Another

This is based on the manga entitled "Another." I do not own the general idea of the story. The characters however are all mine except (Misaki Mei, Sakakibara Kouichi, Akazawa Izumi, Chibiki-senpai and Reiko).

I have no idea if I should continue writing this fanfiction but if I get a few nice feedbacks, I could finiah it off from where I stopped writing. Thank you. 

 

The Legend

 It was said that in 1972, a popular student from Yomiyama North Middle School suddenly died midway through the school year. He was popular and was adored by both students and teachers. His death devastated a lot of people in the school. His name was Misaki. 

 He belonged to the class of 3-3 and his classmates were overcome with grief. But then, someone said, “He isn’t dead.” The student pointed at his empty chair and claimed that he was alive and well. It was an act that the whole class mimicked; they acted as if Misaki never died. No one accepted the reality that he was gone, even their homeroom teacher sided with them. Upon their graduation, the principal even arranged a seat solely for the dead student. The 3-3 class’s action backfired and made the class even closer to death.

 Starting in 1973, the number of desks in the class was decreased by one meaning that there will only be 29 students but somehow, it will be 30. The extra person so they say resurrected from being dead and came back as the 30th student in 3-3. The memories of the students in that class and the class roster would be altered, making it hard to determine who the extra student is. This will be followed by series of deaths until the extra person dies, only then will the phenomenon stop. Everyone that has something to do with the class is vulnerable, even their families.

 However in 1988, someone developed a solution to prevent the calamity from starting and it is to treat one person as if they didn’t exist.

 

Class 3-3 (Part One)

 

 Imai Michiko stepped inside Yomiyama North and exhaled through her mouth. Her long crimson hair and dark blue skirt dance with the sway of morning breeze. She gripped her school bag and hauled it over her shoulders. Michiko was an incoming 9th grader and the thought of finding her name under the cursed class made her uneasy. She was even hesitant about enrolling in the school but it was her grandmother’s dying wish. Her grandmother graduated in the school and was very fond of the place. When asked what her class was during 9th grade, she said it was 3-5. Of course she had fun; she wasn’t in 3-3.

 Michiko never really believed in the legend that circulated around Yomiyama but when she learned that it happened to someone she knew, she immediately believed and was scared to be a part of the phenomenon.

 “Michiko-san!”

 She whirled around and was tackled by a mop of brown locks.

 “I’ve missed you!” the unidentified girl shrieked. She let go of Michiko and looked up. Her hazel brown eyes were radiating with delight.

 “Haru-san,” Michiko smiled, “What are you so happy about?”

 The smaller female stood up straight, “You, of course. I’m happy to see you again, Imai Michiko!”

 “Aren’t you a bit nervous, Haru-san?” a voice from behind asked.

 “Katsumi!” Michiko jumped away from her, “Where did you come from?”

 “I was here all along,” she grinned. Nagai Katsumi fiddled with her uniform nervously.

 “Of course I’m anxious!” Haru exclaimed, “But I think there’s no point in getting scared.”

 “She’s right. There’s a slim chance we’ll be in that class, anyway,” Michiko patted Katsumi’s green hair.

 “Good morning,” a boy with dark blue hair greeted. He approached the three girls while he was adjusting his black-rimmed glasses.

 “M-Makino-kun,” Michiko stuttered as she felt her face getting warm.

 “I told you to call me, Tadao,” he smiled sheepishly and scratched the back of his head.

 “Y-yes,” she nodded, “Tadao-kun.”

 “Hello, Makino!” Haru acknowledged.

 “Miyahira-chan,” he smiled and patted her head, “I think you’ve grown.”

 “Meanie,” she mumbled under her breath.

 “I think we should check out which class we’re in,” Tadao pointed at the school’s bulletin board. There were already at least two dozen of students pushing to find their name.

 Michiko sighed and pushed herself to move forward. She felt as if they were only delaying their fates.

 “Are you ready?” Asano Shoji asked from behind them. He was also their classmate back in 8th grade. Standing beside him was Hano Kiyoko and Ikeda Nobu.

 “No,” Katsumi gulped and shook her head.

 “Come on, Katsumi-san. You don’t believe in that legend, do you?” Kiyoko groaned and folded her arms in front of her chest.

 “I don’t know what to believe, okay,” she pouted and looked up at Michiko.

 “There’s nothing to lose if you’ll believe” Michiko reasoned out and was about to rant when Tadao touched her arm.

