8-1

-Yoshino's P.O.V-

"Do you have time right now?"
"H-Huh?" Iroha looked at me; surprised.

When those hazel eyes met mine, I froze. Was she always this beautiful? Were those eyes really shiny before? I'd never noticed that until now...I could feel myself trembling; in fear? No, in shock?? Maybe?? I don't know.

Just at the sight of Nakatsugawa-san under the everlasting blue sky, literally took my breath away.

"Hey, Yoshino-kun? Yoshino-kun??" she called repeatedly before I snapped out.
"Y..Yes?"
"Were you daydreaming again? You really should say something after calling someone!" she pouted.
"Sssoorryy.." I was embarrassed 'cos she was right.
"Okay..where are you taking me?"
"E-Eh?"
"You heard me..where are you taking me??" she repeated.
"So..you're.. really free right now?"

I didn't expect that coming from her.

8-2

Thanks to my indecisiveness, Iroha took the lead again. The cafe she chose was nearby. It had a warm atmosphere and there was a soft but soothing classical music played. It wasn't as busy as I had expected, in fact we were the only customers. Iroha settled down with a cup of cafe au lait while I got myself a cup of hot chocolate.

"It's so hot outside...it's almost summer isn't it?" Iroha fanned herself with the collar of her dress.
"Hmm.." I nodded; uncomfortably.
"You know, papa and I used to go here everyday when I was young.." she looked out the window beside her.
"Pa..pa?" I sipped my hot chocolate.
"F-Faatheerr!!!" she blushed at her carelessness.

A father, huh? I wish I could remember mine. I wonder how he was like...

"Anyway, that's very thoughtful of him. He must be a great man, huh?"
"...Yes, he was. I really love him." her eyes suddenly turned sorrow.

I must've pulled the wrong plug! I'd better change the subject quick!!

"Uhh...actually Nakatsugawa-san, the reason I called you out was.."

Iroha brilliantly smiled as I paused. I couldn't get the words out of my mouth.

"I know. The truth is...I..didn't really know what's gotten into me. And I wanted to straighten things out with you!" she blushed.

I was suppose to say that.

"M..Me too, Nakatsugawa-san."
"It really really didn't mean anything! You see..in my country, it was merely a greeting!! I meant to thank you for everything, that's all..." her voice grew softer through the end.
"So that's it, huh? I get it.."

She just nodded.

"It's true then..that you're half! I thought that hair was a little too real to be fake!!" I laughed.
"Of course, it's real! What do you think??"
"It really suit you, Nakatsugawa-san." I smiled.
"Well, whatever. Just don't get me wrong, that's all!"
"Now..that's just a rip-off of a tsundere character script..!"
"Shaddup!!" she chugged the coffee in her mouth; embarrassed.

I chuckled. She's back...the Nakatsugawa-san that I know of.

"Hey, Nakatsugawa-san? Why..did you lie to Michiru-san?" I asked seriously.
"So..you noticed." she turned away.
"Nakatsugawa-san, you know why, right?"

She looked into my eyes and nodded.

"Sawa-chan..she was..looking for something last night."
"Something?"
"Remember what Miere-chan told us?"

[Flashback]

"The Seven Mysteries Of Sakurasaka?!" we asked in unison.

"That's right! Have you ever wonder why the students are not allowed to enter the school campus after 7pm?" Miere asked again.

We kept quiet.

"Do you know that 7 o'clock was also known as the cursed hour in the Sakurasaka history lines? It was once said that a male teacher was murdered and skinned alive in the late 70's. Exactly at 7 p.m!! Since that night onwards, strange things had occurred. Some even claimed that he came back for revenge; looking for his skin!!" Miere was being a little dramatic.

"Recently, one of the seniors, have been complaining that she saw a figure running around the school grounds at night. And after that, some brave group of students came to investigate...eventually seeing the same thing..!!" she continued.

"E-Eh? T..That's kinda creepy.." Ichigo stammered.
"That's not all...a few years after the teacher's death, a female first year student was found dead in her classroom with her tongue cut off! What's strange was... " Miere started to talk eerily.

