Chapter 3: Decorations, Rumors

The next day, the sky was clear with no clouds. I walked towards school with slow steps, trying to enjoy the morning breeze. Usually, I like it when the air is fresh like this—before the corridor is crowded, before the sound of gossip sticks to my ears.

But these days, that calm is only an illusion. As soon as I entered the gate area, I could feel the same gaze as yesterday. Some of the disciples whispered as they turned their heads towards me. Some smiled mischievously, some openly pointed.

“… I'm used to it," I whispered, despite the fact that I wasn't really used to it.

I took a quick step, passing through the crowded hallway. Some of the kids from other classes even pushed each other just to be able to glance at me. I pretended not to care, lowered my head and sped up my pace.

When he opened the classroom door, of course—he was already there.

Sakura Airi.

Her silver hair glittered, dazzling eyes that weren't ready to receive the morning light. He sat quietly, one hand supporting his chin, turning his head as soon as I entered. His thin smile appeared like a morning ritual that never failed.

"Good morning, Akari."

I sighed softly, placing the bag on the table. “… Morning."

"It's still the same, yes." He chuckled a little. "I wonder, how can such a short answer sound sweet every time it comes out of your mouth."

I turned my head quickly. “… What do you mean?"

He just shook his head, his eyes shining. "Don't think about it. I'm quite happy to hear it."

I chose not to respond anymore, opening the notebook as if I was busy. However, I could feel his gaze still piercing from the side.

Why did he never get tired of staring?

The first hour of the lesson was slow. The teacher writes the formula on the board, and the students look down on the notes. I tried to focus, even though the occasional whisper sounded in the background.

"Well, you said they were going to be the ones to take care of the decorations, didn't they?"
"Yes! I saw yesterday that the two of them were busy arranging the details. It's a good fit."
"If our classroom booth is the best, everyone will say it's because of them."

I tapped the tip of the pencil on the book. The sounds stick like a stain that is difficult to remove.

Sakura leaned over slightly, whispering softly. "They're not wrong, you know."

I turned my head sharply. “… What?"

"If our class wins, it's indeed your blessing." He smiled faintly, his tone light but honest. "I just want to make sure you know that."

My face is hot. I hurriedly lowered my head, scribbling numbers on the paper meaninglessly. “… Don't talk stupid."

He chuckled again, clearly satisfied with my reaction.

When the recess bell sounds, the class immediately turns into a night market. The sound of laughter, the squeaking of the chair, and the footsteps mixed into one.

I had just closed the notebook when Haruna came straight over.
"Akari!" He patted the table excitedly. "Did you hear? There's a new rumor about festival decorations!"

I looked at him tiredly. “… What else this time?"

"He said, there is a possibility that the committee will choose one of the booths to be the main highlight of the school. If that happens, our class will definitely win because of the two of you!" Haruna shined, her eyes shining full of drama.

“… I didn't even know there was such a competition."

"Yes, it has not been officially announced. But that's the gossip." He nudged my shoulder. "If our class is chosen, the two of you will become more famous. Maybe the school magazine will make a special page about you!"

I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling dizzy. “… Haruna, please don't add gossip material."

"But the gossip is fun, you know!" He giggled.

Sakura, who was sitting casually next to me, chimed in with a light tone. "I don't mind, instead look forward to it."

Haruna immediately applauded. "Look?! Sakura-san agreed! Akari, you also have to be more enthusiastic!"

I turned my head quickly. “… I'll just do my part."

Sakura leaned over, her voice almost whispering. "Then let me make my part taste good for you."

I was choked. Haruna, who heard that, immediately closed her mouth holding back laughter, clearly enjoying this drama.

“… The two of you are really like a couple in a shojo manga," he said finally.

I just lowered my head, piercing the lunch lunch with chopsticks. There are not enough words to deny, even if I wanted to.

In the afternoon, the multipurpose room was crowded again. Colorful papers were scattered on the floor, paint was sticking to the end of the table, the sound of laughter mixed with the smell of glue.

I sat at a long table, writing down a list of additional needs. "We need more white cloth for the curtains. And—"

"I've already taken note." Sakura sat next to me, writing quickly on another piece of paper. "I've also had the boys measure the length of the wall for the backdrop."

I turned my head briefly. “… You're fast too."

He smiled. "I don't want to make you wait."

I hurriedly lowered my head again. “… You're too confident."

"Confident because I know we're a good team."

I held my breath, not knowing what to reply.

Haruna, who was busy painting in the corner of the room, suddenly exclaimed. "Hey, look! They're like a pair of managers again!"

