Disclaimer: I do not own any of OreImo's features such as the characters, stories, rights, etc. as they are the property of their respective owners.
Serene Days | Chapter 7: The First Day (Part 1)
Kyousuke:
I never thought this scenario would happen so soon. Recently, I've noticed that time flies so quickly, unlike the time of my cold war with Kirino, which felt like an eternity. Now that I got back to being close with her and having fun with her, the times we spent went by rapidly. So rapidly that now, I'm standing in front of my house, about to leave it for good.
Even though I'm not leaving the prefecture, the mood feels so sentimental for some reason. My dad was standing stiffly in front of the door with my mom standing beside him, smiling warmly on the outside but also with a hint of sadness on the inside. I guess it must seem sentimental for them too huh…
I looked down to see my backpack full of my books, consoles, and other personal belongings, the only thing left from this house I have yet to bring to my new home. Everything else such as the furniture was safely transported yesterday as me and my dad watched on as the moving company transported my stuff thoroughly.
It was not a big deal though, as something more important happened yesterday. It was finding out that Kirino's potential classmate: Naoki was my apartment neighbor. He didn't live in the room directly next door, but I'll probably still be conscious of him regardless.
Initially, I didn't really think much of it but after we said our goodbyes after bumping into him yesterday, I remember Kirino being slightly distraught about it after we reached the cafe. Her reasoning for her worry was that Naoki might suspect something fishy was going on if he saw Kirino visiting me often.
Obviously, it would be a problem if he suspected me of being in a romantic relationship with Kirino because he would be right, however, I didn't think that a sibling frequently visiting her older sibling could lead people to think that we were a romantic couple straight away, therefore, it would probably be a stretch for the meek Naoki to speculate that.
After a bit of reasoning, I finally got Kirino to calm down and so, instead of going home, she stayed to watch me and dad occasionally go help adjust some of the furniture to fit my room plan. I'm sure dad didn't notice, but I felt her attentive look on me the entire time. Honestly, I'm not sure why she was paying so much attention, but I just shrugged it off. Perhaps she was just interested in how my room was going to turn out…
My reminiscing of yesterday's events was abruptly shattered when my dad began to speak. "Son, from now on, you'll mostly only have yourself to rely on, however, don't forget that you're always welcome back here as well if you need a break". The usual stiffness in his voice was evident as ever as my dad stood there with a stoic expression, however, there was also heartfelt compassion in his voice as well, a factor I rarely picked up on.
"Sure, thanks". With that reply, I smiled back at my family and my old house and began my walk to the train station. I'm still not sure why the atmosphere felt like I was about to leave the country for good but I guess none of us were thinking that the time I'd leave the house to live somewhere else would happen so soon. Oh well, it'll take time taking used to but… that's just life.
As I pondered about my new home, I suddenly felt someone charge into my backpack. Startled, I turned around to see my girlfriend rubbing her red forehead. "Hehe, perhaps trying to charge into your backpack was not a good idea". I sighed, it certainly wasn't. "What are you doing Kirino?".
"I asked mom and dad if I could come with you on your first day moving in so that you don't feel lonely." I was honestly pretty touched by that statement but yet, the fact that they'd think I'd get lonely already on the first day kinda irritates me… "How nice of you, well, let's go then".
As we sat on the train, Kirino kept on telling me not to neglect the heaps of eroge she secretly stuffed in my backpack so that once she came to visit, we would be able to discuss them immediately. I was about to argue back that I probably wouldn't have the time but the intense stare in her eyes told me exactly what she expects… I had no choice, like always…
After our short walk from the train station, I opened the door to my new residence, and weirdly enough, it feels completely new despite having spent a month living here before. It must be the new furniture and room plan, but I have to say, I feel like I'll get familiar with this layout faster than last time.
As I hanged my jacket, I noticed Kirino's attention was drawn to the yellow beanbag next to the table. It used to be just floor pillows next to the table but I thought that a beanbag close to the TV and the table would make for a very comfortable experience. Kirino immediately sat on it and smiled brightly while admiring the coziness.
