Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

I woke up while I gasped for air and quickly sat on my bed. I dreamt about…that day again…

I begin to breathe slowly to calm myself down. I move my feet from the bed to the floor and sit properly. I looked at the time on my alarm clock to see what time it was. ‘6:00 am’ it said. Ah, today is the day.

I looked over to see my little brother Yuta asleep on his bed across from mine. He had to get up soon, or auntie would yell at us. I stretched my arms out and yawned before I stood up from my bed. I walked over to my brother’s side of the bed. I looked down at him, sleeping peacefully under the blankets, before smiling at him.

“Yuta.” I gently shook his shoulder to wake him. “Hm.” He grunted tiredly. “Yuta. Come on.” I begged as I shook his shoulder. “Hmmm.” Yuta grunted while he was still asleep. “Yuta come on, auntie will have our heads if we aren’t up.” I said as I shook him again. “Hmmm.” He grunted while asleep still before he covered himself with his sheets.

No luck still. “Really?” I asked, all annoyed. “Hmmm mmm.” Yuta mumbled. I sighed, feeling defeated, but I knew auntie wouldn’t be happy. I had to get him up. “Yuta, for the love of God, come on.” I said as I pulled his sheet off of him, to his surprise and annoyance. He looks at me with tired eyes. I smirked that he was finally up.

“Ever heard of 5 more minutes?” He asked, all annoyed. “Which ends up being an hour later, but auntie won’t allow it.” I teased. Yuta pouted before wrapping his arms around my neck and wrestling me to his bed. I laughed as I playfully fought back. “Curse you.” He grunted as he continued to wrestle me back.

This didn’t last awhile because we knew auntie wanted us up by now, and we should be getting ready for our first day of school. “Oh shit!” We both said as we fell off Yuta’s bed and landed on the floor together. We grunted in pain before we began to laugh. “Ohayo.” I said. “Ohayo.” He said. I stood up first before I helped him to stand up by having him take my hand.

We then heard a knock on our door. “Are you boys up yet?” We heard our auntie’s voice outside our door. “Hai!” We both said at the same time. Just then, our auntie comes into the room. “Ohayo.” She said kindly. “Ohayo.” We both said as Yuta yawned and stretched his arms.

“I heard you two wrestling again.” She said as she raised an eyebrow. “Yes, but not in that way auntie.” I said as I chuckled. “Well he deserved it because he was bullying me to get up!” Yuta whined playfully. “I’m not allowing a lazy ass in my house still. If anyone is late for something important, that’s your fault.” She said with a strict tone. “Hai. Gomennesai auntie.” Yuta said as he bowed slightly. “Hai hai. Just remember next time Yuta. But know I’m here for you boys as always.” She said kindly this time. We smiled back at our auntie when she said that.

“Anyways, boys, go clean yourselves up. I’m gonna iron your uniforms before I cook breakfast.” Our auntie said as she walked away with the door open still. Yuta and I stood silent there, momentarily realizing it was our first day of High School. We are becoming first years. We haven’t been in school for a while.

“We should get ready, shouldn’t we?” Yuta asked as he broke the silence. “Yeah.” I said with a soft smile. We both walked out of our bedrooms to prepare for the big day.

I was in the bathroom washing myself up in the shower. Yuta was in the other bathroom to wash up. I began thinking about how my school year was going to be. It will be good for me and Yuta to make new friends, have teachers help us in the classroom, and attend social gatherings such as school festivals. My uncle said we might get a girlfriend there.
I smiled at the thought of my uncle saying that Yuta and I would get girlfriends in high school. They said they are the best. I also found it funny that my aunt scolded him that he doesn’t think college girlfriends are the best since they met in college.

Yuta and I haven’t had the fun school memories outside of homeschool. We have been homeschooled. We missed out on the fun days in elementary school and middle school. Yuta and I were bullied a lot for being homeschooled and being quiet by one boy in our neighborhood. They said the ones who are homeschooled don’t deserve anyone.
“Mamo…”

I gasped as I fell to my knees on the shower floor, and my head began to hurt. I grunted in pain as I held my head. Everything was coming back to me. The bullying that me and my brother had to deal with. Also, that horrible day. That came back to me, which my brother and I had to experience as a child. Why is it hurting me like this right now?

“Awww Mamo. Still trying to be your happy self after you try to erase the pain throughout the years?”

Oh no…not you again.

The voice I hear in my head… It’s been living with me ever since I was young. It’s like possessing me. But it’s been haunting me ever since. And it won’t go away.

I returned to reality when I heard a knock on the other side of the bathroom door. I opened my eyes wide before I stood up on my feet to finish my shower.

“Mamo?” It was my auntie. “Hai auntie?” I asked. “You alright?” She asked. “Yeah!” I answered. “Don’t be in the shower too long! Also, your uniform is ready, and come down for breakfast! Don’t be too long, or the food will get cold!” I heard her voice fading away, sounding like she was walking away. “Hai auntie!” I said as I finished up my shower.

I have had these moments ever since I was a kid. My aunt and uncle would worried when I’m like this. It wasn’t a good idea to lie to my aunt, like telling her how I felt in the shower. But I couldn’t tell her what I just had now.

Who is haunting me in my head when my horrible memories come to me like an evil spirit?

After showering, I stepped out of the bathroom with a bathrobe on. I saw Yuta coming out of the other bathroom wearing a bathrobe. “You ready?” I asked. “Yeah.” He said. I smiled at him as he smiled back at me before we headed to our bedroom.

We saw our school uniforms lying neatly on our beds when we entered our room. We notice a small piece of paper on top of our uniforms. We headed over to our beds and looked at the notes that auntie had written for us.

Good luck in school today, boys! We believe in you, and congratulations on your first day of High School! - love auntie and uncle

I smiled at the note as I heard my brother chuckle at how sweet it was of them to write that for us. I then looked at my school uniform lying on top of my bed. I looked at my brother, who then looked at me.

“Our first school uniforms.” He said awkwardly with a laugh. I laughed awkwardly with him but agreed with him.

We then changed into the uniform. I looked at myself in the mirror wearing my…school uniform. I couldn’t believe it. My first school uniform. Yuta comes next to me with him…in his…school uniform. He smiles at me softly to see me in a uniform as well.

“You look great.” Yuta smiled. “You as well.” I smiled back as I commented on my little brother in his first uniform. He chuckled shyly before he frowned and looked down. I stared at him, all worried. “I wish they were still here.” He said sadly. I knew what he was talking about and agreed with him. “Yeah…” I said sadly.

I could see in my brother’s eyes that he was about to cry. I pulled him into a hug for his comfort. He slowly accepts my hug back to comfort me as well. “Did they have to go that soon? Why them?” He asked. “I don’t know. But what happened to them was heartbreaking.” I said as I tried not to cry as well.

I then heard the door knock outside of our room. “Yuta! Mamo! You two done changing?” We pulled away from our hug as we heard auntie’s voice outside of our door. “Hai!” We both said at the same time. “Come out now since you two are done and breakfast is ready!” We heard auntie’s voice before she walked away. I looked at my brother with a soft smile. “Let’s go.” I said. Yuta smiled back at me with a nod before we headed out of our bedrooms to have breakfast with our aunt and uncle.

“Ah oh my goodness! You two look so handsome!” Our auntie exclaimed happily. Yuta and I laughed shyly. “Hey darling! Look at your nephews!!” Our aunt called out our uncle. Our uncle comes in from the living room and looks at us. “Ahh! You boys do look really fine indeed in those uniforms!” Our uncle exclaimed happily. Yuta and I chuckled shyly again. “I will do photos after breakfast!” Our aunt exclaimed happily.

We sat down in the dining room to have our breakfast. “Itadakimasu!” We said before we enjoyed our breakfast. “Hey now, boys! Let me tell you, High School is the best thing to ever happen for you two.” Our uncle smiled. Yuta and I look up at our uncle. “You will have the best teachers with amazing subjects to learn about, joining these fun clubs, going to these school festivals, and making new friends, which would be great.” Our uncle said.

