28 Conscious?

Days slipped by quietly since Jingliu and Yasushi's playful pool escapade, a fleeting moment suspended in the stream of their routine. Fate, however, weaved its intricate threads, drawing them apart with the harsh demands of surprise tests and relentless English examinations that tethered them to their books.

Their shared plight was not just academic; it was a battle against the relentless ticking clock of punishment hours, each minute etching a mark on their freedom. Yet, amidst the clamor of responsibilities, they persisted, their perseverance a silent testament to their shared resolve.

On this particular Friday, a whispered promise of respite lingered in the air, a subtle invitation to break free from the monotony of their obligations. As lunchtime cast its languid spell, the trio — Yasushi, Xinyi, and Jingliu — found themselves perched atop the school's rooftop, a solitary sanctuary above the bustling world below.

The sky, draped in somber hues, held its breath as delicate snowflakes pirouetted gracefully, a melancholic dance against the backdrop of their shared solitude. Jingliu, her facade carefully constructed, masked her unease at Xinyi's presence, a thin veil of courtesy concealing the tension beneath.

Unspoken words hung in the crisp air, a silent dialogue of unspoken truths and veiled suspicions. Xinyi, attuned to the subtle shifts in atmosphere, sensed the currents of discord but remained poised, her own intuition whispering secrets of unspoken resentments and hidden grievances.

"Are you free today, Yasushi?" Xinyi's voice floated closer, a subtle tug on the strings of his attention.

Yasushi, caught in the delicate dance of their conversation, leaned back slightly, a measured distance between them. "No, unfortunately not," he replied, a shadow of regret in his tone.

Confusion clouded Xinyi's features, her brows knitting together in a silent question. "But I thought you were done with your punishments?" she ventured, seeking clarity in the ambiguity of his words.

"I am," Yasushi affirmed, his gaze briefly flickering to the horizon beyond the rooftop's edge. "Yet, there are things I've been longing to do, things I've been waiting to savor after finishing those stupid punishments."

Xinyi's sigh carried a hint of resignation, a silent acknowledgment of the divide between their desires and obligations. "Fine," she conceded, a playful pout gracing her lips, "but you owe me a proper outing soon. I want to experience the world through the eyes of Mr. Hero."

A faint smile softened Yasushi's face, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "Alright, alright," he relented, a hint of mock exasperation coloring his words, "when the stars align and my schedule allows, I'll indulge you. How does that sound?"

The corners of Xinyi's lips lifted in a mischievous grin, a playful sparkle dancing in her eyes. "Perfect," she chimed, leaning closer in a gesture of friendship, "after all, Mr. Futakao understands my whims better than anyone~" Her teasing remark ended with a light touch, her head finding a temporary rest on Yasushi's lap, eliciting a gruff protest tinged with fond annoyance.

Beside them, Jingliu felt the simmering of irritation, a perplexing emotion that eluded easy explanation. She paused, her mind a labyrinth of tangled thoughts, each thread leading to a different conjecture.

'Why does this bother me?' she mused silently, her gaze drifting from her untouched meal to the shifting clouds above. 'Is it the echoes of our shared past with Xinyi, or the lingering shadows of Yasushi's actions in our private moments? Or perhaps...' Her thoughts trailed off into the abyss of uncertainty, leaving her with more questions than answers.

'I'll ask him later,' Jingliu resolved, a faint determination flickering in her eyes as she steeled herself against the ambiguity of her own feelings. 'I can't decipher this alone.'

"Hmm? Liu, is everything alright?" Xinyi's voice cut through Jingliu's introspection, her concern palpable in the air.

Jingliu turned her attention to Xinyi, offering a fleeting smile tinged with evasion. "It's nothing, just lost in thought," she deflected, a shield of nonchalance masking her inner turmoil.

Though Xinyi sensed the unspoken weight in Jingliu's words, she chose to respect the boundaries of silence, letting the moment drift away like the passing clouds above. The rest of their lunch unfolded without incident, a fragile peace settling over their rooftop refuge.

As the school day resumed its steady rhythm, time flowed inexorably towards its weekend release. Classes dissolved into the ether, students and teachers alike released into the embrace of impending freedom, leaving behind the echoes of unresolved emotions to linger in the empty corridors.

+-+

"Park," Jingliu interjected, her voice a gentle interruption amidst the bustling cityscape.

"Hmm?" Yasushi turned, his gaze shifting to meet her eyes, curiosity flickering in his expression.

The remnants of the school day faded into the background as they strolled through the urban labyrinth, a duo caught in the ebb and flow of the city's rhythm. Pausing to indulge in sweet pastries, they settled on a weathered bench, the city's symphony of sounds serving as their backdrop.

Jingliu's mention of a park sparked a flicker of confusion in Yasushi's eyes, a fleeting moment of uncertainty dancing between them. "You mentioned the park we missed earlier, right? Before the museum," she clarified, a note of anticipation coloring her words.

