Chapter 2: The Hidden Road Sign Invites Those Who Are Lost

Chapter 2

 

The Hidden Road Sign Invites

Those Who Are Lost

 

Okuwaka Tsubomi ran around, cleaning the empty Koubu Hall. Several other First and Second year students, also wearing council member armbands, were also there, pushing mops and rags across the floor. All the decorations and bleachers had been put away. The Koubu Hall gradually returned to its usual quiet state.

Yaya sat at the edge of the stage, watching the workers run around like busy bees.

I wonder how Hikari is doing? What was I thinking, when I…?

She recalled that night. In the evening light, Hikari had been so strikingly beautiful. She put her complete trust in Yaya. It could be felt through her soft, white skin. In the silence, Yaya removed her clothes, fondled her beautiful budding breasts, and kissed her neck. And the whole time she completely trusted Yaya as her close friend. Which is why Yaya hadn’t gone all the way.

She bit her lips in frustration.

I’m so stupid. I went so far, and I just couldn’t go all the way. I normally wouldn’t stop halfway, so why did I? Ahahah… She almost laughed out loud, as she stared up at the ceiling. Koubu Hall’s ceiling was about five meters high. In the center hung an extravagant chandelier that sparkled in the sunlight that poured through the windows.

Now that I look back, it was probably for the best, I guess. Hikari was able to regain her confidence and her smile.

Yaya didn’t know how her words and actions had been taken. The next morning, neither of them could talk about what happened the night before. When they had tea during breakfast, she noticed Hikari’s rosy face, filled with happiness.

Yaya was afraid to break the silence. She wanted to tell Hikari to just forget what had happened the previous night, only she had been too scared. Maybe there was just a little hope in her heart that Hikari had accepted Yaya’s feelings, that maybe she actually loved Yaya.

But, deep down inside, she knew the truth. Hikari only sees me as her friend. Even while I was making out with her, she probably thought I was expressing my friendship in a strange way.

It hurts that she only sees me that way. Hikari is clueless, but that cluelessness was probably the only thing that allowed me to maintain my close friendship to Hikari. If she had realized the true meaning behind my actions—which most people would have—it would have been the end of our friendship. Hikari probably would have run screaming. Luckily she didn’t notice. And she still needs me.

Though Hikari had been forsaken by everyone, Yaya had given her love and brought back her confidence.

Oh, maybe Hikari didn’t notice my true feelings. Or maybe she didn’t want to acknowledge it. Ohh, this is ridiculous. Why am I wasting my time, thinking so negatively? Snap out of it, Nanto Yaya! If you had so much time to muddle around in your thoughts, then you should’ve just gone all the way. Have you forgotten what you always tell yourself? A love relationship without sex doesn’t exist… Love is spawned from body heat and physical intimacy, so if you love the body, then love of the heart will follow suit. I don’t believe in such a laughable thing as platonic love…do I?

Sigh… Yaya stretched her arms. It was torture, thinking about how Hikari was no longer hers, but a relief at the same time. At this point, she could only wish for Hikari to stick it through with Amane. If Hikari couldn’t be Yaya’s, then the girl needed to go far away, out of her reach.

Tsubomi ran through the Hall’s entrance, on the other side of the room, and made straight for the stage.

“Yaya-oneesama!”

Another girl, wearing the white Spica uniform, was with Tsubomi. It was the school’s Student Council President, Tomori Shion.

Tsubomi swirled her cleaning rag in large circles as she called out to Yaya. “President Shion would like to talk to you, Yaya-oneesama.”

Yaya tried to jump down from the stage, but Shion waved to stop her, and slowly walked towards her, Tsubomi following behind like a puppy. Tomori Shion had an extremely slim figure, and her normally pale face looked even moreso today, probably from exhaustion.

I can understand why she would look beat.

Shion’s plan for the Étoile competition had been thrown all out of whack, first with Shizuma’s entry, then the nomination of Hikari, and then Makoto’s sudden appearance. The final straw had come with Amane and Hikari’s infractions and disqualification, and their escape from the detention rooms on the day of the second round. She had utterly lost face as the Student Council President.

Yaya felt kind of sorry for her, so her smile was sympathetic. “How can I help you?”

Shion nodded politely, as if to acknowledge Yaya’s gesture. “Nanto-san, I understand that you share rooms with Konohana-san?”

Yaya nodded.

Shion’s smile was small and fleeting. “By any chance, were you aware of what they were planning to do?”

Yaya hadn’t expected the question, but she tried not to show her surprise. “Why would I know anything?”

