Author's Note

Hello! This is my first ever fanfiction so I hope it doesn't end up disappointing too much :S Well that being said, I hope you (if there even is anyone who will read this) enjoy this series (if I manage to continue it).

This stemmed out of my love for NozoEri (which really needs more fics) and from certain other movies and story plots I've seen before. Hopefully it works out well!

"Sorry, Erichika, but this was the only way," her mother apologised once again.

Eri sighed and assured her it was fine once again. After all, it really was the only way. Transferring in the middle of the school year would not be pleasant and furthermore, it was to a different country. Even if she was fluent in Japanese since her father had always spoken to them in Japanese, the culture was different. It would take some time for Eri and Arisa to get used to the new country. Despite how tough it would be being in a completely new environment, Eri knew she had to do this.

For the sake of Grandma's and Mom's alma mater, she reminded herself.

She was supposed to have enrolled in Otonikizaka High School in her first year with everyone else, but because Arisa wasn't ready to leave Russia, she stayed with her and continued schooling there. Initially, she thought that she wouldn't be able to be a student in Otonokizaka High School and despite being disappointed by that thought, she comforted herself through the fact that Arisa would probably go there and be the third generation of their family to be in that school. Now that she was going to go there, she didn't know whether to be happy or sad.

Eri stared at her uniform and let out a sigh again. Was she really going to do this? She supposed it was too late to turn back as the forms were all filled out, but that didn't stop her from wondering if she could just catch the next flight back to Russia and continue with her previous life.

"Onee-chan, are you done? It's been 10 minutes!" She heard Arisa's impatient shout from the other side of the bathroom door.

"Ah, coming!" Hurrying her movements, Eri put on the uniform and looked in the mirror.

Well, it does kind of suit me.

Opening the bathroom door, she prepared herself for her mother's and sister's comments.

"Whoa, you look amazing! It really suits you!"

Blushing slightly, she asked, "Do I really look okay?"

Receiving appraising and approving nods from the two other females, Eri relaxed slightly. She glanced at her reflection in the full body mirror in her room.

Maybe this won't be too bad.

"This one is pretty nice. What do you think?" Arisa asked as she held up a flashy neon tee with the image of a heavy metal band on the front.

"No way. Besides, I'm pretty sure that's not the current fashion in Japan."

Despite saying that, Eri wasn't really sure what exactly the "current fashion in Japan" was herself. However, she decided to just get whatever she preferred instead of following the trend. Being a follower had never been her style anyway. As the two sisters browsed through the shop for new clothes, they didn't notice the stares they were getting from everyone else there.

"Excuse me, would you like some help? I can take you to the section with our latest collection," a young salesgirl approached Eri with a hopeful glint in her eyes.

Since she hadn't found anything that caught her eye yet, she decided to go along with the salesgirl. The salesgirl started rambling on about how certain clothes were part of the latest trend in Japan and started picking out clothes that she felt would suit Eri well. Giving her a polite smile, Eri went to the dressing room and tried out the numerous articles of clothing. The salesgirl gushed over each of her appearances with Arisa giving her appraisal and soon, Eri found herself at the cashier's with a bunch of new clothes.

"Just for you, I'll give you a 20% discount," the salesgirl winked and calculated the total sum.

Giving her a grateful smile, Eri paid the sum and left the shop with her sister.

"People in Japan really are nice, huh Arisa?"

"That's only because she was so into you! I should really shop with you more often, we could save a lot this way."

Eri blushed and looked at her incredulously. There was no way the salesgirl was infatuated over her.

"I can't believe you didn't notice it. At least we know you're going to fit in perfectly in Otonokizaka High."

They finally reached the top of the stairs and even with her ballet background, Eri was winded. However, looking ahead at the huge shrine, she had no regrets. The sight before her was beautiful and she could feel the rich culture oozing out from it.

"Harasho..."

"Come on, we need to pray for a smooth time in school!" Arisa exclaimed excitedly.

Eri watched as Arisa sped off towards the prayer area, only to realise that she had no idea where it was.

Just like her to get too excited, Eri mused.

"Need some help finding your way around?" A voice interrupted her thoughts.

Eri turned and saw one of the most gorgeous people she had ever seen in her life. Her purple hair was glistening in the orange evening light and her lush green eyes sparkled like emeralds. The shrine maiden outfit fit her extremely well and Eri felt drawn to her.

"Yes please! May we know where we can make our prayers?" Arisa politely asked.

"Sure, just follow me."

The shrine maiden led the two of them and Eri felt her eyes wandering over her back view. The maiden was definitely easy on the eyes and Eri couldn't help but feel intrigued by her, especially the way her bright green eyes seemed to have something more inside and how her smile didn't seem to reach her eyes.

"Are the two of you foreigners?" The melodic voice snapped her out of her reverie.

"Ah, yes. We just moved here a few days ago."

"I see. Well, here's where you can make your prayers. I wish you all the best in Japan then," the girl gave them a pleasant smile (which still didn't reach her eyes) and left.

A part of Eri felt disappointed in not getting to observe her for a while more but averted her attention back to her sister who was gushing over the architecture and culture screaming from the place. As they made their prayers for a smooth time in their new schools, Eri found herself making an extra wish.

Please let me see her again.

Eri stared at the dark blue and blue checkers once more and steeled herself for the day ahead.

I can do this.

She slipped on her blazer and headed down for breakfast.

"My, Erichika, you look amazing. As expected, the uniform really fits you very well," her mother praised with a proud look in her eyes.

Smiling thankfully, Eri sat down and ate her breakfast, thoughts wandering off to her day ahead. Whenever she doubted herself, she reminded herself of the fact that she was attending school at her grandma's and mother's alma mater. She was doing this for their sake. These thoughts drove her forward and she was filled with determination to make it a great school year.

Her walk to school was filled with so many glances and stares that even she noticed them. Sure, she had expected some attention since she definitely did not look like a local but this was more than she had expected. Students sharing her new school crest all stared at her and whispered amongst themselves. Slightly uncomfortable from the attention, Eri sped up but kept her head high and determined.

Just play it cool, she chanted repeatedly in her head.

Eri waited outside the classroom for Sensei's signal, observing the students walking about the halls that were all staring at her. Needless to say, she was a common topic amongst everyone that morning and her nerves were starting to build up. Luckily, she caught Sensei's words that brought her head back into the game.

"Alright, let's give a warm welcome our to transfer student!"

Eri walked in with her signature stoic expression and determined strides. She took a breath to calm her nerves and introduced herself.

"Nice to meet you, everyone. I'm Ayase Eriot from Russia."

A/N

In case y'all didn't catch on, Eriot = Elliot. Hopefully you can guess what's going on? ^^

Also, some comments and reviews would be appreciated! Really wanna know how I can improve and all since I honestly feel as though I've made a HUUUUGE list of mistakes.

Finally, thank you so much for taking the time to read this!