More Than Friends

Prologue

A pleasant smell woke me up. It was the smell of breakfast cooking. Rolling onto my side, I slowly rise and rub my forehead tiredly. I'd like nothing better than to just sleep all day. But of course, that's not an option. I reluctantly force myself sit up, kicking the covers off my legs and shuffling to the door, shoving it open. As I walk to the dining room, I listen to what my mother and my older brother are discussing.

"I don't wanna go back to that place! It's not any fun for me and my group, and we don't learn anything important!" exclaims, his shoulder brushing against mine as he passes by, marching back upstairs. I shake my head distastefully, glancing over my shoulder at him, then over to my mom. I didn't know what I should say to her.

"You're entering high school today. I hope you have a good day. Maybe even make some new friends." she said, smiling tiredly at me. She didn't respond to what Taro said or speak of what they were arguing about.

"I guess we'll see what happens. Taro is being a stupid brat." I tell her, picking up my glass and draining it quickly.

"Yes, I know, ." She sighs, wrapping her gentle hands around her cup of coffee. "But he's at that wild and careless age. He'll be better behaved if I let him sleep more."

"He's just as bad as Ikuto. No wonder they're friends. They're both sneaky troublemakers. " I mutter, biting into the thick piece of toast on my plate. Taro's behavior looks like it's taking a toll on Mom. She seems so worn out. More than usual.

The room was silent, other than the sounds of chewing and setting cups down.

I rise from my seat, gathering my glass and plate and setting them down in the sink. "It'll be fine, okay? You should relax a little." I murmur to my mother, feeling bad for her. She slowly nods.

"You should get ready...you don't want to keep Ikuto waiting." she tells me monotonously. Taking the hint, I hurry upstairs to get changed for school.

"If he makes me late on the first day, I swear that he'll regret it." I grumble, taking my uniform out of the closet and tossing it onto my bed.

Let's see if I lose my mind today.