Chapter 4:
Chapter 4 - Rollercoaster
When the Cherry Blossoms Bloomed
[Chapter 4 - Rollercoaster]
“I'm home!”“Ah, welcome back Ryouta-kun. There's food ready.” Mom says to me. As usual she thinks I'm Dad. Even if I'm wearing a uniform she doesn't seem to find it strange. I wonder what she sees me like?“I’ll eat later, thank you.” I sayI go to my room and lay down. Mom is acting alright. If a person sees her they probably wouldn't think anything is wrong with her. I just have to endure. Yes, endure. I recall her words.
“Someday… Surely it will all be worth it… That's why, we just have to endure.”
‘They really guide me through life.’ I think as I let out a small chuckle. I've found myself looking forward to seeing her everyday now. Deciding to not think about stuff too much, I close my eyes and take a nap.
“Ryouta-kun?”I hear while all I see is a pitch black void since my eyes are closed. I open them. “Ryouta?” She calls again.I get up from bed and open the door.“Yes Akane?” I ask with a smile. “Are you going to eat? The food is getting cold. Of course it could always be heated up again though.” Mom says.“Mhm, I'll eat now.” I say, then I go to eat.
🌸🌸🌸
I'm taking a stroll to get some fresh air. The path I'm walking through used to be filled with the color pink just a few weeks ago. Now, the Cherry Blossom trees are just your normal green tree now. The sun is still quite high in the sky. It will still probably take an hour or two before it sets. I go to the spot where Haruka always stays. I squeeze my bag through, then myself. My eyes fixated with what's ahead of me, notice that Haruka is nowhere in sight. Huh, it's rare for her not to be here yet. Maybe she's just a little late. I walk towards the edge of the riverside.“Boo!”“Ah!” I get startled. I turn around and see Haruka laughing.“Hahaha! Your reaction was so-” She doesn't finish and just continues laughing while grabbing her stomach.“Haruka….” I say, unamused.She looks at me while rubbing her eye, still chuckling softly.“Sorry…Sorry.”“It's just that you always have that depressed look on your face.”“So, I wanted to cheer you up a little!” She says cheerfully.I sigh.Then, I smile a little.“Ehhh? Kyosuke smiling? Takahashi Kyosuke? Smiling? It's a miracle!” She exclaims teasingly.I let out a faint laugh“Oh shut up.”“But actually, I think you look better smiling.” She says happily.Upon hearing that, I blush softly.She walks past me while laughing softly as if a child who just received candy from their grandparents. “It's not as pretty as it was before, don't you think?” She says while looking ahead at the river.“Well the Cherry Blossoms have already wilted. And it's already summer.” I say while walking towards the edge of the river. “Meeting here everyday has become part of our routine, don't you think?” She mentions it while looking at me.“Yeah. Oh yeah, I remember you mentioning that you go here everyday in spring. Now that spring has ended, will you still be here everyday?” I ask.“Hmm…. Back then I didn't really have a reason to visit this place when it was not spring. But now I do. So perhaps I'll still be here everyday.” She says.“Hm? Is that question implying that you still want to see me?” She says teasingly while having an annoying smirk on her face. “Eh?! Uh…. You can think of it that way I guess…” I say, a little flustered.“Don’t worry, I'm not going anywhere.” She says then lets out a giggle.Hearing that somehow I feel somewhat relieved. I let out a relieved sigh.“And what's the reason you said you now have to go here?” I question.“Oh you should know that Kyosuke.” She replies.“What? No I'm sorry I don't know that…” “Well that's your problem.” She says then chuckles.“Okay…” is all I can reply.
Haruka and I continue chatting until sunset. Time always flies so fast at these times.
