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Realistic or Modern Sakura High School

Bret would take out his yukata and open it up before him. His yukata was all white, decorated all over with blue Honourific kanji that described his personality. Flipping it over to see the back side of the yukata his eyes would grow wide. "Rina-" he said softly with a smile. His fingers would gently run over the custom stitching that had been added to the back of the yukata. He could picture her effortlessly working away late at night. Pricking her fingers and bleeding over her stupid friend. Was he really worth it? His eyes would welm with tears of gratitude. It was not a perfect stitch, it was not perfectly aligned, but he could feel her heart that she had sowed into it. The big kanji stitched into the back of his yukata was his full name. Yamada Bret.

The temple was a shrine located 1/3 up Sakura hill. it had stone stairs leading to the shrine and was surrounded by Sakura trees. Bret had visited a few times in the day and tried once at night. At night it was impossible because there was no lights in the area and it was literally pitch black with the surrounding trees. But tonight was different. The whole area was lit up with custom made paper lamps and it all seemed to lead towards the temple. Just below the temple was different stalls set up by the students and not so far from the stalls to one side was a stage where a band was performing. the area below the temple was alive and moving as students enjoyed their last night together. All except Bret.

Bret was fine when he left his home but now that the temple was in sight his nerves started to play up. His palms were sweaty, and he had a bad case of butterflies in his stomach. Walking through the small road of stalls Bret would take a mental note on which ones Hako might enjoy. wait, what did Hako enjoy? Oh crap it's nearly game time and he has no clue. What happens if she doesn't like those stalls? is my hair okay? Did I come to early? Before he noticed he was at the base of the stairs that led to the temple. He felt a lump in his throat. It felt like it was going to be a mission for him to just climb these stairs. Was a first date really this hard?
@cheeky
lyn. lyn.
 
HAKO HARUKI

Hako gave the tall man a polite smile as he offered to take her home, shaking her head. "I'm fine, It's just a short walk." she said, she wondered who she was. She's never seen him around school, which would seem odd at how large he was, but then again Hako was the type of person to not notice that. He obviously was native, his speaking was rough and he would occasionally talk in a language she didn't understand. He spoke about his cigarettes and Hako just shrugged, "I should probably get going... I have to meet a friend." she said, giving the man a tall wave before running back towards the school building and towards the lockers, hoping to see Isobe by her locker waiting for her so they could go home together, sadly, she wasn't there. Hako waited for a bit, sending Isobe a text before she gave up. Isobe probably had a reason for not showing up, she'd ask her about it later. Hako threw her bag over her shoulder and went home.

If going home was a choice, Hako wouldn't have gone home today, because it seemed her instincts were right, Akia was home. You could imagine the look on her face when she saw him sprawled on their perfectly good couch drunk off his ass, while her mother prepared him something to sober him, which probably wouldn't help since he had another bottle at the ready. Either way, Hako didn't have time for this, she had a festival to get ready for, she attempted to sneak past him, but he noticed her anyways, slurring out her name in a way that made her cringe, and a was that made her mom finally notice her presence, before anyone could speak, Hako simply said she had a festival to get ready for. She wasn't in the mood to argue with her mother, nor deal with Akia, she didn't want to go to a night she was supposed to enjoy in a bad mood.

She rushed to her room and grabbed her Yukata before heading to the bathroom and changing, it was a black yukata and had a rose floral design decorated over the front and back, and a simple gold trim. Hako remembered her and Isobe buying this Yukata a couple weeks ago, they had made a deal to pick out a couple for each other and Isobe most definitely knew her well, it was a difficult choice, but eventually Hako chose this one, and she wasn't disappointed in the slightest. She tied her hair back with a black band that had fake red flowers attached to it, she wasn't very sure about it when she had got it, but looking at it now, it complimented her yukata perfectly, in her opinion at least.

Once Hako was ready she rushed to leave, attempting to avoid a dispute, she shouted a quick goodbye ignoring her Akia's comments about why she was so dressed up. If he had half a brain, he'd probably remember that there was a festival, her mother had told him countless times during the month, but the second his hand touches that bottle he has the memory of a fish.

Hako had probably gotten there earlier than usual since she was in such a rush to get out of her house, but that didn't matter to her, that would give her time to get over her nerves. Was she really going to meet Bret at the temple? And why? She wasn't sure, and she didn't consider herself dense. She had called Isobe a few times on her way to the temple, Isobe usually knew what to say to calm her down, but there was still no answer, and Hako worried. Where was she? Is she okay? Did something happen? No, she's probably fine. Worrying will just make your nerves worse.
Hako sat down at the top of the steps leading up to the temple, scrolling absentmindedly through her phone as she waited for a response from Isobe or Bret to show up, deciding that using electronics to distract her would help. She usually hides her feelings daily, she should be able to now. Especially in front of Bret.

illicit illicit V vegeta3k ZappiestAbyss ZappiestAbyss
 
Bret would look to one stall at the starting base of the stairs. It was a gold fish mini game stall. He recognised the two students fishing. They were in the same class. The boy was known to be a rugby jock and the girl was the captain of the basketball team. They were squatted side by side and it seemed like the boy was coaching the girl a method he would usually use to catch the goldfish. This game was difficult because the rod was tiny and the net was made of a thin plastic which was easy to break through. After two failed attempts the girl would finally secceed in her third. With a massive grin the guy would celebrate with a few words of praise and then raising his fist for a bump. The girl would turn slightly red then with a warm sincere smile she would bump his fist. Bret could feel the positive energy, the smile on everyones faces, the laughs that intertwined with the music would dance around in the air. It felt like the energy from each and every person here was filling his own soul, and the fear and nerves he once felt was being melted away. "Okay- here we go." Bret would start pacing up the stairs.