"Kirino, at least take your jacket off first, here, I'll go hang it for you." I offered my hand to her, but for some reason, she just kept still and looked at me with a mischievous smirk on her face. "Wow, the first thing you do when you bring a girl to your new home is to ask her to take her clothes off, how bold of you onii-chan". I immediately sighed and looked at her with slight awkwardness …
Instead of letting her get to me, I just simply went to sit right next to her on the beanbag and squeezed the side of my body against her. "C'mon Kirino, let's play some video games". I took out some consoles for both of us and booted up a racing game on the TV.
The two of us continued to sit on the beanbag, huddling against each other as we tried to beat each other in the racing game. I noticed that Kirino was slightly uncomfortable and sweating, just as I had hoped. Not only does this close contact embarrass her, but, it'll probably be a bit too warm for her as well since she still refused to take her jacket off. I sent a smirk of my own at her and she quickly frowned and turned her head back to the screen, fully intent on beating me.
In the end, I managed to win albeit by a close margin. Kirino was definitely feeling the heat by now and so, by the end of the game she finally gave in. She pouted at me as she reluctantly got up and hung her jacket, giving me the full comfort of the beanbag.
I smiled as I continued to relax while Kirino sat on the floor pillow on the other side of the table. "It's a great addition, isn't it? My room was definitely better than before". By saying that, I expected a reply but instead there was just silence so I looked over to see Kirino just blankly gazing around my room, like as if something was missing.
"Hey Kirino, is something the matter?"
"N-nothing, it's just that, I'm trying to imagine what it'd be like without you at the house anymore". As she said that, a look of sadness overcame her face, but it was quickly replaced by a bright smile. "It's alright though, I can just visit you whenever I'm feeling lonely". At first, I expected that Kirino would indeed be quite sad at first, and that's completely normal, a brother who've you just got closer a year ago is finally moving out but, at the midst of that sadness, I feel like she has enough optimism to get through.
"You're not the only one that's going to feel lonely y'know? So, feel free to come over". I extend my arm to pat her on the head for comfort. Kirino smiled even more brightly as I began to stroke her head. She gave me a really thankful look that surprised me with its sincerity. Wow, so she can make that sort of face…so cute!
As I continued to look into her ocean blue eyes, filled with affection, the silence was suddenly interrupted by a gentle knocking at my door. I quickly went up to go open it and on the other side was Naoki, carrying a box of game consoles. Kirino came to look as well to see who it was which prompted a look of small surprise on the boy's face.
"Ah, Kyousuke-san, Kirino-san, nice to see you here, I thought that perhaps Kyousuke-san might be a bit lonely on his first day here so I was thinking we could play some of my games?". He's pretty considerate huh, that's really nice of him, although why does everyone think I'd be lonely! Do I seem like the type to get lonely easily?
"I've actually lived here for a month a long time ago, but thanks for the consideration anyways. Why don't you come inside, we were actually playing games as well not too long ago". We then took out the many games in the box and spent the rest of the afternoon playing them. As we were playing, I noticed that Kirino and Naoki get along quite well as they were super competitive when competing against each other and laughing away when one of them lost. Looks her high school experience won't be as sad as mine… she already almost has the same amount of friends I did and she hasn't even officially started high school…
As the evening came and we finished the last round of the video game, Naoki bid us farewell and went back home with his box full of games and consoles. It was evident that he played those games frequently as we were absolutely destroyed by him in the mini-games. Despite his reservedness, he's pretty aggressive in-game huh, the more you know…
"Kirino, when do you have to go back home? Before dinner?". Kirino looked at me once, and then looked away, suddenly pouting. What? Did I make her mad somehow? "What's the matter? Do you want to eat dinner here instead?". She then turned her head back and nodded as her eyes gleamed with contentedness, meaning I have once again guessed what she wanted correctly.
