This is the start of my second multichapter fic. Chapters will be longer after this.

(the *heart* is because FFnet doesn't allow me to use a less than sign, for some reason. Just imagine Nozomi drawing a heart)

Prologue

Dear Toujo-san,

Apparently we have been designated as 'pen-pals', as per instructions from my Japanese teacher. I do not believe this is necessary, as my Japanese is clearly impeccable, but I suppose I will oblige her for this one letter. A response to my letter is needed for proof that I have made my correspondence with you, but after that I expect little to come from this venture.

I suppose I might as well introduce myself. My name is Ayase Eli, I'm 13 years old, and I'm a ballet dancer. I live with my grandmother and younger sister, Arisa. My parents are traveling around the world performing in ballet shows. I don't have any pets.

Yours truly,

Ayase.

Nozomi read the letter three times, tapping the desk with her pencil all the while, then smiled and began to write.

My Dearest Ayase-san,

Hello! My name is Toujo Nozomi, though I assume you already know that. It doesn't hurt to say it again though, does it? After all, we're going to be friends forever. It simply wouldn't do to forget each other's names.

Let's see…. I enjoy waking up to sunny mornings, I'm an amateur tarot card reader, I like to take pictures, and I can't dance to save my life. I can speak Japanese and English, but I've never tried learning Russian before. Perhaps you can teach me someday. In return maybe I'll read your fortune? I'm highly sought after for my love fortunes, ya know!

This pen-pal project is so you can improve your Japanese, right? Well, I better tell you how you did then! I'd say…. 9/10. Good job! It looks like your Japanese truly is 'impeccable'.

Lots of love,

Nozomi (heart)

Nozomi slipped the letter into the envelope, sealed it with a star sticker, and mailed it out the next morning. It was raining, the clouds dark gray and water slopping over rooftops. Raindrops bounced off Nozomi's umbrella as she walked to school, listening to the other schoolgirls chattering with their friends.

She lived in apartments close to the school, a welcome change from her last half hour commute. Many other students lived in the same complex, but despite walking with them every morning she knew only a handful of names. There wasn't really a point, was there? Three months and she would be moving again. The date was already set. Before she knew it, this town and its school and her one sort-of-friend would be a distant memory.

"Yo. Toujo."

An elbow shoved in her side brought Nozomi's attention back to the present. A girl was standing next to her, red eyes narrowed in annoyance.

"Oh, Nico. Sorry, I must have spaced out." Nozomi gave a sheepish grin. Nico rolled her eyes, sticking her arm through Nozomi's and pushing her aside until she was under the umbrella too. It was only then that Nozomi realized Nico was soaking wet, a torn plastic umbrella dangling from one hand. Her pigtails were flattened down by the water, red ribbons limp and soggy. Frustration was practically flowing off the girl, and Nozomi couldn't help but comment on it, even as she raised the umbrella to cover Nico's extra height.

"Bad luck today, hmm?"

"Shut up."

"You know, if you let me tell your fortune, I could have predicted this."

"Sure, sure, you and your mystical powers. What'd your cards say today, huh? Anything about how I'm gonna to fight the science teacher for failing me on that test?"

"Maybe you should have studied."

"Like you're one to talk."

Nico fell into a sulk, grumbling about evil teachers and how famous idols didn't need to study. Nozomi hummed at appropriate places, her mind wandering again. Out of habit, her hand reached into a pocket and pulled out a tarot card. The card was still crisp, colors bright.

The words written on the bottom in elegant black ink read "The Fool".

New beginnings, new opportunities, new adventures.

Nozomi rested her head on Nico's shoulder and filed the thought away for later.

Dear Toujo-san,

Excuse me? A 9/10? Pray tell what my mistake was. There was no error in that letter, and I'm insulted you thought to have found one. I showed my teacher a copy of the letter and she said there was no issue. Perhaps it is you who should be taking lessons.

But…

My teacher did say that my letter was 'too formal'. So consider this an amendment to the previous letter: I like studying different languages. So far I know Russian, Japanese, English, and am learning Hebrew. I admire the field of photography, though I've never had much luck with it myself. I spend most of my time reading or doing work. I absolutely adore chocolate.

Yours truly,

Ayase Eli

Interesting.

Of all the letters Nozomi had sent, of all the pen-pal promises she had made with friends, this was the first letter she had ever gotten back.

Very interesting indeed.