Rhythms of My School Life - Chapter 12: Mizuha Reverse

The next morning, Mizuha opened her eyes as sunlight came through her curtains.

Mizuha woke up after being absent for two days due to her fever. She changed into her school uniform and went downstairs for breakfast.

"Good morning, Mom."

"Mizuha, good morning. Are you fully recovered now?"

Mizuha struck a playful bodybuilder pose. "Yes, I'm completely recovered."

Her mother chuckled. "I'm glad to see you're back to normal."

"Eat your breakfast now before you're late."

"Understood. Bon appétit!"

"Where's Dad?"

"He's still sleeping. He has the day off today, so let him rest, okay?"

"That’s right. It’s so rare to see him not working on a weekday."

Mizuha finished her breakfast. "Thanks for the meal."

Mizuha grabbed her bag, put on her shoes, and headed out.

"Mom, I’m heading out now."

"Take care of yourself, my dear."

Walking to school, Mizuha noticed cherry blossom petals falling and leaves turning green. It was the end of spring.

"Mizuha-chan!" Someone called her name from behind.

"Oh, Eri-chan, good morning—wait, Shimizu?" She turned and saw it was Shimizu, not Eri.

She was stunned. Shimizu approached politely, her hair let down instead of tied up, walking calmly and gracefully.

She was even wearing long thigh socks, covering her legs.

Mizuha stared, bewildered. "Shimizu, why are you dressed like that? Why are you being so polite and calling me Mizuha-chan?"

Shimizu twirled in her school uniform. "What are you talking about, Mizuha-chan? This is how I dress every day."

"I'm glad you've recovered. Please take care of yourself, okay?"

Mizuha yanked Shimizu’s cheek. "Hey, stop joking around!"

"Ow, what are you doing? That hurts, Mizuha-chan! How cruel you are, sob, sob."

That’s strange. Is she actually crying? Mizuha thought.

Another person approached from behind.

"What are you guys making so much noise for this morning?"

Mizuha froze."Oh, Eri-chan, good morni— wait, what?"

Eri was dressed in a tomboyish style, just like Shimizu usually did. Her inner shirt was unbuttoned, her blazer was open, and her hair was tied in a ponytail.

She remembered how Eri always acted shy and polite. Now she was acting tomboyish.

Mizuha stared. "What happened to you, Eri-chan?"

Two guys nearby looked at her. "Look, it's the infamous tomboy, Eri."

"I heard she just beat up three upperclassmen who annoyed her yesterday."

Eri snapped. "What did you just call me? I’ll beat you up!"

The guys turned and ran. "Oh no, she’s mad! Run!"

Eri yawned. She wasn’t using honorifics as usual. "Hey, Mizuha, glad to see you're okay."

Mizuha frowned. "Oh, thanks for worrying about me."

Oh no, not Eri-chan too. What's happening to them? Are they playing a joke on me? What happened during my absence? Mizuha wondered.

"Umm, Eri-chan, are you two playing a joke on me today?"

Eri looked confused. "Huh? What joke? What are you talking about, Mizuha?"

Shimizu touched Mizuha's forehead.

"You're acting weird today, Mizuha-chan. Still feeling feverish?"

Mizuha pushed Shimizu's hand away from her forehead.

"Ah, you're right. Maybe I'm not fully recovered from my fever yet."

"Hmm, something smells delicious. What did you bring for us today, Shimizu?"

Shimizu winked. "It’s a secret! I'll let you guys taste it later, as usual."

"Ah, I can't wait to try your cooking."

Oh no, how long can I handle this? Mizuha thought to herself. Are they playing a prank to surprise me, or what? But it can't be a prank—Eri would be too embarrassed to act like that.

Suddenly, a voice came from behind. "Eri, Shimizu, good morning!"

Mizuha waved. "Huh? Zul, good morning."

"Mizuha! I see you've recovered. Are you doing well today? Thank goodness!"

Wait, this is so weird. Zul is more talkative than usual... Could it be... he's like them too? Mizuha thought, lost for words.

Then, they noticed Hikaru walking alone in front of them.

"Huh, it's Hikaru. Hey, Hikaru!"

