Y/N: Shit shit! SHIT!!! 

I Said to myself. While running down the hallways it was filled with a crowd of students trying to go home. I ran through and dodged any incoming students, few teachers tried to stop me but I didn't really care, my only goal was to make it and I did. I busted through the door which startled everyone. 

Y/N: Im so sorry Im late! 

Sayo: Where have you been?! Its been 30 minutes since the bell rang! Did you not hear Shirokane san when she said to meet up in the office right after school? 

Sayo said as she crossed her arms in disappointment. 

Rinko: Hikawa-san… i'm sure he had a good reason as to why he was late… 

Sayo: good reason or not you should have atleast communicated to us that you were going to be late. 

Y/N: I had personal problems to deal with and it took longer than expected…

Sayo: Personal problems? What kind? 

Y/N: The personal kind of problems… don't worry about it. 

I didn't want to explain any further because what just happened was between me and Aya when I was alone with her. 

Sayo: That is not a legitimate excuse. Why are you late? 

Sayo said, trying to press the matter further. 

Y/N: And that is none of your Business. I ment what I said. Its a personal problem. Dont worry about it. 

I said in a more passive aggressive tone. 

Rinko: Hikawa-san… If L/N-San says it's something personal… then I think it's not wise to pry into it… 

Y/N: It would be a wise choice to listen to  Shirokane.

I said while deepening my glare to sayo. 

Sayo:... *sigh* Fine. I think I was out of line with that. Anyways now that you're here we can start. 

Sayo finally backed off and I began to ease up. We began the afternoon meeting to discuss various topics. The biggest topic of all was the club budget and supply  forms. Sayo had told me that I had to expedite the club supply forms because if I don't then more work will just stack up on me as there were other things that I needed to start worrying about, especially since they want me to start on the finances for the school cultural festival and the school field trip which is where I'm going to be the heaviest in terms of workload. 

After the afternoon meeting I set out to the various clubs around the school to gather more supply request forms. So far it was going smoothly since most of the clubs either had what they needed already or they had already pre-staged their forms, so it became a matter of just collecting. 

After an hour of collecting forms the only one who was left was the school tennis team. I went down to the tennis field. As I went there I met up with a girl who had blue grey eyes and short black shoulder length hair sitting on the bench. I approached her while she was wiping the sweat from her face. As I approached up to her she looked up to me. 

Misaki: Oh hey Y/N, I havent seen you in a while. 

Y/N: Yeah. I Guess It has been awhile. 

I said while sat down next to Misaki. 

Misaki: How are things going with you? 

Y/N: I've been busy with alot of stuff. 

Misaki: Well you look busy thats for sure. 

She said as she took a swig from her water bottle.

Misaki: I hope Kokoro isn't giving you any morebtrouble. Sheesh I swear she is going to be the death of me. 

Y/N: Yeah… 

I felt pretty awkward when she mentioned Kokoro. After what had happened not too long ago I couldn't really look at her the same way. 

Misaki: So what brings you here? 

Y/N: Oh yeah I almost forgot! I need yalls supply request forms. The deadlines about to hit so i need them like right now. 

Misaki: Oh is that so? In that case, you see that girl with the red tennis racket? 

She said as she pointed to the person. 

Y/N: Yeah, I take it she's the captain? 

Misaki: thats right. I think she might help you out with that. 

Y/N: Awesome! Thank you! 

Misaki nods as I got up from the bench and walk towards her. She didnt noticed me until I tapped her behind the shoulder. She was startled at first but I apologized and stated my business. When I explained to her what I needed she understood and ran back to the bench where Misaki was sitting at. She took out a folder and handed it to me. I thanked her and made my way back to the office. 

Location

The student council office 

Y/N: Hey Im back! 

Rinko: Oh hey L/N-san 

When I walked into the room I noticed no one was there but Rinko who was sitting at the head of the table. 

Y/N: Where is everyone? 

Rinko: Ichigaya-san finished her work for the day… she had some stuff to do back home…so she left… as for Hikawa-San… she is currently roaming the school… as part of her duties as a monitor… 

Y/N: Sounds about right. 

