As Mahiru and I froze, surprised by Alya's sudden appearance, she closed the distance between us with a familiar ease. Her presence felt both commanding and warm, her eyes dancing with mischief and confidence.
Alya's smile widened as she looked at me, her gaze flickering to Mahiru with curiosity. "Good morning, Aiko! And who might this be?" she asked, her voice carrying a melodic tone that seemed to dance in the morning air.
The morning already filled with unexpected encounters and now I have to deal with this...
"This is Shiina Mahiru. She just moved in next door, and she's also a transfer student. She'll be studying in our school from now on," I introduced, gesturing slightly toward Mahiru, trying to keep my tone as neutral as possible. "And Mahiru, this is Alisa Mikhailovna Kujou. She's originally from Russia."
Mahiru gave a polite nod, her eyes soft and curious. "Good morning, Kujou-san. It's nice to meet you."
Alya's eyes lit up with interest, her smile never wavering. "Likewise, Mahiru. And just call me Alya. Welcome to our school. I'm sure you'll find it a wonderful place to study," she replied, her voice carrying a sense of genuine welcome.
As we set off toward the school, Alya fell into step beside us, nudging me with a teasing glance. "You know, it's not every day we get a new neighbor and a transfer student. Pretty exciting, right?"
"Looks that way," I muttered flatly. I wasn't exactly eager for more socializing.
Alya laughed softly, her eyes reflecting a sense of amusement. "Life is full of surprises, isn't it? But I'm glad I ran into you both. I was actually hoping to catch up with you, Aiko.~ There's something I wanted to discuss with you!"
"Oh? What's that?" I asked, bracing myself for what might come next.
Please don't be a random school festival. I hate those. Every time we had one of those, I was always the one being left out. Never invited to any of those. Could never enjoy them, too many people anyway. I wasn't scared of being looked at by thousands of people, only embarrassed. Thousands of people recording you, judging your every move, if you fail, they'll post that on the internet, for everyone to see. Who wants to deal with that?
We're in an era where phones are becoming more and more common, transforming the way we communicate and capture moments. With the rise of social media and instant sharing, every event, every interaction can be broadcast to the world in an instant. It's a time where technology connects us yet also exposes us, where a single snapshot can define a moment forever. And I hate that sometimes. Yes, it's useful, but what's the point of having a phone if you don't really have people that you can call friends?
Alya's expression turned thoughtful. "It's about Sports Day. The student council could really use your help, and I thought you might have some great ideas."
My head went blank. "I'm not sure I have any ideas. I've never been good at this sort of thing."
Alya's expression softened, her eyes reflecting understanding and empathy. "It's okay to feel that way, Aiko. But sometimes, all it takes is a fresh perspective. You don't have to do anything grand. Even small ideas can make a big difference."
Mahiru, who had been listening quietly, glanced at me with a gentle smile. "I think it could be a wonderful experience, Aiko. And you won't be alone. We'll all be there to support each other," she said, her voice carrying a sense of reassurance.
I felt a sense of gratitude toward Mahiru for her words, though I wasn't sure how much I wanted to be involved. "Thanks, Mahiru. I appreciate that," I replied, my tone still reserved.
Hearing those words, Alya felt a little jealous, but quickly recovered, her smile returning as she glanced at Mahiru. "It's great to have such supportive friends, isn't it, Aiko? We're all here to make this Sports Day a success together."
As we continued our walk toward school, the morning sun cast long shadows on the pavement, and I felt a sense of dread for the journey ahead.
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During first period, I excused myself to the bathroom. I looked up in the mirror while washing my hands. Oversized glasses and bangs, yep, typical normie weeb. I probably should get a haircut someday. Doubt it will change anything.
Stepping out, I nearly collided with an orange-haired girl leaning against the wall. Her blouse's top buttons gaped undone. I wondered if she was in our class. Not my problem and turned to leave.
I turn to leave. As I walk for a few steps, she suddendly shouts:
"A-Ano…" she stammered suddenly.
Hm? I turn around and look at her, confused.
"Have we met before?" she blurted.
"Well were from the same class," I respond, confused at the question - "You've might of seen me, if you were paying attention..."
"No! That's not what I meant... What I meant was... If we've met before, not in this school. But, but-" she suddendly stops speaking, instead muttering something I couldn't hear.
But? Woman, can you finish what you were saying. Why are you like this?
Suddendly she raises her head up, crying along the way.
What? Did I scare her that badly?
I took a step closer, my voice softening a little bit. "Em, are you okay? You suddenly started crying. I mean, if you want me to leave, then I'll go," I said, trying to keep my tone gentle and non-threatening, though I wasn't sure why I was bothering.
The girl looked up at me, her peach-reddish eyes filled with tears. She seemed to struggle with her words, her voice trembling as she spoke. "I-I'm sorry," she stammered, wiping away her tears with the back of her hand. "It's just... you remind me of someone I used to know. And now I lost him."
I felt a sense of empathy, though I wasn't sure why. "Someone you used to know?" I asked, my tone still flat.
She nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of sadness and nostalgia. "Yes, someone very important to me. Seeing you... it brought back memories."
I wasn't sure how to respond to her emotional outburst "Well I'm sorry if I brought up painful memories," I said
Didn't think just seeing my face would make her cry.
She shook her head, her tears slowly subsiding. "No, it's not your fault. It's just... it's been a while since I've thought about them, and seeing you brought it all back."
As I stood there, watching the orange-haired girl's emotional outburst, I felt only confusion. Her tears and the way she looked at me stirred something unfamiliar within me. Only I didn't know what it was.
I watched her, baffled by my own reaction. Then she blinked back the sadness and smiled. "What's your name?"
After all that she also wants to know my name? Women are strange creatures.
