Growing Up

After a summer break, Yuri and Mao hadn't hung out too often, as they were busy with their own chores and interests. It was first day of school again.

He was at the school entrance, walking towards the building, observing everyone around him. Suddenly, someone hugged him from behind. The speed and force of the hug were so great that it easily overwhelmed him. The person stepped back. He turned to look at them. It was Mao. She was now a few centimeters taller than him.

"M-Mao?!" he shouted, startled.

"What, you didn't recognize me at first?" She put her hand on her hip, her nose in the air.

"You've changed quite a bit..."

"In what ways? Hm?" She brought her hand to her ear, as if trying to hear better what he was saying. Her smug smile made him a little nervous.

"You know quite well what I mean..."

"But I want to hear it from your mouth."

"Heh. My vassal should know that one shouldn't ask unnecessary questions of her master."

"Well, I've finally surpassed you, my master."

"Y-You may have surpassed me in some ways, but I'm still superior."

"Yeah, yeah, I agree with you, my master. But for how long will you remain on top?"

"Until the end of time."

"Hoo? What would you do if that happened?"

"I would surpass you again. After all, a master should not lose to his disciple."

"Shouldn't it be the other way around?"

"Well, even if the student surpasses the master, doesn't that mean the master is good?"

"I can't disagree."

"Then, it's all good with me, as long as it's you."

"Really?" Her eyes sparkled like the sun. She jumped for joy. "You're not mad at me, are you?"

"Of course not. Why would I be?"

"Because, um... how can I put it..."

"Do you think I feel intimidated by you?"

"Do you...?" She looked down, uncertain.

"We're friends, aren't we? Friends shouldn't intimidate each other at all."

Mao smiled again and hugged him, for longer than usual. He couldn't resist, so he just waited, nervously. She playfully brushed her fist against his hair. "I knew I could trust you!"

I'm already regretting my words...

During math class, Mao usually had difficulty solving the problems. Yuri sat next to her. "What's the matter?" he asked.

"I can solve this multiplication problem, but I don't want it to take so long every time..."

"You see, you can multiply it by the closest order of 10 and then substract or add what was left. It's 28 times of 70, right? 30 x 70 = 2100; 2 x 70 = 140. 2100 - 140 = ?"

"1960..."

"Exactly!"

"Wow, that was... even more complex."

"Then you can do it the usual way. It doesn't take that long."

"But I want to finish it as fast as possible..."

"You'll make mistakes in your calculations if you do this in a hurry. Why the rush?"

"Because..." She looked away, trying to find an excuse.

"Trying to impress me?" He adjusted his glasses and chuckled. "Just as I thought! Bravo, my servant!"

"T-That's not it! I just wanted to... save time! You don't like wastes, right? I'm just trying to..."

"Impress me? Haha! Just as I thought!"

"N-No!" She waved her hands in denial, blushing deeply.

"It's okay! I admire your efforts to keep me entertained. Now let's finish this."

After a long and tiring lesson, they finally managed to solve all the problems. Yuri already knew the methods, but they became clearer to Mao.

"Man, you're falling behind," Hideaki told his friend after seeing Mao. They were in the classroom after classes had ended.

"Look who's talking," he replied.

"Nah, but seriously, you're a boy! Aren't you eating properly?"

"You're in the same situation as me, Hideaki."

"That's because I'm a late bloomer. What are you?"

"Same as you, probably."

"Hey, don't include me as your equal in everything. We have different lives, different tastes, and..."

"Genetics doesn't lie. We'll only know when the time comes."

"Man, you're boring..."

"Yuri..." a female voice came from in front of him. It was Mao. She looked down, nervous. "Do you want to... come to my house?"

"Mao's house?!" Hideaki shouted dramatically. "Hey, you're not... thinking what I'm thinking, are you?" He alternated his gaze between the two.

"I-It's nothing special!" she exclaimed, embarassed.

"Hmm? Are you sure?" He gave a sly smile, as if he knew something. He moved closer to Yuri and whispered in his ear: "How far have you two gone? Have you held hands yet?"

