A celebration would’ve been shared by everybody within the university dorm but not to the medical room. The medical room had gone darker and quieter. Two bodies were on its bed, A Black Angel and a cherry blossom, with one having fun and the other wishing death upon the one.

“I hate you! I hope you just die!”

She was the Black Angel. She would never feel weakness unto those words. In fact, those only fueled her to do things in order to bring hate unto the cherry blossom’s heart. “So are you done talking?”

Sakura-chan? Sakura-chan?!

“No…” Sakura hissed as her struggling limbs were pinned tight. “Jurina-san…” She struggled again. “K-Kaeun-san-“

Kaeun snapped and pinned her harder, freezing the fidgety Sakura in her place. She inched closer, making Sakura shut her eyes and look away. But of course, temptation was always part of the human way as she faced Kaeun again. She saw the Black Angel’s features and it gave her goosebumps.

“What happened to the spirit you had a moment ago?” Kaeun asked.

Sakura dodged the question, shutting her eyes and clenching onto her teeth. It went on for mere minutes and Sakura never thought Kaeun froze for that long. Her clutches never budged, not even her body.

Sakura couldn’t bear this atmosphere any longer. She needed to be away. “Let me go…please let me go. I’ll be troubled…if Jurina-san got the wrong idea.”

“Why?” Kaeun almost clutched Sakura’s wrists. “Do you like Jurina?”

Sakura reacted as her face felt like a bucket of red paint was spilt on it. But who said that the stupid giraffe had the right to meddle onto her personal interests?

“So what? Am I giving you the right to know?” Sakura batted. “Jurina-san…she would never do something forcefully like this. Because to me…” She huffed, wanting to give in to which she didn’t want to. “…she’s the ace I longed for.”

Kaeun was unfazed, almost wanting to put Sakura onto her clutches for as long as she wanted. “Ace? What are you, a brat?!”

“You’re the one who’s a brat!!” Sakura snapped, shocking Kaeun. “The phone call from your house. You pretended you were out just to run away!!!”

Kaeun was dazed, giving Sakura her opening in order to escape Kaeun’s clutches. But of course, Kaeun wasn’t the one to lose. Sakura may have been released but Kaeun held her white sash, loosening Sakura’s robe and almost exposing her. Sakura froze for she had witnessed Kaeun’s coldest expression.

“You’re taking me too lightly.” Kaeun commented, pulling Sakura’s sash harder.

“M-My sash…” Sakura mumbled.

Kaeun pulled again, pulling Sakura close to her until their noses almost touched. Sakura was flustered again but Kaeun held her still, muttering. “I’ve thrown them away, one out of anger and the other out of worry.”

Sakura didn’t understand her words. But despite her incomprehension, she saw a hint of sadness onto Kaeun’s eyes.

Their moment was stopped as Jurina got to the medical room. She froze of seeing them both but it was the allotted time for her to switch her Red Ace to a White Demon. Sakura gasped, uttering her name quietly as Jurina stormed inside, stopping to pick up Sakura’s phone. Sakura would’ve explained when she froze again, seeing Jurina pull Kaeun away and pinning her hard on the wall despite their height differences.

In Jurina’s mind, she would’ve kept her cool but the White Demon inside her couldn’t help her jealousy.

“You forgot to lock the door.” Jurina spat at Kaeun, lowering the taller to meet her level. “What would happen if this became trouble, just like in junior high?”

Sakura noticed something she never thought she would see. If felt like the aces switched personas. Both of them were quiet but Kaeun went sullen whereas Jurina was furious.

“J-Jurina-san…”

“Ah…Sakura-chan.” Jurina faced her. “Are you alright? Did Kaeunnie go out of control again?”

Sakura couldn’t answer. Jurina’s eyes showed anger, a gaze in which she never thought Jurina could muster.

Are you angry at Kaeun-san? At me?

“Red Ace!” Ikumi got to the setting as Damin and Yuka were behind her. “I got you as my pair for the lottery.”

Jurina covered the scene with the largest curtain, avoiding Sakura’s worried gaze. The White Demon she had faded and reverted back to her usual self. “Mind me if I was gone. Why don’t we all go to the rooftop? The fireworks display will happen there, right?”