Shion found Yaya’s smile and quick response suspicious. “All right, then, do you know where they might have gone?”

“There’s no way in hell I could know such a thing.”

Yaya’s protest was a bit overdramatic, which did nothing to asssuade Shion’s suspicions. “But I heard that even though others despised Konohana-san, you were on her side. Konohana-san isn’t the type of girl who would make a move as bold as running away without giving it some thought, isn’t that right? Which is why I presumed she may have discussed her problems with you.”

Yaya, suddenly infuriated, cut off Shion before she could say anything else. “What would make you think that, President Shion? Hikari and I don’t have a special relationship. We’re just roommates. The fact that Hikari ‘ran off’ with her partner should prove that. Don’t ask me, ask Amane-sama. I really don’t know anything.”

“Oh, I see.” Shion was surprised at Yaya’s outburst.

From behind Shion, Tsubomi chuckled. “President Shion, if Yaya-oneesama knew something, she’d surely have stopped it from happening! Because Yaya-oneesama reeeaally likes Hikari-oneesama! I mean, she only gave her up because Hikari-oneesama likes Amane-sama, but really, she’s…”

“Hey! Tsubomi! Why are you bringing that up?” Yaya waved her fist.

Tsubomi stuck out her tongue at Yaya. “But don’t think you’re alone. You’re not the only one who likes Hikari-oneesama! I’m also really worried about Hikari-oneesama. I mean, as long as she’s with Amane-sama, I’m sure she won’t get into any accidents or anything, but I hope they’re okay.” Tsubomi looked as if she was about cry, so Shion jumped in.

“O-Okay, I get it! Enough of this subject. Let’s move on.”

Konohana-san’s popularity is surprising, Shion thought. If the Étoile competition had progressed as planned, we probably would have had a solid victory.

Her thoughts were interrupted by the loud click of the public address being turned on. A voice boomed from the speakers, making an announcement: “Attention please. Would Tomori Shion-sama from St. Spica Girls’ Institute, Fifth Year Class Deux, and Nanto Yaya-sama from St. Spica Girls’ Institute, Third Year Class Un, please report to the faculty room immediately.”

The three girls looked at each other, all wondering what had happened to Hikari, and then Yaya and Shion raced from the room.

 

***

 

Behind the Secret Garden—otherwise known as the library, a large, stone castle-like building—a figure walked over the shadowy grass. Shizuma was disgusted with everything that was going on with the Étoile competition and with school in general, so she decided to leave her classes early.

It was early summer, and the lawn behind the library was green and lush. But right now all Shizuma wanted to do was pluck every blade of grass in sight, one by one, until the lawn was bare.

I’ve been so foolish. And so selfish—about Kaori, then Hitomi, and now Nagisa. My selfishness has hurt the feelings of many girls. It frustrates me to no end.

She had done so much damage without meaning to. And an action without evil intent is the biggest sin of all, because it cannot be repented. Shizuma was strong-willed. She knew that and liked it. And she couldn’t help but draw attention to herself; she was quite an alluring girl.

Shizuma thanked God for her attractive qualities, but she knew her strong personality wasn’t envied by others. Despite that, many girls were attracted to her. Like Sakuragi Kaori. And Shizuma, fierce and strong as she was, protected all those who loved her. It was a new development for Shizuma, ever since her encounter with Kaori. Before that, Shizuma had had a very different attitude. She hadn’t cared for people who couldn’t take care of themselves. She had looked down upon girls who adored her, as if she had to fulfill some void in their lives that they couldn’t fill themselves. She felt sorry for those who placed hope in others instead of themselves.

But when Shizuma met Kaori, she realized the existence of true love. For an independent girl like Shizuma, it was difficult to believe in selfless love. She had felt the girls who liked her must have had some kind of ulterior motive. Shizuma had beauty, power, intelligence, and was a fearless daredevil; maybe the girls wanted to attain those qualities through Shizuma, without making their own efforts, to ride on her coattails and stand in her spotlight.

That was what she had thought, but now she realized those were merely illusions spawned from Shizuma’s suspicious mind. The girls instinctively sought someone to love and to develop an intimate relationship with. It wasn’t because of any logical choice, but stemmed rather from a physical desire, and one of the predominant natural instincts of a human. To want someone, to love them and be loved. Shizuma felt in her soul it was the most happiness a human could have.

Kaori had lived her life like that, right until her death. It was the most important lesson she had taught Shizuma. And once she realized the truth, she appreciated her life with the maidens of Astraea, and even grew to respect them.

