***EARLY MORNING, IN CLASSROOM 3-A***
"Konichiwa, I am Hitachiin Ling, but please address me as Ling-can. I came from Singapore and will be here for a while. I am pleased to meet you all." So saying, Ling-chan bowed as sensei clapped her hands together. "Alright, class. So you have met with Ling-chan. Do help her out whenever you can. In the meanwhile, Ling-chan, please sit next to Tezuka-kun over there." She pointed to the empty seat next to Tezuka as she continued "Tezuka, you will be Ling-chan's guide and study companion for now. The Principal requested this of the class chairperson till she is firmly settled in."
At the sensei's comments, whispers and remarks broke out in a hurry. "What? She gets Tezuka-sama as her study companion? Why? I want it too! This is not fair! That wretch!" A girl was whining to her neighbor, who nodded in full agreement, throwing dirty looks at Ling-chan. Some of the other girls in the class seemed to be of similar consent, as they all whispered about Ling-chan behind their hands.
"The Principal requested it? Wow! What did Ling-chan do?" A boy asked.
"Silence! That is enough, Ayame-chan! I heard what you said earlier!" Sensei snapped at the girl, who was whining away earlier. "You will restrict your fan base of Tezuka-kun outside of this classroom, if you will please!" Turning around to the class, she delivered a glare that got the whole class settled down in seconds, with the sole exception of Tezuka, who was seated calmly all along. Turning around to look at Ling-chan, who now looked highly discomforted, she smiled to her and turned back to the class as she said "Ling-chan is actually younger than you all by two years. However, her results are on par or even better than some of you here! I had the opportunity to mark her entrance papers to the school yesterday. I am really impressed with her. If we go according to her age, she should be in the first year. However, the Principal thinks that she should be placed in the third year, so as to develop her potential to the fullest. I agree with him on this matter."
Gasps and exclamations flew around the room at the sensei's works. Most of the class now looked at Ling-chan in a different light now. However, Ayame-chan and some of the other girls still looked highly mortified and unhappy. Seeing their reactions, the sensei continued "The reason for Tezuka-kun to be her study companion is not to help her study as most of you think. I believe that Ling-chan would be more than able to hold on her own in terms of studies. The job of the study companion is simply to show her around the school and to offer help in other ways. Since Tezuka is the class chairperson and the best student in the level, he is the most suitable candidate to guide and help Ling-chan along. I will hear no more complains on this matter, alright? Should I find out that you are not extending your heartiest welcome to Ling-chan during this period, you will get it from me!" She directed this particular sentence to Ayame and her friends, who simply looked elsewhere.
"Now, Ling-chan, get settled in. If you have any problems, do not hesitate to approach myself or anyone else." The sensei smiled at her encouragingly, as she shooed her gently to her seat. "Now, please open your books. We will be starting a new chapter today…" Class soon started as the bell rang for the second period of the day.
***LATER, AT THE START OF THE BREAK PERIOD***
"The library is over there, as well as the computer labs. Going down, you can see the canteen from here. That is where you are going now." Tezuka pointed out all the landmarks of the school as both of them walked out of the class after leaning against the window.
"Me? I take it that you don't go to the canteen during break period, Tezuka-kun?" Ling-chan caught his words as she turned from the window to look at him.
"There is no need for me to. My mother will usually pack a bento for me." Tezuka replied. "However, you need to go down. I don't suppose you brought a bento as well?"
"I did. And I need to ask a question. Do you know where Taka-oniisan's classroom is?" Ling-chan asked, as she walked to her table, and started hunting for a particular object. "I got to hand him his bento box as well. He forgot to bring it along today as he got a test to run for this morning."
"His classroom is just down the corridor. I will bring you over there, Ling-chan."
"Arigato."
In a few steps, they reached Takashi's classroom. Ling-chan peeked in as she saw her cousin seated next to the window, brooding, as the rest of his classmates zoomed out of the classroom, all hungry for some food in the canteen.
"Taka-oniisan! I brought you the bento that you forgot to bring this morning." Ling-chan smiled as she stepped into the room, with Tezuka following behind her.
"Ano! Arigato, Ling-chan. So sorry to trouble you." Takashi smiled sheepishly back at her. "No worries. As your cousin and part of our family, we must help each other out!" Ling-chan said.
"Wow, Takashi-kun, you got a cousin in the school? It's the first time I heard you mention it!" A classmate of Taka piped up, as he leaned on him from the back.
"Ah….." Takashi stumbled, as he tried to find words to express what he is trying to say.
"I just arrived. Today is my first day. I am Ling-chan, from 3-A. Pleased to meet you! And this is Tezuka-kun, a classmate of mine" Ling-chan spoke, bowing to the newcomer.
"Ah, everyone knows the great Kunimitsu Tezuka" The guy said, looking at Tezuka with an eyebrow lifted. "I am Hiiragizawa Kyou. Captain of the Karate club. Pleased to meet you too, Ling-chan." Looking over Takashi's shoulder, he whistled as he saw the bento that Ling-chan brought. "Wow! What a feast! Ling-chan, did you make all these yourself?"
