Chapter 2: Annoying Conversations

The atmosphere of the school always has a way of getting crowded again, even after the big festival has passed. I used to think that the gossip about me and Sakura would slowly disappear as time went by. However, in reality... quite the opposite.

It's been almost two weeks since the sports festival, but every time I pass through the corridor, I still hear the same voices.
"Eh, it's Sumire-san."
"She's with Sakura-san, right? Wow, it seems like they can't be separated anymore."
"If they perform together at the cultural festival later, it will be very exciting!"

I took a deep breath. He smirked, then walked back as if he didn't hear anything. It's normal, it should be. But every time our names were called together, I felt something pressing against my chest.

Once I entered class, I hoped that at least I could calm down. Unfortunately, that hope was again shattered.

Sakura Airi was already sitting sweetly in her chair—the chair next to me—with her shiny silver hair in the morning light. His faint smile immediately appeared as soon as my eyes opened up.

"Good morning, Akari."

I put the bag on the table, throwing away my face. “… Morning."

"It's still the same cold, yes." He chuckled softly, then leaned his chin on his arm. "But for some reason, I like that cold side of you."

I held my breath, trying to focus on the notebook. The tip of the pencil moves on the blank paper, writing random words just to distract yourself. Since when did I get used to doing this—pretending to be busy to avoid a conversation with him?

Before I had time to calm down, the classroom door was wide open." Good morning everyone!"

Nanami-sensei, my homeroom teacher, walked in with excited strides while carrying a stack of papers. His rather clear voice immediately filled the room.

Today, it seemed like he was in a more boisterous mood than usual.

"Next week we will start preparations for the cultural festival! So the teachers have agreed to form a small committee from each class." A boisterous sound was immediately heard. Some students cheered, others complained.

I lowered my head, taking note of the announcement calmly. But before I could continue, Nanami-sensei called out in a loud voice: "Sumire-san! Sakura-san!"

My head was immediately raised. “… Yes?"

Next to me, Sakura raised an eyebrow with a relaxed expression. "What's wrong, sensei?"

Nanami-sensei smiled widely. "The two of you were appointed to be part of the main decoration team. You know, right? Class two-A must make the booth stand out the most. So, I want the 'two stars' of this class to work together."

The class immediately exploded.
"Wow, Sensei is such a genius!"
"Sumire-san with Sakura-san again! This will definitely be the coolest booth!"
"Like no one else..."

I closed my eyes, holding back a sigh. "Sensei, shouldn't it have been decided by voting?"

"Oh, don't worry, Akari-chan. The teachers have discussed, and all agree that the two of you are the most suitable. After all, didn't the two of you already get together at the sports festival yesterday?"

“… That's a coincidence," I muttered.

Sakura turned her head towards me, smiling meaningfully. "If it happens so many times, it might actually be fate."

I turned my head quickly, staring at him sharply. “… Stop talking carelessly."

Nanami-sensei nodded in satisfaction, clearly not understanding this little tension. "Okay, then it's decided. Sumire-san and Sakura-san, please work well together, huh! Sensei believes you guys can make our class win!"

The class was back in a rowdy state. I looked down, trying to write something to look busy. Today has just begun, and I'm already feeling tired.

History lesson hours begin. The teacher pasted a large map on the board, explaining about the Edo period in a monotonous voice. Some of the disciples yawned, some lowered their heads over the notes, others were busy chatting quietly.

I write neatly, trying to keep up. But again, the gaze from the side made me uncomfortable." … If you keep staring at me, you won't understand the content of the lesson," I whispered softly.

Sakura chuckled a little. "When I look at you, I feel refreshed from listening to a lesson."

I held the pen tighter. “… That's the stupidest excuse I've ever heard."

"Stupid, but honest." His gaze was still piercing from the side, making my face heat up.

I lowered my head deeper, hoping that the pages of the book could swallow me whole.

The recess bell sounds. The atmosphere of the classroom was immediately boisterous, chairs shifted, the sound of laughter filled the room. I had just closed the book when a cheerful voice approached.

"Akari!"

Haruna Tachibana, my best friend, immediately approached with a face full of excitement. "You heard the announcement earlier, right? You and Sakura-san are the decoration team! I can't wait to see you guys work together!"

I closed my eyes for a moment. “… Don't add gossip, Haruna."

"But that's a fact! Everyone has already talked about it, you know!" Haruna almost cheered. "This is like a rival couple who are forced to cooperate. What a drama!"

I sighed. “… You're always overdoing it."

Sakura, who was sitting casually next to me, instead responded. "I don't mind, but I'm looking forward to this cooperation."

