Da Capo [16]

Junichi: ...Sigh.

Junichi: What a pain.

I covered the desk with my body, thinking about lunch.

Junichi: It's too much trouble to go to the cafeteria to buy lunch...

The best plan is to stay in the classroom, while I get somebody else to go to the store and buy me a sandwich and a drink.

Let's see, Suginami's gone, and all the guys who go to the cafeteria are gone while I while I was sleeping...

Then, I found Nemu at her desk writing something.

She's quite organized but she's a little slow. Maybe she'll go to the cafeteria now.

Junichi: Hey, Nemu.

I pat her shoulder hoping to make her go to the cafeteria.

Nemu: What? How can I help you?

She turned around all serious.

Junichi: Well, what are you going to do about lunch?

Nemu: Right... Let's see. It's too much trouble to go to the cafeteria, don't you think?

Junichi: Huh?

Nemu: Oh, no, don't misunderstand me. I'm not that hungry anyways. It makes me sleepy if I eat too much at lunch.

Junichi: It's not good for you to skip lunch.

Nemu: You're right...

Nemu tilted her head as she stroked the notebook, and I realized that the note wasn't for the class.

Junichi: What are you doing?

Nemu: What? I'm studying for the test.

Junichi: .........

Nemu: You should do the same, niisan. It seems like not too many students are studying for the test, so maybe you can score high this time.

Junichi: .........

Nemu: What?

Junichi: Nothing... I'm going to get something to eat.

I placed my hand on my forehead. She'll probably keep talking about the exam if I stay here longer.

Then I realized she won't hang out with me much during the exam week.

Junichi: Do you want something? You should eat at least a little.

Nemu: Are you sure? So lucky!

Junichi: What? Lucky?

Nemu: I wanted to ask someone, but I was too busy concentrating on my notes, everybody was gone already.

Junichi: I see.

I sighed and I dragged myself out of the classroom.

Nemu: What's wrong?

I turned around.

Junichi: ...go for wool and come home shorn...

Nemu: What are you talking about?

Junichi: Never mind.

I waved a little and stepped out to the hallway.

Junichi: Why do I have to go...

Nemu: Okay, fine.

As I was feeling crappy, I found Nemu by my side.

Nemu: Don't be so sad, I'll go with you.

She smiled at me reaching out her hand to my cheek.

Junichi: ...I'm not sad.

Nemu: Really? Huh.

She turned around, flaring her skirt as she walked in front of me.

Nemu: Then, let it be.

Junichi: .........

I can stay in the classroom now that she's going to the cafeteria, but if I did that, I bet she wouldn't go either.

Junichi: That's too bad.

Nemu: What?

Junichi: You're my sister.

Nemu: ...? ...Yeah, sure!

I walked to the cafeteria with a happy Nemu at my side, and the distance to the cafeteria seemed to be shorter than usual.

~

Echoing from the music room came some girls' very pretty high singing and some boys' not to pretty low singing.

Junichi: (The girls' voices are very soothing.)

I would like to sit in the middle of them to enjoy their singing.

The time kept passing away regardless of my imagination.

~

Koyoki: Prefect, order please.

Mako: Bow to the teacher.

The homeroom meeting was concluded with the bow, and the classroom got lively right away.

Most of the students were talking about tomorrow's exam. There were even some students surrounding the smarter ones.

The others left the classroom quickly. Everyone must be going home to study today.

...

What shall I do...?

[Choice]
- Sakura Park
- Kazami Academy
- Asakura's house
- cherry blossom trees
- shopping district

Da Capo [15]

Junichi: Yawn...

Time to sleep...

I snuggled in under the blankets, and closed my eyes.

...

~

2.28 Thu

Junichi: Phew... it's safe here.

I slowed down.

The passing surroundings slowed down too.

...

...

Junichi: Hm?

I looked ahead at where the sound was coming from... and founf Moe-sempai and Mako there.

Junichi: Hey.

I sped up again to catch up with them.

Mako: Good morning.

Moe: Good morning, Asakura-kun.

Mako: Did you run here as usual?

Mako noticed my face was red.

Junichi: It's good exercise.

Mako: How?

She gave me a cold look jokingly.

Moe: Are you running every morning for your exercise?

Moe-sempai seemed surprised behind Mako.

...

We all walked in the peacefull mood created by Moe-sempai. Many students had already gone from the street.

I could see lots of cherry blossom petals blowing around.

~

Koyomi: It's exam day tomorrow.

She encouraged everyone in the class.

Junichi: (Sigh... it's already tomorrow...)

I feel depressed...

Koyomi: Okay, prefect?

The prefect directed the students to bow to the teacher, and the short homeroom meeting finished.

~

Kazuhiro: Let me tell you the main points to study.

Junichi: (Yes-------)

The classroom went quiet, and everyone listened carefully.

Kazuhiro: Don't take this the wrong way. But this is just the main 'Points to study'.

I know. He doesn't have to repeat it.

Kazuhiro: I think what's on page 98 is very important.

Junichi: (I see...)

There was only the sound of pencils scribbling.

Kazuhiro: The next is...

~

Junichi: Ahhh... finally.

I stretched to relax.

There are many students studying while eating their lunch.

What shall I do...?

[Choice]
- classroom
- hallway
- courtyard
- rooftop
- cafeteria

Da Capo [14]

Brushing the cherry blossom petals off my shoulders and head, I look up at my home as it gets closer.

Junichi: I wish I were in bed now.

Nice and warm.

The air is comfortably warm and there's a nice gentle breeze blowing.

And what's more, Skaura's standing on the porch with an angry look.

Junichi: What are you doing here?

I put my bag over my shoulder again and look down at her.

Sakura: I've been waiting for you, oniichan.

Junichi: What for?

Even though I told her not to, I wonder why she didn't enter the house through the window.

Junichi: Do you have anywhere you want to go?

Sakura: I want to go to your room.

Junichi: That's incriminating, isn't it?

Sakura: Hm?

Junichi: Nothing.

Looking the other way, I take the house key from my pocket.

Sakura: Mmm...

Junichi: .........

There's a strange creature clinging around my waist, not letting me go inside my house.

Junichi: Why the heck are you here?

Sakura: Look at THIS!

Sakura holds up a piece of paper.

Junichi: Are you playing a magical girl? Say Haann~

Sakura: Haann~?

Junichi: You have to be more enthusiastic than that.

Sakura: What do you mean by enthusiastic? Mmmm.

Junichi: Hm?

I can finally read the note in her hand.

'EXPEL EVIL SPIRITS'

Sakura pretends to be a priestess acting like a magical girl - But anyway. I actually made that note as a joke last night.

Sakura: Can you explain what it means?

Junichi: Oh, I see. A priestess put it up for me because an evil demon moved into my room.

Sakura: .........

Junichi: .........

Sakura: Waaaah~~~

Crying in a strange way, Sakura runs off to her house.

Junichi: .........

Scratch, scratch.

Junichi: What a pain...

The first thing I did when I got to my room is drop my bag and get a piece of paper and a marker pen.

After that, I put up a piece of paper on the window in my room that says 'A SUCCESSION OF VISITORS'. But I'd better keep it a secret from Nemu.

~

Junichi: God, please forgive me.

Nemu hurried me to go study in my room after watching TV in the living room, but I got sidetracked after only one minute.

Junichi: I can study tomorrow night.

That's the real all-night study.

I left my desk, and lay down on my bed.

It's not that late yet, but I'd have no trouble falling asleep as I'd just been reading textbooks.

Junichi: I guess I'll set the alarm now.

I was surprised at myself that this was becoming a habit.

[Choice]
- 6:30AM
- 7:00AM
- 7:50AM

Da Capo [13]

I wish I could eat lunch somewhere quiet.

I went back to the classroom with some juice and a sandwich which I bought from the store to avoid the noisy cafeteria.

Junichi: Hey, Nemu. I got you lunch.

Nemu: .........

Junichi: Nemu?

I waved my hand in front of her face.

Nemu: .........

Junichi: Nemu-sama?

Huh...

I thought about the situation a little bit, and took out a picture of Nemu when she was little and waved it in front of her.

Junichi: This is a picture of you sleeping after crying so hard.

Nemu: Why do you have a picture of that!?

Nemu reached for the picture, kicking her chair.

Junichi: ...So you are awake.

I put away the picture just in time.

Nemu: Well, I was just thinking about the past.

She sat on the chair elegantly, and ran her hand through her hair.

Junichi: What about the past?

Nemu: Well, I was thinking about what kind of girl I used to be, after looking at Sakura, you know?

Junichi: A crybaby.

Nemu: Well... If you put it that way, it won't leave me with anything.

Junichi: Let's see.

Nemu: I did cry a lot though.

Junichi: Sure did.

We out our lunch on the desk and leaned against the teacher's desk.

The clearest memories I have of Nemu would be her crying a lot.

Nemu: I remember when I was cold, or sa, I used to go under your conforter and... Ouch!

Junichi: ...Idiot.

Nemu: Sorry, sorry.

What was she going to say in the classroom?

I looked around to make surre no one was listening.

Nemu: But... all my oldest memories are only really of you.

Junichi: Me?

Nemu: Yeah. We ate together, you taught me how to ride a bicycle, and you came to find me when I was lost.

Junichi: Wow, you remember a lot.

I sighed as I looked away in embarrassment.

Nemu: Yeah, it surprised me too.

Junichi: Oh yeah?

I opened the bag of sandwiches and gave Nemu one too.

Nemu: Thank you.

Junichi: But, don't you have more fun memories?

Nemu: Fun memories?

Junichi: What you remember is kind of sad.

Nemu: Something fun... Oh.

She covered her mouth and sneaked a laugh.

Nemu: I have it. Something really fun. I wish I could apply for the Guinness Book of Records for you.

Junichi: What is it?

Nemu: I heard you say "What a pain" hundreds of times. I'm amazed how many times you've repeated it.

Junichi: .........

Junichi: Okay...

Something she can apply for the Guinness Book of Records with.

Junichi: ...What a pain.

Nemu: That's a new record.

Nemu smiled happily and put her fingers together.

~

Today's PE class was basketball. There were sounds of heavy balls bouncing in the gym.

Junichi: It gets very noisy when everyone practices their dribbling.

I mumbled to myself, but still made a few laps around the gym.

Basketball doesn't require much running unless it's an actual game.

Junichi: (Shooting practice isn't bad either.)

I just have to be careful to not hurt my fingers...

Let's try making a goal ----

~

Junichi: Ahhhh, finally...

I stretched as the homeroom meeting had finished.

The others around me were stretching like I just did, or chatting with their friends.

There were also some who were already leaving the classroom.

[Choices]
- Sakura Park
- Kazami Academy
- cherry blossom trees
- Asakura's house
- shopping district

Da Capo [12]

Junichi: That should do...

Time to sleep...

...

Good night.

~

2.27 Wed

...

Junichi: Ummm... ahhh...

I reached out my arm to turn the alarm off.

I stretched lightly, and then got dressed.

It's a busy morning as usual.

~

I walked quickly on the way to school. Nemu must have been there a half an hour ago.

There weren't many students on the street anymore.

Mako: Oneechan, hurry!

Moe: Huff, puff... Mako-chan... wait for me...

Hm? These voices sound familiar...

I turned around -- and saw familiar faces a few feet away.

Junichi: Hey guys.

Mako: Hm?

I said hello to Mako, who was a little closer to me than Moe-senpai.

Mako: Oh no, Asakura. Hurry up, oneechan! We're really in danger of being late!

Junichi: (...Heeeey.)

Junichi: What's that supposed to mean?

Mako: If you're here, that means we must really be close to being late.

Mako: ---! Or are we already late?!?

Junichi: .........

That's an insult.

Junichi: Look at your watch. We're not late yet.

Mako: Really?

Mako: Oh yeah.

She checked the time on her cellular phone and mumbled to herself.

Junichi: Why are you carrying Moe-sempai's xylophone?

Mako: Because if I give thi to her, she'll start playing it right away, and we'll be even more late.

Moe: Good... morning... Asa... kura... kun...

Moe-sempai was catching her breath, and sat down on a cooler box she had been carrying.

Junichi: Poor her...

Mako: What's that supposed to mean?

Junichi: Don't sweat it on the small things.

I replied to Mako, bending over to Moe-sempai.

Junichi: Are you alright?

Moe: Y...es... I'm... okay...

Junichi: Shall I carry that for you?

I pointed at the cooler box.

