That morning, the air was still cold even though the sun was already high enough in the sky. I stepped on the sidewalk towards the school gate in a slow rhythm, letting the sound of other students' footsteps mingle with the boisterous morning chat. Some ran in a hurry for fear of being late, others were busy joking while carrying their bags with them.
I just walked as usual—calmly, without rushing.
It's not that I want to look elegant. It's just been my habit for a long time. As soon as they passed through the school gate, familiar whispers were heard again.
"Ah, Sumire-san is coming."
"It's so beautiful, as always."
"Today her hair is braided on the sides, huh? It's so sweet."
I heard those sentences even though they never said them directly to me. A thin smile was automatically painted on my face. I replied with a small nod—just a formality to make it look polite. I know they admire me. But, to be honest... I never felt comfortable with any of this.
Since the beginning of high school, I have been used to being the center of attention. He said it was because my academic grades were always good, or maybe because of my "graceful" appearance. But actually, I never intended to stand out.
I just want to live school life in peace.
No fuss.
No excessive highlights.
However, the world does not seem to want to allow that to happen. I took a deep breath, trying to ignore the gaze that followed me every step. They may think of me as a perfect person, but I never felt that way. I'm just... Sumire Akari. An ordinary high school sophomore, who happens to be good at hiding awkwardness behind a cold smile.
"Akari-senpai! Good morning!"
A cheerful voice greeted me from the side. I turned my head slightly and saw Rina Takahashi, a junior from the literature club. Her black hair that was in two pigtails swayed as her half-running steps swayed.
"Good morning, Rina." I replied in a polite tone.
She smiled broadly, as if my smile was more than enough to make her day enjoyable. I feel a bit guilty... Because that expression I could never sincerely reply. For some reason, every time I saw such an amazed look, there was a strange feeling pressing against my chest. Not warm, but... heavy. I turned my head towards the classroom window that was visible from a distance. The sunlight reflected off the glass, dazzling my eyes for a moment.
Today... It will probably be the same as yesterday.
Fake smiles, admired looks, and little gossip that never stopped.
Yes, it must be the same.
That's what I thought. Until finally, there was one figure who made all my beliefs collapse. My steps were stopped for a moment in the school yard. Not because there was anything blocking my path, but because the figure who had just passed through the gate seemed to change the atmosphere around him.
The long silver-white hair instantly stole my attention. The morning sunlight reflected on her strands of hair, making her sparkle as if a thread of light was neatly woven. Even from this distance, I could feel an aura that was hard to ignore.
Sakura Airi.
I've heard that name too many times. A teenage model, her face is plastered on the cover of a magazine that I often see on the shelves of a bookstore. A girl who, even before I knew her at school, was already living in the public spotlight. He stepped casually, but full of confidence. Shoulders straight, chin slightly raised, with a smile that seemed to say that the whole world was in his grasp.
"Ah, Sakura-san is coming!" Look, look, look! Her hair is so beautiful!"" He is truly like a star..."
I could hear all those whispers clearly. Compared to me who only replied with a faint smile or a polite nod, Sakura seemed to be created for the stage. He greeted back, waving small hands at those who called his name, without looking awkward. I stood still, watching from a safe distance. It was as if I was a spectator, not part of the same stage.
However, for some reason... When her violet gaze swept through the crowd, I felt something different. His eyes only glanced at a glance, but for me it felt too long. There's a kind of pressure, like when someone accidentally shines a flashlight on your face. It doesn't hurt, but it makes you want to turn your head and pretend you don't look.
"… Sumire Akari."
His soft voice slid out. Not a shout, not a greeting, but clear enough to reach my ears. My heart was beating a little faster.
Why did he say my name?
I'm not even talking to him.
I tried to stay calm. Busying himself by tidying up the bag straps, as if he didn't hear anything. But in my heart, there is a feeling of discomfort that spreads slowly. Sakura Airi is different from others. If the other disciple just looked at me with faint admiration, his gaze felt like a test. It was as if he was saying, "Can you stay calm while I'm here?"
I hate to admit it, but the gaze pierces much deeper than the other whispers of admiration.
"Akari-senpai!"
Rina called me again from the side. Her voice was cheerful, waking me up from that brief daydream.
"Oh... yes. Morning," I replied quickly.
I turned my attention completely to Rina, hoping to forget about that violet look. But it's hard. I knew very well that Sakura was still behind me, walking with a leisurely pace that still attracted dozens of gazes.
Rina babbled something about the task of the literary club. I nodded occasionally, pretending to be paying attention, even though half of my thoughts were still left on the silver-haired girl.
Why? Why should I feel disturbed?
Haven't I gotten used to being the center of attention?
However, unlike the gaze of the other disciples who only stopped for a moment, Sakura's gaze seemed to be stuck in my chest, leaving a mark that was difficult to erase.
