WEDNESDAY, 040710
Her eyes shone in glee and excitement as she fiddled on the screen of her phone. A new Otome from her favorite game developer recently released the rising "Seduced in the Sleepless City" or "Sleepless Cinderella". Right after buying the game the other day, sixteen-year-old Kunimi Tomoyo had spent time playing the game and had invested feelings for her bias: Noel Aijima. And currently, she's in Episode 9.
[ A. Aijima ]
[ B. Mr. Noel ]
[ C. Noel ]
Giggling, she tapped the third letter on her screen and felt proud that she had chosen the correct and best answer. Warmth dusted her cheeks at the sight of Noel's blushing face on her screen.
[Your shoulder was really comfy. That's why I slept so well.]
"Hehe. I've conquered your heart, Noel." Tomoyo sighed and closed her eyes in contention.
"Shouldn't you rehearse for your speech instead of playing, said conqueror of hearts?"
Tomoyo propped an eye open to give a mean look to the growing teenager she calls brother. "I am rather equipped more than you think. Thank you for the concern."
Her brother hummed, eyes relaxing and face slowly making an 'I-don't-believe-you' look. "With how your eyebags are evident, I find it hard to believe, Ane-ue."
"What?" A voice gasped from the front. "What time did you sleep last night, Tomoyo?" asked her mother from the front seat, hand on the wheels, and dark brown eyes glancing through the rear-view mirror.
Tomoyo subconsciously touched the areas under her eyes as she rummaged through her bag for a pocket mirror. She winced at her mother's question and casually threw a disapproving look at her brother's way.
"I kinda stayed up rather late, Mom. Sorry." she sheepishly replied. "Akira, you snitch." And quietly hissed at the younger Kunimi.
But her brother only looked the other way and Tomoyo knew that he stuck his tongue out at the situation she placed him in.
"I don't mind you spending your allowance for your entertainment, but do not neglect your health." Her beloved mother, Kunimi Kimika, sternly told her through the rearview.
Tomoyo could only nod, admitting to herself that she was at fault anyway. "Understood, Mom." She quietly sighed and brought out her folder that contained her speech.
It's spring once more. The white and pure snow from winter has evaporated, clearing the roads and pathways for the blooming season to arrive. Flowers have bloomed and the world transitioned to majestic-filled colors from the all-white environment since last year. The new arrival of the season is the start of Tomoyo's new phase in her studies. She had just graduated from her middle school weeks ago. And today is the long-awaited entrance ceremony of her high school life.
Due to her ridiculous and vigorous studying for the entrance exam, and after heartbreakingly missing the required grade point average to get into her original choice of high school (Shiratorizawa Gakuen), Tomoyo decided to redeem herself by ranking on top of the entrance exam takers of Aoba Johsai instead. Tomoyo admitted to herself that she slacked off sometime during her second year but wanted to study at a national university.
But despite not being able to make it to her dream school, her teacher in middle school advised her to take a recommendation entrance instead at Aoba Johsai. Tomoyo passed the Recommendation Entrance Exams with high marks and was accepted in her scholarship application.
And now, along with her mother and younger brother, they are on their way to where she'll begin her high school life for the Entrance Ceremony. Her little brother of indifference, now in his second year in middle school, will be dropped off with their mother at a nearby sister school, Kitagawa Daiichi, also attending his opening ceremony.
Soon, the car skidded to a stop after entering the parking lot. The main gate of a towering elite school of the blue castle was tall for Tomoyo despite the huge body of students lingering in the field to take pictures with their uniforms and commemoration. She scanned the area with an excited flow evident in her eyes and placed the folder back into her bag in seconds to leave the car.
"Alright. Let's make it quick." Her brother muttered as they all left the car. His indifferent face stared at the group of students on the school grounds taking pictures.
"You know what to do, Akira."
The lad mumbled a low "Yes" and Tomoyo stood proudly beaming with excitement as she waited for her mother by the welcoming tarpaulin sign. Once her mother was able to settle down and stood beside her with her coat fixed, Akira readied himself as well to capture her moment. "Okay, here we go."
