The Melody of Spring (Kirika Yoshinaga)

The spring sun shun brightly on the campus as the students of Fukui Academy began to pass through the school gates. The skies were clear, and just by standing in the sun, it was clear that summer was soon coming. It was still relatively early in the morning, and there was still a lot of time before classes started, however as a new student who had just enrolled into Fukui Academy, one particularly student made an extra effort to make it to school particularly early on this morning.

Ayano Ninomiya, a first year student who aspired to become the next president of the student council. Of course, before she could even think about becoming president of the student council, she would have to deal with her first day at her new school. It was very different from any other school Ayano had attended. Not only was Fukui Academy located away from Tokyo, but it was also the first girls' school Ayano would have the chance of attending, having attended schools that catered for both boys and girls in the past.

Knowing the importance of first impressions, Ayano had made an extra effort on her appearance. Her uniform was brand new, and any imperfections had been carefully attended to by Ayano. Not a single crease or blemish could be seen on the fabric, and even the balance of the clothing was perfectly accounted for. AS it was a relatively warm day, Ayano had opted for the knee length skirt, one that she considered neither too short nor too long. Her make up was relatively light, and only enough to really brighten up her face and give off a mostly professional look. Ayano was fully aware appearances were what gave the very first impressions, and while it was important to make sure you looked your best, it was also important one did not over do it.

It would have been a lie to say Ayano was not nervous. She had only just moved to the city a couple of days ago, and had still to get used to the new scenery. She had yet to meet anyone at the dormitory or school, and spent her first days in the city mostly getting her dormitory room organised. It was far too early to say that Ayano was homesick, but it was no lie that she had found herself being overwhelmed with the sudden change of pace, and really didn't have much of a chance to take things slowly recently.

The long, black haired girl passed through the school gates, stopping to look up at the main building. Since she had made the effort to arrive early, there was a lot of time to spare, and Ayano could afford to take things slowly. It was completely different from any school she had attended up to now in Tokyo, but she had expected as much. However, it was not an unwelcome change. In fact, Ayano could appreciate the calming atmosphere of outside the city. "...There is still plenty of time before classes... I could use the time to familiar myself with the campus... Or perhaps I should greet the teachers instead?" The blue eyed student muttered to herself just loud enough to be heard as she stood in front of the school building, pondering the best use of her time.

Kirika had gotten up a bit early to practice. Which was to say, she ended up waking up way too early and practiced drumming a bit to kill some time before classes started. It was barely light when she entered the music building, but as she came out, the morning sun was shining brightly. Kirika made her way back towards the front gates, hoping to chat with some of her classmates before classes started. She still had plenty of time left. Enough that this was what most people considered 'early' when they weren't accidentally getting up at the crack of dawn.

She walked past the other students as they made their way towards the main building, greeting and exchanging a few words with several of them as they passed. Occasionally, she would stop for a little longer for a closer friend, but still not for too long. Though there was still plenty of time before class, it wasn't unlimited after all. No, it wasn't until she caught sight of someone unfamiliar that she wanted to stop for a bit. Actually, she was quite certain that she had never seen this girl before. A new transfer student? Kirika hoped so, she loved meeting new people.

So, once parting ways with another of her friends, Kirika approached the new-looking girl. She caught the end of her vocal thoughts in the process, confirming that she was most likely new. "Hey there," she said, smiling. "New here, I take it?"

Ayano was on the verge of making up her mind until she found herself suddenly being approached by another student. The first thing that would attract Ayano's attention would be the fiery red hair and matching eyes. It was actually quite a sight to behold, and contrasted nicely with the spring scenery. In fact, Ayano struggled not to lose herself in the moment. Fortunately, Ayano had enough self discipline no to, after all it would be rude to stand and stare. Especially since this girl was more likely a senior student at this school.

"Good morning. Yes, I am new to this school. Today is actually my first day." Ayano turned her full attention towards the red haired student, turning a friendly smile. Well, the smile may have had a bit more professionalism than friendliness in it, but Ayano was that kind of person. "My name is Ayano Ninomiya, a first year student, it is a pleasure to meet you. Are you one of the senior students?" Ayano did her best to leave a good impression, even giving a perfectly timed bow as she introduced herself. It was the first student Ayano had actively spoken to at Fukui Academy, which made the occasion all the more important to Ayano.

Oh? First day? So she really was a new transfer student. Wonderful! Not just because Kirika was right, but now she could act the part of a friendly and helpful senpai. Always a good way to get people to like you. She did notice that the girl stared a little bit, but decided not to address it. Other people might have thought it rude, but Kirika didn't mind the attention at all.

"Well it's nice to meet you, Ninomiya-san. You're right, I'm Kirika Yoshinaga, a third year." She bowed back to Ayano. The girl was clearly trying to make a good first impression. Which, to Kirika, made her look really cute (not that she wasn't cute to begin with). She preferred to be a bit more personable with people, but the formalities were necessary for getting started, at least. And after that, it was time to help get a cute new girl situated. "Do you need any help finding your way around campus? I could show you around, if you like."

