"The train to Sakakino Academy is arriving shortly. The train to Sakakino Academy is arriving shortly."
I could feel the heaviness of my eyes as I stared blankly at the railway. Ugh. I can't believe that I'm still sleepy. I don't get it. I had a good 8 hours rest earlier. While still trying to shrug off this sleepiness of mine, I felt the warm spring breeze as I stretched my arms. I could feel my black blazer restricting my movement. Hm. It's been a year already, huh?
My name is Fujishima, Yamato.
I'm currently 17 years old, and a 1st year high school student in Sakakino Academy. I'm 5 feet and 8 inches tall with an athletic build, and sporting a short, jet-black hair. You can label me as one of your usual guys. I'm pretty active in sports, especially basketball. Anyway, I'm currently living alone in my Aunt's apartment. She's overseas for like, 2 months now. You see, I'm a runaway. I got tired from watching my parents fighting every single night. Yeah, it never escalated to something physical and remained as a verbal argument between the two, but it's tiring. From small things, to big things, they would really make a fuss about it. I was in middle school when I decided to pack my things and runaway to my Aunt Mayu, who I was close with. She took me in without any hesitation. She did give word to my parents that she'll take care of me in the time being, but I don't want to go back there. I wouldn't find any peace there in that big house of theirs. Anyway, Aunt Mayu is currently 28 years old and a magazine editor in some known company. I believe she doesn't have any significant other, since she's such a workaholic. Somehow, I really find her presence more comforting than my parents'.
SCREEEECH
Finally, the trained arrived in the station. Its doors slowly opened. I stepped inside while clutching onto my leather bag. As usual, I stood near the sliding doors. From here, I could get a good view of the city's landscape in my train ride. I don't know, but I feel at ease whenever I stare at the vast and developing landscape of the city. As I expected, the majority inside of the train were students. Most of them are my schoolmates. I watched the sliding doors close. As the train accelerated towards the next station, I leaned my back onto the steel bar behind me and stared into the outside view.
After some minutes, the train arrives in the next station. As the sliding doors opened, I can't help but to look at the people boarding the train. As usual, I saw the black haired beauty sitting on her usual spot. For the past semester, I kept noticing her during our morning train ride. From her looks, I could judge she's a conservative person. Not to mention, she's a bookworm like me. Also, she's really beautiful. From what I've heard, her family name is Katsura. Though we attend the same school, I don't get to see her around the campus. I'll be honest; I'm really that interested in her. As my eyes were fixated at Katsura-san, I failed to notice that the train was already accelerating towards the next station.
"Hey, hey! Have you heard of the charm?"
A sudden female voice behind me got my attention. I can't help but to peek. There were two girls chatting behind me. Geez. They're too loud. I could hear everything from my position.
"Hm? Is that the ONE charm that you're talking about?"
"Yep! They say if you take a picture of the person you like and set it as your wallpaper, and nobody else finds it for three weeks, then your dream will come true!"
Ugh. I feel bad from eavesdropping in their conversation. Seriously? A charm? Do you really think something like that will work? I don't want to believe in superstitions. Heck, I'm not even religious. I only believe in opportunities. It's like an unseen force gives us these opportunities and it's up to us to seize it. That's my weird ass philosophy. Wait a second. Now that I think of it, I passed a ton of opportunities to approach Katsura-san. Geez. After shrugging off the nauseating feeling from what I've heard earlier, I placed my attention back to Katsura-san, who was reading her novel. Hm. That's a romantic novel in her hands, right? Is she a-
At that moment, I noticed that she was also looking at me with a slight curiosity in her eyes. Is this a sign? An opportunity?
Without hesitating, I gave her a warm smile. To my surprise, she did the same too. I could feel the butterflies in my stomach. Crap. Crap. Should I talk to her? No. That's a bad call. I might look too aggressive. But come on, this kind of opportunity doesn't comes twice. Pft. Time to d-
"Sakakino Academy Station. I repeat, Sakakino Academy Station. Please mind the gap."
Huh? We already arrived in the station? As my attention was quickly averted to the speakers behind me, I didn't notice that the black haired beauty had already stepped out of the train. I quickly stepped outside of the train and tried to follow her, but the group of students quickly covered her tracks. Ah, shit. I missed the chance. I let out a sigh of defeat with my head down. There goes my opportunity ...
The day quickly passed. As the lunch bell chimed, I stared blankly at the field outside of our classroom. Weird. I don't have any appetite. I let out a sigh as I remembered my missed chance earlier. Wow. I can't believe that I'm actually down about that.
"What's wrong, Yamato? You look down."
