《Are We Worth It? [an anime love story]》


 Chapter 01 ~ Staying Out of Drama on My First Day of High School PT. 1

    Chapter 01 ~ Staying Out of Drama on My First Day of High School PT. 1


    It was 5:00 AM in the morning, two hours until school starts. It''s early in the morning, Dad''s still asleep, so do my pet kitten Kimi, as I could hear her purring softly in her tiny bed in the corner, and everyone else in the neighborhood. Not me though, mainly because I was scared of the dark, and that I was too nervous to even sleep. Today was my first day of school, and this is not just any school, but it''s high school, when I heard from my girl BFF, Sana Mei, that''s where drama happens a lot of the time. And being the quiet and shy girl type, I just wanted, or maybe, even have to get out of everyone''s business and dramatic events. All I wanted was to have a normal high school experience and be able to learn things and maybe get a full scholarship from a top university.


    But apparently, someone disagreed. - _ -


    "You can''t just escape drama! That''s mission almost impossible. You think high school is just some boring, dumb place where students prepare for college?"


    Um, yeah, Sana! I do!


    "No! Here, students don''t even care about anything! That''s why there are college dropouts! From my super-duper knowledge and tons of wasted time on reading manga, high school + study is a total no-no. It''s a time where we find a partner, a lover that could wrap us in their warm embraces. Ahh...if only Kenji and I could be together right now..." ^.^


    Kenji and Yamato were the best of friends (but that doesn''t mean that I''m not his BFF, too!) and both are also on the basketball team. They are really pro players, so it''s not a surprise that they attracted many admirers, mostly girls. - _ -


    ....................................................Umm.......................................................


    Okay, I lied: they attracted far too many girls. And one of those girls is Sana. But she''s not like them. She''s not overly obsessed about them, even though she is the girlfriend material, you know, funny, kind, sweet, honest, cute, cheerful, energetic, creative... There are a lot of words to describe Sana, and Kenji would be lucky to have meet such a girl that existed. Nobody''s like that nowadays. Meanwhile, the others are either too clingy, flirty, and stupid...Don''t tell them I said that. Besides, this "fangirl curse" seemed contagious, as it slowly spreads across the school, and in a matter of seconds, girls were rushing towards Yamato and Kenji and started to confess their love to them. Of course, they denied, but, oh, you wouldn''t believe how many of them still chased after their "handsomeness" (bleh!) > ^ <. And remember, that''s only in elementary school and middle school. I''m sure high school will be the same, so it''s good to drop out of that horrible drama. People can misunderstand things, you know? When these fangirls saw me and Yamato together, they would either attack me, scream at me, make threats, stuff like that. And it''s not normal at all!! > ~ < ''


    Maybe that''s why I''ve been staying up all night. Well, I did sleep a little, just to get past the Devil''s Hour (*shivers*), but I couldn''t sleep again just after 5:00AM. When I turned around and fixed my eyes on the slowly changing numbers of the alarm clock, which showed 5:08 AM. Besides, morning is here, daylight will come again, and the sun will soon rise from the East and light will take over the sky. Well, since I couldn''t get back to sleep, I might as well get ready and change.


    The first thing you should do on a first day is to keep a cool and normal reputation of yourself. Don''t fight, don''t get yourself to be famous, don''t think highly of yourself, and most importantly, don''t get into drama. That''s the thing I will avoid today and the rest of the semester. Just hope that I get lucky not bumping into either Yamato or Kenji or any other boys in school, to avoid dating scandals. But that doesn''t mean that I will wear wrinkled uniforms. That''ll attract you even more!!! - _ -


    Getting out of bed, I stopped to look at Kimi. She''s so adorable when she sleeps! ^ . ^ I smiled to myself and crouched down to pet her. Instantly, as if knew my touch by heart, Kimi opened her green eyes and stared dreamily at me. She then purred softly, stretched, and stepped out of her bed and into my arms. There, she laid neatly and rubbed her furry head against my chest.


    "Why, aren''t you a cutie?" I chuckled and made my way into the bathroom. Then I groaned after sighting the look on my face. I looked terrible! Remember how I said you need to look neat to keep a normal reputation? Well, I think I''ll be the laughingstock of the whole school! Faint dark circles formed under my eyes, and my chandelier layers of light brown hair (that''s a haircut) were wearing away and some of them stuck together, creating a messy bundle at the back of my head. And my face! It looked pale and thin, even though I had eaten a huge chunk of burritos yesterday out of nervousness, because I tend to eat a lot when I''m scared, worried, angry, timid, or nervous. By now, I could still smell the disgusting odor of half-eaten burritos in the bin last night. Was I always this messy???


    "Ugh!" I screamed quietly so not to wake Dad, but maybe I ended up startling Kimi in her litterbox, as I looked at her from the corner of my eye, she was whimpering. - _ - '' "Hey girl," I whispered to her, "It''s nothing to be scared of. I''m just frustrated." Kimi looked at me, confused, as if she didn''t know that I was angry. I looked at her posture more clearly. I''ve really starting to understand Kimi through her expressions and postures, like tail wagging (everything''s just fine), tail down (leave her alone), etc. And at this moment, she''s just trying really hard to poop. :))) Ooh...here comes the smell!! T ~ T


    Getting up, I stared really hard at my curls, and started to unbundle them, one by one. It only took a few minutes, but to me, the process had gone through several hours, or maybe even all eternity. After dealing with them all, I turned back to my dark circles. I so hope that dark circles had never existed in this world! I thought as I frantically splashed the cold water into my eyes, despite being awake, but my aim was just for the circles. When I was little, I used to believe that water can solve anything. It can get rid of cuts, bruises, or anything that pissed me off on my body, like dark circles. But it didn''t do any good. Suddenly, my eyes turned slowly and fixed at a small container. It was the skin care product The Cream Desire (such a long name and when did I buy this???) which has been very popular these days. Sana said that this product can help disappear anything: dark knees or elbows, scars, even the one I''m dealing with (you know what, I''m just too tired to write it in). I might try it, because I don''t really trust cosmetics products that much after seeing the news of one girl went nuts during her makeup tutorial, or how one even died. I only trust my natural skin.


    Maybe I could trust the product a little bit, just to solve my dark circles, and besides, the label says it''s perfectly fine and made with natural ingredients. I swallowed air down my throat, and slowly opened the lid (had I had to be this nervous!?), and oh, how it made the air better with the smell of grapefruit and vanilla combined, than being trapped in the smell of Kimi''s poop! ^ _ ^ Kimi meowed at the strange smell. She had never seen me put on makeup before, and so did I. It has been a while since I ever put on makeup, or even smelled of it. The last time I saw it happening was when Mom put it on for a friend''s party, and I''d helped her.


    Anyhow, the product seemed to have worked. My dark circles had completely vanished. No more annoying dark circles. Maybe, I need to bring this to school for a normal reputation, just so as long as nobody found out. I love you, Creamy Desire!!! > o <


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    Running back inside my bedroom with Kimi following softly by my ankles. The clock now showed 5:12 AM. Still early, still okay. I opened my closet and there it was, the beautiful uniform. The long thigh socks were black in general, with brown polished shoes that is still in the shoe cabinet. The white shoes that are used to walk around school laid under the uniform. Don''t want to dirty it before the first day of school! And now it has come! I took it off the hanger and looked at it more closely. It had a proper jacket with high shoulders, a proper shirt with a nice collar, and nerdy looking, sleeveless, fuzzy sweater that has a milktea-ish shade.


    After getting dressed and straightening it carefully (you know the reason), it was already 5:25 AM. If I can make it, I might be able to see the sunrise. So, quick as a flash, I flung opened the door, completely forgetting that the door was like 100 years old without getting greased for a very long time, and it hit the wall very hard. I could hear my dad grunting at the other end of the hallway, a rustle of blankets, and the sound of movement. Was he getting up? I waited and waited for any other movement, but no more sound came through. Sighing in relief, I dashed down the stairs very carefully this time, and soon enough, I was standing on the ground floor, in the hallway that connects the kit-ving room and the storage closet. Our house wasn''t that big, so you can understand why I wished for that mansion. Because of size, the kit-ving room contains both the kitchen and the living room, and that''s why it''s called the "kit-ving room". Walking into the kit-ving room, I looked out of our small square window. The sky wasn''t so bright, so I still have time to see the sunrise. ^ . ^


    Marching over to the kitchen side, I helped myself with the frozen waffles still in the freezer. Luckily, we still had some maple syrup left, and I helped myself with the rest of it. It''s so crunchy, and I tell you all, never eat frozen waffles ever again. But I guess I can give the rest to Kimi, as she looked like she was practically drooling under the chair (Did I forget to tell that she followed me downstairs? Maybe I did :)) After Kimi took my breakfast with pleasure, I washed myself again with water from the downstairs bathroom in the hallway. By then, I was ready for the sunrise. I checked everything one last time in my schoolbag, fitting the brown shoes into my socked feet, and set out of the door.


    <hr>


    It was beautiful outside. Even though the sky was still a bit blue blackish, I could still see a little light. Nobody was on the street at this time, so it was just bare. Besides, it''s only me and the cool breeze wrapping its arms around the rings of the cherry blossoms that bloomed delightfully. It swayed beautifully in the wind, like a ballerina in a pink tutu dancing delicately with her most wonderful moves. That''s what I love about nature. She created everything on Earth, she created the animals; my pet Kimi, she created the plants; the cherry trees on the sidewalk, and we humans. Then humans went on to destroy everything by their own creations, and that''s what don''t like about. Dad always said that I can be a motivational speaker one day, because I cared so much about the environment. But I never had hopes or dreams on that occupation. I haven''t even chosen my career yet. I''m just thinking about it. Maybe I''ll figure it out soon enough...


    "Why, who left the cat flap open at this time of day?" someone said playfully behind me and tapped my shoulder. I was so lost in thoughts that I didn''t notice anybody else coming. When I turned around, it was just one of my best friends, Yamato.


    "Why, I should be asking you that!" I replied, trying to say as mighty as I could. But it didn''t work. You see, my voice is soft and sweet, so trying to be angry just isn''t my skill. Of course, this made Yamato laughed every time. And, just as I had predicted, he burst into laughter.


    Utterly tired of him, I protested: "Hey! It''s not my fault that my voice is like this! It''s the way I was born. You can''t blame me!"


    After he calmed down a bit, he changed the subject, "So, why are you out here?"


    "Oh. No reason," I answered, "Just wanted to see the sunrise, that''s all." :^


    "Really...? 0 > 0 Or are you just here to calm yourself down? You know ...first day and all...?"


    "Me? Nervous?" I exclaimed, "I-I wasn''t nervous!"


    "Oh yeah? Three days ago, you kept muttering to yourself trying to keep a normal reputation at school. Me and Sana heard it all."


    I was confused at first, but then I remembered. Sana''s mother had gotten a promotion at work, so Sana took out for a treat at the ice cream shop to celebrate. Back then, I hadn''t grown out of my nervous-and-laughingstock-phase, so I couldn''t concentrate on ice cream. I guess my thoughts gave away. Why did I agree to go? - _ -''


    I guess I was thinking again, since Yamato kept tapping on my shoulder and waving his hand in front of my face, saying: "Hey, Ko! Hey, come back to Earth!" (Ko''s my nickname, by the way)


    I finally came back to my senses, "S-Sorry! Maybe you''re right, I am nervous. It''s just that I don''t want anything to go wrong on a first day of school, like back in elementary and middle school. And this is high school too! I just want a fresh start, you know?"


    I looked straight into his eyes to see if he understands. But all I can find was playfulness and mischief. He said slowly and cheekily, "Hmm...It seemed that my memory has failed me. Umm, what happened back in elementary and middle school?"


    Of course, he wanted me to say that. He definitely wanted to hear that again. I sighed angrily, not falling for his jokes, "Please, you remember. I won''t repeat it. You got to know; you were with me my whole life! Stop."


    But he pouted in a flirty way and made his eyes looked so sincere, I said gloomily, "Back in elementary school, I peed my pants because I was scared. And in middle school, I tripped over a banana peel and landed on the headmaster, so I got detention on my first day. Okay?" I fixed my eyes towards him, who looked slightly amused and pleased with himself.


    "But seriously," I turned into my matter, "I don''t want to end up humiliating myself. I want to be perfect, but not too perfect, or I''ll end up like you, and boys will start chasing me around, and whatever I do will end up in drama. But I also don''t want to be too unperfect, or I''ll be the laughingstock of school. So, my life will be just average, okay?" I heard no sound coming from him, so I begged without looking at him, "Please, you''ve got to understand! I don''t want famous life nor ugly life, and I have to try and stay out of everyone''s business, too! Don''t make fun of me, okay?"


    This time, I turned around to face him. But all I get was a blank face staring deeply into me. It''s what he always do to get the girls swooning over him. But I have known all my life, so I pushed him away and said angrily, "Yah, stop kidding around! Do you even hear me?"


