Near the familiar intersection, the lean young man in the bright yellow cycling jacket slows sharply, glancing from Sana to the performance folder tucked against her side. Sakura remains on Sana’s back, arms held around her shoulders.
Cyclist
Matsumura? Wait, I know you from Tokyo Metro High. Is that the performance costume folder?
Sana Matsumura
Yeah, but this isn’t a public school thing. What’s going on?
Cyclist
Someone from school has been asking around for the finished costume details. They said they needed to confirm what was repaired and who did it.
Sana’s posture tightens beneath Sakura, but she keeps one hand secure beneath Sakura’s leg and does not shift her suddenly sore heel. The cyclist waits beside his bicycle, uncertain.
Sana Matsumura
I promised her nobody would expose her publicly. If this is about Yamamoto, you need to tell me exactly who sent you before I say anything.
Cyclist
I’m not here to drag anyone into it. I just thought you should know before they come looking. Do you want me to pass along a message?
✓ Quest Accepted
Keep the school inquiry from exposing Sakura’s identity
✓ Quest Accepted
Prevent strange rumors about Sana and Sakura's relationship
“"Matsumura, can you just tell them that you did the costume repair?" Sakura whispers to Sana, not thinking about the consequences of starting a lie like this”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +2)
Sakura Yamamoto
Matsumura, can you just tell them that you did the costume repair?
Sakura’s whisper brushes Sana’s shoulder. Sana goes still for a moment, then adjusts her hold beneath Sakura’s leg without jostling the sore heel.
Sana Matsumura
Yeah. I did the repair. Yamamoto only helped me check a few things, and she isn’t involved in the committee’s details.
The cyclist studies Sana’s face, then the folder, apparently weighing the answer. Sakura remains tucked against Sana’s back as the street hums softly around them.
Cyclist
Okay. That’s all I needed to know. I’ll tell them Matsumura handled it, so nobody needs to bother Yamamoto.
Sana Matsumura
Thanks. And if they ask for more, tell them to come through the performance committee, not through random students.
The cyclist nods, mounts his bicycle, and rolls toward the next intersection. Sana waits until he is out of earshot before speaking more quietly.
Sana Matsumura
I’ll cover for you this time. But we should talk later about what we tell people, okay? I’m not mad. I just want us both protected.
Quest Complete
Keep the school inquiry from exposing Sakura’s identity