Physical education wasn’t a typical marathon nor tossing balls in a particular university. The students were also expected to engage in swimming lessons, specifically in the various . For Class A, it was more of a hangout in the beach rather than laps of swims as the feisty ones dove in the water and swam everywhere.

“Aigoo…will you look at our classmates?” Miru sighed as Yuri and Sakura were on her sides.

They were all prepped to swim, with Yuri wearing a baggy shirt. Sakura and Miru wore their proper attires, with the cherry blossom taking stops to the mirror in order to look at herself.

“I need to go on a diet…” Sakura sighed, feeling relieved that none of the aces were around.

“You? On a diet?” Yuri wondered. “But you already look y, Sakura-chan.”

“True.” Miru added, making Sakura flustered. “But are we really going to swim at a time like this?”

“Same question.” Sian came to them as she was prepped up. “We’re tasked to do our laps but most of us are swimming like the pool’s a public one.”

“Where’s Teacher Lee anyway?” Yuri looked around.

“The Black Ace is here!!” One of their classmates screamed.

Everyone stopped as the admirers in their class inched towards the gate. Admirers from other classes were outside as some were at the back of the said ace. Class A got out of the pool to greet her while they wondered about her get-up.

Sakura had the keenest eyes and gulped at Kaeun’s stature. She wore her school swimsuit but wore a baggy short and a varsity jacket, covering her curves and shoulders but exposing her luscious legs. She had a whistle around her neck and a checklist on hand and her expression was the usual.

A stupid giraffe.

“Teacher Lee had to go in a meeting. I’ll be handling the laps until she arrives.”

Class A had different reactions. Admirers may be happy for Kaeun to watch over them but knowing her serious personality, most of them were scared. With that, they’re molding their minds to act seriously.

“Choi. Ahn. Heo. You’re up first.”

Yena, Yujin, and Yunjin got to their specific diving boards. Kaeun got to the lifeguard’s post to relay the they needed to do while the rest of the class sat to wait for their turn. Sakura was with Miru and Yuri when she heard the admirers outside the pool area.

They were shocked. One wondered why Kaeun was only observing while another was eager to see Kaeun’s y figure, her digital camera on hand. Another shared that Kaeun doesn’t want to expose herself while the rest speculated that Kaeun might have a tattoo on her body.

“What a bunch of idiots…” Miru mumbled, cringing of those remarks.

“Tell me about it…” Sakura added, almost dismayed.

The first three were done swimming and Kaeun calls for another trio. Yena went closer as Sakura stopped her by pulling her towel.

“Yena-chan, why is Kaeun-san only observing?” Sakura asked.

“Ah…it’s because Teacher Lee assigned her. But if she returns early, Kaeun-nim will do the laps too.” Yena said. “She had another reason when we changed first.”

“And what is that?”

“She doesn’t want to swim with any of us. She also thinks the pool’s dirty.”

“Ack! Who does she thinks she is?! She just adapted herself to the class and now she acts as a stupid giraffe again!” Sakura spat. “And besides, it’s not like she had a problem with the baths.”

“Really?” Yuri wondered with Yena.

Sakura realized that her words slipped. How could she forget that she broke the law by bathing at the Alpha Bathhouse and saw Kaeun ? Worst case scenario, how could she forget that Kaeun also saw her ?

“Miyawaki. Shiroma. Jo.”

The three got their turns to swim, doing various here and there. It was a miracle for Sakura again. From being the first to finish a marathon, she was also the first to finish swimming.

“60 points for Miyawaki.” Kaeun mumbled while listing.

“Hey!! I finished first! I should get a hundred, right?” Sakura batted.

“I would if you shut up.” Kaeun spat back and Sakura surrendered back to her seat.

The rest of the students in Class A had their turns. Teacher Lee arrived as the last of them finished, giving Kaeun the chance to do her own laps. With that comes the excitement of the admirers and for Kaeun to expose herself wearing the school swimsuit.

Kaeun got to her mark and did a graceful dive. She swam quickly and did gracefully. The class was in awe of her as the admirers squealed while taking pictures. In two minutes, Kaeun finished her laps, making Teacher Lee applaud for her skill.

“Good job, Kaeun-ssi. Mind joining the swimming team?”

“I can’t, Miss Lee.” Kaeun answered as Yena and Yunjin gave her long towels.

Teacher Lee sighed then called the students again. “We have an hour to spare so for everyone who wants to be in the pool again, you can dive in freely.”