I glanced at my head. Fatal mistakes. At that time, our eyes met. Only a fraction of a second. But the faint smile painted on Sakura's face made my heart beat once faster. Not a friendly smile aimed at the crowd. Not the professional smile of a model who is used to being photographed. It was more like a small smile deliberately aimed at me. I quickly threw away my face. The morning air suddenly felt colder than before.
"Senpai? Senpai, did you hear it?" asked Rina while leaning her body.
"Ah, sorry. I heard," I replied shortly, covering up the clumsiness.
I stepped again, this time a little faster. Rina was forced to adjust her steps, still with her cheerful chatter. I tried to focus on his words, even though most of them were swallowed up by the sound of my own heartbeat. As soon as I got to the front of the class, I let out a long sigh. At least here I can calm down—or so I thought. However, the voices were heard again.
"Boy, the two queens of the school are in the same class, huh?"
"If Sumire-san and Sakura-san get together... It's like watching a drama."
"Who do you think is more popular?"
I closed my eyes for a moment. So many rumors, so many gossip. All I wanted was to sit in my chair, open the book, and start the lesson as usual. But in this world, "as usual" seems too fancy for me.
I pulled my chair quietly, trying to ignore everything. But before I had time to sit down, I could feel someone standing behind me.
"I didn't see it wrong, right?"
The voice sounded clear, low but loud enough for me to hear it. His voice was a little flirtatious, but it wasn't made up. I turned my head slowly. And there, Sakura Airi stood with the same smile as before—a smile that made me feel as if all the spotlight in this room was narrowed to just the two of us.
Why... Of all the people in this school, he is the most difficult to ignore? I don't know the answer. But one thing is for sure: today will not be the same as yesterday.
I was still standing sculpting, the chair in my hand had not yet had time to push it completely. Sakura Airi stood behind me, flashing a smile that made the classroom air tense. The gossiping voices of other students who were just whispering are now heard more clearly.
"Hey, hey, are they really talking?" Crazy... The two queens of the school finally face to face."" It's going to be exciting..."
I gripped the back of the chair tightly, trying to calm down. I can't lose control.
"I don't see it wrong, right? You had a glance at me this morning." Sakura opened the conversation without hesitation, her tone was light, as if we were old friends.
I turned my head slightly, looking at him with a flat expression. "… You're too confident."
Sakura chuckled softly, her tone of laughter sounding annoying but... For some reason, I can't ignore it. "It's not confident. Intuition. And I think my intuition is rarely wrong."
The whispers of other students were getting louder. Some closed their mouths holding back laughter, some leaned in to notice. I pulled my chair back, finally sitting down quietly. Trying to close this conversation with my cold actions. However, Sakura instead pulled out her own chair and sat down next to me. I immediately turned my head, looking at him.
"Why should I sit here?" "Why not?" he replied quickly, without a guilty expression. "The bench is empty, right? After all, it's more interesting to sit next to you than in front of the class."
I could feel the other disciples almost holding back their screams.
"She's sitting next to Sumire-san?!"" Wow, wow, wow... It's going to be a whole month's worth of gossip."
I let out a deep sigh, trying to stay calm.
"If the goal is just to get attention, I suggest looking for another place. I won't get involved."
"Who said I was looking for attention?"
Sakura leaned back slightly, her violet eyes staring straight at me. "I'm just curious about you, Akari."
My heart beats once harder, but my face remains cold." HAAHHH! Curious? What is it for?"
Sakura rested her chin on the palm of her hand, still with that faint smile. "Because... You're the only person in this school who isn't affected by me."
Those words made me speechless. Not affected? Is that true?
If only he knew how hard it would be for me to refrain from reacting when his gaze locked my eyes this morning. I turned to the window, avoiding eye contact.
"I have no reason to be affected. You're just another student in this school."
Sakura laughed. "Just another student, huh? Those words sound funny when they come out of 'Sumire Akari's mouth." I frowned, turning to him again. "… You mean?"
"I mean, you're not an ordinary schoolgirl either. You know, right, everyone is watching you every day? Just like me. The difference is, you try to avoid it, while I enjoy it."
The sentence stuck sharper than I expected. I lowered my head for a moment, clutching the notebook on the table. He's right, but that doesn't mean I like him. I took a slow breath, then replied in a flat tone.
"If you enjoy it, go ahead. But don't involve me."
Sakura smiled, as if enjoying every second of this conversation." I actually want to involve you. Wouldn't it be more fun if the two most watched people in this school ... Being on the same side?"
"No." My answer was quick, firm, cold.
However, deep down, I knew the answer wasn't entirely honest. Because since then, I have been trapped in the circle of his presence. The entrance bell sounded, ending the temporary commotion. The teacher entered, the classroom atmosphere calmed down a little. However, I could feel Sakura still occasionally glancing at me, even when she pretended to write a note. Every time that happened, I looked deeper at my book. I can't lose. It should not waver. But why... I feel as if I'm running on sand that keeps shaking?
