"Your mother's coming home tomorrow and wanted me to give you this." I took the box from his hands and examined the wrapping. It was definitely hers, considering that fact that it was perfect. My eyes glistened.
"Is she really coming home?" I asked, my voice getting higher. Shoji noticed my body language and nodded with a smile. "She is. She's coming home around noon tomorrow." I widened my eyes and hugged Shoji.
"Thank you for telling me this, Shoji!" I buried my head into his neck, drawn to the warmth. I felt his hands wrap around my waist. "Of course. I'm sure she misses you as much as you miss her." I drew back from the hug.
"I must be going now. I'm picking your mother up later tonight. Please stay safe and have fun." I walked him out to the door. "Thank you, Shoji. I will." He grabbed my head and kissed my forehead.
I watched as his figure disappeared from my sight. Closing the door, I walked towards my bed and opened the box. The box was wide and thin.
Inside it, there was a letter. It was my mother's beautiful hand-writing.
Shoji's been updating me. I'm so proud of you, my daughter.
I placed the note away and uncovered the rest. It was another box. I took the cover off and noticed that it was a sword. A short sword. It was shiny and looked like it was brand new. I noticed the carving on the side.
"Yona Mori." I read out-loud. I eyed the handle. On the bottom of the handle, there was a soft fabric hanging out. I waved the swords around, practicing. It was light-weight and sharp. I looked at my reflection on the sword, noticing my eyes.
I smiled.
-
I gulped as I stood right outside of Ochako's door.
Shit, I forgot my jacket.
I was about to turn back, when a few more people got in. They were unfamiliar.
I played with my fingers, wondering if I should go in or not. I don't particularly belong into a friend group. I was friends with some people, but they have other friends. I don't expect them to worry about me through-out the whole party. I don't want them to.
Deciding that I shouldn't be a coward, I was about to head inside, when I heard a familiar voice. "Yona?" I looked behind me and saw Shinso. My worries were eased when I saw him. He had on a flannel with tight jeans and black converse.
"I didn't think you'd be the type of person to be into parties." I uttered out. Before saying anything, he walked up to me. "Well, a companion of mine and I had a deal. I had to accompany him to this party." He said.
He noticed my fidgeting form and grabbed my hands, which made me blush. I looked down, too afraid to meet his eyes. "You wanna go inside with me?" I looked up at Shinso and nodded quickly. "Thank you..." I whispered.
Once we went in, we noticed how many people there were. I suddenly felt cramped and panicky. My breathing was shaky and there was a weird feeling in my stomach and throat that I didn't like. Shinso took action. "Hey, don't panic. I'm here, okay?"
I tried to drown out as much voice as I can and only listen to Shinso. "Breathe, Yona." He whispered. I closed my eyes and nodded, trying. My lungs feel like they're being squeezed together.
"I- I can't. I need to go somewhere less... crowded. You don't have to come with me, Shinso. Go and have fun with your friend." I pushed his hands away from mine and I walked into the kitchen from the living room. I pushed past everyone and every time their skin made contact with mine, I wanted to run away.
