New Beginnings (Part 1)

“Imazaki-kun?”

As he turned around, he found the gaze of a certain someone. Her striking emerald-green eyes shimmering beneath the light. Her hair glistening as it swayed gently with the wind.

“M-Minami-san!?” he jumped, his usual demeanor faltering. “Y-You study here…?” he asked, stammering at each word he uttered.

“Yeah, I do study here,” she chuckled. “Didn’t expect to see you around, though.”

“I really did not expect you to be here…”

“Rude much!?” she pouted, “Just because I work at a small stall in the park—”

“N-No! It’s not that, you got it all wrong!” he blurted, waving his hands in a panic.

Ayasaka cackled, clutching her stomach, “I’m just kidding Imazaki-kun…”

She leaned closer, her voice softening as she whispered by his ear, “Are you excited that we’re in the same school?” she whispered, with a slightly seductive tone.

He froze for a moment, feeling her breath brush against his neck. “Y-Yes, I do!” he squeaked, his cheeks blooming into a faint shade of red.

“Good! I like someone who is honest!” she continued to laugh, patting him repeatedly on his back.

“Ouch… Felt my ribs break.”

“Oops. Too hard.” she bursted out laughing.

“Anyway, nice seeing you today, Minami-san—” he paused, correcting himself, “Minami-senpai, I guess…”

“No need for such formalities! Minami-san or Minami is fine!”
“I think I’ll keep using Minami-san…”

They exchanged a brief wave before parting — or so they thought. By some strange coincidence, they found themselves walking the same path.

Noticing this, Ayasaka scooted closer to him, “Are you headed towards Fujisaki Station?” she asked, tilting her head with a curious smile on her face.

“Yeah, Tenjin’s my stop,” he replied with a grin, glancing at her side-eye. “Why? Planning to follow me home or something?”

She smiled, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Oh nothing much really. It’s just that mine’s the same way. I ride on the Kuko line as well.”

“Woah, what a coincidence,” he replied, his tone brightening.

“Maybe it’s fate!” she teased. “You never know what the gods have in store for us.” she clasped her hands together dramatically before she giggled.

Kazuto scratched the back of his neck, still flustered. “You really have a knack for teasing people, huh…?”

“Only for those who give cute reactions.”

“Don’t just say that casually…” he muttered under his breath, trailing after her.

“See, I just proved my point!” she teased once more, giggling mischievously. “Anyway let’s get moving, we might miss the train y’know?” She grabbed his arm, tugging him along, her hair bouncing with each step.

He really thought high school would be a fresh start — new people, new memories, and no distractions. But then Ayasaka showed up unexpectedly. Not like he hated it — but now everything felt a little more chaotic.

“But at least I get to see her more often,” he thought, as he was dragged along with her.

Everything around him faded, leaving only her visage in his view. Her silky orange hair fluttered at each strode they took. But not only that — time seemed to have slowed down as well.

“She’s way too beautiful…”

A remark that almost slipped past his lips — but thankfully, he managed to keep it locked safely inside his mind.

They ran through the crowded streets, their laughter spilling at each breath. Birds chirped in the distance, the breeze from a nearby park carried the scent of spring, along with the hunger-inducing food from a nearby stall. The sizzle echoed in the streets, populating the lively neighborhood.

For a moment, Kazuto got a glance of her smile. It was like the smile of a moonlight goddess, highlighted by the warm glow of the sun. Contrasting, but it made his heart flutter just by seeing it.

“Hey Imazaki-kun,” she called out in front of him. “Do you like parks?”

He glanced towards it as they walked, “Yeah, what made you ask me that?” he smiled, noticing the cheerful children playing.

“Nothing! Just wanted to ask…”

“You really are weird,” he scoffed. “First, you start talking to me out of nowhere, and then you ask questions you never answer yourself.”

“Well, you really seemed lonely back then…” she told him, wearing a curious look on her face, “And why’s that you don’t want me to hang out with you?” she added.

“It’s really embarrassing….”

She smirked, slowing down her pace to match his, “You really are the best one to tease!” she laughed, clutching her stomach once more.