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
I had just closed the book when Haruna Tachibana—my best friend since junior high school—came over.
"Akari! You're crazy, don't you tell me anything about this?" He was leaning against my desk with a face full of gossip.
"What do you mean?" he asked flatly.
"Don't pretend, dong! You and Sakura-san just had a conversation in a listening class, you know!"
Haruna patted my desk softly, her eyes shining." It's crazy, your vibes are like rivals in a school drama."
I closed my eyes for a moment. "Don't overdo it, Haruna."
Before I could turn the conversation around, Sakura joined the conversation. "Rival? That's an interesting word." She just appeared, standing on the other side of my desk, making Haruna reflexively take a half-step back. I looked at him coldly.
"… You do like to interfere, huh?"
Sakura smiled widely. "It is not interfering. I'm just interested. If you want to call me a rival, I don't mind."
Haruna almost screamed in joy. "Oh my God, this is really like a shojo manga!"
I covered my face with my hands, feeling that this conversation was getting out of hand.
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
The day felt long. Whenever I tried to focus on the lesson, Sakura always found a way to tease me. Thrust an eraser when mine fell, lightly commented on my notes, and even deliberately said my name louder than necessary.
I tried to stay cool, replying to it as much as I could. But in my heart, there was another feeling that I couldn't ignore. Somehow... I feel like his presence brings a different color to my days. A color that, while it makes me uneasy, is also hard for me to really reject.
When the bell rang home, I immediately rushed to tidy up my bag.
However, before she could leave the class, Sakura had already stood at the door. He looked at me with that smile again." Sumire Akari... Starting tomorrow, I'll sit next to you. So be prepared."
I was speechless, not knowing what to answer. Sakura walked away, leaving me with dozens of pairs of eyes still curious.
I let out a long sigh. Why... Why do I feel like I'm being played? One thing is clear—My quiet days are over.
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
The next morning, my steps felt heavier than usual. Not because my body was tired, but because Sakura's words last night kept ringing in my head.
"Starting tomorrow, I'll sit next to you. So be prepared."
The sentence is simple, but it has a strange power. It was as if from the moment I said it, I already knew that my daily life would no longer be the same. I passed through the school gate with a calm step, trying to show a calm face as usual. However, from the whispers of the disciples I heard along the way, I knew the gossip had spread faster than I expected.
"He said Sakura-san moved to sit next to Sumire-san, huh?"" Crazy, it's not just gossip? I heard it right away yesterday, you know."" The two queens sat together... It's going to break."
I closed my eyes for a moment, holding back a small sigh. Gossip... It's always gossip. For some reason, people prefer to see the two of us as spectacles rather than as ordinary human beings. As soon as I entered the classroom, my eyes immediately fell on the chair next to me. Empty. I breathed a sigh of relief. Maybe it was all just a bluff from Sakura.
But my hopes collapsed in a matter of seconds. The sound of light steps came closer, and then a glittering silver-white hair caught in the corner of my eye.
"Good morning, Akari." Sakura put her bag on the empty chair next to me, as if it had belonged to her in the first place.
I turned my head slowly, looking at him with a flat expression.
"… You're serious, huh."
"Of course." He smiled confidently. "I promised." The whispers of the class immediately exploded, making the atmosphere boisterous.
"Come on, sit down!"
"I have to write this down in the class gossip book."
"In this case, who can focus on learning and trying?"
I tapped the tip of the pencil on the table, trying to ignore the noises. "If you just want to make a stir, congratulations. You made it."
"That's not it." Sakura leaned her head slightly, making our distance feel too close. "I just want to get closer to you, Akari. Let me understand why you always look cold when everyone admires you."
I threw away my face, staring out the window. "I don't need anyone else to understand me."
"It's a pity. Since I've decided to understand, you have to get involved."
That sentence made my heart beat faster. Why does this girl always speak in a tone as if everything has been determined according to her wishes?
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
The lesson began, but it was hard for me to focus. Sakura shifted her chair several times, deliberately leaning as the teacher wrote on the board, as if to show that she would not allow distance between us. As I was writing a note, he suddenly thrust out the eraser. "You forgot to bring it, didn't you?" he said casually.
I glanced at him for a moment. "… T-Thank you."
"Finally, thank you also came out." His smile widened. The whispers of classmates are getting more and more intense.
"Look! Akari said thank you to Sakura-san!"
"It's more fun than a weeknight TV drama."
I lowered my head deeper, my face still calm even though my ears were hot. Why does everyone pay attention to such a small thing?
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
Haruna immediately stormed my desk with a gossipy expression." Aka! Do you know today's gossip? Everyone in the cafeteria is talking about you to Sakura-san!"
I massaged my temples. "… I can already guess it."
