There's no way I like gals, right? chapter 4

“The next stop is Shibuya.”

I took a deep exhale and stood up. When I straightened my body, I felt a shy tug at my skirt. I looked back. It was Akari, and she was facing away from me, her face light pink again.

“What’s up?”

“C-can we… c-continue holding hands…”

“O-oh… sure…”

We held hands again, and made our way off the train, up the steps, and out onto the main streets of Shibuya. Akari was now wearing her signature bubbly smile and humming happily as we walked along the sidewalks.

“So… what’s our plan for today?”

“Well… first I wanted to go to a cute clothing store I’ve heard about.”

“Uh… ok…”

Akari led me through the streets until we arrived in front of a cute and dainty clothing store. Its exterior was painted a soft pastel purple, littered with white love hearts. Its logo was colourful and bright, with round, bubbly letters. A pink fabric awning protruded in the front, and in front of the store hung various clothes, each with a striking ‘special’ sticker stuck on them. Inside the store hung various light pink, purple, and blue skirts, sweaters, and t-shirts. Plushies perched high on top of the shelves and racks, and in the centre of the store was a table covered with various socks and accessories. The whole store was illuminated by a soft pink glow. Akari pulled my hand and ushered me in. I then stood on the side awkwardly as I watched Akari pick and inspect through the racks. She soon picked out a pile of clothes, grabbed my hand, and led me to the changing rooms.

“You tell me honestly how each of these look, ok?”

“Uh… sure…”

I sat down on a nearby bench and watched as Akari slid close the curtain. She then re-emerged a few moments later, wearing a light pink cardigan, and then did a confident but cheeky twirl.

“How does it look?”

“U-uh… great!”

“Really???”

“Y-yeah… y-you look… really cute…”

She suddenly stopped twirling mid-air, and her grin slowly turned into an expression of shock as she processed my words. Her cheeks started to turn a rosy tint, and her mouth hung open. She then suddenly stepped back into the changing room and quickly slid back the curtain.

D-did I say something wrong? W-was that too much? O-oh no... she probably thinks I’m a creep or something… I-I only meant as a friend… r-right? I only meant she looked cute as a friend! N-not romantically or anything! T-there’s no way I think of her that way! We’re just friends!

A few more moments passed, and Akari appeared again, her face poking out of the curtain. She looked around nervously, and with a shaky exhale, slowly pulled back the curtain, revealing a simple light purple dress. She shyly twirled around for a bit before looking down to her feet and fidgeting with the dress.

“H-how does it look?”

“I-it looks… good…”

Her body seemed to tense up at my comment, and she let out a squeak. She then covered her face with her hands and turned her back to me, retreating into the changing rooms once again. Did I say something wrong again? But this time I toned my compliment down way more? W-was it still too much? Does Akari think I’m even more of a creep now???

“I-I have one more to show you ok!”

“U-uh... sure…”

After a long wait, Akari finally re appeared, her expression still flustered. She again scanned her surroundings anxiously, and when she realised no one was around, she stepped out cautiously. She did a shy bow and spread the new pink skirt she was trying on. It was short. Really short.

My body suddenly froze, and my mind went blank. My eyes seemed to be glued to Akari’s revealing outfit. It took a few seconds for me to regain my senses, and I suddenly turned my face away, covering the blush that was threatening to rise to my cheeks.

“H-how does it… look?”

“I-it looks… bold…”

I continued to face away, my hands covering my cheeks, while occasionally stealing glances at Akari. W-what the hell! T-that skirt is way too revealing! It’s showing so much of her ass! W-wait! Why am I even seeing her in that way! G-get it together you creep! She’s just a friend! Why the hell am I seeing her in that way?

Don’t look at her ass. Don’t look at her ass. Don’t look at her ass.

“R-really?”

“Y-yeah… but it’s a bit… revealing…”

Akari let out a shaky sigh.

“I-I knew it… it doesn’t look good on me, does it?”

“N-no! I-it’s just… it looks… t-too revealing…”

I said with a slightly shaky voice, still looking away.

Akari’s body suddenly tensed up, and her expression turned into one embarrassment. Her cheeks started to turn a rosy tinge, and she suddenly rushed back to the change room, slamming close the curtain.

Huh… did I say something wrong again?

In the end, Akari bought the cardigan and dress, but decided eventually not to buy the skirt. After she finished paying, Akari again grabbed my hand and led me outside. I followed her until she stopped in front of an arcade.

“H-here?”

“Yeah! I wanted to show you how good I am at claw machines!”

She said proudly. She patted her arm.

“I’m pretty good you know!”

“H-huh…”

“Alright let’s go in!”

