Friends..?

Emma gasped as she dropped her bags on the wooden floor. "Oh my God! June is going to Eastwood Academy?" she asked.

"I was gonna ask you the same thing." June removed her headphones and put down her guitar.

June and Emma stared at each other for a few moments before laughing. They had both applied to the same school and hadn't expected to see each other there.

"Wow, crazy how we'll become roommates when we just met yesterday." June turns back her guitar and begins to play.

"Yeah..."

Emma looked at the two beds. "Hey, June. Which one is my bed?"

June pointed to the one on the left. "This one's yours," she said. "Feel free to get your stuff unpacked."

Emma smiled and nodded. She walked over to bed and started unpacking her suitcase. June kept her eyes on her guitar pulling strings as she hummed a song in her head.

While Emma was hanging on to her paintings, the black-haired teen glanced at her first roommate's painting with awe.

"So, you're a painter." June's voice came from behind her, startling Emma. "I must say, you're very talented."

She smiled, embarrassed, and said, "Yeah, I'm trying my finest. And you're an amazing singer! You are really skilled at it."

June looked away and frowned. "You really think so? My teacher said otherwise."

"No, they're wrong!" she said, her face brightening. "Your singing is beautiful. You should keep practicing and you'll get even better!"

June smiled, feeling a little more encouraged. "Thank you," she said. "I'll keep practicing and see where it takes me."

June played her guitar again and Emma turned back to unpack her luggage. The sound of June's guitar filled the room, soothing and peaceful.

When Emma finally finished packing, June was still playing her guitar. Emma lay down on the bed and closed her eyes, feeling the music wash over her and relax her body and mind.

"Hey, June, how long have you known Calvin?" Emma turned her attention to June.

"Hmm? How long?" June thought for a moment. "Oh, it's been almost four years now," she said. "We met in fourth grade and have been friends ever since."

"It's been a long time," she said with a smile. "But it feels like it was only yesterday." She paused, reflecting fondly on the memories they had made together.

"Really? Four years? It feels like a long one." Emma sits up straight.

"No, I don't think so. But he's the closest person I know," June exclaimed.

"Really? So you know he's also transferring here on campus?" Emma asked brightly.

A look of shock crossed June's face as she stopped playing her guitar. "What? He's transferring here? On campus?"

Emma nodded. "Yeah, he's transferring to take the same major as me. He's coming when school starts!"

June sighed. "Wow, I can't believe it. We're really going to be on campus together. First you were my roommate, then Calvin lives on campus-who else lives here, Liam?"

"Who's Liam?" Emma asked.

"Just a friend who works at a diner."

"Oh, yeah? What's he like?" Emma asked.

"He's really kind and always has a smile on his face. He loves talking to people and always has something interesting to say," June replied.

"Plus, he's always willing to help out and is never too busy to lend a hand. He's one of the most generous people I know." June added.

"Should he be helpful when he helps us with our Youtube channel?" Emma asked leds in closer.

June replied, "Absolutely. If you need help with your YouTube channel, he is the perfect person for you. He's creative, organized, and knows a lot about video editing. That's why I asked him to be my editor yesterday."

"Yesterday? What?"

June smiled before putting on her headphones. "Yes, I asked him to help me with my channel and he agreed."

"Wait, you are a YouTuber?" Emma paused.

"Well, not yet. I need to get some equipment and start making videos. I haven't even signed up for Youtube yet." June answered. "So, I'm going to practice my music before I start the channel. I want to make sure I have enough material to make engaging content."

In a flash, Emma grabs June's hand without hesitation. "How would you feel about joining our channel?"

June's eyes widened in surprise. She was taken aback by the sudden invitation and was uncertain how to respond. Emma waited patiently for her answer.

"What? Your channel?" June asked with a puzzled expression.

Emma nodded. "Yes, I know you have a lot of talents and I think you'll be an excellent asset to our team. Think about it and let me know what you decide."

As June was still in shock, she turned her head away. "Uh, I don't know."

