✓ 'til we met again, shin okazaki

'til we met again ┊Chizuru

﴾ april. 1996 ﴿

Leaves moved gracefully through the air, being carried by the wind. Just as verses were carried by the melody in a song. I had been in the same position at my desk for hours. Not paying any attention to the class I was in. My mind was easily diverted from what was important. Or at least that's what the teachers used to tell me when they found me concentrating on everything but their lessons.

I was not affected by being constantly scolded in class. Somehow my grades were decent. Beyond giving me mild punishments like cleaning the room by myself after class or repeating in writing what had been taught that class, the principals could do no more.

"Sakurazaki-san! Again." Well, here we go again.

♥︎ ♡ ♥︎

"I don't understand." As I had anticipated, I found myself cleaning the classroom. Precisely sweeping up the grime that remained after the school day. Without looking up I continued the task. "Why?"

Rei, my best friend, offered to help me, but I declined her offer. She stayed to keep me company anyway. "Why what?" I asked now looking at her. Her face was somewhat serious, but I could sense her exasperation. "I mean, why do you keep letting them scold you in class. Up until last year you had an efficiency remarkably well."

Rei was not the first person to ask me that question. Without going any further, the same teachers kept repeating the question to me. Even my parents had touched on the subject not long ago and I didn't really have something concrete to answer. I inadvertently leaned against one of the desks still thinking of an answer. Realizing how long it took me to answer I simply laughed.

Rei despite trying to keep her serious attitude couldn't help but catch my mood. "You have no case, Chizu." Maybe she was right. Even though I was only 12, I still didn't have in mind what I wanted to do with my life. I wasn't too worried about it either, though. It's only when you're 18 that people take notice of you.

Rei was the opposite of me in this case. For years she had told me how determined she was to become a lawyer. Just like her father was. Truth be told I saw her in that future and was happy to see how well she was doing on her exams. "Maybe my job can be to cheer you on when you're a full-fledged lawyer." She elbowed my side letting out a chuckle and her eyes fell on me apprehensively. "Chizu, if you need my help, just ask me."

I smiled letting my head fall on the fabric of her vest. "Oh, sure? Then when you are successful, save me a place in your yard to sleep, thank you."

"Yeah, you really are hopeless.