Yuta and I haven’t been with friends for a long time. We never had the chance to see anyone outside of the family by only hanging out with our cousins, but now they got older and got jobs. We hardly see them nowadays, and also they moved away to a different city or another country. “Also, you might find a girlfriend there.” Our uncle laughed. “Eh?!” Yuta and I said simultaneously and stared at our uncle, surprised while we were blushing so hard.

This talk again?! I should have known he would bring this up again, even on my first day! Will I be able to find the girl one day? I don’t know if a girl would like me if I mess up. Also…I don’t know if the girl will like me based on what’s happening to me, and I can’t describe what is wrong with me.
“Now come on boys, High School girlfriends are amazing! Really smart and ad-OW!” My uncle was interrupted when our aunt slapped the back of his head. “So you think a High School girlfriend is better than a college girlfriend like me?!” Our aunt scolded our uncle. “You are better than the previous girls I dated in High School!” Our uncle exclaimed. “The previous girls you dated in High School?! And you found them cuter than college girls?!” Our aunt yelled. “I was young, my love!” Our uncle exclaimed.
Yuta and I sat there awkwardly as our aunt and uncle bickered like children before we looked at each other and couldn’t help but laugh as it was starting to get funny. Our aunt is feisty and bossy but is caring and hardworking. Our uncle is a kind and caring man and is a jokester. They are always like this, but they love each other.

After breakfast, our aunt took photos of me and Yuta in our uniforms in the living room. She took a few of me and Yuta and then us with our uncle and her. “Ahhh, they look so good!! I can’t wait to put them on the photo album and hang them!” She exclaimed happily. Our aunt loves to take photos on these kinds of occasions.

“Now boys, since your first day of school for the first time…” Our uncle was about to say what we knew we had to do. “We know.” Yuta and I said at the same time. Our aunt and uncle stare sadly at us as we head to the living room.

As we got to the living room, Yuta and I kneeled in front of the altars…of our parents.

Our parents died in a car accident when we were young. Our aunt and uncle took us to their home to take care of us as their guardians. But we weren’t our usual happy selves when we returned to school and decided to take time off…since we lost our parents at a young age. Our family supported us to let us know they were there for us.

“Hey mama…papa…” We both said at the same time, yet shakily. “Today is our first day…of High School…and we will do our best for you two…” We said.

Every day…my brother and I wished our parents were still with us. We try our best to be ourselves for them…but it’s still hard.

*flashback from that night, eight years ago*

I slowly opened my eyes as I woke up in an unfamiliar room and found myself lying on a bed. I couldn’t sit up since my body was in much pain. All I could do was look around to see where I was. I realized I wasn’t in my clothes anymore. I was wearing a gown with bandages on my arms and felt some on my face, like on my forehead and cheek. I was at the hospital…what happened? Where is my family?

“Mamo?” I looked to my right to see who called my name and saw my aunt and uncle sitting on chairs beside my bed. I saw a doctor standing behind them with a nurse next to him. “Auntie? Uncle?” I asked, all confused and also surprised. My aunt looked like she was about to cry, and my uncle also. “Oh thank goodness!” My aunt exclaimed as she got out of her seat and hugged me. Was I in an accident?

“What happened?” I asked, all confused but scared. “You and your brother were in a coma for a couple of days from a car accident you both suffered.” The doctor said. Is Yuta still alive? “Where’s my brother? Where’s Yuta?!” I cried and looked around where my brother was as my aunt tried to calm me down from panicking.

“Mamo?” I heard my little brother’s voice in the same room as me. I turned around and saw my little brother lying on the hospital bed, looking at me. His face was scarred up and had bandages on his cuts, with some on his head, cheek, and arms. “Yuta?” I asked. There was silence for a moment. “Onii-chan…” He said as he reached his weak arm. I felt tears coming down from my eyes. “Nii-chan!” I cried as I was about to jump off the bed, but my aunt stopped me to prevent me from hurting myself.

“Wait, Mamo! You can’t leave the bed yet until the doctor says so!” my aunt yelled. “We can let him see his brother for the moment. We just have to detach his tubes.” The doctor said as he came over to detach my tubes from my arms. The nurse carries me to my brother’s bedside before setting me on his bed.

“Onii-chan!” My brother cried as he sat up to hug me. “Nii-chan!” I cried as I embraced my brother in my arms. “Yuta!! Thank goodness you are alive!!” I sobbed so hard as I held my brother tight in my arms. “Mamo onii-chan!” I heard my little brother sobbing against my chest. I never thought I would see him again. I didn’t want to let him go after what we had been through.

“Where’s mama and papa?” Yuta asked. Now he mentioned that…Where are our parents? Please let them be okay.

“Where are our parents?” I asked as I looked at the doctor. Yuta and I looked at the doctor and my aunt and uncle, who had a sad look on their faces. “You boys and your parents were in an accident. You two managed to make it…But I am very sorry to say…your parents didn’t make it.” The doctor said sadly.

My brother and I stared in shock at what the doctor said. Our aunt was sobbing uncontrollably in our uncle’s arms while our uncle was comforting her as he was crying as well. Yuta held on to me as he began to cry uncontrollably on my chest and held on to me tightly.

“No way…” I said, shocked to hear what the doctor said…our parents are dead. Tears began running down my eyes as I was shocked and devastated.

“Oh poor little Mamo to loose your parents like that.”

I heard that voice in my head that I heard from earlier when I was coming to the hospital. Please, what do you want from me?

“You can try to be the happy angel all you want even though your parents are gone…but I know you won’t forget this memory even though you to try.”

“It will haunt you like a nightmare forever.”

*End of Flashback*

I gasped as I snapped back to reality. I took deep breaths slowly to breathe appropriately. Why? Why can’t I usually think without being like this? I still think of my parents a lot since I miss them a lot…I loved them very much…but…thinking about that night…Why can’t I remember the good times I had with my parents?

“Mamo?” I turned to the right to see Yuta looking at me worried. “Yeah?” I asked. “You alright?” He asked. “Oh…yeah…gomen… It’s just…” I looked away from him momentarily as a tear began to roll down from my eye. I felt my brother’s finger on my cheek. I looked at him as he had a sad, soft smile.

“I know…I miss them too…I can’t forget that memory as well… let’s give them our best out there today.” He said. I smiled softly at him at what he said. He’s just like mom. Bright and kind. Also, our dad is a tease but caring. Yuta said I’m like them as well.

“Boys…” We turned around and saw our aunt and uncle at the doorway entrance looking at us. “You are gonna be late. Your parents don’t want you two to be late on your first day.” Our aunt said softly. “Yeah.” Yuta and I said before we looked at our parents’ altar one last time.

“Mama…Papa…We will do our best out there for you. Wish us luck.”
We said before we bowed at them. My brother and I stand up on our feet. We turned away from the altar before leaving the living room with our aunt and uncle.
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Yuta and I stood in front of the gate of our school. Kiyose Hiro High School. This is gonna be our high school until we graduate. We want High School to be the best next three years for us. We missed our Middle School years due to being depressed from our parents’ death. We were homeschooled by doing it online. It wasn’t fun for us still. We didn’t want to miss out on our years in High School. So here we go.

“It’s big.” Yuta said while he was looking at the school. “Yeah. It is.” I said as I was looking at the school as well. We saw a lot of people our age going to the school. “Hey, boys. You should be lucky that you two are going to this school. I heard this is the best school ever.” Our aunt said. “Yeah. This school has the best classes, great teachers, great clubs, they throw the best school festivals and-oh! They have adorable High School girls here!” Our uncle exclaimed cheerfully. “EH?!” My brother and I yelled at him the first time in embarrassment when he said that in public.