The three were giddy and pulled Jurina to come with them. Sakura’s face peeped out as the three faced away as Jurina glanced at her then left. Sakura sighed and felt bad for Jurina to witness something that displeased her.

“She got the wrong idea…” Sakura face-palmed herself.

Her gaze suddenly stopped at Kaeun. Even after Jurina said something to her, she was sullen. Sakura thought it was pitiful but it was her bad actions that prevailed her judgment.

Sakura would’ve yelled to her face that she loathed her but she could only grab her other articles and leave.

+++

The rooftop had gone festive. Each of them had a firework and they were lit up in jubilation for a well-deserved break after the torment they faced in school. Sakura arrived late and changed onto her fashionable yukata, eyes stopped at Jurina interacting with the other students as per usual.

Sakura sighed. She never thought Jurina was back to her usual self after being a witness to her misdeeds.

“Kkura~” Miru called her and got closer. “Great job at being the ghost. Yuri-chan told me.”

“Yeah. Yena and I never managed to find you in the medic room.” Yuri added.

“The Black Ace isn’t here. I was only hoping to get a glance at her.” Miru looked around before sighing. “That’s too bad.”

“Eh?” Yena joined them, Pockys filling . “I posted a reminder at her door. I wonder where she would go at a time like this…”

Miru and Yuri joined Yena but Sakura froze, eyes wandering and freezing at a far building.

In that building, Kaeun was looking at the party like she was the puppeteer of the party-goers. But she was not the one who witness other people that long as she decided to leave the medic room and return to her room.

+++

Another day came and it was the opening of HKT Café. Customers came to drink, eat, and have quality time with friends and family as its workers were busy doing their tasks. For Sakura, her body was busy with entertaining customers and their orders but her mind was dismantled with what happened at the party.

It became evident in her bags and tired aura. Customers were silenced noticing it and even her fellow workers thought something was different.

“Sasshi-san, two iced coffees, please…” Sakura mumbled, handing out the order.

“You seem dismantled, Sakura. Are you okay?” Rino asked. “You shouldn’t be that down. Our café’s finally open.”

The daze within her mind had consumed her. Sakura would visualize the aces, especially Jurina’s angry gaze. Her thought even got outside her thinking. “I didn’t see the Red Ace lately…”

“Red Ace? Are you some kind of underling?” Rino batted again then smirked. “Is this a play about love of different statuses?”

“Well, that’s how high-schoolers like us are, Sasshi-san.” Kodama Haruka, also known as Haruppi, spoke. “But whatever it is, I hope the best for you, Sakura-chan.”

Sakura nodded and resumed her work with more dedication and smiles, alternating from the counter to various tables. During her services, Sakura couldn’t help but watch at the other fellow applicant. She wondered to why she was just by the counter cleaning glasses?

Sakura sighed. She was quiet, just like herself when she was younger.

She greeted a customer who had enjoyed her meal and went to the counter, attempting to talk to the silent worker. “Excuse me…you’re Hyewon-chan, right?”

Hyewon spared a look at her and resumed her work. Sakura gulped and thought that talking to her was going to be harder but it wasn’t stopping her. “Shall we tidy the tables up?”

Hyewon stopped and went to clean the tables. Sakura joined her and cleaned the tables from the other side. With the cleaning, they met in the middle. Sakura tried to talk to her again. “I’m from PD48 University. Please take care of me.”

It caught Hyewon’s attention as she looked at her fully. Sakura thought it was good progress that she asked again. “From which school are you from, Hyewon-chan?”

“PD48 University? Don’t tell me…” Hyewon finally spoke to her. “Do you know…Lee Kaeun?”

“You mean the Black Angel who’s also a stupid giraffe?” Sakura asked back. “We live in the same dorm.”

“And?”

“And that’s it.” Sakura added.

Luckily, it was almost lunch break so less customers came in. Rino gave Haruka the heads up to serve the customers, all the while she was intrigued of the newcomers’ stories. For Sakura, she wondered to how she Hyewon knew Kaeun.

“If you’re wondering how I knew her, I was in the same junior high school she was in.” Hyewon said to Sakura while she adjusted her uniform. “And it seems you’re one of her victims.”