 

 Class 3-3 (Part Two)

“Let’s just go,” Tadao stirred her in front of the crowd and started searching for their names.

 “Ikeda Nobu, you’re in 3-1,” he stated.

 Nobu let out a sigh of relief, “Good luck, I guess?” He ran away from them and headed towards the school entrance.

 “We’re not in Class 3-1 and 3-2,” Shoji pointed out as he felt his heart beating fast.

 “We’re all in 3-3,” Michiko stated. Suddenly, the warm breeze that was caressing them was replaced with a strong cold gust of wind. The sun was suddenly hidden behind big grey clouds.

 “Michiko-chan, are you serious?” Shoji exclaimed and pushed his way to her side. He looked at the names under Class 3-3, sure enough, their names were neatly written on it.

 Michiko turned around and fixed them with an apologetic smile, “I guess we’ll be threading the deadly waters this year.”

 The group was crest-fallen. Even Kiyoko who didn’t believe the rumours was restless. A cloud of fear was appearing above them as the thought of a happy year left their minds. They made their way out of the growing crowd of students that were eager to find their class.

 “No need to worry, I guess,” Tadao spoke, “It can’t be helped.”

 “As long as we treat someone non-existent, right?” Haru asked and fiddled with her hair.

 “But, didn’t that failed last year?” Shoji pointed out, “They even had two non-existents.”

 “It failed because they didn’t inform Kouichi-senpai about talking to Misaki-senpai,” Michiko explained, “I was in art club with them.”

 Misaki Mei was the chosen non-existent student before that year and Sakakibara Kouichi was a transfer student who happened to treat her as if she existed. Because of that, the charm was broken and series of deaths followed. The extra person wasn’t in the students; it was in the faculty room. The dead person that year was class 3-3’s assistant homeroom teacher; Mikami Reiko; Kouichi’s aunt.

 “I heard they stopped it?” Kiyoko chimed in, hope evident in her eyes.

 “They didn’t mention how,” Michiko hung her head low and sighed loudly.

 “Lucky Nobu,” Kiyoko whined.

 When they reached their classroom, a group of students who seem to be in their class was fighting over on who should go in first. Fists were thrown and shouts were echoing along the corridors.

 “Hey,” Tadao called out, “Stop it.”

 The group that consisted of boys stopped moving and stared at him, “You go first, then.”

 Tadao adjusted his glasses and glared at them. Just when he was about to open the door, Michiko beat him to it.

 “There’s no point in letting fear consume you. We’re here, aren’t we? There’s no turning back,” the red-head wandered aloud and opened the door. She got a hold of one of the boys’ collar and threw him inside where a small number of frightened students were already sitting.

 “Why’d you do that for?!” he demanded.

 “Oi,” Shoji warned, “Shouting at her will not make your life longer.”

 “Sacrifices are needed to be made,” she retorted, “It’s okay Shoji-kun,” she patted Shoji’s shoulders and sat at the middle of the class.

 Tadao sat beside her left, Haru was on her right; Shoji sat behind her whilst Kiyoko was in front of her.

 “Where’s Katsumi-san?” Michiko asked Haru. She was worried that Katsumi would run away.

 “I’m here,” someone replied.

 “Where were you?!” Kiyoko shrieked, “Stop scaring us like that.”

 “I’ve been here all along,” the green-haired female hesitantly laughed.

 As the students piled in, Michiko thought of who will be the non-existent student that year. She sighed for the hundredth time and stared at Kiyoko’s black bob. She knew that most of her new classmates only half-believed the phenomenon but she knew it was true. Another rumour spread on how to stop it and it was done by Kouichi’s class. It was said that they visited Yomiyama Shrine around early August and the gruesome killings stopped.

 If Michiko was to be the head of the countermeasures, she wouldn’t know what to do. Akazawa Izumi was last year’s head of countermeasures and she died. No one knew what the cause was but Michiko heard that she died during the class’s trip.

 “Good morning,” a middle-aged man entered the room. He wore the usual grey polo and black pants. He was almost bald and had little black eyes.

 “I will be your homeroom teacher and my name is, Kano Ryo,” he continued and wrote his name on the board.

 Tadao was the first one to stand and others followed suit. Everyone bowed their head and greeted the teacher in unison, “Good morning, sensei.”

 “Sit down,” he ordered and looked at them expectantly, “Well?”