“Ahh kaw-OW!” Our uncle was interrupted when our aunt pinched his cheek so hard. “SHUT UP! YOU ARE SOUNDING LIKE A PERVERT WHILE YOUR WIFE IS IN FRONT OF YOU!” Our aunt scolded him. “Ahhh!! OW! Darling, it was just a compliment!” Our uncle yelled.

My brother and I were awkward out by this since we were in public. “Hey, auntie, care to do photos before we go in?” Yuta asked happily to have this argument end already. “Ah hai hai!” Our aunt exclaimed happily as she grabbed her camera out of her bag.

Our aunt got a photo of me and Yuta in front of the school. She also did one with our uncle and then just her before doing one as a family. “Ahhh these are so good!” Our aunt exclaimed happily. “We wish you boys good luck on your first day!” Our uncle exclaimed happily.

8 years they have been raising us. They had a son who’s our older cousin Ken. We hardly remember him. Our aunt told us they didn’t have the best relationship with him as he got older when hanging out with people he shouldn’t and did many bad things. We never saw him on special family occasions such as Christmas, family gatherings, and birthdays. He moved out of their place before finishing High School.

Our aunt and uncle raised him with love and respect, like how they raised me and my brother. We loved them and respected how much they put a lot of hard work into supporting us after we lost our parents. They loved them deeply. Our uncle is our father’s older brother. They were really close when they were young. Our aunt and mother may never been blood-related, but they were like sisters to each other.

They were devastated as well when they died. Our uncle lost a brother, and our aunt lost someone who was like a sister to her. But they promised to themselves and our parents to have us live the best days of our lives as we grew older.

“Hai.” My brother and I smiled softly at them.
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Yuta and I were in the school auditorium as they were about to do the opening ceremony for us. We were sitting way back of the auditorium. We hardly knew anyone. Everyone has known each other since Middle School, lived in the same neighborhood, or knew each other since Elementary School.

Yuta and I didn’t have anyone. Just ourselves. Our uncle tells us making friends in High School is great. He had the best time in his life in High School. He said Middle School was okay, but High School is the best. Our aunt said High School can have its ups and downs. We hope we make the best memories in High School as well.

Everyone became quiet as the principal came on stage and arrived at the podium to give his speech.

“Mina’san, Ohayo gozaimasu. It is an honor to have you join us this school year. I am happy to see the same old faces from the past years and new faces this year.” He said with a bright smile on his face.

We stood there listening to the headmaster’s speech. He gave out the rules we should listen to, or we will be in trouble if we don’t listen. He also mentioned the school festivals, clubs, and future activities such as plays and sports day. He also said they have strict rules about bullying, fighting, plagiarism, cheating, spreading rumors, and gossiping.

I was going to have some good school years here. I looked at my brother, who was softly smiling. I could tell this was gonna be great for him.
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After the ceremony, Yuta and I head to our assigned getabakos. We were next to each other. “Looks like we are neighbors.” Yuta joked, causing us to laugh as we put on our slippers and put our shoes in our locker.

My brother and I head to the hallway to go to our homeroom. It was a huge school. There were a lot of students, of course. Trying to find their homeroom like me and my brother.

“Hey, I’m gonna use the bathroom. Do you have to go?” Yuta asked. “No, I’m good. I will wait here for you. You be good on your own?” I asked my brother. “I will be fine. I will text you if I end up in our homeroom.” He joked as he headed to the bathroom. I shook my head as I chuckled.

Seeing my brother in that state makes me smile. He was also like that at home. He has been his happy self ever since he was little. He did his best to be that after we lost our parents. I was doing the same for him as well. Both of us couldn’t stand looking depressed at each other. But we had each other.

I stood in the hallway while leaning against the wall to avoid being in people’s way while waiting for my brother. He was taking a long time. Though it is a big school. He must have ended up in homeroom. I grab my phone from my schoolbag to check if Yuta texted me.

I felt something hit my foot. I looked down at the floor from my phone to see what it was. It was a book. I put my phone in my bag and crouched to pick up the book. I stood up and read the front title of the book. ‘The Hobbit’, it said on the front cover.

I then notice a piece of paper between the pages of the book. On the top page of the paper, sticking out between the pages, it said class schedule on top. I didn’t want to go through pages that would be going through someone’s stuff, but I had to return it to its rightful owner. I looked around and was about to ask a few people if this book belonged to one of them.

As I was about to ask someone about the book, “What the? Where’s my book?!” I heard a female’s voice shout. I see a blonde-haired girl going through her bag, looking for something. I couldn’t see her face due to her long blonde hair covering the side of her face. “And my class schedule?! How did I lose it?!” She panicked.

I realized I was holding her book. I took a deep breath to not feel nervous. It’s not like she’s gonna be the first girl I’m gonna fall in love with. I’m just a bit nervous about meeting new people.

I walked over to the girl, still looking for her book in her bag. “Excuse me? Is this the book you are looking for?” I asked. I held the book out to her. She looks at the book. She then slowly looks up at me. She gasped as she stood up straight while looking at me, all surprised.

I looked at the girl in awe based on her appearance. Her skin was like the snow and moonlight. I looked into her eyes, though one was blue on the right and the other was green on the left. Her long blonde hair had wavy curls which was reaching to her chest. She was beautiful. Really beautiful. She looks like a supermodel. But to me, she was like a princess from a storybook.

“Ah…gomen. I didn’t mean to startled you. I meant to give you this.” I said shyly with a small smile as I held out her book. “Eh?” She looks at the book in my hand. “Oh! Yes, that’s my book!” She said happily and took the book from my hand. “I was scared of losing this. It’s one of my favorite books. I got it when I was a little girl. Arigato gozaimasu.” She bowed slightly. “Hai.” I smiled.

“Oh my schedule also is in there. I was afraid that I would of wander around campus all day on my first day.” She joked as she laughed. I giggled at her small joke. “Wouldn’t want that also.” I joked back. She laughed softly as well.

“I’m Luna, by the way.” She smiled softly at me as she introduced herself and bowed slightly. “I’m Mamoru. Mamo for short.” I smiled as I bowed slightly also. “You heading to your homeroom or waiting for someone?” She asked. “I am waiting for my brother, who’s in the bathroom, before we head to our homeroom so we aren’t lost.” I smiled. “Ah, I see. I am waiting for my friend, who’s also in the bathroom, before we head to our homeroom.” She said softly.

“Looks like we are on the same page.” I joked again. She giggles softly at my joke. “Seems like it.” She smiled softly as I chuckled at her response. “If you don’t mind me asking, who’s your homeroom teacher?” She asked me kindly. “Oh not a problem.” I smiled as I began to grab my schedule out of my bag to get to know my homeroom teacher as well.

“Mamo-onii!” Surprisingly, I heard a familiar voice call my name and an arm wrapped around me. It was Yuta. I looked at him, surprised with him smiling at me. “Oh. Hey Yuta.” I smiled back at him. “Found you.” He teased. “I’m surprised you did without getting lost.” I teased. “Oi oi.” He said, a bit annoyed yet playfully as I giggled.

Luna giggled at us. I stopped giggling and forgot she was here still. “Oh, konnichiwa.” Yuta said as he looked at her. “Hello. You must be Mamo’s brother.” Luna said with a smile on her face. “Hai. I’m Yuta. Hajimaste.” He said as he bowed slightly. “Hajimaste.” She said as she bowed slightly to Yuta. “Did I interrupt something?” Yuta asked as he whispered in my ear. I blushed to realize what he meant by that.

“Luna-chan!” Just then, a female student comes next to Luna, who appears to be her friend. She had shoulder-length brown hair half pulled by a small ponytail with a black bow. She had hazel brown eyes, and her skin was fair. Luna was taller than the girl, which seems to be based on her height. She was pretty and cute. I looked to see how my brother was looking at her. He stares at her in awe and thinks she’s the most beautiful girl he has ever met. “You did not.” I whispered back in a teasing way.

