrugs as the girls sighed and then froze, having a EUREKA moment!
They looked at each other, conspiringly smiling. Tsubaki grinned as Shigeru mirrored her and went to the gate, lingering on Sagi.
"Sagi Chan, Baby. Where is your mistress?"
"Mistress Hotaru San? I think she is inside. Why?"
"Bring her out. Or actually, wait, is that Beryl Woman around?"
"Ugh. No. She is sick."
"Oh wow, we are so blessed today. Thank you Goddess. Sagi, let us in, BABY! Guide us to your mistress!"
"But I don't know if friends are allowed-"
"Let us speak with her. One on one. You just relax, sit back and watch. We got you on this." Shigeru winked as Sagi smiled and nodded, opening the gate as the two stepped inside, giving her a hug.
…
Somehow, the girls managed to convince the mistress that they were Sagi's cousins. And considering the week Sagi had, Mistress Hotaru allowed her.
"But you are to bring her back by 6pm. No later."
"We promise you. You are so endearing. Thank you for taking care of our little cousin. If there is anything you need from our family, just let us know.
"Understood. Yurenkasykuya, be back here by 6pm!"
"Hai, Mistress Hotaru San. Arigatou Gozaimasu." Sagi was too shocked. She couldn't believe what happened. But she bowed and then followed the girls, who linked elbows with her and stepped out.
…
"So Sagi Chan… where are those friends of yours?"
"Oh… Kou San and the others? They went to the movies."
"Hm… I hope they didn't go to our theater. But whatever, even if they do, we will have fun regardless. We got permission to take you out, cute little cousin!"
"Hai, like family!"
"Arigatou Gozaimasu. I will pay for the movie tickets."
"Iie, you're on a date with us, Sagi Baby!. This is our date! Movies and then the fair will be on us!"
"Hai!"
Shigeru and Tsubank chanted as they walked with Sagi, who shuddered at the word "date" and was still in disbelief that they managed to leave school with Mistress Hotaru's permission! But what could she do? She went along for the journey.
...
See the Heart.
There was a long line indeed. Apparently it was supposed to be the movie of a lifetime, and tickets were sold out.
"So, did you guys-"
"Sagi Chan, what other movies did you want to see."
Sagi looked at the posters and her eyes went wide. She noticed the new feature anime film by the Ghibli studios.
"I would love to see that one. Are you sure you don't want me to chip in?"
"Iie. It's on me, Sagi Baby! We got tickets for all the films. Bought them early you see."
"OH! Arigatou for inviting me!"
"Anytime. Here, let's make it quick. Since there are too many people still buying their tickets, we'll sneak pass in through that door."
Sagi followed them to the side of the theater as an usher pushed out, carrying trash bags. The door was about to shut, but Shigeru and Tsubaki managed to hold it open. Dragging Sagi inside, they shut it behind them.
"And we are in."
"So, let's get popcorn, and anything you'd like."
"Hai. I will pay."
"Iie. Iie. Actually, let's see. It's about to be noon. Your anime starts in five minutes. Let's get you a seat."
"They went inside the theater and found a seat."
"Stay put. Oh, did you need to use the restroom?"
"Iie. I went already."
"Good girl. Stay put."
...
The girls saw the stockroom and went inside. They took their purses and poured candies from the dispensers inside them, filling it with sour-sweet gummies. Then they took two new empty bags of popcorn, and got six warm bottles of diet cokes, stuffing it in their jackets. They slowly stepped out, went into a dark spot of the hallway, and opened their popcorn bags and crumpled them nice hard. Then they both started developing tears in their eyes and pursued the concession stand on the other side, which was getting ready to welcome the crowd.
"Gomen Nasai...someone rushed in for the new thriller and knocked our popcorn out of our bags. May we have a refill, please?" Shigeru sweetly asked.
"Hai. People are in such a rush!" Tsubaki cried.
"Of course, I'd be happy to help you with that!" The concessionist chanted. She smiled and took their bags, filled their popcorn bags to the brim and handed it to them.
"Arigatou Gozaimasu. I think one of your staff members already started to clean the aisle, so no need to send anyone out. You are so kind. How much do we owe you for the refill?"
"Oh! Refills are free!"
"We had no idea! Arigatou Gozaimasu. Oh, the six diet cokes we bought are warm. May we switch them for cold ones? Or we can do it with cups of ice."
"Iie, I'll do the switch!"
"Arigatou Gozaimasu, you are too sweet!"
"Hai, my pleasure. Here you go! Did you want butter in your popcorn?"
