Ooohh thank you for the lovely comments, particularly some that really make me blush, it's really too much
@Kamen Knight: How did you know?
This fanfic was written for Wmatsui22 and for the other forever AtsuMina supporters. And cos I just like to torture myself and is still slightly sore from the Team shuffle.
Enjoy! One Hundred My heart pumps as I run up the seemingly endless hill. My legs heave with the effort of carrying my unfit body against the upending gravity. However, I have to keep going if I want to make it to school in time before the gates close.
“Atsuko, hurry up!”
I glance at the rushing figure in front of me. I don’t even bother to reply, my voice sore from my harsh breathing. My legs ache as I try to quicken them, but they feel like jelly, so all I do is follow Tomomi.
Finally recognising the passing trees and the lingering students, I know we are almost there. The split on my side pulses as I dash past the walking students, finally seeing the gates. With a gasp of relief, I continue on, but now at a jogging pace.
“Wait for me.” I cry out, seeing Tomomi is not slowing down at all.
Just then, I am finally on level ground and I see the goal. Forcing myself through the entrance, I hurry past the casually walking students who obviously had closer classrooms than I did. As I go, I instinctively spin my head to the small figure I pass. Even when I try not to, I look. Only lingering for a second, I turn away and rush to my classroom. But even with the brief glance, my chest constricts and twinges with a deep pain that isn’t because of the sprint.
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The homeroom teacher calls attendance while everyone sits quietly in the classroom; class 2-A of Denki High-school for Girls, most commonly known as Denki High, with the students being nicknamed as Denki girls. A ridiculously prestigious school, which I have no idea why I am attending.
This elite high-school, that is known for producing students that excel in anything to do with technology, with almost all the graduates going on to attend famous universities such as University of Tokyo, it is no wonder Denki High became so prominent. It is a school parents can only dream of sending their daughters. And if a girl wanted even a chance of being administered into the entering exam, the student would need to have an average of at least 85% in all tests, even classroom quizzes, and have a letter of recommendation from the head teacher of their attending junior high-school. And amongst all this, an extra activity is needed, such as a club or a volunteer job, before an application can even be made.
With all these requirements and expectations, I never thought of applying to the high-school. All I wanted was to go to a normal high school and get an ordinary day job. However, when I received that letter that contained the venue and time of the Denki High entrance exam, I realised that I had applied without even knowing. Soon, I found out that the head teacher of my junior high had sent a letter and a resume containing all my results.
Sure, I had managed to maintain an average of 89% on all my tests (because of my parents’ hopes) and was part of the cooking club and music club as the leading bass guitarist (which I actually enjoyed); I didn’t want to be part of an overly stressed environment.
However, according to Principle Togasaki, I was an outstanding student that deserved to be placed amongst the best. Reluctantly, I had to accept. With my parents behind me all the way, I attended the exam. The questions were amazingly difficult, with almost half of the questions being on high school level, I thought I had failed. However, soon after, I received a letter of congratulations, much to my despair. Hiding the acceptance letter, I wished to never go to Denki High, also known for its high dropout rate due to the overwhelming amounts of work and pressure. Yet, my parents found the letter in my room and before I could even speak a word, I was shipped off to an empty apartment near the school by my all so loving parents.
Now two weeks into the starting term, I already don’t belong. Sure, everyone is nice and whatever, but with the multiple language speaking students, and even some international students, I don’t quite match with their studious background. Though there are some people who I find likable, though have some quirks, which are more attractive than others with doctors for parents.
For example; Itano Tomomi who is cool and chic and the school’s idol, has a wicked temper. Shinoda Mariko, with her ridiculously high grades, has a humour of an old man. Kojima Haruna, who had a body of a model, has an attitude of a problematic toddler. Oshima Yuko, who has a bouncy personality, but has roaming hands of a perverted paedophile. And Minegishi Minami, who was kind, but liked to pull all kind of pranks that, can involve paint and animals being put into your desk.
Plus, there were others in the class that I liked, but even then, I still feel like an outsider.
And it didn’t help that my desk was the one furthest to the back, in the furthest left, next to the large windows that viewed into the outside. Like an outcast, I lazily gaze outside the window, at the pink petals floating down, representing my slowly decreasing level of determination and ambition as the tutor continues calling out our names.
“Akimoto Sayaka.” he calls.
“Here.” she answers.
I count each tiny petal that flies by, within an arm’s reach, but blocked by the glass pane.
1, 2, 3… “Fujie Reina.”
33, 34, 35…“Itano Tomomi.”
