After homeroom ended, Mizuha took out her sketchbook and began sketching.
While she worked, a classmate glanced over and asked what she was drawing. Mizuha explained she was drawing hills and a nature scene, her eyes never leaving the page.
Seeing this, the classmate asked if they could see the sketch and then moved closer. Mizuha agreed, pausing briefly before handing over her sketchbook so they could look.
As they examined it, the classmate was impressed by the sketch, saying it looked beautiful and alive. Mizuha thanked her classmate for the compliment.
Then, Shimizu approached Mizuha’s table.
The classmate who had been talking to Mizuha noticed Shimizu and quickly backed away.
"Oh no, it’s Shimizu, let’s go," they whispered.
"Well, Yuki-san, maybe we could talk later," they said, scurrying away.
Huh, why did they run away? Mizuha thought.
Mizuha looked up at Shimizu, who was approaching her.
"Oh, it’s you, the girl from before. So, we’re in the same class, "Do you need something?"
Shimizu looked down. "Actually, I wanted to apologize for earlier. I’m sorry I bumped into you."
"It’s okay. It didn’t hurt me at all."
"Umm, Mizuha, right? Can we become friends?"
Mizuha smiled. "Sure, why not? What’s your name?"
"My name is Shimizu—Shimizu Ayumi. Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too, Ayu—"
Shimizu cut in, "Just call me Shimizu, okay?"
"Understood, nice to meet you, Shimizu."
Shimizu asked, "So, Mizuha, what are you doing right now? Wait, were you drawing?"
Mizuha nodded. "Yes. I like to draw to fill my free time."
"Really? Let me see."
"Wow, it’s so pretty. You’re really talented!"
"Thanks."
As they talked, Mizuha noticed other classmates whispering among themselves. One of them said Shimizu was trying to get in touch with the new transfer student. Another classmate expressed concern that Mizuha might get bullied by her.
"Shimizu, are they talking about you?"
Shimizu’s expression darkened.
"You noticed it, Mizuha? Don’t worry about them. Just pretend you don’t hear it. Maybe it’s my appearance that makes them say that. I’m used to their whispering."
I see. That actually happened.
Mizuha stood up and walked over to the classmates who were whispering.
"Hey, Mizuha, what are you doing?" Shimizu asked.
"Hey, could you please not talk badly about Shimizu? Your words are really mean to her."
The classmates looked surprised and a bit embarrassed. "Oh... we’re sorry, Mizuha. We didn’t think she could hear us. We promise we’ll stop."
"Thank you," Mizuha said, returning to her seat.
Shimizu watched… and thought,
It’s been a while since someone stood up for me like this. She really doesn’t judge people from how they look, Mizuha. You really are something special.
Shimizu looked at Mizuha with a mix of surprise and gratitude.
"Thanks, Mizuha. It means a lot that you did that for me. You were really kind, huh? "
"It’s not a big deal. I just cannot stand that, especially when they mess with my friend."
Mizuha… Shimizu thought.
Shimizu felt determined, stood up and then shouted, "Alright, from now on, both of us are best friends!"
Shimizu turned to the class. "If anyone does something bad to you, just tell me. I’ll defeat them!"
Mizuha tugged at her sleeve. "Wait, stop it, Shimizu, this is so awkward…"
Shimizu rubbed the back of her head, laughing. "Ah, sorry, I got too hyped up, haha."
A classmate glanced at them, worried.
"Really? Does Yuki-san want to be friends with her?"
"Is Yuki-san okay with that?"
"Who knows? Let’s just pray for her safety"
"Are you guys saying something?" Shimizu turned to them and gave them a scary glare after hearing that.
"Erk, she heard what we talked!" they said in unison.
"It’s nothing…" "Please excuse us."
They bowed quickly and left.
Shimizu watched them leave and let out a sigh. "Geez, those guys…" Then she turned back to Mizuha.
"Hey, Shimizu, there’s something else I want to ask you."
Shimizu leaned in. "Huh, what is it?"
"Give me your ear," she whispered to Shimizu.
"The guy behind me — is he a foreigner? He doesn’t look Japanese."
"Oh, you mean Zul?"
"From what I heard during his class introduction earlier, he said his parents moved to Japan from Malaysia before he was born, so he was born here. That’s about all I know. He’s not very talkative and is always spacing out, looking out the window."
Mizuha nodded. "I see. That explains everything."
"Wait, are you interested in him?"
"It’s not like that. I’m just curious about him."
Just then, the teacher stepped in. "Okay, everyone, return to your places."
Shimizu stood up. "Oh, the teacher is here. Okay, let’s continue another time."
Mizuha put her sketchbook back into her bag to continue with the next subject. She took out her notebook and pen, ready to focus.
The teacher started explaining the lesson, and the classroom quieted for note-taking.
When the recess bell rang, Mizuha gathered her things for the cafeteria.
She went to Shimizu’s table and asked her to come along.
"Mizuha, I’m sorry, I can’t accompany you to the cafeteria. Our classroom teacher is calling me to the teacher’s lounge"
"Can you buy me some bread and a drink? I’ll pay you back later—I’m counting on you."
She looked slightly disappointed. "Sure."
Just as she reached the door, she accidentally bumped into a few boys passing by.