"Haha…..Oba-san helped me with it." Ling-chan laughed. "It's nothing much."
"Nothing much? It really looks good!" Kyou exclaimed, as he continue to look closely. He then slapped Takashi on the back and then asked "Go on, Taka-san! How does it taste?"
"It's good." Takashi replied with a smile around his lips as he continued to chew the riceball that Ling-chan prepared. At his words, Ling-chan beamed delightfully. "Thank goodness. I was hoping that it suits your taste!"
"Ah….such a considerate cousin you got, Taka-san. I am envious!" Kyou said, as he continued to eye the bento. "Will you like to try, Kyou-san?" Takashi offered.
"Hai!" Without further ado, he reached for a sushi and chomped on it. "Oishi!" He said, giving a thumb up to Ling-chan who laughed. "Taka-san is so lucky!"
"Arigato. I leave both of you to it then. Tezuka-kun and I will return to our classroom for our own meal. I see you later at home, Taka-oniisan!" So turning, she looked up at Tezuka, who remained silent all the while during the exchange and asked "So, shall we go?" When Tezuka nodded, they left the room together.
Back at their classroom, both opened their respective bentos and Ling-chan took a chance to peek over at what Tezuka got. Catching her expression, Tezuka pushed his bento forward to Ling-chan and said "My okasan made this. Do you want any?" "No. I was just looking to see if there are any dishes that I can learn. Will you like to try some of mine, Tezuka-kun? I infused Singapore flavours into Japanese cooking. I will only take some of your bento if you take mine." She stated.
"Fine." He reached over with his chopsticks as he picked up some pickled salad that Ling-chan made. "What is this?" he asked.
"We call it ah-cha" Ling-chan replied "Made with cucumber and carrot strips, drizzled with lemon juice and crushed peanut. A starting dish. How does it taste?"
"Unique. A little spicy."
"Oops. I forgot to mention that I added a little chilli oil. I find that it gives a favor to it." Ling-chan said, apologetically.
As they continue on their meal, the conversation flowed around food and how different is the food found in two different countries. Finally, when they are about to finish up their bentos, Tezuka suddenly asked "Ling-chan, have you thought what club you are going to join in? Today is Clubs day."
"Not really. I will like to do something for a change. No music and sports for the time being." Ling-chan mused. "Do you have any suggestions?"
Tezuka was quiet for a moment then he suggested "Something of Japan's culture? What do you think of the flower arrangement or even the tea appreciation club?"
"Tea appreciation sounds good. I suppose they focus on tea ceremonies?" Ling-chan asked. "They do. In fact, you can ask our class vice chairperson – Kinominto Tohru. She is the head of the tea appreciation club." Tezuka replied.
"What do you want to ask me about, Ling-chan?" A new voice spoke, as the vice chairperson of 3A entered the classroom, holding a book in hand. A tall and slender girl, with her long hair arranged in a French plait, she is the image of elegance and class.
"Ah, Tohru-chan!" Ling-chan said, smiling at the new arrival. "Did you have a good break? Tezuka-kun was telling me that you are the head of tea appreciation club and that I should consider joining your club. Can you give me more details about it?"
"Sure. The tea appreciation club is set up to appreciate the tea all around the world, as well as to maintain Japan's tradition of tea making. This means that we will explore the skills of tea making, may it be from Japan, China or any other countries in the world. Currently, there are about 25 students in it, and the annual national tea competition will be coming up soon. Seishun will normally finish off within the top three, though never the top. However, I hope to change that this year." Tohru-chan finished off.
"Sounds impressive. Can I come by today, Tohru-chan, to look around and learn? I do have some basic skills of tea. Though I never experience real Japan tea ceremonies, I had learnt the Chinese and Taiwanese's way of tea making." Ling-chan said.
"You will be welcome. After the last lesson, let's go together. Let's hope that we can learn something new together." Tohru smiled back. She hesitated for a while, and then said softly "Speaking of being impressed, I am impressed by you, Ling-chan. I saw the results of the entrance exams yesterday. You did really well, though you are two years younger than us. Do not take Ayame's words to heart. She is just being jealous of you. She is a cheerleader in our school, who has a huge crush on Tezuka-kun since he became captain. If she gives you any trouble, do tell me." She added.
"Arigato, Tohru-chan. I really appreciate it." Ling-chan said, giving a bright smile.
"Class is starting soon. See you later." With a bow, she left the pair as the bell rang for the start of lessons.
***AT THE TEA APPRECIATION CLUB***
"Let me introduce to you all, Hitachiin Ling. She is in the same class as me and might join us as a member of this club in the future. Let's all welcome her." Tohru said, as she applauded Ling-chan to the front of the whole club.
"Pleased to meet you all. Please address me as Ling-chan. I will be here for a while, so I hope we will get on well." She bowed.
"Alright. Now that we got the introductions over, today, we will focus on Japan's tea ceremonies. We will use only one set, so that means everyone will pay attention to sensei as she makes the tea. Questions can be posed at the end of the session. As you all know, we are preparing for the national competition. So please do pay attention." Tohru addressed the whole team.