“Hey Haruka… Thank you.”She looks at me flustered.“Eh?! W-why? W-what's with that all of a sudden? Why are you thanking me?”“It’s for everything you've done. You're one of the few people who keep me company in life actually, and you make me happy. Possibly the happiest I've been in a while.”“Oh…” Haruka says. I notice she's a bit red.“You don't have to thank me for that Kyosuke.” She smiles.“Because… You make me really happy too!” She says then laughs. The atmosphere feels so warm when I'm around her. I smile. This is nice. I wish things could just stay like this. I look at the river. The faint sound of the running water reaches my ears. I turn my head towards Haruka. She's looking at me. Her round eyes and smooth skin are being reflected by the dusk light. I unconsciously think ‘She’s pretty’ as I look at her within those few seconds.“Mhm!” She gasps and turns her head away. I do the same. The realization dawns on me that we were looking at each other for quite some time. The thought of it makes me turn red. I turn my gaze slightly at Haruka and see that she too is probably feeling embarrassed. Knowing that makes me feel somewhat relieved. I let out a sigh. “The sky is pretty isn't it.”“Yeah…” Our eyes gaze at the empty sky in silence.
🌸🌸🌸
“I’m home!” I say, loudly enough so that it could be heard throughout the house.“Ryouta-kun, welcome home dear.” Mom greets me pleasingly.I greet her with a smile and go straight to my room.
As I’m sitting on my bed I hear a knock on my door. The door creaks open.“Ryouta-kun, dinner is ready!”“Mhm. I’ll be there soon.”
“Ryouta-kun, how is the food?”“It’s really good.”
“Ryouta-kun, you’ll wash the dishes right?”“Yes Akane”
…..
“Ryouta-kun, do you need any help?”….“Ryouta-kun?”“Ryouta-kun?”“Is there something wrong dear?”I’m sick of it….“Shut up…”“Huh?”“Shut up…”“W-what are you saying Ryouta-kun?”My breaths get stronger. I grip the plate I’m holding tighter.“I SAID SHUT UP!!!”I throw the plate in my hand straight to the ground.It shatters.“YOU KEEP CALLING ME “RYOUTA-KUN "AND"DEAR"!"Ah… This feeling… What was it? Ah yes… It’s anger. It’s frustration. It’s rage.“I’m sick of it… Ryouta is gone… Ryouta Takahashi died years ago…”“I AM NOT RYOUTA! WHY WON’T YOU SEE THAT?!” I feel my heart beating in my chest. Beating faster and faster. “IT’S ME MOM…. KYOSUKE… YOUR SON….!” My voice begins to shake. A tear runs down my left cheek. Another follows on my right cheek. The sound of my heavy breaths grow louder and louder. More tears run down and they fall off my face.Mom looks at me blankly with her mouth hanging. “Ryouta-kun…is dead?”Her facial expression changes into devastation. “No…No…This can’t be!”She looks directly at me with a frightening face.“YOU! I REMEMBER!” The moment she says those words the rage I was feeling instantly becomes fear.“IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT! HE DIED BECAUSE OF YOU!”I tremble in fear.She walks towards me quickly. I walk back until I hit the wall behind me.I’m scared…
No… Not this again…
A teardrop hits my foot.
🌸🌸🌸
The sound of the ambulances grow distant. It’s sound being muffled by the walls of my room. It’s once again just me in the house, alone. Mom is returning to the hospital. The experience from earlier replays constantly in my mind.. I move to the edge of the bed and gaze out of the window. The night sky is clear without a cloud in sight. A few stars are shining. The only light visible on the streets are from the street lamps outside. I bring my focus towards my reflection. My eyes look dead. Is this the look in my eyes Haruka mentioned before? I lie down on my bed. The ceiling…
🌸🌸🌸
“You don't like your life do you?”“It's in your eyes…”
My eyes open. The morning sunlight fills my room. I check the time on my phone. 7:16. Oh… I’m gonna be late. I should get up. I get up, still a bit sleepy and get ready for school.
