Chapter 1
The hallways of Belleview High in San Diego, California buzzed with the energy of a new school day. Students jostled each other, their hurried footsteps echoing through the corridors as the first bell rang. Amidst the chaos, Drake Parker and Josh Nichols made their way to their homeroom, Mrs. Hayfer's English class. Josh, his face alight with excitement, bounced on the balls of his feet.
"Can you believe it, Drake?" he exclaimed, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Today's the day we meet the foreign exchange student! Isn't it exciting?"
Drake, his expression a picture of indifference, shrugged. "Yeah? And?"
"And," Josh continued, undeterred, "it means we'll have an actual Japanese person living under our roof for a whole week! It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"
Drake scoffed. "Big deal. It's not like it's the first time we've had someone from another country stay with us. Remember your pen pal from Yudonia? The one who turned out to be a billionaire?" He pouted slightly at the memory.
Josh chuckled. "Oh yeah, Yooka," he said. "Remember how ya' accidentally married 'er?"
"Yeah..." Drake sighed dramatically. "If only I could have gotten my hands on some of that family fortune."
Josh rolled his eyes playfully. "Still, we've never had someone from Japan stay with us before. Think about it, Drake! Japan makes some of the coolest stuff. And now, someone from there is gonna live with us!"
Drake's interest piqued slightly. "I see what ya' mean," he conceded. "But I still don't get what's so great about babysitting some foreign exchange student for a week."
"We're not "babysitting"!" Josh corrected, his voice laced with a hint of exasperation. "This is all about cultural exchange, learnin' about different perspectives, bridgin' the gap between countries."
"Whatever," Drake mumbled, slumping into his desk. "This foreign exchange student just better not be some weirdo who messes with my stuff."
Josh sighed, shaking his head at his brother's lack of enthusiasm. He should've known that Drake wouldn't understand the significance of the program. Unless it involved pretty girls, music, junk food, or Celebrities Under Water, Drake couldn't be bothered.
Josh pulled out the information sheet about the foreign exchange program, his finger tracing the name of their guest.
Shoko Komi... he thought, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. I wonder what they'll be like.
The sharp ring of the second bell echoed through the classroom, silencing the chatter and signaling the start of class. Students scrambled to their seats, a flurry of notebooks and textbooks rustling as they settled in. Josh sat up straight, his eyes glued to the doorway, anticipation bubbling within him. At any moment now, they would meet the foreign exchange student, and he couldn't wait to see who it would be.
Mrs. Hayfer strode into the room, her heels clicking against the linoleum floor. "Alright, students!" she announced, her voice commanding attention. "Class is now in session. Please settle down!" Her gaze landed on Drake, who was slouched in his chair, his expression a picture of boredom. "Drake, sit up straight this instant!" she barked.
Drake sighed dramatically, muttering something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like, "The wicked witch of Belleview strikes again."
Mrs. Hayfer's eyes narrowed. "You better pay attention today, Drake," she warned, her voice laced with a hint of menace. "Today is very important, and I won't tolerate any disruptions."
"Okay, okay..." Drake grumbled, reluctantly straightening his posture.
"And also," Mrs. Hayfer added, her voice dripping with disdain, "I hate you."
"I know..." Drake mumbled, rolling his eyes. It was a familiar refrain, a constant reminder of Mrs. Hayfer's inexplicable animosity towards him.
Josh cringed, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. He hated these exchanges between his brother and their teacher. Mrs. Hayfer's blatant dislike for Drake always made him feel uneasy, and he wished she would treat Drake with a bit more respect, even if he wasn't the most attentive student.
"Alright, students, today marks the beginning of a very important week for our school," Mrs. Hayfer announced, her voice taking on a formal tone. "We are proud to launch our foreign exchange program with the prestigious Itan High School in Japan. This program is designed to foster cultural understanding and bridge the gap between our two nations. The exchange of ideas and perspectives is vital for a healthy global community."
As Mrs. Hayfer continued her eloquent introduction, Drake's attention drifted. His gaze wandered towards the window, his thoughts preoccupied with the upcoming weekend and the possibility of scoring tickets to the latest Celebrities Under Water taping. Josh, however, remained laser-focused on the doorway, his anticipation growing with each passing second. Where was the foreign exchange student?