54, 55, 56…“Kitahara Rie.”
71, 72, 73…“Maeda Ami.”
87, 88, 89… “Maeda Atsuko.”
92, 93, 94…“Maeda Atsuko?”
97, 98, 99, 1-“Maeda Atsuko!”
I jump at the shout of my name, snapping my eyes up to the culprit. My pupils widen with shock when I meet the teacher’s fierce gaze and my blood runs cold as he glares at me with stern eyes. I gulp, waiting for the scolding from Mr Yasushi.
“Please try to pay attention.” Mr Yasushi’s deep voice vibrates. “I know your dreamland may be more exciting than this classroom, but try to keep your mind with us.”
A blush rises to my cheeks as I hear a few snickers. “Yes sir.” I quietly reply, trying to refrain the heat from rising to my cheeks.
With a nod, the teacher returns to calling attendance. With my thought broken, I keep my eyes facing the front, obedient. Be it insecurity or a low self-esteem, I hate being the centre of attention, and Mr Yasushi’s rebuke made me feel like all attention was on me. So, there is no way I am going to let my mind drift again.
“Did you hear what I just said Maeda?”
Damn it.
I look up and meet Mr Yasushi’s eyes again, but this time they look like they are going to eat me alive with the amount of ferocity in them.
“I’ve had enough Maeda.” Mr Yasushi announces, giving his head a shake of dissatisfaction. “Go stand outside.” he commands.
Feeling dreadful, all I can do is obey. With a loud screech of denial from my chair, I heavily make my way to the door, sweating under the scrutinising eyes of my peers. I keep my head down, quickly going pass the front, not meeting anyone’s gaze. As I am about to open the door, Mr Yasushi continues the register.
“Takajo Aki.”
“Here.”
I open the door.
“Takahashi Minami.”
And I freeze, my heart jumping at the name.
“Here.”
The soft voice strikes me in the chest. My head turns and before I know it, I meet those soft brown eyes that match her voice. Like a veil, everything is blocked from my vision, all except her. My interest and consideration focus on only her, unable to break away. My devotion dedicated to her. We are the only ones in this place. No one else can distract us from each other.
Or so I think.
“Maeda!” I hear Mr Yasushi’s voice yell, making me almost jump out of my skin. “If you do not get out of this classroom now, I will be forced to present you with an hour’s detention after school.”
Frightened as hell, I immediately step outside and hurryingly close the door behind me. With my heart pounding against my chest, I wonder if it is because of Mr Yasushi’s warning, or the twinkling brown eyes that still linger in my head.
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Finally being allowed into the class, Mr Yasushi begins the first lesson; Biology. Painfully resisting the temptation of staring out of the window as Mr Yasushi drones on about plants, I feel myself instinctively glimpse up to the right, to the second row. I stare at the tiny figure’s back, gazing at the dark brown hair that was so thick that even with half of it tied up; there was still a mass of coffee strands underneath. The figure remained focussed, staring forward as Mr Yasushi writes on the board, occasionally looking down as she noted what she felt was important. Then, she would look up again, fully concentrated on the “wisdom” that the teacher spouted. The living legend within this school. The only girl to ever get 100% in Denki High’s entrance exam.
Takahashi Minami.
She is known for excelling in everything she does; Japanese Literature, Maths, History and even English, whatever she does is amazing. And for that, she has received praise and scorn from those admiring and jealous.
In addition, if that wasn’t enough, she has the most amazing voice that echoes within the blessed choir room. With the music room placed across the choir room, I can see everything clearly through the half glass doors.
I remember the first time I entered that choir room. There was this one time where I had to collect the music stands from the choir room, and when I opened the sound proof doors, it was as if I was sucked into a new world. As soon as that voice hit my ears, I froze, completely mesmerised. Even though I was at the back, I could clearly see the small figure standing on the pedestal, in front of the chorusing choir. The ray of light that came from the roof window, highlighting the angelic girl owning the amazing voice…Takahashi Minami was like an angel.
However, even so, she was a mystery. Being both aloof and un-talkative, no one knows who she truly is. Therefore, no one sees her with anybody else, appearing to have no friends. Except from me, her best friend.
That is…we used to be best friends.
I jump when I hear the clack of the chalk board. Mr Yasushi seems to have come to an end, with the board filled with diagrams and anecdotes. And I haven’t copied down a single one. Panicked, I attempt to jot everything down in my already messy notebook, while listening to Mr Yasushi’s final words of the lesson.
“Now before the end, I will announce the allocated pairs for the described project. Remember, this project is worth 25% of your final grade of this year.”
