Flowers

by myokohi

Nico Yazawa has a strong distaste for flowers. She says as much to herself on a daily basis when she's alone in her classroom during lunch. What she wasn't expecting though was for someone to overhear her monologue, especially the Student Council Vice President of Otonokizaka High School, Ms. Nozomi Tojo The title is named after the song "Flowers" by In Love With a Ghost.

I don't like the sight of flowers. Why is that? Well, it's not because of any allergies I have or a general distaste for beauty. Flowers are probably some of the prettiest things nature has to offer. Be it roses, dandelions, violets, or the cherry blossoms that decorate the skies and pathways when spring arrives, flowers are undeniably a beautiful sight to behold.

No, there's a more personal reason why I can't stand flowers.

Death. Flowers of all shapes and sizes are a reminder of a curse called mortality that all living beings are chained to. No matter where I look, I am reminded of the fate that will take me one day.

The fate that took my father.

I can't sulk over that point for too long though. Not with three siblings to take care of and a mother who's surrendered herself to the clutches of alcoholism to cope with the loss. Ever since his untimely death, I haven't been able to catch a break.

And as much as I can't stand them, I know that the guarantee of my life ending that the sight of flowers constantly reminds me of may not be as bad as it seems. I mean, what person would put up with three ungrateful siblings, a despondent mother, and so-called friends who will throw you under the bus the moment you start showing signs of revealing your true colors for as long as I have? Maybe I really should end it before it gets any worse for me.

It's not like any of these people take the time to consider my feelings, to consider the hoops I go through to support them unconditionally. They all just see me as an emotionless doll that will do whatever they want so long as I glance my eyes towards them.

"Talking to yourself again, Ms. Yazawa?"

"Huh?"

Turning around, I see a mature girl with purple hair with twin tails by the door to my classroom. Judging by the color of her ribbon, she's also a 3rd Year. I can't help but glance a bit at her chest. Is she really a high schooler with jugs the size of those? What caught my eye first though was her face. The emerald green eyes, the soft blushed cheeks, and that mouth, which while showcasing a slight grin, is one that can only belong to a girl who is a genuinely good person.

"M-maybe I am. What's it to ya?" I admittedly can't come up with good responses whenever strangers find me in the middle of monologuing to myself. If we were allowed to have phones in school, I'd either make the excuse of talking on the phone or that I'm practicing the lyrics to a song.

A very long song with surprisingly sentimental lyrics.

"How you choose to spend your lunch time is of no business to me. I'll admit I talk to myself sometimes too, so it's not something I'd judge you for doing. Plus, out of all the things I've caught students doing in classrooms, yours is the least troubling thing I've come across so far."

The purple-haired girl winked as she finished that last sentence, which is unsettling to say the least. The way she said it too, as if she keeps an up-to-date list of the encounters she has in this school, is extremely weird. Checking her out a second time, she does come off as a girl with a couple screws loose, especially when factoring in what appear to be tarot cards in her left hand.

"Do you make it a routine to randomly enter classrooms to catch students doing weird things?"

"Well, as the Student Council Vice President, I do have some responsibilities I have to carry out every so often. Making sure all students are conducting themselves in a decent manner is one of them. Might seem pretty tedious, but it's also because I just wanna make sure all the students of Otonokizaka High are safe."

"Wow, someone at this shithole school actually takes their job seriously? Heh, now that's quite the surprise."

I was expecting to be reprimanded for swearing, considering all the other members of the Student Council I had the displeasure of running into had a breakdown at the mere sight of me not wearing my skirt long enough.

"Haha, it can be quite surprising I guess. It was certainly not that way not too long ago, but ever since me and Elichi joined the Student Council, I like to think things have gotten a bit better. Not to mention the new principal, Ms. Minami, who's done a lot to improve the public image of Otonokizaka lately. But that's only my own impression. How do you feel about the school as of late?"

Laughter? Gotta admit, wasn't expecting that reaction. Also, damn. Way too much information at once, lady.

"B-before I get into that. 'Elichi'? Who's that supposed to be?"