He couldn't see the top of the stairs from where he was because some students were either sitting down eating together on the steps or standing in small groups talking. Then just like that, a group ahead of Bret would part and straight down in his line of sight he saw her just a few steps up. The yukata was black anyd had beautiful rose floral design. Her hair was tied back and her brown bangs were slightly over her face as she was looking down at her phone. Brets butterflies started to return. Quickly like on reaction Bret would hide behind a group and keep low. Why the hell was he hiding? was it the fact that Hako had confessed to him? Bret would reach into the vest of his yukata and feel out the button he had ripped out for Hako. Softly Bret would talk to himself in order to build some courage. "Cmon you pussy.....you telling me the notorious Bret Yamada is afraid of a girl? Now get your ass up there. Move your feet and move your good for nothing ass." Taking a deep breath he would move away from the group and climb the stairs once again. finaly he was 3 steps away from her. "Hey." He wanted to say more but god forbid nothing else came to mind.

lyn. lyn.
 
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Inside the house was dark and quiet. This is normal for Rina. Since she was 12 Rinas parents and sister were never home when she returned from school. They usually came back around 10pm from the city office after they ate dinner. That's why Rina always cook dinner for herself and Bret. Rina hardly talked to her parents and sister, but Bret always visited and listened to her. Bret didn't talk much and sometimes he looked bored but Rina was happy he was there. Him just being there was enough.

If Rina did not meet Bret what would she have become? If he did not teach her to play volley ball she would have never made friends with her team mates, or know her talents in volleyball. If it wasn't for Bret she would still be returning to an empty home and eating dinner alone in her room. Bret was like her family. She thought that there time together will never change. She never thought that Bret would be gone but it was hapenning. It felt like it will never be the same again, now that Hako would be with him.

Rina did not want to turn on the lights it was like she was avoiding the real world. She tiredly walked down the hallway slowly, and turn to the kitchen and dining. There were still a few bowels and plates with bits of rice. It was from this morning when she helped Bret with making omusubi for Hanabi. She felt it was a long time ago. There was suppose to be three failed omusubi left on the table but Rina could not see it. Did her parents put it in the fridge? Rina checked in the fridge, the pale light from the fridge flowed around her. The omusubi was not there as well. The light from the fridge revealed what was inside the rubbish bin beside the fridge. Inside was the crushed omusubi. Rinas parents didn't care if she made it. Silently she stood there looking into the bin.

Finally she took a bath to clean herself up then she walked upstairs to her room. Her room was dark and she could see the lights glowing from Sakura hill from her window. Every year her and Bret would watch the lights from here.

"Hey Bret I think the stalls are still open why don't we check it out? Then after go to the top of Sakura hill." Rina said looking out her window. "I don't think you will make it in time. You will probably end up being left behind" Bret said with a mouth full of Tonkasu. "I have an idea how about when we go together I'll make sure to put your name on your back!! Then if we separate i can always find you. Rina said happily. "That is the most dumbest idea I have ever heard" he scoffed before drinking down a tea of mugicha.

"That idiot probably doesn't remember....that night." Rina said Waching the warm lights from Sakura hill. Rina raise her left hand to the front of her eyes. Her fingers had band aids wrapped around them. "No I'm the stupid one. I wrote his name on the back but I don't think I will eve catch up to find him again"

The time is nearly 7pm. Everyone is probably enjoying the last day of high school at Sakura hill. Bret, Hako, Russian boy, classmate, teammates and maybe Aki. What was she going to do? What should she do? Just watch the lights and fireworks from this window alone? The wall Next to the window hung her yukata gently Waving in the wind. The yukata was blue and there was big and small Sakura blossoms all over it. She grabbed the yukata and wore it with a white obi that had golden butterfly patterns on it. She slipped into a pair of wooden sandals then she walked out of her home. Koran Koran Koran! The footsteps from her wooden sandals echoes around her. She was still going to try and wait for Aki. It was a long shot but she was going to try. She walked towards Sakura hill.
 
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HAKO HARUKI

Hako eventually found herself bored on her phone, there was nothing interesting and Isobe still hadn't responded to her texts. She hadn't spammed her or anything, just sent her like, 5... maybe 8 texts. it wasn't a lot... I think.

She hadn't been keeping track of time, honestly she didn't know what time she even got there, but she knew it was way earlier than she should have, she watched videos and did mindless things to pass the time and began to worry when her phone reached under 20%, she decided to use her phone one last time to call Isobe before turning it off so it doesn't die, dialing her friends number she held the phone up to her ear and pursed her lips, at this point she didn't really expect a response.

Hako jumped at the sound of Bret's voice, her eyes widening slightly, but once her brain had processed that it was just him she relaxed and let out a sigh, deciding that enough time had passed that Isobe probably wasn't going to pick up, she hung up and turned her phone off. Pushing herself up and brushing a free strand of hair behind her ear, she quickly brushed herself off, realizing that she had spent the whole wait sitting down and obviously needed to walk around a bit. She finally drew her attention to Bret. "Uh- hey." she breathed, not knowing what else to say. What exactly could she say?

V vegeta3k
 
When Hako would stand Bret would be taken by surprise and would be caught staring. He was so use to seeing her in traditional school uniform that it got to the point where he could not imagine her in anything else. She seemed so different now. Has it really been three years together? Is she really the same Hako? Brets eyes would trace the outline of her delicate face. He could not find a trace of the Hako from three years ago as she was now a young adult who had matured into a beatiful butterfly leaving that former shell in the past.

But like Bret not all butterflies was destined to fly free. Some would be caught in the spiders web of the world. Only awaiting there inevitable deaths. From the web those butterflies would watch as all the butterflies above them would fly free into the world. Some would fly far achieving successful careers, others a happy family and the list goes on. But those in the web were only left to dream waiting for the spider to come. Maybe it was soon, maybe it was later, but the spider always came.