Tomoyo showed her pearly whites looking at the camera beside her mother.
"Thank you for the ride, Mom." She said to the older woman.
"I won't be able to pick you up today due to the meeting. You remember the way back home?"
She nodded. "Yes, ma'am."
"In case, KitaIchi is just two blocks away. You can go home with Akira." Her mother gestured at the young man's way and Tomoyo couldn't help but to release a soft and short laugh after seeing Akira's disapproving look.
"Yep. I'll keep that in mind. Thanks, Mom." She picked up her bag from the car seat and smiled. "For coming to my ceremony." With that, she bid goodbye and left her two families without seeing the soft smile that was etched on her mother's stern face.
She watched the car leave and disappear in the distance. She heaved a deep sigh before taking great strides. Tomoyo entered the school grounds and blended in with the other students who could be in the same chapter as her. Dark brown eyes darted from left to right, catching sight of the blooming, dancing pink petals. It gave her a blossoming feeling of serenity and calmness with each step she took. Tomoyo is looking forward to her life here in the new school.
No more dark and conservative uniforms. No more high white socks. Tomoyo loved her new school uniform. As it is their first day, she can finally wear the pale lilac shirt, dark red ribbon, cream sweater vest on top of her white blazer and light brown skirt with dark details. Her schoolmates are not limited to females anymore. Aoba Johsai is co-ed compared to what she got used to — an all-girls school. It's a new school culture compared to her primary and middle school days.
Once Tomoyo entered the school gymnasium along with the other first years, she was immediately greeted by a familiar face.
"Tomo!"
She beamed. "Fuyu!" She was later enveloped in a bone-crushing hug. "It's been a while."
Kurahama Fuyumi. A light-caramel-haired young lass with honey-colored eyes is a dear person whom Tomoyo shared her life with since kindergarten. They've been together since then and even now that they are in high school, Tomoyo is looking forward to their journey in this co-ed school as classmates once more. Suffice it to say, she's Tomoyo's best friend.
"How was spring break?" She asked the caramel lass.
Fuyumi released an annoyed sigh. "Tell me about it. Mom and Dad were all over me since I decided to change schools." The girl started as they walked to the line of their class as part of the preparation for the ceremony. They immediately found theirs by the back with another stern-looking woman who reminded Tomoyo of her mom. "They had me sit on a three-hour lecture about attending co-ed and the cons of me choosing another school instead of staying in Sakuramachi.
The female Kunimi could only pat her shoulders in pity. She understood clearly. Fuyumi and she grew up having less interaction with the male species since kindergarten. But high school is the start of a blooming career. She and Fuyumi couldn't settle growing up not knowing love, boys, and relationships. The only difference is that Tomoyo has a younger brother and Fuyumi is an only child. Her parents' overprotectiveness, well… valid.
"Needless to say, they only calmed down when they learned you also applied to the same school."
She patted the caramel lass' head. "You had it rough, huh, little winter. There, there."
"Well, enough of me. How about you, Tomo?"
"I'm feeling great." She let out a wide grin and a V-sign.
Fuyumi smirked. "As expected of our cheeky Tomo-sama."
And she could only chuckle as more students started filling in and teachers shushing them as the program would begin in a moment. She and Fuyumi automatically turned to their best behavior and listened to the background music dedicated to the ceremony being played with the school's biggest speakers.
The Entrance Ceremony started a moment later and the audience's buzz toned down, killed. The teacher in front of their line started to walk towards the inside of the gymnasium where the parents and other teachers were, signaling for them to follow suit. Tomoyo followed her line whereas Fuyumi followed her according to their line. They had to fall in line, to their chairs, until everyone in their batch arrived. Eyes at the front as the school principal walked up and the master of ceremony in front of the podium. They were instructed to sit down. There were a lot of ceremony routines, of course, respecting the ceremony itself. A warm welcome was declared and all throughout Tomoyo was shaking with excitement. They were encouraged to do their best to try new things and discover new passions in life. The school even emphasized making the right and best choices in creating their personal goals.
