Four days earlier…

Sunlight filtered between skyscrapers, the hazy glow of early morning draped over Tokyo. Crowds hurried along busy streets, their chatter blending into familiar background noise.

High above the commuters, the electronic chime of an alarm clock echoed through a modest apartment. Matsui groaned, slapping the off button before reluctantly sliding out from beneath her blankets. Another day, another opportunity to fade into the background.

Matsui shuffled to the bathroom, brushing her teeth and smoothing down her perpetually messy hair. She stared critically at her reflection - plain face, tired eyes, messy long black hair, gangly frame drowning in an oversized pajama shirt. With a sigh, she turned away and changed into her school uniform - a navy skirt and vest over a crisp white blouse. Standard attire for blending in. She combed her hair and placed her glasses on.

After a quick breakfast of rice and miso soup, Matsui gathered her school supplies into her backpack. She mentally reviewed her schedule - literature, math, and history. The familiar routine comforted her, each class providing a brief respite from the Chaos of teenage social life.

Matsui locked her apartment and headed downstairs. Emerging onto the street, she joined the herd of commuters funneling towards the subway station. Crammed shoulder to shoulder in a noisy train car, her mind wandered to her parents halfway across the globe. Their demanding careers kept them constantly abroad, leaving Matsui to her solitary life. She missed them but cherished her independence.

The train deposited Matsui at her stop. The flow of students swept her down the sidewalk toward Chiha High School. As the gates came into view, she took a breath to steel herself. Just get through the day without attracting attention.

The schoolyard bustled with activity. Knots of friends laughed and chatted on the lawn while couples cuddled on benches. Nearby, a group of boys kicked around a soccer ball. Matsui averted her eyes, sticking close to the building as she hurried inside.

Navigating the crowded hallway, Matsui focused on the scuffed tiles under her feet. She jumped as a loud voice directly behind her shouted, “Look out!” before a pack of girls whipped around the corner. Matsui tried to dodge, but the leader plowed into her at full speed. Books and papers exploded across the floor.

“Oops, didn’t see you there!” The girl towered over Matsui, lips curled in a smug grin. Her fiery red pigtails bounced as she put a hand to her mouth in mock surprise. “Oh wait, it’s just the little bookworm worm.”

Her friends erupted in sycophantic laughter. Matsui flushed, scrambling to gather her scattered supplies. Of course, Reira would target her today. The notorious bully loved tormenting anyone she deemed weak or weird. Unfortunately, Matsui fits both categories.

“Aww, I think you missed a page,” Reira sneered, kicking a worksheet down the hall. As Matsui crawled after it, the redhead pressed down hard with her boot, grinding the paper under her heel. Tears stung Matsui’s eyes. She wouldn’t give Reira the satisfaction of seeing her cry.

Before the abuse could continue, an unfamiliar voice rang out. “Leave her alone!” Matsui looked up to see another girl approaching. Lean and tall, her cropped afro framed high cheekbones and piercing dark eyes. She crossed her arms, stance wide as she stared Reira down with a scowl.

Reira cocked her hip to the side, waving a dismissive hand. “Back off, new girl. This isn’t your business.”

“It’s my business when punks like you think you can push people around,” the newcomer shot back. She didn’t budge as Reira stomped up to her.

The two remained locked in tense eye contact before Reira finally scoffed. “Ugh, whatever. Let’s go girls.” With a flip of her pigtails, she marched off, lackeys scurrying after her.

The other girl watched them disappear around the corner, then turned to Matsui with a sunny smile. “Hi! I’m Jayla, the new transfer student.” She offered a hand to help Matsui stand. “Are you okay?”

Matsui nodded shyly, brushing dirt from her skirt with one hand while accepting Jayla’s outstretched hand with the other. “I’m Matsui. Thank you for stepping in. You didn’t have to do that.”

“Of course I did! Us nerdy kids gotta stick together.” Jayla passed Matsui the last of her scattered papers. “I just moved here last week. My dad got a job at the new American company downtown.”

“Wow, you’re American?” Matsui examined the girl with a new fascination. She had never met a foreigner her age before.

“Yup! Moved here from Detroit. Still getting used to everything.” Jayla laughed. “I tried taking the subway this morning and got so lost. Finally, I made it just before the first bell.”

Matsui smiled back. “Good thing your Japanese is fine. I could show you the train routes. I’ve lived here my whole life, so I know my way around.” The casual offer surprised her—she never voluntarily spent time with classmates outside of school.

“That would be awesome!” Jayla’s enthusiasm seemed genuine. “Think we could meet up this weekend? We should grab a bite in Harajuku after. I’m dying to see more cool places here.”

“Sure, I’d love to show you around.” Matsui meant it. Maybe this school year wouldn’t be so lonely after all.

The warning bell interrupted their conversation. “Guess I better get to homeroom,” said Jayla. “See you at lunch?”

“See you then.” Matsui waved as her new friend jogged down the hall. For once, she looked forward to the social chaos of the cafeteria. She had a good feeling about this unexpected friendship.

