Story: Arias Wing アリアスウィング

2009-11-05T18:07:00.001+08:00

Short term break :)

Will not be posting any chapters till further notice.

- Clement

Chapter 05: Protect the one you love - 第5章:１あなたが愛守る

2009-11-05T18:04:00.002+08:00

Chapter 05: Protect the one you love.

第5章: １あなたが愛守る

Nozomi was told to stay back after her school for a remake class test as she was the only one in class who failed to pass the test.

Meanwhile, Tomoe and Kaede were at their respective club areas. Tomoe's in the Bass Club whereas Kaede's in the Swimming Team. Tomoe is rarely seen carrying his guitar because he leaves them in the club room.

" Nozomi-chan, mind helping me carry this box to Block E staff room? Once we come back, we shall start the test. " Said a teacher whose face looked very gentle.

" Okay. " Without hesitating.

Everyone else was preparing for their after-school activities. Tomoe was walking while carrying his heavy bass guitar towards the Clubroom, when at the speed of light, another boy ran across and bumped into Tomoe. His guitar then dropped on the floor with a loud "kong!!". Tomoe, worrying about his guitar, hurriedly picked it up and was about to open it when the boy shouted.

" Hey you, you're from Year 1 right?! You didn't even apologise to me when you bumped into me. Look what you did, you spoilt my goggles. " Said the boy who looked familiar to Tomoe.

" W-Wait a minute. You're the one who ran like a coyote and dashed through while bumping onto me, and you made me drop my guitar. " Trying to defend himself and was about to turn aggressive, Tomoe took a step back.

" Thats your problem boy. " The other boy said, as it sounded like he was looking down on him.

" Look, my guitar costs a bomb. Unlike your wimpy pair of goggles. " Tomoe took a step front and started to raise his voice a little.

" I got no time to waste on a brat like you. Get lost. " And the raging boy left the vicinity.

Tomoe then briskly walked to the clubroom when sudednly he remembered.

" W-Wait.. Goggles... It's related to swimming.. " he gulped down his saliva.

" Swimming.. H-Harada?! " his face went in utmost shock.

" Harada Mamoru... " then went black, looking down, as he continued walking towards the clubroom.

Nozomi and the teacher had to pass by the swimming complex which she was very much in love with before. When suddenly, she heard a familiar voice.

" .... Have apologised you know?"

" Yeah.. But it's his fault. "

" Here's the spare rubber to keep the goggles intact. "

When Nozomi tilted her head to peek into the swimming complex, she saw Kaede and a boy, a very tall boy. Taller than Tomoe by an inch. He has dark brown hair and looks quite suave but is unseemingly familiar to her.

" Imouto Kae- " Her call to her friend was interrupted by a shout from the coach.

" Mizue Swimming Team ! Gather here for a quick brief ... - "Said the coach

" Nozomi-chan? " The teacher carrying the boxes called.

" Y-Yes. " And they continued walking.

As Tomoe reached back to the clubroom, he found out that his guitar had tuning problems when he tried to play it.

" Shit. Must be what Harada did.. Now i need to send it for repair... Argh. " Grumbled Tomoe.

It was half past five, and it was getting late soon. Nozomi just finished her test, whereas club activities are dismissed. They happened to meet each other at the shoe lockers.

" Sakurai! How was the make up test? "

" It was ok.. " And she walked away.

" Okay... " Tomoe felt disappointed. Ever since the incident where he got stuck alone with Kirei at the basement equipment room, Tomoe found it hard to talk to Nozomi.

She left the school as soon as she put on her shoes. Tomoe followed behind.

Not for long, being 25-paces away, Kaede and the boy was about to walk towards Tomoe and Nozomi, when the boy stopped her. He pulled Kaede's arm.

" Hey, Hiragaki, who's the girl on the right? "

" Oh, her? haha! My friend I've been telling you about. Her name is Sakurai Nozomi! "

" Nozomi...? " He whispered.

" Huh? " she asked being in confusion.

And he thought, " Sakurai Nozomi... That girl... " and his face lit up filled with shock. " Sh-She entered Mi-Mizue High?! " feeling happy. However, he looked at Tomoe beside her. " Shit! Is that guy... "

" Then, Hiragaki, who's the guy beside her? "

" Ooh, that's Yuhara-kun! "

" Yuhara? "

" He's actually supposed to be in Year 2, but he transferred from another school. "

He thought again, " Woah... He's actually the same age as me?! "

" Harada-kun? " Kaede asked in the sweetest voice.

" N-Nothing. Let's not call them. " He stammered.

" Okay... " She said, being unconvinced.

Nozomi was still ignoring Tomoe, Kaede and Mamoru parted ways at the station.

As she got home, Nozomi was thinking about the tall guy that stood beside Kaede - Harada Mamoru.

He looked somewhat so very familiar to her, but she was not bothered by it much and decided to go back to sleep.

Classes were in a flurry, everything was like as if it was the first term of the year.

" Mamoru-kun! "

" Yea Jun? "

" You-Your hope.. That guy from 1-B. He's a transfer student from Koei high. He's the legendary 'White Wing'* ! "

" Tch. What news you've got? "

" He had been stalking Nozomi for the past 2 months. "

" White Wing huh... I'll turn him into a black wing for sure. " As Mamoru grins.

During the break, Mamoru asked Kaede to inform Nozomi that he wanted to see her. Kaede was puzzled but was doing what she was told.

At the end of lessons, over hearing the conversation between Nozomi and Kaede, Tomoe decided to follow Nozomi secretly and spy on the both of them. Kaede did the same, however, the two of them did not tell each other about them spying.

