"So? Who cares if your magic isn't as strong as others? You made it into the best magic school in the whole of Japan. That right there is more than enough reason to be proud of yourself. Don't spend too long reflecting on the bad parts of yourself, otherwise you'll miss the good parts too."
My whole body froze in place. My voice blatantly refusing to make itself known, her words echoing through my head as the bright smile adorned on her face told me that, unlike others, she wasn't saying that out of pity. Gathering myself, I managed to make my voice known.
"Yeah, but, I'm not the reason I got in-"
Anything that I was about to say got caught in my throat, as she opened her mouth once again.
"No buts! You got in because of you, no-one else."
My eyes widened, a happy grin split across my face, and I suddenly had an urge to hug her to death. I was happy. Happy that someone, even a complete stranger such as herself, had finally said the words I had been waiting my whole life to hear. My voice came out different. Less scared, and more hopeful. Happy. Thankful.
"Thank you." The sincerity in my voice must have startled her for a second, but before she could say anything, I continued. "You really have no idea how much that means to me."
Her voice came back quickly, with no hesitation in her words.
"You don't have to thank me, but if you want to, start being more happy with yourself."
The crossroads alarm started, signaling that it was time to go. I was the first one to say something.
"I should be going. Sorry, I hate to go like this, but i really can't afford to be late on my first day. I guess this is goodbye then?"
She replied quickly, her positive attitude never faltering, even for goodbyes.
"Yeah, it is. If i ever happen to see you again, ill be sure to say hi."
The smile on my face, seemingly doing the impossible, got bigger. Setting off on my way to school, I was hit by a realisation. 'I never got her name.' I mentally shouted to myself.
"Hey." I called back, as I turned around.
"I forgot to tell you, my name is Amon."
She shouted back, her eyes sparkling in the sunlight's rays.
"My name is Yui"