The Glass Slipper Fits the Right Owner [HSJ One-shot Story]

The Glass Slipper Fits the Right Owner [HSJ One-shot Story]

Chinen Yumi X Yamada Ryosuke

(Requested by: Champagne Dela Cruz)

Once in our life, there comes a time wherein we must take once in a lifetime chances. We must not let this chance slip. We must take the risk, whether we make it or break it. No matter how hesitant we are, we must take this chance. This may change our life for the better.

I’m Chinen Yumi, a first year high school student. I have an older brother, Chinen Yuri, who is a senpai in my school. He’s a part of the popular ten-member boy group, Hey Say Jump.

His co-members often visit us. They are all handsome, but one guy caught my attention. One guy made me fall for him. He has these beautiful red cheeks, pretty lips, and a dazzling smile. His eyes are so stunning that you feel cloud nine whenever you see them.

This member is Yamada Ryosuke.

He dances so gracefully, sings so exceptionally, and acts outstandingly. Indeed, he is the perfect dream boy that any girl would wish for.

Yes, he is the perfect boy, but who am I to him? I’m just his best friend’s younger sister, and I’m just his kouhai. He would never think of me more than that.

Still, I can never forget him. No matter how hard I try, I cannot do it. No matter how I try to get him off my brain, the more I remember him.

I’m really helpless. Why does it have to be Yamada Ryosuke?

Someone knocked my door. It was my older brother, Yuri. With a wide rabbit smile on his face, he said, “Yumi! The photo sets we took yesterday were out! Take a look of how cute your brother is!”

My brother prefers to be called cute rather than cool. I really don’t get him, but I guess that’s the image he wants to show the fans.

He was right. They all looked good. I’m lucky to have a very good-looking brother. But Yamada-senpai really catches my attention. My brother seemed to notice that I was staring at his face. He said, “You really like Yama-chan don’t you?”

I finally woke up from my dreamy state and said, “No way!”

He asked me, “Why are you staring at him with such dreamy eyes?”

I said to him, “No! I was not!”

My brother continued to tease me while I kept on hitting him. He was quite a bully.

After talking with my brother, I’ve done my homework and went to sleep. Tomorrow will be another usual day.

Morning came. My brother and I went to school together. We went separate ways because our classrooms were quite distant.

As I was walking, something caught my attention. It was a poster from the theater department.

Cinderella, the Play

Auditions:

Everyday within this week after classes

The cast will be revealed on Friday afternoon.

I finally thought of auditioning. I really didn’t make any difference this year. I am invisible, even though my brother is a pop star. Some girls were mean to me, and I was always treated me as a loser. Some were really nice, but then I discovered that they just want to meet my brother.

I’m going to prove them that I am not someone to look down to.

I’m going to audition. It’s good if I get the lead role, but it is okay if not. Maybe it was not meant for me.

This dismissal time, I will audition. I will try.

During the whole time, I was thinking about the auditions. I was thinking twice. Is it really good for me if I join? Will I just end up in pure embarrassment and failure?

Dismissal time came. I went to the theater. There were many people lining up. Today is Thursday after all. There will be a lot of last minute people who will audition.

I saw a lot of good looking girls, the one that boys would drool over. Maybe one of them will be casted as Cinderella. I didn’t stand a chance against them. I was making a fool of myself.

I just went home reluctantly. I wanted to audition, but my insecurities and fears are stopping me.

As I was walking along the street, someone poked my back and said, “Hello Yumi!”

I looked at my back. He was Yamada-senpai.

I was really surprised as to why he was there. He told me, “Yumi, let’s walk together. I’m going to visit your brother today.

In a low voice, I replied to him, “Hai.”

It was a quiet moment between us. Suddenly, Yamada-senpai broke the silence. He asked me, “Yumi-chan, did you audition for the school play?”

I tightened my grip on my bag. I told him, “No, I didn’t. How about you?”

