It Was Always You, love triangles with no point!

Chapter 22 - Day 2 of the school field trip part 4

Kanna and Lincoln exchange worried glances as they witness the police vehicles speeding past them, sirens blaring. Their instincts kick in, urging them to follow the commotion and find out what has happened. With a shared sense of concern, they quicken their pace and head toward the store where they had encountered Sam and Ereen.

As they approach the scene, the area is filled with flashing lights and a sense of urgency. Police officers and security personnel are gathered, working to resolve the situation. Kanna and Lincoln spot Sam, Ereen, Yui, and Yon being questioned by the authorities, their faces filled with a mix of relief and anxiety.

Hurrying to their friends' side, Kanna speaks up, her voice laced with worry. "What happened? Are you all okay?"

Yui takes a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. "It was a close call. Thankfully, Yon stepped in and protected us from that sketchy man. The police arrived just in time."

Lincoln, still processing the situation, glances at the defeated figure being reprimanded by the security personnel. "Well, it looks like he won't be causing any more trouble."

As the questioning ends, the police officers assure the group that they will take care of the situation and investigate further. Grateful for the officers' prompt response, they thank them and express their appreciation.

With the immediate danger averted, the friends gather in a huddle, seeking solace in each other's presence. They share a moment of relief, but the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of their bond and the need to look out for one another.

Kanna breaks the silence, her voice filled with determination. "We can't ignore these things. We have to stay vigilant and watch out for each other."

Her words resonate with everyone, and they nod in agreement. Determined to turn the day around, Sam suggests, "You know what? Let's not let this ruin our day. We can continue our shopping adventure and make even more memories!" They leave the store in search of somewhere else to hang around. Meanwhile, far away from the group, Kareen and Maka are enjoying the day.

Maka couldn't help but steal glances at Kareen as they sat in a local park, savoring their ice cream. Maka felt the summer breeze in her hair, but her thoughts were completely on Kareen.. Her heart raced with inexplicable emotions, her thoughts taking a decidedly bizarre turn. She had never felt this way before, and the intensity both intrigued and confused her.

Kareen was blissfully oblivious to Maka's internal turmoil. She savored each spoonful of her ice cream, the sweet flavors momentarily transporting her to a world of pure delight. Completely absorbed in her treat, she was unaware of the longing looks Maka was directing her way.

As Maka's mind wandered further into uncharted territory, she found herself caught in a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. Should she confess her newfound feelings to Kareen? What if it ruined their friendship? What if Kareen didn't feel the same way? These questions swirled around in her mind, casting doubt on the possibility of a romantic connection.

Trying to regain her composure, Maka took a deep breath and decided. She would confront her feelings, even if it meant risking their friendship. After all, she had ways of making sure she got what she wanted.

Summoning her courage, Maka mustered a smile and gently cleared her throat. "Hey, Kareen," she said, her voice filled with a mixture of nerves and excitement. Kareen turned toward her, her expression one of genuine curiosity. "There's something I need to tell you."

Before Maka could confess, a group of classmates interrupted them. "Hey, Kareen, sorry to bother you, but do you know how to get to the library from here?" the classmate asked, oblivious to the charged atmosphere between Maka and Kareen.

Kareen glanced apologetically at Maka, unsure of what to do. "Um, sure!" she replied to the classmate, offering a friendly smile. "It's just a few blocks away. Let me show you."

Maka's heart sank as she watched Kareen walk away with the classmate, leaving their unfinished conversation hanging in the air. Disappointment mixed with a tinge of frustration welled up inside her. She couldn't help but wonder if fate was playing a cruel trick on her, conspiring to keep her feelings hidden.

As Maka sat alone on the park bench, her mind raced with questions. Should she wait for Kareen to return? Should she try again later? Doubt crept in, but deep down, Maka knew she couldn't let this opportunity slip away. Love was not a game for the faint of heart.

With newfound determination, Maka seized the moment. She grabbed her ice cream cone, still half-full, and hurriedly made her way towards the library. There, amidst the bookshelves and the quiet whispers of knowledge, she would finish what she had started.

Maka quietly approached the library, her heart pounding in her chest. As she stepped inside, she saw Kareen engaged in conversation with a group of classmates. Curiosity mingled with anxiety as Maka's ears strained to catch snippets of their discussion.

She was upset to hear them calling her "creepy" and doubting her friendship with Kareen. Each word felt like a sharp sting, threatening to tear Maka's already fragile confidence apart. She had always been aware of her quirks and eccentricities, but hearing them discussed so openly cut deeper than she expected.

Just as despair threatened to consume her, Kareen's voice rose above the others, cutting through the noise. "Hold on a minute," Kareen interjected firmly, her tone filled with unwavering support. "Maka is one of the most genuine friends I have. We haven't known each other long, but she is not creepy."

Maka's heart skipped a beat as she absorbed Kareen's words. The strength and sincerity in her voice reverberated through her, and in that moment, Maka felt an overwhelming surge of affection for Kareen. Her infatuation deepened, her admiration for Kareen's unwavering loyalty shining like a beacon in her heart.

Unable to contain herself any longer, Maka stepped forward, catching Kareen's attention. A mixture of gratitude and affection flooded her voice as she spoke. "Kareen, thank you. You do not know how much those words mean to me."

Kareen turned towards Maka, a warm smile gracing her face. "Of course, Maka. You're important to me, and I'll always have your back," she replied, her eyes reflecting the genuine friendship they shared. The other students looked at the two weird looks on their faces. They walked away, Kareen overlooking the fact that Maka was eavesdropping, confirming the creepy nature the others described.

It was now late in the day and the teachers texted everyone to head back to the hotel. Yon, Yui, Lincoln, Sam, and Kanna all board a bus together, sharing laughs and showing off the goods they have purchased. Maka and Kareen share a taxi together, talking about what they will do on their last day in Osaka. The sun sets, as everyone arrives at the hotel, a strange night about to unfold for all of them.