‘That couldn’t have been any better timing.’ The Student Council President, or Nana, confidently walks up to us, with the biggest smile on her face. ‘Why does her walking toward me tell me she’s about to “force her existence” on me? In other words. She’s going to be the type to force the idea that me and her being a couple is a “great idea”. There’s always at least one girl that attempts to do that with me. And her demeanor, right now, is screaming that.’

“Hi there, Mr. Takahashi. I’m—”

“Nana. Or should I say, Student Council President, Nana.”

“Oh! So, you do remember me!”

“Um, sorry. Not exactly. Kikyo just said your name a little while ago, so I just remembered from then.” After saying that, a brief look of disappointment shows on her face, but it disappears just as fast as it came.

“Oh…well…that’s okay! I also grew up with you, Kikyo, and Renji, back then. All 4 of us were in the same classes every year. Before you…you know…”

“Is that so? Then I apologize for not remembering.”

“No, no! Really, it’s okay! You probably just don’t recognize me, is all. I don’t really look quite the same as I did, so it’s understandable.” Nana looks over me and Sleeping Beauty before she continues. “Anyway…why are you still here? Don’t you want to sign up for any school clubs?”

‘I don’t want to talk with this girl, but I also don’t want to be rude on my first day back—and to a girl at that,’ I think, as I glance at Sleeping Beauty, still gazing outside, not paying even a speck of attention to us. I guess I’ll entertain the President, in the meantime, as long as Sleeping Beauty stays there. 

“I haven’t really given it much thought since it’s my last year and all.” ‘Clubs really are the last thing on my mind,’ I think separately.

“That should be the very reason for you to join something!” Nana insists. “At least come and check them out. I’ll even join you. In case you have any questions.”

‘I really don’t remember this girl, because I think I would recall someone being so annoyingly persistent.’ I wish she’d be less friendly, but I try not to let it show on my face.

“That’s really nice of you!”

To see if anything will trigger a memory. I casually examine her silhouette as she continues ranting. Her common 5 ½ foot stature, shiny auburn hair, and her mature enough facial features, on top of that. I even quickly glance at how tight her, school uniform-button up shirt is around her breasts. Above average for a girl her age. If anything, those few things should’ve given me something if anything happened between me and her. But nothing at all has come to mind. If there’s anything I can comment on, it’s her perfect teeth. She must’ve had braces. 

Losing interest in figuring out who the mystery Pres. is, I check on Sleeping Beauty, who is still staring outside. ‘She can’t be this aloof, right?’ I think, no longer listening to the class President. 

Noticing my attention no longer on her, the President also looks at the quiet girl. “Yue! Aren’t you coming? You’re going to daydream the day away,” Nana chides.

‘So. Her name is Yue.’

Sleeping Beauty finally shifts her attention away from the courtyard and looks directly at the President with distant eyes. ‘She’s so beautiful, it’s almost angelic,’ I can’t help but think. ‘I wonder if she’s taken?’

“Why are you suddenly talking to me like we’re friendly with each other?” Yue shoots back at Nana.

‘Pfft! Did I just hear her right?’ Trying not to laugh, I glance at the President who is no longer smiling. It’s obvious she’s forcing herself to maintain a calm composure. 

Nana puts on a forced smile and says, “What do you mean? I always…”

“You don’t have to waste your breath on me. I’m sure ‘The Twin’ already likes you, just like everyone else.” Yue rolls her eyes dismissively.

‘The Twin? I guess it’s better than the number of things she could’ve called me.’

“You don’t have to be rude,” Nana says. “I was only trying to include you. You’re always by yourself. And people find you unapproachable. You should socialize a little more.”

‘Maybe I should probably step in before it escalates,’ I think. ‘Although…it is pretty fun to see them go back and forth. Sleeping Beauty’s—Yue’s—temper reminds me of a lot of mine and Kikyo’s.’

“That’s just it. I don’t care what people think of me. Unlike—,” Yue starts.

“She’s right, Yue,” comes a voice from behind us.

‘And speak of the devil.’

Kikyo is leaning against the doorway, as if she’s been there, watching the whole time. “It’ll be good for you, to come to the fair. You promised me you would, remember?” 

After Yue and Nana give each other cold stares, Yue rises from her desk, looks at Kikyo, and says, “Since you so kindly reminded me, Kikyo, I will go…with you.” Sleeping Beauty brushes past me as if she no longer notices I’m there and walks to Kikyo.

“You’re too kind, your highness. I wouldn’t like anything more than the grace of your presence,” Kikyo says with a smile. And with that, they leave me alone in the classroom with the President.

‘Well, that was a total 180. Her attitude changed completely once Kikyo came in.’

“Sorry about her,” Nana says with a sigh. “She doesn’t really listen to anyone except Kikyo. Strange girl, if you ask me.”