Just then, a knock on the door caused both girls to jump. The knock startled June and she froze. She heard a voice through the door, "June, it's me. Open up, please." June slowly got up and opened the door.

"Hello? Is someone there?" June asked, looking around. No one was in sight.

Before June could close the door, a large amount of berry juice rained down on her. June was drenched in berry juice. She screamed in surprise as she felt the cold liquid soak through her clothes. She quickly ran back inside and slammed the door shut.

Three loud laughs echoed from outside the door. June looked through the peephole and saw some of her classmates snickering and pointing at her. She wiped the berry juice off her forehead and sighed in frustration.

"June!" Emma stood up from her bed and walked up to her. "What happened to you? Who did this to you?"

"Epic fail!" a ginger-haired boy exclaimed.

June clenched her fists in anger. Her face was flushed. She had been embarrassed in front of her peers yet again. "It was them who did this to me."

"Dude, did you get it on tape? I gotta know bra," A brown-haired guy asked between his laughs.

"Nah, I don't have it on tape." Replayed a black-haired male. "I got it live!"

The two guys high-fived each other, laughing even harder. "That was awesome!" they exclaimed.

"Oh my god, they're so childish! Why would anyone pour berry juice on someone? Even after you get here!" Emma yelled, walking towards the door eager to tell the boys to piss off, but June stopped her.

June looked at Emma with a serious face. "It's logical to stay out of it. Just ignore them." she said.

"What? But why?"

"Let's go show John", said one of the guys. "Yeah, let's show him the video!" replied the other. They quickly ran off, eager to share their video with their friends.

The girls waited till the loud laughs and screams of three teenage boys echoed through the hallway.

"June! Why did you stop me when they laughed at you? They fizzled you and prank you!" Emma said.

June looked at her and said, "It's OK, I know they are just joking. I don't let it get to me."

"Huh? Are you just going to let this pass?"

June smiled and said, "Yes, they don't know any better. I'm just going to let it be." She then put on her headphones and went back to work. "Please, Emma, this is the first day you attended this school. Don't draw attention."

Emma nodded in response and looked away, embarrassed. She knew this wasn't the world she wanted to be in but had to accept it for now. Emma climbed back to her bed and lay there for awhile.

She watched June clean her with a towel before she sat back and played the tone on her desk.

"So, um, I was planning to call my friend to schedule a meeting to discuss our Youtube channel," Emma whispered. "Hey, um, if you don't mind, I want your friend's phone number for helping us create our own channel."

June took out his phone and quickly pulled up his contacts. He handed it to Emma and said, "Here you go. Call him anytime, he'll be more than happy to help you."

"Cool." Emma looked at the contact information and started dialing the number.

She nodded and turned back to her guitar.

"Oh, and another thing!" Emma interrupted June's tones.

She stopped playing and looked back at Emma. "What is it?" she asked.

Emma paused and said, "Would you like to come with us? I was planning to meet up with my friends in the school library because it's a Saturday and since you are planning to sign up on Youtube, I thought maybe we could go together and you'd meet my friends."

Emma awaited June's response. "So, um, what do you think?" Emma asked.

June hesitated for a moment before responding, "Sure."

.

.

.

As it was 10:30 in the morning, Emma and June stood outside the school gate waiting for Emma's friends to arrive, as well as June's friend Liam, helping them edit their Youtube video.

Before, Emma asked Alice to ask Rose if her father had made up his mind to use the equipment to start their Youtube channel. Alice called back later and said that Rose's father had decided to let Rose use the equipment.

As they waited, June asked a question. "I know the girl from yesterday is meeting us. But what about the other girls? Do you know anything about them?"

Emma blushed and turned her head. "Ah, no. I just met them yesterday."

"Yesterday? How would you know how to trust them? Or if they are good enough to start a Youtube channel?" June asked a smart question.

Emma paused, trying to think of an answer. Finally, she said, "I just had a feeling. I think they're trustworthy and would be a great team for the Youtube channel. Besides, one of them is a cheerleader and the other comes from a wealthy family."