    There was silence for a few moments. I could see his brown eyes glistening with sparkles. Usually, they would only sparkle if he was determined.


    "Then don''t be," he said slowly (What!?) "If you''re nervous, then don''t be. You''ve got me and Sana, and both of us are nervous, too. Besides, you''re going to make new friends, learn new boring things, anything you want. Remember though, you can''t always be normal. Drama and mistakes or a part of life, so no matter what you do, it won''t work." ):0


    I''m not sure if it was a good pep talk or not, but it did help a little. I nodded at him, and we were silent again for a few minutes, and the only sound were the rustling of leaves, the musical tune of the wind, and how everything was getting brighter and brighter a teensy bit every minute. Oh, how I wish Sana was here! She''d be talking nonstop for hours. Usually, I found it rather annoying, but I really do need her company right now! The silence is deafening me!


    Suddenly, I found something tingling my face. It seemed pretty bright, too. That''s when the birds starting to hum and then sing, flying freely in the light blue sky. I could even see the clouds better now! That means... I turned on my right and saw the great fireball rising slowly over a bunch of rooftops. As the clouds make way for the rays to shine through, I could feel all of my worries washing away, just like how it washed away the night away. I tilted my head to see the look on Yamato''s face. To be honest, he really looked like a superstar like all of the girls had said back then. The wind played with his black hair, but he didn''t look bothered. When the sun shined on his face, his eyes sparkled even brighter, when he closed them delicately, I could clearly see how natural he looks, the way he smiled, it showed how happy and cheerful he is, and he''s not troubled by anything.


    This picture is just to show how the sunshine looks, nothing related to the story.


    I smiled to myself as well, believing him that there is nothing to worry about, and I closed my eyes to enjoy the sunshine as well...


    END OF CHAPTER 01

 Chapter 02 ~ Staying Out of Drama on My First Day of High School PT. 2

    Chapter 02 ~ Staying Out of Drama on My First Day of High School PT. 2


    It was around 6 o''clock when my dad finally came downstairs for breakfast. Meanwhile, I was sitting on our small couch finishing the rest of the frozen waffles. Kimi had not even taken a bite out of them when she decided she will not eat them, and when I came back in, she looked at me, then eyed the plate on the floor. Kimi and I had developed a secret language code to each other, so we can understand each other better. ^ o ^


    "What are you eating there, sweetie?" he asked through the loud crunches my teeth made as they went through the crusts.


    "Waiting for school," I replied between mouthfuls.


    "Well, why don''t you get going then? It''s around...6:08." He said, then checked his watch.


    "Dad, school starts at seven. I have plenty of time to have fun before then!"


    "Really, or is this an excuse? You know, being nervous and all...?"


    "Even you knew!?" - 0 - I groaned, ''Why does it have to show?"


    "Come one, I''m your dad. You think I wouldn''t know? You were the one who told me to get a hundred burritos yesterday! And you only eat a lot when you''re--"


    "Okay, I got it!" I cut him off, "Yes, I was nervous, but I got my friends with me!"


    "Well, look who''s motivated this morning!" Dad chuckled.


    "It''s true," I explained, "Yamato and Sana are going to be there with me, so I have nothing to worry about!" ^ - ^


    "But won''t Yamato be too busy being popular, like every year?"


    ''What do you mean?"


    "Ugh!" he groaned like I did, totally mocking me - _ -, "Even you don''t know! (Mocking me, again) Yamato and this friend of his, Kento right (Kenji, Dad!)? They were popular throughout your school years. so, it would be the same this year, hmm?"


    I paused for a moment. This time, my dad''s making sense. If Yamato won''t be there...No! He promised me he''ll be there to help me! And if he did not make it, Sana would still be with me, because that''s what I told Dad. But boy, was he persistent. - _ -''


    "Sana will be busy volunteering for other campaigns throughout the year, like always."


    Again, my dad''s right. Sana likes helping people, like way too much. So, she''ll be busy, too. But what about me? Guess I''ll have to make it through myself, then...


    Dad noticed what''s going on, he patted on the back and gently said, "Hey kiddo! Don''t worry. A lot of students are new just like you, and they''re getting through their school themselves. You''re not the only one."


    "Thanks, Dad," I smiled, then handed him a plate, "But if you eat these for me, I''m sure I''ll be happier :))))"


    He frowned at me but relented. He can''t say no to his favorite child! "Thanks, you''re the best!" I said quickly, ruffled his hair, skipped through the hallway, and dashed up the stairs. Why? Because I need to check my clothes again, and so is my hair, my face, making sure The Cream Desire had not worn away, and checking my bag. Everything''s important for a normal reputation!


    I was only halfway done, when suddenly my dad''s voice rang from downstairs, "Honey, your friend is here!'' A friend? I didn''t plan to meet up with anyone. Who could it be? Finishing touches for the last time, I raced down the stairs, my schoolbag swinging on one shoulder, and my hair flying like there was a hurricane coming up while I jumped down three steps at a time. I only stopped to spot who this friend is, but the next second, I was just freaking out, since I knew him. Standing there, beaming brightly, was Yamato.


    "No, no, no!" I mumbled as I walked out of the door and onto the pavement with him. These words kept ringing in my ear, and I totally forgot about giving Dad a farewell hug. But I''m sure he''ll understand, right? Not like Yamato, though, and just as we turned around a corner, I snapped at him.


    "What were you thinking, showing up like that!?" > o < ''


    "Huh?" he looked at me blankly. 0_0


    I got even more frustrated, seeing that he clearly forgot about our "talk" earlier. He had definitely also forgot about his "amazing pep talk" too, "Don''t you see? You walked me to school, which can cause attention, and I''ll be threatened by your fangirls!"


    He paused for a minute. I started to feel my heart tensed up with anger and then let loose, finally relieved that he finally came back to his senses. Only I spoke too soon. He just chuckled and said in a cute way, "Aww, you scared of attention? Want some company?" ^ . ^


    I don''t even know what''s in this guy! All I know is that he''s stupid and has a brain of a goldfish.


    - _ - But maybe I really need some company before school starts. So, I suggested we talk a little. But Yamato starts our conversation with the stupidest question of all. - _ -''


    "Do you think you''ll pee again out of nervousness?" he asked cheekily.


    "NO! What were you thinking? I''m much more responsible now," I demanded.


    "OK, but that won''t change that fact that you did." ^ > ^


    "That was years ago. Stop talking about it."


    "Nope."


    "Have you lost any fangirls recently?" I said, changing the subject.


    "Nah, not yet" he sighed, "They''re too desperate for my love."


    "Well, you could try and look ugly, so they won''t be interested anymore. They after you''re beauty, after all. Not that I say you''re handsome," I added, eyeing him because he had his own eyes filled with mischievous and his mouth was about to open to ask, "You think I''m handsome?" - _ - Don''t worry, we know each other too much. That''s the problem when you know the guy right when you were born. That''s right, our mothers arrived at the same hospital at the same time, gave birth to us exactly synchronized.


    "But if that''s too hard for you," I continued, "I can form my own club, and it''ll be called "Yamato Haters." ^ _ ^


    He laughed, ''As if somebody like you could do such a thing! You''d be too scared to even a cashier for change. And you''ll be going to battle with my side. Soon there''ll be war."


    "But your girls'' boyfriends will help me, since girls are so much weaker than boys, and so will Sana. She''s great at these things. You''ll just see."


    "Yeah right," he chuckled, " I bet you 150 yen if that''ll happen."


    "Deal."


    But as we slowly approached the school and it came to clear view, I spotted Yamato''s flock of girls waiting for him, and I realized I stood no chance to them. There were like hundreds of those girls waiting outside the entrance, and some of them were pointing at us. I quietly took a few steps back, so Yamato won''t notice. He''s right: nobody will join, and I found out that boys will not hit girls, and Sana will be busy with her own campaigns. I guess I have to make it out on my own, starting by not walking with my best friend. I ran back and hid behind a large tree. As soon as I heard the girls scream with joy, I made my move. I quietly ran swiftly across, catching a few peeks of what they were doing. Some girls were tugging his shirt and clinging onto his arms. Some of them stood staring at him with their mouths hanging open, some even had nosebleeds, and some were flirting with him and begging him, saying things like:


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    "Hey Yamato-kun, I know that these girls are not fit for you, so pick me. I''m the girl you want, and there''s no one else like me."


    "Don''t choose her, Yamato-kun! Choose me! I''m your perfect girlfriend!"


    "LOVE ME, YAMATO-KUN! LOVE ME!" > o <


    "Hey, cutie-boy, you smell nice today. Wanna hang out later? I''ve got the perfect place behind the school, and we could be maybe do a little somethin'' somethin''." ~ O ~


    <strong style="text-align: center">


    THIS ISN''T HER UNIFORM!!! JUST PRETEND. :)))


    I rolled my eyes and got out of there in no time. The next problem I have to deal with is where my classroom is. And that can be a big deal if you happened to be a girl like be, "quiet and timid". I saw a boy around my age with messy hair and wrinkled clothes. Judging by the looks of him, I knew this is not his good day. But just when I finally decided to ask him where my class is, I got scared, so I stood there speechless and stiff. I can only talk confidently if someone is with me and they would start the conversation first, then I could just go with the flow. And my savior happened to be Yamato, and now, I''m really grateful for all that he did for me. I really need him, but he''s too busy fighting back those girls. - _ -


    So, guess what? I started to look for Sana. And it can be pretty hard, since she is pretty popular as well. She''s always nice and funny, so easy to make friends with. So, every day, every hour, every minute, every second, perhaps, you will spot her with a different person. It''s in her nature to collaborate with everyone. ^ - ^


    In the end, I have no choice but to stray alone. Nobody would talk to anyone on their first day. All I could see from the corner of my eye were glares and stares as anyone pass. It really spooks the hell out of me!!! At times, people would stop talking and looked at me like I was some dirty mouse from the sewage. What have I done? Did the cream wear off, and my dark circles had been seen? Were my clothes wrinkled, or is it my hair that got attention?


    But let''s focus on the main topic: WHERE IN THE WORLD IS MY CLASSROOM? T - T Every one of them beside me looked exactly the same, but when I peeked in, I didn''t recognize anybody in there, which I ended up embarrassing myself in the process. Why does my day have to start like this!!??


    Just as I was about to give up and hide myself in the janitor''s closet, attempting to skip the whole day, someone tapped me on the shoulder. When I turned around, there was the figure of a girl of, who looked older than me for like a year, and shorter than me. But she was the prettiest girl I had ever seen. ?


    That''s how she looked, according to AI. Trust me, she''s WAY prettier in my imagination.


    Her blonde bob cut had a magenta color merged with her natural flow. Her cold gaze was in her veins, which made her even more beautiful. A small mole beside her lips gave her that sarcastic impression. Her hands were perfect, with polished mani-pedis in a tangerine color on two fingers, and magenta (to match her dye) in the others. Both of her ears were pierced multiple times, which give her piercings a sparkly glow. Despite violating the dress code, she must''ve definitely been one of the popular girls.


    "H-Hi..." I stammered. Gosh, why did I had to be so dumb?? "Hi" is way to common!!!


    "Yeah," she said sarcastically, but in a flat tone, kind of like a I-don''t-care voice, "By any chance you''re Ai Koemi?"


    "Yeah...? Why?" I asked.


    "Sensei Ichiro (that''s my teacher) was looking for you, since you did not show up to class, so he sent me to find you."


    "Oh, okay. Can you take me to class?" I asked timidly.


    "Yeah, whatever," there goes her sarcastic voice again.


    We walked straight down the hallway, passing many classrooms along the way, every eye following her (thank God, not me, though). Then we took a left, then a right, another right, and many other directions until I felt like we were going in circles. But as I focus more, I soon realize there were no more classes beyond us now. Turning to the girl, I saw that she had pulled out her phone, texting someone, her nails went clank, clank as it hit the screen.


    "Who are you texting?" I asked curiously.


    "My girls," she replied without looking back.


    "But I thought the rule said, "NO PHONES OR OTHER DEVICES ON SCHOOL GROUNDS"?


    "I don''t care."


    "Well, you should care," I replied softly, "because who knows what the principal would do to you if--"


    That does it. The girl stopped and turned around, "Can you shut up? Zip that mouth of yours!" ):<


    We stayed silent for a few more minutes. Suddenly, she stopped in front of the WC, "Now wait here a bit for me to while I... you know what I mean. No running off, got it?"


    I nodded, and she walked inside. I leaned myself against the bare wall, and then I found my face looking at a large picture of an old woman. Underneath her was a nailed-in golden plate that titled: "Hitomu Iwa, 14th Head Principal at this school".


    "Wow, this school must''ve been built a long time ago," I said and walked over to it to take a closer look at Iwa. Just then I heard a squeak, and under my skirt sat a fat black rat. I freaked out and screamed. I immediately ran into the restroom, since it was my only escape. Let''s just hope the rat wasn''t a girl! Safe and sound in the restroom, I sighed heavily and slid down the door in relief. Just then, I noticed a cloud of white smoke was flying up from a cubicle at the end of the line. The smoke was slowly floating up into the air vents. Could that be...?