Kirika Yoshinaga, a third year student at the school. Ayano made sure to remember the name, as well as her year. After all, Kirika was Ayano's senior by two years. Not only was Kirika familiar with the school, but also the students and teachers who were part of this school. In a lot of schools, it was rare for older students to speak to younger students, so Kirika taking the initiative and calling out to Ayano was both a surprise and a relief. While Kirika wouldn't be a classmate of Ayano's, it was comforting to at least be familiar with one of the older students of the school.

"Thank you, Yoshinaga-Senpai, I would be thankful if you could show me around." Ayano made sure to repeat the autumn red haired girl's name, both to show that Ayano had heard and to also help herself remember Kirika's name. "I hope it is not a burden for you, Yoshinaga-senpai. I understand as a third year student you must be very busy with your studies. On that subject, may I ask what Yoshinaga-senpai studies?" Ayano was still unfamiliar with how the school worked, and was thankful for Kirika's offer. Kirika would no doubt have been able to work out what kind of person Ayano was, after all Ayano wasn't a difficult person to read. In fact, she was the very type of person that was very easy to read. Very honest, serious and hard working. Just by Kirika being an senior student at this school, she had earned Ayano's unconditional respect, and Kirika making an effort to speak to her only made Ayano respect her all the more.

"Ah, don't worry too much about formalities," Kirika said. "Just Kirika is fine with me. We may not be in the same year or classes, but I hope we can be friends." Kirika could tell the sort of person Ayano was from the way she talked. Very respectful of upperclassmen, very serious, and very studious. It was the way she automatically jumped to how busy Kirika must be that gave it away. And yes, Kirika had a lot on her plate, but she could always make room for a cute girl.

"Don't worry, it's not a burden at all. Besides, I'd hate to leave someone to struggle to find their way around," she said. Then when Ayano asked what she studied, she added "I study music, mostly. I play percussion." In contrast to Ayano, it would be easy to tell that Kirika was rather easy-going. She was still quite serious about everything she needed to be - school, drumming, proving her parents wrong, and making girls happy - but it was a little harder to see in her relaxed attitude. "We still have awhile before classes. I can show you most of the campus now, but I wouldn't mind meeting up again after school if we run out of time."

And if things went well, maybe she could even take Ayano out for ice cream or something as a 'welcome present'.

For a brief moment, a conflicted expression passed Ayano's face. Long enough to notice, but short enough to easily be missed if one weren't paying attention. "I understand, Kirika. In that case, please just call me Ayano. It would make me happy if we were to become friends." Ayano dropped the formalities such as Kirka had asked to her. While it was odd referring to a senior student she had just met by their first name without any formality, it would have been rude to disregard Kirika's request. It would seem that Kirika's personality contrasted quite strongly with Ayano's own, although not in a bad way.

"I thank you for your concern. It is good to know that this school has such a reliable person." Of course, Ayano was not just simply flattering the Kirika. Having someone who knew the school well was a strong sense of security. It would also seem that Kirika's talent was not too different from Ayano's own. "Percussion? So you are also studying to be a musician? I happen play the violin." While the instrument themselves were very different, it would seem that Kirika had the music aspect to their talent in common. "I would be grateful if you could show me around. If you do not have anything planned after school, I would be happy to meet up after school." While Kirika appeared a lot more laid back than Ayano, there was no doubt she was a serious student. The only difference really was was that they showed their seriousness differently. While they did have plenty of time before classes, it was difficult to take things as slowly as if it were after school. Perhaps if they met after school, Ayano could get to know Kirika better, after all it was just as important to know the people attending the school as it was to know the school itself.

Kirika smiled when Ayano agreed, and made the same request. She was a little worried that it would take some convincing, but fortunately Ayano seemed to only be conflicted for a moment. Truth be told, Kirika knew she was imposing pretty heavily with that request, particularly with how serious and formal Ayano seemed, but it would hopefully be better for their relationship in the long run. Honorifics always felt like a wall to her. Something that was polite, yes, but kept her from freely getting close to people. They were a sign of a natural distance that she hated.

"Ah, so we should end up seeing each other around the music room from time to time," Kirika said. "I'll be sure to show you around there too, then. I'll have to give you the quick version of the tour now, but I'm free this afternoon, so I can make plenty of time for you then." It seemed like Ayano had agreed to an after school meeting, too. Great, it was a date, then! "Shall we go, then?"

Unlike Kirika, Ayano was much more reserved when it came to meeting new people. Well, rather than reserved, she was a lot more distanced. Ayano wasn't particularly experienced when it came to friendly conversation, and had a habit of almost always speaking formally. Even to close family members, because of her strict parents, she was used to being polite and speaking formally. No doubt this was one of the many barriers that prevented Ayano making any close friends during her elementary and middle school years.

"I am sure we will. While we may not have classes together, I am sure we will see each other regularly when during practices." Well, that is assuming that the music room was regularly used for students to practise in their spare time. Ayano had yet to learn how the school worked, but she could only assume that the school would provide a place for students to practise, after all while the students who lived in the school's dormitories may have been able to play, students who lived in perhaps cheaper apartments may not have been able to at home. "Thank you, then we can leave the details for after school? Just knowing my way around the school before starting alone would be of great help."