Running Late

After clearing her worries, that night, the sleeping girl slept like a baby.

The morning is bright, too bright.

The harsh rays of the sun peeked from the curtains.

Woke Nao from her comfortable slumber and grumbled as she tossed and turned.

"Is it morning already...? "

She mumbled, feeling sluggish as she sat on her bed and stretched her arm upwards.

As she opened the curtains, she welcomed the bright blue sky, where she could see the flutterings of Sakura petals and the birds soaring through the vast horizon.

What time is it?

She wondered, turning to glance at the clock by the bedside nightstand.

Hm...? She tilts her head.

As she noticed the time, her eyes darkened in horror, and she shrieked. "H-half past eight!? "

C-crap... I'm late, reallyyy late!!

Nao leaped out of bed, the adrenaline pumping through her veins, knowing she had little time to get ready and reach her destination. 

She dressed quickly, fumbling with buttons and zippers, Nao muttered, "I can't believe I overslept! " She hastily put on her school uniform and struggled to put on her loafers.

Finally, with her hair still dripping wet and a half-eaten piece of toast in her mouth, Nao grabbed her backpack and rushed out the door.

The Sakura petals sway in the wind, seemingly unaware of her predicament.

Nao's route to school was usually a calm, leisurely walk. Today, it felt like a race against time. She sped down, her heart racing and toast crumbs falling as she munched on the go.

She couldn't help but think of her friend Yuto and how he must have felt when he couldn't make it to the first day of the semester due to illness. "I shouldn't be complaining about being late," she thought, a hint of guilt washing over her.

When she finally reached the front of the classroom, she gasped for air and sighed.

"I hope the teacher didn't come yet..." She mumbled in between her breaths.

Sneaking a peek inside, her eyes widened as she was met with an unexpected sight.

A familiar face sat beside her table, waiting for her with close-lidded eyes suggesting a knowing smile beneath the mask. It was Yuto.

Nao came to a screeching halt. Yuto, despite his recent illness, had managed to attend school. She approached him, breathless, and asked, "Yuto, you're here! How are you feeling?"

Yuto's eyes curved into a crescent shape, giving the impression of a grin beneath his mask.

He replied weakly, "I'm not a hundred percent healed yet, but I feel much better now! And Nao-san, running like that, you'd better catch your breath!"

Nao chuckled, realizing that Yuto's dedication had spurred her on. 

A sudden voice interrupted them, "Ahem! Are you done, N-a-o-k-o? " It was the teachers, and she looked annoyed despite hiding it with a smile.

"T-Teacher! " Nao exclaimed, eyes widening in fear.

"I-I can explain! "

"I'm expecting to see you in detention after school. Don't run away, okay? " She inquired with an annoyed grin.

"Y-yes! Ma'am! "