    I approached the cubicle and touched the handle. It''s not locked. Quickly, I pushed the door open. The girl was crouching on the toilet seat, in her mouth was a cigarette, with faint smoke flying out of it. When her eyes met mine, she was as shocked as I was. She almost choked because of the smoke, in fact. 0^0


    "F--k!" she cursed between coughs, "Why the f--k did you go in here? I''m having a private moment. I told you wait outside!!"


    Her voice didn''t sound sarcastic anymore. It showed angriness.


    "I s-so s-sorry!!" I answered. I felt my eyes watering. WHY DID I JUST DO THAT!?!?


    <hr>


    I kept my head down all the way she led me back to my homeroom. I couldn''t believe that; accidental peeing was one thing but interrupting one''s privacy!! On a first day of high school!! > ~ <


    The girl noticed my "strange" behavior, she said, "Girl, chill out, I was only smoking."


    But that didn''t help. She pondered for a little, then, not looking at me, continued, "You know... you''re right, maybe I should pay a little attention to rules."


    I looked up at her. But she still wasn''t looking at me. I know she was just saying that to make me feel better. She seemed like a nice girl. I decided to take the chance of knowing her identity. But as usual, I held back. I know soon all right, she might be in my class.


    ...


    Then again, she might not, and I''ll lose my chance!! 0 o 0


    I tried finding my voice, but it seems to be stuck hard down my throat. The sounds I could utter were grunts and moans. I know she must be thinking I''m so weird, I mean, who wouldn''t think one''s weird when that someone is making inaudible noises!!??


    "We''re here."


    I finally pull myself together to see what''s going on. We had stopped beside a classroom door. Above it sat a sign that said: 1 - 2. We had arrived at the real location of my homeroom.


    "Quit staring, are you coming or not?" the girl asked impatiently.


    "Y-Y-Yeah..." I stammered. Oh no, I''m not ready to face anyone yet! 0 o 0 But still, something must be done, right? Besides, my sensei sent her to look for me. Then again, I wish I hadn''t been found! I wish I had been lost forever!!


    I nervously walked into the class in the midst of Sensei''s talking. He stopped and looked at me. I thought he was going to give me the yelling of my life in front of everybody for being tardy, but instead, he talked to the girl instead.


    "Reina, what took you so long? This school''s not that big."


    "Sorry, Sensei," the girl replied, "she got herself stuck in the bathroom."


    What? That was a total lie! I''m not lost (maybe). She spent the time smoking!!


    Just then, she nudged me slightly. I have a thing for secret codes, so she''s signaling me that it''s just a lie to get her out of trouble. We looked at the sensei for a moment. Finally, he said, "All right, I''ll believe you this time, Reina. Go back to your seats, girls, so we can continue the lesson."


    As I passed the rows of desks and chairs, I could see every eye following me as I threw myself at the back. Some, I saw, were emotionless, a kind of I-don''t-care vibe, while some showed anger, mostly girls. They must be Yamato''s fangirls. He must''ve told them that I was his childhood best friend. Amongst those eyes, I spotted Sana, my other best friend, her black eyes shining under the overhead lamps. She''s happy that I''m here, no matter the time. Yamato, on the other hand, cast a grin to match his eyes, a very mischievous grin, indeed. He''s going to talk about it all recess.


    END OF CHAPTER 02

 Chapter 03 ~ Staying Out of Drama on My First Day of High School PT. 3

    Chapter 03 ~ Staying Out of Drama on My First Day of School PT.3


    The rest of the morning was just dull and boring. Sensei Ichiro was fine, it''s just that the lessons were kind of stupid and unnecessary, especially Math. I can assure you, the others so, too. We commonly only used basic math in real life, and we have calculators, for God''s sake!! And because of that, I wouldn''t even look forward to recess!!! - _ -''


    Also, you got that right, Yamato made fun of me the moment we stepped out of class. Usually, I don''t mind his chatty nature, but this is wearing me out. In fact, it''s all that he''d talk about for the whole day! ):< All he ever said were "I shouldn''t be surprised", ''I can''t believe you got yourself locked in the bathroom!! XD" and so-so.


    Sana came to my rescue. She scolded him wearily, "Stop that, Yamato."


    But as the guy that he is, he wouldn''t stop. Sana had had it. She stomped angrily on his feet. "Ow!!" he cried and held up his injured foot (HE DESERVES IT >o<!!!), "What was that for?" he whined T-T.


    "It''s for not listening! You need better manners," Sana folded her arms in fury and narrowed her eyes. I couldn''t help but snickered. Sana can be pretty scary once you angered her, but that''s a rare phenomenon. She''s always kind and sweet. "If you keep that up, you''re just bringing Koemi down," she elaborated on.


    "But it''s in my nature," he said, grinning widely, "I''m not Yamato Shimizu without the stubbornness."


    "We hate it when you start explaining about yourself," she told him, "It''s always something stupid."


    Yamato''s bottom lip started quivering. He started wailing into his hands. Don''t worry guys, it''s not real. He always imitates cries, and his fangirls would always "comfort" him + trying to persuade him with gifts so he could be their boyfriend slash husband. Those girls are too dumb to know that he cried out invisible tears. - _ -''


    "Stop that," Sana said, "People are staring," she nodded towards a bunch of girls near us, whispering intensely with furrowed brows.


    "But. Can''t. You. See. I''m. Hurt. By. Your. Words?? :( " Yamato sniffed.


    "Aren''t you supposed to be a boy?" I asked him, "Boys don''t cry, Yamato."


    Yamato abruptly stopped whimpering and was ready to protest, "Are you saying that little boys don''t cry!!??" he demanded.


    "If you mean by eight-year-olds, sure," I replied.


    "What about seven-year-olds? Six-year-olds?? Five!?? Four!!?? THREE!!!!?? TWO--"


    "Okay, okay," I sighed, "They are exceptions. They''re still little."


    "But eight-year-olds are still little."


    "But in my opinion, it''s when I became mature, unlike you who goes around pulling pranks on the teachers!"


    "Like I said, it''s in my nature," he said proudly. I rolled my eyes but said nothing more. Yamato would always find a way to snap back at you, so it''s useless to argue with him. Just then, at that moment, a familiar deep voice called out: "Hey, Yamato!!"


    Our heads immediately turned to the source and found Kenji (you know who he is) running towards us with a basketball in his hand. Sana immediately stiffened with her face growing red. But before she could utter a single greeting, we''d noticed behind him was a line of screaming girls trying to touch him. One girl from the shrieking crowd yelled, "Look, there''s Yamato, too!!!!" and soon, we''re being chased by a bunch of lovesick girls around the school. They were shouting Kenji and Yamato''s name in unison while waving banners with red and pink hearts on them. To be honest, their artistic performance did not meet my expectations. AT LEAST MAKE IT PRETTY FOR ONE YOU LIKE! No wait, that''s the wrong word... AT LEAST MAKE IT PRETTY FOR ONE YOU LOVE~~!


    After just a few minutes in recess, nearly the whole female population in school was following us. We keep making sharp ends to confuse and distract them, but we''re just like the pieces of candy that kept attracting more annoying ants. Just as I thought there was no hope in escaping, Yamato muttered in our ears (mine, Kenji, and Sana''s), "I have an idea."


    He grabbed my hand; Kenji did the same to Sana (her face was heating up!! ^-^) and found us heading towards to the BOYS'' bathroom.


    "What the heck do you think you''re doing!!??" I asked frantically.


    "Trust me," he said firmly.


    "Nuh-uh!! >-<" I stopped abruptly, and stood my ground, "I am certainly not going into the boys'' bathroom."


    "Suit yourself," he shrugged, "You''ll regret it, though, after you found yourself getting stepped on by some mad girls."


    He held out his hand, and yet I was still reluctant. Those girls were getting closer, and it looked like I have no choice. I took it and we were running as fast we could. As we get closer to the bathroom, I could make out a horrible stench (*ready to puke*).


    I held my breath as we entered the boys'' bathroom, and quickly shut the door. I was expecting panicky boys, but luckily, the WC was empty. However, it looked like it hadn''t been used in YEARS. The mirrors were blurry and foggy. The bathroom stall doors were dirty. The toilets were even worse, too TERRIBLE to describe into words. There weren''t even toilet paper or soap!!! T-T I guess it was all used up because the walls and ceiling were covered in wet tissues (*ready to puke* pt. 2)


    "How do you boys live like this??" I asked.


    "Survival boy instincts and methods in the water-closet environment," Yamato replied. It did make sense.


    "Did they go away?" Kenji asked, placing his face on the door.


    "Where are they?" a girl outside asked.


    "FIND THEM!!!" one yelled, and they walked away, their voices fading in the distance.


    "We''re safe for now," said Yamato, and we left the bathroom. I couldn''t believe that I miss oxygen so much.


    As we made our way to the Main Yard (*see pic on top*), with Yamato and Kenji covering their faces with their hands, Sana was screaming with joy.


    "Oh~~ I can''t believe it, Ko!! Kenji held my hand. This is officially the best day of my life~" she was literally melting with happiness.


    "Sana, why do you have to overreact over some hand holding? You do realize that he was doing it because he was following Yamato''s plan?"


    Sana gasped in shock, "Hello?? That''s literally what you''re supposed to feel when your crush holds your hand, even if it''s not for romantic purposes!! (:0. Of course, you wouldn''t know because you''re sad you''re still single ;)."


    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "It''s just that I''m not developing any feelings for anyone YET," I argued.


    "You know," Sana said, beaming mischievously, "You and Yamato would make a great couple."


    If I had water or coffee or any liquid in my mouth right now, I would be spatting it in surprise right into Sana''s face.


    "W-wha--?" I spluttered, like I just had choked from a liquid, "Sana, stop thinking nonsense!! Me and Yamato are in the friend zone."


    "At least, that''s what you think that''s what he thinks of you," she said cheekily.


    "Well, having been with him since he was born, I can be sure that we''re just friends."


    "It''s a possibility," she made a small gesture with her hand, and added, "But you wouldn''t mind me shipping you two together?"


    "Yes OF COURSE I WOULD MIND!! ):<"


    "Pretty please~?" she pleaded.


    I sighed, and gave in. Besides, she will only keep to herself. Right???? 0_0


    <hr>


    This day just couldn''t get any worse > ~ <!!!! I was sitting and relaxing peacefully under the shade of a giant, lush green tree for the remainder of recess. The fangirls were nowhere in sight, and I thought the running was finally over, until another group of girls started approaching our way. They were different, because they look stylish, and boys were staring at them, too.


    "Why are they walking towards us...?" Sana asked suspiciously.


    "I don''t know," I replied in confusion. Only had my nervousness increased when I noticed a familiar girl in among the group: Reina Okada, the girl who I''d caught her smoking. Had she told on me? Am I being targeted? Bullied?


    "Hey."


    OMG, SHE''S 100% BEAUTIFUL!!?? >//< I keep staring at my creation. But...why''s her hairstyle so like Koemi''s??!!


    I made a mistake... - _ -


    AH, WHO CARES!! As long as she is pretty ^-^


    P.S: Now''s she is giving me Koemi vibes... Why T o T


    A most gorgeous girl in the center of her gorgeous friends walked up to us. She looked even prettier than Reina!! With her nutbrown hair and deep brown eyes, it was hard not to keep staring in awe. In fact, that''s her bare-face look!!! Any guy would fall for her. 0 o 0


    "Which one of you girls is Koemi Ai?" she asked in a calm voice and pointed towards me and Sana. Sana and I were still too busy looking at her, Sana in disbelief.


    "M-m-me..." I stammered, still didn''t get over her visuals.


    "Come with us," she told me, "Quickly."


    Sana''s face immediately became serious. "Whoa, whoa, whoa. What are you doing with her?" she demanded.


    "Why do you care?" the girl asked with fierce eyes. Sana stepped back, but whispered in my ear, "Are you going to be alright?"


    I nodded vigorously before following her and her group out of the Main Yard.


    <hr>


    *Yamato''s POV


    I just came back from the basketball court with Kenji to find Koemi with a bunch of girls. Koemi looked tense...


    Once again, I covered my face so as my admirers wouldn''t spot me. They''re still doing a search around the school, putting up "WANTED: YAMATO SHIMIZU || REWARD: NOTHING, ''CUZ WE''RE BROKE :((((" posters. Pfft, like he''ll ever turn up.


    I spotted Sana alone in the Main Yard, who was looking at the direction of where Koemi and those girls just left.


    "Hey, Sana!" I said, "Whatcha doin''?"


    "Did you see Koemi coming out with a brunette in the lead, and Reina Okada at the back?"


    "There''s Reina?"