“Ah, Sana!” Luna smiles at her. “Sorry, I took a while. It was crowded in the bathroom.” The known as Sana said. “Don’t worry. I met two new faces while I was waiting for you.” Luna said as she introduced us to her friend. “Ah, Konnichiwa. I’m Sana.” She smiled as she bowed. “Hajimaste. I’m Mamoru, but you can call me Mamo for short. This is my brother Yuta.” I smiled as I bowed. “Ah h-h-h-hai! I’m Yuta. Hajimaste.” My brother finally snapped back to reality.

Sana smiles at my brother as he smiles back at her. “Looking for your homeroom as well?” She asked. “Ah hai. We are looking for…” I looked for my homeroom teacher’s name on the schedule that I was holding in my hand. “Ikeda Junji in Room A-101.” I said. “Ah, that’s our homeroom teacher as well.” Luna smiled. “Ah, hontoni?” I asked. “Surprising it is, but be happy to walk with you boys if that’s alright?” Luna asked. “Quite alright.” I said shyly. “Hai.” My brother agreed. The girls smiled at us as we made our homeroom with them.

“So where you boys from?” Sana asked. “Our parents moved a lot. I was born in Saitama which is where our father is from.” I said. “Sugoi Mamo.” Luna smiled at me, making me smile back at her. “I was born in Osaka which is where our mother is from.” Yuta said. “Oh you are from Osaka?!” Sana asked happily. “You are from Osaka as well?!” Yuta asked happily.

“Sugoi!” Sana exclaimed happily, making my brother smile. “And you, Luna?” I asked. “London. I’m from England.” Luna smiled. “Oh really?” I asked. “Hai.” She smiled. “Wow.” I smiled. My brother and I continued our conversation with the girls to get to know them more before we finally reached our homeroom.

We stand beside the girls against the wall with the other students before the teacher tells us where we are sitting for the rest of the school year. We were still talking with the girls before the teacher arrived. I was enjoying my conversation with Luna. May have just met her, but she was really a kind person to enjoy your company with.

“Ohayo! So sorry I’m late.” Just then, our teacher walked into the room, and everyone became quiet and looked at the teacher. He sets his bag down and then writes his name on the black chalkboard before he looks at us. “I am your homeroom teacher for the rest of the school year, Ikea Junji.” He smiled. “Also, welcome students to your first year of High School. It’s an honor to have a bunch of new faces in my classroom. I also teach History for the first years, and I look forward to seeing you all again if you take that class. Right now, I will call out your names to assign seats for the year.” Our teacher said as he grabbed his clipboard from his podium.

“Uchida Yuma-san at seat 1 up front. Myoui Mina is at seat 2 up front. Luna Knight at seat 3 up front.” A few students, along with Luna, head to their assigned seats. “Miyano Mamoru at seat 4 up front. Milano Yuta at seat 5 up front.” My brother’s and my name was called. We headed to our assigned seats, and I blushed to realize I would sit next to Luna.

“Minatozaki Sana at seat 6 up front.” Ikeda-sensei said. I looked at my brother as he blushed to realize he would be sitting next to Sana. “Lucky day for you.” I whispered in a teasing tone to my brother. “Same to you.” He whispered back to me in a teasing tone like me. I chuckled quietly as he did as well.

Finally, when the teacher assigned seats to the students, we sat down at our seats. Luna looks at me and smiles at me. I blushed but smiled back at her.
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After homeroom, Yuta and I looked at our class schedules to know what classes we were taking. We are taking the same classes but at different times except for music class, which is our last class. “Same classes but different times.” My brother said. “Yeah. We will still see each other at lunch, homeroom, and music class. And we will make new friends.” I told my brother with a soft smile. He smiled back at me as he agreed with me on that.

You may consider me and my brother inseparable since we were homeschooled. We do want to live our own lives and make the best of it since it’s the first time in our life to make some friends.

Just then, I saw Luna walk to me and Yuta with Sana. “Hey.” They smiled. “Hey.” My brother and I both smiled at them. “Sana and I were thinking if you boys like to join us for lunch at the rooftop with our friends?” Luna asked. I looked at my brother, who was smiling at the idea of it, as I was as well.

“Be happy to join.” I said. “Hai.” My brother smiled. “Ah yay!” Sana cheered. Luna smiles at our response and chuckles at Sana’s cute reaction. “Looking forward to it. I guess I will see you boys at lunch.” Luna said. “What happens if we might see each other before lunch.” I joked. The girls chuckled at my joke. “What’s your first class of the day if you… don’t mind me asking.” I said shyly, trying not to sound like a stalker to the girls.

Way to go, Mamo, to look like an idiot to two girls you and your brother met on your first day of school. It seems fine to ask that kind of question. Still, they just met me and hardly know me and my brother.

“Oh, don’t worry about asking that. I was about to head to Pre-Calculus with Kido Ito-sensei.” Luna answered. “I have World History with Ishioka Kento-sensei.” Sana answered with a smile. I looked at my schedule in my hands and blushed to realize that I would be in the same class as her. “Funny you said that, my first class is also Pre-Calculus with Kido-sensei.” I smiled shyly at Luna. “Hontoni?” Luna asked with a bright smile. “Hai.” I smiled. “As for you, Sana, I will be in your first class as well since I am heading to that class too.” Yuta said with a smile after he checked the schedule as well. “Ah, hontoni?” Sana asked with a smile. “Hai.” My brother and I said at the same time.

“Well, then, shall we head to class?” Luna asked me. “Hai.” I said. “Shall we, Yuta?” Sana asked my brother. “Uh hai.” My brother said shyly. “See you two at lunch.” Luna said to Yuta and Sana. “See you, little bro.” I said teasingly to my brother as I was about to leave.

Just then, my brother playfully hit my arm as I chuckled while he was pouting and smiling simultaneously. “Pardon us.” We both said. The girls just chuckled at us. It would be embarrassing, but it’s still fun to do it even when we are in public. My brother left with Sana, and I began to head to class with Luna.

“You two are always like this?” Luna asked. “Brothers for you as you can see.” I joked. Luna just chuckled at my joke. “I can see that as well. I’m also like that with my brother.” Luna said. “Oh hontoni?” I asked to realize she has a brother. “Hai. He’s a 3rd year now but goes to a different school.” She said. “Sokka.” I said.

“Everyone says brother and sister never get along but my brother and I have been there for each other since I was born.” Luna said. “Don’t listen to what they say. People think different. I find it sweet that you have a great bond with your brother. I have been there for Yuta as always since he was born.” I said. Luna smiled at my response.

“But what brings you in Japan?” I asked. “My grandfather is a travel agent and brought me and brother here a few times since I was four months old. We have been coming here a lot since I was a child. My nanny Kim who is Japanese and was raised in England, introduced me and my brother her culture and some manga we would love. I got into the History, culture and the countries of Japan as I studied about them and learn the language. When I was about to start middle school, my family and I moved here.” She finished her story.

“Sugoi.” I said with a soft smile. Luna smiled at my response. “I will explain more about me and my family in Japan, which is a long story but it’s really long, and I want to hear about you also.” She said. She is such a kind girl to think of others. I don’t want to go too deep into my past what I went through. Well, I would tell her one day after we get to know each other more. “Really long too as well from me, but I will keep it short.” I said. “Quite alright, I overshare sometimes, which is my apologies.” She said. “Don’t be. You are an interesting person that people would be happy to talk to.” I smiled. She smiled at my response. Luna and I finally arrived at class and sat next to each other.
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Lunch finally came. I was still a blushing mess throughout my four periods because…Luna was in all of them. Oh my God, I was trying my best to not look like an idiot to her still. I just met her, yes I know. But Luna is such a pretty and really kind-hearted. SLOW DOWN MAMO! You can’t just think of the prettiest girl you met on your first day to be your girlfriend! Just take it slow.

