Shards of a Broken Butterfly

Chapter II

Morning came and Makoto was on his way to school. But what happened yesterday traumatized him, and he didn't want the other students to see him. 

But on his way, he saw Ayaka. "Hey! Ayaka!" called Makoto. "Oh hey, you're up early." said Ayaka, as she approached him. "I'm early because i don't want the other students to see me and make fun of me.." explained Makoto, looking depressed. "Don't worry, i have an idea" Ayaka exclaimed. "Hold my hand and keep going."

Ayaka held out her hand, but Makoto can't hold it, "I can't.. what if they look at you differently? what if they'll hate you now? you don't wanna hang out with someone like me, i'm too much of a weirdo to even be with someone like you.. i know you.. a lot of guys have a crush on you, teachers adore you, and even the entire student body respects you.. why would you help me?" asked Makoto. "First of all, i don't care how they look at me. and second, i hate guys, their attitude are horrendous, and that's why i broke up with my ex. And look, you're kind, and i don't mind helping you." explained Ayaka. 

Makoto inhaled deeply and held her hand, he blushed, and he felt the warm presence of Ayaka. As they walked towards the school entrance, the other students, surprised with what they are seeing, looked shocked as both Ayaka and Makoto entered the school together. 

"Oh my God. is that Ayaka?! holding hands with that weird new guy?!" "It's Ayaka! what the hell?!" "eew! gross!!"

Makoto was nervous, but as he looked at Ayaka, she looked calm. "Ayaka.." whispered Makoto. "Yes? and you can call me Aya-chan." replied Ayaka. "Thank you for doing this, i promise to repay you someday.." Makoto said, looking down as he smiled. "No need, i just want to help." Ayaka reassured.

As the bell for the first class rang, nobody dared to laugh nor mock Makoto. As recess came, Makoto sat with Ayaka. 

"They stopped teasing me, Aya-chan. Thank you so much for your help again." Makoto politely expressed his gratitude. "No problem, anything for a friend." Ayaka smiled. "A friend?.. i.. you're the first friend i have here.." Makoto said, as he sadly faced downards. "I understand.. But you're kind, and i don't think it's gonna be hard for you to make friends." Ayaka explained. "But, i'm a guy that likes to pick flowers as a hobby.. isn't that.. weird to you?.." asked Makoto. "No. and if that's what you like to do, then that's fine. People can't judge other people based on their actions, rather, on who they are." explained Ayaka. 

As the bell for the next class rang, Makoto bid goodbye to Ayaka and asked himself..

"Judge people on who they are.. huh?.. she's the only girl who thinks like that.."