And with a firm tug, Akari guided us into the arcade and to the claw machines. The inside of the arcade was loud and flashy, with bright, colourful lights coming from every direction. The various eye-catching arcade machines all stood sandwiched next to one another. Music blared loudly in the background, adding to the commotion of people chatting and laughing. The entire arcade was being illuminated by dull fluorescent lights, which emitted a dim buzzing noise. Akari turned to me with a glint of pride in her expression and eyes.

“I’ll show you today!”

“H-huh…”

Why did she want to prove herself so much? I watched as Akari inserted a few silver coins into the machine and then got in position to operate the claw. Her eyes were glued to the plushies. She cautiously moved the claw around, dropped it, then –

She came up short. The plushie fell out of the grip of the claw as soon as it went up, again rejoining the pile below. Akari’s body seemed to tense up seeing this, and her head dropped down.

“A-Akari…”

She suddenly swivelled her head around and looked at me, her expression and gaze clearly embarrassed, but she tried to hide it by acting confident.

“Ahaha! I-I just haven’t used these machines in very long! B-but I promise! It’s all coming back to me now!

“A-alright…”

I continued to watch as Akari failed. Again. And again. By now, her knuckles were clenching so hard that they were white, and her face was contorted into one of sheer focus and determination. Her eyes were glued to and followed the claw’s movements intently. In the end, she lost 3000 whole yen. She let out an exasperated sigh and turned back to me, her eyes shamefully looking to her feet and fidgeting with her hands and skirt.

“H-huh…”

“I-I swear! I don’t know why! B-but I promise normally I’m really good at these!”

“Y-yeah… I believe you…”

“I-I’m being for real!”

“Yeah… I believe you…”

Akari looked up at me, her eyes wet from embarrassment. She sheepishly grabbed my hand again and pulled me out.

“I-I’m usually really good…”

She muttered. We continued to stroll through the streets. After a while, Akari stopped to check her watch.

“Oh… we should probably get some lunch now…”

“Y-yeah… we should.”

“I know! Let’s go to this new ramen store I heard about!”

“Sure…”

Akari’s usual bubbly grin spread across her face, and she suddenly pulled me along, leading me to the ramen place. We continued to walk until we arrived.

“Is this… really it?”

“Yeah! Of course!”

She proclaimed proudly. I gulped and took in the view before me. The shop, although small and dainty, stood out from the rest of the street. It was very hard to miss. It was painted a bright and fiery red, with big, black letters boldly claiming the brand name and that it was ‘the spiciest ramen in Japan’. Bright, colourful curtains hung in front of the doorway, along with a white curtain with the word ‘spicy!’ written in a brazen font, and the wooden walls and doors of the entrance were an ominous black. Posters and menus were scattered all over the walls and eye-catching signs stood in front.

“J-Japan’s spiciest ramen huh?”

“Yeah!”

“I-I can’t really handle spice…”

“Oh, that’s fine! There are non-spicy options as well!”

“B-but why did you want to eat here…”

She flashed a proud grin.

“Because I’m actually a pro at handling spice! And I want to prove it to you today!”

“H-huh… but have you eaten here before…”

“No! But I’m sure I can definitely handle it!”

“I don’t know Akari… it looks pretty spicy…”

“Don’t worry! I can handle anything! No matter how spicy!”

Seeing the determined look in her face and eyes, I sighed and reluctantly agreed to eat here. Akari slid open the door, and we both stepped in. We were greeted by a waiter and shown to our table. As we sat down, I took in the view of the interior as well. The wooden tables and seats were painted the same unsettling black, with bright red cushions laying on top of where we were sitting. The walls were also black, and the floor consisted of dark wooden panels. On the wall were words and phrases boldly written in red, accompanied with paintings of chillis and fire. I shuddered at the ominous vibe the restaurant gave off.

“So… what are you getting?”

“U-uh… what isn’t spicy here.”

“Um… the normal tonkotsu.”

“Y-yeah… I’ll get that… W-what are you getting?”

Akari looked up from the menu, and a proud grin spread over her face.

“The spiciest one here…”

“A-are you sure you can handle it?”

“Yep! I’ll prove to you today just how much I can handle!”

We placed our orders and waited. After a while, the waiter arrived with our two bowls of noodles and placed our respective orders in front of us. My one was just a simple tonkotsu ramen – a creamy, white broth with noodles, chashu, a soft-boiled egg, and seaweed sitting on top. I looked over at Akari’s bowl, and my expression dropped. Her broth was red. Dangerously red. And on top of her noodles and toppings sat an excessive pile of chilli powder. Basically, it looked so spicy that it could kill you.

“A-Akari… your ramen looks awfully spicy…”

“Mhm!”

“A-alr…”

With a simple phrase of gratitude, we both raised our chopsticks and began eating. As I was slurping my noodles, I looked over to Akari. Her face was as red as a tomato, and tears had welled up in her eyes and streamed down her cheeks. Sweat trickled down her face and neck, as she continued to slurp the noodles with no sign of slowing down. With each chew or bite, Akari seemed to be trying harder and harder to hide the expression of pain slowly spreading across her face.

