Dawn.
The sun beats down on me once again, illuminating the entire room with its brilliance. Even when barely conscious, I can feel the sun gently caressing me. Despite its tenderness, I am not in the mood for this right now because it's still too early for me to wake up. Besides, there's nothing but school awaiting me if I were to awaken from this slumber. And so, I continued to persist against the forces of the mighty sun. However it was all for naught. As the sunrays grow fiercer, I finally succumbed to its indomitable force after tossing and turning in bed for a solid hour.
Ahh, I thought to myself as I got off bed, how I wish the sun had a switch. Quite the insensitive prick if you asked me. Disturbing my sleep and all.
The beginning of yet another day; and so begins my daily routine. First, getting rid of the grogginess by splashing cold water continuously unto my face until it goes away. I sometimes almost become sympathetic with Grogginess; it feels as if it's getting kicked out of its home. Then brushing my teeth, because I have been told restlessly from a very young age that I'm supposed to do so (In this world, there are just things that you just cannot question, things that have been enrooted very deeply into society and that have become the norms long ago). And finally, the ritual reaches the final phase: changing into my school uniform (I somehow fancy my uniform. Perhaps, it's because I have a uniform fetish (I especially like the girl's uniform (which is partly why I picked this school))). After successfully completing this ritual (which I never fail to (more so, I need to) perform everyday), grub awaits. However, I need to fix my own breakfast as I am currently living alone in an apartment complex. Everything comes with its pros and cons, its benefits and drawbacks. Moving out and living alone is no exception. There are no curfews, and you can do whatever you like whenever the fancy strikes. On the flip side though, knowing how to cook is a must because you cannot afford to eat out all the time (I think that's the only con; man, I love living alone). And because of the fact that I'm living alone, I have acquired world-class culinary skills (yes, I'm exaggerating) and am able to prepare a versatile range of extravagant dishes. But today, I'll just be subtle and settle with Omurice.
After chowing down my grub, it's time to set out for school. Today's Thursday, my favorite day of the week, partly because it's almost the weekend, but mostly because I have my favorite classes today, maths (for the first two periods) and physics (the third period). Well that seems nerdy. But I am nerdy. Haven't I told you that? Oh right, I have not yet introduced myself yet, now have I? I go by the name Art, short and sweet. I am a 16 year old, and a sophomore in Gamaran High School. I have naturally blonde hair and light blue eyes which catch the attention of many, as they think I am of foreign blood (which I am (thus the foreign-sounding name); my mother is a Brits, but my father is a bona fide Japanese). My height of 5'9" (which makes me stick out like a sore thumb) complements my build rather well if I'd say so myself. Along with my strangely colored hair and eyes, it sometimes feel as if I am under scrutiny of the mass (Let me clarify: I am by no means popular. People just find my appearance peculiar).
A mere 15 minutes on foot and I arrived at school today. Occasionally, I'd stop by the bookstore on the way to school, and most of the time get a book or two for leisure reading, but for once I didn't, not because I wasn't in the mood to read (I always welcome reading; I am a book fanatic after all), but because I was in the red, and my payday is still many moons away. Other times, I would take a long stroll at the park just after our school. The park, enveloped with thick layers of trees, has always been a favorite place of mine; it gives me a sense of peace and tranquility (you need to appreciate the little things in life to enjoy it to the fullest). Thus, I have arrived at Gamaran.
The front gate.
Standing its ground as firmly as I remember it when I just transferred here spring last year. Just before finishing 7th grade, my father's company went bankrupt. Desperate, he committed suicide. And my mother, without father, her sole support both financially and emotionally, decided to foolishly follow him to death. To this very day, I still condemn my mother's foolishness, and her weak resolve to continue on with life; I still condemn her for abandoning me and leaving my upbringing to my relatives. Since then, I have been under the care of my uncle. But after freshman year in high school, my uncle's daughter who moved out to attend college decided to come back home after getting her degree. As the house was too small for all of us, I volunteered that I'd move out. Uncle seemed reluctant, but knowing that I was quite self-sufficient, we eventually reached a consensus. And so, I moved out.