"Hai, nice and buttery, please! And extra napkins, please!"
"Awesome, you got it! Here you go!"
"Arigatou, honey, here is a tip!"
"Iie, not necessary!"
"You're a babe! Arigatou!"
...
After their business, they bowed and turned to see the group, who arched an eyebrow at them.
…
"Hey, fancy seeing you two here." The woman spoke with a smile.
"Hai. We're taking our girl out."
"Oh, you got a date?" The woman went wide-eyed, surprised they found another girl.
"Hai…" Tsubaki looked nonchalant as she saw the Kou girl hold her hand.
"So, you guys are seeing the new thriller?." Shigeru smiled, friendly. It was so odd as Seiya narrowed her eyes.
"Hai."
"Good for you."
Tsubaki drank her drink in silence. It was so weird that they acted so cordial.
"So how come you are nice all of a sudden?" Yaten chewed her gum as Shigeru grinned at her with warmth.
"We are just happy in life. We figured it was time to cut loose and just enjoy our films."
The woman smiled at the hellions, who were strangely behaving oddly. She pecked Seiya's cheek. Seiya looked at two and placed her arm around her date's waist.
Neither of them were phased.
Maybe they grew up. It was fine by her.
"So, I will let you guys be. You guys have fun!"
"Okay. Bye." Michiru chanted in confusion as Haruka was suspicious.
"Yeah, bye." Yaten looked perturbed as she held her girlfriend. Taiki arched her eyebrow, baffled.
Seiya mirrored the sandy blonde's sentiment. She watched them go back into the movies as she narrowed her eyes. They probably movie hopped. Figures...
"So, what movies did you want to see?"
"Oh, whatever you like." Seiya smiled as she held hands with her.
She felt really unsettled right now.
…
Shigeru smiled as the Tsubaki movie hopped and stopped by to check on Sagi. They got up and went to a rated R movie. The sophomore was grateful Mistress Haruka granted her permission, and somehow, those two managed to convince her to allow her to step out. She was oblivious as to what they were up to. But she decided to focus on Jubilee's new feature film, enchanted with a smile. She ate her large popcorn and drank her large diet coke, watching the anime about the girl being stuck with the Spirits. She had no clue as to where her "cousins" were or what interactions they had outside, but it must have taken their attention away a bit. She was fine that they were. They were actually fun to hang out with. But watching movies was a bit annoying, they tended to chatter throughout, gossiping about whatever, so she needed a nice break from it all. She hated to admit it, but she was so glad Beryl was home in bed, at least for the weekend. School was burning her out. And considering that she knew things from others that brought her mood down… a sanctuary was called for.
…
Seiya got out as she kissed her date. She held her hand as the girls walked were on the third level of the movie theater. She saw the two hellions coming out of the movie theater on the first level below and frowned.
"Oh look who it is." Yaten chanted with sarcasm.
"Did they hop?" Taiki said with a glare.
"Most likely with those two." Michiru whispered.
"I wonder if we should tattle on them." Haruka whispered.
"Leave them be, I'd say. I want to enjoy my day."
"Oh, it's Shigeru San and Tsubaki San."
"Joy," Seiya whispered as she watched them.
The two hellions waited outside a theater of an anime that just finished. The girls went down the escalators and went out of the theater.
…
Meanwhile, Sagi managed to find the last bit of her trash that fell on the floor. She had such a blast watching the film. She cried and wiped her eyes, feeling empowered. Damn, that was an awesome movie! She breathed as Shigeru and Tsubaki entered.
"Sagi Chan, common, let's go to the fair! You only have till curfew."
"Oh, hai."
"Leave that there. They'll take care of it. That's what they are paid for."
"Oh, I don't want to leave trash." Sagi sighed as she carried it with her.
Tsubaki sighed as Shigeru smiled.
"You are too pure of a heart, Sagi Chan. We'll take you out again next week!"
"I'd love that. I'm having so much fun!"
"You are like our little sister. We will cover you! Let's go!"
"Arigatou Gozaimasu. I will pay you back."
"Don't worry. The movies are on us." Tsubaki looked at Shigeru, who sighed and rolled her eyes.
Yes. Too pure this one was!
…
Seiya and the woman chatted as Yaten went to check out the shirts on display with Michiru. Haruka smoked as Taiki leaned on the rail.
…
"So, where to now?"
"Want to grab a bite?"
"Hai."
…
Sagi stumbled a bit and bent down to tie her shoelaces, the worst slippery silk kind, which unraveled.
"Sagi Chan? Do you need help?"