“A-are you ok???”

“Y-yeah… I’m fine… t-this is nothing!”

She sniffled. Although she was clearly in pain, she still had a glint of determination in her eyes. She clenched her chopsticks harder and continued eating.

“Y-you really don’t have to-”

“N-no! I can!”

Akari brought the noodles to her mouth again, and she suddenly froze. Her lips started quivering, and the grip on her chopsticks faltered a little, but then she closed her eyes and immediately began slurping again. My mind began to race with questions again. What the hell is she doing? Why is she trying to prove to me she can eat spicy food so bad? Why is she even going this far? It’s so obvious she can’t handle spicy food… so why is she so determined to prove to me she can? After watching Akari painfully finish her bowl of noodles, she slumped back on her seat and wheezed while wiping sweat off her face.

“S-see! Absolutely fine!”

“S-sure…”

We eventually left the restaurant, and Akari stumbled out weakly. She clung to the wall, her body trembling, before her body collapsed onto mine. When I regained my footing and looked back, she avoided eye contact and clung to my back, a pout on her face.

“C-can you please carry me to the station?”

“H-huh???”

“P-please… I’m too weak to walk right now…”

I saw her again. Not the usual confident and bubbly Akari I knew, but the vulnerable and meek girl I caught a glimpse of before. She looked so desperate, so needy, so… exposed. I gulped and turned my face back around, trying to hide the blush rising to my face.

“Y-yeah… sure…”

We made our way to the station, with me supporting Akari’s weight as we walked through the streets. I could feel the warmth of her body radiating and her hot breath tickle the back of my neck and my earlobes. W-what the hell! I can’t concentrate on walking like this! S-she’s so close! She’s practically hugging me! And why did I get flustered when I saw her face like that? When she looked so helpless… so needy…

“I-I’m sorry…”

She muttered, her voice muffled by my back.

“Huh?”

Her soft voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

“I-I’m sorry… for ruining our hang out today…”

She mumbled, her eyes still averting my gaze. She buried my face into my back, her cheeks turning a bright red. There it was again, not the usual untouchable Akari, but the same vulnerable and desperate girl I had seen before. I took a deep breath to calm my nerves.

“It’s fine…”

“N-no… I ruined our hangout… I-I… just wanted to… impress you…”

She muttered, her face now fully covered by my back. I let out a soft sigh and gazed at her with a gentle and caring look.

“It’s fine…”

“B-but…”

“You don’t have to go out of your way to impress me… you impress me enough already normally.”

Her body seemed to tense up for a moment, before she melted back into my support. Her face was now a bright red, and she buried her face into my back again, her grip now tighter.

“Thanks…”

That night, I could not sleep. I tossed and turned restlessly my mind clouded with thoughts. The rustling of sheets and my own soft breathing echoed in the dark silence. I finally settled down and let out a deep exhale. What the hell was that? Why did I get so flustered every time she got close to me??? Is that normal between friends? I-I mean I’ve never had any… but it should be, right? I-It’s not like I like her more than a friend or anything… I only see her as a friend! N-no more! My mind would not calm down and continued to whiz with questions. Eventually, I gave up and turned to open my phone. I opened it, the sudden light blinding my eyes. After a few moments, I adjusted to the suddne change in brightness and began searching in the search bar.

<How to know if you like girls>

I braced myself as I waited for the results to load. There’s no way, right? I-I’ll prove it! Right here and right now! The results finally loaded, and I skimmed over them. As I scrolled and read every result, I could feel my face getting hotter and hotter. My eyes were glued to the screen, as I brought the phone closer and closer to my face. I snapped out of my trance and threw my phone away, making a loud thud sound. I then curled up into a ball, burying my face into my knees. T-there’s no way, right? T-those results must’ve been fake! Anyone can lie on the internet nowadays… I-I don’t even like Akari that way… I-I see her… as just a friend…

I continued burying my face for a while until I eventually got curious again. I slowly unwrapped my arms and knees and got off the bed, retrieving my phone. But what does it look like… two girls in love… My mind again began racing with thoughts and curiosity, and my fingers shakily typed in the search bar again.

<lesbian couples>

My breathing got heavier as I took in the results. I could feel a heat rush up to my cheeks again. I clicked on the first video that came up. It was of two university girls, each one beautiful and elegant in their own way. The taller girl, which I assumed to be the more dominant one, suddenly grabbed the chin of the smaller one. She brought her face closer, their lips slowly closing in the distance between them. I could feel my heart race as I intently watched. Then, their lips were about to meet when-

The door of my bedroom suddenly slammed open, and I suddenly jumped up and turned back to see who it was. I made out in the dim lighting from my phone that it was Hana. She had an expression of concern on her face.