Moe: No.. It's okay. It's quite light today.

Junichi: Oh yeah?

I stood up straight, and offered my hand to her.

Her soft hand was placed in mine. It was hot as she had been running.

Moe: Thank you very much.

Junichi: No problem...

Mako: It looks like we have enough time - let's walk from here.

We began walking together as Mako suggested.

I headed to school walking between Mako and Moe-sempai.

...

Sometimes good things happen when you get up late...

~

Koyomi: Quiet. It's time for the homeroom meeting.

She slapped the desk with her notebook to make everyone quiet.

She nodded to the prefect to direct the students to greet the teacher.

She opened her notebook, and looked around the class to see if anyone was missing.

It was the usual type of morning.

~

Koi: Please work on the questions on page 124. We will check the answers in ten minutes.

Koi-sensei told the class calmly, taking out a pocket watch.

There was nothing but the sound of pencils scribbling.

I opened the book and also began working on the problems.

Junichi: (Ummm... not good.)

I spun the pencil with my fingers while I thought.

I just hope that she doesn't choose me...

~

Junichi: Umm... it's finally lunch break.

I'm starving...

[Choices]
- classroom
- hallway
- courtyard
- rooftop
- cafeteria

Da Capo [11]

Junichi: I'm home.

Nemu: Oh, welcome back!

Nemu looks up happily as she writes something with the TV on.

Why does she always look so happy?

Junichi: What are you writing? Is it an embarrassing poem?

When Nemu opens her notebook, it could be a diary, poem, household account book, or homework.

This time, I guessed poem because of the way she looked so happy, since it's her dream to be a poet in a future.

Nemu: You're wrong. It's a letter.

Junichi: A letter?

Junichi: You mean, as in a correspondence which never last for long. That kind of letter?

Nemu: You have to say 'for a poor correspondent like me' if you say that.

She hid her letter inside a book and stretched.

Junichi: You look tired.

Nemu: Huh?

Junichi: Well, you should take it easy, since you're studying at night and stuff.

Nemu: I know that. You don't have to worry like that.

I'm worried because she doesn't seem to understand that.

Nemu: Although I have been feeling a bit tired lately. Ouch, it hurts...

Nemu moved her neck from right to left, and grabbed her shoulder.

I'm sure if one of the guys at school saw her acting like a middle-aged man, he would faint.

Junichi: Huh.

I put my bag on the floor and sneaked behind Nemu as I unbuttoned my shirt.

Nemu: Mm, Mmm...

The target didn't notice my move while she concentrated on the TV with a remote control in her hand.

Nemu: What!?

Nemu shook in surprise.

Junichi: Don't raise your voice...

I whispered in her ears, as I loomed over her from behind.

Nemu: Hey! Niisan! Don't be silly!

Junichi: Quiet!

Nemu: No! Stop, stop. I give up!

Nemu curled her body up trying to escape, but she didn't mean it for real.

Junichi: But, it's so stiff. This must feel good, doesn't it?

Nemu: Don't say that. Ah!

Junichi: Do you like it, here?

I applied more pressure, moving my fingertips a little.

Nemu: Oh, that hurtd... Stop it...

Junichi: See? You're breathing hard.

Nemu: So are you...

Nemu put her little white sweaty hand over mine, as I put it where she likes it.

Nemu: You're breathing hard and your heart's pounding hard... Ah!

Junichi: Don't move around like that. Be still.

Nemu: Mm... Ah... Haah, haah...

Junichi: Do you like this area, where the dip is?

Nemu: Ouch... a little bit less.. Mm... like that.

Nemu sank into the sofa, not being able to take too much pleasure.

I massaged her body, bending forward to follow her body.

Nemu: Ah, right there. Oh, no! That's so good.

Junichi: Don't make it sound like that!

I slapped her head.

Nemu: Ouch!? What are you doing?

Junichi: I'm just massaging your neck! What kind of reaction's that!?

Nemu: Who cares! You have to consider the fact that my neck's very sensitive!

Junichi: It's my fault?

I looked up to the ceiling, smoothing my heated neck.

Nemu: I-I'll be going to my room.

She straightened her shirt, and said it with a straight face.

Junichi: Fine, but you're in a weird mood.

Nemu: Right... well.

Nemu tilted her head and looked at me shyly as she turned around.

Nemu: That felt good.

Junichi: What?

Nemu: It felt good, so can you do that again?

Nemu mumbled as she looked away.

Junichi: S-Sure.

Nemu: Okay.

We raised our hands up in the air and parted.

Junichi: Well...

I sat down on the warm sofa where Nemu was sitting just now.

My neck was stiff.

~

I'm more tired than usual today.

I stretched and sat down with crossed legs.

Junichi: It must be the way I was woken up this morning.

Sakura had better not show up like that every morning.

Junichi: .........

I'd lock the window if I could, but the lock's broken.

I had no choice... I wrote on a piece of paper 'Evil may not enter' and posted it on my window.

Junichi: That should do.

If she's a witch, this will work.

Junichi: Yawn...

I made a big yawn, and snuggled under the blanket.

Junichi: I should set the alarm just in case.

I stretched my arm out to the alarm clock, and set the 'ideal' wake up time.

[Choice]
- 6:30AM
- 7:00AM
- 7:50AM

Da Capo [10]

Junichi: Well, it's going too far to call her an alarm clock, but...

I pressed my eyes, and boasted as I looked away.

I'm sure Nemu wouldn't appreciate being praised by me, a family member, as I think about it.

Look at that expression.

Nemu: You better remember that...

Junichi: What? Nemu-sama?

Nemu: Well then, I should be leaving.

She left in a flash, ignoring my hand reaching out for her.

Suginami: ...You're the king of challengers, man.

Suginami nodded with respect and fear.

Junichi: Should I escape into space?

I dreamed of a faraway world.

A peaceful world without any way.

~

Seiji: The next part means...~

Yukawa-sensei is explaining the meaning of this Tanka poem.

The classroom was quiet.

This knd of subject has spice, but lacks excitement.

It's borning, and makes me sleepy. It's more fun when we have a one-hundred tanka poem card competition or something of that sort.

Junichi: ...Still one hour to go, huh?

The time passed very slowly on this warm, early spring day.

~

Koyomi: That's all for today...

The teacher said, as she came into the classroom to dismiss the class.

Mako: Bow to the teacher!

The prefect directed the students, and the homeroom meeting was finished already.

Junichi: Let's see... what shall I do today?

I stretched my arms, and asked myself in a quiet voice.

[Choice]
- Sakura Park
- Kazami Academy
- Asakura's house
- cherry blossom trees
- shopping district

Da Capo [9]

Junichi: What do I want to eat...

Suginami showed up from out of nowhere and asked me out for lunch as I stood up from my desk.

Suginami: It's such a beautiful day for a picnic!

Junichi: .........

I looked outside. It sure is a beautiful day for a picnic... and I should eat outside?

Junichi: You crazy fool!

Suginami: Don't you brush me off like that.

Junichi: Something's wrong with your brain. I can't go outside.

Suginami: How can you pass on the picnic? If the god of picnic hears you, he might be very upset with you.

Junichi: He has such a nice job, don't you think?

I should do something about Suginami, but I'm too hungry to do anything about it.

Junichi: Like I said, I'm not going to be alone with you, unless there's a cute girl, or something.

Suginami: Fine. You'll go if there's a cute girl then?

What?

Suginami: Asakura's sister... Come on!

Nemu: What?

Nemu comes closer as she was called.

Junichi: You don't need to come. And Suginami, Nemu's out of our league in this case.

Nemu: What are you talking about?

Nemu doesn't know what's going on, and she's looking at us back and forth.

Suginami: So I see. Asakura's sister, it's very sad, but your big brother has decided that you aren't in the league of cute girls.

Nemu: .........

Nemu: Well, maybe I'm not a cute girl but just a nosy sister who's only good as an alarm clock.

What was that pause?

Junichi: Hey, no, I mean...

She's smiling and it's the scariest smile.

[Choices]
- Yes. You're cute...
- I absolutely oppose midwinter picnic.

Da Capo [8]

Junichi: Okay...

Time for bed.

I closed my eyes, and let the sleepiness take over...

...

~

2.26 Tue

...

I felt light shining on my eyelids... it must be morning already.

The bed feels warmer than normal, it makes me want to stay in bed longer.

...

Knock knock.

...

Nemu: Niisan, are you up... what!?

...?

I opened my eyes at the sound of Nemu screaming, and saw her standing there with her mouth open in surprise.

Junichi: What's wrong, Nemu...?

Sakura: Umm...

Something rose in between me and Nemu.

Junichi: Huh?

Sakura: Good morning, oniichan!

Sakura in her pajamas was smiling on my bed.

Nemu: What's going on, niisan...?

Sakura: Hey, good morning, Nemu-chan.

Her loud voice echoed in the tense atmosphere in my room.

Nemu: Good morning, Sakura.

I felt a shiver run down my spine when I saw Nemu replying to Sakura with a smile.

Nemu: Excuse me.

Junichi: ...Yes, my dear?

Nemu: Could you please explain this?

Junichi: Well, I'm afraid I'm not sure how to explain...

Sakura: It's just a developing intimacy.

Sakura interfered.

Nemu: .........

Nemu: What kind of... intimacy are you two developing?!

Smash---!

Junichi: Arrggg!

The encyclopedia landed on my face, and I fell backwards.

Nemu: You're disgusting.

Slam-----

The door closed, and the negative aura disappeared.

Sakura: Are you alright, oniichan?

I was losing consciousness while feeling Sakura looking into my face.

.........

The name of the victim, Junichi Asakura...

...

----Arrrgg.

~

Koyomi-sensei checked the attendance just by looking around the classroom.

It was a normal peaceful morning in class.

The teacher left the classroom after checking the attendance.

The sound of students talking got louder suddenly, as I yawned.

~

Wakui: ...And so much of Japanese customs and traditions are influenced by Ying and Yang from China...

Junichi: .........

Wakui: I heard that teaching 'Seimei Abe' is a trend right now among the young generation, that's not good...

Junichi: .........

Wakui: The teaching of Ying and Yang is like voodoo, but also like science. It was like alchemy in the west...

I glanced down at my notebook, looking like the notebook of some student at magic school.

Junichi: ...Hey, Mako.

I whispered to Mako who was playing around, spinning her pencil.

Mako: What?

Junichi: This is taking too long...

Mako: It can't be helped... He doesn't care about the time.

Junichi: That's okay. I just forget what subject he's supposedto be teaching sometimes.

Mako: ...Let me tell you.

Mako made a sneer at the teacher.

Wakui: The homunculus and the spirit are often considered to be a similar existence, but it's like the different interpretations of God in the East and the West...

Mako: ...He teaches Science, Physics, and Patience.

Junichi: ...I'm hungry.

...

Ten minutes later, the science/physics teacher left the class room with a satisfactory smile on his face.

He said 'This will be on the exam' before he left.

Class: '...Oh no.'

~

Junichi: Sigh... I have no energy.

I sighed after Wakui-sensei's long lecture.

(Rrrumble.)

...

Junichi: (I'll die from starvation if I stay here...)

[Choice]
- classroom
- hallway
- courtyard
- rooftop
- cafeteria

Da Capo [7]

Junichi: I'm home

Nemu: Oh, you're home. You came straight home?

Nemu was sitting on the sofa, and waved her hand to me in such a good mood.

Junichi: You're watching TV in your uniform?

Nemu: Ha ha.

Junichi: Don't laugh it off.

Nemu: Well, the show's starting right now.

Nemu: I just love how they rerun the good shows at thie time of the day. They're making the sequel to this soon.

The show she's talking about is a school love comedy with an idol starring at it, who happens to be a bad actor.

I think I've seen the show with Nemu before, but I don't remember the story.

Junichi: Here's the typical example of the network's target audience.

Nemu: Leave me alone. This is the only thing I look forward to.

She talked back at me, while staring at the TV.

Junichi: You're too easy.

I sat down next to Nemu and looked at the TV.

It was a typical situation of a boy and a girl in school uniforms, on a rooftop at dusk.

School girl: "Is it true that you were walking by the hotel with Saito-sensei last Sunday?"

Kamiya: "........."

School girl: "I suppose you met her coincidentally, right?"

Kamiya: "........."

Kamiya: "...I'm sorry."

Junichi: What an ass. He's totally indecisive.

I hate this kind of man.

Nemu: That's not true!

