I Like the Thrill

Chapter 1:The Life I Choose

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of the characters, nor did I profit from this material in any way however I do own all original characters featured in this story.

Chapter 1: The Life I Choose

Eden breathed a small sigh of relief as the last customer left the shop. Her co-worker Yui had left an hour earlier. It had been an usually busy and extensive Thursday in Tokyo, Japan. Although it was mid-April, many people would come into the Shaved Ice Cream shop during their breaks to indulge in the sweet dessert before heading back to their endeavors.

They had gotten quite a lot of business lately and she was more than grateful to close up shop. Between school and her job there often wasn't much time for her to do anything else. Walking up the street towards the direction of her apartment, she couldn't help but miss her family back in America. They weren't too happy about her decision to attend college in another country but after seeing how adamant she was about the subject, they had no choice but to respect her wishes. She'd come to Japan as a foreign exchange student studying Art and Music at the University of Tokyo.

"It might not have been the best decision I ever made now that I think back on it" she thought.

Not that living in Japan was terrible or anything, it just wasn't what she was expected. AT ALL.

Being a mixed race child of African-American, Samoan, and Indian descent with a mane of thick curly hair, a light mocha skin tone and bluish-green eyes, she had known she would stand out among the people of Japan. However, she had not anticipated the attention and intense scrutiny that was often placed on her here. She was frequently bombarded with criticism and stares on a daily basis.

Not to mention all the times a stranger approached her with the intention of taking a photo with her or how her hair was touched and grabbed without her permission. Poking and prodding her as if she were a rare exotic animal. The population in Japan was roughly 98.5% Japanese, so of course it was a rarity to see someone who looked even remotely similar to her in the nation. Despite this, it was still a very unpleasant experience that often left her feeling like an object rather than a person.

But this was the life she choose. Well, at least for the next few years.

The chill of the night air was enough to pull her out of her brooding over her situation.

"Ugh I can't wait to just lay in bed and sleep. It feels like I've been awake for days."

Sluggishly walking into the lobby of the apartment complex where she was staying, Eden breathed a sigh of relief.

"Long day at the shop Eden?" asked Ms Okada. Ms Okada worked at the front desk for the complex. If the resident had a complaint they would come to her about it. She was like a manger more or less. Over the past year, she and the old woman had become very fond of one another, she reminded Eden of a wise, generous grandmother.

"You have no idea" Eden responded as she continued on to her living quarters. The dreadful walk up the stairs long and drawn out.

Turning the key in the lock, she stepped inside her small apartment. Closing the door behind her, she dragged her feet heading towards her bedroom.

Dropping her backpack unceremoniously, she plopped down face first into the bed with a loud groan. This was beginning to be a normal ritual everyday after a long day of school and an even longer day of work. She was mentally and emotionally drained while her muscles ached.

It couldn't be helped unfortunately, she absolutely determined to stay on top or her responsibilities and if feeling worn out everyday was necessity then so be it. She had worked too hard to get where she was and she wasn't going to quit just because things got hard.