She vowed never to hurt anyone’s feelings again. According to Hitomi, Kaori was happy to be with me, but I wonder if she was really happy? Before she died, she may have seen right through my heart. Though I tried to protect her, I really…

“Oww…”

Shizuma had walked through the bushes and accidentally snapped a stem off of a thorny brush. A little thorn was stuck in her pinky. The red blood swelled into a small droplet. Shizuma licked it, thinking it served her right, this little pain, after everything she had caused.

“What is the matter?” a voice asked. There was a rustling in the flowering trees and shrubs behind Shizuma.

“Who’s there?” Shizuma turned around.

Rokujo Miyuki stepped through the bushes. A tall girl was right behind her—Marikoya Aiko.

“We were looking for you. I would like to share some confidential information,” Miyuki said graciously.

“I don’t feel like talking to anyone right now,” Shizuma replied coldly. She tried to turn and walk away.

“It has something to do with Aoi Nagisa-san.”

 

***

 

The sound of luxurious, rushing water echoed throughout the giant bathroom.

Clouds of steam saturated the room.

“So, how did we all end up here?” Shizuma asked Miyuki as she wiped the sweat from her face with a small towel. Brilliant sunshine flooded through the large window that looked out onto the inner garden. The white wisps of fog looked like gentle snow, and felt like heaven. The girls were sitting inside Miator’s public bath.

“Well, I suppose it is a little hot at this time of year to take a midday bath,” Miyuki replied nonchalantely. “But I assure you there is a good reason.”

“Err, is there a reason why I was brought here, also?” Marikoya Aiko, blushing, sat next to Shizuma.

“You’re definitely here to entertain me.” Shizuma pointed at Aiko’s breasts. “You’re thin enough to be a model, but you sure have a great pair.”

Aiko squirmed. “Please don’t look at me like that.” She didn’t last long in hot baths, they made her dizzy.

Miyuki cut in. “Please don’t tease my secretary too much. Actually, I thought this would be the best place to discuss a confidential matter with you, Shizuma-sama. We should finish before she passes out.”

Oh, so you brought someone to distract me from toying with you, eh? Shizuma mentally cursed, but she was intrigued by Miyuki’s secrecy. What is going on in her mind?

“Do tell.” Shizuma leaned against Aiko to keep her from fainting. Aiko, nervous, cast a sidelong glance at Shizuma’s deliberate movements.

Miyuki began to explain. “Today, in the St. Miator Girls’ Academy Student Council room, we found an interesting document. Something I’ve been looking for, regarding Spica’s legendary Étoile, Kusanagi Masaki.”

“Kusanagi…” Shizuma was surprised at the familiar name.

Miyuki continued with the details.

“Makoto is the younger sister of the legendary Étoile, Kusanagi Masaki. Their ages are far apart, possibly because they have different mothers. There are no records of the legendary Étoile graduating, apparently because she dropped out of school after the competition.

“As if that isn’t enough, immediately after her older sister’s disappearance, Makoto graduated from Spica Elementary School and left the country. This might be just a rumor, but the first Étoile may have run off with her lover, never to come back to school.”

Shizuma was taken aback by the details, but acknowledged them as if she was watching a play, the story detatched from herself. “So what does that have to do with me and Nagisa?” She glanced at Marikoya Aiko, waiting for a chance to tug away the towel that hid her body.

“What does it… have to do…” Miyuki sputtered. “Well, I was hoping you would consider re-entering the Étoile competition—”

Miyuki tried to finish her sentence, but Shizuma interrupted by successfully yanking the towel away from Aiko, who shrieked.

“Ahah, gotcha! You don’t need a towel in the bathtub.” Shizuma joked, happy to get another eyeful of Marikoya Aiko’s gorgeous breasts.

Miyuki, exasperated, interjected. “Shizuma-sama! Please! Were you listening to me at all? You seemed to be infatuated with Aoi Nagisa, yet you fool around like this? It was this kind of behavior that probably cost Nagisa’s confidence in herself, Shizuma-sama.”

Shizuma dropped her hand and pouted. “It’s over. She probably hates me.” She turned her back on the two girls. Suddenly she stood up and mumbled, “I’m going to wash off.”

Miyuki expected Shizuma to snap back at her, but she was speechless at the tame response.

A small splashing sound made Miyuki turn around. Marikoya Aiko had fainted.