 No one said a word. The room was silent and the only thing that can be heard was the sound of the wind outside. Michiko looked at Tadao; he just shrugged and played with his pencil. The girl beside Kiyoko was trembling.

 “I know that you have full knowledge of what’s the drill when you’re assigned in this class,” Mr. Ryo started and leaned on his desk, “I will assign the head of countermeasures. Let’s say that the phenomenon is true, the head will be responsible in life preservation and any actions to prevent it from starting.”

 “As the head of countermeasures, that person will have the right to pick who will be the non-existent student and the class also have the right to suggest and reason out with the head. Anyone want to volunteer?”

 Michiko looked behind her and hoped that someone was eagerly raising her hand but she only found an empty desk beside Shoji. She hoped that the seat wasn’t for another transfer student.

 “You,” Mr. Ryo called out, “The red-haired girl.”

 Michiko stared deadpan at the teacher and pointed at herself, “M-me?”

 “Yes. You’re Imai Michiko, right?”

 She stood up, “Yes, sensei.”

 “You’ll be the head of countermeasures. I heard you were the class president from last year’s 2-1. I’m sure you’ll do great,” he smiled warmly and invited her in front of the class.

 

So far, what do you think?

 

Class 3-3 (Part 3)

Michiko reluctantly walked in front. She didn’t want to be in that position but if their teacher was willing to trust her, she would do her best.

 “My name is Imai Michiko,” she bowed and continued, “I will do my best so we can all graduate together. Let’s work as a team.”

 “Before we can elect our class officers and the countermeasure staff, please decide who will be the non-existent student,” Mr. Ryo sighed, “I know it’s not right but we have to choose as soon as possible.”

 “Right,” her voice faltered, “I am sorry but I do not know most of you so I am leaving the decision to you. Please raise your hand if you have someone in mind.”

 Surprisingly, Kiyoko stood up and pointed beside her, “I suggest Nagai Katsumi.”

 “What?” Michiko gaped.

 Katsumi didn’t move; she was even close to tears.

 “I know we’ve been close to her but she lacks presence. She’s always missing and doesn’t speak to us unless spoken to. I think it would be best if she’s the non-existent person. Majority of our classmates are from 2-2 and already know each other-“

 “She’s our friend, you can’t be serious,” she interrupted.

 “Sacrifices are needed to be made for the greater good,” someone from behind said. The boy who she threw inside cocked his head to the side, “You’re one worthless head of countermeasures.”

 “I’m picking him to be the sacrifice,” Shoji’s voice thundered.

 That was when she woke up. In order to prevent the phenomenon in starting, she needed to detach herself from Katsumi. Kiyoko was right and the stupid boy did make a point. She was in charge of their lives and she shouldn’t let her own selfishness and feelings get in the way.

 “I get it,” Michiko interrupted, “You may sit down, Kiyoko. Shoji-kun, thank you for the suggestion.”

 “Nagai Katsumi,” she said and somehow, her name rolled to her tongue like some unfamiliar book title.

 “Y-yes?” Katsumi stood up. Her figure was trembling and behind her, Tadao was looking down. Shoji stared at her and nodded as if he was saying that she would be alright and he would support what she would do.

 “I am sorry,” Michiko bowed again, “But I’m choosing you as the person who will be treated as if she doesn’t exist. I know you’re sacrificing yourself but this is for the best, Katsumi-san.”

 “It’s okay, Michiko-chan,” she replied, her soft voice echoing around the wooden room. “I understand.”

 Everyone watched her carry her bag towards the back of the room. The moment she plopped down, everyone acted as if nothing happened. Michiko might be struggling but she didn’t let it show and avoided looking at the back row.

 

Everyone knows I suck at tenses haha

 

Class 3-3 (Last Part)

“Where were we?” Michiko asked and smiled immediately, “Right. I’m picking my countermeasure staff.”

 “I’ll volunteer,” Shoji raised his hand and stood up, “My name is Asano Shoji and I will work with the head of countermeasures to protect everyone.”

 “Thank you, Shoji-kun,” she sighed in relief. Michiko knew she could trust him.

 “Pick the last one,” Mr. Ryo ordered, “Then we’ll proceed to the class officers.”

 “I’ll pick him,” she pointed at the boy behind Shoji. The one she threw earlier, “Stand up, baka.”

 “You don’t have to call me baka,” he sneered, “My name is Tada Yori and it is an honour to serve the class.”

 At the end of the homeroom class, Tadao was elected as the president. The elected vice president was Yano Yukio, a tall black-haired boy that seemed to be fond of eating and the secretary was Miyahira Haru.

