There was an annoyingly loud ring that stung Usagi’s ears, and she woke up with an incredibly painful headache. She was in her room, and it was morning. Usagi glanced at her clock, and it was a quarter to eight. Oh no! Not again! Usagi could not afford one more tardy in her record. She struggled to get up, and staggered a bit on her way to the bathroom. As soon as she gained her composure, Usagi tried to her best to get ready as fast as she could and rushed outside her house.
Great, she thought, late again. Her head throbbed as she ran, but paid no attention to it. As she peeked into the classroom, she could see that Ami was already in class listening intently to their instructor. Usagi took a deep breath, knowing what was to come. All eyes were on her. Ami looked at Usagi and sighed. However, she gave her a reassuring smile as the instructor started scolding Usagi. Slowly, she walked towards her seat and sank into it. This is going to be a long day, she thought as she looked outside the window.
After school, she and Ami met with the other senshi at the Hikawa Temple. They decided to have a sleepover the week before and planned out everything. Makoto brought some of her snacks as usual.
“Where’s Minako?” asked Ami as she scanned the room.
“Oh. Recording at the studio again. She’ll be here once it’s over,” replied Rei.
Usagi took a spot on the floor and sat there. It began to rain and she listened to the drone of raindrops crashing against the rooftop of the temple. She started to feel cold as it got darker outside and hugged her knees for warmth. Her friends began a heated discussion about the recent youma they defeated, but Usagi paid no attention to it. Her headache started to grow more painful and she rubbed her temples in an effort to ease the pain. She tried desperately to stay awake and occasionally yawned, as her eyes grew heavier. Before she knew it, someone threw a pillow at her and she looked towards where it was thrown. Everyone was looking at her.
“Usagi. What’s wrong? You’re actually quiet today.” asked Rei.
She looked at Rei, and shook her head, “Gomen. I’m just not in the mood.”
All the girls looked at each other confused. Usagi is actually not hyper? Strange. Usagi looked at them and laughed nervously. “Oh no. I meant that I’m just tired. Maybe I should just splash some water in my face to wake me up.”
Usagi stood up and began walking towards the bathroom. Her head started to spin and everything around her began to blur as she almost lost her balance and caught herself.
“Whoa there. You okay?” asked Makoto as eyed her friend.
“Hai, I must have gotten up to fast,” answered Usagi.
“Maybe you should sit down a bit,” said Ami.
Usagi nodded in agreement as she turned around to go back. Everything felt heavy to her. She swayed, and her head throbbed even more painfully. Suddenly, Usagi felt as if she were quickly lifted from the ground. Her surroundings went black.
Rei ran towards Usagi as her body fell limp towards the floor and caught her friend in time before hitting the ground. “Usagi?! Usagi?!” cried Rei. Usagi began to shiver tremendously and Ami felt Usagi’s forehead.
“She’s burning up. Usagi! Can you hear me?! Usagi!” yelled Ami. She mumbled something and fell silent.
“Usagi?! You shouldn’t over exert yourself!” exclaimed Rei as she ran towards her friend. Usagi found herself leaning on Rei, who was leading her back into bed. Usagi sighed slightly but was grateful.
“No need to worry Rei-chan. I’m fine see,” she said as she forced a smile.
“We’re not buying that,” said someone. The voice was familiar and Usagi looked around. It belonged to none other than Aino Minako. She stood beside Rei and looked down at her friend.
“Minako-chan!” exclaimed Usagi as she tried to sit up. However, Rei forced her back down.
“I came as soon as Rei called and told me that you collapsed,” said the pop-idol, “Usagi. What happened?”
Usagi looked at the ceiling again and then back at her friends. “Nothing, I think it’s because I lacked sleep last night. Just tired, but I’m fine now!”
Everyone sighed.
“Not from what it seems,” said Makoto as she looked at Usagi.
“You should rest, and we’ll plan something tomorrow to make up for tonight. Well, that’s if you’re feeling better,” said Ami as she gave Usagi a reassuring smile.
“But-”
“Nope. Not hearing it, ” said Makoto.
“But-”
“Rest Usagi. And we’ll see you in the morning,” replied Rei.
Before they could leave the room, Usagi yelled, “BUT I’M SCARED! I DON’T WANNA SLEEP ALONE!!”
All four girls stopped, turned around and sighed.
“Usagi. You sleep alone in your house, what’s so different about Rei’s room?”
“It’s dark. Rei doesn’t have a nightlight. I’m afraid of the dark!” exclaimed Usagi.
“Well, I can’t sleep with a light on,” said Rei.
Usagi looked at them with pleading eyes, until finally they sighed and gave in. One by one, they moved their belongings from the guest room to Rei’s room, and by the time they moved the last of their things Usagi was sound asleep. Makoto and Ami took any available spot on the floor, while Rei started to lock up the temple. Minako followed Rei outside and they began to talk.
“You think it was just exhaustion?” asked Minako.
“Something tells me there’s more to it. Before she collapsed she kept rubbing her temples. You don’t think-“
“Possibly, but I hope not. I don’t want any of my friends to experience that amount suffering as I did. Not again. Not when we were given a second chance.”
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