"Iie, just tying my shoes well. You guys go ahead. I will run and catch up!"
"Okay, we'll wait outside."
The two stepped out of the theater and slowed their walk down.
"I thought they left…" Shigeru hissed in annoyance to her pal.
"I don't know. They get on my nerves." Tsubaki whispered. Both were worried that Sagi would be seen. So they hoped that their pal took her time tying her shoes. They turned their backs and spoke to each other, angling their bodies to block any view at the exit.
…
Seiya narrowed her eyes as she saw Shigeru and Tsubaki, standing awkwardly at the exit, blocking people as they had to go around them. They grunted at the two, who remained unmoving.
"All you have to do is move to the side." Taiki called out in annoyance as she glared at them.
"What the hell are they doing?" Yaten frowned.
"Blocking the exit." Michiru shook her head.
"I swear, they are just… mph." Haruka breathed deep and exhaled, feeling like she wanted to punch something.
"So fucking rude." Seiya frowned as the woman raised her eyebrows at the hellions but said nothing.
"Do you think they are waiting for someone?" She asked.
"Even if they were, they are blocking the exit, which is illegal."
More crowds started to exit, growling at the two girls, who remained still, chatting away.
…
"Gomen Nasai, guys." Sagi was frazzled as she managed to tie her one shoe and move her leg to tie her other one."
"S'okay, Baby, take your time!" Shigeru chanted.
"Hai. No hurry!" Tsubaki chanted as she waved the people off who were scolding them.
"Hey, you two are blocking our exit!" A disgruntled man called out.
"Fine. We'll take two steps back." Tsubaki smiled as the two took two literal steps back, still standing shoulder to shoulder.
"Now go around us and stop your yacking!" Shigeru sneered with attitude at them as the people shook their heads but said nothing."
The two noticed the group but immediately averted their eyes to each other in disgust.
"Nani… they are still fucking there." Tsubaki whispered.
"Oh fuck my life." Shigeru sighed as she looked at Sagi. Well, it was inevitable. They would eventually see her, or maybe they might have a chance. She breathed as another huge crowd walked out.
"Okay. Huge crowds."
"Good."
…
"Okay. They need to fucking move." Taiki snapped.
Seiya held her date's hand as she moved up and walked around, walking to the two ladies, who turned and was wide-eyed.
"Oh hey! How was your date?"
"Do you guys know you are blocking the exit?"
"Oh yeah, we're waiting for our girl. What movie did you guys see?"
"We saw the new action thriller." The woman decided to remain cordial.
"Sugoi! We couldn't decide which one we wanted."
"Wonder why?" Taiki sarcastically smiled.
"Yeah, too many choices. Well, I won't keep you guys. Have fun on your dates. We will have fun with ours."
"Gomen Nasai-
The seniors froze as they saw the sophomore.
"Sagi?! What the fuck?!" Seiya snarled at the two hellions but kept her eyes on the sophomore. Sagi looked at the senior, startled to see her, her anger, the woman, and then the rest of the seniors, who looked angry.
"Hey Sweetheart, you're blocking!" An old woman soothed Sagi's shoulder.
"OH! Gomen Nasai! I'll get out of the way!" Sagi moved away and bowed.
"Thank you, Baby!" The old lady smiled at her and left.
"Sagi Chan, baby, are you ready to continue our date? We gotta go!" Shigeru chanted and clapped her hands.
"Yeah, we're gonna be late!" Tsubaki squealed.
"Date?!" The woman went gawked-eyed as she looked at the young teen.
"Hai, I'm ready to go," Sagi said with a smile.
"Sagi, what are you doing out of school?!" Seiya was in a frenzy and in disbelief. The sophomore looked at her and realized how this must have looked.
"Oh, I'll explain. I got permission." Sagi responded with warmth and certainty as Seiya looked at her.
"What do you mean you got permission?" Taiki inquired, sternly looking at the two as Sagi acknowledged her with warmth.
"Mistress Hotaru San gave me permission to go out until 6pm. You may cross it over with her." Sagi spoke with respect.
"How?" Michiru asked as she was wide-eyed.
"Yeah, how?" Yaten asked in disbelief.
Haruka frowned as Shigeru grinned like a Chesire cat. Tsubaki smiled.
"Oh, her sweet older cousins missed her, so they wanted to take her out." The spiky-haired woman chanted with a sigh.
"And that Beryl woman is out, sick as a dog!" The rainbow-haired woman chanted.
"So we took our cute little cousin out for an outing to spend some quality time with her!"
