Maria-sama ga Miteru Volume 8 Chapter 2
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"A final request from my onee-sama?"
As feared, Shimako-sans reaction was one of non-comprehension.
"Well, was there something she wanted to do? Or something school related she wanted you to take care of? Did she say anything like that to you?"
Yumi plowed on, not getting discouraged. Her feelings for Rosa Gigantea couldnt be put into words. Grat.i.tude, certainly, but that word alone wasnt sufficient. The closest emotion was probably "love" after all, although it felt completely different to her love for Sachiko-sama.
So, while shed been talking to Yoshino-san, Yumi had wondered. What sort of regrets did Rosa Gigantea have left? What can we do for her?
Yumi thought that Rosa Gigantea may have given some hints to Shimako-san. Shed agonized over it all last night, but hadnt found an answer.
"And "final request." She wouldnt say something like that."
Shimako-san muttered as she steadily packed her textbooks into her school bag. Fourth period had just finished and the students were out of their seats chatting, waiting for their homeroom teacher to arrive. Even though they were only first-years, there seemed to be more nervous energy than usual. Everyone was restless.
But it wasnt like theyd made today a half-day because of the lack of a studious atmosphere. After this, the students were scheduled to go about their regular cleaning, then return home. The chairs had been set up in the gymnasium yesterday and this afternoon the teachers would place the red and white seat covers over them, hang up the school flag, cant forget the picture of Maria-sama either, as well as all the other preparations that had to be completed for tomorrow.
"At the very least, she wouldnt tell me."
Shimako-san added, smiling.
"I see &h.e.l.lip; youre probably right."
Indeed, it would be out of character for Rosa Gigantea to talk seriously about Lillians future. Moreover, that pair of soeurs were peculiar in that they very rarely talked to each other. Perhaps now that she was about to graduate, Rosa Gigantea had even less to say to her pet.i.t soeur.
But, as she slid her pencil case into her schoolbag, Shimako-san said:
"But she might say something to you, Yumi-san."
"Me?"
Yumi asked, pointing a finger at her face.
"Yes. My onee-sama is quite affectionate to you."
Hearing those words, Yumi was shocked. Which was immediately followed by introspection.
"Im sorry."
Yumi swiftly bowed her head. Shimako-san looked confused and asked, "Why?"
"I didnt consider your feelings, Shimako-san, and let Rosa Gigantea dote on me."
"Oh, no. I never thought about it like that. Actually, its something Im grateful to you for."
When Yumi raised her head, Shimako-san was looking back at her with her usual saintly smile.
"Im not good at being doted upon. That was never a part of our soeur relationship. And since were two years apart, Rosa Gigantea couldnt lavish her affection on her pet.i.t soeurs pet.i.t soeur."
"Her grandchild, so to speak."
"Grandchild? Ahh, right. Something like that."
With the second-years placed between them, the relationship between first- and third-years was a strange one. To Yumi, Rosa Chinensis was indulgent, like a grandmother.
"I see. Shimako-sans pet.i.t soeur will enter high-school just missing Rosa Gigantea on her way out."
"A pet.i.t soeur &h.e.l.lip; I cant imagine it."
Shimako-sans gaze turned towards the window. It looked like she was reliving scenes from her past.
"But surely Rosa Gigantea would have thought the same thing when she made you her pet.i.t soeur, right?"
Shimako-san said, "Perhaps," but she didnt seem convinced. Yumi felt like she understood Shimako-sans feelings.
Having a pet.i.t soeur - it was unthinkable. She had her hands full just with herself. Where would she find the time to look after a younger student too?
"Theres always the question of whether or not Ill be able to fortuitously meet a compatible younger girl. But for my pet.i.t soeur, shell become Rosa Gigantea en bouton as a first-year."
Shimako-san seemed to think that that alone would be quite the heavy burden.
"But thats what happened to you, right?"
"Of course. But Ive been wondering if I really have to have a pet.i.t soeur."
