Chapter 4: Why Are You Always There?

I was lying on the mattress with my face still covered by the pillow. The air in the room was supposed to be soothing, but it felt crowded. The sound of Himari and Renji's laughter in the living room was still faintly audible, like an echo they deliberately made just to annoy me.

“… It really sucks," I muttered softly, my voice muffled by the pillow.

I turned around, staring at the ceiling of the room. The light of the study table lamp illuminates the decoration notebook that is still open on the table. Sketches of chandeliers, lace curtains, and wooden tables were clearly displayed, but my focus was never really there.

All that appeared in my head was the silver hair that glistened under the street lights, and that light sound.

See you tomorrow, Akari-chan.

"Why do I even remember it clearly..."

Knock knock.

The sound of a knock on the door made me turn my head immediately.

"What else?" he asked lazily.

The door opened slightly, Himar's face peeked out with a jail smile. "Sister, can you come in?"

I snorted. "You went in first before being asked."

She giggled, then stepped in while carrying a small bolster pillow. "I'm staying here tonight!"

"What? No!" I immediately sat down. "Your room is there."

"But I want to sleep with you~," she snorted. "I'd like to hear your story about Sakura."

I froze. “… There is no story whatsoever."

Himari immediately hugged her bolster pillow tightly, looking at me suspiciously. "A lie. If it's nothing, why was Sister's face so red when I told her I liked it?"

I covered my face with my hands. "Himari, seriously. I'm tired. Tomorrow there will be a school. So, get out."

"But—"

Suddenly Renji's voice came from outside the room. "Don't disturb, Himari. Let Kak Akari rest. If Sakura finds out, she'll be jealous."

The door immediately opened wider, Renji stood there playing his game console. His gaze was flat, but clearly intentionally fishing.

I looked at him sharply. “… Do you want me to play your game?"

He nodded. "H-H-H-H-heh, you got caught. Okay, okay, I'm leaving."

Himari stammered, then came out with a heavy step. "I'll ask you again tomorrow, my dear." Don't run away!"

As soon as the door was tightly closed, I immediately dropped my body onto the mattress again. It feels like the war against two bad boys is over. I stared at the ceiling, then pulled the blanket over my head.

“… Why does everyone arbitrarily associate me with him."

But even as I tried to complain, his name again appeared on my lips.

Sakura Airi

I closed my eyes, but the shadows became clearer. Her thin smile, violet gaze, and relaxed voice that somehow felt always honest.

Morning came sooner than I expected. The alarm rang loudly, making me jump a little. I groped the table, turning it off roughly.

“… Ugh." I sat with my hair still messy.

A voice from the kitchen was already heard. Himari and Renji are obviously waking up faster than me today. I washed my face as a makeshift and went down to the dining room.

"Good morning, Sister!" Himari was already sitting neatly while chewing on toast.

Renji looked at me for a moment from behind the console that he still brought to the dining table. “… Morning."

I sat down, pulling the chair lazily. "What breakfast is today?"

"Omelet, miso soup, toast." Himari pointed to the plate in front of me. "I made the eggs! E-eh, even though the shape is a little scorched."

I stared at the omelet, which was indeed a bit overly browned on the edge. “… It's still edible, it seems."

Renji snorted. "Kak Akari is strange. Burnt eggs are said to still be edible, but when it comes to Sakura, it's a little blushing."

I almost choked. “… R-R-R-Renji!"

Himari immediately giggled, patting the table. "That's right! Yesterday was the same thing, right? Just mention his name, Kak Akari immediately misbehaved!"

I covered my face with both hands. "You guys really..."

Renji shrugged. "Well, that's the reality. If you don't like it, you shouldn't be walking with him."

"That's a coincidence! Our house is indeed in the same direction," I said quickly.

Himari grinned. "Would you mind if I came home with you every day?"

I was silent for a while, then turned my face away. “… I can't control that."

The two immediately cheered small, clearly satisfied.

I let out a long sigh, then stood up from the chair. "I'm leaving first."

"Eh, Sister! Later, it's still very early," Himari exclaimed.

"There are many decoration tasks. I have to come early."

Renji looked at me flatly. "Or do you really want to see Sakura sooner?"

I turned my head sharply. “… "Renji, seriously, I'm going to confiscate your game if you talk again."

He just nodded. "Alright, alright. Be careful, Sister."

