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Three days have passed since the festival with Hikaru, Mizuha, and her classmates. Today marks the beginning of the new school term.
During the lunch break, I stand in the corridor, watching the rain. Beside me is someone familiar.
"The rainy season has started," I say.
"Yeah. We should be careful not to catch a cold," Mizuha replies.
“How is your leg now? Does it still hurt?” I asked Mizuha, recalling how she injured it during the festival earlier.
“Oh, don’t worry about that. My foot has already healed—it wasn’t too serious,” Mizuha replied. She smiled and added, “Thanks to Hikaru for helping me that day.”
“Yeah, Hikaru-kun really took care of you after your injury. What a gentleman he is,” I replied.
My name is Takahashi Takeru. I'm 15 years old and a first-year student in Class 1B. This is my story—the one I've never shared with anyone before.
This is Mizuha, my childhood friend. We reunited this year after being apart for a long time when my family moved away. She recently transferred to this school after her family relocated to the area. Despite our shared past, she doesn’t seem to remember how close we once were. I know why—her mother told me what happened after I moved—but now isn’t the time to bring it up.
Although Mizuha and I have a history, my feelings for her aren’t romantic. She already has someone who likes her—Hikaru, my classmate. Hikaru is well-known among the girls for his good looks, intelligence, and wealthy background. Despite all this, he’s approachable, even to someone like me. I think he and Mizuha make a great pair.
At school, Mizuha is always surrounded by her close friends: Shimizu, Elly, and Zul. Occasionally, Hikaru joins them since he and Zul have been friends since junior high. I hang out with them sometimes, but I often feel like I don’t quite fit in. Their strong bond makes me a little envious.
Recently, Mizuha’s reputation has grown after she took first place in the last midterm exams. As her childhood friend, I can’t help but feel proud of her. Still, I’ve noticed that Hikaru gets a bit uneasy when I spend time with her—not that it’s any of my business.
For now, let’s set aside the present and go back to my past. During my final year in junior high, while living in my family’s countryside home, I had a conversation with my parents. I told them I wanted to attend high school in Tokyo the following year, as my teacher had recommended it.
"Takeru, are you serious that you want to go there next year?" my father said.
"Yes, Dad, I've already decided on that," I replied.
My mother was concerned. "Takeru, are you sure you can do it? Tokyo is a big city. It's so different from here. I'm just worried about you being all alone."
I reassured her, "Don't worry, Mom, I can take care of myself there."
My father said, "We respect your decision, and we'll let you go, but we can't afford to give you money for your expenses."
"Yes, I know ,our family is not from a wealthy background," I replied. "But I'll look for a part-time job to support my school fees and daily expenses."
"If that's what you want, then we can't restrain you from it," my father said.
"But honey," my mother said as she turned to my father, still worried.
"Don't worry, honey," my father said. "He's going to be in high school next year. I'm sure he can manage to take care of himself."
"Go, Takeru. But promise me you'll study properly, get good grades, and change our family's fate," my father encouraged me.
"Thank you, Dad. Thank you, Mom," I said, appreciating them for allowing me to go.
That evening, I sat on the playground with my classmate and my close friend since I moved here, Hikari, having a small conversation with her.
"So, your parents gave you permission to go to high school next year?" said Hikari.
"Yeah, even though they resisted at first, but I managed to convince them to let me go," I replied.
"That's great for you, Takeru-kun. I will miss you after this," Hikari replied.
"You don't want to follow me to Tokyo, Hikari-chan? We can go to the same school," I said.
"Nah, I'll pass. I really love studying here in my beloved hometown. I don't feel like I want to leave it yet," replied Hikari.
"Haha, that's really your style, huh, Hikari-chan," I replied.
"Hey, is it because you want to go to Tokyo to find her?" said Hikari.
"Huh, her? Who do you mean, Hikari-chan?" I said.
"That childhood friend you used to tell me about. Wait, what was her name again? Oh... Mizuha," said Hikari.
"Oh, Mizuha-chan, huh!? No, that's not it at all. It's not my true reason for going to Tokyo. I want to return to the place I used to be and attend Tokyo school, that's all," I replied. "I'm not sure if I'll meet her again there as the Tokyo area is really wide. Well, I'll be lucky if I happen to meet her again," I added.
"Oh, I see," said Hikari, somehow feeling relieved. “Hey, if you return back here for vaction or something else, please tell me your story at tokyo, I want to heard about it” Hikari said. “Okay, sure, I promise to tell you” I replied.