I then called my mom to let her know that Kirino wanted to eat dinner here. For now, it probably won't be a problem if Kirino stays for dinner here for once or twice a week, after all, my mom would understand that she misses me in the first few weeks of my absence. However in truth, I want her to come over here every day, heck maybe even live here with me but, I know completely that there would be a lot of issues and suspicions if that were to happen so, I guess I'll just go with once or twice a week…
After eating some tasty delivery yakisoba, Kirino finally got ready to leave by putting her jacket on and heading for the exit. "You sure you can go by yourself? I can walk you to the station if you want" despite pausing for a few seconds while blushing, she ultimately shook her head. "Well, thanks for visiting then Kirino, I'll see you soon". I smiled warmly at her but she didn't reply, in fact, she just continued to stare at me attentively. After some awkward staring and silence, she suddenly leaned over close to my lips, slowly preparing her lips to come in contact with mine. I was surprised by the sudden attempt, but just before we could connect, she quickly pulled herself back, blasted open the door, and sprinted out. ...Did that really just happen?
A bit after that scene, I felt my phone buzz, and so I checked the notification which was from Kirino's text: "You forgot my goodbye kiss! So I was going to do it myself, but I couldn't bring myself to do it, it's embarrassing! You do it next time! Goodnight, love you! 3". I smiled and sighed at the same time. She may be a high school student but, she sure does still get flustered like a middle schooler… and texts like one too.
After that night, Kirino came to visit over for around two to three times a week throughout the spring break. I usually came back on Sundays to eat dinner with the family, and of course, I somewhat missed the hearty atmosphere, but then again, being alone also had its positives as I felt much more relaxed living by myself. The room wasn't that big either so it was convenient to get around which is a great plus since I tend to get quite lazy.
The times Kirino came over were very enjoyable as most of the time, we just played video games and watched movies like an ordinary couple. At times, I wished I could be with her for the whole night but I knew that would be pushing it a bit, therefore, I had to remind her to leave after dinner. I knew Kirino didn't want to leave as well, as every time she was about to leave, there was obvious reluctancy. After the first night, I insisted that I'd walk her to the train station, and every time she was about to leave for the platform, she would demand a 'parting gift'. I was too embarrassed to give her a goodbye kiss on the lips in that type of place so instead, I usually hugged her or gave her a kiss on the forehead before she left. If I didn't do anything affectionate before she left, I'd feel bad for her so I took on the responsibility to send her off with a smile each time.
In terms of intimacy, we didn't push it that far either. I had planned to keep it that way so our urge to see each other wouldn't be intolerable. Of course, I do sometimes have those thoughts but my responsibility as a good boyfriend and a brother has prevented me from doing anything about it. For the most parts we would just cuddle up while watching a movie, and maybe kiss from time to time so overall, I think we've managed it nicely so far...
These delightful days passed by nicely. No one had any sort of suspicion as we continued our daily lives normally, whenever we were alone or together. Despite Kirino coming over to my place quite often, she also hung out with her own friends, and it wasn't like I ignored my friends either. The spring break was a time of pure bliss which I hoped could go on forever but obviously, it can't and before I could cope with that fact, I realized that the first day of university... is tomorrow.
Kirino:
"Kirino! Over here!". I looked up from my phone to see Ayase and Kanako walk over to me in their brand new high school uniforms. I waved over to them and smiled. I contacted them yesterday about entering high school for the first time together so that neither of us felt nervous, therefore, we planned to meet up near the school's entrance.
I've met up with Ayase and Kanako quite a lot during the spring break, however, now that I look at them with their high school uniforms on, they seem to look so unfamiliar. I guess I still haven't come to terms with the fact that I'm in high school now, the next important chapter in my life…
I got slightly nervous last night and so I texted Kyousuke about it. To my annoyance though, he said that he wasn't nervous at all when he first went to high school and that instead, he was rather listless throughout the entrance ceremony and the whole day. I mean, that does sound like how Kyousuke'd act back then, I wonder if he'd be still that calm when he goes to university for the first time today?
Ayase, Kanako, and I strolled to the school's entrance while chatting about what we thought our school life was going to be like. It seemed that I was not the only one who was slightly nervous, however, at the same time, we all had some sort of underlying excitement about the experience too. After all, we've heard in middle school that high school is where a lot of the important events in life occur so aside from the standard nervousness, you can't help but feel good things might happen as well. Despite that though, I guess my first love and all of that was before high school… well, maybe something else that's good will happen.
