"He hasn't even started teaching, and I'm already bored out of my mind," Makoto muttered, stretching his arms as a cool breeze drifted in through the open classroom window. Cherry blossom petals danced faintly in the air outside, brushing against the glass.
"If I have to sit through a whole school year with him, I'll probably fail just from dying of boredom."
"Hey, Makoto, wait up!" called a voice from behind.
Makoto's shoulders slumped. "And here comes the other pain in my ass," he mumbled under his breath.
Shino jogged up beside him, a slight chill in the air causing his breath to puff faintly.
"Um, Makoto—"
Makoto stopped and turned, brows already drawn into a frown. "What do you want this time?"
Shino hesitated but smiled anyway. "I was wondering if you wanted to join the basketball team with me. I mean, you're really talented—you'd definitely make the team stronger."
Makoto's expression darkened. "No thanks. I don't think you've heard from your upperclassmen, but I quit basketball over a year ago. I'm not going back. I made a promise to myself."
"But… you played with us today, and you looked like you were enjoying it."
Makoto glanced away, hands buried deep in the pockets of his uniform blazer. "I only played today as a favor to you. That's all."
Shino took a step closer. "I understand, but—couldn't you just think about it? We really need you."
Makoto turned his back to him. The spring air ruffled his hair as he walked off, shoulders rigid. "No. I'm leaving. See you around."
Shino watched him go, exhaling slowly as petals drifted across the walkway.
I don't know what to do to get him to join… What will it take?
"Thanks again! We hope you come shopping here again soon," said the cashier with a practiced smile.
Tetsuo nodded and gathered the grocery bags. The evening air was humid, the faint scent of grilled food wafting from a nearby shop.
"That's everything on the list," he said, adjusting the strap on his shoulder. "Time to go home."
When he opened the door, he stepped onto the cool tile floor and removed his shoes. "I'm home."
"Welcome home, big brother!" Usagi's cheerful voice echoed from the kitchen. "I prepared a bath for you, and I'm cooking dinner right now. Go ahead and relax!"
"Thanks, Usagi."
As he walked past the hallway mirror, he caught his own reflection—wet bangs stuck to his forehead, eyes a little tired. Sometimes I forget how young she is… She's really grown a lot.
The steam clung to the air as he stepped out of the bath minutes later, towel around his neck. The soft clatter of plates from the kitchen reached him as he dressed.
"Oh, you're done!" Usagi said, popping her head in. "Please sit down—I made your favorite today: curry and rice balls, with some veggies for balance!"
The smell made his stomach grumble. "Thanks for the meal," he said, taking a seat at their small wooden table.
"So, how was school today?" Usagi asked, placing her own bowl beside his.
"It went well. Just like any other day."
"Big brother, couldn't you give me more details?"
Tetsuo gave a small nod, relenting. "Alright. I met a lot of classmates who are really into sports and clubs. Played basketball during gym too."
"That's great! Wait—on that topic, did you sign up for the basketball team?"
He paused, chopsticks halfway to his mouth. "I was asked by some upperclassmen… but I turned them down."
Usagi's cheerful face drooped. "Why would you do that?"
"I've got responsibilities. My job, making sure we're stable you have school to attend. You come first, Usagi. As long as you're happy, that's all I need."
She stared at him for a moment, then quietly set her chopsticks down. "You don't understand, do you?" she whispered, her voice trembling. "My happiness… it came from watching you be happy."
Tetsuo blinked, caught off guard.
"I remember when you used to play basketball with Dad. You laughed, you cried, you shouted. You were alive. I was just a kid watching from the side, but those moments… they were everything to me.
"So now, it's the same. Your happiness is mine. Please… just join the team again. For you."
Tears shimmered in her eyes.
But…
"didn't we come here to change? We're not here to dwell on the past—we're here to move past it for good."
"I want you to be happy like back then, so please, just join. I don't want to be the only one that's happy—I want to see you smile every once in a while too," said Usagi.
Tetsuo looked down at his half-finished meal. The curry had gone a little cold. "I understand," he said after a pause. "I'll give it some thought."
Usagi wiped at her eyes quickly. "Thank you…"
He glanced at her gently. "So, how was your day? Everything alright?"
"Well… I made three friends," she said, perking up a bit. "But… a girl in my class already seems to hate me."
"That so? Best to avoid her for now. Don't let it grow into something worse."
"I know. I'll be careful."
Tetsuo stood, picking up his plate. "I'll handle the dishes."
"No, leave it to me!" Usagi smiled again. "You should rest. Go lie down."
He hesitated, then nodded. "Alright. Goodnight, Usagi."
The next morning, just before the first bell, Sachiko knocked gently on the door of the student council room. Her fingers briefly fidgeted with the hem of her uniform.
"Morning. Is anyone here?"
"Come on in, Takahashi," came the calm voice from within. "I've been expecting you."
Yoshida sat behind the desk, her hands folded, posture straight.
"I'm glad to see that you came. So, you're interested in becoming a student council member, right?"
"Yes, I am," Sachiko said, stepping in, her shoes clicking softly against the floor.
"I ran some background checks on all the first-year students," Yoshida continued, "and you stand out the most. You're from a prestigious family, you were student council president in junior high, you're intelligent, composed, and people listen when you speak."
Sachiko's expression barely shifted, but her stomach fluttered.
"You're the most suitable candidate for vice president. But it comes with weight—responsibilities, time, expectations. If you're ready to carry that, then I want you for the role."
"I will gladly take it," Sachiko replied with a slight bow.
"Good," said Yoshida, nodding once. "Now, your first task."
Sachiko tensed slightly.
"There's a student with no recorded background—Tetsuo Kawaguchi. But he scored perfectly on the entrance exams. Since you're in the same class, I want you to learn more about him. And if possible, convince him to join the council. Someone like him could help fix real problems at this school."
Sachiko's mind swirled. Tetsuo? How am I going to convince him to join the student council when I can't even say two words or hold a simple conversation with him? But… I have to do this.
But she nodded firmly. "I will do my best to convince him."
"I'm counting on you, Sachiko."