Scarlet Blossoms

1: Lilies of the Sky

It was the first day of school.

Much like those gut twisting and palm sweating experiences, I found myself walking through the busy corridors of Shitenhouji Middle School, apologizing every so often to students I clumsily walked into. Glancing down at the school map that was scrunched ever so tightly in my hand, I trailed my eyes across the creased paper and stopped at where the red dot was.

The reception wasn't far ahead.

~SB~

"Hanamaru Kagami-san?"

I gave a brief nod, "Yes, that's me."

The receptionist gave a friendly smile, "Welcome to Shitenhouji," she announced before sliding a clipboard and pen across the desk, "It's time now to fill out your club activity and committees."

Taking the clipboard into my hands, I stared down at the preferences that were listed. A range of committees and activities struck my eyes. From flower arranging committee to health committee and another collection of clubs such as music club, kendo club and even an architecture club existed. I personally avoided any activities that involved sport, so I ended up circling flower arranging committee and cake decorating club.

"All done?"

I nodded before passing the clipboard back. Giving me another one of her warm smiles, the receptionist now handed me a fresh sheet of paper, "This is your timetable," she explained, "If you follow the classes listed on here, than you'll be fine."

Mathematics, Biology, English, Japanese History, Geography and Sport. Fairly reasonable classes, though I gulped upon seeing the word 'sport' spelt out across the sheet.

"Your homeroom teacher will be Kuronuma sensei," the receptionist spoke again, forcing me to look back up, "He'll be here soon to pick you up."

~SB~

My palms became sweaty again, my stomach exploded with a thousand butterflies. Standing at the front of the class was certainly more nerve racking then expected, especially when the whole class was staring at you. I kept my head low, my mouth shut and body stiff like a statue, all along waiting for sensei to introduce me.

"This is Hanamaru Kagami," sensei's voice rung crisp among the silence, "Starting from today, she'll be joining us."

After sensei's brief words, the class broke out into quiet chatter. I tried to catch a few whispers that went by, but failed after nervousness washed over me. Waiting till the mumbles died down, sensei spoke again.

"I'm sure you'll all look after Hanamaru-san," he declared, "Now, do we have any questions for her?"

The class was silent for a short second before a girl sitting somewhere amongst the middle row raised her hand. Seeing the eager question, sensei nodded for her to speak up.

"Kazehaya what's your question?"

The girl gave a smile, "Hanamaru-san right?" she challenged

I nodded in response. The smile widened, "How come you moved schools, Hanamaru-san?" she questioned, "Did you not like your old school?"

Attempting to pull a friendly look, I shook my head, "No," I began, "I moved schools because my dad got a job transfer here."

"Then what does your dad do?" another voice spoke up

I forced myself to look up, "His an accountant."

"And your mum?"

"She's-"

"Alright!" sensei's voice suddenly came back, "Enough questions for now, you can interrogate Hanamaru-san later."

The questions faded away and the room was once again in silence, "Hanamaru-san, you may sit in Mitsuko's seat for now," sensei announced, gesturing to an empty seat near the back of the room, "We'll be picking new seats in the next few days, so we'll find you a permanent seat then."

Quickly thanking sensei, I picked up my bags and hurried my way down the classroom- trying to ignore the eyes that trailed after me. As I arrived at my assigned seat, the boy sitting behind me flashed a daring smirk.

"Mitsuko is going to be so pissed when he finds out a girl has taken his seat."

~SB~

The day went through somewhat more smoothly than I had expected it to be. Even though I didn't quite make friends, I did however speak to a few girls in my English class and History class. Now, with the bell rung and Biology class finished, students all rushed out of their classroom- excited to be reunited with their friends.

"See you tomorrow, sensei!" two girls exclaimed before disappearing through the door.

Trailing after my classmates, I slowly exited the science labs. Eyes glued to my unfamiliar timetable, I walked and read at the same time- totally becoming unaware of my surroundings and the people nearby. Retracing the steps I came by, I took a swift left turn onto a new corridor. Yet, just as I did, I felt my body bump into something rather firm and muscular while my arms spilt all the books that were being carried.

"I'm so sorry!" I blurted out, quickly kneeling down to retrieve my fallen books.

Face red with shame, I kept my eyes locked to the ground. Yet, to my complete surprise, the figure standing before me bent down and picked up my heavy textbook.

"Don't worry about it," the figure spoke in a gentle tone, "It was partially my fault."

I stared at the textbook that was offered to me. Slowly raising my head and eyes, I soon came face to face with a supportive smile, delicate features and sandy blonde hair. Feeling my cheeks somewhat heat up, I quickly took the textbook and stood up.

"Thank you," I mumbled before giving a bow and running off.

~SB~

(Shiraishi's POV)

I turned around and stared after the girl. Her face was unrecognizable, she must've been someone new, perhaps the new girl everyone was gossiping about.

"Who is she?" I heard myself mutter

Kenya, who stood a few steps ahead shot me a glance, "The new girl," he replied, "Hanamaru or whatever her name is."

"She's in your class isn't she?" I cocked my head back, "People call her Mitsuko's seat snatcher."

Kenya scratched his head, "Probably," he gave a shrug, "I didn't quite pay attention during homeroom today."

Sighing, I turned back, "Well then, we might as well go to training now," I announced, "Everyone's waiting for us."

~SB~

(Back to normal POV)

"I'm home."

"In here darling!" Kaa-san's voice rung back

Throwing off my shoes and sliding into my warm house slippers instead, I quickly hurried into the house. Finding both my mum and brother waiting with afternoon tea set up in the kitchen, I instantly felt my muscles relax.

"How was first day of school? My older brother questioned before flashing me a teasing grin, "Scary?"

I shot my brother a hard look, "It was fine," I replied, melting into a nearby chair, "Classes were good."

Kaa-san gave one of her chuckles, "Did you make some friends then?"

Taking a slip of warm green tea, I racked my brains for a suitable answer, "Talked to a few girls," I insisted, "But I guess they're nice."

"No boys?" my brother teased

I turned stiff for a second. No boys? The question repeated in my head. I took another slip of the tea before opening my mouth to speak, "Nii-san, isn't your shift starting soon?" I reminded

"Ah, that's right Kakoto," Kaa-san agreed, checking her watch, "You'll miss your bus if you don't hurry."

Glancing at his phone, my brother released a somewhat strange sounding shriek after seeing the time. Without another word, he jumped up from his seat and grabbed his bag before making a dash for the door.

"Serves him right for being so talkative all the time," I mumbled into my teacup.

~SB ~

I usually have this habit of sitting outside in the backyard before going to bed. It was relaxing, and it made think of everything that happened that day. Whether they're good or bad memories, I still liked to think about them. On some days, the weather was supportive by being cool with a slight breeze. Tonight was one of those good nights were the sky showed of it's stars while the moon shone brighter than ever.

Sitting next to the small pond that was carved around the corner of the garden in an irregular shape, I huddled my knees up against my chest and rested my hands on my kneecaps. Lifting my head up, I admired the skies that decorated the night sky. Sometimes I wondered what it'd be like to be one of those stars. Maybe you'll just be shining all through your lifetime, never having to worry the day you have to stop being you. Closing my eyes and leaning my head against the fence, I listened to the pond's trickle of water and it's mixture with the silent night. It was calming, almost enough to drawl me towards sleep.

-To Be Continued-

~SB~

Thanks so much for reading the first chapter! Reviews and Feedback are most appreciated! So please do write something down!

A teaser for the next chapter:

"Hanamaru-san, you're most impressive. You've only been here a day and people are already talking about you."

"What about me?"