"Eli Ayase is the Student Council President, Elichi is just a nickname I gave her when we first met. She can be quite cold, so it took a while until she broke that frozen heart of hers to me. Get to know her well, and she's quite the sweetheart who you couldn't resist cuddling with"

"You talk about her as if she's the love of your life."

With Otonokizaka being an all girls school, the rumors of romance and relationships brewing between the students is all but inevitable. I haven't had enough time in my life lately to think about things like romance and sexuality, but I don't think I'd be opposed to dating a girl. Taking another look at the girl in front of me, I guess she's kinda 'my type'. I bet she gives amazing hugs, especially when having your body pressed against those jugs.

"That so? Well, Elichi is a hardworking girl and a great friend, but that's all she is to me at the end of the day. Back to you though, are you going to ask about Principal Minami?"

I thought she'd be a difficult person to read, but it turns out she's easier than the menu at Homura's Bakery. I won't press further though. It ain't my business, plus people should be able to indulge in those flings of romance until reality hits them where it hurts... or not.

"No need. I understand the whole ordeal pertaining to why she's the principal now, at least I believe."

Not to rehash old news, but Otonokizaka was on the brink of shutting down due to how mismanaged it was. The rumors of extortion, rigged national exams, and even a supposed relationship between a teacher and student was too much for the local school board to turn a blind eye to. Purges all the way from the principal to the janitor occurred, and a mother of one of the students was appointed as the principal, that being Ms. Minami. Passing the daughter a few times at the cafeteria, there is an uncanny resemblance to her mother.

"Great! So, does that mean I can get your opinion on the school now?"

"Not just yet. Why do you care so much how I feel about this school? Given my appearance, the rumors you've probably heard about me, and the comment I literally just made a few minutes ago, you must know my opinion of this place is anything but glamorous?"

Perhaps I'm being a bit too confrontational towards a girl I just met, but I genuinely can't understand why anyone in this school would even make an attempt to talk to me. The rumors, while obviously false, do me no favors in the PR department. Everything from smoking cigarettes on the roof to soliciting sex to a First Year, the things that people have accused me of doing are an endless void of activities I'm not extroverted enough to partake in.

"I like to take in the opinions of as many students as possible. At least that's the excuse I'd make to justify asking most people that question."

"What does that mean?"

"What I mean to say, Ms. Yazawa, is that I want your specific feedback, since you don't seem to pull any punches in speaking your mind. The biggest critics are the greatest allies, no?"

Yep, this girl is definitely a weirdo.

"I don't mind giving you my opinion of this place, so long as you do one thing for me."

"And what might that be?"

"Cut it with the 'Ms. Yazawa' talk. You make me sound like an adult, and I'd like to retain as much of my adolescence as possible while I still can."

"Oh, sorry you feel that way. I just like addressing people in a formal manner. Not because I'm part of the Student Council mind you, but because I think it's just a nice gesture to demonstrate as much respect to someone as possible."

"Well, I can say for sure you're way too pure for a school like this."

"I'm guessing your opinion of this place still remains sour despite the improvements that have been made?"

What's that supposed to be, a pout?

"Not to extinguish the fire that I assume are your valiant efforts to make things better here, but I've honestly been too busy to notice any substantial change."

"Have you now? You don't strike me as the studious type, especially when considering your grades."

"You're right, I'm not. I have the trouble of dealing with three younger siblings, one half of a functioning family unit, and-"

I should stop myself here before I reveal too many details I don't want a total stranger to know about. Wait, how the fuck does she know about my grades? Does the Student Council have access to that? God damn... Whatever. Certainly aren't helping in promoting the idea that Otonokizaka has improved, Vice.

"P-point is, I would take my studies seriously if I wasn't bogged down by my family issues and if the teachers at this school actually bothered with the curriculum."

Judging from the expression on her face, it seems like she's deep in thought. Makes me wonder if she's speechless and coming up with a way to end this conversation or genuinely thinks she can come up with a way to solve my dilemmas. I hope it's the former, cause at least then I'll know even she has her limits in who she chooses to involve herself with.