“Okay, stop it,” he pinched her cheeks.

“Ow ow ow! That hurts!” She swatted at his hand, laughing.

“Then don’t tease me next time!”

“But you started it…” her cheeks puffed out like a pouting hamster.

He couldn’t help but smile at her pout, a cute gesture that will probably won’t leave his mind for a while. The soft hush of the breeze brushed against their hair as they continue to banter.

Minutes later, after passing through multiple crossroads, they finally arrived at the train station, still carrying their smiles along with them. They walked around for a bit, waiting for the train that’s about to arrive — any minute.

As they did, Ayasaka glanced at Kazuto, noticing that his body and demeanor changed from when they first met. She found it charming — cute even, which made her lips purse into a soft, warm smile.

“You really changed when I first met you,” she said, still looking at his face, with a warm, glowing smile.

“What do you mean, Minami-san?” he turned to her, finally noticing her lingering gaze.

“You have this welcoming aura around you now, and your…” she paused, reaching out for his arm, squeezing it, “... body as well.”

He flinched, pulling away with a tug — but her grip was firm, hindering his ability to let go of her grasp. “ Well I’ve been working out…” he looked away, scratching the back of his neck.

“Interesting…” she continued, “What made you do so?”

“That—” he paused, his heart jumped at her question. He couldn’t tell her the truth — that she was the reason he wanted to change. “No reason really…” he sighed.

“Well I do believe everything happens for a reason,” She leaned closer, her voice dropping to a gentle tease, “You can tell me honestly, y’know?”

He exhaled, still avoiding her glimmering eyes. “You’ll find out someday. Besides,” a faint smile tugged at his lips, “We’re not exactly close friends yet.”

And just then, she pulled back, forming her fingers into the shape of a gun, aiming it right at him.

“We can be close friends if you want to!” she shaped her lips into a teasing grin.

“That would be great…”

And just as their conversation starts to deepen…

WOOSH~

“Oh the train is here!” Ayasaka muttered, turning her gaze towards him.

People flocked out of the train, refueling them with new ones, which interrupted their warm, wholesome moment together. Without hesitation, Ayasaka tugged his wrist, dragging him with her in the train, just when it was about to close.

Luckily enough, the swarm of people wasn’t that many, leaving a few open seats for them to rest.

Of course, they sat beside each other, admiring the scenery that befell in their eyes. It truly was an experience like no other. Though it’s something they’ve seen when they went to school — just being with each other felt different.

“Hey Imazaki-kun,” she whispered, tugging at his shirt.

He looked at her, leaning his head closer, “What is it, Minami-san?”

“Do you…” she paused, “...Like sunsets?”

“What’s with the barrage of questions today?” he replied, seemingly confused as to why she keeps asking him questions out of the blue.

“You don’t answer a question with a question, dummy…”

He sighed, “Well personally… I don’t,”

“Why don't you like it?” she pressed on, her emerald gaze sparkled.

“It just reminds me of my past…” he paused, not wanting to bring the harsh memory back.

Ayasaka, noticing the change in his atmosphere, veered it off course, “Oh by the way, look at this recent news about a new game!” she pointed at her phone, her face resembling that of an amazed child.

At first, he was confused as to why she’d suddenly ask that. But slowly, his lips began to tremble — until he couldn’t hold it back any longer. Laughter spilled out of him, echoing across the quiet carriage.

“What made you laugh all of a sudden?” she whispered, but her cheeks were noticeably red due to embarrassment.

“Nothing,” he said between breaths, still chuckling. “You really are weird, Minami-san.”

“I’m not weird!” she pouted, crossing her arms in retort. “But…” she paused, feeling guilty about what she asked, holding the hem of her skirt with a firm grip. “Sorry for asking that question…”

“It’s fine Minami-san,” he sighed, turning his gaze towards the cityscape behind them.

For a moment, silence fell between them. The soft glow of the carriage painting their faces in pale gold. Neither of them spoke. In some instances, they share glances, with Ayasaka giving him a teasing grin whenever their gazes meet.

