Summer of 1982, Japan...
Ryuhei's POV:
-Finally summer has arrived, after a long semester of being at school. I can finally enjoy myself! Especially with my friends. As I exclaimed excitedly and thinking of many things to do this summer.
I was so busy the past months, with school, especially with assignments and homework. I was busy with my guitar, and singing practices. Though it is mostly for myself really, other than my family, I haven't told anybody at school about it. I kept up more with my art, drawings mostly, sometimes painting as I now have gotten a paint set. No canvases though. I mainly just use pencil crayons, crayons, and drawing pencils, and an ink pen to do my art.
I started to notice more progress on my physique, despite working out for a couple years now, I had a hard time noticing my progress. Maybe I am still going to puberty, and maybe I don't see visible results as I look pretty skinny for the most part.
Although many people have told me how strong and athletic I am, I had a hard time believing it until recently.
Regardless, It has worked wonders as my body has become more toned and a bit more leaner. I am still fairly skinny as expected as a preteen boy, but I can confidently say that I am pretty athletic for my age.
I am glad all the work has been paying off.
Another surprising thing that has happened is some the people I met.
//Flashback to a couple months ago...//
As I am walking to my class today, I noticed there is a new kid standing at the hallway.
-Wait, is that...
I looked around and saw someone that looks quite familiar, my eyes got widened and it was ShinsukeEdo. He looks so young and small!
(Shinsuke Edo as a kid)
Well, obviously he is currently a kid, but really I only ever saw him as an adult in my last life. Still, I can't believe that he goes here for school.
So I slowly then walked up to him to introduce myself.As I hope to be his friend, knowing that it will be helpful later on. Also because I genuinely do so, his family is known for textile works.
-Hey, are you new here? My name is Ryühei Yamawaki. I reached out for a handshake to greet him.
Shinsuke: Hi? He says meekly, looking a bit shy and unsure about whether to speak or leave.
-So… you've moved here? As I wondered why and when.
Shinsuke: Yeah, my family has moved here, it was something about me getting a safe place? Well, that's what my mom says. He spoke softly as he expresses a polite demeanour.
-Ohh! Well, I am glad your family has decided to move to here! Trust me, you'll have a great time. I can show you around if you life?
Shinsuke: Really? That would be great! His eyes are widening slightly as he is friendly.
-Totally, it would be no problem for me.
-Say? How old are you?
Shinsuke then said he's around 13 now, that means he's my senpai. Well, it's a bit weird to call him that. For he is a bit less mature than me though. Alrighty then, I might need to get use to it…
Shinsuke: Well, I have to go to my class now, Don't want the teacher to yell at me. He then quickly walked to another side and search for his class.
-What class do you have? I asked while I shouted out.
Shinsuke: I have Math first today. My teacher is Mr. Takamori, do you know where the homeroom is for mine? As he inquired about for directions.
-Turn to your left and go down by the other side of hallway, the Room number is 115-3B. I then pointed to the general direction of where the classroom is.
Shinsuke: Thank you! He then quickly ran off.
-Wow, I have met the first anime character I saw. Well, in person really! As I exclaimed softly while I am walking to my class. I don't want to be late too.
(End of Flashback)
Yup, he and I have become great friends afterwards. Especially as I helped him show around the place after school. Making sure he knows where to go and whom to talk to when he needs some help. A bit nervous, and a little shy but he's a pretty good guy. although, very naive and slightly absent minded I say. But I'll help him out as what friends do.
That day was a bit boring, just typical school stuff as usual. Other than meeting Shinsuke that day, I cannot think much of the highlight today, well except for recess and lunch... I did get to chat and know about Shinsuke as we sat together by outdoor table eating our lunch. My mom made me chicken katsu sando, I probably could do a little better. Though I'll not mention that to her, for she'll have my hide for it. Anyways... We both learned a lot from each other, more so for me personally. Boy, it was something.
Lost a father at such young age, being the youngest amongst his siblings, and a mother who's both moderately overprotective towards him and often quite busy managing and working the family's textile business. Not only that, all the family members are females, so he barely has any male figure to look up to.
After that, we continued to hangout as much after class or after school, we've grown quite close since the past couple months. Helping each as much as we can, sometimes in partners or in groups. We also been at each others houses, though his mom is a bit like an interrogator, always questioning me or my motives. His sisters are just wacky, and a little absurd. Regardless, they all came around somewhat...
This also makes me think, sometimes I feel that I am taking advantage of Shinsuke, like am I using his naivete for myself and my own interest? Or do I feel like I am like a Greg to a Rowley. Yet despite these thoughts, I am reminded that, yes I am perhaps thinking things like that, but this doesn't mean I am not his friend. I will say, I do care.
*Sighs...* -I really have to try to be there for him, not to hurt him or change him into something he's not, but someone who can have his own self-esteem. Shinsuke, I will be your true friend! I exclaimed with a vow to try my best...
I then stood up from my desk and as I walked out my bedroom. I checked to see my sister, she's not there right now. For Mom took her out with her to the park. I grabbed a snack and ate some M&Ms. I contemplated for a bit, until I decided to go out. It's a nice day outside today. Especially with the sun and the clear sky.
I grabbed my bike and ride out...
I kept on riding, looking around the scenery, with its older buildings or new, lush foliage or greenery, people chatting about. I waved and said hello as I continued on. Around near me, I also some kids playing, having fun, some around my age and some a little older. I wanted to talk...
As I gazed and gander about, I then got a little distracted as I nearly bumped a kid slightly older than me. Thankfully I stopped my bike in time before we got hurt.
-Oh, I'm sorry! Are you ok? I vocalized my concern and check to see anything.
????: I'm fine. No worries...
-Good, I'm glad your alright. My name's Ryuhei Yamawaki. I let out my hand for a handshake.
????: Kintaro Oe, Likewise! As he shook my hand.
(Kintaro Oe as a kid)
Inwardly, I am a bit shocked and surprised, as I did not expect this. At all. Oh boy, this will be interesting as to how it will go forth now...
-Nice to meet you too.
I can't believe I met another character, The Golden Boy?! You have no idea how much he helped me, influenced me, especially times in certain need. As I read the manga, watched the OVA, he is a figure who inspired me. And I just met him now as a kid. Never expected him to here.
-So... how old are you, and what are you doing today?
Kintaro: I'm 14, currently attending in junior high.
-12, so you're technically my senpai? I Inquisitively exclaimed in question.
Kintaro: Yeah, but I don't really care about that much. He then put his right hand back of his head.
-You live around here?
Kintaro: Yeah? He looked at me, confused...
Kintaro then promptly explain how he lived here since he was 9, apparently it was for a better environment as a family. For him, he does likes how peaceful and mellow the town is. Though he wants to eventually to move to Tokyo for university. Perhaps this was before he changed what I known him now. He then bid me farewell and said he wants to chat more later as he's busy right now. He grabbed his bike and quickly rode away. Good to know bike riding remains the same for him. We should race each other sometime...
I still continued on riding more until sunset, along the way, I talked to kids my age too.
Little did I know, these two will be basically my brothers essentially…