"So, if we're able to resolve the family drama and we get a hold of more competent teachers, you'd be able to take your studies more efficiently?"

You dumbass. Utter fucking dumbass Student Council Vice President. You have no idea what you're getting yourself you stupid piece of shit.

"I don't need anyone to help me with the shit going on with my family. And what's this talk about 'we'? I barely even know you, and you act like as if you can just step into my life and solve my problems because you hold some stupid title in the Student Council? How about you take a few fucking steps back."

Why can't people in this school just mind their own fucking business? Why? Just leave me alone and pretend I don't exist like it used to be in junior high. Back when the most I had to worry about staying out past curfew while playing in the arcades of Akiba. Wait, shit... I probably just scared the shit out of her by barking at her like that. God damn it. Why the fuck do I keep doing this.

"I-I'm sorry about what I just said. Just forget this conversation happened, okay?"

I try to make my way to the door, but I feel a tug at my cardigan. I'm nervous to turn around and possibly see such a kind-looking girl with daggers in her eyes. Still, I tilt my head in her direction, and I see it again.

That fucking smile.

"Ms. Yaz-no. Nicochi. You don't have to apologize to me. As hard as it might be to believe, I want to try and help you out here. Not just because I'm the Student Council Vice President mind you, but since, and I mean it when I say this:

I know how you feel. "

I wanna say she's full of shit, but the look of those green eyes staring into my soul and that angelic smile, I can't. No mortal being can say with a straight face this woman is capable of telling a lie, even about the simplest and pettiest of things. Either that, or she's the most dangerous person on Earth. Even though she doesn't even know the details regarding the hardships I go through on the daily with my family, the confidence in how she said that makes it feel like she really does understand me.

Also, Nicochi? Heh, she is definitely a weirdo.

"Fine. You wanna help me with my family shit? Be my guest. But let me warn you, it's not going to be pretty or easy catching up to me in the hurdles I gotta go through each day. Do you think you can handle that?"

"Honestly, I'm not entirely sure. Not until I give it a try of course. I do know this though Nicochi. In the state you're in, I know you can't handle what you're going through alone much longer before reaching your limit. And I'd really hate to see you like that."

"You seem to know a lot about me. My name, my grades, and now apparently my mental state. Are you gonna chalk that up to being a responsible student council member looking out for her students?"

I can't say I'm that bothered by the fact this girl seems to know so much about me. Not like she'll find anything worth using as blackmail. Still, the blatant stalking of my school life is still disturbing at face value. I take back what I said earlier, this girl is quite a difficult read. One has to wonder what words are racing through that thick skull of hers.

"No, of course not. As floundering as your grades are, I don't take you for an idiot Nicochi. In fact, I'd say you've got quite the big intellect for someone with a short stature."

Make up your mind woman, are you trying to help me or tease me?

"I have my reasons for knowing what I know about you, but as cryptic as it may seem, I can't disclose those reasons. Not yet at least."

At least she's self aware of how weird she can be.

"So you want to play a long game? So be it. Your reasoning better be worth the trouble though."

"It will be, so long as you don't change the rules of the game, Nicochi."

Before I have the chance to let out a obligatory 'touche', the school bell rang throughout the hallways outside the room, signifying that the lunch hour has ended, and another four hours of purgatory was among us.

"Guess this is goodbye for now. We start first thing tomorrow? It's the weekend after all, so we'll have plenty of time to learn what we need to know about each other."

"S-sure, that works I guess. We meet outside the school gate?"

"Yep! Around 8 AM, unless that's too early for ya?"

"It'd be a miracle if I could get the chance to sleep in till 8 AM these days."

"8 AM it is then."

That smile again. That infectious fucking smile.

As more of my classmates begin to enter the classroom, a handful of them throw a few stares in the direction of both me and the Vice. As if on cue, she steps outside of the classroom and disappears into the sea of people in the hallway. I walk back to my desk next to the windo-wait. Wait a minute. Before I even get the chance to sit down, I come to the realization of something I should've known the moment I talked to that girl.

What the fuck was her name?

