“You have 5 new messages”

The female voice of her answering machine announces as she came in with the final box of her stuff. She had already finished unloading some of her stuff to her new home in Tokyo.

It was just a few hours when she last saw her parents but her mother already flooded her voicemail with lots of messages. After carrying the last box, she took a break and drop herself on the bed. She noticed that it was already dark outside her window, no wonder her mother sent her so many messages. She did promise to call once she’s done the unpacking. She sighed deeply, then it finally sinks in, she had truly started the first night of her life alone.

Tomorrow will be her first day as a college student. Going to university and becoming a college student made her feel both nervous and excited. Her mind was occupied with things that she wanted to try as soon as the class starts and making a lot of new friends… the word ‘friend’ echoed in her mind like there was a deep dark hole inside it. Realizing that she lost something, that there was a part of her that she could never bring back made her tremble in fear. Behind those cheerful smile, is a girl whose face is unfamiliar to the current her. Another person, who was a few years ago.

Her thoughts became cloudy, unclear, like a video in black and white playing in a static way. This happens every time she remembered something in the past, the process was painful like her brain was being torn apart. The throbbing pain filling her head works as a warning sign for her to stop remembering the past. Slowly, the pain disappeared as she fights off the old memories flashing in her head.

Ryo got out of bed, bullets of sweat formed on both sides of her face and she was gasping for air as if she had run a marathon. It was the second time that it happened. The first time she tried to remember was at the hospital when she learned that she had amnesia. The first time was much more horrible than it was today, she even lost consciousness because of the sharp pain she felt.

Ryo shakes her head slightly and went to the kitchen to drink some pain killers since the pain didn’t completely disappear at all. As she returned to her room, she got a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror. In that mirror, she was a beautiful lady with long and curly leaf-brown hair. She had a shapely figure like most girls of her age and had a pearl white complexion. She moves a bit closer to the mirror and notices those emerald orbs that were the same as her mother’s eyes. It was hard to believe that the girl in the mirror was her, the girl that was lost years ago. 

Mori Ryo, that’s the name given to her by her parents but even that name was unfamiliar to her own ears.

Her lips stretch in a tight smile then she heads back to bed to get some rest. Tomorrow will definitely be a new beginning for her.

***

A snowstorm of cherry blossom petals from the clear blue sky danced around frantically, as she made her way to the university entrance ceremony. Everything was new to her and the scene looked like something from a painting. She remembered the TV show that she watched before about students entering the university while Cherry blossoms dancing in the air on an April sky. A lot of students began to gather for the opening ceremonies to be held at the Auditorium which is located amongst a number of old gray office buildings.

A constant stream of different faces passed before her eyes. She is on her way to the Auditorium to attend the entrance ceremony. As she walks by, she notices different men and women wearing brand new clothes, shoes, bags and bright smiles breaking out all over the place. It looked more like a festival rather than an opening ceremony. Ryo felt a sudden urge to be apart of this happy scene like everyone else but fitting in wasn’t easy, especially if you're the only one who is entirely alone.

She stood still at the entrance of the Auditorium, the place was noisy all the time from people talking. It was because everybody else had somebody to talk to. If they’d come up from affiliated high school, they’d already formed groups of friends, guys, and girls together, and if not, they were usually seated with their parents.

‘But parents aren’t allowed to go to college entrance ceremonies!’ she thought to herself. Without realizing it, she was already shrinking away from the people in front of her. Being afraid and hiding was not the reason why she decided to leave home and go to college - she wanted to change and live a new life!

From where she stood, she took a deep breath and gather all her courage. As she took a step, a strong force collides with hers making her fall down the floor.

With just one blow, all the courage she gathered fell down with her. Things aren’t looking good and now it got worse by bumping into someone. Ryo kept her head down, not wanting to meet those eyes that were now glued to her. She wanted to jump up and run away from the spotlight yet her legs were trembling that it can’t even move.

“Hey, can you stand up?”

The embarrassment she felt lessen as soon as she saw a hand offering for help. Ryo didn’t think twice and accepted it.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to bump into you.”

