A Turning Point

Slowly pulling him toward her, he landed in her arms. Gazing at her sternly, Sakura asked frantically, “ What will you do, Kaito if I don’t release you? ““ Sakura, please, stop joking around! “ He exclaimed nervously to Sakura who responded, “ What of this seems like a joke to you? “Realizing how nervous he had become the more she approached him, Sakura asked playfully, “ Are you nervous, Kaito? ““ I’m not nervous, Sakura. You’re utterly mistaken. ““ Oh no! “ Smirking, she exclaimed boldly, “ What would you do if I were to make you even more nervous? “!!!Approaching him even more than before, Kaito’s heart was thumping nonstop. At the last moment, however, she released him and, staring at him, she emphasized playfully, “ I was only joking with you. You didn’t take me seriously, did you? “Shocked and lost for words, Kaito ran out of the living room. When he was gone, Sakura mumbled, “ I managed to stop myself this time, but what if next time, I’m unable to. What will Kaito think of me? “Four days later, before leaving the classroom for lunch, Sakura approached Camille and dropped a file on her desk.“ Here’s the response to what you asked me last time. Hope you’re satisfied! “Not adding anything more, Sakura walked out of the classroom to go to lunch, leaving Camille to ponder about what was left on her desk.Opening the large envelope, she found drawing scribbles. Even more than that were illustrations of the narrative she showed her last time alongside some additional details.Gasping in surprise, Camille exclaimed, “ This is even better than I could have expected. The illustrations are so refined that you can see just how much work and efforts were put in. This is amazing. There’s no better word to qualify this. “At the canteen, Sakura couldn’t spot Kaito anywhere, but she could feel his magical power dazzling around.Staring at her food, she internally thought, “ He must still be startled by what happened last night. I’m somewhat surprised that he didn’t leave. I would have understood had he done so, but now, I don’t quite know how I should take this. How should I behave around him from now on? ““ I didn’t mean to scare him, but when he openly declared his feelings to me outright, I lost myself for a second. Does he hate me now because of this? “—For once, during physical education, Sakura didn’t sit it out and participated in the activity. Using her overflowing emotions, she completely immersed herself in the game, not thinking about anything else than what was right in front of her.By the time physical education was over, Sakura was too exhausted to no longer be able to think about her troubles.Lingering there on the ground, Camille startled her with her presence.“ I found you at last, Fambrose-San. Would you have a moment to spare? “—“ Say what you came for and leave! “ Reacting coldly toward Camille, the latter could see that something was off with her attitude, however, she didn’t push it for the time being.“ I didn’t mean to bother you while you’re resting, Fambrose-San, but I came to discuss the file you dropped at my desk. ““ Go ahead! “ She exclaimed while adding, “ I’m listening, so you can say it. “Nodding affirmatively, she exclaimed, “ Well, I looked at your illustrations and I have only one word for it and that’s— “Before she could continue, she said, “ You must have realized by the drawings that I don’t have the drive you’re looking for, right? ““ What? ““ Now that you’ve understood the truth of things, leave me alone. “Listening to all she had to say, Sakura was taken aback when Camille said, “ You’re wrong, Fambrose-San! “?“ The illustrations you dropped at my desk were amazing beyond words. Just gazing at the refinement of the lines, I could tell at a glance just how much you enjoyed drawing alongside your dedication and passion for it. “Accentuating her words, she emphasized, “ You have an inner gift for drawing. Now, more than ever, I think I made the right choice by approaching you with the offer of a partnership. ““ Sakura Fambrose, you’re the only one I can do this with as you understand the profoundness of having a dream. Had you not understood the meaning, you wouldn’t have drawn such amazing pictures. So, after all this, won’t you please consider my offer of a partnership? “—“ won’t you join me in creating the best manga in history? “—At the sound of her remarks, Sakura sat up and faced Camille straight.