(4)

"Well, then. Why not ask Sei-sama?"
The school semester ending ceremony had finished, and after homeroom Yumi waited for Sachiko-sama at the garden. Such was Sachiko-sama's reply after listening to Yumi.

"Sei-sama?"
If it were one of the previous Roses, then it would be just fine to suggest Eriko (江利子)-sama. Why did Sei-sama's name come up instead then? Perhaps the incident one month ago still left a sting at Sachiko-sama's heart? Yumi thought to herself.

That day during the rainy season, heavy clouds lingered over the sister's just like the sky in those days. Envious of Touko-chan, Yumi ended up throwing herself into Sei-sama's arms as if to escape from Sachiko-sama.
Now it was a summer afternoon.
The sky was clear blue. The sunshine was so ferocious that her arms sticking out of her short sleeves were burnt mercilessly.
The heavy rain that soaked Yumi's heart and body that day now seemed like a dream. How unbelievable that only one month had passed!

"With Sei-sama, Yumi would enjoy more, wouldn't you?"
"..."
Unbelievable as it looked, Sei-sama often appeared whenever Yumi was in danger and extended a saving hand, Yumi came to realize. Therefore Yumi grew dependent of her. Sachiko-sama must feel a little bitter about this, Yumi faintly sensed.

Perheps it was envy? -- Yumi cheekily began to analyse.
But Yumi always only had Sachiko-sama in her heart, and never flirted around. Well, there was that kiss on the cheek, but to Sei-sama that was nothing but a greeting. -- At this point, Yumi started to reflect on herself honestly. Such insensitivity was already a problem itself.

"But university students are having seminars and such, aren't they?"
Don't know for sure, but maybe.
"Well, probably."

Sachiko-sama walked slowly along the shaded paths in the garden, while gently touching the fresh lush green bush leaves. Stealing a glance around, there was nobody but the two of them. Students longing for the sunny summer vacations had quick feet to go home, that's why.

Perhaps Sachiko-sama didn't care at all, Yumi thought as she followed behind. Even so, Yumi just didn't feel right to invite Sei-sama. Searching frantically in her head for a subtitute of Sei-sama's name, Yumi replayed the first name that popped up for the time being.