Shimako-san mournfully looked down as she spoke. Yumi suddenly felt uneasy.
"Shimako-san."
Yumi firmly grasped Shimako-sans hand.
"Oh, you surprised me. Um, &h.e.l.lip; what?"
Because it had been so sudden, the captive was quite shocked.
"Shimako-san. Dont go anywhere."
"Yumi-san &h.e.l.lip; ?"
"Dont go anywhere, stay here until were third-years. So we can run the Yamayurikai together. I would hate it if you werent there."
It felt as though Shimako-san was moving somewhere far away. Not knowing what to do, Yumi had instinctively moved to restrain her. Perhaps Shimako-san was going to leave Lillians, and not by graduating. Not because she wanted to, but because she had to. Yumi had caught glimpses of that steadfast determination numerous times over the past year.
Rosa Gigantea had said that she couldnt save Shimako-san on her own. So Yumi wondered where that left her, Shimako-sans cla.s.smate. For now, she decided all she had to do was hold on to her.
"Umm &h.e.l.lip; "
But as for Shimako-san herself. The beam of warmth emanating from Yumis entire body coupled with the overpowering grip on her hand seemed to leave her a little bit bewildered.
On top of that.
"f.u.kuzawa-san."
From the side came a hand that belonged to neither Shimako-san nor Yumi, settling atop their hands like an arm-wrestling referee.
"I hate to throw cold water on your beautiful display of friendship, but please take your seat. Id like to get homeroom started."
Laughter burst forth around them. While theyd been having their heart-to-heart discussion, their homeroom teacher had arrived and everyone else had taken their seats.
"Sorry."
Yumi hastily dropped Shimako-sans hand and returned to her seat red-faced.
What a failure, what a disgrace. Of all the things, to grab Shimako-sans hand and prattle about, "running the Yamayurikai together," and to do it all in front of her cla.s.smates.
(Ooooh. If only I could press the backs.p.a.ce key and erase it all &h.e.l.lip; just three minutes or so.)
Her cheeks were so hot it felt like steam was coming out of the top of her head. If she were a kettle, shed be making a loud and continuous whistle.
But maybe Shimako-san wasnt all that bothered by it - thinking this, Yumi cast a sidelong glance towards where she sat. And waiting there for her was Shimako-sans gaze.
Thank you.
Shimako-san slowly and silently formed the words with her lips, erasing all of Yumis discomfort without the backs.p.a.ce key.
As long as Shimako-san understood, that was all that mattered.
Friends really were incredible.
Regardless of what the thirty other girls in the cla.s.s thought, it had all been settled in one instant with one phrase from one person.
On further reflection, if Rosa Gigantea were worried about something, and that something was related to Shimako-san, then she probably wouldnt speak about it directly with Shimako-san.
Similar to how Rosa Chinensis had entrusted Sachiko-sama to Yumis care.
While on her way back to her cla.s.sroom after finishing cleaning, Yumi spotted Katsura-san standing in front of the statue of Maria-sama. They were in different cleaning groups, and Katsura-san was obviously on her way home, wearing her school coat and carrying her bag.
"Katsura-sa &h.e.l.lip; "
Just as Yumi was calling out to her, another student appeared from the path leading alongside the library and jumped in ahead of her.
"Katsura-chan!"
Yumi watched on as Katsura-san spotted the other student and crouched down. Then, oh, whats that? Shes crying?
(Oowaah.)
Yumi felt like shed just seen something she shouldnt have. But if she left, shed only worry about it anyway.
The other girl was carrying a tennis racquet, so at first Yumi thought she was Katsura-sans onee-sama. But on closer inspection, she wasnt the person that Yumi had previously been introduced to. Inspired by the Yellow Rose Revolution, Katsura-san and her onee-sama had temporarily broken up, but they should have returned to normal within the month.
So who was that?
"Shes the vice-president of the tennis club. Katsura-san really admires her."