Mizuha apologized. "I’m sorry. I wasn’t watching where I was walking."
"That’s okay. Please be more careful," he said.
"Huh!? Mizuha!"
"Oh, it’s you, Hikaru."
Both of them felt a mix of embarrassment and gratitude for that previous encounter.
"Hey, Mizuha! Are you headed to the cafeteria?"
Mizuha nodded. "Yes, I am."
Without hesitation, Hikaru offered his hand. "Here, let me help you."
Mizuha smiled and took his hand. "Thank you, Hikaru."
Hikaru offered to escort her to the cafeteria. Mizuha accepted, comforted by Hikaru’s presence. They engaged in light conversation as they walked, exchanging stories about their backgrounds. Hikaru was even showing Mizuha around various school facilities and places as he introduced them.
When they reached the cafeteria, Mizuha purchased some buns for a quick snack.
Hikaru, who was showing genuine curiosity and interest, followed Mizuha back to her classroom.
As they entered, Hikaru’s eyes fell upon Zul, who was Mizuha’s classmate.
Hikaru called out excitedly to Zul, "Hey, Zul, eating alone again? Can we join you?"
Zul nodded. "Hmm, sure."
"Wait, do you two know each other?"
"Yeah, Zul and I go way back. We were in the same class in junior high school. He was my close friend."
Mizuha noticed the girl classmates were attracted to Hikaru’s outgoing personality, and Zul appeared to be the quiet one who drew attention. She overheard a few students whispering about the two of them.
One girl told her friend that Hikaru was well known and that many of their classmates had already known him from middle school. Her friend agreed and said Zul came across as quiet and cool, adding that there was something mysterious about him.
Another classmate remarked that the two boys were complete opposites, yet both had their own kind of charm as she looked over at Hikaru and Zul. Someone else brought up a rumor about Hikaru and Zul teaming up to take down a delinquent student in junior high to protect someone, saying it was really impressive.
Another classmate said she was jealous of Mizuha for having just transferred and already being able to talk to Hikaru.
But some classmates from another group whispered about Mizuha negatively.
"Hey, did you see that?"
"Yeah, she just transferred and already gained so much attention."
"See? She’s even so talkative with Hikaru-kun like that."
"How dare she do that?!"
"Hey, are you okay with this?"
One girl leaned in. "Don’t worry, guys. We’ll deal with her later."
Meanwhile, another girl was glaring from outside Mizuha’s classroom corridor at Mizuha and Hikaru. She looked shocked, then clenched her fists and gritted her teeth.
Shimizu suddenly appeared from behind. "Do you need something here?"
"No, it’s nothing. Please excuse me." She was leaving the corridor to return to her class.
After their conversation, Hikaru bid Mizuha farewell and headed towards his own classroom.
After Hikaru left, Shimizu came to Mizuha’s table. "Who is that guy? Your acquaintance?"
"I just met him today. He came along with me to the cafeteria earlier."
"By the way, here’s your bread and drink, as you asked earlier."
Shimizu handed her the money. "Oh, thanks, Mizuha. You paid for it, so keep the change."
"Don’t worry, just keep it. Consider it payment for buying them for me."
"Thanks, Shimizu."
Shimizu returned to her table, eating her bread as she went.
As the last class ended, Mizuha headed to the school gate. There, she saw Hikaru waiting.
Hikaru walked toward her. "There you are, Mizuha!"
"Hikaru? What are you doing here?"
"I thought I’d wait for you and see if you’d like some company on the way home."
"Oh, thanks. Well then, let’s go."
The two of them were silent as they began walking home together. Hikaru, unable to handle the awkward silence, suddenly spoke up.
"How was your first day here?"
"Umm, it went well. I’ve made friends like you, Shimizu, and Zul, and my classmates complimented my drawings."
"Drawings? Mizuha, are you an artist?"
"Not really. I just started it as a hobby last year... but I got more interested in it, and now I draw almost every day."
"My teacher suggested I enter a drawing competition, and I won first place at my middle school last year."
"Wow, that’s amazing, Mizuha! First place is tough to achieve."
"Why not join the art club at our school? They might help you with competitions," Hikaru suggested.
"That was my plan, but I don’t think I’m ready yet to join them. Maybe in the future."
She smiled. "Anyway, thanks for the suggestion, Hikaru."
"It’s nothing special. I just wanted to give you a suggestion."
"Mizuha, can I look at some of your drawings later?"
"Sure, why not? I’d be happy if you wanted to see them."
Grateful for him walking her home, Mizuha thanked Hikaru at her doorstep.
Hikaru couldn’t resist asking for Mizuha’s phone number because he wanted to stay in touch and continue their newfound friendship. Mizuha gladly shared her number, excited about their connection.
After Mizuha entered her house, Hikaru continued walking to his house.
On the way to his house, he thought that Mizuha really reminded him of a person from his past, and thought she was better than that person. He guessed he was becoming interested in Mizuha.
Mizuha announced her arrival when she opened her door. Her mother noticed she was back and asked about her first day at school. Mizuha recalled her experience from the day.
As the day ended, Mizuha reflected on everything that had happened. She felt happy with how her classmates and teachers had welcomed her, and she was excited for what was to come.
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