Nozomi and Mamoru met up with each other at the school's field.

Being cautious, Nozomi kept her mouth shut.

" Sakurai-chan? " asked Mamoru.

" Why did you call me here. "

Thinking that Nozomi still remembered him, he took a lot of courage.

" Sakurai.. Will you please go out with me? " He bowed down at a 90 degree angle with his face flushing red and was having pretty high hopes.

Tomoe was shocked and was about to dash out.

Kaede was shocked too, and had tears in her eyes.

" I don't even know you, yet, you are asking something unreasonable from me. " Nozomi stated, as she looked cool, stern and emotionless, " I will not go out with a guy whom only knows me for like what? 5 seconds. "

Mamoru's face was turned quickly into depression.

" And hey, aren't you dating Hiragaki Kaede? You're the senpai right? She's been struck in love with you- "

" I only treat her as a junior. As a little sister, nothing more. The things she gave me, honestly, I felt very embarrassed in front of my classmates. I'm well known in Mizue high around the vicinity, even from Koei. I'm known as the black coyote. Since my father is a judo master, and when Hiragaki gave me the food, I'm just simply using her. "

" Tch. " A sigh of detest and awkward silence went across the ally.

Kaede came out of hiding, which shocked Mamoru, Nozomi and Tomoe.

" What... What on earth... Harada sempai*. I really really hate you! " With tears in her eyes and running away from the ally. Mamoru was left speechless and constantly looked downwards, Nozomi was left feeling guilty.

Tomoe still continued to hide...

Mamoru grabbed Nozomi's hands as she was about to walk off to find Kaede.

He pulled her arm closer towards him and forcefully kisses her.

Feeling happy, Mamoru slowly went to touch her face.

Feeling angry and unwilling, Nozomi tried pushing him away from her but she isn't strong enough.

A punch came flying from the right towards Mamoru.

"That is from her. " Tomoe says, keeping his cool with a pretty bad smile.

Mamoru rubs blood off from his face using his large fists, " Hey, You think i don't know who you are? shiro tsubasa* ? " A twitch came from Tomoe's eyes. " I learn judo, unlike you. "

A punch came flying from Mamoru towards Tomoe.

He fell to the ground. Nozomi, feeling afraid and scared.

" Stop.. S-Stop It! " She shouted.

" S-Stop hurting Yuhara-kun!! " She tried.

" I-I don't even know you!!! " She cried.

They started punching each other and rolling all over the place.

" I will protect the one I love! " Shouted Tomoe.

Then, Mamoru stopped.

He stood up and left the school, covered in bruises and blood.

Same goes for Tomoe.

Nozomi's face was petrified.

Tomoe tried to talk to her, he took his hands and put it around her neck, and pushed lightly towards his chest.

" I will protect you, the one I love. " Tomoe whispered.

Nozomi used her hands and pushed Tomoe away.

" I don't believe in love, there's no such thing. Don't touch me again like that!! " And she ran, hoping to find Kaede.

Tomoe left the school feeling very useless.

Now, Kaede has ran away because of Mamoru's confession and mean speech.

Nozomi does not remember who Mamoru is, yet, feels a bit of love for Tomoe.

Mamoru felt depressed after the rejection.

Tomoe feels lost, as he thinks Nozomi doesn't like him at all.

White Wing is Tomoe? What does it mean?

It was a harsh day for the four of them

Will it be a better day tomorrow?

End of Chapter 05 . Stay tuned for

Chapter 06: Promise Me

第６章:　やくそく私

Chapter 05: Author's Notes.

*Shiro Tsubasa 白い翼　－　White Wing, relates to doves, white pigeons, holy.
This is a nickname from Koei HighSchool, given to Yuhara Tomoe. Further explained in later chapters.
*Kuroi Inu 黒い犬　－　Black coyote / dog, relates to underworld, black, notorious.
This is a nickname from Mizue HighSchool, given to Harada Mamoru. Further explained in later chapters.
*Sempai - Senior

Yet again, Thank you for those who continue supporting me and giving me new ideas on ways to improve!
Support me till i finish Arias Wing!

-Song is coming up soon for the blog.

Chapter 04: Secret. - 第4章: 秘密

2009-10-29T01:52:00.022+08:00

Chapter 04: Secret.

第4章: 秘密

The bell rung for the first time of the day, which meant school had started.

After taking attendance, Takashi-sensei then gave a reminder.

" Students, Your P.E. period which is the 3rd period will be replaced by Swimming. You have all been informed last week and reminded yesterday. Please be there punctually and i wish to hear no complaints from the teacher." He said, as he left the class.

Nozomi sighed. " geez. All these programmes this school makes. "

" Its just for awhile till the exams are over Sakurai-chan. " Tomoe tried to cheer her up, as Nozomi hated doing activities. " Meanwhile, let's get ready for the next lesson. "

" mm.. " she nodded her head. Took out her book, then stared out of the window.

ding~ the 3rd bell rung. Which meant it was 3rd period.

Excitement filled the classroom. It felt very warmly.

Students came out of 1-B's classroom and went downstairs to the pool.

It was not an outdoor swimming pool, a swimming pool with glass panels which makes it look like a swimming complex- an indoor pool, which is rectangular in shape.

" C'mon now. Class 1-B ! Brighten up. Today's your first day here at the pool with the school. Please listen to instructions carefully and pair up in groups of threes. " The teacher instructed.

Nozomi as usual, grouped with Tomoe and Kaede.