Hearing this explanation suddenly coming from behind her, Yumi jolted upright.
"Mmm. A sad looking Katsura-san works too."
Click. The sound of a shutter closing rang out just as the tennis club vice-president helped prop Katsura-san up. Which meant that the person beside Yumi was none other than the self-styled "Photography club ace."
"Tsutako-san."
Yumi was about to voice her complaint, but Tsutako-san cut her off by raising her hand.
"Stop. I know what youre going to say, but this was Katsura-sans request."
"It was?"
"She wanted a photo of her and the vice-president. A graduation keepsake."
"Graduation &h.e.l.lip; "
Which reminded Yumi of something about the person alongside Katsura-san. She thought shed seen her somewhere before, as a cla.s.smate of Rosa Foetidas. Which made her a third-year. And graduating tomorrow.
The pair were off in their own world, not noticing the gallery watching them from less than ten metres away.
The vice-president held out the racquet, offering it to Katsura-san. It didnt look like it was brand-new. It was probably the one she always used. Katsura-san looked a bit surprised, but she accepted the gift and hugged it tight, treasuring it.
"But Katsura-san wont be able to use that for another year."
Tsutako-san added her commentary to the scene.
"Why not?"
" &h.e.l.lip; Using that in front of her onee-sama would be a big deal."
Ah, right.
Katsura-san had someone else as her onee-sama, someone who was also a member of the tennis club. It was probably a pretty complicated relationship.
"Well, Ive heard it was all pretty much one-way admiration from Katsura-san. So it wasnt all messed up. Still, shell hesitate because of her onee-sama."
Yumi thought that everyone had their own dramas. Even though, usually, Katsura-san and her onee-sama got along splendidly.
"Thats why its happening now, so close to the graduation ceremony &h.e.l.lip; alright, time for me to get to work."
Tsutako-san patted Yumi on the shoulder, then walked towards the girls at the statue of Maria-sama.
"Can you two look this way so I can take your photograph?"
Already turning into a professional photographer.
Watching Katsura-san made her want to see Rosa Gigantea.
She peeked into the third-year wisteria cla.s.sroom, thinking no-one would be there, but was surprised. Because there she was.
Apparently the third-years had had a short homeroom that simply covered the important points of their graduation ceremony tomorrow. As evidence of that, it was one in the afternoon and there was only one student left in the cla.s.sroom.
Rosa Gigantea didnt really look like she was staying around because she had something to do. She wasnt sitting down, she was just standing there, idly running her finger over her desk.
"Have you lost something?"
Those were the words Yumi called out, even though it didnt look anything like that.
The paper bag filled with actual lost items that had been found in the Rose Mansion the day before stood alone on her desk. Looking kind of sad, like an opened mystery gift bag.
"Ah, Yumi-chan."
Noticing her, Rosa Gigantea waved Yumi over.
Usually, shed be quite reluctant to step foot inside another cla.s.ss room. Especially a third-year cla.s.sroom. But since shed been invited, Yumi stepped inside.
"Sorry, can you close that."
Rosa Gigantea pointed at the door. Was it because of the cold, or because she wanted to hide what she was doing from people outside her cla.s.s? They were both girls, so it wasnt as though they had to leave the door open. Yumi did as she was asked, and closed the door.
"I guess, in a way, I have lost something."
Rosa Gigantea sat at her desk, looking up at the ceiling, then scratched her head, looking embarra.s.sed.
"I wanted to say goodbye to the cla.s.sroom, you know. Ive been killing time at the library, waiting until everyone left, so that I could come back here."
Rosa Gigantea laughed, indicating it was okay to do so. But Yumi couldnt laugh. Sure, it didnt seem very Rosa-Gigantea-like, but it wasnt for those around her to arbitrarily decide what Rosa Gigantea should be like. Rosa Gigantea usually appeared to be happy-go-lucky, but from time to time she could be deadly serious, as well as an occasional romantic.
