Strawberry Kiss

five

chapter five:
first

Did I see it coming? Probably yes.

Was I satisfied? Yes.

What am I talking about? I passed.

Yeah. Seems like, I am a bit of a genius. I am quite proud to say that I didn't even study at that but, here I am, I passed with flying colors. Then I got to fill-out some files before becoming officially enrolled to the school. To which my Dad and I celebrated out of the apartment.

I was getting sick from staying inside the apartment without getting out (metaphorically of course) so I was excited to go out and see a bit of Japan. The beach I was into in the few days earlier, had this good restaurant and it was worth it.

I like hearing the sounds of the waves, its rather calming. I won't lie that I did hope that he was going to be there. That I might accidentally bump into him or something, but unfortunately, it was just my wishful thinking.

Then the later days, I spent my time and days catching up. And my time, dear me, weren't spent with me on the couch, but on the floor as I try and scribble notes and answer. It was hard since I haven't really listened in the past lectures of mine, especially in mathematics. And then the characters in japanese is hard and confusing for me, I have to rewrite because always forget that its written from right to left. And oh god, the kanjis. Am I going to survive? Doubtful.

But I managed in English. But since all of my subjects, except English, is written in this place's mother tongue, it erupted a desire to truly learn the language and be a pro at it. To master writing and reading and pronouncing it right. And my father has never been so supporting. He helps me with my japanese, and math.

And in the end, I am tasked to pass the modules to the school to which I interacted with some students who were busy with their quarter exam. As so I am. And when the time had come, I was given the exam papers in my home. And with the presence of one teacher, I answered all of it. And when it ended, I feel so drained out. My Papa then congratulates me.

And when November came, I am in front of the school gates with other japanese kids entering the school. Did I mention that I will be knowing my class section today? If not, then now you know.

For the past years, I have never cared where I'm put as long as I don't have any failing grades, which of course changes in the two years. My grades is dropping, almost near to fail. Can't help it, my mom was sick and my dad's rarely home and, many things happened. And now, here I am. In a new place, in a new school and in the midst of sea of strangers—that have a chance of becoming my friends. But I must not get my hopes high.

As I follow the students inside, I notice some of the students I'm following is going into a big white board or most probably a bulletin board where some papers was seen. And they were murmuring with each other. Curious, I tried to squeeze into until I got a good view from the bulletin board.

There were papers of announcements, and one paper caught my attention, literally. It has ‘Exclusive News!’ written in bold and then under it is the news of a new exchange student, and--

"That's my name. Why is my name there?" I whispers, which was heard by some students beside me. And then more eyes look at me until I realize my mistake. I shouldn't have said that.

"Hi?" Ring! Good thing, the bell rang. I am saved by the bell, before hurrying myself to the faculty office. And dear God, that was stressing.