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While they walked and teased each other, they decided to quickly pop into an ice cream shop.
So what if I don't make friends easily? Not everyone here has a leader syndrome - Yuujin rolled his eyes, having already chosen his flavor and waiting for Misaki to order hers.
I don't have leader syndrome, I'm just more sociable than you, shy baby - Misaki teased while giving her order.
At least I don't really look like a baby - Yuujin crossed his arms and got punched on the shoulder by Misaki.
Idiot. Just be quiet - Misaki said, slightly annoyed.
They left the ice cream shop quietly for a while, until she decided to start a conversation.
That boy who winked at you when we were leaving school… Is he your friend? - Misaki enjoyed her ice cream while waiting for Yuujin's answer.
Huh…? Boy? - Yuujin pretended to act clueless, but Misaki lightly tapped the back of his head.
Stop pretending, I know you know him. Why would some random girl wink at you out of nowhere? - Misaki went back to paying attention to her ice cream, waiting for Yuujin to answer.
Alright, I'll explain. Calm down first, little cap - Yuujin scratched the back of his head.
I'll show you who's little cap! - She tried to move closer, but almost dropped her ice cream.
Better watch where you step, I don't want to share my ice cream if you drop yours - Yuujin smiled more provocatively.
You idiot. But just tell me already, do you know that boy or not? - Misaki said, half annoyed.
I don't know much about him, just that his name is Aoki and he's pretty annoying - Yuujin focused more on his ice cream, waiting for his sister's response.
He's quite handsome, isn't he? - Misaki made a small comment.
Yeah… I guess so - Yuujin thought for a moment, then realized Misaki was teasing him - Ha! Wait! That's not what I meant! - Yuujin got a little nervous seeing his sister laugh.
Relax, clown. I'm just joking with you - She laughed a bit more as they walked and argued.
They arrived home and went to their rooms.
Yuujin flopped onto his bed, completely drained.
Aaahhh, I don't want to shower now - He buried his face in the pillow, exhausted.
After a while, he heard his phone ring and got up to see who it was. It was his aunt Emi. He answered and started talking to her.
What happened, Aunt Emi? - He asked calmly.
I'll be home a bit later today. Can you make lunch? - Emi asked while organizing some papers.
Sure… but I'm really tired, it might take me a while - Yuujin yawned.
No problem, just make sure it's ready. And keep an eye on your sister, she's difficult to deal with - Emi rolled her eyes, holding the phone between her shoulder and ear to hear Yuujin.
All right, I promise to watch over this weirdo - Yuujin yawned again, said goodbye to Emi, hung up, and went to take a shower.
While showering, he thought a little about Max, Aoki, and the rest of the music group.
Were they really friends? Or was that just politeness?
Well… Aoki is pretty… annoying. Yuujin didn't really like him. But if he wants to build a friendship with Max, for example, he'll have to deal with Aoki being around every time he visits the music club.
After his shower, he saw Misaki waiting for her turn, playing with her phone.
Can't you put that phone down for once? - Yuujin ran his wet hair back, questioning her.
And can't you stop criticizing everything I do? Get out of the way, it's my turn - She shot back, and Yuujin stepped aside.
Don't waste too much water! - Yuujin said, and she paused for a moment.
Yeah, yeah. I won't - She closed the door in his face, and he just sighed, heading back to his room.
Why is she so complicated? - Yuujin said, flashing back to how she used to be younger.
Flashback On
Mom! She took my toy car! - Yuujin complained.
Misaki! You know you shouldn't take your brother's things - Their mother said, hands on her hips.
He said I act like a mole! - Misaki replied.
She started it! She said my hair looked like shampoo foam! - He pointed at her.
But it's not a lie - Misaki snapped back.
Haha, calm down, my children. You're both beautiful, there's no need to fight over this. Now make up, or no one is going to the mall tomorrow - Their mother smiled, giving them a chance to apologize.
Hm… Sorry… - Yuujin began, rolling his eyes.
Fine, I accept. But never call me that again - Misaki crossed her arms, a little sulky.
Misaki - Their mother looked at her.
Ugh, fine. Sorry, my dear brother whom I want to throw off a cliff - She extended her hand, and Yuujin accepted.
Likewise - He looked back at her.
Now go wash your hands, lunch will be ready soon - She said.
I'll get there first! - Misaki yelled, running off.
That's not fair! You didn't say freeze tag! - Yuujin chased after her, while their mother just smiled.
Flashback Off
It's weird to think… Now Aunt Emi handles our fights. Mom… I miss her - Yuujin got dressed, thinking. - But now I need to make lunch - He decided, heading to the kitchen.
While following the steps in order, Misaki came out of the bathroom and threw her hairbrush onto the sofa.
Hey! Take that to your room! - Yuujin confronted her.
Later, later, now I need to get dressed to post a story of my wet hair. Isn't it cute, big bro? - She tilted her head slightly to show the volume of her hair.
Yeah, but you're not taking the brush to your room again, it'll be left for me! - Yuujin said, slightly annoyed.
At least someone did it, right? Even if it wasn't me - She smirked and went to her room, locking the door.
How is she… Ah! I don't even know what to say! - Yuujin took the hairbrush and put it behind the bathroom mirror.
After a while, he went back to cooking, and Misaki jumped onto the sofa with a towel around her neck.
What's your problem?! You're going to get the sofa wet! - Yuujin yelled again.
It dries, duh. It won't stay wet forever - Misaki shrugged, indifferent. Yuujin sighed, finishing lunch and calling her to the table.