My heart instantly drops at this. I didn’t hear a single thing about the project. I can already picture the number 0 on my paper.
“These are your pairs.”
What am I going to do?
“Kashiwagi and Miyazawa.”
I am so dead.
“Kojima and Oshima.”
Maybe it’s not too late to transfer.
“Maeda Atsuko and… Takahashi.”
…What?
I look up immediately, never thinking that our two names would ever be used in the same sentence again. Glancing at the other person of my pair, I expect her to mirror my shocked expression, but she remains indifferent, continuing to look at the front.
“Now you will be dismissed.” Mr Yasushi finishes. “And I suggest everyone take advantage of the library’s vast resources.”
Just as he stops, the bell rings and he begins erasing the chalkboard for the next lesson. I inwardly scream, hurrying salvaging any type of sense in my work by copying the rest of the quickly disappearing notes. However, I cry out in anguish as Mr Yasushi mercilessly rids of all the board’s contents, leaving quickly for the next teacher.
“Hey Acchan.”
I face my right, seeing Mii-chan staring at me with bemusement.
“What is wrong with you?” she asks.
I just sigh and show my notebook. Immediately, Mii-chan snorts at the contents.
“Is that all you did?” she confirms. “Here, you can copy my notes.”
Beaming, I take her notebook gratefully. However, upon opening it, I stare at the single page of condensed scribbles that not even the monks who invented writing would be able to read. After a moment of failing to deciphering the mass, I force a smile and return the notebook with thanks. Sighing again, I send my attention back to the front, seeing the next teacher just arriving. Just two more hours to go until lunch. Should be enough time for me to think of how on earth I am going to do this project and actually talk to Takahashi Minami.
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The bell rings, signalling the end of the lesson and the start of lunch. Hungrily, I take my bento box out of my bag, about to join the others as they make the usual makeshift long table by pushing their desks together. However, I halt. My eyes meet those of Takahashi Minami’s, who I can’t even address casually in my head. You wouldn’t believe that we actually used to be best friends.
During my childhood days, I used to be quite a lonely child, being the only daughter of my family. Plus, with most of our family living far away and with few children living in our neighbourhood, it was rare for me to socialise with other people my age. Quiet and withdrawn, I hardly even talked. However, that was soon to end when my parents announced that there was someone new moving in next door. Curious, but cautious, I ventured out. As soon as I stepped out, I bumped into something. Taking a step back, I realise it was a person. A small girl, to be precise, with long brown hair and tiny dimples. And when she saw me, instead of crying or yelling at me to look where I was going, like they did on TV, the first thing I remember her saying was, with a massive toothy grin;
“You look like a tomato!”
And from that moment, I was smitten. We attended the same kindergarten and elementary school, spending almost all day with each other, every day. Never getting tired of each other; laughing, fighting, crying and just simply enjoying every moment together. How her small hand fit into my mine, warm and slightly clammy, how we took turns licking at the same ice cream cone, how we supported each other through the snow, how we promised each other to be best friends forever… I remember each moment as clearly as my own birthday.
However, those blissful moments were soon to end.
“Acchan?”
I unfreeze, glancing to the girls. They look at me with confusion, while Takahashi-san disappears out of the classroom. Unsure why, my feet begin to quickly follow her.
“I’ll be back.” I say to the others, before leaving the classroom in pursuit.
However, I don’t have to go far before I am right behind Takahashi-san’s slow pace. I am just about to call her name, but I am interrupted.
“Oi, Takahashi.”
I stop when I see a tall girl, with one smaller girl on each side of her, stand in front of Takahashi-san. I have never seen her before, but from the looks of things, the four seem to know each other. However, not in a good way. Even though they are smiling, I can see the sinister twinkle in each of their eyes. I am about to step forward, when a hand lands on my shoulder. Whirling round, I see it is Mariko.
“Where you going Acchan?” she asks. However, before I can answer, Mariko immediately comes to the conclusion, “You off to the cafeteria? Me too! Let’s go together.”
And before I can get a word in, I am being dragged to the cafeteria. When we turn back round I expect to still see Takahashi-san, but she and the other girls are long gone.
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Biting into the bread I had bought, I semi-listen to the conversation that the girls are having. To be honest, my mind is too preoccupied by thoughts such as, ‘Who were those girls?’ and ‘What did they want with Takahashi-san?’ Looking up at the clock, I see we only have ten minutes until registration, and Takahashi-san has still yet to return. Nonetheless, I don’t know why I’m worrying. She usually disappears at lunch, and reappears within five minutes before the end. So why am I constantly wishing she was back in the room?