"I was fine all through March, it was only when I thought that tomorrow would be the last time that Id ever come here, that I started to feel a bit sentimental."
It seemed shed treated her previous graduation ceremonies as mere formalities, partic.i.p.ating in them perfunctorily. But for Rosa Gigantea, this one was special.
"Because youre leaving Lillians?"
Yumi asked. Rosa Gigantea didnt say anything, but she had a curious expression on her face. Just as Yumi was getting nervous, thinking shed put her foot in her mouth again, Rosa Gigantea relaxed and smiled.
"For all sorts of reasons."
"Like what?"
"Theres been fun times, and hard times. Theres some things Ive regretted, and some good memories. I think these three years of high-school have been the most fulfilling time of my life so far."
Shed probably been reminiscing, alone in the cla.s.sroom, about Shiori-san, Yamayurikai events, and other such things. It was kind of heartrending. Rosa Giganteas feelings were contagious.
"Rosa Gigantea, I!"
Yumi planted her hands into empty s.p.a.ce on the desk that Rosa Gigantea was sitting at. Startled by the surprise attack, Rosa Gigantea literally jumped up.
"Wh-what is it, Yumi-chan?"
While Yumi reflected on her actions, thinking it was wrong to surprise Rosa Gigantea, she also enjoyed the novelty of seeing Rosa Gigantea startled. No, now wasnt the time to be thinking about her face -
"I want to know if theres something I can do for you."
If she was going to hear Rosa Giganteas final request, now was the time.
"You? Do something?"
"Something you want to ask me, or something you want to do. A promise, or something you want to entrust to me."
Et cetera, et cetera.
"Say wha-at."
Rosa Gigantea cackled. Such rudeness, despite how serious shed been.
"Anything at all. It could be about Shimako-san, or about Lunch &h.e.l.lip; ah, I mean Goronta. Is there anything, anything at all?"
Naturally, Yumi expected to hear, "There is something," but Rosa Giganteas answer confounded her expectations.
"Nope."
"Huh!?"
"I said nope. Theres nothing I want to ask you, Yumi-chan. Gorontas already an adult, so she doesnt need someone to feed her. If she couldnt look after herself, she wouldnt be much of a stray."
The way Rosa Gigantea spoke, it was as though she was trying to thrust her away. But it could also be interpreted as saying she had to live by herself.
"And regardless of what I say, you wont ignore Shimako-san if shes in trouble. Youll spin into action to help her, even if you make a fool of yourself. So as long as she has a true friend, theres no need for me to impose."
As she spoke, Rosa Gigantea patted Yumi on the head.
"If you were the sort of person who only helped Shimako-san because I asked you to, Yumi-chan, then I wouldnt ask you to help in the first place."
It was somewhat reminiscent of a Zen koan. But, strangely, Yumi understood. That Rosa Gigantea valued her for it.
"But I want to do something for you, Rosa Gigantea."
"A farewell gift, you mean?"
Rosa Gigantea stood up from her desk, stretching.
"Lets see. Mmm, Ill take a kiss on the lips then."
Rosa Gigantea solemnly brought her face closer to Yumis, causing Yumi to panic and lean back. Rosa Gigantea was terrifying because it was impossible to tell how serious she was being.
"Oh, running away, are you? Even though you said, "Anything at all.""
"Oooh."
Quit it, you. Now Rosa Gigantea was embracing Yumi, holding her chin in her hand. It was like a scene from a foreign movie.
"See, now close your eyes like a good little girl."
The camera zoomed in on her exquisite, exotic features for a close-up.
(She really is pretty &h.e.l.lip; )
Yumi watched on in rapt fascination, before suddenly realizing that the partner in this kiss scene was none other than herself.
Lip crisis!
"Cut!"
Yumi cried out, instinctively. "Stop" or "Timeout" would have worked just as well, but she called out the first thing that came to mind.