Kazuto’s thoughts wandered — to his first meetings with her, to the unexpected events of today, to how his chest felt tighter than usual. It could be due to her presence.

After all — who wouldn’t be nervous around their crush?

Minutes passed, and Ayasaka’s drowsiness seemed to have catched up to her. Her head bobbed left and right, battling the urge to fall asleep.

“Minami-san?”

“H-Huh?” she jumped straight, snapping out of her dreamy state. “I-I’m all fine!”

He chuckled, noticing her weariness dreading on her. “You seem sleepy, Minami-san.”

“I’m just tired… I’m going to manage a club this year, and it’s taking a toll on me…” she sighed, her head slowly drifting towards his shoulder.

“Oh, what club is it?”

“Track and field. Why did you ask?” she yawned softly, leaning her head on his shoulder. “You planning to stalk me during practice or something?”

“I’m not a stalker, Minami-san!” he rebutted, “Well do you also have other clubs?”

“Hmm… there’s the Art Club and Tennis” she chuckled, nuzzling a little closer to him.

“That’s already a lot,” he murmured, nodding to her response — not noticing the shrinking distance between them.

“And also…” her voice trailed off, her exhaustion finally catching up to her once more.

He sighed quietly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Rest well, Minami-san…”

As she rested quietly on his shoulder, a soft smile lingered on her lips, radiating blissful calm. The glow of the dimly lit lights of the carriage reflected on her, accentuating her delicate features even more. In that vulnerable state, she looked almost like a doll.

Time passed, and a few passing gazes found them. It wasn’t embarrassing or off-putting — just warm, knowing smiles from those who happened to see them.

Just then, a soft chime echoed through the carriage, followed by the announcement that the train would soon stop at Akasaka Station — a stop before their destination

Kazuto then stirred his gaze towards Ayasaka, still laying on his shoulder peacefully. He brushed over the hair covering her face, slowly waking her up.

“Hey, we’re almost at our stop.” he whispered, his gaze lingering.

“Nnghh…” she murmured, slowly lifting herself away from his shoulder. “Huh…? Are we there yet?”

Still half-asleep, she rubbed her eyes with the back of her hand, then brushed her bangs aside with her fingers, trying to fix her slightly messy hair.

“Sorry for sleeping on your shoulder…” the faint warmth of his shoulder lingered on her cheek. “Bet you were staring at me the whole time, huh?” she added, giving him a teasing grin,

“I did not look at you the whole time!” he shot back, flustered.

“But you did admit you took a glance at me~”

“A-Ah… Well…” he stammered, catching his breath. “Who wouldn’t look at a pretty woman sleeping on their shoulder…?” he mumbled, turning his gaze away from her.

“Pretty? Quite a bold statement for a boy like you!” she giggled, teasing him even further.

Just then, the PA system crackled to life, “Next stop, Tenjin Station.”

“L-Let’s just get off the train already — it’s stopping soon,” he said, reaching for her hand.

“Sure, sure~” she said with a light laugh, brushing off her skirt as she rose.

The brakes hissed, and the train slowed to a gentle halt. The doors slid open with a soft chime, letting in the lights of the subway flood in — alongside incoming new passengers.

As they stepped off the train, Ayasaka glanced Kazuto’s hand still holding hers — firm, yet gentle. “My, my…” She leaned close, whispering playfully, “How long do you plan on holding my hand for?” A soft melodic chuckle escaped her lips.

Kazuto, finally saw the way he held her hand and immediately pulled away. “Oh my bad…” he muttered, averting his flustered face away from her.

“I didn’t mind anyway,” she chuckled, matching his pace. “Besides, your hand was very comfortable!”

“Enough with those compliments already!” he groaned, waving his hand in defeat. “You’re gonna make me die of embarrassment here!”

“That’s why you’re my favorite one to tease!” she laughed, reaching up to drape her arms over his shoulders — though she had to tiptoe just to manage it. “Ugh, I hate that you’re taller than me…” she pouted.

“It’s not my fault that you’re short!”

“It is!”