Nemu stood up suddenly with her fist clenched.

Nemu: It just looks like that, but Kamiya-kun's played by the teacher because of her!

Junichi: ...Hey, don't get so upset. It's just a TV show.

Nemu: I know it's just a TV show. But don't you wish that you have these moments like that?

Junichi: They call it a living hell, why would you wish for that?

Nemu: Yeah... You're right. But if it has a happy ending, then it should be fine. Don't you think?

Junichi: If it has a happy ending. How did this show end anyway?

Nemu: Let's see. They become close and they end up on the roof top of the schoold building again, and then...

She was trying to act out the scene, and her hand touched my cheek.

Nemu: .........

Nemu: .........

I felt her breath close to me, and my heart starts to pound faster.

Junichi: Nemu?

Nemu: ...Oh. Hahaha...

She pressed her chest with her hand and stood up from the sofa.

Junichi: Don't laugh it off.

Nemu: Sorry, I have to go do my homework!

She waved her hand and rushed out of the room to go upstairs.

Junichi: Well...

I sat down deep in the sofa stroking the cheek Nemu touched.

Maybe we can welcome Sakura now we're in this kind of mood.

Junichi: ...Huh? Did we have homework today?

In the TV show, the man and the woman who supposed to have a happy ending were leaving each other as I watched.

~

Nemu: ...Ah, it's so delicious!

Nemu was taking her time, happily eating the chowmein.

Junichi: It is delicious, but I'm getting tired of Chinese food.

I stuffed my mouth with fried rice, and sighed.

Nemu: That's true. We've a choice of pizza, combination meal, and the deli... and what other options are there?

Junichi: That's not what I meant, I think we should stop buying ready made food all the time.

Nemu: Well, then can you cook?

She gave me a look, but still served me the after meal tea.

Junichi: You always complain that my cooking costs a lot, but doesn't taste so good.

Nemu: That's because you spend too much money for the ingredients... so, I'll cook!

She pointed at herself.

Junichi: ...Let's wait till we finish our final exam.

I can't eat her cooking, her cooking sucks.

Nemu: Teehee. Count on me!

She tilted her head adorably almost as if she had been practicing it.

I better train my stomach before then...

Junichi: It's kind of bad that the convenience store's the one with the most variety of food...

Nemu: I'm done.

Nemu put her chopsticks down.

Nemu: You can leave the dishes to me.

Junichi: Ok. Thanks.

I exhald deeply, and headed up tp the bedroom as there were no good TV shows on tonight.

~

Sakura: Hello!

----Slam!

Junichi: Nemu! Nemu!

Nemu: What's the matter with you? Is there a cockroach?

Nemu's head poked out from the kitchen.

Junichi: Do we have any garlic or holy water!?

Nemu: ...Huh?

Junichi: Is this a dream?

Nemu: ...What?

Junichi: Never mind!

I ran up the stairs.

Sakura: What are you doing?

Junichi: ...That's my line.

I picked up Sakura by her shirt and dragged her down to the floor cushion in front of my desk.

Sakura: Ahhh.

Junichi: Sigh... how did you get in?

Sakura: The regular way.

Junichi: Was the door unlocked?

Sakura: I climbed up the cherry blossom tree, and entered through that window. I even knocked.

She pointed at the window above my bed.

Junichi: ...That's considered breaking in.

Sakura: You gave me permission.

Junichi: What? ...That was when we were kids.

I sat down on the chair and sighed.

There was a cherry blossom tree in her garden which had one branch that reached close to my window, and I think I used to let her come in through that route.

There was even a time when we would play very late into the night...

Junichi: We're not children any more. It's not appropriate to visit a guy's room like that.

Sakura: Oh, ha-ha. You're recognizing me as a lady.

She lifted her skirt slightly with a smile.

Junichi: No, it's a matter of politeness.

My eyes drifted to her lifted skirt, and then I shook my head quickly.

Sakura: What's up? You're turning red.

Junichi: ...A real lady wouldn't lift her skirt.

Sakura: No worries, I've got exercis shorts on underneath. Do you want to see?

Junichi: .........

Junichi: .........

Junichi: There's no way I want to see...

I said it cheerfully -- but crying inside.

Sakura: You know, it could have been even better if we were in the same class.

Junichi: ...Don't say such scary things.

Sakura: What? Scary?

Junichi: Never mind. Anyway, why are you here now?

I pointed at the window with the cherry blossom tree shining in the moonlight, to make her recognize what kind of entrance she had just made.

Sakura: Just to greet you after my return!

Junichi: You already greeted me enough at school, didn't you...?

Sakura: Boo! I've not greeted you properly since moving back in next door to you yet.

She made a serious face, dropping her left knee onto the floor, and putting her right palm up in front of me.

Sakura: Could I have your attention, please? My name's Sakura Yoshino and I came all the way from the United States.

Sakura: I came today to ask for yout blessing as I'll be your comrade in the same organization from now on.

Junichi: .........

Junichi: Excuse me?

What organization's she talking about? ...the neighborhood watch?

Sakura: Damn, this doesn't seem complete without some noodles to celebrate the moving!

Junichi: I don't think that matters.

Sakura: Of course it does. It's traditionally said that -- one of society's rules is to pick loyalty over humanity!

I'm getting dizzy.

Junichi: Hey... can you even list some things that represent Japan?

Sakura: What? That's an insult to a real Japanese person like me!

Junichi: Try it anyway.

I asked her again. She looked full of confidence.

Sakura: Sushi, Tempura, and Fujiyama!

Junichi: Are you mocking Japan...?

I was too tired to explain, so I just sighed.

I knew she was weird since we were little kids, but she's even weirder after living overseas.

Sushi, Tempura, and Fujiyama... She sounds like a typical American who doesn't know Japan.

Junichi: Um... are you done now?

Sakura: Yeah, I guess. I just wanted to greet you properly.

She sat up on the floor cushion, and bowed.

Junichi: That's more like it. You just need to...

Make an entrance through the front door like normal person would do, and greet me without kneeling with one leg, also like a normal person would do.

...She has no chance.

Sakura: Heehee. By the way, you left the lock broken for me for all this time.

Junichi: What?

Sakura: That window's lock has been broken since six years ago.

Now she pointed the window.

Junichi: .........

I somehow left it broken even though Nemy asked me to fix it many times.

I stared at it blankly.

Junichi: ...I was just too lazy to fix it.

Sakura: Okay, okay. I'll leave it as that.

Junichi: Do as you like.

Sakura: Yes. I will. I'll come to visit you again too...

She stood up to open the window, and turned around with a peaceful smile.

The cold wind blew in with a scent of cherry blossom flowers -- not bad.

Sakura: Hey, can you still do that thing?

She opened and closed her hands repeatedly.

Junichi: Do you mean this?

I closed my hands, and imagined a Japanese sweet -- a sweet bun with red bean paste inside.

Then I felt a little weight on my palm.

----This is my other wicked power... to produce Japanese sweets, in addition to the power to see other people's dreams----

It was like a crazy fantasy.

I hadn't even revealed it to Nemu as this power was too silly, but Sakura knew about it.

Junichi: Here. I made it with extra bean paste.

Sakura: Wow.

She caught the sweet bun that I threw into the air.

Junichi: Brush your teeth before bed if you're going to eat that now.

Sakura: Don't talk to me like I'm a small child!

She stuck out her tongue childishly, and then climbed out of my room through the window.

Junichi: Hey, Sakura.

Sakura: Yeah?

I spoke towards the darkness outside the window.

Junichi: Welcome back.

Sakura: Oh...  Teehee! It's good to be back.

.........

I walked to the window after a pause, but Sakura was already gone.

I stretched out my arm to reach the branch of the cherry blossom tree.

The branch appeared to be not strong enough to hold my current weight.

Junichi: She... has not changed at all.

I knocked the branch to scatter some petals, and then closed the window.

~

Junichi: Okay...

I put down the comic book that I was reading onto the side, and sunk my head into the pillow. The voice of Sakura playing around next door had stopped now.

How could she play so loudly like that bu herself?

Junichi: Oh, well.

It's time for bed.

I reaached over to the alarm clock, and set the wake up time.

[Choices]
- 6:30AM
- 7:00AM
- 7:50AM

Da Capo [6]

Well, it would be pathetic to try to avoid her when we've just been reunited after six years.

Junichi: I don't think anything bad will happen.

I'm sure Sakura has matured emotionally. I hope.

I don't think she's likely to hit me without reason, or shout without understanding.

Junichi: I know I lost my cool a little bit when I was reunited with her out of the blue.

Looking out the window for no reason, I smile.

Mako: What are you up to, Asakura?

Mako makes a face at me as she passes me.

...

After a while, I spot an object like an ear peeking in and out from behind the door.

It tries to come out, swings around, and then goes back quickly again.

Junichi: What are you doing here?

Sakura: Waa!

Junichi: Oops!

She starts to fall over in surprise, so I catch her.

The weight in my arms really feels as light as a child.

Junichi: Oops, I pulled your arms. Are you okay?

She looks wobbly, so I let her stand up first, watching her face.

Sakura: .........

Sakura: Ahahaha... You're my oniichan. You're so nice.

Junichi: Don't be silly!

My cheeks flush when I hear her bold remark.

Sakura Teehee... Would you like to eat something now?

Junichi: At lunchtime, everybody's supposed to eat lunch.

I go back to the classroom with this blunt reply.

Sakura: Excuse me~.

I'm struck by a sense of nostalgia when she follows me.

After I make sure the seat in front of me's empty, I turn it around toward me.

Sakura: Thanks.

Junichi: I usually do this, so there's nothing to thank me for.

Sakura: Haha. You're still the same. Thank God, you haven't changed at all.

Junichi: What about?

Sakura: But you're not doing this in exchange for something, are you?

Junichi: Generally, it's a normal thing to do.

I give a sigh, resting my cheek on my hand.

Why does she want to overinterpret my actions like this?

Sakura: Oh, where's Nemu-chan?

Before sitting down, Sakura looks around the classroom and tilts her head like a metronome.

Junichi: Well, she usually eats in the classroom, but she must be at the dining hall for a change today.

I sigh and sit down, ignoring the curious eyes of my classmates.

Sakura: I see. Oh, well. What did you bring today, oniichan?

Opening the little lunch box in her hand, Sakura tilts her head the other way this time.

Junichi: I'm on a diet.

What can I do with no lunch box and no time to go to the dining hall or the shop?

Sakura: Okay then... Do you want to eat some of these?

The lunch box she shows me has rice with scrambled eggs, fried egg and bunny-shaped apple pieces.

Junichi: It's okay. I could eat all that with one bite.

Sakura: Oh come on... then, you can eat all of them.

Junichi: Don't worry about me! You should eat.

I press her head down to bring her face close to her lunchbox.

Sakura: Ow, ow, ow!

Junichi: Damn! You've got to get bigger by eating everything you can.

Sakura: I do eat everything, though. What's wrong with being short?

Oh.

Now I remember, she's been self-conscious about her height since she was little.

Junichi: Sorry.

Sakura: ...? What?

Junichi: Well, nothing.

I feel like laughing all of a sudden, but instead, I shake my head and close my eyes.

Junichi: Go ahead and eat!

Sakura: Sure.

Sakuranbo eats happily, holding her chopsticks uncertainly.

Sakura: It's good.

Junichi: Good for you... I didn't make it, though.

Sakura: Haha...

Her beautiful smile makes me warm.

I'm not sure if our relationshp has changed or not, but I'm okay with what we have now.

Well, it gets to start all over again.

Sakura: It's so delicious.

Sakura talks to me in between every bite she takes.

I know I was hungry, but somehow today I feel full without bothering.

~

Junichi: (Why do I get so sleepy in the afternoon class...?)

We were in the Literature class. The teacher was talking about how the main character felt in the story.

It's no use trying to understand how someone in a book feels.

I believe we should be studying how the reader felt from reading the story...

...

I think I'll study in my sleep.

~

Koyomi: As you must all know, the final exam will be this Friday and Saturday. You had better study hard. You won't be able to pass if your score's too low.

Koyomi: Oh, yes. I'll let you pass if you cooperate on my project.

Koyomi-sensei then dismissed the class.

~

...

Junichi: (She'll let anyone pass the class...?)

It sounds the same as being promoted for dying on duty...

Anyway, I had better think of a plan.

Soon Sakura will be here too.

I guess I can wait for her at the school gate...

