Yumiko POV
"I can't believe you made the nurse only heal the wounds on your lip and not the others."
"As I told you, except for my lip, my whole body is fine, plus his blows felt like tickles."
"I can not believe it, but since you're in good condition, I can't contradict you."
It had been a few minutes since we left the infirmary, Tsurumi-kun only made the school nurse put a plaster on his lip.
When the nurse asked his how he had hurt herself, he only replied that it has fallen
After all, to say that the captains of the soccer and basketball teams had hit Tsurumi-kun several times, she would not have believed us.
That would be the difference in status between some popular students and ordinary students like us.
"Tsurumi-kun, you don't have to accompany me to my house, it's a bit far from the school."
I had never gone to my house with someone; therefore, it was a new experience, I always went home without any companion.
Sometimes I could see how other students left in groups or pairs, I always envied them for that, while they had fun talking to each other, I had no one to talk to.
"You helped me go to the infirmary, you can consider it a thank you from me"
For some reason, his words made me feel warm. Thinking about that, after the events that happened today, what are Tsurumi-kun and I? Simple companions, or he could consider me a friend.
When we were on the way to the infirmary, Tsurumi-kun told me that it would be my decision if I wanted to get away from him, not because someone asked me or did it out of obligation, so does it mean that he wants to stay by my side?
I can't help but blush thinking that.
I can't believe he was thinking that kind of thing, you've caused him a lot of trouble today, I doubt he wants to stay with me, but if he didn't want that, he wouldn't have decided to come with me today. So why, is he doing it? Has no sense.
Thinking about it only confuses me more, I want to ask him, but I'm afraid his answer is something I don't want to hear, after all, I consider him a friend.
I was able to remember some things my grandmother told me.
''Yumiko, sometimes people can be cruel or unpleasant, but there will always be people who will be by your side supporting you, you may not know him today or tomorrow, but you can be sure that when you meet these people, you will feel a special connection, since their relationship will be something genuine, something that will not break easily, even if things are not going well or are difficult, these people will not hesitate to give you a hand.''
''I know that perhaps now you will not understand my words well, but when you find those people, you will understand. And among those people there will be someone even more special, who will make your days a thousand times better, but you should also know that that person is ordinary and can have several defects, he will not always be a blue prince with blond hair as children's stories show, he can be someone ordinary who does not stand out in anything, so it will be your decision if you want that person to stay by your side or let him go.''
''So, Yumiko, in the future, when you meet that special someone, make sure to always be sincere with your words, as I am sure, that person will appreciate your sincerity."
When my grandmother had told me this, I did not understand it. At this moment I still do not fully understand it, but I know that I can consider Tsurumi-kun that special someone, as, after everything we had been through, he decided to continue being with me.
Gathering all the courage I can at this moment, I prepare to ask him.
''Tsurumi-kun, can I ask you a question''
''Go ahead''
I turned my gaze to him, although I felt quite nervous about what it would ask him, I was sure that if I did not do it, I would regret it later.
''After everything that happened, I expected you to get away from me, and although I wanted you to get away from me so that something like this would not happen to you again, you told me that you would not do it unless it was by my own decision without leaving me influence by something, so I would like to know what the relationship is we have.''
After saying this, i looked away from him, all the courage I gathered seemed to be gone.
"Mmmmm, it could be that of simple classmates..."
Hearing this, I couldn't help but feel sad, I guess in the end it wasn't okay, he just sees me as another classmate from school. Tears seemed to want to come out of my eyes.
What a fool I was to think that he would consider me a friend, I caused him a lot of problems, so it was something that could be expected.
Although it seemed that he had not finished speaking.
''But given everything that happened, we could not consider ourselves simple schoolmates. Besides, although it is a bit ashamed to say, during the little time we met, you seemed like someone very interesting, someone who could overcome the problems you had. Not everyone has the courage to do it, so even though it seems really rushed to me, we would consider ourselves friends, of course if that doesn't bother you.''