The feisty bunch dove first. Sakura, Miru, and Yuri joined in but Kaeun got out to dry herself. In the pool, the feisty bunch gathered and talked about sizes. So much for women.

“Ah… most of the class is observing this time,” said Yunjin.

“Okay but who do you think has the best size?” Yujin asked.

“Miru-san.” Wonyoung whispered. “Although Sakura-chan has a shot.”

“Hmm…cute but a little too showy.” Yunjin joined her.

“Oi, Yena.” Yujin stopped her before she swam some more. “Who do you think has the nest size?”

“Yuri.” She said directly, making them coo.

Just then, Kaeun finished drying up and got closer to observe. The bunch were close to her that Yena waved and asked. “Kaeun-nim, who do you-“

“Don’t even think about it.” Kaeun snapped.

They gulped and mumbled their apologies. Yunjin was the unbothered one as she said, “Kaeun-nim, you also like big s, right?”

“You idiots…” Kaeun hissed and face-palmed.

+++

At the other side of the pool, they heard the feisty ones and their comments about size. They didn’t give a damn but one of them wad triggered.

“Mirurun, you never get angry.” Sakura commented.

“I know…but them commenting about my size is such a pain in the .”

“Don’t worry, guys! It’s natural! We’re all girls here!!” Yena yelled as he and the others swam to their direction.

Sakura and Yuri understood yet Miru was close to kicking their asses. Sakura chuckled of their antics until she decided to get out of the pool first. She held onto the railings but somehow, she stopped as Kaeun had eyes on her. Sakura felt awkward as if she doesn’t want to get out.

What the , Black Angel? Stop looking at me.

But then, she was disrupted as Miru called her. Sakura looked back to see Miru struggling in the water because of a leg cramp that she went back to help her out. But then, Miru had to pull so suddenly that they plummeted down the water together. It was a mess of struggling breaths and struggling limbs. Miru held onto Sakura too tight, dragging the cherry blossom deeper. Sakura thought this was bad. With a situation like this, they might drown together.

Just then, someone dove in and broke them apart. She held Sakura and Miru and swam back up. They got their chances to breath and Sakura reacted once she found out their savior.

“K-Kaeun-san-“

“How unsightly.” Kaeun spat and helped them up.

Kaeun got the two up to shore. Sakura was sat by the pool as Miru was sprawled gently on the floor. Teacher Lee came in to check on Miru’s cramp as the witnesses were shocked of what happened.

“You okay, Miru-chan?” Teacher Lee wrapped a towel around her. “Don’t worry. We’ll take you to the clinic.”

Teacher Lee tried to carry Miru but she was a little heavy for her. She didn’t have a choice but to call Kaeun. “Kaeun-ssi, a little help, please?”

Kaeun got back and did something that shocked everyone. She carried Miru bridal style, causing a frenzy of reactions from the witnesses. Sakura was the last to witness and she froze of the sight.

“Thank you, Kaeun-ssi.” Teacher Lee spoke. “Let’s go.”

“Th-Thank you, Kaeun-san…” Miru spoke.

Kaeun gave a direct hum and would’ve walked ahead when she heard the comments: everyone’s reactions, featuring Yujin and Yunjin wowing of the gesture and Yiren wanting to drown so that Kaeun will carry her too.

“Shut up.” Kaeun spat and glared.

Silence befell on them as she went ahead, leaving Miru blushing hard. Yuri went to catch up, leaving the others to react. But for Sakura, she grew silent.

She was relieved that she and Miru didn’t drown. She was even impressed that Kaeun offered to take Miru to the clinic. But in the midst of that, why was her heart feeling a little hurt, a little jealous, even?

+++

After the situation in the pool area, Class A made their way to change and get their stuff for it was the last class of the day. For Sakura, she had worry for Miru that she hastily got her stuff in order to go to the clinic.

She would’ve gone when admirers from another class blocked the door. She excused herself but they were eager to get a dose of information, all the while they commented that Kaeun was scary yet cool.

“Miyawaki, you were saved by the Black Ace too, right?” One spoke.

“How was it?” The other asked.

Sakura became assertive and made way for herself. “Sorry. I can’t talk about it now. I need to go and see Miru at the clinic.”

Sakura finally made way and walked when she met Kaeun in the middle. She got changed in her uniform and released a little sneeze. Sakura gulped and passed by her but she was bothered. Even if she swore not to get involved with the Black Ace, she did a pretty good job saving her, especially saving Miru.