I spring past my classmates and one of the moronic teachers whose name I'm too lazy to bother remembering, desperately trying to find where that big titty monster could've wandered off to in such a short amount of time. Before I know it, I've descended to the second floor, with the sea of people dissipating into different doors as the clock continues ticking.

Seconds turn into minutes, and I dread doing the one thing I promised myself I would never do again. I tugged the coat of a random student I saw, some ditzy-looking girl with orange hair staring off at the wall. Judging by her ribbon, I'm one year her senior.

"E-excuse me, did you happen to see the Student Council Vice President recently? Y'know, tall, long purple pig-tailed hair, massive bust, shiny emerald eyes?"

The girl turned around, with what appears to be bread in her mouth. She took a few moments to chew and swallow which, I wish she could do with her mouth closed. Gross.

"Student Council Vice President? No, I don't think I have. Wait, did I..?" So she is an airhead. Fan-fucking-tastic.

"So you don't know. Okay fine, thanks anyway."

I look over to the girl next to her who I presume to be her friend. Blue hair, what appears to be a ripped physique, and a total resting bitch face. Yep, she has to have at least a few more brain cells than the other one.

"What about you? Did you see the Vice President of the Student Council go by here?"

"I did not, my apologies. If you're looking for her, maybe you can try looking at the Student Council Room though?"

Damn, now I'm going to sound like the moron between the three of us.

"A-and where might that be?"

"You'll find it on this floor. Directly above the same area where the entrance to the school is." I could sense a slight aura of condescension from the blue-haired girl as she said those words and stared at my ribbon. I don't have time to think about that though.

"Thank you, I truly appreciate it."

Not even bothering to exchange formalities with the two girls, I sprint towards the general direction where I believe the school entrance should be if I were on the first floor. Not like I have any reason to rush. I'm already ditching class as it is, so even if I were to wrap things up quickly, I'm still gonna get chewed out by the teacher for being late. Not as if I'm not used to engaging in delinquency though.

Soon enough, I find the entrance to what should be the Student Council Room. It says as much on the top of the door, so if I end up walking into a broom closet again, then this school's incompetence has really outdone itself.

Opening the door to the room, there's no sight of the Vice. In fact, there doesn't seem to be anyone in the roo-oh? There does stand one girl in the far corner. Blonde and tall, definitely not Japanese. It seems like she's adjusting something.

Flowers in a vase? That's just great.

They don't seem like any flowers I've seen though. She definitely has to be a foreigner. Both her and those flowers.

"Can I help you, ma'am?"

Oh shit, seems like she's finally noticed me. She seems upset about something. No, maybe she always sounds that bitchy. Blue eyes huh? Oh, she's got a massive rack too. Damn, guess I was never cut out to join the Student Council regardless of my grades. Well, bitch or not, she's definitely hot. Not bad taste at all, Vice...

"Was the Vice President here recently?"

"No, I haven't met with Vice President Tojo today. In fact, we were supposed to have a meeting during the lunch hour with the rest of the Student Council."

Tojo? At least I got her last name. Also, wow. Seems like the responsible Vice President is quite the slacker as well. Wait, does that mean she skipped a meeting just to talk to me?

"More importantly, why aren't you in class? Why do you need to talk with the Vice President? Is there something the matter? If so, you can address it to me directly as Student Council President."

Holy shit, does anyone in this school stop and take a breath? One question at a time is more than enough for me to handle, thank you very much.

"That's quite enough, Elichi."

Huh? I turn around to look in the direction the Prez is looking at, and I see her. Arms behind her back, soft purple hair resting on her shoulders, and that smile, that damn smile again.

"Care to explain where you were during lunch?"

"Sorry, I got wrapped up in dealing with more hijinks caused by Rin-chan again."

"What did she do this time?"

"Something to do with throwing a classmate's shoes to feed the alpacas as a way to get back at them."

Whoever this 'Rin-chan' girl is, damn does she go hard. I ought to try catching up with her one day. Wait, this story is made up ain't it? Or did it actually happen? She did say 'again' after all, so maybe this fellow delinquent really does exist.

