Chapter 9 - First day back at school

  “Sweetheart, are you dressed yet?” Mom calls out from behind the door.

  “You can come in, Mom. I’m just doing my hair,” I reply, turning slightly to catch her reflection in the mirror as she enters. “What do you think about the new uniform? I like the black blazer and white shirt. They look great after being tailored. But the skirt is a little short. I’m only wearing it because you got me leggings.” It barely reaches halfway down my thighs.

  “Sweetheart, the length is perfect. You’ll get used to it over time. Perhaps a small gift will help take your mind off it? It’s a silver hair clip, shaped like a Valkyrie wing.”

  I tilt my head so she can attach it. In the mirror, a delicate silver wing catches the light. It’s no bigger than my thumb, but it stands out.

  “It’s perfect, Mom. I really love it.”

  I hug her and kiss her cheek. She squeezes me once before stepping back.

  “It suits you, sweetheart. And if I’m following the routine, it should be family coffee time next. I’ll walk with you this morning. I still need to finalize your enrollment paperwork, and I’m a little excited about your first day back at school.”

  I raise an eyebrow, but a small smile forms anyway. I still have mixed feelings about going back to school, but I appreciate moments like this. It feels like she’s making time for me.

  “Thanks, Mom. Yeah, it feels different this time compared to my original childhood. I’m not entirely sure what to expect, but we can figure that out after coffee.”

  With coffee in hand, we sit at the table. It’s starting to feel like home, but I still miss the old tablecloth and a few things from my childhood house. Something familiar would be nice right now.

  Maybe it’s just nerves from starting my first day back at school. By the time we finish our cups, though, I feel steadier.

  The weather is nice as I walk to school with Mom, but I catch a few curious glances from other students along the way. There’s a quiet buzz in the air, yet no one says anything. I keep walking, pretending not to notice.

  Mother keeps up a gentle stream of conversation, doing her best to draw my attention away from the stares. Before long, we’re in the reception area, finishing the enrollment process together.

  “We’re done here, sweetheart. You’re enrolled in class 1C, and your teacher is Miss Tanaka.”

  “Oh, that’s pretty cute. Tanaka—like katana, if the person was dyslexic.”

  “Sweetheart… try to care about something that isn’t family or related to combat. Perhaps you could try joining a club?”

  I say goodbye to Mom, once again left thinking about her latest piece of advice.

  The school follows a standard alphanumeric layout, which makes it easy to navigate with a quick look at the map. I find my locker and change into my indoor shoes. Out of habit, I slip a small magnetic lock with a fingerprint scanner inside. It syncs to my phone. Probably unnecessary here, but it makes me feel better.

  With ten minutes before class, I head toward the classroom door and notice a teacher nearby who looks like she’s searching for someone.

  “Hello, are you Kuro Vala-san?” she asks.

  “Yes. You must be Tanaka-sensei?”

  She seems a little timid—but maybe that’s just me comparing everyone to my family, which isn’t exactly fair. Glasses, conservative clothes, girl-next-door energy. Her voice is calm.

  It’s a nice start. I hope my school life will be as quiet as she sounds.

  She studies me for a moment, eyes moving from my face down to my shoes. When I finally meet her gaze, she looks away quickly.

  “Sensei, did I do something to make you uncomfortable?”

  “Sorry, Kuro-san. I was just surprised by your eyes. They’re beautiful—like the rest of you—but they seem a little too mature. Perhaps it’s just the color? I’ve never seen blue eyes in person before.”

  “Oh? My great-grandmother was Norwegian. I got my eyes and hair from her. I could dye it all black, but I like the two-tone.”

  “Ah, yes, it was in your file. It seems I got sidetracked… Kuro-san, I’m your new teacher. I was only informed you’d be joining my class a few days ago. Since the bell is about to ring, would you prefer to give a short introduction, or take your seat?”

  “A brief introduction may lessen questions later and help reduce the mystique of a new student. I look forward to being one of your students, Sensei.”

  The bell rings, and Sensei leaves to conduct roll call. Once that’s done, she asks me to come inside and introduce myself.

  I step into the room.

  For a moment, old classroom memories overlap with new ones. Desks in rows. Windows along one wall. The quiet expectation that settles when someone unfamiliar walks in.

  The students fall silent, all eyes on me.

  I take a slow breath and straighten without thinking.

