Yo guys I'm back~
I guess this is a little bit earlier update? Lol I tried
This story is all going to be in first person (Rena's) POV so sorry if you don't like that haha
Thanks everyone for the reviews! If there are any silent readers, I hope you're enjoying this as well~
And ya if you've got questions feel free to ask
I don't mind answering
One and the SameChapter 3The Student Council met up every day after school under the pretense of ‘discussing school matters’, but really we just hung out in the meeting room. It was the only room that other students couldn't get in so we could talk about whatever we wanted. That's when I finally opened up a bit.
I never expected to make friends with the other members but it was nice. I had friends other than Yuki.
I didn't have the chance to make friends since I didn't go to school for a couple years. I had a private tutor from my last year of middle school until my second year in high school, so I didn’t really interact with other kids my age. Yeah I know that sounds cliché but that's how it was. I had some...other things going on during that time and my parents wanted me to learn and participate in their businesses so I could take over after college. At least they'd let me go to college. They hadn't planned on sending me to high school but somehow Yuki convinced them.
I still didn't enroll until my second year though. Man the commotion caused by my transfer...SUCH a nightmare. Everyone gossiped about the ‘heir of the Matsui Corporation returning to education’ and when I showed up for the first day, a bunch of guys confessed to me right away. It was downright embarrassing. That’s when Yuki started teasing me about being a beautiful angel and crap like that.
Oh but we did talk about something important for once in our meeting. The dance. I had completely forgotten about it, and I was actually going to this one. Obviously, Student Council was in charge of the planning, decorations, and basically everything. Last year I showed up to help with preparations but left when it actually started.
Anyways, the meeting was over for today and we all headed downstairs by elevator. Yes, we had an elevator because apparently rich kids can't climb the stairs to get to the third floor. Talk about a fire hazard since no one actually knew where the stairs were hidden.
Takamina wanted us to come with her to pick up a new transfer student that was arriving today. She'd been abroad to study acting so she wasn't able to make it back in time to start school. It seemed that Yuko and Takamina were both really excited to see her. I guess they’re old friends or something.
So that's why we all piled into Takamina’s personal limo and headed to a private airport.
“So who’s the new girl?” Jurina was actually showing interest for once in her life. She was leaned forward in her seat like she was actually curious or something. It was a good thing that limos fit a lot of people, so we weren’t all squished together and I had plenty of space to keep an adequate distance from...that girl. I still remembered the feeling of sitting on her lap and it made me mad and embarrassed all at once.
“What's her name at least?” Mayu asked. “Maybe we know her or her family.”
True, if she was rich enough to get here by private jet then her family must be a famous one.
“You'll find out soon~” Yuko didn't give us a single hint as to who it could be. Way to sound leery.
“I'm sure you’ve heard of her family so we’ll just let her introduce herself to you.” Takamina’s answer was much more reasonable so the topic was dropped after that. They all chatted amongst themselves while I was just content staring out the window.
I have to admit though...I was curious. Takamina also mentioned that she would be joining the Student Council as soon as possible. I wondered who could have enough influence as to make their way into the ranks so easily...It had to be another girl from a notable background. All of us seemed to be elites in both society and school. Not to mention our class ranks were all in the top ten as well.
“We’re here!” The limo stopped and Yuko was the first to hop out, not forgetting to drag Haruna with her. Takamina, Mayu, and Yuki followed suit while Jurina and I were the last ones to climb out.
There was a huge airport off to the side that was known as the main international airport in Japan. But we were quite a ways off in an area of hangers and there was a single private jet parked in front of us. If I remembered correctly then the airport was called...
“Acchan!” Yuko tackled the girl that had just made her way down the steps of the plane. Good thing she wasn't carrying any luggage because the force of Yuko’s tackle knocked them both over. She snuggled against the girl like a koala not even bothering with the fact that all of us were watching. Yuko never acted like a proper lady and didn't seem to care about how people saw her at all. I envied her easygoing nature sometimes.
“Acchan! It's been a long time!” Takamina made her way over and pulled the girl to her feet.
