The Girl In My Dreams - 2

-----Mai's POV

There must be something I can do... It's fortunate for me having a link to both Kaede and Selene, but I just need to find out how to utilize it. Selene is still a baby right now, but I can tell that things have changed a little. Instead of Selene attacking Lilith, she's actually trying to suppress herself for her mother's sake, which actually has made their relationship start off quite positive, unlike last time. The same can be said for Kaede. Thanks to her memories I possess, I can already tell that things have escalated. I can't tell what's going through her mind, but what I can tell is that Kaede's definitely being drawn in to Yui in a way, instead of it being the other way around.

Erytheia: "Looks as though everything is the same."

Mai: "No... Things have definitely changed."

Neda: "Leuce?"

Whoever rewound time, I'm sure they didn't plan out things to be like this. But I know I don't have much time... In a few years, Selene's existence will be found out. Wait, but if Selene is acting differently, then maybe it could be alright? But in the worst case, it could even happen sooner. I really don't want Lilith to go through all of that hell again. I need to move fast...

.....

...

-----Kaede's POV

Today is the first day in a while where I don't wake up from a weird dream, and actually, I woke up before my alarm even went off. It's relieving, but I do wonder what was the cause of the change? Either way, I need to make sure I don't collapse again and worry my mother. So I make sure to pack two water bottles today as I pack my lunch into my bag before heading off to school.

The rain has also subsided, meaning that my chances of running into Yui is even higher. I end up picking up my pace as I walk briskly towards the train tracks. Now that I know that Yui likes to race the train, I end up waiting for the train to pass, however... The train did end up passing, but there was still no sign of Yui.

Kaede: "Maybe she caught a cold?"

I do recall her running carelessly in the rain yesterday morning, so it could be possible. Or maybe I was the one who was sick and when she carried me to the infirmary, I passed it on to her? No, no... Stop worrying about stupid things like that Kaede. I'll just see her at school.

But little did I know that would not be as easy as I thought. Even after waiting at the school's entrance, watching students funnel into school, there was still no sign of her. And so, classes started without me getting in touch with Yui at all.

...

Kaede: "Hahh!~"

Emi: "You alright?"

Once again, the three of us are in the cafeteria. I knew it was impossible to see Yui during class, but even now, looking around the cafeteria, she isn't here.

Kaede: "Don't tell me she's actually sick..."

Maria: "Who?"

Kaede: "Yui. The girl who carried me to the infirmary."

Maria: "Hmmm. I'm pretty sure that group there are in the same club as her."

Yeah, you mean that massive group? I'm not really an introvert, but I'm already getting nervous at the thought of approaching such a popular crowd. If it was a group of five, or even six, then I could do it. But I'm counting nine, with other smaller groups around them.

Emi: "Why don't you go and ask them?"

Kaede: "They're busy eating. I don't wanna disturb them."

Emi: "...Alright!"

Suddenly, Emi stands up form the table, leaving her food behind as she walks away, heading straight for the group in question.

Kaede: "Wait!"

Ah... It's too late.

Maria: "Hehe. Emi sure is straight forward."

Kaede: "Hahh~ Yeah. But I like that about her."

Maria: "Oh! Did you want to try some of my food today?"

Kaede: "Ah, sure. Take whatever you want from mine as well."

Maria: "Thank you so much!"

We end up swapping some our lunch as both of us grew massive smiles on our faces. But it was then that the both of us turned back to Emi who seemed to have made contact. I can't hear what they're saying, but from the look on all their faces, it seems to be going well.

Kaede: "She sure can get along with everyone."

Maria: "Yeah."

And soon enough, we watch Emi start walking back towards us as the group there began eyeing up our table. They didn't look threatening at all, but having so many eyes on us sure made me question what Emi actually said to them.

Emi: "Looks like that girl isn't feeling too well."

Maria: "Is she okay?"

Emi: "One of them said it's just a cold. Nothing too serious."