Bret knew he wasn't going to graduate as he had already sealed his fate earlier today. But today was not about him feeling sorry for himself. Today was about Hako, and it was going going to be special. This was the night he would show her his heart. His heart was broken, beaten, bruised and a little worn out but he was Going to offer it to her. Broken pieces and all.

" hey I want to show you somthing" Brets first thought was to take her hand but he chickened out and instead opted gesturing Hako to follow. Bret would go down a few stairs then half turn to her. "You comin or not?" Before Hako could reply he would continue down the stairs daring her to chase after him.

lyn. lyn.
 
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HAKO HARUKI

Hako felt awkward, and it made her feel extremely uncomfortable. Her and Bret stood there in silence, and usually she'd say something in this kind of situation, you know, break the ice, but nothing came to mind, she drew a blank. So she resulted in fiddling with her fingers behind her back, letting out a fake cough, hoping Bret wouldn't notice her nerves.

Thankfully, Bret finally spoke, saying he had something to show her, she gave him a curious look, but wasn't sure if he noticed as he began going down the stairs and turned back, asking if she was coming before speeding down the stairs. "Ah geez," she rolled her eyes before following him down, almost running into a group of kids as she did, was it really comfortable to just stand on the stairs? Ah, whatever.

She caught up with Bret at the bottom of the stairs, pushing back a free strand of hair that had once again found its way to her face she turned to him. "Where are we going, exactly?"

V vegeta3k
 
A familiar song would play by a duo on stage. As soon as the familiar intro had started most of the students in the area familiar with the song would sing along. It was a cover of the classic song 'Robinson' by the band Spitz. Like in a trance the students would be drawn to the soft and deep melody. The words of the song was carried in the night wind hooking amyome love struck and like a moth to the flame they came in groups and packs drawn to the stage.



Bret thought Hako had said something but the excitement around them had drowned her voice out. Students around them were either singing out loud or laughing as they clapped along with the Beat of the song. Half turning to her Bret would say somthing back but it was impossible for it to be heard. As he talked somthing rare happened. A miracle was shared just between him and her. a warm soft smile would cross the hardened ruffians face.

Once again Bret would take the lead snaking his way through any gap he could. His yukata stood out amongst the rest as it was the only one wih big black kanji letters on the back. This acted like a homing beacon for Hako and it was easy to spot and find in the crowd. Finally Bret would stop at a particular stall. This stall specialised in selling ema. Ema was wooden plaques that students would write their dreams and prayers on before hanging It around the shrine. If you visited the shrine it was decorated head to toe with generations and generations of wishes and prayers dating way back. Now it was his and Hakos turn to stamp there story in its endless book of history. Reaching the front Bret would slap a few 100 yen on the counter. "Two please" Taking the two milky white wooden plaques from the stall keeper Bret would Turn to Hako and silently offer her one.

lyn. lyn.
 
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Behind Sakura high there was a street at the base of Sakura hill that leads to the big stairs. Both sides of the street were lined up with stalls with various foods and mini games. Rina could see many students from Sakura High. A couple of boys and girls were eating takoyaki together from the same plate. Another girl who was Rina volley ball team mate was waving to a boy over with her hand. The boy had a strawberry snow cone with two spoons to share it together. Anothe group of boys were playing darts for a prize. Rina knew them, they were players from the men volley ball team. And some girls were watching these boys play and sometimes yelling words of encouragement.

Rina walked through the busy street slowly looking for Aki. Is he here? Was he still going to the festival with her? If Aki didn't want to go with her then she just wanted to thank him and say good bye. She looked around each stall carefully and watched the faces that walked past or were in her vision. But she couldn't find Aki.

Rina arrived at the bottom of the big stairs. It was a kind of big space surrounded by Sakura trees. On the other side, across the red wooden bridge that was over the beatiful koi pond was the stage for the band. They were playing original songs now. Some students were waiting for their partner near the stairs or under one of the Sakura trees. Rina walked under one of the sakura trees which was near the stairs. This was a good spot to find someone.

"Mum I want to go there!" Rina heard a girls voice. A small girl talking to her mother.
"Mm..how about tomorrow, today is a big day for high school boys an girls. The mother said.
"Why what are they doing?" The girl asked.
"They going to see the fire works with their most precious person at midnight. Romantic isn't it. It feels like a princess and a prince. You need to wait six more years and it will be your turn." Mother said.
It seemed the mother had good memories when she was a teenager here at Sakura High.
"Awe too long mum!" The girls said and they vanished into the crowd of people .

When Rina was young like that girl, she dreamed about going to the Hanabi taikai with her prince. But when the day to go got closer and closer she became more worried. Who will go with her? One by one a girl would be picked up by their partners happily going to the stalls together or upstairs or to the stage where the band was playing.

How long has she been waiting? She didn't know. She didn't have a watch or a phone. Her phone was in her school bag inside the gym store room. Did it matter? No one was going to call her anyway. Her parents wasn't going to call, nor Bret or Aki. How. Aki couldn't ring her because he didn't have her number.

Suddenly a familiar song reached her ears. It was 'Robinson'. Now many students were going to the stage from the stairs and stalls. Everyone singing or clapping or dancing. They look so happy. She thought she saw Brets white yukata with "Yamada Bret" on the back in the stall area. Rina almost instinctively walked towards the stitching. It felt like a beacon for the lost Rina. Rina stopped realising there was another person already following him. That's right,....the beacon was not for her anymore. Hako was beautiful. Aki liked Hako, and now Bret was with Hako...many students walking across everywhere an soon Bret and Hako vanished into the wave of people. Rina felt empty...she felt invisible. Rina only watched as the Sakura petals would fall down. She felt her prince was not coming.
 
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Sendo

Tonight the volleyball boys and girls teams had gone together as a group. Sendo had organised it with the captain of the girls team and nearly everyone agreed. What he deliberately didn't mention was that he organised it in hopes to meet Rina. Sadly she didn't com.