“Victims?” Sakura questioned.

From being timid, Hyewon was suddenly reactive that she held both of Sakura’s hands. Sakura wondered but seeing Hyewon’s eyes made her realize that she needed to hear her out.

“We’re of the same boat…so please take care of me!”

Sakura was even more confused. What did Hyewon mean that they were in the same boat?

+++

Sakura’s shift in HKT Café was finished in one fine afternoon. She got out with a fine sense of achievement as she walked back to the dorm, thinking of how Rino and Haruka were very fine workers. But such was the case for Hyewon because Sakura thought she was weird.

During the walk, her fingers fiddled onto her phone. She scrolled through her contacts, freezing at a particular number. The incident at the party came back as she reminded herself that no matter the verdict, she had to face it properly.

Hit me up anytime. Literally.

“First of all, Jurina-san…” Sakura sighed and made her decision to dial her. “I have to do it properly…”

She stopped at a corner and waited. She was nervous, her heartbeats joining the rings from her phone.

Hello?

Sakura gulped. She never thought Jurina answered quickly. “Uh…hi. This is Sakura.”

What’s up?

Another gulp came in Sakura’s throat. Jurina’s voices was deeper and more demeaning than usual. “I have something to talk about when I get back to the dorm.”

What’s wrong this time? Can you just tell me now?

“Not now. I need to talk to you personally.” Sakura spoke while walking. “I’m returning right now.”

Halt. I’m right here next to you.

Sakura stopped as Jurina was at a bench close to the university’s gates. She puts her phone down, just as Jurina did hers.

“Welcome back. I have something to talk to you about myself-“

“You’re not the one I hate!” Sakura spat.

Jurina froze of that voice, even some witnesses were shocked that they gazed at the spectacle. Sakura didn’t understand herself as she was torn of what to say to Jurina, as if her reminder from a while ago vanished into thin air.

Nonetheless, they had to talk. The witnesses went back to their businesses as Sakura drew closer to Jurina.

“What are you talking about, cherry blossom?”

“Those words…were what I said to the Black Angel.” Sakura spat out of the blue. “Because I know that Kaeun-san’s your precious friend.”

Jurina cracked up, making Sakura more confused. “You came to me to tell me ‘that’, I see. For a moment, I thought you just scared the out of me because of your serious face.”

“Huh? What do you mean by ‘that’?”

“For a pretty cherry blossom, you’re unexpected.” Jurina pulled her so they’d sit next to each other. “Anyway, I waited here since you’ll be passing by from work. I came to ask for your forgiveness about Kaeunnie.”

Sakura was relieved while pissed because Jurina shouldn’t be responsible in apologizing for Kaeun’s bad behavior. But for the Red Ace, Sakura was willing to forgive. “It’s fine, Jurina-san.”

“Thank you…because if she was found out and kicked out of the dorms, she would have nowhere else to go.” Jurina looked at her. “Thank you, Sakura-chan. You’re such a good girl.”

Sakura reacted. She was reminded of the call she got from Kaeun’s parents and of Kaeun’s words, that she had thrown them away, one because of anger and the other because of worry.

“I’ve heard rumors about Kaeun-san, even the ones from junior high school.” Sakura spoke again, gaze averting to a cautious one. “What was that about?”

Jurina said no word and only stood up. Sakura couldn’t help but follow her, all the while her mind had various thoughts. Even if she had no right to think such things, it was a feeling that came in the open and she had no strength to stop it.

“That doesn’t matter. What matter is what you’re about to say.” Jurina said as she faced her again. “Are you done with it?”

Sakura didn’t understand. But then, Jurina gave the same gaze in the medic room. Sakura suddenly felt a little fear just looking at them.

“During the phone call at the party, I actually heard a bunch of things.” Jurina said as she inched closer.

Sakura remembered them all. She reacted but then, Jurina was already inches away from her. She couldn’t even move because somehow, the Red Ace has cornered her.

“Eh?!! You heard everything?!!” Sakura shivered, her eyes having no strength to avert from Jurina’s fiery gaze.

