From the Bottom to the Top

Volume 4: Chapter 7

“Good night, everyone!”

“Good night, Sarashina-senpai.”

Alisa flashed a tiny smile at Chisaki’s final words to end another night for their group, as it was time for them to get some rest.

She even had a little response of her own, because she was in high spirits and it would be a good way to continue her way of making up for her past transgressions.

Everyone headed upstairs altogether and disappeared into their rooms at the same time, but Alisa didn’t touch her bed yet.

The girl remained at the door, leaning back against it as she bore a conflicted look on her face.

“The anger and jealousy that I felt back then… the things that made me say such awful words and do heinous things…”

She winced upon remembering those three particular incidents that she caused; yelling at Yuki, slapping Ayano in the face, and injuring Masachika’s ankle.

As much as she’d rather forget about them, they also served as reminders about what she had done and how unacceptable her actions were.

They were things that served as constant reminders in which these events must never happen again, under any circumstance.

“...they’re gone now. I feel like a completely different person. And because of that, everyone accepted me again.”

Several days have gone by ever since Alisa finally apologized to everyone, and things have gone well… for the most part. She began opening up to the others and even went out of her way to offer assistance to anyone who needed it.

“Everyone except for Masha and maybe Taniyama-san, I suppose. Although I don’t even deserve their forgiveness, I have a chance to make things right.”

Until now, her sister still remained distant and avoided any chance of having a conversation with her. Masachika had explained to her that Maria still needed time before she’s willing to talk, but it didn’t make things any less painful inside.

Sayaka was a different case. Despite her words about not holding feelings of pettiness, the bespectacled girl maintained a level of distrust towards Alisa, believing that the silver-haired girl got off too easily after everything she did.

It was nothing serious, but it could very well spiral into another problem for their group… even after resolving one not that long ago.

In fact, Taniyama’s issue was noticeable enough in the others’ eyes that Miyamae herself assured Alisa that she would talk to her friend about the whole thing.

But for the most part, things were back to normal once more… and it’s all thanks to a certain boy who never gave up on her.

“And all of that… is because of Masachika-kun. Because of him… I’m not lonely anymore. I have someone by my side,” she smiled to herself.

Alisa waited for at least half an hour before opening the door and poking her head out to see if there was anyone around.

After making sure that there was no one around anymore, the girl saw it as an opportunity to finally leave her room and meet up with a person very special to her.

“It’s been a few days since the last time we spent the night together because he’s been talking with Masha, but anyway…”

An eager look took over her features, which was accompanied by a beautiful smile on her face.

“...I’ll be with Masachika-kun again for the night.”

Alisa headed upstairs with a red face and her legs closed tight, her mind coming up with all sorts of scenarios at what could possibly happen tonight while she’s with Masachika in his room…