The cyclist disappears around the next intersection, leaving Sana Matsumura and Sakura alone on the quiet residential street. Sana Matsumura continues toward Sakura’s house, carrying her carefully through the open gate.
At the entrance, Sana Matsumura lowers herself into a crouch and waits until Sakura can stand without putting weight on her injured heel. She sets the performance folder safely beside the gatepost.
Sana Matsumura
There. We made it. Don’t rush your foot, okay? I’ll stay here until you’re steady.
Sana Matsumura straightens and brushes a strand of blonde hair from her face. The school uniform, the carried student, and the folder make their connection impossible to mistake from the street.
Sana Matsumura
Before I go, we should figure out what to say if classmates see us together. I don’t want them poking into your private life, and I don’t want either of us caught off guard.
Sana Matsumura
We could say I was helping with your heel, or that we were discussing the costume repairs. What explanation would protect both of us without exposing anything you want kept private?
She leaves the choice between them, standing beside the gate rather than stepping closer to the house. Behind her, the evening street remains quiet, waiting for Sakura’s answer.
“"I guess, if we want to stop any weird rumors, you could pretend that you were bullying me?" Sakura wasn't sure where she was going with this idea, but the web of lies has started to spin”
SUCCESS (Superb Reasoning, rolled +3)
Sakura Yamamoto
I guess... if we want to stop weird rumors, you could pretend you were bullying me?
The suggestion leaves Sakura quietly, shaped by the gate, the empty street, and the reputation Sana already carried through school. Her injured heel stays carefully lifted.
Sana Matsumura
That might actually work. People already believe I’d pick on you, so nobody would question why I was walking you home.
Sana Matsumura
It feels awful that my old behavior makes this believable, but if it keeps them away from her, I can use it.
Sana Matsumura
I’d have to act mean where people can see us, though. Only enough for the rumor, not enough to scare you. And privately, I’d still be helping your heel.
She considers the street beyond the gate, then the folder beside the post. The explanation gives Sana a clear shield for carrying Sakura, while keeping the costume and Sakura’s home life out of classmates’ hands.
Sana Matsumura
I can tell my friends I was keeping you from making a scene after I caught you helping with repairs. They’ll spread that faster than anything we invent.
“My heel is fine now. Thank you for the help. I'll be fine after today. I guess your idea is fine to quell any rumors. Let's just go with that and see what happens.”
SUCCESS (Superb Reasoning, rolled +1)
Sakura Yamamoto
My heel is fine now. Thank you for helping me. I’ll be okay after today. Your idea is fine, too. Let’s use it and see what happens.
Sakura lowers her foot carefully, testing the ground without putting unnecessary pressure on the bandage. The gate and quiet street give her words somewhere private to land.
Sana Matsumura
Okay. Then it’s settled. If anyone asks, I was giving you a hard time after catching you helping with repairs, and you got upset.
Sana Matsumura
Keep it believable, but never let the act become another reason for her to feel trapped.
Sana picks up the performance folder and steps back from the entrance, leaving the path to Sakura’s door clear. Her posture stays casual, though her attention remains on Sakura’s footing.
Sana Matsumura
I’ll keep the public version short and mean-looking, nothing personal. Privately, I’ll know you’re fine. Text me if the heel starts hurting again, okay?
“I will. Thank you. Good night, Matsumura.”
SUCCESS (Legendary Willpower, rolled +0)
Sakura Yamamoto
I will. Thank you. Good night, Matsumura.
Sakura gives a small bow from the gate, keeping her weight balanced as she turns toward the house. The bandaged heel holds steady beneath her shoe.
Sana Matsumura
Good night, Yamamoto. Get inside carefully, and text me if that heel starts acting up again.
Sana retrieves the folder and steps back onto the sidewalk, leaving the gate and path unobstructed. She raises one hand in farewell without lingering.
Sana Matsumura
And tomorrow, remember: short and mean-looking in public. Nothing personal. We’ve got it.
Sana turns toward the quiet street and walks away beneath the evening lights. Sakura remains safely inside the gate, with the agreed explanation and her privacy intact.