The class entered the chilly pool. Shivering as their feet first touched the surface of the water.

Nozomi has never done activities such as this before. And the first thing that came into her mind was...

" We're gonna swim in this pool which is 3-7 feet deep... I haven't swim before.. "

Knowing how afraid Nozomi was, Tomoe then held onto Nozomi's hands tightly. She was so scared that she did not even notice their hands were in contact.

After 3rd period ended, they had to go into the showers to take a quick bath and be ready for their next lesson.

Nozomi was so happy with the swimming lesson, she decided to come back after school ended. It was her first time swimming and her first time being so enthusiastic with the activity.

The school was dismissed a little later than usual. Nozomi excitedly went to the school's pool with Tomoe and Kaede.

" Isn't it nice. To be here. Just the few of us looking at a crystal clear pool. " Said Nozomi.

Shocked Tomoe responded, " Since when were you interested in stuff like this. "

She completely got oblivious to her surroundings and stared into the pool. She gave a weird look and said.

" If only it was knee-deep. "

They then burst into laughter.

Suddenly, they heard noises coming from the entrance.

" Ah! Just in time, kids, could you help this girl get the equipment from the equipment room at the courtyard and bring it to the swimming department behind? " She used her palm to push Kirei foward and they had no choice but to say yes. Afterall, she's a teacher.

Four of them walked to the courtyard.

" Kaede imouto and i will move the items upstairs first. Yuhara-kun and Kirei-chan, you two go to the basement. Since Yuhara-kun's here, he can help carry the heavy items downstairs. And since Kirei is the one who was asked to do it in the first place, she shall help Yuhara-kun. " Nozomi said happily as she ordered Tomoe and Kirei while she happily ignored Kirei like she was an ant and chatted happily with Kaede. " Meet back at the swimming complex. " She said as she left.

As Nozomi and Kaede left the courtyard, they headed to the pool which was quite far away.

" C'mon Yuhara-kun, lets move the things before it gets too late! " Kirei said.

" Yeap. " He laughed.

Not for long, Tomoe said, " Ahhh, I'm so sorry that Nozomi is acting this way. She's like that. "

" It's Okay. " Kirei said happily.

Both of them pushed the doors open and Kirei held onto the items while waiting for Tomoe inside the room.

Tomoe took his time to grab onto the hard to reach equipment.

Out of the blue, Kirei suddenly asks, " Hey, Yuhara-kun... Do you like Nozomi? " She asked directly.

Tomoe was left speechless, " W-Why did you ask that? "

" What does she have that i don't? " She said bluntly.

" Ehh..?! " Tomoe was left stunned.

An awkward silence crossed.

Kirei left the equipment she held onto to the floor and went closer to Tomoe.

" Tell me. Is it looks? I'm pretty enough. " She said to Tomoe. He tried avoiding direct eye contact.

" Look at me... " Tomoe still looked away. " Look at me Tomoe-kun. " She called him in a very intimate manner.

" L-Let's avoid that topic. " Tomoe said, as he grabbed onto the things and was ready to leave.

Kirei then grabbed onto the door handle and closed the door shut-tight.

Just at that moment, the cleaner locked up the basement equipment room without looking inside and left Kirei and Tomoe inside. Stranded.

Kirei went even more closer to Tomoe and started to play with his hair.

" I like your hair " she says. " I like everything, your scent, your voice. I long for you Tomoe-kun. "

He grabbed his hand away and pushed her back lightly.

" Runomi-chan, you may like me a lot but i bear no feelings for you. " He said.

" Why?! Is it because of that sly fox Nozomi?! " She enraged in anger.

" Hey, you're crossing the line Runomi-chan, calling Sakurai-chan like that. " Tomoe said, as he sounded quite pissed.

" I don't care what i call her. She's forever like that. Since the first day of school, she got you and everything.."

Tomoe pushed her back, not lightly. And told her off.

" Stop it! " He yelled.

Meanwhile, Nozomi and Kaede waited for quite a long time for Tomoe and Kirei. Thinking both of them got lost.

" Geez. That Yuhara-kun.. " Nozomi grumbled. " Why is he always such a slow poke! "

" Give him time to come neesan, it isn't easy for a person to carry heavy equipments. "

" I-I don't care. I-I'm gonna go look for him. Imouto, follow me. "

Without being hesitant, Kaede went with Nozomi as she was getting worried as well. The Sun's nearly setting.

In the nick of time, they saw Mr. Takashi, their homeroom teacher, carrying his suitcase and a file filled with a lot of papers. They went to Mr Takashi and asked for help.

The three of them shouted around the school compound for them and went to the basement.

Nozomi thought to herself.

" Do you think... They might still be stuck in the basement? It can't be.. It's already locked... "

But in fact, Tomoe and Kirei are still inside! Kirei covered Tomoe's mouth with her hands so that he wouldn't call out to them.

" I swear, if you ever made a sound, i will not forgive you Tomoe-kun. " Kirei whispered. " I do not wish to scold my sweetie. " By then, Nozomi left the basement.

Tomoe got disgusted by Kirei, grabbed her hands and pushed her to the ground.

" I swear, if you ever make a joke about Sakurai-chan, i will not forgive you, Runomi. " Tomoe said coldly. " I do not wish to hit a girl. " He said. Mimicking what Kirei said earlier. His eyes turned as cold as ice. Making Kirei go silent, she just sat still on the ground and cried.

Tomoe then tried to shout for help as he could not open the doors from the inside.

It just so happened that their homeroom teacher, Mr Takashi heard the noises from the basement.