Any minute now... he thought to himself, his fingers drumming impatiently against his desk. Any minute now...
"...and so, without further ado," Mrs. Hayfer concluded, her voice brimming with a rare touch of enthusiasm, "I would like to introduce our foreign exchange student who will be gracing us with her presence for the week. All the way from Japan, please welcome Miss Shoko Komi!" Mrs. Hayfer gestured towards the doorway with a flourish.
A hush fell over the classroom, every eye turning towards the entrance. In walked a girl who seemed to radiate an ethereal beauty. Tall and graceful, with long, flowing black hair cascading down her back, she possessed an air of quiet elegance. Her dark, almond-shaped eyes sparkled with a hint of shyness, and her delicate features were framed by a soft blush. She was, in a word, breathtaking.
Whispers rippled through the room as the students took in the sight of this extraordinary young woman.
Drake, who had been zoning out just moments before, snapped to attention. His jaw dropped as his eyes met Komi's. "Whoa..." he breathed. "That's the foreign exchange student?" Drake's heart pounded in his chest, a familiar flutter of excitement filling his stomach. Whoa, he thought, his eyes widening in appreciation. She's insanely hot. Probably the hottest girl I've ever seen. A mischievous grin spread across his face as he imagined all the possibilities.
"So that's Shoko Komi," Josh whispered, his voice filled with admiration. "She's really pretty." He smiled warmly, appreciating Komi's beauty without any ulterior motives.
At the front of the classroom, Komi stood frozen, her body trembling slightly under the weight of all the curious stares and whispers. Her social anxiety flared, threatening to overwhelm her.
It's happening already... she thought, her heart pounding in her chest.
"Welcome to our classroom, Miss Komi," Mrs. Hayfer said with a rare smile. Noticing Komi's apprehension, she switched to Japanese. "Oh, that's right. Watashitachi no kyoshitsu e yokoso."
Komi glanced at Mrs. Hayfer, offering a small, shy smile in response.
"Please, have a seat wherever you like and make yourself comfortable," Mrs. Hayfer instructed, gesturing towards the empty desks.
Komi's gaze swept across the room, her anxiety growing as she felt the weight of everyone's eyes on her. She spotted an empty seat next to Drake and Josh. With a deep breath, she slowly made her way towards it, each step a small victory over her overwhelming shyness.
As Komi settled into her seat beside the brothers, a wave of relief washed over her. The intense scrutiny of the classroom lessened, replaced by a more manageable awareness of a few lingering glances.
Suddenly, a gentle tap on her shoulder startled her. She turned to find Josh beaming at her with a friendly smile.
"Kon'nichiwa, Komi-san," Josh greeted warmly, his Japanese pronunciation surprisingly accurate. "Watashi wa Josh Nichols." He gestured towards Drake. "Kore wa watashi no ani, Drake Parker." (Hello, Komi. I'm Josh Nichols. This is my brother, Drake Parker).
Drake flashed a confident grin and offered a casual wave. " 'S'up," he said, his voice laced with a playful charm.
Komi returned a small, shy smile and a hesitant wave. Josh leaned towards Drake, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Been brushin' up on my Japanese skills," he whispered. "Pretty good, eh?"
Drake, however, seemed oblivious to his brother's accomplishment. His gaze remained fixated on Komi, captivated by her beauty. "Yeah, sure," he mumbled absently, his thoughts clearly preoccupied.
Josh, noticing Drake's distraction, rolled his eyes and refocused his attention on Komi. "Konshu wa watashitachi ga hosuto o tsutomemasu," he continued, his Japanese fluid and natural. "Issho ni tanoshii jikan o sugoseru koto o negatte imasu." (This week, we will be your hosts. I hope we can have a fun time together.)
Komi's lips curved into a gentle smile, and she reached into her backpack, retrieving a notepad and pencil. Instead of writing in Japanese, she began to form English words, her handwriting neat and precise. In preparation for her trip to San Diego, Komi had diligently practiced her English writing skills night and day. She knew that communicating in a foreign country would be challenging, especially on top of her already existing communication struggles. But she was determined not to let her difficulties hinder her experience.