Rosa Gigantea immediately stopped, like the spell had been broken, when her fellow actress called cut. It really was like a scene from a movie - Be that as it may, Yumi took the opportunity to break away.
"G-good-bye."
Having escaped from Rosa Giganteas grasp, Yumis sense of direction failed her and she staggered over to the window.
If she turned around, shed slip back into Rosa Giganteas arms, so she made a 90 degree turn and walked to the back of the cla.s.sroom, then at the back wall she made another 90 degree turn taking her to the back door, not the one she had entered by.
"I wont be able to graduate without Yumi-chans kiss."
Despite Yumis panicked escape, Rosa Gigantea hadnt chased after her. She was still in the same spot as before, facing the window, only turning her head to say bye to Yumi.
So it was probably a joke. One last chance to tease Yumi - very in keeping with Rosa Giganteas character.
The solitary student remaining in the cla.s.sroom with the western sun streaming in on them seemed somehow lonely. Yumi knew that she herself was the lonely one. But this may be her first and last chance to see her playful senior like this.
It wasnt the same as the chest-tightening longing she had to be embraced by Sachiko-sama, but if there were some machine to measure compatibility or affinity, then it would undoubtedly show that they were well matched.
"Whats the matter?"
Rosa Gigantea asked, as Yumi stood in the doorway, not leaving.
Whats the matter? - In her heart, Yumi asked herself the same question.
Indeed. What on earth was the matter?
It was just, for some reason, she didnt want to leave Rosa Gigantea in the cla.s.sroom like that.
What should she do?
"If you dont leave quickly, Ill attack you again."
Rosa Gigantea said jokingly, and seeing this Yumi felt troubled in her heart.
It was too late now, but she was already regretting running away. Even though, if Rosa Gigantea had actually been serious, it meant she would have s.n.a.t.c.hed a kiss on the lips. The scary part was that imagining that wasnt so bad.
What was it, this feeling?
No good. No good at all.
A sinking feeling that perhaps Rosa Gigantea had meant it like a greeting, a quick peck that she could have readily accepted.
It was dangerous. Very dangerous. That line of thinking.
"What are you thinking about, Yumi-chan?"
What? About the kiss - but there was no way she could say that.
Needless to say, it would be her first kiss. So the lips were the problem, after all.
Yumi slowly took her right hand off the door handle.
They were only lips, but they were still lips.
Take care of the lips, and the lips will take care of themselves.
Alright.
She balled both her hands into fists.
(This is infidelity. Yumi-san!)
With the ghost of Yoshino-san nagging at her from behind, Yumi weaved her way back to the desk.
"Uh &h.e.l.lip; !"
Yumi kissed Rosa Gigantea on the cheek, a short distance from her startled lips. Stretching up just a little bit.
That sort of performance seemed just right to Yumi.
" &h.e.l.lip; Yumi-chan!"
Embarra.s.sed, Yumi was about to make a quick exit, but Rosa Gigantea grabbed her by the arm and softly embraced her.
"I kept quiet because I didnt think I had anything more to say, but Im glad to have met you, Yumi-chan."
"Ah."
Perhaps Rosa Gigantea was also embarra.s.sed, because they remained in that position, not looking at the others face.
"Ive never really fit in with normal girls of my age. But, when I saw you, for the first time in my life I was jealous of a normal girl."
Jealous, huh.
Yumi couldnt believe her ears. It seemed unbelievable that this attractive, smart, well-spoken, immensely popular superstar would yearn for a normal high-school life. Well, taking the Shiori-san incident into account, a life full of highs and lows would be tough too.
"In my third-year of high-school, Ive been able to change for the better. I dont know if its just being less picky, but Im able to live much more easily. Theres a lot of things that have gone into making me the way I am now, but your existence has played a big part in that, Yumi-chan. So what youve given me isnt just a kiss."
"What did I do?"
She had no idea. Yumi peeled herself away from Rosa Giganteas body and looked up at her face. Which earned her a, "Clear your ears out," and a flick on the forehead.
