Visitors from the past

On top of a certain High School surrounded by littering sand in its perimeter is a Pinkette, laying on the rooftop, sun bathing in the after noon while the wind blew in a direction.

Her eyes shut with a small smile plastered on her face. Her skirt and tie fluttering from the wind while her cowlick danced with the breeze every now and then.

She kept her limbs sprawled over the mattress she's laying on with her back as the soft light shun down on her very petite form, before she turns on her sides either way or maybe even completely flipping herself over.

"Hnnn~" But all together, she is just relaxing, listening to the whistling music of the gentle wind of today.

"stretches and arches back, extending tiny arms overhead and releasing a loud yawn" "Uhe...ah...wha' time is it again? "blinks lazily, eyes half-closed" Oh, look who's bothered me on a lovely day like this?"

"Hoshino's eyes widen, and she sits up straight, rubbing her temples" "W-who are you?! "gasp" Y-Yume?! You're...you're dead! I-I saw it with my own eyes!" "gets off the rooftop, walking slowly towards Yume" "H-how is this possible? Did someone...did someone bring you back to life?" "eyes darting around, searching for any signs of a mysterious presence"

"Hoshino's face screws up in confusion and concern, her slumped posture straightening slightly as she looks at Yume with a mixture of astonishment and unease" "W-wait, what?! "takes a step back, eyes fixed on Yume's face" You're...you're saying you're the real Yume? But I saw her die! "points to her own chest" I'm Hoshino Takanashi! We're the only ones left from the SC!"

"Hoshino tilts her head slightly, processing Yume's words. Her facial features take on a bewildered expression, furrowing in thought and confusion" "W-well...for someone who supposedly died and came back...it'd be kinda like knowing nothing 'bout what happened to you when you were gone." "She shrugs" "But how it was possible now..." Her brows knit further, eyes narrowing. "It's beyond me; we'd best unravel this mystery to make sense of it!"

"Hoshino's face turns bright red, her eyes widening in embarrassment as she stands up straight, trying to appear more intimidating" "E-excuse me?! "ahem" I am Hoshino Takanashi, the Chairwoman of Foreclosure Task Force! "points to her chest" Not 'Hoshino-chan' or any cute nickname, thank you very much!" "voice slightly trembling" "And don't...don't look at me like that...I'm a grown woman, for Pete's sake!"

"Hoshino's eyes widen, her expression changing from embarrassment to shock as she takes a step forward, staring at the wormhole" "W-wait, what?! "her voice lowers" You're telling me...you fell through that hole? That...that's impossible! It's not just any ordinary wormhole!" "she takes another step closer, her fingers trailing over the edge of the hole" "This is the kind of thing only happens in legends...or myths..."

"Hoshino's expression turns even more serious, her eyes narrowing slightly as she grits her teeth" "T-that's because you've been seeing a different me...or a past version of me, at least. I used to be like that too, back in my first year of high school. But that's not who I am now. "pauses, looking down at her hands" I've changed, grown up...and learned to deal with things in my own way."

"Hoshino lets out a small, humorless laugh as she looks around, her gaze tracing over the familiar yet altered surroundings of Abydos High School" "Yes...and no. "shakes her head slightly" This is still our present. The school might look different because of that wormhole, but our struggles and goals remain the same. We're working to save our school and livelihoods, forging ahead despite the challenges."

"Hoshino's expression turns somber, her voice taking on a gentle tone" "Y-yume-chan... "her eyes seem to bore into yours" You really don't remember, do you? "takes a step closer, her hands grasping at the air as if searching for something" I'm so sorry...I wish I could go back and change things... "a hint of desperation creeps into her voice" But we can't. We have to face the reality before us."

"Hoshino's eyes widen slightly, her cheeks flushing as she looks up at you with a mix of surprise and... maybe something more? Her voice is soft and hesitant" "W-when you say that, it sounds like... "pauses, her throat constricting" Like you're asking permission... "her gaze drops, her eyelashes fluttering downward" I think...it would be okay. If you really want to..." "trails off, her voice barely audible"

"Hoshino's eyes snap back up, a faint flush spreading across her cheeks as she lets out a small gasp" "Y-yume-chan... "her voice is barely above a whisper" You really are... "pauses, her gaze locked on yours" I forgot how much you love touching me... "a soft, shy smile spreads across her face as she leans into your touch, her body relaxing against yours""

"Hoshino's expression turns serious, her voice laced with a hint of sadness" "Yume-chan... "her eyes seem to bore into yours, filled with memories" You remember how we were always getting caught up in those sandstorms, don't you? "sighs softly" I was so worried about you, but... "pauses, her voice cracking slightly" ...I didn't realize you were in danger until it was too late..." "her gaze drifts off, lost in thought"

"Hoshino's eyes widen, her expression clouding over" "Y-yeah... "she pauses, her voice dropping to a whisper" We did have a fight... "her gaze drops, her eyelashes fluttering downward" I was really angry with you, Yume-chan... "her voice cracks slightly" And...I didn't know how to make it up to you... "pauses, her body still relaxing against yours, but her emotions clearly still raw and vulnerable""

"Hoshino gently chuckles, a warm smile spreading across her face as she gazes upon you with understanding eyes" "It's alright, Yume-chan... "gives your hand a soft squeeze" We all make mistakes. You just got too caught up in trying to help others... "her expression turns softly critical" But remember, it's okay to ask for help too. That's what friends are for..." "a slight teasing glint appears in her eyes as she adds playfully" "Even if they've become rather grumpy, senile aunts now."