“I can’t keep it any longer, Sakura-chan.” Jurina spoke then smirked. “What do you think about me?”

“J-Juri…”

“Do you hate me?” Jurina asked.

Sakura felt like she was taken by Death. She was reminded how fragile it was during that phone call, on how could Jurina react after hearing things she shouldn’t have heard. Sakura was albeit sure of what she said about Jurina at that time but with the fiery gaze she got, she thought that she needed to say her answer.

“How could I like you.”

Sakura lowered her head, thinking that it was her first confession. Jurina looked down at a vulnerable Sakura and her fiery gaze was gone. “Me too.”

This is a dream…right?

Sakura looked up to see Jurina’s face close to hers. Witnesses would wonder, with other squealing about their chemistry. Sakura took the time to think about everything and she got to a conclusion.

She and Jurina confessed like the love was one-sided. She would’ve been happy but at the back of her mind, she was incapable to keep up to this feeling. At all.

+++

Miru did her usual jog with a route passing the university. This jog was a shocker as she passed by Sakura and Jurina, holding hands. With that came an idea. “Kkura?!”

“Ah! Mi-Mirurun-“

“Kkura, I need your help and-“ Miru was shocked as Jurina waved at her. “Are you really in a relationship with the Red Ace?!”

“I’ll be going first, Sakura-chan.” Jurina patted her head. “See you around, Miru.”

The two watched Jurina get inside the university and Miru was impressed. “That was just cute, Kkura! Good for you! Congratulations!”

“Nah…I think this is a dream…” Sakura sighed, cheeks pinched by her best friend.

“This is no dream! This is great and I’m so relieved.” Miru spoke, making Sakura react. “Because for a moment, I would suspect you because I thought you’re going out with the Black Ace.”

Sakura reacted again, somehow a reaction of suspicion herself. “What are you talking about, Mirurun?”

“Well, the Black Ace would never talk to other girls other than you. Plus, you told me to stay away from her.”

“Well, that’s because-“

“But it’s awesome that you’re dating the Red Ace now because I have a favor to ask.” Miru spoke, putting her palms together. “I want a picture of the Black Ace. Since I can’t see her during the summer break, I want a souvenir to get me by.”

“But-“

“Please, Kkura~?”

“Fine.” Sakura sighed.

“Thanks!” Miru tackled her for a hug. “I’ll be waiting.”

Sakura hugged back and lets herself go. Miru thanked her again, bidding farewell as she continued to jog. Sakura looked at the distance while sighing. She never thought Miru was so serious about Kaeun.

She wanted to help but another thought was saying that she doesn’t want to.

+++

Sakura managed to get inside, seeing bits of dirt on the floor and a duck cleaning the messes. “Eh? What are you up to, Yena-chan?”

“Welcome back, Sakura.” Yena greeted while drying the cloth she was using. “There’s this cat sneaking around so I need to clean the dirt around. Believe me, this is very tiring.”

“Do you need a hand?” Sakura asked.

“It’s fine. It’s almost done.” Yena continued to wipe. “Next is I have to wait for Kaeun-nim’s curtains to dry so that I can sew it. The cat clung to it and scratched them.”

“Aigoo…never thought you become the cleaning freak like her.” Sakura mumbled. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to return to my room.”

“Halt.” Yena got in front of her. “Judging from your face, you look sleep-deprived.” She squints and does her usual duck pouts. “You’ve been like this at the party and until now plus your face is red. Did something happen?”

Sakura was reminded of the mishaps with the aces and dodged Yena’s curiosity by excusing herself again. Luckily, Yena was gullible enough to let her pass.

A sound stopped Sakura. She looked down and there was a cute ball of fluff acting angry at her. Sakura thought that this was the culprit of the messes Yena had to clean and of the scratches on her shoulder. Nonetheless, Sakura chased it as soon as it ran, leading her to the rooftop.

Sakura wowed of the atmosphere. The washed curtains danced with the wind, delivering a sullen atmosphere for meditations and peaceful housework. She went, brushing the curtains aside to see a sleeping beauty. For the cat, it was next to her as it purred and cuddled to the sleeping beauty’s arm.

More like a sleeping demon.