A man with jet black hair spoke to her. It was the first time she saw a man’s face that close. His charcoal grey eyes match well with his jet black hair and somehow it looked… familiar? Somehow she could gentleness in his eyes and that gentleness made her feel at ease. 

“Are you okay?”

The man asked since she didn’t respond.

“Y-Yes, I’m fine. Sorry for troubling you.”

She stuttered in embarrassment then take her hand back. Ryo wanted to say a few words but decided not to and just take her leave.

***

She found herself sitting on the corner of the cafe located inside the university. She didn't have the chance to attend the opening ceremony since she was too embarrassed to go back inside the Auditorium.

The juice that she ordered earlier was almost finished yet she hasn't decided on where to go next. She sighed heavily and looked at her registration paper. She had read it so many times but there are no details about where to go for her first class. She can't even ask someone for help since she doesn't know anyone at school. As the minute passes by, the more hopeless she felt. Ryo was sure that her life would be different once the school starts but she ended up hopeless again as if she was back to the day she woke up in the hospital and not remembering anything at all.

'I...should have stayed home.' she told herself.

By the time she realizes it, the likely-to-be-important orientation was already over. With no idea where to go, she stood under an old cherry blossom tree at the back of the grey building. Her thoughts began to argue inside her head and if she doesn’t make up her mind the day will end without her not accomplishing anything.

‘What the heck? What am I supposed to do?’ she screamed inside her head.

What an idiot.

Her gaze up, seeing the pink blossoms made her calm. It was a calming scenery. As she gazed longer, a strong wind blew towards her direction and send hundreds of petals flying. A different image came into view, behind those blooming cherry blossom was a man sleeping soundly. Suddenly, she felt her chest tightened. The man had tousled dark brown hair, which was thick and lustrous. He had dark eyebrows, which sloped upward, showing his calm state. Her eyes went down his lips, she had never seen a guy with pinkish lips before. It had the same shade as the cherry blossom.

She blinks many times.

‘A-Am I seeing an angel?’ she asked herself as she admires the man’s beauty even more.

An odd feeling began to rise from the depths of her mind, she thought of raising her hands and brushing her fingers against his dark brown hair and imagined how it would feel but of course, she doesn’t have any courage to do so.

Another wind blew to their direction, she thought that his eyebrows move so her legs began to retreat. Ryo took a step backward, one after another while her eyes remained at the sleeping man on top of the cherry blossom tree. She was standing a few steps away when suddenly she stepped on something hard and she found herself falling down the ground. Ryo felt a strand of pain from her bottom, it was still hurting from her first fall now she has fallen again.

“Hey, I can see your undies.”

Her eyes grew larger as she heard a deep voice. Her emerald eyes began moving upward going to the man’s location. She was right, the guy who was asleep earlier is now fully awake and staring at her. His eyes were a mesmerizing deep ocean blue, flecks of silvery light performed ballets throughout. His perfect lips now curved in a mischievous way.

“You aren’t very attractive with those character undies.”

“C-Character… u-undies…”

Then it hit her like a bullet train, she was sitting down on the ground while wearing a skirt. She sprang up from the ground with her face blushing red as a ripe tomato.

“P-Pervert!”

The guy seems to enjoy that redness flooding her face.

“Geez. I’m not interested in childish stuff.”

“W-What did you say?!”

Somehow the embarrassment that she felt turned into anger. She has never felt angry before ever since she lost her memories. Ryo regrets thinking that this guy was an angel from the beginning, he was more of a stupid *sshole.

“You… apologize now!”

The man burst into laughter.

“Apologize? Why would I? I didn’t ask you to show that to me. I was merely taking a nap here. Now, get going. You’re disturbing my nap.”

The anger that she was feeling suddenly explode like an angry volcano, this guy isn’t only a pervert but also a stubborn idiot. Having forgotten her embarrassment for the moment, she made her way closer to the guy laying over the cherry blossom tree.