“Kaeun-san.”

Kaeun stopped to face Sakura, giving the usual look and the usual silence. Sakura was hesitant to say anything but there was no turning back now.

“T-Thank you…” Sakura began. “Thank you for saving-“

“Sakura-chan!!” Yuri waved as Miru was with her.

Sakura didn’t finish her words and got to their attention. Kaeun wouldn’t stay to listen as she went ahead.

“Mirurun, I’m so glad you’re fine!”

“Ah…it just needed a patch.” Miru added. “Mind me for dragging you down the water. We could’ve drowned.”

“It’s fine. Both of us are fine and that’s what matters.”

Yuri excused herself to go to the bathroom, leaving the two best friends in the hallway. Sakura spared a look at Miru and something was unusual.

“Mirurun, what’s wrong?” Sakura  asked. “Your face looks red.”

Miru had her hands on her face and mumbled. “The Black Ace…”

“Huh?”

“What should I do?” Miru asked. “I can’t help feeling that…” She shuts her eyes, sighing. “…that I finally like her.”

Sakura was dazed but deep down, she was reacting.

There was no way Miru would fall for a stupid giraffe like her.

+++

It was the mark of summer vacation. All students were in the gymnasium as the school head said her last speech for the school year. Kaeun and Jurina were at the front and beside each other and had all ears on the speech, with the admirers whispering on how charming they were.

“Even at the last day of school, huh?” Sakura observed, rolling her eyes.

“But it’s true.” Miru said, joining them from afar. “Kaeun-san’s so charming.”

Sakura wondered of Miru’s sudden admiration towards Kaeun but she could only disregard it and paid attention to the speech.

+++

After the last class of the school year, all students went on with their businesses. For Class A, some left and planned their summer vacation while most of them stayed for they have received and checked their final test papers and report cards, marks displayed in all of its glory.

“Oh my gosh…” Yujin reacted, wiping wee teardrops at the corner of her eyes. “My marks all went up to three.”

“More like a three out of ten.” Yunjin mumbled, making Yujin face-palm herself.

“Kkura? How’s your report card?” Miru asked. “I got an B on most of it, though.”

“If I’d compare your standards to mine, then I’m in deep trouble.” Sakura sighed.

Just then, Kaeun was done arranging her desk and things. She excused herself from the gathering students and slowly made her way out. It caused Miru to look at her direction while it caused Sakura to sigh and worry for her friend.

“Kaeun-san’s so charming…”

“I’ll say it once and I’ll say it again.” Sakura added. “If you fall for that Black Angel, she’s going to rip you apart from head to toe!!”

“You should realize that Kaeun-san’s a really nice woman. She saved us from the pool incident, didn’t she?” Miru defended. “Don’t you agree with me, Kkura?”

“Well…Kaeun-san’s sporadic.” Sakura spoke. “There may be times that she’s nice, but – in any case, you just can’t.”

“Why? Does that mean that you like her too, Kkura?”

Sakura froze of the question. But being the worried one for her friend and for herself, she answered with a load of grimace. “There’s no ing way…”

“Then could you lend me a hand? Please?” Miru clasped her hands together and made a pout. “I’m not much of a smooth talker to someone who’s as great as Kaeun-san, you see...”

“Oh, boy…you just asked someone who also at it.” Sakura sighed.

On one point, Kaeun would’ve left but Yunjin went to follow her. Yena and Yujin joined the younger giraffe as they propose a celebration at the dorms, to give thanks that the summer vacation will start soon. The three were eager to give suggestions, even Yena wanted to do a fireworks display on the roof.

“Kaeun-nim.” Yunjin called while looking at her bag. “Your phone’s ringing.”

“Hasn’t it been ringing for a while?” Yena asked.

Kaeun looked back at them and the three froze while mumbling their apologies. Kaeun sighed again, saying. “Don’t mind. You don’t have to apologize. Do whatever you want.”

The three agreed, with Yunjin running to come home with her while saying that she should join the fun too. The remaining students of Class A heard it and they wowed.

“Really?” Miru was shocked. “I want to join.”

“Yena-chan, would it be alright for outsiders to join?” Sakura asked.

“Hmm…there are only a few of us who’ll stay at the dorm so it would be better to have more people to celebrate with.” Yena answered. “But with that comes permission from Akimoto-san, even an approval from the aces since they’re the dorm leaders.”