However, just when I am about to focus my mind on the conversation, the same Takahashi-san I had just been thinking about, walks through the door. With the same unbothered look, she looks the same way as she usually does. Although… I notice a few changes. For example, her pony-tail is slightly undone; her skirt is slightly crumbled, with her shirt untucked at places. Plus, her blazer, skirt and socks are dirtied with splotches of dirt. Simple changes, but added together, made it seem as if Takahashi-san had fallen down… or pushed down.
At this thought, an abrupt rage builds in me and I find myself feeling a hate I rarely feel. I suddenly find myself promising that if I ever find out who the culprit is, they will be sorry.
All of a sudden, as I am making this promise to myself, I see Takahashi-san look up, directly at me. I stare with surprise, as if caught in a trap, my eyes becoming hypnotised by the brown orbs. Then, without a hint of hesitation, Takahashi-san makes her way towards me. When she reaches the circle, the girls turn to her, but she keeps her eyes on me. Concentrated and fixed, like when she stares at the front during class.
“Maeda-san.”
My breath frightens to escape as a gasp, having not heard my name being spoken by her lips in what seemed like forever.
“Y-Yes?” I nervously answer.
“Are you free after school today? I was wondering if we could perhaps go to the library together and begin the project.” Takahashi-san asks.
Too stunned to talk, I just nod. And with that, she makes me way back to her desk. Expecting to be bombarded by questions, like the girls in my old school would do when something unexpected happened, I am fairly shocked when everyone just goes back to their conversations and resumed eating, as if nothing had happened. However, for me, it was life changing.
And even when the bell rings to signal the end of lunch, I remain still, unable to comprehend what just happened.
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My heart is accelerating at an alarming rate. Sweat is beginning to build in my palm as I grip at my pen. My body is completely conscious of how close I am to the person sitting next to me. My mouth becomes dry as I stare at her right arm, which is only a few centimetres away from my left. So close, yet so far.
Who would have thought I would be spending my time after school with Takahashi Minami.
Suddenly, her arm shifts, making my breath catch in my throat with surprise. Can she read my mind? However, she only uses her arm to turn the page of the large textbook, before placing back in its previous position. Only this time, it is a centimetre closer to my arm, or so it seems.
It really is amazing that to think I am behaving so consciously with someone who I considered my best friend. Although, it has been nearly four years since I’ve seen her.
The week before our graduation from elementary school Takahashi-san announced that her family was moving. I remember as I sat in class, staring at the front in shock, not having heard a single word about this from Takahashi-san herself. Having promised to graduate and go to the same junior high, those promises of being best friends forever, of being together forever, all gone. I felt confused, devastated and utterly betrayed.
Furious, I didn’t talk to her. Not when she knocked on my door, not when she called my home phone, not when she yelled from my front porch, and not when the moving van arrived and left.
That day, the day before graduation, I snuck out of the house. In the dim light street, I walked next door. I passed through the open gate and stared at the empty house, where I used to go almost every day. Then, I see a small envelope taped to the door. As if knowing it was meant for me, I take it and immediately open it. There, I see a folded paper, and taking it out, I instantly recognise the neat handwriting that belonged to my best friend.
To Atsuko
If you get this, it means that I’ve finally moved away.
I’m sorry I didn’t tell you I was moving. I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner.
But I was scared. Scared that everything we have would end if I said what was happening. I thought, if I told you, it meant it was the truth. However, my parents did not change their mind. After hearing I would be accepted into Denki Junior High for Girls, they made plans without me. Even though I told them I didn’t want to go, they wouldn’t listen.
But still I was wrong. I shouldn’t have not told you. And I’m sorry. I will always be sorry.
To my best friend, hopefully we can meet again.
Love Minami
P.S. My new address is on the backTear drops dotted the small paper as I read, threatening to smear the carefully written letter. But my heart was too broken for me to care. When I finished, I clutched the letter to my chest. Then, I wept into the night, at the loss of my dear friend and at my own stupidity.
When the next day came round, the day of graduation, I cried. And not because of the frightening change or that I wouldn’t see my classmates or the insecurity of going to a new school. I cried because of overwhelming the guilt of what I had done.
To make it worse, I never had the courage to contact her again.
“Maeda-san.”
I jump at my name, looking up. Everything in me halts as the large brown orbs stare at me, her face closer than I expect. I subdue the urge to lean forward, and keep my eyes on hers.
“Are you okay Maeda-san?” Takahashi-san asks.
