My Dear Juliet [Watanabe Haruto FF]

Chapter 1

I woke up in a cold sweat from a bad dream. I've had this recurring nightmare where I'm in the car with my mom on the morning that she... died. The series of events don't match up with what I've been told, though.

She's taking a shortcut through the backroad--this part is true-- but I saw something dash across the windshield. She screams, even before the car starts to swerve, and then I saw a man standing by my window right as the car crashed into a bridge.

I was always told that she just hit a slick spot and the rest was history. Maybe I just miss her so much and that's why I'm having these dreams, but something feels off...

I checked the time and it was very early, only about 2 am. So, I went back to sleep and hoped that I wouldn't have the nightmare again.

~~~

The next time I woke up was to my alarm for school. I sat up straight and stretched. I went to my sister's room and tried my best to wake her up.

"Time to wake up," I shook her arm.

She was waking up so I figured I had time to make breakfast, aka toast and burnt eggs. It's not like I don't try, I'm just honestly not that great at cooking. Dad is a lot better at cooking than I am, but I just have to try my best since dad is always gone for work. He works a flight attendant so we don't see him often.

I put the toast in the toaster and cracked a few eggs in a pan. I looked away for one second to butter the toast that had just finished toasting, and I immediately smelled the eggs burning.

I groaned and threw the burnt eggs in the trash. However, the toast was perfect and delicious so I ate some of that.

A while later, I checked the time and it was just time to leave.

"Minji," I called. "It's time to go."

She was already walking down the stairs by the time I had finished my sentence. I grabbed my keys and bag and we headed to school.

~

Minji exited the car and went to her school. I drove to my favorite coffee shop to get myself some fuel for the day. I walked through the door and was greeted by Mindy, one of the baristas. She's an exchange student from America and she's always nice.

"Can I get a venti White Chocolate Oat Milk Lavender Latte please?" I asked.

"Sure can," Mindy smiled.

I took out my wallet and paid for the drink. I sat at the table in the back and waited while on my phone. I looked up when I saw the door open from the corner of my eye.

A boy that I had never seen before (which is odd because I know everyone in town) walked in. He looked slightly older than me but not by too much. Maybe a year or two. He ordered the exact same thing as me, but in a smaller size. Same taste in coffee. Maybe we can be friends.

He sat at the table in front of me, facing me. I looked at him for a moment and decided that he was a very sweet person. I kept staring, trying to get a better feel of his personality, but he looked up from his phone and made eye contact with me. I quickly looked away but it was obvious that he had seen me.

"Solji," someone called. "Your drink is ready."

"Saved by the bell," I thought.

I stood from my seat and took my coffee with a small bow. I rushed back to my car and checked the time. It was only 7:45 so I had plenty of time but I went on my way quickly because I like being early.

~

The drive wasn't long at all but it was relaxing. Spring was just starting and the flowers were starting to bloom. This makes the list of my top favorite moments today.

I pulled into the school parking lot and was early enough to park near the front entrance. I pulled my keys out of the ignition and went into the school. There were a couple of people in the school already but I wasn't close with any of them, I just smiled and kept making my way to my first period-- Math. As much as I hate Math, I still like the teacher. She's cool and she doesn't mind that I come early.

"Hello Mrs...." I started to say when I realized that Mrs. Kim was not in the classroom but instead a man.

"Oh! You startled me," He smiled. "I'm Mrs. Kim's substitue for today, Mr. Choi."

"Oh, nice to meet you Mr. Choi. My name is--"

"Solji. Mrs. Kim told me that you would come early."

I blushed. "Well, I assume you know that I help her out with a few things if she needs, so is there anything you need help with?"

"Indeed she did tell me about that, too. If you could just run through the class schedule with me and make sure I have the right idea of what to do, I'd appreciate that."

Of course I know the class schedule, I'm the only person who pays attention in class. I thought.

"Sure!" I agreed.

It didn't take very long to run over the schedule as Mr. Choi was able to catch on very quickly. I was excited for this class period because Mr. Choi seemed very intelligent and kind.

~

By the end of the class, I had been proved right. It was enjoyable and I think we all learned a lot. When I walked out of the classroom I bowed goodbye to Mr. Choi and went on with my day as usual with no more sudden substitute teachers. I left my school and went to Minji's to pick her up.

As always, she was waiting outside on the bench on her phone. I honked to get her attention and her head snapped up. Immediately, my young sister's face turned bright into a smile.

"Get in loser, we're going to get food," I quoted one of my favorite movies.

She jumped up and into my car, sitting in the passenger seat.

"Where are we eating?" she inquired eagerly.

"Hm, I don't know. Do you want to go to the bakery?"

"Yes! That's my favorite!"

"Crazy," I smirked. "It's almost like I know you."