Luna and I were leaving History class and about to head to lunch. “Before we head up to the rooftop, I want to get some drinks from the vending machine for me and Sana if that’s alright?” She asked. “Quite fine. I might get a coffee for me and Yuta.” I smiled as we both headed to the vending machine.

“Lu-chan!” Luna and I turned around as we heard her name called from a different direction. I saw a girl who appeared to be around the same age as me and Luna with a young man next to her. She had long hazel-brown hair with curls that matched her eyes. The boy had some style with his medium-length dark brown hair that was wavy and curly and had earrings on his ears like Yuta. He was handsome, and the girl was pretty.

“Haya-chan! Shouta-san!” She smiled as they approached us. “Hey.” The boy smiled. “Heading to the rooftop for lunch to meet the gang?” The girl asked. “Hai. Sana and I invited two brothers to join us when we met them. And this is one of them. This is Mamo.” Luna said as she introduced me to them. “Hajimaste, I’m Miyano Mamoru.” I smiled as I bowed at them. “Hajimaste, I’m Shimizu Haya, and this is my boyfriend Shouta.” The girl smiled as she bowed. “Hajimaste, I’m Aoi Shouta.” The boy smiled as he bowed as well.

“You are in homeroom with Ikea-san, right?” Shouta asked. “Hai.” I answered. “Really sorry we didn’t have a chance to talk with you more in homeroom. Even after class, I had to get to class so I wouldn’t miss it.” Haya said. “Oh, don’t worry about it. You and I did catch up last weekend as our last summer vacation.” Luna said with a friendly smile. Haya smiled back at her response.

“Hey, onii!” I turned around to find out who said my name, but it was familiar, and I knew who it was. My brother Yuta was walking towards us with Sana and a boy and girl behind them. The boy was handsome and had medium-length dark brown hair that matched his eyes. The girl next to him was pretty. She had shoulder-length dark hair and dark brown eyes.

“Ah, Yuta!” I smiled at my brother as he approached me. “Oh! Sana! Yuma! Mina!” Shouta said as he. “Hey Shouta! Haya! Luna!” The boy, who I assumed to be Yuma, said brightly. “Hey, Luna.” My brother smiled at Luna. “Hey, Yuta.” Luna smiled kindly. “Haya, Shouta this is my young brother Yuta.” I said as I introduced him to Haya and Shouta. “Hajimaste. I’m Miyano Yuta.” Yuta said as he introduced himself to Haya and Shouta. “Hajimaste. I’m Shimizu Haya, and this is my boyfriend Shouta.” Haya smiled. “Hajimaste. I’m Aoi Shouta.” Shouta said. “Oh, I think I saw you in our homeroom. We are really sorry we didn’t meet with you after homeroom.” Haya said. “Quite alright.” Yuta said kindly.

“Oh, you are Yuta’s brother, right?” Just then, I realized the boy, who must have been Yuma, was asking me. “Oh hai. Yuma and Mina, this is my older brother Mamoru, but Mamo for short.” Yuta said as he introduced me to his new friends that he met. “Hai. Hajimaste. I’m Miyano Mamoru.” I said as I bowed. “Hajimaste. I’m Uchida Yuma. This is my girlfriend, Mina.” Yuma said with a smile as he bowed. “Hajimaste. I’m Myoui Mina.” The girl known as Mina said as she introduced herself.

We chatted to get to know each other as I got the coffee drinks for me and Yuta from the vending machine before we made our way to the school rooftop. Shouta was really nice and a great person to get along with. Same with Yuma. He had funny jokes and interesting stories to tell.
It’s been a while for me and Yuta…To make new friends like these nice people we just met. The friends we remember we made were in elementary school. We lost contact with them after losing our parents and stopped attending school. Also, we were bullied a lot as we were quiet and didn’t feel like ourselves. The kids we were close with…were quiet as we were abused. But these people who we just met. It made me and my brother more welcome and happy. When I met Luna, she was kind and welcoming.

We arrived at the rooftop, and there weren’t a lot of students there. I would say up to 29 students here, and it would be 37, including me, my brother, Luna, Sana, Shouta, Haya, Mina, and Yuma.

“Oi guys! Over here!” I saw Luna smile and wave at a group of 10 students, looking like they were in a rock band based on how they styled their hair and dark eyeshadow. Five were boys. Five were girls. Both are good-looking groups. “Ah, there they are!” Luna smiled as we walked over to the group of 10 students. “We saved a spot for us.” One of the boys said with a smile. “Arigato!” Luna smiled as we walked over to them.
“Oh, who are the newbies?” One of the boys asked as they looked at me and Yuta. “Oh, Sana and I met them before going to homeroom. This is Mamo and his brother Yuta.” Luna said as she introduced us to the students she knew. “Hajimaste, I’m Miyano Mamoru.” I said as I introduced myself to Luna’s friends. “Hajimaste, I’m Miyano Yuta.” Yuta said as he introduced himself to Luna’s friends.

“Hajimaste, I’m Matsumoto Ruki.” One boy with light brown said as he introduced himself. “Hajimaste, I’m Victoria Smith, but call me Vic for short and Ruki’s girlfriend.” One blonde-haired girl with red streaks introduces herself. “Hajimaste, I’m Takashima Uruha.” One boy with strawberry blonde hair introduces himself. “Hajimaste, I’m Hayashi Dani. Uruha’s girlfriend.” One girl with dyed white hair introduces herself. “I’m Suzuki Reita.” One boy with spiky blonde hair and a noseband introduces himself. “I’m Endo Akana, Reita’s girlfriend.” One girl with lavender-dyed hair introduces herself. “I’m Yuu Aoi.” One boy with long black hair introduces himself. “I’m Asashi Aha, Aoi’s girlfriend.” One girl with dyed dark blue hair introduces herself. “I’m Yutaka Kai.” One boy with dark brown hair introduces himself. “I’m Ito Kira, Kai’s girlfriend.” One girl with long black hair introduces herself.

We all enjoyed our lunch and got to know each other. The group, who look like a rock band, were really sweet. Kai was the nicest person to talk to. Yuta and I bonded with Kai, Reita, and Uruha about soccer. They thought about joining the school’s soccer team. Yuta and I might join. Luna discussed joining the girls’ volleyball team with Mina, Haya, Kira, and Dani. They talked about how long they knew each other. Haya, Mina, Yuma, and Shouta have known each other since elementary school. Luna has known Sana, Kai, Ruki, Reita, Uruha, and Aoi since elementary school when Luna visited Japan before moving to Japan when she was starting Middle School. Then, they all met in Middle School. Haya and Shouta started going out in the summer when they finished Middle School. Mina and Yuma started dating in their final year of Middle School. They then met Vic, Dani, Akana, Kira, and Aha in their final year of Middle. Ruki, Uruha, Kai, Reita, and Aoi were shy when they met them before dating them in their second year of Middle School.

Yuta and I never had a big group of friends in elementary school. Just two boys and two girls from elementary school. But they didn’t take our side when we were bullied and were quiet. They were young, and only the teacher came in to help me and my brother from getting more abused. They were scared, which I think it was dumb kid stuff. But it was getting too much that they were making fun of me and Yuta, the quiet ones where we lost our parents.

But Yuta and I want to have a better life and not miss out on the fun our aunt and uncle told us about. They said Middle School isn’t fun but fun memories. They said High School was the best. And there was no way we weren’t missing out on High School.
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Yuta and I were in Music class. Our last class of the day, and then we will be going home. Luna and Sana were in another class. Luna joked by saying, ‘Too bad’ since she was in all my classes and isn’t in my last one. She was a funny girl.