“What was that??? I heard a loud thud in your room, and I-”

She suddenly froze mid-sentence, and her eyes seemed to be glued to something. I followed her gaze to my phone, where the two girls were now making out intensely. The passionate moans and kisses echoed through the awkward silence. I froze, and I could feel a heat rise to my cheeks. Hana’s face now contorted into one of confusion and embarrassment. She looked away flustered, her cheeks now coloured a rosy tint and slowly closed the door.

“I-I’ll leave you to it.”

“SIS! IT’S NOT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE!

“Hina, you don’t have to be ashamed of who you like…”

“I’M NOT LESBIAN!!!”

“J-just… turn it down, ok?”

“Y-yes…”

I muttered. When Hana eventually left, I immediately turned around and buried my face in my pillow, muffling my sounds of embarrassment. My own sister thinks I’m a pervert now…

I buried my face in my arms as I sat in class the next day. I was still feeling flustered from last night’s event, and I groaned to myself as I covered my face with my hands. Why did I react like that??? Why did I watch it so intensely??? Oh… and what does Hana think of me now??? these questions whizzed through my brain as I continued to wallow in my pit of embarrassment. My mind soon began to wonder. What if instead of those two girls… it was me and Akari… I imagined Akari, with her beautiful, graceful hair, her perfect features, her amazing body. She would reach out to me, gently caress my cheek. She would then slowly pull me in, bringing out lips closer and closer until –

“Why do you hang out with that loser so much?”

A voice sliced through my clouded thoughts and immediately brought me back to reality. I slowly raised my head, and saw Akari, sitting at her desk, while a group of popular girls stood around her, their arms crossed. They all glared irritably at Akari, while Akari wore an expression of nervousness and worry.

“W-who are you talking about?”

“Don’t play dumb with me! You know who I’m talking about! That loner Hina! We saw you hanging out with her yesterday!”

My body suddenly tensed up at her words, and my throat ran dry. T-they saw us. Oh… that’s why Akari was so uncomfortable… because she was hanging out with a loser like me. It’s my fault… I got too comfortable and thought Akari actually liked hanging out with me. Everyone knows that there’s no way that’s true. No way Akari was happy with a pathetic, lonely loser…

“H-Hina’s not a…”

“Stop defending her! She deserves to be alone! Honestly, right now you’re just as fucking pathetic as she is!”

My head snapped back up again, but this time it was different. It wasn’t fear or humiliation. I felt a heat rise to my face, as I clenched my fists tightly. I felt my jaw twitch, and my heart race. My body started heating up as I felt my breathing become more ragged and strained. I flashed a glare at the group of girls through my strained vision. They were still making fun of Akari, without a care in the world.

You’re wrong! You’re all wrong! You’re the pathetic ones here! Akari would never be! She always tries her hardest and is always so kind and caring, even to people like me! You guys are the pathetic ones! The ones who think they can get away with anything. The ones who think they are levels above people like me! You guys can never even be compared to Akari! I slowly put my hands on the table and propped myself up. I then walked over to the group of girls, my glare unflinching. One of them noticed and turned around, her expression now an arrogant smirk. She propped her hands on her hips and looked over me, her eyes condescending.

“Oh… look who it is.”

You bitch! You bitch! You bitch! I continued to grit my teeth and glare at her. The girl simply smirked and swivelled her face around, now facing Akari again.

“Look who it is Akari, it’s your loser friend. Maybe deep down… you’re actually also a pathetic, lonely-”

“SHE’S NOT A FUCKING LOSER!”

I screamed. I then exhaled a deep, irritated sigh and swiftly ran out the classroom. I could hear the echoes and murmurs of classmates insulting me as I ran out of the room. I ran through the empty hallway, the sound of my footsteps against the wooden floor echoing in the silence. Tears began to well up in my eyes and blur my vision, threatening to spill down my cheeks. My throat felt like it was closing in on itself again, as my breathing grew heavier. I panted as I ran, my heart racing and my body aching. There was only one place I could go, our usual lunch spot. I arrived there and stopped in front o the wall. The sound of my panting echoed in the barren silence, and my feet crunched in the snow as I stepped towards the benches. A thin layer of snow covered the grass and benches, and the vending machine emitted a dull hum and glow. The black and jarring skeletons of the dead trees still posed in the desolate background. It was now snowing. The white and fluffy snowflakes fell gracefully through the air, landing softly on the ground. I brushed the snow off the benches and with a deep sigh of relief, sat down. I brought my knees to my chest and dropped my head down. I hadn’t brought my coat out with me when I ran out, so it was cold. Really cold. My body started shivering as the adrenaline from earlier wore off. I buried my face deeper in my knees, to preserve the little heat I had. I’m so pathetic. I can’t even defend my friend. All I could do was shout a sentence, and then I ran away. They’re right. I’m scared. I’m pathetic. Akari isn’t worthy of a friend like me. I let out a shaky sigh and burrowed deeper into my knees. Tear started welling up in my eyes, threatening to stream down my cheeks. I sniffled and sobbed quietly, the sound muffled by my clothes. For some reason, the cold felt much colder, and the empty landscape only made me feel much lonelier.

