The Pen is Mightier than the Sword

Chapter One: Phone Call

I better take a quick shower then get dressed before cooking.

I'm Yamada Taro. Upperclassman of Akademi High and an older brother to Yamada Hanako. I guess I'll be the first to say that my life is pretty boring if I'm not behind books. That's about it.

I set my bag at a chair and tied an apron around my waist. Hanako was reading a girl's magazine as she sit crossed leg, elbows resting on the table. I cooked our usual breakfast: riced, miso soup, chopped vegetables, and eggrolls.

We said our graces before eating. I'm not a great cook but I'm not bad either. Hanako enjoys my cooking which makes me happy.

This is how it usually goes. Normal. Domestic. It's quite peaceful actually.

Hanako took initiative to pick the bowls and plates to the sink. She looked at me expectantly. Right, the pancakes. I checked the clock. I only have a few minutes. Pancakes are easy to cook so hopefully they'll be finished, saving me a few more minutes to walk to school.

I was wrong. I was HECCING wrong.

The moment I checked the clock for the end time, my body went to rush mode--

A h h h Hhh fuCk--

"SHIIIIIT OKAY HANAKO BYE I LOVE YOU!"

"Ah--eh uh bye big brother!"

I nearly tripped over our gate. My bag was slipping from my shoulder and I'm pretty sure my water jug is spilling. Fuck me fuck me fuck meeee--

Do you know what happens when you're late? You get sent straight home. Straight home! And it's my first day being a third year student!

Fuck me fuck me fuck meeee--

Hell no I'm not gonna be late! Not now not ever!

Fuck me and my stupid lazy lookin ass--

"Kyah!"

Next thing I knew my breath getting caught in my throat. I fell hard on my bottom. Dang, that impact was strong. I feel like it's going to sore for a while...

Though who bumped into me?

I looked up and saw a schoolgirl (second year maybe?) on the concrete, rubbing her head. That impact must've buzzed her mind.

I tried to stand up, wincing, but walked towards her. "Hey, are you okay?"

Actually, brain, can't you think of something else that's...I don't know...has MORE common sense?

"E-Eh?" The girl gingerly raised her head. Color rose to her cheeks as her eyes lit up...like candles in the dark.

I offered her a hand. "I'm sorry about that," I smiled. "I was in a hurry that I didn't saw you."

Her stare lingered for a moment. Her hands slid into mine. I'll admit, her skin was smoother than mine I can feel my rough palm against it. I think she felt it too judging by the colors deepening on her face.

I helped her stand up. She still haven't spoke a word. When I noticed her staring, her eyes frantically looked everywhere. She must've been embarrassed.

I bowed politely, "sorry again!" I ran off as fast as I could. I still don't want to be late! Though for some reason I can't shake off the feeling that she's still staring at me.

***

I can feel the tension filling up the auditorium. The room was quiet. Dead quiet. My back is straining from being straight, my knees are sore from kneeling, and my breathing was turning ragged from my too-fast beating heart. Sweat trickled down my nape.