Three months passed since then. A week after I graduated from junior high, my family and Hikari gathered at our local town train station to see me off to Tokyo for my journey.
"Is everything ready?" said my father.
"Yes, everything is completely ready," I replied.
"Here, take this. Even if it's not much, use it for your expenses," my father said, handing me a small envelope. I was certain it contained money. At first, I resisted accepting it because I had enough savings to cover my expenses, but my father insisted that I take it.
"Please take care of yourself, my dear. Don't forget to contact me after you arrive," my mother said, hugging me as she shed a few tears. She still seemed worried about me.
"Yes, mom, I promise," I replied while hugging her back.
"Here, this is some bento from me. Eat it during your train ride," said Hikari, giving me a bento.
"Wow, a bento from you! Can't wait to taste it," I replied.
"Take care, Takeru-kun.I will contact you later, okay" said Hikari.
"Understood, I wait for it” I replied. Even we close friend but our relationship like family, she somehow like my big sister to me. Both of us somehow tell our own problem with each other.
"Okay, you guys, it's time for me to go. See you again," I said, waving my hand to them as I entered the train.
After entering, I opened the window and waved my hand to them as the train started moving. After they disappeared from my sight, I found myself thinking, "Returning to Tokyo for the first time after two years... I wonder how my high school life will go," while looking at the countryside panorama outside the train window.
Two days passed after my arrival in Tokyo, and I was inside my apartment after finding a place to rent. My phone alarm rang in the morning to wake me up. I woke up, stretched myself, stood up, and opened the window curtain.
"Woah, that's nice weather! It's good for my first day at high school," I said.
Suddenly, I got a message from Hikari. The message contained a photo of her showing me her high school uniform while making a peace sign.
"Is this uniform fit for me?"
"Yes, that uniform looks cute on you," I replied to her message. “Hehe, you make me blush” she replied.
"Hey, show me a photo of you in uniform too! I want to see it," Hikari add another replied.
I sighed. Huh, this girl. I then changed into my school uniform, took a selfie, and sent it to her.
After finishing my morning conversation with Hikari, I made my way to school. The scene of Sakura trees blossoming in spring made my journey to school feel really refreshing. As I got near my school, I could see people around me wearing the same uniform as me - they were surely going to the same school with me.
As I enter the school area, I head to the information board to check which class I've been assigned to. The area is crowded with first-year students eagerly searching for their names. Fortunately, because of my height, I don't need to squeeze through the throng. From where I stand, I scan the namelist and find my name: Takahashi Takeru, Class 1B.
After confirming my class, I make my way toward the classroom. On the way, I suddenly bump into a girl at the first-year corridor. The impact causes both of us to fall to the ground.
"I'm so sorry!" she says immediately, her tone filled with concern.
"It's okay," I reply as I pick myself up.
Then I notice a pack of cookies lying on the floor near her. Thinking it must belong to her, I pick it up and hand it to her. "Here, your cookies," I say.
"Thank you," she replies, carefully inspecting the pack. A relieved smile spreads across her face. "I'm glad it didn't break. I can give it to H*****-kun after this," she adds with a cheerful smile.
Her smile catches my attention, sparking a strange curiosity about her. Before I can say anything, she stands up, brushes herself off, and says politely, "Please excuse me." Without waiting for a response, she turns and walks away.
I wonder what class she's been assigned to, I think to myself as I continue walking down the hall, looking for my classroom. Passing Class 1D and Class 1C, I finally find it—Class 1B. "Found it," I mutter quietly before stepping inside.
The classroom is already buzzing with activity. Most of the students are seated, chatting with one another. I glance around and notice name stickers placed on the desks. After locating the desk with my name, I sit down and begin observing the room.
The faces around me are unfamiliar. Some students are happily reuniting with friends from junior high, while others seem to be meeting new people for the first time.
Suddenly, the door opens, and a boy walks in. His entrance causes an immediate stir among a group of girls nearby.
"Wow, it's H*****-kun!" one of them says excitedly to her friend.
Oh, this guy must be famous, I think, watching as the girls wave and greet him enthusiastically.
"Good morning, H*****-kun," they say in unison.
He smiles and replies warmly, "Good morning. So we're in the same class, huh?"
The group's excitement confirms my guess—these girls must have gone to the same junior high as him.
He walks past my seat, and I smile and nod at him. He returns the gesture with a polite nod before continuing to his assigned seat, which turns out to be directly behind mine.
