The Perfect Imperfection

Back in middle school, I was always this “perfect honor student”. I won awards, turned in assignments on time, and was always at the top of my class. Girls would constantly confess their love to me. It wasn’t like I was trying to attract them or anything—I was just focused on my studies. Still, their attention made my classmates envy me.

But, if I’m being honest, I never cared about any of that. I didn’t have time for dating or relationships. The only thing on my mind was maintaining my perfect record.

That all changed when I got to high school.

I got tired of it—the whole ‘perfect student’ routine. So, I decided to shake things up. I stopped dressing perfectly, started slouching when I walked, and even got my ear pierced. My teachers and classmates found it disgraceful, but I couldn’t have cared less.

I was getting used to this imperfect lifestyle, living on my own terms. One morning, as I made my way to my desk, I noticed a girl standing next to it, staring out the window. Her hair, white as snow, flowed gently in the breeze as she gazed into the sky. I couldn’t help but be mesmerized by how perfect she looked—like the honor student I used to be.

I sighed as I walked over to my desk, trying to ignore how captivated I was. As soon as our eyes met, though, she gave me this cold, uninterested look, sizing me up from head to toe. Then, with a little scoff, she flipped her hair and walked away.

What an ass, I thought as I sat down.

“Oh, Miss Ami Suzuki! Good morning! You’re looking perfect as ever!” one of her classmates exclaimed.

So… her name is Ami Suzuki, huh? Miss Perfect of this school, I muttered to myself while watching her chat with the others.

Just then, the teacher came in and started talking about our assignments. That’s when I realized—Ami’s desk was right next to mine. I let out a small sigh and decided to try to strike up a conversation.

“Lovely morning, isn’t it?” I said.

She barely glanced my way before replying, “I suppose,” and then turned her attention right back to the teacher.

Well, that was awkward, I thought as I opened my textbook.

Oh, by the way, I’m Asahi Ito. And starting today, I’m going to live my high school years as an imperfect student… or so I thought.