"Eh, but seriously, this is like a bonus drama for our school life. If I were a manga writer, you would both be the main characters." Before I could reply, another quieter voice came from behind.
"The main character? I think it's more like a co-star competing for the spotlight."
I turned my head. Mizuki Hayase stood there, Sakura's best friend who was known to be cold and cynical. His gaze was on the three of us. "Mizuki, don't make a fuss about it," I said coldly.
Mizuki shrugged. "I just said what I saw. After all, Sakura is the type of person who won't stop until she gets what she wants." Sakura, who had been sitting quietly since earlier, laughed.
"See? Even Mizuki agreed. So don't expect me to stop, Akari." I looked at him sharply. "… I never asked you to keep getting closer."
"But you didn't really push me away either, did you?" Sakura replied with a meaningful smile.
Those words made me speechless. I wanted to argue, but for some reason my tongue felt like it couldn't move.
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
After school, I walked alone through a long corridor. Haruna had already gone home first, while Sakura was going nowhere. I let out a long sigh, feeling that I could finally calm down a little. However, as soon as I descended the stairs, I heard the sound of rapid footsteps behind me.
"Akari, wait!"
I paused for a moment. Of course, it was Sakura's voice. She ran a little towards me, her silver hair glistening in the afternoon light that pierced through the window. "I haven't had time to tell you... Thank you for not minding me sitting next to you today."
I looked at him with a flat expression. "… I never said I didn't mind." Sakura chuckled. "Yes, but you don't forbid it either. That means a green light, right?"
I twisted my eyeballs, then continued my steps. "Don't interpret it as you please." Sakura followed with a light step, walking by my side as if it was a natural thing.
"Do you know, Akari? I'm starting to like walking next to you. It... fun."
My heart was beating once faster, but I refrained from turning my head. "… You are indeed annoying."
"If I keep annoying like this, maybe one day you'll get used to it."
I didn't answer. Just staring straight ahead, hoping that Sakura wouldn't be able to read my face which felt warmer than usual. Deep down, however, I knew one thing: The quiet days I had always dreamed of were truly over.
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
The next day came with an atmosphere that was far from calm.
Before I even had time to pass through the school gate, there were already strange whispers that were more exciting than yesterday.
"Eh, eh, you know? He said that Sakura-san and Sumire-san will be paired at a sports festival next month!"" Period? I heard they were appointed together for a class relay competition."" If it is true, it must be the main event of the festival. Two school queens running together? Crazy!"
I took a deep breath, holding back the laziness that suddenly grew. Sports festivals. I'm not even too excited for it. But the gossip of other students has dramatized everything.
As soon as I got to class, the sight I saw made my head even heavier. Sakura had already sat in her chair—or rather, the seat that used to be empty beside me, which now felt like her new territory.
"Good morning, Akari."
He greeted me with the same smile as yesterday, as if there was nothing wrong with all this. I put the bag on my desk without looking back. "… Morning."
"It's very cold, even though we've started to get used to sitting together." His tone was light, but loud enough to provoke a reaction from his classmates.
"Look, look! "Sumire-san is really sitting with Sakura-san again." It's official, it means."" It's a national rivalry."
I tapped my finger on the table, trying not to hear.
Rivalries. I've heard that word too many times lately, as if our relationship can't be described in any other terms.
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
The morning lesson passed slowly. I tried to focus on copying notes, while Sakura occasionally threw short comments that only made the atmosphere more noisy.
"Root—eh, Sumire-san, your writing is so neat. Can you borrow a note later?"
"I'm still confused as to how to calculate this formula, can you teach me?" All his words were actually ordinary. But since it came from Sakura—and it was aimed at me—the class was immediately rowdy.
"Oh my gosh, Sakura-san asked to be taught with Sumire-san!" It's really like the popular shojo manga. One cold, one cheerful."
I massaged my temples gently, trying to ignore the small laughter that sounded from behind.
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
As usual, Haruna immediately stormed my desk. "Akari! Do you know today's gossip? He said the two of you would be a relay couple at a sports festival!"
I turned my head lazily. "… The sports festival is still a month away. Where else did the gossip come from this time?"
"From the next class! They say your homeroom teacher has decided."
Before I could argue, the classroom door opened and our homeroom teacher walked in, carrying a stack of papers. "Today I'm going to share the team breakdown for next month's sports festival."
The class was immediately chaotic. All the students cheered or complained, depending on their fate. I could only close my eyes for a moment, feeling a bad feeling.
That's right.
"For the second-class relay competition-A... Sumire Akari and Sakura Airi." The class instantly exploded in a scream.
"WOOOOI! CRAZY! THIS CAN'T BE ALLOWED!"
"Sumire-san and Sakura-san as a team! This is going to be a highlight of the festival!"
"Master, what a genius!"
I sculpt. Sakura, next to me, clapped her hands softly while turning her head. "It looks like we're matchmaking, Akari."