"Oh, you guys... uh, good morning," Hikaru replied in a quiet, lazy tone, much like Zul usually does.

I knew it, Mizuha thought, no longer shocked after seeing the strange behavior from Shimizu, Eri, and Zul earlier.

"Hikaru, thanks for visiting me two days ago."

Hikaru mumbled, "Uh… yeah…"

"And thanks for bringing me the homework and taking care of me too."

"Uh... sure..."

Mizuha felt a bit upset by Hikaru's vague responses. "Hey, do you like me?"

Hikaru turned red. "Shut up… you’re so lousy."

Shimizu then whispered in Eri's ear, "Hey, Eri-chan, is Mizuha acting funny today?"

"I don't know. Maybe there’s something wrong with her head after she became sick that day."

What are you two whispering to each other about me? Mizuha thought, feeling annoyed.

Zul suddenly chimed in. "Something wrong? I think she's the same as usual."

"Ah, move away, Zul! Why are you so clingy?"

She kicked Zul's back.

Zul snapped. "What’s your problem, kicking me like that?"

"You want to fight? Bring it on!"

Shimizu stepped between them. "Hey, you two, both of you were childhood friends, right? Please don’t fight, okay?"

I can't believe what I'm seeing right now. Zul and Eri fighting? This is unusual. Usually, those two are the ones who don't fight, while Hikaru and Shimizu do. Mizuha thought.

I'd better just ignore them and play along if I need to.

As they were approaching the school entrance, Shimizu suddenly stumbled and fell.

Mizuha approached her. "Shimizu-chan, are you okay?"

Shimizu had injured her knee and was tearing up slightly. "It hurts..."

"Geez, why are you always so clumsy?"

Eri quickly checked Shimizu's knee. "Ah, you're bleeding a little. We need to treat it right away. Don't worry—get on my back, and I'll carry you to the nurse's office."

Shimizu hesitated."But Eri-chan, are you sure you can carry me?"

Mizuha stared. "Hey, Eri, are you sure about this? She's taller than you."

"Don't worry. I may be short, but I'm really strong."

Shimizu muttered, blushing. "This is so embarrassing, Eri-chan, please put me down."

Ignoring Shimizu's request, Eri said, "Alright, let's go!" and started running with Shimizu on her back.

Zul called out. "Hey, Eri, be careful while carrying Shimizu!"

Wow, Eri is acting even more boyish and reckless than Shimizu usually does, Mizuha thought to herself, feeling increasingly weirded out.

Zul muttered. "Geez, that girl has always done strange things like this since we were kids. What am I going to do with her?"

It's so rare to hear you complain, Mizuha thought.

I'd better head to class first. I wonder what's going to happen next.

Mizuha and Zul went to their respective classes, while Hikaru headed to his. When Mizuha arrived at her classroom with Zul, her classmates approached her.

"Yuki-san, are you feeling better after your fever?"

"I’m fine now. Thanks for your concern."

I feel relieved that the other classmates are still their usual selves. She thought.

Soon after, Shimizu and Eri arrived at the classroom. They had stopped at the nurse's office to treat Shimizu's knee.

Mizuha rushed over to Shimizu to check on her. "Shimizu-chan, are you okay? How's your knee?"

"Don't worry, Mizuha-chan, it's already been treated. Thanks to Eri-chan for that."

Mizuha still found it unusual to see Shimizu speaking so politely. "Thank goodness."

Suddenly, some boys in her class approached Shimizu.

"Hey, it's our class princess, Ayumi-chan! How are you feeling today? Can you give us your number? Here's a flower for you!"

Ah, they're even calling her by her given name now? Mizuha thought, looking at them.

I take back what I said about my class not changing, Mizuha thought with a sigh, placing her hand on her forehead.

"Umm... I..."

One girl in the class stepped forward. "Enough, you guys! Leave Shimizu-san alone; she’s feeling really embarrassed right now."

Shimizu bowed slightly. "Umm… thanks for helping me."

Mizuha let out a breath."Ah, thank God, some of my classmates still haven't changed."

Before returning to her seat, Mizuha stopped by Eri's seat. Eri seemed preoccupied, mumbling to herself.