He first crushed over her when his volley ball friend Joe had pointed her out to him during training. At first glance he was in love. His heart skipped a beat and he instantly felt drawn to her. He had never been so mesmerised before and instantly he knew deep in his soul that he wanted her to be by his side. What had he seen that was different to the others that day? Why was it her? It was simple really. It was meant to be.

Rinas position was the ace. When she played, it was like she was in a league of her own. Nobody could touch her. Her movements and reactions was beyond normal and to top it off her spikes was like a meteorite at light speed. It was so powerful that it was literally impossible to block or.defend it. He had counted how many people were able to stop her spikes and the exac number was 0. She was an amazing player to watch.

Sendo on the other hand was not gifted like Rina. He was kind of the all rounder. He was not exceptionally good at attack or defense but he was more just a little over average on both. Thankes to Volleyball practise he looked forward to going because both teams would use the same court and it was a chance for him to see her. It was always at a distance but it was better then nothing at all.

Sendo always wanted to talk to Rina but she was always hanging with Bret. Bret was always at her games and always with her after school so he never had the chance to even talk to her. All he ever wanted was a chance. It was like one of those dreams where you would chase someone and no matter how fast you ran they always seemed to be just out of reach. When would he reach her? It was already the Hanabi taikai and still he was chasing after the impossible. He felt all hope was lost.

Again his team mate Joe will approach him and point out that Rina was here. She was here? Following Joes finger he would spot Rina under a cherry blossom tree. A small glow of warmth filled his heart and he was glad he was able to see her again. He wished it was him she was waitin for but he knew deep down it was probably for Bret. As the group would move on to the next stall they would call over to him and Joe. Taking in one more glance he would take a deep breath then follow the others. He wished her and Bret well.

After a good hour of festivities Sendo would head down to buy some takoyaki. The song "Robinson" whispered in the wind. Sendo couldn't help but think of her. She probably wasn't there anymore but he was going to check again. Looking over to the same cherry blossom tree a look of shock would cross his face. when he had spotted Rina the first time there was many others waiting for their partners but now it was only her. She was the only one still waiting. Rina-.
 
Everybody was walking down below in Rina sight. Many of them were already moving over the bridge and towards the stage. The music was great. It made the students feel happy and relaxed. It set the mood in encouraging those who needed that little nudge and it swirled around everyone like magic.

As Robinson played she listened to the heart felt lyrics of the chorus.

" A world for just the two of us. A world where no one can touch us. A place where I will never let go of your hand. And if by some great mysterious power, we will take to the sky together and ride on the winds of love side by side."

Everyone here was riding the winds of love together and it was obvious all around her. Surrounded by love she felt left out. Listening to the power of the love song she felt her eyes fill with tears. Under the warm glow of the lanterns she felt cold and utterly alone. The light from the lanterns made her eyes glisten as it reflected the tears welming in her eyes. Then as she blinked a single warm tear would fall.
 
Sendo

Aftwr buying a few sticks of kebabs and some drinks Sendo would motion to go back to the group. He kept reminding himself over and over that it was okay and Bret was probably a bit late by will eventually pick Rina up. On his way back a tall teenager in a mesmerising white yukata would catch his eye. It took a moment to process who it was and then an extra second to realise that he was with someone. Suddenly the drinks and food would drop to the ground in a mess of meat and soda as Sendo would rush back as fast as he could.

As Sendo approached Rina he would stand next to her under the cherry blossom tree. His breathing was laboured and sweat had already formed on his brows and forehead. Rocking back and forth on his heels and toes Sendo would whistle along with the song then as the song would end he would break the silence. "Umm, hi. Rina right?"
 
HAKO HARUKI

It was a beautiful song, Hako would admit that, she didn't necessarily know all the words, but she knew Isobe probably did. But right away Hako had decided she liked the cover way better than the original.

She looked up at Bret, who said something, but all she saw was his lips moving, it was too loud around her for her to make out anything he was saying, and it was kind of frustrating. A couple seconds passed before he began making his way through the crowd again, leaving Hako to chase after him. She would have grabbed for his sleeve, but he was already pretty far, instead, she kept her eyes glued to the back of his yukata and followed him through the crowd until they finally reached their destination.

Hakos mouth formed a solid 'O' in recognition of the stand, it was the ema stand. Her eyes followed Bret as he asked for two plaques and handed her one, and immediately she felt a headache coming on, prepped from the loud noise of the festival and fueled by this. What would she write? What kind of dream does she have? She wasn't entirely sure, would hoping Akia would finally leave her mother alone count as a prayer? Goddammit.

V vegeta3k
 
Whole hill was enchanted by the song "Robinson" except for Rina. Rina was still standing under the cherry blossom tree. Her tears Did not let up and it continued to roll down her cheeks. she was afraid to start walking.... where would she go? Where did she belong? She had no beacon of light, and no one was waiting for her on the other side, she could only think of her Home. Of course she didn't want to go back to those dark and cold prison walls of her home. Instead maybe she should go to her secret spot when the cover song finished.

The Girls volleyball team was very familiar with Sakura Hill. For training they would always run up and down the big stairs. One time, one of her teammates droped her phone and It fell over the other side of the wooden fence wich protected the edges of the top of the hill. Her teammates would warn her to not worry, but Rina still climbed over the fence to peruse her friends phone. Just a little down from the top through some bushes and shrubs was some tall trees. Under one of the shrubs she found the phone. The area was nice and had a small space for two people to look down at the town below. Also it was a great spot to view the big sky. It was impossible to see the spot from the top inside the safety of the fence so it was a perfect secret spot. Many times she tried to tell Bret about this spot but he was so lazy to climb all the stairs and said it was troublesome.