"OH, HELL NO!" Haruka hissed.
"So we're going to go to spend the rest of the day until her curfew and bring her back safely. We swear."
"Yeah, like cross our hearts and hope to die, swear."
"That could be granted." Seiya hissed as her date looked at her.
"Since we have permission from the sweet and angelic Mistress Hotaru San-"
"You lied!" Taiki snarled.
"No. We did not lie. We told the truth. We see Sagi as our family. We don't have to be blood-related. She's our baby. And so, we will take care of our baby." Shigeru winked as Sagi spoke with grace.
"I have permission from Mistress Hotaru San. It's only until 6pm."
"Yeah, but, you can't go out alone." Haruka looked at Sagi as she looked confused.
"Uh, hello, she is with us?! By the way, baby, no alcohol for you. Candy and soda only!" Shigeru tsk-ed as Tsubaki nodded.
"Hai, we will be firm with you on that. We will grab you pizza though."
"I don't drink alcohol…" Sagi frowned at them in confusion.
"That's my good girl. See, we don't have to worry about her! Okay. We've been here long enough. Let's go, baby."
Sagi was about to say goodbye as the hellions paused. Shigeru looked at Kou and grinned. Tsubaki saw her and smiled.
Oh, this was going to be good! Now the sweet revenge served on the cold platter came to play.
"Kou San, is it?... We hope you two had fun on your date. So romantic..." Shigeru sighed sweetly.
"Hai. You too seem to hit it off nicely." Tsubaki sweetly sighed as she acknowledged the woman next to Seiya, who looked amused.
Checkmate. The hellions grinned with glee.
Date? Sagi froze inside as she looked at the woman. So this is who this woman is… The sophomore definitely did not want to be here. But she remained poised as she looked back at Seiya. At least she and her pals were leaving now.
The four seniors frowned and looked at their best friend. The black-haired senior looked as if she wanted to kill these two.
Seiya looked at Sagi, who stared at her, but kept a neutral expression. She saw the sophomore looked at her date and straightened her posture.
"Konichiwa Gozaimasu. Watashi no Namae Wa, Yurenkasykuya San." She softly bowed a bit as the seniors watched her. Stunned.
Touched by her grace, the woman smiled and straightened herself and bowed a bit with a warm smile.
"You are so gracious. It's a pleasure to meet you, Yurenkasykuya San."
"Oh my goodness, I'm so proud of my baby. So well mannered." Tsubaki looked as she wanted to cry.
"Hai, she is so kawaii!" Shigeru hugged her from behind. "Well, we hate to cut this short, but we really have to go. So… ta!"
"Yea... ta!"
The two bowed super low, making the grand revenant gesture at the seniors and woman, though they had no sincerity towards the seniors. Then they gently propelled the sophomore away.
"Come on, baby-"
"WAIT-" She heard Kou called out, hearing her voice, Sagi froze a bit.
The sophomore looked back as Shigeru put her hand on her hip, glaring at the main senior, and then looked back at Kou, who kept her eyes on her.
"Sagi… Are you sure you want to go with them?" Seiya asked as her eyes looked wounded.
"Hai. I'm cooped up in school." Sagi breathed and shrugged her shoulders. "I need to breathe a bit."
"Well, why don't you spend time with us? We'll hang out until curfew."
"Um…" Sagi started to speak and paused. She looked at Seiya, who watched her eyes briefly land on her date, before she briefly moved her eyes back to hers.
It was subtle, but it was enough of an understanding between them.
"It's okay. I'm going to go with the girls. They bought my ticket already." She whispered with polite decorum.
"Hai." Shigeru chanted.
"Very expensive ticket. We're running late. We gotta go."
"Well, where are you guys going? Maybe we can join you?" The woman inquired. She was curious about the whole interaction as she watched her date, who kept her eyes on the young teen.
In honesty, the woman wondered why the young Yurenkasykuya wasn't in her shoes, being the one on the date with her date.
There was definitely something there between these two. They should be the one dating. Even she noticed. She wasn't blind. But her date and the others must be so...
"Ooh! Tsk… Sold out. We got the last tickets. Gomen Nasai! But hey! Next time, okay! We will all plan something-magnificent. That is, if Mistress Hotaru allows you guys to take her out since we already got permission and- you don't, but I'm sure she will totally let you! If you guys have permission, of course you may totally join us on future outings. Common, Sagi. Let's go" The two moved fast, towing Sagi away as she paused and bowed to Seiya.