Mr. Takashi then startled and ran downstairs to open the equipment room.

He could not open the room because the door was already locked earlier on.

" Sa-Sakurai-chan! Hi-Hiragaki-chan! " He ran to find them.

Luck was on their side, Nozomi and Kaede were just at the courtyard.

" I'll get the key to open the basement. Wait here ok? "

The both of them nodded their heads, " Okay. "

Mr Takashi ran towards the office to get the keys. As soon as he got his hands on it, he ran back to the courtyard and to the basement to open the doors.

" Are you two alright?! " Mr. Takashi said, after being very worried and concerned.

" YUHARA-KUN! How dare you trick us! " Kaede shouted

" Ahh.. I'm sorry.. I didn't mean to.. haha, the cleaner locked us up by accident. " He replied.

Nozomi went to the corner.

" I'm so glad you guys are okay. That's the main worry. Now, better go back home before your parents start to worry. " Mr Takashi said, covered in sweat, wearing an unfamiliar black suit.

Nozomi and Kaede then walked towards Takashi-sensei, along with Tomoe and Kirei.

" Thank you Takashi-sensei!! "

" Its my job. Haha, take care kids. " As he walked out of the school compounds.

When Nozomi got home, she went expressionless again.

" I wonder what Yuhara-kun and Kirei were doing.."

She thought and though. Till she fell asleep.

Nozomi then dreamt of something.

A Blur scene of trees and grass.

No, the garden at her old home.

The laughter of 2 kids. A boy and a girl.

As the last words she heard, " One day, both of us must get married! "

" Yes Yes! I'll be the mama. " The girl said.

End of Chapter 04 . Stay tuned for

Chapter 05: Protect the one you love.

第5章:１あなたが愛守る

Chapter 04: Author's Notes

Thanks all for supporting till chapter 04. Chapter 03 wasn't as good as the previous chapters as there had been a few complications in the story. Chapter 04 is originally titled " I love my homeroom teacher " However, i decided to change the title to " Secret ".
Mainly because the most parts of the story is based on Tomoe and Kirei's conversation in the basement.
I would hope for a better review than Chapter 3.

PS. Kirei is NOT a new Character. I just included her as for all you readers know, Tomoe is a guy which is very good looking and many girls are crazy over him. One particular person would be Kirei then.

A girl requested for a drawing of Tomoe and Nozomi together, I'd gladly do it asap and post it up as main page :) If its promising.

Chapter 03: Sister Kaede - 第3章: 妹楓

2009-10-23T13:52:00.011+08:00

Chapter 03: Sister Kaede

第3章: 妹楓

The girl, barely noticing she was ignoring whatever Nozomi said, like as if she was oblivious to everything in the world. She startled and apologised to Nozomi.

" aha.. i'm so sorry. i'm really sorry.. I got carried away with all my excitement. Thanks for coming to me though. " Bending her body slight forward in the apologetic position, with her head facing up.

Running off feeling very embarrassed of herself, she left the school's rooftop and disappeared like leaves in the wind.
Nozomi then stayed up in the rooftop and headed back down to the classroom soon after. Mr Takashi was already in class by the time Nozomi reached, apologising, then reaching back to her seat, smiling to herself at the Tomoe that was sitting beside her, looking at her, smiling.

" Now, Please take note, your term 1's exams are- " Being cut short by a rude disruption, Mr Takashi stood by the Blackboard, feeling very stunned.

" My, you're 15 minutes late for class, Miss Hiragaki. " Said the stern and strict homeroom teacher.

" I...I... " then tears filled Kaede's eyes.

" I was just.. " It flowed down her pink cheeks.

" I... I... I... just " A tear drop fell from her chin to the ground. With the class only filled with Kaede's voice, the rest of the students kept quiet and still.

" I'M SORRY SENSEI* ! " And tears just came out of her eyes like as if she was a running tap.

Feeling shocked and surprised, Nozomi met her earlier at the rooftop, nobody expected Nozomi to react this way.

" TAKASHI SENSEI ! Please have mercy on her! " The class had a eerie silence, as Nozomi stood up at her seat, and suddenly, everyone burst out in laughter.

" HAHAHA THAT WEIRD GIRL USED THE WORD MERCY! " they said.

Nozomi's face turned tomato-red. She stepped back, tilted her head to one side, trying to get a glimpse of Tomoe's reaction. Tomoe was giggling away. Giving a very displeased emotion, she then went back to her seat.

Kaede was still up front, with tears still falling.

Mr Takashi felt very troubled and decided.

" Go back to your seat Hiragaki-chan. " and pushed his spectacles higher and wrote notes on the blackboard.

Hanging her head low, Kaede returned to her seat (1st row).

When school ended, Tomoe was surprised that Nozomi confronted Kaede.

" Hiragaki Kaede? " Nozomi whispered, like a little child asking for candy.

" Yes? " Kaede replied, packing her books in the meantime.

" C-Can you come with me to my seat? " Nozomi asked, while Tomoe thought, is this how people make friends?

" Ah, i've to turn down on that offer, i need to go to the swimming pool for my club activities soon. " Kaede said.

Whereas Tomoe thought again, if he was the odd one out, looking at Nozomi's pretty sad and dissapointed face.

" Hey, Hiragaki-chan, would you like to have lunch with us? It'll be a quick one. " Tomoe suggested.

" Sure, lets go then. "

And the 3 of them went off to the cafeteria.

" Cha-shuu ramen. " Tomoe ordered.

" Cha-shuu ramen large. " Following by Nozomi.