Yuri blushed at the thought of such an intimate gesture, even though he and Mao were used to hugging.

"I... I promise it's just a normal hang out! Between friends!" she stammered.

"Ehh...? Then why didn't you invite me? Aren't I your friend?" Hideaki suggested, feigning sadness.

"O-Of course you're our friend! You can come together! O-Only if you want to, of course..."

"Nah, I was just kidding. I've got better things to do."

"Like what?" Yuri asked, trying to change the subject.

"That's none of your business, villain. Like I said before, we have different hobb- I mean, duties!"

"Okay... if you say so..." he said slowly, dragging out each word.

"B-But it's okay if you don't wanna!" Mao said, trying to bring back the previous topic.

"Going to your house?" He adjusted his glasses, which gleamed with an ominous aura. He gave a malicious smile. "Very well, I'll give you a chance, commoner."

"Really?" She smiled as wide as she could, relieved of her fear of rejection. "Then, when you're ready, let's go together!"

"Wait a minute..." his smile faltered as he thought of something. "W-Will your parents be there?"

"My parents...?" She put her hand to her chin, thoughtfully. "Well, mom usually makes lunch for me... As for dad... I think he's on a trip to Russia."

"Russia?" Hideaki asked, curious. "What is he doing there?"

"He works with something related to... athl... athlet..."

"Athletics?" Yuri finished.

"Yes! That strange word."

"Ehh...?" Hideaki murmured, impressed, but also jealous. "What does he do?"

"He's a professional basketball player, I think."

"You think?!" Hideaki exclaimed dramatically. "How famous is he? How many countries has he traveled to?"

"Quite a few... mostly in Asia."

"Your dad is a national pride! Why didn't you tell us this before?"

"I don't think it's that impressive... I mean, for me! Since I'm his daughter and all... I don't want to brag about something I didn't do..."

"Has he taken you to other countries before? What were the trips like?"

"We've traveled a few times, mostly on holidays and breaks, but I don't have anything special to say... I don't like to leave here too often."

"Then let's change places! I want to explore the world!"

"I don't think it's that easy..." said Yuri.

"Come on, Yuri, don't you wanna see what the world is like out there, beyond this little town? Don't you want to be famous?"

"These two things don't have much to do with each other..."

"You know what I mean. Do you really want to live at such a boring place forever?"

"I don't find this place boring at all..."

"Seriously...? You're more boring than I thought."

"I can take you two on vacation if you want!" Mao said with a smile.

"Nah, leave me alone." Hideaki dismissed the idea. "I don't need help from a rich family."

"But didn't you just say..." Yuri muttered, confused. "You know what? Never mind."

"Are you sure, Hideaki? You were just talking about conquering the world or something..."

"Conquer the world? Don't confuse me with that guy." He pointed at Yuri, who frowned, disappointed. "I'll find a way to chasemy dreams on my own. I don't need anyone's help, because that would be cheating."

"I don't think it's cheating at all..." she said, trying to think of a reason.

"Whatever. Just leave me alone and... hang out or whatever." He pouted, crossing his arms. Yuri and Mao were confused by his sudden change in behavior.

"If you say so..." Yuri replied, starting to walk towards the door. "See you tomorrow, Hideaki!" He waved. "Bye, bye!" Mao also waved.

Yuri and she left school on their bicycles; Mao in front, leading the way. "But what do you think, Yuri?"

"Hmm? About what?", he replied, focused on the street.

"About traveling the world."

"Well... there are some countries I want to visit, but I don't see the need. It's too much work, tiring as well..."

"I just said I can convince my dad to take us on a trip together."

"Hmm... I'm not sure..."

"Why? Don't you like me?"

"Eh?" His arms trembled, causing him to slightly lose his balance on the bicycle.

She laughed heartily. "I was just kidding!"

"Well, if you really want to, I wouldn't mind going with you..."

This time, her arms trembled nervously.