I said as I sat down. 

Y/N: By the way I finished collecting all the Supply request forms. What do I do now? 

Rinko: Excellent… if thats the case, would you mind grabbing a laptop from the back… I'll show you what to do next. 

I grabbed a laptop from the back of the room. I turned it on and waited for the laptop to boot up. Once I booted on and it took me to the log in Rinko told me that the login info is my first and last initial and the password was my student ID number. 

Y/N: Okay Im in whats next? 

Rinko: Okay… i'll show you… 

Rinko got up from her chair and sat next to me… albeit a bit too close…

Rinko: Umm… s-sorry… 

She said feeling a bit bashful and embarrassed. 

Y/N: N-No you're good…

 She began to explain to me the program they use to order stuff. As she was explaining how to use the program I couldn't help but feel a bit distracted by her appearance. The more I look at rinko the more I was reminded of her, which honestly made me feel a little sad… 

I started to get flashbacks from the past between me and her. Little fragments of memories started playing in head, all the good and awkward times we had together, it all started flooding in my head which gave me a sort of nostalgic yet melancholic feeling.

Rinko: and thats how you process the order… do you understand L/N-san? 

Y/N:... 

Rinko: L/N-san? 

She said as she looked at me. 

Y/N:... 

Rinko: L-L/N-san?? 

Oh shit. I didn't realize she was calling out to me. I guess that entire time I was too busy thinking of her to the point I completely tuned out. 

Y/N: O-Oh! Umm I see! So thats how you process stuff! 

I said trying to play it off. In all reality I didn't really hear a lick of what she was saying. 

Rinko: Umm… are you okay? 

Y/N: Yeah I'm fine! 

I said try while trying to play it off by giving her a reassuring smile.

Rinko: C-cuz you look a bit sad… D-Did I do something wrong…? 

She said as she started to look a bit sad. Aw great you dun did it now Y/N! 

Y/N: N-No! You didn't do anything wrong I swear!

Rinko: Then why do you look all sad all of a sudden… 

Y/N: *sigh* its nothing… 

I said looking away from her. I want to tell her but I don't have it in me to talk about it. Even know the wounds from that I suffered from in the past still remain fresh. On top of that, i don't think she would understand. 

Rinko then placed her hand on my arm. I looked at her only to find her looking at me with seriousness in her eyes and a bit of red on her cheeks. This must be embarrassing for her to do but its touching to know that shes trying. 

Rinko: I-don't believe you when you say its nothing…If you need to talk about it I'm here for you… after all… you listened to me when I was down… so let me listen to you… 

She is right about one thing, but still I dunno If i should tell her the whole thing. After all, she is still an "outsider" to me. 

Y/N: *sigh* well it's just… You reminded me of someone I know… appearance-wise I mean… 

Rinko: O-oh… was she a friend of yours…? 

Y/N: You could say that…

Rinko: If you don't mind me asking…what happened to her? 

Y/N: I'd rather not talk about it… 

Rinko: O-Oh…I see… 

Y/N: Sorry, Shirokane…It's just something I really don't like talking about.

Rinko: N-No not at all! Sorry for asking… I didn't know it was a touchy subject for you…

Y/N: It's fine… I don't like talking about stuff from the past. The past is the past and i'd rather leave it there. 

Rinko: That's not a bad way of thinking… but still I can see that whatever it is… it's troubling you…

I felt a bit hesitant at that moment knowing Rinko is trying her best to be there for me. As much as I want to tell her, I can't. She wouldnt understand the pain I am feeling. 

Y/N: Sorry, Shirokane. But…I don't have it in me to talk about this. This is something that still haunts me to this day and I just don't have it in me to share that burden with you…

Rinko: O-Oh I see… 

Rinko seemed a bit saddened to know that she couldn't help me. 

Y/N: Hey, don't beat yourself up over this okay? I know you're just trying to help and its not you, it's me. 

Rinko: No its not that. 

She said as she shook her head. 

Rinko: I'm just more concerned about you… it seems like you are suffering in silence because of this… 

Y/N: Yeah… and that's something I choose to do. 