“How is it my fault then, huh?” he asked, pausing to meet her pouting gaze.

“Because you’re too tall! Bleh!” she said, sticking her tongue out at him with a playful grin before running off.

“Hey where are you going to, Minami-san?” he asked, running after her in a blitz.

Their playful chase carried on, weaving through the familiar turns that led to the exit. Their laughter and hurried footsteps echoed throughout the halls of the subway stalls — making it their playground. Along their hurried steps, knowing gazes followed — warm smiles blooming at their childlike display of youthful joy.

They stepped outside, the soft, warm light of afternoon wrapping around them.

“It’s been a while since I’ve laughed this much.” Ayasaka said, brushing a strand of her hair off her face.

“Yeah…” Kazuto replied, his tone softer, “But you were a lot of trouble — fitting your stature.” he laughed.

“Are you saying I’m short!?” she pouted, tiptoeing to reach his cheeks for a pinch, struggling to do so.

“Yes,” he answered, grabbing her hands. “But a shortie that always keeps interesting.”

She pulled her hands away, “I don’t know if I would take that as a compliment or an insult.” she muttered, her cheeks glowing a faint crimson.

“Take it however you want.” he replied quickly, grinning from ear to ear.

After their light banter, they continued walking, weaving through the shadows of towering buildings. The sun still shining brightly — as if highlighting their position wherever they went.

The soft breeze of spring brushed on their faces, carrying the scent of freshly grilled takoyaki from a nearby stall. The scent only drew them closer, with Ayasaka cradling on his left arm, begging him to buy one.

“I’m not that hungry—”

“Please~” she pleaded, “I want one…” her eyes practically sparkling from her fake tears — resembling that of a cat.

He sighed, finally resigning to her plea, “Fine, I’ll buy one.”

The stall keeper prepared the takoyaki with care, placing the batter on the glistening machine — ready for another batch. Next after placing the bubbling batter, they placed each slot with a small cut of an octopus tentacle, enveloped by the enticing batter. Thereafter, they placed green onions, adding color to the delicious dish.

And there comes the flipping — which they did with precision, showing the golden-brown crust of one of the most appetizing Takoyakis you’ve ever seen: Perfect, glistening, and crisp.

The sight and aroma was enough to make Ayasaka’s mouth water, imagining the flavors mixing in her mouth, in what would seem heaven on earth.

After flipping the aromatic balls of heavenly flavor with skill, it was then placed on a neat paper tray, where it was drizzled with their famous takoyaki sauce, alongside some mayo to top.

The result? A perfectly crafted dish to satiate the taste buds of those who’ll take a bite — Albeit piping hot.

“Here miss! One order of takoyaki!” the stall keeper handed, “Be careful to bite into it — you wouldn’t want to burn off your tongue after all!”

“Thank you! How much is it?” she asked, quickly snatching the Takoyaki off of their grasp.

“Only 300 yen miss!”

“Quite cheap!” she remarked, before turning to Kazuto, “Imazaki-kun, you know the deal~” she teased, as she got a takoyaki and placed it on her lips with a playful glare.

“Fine, fine…” he feigned a surrender, as he reached out for his pocket to get his wallet.

But before he could pay, a small whimper escaped beside him. He turned to find Ayasaka taking a bite out of the steaming-hot takoyaki, her cheeks puffed out in pain.

“Didn’t they just say to be careful when eating it…?” he muttered, face-palming in disbelief.

“B-But…” she muttered, despite the searing pain, “It jush lokhed ta—Oww,”

He sighed, grabbing her arm, “Keep talking if you want to be in serious pain.” he sighed once more, before paying the takoyaki he just bought.

“You two look awfully sweet together,” the vendor remarked with a warm, knowing smile.

“I-It’s not like that, ma’am!” he stammered, waving his hands in flustered defense. “Anyway, thank you — We’ll take our leave!”

The vendor let out an exasperated sigh, “Now that is youth for ya…”

After calming Ayasaka down, they continued their straight path, crossing through multiple crossroads yet again. As they did, the warm glow of afternoon, slowly turned into dusk as the sun slowly dips beyond the horizon. Kazuto trailed behind her, as she waltzed through the familiar streets while munching on some takoyaki.

