kscans

Chapter 33 -

A Day in the Life of a Junior High School Girl

The rain was falling softly outside the window.
The news said the rainy season had arrived earlier than usual this year.
I've never really liked this time of year, but this time was different. My heart was so light that I didn't even mind the damp air.

"Rika, you've been in such a good mood since around Golden Week," my best friend Kana said as soon as she opened her mouth.

"Really?"
"Yeah. For a while there, you were so irritable it was like you were on your period all the time."

That's... rude... I thought, but I couldn't deny it.
Well, I guess I was pretty frustrated and at my limit with various things from around spring break.

"You stopped coming over to stay at my place too."
"Ah, yeah. I really appreciate your help during that time."

There were times when I didn't want to go home, so I'd stay over at friends' houses.
Well, I only did it when I really couldn't handle it, so it wasn't that often... but I'm truly grateful.
Friends who tell you to come over without asking questions are rare and valuable.

"It's fine, it's fine. I understand how you felt. But that problem's been solved now, right? Your surname changed and all."
"Yeah, it's all sorted. She finally threw out that garbage."

A mother who turned a blind eye to her cheating husband, claiming it was for the sake of the children.
I hated it. It was so disgusting that even looking at her face was painful.
If it was really for my sake, they should have just divorced already. Mom was the one earning more anyway.
Besides, what's the big deal about having both parents?
There are plenty of families out there where single mothers raise their children splendidly.

(I'm still not quite used to the new surname... but compared to before, it's not even an issue.)

Saionji Rika. That's my name now...
I was a bit confused at first because it's different from Mom's maiden name that I'd heard before.
Mom said she changed both her surname and given name completely when she decided to live in the "surface" world.
But since she decided to embrace everything now, she chose to revert just the surname to Saionji.
As for the given name, well, it doesn't change just because of a divorce, so that can't be helped.

"But you know, that's not all, is it? There's something else, right? To be specific... this?" Kana grinned and held up her pinky finger.

"...Isn't that for women?"
"Huh? Doesn't it mean someone you're interested in?"
"Well, I don't know the details, but isn't it a gesture that refers to women?"
"Then what about men?"
"...The middle finger?"
"That's picking a fight!"

But isn't that manly?

"Anyway, that's not the point! So, what's the deal? Did you get one?"
"...Well, he's not exactly my boyfriend yet... but I guess I've met a nice guy."

He's an older man.
Since I met him, my life has started looking up.
Well... yeah, appearance-wise, he's a bit of a sloppy-looking middle-aged guy.
But men aren't about looks. It's about heart. I think that even more now, considering my ex-father was only good-looking on the outside.
This guy's inner self was amazingly cool from our first meeting.

(Though him sprawling on that bench was something else... but what came after, you know.)

His way of dealing with me was like a mature, good man.
Honestly, I was interested in him from that moment. And then... well, you know.
It was only our second time meeting, but I thought he seemed pretty cool at first impression.
Like, refined silver? The type that doesn't get flustered easily. And this guy came running to me with such a worried look on his face, you know?

(Of course that would make my heart skip a beat.)

...Well, I was shocked when I found out later that the reason he was nice to me was because I'm Mom's daughter.
But a good man doesn't stop there.

"Are you unsatisfied with the 'Chika-san's daughter' filter? But you know, most human relationships are like that. It's common to be introduced to a friend of a friend and become friends, right? It's the same thing. Even if there's a filter at first, if you intend to really face the other person, that filter will disappear quickly."

It was so cool I thought my heart would stop.

"...Ka... Rika! You're making a face that shouldn't be shown in public!"
"Oops."
"It's not 'oops'! So, what kind of person is he? Tell me!"
"Hmm, I wonder if I should~"
"Don't be mean... Oh no."

Just then, the bell rang and the teacher entered the classroom.
Kana said, "Tell me the details later!" and returned to her seat.

(Well, it's not like there aren't any problems...)

The age difference? Well, age doesn't matter when it comes to love.
But it must be complicated for Mom.
It would be awkward to react to your daughter dating someone who used to be a close friend.
As I was thinking about this,

"Alright, everyone quiet down. Today, I'm introducing a transfer student."

A transfer student? I was surprised by the sudden announcement.
I hadn't heard anything about this... maybe it was sudden?
Oh, but looking closely, there's a desk set up next to mine. It wasn't there until yesterday.

"Okay, come in."

At the teacher's prompt, a female student entered from outside the classroom.
Silver hair, blue eyes... a foreigner? No, more importantly!!

"Wha... What!? Is that for real!?"

They're huge! Her chest! Her hips! What's with those breasts!?
Aren't they about the size of a small child's head!? And her butt is big too, wow!!
But she's not fat! It's all so... whoa, whoa, whoa...!!

"Naka... Saionji, that's sexual harassment even if it's towards the same sex."
"But this is just...! Eeeeh!?"

Her face is as cute as a doll's too! And that hairstyle with one eye covered by her bangs is just... just...!
What is this beautiful girl who looks like she jumped out of a man's fantasy! Is this even allowed!?

"...Sorry about that. She's a bit of an idiot."
"No, please don't worry about it."
"Is that so? Well then, please introduce yourself again."
"Yes."

She nodded, stood at the podium, and started writing with chalk... Huh, I can't read it.
What's that, English? No, it's different, right?

"My name is Sarna Diadokos, and I'm from Greece. I'm new to Japan and might cause some inconvenience due to my unfamiliarity, but I look forward to getting along with everyone."

The transfer student bowed her head politely.
Even her bow is beautiful... This is dangerous. There's zero elements where I can win as a woman.

"I'd like to have a Q&A session, but we don't have time for that. You can ask questions during break time."

The teacher directed her to the seat... wow, even her way of walking is beautiful...

"It seems we're neighbors. I look forward to getting along with you."
"Ah, yeah. Um, I'm Saionji Rika. You can call me Rika."
"Then please call me Sarna as well."
"Sarna-san, it is. Yeah, nice to meet you!"

So I'll be able to see these breasts every day from now on...

(I'm not into that or anything, but somehow I feel blessed... Thank you, thank you.)

I found myself unconsciously bowing in gratitude.