"You made me a university student."
"No way."
"Its true. Seeing you, I thought I should have another go at studying."
"Ha."
"No, really. Towards the end of last year. Id just missed the deadline for applying for priority placement, so I had no choice but to join the exam group. Surely you heard about that."
She knew that Rosa Gigantea had only started studying for exams this year. But this was the first time Yumi had heard that she was the cause of Rosa Gigantea wanting to go to university.
"What should I do?"
That was a huge responsibility, wasnt it? Influencing someones life at such a crossroads was such a huge responsibility that she wanted to forget all that shed just heard.
But Rosa Gigantea said, "You dont have to do anything." That even if shed been an influence, the decision had still been Rosa Giganteas.
"So you see, Yumi-chan, you should have more self-belief. Because youre admired by someone as totally awesome as me."
Rosa Gigantea patted her on the back, like she was patting a cushion. Rather than cheering up the graduating senior, Yumi had been the one to receive encouragement.
"Thats all, the end."
Rosa Gigantea quickly bowed, then spun Yumis body around, aiming her towards the front door.
"I love you, Yumi-chan. Im truly blessed to have shared this time with you. Countless times Ive thought that I wanted to be like you."
Without even a countdown, Rosa Gigantea shoved her forwards like a rocket. Maintaining control of her body took all of Yumis concentration. Her body tottered onwards and came to a stop by the door.
"Ill bet you tell everyone that you love them."
Yumi turned around to check. Whereupon.
"Yep."
Spot on, that. Said without a hint of shame. But it wasnt malicious. Whether Rosa Gigantea said that to everyone or not, it didnt change Yumis feelings for her one bit.
"Thanks for the kiss."
Rosa Gigantea said to Yumis back, as she was walking out the door.
"Not at all, it was simply a going-away gift."
After Rosa Gigantea had graduated, theyd hardly ever see each other. This was her graduation present. And she might as well really, really, really, really splurge.
"Simply, huh."
Rosa Gigantea nodded slightly.
"By the way, Yumi-chan, do you know which university Im going to?"
"Huh?"
Yumi asked, poking her head back into the half-open door from the hallway.
"No, never mind. I just thought you might have been too busy running from place to place that you hadnt heard. Too preoccupied with the thought of your beloved Rosa Gigantea going away to university."
"Get over yourself."
Yumi snorted in response, and closed the door.
That Rosa Gigantea sure was sharp.
Shed definitely hit the bulls-eye.
The morning of the graduation ceremony dawned.
Blessed with fine weather befitting such an auspicious occasion, the kimono clad members of the PTA had just started making their way towards the gymnasium to farewell the young ladies. It was right at that time:
She tricked me,
tricked me,
tricked me - !
Yumi walked silently down the corridor that ran alongside the third-year cla.s.srooms.
"Rosa Gigantea!"
The door to the third-year wisteria cla.s.sroom was open, so she stood in the corridor and shouted at Rosa Gigantea, who was in the middle of the room.
Everyone in the cla.s.sroom turned to look at her.
She immediately thought, "Oh no," but it was too late. Nothing she could do now. Her head had been so full of rage that shed forgotten that today was a special day, as well as the proper way to request someones presence.
"Thats a scary looking face, Yumi-chan. Whats the matter?"
Smiling, Rosa Gigantea weaved through her cla.s.smates, over to where Yumi stood.
"&h.e.l.lip; Gokigenyou. Congratulations on your graduation today."
"Thank-you."
Belatedly, Yumi offered the standard greeting, then dragged her out of the cla.s.sroom.
"Wait, where are we going?"
"Anywheres fine, as long as theres no audience."
"Somewhere private? Sounds nice. Are we going to continue what happened yesterday?"
"Hmph."
Rosa Gigantea followed in silence, then stopped Yumi next to the first-floor stairway.
"This should be fine. Theres people everywhere today."
