𝟭. 𝙃𝙀𝙍 𝙎𝙄𝘿𝙀 𝙊𝙁 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙎𝙏𝙊𝙍𝙔 || 𝐡𝐚𝐢𝐤𝐲𝐮𝐮 [✔]

Chapter 32: Back to Hyogo

𝖘𝖚𝖓𝖓𝖞𝖘𝖎𝖉𝖊𝖇𝖆𝖇𝖍𝖊'𝖘 𝖋𝖎𝖈𝖙𝖎𝖔𝖓𝖆𝖑 𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞
#040523
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"Kiritsu!" The sharp command from Mr. Yamada echoed through the classroom, jolting the students from their seats. One by one, they stood, posture straight, eyes fixed respectfully on their Japanese literature teacher.

But as the last of them straightened, Mr. Yamada's mischievous grin broke the solemnity of the moment. "Don't forget your exam next week," he announced, then turned and exited the room without another word.

A chorus of groans and exaggerated sighs filled the air, mingling with the scraping of chairs as the students tried to process this sudden reminder.

"Why can't we ever just have one peaceful weekend?" Mei groaned, throwing her head onto her desk.

"They will never grant us peace," Sakura muttered, rolling her eyes so hard it was a wonder they didn't get stuck.

As the students began filing out, Tanaka jogged up to Aeris, a grin plastered on his face. "See you at the gym, Nanachan," he said, barely breaking stride as he waved.

"Seeya," Aeris called after him, her voice trailing, just as a few classmates began exchanging hurried goodbyes.

"Oh, you're going to Hyogo, right?" Reiko's eyes sparkled with a playful glint as she approached.

"Yeah, I am," Aeris replied with a small smile.

"I'll give you an excuse," Reiko offered, leaning in conspiratorially. "Next week, I'll do your chores, and you do mine. Deal?"

Aeris blinked in surprise, her mouth falling open slightly. "What? Really?" Her voice rose with genuine excitement.

Reiko simply nodded, a small, proud smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Without another word, the two friends embraced, a warm, silent understanding passing between them. It wasn't just a promise about chores—it was trust, friendship, and mutual support bundled into one simple gesture.

Before Aeris could fully savor the moment, another voice rang out. "Aerissssuuuuuu!"

Koharu barreled toward her, arms outstretched, and enveloped her in a tight hug. "Please don't leave me!" she pleaded, eyes wide with a mix of desperation and affection.

Aeris laughed softly, hugging her back. "I'll be back, guys. And I promise—I'll bring back something delicious for everyone!"

A chorus of cheers erupted from the remaining classmates, their voices bouncing off the classroom walls. "Nice, Aerisuuu!" Tomoya's enthusiasm was nearly tangible, and it made Aeris' smile widen.

"I'm glad you're excited, but I really have to go now," she said gently, breaking away from the hugs. "I still have a flight to catch."

Quick farewells were exchanged—waves, shouts, a few dramatic bows—and then Aeris was off, sprinting through the school halls toward the gym.

"Guys!!" she called, breathless but grinning.

"Nanachan, you're leaving?" Tobio's voice rang out, a mixture of surprise and longing in his tone.

"Yes! I have to go now. Bye, guys!" Aeris shouted, turning to wave.

A chorus of "Bye!" echoed back, and she couldn't help laughing at their synchronized enthusiasm.

As she reached the school gates, she nearly collided with Kiyoko, who was waiting there. Aeris cursed under her breath. "Shiitt."

"Sorry, Aeris-chan," Kiyoko said softly, her tone apologetic but calm.

"It's fine, Kiyo. See you next week," Aeris replied with a reassuring smile, brushing past her gently.

"See you. Have a safe flight," Kiyoko wished, her eyes calm but warm.

Aeris waved one last time and dashed outside, the cool air of the late afternoon brushing against her face. She scanned the street, spotting a taxi pulling up at the curb. With her luggage in tow, she hopped in, the engine's roar signaling the start of her journey.

The city blurred past the window as the taxi wound its way toward the airport. Her heart raced with excitement—Hyogo awaited, and along with it, a brief reprieve from school, homework, and exams. Yet beneath the anticipation was a quiet warmth: she knew she wasn't leaving her friends behind. They were still with her, in every cheer, every wave, every promise to bring back something delicious.

The taxi merged into traffic, and Aeris leaned back in her seat, letting herself relax for the first time all day. For the next few days, she would live in a world of laughter, adventure, and freedom—before returning to her chaotic but beloved school life.

And maybe, just maybe, she'd come back with stories worth sharing.

« ֪ ׅ ֹ =͟͞ ♡ 𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗗.