To my Dearest Tomodachi.

CH. 8 Snow and Water

   The season finally caught up to the cold weather. It was already November in a flash. It was a breezy Thursday morning, it was an odd warmful feeling in Aiko's chest. Somehow, the late fall season always had that calm warm setting. The next swim meeting is scheduled for the end of November, in classroom 4C. Aiko set up her calendar for the event. Throughout the day, some of her friends began to notice her behavior-starting with the members in the music room.

   "Say, Kasumi-senpai, have you seen Aiko-senpai yet?" Chinatsu asked Kasumi.

   "To be honest-no. She usually comes by the music room to say 'Good Morning', this time I'm not sure where she's off to." Kasumi replied.

   "Well haven't you notice that winter is coming sooner than later this year?"

   "You got a sharp eye huh? I like this time of year, specifically when it's quiet during the winter." said Kasumi.

   A stray of clouds covered the sun, leaving the music room in the shade.

   "Winter is coming than we speak--eh?"

   "Maybe-should I tell her to be aware of a 'Red Fox'..?" whispered Kasumi.

   "Did you say something, senpai?" said Chinatsu.

   "Eh--no, I'll tell you later!? Kasumi rushed onto the piano and played a last-minute tone.

   Meanwhile during lunch, Aiko ate her bento in the comfort of her seminar class 2B. She's currently checking her phone as usual. She decides to head to the music room after eating. Aiko became to daydream off towards the classroom window, unaware of her surroundings-she may even doze off.

   Misaki walked throughout most of the hallways, searching for Aiko. She previously looked outside in the courtyard, but no sign of Aiko. Misaki was holding her bento, hoping that she can eat lunch with Aiko for a bit. Unconsciously, she dashed up to the second floor, finding Aiko walking out of a classroom. Misaki catches up to Aiko.

   "Aiko! Huff-hff--wait!" Misaki caught up to Aiko, while feeling sweaty in her warm scarf.

   Aiko turned around, seeing Misaki's blushed face from her sweat. Aiko felt nervous at the sight of seeing her friend. Bravely, she was able to speak words to Misaki.

   "M-Misaki?! Are you alright?" Aiko asked.

   "Huff-hfff, hey-I was hoping that me and you can have lunch together. Since, you've spent most of your lunch time in the music room. I told my other friends that I can hang out with you-only. So--how about it?" Misaki asked Aiko on a "lunch date".

   Aiko tried not to blush on front of her face, although she wishes to have saved her lunch earlier. However--

   "So sorry, Misaki. I gotta head to the music room. We have a--club meeting today, which is important. Another time I hope--promise!" Aiko told Misaki in a clam straight face.

   Aiko walked away from guilt, she wasn't ready to face her with a somewhat straight face. She became all red, she couldn't stop blushing.

   Misaki stood alone as Aiko was walking down the hallway, she was partly confused.

   "Aiko?" Misaki spoke to herself.

   Right when Aiko entered the music room, she was on the verge of crying with her face all red. Kasumi and Chinatsu were surprised when Aiko entered the room. A sudden tear came down onto Aiko's face, Kasumi came over.

   "Aiko?! Are you okay, I mean you looked flushed!"

   "Aiko-senpai! Let me get my handkerchief!" Chinatsu rushed to her bag.

   More tears fell from Aiko's eyes, she looked up at Kasumi.

   "What should I do...?" whimpered Aiko while Kasumi was comforting her.

   As the sky became gray, speckles of snow came falling down. Most of the students at Kentaru High School witnessed snow at their school. At the same time, Misaki had her lunch in her seminar class 2A, right next to Aiko's. Misaki went on her phone, consciously viewing a picture of her and Aiko--when it was the summer time of their first year.

   "What's going on, Aiko?" Misaki glanced at the picture.