“Don’t worry. I got Akimoto-san’s permission just now.” Jurina came inside the classroom.

“Really, Jurina-san?!” Yena asked as the rest were excited.

“Of course. I couldn’t help but overhear.” Jurina shrugged. “Kaeunnie gave her approval that we can do whatever we want so I also wanted to give one. So I did the proper procedures and we’re good to go.”

“How could you forget, Yena-chan? Jurina’s the vice dorm leader, remember?” Sakura spoke.

“We only got the approval. If you finally decided on a date, relay it to Akimoto-san first then to me and Kaeunnie. That way, we’ll be able to sort things out without any worries.” Jurina instructed.

Yena said her thanks and the others agreed, with the rest of the students in the class joining in. It became a meeting as everything was discussed, from what they’re planning to do to the clothes they needed to wear.

Sakura couldn’t help but listen to the discussions and agree to all of it. But mostly, her concentration wasn’t on the meeting but to Jurina herself. With everything that had happened, Jurina became a part of almost everything. Sakura was very grateful to Jurina for everything she was able to do and she never thought she could do, which roots down to one thought.

She needed to have her contact information.

The discussions were done and all of them decided to go home. Yena and the other dormers went ahead, with Jurina and Sakura following behind.

“Sakura-chan~” Jurina lent a hand. “Let’s go now.”

Sakura smiled and held her hand back. “Okay.”

+++

Jurina and Sakura would’ve gone to the dorm but they had various stops to eat and drink before doing so. They also had talks while walking back, adding the time. Nonetheless, the two had wonderful time together.

“Jurina-san, I’m glad we could have a celebration in the dorms.” Sakura spoke. “For a moment, I thought it wouldn’t happen because the Black Angel might get about it, especially when we let outsiders in.”

“It’s fine.” Jurina chuckled while patting her shoulder. “Much to your surprise, Kaeunnie actually doesn’t hate the lively stuff.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Remember Little Kirin?” Jurina spoke.

“You mean Yunjin-chan?” Sakura asked and Jurina nodded.

“Yeah. She got the nickname since she’s as tall as Kaeunnie, plus she got close to her.” Jurina added. “Like most students, Kaeunnie was conceptualized to be very serious. But when you came along, there were…changes…”

“And what do you imply?”

“Yunjin-chan was aware of it after me. And as unusual as it is, she’s pretty interested in you, Sakura-chan.” Jurina said. “It’s almost questionable, as if you had something that gave little changes to Kaeunnie.”

Sakura sighed, hand clutched onto her bag almost too tight, like her knuckles were paling. “She treats me like a toy. That might not be true.”

It hit Sakura, head lowering as if she hiding her face. She was with Jurina the Red Ace but here they were, talking about Kaeun the Black Ace.

Why is that?

It’s because it’s the thing you hated most.

Sakura shook her head, saying. “That can’t be really it, Jurina-san.”

“Okay, okay…” Jurina grinned while patting her head.

“Jurina-san…”

“Yes?” She asked.

“Can I get your contact information?” Sakura asked. “You wouldn’t mind, right?”

“Why? What do you need my contact information for?” Jurina asked as she reverted her attention towards her phone.

Sakura felt stupid at that time. She thought Jurina was just being nice to her. In fact, she does that to everyone so their relationship wouldn’t be special for Jurina to just give her number to her.

“Uh…just kidding…” Sakura spoke to save face. “I’m sorry.”

“What’s your number, Sakura-chan?”

Sakura was shocked. Then again, she had to answer for her imprudence. Once she said her digits, she got a text from an unknown number. It was then that Jurina stopped her and whispered. “Those are my digits…”

Sakura wondered and looked back at Jurina, seeing her with a devious smirk. She couldn’t help but gulp and wonder if she summoned the White Devil in her again.

“Hit me up anytime you want.” Jurina’s smirk grew deeper. “Literally.”

Sakura froze as Jurina went ahead. Nonetheless, she followed her and thought about the news she had received.

Bad news was that Jurina showed her inner White Demon. Good news was that she finally got her number.

+++

It was the last day of the month. The dormers finally agreed to settle their party at that specific and did their preparations, even Akimoto-san was willing to help to satisfy her dormers’ needs while considering it as advertisement of the dorm to the outsiders, hoping that they’d give a shot to stay and be part of their family.

