NOVEL WEB Chapter 7: Orientation Day at the Academy
"The wind is quite fierce today," I sighed, delicately holding the hem of my skirt while waiting for Yuna and Emi. Even though we lived next to each other, they had to discuss something with Emi's mother, Sayaka. They told me to go ahead and meet them at the academy.
As I stood there, patiently awaiting my beloved girlfriends, I couldn't help but notice the curious gazes directed my way. Whispers fluttered through the air, filled with awe and fascination.
"Did you see that girl? She looks like a princess, so beautiful," I overheard a girl whisper to her friend.
Reminding myself to maintain my feminine grace, I decided to address the intrigued onlookers. "Good day, everyone. My name is Harumi Matsuri, and I'm a new transfer student to this academy. Please feel free to call me Harumi. I hope we can become friends," I said, projecting warmth and approachability.
A bright and bubbly girl with pink hair rushed towards me, embracing me in a tight hug. "Kyaaaa! You're so polite and cute! I'd love to be your friend. I'm Mina. Please feel free to call me Mina."
Just as I was enjoying the warmth of Mina's hug, I felt two pairs of eyes drilling into my back. Turning my head, I discovered Yuna wearing a white Oni mask that emanated a dark aura, while Emi donned a black Oni mask with a similar energy.
"Ara, ara, it seems Harumi-sama is enjoying being embraced by such a cute girl, Yuna," Emi playfully remarked, her giggle tinged with a touch of envy.
"That's quite true, Emi. Even though she already has both of us," Yuna responded, her tone betraying a hint of wistfulness.
Sensing their jealousy, I knew I needed to defuse the situation. Gently disengaging from Mina's hug, I walked over to Yuna and Emi, taking their hands in mine.
"Mina, I'd like you to meet my girlfriends, Yuna Matsuri and Emi Nakamura," I introduced, hoping to redirect the attention.
“Girlfriends, as in plural? Wait, you and Yuna have the same family name, do you not?” Mina asked, puzzled.
“Yes, we do, but I was adopted into her family, and our feelings for each other blossomed," I explained, trying to ease any confusion.
"It seems the rumors are true. The seal of the Blossom Clan's princess has finally broken. It is an honor to be in your presence, Harumi-sama," a blue-haired girl suddenly materialized, kneeling before me and addressing me respectfully.
"Where did you come from? How do you know about that?" Yuna asked, positioning herself protectively between me and the mysterious girl.
"My apologies, Madam Yuna. I did not mean to startle you. My name is Mari, a humble servant from the Blossom Clan. I have been sent to fulfill Harumi-sama's needs and protect her from the shadows, particularly from other clans at this academy," Mari explained in a composed tone.
"Why didn't my mother mention anything about this to us?" Emi inquired.
"She believed it would be a pleasant surprise, knowing both Madam Yuna and you would object. By the way, Mina-san, did you attempt to use your abilities to get closer to Harumi-sama?" Mari's gaze pierced into Mina, emanating a dangerous aura.
"But, but, Harumi-sama is just so cute and cuddly. I couldn't resist. Tee-hee," Mina squealed, her bubbly aura still intact.
"Tee-hee, my foot! Don't ever try something like that again!" Yuna and Emi exclaimed in unison, their protective instincts kicking in.
"Eeeek!" Mina shrieked in response, realizing the gravity of the situation.
"Now, now, let's all calm down. No one got hurt, so no harm, no foul. Let's try to be friends, okay?" I interjected, hoping to diffuse the tension. "And Mari, please, release the murderous aura. It's quite terrifying," I silently pleaded with her.
"As you wish, Harumi-sama," Mari answered, withdrawing the unsettling aura.
As we began to calm down from the earlier tension, we heard the bell toll, signaling the start of the orientation ceremony.
"Oh no, we're going to be late! We need to hurry," I said, realizing the time constraints.
"Wait for us, Harumi!" Yuna called out, and she and Emi came running next to me.
"I will go with you as well, Harumi-sama," Mari stated, falling into step behind us.
"It seems this school year is going to be fun with the four of us. I'll tag along too since we're friends now, after all," Mina said, her voice filled with joy and excitement.
Together, we made our way to the orientation ceremony, eager to embark on this new chapter of our lives at the academy.
After the orientation, where we learned about the academy's rules, classes, and clubs, and the surprising reveal that Sayaka-san was the new headmistress, we found ourselves walking home along the road lined with blooming cherry blossom trees. The petals danced in the gentle breeze around us, and I couldn't help but feel a wave of contentment wash over me. This was a new beginning, and the academy held so much promise and potential.
"I'm so excited for what's to come," Mina chirped, her eyes shining with anticipation. She spun around, her pink hair swirling amidst the falling petals.
Yuna and Emi walked on either side of me, their presence comforting and familiar. Emi squeezed my hand gently, a silent reassurance of her support and affection. Yuna, on my other side, smiled softly, her eyes reflecting the golden hues of the setting sun.
As we walked, we shared stories and dreams for the future. Every now and then, Yuna would teasingly bump into me, causing a ripple of laughter among us. Emi, with her more composed demeanor, would add witty remarks, sparking more laughter and warm glances.
The setting sun bathed everything in a warm, golden glow, making the scene feel almost ethereal. I couldn't resist voicing my thoughts out loud. "I'm so grateful for Yuna and Emi, who have been by my side since the beginning. And now, with our new friends Mina and Mari, our little group is growing. I can't wait to see what the future holds for us. The academy is just the beginning of our exciting journey together," I said, my voice a mere whisper carried away by the wind.
As we continued our leisurely stroll, a sudden sight caught my eye. Standing a little distance away, gazing up at the sky, was a stunning blonde-haired girl. Her presence exuded an air of mystery, and I couldn't help but feel drawn to her. For a moment, our eyes met, and a faint smile graced her lips before she turned away, disappearing as quickly as she had appeared.
"Who was that?" Emi asked, following my gaze.
"I don't know, but there's something about her..." I murmured, my curiosity piqued.