Rina noticed someone running towards the big stairs. The whole area was filled with love. Couples were walking slowly together and smiling or eating happily together, no one was running so the person stood out. It seemed he was rushing to someone like a knight going to save his princess. 'That girl must be so lucky.' she thought. She couldn't recognized who It was because not much light in this area and Rina's eyes were still watery so her vision was blurred.

The guy would slow down and make his way towards Rina. She could hear him breathing heavy as he took a spot beside her. Rina kept looking forward trying her best to hide her sobs and tears. Why this knight guy standing right next her? 'oh maybe he was looking for someone...?' she thought.

Now, Robinson was finished. Many students around stage could be heard clapping their hands calling for a encore. 'Time to go' she thought, Suddenly she heard a familiar voice. Rina was surprised. Wiping her tears she would look over to the person. "Sendo kun...?" she said. Her tears were still fresh so she tried to avoid his gaze if he looked. He was wearing a dark gray Yukata that had simple vertical lines on it. The Yukata was a bit loose from running and she could see his sweat on his collarbone. His short black hair and brawny arms was a perfect fit with his Yukata and his appearance was like a Samurai from the Edo era. He was not a knight, he was like a samurai who was going to save his Hime.

"It hot tonight" Rina said. When he would look away she would wipe her tears with her forearm pretending it was sweat. She opened her small drawstring porch made with Japanese culture fabric and took a handkerchief. "Here. Don't worry its washed" she said and offered it to him.

Sendo was the vice captain of the boys volleyball club. She knew him well because they usually practiced in the same gym. He was a good player. When Rina played it was using her natural instinct, reflexes, and power to win but she lacked strategy. Sendo was different when he played, he was able to play any position and was a brilliant strategist, he was never on the bench. he also always encouraged his team and always practiced diligently. That's why he was kind of popular with the girls. Rina's teammates always talked about him often.

Sendo and Rina was in the same class these past 2 years but they never talked to each other. They had always played volleyball after school their whole high school life but never shared a word to each other. Rina would turn to face Sendo "are you looking for someone?"
 
when Hako took a Plaque there seemed to be a hint of sadness in her light brown eyes. It reminded him of the night that he had seen her on the roof that night. When he had watched from behind the water tower her eyes were filled with so much sorrow and pain. Did the plaque remind her of somthing bad?

Bret wanted to comfort her but what should he say? He knew Hako as a classmate but outside of that was uncertain territory. Does he dare ask her why she became to like him? She confessed to him that's true but he wondered why out of all the boys in the class did she choose him? He felt out of her league. She was very beautiful but him on the other hand how could he compare himself to her. It was like comparing a gem to a rock.

"Yea pretty cliche huh-" he said sheepishly. taking her side he would look ahead. "Do you believe in time travel?"

lyn. lyn.

Sendo

Sendo knew she had just been crying and instantly he wanted to let her know he was there for her but reality was not the case. Yes it was true that he had feelings for her but did she even feel the same for him? Was he even a blimp on her radar.

Rina would hand him a small hand sized towel. It was clear she had been crying and the concerned part of him wanted to give a hug or extend a hand of comfort. He couldn't bare to see a girl cry but to see the girl he liked shed tears was more then he could bare. As Rina would turn away Sendo would raise a hand to cup her Shoulder in an attempt to comfort her. His hand paused just inches away hesitating just a split second, then with a grimace he would regrettably pull away. "Thank you." He said softly looking down at the small towel in his palm.

Greatfuly Sendo wiped his brow and forehead. The small towel left a sweet smell that Sendo immediately noticed. It smelled like Rina and it was somthing he could distinguish apart from anything else. It was sweet and had a feint refreshing smell of cherry blossoms. He knew this because every time she had walked or ran past him he would not miss it. Her scent smelled like heaven.

When Rina would talk about how hot it was Sendo would agree with a nod. Then she would ask the question if he was looking for someone. Sendo was at a lost of words. He had instinctively just ran here without thinking and now he was into the frying pan without a plan. Quickly somthing played out in his mind within a few seconds. "I'm here for you. Everyone's been worried about you and they sent me to come and get you." Sendo would take her hand. "So what are you waiting for let's go!! Everyones waiting!" taking her hand he would lead her back towards the group.

Cheekymuimui Cheekymuimui
 
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HAKO HARUKI
Sure, she had some dreams, but to her, they were personal, not something she'd like to put on a plaque for everyone to see. She turned her head up to look at Bret as he spoke, and shrugged, looking back down at the plaque. "Its... customary," she spoke, tilting her head slightly before looking back up at Bret, who was facing straight ahead.

She sighed, squinting her eyes and looking up at the sky, she wasn't as tense as before, and it made her feel more comfortable. "I'm more of a... see it before I believe it kind of girl," she paused, "but I guess I believe in the possibility of it." she shrugged again, letting out an audible sigh.

"Why the sudden question?"

V vegeta3k
 
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When Hako sighed he grew slightly concerned. Did he trigger something he shouldn't have?

When Hako would ask the question Bret would gesture her to follow again. "Well I'm not much of a praying or goal setting guy so i was thinking of making a time capsule with you-"

As Bret explained he would lead through the crowd. At first it seemed like he was heading towards the shrine but unexpectedly he would cut a left before the stairs and head through the tall cherry blossom trees and shrubs. The noise and music slowly growing more and more distant.

"For it to work you need to write a letter to the future me using the plaques and then I'll guide you from there."

During his explanation Bret would finally reach a small clearing. The clearing was filled with fire flies the small lights roaming here and there sharing a small warm light here and there. it was an enchanting sight to take.

"See there." He would point to a small capsule a few feet away on the ground. It was a small casing he had prepared earlier and he was glad it was still there.

Reaching into his sleeve he would pull out two markers that he had swiped from the plaque stall. "Don't ask how okay, just take it." Sitting down on the soft grass Bret would start his letter to her.