Sakura was done with her part for the party. She returned from home but had a little problem for she didn’t bring her yukata along with her. It was a part of their party. Koreans will wear the hanbok while the Japanese will wear the yukata. For now, Sakura called her parents, hoping that they’ll bring the yukata to her in the evening.

Sakura stopped as she heard the phone ring from the dorm’s office. She looked to see that Akimoto-san wasn’t there, let alone Kaeun and Jurina. And with such a timing that she found her lost umbrella in the lost and found box, she went inside to get it and to answer the call.

“Hello? This is PD48 University’s School Dormitory.”

This is Lee speaking. I would like to talk to my daughter, Kaeun.

Sakura gulped. Who knew she would be receiving a call from Kaeun’s family?

Must be her mom.

“Please wait for a moment.” Sakura holds the call and made ab announcement. “Black Ang – I mean, Kaeun-san. There’s a call from someone from your family. Please come to the dorm office immediately.”

Sakura waited for a few minutes until she went back to the call again. “Excuse me but she’s absent at the moment…”

Probably just pretending to be absent. It was a man’s voice, making Sakura shocked. I wish she would just disappear already.

Scramble of voices came in, making Sakura’s shock grow. From what she analyzed, it must be Kaeun’s parents, the first voice was her mom while the second was her dad’s.

I apologize for the intrusion. The first voice returned. Please tell her to call me back. Excuse me.

The call ended and Sakura was quick to retrieve her umbrella and put the telephone back. She went out with a slight sympathy towards Kaeun because what kind of parents would say something so cold about their child?

As she got out, she passed by Kaeun. She had a basket of laundry on hand, giving Sakura a reminder to do her own.

Alas. That’s not the topic she needed to ask her.

“Hey, Kaeun-san! Wait right there!” Sakura called and the woman stopped.

“What?” Kaeun spat.

“If you were in the dorms all along, why didn’t you come up here?” Sakura wondered. “I had to make an announcement.”

“I was doing laundry.” Kaeun raised, lifting her basket a bit.

“But you didn’t have to pretend to be absent.” Sakura huffed and looked away.

“What did they say?” Kaeun asked.

Sakura was reminded of the harsh words and the ramble voices that she couldn’t say those to Kaeun.

“Nothing much.” Sakura said. “They said that they’ll call you back.”

“They?” Kaeun snickered while making her way back. “You’re one lousy liar.”

Sakura could only watch her go. The sympathy stayed, making Sakura wonder if the said stupid giraffe deserved it after everything they’ve been through.

“Was that you on the PA system, Sakura-chan?” Akimoto-san spoke, shocking Sakura. “Glad you got that. Mind me for my absence in the office for I had an errand. I hope you got your umbrella.”

“I did, Akimoto-san. Thank you.”

“You actually broke a policy for entering the office without notice but I won’t consider that. Anyways…” Akimoto-san held her shoulder and walked with her. “…I’m glad Yena-chan and the others decided this party. It’s going to be a blast, from the fireworks display to the Test of Courage.”

“I hope for that too, Akimoto-san.”

“That’s right…” The dorm head stopped in front of Sakura, giving a look. “’They’ might appear here so you’ll need to be careful.”

“Eh? What do you mean?!” Sakura grew scared.

Akimoto-san’s look became devious. She held a flashlight and aimed it at her face from below her chin, wondering Sakura again. “During my night patrol, I’ve been hearing ghosts coming from an empty room lately!!”

She made creepy noises and Sakura would’ve given in to the scare when she got a text from her mom.

Mama: Sakura, I won’t be able to send your yukata to your dorm. Your Papa and I are at a medical conference so we can’t handle the delivery.

“You have got to be kidding me?!!” Sakura reacted.

“But it’s true, Sakura-chan.”

“It’s not the ghost story, Akimoto-san.” Sakura said. “My goodness…I won’t be able to find a yukata at this rate. I need to go to work too…”

“A yukata?” Akimoto-san wondered. “If I’m not mistaken, I have an extra yukata from last year’s event. I’ll check and get it for you.”

“Thank you so much, Akimoto-san.” Sakura bowed while going. “I’m off to work now.”

“Okay, Sakura-chan.” Akimoto-san smiled and waved. “And don’t forget to have snacks so you won’t starve yourself!!”

+++

Sakura was having a discussion with Rino at the café, specifically in her office. Then again, she never thought that there’s another applicant sitting next to her. Not only that, the changes of the interior and the sign that marked “In Preparation” gave her speculations about the business.