The three of us finally reached the entrance of the school and after a quick glance at each other, we linked hands and stepped past the gates and went inside our high school for the first time. We all giggled as it was a throwback to how we did the exact thing when we left middle school for the last time.
Chiba Benten High School seemed to be more spacious than the middle school I attended due to the larger buildings, sports facilities, and seatings around the campus. Kyousuke did indeed say that it had the size and appearance of how you'd imagine a standard high school to be like, and he was indeed right. Not like it was a bad thing though, the normal atmosphere made it slightly more comfortable and less nervous.
After the first few looks around the campus, we attended the entrance ceremony in the gym which was also quite ordinary much to my relief. It was just the usual learning and singing of the school song and an introductory speech by the principal and the new student council president. After all of that, the most important part of the ceremony came: the assignment of classes. Paper slips were distributed by the teachers to the rows of the seated first-year students. The paper slip system was a first-year thing only as apparently, the senpais already knew their classes since the end of the last school year.
I had hoped and prayed that I would be in the same class as Kanako and Ayase, but as I looked at my paper slip, a wave of despair crashed into me as they showed their paper slip to me. It turns out I was in class 1-B while the two of them were in class 1-C. Great! This is where it all goes downhill doesn't it!? This was the only thing I wanted from this high school, and I didn't get it!
After the ceremony ended, I reluctantly waved goodbye to Ayase and Kanako as we walked into our separate classrooms. Even though we'll probably see each other during the recesses, lunch break, and after school, I had imagined that we'd spend our high school years together as classmates just like in middle school, but sadly, life had other plans for me…
I followed the rest of my new classmates into the classroom unwillingly and as soon as I entered, I immediately aimed for the window seat near the back of the classroom. Usually, I don't doubt my social skills, but in case anything went wrong, I'd at least not be in the center of the room. Wait, what's with that pessimism! It'll be fine! I can make friends! I am the great Kirino after all.
I drove off into a quick daydream about how I was easily able to make friends in this class until my fantasy bubble was burst by a calling of my name. In response, I quickly turned around to see Naoki-kun staring right back at me. I forgot! I completely forgot Naoki-kun goes to the same high school as me now!
"Do you mind if I take this seat in front of you? I haven't really talked to anyone yet so I t-thought that'd be nice if I could sit next to someone I know". I quickly told him it was ok and suddenly, things didn't seem so bad anymore. Well, the day might have not gone as exactly to plan but, I guess it'll be alright since there's now at least one person I know in this class.
After everyone sat down, the teacher entered. He looked surprisingly young with black hair cut in a standard bowl cut while wearing thick glasses to create an intellectual look. Judging from his face you'd think that he'd be the type of person to wear a suit and tie 24/7 but instead, the teacher went for a more casual look with just a white buttoned shirt. Not a bad first impression I guess, thankfully the homeroom teacher isn't like those stereotypical middle-aged P.E. teachers…
"Welcome to high school, students of class 1-B. My name is Sugiyama Ryota, you can just simply call me sensei or Sugiyama-sensei". As sensei went on about the school rules and what our first-year experience would be like, I couldn't help but notice the confidence and strength in his voice. He spoke with authority and certainty which I guess is a good trait for a teacher to have but at the same time, it'll also probably make it a bit harder to approach him…
After his housekeeping speech was over, he decided for each member of the class to do a self-introduction. Oh great, this is the all-important first impression! I can't mess this up! I watched attentively as each of my classmates stated their names and their passions. My class seemed to be rather diverse as there was a fair share of confident and timid people, and some in between.
I looked on as it was finally Naoki-kun's turn to introduce himself and as I thought, he stuttered quite a lot as he spoke in a quiet and reserved manner. It looks like he's still as shy as ever, poor guy. A bit later after Naoki-kun's turn, it was finally mine. "My name is Kousaka, Kirino! My passion is track and field, nice to meet you all!".
