A Girl's Turmoil

Chapter 9 - Cracks

The morning of the day is already a bustling day in the city. A dozen flock of birds flies over the city in accord to the breeze of the wind. Never a day has ever been so bright and so warm in the good morning. Everyone does not have to be concerned about the weather because the whole day will be a warm, comfortable one with very few clouds covering the delightful sun. The sounds of people bustling about on the streets are more dominating than the sounds of cars rolling around the concrete path.

Three certain girls are walking down the street, two mixes of blondes and a tiny child with light brown hair. The Oomuro sisters are making their way down the streets towards the store. Nadeshiko and Hanako bring their respective shoulder bags, while Sakurako opted only to wear her thin, light blue jacket that has pockets. The eldest and youngest sisters chat with each other, whereas Sakurako doesn't want to delve herself into the conversation. There's no topic she had in mind or worth to talk to the sisters about. She figured that she would've bothered them again for the unnecessary conversation.

The path that lays before them is their direction towards the store. Steps thumping forward towards their destination to the so-called Sakagawa Store that Sakurako had visited. Bakimura Store is still not opened yet hence because the building is under repair and under control of the authority. For all she knew, the police haven't found them yet. She figured that those bastards went underground... and thankfully, she understands what she meant by "went underground."

Her head slightly shook from the thought and minded at the task at hand. The walk is pretty much enjoyable in Sakurako's opinion. What's enjoyable to the sisters is that Sakurako doesn't idioting about around them. But the idea of not having Sakurako to join in their conversation felt so... left out. While the store is a few minutes away, Nadeshiko can't help but turn her head to her second sister.

"Sakurako," Nadeshiko called.

"Yes?" Sakurako turned her head to her with a raised brow.

"You've been pretty silent," Nadeshiko commented on her current status.

"Wouldn't I bother you if I talk?" Nadeshiko could only raise an eyebrow at her statement.

"We don't see how you would bother us if you talk," Nadeshiko replied to her, curious to what she had in mind to say something like that.

"I'll say the same Onee-chan," Hanako agreed as her head slightly leaned forward.

Sakurako only shrugs before putting her hands inside the pockets of her shorts. "How's Misaki-chan doing yesterday?"

"Pretty much fine, Saa-chan," Hanako replied with a small smile. "She said that you were so wise and mature yesterday."

"You know? I was expecting for you to say something stupid to her," Nadeshiko admitted as she tilted her head. "I'm surprised that you gave a good advice for her."

"Isn't that pretty much normal?" Sakurako asked, waving her hand in the air for a moment. "Who would want to see a young girl like her to read that kind of book? That's like asking Hanako-chan to read your adult novel I read a couple of days ago."

Hanako suddenly yelps at her remarks, and Nadeshiko looked at her with such revolt and blush visible on her face. "H-hey, don't give her any ideas!" Nadeshiko scolded, but Sakurako swore that there's a tone of embarrassment.

"I was just stating the analogy," Sakurako replied with such indifference. "For me? I'm pretty fine with it."

Nadeshiko sighs again with little annoyance. "What did I tell you about reading my books, especially a mature one?"

"I should have your permission to read one," Sakurako replied as her eyes rolled over to the concrete road beside her. "At least that book was 'exciting.'"