“Sakura-chan, meet Kang Hyewon-chan.” Rino spoke. “So far, you two have applied for the job. Now, HKT Café’s in for a concept change because of the summer vacation and because of the low number of staff.”

“Eh? Why is that, Sasshi?” Sakura asked.

“Most of them are part-timers like you two, with Shige and Haruppi as the ones we have left. Summer vacation can be a very busy month for us so we need all the manpower we can get.”

“Right.” Hyewon and Sakura nodded.

“That will be it in terms of explaining your job prospects for this café.” Rino finished and slumped on her chair. “Any questions?”

“Not really…” Hyewon mumbled.

Sakura was silent but deep down, she had many to ask. She wanted to know if the café will be fine with only a few workers, to who were Shige and Haruppi, and to why were Rino and Hyewon wearing the same shirt.

“This are the numbers you need to save. One is my number and the other’s for the café.” Rino showed her phone as the applicants jotted it down. “You need to have it for emergencies and rush hours. When you have problems within work, don’t hesitate to contact me, especially for you, Sakura-chan.”

Hyewon nodded silently as Sakura was crept out, especially when Rino made a motion to call her.

“That will be all for the discussions. See you on Monday.”

The future workers bid farewell and went on their own ways. Sakura walked back to the dorm, phone on hold as her thumb scrolled through the contacts.

One number got her attention, making her insides fluster towards a daze.

Hit me up anytime. Literally.

“Jurina-san…” Sakura sighed. “…will it be really alright to call you?”

Sakura took time to put her phone down and she was back at the dorm. She gasped of the population. It composed both classes A and B together with admirers of the aces.

“Kkura!” She looked to see Miru and Yuri. “Welcome back!”

“Hey~” Sakura greeted. “Nice yukata, by the way. And Yuri-chan got an orange hanbok.”

“Thanks. Okaasan got this for me,” said Miru.

“A gift from Yena.” Yuri added.

“Nice, right?” Yena came in, wearing a duck-themed hanbok. “Akimoto-san got this for you, Sakura-chan.”

“Thanks, Yena-chan.” Sakura received the parcel. “I’ll go change.”

Sakura went, hearing Yena thank her for making the party possible. She got to her room and checked the content. The yukata Akimoto-san got for her was…

…plain.

You’re the Ghost of the Night for the Test of Courage, Sakura-chan. Good luck. – Akimoto Sayaka

I saw the yukata and it’s dreadful. I got you a pale pink robe and red bands for your waist wherein you’ll wear them over your yukata. Wear it during the extra time but not during the Test of Courage. – Choi Yena

“This is what Akimoto-san meant, huh?” Sakura sighed while checking the white yukata that looked like a normal bathrobe. “I’ll consider this as a compensation of effort.”

Yunjin’s voice was heard, calling the dormers that the party will start soon. Sakura hastily came up with an idea while changing on the yukata as she hoped to look fashionable, at least.

“Thank you, Choi Yena.” Sakura mumbled while changing.

+++

The party had been a blast in the dorm. A lot of them were around the premises but the dormers assured fun and policy to make the night wonderful. They had good food, good talks, even the admirers took a lot of pictures with the Red Ace and searched of the Black Ace’s whereabouts.

Yunjin called everyone to gather as one of the party’s highlights will be done: the Test of Courage.

“How’s the party so far, guys?”

“Great!” Everyone cheered.

“Although we could use more food, Yunjin,” said Alex.

“Haha. Anyway, before the fireworks display, we need to do the Test of Courage first.” Yunjin announced. “You will only be equipped with a map and a flashlight. You are to retrieve fireworks scattered across the dorm premises, inside and outside. Everyone must be able to find them and get to the top of the roof.”

“Truth be told, this dorm used to be an abandoned medical facility,” said Jurina, making the admirers act like total prissies.

“Be careful, though. If you’re caught by the Ghost of the Night, you won’t be able to get a prize once you get to the rooftop.” Yena added. “We’ll know because the ghost will mark red on your palms.”

“Now, we’ll decide the pairs through a lottery.” Yunjin got the sticks with all their names.

Everyone anticipated, especially the admirers. They had got into a tension since they’re uncertain to whom Jurina and Kaeun will pair up with. Sakura sulked by the corner. With her role as the Ghost of the Night, she couldn’t join in the fun.

Yunjin was busy entertaining everyone as Yena got to her direction and whispered. “Go on, Sakura-chan. You need to prepare.”

