Fumiko’s hand was holding onto Hikaru’s tightly as she led her to the back of the school. Most of the students had left the school ground by now, leaving them alone with Fumiko’s group.

“H-hey, Fumiko, where are we going…?” Hikaru asked, but Fumiko wasn’t answering.

Suddenly, she was feeling very scared. She had never experienced something like this back at her hometown of Takayama, so she had no idea what Fumiko was going to do, while a normal person would had figured it out by now.

Arriving behind the school building, where it was completely empty and far away from the rest of the school, Fumiko released her hold of Hikaru’s hand.

“Are we here…?” Hikaru asked.

Fumiko turned to Hikaru with a dark expression.

“You’ve been making Aya act weird lately.” Fumiko said. “It’s happened ever since you transferred here.”

“I-I did…?” Hikaru wasn’t exactly sure what was going on, but seeing the look on Fumiko’s face told her that it wasn’t good. “I-I’m sorry, Fumiko, I don’t really understand…”

“Look, I don’t really care about you to be honest.” Fumiko raised her nails, glancing down at them. “I’m just doing this because Aya said you were annoying her.”

“What do you mean…?”

“Who do you think has been leaving all those messages on your table, idiot.” Kenzou chimed in. “Why won’t you just take a hint and leave the school?”

“…”

Now, Hikaru could see what was going on. City life was sure different to the country side. She has barely been at the school for one week and already she was getting bullied out.

“I can’t just leave the school…” Hikaru said. “My parents will be upset—”

“Do you think I give a shit?” Fumiko snapped, annoyed. What is up with this naïve girl? “You’re bothering everyone in our class, and we all know that you did horribly in the exam. You’re dragging our whole class’ average down.”

Hikaru flinched, seeing Fumiko snap at her. “I-I’m sorry…” She bowed her head, feeling very scared.

“The main thing is that you’re bothering Aya!” Eito stepped forward. “Fumiko told me all about it. She said that Aya is annoyed by you.”

“B-but I didn’t do anything—”

“Shut up!” Fumiko yelled. “You’re such a little…”

Fumiko grabbed Hikaru’s arms, and Hikaru tried to pull away reactively, but she was smaller than Fumiko. Hikaru was also not very athletic due to her short stature.

“I-I’m sorry, Fumiko!” Hikaru cried. “Please, let me go!”

Restraining Hikaru from moving, Fumiko pulled Hikaru’s arms behind her back, holding them together.

The group laughed, seeing Hikaru crying, tears falling from her face.

“She’s crying…”

“What a baby…”

"We haven't even done anything yet..."

No one was helping Hikaru. There were smirks of arrogance and contempt all around her.

“Hey, Eito.” Fumiko called, still holding onto Hikaru’s arms behind her back.

“Yeah?” Eito said.

“Hit her.” Fumiko said.

Hit a girl? Eito didn’t feel right about hitting Hikaru, seeing what was actually going on. He was down for anything when he had heard that Aya was having some problems, but now that he was here, he didn’t really feel like he could hit a crying girl.

“Isn’t this enough already?” Eito said. “You’ve already made her cry…”

An awkward atmosphere was going around the group. Eito was a pretty respected student, but Fumiko was also very popular.

Fumiko raised her eyebrow, then scowled. “Come on, didn’t you say you would do anything for Aya!”

“Yeah, but…”

“Stop being such a wuss.” Fumiko sighed. She knew that bringing Eito here was a bad idea, but Eito had insisted on coming when he heard that Aya was having troubles.

Giving up on Eito, Fumiko turned to Kenzou.

“Kenzou, hit her.” Fumiko ordered.

With a shrug, Kenzou walked forward, then threw a punch into Hikaru’s stomach.

Hikaru lost her breath, as the punch hit her in the stomach, and she lost all the energy in her legs, leaning against Fumiko who was holding her up. She coughed harshly, then cried.

Fumiko laughed. “Come on, hit her again! We will get some pictures later!”

“I-it hurts! Please, just let me go!” Hikaru cried. “I’m sorry!”

“I’m soweee!” Kenzou imitated Hikaru mockingly, then laughed. “Do you really think we’re just going to let you go if you say sorry?”

“Come on, just hit her again!” Fumiko said, annoyed.

The rest of the group started jeering as well.

“Hit her!”

“Punch her in the face!”

“Do it, Kenzou!”

Just as Kenzou was about to throw another punch into Hikaru’s stomach, a familiar voice sounded, like strings from an orchestra.

“What the hell do you guys think you’re doing?!”

The group froze, recognising the owner of the voice and turned around to look…

Midnight-black hair, deep hazel eyes, and a face that reeked of beauty.

Aya stood behind the group, her face in disbelief.

“A-Aya…” Eito said, overwhelmed by the sight of her. No matter how many times he saw Aya, he was always stunned by how beautiful she was.

Fumiko quickly released her grip of one of Hikaru’s hand, pretending she was holding Hikaru’s other hand in a friendly gesture. Hikaru was hunched over, her free hand going to her stomach, and her legs shaking.

Fumiko tried to smile and play it off, though she was nervous inside. “Aya! What are you doing here? I thought you went home with Sana?”