When I heard that, I couldn't stop the tears from coming out of my eyes, I could feel that something inside me was warm, I had never felt like this with anyone. The tears that came out were not due to sadness but were tears that felt warm for some reason.
This seemed to surprise and scare him.
''If something I said upset you, I'm sorry.'' He apologized quickly, as if he was trying to retract what he said.
''It's not what you think, something got in my eyes, that's why I'm crying''
"You're sure? it doesn't seem like that was the case.''
I hit him on the arm.
"If I say it is because I have something in my eye, it is because I have something in my eye." I couldn't help saying something annoying, for some reason he annoyed me that he wanted to retract his words.
"Okay, but you don't have to hit me either, you know?"
"Sorry, I didn't think well." As we said this, we both couldn't help but laugh at the situation we were in.
I never thought there would come a time when I could laugh with someone.
"I also consider you my friend, Tsurumi-kun" I said this in a low voice, hoping that he could hear it.
"I'm glad to hear that." I could see his smile after he said this.
"Tsurumi-kun, I know it may be a bit hasty, but I'd like to tell you something."
''I'm all ears''
"My father is the head doctor at the hospital where we met, so he is not at home much, and if you ask about my mother, she works all day, so I only see her at night, so I spent more time with my grandmother''
Remembering those days made me somewhat sentimental.
''You used to? Something happened?''
She suffered a heart attack on Friday night. We were both having dinner, and out of nowhere my grandmother started touching her chest and then fainted. In my desperation I could only call the police to send an ambulance to my house.''
"It must have been difficult."
"That day at the hospital where we met, I was there because I wanted to know my grandmother's condition. When I asked my dad if my grandmother would recover, he didn't give me an answer, and although I complained, he didn't answer. So I was sitting outside my grandmother's room I was crying, until you showed up.''
I took a deep breath and mentally prepared myself for what I was going to say.
"If you hadn't talked to me that day, I don't know how I could have gone to school, so I would like to thank you with all my being"
''We've already talked about it, you don't have to thank me, it's something I wanted to do.''
"In the same way, if you ever have a problem, you can ask me for help, although I'm not good at many things, I will do my best."
"Hahahaha" Tsurumi-kun laughed.
''Did I say something funny? For some reason, his laughter started to bother me.
''It's not what you think, it's that I remembered that day in the hospital and comparing you at this moment it seems that you were a different person, that's why I find it funny, It's not that your words have made me laugh. I appreciate your words, if I am in trouble, I will not hesitate to ask for your help''
You are right to remember how I was before and compare myself now. There is a great change, but all that was thanks to Tsurumi-kun. Without his support, I doubt that I could have changed.
"Also, if you need help or someone to talk to, feel free to tell me, I will always be available for you, after all, we are friends, right?" (1)
Tsurumi-kun's words made me blush, so I couldn't meet his eyes.
Without realizing it, I was already close to my house; I suppose that talking while walking makes you not feel the passage of time.
"Here is ok Tsurumi-kun, my house is already close, I don't want you to stray too far from the road to your house"
Of all the times that I walked home, this time I enjoyed it a lot, and it was all thanks to Tsurumi-kun, I hope I have the opportunity to repeat it. Of course, I am not going to say this since just thinking that makes me ashamed
"Then it's okay with me, take care of yourself on the way home"
With that said, Tsurumi-kun started walking towards the opposite side from which I was heading.
I'm looking forward to a chance to speak to him again, although now that I know we are friends, I suppose there will be more opportunities.
With this, I went home, since later I have to visit my grandmother, there are many things I want to tell her.
I was on my way to the room where my grandmother was staying. From today on, visits would be allowed, so I wanted to take this opportunity to talk with her and tell her everything that happened. Of course, I am going to omit some parts since she is in poor health. The last thing I want to do is worry her.
Before entering her room, I decided to knock on the door because if I entered without warning, maybe I would be sleeping, and I did not want to wake her up if that was the case.
After knocking on the door, I could hear my grandmother's voice.
