A Ray of Sunlight

Chapter 6.5 - Playground Bully (Katsunori's POV)

I love this chapter 😍

 Many, many years ago in the elementary school playground, I met him. A tall boy who was 2 years older than me despite being in the same grade (I have a late birthday and went to school earlier than other kids because mom had to go to work). We were in the same class but he never talked to me until today. I was the loner because I have trouble talking to people and relating to them so that wasn't really helpful. I grew up not really talking to anyone with the exception of my mom but that's it.

I tried talking to her about my problems but she always said to study hard and one day, studying hard can land me in a job that was high paying and I could be sitting in a mansion as everyone else worked for me. I doubt that's how it worked but I believed her. Deep down, I think my mom also wanted me to have friends but she doesn't have much expectations for me.

Kaito on the other hand was one of the most popular boys in the school due to his father working as the captain of the defense force and his nice personality. Everyone wanted to be his friend and he was always invited to everything. Homework study? Sure I'll be there. Birthday party? Sounds great! A game of tag? Okay! He was invited to everything. I wasn't. I wanted to be just like him when I grew up. Popular and well known.

I remember on that day, we were sitting in the school playground and it was quite chilly. I had forgotten my coat and was too shy to ask the teacher if I could get it so I was sitting on the bench, shivering. I saw the shadow on the floor and when I looked up, I saw a couple of older kids surrounding me.

"Hi idiot. Why are you sitting all by yourself? Do you need some company?" A kid said. His hands were red from the cold.

"Really?" I was hopeful that perhaps I finally found friends.

"Yeah, just stand up and we can go play." Another one said. This one had a drippy nose.

I stood up and Drippy Nose pushed me down.

"Ha, you really think anyone would want to be friends with you?" A kid with sharp ears said.

They laughed at me and I just stared back at them. When they were done laughing, I tried getting up but Red Hand pushed me down and that was a sign for them to all start hitting me.

"Stop, stop!" I cried but they didn't listen. Bruises were starting to form on my forearms. "Stop...stop!"

"Stop!" I heard a loud, bold voice telling the bullies to stop."What are you guys doing?!" Kaito said, walking in front of me, blocking me from the bullies. "Bullying people isn't a good thing to do."

"Ehhh...sorry." Sharp Ears said but it seemed like he didn't really mean it.

"Not to me." Kaito said and pointed to me.

When they didn't apologize, Kaito grabbed Sharp Ear's collar and lifted his hands, threatening to punch him. Kaito was a little shorter than the other bullies so I was anxious if they would start hitting Kaito too.

"Sorry...kid." They all said. Kaito released Sharp Ears and they ran away.

Kaito reached out his hand and I grabbed it.

"What's your name?" Kaito said. "Mine is Kaito."

"I'm Katsunori." I said shyly. Kaito was a lot braver than me and I admired him. He was so cool.

"That's a good name, Katsunori. It must be quite cold in only your sweater."

"Uhh yeah. I left my coat upstairs but it's okay."

"Okay, wait for me here." Kaito said and before waiting for my response, he ran away.

I waited for sometime and I thought perhaps Kaito ran away to play with the other kids but then I felt the presence of a coat on my shoulders. When I turned around, Kaito was there.

"It took me some time to find your coat but I found it!" He said proudly.

That was the start of our friendship.

Please ignore the bad grammar 💀