1 I thought i could be happy

"My name is Fumihiro Aoyama. I'm a 3rd-year student at Akiyama High School in Tokyo. I'm going to graduate this year. I'm just a normal student, living the most ordinary life... but one day..."

"Fumihiro...!" A melodious voice called out my name, filled with warmth.

I couldn't locate the source of the sound, so I scanned the surroundings, but in vain.

"Fumihiro-Kun...!" Suddenly, the voice came closer, and she appeared before me.

A beautiful girl with long white hair and blue eyes was staring at me. Her skin was pale and clean like the heavens... She offered me her hand... and in the moment I grabbed it... She turned into a monster and...

"WAKE UP! IT'S TIME FOR SCHOOL!" She shouted.

"WH-" In an instant, I snapped awake, finding myself sprawled on the floor beside my bed.

"Ouch...! That hurt--" I fell down with my back. But it's normal. It happens very often.

"Haha, wake up already! Okaasan says that if you continue being late, she will ban you from using the TV and your smartphone this whole week!"

I turned my head to find my little brother looking at me. He was laughing a lot.

"Oh... Good morning, Takibi." I gently smiled at him.

"Good morning, big bro!" He came to hug me.

One minute later, our mother entered the room and looked at us with a bloodlust glare. She scared us.

"Fu-mi-hi-ro." She said. Her words were sharp like knives. She then pointed to the alarm next to

me. "It's 7:40. You'll be late for school." She added in a threatening way.

"Oh... Mama is angry! Mama is angry! Hahaha!" Takibi laughed while getting off me.

"OH NO!" I shouted, while I grabbed my uniform and phone. I rapidly dressed up and then got out of the room. Well, it was quite fast.

"Love you, Mama!" I exclaimed in a hurry, dashing off the house. I started running like lightning, like in those superhero movies.

*Pant pant* I kept running and running towards the school and I managed to arrive at the gate at 7:57. I was sweating and panting a lot.

"Oh! Fumihiro-Kun! What a pleasant sight!" An elderly and gentle voice talked to me. It was the school's janitor.

"Itou-San! Good morning! I've read your book and I'd love to read another one, but we'll talk later, or I'll be late for class...!" I said before running again.

I could hear him saying "Take care, Fumihiro-Kun!"

After another ten minutes sprint, I managed to sit down at my place before the professor came in... I was so lucky.

"Fumihiro-kun!" A familiar whisper said.

I turned my head to my right to see her.

"Ema..." I said, with a loving tone.

*Yes, if you're wondering, I have a girlfriend. Her name is Ema, and she's also my childhood friend. We've been together since we were little... and we promised to marry each other after our graduation this year.*

She looked at me with a smile that was enough to light up my entire existence

I smiled back , reassuring her. She appeared worried.

"Are you okay?" She whispered.

"I just overslept, nothing serious..." I replied, showing a shy smile.

"Well... This is gonna be a problem in the future... Hehe~" She giggled.

I don't know why, but she blushed a little.

*Did I do something wrong? Did I say something without realizing it? Naaah, definitely nothing.*

*RIIIIING* The bell rang, because the first lesson was about to start.

As soon as the bell chimed, our teacher arrived perfectly on time.

"Good morning!" The teacher said with a smile.

"Good morning, Arai-Sensei!" We all replied.

But what came next, I still can't believe it.

Arai-Sensei looked at me directly into my eyes and asked if I could stay a little bit after the lesson.

*Arai-Sensei was a beautiful woman in her 30s, still unmarried. Her hair was as dark as the night and her eyes were green like an emerald sea... and her body was... stunningly beautiful. But more than that, she is one of the prodigies of Japan. During her childhood and adolescence, she was too clever for her age and she graduated a lot before everyone else. She even finished university really early and started teaching right after finishing her studies. She could have aimed for more but she preferred to stay here.*

I then replied with some surprise, "Y-yes. There's no problem with that." The class was looking at me and i felt embarrassed. I could also sense a glimpse of jealousy in Ema's eyes.

"So, let's start the lesson. Today we'll talk about Yusuke, the only African samurai ever known in Japanese history..."

She began to explain. We were all interested in these kinds of stories. Arai-Sensei had a great way to teach. Everyone loved her lessons. She continued to narrate the story of this extraordinary man.

I was already familiar with it, so I pretended to listen while gazing out of the window, lost in my thoughts.

*I lived a tranquil and wonderful life. I had friends, a loving girlfriend and good grades. I was quite ordinary.*

Suddenly, I heard something.

