A Year To Remember

Chapter 0 " Prologue "

"I can't believe it's actually summer already..."

My name is Kevin Pambudi. Right now, I'm on a student exchange program in Japan. I'm 16, and I'm in 11th grade. I'm living with my aunt and uncle, which is... different.

Two months ago, my school—one of the top private schools in Indonesia—set up an exchange with a prestigious school in Japan. They said it was for "research purposes," whatever that means. They picked me because I scored highest in Japanese and English. I knew coming here wouldn't be easy; making friends in Japan is... complicated. Not like back home, where things just feel easier. Even though I'd always dreamed about living here—probably watched one too many anime as a kid—it turns out the real Japan isn't exactly what I imagined. At least, not if you're a foreigner.

It's been two months, and... still no friends. After school, I just go back to my uncle's place and talk to my friends back in Indonesia. Never thought I'd end up a loner like this—well, a half-loner. Only ten more months to go... but maybe, just maybe, something will change. A lot can happen in eight months, right?

Phone rings

"How's it going over there? Must be wonderful, hmm? You've dreamed of this since you were tiny!" my mom says, laughing.

"Mom, if having zero friends and repeating the same routine day in and day out for a year is what you call 'wonderful,' then, sure, I'm living the dream."

She chuckles. "Sweetheart, you're so dramatic! Why don't you give it a try? Even one friend would make things feel different."

"Trust me, I've tried. It's not easy. They're just... it's like they already have their own groups. They don't really need anyone new." I sigh, feeling the frustration settle in. "I mean, maybe I'm just bad at this."

"Listen, Kevin," she says warmly, "sometimes you've got to start with just one thing in common. Like, anime or manga. That's something you all have, right? It's a start."

I exhale. "If only it were that easy! I've been trying for two months, and guess what? Still no friends, Mom."

"Well, then, just keep being yourself. You'll find your way." She laughs softly. "But I'll let you go now—good luck, Mr. Too-Cool-for-Friends!"

sigh

Man, I miss Indonesia already.