" wow, big appetite. Hamburger steak for me please! " Lastly, Kaede.

They ranted on and on about high school life, laughing, sharing their thoughts. And when it was about time for Kaede to leave.

" Bye ! " and Kaede left the cafeteria.

Having a tiring day for Nozomi, she walked home feeling very tired.

" Hey, Yuhara-kun. " Nozomi said.

" Yeah? "

" Do you think.. Kaede would like me? "

" Sure she will. "

" I'm gla- " Nozomi said halfway, as she tripped over a rock at the ally. (Shortcut from school to house)

" ow ow ow.. " Pressing against her ankle. " i think i sprained it.. "

Tomoe couldn't grab onto her on time and she fell flat on the floor. Having scratches everywhere on her legs. Tomoe then took her ankle and twisted it around here and there.

" It hurts ! " Nozomi yelled.

" Okay. done. " Tomoe said. " Just need to give it a day's rest. " Nozomi tried standing up. " C'mon, get on my back, quick. " Hesitating, she climbed onto Tomoe's back.

" I'm only doing this because i had no choice ! " She pouts.

Their 2 faces were flushed red.

Reaching Nozomi's house and dropping her off at the gate, Tomoe then watched her go into the house and left. Feeling relieved.

It had been almost a month and a half since Nozomi started schooling. She had no friends at first, and started to know Yuhara Tomoe, a transfer student. He likes her alot, yet confesses many times and without fail, got rejected. Sakurai Nozomi is a very quiet girl, she always keeps everything to herself until she met Tomoe, who opened her heart out.

Without reminiscing much, Nozomi fell asleep on her comfortable bed after dinner. Since the next day was a Friday, she decided to have a go at trying to get Kaede to be friends with her and spend time like the other girls at school.

" Hiragaki-chan! " Nozomi shouted across the school's courtyard.

" Sakurai-chan, hey! " Kaede responded back. " fufufu, hey Sakurai-chan, come over here a sec. "

Feeling excited upon meeting Kaede, " Yes?! "

" Are you and Tomoe going out together? "

" Hmm, yeah sure. We are. You wanna come? " Nozomi said, without clearly understanding Kaede's question. Kaede meant if they were both dating, however, Nozomi meant that if they had an outing prepared.

Stunning Kaede, she laughed. " Oh dear girl! How can i disturb you two. Nozomi, you're super lucky you know. He waits for you and stuff. Gotta go now! "

Yet again, Kaede dissapears like leaves in the wind.

Putting their shoes into the locker as what they always do, Nozomi walked up the stairs towards the classroom, she saw Kaede by the remote stairway and asked Tomoe to go ahead to class.

" Hi-Hiragaki-chan? " Nozomi reluctantly goes over to her.

All she heard was sniffing noises.

Like she cried.

" Hiragaki-chan? Hey... " Nozomi asked for the second time.

" Sakurai-chan.. " Kaede replied, " I may have gotten into the team but, he rejected me...!! " She cried.

" Who? Who is the 'He' ? "

" My Senpai... "

" Ah... Don't worry about it too much ok? "

" I made this o-bento lunch for him.. He simply pushed me to the corner and took his hand out... and... just pushed the bento back to me... and... and... and simply said ' Hiragaki-chan, i'm sorry i cannot accept. ' and walked away !!! " Her tears came out like the water fountain.

" Now, Hiragaki-chan, love takes time to develop.. Now, return back to class with me and lets have fun today. " Nozomi said, unexpectedly, because she herself isn't having much fun.

Upon returning to class, looking at worried Tomoe and crying Kaede, she wasn't as contented to be in school as the other days, see-ing how depressed the people she love are, she got depressed herself.

"Hais" a sigh came out from the Nozomi's pale lips as she looked out amongst the bright pretty cherry blossom leaves (sakura). She was thinking about how to talk to Kaede, which left Tomoe worried, in other words, troubles her both.

At the end of school, Nozomi went to Kaede and said.

" Introduce to me! "

"Who? " Kaede asked.

" Your Senpai! "

" Sorry Sakurai-chan.. He's very very busy. "

" oh... Then are you free now? "

" What is the matter?"

"Follow Me!" Nozomi said, cheerfully jumping off to the nearby river. Tomoe followed happily, see-ing how happy she is, he as well, is happy.

After reaching the river, Nozomi carried a wooden bag with her and laid out picnic-like items. Such as a mat. (Instead, she uses her blanket), food (Bought from the nearby convenient store). Tomoe and Kaede laughed heartedly after looking at how Nozomi prepared a 'picnic'. They then settled down nicely, under the blooming sakura. With her black hair swaying in mid-air, her beautiful aqua-like eyes looked like sapphire jewels, her hands are as gentle as snow whites'. She then said.

" Kaede-chan. " With a stern voice. " Can you be my sister? "

Tomoe and Kaede's face both lit up. Kaede was shocked to hear that Nozomi called her by her name.

" N-Nozomi-chan.. " She stammered. " Wh-When's your birthday? " She shyly asked.

" Me? 16th January! " Nozomi asked excitingly.

" Wow, Nozomi-chan, you're older than me! "

" Really? " Nozomi asked like a small kid yet again, " When When? " Pestering for an answer.

" Haha, 10th February. "

" Gosh! " Nozomi startled. " Its just a few days before Valentine's day! How romantic. " Nozomi rambled on and on about how happy she was. When this question popped out.

" Hey er.. Is your senpai's surname Harada? " Tomoe asked, filled with utmost eager.

