Chapter 5: The Girl by the Veranda

Searching for the Earring

The school halls were quiet. Most students had already left, but Shun was still searching.

He checked the locker room.

He checked the field.

He checked the corridors and even under the benches.

Nothing.

His earring was nowhere to be found.

Shun sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Tch. Where the hell did I drop it?"

The sun had started setting, casting a warm orange glow across the school grounds. He decided to check one last place—the veranda near the practice field.

The Unexpected Collision

Shun turned the corner—

And walked straight into someone.

Thud.

A soft gasp. A slight stumble. And then—

A voice.

"Ow… Hey, watch where you're going!"

Shun took a step back, rubbing his forehead.

"I should say that to you."

The girl in front of him crossed her arms, pouting slightly.

She had long brown hair, tied lazily in a side ponytail. Her deep hazel eyes locked onto him with a look of mild annoyance.

For a moment, Shun just stared.

There was something about her.

Something… familiar.

His first thought was: Do I know her?

His second thought was: Wait. I do know her.

But from where?

The girl narrowed her eyes at him.

"What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Shun blinked.

"…Nothing."

He shook off the thought and muttered a quick—

"Sorry."

Then, without another word, he walked past her, continuing his search.

Lingering Thoughts

That night, as he lay on his bed, Shun's mind wasn't on the tournament.

It wasn't even on his missing earring.

It was on her.

The girl he bumped into.

Rika.

Why do I feel like I know her?

He closed his eyes, but the thought wouldn't leave him.

Somewhere in his past, their paths had already crossed.

He just didn't remember when… or how.