Did she seriously get a cold from running out into the rain for not even a minute? But I guess it could be from something else... Like me. Stop it Kaede! I wasn't sick to begin with!.. I think?

Emi: "They were going to send someone to check up on her, but after I told them that you wanted to see her, they figured you could go to her place instead."

Kaede: "What?!"

Her house?! I've been to Emi's place numerous times, and at this point, I'd be fine with going to Maria's place as well. But to visit someone who I'm not even friends with? That's surely not right.

Kaede: "W-why don't one of them go?"

Emi: "Well, like I said, they were going to. But I sold the idea of you going instead, hehe."

Kaede: "...So that's why they were staring at us."

Maria: "Pfft. We could go visit her together?"

Emi: "But wouldn't that be too invasive? To have a stranger go is one thing, but three?"

She has a point... God! Why the hell did you say that to them, Emi!

Emi: "Hehe. You mad?"

Kaede: "N-no... Well, yes."

Emi: "Hehehe."

Kaede: "Alright fine~"

I swear... Why did she have to get sick anyways? I could've just met her and thanks her at the train tracks. Why do I have to go out of my way to see her, let alone in her own house that is.

Maria: "Wait. Do you even know where she lives?"

Emi: "Oh! I totally forgot to ask that! One sec-"

Kaede: "No. I can go."

Emi: "Oh?"

If I'm the one going, then I may as well approach that group myself.

...

All their eyes focus in on me as many of them shoot smiles my way, however a few of the younger looking students seem to be quite perturbed by my sudden presence.

Older Boy: "So you're the friend?"

Kaede: "Yes."

Girl1: "Honestly, wouldn't it be better for one of us to go instead?"

Older Girl: "Now now~ This girl wants to see our Yui, so why not let her go?"

Girl1: "Hmph."

I'm glad to see that some of the people here are happy with me, but I'll need to make sure I don't breach any boundaries as I don't want to get on anyone's bas side here.

Boy1: "So? Did you need something?"

Kaede: "I uhm... Don't have her address, so-"

Boy2: "See! I called it!"

Boy3: "Well, it's not like we know where she lives either."

Boy2: "But still. We're closer to her than this girl!"

God this is so awkward. Should I just leave?

Older Boy: "Here."

But suddenly, after writing something on a slip of paper, the older boy hands over what looks to be an address, the same road that the train runs along.

Kaede: "Thank you very much!"

Older Boy: "You're the one that Yui carried over to the infirmary the other day, right?"

Kaede: "Y-yes! I'm sorry to inconvenience you guys."

Older Boy: "Haha, not at all. I can tell that you'll be fine, so could you please take a look at her for us?"

Kaede: "Yes! Will do."

Older Girl: "Thank you very much~"

Girl1: "Tsk-"

I bow my head before making my escape, clutching the slip of paper in my hands. A wave of relief washes over me as I'm finally free from all those eyes, and what greets me instead is Emi and Maria's eyes beaming at me.

...

Emi: "You did it!"

Kaede: "Barely, hehe."

Maria: "So you got her address?"

Kaede: "Yeah."

Emi: "See? They're not that scary."

Kaede: "Mhmm. The older guy there was really nice, and that older girl."

Maria: "Yeah, I'm pretty sure they're Ken and Aki. I'm pretty sure they're the captains of their club."

Kaede: "Hmm? Doesn't clubs usually only have one captain though?"

Maria: "Well, in sports, they typically don't have guys and girls compete against each other, so I guess that's the reason?"

Kaede: "Hmmm."

Sure enough, both of them are quite taller than the rest, and you can tell that they keep their body in top shape. Kind of makes me a little self conscious about my own body. I wonder if it might actually be a good idea to-

Emi: "So, you going to go over to her house now?"

Kaede: "After I finish eating Maria's lunch."

Emi: "Eh?!"

Maria: "Hehe, it's all yours~"

Kaede: "Same for you, hehe."

And so, we continues on to eat our lunch as I make sure the slip of paper is still in my bag. I've already memorized it somewhat, but just in case, I don't want to lose it.