Two springs later...

This world we live in runs on a balance formed by two sections; the ones who dominate and the ones who are being dominated. It may seem unfair to some, but it is the best way to remain in peace; the powerful and the weak, the oppressor and the oppressed. The place we belong to is up to our own decision. It is not fate that fits us into a section; it is the voices in our heart that do.

I am Yui Nakamura; a second year high school student of Fukuoka Academy of Education and if I had to describe myself in three words, I would say: Strong, beautiful and genius.

I saunter on the streets on my way to school, earphones plugged in my ears and a loose black backpack hanging down my back, which is half-covered with my long and curly blonde hair, when suddenly a weird man strides past me, peeking under my hiked up skirt. My brows furrow as I swiftly grab his collar and pin him down. That is one of my specialty, monstrous strength.

“You brat, let go of me. Or you’ll pay.” His rough, itchy voice hurt my ears, making me glare down at him.

“Really, what kind of attitude is that after peeking under my skirt?” I push his filthy collar over his neck, making him choke and cough.

“Who peeked under your skirt, let go of me or I will....” Shutting his filthy mouth with my hands, I punch him on the nose multiple times and shake his hanging head.

“Apologise, will ya!!” I shout, ignoring a policeman accompanying an old woman making his way to me. They stop in front of me as the lady pants and sighs in relief and her smile makes her wrinkled face gleam.

“Oh! Thank you child, you saved my money. This bastard ran away with my purse”

‘What purse!!’, I let go of his collar in confusion, making him hit his head on the road.

“You showed a fine act of bravery.” The policeman drags the man up straight and strangles him.

“Thanks, I guess I did, heh heh.” I laugh nervously without understanding what was happening around me.

‘What!!! I thought he peeked under my skirt.’ This thought crossed my mind, making me embarrassed by how self-conscious I was.

The weird purse-snatcher struggles to free himself from the policeman’s arms as he roars in his gruesome voice, “You’ll pay for what you did, brat. And you’re not even cute enough that I would peek under your skirt.”

His stupid comment brings a frown to my face and I pout.

‘He deserved it, hmph!!’

“Stop babbling”, the policeman drags him towards the end of the street, leaving my pouting self alone with an old lady. She is wearing a Violet top that defined her hanging belly and black trousers that slitted at the ankle. Her hairs hang out in loose curl that looked natural.

“Oh child, here’s your little reward for helping me out.” She glides her fingers inti her brown leather purse, making my inner-self jump around.

“Oh, thanks. It’s nothing.” I wave my hand at her like an old lady while my other hand reaches out for the money she is passing on to me, as I scream happily from the inside.

‘Really, 500 Yen!!! I guess I should catch robbers every day.’ The thought made me chuckle as I suddenly remember something and run off to the lady, who already left me, swaying her large hips.

“Um, excuse me, mam. But instead of this, could you help me out with something.”

“Yeah sure, tell me.”

“Can you provide me with a part-time job or something?” Hope rides my mind as I ask her with my fingers crossed.

“Well yeah, I run a Cafe and we were presently recruiting staff. So if you would like to join...”

My face gleams up, “Oh, thank you and can I get a rented room?”

“Yeah, I have a room that I don’t use so I can give it on rent. You are a lucky child.”

‘Well, I guess it’s my lucky day.’ My inner chuckles.

“Thank you so much, Ma’am. Here, your money.”

“Oh no, you can keep that too. It’s your reward for today. And here’s my phone number. You can ask for the details of the job later.”

“Thanks a lot.” I smile and say, sighing after she leaves.

‘It’s difficult pretending to be polite. But it’s fine as long as I meet kind ladies like her every day. I finally got a part-time job and even a rental room. I have been looking for one since ages. It’s a wonderful start for a day.’ I check the time on my wristwatch. “Shit, I am late for school. It’s the first day of my second year today.”

I run fast, finally reaching school and almost running out of breath.

‘I guess I made it in time.’ I scan the notice to check which class I am in. However, it doesn’t matter whichever class I end up in. I don’t have any friends. I have ‘followers.’

I have an excellent reputation in the school; of being a bully. Although, the teachers love me. As a top-notch student and a genius, also a well-behaved child, I am out of trouble. But, the real me is famous for being a sadist bully. And I am proud of what I am. That’s how I am.

Eventually, I found it. ‘Class 2-B’

I stand tall and flick my long blonde hair.

‘I will find some new followers in this new cl...’ As I think of that, my eyes glimpse a certain someone.

‘Is it... is it who I think it is?’ My quivering hand reaches for my mouth as I stand out of the door, startled.

‘No, it can’t be. It’s impossible, right? He left. But why am I happy? And why do I cry?’ My eyes are warm. The tears are warm. My heart is warm too. My tears melt down my cheeks.

‘What is this fuzziness I feel inside my heart? It’s been two years now. Such a long time. Then, why? Why is this boy here, in front of my eyes?’

An answered question remains in my heart.

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