Chapter 2: Mr Brightside

4th January 2006 spelled the start of our first day of teaching English at the University of Tokyo, we made sure to spend some time learning the culture and language before flying out in order to fit right in and start strong, it was going to feel strange teaching young adults who were roughly around my age but I was ready nevertheless. Looking in the mirror sorting out my tie, I ask Nathan for his opinion if I look the part.

“You look like a million pounds mate and I’m not saying that because you’re my brother, I mean you in that suit screams look at me I am so much better than you” says Nathan as we exit the apartment and are greeted by the beautiful day ahead of us as the streets were live and full of energy with smiles everywhere you looked. I always make sure to gaze into the sky to greet my parents good morning like any son would wishing they could see me now as the atmosphere was helping us settle the nerves for a tough first day until Nathan interrupts by mentioning Kyle’s absence.

“I can’t believe it, it’s the first day and he’s not even ready yet the dick” as Kyle sprints through the door with a piece of toast in his mouth showing he is rushing around at the last minute.

“Well excuse me, it’s not my fault you’re a grown man and still forget to put the toothpaste top back on, I’m ready now, should we rent that car you were looking at Isaac?” Kyle mentions.

“You know what it’s a lovely day, lets walk today, I believe it’s only a 10-minute walk, I need some fresh air to properly prepare also” as the group make haste towards the university. I run ahead of the group failing to hide my excitement as flowers are blooming all over as locals greet us in the politest way possible making us comfortable as I also cannot stop thinking about Sara from the other night, she had this aura and charisma that reminded me of my mother and makes me wish to see more of her and it wasn’t the fact she was very wealthy, the other two follow on as Nathan takes long drags of his cigarettes as Kyle would not shut up about where they’re going after the day and after some time, we all appear outside the large and prolific university where our teaching days for the foreseeable future will commence.

“Ah you must be White Sensei, pleased to make your acquaintance, I believe this is your first day at our prestigious university, please allow me the honour of showing you around and to your classroom” says a calm voice up close as a woman in her 30’s with glasses, blonde short hair and a blouse to match her black heels introduces herself as Sachio Kazama and she was a fellow professor who teaches chemistry.

“Who’s this stush woman then?” Kyle confusingly says as Nathan looks down and sighs in disappointment whilst following Sachio through the university.    “Well, if you used your head for a change, she must be a fellow teacher if she’s offering to show us around”.

“Everything is set up and ready for you, if you’re ever struggling to find your way around, my room is just down the hall, I’ll help however I can” Sachio tells the boys moments before the first bell rings.                                             “Thank you very much, we’ll be sure to call on you if need be” the boys tell her as she smiles and leaves the room.

5 minutes until the first English lesson would begin and unironically the first person arriving to the classroom was none other than Sara Okamato as her hair flowed past the boys as she opens conversation with herself.

‘I knew he would be my sensei, that fills my heart with joy, maybe I’ll start enjoying this more and come into lessons more’ as she wants to approach me as I’m at my new desk but from one glance I could tell she seemed anxious due to the presence of Nathan and Kyle as they’ve never met meaning to avoid any awkward encounters I hop out my chair and approach her calmly to not startle her.

“I had a feeling we’d see each other again, guys this is the girl I was telling you about, her name is Sara, Sara these are my brothers but also my assistants, Nathan and Kyle” as the two introduce themselves. Sara still in her thoughts- ‘He told his friends about me?! Oh gosh I need to say something now’.

“I-I’m honoured to meet your friends, I hope to learn a lot from you all” Sara says from a hefty distance as I soon become startled over her beautiful presence as the two lads go and allow the rest of the class inside as Isaac asks her a question before class. “You maybe want to grab a drink together after school?” I offer as Sara immediately agrees blushing as bright as the sun as class was now in session.

The class seemed to be running smoothly as the boys figured they could just teach them all the basics and those who are finding it easy can learn something a bit harder. Sara on the other half can’t stop thinking about how she should’ve built the courage to approach the lads but will never be able to introduce herself to new people if she can’t tackle her fear. The bell has just rung, and lunch has begun as Sara waits for everyone to leave as she walks by my side outside, until two girls approach them and tap her on the shoulder with their greetings following. Sara takes it upon herself to introduce like I did with Nathan and Kyle.