"Have a good day, Kou San… Kaioh San, Tenouh San, Katanowe San, Takahashi San. you guys have fun on your dates..." She got her words out in time as she finished the last few bows. The seniors were too shocked to speak.
Did Sagi really tell me to have fun on my date...? The black-haired senior hyperventilated a bit.
Did she just tell Seiya to have fun on her date? The others wondered.
This just got awkward.
"Aw how sweet you are…" The two hellions rolled their eyes. "Let's go now!" They pulled her and ran off, making Sagi fly a bit, leaving Seiya behind. She disappeared out the door.
She felt sick.
"What a sweetheart that one is... I could see why those two are enamored with her." The woman smiled. "Cousins…" She chuckled and shook her head. "Slick. Hope they have fun. Well, let's go eat."
The group moved in reluctance, but decided to let it be. They couldn't believe Mistress Hotaru San allowed those two to bend the rules.
Haruka watched Seiya. She felt like killing those hellions for causing her best friend to be the way she was right now.
How fucking dare they…?!
The woman walked ahead of the group, chanting recommendations. They waited a bit for her to be out of her earshot.
"What fucks-!" Michiru hissed low so the date won't hear.
"I can't believe they did what they did..." Yaten snarled in a whisper.
"You think?! I knew they were up to no good!" Taiki whispered as she glared. "I'm going to have a chat with Mistress Hotaru."
"And get Sagi in trouble…?" Yaten whispered as Taiki sighed.
"You're right. But, I'm going to be firm with monitoring from now. Sagi and I will have a serious chat about that."
"Hai… what they did… was so shitty, shady as fuck. I'll never forgive them."
They continued to chatter. The black-haired beauty breathed as she struggled hard to keep her cool. She wanted to explode. They were so fucking going to pay for what they did just now.She pictured the sophomore and remembered how the look in her eyes seemed... vacant.
Seiya shut her eyes as she felt her own eyes burning. This was one of the worst days of her life.
Her heart broke into pieces.
…
Sagi ate a lot of candy after she went on many rides. It was four in the afternoon.
But she still felt that her heart just broke into a million pieces.
She knows that the senior did nothing wrong. The sophomore did not know why she kept having sadness every time she thought of her and that woman. It was the same emotions she had back at Mermaids when she went out with them that one night. When the others date, she is fine. But with Kou… things just seemed like it made her drown in water whenever she saw her with another person. Sagi shut her eyes as she breathed inside. She was so confused.
"What's wrong?" Shigeru asked as Tsubaki stared at their friend.
The golden blonde pursed her lips as tears trailed down her face. She immediately wiped her eyes and smiled as she looked at them.
"Nothing. I'm fine. Let's have a good time-"
"Iie. Let's sit."
Shigeru and Tsubaki immediately figured out what was wrong, and now regretted their actions. They meant to take revenge on the seniors back there, but like a double edge sword, they had to be careful as their friend was now in pain.
"Gomen Nasai, Sagi Chan. We never meant for you to be hurt."
"What do you mean?"
"Your Kou person... seeing her with that other woman must have hurt you, and we didn't think. We just wanted to get back at her for taking our date away."
"What… I don't understand-"
"Doesn't matter-water under the bridge. We won't bring trouble to anyone anymore. Sagi Chan, Baby… you may not be aware, but you are a girl. And you are a girl who has feelings. And have emotions won't lie to you." Shigeru spoke in seriousness.
"You might have felt you might not be aware of, and it's going to take time to accept your feelings," Tsubaki whispered.
They embraced her and held her tight. Sagi froze as her pals looked at her and smiled.
"What feelings? What do you guys mean?"
"It's best for you to figure it out on your own. Not because we want to keep anything from you. We are happy to tell you everything. But you know when we, say, for example, learn how to walk or take a test at school? Yes, we may have our parents guide us to walk or choose to cheat on a test by copying answers, but it's best to learn on our own… It's the same with finding feelings that are unknown inside of us. Sometimes, searching our own feelings, without knowing what they are, needs to be discovered on our own, and it's best to discover them on their own so that there is clarity in the mind, and removes doubt."
The sophomore really looked at them, hearing their striking, sage advice.
"But with that said, no matter what sorrow comes, you have every right to seek your own joy in life. Even if feelings throughout life are not reciprocated, and you feel alone, know that you can still have your inner peace and joy, no matter what."
Sagi smiled as she felt a lift in her spirit.
Shigeru and Tsubaki looked worried as tears poured out of her eyes. But then they felt her arms around their necks as she sobbed through her smile.
