Valentine's Day

Chapter 1

        Sayaka walked through the crowded hallway in slight confusion. Everyone seemed to be in a bubbly mood and giggling. Some students were holding heart-shaped trinkets and chocolates, as well as decorated cards or stuffed animals. A puzzled expression covered her face as she stopped to watch a boy shyly hand a girl a small candy with a note. He scratched the back of his neck with a light blush while the girl smiled widely. The dark-haired girl turned away from the interaction and continued through the corridor, then to the student council room's door. But...what was this? The door appeared to have hearts taped onto it as well as a single rose directly in the middle. Sayaka huffed, unsure what sort of event could be happening today. She wasn't too good at remembering holidays since they did not have much significance to her. She only tries to remember for the president so she can offer her small gifts.

        Sayaka knocked on the door softly to ask for permission to come in. She heard the president approve her to enter. Sayaka slowly opened the door and shut it behind her. As she turned around, she noticed many different things about the student council room. The purple-haired girl was taken aback. Hearts covered most of the walls, and pink and red streamers hung from the ceiling. She figured the president must have caught her expression since she started to laugh softly.

        "What's the matter, Sayaka? Do you find this holiday unpleasant?" Sayaka walked closer with a bewildered look. She stopped once she was close enough to properly talk to her.

        "I don't understand what you're referring to, President," She answered. Her hands were firmly held together in front of her skirt; one of her preferred poses to take. Kirari's smile faded for a moment with her mouth slightly agape. She sat up so her hand was propping up her chin.

        "Sayaka, do you perhaps not know that today is Valentine's Day?" Kirari asked tilting her head. Sayaka opened her mouth slightly in realization. A bead of sweat trickled down her forehead, suddenly remembering that she hadn't gotten anything for the president. She gulped, answering in a somewhat trembling tone.

        "Oh...I must have forgotten. My apologies." Kirari's small smile returned as she looked at her intently. Sayaka half-expected her to laugh at her, but she only twinkled.

        "No need to apologize. Though, I'm curious," she trailed off glancing at the aquarium for a moment. Her other hand tapped on the armrest of her chair ponderingly. "Have you received a valentine yet?" The president looked at her expectantly. Something about her expression changed from an inviting smile to a neutral frown. Sayaka couldn't help but smirk slightly at the question wanting to chuckle.

        "Of course not, President," she responded, keeping her composure. The secretary had never been given a valentine. In fact, she thought the whole holiday was rather silly. But, last year she gave Kirari a small note of admiration. Sayaka knew that Kirari thought the event was rather interesting and fun to watch, so she fed into her fascination with it. The president's eyes glinted for a second.

        "Why did you respond like that?" Sayaka raised an eyebrow then realized what she was talking about. She adjusted her posture to stand up more straight.

        "I've never received one before," the dark-haired girl answered shortly. Kirari's eyebrows lifted in surprise. Sayaka averted her eyes, somewhat embarrassed. "I-I don't have time to care for such things anyway, as I much work to attend to," she said trying to explain herself. She looked back at the president to continue. "Have you..gotten one?"