🌸🌸🌸
Finally, I arrived at school. “Look who’s late now.” A voice says behind me.It’s Shota. “And? You’re late too.” I say. “Ehe…” Shota exclaims.“Let’s go, we don’t have time.” I say and walk in a hurry.“Eh? Kyosuke! Wait for me!!” Shota shouts as I continue walking.We go our separate ways after going up the stairs. I walk hastily to my classroom and open the door.“Sorry for being late.” I say.“Kyosuke, you’re here. Take your seat.” The teacher says. “Yes Ma’am.” I say then take my seat.
🌸🌸🌸
At lunch in the cafeteria, me and Shota are eating. “Hey Kyosuke, have you tried the red bean bread?” Shota asks with food in his mouth.“Hm? Not yet. Is it good?”“Not just good… It’s the best.” “You have to try it.”“Is it that good?” I ask with curiosity.“Yes…It’s that good.” He says with his mouth watering.While me and Shota are conversing, two familiar people walk up to us. Akira and JinThey sit beside me. Jin on my left, and Akira on my right. What are they going to do now…?“Yo, Kyosuke.” Akira says.On the other side of the table, Shota looks at the two with an annoyed face. “What’re you eating?” He then follows.“Karage.” I say in monotone. “Karage eh? Can I have a bit?”“Sorry, no.” I say without hesitation.“Oh come on. Let us have some!” Jin insists.“Come on, we're your friends right?” The moment Akira says that I get pissed off even more. I grab the last two pieces of karage and stuff them into my mouth simultaneously. As I do that Akira and Jin look at me with their mouths agape. “Thank you for the meal.” I say then stand up from my seat and tidy up. After, I walk away without saying a word leaving the three behind.
After school, I’m walking with Shota. “Hey, can I come over to your house tomorrow?” Shota asks.“Uhh… Sure. Why not.” I say.“Then it’s settled. See you tomorrow.” Shota then walks the other direction and waves.What should I do…
🌸🌸🌸
Classes have ended. I’m tidying up my stuff. I push my chair in and leave the classroom. Outside the building, Shota taps my shoulder from behind. “Yo Kyosuke. Let’s go.” He says. “Uh… Actually, can you come a little later? I have to fix up my house… It’s kind of a mess.” I say.“Huh? Okay. I’ll go there later. Like 30 minutes from now.” Shota says.“Okay, see you there.” I say then walk away.
I should probably go to Haruka. She’s probably waiting for me. I wouldn’t want to leave her without her knowing. I go to the riverside. Huh? She’s not here today. Is this a prank like last time? I scan the area. She’s really not here. That’s odd. Maybe she had to do something. Study perhaps? Hideyoshi is strict with academics, or so I heard. Finals are coming up too. That’s probably the reason. I should go already. Shota must be waiting.I leave and start walking in a hurry.
🌸🌸🌸
In the distance I see Shota in front of my apartment. How long has he been waiting there?“Ah, Shota, you're here already.” I say as I'm walking closer to him.“Yeah, what took you so long huh?”“Eh…” I try to come up with an excuse.“I- uhh stopped by the- the vending machine to buy a drink.” That probably sounded so unconvincing.“Oh okay.”“Well don't just stand there, let's get inside already!” Eh? What? No way he just believed that excuse? He couldn't have possibly believed that super unconvincing excuse right? Huh?“Kyosuke?”“Stop spacing out!”“Ah, sorry.”“Let's go.”He actually believed it…. This guy is on a different level…I unlock my apartment door and walk inside. “Pardon the intrusion!” Shota says.Shota takes off his shoes and walks further into my apartment after me. “Eh? Where's your Mom? Didn't you say that she was discharged from the hospital some time ago?”“She was returned to the hospital the other day.” I say in a serious straight tone. “What happened?” “Nothing.”“Oh…Okay.” Shota looks away a little with a slight look of guilt on his face as if he did something wrong. It's not really his fault though.“Do you want something to drink? I have green tea, orange juice, and some cola. What do you want?.” I say in hope to change the topic. “Uhh I'll have cola I guess.” I nod and get the cola from the refrigerator.“Now I remember!” Shota suddenly exclaims as I place the Cola on the table.“We should study for the finals!” “They're coming up soon, so we should start already.” “Are you an imposter or something? No way you would say that.” “I thought the chances of winning the lottery are higher than you studying early for tests.” I say in surprise.“Come on, what do you take me for? Some half-witted type of person?”“Yes.” I respond in an instant. “Well that's just mean. I’m trying to improve myself! Something wrong with that?” “Oh really?” “Anyways, can we use your textbooks? I left mine at home.” Shota changes the topic of the conversation.“Okay, I’ll get them.”