A loud sound coming from the girl suddenly vanished and he clearly thought that she runs off somewhere. The guy closes his eyes and slowly drift to sleep. He wanted to escape the crowd so bad since he's not comfortable when there are too many annoying people following him everywhere. The cold breeze was making him even more sleepy.

“Heeeeeey!”

His eyes immediately opened. He was sure that the annoying woman was gone yet he was hearing her voice again. He sits up and gazes down and to his surprise, the woman was there -- climbing up the tree and doing her best to reach him. The look on her face made him smile, it was funny yet he could clearly see that she was doing her best.

‘What an interesting woman…’ he thought.

Stretching out one of her hand, Ryo the next branch near her face. This was the first time that she climbs up the tree and it made her stupid. She was feeling mad earlier then all of a sudden, she found herself climbing up to him. She was far from the ground now and slowly her hands were already trembling as she grabs the branches.

“Hey, what do you think you’re doing?”

“C-Climbing. I-I’ll make you apologize.”

“Get down! Clearly, you don’t even know how to climb a tree.”

Ryo sticks her body closer to the trunk of the tree. He was right, she should go down now if only she knows how to. She swallowed hard, then look up to his face. She wanted to cry and ask for his help but her throat was all dry and not a single sound coming out.

The guy sighed deeply. It was so easy to tell that she was about to cry.

‘Shit! What a troublesome woman…’ he thought as he slightly scratches the back of his head.

“Alright, stop moving! I’ll help you.”

She could feel from his voice that he was annoyed but she was glad that the man has the heart to help her. He stretches out one of his hands to pull her up. Ryo immediately grabbed it but as the guy was about to pull her up, the branch that Ryo was standing from snapped and she loses her balance.

Both of them screamed as they fell down to the ground. Ryo kept her eyes closed, waiting for the pain that would arise from her body. Falling from that high, surely she would end up having brushes and body aches. 

“Hey, woman! Would you get off me?!”

“Eh?”

As she opened her eyes, she was greeted by the guy's face. So she landed on this guy, no wonder she wasn’t feeling any pain.

“Get off!”

She moves away from him, making sure that there’s a safe distance between them. She watches carefully as the man sat up. Her eyes slowly surveyed his body, looking for bruises or wounds caused by the fall. As the man sat up, one of his hands gently rubbed his back down to his lower back.

“D-Does it hurt?”

His ocean blue eyes darted at her. ‘Of course, it hurts! What a stupid question.’ she nagged herself.

“I’m so-sorry. It was my fault that you fell too and… thank you for saving me.”

His eyes were glued on her face. She was looking downwards as her cheeks slowly turned red. If it wasn’t for the fact that she’s enrolled at the university, he might have thought that she’s in High school. He looked in another direction.

“Whatever.”

Their eyes didn’t meet again. The guy didn’t say a word anymore and walked away. Ryo remains sitting on the ground while her eyes followed the guy as he disappeared behind the grey building. 

***

On her second day, she manages to get a copy of her schedule. After the first period, Ryo decided to stay at the cafeteria and get something to eat. She wanted to come to school earlier and miss breakfast.

She got herself some fruits and an egg sandwich then took them at the table located at the very far corner of the cafeteria. Ryo brought a whole blue-capped bottle of Ajishio with herself, which was at the right hand. In her left, an egg sandwich. Before she starts munching on her sandwich, she took out her schedule and check what subjects she’ll have for the entire day.

Ryo didn’t notice that someone was approaching her.

“Hi.”

She looked up, surprised with the sandwich stuck on her mouth. She blinks twice thinking if she was imagining things. The girl smiled at her and sat in the chair across the table.

“You’re Mori Ryo, right? My name is Nishimura… Nishimura Airi. We’re in the same class, I’m from the Business Management Department too.”

Ryo dropped her sandwich on the table and bow her head to show formalities. 

"N-Nice to meet you, Nishimura-san."

"Hahaha. No need to be formal. You can call me Airi."

Her emerald eyes sparkled in delight. Airi was her first friend in the University and also her classmate.

“Is that your breakfast?”