I nod, but experience a sense of loneliness at the distant name.
The first day of school was nerve-wracking. I hate change, so it didn’t help that I was going to a school where I knew absolutely no one. However, as I was sitting in the opening ceremony wondering how I was going to survive, my eyes were drawn to a small figure in front of me. I stared at the thick brown hair, tied up in a high ponytail with a very distinctive pink ribbon. And as I stared, the keys in my brain turned as the memories of my childhood became unlocked. However, I was to be interrupted as the ceremony came to an end.
When we made our way to our respective classrooms, it was time to introduce ourselves. One by one, people made their introductions; their name and the club they wanted to join. However, I didn’t pay much attention, too concerned with the thoughts of my future here. But then, the same girl who I saw from the opening ceremony stood up, and this time I could see the side of her face. The large brown eyes and dimples, there was no mistake. It was Minami. Shock and elevation went through me in that instant; but there was also an inkling of fear.
The thought of being rejected if I were to offer my hand in friendship once more was too terrifying.
I wasn’t sure if she remembered me but as the days passed, she didn’t seem to acknowledge me. Though we were in the same class, we sat far apart and circumstances never allowed us to have contact. The distance between us grew more and more; and it dismayed me.
However, I didn’t made contact with her either. I was, and still am, too scared.
She had changed, and so had I.
“Do you have an idea for the project or would you like to carry on with my proposition?” I hear Takahashi-san ask.
“Err…” I did not pay any attention to what the teacher this morning, so I actually have no idea what the project is about, or what Takahashi-san had just said. So much for not daydreaming.
“Let’s go with yours.” I finally say.
With a nod, Takahashi-san pulls out her notebook. “Have you got your notes?”
“Yes.” I answer, quickly pulling out my notebook.
“Ah.” Is all I can say as I stare down with dismay at the emptiness of my notebook.
I look over at Takahashi-san’s notebook and my ego shrinks dramatically at the perfectly organised notes and diagrams, neatly presented on two sides, probably with more pages matching this high professional standard. Embarrassment washes over me as Takahashi-san peeks at my notes for a moment. Suddenly, she glances up at me.
“You can borrow my notes, if you’ll like.”
I stare at her for a moment. “Really?” I hear myself ask.
She gives me a curt nod. A sudden joy blooms within me and my lips form a wide grin.
“Thank you!” I happily exclaim, refraining myself to hug her and I swear I just see a hint of pink tainting her pale cheeks.
“I suggest we meet after school every day until we are finished. Is that fine with you?”
“Okay.” I answer.
I would agree with anything, if it meant spending more time with Takahashi-san.
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It is the next day and my eyes threaten to close as I listen to the teacher speech about the rate of growth within a bacteria lawn. My hand lightly runs over the cover of the pristine notebook that I had trolled over yesterday, causing my drowsiness today. I had copied every single word from Takahashi-san’s notes, finding everything she had written down was neat, concise and easy to understand. Her notes were a God send for someone like me. And I am sure to thank her properly when I can.
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Later ----------
Swallowing the nervous lump in my throat, I walk to Takahashi-san’s desk, just when she is about to leave for lunch.
“Takahashi-san.” I call.
She turns round, looking directly at me, and I become still.
“Yes?”
Her voice makes me move, my arm automatically holding out her notebook, stiffly like a robot.
“H-Here’s your notebook.” I mutter. “Thank you for letting me borrow it.”
She takes it from me, and I expect her to disappear. However, she lingers, and when I meet her eyes again, she smiles. Rarely, Takahashi-san smiled, so much different from her childhood self. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her smile to anyone except from me. However, I don’t put too much weight on this thought, otherwise I’ll become too happy.
“Takamina, you should have lunch with us.” Mii-chan suddenly announces.
I turn with surprise to Mii-chan, sitting at the usual makeshift lunch table. As the others chorused their agreement, I feel the huge urge to just hug Mii-chan, and to punch her for using such a casual name for Takahashi-san. However, I smile at Takahashi-san, who hesitates for a moment. Suddenly I am apprehensive, sure that she was going to decline. However, she looks at me, then Mii-chan and smiles. So much for ‘only smiles at me’ theory.
“That would be nice.” she says.
With a mild few cheers, the others begin making space for Takahashi-san and I. They begin their lunch as normal, talking about nonsense, while I sit quietly and glancing at Takahashi-san in the corner of my eyes. Even though she is silent, I can see the tips of an elated smile. I bite my chopsticks, resisting the urge to grin as well.