🌸🌸🌸
The finals are finally over after what felt like an excruciatingly long time. I’m walking through the hallway that is filled with students. Behind me I hear a wailing voice.“Kyosukeeeee!” Shota says in a sad tone. Sounding like a baby that lost his favorite toy.“Huh?” I turn behind me and say in an annoyed tone. Shota is holding a bunch of papers. His test papers?He puts the papers near my face to the point I can’t even see the entire paper. I walk a few steps back to get a better look. ‘No way.’ I think the moment I see his test results. A big 43 in red ink surrounded by a red circle is written on the upper right of the paper. “Even after studying that much you still failed English?”I say to Shota. Surely the other tests will be better right? 39 in Science, 36 in Math, 63 in Japanese, 46 in Social Studies, and 53 in HumanitiesI was wrong. Really really wrong. “You really are hopeless aren’t you.”“At least your Japanese is good enough.”Shota just stands there feeling defeated. “What about you Kyosuke? Were your results good?”Shota asks me.“They’re average.” I say in a monotone voice.“Show me your results. I showed you mine so you have to show me yours.” Shota demands.“Fine.” “74 in English, 69 in Science, 70 in Math,76 in Japanese, 72 in Social Studies, and 68 in Humanities.”“And you call that average?!” Shota says in shock. “Yeah. I mean it is.”“No it isn’t”“If you say so I guess.”
—------- END —-------
“I'm home!”“Ah, welcome back Ryouta-kun. There's food ready.” Mom says to me. As usual she thinks I'm Dad. Even if I'm wearing a uniform she doesn't seem to find it strange. I wonder what she sees me like?“I’ll eat later, thank you.” I sayI go to my room and lay down. Mom is acting alright. If a person sees her they probably wouldn't think anything is wrong with her. I just have to endure. Yes, endure. I recall her words.
“Someday… Surely it will all be worth it… That's why, we just have to endure.”
‘They really guide me through life.’ I think as I let out a small chuckle. I've found myself looking forward to seeing her everyday now. Deciding to not think about stuff too much, I close my eyes and take a nap.
“Ryouta-kun?”I hear while all I see is a pitch black void since my eyes are closed. I open them. “Ryouta?” She calls again.I get up from bed and open the door.“Yes Akane?” I ask with a smile. “Are you going to eat? The food is getting cold. Of course it could always be heated up again though.” Mom says.“Mhm, I'll eat now.” I say, then I go to eat.