 

***

 

As sunset rapidly approached, Amane sat thinking. Though it was early summer, the sea breeze felt chilly. Amane leaned her head against the window, looking out to the shore. The sound of waves breaking on the shore could just be heard through the glass. Amane thought about Hikari, lying in the guest room. She had lain, cradled in Amane’s arms, and quickly drifted off into sleep.

This must have been one hell of a day for her. First being put on restriction, then running away, and then frolicking on the beach. Ever since we were sent to our rooms, Hikari hasn’t had any time to relax. She tends to be hard on herself, so she when she finally did relax, she fell fast asleep.

Amane sighed deeply. I guess I’m tired, too. She laughed to herself, but at the same time a bitter concern filled her heart. Hikari’s words played in her memory.

I know Yaya had feelings for Hikari. Everyone knows about her hatred of men, and that she’s the only genuine lesbian on campus. But Hikari was so innocent and pure that I hadn’t the faintest clue. I had assumed they never went past being good roommates. I was wrong. Amane laughed some more, not cheerfully. Of course Yaya didn’t. I should’ve noticed earlier. Yaya saw her the way I did.

Amane couldn’t believe her foolishness. When she acknowledged Yaya as her rival to win Hikari’s heart, a flame lit within her. But Yaya had encouraged Hikari to be with Amane, who was clearly her love rival. Most people would burn with jealousy over what Yaya had done, but for some reason, Amane wasn’t angry. She actually appreciated that Yaya cared so much about Hikari. If the rumors were true about Yaya, then she probably could have used every trick in the book to get have her way with Hikari, but she had restrained herself.

Amane was filled with competitive spirit. This burning desire to win was something Amane hadn’t felt in a while.

Amane had almost lost herself when she first encountered love, but she had found herself again. Hikari loves me. And I love her. I must provide for her happiness, more than Yaya.

In order to that, I know what I must do.

Amane stood, reached to the top of the unused fireplace and picked up the phone.

 

***

 

“You two really have no idea what happened to them?” Sister Carina, the disciplinary head, drilled Shion and Yaya. The two girls stood at attention in St. Spica Girls’ Institute Faculty Room. They were not permitted to sit.

Sister Carina was a brunette with well-defined European features and rimless glasses. Her appearance made her seem glamorous, but she was actually a very gentle and caring sister, even though she was in charge of discipline. It was well known that she was very lenient and understanding in most cases.

But today, Sister Carina was unbelievably furious. So furious that she forgot to let them sit. Shion and Yaya cringed in fear.

“If you girls are hiding something, then you will be charged with the same infractions as them. Understood?” The sister eyed the girls suspiciously.

Yaya couldn’t keep from asking. “Umm, what are they charged with?”

Sister Carina’s sharp glare almost physically hurt Yaya. “It is a major infraction for a Strawberry Dorm resident to leave the campus grounds, but to have them leave while they are under restriction—dear God!” The sister made the sign of the cross, holding onto the rosary around her neck. “I cannot imagine the number of punishments they will receive for that. We must find those two before they get into more trouble. If they are not found soon… Oh, Lord… At this point, they might receive the highest form of punishment anyway.”

The sister raised her hands in the air and crossed herself three more times.

“Don’t tell me the highest form of punishment is—?” Yaya whispered.

Upon seeing the sister’s reaction and finally understanding the school’s position on the matter, Shion’s face went blue. This is no longer just about the Étoile competition. If they’re not found soon, their whole futures will be jeopardized.

Sister Maria, the receptionist entered the room, interrupting the conversation. “Sister Carina, you have a phone call from St. Miator Girls’ Academy.”

Sister Carina did not even turn around. “Oh, please have them call back later. I’m in the middle of an important conversation—”

“But, oh…” Sister Maria, with a troubled look on her face, whispered something into Sister Carina’s ear.

Sister Carina’s face changed color. “The School Chancellor said that?” After a long pause, she waved Yaya and Shion away. “The two of you are dismissed. Please do not share this conversation with anyone.”

She stood up and ran out the door, leaving Yaya and Shion looking at each other, wondering what had happened.

 

***

 

Chikaru accidentally dropped the the phone back onto the cradle with a loud clang. She spun around to check. Kusanagi Mako lay still on the bed. She moved her hand but didn’t wake up.

Phew, that was close. She should sleep a little more.

Chikaru was in the Strawberry Dorm observation room, watching Makoto sleep.

The sun was in its final stages before disappearing from the horizon, the burning orange rays pouring through the windows slowing turned to darkness.

Makoto’s face seemed pale and ill, stricken.

I’m so sorry, Chikaru thought sadly. Mako-chan, I didn’t expect things to turn out like this.