" Ah....... " Kaede paused. "Nope." She said confidently. "Lets continue Nozomi-chan."

The 3 rambled on and on yet again, and finally concluded.

" Kaede-chan, Since you're younger than me, i can call u... Imouto* Kaede! and you can call me, Nozomi Neesan*! "

The group of them laughed loudly, as the pretty sakura petals continue to fall like the wind.

Just like maple leaves during summer (Kaede), brown, red, orange, yellow, warm coloured leaves, which gives a person a sense of warmth and happiness.

However, there is just one problem between the 3.

Tomoe mentioned 'Harada', and that has been on Tomoe's mind since.

Pondering about who he really is and the suspicious reply that Kaede gave really made him wonder.

Another Friend? Or Foe.

End of Chapter 03 . Stay tuned for

Chapter 04: Secret.

第4章: 秘密

Chapter 03: Author's Notes

Sakura - Cherry Blossoms. Beautiful flowers that grow in Spring.
Kaede - Maple leaves. Warm and beautiful flowers that grow in Autumn.
Imouto - Younger sister. ( Pronounced as: ee-mo-o-to )
Oneesan - Older sister/ Big sister. ( Pronounced as: O-ney-san )

Author's Notes:

I'm really glad that i've been receiving a number of good feedbacks and a few criticism which i think may help improve my writing. I do hope you'll continue to support my stories even though i published them a little late. Sorry and thanks for your kind understanding! I really do hope you will support me long enough to complete the story. I don't think this is as good as the previous chapters though. But i hope it wont be a typical one. (cliché) !

Chapter 02: Rumours Underneath - 第2章: うわさの下に

2009-10-09T18:11:00.144+08:00

Chapter 02: Rumours Underneath

第2章: うわさの下に

A group of girls went after Nozomi.

" Hey, Sakurai. Watch where you're stepping. You may not know whether you're stepping on a landmine bomb." one of her classmates said. As Nozomi ignores and walked out of the class and leaving the school.

Knowing Tomoe has been following her since she left the school grounds, she pointed directly at his face as he hid behind the electrical pole.

"Yuhara-san. I do not see the point in you following me the whole day." and nobody replied, she continued walking on home.

Upon reaching home in front of her home gate, Tomoe suddenly appeared and grabbed her arm.

" Sakurai-san, would it help if i did this? " He left a knee on the floor and bowed down like as if he was proposing and took Nozomi's fair smooth hands and kissed it.

In shock, Nozomi quickly retreated her hands with faint blush on her cheeks.

" YUHARA TOMOE! What are you doing?! " As Tomoe's face was left looking on the ground, he grinned. Nozomi left, feeling very angry and slammed the house door.

Never did the two of them expected, 3 of Nozomi's classmates, who badmouthed her, was actually nearby and was spying on them. The 3 of them are always together and from Day 1, bad mouthed her.

" tch. After i told her to watch her limits. She actually demanded my Tomoe to kiss her?! " And that classmate went fuming mad.

Nozomi looked out at her window even at home and she just fell asleep by the window pane.

Not for long, dawn broke out. Taking a piece of bread with her and eating it on the way to school. Suddenly, Nozomi's classmate, the 3 bad girls, one of them riding a bicycle and knocked Nozomi over.

" Oh, my apologies madam, i did not see you there! You were too small to be noticed! hahaha " She exclaimed, along with a evil laughter.

Not for long, 2 of the 3 bad girls went behind Nozomi, stepped on her bread and pulled her collar.

" This is what you get for playing around with my Tomoe, Sakurai Nozomi. The next time i see that happen, it will something worse than this. " Without shedding a bit of tear, they threw her to the ground and left her on the floor with many by passers staring. She picked up her bag, combed her hair a bit and continued walking on to school.

In front of the school gate, Tomoe was leaning against the wall with his eyes half opened. As soon as he took notice of Nozomi's long black shiny hair, he rushed towards her.

" Hey ! what happened to you. You looked like you just woke up from bed! haha! " He tried to talk to her and she ignored as usual.

" Hey, Sakurai. You're late today." her head went low.

" Sakurai-san..? " she stayed completely still in the middle of the courtyard.

She fidgeted and shook a bit.

" Sakurai-san.. Are you all right? Did something happen? " Worrying, he asked. She shook her head and ran up to the classroom, leaving Tomoe yet again, puzzled.

Just as she entered the classroom panting, Mr Takashi the substitute homeroom teacher saw her at the classroom's door.

" Now, Sakurai-san, Yuhara-kun. Why are the both of you late? " Hearing whispers all over the classroom again, and its all about the same.

She took a breather and said, " I had something cropped up at home. " Nozomi said softly and she walked back towards her seat. While walking towards her seat, the mean girls left their legs out on purpose and tripped Nozomi. Making her fall onto the classroom floor with a loud thud. Having gone through such embarrassment, she picked herself up almost immediately, neaten up her skirt and went to her seat.

Day by day, the same scenario happens, being bullied by the same group of girls, being stalked almost everyday. She was sick of it.

And one day, having the classroom empty. There was only Nozomi in the class and Tomoe outside.

" YUHARA TOMOE. I demand you to stop following me from today onwards. You're being such a pain. You caused me a lot of trouble and many rumours about both of us dating came up. You made such a mess in my life. " she exclaimed with tears forming in her eyes. " We should just keep a distance. Ok?"

Feeling arrogant, Tomoe still continued to follow her after school. Only halfway though.

Over the weekend, the mean girls appeared again. This time, in front of her house.