Hm? A familiar female voice came from behind me. As I turned my back, a familiar face greeted me. It was none other than Saionji, Sekai. She's my current seatmate. She's a lively girl who keeps meddling with my affairs. Well, I don't mind it at all. For me, she's a good friend of mine. "Do I? It's nothing really. I just remembered something." I replied as she sat down beside me. "Hm? Don't tell me you have another problem. Try to lighten up a little!" Sekai replied as she pats my back. "You don't need to remind me, Sekai. Anyway, aren't you going out for lunch?" I asked her as I rocked my seat with my back. "Well, yeah! We'll eat in our usual spot! Want to tag along?" She asked me with a big smile on her face. "Hm. I'll see. I don't have any app-"
Before I could reply to Sekai's question, my eyes were left wide open as I caught a glimpse of a black haired beauty passing through the open classroom door. Without a doubt, I could say that was Katsura-san. I quickly stood up and ran towards the classroom door. "What?! Hey! Yamato!" Sekai said as she quickly followed me. To my surprise, she was nowhere to be found in the hallway. I could hear the other students talking about her beauty as she passed through. "Shit. I lost another chance." I muttered to myself as I leaned my back onto the wall behind me. "What was that about?" Sekai asked me as she keeps on looking around. "It's nothing. I thought I saw someone." I replied as I let out a yawn.
"Hm? Don't tell me. You're interested in Katsura from class 4?" Sekai quickly asked me with a smirk on her face. "Huh?! What?! Err ... Lying wouldn't do anything good at this point so ... how did you find out?" I frantically asked as her question caught me off guard. "Geez. I'm not stupid, you know? I could read that in your face. So that's why you're so down earlier! You tried talking to her, right?" She asked me once again. Ugh. I'm cornered. "Alright, alright. I did try earlier, but I failed miserably. I was too caught up that she smiled at me that I lost track of my actions." I replied as I crossed my arms. "Really? She smiled at you?! Maybe she's interested in you too!" She quickly commented. "Hey! Too loud! Someone might hear!" I frantically stated as I covered Sekai's mouth with my hand. "Hey, hey! Want me to help?" She asked me with a curious look on her face. "Huh? Help me? It's okay. I got it covered. I just need to seize the right opportunity at the right time." I replied as I shrugged off her curiosity. "With that attitude of yours, that wouldn't happen." She quickly remarked with a smug on her face. Ugh. She has a point.
"Shut it, Sekai. If you keep this up, no free juice pack for you." I stated as I tapped her forehead with my fingers. "Ouch! Okay, okay. I'll stop. Don't worry though! I'll help you with Katsura-san by making a good opportunity for you!" Sekai stated as she gives me a warm smile. Somehow, I suddenly felt warm inside. "Uh. Why? Why would you help me with a girl, Sekai? I mean, wouldn't that be a drag for you? I don't want to be burden." I asked her with a curious look on my face. "Uh. It's because you're a good friend of mine, silly! It's nothing for me! Also, she's my PE classmate, so you better get yourself ready!" She stated as she runs off towards the staircase. There she goes. Ugh. She's too meddlesome, really. I just hope I wouldn't bother her that much. Anyway, I still have time before our next class. I might as well buy something in the vending machine.
Little did I know that this moment was the start of a disaster.
A disaster I could have prevented…
A few days passed.
For the past days, I tried my best to seize the opportunity to talk to Katsura-san, but I kept messing it up. I am so close. It's like something unseen is stopping from me interacting with her. Maybe, it's not meant to be? Maybe, I'm really that unlucky with my life. Ugh.
As the lunch bell chimed, I quickly stood up and went straight to the rooftop. I faintly heard Sekai calling out for me as I went out the room, but I decided to ignore it. I'm not in the mood to play around. Luckily, I brought a novel with me. Dark Places? Ack. I remember. I took a novel out of my shelf without looking at it. Well, I'm stuck with this. I might as well read this while eating my bread.
Time flied slowly as I read the novel. Hm. It kinda sparked my interest since it's a psychological thriller novel. Heh. I'll probably finish this by tomorrow. I might as well enjoy reading this.
SWING!
As I was about to take a bite of my bread, the door leading to the staircase swung open. I was left stunned as the black-haired beauty steps out. It was none other than Katsura-san. We stared at each other for a few seconds. What is she doing here? This is usually my spot and no one can has the keys to this place except for me and Sekai. If so, then ...
"Katsura-san! Wait up!"