“Yeah. I went to school early and miss breakfast.”

“I see. I didn’t see you at the entrance ceremony yesterday so I was surprised to see in class this morning.”

“Yeah, I didn’t make it yesterday.”

She couldn’t say that she was too embarrassed to step back at the auditorium after that scene she made and not to mention meeting a pervert man afterwards.

“Oh yeah! Have you decided on what club you would join this year?”

“C-Club?”

“Oh, right. It was discussed over the entrance ceremony. I think they’ll start recruiting for freshmen by next week.”

Ryo looked down at her sandwich. She was never in a club before, not that she can remember being in a club. She stared at Airi, who was busy eating the food that she brought when approaching her.

‘I wonder what club will Airi join? M-Maybe I should ask her at least then I might get an idea. Yes, that’s right. I’ll ask her.’ she thought.

“A-Airi, wha-what club will you be joining?”

“Hmm… not sure yet, how ‘bout you, Ryo?”

Ryo was surprised. So she wasn’t the only one who hasn’t made up their minds about which club to join. She felt somehow relieved. She shakes her head.

“I’m not sure too.”

“Really?! That’s great! Then let’s choose together.”

Ryo was startled at first but then with such a warm smile, the surprise feeling went away and turned into something calming and warm. She thought that maybe this is what it felt to have a friend.

After they finish breakfast, they went to their next class. Sport Science was the most popular easy-credit course, and all the students were filing into the classroom. The seats were filling steadily from the back. Ryo and Airi sat in the middle part, just enough view the front and see the lectures at the board.

The lecture was about to start, another one came in and sat at the empty seat just below Ryo. As that last person sits, her eyes caught that familiar dark brown strands. Shock crossed her face, her eyebrows rose in surprise and her emerald eyes went round.

‘I-It’s him!’

A sudden chill runs through her spine. Ryo wanted to shrink from her seat or even run out of the classroom. Of all the students that she can be her classmate, why him?

Airi notices the sudden change in Ryo’s expression then saw that she was staring at the guy sitting in front of her. Airi leaned closer to her and begin whispering in her ears.

“Do you like him?”

Her eyebrows rose in surprise.

“Eh?”

Airi tittered at her reaction. She was purely innocent.

“I’m just kidding. It just that you’ve been staring at him for a while now.”

Ryo feels guilty. She has been staring at the guy since he came in and it’s not polite to stare at people you don’t know.

“I… It wasn’t on purpose.”

“Don’t worry. I guess every girl would stop and stare at him. The guy’s a complete hottie.”

Ryo’s whole face turned completely red.

“I-I… It’s not like that. Besides, I don’t even know him.”

“WHA--”

It was a good thing that Ryo was able to cover Airi’s mouth on time or else the whole class would be disturbed by her loud voice.

“Airi, you almost shouted.”

“I’m sorry. I was too shocked.”

Ryo wanted to ask her why she overreacted but it would be safe to continue the conversation after class.

***

“Honestly, you don’t know that guy’s name?”

“No. I honestly don’t.”

Airi signed in defeat and sits down her chair.

“I never imagine there will be a person that doesn’t know Fujiwara-san.”

“Fujiwara?”

“Yes, his name is Fujiwara Souma.”

The name sounds familiar but Ryo wasn’t sure about where she heard it from. Airi waited patiently but there’s no trace on her face that she got any idea so she gave up after a few seconds.

“Fujiwara Souma is the son of the Head of the Fujiwara Group, Fujiwara Akihiro.”

“Oh.”

Ryo has heard of that name before, it was on the news. Fujiwara Group was one of the largest entertainment companies  in Japan. She didn’t think that such a rich person would attend an average university like theirs. On that entire day, Airi continued telling stories about Fujiwara Souma. Fortunately, the two of them are from the same high school so she knew a lot about him and she mentioned that a lot of girls are after him. Even though Fujiwara-san is famous, she doesn’t want to get involved with him in the future.