"Arigatou Gozaimasu. I don't know why that affected me just now, and I don't understand anything that is going on with me… but I needed to hear that now."
"Anytime. Anytime. Hey-hey, let's finish the last bit of the fair."
"Hai." Sagi cheered and wiped her eyes. She decided to have fun with her two dear friends.
…
The woman saw the four girls take off into the store as she held Seiya behind.
"Let's talk."
Seiya felt she knew what she wanted to talk about, so she nodded. Even throughout dinner, she couldn't fully enjoy herself. Nor did she kiss her date anymore.
They sat down alone on the bench near the rail and looked at each other.
"That young girl that was with Shigeru and Tsubaki… you like her."
"Nani?"
"Don't say a word. I'm just wondering why you asked me out instead of asking her out?"
"Who-?"
"Yurenkasykuya San. Common, Seiya Chan. It's no secret. I saw how you both looked at each other, even though you didn't have to say a word."
"But-"
"Seiya Chan. You're not a bad girl. In fact, you're an amazing girl. And she definitely seems like an amazing girl. You both compliment each other. I know you have a good heart. I won't be offended if you wanted to end this date. We can still be friends. Just, don't lie to yourself. Okay? I've been there before. And regretted what I lost."
"You had someone?"
"Hai. Back in high school, I had a crush on my best friend. I never told her how I felt, and she ended up marrying another, which destroyed me."
Seiya breathed hard as she frowned, thinking of the two that took Sagi away, and hearing what her now former-date spoke about, didn't put her at ease.
She felt so sick.
"When you go back, and you see her and get her alone, don't let her get away, okay?"
"She doesn't feel for me that way."
"Okay. I will stop you right there. How the hell do you know? Did you ask her? Did she tell you something? You young kids are something else. Yes, I'm only two years older than you, but still. I'm your Sempai in this. She may not be aware of her own feelings. But I know, she has feelings for you, even if she doesn't know it herself. Tell me, Seiya Chan, in honesty, has she dated anyone before?"
"Iie. I don't think so."
"There you go. She's new to this. So it just means, you have to have extreme patience with this one."
"This is so… awkward."
"Why because we were on a date? Or because she saw you with me on a date and looked upset? Or because she was possibly on a date with those two and you were upset?"
"There is no way she was on a date with them!" Seiya snarled automatically as the woman chuckled. The senior reeled back her emotions, embarrassed as she shut her eyes and held her hand.
"Gomen Nasai, I didn't mean to snap-"
"Seiya Chan. I'm friend-zoning you, for your own sake. Because I know eventually, you would friend-zone me down the line had she confessed to you, or if those two crazy girls confessed to her."
"Oh Goddess… I'm such a mess."
"When is her curfew?"
"Six, I think."
"It's approaching five. Why don't you go ahead and see if you may meet her back at school? You know, have a one on one, without others interrupting anything."
"I don't think she-"
"Seiya Chan. Try. Life is too short."
Seiya looked at the woman and smiled as she embraced her tight. The woman was amused, but held her with admiration.
"Gomen Nasai," Seiya whispered as she released her. She really did feel bad. But she was right. Her heart didn't belong with her.
"Don't be. I plan to date more. Who knows, I might pursue those hellions and take them out of your friend's hands. They seem very rambunctious, but has a style of cool to them"
"And I'm not cool?" She was mocked-offended as the woman winked at her, causing Seiya to smile.
"You are way cooler who is meant for someone else, because that someone else is also cooler, and she might possibly be meant for you."
The senior breathed as she thought of Sagi, who looked wounded earlier.
"She won't forgive me. Not after what she saw…"
"Seiya Chan. I know that Yurenkasykuya is no monster about being cold due to us having our date. I met her today and I don't believe her to be cold. She was super gracious to me, even when she knew you and I were on a date. Any other girl would have been NASTY to me. She has class for someone so young, and I know will be a heartbreaker the older she gets. And you stating that she won't forgive all because she might have been feeling a bit jealous seeing me with you, whether she knows it or not, I won't buy that shit that she won't be friends with you. Confront her. Confess to her. And see where it takes you."
"She wished me well on my date with you," Seiya spoke as she frowned.
"Well, maybe to keep face. No one wants anyone seeing their pain. It would make her vulnerable if she did. And maybe she believes you don't have feelings for her. I would think the same had I been in her shoes and you said nothing to me and I saw you with another woman. I don't know, just a theory aI have, I don't know what goes on in your friend's mind. Her crystal blue eyes, striking as they are, is a mystery to me. Seiya Chan- you are a smart girl-common..."