He said to me, “Yes. I auditioned yesterday. Well Yumi, I think you should try to audition. It’s the last day tomorrow.”

I suddenly stopped and thought about it. The reason that I didn’t continue to audition is my lack of confidence. I told him, “I’m not good enough to be chosen.”

Yamada senpai laughed and said, “Are you joking? You must audition! You have a big chance in getting the lead role!”

I also laughed and said, “Yamada-senpai, you must be kidding me!”

He said in a serious tone, “You just have to believe in yourself.”

His words struck me. In the first place, I didn’t believe in myself. How would I achieve great things if I am like this?

Then, we reached my house. The other members were there too; Okamoto-senpai, Nakajima-senpai, Arioka-senpai, and Morimoto-senpai. They seem to be doing something important.

I greeted them and went up to my room after that. I overheard Okamoto-senpai said, “I heard you’re going to play Prince Charming, Ryosuke.”

I didn’t hear the continuation of their conversation. I wonder if what Okamoto-senpai said was true.

But one thing is sure. Tomorrow, I will audition for the play, no matter what happens.

True to my words, here I am, outside the theater. I’m done with my audition.

I don’t remember what I did. Getting the Cinderella role is a miracle for me now. In the first place, I know it’s too good to be true. I know that I’m not good enough.

Later this afternoon, the results would be posted. I must never expect.

I saw people crowded around the bulletin board. I’m sure that the results are out.

I decided to go home. There is no reason for me to look. I did not make it. I know I really sucked during the auditions.

I walked away. Suddenly, someone ran into me and patted my shoulder. I looked and it was Yamada-senpai.

“Yumi-chan, congratulations!”

I was wondering what he was talking about. I asked him, “Eh? Congratulations for what, senpai?”

Yamada-senpai giggled and said, “Of course, you got the role of Cinderella!”

I stood frozen. Have I heard him right? I got the Cinderella role?

While I was off guard, he held my hand and pulled me towards to where the results are. I was shocked that the crowd split for the two of us to pass through.

I stared at the announcement.

```

LEAD ROLES

Cinderella: Chinen Yumi

Prince Charming: Yamada Ryosuke

```

It was all true. I was casted as Cinderella.

~~

Yamada-senpai had dinner in our house. My brother said, “Omedetou Yumi!”

My parents were also happy for me. Yamada-senpai was smiling his dazzling smile.

My dad said, “Yamada-san, I entrust my daughter to you.”

I exclaimed, “Hey dad! Don’t say that! It’s so embarrassing!”

Senpai smiled and said, “Of course.”

I know he was joking. I started to laugh.

After that, they all laughed too.

I got the role because of senpai’s encouraging words.

The next day, our rehearsals started every dismissal. While we are at the backstage, a girl told me, “You’re Cinderella? I expected you to be prettier.”

She was a senpai after all, her name is Matsumoto Miu. She is the president of Yamada-senpai’s fans club.

Suddenly, a girl interrupted us. She said, “At least she’s not like you, the ugly stepsister.”

The girl raised her eyebrow. Matsumoto-senpai left, looking very mad.

“Hello, I am Sakurai Miyuki. I play the fairy godmother. Just don’t mind Miu, she badly wants to be Cinderella. She’s very obsessed with Yamada-kun.”

All I did was smile and nod. She’s a fairy godmother after all.

We practiced our lines and our actions. Miu-senpai is as mean as ever. I think that her role fits her perfectly. Her acting as one of the wicked stepsisters was spectacular.

Yamada-senpai walked me home because our rehearsal ended at night. While we were walking, he said, “Yumi-chan, you know that I…”

He suddenly stopped what he was about to say. I looked at him and asked, “What is it Yamada-senpai?”

He said, “I want to give you this bracelet. Take care of it okay?”

It was a beautiful bracelet. He wore it around my wrist. I was very happy.

I finally bid him a goodbye as soon as I reached my house.

