[After Hana dream sequence..]
A faint golden glow seeped through the sheer curtains, painting delicate patterns across Hana's room. The warmth of the morning light stirred her from sleep, but even as she blinked awake, a lingering heaviness clung to her mind.
Her fingers curled against the soft fabric of her sheets, her breathing slow and steady—yet her chest felt tight, as if something unseen weighed upon her.
That dream again.
She sat up, the strands of her hair slipping over her shoulders as she pressed a hand lightly against her temple. It wasn't just a dream—it felt too vivid, too real. The way the wind had brushed against her skin, the distant echoes of a name she couldn't quite grasp, the undeniable ache in her chest… it was as if she had lived it before.
But that was impossible.
Her brows furrowed slightly as she tried to recall every detail. The blurred edges of the vision felt sharper now, as if it weren't fading like an ordinary dream would. Instead, it settled in her mind, unwavering—like a memory.
A shiver ran down her spine.
Hana:("Why did it felt so familiar?")
Hana exhaled slowly, shaking her head as she tried to push the thoughts away. It was just a coincidence. A trick of the mind.
And yet, deep inside, she couldn't shake the unsettling feeling that this wasn't the last time she'd see that dream.
Or the last time she'd feel that strange pull toward someone she had only just met.
Hana let out a quiet breath, steadying herself. She refused to dwell on such irrational thoughts. Dreams were nothing more than fragments of the subconscious—meaningless echoes of imagination. There was no reason to let them linger.
With practiced grace, she slipped out of bed, moving through her morning routine with ease. A warm shower, a careful selection of her neatly pressed uniform, and a few final touches before she stood before the mirror, adjusting the ribbon at her collar. Her reflection stared back, poised and composed, as it always was.
By the time she descended the grand staircase, the fleeting remnants of the dream had already been tucked away into the back of her mind.
The household was already awake, the quiet murmur of attendants filling the air. As she reached the entrance, a butler stepped forward, holding the door open for her.
Hana turned slightly, her expression serene. "I'll be heading off now," she said, her voice carrying the same refined warmth she always held.
One of the maids gave a respectful bow. "Have a wonderful day, Ojou-sama."
Hana gave a small nod in return before stepping outside. The morning air was crisp, a gentle breeze rustling the neatly trimmed hedges lining the Fujimura estate. With effortless poise, she made her way toward the awaiting car, not once allowing her mind to drift back to the dream.
After all, dreams were nothing more than illusions.
Weren't they?
[Later that same morning…]
The drive to Hoshizora Academy was as smooth as ever, the quiet hum of the engine blending with the soft classical music playing in the background. Hana gazed out the window, watching the familiar streets pass by, the towering gates of her school growing closer.
The moment her family's sleek black car pulled up to the academy's grand entrance, heads subtly turned. It was an unspoken routine—the arrival of a Fujimura never went unnoticed.
Hoshizora Academy was more than just a prestigious institution. It was an emblem of refinement, a place where only the daughters of the most elite families were groomed into paragons of grace and intellect. The school grounds were pristine, lined with cherry blossom trees that swayed gently in the morning breeze, their petals dancing in the air like whispers of an era untouched by imperfection.
Students, clad in their immaculate uniforms, moved in a seamless flow, their polished shoes clicking against the pavement. Conversations were hushed yet deliberate—every word spoken carried weight, every interaction a careful display of etiquette.
As Hana stepped out of the car, her presence commanded attention without effort. A few girls exchanged fleeting glances, their admiration veiled beneath well-mannered expressions. Some offered polite nods, while others whispered in hushed voices, always mindful of decorum.
She acknowledged them with a poised nod, her steps as fluid as a practiced waltz. Her reputation preceded her—not only as a Fujimura but as the very embodiment of what a Hoshizora student should be. Yet, beneath the surface of admiration, there was an invisible divide, a hierarchy delicately woven into the fabric of the academy.
Hoshizora Academy was not a place for weakness. It was a stage where perfection was expected, and every misstep could mean social ruin.
Hana had long mastered this unspoken rule.
With effortless grace, she walked through the grand entrance, the faint scent of cherry blossoms and polished wood filling the air. Another school day had begun, and as always, she carried herself as if she belonged to a world untouched by flaws.
As Hana stepped through the grand halls of Hoshizora Academy, the rhythmic tap of her polished shoes echoed softly against the pristine marble floors. The morning light filtered through the towering windows, casting a golden glow that only enhanced the academy's regal atmosphere.