I have no particular affection nor any sentimental attachment to this school, but somehow today, I have been constantly reminded of the first day I arrived here.
It was spring and the weather was quite pleasant. Sunny and scorching yet warm. If I were to describe the weather that day as a person, I'd say he's a ridiculously flamboyant bishonen with an exuberant personality, and yet, has a calm and soothing aura. A complete contrast to me at the time. Gloomy, sullen, nervous. I was the epitome of negative energy. Well, that was to be expected; I wasn't acquainted with anyone. But the teacher was nice enough to get me seated next to the window. Enjoying the wondrous springtime view outside, I was able to get rid of some of the melancholic feeling, at least for a while. Seeing that I was nervous and depressed, some of my classmates attempted to approach me. Most of them got bored, gave up and returned to their respective seats. However, the ones who stayed and chatted with me have been great friends with me since then. Hime; a rather timid and unapproachable bishoujo with dark brown eyes and short silky hair. Shy at first, but can be pretty amusing once she opens up. Takashi; one might think that he and Hime are siblings because of their similar personalities. The only difference is that Takashi's mind is always in the gutter, as opposed to Hime who's cutely innocent. And finally Gin, my best buddy. His sense of humor is his most redeeming feature. Thanks to his funny nature, he's quite popular with the ladies. His appearance? Nothing really noteworthy except for his jet black eyes. If looked at directly, it feels as if they can suck your soul into them. Sometimes, his looks can be pretty intimidating (one of the reasons why I like him (it gets your blood pumping). A fascinating lad indeed. The four of us would hang out all the time in freshman year. We have lots of common points so we got along pretty well. But fights are unavoidable, and I would act as the mediator every time they fight (I felt like a big brother (it kinda boosted my self-esteem)). But we got separated into different classes. Gin and I now are class 2-3 dwellers, while Hime and Takashi are in class 2-1.
I finally made it to the hallway just outside of the classroom. I could already hear Gin's voice and a few other echoing from behind the door. Quite the lively bunch. I swing the door open. Make way for the king, I exclaimed (in my mind (and no, I'm not the king nor am I some sort of authoritative figure. It was just a figure of speech)).
"Good morning", blurted out Gin (almost shouting). He seemed very lively. Perhaps something good happened to him? Or maybe he's just happy to see me?
"Good morn'n", I said wearing an apathetic expression. "Well, you seem excited? Something happened?" I continued.
"Naw, nothing. I'm always jumpy. It's in my blood. Can't help it. And I'm also kinda happy to see you", replied Gin. "Now wipe that smirk off your face. It feels awkward as fuck", said Gin seeing that I was somewhat gleeful of his response.
"It's too early for this yaoi scene, you two. It's not like I have anything against it, but just don't get too lovely dovey, all right? Keep it to a minimum", intruded Natsukawa in a joking manner.
Let me introduce Natsukawa. She's the idol of class 2-3, and is one of the most popular girls in school (she's the most popular in our grade). The reason? Simply put, she is the closest thing you get to perfection. And now for elaboration's sake; she has unrivaled beauty along with peerless academic and athletic performances. Her long silken silver-colored hair sways perfectly in the wind giving her a radiance which imitates that of a princess. Her eyes have a similar color to mine, just a bit darker, adding more depth to her expression. Her stare can pierce through to your very soul, or so legend says. Her face? A perfect symmetry. Words alone cannot describe her otherworldly beauty. Many people dare not come close to her as they are afraid they might hopelessly fall in love with this princess. See? What did I tell you? The closest thing you get to perfection.
"Right, Natsukawa", I said sarcastically. "Please keep your wild imagination to yourself." Quite a weak comeback, but this will do for now.
"What did you just s-"
Mr. Lee, class 2-3's homeroom and math teacher, walks in. Silence entails. Class thereafter began and ended at break.
