Mizuha woke up to the alarm ringing beside her. She tossed the blanket aside, stretched, and yawned before walking to the mirror.
Her new uniform hung neatly in the wardrobe.
As she put on the uniform, it fit just right. She adjusted the collar, squared her shoulders, and gave her reflection a firm nod.
This uniform looks perfect! she thought.
After getting dressed, she went to the kitchen for breakfast with her family.
Downstairs, the smell of fresh coffee and toasted bread filled the air. Her parents were at the dining table, busy with their morning routine.
Her father glanced at her. "Good morning, Mizuha," he said.
"Good morning, dear. I'm sorry I can't see you off properly this morning. I have a busy day ahead," her mother said.
"It’s okay, Mama. I’m fine by myself."
She had only spent one month at her old high school before her father's company transferred him here. She had wanted to stay behind and live alone, but her mother had refused.
After breakfast, Mizuha put on her shoes and grabbed her bag.
"Mama, Papa — I’m off!" she called out excitedly.
"Have a wonderful day!" they replied.
After Mizuha left, her mother turned to her father.
"She’s looking cheerful today, but I still feel worried about her. I hope she’s okay."
"You’re still worrying? She’ll be fine. This is her new beginning, and we’re going to back her up."
"You’re right, honey. We must trust our daughter."
On her way to school, Mizuha looked up at the sakura trees. The sakura trees were still in bloom, though some petals had already begun to fall, drifting in the wind.
"So pretty," she said, amazed by the sight.
Mizuha kept walking until she reached a junction. She stopped and looked around, realizing she didn’t know which way to go.
"Eehhh, which way now? Right or left?"
Just as she was starting to panic, she saw a guy wearing the same school uniform. He walked with his hands in his pockets, glancing down each street without breaking stride.
He must go to my school. Maybe he can help.
She approached the guy and asked, "Ummm, excuse me?"
"Yes, can I help you?" he replied.
"Could you show me the way to M.A. High? I’m new here."
He paused for a moment before he smiled and replied, "Sure! I'm on my way there too—follow me."
"Thank you so much."
He walked alongside her, guiding her to the school.
They fell into an awkward silence as he kept glancing at Mizuha without a word.
Mizuha noticed his stare and wondered,
Why is he looking at me like that? Is there something wrong with my uniform?
She asked nervously, "Um, is there something on my face?"
He replied, "Ah, it’s nothing. Sorry about that — I didn’t mean to stare at you."
"It’s fine. Sorry for asking so suddenly. My mistake."
"Are you new to this area?" he said, trying to change the topic.
"Yes, I just moved here three days ago with my family."
"I see. You're a transfer student, huh?"
"We’re here," he said when they reached the school entrance.
"Thank you so much... um..." Mizuha said, hoping he would tell her his name.
"I’m Hikaru. Takamiya Hikaru. First-year student. And you?"
"I'm Yuki Mizuha, a first-year student too."
"Then we’re in the same year," Hikaru said.
He stopped in the entrance hall and pointed down the first-floor corridor. "The staff room is over there. Tell the teacher at the desk your name."
"Do you want me to come with you?" Hikaru offered.
"No, thank you. I can go by myself. I don't want to trouble you any further," Mizuha said.
"Thanks, Takamiya-kun," she said, relieved to know where to go.
"You’re welcome." Hikaru gave a small nod. "I’m glad I could help."
Mizuha bowed to him, and they parted ways.
As Mizuha left, Hikaru thought, Yuki, huh? That face... it is just like that person's.
He stopped walking for a second, the thought catching him off guard.
Why does she keep reminding me of her? Hikaru shook his head and kept walking, but he found himself thinking about it again a few steps later.
The corridors were filled with students' excited chatter.
While on her way to the staff room, Mizuha accidentally bumped into a girl. She looked rough, her hair tied back in a ponytail.
Whoa, this girl looks scary!
"Oh, sorry! I wasn't looking properly. It's my fault," the girl, Shimizu, said.
"It's okay. Don't worry about it." They both stepped aside and continued walking.
As Mizuha walked on, she thought, She seems nice, despite her tough appearance. I hope everyone here is as friendly.
Mizuha arrived at the staff room and met her homeroom teacher, Akihiko-sensei.
Shimizu entered her classroom, the girl from the hallway still on her mind.
Who is that girl? I’ve never seen her before. A new student, maybe?
Her thoughts were interrupted when she noticed another student, Sakamoto Eri, walking past her desk. Eri stumbled over a loose floor tile and fell.
Without hesitation, she rushed to help her up. "Hey, Sakamoto-san, are you okay? Let me help you," she said.
"Th-thanks. I’m okay," Eri said.
Shimizu noticed how Eri seemed to shrink away from her.
As Eri limped back to her seat, Shimizu overheard some classmates whispering.
"Shimizu-san scared her so much she tripped. Poor Sakamoto-san."
"Hey, I just heard she got into another fight last week and sent a guy to the nurse's office."
"Is that true? So scary…"
Their words made Shimizu want to snap.
Geez, these guys. When did I do that?
Shimizu turned to them. "What are you saying about me? Where did you hear that?" She glared. "Say it to my face."
Noticing the students nearby looking at her, she caught herself.
Calm down, Shimizu. They only said bad things about you—no need to get into an argument.
"Uh-oh, she's looking at us. Don’t make eye contact with her."
Shimizu sighed inwardly.
As usual, nasty rumors spread because of my appearance. Whatever—it’s just a rumor. It doesn’t hurt me at all.
As she took her seat, she thought of the girl she’d bumped into earlier.
I wonder what class she’s in… Maybe she won't judge people by their looks so quickly... unlike them.
A few minutes later, the bell rang, and Akihiko-sensei entered the classroom for homeroom.
"Everyone, back to your seats. It’s time for homeroom. Before we start, we have a new transfer student."
He turned toward the door and gestured for her to come in.
"Please come in and introduce yourself."
"Hello everyone. My name is Yuki Mizuha. I just moved here because of my parents’ work. I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you and hope we can become good friends."
"A transfer student? In May?" one classmate whispered.
Shimizu frowned.
Huh, this girl… where have I seen her?
Then it hit her. Oh, right — it’s her. The one who bumped into me earlier.
Akihiko-sensei nodded. "Thank you, Mizuha. We're glad to have you join us. Now, let's find you a seat."
He looked around the room and pointed to an empty desk.
"You can take the seat by the window, in front of Zul."
She looked at the seat Akihiko-sensei had pointed to.
Oh, it's over there. Nice place, by the window, she thought.
"Thanks, Sensei," she said, and walked to her seat.
After sitting down, she looked around and turned to smile at the boy behind her.
"Nice to meet you. I hope we can get along."
Zul gave a silent nod.
Zul, huh? That is not a Japanese name. Is he a foreign student?
She straightened her back and looked out at the unfamiliar classroom. The real first day was starting now. Akihiko-sensei called the class to order. Mizuha opened her notebook and glanced at the faces around her.
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