Let Me Hear It Once [Akihiko Sanada] -HIATUS-

The First Night: A New Beginning

April 7, 2009

Akihiko Sanada's POV

"Alright everyone, settle down! I have an announcement to make."

At the front of my classroom was a new girl. She had long, brown hair with two red hair clips holding her bangs, and large shining eyes that matched her cheerful smile. She wore a dirtied scarf around her neck, but it was obvious that she was wearing the Gekkoukan uniform for girls. Mr. Yamamoto, my homeroom teacher, spoke up as everyone became quiet," This is Sakikibara Momiji. Starting today she'll be your classmate, so everyone please be kind and supportive of her." Other than the curious whispers, there really wasn't much of a reaction from my classmates. He took this as a sign to continue, and cleared his throat," Unfortunately, Sakakibara here has a medical condition that makes it difficult for her to speak, so the doctors have told her to not use her voice unless absolutely necessary to avoid damage." This caught everyone's attention, even my own. From all around me. I could hear the gossip.

"A medical condition? I wonder what happened."

"Maybe she caught something and lost her voice?"

"I don't know sign language... Don't tell me they're going to make us learn just to talk to her."

"Alright everyone, settle down," Mr. Yamamoto called out to us," Sakakibara has been given special permission to use her phone to communicate with everyone. Please be patient with her so she doesn't rush her words." Momiji took her cellphone out, ignoring the glares from some of the students and the stares from the rest. She smiled brightly as her phone spoke out to everyone," It's nice to meet you all! I'm looking forward to working with you!" The whispers continued, but I paid no attention to them or the new girl. Still, I was slightly curious about what caused her to lose her voice. Only slightly, though.

"So, Sakakibara-san. What kind of things do you like to do?"

"I love painting."

The classroom was much more lively during lunch. Momiji was put in a seat two desks away from me, and many students were already crowding her seat. I ate my lunch in silence, ignoring the fan club that was gushing about every little movement I performed. I mentally sighed,' These girls really need to get a life...'  A boy asked Momiji," You're an artist? What do you like to paint?" Momiji tilted her head to the side for a moment before digging through her bag, pulling out a sketch book. She opened it, revealing her work to those around her; her app apologized for her. There was an exclamation from a nearby girl," Boxing?! You paint boxing matches?!" I heard excitement in another boy's voice," You really enjoy boxing?!" Momiji's phone answered," I actually used to box a lot, but thanks to my medical condition I had to leave the ring. They're still a lot of fun to watch, and I used to be asked to paint the winning knock outs at my old school." There was a girl flipping through the pages delicately," Not to pry, but how come most of your paintings have a lot of red in them? Is it your favorite color?" Momiji nodded with glimmering eyes and a bright smile, and I felt someone's gaze on me," Well, if you like boxing, Sanada-san there's the best fighter in the school! Maybe you could do a few portraits of him in the ring?" My hazel eyes met her brown ones, and she smiled, giving me a friendly wave. I ignored her, and went back to eating my lunch. "Don't worry about him," A girl commented," He's always like this, but that's why he's so dreamy!" I saw Momiji's shoulders raise and lower quickly, as if she was giggling to herself. I wonder what she sounds like...

Momiji Sakikabara's POV

I sighed happily as I soaked in the bright sunlight outside of Port Island Station; it's been so long since I've been here and I just couldn't help but take in the familiar scenery! I noticed a lot of students from my school, and saw how happy everyone was to be out of the school.  With a grin, I sat down at the fountain, and took out some pencils and my art book. I began to paint my surroundings, keeping in mind that with so many people coming and going it was hadx to get every detail. Instead, I drew the station's shopping area itself, decorating the streets with the blurred images of wandering visitors. It was more of a doodle rather than something perfect, but I still couldn't help but smile with pride; I love all of my work, and I appreciate every piece I've made! I honestly can't wait to get to my dorm to begin painting in the lines!