🌸🌸🌸
I'm taking a stroll to get some fresh air. The path I'm walking through used to be filled with the color pink just a few weeks ago. Now, the Cherry Blossom trees are just your normal green tree now. The sun is still quite high in the sky. It will still probably take an hour or two before it sets. I go to the spot where Haruka always stays. I squeeze my bag through, then myself. My eyes fixated with what's ahead of me, notice that Haruka is nowhere in sight. Huh, it's rare for her not to be here yet. Maybe she's just a little late. I walk towards the edge of the riverside.“Boo!”“Ah!” I get startled. I turn around and see Haruka laughing.“Hahaha! Your reaction was so-” She doesn't finish and just continues laughing while grabbing her stomach.“Haruka….” I say, unamused.She looks at me while rubbing her eye, still chuckling softly.“Sorry…Sorry.”“It's just that you always have that depressed look on your face.”“So, I wanted to cheer you up a little!” She says cheerfully.I sigh.Then, I smile a little.“Ehhh? Kyosuke smiling? Takahashi Kyosuke? Smiling? It's a miracle!” She exclaims teasingly.I let out a faint laugh“Oh shut up.”“But actually, I think you look better smiling.” She says happily.Upon hearing that, I blush softly.She walks past me while laughing softly as if a child who just received candy from their grandparents. “It's not as pretty as it was before, don't you think?” She says while looking ahead at the river.“Well the Cherry Blossoms have already wilted. And it's already summer.” I say while walking towards the edge of the river. “Meeting here everyday has become part of our routine, don't you think?” She mentions it while looking at me.“Yeah. Oh yeah, I remember you mentioning that you go here everyday in spring. Now that spring has ended, will you still be here everyday?” I ask.“Hmm…. Back then I didn't really have a reason to visit this place when it was not spring. But now I do. So perhaps I'll still be here everyday.” She says.“Hm? Is that question implying that you still want to see me?” She says teasingly while having an annoying smirk on her face. “Eh?! Uh…. You can think of it that way I guess…” I say, a little flustered.“Don’t worry, I'm not going anywhere.” She says then lets out a giggle.Hearing that somehow I feel somewhat relieved. I let out a relieved sigh.“And what's the reason you said you now have to go here?” I question.“Oh you should know that Kyosuke.” She replies.“What? No I'm sorry I don't know that…” “Well that's your problem.” She says then chuckles.“Okay…” is all I can reply.
Haruka and I continue chatting until sunset. Time always flies so fast at these times.
“Hey Haruka… Thank you.”She looks at me flustered.“Eh?! W-why? W-what's with that all of a sudden? Why are you thanking me?”“It’s for everything you've done. You're one of the few people who keep me company in life actually, and you make me happy. Possibly the happiest I've been in a while.”“Oh…” Haruka says. I notice she's a bit red.“You don't have to thank me for that Kyosuke.” She smiles.“Because… You make me really happy too!” She says then laughs. The atmosphere feels so warm when I'm around her. I smile. This is nice. I wish things could just stay like this. I look at the river. The faint sound of the running water reaches my ears. I turn my head towards Haruka. She's looking at me. Her round eyes and smooth skin are being reflected by the dusk light. I unconsciously think ‘She’s pretty’ as I look at her within those few seconds.“Mhm!” She gasps and turns her head away. I do the same. The realization dawns on me that we were looking at each other for quite some time. The thought of it makes me turn red. I turn my gaze slightly at Haruka and see that she too is probably feeling embarrassed. Knowing that makes me feel somewhat relieved. I let out a sigh. “The sky is pretty isn't it.”“Yeah…” Our eyes gaze at the empty sky in silence.
🌸🌸🌸
“I’m home!” I say, loudly enough so that it could be heard throughout the house.“Ryouta-kun, welcome home dear.” Mom greets me pleasingly.I greet her with a smile and go straight to my room.
As I’m sitting on my bed I hear a knock on my door. The door creaks open.“Ryouta-kun, dinner is ready!”“Mhm. I’ll be there soon.”
“Ryouta-kun, how is the food?”“It’s really good.”
“Ryouta-kun, you’ll wash the dishes right?”“Yes Akane”
…..