    "Ugh," she sighed warily, "Whatever. Anyhow, I don''t trust those people. They suddenly came up to her and took Koemi away."


    "TOOK HER AWAY!?" I repeated in shock, "As in taking her hands and pulling her away?"


    "Hmm... More like forcing her with those scary eyes."


    "Where did they go?"


    "Right there," she pointed, "Why do you need to know--Hey!!"


    I ran as fast as I could when Sana told me the direction. I was rushing through hallways and corridors (though I think they''re the same thing). Koemi, I''m coming to save you!!! (1)


    (1): Oh no, I overused exclamation points. Sorry, Mrs. Nakano! (my Japanese teacher; she teaches grammar and essay writing and stuff)


    <hr>


    *Koemi''s POV


    "Let''s talk here."


    The girl pushed me into an empty classroom, and then cornered me in a corner, with all of her friends towering over me, eyes narrowing and glaring in disgust. Hey, don''t be so mean!! :(


    "Reina said that you caught her smoking," the brown-haired girl said.


    I gulped, "Y-yes, but it was just an a-accident!!"


    "Are you sure?" a blue-haired girl asked, frowning. Her hair was tied back into two ponytails with black bows. Her face was round with cheeks a little bit chubby. Nonetheless, she looked cute. "Because you look like a Goody-Two-Shoes. And I HATE teacher''s pets."


    Now THIS is another creation I kept looking at. GO ME ^-^


    P.S: That''s not her uniform. It''s AI''s fault. 0_0


    "N-no, I''m not!! I swear!" I said desperately.


    "Hmm... What do you think, Rei-Rei?" the blue-haired girl turned to Reina, who was busy surfing the Internet, as always. You can''t see her without a phone. She nodded her head, "She might have told on me already."


    "No, I did not!!" I cried.


    "Well, the principal hasn''t said anything yet, so maybe she didn''t tell after all!!" said another girl positively and brightly. Her hair was a dark, midnight color with light pink highlights. Her nails were well kept with a rosy-pink color. She was literally walking in high heels, where the heels look so thin and fragile that it might break any moment. ?


    "Ayane''s right," said the brown-haired girl once more. She then spoke to me, "You''re good to go this time. But!" She held me back just when I just stood up. "You are not to tell our conversation with anyone, understand? Even your dearest friends."


    I just accept everything to get out of this situation. But my mind had other plans.


    "Excuse me, but I didn''t quite catch your names." Words have a problem: they just came out like that!!! > ~ <


    All of them burst into laughter. "You literally don''t know us!?" "We are famous throughout school!"


    "Guys, let''s just introduce ourselves to her. She''s probably just confused and dumb. She got herself locked in the bathroom once." said the brunette (mind it I call her that?). Great, now the whole group knows. T-T


    "I''m Yui Matsushita, top 1 beauty," said the brunette. "You could say I''m the leader of the Blush Rushes. ("What?") It''s our group name. The "Blush" represents our incredible visuals, and the "Rush" refers to how fast boys fall for us and how fast girls envy us.


    "I''m famous for the ''first-love beauty" and my bare-face beautifulness."


    "I''m Ayane Liane Shiratori Marsh," continued the girl with the pink highlights, "and you can either call me Ayane or Liane. I''m top 2 beauty. I''m Japanese American. I''m mostly famous for the ''pure'' blackness of my hair, and some boys got upset because I chose to have highlights."


    "Top 3 beauty''s me, Kana Watanabe," said the blue-haired girl proudly, "Goddess of sports, Strong Fitness Female, whatever you call me, you''re still surprised by the unlikely cute charm that''s different than the energetic nature."


    "Nice to meet you, I''m Hikaru Suzuki, top 4 beauty, as you may know it by now," said another with a deep red-wine hair color, "I''m usually evil-edited, but trust me, I''m very nice." She then did some kawaii poses, and the others nodded approval, while I cringe inside.


    That''s not her uniform. It''s AI''s fault, again... 0_0.


    Next, it was Reina''s turn, but she just ignored everyone. Yui had to fill in for her. "She''s the cold and quiet type, but pretty interesting once you get to know her. She''s in the top 5, and her other best friend is her phone. She''s famous for being ''sarcastic'' without even trying to.


    "There you have it. We''re the Blush Rushes!!" they cried in unison.


    "Great!" I forced an awkward smile and left as quickly as possible. That was a long introduction. I''m tired to death. - _ - So tired, in fact, that I bumped into something hard wrapped in fabric.


    "Ow, ow!!" I rubbed my forehead, "Can''t this day get any worse?"


    "Ko? I''ve been looking for you everywhere!"


    "Y-Y-Yamato!?" 0_0


    Looking up, I was met with a bright smile and a tight, warming hug. "What''s wrong??" I asked nervously and also trying to break free, since people were looking.


    "You weren''t there when I went back to the Main Yard, and Sana said you were taken away by a manipulating brunette with scary eyes and her friends." That Sana ):<.


    "But I''m fine now," I explained through gritted teeth, "Now let me go. Your admirers are glaring my way."


    He finally broke free, when just then, the bell rang, and everyone started bustling back to their classes.


    "Oh, come on!! I didn''t a teensy bit of relaxation!!"


    The rest of the day was dull and boring, but at least I was met with no more drama. I''m grateful enough for it. :)))

 Chapter 04 ~ He Got a Girlfriend!?

    Chapter 04 ~ He Got a Girlfriend!?


    Sana bombarded me with questions right after school. She''s giving off Yamato vibes when he kept laughing about "how I locked myself in the bathroom." I tried fastening my pace, but Sana, with her long strides, kept up with me every time. And what do those questions have in common? There are all about what happen when I got "taken away".


    "For the last time, Sana, I was not taken away!" I told her for the one hundredth time, "It''s not like I was kidnapped or something."


    "But they were SUS," Sana explained.


    "Because of you, Yamato literally freaked out, and came looking for me!!! Can''t you see it ruined my reputation? That was my main goal in this school!! To. Have. A. Nor. Mal. Rep. Pu. Ta. Tion!!! ):<"


    "But do you know what it means? If he came rescuing you, he must''ve L-I-K-E you!!! ^.^"


    I stopped in my tracks. "How many times have I told you before?" I said, maintaining my nerves, "We''re just friends."


    Sana, who probably felt me getting more and more angry, quickly added, ''It''s just a joke!! Just a joke ...0_0," but quickly added, "But can''t you see the pattern? When you''re in trouble or having problems, Yamato is always there for you."


    I had to narrow my eyes and tried to look fierce did she stopped her nonsense. But I did take time considering this.


    When we reached a curb, that''s when we parted ways. But Sana still needed to hear one more thing to fulfill her curiosities.


    "What happened with you and the Blush Rushes?"


    My eyes opened wide, "You knew about them??"


    "Duh, everybody knows about them. There like the heartthrobs in school, the female version of Kenji and Yamato, except that there are five of them."


    "But... I promised to keep this a secret..." I spoke.


    "Well, if it''s a promise, you can''t break it," she agreed. Then, her face suddenly lit up. "Boom!! The lightbulb in my head just gave me an idea ^-^."


    She pulled out her phone and texted me:


    NotSanaFromTWICE (no, I did not name her that):


    We could say it through texting. We''re not saying it face-to-face.


    I immediately get what''s she trying to say. I texted her back:


    Koko:


    Alright, genius.


    Koko:


    So, we were just talking about how Reina was smoking in the girls'' WC.


    NotSanaFromTWICE:


    REALLY!!?? She SMOKED?!! And YOU found out about it??!!


    Koko:


    Why sound so surprised?


    NotSanaFromTWICE:


    Nothing


    NotSanaFromTWICE:


    Anyway, what next?? 0>0


    Koko is typing...


    NotSanaFromTWICE:


    QUICK


    Koko:


    These girls thought I was a goody 2 shoes, and that I''ll tell the principal on Reina. But eventually, I got saved by Ayane. And then I left. That''s it. :)))


    NotSanaFromTWICE:


    ...


    NotSanaFromTWICE:


    THAT''S IT??!!


    Koko:


    :)))


    NotSanaFromTWICE:


    it''s not even a big secret - _ -


    Koko:


    But it''ll get Reina in trouble of the principal finds out.


    NotSanaFromTWICE:


    Whatevs.


    "See you tomorrow, Ko!!" Sana waved goodbye to me in real life before disappearing entirely as she turned the corner.


    After that, I started my journey alone back home. Usually, Yamato would be walking me home after Sana left, but he was stuck with basketball practice ON THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!!! This school is already luring students into practices and competitions. - _ -


    Up to this moment, I realized how much I miss Yamato. Usually, he would be walking side by side with me, babbling on and on about his perspective of a "typical" school day, while I intently listen. Being pretty much quiet all the time, I don''t have much to talk about. Yamato is literally the opposite of me. However, sometimes, his view on other students can be funny. Mostly I would let out a chuckle; worse was when I burst into hysterical laughter, and you couldn''t believe how many pairs of eyes were staring at me >_<!!! Right now, I was just minding my own business, staring fixed on the ground while kicking tiny pieces of rubble that''s in my path.


    So concentrated in fact, I didn''t realize I was going in the wrong direction.


    Finally looking up, I found myself in a foggy, dark alleyway and had a strong smell of cigarettes and smoke. The walls were made of rough, uneven red bricks, but you could even think it was greyish-black because it''s so dark. Long, curvy metals pipes were giving off a horrible stench (why does it remind me so much of the boys'' bathroom and those burritos? 0_0) and what looked like sewage water (because it was dark green??) dripping from it. I frantically looked from left to right, running in all directions to find a way out, but I was more lost than ever.


    "Hey, are you lost?"


    I slowly turned around to face three men, probably in their twenties, in dark-colored oversized overalls. I froze and my eyes widened with fear. The man in the middle of them was wearing a brown beanie. He had a long mullet and was wearing an ugly sneer.


    Beads of sweat rolled down my face. "N-no, I''m not," I lied, trying to maintain my nerves, but he could tell I was not telling the truth.


    "Come on, don''t be afraid," he said softly, but there was some evil intention in his tone." He held out his hand, "Come with us. We''ll take you home."


    I backed away, but he walked forward a step. "N-no thank you. I can find my own way home."


    And then I ran. I ran as fast as I could. I kept making sharp ends to distract and confuse them (experience after them fangirls chasing my friend group). But they easily caught up with me. The beanie guy pulled my arm hard, and next moment, I was pinned to the wall, my back aching so bad. I tried glaring at him, but it came as a worried face instead.


    "Aw, don''t fret," said the beanie guy, smirking victoriously. "Now be a good little girl. You''re pretty; pretty girls must obey, don''t they, Aku?"


    The man on his right nodded vigorously. He was taller and burlier than the beanie guy, but he seemed to just be following orders.


    "Ahh, what a nice little catch today," he said to me, "And a high school student, too. Let''s see... Ryujin-Jima High School, I see. I used to go to your school, did you know that? Until I dropped out, that is. You are rather naughty, you know, wandering around, alone, when you should be at home making dinner for the family. What will your parents think when they see their pride-and-joy in a stranger''s arms, eh? That''s not very good, is it?"


    He pinched my cheek and twirled my hair around his finger. I was getting uncomfortable. But I had no way to escape, as his bodyguards were beside him, making sure that I was not out of their sight.


    "Very soft cheeks," the beanie creep went on, "Long hair, and (*started sniffing me*) smells nice. Boys love girl with long hair who smell like roses and lavender, you know? Unlike those boy-wannabes. You have a great physique, too: fairly toned-legs, small waist, pale skin, plump lips (he put emphasis on the word and licked his lips); all the perfect qualities to be my girlfriend."


    He then leaned close so that our noses almost touched each other, and stared down at me, "Say, how would you like to go out with me tonight?"


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    I made a disgusted face and tried to wriggle free, but his grip on me just tightened. "Oh, it''s nothing that bad. Since you''re already out alone, how about you text Mommy and Daddy that you''re have a sleepover with your bestie today? That way, our time together would be longer. For a whole night, actually. It''s just...perfect."


    He leaned more closely, smiling maliciously. I was trembling and wanted to scream for help (I had spent too much time here), but I was freaking SCARED. You can do this, I thought. All you need to do is yell for help as loud as you could, then surely somebody would come and rescue me. Just...DO IT!!!


    And then I did it.


    "HELP!!!!!! HELP ME OVER HERE!!!! RESCUE ME FROM THIS CREEP!!!!!!! HELP--"


    The beanie guy quickly covered my mouth and he and his minions pulled me further into the alleyway. His eyes were red with fury. "You b!tch-- HOW COULD YOU!!! I gave you such a great opportunity, and this is how you repay me, brat!!??"


    "Who said I want to Do It with you?" I glared at him menacingly and bit his hand. The beanie guy yowled in pain and as my teeth dug deeper, I could see blood flow out a little. Horrified at the sight of blood, I stepped back, but that gave his men to wrestle me down onto the ground. Sitting down on the ground at the wall, I looked to see the beanie creep nursing his injured hand, "You''re going to regret this." Upon hearing that, the henchmen chuckled and cracked their knuckles.