"The Cat Park, you mean?" Yasushi queried, a hint of recognition dawning in his face as he recalled their previous conversation.

Jingliu's nod was almost animated, a spark of excitement igniting in her eyes. "Yes, that one! I know we talked about exploring different places today, so maybe we can just make a quick stop there," she suggested, her tone tinged with hope.

A playful curiosity danced in Yasushi's voice as he probed further. "Do you have a soft spot for cats, then?"

"I'm fond of all animals, but cats hold a special place in my heart," Jingliu admitted, her enthusiasm palpable as she shared this glimpse into her world, her eyes alight with the prospect of visiting the feline sanctuary.

"Let's grab some cat treats for our feline friends at the park," Yasushi proposed, his words a blend of practicality and anticipation. "But remember, just a little — we don't want to spoil them. There's a pet shop nearby where we can find what we need."

With purposeful strides, they embarked on the ten-minute journey, navigating the urban setting that unfolded before them. Buildings and landmarks blurred past their periphery, each fleeting sight a glimpse into the city's diverse offerings. Jingliu's observant eye caught snippets of interest — a sports emporium here, a quiet library there, each woven into the fabric of their surroundings.

"It's rather quaint, isn't it?" Jingliu remarked as they reached their destination, a modest storefront adorned with the name "Fuyu no Tama."

"Fuyu no Tama?" she echoed, a hint of curiosity lacing her words.

Yasushi nodded, a faint smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Winter's Sphere," he translated, a note of familiarity in his tone. "It's a bit of a local gem. Come on, let's step inside. I know the owners and staff here."

The door yielded with a soft creak as Yasushi pushed it open, ushering them into the warm embrace of the shop. Familiar faces greeted them, the ambiance tinged with the scent of pet supplies and the quiet hum of contented animals.

"Ah, Little Yasu," greeted the older woman with a knowing twinkle in her eyes, her voice a blend of familiarity and amusement. "Cat treats again, I see?"

Yasushi's gaze remained steady, his expression unchanged as he met her gaze. "Yes, please. And a bit more this time," he requested, his tone matter-of-fact.

The woman's eyes widened in mock surprise, her playful demeanor taking center stage. "Aha! Finally brought a girlfriend, have you?" she exclaimed, her words hanging in the air with a hint of mischief.

"No," Yasushi replied bluntly, his gaze on her. "She's a new classmate, one of several. Just showing her around the city and planning to visit Shirayuki Neko Hiroba after this," he explained, his words devoid of any romantic undertones.

The woman chuckled softly, her laughter echoing through the cozy shop. "Ah, a date in the making, then," she teased, her eyes crinkling with mirth as she prepared the requested treats.

Beside Yasushi, Jingliu stood with a faint blush coloring her cheeks, her curiosity piqued. "Do you come here often?" she inquired softly, her words barely above a whisper.

"Sort of. Someone from our class is involved with that place, along with her family. They call it Shirayuki Neko Hiroba, or Snow White Cat Square," Yasushi explained quietly, his gaze fixed on the elderly woman as she fetched cat treats for them.

From the depths of the establishment emerged an elderly gentleman who spotted Yasushi. He paused, exchanged glances with Jingliu, then returned his focus to Yasushi, a mischievous smile creeping across his face.

"Don't you dare, she's just a classmate," Yasushi interjected quickly, feeling the need to clarify.

The older man chuckled, a warm sound that filled the space between them. With a friendly pat on Yasushi's shoulder, he teased, "I didn't say a word, Yasushi. You're the one creating tales today." Before he walked over to the older woman and helped her.

Yasushi grumbled under his breath, a quiet rumble of discontent that dissipated into the air without finding words. His gaze drifted to Jingliu, who had suddenly cradled a snow-white cat in her arms, her fingers moving gently over its fur in a tender caress. The cat's coat mirrored the hue of her hair, an ethereal white that seemed to glow against the backdrop of the store.

He observed Jingliu with a hint of intrigue, noting the stark contrast between her usual cold demeanor at school and the warmth she exuded now, particularly in the company of the feline creature nestled against her. It was a revelation, a glimpse into a side of her that few witnessed — a side softened by the presence of creatures she cared for.

However, beneath this newfound understanding, Yasushi sensed a subtle tension, a rift that marred her relationship with her father. Their interactions were sparse, transactional, laden with unspoken history that hung heavy in the air. He suspected it was tied to past events, unspoken words lingering in the silence between them.

"We're all set, Yasushi. Payment today or tomorrow, your choice," the old man teased, drawing Yasushi's attention back to the present moment.

Without a word, Yasushi approached the counter, settling the bill as the old couple beamed at him. With the bag of treats in hand, they exited the store, leaving behind the temporary joy of the cat in Jingliu's arms. Her wistful gaze spoke volumes, a silent acknowledgment of fleeting moments and unspoken realities that intertwined in their shared world.