no mader how strong the wind blows

chapter 12 First Day

S

ummary:

It's the first day of school once again, what events await the two best friends?

Notes:

For everyone's guidance, Ash is 12 and Eiji is 14.
Anyways, enjoy the update!

(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)

Chapter Text

The days quickly passed by. It was the first day of school, and more importantly, Eiji's first day as a High School freshman. Shortly before school started, his parents flew back to San Francisco, which meant that Shunichi would be staying with him and Eika again.
"Ah, here's our High School freshman," Shunichi announced as Eiji walked into the dining room, dressed up in a simple light red sweater and light brown jeans. "Good morning, Ei-chan! Are you excited for your first day in High School?"
Eiji smiled, taking a seat between Shunichi and his sister. "I wouldn't be lying if I said I'm not excited," he answered. "I honestly can't wait to see what my High School life would be like."
"Will you be still in the same school as Ash, Eiji?" asked Eika, who would be starting her 5th Grade this year, her final year in Grade School.
At the mention of Ash's name, Eiji suddenly remembered something. What would his classmates think of his best friend's new look? Sure, the transformation was proven effective when they were at the mall, but would the results be the same for his classmates?
"Eika-chan, Ei-chan's already in High School," Shunichi answered the question for Eiji. "He'll be going to a different school this year."
"But our schools are just a few minutes away from each other, so Ashu and I would still walk to school together just like what we always did," Eiji added.
Just then, they heard a knock on the door. It opened a few seconds later to reveal Ash, all dressed up and looking equally ready for his first day of school.
"Oh my gosh, is that you, Ash?" a surprised Eika asked. "You look totally different now. Did you do something with your hair?"
"Ah, you seem to be getting more and more handsome these days, Ash," Shunichi commented, grinning at the blonde-haired boy. "Is it because of Eiji?"
Ash grinned back, scratching the back of his head. "Thanks, Mr. Ibe. And yes, Ei-chan helped me change my look for the new school year."
"Alright, Ei-chan," Shunichi told Eiji, gently giving him a light push. "You better get going now. You don't wanna be late on your first day of High School now, do you?"
Eiji checked his wristwatch before he stood up, grabbing his school bag. "I guess I'd better head out then. Bye, Ibe-san. Bye, Eika-chan."
"Bye, Mr. Ibe and Eika," Ash added, waving his hand.
"Hey Ash, take care of my brother, okay?" said the ten-year-old girl.
"Don't worry, I'll take care of this hyper ball---OUCH!" Ash's sentence was cut short when Eiji suddenly hit him on the shoulder.
Shunichi couldn't help but chuckle. "You two never changed at all. Alright then, take care of yourselves!"
***
Since Eiji's classes would start an hour later than Ash's, the raven-haired boy took the liberty of accompanying his best friend to school. As the two boys walked down the hallway, Eiji noticed a few students whispering to each other, some even recognized him as an alumnus of the school.
"That's Eiji Okumura, right? And who's the guy with him? He sure looks really handsome!"
"Maybe he must be a new student."
"He's in 7th Grade, too? Oh my gosh!"
"Oh, I hope the new guy notices me. He's such a cutie!"
"What's with these people?" Ash, leaning closer to Eiji, whispered. "Don't they recognize me?"
Eiji chuckled. "You couldn't blame them, Ashu. People always saw you as a girly boy before. Just wait 'til they find who you are."
The bell rang as soon as the two reached the 7th Grade classroom, so Ash immediately headed inside along with the other students while Eiji stayed in the hallway next to the door. Moments later, the teacher entered the classroom as well.
"Good morning and welcome to 7th Grade, dear students," he heard the teacher say. "Before we begin, since it appears that you're still the same people from 6th Grade, I assume that you already know each other---"
"Um, Miss Roberts?" a female classmate asked.
"Yes?"
"I think we have a new classmate."
"Oh? Who is it, Robyn?"
Eiji stifled a chuckle when the girl named Robyn pointed her arm to where Ash was seated.
