"Hey Muichiro, can we talk?" Sayo said as she spotted Muichiro walking down the hallways
"Yeah, what's up"
"I was hoping we could we could talk about Rika" Sayo said looking down
"I understand but we cannot stay here" Muichiro said gesturing his hand for her to follow him
Walking alongside Muichiro, Sayo could feel her heartbeat racing
It was her first time interacting with Muichiro one on one
'I hope I can convey my thoughts to him'
As Muichiro and Sayo went outside, they sat on the chair that overlooked the palace.
Flower petals were falling, as they sat down.
"I can't believe we are entering autumn season" Muichiro said looking with a sad face
"Yeah, makes me wonder if we can go back home" Muichiro said quietly
"I want to still believe" Sayo replied
Sayo met his gaze before speaking up
"Um, Muichiro; I need to tell you something" Sayo said
"Yeah, you are already speaking Sayo" Muichiro said with a sly smile
"I need to talk about Rika; she has caged herself in her room for some days"
"The class has been in disarray ever since, no one knows what to do anymore"
Muichiro sighed
"So, what should I do?"
"I was hoping you could talk to them" Sayo said looking empathetically
Muichiro kept quiet for a few minutes before speaking up
"Do you know what Rena did to Rika?"
"No, I suppose she called her out" Sayo said
"No, she did not. She merely poked at her insecurities which a leader would have to overcome in future"
"I don't see what Rika doing as troublesome but as a necessary thing for growth" Muichiro said looking at Sayo
"I understand"
"By the way, where is your brother and Lancaster?" Muichiro asked with genuine curiosity in his eyes
"Yeah, they are fighting as usual saying they don't want to remain useless" Sayo said with a huff
"Oh okay" Muichiro saying standing up
"Where are you going?" Sayo asked
"I need to see someone" Muichiro said waving his hands in the air
As Muichiro left Sayo, that air around him grew cold
"What is the matter Detilion?" Muichiro asked with a cold gaze
"Hey, don't be mad at me" Detilion asked with a lazy tone
"I wanted to tell you that Sayo is hiding something from all of you" Detilion said
Muichiro stopped in his tracks
"I hope you aren't lying to me, you know the consequences" Muichiro said
"I know, I am many things but not a liar and I hope you watch that tone with me from now on"
The cold air around them dissolved before Rena walked
"How are you doing Miss Rena?" Muichiro asked
Rena stared at Muichiro for a brief second before responding calmly to him
"I am doing fine; I am hoping Rika has made her decision"
"Are you really okay, dear me" a voice echoed in Rena's ear
Rena feigned ignorance which seemed to pique the interest of her younger self
"Oh, you don't want this pretty boy thinking you're delusional, so keep that perfect mask from slipping." the younger version said holding Muichiro face
"About that, I was going to speak with Rika and find out her decision"
"She will be providing an answer tomorrow, I am confident" Muichiro said looking at Rena firmly
"Okay, I like the fire in your eyes, so I would believe you" Rena said as she began walking away
Muichiro continued walking forward, his thoughts racing
'So much has changed. Two dead, one broken, secrets hidden and more'
'I hope I can be a light everyone can follow'
'For now, let me do what I can.' Muichiro sighed
*KNOCK KNOCK*
"Wh-who is th-th-ere?" A voice asked
"It is Muichiro, Rika"
"We need to talk"