"Ah."
Shed forgotten. Much like Valentines Day or the Christmas Eve closing ceremony, there would be plenty of students openly expressing their feelings on graduation day. Particularly if their target was a third-year - a lot of students would be spurred on by the thought that this was their last chance. All of the secluded areas would be quite popular.
On that note, the stairway was a bit gloomy, so not a particularly romantic place for a love confession. Naturally, there were still people using the staircase, but it was a strange place to stop and listen in on the conversation of people standing at the bottom of the stairs. It was probably a safe spot, as long as the head of the newspaper club didnt sniff them out.
"So, what is it?"
Rosa Gigantea asked, looking directly at Yumi.
"Is it true?"
"Is what true?"
"The university."
"The university?"
"Still playing dumb, huh."
What was it shed said? "Youve been too busy running around, preoccupied with thoughts of your beloved Rosa Gigantea." If shed known that, then she should have told her. No, even then would have been too late. Before the farewell gift.
"Oh, you found out? That was surprisingly fast. I thought itd be funny if you didnt find out until April."
"So it is true then. My head burst into flames this morning when Shimako-san told me."
Shed been fooled by Rosa Giganteas sorrowful face, going so far as to kiss her on the cheek, exposing herself as a fool. Even though shed only done it because she had thought it was an ending.
"Oh, really? Burst into flames? I would have loved to have seen that."
"Keep mocking me and Ill hit you."
"Whoa, a settling of scores?"
"Oooh."
How did it turn out like this?
"Oh, dont whine like that. Sure, it was my fault for not making a full report to you. But I thought you would have heard about it from someone else, normally."
"You werent intentionally hiding it from me?"
"Why? For the kiss?"
"Dont say that."
To keep her from talking, Yumi pressed both her hands over Rosa Giganteas lips. But, due to her strength, Rosa Gigantea easily removed the makeshift gag.
"But its fine, right? Its true that Im graduating. Its true that Im going to university. So I should get a farewell gift. Wheres the problem?"
"But the university youre going to is Lillians!"
Yumi shouted.
"Yep."
Rosa Gigantea agreed, with every fiber of her being.
By chance, one of the old male lecturers wearing a traditional j.a.panese hakama had just come down the stairs and turned to look at them.
So thats how it was.
From April, Rosa Gigantea would be enrolled in the Lillians Girls Universitys Literature Department, majoring in English Literature. Naturally, the university campus was on the same grounds as the high-school.
"Im not going to university to study. I like school, but more than that, Im going to university to make my peace. Thats why it had to be Lillians. Besides, once Ive graduated, I cant be hanging around the high-school all the time anyway."
"&h.e.l.lip; I guess not."
Now that Yumi had cooled down, she could more or less accept it.
She should have guessed when shed heard that Rosa Gigantea was only applying for one school. Or if shed paid more attention when she heard about her missing out on the priority placement deadline.
"Its the same as Youko and Eriko going to a different university."
The point Rosa Gigantea was trying to make was probably that they couldnt rely on her. Even so, knowing that she would be on the same campus made Yumi a little bit happier. No, a lot happier.
Hang on, wasnt she supposed to be angry? How long has she been grinning like this?
So the sense of relief at knowing Rosa Gigantea would be at Lillians had won out over the feeling of being cheated about the kiss.
Suddenly, the number of people using the stairs swelled. Looking at the time, it was 8:25. They werent having morning prayers today because of the graduation ceremony, but they were still taking attendance in homeroom, so they had to head back to their cla.s.srooms soon.
"What a shame. It looks like were out of time."
"Yes."
They parted quite naturally, one heading down the hallway, the other up the stairs.
"Well, see you."
"Yeah, see you later."
As she climbed each step, Yumi felt something lifting from her.
Tap-tap-tap.
Her footsteps kept getting lighter.
Then, at last, from the bottom of her heart, she thought:
Rosa Gigantea.
Im fine with you graduating.