I looked at him sharply. "… Don't say weird things."
"But this is true." He chuckled softly. "We are a relay couple now. So, like it or not, you have to cooperate with me."
I didn't answer. Just looking down, trying to calm the heartbeat that somehow felt harder than usual.
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
After school, the atmosphere didn't get any better. The corridor was filled with students talking about the same thing.
"Sumire-san and Sakura-san are going to be a relay couple!"
"We have to watch it live later. It's definitely a legendary moment."
"I bet they will win."
I walked quickly, wanting to get out of the crowd immediately.
However, the cheerful voice I was already too familiar with caught up with me.
"Akari! Wait a minute."
Sakura emerged from behind the crowd, still with a calm expression as if unbothered by the attention of dozens of pairs of eyes. "You heard, right? Starting tomorrow we have to train together. The teacher has said that all relay pairs are required to train twice a week." I paused for a moment, looking at him. "… Practicing together?"
"Of course." His smile widened. "I can't wait. We will definitely be the most interesting couple at the festival."
I let out a long sigh, then continued my steps." If this is just part of the obligation, I will do it. But don't misinterpret it."
Sakura caught up with me lightly. "I know, I know. But still... I'm happy to be your partner, Akari."
I didn't answer. Just staring straight ahead, while in my heart I knew: My school life is already in disarray... will get more chaotic from now on.
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
At night, I lay on the bed staring at the ceiling of the room. Sakura's words kept ringing.
"We're a couple now."
"You have to cooperate with me."
I closed my eyes, trying to erase that sound from my mind.
However, the more I tried to forget, the clearer the voice became.
Why should I feel this way? Why is my heart troubled just because of his presence?
I pulled the blanket over my face, hoping that sleep would stop all this. But deep down, I knew one thing—my meeting with Sakura Airi wasn't something I could ignore.
And the sports festival will be... will only be the beginning of something bigger.
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
The next day, the air of the sports field was filled with the sound of whistles and the screams of students running around. I stood on the edge of the track, holding the relay stick with my fingertips. It felt awkward, as if this light object weighed ten times.
"Couple number three: Sumire Akari and Sakura Airi!" The voice of the sports teacher was clearly heard, making the students' gazes automatically focused on us. The whispers broke again.
"Wow, they finally trained together!"
"It's a moment of truth."
"If there is a photographer, this photo can be in the school magazine."
I took a deep breath, trying to ignore it. However, the harder I tried, the clearer those voices became in my ears. Sakura, beside me, looked relaxed. Her silver hair was left hanging loose, glistening in the morning sun. He twisted the relay wand in his hand, then turned to me with an overly calm smile. "Don't be tense, Akari. It's just practice." I glanced at it, then looked back at the track. "… I'm not tense."
"Really?" He tilted his face slightly, the distance was too close for me to feel his breath. "Then why are your hands shaking?"
I reflexively lowered my gaze. Sure enough, my fingers shook slightly while grasping the stick. I quickly changed the position of my hands, pretending to be busy adjusting the handles. "It's just because the morning air is cold."
Sakura chuckled slightly, as if satisfied with my stubborn answer. "In that case, let's get started. Show that Sumire Akari can run as fast as a shadow."
The teacher blew the whistle. We take a position. I was standing on the first track, Sakura on the second track. The first run went smoothly... almost. I ran at a constant pace, but when I had to hand over the baton to Sakura's hand, my heart actually beat faster than when I was running.
"Your hands, hurry up!" Sakura looked back, driving at a steady pace.
I handed over the stick, but our fingers touched each other for too long. At first glance, I could feel the warmth of his body, contrasting with the cold of the metal rod in my hand. Sakura managed to grab the stick and keep running, leaving me standing sculpting for a while.
The boisterous cheers of friends were immediately heard.
"WOW! They managed to get the stick!"
"Oh, uh, your hands are touching each other, aren't you?"
"It's like a slow motion scene, I swear!"
I closed my eyes, trying to calm down. It's just practice. Nothing special. But why does my chest feel tight?
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
Every time the stick changed hands, every time the distance between my body was too close, I felt it was getting harder and harder to breathe. Sakura, on the other hand, looked even more excited.
"Our cooperation is good, Akari. I could feel the rhythm of his running suited me." He said while patting me on the shoulder lightly after the third round.
I turned my head sharply. "… Don't be too confident. It's just practice."
"But practice reflects results, doesn't it?" She smiled, her violet eyes shining with confidence. "I'm sure we'll be the strongest couple at the festival."
I wanted to argue, but it was hard when a part of me knew he wasn't completely wrong.
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
I sat under the tree, gulping down the water from the bottle quickly. Sweat dripped down my temples, making my hair stick to the skin a little.
"Scarlett!" Haruna suddenly appeared while waving her hand. "I saw you guys practicing earlier! Oh my gosh, I'm not strong! It's like a scene from a secret romance drama!"