I felt special. He gave me a bracelet. Still, I must not expect.

The next day, we had our last rehearsals. It includes our dress rehearsals. Our instructor told me, “Yumi-chan, please try on this gown. And don’t forget, the glass slippers.”

I timidly went inside the dressing room. I wore the gown with the help of Miyuki-senpai.

When I was done wearing it, she gasped and exclaimed, “Oh my Yumi, you look absolutely gorgeous.”

I didn’t look at the mirror. Miyuki-senpai immediately told me, “Ok, it’s your time to act!”

The scene was dancing with the prince. While we were dancing, it felt different. I was feeling very nervous, yet very happy. Yamada-senpai whispered to me, “Yumi, you’re beautiful.”

I was very happy with his statement. It’s the first time a boy said that I am beautiful.

~~

As soon as I reached home, I was feeling like I am in cloud nine. The play will happen two days from now. I hope that I won’t screw up.

Suddenly, I felt that something was missing in me. I can’t feel… I can’t feel… THE BRACELET THAT YAMADA-SENPAI GAVE ME!

It is very special to me since he gave it. If I go back to school now, it’s too late! It’s already 10 o’clock PM!

Tomorrow, I’ll go to school and check the dressing room. I might have dropped it there.

~~

True to my words, I went to our school’s dressing room early in the morning. I searched everywhere, yet I didn’t see it.

Yamada-senpai’s precious bracelet, where could it be?

Instead of finding the bracelet, I saw the glass slippers, broken.

I immediately left the dressing room to inform our instructor. Much to my surprise, Yamada-senpai was there. He was talking to my brother. I hid behind a post to listen to their conversation.

“Chii, I really love your sister. I just want to ask for your approval.”

It was Yamada-senpai’s voice. Gosh, I must be dreaming. Is he really talking about me?

“You know Yama-chan, my sister is such a pain in the ass, but if you really like her, then go! I’ll support you!” my brother, Yuri said.

Yamada-senpai replied, “But I’m not sure if I will confess to her. You know, I asked for a sign.”

“What sign?” my brother asked.

“Today, if she wears the bracelet that I gave her, I will confess.”

I feel like I am dreaming. Yamada-senpai likes me back. But, I don’t have the bracelet with me.

I chose another way towards the school faculty room. Our instructor said that it’s hard to find glass slippers. He said that I should have brought it home. I felt that I am the one blamed.

Sadly, I went out of the faculty room. Yamada-senpai saw me. He asked me what was wrong.

I told him, “The glass slippers are broken and it’s hard to find a replacement at this time. The instructor told me that they are very rare.”

“Yumi… you know I…”

I noticed that he looked at my wrist. Of course, the bracelet wasn’t there.

“I’ll do my best to find replacements, Yumi-chan. Don’t worry…”

After that, he left.

Was he about to confess?

~~

I went home thinking about two things: Yamada-senpai’s confession and the bracelet.

I suddenly thought of calling Miyuki-senpai.

She asked me how the bracelet looked like. After describing it to her, she concluded that Miu-senpai got it.

After a few hours, Miyuki-senpai arrived at our house. She said, “Yumi! I have a surprise for you!”

She handed me the bracelet. I hugged her because of joy. I whispered to her, “You are really my fairy godmother.”

She told me, “That Miu needed a kick from me. She knew about Yamada-kun’s sign thing. I forced her to tell me. Well, I threatened her.”

She was laughing like mad. She looks very delicate and gentle, but her other side is really harsh.

She added, “She also broke the glass slippers. That girl is so freakin’ jealous of you!”

So it was Miu-senpai after all.

Miyuki-senpai wished me good luck for tomorrow’s play. She told me not to think too much about the broken glass slippers and went home.

After a few hours, it rained very hard. Lightning stricken and thunders roared.

We had dinner. The storm continued.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. My brother asked me to open the door.

