AN: Published - 1.24.23
Minor Editing (Mio's Reason) -2.28.23
Chapter 2: Friend, Rival, or Frenemy?
Finally, school had officially started, and now I had gotten back into my daily routine of studying. I had the habit of studying ahead and reviewing the contents of each of my textbooks ever since I was young. It simply calmed my nerves to know that I hadn't missed a single detail. But I wasn't perfect and I occasionally made the slightest mistake.
Knowledge was power. That's how I came to see it. I still believe that to this day and I doubt that'll ever change.
It was morning and the teachers were yet to arrive. So I pulled out a book I borrowed from the library and began to read. It was an informative book on space and the theory of parallel universes.
Parallel universes, it was such a broad idea that seemed logically impossible. Yet we were just a tiny pebble floating amongst the stars, so how would we possibly know? If such a thing were even possible, there could be a world where I don't even exist or even a world where Nanami Mio wasn't a hard-working girl but rather a lazy slob.
Tanaka sat in front of my desk with the chair from the desk in front of me and turned to face me. Her stare seemed to gaze deeply into my soul, so I spoke.
"Is something the matter, Tanaka-san?" I asked her without looking directly at her. Tanaka always seemed to find it difficult to speak her thoughts aloud, so I always offered her the opportunity to do so.
"C-Chinatsu-san, I-I was wondering what c-club you were going to join… O-oh that's if y-you are going to j-join one!" Tanaka stammered.
I tapped my chin, placing down my book, "I haven't thought about it."
"How about the student council?"
I jolted as a voice spoke from next to me. The hallway window was wide open, allowing any bystander to hear our conversation. But it just so happened that the person who heard us wasn't just any bystander. There stood Nanami Mio leaning against the frame, her hand propped up on her cheek with a cheeky grin.
Scowling I spoke, "Eavesdropping now, are we Nanami-san?" She merely giggled, "How bright of you."
"Why thank you, Chi-chan. Just consider the thought for me, okay?" She walked off with a small wave only to reappear in the classroom.
"…Chi-chan?" My eye visibly twitched, "She has to be kidding with me." I mumbled under my breath.
"I-I think i-it's a c-cute nickname…" Tanaka mumbled.
I sighed, "I'd rather not." Not even my parents called me by a nickname, "Seriously, why am I the only one with a weird nickname."
"Weird? Rude." Seemingly having heard me, she looked at me with a pout. I merely rolled my eyes, not bothering.
A few girls came up to Tanaka and I, this time it wasn't the same old group from day one. They seemed to be a rather energetic bunch and definitely someone I'd rather avoid.
"Chinatsu-san, Tanaka-san. Would you like to join us for karaoke after school?" One girl beamed at me so brightly, I felt as if I couldn't even see her face through her glowing features
"Sorry, I can't go. Busy." I vaguely answered. Sometimes that child did serve as a good excuse.
Tanaka followed up my answer, "I-if Chinatsu-san i-isn't going…" She awkwardly said, clapping her hands together in an apology.
"A-ah, it's alright. Some other time."
It was true Yuzuki did serve as a good excuse for these interactions outside of school, but it didn't mean I did not wish for any. Karaoke, or particularly singing in front of others, was not something I would want to do. Besides, I already had one good friend.
Without much thought, I asked Tanaka, "What about you, Tanaka-san? Going to join a club?" Fixing my book, I waited as Tanaka stammered out her answer.
"A-ah…I haven't…decided."
"I see, so we're in the same situation," I mumbled. Thankfully our school didn't require having to join a club. Although if I were to join the student council, it would need to be before a certain time.
Though it was odd. Why did Nanami suggest the student council? If she were to join then it would just add more competition to ask me. Adding the fact that she specifically asked me only seemed uncanny. I hadn't ever thought of joining a club back in middle school the thought never even crossed my mind to join a club.
The bell rang, and everyone started to return to their assigned seats. Tanaka muttered a quick "see you" before scurrying off. And soon, the sound of the door sliding open signaled the teacher's arrival.
Today, Yuzuki and I made a stop at the local library. It wasn't much of an eventful day and I certainly hadn't planned on making it one.
Yuzuki wanted to borrow some more of this manga she was interested in. It was apparently about this hero who saves the girl he loved from falling into evilness. I guess she was starting to get to the age where romance appealed to her.
However, I was here for other reasons. Having finished the book I was reading on parallel universes, I found myself looking for more theory books. They were quite interesting and something I particularly enjoyed.
My eyes landed on a book that read Sigmund Freud's Psychological Theory of the Human Mind. Psychology was quite an interesting topic; I always found it intriguing on how the human mind worked.
As I took the book out, I peered through the crack to find a familiar-looking person with the very same uniform as me. There in her brown blazer atop her white cuffed dress shirt and black jumper skirt with the very same yellow ribbon tied to her collar. She was on her tippy-toes trying to reach for a book that was out of her reach.
I knew that person. That silky jet-black hair was as long as her waist and seemed as if it were the night sky itself. I caught a glimpse of her face and I knew for sure; It was Nanami Mio.