As soon as she got up, Yuko glomped onto her arm. Clingy much? “I missed you Acchan~”
The girl chuckled and patted the squirrel on the head. “Hai hai Yuko, I missed you too~” Then Takamina pouted and the girl just chuckled again, “Of course I missed you too, Minami~”
That was a surprise. No one ever called Takamina by her given name. Hmm...I'm sensing a possible relationship here...
“So this is the new student?” Haruna’s tone was somewhat icy as she glared at the newcomer. Well this is a new development.
‘Acchan’ was immune though and just introduced herself. “Yep~ my name is Maeda Atsuko. Nice to meet you~” Her gaze wandered over each of us and then tried to bow as well as she could with Yuko still hanging off of her.
Ah...yes, that’s what it was. The airport was known as Maeda International Airport. Another big name company.
After we all said our greetings and names, she leaned over and whispered something in Yuko’s ear suspiciously. Oh no she had better not get in between Kojiyuu or else all hell’s gonna break loose. Remember what I said about the airheaded ones?!
But it was all avoided since Yuko nodded and immediately let go, switching to clinging onto Haruna’s arm instead.
“By the way...you can just call me ‘Acchan’ if you’d like. I’m sure we can all be good friends~” She flashed a small smile and it seemed genuine enough, which was surprising. I should know, I give fake smiles all the time. It takes a fraud to know one.
Everyone agreed with the nickname and we decided to go out to eat before heading home. Takamina and Yuko needed to catch up with Acchan and we all wanted to get to know her better since she’d be joining us in our exploits in the Student Council. Acchan’s butler brought her stuff to the car and off we went. But there was some trouble deciding where we should go...and that’s when Yuki suggested that same café she and I went to when we were shopping the other day.
“Oh! You mean that one by the mall? I love that place!” And so with Acchan’s consent, we ended up going there.
We attracted some attention from the ride we arrived in but it settled quickly. Fortunately, there was a large circular booth in the corner of the place because Yuko just wouldn’t have it if we’d split up where we sat. And it would’ve been horrible experience squeezing eight people into one tiny booth.
A waitress came over to take our orders quickly and Yuki raised an eyebrow when I ordered melon pan again, but she kept quiet.
Takamina cleared her throat and we settled down, giving her our full attention. “I have an announcement to make—”
“Are you and Acchan finally getting married?! Congrats man!” There was a chorus of congratulations after Yuko’s outburst and Takamina flushed bright red.
“No! Of course not!” She spared a glance at Acchan who had this gloomy aura around her. “At least...not yet.”
This made Acchan look up and Takamina smiled sheepishly while rubbing the back of her neck. “Well I haven’t even asked her out yet...but that’s beside the point!” She was finally getting back on topic. “I wanted to say that I’m relinquishing my position as president.”
Everyone protested loudly and Takamina shouted, “Let me finish! Jesus Christ calm down would you? I was going to say that Acchan is going to be our new president. I’ll still be in the Council just not as the President.”
Nobody protested that but I thought that it’d be a waste of Takamina’s abilities. “I’ll step down too.”
“Huh?” Takamina looked dumbfounded.
“I think you should have a position in the council. Vice President will do just fine since you’re a natural leader anyways. And I think you’d be better suited to help Acchan too...” I glanced over at the said girl, who was staring down at her lap.
Takamina blushed a little and said thanks. I guess she was used to being made fun of and not praised. She accepted it though and I was secretly a little glad to be relieved of my duties.
Time passed quickly after that. We talked about whatever we wanted and Acchan shared some stories from her, Takamina, and Yuko’s childhood. Some were really interesting and I almost did a spit take at one point. I guess I couldn’t expect anything less from that trio. It didn’t take long for me to realize that they were like the best of friends. Haruna realized that too and sulked but Yuko started sticking to her again halfway through a story and her face lit up considerably. They were sickeningly sweet sometimes but then again sometimes it was alright. I don’t think that Yuko has ever asked Haruna out, but it was kind of a mutual understanding type deal. Haruna was a tsundere so she’d most likely deny it anyways, but Yuko wouldn’t give her up for the world.