As I sat down, Naoki-kun slowly turned his head over to look at me with a slightly envious look on his face, it was basically saying "I wish I had the same confidence you had". We both then shifted to look at the student to my right who was next. "My name is Okada Takehiko, feel free to call me by my first name! As for my passion, I think volleyball is something I really enjoy". As he introduced himself, I couldn't help but notice everyone's eyes were attentively on him. His personality screamed 'pretty boy' and true to that, he was certainly handsome. His slightly curly brown hair and defined face really fit the aforementioned stereotype while he was also rather tall and well built, but I guess what really captivated the rest of the class was his sharp, green eyes that radiated confidence. What an interesting fellow… but tough luck for you! I won't be captivated! I have Kyousuke after all!
After the rest of my classmates introduced themselves, Sugiyama-sensei moved onto the first class of the day, math, which appeared to be his specialty. Hmm, that's not a surprise considering his looks… I guess the stereotypes do indeed prove true… As expected, the time I spent preparing and studying for the high school subjects during the spring break paid off as I was easily able to grasp the math the teacher was talking about: algebra. At this stage, everyone in the class should already know algebra, but it was still helpful to review the basics, after all, some people probably didn't bother studying during the break and needed a recap...
Throughout the class, there was one thought that kept on occupying my mind. It wasn't the teacher or the math, it was Okada-kun. The boy that confidently proclaimed to the class to feel free to use his first name was for some reason looking at me. I was a bit surprised when I saw in the corner of my eye that his gaze was fixed on me. I couldn't really tell the look and intentions behind his eyes but it was slightly distracting. Ahh! Stop! Your 'pretty boy' charm doesn't work on me! I have a boyfriend already!
After a while, Okada-kun finally stopped staring at me and shifted his attention to the questions on the board. From then on, the class went by peacefully although there was one funny moment where Naoki-kun kept on breaking the silence by constantly dropping his pencil every 5 minutes. He looked really flustered as he quickly stuttered an apology every time it happened. I felt bad for him, but I couldn't help but giggle as well, even though I've only met him a few times over the spring break, I could tell that was a 'classic' Naoki-kun moment, something that'd happen many more times in the future it seems...
As I was answered one of the last practice questions on the board, the high school bell finally rang for the first time this year, meaning I could finally go over and see Ayase and Kanako at their class. I quickly organized the books and pens on my desk before beginning to walk out of the classroom but before I could though, a sudden hand grabbed me by the wrist to stop me. I turned around to see Okada-kun staring right back at me in a similar, sharp manner than before. It was a slightly confusing moment as he didn't say anything for a while, instead, he just stood there and seemed to be inspecting me.
Suddenly, in a soft but serious tone, he finally spoke. "Hey, by any chance are you-". Before he could finish his question though, a girl behind him with light magenta hair whacked him in the head with her bag, causing him to let go of my wrist so that he could catch himself before falling face-first on to a desk.
"Sorry about him! He's a bit of an airhead so he tends to do these types of things". I was a bit surprised by the sudden violence, but I then expressed my thanks to the girl and walked out of the classroom. A childhood friend huh, maybe this class will be more interesting than I thought, but... I wonder what Okada-kun wanted to say… ah whatever, it's probably not that important anyway.
AN: I hope you enjoyed this new chapter which introduced three new, exciting characters. I'm interested to see what you think of them so far and what role they can possibly play, so please do leave a review! If there's something else you like or think I can fix, please feel free to leave a review for that as well as I'm always curious to see what you think.
The next chapter will not be Chapter 8 though, instead, it will be Chapter 7.5, a short! If you're looking forward to moments of wholesome and plotless interactions between characters, the shorts are exactly that! I've been planning on having shorts included in Serene Days for a while now, so if this one goes well, expect more in the future! Content-wise, shorts will probably be only from one person's perspective and obviously, the word count will not be as much, but I hope that you still enjoy them regardless! As for the release of Chapter 8, expect it to be released within two weeks from Chapter 7.5's release date as even though I still can't guarantee weekly releases, I'll do everything in my power to make sure I don't exceed the two-week maximum. Thank you for reading Chapter 7 and I hope you look forward to more Serene Days!