Sakura looked at the curtains, the cat, and the basin and showerhead in one corner. Judging from the cat’s purrs and its clean black fur, it seemed that the said sleeping demon was responsible for everything.

And who knew that the sleeping demon was none other than Kaeun?

Sakura thought Kaeun was an enigma. She was diligent as the Black Ace, cold as the Black Angel, and obnoxious as the stupid giraffe. She also had a look at the long body that laid on the bench, the long neck becoming the boundary of her head and torso, her fine jaw, and many more. Sakura thought Kaeun looked peaceful and attractive at the same time.

it, she thought. She had Jurina and she’s better than Kaeun will ever be. Plus, she would support Miru’s admiration for Kaeun so it’s a win-win. And the last thing that came to mind was the picture she needed to send so she crept closer, grabbed her phone and got the ultimate picture of Miru’s dreams.

“Bingo.” Sakura cheered.

“For a bad habit, you .” She froze as Kaeun’s fiery eyes opened. “And you ruined my solitude.”

Sakura quickly hid her phone as Kaeun was awake. Sakura backed away as soon as the long body rose from its place. The cat that had cuddled to her wailed that Kaeun gave it a pat and lets it run free before facing the cherry blossom.

“Y-You’re awake!!”

“I was asleep.” Kaeun spat. “What the are you doing here?”

“The cat.” Sakura pointed. “You gave it a bath, didn’t you?”

“Does that even matter to you?” Kaeun spat again. “And you’re just being rude for taking someone’s picture without a consent.”

“About that…” Sakura kept her phone in her pocket. “…a friend requested it-“

“Delete it.” Kaeun batted. “If you don’t any proper business with me, then leave.”

Sakura felt guilty for doing such thing to Kaeun but she stood on her ground because it’s about time she told her something. “I…I started dating Jurina today! So don’t bother me anymore!”

Both fell silent, gazes disrupted by the curtain that became their boundary. Sakura thought this was a fat chance of liberation, that it felt realistic saying her proper thoughts.

But then, Kaeun got to her, her large hand blocking the blowing curtain. “This is funny.”

“What do you mean?” Sakura backed away and made her leave. “I don’t have any love interests towards you, stupid giraffe.”

“You…” Kaeun smirked. “…can’t date Jurina.”

“I know that! I even say to myself sometimes that I’m not suitable for her!” Sakura faced her again and batted. “But do remember that it’s not of your goddamn business!”

Kaeun was a brick wall as her hand reached to hold Sakura’s chin, forcing her to look up. “Get real. You can’t even kiss her.”

Sakura was mad. She was so close to raging but a Red Ace came to the rescue, pushing Kaeun away and wrapping her arms around Sakura.

“Stopeu.” Jurina spoke then spat. “Aren’t you too close?”

“Jurina-“

“You were gone, Sakura-chan. I had to look for you.” Jurina added as she hugged her and faced Kaeun. “Kaeunnie, you’re clinging to Sakura-chan too much. She’s my girlfriend now so please don’t bully her anymore.”

Sakura was left unaware of the aces’ tension. Jurina had the fiery gaze on her and a devious smirk. For Kaeun, her eyes went sullen but the strength was impenetrable, even if Jurina had to attempt to win against her.

Nonetheless, Kaeun passed by them and stopped, facing Jurina. “So hold onto her tight because she’s a silly puppy that doesn’t listen to her master.”

Sakura fumed like the raging puppy she was. But then, she stopped reacting as she saw Kaeun getting a call, from her mom of all people. She wondered why Kaeun picked up her phone after realizing that she said that she threw her family out.

“Do you really want to know that much about Kaeunnie?” Jurina asked, disrupting her thought.

“No.” Sakura spoke and felt Jurina’s hug. “Why would I?”

“Quickly…” Jurina mumbled. “Just look at me.”

Sakura could faint of this moment. It was her dream turned into reality. She couldn’t help but feel Jurina’s arms and smile. She got into that idea and made sure to stay that way because she likes Jurina.

She likes her very much.

I win, Kaeunnie. Jurina looked afar, especially at a sullen Kaeun who had just finished her call.