Haruna clapped her hands. "Look?! Sakura-san herself was excited! Akari, you also have to be enthusiastic."

I glanced at Sakura, then threw away my face. “… I'm just going to do my duty."

Sakura chuckled, then leaned her body slightly. "In that case, I'll make sure the obligation feels fun."

I was silent. His words were light, but for some reason it felt too close.

That day, the school canteen as usual was filled with commotion. The sound of trays colliding, the shouts of students calling friends, the strong aroma of curry mixed with the smell of toast. I've never really liked this crowded atmosphere, but sometimes I still come down here with Haruna.

"Come on, I've got you some cold sweat for you!" Haruna waved her hand, as if I couldn't see her in the crowd.

I took a deep breath, then walked over to his desk. "I can line up myself, you know."

"Ah, but if I don't order, you must be preoccupied avoiding the library. After all..." He paused for a moment, turning his head behind me. "This way, I can get a free view."

I frowned. “… Scenery?"

Haruna grinned. "Sakura-san is following you again, isn't it?"

I hurriedly turned my head, and sure enough. Sakura Airi stood in the cashier line, her silver hair shining in the canteen light. As soon as her eyes met mine, she smiled faintly—an overconfident smile.

“… He's always been like that," I muttered.

Haruna chuckled slightly. "You don't realize it, the whole school seems to consider you an official couple. Even I myself sometimes forget that you are rivals, not girlfriends."

I looked at him flatly. “… Please don't start again."

"Why? That's funny." He blinked mischievously. "After all, Akari, you can't continue to pretend you don't care. Your face clearly seems to change every time Sakura-san is around."

I wanted to argue, but my tongue was sticking out. For some reason, there was always a moment when Haruna's words were too close to the truth that I didn't want to admit.

Shortly after, Sakura approached our table with a tray in her hand. He put it right next to me without asking. "May I sit here?"

I opened my mouth, ready to say 'no', but Haruna had already cheered, "Of course! Sit down, sit down! This place is indeed empty for you, Sakura-san."

I looked at Haruna sharply, but she just giggled in satisfaction.

Sakura sat down, then looked at me while leaning slightly. "I didn't expect you to eat in the canteen. I guess you prefer a quiet place."

“… I'm just accompanying Haruna," I replied briefly.

"In that case, I'm lucky. Being able to have lunch with Sumire Akari, that's rare."

I sighed. “… You talk as if we're dating."

"If I think so, will you be angry?"

I was choked. Haruna, who was sitting across from him, immediately closed his mouth holding back laughter, clearly enjoying this drama.

“… Sakura, stop talking weird."

She just smiled, as if satisfied with my reaction.

The rest of the rest of the break went on in a weird way—or maybe I was the one who was too conscious. Haruna continued to tease with lighthearted comments, while Sakura always responded with a calm expression that made it hard for me to decide which was more annoying.

"If our decoration booth wins, the two of you will become a couple of school legends, you know," said Haruna while chewing onigiri.

"I don't care about that," I said quickly.

"I'm looking forward to it," Sakura said, very calmly. "If I can make Akari look even brighter, that's enough."

I almost choked on my drinking water. Haruna patted the table hard, laughing until it caught the attention of a table full of students next to it.

“… You two are really living fanfic material," he said while wiping away tears of laughter.

I wanted to reply with something sharp, but no words came out. Maybe because deep down, I knew Sakura wasn't joking.

After the bell rang, I decided to leave the class for a while before the lesson started again. The school yard is relatively quiet when the break hours end. The wind blows softly, bringing the scent of fallen leaves.

I sat on one of the benches under a shady tree, trying to catch my breath. Her head was filled with the sound of Haruna's gossip and laughter earlier.

However, of course, that peace did not last long.

"I know you're definitely here."

I turned my head quickly. Sakura stood a few steps away from me, the sunlight shining on her silver hair.

“… Why do you always have to know?" I asked coldly.

"Because I've always been watching you," he replied briefly, without hesitation.

I was silent. His words were simple, but too honest. I threw away my face, staring at the blue sky filled with thin clouds. “… If you continue like this, I won't be able to concentrate."

He walked over, then sat down on the same bench, leaving only a glimpse of distance between us. "In that case, let me be the reason why you can't concentrate."

I turned my head quickly, my heart beating too hard. “… You're really annoying."

He smiled faintly. "If it makes you think about me, I'm willing to be the most annoying."

I was speechless, unable to find the right reply. The afternoon wind was blowing slowly, bringing a strange tension that only the two of us could feel.

That day, I realized something. Sakura Airi wasn't just a rival who happened to be sitting next to me. He was like a shadow that always followed, like a magnet that I couldn't get rid of.