“My apologies, I forgot to tell you about my friends, the one on the left is Yukia Kawakami and this is Ena Kawakami on my right, they are sisters but also my best friends” as Isaac practices bowing to them as a sign of respect with the two chuckling but Ena shoots me down in quick succession as she tells me I’m doing too much.

Yukia is around the same height as Sara with black long hair with a strand of red at the front of her hair matching her dark outfit with a dark brown shade of eyes to match her nose piercing but expresses her fiery side as she tells her sister to stop being stuck up.

“YOU CAN’T SAY THAT TO A TEACHER YOU’VE ONLY JUST MET FOR CRYING OUT LOUD ENA, UGHHH” as Ena chuckles and tells her to keep her cool and apologises for her sister in advance.

Ena had a cooler approach but had more muscle than Sara indicating she is a trainer with shorter brown hair, green eyes and a sportier look being a little bit taller than her sister. “I guess you’ve already bare witnessed my sister’s hot temper, but I do hope we’ll all get along well, judging by Sara’s calmness around you boys I can tell you are going to be fun to be around” Ena tells me.

“I have a great idea, why don’t we all meet after classes and grab a drink opposite the place” Yukia proposes. “That way I can get to know Sara’s new friends better”.

“Sounds great” Kyle mentions not until he is barged into by two students who are looking for trouble. “Hang on, are you guys’ new students?” the guy on the left mentions. “Nah mate we just decided to wander into a university unprovoked with signs that say teacher, course we’re teachers” Kyle responds. “That makes sense considering you’re chatting with stuck up Sara” the others say as the two start to laugh until one follows up their comment. “Come on Sara let us borrow some yen considering you make too much for your own good”. ‘Who the hell do these little pricks think they are’ I tell myself knowing I can’t lash out as a vein comes onto my forehead in anger, but I keep a cool head as it is my first day and don’t wish to make a bad impression until Ena tells me to let her handle this as she marches over and pins one against the wall in frustration making him drop his bag.

“You know damn well not to approach Sara, not whilst I’m around and not ever, unless you want me to beat you to a pulp, I suggest you get moving and don’t bother being cheeky again” as she drops him from quite a height and the two run down the corridor.

“Wow, remind me to never get on your bad side” Kyle says shockingly. “Don’t you forget it either and Yukia didn’t even have to do anything” Ena replies. “It’s getting annoying having to deal with twigs like them giving constant pressure to Sara but I’ll always be there because I love her” Yukia says hugging her.

It was the end of the day and Sara and myself begin to walk down the corridor to meet the group as I ask her “I hope that isn’t common with people giving you shit like that”. “It’s only been common since I began here but due to my last name I get it from time to time, it gets to the point where you’re used to it but luckily I have great friends to support me and I hope my friends and yours can all get along” Sara exclaims as the bright morning weather has now turned into a grey wet afternoon as I lend Sara my jacket mirroring the other night as the raindrops keep falling on my head as we run to the bar down the streets whilst both smile and laugh looking up at the droplets from the sky until we could see a patch of sun shining our way at the bar where everyone is present. The newly formed group were filled with laughter and giggles while the rain pours outside as Nathan excuses himself for a smoke which catches the attention of Yukia as she joins him outside.

“Can I get you another drink Sara?” I kindly mention. “That would be lovely thank you” she responds as I leave the table. “He’s very charming, isn’t he?” says Ena directly. “I know! He’s been nothing but helpful and friendly since we met plus his attitude and manners are amazing!” as Kyle sits back down zipping his pants back up saying “Thank you Sara I do try my best” as they all frown but laugh. Back at the bar and whilst I stand scanning the venue waiting on the drinks where a figure stands next to me and engages in conversation straight away.

“So, you’re Isaac, I’ve heard so much about you from the other night” as my head turns to the sharply dressed man who looks like he’s come straight from a prestigious job interview with neat black hair, brown eyes and shining jewellery to complete his look in his grey suit, just from his looks and dress code you can tell he meant business and I should choose my words carefully. “Allow me to show my gratitude for helping my little sister from those thugs the other night and supporting her in her upcoming classes ahead”.