(Red Carnation) {Volume 1} The start
[Chapter 1] To you in a year
I opened my eyes and it was the season of spring all over again. It was time to start the story that I had closed sometime ago.
As usual, the beautiful flowers were blooming at this time of year. I could clearly feel the breeze and the pollen hitting some parts of my face.
I looked around the beautiful scenery as I walked to the school that I would attend this semester as a third year in Tokyo. (1 April)
The first time I stepped into the school, I saw a girl whose beauty was unlike anything I had ever seen before. She was like a newly bloomed flower with a wonderful fragrance that even made my nose tingle.
She took my sight away when she walked in front of me and I couldn't stop looking. My heart was pounding hard even though we had just met.
She noticed and looked at me, then asked "Have you ever wondered why red carnation flowers are wonderful?"
I was caught off guard and replied "W-what? Why?" with a confused face.
She smiled mysteriously and said "I'll tell you later" as she walked away. I was a bit puzzled by that sudden question and proceeded to walk into my class which was just around the corner.
We both got into the same class coincidentally and I sat right behind her. I couldn't stop thinking about our short and strange conversation.
The homeroom teacher came in and introduced herself "I'm Alexandria and I will be your class teacher for the whole semester. I hope I can get along with each of you."
Each student had to introduce themselves as expected, then it was the "mystery" girl's turn. She stood up from her chair and started to speak. I couldn't take my eyes of her and my mind was empty from everything.
She said "My name is Shihana and I like flowers. My favorite season is spring because it's the start of the year. I hope I can befriend everyone here." She had a sweet and gentle voice that matched her appearance. I chuckled a bit which made me feel embarassed when she noticed it.
Then it was my turn to introduce myself. I stood up and tried to be brave. But deep inside, I'm a very shy person.
I stared at everyone and was afraid to speak. She looked at me while smiling cheerfully. I noticed it and smile.I tried calming myself then started to introduce.
"I'm Asahi. I don't go out much to play with friends, but at home, I like to learn and study about other country's histories. I like France's history the most and my idol is Napoleon. Oh oh uhhh I also like writing poems.. I guess that's all from me..."
I forgot about everyone else and all I notice is her.
I felt like I said too much and everyone was staring at me. It's not like anyone would care. Then suddenly someone clapped loudly. It was Shihana.
She said "Wow, you're amazing. I love history too. Maybe we can talk more about it later."
I got embarassed once again.
She was such an interesting person and I still needed to work on my socializing skills as it was my weak point.
It was school lunch time. I took my lunch box out of my bag.
I heard someone approaching and then I looked behind me. It was someone I had met before coincidentally.
His name was Mizuki and he was my classmate in the second year. We talked a bit from time to time. He was very athletic and good at academics.
He was much better than me at almost everything. I was just an average guy who is kinda weird? Well atleast in my perspective. I guess that's to be expected.
"Hey Asahi, long time no see. I didn't know that you got into the same class as me."
"Same goes to you" I replied. "Want to eat together for lunch? We can continue our conversation."
"Sure" He said. I took my lunch box and sat close to his table. I opened the box and saw my sister handwriting on a paper "Have fun at school- dear sister)" I quickly snatched the paper and put it in my pocket.
He laughed out loud "HAHAHAHAHAH" and I replied with "damn you"
Mizuki asked "Anyway, that looks good. Can I have some of those?" He pointed at my egg rolls.
I said "No, these are mine." I tried to protect my dear food that my elder sister made.
He said "You're so stingy, man." as he stole one of my egg rolls.I stared at him then took his strawberry out of revenge.
He said "Hey, that's not fair. Give it back."
I said "No way. You started it."
We started a playful fight over our food, attracting some attention from other students.
Shihana, who was sitting at the next table, watched us with amusement. She said "You two are so funny. You're like brothers."
We stopped and looked at her. She smiled and said "Can I join you? I don't have anyone to eat with."
I felt my face heating up. I said "S-sure. Of course."
Mizuki said "Yeah, why not. The more the merrier."
She thanked us and moved to our table. She opened her lunch box and showed us her food.
She said "I made this myself. It's a salad with... Fruits. They're delish and good for your health."
She offered us some of her salad. I hesitated, but Mizuki took a bite without hesitation.
He said "Wow, this is delicious. You're a great cook, Shihana."
She said "I didn't even cook, I only combined random things in my fridge but I'm glad you like it."
She looked at me and said "How about you, Asahi? Do you want to try some?"
I said "Umm, sure. Why not?" I took a small bite of her salad. It was crunchy and refreshing, with a hint of sweetness.
She said "Do you like it?"
I said "Yeah, it's good. Thank you"