''Ahead"
So, I went into your room, I had already come to the hospital before because of my father's work, so I already knew the room models, but for some reason this room had more things. I suppose my father ordered to give priority to his mother, even if their relationship is not the best.
"Yumiko-chan, it's good to see you"
"The same I say grandmother" after saying this, I gave her a hug.
Although it had only been a few days, it seemed like a lot more time had passed since I last saw her.
''Yumiko-chan, for some reason you look different, something good happened?''
My grandmother was as perceptive as ever. Every time she asked me how I was doing in school, I could only answer with a good answer. Although her face indicated that she did not believe me, she did not decide to press me more.
''You could say that some things happened.''
She motioned for me to sit on her bed.
"Come on, tell your grandmother."
I decided to sit next to her and prepare for what she was going to say.
''Do you remember that long ago you told me that one day I would find someone who would support me and make me feel comfortable with his company.''
"How can I forget it? If I remember correctly, it was when you were 8 years old, and you had a bad time at school, you were crying all afternoon."
''Grandma, you don't have to mention all that'' I started to get embarrassed when I remembered all that.
That day I was quite sad because when I was in elementary school, I had tried to tell a girl I was talking to so we could be friends, but the girls who were bothering me had told her not to interact with me and she told them that she wouldn't do it since she only spoke to me out of pity, that hurt a lot.
"Come on, Yumiko-chan, you don't have to bother, if I remember what I told you that day"
"What I meant is that I think I found that special someone you mentioned back then," she seemed surprised to hear my words.
"That would explain why you look so happy and how you met him? what's his name, how old is he, is he in your classroom?"
''Grandma, those are a lot of questions.'' She seemed very excited to ask me all that.
"I think I got a little carried away." More than my grandmother seemed to be talking to someone my age, I might consider her a friend, although it had been quite a while since we last spoke in this way.
When I entered high school, I thought that I could start from scratch, I had the opportunity to make new friends. Unfortunately. I was wrong, as I realized that it would be the same as in elementary school, so I avoided mentioning this to my grandmother.
Since I didn't want to bother her with my problems.
"Okay don't worry, I met him on Saturday outside this very room"
"I heard from your father that you came that day, but no visitors were accepted, I'm sorry, Yumiko-chan"
''Don't worry Grandma, it's not that this was your fault''
"So, you met him outside of this room, how did it happen?"
As always, my grandmother likes to hear everything in great detail.
''I was sitting outside, and he appeared offering me something to drink. At first, I did not know what to do, so I accepted it. After that, when I was about to leave, I asked him why he did it, and he replied that he doesn't like to see me cry. He saw a pretty girl, so he wanted to cheer me up. After that, we talked some more, and before he left, he said something to me that made me change the way I see things."
''What did he tell you?''
"What you decide to believe from now on is your own decision, but if you allow me to give you any advice, it would be to believe my words, that's what Tsurumi-kun said."
"I won't pressure you to tell me what his conversation was based on, but from what I could understand, it was something that helped you make an important decision, right?"
''Yes, it was'' That someone strange spoke to me that way and showed concern for someone I had just met surprised me, so I decided to try to make my own decisions and stop believing everything that other people told me, now. It would be my decision whether I believed them or not.
"By the way, you met him on Saturday, and you call him Tsurumi-kun. Huh, it seems that you became very fond of him, right?"
I couldn't help but blush at her words.
"Grandma is nothing of what you are thinking, he just told me that he considers our relationship friends"
"I was just kidding, but I'm glad you have a friend, I'm sure Tsurumi-kun is someone special to you, right?''
"That's right, how to put it, he is someone unique, he seems to have more experience than any student of our age."
''That means he's much more mature than other people his age. I am very happy that you have found that special person who supports you and makes you feel comfortable. I'm already old, so I'm deeply happy that you have someone else to rely on."
''Don't say that grandma, it looks like you're going to die, and that's not going to happen. My dad is a good doctor, I'm sure you'll recover quickly, and we'll spend the evenings together like we used to before."