Atsumina was also undeniably a thing. They went together well and now there was one more person that could make Takamina blush furiously. It was quite entertaining to be honest.
I had only met Acchan a couple hours ago but I already liked her. She was like that nice girl next door that everybody could just get along with. And we didn’t need to keep a lid on our conversations since she joined in wholeheartedly. She was one of Yuko’s friends after all.
I even talked about myself and Yuki (since the Reaction Queen always made a good topic to make fun of) much to the others’ amusement and Yuki’s dismay. All in all the night was thoroughly enjoyable. It was the first time I’d ever hung out with a group of friends and I had tons of fun.
Sadly, it was getting late and everyone went their separate ways. Takamina offered us a ride home but we all had our own personal cars anyways. There was only one who didn’t call for a ride... Jurina.
I noticed this but chose not to bring it up. Takamina left first since her limo was waiting outside the entire time and she felt bad for the driver. Yuko went next but Haruna hopped in her car too, leaving together. Mayu and Yuki wanted to walk home and I protested since her parents absolutely wouldn’t approve of that but she assured me she’d be okay. So I let her go since I didn’t want to interrupt her and Mayu’s private time because that was definitely why they wanted to walk home together.
So that left Acchan, Jurina, and me... What an odd combination.
“I think I’ll walk home too. It’s been a while since I’ve been in town, so I want to roam a bit.” Acchan said.
I asked if she’d be alright and she replied that she’d be fine. She also said that Takamina’s chauffeur already dropped the luggage off at her house, so I didn’t need to worry about that either. I suppose she’d already decided that I was the worrying type. “Fine~ But call if you need help with anything.”
All of us had exchanged numbers with each other so she had mine if she needed anything.
“Hai~” Acchan waved back as she left the café, the door swinging shut with a ding from the bell.
And then there were two.
I looked at Jurina, silently questioning her but she didn’t pay me any heed. She was so quiet and stoic all the time I’d forget she was even there. But then other times I’d be acutely aware of her presence... I just chalked that up to another one of the weird things about her.
Jurina dug in her bag and produced a set of headphones, hanging them around her neck and then looked at me. “What? Something on my face?”
I resisted the urge to punch her and just smiled, “Nothing~ Just wondering if a young girl like you can get home safely. Shall I escort you?”
I held my arm out for her to take and she just snorted. “And to think, I prefer this sarcastic side of you to the overly civil one.”
I shrugged and we walked out of the café together. It was getting kind of cold since it was already fall and I shivered involuntarily.
I noticed Jurina smirking at me. “Cold?”
“Shut up.”
We walked in silence until about a block later when she broke it. “Why are you following me? Don’t you have some limo to pick you up?”
“Don’t mind me, I just wanted some fresh air. Besides, my house is in this direction.” There was no way in hell I’d let her go home alone. It’s far too dangerous at night, especially in the city.
She scoffed and put her headphones on, completely disregarding my presence. Well that’s what I get for saying ‘don’t mind me’.
I fell into step behind her since it’d be awkward to walk side by side without talking. But following her just made me feel like a creepy stalker. I sighed and rubbed my hands together in an effort to warm them up, but as soon as I stopped they felt even colder. And I wasn’t paying attention so I ran straight into Jurina’s back, apologizing immediately.
“Watch where you’re going. Pay attention or else how are you supposed to protect me?” She was mocking me again. Then she held out a pair of gloves and I stared at her stupidly, not sure what was happening. “Here, put these on.”
My mind still didn’t register what was going on. Man I was being really slow today.
“Are you dense or something? Your hands are cold right? Put these on.” She commanded me again and I took them reluctantly, muttering a soft thank you. The gloves were already warmed up and that’s when I realized that Jurina had been wearing them before she gave them to me. Now her hands were bare. “And stop walking behind me like a creep, just walk next to me would ya?”
She started walking again without waiting for me to catch up. I hurried and fell into step next to her, but I felt bad about taking her gloves until a solution popped into my head. I handed her my left glove, then grabbed her right hand with my left and intertwined our fingers.
“What the hell are you doing?” She looked at me incredulously.