During break, I made my way to the cafeteria. As always, us four besties (Hime, Takashi, Gin, and myself) had lunch together, but this time Natsukawa graced us with her presence. I could feel everyone's eyes pinpointing our group. It must be tough being popular. It hasn't been long since I got to know Natsukawa, but I can easily tell that she's putting on a façade as not to ruin her image. I couldn't relate to her situation in the slightest (I'm not popular. That's why. DUH). But personally, I think she should express her true feelings and intentions more whether or not that's what people expect of her ignoring their hateful criticism. Based on my observation and knowledge on human psychology, I can deduce that she is in truth very solitary deep inside and wishes for real friends more than anything. And that's where we four come in. However, it's not because we feel obliged to do so, but because we sincerely want to befriend her and form lasting friendship.
This time (and like any other time) I got Curry Rice. Same old Curry Rice.
"That again?" exclaimed Takashi. "Don't you get sick of that stuff?"
"Naïve fool. You don't get sick of Curry Rice", I retorted with a satisfied look. I could hear Hime slightly giggle. How cute. How extraordinarily cute.
"Anyway, today it is said that there will be heavy showering later today. Shit. I forgot to bring my umbrella",said Gin. Talk about random.
"Well, i-i-if you don't mind, we can sh-sh-share an umbrella together", replied Natsukawa blushing slightly.
"W-w-w-well, I'll be counting on you then." You can see both of them getting as red as a tomato. Anyone can tell at first glance that those two are into one another. They should hook up already. Ahhh, must be nice to be in love.
The bell rings resoundingly signaling the end of break. Class then resumed as normal.
The rest of the class proceeded smoothly, and ended without anything noteworthy. And so, club activities commenced. The students were making their way to their own clubs. As for me, I'm in the Go-Home-Club (it means that I'm not in any club). Actually, I have part-time work today. Then off I go (to the McDonalds franchise I work at 10 minutes' walk from school).
"Good evening, Boss". I greeted the manager.
"Oh, good evening, Art", said her. "Quickly now. Today's quite busy. Get in there and show 'em what you got."
"Good evening, Art-senpai. Nice to see you." I turned around and saw Yumi.
"Why, good evening. Let's work hard."
Today was rather hellish. More so than usual. It's not as easy as one might think working in an industry involving serving hungry people, and the pay (which I absolutely need because my monthly allowance from Uncle just won't suffice) is not even that satisfactory. But I need all that I can get, so I'm very grateful. Still, they work you like slaves here.
This dire situation was the worst it could get, I thought. I was never more wrong. Heavy rain broke down tearing the heavens asunder. Lightning and thunders shook the entire sky. It was as if god himself was weeping. I'm a pluviophile (one who loves the rain), but I sure as hell don't wanna get drenched after an exhausting day. Well today, Lady Luck's on my side. I brought an umbrella with me. How does that feel now, rain?
I flung the umbrella wide open, took a deep breath, and ran out of the restaurant in an attempt to get as least drenched as possible. The plan completely backfired on me. The faster I ran, the more I get wet. So I slowed down, and came to a stop at a traffic light waiting for it to go green. Waiting besides me was a girl who appeared to be around my age. Without any umbrella, she used her bag to shield her from the oncoming rain. Despite her best endeavors, it was no use. Seeing how she was a fellow victim of the rain, I turned to her and offered my umbrella.
"Umm, if you don't mind", handing her the umbrella.
"Th-Thank you", answered her, reluctantly taking me up on my offer.
Despite the deafening thunder roars, I could make out her soft "thank you". As she turns around, I could vaguely see her face. A familiar pair of red-colored and resplendent eyes stare intensely back at mine. Keen yet soft. It was as if her eye reached through to my very soul, shedding light unto the pitch-black emptiness, setting my soul ablaze. Perhaps it's more accurate to say "rekindle". It feels as if we have been acquainted once before. Her scarlet hair complements her reddish eyes impeccably. Due to some unbeknownst reason, seeing her had me reminiscing about the past. Those piercing eyes. That flawless scarlet hair. All too familiar.
Ahhh. Scarlet. How could I have forgotten the color which reached out to me when I was trapped helplessly in the bottomless pit of despair? The possessor of those eyes and hair; the one who reached out to me when no one else would.