Salut D'Amour

Measure 3: The Red-haired Angel

RYOUTARO'S POV

***

"Ryoutaro-onii~ You forgot your music sheets!" I turn back and see my little brother hand me a folder.

"Arigatou." I smile and walk to school. Compared to yesterday, today was a bit gloomy and the clouds were grey. I make my way up the alley and remember what happened yesterday.

Hino.

Although I had never even met her until the concourse, that day seemed like fate. Although it was of a rather...weird circumstance, the moment she stepped into my life, everything changed. It was like being caged up in a dark room and finally someone turned the lights on.

She was that influencial.

She was that special.

"Tsuchiura-kun!"

That voice! I look up ahead and see that the very subject of my mind waving at me, with her irresistably bright smile. That red-hair that radiated her happiness. Yes, the girl who means so much to me...

Hino.

******

YUNOKI'S POV

***

"Hihara, why are you buying so many buns? I thought one bag was enough." I am amused by Hihara's enthusiasm as he enters the room, placing the buns on his table. The aroma of freshly baked pastry fills the room and everyone huddles around him.

"Hey Hihara! Can I ask for some?" A boy asks and Hihara happily hands out a bun.

"Sure thing Aoi-kun. Would you also like some Ren-chan?" He offers a bun to the girl by the window who smiles and accepts it humbly. I look at Hihara and chuckle. He didn't have to answer that question because his answer was evident by his actions.

Buying a lot so that you can give it to others, huh? I look as Hihara is surrounded by people. I envy you Hihara, I think as I walk towards the open window.

You who can show true self to everyone. You who have nothing to hide because you're so pure.

Yes, I envy you.

 "..and then my mother had to make double bentos today because of that. What am I going to do with an extra bento?"

I look down and to my great surprise, I see that familiar red-hair talking with the green-haired pianist. She was happily chatting with him about bentos but that wasn't what really made me interested in her.

It was because, she was like Hihara - bright, pure and honest.

The very things I wasn't. I look at the two of them head towards the General Education Building and I sigh.

"I wonder if I can visit you today?" I whisper.

"Yunoki!!! Was that Kaho-chan?" Hihara pops from behind me with a few buns in his hand. I look at him and smile.

"Yes. It seems that she was talking to Tsuchiura-kun about an extra bento..." I end up telling Hihara about it and his eyes beam brighter.

"Eh?! Then...Maybe.." His face turns cherry red, "Maybe I could eat with her at lunch today." I am taken aback and I look at the direction of the Gen. Ed. Building.

"Since when did we start falling for you?" I mutter and Hihara reacts.

"What was that Yunoki?" He asks and I shake my head.