I grabbed my bag and stepped out of the house. The morning air was still cold, but my steps felt heavy. All of their words kept spinning in their heads.

I really hope that today can be calm.

Of course, my hopes immediately collapsed.

As soon as I got to the school, opened the classroom door... Sakura was already there. Sitting relaxed in his chair, one hand supporting his chin, his thin smile appeared as soon as his eyes met mine.

"Good morning, Akari."

I stood stiffly at the door for a while, then stepped in. “… You always come first."

"So I can say hello to you first."

I put the bag on the table rather hard. “… No need."

"But I want to." The answer is exactly the same as last night.

I took a deep breath, trying to focus on opening the notebook. However, his gaze felt piercing from the side, making me unable to calm down.

I finally turned my head briefly. “… Why are you always looking at me?"

He just smiled. "Because it makes my morning feel complete."

I choked up, then hurriedly threw away my face. “… Stop talking stupid."

He chuckled softly, clearly satisfied. "If you react like that, I'll never stop."

I massaged my temples. The day had just begun, and I was already feeling tired.

The doorbell rings. The class was slowly filled with the noisy sounds of other students. Haruna immediately approached as soon as he saw me.

"Akari! You look even earlier today. Eh, don't worry..." She turned her head towards Sakura, then grinned. “… You two made an appointment?"

I looked at him flatly. “… Hahhhh! No."

Sakura was relaxed. "If so, what's wrong?"

Haruna patted the table hard, almost jumping for joy. "Oh my gosh, you're like an official couple in school, you know? I want to make a fan club!"

I closed my eyes, trying not to explode. “… Haruna."

She just giggled, then sat down at her own desk while continuing to glance at us.

Sakura leaned over slightly, whispering. "Fanclub, huh? It seems interesting."

I immediately turned my head sharply. “… Don't you dare."

He chuckled a little, then leaned back casually. "Alright, I'm kidding."

I let out a long sigh. But deep down, I knew—today had just begun, and it seemed like it was going to be just as exhausting as it was yesterday.

The atmosphere of the class became more crowded after all the students entered. Tables were pushed to the side, some students were busy sticking colored paper on the decoration board, some were cutting long cloth to be used as curtains. The smell of glue, paper, and noisy sounds mixed together, making the classroom more like a work workshop than a place to study.

I opened the decoration notes, trying to focus. I drew the pencil lines last night, just add details. I want to finish quickly, so that I can go home without having to be forced to be "together" again.

"Akariii~!" Haruna's voice immediately cut off my daydream. He approached with a pile of ribbons in his hand. "Can you please make a ribbon knot pattern from yesterday?"

I sighed. "Love here."

He immediately handed over the ribbons, his face lit up. "You are indeed reliable. If I had made it, it would have been a paper ball instead of a ribbon."

I didn't answer, just started working with my hands. Tying a knot is not difficult, it just takes patience.

But my focus was shattered when a voice that was too close was heard in my ears.

"Simpu—l's good."

I turned my head quickly. Sakura was already standing right next to me, her face too close. "W-Don't suddenly appear here!"

He smiled faintly. "I just looked. You're so serious, Akari."

“… Because I want to finish quickly."

"In that case, let me help." Without waiting for approval, he took a ribbon from my hand.

I almost protested, but Sakura easily formed a neat knot in a matter of seconds. He then showed it with a satisfied expression. "See? Just as good, right?"

I was silent for a while. “… Not bad."

"Not bad? I think it's perfect."

Haruna, who had been paying attention since earlier, immediately exclaimed. "Kyaaa~ a couple of decorations! You should be the team leader together!"

I turned my head sharply. “… Haruna."

He pretended to keep his mouth shut. "Oops, sorry, sorry. But seriously, you guys are a good fit."

I sighed. "We are just working together. That's all."

Sakura instead looked at me with a big smile, clearly not intending to deny or defend herself. His calm attitude actually made me even more upset.

Several other disciples began to glance at us. I could hear small whispers.

"It's Sumire-san and Sakura-san, right? They're really close, yes."

"I thought it was just gossip."

"Eh, maybe they...?"

I covered my face with my hands. Why does this always happen?

"Scarf." Sakura's voice again. "You're red, you know."

I turned my head quickly. "B-It's none of your business!"