The whole room turned towards us. I could feel my face heat up, while Sakura just smiled casually.

“… Haruna," I decided.

He just giggled, clearly not intending to stop.

That night, I returned to my room. The decoration notebook is open again on the table. I stared at a page full of scribbling, but what I saw was not just a sketch. All I saw were the shadow of silver hair, violet gazes, and a faint smile that appeared in my head too often.

I closed the book, then looked out the window. The night sky was studded with stars, but my mind was not at ease.

“… Sakura Airi." His name just came out of my lips.

I lowered my head, pressing my face with both hands. "Why did I become like this..."

That morning, I woke up later than usual. Maybe it's because I stat at a blank notebook for too long last night, or maybe it's because one name keeps echoing in my head.

Sakura Airi.

I covered my face with a pillow. “… Why did I mumble his name!"

However, no matter how hard I tried to deny it, the shadow kept appearing. A faint smile, a violet gaze, a soft voice that for some reason always pierced my cold defenses.

I finally gave up, got up from the bed, and got ready to make my move. My hair was a little tangled, but I was lazy to tidy it up perfectly. The important thing is not to be late for class.

At the school gate, the atmosphere was already crowded. The students ran around, some joking while shaking bags. I lowered my head, trying to avoid the gazes that followed me too often.

However, still the whisper was heard.
"Eh, it's Sumire-san."
"He said he came home with Sakura-san yesterday, didn't he?"
"Wow, it's more suitable. It's like a school diploma."

I gritted my teeth, stepping quickly past them.

"I hate this!"

As soon as I opened the classroom door, the scene I had expected welcomed me. Sakura sat in her chair quietly, one hand supporting her chin. As soon as his eyes met mine, that faint smile appeared again.

"Good morning, Akari."

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

"It's still short, yes." He chuckled softly. "But I'm used to it."

I opened my notebook loudly, as if I was busy writing. However, his gaze felt so clear beside me. It was as if I couldn't dodge even if I looked down no matter how deeply.

The first lesson went slowly. The teacher wrote the formula on the board, some students yawned, others were busy chatting quietly. I tried to focus, even though every whisper behind me sounded more piercing.

"If our classroom booth is the main highlight, it must be because of Sumire-san and Sakura-san."
"Yes, they both seem to be destined to be together."
"Very well, I swear."

I tapped a pencil on the book, trying to erase the sound. Sakura leaned over slightly, whispering softly. "They're not wrong, you know." I turned my head quickly. “… What do you mean?"

"If our class is successful, it is indeed your blessing. I just make sure everyone is aware of that."

I hurriedly lowered my head, crossing out meaningless numbers. “… Stop talking stupid!"

She just smiled in satisfaction, obviously enjoying my reaction.

When the recess bell sounds, the class immediately turns into a night market. The sound of the chair shifting, boisterous laughter, and the smell of lunch mixed into one.

Haruna immediately approached with an excited step. "Akari! Did you know? He said, the best booth can be the highlight of the school magazine!"

I looked at him tiredly. “… Haruna, where did you get the gossip from this time?"

"Yes, anyway, gossip is circulating." He nudged my shoulder mischievously. "If our class is chosen, it means that the two of you will become more famous. Just imagine, the front page of the school magazine is full of pictures of you!"

I closed my eyes for a moment, feeling dizzy. “… I don't need that."

Sakura who was sitting casually next to me instead chimed in with a light tone. "I'm looking forward to it. It would be interesting if our photos were on display together."

Haruna immediately shined. "Look?! Sakura-san agreed! Akari, you have to be more enthusiastic!"

I turned my head sharply. “… I'm just going to do my job."

Sakura leaned back slightly, her voice almost whispering. "In that case, let me make my task feel fun for you."

I choked up, face hot. Haruna closed her mouth, holding back a loud laugh. "The two of you are really like a shojo manga couple. Oh, I swear, I'm not strong!"

I lowered my head deeply, piercing the rice with chopsticks. There are not enough words to deny, even if I wanted to.

Just then, a cold sound rang out from behind.

"Noisy bastard."

We turned our heads in unison. Mizuki stood with her hands folded, her gaze flat but piercing. Her long black hair was curled in half, giving the impression of being neat but firm.

"Every day I hear your names mentioned. In the canteen, in the corridor, even in the classroom. It's as if this cultural festival is just about the two of you."

I was silent. His words do sound spicy, but there is truth in them.

Sakura turned her head with a relaxed expression. "If that's the case, why not be more active? That way, other people's names will also be heard."

Mizuki stared back sharply. "I'm not interested in running a cheap popularity race."