 They met their different subject teachers and introductions were made. The rules were implemented and everyone made sure that no one would break it. Michiko on the other hand, found herself glancing to the very far end of the room where a certain green-haired student was looking outside the window.

 “We’re still missing one student, aren’t we?” Tadao asked and adjusted his glasses on the bridge of his nose.

 “Yes,” Shoji replied as he opened his bento box, “I’m just hoping he already knew about the story from 1972.”

 “Even if he doesn’t, I think we all know what to do now,” Michiko explained.

 “Tada-kun!” Haru called out, “Eat with us.”

 Yori grumbled and sat with them, “Hello everyone.”

 “I just wish that we’ll have a normal year,” Kiyoko sighed, “We’re not even done with the day yet and I feel like I’m going to be sick.”

 “Let’s just eat for now,” Michiko pinched the bridge of her nose.

 “Thank you for the food!” they said in unison and after that, they started to dig in.

 The day ended without any other incidents and for that, Michiko was slightly relieved.

 She was walking out of the school when she heard her name being called. Behind her was Shoji running towards her. His golden brown hair was bouncing on top of his head.

 “You forgot that we’re living in the same street,” he chuckled and regained his breath beside her.

 “Gomen,” she apologized, “I just have a lot in mind.”

 “That’s understandable,” he smiled, “No wonder you weren’t blushing when Tadao-kun was talking to you.”

 “Eh-“ she grimaced, “Why would I blush?”

 Shoji grinned, “Right, ask yourself that.”

 They walked together in silence. Shoji had always been Michiko’s friend since they were little. Being with him made Michiko feel safer; she felt alright every time someone she was familiar with her was around.

 “Are you worried?” the taller boy asked as he ran his hand through his hair.

 “Shouldn’t I?” she looked up at him.

 “We’ll be okay,” he reassured her.

 “How is your brother?” Michiko suddenly asked.

 “He’s finally out of the hospital,” he yawned, “I’m still worried, though. He still can’t breathe without the tube thing on his nose.”

 “I’ll visit sometimes,” she offered him a faint smile, “See you tomorrow.”

 “Yeah, you too,” she waved as she opened the gate to her home, “Be safe.”

 

The Trigger (Part 1)

 It has been a couple of months since school started and there had been no incident under the head of countermeasures’ watch. Michiko got used to ignoring Katsumi’s presence. The absent student from their first day turned out to be Tsuchida Etsuko; one of their classmates from last year. She was confined for at least a week because of the ribs she broke during an accident.

 “Physical Education sucks,” Yori whined as he ran dramatically towards the finish line.

 “You claim that you hate this class and yet you win in every sport we play,” Shoji chuckled and clapped his back.

 “I still don’t get why we don’t have any shared classes with the others,” Kiyoko sighed, “I mean, it’s not like we have some disease or something.”

 “It’s better that way, I suppose,” Michiko replied as she tied her hair in a high ponytail.

 “We don’t even have a PE teacher,” Yori plopped on the ground and started stretching.

 “I don’t even know why we’re tiring ourselves,” Haru frowned and started catching her breath.

 Michiko smiled at her friends. She always thought that watching them whine was amusing. It was surprising that even she felt that they were normal people studying in a normal school assigned in a normal class. She was relieved every single time that the day ends without any accidents.

 All of her positive thoughts were driven away by a scream.

 “Nagai is attempting suicide!” one of the girls in her class hollered and it was too late to even take back what she said. She immediately covered her mouth with her hands. The scattered students of class 3-3 were at shock. Someone said her name, someone from their class acknowledge her existence.

 All eyes turned to Michiko who was blinking rapidly and swallowed hard.

 “There’s no point in avoiding her existence,” Yori stood up and shook Michiko.

 “That was the trigger,” Michiko growled. She was obviously frustrated. Things were going smoothly and one girl decided to ruin everything.

 “Can you see her?’ Tadao chimed in, his serious face was on.

 Michiko ran towards the girl who screamed. She was on the ground weeping her eyes out.

 “There’s no point in crying, baka,” she gripped both of her shoulders, “You triggered the cycle, there’s no helping it. Where is she?”

 “Sh-she’s there,” she pointed upward.

 “She isn’t,” Shoji squinted his eyes to where she was pointing.

 “She already jumped!” Yori shouted and immediately, the class broke into chaos.