" Sakurai Sakurai Sakurai Nozomi ! What a bad girl you are." awakened by the commotion outside her house, she went to the front door. The girls barged into Nozomi's garden, pulled her hair and pushed her to the ground.

" Hah. Sakurai. You never learn your lesson do you? "

Another, took a lighter in front of her face, " We told you what would happen if you did it again. "

One of the stronger girls went ahead and punched her on the face, kicked her using Dojo martial arts, as if Nozomi was a punching bag. Her face and body were all bruised badly as she landed on the floor with her face low.

" Will you want to do such a notorious thing again? Sakurai. Apologise."

" You can hit me, distort my face, harm me, but i will never apologise to people who are unworthy of my words. " Nozomi said. Having stunned the 3 of them, they went on to lit the lighter.

The lighter was lit just a few inches away from Nozomi's face. Showing no fear to the girls nor expression, she just closed her eyes and simply accepted the fate she had. At that split second, Tomoe appeared and grabbed the girl's wrist who was holding onto the lighter. He gave her an ominous stare and said.

" If any one of you lay a finger on her ever again, i swear, you will quit Mizue High. " with a very stern voice. Nozomi just kept completely quiet and still, feeling shocked. The 3 mean girls ran away after understanding what Tomoe said.

Tomoe grabbed her hand, pulled her up and brought her into the house.

" You should be glad i continued following you. " his voice started to shake. " Why did you not react? Why did you continue to let them bully you? Why!? " Using his two hands gripping onto Nozomi's Shoulders.

" It was not necessary to inform you. " She looked aside, taking his hands away from her shoulders." However, I would like to thank you for helping me out earlier on... If you were not there, i don't know what could have happened to me. I was afraid, because i had no back up. "

" Sakurai-san. You don't have to thank me. I'm a friend after all, and I'm your back up." Tomoe said, having a glistering shine in his eyes as he said it.

"Friend...?" Nozomi whispered.

There was an akward silence following on..

And a soft thank you was heard.

" If you ever need me, I'm always here. Here's my cell phone number. " He then passes her a slip of paper. " The last time, you told me that i was pathetic, that love was not like this. I hope you won't crush this poor paper too." he laughed.

" Okay. " She received the paper Tomoe gave her, a gentle soft smile was seen on her face.

She went to Oishi Supermart not long after, to get food for dinner. Once she reached home, Nozomi then applied ointment onto her bruises and bandages to her scars.

The slip of paper Tomoe gave her slipped out of her pocket.

" Friend. Thank you. " and a drop of tear was shed. " I have a friend now, mama. "

She sat beside the window, smiling, feeling happier than usual, with the only thing in her mind, "Friend" as she fell asleep on the window pane, smiling.

Nozomi went to school the next day, sitting by the window looking out again.

" Sakurai-san, do you want to join me for lunch? " Tomoe asked.

" No thank you, i have mine with me. " She smiled softly.

Tomoe then left the classroom and headed downstairs to buy his An-pan (A Japanese sweet bun filled with red bean paste.) While Nozomi has the chance of "escaping" his sight during this time of break everyday. She left to the school's rooftop. Nozomi liked to be away from the commotion and prefered to be away from the busy buzz and loud noises.

She frequently visits the rooftop and just sits on the bench eating her food. But on that very day, she saw a girl, with reddish-brown hair, short curls, short hair and a small tail at the back, whom looked familiar to her. She was crying very badly, and it was the first time Nozomi seen someone else other than herself being up at the rooftop. She tried her best to talk to that girl.

" Hey.. Uhm.. Did someone bully you? " She reluctantly asked. That girl shook her head left and right.

" Uhm.. Is there a problem? " Nozomi asked again.

" I WAS IN THE SWIMMING TEAM!! " that girl exclaimed, jumping out of her seat, with her right arm pointing up North. " I GOT IN ! " Nozomi felt like she had just been like a blind mice, fooled by the man whom she thought he could see.

Nozomi just sat down, still feeling stunned with her hand on the air which was about to calm that girl down before she jumped up in joy.

That girl stood up with eyes shining like jewels.

That is the start of a new friendship.

End of Chapter 02 . Stay tuned for
Chapter 03: Sister Kaede
第3章: 妹楓

Chapter 01: Dreamer - 第1章: 夢想家

2009-10-09T02:47:00.015+08:00

Chapter 01: Dreamer

第1章: 夢想家

Staring out beyond the glass windows, Sakurai Nozomi sat still on the wooden classroom chair, holding onto her textbook, listening to her teacher half heatedly.

" Sakurai-chan !" It was like a murmur to her ear.

" Sakurai-chan ! " She was still looking outside.

" Sakurai-chan ! if you are not going to answer, i will take it as you are out of my class ! " Yelled Mr. Takashi. Our substitute Homeroom teacher.

Giving that face where she gives to every teacher, and softly says to herself.

" If only.. .... "

The bell for the first break rang. Students from Class 1-B rushed out like cheetahs for their food in the cafeteria. Everyone gave her the weird looks with the corner of their eyes. She could hear whispers all over the classroom.

" She's always daydreaming! hah! "

" She must be thinking about her 'boyfriend' hahaha! "
" How could she have one?! She is such a loner. "

It was the same everyday. Yet, she continued to look out of the window. Having such sorrowful yet beautiful eyes. Having such a sweet look, yet a cold face. That girl is none other than Sakurai Nozomi.

It has been a month since the new term started, and since Sakurai graduated from middle school. Having no friends in middle school, she led her life like how it was in high school. Class 1-B in Mizue High School.

