For the love of the game
Tracing Yumi Kajiki's passion for Mahjong
Chapter 2
Spring has arrived, and with it the start of a new school year. Although this season is usually a calm and welcome change after the cold winter months, I was anxious of its arrival. My family had gone through a lot of changes this year. At that time, it felt that it was too much and too soon.
When my parents told me that we had to move due to my father's work, I thought that we would just be moving to a nearby city or town. I soon found out that my expectations were far from reality when I found out that we were moving to a completely different region. For someone who has lived in Tokyo for all their life, moving to the relatively rural Nagano was not only abrupt but radical.
"I told them that I don't mind switching schools, but that doesn't make it any less difficult." I mumbled to myself while walking down the street to my new school, Tsuruga Academy. As I approached the entrance gates, the only thing I hoped for was that my high school years would go by quickly without any incident or trouble.
The morning classes went without a hitch. I kept my introductions brief, and was fortunate to be assigned to a seat closer to the back of the classroom.
My first day at my new school was going smoothly, until lunchtime arrived.
The moment the bell rung, signalling our midday break, numerous students flocked to my desk before I had a chance to leave the classroom.
I was bombarded with questions, ranging from "What was your school like in Tokyo?" to "Why did you transfer to such a faraway school? Did you get into trouble in Tokyo?". Judging from the brimming enthusiasm and curiosity these students have, it seems that Tsuruga Academy doesn't get transfer students outside of Nagano very often.
As much as I would like to just get up and depart without a word, I also didn't want to leave a bad impression on my classmates on the first day of school. Letting out a small sigh, I decided to answer their questions as succinctly as possible. The sooner their curiosity is satisfied, the sooner they will leave.
"In Tokyo, the school I was at was one of those schools that heavily focuses on academics, so it was fairly strict. And no, I didn't get into trouble with my previous school. My family moved to Nagano due to my father's work, and Tsuruga Academy just so happens to be the closest school to my house."
After I answered a couple of their questions, I was relieved to hear silence. It seems my brief answers were sufficient. However, just when I thought I could stand up and leave, another barrage of questions came up.
"What are your hobbies? What club were you at in your previous school? What club are you going to join in now?"
I inwardly cursed myself for underestimating their levels of curiosity. Unwittingly my hands, which were resting on my desk clenched into a fist.
At this rate, I don't think I would have enough mental energy to get through the rest of the school day. The idea of breaking through the crowd and bolting out the classroom was beginning to sound more and more appealing.
"Okay everyone, shows over! Let's give the transfer student a break now." Accompanied by a slow and rhythmic clap, a light-hearted and carefree voice broke through the uproar as everyone turned towards the source of this voice.
"She'll be with us for a whole year or two so I'm sure she'll be able to answer your questions in due time."
Everyone seemed satisfied with this rationale, and I was surprised by how they dispersed as quickly as they congregated towards my desk. High school students can be quite fickle.
"Wahaha, it looked like you were in a pickle there for a moment so I thought I'd give you a hand."
"Ah, yes. Thank you very much for helping." While remaining seated at my desk, I gave a slight nod and looked up to see the girl who convinced the unrelenting crowd to leave. She had short maroon hair and a wide grin on her face. Judging from her size, she appeared to be on the short end of the spectrum, barely over five feet tall. Just like everyone else in class, she wore the standard Tsuruga uniform, except that she wasn't wearing the navy blazer.
"Wahaha! No need to be so stiff and formal, we are both in the same grade." Again, she let out a distinct laugh, which she said in a manner similar to regular speech. I ignored it initially, thinking that it was probably my imagination, but after hearing it a second time, I'm certain that it definitely came from that girl.
"I'm Satomi Kanbara. What's yours?" She beamed and with her right arm, she reached out and waited for a handshake.
What is with that laugh? Is it some strange form of humour or sarcasm perhaps? And why does she always have that smile on her face? Is she some kind of idiot who wears empty grins?
Numerous thought went through my mind as I tried my best to discern the emotion and intent of this girl who calls herself Kanbara. I was utterly confused.
"Hellooooo, are you still here on Earth transfer student?" Kanbara leaned forward and started to wave her hand in front of my face. "I'm sure you don't want to be called 'transfer student' forever... so can you tell me your name?"
Though I couldn't find the answer to the questions brewing in my mind, I realized that several seconds had passed and I still haven't responded to the girl before me. It's best to answer her and be done with it.
"Yumi Kajiki." I calmly said my name while I grabbed my lunch and stood up from my desk. "Thank you for your help, Kanbara." At the very least, I should make it clear that I'm somewhat grateful for what she did.
Without waiting for a reply, I made my way towards the exit. If I didn't leave, there wouldn't be any time left for lunch.
As I left the classroom, the last thing I heard from Kanbara was: "What a strange girl."
Speak for yourself. I thought to myself as I climbed up the stairs leading to the school rooftop.
With what little interaction I had with Kanbara, if I had to describe her in once sentence... it would be that she seems like one of those weird airheads who are hard to deal with.
I sighed as I placed one hand on my forehead. It seems my goal of having a quick and carefree year will be a lot more difficult than I thought.
Author's Notes: In this chapter, my main goal was to flesh out Yumi as a character through her inner thoughts. I wanted to show that she may be smart, but she can be quite negative at times. You could say that first impressions are meaningful for Yumi.
