Yūka's POV

I arranged my books, preparing to go to the locker. Yūno gave me a nod before exiting the classroom with me. "So..." she mumbled, flashing me a disappointed look. "I've got things to do, so I won't be able to go home with you again. Seriously, our time together is getting shorter these days."

"You said it." I sighed exasperatedly. Staying up late is taking its toll on me. As we walked, I kept yawning and rubbing my eyes. Yūno looks like she noticed because she put her hand on my shoulder. "Hey, what's wrong? You're not walking straight."

"I may have stayed up late and ignored my curfew because of studying..."

"What? Do you have quizzes or something that you missed?" she asked worriedly. We finally arrived at the lockers and Yūno helped me put my books inside mine. "Not really. It's just I noticed my grades dropping recently so I tried to make up for it. And then, this happened," I replied. I closed my locker with a yawn.

"Don't everexert yourself. Your grades won't get any better if your condition is like that."

"Eh, I'm fine."

"Fine?!" She flicked my forehead hard enough to make me wince and step back. "Look at you! You can barely keep your eyes open!"

"B-but—"

"No!" she sternly said. "You're going to rest tomorrow. Thank God it's friday today."

I can't help but sigh when she dragged me to what I assume the front gates, muttering about having consistent grades. She turned left and right while I followed without a word. When we came to a halt, she turned around and faced me. "Alright, I'll be going now. Find your boyfriend Hiroyuki and stick close to him. Don't worry, I guarantee that he's going to protect you." She flashed me a playful wink before running off, giggling. I made an attempt on following her (to scold her for saying that my boy bestfriend is my boyfriend) but she blended in with the sea of students walking out of the school, making it impossible for me to catch up. I could squeeze in but I wouldn't risk it, not in this state when I can't even function normally. I spun on my heel, about to search for Hiroyuki when I crashed into someone, causing me to fall on my butt.

"Oww!"

I looked at the person I bumped into and was surprised to see her on the ground as well. Even with my eyelids starting to get heavy, I managed to see her silver hair dancing as the wind blew. When she opened her eyes, the gradiant color of blue and green reminded me of the sea. They're beautiful, I thought, awestruck. However, they don't look full of life.

"I'm sorry!" I apologized, standing up and dusting my skirt. I bowed before offering my hand, but I was taken aback when I received a snarl. I backed away in surprise. She widened her eyes and softened her gaze, appearing guilty. She shook her head and got up silently.

"Um, I truly am sorry.."

She remained nonvocal, which made me think that my apology wasn't enough. I thought of something I could do, gazing at her stoic face. "If my apology won't do it, then I could treat you to a—"

"Yūka!!"

I whipped my head behind me, seeing Mitsuko-san marching towards my direction. Her eyes were fixated on the girl I encountered as she stepped in front of me.

"What on earth are you plotting?" She spat, voice lacing with venom. Her face turned dark and she snatched my wrist.

"M-Mitsuko-san, she did nothing wrong—"

"You don't know her, Yūka." Her tone was so serious that it gave me shivers. I peered at the girl who stood still.

"As if you know me. Quit talking like you're not ignorant." The girl looked around, before sighing. "I don't want to cause a ruckus, so for the benefit of all, I'll be leaving."

She gave me one last glance before  flipping her hair and retreating peacefully. My attention switched to Mitsuko-san when she tightened her grip on my wrist, dragging me away from the place. Whenever people shot us weird looks, Mitsuko-san would return a glare.

"U-uh.. Mitsuko-san.." I called. My senior stopped and faced me. "What is it? Do you need something?"

"I don't think I can go with you, if you're planning something for today. My friend told me that I should rest at home," I let out a yawn, and I rubbed my eyes with my free hand, "I need to sleep."

Mitsuko-san's look scared me. Her aura is telling me that I'm in trouble. "Alright, go." She slowly let go of my wrist, making me return a smile at her.

"But—"

I stared curiously at her, wondering. What is she going to say?

"Why, just why would you do that? I'm sorry for the term but that's just being dim-witted! You need to take care of yourself; know your limitations!"

"G-got it.." I feel like I'm getting smaller under my senior's intense gaze. It's like I'm being scolded by my parents. "A-anyway, how did you know the girl from earlier?" I asked, putting my forefingers together. "I don't think I've seen you with her before..."