[Choice]
- shopping district
- cherry blossom trees
- Asakura's house
- Kazami Academy
- Sakura Park

Da Capo [5]

Junichi: Hmmm....

That should do. The way to set an alarm clock is usually the same no matter what shape it is.

Junichi: Time to go to sleep.

I wondered what kind of dream I will be shown tonight...

I would rather not see any dreams.

...

Sigh...

~

2.25 Mon

...

...

The sound of a motorcycle, a barking dog, and people laughing ----

I could hear the noise of the town through the window.

It felt quite refreshing. The blanket on top of me felt light enough.

I must have slept enough.

...

I suddenly felt lighter. It felt light like the blanket was being removed.

...

It's cold.

I feel the fresh air on me -- but why?

Nemu: How long are you going to sleep?

Whump-----

Junichi: Arrgg!?

I felt an impact on my stomach at the same time as the sound of Nemu's voice.

And -- I felt something hard.

...

Something hard?

I opened my eyes at the strange sensation that was different from normal.

Nemu: Good morning, niisan. You're up!

Nemu was looking into my face as happily as usual. She looked even happier today.

I looked at my body to find an Encyclopedia and a Dictionary 'right' on my stomach...

It even says 'The heaviest dictionary'... is that something to be proud of...?

Junichi: .........

Is it only me who feels her hostility?

Nemu: How long are you going to sleep?

Junichi: ...Until the alarm clock goes off.

Nemu: I want to leave now. Are you awake?

She picked up the books, and tilted her head.

Junichi: ...Yes... I'm wide awake.

Nemu: Ok, then I'm going. You had better hurry up.

She put the books back into the bookcase, and left the room.

Ding-a-ling.

I heard the sound of a bell when she closed the door.

...

Junichi: ...Let's see.

I yawned, and got up from the bed.

~

Everyone was restless this morning, because there was news of a new student arriving today.

I was just resting on my seat, as I didn't care too much that the new girl wouldn't be joining our class.

Falling in love with a new student never happens anyways...

Koyomi: Everyone, take a seat.

The teacher Koyomi-sensei banged her notebook against her desk, trying to clear the restless mood.

Koyomi: We have an exam this week. You'll regret it if you're not ready for it.

She told us in her usual manner.

Is she threatening us?

She said what she needed to say and ended the homeroom meeting.

~

There were only the sounds of chalk writing on the blackboard and pencils scrivvling on notebooks.

Junichi: Oh.

I missed copying down a part which was just erased from the board.

Junichi: Oh no... nah, it's okay.

Nemu was sitting in the middle of the front row -- copying everything down off the blackboard.

I have no worries about taking notes as long as Nemu's in the same class as me.

~

Suginami: All right. Let's go see the girl who just came back from a foreign country.

Suginami came over as soon as the first period teacher had left.

Junichi: Huh?

Nemu: Hm?

The part two who came over had the same blank expression as if I was looking at myself in the mirror.

Suginami: What are you surprised at, Asakura siblings?

Nemu: Well... I didn't think you'd be interested in her. That's a rather lowbrow thing to do.

Nemu smiles, trying to be diplomatic.

Suginami: What do yiu mean, 'lowbrow'? Are you talking about someone ith misshapen features?

Junichi: Well, I can't help your joke, but I think you're not just interested from simple curiosity.

It's obvious to me that all the boys get frantic when they hear the transfer student is pretty, but his case is unusual.

Suginami: Oh, well... Being transferred this close to graduation day sounds fishy. Plus, an expatriate student must be the last boss.

Suginami: In other words, she is the unknown world!!

Nemu: Hmm...

Junichi: Well, I think you should examine yourelf first... Anyway, what kind of conspiracy do you thin she's planning?

I wonder how she could plan a conspiracy in this school.

Suginami: Um... she could drag me down from my top position on exam scores, or she could buy out all the bread at the cafeteria, or she could be actually working for somebody as a maid.

Junichi: That last one sounds very moving. Especially is she cooks.

Nemu: Niisan... I'm hearing a hidden meaning in what you just said.

Junichi: Really?

I didn't mean our dietary habits are desperately poor, and I shouldn't give anyone the slightest hint.

Junichi: So, what's going on with you, Nemu?

I throw her a question just because I want to distract from Suginami's topic.

Nemu: Well... I'm kinda having an uneasy feeling.

Junichi: I think the reception isn't working. Why don't you go up on the rooftop?

I point at the bobbing sensor on her head.

Nemu: It's not a TV antenna!

Suginami: It's bed hair, isn't it?

Suginami bends double, clutching the bridge of his nose.

Nemu got him with her super-fast trick.

Junichi: You fool... You don't know that hair is dearer than life itself for girls.

Nemu: How could you say that, niisan?

Nemu stares at me, strocking the antenna on her head.

Suginami stands up, holding onto the desk.

Nemu: What happened to you?

Suginami: Oooh... I think there must be a space-time structure around you.

Junichi: What a stupid thing to say. It's the act of the devil right next to you... Hm?

Nemu: What?

Suginami: A cat?

There is a commotion going on in the hallway.

Junichi: What's going on?

With identical curious expressions, the three of us go out to the hallway.

Nemu: What are that crowd doing?

Nemu's pointing at a storm of girls.

School girl: Wow, she's so cute~! Hey, girl, would you like to eat this snack?

School girl: Look this way~!

A mysterious voice: Wah, no! Don't pull~!

I see a girl in the center of the tempest, but I can barely see her hand sticking up, since she's very short.

Suginami: Is she the transfer student we were talking about?

Junichi: Probably... But she's so popular.

A mysterious voice: Move! Move away...!!!

Junichi: Hmm? I've heard that voice somewhere before.

Nemu: Oh, you, too?

Nemu's deep in thought, tilting her head with knitted brows.

Junichi: What is this voice? I feel like running away when I hear it.

Nemu: I don't know what it it.

Suginami: Hey guys, don't just stand there. You're gonna be caught up in this.

Just as we're about to escape into the classroom at Suginami's call, I feel like I saw a familiat creature among the crowd.

Junichi: Uh? What? Sakuranbo?

A mysterious voice: Oniichan?!

The familiar face dashes out of the crowd.

Junichi: What?!

I feel dizzy. She looks exactly the same as Sakuranbo did, six years ago.

Sakura: Yeah, it's my oniichan~!

Sakura barrels into me like a ton of bricks.

Slam!

Junichi: .........

Nemu: .........

Suginami: .........

Sakura: Ouch...

Nemu held onto Sakura's forehead not to let her go.

Suginami: What a great performance.

Nemu: Ahahahahaha... hahh.

Nemu takes a sigh after letting out a laugh.

Sakura: You hurt me, Nemu-chan.

Nemu: Oh, I'm sorry. That was just a reflex.

Junichi: Wait a second.

I step forward, pushing Nemu out of the way.

Junichi: Are you the real Sakuranbo, my sister?

Sakura: Oh, I like how you call me.

...

No way. I feel dizzy.

Without doubt,

Impossible,

The size of her body hasn't changed since she left six years ago.

Sakura: Ehehe... Can you stroke my sore forehead, oniichan?

Junichi: .........

She sticks out her light-skinned forehead to me, fixing her bangs.

When I look around, I see everybody closely watching every move we make in this surprising development.

Would they like it if I flip her forehead now?

Suginami: Is this unknown creature your friend?

He's the only one doing things at his own pace.

Junichi: I don't have a Lolita complex, Suginami.

Nemu: Don't lose your grip on reality, niisan. She's the real Sakura.

Nemu must be confused as well. She tugs my sleeve with a strange expression.

I see... She is Sakura Yoshino.

Junichi: Hold on, Nemu! It's impossible for that to be true.

I put my hand on the girl's head, which gives you an idea of how small she is.

Sakura: I don't like to judge people by their appearance, but I like you.

The girl gives a squeeze around my waist, or better to say my thighs.

School girl: Whoa!

School girl: I want to be squeezed like that!

Suginami: But, it's 'Lo'.

Junichi: Quiet!

Suginami: My, my... There is a burning flame of possessive feeling all over.

Junichi: ----!

I scream without a sound.

Sakura: Hey, oniichan. Don't you believe me yet? I just came all the way home, but you haven't said 'welcome home' to me.

Junichi: Well... that's enough joking around. You must be Sakura's younger sister or a relative. Right?

Sakura: It's me.

Junichi: Can you prove it?

Sakura: Well... I don't have anything to show you, but... Oh, there was this secret between us. A long time ago, there was something you did under a girl's skirt-

Slam!

Feeling like a kidnapper, I covered the girl's mouth, realizing she's got to be the real Sakura to know this stuff.

Junichi: ..........

Nemu: .........

Suginami: .........

Junichi: Oh, I have to go back to study.

On my way back to the classroom, Mako peeks out through the door.

Mako: What's going on out there?

Junichi: You...

Mako: U?

Junichi: It's just a youthful enthusiasm~!

Mako: Who cares!

She shuts the door.

~

Koyomi: ...okay, that's it for today. Mako?

The teacher banged her desk with the notebook again and prompted the class prefect to dismiss the class.

Junichi: Yes!

I punched the air triumphantly under the desk.

It was five minutes earlier than usual.

Mako: Stand up... and bow.

Focus on my lower body.

I bowed to the teacher while focusing on my lower body... I mean, on my legs. LEGS.

Junichi: (Sakura won't let me go for one hour if the lunch break starts...)

---- I was struggling inside, thinking about how she would feel if she finds out that I was avoiding her.

Nemu: Why are you standing up half way?

Nemu passed next to me while checking her purse.

Junichi: That's unusual... Did you forget your lunch today?

She usually brings in her lunch, unlike me, deciding what to eat for my lunch everyday.

Nemu: No... I was just going to eat at the cafeteria today.

She sounded slightly sulky.

Junichi: Why only today?

Nemu: Hey... don't you know girls at my age are complicated?

She turned around, and left the classroom.

Junichi: Hmmm.

I was confused, I couldn't even understand Nemu.

Junichi: ...I'd better fix it.

I stared at Mako stretching.

Mako: ...What? Why are you staring at me?

Junichi: It's nothing. I like your scaru glare.

Mako: ...Pathetic. I've got to go, my sister's waiting.

I waved back at her, and watched her backing away.

Junichi: Now.

I headed out of the classroom door.

[Choice]
- classroom
- hallway
- courtyard
- rooftop
- cafeteria

Higurashi [2]

...Somebody has been apologizing for a while now.

I wonder what she's apologizing for. It felt wrong to eavesgrop, so I tried to ignore it.

It had been a while since I'd last went to the city. I only returned to attend the funeral of a relative. Even though I'd lived there until last month, I found the bustle of the city to be overwhelming.

Those skyscrapers and the multi-lane roads. The melodious cacophony of the crosswalk. Even the campaingn speeches blaring in front of the station felt nostalgic.

The place where I live now isn't nearly as lively.

There's only the chirpin of locusts and the babbling of brooks. And the cry of the higurashi - the evening cicadas.

Rather than making me feel lonely, that quietness had begun to instill a sense of serenity.

There is nothing where I'm living now. I don't just mean there aren't any burger joints. There aren't even vending machines. No music stores, no restaurants... and no arcades. Even an ice cream parlor would be unlikely.

The nearest town has some stuff like that, but it's an hour away by bike.

But come to think of it, it wasn't really a big deal.

There were music stores and arcades and ice cream parlors, but it wasn't like I ever hung out at any of them.

I had lived in the city for ten years and never once been to an ice cream parlor.

...I should have gone at least once.
It's only now that I'm starting to regret that a little.

...Somebody is still apologizing.

Who is she apologizing to?
She's apologized so much, so just forgive her already.
There's no reason anyone should ever need to apologize so mcuh.

I started to feel a bit annoyed at whoever was refusing to forgive her.

No matter how bad the mistake, there's nothing that can't be forgiven.
There's no such thing as an irreparable mistake.
You just need to be more careful next time.

...She's still apologizing, even now.

Then... has she really done something that can't be fixed?

I have no idea what she's done, but if it can't be fixed, then that's all the more reason to forgive her. No matter how much she apologizes, nothing will change.

But even so, she keeps apologizing in such a hearbreaking voice...

Hey, you. The one she's apologizing to...
Why dorn't you just go ahead and forgive her?

She's apologizing... in such a pathetic voice...

"Keiichi, we're almost there. Wake up."

I was finally roused from my nap by my father's prodding.
It seemed the train had reached its final stop.