"HER TONGUE WAS FOUND IN THE HANDS OF THE HALF-SKINNED MAN IN THE BIOLOGY LAB!!!!" Miere suddenly snuck up behind one of the girls.
"Kyaaaaahhh..!!" Ichigo let out a shriek.

Miere laughed.

"That wasn't funny. Miere-chan, you idiot!!" Ichigo said, a little embarrassed as she hit Miere lightly.

"Lucky..Miere.." I mumbled in envy.
"Miere-chan.." Iroha sighed.

"But, I'm serious! Plus..the scissors found was the exact model used to skin the male teacher the last time!! Isn't that weird??" Miere was horrified.

Ding, Dong Dong Dong!

The school bell rung. Lunchtime's over. Iroha went back to class. She said that she left something behind in the maths classroom.

-Iroha's.P.O.V.-

"That's weird..it's not here." I searched.

I reached under the table where I thought I left it and felt a slight goosebump behind my neck. I was alone in the room, to be honest, I felt a little creeped out. A piece of paper was all I found and my eyes grew wider in shock with what was written.

Nobody was supposed to know about that!

PIRORIIIIIIINNN..!!!

I jumped at the sudden vibration. My phone sounded. It was a message.

'Come back here at 11 pm if you don't want it revealed...

-Unknown'

I was threatened...

[End of Flashback]

-------------------------------------------

-Normal P.O.V-

Iroha sighed as she looked away.

"Sawa-chan..she was looking for the first term's papers."
"Wh..What? But why would she ask you?"
"Yes, she knew. She knew that I was the principal's daughter!"
"The..principal's daughter..? But you have different surnames?!"
"He's not my biological father. My father died eight years ago." Iroha tried to hold back her tears.
"Nakatsugawa-san...so you're saying that she tried to cheat?"

"Hmm.." she nodded. "You see..earlier that day..I was in a hurry then I bumped into Sawa-chan by accident and dropped all her books on the floor. That's when I saw that particular piece of paper. It was written 'The First Term Exam'. So I became suspicious..."

"Plus, the exams around the corner and there's no way she could get hold of the questions in advance. It was also rumoured that she even cheated in the entrance exam." Iroha continued.
"I didn't know she was that type of person...but I just don't get why she despised you so much!"

Iroha put her hand on his and squeezed it slightly. Yoshino looked up to her sorrowful eyes. She shook her head as she smiled slightly.

"Let's go talk somewhere else."

8-3

-Yoshino's P.O.V.-

We went out again and walked into the busy street. Iroha didn't say anything after that. I walked a little further behind her, not saying a word too.

"Yoshino-kun?" Iroha turned to me.

I looked up.

"What're you doing? Come a little closer...to me."
"N..No, I'm fine."
"Weirdo!" she murmured as she continued walking.

(Ringo's Scene- Normal P.O.V.-)

Somewhere in the far corner, Ringo, in her casual outfit, came out of a sweets shop. She curved her lips; satisfied with her purchases.

"Ichii would love these once I get it home!"

But when those ocean-blue eyes caught the two, she became a little uneasy.

"What's Kiriya-kun doing with that girl?" she wondered. "I'd better go and tell Ichii about this!"

So, she took a quick snap using her phone, went into the family car and hurried home; feeling excited.

(Yoshino's Scene- Yoshino's P.O.V.-)

Without realizing, we made our way to Fantasia, the amusement park about ten minutes further.

"Hey..mind if you tag along with me?" she asked.
"Uhhmm..."
"No? Are you busy?!" she gave me the puppy eyes again.

Rule #34

Do not attempt things that wears you out if not necessary.

-Kiriya Yoshino-

I gulped. Really wanted to say no to her but I just couldn't.

"N..No. I'm totally free."
"Great!" she smiled as she wrapped her fingers around each other.

Hey. Hey. Is this some kind of date? Why am I always agreeing to everything said?? Maybe it's still not too late to back out. Besides, the girl of my dreams is none other than her...

"I like..."
"Yoshino-kun, over here!" Iroha waved.
"Ye..Yeah, coming!!"

I ran up to her, towards the entrance before she leaves me behind.