  “Good morning. My name is Kuro Vala, and I’ll be attending class with you for the second semester. I live with my mother and grandmother, and I prefer coffee over tea. I previously trained in martial arts but don’t have any real hobbies. Unless there are questions, I’ll end the introduction here.”

  My voice comes out softer than I expect—but it carries a clear edge. A few too many briefings must have rubbed off on me.

  Someone near the windows takes a sharp breath. A chair shifts. The room goes very still.

  I hadn’t meant to do that.

  The attention feels heavier than it should, like they’re waiting for something else. I meet a few gazes without flinching, then let my eyes drift away.

  I track the movement, as a hand rises at the back of the room.

  It’s Sami Hina—the girl I saved from the three idiots.

  Relief loosens something in my chest, and I smile before I realize I’m doing it.

  The change is subtle, but I feel the room relax with me.

  “Sami-san. It seems you were right—we’re in the same class. What’s your question?”

  “Etto, Kuro-san… are you planning on joining any clubs or other activities?”

  “I’m open to the idea, but I haven’t decided yet. Is there a reason you asked?”

  “I just have a feeling you’ll join Sakura-san in the Jiu-jitsu club.”

  My eyes follow her pointing finger, and something tightens in my chest when our gazes meet.

  It’s almost like looking in a mirror.

  Her high ponytail and the fringe around her face mirror my own. From a distance, we could pass for each other. Sami-san’s mistake yesterday suddenly makes sense.

  It’s more than a passing similarity. The resemblance is striking, and the coincidence leaves me quietly unsettled in a way I can’t quite explain.

  “Etto, Kuro-san?”

  Sami-san’s voice pulls me out of it. I blink and turn back to her.

  “Yes. I may be joining Sakura in the future. Are there any other questions?”

  A soft murmur moves through the room—the familiar curiosity that follows a new student. When no one else raises their hand, Sensei gestures toward an empty seat beside Sakura.

  Only then do I realize I used her first name.

  Sakura-san.

  I should remember the honorific. Maybe actually talk to her first before dropping it. I sigh internally. That might explain why things feel a little off.

  “We’ve made space for you there, Kuro-san, if you’d like. Kato-san will help you settle in,” Sensei says, cutting through the moment and pulling me out of my thoughts.

  I nod and move toward the empty desk beside Sakura-san.

  Before I can speak, the bell rings, signaling the start of class. Sakura-san lets out a soft groan at the sound, then straightens in her seat. She gives me a brief, playful wink before turning her attention forward.

  Opportunity gone.

  I let it go.

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  I take my seat and quietly pull out the materials I’ll need for the lesson. Notebook. Pencil. Textbook. The familiar motions help settle me.

  A few minutes pass.

  As Sensei begins explaining the first topic, I shift in my chair and feel something in my top pocket. I reach up without thinking, then pause.

  Pink plastic.

  I pull out the small candy and turn it over in my fingers for a second, studying the wrapper. I don’t remember when I grabbed it this morning, only that it seemed like a good idea at the time.

  Still does.

  I lean over slightly and place it on the corner of Sakura-san’s desk.

  She startles just a little, then looks down at it. Her eyes flick to me, curious.

  For a heartbeat, she seems unsure.

  Then she gives me a bemused grin, unwraps it quietly, and slips it into her mouth.

  Something settles in my chest.

  Good.

  I turn back to the lesson, finally able to relax. The material is familiar, and my mind drifts. Without thinking about it, I start sketching in the margin of my workbook—a small anime girl with devil horns and oversized eyes. I used to draw like this when I needed to keep my hands busy. Pink hair would suit her, I think absently, though in pencil it all comes out the same shade of gray.

  Sensei calls on me once. I answer, then go back to shading the horns.

  The rest of the class passes quietly.

  When the lunch bell rings, I close my notebook and stretch my fingers. Sakura-san glances up at me, then starts packing away her things.

  That’s when I notice Sami-san stopping beside our desks.

  “Etto… Vala-san?”

  I look up to see Hina-san standing there, her gaze moving between Sakura-san and me, quietly tracing the similarities—and the differences.

  “Hina-san,” I say, offering her a grin.

  She relaxes a little at that. Maybe it helps having the real Sakura here.