    Before they touched me, a voice behind us called, "What are you doing with her?"


    We all turned, and I couldn''t be more grateful that he showed up in time, despite all this time avoiding him for a "normal reputation". There was Yamato, standing with clenched fists and gritted teeth, his eyes giving off a killer instinct.


    "Wanna fight?" the beanie guy smirked.


    "Bro, that''s literally what I''m here for: to take her back from your dirty hands". He eyed the bloody hand suspiciously.


    "Handsome," said the beanie guy, "But your face will be unrecognizable after this. BOYS!!"


    The big henchmen lunged at Yamato. But he was too quick for them. He ducked and kicked one of them in his private part. He was squirming in pain on the ground. Yamato then gave him a strong blow under the jaw at the other man, and he too was knocked out. The beanie guy was speechless. Realizing he was defeated, he cried before running away: "You''ll regret this!!".


    I sat there in shock at the hurt men. I can''t believe Yamato had such fighting skills 0 o 0. I wasn''t fully recovered when he helped me up and left the alley. The sun was setting, but I was happy to set eyes on light once more.


    "How did you end up in there?" he asked as soon as we left.


    "Lost, not paying attention to where I''m going, you choose." I said gloomily. I thought I heard him mumbled, "Not surprised."


    "But" he went on, suddenly becoming serious, "You''d know how dangerous that was!?"


    "Of course, I knew how dangerous it was!" I replied.


    "Then why did you go there?" he demanded, his voice rising. "Do you have any idea what could have happened to you if you didn''t show up?"


    "I know, okay!?" I snapped, feeling tears sting my eyes. "I-I was thinking about s-something. So, I went the wrong way."


    He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "Koemi, you''re so reckless sometimes. You have to be more careful. Always look where you''re going."


    Thinking that he just made a joke, I said, "Well, that''s what I''m trying to achieve."


    We stayed silent for a few minutes, but the journey to my house (he insisted, in order to protect me from further "kidnappings". Talk about overprotective - _ -) It took me more time to think of a way to break the ice. "How did you find me?" I asked.


    "I was walking home with Kana after basketball practice (she''s on the girls'' team), when I heard your voice, calling for help. Very familiar. So, I left Kana alone to come help you."


    "W-wait," I asked, "K-Kana? As in Kana Watanabe? Top 3 beauty in the Blushes Rushes!?"


    "Yeah. She''s really talented. She could throw, dribble and can even dunk very well. I''d never expected it."


    "B-but--" I was about to tell him about Kana''s attitude of not trusting me when the Blush Rushes cornered me in the empty classroom. However, upon remembering my promise, I stayed silent.


    Yamato suddenly noticed something and was staring at my mouth. What now??


    "There''s something in your teeth - it''s red," he explained.


    "Oh, that must be blood. I must have gotten it when I bit that creepy beanie guy." I was surprised of how I mentioned such a disgusting thing in this conversation.


    Yamato looked deadly impressed when he heard it, though ^ _ ^.


    <hr>


    When we arrived in front of my house, I could hear the sizzling of meat and someone cutting something on the cutting board. I muttered "Thank you" before going inside. But he suddenly snatched my hand and pulled me into a tight, but strangely warm hug. He whispered in my ear, "It''s okay, Ko. I''m just glad you''re safe. You''re my best friend, you know that?"


    I nodded, forgetting all about the most important I had promised myself to do for the rest of the school year.


    <hr>


    That night, as I laid in bed, I thought about today''s traumatic events, especially when I was almost kidnapped by a beanie guy who relied on his minions to lead him to victory. I also thought about Sana''s words: "...When you''re in trouble or having problems, Yamato is always there for you."


    She could be right: when I asked him to help me achieve a "normal reputation", he gladly agreed, despite sucking at it. He rescued me from those creeps...


    Does he like me?


    <hr>


    The next day, Yamato did not accompany me to school (thank goodness =), because I''m still confused about his feelings for me). Instead, Sana was beaming brightly when I walked downstairs. On our way to school, I was telling Sana dramatically about the incident yesterday. I was expecting some round of applause for the things that I had to went through because I was being brave for the first time, which is already a great achievement.


    Instead, she exclaimed, "OMG, do you understand what will happen to you if Yamato hadn''t come rescue you!!?? THAT''S INCREDIBLY RISKY!!!!!"


    "You''re sounding exactly like Yamato - _ -."


    "Well, surprisingly, he''s right ):0."


    That''s what I have to hear throughout our walk to school. :(((


    But when we reached school and had arrived at our homeroom, there was a bustling and voices muttering and whispering to each other.


    "What''s going on, Kaiya-senpai?" Sana nudged a taller, older girl standing outside our homeroom.


    "Haven''t you heard?" said Kaiya-senpai excitedly (I made friends with her the day before with Sana''s help). "Shimizu (1) has a girlfriend."


    (1): Yamato''s surname. Kaiya-senpai can call him that because she''s older.


    Our jaws literally dropped to the floor.


    "WHAT!!??" we both said. "HE GOT A GIRLFRIEND!?"


    "Yeah!" explained Kaiya-senpai, "Just this morning, Shimizu and Watanabe came in while holding hands (*shriek*)!!! And they were looking at each other very lovingly (*shriek*)!!!! They announced they were official just this morning!!!!! I think they are a very good match: both loves sports, are athletic and annoying. SO PERFECT!!!!!!!!"


    She jumped up and down, giggling, while her friend stared, as if she had never known Kaiya-senpai has this crazy side. The reason Sana and Kaiya-senpai befriended because of their interest in manga and romance novels. They have read Komi Can''t Communicate (watched the anime, too), etc. and read some more on Wattpad. Can''t blame them; girls are like that nowadays.


    As Kaiya-senpai was laughing off to herself, Sana persuaded me to demand for more answers from Yamato. To be honest, I want to know what''s going on, too.


    It wasn''t hard finding him at all: you just need to search all the soccer fields, and basketball courts. We found him in the gym practicing with his boys, and when we spotted Kenji in the group, Sana didn''t want to go in - _ -.


    "Why are you sounding so determined today??" Sana demanded suspiciously. "Did I miss something...?"


    I ignored the question, because I noticed something. Five tenth graders were on the bleachers, shouting and whooping for the boys. Well, only one did, and her blue hair caught my attention. Yamato saw her, smiled and blew her a kiss!!!!!


    Sana''s eyes widened after seeing that blow kiss while I muttered, "I guess they really are a couple now."


    <hr>


    We waited until his match was over, but we didn''t even get to say anything to him because as they left the gym, Kana was clinging onto his arm and chatting loads to him while Yamato just seemed unbothered. I couldn''t even survive that much talking!!!! 0_0


    Just then the bell rang. I almost gagged because I have to see them say goodbye passionately - _ -. Yamato gave Kana a small peck on the forehead, but Kana wanted more. So they had to kiss mouth-to-mouth FOR A WHILE before parting. Seriously, Kana is too desperate.


    "Well, that''s whole-heartedly disgusting," I said sarcastically as we walked back to our homeroom.


    "It''s not when it''s my girlfriend that''s kissing me," he said proudly. "Don''t you think Kana-san is just so...perfect? ^-^"


    I shrugged, knowing deep inside that she''s not (''cuz no one''s 100% perfect, despite the fact that they have everything, beautiful as a goddess and literally the boss of the school), "When do you guys started dating??"


    "I asked her out yesterday afternoon. Before running to help you, that is."


    "What''s her reply?"


    "She was literally screaming with joy, saying that she had been waiting for this day, and happily accepted."


    "What makes you think you could date her??"


    "Well, we''re both athletes, champions in different sports, and we both like eating. Technically, we''re made for each other."


    "Well, you''re right. Heartthrobs should date heartthrobs: that''s the rule in life."


    But my heart was still heavy even though I was used to them dating now. Can''t Yamato see Kana''s bad side?


    I was wondering about this, when a soft voice behind said, "Guess he didn''t love you."


    Yui Matsushita, leader of the Blush Rushes, standing with her group behind me (they like sneaking up on and scaring people, don''t they??), folding her arms. She seemed even more beautiful than yesterday. Her brown hair was flowing graciously to the wind and her brown eyes shining and full of emotions (unlike her evil nature).


    "W-What do you m-mean?" I asked nervously.


    "Puh-lease," Yui rolled her eyes, "I know you like him. Why else would you hug him so friendly-like the other day?"


    Oh my god!! So not true!! Yamato hugged me, not me hugging him!!!


    "It''s Yamato that hugged me," I explained, "As a friend."


    "Lame excuse!" the red-haired Hikaru Suzuki stuck out her tongue, "We know it''s love when we see it. ):>"


    But Kana was the one that overreacted. She stomped towards me and held me by the collar. "You are not to touch my Yamato-kun ever again!! DO YOU UNDERSTAND!!??"


    What is the matter with these people?? "Y-yes, always."


    Before leaving, Yui looked at me threateningly, "If you dare interfere with sweet Kana''s love life--(drew her finger across her throat)".


    Well, at least they helped me in achieving the top priority on my bucket list.


    END OF CHAPTER 04

 Chapter 05 ~ I Keep on Telling Him, But...

    Chapter 05 ~ I Keep on Telling Him, But...


    To make things short, ever since Yamato dated Kana Watanabe, he''s never been the same. I mean, everything about him has changed.


    Take his clothing style, for example. One weekend, where our friend group decided to meet at the caf¨¦ to discuss about our science project, instead of a casual, wrinkled T-shirt and some baggy jeans that seems to never have been washed, he showed up in the Lakers uniform while holding an ACTUAL basketball, acting like he was a professional player or something - _ -. It kind of looks good, but I''m not used to him wearing such a thing :|. I''m pretty sure Kana has something to do with this ??.


    Another thing that''s bothering me is whenever I invite him to hang out or to work on a school project or help me with my homework (though the only thing he''s good at is P.E), KANA always tags along, just for fun. She even says she''ll give me a hand, though she''s stupid as crap. She always acted like she''s smart, but her IQ is like 10!!! If I were super smart, I''d find a way to suck out all the brain cells left in her, so she''d be left hopeless in the world >:((. In the end, I ended up helping her with the math problems, though I tried to be as polite as possible - _ -.


    She''s stupid AF - _ -.


    Plus, the brown-haired girl''s not Yui - _ -. I didn''t give AI a proper description.


    Also, they couldn''t get enough of each other somehow. I mean, they''ve been together 24/7. For me, I need a LONG moment of peace if I had such a clingy boyfriend - _ -. Whenever I see the "lovely" couple down the hall, Kana''s always hanging onto his arm pouting, begging for kisses and giving him these cringey flirts ??, like winking her eyes, batting her lashes and blowing kisses every chance she gets.


    "I can''t believe Yamato would fall for someone like that," Sana agreed with me in disbelief when I told her. "How can he cope with her?!"


    "You''d better ask the "most patient" guy ever," I said, referring to Yamato. I mean, his previous patience-record was back in the 7th grade, which lasted for 50 minutes 0_0!!! This is actually an incredible achievement coming from a person like him (no hate!).


    I still can''t believe Yamato hasn''t found Kana''s bad side yet. Whenever he''s not around (very rare!), she was off with the other Blush Rushes to mess with the "ugly" girls and boys. One time, I saw them bullying the President of our school IT club. All of them played a role in scaring the poor boy. Yui did the glaring, Ayane kept jumping up down and shouting encouragement and promises if he helped them do their homework for the rest of the schoolyear, Kana held him by the collar (as always), Hikaru flirted with him and tried to be cute, while Reina decided to threaten and blackmail him. ?


    Koemi being shocked at how "brutal" the bullying was =)


    I carefully got myself out of my hiding place (a bush. Can you believe it?!) I must''ve stepped on some twigs and leaves, though, because I could see the Blush Rushes looking suspiciously at the sound-making shrub 0_0''. Once I managed to get out of there unharmed, I rushed back into the school grounds and raced around to look for Yamato. He''s probably looking for Kana, too. To be honest, I''m actually a very good runner, so running around for nearly half of break is not that tiring =3. At last, I spotted the familiar figure of Yamato and his other friends walking out of the gym. Judging by the looks of it, he had a very hard match; sweat continuously rolled down his face.


    "Ya...Yamato!" I said pantingly, running up to him. Yamato signaled to his friends and let us have a moment alone. Yamato was looking very curiously at me by the time I''d finished my huffing and puffing.


    "...Your...girlfriend..."


    "What, Kana-san?"


    "Yes, who else? I saw her with her gang bullying the President of the IT club into doing their homework for them!! They''re at the back of our school, conversation''s clear as day!! You should''ve seen them; all these torturing methods...


    "Now could you see the bad side of Kana Watanabe, Yamato? She''s even worse than a biting guinea pig!!(1) Just let go of her; she''s just using you to enhance her popularity."


