A Battle Before The Real Battle [8]

"Hi, Haruka-chan. How are you doing?"

The one in the video was Sakura Airi, and she was addressing Hasebe Haruka, her best friend and one of the instigators of this mess.

Sakura continued, as the whole class including Chabashira listened to her intently.

Sakura took a deep breath before continuing, her expression one of gentle concern.

"It's been almost a week since that day."

Her smiling face was giving off a mature vibe.

"Oh, that's right! Isn't this dress cute? Actually, there is something, I haven't told you."

She paused for a moment before continuing.

"I was doing some gravure idol works before joining that school. After getting admission, I discontinued it. But now that I am no longer in that school, I thought about rejoining that line. And guess what! I participated in an audition for an agency, and qualified right away! "

Sakura's smile widened, her eyes shimmering with a mix of excitement and nostalgia as she continued.

"I am sorry for not telling you this before. I couldn't find the right time to mention it, and then this happened....."

Her smile faded a little as she firmed her posture.

"Haruka-chan, you know what, I am quite enjoying myself right now. The agency, I am working for has a main idol group too, but one of their main group member recently left. So they are considering me for that role. Can you believe it? I have been here just for a week. "

Sakura's excitement was palpable, but there was a hint of disbelief in her voice as she continued.

"I never imagined things would move so quickly. It's like a dream, but at the same time, it feels like everything is finally falling into place. I always loved performing, but I never had the confidence to pursue it fully. Now, I feel like I'm finally doing something for myself, something that truly makes me happy."

She paused, her expression softening as she looked directly into the camera.

"Right now, I am practicing one of their songs that they have to perform next week. It becomes difficult sometimes, but the other two group members are really nice. One of them, Yomiuri senpai, helped me set up this recording too. The staff members are also really supportive here. Everyone is helping me in some or the other way, as you did for me."

Sakura's voice took on a more reflective tone as she continued, her eyes filled with a deep sincerity.

"I am really grateful towards you, Keisei-kun, Miyake-kun, and Kiyotaka-kun for being friends with me. The time I spent with all of you, would be etched in my memory forever. But, somehow I always felt that I never belonged to such type of school. Everyone there is really amazing and trying to achieve some kind of goal, but I had none. However, things are different here. I feel like I have found a place where I truly belong."

Sakura's expression grew more solemn as she continued, her voice tinged with a mix of regret and resolve.

Meanwhile, Haruka was already in tears. 

The whole classroom was just focused on the words coming out of the video.

"Therefore, I don't want to blame anyone for what happened to me. You have to accept it as I did."

Sakura's voice grew softer, her tone comforting yet firm as she continued.

"At last, I have one request. You might think I am being selfish, but you have to do it for me and for yourself."

She firmed her posture again.

"Graduate from class A with all of our friends. That's my wish."

Perhaps Sakura had that much to say to her friend, but as she was going to stop the recording, she remembered something.

"A last note before leaving this recording! Please don't show it to others! I would die of embarrassment and if my agency finds out about it, then I am doomed!...... Oops! It was supposed to be said at the starting!........Ah! another thing I have to say. It was all Yamauchi-kun's idea, so try to get along with him. Take care."

Thus the video ended.

As the video ended, the classroom was engulfed in a heavy silence.

Haruka sat frozen in her seat, tears streaming down her face, her emotions a whirlwind of pain, regret, and resolve.

The weight of Sakura's words pressed down on her heart, but they also ignited a small spark of determination.

Chabashira, who had been quietly observing the reactions of the students, finally spoke up.

Her voice was calm, yet it carried the authority of someone who understood the gravity of the situation.

"And so Sakura says. It is wise to think thoroughly about what you are trying to do. The next special exam is just a week away, so you should focus on that. Also........"

As she was about to complete her part, the bell rang indicating lunch break was over, and immediately, the only missing student entered the classroom.

"Ah! Is the show over?" He said, looking at the attentive eyes of everyone in that class on him.

"Yamauchi, come with me to the staff room for a minute.", Chabashira instructed him to go with her, to discuss about his punishment for breaking rules in a special exam.

"Got it." he replied.

Eyes of his classmates were still on him, but unlike before, this time they were not full of hatred. 

Thus, Yamauchi though to himself.

"Good grief. At least this Sakura was somewhat useful, unlike from Naruto."