We'd spent hours riding everything from the bullet train to the local routes.
It was hard to believe that the landscape beyond the window and the city I was in half a day ago were in the same country.
No... that they were even from the same era.

From there, we'd take a car deeper into the mountains.

Past where the dense forest encroaching on the mountain road suddenly opened up...

There, where I live now. Hinamizawa.

==>

Da Capo [4]

Oh well... let's sleep in...

I rolled over to get more comfortable.

...

The sound of the town... was getting... further and further away...

Junichi: Yawn... I slept well...

I raised my body off the bed and stretched.

Junichi: .........

Let's get up.

I got up cheerfully, got dressed, and opened my bedroom door.

Junichi: I wonder if Nemu woke up yet.

She was neither upstairs nor downstairs.

Junichi: Hmm?

There was a small pink note left on the table.

'Niisan, I feel better, and I'm going out with Miharu today.'

Junichi: Nemu...

She should be resting, especially just after being ill.

Junichi: (It looks like she is feeling better.)

Junichi: I better go for a walk and eat something...

I stuffed my wallet into my pocket, and headed to the front door.

~

It's good to take a walk in the city on Sunday afternoon. Feels refreshing roaming around just by myself.

Although having said that, if somebody was by my side, it'd be great.

Like a cute girlfriend.

Junichi: Woo... Brrr...

Though spring is around the corner, February wind still freezes my body. People walking in the streets are still wearing winter clothes.

Junichi: Shoot... It's freezing...

I guess I dressed too light for the weather.

Junichi: ...Could I have someone knit  sweater for me...?

With useless thoughts, I walk around the main strip browsing at a CD shop and a book store.

.........

......

...

Hatsune Island is peaceful as usual.

Junichi: Oh, I'm bored...

I think about going home, but I kind of want to stop at some more places since I came out all this way.

Junichi: Humph...

Junichi: Let's see, why don't I hit the park...?

~

In April, the TV says "cherry blossoms in full bloom make you feel like the middle of Spring". But not on this island.

There is a countless amount of falling cherry blossom petals in the park.

Junichi: ...How strange not to see anyone.

As I expcted, there are only a few old people taking a walk.

It's boring to take a normal walk, so I decide to take a detour and walk into the cherry woods.

The strong smell of cherry blossom tickles my nose. When I accidentally touch the trunk of a tree, it feels cold and wet.

When I look up, there's just a sheer pink shroud covering the sky.

Junichi: ...Okay, I think I'm going to that spot.

There was a place I called a secret base when I was a kid near here.

Of course, it's nothing to a grownup's eyes.

But it was an immensely important place for a kid.

Junichi: Yeah... I gotta visit.

As I mumble, my feet are already on the way there.

Cherry blossoms in full bloom.

There's the huge trunk of a tree, I can't even imagine how old it is.

It overwhelms people while it caresses them with warmth.

Junichi: ...Whoa, it still amazes me.

I guess I saw this in a dream...

Smell of the blossoms.

Blowing winds.

A petal that sticks on my lips.

Those elements overwhelm me in reality much more than in any dream.

Junichi: Huh...?

I hear someone singing near.

Junichi: ...A song? In a place like this?

Could it be a fairy singing? What a stupid thought to come into my mind.

While I'm in such an odd place, the beautiful voice takes my breath away.

It must be a foreign song. I can't catch the words, but the melody is clear and beautiful.

Junichi: Who could it be?

Right there -- I walk around the tree.

A girl is singing in the falling cherry blossoms, her hair swaying in the wind.

I'm paralysed.

As I think this is how being nailed feels, I can only listen to her voice.

.........

......

...

Kotori: ...Eh?

Junichi: ...Ah?

Like humans who found each other on the Planet of Apes, we just stare at each other.

Her singing stops, and I can only hear the echoes in my ear.

Junichi: .........

Kotori: .........

Kotori: Hey...

Junichi: Huh?

Kotori: How long have you been standing there?

Kotori: ...I lose track of time when I'm singing.

She giggles and knocks her own head lightly.

I can't believe it's the same person who was singing with such confidence.

Junichi: For about three days.

Kotori: ...What?

Junichi: .........

Kotori: ...Oh, you're joking.

Kotori: So, how long really?

Junichi: Well, I guess just a few minutes.

I actually lost my sense of time while listening, so I'm not really sure.

I don't think it was an hour, anyway...

Kotori: That song is ten minutes long.

Junichi: What?

Kotori: So, I don't think you've been there for more than ten minutes.

Junichi: Oh, I see. I thought you noticed me when you were finishing.

Kotori: Right.

She smiles brightly. Her smile gives me an irresistible urge to rub her head.

Rub, rub

Kotori: ...Ow, woa-woa. Wh-What are you doing? All of a sudden?

Junichi: I saw a cherub on top of your head.

I straighten her hat while saying so.

Junichi: All right, you're fine now.

Kotori: ...A cherub? Is that some kind of sweets...?

Junichi: No, no.

Kotori: .........

Kotori: S-Sexual harassment?

Junichi: ...No, it was just a joke.

What is this playfulness in our conversation?

Feels like playing a catch with a tennis ball.

Junichi: You don't remember me, do you?

I wouldn't do such a thing to a stranger.

Kotori: What...?

I feel a bit sad at her reaction. It's sad to be forgotten.

Junichi: Well, we met at that Christm...

Kotori: Oh, yeah, that Christmas party.

Kotori claps her hands before I finish my sentence.

Kotori: Mr. Not-a-big-deal.

Junichi: Oh... you remember the details well.

Kotori: I have a good memory.

She gives a thumbs up.

Kotori: But, why didn't you tell me your name back then?

Junichi: I suffered a temporary memory loss.

Kotori: That sounds horrible...

Junichi: .........

So... Kotori doesn't get jokes...?

Kotori: Mmm.... You're hesitating so much... is it that you don't want to tell me your name...?

Junichi: .........

Junichi: Asakura. Junichi Asakura.

Kotori: Asakura-kun.

She gives another thumbs up.

Junichi: And you're Kotori Shirakawa.

I give a thumbs up, imitating her.

Junichi: I can call you Kotori, right?

Kotori: Sure... Achoo.

Kotori shivers.

Kotori: I think my body got cold because I was singing for a long time.

Kotori: So, I think I'm taking off.

Junichi: Oh. You finished singing?

I wanted to hear more of that beautiful voice.

Kotori: Sorry... I get nervous when somebody's watching...

Junichi: I see. I understand.

Kotori: Well, then. See you.

Junichi: Uh-huh. See you later.

Kotori leaves, snuffling.

Junichi: .........

Junichi: ...I should take off too.

~

Nemu: Welcome home, niisan.

Nemu was already home and watching the TV.

Junichi: I'm home.

I sat down on the sofa as I spoke.

Junichi: Where did you go today?

Nemu: I was just hanging out with Miharu at her house and went to eat crepes at the crepe stand at the park.

Junichi: I see...

Nemu: Anyway, niisan... I have something for you.

She handed me a big box with a strange smile on her face. It was big enough to fit a volley ball inside.

Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock...

Junichi: ...A bomb?

Nemu: Why would I buy something like that?

Junichi: Well, for relieving your stress?

Nemu: I wouldn't do that...

Nemu: If I did that, the explosion will affect me too.

Junichi: .........

I better not leave her side.

As I thought that half seriously, I opened the box.

There was something round inside.

Junichi: ...What's this?

Nemu: An alarm clock.

Junichi: What?

I could hear it ticking when I picked it up.

Junichi: Why is it... round?

Nemu: Oh, that's because it'll roll away from you when you try to turn it off.

...What?

Nemu: It has a sensor to detect you trying to touch it, then it rolls away.

...What?

Nemu: Good luck, niisan!

Watching her big smile made me happy too...

Junichi: (Not----!)

Never mind. It's just an alarm clock. It can't be that hard to catch it.

Nemu: Anyway. Would you like to go out for dinner tonight?

Junichi: Hmm? I don't mind.

Nemu: Yay!

Junichi: We shouldn't really.

However, I'm already hungry, and it'll be too much work to go buy something to eat and bring it back. I wouldn't mind if Nemu goes.

But obviously it'll be me who has to go...

Nemu: So, where are you taking me?

Junichi: ...Hey.

Nemu: Yes?

Junichi: Why do I have to buy you dinner?

I asked the question to her being 'cheeky'.

Nemu: Um... that will be 10,000 yen, including the handling charge.

Junichi: Excuse me?

Nemu: For the alarm clock.

Junichi: .........

Nemu: .........

We looked at each other with smiles on our faces.

Junichi: Shall we go now? It's my treat today.

Nemu: Thank you, niisan.

She took my hand like a princess and stood up.

~

Junichi: That was an unexpected expense.

I took a bath and lied on the bed.

Actually, the dinner didn't cost much more than take-out food... and today wasn't a bad day.

I was lucky to see Kotori.

Considering that, buying dinner for Nemu who doesn't eat very much, is nothing.

I also got a new alarm clock today.

I grabbed the round thing by my pillow.

Junichi: .........

~

Junichi: Nemu, where can I find a roll of duct tape?

Nemu: What? It's in the drawer there.

I found the roll of duct tape inside of the drawer Nemy pointed to.

Junichi: Thank you.

I put the rool around my wrist and spun it while walking back to my room.

~

Junichi: ...That should do.

I taped the round alarm clock to the bed.

Junichi: Ha-ha... now it's under my control.

I sneered, while sitting on the bed.

Junichi: I think I'll set the time.

[Choice]
- 6:30AM
- 7:00AM
- 7:50AM

A Kiss for the Petals - Intro

It happened in April, as the sakura trees danced.

I stood there, my body clad in a brand-new uniform.

Perhaps because I wasn't yet used to wearing it, I kept worrying about the length of my uniform's skirt.

Alone, separated from the line of freshmen, I kept trying to fix my uniform.

???: Why is this happening...?

I had been yearning to wear this bean-jam coloured uniform for a long time.

But I hadn't anticipated this...

???: Uuu... It doesn't look right. I'm not cute at all.

Despite how adorable the uniform was, it wasn't making me so - not in the slightest.

Not only that, but my little vanity of ordering a uniform one size too small had been a mistake.

Simply put, it was -tight-.

A dark green stripe ran along the uniform's white collar.

On the breast of the uniform, a large ribbon of the same dark green swayed sweetly.

Just those alone would have made for a lovely uniform, but my favorite was something else yet.

The best part of all was a second ribbon on the back, right at the top edge of the one-piece, pleated skirt.

The first time I saw the uniform, I thought it looked just like a bunny tail.

That was the first little spark that had set all of this in motion.

Just like that, my heart had decided.

That someday, I too would put on that uniform.

And that I wanted to go on to attend St. Michael's Girls Academy.

When I told her this, my mother laughed at me. My homeroom teacher's only response was a sour look.

I understood why.

With my grades, getting accepted seemed like nothing more than a dream within a dream...

Without a streak of a hundred miracles happening, the idea sounded completely ludicrous.

Even so, I persisted.

I studied eight hours a day, every day.

Even hateful mathematics, which I attacked with insane desperation.

Honestly, I can be pretty stubborn.

When people told me how ridiculous the idea was, it only made me want to prove them wrong with everything I had.

It seemed that, for once, I had been able to put my stubborn streak to good use...

And so, elated with success, I, Oda Nanami, was accepted into St. Michael's Girls Academy.

And that was how, amidst the sakura trees in their full April bloom, I had found myself at the school's opening ceremony.

Nanami: Uuu... this isn't right... it wasn't supposed to be like this...

However much I tried to fix my uniform, it still didn't seem right to me.

Nanami: Come on already... Why did I have to get one size smaller, anyway?

I recalled how Mother had been telling me to get a larger one, so I'd have room to grow if I needed it.

At that time, the size of the uniform wasn't a problem... barely.

And yet...

Nanami: Did it really have to be the very day of the opening ceremony that I outgrew my uniform?!

Nanami: It had to have been that cake we had to celebrate my being accepted. Mother really splurged on such a big one, after all.

Nanami: Really, it wasn't as if I had intended to eat three whole pieces like that...

That was it.

Please don't try to tell me that I shouldn't be passing the blame onto others.

Sweets to a girl are like catnip to cats.

That kind of intense temptation - how could a delicate thing like me be expected to resist?

Nanami: When I get home, I'll have to see if I can get the waist area loosened up a bit.

While I was at it, my bottom could also do with a little more room.

Nanami: At any rate, if I can just make it through the opening ceremony...