“Hina?”

Akari’s soft voice cut through the deafening silence. I slowly looked up, my knees still tucked to my chest and tears now streaming down my cheeks. Akari’s expression was one of worry and concern.

“I-I’m sorry…”

I choked.

“I-I couldn’t even defend you properly.”

“Hina…”

“I-I’m sorry. You don’t deserve a friend like me.”

I wiped some of the tears off with my sleeve and continued to sob quietly. I suddenly felt a warm embrace around me. Two hands had now wrapped themselves around me, and I could feel the warmth of Akari’s body pressing onto mine.

“I-I’m sorry… I couldn’t even-”

“Hina, that’s enough.”

My expression contorted into one of shock, and I slowly turned to face Akari. Her expression was now much warmer and caring, with a hint of gladness in her eyes. A small smile stretched across her face, and she raised her hand to my head, petting me.

“Hina. You’ve done more than enough.”

“B-but…”

“Hina. Listen to me. You've done more than enough for me."

“R-really?”

“Mhm. Thank you for defending me back there. I'm truly grateful."

I looked at her again, trying to find any doubt or deceit in her expression. I felt a lump form in my throat and my lips tremble, as tears welled up in my eyes. I then suddenly buried my face into her chest and started bawling loudly. I gripped her uniform tightly, as the tears streamed down my cheeks. Akari just smiled warmly and petted me, comforting me.

“There, there.”

The next few days at school had been quieter than usual. The usual teasing and insults straight to my face had stopped, but I knew the calling of names and curses behind my back hadn’t. It was a quiet morning, and I slowly closed the door and stepped out of the house. It was certainly cold, as it was still winter, but today seemed like one of the warmer days. The concrete and paths and rooves of houses were still wet, glistening in the rays of morning sun. Ice had also formed on the sidewalks and front porches of houses. I eventually reached the station and waited for the train to arrive. I looked mindlessly around the empty platform, the sound of dull humming from the lights and quiet conversation reverberating in air. I slowly looked to my right and saw a girl wearing our uniform. Huh, I thought. That’s weird. I’ve never seen another student from my school ever at this station. She was pretty. Really pretty. She had long, bright and flowing hair that draped over her shoulders and back. Her bangs were tucked neatly with a simple and cute hairclip, and her features were soft and delicate. She had a small nose, big piercing eyes, and luscious, bright-coloured lips. Earrings hung from her earlobes, and a thick scarf clung tightly to her neck. She was also wearing leg warmers.

I continued to gaze at her curiously. She was mindlessly scrolling her phone, and I watched as two older students, I presumed seniors, from another school, approach her. She continued to look down at her phone, trying to brush them off.

“Hey cutie, what school you go to?”

“Hey, don’t be shy… talk to us!”

I continued to watch as the two guys tried to pick her up. Her expression visibly turned more and more uncomfortable, as the two boys continued to compliment her. W-what the hell? Can’t anyone see what’s happening? Someone help her! I looked around, but the only people which came to view were a few businessmen and other students, clearly ignoring the situation which was unfolding before them. What the hell! Why aren’t you all helping her??? I continued to watch worriedly as the boys’ gazes and advances became bolder and more invasive. The girl’s body tensed, and she was now looking down at her feet, fidgeting with her skirt. She began trembling slightly, and her breathing grew more rapid. She cautiously and meekly stepped back, but the two boys closed any distance she had tried to put between them.

I continued watching intently. What the hell? Is really no one going to help her? What about police? I quickly reached down to take out my phone and dialled the number. My finger then stopped mid-air just before I pressed the call button. N-no, there’s no way police can get here fast enough. But… it looks like no one else is helping her as well! T-think Hina! What can you do! I continued anxiously watching. I could feel my heart racing, and my breathing ragged and short. My whole body felt weak. One of the boys reached to grab her shoulder –

“STOP!”

I yelled. My scream echoed through the otherwise empty station, and a few people turned to look at the source of the sound. The two boys’ expression turned into ones of confusion, and then stretched into arrogant, condescending smirks.

“Back off ugly.”

One of them snickered.

“Yeah, can’t you see where doing something here?”

They now both had their backs turned to the girl. I exhaled nervously and suddenly rushed towards them, their faces contorting into ones of shock. I grabbed the girl’s arm, and bolted away, leading her away from the two boys.

“Wha- hey!”

