Ready to Fall

Chapter 2 Sunshine

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Sometimes it's hard when rain's pouring on

I used to worry what tomorrow would bring

Then you came along, changed my world around

Gave me something to believe in when I'm upside down

-'Sunshine' by S Club7-

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Three months, one week and two days before that cold and empty night….

An ordinary school day in Crimson Univesirty.

Students of different levels were rushing in the corridors to get to their classes. Some were gossiping as they take the stairs. Some boys were on one corner, laughing on the newest jokes of their buddy. Some girls were hanging outside the classroom of their crushes hoping to capture their attention.

On her way to the classroom, Miki actually bumped on one of these girls accidentally. She was certain that those girls are members of Daniel-James Fans Club, which Selena used to head.

Selena gave up her position many years ago. "It's called growing up," was how she put it, back then. She figured she could not forever go after some boys who do not appreciate her enough – or appreciate her at all.

Miki apologized casually to the girl – probably the new president. She's so used to bumping into them every morning that each party does not make a big deal out of it anymore.

"Good morning," she greeted everyone from her class following it with a sigh.

"What's wrong, Miki?" Ferry asked concerned.

Five years and Ferry D. is still class representative. Sometimes, Miki wonders if their class is really impressed with Ferry's performance or they were just lazy to nominate someone else. Looking at the blonde boy with his glasses, Miki believe it's the former. Ferry has always been excellent for their class.

Miki first let out a sigh before answering, "I dreamed of my grandfather last night."

"I see," Ferry nodded understandingly. "You miss him."

"Yeah,"

"Don't worry, Miki," Ferry cheered. "I'm sure he's alright."

"I hope so,"

Sarah who has been quietly listening to the conversation said, "Just think that your grandpa will not be happy to hear that you're spending your morning being depressed because of him."

Miki looked at Sarah. Her best friend has a point. Her grandfather would like her to face each day with a smile. But she couldn't stop herself from missing him. After all, it has been a while since she heard from him.

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From the other end of the room, oblivious to Miki and the rest of the class, one raven-haired boy has been listening intently to the conversation, although he hid it by pretending to be reading his manga quietly.

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"Why is the baby goat always looking at the ground when he's with the mother goat?" Karl has been telling jokes to their group around the table ever since lunch started.

"Why?" Nonoko replied still giggling, like the others, from his previous joke.

"He's so ashamed because his mother has a goatee!"

Everyone burst out laughing. Even Sarah, who used to be impassive, was chuckling heartily.

"Did you pick that up through your mind-reading?" Daniel, who couldn't hide a chortle, asked from the end of the table.