“ The thing you call talent was just a spur of the moment that only lasted for a moment, Green-San. For all that it’s worth, I won’t be able to reproduce this spur. “ She concluded her statement sternly.Thinking that would be enough to discourage her, she was taken aback once more when she said, “ I believe in you Sakura Fambrose. I know you will be able to reproduce that spur. Believe in yourself like I believe in you. “Defeated, she laughed. “ You’re incorrigible, Green-San. After all that I’ve said, you still won’t back down. Your tenacity is impressive, I’ll give you that. “Backing up her response, Camille exclaimed, “ My guardian angel told me I had the means to make whatever I dreamed come true and he was so right. ““ Until I saw your illustrations, I was still wondering whether I could do it or not, but your illustrations evaded all the lingering emotions away. Had you turned me down for good, my dreams and aspirations would have stopped altogether. “Gazing at her, Camille continued, “ You must be thinking that I have no drive to pursue my dreams, but that’s just the kind of person I am. ““ No, I wasn’t thinking that in the slightest. “ She nodded, confusing her.Gazing at her, she exclaimed, “ I was thinking how strong you were for pursuing your dreams. I could never have thought how strong you were a few weeks ago. You surprised me by how passionate you are. Unlike you, I’m pretty much empty inside. ““ Empty? “Opening up a little to Cakmille, Sakura exclaimed, “ Ever since I could remember, I never had anything that was exclusively mine, let alone a passion or hobby. I only know the significance of the word emptiness. “Pondering on her words, Camille couldn’t help but ask, “ What about your guardian angel? What do you think of him? “In response to her question, Sakura exclaimed, “ Just like everyone else before him, he’ll grow tired of me too and leave me when I least expect it. “Suddenly standing up, Sakura handed her phone to Camille who didn’t understand her aim.“ Let’s exchange contacts! As we’ll be partners from now on, it’s best if we have each other’s contact information. “Gasping in surprise, Camille reacted to the announcement she made. “ Do you mean it? Do you truly mean it? Will you truly partner up with me? ““ Yes, I will. “ She nodded and added, “ For all that’s worth, I might as well give it a chance and see how it goes. Let’s see whether your dreams can give me a sense of purpose. “Returning home later that day, Sakura couldn’t spot him anywhere, but she could somewhat feel his magic lingering around the house.Mumbling, she said, “ He must be coped inside his room. That’s better that way. “Whereas, in Camille’s residence, she was on cloud nine as she thought of her dream taking shape before her eyes.“ What got you so content tonight? Did something exciting happen, Lady Camille? ““ Yes, Angel Christopher. “ She nodded“ Today, Fambrose-San finally agreed to partner up with me. “ Camille exclaimed in excitement to Christopher who greeted the news with, “ That’s fantastic, my lady. I’m happy for you. Your dream will finally come true. ““ Yeah, you’re right! “Losing all her energized spirit in one fell swoop, Christopher exclaimed, “ What’s wrong, my lady? You were so enthusiastic before, but now you seem out of it. What happened? ““ It’s about Fambrose-San. “ She nodded and added, “ Earlier today, she told me something that left me speechless. “ She concluded.“ Do you mind sharing it with me? ““ Yes, of course. “Divulging everything that happened between them at the gymnasium earlier in the day, Camille exclaimed, “ When she said she was empty, I didn’t know how to take it. I felt sad for her, but at the same time, I tried picturing myself in her shoes, but I couldn’t. ““ It felt as if I was stumbling inside all the overwhelming emotions. I couldn’t understand her emptiness and I felt pained for not being able to do anything for her. “Listening to her speak, Christopher emphasized, “ I’ll talk to Kaito and resolve things. So, don’t worry about a thing and only focus on your dream. Leave this matter to me; I’ll take care of it. “Relieved, she exclaimed, “ Thank you, Angel Christopher. I’ll leave this matter to you then. “Retiring for the night, Christopher mumbled, “ Just what in the world is wrong between you two? “Disappearing from Camille’s house, Christopher reappeared in front of Sakura’s house. Sending a telepathic message to Kaito using the waves of his ability, Kaito was soon to come out.“ What do you want, Christopher? ““ We need to talk, Kaito. Do you mind stepping out for a moment? “