That was when...

Nanami: Eh?

...I heard a very ominous sound.

Looking, I saw my now tragically torn skirt.

Caught upon a long pointed branch jutting out from the thicket, the pleat of my skirt had been cruelly torn asunder.

Nanami: This isn't happening!

Sometimes, God can be unbelievably cruel.

How I had been looking forward to this day.

I had gotten so excited last night, trying to imagine what life would be like here, I had been almost unable to sleep at all.

And yet, why...

Nanami: Uu... uuwah...

The opening ceremony that I had worked so hard to get to... The uniform that I had been yearning after for so long...

Nanami: Enough already! *sniff*

Tears overflowed.

The way things were, I just wanted to go back home.

???: Why are you crying? What's wrong?

Nanami: Eh...?

Unexpectedly, a voice called out.

???: To be crying like that in a place like this... did something happen?

With a very gentle voice, someone was speaking to me.

Nanami: Ah...

At that moment, with no worries over being seen in such a miserable state, I lost myself in the sight of - this person - whom had appeared before my eyes.

A vision of the Virgin Mary herself...

She could have just stepped out of a church's stained glass window...

No... From her appearance, she must have descended down from Heaven itself.

???: Oh my... Your skirt really got torn up, didn't it?

Nanami: Eh!? Ah, um, well...

???: Wait just a moment and let me mend that up for you.

With those words, this woman who had appeared so suddenly knelt down directly beside me.

And then, producing a sewing kit from somewhere, she began mending with what appeared to be a well-experienced hand.

???: A freshman, yes?

Nanami: Y-Yes. Yes, ma'am! I am a freshman!

???: Would it be alright if I asked your name?

Nanami: Na-Nanami, ma'am. Written like 'seven seas', Nanami!

???: So, Nanami-san, then... a lovely name.

Nanami: Aauu...

At the words 'a lovely name', I immediately blushed.

It felt as if all the blood in my body had suddenly gathered in my face.

As we remained like that, erhaps realizing, perhaps not, this woman silently mended the tear in my skirt.

???: There we go. It should be hidden enough now so it won't stand out at least.

Suddenly, an indescribably pleasant fragrance started tickling at my nose.

When I realized that the scent was drifting up from the woman in front of me, my heart started racing faster yet.

???: Yes, this should do for a while at least.

Nanami: ...fweh?

???: It was right where the pleats can cover it up... could have been a lot worse.

Nanami: Y-Yes ma'am! Thank you very much! I will never forget this kindness!

My voice turned itself inside out.

???: Hehehe, you really are an interesting person, aren't you?

Nanami: Aauu...

I was being laughed at...

My face became hotter still.

???: Oh my. We'll need to be quick, the opening ceremony will be starting soon.

Nanami: Eyah?! W-W... W-What should I do!?

???: Just relax. You can get to the auditorium quicker by going through here.

Nanami: Yes, ma'am! Thank you very much!

I began running towards the auditorium.

However, I almost immediately stopped again and turned back...

Nanami: Ah, a moment!

???: Hm... Yes, what is it?

Nanami: I don't even know your name...

???: Aah... It's Yuuna. Matsubara Yuuna.

Nanami: Yuuna-senpai...

I murmured her name, savouring the sound.

Yuuna: Be well, Nanami-san.

Nanami: I will!

And that...

That was how Onee-sama and I first met.

~

Nanami: And that still was the only time that I had been able to speak directly with her...

It had been exactly two months since the opening ceremony.

This life at St. Michael's that I had so long yearne d for has gradually become familiar to me.

When I first arrived, I was completely and utterly bewildered.

For one thing, rather than 'hello' and 'good-bye', it's always 'pleasant day to you' here.

Junior students were expected to address their seniors with deference, affixing 'sama' to their names.

On top of that, no one runs through the corridors here, and meal breaks are actually quiet and restfull...

Well, this was to be expected.

I was surrounded by girls from high-class families, born and bred to be proper ladies.

To a middle-class girl like myself, the atmosphere here felt unusual indeed.

Be that as it may, after two months in this environment, one does get used to it. And so, now...

Girl A: Myself, I shall be taking a sojourn to Switzerland in August.

Girl B: Ah, lovely. So, that will be for the whole of summer?

Girl A: Yes. We summer there every year, in fact.

Girl B: Ah, I am jealous. We, on the other hand, are always receiving so many guests that we are not at all able to travel away from home ourselves.

Girl A: My...

Girl B: We are always happy to receive guests, of course, however when it starts becoming hundreds of them at once... well, you can imagine...

Girl A: Nanami-san, will you be doing any traveling over the summer?

Nanami: Not really, though I will be going to visit my grandmother...

Girl B: Where is it that your grandmother lives?

Nanami: Well, um... in Shizuoka.

Girl A: Aah, so she lives very nearby, then.

Girl B: Well, I'm still jealous.

Nanami: Ah, he-hehehe...

Truthfully though, that was just sympathy.

Girl A: By the way, have you heard what happened?

The usual gossiping.

Why were these "properly raised young ladies" so fond of other people's business, anyway?

Girl B: Ah, that matter regarding Yuuna-sama, yes?

Nanami: Yuuna-senpai!?

Before I knew it, I had practically shouted.

St. Michael's was a gathering place for proper ladies of good families. Even at break time, one did not raise their voice like that in the middle of a classroom.

Nanami: Ah, oh my. To do such a thing... oho, hohoho...

A lady must keep her laughter dignified...

She also must not forget to gracefully conceal her laughter with her hand.

Girl A: As always, whenever Yuuna-sama comes up, you forget yourself, yes?

Nanami: Aauu...

Girl B: But I do understand how you feel though.

Girl B: I still can not help but be fascinated by Yuuna-sama's appearance when she comes to school every morning.

Girl A: Her family has hospitals all across the country, do they not?

Girl B: Her grades are always top-notch; she undoubtedly will be succeeding as the head of her family's hospitals in the future, I would say.

Nanami: Yuuna-senpai, a doctor...?

~

Yuuna: Come now, Nanami-san, you need to get undressed.

Nanami: But, but...

Yuuna: Now now, there's no need for you to be embarrassed, is there? This is for a medical examination, after all.

Nanami: No, but... Senpai, that's... that's...

Yuuna: Heeheehee... Just relax now, and let me make you feel all better.

~

Gyah?!

That was dangerous. Very dangerous.

To think that a pure and proper student of St. Michael's had almost fallen prey to such indecent fantasies.

But it seemed that whenever the subject of Yuuna-senpai came up, I was apt to zone out like that.

Nanami: So, what was that about Yuuna-senpai!?

Girl A: Well, it is just a rumor, but... it seems that Yuuna-sama shall be taking over as the chairman of the ENvironmental Protection Committee.

Nanami: The Environmental Protection Committee... What, really!?

The "Environmental Protection Committee".

That was the central organization of the student government at St. Michael's.

With all of the proper ladies of good families gathered on this campus, being a student representative would be a very amazing thing...

...I think.

Girl A: All of the third-year student leaders will be gradually retiring over the next term, as usual.

Girl B: It seemed that there had actually been a much earlier talk with the current chairman.

Girl B: However, it seems that Yuuna-sama was refusing to accept the position until all of the thir-year leaders had retired.

Nanami: Yuuna-senpai is going to be the committee chairman... how dreamy...

I didn't really know why, but...

Just from the sound of those words, my body had started throbbing a little.

Girl A: And so, Yuuna-sama will be assuming office at the same time that the next committee members from first-year gather to...

Committee members?

Wouldn't that mean working together with Yuuna-senpai?!

Nanami: I'm going for it! The committee!

I gallantly thrusted my hand into the air, and made my declaration.

I didn't discover until later just how strict the judging for committee membership really was.

Scholastic performance, everyday lifestyle, family status...

Rumour had it that one's physical appearance and the like were critical as well.

Had I known, declaring my intent like that would have been completely impossible... most likely, anyway.

However, in my ignorance, I was able to stand firm.

And so, somehow...

My rivals were pushed aside, and I founf myself selected for committee membership.

I might have used up my entire lifetime supply of luck, but I didn't care.

Not at all, if it meant being able to work together with Yuuna-senpai!

And so, bursting with joy, I had become a member of the committee.

~

Yuuna: That's the last of the specifics for the changes to the final club activities budget.

Yuuna-senpai, speaking before my very eyes.

Yuuna: Please see that the completed documents are distributed to each of the department heads.

Dignified expression, tidy and pretty eyebrows, lips coloured a soft pink.

Each and every part beyond beautiful.

Nanami: Haaaa...

Together in the same room, breathing the same air... Just from that, my head felt like it was boiling.

Yuuna: That's all for today's agenda everyone, so let's conclude the meeting here.

Even so...

That always so beautiful, long silky hair...

Every time that Senpai moved, it flowed smoothly about, swaying in the breeze.

With the setting sun shining in through the window, her hair seemed to be sparkling with golden flecks of light.

I wanted to touch it...

Aah, no. There was no need for that.

Standing at Senpai's side, just breathing in her scent...

Yuuna: Nanami-chan?

Ah, yes, just to have her standing before my eyes like that...

Yuuna: Nanami-chan, you do realize that the meeting is over...?

Nanami: Gwyaa?!

Yuuna-senpai was right in front of me!?

Yuuna: Nanami-chan... Everyone else has gone home, while you're sitting here lost in a daze.

Nanami: Eh...?

I looked about and saw that the rest of the committee members had already departed.

It appeared that Yuuna-senpai and I were the only ones left in the classroom.

Nanami: You mean to say that we're alone!?

Yuuna: So it would seem, yes.

Oh, fiddlesticks...

I had been zoning out into my wild fantasies once again.

Uuu... Yuuna-senpai had seen me acting weird like that...

Still, to think that now I was alone with her (!) because of my doing such a thing...

Yuuna: Nanami-chan, is something not alright?

Nanami: N-No, there is no problem! I'm getting enough to eat, really!

Yuuna: Enough... to eat...?

Nanami: Haa?! No, no! Nothing like that, not at all! There isn't anything wrong in the slightest!

Aagh... I want to die.

Right in front of Senpai, I was making a complete fool of myself...

Yuuna: ...hehe...

Nanami: Fweh?

Yuuna: He... hahaha... hehehahahaaaa...

Nanami: Senpai's... laughing...

She was desperately fighting to hold back her laughter.

Yuuna: Nanami-chan... always so amusing... always... really...

Before me, Yuuna-senpai was laughing hard enough to bring tears to her eyes - an almost unrecognizable sight.

I wasn't sure if I was happy to see her like that or not - the feeling was complicated.

Nanami: A-Amusing? I am?

Yuuna: Yes, very.

Well, that was good, right?

She liked me a little bit, at least.

Yeah, that much seemed certain.

It really was great to have gotten on the Environmental Protection Committee.

Now, I was able to actually talk with Yuuna-senpai once in a while.

And best of all, Senpai has been calling me "Nanami-chan".

It was still usually "Nanami-san", but it would turn into "Nanami-chan" unexpectedly at times.

Yuuna: Aah, that was funny.

As her laughter settled down, Senpai dried her tears with a handkerchief.

Yuuna: Ah well, it's starting to get late. Nanami-chan, would you like to head out together?

Nanami: Eh...? Ah, yes!

Would I? Would I ever!

To think that my spacing out during a meeting could bring in good luck like that!

Err, perhaps it wouldn't be wise to consider such indiscreet things...

But still! Just for today, it was alright!

After all, it meant being together with Yuuna-senpai.

Yuuna: Nanami-chan, do you have all of your things?

Nanami: Yes, my bag, my gym uniform... eh... ack!?

Oh, fiddlesticks...

There had been a math assignment today.

Hating mathematics as much as I do, I usually left my textbook at school.

Seriously, why would I want to have those huge obnoxious letters screaming "MATH" at me all the way home?

Nanami: Ah, um, I seem to have left something behind in class... I'll go fetch it right away!

Yuuna: That's fine, I'll wait here for you then.

Nanami: Alright!

With that, I started to rush out of the classroom...

Yuuna: Hold on, Nanami-chan!

Nanami: Eh?

Yuuna: That's my bag there, you know?

Nanami: Haa...

Without realizing it, I had been about to run off not just with my own bag, but Senpai's as well.

~

Nanami: Uuu... Why do I keep doing stupid things like that in front of Senpai...

Well, no, making blunders like that was a common thing for me, but...

What I meant was that they seemed to happen a lot more often when I was around Senpai...