I dragged her behind a wall, and we both hid. I nervously looked around, and seeing there was no sign of the two boys, I breathed a sigh of relief. I then slowly turned to face the girl, who now had an expression of confusion on her face.

“W-why… did you save me?”

“H-huh?”

She looked down in shame.

“E-everyone just assumes… since I’m a gal… I-I’m used to being picked up by guys…”

I sighed.

“Look. I don’t care what you look like. To me, you clearly looked uncomfortable there. So, I saved you.”

She looked away shyly and muttered a soft.

“T-thanks.”

She looked up uncomfortably again.

“S-so… you go to the same school as me right?”

“Huh? O-oh… yeah…”

“What’s your name…”

“H-Hina Tanaka”

“Oh.”

She looked at me again, this time her expression warmer and brighter.

“I’m Akemi Kimura!”

The train arrived along with an announcement, and we both stepped onto the train after waiting for the passengers to get out. I settled down on a seat, and Akemi did as well. I checked my phone.

“Crap… we’re going to be late.”

Akemi didn’t seem to mind this. She seemed more interested in getting to know me better.

“Hey, hey. So Hina, what’s the school like?”

“U-uh… it’s… normal?”

I looked away in shame. I couldn’t really tell her my personal experience. What if she finds out I’m a loser as well???

“Really?”

“Y-yea…”

“Well, whatever it’s like, it’s guaranteed to be better than my old school!”

“H-huh…”

“So Hina, what’s your favourite class?”

“U-uh…”

Akemi’s endless barrage of questions continued the entire train ride. When I couldn’t answer, she would go on talking about her life and stories endlessly. The intercom notified that we had finally arrived at Shibuya. I stood up from the seat and waited patiently for the doors to open. Akemi did the same, and she suddenly hugged my arm. I yelped and quickly looked away, feeling a heat rush up to my cheeks.

“W-why are you clinging to my arm…”

She looked confused.

“So, I don’t get lost, obviously! I don’t know how to get to the school! You’ll guide me there, right?”

I sighed. Akemi had told me on the train ride here that she was a new transfer student to our school today. And seeing as there was no other option, I reluctantly agreed.

“Yay!”

Akemi squealed, and she squeezed my arm tighter. We continued to walk to school like this, with Akemi clinging to my arm. We finally reached the school and to the shoe lockers, where we both changed from our shoes into our slippers.

“So, I guess… see you?”

“W-wait! Aren’t we in the same class Hina?”

“O-oh right.”

I mentally face palmed. She did tell me we were in the same class.

“I-I guess let’s go…”

She happily grinned and hugged my arm again, as we walked to our classroom. When we eventually arrived there, she slammed open the door, making a loud bang sound, and causing everyone to turn their heads. I stood there, my head dropped in shame and fidgeted with my skirt. Akemi didn’t seem to mind the attention, and she kept her bubbly and bright smile.

“You two are late…”

A shiver ran down my spine as I heard the teacher’s strict and cold tone. There was an awkward and deafening silence that followed.

“That’s because I was being harassed by some guys!”

Akemi proclaimed loudly and cheerily. My teacher looked over to her, a glint of scepticism in her eyes and expression.

“Oh really?”

“Yes! But luckily Hina came to save me!”

I slunk back further and looked to my feet again when Akemi mentioned my name. I could feel a blush rising to my cheeks again. The teacher eyed us both suspiciously, before letting out an irritated sigh.

“Fine. I believe you two. Just when stuff like that happens again, report it to the school alright? We don’t want you girls getting hurt.”

“Mhm!”

“Alright, you two can go to your seats now.”

I sighed as I walked back to my seat, my head down, as Akemi cheerily followed me. I could feel the eyes of the entire class watching me intently.

“Ah, not you Akemi! Introduce yourself first! Class, this is Akemi. The new transfer student.”

Akemi skipped to the front of the class and stood on the platform. She grinned, and with a bow, said.

“I’m Akemi Kimura! I hope we can all get along!”

“Alright Akemi, um, you can sit down.”

I slumped onto the table and buried my face in my arms. I sighed a deep exhale. What the hell did I get myself into this time…

I slowly peeked up and looked around, until I saw Akari. Plastered on her face was a vicious and blood thirsty glare which sent a shiver down my spine. I discreetly followed Akari’s gaze to see she was staring daggers at Akemi’s back. I shuddered at the murderous intent in her eyes and quickly burrowed my face in my arms again. Finally, the bell rang for lunch. I slowly looked up and sighed a deep exhale of relief. I slumped on my table for a few seconds, before I mindlessly watched Akemi get up and walk to my table.

“Hey, Hina~! Let’s have lunch together!”

She said with a cheery smile and wave. She then stopped in front of my table, gazing at me intently.