I thought, “Who would visit my house during a very heavy rainstorm.”

Much to my surprise, it was… Yamada-senpai.

He was all wet. His hair was all messy. He had mud in his pants. He was bringing a paper bag in his hand. He was panting really hard.

I hurriedly let him sit down. I gave him a towel and tea to drink.

He opened the paper bag and opened the box. It was a new pair of glass slippers.

My tears didn’t stop flowing. I asked him, “Why would you do all these things to me, senpai?”

“Yumi, it is because…I love you.”

Still crying, I told him, “Am I dreaming or not?”

He told me, “I’ll let you feel that this is not a dream.”

Senpai wore the glass slippers on my feet. It perfectly fits me. He said, “You are really my princess, Yumi. The glass slipper fits the right owner after all…”

After wearing it, he held my chin high and kissed my lips. I held the bracelet tightly in my hand.

This day, I found my Prince Charming. I realized that life could become a fairy tale in you own little ways. A bracelet and a pair of glass slipper changed my life.

THE END

Author’s Note: Yatta~ I’m done with it! I hope you liked it, Champagne-san. ^_^

How was it minna? Please give me your opinions. ^_^

I’m sorry for the grammatical errors!

Love is Like a Cotton Candy [HSJ One-shot Story]

Love is Like a Cotton Candy [HSJ One-shot Story]

Morimoto Ryutaro X Inoo Kairi

(Requested by: Micah Garcia Pablico)

I remember the first time I saw him. It happened when we were kids, during my brother’s tenth birthday party. Obviously, he was my brother’s friend, even though they have five years gap.

He was very striking, handsome, and dazzling. I don’t know what has gotten in to me, but he’s just different. I think I love him, or maybe not?

This guy I’m talking about is Morimoto Ryutaro.

We are in the same level in high school. He is the popular actor, while I am the unpopular painter. He is someone that girls would drool over, while I was the loner type. Well, you get the picture. The scenario is just like a normal high school setting.

When we were still kids, we always play with each other. My brother, Kei, would always watch over us. Every afternoon was a trip in the park while eating cotton candy.

I thought that love is like a cotton candy. Love is sweet and soft. Well, when I was younger, I didn’t think that love was all about boys. Cotton Candy was my definition of love.

There was a time when I was feeling very sad. I lost my set of crayons. I really loved to draw and do art. I sulked the whole day. Ryutaro asked me what was wrong.

“I lost my box of crayons…”

He sympathized with me.

“Wait for a minute. I’ll buy something.”

Ryutaro ran away. I was left alone in the bench.

I saw him coming back. He was holding something in his hand.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t buy you a new box of crayons, Kairi-chan. I can only afford to buy this cotton candy…”

I looked at the cotton candy. It had a very pretty color. It had a heavenly feeling. I don’t know what happened but it brightened up my mood instantly.

I started to hold the cotton candy. It was very soft. I placed it inside my mouth. It melted and disappeared right away. Even though it disappeared, it left a happy feeling on me. I ate more and placed it inside my mouth. It disappeared…

My point here is love disappears like a Cotton Candy. It can make you happy, but not forever.

As I grew older, the way I felt about Ryutaro changed. Whenever he’s near, I feel shy. I just don’t know what exactly the reason was. Maybe it is the thing they call “Love”?

Love is like a cotton candy,

It’s sweet, yet it disappears.

Love makes you happy,

But time will come that it will fade.

The cotton candy is soft,

But it hardens as time passes.

The heart too, is ready to love,

But time will come that it won’t remember how.

I know that I’m in love with Ryutaro Morimoto.

“Kairi! It’s time for dinner!”

My brother called me. I stopped writing in my diary. I placed it inside my bag and went downstairs.

My brother said, “Tomorrow, I’m going out with Hey Say JUMP. It will be a two-day trip. Do you want to come with me? Ryutaro-kun will be there too!”