"My mistake, I didn't mean to say it like that, but you also have to admit that I'm old enough, it's not that your grandmother is immune to the passage of time, right?''
"I guess you're right about that, I know, when you recover, I'll ask Tsurumi-kun if he wants to come over to the house so you can meet him, I'm sure you'll like."
"That would be nice, Yumiko-chan, but I think that's impossible for me"
''Grandma, what did you say at the end?'' I couldn't clearly hear what she said at the end.
"I said the view of the sunset from the sale is beautiful, why don't you take a look at it?"
Although this seemed a bit strange to me. So, I got up to see the sunset through the window, Grandma was right, the sunset looks quite beautiful from the window.
''Yumiko-chan, there will be times when life puts up obstacles that seem difficult or impossible to overcome, but as long as you have someone special by your side, I know that you can overcome them. I feel happy that you have found a friend. I wish you all the luck, Yumiko-chan, I know that you will become someone spectacular in the future, take good care of yourself and never forget them, that I will always be proud of you.''
"Grandma, what are you saying? I told you to stop joking like that." I said this while still staring out the window, a small part of me was feeling fear right now.
The seconds passed and there was no response from my grandmother, that little fear that I had began to grow, so I decided to approach her.
"Grandma, if this is a joke, I'm going to be very angry." I said this, but there was no response from her.
My grandmother seemed to be sound asleep, that's why she shouldn't answer me, she must be pretty tired.
As I tried to make me believe these thoughts, I couldn't stop my tears from starting to flow.
"Grandma, is asleep, right?" Tomorrow when it returns, we will talk again as we did today, right? And when you recover, I'll introduce you to Tsurumi-kun and the three of us will talk."
Tears flowed uncontrollably from my eyes, I didn't want to believe it, I refused to believe it, it couldn't be, a few moments ago we were talking about the best, it's impossible that she...
I picked up the room phone to call one of the nurses, they didn't take long to answer, I told them that something was wrong with my grandmother, and they hurried to come.
I didn't want to believe it, I refused to do it, but it was too late, the words I was saying made sense right now, it was goodbye.
''!Grandma!" I couldn't help screaming when I hugged and released all my emotions in that moment.
When the nurses arrived, they only confirmed what It feared, she had passed away.
Grandma POV:
Hours before.
"Mother, are you sure of this decision?"
''I'm sure, I would not like to spend the rest of my life connected to machines. Besides, I think I have lived long enough, I was able to raise a beautiful child who became a doctor and could have a family, you also gave me a beautiful granddaughter. I couldn't be more grateful''
''If that is your decision, I will respect it, after all, I could never refuse any request from you.
Although we had had some discussions, I know that he cares about me. When I had that heart attack, he was the first to have me brought to his hospital where I was treated immediately. I know that because my daughter-in-law told me about it.
He started to come closer and gave me a hug, so I gave it back to him as well.
My husband abandoned me when I got pregnant, so I raised him alone, and I'm proud of the man he became.
''Mother, I know that maybe we have not always agreed on some things, but I want you to know that you were always the person I admired the most.''
I couldn't keep a few tears from coming out.
"Thank you darling, I will always be proud of you. By the way, how much time do I have left?''
"To be honest, with a lot of positivity it would be until tomorrow, but the reality would be a few hours." He seemed very depressed.
''Okay darling, this is a decision I made on my own, spending the rest of the time that I have left in my life connected to some machines is not something I would like, but first, I would like to ask you a favor.''
''Tell me''
"I would like to speak with a Yumiko-chan one last time, there are some things I want to say to her"
He wiped away some of the tears that flowed from his eyes. "No problem, I'll call her so she can come to visit you"
By the way, you should be more attentive to her, I know maybe they don't get along since they are separated by your work, but it wouldn't hurt if you spent more time with her. The same goes for Emiko, she is her mother, so when you get home, tell her to at least have a little chat with her daughter, I know Yumiko would be happy about that.''
"I promise I will try, because it is quite difficult because of the work.''