    (1): I still have the wounds ToT


    Yamato was in a state of shock, or so I thought. For a brief second, I thought he''d believe in me. My mind was like: "YES!!! Watanabe''s going DOWN!!!!!" "It''s karma, b!tch" <= A/N: SORRY!!! But remember, it''s just for brief second. Next thing I knew, he was defending Kana.


    "Why do you keep saying that Kana-san''s bad?!" he retorted, "She''s always so sweet and kind! Yes, she''s clingy, but it was good company!!! Why do you keep throwing my girlfriend into the Dark Side?! She''d done nothing wrong!! What did she do to you, anyway, that makes you hate Kana?!!"


    "Oh, yes, she''d had done wrong!!" I cried desperately, almost revealing to him how they cornered me after school and Kana holding me by the collar. Nothing came out of my mouth when I tried to list out their crimes, though. I mean, the Blush Rushes were just warning me...


    <hr>


    Yamato''s POV:


    I was so furious. How could Koemi say that to my precious girlfriend?! Why does she hate Kana without a proper reason?!?! When Koemi stayed quiet, I scoffed and swung my bag over my shoulder, since it''s almost time to go to class. Just then, Koemi''s voice came back.


    "I''d thought you''d known better than to date her, Shimizu."


    It was soft and quiet, just barely audible, above a whisper. But she''d made it so life-threatening and calling me by my surname made me stop in my tracks. Strange, she had never called me by my last name before.


    "I had thought you were smarter, to realize just how far she can go," Koemi continued, "I thought you can see right through her, just how black her heart is. She''s good at keeping secrets, you should''ve known. What''s the reason why she didn''t tell you that? She''s keeping it a secret and show you her angelic side, so you could keep dating her. Why didn''t you know...?


    "I guess I was wrong about you, Shimizu Yamato."


    By the time I turned around at the end of her speech, her eyes were pink and glossy, and she furiously spun around and fast walked up the stairs to class. The bell had rung at what time I didn''t notice. I knew I was late by then and marked tardy for the third time this week. But the only problem I was worrying at a time like this was that Koemi was angry, frustrated with me, which is a first. And she was about to cry.


    <hr>


    Koemi''s POV:


    I guess that''s it for us then. We''ve never been on bad terms with each other, but partly, it was his fault for not believing in me. But have I got to be angry with him? But''s it''s too late to say anything. I could already feel tears tingling my eyes. Yamato must have seen it too. Ugh, so embarrassing!!! At this, Yamato will probably tell his petty girlfriend that I''m a total cry-baby, and then she''ll tell her gang, and then her gang will spread this unforgivable news...!!!


    <hr>


    Sana''s POV:


    I CAN''T BELIEVE this cray-cray thing that I''m dreading is happening right in front of my eyes:


    YAMATO-KUN and KOEMI-SAN aren''t TALKING TO EACH OTHER.


    0_0 You heard me!!!!!


    This has NEVER happened before. Worse of all, they''re AVOIDING EACH OTHER''S BEAUTIFUL, SPARKLY EYES (isn''t it too weird to say this :^??? Ah, I don''t care!!!) Koemi is pretending that Yamato had never existed and used a different word to refer that it''s him. On the other hand, Yamato spends all his time in the gym playing basketball, totally not making time for me to have a LITTLE chit-chat with him about him-and-the-Koemi-business ):^.


    I knew something was going on. And I WAS DETERMINED TO FIND OUT.


    Whenever the creepy hours of school were over, me and Koemi would walk together home from school. But today, I have something up my sleeve.


    "Sorry Koko-chan!! Err... something just come up at home!!! Err... a guest - my aunt!!! - just came back!!! You know how angry she gets when the people at the place she''s visiting aren''t fully there... hehe..."


    Koemi eyed me suspiciously, "I thought your aunt is in Germany for her honeymoon... For two months."


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Shoot. I forgot. Aunt Mizuki WILL NEVER ABANDON A FULL-TIME CHANCE to be with Uncle Senichi.


    "Well, it''s my OTHER aunt... Aunt Momoko - the chef... <=D" (*intense fingers-crossing*)


    "Okay...?"


    Finally, I got her to finally walk home alone, I sighed heavily - _ -. I swear, IT FELT SO BAD TO BE LYING TO YOUR BEST FRIEND!! > ~ < Now that I''d noticed, I''ve been wasting too much time, and Yamato could''ve already gone home. Luckily, there was a basketball practice, but it''s MIXED, which means GIRLS AND BOYS PRACTICED TOGETHER!!!!! I swear, I could pull my eyes out because Yamato and Kana Watanabe would get to SPEND TIME PRACTICING TOGETHER!!!!


    But luckily, with my powerful eavesdropping power, the coach had dismissed them early because of family problems back home, which all of them groaned, but it''s a blessing for me ??! Moments later, the team filled out, and I could make out Yamato, Kana ??, and Kenji-kun ??from the crowd because of their height and Kana''s vibrant hair color. But I need to do something to get Yamato to be alone, or else Kenji-kun and Kana will hear. I''m sorry, Kenji-kun for not being loyal to you today!! > ~ < And, did I mention that one of my secretive talents is to pickpocket?? I know it''s bad, which is why I never put it to use. But I needed to create a diversion. So, here goes...


    Trying to blend in with the departing group, I walked past Yamato, and swiftly reached my hand into his pants'' left pocket and pulled out two bracelets. I fell behind the crowd as I stopped to admire the bracelets. One gleamed under the silver moonlight, but I could tell it was high-quality with a highly realistic golden color. There were beautiful small gems that looked like diamonds. At the end, it formed into a small heart. This must certainly be a couple''s bracelet (must be from Kana, obviously), but why isn''t he wearing it? This must have been pretty expensive.


    The other bracelet was clearly overshadowed by Kana''s gift, but still pretty and cute, and strangely familiar. It consisted of adorable pastel colors on top of each other, all of which are heading in one way. There were a series of strings at the end for tying on your wrist, followed by a small turquoise bead. Must have been a friendship bracelet made a girl; boys in my grade don''t have the talent for knitting, crocheting and other stuff related to crafts. Nonetheless, I should be wasting time, and quickly threw the bracelets on the ground. Crying Yamato''s name with all my might, who by now was far away, "HEY YAMATO!!"


    He instantly turned around, whose eyes fell on me, evidently confused why I was calling him. "You dropped this!" I added sweetly, pointing to the bracelets on the ground at my feet. Kana, who also spun around to face me at the first syllable I''d utter, noticed the gold bracelet. "Hey, Yamato-kun~" she whined and pouted, pointing at the bracelet and started acting like a five-year-old persuading their mother for sweets. "Isn''t that the bracelet I gave you on your spectacular hotness during basketball practice~?"


    I cringed. Koemi was right: Kana DOESN''T know how to flirt. That was outright terrible! ????? Yamato muttered something to Kana, and she and Kenji moved on. Yamato ran towards me, evidently confused. Apparently, his pockets had no holes in them; they''re new.


    "Whatever," I rolled my eyes, and hand him the bracelets. A thought suddenly crossed my mind. "Wait a minute, I remembered this!" I cried, indicating the colorful bracelet. "KOEMI made it for the three of us back in middle school! I can''t believe you still keep it! My dog chewed it to bits! I never mentioned it to Koko, though."


    I smiled at the bracelet. Koko-chan had worked so hard on it! I hold a silent grudge towards Miso after that :]. Another thought crossed my mind at that moment. "You still keep it, Yamato? I thought boys like you aren''t into stuff like this?"


    "Because..." he answered sheepishly, his face faintly red, "sh-she''s my friend, isn''t she?"


    I sighed and took his arm. I pulled him roughly into an alleyway. This alleyway was full of smoke and cigarettes, with green sewage water dripping from rusty pipes and walls dipped in black and grey. I could see Yamato looking around anxiously, eyes full of focus and caution. Maybe he was familiar with this place? How could he? Unless he was involved in some shady organization...


    "Have you been in this alley before?" I asked, totes NOT KEEPING MY CURIOSITIES TO MYSELF T0T.


    "Yeah. Koemi got lost in this place once and ran into some bad guys. I fought them off," he explained simply. I couldn''t help but go, "Woah~" but eventually came back to my senses. I then pinned Yamato to the wall hard, my face contorted in frustration yet pride inside. Those taekwondo lessons paid off!


    "W-What are you doing?" Yamato demanded.


    "?? Yamato Shimizu...??" I said dramatically (for effects, see :P), "You keep going on and on about Koko-chan ("Umm, when?"). But you know that you guys aren''t even on speaking terms with each other. She won''t even refer you by your name anymore! It''s either "male friend" or "Shimizu" ("Huh...?" he looked hurt). I felt like the sauce between two pieces of bread in a sandwich!


    "One day, you''re all comfortable and laughing your heads off. Then, poof!, you and Koemi were not making eye contact. What is going on? I''m feeling like I''m missing something here.


    "Explain." I pointed my finger to his chin. My nail slightly dug into it. I left a faint mark, but no REAL harm was caused, okay? :>


    "She claimed Kana-san is a bully." Yamato shrugged. "When I asked what she had done, Koemi won''t answer. This just proves Koemi hates Kana with any reason at all."


    "That''s because she''s keeping a secret, dummy!" I cried. I have to expose what she''d told me. It''s for the sake of their relationship, "The Blush Rushes forced her! She told me through texting! When she got taken away that day at the Main Yard, they led her into a classroom and asked her a bunch of questions about Reina Okada. Then, just the afternoon after you and Kana announced you''re official, I saw Koemi getting picked up by the collar by your girlfriend after school!


    "You can''t protest, Yamato! I saw the whole thing unfold with my own eyes! Don''t you see? Koemi''s been hinting you that Kana''s bad, but you never listen! Kana''s good at keeping secrets - she''s keeping her bad side a secret from you!! Maybe Kana really does like you, but do you think she''ll want you to see her as THE DEVIL?? No!"


    I paused to see his reaction. His eyes were wide, but otherwise unfazed. I could see his hand pushing his bracelets deeper into his pocket, and then took out the gold bracelet. He stared at it for a moment, then nodded at me. I understood right away - he believes me. I have a reputation of being honest.


    "So, what''s your solution to Kana? How would you deal with your broken bond with Koko?" I need to know. I want to help fix their friendship.


    "Just wait and see." He smiled mischievously. He''s already scheming, that dude - _ -.


    "Thanks for returning the bracelets!" he grinned, waved and ran back to Kenji and Kana. I could see him put an arm around her. I sighed, but smiled all the same. I''m sure he could manage on his own?? .


    <hr>


    Yamato''s POV:


    I just need to keep up my act. Just for a few more minutes and then it will be all over. I believe everything Sana said. She''s a truthful girl. After told me the whole story, my feelings toward Watanabe Kana had changed. Because of her, because of my foolishness in believing her, my friendship with Koemi broke.


    I have got the perfect plan. All I need is to keep up my act.


    Once I was out of that alleyway, I spotted Kana and Kenji standing at the corner of the road. Had they been waiting for me? Such patience! I can never compete with that! My past record had driven me nuts! I smiled at all of them, half of me glad that they waited.


    I gave Kana a peck on the cheek, in which she blushed. However, after hearing about Kana''s true side, my kisses seemed so meaningless now. I guess my feelings really have disappeared. We walked towards a bus stop at the bottom of a small slope. The street was dark and empty; nobody in my town would go out at this time of day. Kenji sat down on the bench, waiting for the six-o''clock bus.


    We said goodbye to him and walked higher up. Up this slope, you can have a clear view of the whole street. Kana opened her mouth and started babbling on about how great the town looked even though it was just black, grey and yellow, and rubbed her head against my arm. I never realized until now how Kana was such like an animal that was practically stuck to me and disgusting words of affection. I mean, have you heard her flirts? The thing she''s good at is bullying and sports. I forced a grin, to give a message that I like what she''s doing. Truth is, I can''t even handle it anymore.


    I''m pretty sure Koemi thought that I was super dumb to fall for someone like Kana. Well, I never dated anyone before, and wanted to be the first in my friend group. Besides, the thought of refusing someone hurts my heart. I''ve done it a lot of times before back in middle school, and I felt worse then. I thought that having an official girlfriend would mean a lot to me. But Kana, well, except for sports, we never really have anything in common. All she ever does is touch and kiss me. And it wasn''t even that good! I should''ve listen.


    We walked down the slope, and I volunteered to walk her home. It was also the perfect place to hatch my plan. The plan was very simple, though I''d hate to see the effect. Part of me regretted doing this to her. But it''s now or never. I''m tired of her anyway now that I could see her true face. Kana was still oblivious to anything, despite not noticing my less chatty nature. She was too busy clutching my arm and praising my looks.