I pouted my lips and said, “I never asked! Of course I’ll go! Ayumi will be there.”

Hey Say JUMP is a ten-member idol group, which my brother, Inoo Kei and Ryutaro are members. They are really popular in Japan. Ayumi is Hikaru Yaotome’s sister. She’s my best friend too.

By the way, Ryutaro and I don’t talk as much compared before. As we grew older, our worlds were just so different. He’s busy with the entertainment industry, while I was focused on the arts.

My brother Kei said, “Ah, I know how much you missed Ryutaro-kun! You want to hug him, kiss him…”

My brother was demonstrating the actions. It was so disgusting. He was pouting his lips. He was shaking his booty. He was acting like a girl. His fans should see him acting very gay. I’m sure they would be happy.

“Stop it onii-chan! At the second thought, continue what you’re doing. I’m taking a video of you.”

Onii-chan’s face changed from a happy one to a distressed one. He pleaded me.

“Kairi, I know you’re a very good girl. Please delete that!”

I just laughed at him and said, “Don’t tease me or else, I’ll post this on Youtube! Your fangirls’ noses would bleed! They’ll love you more!”

There was never a quiet dinner for us. Kei onii-chan is a really fun brother. He’d do very random things during very random moments.

After eating our dinner, I went back to my room. I was thinking of what may happen tomorrow. I will hang out with Ryutaro again. My emotions are actually mixed right now. I was feeling excited, scared, happy, and nervous at the same time. How complicated could human beings get?

Finally, I decided to sleep.

```

Morning came. It’s the DAY.

Our mother packed us bentos. My mother prepared a lot, enough for all of us to share. My brother would be the one to drive. Actually, I don’t trust him fully. He got his liscence two months ago.

“Onii-chan, I’m going to ride the train instead. I’m scared of your driving!”

My brother said, “Eh? Don’t you trust me Kairi? My fellow members don’t trust my driving either… I’m such a pitiable human being…”

He was putting the puppy dog look with the beautiful eyes scene. I on the other hand, had no choice, but to ride with him. He’s so helpless, I know.

Our trip for today is in the hot springs. The Yamada Family owns it. It was exclusive just for us today.

The hot spring resort is located on the uptown. My brother had a hard time getting up the high places.

As we were driving, there was a cow blocking our way. I humorously told onii-chan, “How lucky we are today. A cow is blocking our way!”

“Don’t worry Kairi! I’ll get it out of the way!”

My onii-chan went out of the car. Suddenly he screamed in pure disgust.

“AAAH! I stepped on cow droppings!”

How unlucky this day is. The cow just left and we were free to go. One bad thing just happened. My brother stepped on cow’s droppings. It smelled very revolting.

We opened the car windows to lessen the bad smell. Honestly, I covered my nose during the entire trip.

Finally, we arrived. My brother asked for spare shoes. The rest of the members were laughing at him non-stop. Yuto laughed at him and said, “You would drive away all you fans with that smell!”

Hikaru was on the floor, laughing hardly. Takaki said, “Inoo, you’ve been very careless! Of all the things, it was cow droppings? I feel sorry for Kairi-chan who endured with that smell for the whole time!”

I looked around. Ryutaro was there. He was busy playing his PSP. I can’t see Ayumi around. I asked his brother about it.

“Hikaru onii-chan, where is Ayumi?”

Hikaru replied, “She had a sudden fever this morning, and she can’t go.”

OH MY GOSH. I’m completely doomed. I’m the only girl among these ten boys!

Suddenly, a pretty woman approached us. Good thing Yamada-kun’s mom will be staying with us!

The JUMP members decided to do their own things. I, on the other hand, went under a beautiful tree and write on my journal.

--

I didn’t notice the time. I was called out for dinner.

It was a very delicious meal. Yamada-kun’s mom is a very good cook. Ryutaro was missing though. Chinen-kun was sent out to find him.

After a few minutes, they arrived. Looking at Ryutaro was really awkward. I don’t know what the exact reason was.

I didn’t talk to him since morning. He was busy doing his own thing. Besides, I don’t think he’s interested in me.

After dinner, we played games, but I still feel lonely. I want to tell Ryutaro how I feel. It’s just that, everything changed. I wish I could turn back the time. I wish I was still close to him. I wish he was the same nice person I knew before. Right now, he’s just too cold and emotionless. He barely laughs or smiles.

After the games, I decided to go to my room and rest. I looked into my bag. My journal was gone!

I immediately ran going back to the tree. Good thing I found it right away! Well, it was actually very easy because it was entirely white leather.

I went back to my room. My journal is where my heart is. I mostly write about Ryutaro. It’s really shameful, but my feeling for him is complicated.

I decided to listen to my Ipod first. I had such a good time and I did it for almost an hour.

When it was almost midnight, I decided to write in my journal.

Much to my surprise, it wasn’t my writing on it. Instead of the tiny neat writings, it was replaced with messy and big letters.

I read what was written on it.