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Time passes and before I know it, Takahashi-san is already a member of the group. With each day that passes, she is becoming more open, her smile becoming frequent and as dazzling as I remembered. And as she becomes more like herself, I sense I too am becoming more in tune with everyone else. Sure, I am their friend and I don’t consider myself anything less. However, there were always those moments where I felt unconsciously distant, left out. Uncomfortable when they talk about things I don’t understand, and sad when they don’t include me, a twisted insecurity that I couldn’t get over.
However, with the addition of Takahashi-san, I am finally comfortable. Plus, with our meetings after school, I and Takahashi-san became much closer. I know that she is currently living with her parents, who live near the school. I know she joined the choir club because she loves to sing. I know in the future, though her parents are against it, she wants to be a singer. And likewise, Takahashi-san knows things I can only tell her.
I wonder if perhaps, I could call her my friend again.
Laughter resonates within the group as Yuko tells another one of her crazy stories about her and Haruna. I laugh loudly, my cheeks almost hurting, with Takahashi-san lightly giggling with us.
“Takahashi-san, some girls are looking for you.”
I sense Takahashi-san suddenly freeze next to me. Immediately, my laughter also freezes. I turn to Takahashi-san, but her head is bowed, her light hair hiding her unreadable expression. I have a bad feeling about this.
Takahashi-san places her half-finished katsudon on the table and stands up. Still, though I try to see, her face is hidden.
“If you’ll excuse me.” she quietly says, before heading to the door.
My gaze following her, I immediately recognise the girls at the door, though they quickly leave. They were the three girls that had stopped Takahashi-san before. The ones that I know instantly are trouble. Resolving my mind in milliseconds, I stand up.
“Sorry guys, I’ll be back.” I hurryingly state, before rushing after them.
I step into the corridor, turning left and right. I just see them going round the corner, with Takahashi-san in between them. Hastily, I follow. Dodging past the current of random girls, I am just in time to see the group disappear down the stairs. I dash down the steps, careful not to slip, in chase. At the end, I witness them exit from the open doors, out into the playground. I am quick to follow and I recognise where they are taking Takahashi-san. Trailing after them, I arrive at the back of the building, where it is dimmed and desolate, with little chance of passer-by’s. With her back pressed against the cold wall, Takahashi-san stands just a metre away from the other three, blocked by their bodies and intimidating aura.
“So you think you can stop doing what we tell you, just because you have some ‘friends’?” the largest, but prettiest, girl sneers. “Don’t kid yourself. They just want you there to do their work for them. That’s the only use you have. Isn’t that right, 100%?”
The others ssexy beast mockingly; making my blood boil and my eyes burn with unwanted tears. However, Takahashi-san remains silent, staring the girls. Not getting the reaction she desired, the assumed leader takes a step towards her.
“Oi, 100%, I’m talking to you.”
However, Takahashi-san still makes no move, but remains boldly staring into the eyes of her bully. I see the girl grit her teeth in anger, and her fist clench. In a second, I see two hands slam onto Takahashi-san’s delicate shoulders.
“Well, if you don’t want to talk, we can do other things.” spits the girl, before throwing Takahashi-san’s small body into the direction of the unforgiving ground.
“Minami!” I exclaim, just catching her before she falls, both of us landing on our knees.
“Are you okay?” I ask her, as I hold her shoulders securely.
Minami looks at me for a second, with a mix of shock and relief, which result in a stream of tears. She gives me a short nod, and that is all I need.
With a new found anger, I glare up at the perpetrators.
“Don’t you dare touch Minami!”
The leader looks surprised at first, but then she smirks. Next thing I know she is laughing wholeheartedly, with the other two following her right after.
“What are you going to do?” she taunts. “Glare at us to death?”
More laughter follows, but I maintain my composure. I simply stand, not taking my eyes of the offenders. I step forward, and noticing my defiant approach, the girls quieten.
“What’s wrong with her?” the smallest girl queries, obviously fazed.
However, the leader just grins. “Maybe she just needs some sense knocked into her.”
As the other girls snicker in agreement, the leader takes easy steps towards me, but I don’t back down. Staring into my eyes, I notice her waver. But she pushes her hesitation down and smirks. Without a word, she throws a punch and I hear Minami gasp behind me. The two behind their leader smile, expecting the punch to hit me square in the face. Yet, they don’t see the disbelief on their leader’s face as I easily catch her fist.
My fingers grip the large fist in my palm, my arm briefly shaking from the stopped force. From the spark of shock that went through her eyes, I can tell she is surprised by my strength. Those taekwondo lessons my father made me go to really comes in handy. Plus, playing the bass isn’t as easy as it seems.