Chikaru looked into Makoto’s face. The girl had fainted when she heard the words, “run away” during the commotion in Koubu Hall. Chikaru hadn’t realized how deep Makoto’s emotional scars were. She just wanted Makoto to confront and overcome her past, by competing in the Étoile competition… no, by winning the Étoile crown.

In Chikaru’s mind, maybe Makoto would understand her beloved sister’s feelings if she experienced the same things she had. And if Makoto saw Amane with Hikari, maybe she’d understand what true love was.

But, I wonder if it was a little too early for the poor thing.

Chikaru lightly poked Makoto’s nose. She thought, not about about Makoto, but two people who were in a much more desperate situation.

Amane and Hikari.

Chikaru never imagined Amane and Hikari would run off like that. Honestly, Chikaru hadn’t thought their disqualification from the Étoile competition wasn’t a big deal. Those two were serious, though, which was why everyone had focused all their jealousy on them. Chikaru thought Amane should capture the Étoile crown just once. Amane was Étoile material, but she didn’t seem to have enough self-confidence. Chikaru just wanted her to shine and be the star she was meant to be. But Hikari had appeared out of nowhere causing Amane to fall head over heels in love.

The reason why Amane entered the Étoile competition was not for the crown, but for Hikari. With such an ulterior motive there was no way Amane would achieve victory. As expected, rumors were rampant about the forsaken couple. If the awkward Amane and timid Hikari couldn’t bear the stress then both should be released from the pressures of the Étoile competition, Chikaru thought.

I’ll clean up the mess you two left behind… no problem.

She had tried to come up with a good plan. Well, it really wasn’t much of a plan, huh, Chikaru thought. All she had done was write a letter to Makoto and tell her what was going on. Really it was just a good chance for Lulim to slip in and win an Étoile crown. Chikaru grinned. Her plan had made it easier for the other two girls to ease out. Chikaru knew Makoto couldn’t resist coming back, a new candidate worthy of the Étoile crown appeared, and Amane’s popularity waned. In the end, Amane and Hikari broke a cardinal rule and were disqualified.

Being disqualified was a major dishonor in itself, but really, how much damage did Amane sustain from this turn of events? After all was said and done, she only had to sit in her room under restriction. Surely it wasn’t so bad they had to leave campus. Maybe Amane had put too much pressure upon herself because of her feelings towards Hikari?

Chikaru continued to ponder about the clumsy prince’s struggles of dealing with her newfound emotions of love. Cinderella only got her handsome prince with the help of a fairy godmother, right? I’m partially responsible for the way things turned out.

She looked at the phone, thinking over the converstation she had just had. I never wanted to have to rely on her. She’ll hold the fact I asked her for help over my head forever. I wanted to be free of her, that’s the reason I chose to go to Lulim in the first place. Sigh…but I bit the bullet and asked… I wonder if I should give up on the Class Z idea?

She sighed again. The sun had set, and the room went dark. Chikaru moved to turn on the lights. The moment she stood…

“Hrmm…” Makoto woke up.

“Oh, you’re up, Mako-chan.” Chikaru greeted her with a smile. “Do you feel better?”

Makoto squinted and eyed her surroundings. “Where are we?

“You don’t remember? We’re in the Strawberry Dorms’ observation room. Mako-chan, after the competition in the Koubu Hall, you felt sick and wanted to rest, so I brought you here. This used to be a temporary clinic for small ailments, but these days, most students go straight to the hospital for treatment.”

“Oh…” Makoto nodded, still squinting. “I had a dream.”

“What did you see? Was it a wonderful dream about the dance?”

“I saw Masaki-oneesan in my dream. My beloved Masaki-oneesan, my sister, whom I can never see again.”

The name came out of Makoto’s mouth rather naturally. Makoto and Chikaru were both surprised. They looked at each other and started laughing. When they got control of themselves, Makoto wondered, “Why couldn’t I say her name until now?”

“Well, because you probably loved her so much, that’s why,” Chikaru smiled.

“Yeah I really loved and respected her. I was really shocked at what happened. So when Prince Amane ran away like that, I guess all the bad memories came back to me.”

Makoto looked up to the ceiling with distant eyes. Her expression cleared as if she was at peace.

Chikaru was startled. “So, what was your dream about?” she asked slowly, careful not to disturb the fragile moment. Just let it out and confess your feelings…

Makoto seemed to pick up Chikaru’s wishes. She stumbled over her words at first, but explained everything while wearing a gentle, carefree smile.