    "That''s my house over there!" Kana pointed. Her house was two stories tall, with a pretty large front yard. The walls looked as if they were made of marble. No wonder she had the money to buy me such an expensive bracelet that, until know, I never needed. They were party lights, and I could hear laughing, talking, the clinking sound of glasses and a strong smell of beer. It sounds like a party was raging inside. I could hear the beats of disco music.


    "Sorry," Kana grinned awkwardly, "my cousin''s having a gender reveal party, and since my house is bigger, she decided to hold it here. If the smell of alchohol bothers you, let me know. My family tends to be loud sometimes."


    Kana sounds... almost ashamed of her family. Too right, I couldn''t help but think. I am evil ??????.


    We stood in front of the door. The gender reveal was about to begin any moment, and Kana was expected. "Thank you for coming all this way." she smiled gratefully. Hey, at least she knows how to say "thanks". She gave me a tight hug, and leant in closer, waiting for the kiss I always give her before parting ways.


    It never came.


    Because it was time to begin the plan.


    I pushed her away lightly. "Kana-san..." I said slowly, "I want to tell you something." Kana looked anxious and a bit scared as I pulled out the golden bracelet.


    I placed in her palm. "Lately, I feel like there''s something wrong with us. I mean, we have nothing in common except sports. During recess, we rarely do anything except flirt and kiss and touch. I don''t want a relationship like that.


    "Moreover, I feel like there''s another side of you. Like you''re doing something secretive. You''re hiding this from me. I found out that you were bullying people, physically and mentally. You think everything is violence-related. ("No, I do not... do I?" Kana shook me.) I don''t want to be left in the dark. Partly, it was your fault that got me to have a broken friendship.


    "Last of all, I''m... tired of you. I mean, you never really anything fun, and I hate to say it, but you''re cringe. So, I have no other choice. I''m sorry, Kana, but we just don''t work out.


    She started whimpering, and tears built up in her eyes. It''s strange to see Kana crying. That''s why I hate the after-effect of this scheme. I felt so bad. Guilty. But I can''t be with her. She hurt me. And Koemi.


    "We''re done here.


    "Let''s break up."


    END OF CHAPTER 05

 Chapter 06 ~ The Speech

    Chapter 06 ~ The Reason and the Reconciling Hangout


    Koemi''s POV:


    I couldn''t get over the fact that Yamato and I wouldn''t probably ever talk to each other again. The thought made my heart ache, but I couldn''t ignore what was happening. Kana was a bully, and I had to stand up for what was right. But the problem is he never listens. He was blinded by her "angelic side." And there''s no way I could do to change his mind. Besides, it''s too late now. We aren''t technically friends anymore; no one is talking to one another, and it made me feel so guilty that I won''t hear his laugh and chats.


    Dad knew I was upset about something; these days I went back to binge eating and I''d go home from school looking like a burnout. He tried to ask what was happening, but I didn''t tell him. He won''t understand what I''m going through. It''s all for one stupid reason that drove me to this silent treatment. Even Sana can''t figure things between us out; how is Dad going to?


    I couldn''t sleep for days. My dark circles had become more visible, and I had to conceal them with tons of The Cream Desire. The thought of Yamato being attached to a bully and not talking to me gnawed my stomach. Didn''t he understand that I was only trying to help him? Or did he find bad girls attractive? I won''t lie; I missed him. Life seems dull in the days without him making me laugh or pulling pranks on strangers. But if I interfere once again, who knows what''ll happen that''s worse than a broken friendship? I know I might be overreacting, but seeing your best friend being intimate with someone you don''t like messes with your mind.


    I realized not to damage my relationship with him any further, I should stop seeing him. In the past, we hung out almost every day (right after I was finished with my homework), but now that we''re distancing, it''s better to not meet up with him nothing more of our relationship will worsen. I think that the only thing that we''ll discuss if we meet up is how Kana is a lost cause. Unfortunately for me, my plans that weekend were supposed to be spent with (the one and only!) Yamato.


    My solution?


    Cancel everything. I was pretty sure he wouldn''t mind a thing, considering we still weren''t talking.


    I soon got bored and basically texted Sana all day long. But she can''t be online 24/7. Sana loves to go to charitable activities; she''s an active donor to the local charity, which is also a program in charge of taxes. I''m not sure what''s going on, but ever since that charity was created ten years ago, the street hasn''t had any major projects. But the government established this program, so better not to question it.


    And if she''s not doing philanthropy, she''s either at school for club meetings and/or contributing to a few school projects. Man, the girl is committed. I once asked how she could keep track of time doing so much stuff.


    "You just gotta be organized. Which is something I see you don''t have, coming from a person who loves "normal reputations" so much she has to remove wrinkles from her clothes every morning," she teased.


    <hr>


    The weekends soon passed, and Monday came again. Great. My weekends are effing boring, and now I have to go through Monday. I''ll die before Tuesday comes, for sure. I slowly strolled out of bed, did my skincare routine, applied and reapplied The Cream Desire until it fully hid my shadows, wrinkled out my uniform, checked that I had everything I needed for the coming day, went downstairs, had my breakfast before the TV, and waited until it''s 6:45 before setting off for school.


    I stepped onto the street. Realization hit. This was going to be my first time going to school without Yamato. Terrifying.


    As it was fifteen minutes until seven, the street wasn''t full of students running or walking in time for class. The reason why I''d like to come in early is that I could drop off my bag at my desk, and then spend the remaining time roaming around the yards, chatting with my friends.


    I''d like to have a peaceful, quiet morning before school starts. When it''s around 6:55, I return to class because that''s when the school gets the loudest. While walking, I spotted Sana on the opposite side of the road, coming out of her house and locking the front door.


    "Hey, Sana!" I waved. She beamed at me, then, after thoroughly checking that the door was completely secure, she put the key in the side pocket of her bag and ran towards me. She needn''t worry about traffic; not a lot of cars or motorbikes roam at this time. Students practically take over the streets. It''s more crowded than usual. What''s the occasion?, but I ignored it.


    We chatted furiously about the trending topics on social media and giggled madly when any of us mentioned one of the famous, handsome celebrities. But as we approached the school building, I realized something was wrong.


    Terribly wrong.


    I might have overthought everything, but the school has never been this crowded. This provided a lot of disadvantages. First, I won''t get to enjoy the first fifteen minutes of peace, in which I couldn''t cool off my mind before class starts, and second, something big has happened. And I mean, really big. News spread fast around here. Sana also noticed the change, "School never gets crowded this early."


    "What do you think has happened?" I asked.


    "Probably something between the students." Sana suddenly replied excitedly. She loves to gossip but knows how to keep secrets, "You think some old couple had broken up?"


    Couples continually break up at our school. No relationship ever lasts long. So when the school heard of some lovers splitting up, it was nothing unusual. But this is something big. No breakup has ever gotten the school so hyped up. "The only couple I know are Shimizu and Kana," I said, bored. Yes, I was still mad at him, so I still referred to him by his surname. It''s not my fault, I repeat. "I thought you''re the one who keeps track of these things."


    "The popular ones, Koemi, not some small relationship in class. They''re not famous enough to be noticed by the whole school."


    "Good point. So who is other than Shimizu and Kana? From what I can see, they''re too attracted to each other to be separated."


    I could see Sana forming a devious smile on her face. But when I pointed it out, she ignored me by waving her hand and began listing the couples she managed to find out about. "There''s Ken and Aiko from the class next to us; they''re cute if Ken doesn''t reveal his k!nk to us every time we meet. There''s this senior Yuna and her younger boyfriend Atari. That''s normal, but Morita-senpai from 2 - C thinks girl-older-than-boy relationships aren''t capable and bound  to fail. Then we have Bento and Benjiro, the twins from 1 - E dating another pair of twins from 1 - F, Cami and Fuka. Unique, right? They even go on double dates. They''re considered as the below averages, though, with their crazy liking towards astrology and autonomy, which, in my opinion, are two fields that aren''t meant to be mixed--"


    I frowned. Once Sana starts yapping, there''s no stopping her. Unless we interrupt her mid-sentence. "Couldn''t we ask Kaiya-senpai about what''s going on?"


    "Great idea! What didn''t I think of that? Let''s find her."


    Kaiya-senpai is very similar to Sana when we''re talking about gossip-related topics. She gets ahold of things faster than anybody because she goes to school earlier than us and has a large friend group who loves gossip and anime just like her. She is the first you need to befriend if you want to know about rumors and breakups.


    She''s not hard to find, either. If you want to find Kaiya-senpai, you have two choices: her homeroom or the school entrance, where she could spread the gossip to anyone who would listen (basically everyone). We went past the gates this morning, and we didn''t spot her, so we made straight for Kaiya-senpai''s homeroom on the fourth floor (tiring ??)


    We finally spotted her leaning against the classroom door, narrowing her eyes as someone whispered something furiously into her ear. Must be some interesting scandal.


    "Kaiya-senpai!" Sana waved. Kaiya waved back and beckoned us over. She knew that the only reason why we were up here was to either keep up with new information (aka the tea) or to confirm the claims made by other students. I believe she had the power of prediction because even before we asked her, she shushed us and ''guessed'', "You want to know why it''s so crowded today?"


    "Yeah! Isn''t it strange?" I said.


    "Definitely, but everyone must''ve known by now. Aren''t you guys in the student group chat?"


    "I''m not in it. It''s active all the time. My phone''s gonna explode at some point with all those messages." I explained.


    "Me, too! I''m in it, but I don''t text much and I turned off the notifications button." Sana agreed.


    "But it''s the most efficient way to spread and get gossip instead of coming to me all the time!" cried Kaiya.


    "Whatever, just tell us!" I said impatiently.


    ''Fine, fine. Kana and Yamato had broken up."


    The way she''d said it so calmly made my jaw drilled straight through the cement. Before, my and Sana''s mouth had already hit the floor when Kaiya-senpai broke the news to us. Yamato and Kana, the IT couple at school, had broken up!!?? That''s unbelievable!!!


    "H-How?" I asked.


    "I don''t know, but I knew they won''t last long," Kaiya-senpai said confidently, as if she''d had known this all along. "Look, they''re a pair of idiots dating each other. Will idiots last long? No! Both are average at studies ("Says the one with a D on that math test last Tuesday," I mumbled), and sports won''t take them far. Yamato acted smart: he''d made the right decision of dumping her. I mean, look at the girl! She might be a heartthrob, but nothing ends well for a heartthrob. She might have the visuals, but without the brains, say hello to God!"


    Sana nodded in agreement to Kaiya''s words. Kaiya-senpai had overflowing theories that were somehow always right. But I noticed a detail in her speech.


    "Wait, Yamato was the one who dumped the other?"


    "Yeah! According to a senior of our school who overheard their conversation that night, his words were something about her being "violent, a bully", something about him being "tired of her actions" and that they were "not working out"; the usual stuff."


    "But the good news is that they have finally separated! Right, Koko?" Sana squeezed my hands, grinning in delight.


    "But don''t you find it strange, Sana?" I asked. "Why did he break up with her so out of the blue? Their relationship was at a high peak!"


    "You can ask him yourself if you want," Kaiya shrugged, "He''s right there, outside the gym," she absent-mindedly pointed below, "and oh my, what a crowd."


    There was indeed a large crowd. It seemed that we weren''t the only ones that wanted an answer. From above, the gathering of students looked like paparazzi, and Yamato was like some A-list movie star.


    "Come on, let''s go! The crowd''s getting larger!" I grabbed Sana''s hands and we both rushed down the stairs, jumping three steps at a time, ran across the Main Yard, and arrived outside the gym. By now, the crowd had gotten bigger, and we had to stand on tiptoes only to see Yamato''s forehead. Everyone was shouting, their questions overlapping each other.


    Meanwhile, Yamato was making "calm-down" gestures as if this was the most normal thing in the world. Well, I can tell you one thing: that crowd won''t calm down soon. His buddies stood by him, looking just as confused as everyone else. Except Kenji. He looked as if he knew the reason behind the breakup.


    Or maybe he enjoys looking at crazy students screaming for answers. That would''ve explained his amused expression.The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    I tried to push through, but the crowd was so thick, and no one was letting me pass. "I am starting to hate the boy''s attitude right now..." I grunted in frustration after many failed attempts to make it to the front.


    "Why?" Sana asked, craning her neck for a better look.


    "Because friends are supposed to console everything to each other! And I''m still his friend, despite our recent you-know-what. Not only did he NOT tell me anything about his breakup, but now he won''t give me answers! If he was still the same, he would have put me in his useless sports schedule and explained the whole thing."


    I brushed off the way Sana flinched when I mentioned the consolation part. "Not only that, but the Yamato I know, heartthrob or not, won''t suddenly become the President of America and speak up in front of everyone about his life. I know he''s the extroverted type, but not that extroverted that he has to share everything! He is taking his popularity for granted!! Probably that''s how that student overheard the "breakup" talk. Yamato is doing that on purpose! Mind you, after this, he and the idiotic Kana are going to get back together and continue their idiotic legacy, have an idiotic marriage after graduation, and give birth to idiotic kids-"


    "Yeah, well, if you want to continue this rant, best do it later," Sana nudged me, hissing urgently. "If you haven''t noticed, everyone''s gone quiet except you. So they''ve probably heard every word, including Yamato-kun."