  “Ah, Vala-san—if you don’t mind me calling you that. And please call me Hina,” she says quickly. “You seem to prefer first names. Also… would you mind sharing a bit more about yourself? Not that your introduction was bad, but—”

  I glance back at Sakura… san—still working on that honorific—and find her already watching me.

  Her eyes are beautiful, a deep brown so dark they’re almost black. The way she looks at me sends a small, unfamiliar warmth through my chest.

  Too early to tease.

  I turn back to Hina and answer her question.

  “Yes, I prefer first names among friends. As for me, I moved here recently and started school today. My great-grandmother was from Norway, so that’s where my eyes and hair come from. My mother and grandmother have the same blue eyes. I like my ponytail and the fringe around my face, but I didn’t realize how much until I saw Sakura with the same style. She really is beautiful…”

  Nice, Vala. One sentence too many.

  I look at Sakura-san. She’s blushing a soft pink.

  Even Hina’s cheeks have colored.

  “Ah—sorry if I embarrassed you. I meant it when I said you look beautiful.”

  A brief flash of panic crosses Sakura-san’s face, and without thinking, I reach for her hand.

  Whatever she was about to say disappears. She rests her head on the desk and closes her eyes. Her fingers tighten around mine, her thumb tracing a small circle on the back of my hand.

  It isn’t much, but I understand. She’s saying it’s okay.

  I meet Hina-san’s eyes. She sees the questions there immediately.

  “Etto, Vala-san, please don’t look at me like that. There are things that aren’t mine to tell.”

  “I’m sorry, Hina-san. I’ll ask Sakura-san later.”

  I try to pull my hand back, but Sakura holds it firmly. Not letting go.

  The lack of answers leaves me a little lost. I’m not entirely sure what I’m supposed to do next.

  An impulse catches me sideways, and I speak.

  “Okay, so did I mention that I’m a lesbian and enjoy martial arts? I’m also single and would like to meet someone like myself one day.”

  Oops. That was the nuclear option.

  But I never had the courage to say things that clearly before—not when it mattered. Not when I was struggling with dysphoria. I think about my last conversation with Johanson before leaving Norway, about lying over something as small as drinking just to explain why I didn’t look right.

  This is better. Honest. Direct.

  And if I’m reading the situation correctly, I have one girl holding my hand on one side and a supportive friend on the other. That counts for something.

  “Etto… Vala-san is brave. I already guessed from yesterday, but you really don’t hold back. I’m sorry again for not being able to share things about Sakura.”

  “Hmm. As a potential girlfriend, I should at least do this much for Sakura-san. I will stake my claim until rejected.”

  I’m not entirely sure why I feel compelled to say it out loud. Maybe it’s something I inherited from Mother Riho. Or maybe it’s just hormones and poor timing. Either way, with my intentions clear, I feel calmer.

  With my free hand, I open my bento. Using my chopsticks, I pick up a piece of meat and hold it near Sakura-san’s lips.

  She blinks at me once, still pink from earlier, then opens her mouth slightly.

  She lets me feed her.

  She’s cute.

  I turn to Hina-san. “Do you mind sharing what happened yesterday? I understand you were being chased, but why? You don’t seem like the type to attract trouble.”

  “Etto… it’s hard because it involves other people.”

  Sakura-san suddenly sits upright, as if she’s reached a decision.

  “Hina-san, you can talk about me to Vala-san. I’m okay with you sharing our secrets.”

  She says it while still holding my hand.

  Hina-san nods and turns to me.

  “Etto… Sakura-san and I are friends. We usually spend our free time together. We’ve known each other since middle school—almost three years now. At first, Sakura-san barely spoke to me. She spent most of her time practicing Jiu-jitsu. The school has girls and boys teams, and both do well in competitions. Sakura-san is the ace of the girls team. No one wants to pick a fight with her. You two have a lot in common there.”

  She hesitates slightly.

  “But you seem very different when it comes to… other things. About a year ago, Sakura-san told me she might have feelings for me.”

  I start to smile, but it fades when Sakura squeezes my hand.

  I’m glad she likes girls.

  But I can feel how tense she is just hearing it said out loud.

  “This was about a year ago, after I explained that I don’t really have a preference. I like people for who they are, and gender doesn’t matter to me. Sakura-san is like a sister. So we stayed friends, and I would hold her hand—like you do now—to help her get more comfortable with physical closeness. You can see she’s still shy about it. Rumors started that we might be a couple.”