After a few moments, she held up her notepad for Josh to read:
"Nice to meet you, Josh. I hope we have lots of fun together too."
Josh beamed, his heart warming at her thoughtful message. "Aww, that's so sweet," he replied, his voice filled with sincerity.
Komi, encouraged by his positive response, continued writing. Her next message revealed a more vulnerable side:
"I should let you know that I struggle with a communication disorder. I have trouble talking to people and forming relationships. As a result, I mostly communicate through writing. Please don't mistake my silence for apathy or rudeness."
Josh's smile softened as he read her words, his brow furrowing with concern. He noticed Komi's slight trembling and the hint of sadness in her eyes.
"Sore wa zan'nendesu ne," he responded in Japanese, his voice gentle and understanding. (That's unfortunate.)
Komi, touched by his empathy, quickly penned another message:
"It's okay. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine. I'm not going to let my communication struggles ruin this opportunity."
Josh admired her resilience. It was inspiring to see Komi facing her challenges head-on, determined to make the most of her experience despite the obstacles. He felt a kinship with her, a connection forged through their shared understanding of social difficulties. He remembered his own struggles with making friends as a child, the awkwardness and feeling like he didn't fit in. While he didn't know what it was like to struggle to express his thoughts, he knew what it was like to feel isolated and misunderstood.
Drake, his eyes glued to Komi, nudged Josh with his elbow. "Hey," he whispered, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Ask 'er what she's doin' after school." He raised an eyebrow suggestively, a playful smirk tugging at his lips.
Josh shot him a disapproving look, annoyed by his brother's relentless pursuit of any girl who caught his eye. "How 'bout we let 'er settle in first, Drake?" he hissed, his voice low. "It's a little too soon to be asking her out on a date."
Drake's smile faltered, his expression turning sullen. "Excuse me for wanting to show our lovely guest around," he grumbled, folding his arms in defiance.
Josh sighed, his patience wearing thin. He leaned closer to Drake, his voice barely above a whisper. "Now's not the time for your flirting, Drake," he warned. "Shoko's a little nervous, and so it's best to let 'er get comfortable first."
Drake let out a frustrated groan. "Fine," he conceded, his voice laced with reluctance. "But at least let me show 'er around once she's settled in."
"Just promise me you'll behave yourself around Shoko," Josh insisted, his tone serious. "She's from a different culture, and I don't think your usual... Drake-ish antics will make a good impression."
Drake rolled his eyes. "Fine, whatever," he mumbled, slumping back in his seat.
Josh shook his head, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. Drake still didn't grasp the true purpose of the exchange program. It wasn't about scoring dates with hot foreign chicks; it was about cultural exchange and understanding.
His gaze softened as he turned back to Komi. She was observing the classroom with wide, curious eyes, taking in her new surroundings. Their eyes met, and Josh offered a reassuring smile, which Komi returned with a shy tilt of her head.
Josh glanced at Drake, who was now nonchalantly leaning back in his chair, feigning disinterest. He couldn't help but scoff inwardly.
Just moments ago, he couldn't care less about this exchange program, Josh thought, recalling Drake's earlier comments about "babysitting" some foreign student. Now that he knows a pretty girl is involved, he's suddenly all interested. He shook his head, a hint of disappointment clouding his features. Drake's priorities were frustratingly predictable.
~
The final bell rang, releasing a torrent of students into the hallways. Komi, trailing slightly behind Drake and Josh, observed the bustling scene with wide, curious eyes. The cacophony of voices, the hurried footsteps, and the vibrant energy of the school was a little similar to her own school of Itan back in Japan, what with its quirky personalities in the student body. Of course, she had yet to meet anyone who was truly as off the wall as her schoolmates.
Josh, noticing Komi's quiet observation, glanced back at her with a reassuring smile. It's good to see she's taking it all in, he thought, pleased that she seemed to be adjusting well to her new environment.