Rinko: And that's okay… You arent ready to talk about it now and thats fine. Take all the time you need…when you're ready…I'll be here for you… 

She said as she gave me a soft smile. 

Y/N: Thanks…Rinko… I really appreciate it. 

I said, giving her a small smile in return. 

Rinko: Mmhm… 

She said as she blushed a little. 

Y/N: Well let's get back to work then alright? 

Rinko: Yeah. 

After a brief emotional exchange we went back to work. This was the first time I've actually emotionally connected with a person outside my circle and even though I was being a bit decrypted, it was still nice to know that Rinko was willing to listen and I could feel her heartfelt sincerity and her concern for me through her words and actions. It reminded me a lot of her… still though I can't help but feel in danger knowing that I was alone with Rinko… 

After 20 minutes, I got the work done as fast as possible. I would've gotten done in less time but my ass had to tune out and not pay attention to Rinko. I ended up figuring it out on my own and it's safe to say that I did well.

Y/N: Hey Shirokane, I just finished Processing the supply orders. Do you mind taking a look at it before I leave? 

I said as I flipped the laptop towards her. 

Rinko: Of course. 

Rinko grabbed the laptop and started checking my work. She also grabbed the request forms too and started to match the order form that was in the computer with request forms together. 

Rinko: Everything seems correct. W-we should expect the supplies to arrive within a week or so… 

Y/N: Sweet! I guess I'll take my leave now… 

Rinko: Mhmm…I just finished up too… 

Y/N: That's good to hear! Anyways I- 

Rinko: W-wait… 

Y/N: Hmm? 

Rinko: W-would you L-like… 

She said as she was fidgeting nervously. Shit! I know exactly what she's gonna say… 

Rinko: W-would you like to walk to the station t-together…? 

She said as she fiercely blushed. Damn… Why do I have to be so fiercely perceptive… to be quite honest I don't want to… dont get me wrong it's not because I don't like Rinko or anything it's quite the opposite..my only problem is being alone with her… I respect Rinko alot but the only problem with me is that I can't see her as Rinko…when I look at Rinko I think of her. Call me scum or a shitbag for not wanting to spend time with a genuine person like her but I just can't bring myself to be alone with her.…

Y/N:...Sorry Rinko but…Not today… 

Rinko: O-oh… 

Rinko Felt really dishearten about me rejecting, after all Rinko Isn't the most confident girl. She's quick to blame herself and shes bad when it comes to social interaction. Because of this she doesn't take rejection too lightly. But at the end of the day she does need to that its okay when people say no

Y/N: Don't take this the wrong way, it's just that I have something to take care of. 

Rinko: Is that so…

I said while lying. Shit…for once I feel guilty for lying to her. Out of nowhere My text notification on my phone went off. I took out my phone and looked at who texted and it was none other than chisato. 

HOLY SHIT I'M ACTUALLY GLAD SHE TEXTED! At Least now I don't have to feel like a total douchebag for lying. 

Y/N: Yeah I promised Shirasagi that I'd meet up with her today after school. Pastel Palettes is having a concert soon And Marina asked me to help out with the preparations because CiRCLE is sponsoring them and I just so happened to be their liaison.  

I said, telling her a half-truth. 

Rinko: I see…You must be really busy these days… 

Y/N: Yeah I am. Its not easy juggling between school life and work life, but I'm able to manage it. 

Rinko: Please take care of yourself… and don't push yourself too hard… 

Y/N: I won't make any promises there but i'll try. 

Rinko: O-Oh and also… I know I'm not the best… but if you ever need to talk…I'll be here for you… 

Y/N: Thank you. 

Without saying anything more I walked out and made my way out the school. While walking to school I texted Chisato. 

Timeskip
Location: Prontos coffee house. 

I walked inside the coffee shop and saw Chisato sitting down by the window on her phone. I walked up to the table and she noticed me walking up to her and she immediately got off her phone. I hung my back on the chair and took a seat right across from her. 

Chisato: Hey L/N-san.

Y/N: Yo I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long. 

Chisato: No, not at all. 

Y/N: So what's up? 

Chisato: I wanted to ask you if there was a faster method to get the song down. 

