"The wind is quite fierce today," I sighed, delicately holding the hem of my skirt while waiting for Ai-chan and Riho-chan. Even though we lived next to each other, they had to discuss something with Riho-chan's mother, Rika. They told me to go ahead and meet them at the academy.
As I stood there, patiently awaiting my beloved girlfriends, I couldn't help but notice the curious gazes directed my way. Whispers fluttered through the air, filled with awe and fascination.
"Did you see that girl? She looks like a princess, so beautiful," I overheard a girl whisper to her friend.
Reminding myself to maintain my feminine grace, I decided to address the intrigued onlookers. "Good day, everyone. My name is Matsuri Yuri, and I'm a new transfer student to this academy. Please feel free to call me Yuri. I hope we can become friends," I said, projecting warmth and approachability.
A bright and bubbly girl with pink hair rushed towards me, embracing me in a tight hug. "Kyaaaa! You're so polite and cute! I'd love to be your friend. I'm Oda Hikari. Please feel free to call me Hikari."
Just as I enjoyed the warmth of Hikari's hug, I felt two pairs of eyes drilling into my back. Turning my head, I discovered Ai-chan wearing a white Oni mask that emanated a dark aura, while Riho-chan donned a black Oni mask with a similar energy.
"Ara, ara, it seems Yuri-chan is enjoying being embraced by such a cute girl, Ai-chan," Riho-chan playfully remarked, her giggle tinged with a touch of envy.
"That's quite true, Ri-chan. Even though she already has both of us," Ai-chan responded, her tone betraying a hint of wistfulness.
Sensing their jealousy, I knew I needed to defuse the situation. Gently disengaging from Hikari's hug, I walked over to Ai-chan and Riho-chan, taking their hands in mine.
"Hikari, I'd like you to meet my girlfriends, Matsuri Aiko and Nakamura Riho," I introduced, hoping to redirect the attention.
"Girlfriends, as in 2? Wait, you and Aiko have the same family name, do you not?" Hikari asked, puzzled.
"Yes, we do, but I was adopted into her family, and our feelings for each other blossomed," I explained, trying to ease any confusion.
"It seems the rumors are true. The seal of the Blossom Clan's princess has finally broken. It is an honor to be in your presence, my Mistress," a blue-haired girl suddenly materialized, kneeling before me and addressing me respectfully.
"Where did you come from? How do you know about that?" Ai-chan asked, positioning herself protectively between me and the mysterious girl.
"My apologies, Madam Aiko. I did not mean to startle you. My name is Lucia, a humble servant from the Blossom Clan. I have been sent to fulfill my Mistress's needs and protect her from the shadows, particularly from other clans at this academy," Lucia explained in a composed tone.
"Why didn't my mother mention anything about this to us?" Riho-chan inquired.
"She believed it would be a pleasant surprise, knowing both Madam Aiko and you would object. By the way, Hikari-san, did you attempt to use your succubus abilities to seduce my Mistress?" Lucia's gaze pierced into Hikari, emanating a dangerous aura.
"But, but, Yuri is just so cute and cuddly. I couldn't resist. Tee-hee," Hikari squealed, her bubbly aura still intact.
"Tee-hee, my foot! Don't ever try something like that again!" Ai-chan and Riho-chan exclaimed in unison, their protective instincts kicking in.
"Eeeek!" Hikari shrieked in response, realizing the gravity of the situation.
"Now, now, let's all calm down. No one got hurt, so no harm, no foul. Let's try to be friends, okay?" I interjected, hoping to diffuse the tension. "And Lucia, please, release the murderous aura. It's quite terrifying," I silently pleaded with her.
"As you wish, my Mistress," Lucia answered, withdrawing the unsettling aura.
As we began to calm down from the earlier tension, we heard the bell toll, signaling the start of the orientation ceremony.
"Oh no, we're going to be late! We need to hurry," I said, realizing the time constraints.
"Wait for us, Yu-chan!" Ai-chan called out, and she and Riho-chan came running next to me.
"I will go with you as well, my Mistress," Lucia stated, falling into step behind us.
"It seems this school year is going to be fun with the four of us. I'll tag along too since we're friends now, after all," Hikari said, her voice filled with joy and excitement.
Together, we made our way to the orientation ceremony, eager to embark on this new chapter of our lives at the academy.
After the orientation, where we learned about the academy's rules, classes, and clubs, and Rika-san was revealed to be the new headmistress, we found ourselves walking home along the road lined with blooming cherry blossom trees
We strolled together as the petals danced in the gentle breeze, my heart swelled with happiness. I couldn't help but think about the two new friends I had made. The academy held so much promise and potential, and I was thrilled to be a part of it.
The setting sun bathed everything in a warm, golden glow, and I couldn't resist quietly voicing my thoughts.
"I'm grateful for Ai-chan and Riho-chan, who have been by my side since the beginning. And now, with Hikari and Lucia, our little group is growing. I can't wait to see what the future holds for us. The academy is just the beginning of our exciting journey together," I whispered to myself, my voice carried away by the wind.
Lost in my thoughts, I was suddenly jolted out of my reverie by a sight that caught my eye. Standing a little distance away, gazing up at the sky, was a stunning blonde-haired girl. Her presence exuded an air of mystery, and I couldn't help but feel drawn to her.