```

I saw Kairi-chan today. She was so beautiful, as what she always is. It’s been a while since we talked. I wonder why she avoids me. Have I done something wrong against her?

Well, I better not approach her. Maybe she will be bothered of my presence.

I always see her paintings. They are so amazing. Kairi-chan never fails to amaze me, even until now.

I want to let her know how much I love her, but I’m not yet ready. Maybe, Kairi-chan likes another guy. I must not confuse her feelings any further. I must not be very selfish.

Still, my heart is still madly beating because of her.

I miss our younger years. We always play in the park and I give her cotton candy. She really liked it. I was proud of myself for making her happy.

I’m certain about it. She is the person I love the most. I can’t afford to see her sad and hurt.

```

Tears couldn’t stop falling out of my eyes. I knew the owner of this journal. It’s not mine. It was Ryutaro’s.

I didn’t know he was thinking like that. I’m not mad at him. I just felt awkward and unpopular for him.

I directly went outside. I looked for Ryutaro. He was at the hallway, holding my journal.

He directly hugged me. I couldn’t stop crying. He whispered, “Kairi, I love you.”

I couldn’t say anything in return. I just hugged him tighter, never letting go of him. He understood that I was feeling the same way too. I said, “Ryutaro, You’re such an idiot.”

He broke the hug and looked at me directly in the eyes. He kissed my forehead and said, “I know.”

Morning came. Of course, JUMP knew what happened. Onii-chan suddenly transformed to his big brother mood and said, “If you ever hurt my sister, I’ll throw you into the cow droppings!”

All of us laughed. Ryutaro held my hand tightly. It’s his way of telling me that he’ll never let me go again. He gave me cotton candy. He said, “You can have as much as you want. If it fades, I’ll supply you with more, to the extent that it will never disappear.”

Indeed, love is like a cotton candy…

Author’s Note:

Yay! I finished it as soon as I expected. XD

I’m finally done with it Micah~ I hope enjoyed the fic~!

What can you say about this story minna? Leave me comments.

I'm still an amateur writer. ^_^

I’m sorry for the grammatical errors!

My Dearest Bench Friend [HSJ One-Shot Story]

My Dearest Bench Friend [HSJ One-Shot Story]

(Requested by: Dyan Patricia Ponce Pamatmat)

Yamada Ryosuke X Seiko Sato

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I’m Seiko Sato, currently in my last year in senior high school. I still remember everything that happened. Even though the incident happened years ago, I still remember everything. I remember my first love, my bench friend, Yamada Ryosuke.

As I was walking going to my school, I caught sight of the bench under the Sakura Tree. This bench is very memorable to me since this is where we met.

Flashback:

When I was still in middle school, I was always bullied. I don’t know what the exact reason was. I was nice to these people, but they weren’t nice to me. It was already dismissal time. I ran onto that bench under the Sakura Tree to cry. I never cried in front of the bullies. I never cried at home. I wanted to appear strong, but I wasn’t indeed. The truth is I am really weak.

I kept on crying and crying. Suddenly, someone tapped my back. I was startled. I immediately stood up and put the ‘do you want a fight’ expression.

He gently said, “I’m not going to hurt you. Here, wipe your tears with this handkerchief.”

I received the handkerchief from him. It was very soft. I gently wiped my tears.

He asked me, “Why were you crying? Did someone hurt you?”

I narrated everything: my everyday experiences of bullying and how I dreaded to go to school.