I sighed. "… Haruna, don't overdo it."
"But seriously, you guys look really compatible. And when I think about it, I'm sure the school would be very excited if it did."
I closed the water bottle loudly, feeling like I didn't want to hear any more. However, another quieter voice followed. "Romance drama, huh? I think it's more like an exercise between two people pretending to be not interested in each other, when there's clearly tension between them."
I turned my head. Mizuki Hayase stood with his hands folded, his gaze piercing. Sakura, who had just come with a towel, smiled faintly. "Don't be jealous, Mizuki. If you want, I can take you to practice as well."
Mizuki snorted. "Not necessarily. I just want to remind you not to mess with Sumire. He's not the type of person who can be treated casually."
Sakura glanced at me for a moment, then chuckled. "Don't worry. I'm not kidding." His eyes flashed with meaning. "Quite the opposite—I'm very serious." I froze on the spot. Those words felt heavier than just a joke.
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
In the afternoon, the practice continues. The teacher told us to do a full simulation. I stood again on the starting track, trying to catch my breath. "Ready?" Sakura stood in front of me, ready to receive the wand.
I nodded slowly. The whistle sounded. I ran. The wind hit my face, the sound of footsteps echoing in my ears. As the stick moved, our fingers touched again. This time it was longer, almost as if it was intentional.
"That's great, Akari!" Sakura exclaimed as she darted forward.
I stopped at the end of the track, my knees felt limp. Why does it feel like this every time he's around?
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
The afternoon sun begins to tilt, coloring the sky with pale orange. I sat on a bench by the court, retying my messy hair. Sakura came, sitting beside me unasked.
"You learn quickly. Our rhythm is almost perfect."
I glanced for a moment. "… Don't sit next to me too often. People will misunderstand."
"Let it be." He gulped down the water from the bottle. "If they misunderstand, that's their problem. The important thing... I know I'm not wrong." I looked at him. "… What do you mean?"
Sakura put down the bottle, then turned her head with a look that was too serious for the size of the girl who was always smiling. "I mean, I really want to get to know you, Akari. More than just rivals at school. More than just a relay couple."
My heart was pounding. I quickly stood up, avoiding his gaze. "… Don't talk carelessly."
He just smiled slightly. "It's not arbitrary. But if you're not ready to hear it, I'll wait."
I didn't answer. My steps left the field, but my heart was left there—heavy, noisy, full of question marks. One thing is for sure— My relationship with Sakura Airi is no longer just school gossip. And I began to fear where all this would end.
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
The next day, the school atmosphere felt louder than usual.
Even before the doorbell rang, gossip about me and Sakura had spread throughout the corridor.
"I saw them practicing yesterday, swear like a couple in the manga!"" He said, Sakura said seriously to Sumire-san. That's really it, isn't it?" If so, it means that the gossip of rivalry has changed to... romance?"
I quickly stepped through the crowd, pretending not to hear. However, in my heart I knew, the more I tried to cover my ears, the more clearly their voices pierced my mind.
As soon as I entered the class, my eyes immediately caught the silver-haired figure. Sakura sat sweetly in her chair—the seat that used to be empty beside me. He turned his head and greeted me with his trademark smile.
"Good morning, Akari."
I just nodded, putting the bag on the table. "… Morning."
"Your face looks fresher today. Don't tell me you're excited because of the training again?"
I turned my head sharply. "… Don't talk weird. It's just a school obligation."
"But you're still here, right?" He chuckled a little. "If I were your reason to come, I'd be even happier."
I didn't respond, just lowered my head to write a note. However, in my heart I felt something that couldn't be explained easily.
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
That afternoon, training was held again on the field. The sky was clear, the breeze was blowing, and the sound of the teacher's whistle was the signal for the start of the training session.
"Sumire Akari and Sakura Airi, please take a position."
I stood on the first track, fingers gripping the stick tightly. Sakura stood a little ahead, ready to accept. He turned his head for a moment, his smile calm.
"Trust me, Akari."
I swallowed a spit, then nodded briefly. The whistle sounded. I darted forward, my steps steadily hitting the ground. The faint cheers of friends rang out in the ears. As the distance with Sakura got closer, I raised the stick.
"Now!" Sakura turned her head, her hand outstretched.
I handed over the stick, our fingers touching quickly—and this time, the move went so smoothly that it was as smooth as if we had been practicing for months. Sakura ran fast, her silver hair fluttering around, leaving a thin shadow in my eyes.
The class cheers exploded.
"WOW! It's so beautiful!"
"Their timing is perfect!"
"Seriously, it's the golden couple of the festival later!"
I stopped at the end of the track, my breath was short, but my chest felt lighter. For the first time, I didn't really care about other people's voices. All there was a sense of relief—and strangely, a little pride. Repetitive exercises. Every round, our rhythm got more and more harmonious. Sakura turned her head to me several times, her smile getting wider.