Dear future Hako-

lyn. lyn. j
 
Sendo would take Rina's hand without hesitation and lead Rina. Its like he was indicating another way for Rina who was clinging to the past, Bret, Aki... When she was by herself, she felt afraid to move away from there, she couldn't find any destination, but now Sendo seemed to guide her so naturally. She was not sure everyone was waiting for her but Sendo did come for Rina, it was enough for her. Only he could see her, Only he could stopped her tears. His big hand was very warm, the heat would wrap around her hand and her heart. Even she felt became her face hot too, because no one took her hand like this before. She was always running after someone but she could never reach them like Bret and Aki. But Sendo took the initiative taking her hand and walking right next her. He was probably doing this because he was in charge of organizing the group activities, but Rina still felt flattered. "Thank you Sendo kun" she said with small voice.

Now finally she joined this enchanted night. Sendo leading her through the street stalls, are lined up on both sides. "Sendo kun look!" suddenly Rina said and she pulled him to the side. There was another side street, it had many pictures pined up on big boards and small lanterns were lit up all around the boards. These were memorial pictures of Sakura hight students. From school entrance ceremony, classroom, lunch brake, school trip, cultural festival, sports festival, each club activities, graduation ceremony.... these were prepared by teachers and juniors, it says if you want some pictures, they can copy from data in laptop just here.

"Do you remember this?" She asked to Sendo as she pointed to a picture with excitement. It was a picture from the Sports festival when they were second year. In the picture,everyone had smiles, and in the center was Sendo and Rina side by side.

They had the sports festival that year and they played in a volleyball competition. Each class chose 6 students to represent the team. That rule was, boys can't spike because the net height is for girls but boys can block. Her class was only 2 volleyball players it was Sendo and Rina. Sendo was in volleyball club, of course he was the first to be chosen, and other boys who played soccer, basketball, and popular boys and girls were chosen. Rina was just sitting in her chair and watching. She was inconspicuous student, shy and quiet, no one wanted her but Sendo. Sendo said to everyone that Rina has to play, she is very good player, if she plays we can win every game. Rina thought "Oh no what Sendo kun saying!" with nervous sweat. Every classmates would not Believe Sendo but Rina was in the volleyball club so she got was able to be a player.

The sports festival day, Sendo toss to Rina and they did any combo even quick attack. Usually if boys came to block, it was difficult to go through the block for girls, but Sendo and Rina did many different attacks, opponents boys couldn't stop them. Even Bret couldn't touch her spike but he was good for practice. They won every game and everyone was surprised. It was the first time Rina shine.

"Sendo kun, your set was amazing! You set to me where I wanted the ball! And, your set was very soft, no spin, it was very...!! .. oh sorry i got too excited.." she said and looked up to Sendo. Usually Rina didn't talk much but she always excited about volleyball. "This was my precious memory. it was completed thanks to you" she said with lively eyes.
 
Sendo

After Robinson a new band would play. The band was a trio and they played a cover for the song "loving life" by the band Funky monkey baby's.



He did it! He did it! He took her hand!!! It was more then he could ever imagine. Her hand was nestled perfectly in his and it was warm against his slightly cold one. Sendo hands and feet were always the first things to get cold and It annoyed him that his body was like this but tonight, he was glad his body was like that because at this moment the warmth of her hand was warming his and he felt it grow from his hand to his whole body like somthing sacred and pure. Holding her hand only lived in his imagination and dreams but now it had finally become a reality. he still couldn't believe that this was happening. It felt like he was stilll in a dream.

The street was crowded so the progress back to the team was slow. Rina would spot somthing along one of he side streets. Following her finger Sendo would see a side street dedicated to the seniors. It was boards and boards lined up next to each with memorable pictures from various events. Rina would lead him to a board that displayed the sports festival. Rina index finger would rest on a familiar picture. It was a picture when they were in second year. How could he not forget this picture? This was one of the rare women's in his life that he could be close to her. His face looked stupid on the photo because it was obvious he was trying to look to the side where Rina was.

That was the day Rinas talents was known. People had always counted her out untill that time thinking she was not very good. But Sendo always knew. All she needed was someone to help her stand in the light. When she stood in the light she was brighter then he could imagine and her play was way more then perfect and she instantly became a hit with everyone. He watched the change from teams not choosing her to teams fighting over who could choose her first. It was a wonderful sight to see. "Yea I remember" he said reminiscing on good times. He remembered very well.

Rina would get excited complimenting on his sets and then apologise for getting to excited. Sendo couldn't help but laugh. "No, no that's what I love about you. Your passion is so pure. Don't be sorry about it."

Spotting another picture he would point at it. "Woww we look so young." It was a photo of him and her in action playing side by side.

Cheekymuimui Cheekymuimui
 
Now, the whole of Sakura Hill was surrounded by the song "Loving life". This song was more up-tempo than Robinson and the atmosphere of Sakura hill became filled with excitement.

He would chuckle then say that's what He loved about her. His words were very touching and Rina felt he was a straightforward man. She knew this because of his attitude in school life or club activity. She felt his hands became a bit cooler than before however Rina's face had become more hotter every time he would say or do something. Rina didn't have any experience with boys except Bret. Sendo was completely different to Bret. If it was Bret, he would usually tease her and never shared what he was thinking about.

Sendo spotted other picture. It was sports festival photo too and this one was Sendo and Rina playing volley ball together. Sendo was positioned in front of the net and giving a signal to Rina for the spike. "Yea, we were so young! See,my hair was more shorter and... oh you get taller now!" she said and looked up to Sendo. He was tall and his body was filled in more than before. She noticed a single Sakura petal on his black short hair. Rina reached out to pluck the sakura petal off but then saddlery someone called out to them.

"Hey! We are taking picture for couples! Anyone interested? It's 300yen!! Oh, Look everyone seems so happy! I didn't know that you guys were dating." the voice was one of the assistant coaches from the volley ball club for men.
The teacher and a few juniors from the volleyball club were managing the pictures and pinning them to the couples board.
 