After he settles into his seat, I turn around to face him. "Hey, nice to meet you. I'm Takeru," I say, extending a friendly introduction.
He gives me a small smile and replies, "I'm H*****. Nice to meet you too."
"Woah, you're pretty impressive, huh, H*****-kun? Already famous on the first day," I say, referring to the group of girls who had been excited to see him earlier.
"Well," he starts with a slight chuckle, "most of them went to the same junior high as me, so I guess they're just happy we're in the same class again."
"I bet you were really popular back in junior high," I say, trying to keep the conversation light.
He shrugs slightly and says, "I guess so. But honestly, being famous can feel a little uncomfortable sometimes. Standing out too much isn't always fun."
"Ah, I see, you didn't like standing out, huh?" I reply, sensing a genuine modesty in his tone.
Suddenly, the girl I bumped into earlier enters the classroom. "Good morning!" she greets the group of girls who had been chatting with H*****-kun earlier.
"Good morning, A****-chan! Where did you disappear to earlier?" one of the girls asks.
"Well, I just took a little walk to check out the school area. Haha," she replies with a light laugh. Then her eyes shift toward H*****-kun. "Oh, there's H*****-kun already at his seat!" she exclaims, her tone lighting up as she walks toward his desk.
As she passes my seat, she notices me. "Ah, it's you from earlier!" she says, stopping briefly. "Sorry again for bumping into you," she adds with a small bow.
"Don't worry about it. I didn't mind at all," I reply casually.
"So, we're in the same class, huh?" she says with a smile before moving toward H*****-kun's desk.
That's good, I think to myself. Maybe I'll get to know her better.
"H*****-kun!" she calls out, clearly excited as she approaches him.
"Oh, A****, good morning! So we're in the same class again this year, huh?" H*****-kun replies with a smile.
"Yeah! Isn't it great? We can hang out just like last year," she says enthusiastically.
As I observe their interaction, I notice how close they seem. So her name is A****, I think. Looks like they already know each other well.
Gathering my courage, I decide to speak up. "Do you two know each other?" I ask.
"Yeah," H*****-kun replies. "We went to the same junior high and have been classmates for two years now."
"Here, H*****-kun," A**** says, holding out a pack of cookies. "I made these for you, just like last year!"
"Thanks!" H*****-kun says as he opens the pack and takes a bite. "Wow, this is so delicious! Looks like you've really improved since last year."
"Hehe, thanks for saying that! I've been practicing to make them even better," she replies with a pleased smile.
Once again, I find myself drawn to her smile, even though it isn't directed at me.
Suddenly, an announcement echoes through the classroom speakers:
"To all first-year students, please gather in the school gymnasium for the entrance ceremony."
"Oh, looks like we're being called. I'd better get ready for that. See you later, H*****-kun," she says cheerfully before joining her group of friends and heading toward the gymnasium.
As she leaves, I can't help but turn to H*****-kun with curiosity. "Umm, H*****-kun, are you and A****-chan... dating?" I ask, trying to sound casual.
He looks at me and shakes his head. "No, not at all. We're not dating."
"But you two seemed so close earlier, almost like a couple," I point out.
"Nah," he replies with a small laugh. "We're just friends from junior high. She's always been like that—just wants to stay close."
Hearing that, I feel a wave of relief and can't help but smile slightly to myself. Good, looks like I might have a chance, I think.
"Hey, what's with that look? Don't tell me—are you falling for her?" H*****-kun teases, narrowing his eyes at me.
"No, no! It's not like that! What are you even talking about, H*****-kun? Haha," I reply nervously, trying to laugh it off.
Wanting to change the subject, I quickly add, "Hey, we should get going too, before we end up late."
"You're right. Let's head out now," he agrees, standing up as we both prepare to leave for the gymnasium.
I then moved to the school gymnasium to join the other first-year students for the entrance ceremony. The gymnasium was packed with fresh faces, none of which I recognized. As I looked around for a seat, I found myself sitting beside a tall girl with red hair tied back in a ponytail.
Woah, this girl's face looks scary... Is she a delinquent? I thought, feeling a little uneasy.
I noticed her pulling a small notebook out of her pocket. Hmm, what's she doing? I wondered. Is she planning to write something?
"You've been looking at me for a while. Do you have something you want to say to me?" she asked, her voice polite but firm.
My thoughts about her were wrong, I realized immediately. I thought she was going to yell at me or something.