"I hope so"
It had been a few hours since I spoke with my son, I was lying in bed waiting for Yumiko. It may not be the best time to tell her this, but I would like her to be strong after my departure. Maybe I'm being a bit selfish, but it would be bad for Yumiko to continue depending on me, although I know she hides things from me, but I don't want to pressure her, after all Yumiko is my granddaughter, so the only thing, I can do for Yumiko is advise her.
There was a noise at the door, I guess it's time.
''Ahead"
To my surprise, Yumiko looked different. I do not mean her appearance or her physique but her smile, it has been a long time since she saw her smile like that.
Something good must have happened, because I'm sure if it hadn't happened, she would have behaved as her did every time came home from school.
So, I couldn't help asking her.
We talked for a long time; I could discover that her emotion was due to the fact that she had met a boy. Looks like Yumiko managed to make a friend, I'm happy for her.
I joked with her a bit; it's been a long time since I could hear her excited about something.
"I guess you're right about that, I know, when you recover, I'll ask Tsurumi-kun if he wants to come over to the house so you can meet him, I'm sure you'll like."
Her words surprised me, I guess she is very excited. Unfortunately, that will not be possible since I have little time left, I can feel my lower body starting to go numb.
"Sure, I would like Yumiko-chan, but I think that's impossible for me"
I responded to her words, but the last thing I said was in a low voice, since I didn't want to ruin this moment we had, it had been a long time since we spoke this way.
Yumiko heard me and went to look out the window. After all, although the sunset view was beautiful, I felt that more parts of my body began to go numb. I guess I don't have time, at least I wanted to say some last words.
''Yumiko-chan, there will be times when life puts up obstacles that seem difficult or impossible to overcome, but as long as you have someone special by your side, I know that you can overcome them. I feel happy that you have found a friend. I wish you all the luck, Yumiko-chan, I know that you will become someone spectacular in the future, take good care of yourself and never forget them, that I will always be proud of you.''
I felt that little by little my conscience began to move away from me, as if I were very tired, I guess it was about time.
It seemed that Yumiko had responded to my words, but I could not hear her.
In my last moments I thought about that person that Yumiko had told me. I know that maybe my thoughts will not reach you, but please take care of Yumiko, she is a good girl, she may cause you some problems, but if she considers you a friend, I know that they will be able to carry on even with any adversity.
With this, I closed my eyes, and I felt how fatigue took over my whole body. Thank you for being a good granddaughter, Yumiko.
Yumiko POV
Days had passed since my grandmother passed away, I did not have the courage to go to school at that time.
When I mentioned it to my parents, they told me that there would be no problem with that, I could miss a few days since they knew how much I loved Grandma.
On the day of her funeral, I couldn't help but cry throughout the entire ceremony, after all, I had been the last person to speak to her, aside from hearing her last words, and instead of being any of her wishes, she gave me a advice, how could I feel knowing that the last thing he did before he died was worry about me?
Even if I try to follow some of her advice, I know that I am still somewhat weak, I could not be the person I wanted me to be, after all, I am still the same crying girl as in elementary school.
While thinking about that, the image and some words from Tsurumi-kun came to mind.
"You decide the words you want to believe, do not let anyone force you or impose their thoughts, it is you who chooses your own path"
And in turn, I remembered the last words of my grandmother.
''Yumiko-chan, there will be times when life puts up obstacles that seem difficult or impossible to overcome, but as long as you have someone special by your side, I know that you can overcome them. I feel happy that you have found a friend. I wish you all the luck, Yumiko-chan, I know that you will become someone spectacular in the future.
Those words began to mix in my mind, if Tsurumi-kun was right, if I decided what I wanted to believe, if I am the one who decides my own path. If I make an effort, could I become someone spectacular like my grandmother would have wanted?
But at the same time, I was afraid of this change, after all, when I tried to change, it ended with the beating Tsurumi-kun got.
If it wanted to do it, I could get him in trouble again.
''Also, if you ever need help or someone to talk to, feel free to tell me, I will always be available for you, after all, we are friends, right?''
