Chapter 3

Chapter 3

Finding her classroom was easier when she spotted the tall orange-haired boy, if he noticed her following or not was beyond her. She would have asked, but he seemed harshly honest when he spoke to her yesterday, maybe he was angry.

But today they both arrived on time for class, she was grateful for that. Still, not a single person to say "good morning" to, not even to ask if they had plans for the weekend. Who would she even approach to? Or not, it did not mater, the teacher settled the class, and she could not slack off when she just started.

During a break between History class, she felt lost again, the teacher wanted everyone to work in pairs and chose a topic to study on and present a report. Great…

The class was at least double than her old school and double the tension on her shoulders to find someone to talk to. When she was just about to stand, she saw the students gather in pairs in an instant, they had their own groups and friends, those groups did not include her.

At least not now, the first step is to just introduce yourself.

But then he dragged a chair and sat right next to her. His elbow was literally on her small one-person desk. – "What tittle are you interested in choosing?" – she blinked at him, confused. No greetings, no small talk, this boy just placed himself in the equation as if they had known each other for a long time.

And she was very grateful. – "I was reading the story about the legend of the moon Goddess" – she pointed at the small section on her history book, a small story from centuries ago when myths and legends ran in people's minds and ruled over their beliefs. The orange-haired boy seemed interested; the story was almost a ghost story rather than a magical fairy tale. With a lazy nod, he showed his approval.

They entered into an agreement faster than she expected. – "I'm Sakura, by the way." – she started her idea of small talk.

– "I know." – The pinket waited for a bit, tilting her head a little to the side in a silent question. – "Ichigo, Kurosaki Ichigo." – his expression was blank, and she had no idea how to continue from there and he seemed to notice as he scratched the back of his head and looked away. – "We can exchange numbers if you live too far, you know, in case you…" - he trailed on

- "oh! We can finish this at my place, it's near the park at..."- the pinket quickly stated, she liked the park, it was great for some piece of mind and getting together in groups.

- "You do?" – he seemed to pay only attention to her now, she noticed recognition on his eyes. – "I also live there." –

That made things easier for her, with a smile she wrote down her number on a note for him to take. They ended up reading in silence as most of the class chatted and whispered about anything and everything.

As per her new habit, she ran to the roof. Her new favourite spot where she would just stare at the beautiful view and enjoy the sun, there were no real chairs or tables, but the wall's giving shade were the best for a lunch break.

Why should she sit alone and eat in front of others when she can be alone and unbothered?

"Alone."

Maybe not for now, loneliness is temporary, at least that is what she told herself. Eating alone at school or eating alone in her apartment felt the same, monotony was her enemy. But change was scary… especially when she had no idea what could go wrong.

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Once again, he found himself trying to avoid the unwanted questions of his two friends, Mizuiro Kojima just stayed in a silent plea of forgiveness as Keigo Asano did all the talking. – "How could you do this to me?" – he dramatically questioned. – "Did I not tell you yesterday?" –

And then he went on and on about his genius plan to make the new student fall in love with the brown-haired Casanova. Ichigo could leave, he could go to the roof where he knew she favoured. He absolutely did not spy on her, he just saw her there by coincidence, many times.

A quick escape to the rooftop could be normal for him, but that meant he would look like some stalker in her eyes. Why does he care?

He does not care. He just loves the quietness and tranquillity of the rooftop. And then it dawned on him, she wanted to feel at peace.

Yesterday, when he saw her enter the rooftop and be completely amazed by it, she looked calm and natural in her posture. When she returned to class, her hands would shake slightly, as if she was afraid to trip, fall of say something wrong.

The way she stayed quiet and catch some glimpses of the students engaging on friendly conversation with everyone except her, her sighs and dropped shoulders. She was just shy.

Sakura was not this mysterious new girl that stalked the halls looking for some long-time lover that filled her with jealousy. All rumours his friends seem to voice right in front of him in the classroom, pretty much behind her back. – "What if she falls in love with you first, Ichigo?" – turning his attention back, brown eyes pleading him to answer, answer what?

- "She arrived yesterday." – his friend did not appreciate his sarcastic tone, but Keigo was just being dramatic in his opinion.

- "And since the first day, you met her first, she spoke to you first!" –

- "No, we did not. I just guided her to class, that was no conversation." – he could not believe their first encounter was meaningful at all, he would do the same if it were any other person.

- "First impressions are the most important thing! What if it is love at first sight?" – the brown eyes student lifted his hand in protest. – "right, Mizuiro?" – he pleaded with his silent friend to take his side.

The dark-haired friend finally spoke. – "You are absolutely right on that." – Ichigo could not believe he would humour this. – "Especially if you go and talk to her instead of stalking her behind your seat." – ah, there it is, his honest brutality laced with his signature smile that Ichigo enjoyed so much, stealing a smirk from the orange-haired student. And with the start of a new drama infused charade from Keigo, she walked in.

The bell was just about to ring in a few minutes, last time she ran back as she must have forgotten about the school's schedule… His attention was completely stolen by her timid walk into the classroom.

Next time, he would join her.

Probably.

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