I couldn't stand watching her as she jumped and heaved for the book. Unlike her, I could easily reach for it and it only made me more frustrated. How I wish I could've just ignored her, but the more I watched her struggle the more I couldn't bear it.
Holding my book in my arms, I stiffly walked to the other side and carefully watched which book she was hopping for. Reaching over her, I grabbed the book titled The History of Rome.
Startled, she turned around to meet my eyes, her bright silver eyes met my jade-like green and she seemed to freeze. The more she stared, the more I became embarrassed. My cheeks felt warm and I could feel sweat start to form in my palms.
I awkwardly took a step back and cleared my throat which seemed to knock her out of her daze, "Here. This is the book, right?"
Still shocked to see me, she stuttered slightly, "A-ah, that's right," Nanami suddenly smiled brightly as she took the book from my hands, "Thanks a lot, Chi-chan."
"I-it's nothing! Seeing you struggle just frustrated me." I refused to accept her thanks. "I'll be going now."
Suddenly feeling the need to get away, I hastily made my way back to Yuzuki. Yet, I heard steps following mine from behind and I turned back only to find her right behind me.
"…why are you following me?"
Somehow taking it as an invitation, she said, "What are you doing here, Chi-chan?"
"I'm here to read. Are you not here to do the same?" My eyebrow twitched as I stated the obvious.
"May I read with you?"
Conflicted, my eyebrows furrowed. Having someone interrupt my quiet reading wasn't something I liked, but I couldn't find the words to deny her request. I sighed heavily, "Only if you don't bother me."
"Aye, aye, ma'am!"
"Don't shout!" I whisper-yelled at her, "This is a library."
"Ah, sorry." Nanami apologized sheepishly.
As I started to walk back, I realized I had Yuzuki with me. I glanced back at Nanami, who was staring at the back of my head which caused us to make eye contact.
Mumbling, I said, " I hope you don't mind company." She didn't respond but only looked at me curiously.
Once we got out of the bookshelves, I found Yuzuki frantically looking around. The moment our eyes met, she instantly came running over to me. I panicked, worried that she would fall, "W-wait d-"
Right on cue, Yuzuki tripped and started to plummet forwards. However, luckily, she had made it most of the way and fell into my arms. I sighed in relief.
The child looked at me traumatized, I hoisted her up on my waist. "Yuzuki-chan, what did I say about running around?"
"…to not…"
"You see now? What would you do if you came back all scraped up? Chie-san would be worried." The child nuzzled into my neck as I spoke softly into her ear.
"I'm sorry, Asuka-nee…you were gone for so long and I got lonely…" She mumbled under her breath.
I sighed, "I'm sorry for leaving you, but you need to take care of yourself first. Everyone will be worried if you get hurt." Yuzuki grumbled to signal she was listening.
A giggle suddenly reminded me of Nanami's presence and I suddenly became extremely embarrassed. Yuzuki seemed to see the girl behind me and asked, "Asuka-nee, who's this?"
I coughed-choked, my cheeks burned up. Hoisting her around as I faced Nanami so we both faced her, "Yuzuki-chan, this is my classmate, Nanami-san."
"Hi, there. My name's Nanami Mio, what's your name, sweetheart?" The woman cooed at Yuzuki.
"…Chie Yuzuki…" Her big chocolate-like eyes stared at Nanami with curious eyes.
"It's nice to meet you, may I call you Yuzuki-chan?" She grinned at the child. Yuzuki nodded her head in confirmation. Why hadn't she asked my permission to use a nickname for me? I was genuinely confused.
"Yuzuki-chan it is then!" Her smile became more blinding by the second.
I cleared my throat, gaining both of their attention, "I don't mean to interrupt, but why don't we sit down first."
"Oh right. Sorry, sorry." Nanami rubbed the back of her head sheepishly, "Kinda forgot about that." I merely rolled my eyes.
As we sat at the table, Nanami sat alongside Yuzuki as they chattered. "What are you reading, Yuzuki-chan?"
"It's a manga about a girl being saved by a hero!" Yuzuki grinned.
"Oh, is that so? Who's your favorite character?"
Yuzuki's cheeks tinted red as she spoke, "The Hero's cool, I like him."
With all their chatter, I could barely concentrate on my book. I narrowed my eyes at Nanami and said, "Could you keep it down?"
"Oh, sorry, Asuka-nee." Yuzuki quickly apologized, a bit dejected.
"No, Yuzuki-chan. This isn't your fault, okay?" I frowned, quickly clearing up the misunderstandings, "Nanami-san, I thought you said you would be reading. Now here you are bothering us with your chattering."
"Well, Chi-chan. What I agreed to was not bothering you." The woman grinned mischievously.
"And what I agreed to was you reading with us." I glared at her pointedly. How insufferable could this woman be?
She chuckled, "Okay, okay, you won. But can you blame me? Look at this cutie." Nanami ruffled Yuzuki's hair. The girl melted into her hand.
A pause and, "Are you two family?" out of the blue she spoke, surprising me.
"Family friends." I clarified.