"Psss! Psss! Fumihiro!" It was Ema. I turned my head to her.

"W-What is it, Ema...?" I whispered.

She smiled at me and formed a heart with her hands. That was her way of saying "I love you". She warmed my heart.

*Whenever she noticed me daydreaming or feeling down, she'd make that gesture to cheer me up. I always appreciated it. She understood my insecurities and my story better than anyone.*

I smiled at her, returning the gesture. "I love you too!" I said.

After some time, the bell rang again and Arai-Sensei stopped talking about Yusuke.

It was break time.

"We'll continue later, okay?" Arai-sensei said with a gentle tone.

"Yes, Arai-Sensei!" The class said.

"Enjoy your break!" She replied, while leaving the class.

"Finally it's break time!" I said, while grabbing my schoolbag to get my bento , but due to my late awakening, I forgot it at home. "Oh darn! I left my lunchbox!" I exclaimed, slapping my forehead in frustration.

"That's the third time you've forgotten your lunch, darling. What's going on with you? Why are you staying up so late?" Ema asked while sitting with me at my desk, taking out two lunchboxes from her school bag.

I gazed at her with shimmering eyes. "T-Thank you!" I exclaimed, hugging her. "You're my savior," I said as I placed the lunchbox on my desk.

She chuckled softly and returned the embrace. Yes, I've always been a touchy-feely guy. I loved physical contact and affection.

After one minute of cuddling, I answered her question: "Uh... I don't know what's gotten into me lately, but recently I've been working a lot on my piano skills. I sometimes lose track of time when I write my melodies... I think that's the problem. I think I should regulate myself." I said while opening the lunch box."Also, I should study harder for my graduation exam," I added.

"Oh? Someone here found a new goal? That's what i like about you... You always find a new passion and pour your heart into it."

I smiled at Ema's teasing remark, enjoying our light-hearted banter. She had a way of making even the most mundane moments feel special.

As the break continued, I shared Ema's lunch and we talked about our plans for the upcoming weekend. We were planning to visit our favorite park and spend some quality time together.

The bell rang, signaling the end of the break. It was time for the next lesson and we returned to our seats.

Oh, and Ema should've come to my house for dinner this evening.

Arai-Sensei came again into the class and started again with her engaging teaching style, making history come alive through her storytelling. Even though I had been spacing out earlier, I found myself captivated by the story of Yusuke, the African samurai who had defied the odds and left a mark on Japanese history, even though i already knew his story.

The lessons passed quickly, and soon it was time for the school day to end. We kept doing the same thing even for the other lessons.

My days were like this. So easy, so peaceful, so lovely.

When the school lessons finally ended, Ema and I walked out of the classroom together, hand in hand. The day had been pretty normal, and I was looking forward to spending the evening with my family and Ema.

As we walked trough the school corridors, Ema seemed lost in thought. I gently nudged her shoulder. "Penny for your thoughts?"

She looked at me, her expression was a mix of contemplation and determination. "Fumihiro, do you think we're living our lives to the fullest?"

I pondered her question for a moment. "I think we're trying our best" I replied. "Life can be challenging, but as long as we keep pursuing our passions and supporting each other, I believe we're on the right track."

Ema smiled, her eyes reflecting a sense of gratitude. "You always know what to say... I'm so glad i met you...". She said, with such love in her words and placing a little kiss on my cheek.

I blushed a little and i smiled shyly. "Haha- T-Thank you, Ema." I said.

Suddenly , i heard my name being called from my back.

I turned around.

"Fumihiro!" It was Arai-Sensei.

"A-Arai-Sensei, w-what is it?" I asked her, a little bit nervous.

"Did you forget that i asked you to remain here a little longer after lesson?" She asked, in a calm and polite way.

"Y-Yes... I'm sorry..." I replied, looking at Ema for a second, but she was looking the other way, with a small pout on her face.

She then left my hand.

"Good. Let's go." Arai-sensei smiled warmly at me.

"Ema, are you going to wait me here or...?" I asked to my girlfriend.

"Do not worry, i'll go directly to your house. I have some things to talk with your mom and i'll help her prepare dinner. I'll see you there, okay?" She replied gently.

"Don't worry , Hayashi. I'll be quick with your boyfriend, i promise." Arai-sensei said, while smiling at both of us.

We both blushed and Ema nodded. "Thank you, sensei..." She then turned around. "See you at home, Fumihiro." She said, while beginning to walk.

"See you later, Ema!" I replied while waving at her.

