Iwate High: A Tale of Smiles and Home Runs

Chapter Two: Bonds of Friendship

Two weeks had passed since Mari Chan's arrival at Hanamaki-Higashi High School. The vibrant cherry blossoms that had welcomed her were now in full bloom, adorning the campus with their delicate petals. Mari sat at her desk in Class 2-B, engrossed in a lively conversation with Nana Chan and a few other girls she had befriended in the short span of time.

Nana Chan, a cheerful and outgoing girl with a cascade of dark hair, leaned in with a smile. "Mari, how are you finding our high school so far?" she asked.

Mari grinned, her eyes sparkling. "Oh, I love it here! Everyone has been so welcoming, and I've made some great friends, like you guys."

Nana Chan chuckled, "We're glad to hear that. You know, most of us have known each other since kindergarten, so having new faces like yours really adds some excitement to our routine."

Mari nodded, her gaze wandering around the classroom. "It must be nice to have such longstanding friendships. I was a bit scared when we moved here from Tokyo, but everyone's been so kind. It feels like I've known you all for much longer."

Another girl in the group, Ayumi, chimed in, "Well, we're lucky to have you, Mari! It's not every day we get someone from the big city joining us."

Mari chuckled, "And I'm lucky to have you all as my new friends. It makes this transition much easier."

Nana Chan's eyes twinkled with curiosity. "Why did you move from Tokyo, anyway? It's a big change."

Mari's expression softened, and she glanced out the window for a moment before answering. "It was my dad's job. His work brought us here to Iwate, and it was a bit overwhelming at first. Leaving behind the familiar hustle and bustle of Tokyo was tough, but I think I'm starting to love the calm and beauty of Hanamaki."

Nana Chan nodded understandingly, "Change can be scary, but I'm glad you're adjusting well. Besides, you've got us now, right?"

The other girls in the group nodded in agreement, expressing their solidarity.

Nana's eyes twinkled mischievously. "Speaking of friends, Mari, do you happen to have your eye on any of the guys here?"

Mari blushed slightly, "What? Don't be silly, Nana."

Nana chuckled, "Well, you might want to reconsider. Someone already asked for your number."

Mari raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Really? Who?"

Nana winked, "Oh, just some mystery guy. But I have a feeling he's not the only one interested in you."

Mari rolled her eyes playfully, "You're exaggerating."

Nana leaned in, her tone conspiratorial. "Mari, if you have your eyes on a certain baseball player, you need to learn how things work around here."

Mari looked puzzled, "What do you mean?"

Nana grinned, "I've seen you looking at Shohei with a big smile on your face many times. You know, Shohei Ohtani, the school's superstar. He's not just talented, he's very smart, tall, and handsome. The whole school is crazy about him, and some girls even enrolled just to be near him. Many have confessed their love, but he's only interested in baseball."

Mari's eyes widened, "He sounds amazing! If he's that great, then I have to try even harder. I'm not the type to give up easily."

Nana chuckled, "Good luck, Mari. I've warned you."

Ayumi interjected, "Hey Mari, did you know that Nana confessed to Shohei and got turned down?"

Nana scowled, "Don't remind me of that. He's a total loser. Now I have Shintaro as my boyfriend. He's also a baseball player from another school, even more talented than Shohei, and good-looking too."

The girls burst into laughter, and Nana's irritation only grew as she remembered Shohei turning her down.

Mari, undeterred, got up and faced the girls. "I really want to try, even if I get turned down by Shohei. I need your support and help."

Nana laughed, "You need a miracle, Mari Chan!"

With determination in her eyes, Mari was ready to face the challenges that lay ahead, unaware of the adventures and surprises that awaited her in Hanamaki-Higashi High School.