I remembered the words he said to me when we were on our way to my house. I had told my grandmother that I trusted Tsurumi-kun, that if I were in trouble, I know he would help me and vice versa.
I started to wonder, why should I care about the opinion of others?
Those thoughts started to cheer me up for some reason. The only opinion that should matter to me is that of my friends, because I have to let 2 bitches intimidate me, I guess it's because I let them do it in the first place. Go to hell, both of you, if they tried to do something to him, this time I wouldn't stay crying like an elementary school girl. After all, I wouldn't let Tsurumi-kun be the only one to help me.
Looking in the mirror, I could still see the image of the same vulnerable and crying girl, I wanted to leave this behind, I wanted to be a better person that my grandmother would be proud of, someone who is not intimidated by others, who is not afraid of defending your friends.
I had decided I wanted to leave this image in the past and become someone proud, strong, capable and above all someone who protects his friends.
I suppose a change of style would not hurt, although Tsurumi-kun said that I looked beautiful, I'm sure that if it fixed me a little, I would look even better.
Why did I think of looking better just for Tsurumi-kun? For some reason, I started to blush.
Enough Yumiko, stop thinking that and focus on what you were thinking. Although I wouldn't mind if he complimented me a bit on my appearance.
Putting aside those embarrassing thoughts, I decided to change my appearance, maybe I should dye my hair a stronger color, something that would match my green eyes.
Maybe a yellow color would suit me?
Changing the color of my hair would not be enough, it should change every negative aspect of me to leave behind that image of a girl who would cry for any reason, but I think it is a good start.
"Yumiko, can you come down, we want to talk to you?"
''I'm coming'' That my parents call me is strange, we rarely spoke, although due to the death of my grandmother they had both made the decision to take a few days off from work.
When I got to the living room, I could see the two of them sitting on the sofa, as they indicated that I should sit in front of them.
"Could you hear us?" Asked my father.
"Ok.'' It could have nodded earlier, but it had already decided to leave little Yumiko in the past and be someone better.
''I know that maybe after your grandmother's death it will be difficult for you, and maybe we have not been the best parents for you, but talking to your grandmother made me realize that we were putting you aside to prioritize our work.''
"They are right, they spend very little time at home. Besides, I only see Mom when I go to bed." There was no need to lie or deny his words, it was always like that.
''I know Yumiko, that's why after talking with your father we decided to change our schedules to spend more time with you. Of course, there may not be as much difference as before, but at least we would like to spend more time with you. Since you are our precious daughter, and we would like to know more about you, how you are doing in school, how you get along with your friends.''
I suppose my grandmother's death also affected them, after all, my mother got along well with her, and although my father and my grandmother sometimes argued, I know that she loved him very much.
If I wanted to change and leave my old self behind, talking about it with my parents was also a way to start.
They were trying to make the effort to spend more time with me, it would be thankless on my part if I did not reciprocate those feelings. Before I would have blamed them, but blaming them would not change anything, I was just trying to cover my weaknesses by blaming them, but now it was different, or so I wanted to do.
"I guess it would be nice if they spent more time with me, and as for how I'm doing in school, do you really want to know?'' I asked them, but it seemed like that question raised some kind of doubt.
"If we wanted to, after all, we are your parents, we are here to support you"
So, I told them everything I had been through from elementary school to today, how I had been bullied and insulted by other girls, how I couldn't make friends.
When I told them this, I could see various emotions in my parents, from sadness, guilt and anger. Maybe they think that if they had been more attentive to me, there would have been some difference, but the truth is that I do not know after all that.
It is already part of the past and had decided to leave the past behind.
I kept telling them some things, like the day I was in the hospital and met a boy, when I said this, I could see that my mother seemed happy although my father for some reason seemed upset, but unlike his previous annoyance this seemed different, I also mentioned how Tsurumi-kun had been beaten for helping me, to which my parents seemed to want to go to school right now and yell at the principal for everything that happened. Although they calmed down when I told them that he was fine and that he only ended up with a cut on his lip.
