4/11

It started on the first day of school.

As if to start the day of a downer, it rained that morning. And because of the train incident the day yesterday, I had to get to the school early. Thankfully, I managed to wake up early and had enough time to prepare and make it to Shujin.

After much preparation, I said goodbye to my mother and got my umbrella and went off. The train station was only a small walk from home and when I got there, I was not surprised on the large amount people waiting for the train.

The wait didn't take long and I was able to take the crowded train. This thing happens often at this time of day so I am used to it.

As soon as the train reached Aoyama-Itchome station, I immediately get off the train along with other people, most of which are Shujin students and staff. After somewhat of a long walk, I finally reached Shujin.

As soon as I enter the building, I saw a cluster of students at the nearby bulletin board. Immediately thinking the class assignments were posted, I went over to check.

"This sucks. We're not in the same class anymore!"

"Omigosh! We're still in the same class! Yay!"

"Ah dammit. I'm in that class? Great."

Voices of students became louder as I approached the board. I could tell the mixed emotions of the students on their assigned rooms. I managed to look over and checked my name and sure enough I was assigned to Class 2-E.

It didn't take long for us to be escorted to the gym for the school's opening ceremony. I was seated alongside my classmates which was a mix of the old and new. I was able to pick up the conversations between students. The topics I heard things like class assignments, clubs and hanging out. One topic that caught my interest was about this so called "delinquent" student who transferred here. I wasn't able to listen a lot before the ceremony began.

It was the same stuff as the last year. The new students were welcomed and we got to hear the same speech from Principal Kobayakawa which I swear was just paraphrased from last year. Diverting my attention away from the speech, I overheard the teachers talking.

"Where is that Sakamoto? Don't he know today's the first day?"

"You could say the same to Ms. Kawakami's new student. She's currently worrying about it now as we speak."

"I won't be surprised if that kid went with Sakamoto to ditch school."

So they're talking about Ryuji Sakamoto-kun and that transfer student, huh? I know that Sakamoto-kun was considered a troublemaker after that incident with Mr. Kamoshida which caused the disbandment of the track team. As for the transfer student, whatever they did must be pretty terrible to change schools.

The two teachers stopped talking when the principal finished his speech. Afterwards was the singing of the school anthem and then we were allowed to go to our rooms.

Student introductions were the standard fare. I know some of my classmates and some knew me so the introduction for me is basically to the new people. Our homeroom teacher, Mr. Ushimaru, revealed to us that Ryuji Sakamoto-kun was part our class. He has this long ramble on the things he did which transitions to him rambling about us and we should have faith the honest and just government system. At this point, I just droned out of it. That old man seems to never shut up.

Classes went by the usual. It was at the afternoon that Sakamoto-kun finally joined the class, taking the seat next to me. We were seated near the back which is good for him if he wanted to be left alone. Although with that dyed blond hair, I reckon he would stand out more. I tried as I might to not make contact with him, only stealing glances when he's not looking.

After classes, Sakamoto-kun was the first to leave. He seemed to be in a hurry for something. Well, whatever. I have a tutor coming up so I'm not going to waste time.

Amane-san was a great tutor. She's currently studying to become a high school teacher so this thing serves as a training for her.

I have her as my tutor ever since when I was in middle school. She was very smart and understanding. Over the years, sour relationship developed to being friends.

Perhaps I could..

It's worth the shot.

"Hey Amane-san. Is teaching your first choice in college?" I asked.

"Yes, it is. I realized that I have a knack and interest on teaching others during my high school days that I decided to pursue that as a profession. Why did you ask?"

"Well, I have this problem on what to pursue when I go to college. My parents expect me to become an engineer but…"

"But what?"

"B-but I actually wanted to be a feature writer!"

A momentary silence happened until Amane-san asked.

"And how did you come to that decision?"

"It was the writing assignment during my last year in middle school. We were assigned on writing an essay about any event that had been on the news. I remembered that I chose the topic on the murders on the town of Inaba last 2011 because of the strange way the victims were found. You know, where those victims were hanged on rooftops or places of higher ground. It was really spooky and--"

"Ruri, I think everyone knew the hanging murders of Inaba. You should get back to your point."

"Oh right, sorry. Anyway, I felt great fascination in writing the essay! All the research and putting together everything felt great. Even though the result didn't come up great. But after that, every time that there was a writing assignment in class, I took it as a opportunity to develop my skills on writing."

"So you're saying you are good now in writing?"

"Well, I did improve but I know I still far from great. I was planning to join the Newspaper Club as suggested by Maho-chan but…"

"But you're afraid your mother would found out."

"I just don't want to disappoint my parents, especially Dad. I made a promise to him that I would be the engineer he dreamt of when he was young. I don't want to break that."

"Ruri-chan, things change over time. We learn and experience new things in life that could change our perspective. I'm sure your parents would understand. After all, you're their daughter."

"Thanks, Amane-san. I'll tell them…someday."

"And when will that someday be?"

"When it's time."

RING! RING! RING!

"I should probably answer this." I said as I took the phone out of my pocket. It was Mom. I answered it.

"Ruri, I'm sorry but can you go buy some groceries on your way home? It might take a while before I leave the university and I probably have no time to buy some. Can you do that for me, honey?"

"Fine, I was about to leave anyways."

"Thank you, Ruri! I'll send to you the list of the ones we need. See you tonight!"

The call was then dropped. I proceeded to take my bag.

"Well, it seems I need to buy some groceries."

"OK. Well, see you next time."

"Thank you."

I left the place and went straight to the nearest mart to buy the things we need. After that, I immediately went straight home. It was around 7 that my mother came home. We cooked and had a normal dinner that night.

After that, I helped with the dishes and went straight to my room. I sat on my chair near the study table, opened my bag and look though the school notes. The conversation between me and Amane-san came to mind.

I know I have to tell them about my new dream….

….

….

….

….But I don't know if I'm ready for it.