Hello everyone, happy new year! I'm back for a quick short story which originated off a short story I wrote for school. The copy I gave to the school is way better than this one, but I wasn't even allowed to keep any drafts, so it's from memory!
I'm bad at replying individually, but I just wanted to really thank everyone who has read and enjoyed my writing. It means a lot to me that you take your time and especially comment as well. I'll try not to disappoint when I randomly come back to post!
And it probably takes place in a North American setting, but still with Japanese names/mannerisms. And... probably not what you're expecting. ^^;
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The Girl
It was a regular day when Sayumi became a part of our class. No one knew her or her reasons for transferring in at the late time, but no one could forget her. We were a small school, a small class, so any extra additions were instantly noted. That would be the most reasonable argument, but the truth was that Sayumi was simply a very beautiful girl.
As Sayumi entered the classroom, a conveniently unison silence took over. Boys and girls alike stared at the beauty before them in awe. The light made her midnight black hair shimmer as the sun through the window landed gently upon it. Her dark hair was a perfect contrast to her snow white face. Her delicate facial features were soft, as is common in youth, yet she held a steeled authority in her being. Sayumi's appearance was just like a porcelain doll; including the lack of smile.
Her introduction was short and blunt ("I'm Sayumi"), before she glided to her seat at the back of the room. Postures straightened and gazes discreetly followed the foreign figure as she sat. The tense atmosphere lessened, but was still noticeable.
It was something out of a cliched TV show when we realized that Sayumi had no intention of mingling with lower life forms. All approaches of friendship (and more) were aloofly deflected as she continued to write her notes. No one hated her for it (as it is difficult to entirely hate beautiful people), but there was a distinct tone of negativity towards her. Sayumi's solitude was the talk of the halls, at least until Kenji Miyamoto took all the human-like models in the school and arranged them in an inappropriate still scene.
Despite her lack of social interaction, Sayumi was never pushed to the back of our minds, to be forgotten. It had come as a huge shock when, despite entering school a week late, Sayumi had placed first in our class on the standardized math test. It was incredible to be acquainted with such beauty and brains, although no one was actually really acquainted with her.
"Eri, may I speak to you for a moment?" I halted my footwork as my classmates continued their march outside, eager to return home. I replied in confirmation as I headed towards my teacher. I noticed that we were still not the only ones in the room. Sayumi was leaning on the far wall with an undirected gaze of nonchalance that I was momentarily mesmerized by.
"Your grades have not been very good this year," Sensei began. "I let it slide since you still passed last year, but you won't be able to enter a good university with your current marks." I dropped my head in shame. I had been a smart student once before, I wonder what had happened?
"I know your parents wouldn't be happy, so I've assigned Sayumi as your tutor." I heard the crack, I wasn't sure if the other two heard the sound as my head shot up. The concept flew over my head entirely, I was so surprised. I looked at the living doll and was able to hold her gaze. Without any particular emotions being conveyed, I turned away, self-conscious. I should have spent more time on my hair this morning.
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Our first study session was the next day after school at Sayumi's house. I was secretly pleased at this for two reasons: I couldn't STAND doing homework at my own home as the atmosphere was terrible for schoolwork. Also, I would be the first person in the whole school to see the princess's home, I thought smugly.
Sayumi drove a small, regular car (the build escapes me) and it was a quick drive before pulling up in the driveway of a very normal looking house. I followed her quietly as we entered the building, continuing into what looked like a small study. Basically, a room with a table and chairs.
We went to work immediately, and Sayumi began to explain concepts with examples. I know I should have been trying my best to pay attention and understand her teachings, but the close proximity had my palms continuously moist. All I could think about throughout that lesson was how I wanted to braid that pretty, pretty hair.
-
Our days continued like this for a few weeks. I learned not to look directly at the figure next to me, and that helped my concentration slightly. Still, the increase in my grades was minimal at best. I could tell that Sayumi was frustrated with me, but she was a good sport about since we were both working seriously (with one of us yielding better results).
I think during our study sessions we were able to get a little closer. We conversed more, but awkward pauses were quite frequent, as we both lacked the skills to keep a continuous conversation. I don't think Sayumi was nearly as embarrassed in those moments as I was. We never spoke at school, as that was our unofficial rule (unless to make or confirm study sessions), but we would make small talk at her house. Our conversations were able to drift away from our studies, but not very far.
"I find it's better to work hard early on. That way, you develop a good foundation and have more free time afterwords." I hung onto her every word. "You can't help others if you can't help yourself."
For the rest of the day, including my walk home and my absent task of placing food in my mouth at dinner, my mind went over what Sayumi had told me. The message didn’t differ much from what my parents had been trying unsuccessfully to drill in my head at a young age, but I found that Sayumi’s words were much more convincing. As I lay in bed that night, I found myself unable to stop crying as I realized what had to be done.
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After school the next day, I waited for the class to empty before I approached my teacher. I requested for a different tutor, one that was not Sayumi. I did my best to explain that although she was very smart, I found it difficult to learn from her. Though it really depressed me that I would no longer be seeing my beautiful classmate so close everyday, I wanted to prove to her that I could improve myself. My grades couldn't improve due to my being distracted by her, so this was my only solution. Sensei merely nodded in understanding, telling me she would find me a new tutor by the following week. I bowed and thanked her as I left the classroom.
As soon as I took only two steps out, I noticed my now ex-tutor standing there. Her eyes were shining with unspilled liquid as she gave me a hard look. She brushed past me at a brisk pace, her posture rigid and cold. At that moment, I could only think of two things: Sayumi still looked incredibly lovely, even at the verge of tears. Secondly, Sayumi was just a girl- a girl that I had hurt.
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Not that long, felt longer writing it by hand though x_x. I don't know if it seems very realistic, but I'm hoping it's all right! If there's questions that's fine too ^^ Not quite a romantic story or pairing, but I hope it was all right to read ^^;
Topic: Imagination ["The Girl" 1/22] (Read 12661 times)