Unexpected gesture, or just sibling rivalry?

For the next few days, Mayumi put all her energy into keeping her distance... She didn't talk to Himari, when they sat together she paid her no attention at all and during all breaks she hid in toilet stands... But, she couldn't run away from her forever...

"Attention students! As you know, you are required to submit at least 5 projects in your first year... And I decided, that you will all make a survey. I will pair you into two and for the next week you will ask people on streets about how what they learned in school affected their lives and if it had either negative or positive outcome"

Their teacher of Social Studies announced, making the class erupt in whispers. There were few individuals who didn't look really keen on doing this and Mayumi was one of them. Doing a survey meant to stop random people and ask questions, meaning it will be incredibly awkward for all of them...

"Himari, since you are new, I would like you to get paired with Mayumi, since you two are sharing a desk"

Mayumis head snapped in teachers direction. Why?! Why was she always the unlucky one! But she didn't argue, she couldn't, if she wanted to fix her reputation again. Harumi gave her a bright smile..

„That's great! Wanna come to my place after school?“

„Uhh, won't your parents mind?“

„Not at all! My dad is at work and my mom is really kind! Besides, she could use some distraction from my little brother! Oh, you should keep an eye out for him..“

Mayumi sighed. There was no backing away now, especially with their teacher staring right at them. Himari, sensing she had won over the girls attention, grinned.

„Perfect! If you're not against it, we can also walk home together! Oh, right! You should call your parents during break to tell them you will go over to my place...“

„...“

„They won't mind, right?“

„...I guess they wont..“

Himari shot her a smile and then focused back on the lesson, leaving Mayumi alone with her confused feelings. On one hand, she was still angry at this girl for what she did, even if she didn't mean it. However, a small part of her actually found the offer really welcoming and somewhat tempting....

Before she knew it, school was over and she found herself walking along Himari, her mind racing. She spaced out for a second and almost banged her head on a pole. She quickly composed herself, but it was too late as she already heard soft gigling.

„Are you alright?“

Himari asked, her voice laced with amusement. Mayumi felt her cheeks warming up, but she quickly hid it behind stern expression and continued walking with a huff. Himari followed after her, grinning to herself. After about 10 minutes of walking they reached Himaris house.. She walked in first, followed by Mayumi who suddenly felt really nervous. They walked in and were instantly welcomed by a woman in her late 30s.

„Welcome home honey! And who is that? Your classmate?“

Himari just smiled in response and pulled Mayumi a bit closer.

„Yep! This is my classmate Mayumi! She is also our neighbour, she lives in the apartment next to us! We were assigned to work on a project together so I thought it will be for the best to work at it in my room! If you don't mind of course..“

Her mom just sighed and ruffled her hair.

„What can I do.. But next time warn me that you are inviting someone over.“

She then turned to Mayumi and smiled at her.

„Nice to meet you! Hope my daughter isn't a problem to you.“

Mayumi had to bit her lip and mentally stop herself from blurting out she was. And a big one at that. But it would be rude to speak her mind out like that, especially when she just came to a house full of strangers and unannounced at that. So instead, she just bowed a bit.

„Of course not Madam.“

Himaris mom chuckled and waved her hand.

„No need for formalities my dear. Himaris friends are always welcomed!“

Friends

Those words had a strange taste on Mayumis tounge. Once more, she forced a polite smile instead of blurting out they weren't friends at all, she just got stuck with this girl.

„We will be in my room working. If you need anything just knock.“

Himari announced and pulled the other girl upstairs into surprisingly tidy, spacious and bright room. Colors were oriented towards yellow and light brown, giving the room homey vibes which made Mayumi feel a bit at ease, but she was still on high alert and tense as ever. They worked for maybe an hour, Himaris mom brought them snacks and lemonade. The black haired girl was also surprised that working with Himari was easier than she expected. She was actually really bright and helped Mayumi as much as she could. Durring that single hour they managed to not only finish some basics like first form of their presentation but also began writing their report, but without the important informations of course. They were just deciding on what to wear so that they can easily find each other in a crowd of people if one of them got lost when the doors from the room opened and a young boy peaked in, a mischievous grin on his face.

„Here you are sis! And who is this? Your friend?“

He asked mockingly, gesturing to Mayumi who felt a bit offended. The way he said it sounded as if she wasn't good enough to be Himaris friend. Not that she mind! Or so she thought...

„Back off Tadashi! This doesn't concern you! And you aren't allowed into my room!

Himari said and stood up, ready to kick her younger brother out. But he just gigled.

„Come on, don't be so uptight! It was just a joke! But seriously, she gives of the vibes of a loner who everyone uses for their own gain. Thats someone you want to spend your time with?“

Mayumi felt a pang in her chest, but quickly hid it. 

How did he know? Am I being that painfully obvious? No, he is just trying to get a rise out of me, I shouldn't let him! Besides, it's not like I care if Himari wants to be my friend, this our cooperation is purely professional! Once this stupid project is over, I will return back to keeping my distance... But why does it hurt hearing those words?

„Thats enough! Leave now or I will tell mom it was you who broke her favourite vase!“

Himari suddenly snapped and tryed to push him out the door. But Tadashi didn't seem to take her seriously.

„You wouldn't!“

„Oh really? MOM!!!“

Himari yelled which finally scared him and he quickly ran away. She closed the door behind him and let out a sigh.

„Honestly.. Im sorry for his behaviour, he is a jerk! Lets just return back to what we were doing okay?“

Mayumi snapped out of her thoughts and faced Himari, her cheeks dusted pink as she nodded. But she found it impossible to focus, her brain still didn't completely processed the fact Himari stood up for her. No! She was just imagining things! That boy was annoying, so it's only natural for her to snap at him. But what if.. What if she actually did it for her. She looked up at the girl in front of her who was talking about something, but she couldn't care less right now, her mind preoccupied with only one question...

Have I judged this girl too soon?