"Hoshino's face contorts into a pensive frown, her eyes distant as she reminisces" "Hmm... "counts silently" It's been... about ten days? I didn't eat properly, barely slept... "she chuckles lightly, attempting to mask her weariness but can't hide it entirely" The school was about to be closed down. We had to keep going, even when it felt like all hope was gone." "a quiet determination lingers in her voice before she breaks into a small smile once again" "But I'm just glad you're back, no matter how things ended between us."

"Hoshino frowns, a delicate mix of concern and contemplation etching on her face" "About your dying part... "her voice lowers to a comforting whisper" We still got time to figure it out, Yume. As for going back to the past... Well, that wormhole is tricky. It doesn't always let us choose where we end up. But if there's a chance it could save you, maybe trying again isn't so bad." "A small, reassuring smile graces her lips" "But remember, whatever happens, I'll be right here by your side." ""She leans forward, pressing a soft kiss on your cheek before settling back into their relaxed position""

"Hoshino's cheeks flush slightly, a gentle blush spreading across her face as she giggles" "O-oh, stop teasing me, Yume! "she chuckles, attempting to hide behind a pretend scowl" I'm just the acting president of the Foreclosure Task Force. I mean, it's not like I'm actually president-president... "she looks around awkwardly before focusing back on you" But, yeah, I did try to emulate your style a bit. It's, uh, flattering, don't you think? "a hint of embarrassment seeps into her tone""

"Hoshino's eyes widen in mock offense, and she playfully pouts" "Hey, hey! Don't say I've grown soft! "she feigns hurt" I'm still the same old Hoshino you know! "a sly grin spreads across her face" You're just seeing me in a different light now that I'm not as... "leaning in, a conspiratorial whisper follows" aggressive. "her voice drops to a whisper" And don't mention it to anyone, but I think I might've become a bit more... sentimental, too." "she winks, her mischievous side peeking through"

Hoshino's expression turns serious as she thinks about her answer, her fingers playing with the hem of her skirt. "I think... it was because of the Foreclosure Task Force. When I first joined the club, I only saw it as a way to help save our school and pay off our debt. But then I started working alongside Shiroko, Nonomi, Serika, and Ayane, and they showed me that there's more to life than just survival."

She looks up at you, a soft smile on her lips. "They've become like family to me, and their kindness has rubbed off on me too. It's not just about saving our school anymore, it's about doing it together, as a team. And that's made all the difference."

"Hoshino's cheeks flush at the unexpected hug, and she awkwardly pats your shoulder with her gloved hand" "Hnnn, y-yes, of course! I'd love to introduce you to the FTF members next time. "she hesitates for a moment before speaking in a whisper" But, um, about that... "she glances around nervously, making sure no one's watching" You're not actually dead, are you? "her eyes narrow slightly, searching for any sign of deception"

*Hoshino's eyes widen in surprise, and she winces slightly as her cheek is pinched. She quickly releases her grip on your arm, taking a step back with a mixture of excitement and caution. "W-whoa, stop it, Yume-chan! "she rubs her cheek where you pinched it" Ow, that hurts! But... but if you're really not dead... "her eyes spark with curiosity" Then what just happened? And how did you come back?"

"Hoshino's eyes light up at the prospect of playing, and she lets out a tired-sounding sigh" "Ah, s'up, Yume-chan... I mean, it's not like I have anything better to do... "she smiles lazily, but there's a hint of enthusiasm in her voice" Yeah, sure thing! But don't expect me to be too energetic, I've been lazing around all day... "she stretches, arching her back and extending her arms above her head" Oooh, what kind of game were you thinking of?"

"Hoshino's eyes light up at the mention of aquariums and game centers" "Ooh, yeah! I love aquariums! Especially the part where they have those cute little penguins waddling around... "she giggles" And game centers, oh yeah! I'm actually pretty good at those shooting games, got a high score in the top 3 for that one arcade game last time... "she talks excitedly, her lethargic demeanor momentarily forgotten"

As for the tourist spots... "she snuggles deeper into the mattress, picking at a loose thread on her skirt" ...it's really sad, isn't it? The town's just getting more deserted each day... "her expression turns melancholic" Used to be, people would flock to our school, especially during breaks... but now... *she trails off, gazing

"Hoshino's eyes glaze over, and she lets out a soft sigh" "Mhmm, yeah... I guess so... "she lazily blinks, her eyelids feeling heavy" I used to be a lot more uptight, especially after what happened to Yume-chan... "she pauses, her voice barely above a whisper" But, after a while, I realized that getting all worked up wasn't doing me any good... "she shrugs, rolling onto her back" So, I just kinda... let go, you know? Started doing things my way, and it feels a lot better... "she yawns, stretching out her arms and legs" Oooh, sorry, I'm just really tired all of a sudden..."