+++

Sakura’s work within HKT Cafe had gone well. She served customers more happily, made orders up to its best, and had a greater bond with Haruka, Rino, and Hyewon.

“You’re in a high spirit, Sakura-chan.” Haruka spoke a Sakura returned from greeting a customer. “Did something happen?”

“Actually…” Sakura shared. “…the Red Ace and I are-“

“The love between two different social standings has become a reality, huh?” Rino asked, getting a nod. “That’s great news! Spare the story to us soon since we have customers to entertain, yes?”

Sakura nodded and would’ve greeted the next customers but seeing the baggy dressing and feeling the yankee vibes, she couldn’t.

“Hey! Aren’t you that Kang Hyewon?!” One of them approached the silent worker and gave her a playful headlock. “You’re doing a part-time job here, aye? How about you treat us?”

“Silent. Just like in junior high school,” said the other. “Still clinging to Kaeun-nim even after you entered high school? Whether you did or not, let’s be good ‘friends’, okay?!”

It was tensed. Sakura knew that Hyewon was being bullied. Rino and Haruka would’ve went to stop them but Sakura insisted to do it. “Customers! Welcome!!”

Hyewon was out of their hold and was replaced by Sakura. She couldn’t help but feel disgusted.

“You’re so cute, miss. Which school are you from?” The first one commented, arm wrapping Sakura’s waist.

“Don’t tell me you’re Hyewon’s friend.” The other cackled. “Impossible, right?”

Sakura slammed her hand on the table, shocking the customers. She added a glare in which the two were scared off. Sakura got the menu and almost slapped it on their faces but as a worker, she had to act professionally. “Your order, please?”

The customers became retarded cowards and decided to leave the café. Hyewon gulped and watched Sakura sit down and shiver of what she had done.

“You…you were really great, Sakura-chan.” Hyewon commented. “You’re like Joan of Arc.”

“Nice work, Sakura.” Rino applauded. “Customers like that aren’t welcome in this café.”

“Such a powerful action, almost like a Black Angel driving away the weaklings.” Haruka added.

Sakura was ed up about Haruka’s comment. She was reminded of how Kaeun would settle .

Am I changing into the Black Angel of a stupid giraffe?!

“Those barbaric fellows…” Hyewon spoke before going back to her work. “…are just the same as the Black Angel’s.”

Sakura’s worried thinking turned into a sad one. She had it in herself that Kaeun would never do such a thing.

All of it had to end. There was work to do.

+++

Another shift has ended and Sakura walked back to the dorm. For this day, her walks were almost lifeless. The thought of Kaeun and rumors aimed on her came to mind, even Hyewon’s comment about her. She understood those words because Kaeun had the personality. But in retrospect, Sakura believed there was no way Kaeun would do any of those things.

Her phone buzzed and it was Miru asking about the picture. Sakura still had the picture of the sullen Kaeun but she thought about it. Kaeun was right that it was disrespectful for her to take a picture of her. Sakura admits to it and she wasn’t going to go beyond the boundary, even if it was for a friend.

Mirurun: I didn’t get to take a picture of her. Sorry.

Sakura puts her phone back in her pocket and went inside the dorm. The place was now very sullen. It has been days since the summer vacation and most of the dormers went back to their homes. She would’ve joined them but sad to say, she had her part-time job plus her parents were away from their home.

A news about an upcoming typhoon filled the area as Sakura rested by the lobby. She got her phone again, sighing about the picture she took. Typically, she would’ve deleted it.

But why wouldn’t she?

“Sakura-chan~~” Sakura looked up and there was Jurina. “Thank goodness. I could see you before going home.”

“Hey…” Sakura greeted and approached her.

“I have things to do at my hometown. I’ll be gone for two days.” Jurina added. “What about you, Sakura-chan? Aren’t you going home?”

“My parents are outside the country plus I have my part-time job.”

“I see.” Jurina gave her smile then reached to pat Sakura’s head. “Ah…I’ll feel lonely leaving you here.”

“But it’s only two days…” Sakura chuckled as she adored Jurina’s cuteness.

Jurina pulled Sakura close to her and hugged her tenderly. Sakura would’ve hugged back but she was worried of sudden witnesses. Jurina assured her that everyone went home and Sakura got courage to hug her back.