He said, “You must fight back. Be strong.”

With tears in my eyes, I said, “It’s hard…”

He looked at his watch and said, “Gomene, but I have to go home now. What’s your name?”

I replied to him, “Seiko, Sato Seiko desu! Anata?”

He said, “Yamada Ryosuke, yoroshiku.”

He walked away after that. I exclaimed, “Ne, Yamada-san, your handkerchief!”

He replied to me, “You can keep it.”

I asked him, “Am I going to see you tomorrow?”

Looking at me, he said, “Yes, I’ll be waiting for you tomorrow, here in this bench…”

Everyday in school, I wasn’t afraid of the bullies anymore. Yamada-kun’s words made me strong. I didn’t let the bullies hurt me.

When school was over, I was very excited to leave. I wanted to see Yamada-kun. I wanted to hear his voice, his jokes, and his laugh.

One day, I asked him, “Yamada-kun, what school do you go to?”

Crossing his legs, he said, “I’m home-schooled. I am really sickly and my body can’t manage to go to school everyday. I’m quite envious of you. I want to live a normal life too…”

I felt sorry for Yamada-kun. I thought of something that would make him happy. I think he has less friends and no one gave him nicknames, so I decided to give him one.

I said, “Ne, Yamada-kun, from now on, can I call you Yama-chan?”

He released a very wide grin. He replied, “Hai. From now on, I’ll call you Sei-chan ne?”

We were both happy. We received our very first nicknames. I didn’t really have many friends in school, and everyone just calls me Sato-san.

We continued on like that for years. Everyday, he would wait for me on the bench. We went together during festivals, we go boating together, and we do almost everything together. Yama-chan was my best friend. He said he liked strawberries so much. We knew all about each other.

As we grew up, my feelings for Yama-chan changed. I don’t want to destroy our friendship that’s why I kept quiet about my feelings.

During my last year in junior high, I never thought that it would be the last time I’m going to see Yama-chan. As what I would do everyday, I will go directly to the bench and see him. Instead of seeing his beautiful eyes and radiant smile, I saw an envelope. It was addressed to me. The letter was from Yama-chan. I directly opened it and started to read.

````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````

To Seiko Sato,

Sei-chan, I am sorry for not telling you this. I know it would really hurt if I say it in front of you. I can’t do it. I’m really weak, both physically and emotionally. Gomene Sei-chan.

I’m going to America and pursue my studies there. I never wanted to, but my father forced me. I really want to stay, but I can’t do anything.

Sei-chan, please don’t be mad at me. Enclosed in this envelope is a golden heart locket. Please don’t open it until I come back. Just wait for me. Let’s open it together.

You know, I want to say this but I don’t have the courage. I just want to say that I love you more than a friend. I loved you starting the first day I saw you. Do you reciprocate my feelings? Whatever you answer will be, I will humbly accept it. Please tell me what it is when I come back.

Please wait for me, in this same bench, under the Sakura Tree, Sei-chan. Watashi wa anata ga suki desu.

Love,

Yamada Ryosuke

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I looked inside the envelope. A big heart locket was on it. Tears were flowing out from my eyes. I don’t know what emotion I should feel. I was happy, mad, and sad at the same time. It was a complicated feeling.

I sat down on the bench and shouted at the top of my lungs, with tears still flowing out from my eyes, “BAKA YAMA-CHAN!!!”