I heard a familiar voice coming from the stairwell. Ack. I knew it. So this is the opportunity that she was talking about. In a matter of seconds, a familiar face steps out from the staircase. As expected, it was Sekai, who was holding two packs of yakisoba bread. "Ah?! Yamato?! You were here all along?!" Sekai frantically asked as she tries to catch her breath. "Uh. Yeah… Is something wrong?" I asked her as my eyes were fixated at Katsura-san. Seriously. This girl's simple beauty is breath-taking.
"Geez! I-I was looking for you! Anyway, Katsura-san! This is Fujishima, Yamato! He's the guy that I was talking about!" Sekai said as she introduces me to Katsura-san. I suddenly felt nervous, but managed to muster enough courage to say something. "Hey. Nice to meet you." I said with a smile as I closed my novel. "H-Hi. I'm Katsura, Kotonoha. It's nice to meet you too! I-I brought lunch with me! I-If you don't mind, would you like to eat it with me?" Kotonoha nervously asked as she shows us a woven basket. Lunch? She made lunch for me? "Geez. You guys are too tense! Ease up! This isn't a marriage arrangement! Come on! Let's eat!" Sekai as she playfully smacked my back.
The two of them sat down beside my bench. "So, Katsura-san, what do you have today?" Sekai playfully asked Kotonoha with a smirk on her face. "U-Uh. I made sandwiches… Are you okay with that, Fujishima-kun?" Kotonoha nervously replied as she opens the woven basket. Woah. There's enough for the three of us. Did Sekai really plan this? Well, I'll be damned. She's in another level. I couldn't even reach this point if I tried to do it my way."Yeah! It looks good!" I replied. "I see! Please! Help yourselves!" Kotonoha said as she hinted at us to take some from the basket. Without hesitating, I quickly took one. As I took a bite out of the sandwich, a sudden taste of saltiness and sourness filled my mouth. Ugh. I don't want to say this, but it's bad. Utterly, bad.
"Is there something's wrong? Uh. Does it taste bad? I'm not really that good with cooking so…" Kotonoha nervously asked. As I saw her nervous eyes fixated at me, a sudden jolt of courage sparked within me. Tsh. She made this for me, right? I might as well be a man and eat it. Without hesitating, I quickly finished one sandwich. Within a couple of minutes, I chowed down 6 sandwiches. Somehow, I managed to endure the bizarre taste of the sandwiches. I left 2 more for the two of them.
"Fujishima-kun…" Kotonoha mumbled as she and Sekai was left speechless from my sudden action. "D-Delicious! It has an uncommon taste, but it was really delicious!" I proudly stated as I felt my stomach reacting violently to my sudden outburst. Ugh. I don't feel too good. "Geez. You really had to do that…" Sekai embarrassingly said as she lets out a sigh. "Well, I can't let Katsura-san's efforts go to waste, right?" I replied with a smile as I tried my best to hide my painful expression due to the rumbling within my stomach. "H-here! Please! Help yourself!" Kotonoha said as she hands me a cup of hot, green tea. "Oh? You also brought this? Uh. You're well prepared, Katsura-san. I'll try to make some lunch for us next time." I said as I gently took the cup from her hands. "Oh? Me too! I want one too! You see Katsura-san, Yamato is a pretty good cook!" Sekai happily said.
As I gave Kotonaha a warm smile, I felt a sudden tap on my shoulder. "I need to go to the toilet. You guys play nice, okay?" Sekai asked as she walks towards the door. As I saw her eyes briefly, I noticed some sadness in her eyes. Hm? What's up with her? As Sekai exits the roof top, it was only me and Kotonoha. I felt a sudden nervousness inside of me. Calm down, Yamato. This is your golden opportunity. Don't mess it up.
"Fujishima-kun, uh, I really think you're an interesting person." Kotonoha stated as she nervously looks at me. "Interesting? Uh. Not really. I'm just one of your usual busybodies." I sheepishly replied. "Not really. From what Saionji-san told me, you're really different. You're a big fan of novels, right?" She asked me with a curious look on her face. "Yeah. I'm really into those psycho thrillers. Like this one." I replied as I showed her the novel that I was reading earlier. "Oooh. Uh. Is it interesting? I'm really into romantic novels." She asked as she curiously looked at the book. "It's pretty okay. Pretty dark at times, but the story is pretty neat. If you want, I'll let you borrow it once I'm finished." I replied with a smile on my face. She simply nodded back and gave me a warm smile of her own.
The day quickly passed.
My golden opportunity was cut short due to the chime of the lunch bell. I really think I did well. We had some laughs, but we mostly talked about books and novels. Well, that's something. Also, Kotonoha mentioned that she's looking forward to another lunch with us. That means she's interested to know me more, right? Well, heh. I have Sekai to thank for that.