The many pictures decorating the board held still moments of the past. The smiles, the laughs and enjoyment of each moment was immortalised in one still frame. sendos light brown eyes followed Rina as she pointed out to different photos and commented now and then about it. Like all theses special moments on the wall Sendo wished he could immortalise one moment, it was a special one.

As a kid Sendo lived and breathed volley ball. He had trained and studied the sport in depth and made sure to leave no stone unturned. Well to be honest he really didn't have a choice because it was his fathers dream for him become a pro player. He loved volley ball at first but then it became more and more of a duty as his father tried to relive his glory days through him. It got to him, and he could feel himself burning out with every practise and every game to the point where he was numb and winning or losing didn't matter anymore. it was at this time he would stop coming to practise and games all together but this was not all doom and gloom because this is when he had met Rina.

Out of all the team members Rina was the only person who would visit him concerned he was not coming to practise. She would visit everyday after school and every time he would turn her away. Fed up with it all he would tell Rina to wait at the door and he will come back. Back in his room he would snicker at how stupid the girl was. Did she really think he would come back? She's probably gon to leave in a few knifes when she notices he ain't coming back. But the seconds turned to minutes and the minutes turned to hours. Over and over in his mind he convinced himself that she would be gone but every time he checked she was there. Sendo awoke nice and warm in his bed. When did he fall asleep? Rina took so long to return home that he must of dozed off. With a yawn and a stretch he would check out his window again. As if struck by lightning he would bolt out of his bed. Slamming the fromt door open he would run to Rina who was huddled on the lawn. "Rina-I I" Rina was cold and damp, she was shivering and slightly wet but when she stood and looked up at Sendo she wasn't angry. She wasn't mad. All she had was a warm smile on her face. "I knew you would come back. Sendo San always keeps his promises." Sendo would drop down to his knees. His eyes whelmed with tears. Looking up to Rina he would smile back. "Rina, thank you." After that day it wasn't long untill Bret found out. When he heard she was waiting in the cold Sendo was beaten to an inch of his life. And he deserved every bruise and scrape. But ever since that day he had would never forget her. And he was eternally in her debt.

Sendo would look over to Rina. "If you don't mind. I want to take a picture with you. Is that cool?"
 
HAKO HARUKI

A capsule? Now that was new, she'd always wanted to make one with Isobe but never really got the chance to. She didn't talk as Bret led them through the crowd, although she almost lost him a few times, it was kind of irritating but complaining would do her no good. Yet, she felt the urge to grab onto his sleeve again when he unexpectedly turned, it'd make getting around a lot easier.

Once they reached their destination, Hako took a moment to take it all in. It was beautiful, and Hako wished she had known of this area a long time ago. It was calming to her, yet even if she did know about this place, she'd still probably go to that stupid school roof.

Hako wasn't usually quiet, so it felt a little off when she found herself silent for more than five minutes. But she honestly had nothing to say, what could she do? She drew her eyes to the capsule Bret had pointed at and then to the marker he handed her. Bret sat down and started writing, and Hako copied his movements in sitting on the grass but didn't start writing right away.

Hako never really thought about her future, mostly because she wasn't exactly sure what she wanted to do. She had always focused on what was currently happening and was mostly distracted, and whenever she found herself thinking about her future she'd get a headache. She may have been a positive person on the outside, but inside, when it comes her herself, it's always negative. She wasn't capable of anything for her future, she was probably gonna end up mooching off her mother till she kicks her out.

Hako bit her lip and twisted the cap off the marker, she wrote down the words "Dear future Bret," before pausing, what the hell was she gonna write about?

V vegeta3k
 
Bret stared at the a three words "Dear future Hako" written on the plaque for a long 10min. It wasn't that he didn't know what to say but he didn't know where to start. This wasn't like the letter to Isobe, this was different. Well there was the fact that if he made a mistake he couldn't start over. but that wasnt the case, the case was he felt uncertain where he stood with her right now. Why did he feel so confused right now. Shouldn't I be plain and simple? Slowly Bret would sneak a peek over his shoulder at Hako. Fireflies danced around her sharing little glimpses of light over her fair delicate face. He stared momentarily and in that short period he felt a sense of peace come over him clearing his mind. He knew what he needed to do. Turning his head back around Bret would reach into the inside pocket of his Yukata and pull out the button. Secretly he would keep it close. He was ready to write.

Dear future Hako

Hey sup how are you? Has it really been two years? I wonder how much you have matured now? Probably not much plus your chest as well is probably flat as ever hahaha. If your reading this that means you kept your promise and have come back after two years. By now you probably know that I havent come to meet you here....I'm sorry but I intended to break that promise from the very beginning.

I was expelled today.....and principle Hiro has made sure that no other schools will accept me in our prefecture. This has forced me and my mother to move far away from here and I believe I will be leaving the day after the fireworks festival. My mother has already found a job and new home for us so that's cool right. Also good news my mother has finally kicked out my father and has issued a restraining order on him so I think things are looking up.

Everything seems to be moving forward and I think I will be happy......

Future Hako....I-I really wanted to hold your hand tonight. Do you hate me for not leading you by the hand? Ever since we met on the temple stairs it was all I could think about. It was all I ever wanted. I wanted to feel the warmth of your touch. The softness of your hand against mine. It was somthing I have wished for ever since I was a junior. Tonight Instead of leading the way through the crowd to the fireflies I wanted to go together hand in hand and side by side with you. Together as one.

Future Hako it hurts...it hurts because only I know after this night we will never see each other again. There's so much I want to share, so much I want to say and so much I want to know. Oh god, looking at the time now we only have 4 hours left together....it's not fair. It's not fair.....four hours is not enough time. I Need more time...