I stared at her body becoming smaller at each step. I was lost in my thoughts. I was thinking how perfect she was.

"Aoyama, are you still here?" Arai said, while tapping my shoulder.

"A-Ah! Y-Yes, teacher. I'm here." I said with a nervous laugh.

"Good boy. Now follow me into my office, we need to talk" She said while grabbing my hand.

"O-Okay." I let her lead me to her office.

**Arai-sensei knew me since i was little. She also is a big friend of my family and she always has been a gentle and caring person. When we're outside, i call her by her first name which is "Mayumi". I wonder why she's still single."**

After a couple of minutes, we arrived into her office.Her office was tidy and organized, the air smelled fresh. There was a nice and relaxing atmosphere.

"Please, sit down," Arai-Sensei said, while offering me a chair.

"T-Thank you," I said, while taking a seat.

She then looked around and checked the corridors to see if there was someone.

"Okay, there's no one here." She said while closing the door.

She then sat down to her desk and looked at me with a warm smile. "How are you feeling, Fumihiro-kun?" She asked, while handling me a small sheet.

"I'm fine, thank you, Mayumi-san." I replied. "What is this...?" I asked after taking the sheet.

*Sigh* "How many times do i have to tell you not to call me by my first name here at school? Geez... Blockhead like always." She said while laughing a little.

"Anyway, this is a letter from the former director of this school. Open it." She added while preparing a coffee for her..

"Im sorry, but i really like your name so-" Arai-sensei looked at me with an embarassed glare."O-Okay... What does the director want from me...?" I asked, changing topic, while opening the "letter".

"Just read it." Arai-sensei said while drinking the cup of coffee that she prepared.

I took the sheet out from the letter and i read what was inside.

"Fumihiro Aoyama , after seeing your school grades and all the teacher's recommendation about you, i decided that you will be the one who will help our new transfer student, Evangeline Beaufort, to make her feel comfortable about her new school and place. I expect you to spend time with her showing how the school works. Thank you ~Director Takanabe." I read it out loud.

Me? To help the new transfer student ? I was stunned.

"E-Eh...? Why me? What do i have of special?" I asked Arai-Sensei.

"Well..." She put her cup of coffee on the desk. "I spoke directly to the director. Everyone here in the school has something good to say about you, even students and teacher. Your grades are good. So that's why i recommended you." She smiled proudly.

"W-Well i thank you but i don't think that i'm suit-" My voice got interrupted by a homicidal bloodlust.

"I recommended you to director, by-MY-SELF." Arai-sensei said smiling, while a blood-red aura was surrounding her. "Don't make me look bad, okay?" She added.

"O-O-Okay." I said, with a little bit of fear in my voice.

"So... When will this Evangeline come here?" I asked.

"She'll be coming here next week. So you better prepare to be a good guide to her, okay? Fu-mi-hi-ro-kun?" She said smiling again. But that smile was like a threath as if she was saying "Do it or i will make your existence an eternal damnation".

"Y-Yes, Arai-senei!" I replied.

"Good boy!" She then patted my head.

"But, Mayumi-san, is it appropriate for a student who hasn't graduated and isn't part of the disciplinary committee to assist a new student" I asked.

"Don't worry. I already told the director. He gave you a permission. There's no need to worry."

"Ah... I see. Okay then. I'll go home. Thank you, Mayumi-San." I smiled at her while getting up from the chair and walking towards the office door.

"You're welcome, Fumihiro-Kun." She gave me another bright smile and then she gave me another headpat, like an older brother does with his sibling.

*She has always done that since i was little.*

I walked out the door of the office and then i looked back at Arai-sensei.

I waved at her and said "Goodbye! See you at lesson! I'll send you a message when i'll get home." before taking my way to my house.

"Okay, i'll wait for it." She smiled again and waved back at me.

I started walking...

**It was 4 P.M.**

As i approached the school gates, i saw from distance my best friend Benjiro. He had such a worried expression on his face.

He was talking on the phone with somebody. I couldn't tell who he was speaking to.

Without a reason, i decided to hide behind the gate to eavesdrop what he was saying.

Well , yes , it wasn't the most respectful thing to do for his privacy, but he was my best friend, i was just worried about him.

"S-So... Are you serious...? Ema?! Are you completely sure?" He asked on the phone with a really worried tone.

"Ema...? Why is he talking about her?" I wondered to myself.

"... Got it. I hope this is not true. Otherwise Fumihiro..." He said...

"What...?" I thought.

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