The atmosphere of the table froze. Haruna hurriedly waved. "O-oi, don't do that! We are one class. If we succeed, we will succeed together, right?"

Mizuki just snorted, then walked away without looking back.

I lowered my head, sighing deeply. “… Why is everyone fussing about things like this."

Sakura just smiled faintly. "Because you're different. It makes you shine even more."

I turned my head quickly, my face heated up again. “… You really can't stop talking as you please."

He just chuckled, clearly satisfied with my reaction.

Haruna closed her mouth again, but the small laugh escaped her. "You two swear it's like a live shojo scene. I want to record every second of your interactions!"

I looked at him sharply. “… Haruna."

He just shrugged, his face full of triumph.

The afternoon multipurpose room was almost like an unmaintained warehouse. The floor was littered with used newspaper to accommodate paint spills, cardboard piled up in the corners, and the noisy sounds of pupils mixed with the pungent smell of glue.

I sat down at a long table, carefully writing down a list of additional needs. "We need more white cloth for the curtains. And maybe marble paper for the backdrop—"

"I've already taken note," Sakura said before I finished speaking. She sat right next to me, her hand deftly writing on another piece of paper. "I have also asked the children to measure the length of the wall. The results can be installed tomorrow."

I turned my head briefly, a little surprised. “… You're fast too."

He looked at me with a satisfied look, his smile thin but dangerous. "I don't want to make you wait."

I hurriedly threw away my face, lowering my head back to my notes. “… You're too confident."

"Confident because I know we are a good team," he replied lightly.

I was silent. His words sounded light, but somehow left a strange mark on my chest.

Woi, don't paint too much on your brush!"
I told you, don't stick the paper on the wall before it dries!"
"Haruna, you're once again wrong to paste glitter!"

The atmosphere in the room was getting more chaotic. Some children are busy screaming, others are frantically cleaning paint stains from the fabric.

I let out a long sigh, then stood up. "Hey, if the paint hasn't dried, don't move it yet. And please keep the fabric material away from the paint area. If it breaks, we have to restart from scratch."

My voice may sound flat, but it turns out to be enough to make them pause. The students hurriedly nodded and went back to work more carefully.

Next to me, Sakura also stood. His tone was softer but just as firm. "The backdrop that has been installed should not be shifted again. That's the position that fits the sketch."

The students nodded again, this time more steadily. I glanced at my head. “… You are very reliable."

He turned his head quickly, his smile appearing again. "That's a compliment, right?"

"I didn't say so."

"It's too late. I'll take it as a compliment!"

I sighed, pretending to be busy tidying up the papers on the table.

Meanwhile, Haruna, who was sitting on the floor with a brush in her hand, suddenly cheered. "Hey, look! They're like a pair of class managers!"

The whole room immediately turned towards us. I could feel my face heat up, while Sakura just smiled casually, as if really enjoying the spotlight.

“… Haruna." My tone sounded like a threat.

He just giggled, then went back to scribbling the poster with satisfaction. I looked down, massaging my temples. The girl really didn't know when to shut up.

Time flies. The sky outside the window began to turn orange, then slowly faded to purple. The students one by one said goodbye, leaving the room.

"Today is enough to get here. Tomorrow we will continue," said one of the class leaders.

In an instant, the room that had been crowded turned quiet. Only the sound of footsteps remaining, and then the door closed gently.

I was still sitting in a chair, staring at the scattered notes. “… There is still a lot to prepare."

"Yes, but you also need to rest."

Sakura was still beside me, her eyes staring straight ahead. Her silver hair reflected the light of the room light that was starting to dim.

I lowered my head, tidying up the papers one by one. “… You didn't come home?"

"Not if you haven't come home yet." The answer was so fast, as if it had been prepared.

I turned my head briefly. “… That's a stupid excuse."

"Stupid, but honest." His faint smile appeared again.

I hurriedly threw away my face, putting the notes in the bag. But as I stood up, my hand accidentally touched his hand on the table.

I immediately pulled my hand quickly. “… Sorry."

He just chuckled. "You're always reactive, Akari."

“… And you're always annoying."

However, my steps felt heavy after that. There was something left over from that brief touch, something that was too hard to ignore. We walked down the empty school hallway. The neon lights flickered dimly, long shadows formed on the floor.

“… Actually, you're not as bad as I imagined," I muttered quietly, almost like talking to myself.

Sakura turned her head quickly, her eyes glowing with satisfaction. "I just got another compliment from Sumire Akari."

"That's not a compliment," I said hurriedly.