  “So teasing, that kind of stuff? Hopefully not like the first time we met, when you were being chased?” I ask, keeping my voice gentle.

  “Most people were kind. Maybe a little teasing. Those three you met were the worst. They didn’t dare go too far with Sakura-san around, but I ran into them alone on my way to the store. They said I should hang out with them and tried to stop me from leaving. It felt creepy, so I ran. That’s when I met you.”

  I hadn’t realized how tense I’d become until my shoulders finally drop. I give her a small wink.

  “I’m sorry that happened, Hina-san. And if there’s a next time, I won’t be nearly as patient.”

  She chuckles, then meets my eyes—and sees I mean it. Her smile softens.

  “Thank you, Vala-san. I appreciate you looking out for me. But hopefully it won’t be needed after what you did yesterday.”

  “Sakura-san.” I say her name, and she squeezes my hand.

  I squeeze back. “How are you feeling now? I know it’s hard to talk about, and I’m glad Hina-san is helping, but I want to hear from you too.”

  “I’ve calmed down a little. Today just surprised me. I’m usually the one protecting Hina-san, so when she told me about you, I got curious.”

  She looks away, blushing again.

  “I’m also single, love martial arts, and hope to find someone like myself one day.”

  Her voice fades toward the end, but I hear her clearly. She takes a slow breath before continuing.

  “When our eyes met, it felt intense. I thought you might be interested in me, but class started before we could talk. Then you put a candy on my desk. It felt like a cute way of saying hello, and I couldn’t stop myself from smiling.”

  I can feel a few other students watching us, but there’s enough space that our quiet conversation doesn’t feel intrusive. Only a handful of people are still eating at their desks; most have gone outside or to the cafeteria.

  I glance around and see classmates laughing and chatting with their friends. Even with the occasional curious look in our direction, the atmosphere feels warm, not judgmental. I let myself relax into it.

  We stay like that, making small talk until the bell rings, ending lunch. Sakura-san hesitates before letting go of my hand as we pack away our food and get ready for the next lesson.

  By the time school finally ends, I’ve almost finished my drawing.

  We gather our books and pack our bags, then follow the flow of students toward the lockers. Sakura-san stays beside me. Like our desks, our lockers are next to each other.

  I step closer.

  She turns.

  Suddenly, we’re face to face.

  “Sakura-san, I love your eyes. And I like that we’re the same height. We could probably borrow clothes from each other.”

  She looks at me with a playful curiosity, seeming less shy now that it’s just the two of us.

  “Vala-san… I felt something too, when our eyes met earlier. It was different, in a good way. You said you’d claim me as a potential girlfriend until rejected? Can you explain that? I don’t think I fully understand.”

  I reach out slowly and take both of her hands. When her fingers curl around mine, I move a little closer.

  “Sakura-san, I want to get to know you and go on dates together. If we’re compatible, I’d really like us to become girlfriends. Until then, I’d like us to be exclusive—unless one of us decides otherwise. Is that okay?”

  She gives me a strange look. Half amused. Half like she’s trying to decide if I’m an idiot.

  “Vala-san, can you explain the difference between an exclusive relationship with a potential girlfriend… and having a girlfriend?”

  “I want you to be my girlfriend, but we only met today. So I figured I should get to know you first. But I didn’t want to pretend we’re just friends. That would feel wrong. And I…” I hesitate. “I might be a little scared you’ll find someone else in the meantime. So I came up with the idea of being potential girlfriends.”

  I watch her expression go blank for a second before she exhales and shakes her head, smiling softly.

  “Vala-san… thank you. You know, you almost seem perfect sometimes, and that’s kind of intimidating. Especially since I’m very aware of my own flaws. Fortunately, I’ve also learned that you’re an idiot when it comes to relationships… ha.”

  So she really was thinking I’m an idiot.

  Fair.

  Now it’s my turn to sigh. I don’t quite know how to respond, and in hindsight I can see the flaw in my logic.

  At least she’s smiling.

  I release her hands and offer a small, embarrassed smile of my own, feeling the warmth creep up my cheeks despite my best efforts. The quiet giggle in front of me confirms it.

  This could have gone smoother.

  “See you tomorrow, Sakura-san,” I say, giving her a small wave as I turn to leave.

  “See you soon, Vala-san.”