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“I had a feeling that you were going to do something awful…” Aya said angrily. “And I was right.”

“We didn’t do anything…”

Aya stomped over to Fumiko, then pulled Hikaru out of Fumiko’s grip.

“Ah!” Fumiko released her hold of Hikaru’s hand.

“You guys… you’re awful…”

Aya turned around, staring at everybody in the group. Everyone was shifting uncomfortably.

“Aya, I-I had nothing to do with this!” Eito stepped up, trying to pronounce his innocence. “I tried to stop them! They told me that you had a problem with—”

“Shut up!” Aya glared at Eito, then turned to Fumiko.

“Don’t ever talk to me again!” Aya said.

Fumiko’s face paled. “Aya… I was just trying to help you… you told me…”

But Aya was already walking off, taking Hikaru with her by her side.

They left the back of the school building, leaving the group there as they started heading for the school gates.

“Are you okay, Hikaru?” Aya stared at her worriedly, her heart was aching in a way she never felt before. “I’m so sorry…”

Hikaru was still sobbing, barely recognising who her saviour was. She was holding onto her stomach, walking weakly as she leaned against Aya.

“I… I d-didn’t do a-a-anything…” Hikaru sobbed, more tears falling from her eyes. “W-why did t-they do that to m-m-mee…!”

She could barely talk because of all the tears coming from her eyes.

Aya winced, then glanced forward to continue walking Hikaru.

This is all my fault! If only I had stopped Fumiko earlier! Why did I just turn a blind eye to everything?! Aya was feeling torn apart inside by her guilt.

Aya chewed her bottom lip with a flustered look, then glanced around as they exited the school gates.

At the side of the school was a long, black limousine with the number plate KURAMOTO. Seeing Aya, the limousine moved forward, stopping next to the two of them, and the door gently popped open automatically.

Aya pulled the crying Hikaru inside the limousine, trying to calm her down.

“It’s okay…” Aya soothed, holding onto Hikaru. Hikaru felt so soft in her arms, so fragile. She had never held anything like this. Aya closed the door as she pulled Hikaru inside.

“Where to, young mistress?” The driver, a man in his 50s dressed in a chauffeur uniform glanced at Aya from the rear-view mirror.

“Where do you live?” Aya asked Hikaru gently.

“F-fifteen-twelve C-Chuo-ku…”

Hearing that, the driver nodded, then the blinds separating the driver’s seat from the passenger’s seat rose up, leaving Aya and Hikaru alone in the passenger seats.

“Are you okay…?” Aya asked.

Hikaru was sniffling now, her crying lessening, but her face looked like she was still hurt. She was clutching to her stomach.

Hikaru glanced up at Aya, her face filled with dried tears, and Aya felt her heart stopping.

“T-thank you… Aya…”

Hikaru hiccupped, then held her breath to stop it.

“It’s okay…” Aya smiled weakly, still holding onto Hikaru. Her hands were at Hikaru’s waist… She feels so soft, and she’s really warm… I don’t want to let go…

“I-I thought you don’t like me…” Hikaru said.

“Don’t be silly!” Aya forced a small laugh. “Why would you think that?”

“You always look away when I smile at you…”

“I-I didn’t see it.”

“And you always ignore me when I try to talk to you…”

“I probably just didn’t hear you…”

“I’m so glad…” Hikaru looked up at Aya again, her big round brown eyes staring into her. “You actually don’t hate me…”

“Of course not!” Aya said.

“Those students back at the school… they were all saying that I annoyed you…”

Ugh… how was I going to get out of that one? Aya thought to herself.

“I-I did not!” Aya lied. “They were just making things up!”

“Ah, is that it…” Hikaru trusted Aya completely. The pain in her stomach was fading now, and she sniffed. “I’m sorry… if I ever annoyed you…”

“Listen,” Aya tried to put on a serious face, staring into Hikaru’s eyes. “Don’t worry about what the other people are saying. I’m going to make sure they never do those things to you again!”

Hikaru felt like crying again, hearing Aya’s words. She had wanted someone to help her for so long. She had been alone all this time at school, enduring the constant bullying and harassment.

“I... I’m really happy…” Hikaru said. “You’re so nice to me, Aya…”

Ack! She’s so cute!! Aya wanted to pull her into a deep hug, but resisted the urge. She was already holding onto her waist, hoping that Hikaru wouldn’t notice. A tight hug was sort of pushing the line.

Aya’s face reddened. “Don’t worry, Hikaru. No one will ever bully you again if I say so.”

“R-really…?” Hikaru felt so relieved. “T-thank you, Aya… thank you so much…”

Aya smiled, seeing the look on Hikaru’s face. “It’s okay…”

Hikaru shifted on her seat, moving away from Aya. “I-I’m sorry, I was leaning on you so much…”

Disappointment swept over Aya. “Ah, it’s fine…”

Hikaru glanced down, noticing Aya’s arms were still around her waist. Why is she still holding me…? But it feels awkward to say something about it… Oh well…

Aya was staring at Hikaru’s pouting strawberry lips. They look so soft… I wonder what they feel like…

“Hey, Aya…” Hikaru glanced up at Aya, and Aya jolted.