Nanami: Hee... heeheehee. But still, because of that, now I have a chance to have a nice long talk with Senpai.

Nanami: And so today, for once, I'm thankful to be like that.

As I walked down the corridor, my footsteps started to become lighter.

Nanami: Oho! This isn't a chance one often gets - I wonder if I should try to give Senpai a little surprise...

Nanami: Knowing Senpai, she'll be passing the time quietly reading, or perhaps watching the sun set. Surely.

Nanami: So, I'll just need to come up from behind her and give her a shout. And then...

Nanami: She'll say something like "Kyaa, don't surprise me like that, Nanami-chan!" and start bapping me on the forehead...

Nanami: And then I'd say "I'm sorry! Stop hitting me! I'm sorry, I'll be good!"

Gah, this was no time for wind delusions.

Senpai was waiting for me.

Nanami: Well... maybe I'll just sneak a little peek in, just to see what Senpai was doing...

Crouching down, I silently opened the door.

Where was she...?

I quickly glanced about the room...

Yuuna: nn... nnn...

Nanami: Huh? What was that?

Yuuna: Hyaa... not good... if I don't stop...

Was that Senpai's voice?

But, it sounded strange - pained somehow...

Yuuna: Hurry... she's coming back... hurry... uhwaa...

S-Senpai?!

Wh-What on earth was she doing?!

Yuuna: Uhaa... her scent... uunhh...

I had never before heard such sad longing in Senpai's voice.

A voice full of desperation, and yet also somehow sweet.

Looking closer, I could see Senpai's white fingertips twitching about between her stocking-clad thighs.

Nanami: Senpai, is she...

...masturbating...?

Even I knew enough about the subject to realize that.

There have been, um... a few times... when I had found some comfort that way myself.

Nanami: Haaaa...

Liar. More like "constantly"...

However, this was the first time that I had watched someone else.

And not just anyone... Yuuna-senpai herself.

Yuuna: Aah... ha... gyaaaa!

Suddenly, I noticed what Senpai was grasping in her hand.

Nanami: That's... my gym uniform.

Yuuna: Uuuh, Nanami-chan... I love you, I love you! Nanami-chaaaan!

Nanami: Wha... me?!

Nanami: Eeowch!?

At that moment--

Another one of my usual blunders struck.

Raising my head in astonhishment, I had bashed it loudly into the edge of a desk.

But surely...

Even if I hadn't blundered, Senpai and I, we surely...

Yuuna: Na... Nanami-chan...

As I rubbed my head, Yuuna-senpai stared at me, her face blank with shock.

My gym uniform, still grasped in her hand.

What was this... What was going on here!?!?

Yuuna: Nanami-chan... you...

Nanami: Th-This is... um, well...

Jut what was going on here!?

I had quietly slipped into the classroom, and Yuuna-senpai was...

She was... masturbating...

Whawawaa! I had seen Senpai masturbating!!

No, no, that wasn't the issue...

The important thing here was that Senpai had found out that I had been watching her.

And now, standing before me, a dark look on her face the likes of which I had never before seen, Yuuna-senpai was...

Yuuna: Nanami-chan... you... you saw...

Nanami: Ah, um, that's...

Yuuna: You saw, didn't you?

Nanami: Ah, I'm not quite sure what you mean...

As I tried to offer some lame excuse, Yuuna-senpai slowly drew closer to me.

Nanami: Aah, no, I didn't see anything! I didn't see anything at all!

Nanami: I didn't see anything like Yuuna-senpai making a voice like that! Really, not at all! Not in the slightest!

Nanami: ...wait, what?

Yuuna: Nanami-chan, you saw...

Nanami: Aaa! It was an accident!

You dummy!

What are you saying!?

Yuuna: Nanami-chan saw me... Nanami-chan found out about me...

Nanami: Yu... Yuuna-senpai...?

Yuuna: So... If it's come down to this...

Come down to what?

Yuuna: I'll kill Nanami-chan and die too!

Nanami: Say whaaaaat!?

Yuuna: Because if you found out, then it's all over!

Nanami: Because of -what-!? Huh? Where did that stapler come from? Why are you pointing it at me like that?!

Yuuna: Don't worry, I'll make it quick! The pain will all be over soon... *gulp*

Nanami: I don't know what you're thinking, but you can't kill someone with just a stapler!

Yuuna: I've been outed! It's out! Out, out, out, out, out, out!

Yuuna: All about how every day, day after day, I'm masturbating to thoughts of Nanami-chan!

Nanami: Whaa!? E-Every... day...!?

Yuuna: One time while eating dinner! Then again later while studying! And yet again before going to sleep!

Nanami: As in, three times all in the same day!?

Yuuna: Uuu... I've been outed as a pervert...

Yuuna: Nanami-chan's big beautiful eyes, her soft cheeks, her adorable little breasts, her unmentionable places...

Yuuna: How my imagination runs wild, the inside of my head overflowing with the most indecent thoughts and fantasies - that's all out!

Nanami: Ah... Ah, Yuuna-senpai...

Yuuna: When I saw your gym uniform, I became so aroused that I just couldn't help myself...

Yuuna: But still! I wasn't always such an indecent girl, you know!

Yuuna: That's the truth, really! I've only been like this since that day...

That day...?

Yuuna: Ever since the opening ceremony, when I happened to meet you, Nanami-chan!

Yuuna-senpai... she remembered what happened at the ceremony...

Yuuna: Nanami-chan, ever since I met you, I've been completely out of control!

Nanami: Se-Senpai...

Senpai was crying.

Yuuna-senpai, that dignified and mature girl who always had a gentle smile on her face, that girl was...

Yuuna: Uwaaaaah... now you're going to hate me... Nanami-chan's going to hate me...

Nanami: I will do nothing of the sort!

Yuuna: Eh...?

Nanami: Yuuna-senpai, there is absolutely no way that I could do anything like hate you!

Nanami: Because, you see... from the time we first met... I've had a crush on you ever since!

Yuuna: Na-Nanami-chan...?

Nanami: S-So... Even if you are thinking about me when you're... masturbating... that doesn't upset me...

Nanami: No, it makes me happy!

Yuuna: Nanami-chan... do you really mean that?

Nanami: Really, yes!

I had a feeling that I was saying something outrageous.

But, as scrambled about as the insides of my head were, I wasn't able to think.

Nanami: Yuuna-senpai, I love you!

Yuuna: .........

Nanami: Ah, um? Yuuna-senpai?

Yuuna: .........

Senpai had suddenly gone silent...

Yuuna: ...Nanami-chaaaaaaaaaan!!

Nanami: Kwyaa!?

Without warning, Yuuna-senpai pounced on me.

Yuuna: Waaaaah! Nanami-chan! Nanami-chan! Nanami-chaaaan!

Hugging me tight, rubbing our cheeks together... sniffing at me now and again.

Yuuna-senpai was sobbing like a child.

Her everyday image had shattered completely.

But...

Strangely, it didn't seem out of place.

Not at all.

Instead, Senpai seemed more lovely than ever before...

Nanami: Ooh, Yuuna-senpai...!

Affectionately, I stroked Senpai's head.

Yuuna: Nanami-chan, I love you!

Nanami: I love you too, Senpai.

Yuuna: Heeheehee...

Nanami: Eheehee...

What was this?

Ihad never felt this way before...

Even though my heart was racing, I felt completely calm.

Yuuna: Nanami-chan...

Nanami: What is it, Senpai?

Yuuna: May I kiss you too?

Nanami: K-Kiss!? Kiss... wh-wh-what!?

Yuuna: ...no?

Sempai asked with a face close to tears.

When she made that kind of face, I...

Nanami: I... didn't say that.

Yuuna: Ah, wonderful... Well then, Nanami-chan...

Yuuna-senpai's arms warpped around me.

Nanami: Aa...

Yuuna: Nanami-chan... eyes closed...

Nanami: Y-Yes'm...

I closed my eyes, as instructed.

Yuuna: Nanami-chan...

Senpai's breath seemed incredibly close.

Nanami: Yuuna, senpai... nn...

The instant I spoke her name, a softness touched my lips.

With that, came a scent, somehow intensely sweet...

Yuuna: Nnnn... nn...

Nanami: Aah... nnn...

My first kiss... This was my first kiss...

My first kiss was with Yuuna-senpai...

I was so happy that I could scarcely believe what was happening.

Yuuna: Nanami-chan, love you.

Nanami: Eh... nnmmph?!

Wh-What jus slipped into my mouth!?

Was that... her tongue?! Was this -that- kind of a kiss?!

Yuuna: *chwa*... *chwah* nn... hyauu...

Nanami: Nnmph... wai... wai... nn...

Senpai's tongue moved about wildly inside my mouth...

Eeyaah... her tongue wrapped around mine...

Nanami: Nn... gyaaa... please, Se-Senpai... nnnph...

Yuuna: Nanami-chan, nnn, love you... nchaa... I love you, nnn...

Senpai's tongue... it seemed to have a life of its own...

Our touching lips felt incredibly hot, and from them, numbness started to seep through my whole body.

Nanami: Aa... nn, *chwa* *chwa*... ahua... nyhaa...

Yuuna: Nn... ahu... Nanami-chan, your mouth, so sweet... nnn... delicious...

Nanami: S-Senpai... I, I can't... if you keep doing.... mmmphf!?

This was not good... All the strength was draining out of my body.

Eyaaa... I could barely think straight...

Yuuna: Nnn... haa... Nanami-chan...

Nanami: Ah... aaah...

Our long, long kiss at an end, our lips finally parted.

From lip to lip, a line of clear saliva stretched out between us.

Nanami: Haaa... Haaa...

It was hard to breathe.

My entire body felt hot, as if all the strength had left it.

I leaned against Senpai, entrusting my body to her.

Yuuna: Nanami-chan... so cute...

Nanami: Sen... pai...

Lost in a daze, I raised my eyes and saw Senpai's face with her everyday gentle smile...

Yuuna: This really isn't fair, you know.

Abruptly, Senpai spoke out.

Nanami: Eh...?

Yuuna: Nanami-chan, you watched me while I was masturbating, yes?

Nanami: Ah, yes...

Yuuna: Not only that, you kept watching me the whole time, until I had come.

What was Senpai saying...

My mind felt like it was trapped in a haze.

I couldn't quite understand...

Yuuna: So, Nanami-chan... I think it's only fair that I get to see you come as well.

Nanami: Huh? Senpai, what are you... kyaaa?!

Nanami: Wha-? Wha-Wha-!?

Before I realized it, I had been pushed down across the top of a desk.

And, in the blink of an eye, the buttons of my uniform had become undone...

Nanami: Eh? Aaah!? Why am I--

Naked?!

Well - half-naked!?

Nanami: Wh-What just... how did I...!?

Yuuna: Heehee... Nanami-chan, you're beautiful.

Wait, what?! Senpai, she undressed me!?

Nanami: Yuuna-senpai, what are you... kyaaa!?

Senpai's tongue touched one of the little nubs jutting out from my chest.

Nanami: Hyaa... that's...

Yuuna: Nanami-chan's breasts... and her nipples, so adorably pink...

There was a note of intoxication in Senpai's voice as she tenderly fondled my breasts.

Nanami: Hyaa!? Gyaa!?

It ran like electricity.

From the touch of Senpai's hands, something came racing through the inside of my body.

Nanami: Ah... haah...

Yuuna: Heehee... you're sensitive, I see.

Senpai's tongue, as if painting circles, traced around my breasts.

Now and again, as if she had just remembered them, her tongue moved to a nipple and playfully rolled it around.

Nanami: Haaa... too much... d-don't... lick like that...

Yuuna: No? Well then, how about over here, perhaps?

With that, Senpai's left hand started to glide across my skin.

Nanami: Nyaa... ah, haaa...

The palm of her hand that had been slowly sliding along over me finally arrived at my panties.

Nanami: No, please... not there...

Yuuna: Sorry, no.

For just an instant, a sadistic grin flashed across Senpai's face.

With that, the fingertops of her left hand slid across my panties--

...and made contact with my body's most sensitive spot.

Nanami: Hyaaa!? Aaah!

Yuuna: Heehee... even more sensitive down here, aren't we...

Nanami: Se-Senpai... please... anywhere but there...

If she kept touching me down there like that... what was going to happen to me...?

Yuuna: Sorry, no~ Not until I get to see you come, Nanami-chan.

Nanami: Hwaaa!?