The teacher looked surprised at Robyn's remark. "Don't you recognize him, Robyn? He's---"
"It's alright, Miss Roberts. I don't mind introducing myself to the class," Ash said, standing up and walking up to the front, much to Eiji's surprise.
Wow, he sure is a lot more confident now.
The raven-haired boy couldn't help but laugh a bit when he noticed that all of Ash's female classmates were staring at him with sparkling eyes, looking as if they were gonna turn into hearts any minute. Did Ash really look that good with his new hairstyle?
"Sure thing, go ahead," the teacher answered.
Ash smiled at the teacher before turning to face his classmates.
"Hi, guys," he said while waving his hand, and Eiji swore that he heard some of the girls giggle. Was this really the effect of his transformation?
"First of all, I'm glad to be with you guys again and I hope we'll stay together until the end of Middle School. By the way, my name's Aslan Jade Callenreese but you can call me Ash. Nice to meet you all again." Then he smiled widely at the class, which was followed by a moment of silence.
Wait for it...
"WHAT?!"
"Are you serious?!"
"That can't be! He's joking, right? Please tell me he's joking!"
"Seriously?! You're really Ash Callenreese?"
"You're really the girly boy from 6th Grade? Unbelievable!"
Unable to hold it in any longer, Eiji burst out laughing. He seriously couldn't believe that this was happening. His classmates should've seen the look on their faces when Ash told them who he was. Did they really not recognize him because of his new haircut?
Eventually calming down, Eiji wiped away the tears formed from laughing so hard and looked at Ash again, who was smiling widely and appeared to be looking at someone. He peeked inside, and his smile completely faded when he realized that he was staring at Trixie.
And he once again felt the familiar sting when he saw that Trixie was smiling back at Ash.
With a sad sigh, he glanced over at his wristwatch, realizing that his classes would start fifteen minutes from now. Trying his best to fight off the pain that started to fill his chest, he started his way down the hallway and out into the sidewalk.
Today was only the first day of school, but for some reason, he had this feeling that this was going to be a long school year.
***
Meanwhile, Ash felt like he was on cloud nine. He wasn't dreaming, right? Did Trixie actually smile at him? If she did, then that would mean that the transformation was really working. Because of his new look, Trixie was finally noticing him. If this keeps up, then maybe he would finally have a chance to ask her out.
After the class ended, Ash went over to his locker to get some of his books when he suddenly saw Trixie from the corner of his eye, heading to her own locker nearby.
The blonde-haired boy suddenly felt a lump in his throat as he looked at Trixie. He knew she was already pretty, but he never knew that she was beautiful up close. Her long, black hair was as smooth and shiny as silk and her sky-blue eyes sparkled like diamonds.
Now's your chance, Ash. You can do this!
"Um, good morning, Trixie," he greeted, trying his best to sound confident as he walked up to the Chinese-American girl.
"Oh, Ash. Hello there," Trixie answered, smiling at Ash.
At that moment, the blonde-haired boy felt his cheeks burning. He quickly grabbed his books from his locker and turned away, hoping that Trixie wouldn't notice his face turning bright red. He seriously couldn't believe that the girl who rejected him in Grade School was actually talking to him and being nice to him.
What are you doing, Ash Lynx? Pull yourself together! Where's the confidence Ei-chan taught you about? C'mon, don't blow your chance!
Recomposing himself, Ash took a deep breath before turning around to face Trixie.
"Wow, looks like you're having a good day, huh?" He grinned at her.
"Of course. It's not everyday that you get the chance to talk to a cute boy like you," Trixie flashed another smile before closing the door of her locker. "So, what are you up to now?"
"Oh, well, you know, I was actually planning to join the school paper this year, and I was wondering on how to sign up. Hehe," Ash replied, sheepishly scratching the back of his head.