“Yes…?”

Hikaru shifted in her seat, hesitating. “I have something to ask you…”

“Anything! What would you like?”

Aya moved her hands away from Hikaru’s waist. Did she notice me holding onto her? Aya’s heart was beating so fast. She reached into the minibar that was at the side of her seat.

“Did you want something to drink?” She asked hastily. “Maybe you’re thirsty from all that crying!”

“Ah, no… that’s not it…”

“What would you like?” Aya’s hand smacked around inside the minibar, searching for something. “Mineral water? Margarita? Champagne?”

“Ah, no… I’m not thirsty…”

What even are those drinks? Hikaru thought to herself. I never heard of any of them.

Aya pulled out a bottle of expensive champagne.

“Maybe you’re hungry too? Do you want, ugh…” Aya glanced over at the mini fridge inside the limousine. “Sorry, I don’t have much since the fridge is kind of small, do you like caviar or something?”

“Caviar?”

Hikaru had no idea what Aya was talking about. “I just wanted to ask you something, Aya…”

Aya stopped, holding the bottle of champagne in her lap. “What is it…?”

Hikaru shifted in her seat nervously. She glanced up at Aya with a shy look.

“Will you… be my friend…?”

Aya stared at Hikaru with a blank look. Friends… with Hikaru? She was overwhelmed with joy. This feels like a dream.

Aya reached out grabbing onto both of Hikaru’s hands.

“Ek!” Hikaru let out a short cry, surprised. She wasn’t used to this much contact back at Takayama.

“Of course!” Aya said. “We can be friends! Best friends!”

“R-really?” Hikaru was surprised, but extremely happy. “We can be… best friends…?”

Aya nodded, then noticed that she was holding onto both of Hikaru’s hands. Oh god, what the heck am I doing?!

Aya released her hold of Hikaru’s hands and coughed. I have to refocus! Control myself!!

Taking a deep breath, she took on her usual calm and gentle demeanour that she had at school. She smiled at Hikaru softly.

“I think it will be good for you to stay close to me for a while… it will make sure that no one tries to bully you again.” Aya said.

Yes… this was more like it. A rational explanation. I don’t want to look like a complete freak here…

“Ah, so that’s it.”

Hikaru nodded, understanding Aya’s thought process or so she thought. She wants me to be best friends with her so that she can stop the bullying… Aya is just too nice… I was wondering why she was being so close to me…

“Anyways, maybe you want something to drink now?” Aya lifted up the bottle of champagne in her lap. “You need to rehydrate!”

“Um…” Hikaru stared at the bottle of champagne in Aya’s hand. “Is that alcohol?”

“Yep!”

“…aren’t we too young to drink alcohol…?”

Hikaru and Aya were both 16 years old. The minimum drinking age in Japan was 20. But no one actually listened to the rules… or so Aya thought.

“O-oh, right…” Aya said, upon realising that Hikaru was the only person she knew that actually followed the drinking laws. She quickly placed the champagne back inside the minibar. “I was just testing you!”

“Testing?”

“Yeah, you know?” Aya turned back to Hikaru, laughing. “I wanted to see if you would actually break the law.”

“Oh, right...” Hikaru laughed too, seeing Aya laughing, but she didn’t really understand.

The limousine stopped, signalling the arrival at the destination.

“Oh, we’re here.” Aya said, then reached over past Hikaru to open the door. She was actually secretly using the opportunity to brush past her body.

“Thank you, Aya...”

Hikaru moved closer to the seat to allow Aya room to open the door.

Aya leaned back to her seat, once she opened the door.

“Well… I’ll see you at school tomorrow!” Aya said cheerfully.

“Yes…” Hikaru was still unsure if she was dreaming or not. She had never imagined that the beautiful and popular Aya at school would be so nice to her. “Thank you Aya… for everything…”

“D-don’t worry about it!” Aya felt herself blushing, seeing Hikaru stare into her eyes. Why can’t I control myself?! “You don’t have to worry about anything at school anymore, I’ll protect you!”

Hikaru nodded shyly, feeling safe with Aya’s words.

Despite being betrayed by Fumiko just a moment ago, she didn’t have a single speck of doubt about Aya. Probably because it was just her personality to be too trusting.

“Bye, Aya!” Hikaru smiled nervously as she stepped outside of the limousine.

“Bye, Hikaru!” Aya smiled back, the radiant smile she always had on at school.

With that, Hikaru closed the door and walked back to her apartment where she lived with her mother.

As soon as the door closed, Aya started panting heavily, letting her breath go. She felt like she had been holding her breath the entire time with Hikaru, trying to control herself from hugging her.

Oh my god, that girl is just so cute!! Aya felt light-headed, falling on her chair. A-Am I really in love? I can’t believe it! It can’t be! It’s impossible! Me?! Aya Kuramoto?!

Argh!!

Aya tossed and turned in her seat that was large enough to be a bed, while the driver that had dropped the blinds to ask Aya a question, stared at her from the rear-view mirror with a raised eyebrow. Never in all his years of driving Aya, and he had been driving her his whole life, had he seen her act like this.