The long-awaited school bell finally rang. Its ringing echoed throughout the building, as if it was a sign of freedom for the students.
Then the most surprising thing happened — the teacher standing in front of the class said in a serious tone:
"Students, please remember. All of this homework will be collected next week. Don't forget!."
Several students sighed, including Sakura. She looked down at her book tiredly.
"Why is there always a pile of homework at the end of the week?" she thought as she packed her study supplies into her bag. But a cheerful voice calling her name stopped her.
"Hi~ Sakura."
Sakura turned her head. There she is, Fukamizu as usual was standing with a big smile on her face. Her attitude was relaxed, and she always looked like she never had any burdens in life.
"Hmm?… What?" Sakura answered in a flat tone, but there was a slight smile on her lips.
"Let's go home together."
Sakura nodded. "Oh… Okay."
They walked across the small path beside the school. The sky slowly turned golden orange, indicating that the day was almost night.
"Tell me… Sakura, do you want to go to the mall with me now?" Fukamizu asked suddenly, making Sakura stop walk a little.
"Huh? That's sudden… Why do you want to go to the mall?" she asked, frowning.
Fukamizu smiled, her eyes looking up at the sky. "I just want to walk around. If I see something delicious or sweet, I'll buy it."
Sakura chuckled. "You really like sweet foods, huh?… Aren't you afraid of getting fat?"
Fukamizu turned her head with a fake serious expression. "Afraid of getting fat? No. Why should I be afraid of getting fat?"
"…Okay, okay. Don't regret it later," Sakura said, laughing.
It didn't take long for them to arrive at the mall. The place wasn't too crowded, but it was lively enough with soft music and the aromas of various food stalls.
"I'm getting hungry… want to eat?" Fukamizu asked as She looked around.
"Of course… I'm getting a little hungry too," Sakura replied, her stomach also starting to rumble.
"See that…" Fukamizu said as she pointed to the bakery's display case.
Behind the clear glass, breads with cute shapes and tempting fillings were neatly arranged. One of them was heart-shaped with melted chocolate sprinkled on top.
"That bread looks delicious," Sakura said.
"That's right," Fukamizu replied.
"Let's buy one for each of us."
They entered the bakery, chose the bread they wanted each, and sat down on a bench near the small fountain in the middle of the mall. The soft light reflected off the air, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
"It's delicious, isn't it?" Fukamizu said after taking the first bite.
"Yeah… that's right," Sakura replied as she savored her bite of bread. The cream inside was sweet, but not overly so.
They ate in silence, occasionally laughing when the cream stuck to their lips.
After the bread was finished and the plastic bag was thrown away, they remained sitting there, enjoying the evening atmosphere that begins to envelop the city.
"Hey… It's getting late," Fukamizu said as she checked the time on her phone.
"Oh yeah… Why does time seem to go by faster when we're having fun together?" Sakura replied, her eyes still on the fountain.
Fukamizu turned to her, she chuckled "Yeah, really… Glad to hear you're enjoying my company."
Sakura turned her head, and before she could say anything, Fukamizu teased her
"Does that mean your heart is starting to open up to me more?"
Sakura's cheeks immediately turned red. She quickly turned away, looking away. "H-Hah… It's not like that, okay!"
Fukamizu laughed softly. "Hehehe… You didn't have to react like that."
"… It's getting late, it's time to go home," She continued as she stood up and grabbed her bag.
They walked together to the bus stop, where they usually parted ways.
"See you tomorrow, Sakura… Take care of yourself on the road," Fukamizu said, this time in a soft voice.
Sakura nodded, bowing her head slightly. "See you tomorrow…"
Fukamizu waving her hand before turning and walking away.
Sakura stood there for a few seconds, watching her back as she retreated, before finally walking home with a small smile on her face.
"Why… does my heart keep beating faster when I'm with her?" she whispered softly, looking down with a small smile and a blush she couldn't hide.