I stare at her for a few seconds, making her nervous. Heh, I like doing this.
"Aizawa Aiko" - I responded.
"I'm Yuigahama Yui," she replied, her smile widening as she extended her hand. "It's nice to meet you properly, Aiko-kun"
I shook her hand. The encounter had taken an unexpected turn.
"Likewise, Yuigahama-san."
"You can call me Yui, calling me by family name makes you feel distant from me." - she responds with enthusiasm
Why does every women I encouter suddendly want me to call them by their name? Like I said, women are very strange creatures.
"Well, Yui, you should wash your face, you look pretty terrible right now," I teased, scrunching my nose.
"Rude!" she cried, mock-offended but smiling. "But I guess I was a mess. You can't blame a girl for getting emotional."
"Well, it's the truth. You look like a mess," I teased her.
"I always can, that's my personality. Anyway, class is still on. See you there." I waved and walked off.
She pouts, but afterwards she whispers quietly:
She pouted, then whispered over her shoulder: "I won't let you go that easily again…"
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As I walked away from Yui, I couldn't help but feel a sense of curiosity about her words and the emotions she had displayed. Her reaction was unexpected, and her tears had stirred something unfamiliar within me.
Entering the classroom, I quietly took my seat, trying not to draw too much attention to myself. The teacher was in the middle of a lecture, and the class was relatively quiet, with only the sound of the teacher's voice filling the room.
I glanced around the room, Mahiru was still completing the necessary paperwork to join our class, I just didn't know if it's our class she'll be joining.
As the first period came to an end, I felt a sense of relief wash over me. The morning had been filled with unexpected encounters and emotions, and I found myself craving a moment of peace and quiet. I decided to head to the rooftop, a place where I could be alone with my thoughts and enjoy the solitude and fresh air, if nobody is there of course.
Alya, who had been sitting next to me, glanced over with her usual mix of warmth and confidence. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity as she looked at me.
"Where are you heading, Aiko?" she asked, her voice carrying a melodic tone that seemed to dance in the air.
"I'm going to the rooftop. I just need some peace and quiet, you know?" I responded, hoping she would understand my need for solitude.
"I'll come with you then~" she responded with a playful tone, her eyes reflecting a sense of excitement.
"No, you don't," I snapped. "Give me some space. Go hang out with your other friends."
Disgusting.
"But Aiko, you're my dearest~ friend," she responded, her voice carrying a teasing tone that made me sigh.
I sigh, not having enough energy to argue with her.
I sighed. "You're impossible."
She just laughs.
She just laughed, her eyes reflecting a sense of amusement. "I don't want to hear other people's voices this once. Just stay here. If you follow me, I'll run away," I responded, walking away with a sense of determination.
Alya pouted, clearly dissatisfied with my response. "Но я хочу проводить больше времени с тобой..." she whispered, her voice tinged with a hint of longing.
Sometimes, a little distance was necessary, even if it was just for a short while. Friends, lovers, married couple, whatever. Showing too much affection to your other half would only get them tired. But everyone has different needs and preferences when it comes to affection and personal space. Some people may feel overwhelmed by constant affection and need more personal space, while others might thrive on frequent displays of affection and feel more secure and loved. That's what I believed in.
Reaching the rooftop, I found it blessedly empty. The quiet solitude was exactly what I needed. There was a bench there. But first, I leaned against the railing, looking out over the school grounds and beyond. The view was calming, the morning sun casting a warm glow over everything. I took a deep breath, sat on the bench, feeling the tension of the morning slowly go away as I sipped my coffee, that I bought from a vending machine.
I like coffee, alot. For me coffee isn't just a drink, but also a psychoactive drug. Did you know that coffee drinkers are happier overall? 6+ cups of coffee a day cuts suicide risk by 80%. Amazing right? Few realize that coffee is full of chlorogenic acid, one of the most healing compounds in the world... Shown to be anti inflammatory, anti cancer, anti diabetic, anti obesity...
I like overdosing on it.
The rooftop door suddenly creaked open. I turned to see who it was, expecting perhaps another student seeking a quiet place. Instead, I saw a girl with an air of confidence and elegance. She had long, dark hair that cascaded down her back and sharp, intelligent eyes that seemed to hold a world of secrets.
Great. Just my luck.
She stepped onto the rooftop with a grace that seemed almost otherworldly, her gaze locking onto me with an intensity that made me feel both curious and uneasy. I didn't recognize her, but there was something in her eyes that suggested she knew me.
"Good morning," she said, her voice smooth and composed. "Or should I say, it's good to see you again?"
I blinked, taken aback by her words. "Uhh, good morning? I'm sorry, but... do I know you?" I asked, my voice tinged with confusion.
Who is she? Why is she so happy to see me?
She smiled softly, a hint of sadness in her eyes. "You don't remember, do you? It's been a long time, Aiko. Or should I call you by another name?"
I felt a chill run down my spine. Her words stirred something deep within me, a sense of familiarity that I couldn't place. "I'm sorry, but I don't know what you're talking about." I admitted, my voice hesitant.
"Don't you remember?" the girl asked, a hint of sadness in her voice.
"I'm sorry, but no." - I said, not knowing what else to say.
Maybe we were childhood friends? But I definitely didn't encouter someone like her... Maybe... I have sealed memories!? Who could of done something like that? Is it a curse? Damn you, Chinese novel writers!
"Is that so..." - she responds, with a sad tone, but quickly recovers "Anyway, My name is Utaha Kasumigaoka."
Kasumigaoka... means elegance right? I do think it suits her.
She swept a lock of hair behind her ear. "May I sit with you?"
"Sorry, but I have a girlfriend."
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Thanks for reading. You can also give me ideas for the future or pinpoint plot holes that I may have forgotten, if you want.