I still keep his promise until now. The golden heart locket still remained unopened. I wonder when Yama-chan will come back. He never called me or sent me a letter all these years.

But I still believe in him. I may sound very stupid, but I’m still waiting for him. Three years had passed since he left, yet here I am, still waiting for his return.

Everyday, I still go to the bench and just sit there. Yama-chan’s memories are still very alive to me.

One day, a foreign exchange student arrived. Teacher said that he was from America. As the person entered, I discovered that he was Yama-chan!

I was quite nervous. Today is the day that I will reply to him. Today is the day I’ll tell him that I loved him too.

Throughout the day, Yama-chan didn’t approach me or talk to me. It felt very odd. Naturally, he would put his arms on my back as the both of us walk together. He would tell me jokes and maybe, tell stories about America. I felt really sad.

Dismissal time came. I ran towards him and said, “Yama-chan, welcome back!”

He just stared at me and asked, “Who are you?”

My body couldn’t move. He was gone for only three years and now, he doesn’t even know who I am?

I didn’t say anything in return. I cried and ran. I went to the bench and still cried.

I decided to forget about Yama-chan. To help me forget about him, I decided to continue my school in Kyushu and live there. My parents keep on convincing me to live with them there. I think that today is the time to do that.

I left the golden locket on the bench and decided to leave a letter for Yama-chan, in case he sees this.

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Dear Yama-chan,

I don’t know why you forgot all about me, but whatever it is, I’ll accept. In case you see this letter, enclosed to this envelope is the golden heart locket you gave me. I kept the promise of not opening it, and I know it will remain unopened forever.

I’m moving to Kyushu tomorrow. Goodbye, Yama-chan.

Seiko Sato.

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After writing the letter, I left the bench with tears in my eyes. I told my grandmother that I’ll be going to Kyushu to live with my parents. It was a sad farewell for us too.

I started to pack my things. Tomorrow, I’ll leave and go to Kyushu.

I also told my teachers about it. My classmates gave me farewell gifts. Yama-chan didn’t do anything.

I went home and stared at the bench for the very last time. The golden locket and the letter were still there. He didn’t come after all.

I went home and slept. It was already 8 PM.

Morning came, the day of my departure.

I waited for the bus to take me to the train station. The bus arrived and I went inside.

I was looking outside the window, looking at my hometown for the very last time.

Suddenly, someone was running outside. He was Yama-chan! I was surprised. He was saying something. I was thinking whether to continue to go to Kyushu or get off the bus and talk to him. He fell down and I felt pity on him. I decided to get off the bus in the end.

He was on the floor, panting. I said, “What do you want?”

He stood up and said, “I’m sorry, Seiko. I was such a fool.”

I asked him, “What do you mean?”

Yama-chan started to narrate the things that happened to him in America. He had partial amnesia.

When he was strolling, he sat on the bench and saw the golden locket. His head ached badly and he remembered me.

I felt embarrassed of acting very selfish.

He asked me, “What would your answer be?”

I said, “Suki desu.”

He reached out something from his pocket. He brought out the golden heart locket I left on the bench. He told me to open it and said, “It won’t remain unopened forever, Sei-chan.”

And guess what’s inside it? It was a ring.

Yama-chan asked, “Will you marry me?”

I shrugged my shoulders and said, “I’ll think about it. Ha-ha, joudan baka! I’ll marry you after I graduate.”

Yama-chan hugged me. Then, he touched my chin and leaned in closer to my face. He touched his lips against mine.

He asked, “Strawberry flavored eh? It tastes great. You prepared very well for this day, Sei-chan…”

I can’t do anything but blush. My dearest bench friend, whom I truly loved, is right here in front of me, proposing.

We walked holding hands as he carried my luggage bag…

THE END.

How was it minna? Please give me your opinions. ^_^

Dyan-san, I hope you liked it!