Near the central courtyard, where the cascading fountain murmured a soothing melody, a familiar figure awaited her. Mei Sasaki stood with effortless elegance, her posture poised, her soft brown hair neatly arranged in delicate waves. Her uniform, impeccable as always, reflected the same refined grace she carried in her every movement.
"Good morning,Hana," Mei greeted, her voice smooth and composed, yet carrying the warmth of familiarity. She stepped forward with a small, knowing smile. "You look deep in thought today."
Hana paused for a brief moment before offering a practiced smile in return. "Do I?" she replied, her tone gentle yet unreadable.
Mei tilted her head slightly, her perceptive gaze lingering. "How was your sleep?" she inquired, a note of curiosity laced within her elegant voice. "Are you okey Hana?"
Hana hesitated—only for the briefest second. The memory of the dream still clung to her mind, vivid and unshaken. But here, in this place where perfection was an expectation, indulging in such thoughts felt… unnecessary.
She exhaled quietly before offering a graceful reply. "I'm fine,Mei" she said smoothly. "Nothing out of the ordinary."
Mei studied her for a moment longer but did not press further. Instead, she simply smiled, her expression both knowing and refined. "I see. Well, I suppose even a Fujimura must have her moments."
Hana let out the softest chuckle, the sound as polished as her demeanor. "Perhaps."
And just like that, the conversation flowed effortlessly into the morning routine, as if the weight of an unexplainable dream had never lingered at all.
As they stepped into the classroom, the refined chatter of students filled the air. The scent of fresh paper and expensive perfume lingered, blending seamlessly with the morning light that poured through the tall windows. The girls of Hoshizora Academy carried themselves with elegance, every movement deliberate, every word measured.
Hana and Mei gracefully made their way to their seats near the window. As soon as they settled in, Mei leaned closer with an excited glint in her eyes.
"Hana, you won't believe the shoujo manga I read last night," she whispered, careful to maintain the decorum expected in their academy despite her enthusiasm.
Hana arched a delicate brow. "You stayed up reading manga again?"
Mei let out a light laugh. "I couldn't help myself. This one was too good. It's about a noble lady who is engaged to a prince, but she secretly disguises herself as a commoner at night to experience life outside the palace. And—get this—she ends up falling for a kind yet mysterious bookstore owner."
Hana tilted her head slightly, amusement flickering in her eyes. "And does the prince find out?"
Mei smirked. "Not yet. But the way the story is going, it's bound to happen soon. There was this one scene where the noble lady got caught in the rain, and the bookstore owner draped his coat over her shoulders. The art was breathtaking." She clasped her hands together as if recalling a cherished memory. "The tension was palpable, Hana. You would have loved it."
Hana exhaled softly, a refined smile playing on her lips. "It does sound intriguing. I assume the lady is torn between duty and love?"
Mei nodded, clearly pleased that Hana was indulging in her excitement. "Exactly! And the prince—he's not a villain, but he's distant, like he doesn't truly see her. Meanwhile, the bookstore owner sees through her noble facade and treats her like an ordinary girl. It's so romantic."
Hana tapped a manicured finger against her chin in thought. "A story of hidden identities and longing… I suppose it does have its charm."
Mei beamed. "I knew you'd appreciate it! I'll lend you the first volume. You should at least give it a chance."
Before Hana could respond, the classroom doors opened, and their homeroom teacher entered, signaling the start of the day. Mei straightened her posture, and Hana gave a knowing glance—one that silently promised she might just read the manga after all.
[During Lunch time,in Hoshizora Academy…]
The school bell rang, instantly turning the classroom into a lively food court. The scraping of desks, the crinkle of bento wrappers, and the excited chatter of students filled the air.
Hana unwrapped her bento with a small, satisfied sigh. "Ahh, today's tamagoyaki looks perfect." She picked up a piece with her chopsticks, eyes gleaming.
Mei, however, was dramatically slumped over her lunchbox, staring at its contents like she had just discovered a great betrayal. "Rice. Pickled radish. Fish. Again," she groaned. "I swear, if I ever get isekai'd, I better end up in a world where every meal is a buffet."
Hana chuckled, taking a bite. "I don't think fantasy worlds come with unlimited food."
Mei scoffed. "Then what's the point? I'd rather stay here and suffer through my rice-filled existence." She poked at her food, eyes glazed over. "At this point, I think I'm evolving into a rice spirit…"
Hana smirked. "A very grumpy rice spirit."
Mei shot her a look. "No, listen. Imagine this—I gain the ability to control rice. I could summon onigiri at will. I could make it rain fried rice in the cafeteria."
Hana snorted. "So… your grand fantasy power is rice manipulation?"
