The Last Petal of Sakura

Chapter 3: A Tapestry of Friendship

The rain from the previous evening had left a crisp freshness in the air as Yumi made her way to the university.

The morning sun cast a golden hue over the buildings, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the trees lining the pathways. Yumi's steps were light with anticipation as she looked forward to reuniting with her best friend, Hikari, and the adventures that awaited them.

As Yumi entered the bustling campus, she spotted Hikari waiting for her near the entrance of their building, a wide smile lighting up her face.

"Yumi!" Hikari exclaimed, waving enthusiastically. "You made it!"

Yumi returned the smile, feeling a surge of warmth at the sight of her friend. "Hey, Hikari! Of course, I wouldn't miss it for the world."

The two friends embraced, their laughter mingling with the chatter of students around them.

"Are you ready for today?" Hikari asked, excitement dancing in her eyes.

Yumi nodded eagerly. "Absolutely! I can't wait to see what we find."

With that, they linked arms and headed towards their first class of the day, chatting animatedly about their plans for the university festival and reminiscing about past adventures.

Throughout the day, Yumi and Hikari navigated their classes with ease, stealing moments between lectures to share whispered conversations and inside jokes. As they made their way from one building to another, their bond seemed to grow stronger with each step.

During a break between classes, they found themselves lounging on a bench in the courtyard, basking in the warmth of the sun.

"I can't believe the festival is just around the corner," Hikari said, a hint of excitement in her voice. "It feels like we've been waiting for this forever."

Yumi nodded in agreement, her thoughts drifting to the vibrant festivities that awaited them. "I know! It's going to be amazing. And with you by my side, I'm sure we'll have the best time ever."

Hikari grinned. "You bet we will! But first, we have some serious shopping to do."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of the bell, signaling the start of their next class. With a shared sigh, they rose from the bench and made their way toward the lecture hall, their spirits buoyed by the promise of the afternoon ahead.

As the day drew to a close, Yumi and Hikari found themselves walking back to their dormitories, their arms laden with textbooks and notebooks.

"I can't wait for our shopping spree today evening," Hikari said, excitement bubbling in her voice. "We're going to find the perfect outfits for the festival."

Yumi smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude for the friendship she shared with Hikari. "I know we will, Hikari. And no matter what, as long as we're together, it's going to be unforgettable."