"Really? Wow, that's great!" Trixie exclaimed. "Well, I'll be glad if you'll be able to join, Ash. At least I won't be the only 7th Grader in the school paper if that happens."
"You're also part of the school paper?" Ash asked, surprised. "I thought you're part of the cheering squad?"
"While that may be true, I also love reading that's why I'm a member of the school paper," Trixie replied. "So you'll do it?"
"Of course, Trixie," Ash replied, his smile widening. "For you."
Then Trixie suddenly pulled Ash into a hug, much to the blonde-haired boy's surprise.
Is this real? Is Trixie Tang really hugging me? She smells so good! And her hair's really soft! Oh man, please tell me I'm not dreaming. Please, someone freeze the time!
"So, if that's the case, may I go with you for lunch?" Trixie asked, pulling away from the hug. "I'd like to help you think of something to write."
At that point, Ash couldn't stop himself from smiling. Trixie Tang, one of the most popular girls in school, asking him to go with her for lunch? Could this day get any better?
"A-Are you serious?" Ash stuttered. Keep it cool, man. Don't ruin this!
Trixie nodded her head. "Usually, students are required to submit a written piece to Mr. Birkenbake if they wish to apply for the school paper. But don't worry, I'll help you join. I really want to have a co-writer who's in the same grade as I am."
"Well, how can I say no to a pretty girl like you? Sure, you may. That way, I would have inspiration to write a lot." Ash winked at her, making Trixie giggle.
"Aww, aren't you a sweet boy?"
"Hehe. Anything for you, Trixie," Ash replied, the smile on his face never faltering.
Trixie chuckled again. "So meet me in the hallway at lunch, then let's head out to the nearby cafe together. Sounds good?"
Ash nodded his head, still smiling at Trixie. "Sure."
Trixie clapped her hands in delight. "Yay! Thanks, Ash!"
Trixie hugged Ash again before she walked down the hallway, leaving the blonde-hair boy stunned. He let out a dreamy sigh as he watched her walk away, the smile never leaving his face. He really didn't expect that the girl he liked would not only be nice to him, but she was being supportive of him as well.
Man, she's really beautiful. I think I'm falling in love all over again.
He grinned to himself, closing the door of his locker. He suddenly had a feeling that this school year was gonna be great. If it weren't for his transformation, he wouldn't have gained any confidence to talk to Trixie again, and even if he did, maybe Trixie would've rejected him again. He was really glad that he was able to change himself before the school year started.
And it was all thanks to his beloved Ei-chan.
***
A few hours passed, and it was now lunchtime. While the other students headed to the school cafeteria, Eiji went out of the school and into a nearby cafe. The two boys decided earlier that they would spend their lunch break there, and that whoever goes out first would go ahead and wait for the other to arrive.
When Eiji entered the cafe, he was surprised to see Ash already there. He was holding a tray containing two slices of cheesecake and two glasses of frappe, and it looked like he was walking towards a table.
He was about to call his best friend, but he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw that Trixie was on the table Ash walked to. The raven-haired boy suddenly felt numb all over as he watched how the two talked to each other. They were smiling and laughing every now and then, obviously having a good time.
He smiled bitterly, his eyes glimmering with unshed tears. Seeing how close Trixie and Ash were, it looked like the transformation was effective after all.
"Ei-chan!"
Upon hearing that familiar nickname, Eiji looked up and saw both Ash and Trixie looking at him. Ash was waving at him, as if signalling him to come and sit next to them.
Okay, Eiji. Just smile. Don't let them know how affected you are.
"Hi, Eiji," Trixie greeted, smiling at him.
Eiji smiled weakly. "Hey, Trixie."
"It's a good thing this table has three chairs. Come, sit here," Ash said, offering a seat to his best friend.
At first Eiji was hesitant, but he had no choice. Did he really have to sit in front of Ash and Trixie? Could he bear watching the two interact without his heart breaking into pieces?