The look in her eyes reminded me of the time when I asked her about her parents, but instead of sorrow, they burned with fury. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, bringing her hand to the bridge of her nose, proceeding to massage it. "You don't have to know. Just forget that ever happened." Her voice was barely audible, and I was pretty sure that if I'm not standing close to her, I wouldn't have understood a word she said. Choosing to drop the topic, I told her that I have to look for my friend so we could go home together. She agreed, but she didn't let me go until I found Hiroyuki.

With that said, I went to our usual spot near the gates and as expected, I saw Hiroyuki leaning on the wall, playing with his phone. Mitsuko-san, upon seeing me walk up to my companion, waved me goodbye and left without a word.

"Oh, Yūka. I'm sorry I didn't go to your classroom earlier. I had to bring paperwork to our homeroom teacher." Hiroyuki immediately spoke when he saw me. He bowed and smiled gently, gesturing to the gates. "Shall we go?"

I let out a snicker when he tried to act formal. It doesn't suit him. After all, I view him as crazy (in a good way) and fun, especially when around his peers. He's a social butterfly that doesn't really know how to contain himself, so him being prim and proper is just weird.

We chattered as we made our way home. There are times when I really feel like sleeping, but I managed to NOT fall asleep then and there.

"Stayed up late studying perhaps?"

"Huh, how did you know?" I was genuinely surprised to hear that.

He smiled, pointing at me. "Well, I know you're a hardworking person. Studying is a must for you. I wouldn't be surprised if you forgot to take care of your health because of it."

"You sound like you know me better than myself." I pouted, swatting his hand. He chuckled, and oh boy did that make my heart flutter. No, no, no, he's just a friend, Yūka. Banish those thoughts right away!

"Maybe, but it's just you're easy to read. People can tell what you're feeling just by looking at your face."

"Is that a bad thing?"

"Hmm, in some cases, yes. But I don't think so. That just shows how pure and innocent you are."

"Umm... I guess. Thank you.. " Well, dear Lord, please tell me what to do. I legitimately have no idea how to respond to that. That seriously caught me off guard! I looked down because I can feel my cheeks burning. I don't want Hiroyuki to see or else he's going to tease me non-stop!

"You're so cute."

I stopped on my tracks instantly, and slowly I looked up at him with widened eyes. Hiroyuki was a few steps ahead of me and he turned when he noticed me falling behind.

"What?" he asked, eyebrows creasing upon seeing my bewilderment.

"D-did you just.. really call me... t-that..?"

He blinked a few times before his jaw dropped. His face went red and he stepped back, his hand covering his face. "D-did I say that out loud?"

The atmosphere quickly turned awkward, and I blamed myself for it. I should've pretended that I didn't hear him. I shut my eyes tight. My hearbeat is going crazy; it's as if my heart wants to jump out of my ribcage. Definitely not healthy. I should refrain from staying up late.

"L-let's get going," I said as I shot him a look. I ran ahead of him and slowed down when there was enough space between us, and thankfully, I heard his footsteps, indicating that he's following.

"A-about earlier.."

I felt like slapping him (not really) when he brought up the topic. Can't he see that I don't want to talk about that?! I felt like dying of embarrassment!

"I meant that, truly."

"Oh."

I looked at him over my shoulder, seeing him flash me a genuine smile. Eventually, he caught up to me as we reached my street. Within a few seconds, we were in front of my house, so I faced him and bowed. "Thanks for going with me. Thanks for the compliment too."

"Yeah, no problem. Take care of yourself, alright?" He beamed at me one last time before going on his way. I stood at the door for a few moments until I jolted when I heard a voice.

"Your boyfriend is really good looking. He's a nice hook, but he must pass my test first before I approve of him."

"Mom, he's not my boyfriend. He's just a friend," I corrected, seeing my mother with her fingers on her chin. She frowned at me, shaking her head. "Oh but dear, you haven't seen the looks you two are giving each other." she smirked,crossing her arms, "You're exactly how your dad and I used to be when we were dating."

I rolled my eyes playfully and went inside, muttering a soft 'I'm home.' and running to the kitchen. I could hear the door of the house closing as mom walked in. I grabbed a bottle of milk and poured myself a glass, walking to the dining table.

"I'm going to eat dinner early, if that's fine. I need to rest."

