Morikawa stood, staring out at the grey landscape as she shut the door to her shoe locker. It was a sullen spring afternoon. Cherry blossom leaves rocked in the wind, pink petals cascading in shivering bouts to land in growing puddles. It was a pretty sight, even with the gloomy clouds hanging above, and the cool wind brought a comforting chill that swiped away the exhaustion of the day.

Tapping the toe of her shoes on the wood floor a couple times, she headed for the umbrella racks. There were only a few idle umbrellas left. A navy blue one, a patterned pink one...

She paused, fingers stopping as she sifted through the rows. No clear umbrella. Hers had been taken, by accident or not she would never know. Glancing back at the shower outside, she knew she had no choice but to wait out the rain.

She turned and headed for the ledge under the awning, where students usually sat sharing snacks and gossip. Tucking in her skirt, she took a seat, staring off at the rainy landscape. Her eyes turned idly sideways--and to her embarrassment, there was actually another student there, whom she had completely overlooked.

"Ah... sorry, I didn't see you there. Good afternoon."