8-4

(Ichigo's Scene- At Home)

-Ichigo's P.O.V.-

"Hetchh..!" I sneezed.

It must be chilly in here with the air conditioning set in max. I was quite shocked with the news today. I really didn't expect that the culprit was among us all along. I wonder who was involved? I just hope they're safe and sound. That reminds me...wasn't Miyauchi-san a classmate of Yoshino-kun and Nakatsugawa-san?

"Ichii...!" my sister, Ringo, called out to me.

"Oh, welcome back, sis!" I greeted as she entered the living room.
"Ichii..look!" she shoved her phone in front of my face almost immediately.

Sis is totally different at home; she kept her cool at school and loses all of it once she reached home. Which is a little strange.

I looked at the screen and saw the picture she took earlier. It was Yoshino-kun...and Nakatsugawa-san? I became curious. What were they doing? Are they dating?? Well..it's none of my business, anyway.

"Ichii...you're creeping me out."
"What do you mean?"
"Your face..."

I looked into the mirror just next to me and saw it. My brows were sinking in anger, my smile was turned upside down. A dark aura surrounded me. Am I angry? But why?! Could this be...jealousy??

(Yoshino's Scene- Normal P. O.V.-)

"Aaaaaahhhhhh..!!!!" Yoshino screamed.
"Yaaaaaayy!!" Iroha rejoiced.

They were in the front seat of a rollercoaster ride. It went up and down at a violent speed. Yoshino felt a little sick, well mainly because he was hypsiphobic; he wasn't very fond of heights. When it was over, Yoshino went straight to the men's room and threw up.

"Yoshino-kun, you okay?" Iroha's voice was heard.

(Iroha's Scene)

Iroha hummed her favourite song as she waited outside. She felt a slight guilt for forcing him to ride with her.

"That idiot should've told me!" she mumbled.

Suddenly, it was dark. She looked up. Two tall, big men were standing before her. They looked a little wild and had the darkest look in their eyes.

"Hey there, missy..." one of them grinned.

-------------------------------------------

(Yoshino's Scene)

As soon as he was done, he washed himself clean and looked into the mirror. He felt better already. He walked out; his eyes screamed as they grew wider. Iroha was with the two men. And they were big and dangerous-looking too. He trembled and felt his sweat wetting the corner of his face. Just what was Iroha thinking? Can't she sense any danger in that situation?? He couldn't hear their conversation but without a second thought, he rushed to the scene.

"Nakatsugawa-san, sorry for the wait!" he blurted.
"Haah..?!" the two men glared at him; in annoyance, maybe since he interrupted.
"Yoshino-kun, aah..!" Iroha exclaimed as he pulled her towards him.

Iroha blushed; embarrassed with the sudden closeness.

"Y..Yo..shi..no..kun..?"
"Shh..you idiot, just follow my lead!" he whispered. "This girl's with me! So..stay away from her!!"
"But.." Iroha stuttered.

Yoshino glared at them; eye to eye. The two men exchanged each others' look, a little confused and started talking in a foreign language. Iroha seemed to understand them.

Was it just a misunderstanding? Yoshino kept quiet. A little stumped. From what it looks like, she was giving directions to the two men. After that, they thanked her and pointed at Yoshino as they laughed. Iroha turned red; protesting.

"So...?" she turned to him, smiling.

Yoshino didn't say a word. His eyes averted hers as he was dumbfounded. Iroha chuckled.

" 'The girl's with me!'?"
"Ackt! T-Tha-That was..." he blushed.
"Were you just implying that I was your 'girlfriend'?" she asked.
"Urghh..."

Iroha looked at him; pretending to be a little ticked off.

"Soorryy.." he gave up.
"Hmmm.." she smiled. "Alright, as a punishment...you'll be spending time with me for the rest of the day!!"

She pointed sharply at him. He gulped as sweat rolled down his cheeks again. He felt nervous.