“Hey, Imazaki-kun,” she called out, holding the tray toward him. “Want some of these?”

He blinked, slightly surprised, before taking one. “Thanks for the offer, I guess…”

“You bought it after all,” she said with a teasing smile, watching him take a cautious bite.

Carefully, he blew on it softly, before taking a small bite — and then a large one, engulfing the entire thing. It was crispy on the outside, yet soft on the inside. Not only was the batter seasoned to perfection, the octopus tentacle inside was also seasoned — enhancing the flavor even more. The sauce that came with it complimented the already extravagant takoyaki.

“This is really delicious!” he commented, covering his mouth as he chewed with caution.

“Right!? It’s very tasty!” she added, slowing down her pace once more to match his. “Here take the next one!” she said, shoving the last takoyaki towards his mouth.

His eyes widened, completely taken aback, “What was that for, Minami-san!?”

“Nothing! Just wanted to tease you~” she replied, stifling a laugh.

“I could’ve choked there. Seriously…”

“My bad!” she said, still giggling.

After their not-so-light banter, it was finally time for them to separate. The streetlights flickered on one by one, painting the sidewalks in a mellow orange hue.

“Man, today was kinda fun,” Ayasaka grinned.

“Kinda?” he asked, pretending to be offended.

“Okay, fine— it was fun,” she said with a giggle. “Wanna exchange contacts?” she asked, grabbing her phone from her bag.

“Oh, sure…” he muttered, his ears turning red as he fumbled for his own phone. “A bit straightforward, don’t you think?”

She laughed softly, leaning a little closer as their phones met. “You really are the best one to tease in the whole world, Imazaki-kun!”

He chuckled, playing along. “And what if I don’t give you my contact?”

“Who wouldn’t want a pretty woman’s phone number?” she shot back, with teasing yet confident grin.

And with a soft ping, their phones confirmed the exchange — an almost silent seal to the end of their day.

The cheerful air between them lingered, carried by the soft breeze that rustled through the quiet streets. Ayasaka slowed her steps, glancing up at Kazuto with a faint smile.

“Guess this is where we split.” she said softly.

“Your street is over there, right?” he glanced over.

“Yup, Get home safe Imazaki-kun!” she smiled, waving before heading toward the turn that led to her home.

“You too, Minami-san.” he replied, scratching his cheek awkwardly.

Though they parted ways, Ayasaka looked back once more towards Kazuto, just to see if he’d do the same. And just as she predicted, he did. With a wide smile, she waved back once again, before turning back, her footsteps skipping with joy.

“I’m home!”

“Welcome back.” Yukino greeted, “You’re home late today, Kazuto,” he called from the dining table. “Were you talking with some girl?”

Kazuto clutched his chest dramatically, as if struck by an arrow. “Are you a god or something…?”

“I know when my boy’s been talking to a girl. Call it a father’s sixth sense.” he chuckled, before continuing “Besides, from our floor, you can see the street. So of course I saw it.”

“Jeez…” Kazuto muttered, scratching his head. “What are you a spy…?”

“I’m not a spy — just an observant father!” he interjected, “Anyway, go get changed. I’ll prepare dinner.”

Kazuto dragged his feet towards his room, drawing his notebooks out of his bag, and placing it on his desk. As he checked over his phone, a slight flutter echoed in his chest.

Did I just get her contact information…

He shook his head, trying to calm the sudden rush of nerves. Better to focus on what was in front of him. He changed into his casual clothes — a light blue T-shirt and matching dark blue shorts — then sat at the desk and flipped open his notebook to review the syllabus their teachers had given them.

Before long, he was completely absorbed in studying. He pulled out a few books from his bag, and began to study in advance. Each page that was flipped, five pages worth of notes were added to his notebook.

Just as he was finishing his notes for tomorrow’s lesson, a soft ping echoed through the room. His phone screen lit up. Quickly, he checked his phone, thinking it was his friend Ren, or maybe Tadano from Middle School.