Y/N: what do you mean? You are already on track to getting this down before the concert. You have time. You just need to keep practicing. 

Chisato: No… its not about the concert… 

For some reason I had a feeling it wasn't about the concert... And i have a feeling about what her actual intentions are. 

Y/N: Oh? Explain? 

Chisato: It's about Aya… 

Oh boy! I definitely know where this is going… 

Y/N: Let me guess… Aya is starting to feel bothered by the constant distance you've been putting with not only her but i'm pretty sure your bandmates? 

Chisatos eyes widen as she was taken aback by my precise inference, which clearly startled her. 

Y/N: Judging by that expression on your face I can only assume I am correct? 

I said with an eyebrow raised. 

Chisato: H-How did you know? 

Y/N: Not to toot my own horn or but I have a reputation of being perceptive. 

Chisato: W-wow!  

As she looked dumbfounded.

Y/N: Anyways enough beating around the bush. So I'm assuming you also want to rush the process so you can put Aya and your bandmates at ease? 

Chisato: Okay your accurate assumptions are really starting to scare me. 

She said bluntly trying to hide her vulnerability. 

Y/N: Sorry, not sorry.

I said sarcastically 

Chisato: But anyways? Do you happen to know a more effective way to get this down faster? 

Y/N: Well, the only way I would know how to get it down faster is by no shit full-on dedicated what time you have to practice. But let's be real, with your busy schedule one with school and work, do you honestly have that time to double yourself up with practice?

Chisato: Well when you put it that way… In all reality I don't. 

Y/N: Wrong you actually do. 

Chisato: Wait how? 

Y/N: Easy, when you do rehearsals with your bandmates at the studio. If you practice the thing you're most weak at in the studio along with practicing on your down time you can get it done a lot faster and save some time. 

Chisato: I would If could but I just can't. 

Y/N: It's not the fact that you can't, but rather you just choose not to. 

Chisato: Well you are right about that too. I know I can't sing and play at the same time and you of all people should know how hard of a time i'm having. If I practice that song knowing my own limitations and weaknesses then I would just be wasting their time. 

Y/N: I get that but still, it would be best if you came out and be honest with your bandmates. You guys aren't just a band, you guys are also friends. If one of y'all is struggling shouldn't you reach out to them and let them know? 

Chisato: god I hate it when you're right. 

Y/N: Haha! But seriously though. You gotta be honest with them. Rather than suffer in silence you should be honest and open with your bandmates. Besides, If Maruyama really wants to perform this song then I'm pretty sure she would be willing to help you out with this. Don't think of this as wasting their time. After all that's what practice is for right? 

Chisato: Yeah but it's as I said before, as someone who has been in the spotlight for so long you are expected to perform. They don't need to know the amount of hours I am willing to put into this. All they need to know is that I'm capable of performing. That is all. 

I can tell that Chisato has stubbornly made up her mind and refuses to take my advice and that there was no talking her out of this. It frustrated me a little to know that my words went right through her ears and that I just wasted my breath. 

Y/N: *Sigh* Look, this is my only warning to you right now, take it as you will, but I want you to consider the way Maruyama is as a person and how she is and think about the potential risk your actions are bringing. If this keeps up then it will only make things worse between not only you and Maruyama but your bandmates. If this is what you want then so be it, I won't talk you out of it anymore because your actions are your own and no one else's. 

Chisato: I'm well aware of the consequences, hence why I asked for advice on speeding up the process. I know I'm being hasty with it but it can't be helped. Just please bear with me.  

I got up from my chair and put my chair back Into the table and grabbed my backpack. 

Y/N: I'll be at work tomorrow, come see then and I'll see what we can do. 

Chisato: Thank you. I'll stop by tomorrow. 

I walked away from the table not saying anything further. It was really frustrating to see Chisato being so stubborn about this. Knowing both perspectives and seeing how Chisato Is acting towards all this will only give me the benefit of the doubt. If this is what Chisato wants knowing the consequences then fine I guess I'll entertain. After all, if she is not willing to listen then I guess I'll just let her fuck around and find out and then tell her I told you so at the end of the day. 

To be continued.