Good and Evil (My Friend is Kira? RW)

Chapter One

September 2003

I never imagined I'd have to move back to my hometown after three years. I did miss it, but I know the memories of this place will bring me pain.

I was excited to see my old friend, Machi. We'd kept in contact and occasionally met up when we could. Maybe I'd bump into Light, but I don't expect for us to become friends again. We stayed in contact for a few months and then we just stopped emailing.

I let out a sigh as I finish unpacking my last suitcase into my chest of drawers and stand up. I brush my hands against my jeans and look out of my bedroom window into the street. The sky was now dark, and I could smell that dinner was almost ready.

Someone I hadn't spoken to in three years was my mother. It was because of her that I had to move – well, I didn't have to, but I chose to. I couldn't stay with her knowing she wrecked everything.

I take a deep breath and blink the tears that were brewing away. I can't cry, I can't cry. Not now. I'll save that for later.

I hear a knock at my door and my older brother, Takumi, pokes his head in.

"Dinner's ready, Mana." He gives me a warm smile before leaving and shutting my door.

I was happy to be living in the same house as Takumi again. He stayed here with Mum, since I wanted to go live with Dad after the divorce. I'd missed him dearly.

I exit my room and head downstairs to the dining room and sit down. Mum had already served dinner up.

I slowly eat dinner, not having much of an appetite. Takumi and Mum talked about his university work. He's studying law so he can become a detective. It is something he's always dreamed of and is passionate about it. I admired him for it. I wish I had something I was passionate about. I still had no idea what I wanted to study at university, if I even go.

Once I finish my dinner, I grab all the plates and stack them in the sink for Takumi to wash up, before retreating to my bedroom.

***

I let out a groan when my alarm startles me awake. I climb out of bed and go to the bathroom to have a shower and brush my teeth. I pull my new uniform on and grab my bag. I decide to skip breakfast and head out.

It felt weird walking through these streets again. I head to Machi's house which is a few roads away and knock on the door. She opens it immediately and pulls me into a hug.

"Mana! Oh my God, I've missed you so much!" she exclaims, and I eagerly hug her back.

"I've missed you so much too," I say. We pull away and make our way to school.

"I'm so glad I've got you back. I'll have to introduce you to everyone! Although you already know Yuki," she says excitedly. "Have you told Light that you're back?"

I shake my head. "It felt weird to email him out of the blue. We haven't spoken in so long."

"I think he'd be happy to see you again. You two were so close," she nudges me with her elbow. "And you had a massive crush on him!"

My face burns red. "Please don't remind me!"

Machi giggles and nudges me again. "I'm just joking, Manami-chan!"

"Please don't call me Manami-chan," I scold her. We've been friends for so long and she only ever adds -chan when she's teasing me.

"But it sounds so cute!"

I give her a light push that only makes her laugh more.

"Manami, is that you?" A deep voice says from behind. I turn around and see a tall boy with light brown hair. Light Yagami. This only makes Machi giggle more. We stop walking and Light walks up to us.

"Yeah," I reply and give him a wave. I hope he doesn't notice that my cheeks are red, although it could easily be a result of the cold air. I hope he thinks it's because it's cold. "Long time no see."

"Yeah, when did you come back?" he asks.

"Yesterday," I reply simply. I hope he doesn't ask why I'm back. Actually, he probably knows already. His mum is close to mine. It's the main reason why Light and I were friends.

"It's nice to see you again, it has been a long time."

I nod in agreement.

The three of us then walk to school together. To my surprise, I'm placed in Light's class. To my dismay, Machi was not in my class. The only spare seat was one at the back but not the much-loved window side. Annoyingly, Light has that seat. The coveted main character seat. I was lucky to have it in my old school, and I'd spend a lot of the day staring out of it and letting my imagination run wild.

I wasn't surprised to learn that Light is still very popular, especially with the girls. I don't speak to him again that day and spend lunch with Machi, Yuki and Machi's other friends. I tried to remember both of their names but I couldn't, and I felt too awkward to ask them again. I think the girl with the short brown hair is Kyoko, and the other girl with the long black hair is Hana. Yuki stood out in our group with her blonde hair that apparently the teacher's hate and beg her to dye it a more natural colour. Machi's black hair is still kept in a short bob that she had growing up. She did try growing it out once but found it annoying to deal with.

I had light brown hair, and I always had the temptation to dye it darker, especially since I got the hair colour from Mum. Takumi was lucky and he had dark hair like Dad. I always wished I took more after Dad than Mum.

***

"I'm home!" I announce as I shut the front door behind me. I kick my shoes off and head upstairs quickly, not wanting to talk to Mum just yet. I didn't see Takumi's shoes by the front door, so I assume he's still out at university.

I get started on the homework that had been assigned, wanting to complete it quickly before homework ends up swamping me.

The thought of dyeing my hair dark plagues me, so I decide to head out. I head downstairs and slip my shoes on.

"Manami, where are you going?" Mum asks from the kitchen. I poke my head around the door.

"Just going out to grab some bits, I need snacks for studying," I answer, keeping the real reason why I'm heading out to myself. I know she won't approve of me changing my hair colour.

"Okay, just don't fill up on snacks before dinner," she says sternly. I nod and then exit the house.

The walk to the corner shop didn't take me long, but to my surprise I see Light Yagami inside perusing the snack aisle.

"Hi!" I announce and he turns to face me, shock written across his face.

"Yoshikawa-san, I wasn't expecting to see you here."

I roll my eyes at the honorific. I shove him lightly. "Don't call me Yoshikawa-san," I scold. He holds his hands palm facing me in surrender.

"I didn't know if you considered us close enough to drop the politeness," he says defensively. I shrug.

"We were friends for years and grew up together, of course we're close enough." I pick up a bag of crisps.

"Late night study snacks?" he asks me and I nod. "Same."

I grab another packet of crisps and tap my chin as I scan the shelves.

"Oh, my mum asked if you wanted to come for dinner one night this week. She wants to have a catch up."

"Yeah, sounds good. I need to get out of the house more," I reply and give him a smile. "Also, would you mind tutoring me? I'm a bit behind on everything."

"Of course, tomorrow night?"

I nod, a smile crossing my face. "Sounds good!"

A/N: Hi hi! I hope you enjoyed the first chapter! My writing is still a bit rusty so I'll probably come back to edit this in a few chapters. I'm excited to be writing this again! 

Let me know your thoughts and any feedback you have! It will be super helpful (and comments will probably keep me going too!) 

I hope you're all doing well, and I hope to get chapter two up next week!