The teacher wasn’t here yet, so we were just talking while sitting in our seats while our classmates were doing the same to each other.
“The day went by so quick.” Yuta said. “Yeah.” I said. He was right. It did feel like the day went by so quick, even on our first day of High School.
“What did you think of Sana?” I asked in a teasing tone. My brother pouted while blushing and playfully hit my shoulder as I laughed. “Shut up.” He said quietly. “Oh come on. I saw how you looked at her when you first met her.” I smirked. “Oh really? Said the guy who had a blushy face when he was near Luna.” He teased back with a smirk. I pouted and blushed as I playfully hit his shoulder as he laughed.

“You did the same to me with Sana.” He joked. “I know still payback.” I joked. “We just met them and we are like blushing so hard when we are around them.” He said. “Yeah. They are really pretty but really kind-hearted.” I said. “That is true.” He said.

“Weren’t mom and dad High School sweethearts?” Yuta asked. “Yeah.” I said. Our parents met in High School and started liking each other after meeting each other. Our mom went out with a horrible boy who was manipulative and controlling when she was in Middle School. She dumped him after she graduated Middle School. She said she felt more happy when she started to go out with our dad when she started dating him. They were the ideal couple. My uncle talked to me and my brother about how dad first met mom.

“Hey boys!” We turned our heads to hear who was talking to us. It was Shouta and Yuma walking towards us. “Oh, Shouta! Yuma!” My brother and I said simultaneously as we smiled at them and sat at a few seats next to us.

“Quite a surprise to see you both in Music class as you are in our homeroom.” Yuma said. “Small world.” Yuta joked, causing us to laugh. “By the way, the group and I were gonna go to Seven-Eleven for snacks to hang out and were wondering if you guys like to join?” Yuma asked. My brother and I smiled at the idea of it. It be great to get to know our new friends. “Hai.” We both said at the same time, making the boys smile brightly. We chatted a bit to get to know the boys and them getting to know us before the teacher came in.
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Finally, the day was over. My brother and I left the school building with Shouta and Yuma. They invited us to join the group at 7-Eleven for snacks to celebrate our first year of High School. We agreed to join and told our aunt and uncle we would be out. They texted us to have fun and don’t be out too late. Yuta and I were excited to hang out with people we call friends.

We arrived at the school gates and saw only the girls, Luna, Sana, Mina, and Haya. “Hey!” Luna smiled at us as Sana was happily waving. Yuta and I were blushing to see them. We were just talking about them. WHAT THE!?! AGAIN! THINK SLOW MAMO! YOU JUST MET THIS GIRL!

“Ah, Mamo! Yuta!” Luna smiled brightly as me and Yuta approached before her and Sana. “Hey!” We smiled at the girls. “Ah! You two decided to come!” Sana smiled happily. “Hai. Where are the boys and even the girls?” I asked, looking for the rest. “Oh, they said they will catch up and meet us at the market.” Luna said. “Ah, sokka.” Yuta said.

We begin to leave the school and make our way to the store. We talked and got to know each other more and what we thought about our first day of High School. Yuma and Shouta said the schoolwork was a bit hard, and I agree with them on that. Yuta and I were happy to be back in school for good. This is the life we want to enjoy after we went through.

We stopped as we heard a familiar sinister chuckle. Yuta and I froze in fear as we recognized that voice. “My favorite brothers now made new friends for the first time in years.” A group of five boys dressed in school uniforms but like gang members walked out of the alley of the neighborhood we were walking in.

“Jun…” We shakily said the leader’s name since we had known him since… he’s bullied us since elementary school. My God…He was an awful kid. He bullied a lot of kids for no reason. But he bullied me and my brother the most. He called us many horrible names and made fun of me and my brother being quiet after we lost our parents. He even made fun of me and my brother for not having parents.

“Your first day back in school? It’s been a while since I saw you two in school, even though I only see you two in the neighborhood after you lost two dear people to you.” Jun smirked. Oh God. Why did he have to bring that up? Even in front of our new friends. We didn’t want to get too far from what we went through in our childhood. “Jun, please stop.” I begged. “Oh, how come? Don’t want to be a fighter before your new friends?” He asked while chuckling. I froze to see a bat in his hands.

“He said stop. And he means it.” Luna steps in as she says seriously while glaring at him. “Ah, your girlfriend is tough, while you are supposed to be tough to defend the girl. Even the pretty ones who are actually weak.” Jun smirked as he disgustingly licked his lips.

“Even your brother’s girlfriend could play the part.” Jun smirked as he looked at Sana. “That’s enough, Jun.” Yuta said strictly. “Oh look at that. Your brother is a knight in shining armor even though he is a weak boy under that so-called armor.” Jun smirked.

We stood back as we made Luna and Sana stand behind their shields from Jun and his gang. Haya and Mina held on to Shouta and Yuma as they started getting scared. I was starting to feel bad about what they had to experience what we went through when we were homeschooled.
“Oi! That’s enough! We are not here to fight, and this is a waste of time. They said no, and you should no means no for good.” Yuma said as he stepped in while he was holding Mina. “Also, you are scaring the girls.” Shouta said while he was holding Haya. “Ah, the example of the knight in shining armor with shy weak pretty girls.” Jun said.

“Oi!” I heard a familiar voice yell that was behind Jun and his gang. Jun and his gang turned around to find out who was calling. Surprisingly, I saw Ruki, Uruha, Reita, Kai, and Aoi walking towards them.

“Who the fuck are you guys?!” Jun yelled at them. “Does it matter? May I ask why you are bullying two boys even though they didn’t do anything?” Ruki asked. “Huh?!” Jun asked while he was all pissed off. “How do you know?!” Jun asked. “We can tell and you are a piece of shit. I know who the fuck you are, Shun Jun. The so called gang leader who wants to pick on people for no reason who just wants attention yet in the most fucked up way.” Reita said.

Jun was starting to get mad. “You dipshits! Do you want this day to be your last?!” He yelled. “Oh look at that. Trying to be the imitating one yet failing with words as a leader.” Aoi said. Jun glared at them before he screamed angrily and then charged at them as his gang followed.
The boys begin fighting, but Kai and his gang are winning. Yuta and I were staring in shock based on how strong they were. In my head, I was amazed to see what I saw. Friends defending me and my brother from Jun. Yuta and I wondered why our friends from elementary school didn’t help us.

‘He is right Mamo. You are a coward.’

I heard the voice haunting me again. Oh no…Please…Not this, even when I’m living the new life I want ever since. Why do you have to come in?

“Mamo?” I snapped back to reality as Luna said my name. I gasped as I looked at Luna, who looked concerned. “Hai?” I asked. “You alright?” She asked. “H-H-Hai. I’m just not used to these kinds of things.” I said shakily. I sounded like I lied there. I would sound crazy if I told her I had a voice haunting me since I was a kid.

Finally, Jun and his gang lost. Lying on the floor, all bruised up. “Damn…” Jun said, defeated. “Oi!” Kai walks over to him and steps on his hand, making Jun scream in pain. “I don’t know what your deal is, but if you come near my friends, you should realize that you shouldn’t have come near us cause you and your friends will be in the same state again that you are all in right now.” Kai said with a deep, serious voice. I was shocked to hear Kai like this. He was a nice boy when I first met him. You should always be on his good side. But I know he did it to protect us.

“Hai! Gomenasai!” Jun cried out. “Gomenasai!” Jun’s gang cried. Kai moves his foot off of Jun’s hand before Jun gets up and runs off with his gang.
“Sorry we are late. We had to talk with Honda-senpai. What did we miss?” Vic comes in with Dani, Kira, Akana, and Aha. “Asshole so-called school gangs.” Ruki said. “Ugh, who was it?” Vic asked. “Shun Jun.” Uruha answered. “That guy? What’s his deal?” Dani asked. “Beats me since he is a waste of time and piece of shit.” Uruha said to his girlfriend. “Makes sense.” Dani said.