"That's right! That's because you're so slow!"
Sekai's irritated rant blasted my right ear. Ugh. I called her earlier to thank her, but it ended up with her scolding my philosophy. "Give me a break, will you? It's my first time. You know that I don't do well with girls." I replied as I let out a sigh. "Really? You're quite popular, you know? The active and sporty girls like you, and the bookworms like you too. Seriously. You're a walking magnet." Sekai commented. "Pft. I doubt that. I mean, there's nothing special about me." I replied as I laid myself on top of my bed. "Geez. You're just being too humble. Anyway, can I ask something?" She asked with a sudden nervousness in her voice. "Go ahead. Ask away." I replied.
"If you're that bad with girls, then why are you so comfortable with me?"
Well, that's something Sekai wouldn't ask normally. "Tsh. Are you kidding me? You should know. I really got used to all of your meddling. I don't know, but I suddenly got accustomed to your presence. To be honest, I think you're an exception." I replied with a chuckle. For a brief moment, Sekai was silent. She didn't say anything. Did I surprise her? Well, I don't normally say that too. "Uh, Sekai?" I said as I called her out. "A-Ah. W-Whatever! Goodnight!" Sekai embarrassingly shouted as she ends the call. Ugh. That hurt my ear. Hm. It's pretty late. I might as well get some sleep.
I had a rough night. I couldn't get a goodnight sleep.
I had this weird dream. I was inside my room, alone. I was reading a blank book of sorts. As time slowly passed by, words suddenly appeared in the blank pages. As I was left dumbfounded, I heard a voice of a girl behind me. "I love you. Why won't you look at me?" The voice said as I felt a sharp object pierce my back. I was stabbed, over and over again. I woke up with my hands shaking and my sweat trickling down from my face. Ugh. It felt so vivid.
"The train to Sakakino Academy is arriving shortly. The train to Sakakino Academy is arriving shortly."
Ugh. Damn headache. I rubbed my temple as I waited for the next train to arrive. Tsh. I can't go to school like this. It's early in the morning and I'm down already? Not to mention, I forgot to bring a novel today. Isn't this a bummer? As I let out a sigh, a familiar face walked towards me.
"Fujishima-kun! Good morning!"
I was stunned to see Kotonoha walking towards me with a warm smile on her face. "H-Hey. You surprised me. Good morning!" I replied as I gave her a faint smile. As always, I was fixated in her beauty. She's so simple, yet elegant and beautiful. "I never thought that we always board the train in the same station! Uh. You okay?" Kotonoha asked me. Ugh. Do I look that bad right now? "N-No. I couldn't get some sleep last night. I'll shrug it off later. I hope. Oh. How about you? Did you have a good rest last night?" I asked her as I let out a yawn. "Yup! It was pretty okay! I had a nice dream too!" She cheerfully replied. "Lucky you. Heh." I commented with a chuckle.
In a brief silence between us, I suddenly realized something. This is it, I think? Is this the opportunity that I always wanted? Should I take the leap?
"Katsura-san." I said as I called her attention. "Yes, Fujishima-kun?" Kotonoha asked with a curious look on her face. I took a deep breath, and swallowed my saliva. I can't back out now. Like Sekai said last night, I'm too slow. I don't mind if she rejects me, but as long I properly convey my feelings for her, I'd be happy. "A-Are you dating anyone right now?" I nervously asked her. "Uh. No …" She replied. "I-I see …" I mumbled as I felt my hands shaking. "W-What's wrong, Fujishima-kun?" She nervously asked.
"Katsura-san. I like you. I really do."
With every ounce of my courage, I confessed my feelings for her. I felt my sweat trickling down my face as our train arrives in the station. Kotonoha was left speechless and dumbfounded. Ugh. I think I startled her or something. Well, at least I did what I could do. I don't want to rush things with her. At least she knows that I'm really interested in her. I let out a sigh to calm myself down. "F-Fujishima-kun …" Kotonoha mumbled as she nervously looked at me. "Sorry about that. I had to get it out from my system. I'm really interested to know you better. If you're not looking for … a boyfriend, well, we could start as friends. Anyway, the train's here. Shall we?" I stated as I smiled at her. "U-Uh …yes …" She mumbled as we boarded the train.
The train ride was brief. I was expecting things would get awkward between us, but to my surprise, Kotonoha acted differently than I imagined. At first, she wasn't looking at me. As I was staring at the landscape of the city outside, I caught a glimpse of her staring at me. It was like she was checking me out or something. As I caught her in the act, I simply gave her a warm smile. In return, she smiled back at me with her cheeks slowly turning red.
