**8*****After few days****
The early morning sun of June painted the sky in warm hues, yet a crisp chill still lingered in the air. The academy grounds were bathed in golden light, and the fresh scent of summer filled every breath. It was Monday morning, and everyone bustled about, preparing for their classes.
Sana stretched her arms, inhaling deeply. Today felt different—lighter, more special. As she adjusted her uniform, a vibrant bouquet of sunflowers suddenly appeared before her eyes from behind.
She blinked, startled, and turned around.
"Surprise," Satoru's teasing yet oddly soft voice greeted her, a familiar mischievous grin tugging at his lips.
A warm blush dusted her cheeks as she gently took the flowers. "Satoru… These are beautiful. But—"
"Oh? Why is Sana getting flowers?" Utahime's voice cut through the moment, laced with curiosity and a hint of playful suspicion.
Satoru smirked, spinning to face her. "Hah, jealous? Do you want to be the one getting flowers instead?"
Utahime scoffed, crossing her arms. "Shut up. Like hell I'd want flowers from someone like you."
Satoru chuckled, his signature cockiness on full display. "Yeah, yeah. You're just saying that because you know you'd love it."
Utahime rolled her eyes. "I just asked because you're not the type to do something this thoughtful."
Satoru turned back to Sana, his expression softening just a fraction. "Happy birthday, Sana."
Sana's eyes widened, realization dawning on her. "Oh… You remembered?" Her voice was laced with both surprise and warmth.
"Of course I did. What kind of friend would I be if I didn't?" He winked.
Sana smiled, holding the flowers close. "Thank you, Satoru. You really didn't need to go out of your way for this."
"They were just growing at the back of the school," he replied smugly.
Utahime sighed, her tone softer now. "Oh, it's your birthday? Happy birthday, Sana."
"Thank you, Utahime-senpai!" Sana beamed.
Just then, Shoko and Suguru approached, looking far too pleased with themselves.
"Nice try, Satoru, but we already wished her at midnight," Shoko teased, nudging Sana.
"Happy birthday again, Sana," Suguru added with a smirk. "Looks like we beat you to it, Satoru."
Satoru pouted dramatically. "Tch. That's cheating."
They all laughed before heading to class together, the warmth of companionship lingering in the air. Throughout the lessons, Sana cherished the love surrounding her.
After class, the group decided to go out and properly celebrate. They found a cozy, lively café in town, where the aroma of freshly baked cakes and coffee filled the air. They ordered their favorites, the table soon filled with an assortment of desserts and drinks.
As expected, Satoru got into a playful argument with Utahime about who had the superior taste in sweets, while Suguru and Shoko exchanged tired glances, clearly used to their antics.
"You have no taste, Utahime. A dessert should be extravagant, rich, full of surprises!"
Utahime scoffed. "That explains your awful sense of fashion too. Simple, classic flavors are best."
Suguru chuckled, sipping his tea. "Honestly, watching you two argue is more entertaining than the desserts themselves."
Sana, sitting at the center of it all, smiled to herself. This—this moment—was perfect. A birthday she would always remember.
The golden days of June soon melted into the sweltering heat of July. They spent their days pushing their limits, sharpening their skills, and growing stronger. Before they knew it, August had arrived, bringing with it the much-anticipated Goodwill Sister Event.
Excitement buzzed in the air, students from both schools preparing for the competition. However, the first-years wouldn't be participating this time.
"I can't believe we're sitting this one out," Sana muttered, leaning back against a wooden railing as she watched the upperclassmen prepare.
"You won't be taking part next year either," Yaga's voice interrupted from behind.
"Why?" Sana questioned, disappointment flashing across her face.
Shoko yawned lazily. "I'd much rather watch, though. Less work."
Yaga's expression remained firm. "Sana, you're not a shaman. You being in this school is already a big issue. If you were to participate, it would only make things worse."
Sana's heart sank. Before she could dwell on it, Satoru jumped in.
"Leave it, Sana. It's not that big of a deal. It'll be boring anyway," he said casually, though she sensed the effort behind his words to make her feel better.
Suguru, standing beside them, patted Sana's shoulder. "Don't take it too hard. There are other things for you."
"Enough. You all have missions to focus on," Yaga instructed. "Satoru, Suguru, you're up."
As the two left for their mission, Shoko and Sana decided to meet up with Utahime and enjoy their evening together.
A few days passed, their routine settling back into its usual rhythm. One evening, Sana received a message from Satoru:
'Meet me at the ground.'
Curious, she made her way there. As soon as she arrived, he suddenly covered her eyes.
"Surprise," Satoru's voice came, laced with excitement.
"What?" Sana giggled, completely unaware of what was happening.
When he finally removed his hands, a crisp white piece of paper was held before her. She took it, scanning the words. Her eyes widened in shock.
"It's for you," Satoru said, his tone unusually serious.
Sana was overwhelmed.
Satoru nodded, his usual playful expression replaced by something more sincere. "I got you enrolled in the selection for the best athlete for track and field in Tokyo high schools this year."
Sana stared at him, too stunned to speak. He had done this for her. Even though it hadn't been that long since they met, he cared this much.
Tears welled up in her eyes before spilling over. She didn't even try to hold them back.
"Satoru… this means everything to me."
He rubbed the back of his neck, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't go crying too much, okay? You'll ruin my cool reputation."
Sana let out a watery laugh, clutching the paper tightly. In that moment, she realized—Satoru wasn't just a friend. He was someone who truly cared for her.