“Finally, they are gone.” Yuta breathed out, relieved. “Ah arigato gomizamsu.” I breathed out, relieved. “Everybody alright?” Ruki asked. “Hai.” We both said. “You two knew Shun Jun?” Yuma asked me and Yuta. “H-H-Hai. It’s a bit of a long story. Really long which has to be tell another day of what he said.” Yuta and I said shakily. Why did he have to say that we just met in front of us to our new friends? It’s still hard for me and my brother. It’s not cause we don’t trust them. It’s just hard to tell this kind of story.

“Sokka. Don’t feel bad, boys. If you don’t feel like sharing, it’s quite alright. We completely understand.” Kai said kindly with a smile. My brother and I smiled at his words as everyone softly smiled. “Shall we head to the market for snacks?” Yuma said. “Hai let’s go I’m starving.” Shouta said as we began to make our way to the market.
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I arrived at the Seven-Eleven market with everyone, and we went to different aisles to get what snacks we wanted. Luna came with me to the cup of noodle section. “You think I’m stalking you?” Luna joked. I laughed at her joke. “No. I know you are just here for the soba noodles instead of me.” I joked back. She laughed at my joke.

“You are pretty funny.” She said. “Well, I’m not trying to.” I said shyly. “I don’t think you are trying. It suits you well.” She smiled. I smiled back at her. “Suits you as well when you are funny.” I said about Luna’s personality, making her smile brightly. Wait, it sounds like I’m flirting with her! Am I flirting with her? No, I’m just being nice! I also met her!

“If I forget, I want to give you my number.” She said shyly as I began searching for Udon noodles. I blushed when she said that. My heart was pounding so hard against my chest. Well, she wants to get to know me as a friend.

“Ah gomen. Didn’t mean to say it out of nowhere.” She apologized. “No no no. Don’t apologize.” I reassured her. “I know. It’s just…I would love to get to know you more. As a friend of course.” She chuckled shyly. “Don’t worry. I would love to get to know you more also. As a friend also.” I chuckled shyly as well.

Luna and I exchanged numbers on our phones before we continued getting our snacks and chatted a bit more.

My brother and I enjoyed eating our snacks with our new friends. I was smiling at how my brother had the brightest smile while he was near Sana. I couldn’t stop smiling like him as I was with Luna. But for me and Yuta, this is the life we want to enjoy.
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Yuta and I said goodbye to the gang, except Luna and Sana decided to walk with us to chat more, which we didn’t mind. We enjoyed their company.

“Ah this is our turn.” I said as me and Yuta was about to turn to make our way to our house. “Ah. This is our turn as well but in the opposite direction.” Sana said. “We will see you two tomorrow.” Luna said. “Yeah. It was great meeting you girls.” Yuta smiled. “Hai.” I agreed to my brother’s words with a smile. “It was great meeting you boys as well.” Sana smiled.

“Hai.” Luna said. “Bye!” We both said as we waved at them. They smiled and waved goodbye before turning in a different direction.

My brother and I turned in a different direction. We were smiling about our first day and made many new friends. “About damn time.” He said as he broke the silence. “Yeah.” I said. How long has it been since my brother and I enjoyed these days after what we went through? School in person. But homeschooled.

Yuta and I would talk about how much we wanted to live our life outside of homeschooling and how much fun we are missing since we lost our parents.

“I am really happy we got to go. Auntie and uncle were right. High School is really fun.” He said. “Yeah. It’s gonna be a fun conversation to have with them.” I said. Yuta then stops with his head, looking down. I stopped and looked at him, worried. His smile faded, and his eyes were glassy.

“I know…mom and dad would of loved our talk about our first day of High School.” He said sadly.

I looked at him sadly when he said that. “Yeah.” I said. My brother looked like he was about to cry before I pulled him into my arms. I really wish they were here. They would love that conversation as well. I really wish they were here. They would love this conversation as well.

“Gomen ne that… I’m bringing them up…when we are heading home…and…when I started talking about…how much fun we had today…” He said as his voice started to cry on my shoulder.

“It’s not your fault. Don’t feel bad.” I reassured him while rubbing his back. Seeing my brother like this hurt me after our parents passed away. I remember when he was a happy-going child with a bright smile. He’s doing his best to be like that, which our parents didn’t want after they passed away.

After he was born, I promised myself to love, protect, and make my brother smile. Which I wanted to do since I always wanted a sibling. With our parents gone, I do my best to have my brother be himself, which I don’t care about since I care for him a lot.

“Hey.” I pulled out of the hug and looked at my brother with tears running down from his eyes to his cheeks. “I know how hard it is for us of what we went through. It’s okay to be like this to let it out. Just to let you know. I miss them as well. But they want us to have this life when they had us.” I said. Yuta’s face softens up at my words. He gently smiles at me, making me smile. He wipes his tears away with his wrist.

“You feeling alright?” I asked. “Yeah. Just puffy eyes.” He said. I smiled softly at him before we continued returning home and talking about how much we enjoyed our first day.
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“Tadaima!” My brother and I both yelled out at the same time as we walked into our home. “Ah! Welcome home!” Our uncle said happily to us while watching TV from the living room. “Welcome home!” Our auntie said with a smile as she walked towards us from the laundry room. “How was your first day?” She asked while me and my brother were taking our shoes off. “It was great.” We both said at the same time.

“Ah! Great to hear! Tell me more about it at dinner. It’s gonna be a bit late since I came back from work and had to get some chores done.” Our auntie said. “Quite alright auntie. We will shower and do some homework before dinner.” I said as me and my brother put our slippers on.

“Ah perfect! I’m making chicken katsu as a celebration for your first day!” Our auntie smiled as we walked by before we headed upstairs to our room. “Yay!” My brother cheered happily, making me laugh at his adorable reaction as we went to our room.

We put our bags on top of our own beds. We heard our auntie come in as we grabbed some clothes to change into after our shower. “Oh boys! Forgot to tell you both. When you change out of our uniform before you shower, put them in the dirty hamper I put in the separate bathrooms where you two will shower. When you two are done with the shower, put them in the washing machine for me before you can do some homework. I will do the rest since I have to do laundry, too.” Our auntie said. “Hai!” We both said.

“Careful boys, she just wants you to do a lot of hard work after a long day of exhausting work!” Our uncle yelled jokingly from downstairs. My brother and I were silent as our auntie started getting pissed off with our uncle’s joke. Know this, they just love to mess with each other. “Oi! THEY ONLY HAVE ONE UNIFORM THAT THEY HAVE TO WEAR EVERY DAY, AND THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE TO DO EVEN AFTER A LONG DAY AT WORK!” Our auntie yelled as she walked downstairs, ready to kick our uncle’s ass.

Yuta and I awkwardly headed to our bathrooms to shower while our aunt and uncle were bickering like children. I arrived at the bathroom I was in and closed the door before I began to get ready for my shower.
After my shower, I was drying my hair with a towel.

“You forget about your parents already Mamo after a happy day you always wanted?”

I froze and stopped drying my hair as I heard its voice again.

“N-N-No…They would want me to live this life that I wanted me to have.” I spoke.

“Oh really? Do you really deserve a happy life though?”

I was shocked to hear that. What is it doing to me?

“What are you planning to do to me after you came to me when my parents died.” I asked.

“I just telling you that your life is hell. Your happy life with your parents is gone. What’s your new life be gonna be after going to school today?”

I didn’t want to hear anymore. I quickly head to the sink and turn on the water to fill my hands with water before splashing them to my face. I breathed heavily and looked at myself in the mirror. My face was wet, and my eyes were wide in fear. Why must it haunt me like this? Ruining my happy life? Why me?

I sighed deeply before putting on my new clothes, which were just sweatpants and an oversized hoodie. I grabbed my basket with my uniform before leaving the bathroom.

My brother walks out of the bathroom with him in the same outfit, almost like me, but in different colors. He had his wireless music earbuds in his ears, and then he started singing what he was listening to, making me smile.

‘I have always been gazing
ever since the distant days of my childhood
Even till today, that faint scenery
still decorates my pure-white walls.’