"Anyway, I hear this one has been needing to talk to me, so could you excuse us Elichi?"

A head pat? Really? Well, at least it feels nice. Her hand is as soft as I imagined it would be too.

"Do what you must, but please make it quick. Remember there's an hour's worth of information we have to go through."

"Yes yes, I know. Promise it won't be long at all."

Before I can see 'Elichi's' reaction to having a kiss blown to her by the Vice, me and her are already outside in the school's hallway with the door to the room closed.

"So, I hear you've been looking for me Nicochi. Miss me already?"

She can be so smug as well. I'd typically hate that in a person but, it kinda comes natural for a girl like her. Hell, I kinda find that comforting.

"Don't phrase it like that. I'm seriously not that clingy to people, especially to ones I only met less than an hour ago."

"Hmm, that so?"

She stops for a moment, probably deep in thought again like last time.

"Tell me, Nicochi. What's more appealing to you, my thighs or my breasts?"

"The fuck?"

Damn, didn't mean to say that one out loud but like, why ask that now of all times you weirdo?

"I mean, there has to be a reason why you're skipping class just to talk to me, right? You can be honest if it's about my physical characteristics, Nicochi. I trust ya after all. Plus, it's always fun hearing the answers people reply with to that question. You should've seen Elichi's~"

"You ask that to other people too!?"

I am seriously regretting wasting the energy of skipping class to find this perverted girl. At least that time I got suspended for smoking cigarettes on the rooftop was worth the effort. Yeah fine, that rumor is true, but it's the work of saints compared to the shit that goes down in the first floor restrooms.

"Well, if not to get another glimpse of my body, why would you skip class just to see me, silly?"

How the fuck is she not gonna laugh when she hears the real reason I spent the last 15 minutes looking for her?

"Fine. But promise me you won't laugh when you hear it."

"That's rather unfair, Nicochi. What if the reason why you want to see me is hilarious?"

"What am I, a clown? Y'know for a stalker, you should know by now I have the humor of a rotting corpse."

"I don't know, you seem like a pretty funny girl to me. And I don't mean that as an insult."

I can't get sidetracked now, but okay, you really have an odd view of what 'funny' is, weirdo.

"Sure, whatever. Back to the point though, promise me you won't laugh when you hear my reason to meet with you right now, please."

"Alright, I promise Nicochi."

Here goes nothing.

"Soo, I already got down your surname. Tojo, right?"

"Yep, Tojo indeed."

You better not fucking laugh.

"So umm, could I get your first name too?"

If there's one thing I've come to not like about this girl in the short time I've known her, it's the time when she stares at me in silence, with me waiting in suspense for whatever words she decides to say. I guess I have those moments too though. Someone tells you something through a text message and you just have zero idea how you should respond, sometimes leading you to not say anything at all. On the sending end, it's difficult not to take a message left on 'seen' personally, reinforcing a mindset that you might be a burden on that person. On the receiving end though, you're just as conflicted, as you can't think of a response that can adequately express your feelings without confusing or even hurting the other person.

God only knows what Tojo here is thinking right now. After what feels like a school year though, she finally replies.

"That's all? Just my first name?"

The way she says it doesn't come off as patronizing or threatening. In fact, it's probably the softest I've heard her voice so far. A voice that can only belong to an angel.

"Sure, I'll tell you. So long as if you give me an answer to whether you like my boobs or thighs more though."

A weird, perverted angel.

"I can't escape answering that question, can I?"

"Not if you wanna know my first name, Nicochi."

Two can play it that game, Vice.

"Okay, straight up? The first physical trait that caught my eyes when I looked at you"

"Yes?"

Heh.

"Your mouth. The way it perfectly matches with your rosy cheeks and your emerald eyes. The way it's able to express happiness, mischief, and sadness all at the same time. And the way it shows the most beautiful, genuine smile I've ever seen in my life. That's my answer."

What do you plan on responding to that one, hmm?

"...Yep, you are definitely a funny girl, Nicochi."

Nothing? You're telling me that corny fucking line got nothing out of her?

"But thank you. That's the second kindest thing anyone's ever told me here, and believe me when I say that means a lot."