"Very good, Akari. See? We are getting more and more compatible."
I just averted my eyes, pretending to be busy with the drinking bottle. "… It's just a coincidence."
"If it happens so many times, it might actually be fate."
I choked on my own drink, hurriedly lowered my head so he wouldn't see my face heat up. Sakura chuckled, obviously enjoying my reaction. I sat on a bench by the court, holding a small towel to wipe away the sweat.
"Akari!" Haruna ran over, carrying a juice box. "I bought this for you. Your training is awesome!" I accepted the juice with a faint smile. "… Thank you, Haruna."
"Huh?!" Haruna snorted. "You're smiling?! Are you really smiling?!"
I reflexively straightened up. "… Why?"
"Normally you're really cold, but now it seems... different. "Your smile is so beautiful, Akari. It's not cold, it's not formal, but... warm."
I froze. Warm? I? I didn't have time to respond because Sakura suddenly appeared beside me, putting her water bottle on the bench.
"Look, Haruna is also aware. Akari's smile was rare. I feel lucky to see him today." I turned my head quickly, my face was hot. "… Don't be pretentious!"
Sakura just laughed, her expression happy like a child who had just found a treasure. Training started again, this time a full simulation with other team pairs. I ran, handing the baton to Sakura, and for the first time I didn't feel a weight on my chest. Quite the opposite—there is trust. The cheers broke again when we finished with the fastest time.
"WOI! They're really champions!" It's fixed, our class will win the sports festival later!"
The sports teacher even smiled with satisfaction. "Your cooperation is extraordinary. Keep it until the day of the festival."
I stood up with a deep breath, looking at Sakura who was also taking a deep breath. He turned his head, then raised his hand for a high-five.
"… What?" I asked confused.
"Cough. That's a sign of good cooperation."
I stared at his hand for a moment, hesitating. However, out of nowhere, I raised my hand and patted it gently. Sakura's smile widened, her eyes lit up. "See? Finally you can do that too." I hurriedly removed my face, but the corners of my lips lifted without me noticing.
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
In the afternoon, after the practice was over, we walked home together through the quiet school corridor. "I'm so happy today," Sakura said suddenly. I glanced. "… Why?"
"Because you finally smiled. Not a cold smile, but a real smile." I was silent. So he really notices it.
Sakura stepped closer, only a hair away from my shoulders. "Akari, I want to see that smile again. Not just once."
My heart was beating fast. I turned my head forward, covering my face with hair. "… Don't get your hopes up." He just chuckled, his voice light but deeply ingrained. "In that case, I'll try even harder."
I didn't answer, just kept walking. But deep down, I knew—That day, for the first time, I was actually smiling because of Sakura Airi. And it scares me... At the same time curious.
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
The day of the sports festival has finally arrived. Since the morning, the school has changed like a carnival arena. Colorful banners were hung around the field, food stands lined the edge of the corridor, and the boisterous sounds of students mixed with the shouts of supporters from various classes.
I stood backstage in the main stage, a white-blue sports uniform attached to my body, my hair tied higher than usual so as not to interfere while running. My heart was beating faster than usual, not because I was afraid of losing, but because of something I couldn't say clearly.
"Scarf." The cheerful voice appeared, as if it had become a routine. Sakura approached, her uniform looked the same as mine, but for some reason the aura she carried felt different. Her silver hair was in a low ponytail, making it seem simpler... But it is even more striking. He smiled. "You look tense."
I turned my head quickly. "… I'm not tense."
"Sure?" He approached, whispering in my ear. "I can hear your breathing faster than usual."
I took a step back, my face was hot. "… It's just because the festival atmosphere is noisy."
Sakura chuckled, obviously holding back a laugh. "In that case, let me calm you down. Just think of me as a partner you can trust."
I lowered my head, not wanting to respond further. However, his words still echoed inside his head.
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
Event after event passed. Tug-of-war competitions, long jumps, and sack races provoked crowds. I could only watch from the sidelines, waiting for the turn of the relay race to be held last.
"Sumire-san!" I turned my head. A student of the next class approached, his face lit up. "Cheers up! Everyone is waiting for the relay competition, especially since you're paired with Sakura-san!"
I just nodded briefly, trying to cover my ears from the other cheers that kept coming.
"Two school queens are a team! This is going to be a historic moment!"
"I bet they are going to win!"
"If they fail, this school will be in an uproar!"
Every word I heard felt like a new weight on my shoulders. The long-awaited time arrived. The second-class relay race was announced. All the participants had already gathered on the track, including me and Sakura.
"Couple number three: Sumire Akari and Sakura Airi!" The voice of the sports teacher echoed from the loudspeakers. The cheers broke out, as if the whole school was just watching the two of us.
I stood on the starting track, clutching the stick tightly. This hand was a little sweaty even though the afternoon air was quite cool. I could feel dozens of pairs of eyes fixed on me.