Suddenly, Yuzuki exclaimed, "That's right! Asuka-nee's mama and my mama have been best friends since high school! Although Asuka-nee's mama lives far far away, so my mama and papa have been looking after Asuka-nee."
Although I was a bit unsure of whether or not I should share this kind of information with Nanami, I didn't care much.
"That's very nice of your parents, Yuzuki-chan."
"They're the best!" The child grinned widely with her pearly white baby teeth showing through her lips. I couldn't help but smile helplessly as I watched the two grin at each other.
My parents currently live in America. I grew up there for a good portion of my childhood, but I was born in Japan. At first, they didn't have any plans on moving overseas, yet due to business reasons, they moved to America.
I was about three years old when we made the big move to America from Japan. My mother is Japanese and was born and raised in Japan, unlike my father who was born and raised in America. He has European blood in his veins though, his father, or my grandfather, was Japanese. Hence, where I get my Japanese last name and green eyes from.
A moment passed as Nanami spaced out before she said, "I have a sister around Yuzuki-chan's age… She's shy and very dependent on me. Always hiding behind me like a small animal hidden in its burrow." She smiled softly as she spoke of her sister, "I worry about her. Once she grows up, she'll have to be independent."
My lips pursed, and I felt the need to say something, yet I couldn't. No words found their way up my throat.
"Haha, sorry. That was a bit out of the blue." Nanami rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. "Since we're on the topic, what about your family? Got any siblings?"
"…No, I don't have any. But Yuzuki-chan pretty much fits my criteria for a little sister." I couldn't help but smile at the child. Yuzuki, in return, smiled right back at me.
So, Nanami has a sister who she loves and cares for? From the way she spoke of her, I could tell she adored her. They must be close for her to be so worried for her or perhaps it's a thing with siblings. No matter what you are to the other you worry for each other. If I had a sibling, would I be like that? In the future, would Yuzuki and I be like that?
Her eyes were beautiful. That's what I thought when I first met Chinatsu Asuka. In the crowd of people, she stood out. Long black locks of hair curtained her green jade-like eyes that seemed to sparkle in the light. And when I saw those very same eyes from across the classrooms, I was excited. She had piqued my interest.
It was amusing just watching her; she was confident, yet kindhearted and meek. This became even more apparent as I saw her treat Yuzuki with gentleness. Whenever she set her eyes on me, I felt as if she was trying to make herself threatening, imposing herself. But, I felt drawn to her and in the end, I couldn't stop myself. She herself was too kind to push me away even more so to harm me.
Chinatsu sat across from me, whereas Yuzuki sat next to me. I should've been reading my book, but rather my eyes were glued to her face. The way her eyebrows furrowed adorably as she read, her jade eyes focused on the paper. It was only when I noticed how long I was staring that I finally pried my eyes away.
Little Yuzuki wiggled in her seat next to me as she became infested by her manga. And I couldn't help but giggle at how cute she was. Although of course, my little sister was much cuter.
Without so much as a warning, Chinatsu suddenly blurted out, "Why did you ask me?"
Puzzled, I replied, "Ask what?"
As if she realized her own words, she cleared her throat, cheeks tinting, and repeated, "Why did you ask me to join the student council?"
"Ah, that?" I tapped my lips, humming as I did so. She looked at me expectantly and I couldn't help but tease, "Why do you want to know?"
The jade-eyed girl scowled, "Answering a question with another question, now? If you must know, let's say for curiosity." I gestured for her to go on, "...Well, if you were to ask me to join, it would only bring more competition in, so I was wondering why you asked."
I grinned as I listened to her, "Well, Chi-chan, 'if you must know', I want to work with you on the student council together." I watched as she frowned, "Satisfied?"
Her brows furrowed the same way they did as she read, "Why me? Out of all the other people, why me?"
The answer to that very question was unknown to me as well. I looked away distantly, my chin on the palm of my hand, "Why, huh?" I mumbled under my breath, "Perhaps, it has to be your confidence that caught my attention?"
A blush appeared on her face, "... 'perhaps?'" Chinatsu narrowed her eyes at me, before sighing miserably, "You aren't even certain yourself, are you?"
Chinatsu's guess was about right. But after watching her these past few days. I felt as if she was not only confident but kind. Someone who could support me by my side even if it was begrudgingly, that's who I felt she was going to be for me.
A chuckle escaped the depth of my throat, "Maybe so, but even though my reasons may be a bit lacking…" I looked her in the eyes with a straight face, "Chinatsu-san, will you support me in the student council?"
For a split second, she was shocked before she calmed herself and slowly said, "I…I will think about it."
My face instantly relaxed into a small smile, "Thank you, Chi-chan."
Chinatsu's face turned red as she stood up, eyeing the clock on the wall, "No need for the thanks, we need to get going, Yuzuki-chan. Nanami-san, thank you for the chat. Get home safely."
"You, too, Chi-chan." Chinatsu hurried Yuzuki along who waved goodbye to me. The orange sky tinted the room as I watched them up until I could no longer see her silky jet-black hair which fluttered as she walked so naturally that it seemed to have a mind of its own.
