It's almost time. I could feel the plane flying closer to the landing points and I'm finally going to reunite with my best friend, who might as well be my twin. You see, a few month earlier, my twin, Ayana (whom I like to call Yanyan), was given a scholarship to Ouran Academy for her amazing singing talent. We were all excited for her, but the biggest catch was, she'd have to move from America to Japan. One week after her scholarship was announced our family and friends escorted her to the airport wishing her the best, I was left there to watch her enter customs. Up to about two weeks ago, we haven't heard much about her school life, that's when I received a special letter. The letter was enclosed in a pale pink envelope, I was shocked to find out that the address hailed from Ouran Academy stating that Ayana invited me to join her on her scholarship for a special buddy system they are testing out.
"Passengers, please prepare for landing"
I fastened my seatbelt and hugged my grey backpack which consisted one of my greatest possessions, my camera. The landing felt intense, my stomach was churning and the plane wasn't the reason why. I pondered on and on about what it'd be like in Ouran. What are the students like there? Is there any free time for the students? Am I required to wear that dress uniform? That certain fact made me worried the most, I hated dresses. For as long as I can remember I have despised them, well despised wearing them that is. I didn't mind seeing them or observe their individual designs, I minded how exposed I felt when wearing them, it made me feel quite unnatural.
DING. "Passengers of the plane, welcome to Tokyo! Please retrieve your personal items from the storage above and below your seats. We hope you have enjoyed your flight with Otaku Airlines. Thank you! Arigatou Gozaimasu."
I gathered my belongings and headed to customs. Afterwards I took out my camera and kept it accessible for me to use. Just like Yanyan's talent with singing, I was easily recognized as a sensational photographer. I figured going to Japan can help absorb inspiration as "a new canvas for my paintbrush".
"RIAN!" A familiar voice hollered. "RIAN!" I looked around for the source of the voice, I wasn't surprised to discover that Ayana was the one calling my name.
"YANYAN!" I hollered back waving to her. She hasn't changed in appearance at all, her hair length was still just passing her shoulders, her outfit consisted of blue flip flops, jean shorts that were halfway to reaching her knees and a panda blouse. She walked up to me with a smile on her face.
"Nice get-up" She joked referring to my somewhat stereotypical tourist outfit. Cargo shorts, blue converses and an unbuttoned blue plaid shirt that went over my black shirt.
"Hey, my arrival looks authentic thanks to my get-up!" I countered
"Yeah, the 'Excited American Traveler' all you are missing is a hat and sunscreen on your nose."
I rolled my eyes "Yup, I definitely missed you." I remarked sarcastically
"Yeah, yeah" She shrugged off my comment "I still can't believe you're here Ri, I can't wait to show you around!" She took one of my duffel bags "I also have to tell you about this place I like to go to after school sometimes!"
"Really? Sounds interesting" We talked on and on telling each other about what has happened since she left. Her host family, the Utaimasus', were kind enough to allow me to reside in another spare room that was also next to Yanyan's.
"It's getting late Ri, we should probably head to bed now. We have a lot to do tomorrow." Yanyan yawned
"Alright, g'night Yanyan" I headed off to the spare room and collapsed on the bed, face-down...I could have sworn that I was snoring, but who cares?