"N-No, I was just curious about what you're going to do with that notebook," I replied honestly.
"Oh, it's nothing special. Just my personal work," she answered, her expression softening slightly. Despite her somewhat intimidating appearance and boyish style, she didn't seem scary at all.
Suddenly, I heard whispers behind me.
"Poor that guy." "Yes, he's probably going to get beaten up by her after this."
Just great, it's the first day, and they're already spreading nonsense rumors, I thought, rolling my eyes internally. Deciding to ignore them, I focused my attention toward the front of the gymnasium.
In front of my seat was a short girl with nice-looking blonde hair. Woah, what a cute girl, I thought, unable to help myself.
Then my attention shifted to the tall guy sitting beside her, who was suddenly talking to her. What's with this guy? Is he a foreigner? I wondered. His face looked quite different from ours—not like a typical Japanese person at all.
The two of them kept chatting, and I couldn't help but think they must've known each other for a long time, maybe even childhood friends.
The ceremony then started as the MC began the proceedings, followed by a speech from the student council president, welcoming us first-year students.
"I hope the next three years of your high school lives will be a fulfilling time for all of you. This is your student council president, Takamiya Nana," she concluded her speech with a confident tone.
The MC continued, "And now, a speech from the first-year student representative, A****-san."
"Yes," answered the person called by the MC as she stood up and climbed the stage to give her speech.
Wait, she's our representative!? I thought, shocked. It was none other than the same girl I'd met earlier—A****, my classmate, the girl I was curious about.
"Hey, it's her! She's the one who got the top score in our entrance exam," I heard students around me whispering.
"Yeah, not only is she cute, but she's also really smart," said another student.
Yeah, I agree with you guys. No wonder she was chosen as our representative, she's truly an honor student, I thought to myself, feeling both impressed and intrigued as she began her speech.
"Fellow freshmen, today marks the beginning of our high school journey here. A journey filled with endless possibilities and opportunities."
Her words resonated with the crowd, inspiring them with her passion. The crowd focused intently on her speech. A**** ended her speech with, "And lastly to the teachers and the seniors: We hope that you will watch over and guide us new students. Thank you, sincerely, freshman representative A****." The crowd all clapped their hands for A****'s wonderful speech.
A**** stepped down from the stage after finishing her speech. I noticed her eyes were looking at H***** while she smiled at him. “She really likes him,” I thought, judging from her expression.
After the ceremony, we all returned to our classroom. As A**** entered, many classmates complimented her on her wonderful speech. She thanked them politely, smiling as always.
Then, H***** walked into the classroom, passing by A**** and her friends. A**** immediately approached him. “Hey, how was my speech earlier?” she asked.
“It was great, really wonderful. So unexpected from you, A****,” H***** replied.
“Hehe, thanks for that, H*****-kun,” she said, clinging to his arm suddenly.
“Hey, stop it! Everyone is watching,” H***** said, trying to pull his arm away, but A**** just laughed playfully.
From my seat, I watched them. I couldn’t help feeling a bit jealous seeing the two of them so close.
Day by day passed since then. I kept paying attention to A****. Sometimes, I tried to talk to her and get closer, but she didn’t seem very interested in talking with me. Instead, she always went to H*****, just like usual.
“I really don’t stand a chance against H*****-kun,” I thought, feeling a little discouraged.
But at the same time, I couldn’t help feeling a bit sorry for her. Even though she tried so hard to get close to H*****, her feelings never seemed to reach him.
“I wonder why H***** acts like that,” I thought, unable to figure it out.
One day, after school, I sat on a bench in the playground near my school to rest for a bit. Suddenly, I got a video call from Hikari.
"Hey, Hikari, what's wrong?" I asked, answering the call.
"Takeru, a guy I like from my class suddenly asked me to go out with him. What should I do?" she said, her face a little red.
"Why are you asking me? It's up to you to decide whether to accept or reject him," I replied.
"Well, this is my first time being in this kind of situation. I don't know what to do next," she admitted nervously.
"Well, if you like him, just accept his request and go out with him," I suggested.
"Understood, I'll try to do as you said," she replied.
"Lucky you, huh?" I said suddenly. "You've got a person you like already."
"What actually happened?" Hikari asked, concerned.
I decided to tell her about my situation.
"I see... You like her, but she likes someone else, and that person doesn't seem to care about her feelings either," Hikari said after hearing me out. "Why not leave her already and find a new girl?"