Wash your hands! - He said once more.
Ugh, you're so annoying - She went to wash her hands.
Some people might not tolerate Misaki. She's not very organized and has a… complicated personality. But why is she like that?
...
They said I'd never have friends because I can't talk to anyone - Misaki cried, while her mother wiped her tears.
The same girls again? Misaki, you need to be stronger - She got up, going to the kitchen to finish chopping vegetables while Misaki followed.
But how can I be stronger? They bully me every day, and you never change my school! - Misaki complained.
Look… you need to show them you don't care about other people's opinions - Her mother said, cutting the vegetables.
How can I not care?! They pick on me every day! - Misaki whimpered again.
When I was your age, I was bullied too. They didn't like that I always read books. But look at me now, do you see me bowing my head to others who judge me? - Her mother asked, handing her the vegetables.
Ah… No… - Misaki stopped crying, watching her.
Exactly. Be firm, show them you don't care what they think. You can make friends - Her mother focused on her daughter, kneeling in front of her.
But… I'm afraid they'll think I'm weird - Misaki said, a few tears falling.
Sweetie, not everyone will like you, and that's okay. Not everyone has to. Value those who truly love you - She smiled.
What do I do to stop caring? - Misaki asked.
Think with me, sweetie, does their opinion really matter? Will it affect the way you are or how you want to live? - She put her hands on Misaki's shoulders.
Ah… No… - Misaki said, a bit confused.
Exactly. Don't let the opinions of people who barely know you matter. Try that tomorrow - She kissed Misaki's forehead and went back to her chores.
Misaki went to her room and thought about it all day, until the next school day.
Upon entering the classroom, she was met with the girls' comments.
Look, if it isn't Sasa. How's your disastrous life going, Sasa? - One girl teased, approaching with her friend, circling her as other kids laughed.
Misaki took a deep breath, remembering what her mother said.
Well, I think… And you, Brenda, how's it going? Tripping too much? Last I heard, you were the one who spilled a bucket of water on a teacher - Misaki replied, slightly teasing back.
Brenda got embarrassed and stood up to Misaki.
Who do you think you are, stuck-up - Brenda grabbed Misaki's uniform collar and lifted her.
Ah… S-Sorry! I d-didn't! - Misaki stammered, while the kids watched.
I'm just not finishing you off because class is about to start. You deserve to suffer double for this! - Brenda let her go, while the other girl poured water on Misaki, and the kids laughed.
Later, returning home, Misaki came crying again.
But Mom! They poured water on me - Misaki sobbed.
Hm… I'll take care of it. This went too far. But remember what I said: the opinions of people who don't know you are irrelevant - She wiped Misaki's tears again and told her to rest in her room.
She thought for a while and prepared to go to Misaki's school the next day to understand everything her daughter was reporting.
Another school day arrived.
Good morning - Misaki's mother greeted the principal.
Hello! You're Misaki's mother, right? What brings you here? - While her mother explained, the recess bell rang, and she said she wanted to see the kids play while she talked with the principal. The principal didn't see any problem and stayed calm.
She observed Brenda and her friend approach Misaki to start bullying again, hoping Misaki would resist this time.
Dear Sasa, what do you think you're doing in our bench? - Brenda mocked her as usual.
Your name's not on it, so back off - Misaki rolled her eyes, slightly annoyed.
Look here you— - Brenda's friend tapped her shoulder and pointed to the principal - Ah… Incredible girl. I'd be very happy to let you stay in the bench I always sit - Brenda forced a smile and stepped back.
Misaki's mother felt proud and continued talking with the principal.
At the end of recess, returning to class, Brenda confronted Misaki.
Don't think this is over. You think the principal will protect you forever? - Brenda towered over her again.
You're right, she won't. I have to do this alone. You mean nothing to me, Brenda. I don't have to take your jokes and lame games. We are not friends, so I want distance from you. I'm not afraid of you or your idiotic friend, you're ridiculous. And finally, don't try anything, because I'm ending our war today. Leave me alone, and I'll thank you - Misaki finished.
Brenda grabbed her uniform collar from behind.
You… You little— - Brenda was stopped by the teacher and Misaki's mother.
What great behavior, isn't it, Brenda? And to think your mother told me you were an angel. Now let's hear what she has to say - She left the classroom to call Brenda over.
Misaki's mother waved to her daughter and followed the girls. The children were stunned, and some even started socializing more with Misaki.
You actually had the courage to answer her?! - A student asked.
Yes! She answered in a way that made her very angry! - Another student said, creating a little circle around her.
Even Brenda's friend was impressed.
And from that day on… Misaki decided she wouldn't fall behind anymore and wouldn't lower her head for anyone except her parents, no matter how disorganized she was.
...
Yuujin flopped onto the bed, exhausted, while Misaki finished lunch and went to her room.
"I really miss Mom and Dad… But I think Mom would be proud to know I made new friends at this new school so easily," Misaki thought to herself, scrolling through her phone, looking at posts, thinking more about it.
Later, Emi arrived with some groceries and asked for the siblings' help.
No, thanks. You'll ruin my nails. Yuujin, do something - Misaki said, still on her phone.
I'm still going to break that phone of yours! - Yuujin helped Emi put away the groceries, while she kept working.
Emi laughed at the situation between the two of them and continued her task.
Misaki rolled her eyes and went back to her room.
Misaki followed her mother's advice. Even if she sometimes overdid it, at least she was no longer left behind by others.
To be continued...
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