"Hoshino's eyes light up at the suggestion, and she smiles lazily" "Oh, yeah! Sounds like a plan, Yume-chan~ "she links her arm with yours, walking alongside you" I love just taking it easy and enjoying the simple things in life... "she looks around at the school's surroundings, taking in the scenery" And being with you makes it even more fun, you know? "she teases, nudging your hand playfully" You're the only one who still thinks I'm worth bothering with, after all..."

"Hoshino notices Yume's change in mood and frowns, concern etched on her face" "Hey, Yume-chan... what's wrong? "she asks, her voice soft and gentle" You're not thinking about dying or anything, are you? "she looks up at the desert, feeling a pang of unease" We've been through tough times, but we've always found a way to make it work... "she tries to reassure Yume, taking hold of her hand" We'll figure something out, together..."

"Hoshino's expression turns somber, her eyes welling up with tears" "Yume-chan... "she whispers, her voice trembling" You're really going to leave me again, aren't you? "she looks down, her shoulders slumping in defeat" I don't want to lose you again, Yume-chan... "she takes a deep breath, trying to composed herself" But... "she looks up at Yume, her eyes pleading" Please, don't do this... not again... we've been through so much together already... "she's struggling to keep her emotions in check" Just... just stay with me, Yume-chan... please..."

"Hoshino's eyes widen in shock, her expression turning desperate" "Wait, Yume-chan... you mean... "she trails off, her voice barely above a whisper" You're talking about changing the past... really changing it... "she takes a step closer to Yume, her hands shaking with anxiety" But that means... "she gasps" That means we would never have met... never formed the FTF... and never found each other again... "her eyes well up with tears once more" Oh, Yume-chan... "she's pleading" You can't leave me again... I won't let you..."

"Hoshino's eyes flash with anger and sadness, her voice trembling with emotion" "Yume-chan, don't go! "she reaches out, as if trying to grab hold of Yume" You can't just leave me again! "she's fighting back tears" I thought we were friends... I thought we understood each other... "her voice cracks" But it seems like nothing matters to you, does it? "she spits out the words, her body shaking with rage" Just take me with you, Yume-chan! Take me back in time with you! "she's begging, her desperation evident" Please, please, please... don't leave me behind again..."

"Hoshino's anger and sadness give way to confusion and frustration" "A prank?! "she scoffs, her voice laced with disbelief" You expect me to believe that's just a prank?! "she takes a step closer to Yume, her eyes blazing with intensity" You're playing with our lives like they're some kind of game, Yume-chan! "her voice drops to a whisper" And what about Shiroko-chan? And Nonomi? Serika? Ayane? They're all counting on us! "she clutches her chest, as if the weight of responsibility is crushing her" We can't leave them behind! "she pleads, her expression pleading" Please, Yume-chan... don't do this... don't leave us..."

"Hoshino's face contorts in a mixture of sadness, anger, and frustration as she watches Yume disappear into the wormhole. She takes a deep breath, her chest heaving with emotion, before letting out a defeated sigh." "Uhe...it seems like I'm left here to deal with everything alone again..." "she mutters to herself, her voice barely audible over the wind"

"Suddenly, she looks up at the sky, a determined glint in her eye." "I won't let Yume-chan's words bring me down. I'll keep going, for the sake of the Foreclosure Task Force, and for my own sake. "she clenches her fist, a small smile spreading across her face" Time to get back to work, ojisan-style!"

"Hoshino groans, rolling her eyes and stretching her arms above her head." "Ojisan, you're kidding me, right? Can't a girl just get some peace and quiet around here?" "she says, a hint of exasperation in her voice." "I was just, uh, taking a little nap on the roof. Yeah, that's it. A nap." "she tries to play it cool, but her cheeks flush slightly with embarrassment."

"Hoshino's expression changes instantly, her eyes widening in shock and her face paling. She quickly sits up, scrambling to hide the keychain behind her back as if it's a shameful secret." "Oh, uh, that? No, no, it's not what you think, ojisan! I, uh, found it on the ground or something... Yeah, that's it!" "she tries to cover, but her voice is shaking slightly and her words are laced with lies."

"As the day fades, Hoshino remains on the rooftop, heart heavy and thoughts swirling. Her body is still under the sun's warm rays, contrasting her inner turmoil. She gazes absently at the star-shaped keychain clutched tightly in her hand, memories of Yume flooding back." "Uhe, why did this happen? Why can't I just move on already?" "she mumbles to herself, eyes glistening." Slowly, she slips the keychain around her neck, feeling its presence close to her heart. Determined, she stands up, facing the new night head-on. It's time to put yesterday away and tackle tomorrow.*