With my hardened gaze, I push back her hand, making her large figure stumble backwards. Stabilising fast, she glares at me with wildness, taking another shot at my face. But again, I easily block it. Tired of this, I push back with more force, making the girl stumble then fall. Gasps escape from both of the minions, the two rushing to help their fallen leader. The three look up at me, with fear and defiance. However, it does not reduce my righteous fury.
“If I catch you causing trouble again…” I say, staring at them. “I will not hesitate in telling the teachers. And you know what happens when you have even one act on your record.”
Horror rises in their eyes immediately. Without another word, they scurry away, leaving me and Minami alone. I face Minami with a triumphant grin, which instantaneously disappears when I see the blood.
Minami nurses her knee as I jump in front of her. I stare with worry at the rather nasty looking wound.
“Minami, are you okay?”
She remains silent, and a dread fills my heart so quickly that I cannot breathe. But just as I am thinking of scooping her up and carrying her to the nurse’s office, she looks up at me.
I pause, my attention completely on her, as she stares at me with an intent gaze.
“I haven’t heard you call me that in a long time...” I hear Minami softly say, and then she smiles, almost lovingly. “…Atsuko.”
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“And that is our theory as to why plants gained the ability of tropism.” I end.
The class politely applauds, with Mr Yasushi smiling greatly at out presentation. Minami and I smile to each other and head to our respective desks, with the team given us thumbs ups. I turn to Minami, seeing her shyly smiling from the girls’ praise.
Days have passed since the event behind the school building and the girls have not bothered Minami since then. She seems happier and more comfortable than ever. She even helps the others with their work, along with me. I truly am happy for her. However, though I smile, internally, jealousy pricks at my skin.
Since the event, Minami and I have been getting on much better, now even on a first name basis. And it’s been established that she actually remembers me, which has me over the moon. However, lately, my feelings for her have developed. I am much more aware of her, and the people that approach her.
I’m not dumb. Nor am I confused. I know what this is. The times when I unconsciously find myself staring at Minami, when she makes my heart skip a beat when she catches my gaze, when my heart beats rapidly whenever she smiles, when my heart soars when she laughs, and when blood rushes to my cheeks when I am the cause of that laughter… I know what this is. This is love.
But I am afraid. If I tell her these emotions, will she still accept me? Will she keep me as a friend or completely reject me? Just that thought makes my chest throb with a horrid pain. Just painful enough to make me not want to tell Minami anything. However, the fantasy of her reciprocating my feelings, loving me as much as I love her, holding me as much as I want to hold her, wanting to kiss me as much as I want to kiss her… just that thought makes me want to bet on everything and lay myself bare in front of Minami.
Nonetheless, I remain the same, amidst on whether I should or shouldn’t.
“Atsuko.”
I give a start at the voice, forcing me out of my thoughts. I glimpse upwards, and see the very person I was just thinking about.
“Are you ready?” Minami asks.
Ready? Ready for what? But then Minami answers, making me wonder if she really can read my mind.
“The bell has gone. Let’s go.”
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The sun begins to set, the orange rays making the path a golden, lighting the way home. I stare at the caramel ground, watching Minami’s steps, smaller but slightly quicker than mine. Like most of our walks, it is silent. Nonetheless, we walk side by side, like we’ve done since the start of the assigning of the project, causing me to reminisce over the days to and from kindergarten.
Okay, Maeda Atsuko, it is now or never.
“Minami.” I blurt.
A red hue quickly develops on my cheeks, but I continue.
“Erm… do you… want to come to my place?” I timidly ask. “To celebrate.” I quickly add.
I glance at Minami, hoping for a smile of agreement. However, I only witness Minami tilt her head, all so adorably, gazing at me with bemusement.
“To celebrate the finished project.” I clarify.
I see her hesitate and I am about to retract my invitation, when Minami suddenly looks up at me, with a huge grin on her face.
“Okay.”
Warmth engulfs me, and I know it is not from the setting sun.
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I place the tea on the living room table, the clatter of the tray made louder by the silence in the room. Nervous, I sit carefully next to Minami on the couch. She briefly smiles at me, before gently taking the tea cup. I find myself watching her as she places her lips sensibly on the edge of the china, her pink lips leaving their imprint on a place where my lips have probably touched before. Heat rushes to my cheeks, making me look away.
“Should your parents know where you are?” I say, breaking the silence, and trying to take my mind out of the gutter.
Minami takes her mouth off the cup, her little pink tongue running over her lips, before she sets the cup down in her lap.
