Endings Creates Beginnings

Chapter 8: Unknown Feelings

Kaylee's POV

It seemed like weekends ended in a split of a second. It's currently lunch time and I'm on my way heading to the courtyard to meet my friends. I was a few blocks away from them when I heard Tae said something that made Kasumi want to try and work hard too. Arisa started shaking Kasumi while saying it isn't that easy like the way she said it. Saya, being herself, took care of calming the blonde with a piece of matcha candy. I've seen that before, she used to give me those whenever I, according to her, look 'exhausted and tired'. I shook my head while smiling at the sight of her being like their mom in times like this. I know something is up with them and I think I shouldn't be meddling with it. I turned around walking back to my classroom. 'Guess I'll just eat in the classroom for now' Some classmates even asked me to come with them to the cafeteria but I kindly declined. I need the energy for our PE class after lunch.

School's over after what seemed like forever. I am still kind of having a hard time catching up with my Japanese subjects. 'Guess I need to do some more extra studying'

I went to my locker to change my shoes, mentally preparing myself for the work that awaits me. I was about to head out when I saw a familiar silhouette at the door.

"Saya?" I asked when I finally stepped out.

"Hi, let's head home together?" she asked.

"Y-Yeah sure" I stammered and followed her. "Where are the others?"

"Arisa have student council work, Tae have work at the music shop, Rimi will do something, and Kasumi, I think she'll go straight to the basement" she explained.

"And you have work at the bakery" I finished. "I mean we" we laughed at the same time at my correction.

"You don't have to help me out already, I feel like I'm bothering you too much" she said when we both fell silent. "Besides the live you used as an alibi is already done"

"First of all, you're not a bother. I'm the one who decided to help because you keep on doing a lot on your own. Second of all, I don't cake if that live's done, I'll still help. Besides I can't seem to just watch you do it all. Only thinking about it gets me uncomfortable already!" I said without thinking.

"You do?" she asked, eyes fixed on me. I simply nodded. "Why?" she continued.

I got taken aback. "Because I, well you know, I.. care..?" I answered, doing that mannerism I do when I'm embarrassed. She laughed at me, making my cheeks rosy.

"Looks like you're saying your thoughts out loud Kaylee" She teased. I just shook my head as a sign of defeat. We reached the bakery and were welcomed by her mom. We quickly went to the kitchen and put some aprons on, getting ready to help her parents.

"You didn't join us at lunch a while ago" Saya said while mixing some ingredients.

"I kind of overheard you guys and I didn't want to bother your discussion. You guys seemed to be serious about it so I assumed it's private" I replied. She stopped the mixing and sighed. "Is everything alright?" I asked. I don't want to interfere but if listening means I can make her feel better, then I don't mind.

"Yukina-senpai told us that we are in no position yet to sponsor our own show after their live show the other day. It kind of put everyone's hopes down. I actually don't know what to do" Saya being the so called 'mom' of Popipa, must've really had a hard time being in this kind of situation.

"I'm sure Yukina-senpai have her own reasons why she said that. It may seem a little harsh but her reason must be because Popipa hasn't reached her standards yet." I commented, causing Saya to look at me. She's on the verge of breaking down at any moment now. "Which for me, that is something that you can consider, Reaching her standards to be a good performer. But don't forget that her standards aren't the only standards in music. For me, as long as you can see how the performers enjoy their performance and music, is enough for it to be a good show. Plus you guys can hit every note perfectly. What's to worry, right?" I continued and smiled at her. I know it isn't much but I hope it made her hopes up. I don't want them to give up on something that they actually love.