He just chuckled softly, then went back to tying the ribbon.

Haruna leaned back on the table, looking at me meaningfully. "Do you know, Akari? I have rarely seen you can cooperate with other people like this. Usually you prefer to be alone."

I was silent, hands paused for a moment. “… Is it wrong?"

"It's not wrong, anyway." Haruna grinned. "Just... It seems like there's one person who can get you out of your comfort zone."

I looked at him flatly. "I'm not out of nowhere. I'm just... forced."

Sakura smiled faintly. "If that's true, then I won't stop forcing you."

I almost dropped the ribbon from my hand. “… You really—"

"—Annoying?" he finished my sentence with a calm expression.

Haruna immediately laughed out loud. "Oh my gosh! I swear to God, you're like a college football player. The dialogue is also very suitable."

I wanted to disappear right then.

A few hours passed. The decorations are taking shape, large boards with colorful fabrics have begun to cover the walls of the classroom. The other students were busy laughing and joking, even though the work was still piling up.

I sat for a while in the chair, sighing. My hands ached from tying the ribbon for too long.

"Tired?" Sakura voice again.

I turned my head lazily. “… A little."

He put a drinking bottle on my desk. "Drink. I bought it in the canteen."

I stared at the bottle for a moment. “… Why are you always like this?"

"How is this?"

“… Too much attention."

He looked at me with a serious expression, for the first time without a smile. "If I don't do it, who else?"

I was silent. His words penetrated deeper than they should. I hurriedly picked up the bottle, opening the lid quickly. “… Thank you."

His thin smile reappeared. "You're welcome."

Haruna, who was sitting on the bench next to him, immediately patted the table. "Oh my gosh! It's like a rom-com, you know?"

I almost choked. "Haruna! Can you stop commenting on everything?"

He just giggled. "You can't. I'm too entertained."

Break time arrived. Most of the students left class, some went to the canteen, some went to the field. I was still sitting, trying to tidy up my notes. Sakura remained seated in her chair, but her gaze was clearly directed towards me.

"What else?" I asked, without turning my head.

"No. I just thought... You look different when you're serious."

I turned my head quickly. "B-What's the difference?"

"More beautiful."

I froze. “… You—"

"—blushing again," he cut off, a mischievous expression reappearing.

I immediately stood up. "I'm going to the canteen!"

Haruna immediately exclaimed. "Eh, wait! I'm coming!"

I quickly stepped out of the classroom, leaving the sound of Sakura and Haruna's laughter behind. My heart was still pounding, my cheeks were hot.

“… That person is really shameless."

In the corridor, some of the disciples turned their heads as I passed. A faint whisper again followed my steps.

"It's Sumire-san, huh? She's always with Sakura-san."

"I heard they go home together almost every day."

"Like a real couple..."

I bit my lip, quickening my pace.

Until when will all this continue?

I walked quickly down the corridor, trying to get out of the way of the other disciples' gaze. The sound of whispers that kept following me made my ears warm. It was as if the gossip was already in the air, impossible to ignore.

"Akariii~!" Haruna who followed from behind finally managed to catch up with me. His breath was a bit panting. "You're running so fast, I'm almost running, you know?"

I glanced at it. “… Why are you coming?"

"Of course, I don't want to miss out on the exciting drama!" He smirked widely, feeling completely innocent. "After all, I want to see your expression when you're in the canteen. Kalau-kalau..." Haruna looked back with a meaningful smile. “… Sakura followed."

I stopped my steps for a moment. “… T-T-T-impossible!"

Before I had time to add another word, a voice that was too familiar to be heard.

"Why are you two walking so fast?"

Haruna and I turned our heads together. And sure enough—Sakura was standing at the end of the corridor, her faint smile completely unchanged.

"Look, right?!" Haruna almost jumped for joy. "I told him what to do, and he must have been there!"

I squeezed the bag strap tighter. “… You don't have to come here."

"I happened to be passing by," he replied casually. "After all, if you guys go to the canteen, why don't I come along?"

Haruna patted me on the shoulder hard. "Agreed! Let's eat together, it's a great opportunity to—uhm—strengthen the decoration team!"

I looked at him sharply. “… Teamwork, huh."

Sakura just chuckled softly. "Then come on."