* * *

That day, Ryo got home really late since Airi took her in one of the coffee shops in town. They had a long girly chat and try out a few drinks. It was a lot of fun that she didn’t notice that it was getting dark.

She got inside her apartment and change into more comfortable clothes. She was in the kitchen when her phone started ringing. It was a call from her mother.

“Hi, Mom.”

“Honey, how was your first day at school? Did you have any trouble?”

“It’s fine, Mom. Actually, I already made friends.”

Then she remembered Airi, the guy that she bumped into the auditorium and Fujiwara Souma.

“That’s great, honey! Your dad and I missed you so much.”

Ryo was aware of how lonely her mother is right now. From the beginning, she was against her going to Tokyo and living there alone but she manages to convince her in the end.

“I miss you both. I promise to visit you in my free time.”

“By the way, your father sent you another box. Have you received it yet?”

“No. It’s not here. I’ll go check with the landlady if it's there.”

“Alright. Call us soon. Take care, honey.”

“Take care. Tell dad that I miss him too. Bye.”

In just a few minutes she felt that she was home and now as they line got cut off she was alone again. Leaving him was never easy but she knew staying there won’t do any good too. Her new home now was this apartment. It’s a small fifty square meter room with a wooden floor. Not new construction, but relatively new. It has a small kitchen, bathroom and living room with one bedroom on the other side.

Ryo decided to head out to check the package at the landlady unit when suddenly she heard a loud knock on her door. As she opened it, she was greeted with a large cardboard box. She saw a white paper on the box with her name on it.

‘This must be the box that father sent.’ she thought.

“Thank you for--”

She couldn’t finish what she was about to say. The person carrying the cardboard dropped it on the floor.

“You must be Mori-san. Eh?”

“You?!”

They both sat at the stool chair in the combined kitchen and living room. Bullets of sweat start to form on the corner of her face, it was as if she was being interrogated by cops. Her nervousness worsens as she felt his deadly gaze at her. If only she could disappear in front of him like magic or if the floor would open up and swallowed her whole just to avoid this… guy. Her plans to escape were interrupted when she heard him cleared his throat.

“Just to make clear, you’re not following me are you?”

Her eyebrows raised in disbelief.

“No! Of course not! Who would follow a pervert like you?!”

Ryo saw him frown and she responded by covering her mouth with her hands as if she said the forbidden word. After hearing his answer, Souma stood from his seat and walked towards the door. Ryo copied him and followed him to the door.

“Wait! I’m so--.”

“Just don’t tell anyone I live here.”

“O-Okay.”

She wanted to know why he was keeping it a secret but didn’t bother, the question seemed inappropriate for someone who’s not related to him. Souma was almost at the door when Ryo stopped him.

“Wait. W-Would you like to have dinner?”

Souma stared at her with his deep blue eyes. The suspicion on his face was too obvious that it made her want to retreat.

“D-Don’t misunderstand. It just a small thanks for saving me the other day and for bringing the box. T-That’s all.”

Ryo’s face turned red as he gazed at her more. Maybe it was a mistake to offer him dinner.

“I’ll take your offer next time. Thanks”

Souma smiled at her and waved goodbye. Ryo stood still in the entry hall after Souma left. Somehow, she saw a different side of Souma. The first time they met, she thought he was nothing but a mischievous pervert and earlier he was serious and cold but now he was a bit friendly. Then she remembers her long chat with Nishimura Airi.

“Souma doesn’t want to be around people so much. When we were in High School, I rarely see him with anyone except his friend…”

“Maybe...that’s the reason why he wants to keep it a secret.”

* * *

Ryo caught sight of Nishimura Airi in front of a club recruiting booth in the first-floor lobby.

It was after the fourth period, moreover on Friday, and many large groups of people were streaming to club welcome parties for new members. All the booths that were nothing more but long tables lined up, were getting a lot of traffic. It was already almost impossible to see where one club started and another ended. The lobby was jammed with students from all college years mixed together in great turmoil. As they were distractedly walking and chattering, some girls stepped on Ryo’s feet. She shouted in pain. When she looked back, they weren’t there. It was so deafeningly noisy in that confusion, that Ryo’s voice sounded like a whisper.