Having overheard Shimizu talking about cooking earlier, Mizuha had figured Eri was writing a novel instead.

"Thinking about ideas for your novel?"

"Ah… I need something like…" Eri paused. "Huh!?"

She grabbed Mizuha and whispered in her ear, "Hey, how did you know I'm writing a novel? I'm pretty sure I haven't told anyone about it."

Mizuha shrugged. "How did I know? I just guessed."

She had a clue because Shimizu often talked about writing novels.

Having overheard Shimizu talking about cooking earlier, Mizuha had figured Eri might be writing a novel too.

"But please, Mizuha, don't tell anyone, including Shimizu."

Mizuha gave her a small smile."Okay, fine. I won't say anything, so don't worry."

She adjusted her tone to match how she usually spoke with Shimizu — more casually than she did with Eri.

After class began, the morning passed quickly, and soon it was time for lunch break.

Zul grinned."Mizuha, let's go to the rooftop as usual. I'll call Hikaru to join us."

I really can't get used to seeing Zul like this, Mizuha thought.

"It's okay, Zul, let me go get him. You head up with Shimizu-chan and Eri first."

"Understood. See you there."

In Class 1B, Hikaru was fast asleep while Akemi tried to wake him up.

Akemi leaned in, voice soft. "Hi... Hikaru... kun... please wake up... it’s time for lunch break... your friends... are waiting for you."

Mizuha arrived just in time to witness the scene.

Geez, he’s sleeping, and wait... is that Akemi? Why does she look so different? She’s acting really shy, just like Eri when I first met her. She’s the complete opposite of her usual, more social self. And why is she wearing glasses? Mizuha wondered.

Akemi flinched."M-Mizuha-chan... sorry, he won't wake up..."

It's so awkward to see Akemi like this... she actually looks kind of cute, Mizuha thought to herself.

Mizuha stepped forward. "Don't worry, Akemi, I’ll wake him up."

Without hesitation, she knocked on Hikaru's head with her palm.

Hikaru jolted awake. "Ow! What was that for?"

Mizuha crossed her arms."Good morning, sleeping prince. It's lunch break, so get up already. Grab your bento box and follow me."

Hikaru groggily took out his bento box, and before he could fully wake up, Mizuha grabbed his hands and started dragging him to the rooftop.

At the rooftop, the group began their lunch as usual.

"Come on, Shimizu, show me what you've got today!" Eri said eagerly, watching what Shimizu had brought.

Shimizu smiled."Eri-chan, please be patient, okay?"

Zul tapped her on the head."Watch your manners, Eri."

"Ow! What was that for, Zul?"

Mizuha burst out laughing. "Haha, what's with you two?"

"What are you laughing at, Mizuha?" Eri asked, clearly annoyed.

Shimizu lifted the lid."Here it is! My special tamagoyaki."

Eri grabbed a piece with her chopsticks."Oh, that's what I've been waiting for—Shimizu's special tamagoyaki! Bon appétit!"

Eri closed her eyes. "Mmm… delicious!"

Zul leaned in. "Shimizu, can I have some too?"

Shimizu handed them pieces."Of course! Here you go, Mizuha-chan and Hikaru, I made some for you too."

Mizuha took a bite."Ah, thanks, Shimizu-chan. Bon appétit."

How is Shimizu’s cooking this good? Mizuha thought, staring at the tamagoyaki.

"Umm, Shimizu-chan, are you sure you made this?"

"What are you talking about, Mizuha-chan? Of course I made it! You eat my cooking every day, right?" Shimizu chuckled.

Mizuha sighed. Alright, I give up. I can't believe I'm losing even at cooking to this Shimizu.

Hikaru placed a piece on her plate."Here, Mizuha, have some of my hamburger steak. Cheer up a bit."

Mizuha smiled."Oh, thanks, Hikaru. Bon appétit."

Well, even like this, at least he still takes care of me, as usual, Mizuha thought as she reflected on Hikaru's gesture.

Eri laughed, finishing her bento. "Ah, I'm so full right now, I feel so lazy—I just want to sleep."