 

***

 

“It was…the very first time I met her. I remember it so well. I always had short hair like a tomboy, but the “oneesan” who appeared before me was really beautiful, like a doll with long, straight black hair.

“I was nervous. We were going to my new father’s house for the first time. It felt like walking into enemy territory. This was going to be my new house, and I was still a kid. I thought Masaki-oneesan and her mother, the Mistress of the house, were enemies to me and my mom.”Makoto looked down bashfully. “Wasn’t that a dumb thought? But I really didn’t understand the reason behind things, you know? When I finally met my sister, I thought she was so nice and pretty. She told me that I looked like a boy, pure and gallant. No one had ever called me gallant before. It made my spine tingle. Then, she said that she was glad I was a tomboy, because she always wanted a younger sister who was active and not too girly, and looked forward to catching horned beetles with me.

“The Kusanagi estate had a large wooded area, with a lot of horned beetles. I don’t know how she knew I liked to catch insects, and I didn’t expect a pretty girl like Masaki-oneesan to ask me to hunt insects with her. But anyway, I felt welcomed, and accepted, so I was really happy. Looking back, I’m sure she said that about the insects to please me.

“Up until that day, I always wondered why my last name was different than my dad’s and why he never came home at night.” Makoto shrugged. “I just started figuring things out. So I was just happy that I finally had a place to call home. Dad would come back to our big home every night, plus I gained a beautiful sister. I had never had a place to call home before that, so this was complete happiness. I went to the same school as Masaki-neesan, and wanted to grow up to be like her. Masaki-neesan was really sweet and feminine, and I wanted to protect her, since I was a tomboy… such silly thoughts.

“But then Neesan was gone one day. And I couldn’t forgive myself, because I thought it was my fault. I didn’t notice anything the whole time I was there. It was so obvious, too, thinking back on it. I mean, with me and my mom there, Masaki-oneesan must have been deeply hurt. But she held it in, never said a word. Of course, I was totally ignorant, and kept snuggling up to her, saying, ‘Neesan, Neesan.’”

Makoto humphed. “Neesan probably couldn’t wait to leave that house. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have run off with a plain girl. Neesan was the campus superstar, adored by everyone, the legendary Étoile of Spica. But she threw all that away and left with her partner. I actually don’t think she really wanted to run away like that. I think she couldn’t stand to be in the house with my mom and me there. I should have been the one to leave the house. It wasn’t until after Neesan was gone that I found out about her feelings and left the house also. But since I was too young to live on my own, I begged my parents to allow me to study abroad instead. Of course, it was kind of pointless because it was after the fact. Neesan had disappeared.”

Makoto paused and looked up at Chikaru. “When I got the letter from you, my skin crawled. I couldn’t forgive the person who ruined the reputation of my Neesan’s beloved Spica and her venerable Étoile crown.” She rolled her eyes. “I’m so stupid. I tried so hard to punish myself and vowed never to return to that house. But I came right back to defend Neesan’s honor, even though Neesan wasn’t there. When Amane and Hikari ran away together, I was overcome with fears of my past. I’m embarrassed I passed out, though. I don’t think anyone should be forced to run like that.”

 

***

 

Clang clang… Nagisa scraped her knife and fork together, making an annoying, grating sound.

Girls across the table coughed to warn her it was rude.

Nagisa blushed. “Ah… oh, sorry…” She was eating in the Miator Cafeteria inside the Strawberry Dorms. After Tamao had calmed her down, Nagisa had lost her will to leave. She was invited to eat dinner at the cafeteria. Today’s menu had Nagisa’s favorites, Saltimbocca1 and Gâteau à l’ananas2, so she decided to come, but now she was wondering if it was the right choice.

I won’t die if I skip one dinner… Nagisa could feel the cold, piercing stares from the girls around her.

Yeah, I expected this much, since it’s my fault that I quit the Étoile competition.

Although no one confronted her directly, the girls sitting around Nagisa were unusually quiet. Tamao, sitting next to her, was quiet as a rock, unwilling to disturb the artificial peace.

But I want to go back to my room, right away…Tears welled in Nagisa’s eyes. Under the tablecloth, Tamao gently placed her hand on Nagisa’s knee.

We’re almost done. Hang in there…

Nagisa understood her silent but heartwarming encouragement.

She subtly wiped the tears from her eyes and brought her face up. Okay… I’m gonna hang on. She scanned the room. Her biggest fear was bumping into Shizuma, but there had been no sign of her when Nagisa first entered the room. Tamao had reassured her that upperclassmen were allowed to take meals in their room, and Shizuma would be considerate enough to do so at a time like this. Nagisa didn’t understand what she meant by “a time like this,” so she continued to scan the area for Shizuma. But she wasn’t there. Nagisa was both relieved and disappointed.