Fuyumi had to hold her hand to calm down even when the teacher asked the students to stand and bow. Tomoyo couldn't be prouder of herself when her name was called in the roll call of first years.
"You are all now officially enrolled in this school."
Fuyumi glanced her way, and she couldn't help but feel nervous and proud at the next part of the program. Next were the students' speeches.
"Next, a few words from the representative of the incoming class." Started the teacher. "Here she is, Miss Kunimi Tomoyo."
Just as her name was called, Tomoyo stood up with a loud "Yes." That could be heard throughout the gym. A pin drop couldn't be heard as Tomoyo moved her confident shaking legs to the stage. Instead, she could only hear her own heart beating wildly for this moment. It didn't take that long for her hands to get clammy. Sweaty when she took a bow in front of the school principal and the teachers. Then in front of a large crowd.
Tomoyo cleared her throat.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, teachers, and my fellow students, today, as I stand before you, I am filled with gratitude and admiration for the incredible ceremony orchestrated by our headmaster that our school has provided us with, which has made this moment so unforgettable."
She scanned the crowd, particularly the new students.
"As we commence this fresh chapter in our educational quest, we, the student body, pledge to work with diligence and responsibility. We aim to harness the knowledge and skills bestowed upon us by our educators to evolve into the finest versions of ourselves. Our commitment is to pursue excellence and embody the principles of integrity, respect, and perseverance, the very ideals our institution embodies."
Her brown eyes caught sight of a rather attractive young man in the same year as her, sporting dark brown hair swept outwards. Tomoyo swore that she never felt prouder when she saw him nod his head as if agreeing with her.
"To my fellow students, I vow to support and encourage each other every step of the way, striving together. I pledge to be a positive influence on those around me."
"Let us all commit to making the most of this academic year, to pushing ourselves beyond our limits, and to supporting each other in our pursuit of knowledge and growth. Together, let us create a learning environment that is vibrant, inclusive, and empowering for all. Let us seize this opportunity to shine brightly and make our school proud."
Tomoyo then looked at the teaching staff who were seated on the left and right side of the gymnasium.
"To our teachers, I pledge to respect and appreciate your guidance and mentorship, knowing that it is through your expertise and passion that we will flourish."
She bowed at them before proceeding to close her speech.
"Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity, and I look forward to making the most of it. Here's to a successful and fulfilling three years ahead. Thank you."
With that said, Tomoyo gave another bow before descending the stage. She returned to her chair, beside Fuyumi, who gave her a goofy thumbs-up, in which she returned on her own. Only then did Tomoyo was able to release a breath she didn't know she was holding.
"Well done, well said." Fuyumi grinned.
"Thanks, Fuyu."
She faced forward. After she exchanged words, she was followed by a third year. A young man honed by academic perseverance, societal pressure, and life obstacles addressed the new students, welcoming and congratulating them for making it to today's moment. Tomoyo learned this young man was the student council president this school year.
There were still a lot of people who were in line to deliver their speeches and Tomoyo listened to all of them with vigor, enthusiasm, and anticipation. She already planned on what she would be doing during her stay here, such as clubs to join, organizations to explore, classroom participation, and even competitions to join, if possible.
The first ceremony in her high school life ended after they sang the school song.
"O-Okay. I'm feeling it now."
Tomoyo whipped her head with a questioning glance at her friend's way. Seeing the nervous look plastered on Fuyumi's face, she couldn't help but reach out a hand as they walked towards their classroom, Class 1-6. They are being led by the same teacher with a stern face, which she learned to be their Homeroom and Math teacher, Matsumae Nanae.
"Don't worry." This is what Tomoyo can only say to her best friend, hand squeezing as if assuring the caramel-haired girl that it'll be alright. Tomoyo was glad that Fuyumi was in the same class as her.
A placard above a door stated [ Class 1 – 6 ] and the two ladies entered the classroom along with the others who seemed to be their classmates. Tomoyo's dismay and Fuyumi's growing anxiety, they are being separated by their seating arrangement that was already laid out on the chalkboard. To make matters worse, Tomoyo's name is at the back and Fuyumi at the very front.