 Katsumi’s dead body was on the ground; blood poured from a dent on her head. Her limbs were dislocated and were pointed in weird angles.

 

The Trigger (Part 2)

Haru was hunched forward on the ground and was throwing up. Tadao was by her side and was mumbling in her ear. Yori was pacing around; fear evident in his face.

 “What should we do, now?” Michiko massaged her forehead and turned to Shoji who was looking at Katsumi.

 “We just need to keep our acts straight,” he looked at her, “We’ll get through this. Maybe we can ask Kouichi-senpai for help.”

 “You’re right,” she nodded, “There’s no denying that we’ll be facing death soon.”

 “I’ll be here,” he smiled and patted her head, “I’ll let Yori talk to Mr. Ryo. Let’s go to our room.”

 Once the teachers and the ambulance arrived, they were dismissed and Yori was left to explain the incident to the authorities. Haru finally calmed down as they were heading to their classroom.

 Michiko immediately ran after she heard screams inside. When she opened the door, Nakama Chiyoko the girl who acknowledged Katsumi was being beaten down. The desks were scattered around the room, books were laying face down the floor and everyone if not crying was shouting at Chiyoko. Her once neat blonde hair was sticking up everywhere, a bruise was already forming on her jaw and her uniform was a mess.

 “Sorry!” she yelled as she shielded her head from an incoming slap, “I didn’t know what to do. It just came out!”

 “STOP!” Michiko fumed and tried stopping the fight but she too was caught up with dozens of arms flying at Chiyoko.

 Tadao and Shoji came to her aid and started shoving everyone away from the two girls.

 “What are you doing?” Tadao barked and turned to the boys who were hurting Chiyoko, “What the fuck were you thinking?”

 “This will not solve the problem,” Shoji helped Chiyoko up and glared pointedly at their classmates, “You’ll end up killing each other if you don’t use your brains.”

 “It’s okay, Asano-kun,” Chiyoko wiped the blood from her lips, “I deserved it.”

 “Yes and no,” Michiko drawled out, “It is your fault.”

 The blonde student flinched as Michiko stared at her impassively.

 “But you didn’t deserve to be beaten up,” she continued.

 She turned around and faced the class, “If you’re blaming Nakama-san and wanted to beat the shit out of her then you better leave this class or better yet, leave the town.”

 “Why are you siding with her?!” someone from the back demanded and was soon followed by series of agreements.

 “This is bothersome,” Michiko sighed, “If you’re willing to waste precious time to play blame game than come up with a solution to minimize casualties then be my guest, I’m hungry anyway.”

 “I don’t know why you were made the head of countermeasures,” a girl named Tomita Rie stepped forward, “You’re useless, Imai Michiko.”

 “Okay, that’s it,” Shoji mumbled and slammed his hand on a nearby desk, “Everyone just shut your mouth! I want this room cleaned up.”

 When he noticed another group that was about to protest, he pointedly look at them and with his impassive voice stated, “If you don’t have anything helpful to say, as a countermeasures staff, I won’t hesitate to pick another non-existent student to replace Nagai Katsumi.”

 

 He pulled Michiko out of the room and was followed by Haru, Kiyoko and Tadao. They huddled outside and all eyes turned to the head of countermeasures.

 “They say that every month, someone will die,” Michiko stated, “Katsumi died today, there will be no other deaths this month. We need to come up with a plan in less than a couple of weeks.”

 “How can you be so sure that no one will die?” Haru asked, “There were multiple deaths in a month last year.”

 “It happened in one day so we still have to be cautious until the day ends,” she drawled out.

 “What are we going to say to them?” Kiyoko raised her hand, “From the way they reacted a while ago, they would want answers today.”

 “We’ll make Chiyoko non-existent,” she answered, “It sounds unnecessary but it will at least calm our classmates and she will not be burden by guilt; it could also be a precaution as long as we continue denying Katsumi existed and ignore Chiyoko’s existence.”

 “There’s nothing to lose,” Shoji agreed.

 When Mr. Ryo arrived, they held the meeting and to Michiko’s relief, everyone agreed.

 “I will still remind everyone to be cautious,” she warned, “This is just a precaution and we will do everything to come up with a plan.”

 “As long as we stay together as a team, we will be fine,” Shoji added.

 “Now that’s settled,” Mr. Ryo clapped his hands, “You are all dismissed. Be careful.”

 “Thank you, sensei,” they all bowed and exited the room in groups.