“Does she always check out like that?” I ask.

“‘Check out’?”

“Space out.”

“Ohh! Haha, yeah. Ever since she transferred here, during the middle of last year, she’s never really liked to socialize or participate in anything that involves her actually interacting with people. If you ask me, she thinks too highly of herself. And that’s why she doesn’t bother talking to anyone. The teachers also give her special treatment since she has the highest grades in the school.”

‘So, she's antisocial. I guess that would make sense if she’s the girl I helped 3 years ago. It would only be natural.’

“Shall we go, then?” Nana asks. “I know you said you haven’t thought about joining anything, but you never know. You might end up changing your mind. Plus, there’s Kikyo’s performance.”

“Kikyo’s performance?” I ask, this being the first time I’m hearing of it.

“Yeah! Did she not tell you? She’s the president of the school band. They perform for the club fair each year, among other things. For instance, they’ve entered competitions and have won every time. Why do you think everyone ran out of here right when the bell rang? Kikyo really is the star of the school. Being Vice President is just a plus. I’m surprised she didn’t tell you.” 

‘Nobody came to bombard me with a lot of questions either, like I thought, so that makes sense. But why didn’t she tell me?’ I think. ‘But anyway, I’ll go. Since Sleeping Beauty is going to be there.’

“Alright. I’ll tag along with you, President Nana.” The President’s face lights up at my response.

“You don’t have to call me President every time you address me. Just Nana is fine. We are old friends after all, so we’re past formalities, right?” 

I chuckle lightly, “I guess you’re right.”

‘Were we really friends back then?’ I think to myself. ‘I’m usually good when it comes to people I meet, even in passing.’

—

[Kikyo’s POV: A Few Minutes Later In The School Courtyard, Near The Auditorium]

“Thank you so much, Madam Vice! I really need all the help in studying I can get!” Claims a third year student, in an appreciative manner.

“Yeah! The entrance exam for the school I’m trying to get into seems more difficult than I thought it was going to be.”

“It’s no problem, at all! I’ll keep you girls updated on meeting times!” I say as I picks up the signup papers.

“So, Madam Vice? Has anyone signed up for the band club?”

“Actually, there’s been quite a handful of new recruits wanting to join,” I confirm.

“As expected!”

“Yeah, but Madam Vice can’t let just anyone join. She has a reputation to uphold! I can’t wait to hear the new song your band will play this year!”

“Me too! You guys are like actual celebrities!” The girls’ excitement is infectious, so it makes me smile.

“Well, we’ll let you get ready. We can’t wait to hear your band play, Madam Vice.”

“Thanks girls!” After waving the girls off, I turn to see Yue hiding behind a podium not too far away, her shoulder just visible past its edge. I walk over and find her eating a steamed bun. “What are you doing, hiding over here?”

“You guys are quite the celebrities. I always seem to forget,” Yue comments as she chews.

I solemnly stare at Yue as she continues to eat. “Yeah, well, that’s all thanks to our guardian angel! Now, come on! It’s time to meet up with the others.”

Yue throws the wrapper from the steamed bun in the trash and walks with me to meet the other band members.

In the easy silence, I think this is the perfect time to ask the question that’s been itching me. “So, I have to ask. Did you really not realize that he wasn’t me this morning? When you were sleeping?”

“I did. But by that time, I was already holding his hand.” Yue pauses, a contemplative look on her face. “Did I…really hurt him that bad for him to have to see the nurse?”

I can see, by the frown on Yue’s face, that she’s really asking out of concern. “Well, he did come to class just fine. Why, are you curious?” I stare into Yue’s eyes, smiling teasingly, as I wait for an answer.

“I just want to make sure I didn’t hurt him too badly.”

“Then why don’t you just ask him yourself?”

Yue looks at me, eyes narrowed with irritation. “Why would I do that?”

“Because we’re walking right towards him.” I gesture ahead of us with my hand.

Yue’s eyes follow my gesture and sees Kaname with the Class President. I watch another frown appear on Yue’s face as her eyes hone in on Nana’s arm around Kaname’s arm. ‘Seems they have gotten close. That’s just like my brother though.’

Wanting to help change Yue’s mood about them, I say, “Oh, yeah. Where is Kaname’s jacket anyway? Hey?!”

Seeing them approaching, not realizing my question, Yue responds, “Let’s go this way, to the auditorium.” Before Kaname can do more than catch sight of us, Yue pulls me down a side hallway.

“What? Why are we avoiding them?” I ask, somewhat amused and playing along.

“Because I don’t feel like dealing with Nana more than I already have today.” 

I look at Yue’s pinched expression and squinched nose. I smile to myself and say, “Okay. If you say so.”