"Hey, Ashu. I didn't know you were already here," he said as he sat down, trying his best to sound cheerful. "And I see you brought Trixie along with you."
"Oh, yeah," Ash answered. "She said she's gonna help me join the school paper, so she decided to tag along with us. I hope it's okay with you."
Eiji just smiled and nodded his head, his chest becoming heavier by the second. Well, what else can he do?
In an attempt to shake off the awkward feeling, Eiji stood up and went to the counter, ordering a slice of cheesecake and iced coffee. He looked away, trying his best to ignore them, but when he realized that he could still hear Ash and Trixie's voices from where he stood, he grimaced.
So much for spending their lunch break together.
Letting out an exasperated sigh to calm himself down, Eiji returned to the table.
"So Ashu," he said, setting down the tray containing his order. "What made you want to join the school paper?"
"I actually thought about it for a while," Ash answered. "And I realized that I had to at least join something before I graduate from Middle School, so I decided to try joining the school paper."
Eiji nodded his head, mindlessly stirring his iced coffee with a straw.
"I'm honestly surprised," he flatly said, not sounding surprised at all. "I never knew you were into writing."
Just then, Ash leaned closer to him, whispering something in his ear.
"Trixie's part of the school paper too, Ei-chan. Maybe becoming a member would boost my chances of asking her out."
And with that, Eiji's eyes widened, his entire body stiffening as his hand suddenly stopping from stirring his drink.
"Ahhh," was the only thing he said as he looked down, his vision starting to blur.
Oh no. Please don't cry, Eiji. Hold yourself together.
Fearing that he might break down in front of them any second, he quickly wiped his unshed tears and took a quick glance at his wristwatch before looking back at them.
"Um, I-I'd like to stay a bit longer, but I gotta go," he said, standing up from his seat. "I suddenly remembered that I have something to do."
"Already?" a surprised Ash asked. "But you just got here."
"I-I suddenly remembered that I have to sign up for the sports team. Yeah, you know, p-pole vaulting," Eiji answered in a shaky voice, turning away from them as tears began to form in his eyes. "A-And besides, don't you like being left alone with Trixie? This is your chance to talk to her."
Please stop me, Ashu. Please tell me to stay a bit longer with you.
"Is that so? Well, see you later then, Ei-chan," Ash answered.
And with that, Eiji bit his lower lip as tears began to roll down his cheeks. Still not looking at them, he just waved his hand before walking out of the cafe, clamping a mouth over his hand as a sob threatened to come out.
Just then, Ash's words suddenly echoed in his mind.
"Don't worry, Ei-chan. No matter what happens, I will never leave you and I'll do my best not to hurt you."
Eiji's shoulders began to shake as a few sobs escaped. He said that he would never leave him, but what happened? It felt like Ash already left him alone the moment he saw Trixie. He said that he'll do his best not to hurt him, but here he was, unconsciously hurting him.
"Ow!" The raven-haired boy's train of thought abruptly ended when he felt someone bump into him.
"Sorry, I was in a bit of a hurry," a male voice answered. "Are you okay?"
Then Eiji felt the person's hands holding onto his shoulders. Wiping away his tears so the person couldn't see them, Eiji looked up at him. He was a tall guy with dark brown eyes like him, but what really stood out from this guy was the piercings on his left eyebrow and his distinct purple hair styled in a mohawk.
He didn't know why, but Eiji felt like he has seen this person before. He just didn't remember when or where.
"I should be the one to apologize," he said, running a sleeve over his nose. "I wasn't watching where I was going. Sorry."
"It's okay, no problem at all. Sorry if I bumped into you, though." The purple-haired guy smiled at him, making Eiji smile back. In all fairness, this guy didn't look so bad.
"No, no. I'm okay, really."
"That's good to hear," the purple-haired guy answered. "I guess I'll see you around?"
"Maybe."
After smiling once again at Eiji, the purple-haired guy went on his way, leaving the Japanese boy standing alone on the sidewalk.
Who was that guy?