I did what I could. Let's see how things will turn up.
As usual, the day quickly passed.
After that shenanigan earlier this morning, I gave some space for Kotonoha. I don't want her to feel like I'm cornering her or something. But, whatever her decision is, I'll accept it.
I idly sat down on one of the seats as I waited for my ride home. The train is sure taking it's time. Good thing I have my earphones with me. I might as well listen to some Beethoven or Mozart while waiting. Hm. If Kotonoha finds out about my musical taste, I wonder what she'll say to me. Maybe she'll like it. Oh well. As I was about to listen to my music, another familiar face walked towards me. "Oh? Yamato?" The girl said as she walked towards me with a smile on her face. It was none other than Sekai. "Oh. Hey. You're going home?" I asked her. "Yep! I heard someone confessed this morning …" She said with a grin. "Ugh. Looks like she told you, huh?" I replied with a sigh.
"Are you waiting for Katsura-san?" Sekai asked me as she sat down behind me. "Not really. I'm giving her some enough space for her to decide. Besides, I need to do some things for my Auntie. I'm pretty sure Katsura-san will go home late since she's in the student council meeting, right?" I replied as I sat down beside her. "I see… Hey. No perverted stuffs. Okay?" She said as she slaps my back. "H-Hey! Yeah, yeah. I'm in no rush. We're still young, you know. Anyway, you use this line? I hardly see you board in this station." I replied as I rubbed my back. Hm. Sekai's cheerful as always, huh.
"Yep. We ride the opposite trains though." Sekai replied as she looks at the sunset. I really don't get this girl. Why is she doing this much for me? Is she that kind-hearted, or she's just a busybody? I asked her before, but I might as well ask her again to get a concrete answer. "Oh. Right. I remember now. You told me that before. Anyway, can I ask something?" I asked her. "Shoot." She quickly responded.
"Uh. I asked this before, but why are you doing this much for me? I get that we're seatmates and friends and all, but why are you so fixated on making me and Katsura-san a couple?" I curiously asked her. "Hm… because it's fun?" Sekai replied without any hesitation. What? "I don't get it." I remarked as I rubbed my temple. "What's wrong? I really find it interesting watching others' love. Is that wrong?" She curiously asked with a nagging tone. "No, not at all. You're just weird. Just like me." I replied with a chuckle. "W-what?! I'm weird?! That's pretty ironic, coming from the otaku!" She annoyingly said. "Yeah, yeah. I'm weird, and you're name is Sekai, which means World. I still haven't forgiven you for killing Kakyoin." I stated as I started laughing. "That again?! Geez. You're such a geek. I can't believe that you're that popular and weird at the same time." She remarked as she lets out a sigh.
I took a deep breath after calming down from my laughing fit. "Hey. Seriously though. You're awesome. Thanks. I'll repay you some day." I said as I smile at Sekai warmly. For a brief moment, I saw Sekai's cheeks turn red. "R-Really? What should I ask for?" Sekai asked as we both stood up. "I don't know. Why are you asking me? You're the receiver. Besides, I'll do anything I can to properly repay you." I replied. "Anything? Are you sure? You'll do anything?" She asked once more as she slowly walked towards me. "Yep. Just don't ask for the impossible, okay? I'm no super-hero." I replied with a chuckle.
As I heard the sound of the approaching train, I slowly turned my back to look at it. Before I could fully turn around, I felt something soft landed on my right cheek. Dumbfounded, I slowly brought my attention back to Sekai, who was blushing heavily. "You moved…" Sekai mumbled as the train slowly decelerated. "S-Sekai … what …was that …" I muttered. "You just had to move, huh?" She commented as the doors of the train opened. Before I could ask her about her sudden action, she ran off and boarded the train.
I moved …? Was she aiming for my lips? What was that all about?
I could only watch the train leave as I was left stunned and confused by her sudden action.
If I hadn't moved at that time, would things turn out differently?
If I didn't have any interest in Kotonaha at that time, things would be different, right?
If I have chosen her back then, things wouldn't turn out like this, right?
Hello, dear reader! UnseenMemory here! Thank you for reading the very first chapter of my School Days fanfic. As I promised before, this is where I'll give Kotonoha a happy ending. Anyways, I'm currently fixing this fanfic with its grammatical errors and such. I might add some things also. I hope you'll like it! I'll probably finish fixing every chapter within a day or two. I still have to finish some chapters for my newest fanfic, Existence:Rewrite. Well, that's all for now. Once again, thank you for taking your time and reading this fanfic!
This is UnseenMemory signing off! See you guys in the next chapter!