The dashboard clock read 7:33 A.M.

After around half an hour of driving through congested traffic, Aunt Kaori’s sedan finally reached the periphery of Horikawa Imperial Magic High School, surrounded by towers and apartments of Sanzan’s uptown. It was at the city's heart, just two kilometers away from the Hashiratani Tower, whose spire could be seen on the eastern side of the school.

Beyond the school’s walls and fences were vast grounds, large halls, tall buildings, and state-of-the-art facilities—one would say it was too extravagant for a mere school, akin more to a university instead.

“Told you we’ll be on time," Aunt Kaori announced, her pride evident.

“Wait, let's check something.” Ichiro’s hands explored his body as if he were searching for something, and Hanami already let out her chuckle. “Wow! I don’t believe my body is still in one piece. This is a miracle!”

“Hey! Even if I was a bit rowdy on the road, I still managed my speed within the limits.” Aunt Kaori smiled, but her tone did not hide her annoyance.

Observing the crowd through the window, Ichiro saw many teenagers wearing the same uniform as him. A mix of nerves and excitement painted their faces. Adults accompanied them, some engrossed in last-minute conversations or fixing stray collars and hairdos—likely parents or relatives ensuring everything was in order. These people likely arrived by train at a nearby station, which Ichiro had planned to use that morning in case Aunt Kaori did not come on time.

"All of this reminds me of my school days," Aunt Kaori’s voice carried a tinge of nostalgia. She glanced through the rearview mirror. “Aren't you excited already?”

Ichiro met her eyes, and then he glanced to the side, watching Hanami's back, her eyes still wandering outside. No one said a single word.

Aunt Kaori sighed dramatically. “Hey, why the silence? I’m just trying to light up the mood here!”

“What do you want us to say?” Ichiro asked.

“Can you be… you know? Enjoy the occasion? Youth life? Enthusiasm? Hello?”

“Yay… school is the best… woohoo… youth, youth.” Ichiro wobbly pumped his fist in the air with a mocking voice.

“What’s with that zombie-like tone?!”

“I thought you asked me to enjoy the moment? I tried.”

“Stop the charade.” She suddenly pointed his fingers through the rearview mirror. “And what’s that, Hanami? Don’t think I can’t see your smug face from here.”

Ichiro and Hanami could not hold their hearty laughter.

“You’re making fun of me, aren’t you? Try me! I’ll throw you out of the car right here and now!”

Aunt Kaori continued to shout but was drowned by the duo’s voices.

Still grumbling, she navigated the entrance through the main entrance. Eager faces suddenly pressed closer to the car windows, recognizing Aunt Kaori was inside the sedan.

Cheers erupted spontaneously. Aunt Kaori leaned back from the window and waved towards the crowd. In people’s eyes, she was looked upon as the people’s champion instead of the wife of a governor, thanks to her achievements in the past.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

Hanami hesitated initially but was forced to join as people also caught her presence, mirroring her mother’s wave. It prompted the school’s security officers, wearing light blue uniforms, to guide the sedan through the gathering sea of excited onlookers while slowly dispersing them.

“Thank God!” Aunt Kaori breathed a sigh of relief.

The sedan eventually arrived at the school’s parking lot, but curious gazes still lingered as they stepped out. Because of his proximity to them, the curious stares also cast an unexpected spotlight on Ichiro. He felt a bit uneasy, but he tried to deal with it.

A group of security officers approached them. One of them, a middle-aged man with a tall figure, stepped forward and bowed respectfully. “Lady Hashiratani, we’re honored by your presence. We didn’t expect you to be here.”

“Is it strange for a mother to send her daughter to her school?”

“Of course not, Milady. Forgive me.” The officer bowed first, then looked at Ichiro.

Aunt Kaori noticed it. “This is Ichiro Matsuda, the son of an old friend.”

“Nice to meet you, Mr Matsuda.” The officer bowed again, to which Ichiro replied in kind.

“Likewise, Mr Officer.”

“Is there anything else we can assist you with, Milady?”

“Thank you for all the assistance, but I can manage myself from here.”

“Okay! Contact the nearest staff or officer if you need help,” the officer said before departing with his colleagues.

With the officers retreating, Aunt Kaori parted ways.

“Okay, take care, sweetie! I’ll see you at the opening ceremony! You too, Ichiro!”

“Okay, Mom! Bye.”

She waved toward Ichiro and Hanami before leaving them amidst the bustling parking lot. He could see several people walking towards Aunt Kaori and offering their greetings.

“Where’s your classroom?” Hanami suddenly asked, stealing Ichiro’s attention.

“West Building A, second floor. Yours is North Building A, isn’t it?”

“Yes. Also on the second floor.”

Ichiro already expected Hanami to be in class 1-A, reserved for those with the best results during the entrance exam.

“Would you like to go together?” Hanami asked. "Yours is in the same direction as mine, right?"

"Okay."

Ichiro nodded to her before they moved again. The main entrance and the parking area were on the southern side of Horikawa, whereas their classroom was on the north, so they walked in the same direction from the parking lot.

They trod silently along the path, broken only by the occasional shuffle of feet against the pavement. Soft whispers followed in their wake as their fellow students passed their sides to be the same age. Some stole a glance at their faces. Hanami was the center of attention, but Ichiro inadvertently became a part of it.

"I'm sorry," Ichiro said.

"What's wrong?"

"Those eyes," Ichiro said, "Maybe it's disturbing you."

"Don't worry about them."

"I'm talking about people seeing you walking with me. Maybe I should go away—"

"—It's okay. Don't worry too much." Hanami laughed.

Ichiro sighed. "If you say so."

Each then glanced away from the other, their gazes wandering to the architecture of the buildings in front of them and appreciating their beauty, accompanied by the falling petals of the spring cherry trees.

Ichiro saw Hanami open her palm towards the air, catching some petals from falling onto the ground.

“I always like cherry petals,” Hanami mumbled.

“I remember you that time, jumping around like crazy when the spring came.” Ichiro referred to their childhood past.

“I still like them a lot.” She blew the petals towards Ichiro’s direction, but it fell short of him. She then smiled.

“Careful…” Ichiro was left confused by her actions and a bit worried. He thought she was a bit brave to do that in public—almost flirty. “I can see why you are her daughter.”

“Don’t compare me to her.” She pointed her finger.

By then, they had arrived at a small fountain, signaling Ichiro to take a different turn from her.

“See you later,” Ichiro said.

She nodded and replied with a soft voice, "Ichiro.”

"Yes?"

Hanami looked at the ground at first as if she was trying to evade his sight. However, she returned with an earnest determination that burned through her eyes. "I know things are different now, but if you need anything, just let me know. Alright?"

A flicker of surprise crossed Ichiro's face before he nodded. “Thanks, I'll keep that in mind."

Hanami nodded back and waved her hands. “See you later, Ichiro.”

“See you later."

She then turned her back away and left him. He watched her vanish into the bustling crowd, her presence slowly fading from view.

Ichiro then walked his way toward his homeroom.