“Ryouta-kun, do you need any help?”….“Ryouta-kun?”“Ryouta-kun?”“Is there something wrong dear?”I’m sick of it….“Shut up…”“Huh?”“Shut up…”“W-what are you saying Ryouta-kun?”My breaths get stronger. I grip the plate I’m holding tighter.“I SAID SHUT UP!!!”I throw the plate in my hand straight to the ground.It shatters.“YOU KEEP CALLING ME “RYOUTA-KUN "AND"DEAR"!"Ah… This feeling… What was it? Ah yes… It’s anger. It’s frustration. It’s rage.“I’m sick of it… Ryouta is gone… Ryouta Takahashi died years ago…”“I AM NOT RYOUTA! WHY WON’T YOU SEE THAT?!” I feel my heart beating in my chest. Beating faster and faster. “IT’S ME MOM…. KYOSUKE… YOUR SON….!” My voice begins to shake. A tear runs down my left cheek. Another follows on my right cheek. The sound of my heavy breaths grow louder and louder. More tears run down and they fall off my face.Mom looks at me blankly with her mouth hanging. “Ryouta-kun…is dead?”Her facial expression changes into devastation. “No…No…This can’t be!”She looks directly at me with a frightening face.“YOU! I REMEMBER!” The moment she says those words the rage I was feeling instantly becomes fear.“IT’S ALL YOUR FAULT! HE DIED BECAUSE OF YOU!”I tremble in fear.She walks towards me quickly. I walk back until I hit the wall behind me.I’m scared…
No… Not this again…
A teardrop hits my foot.
🌸🌸🌸
The sound of the ambulances grow distant. It’s sound being muffled by the walls of my room. It’s once again just me in the house, alone. Mom is returning to the hospital. The experience from earlier replays constantly in my mind.. I move to the edge of the bed and gaze out of the window. The night sky is clear without a cloud in sight. A few stars are shining. The only light visible on the streets are from the street lamps outside. I bring my focus towards my reflection. My eyes look dead. Is this the look in my eyes Haruka mentioned before? I lie down on my bed. The ceiling…
🌸🌸🌸
“You don't like your life do you?”“It's in your eyes…”
My eyes open. The morning sunlight fills my room. I check the time on my phone. 7:16. Oh… I’m gonna be late. I should get up. I get up, still a bit sleepy and get ready for school.
🌸🌸🌸
Finally, I arrived at school. “Look who’s late now.” A voice says behind me.It’s Shota. “And? You’re late too.” I say. “Ehe…” Shota exclaims.“Let’s go, we don’t have time.” I say and walk in a hurry.“Eh? Kyosuke! Wait for me!!” Shota shouts as I continue walking.We go our separate ways after going up the stairs. I walk hastily to my classroom and open the door.“Sorry for being late.” I say.“Kyosuke, you’re here. Take your seat.” The teacher says. “Yes Ma’am.” I say then take my seat.
🌸🌸🌸
At lunch in the cafeteria, me and Shota are eating. “Hey Kyosuke, have you tried the red bean bread?” Shota asks with food in his mouth.“Hm? Not yet. Is it good?”“Not just good… It’s the best.” “You have to try it.”“Is it that good?” I ask with curiosity.“Yes…It’s that good.” He says with his mouth watering.While me and Shota are conversing, two familiar people walk up to us. Akira and JinThey sit beside me. Jin on my left, and Akira on my right. What are they going to do now…?“Yo, Kyosuke.” Akira says.On the other side of the table, Shota looks at the two with an annoyed face. “What’re you eating?” He then follows.“Karage.” I say in monotone. “Karage eh? Can I have a bit?”“Sorry, no.” I say without hesitation.“Oh come on. Let us have some!” Jin insists.“Come on, we're your friends right?” The moment Akira says that I get pissed off even more. I grab the last two pieces of karage and stuff them into my mouth simultaneously. As I do that Akira and Jin look at me with their mouths agape. “Thank you for the meal.” I say then stand up from my seat and tidy up. After, I walk away without saying a word leaving the three behind.
After school, I’m walking with Shota. “Hey, can I come over to your house tomorrow?” Shota asks.“Uhh… Sure. Why not.” I say.“Then it’s settled. See you tomorrow.” Shota then walks the other direction and waves.What should I do…
🌸🌸🌸
Classes have ended. I’m tidying up my stuff. I push my chair in and leave the classroom. Outside the building, Shota taps my shoulder from behind. “Yo Kyosuke. Let’s go.” He says. “Uh… Actually, can you come a little later? I have to fix up my house… It’s kind of a mess.” I say.“Huh? Okay. I’ll go there later. Like 30 minutes from now.” Shota says.“Okay, see you there.” I say then walk away.