Airi saw her getting swallowed by the crowd and decided to take her out of there.

“Thanks for helping me, Airi-chan.”

“Crazy huh?”

“Yeah. Who knew club recruiting can be that scary?”

“Oh, have you decided on what club to join?”

She shakes her head hopelessly. Airi took a piece of paper from her handbag and showed it to Ryo. It was a flyer from the Film Club.

“You...want to join the Film Club?”

“Yes, I’ve always dreamed of becoming a filmmaker.”

Airi’s eyes sparkled as she talks more about her interest in filmmaking. In some way, she feels envy towards a person who remembered their ambition from when they were young while she can only remember her present. She didn’t notice that she was showing a dark expression on her face.

“Ryo, are you okay?”

“Y-Yeah. I’m just worried that I might not find a club to join.”

“Why don’t you join the film club with me? That would be awesome! We can go to club activities together and have fun.”

“I...I don’t know.”

“Well, you can change your club once you find something that interests you.”

Airi looked at her with pleading eyes and Ryo doesn't have the heart to reject her so she ended up joining the Film Club. After they completed the forms for the registration, they went to the club room to pass their registration forms.

Upon opening the door of the room, an exploding sound and falling confetti greeted them. They were both surprised with such a warm welcome from the seniors. A guy approach them at the entrance, he was a few inches taller than Ryo and Airi and wearing a green sweater. To Ryo's surprise, it was the guy she bumped into during the entrance ceremony. Even though, this was their second meeting, she can still distinguish that kindness and warmth from his amber colored eyes.

"Welcome to the Film Club, freshmen."

"Thank you senpai!" 

Airi was the only one who responded with so much anticipation then the man's eyes turned to Ryo.

"Hi, it's nice to see you again."

Airi thought her eyes would pop out when the guy suddenly asked Ryo. Ryo was caught off guard and gasped for a word to answer him. 

"Ah… yea… I-It's nice s-seeing you."

"Ryo and senpai knew each other?" 

Ryo gasped from Airi's question.

"No. We just met at the entrance ceremony."

"E-Entrance ceremony?" 

"I'll explain later."

Ryo mumbled and Airi winked at her in response. She could feel her cheeks heating up as they all look at them. She didn't expect to see that person again but she was glad that she did. The guy from behind him came closer  and leaned against him as if they were buddies. 

"You're teasing the new recruits, Akira. Let me introduce myself first, my name is Endo, Daichi. I'm the president of the Film Club and this is Kaneko, Akira. He's the Vice-Pres."

Her eyes twinkled as she learned the name of the guy she bumped into. Somehow, Akira was giving her a calm feeling that she can't explain as if she knew him before she had lost her memories.

"Come on, I'll introduce you to the other members."

They didn't notice that there are other students inside the club room. The other members greeted them in unison as if they practice it so many times. Ryo's eyes wander around but ended up noticing Akira again. Somehow she can't keep her eyes off him. He was such a warm person that everyone around him can't stop smiling and enjoying his company.

"Enjoying the view, huh?"

Ryo was startled when someone whispered through her ear. She turned her face to see who it was and saw Souma's face.

"F-Fujiwara-san?"

The red blush on her cheeks disappeared as soon as she saw his face.

"What kind of face is that?" 

"Y-You're a member too?"

Before Souma could answer, Akira cut in between them putting an arm around Souma's shoulder.

"So nice of you getting along with the new recruit. Don't worry, Mori-san. Souma's a nice guy."

Ryo forced a smile. She can clearly see Souma's irritated face. Then she recalls the person Airi was talking about, the person that's close to Souma.

'I see. He must be Fujiwara-san best friend.' she thought as she watched them. With Akira around, Souma looked like a different person. He was more normal and the usual cold surrounding him disappeared.

Akira returned to the group who he was talking to earlier and left Souma and Ryo in the corner. Ryo ended up being alone since Airi was so interested with the Film making activities.

