The boring csses went by slowly. I already knew most, if not all of what was taught - after all, I would be the Second-Year Student Representative if I wasn't who I am currently. I spent most of my time in csses studying in advance, though as of te, I've seen Felis studying harder than ever - maybe I may have ignited a competitive spirit in her that I didn't know.

  With css done, we both head together to the Legal and Law Clubroom. Thanks to me, the Law and Legal Clubroom basically became our personal study room with company. During our normal css days, we would usually end up at the Law and Legal Clubroom at the end of our day to study. On days where we had our elective csses, sometimes we met up still and did our own thing - she studied as I pyed my violin. I've slowly become a lot more confident in pying. There was something satisfying about music - even though pying the same thing over and over again sometimes felt boring, it was oddly fun when I put what I practiced together into one piece.

  For now, it was just us two in the clubroom studying. Times like these were when I was gd that this club had a lot of ghost members. In reality, most of the members were for 'me'. After all, being acquainted with an Imperial Advisor is quite useful - though Kaeu and Leicia were quite useful in warding people off. Though with the Imperial Advisor, Yesen Waltsia gone, the club managed to survive with all the ghost members. Though we would occasionally see some members - mostly seniors - asking for opportunity to volunteer at Kaeu's father's firm, so it wasn't all malicious ghost members.

  "I'm coming in." Through the door Kaeu comes in. I've asked him before during our days together why he says this, but all he says is that he's being mindful, being the only guy active in the club... Honestly, I've wondered what others in his css think - being in a club with girls -, but I wouldn't really be able to know without involving myself with him more.

  I also couldn't really say how he felt - reflecting on it now, I kind of realized I've been a little pushy... I hope it doesn't get seen the wrong way.

  ""Good afternoon Ignation."" Felis and I both greet him as he comes in.

  Kaeu returns our greeting with a smile, "Hello again you two." He comes into the clubroom, going to his chair to read as the three of us begin our normal activities.

  His presence didn't change much - the three of us were quite static. There wasn't much to converse about - it was really just the combined shared presence that we all had that made this a special pce. Funny how this club became like that again...

  "Hello!" In came Leicia.

  I greet her back, "Good afternoon Qualtia." Leicia smiles seeing me greet her before heading to her seat to make herself home. Though today instead of pulling out her sketchbook she took out a textbook and a notebook from her bag.

  Well—exams were due pretty soon for everyone. I wasn't too concerned, but I still went over and reviewed what was likely to be on our exam - just in case...

  I wasn't pressured to do well, but... Seeing Felis and her effort, I felt like I should at least study what we were 'supposed' to be learning as well - after all, she made some pretty big cims, and... Well, I myself may be a little more competitive than I thought. I simply wanted to do well just because of someone else's cim - it did seem quite fun honestly. Wanting to do well not because of expectations, but because I wanted to.

  With all of us here, we studied - or in Kaeu's case, he read - together. Occasionally chatter would liven the clubroom, but it was a quiet, rexing area for us to be in...

  "Students and staff, the school gates and entrances will be closing at 18:00. Ensure to finish up any remaining duties or activities in a timely manner before entrances close." I looked at my phone to check the time - were we here for that long?

  I look over at Felis, who also appeared shocked like me upon hearing the school's automated broadcast. "Let's get going." I said as I began to pack up my second-year textbook.

  "Yeah." Felis began packing her stuff as well.

  I looked at Leicia and Kaeu, and they were still calm, waiting. To be fair, we still had an hour left before the school closed, but both Felis and I had a lot to handle outside of school as well. Felis was quite busy helping her family, and I... Well—I've been taking a little bit of a backseat from making dinner so early, but I still make sure dinner is done by 19:00.

  "Bye Ignation, Qualtia." I said, lightly bowing before leaving. Felis said her salutations before leaving as well.

  It was still tense at home... Honestly, time didn't help much - if anything, knowing what Alicia did only made things worse... Perhaps me coming ter and prepping dinner was more of a way for me to give room to Cecelia - yet I didn't know if I was giving her space, or running... More than anything else, I only felt more... cautious in my actions and interactions with her.

  At first, I simply acted as I did, but doubt overtook me as I questioned myself... Now, I was at a complete loss in what to do, and how to mend our strained retionship without scarring Cecelia more. Honestly, I think Cecelia noticed my change and it only worsened our shared situation together. I've thought of multiple ideas, but I've had to reconsider them after consideration of our current situation.

  For now, though, I could only provide for her. Even if it wasn't helping bridge our connection, it was the least I could do - as her older sister.

  "..." In my room, I wondered... wondered what to do, and how I could help. Yet, my thoughts trailed off into dead ends - I let out a sigh and slump back onto my chair.

  I took a deep breath and stood. I went to the bookshelf again and took out my hidden diary, pcing it on my desk to write an entry in.

  Lunar Year 933, First Half, Day 149-2,

  I've been at a loss ever since. I feel like I've been running away. Running from my issues, running from my past.

  I've been at a loss ever since. I don't know what to do. I don't know how to help Cecelia.

  ... I... thought back to what Halcation told me, 'Whatever it is - I am sure you will be there for her, Alicia.'

  But... no matter what, I will be there for her. Afterall, that is the least I could do to atone for what Cecelia has endured.