"Hey, don't underestimate it!" Mei huffed. "Food-related powers are OP. Ever seen an angry person get handed a snack? Instant peace treaty." She pointed her chopsticks at Hana. "If I had food-based magic, I'd end world hunger and still have enough left to keep myself entertained."
Hana hummed thoughtfully. "That's actually kind of noble… in a weird, snack-obsessed way."
"Exactly!" Mei sat up, suddenly energized. "But until my powers awaken, I am doomed to eat the same bento every day." She slumped back down. "I need a food revolution."
Hana rolled her eyes. "Or you could just pack your own lunch."
Mei gasped, clutching her chest. "You know I don't function before 8 AM!"
Before Hana could reply, the sharp chime of the bell rang again, snapping everyone out of their lunchtime daze. A collective groan rippled through the classroom as students hurried to pack up.
Mei let out an exaggerated sigh. "I didn't even get to finish my food-based world domination speech."
"Probably for the best," Hana teased, standing up.
Mei stuffed the last bite of rice into her mouth, muffling her words. "Fine.But we will continue this later!"
Hana laughed, grabbing her books. "Sure, sure. Just don't expect me to call you 'Empress of Rice.'"
"Too late," Mei declared, standing tall. "The title has been chosen!"
Hana just shook her head, smiling, as they made their way back to class.
[Later that evening…]
The afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the school as the day went by without much trouble. Classes dragged on at their usual pace, some more bearable than others, but nothing too eventful. Before they knew it, the familiar ring of the final school bell echoed through the halls.
Students wasted no time packing up, the once-orderly classroom quickly turning into a bustling exit zone. Hana and Mei blended into the crowd as they strolled toward the school gate, the crisp breeze making Mei stretch her arms lazily.
"Finally, freedom!" Mei sighed dramatically. "I swear, if that history lecture had gone on for five more minutes, I would've started haunting this school as a restless spirit."
Hana chuckled, adjusting her bag. "You mean you'd haunt the cafeteria, demanding better lunch options?"
Mei gasped. "You're right. I'd be the ghost of food injustice! My unfinished business? A lack of variety in my bento!"
Hana shook her head, amused. "You really won't let that go, huh?"
"Never." Mei huffed, then spotted a sleek black car pulling up near the gate. "Oh, looks like my ride's here."
Hana slowed her steps as Mei turned toward her car. "Must be nice, getting chauffeured home."
Mei smirked. "Well, if you ever get tired of waiting for your ride, you could always hop in and come with me. We have snacks."
Hana raised an eyebrow. "Let me guess… rice-based snacks?"
Mei grinned. "You know me too well." She opened the car door but hesitated before getting in. "Anyway, don't get kidnapped while waiting, alright? Or worse—forced into a deep conversation with a weird old man at the bus stop."
Hana rolled her eyes. "I'll be fine, Mei."
Mei flashed a playful salute. "If you're still here in ten minutes, I'm calling the rice spirits to come get you."
Hana waved her off. "Yeah, yeah, see you tomorrow Mei"
With that, Mei slipped into the car, and it drove off, leaving Hana standing by the gate with the dwindling crowd of students. She sighed, shifting her weight as she pulled out her phone.
Hana("Guess I'll be waiting a while…")
Hana tapped her foot lightly against the pavement, glancing at her phone. Her ride was still a few minutes away, but at least the weather was nice—clear skies, a cool breeze, nothing to complain about.
Or so she thought.
A sudden drop of water landed on her cheek. Then another. Within seconds, the sky darkened, and the once-promising afternoon turned into a downpour. Hana let out a sharp breath, tucking her phone away as she pulled her blazer over her head.
She muttered, squinting against the rain. "Didn't the weather forecast said there's no rain today?"
The weather forecast might be right, but "fate"really has a funny way of flipping things around.
With no other choice, she took off, making a dash toward the nearby bus stop. Her shoes splashed against the pavement as she hurried under the shelter, shaking off the raindrops clinging to her sleeves.
Just as she caught her breath, she heard the sound of hurried footsteps cutting through the rain. She turned her head instinctively, eyes widening slightly as a figure bolted toward the bus stop, droplets of water trailing behind him.
The moment he stepped under the shelter, shaking out his damp hair, Hana felt a strange sense of familiarity. And then it clicked.
It was him—the boy she had seen during the school event a few days ago.
For a moment, the only sound between them was the steady rhythm of rain against the pavement. Hana's grip on her bag tightened slightly as she stole another glance his way.
Hana: ("Of all people… why him?...")
End of chapter 5