She laid her head on Shimizu's lap.

"Please don't sleep here, Eri-chan, or you'll turn into a lazy cow."

Mizuha muttered, "Well, that’s what you do every day, Shimizu."

Mizuha put down her chopsticks. "Thanks for the food."

Mizuha turned to Hikaru. "Huh, Hikaru, are you going back to your class already?"

Hikaru stood up. "Ah, my class has PE after this, so I need to change into my sports clothes. See ya."

"Well, I think we should return to class too," Zul said.

"What's our next subject?"

"Japanese Literature."

Eri groaned. "Ah, not that! I really don’t like that subject."

"Hang in there, Eri-chan. It's not as hard as you think. For me, I really don't like mathematics."

I know that, Shimizu. You've said it so many times before, Mizuha thought.

"It's time to head back to class," Zul said as the bell rang.

Eri stretched."Zul, give me your hand."

Zul grabbed her hand."Here, move your lazy butt now!"

"Ow! What are you doing? I asked you properly, you know."

"Get up on your own, you lazy girl!" Zul yelled angrily.

"Hahaha, you two are really close."

"You two are so funny," Shimizu added with a chuckle.

"What are you two laughing at?" Zul and Eri said at the same time.

Mizuha laughed."See, I told you."

After that, the four of them returned to their class for the next subject. Mizuha returned to her seat, preparing for the next lesson, but suddenly felt a headache and drowsiness.

Why does my head feel so heavy? Am I still not fully recovered? She thought this before passing out.

Zul, Eri, and Shimizu rushed to her side.

"Mizuha-chan, wake up!" Shimizu grabbed her shoulder. "Hey, Mizuha, wake up!" Eri leaned in.

I can’t hold on any longer. My sight is going dark, Mizuha thought. She was losing consciousness.

After a few seconds, she heard them again.

"Mizuha-chan, wake up, it's time for lunch," Eri said.

"How long do you plan to sleep?" Shimizu asked.

Mizuha opened her eyes and saw Eri and Shimizu trying to wake her up.

"Thank god you woke up. We thought you'd passed out."

"Ah, Shimizu-chan, Eri, what happened?" Mizuha asked groggily.

"You fell asleep when we were having self-study earlier," Shimizu said.

"Are you okay right now, Mizuha-chan? Have you fully recovered from your fever?" Eri asked.

"Ah, I'm fine, thanks, Shimizu-chan, Eri."

Shimizu blinked. "Shimizu-chan?"

"Eri?" Eri also felt off about Mizuha dropping her honorific.

They both grinned. "Are you still dreaming?"

Mizuha noticed that both Eri and Shimizu had returned to their usual behavior—Eri was no longer tomboyish and Shimizu no longer polite like in her dream.

Huh, was I dreaming all of this? Did you guys really change, or was it all just a dream? Mizuha wondered, blushing.

"This is so embarrassing," Mizuha said, covering her face with her palms.

Hikaru walked in. "Good morning, Sleeping Beauty. Did you have a nice nap?"

"Hikaru, you're back to normal too, thank God. I really don't like you being like that," Mizuha said, relieved that Hikaru wasn't lazy like in her dream.

"Huh? Back to normal? What happened to me in your dream?" Hikaru asked, confused.

Hikaru shook Zul. "Zul, wake up. It’s lunchtime. Wait, are you seriously sleeping too?"

Zul rubbed his eyes. "Lunchtime already?"

"So, what did you dream about us, Mizuha-chan?"

"Did you dream something funny? Tell us."

Mizuha grinned. "Oh, you really want to hear it? Alright, I'll tell you about it later."

"Mizuha-chan, your face is scary."

After that, they headed to the rooftop for lunch as usual. Mizuha enjoyed telling them what happened in her dream, and they all laughed together.

"Really!? Shimizu turning into a feminine, polite girl? That's hilarious!" Hikaru said, laughing.

"It's not funny! Just like you turning into a lazy guy," retorted Shimizu.

"Me, turning tomboyish like Shimizu-chan? Please stop, Mizuha-chan. I don't want to hear any more," begged Eri.

"Hey, that's so mean. I'm not reckless like that, you know," Shimizu said.