*****

The cafeteria clamor assaulted Matsui as she entered alongside Jayla. Friends greeted each other with excited shouts while cutlery clinked against trays. Holding her bento box, Matsui scanned the crowded room. Her usual empty table waited in the far corner.

“Where should we sit?” asked Jayla, eying a rambunctious group playing cards.

“Oh, um, I normally just sit in the back, away from all the noise,” Matsui admitted.

Jayla linked her arm through Matsui’s with a grin. “Let’s mix it up then!” Before Matsui could protest, Jayla pulled her directly into the fray. They planted themselves at the end of a long table packed with chatting students.

Matsui shifted uncomfortably, boxed in by unfamiliar faces. She picked at her rice, keeping her eyes down.

“Man, I’m starving!” said Jayla through a mouthful of burger. “You gonna eat all that?” She gestured to Matsui’s uneaten omelet and octopus sausages.

“No, help yourself.” Matsui slid her box over. Jayla grabbed a sausage with her chopsticks and took a tentative bite.

“Mmm, takoyaki!” she exclaimed. “My dad cooks Japanese food sometimes - he gets ingredients at this little market near our apartment. The sushi is killer.”

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Matsui perked up, drawn in by Jayla’s outgoing nature. “I could bring you a homemade bento if you want to try more dishes. My parents taught me to cook before they left.”

“For real? That would be awesome!” Jayla nudged Matsui playfully. “Maybe you can give me recipes, too. I wanna wow my new friends with my cooking skills.”

Matsui laughed. “Deal! Though Japanese dishes take a lot of practice to perfect. Tokyo was such an exciting place to grow up. I remember going to the Tsukiji fish market with my mother when I was little. The colors and smells were so vibrant as the merchants called out prices and bargained with customers. We'd sample tasty street snacks like takoyaki or imagawayaki. And at night, the neon signs of Shinjuku were like entering another world."

Matsui smiled wistfully. "My father would tell me stories during dinner about the myths and legends of Japanese gods and creatures. His tales brought the folklore alive in my imagination. Near our house was the tranquil Meiji Shrine, with its towering torii gate at the entrance. I loved wandering the peaceful forest paths there."

The bittersweet memories surfaced for the first time in years, transporting Matsui back to her childhood.

"Man, Detroit was non-stop exciting growing up too!" Jayla said, gesturing animatedly. "My friends and I would play basketball at the local community center for hours - we thought we were gonna go pro one day," she chuckled. "In the summers, Hart Plaza downtown would have the best food and music festivals. I tried soul food, Mexican, Greek - you name it! And me and my girls would sometimes sneak out late at night to hit the club scenes when we got older," Jayla said mischievously, her bold spirit apparent as she recalled her thirst for adventure and exploration around the city. Man, I miss those crazy days.”

Matsui tried picturing the wild scene - she could barely imagine disobeying the rules like that. But Jayla’s spirited view of life fascinated her.

At that moment, a hush fell over the cafeteria. All eyes turned towards the entrance as Reira strolled in, flanked by her usual gang. Chins lifted, backs straightened, voices lowered - her presence demanded deference. With subtle looks and whispered comments, she marked her territory.

Reira passed their table, cracking her gum obnoxiously. Her calculating gaze briefly met Matsui’s before dismissing her entirely. Matsui released a breath she didn’t realize she was holding.

Once Reira moved on, Jayla leaned over with curiosity. “Okay, what’s that chick’s deal? She walks around here like she owns the place.”

Matsui sighed, lowering her voice. “That’s Reira. She rules the school through fear and bullying. No one dares cross her.”

“For real? That’s whack.” Jayla shook her head in disbelief. “I don’t get why she’s so nasty to everyone. Girl must have some issues.”

“I guess her home life is difficult,” Matsui mused. “Maybe this is how she deals with stuff. Not that it excuses her behavior.”

Jayla nodded. “I hear you. I just can’t let kids like that think they can push others around. I had enough of that back in middle school.” Her expression clouded at the memory.

Matsui studied her new friend curiously. She hadn’t considered that Jayla could relate to bullying. With her bold attitude, she seemed immune to criticism or judgment.

“Well, you really showed her this morning.” Matsui gave a tentative smile. “I never stand up to Reira. I probably just make it worse by avoiding her all the time.”

“You gotta hold your head high and not show fear to the bullies.” Jayla leaned back in her chair confidently. “She tries messing with you again, I’ll be there to put her in her place.”

Matsui appreciated Jayla’s reassurance. Maybe with a loyal friend by her side, she would find the courage to stand up for herself. The future felt brighter having this bold new ally.

The lunch bell jarred Matsui from her thoughts. As she gathered her things, Jayla touched her shoulder. “Meet up after last period?”

Matsui grinned back. “See you then.” She now had something to look forward to as she navigated the rest of her classes. With Jayla at her side, she no longer faced the halls alone.

*****

A light breeze ruffled Reira's fiery hair as she leaned against the chain-link fence lining the school's rooftop. Taking a long drag from her cigarette, she slowly released the smoke through barely parted lips. Across the skyline, the setting sun stained wispy clouds of crimson. Reira watched the colors bleed together, wishing she could melt into the horizon herself.