"It's too late. I'll take it that way."

I let out a long sigh. This girl really can't be taken seriously. However, in my heart, I have to admit—The cooperation with him is not as bad as I imagined. In fact, it is too dangerous.

The night air greeted us as soon as we came out of the school gate. The sky was already dark blue, street lights were lit one by one, and the faint sound of crickets rang out in the distance.

I stepped slowly, the bag on my shoulders feeling heavier than usual. Maybe not because of books or notes, but because of the thoughts that accumulate throughout the day.

Sakura walked beside me, her steps light as if she never got tired. Her silver hair sparkled in the streetlights, making her look in contrast to the darkness of the night.

“… Why are you still here?" I asked finally, turning my head to look at it.

"Because our house is in the same direction," he replied quickly. "Or rather, I deliberately adjusted my steps so that I could walk with you."

I held back my sigh. “… It's not necessary."

"But I want to." His faint smile appeared again, too casual for a serious conversation.

We walked past a row of shops that had closed their doors, leaving only the light of the lights from the small storefront. A few students from other schools passed by laughing, occasionally glancing at us. I could hear faint whispers.

"It's Sumire-san and Sakura-san, right?"
"Oh my gosh, they even went home together!"
"Like a real couple..."

I bit my lip, quickening my pace. “… That gossip will never go away if you keep sticking to me."

"In that case, let the gossip remain," he replied lightly. "I don't mind."

I turned my head quickly, face hot. “… You really—"

"—annoying?" He finished my sentence with a mischievous smile. "I'm used to hearing it from you."

I let out a long sigh. There is no point in arguing.

We arrived at the junction of the road. Sakura paused for a moment, then looked at me with violet eyes that were too clear. "Until here, the road separates, yes."

I nodded briefly. “… Yes."

He smiled faintly. "See you tomorrow, Akari-Chan~."

I threw away my face, then walked quickly without looking back. However, for some reason, I could feel his gaze stay on my back until my steps disappeared around the corner.

As soon as I opened the door of the house, a noisy voice immediately greeted me.

"Kak Akari is coming home~!" Himari ran over with a cheerful face, followed by Renji who was still busy with his game console.

I took off my shoes, then patted Himari on the head gently. "I'm going home."

"I saw it from the window, Sakura walking with Akari again!" Himari immediately shone, his eyes full of meaning. "Eh, you're getting closer, huh?"

I stiffened. “… Don't talk carelessly."

Renji lifted his head from his game, staring flat. "But I also saw it, really. Sakura is even waiting for Kak Akari at the T-junction."

freeze. “… How do you two know everything?"

Himari giggled. "Because it's easy to guess! Sakura has always been close to Sakura. Everyone at school knows too."

I covered my face with my hands. “… I'm tired. Don't bother."

Renji nodded. "But it's funny, you know. Kak Akari who is usually cold so often blushing because of Kak Sakura."

“… Renji." My gaze was sharp, but he pretended to be focused on his game again.

Himari elbowed me slowly. "Sister, to be honest. You like Sakura, don't you?"

"I—no!" I replied quickly, perhaps too quickly.

Himari immediately giggled loudly. "If you answer that quickly, it means the answer is yes, right?"

I looked at him flatly. “… Get out of my room before I get angry."

The two immediately laughed out loud, then fled to the living room. Their voices still sounded faint, mocking me in a way that only younger siblings could.

I walked into the room, closing the door harder than usual. The decoration notebook is still open on the table. Sketch streaks fill the yard, the lines of chandeliers, wooden tables, lace curtains. But when I looked at it, what popped into my head wasn't a decoration.

All that appeared was the silver smile.

I lay down on the bed, staring at the ceiling of the room. “… Why did I become like this."

My hand lifted slowly, touching the cheek that felt warm. My heart was beating faster than usual.

I try to remember the days before all this started. The days when I could sit in the library undisturbed, when school gossip didn't stick to my ears, when I was only known as Sumire Akari—not a "rival couple" with Sakura Airi.

However, the harder I tried to imagine it, the more vague it became. Because now, every time I think of school, class, even home... His shadow is always there.

“… Sakura Airi." His name just came out of my lips.

I covered my face with a pillow, trying to banish the thought. But it is getting stronger.

My days can't go back to normal. And even though I continue to deny it, deep in my heart... I began to wonder if I really wanted to go back.

The night was getting late. From outside the window, the sound of crickets was still heard, accompanying my restless heartbeat. I closed my eyes, but the shadow remained. The thin smile, the violet gaze, the light voice that was too honest, made me not sure if I really hated her.