The more I tried to keep my distance, the closer he got to it. And as much as I'd like to believe that all of this was just a coincidence, deep down I knew—Sakura wasn't someone I could just call a "rival."

The next day, the atmosphere of the classroom changed completely. Whiteboard full of doodles of ideas for cultural festivals. Colorful paper was haphazardly pasted on the wall, the voices of the students mixed into one.

"The theme of our class this year has been decided: Café Retro! So the main booth will be made to resemble an 80s-style café. And for decoration..." Nanami-sensei clapped his hands excitedly. "I leave it to the team that has already been appointed—Sumire-san and Sakura-san!"

Boisterous applause filled the class. Some because of passion, partly because of gossip.

"Two class queens who intervened directly!"
"If they made it, it would be really cool!"
"I'm sure other classes won't be able to compete with us."

I took a deep breath, trying to close my ears from the comment. While beside me, Sakura smiled faintly as if enjoying the spotlight.

"Sumire-san, Sakura-san, please prepare the main concept of decoration, okay. Sensei believes you can!" Nanami-sensei added, then left us with a pile of notes.

I looked at the paper, then turned my head towards Sakura. “… You have an idea?"

He leaned his chin on his hand, his eyes shining. "When we talk about retro cafés, I imagine classic chandeliers, wooden tables, and large windows with lace curtains."

I took notes quickly. "It can. We can add an old-style poster, maybe a black and white photo. It's easier to make manually."

"Good. I like the way your brain works," she said with a chuckle.

I glanced at my head. “… Don't say it in that tone."

"What is it like?" He pretended to be innocent, when he was clearly deliberate.

I sighed, went back to writing. Conversations with him are always tiring, but... For some reason, I don't hate it.

That afternoon, a few students including me and Sakura gathered in the multipurpose room to start making decorations. Piles of cardboard, paint, and fabric fill the floor.

"I'm the drawing part, yes!" Haruna immediately cheered while holding a brush. "I trust you two to be the brains of the design."

"I'm so glad you believe so much," I muttered flatly.

Sakura picked up a small brush, then sat down next to me. "In that case, we divide the tasks. I'll sketch out the layout of the room, you determine the details of the colors and textures."

I nodded. "Okay."

We both bowed down on a large piece of paper. Occasionally our hands almost touch when pointing to certain parts. I hurriedly pulled my hand every time it happened, but Sakura didn't seem bothered at all.

"If the walls are made in the style of red brick, would you rather paint or paste?" he asked.

“… Pulp paper. It's faster, and the results are neat."

He nodded. "I agree. As I expected, you always choose the efficient one."

I turned my head. “… Why does it sound like a compliment?"

"Because it's a compliment." His smile reappeared, too natural, too close.

I hurriedly turned my face away, pretending to focus on the notes. A small commotion ensued as some students began to get busy with the paint.

"Wow, the paint is messy!"
"Don't step on the carpet just yet!"
"Haruna, you're mostly glitter!"

I sighed, then stood up to arrange them. "Please don't put paint near the white cloth. If it breaks, we have to restart from scratch."

Sakura stood up, her voice softer but firmer. "The wooden table that was just lifted, don't move it again. That's the position that fits the sketch."

Surprisingly, even though the two of us often disagreed, this time we worked quite synchronously. The other disciples even whispered.

"Look, they're like a managerial couple."
"It's really like we're working together."
"If they were really dating, I wouldn't be surprised."

I massaged my temples. “… This gossip will never go away, will it?"

Sakura turned her head, her voice almost whispering. "Is it a big deal if the gossip is true?"

I immediately turned my head quickly, my face was hot. “… Stop talking stupid."

He just chuckled softly, then went back to focusing on his work.

As night approached, the windows of the multipurpose room began to darken. Some of the students went home first, leaving only a few people.

"I think that's enough for today," I said as I tidied up the notes.

"Agreed. Tomorrow we will continue again." Sakura stood up, then clapped her hands to clean up the remaining paper dust.

We went out together. The school hallway was silent, only the sound of our footsteps could be heard. Dim neon lights reflect shadows on the floor.

“… Actually, you're pretty reliable," I muttered softly.

Sakura turned her head quickly, her expression satisfied. "This is the first time I've heard a compliment from Sumire Akari."

"I didn't say it was a compliment," I said hurriedly.

"It's too late. I've thought of it that way."

I sighed. This girl really can't be taken seriously.

But deep down, I have to admit—the cooperation with him wasn't as bad as I had imagined.

After returning from school, I went straight to my room. A decorative notebook was still open on the table, sketchy scribbles filled the pages.