She gave Fuyumi another squeeze before releasing her hold. If Fuyumi could cry, she would. And Tomoyo knew the amount of self-control her friend held.
You'll be fine. You're doing great.
Tomoyo's seat is in the second row, the last column. A refreshing seat near the window beside a rather refreshing lad whose face is strikingly familiar. She remembered the lad from her speech, who nodded in agreement to what she was saying.
But his attention was not on her but on another lad who was seated in front of her. He sported a grin that could make girls swoon. If anything, it made her heart uneasy at how genuine and careless the smile was directed at the other boy.
"Looking forward to a year with you, Iwa-chan."
The guy who sat before her grunted, "Yeah."
"And you?"
She blinked. Tomoyo looked back at the unknown refreshing lad. "Me?"
"Yes — oh. You're the speaker earlier. Kunimi Tomo…ko, right?"
"It's Tomoyo."
"Eh? Sorry." He let out a nervous chuckle after blinking at the realization of his small mistake. "I'm Oikawa Tooru. I'll be your neighbor starting today."
Oikawa… Tooru…
Sounds familiar. Where could I possibly have heard his name?
"… Kunimi?" The dark-haired lass Iwa-chan turned to her with a raised brow. "Do you perhaps know someone named Kunimi Akira?"
Ah. She later realized who she was interacting with. Iwa-chan. Oikawa. Of course! She knew them by name. She has heard of it a lot from her younger brother's conversation with his friend, Kindaichi Yuutarou since their first year in Kitagawa Daiichi.
"Yes. He's my younger brother." She smiled.
"Eh? Kunimi-chan has a sister?"
"No wonder you looked familiar." Iwa-chan whistled, amused. "The name's Iwaizumi Hajime. A pleasure to meet Kunimi's older sister."
"Likewise, Iwaizumi-san. I've heard from Kunimi of your names from his stories. It's nice to finally know the faces of his senpais in volleyball." She gave them a warm smile. Iwaizumi grinned at her in response and to Tomoyo's surprise, she felt comfortable with her new situation shared with her new seatmates.
Right after their small interaction, the strict-looking woman appeared to have been done leading her classmates to their classroom. Tomoyo immediately diverted her gaze to the woman at the front, who then took their spot at the front with a folder. Iwaizumi followed suit yet through her peripheral vision, Tomoyo can see and feel a question looming yet to be asked and answered. For whatever reason, entertaining it would open a door for her that she didn't imagine appearing in her sixteenth year of living. She has a small smile on her face, taking in the new realities in her life at the moment: Taking the representative role in her batch, meeting Akira's seniors in volleyball, having a fun-filled year with Fuyumi once more, helping Fuyumi go out of her shell and well, hers, too.
For now, Tomoyo is dead set on embracing a new culture for the new chapter of her life.
Note:
HI. It's been almost three years since I last dropped the first chapter of this series, so I feel rusty writing this (took me a week huhu)
A lot of things happened in life since then. To sum it up, I graduated college. Got my job the week before I graduated. Immediately jumping to working. Got my heart broken again. Well, it was during this time that this story occurred to me and made me realize that I have yet to finish the entire series. But I wasn't able to do it due to feels.
Now that we are celebrating the success of the Nekokara movie and even the VNL 2024 is still ongoing, I have been receiving updates from and AO3, reminding me that I have this life still! I thank you, dear lovely humans, for your continuous support. The emails I received that someone gave me kudos, favorited, or followed my stories — sparked the dead fire in me, giving me that passion that was lost long ago. I love you so much.
As for the updates, I don't have a concrete schedule yet as I am still in the onboarding process of my new job. So, I don't have the finality at the moment. One thing that I can say is that Chapter 3 is in process! I'll let you know once the next one is up.
For now, I present to you, chapter two!
Don't hesitate to drop your thoughts in the comment section. I'd be glad to hear criticisms.
See ya in the next update, love!