Dinnertime was almost over. Nagisa tried to stand up, but was stopped by a soft voice behind her.

“May I join you?”

Who…? Don’t tell me… Nagisa gulped and turned. Behind her was the library staffer and Shizuma’s former Cadette, Kano Mizuho.

 

***

 

After dinner, the sky was already dark. Dusk surrounded the sunroom, where Nagisa and Mizuho faced each other. Not too many people used the sunroom at night, so they were the only ones present. Except for Tamao, who was about two steps behind Nagisa. Mizuho had requested to speak with Nagisa alone, but Tamao insisted on keeping her company.

The sunroom was quiet, with a damp warmth and sweet aroma of flowers surrounding them. In the glass window ceiling, the stars glittered above, their only witnesses.

Mizuho broke the awkward silence. “I want to talk about Shizuma-sama and Kaori.”

Nagisa’s shoulders quivered. “I… don’t…” She took a step back, wanting to run.

“No! You misunderstand.” Mizuho spoke gently, softly, but with certainty.

“Misunderstand? But I heard from Togi-sama…” Nagisa blurted.

It was just as Mizuho suspected. “Hitomi told me about that. I’m sorry. Hitomi tends to say things bluntly, but she’s doesn’t know everything.”

Nagisa still seemed suspicious, so Mizuho continued. “I’m probably the only one Kaori ever told. Shizuma-sama and Hitomi weren’t aware of Kaori’s true feelings.”

Nagisa leaned back, ready to take another step away, but she felt a warm presence behind her.

“You should let her finish, Nagisa-chan.” Tamao’s tone was serious as she placed her hands on Nagisa’s shoulders.

 

***

 

The train roared as it thundered through the area. Outside the train windows, the sky was already pitch-black. Inside the small compartment, two girls faced each other in the old, green four-man booth.

Earlier, Hikari woke up to find Amane sitting beside her, wearing her Spica uniform. She seemed different than the day before, quieter. Amane didn’t say a word, but her smile was radiant, as if she had been renewed and, as she wrapped her arms around Hikari, there was a fierceness Hikari hadn’t felt before. Up until that moment, Hikari had felt that Amane was really wonderful and quite passionate, but at the same time, she was subdued and vulnerable, which made Hikari feel relaxed and comfortable. She wasn’t sure how to react to Amane’s change.

When Hikari tried to ask a question, Amane reassured her that she’d taken care of everything, but wouldn’t go into details. Amane had asked Hikari to get up and put on her Spica uniform. They packed their things and left the Otori mansion. They retraced their journey, and after making several transfers on the local trains, they ended up at a large, unfamiliar station around midnight. Despite the time of night, the station was lively with throngs of people—something Hikari hadn’t seen since she moved to Astraea Hill.

The lights inside the station shone in the dark night, revealing large crowds running to their platforms. Hikari could barely keep up with Amane, who protected her as they wove between people. They were on their train before Hikari knew it, the train pulling away from the platform before Hikari had a chance to check their destination. Unfortunately, the old-fashioned train didn’t have a destination sign, either.

Once they boarded the train, Amane was soft and gentle as usual, but she gradually spoke less, and finally stopped talking and looked out the window.

I’ll be fine if I stick with her, Hikari told herself, despite the anxious knot in her stomach.

 

***

 

In the low candlelight, the only sound was the gentle splash of tea being poured.

“Oh no… I spilled some.”

“Ehh?”

“Kyaah! Oh gosh, the cake will get wet!”

The tea spilled onto the small table, which was cluttered with four tea sets and a plate of cake.

“Towel, get a towel!”

“Move the cake!”

“And the teddy bear, too!”

The tabletop candles wobbled, and the girls’ faint cries overlapped one another. Minamoto Chikaru’s Costume Club members were having a tea party in the Lulim dorm. Candles glowed inside the dark room, providing the only light. Kizuna, who was in charge of serving the tea, wore a white satin tuxedo and matching cape with the collar up. She usually wore her hair in pigtails, but tonight it was down which, with her costume, made her look like a pretty boy.

Natsume Remon, who swiftly wiped the table, saving the cake from the spilled tea, wore a black velvet tuxedo with little black bat wings on her back.