Emma smiled confidently. "I'm sure we'll get great results with them."

June let out a sigh and shook her head. "I'm not so sure, Emma. We don't know what we're getting ourselves into."

Emma replied, "It will be fine. Trust me. And also, you have to meet my friend Katie. She is the kindest, most adventurous person I know. I'm sure you two will become fast friends!"

Just then, a black bugatti pulled up in front of the school gate at high speed. A puddle of water splashes all over June's clothes as it packs.

June felt embarrassed and angry. She looked at Emma and said, "What the heck was that?"

Their attention is drawn to the car, where they can hear a lot of music playing. Suddenly, someone walked out of the car.

It was Katie. She had a huge grin on her face and said, "Hey, girl! What's up?" June was speechless.

Katie didn't pay attention to June's condition as she hugged Emma. Emma was clearly embarrassed but Katie just laughed and said, "Oh my god, I'm so excited about making this product with you! All night, I've been researching all the stuff we can do together!"

June was still speechless, not sure how to respond to this situation. Emma noticed June's angry expression. "Um, Katie, were you the one who drove the car? You could have-"

June stepped back, finally finding her voice. She said, "I think it's wise to calm down and talk about this in a more professional manner."

Turning around, Katie saw a black-haired, dirty-watered teen. "Uh, who are you again? I met you yesterday but I forgot your name."

Emma reaches out to Katie and whispers an ankle into her ear. "This is June Hayashi, and I just told her you are an awesome friend but you didn't notice she was splashed by water when you were parking. Say that your sorry!"

Katie quickly apologized to June, and June smiled gratefully at her. Emma was relieved that her quick thinking had prevented a potentially awkward situation.

Just then, two more girls stepped out of the vehicle. Emma was surprised to find that a male butler had jumped out of the car.

"Theodore?" Emma said. "Rose, why is your butler coming with you?"

Rose blushed. "He's coming with us because father told him to. If we're doing the project, he wants him to look after us in case of danger."

"Besides, he's going to help us with the preparations and make sure everything runs smoothly," Rose added.

Emma nodded in understanding, then turned to June and looked at her in shock.

"B-butler?" June mumbled.

"Oh, that's the rich girl I mentioned. Her name is Roseanna Devin. Emma smirks. "She lives in a mansion." She says.

"It's only been two days since I've been meeting new faces." Alice walked up to June, giving her a hand. "Hello there. June, right? My name is Alison Laurier."

June smiled and shook Alison's hand. "Nice to meet you, Alison. I'm June." She glanced around the crowd. "It's been quite overwhelming meeting so many new people in such a short time!"

"You tell me Alice is a cheerleader like I said before, and she's really talented!" Emma cheered.

"Uh, Emma. I haven't even shown you my moves yet," Alice said.

"Yeah well, not until you show up once we start our first Youtube video!" Emma cheered, jumping up and down.

"What? Emma, we're NOT starting our first video of Alice doing cartwheels." Katie said, rolling her eyes. "For your information, I've prepared a list of things we should do as a group and we are here to discuss our plans for the channel."

Emma sighed. "Fine, let's hear it. I guess I was just excited to get started."

Katie nodded and began to walk. "Okay, let's head inside and-"

"Wait, hold on!" June shouted at Katie.

Katie sighed deeply. "What is it-um, what is your name again?"

June's fist clunched. "My name is June and we're waiting till my friend arrives."

"What?" Katie asked.

"Um, I've told you this before; her friend has experience with YouTube and will be the most competent Youtube editor." Emma explains.

Katie was confused. "What do you mean?" she asked.

Emma replied, "Her friend has a lot of experience with YouTube and says he can help you edit our videos."

Katie was still uncertain. "But is he reliable? I don't want to waste time on someone who doesn't know what they're doing," she said.

Emma could feel June staring coldly at Katie.

June stepped forward and said firmly, "He's the right guy there is. You can trust him."