Through my panties, Yuuna-senpai's fingers rubbed my... a girl's most important place.

Tenderly yet deliberately, her fingers moved about as if kneading.

Yuuna: Nanami-chan, so hot and so wet here...

Nanami: Ah, haa... stop it... don't rub my... down there... like that...

Yuuna: My my, "down there" you say? Where would that be now?

Senpai's fingers toyed with me through my panties.

Nanami: Hya... haaa... Please, please... I'm...

My thoughts echoed about inside my head.

Yuuna: Answer me then. What would "down there" be?

Nanami: Aah... I... don't understand...

Yuuna: Don't lie now...

With a squeeze, her fingers pressed into me stronger and stronger.

Nanami: Gyaaaah!?

Yuuna: "P-u-s-s-y", isn't it? Nanami-chan's most adorable part.

Nanami: Augh... hyaa...

Yuuna: Come on, you can do it...

Sempai's voice gently echoed in my ears.

I realized that, slowly but surely, my thoughts were going numb.

Nanami: My... my pussy... stop playing with my pussy...

Yuuna: Heeheehee... well done...

Nanami: Haaa...

At last, she was letting me go...

Yuuna: So then, this time I want you to let me see you come.

Nanami: Eh... gyaaaaaaa!?

Senpai's fingers resumed their tender ministrations, more thoroughly than before.

At the same time, in addition to 'down there', Senpai also began insistently caressing my breasts as well.

Yuuna: Aah... your nipples are getting soooo hard.

Nanami: Nnn, nnn... aaah! Stop biting meeee!!

Senpai's mouth picked and pinched at my nipples.

Nanami: Uuh, hyaaaaa!

Sweet numbing pleasure was making the inside of my head boil.

Yuuna: Nanami-chan, your panties are getting completely coaked... do my finger feel that good?

Nanami: No, can't... too embarrassing...

Yuuna: If you don't answer, I just might have to get a little... unkind.

With that, her fingers, gentle up until now, pressed down firmly in emphasis.

Nanami: Hyaa!? Augh! Hyaaaa!

Reflexively, my body jumped in shock.

It felt as if an electric current had run through me.

Yuuna: Care to answer now? MY fingers, are they making you feel good?

Nanami: Uyaa, th-they feel good, yes!

Yuuna: How exactly are they making you feel?

Nanami: Senpai's fingers... rubbing against my pussy... sending shivers down my spine...

Yuuna: Heehee... well done again.

Nanami: Haa... haaaa... Senpai...

Yuuna: Well then, I guess I'll make you feel even better. So then... will you let me see you come, Nanami-chan?

Nanami: Hyaaaah?!

Senpai's fingers were, once again, coaxing pleasure from my body, even more diligently than before.

And that wasn't all...

Senpai buried her face against my breasts, carressing my hardened nipples in her mouth over and over and over again.

Nanami: Ah, aah! Hyaa, augh... too much, I can't... I can't think straight!

Yuuna: Nanami-chan... mmmph, aaah... delicious... mmmph...

Nanami: Hyaaa... don't suck my breasts like that...

Nanami: Stop tormening my puss-eeyaaah!

Senpai's hand, 'down there', rubbing...

Senpai's mouth, at my breasts, sucking...

I felt like I was going insane...

Nanami: Nya, kyaa... feel... something... up inside... something's... happening...!!

In an instant, my mind turned pure white.

A climax beyond anything I had ever felt before tore through me.

A gigantic ocean wave, large enough to make one fear being carried away forever, crashed down over me and snatched away my consciousness.

~

Yuuna: Nanami-chan? Nanami-chan?

Nanami: What... I...

Opening my eyes, Senpai's face was right next to me.

Yuuna: Aah, good, you're back I see.

Nanami: What do you...? Senpai...?

Yuuna: Nanami-chan... You passed out. Completely.

Nanami: I did...?

What happened...?

My mind was still hazy.

Why was I here like this with Senpai...?

Nanami: Gah! Yuuna-senpai!?

Yuuna: Yessy? What is it?

Nanami: Is that all you can say?!

Yuuna: What's wrong? Why such a scowl?

Nanami: B-But... what did I... what did we...?!

Yuuna: Heehee. Nanami-chan, you were absolutely adorable!

This... this was no dream.

Yuuna-senpai and I... we... had just been...

Nanami: Hyaaaaaa!?

Oh... my... GOD!!!

Yaaa... how absolutely mortifying...

Yuuna: Nanami-chan.

Yuuna-senpai, her normal everyday self, softly called out my name.

Nanami: Yuuna... senpai...

Our eyes met.

Until just a short while ago, merely acquaintances, two fellow students...

But now, from this moment on...

Yuuna: I love you, Nanami-chan.

Nanami: Aah...

The taste of Senpai's lips was every bit as sweet as I remembered it to be...

~

I had put my clothes back together in a bit of a panic, but hopefully I had everything right.

Why aren't there mirrors in the classrooms, I wonder?

And of course, I would forget to bring my hand mirror on a day like today...

At any rate, I couldn't leep Yuuna-senpai waiting any longer.

Nanami: S-Sorry to have kept you waiting.

Yuuna: All set?

Nanami: Ah, yes.

Yuuna: Ah...

Nanami: Huh? Wh-What is it?

Yuuna: Hold still...

Yuuna-senpai suddenly reached her hand out to my chest.

Yuuna: Your ribbon is twisted.

Nanami: Haa!? But I was sure that I had everything just right!

Gah, that was a pathetic excuse, even for me...

Yuuna: Heehee, how careless of you, Nanami-chan.

Nanami: Aauh...

Yuuna: Aah, but that kind of thing is cute too.

Nanami: Hwaaaa!?

Suddenly pounced upon, I found myself in a tight hug.

Nanami: Uwahwah, please don't do that, Senpai...

Yuuna: Heeheehee, sow-wy.

Senpai was a lot taller than I was, and so when she hugged me like this, my face became buried in her breasts almost perfectly.

Nanami: I c-can't breathe...

Smothered in Senpai's cleavage, I wriggled about, struggling for air.

Yuuna: Aah, such unbearable cuteness, Nanami-chan!

Nanami: Hyaaaaauuuu...

~

Yuuna: Heehee, heeheehee.

Senpai was giggling.

Yuuna: Heehee~ Toegther with Nanami-chan~ Together with Nanami-chan~

I had never seen Yuuna-senpai so wound up like this before...

Things like this were changing my image of her...

Nanami: Aah... Senpai...?

Yuuna: Yessy-yessy??

Senpai spun around to face me, a huge smile across her face.

Her body flowed with a dance-like elegance.

Was that a result of taking ballet lessons since childhood, perhaps?

Nanami: Did Yuuna-senpai have this kind of personality before?

Yuuna: Oh? Something seems strange about me?

Nanami: No, I wouldn't say strange, but...

Yuuna: Heehee. Silly Nanami-chan.

With that, she gracefully spun about in place once again.

Her back fully extended, her form was absolutely flawless.

Well, not that I know anything about ballet...

It was, well... graceful.

Yuuna: Heehee, Nanami-chan!

Nanami: Ugyaa!?

Again, I was pounced upon.

Yuuna: Nanami-chan, such a cutie.

Nanami: Haauu... Senpai, you keep doing this.

Once again, I found myself trapped between Senpai's exceedingly well-rounded breasts, wriggling and struggling.

Yuuna: Aaah! Ahll snuggled up in my arms - what an unbearably irresistible feeling!

*rub* *rub* *grind* *grind*

Nanami: Aaiiee... please, not so hard!

Yuuna: And that scent...

Senpai nuzzled her face against my neck and sniffed deeply.

Yuuna: Aaah... so milky-sweet... Just like a baby.

With that, she took the opportunity to blow gently into my ear.

Nanami: Hyaa!?

Yuuna: Not to mention delightfully sensitive.

Nanami: Ooh, Senpai is a meanie!

The mood was a little complicated.

At long last I was with Senpai, but I was being treated like a child...

This wasn't right.

I just wanted to be more--

Yuuna: Uuuu...

Nanami: Eh, Senpai?

Yuuna: Waaaaaaah! Nanami-chan hates me!

Nanami: Eh--?!

Yuuna: Uwaaaah... It's because I pushed you down like that, isn't it??

Nanami: Senpai, wait, what?!

Yuuna: Caught up in the moment, touching and licking your breasts, and then on to your pu--

Nanami: Uwaahwaah!! Senpai! We are in the middle of the -street-!!

I desperately tried to cut off the loud wailing coming out of Senpai's mouth.

Thankfully, there didn't seem to be anyone nearby...

Yuuna: Uh... uuuh... hyuu...

Nanami: Senpai...

Yuuna: Nanami-chan, I suddenly get indecent with you... and now you hate me?

Nanami: T-That's not the case at all!

Yuuna: But, but - you seemed disillusioned with me just now...?

Nanami: I wasn't! I was just a little taken aback...

Nanami: But still! I was happy!

Nanami: Yuuna-senpai, hearing you say that you loved me made me feel incredibly happy!

Those really were my true feelings.

The change in Senpai's manner did come as a bit of a surprise, but it didn't change my love for her.

Actually...

Whatever happened, I was pretty sure that my love for Senpai only grew.

Nanami: And so... when you cry, it makes me feel sad too... and so...

I... think I'm going to cry myself...

Yuuna: Nanami-chan... Nanami-chaaaaan!

Nanami: Unya!?

Yet again, I found myself pounced upon.

Yuuna: Nanami-chan Nanami-chan Nanami-chan Nanami-chan Nanami-chaaaan!!

Clinging, squeezing, rubbing, kissing here and there...

Yuuna-senpai seemed to be expressing delight with every part of her body.

Yuuna: Aaa, oh my! How absolutely adorable you are, Nanami-chan!

Yuuna: That's it! Married! Let's get married!!

Nanami: Married? Whaa!? That's getting carried away!

Yuuna: Maybe so, but let's do it anyway!

Nanami: Senpai, get a hold of yourself!

Nanami: And what of somebody sees us like this?!

Yuuna: That's fine! I mean, we're lovers, aren't we?

Nanami: Eh...?

Lovers?

Yuuna-senpai and me?

We are, aren't we.

That is what we've become, isn't it?

Yikes! I hadn't thought of it like that at all before.

Nanami: Ah, um, Yuuna-senpai...

Yuuna: Hmph. That again.

Nanami: Ah, huh? "That"...?

Yuuna: I don't like you calling me "Senpai" - it's not right.

Nanami: Not right...? But, you are my senpai, Senpai...

Yuuna: It's. Not. Right. We're lovers, you know? We should be calling each other something special.

Nanami: Something... special...?

Something intimate, like just "Nanami"? No honourific at all?

.........

......

...

Kyaaa-kyaaa!?

Even just thinking about that makes my heart feel like it's going to explode!!

Yuuna: Let's see, what would be a nice thing to have you call me?

Yuuna: Something that comes out nice and neat from Nanami-chan's cute mouth...

~

Yuuna: Nanami... you're so very pretty...

Nanami: No, Senpai... this isn't the place...

Yuuna: What's wrong about it? Won't you let me heat you say it with that cute mouth of yours?

Nanami: Aaah...

~

Nanami: Kyaa-kyaa!! Nonononoo. Something like that would -kill- me!

Yuuna: Well, Nanami-chan can stay as Nanami-chan if she wants. That is, unless using just your given name would be okay?

Nanami: Given name only, if you please!

Answered without a moment's hesitation.

Yuuna: Really? Well then... Nanami.

Nanami: Hauaa!?

That... hit... hard...

And I going to be able to endure that?

Yuuna: Ah, that's it, yes!

Nanami: Fweh?

As I fidgeted by myself, Yuuna-senpai suddenly struck her pal with her fist.

Yuuna: Nanami-chan, starting today, I would like you to call me "Onee-sama".

Nanami: Onee... sama...?

Yuuna: Uh huh. Perfect, isn't it?

Yuuna: Sweet little Nanami-chan calling me "Onee-sama" as she snuggles against me like a kitten... I can just imagine it... Aaah!!

Senpai's face started to glow, her body twisting in place.

Yuuna: Well, I guess that's decided then!

Nanami: "It's decided", she says...

Yuuna: You... hate it?

A sorrowful look came over her face.

Nanami: Uh...

Yuuna: Nanami-chan, calling me "Onee-sama"... you hate it?

Senpai stared at me, her eyes brimming with tears.

[Choice]
- Something else if possible
- I don't hate it