"That boy is quite strange, if you say that you saw how he was beaten and that he only had a wound on his lip, it is quite strange." Said my mother.
"I couldn't believe it too, but after they left, he got up as if nothing happened and told me he was pretty strong."
My mother started laughing.
"I suppose he wanted to be strong in your presence."
For some reason, I started to blush, and my father seems to have noticed it.
He coughed for us to focus on him, it seemed that we had left him out of the conversation.
''So apart from the fact that they beat him, and he acted as if nothing had happened, what is the relationship you have with that boy?''
"He is my friend," I said with all the resolve he had.
''I'm happy for you Yumiko, although it was difficult, it seems that you managed to make a friend. At this moment I feel many things as a mother. I feel that I have failed you, I did not know that you were suffering so much'' My mother looked quite sad as if everything had been her fault, my father was the same, but I am not going to blame them, after all, it's my fault too.
"It is not your fault, I also have responsibility for this, I should have told you at the time, but I did not have the courage to do so." There was a lot of feeling in my words, this conversation we had at this moment was not something I had expected.
''Yumiko'' my mother said while hugging me.'' You are such a strong girl, I'm sure your grandmother is proud of you, could you also forgive us for not realizing everything that happened to you?'' My mother said as some tears came out of her.
My voice began to sound weak, at that moment I felt warm, my mother's concern made me happy.
"It's not your fault, there's nothing to forgive, so you don't have to apologize." After saying this, I also started to cry.
I've never had a moment like this with my mom before, I was afraid to tell her.
It seemed that my fear was unfounded, I was a fool.
After we both calmed down, we parted ways. It seemed like my father wanted to join us too, but he doesn't show much of his feelings, my mother says that's what makes him cute, I can't understand it.
"By the way, mother, is there something I want to ask you?"
"Tell me, Yumiko"
"I made a promise to my grandmother and myself, so I want to leave my old self behind and become a better person, but when I look in the mirror, I still see the same elementary school girl that I used to be. I want a change of style, so I would like to know if you could advise me about it.''
When my mother heard this, she was very happy. I suppose we have rarely done the things that mothers, and daughters usually do.
"I would like Yumiko very much; I know the right place for it"
We spent the rest of the afternoon talking and planning what we would do tomorrow.
The next day we went to dye my hair blonde. I also decided to change my hairstyle for one that left strands of hair on the shoulders. This was the stylist's suggestion, and when I saw the result, I was blown away, there was no trace of my old self, now I was someone completely new. I also wanted to learn how to do makeup, so my mother decided to teach me, and although my father was opposed to the idea at first, after seeing the result he had no complaints.
I had decided to go to school.
It was already Monday, several days had passed, so if I needed more, I would end up falling behind in some subjects.
My father decided to accompany me, he wanted to speak personally with the principal to communicate some things, it seems that he wanted to call the parents of the girls who bullied me, although I told my father that it was not necessary, he decided to do it, he told me that, ''what kind of father would I be if he left such acts unpunished'', but to our surprise, we found out that the students no longer went to school, it seems that the 4 students had been victims of an assault and they ended up quite wounted, so it was not known when they would recover or if they would still attend school, I suppose it could be considered as a punishment for all their actions.
After saying goodbye to my father, I decided to go to my classroom only to be received by all the looks from my classmates, I could hear some words.
''Who is she?''
"Is she a new student?"
''She is quite beautiful, do you think if I confess to her, she will agree to go out with me? ''
They were some of the things that I could hear, I decided to ignore them and go to my seat.
The classes passed normally, some had guessed who it was from the place where I sat, so their looks were quite remarkable, as if they could not believe what they were seeing. Of course, this did not matter to me at all. After all, I decided that the opinions of other people outside my friends would not matter to me.
I decided to walk to the teacher's room. When I entered, I decided to ask her what room Tsurumi Raiden was in. A teacher was kind, and she told me his location, so I went to his classroom.
