Set Sail

Ever since Yoshioka-Sensei made the announcement of Midterms this week. There was no surprise that some of the other students felt the need to express their distressed eagerness throughout the week. For myself, I felt quite at ease with this year's first big tests, maybe some apprehension. Overall, I was ready. I’ve always been a good test taker and student. In spite of the fact that my old school could fit in this one class room. My old school only had one classroom, with one teacher, and one Principal that taught the variety of ages and grades with separate subjects designed for the respective grades. I was the second oldest in my school, technically the fifth.

There were four other students that were born only months apart from one another, while I was nearly two years behind in age. So this brought an interesting dynamic: the four eldest students got most of the teacher's attention since they all had plans of higher education, while the Principal gave their attention to the younger students. Then there was me, kinda stuck in the middle. I’m still not totally sure how it happened. I eventually started helping the younger students and the Principle, then soon moved onto helping the Teacher with the older students. I got to the point where I was rarely doing school work and simply acting as a third teacher! Helping, teaching, working, as an uncertified educator. With all that unplanned experience, I’ve never felt too worried about school work, or the inevitable tests. I was just always worried about the people I’d meet…

Okay, looks like I’m one of the first ones done again… No surprise Kiyoshi is done, Aoi looks like she’s wrapping hers up, then I think three others.

I then raised my hand to indicate that I was finished with my test. Yoshioka-Sensei soon came by my desk to take my test and get a head start on grading it. He’s always been efficient like that. With such an energetic class, you kind of have to think a few steps ahead of them. Since we have to wait for the other students to finish, we have to sit patiently. Which was a little tough because we weren’t allowed to have our phones on us for the whole week. Luckily, I brought a book to read while I waited for the day to end.

Funnily enough, I haven’t really read too much of it. I’ve been too distracted with what I’m going to say to Minato. It's a little stressful, I knew what I wanted to say at the beginning of the week, but now that I’ve had more time to contemplate on the possible future with him. I can’t help but overthink of the perfect think to say that will convey all of my thoughts and emotions.

“Alright everyone… I’d like you to CALMLY congratulate yourself. You’ve completed your first high school midterms.” In the center of the class stood Yoshioka-Sensei, announcing that the test taking is now finished.

I didn’t even know until now that the week was already over. Time is really starting to feel faster and faster. Or, I may have just been in the zone for test taking and just lost track of time.

I then looked around the class, and felt a little chuckle about to come out of me. Several students were either holding their breath or their lips were quivering. I think that they wanted to celebrate with the achievement that we accomplished this week. Unfortunately, Yoshioka-Sensei asked everyone to stay calm.

“Alright, since it is the end of the week…” Yoshioka-Sensei at his desk grabbed the test and his things.

“You’ll have your test results first thing next week…” Placing his hat on his head, he inched to the door.

“So far I’m very impressed, now… You are dismissed.” Yoshioka-Sensei then swiftly slammed the door to the classroom and fled.

With zero hesitation most every student shouted at the top of their lungs! Aoi then stood on her desk shouting congratulatory phrases! Everyone quickly hopped on her energy shouting back and forth at her then at one another! Hollering with delight and excitement from our first high school achievement!

◑ ◒ ◓ ◐

With the energy of my overzealous class still rattling inside me. I felt quite relaxed while at Kado Club. Which was perfect, because I was able to think clearly and concisely on what I wanted to say to Minato. He also messaged me during time, saying that he’s done with practice for the week and asked if I have free time. So, we can talk… About stuff.

The moment we’re finished with Kado Club. I went straight to the school bleachers. I waited.

I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I was going to be. While I waited, I had to reflect on that. I instantly thought that it was because of the Kado Club. Ichigo and the others are completely right about the space being a place of Zen. Every time I’m able to completely focus on the intricate arrangement of flowers, it really brings me inner peace. Even when I’m not arranging flowers; I’ll sometimes use the Club room as a calming atmosphere for study and homework. While the others work on their crafts. It should be mentioned that I did ask Ichigo if I could do homework every once and a while, and she was of course fine with this.

I think the reason for this is because we don't really do anything, to be honest. I say two to three times a week we really get into the actual purpose of the club, for the most part, it feels more of a casual experience. Just four people that like to wear clothing that makes them feel comfortable. Regardless, I’m very grateful to be part of the Kado Club!

All right, there he is…!

I spotted Minato leaving the school gym. Now that our talk is moments away; my heart started to beat faster ever so slightly.

He soon made his way next to me.

“Hi.” Minato smiled.

“Hey!” I smiled back.

He then sat next to me, placing his school bag down.

“H-How has your test gone?” I wanted the both of us to feel relaxed, so I started with some small talk.

“Good, good. But, since I had a lot of practice this week, I think I just barely passed my tests.” He chuckled.

“Oh, that’s right, that had to be kinda stressful.” I mentioned.

“Yeah, but it’s all good, my dad was able to help me out a lot this week!” He happily mentioned.

“Oh, that’s good to know. It's really great to have cool parents.” I smiled.

“Sure is.” He smiled, delicately.

No surprise we were quiet for a moment. I wasn’t sure if I should start or I should wait for him. It's been silent for several seconds now. I think I’ll just start and get it over with it! Besides, I suppose it makes sense for me to start it anyway! Right?!

