Himuro Reiichi fans, I know you're out there! Feel free to put yourself in these first-person shoes. Think of this as an interactive experience!

All stories have a beginning, right? I mean, everything has a beginning. I won't list anything in specific here, because I know you already have an idea of what I'm talking about here. Well, I guess that's where I'll start my story then; from the beginning.

My first year of high school. I know that probably doesn't sound very exciting. To educate yourself, to prepare yourself with a high school degree, then when you're done with high school, you're off into the world. In a way, it's scary. Or at least I thought so.

I've never been a "school" type of person. I went to school, learned from the teacher, went home to do homework, then come back the next day. I was never involved in any parties, cliques, or anything like that. Mainly because I can't stand the drama of it all.

The other part of it was that I just wasn't interested. Not interested in partying on Friday nights, or even getting a boyfriend. Sure, I had a few friends, but maybe to others who didn't know me as well, I seemed anti-social. That certainly wasn't the case, because I tried to remain friendly to all who approached me.

But mainly and foremost, I went to school to LEARN, not to get involved in any of the various side things.

But perhaps that's besides the point…? I tend to ramble, I apologize. It seems I'm not an excellent story-teller, considering that I talk too much. Hopefully you'll forgive me, and remain tolerant until the end of my story. Or perhaps you're not interested, like I was…?

On the very first day of high school, I was feeling a mixture of things, as most people feel. Confused as to where my classes were, hopeful that I'd do well, excited to start something new… but of all things, I was not afraid. After all, I didn't wish to fit in; I just wanted to be myself.

At least, initially I wasn't afraid. Not until later in this story, mind you. I won't be giving you any spoilers, because if there's one thing I hate, it's spoilers to a good story. Not that my story is particularly good, but I'll leave that up to you, the beloved reader.

This story really regards me, naturally, and Himuro Reiichi. My homeroom "sensei". That's "teacher", in Japanese.

Ah, yes, I should probably explain a bit more about the pertinent things. You see, for many years, I studied the Japanese language, so that one day, I'd go to Japan. I had already spent a while in their country, and I felt that my language was doing quite well, despite the fact that I always criticize myself about it. I'm a modest person, you see.

I had been to Japan a few times before, on tourism of sorts. But I really wanted to become immersed in their culture. I wanted to be a part of their community, not just some random tourist girl. And so, I decided to live there for a few years, which meant that I'd also attend their school.

But again, it seems I've lead my reader into a trap of useless information. Again, I apologize.

Anyway, it was my first day of Japanese high school. And that was the day that I met Himuro-sensei. Most of the other students weren't very fond of him, mainly because he was such a strict teacher. And considering that he was intimidating and rarely ever smiled. He had dark, sleek hair, wore glasses, had deep, blue eyes, and was very tall.

You see, I fell in love with him, that homeroom teacher of mine.

He may have never smiled as much, but when he did, my heart melted. I adored his glasses, and I would note each time we went to adjust them. His eyes were beautiful and reminded me of the ocean. And when I stood next to him, I didn't feel intimidated; I felt protected.

Naturally, I tried to keep my secret in from my friends. Sometimes they'd play guessing games with me about school crushes, trying to figure mine out. But every time, I'd brush it aside and tell them that I wasn't interested in dating. It was a bit of a white lie, and I inadvertently hoped that it would keep them from going down their game's list.

Of course, they had no clue, because I had a façade up that no one could see through.

Or so I thought.

There was one other person, who I felt I could confide in and that was the school's nurse. She was an amazing lady to me, because she was everything I thought was admirable in a lady. She was tough, full of confidence, spoke her mind, worked hard, and was an amazing conversationalist.

I'll definitely tell you how our well-kept secret came to be, but not in the introduction of this story. Again, this would be an opportunity for spoilers.

Well, how was this beginning? Perhaps it was jam-packed with information, but you won't need to know all of it; just the main few points. I hope it didn't bore you, and if it interested you, then with all my love as a writer, I hope to encourage you to read on. After all, forward is the only way to go.