    I paled and met Yamato''s gaze. He''d put on a cold expression but his eyes said a different thing: hurt and betrayal. I knew I should''ve kept my mouth shut. Right then, I just wanted to cry out that everything was a mistake and I didn''t mean a thing I said.


    But I didn''t have the courage, because I had poured my heart out just now. I couldn''t go back and fake my feelings (it''s not like I could anyway). I wanted to cry right there and then, but I''ve been vulnerable enough. I just bit the insides of my mouth, but never breaking our gaze. I could feel Sana''s hand squeezing my shoulder lightly.


    I''d messed up badly. Even though we might hate each other at the moment, I''d never wanted to hurt him. But all I wanted was the old Yamato back; funny and smart and mischievous, not some attention-seeking prat with bad choices.


    But no matter I much I''d regret it, I didn''t take back what I said.


    <hr>


    Yamato''s POV:


    "Please, calm down everyone!" I shouted over the noise, but it was no use. I grunted in frustration. How could I let Koemi know that I was done with Kana once and for all, that I was so sorry for not knowing the things she did behind my back, and that I wanted to mend our friendship?


    Yep, that''s the reason why I chose to make a speech today. I''m not the public-speaker type, so this was a bold (not to mention embarrassing) move. Kenji and my other buddies had warned me. But why do they have to care? This is my life and I can do whatever I want with it.


    Another reason I haven''t told them was to expose Kana and possibly the Blush Rushes. I don''t know about the other girls (they keep their lives outside really private), but at least I got the confirmation from Sana the Honest that Kana BULLIES. What a childish act. This might sound evil considering her popularity and status might be ruined after this, but the pros outweigh the cons, buddy: people will get to know what a bully she is, and maybe the Blush Rushes will stop their acts, and eventually, no one else has to get hurt.


    I took one last look at the crowd. They want answers, I noted their desperation. Were we the IT couple? We did nothing except kiss and flirt all day. Not going to lie, my mouth felt a little bit bruised. Kana has absolutely no experience, which is saying something, with her being a heartthrob and all. But one thing is for sure: she spends her time training her skills and physique and not wasting her life on being a playgirl like her other group members. She has nice abs; I saw it when she was throwing and the shirt exposed her stomach (note: I''m not a pervert)


    WHY AM I THINKING OF THE GOOD QUALITIES OF MY EX???? YOU''RE OVER HER, YAMATO!!! DON''T CARE IF SHE HAS GOOD ABS!!! DO YOU WANT TO HAVE A STUPID RELATIONSHIP OVER A MEANINGFUL FRIENDSHIP?? THEN GET THE SPEECH STARTED!!!


    I took a deep breath. "Everyone, please be quiet and listen to me."


    Immediately, everyone shut up and stared at me dead in the eye with anxious and anticipated looks. It was as if I had cast a spell that had silenced them. The school had never been this quiet before. What power do I have?


    I spoke too soon. Two seconds later, I could hear someone rambling, the sound getting louder and louder. I turned to my friends. It seemed that they''d heard it too. I turned to the other students, looking for the source.


    I furrowed my brows. I''ve found it.


    It was coming from Koemi. Why was she here? I didn''t expect the girl to be someone interested in someone''s love life. Sana was urging her to stop, eyeing the other people anxiously. What were they discussing?


    It was right then, I heard what she was talking about.


    "....Not only did he NOT tell me anything about his breakup, but now he won''t give me answers! If he was still the same, he would have put me in his useless sports schedule and explained the whole thing..."


    "Okay, okay, we know that he''s not the same as before, but-"


    "...won''t suddenly become the President of America and speak up in front of everyone about his life..." "...taking his popularity for granted..." "...he and the idiotic Kana are going to get back together and continue their idiotic legacy, have an idiotic marriage after graduation, and give birth to idiotic kids..."


    A fire burned in my heart. So she thinks that I''m an idiot and taking my popularity for granted? Did she think I was so stupid and still love the Kana Watanabe from the bottom of my heart?


    That''s what I heard.


    Coming from the mouth of my own best friend.


    Koemi finally noticed my staring and she quietened, looking so scared and anxious. I felt right bad then. But she was thinking badly of me, even when I was making things right again. I hate people who won''t let the past go and misunderstand the situation present.


    And sadly, my best friend right now was that person.


    At a time like this, when every eye was pressuring her, Koemi would immediately turn humble and deny everything she''d said. But she didn''t this time. She was nervous, yes, but she didn''t take back her words. She stared right back, her eyes faintly lighting a fire of determination.


    That''s when I knew she''d meant every syllable she had uttered.


    Great. Not in a good way.


    But thank you, anyway. For providing a chance to prove myself again. And prove you wrong.


    I broke my gaze and turned back to speak to the crowd. "Let me set this straight: I''m not a so-called "idiot" and no, I''m not going to get back with Kana and have idiotic children after an idiotic marriage, because we''re never getting back together. The break up was real."


    I could hear a few gasps and small cries of sadness. A wail was heard at the back of the crowd. I craned my neck to see and spotted that stupid gang of five heartthrobs. Kana was being cradled by the other Blush Rushes. They were busily wiping her nose and stroking her hair like a caring mother. Reina, I was surprised to find, was ushering some encouraging words. That won''t work. Kana accidentally spilled one time during basketball practice that when she cries, there is no stopping and no kind of comfort would help. Four of them glared at me angrily. I rolled my eyes. I noticed how loudly she was sobbing. Kana was an ugly crier, not going to lie: her face wrinkled up into what looked similar to a pug''s face (pugs are cute, but not at a time like this), and snot ran out of her nose like a raging river. Still trying to stand out in a situation like this, I scoffed. They''re the attention-seekers, not me, I gave Koemi a look.


    Then Kana''s eyes met with mine. Time seemed to stop for a moment. Kana''s eyes swelled up with sadness and sincerity. I thought, What if Kana did love me? But I replied with empty hollowness. Kana seemed to have gotten the message, because, at that moment, Kana wailed even louder, escaped from her friends'' arms, and ran away from the crowd. I could hear a few snickers coming from the other students.


    "A heartthrob being dumped? How embarrassing..." one said.


    "They must think they have it easy, don''t they?" another laughed.


    Yamato quickly diverted his gaze to the other Blush Rushes. Strangely, none were following their distressed friend, but they wore a similar mask of disappointment. Disappointment. Not sadness or worry for Kana. I scoffed in disgust. What kind of friends are they? They don''t even try to follow her? Then the comforting before was an act? How toxic.


    I felt someone glaring at me. I turned to look.


    Koemi kept her glare. What''s up with her? I confirmed the breakup, didn''t I? I''ve proved to her that I am no longer in love with a bully. Does she still think I''m looking for attention?


    I looked back to the expecting crowd. I''ll prove to her. She''ll see. "I want to explain to you why I broke up with Kana. Right here and now, I''ll reveal all the evildoings that she-wolf did. Kana wasn''t who she pretended to be. She bullied people and made their lives miserable. She spread rumors, manipulated friendships, and made others feel worthless. I couldn''t stand by and watch her hurt people anymore. I know this might be hard to believe, but I have proof. I''ve seen her do it and heard the stories from those she''s hurt. Yeah, that''s right: she''s not the kind-hearted, sport-loving, Blush Rush angel you all think. It''s time for the truth to come out."


    The crowd murmured, and I could see the shock and disbelief on their faces. Everyone looked up to her as if she were their saint all these years. All they had ever seen was Kana bringing glory to the school, having a golden heart when she donated money to the school, etc. "I broke up with Kana because I couldn''t be with someone who caused so much pain. I hope you all understand why I chose to end our relationship. She hurts people and I don''t want to be with a bully."


    I smiled in relief when the other students nodded in understanding. Some were whispering to each other (I have no idea if they were bad-mouthing me or not), but...it was good to know that I did the right thing. Why? Because after I had finished, Kenji squeezed my shoulder from behind and made a cheeky grin. "That was awesome, man. Kana''s status is now at rock bottom. Your popularity just increased. You might be at No. 1 by now!"


    "Am I not No. 1 before?" I laughed.


    "So what now? I think everyone sympathizes with you now."


    "Well, then it''s time to activate Phase 2."


    <hr>


    Koemi''s POV:


    "I''m amazed. Now he decided to acknowledge all that bullying and break up with her?" I scoffed.


    "Hey, at least he''s smart for once," Sana shrugged. "Did you believe in his speech?"


    I paused. "Not really," I finally said. "I mean, Yamato''s not that smart. Someone must have notified him of those things she hid behind his back."


    Sana sighed in disbelief. "Koemi Ai, can''t you believe your best friend for once?! Why do you always have to criticize him? Now that I notice it, you have hated him since he announced the relationship. Yeah, he was dumb back then, but now he has atoned for his mistakes!"


    Damn, angry Sana is scary. I hung my head, "...Sorry. It''s just the stereotype I have for heartthrobs."


    "Whatever, because now, what matters is that Yamato''s looking at you again. And I spot some determination in his eyes."


    "Wait, what?"


    My eyes met a pair of shiny black ones. Then it got closer. Yamato was slowly marching towards me, his lips carving in a pained smile. The other students'' beady pupils were following his every move. Was it what it was like to be popular? To have everyone studying you, as if to find a flaw? Well, I don''t like it. Then suddenly, without a moment to waste, Yamato pulled me into his arms, his face digging into my shoulder.


    "U-Um...?" I stuttered in surprise.


    "I''m sorry..." he said, barely above a whisper. There was a hint of...shame in his voice. "I''m sorry...for being such an idiot; for not listening to you, for calling you wrong and all that stuff.... I regret it now." He hugged me tighter. "When you cried that day (yes, I saw it Koemi), I almost felt bad for you. Back then, I thought Kana was just an innocent girl being harassed by your stereotypical theories. I regret it now. I regret hurting you."


    He stared deep into my eyes. I could count all of his eyelashes. I''d never noticed it was so long. Not only that, but I could count how many people were staring at us. One girl was even biting a book in her hands, biting away the pages'' corners, and another was quickly pulling out A3 paper and writing hate comments on it. Like, girl, you bring paper everywhere??? I was so busy judging them that I almost missed out on what Yamato said next.


    He squeezed my shoulders and gave me a small smile of apology. "I''d never wanted to make you cry like that. I was a fool. You''re usually a strong girl, but if I had made you cry like that...I am shocked at myself. I''m sorry, Koko. Will you forgive me? I want to mend our friendship. My stupid ideals have torn it apart too much."


    I looked from left to right at all of the watching students. Most of them, I''m sure, had all of these negative thoughts running inside their heads. The only person who radiated the most positivity was Sana. She had put on a proud smile for both of us.


    <hr>


    Sana''s POV:


    Yeah, you know what? Yamato is really stupid, and without me telling him the things Koko hid, this relationship would have been dragged even further. What Koko said about him is true, but I''m just tired of her rambling on and on about it. I''m surprised I even defended him at that point. 0_0


    But whatever, I''m just happy that I have contributed a part to mending my two besties'' friendship ^w^


    <hr>


    Koemi''s POV:


    I slowly turned to Yamato''s expectant face. There was tension in him.


    I shrugged. "I''ve had my fair share of stupid ideals. But one thing''s for sure: you are an attention-seeker, whether you admit it or not. I mean, all of this! Dramatic much? You know about my goal this year! But the damage is already done so..."


    I grinned. "Sure, I forgive you. And I hope you''ll forgive me too."


    Yamato nodded, his smile widening. "Then! To seal the deal!" Yamato suddenly yelled, taking his hands off me and whooping into the air. I stepped back in surprise. "A reconciling hangout! Just the two of us! To mend this friendship! At-"


    Ring...!


    It was the bell. Looks like it was seven. By 6:50, everyone would be in the classroom. Now almost the school is by the gym, listening to the #1 Heartthrob''s speech and this "reconciling hangout" with his best friend. Teachers would be in for a surprise.


    "Ah well, I''ll text you the location afterward then," he shrugged playfully. "Go to class, everybody! The show''s over!"


    Swinging my bag over my shoulder, I joined Sana and the disgruntled students up the stairs. I muttered, "That was crazy. He has intense mood swings. One minute he''s all sad, the next, he''s all excited and playful."


    Sana chuckled, "Yeah, and who knew Yamato would be the one to tell people to go to class."


    I smiled. "Hey, at least he''s back to his normal self. No more clingy Kana tagging along anymore. And, a reconciling hangout?!"


    Sana smirked, "Are you looking forward to it?"


    I thought for a while. "Currently, the place is a mystery," I replied. "And I''m pretty excited. So yeah, you could say that."


    And speaking of excitement, I felt like the rest of the day''s classes were more interesting than before.


    END OF CHAPTER 06