When the school bell rang for the last time of the day, Nozomi walked home alone. Other students had after-school activities, but it seems she always avoids socializing. Sixteen year old Nozomi was always made fun of when she was a child, having her father left her when she was still a baby.

Upon reaching home, a hearty dinner was always ready-made on the family's dining table and a note with words. Everyday.

The note wrote: " Dearest Nozomi, mother has to be away again tonight, sorry i have been unable to accompany you yet again for dinner. I promise, when I'm back, we'll have a warm dinner, just the two of us, Love, Mama, Sakurai Chika. "

Tears streamed down Nozomi's cheeks again. and again. Eating only one-fifth of what was on the table, and dumping the other four-fifth into the rubbish bin.

" Rubbish... " she said . she shouted . and wiped her tears off and went to bed.

Leaving home in the morning, Nozomi walked to school with the same expressionless face again. After putting her shoes in the lockers, she was about to get up when she bumped into a boy whom she felt very unfamiliar . Her books dropped all over the floor .

" Geez. I'm so sorry. Here, i'll pick it up for you. " The boy said. After being startled.

" Its Okay. " Nozomi whispered.

As the boy looked up to return her books, he was stunned at her beautiful face and was left speechless after Nozomi took her books from him.

Classes were about to start, Mr Takashi came into the classroom which was like monkeys which soon calmed down to be like teaching a group of soft spoken pigeons.

" Class 1-B, please welcome a new transfer student of Koei High to Mizue High School . " the class was in amazement. Tomoe was a very charming young man. He has the looks of a prince and the eyes of a kind demon. The girls went crazy the moment he stepped into class. Screams, faints and applauds. While the guys were murmuring away their little conversations. " Please introduce yourself Yuhara-kun. "

" My name's Yuhara Tomoe. I'm 17, a year older than you guys here. I've been transferred from Koei to Mizue. Do guide me well this year, and I'll be hoping to enjoy this year with you as well. " and he takes a bow, being a polite student.

" Yuhara-kun, please take a seat at the back of the classroom, there is an empty seat for you. " Nozomi was beside that empty seat. All the girls were staring at him as he walked towards that empty seat. He noticed that Nozomi was staring out of the window during that entire period and was amazed at girls like her, because rarely, would Tomoe find a girl which does not look at him even at the slightest bit. He expected her to talk to her at first. But finally, he gave up and gave in during the first bell of break.

" Hey girl, what's your name? " He asked.

Nozomi just turned to him sideways. Tomoe was shocked to see that it was the same girl whom he bumped to earlier this morning at the lockers. Tomoe's eyes started to give off a bit of interest in her.

" You just asked for my name? " Nozomi gave a cold stare towards Tomoe.

" Yeah. If not, who else is here? There's nobody else in the classroom in this corner right? "

Nozomi just continued staring at him blankly. Like as if she does not know what he was talking about.

" Hey girl, its rude to stare at a person this long. "

" Nozomi. Sakurai Nozomi. " She said, after a long wait.

" Finally ! I'm Yuhara Tomoe! " Tomoe exclaimed, as Nozomi gave no reaction. The girls around that area started to gossip again. Hearing whispers from everywhere yet again.

" Look, that Sakurai girl is talking to my Tomoe-senpai! "

" Yeah, what a girl. Who knew she was this bad. She appears to be so angelic in front of us. " and another continued her line,

" when she's actually just a stinky devil!"

" grr. That Sakurai is getting on my nerves, Tomoe-senpai really is too! Of all the pretty girls here, why would he pick the ugliest one! "

Tomoe heard the other girls talking and wanted to stand up for the both of them.

Nozomi grabbed his arm, softly telling him.

" Leave it be. " and she continues staring out of the window, leaving Tomoe puzzled at what to do and went back to his seat, writing on some piece of paper.

Tomoe wanted to give that piece of paper to Nozomi personally, however, she dissapeared like a ghost. The next period was math, so he stuffed it inside Nozomi's math textbook on Page 16.

The bell rung again. It was time for the 5th period in class. Everyone taking out their textbooks. Nozomi took her math book, and coincidentally the teacher asked the students to turn to Page 16. After flipping to page 16, Tomoe looked anxiously at Nozomi. Taking that piece of folded paper, Nozomi unfolds it and it reads: " Sakurai Nozomi. Are you free this Saturday? -Yuhara Tomoe " She crushed the paper almost immediately.

Tomoe looked at Nozomi feeling mesmerized, and thought to himself.

" It is the first time a girl ever 'rejected' me like that... I like her even more now.. "

At the end of school, she went to him and gave him a cold stare.

" Is this what you people call 'love' ? Pathetic. " As she walks out of the classroom.

End of Chapter 01 . Stay tuned for

Chapter 02: Rumours Underneath

第2章: うわさの下に

Chapter 01: Author's Notes

* Senpai - Senior
* It is polite to put "-san" after anothers name, or "-chan" after a young girls name, or "-kun" after a boy's name, but NEVER use these after your own. Credits to Japan FAQ.

Author's Note:
Hello readers, Chapter 01 has been released and i thank you all very much for reading this debut chapter.
I hope you will continue supporting me in future.
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu !　よろしくおねがいします！　Please treat me kindly!

Just got the blog up and fixed.

2009-10-09T01:31:00.001+08:00

It wasnt easy trying to make up all components of this blog.
I had to change the main picture too. Although it was nice.
It was Otsuka Ai's Picture. and NO ! this story is not about her.

Will be drawing up a few characters in time to come, so please be very very patient with us !

- Eugenia ゆたか