My name is Yamakawa Toshiko, the daughter of Yamakawa Hiroshi and Yamakawa Akemi. As an only child, I had the responsibility to preserve the name of my family and make them proud. I was attending this highschool with only one goal in mind, that was to become someone worthy of holding Yamakawa name, and that's why I have no time to play around.
At least that's what I thought...
"Hey hey Toshikocchan~ is it true that hairpin was a gift from Shinji-kun?"
"N-no, who said that?
"Eeehh! But Shinji-kun told me--"
"H-he's lying! Don't believe everything came out of his mouth, Ayako."
Ayako, along with Shinji were the mortal enemies of mine. Wherever I went, I saw their face. They're like a guardian angel who're always there when needed. I hate this, They're the reason my highschool life hadn't been as I imagine.
Shinji was a childhood friend of mine, who got separated when my father decided to move. Never would have thought I'd met him again in the highschool. Somehow I felt a warm feeling in my chest by the time I met him at the front door in the first day of school. No, don't misunderstand, this was not joy but a feeling of grudge, yes a grudge, definitely. Why would I be happy to see him, the one who suddenly kept a distance with me for no reason.
I recall the first thing he said last year:
"Yamakawa-san, I'm... sorry... back then..."
"It has been so long. Just forget about it."
I forgave his action, hoping we could be friend again. He changed so much, from the hairstyle and looks. The only thing that has never change was his aura, every girl in sight would fawn over him wherever he goes.
It's not like I'm jealous or anything, but seeing that made me uncomfortable.
"Toshikocchan, help me with my homework~"
Ayako was a helpless gyaru who craved for my attention all the time. I had no idea as to why she kept clinging on me, despite having many friends of her kind.
I happened to know her because we were seatmates in the 1st year. For someone who was carefree and clumsy, she was quite popular in our grade, always surrounded by people. Couldn't deny she was pretty cute though, round face and big eyes, not to mention her make up usage wasn't as much as she was naturally a beauty herself.
Since she insisted, I had no options except to spoil her a bit.
"Bring your notebook. Let me teach you."
"Yeaayyy!"
She went back to her seat, which the gap was 3 desks behind me. Later she came back to me with a notebook in her hands.
I spent my morning by teaching addmath. I didn't particularly hate it, as it was a form of studying method. It was easier to remember what you learn by teaching others.
"By the way, you go with twintails this week?"
"Yeah! Cute right~?"
"You're always so cute Ayako, no matter which hairstyle you wear."
"Toshikocchan..."
Ah! I subconsciously praised her.
"Hehe this is the first time you call me cute." Ayako smiled while leaning her back to the chair.
I was embarassed, this was not like me at all. What I wanted to say was switched with what I had in mind.
*****
Ayako was doing some errands for the teacher, looks like I would spend my time eating alone in the cafeteria. Unless...
"Toshiko-chan~ May I sit next to you?"
"Suit yourself, and how many times do I have to remind you, don't call me Toshiko-chan."
"Okay my honey~"
"Not that either!!"
Here he was, teasing me whenever he got the chance. My face felt hot. It's not like I was embarassed or something...
"Your face is red, Toshiko-chan. Are you blushing?"
"Shut up! drop dead!"
He was getting closer and closer that I had to push him aback. I did hear a rumor saying he was a playboy but I ought to believe the opposite.
"I thought you'd be bringing your lunchbox, Toshiko-chan. Didn't expect you to be here."
"My mom was busy so she didn't have time to make one."
"You don't cook yourself?"
"N-no... I did try though but everything was burnt. Since then my mom prohibited me from going near the kitchen."
"Haha!" He chuckled.
"W-what's so funny?!"
"Nothing, it's just... To think that a perfectionist like you would messed up a big time.."
He seemed so pleased laughing at me.
"What about you, Yamamura-kun?"
"Me neither."
"You're laughing at me but you're no better than that.."
"Well if I was good at it, I wouldn't make fun of you."
Don't smile like that... I almost lost my composure just now..
"Talk about cooking, it reminds me of this morning, my teammates had a cooking competition. It was fun."
Cooking class? Maybe I should ask the teacher..