Drake, on the other hand, couldn't help but admire Komi's graceful movements and elegant posture. She's so hot, he mused, a playful smirk across his face. I can't wait to get to know 'er better.
As they neared the school entrance, Josh paused, causing Drake and Komi to stop as well.
"What's up?" Drake asked, his impatience evident. "Why are we stopping?"
"I just wanted to ask Shoko how she liked her first day here," Josh explained, turning to Komi with a warm smile.
Drake leaned against the wall, feigning disinterest. "Go ahead then," he said, though his eyes remained fixed on Komi.
Josh faced Komi, his expression sincere. "Shonichi wa dō deshita ka?" he asked in fluent Japanese. (How was your first day?)
Komi, her cheeks flushing slightly, pulled out her notepad and pencil. She quickly scribbled a response and held it up for Josh to read:
"It was good. Your school is very nice."
"That's great to hear," Josh replied, beaming.
"Why does she use a notepad to talk again?" Drake questioned, his brow furrowed in confusion.
"Because, Drake," Josh explained patiently, "she has a communication disorder. She's not comfortable with verbal communication."
"But if she can talk, why does she need a notepad?" Drake persisted, his confusion growing.
Josh sighed, his patience wearing thin. "Ya' just don't get it, Drake." He shook his head and turned back to Komi, his expression apologetic. "Gomen'nasai, Komi-san," he said in Japanese. "Watashi no ani wa anata no komyunikēshon sutairu o rikai shite imasen." (I'm sorry. My brother doesn't understand your communication style.)
Komi offered a reassuring smile and wrote another message:
"It's okay. Not everyone understands, even in my own country."
Josh's heart ached for her. He knew that cultural stigma surrounding mental health could be a barrier to understanding and acceptance, especially in a place like Japan, where conformity was highly valued.
"Can we just go now?" Drake whined, his impatience bubbling over. "The sooner we get Shoko settled in, the sooner we can show 'er around."
"Oh, right," Josh said, snapping out of his thoughts. He smiled at Komi and gestured towards the exit. "Kochira e dōzo, Komi-san." (This way, please.)
Komi nodded, and the three of them made their way out of the school, the California sun greeting them with a warm embrace.
As they walked across the school grounds, Komi became acutely aware of the curious glances and whispers following their small group. A group of boys, their eyes filled with envy, watched Drake and Josh escort the striking new girl towards the parking lot.
Komi's heart pounded in her chest, the unwanted attention triggering her social anxiety. She reached into her pocket, her fingers finding comfort in the cool plastic of her trusty cat figurine. The familiar touch calmed her nerves, a small reminder of home and security amidst the unfamiliar surroundings.
Reaching the car, Josh opened the back passenger door for Komi with a courteous gesture. She smiled gratefully and slid into the seat, her anxiety easing slightly.
"Alright," Josh announced, his voice brimming with excitement, "time to take Miss Komi home and introduce her to the family!"
"Yeah," Drake chimed in, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "And then, the real fun begins."
"Ooh, I can't wait for her to try my famous brownies or see my magic tricks!" Josh exclaimed, practically bouncing with anticipation.
"Well, let's get a move on then," Drake urged, eager to get Komi alone.
Josh slid behind the wheel, started the car, and pulled out of the parking lot. Drake, unable to contain his curiosity, turned around to sneak a peek at Komi. She was gazing out the window, her fingers gently stroking the cat figurine. Sensing his gaze, Komi turned, her eyes meeting Drake's with an intensity that made him catch his breath.
Whoa, her gaze is... intense, Drake thought, a shiver running down his spine. He quickly turned back to face the front, his heart pounding. Despite the unexpected intensity of her stare, his desire to get to know her only grew stronger. She was undeniably the most beautiful girl he had ever seen, and he wasn't about to let a little intimidation get in the way of his pursuit.
Josh's eyes flickered between the road ahead and the rearview mirror, where he caught glimpses of Komi fiddling with her cat figurine. A warm feeling spread through him as he realized she had found a source of comfort amidst the unfamiliarity of her surroundings.
I'm going to make sure she has the best possible experience here, he vowed silently, his heart filled with a genuine desire to help Komi feel welcome and accepted.