I felt a bit nervous, even though Tsurumi-kun had told me that we were friends, I hadn't talked to him since that day, but I finally had the chance to talk to him again.
When I entered the classroom, I could feel various stares, but I could also see that Tsurumi-kun was sitting while he was looking at me like everyone else.
I decided to invite him to follow me to the bike rack, even though my voice sounded authoritative, since I was feeling a bit nervous and didn't know how to invite him in the right way.
After he asked me if he could bring his lunch, I nodded and took him to the parking lot.
As we walked, I began to remember some things that I had discussed with my mother.
Flashback
"Yumiko, tell me something, how far have you come with that friend of yours?"
''Mother, what are you hinting at?'' I said this quite nervously, I knew what her meant, but I had already told her everything that had happened with Tsurumi-kun.
I tried to answer in the correct way but couldn't help stuttering
"As I told you, we are friends, and it would be too early to be something like that, after all, we have just met."
''But you don't dislike the idea, do you''
''MOM'' I said this somewhat annoyed and embarrassed
''It's that the way you described that boy to me, I thought he was someone quite interesting, so maybe at some point I could get a girlfriend, but since you said you're her friend, I guess there won't be a problem with that, right?''
For some reason, the idea that Tsurumi-kun could have someone else to be with began to irritate me. After all, he had told me that he was always alone and had no friends.
''But just in case, I will give you some advice. You could try calling him by his first name, that way it would show that he is confident, and since you said that they are friends, I don't see anything wrong with doing it.''
"I think I can think about it."
"Good luck, Yumiko"
"I already told you that it was not what you imagined"
End of flashback
I suppose my mother can be quite nosy although I don't dislike that. Instead, I'm happy I had those kinds of conversations with her.
While I was remembering some things, we had reached our destination.
Tsurumi-kun asked me some questions, so I did not hesitate to answer them, although they felt strange since it was not the first time we came to this site.
I plucked up the courage to ask him if I could call him by his first name.
Although his answer puzzled me.
"You know, before you call someone by their name, it's polite to introduce yourself."
It is true that I knew his name, but I had never introduced myself.
So, I decided to tell him my name in addition to telling him to call me by my first name, to which he flatly refused.
But I had not given up, after all, I decided to grow as a person, so I would continue to insist until he called me by my first name, after all, we were friends, so I was not doing anything wrong.
Raiden told me that it was the first time we met, this made me feel annoyed and happy in turn. After all, if he could not recognize me, it is because I did a great job with my appearance, so I could no longer relate to her helpless girl he met.
Raiden said he wanted to ask me a question to which I nodded, but to my disappointment, it was stuff we talked about the day he walked me home.
I guess I should be proud of myself, since not even Raiden can recognize me, although I starting to annoy me.
I decided to give him a hint that who I was, to which Raiden was totally blank, he seemed to be quite pensive.
''It bothers me a little that you do not believe me''
After answering his question, he seemed to be in a state of shock. After seeing him like that for several seconds, I hit his on his arm, which made him react.
"So, Raiden, if you believe me?''
"After seeing all the evidence, I guess I have no other, truth?" He seemed to say this as if he resigned himself to something, which pissed me off, and I hit him again.
"It's okay, Miura-san, you don't have to keep hitting me, I understand, excuse me for not recognizing you from the beginning"
''That is not why I am hitting you.'' I decided to prepare myself well for the next thing I would demand of him. ''If you want me to forgive you, you must call me by my name, after all you said that is what people close to you are called, and that day you said we were friends, right? ''
"I have no other alternative, right" It seemed as if he had resigned himself to a cruel fate, so I started to hit him again.
"Okay, okay, you don't have to hit me again, Yumiko."
Hearing him say my name made me happy.
"Then I'm counting on you from now on, Raiden."
"It seems that I have no other choice, right?" I was getting ready to hit him, "I'm counting on you too, Yumiko"
After this, we talked a little more until the bell rang, indicating the end of the lunch hour, neither of us was able to eat lunch that day.