The senior gasped as she was about to cry. The woman wanted to console her, didn't mean to upset her, but held herself back. Seiya needed another pair of arms around her.
"Get out of here, Seiya Chan, right now. Or Shigeru and Tsubaki might consider pursuing that girl in a relationship. They did have a good time, it seemed. I'll tell the others you went home-"
She didn't have to say more. The woman chuckled as the senior swiftly excused herself and ran out of the mall as if there was fire.
She sighed as she got up. The woman waited a bit to give her ex-date some time to find that girl of hers before she told the other four, who were still shopping for clothes. She hoped that the young girl didn't take their date to heart. The woman knows that girl was something special. She just met her today, and she knew that. And hoped that the girl was honest with herself as well.
Both her and her former date needed some courage to accept their feelings for each other. She loved to play cupid sometimes with young love. She lost her own love. But at least, she could try to save another from the same mistake.
Besides, Shigeru and Tsubaki seemed very cute today… she knew she played hard to get with them when she allowed Seiya to pursue her. But the next time she saw those two, she would give them another chance.
...
Mistress Hotaru was happy to see she abided by curfew. She was grateful for those two, who brought some major clarity to her. She just had to fully continue on her journey. Life was to be enjoyed, even on your own. And she wouldn't let any sorrow get in her way of that.
…
Vide Cor Meum
She walked in and set her bracelet on the counter. She paused as she felt a presence. The door behind her was shut and locked.
The sophomore was startled and breathed but said nothing. Neither of them did. It was a long time before anyone spoke. Sagi continued to keep her cool and would offer support no matter what. There was no reason to have sadness or anger. Only the joys of life. And that is what she promised herself she would do.
Their breaths could be heard, breaking a needle on a record. Finally, the silence broke.
"Did you just get home?"
"Yes. Did you guys have fun?"
Silence met her as she frowned a bit, waiting for her to speak. Slowly, she turned and noticed the senior, who watched her. She was confused that she saw a range of emotions, floating from anger, to neutral, to sadness, and then… something else…
"Why did you just ask me that?" Seiya whispered.
"Huh?" Sagi was confused.
"I'm so disappointed." The senior whispered, sounding… hurt? Sagi frowned, confused as Seiya's eyes remained on her.
"I'm… Gomen Nasai… did I do something... wrong?"
"You wished me well with my date."
The sophomore frowned as the senior glared a bit, though sadness encased in her heart.
"Why did you say that, Sagi?"
Sagi was stunned as she watched her fierce eyes on her.
"I'm… so confused right now, Kou San… What do you mean by that question? Was I not supposed to wish you well?"
"I don't want you to wish me well, not when it comes to me being with a date."
"Kou San...I will be honest... I don't get you."
"Haven't we put distance between us long enough, Sagi?"
The air escaped her lungs. She did not know how to respond. The senior lingered on her as the sophomore felt an energy shift between them.
She did everything right. Rehearsed everything she would say in her head... And she kept her cool, said everything she was supposed to say, offered her support and only saw ... fierce disappointment…
She saw the older teen slowly move from the door. Sagi breathed as Seiya walked to her. She was frozen. She was so confused.
Wait, wasn't her friend supposed to be happy about it?
Sagi grew shocked the moment she noticed the senior in front of her. Seiya embraced her and held her body close to her own. Her body shook as she hyperventilated a bit. The sophomore shuddered as she felt the senior's lips pressed to her ear.
"Please, don't ever tell me to have fun on a date. Not you."
"Doishte?"
"Because I want you to see me as I see you."
"Nani?"
Seiya trailed down her skin as she embraced her tight and gently bit her neck, causing the girl in her arms to shudder and hold her in reaction. She held firm and held her tight. Everything that happened between them today felt so wrong. AGAIN. Just like Mermaids... There was no way to deny it. But unlike last time, she was fighting her. If this girl in her arms tried to walk away from her, she wouldn't allow it. She was going to fight hard to hold her in her arms right now.
Now emotions were on high-drive.
Speechless. The last time this happened between them, she felt her behind her. Now she was in front of her, and this is happening again... She realized her hands automatically held her-oh Goddess… she didn't realize her hands were holding her.
"Sagi, I want you to see me as I see you." The senior whispered to her ear and continued to kiss her neck. She softly nipped it as the younger girl's heart was about to burst. She started to softly hyperventilate and then felt a rush of excitement.
"Odango, please, promise me. Promise that you'll never say that to me again. Please, promise me." Seiya whispered in pain, with tenderness, and held her tighter. Sagi swallowed the lump in her throat. Succumbing to the unknown, not understanding why, she felt her walls crumble a bit, her words spilling, too shocked in her moment, not realizing the words she was whispering.