But surprisingly enough — It was Ayasaka. She had sent him a sticker. A simple “hello.” with a bunny attached to it. Bamboozled, he stared at it for a moment before typing back a stiff, formal reply.

“Hello.”

Doesn’t this sound way too formal… he wondered, as he sent the message.

Almost instantly, her reply popped up — a laughing emoji, joking at his formal response. “You’re way too formal, Imazaki-kun.”

Kazuto groaned, pressing a hand to his face. “Yep, I’m cringe…” he muttered.

He was about to type a follow-up message when his dad called him for dinner. Worried about leaving her hanging, he sent a quick text letting her know he’d go eat first — to which she replied with an “OK” sticker.

He stared at the screen and sighed with a small, helpless smile.

This senpai of mine really likes stickers…

When he came downstairs, the faint aroma of miso soup, and Pork Cutlet filled the air, mingling with the soft hum of the TV.

“Smells good…” Kazuto commented, “You have improved lately, dad.”

“Should I take that as a compliment or…”

“Take it as both.”

Yukino laughed, bringing his son closer to him. “You’ve gotten even funnier.”

“If it wasn’t for a certain gremlin…”

“Gremlin?” he asked, his head turning slightly out of curiosity, before coming to a conclusion. “Oh that girl you went home with—”

“Yes,” he interrupted, his face red as a tomato, “But it isn’t like that! She’s just annoying.”

Once again, Yukino laughed, before finally letting his son take a seat. They ate in silence for a while — the kind that felt comfortable, not empty. The soft hum of the TV lifted the atmosphere even more, giving it a homey feeling.

But Yukino finally broke the silence, with a knowing smile tugging at his lips. “So, what’s her name?”

Kazuto almost dropped his chopsticks, choking on a piece of Pork Cutlet. “W-What’s with the s-sudden question…?” he stammered between coughs.

“Well I’m just curious who that girl is… Is it that Tsumiya-san again?”

“No! And I don’t even know which school she went too…” he gave a flustered reply. “It’s Minami-san…” his voice trailed off.

“Oh that same girl from before!” he exclaimed, setting aside the bowl of miso.

Kazuto only nodded, not muttering a single response. He focused on his food, hoping the warmth of the rice would somehow mask the heat rising to his cheeks.

“So,” he paused mid bite, “Did something happen between you two…?”

He immediately choked on his rice again, coughing as he grabbed his glass of water. “Wording, please…” he muttered, glaring weakly at his father.

“My bad,” he chuckled, setting his chopsticks beside his bowl. “But really — did something happen?” His tone softened, though the playful glint in his eyes remained.

Kazuto sighed, avoiding his father’s gaze. “I just didn’t expect that we ended up in the same school, that’s all.” he replied, taking a few sips on his miso bowl.

“Oh so you’re classmates?”

“No… she’s a year older.”

Yukino raised an eyebrow, grinning. “So you like older girls, huh? Good for you—”

“It’s not like that!” Kazuto interrupted, his voice rising as his face turned a deep shade of red.

He laughed heartily, leaning back in his chair. “Relax, I’m just teasing you.” he paused once more, pointing his chopsticks with a slice of Pork Cutlet towards him, “Also, you’re quite easy to read, y’know?” he continued, laughing once more.

“Why did I even try talking to you, Old Fart.” he groaned, before heading straight to his room.

As he wrote a few notes for the upcoming lessons in their first semester, thoughts of her teases, and warm smile was enough to avert his focus away from his studies.

He rushed to his bed, face planted on top of his pillow, mumbling to himself. “This gremlin won’t leave my mind…” he sighed, before turning face up towards the ceiling.

At first the thoughts that were clouding him were annoying, but it slowly turned into something warm — something that he could lean back on when facing hardships.

Love can really affect a person greatly.

A week passed since that day, and everything proceeded as usual: Wearing his well-ironed uniform, eating a bountiful breakfast with his father, and of course a confident smile to boot. That was until he met a certain someone once more as he veered away from his street.