I stared at it for a long time, as if I could find the answer just by staring at those lines. But what came to my mind was not a wooden table, a chandelier, or a lace curtain.

All that appeared was that smile. The silver smile that I see too often these days. I let out a deep sigh, closed the notebook quickly, and then laid my body down on the mattress. The ceiling of the room felt empty, but my head was too crowded.

"Why did I become like this..." I hummed softly.

Usually, after school I can immediately focus on homework or reading novels in the home library. But since the sports festival, and getting worse after the preparations for the cultural festival started, my mind always revolved in the same direction.

Sakura Airi.

I turned around, sinking my face into the pillow. “… It's really annoying."

Knock knock.

My room door was knocked.

"Um... A-Anu, Kak Akari~!" the cheerful voice clearly belonged to Himari. "Can I come in?"

I hurriedly sat down. “… What's wrong?"

Without waiting for an answer, the door opened. Himari stepped in with an excited face, followed by Renji who was playing a portable game console.

"Sister! My friends told me that they saw Sakura coming home with Akari!" Himari immediately looked at me with a meaningful look. "That's right, huh?"

I stiffened. “… Hahh! Who did you hear from?"

"My friend at the basketball club! He said Sakura walked behind you, and then finally took a step. "It looks like a romantic drama!" Himari giggled in amusement.

Renji chimed in without looking away from his game. "If I saw Sakura's in the magazine yesterday. How do you feel about the fact that you are so close to Akashi? It's like a different world."

“… Renji." I glared at him.

"What?" He pretended to be innocent.

I massaged my temples. “… Nothing. Don't make up weird stories."

Himari narrowed his eyes. "Your face is red, my dear."

I quickly covered my face with a pillow. "Get out!"

My two sisters laughed out loud before running away from the room. The sound of the door closing left silence again, but my heart had not yet calmed down.

I looked down, looking at the phone on the table. A LINE notification appears.

From: Sakura Airi

"Have you reached home?"

My heart was pounding. My fingers hesitated to touch the screen. Why did he have to write such a simple message, but the effect felt overwhelming?

I typed briefly.

"Yes."

Reply came quickly.

"Are you tired?"

I bit my lip. Why does he have to ask me things that make it hard for me to be cold?

"Normal."

Soon, another reply came in.

"If you're too tired, I can help you more tomorrow. Don't hesitate."

I was silent for a long time, staring at the screen. The words are simple, but... warm. I finally put down my phone, choosing not to reply again. But my heartbeat still hasn't calmed down.

The next morning, I arrived at school early again. The cold air slapped me in the face, but I was grateful the corridor was still quiet.

I wish I could sit in class without distractions, even if it's just for a while.

However, when I opened the door of the classroom, there was already someone there.

“… You again."

Sakura Airi sat sweetly in her chair, her silver hair in the morning light, as if she was waiting for my arrival. His faint smile appeared as soon as our eyes met.

"Good morning, Akari."

I put the bag on the table, throwing away my face. “… Why do you always come faster?"

"Because I know you like to come early since these few days." He leaned his chin on his arm. "I just want to keep you company."

I was silent. The words were too light, but also too honest.

“… You're really stubborn."

He smiled. "If it makes me able to always be near you, I'll continue to be stubborn."

I lowered my head, pretending to be busy opening the notebook. But deep down, I knew—My days would never be the same.

That afternoon, the atmosphere of the multipurpose room was again crowded with the preparation of the festival. The students are busy cutting paper, painting, gluing fabric. I was busy arranging the color details, while Sakura took care of the lighting.

"The lights are hung higher, yes. Let the atmosphere be more felt," he said while giving instructions to the male students who were climbing the stairs.

I glanced at my head. “… You do know how to lead."

He turned his head quickly, smiling contentedly. "That's another compliment, right?"

I hurriedly lowered my head. “… Don't get me wrong."

He chuckled, returning to focus on his work.

Haruna, who saw from afar, immediately seduced. "You two are really a class manager couple! It's a good fit, I swear."

I looked at him coldly. “… Haruna."

He just laughed, clearly not intending to stop.

In the evening, after all the students went home, I opened the notebook in the room again. Decoration streaks are getting fuller. But between those lines, I saw his shadow again.

His silver smile, his violet gaze, the simple words that for some reason always left a mark.

I closed the book, staring out the window. The night sky was full of stars, but my mind was still busy.

“… I just want to live quietly," I whispered.

However, the harder I tried to deny it, the clearer the reality appeared.

Sakura Airi is no longer just a rival.
He was a shadow that was always on my mind. And I began to realize—Maybe I no longer really wanted to get away from him.