“So, Minato.” I began.

He turned in my direction.

“I want to start by saying that I'm truly grateful that out of all the people here at school, you wanted to spend time with me. So that really means a lot… That said… I’m pretty sure that I have some kind of feeling for you…” I stated, as Minato formed a small smile.

“But, I’m still trying to understand the little world I live in… Ever since we moved to Chiba, a lot of things have been going on in my little world. All relatively good, just very eventful, ya know. However, I’d never thought that so many of them would happen in such a short period…” I began my gambit, while Minato smiled and listened.

“I think the best way for me to explain what exactly is going on in my head is starting with what I like... At the end of our date, I… Uh, did want to mirror a certain action. But, ultimately chose not to… I would have very much enjoyed something like that. Especially with someone that I, um... Like, and feel comfortable around.” My heart started to increase with every word.

“Another kinda confusing thing I like is the idea of authenticity. I have this idea that if anyone wants to fall in Love, they have to live an authentic life. So, the only way to do that is to also love oneself.” As I went on, I started to lose my train of thought. But I persisted.

“When I first had this idea, I realized that there are way more ways to go about living an authentic life! And, life itself is really complicated!” I began to shout!

“Ooo, sorry if I'm rambling. Is any of what I'm saying making sense?” I asked in a panic.

“Well, sure. For the most part.” He smiled naturally.

“Okay, thanks.” I smiled slightly.

I went into my school bag to grab my phone.

“So, do you remember the movie I told you about on our date?” I asked with my phone ready.

“Yeah, um ‘Death in Venice’, right? I've been meaning to look it up.” He recalled.

“Yup, the movie itself isn’t much of the reason why I like it so much… I really like one of the lead actors.”

I then took a deep breath before showing a picture of the actor that portrayed the lead character.

“So this is the star of the movie.” I slowly revealed to Minato my phone with the picture of a young beautiful celebrity and star of the movie.

“Oh, she's pretty.” He remarked.

“Yeah, I think so too... Just turned 17; that picture was taken in the 70s… Now, here’s the same person but just a few years ago.” I then showed the next picture of a well aged man, with long flowing silver hair.

“Huh? Really? That’s the same person?” He asked, with slight confusion.

“Yup, it is… So, um, the reason why I like this actor is because isn’t really from the performance, either. It's mainly because I really relate to this actor on a personal level…” I explained with hesitation.

I then paused, I wasn't sure if he knew where I was going with my explanation. This is the time to begin my journey to authenticity.

“So, the thing is Minato… Much like this actor, I’m… Just a pretty boy as well…” I couldn’t help but look straight ahead, so I was unable to see Minato‘s expression.

I was finished with my long heartfelt explanation. I didn’t want to say anything else and wait for Minato’s response.

After what felt like hours, I slowly looked over to Minato. He was just staring forward. Likely trying his best to process what I just said.

Swoosh!!!

Minato stood up quick enough to create a sound from the air moving beside him.

“Arigatō! Hiromi!” Minato quickly bowed, followed by a swift thank you.

“Uh-um…” I didn’t really know what to say, or if he wanted me to say anything.

“My Mother and Father taught me to respect everyone’s life, no matter how different they are from my own… As long as they are not harming anyone, then they have the right to live as they believe is right.” He calmly explained with care.

I began to smile with some relief, but his posture was still intense. Still bowed, I wasn’t sure if he was done yet.

“Hiromi…! As of this moment, I am unable to say at this time whether or not I can continue the romantic pursuit of our relationship…” He announced, yelling at the ground because he’s still bowing.

“Oh, I un-”

“However!” Minato quickly shouted before I could finish my sentence.

Somewhat startled, I watched him finally stand up straight. With a slightly red face.

“I would still very much like to be your best friend!” He announced with passion!

“Really? Um, yea-yeah, I’d love that!” I smiled brightly!

“Phew…!” Minato then sat down with relief.

Shocked at how this conversation went. I remained quiet, with wide eyes. I stared at Minato's calm smile.

“Ya, know… I was so nervous, that I kept having all of these bad thoughts, along with my teammates saying stuff like that you’ll never want to talk to me or see me again.” Minato explained.

“Hah, nope, I just wanted to be comfortable around me… I guess.” I smiled lightly, looking at my petite shoes.

“Yeah, I feel pretty comfortable right now!” He announced.

“Thanks Minato. I wasn’t sure how this was going to go… So, just thanks. For being an awesome person.” I relaxed with a calm smile.

“Aww, I can’t take all of the credit. You really should be thanking my mom, I learned everything from her.” Minato smiled naturally.

“Maybe I’ll meet her someday.” I smiled.

“Yeah! I bet she’d love to meet your parents! Especially Motoko-San!” He sparked the idea with a fun smile.

“Hey, yeah! That would be so cool! Motoko hasn't made any friends in Chiba yet, haha.” I giggled.

“Oh, wow, that would be something. Haha!” He laughed.

“Yeah… Well, speaking of Motoko. She’s expecting me soon. She wants to hear about my tests.” I explained as I stood up.

“Right, that makes sense.” He mentioned.

“Um, good luck on your game!” I mentioned with glee.

“Oh, thanks! See you next week!” He remarked with a happiness.

We went our separate ways into the sunset. Feeling overjoyed at how the week turned out. I smiled all the way home!