Me and My Senpai

Starting Out in Kofu

Pembe Jackley purchased a small home within a forestry area. It was an old shrine like structure, cut off from civilization; just the way she likes it.

The young girl felt comfortable in her new home. Yet, she was alone. Pembe wasn't so used to making new friends, despite how sweet and loveable she was.
Pembe sat on her large queen size bed, combing her pink hair quickly. As she leaned back, she opened up her lap top.
Uncle Connor hadn't emailed her back yet. Feeling a little down, Pembe closed the device and set it on the floor. It already wasn't easy getting around in a place she knew nothing about, and without the support of her family it seemed almost impossible.

Pembe Jackley didn't have a job yet here in Kofu, Japan. Though, she had a lot of money which she worked for and earned from both her parents, and Uncle Connor. Now standing in her pink and neon green hoodie, and green skinny jeans, she checked her wallet. Slipping on purple converse, Pembe grabbed her key and walked out the door.

Food was the first thing on her mind, or rather, sweets. The pinkette knew of a cafe near-by with small cakes and other candies. Hearing her stomach growl impatiently, Pembe smiled. The sky was grayish, and it looked as though it might rain soon. People walked passed her, talking on their phones or chatting with each other. Pembe shrink-ed down, ocean eyes wide and sad. To her, she seemed to be the only one alone. Kind of embarrassing.

Momo-Kun Cafe was the name. The building was small, and painted in bright, friendly colors. The outside walls were a nice plum blossom shade, the tile floors inside screamed a brilliant cherry red. The tables were round, with curling red legs. Each chair was cushioned with baby blue pillows. There was few people there, much to Pembe's relief. Though, the few who sat together were young, and just as funky looking as the girl.

At the white marble counter stood an even stranger looking cashier. Pembe walked up to the counter, examining the woman a bit more. She wore a lavender blouse, and white pleated skirt. What was so astonishing was the woman's snowy hair, pulled up into a high ponytail. Thin bangs fell across her forehead, just above her golden eyes.

Pembe became dazed, her eyes sparkling dreamily with curiosity. She was so lost in the woman's appearance, she didn't hear her greeting right away.

"Uh, hello?" the woman waved her hand, it was in fact the fifth time she's called out to Pembe.

Shaking her head, the pinkette replied, "oh! I-I'm sorry, I was just-"

"Captivated by how strange I look?" the woman smiled, "that's how a lot of American tourists are. I'm Yuki Fujiyama, by the way,"

"Oh, I'm Pembe Jackley," the girl responded, adding, "I, uh, I actually moved here not too long ago..."

"Whoa! For real?!" yelled a delighted, older boy. He placed a strong tan hand on Pembe's small shoulder, grinning widely, "we don't get many American visitors here, most of them prefer Tokyo than Kofu," the boy informed. His hair was neon green, short, and spikey. He had a chissled jaw that fit well with his muscular form, and a scar on his right eye. Even his thin beard hairs were green, as well as his pointy and thick eye brows. Pembe thought he looked strange, especially his ruby eyes. Since when did they Japanese look like anime characters?

Yuki gave a disapointed look, as two other figures joined in. "Hey, Tokage! You're scaring her!" a girl scolded.

"Yeah, why do you always do that? No wonder I can't get a date, you're always chasing the ladies away..." the taller, thinner male beside her complained lazily.

Tokage, as Pembe now knew, rubbed his neck while giving a small chuckle, "oops, my bad, sorry miss...?" the greenette trailed off, unable to remember her name.

"Pembe Jackley, you dumb ass," Yuki rolled her eyes in annoyance. Sighing, she smiled back at the small pinkette, "Pembe, these are my friends, Ryuu Tokage," Yuki pointed to the greenette, "Haru Raion, and Junko Saru,"

Junko Saru was a tough looking gal, with long ginger hair, and mischievous silver eyes. Her skin was a nice tan, and she wore a brown tank top that outlined her muscles. Haru on the other hand, was lanky but muscular as well. He had shaggy blonde hair, and strong yet beastly hazel eyes. His skin was a light color, illuminated with a golden outline in sunlight. Haru wore a baggy white button shirt with folded sleeves, over a black tank top and yellow jeans.

Pembe seemed uncertain about these characters. But after their patient smiles, (well, except for Haru who thought himself too important to care), Pembe grinned back. "It's nice to meet you all," she admitted sweetly, "but, if I may ask, do a... All young people here look like that?"

"Tch, rude much?" Haru looked down at her with narrowed eyes.

"Haru," Yuki shot, turning to Junko.

Junko ruffled Pembe's hair playfully, "nah, at least, we don't see many people like that. Ha ha, and what about you pinky? Do Americans enjoy trying to look like cartoon characters?"

"N-no... I just, thought, maybe..." Pembe trailed off, embarrassed.

"It's okay Pembe, I think it looks cool," Ryuu jumped in.

Pembe nodded shyly, looking down at her feet as Junko and Ryuu somehow began an argument. Yuki, being the most mature and elegant out of the four, gazed at Pembe with motherly eyes. Soon remembering something, "oh, Pembe?" she called, the pinkette looked up, "I forgot, did you want to order something, or were you interested in knowing about some of Kofu's attractions?"

"Oh, well..." Pembe placed a finger upon her chin in thought, "I was going to order, but maybe it's better to get info on some fun places where I can relax?"

Yuki smiled, "Sure!"

"Hey, why don't we all sit down and talk? Yuki-Chan, there won't be any more customers for a while, come chill with us," Ryuu pleaded.

"Weeell, okay,"

Haru sighed, as Junko smiled happily, "alright! This way Pembe!" she shouted, grabbing the small girl's slim hand. Junko lead her to their table, with Yuki, Ryuu, and Haru. It was a rectangular coffee table placed in front of a lavender couch. Chairs sat on the other side. Pembe was seated on the couch between Junko and Haru, while Yuki and Ryuu sat on the other side.

"So Pembe," Haru began, glaring at the girl, "why exactly did you move to Japan? It would seem you've failed to explain,"

Haru received icy glares from the others, but Pembe complied and told them the basics of why she moved to Kofu.

"Well, since you're pretty much at a loss, why don't we all hang out at the zoo tomorrow?" Junko suggested. Everyone felt little pity for Pembe, but found her quite interesting. Yet, the four don't have a choice. They all have a secret, one that Pembe could not yet learn about. Something truely shocking.

"Yeah!" Ryuu shouted excitedly.

Haru grunted, "I guess we have to get to know you, now that you can't leave us, after all..."

"W-what?" Pembe gulped, Haru seemed to scare her in some ways.

"Don't worry about him," Yuki reassured, glaring at the blond, "what he means is, you need friends right now, and we'll be here for you,"

Pembe looked up at Yuki, a spark of hope in her ocean eyes, "really?"

"Absolutely shorty!" the greenette smiled.

"Then it's settled..." Somewhat surprising everyone, Junko stood up. The expression on her face told that she had made some sort of decision.

"Junko?" Yuki whispered.

"Alright guys, tomorrow lets all meet up at Kofu Zoo, let's say, around eleven AM,"

Pembe looked astonished as the other three agreed, looking at her for the final decision. Taking a deep breath, the pinkette nodded, "okay, but, you better be there..."

They just laughed along with the pinkette. Maybe, for little Pembe, this was the start of a beautiful friendship?