The canteen was already crowded when we arrived. The noisy sound of laughter, the rushing of steps, and the smell of food mixed into one. The three of us sat at an empty table by the window. Haruna quickly bought the sandwiches, while I only brought a small supply from home.

Sakura sat right in front of me. The violet's gaze pierced again, making it difficult for me to open the lunch box quietly.

"What?" I asked finally, holding back a stern tone.

"No." He leaned back casually. "I just feel... We've never sat down to eat together like this."

I snorted. “… And that's a big thing for you?"

"Pretty big." He smiled faintly. "Because this is the first time I've seen you eat in front of me."

I almost choked on myself. “… You—do you always pay attention to such trivial things?"

"If it's about you, yes."

I hurriedly lowered my head, piercing the food with chopsticks harder than necessary. My cheeks were hot, and I was sure my face was already red.

Haruna returned with the sandwich, immediately looking at us alternately. "Uh, uh, why does it feel like a date?"

"B-B-B-B-No!" I exclaimed spontaneously.

Sakura remained calm. "If so, what's wrong?"

"!" I almost stood up from the chair.

Haruna patted the table hard, making some of the disciples turn their heads. "Oh my gosh! I'm not strong anymore. I swear you should have made it official!"

Whispers began to appear around. I could hear the snippets of the sentence.

"Seriously, they're like a real couple."

"I've been suspicious for a long time, anyway."

"Oh my gosh, Sumire-san is so angry, it's so cute!"

I wanted to disappear right then.

After eating, we went back to class. I walked faster, hoping to escape first. But Sakura stayed with her calm pace, as if the distance between us had never existed.

As I sat down, Haruna leaned towards me. "Hey, Scott."

"What else."

He lowered his voice, clearly wanting to make the atmosphere more dramatic. "If this gossip gets bigger, what do you do?"

I fell silent, my fingers tapping the table slowly. “… I don't know."

"Eh, seriously?" Haruna raised an eyebrow. "Usually you always have a plan for everything."

I looked down, staring at the decoration notebook. The images of the chandeliers there suddenly felt so far from my mind.

“… Plans are useless if the person is always messing with them."

"That person?" Haruna glanced at Sakura.

I hurriedly closed the book. “… Forget it."

Afternoon class hours are slow. For some reason, I had a hard time concentrating. Sakura's occasional glance made me even more uneasy. Haruna also didn't stop smiling every time he caught that moment.

When the final bell rang, the class was low. Some students cheered, others immediately packed up.

I grabbed my bag quickly. Today I have to go home immediately. Don't let gossip get worse.

But of course, my hopes were again dashed.

"Akari," the voice sounded right beside me. "You're going home now?"

I stopped. “… Yes."

"Let's go together."

I turned my head quickly. "Not necessarily. Your house isn't always in the same direction as mine, is it?"

"Otherwise, I can adjust."

I sighed, staring straight ahead. “… Why are you always like this?"

He looked at me seriously, without a smile this time. "Because I don't want to miss the opportunity. If I just kept quiet, I'd lose the moment with you."

My heart was pounding. His words were too honest, too close to something I had been trying to avoid.

Haruna suddenly appeared beside us, her face lit up. "Okay, I don't want to be a nuisance anymore. You two just go home! Just consider it a bonus from the school gossip committee."

I turned my head sharply. "Haruna!"

He just chuckled, waved and then left.

Now it's just me and Sakura. The atmosphere of the classroom that had been noisy felt silent between us.

“… If you keep pushing, do as you please," I finally said, giving up.

Sakura smiled faintly. "It's already better than rejection."

We both walked out of the school gate. The afternoon sky was orange, the sunlight highlighted her silver hair until it sparkled.

I took a quick step, trying to ignore the increasingly chaotic heartbeat.

“… Sakura."

"Hm?"

"If this gossip continues to spread, won't it trouble you too?"

He turned his head, his face calm. "No. I don't mind."

“… Why?"

"Because I know the gossip isn't entirely wrong."

I stopped, looking at him with wide eyes. “… H-H-H-H-Hahhhh! What do you mean?"

He just smiled faintly, then continued his steps. "Someday you'll understand."

I stood still for a few seconds, my heart beating so hard that I felt like my whole body was shaking.

“… That person..." I muttered slowly.

My steps finally moved again, following him. But in my heart, I knew—from that day on, I could no longer think of all this as mere gossip.

I'm already trapped too deep.