The yard fell silent once more, the weight of Sakura's words settling in. She stood there, frozen for a moment, as the realization of what she'd just said hit her. Slowly, she lifted her gaze, meeting Umemiya's eyes. For a brief moment, neither of them moved, as if waiting for something to shift. Then, as if remembering her place, Sakura inhaled deeply, trying to steady herself.
"I guess... I stepped out of line there," she muttered, keeping her eyes locked on Umemiya. Her words felt heavier than she intended, but she didn't look away.
Umemiya's expression softened into a smile. Without a hint of reprimand, he grinned and reached out to pat her head, his touch gentle but reassuring.
"No, you did just fine," he said, his voice light. "Anyway, can you guys head to Pothos first? I'll catch up with you in a bit."
Sakura's gaze drifted past him to Hiragi, who stood a few paces behind. He met her eyes, offering a quiet smile and a small nod, as if to reassure her everything was fine.
As Nirei gently took her arm, he pulled her toward their group. Sakura glanced back and saw the white-haired upperclassman smiling and waving at them as they passed through the gate. Her eyes shifted, and she noticed one of the Bofurin members lying unconscious on the ground.
"Should we help him?" Sakura asked, pausing as they stopped in their tracks.
Before anyone could respond, a group of other upperclassmen arrived, carefully escorting some of the injured members back to the school. One of them waved to the first-years, signaling that they had things under control. Sakura and the others exchanged nods before continuing on, leaving the premises.
Now, sitting at one of the corner tables at Pothos, Sakura watched Kotoha work behind the counter, preparing meals, while Nirei sat nearby, looking like the world was about to collapse on him.
"Is it okay for me to be here?" Sasaki asked, drawing Sakura's attention. The bruises from earlier were now more apparent, dark blue and purple around his cheek and eyelids.
"Yeah, you're part of the current situation too after all" Sou said, giving his shoulder a reassuring pat. Sakura watched the interaction, quietly humming to herself as she glanced over at Nirei, who seemed to be getting more anxious by the second.
"Hah... what do we do?" Nirei muttered, his voice full of anxiety. "From what I gathered, the last time Bofurin and Shishitoren clashed, it was barely in Shishitoren's favor... but what if... what if Umemiya-san loses to Tomiyama tomorrow?" He winced as Sugishita shot him a murderous glance, causing Nirei to instinctively shuffle closer to Sakura for protection. She gave him a nonchalant look but said nothing.
"But... if that happens, Bofurin would fall under Shishitoren's control..." Nirei continued, his voice trembling as Kotoha set down their food in front of them. Sakura looked at the meal, briefly placing her hands together in a quick prayer before grabbing her spoon. She took advantage of the boys' distracted conversation to eat quietly.
The boys all turned their attention to Kotoha, who stood confidently beside their table, unconcerned by Nirei's worries.
"That's wishful thinking, Nirei. Don't doubt your seniors... They're not that weak. How else would Umemiya be the top dog if he wasn't strong?" Kotoha said with a smile, pointing at him. Nirei sighed heavily, slumping forward as if the weight of the world had landed on his shoulders. Kotoha chuckled lightly at his reaction before going back to the counter to retrieve a plate of omurice and a cup of tea, returning to the table moments later.
"I'm done," Sakura announced, wiping her mouth with a tissue. The boys, even Sugishita, who was seated farther away, turned toward her in surprise. Sakura's plate was now empty, save for a few smudges of ketchup and some leftover vegetables.
YOU ARE READING
Eclipse
FanficA transfer student arrives at Furin Highschool, Sakura, a girl mistreated by many since her childhood tries to make her mark. With her goal of being the top student and top dog of the school, how will things turn out?