Squeals rang around before Yena pushed Sakura to get ready. It turns out Kaeun’s name was called.

“Eh? The Black Ace isn’t here, though.” Miru spoke then mumbled. “I hope I get to be her pair.”

Sakura had a reaction but Yena already pushed her away towards the dorm’s medical room. Sakura sighed and made her motion to remove the extras of her clothes, leaving the whites.

“Yena-chan, what about the Black Angel?”

“Don’t worry. We’ll get her to come.” Yena got out. “Good luck~~”

The door was shut and Sakura sighed to prepare. Not long after, the extras were hidden and she wore all white.

She sighed. She should’ve been down there having fun. In fact, she would’ve loved it if she and Jurina paired up to look for fireworks, let alone watch them together on the rooftop.

“Why does this have to happen to me?” Sakura sighed and slumped on the bed, fiddling with the packs of fireworks and red marker.

Sakura stopped to wait and prepare to mark someone when she heard noises. She would’ve the light but the main circuit was meant to be cut for this event, leaving the premises into total darkness. Sakura was reminded of what Akimoto-san shared and it made her skin shudder.

Something heavy clutched Sakura’s shoulder and her scream rang around the room.

+++

It was sullen in one room, with the nightlight that looked like the model of the Moon as the source of brightness. Inside was the Black Ace doing her usual chores, finishing up by ironing her set of uniforms. She slumped on her bed and heard the voices from below, indicating that the party has started.

Kaeun was a total killjoy with this but she said nothing against it. She had the thought of catching up but partying wasn’t her thing. Nonetheless, she got up to turn off her nightlight and went outside. She shuts the door and stopped to see a note.

Kaeun-nim, the Test of Courage will begin at 9 PM. The fireworks display will be held on the roof. Please come and celebrate with us. – Heo Yunjin

Kaeun sighed and got back, putting on a black robe, hoping that she at least looked like a rebellious Korean warrior. She went back out to check the party when she was stopped with a scream from the medical room. She went inside, shocked to see Sakura.

“Ugh-what are you doing here?” Sakura asked and winced afterward.

Kaeun knew there was something wrong that she drew closer. Sakura’s remarks of staying away became deaf as Kaeun got to Sakura’s side and saw something clutching onto her shoulder. Kaeun managed to grab the thing as it gave a familiar sound.

It was a cat.

Sakura gave relief and watched Kaeun pat its head gently. The cat warmed up to Kaeun and wailed as Kaeun lets it go by putting it outside. Kaeun sighed and shut the windows as Sakura couldn’t help but look at her.

Maybe Jurina and Miru were right. Maybe Kaeun was indeed a kind person.

“Th-Thank you…Kaeun-san…”

Sakura got Kaeun’s silence as an answer but her wince disrupted it. It seemed the cat had left a devastating mark on her shoulder. Sakura would’ve fixed herself but Kaeun pulled her close to herself, back faced against the latter. It was then Sakura froze as Kaeun had her lips and tongue on the wound. Sakura was flushed to the bone and her heart pounded quickly again. “K-Kaeun-san…stop…”

The voices of Yena and Yuri were heard. Sakura wondered what to do when Kaeun pulled themselves to another bed, hidden from the two. Yuri opened the door to only see the packets of fireworks and the marker.

“She’s not here. Maybe she went to the bathroom.” Yena said as she shivered by the door.

“Whatever. Take the fireworks and let’s get out of here.” Yuri spoke.

Yena did the impossible for Yuri and they dashed out. Once the coast was clear, Sakura slowly unveiled the curtains.

“You’re so bold.”

Sakura wondered of Kaeun’s comment when she realized their positions. Sakura looked like straddling Kaeun as if she was topping the latter. For Kaeun, it was like she was a target of a make-out.

“What are you planning to do to me?”

Sakura reacted but Kaeun pulled her closer.

“You have it wrong. So please let go of me!” Sakura spat. “I’ve…promised not to get involve with you again.”

“Are you stupid?” Kaeun spat back. “You don’t have a say in this.”

“You’re the worst…” Sakura hissed, almost crying. “Is teasing me so fun to you?”

A phone rung and Kaeun snatched it before Sakura could get it. She saw the caller and smirked, answering the call.

It was Jurina.

“Yes. It’s fun.” Kaeun smirked and got on top of Sakura this time.

+++

During the party, the rustling of voices was heard. The owner puts the phone down and had the grimmest look.

With that, she realized that she needed to step her game up.