“They don’t need to know.”
Already staring at her, I move my eyes to her actual face and not just her lips.
“They don’t care where I am. As long as I keep getting the top grades, they leave me alone.”
Sadness fills me as I hear Minami’s matter-of-factly voice. I know that people change, and Minami’s once cheerful, child-like self is long gone, but it makes me saddened to hear about the carelessness she feels towards her parents. I know my parents aren’t the best, but they make sure I have enough money to live and call me on a daily basis, just to make sure I’m alright and to pester me to make sure I visit during the holidays. However, it seems, Minami’s parents weren’t that type.
I place my cup onto the table, and then place my hand on Minami’s. I place a reassuring smile on my lips, and memorise the way Minami’s dimples form as her lips curl into a grin of her own. Even though I don’t say a word, we both understand.
After a blissful paused moment, my mouth begins to move.
“Why didn’t you come to me when you knew who I was?” I ask the question that has been harassing me since I discovered Minami knew who I was.
I see her hesitate, likely contemplating on how to answer. She places her cup next to mine, with the hand that was not currently holding mine. She then covers our hands with hers and I automatically place my remaining hand on our clasping hands.
“I didn’t know what to say.” she mutters. “I was afraid you had forgotten-”
“I didn’t forget!” I interrupt. Her eyes open with surprise, reflecting my own, at my sudden outburst. However, she keeps focussed on me and I glance down at our entwined fingers. “I would never forget you…”
A joyous smile decorates Minami’s face, as if delight had blossomed within her.
“I thought you still hated me for what I did.” Minami softly continues. “That’s why I couldn’t say anything.”
My heart aches as I hear Minami’s voice shake.
“I was scared too.” I return.
My free hand reaches over to her cheek, and she stops, but she doesn’t pull away. I take this as a sign to continue. I lightly stroke her skin with my thumb, touching the smoothness that tickles my coarse fingers. I feel my breath catch as I see Minami lean into my open palm.
“But I’m not scared anymore.”
I lean forward, inhaling Minami’s sweet scent, and I can’t hold back anymore. I pull Minami into an embrace, letting myself mould into her body. Minami grasps me tightly, her face buried into my collar bone. I lose myself in this feeling. The feeling of Minami’s warm, tiny body against mine. The feeling of finding the one you belong to. The feeling of finally returning to that someone.
“Please.” I hear her softly mutter, the voice quiet but still shaking my heart. “Don’t leave me.”
I close my eyes, imprinting this memory onto my mind so I will never forget. The moment that Minami is back in my arms. I put my lips to her ear. And when my lips are just a centimetre from her ear, I whisper;
“Never.”
After a moment of relishing, I detect Minami’s head pull away, but not too far. Opening my eyes, I gaze into those chocolate brown orbs that capture my heart at every glance. They shine with unshed tears and reflect an emotion I know.
Love.
Then, as if we are synced, we both move our heads until our lips are finally touching, connecting us as one.
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I didn’t think I was so eager to touch her, but with each time my lips touched hers, I notice myself wanting more.
So much that I cannot stop.
My hands gripping her shirt, her hands tangling themselves in my hair, our hands touching each other’s burning skin…
One thing led to the next, and the next thing I know, I am on my bed, with Minami under me, both of us completely bare.
I stare down at Minami, her beautiful loose mane framing her angelic face. I am suddenly conscious of our positions, with me hovering over Minami, but pressed intimately against her. However, the silkiness of her skin and the sweet scent emitting from her very body is so inviting that it takes me great control and heavy doubts to stop me.
“Are you sure about this?” I softly ask, my consciousness preventing me from continuing.
However, Minami just stares up at me and gently smiles. Grasping my hand, she brings it to her lips, lightly kisses my fingers, and places it just above her heart.
“I’m sure.”
I can’t keep the adoring beam from my face. I lean down, until my lips are just touching Minami’s ear, just like the moment we first held each other after finally being reunited. I hear her breathe shakily, her chest pounding against my hand that is still holding her heart.
“Really? Because I’m not going to be able to stop once we start.” I whisper hotly into her ear. “Are you truly sure you want to continue?”
I hear her huskily chortle before answering;
“100%.”
I grin blissfully and lose myself in Minami. And as this happens, I can’t stop what escapes from me.
“I love you.”
And as the world fell from under us, Minami whispers to me.
“I love you too.”
That night, I kissed away her tears of pain and watched her face contort with pleasures. That night, I felt everything. And I gave Minami everything.
And now, today, marks our 100th day anniversary of being a married couple.