"Pleeaassee? You'll do it for me, right?" she pleaded.
"E-Eh..? That sounds so troublesome! I have a life too, y'know?"
"Yea, but if you leave me alone again..who knows if there will be real bad guys? You were...trying to protect me just now, isn't that right?!" she looked away.
"Uhh..I had no choice, didn't I?"
"Is that so? Here I was thinking...that you were him.." she said softly.
"What?"
"Nothing..see you, Yoshino-kun."

Iroha walked away, leaving him behind as he stood there silently.

"Who said that I was leaving?"
"E-Eh?" she turned around.

He smiled. That smile was warm and it was nostalgic. So familiar...it brings joy to her once again. Just like it was back then when her hero welcomed her in his life.

"Let's go...the choices are yours, I'll keep you company."
"Yoshino-kun...enn!" she nodded happily.

8-5

-Normal P.O.V.-

So, they went almost all around the park. It was already dusk by the time they reached their final destination, a Ferris Wheel ride called The Wheel of Fate.

"Yoshino-kun, let's go!" she tugged him by his sleeve.
"Ohh..aren't you tired just yet?" he groaned.
"C'mon!!"
"W-Hey..?!!"

She pulled him into the the carriage before he could even catch his breath and sat down across each other. Yoshino huffed; still hypsiphobic. Of course, they were 30 meters above ground now and it was still ascending. Iroha looked outside; through the glass. Those eyes shimmered as she smiled.

"It's been a long time..." she whispered.

She turned to him.

"Hey, Yoshino-kun..." she called.

Yoshino looked up.

"The truth is...my father used to be a surgeon. My real father. Sawa-chan despised me once she found out." she spoke.
"What..do you mean?"
"My father used to be her father's personal doctor. You see, he was a heart attack patient. One day, he was rushed to the hospital. He seemed to be unconscious and they were losing him by the second. Shortly after that, he died as there was no other way to save him. His family grieved, plus, their daughter was still too young. It was traumatizing, she just couldn't let him go."
"So she's..putting the blame on your father?" Yoshino deduced.

Iroha just nodded.

"Sawa-chan...was mentally unstable until about three years after his death. With the help of medicines and hopes to recover even more, she started coming to school again and she was fine."
"Until...she knew you were her father's surgeon's daughter! That makes sense now.." Yoshino concluded.

Iroha nodded again.

"You're really good at this."
"But...Nakatsugawa-san..it just didn't add up!"
"Wh..What?"
"The fact that...you knew about me." he looked straight to her eyes.
"Well, that's..."

BWOOM..BAMM!!

There were fireworks just outside the window. All of different types. It was beautiful as colourful flowers formed on the dark sky. Too loud. Iroha was saying something. Yoshino couldn't hear her.

"W..What was that again?" he asked as soon as it was over.
"No..I'm not going to repeat. Just think about what I said, you idiot! Humph!!" she turned away.

The carriage stopped. It was time to leave. Iroha opened the door; leaving him behind. He was still sitting. Thinking about everything she'd said to him.

"Ah! Wait for me, Nakatsugawa-san!!" he snapped out and left to catch her.
"I'm not going to wait for you..!" she chuckled.

It was fun. The whole day. While it lasted.

(Michiru's Scene- Police Station)

Michiru was busy digging the files in his office. The computer was on too. It was a rare sight to see an officer like him working late at this hour.

"Officer Michiru, aren't you going home?" the head inspector asked.
"Inspector..this morning?"
"Oh, have you finished filing?"
"Yes, sir. But I was wondering if you could answer a few doubts..if you don't mind." Michiru said.
"Go ahead."
"That girl this morning...she said that her name was Nakatsugawa Iroha. Could it be that she was the victim of the incident eight years ago?"
"I thought that name sounded familiar.."
"So she was the one? From the Nakatsugawa Tragedy, eight years ago??" Michiru asked.

The inspector agreed.

"In fact, she was the lone survivor...that girl...." he continued.
"W-What..?"

(Iroha's Scene)

She was back home safely. It was eight o'clock. She turned on the lights in the dim bedroom of hers. She smiled as she laid on her bed; exhausted.

"That was fun..."

She looked at the small, red box sitting on her cupboard next to her and reached it. She hugged it tight, close to her chest.

She grinned.

"Isn't that right, papa..?"