Spoke too soon.

"I sincerely mean that. Compliments don't come easy from me, so you should feel honored."

"Haha, I certainly do feel quite honored, Nicochi. That being said, you didn't answer my question."

You don't actually expect me to tell you my answer to that, do you, you weirdo?

"But your answer was more than satisfactory. Mouth, huh? That's certainly a new one!"

That smile again. No matter what happens between me and her from this point, I hope I'll never forget how much my heart races whenever I see that smile.

"Anyway, my first name huh? Alrighty! Be sure not to get a nose bleed when you hear this. My name is-"

Before she's able to finish her sentence, the door to the Student Council Room swings open.

"Nozomi! Are you done with your-oh. You're still talking to her? Sorry, please carry on. But please, hurry it up. I'm quite thirsty and I have no idea how the heck you work your tea kettle!"

"I'm almost done here Elichi, just wait a minute or two longer."

The Student Council President can't even work a fucking kettle? Incompetence. Also wow, for such an imposing figure, her choice of swear words are so elementary.

"You're probably thinking how pathetic it is that our Student Council President can't use a kettle properly, right Nicochi?"

Looks like I'm the one who's easier to read between the two of us. But man, that name...

"Nozomi."

"Hmm?"

Shit. Spoke out loud again.

"Yes, it is indeed my name. Quite nice, ain't it?"

"Y-yeah I guess."

"Nico is quite a nice name as well, especially since you like smiles so much."

Ironic considering I hardly smile.

"As for my name, it has a lot of different meanings depending on how you write it. Can't say I really like any of the meanings my name has though."

I hope what I'm about to say doesn't come back to haunt me.

"Nozomi can mean 'hopeful beauty', and I think it's quite a fitting name for you."

"Heh, that one does sound quite nice. Kinda like the cherry blossom flowers that arrive in spring."

Flowers. Again. Well fuck it, might as well ask her take on it.

"Nozomi... What do you think about flowers?"

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

"Y'know, like..."

Shit. How does someone even start a conversation about flowers!?

"Ohhh, you were talking to yourself about them or something, weren't you?"

"Y-yeah... I'm sure you must know I'm not a fan of them."

"Can't say that I do actually..."

Thank god there's still at least one thing about me this wackjob doesn't know about. Well, not for long though.

"To be blunt, flowers remind me of death. How it's always around us and can strike at any moment. Even the smell of them can't help but make me think of it. Fucking hate them."

"Really now? I mean, there's a lot of things in the world that live and die, whether it be flowers, cats, or humans like us. So why flowers so specifically, Nicochi?"

You really are digging into a hole you have no way of getting yourself out of, Nozomi Tojo.

"You must know what happened to my dad."

"That I do."

"Do you know how he died though? Delivery truck swerved onto the sidewalk and hit him directly. Police said he was killed on impact. Take a fucking guess what that truck had inside."

"I... I'm really sorry for your loss, Nicochi. I truly mean it."

"Yeah, save me the pity. After all, I don't have time to grieve his loss. Not with the stuck up shitty siblings and a drunk alcoholic of a mother that I'm stuck with. Thinking about it, I've never had a single day to grieve him for the last two years. Not one fucking day, Nozomi."

Damn it.

"Do you know how painful that is? To continue on each day taking care of the same ungrateful shits and cleaning the broken beer bottles on the floor that your mother is too fucking pathetic and lacking of the decency to do herself before escaping off to work not to be soon until the late hours of the night?"

I'm really losing it, but I can't stop.

"Then we have the shit that happens in this asylum we call a high school. There's the teachers who have their head so far up their ass, they could compete for the Olympics. And then these so-called friends I made in my first year that I thought gave a fuck about me only to toss me aside at my lowest point. Even today, I still have to attend classes with people who treat me lower than dirt, people I used to genuinely believe would be there for me no matter what."

I'm at my limit. I'm at my limit.