"Haha, I already tried, but my feelings are still attached to her," I chuckled in response.
"If you say so, then don't give up on her already. Do your best for your crush. I'm sure you'll make her your girlfriend in the future," Hikari said with a reassuring tone.
"Yes, you're right. I'll try my best," I replied.
It looked like our roles had switched. Hikari had called me to ask for advice, but somehow she ended up giving advice back to me instead.
May had arrived, and a week had passed since the Golden Week break. The situation was still the same—nothing had changed at all from last month.
Recently, I noticed that H***** kept disappearing from our class during lunch breaks. I wonder where he's going, I thought. Then, I saw A**** eating alone at her seat.
Good, this is my chance, I thought as I took out my bento and walked over to her seat.
"Hey, is it okay if I join you for lunch here?" I asked, trying to start a conversation.
"Sure, go ahead," she replied casually.
The scene was silent between us for a while as we ate. It felt a little awkward, so I decided to break the silence.
"You've been eating alone recently. Where's H*****? You're not with him?" I asked.
"He's started enjoying eating lunch at his best friend's class—Class 1F," A**** replied in a cold tone.
"I think it started after a new girl transferred there," she added.
"Wait, there's a new transfer student in their class? I never heard about that," I said, surprised.
"Yes, that girl is the one everyone's been talking about. I also heard that H***** is always hanging out with her during lunch breaks. H***** seems interested in her. What's so special about that girl, anyway?" said A****, her tone hinting at a little frustration.
"Wait, are you jealous of her?" I teased, grinning slightly.
"Jealous? Why would I be jealous of her?" she replied sharply, her expression serious.
I decided to ask directly, "Then, are you planning to give up on H***** after this?"
"Haha, no way. I'm not giving up on him already. He's the person I've liked since junior high. It's way too early to give up on him," she said confidently, her determination clear.
"I see," I replied, hiding my disappointment behind a neutral tone. Her resolve to not give up on H***** stung a bit, but it only fueled my thoughts. Then I won't give up on you, either, I thought silently.
"Oh, please leave after you're done eating your lunch. We're done with this conversation," said A****, making it clear she didn't want to talk anymore.
"Understood. Anyway, I'm glad I got to talk with you, A****," I said before finishing my lunch and quietly returning to my seat, leaving her alone. Even for a short time, I was glad I could talk to her and get close to her. Maybe this was just the beginning for me; like her, I won't give up already too.
A few days after that, I found out that the transfer student everyone had been talking about was Mizuha—my childhood friend. The first time I met her again was when I suddenly bumped into her. Her face seemed so familiar, but she didn't recognize me at all.
Curious, I asked H***** about her name, since he was always hanging out with her during lunch breaks. H***** confirmed her name was Yuki Mizuha—the same name as my childhood friend. There was no mistake—it was her, Mizuha-chan.
Afterward, I introduced myself to Mizuha, only to discover that she didn't remember me at all, even though I used to be her childhood friend. A lot happened after that, but slowly, I started hanging out with Mizuha and some of her classmates. Even though she didn't remember me, we still became close as friends, just like in the past.
Despite reuniting with Mizuha, my feelings for A***** didn't change. I hadn't given up on her yet. And so, here we are now.
"Takeru-kun... Takeru-kun..."
"Huh?" I snapped out of my thoughts, startled to find Mizuha standing in front of me.
"Mizuha, you shocked me," I said.
"What happened? You spaced out all of a sudden," Mizuha said, her tone filled with concern.
"Oh, did that happen? Sorry for making you worry. I was just remembering something from the past," I replied with a small, apologetic smile.
"Really? It must've been a good memory for you, right?" Mizuha asked with a smile.
"Yes, it looks like that," I said with a small chuckle.
"Anyway, the lunch break is over. I have to return to my class now," she said, starting to walk away.
"Wait, Mizuha, I'll walk with you. My class is in the same direction, anyway," I said, catching up to her.
"Oh, thanks. Then let's go for now," Mizuha replied.
The rain outside was still pouring heavily as I walked with Mizuha to her class. When we arrived at Class 1F, Mizuha's classroom, we heard an argument happening inside.
I glanced at Mizuha and noticed her face had turned pale. The argument was taking place near her seat and seemed to involve her best friend and a classmate. The tension in the air was thick, punctuated by the rumble of thunder from outside, the sound echoing alongside the heated voices.
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To be continued… Amemonogatari II
ns 15.158.61.20da2