Kagome, the smallest of the bunch, had a tiny pair of paper fangs in her mouth like the rest of the girls. She wore a very feminine nineteenth-century one-piece dress with lots of frills and ribbons. She sat on a chair, holding her teddy bear, which she had dressed in tails and a top hat for the occasion.

“Gosh, if we keep these in, we can’t eat our cakes,” Kagome said to her bear. She pointed to the fangs in her mouth. Kagome chomped down and crushed the fangs.

Once the excitement over the tea spilling had abated, Kizuna and Remon gave a sigh of relief. They looked at each other’s fangs, then cringed and hesitantly turned around to face their leader. Chikaru sat in a chair, facing Kizuna. She wore a mermaid-style dress of ivory and sat upright, playing out her role of a proper lady. She looked at the clumsy girls and heaved a sigh. “I didn’t expect this to happen.”

Kizuna tried to explain, “But they’re made of paper, so we can make them again.”

Before Kizuna finished her sentence, Remon jumped in and whispered, “No, the paper will get wet again in your mouths and we’ll end up with the same result.” Remon’s paper fangs had stuck to her mouth.

Chikaru held her forehead in distress, but finally said, “Well, I suppose it cannot be helped. You can all remove your fangs, just for today.”

Kizuna and Remon jumped for joy.

“Cool! Now I can eat my cake real fast!”

“Great! I was actually really careful not to crush my fangs.”

Chikaru cringed when she realized the fangs were quite unpopular, but she shrugged it off. “Oh, well! This was our first attempt at playing Poe’s Clan3.” She looked at all the girls. “All of you look great in your outfits. The ‘pretty boy’ theme works for us! We just need to get rid of the fangs. Anyway, this is a celebration for Kagome-chan’s victory in the Étoile competition, so let’s eat!” She raised her teacup and toasted.

“Yay…!” The three girls cheered in unison, flicked their fangs off, toasted Kagome, and ate their cake in silence.

“Kagome-chan, you were really wonderful today! I thought you were just an adorable little girl, Kagome-chan. But you were so confident that I was totally impressed. I didn’t know you were so good at dancing!” Kizuna said as she finished her cake and licked her fingers.

Remon chimed in. “Yes, Spica’s Kusanagi-sama was a good dancer, but you were just as good, Kagome-chan! You two looked like a prince and princess from a fairy tale.”

“Yes, you made a great couple,” Chikaru heartily agreed, smiling. She tried to pet Kagome’s head as a compliment, but Kagome frowned and buried her face into her teddy bear. She squeezed her eyes shut, and her soft cheeks were pushed out of shape by the bear as she pouted. Cake crumbs sprinkled onto the bear’s head.

“What’s wrong, Kagome-chan?” Kizuna had never seen Kagome make such a face before.

Kagome petted her bear solemnly. “I don’t want to be with Spica’s little Emperor.”

“Wh-Why? Did she do something to you?!” Remon asked.

Kagome kept her eyes on her bear as she replied. “She told me Mr. Teddy Bear was just a silly doll, and I couldn’t hold him while we danced.”

“B-But…” Remon wanted to agree with Makoto that it was just common sense, but she covered her mouth.

“Oh, that’s no good.” Kizuna deeply sympathized with Kagome. That bear means everything to Kagome. Everyone knows she won’t let go of the bear, even for a second. Of course, dancing with the bear would have been difficult.

Kagome nodded at Kizuna’s explanation, and tears welled up in her eyes. “And when Kagome shared Mr. Teddy Bear’s thoughts with Makoto, she laughed. And she gets mad when Kagome falls asleep… and… and…”

Well, Makoto-sama is pretty blunt, so I can see why Kagome-chan wouldn’t get along with her, Remon thought as she quickly moved over to comfort Kagome. Yes, we understand what you’re going through, Kagome-chan, but everyone is rooting for you in the Étoile competition, so is there any way you can just make it through? Please?

Kizuna jumped in to help. “I see… I really feel sorry for you. How about I talk to Makoto-sama! I’ll tell her that Kagome-chan and Mr. Teddy Bear are really close, and ask her to understand. I think if we explain it to Makoto-sama, she’ll feel bad for treating you that way.”

Kagome smiled from ear to ear and hugged Kizuna. “Kagome wants to be in the Étoile competition with Kizuna-oneesama.”

“Eeeehhh?! Wh-What do you mean?” Kizuna exclaimed. She looked at Remon in surprise. How could Kizuna reply? She looked at Chikaru for guidance. She had been unusually silent through the whole conversation, wearing a grave look, absorbed in her own thoughts.

The small candle lights flickered in the darkness and dimly lit Chikaru’s face.