"Hai!" The whole club chorused as one.
After everyone had settled down quickly, only then did their sensei start her preparations for the tea ceremony. With care and grace, she conducted the tea ceremony while explaining every part of the way. She explained how and why she is doing it as the students listened intently, memorizing her every move. Finally, she concluded the whole session as the students broke into discussions.
At the end of the session, Tohru caught up with Ling-chan as she asked "How did it go, Ling-chan? Will you be joining us as a club member?"
"Hai, Tohru-chan. I will be joining you all from now onwards. It has been a good experience today. Thank you." Ling-chan replied, as she pulled on her shoes.
"Good. Are you going home now? Let's walk back together then." Tohru said, as she pulled on her shoes as well. They walked as far as to the school gates where Takashi was waiting for her, with Fuji next to him once more. Both of them bowed to the ladies as they approach them. "Hello boys, have you all been waiting for long?" Ling-chan asked.
"No, don't worry." Takashi replied. "Konichiwa, Kinominto-san." He greeted Tohru.
"Konichiwa, Kawamura-san." Tohru replied. "Are you and Fuji-san here to pick Ling-chan up?"
"Hai, Kinominto-san." Fuji replied with a small smile. "Ling-chan is Taka-san's cousin, and I happen to live nearby. Hence, I decided to walk home with them."
"Oh. I see. Well, I see you tomorrow then, Ling-chan." Tohru said. "Hai, Tohru-chan. Many thanks for today and see you tomorrow! Sayonara!" Ling-chan bowed in her direction. With a wave, Tohru left.
As the trio walked down the road once more, Fuji asked "Have you decided to join the tea appreciation club, Ling-chan? Kinominto-san is the chairperson."
"Hai. I attended the first session today. As I told Tezuka-kun, I wish to experience something different while in Japan. This means no sports or music for me." Ling-chan replied, as she walked in long strides, with the guys keeping pace with her easily.
"Ah, you will learn something new then. It's a good thing, Ling-chan," Takashi said.
"I agree with you on that, onii-san." Ling-chan replied. "How is practice today for you two?"
Conversation then turned to tennis as all three continue walking down the road. In no little time, both Takashi and Ling-chan reached the door of their house. Waving to Fuji who continued on his way, they both entered the house.
And so it continues. As Ling-chan settled comfortably into Seishun's school life, she makes more friends and grew to be well-liked by most of her peers. She has a firm friend and ally in Tohru-chan, who shielded and protected her from the worst of the catty remarks from Ayame-chan, who seems to make life as difficult as possible for Ling-chan. The whole tennis team knew her personally as she is always with Takashi after practice. In addition to that, they all tasted her cooking after Takashi gave Eiji a left over riceball after practice, which he promptly devoured with relish and proclaimed it to be as good as Sakuno's cooking. This then sparked off a competition over Takashi's bento every time afterwards, especially between Ryoma, Momoshiro and Eiji. After she knew of this matter, Ling-chan prepared bento boxes for the whole team to sample. From then on, if anyone has a craving for her cooking, they just need to ask Ling-chan for it.
*** ONE WEEK LATER, AT THE TEA APPRECIATION CLUB***
"Alright, may I have your attention please? A week has passed already since we started intensive practice for all kinds of tea ceremonies. In another month, we all will be attending the national competition for the Tea Arena title. For today, I will announce who will be the people representing Seishun Academy. Here is the list." The sensei for the club announced, as she held up a piece of paper in her hand.
Excited whispers and controlled chaos broke out the room at her words. To be selected to enter the competition is an honor itself. However, the main thing is, it will mean that the student in question have the both the attitude and aptitude to carry out the whole tea ceremony by his or herself. Everyone waited breathlessly for the name list, which consist of eight people.
"…..The second last student chosen is Tohru Kinominto, who will represent us in the Japanese and Chinese tea ceremonies. Finally, the student to represent us for all three ceremonies (Japanese, Chinese and Taiwanese style) will be Hitachiin Ling. Congratulations to all eight chosen representatives." She smiled at all.
"All three ceremonies?" A member of the club gasped as she looked unbelievingly at Ling-chan, who appeared in shock as well.
"Hai." The sensei replied. "For the past one week, we have observed you all, before we chose our representatives. Though all of you did well for the Japanese tea ceremony, no one came close to Ling-chan in terms of Taiwan tea ceremonies."
She then continued "Though the eight of you are chosen already, there is no reason for the rest of you to slack off. In fact, I expect all of you to work harder than ever, as there are still the positions of reserves to be considered. Plus, the outfits for the competition have to be designed and made soon. If luck is with us, hopefully, this year, the championship will be ours instead of Rikkai Daigaku Fuzoku!"
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Another chapter done! I am so proud of myself. Haha….. Still, how do you all like it? Next chapter will feature Rikkai, where a familiar character will be introduced! What will be the outcome of the competition? Will Seishun emerge as the champion? And how will Oshitari make an appearance in the next chapter?
Stay tuned and find out! In the meanwhile, please review! Suggestions are welcomed as well. =)))))