“U-uh…”

I then heard more footsteps approaching, and I quickly jolted my head up to look over. I saw a group of those arrogant, ‘popular’ girls approach my table, while murmuring amongst themselves. It was obvious they wanted Akemi to join their group. One of the girls stopped in front of my table, and faced Akemi with a fake, cheery grin.

“Hey, Akemi! Come have lunch with us!”

“Uh… I’m actually having lunch with-”

“Oh! you might not know this, but Hina’s not exactly the most popular around here! Right Hina?”

She asked, and she looked over to me with a condescending smirk and glint in her eyes. I felt my throat close again, and my breathing grew more tiresome and ragged. I looked down at the table, and I could feel my heart racing again. I clutched at my chest as I continued panting, as my mind began blurring out reality. She’s going to leave me. She’s going to leave me. Akemi’s going to leave me. She knows I’m a loser which everyone hates now. She’s going to stay far away from me now. She’s going to leave me and join them. Akemi’s going to leave me. I felt my breathing grow heavier, and I covered my face with my hands. And I was so confident. I really thought I could make a new friend like her…

“Really?”

Akemi replied, her face and tone now sceptical.

“Yeah!”

The girl answered, her expression cheerful as ever.

“Yeah… nah.”

“W-what?”

The girl was taken aback and stumbled a few steps back. her face was now contorted into an expression of confusion and shock.

“I said no. I’m not joining you guys.”

I suddenly felt two arms wrapped around me, and then Akemi’s warm embrace as she hugged me tightly. My mind went blank, and I could feel a heat rise to my cheeks as I felt the warmth of her arms and body.

“And Hina’s not a loser.”

Akemi’s tone and expression suddenly turned cold and menacing, as she was now glaring at the group of girls. Her usual cheery and bubbly demeanour was now replaced with one of pure disdain and disgust. She continued to glare at the girls, who were all taken aback. The girl who had insulted me before stepped was clearly taken aback. She froze for a few seconds, and when she finally regained her senses, she went back a few steps, sighed a deep exhale, and turned around, walking away. The rest of her group followed muttering insults amongst themselves.

As I felt Akemi’s grip around me unwavering, I could feel a heat rise to my cheeks again. I tried to struggle weakly, but Akemi just kept on hugging me obliviously. I tried to cover my face again as I felt the blush reach my face. I then heard loud footsteps approaching again and looked up. Akari was approaching, with a murderous intent in her eyes. I shivered as I watched her come nearer, and I desperately tried to get out of Akemi’s grip, to no avail. She halted in front of my table and planted her hands firmly on her hips. She glared condescendingly at Akemi, who was still oblivious to what was going on around her.

“Get your slutty hands off her.”

Akari spat through gritted teeth.

“Huh?”

Akemi slowly turned her head to face Akari and flashed a mischievous smirk.

“And what if I don’t~?”

Akari’s jaw twitched, and she clenched her fists so tight that her knuckles turned white.

“She’s obviously uncomfortable! Get your hands off! You bitch!”

Akari yelled, her face now heating up. Akemi just looked at her with the same innocent expression and slowly traced her hands down my back. I shivered and felt my heart start racing again, and a blush rush up to my face. I continued to struggle flustered as Akemi just smirked and continued to reach her hand lower and lower, until –

“STOP!”

Akari screamed. Akemi was clearly taken aback, and she loosened her grip on me. Akari then suddenly grabbed my arm and pulled me out of Akemi’s lap. I stumbled a bit, disoriented, before I regained my senses and took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves. I then looked over to Akari, her expression now murderous. Her grip on my arm tightened.

“Stay away from her. Hina, we’re going.”

She swiftly turned her back to Akemi and tugged my arm firmly, leading me along with her. She huffed and stomped out of the classroom, and I stumbled as she pulled me along. Akemi tailed closely behind, a mischievous gaze again plastered on her face.

“Where you two going~?”

“None of your business.”

Akari huffed as we walked through the hallways. She quickly turned her face away, refusing to look at Akemi. An awkward silence hung in the air as we continued to make our way to our usual lunch spot, with Akemi still following us.

“Can I tag along~?”

“NO!”

Akari suddenly stopped walking, and she swiftly turned her body around to face Akemi. She gritted her teeth and flashed a menacing glare, and I felt her grip on my arm tighten. I watched nervously as Akemi’s body and face slowly started heating up. She bared her teeth and clenched her fists, and her breathing started growing heavier and more ragged. She continued to scowl at Akemi, who still had an innocent smile on her face. I gulped anxiously, and softly tugged Akari’s arm.

“A-Akari… she’s not a bad person…”

“HER HANDS WERE REACHING DOWN YOUR-”

“I-I know! B-but that was an accident! S-she’s sorry now, r-right Akemi?”

I looked over to Akemi pleadingly.

“Mhm~! I had no other intentions~!”

Akemi replied in a sing-song voice. Akari’s jaw twitched, and she tightened her grip again.

