"I'm Hayato Yamamura, 16 years old, I live with my Dad, as I have no Mom.
This is my life story:
I woke up to the warm sunlight peeking through my window, signaling another day at Hakuei High School. After getting dressed in my crisp uniform and my shoes, I proudly declared, "I'm done dressing!"
Downstairs, my dad, Taro Yamamura, had already prepared breakfast – a traditional Japanese spread of steaming hot rice, miso soup, and grilled salmon.
"Good morning, Hayato," Dad said, his black hair still fresh and reaching his neck. "You're well-prepared for school today."
"I guess so," I replied, taking a seat across from him.
Dad's expression turned surprised. "Is that so? Well, good luck, Hayato."
As we ate, I thought about my struggles in high school. I'm 16, I am still navigating social complexities, often finding solace in my introverted nature.
I grew without my Mom at an early age, as both Mom and Dad divorced, and I'm living with my Dad.
After breakfast, I grabbed my backpack and headed out the door. "Ja ne, Otousan!" (See you later, Dad!)
" Ganbatte, Hayato!" (Good luck, Hayato!) Dad called back.
As I walked through Tokyo's bustling streets, the sounds of chatter, car horns, and rushing pedestrians enveloped me. I tied back my long black hair, taking a deep breath before entering Hakuei High School.
In class, my friend Kaito Takahashi turned around, flashing his bright smile. "Yo, Hayato! Ready for another day?"
I smiled back, feeling more at ease. "Ready as ever."
Our teacher, Ms.Takayoshi began the lesson, and I settled in, prepared to tackle the day.
As Ms. Takayoshi lectured, my gaze drifted to Akira Matsumoto and Shinji Hiroto, seated apart but whispering to each other. I thought to myself, "Those two are probably discussing their usual pervy topics." Their reputation preceded them – always talking about women, love, sex, and 18+ content.
I recalled the time Matsumoto-san proclaimed, "I'll marry seven wives and have sex with them all together!" He pointed at Ms. Takayoshi, saying, "You'll be one of my wives, sensei!" The class erupted in "Ewwww!" Ms. Takayoshi's face glistened with sweat.
My mind wandered to Hiroto-san's infamous incident. One morning, he strolled in late, and Ms. Takayoshi asked, "Why are you late, Hiroto-san?"
He smirked, "I was in bed with your mom, sensei." The class gasped. I thought, "He has the guts to say that!" Ms. Takayoshi's face turned red, and she sent him to the principal. His parents were called, and he was punished to collect trash from the entire school.
For a while, his nickname was "Trash-Eater." We teased him, joking that his sturdy build was due to eating trash. But now, it seemed the school had forgotten.
Suddenly, Kaito whispered, "Hey, Hayato, what's got you spaced out?"
I shook my head, "Just remembering Matsumoto-san and Hiroto-san's antics."
Kaito chuckled, "Those two are something else."
Ms. Takayoshi's voice brought me back, "Yamamura-kun,are you paying attention?"
I nodded hastily, "Yes, Takayoshi-sensei."
As school closed, I hastily gathered my belongings and exited the classroom, relieved to be heading home.
"Finally, school's over," I whispered to myself.
While descending the stairs, I spotted Matsumoto-san and Hiroto-san huddled together, chatting.
I sighed inwardly, knowing I had to pass them.
As I approached, Matsumoto-san said, "Do you want to know the person I'm dating online?"
Hiroto-san chuckled.
I quickened my pace.
But Matsumoto-san suddenly grabbed my backpack.
"Hey, want to join us and date online girls?" he asked.
I feigned ignorance.
"What do you mean? I don't know what you're talking about."
Hiroto-san stepped forward, his fat belly jiggling.
"I'm not afraid of you," I said firmly.
Matsumoto-san pulled my bag harder, and it fell.
As I bent to pick it up, Matsumoto-san raised his fist.
I caught it effortlessly.
"Come on, I'm just playing. Promise me you didn't hear me," Matsumoto-san pleaded.
"I don't even care about what you said earlier, so why would I remember?" I replied.
Matsumoto-san smiled.
"Good, sorry for disturbing you."
I ignored him and turned to Hiroto-san, who blocked my path.
"I don't trust him," Hiroto-san growled.
Matsumoto-san reassured him.
"I trust him; he can't do anything. Besides, he didn't hear us."
Hiroto-san relented, stepping aside.
I seized the opportunity to leave.
Once outside, I exhaled deeply.
"That was close; it could have gotten worse.
As I walked home from school, exhaustion consumed me. I opened the door, proclaiming, "Finally, I'm home!" My laziness took over, and I collapsed onto my bed, surrendering to a long, rejuvenating sleep.
Evening arrived, and I woke up refreshed. The chill of the air conditioning enveloped me as I turned it off. My stomach growled, reminding me of dinner. I headed to the kitchen to prepare Tonkatsu with steamed vegetables and rice, a comforting Japanese dish.
Just as I finished cooking, the door burst open. My dad entered, his eyes widening as he savored the aroma. "I can't wait to eat!" he exclaimed.
"Dinner's ready. Have a seat," I replied with a smile.
As we ate, my dad broke the silence. "Don't you feel lonely when I'm away?"
"Huh, lonely? I've gotten used to it," I said.
My dad's gentle tone conveyed concern. "But, son, I want someone to take care of you."
"I'm 16 now, aren't I a big boy?" I countered.
My dad's silence spoke volumes. I sensed his longing and reassured him, "Anything you choose, Dad, I'll follow. Even if someone takes care of me, it's for you."
His eyes sparkled with a warm smile. "Good. I have an announcement."
My curiosity piqued, I asked, "What is it?"
"I'm getting remarried," he revealed, his voice filled with excitement. "She's coming tomorrow after school. She has three daughters."
I choked on my food, stunned. "Wait, Dad, chill! Is this a joke?"
My dad's serious expression confirmed the truth. "She'll be your stepmom. Be nice and gentle to her daughters."
I struggled to process the news, my mind racing. "Why are you telling me now? Why did you remarry?"
Pride filled his voice. "Now you won't be alone. She's beautiful, kind, and young at heart."
I searched his face, seeking reassurance. "Dad, you didn't marry her just for me, did you?"
His cheeks flushed. "I love her, and she'll care for you."
The evening's tranquility shattered, replaced by uncertainty.
I trudged to my room, the weight of my dad's announcement settling heavy on my shoulders. I closed the door shut, feeling the need to escape. Sliding down to sit beside the door, I untied my hair, letting it cascade down my back. Running my fingers through the tangled locks, I whispered, "What is this? Just so suddenly?"
My mind reeled with thoughts of a new stepmom and three stepsisters." I wasn't good with women; their emotions, their drama. How could Dad do this to me?".
I rose from the floor and flopped onto my bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. "This would be fine," I lied to myself, trying to calm my racing thoughts.
But sleep evaded me. Tossing and turning, my mind refused to quiet. The clock ticked away, each passing hour a reminder that tomorrow would bring unwelcome change.
As the night wore on, exhaustion finally claimed me, but only briefly. I drifted off close to morning, my dreams filled with uncertainty.