I have saved my fourth button for you...but now I know it will never reach your heart as I have decided to leave it in the future. It's two years late but I just wanted you to know that I accepted your confession and that this button is my heart to you. I pray to god that we meet one day and maybe one day, just one day you can return my heart to me.

From the past

Bret

Standing to his feet Bret would walk over to the capsule: opening it he would check over his shoulder to make sure Hako was not looking before adding the button inside. Once the button was inside the capsule he would place the plaque over it to hide it. Now all that was left was for Hako to finish.

lyn. lyn.
 
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*****
How many times did Rina push the door bell. ".... I'm busy right now." Was the words Sendo would always say before shutting the front door. When summer was came, Sendo stopped coming to practice. Every day after school, she would visit Sendo.. On one of her visits to his home she found a box stashed in the rubbish area near his home. Inside was Sendos volley uniform, training suit and shoes. 'Sendo-...' she thought. And scooping the box in her small arms she would head home.
That night she would unpack the box in her room. "What the hell is that it stinks!! Mann you gotta wash your clothes Rina...goodd damm." Bret said stuffing his face with pasta. "It' not mine!" She pouted. Taking out the shirt she would raise it in the air with a smile. So this was the famous number four shirt. Now all that was needed to do was wash it.

By October, no one from the team visited him anymore except Rina. When she visited she always brought his volleyball stuff inside a big gym bag. One day Sendo would actually come out. "Okay, okay, ill get ready, just... wait here okay." Sendo would say. Hearing those words made Rina excited and she did as he said waiting out on his lawn. 10 minutes.... 40 minutes... 1 hour..... 3 hour... 5 hours ...Sendo never came out but Rina still believed in him. Sendo always kept his word. Night had fallen and a cold wind blew, Holding the bag tight in both arms she would hug it close to her. She reminded herself over and over he would never lie
to her. She knew he was coming, because she knows he loved volleyball like her. In the darkness, she thought back to the day that she met Sendo for the first time.

When she was junior high student, she went to watch the boy's game. Rina saw a boy who from other junior high. His team was behind on points and it looks like most of the team lacked morale except for the boy wearing No.4. He was the only one chasing the ball. He never gave up. His eyes Was filled with determination and he led by example encouraging his team. It really left an impression On Rina. Clenching her fist, she watched. The boy's teammate received the ball but it was slightly off so the ball bounced away in another direction. It seems impossible to chase the ball but the boy wearing No.4 still dove for it. No4 was able to save the ball for the team but in the process crushed into the chairs beside the court. He had cuts inside his mouth and on his forehead from the tumble. Worried that he would sustain more injuries during the game the coach would pull him from the game. Before long the game finished with No4 team losing.

Walking outsude of the gym, Bret would call out to Rina from the shoe box area. "Hey, is it finish? Let's go then." He said while eating melon pun. Rina ran up to Bret. "why are you always eating!... oh I forgot my bag somewhere" Rina would gasp. "Hurry
up man. Stop wasting time it's nearly dinner." He said munching away. She wondered where her bag might be. Maybe it was behind the gym where the Sakura tree was, because she usually ate lunch under the tree with Bret.

There was a Sakura tree around the back of the gym. She found her bag under the tree and walked over to it. When she grabbed her bag, she noticed someone also standing near the tree. He was relaxing against it lookng out in the opposite direction by himself. The boy noticed someone came close to him and he turned to Rina. Rina couldn't say anything. It was No.4. He was still bleeding from his mouth and forehead but he didn't seem to care and his eyes were puffy from crying. Sakura petals were falling around them. She could see a few sakura petal on his short black hair. Tears immediately welled up in Rina's eyes. She pulled a small towel from inside her bag and she gave it to him then she past him and started to run back to Bret. Behind her she could hear number 4 team mates call after him. "Hey Sendo, let go!"


suddenly the front door was smash open and Sendo came out. "Rina thank you." His eyes whelmed with tears. Rina smiled and gave the bag to him. After that day, Sendo came to practice everyday and he had the same determination in his eyes like before. Rina and Sendo, didn't really exchange conversations but they always play volleyball next each other and it was a connection stronger than words.
*****

The song still surrounded the festival night.
"This love, just one love, that I have for you is going crazy in my heart,cherry blossoms are blooming, flowers called “you”"

Sendo asked Rina to take picture together. With slightly red cheeks, Rina nodded to Sendo. Rina gently plucked sakura petal from his hair and smiled to him.
 
Sendo

When Rina would take the petal from his jet black hair he would give a sheepish smile. "Aha, thankes.." Before he could say a word the juniors would approach them and urge for them to take a picture together. Looking over to Rina Sendo would raise a brow. "Okay let's do it." Taking her hand once again he would follow the two juniors.

The juniors taking the pictures would usher Rina and Sendo between two Sakura trees. Both trees seemed to have blossomed a beautiful pink, and it's branches stretched out like hands reaching for the night sky. every time a small wind passed through the trees sakura petals would gently float its way to the ground. Taking his spot beside Rina he would give a peace pose. "Can you guys get closer!" One junior would call out then gesture with his hands for them to move in.

Sendo inched closer to Rina and now there shoulders were touching. He was very aware of it and he could feel his heart rate pacing. This was very different compared to holding her hand. but why? They were just brushing shoulders. lots of people do that in photos....but why was he so uncomfortable? He felt tense, and was paranoid if he was leaning into her too much. His heart was on panic mode and his mind was not thinking straight. It was because this feeling, this feeling swelling inside was somthing he had never felt before. This was love.

This was the last night of high school and he had to play all his cards on the table. Giving himself a moment, he would throw an arm over Rinas shoulders and throw a peace sign with both hands. With a countdown the junior with the camera would give a thumbs up and take the picture. At that moment of time this moment between the Sakura trees was frozen in time. It was a memory he would never forget.
 

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