Katie glanced at June then looked at her own polished nails. "Whatever, just call him okay?"

Katie walked off and sat on a bench.

"Jeez, why is Katie such a bitch today?" Emma thought, sitting next to her, followed by June.

Alice louched back on a wall and Rose and Theodore stood at a stop sign. Everyone in the group stood silently and began to wait.

.

.

.

At 11:45, the group was still waiting for June's friend to arrive. June expected Liam to come soon. Liam texted her saying he would arrive at 10 p.m., yet it was nearly 12 p.m.

Everyone grew impatient as the minutes passed. Especially Katie, who was the host of the gathering. She was getting more and more angry, as she had planned to finish the get-together at 12.

It feels like there is tension between Katie and June and Emma. She really expected that her closest friend would get along with her roommate.

"Uh, June." Alice called after her. "I don't want to be the first to argue, but it has been almost 2 hours since we arrived here! I want a straight answer: Is he coming or not?"

June said nothing, but her expression spoke volumes. She shook her head and shrugged her shoulders. "Let's just go," she said softly.

Katie stood up from her seat. "Finally, let's go inside and get this day over with!"

Just then, a school librarian put a "closed" sign in the front window.

"CLOSED? SINCE WHEN SCHOOL LIBRARIES CLOSED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY?" Katie wondered.

Emma walked up the steps and knocked on the window. "Excuse me, miss, why is the library closed?"

"I'm sorry," the librarian said. "We had to close early for maintenance. We should open again tomorrow morning."

Katie growled. "Well, THAT was a waste of time. Whatever, we'll discuss this in Emma's dorm room."

"And my dorm room," June added.

"Whatever."

"Um, Katie, I don't think our dorm room will fit everyone," Emma said. "It's a really small room and we already have two beds." Emma continued.

Katie sighed and rolled her eyes. "Okay, we'll figure something out."

"Um, Katherine?" Theodore called. "May I inform you that Roseanna will be leaving at 1 to attend a meeting? I'm afraid she won't be here to help you."

Katie groaned in frustration. "Alright, looks like we'll have to come up with something else."

"Wait? What? Why Rose? I thought you wanted to help?" Emma asked, feeling heart broken.

Rose paused and looked away. "I'm sorry Emma, I have to. I can't explain now, I'll explain everything later." She said.

"Yeah, and I also have other plans." Alice spoke up. "At one I'll be at my school, doing my cheerleading, and you, Katie, have swimming lessons. If you want to attend Felix's birthday party, you have to finish your activities on time."

Katie rolled her eyes. "How did we come to this?"

Then she glanced at June. "Oh, right. Now I remember."

June shrugged, her expression unapologetic. "Don't blame me for the situation. How was I supposed to know Liam was coming or not?"

Katie sighed, shaking her head. "Well, I guess it had to be done. Your friend "Liam" is unpredictable. I just wish you had told me sooner so I could have been prepared."

June glared at Katie as if she wanted to punch her. "It's not like you could have done anything," June said. "You can't control someone else's emotions."

Katie shrugged. "I know, but I wish I had at least tried. Likewise, your "friend" doesn't seem to care about you."

There's a strong tension between the two girls. As everyone stares at the girls, they wonder what will happen. Emma felt a wave of sadness wash over her. She doesn't want to see her roommate and close friend acting like this.

Bravely, she stepped in between the two." Guys, can we try to talk this out? Let's find a way to solve this without making things worse."

Katie nodded. "You're right Emma, I don't have time to argue with...I'm sorry, what's your name again?"

June paused and looked at Katie with dead eyes. "My name is June Hayashi. And now I think about it; you never introduced yourself. What's your name? And why did you want to start Youtube so badly?"

Katie crossed her arms with a serious look on her face. "My name is Katherine Monet. I've wanted to be a star for as long as I can remember. I thought Youtube was the ideal opportunity to make that dream a reality."

There was a cold silence between them. Emma glanced at the two girls. From that moment forward, Emma realized that Katie and June wouldn't get along as friends but as enemies.