"You're right, I really am at my limit Nozomi... You know what I was thinking earlier just before you arrived? I was seriously thinking about ending it. Ending it all. I mean what person would really stand for all this shit for as long as I have? And it's not like anyone would give a fuck tomorrow if I did it today. So maybe I should. Maybe I should just-"

Huh? What the- A hug...?

"I'm not going to let you do that Nicochi. Not over my dead body."

Tears? I... I can't tell if they're mine or hers...

"You know who would 'give a fuck' tomorrow if you killed yourself today? I would! I would Nicochi!"

Really?

"And I would cry! I would cry that I lost my newest friend, that I lost someone I wasn't able to save."

Nozomi...

"Tell me Nicochi. Tell me you won't kill yourself. Not until I've exhausted myself doing everything I can to help you. Not until I've dropped dead doing all in my power to make things right for you."

Why. Why are saying all this to me?

"Because I love you, Nicochi. Because I know all the pain you've been through won't be in vain."

Love? Damn, to hear that word spoken to me again.

"Because I know how you feel , Nicochi. I know better than anyone else you know right now exactly how you're feeling. I promise you it'll get better so long as you keep pushing. And so long as I'm with you, I'll make sure you see the light at the end of the tunnel, no matter what."

...

"I love you too..."

God damn it. What the fuck did I just say?

"... I'll let you in on a little secret. I've loved you longer, Nicochi. So much longer. And I'll continue to love you whether you want me to or not."

Happiness. Is that what I'm feeling right now? Yeah, I guess it is. Or is it actually love? The fuck if I know honestly. All I do know is that her hugs are as comforting as I imagined them to be.

"Thank you, Nozomi..."

I can't really bring myself to say anything else out loud, and it seems like Nozomi feels the same way. Sitting here on the floor of the school's hallway, which has probably remained unswept since the firing of the janitor, while the Student Council President is probably twisting her back trying to use a kettle just a door away from us, is admittedly... a nice feeling.

Thinking about it, I don't think I've had a hug like this ever since my father died. Oddly enough, it was my mother who last hugged me before this moment. The day the police came to the door of my apartment and broke the news of his death, I remember before my mother completely lost it, she hugged me while crying herself to sleep that night. That... wasn't a nice feeling.

Weird how life can work like that. Feeling more loving comfort in the warm arms and massive chest of an angelic pervert than my own flesh and blood. I know this feeling won't last forever though. Eventually school will end, or a teacher will walk down the hallway, or the Prez will finally brew a kettle of hot water, or fuck, maybe all at once. But I don't want this feeling to end. This feeling of being loved.

I finally muster up the strength to say something to break the silence.

"Hey Nozomi..."

"Yes Nicochi?"

"Could we stay like this for a little longer? If it isn't too much trouble?"

"Elichi may show up at any moment though."

"I knew you'd say that."

"Or a teacher may catch us."

"I knew you'd say that too."

"Also, my ass is seriously beginning to hurt on this floor."

"I... didn't think you'd say that, but knowing what I know about you so far, I should've."

"See? You are a pretty funny person, Nicochi."

Fine, I guess I am, if she insists. I guess I can admit my sarcastic demeanor makes for decent deadpan comedy. I can't say it's the most fair tradeoff though. Nozomi gets a sarcastic little bitch with family problems. Meanwhile, what do I get?

Well, I get an angel. A weird, clingy, perverted angel who enjoys hugging a sarcastic little bitch with family problems like me against her huge chest on a filthy high school hallway floor.

"Still... can we stay like this for a little longer please?"

"As long as you want, Nicochi."

Y'know what? Maybe it is a fair tradeoff. There's no guarantee she'll be able to help with those family problems, but like she said, we won't know until we give it a try. I still have my doubts, but I hope I'm proven wrong.

Whatever the future does have in store, I hope to have the strength to confront it. I've barely made it this far the last two years, and it was an absolute hell to deal with. I feel that things have already changed though. Because regardless of what happens from this point forward, there's one thing that's changed for the better.

"'Hopeful beauty'. That's what you are to me."

"Hmm. Is that so, Nicochi?"

"Yeah. Just like the cherry blossom flowers that bloom in the spring."

At least I'm not alone anymore.