CHAPTER 8: Taiyaki

The following day, Sana stood on the field, clipboard in hand, ready to select new members for the track and field team. As the students showcased their abilities, Shigeru approached with a lighthearted grin.

"Hey, Sana. Mind if I join?"

Sana looked up, a bit surprised. "Oh, Akagi kun. Sure, watch if you want."

Shigeru scanned the field, then turned to Sana with a playful glint in his eyes. "You know, I've got this kickboxing club idea. The council president says I need at least 4 members. Any chance your recruits could use a bit of a kick?"

Sana blushed at the pun but managed a small smile.

"I don't want to push anyone. They're here for track and field. But if you want you can ask them to join, I won't mind."

Shigeru leaned in, his tone conspiratorial. "Fair enough. If you spot someone with a hidden knack for kicking, Send them my way, okay?"

Sana nodded quietly. "Okay!"

"Awesome! Thanks, Sana. And hey, if you ever need a sparring partner or something, I'm your guy." With a friendly pat on her shoulder, Shigeru sauntered off, leaving Sana with a warm feeling that lingered as she continued her team selections.

In the weeks that followed, Sana found herself more aware of Shigeru's presence around the school. Every now and then in the corridor, they would give each other a quick nod and smile. Sana was left feeling both curious and warm by each interaction.

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***** **** *** *

Suguru and Sana were on their way back from school. It was Sana's off today. As her coach had some important stuff to deal with. They intended to play video games when they got back. They both went to Suguru's home. 

There was a lot of commotion as they entered the house. 

"mom, what's going on?" Suguru asked as he saw his mother packing stuff. 

"Suguru, you back? Dear pack your bag. We are leaving immediately."

"What's going on please explain." he asked in a stressed tone. 

Sana also got tensed thinking that they might be leaving from here.

"Your grandfather isn't feeling too great these days. Well, he's a bit under the weather," she explained, her eyes reflecting both concern and affection. "We thought it would be nice if we could go visit him, just to spend some time together and let him know we care." Suguru's mother was the kindest person Sana has ever seen since her childhood. 

So Suguru had to leave immediately. 

Sana said him bye and wished good health to his grandfather. They all left from there. She was happy that they weren't leaving from there permanently but was feeling worried about his grandfather's health.

***** 

Now that she had two days off since Saturday and Sunday were holidays, she was at a loss for what to do.

It was already Sunday and her parents as always go out on weekends but this time they invited Sana to join them as well, but she declined as she didn't wanted to ruin their date.

As she was sitting alone watching TV, a thought crossed her mind. It wasn't even noon yet so the temperature wasn't high enough. 

She got ready and went out for shopping. She usually shop from some handful brands only, those that make comfort clothes. But this time she wanted to buy herself a beautiful dress. Venturing into the upscale Ginza district, her eyes were drawn to the iconic Chanel store, a place her mother often praised for its exquisite party dresses.

Stepping into the store, she felt an air of sophistication surround her. Browsing through the racks, she carefully selected a couple of dresses that caught her eye. With choices in hand, she headed to the fitting room, eager to see how this would complement her style.

Sana tried the first dress, and to her delight, it looked absolutely stunning on her. She felt a boost of confidence, enjoying a rare moment of feeling truly beautiful. Eager to try on another dress, she reached for it, only to realize it was the wrong size.

Stepping out of the fitting room to exchange the dress, she was taken aback to find Akagi kun there, accompanied by another girl. The surprise on both sides was palpable. Akagi, a bit puzzled at first, approached and greeted her with a friendly, "Hey, Sana! What a coincidence seeing you here."

Sana, still feeling the glow from the flattering dress, returned the greeting with a smile. "Hi, Akagi kun! Yeah, just trying out a few things. How've you been?" 

"I'm good, and by the way, you are looking very gorgeous in this."he replied.

 As Sana and Akagi exchanged pleasantries, the fitting room atmosphere felt warm and friendly. Sana, feeling confident in the flattering dress, couldn't help but smile at Akagi's compliment.

"Thank you," she replied graciously, her cheeks tinged with a faint blush. "Oh, by the way, is she with you?" Sana added, nodding towards the beautiful girl with long, silky black hair who had just joined them.

Akagi's expression shifted slightly, a hint of discomfort flickering across his face before he introduced her. "This is my cousin sister. She brought me along to help her select clothes," he explained, his tone slightly strained.

Sana nodded, offering a polite smile to Shigeru's cousin. However, before she could say anything, the cousin blurted out, "Shigeru, it's hella expensive, man!"

Sana blinked in surprise, momentarily taken aback by the abruptness of the comment. Her innocent demeanor made it difficult for her to process such straightforwardness.

Akagi's eyes widened in a mixture of embarrassment and panic, shooting a glance at his cousin that screamed, 'Why did you have to say that right now?'

"I think she didn't like the dress," he said instantly trying to cover up. 

"yeah, you must not buy if you don't like it, as there is no need to waste money on stuff you don't even like or want." Sana said getting the gist of the actual thing.

Sana went on to try her another dress. She liked both of them. Shigeru and his cousin were waiting outside. She took the dresses and went for the billing. 

" Stop it you are looking like a Victorian man looking at a woman's ankle for the first time." Akagi said to his cousin in a sarcastic tone as she was looking at Sana paying the bill of those expensive dresses. 

"Akagi, is she your good friend?" she asked.

"why?"

"I think you got a chance there." his cousin said still looking at Sana in a state of shock. 

[She doesn't mean it seriously. That was just supposed to be a joke.]

After Sana finished purchasing the dresses, they all left the store together. However, soon they reached the intersection where they all had to part ways, each heading towards their respective homes. They bid farewell, scattering in different directions under the afternoon sun.

*** **** *** *** SUNDAY** *** ** 

As Sana was alone in the house she was sitting idly on sofa. Starring at the ceiling she remembered the things that happened inside the tunnel. It wasn't something normal so she was having trouble to segregate the real incidences from the dreams as she had been unconscious for so many days. 

While taking the bath she looked at the scriptures inscribed on her body. So there has to be some truth in it. But whether the things related to Suguru were true or not was still a mystery. 

*** **** ********** **

She went to school on Monday alone as Suguru wasn't still back. 

On Monday, after track practice, Sana noticed Shigeru waiting near the school gates. "Hey, Sana!" he called out, a friendly grin on his face.

"Hi, Akagi kun. What's up?" Sana replied, her voice soft but genuine.

"I was wondering if you'd like to grab a snack with me. I found this new place that serves amazing taiyaki," Shigeru suggested, his playful enthusiasm on full display.

"Sure, why not?" Sana said after a moments hesitation. She was still confused why would someone as popular as him be would be interested in talking to her. 

As they walked to the snack shop, Shigeru shared stories about his kickboxing club struggles, his love for martial arts, and his not-so-secret passion for cooking. Sana, in turn, opened up about her love for running and the simple joy of spending time with her best friend Suguru. And how she is missing him as he isn't here.

They both ate taiyaki and headed to their home. Shigeru offered to walk Sana home but she refused politely and they parted ways. 

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