"Alright, then. Just rest after eating, don't go to sleep yet. You'll have nightmares." Mom placed a plate of fish fillet at the table. I ate in silence as Mom watched the news while washing the dishes. Soon, I finished and cleaned up the table.

Shortly, I told Mom that I would be at my room to sleep. I went up the stairs and upon coming inside my room, I switched to my pajamas and brushed my teeth. I nearly fell asleep on the bathroom when I closed my eyes for a minute, so I sped up. I laid at my bed for about 10 minutes before I fell asleep.

***

"Ah, I'm late!!" I screamed and shot open my eyes. I knew it, the amount of sleep I'm getting is suspicious. I groaned and sat up, rubbing my eyes.

"Yūka, dearie?" Mom's voice came in after I heard the door open. I looked up at her and noticed her covering her mouth, as if containing her laughter.

"A-ah, M-Mom!!  Sorry, I-I'll get up right away!" I tried to stand up but the sheets got entangled with my foot and you guessed it, I fell. Mom couldn't help it but laugh and so did I.

"Y-Yūka.." she said, wiping her tears. She took her sweet time laughing, didn't she? "It's Saturday.."

"Ehhh??" I felt my eye twitch as I got rid of the sheets. "Are you kidding me? I seriously thought that I'm late."

"Honey, if you were late, I'd be doing everything in my power to wake you up. Also, your boyfriend comes here so you could walk to school together, right? You can bet that I'll be willing to splash you with cold water if I've got no choice."

"Mom, for the nth time, he's not my boyfriend! I don't even like him that way!" I exclaimed, shooting an irritated look towards the floor.

"Alright, alright. I'm just joking, gee. Also, it's your choice if you still want to sleep. If you don't want to, then I prepared some mushroom soup. You can go eat that."

Mom smiled at me and walked out the door, hearing her go downstairs. I chose to follow and savor the mushroom soup. I'll go crazy if I go to sleep. My head already hurts. A few hours later, mom told me that she's going to meet a few friends for a reunion so I was left alone in the house. Having nothing to do, I turned the television on and flipped through the channels, but none really interested me. I gave up on the television completely, switching to my phone. I then noticed a message and clicked on it.

• MiMiko-chanYu~

MiMiko-chanYu~: Hey Yūka, it's me, Mitsuko.

Yunyun_pachito: What's with the username, Mitsuko-san?

MiMiko-chanYu~: I got dared to change my name to this. Also, you're one to talk. Yunyun? I thought your name was Yūka. And what's with the pachito?

Yunyun_pachito: Hehe, I was childish back then... I'm too lazy to change it now wwww

MiMiko-chanYu~: Anyway, are you feeling alright? I would like you to meet a close friend of mine.

Yunyun_pachito: I'm good. I slept like a rock. ≧ω≦ Also, I would like to meet your friend.

MiMiko-chanYu~: Are you sure? If you can't come then I'll just adjust the schedule.

Yunyun_pachito: Oh no, I'm seriously fine. I'm actually itching to walk outside because I'm bored here inside the house.

MiMiko-chanYu~: Got it. So we'll meet at the coffee shop near the school at 3PM. Sounds good?

Yunyun_pachito: Yeap! I'm looking forward to meeting your friend!

I threw my phone beside me, stretching and rubbing my eyes. The thought of having another friend excited me that it made me jump on my seat. I probably look like I'm a patient that escaped a mental hospital but I don't care right now. What is Mitsuko-san's friend like? Is it a boy? A girl? What does the person look like? Their personality? Are they introverted or extroverted? Or perhaps an ambivert?

I stood up and ran upstairs to my bedroom. I went through my closet to look for something good enough to wear. This is one of the few times that I'm hanging out with friends after all so I must look nice! I can't wait!

=====
For someone who's too lazy to dress up, I can say that the effort Yūka has put into looking nice is a lot. It deserves a vote, don't you think?

Wassup mah bois, I know I said that hopefully I'll be in a writing spree during summer break, but weeks had already passed and I've done nothing productive. Unless you count watching anime. Then I did something.

It's about girls. And tanks. Job well done if you already know the anime. Also, if you're interested, my dear friend InLustryus made a fanfic about it. With that said, I'm outta here. I need to write some stuff.

~Kazumi_Nyay624