“Have fun at home.” Sakura spoke. “Keep safe also…”

“Same to you.” Jurina broke from their hug but still held Sakura’s hands. “But if you feel lonely, call me quickly, okay?”

Sakura nodded as Jurina bid her farewell and left the apartment. The waved each other goodbye, even until Jurina got to the door. Sakura faced back and huffed. “I’m really dating the Red Ace…”

“Yes. And it’s very sweet, Sakura-chan.” Akimoto-san chuckled, almost shocking Sakura. “Welcome back, Sakura-chan.”

“Akimoto-san.” Sakura bowed. “Is it always like this on summer vacation? Won’t you be lonely?”

“It’s fine. In fact, it gives me more time to bond for myself since I won’t be watching over the dorm that much.” She shared. “By the way, the typhoon’s coming so if you have any outside errands, do be careful.”

Sakura nodded and asked. “Is it just the two of us, Akimoto-san?”

“No. There’s me, you, and Kaeun-chan.”

Sakura could only nod and go back to her room but deep down, she never thought she’d get stuck with the stupid giraffe.

+++

The typhoon came across Japan and its winds were no joke. It was an end to Sakura’s shift in HKT Café before it’ll be closed for three days due to the storm.

“Everyone, have a good three-day vacation. The storm’s pretty strong so please get home safely.” Rino gave her last instruction. “No more extra stops, especially with your food trips, Hyewon-chan!”

The employees nodded and went on separate ways. Sakura still walked as her shaky umbrella did little to shade her from the rain because boy, was the wind strong?

Sakura managed to arrive to the dorm safely but she stopped at Kaeun carrying a huge plant. “Kaeun-san, what are you doing?”

“Welcome home, Sakura-chan. Come in quickly.” Akimoto-san greeted. “Sorry for troubling you with the plant, Kaeun-chan. Most of the student’s aren’t here so you’re really the big help.”

Sakura got inside and watched Kaeun place the plant in a proper place. She was reminded of how Yujin and Yena carried the thing that gave them back pains. Who would’ve thought Kaeun was really strong?

“Ah! Did the window just break!” Akimoto-san snapped as they heard a breaking sound. “I haven’t tidied the backyard yet!”

Sakura volunteered to look and went outside. She got to the source of the sound, only seeing the garage door open. She went to close it when the cat from before came out and ran away. Sakura couldn’t bear it running around outside that she had to catch it and take it inside.

Alas. The cat climbed into a tall tree in which Sakura could never reach, no matter how high she had to jump. “Aish, why did you run up there? Get down or you’ll be blown!”

The wind was strong but it wasn’t expected that its strength could tear a branch. It was blown quickly and it was dropping to Sakura’s direction, with the latter unaware of it for she was busy with the cat. But then, a knight in shining armor had to protect her. Sakura looked up and gulped to see the stupid giraffe.

“Why are you lazily loitering around?” Kaeun snapped. “Go inside!”

Sakura would’ve gone back but she stopped to hold Kaeun’s arm for it had a large gash, almost scarring her entire forearm, all thanks to that branch. “Wait! You’re bloody! I’m sorry. This is my fault.”

“Yah, cherry blossom-“

“We need to treat it quickly!” Sakura almost panicked as she got her jacket.

“Just leave it!” Kaeun got her arm away. “I’m used to it.”

It didn’t stop Sakura to wrap it around Kaeun’s arm. Kaeun’s eyes widened a bit but for Sakura, she was worried sick. “Even if you’re used to it, don’t make such a fine face with a would like this!”

Kaeun didn’t budge as Sakura continued to wipe it then wrapping it around her arm like a bandage. As Sakura finished the wrapping, the cat was blown and it fell on her head. For Kaeun, she was quick to catch the animal and went ahead.

“You rascal…” Kaeun mumbled while holding the cuddly cat. “…you made a cherry blossom run such a tedious errand…”

Sakura was far but she heard. She couldn’t help but gulp and feel her heart beat out of nowhere. She was torn because Jurina was her girlfriend yet her heart was beating for Kaeun.

She couldn’t help but go inside, feeling so low.