Spending a lunch period on this deserted rooftop had become Reira's only refuge at school. Here, no teachers nagged about rules, no students giggled behind their hands as she passed. Above it all, she could almost pretend everything was normal for a while.

Reira winced as she shifted position, her bruised shoulder bumping the metal fence. A parting gift from last night's fight with dear old dad. The drunk's dinner wasn't warm enough, so he had tossed the plate at Reira's head before storming out for the bar. At least he was gone by the time she had to clean the mess off the kitchen floor.

The school hadn't always been this isolating. During her first year, Reira joined an amateur rock band with a few older girls. She found an escape playing powerful bass lines that drowned out her troubled thoughts. The band even played a few small gigs before it all fell apart.

Footsteps echoed from the rooftop entrance. Reira dropped her cigarette, grinding it under her heel as she turned to find her bandmates approaching. Their leader, Saki, crossed tattooed arms over her judges' robe with pursed lips. The sight sent Reira's pulse racing - they never came to her anymore.

"Hey," Reira managed, cursing the unsteady tremor in her voice. Don't show weakness.

Saki gave a curt nod. "We gotta talk." Her stern tone brooked no argument. The girls fanned out, blocking any escape route as Reira's heart hammered against her ribs. This was an intervention.

"So here's the deal," Saki began, grey eyes boring into Reira's. "We've been talking, and we think it's time for you to leave the band permanently."

"What? No!" Reira's shout echoed across the empty rooftop. She saw the other members flinch, but their stances remained firm. They planned this! Her chest constricted painfully. They couldn't take this from her too.

Saki held up a hand. "Let me explain..."

"Please, just give me another chance!" Reira pleaded, gripping the leader's arm. "I know I've been difficult at practice lately, but I can get better. The music helps me deal with everything." She knew the excuses were pathetic, but she was desperate.

With a sad sigh, Saki gently removed Reira's hand. "I'm really sorry, but we all decided this is for the best. We can't work like this anymore. You harassing our fans is giving us a bad name. If we want to succeed, you need to leave and get some counseling.” The rest of the group nodded, avoiding Reira's wild gaze.

"You don't understand how much this means to me!" Reira could hear her voice rising to a hysterical pitch but couldn't stop it. "I need this! Please, I'm begging you..."

Saki stepped back, gesturing for the others to leave. "I'm afraid it's too late. We wish you the best, but the decision is final." Without another word, the group exited the roof, disappearing from Reira's life once more.

Alone again, the reality sank like lead in Reira's stomach. A feral cry tore from her throat as she lashed out in anguish. Grabbing a nearby trash can, she hurled it violently across the rooftop. It slammed against the door with a deafening clang.

Chest heaving, Reira stormed over to a flimsy corkboard plastered with the band's posters and flyers. She ripped them down feverishly, shredding the paper beneath her nails and leaving fragments scattered across the debris-strewn concrete. They wasted all those hours of practicing and performing. Her only creative outlet was gone.

Finally spent, Reira collapsed against the dented trash can. She drew her knees tightly to her chest. No matter how hard she tried to escape it, the pain always pulled her back into its gravitational orbit.

At home, her father's cruelty whittled away her spirit day by day. His biting words and flying fists kept her perpetually walking on eggshells. She could never relax or be herself without risking his drunken wrath. The band had been her sole diversion from that misery.

Now, school would become another battleground. The band’s perceived status would no longer protect her. How long before other kids sensed her weakness and came circling like sharks? Reira rested her forehead against her knees as hot tears spilled down her cheeks. She was so tired of fighting.

Wiping her eyes fiercely, Reira forced herself upright on trembling legs. She wouldn't break. Not here. After repairing the smudged mascara as best she could use her phone's camera, she stormed toward the exit. With an animalistic growl, Reira punched the metal door. Pain splintered through her hand, but it barely registered. She would do whatever it took not to feel powerless again. No one would hurt her and get away with it this time.

Reira flew down the stairwell steps recklessly. Students in the hall scrambled out of her path as she barrelled through. She got a bitter thrill seeing the apprehension flickering across their faces. Let them fear and despise her - she thrived on it.

One scrawny boy didn't react quickly enough and caught Reira's shoulder. She whipped around, shoving him brutally against the lockers. His head bounced off the metal with a clang as he yelped in pain and surprise.

"Watch where you're going, loser!" Reira growled at the cringing boy. His watery eyes and quivering lip just made her angrier.

Before she could do anything more, a teacher intervened. "That's enough! Principal's office, now!" he ordered sternly, steering Reira down the hall. She went without resistance, too emotionally drained to argue.

Sinking into an office chair facing the administrator's disapproving scowl, Reira blocked out the ensuing lecture. She knew the routine by now. Suspension, counseling, and empty apologies to the victim. None of it changed anything. All that remained was enduring until she finally graduated and escaped this place for good. Reira tunneled her vision into that pinprick of future light - it was all that kept the darkness at bay.