 At the front gate, Haru and Tadao bid goodbye to Michiko, Kiyoko and Shoji.

 “Are you sure?” Shoji asked, “I mean, we can wait with you.”

 “It’s alright,” Kiyoko hushed, “My father will be here any minute now.”

 “If something happens, don’t hesitate to call,” Michiko waved her hand, “See you tomorrow, Kiyoko-san.”

 “You, too,” she replied, “Take care.”

 Michiko and Shoji walked side by side and let silence overtake them for a while. Somehow, the streets were deserted except for the cars passing by. They passed a fruit stand and Shoji stopped to buy some apples. He tossed one to his companion and they ate it on their way home.

 “You know you’re free to stop by our house,” Shoji hinted and smiled.

 Michiko scoffed, “Is that your way of asking me to do your homework for you?”

 “Yes and no,” he chuckled lightly, “I just wanted to hang out with you again.”

 “Sure,” she nodded as she bit on her apple, “I’ve never been able to visit your house since-“

 She stopped on her tracks as nauseous spread over her. Shoji’s house was just one house away from them and they’ve been over each other’s house plenty of times. Even she was confused why she never visited again.

 “Since my father died?” Shoji supplied in while swinging the plastic of apples from side to side. His golden brown locks were dancing along with the air, his rich hazel eyes was glinting with innocence.

 “Y-yes,” she blinked at him and smiled faintly, “Yes, I’m sorry to bring that one up.”

 “No worries,” he shrugged, “My mother talks about it with my brother all the time.”

 She wondered what Shoji was feeling. His father was really close to him; they shared a special bond and were always together. Michiko remembered the funeral and she was sure Shoji didn’t attend. Somehow, something was gnawing in her heart. She felt as if someone close to her died and the emptiness was there, mocking her.

 

“Come on,” Shoji pulled her gently towards his house. Her train of thoughts was momentarily disturbed as she saw multitude of picture frames hanging in a corner wall. Every frame was of Shoji’s face.

 “What’s up with that?” she cocked her head to the side as she took her shoes off.

 “Oh, I don’t know,” Shoji frowned, “I woke up one day with those already hanging. My father also has a section on another wall.”

 “Okaasan, I’m home!” he called out and headed for his room.

 Michiko sighed and followed him. She stopped when she passed an open room where Shoji’s mother was sitting and talking to his younger brother.

 “Deaths,” her voice quivered, “I never liked deaths. Two funerals in a row, masuko. Poor Shoji, my poor young Shoji.”

 “Mother,” Shoji’s brother replied, “It’s alright. He’s okay.”

 “Okaasama,” she smiled fondly, “I came to visit.”

 Shoji’s mother slowly turned her head towards her. Her eyes were soft and her lips were tight, “What are you doing here, Michiko-san?”

 “I-“ she swallowed hard as she felt her eyes stinging, “I’m going to Shoji-kun’s room, if you don’t mind, okaasama.”

 The old lady nodded and offered her a kind smile, “Poor Michiko-san, still stuck with Shoji-kun.”

 Michiko grinned, “He’s not that bad.”

 The woman’s eyes fell as if she was suddenly carrying the whole world, “No, not at all. Go on, Michiko-san.”

 “Thank you,” she bowed.

 She made her way towards Shoji’s room as she wiped her eyes with the sleeves of her uniform. Somehow, seeing his mother made her emotional. Her friend’s mother was always kind and loving towards her; she used to act as if she was part of their family.

 “You talked to mother?” Shoji asked when she opened his door.

 “Yes. She still thinks you’re affected by your father and uncle’s death?” Michiko sat down on the floor as she laid her bag beside her.

 He didn’t reply. His eyes were fixed on the table in front of them.

 Michiko looked around his room and thought that it didn’t change one bit. The only difference was that pictures of them now littered his wall. She stood up and examined every picture. One was when they were still little; they were clad in thick jackets and were playing with snow. The other was their first day in school. She let out a chuckle as she traced the latest picture of them. It was last year during their school festival.

 “You didn’t bring me here to do homework, were you?” she decided and pointed a slim finger at him.

 “No,” he shook his head, “I just wanted to keep an eye on you.”

 “Oh, Shoji-kun,” she smiled appreciatively, “You know I’m more cautious than what you think.”

 “I know. Now stop stepping on my bed,” he grinned and patted the space beside him.

 She laughed and sat beside him; they both leaned on his bed and stared up at the glow in the dark stars that were taped on his ceiling.