"So… you're interested in Filmmaking?" 

Ryo's eyes widened, she didn't expect Souma to have a conversation with her. 

"N-- To be honest, No."

She gazed at the other members who were enjoying themselves as they share their interest with everyone. Ryo's eyebrows draw together.

"It sure is nice to have something to share to other people."

Souma noticed that sad expression on her face or rather there was a slight hint of envy.

"Then why don't you share something with them…"

She chuckled sarcastically.

"What can I share? I know nothing about filmmaking. I have no club to join so I just tag along with Airi."

He smirked.

"Same here. I don't have the slightest knowledge about film making."

"Ehh… then why were you here?"

His eyes narrowed as he looked at Akira's face. Ryo waited for his response and notice that he was looking at someone so she followed his eyes and the answer hits here.

"I see. I guess we're both stuck here for a while."

They both sighed at the same time. 

***

It was almost evening when Ryo arrive at her apartment. The quiet environment drained the energy out of her body so instead of having dinner maybe she'll just go to bed early. She slammed her tired body on her bed, facing her flower bed sheet. During the club hours, she ended up talking to Souma and unexpectedly she found it comfortable.

She was completely confused about his true identity. Sometimes he' s cold then arrogant and then friendly. All of the sudden, her mind was filled with Souma. She buried her face against her bed sheet. 

'No. I have to be careful around that guy. He's a sneaky fox.' she reminded herself. 

***

After fourth period, Ryo went to the library to borrow some books. Even though it's only the second week since the class started, they already have so much homework and exams. As she handed out her ID at the counter, she proceed to the business section to get the books that she needs. She took all the books that she thought would be useful and didn't notice that they were already piling up on her hand. She puts the last book that she wants to borrow and was about to return to the counter to have them registered under her name when suddenly the books fell one by one.

She panicked and bent down to gather them again.

"Doing some research?" 

She saw a man leaning towards her. His ebony black eyes gaze at her that she was able to see herself reflecting on it.

"K-Kaneko-senpai!"

His lips curved in a short smile. 

"Just call me Akira. Since we're in the same club."

Ryo's heart went overdrive. She couldn't understand why her heart behave this way. She tried her best to fight the blush from showing over her cheeks but it was difficult especially when Akira was smiling at her. Akira gave her the books that he picked himself. 

"T-Thank you, A-Akira-senpai."

"Don't mention it. I gotta go. See you at the club."

Akira ran off towards the library entrance where two girls were waiting for him. By the looks of those girls, they seem to admire Akira like Ryo does. Her eyes grew larger when one of the girls wrap her hands around one of his arms as if they’re intimate. She suddenly felt a sharp blow in her chest, that it made her confused. Her face becomes distorted because of the mixed emotions that were occupying her mind.

"D-Do I like Akira-senpai that much?"

She murmured in confusion since all the emotions that she felt were so foreign to her. While Ryo was distracted, Akira and the two girls disappeared from the library entrance and she felt relief since that scene was making her uncomfortable. She was relieved that no one was around to hear her at that time.

"So you like Akira, huh?" 

Her whole body froze as she heard a voice coming from behind her. Her hands that were holding the books starts to tremble in fear. This was the consequence of saying your thoughts out loud. Her heart that's pounding with excitement turned into fear like it's about to jump out of her chest. Her knees seems to wobble like jelly and tiny sweat forming on the corner of her face. Ryo tried her best to control her fear and slowly turned her face to see who it was.

Souma greeted her with a playful smile on his face.

"F-Fujiwara-san! What a coincidence."

Souma's faced returned to his usual indifferent look while Ryo was trying her best to flash him a smile.

"Are you here to borrow books as well?" 

Souma didn't answer her but instead he glared at her with suspicious eyes. For the second time, Ryo felt like being cornered by a cop. Ryo retained that fake smile on her face for a few minutes until Souma let her off the hook. He didn't bother asking about Akira and left the library without boring a single book.

She took the books at the counter for registration. While waiting, she thought about what happened a few minutes ago and let out a heavy sigh.