I rolled my eyes, “Trying to keep your hands warm, idiot. What did you think I was doing?”
Jurina blushed a bit and stared straight ahead, tugging on the single glove. “...Thanks.”
I wasn’t sure if I’d heard her right since it was so quiet and my brain was a bit addled at the moment... Did she just blush? Oh my gosh she looked so cute for a second there! She blushed! Jurina actually blushed! There was no way I was going to let that slide. “Aww you’re blushing~”
“Shut up.” Now our positions were reversed. Let’s see how she likes the receiving end of the teasing for once.
“So the cyborg can actually show emotion~”
“Who the hell are you calling a cyborg? The only cyborg I know is Mayu. Why don't you try a better comparison?” Jurina huffed while trying to fight the heat in her face. I also noticed that her headphones were back around her neck. She wasn’t listening to music anymore? I wondered why.
“Hmm you're right, Mayu is a cyborg. Then maybe you’re a wolf? That seems to fit well. A lone wolf that shows no compassion for others.” I mused.
Jurina didn't answer and stayed quiet. But I wasn’t done.
“But then again...maybe you’re not so stoic after all. You DID just blush adorably. Deep down I bet you’re just a puppy.” This made her blush again and she refused to look at me. “A cute little energetic ball of fur~”
I was suddenly reminded of when Yuki questioned if I liked puppies. It’s not that I didn't like them, they were just really energetic to the point of being annoying. Surprisingly, I could easily imagine a young Jurina being really energetic and cheerful. It was actually cute to think about.
“Why are you smiling?”
“Huh?” I didn't even notice that I was grinning. “Oh um...nothing. Don't worry about it.” I tried to change the subject so she wouldn’t notice the red tinge on my cheeks. “So where do you live? We’ve been walking for a while now...”
“We’re almost there.”
This part of town we were in wasn’t anywhere close to where I lived. In stark contrast to the luxurious suburbs, there were a lot of cramped apartment buildings and supermarkets. The streets were really narrow and bare too...
Jurina suddenly stopped in front of one of the buildings. I didn’t notice and kept walking, it had caught me entirely off guard and I nearly tore my arm off since we were still holding hands.
She was staring up the stoop at the front door. “This is where I live.”
I looked up and gave the apartment complex a good once over. It wasn’t too shabby, the brick walls were old looking but the bushes lining the sidewalk were trimmed nicely and the white wooden door was clean enough, each window had a small cozy balcony too. Still though...this wasn’t what I was expecting at all.
I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t want to offend her or anything. Anything that came out of my mouth could sound sarcastic or downright condescending depending on how she took it. Best keep my trap shut. But I should’ve known something was up the minute she didn’t call for a car...
“Not what you expected, right?”
I shook my head, “Not even close.” Shit that sounded so rude just now.
Jurina laughed and I took a side glance at her. It was nice, she threw her head back and her face was lit up in a wide smile with her cheeks still a little pink from the cold. Honestly, the sound was......pleasant. I don’t know how else to put it. It was like the sun coming out from behind the dark clouds, well at least to me.
“You see...” She said after she had calmed down from her unprecedented giggling fit. “This is why I like you. You say what you think without holding back, and that side is really refreshing.”
She...likes me? That’s all I got out of that.
“But that’s why I hate it when you’re pretending to be something you’re not. It’s also why I don’t like society or people, it’s all a big façade. A front they put on to make them seem nice, presentable, polite.” She spat out the last word like it was poison. “It makes others like them, but it’s not really them so what’s the point? And society just encourages it. It’s a form of conformation that we follow unconsciously, just because we care what others think about us. And it’s stupid.”
I didn’t have anything to say to that. I completely understood where she was coming from and she summed up my own viewpoint pretty accurately. I never realized that she thought about things the same way I did, and that we had so much in common. So actually there was a lot I could say, I could agree for one...but my brain wasn’t functioning at the moment. Gah, why does she keep doing that to me?
But by this time I had realized something, one thing that I knew for sure...
Despite growing up with distinct backgrounds and pasts, her thoughts and behavior were just like mine...
We were exactly the same.