He had a great singing voice. He always dreamed of being a rock singer like Hyde from L’Arc de Ciel, one of his favorite music artists. My brother smiled at me as he pulled one earbud out of his ear to have me join him. I gladly took the earbud before I put it in my ear to hear the song and then, of course…sing with my brother because why not.

‘Entwined in a dry winds
Taking you with me
Honey so sweet, catching the limitless dreams
in my arms’

My brother and I happily sing to the rest of the song as we playfully begin making our own concert down the stairs. Rocking our way to the laundry room. Our uncle shook his head with a smile when he saw us like this because our father also did this, and he got us into rock music. Our uncle wasn’t a rock lover like our father, but our aunt loved it.

We jokingly danced with our auntie, causing her to laugh as we finally made our way to the laundry room. My brother and I put our dirty uniforms in the washing machine while we were head-banging slightly to the guitar solo of this song. Our auntie came in and did the rest of the laundry to let us go do our homework.

My brother and I went upstairs as we sang the song’s finale.

‘I want to fly, waitin’ for sunrise.’

My brother and I laughed at what quite a performance we had made before we headed to our room to do our homework. It’s our favorite thing to do to cheer us up after we lost our parents and before they passed away. Our uncle would tell us a story about how our father would have hard rock music up to annoy the rude neighbors when they were young. Our uncle would joke to us not to be rebellious with that but only do it with the rude neighbors.
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At dinner, “Now, boys! How was your first day of school?” Our uncle asked. “It was great.” I smiled as I drank my water. “Yeah.” Yuta smiled. “Ah great to hear!” Our auntie smiled. “How were your teachers?” Our uncle asked. “Really nice. Our music teacher was funny and really nice.” Yuta said. I agreed with him right there. Our music teacher, Honda-senpai, was hilarious and friendly. He had the funniest stories about him in High School. But most importantly, he gave great advice.

“Was the work more hard in school than homeschooling?” Our auntie asked. “No. Easier than work in school, surprisingly.” I said. “Yeah.” My brother said as he agreed with me. “Just don’t cheat still.” Our uncle joked but was right on that. “You really think we do that.” I said. “I know you boys wouldn’t, but still never.” Our uncle said. “They got it dear. Did you boys make any friends?” Our auntie asked us. My brother and I smiled at what our auntie said since we had made many friends we met in one day, and it was our first day.

“Yeah. Really nice people, and it was fun to go to the convenience store with them.” We said. “Ah great to hear! They are welcome to come here anytime!” Our auntie said happily. “Any girls you met?” Our uncle teased. “Eh?!?!” My brother and I blushed so hard at what our uncle asked. This again?!!?! Like again, for real?!?!?! How many times is he gonna bring this up? And auntie will kick his ass.

“Oh boys, don’t freak out! You know me about High School. I’m messing around.” Our uncle laughed. “You better be.” Our auntie said in a strict tone. Our uncle remained silent as he drank his beer after our auntie warned him. My brother and I just sit there awkwardly.

“Anyways boys proceed.” Our auntie said as she was in her happy self again. “Well we met two girls first before we made more friends. Their names are Luna and Sana.” I said. “Oh really? Were they prettier than me?” Our auntie joked. My brother and I chuckled at our aunt’s joke as she laughed.

“I’m teasing boys also. I would love to meet them one day.” Our auntie smiled. “You will love them. They are really nice and welcoming.” I smiled. “Let me know if you two asked one of them out.” Our uncle teased, which caused me to choke on my water, and Yuta almost choked on his chicken from what our uncle had just said. “EEEEHHHHH?!?!?!?!” My brother and I said at the same time while blushing.

What happened to him saying take it slow!?! We just met them! At least I don’t have to mention how my heart was when I met Luna. She was beautiful, funny, smart and really kind. Meeting her was great, and she was like an angel to me.

“Baka! They just met them!” Our auntie scolded our uncle as she smacked the back of his head. “Ow! Do you always have to be like when I talk about High School girls?!” Our uncle yelled while rubbing the back of his head from where our auntie smacked him. “You never said college girls are cute, and you met your wife in college!” Our auntie exclaimed. “You are beautiful and funny my love!” Our uncle exclaimed.

Again, they love each other, but they love to argue and mess with each other like children. It would be awkward if they did it in public. But it always makes me and my brother laugh to cheer us up. We chuckled quietly as our auntie and uncle argued.
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After dinner, my brother and I were lying on our beds in our bedroom.
“Going back again tomorrow.” Yuta said. “Yeah.” I smiled softly. My brother and I couldn’t believe we were going back tomorrow. “I am glad we got to experience it.” He smiled. “Yeah.” I said.

“We also made a lot of good friends.” I smiled. “Yeah. I liked them a lot.” Yuta smiled. “You sure you are excited about going to school?” I teased. “Why you ask?” My brother asked as he raised an eyebrow as he looked at me. “Is it not Sana you are excited about seeing?” I smirked. My brother blushed so hard, and his eyes went wide before throwing his pillow at me across from his bed as I laughed so hard.

“Baka!” He yelled out. “Oh what? Come on, again I saw how you were around her.” I teased. “Said the guy who was like me but with Luna.” He teased back with a smirk. I blushed hard, and my eyes widened at what he said. “Baka!!” I yelled as I threw his pillow across from my bed to his bed while he laughed.

He then stopped laughing, which concerned me. “I don’t mean to be a killjoy. But I know mom and dad would of loved them.” Yuta said softly. My face softens at what he said. Now he mentioned it, he’s right. “They would. And they want us to make new friends and be happy. This is the life they want us to enjoy as they enjoyed it when they were teenagers like us.” I said.

“Yeah.” Yuta said as he agreed with me right there. Moving on is hard, but it was scary how we lost them. But we still miss them and think about them every day, no matter what. We were young, and it was a scary experience for us. Yet my brother and I can’t be sad forever, and we missed a lot of good times in Elementary School and Middle School. Now for High School, we can’t miss this.

Just then, my brother and I heard a buzzing noise. It was our phones on our shared nightstand. We grabbed our phones and looked at what it was. I blushed to realize that I got a text from Luna.

‘Gomen it’s at a wrong time! But it was wonderful meeting you Mamo and I am excited to see you at school tomorrow! I be happy to get know you more! Goodnight see you tomorrow!^^’

I smiled at her text. She’s a really kind girl. I’m glad I got to meet her. I texted back by saying.

‘It’s alright to text me at this time. I was up still. I’m glad I got meet you as well! It was great meeting you and I am excited to getting to know you more. See you tomorrow at school and Goodnight!’

Wait! Does that sound like I like her already in that way?! No! She said she also looks forward to meeting me in a friend way. Or more than that…WHAT THE?!?! MAMO SLOW DOWN YOU MET HER! AGAIN SLOW DOWN!!! What am I thinking? I shouldn’t get my hopes up and still shouldn’t cause it sounds silly of me.

“Who texted you?” My brother asked. “Luna.” I said shyly as I showed my phone to him of what the text says. “Sana texted me the same thing as well.” He said shyly as he showed his texts from Sana to me.

‘Gomen ne Yuta-kun to text you at this time! I just want to say I was so happy to meet you today! I am excited to see you tomorrow at school and getting to know you more! Goodnight! Don’t let the bed bugs bite!^^’

It was exactly like my texts with Luna. He then texts her like this.

‘Don’t worry! I was up still lol! I am happy to meet you as well and excited to see you tomorrow! It be great to know you more! Goodnight to you and get good sleep!’

It was cute, which made me smile at how my little brother is with a girl.

“What are you smiling about?” He asked. “You are just kawaii!” I teased. He blushes and pouts, causing me to laugh. Did I mention my brother is a bit of a tsundere? He is, which makes him cuter.

We set our phones on our nightstands before lying in bed to get ready to sleep. “Goodnight onii-chan.” He said. “Hai, goodnight, nii-chan.” I smiled before I drifted off to sleep.