I should probably go to Haruka. She’s probably waiting for me. I wouldn’t want to leave her without her knowing. I go to the riverside. Huh? She’s not here today. Is this a prank like last time? I scan the area. She’s really not here. That’s odd. Maybe she had to do something. Study perhaps? Hideyoshi is strict with academics, or so I heard. Finals are coming up too. That’s probably the reason. I should go already. Shota must be waiting.I leave and start walking in a hurry.
🌸🌸🌸
In the distance I see Shota in front of my apartment. How long has he been waiting there?“Ah, Shota, you're here already.” I say as I'm walking closer to him.“Yeah, what took you so long huh?”“Eh…” I try to come up with an excuse.“I- uhh stopped by the- the vending machine to buy a drink.” That probably sounded so unconvincing.“Oh okay.”“Well don't just stand there, let's get inside already!” Eh? What? No way he just believed that excuse? He couldn't have possibly believed that super unconvincing excuse right? Huh?“Kyosuke?”“Stop spacing out!”“Ah, sorry.”“Let's go.”He actually believed it…. This guy is on a different level…I unlock my apartment door and walk inside. “Pardon the intrusion!” Shota says.Shota takes off his shoes and walks further into my apartment after me. “Eh? Where's your Mom? Didn't you say that she was discharged from the hospital some time ago?”“She was returned to the hospital the other day.” I say in a serious straight tone. “What happened?” “Nothing.”“Oh…Okay.” Shota looks away a little with a slight look of guilt on his face as if he did something wrong. It's not really his fault though.“Do you want something to drink? I have green tea, orange juice, and some cola. What do you want?.” I say in hope to change the topic. “Uhh I'll have cola I guess.” I nod and get the cola from the refrigerator.“Now I remember!” Shota suddenly exclaims as I place the Cola on the table.“We should study for the finals!” “They're coming up soon, so we should start already.” “Are you an imposter or something? No way you would say that.” “I thought the chances of winning the lottery are higher than you studying early for tests.” I say in surprise.“Come on, what do you take me for? Some half-witted type of person?”“Yes.” I respond in an instant. “Well that's just mean. I’m trying to improve myself! Something wrong with that?” “Oh really?” “Anyways, can we use your textbooks? I left mine at home.” Shota changes the topic of the conversation.“Okay, I’ll get them.”
🌸🌸🌸
The finals are finally over after what felt like an excruciatingly long time. I’m walking through the hallway that is filled with students. Behind me I hear a wailing voice.“Kyosukeeeee!” Shota says in a sad tone. Sounding like a baby that lost his favorite toy.“Huh?” I turn behind me and say in an annoyed tone. Shota is holding a bunch of papers. His test papers?He puts the papers near my face to the point I can’t even see the entire paper. I walk a few steps back to get a better look. ‘No way.’ I think the moment I see his test results. A big 43 in red ink surrounded by a red circle is written on the upper right of the paper. “Even after studying that much you still failed English?”I say to Shota. Surely the other tests will be better right? 39 in Science, 36 in Math, 63 in Japanese, 46 in Social Studies, and 53 in HumanitiesI was wrong. Really really wrong. “You really are hopeless aren’t you.”“At least your Japanese is good enough.”Shota just stands there feeling defeated. “What about you Kyosuke? Were your results good?”Shota asks me.“They’re average.” I say in a monotone voice.“Show me your results. I showed you mine so you have to show me yours.” Shota demands.“Fine.” “74 in English, 69 in Science, 70 in Math,76 in Japanese, 72 in Social Studies, and 68 in Humanities.”“And you call that average?!” Shota says in shock. “Yeah. I mean it is.”“No it isn’t”“If you say so I guess.”
—------- END —-------
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