“S-so please… Akari… can you just let her have lunch with us today… she doesn’t really have anyone else…”

I mumbled shyly, while looking up to Akari with desperate, begging eyes. Akari was taken aback by my expression and quickly turned her face away. She covered her face with the back of her hand, as her cheeks seemed to slowly glow a rosy red.

“F-fine… whatever. I don’t care.”

She answered, her voice muffled by her hand. She then firmly tugged my arm and led me away, while Akemi followed us happily. We eventually reached out usual lunch spot. The light-brown grass was wet, with patches of frost and ice here and there. The dew and blotches of water glistened in the rays of the sun, and the soft humming of the vending machine could be heard. We brushed as much water as we could off the seats, and all sat down. Akari to my right, and Akemi to my left. I watched as Akemi hummed cheerily and unwrapped her lunchbox. I then looked over to Akari, who was staring daggers at Akemi. I shuddered at her vicious gaze and quickly turned away, dropping my head down and looking down at my lunchbox. I slowly began to unbox my lunch as well. An awkward tension now filled the air, with Akemi still unworriedly humming. She finished unwrapping her lunch, and with a simple phrase of gratitude, picked up her chopsticks and started eating. She picked up a piece of tamagoyaki, and turned to me, extending her arm out with her other hand under it.

“Hey Hina, say ah…”

Akemi cooed, her hand still holding up the omelette. I nervously looked at her, and then at the piece of tamagoyaki. As her hand came nearer and nearer, I quickly closed my eyes and slowly opened my mouth, anxiously anticipating the piece of omelette. I suddenly felt a gust of wind near my face, and I opened my eyes to see that Akari had snatched the tamagoyaki swiftly from Akemi’s chopsticks with her mouth and hastily ate it. I was taken aback, and I leaned back into the bench, bewildered. I then suddenly felt a strong hand grab my cheek and turn my face to meet Akari’s. Akari was now gazing at me intently, a cute pout plastered on her face and her cheeks slightly pink. She then suddenly shoved her chopsticks into my mouth, forcing me to eat her lunch.

“Oh wow~ didn’t know you wanted to feed Hina so bad~”

Akemi teased in a playful voice, as she amusedly looked over to the situation we were in. Akari just flashed her another scowl and continued stuffing my mouth with food. I could feel it getting harder and harder to breathe.

“M-mphf! Akari!”

I said, my mouth muffled by food. Akari suddenly looked back at me and her expression turned into one of worry and shock and instantly retracted her chopsticks from my mouth. Akemi just giggled at the sight before her, which only served to rile Akari up even more. She glared viciously at Akemi, her jaw twitching and breathing heavy.

“Haha! You were suffocating her!”

Akemi said between snickers.

“Shut up! You slutty lesbian bitch!”

Akari retaliated furiously. Akemi just continued to hold her sides as she laughed, tears streaming down her cheeks.

The end of school bell finally rang, and I let out a sigh of relief. I stood up from my desk and began packing up my stuff. When I was done and prepared to head out, I was approached by Akari and Akemi. Akari was walking towards me with a cold expression on her face, while behind her Akemi was cheerily skipping to me. They both stopped in front of me, Akari gazing at me intently with her lips pursed while Akemi had her usual carefree expression.

“Hey, Hina~! Let’s-”

“Let’s go home Hina.”

Akari then firmly tugged my hand, signifying me to go along with her. Akemi suddenly hugged my other arm, and I looked over to Akari, her expression even more sour now. I could feel my heart racing again, and a heat slowly crept up my cheeks, threatening to paint my face red. I quickly looked down to hide my blush, and the three of us began making our way to the station like this, linked arm in arm. When we finally arrived at the station, we scanned our JR cards, and I began making my way to my platform, with Akemi following behind me.

“Hey, you! Where do you think you’re going!”

I heard Akari growl menacingly at Akemi, and I slowly turned around, to see Akari’s face plastered with a threatening scowl again. Akemi skipped over to me and suddenly grabbed my arm, which caused Akari to stiffen up.

“Oh, me and Hina take the same train to school!”

It was obvious Akari was now on the verge of exploding. Her face began to heat up, and she clenched her fists tightly. Her jaw and eye twitched, and she bared her teeth, while still gazing murderously at Akemi. After a few seconds, she straightened up and exhaled irritably and huffed as she turned around and walked away. Akemi just watched Akari walked away, a hint of amusement in her expression. She then firmly tugged my arm and led me down the stairs to our platform, where we waited patiently for the train. She again started humming a happy tune, and I just continued to look at her, perplexed. The train arrived, and we both stepped on. When we finally arrived at Nakameguro, we stepped off the train, walked out of the station, and parted ways. As Akemi enthusiastically waved goodbye to me, and eventually disappeared down a street, I thought to myself, I really did not understand this girl… not at all…