"Okay... I promise you, Seiya... I won't wish you well on your dates from now on…"
Seiya felt relief and held her tight in response, holding her firm with such tenderness as she made a silent promise to this girl.
You said my name… There won't be any other dates, Sagi. Not anymore... I promise you.
She was done.
Sagi breathed, still not understanding what was going on. But she continued remaining in her embrace as her arms went on autopilot, being pulled into the embrace. She shut her eyes… and eventually, surrendered.
…
Michiru thought of the exchange between the two earlier at the mall, as she felt her girlfriend next to her.
Haruka smoked weed, thinking of Seiya and that sophomore...
There was definitely a connection between those two.
...
Yaten carried the takeaway bag of food as she moved to Seiya's door. She was about to open it but was locked. She frowned a bit. The lights were off.
…
The sky was completely dark from the window. Moonlight filtered into the room along with the shine of the stars.
Warmth filled within the embrace. Breaths were slowed down, steady. Skin was flushed hard. This embrace felt new and just right. Neither of these two could deny that they felt it was right. No lies.
It felt right.
Sagi was softly inhaling as she was pressed to her body, keeping her eyes shut. She felt a trail of fingers soothe her lower back, sliding along the seam of her shirt where it ended.
Seiya kept her close and trailed on her skin, breathing softly, remaining still as she didn't want to move. She caressed the seam of her shirt, trailing her fingers where the shirt met the delicate skin.
Both were in a trance. Neither wanted to move. And they would have continued their embrace as the knock became insistent.
"Seiya Chan?"
The senior hissed and sighed as the sophomore snapped out of her trance. Seiya pulled back a bit and cupped her face with tenderness. Sagi breathed as she saw her eyes linger on hers, then trailed on her lips. The senior caressed the sophomore's lower lip with her thumb, causing her to shudder.
"Seiya Chan?"
Knock. Knock. Knock. Knock.
Seiya hissed again and then tenderly released her lower lip. Blushing hard, she turned to the door, unlocking it. Sagi blushed hard as she moved to the bathroom and shut the door.
She didn't know what happened. But whatever that was, felt… awesome…
...
"Are you busy?" Yaten inquired as her eyes looked around.
"I was. What do you need, Yaten Chan?"
"We have your takeaway bag of food here. Don't want to forget it."
"Oh, hai. Arigatou." She smiled and left the door open as her pal followed her in.
"Were you sleeping?"
"Iie."
"Oh. Your lights are out."
"Turn it on, if you like," Seiya whispered and blushed hard, but played it cool. Yaten looked at her suspiciously and flicked the switch on. The bathroom door opened as she noticed the sophomore, who came out quietly and nodded at her, but said nothing as she went to her own bed.
Yaten looked at Seiya, who was blushing hard and then at the sophomore, who was also blushing hard, then back at her best friend. A smile played at the corner of her lips as she nodded her head.
"I'll leave you be… goodnight." She conspiringly whispered and turned to walk out.
Sagi and Seiya were both confused as Yaten shut the lights off before she shut the door behind her.
...
Now-it-got- really-awkward.
Sagi swallowed as she moved to her own bed and laid down, feeling her heart pound hard. She was too damn shy to look at her now. She shut her eyes, remembering her friends sage advice from earlier. Life was indeed full of surprises. The unexpected joys shocked her… and made her secretly smile.
Seiya looked at her as her heartbeat hard. Figuring she might be too shy by what happened earlier between them, she took her former date's sage advice, and she decided to play low key. She kept her cool, and laid down, shutting her eyes…she would eat her food later.
Yaten. She intends to kill her the next time she sees her.
She thought of her moment with Sagi earlier again, replaying it in her head. She didn't know what transpired between them, but, it made her so fucking happy. She smiled and decided to count her blessings.
Dating other women were no longer in her stars anymore. She didn't want any kind of romance, at least, not with others, because something more precious that she realized was right in front of her eyes. And despite those two damn hellions that caused chaos upon her today, she had to, in a sense, thank those crazy girls for ruining her date today. And her intelligent date earlier confronted her with honesty. That sweet woman will find another to make her happy. It opened her eyes and if she was being honest, she had a huge realization about what she truly wanted.
She was no longer taking what was truly important to her for granted. And she would fight hard for what she wanted. She wasn't Fighter for nothing.
...
The moon and the stars shined bright out in the dark night sky.
...