"Scarf." Sakura was standing right in front of me, ready for the second track. He turned his head for a moment, his eyes calm." Trust me. Today we will fly."
I swallowed saliva. "… Don't overdo it."
"When it comes to this, I've never overdone it." His smile was so confident.
A long whistle sounded. I ran. The cheers engulfed my entire mind. The wind hit my face, my steps hit the track quickly. My breath was hunting, but my gaze was straight to only one point: Sakura's back waiting ahead.
"Now!" his voice sounded clear.
I held out the cane. Our fingers touched—and this time, somehow, the world seemed to slow down. The boisterous cheers faded, the wind stopped, and there was only the warmth of his brief fingers clinging to my hand. Sakura grasped the stick steadily and darted forward. The cheers of the audience broke again, roaring louder than before.
"SUMIRE-SAN AND SAKURA-SAN! FASTER THAN THE OTHERS!"" SEE! THEY ARE NOT BEING CHASED!"
I stopped on the track, my breath hunting, my chest pounding wildly. Not because of the speed of running, but because of the brief touch that was still left clearly on my skin. Sakura darted to the finish line, leaving the opponent far behind. When he crossed the finish line, the cheers of the crowd broke into crazy screams.
"WOW!" WE WIN! CLASS TWO-A CHAMPION!"
I immediately approached the finish line, saw Sakura standing with her breath on her face but her face beaming with excitement. He turned to me, his smile like a ray of sunshine that I couldn't resist.
"We made it, Akari."
I fell silent, looking at him. There were so many words I wanted to say, but none came out. Without thinking, he raised his hand again, inviting me to high-raise in front of everyone. I had doubts. The audience's gaze pierced from all directions. However, I finally raised my hand, and the high school happened.
The cheers broke again, louder than ever." WOW! THEY ARE SO COMPATIBLE!"" IT'S LIKE THE END OF A ROMANTIC DRAMA!"
I hurriedly lowered my head, covering my face with a towel. But deep down, I know... I couldn't resist the feeling that was starting to grow.
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
In the afternoon, after all the events were over and the field started to go quiet, I walked alone in the corridor. Your legs are tired, but your heart is much more relaxed. After the race was over, our class celebrated the victory. Everyone patted me and Sakura on the shoulder, screaming proudly.
"Sumire-san! Sakura-san! You guys are the best couple!"" "Come on, take a picture together!"
I almost ran away, but Sakura held my arm." Akari, for a moment."
I turned my head, my face still flushed with exhaustion and cheers. "… What?"
He smiled, a smile that was not just cheerful, but warm and sincere. "We did it. Together. I want to have many days like this with you, Akari."
I was silent. The words were simple, but somehow it made my chest tighter and tighter. Sakura came a little closer, close enough that I could feel the fresh scent of sweat and sunlight from her body." I promise, this is just the beginning. I want to have many days like this with you."
I hurriedly averted my eyes. "… Don't talk carelessly in front of a crowd."
"But I'm serious."
I didn't answer. Just biting my lip, trying to control something that was turbulent in my chest. Sakura brought two bottles of drinks. He offered it to me. "For you. You'll need it after the race."
I accepted it slowly. "… Thank you."
He looked at me, this time without a mischievous smile, without a joke. Just a serious look made it difficult for me to breathe. "I'm happy that we are a team. But more than that... I'm glad to be with you."
I was choked. "… You..."
"No need to answer now." He lowered his head slightly, then smiled faintly. "But I want you to know, I'm not kidding."
I can't say anything. The sound of the other disciple's footsteps faintly heard, but the world felt like it only contained me and him. Sakura turned around, stepping away while waving. "See you tomorrow, Akari."
I stood there, holding a bottle of cold drink in my hand. My heart was pounding, my mind was racing. For the first time in my life, I felt... My smile is no longer a mask. And it's all because of him. The day ended with cheers that were still ringing. However, in my heart I knew—Sports festivals were just the beginning. My relationship with Sakura Airi has just begun. And from then on, I could no longer pretend that everything was the same as it used to be.
✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺✧₊⁺
At night, I lay in bed. I had turned off the room lights, only the moonlight from the window slipped in. I closed my eyes, but the shadows kept on playing. The cheers, the relay stick, Sakura's running back, and most of all—her last words.
"I wish there were many days like this with you."
I covered my face with a pillow, trying to erase the memory. But the more I tried to forget about it, the louder the voice became. My heart was beating hard. I don't know if this is fear, anxiety, or something more than that. One thing is for sure—
My meeting with Sakura Airi has changed everything.
I used to just want to live school life in peace... now dragged in a new vortex. A vortex full of cheers, admired looks, genuine smiles, and something I couldn't admit to myself yet. And whether I like it or not, I know—This is just the beginning of a story that I can't avoid.