"Oh, come on, Eri-chan. There's still a lot more I want to tell you," Mizuha said, teasing her to scare Eri.

"Enough with it, Mizuha-chan!!!" shouted Eri.

Shimizu leaned toward Hikaru. "Hmm, about Zul becoming more talkative and cheerful... I think there's nothing wrong with that."

"Yeah, that would be better for him," Hikaru whispered back.

Zul, confused by Hikaru and Shimizu whispering to each other while looking at him, didn't care what had happened to him in Mizuha's dream.

That was the weirdest dream Mizuha had ever had. Her close friends had swapped roles with each other, but she had still enjoyed it, like they were having fun as usual.

That evening after school, Takeru sat alone on a bench at the playground park, drinking juice he had bought from a nearby vending machine, remembering what Mizuha's mother had said to him two days ago:

"Don't use the name Tak-kun when you interact with her."

"Promise not to tell her or her close friends," Mizuha's mother added.

"I just met her after so long, and now it's complicated. How long can I keep this secret?" Takeru sighed.

Suddenly, Mizuha passed by the area alone, on her way back from school to her house.

The weather has been getting hot lately, and my throat feels dry. I'll stop to buy a drink," Mizuha thought.

She bought her drink and then sat on another bench beside Takeru's.

Ah, there's someone else... Who’s that? Takeru took a peek. Eh, Mizuha-chan?! What's she doing here? He wondered this as Mizuha suddenly sat beside his bench.

Mizuha noticed Takeru and suddenly spoke, "Ah, you're... Hikaru's classmate... Takeru, right?"

Takeru glanced away. "Ah, yes, and you’re Mizuha, right? From earlier..."

"It's a coincidence to see you here."

"Yes, the weather's so hot, so I stopped here to buy this."

Takeru looked down."Um, Mizuha-chan, I mean, Mizuha, I'm sorry for causing trouble during the lunch break three days ago. It was my mistake."

"No, it wasn't your fault. My body was too weak that day, and I passed out, causing trouble for everyone."

Her mother was right. She doesn't remember what happened that day, Takeru thought.

The conversation fell silent, making Takeru feel awkward as Mizuha drank her juice without speaking.

Why is this so awkward? Calm down, Takeru; she's your childhood friend, even if she doesn't remember you anymore. Takeru thought.

Takeru continued the conversation to break the awkwardness.

"Um, Mizuha, how about your condition? Are you feeling okay now? No more fever?"

Mizuha smiled."Yes, I'm better now. Thanks for your concern."

"Really, I’m glad to hear that."

Takeru then noticed the sketchbook that Mizuha was carrying. "Mizuha, what's with that sketchbook? Do you like drawing?"

Mizuha laughed lightly."Oh, this? Yes, as you said, I really like to draw. I'd say it's my hobby."

Takeru froze. "You don't read much anymore?"

"Reading? What do you mean?"

This is bad. Why did I bring that up? I wasn't supposed to talk about her past. Takeru thought.

Takeru stiffened. "Ah, sorry, I didn't mean to bring that up. Please forget what I said."

"Haha, Takeru, you're so funny, and you really are a kind person. Somehow, I feel nostalgic talking to you like this."

Mizuha-chan... I really missed your smile.

It's been a while since I've seen you so cheerful like this. You've really changed. You're no longer the Mizuha who always chased after me. I'm glad to see you doing well. Takeru thought.

"Takeru, what's wrong? You spaced out. Are you okay?"

"Ah, sorry, I'm fine, thanks for your concern."

"Mizuha, can we become friends?"

Mizuha held out her hand. "Sure, why not? I'm glad to hear that. Let's get along, Takeru."

Takeru took her hand. "Me too. Let’s get along."

They exchanged contact information before heading home.

"See you later, Mizuha."

"See you later too, Takeru."

As they parted ways, Takeru thought: Even if she doesn't remember me, at least I can be her friend again.

As Mizuha walked home, she recalled shaking hands with Takeru and looked at her palm.

Why did I feel so nostalgic when I shook hands with him? She wondered.

Suddenly, a tear fell from her eye.