Chapter 3: Friends
After finishing her schoolwork, Yasmine returned home and fall onto her bed, her mind still swirling with thoughts of the day. I also want to be your friend, she thought, her cheeks burning red as she rolled from side to side, unable to calm her excitement and embarrassment. UHHHHHH, what should I say? Like I also want to be friends with him? I just met him yesterday…
She paused for a moment, staring at the ceiling. But by the looks of it, he's really kind… she mused, recalling his gentle expression in her mind. Her face grew even hotter, and she rolled on the bed again, muttering, What should I saaaaayyyyy?
From the doorway, her little sister Jemi peered in awkwardly. "Sister, you're being weird," she said. Yasmine sighed internally. But I have to say something…
Meanwhile, at Aijin's home, he sat quietly with his phone in hand, thinking about the events of the previous day. It's been my first time making a female friend in high school. I thought after that incident I could never make one… He shook his head, recalling the memory. Calm down, Aijin… but she's really different from others… He smiled faintly. She's kinda like me.
---
The next day at school, Kei chatted excitedly. "You know, the cheesecake in the cafeteria is really good."
Yasmine blinked, suddenly stopping mid-step.
From the hallway, Aijin spotted her. "Hello, Mizu…" he called out.
Yasmine panicked and ran away. "YASMINE, WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!" Kei shouted after her. Aijin stood frozen, utterly confused.
Moments later, he tried again. "Hello, Mizu…"
Yasmine ran once more, leaving him bewildered. Even after several attempts, he could not get her attention in the schoolyard.
---
Jirou and Mui noticed his despair. "What happened? You look horrible," Jirou asked.
"Yeah, what's wrong?" Mui added.
Aijin explained everything—the running away, the avoidance, and his attempts to reach out.
Mui raised an eyebrow. "You mean you're trying to be friends with that girl?"
"Yes… she has a name, but yeah," Aijin replied.
"Are you sure you want to be friends with her?" Jirou asked cautiously.
"A friend in a living hell deserves some peace. I want to make her school life better," Aijin said firmly.
Mui frowned. "You're kind, Aijin, but you don't really know what kind of girl she is."
Aijin nodded. "Mui, tell me, how did we become friends?"
Mui thought back. "We shared a hobby, and after knowing you, we just clicked."
"That's the point," Aijin said. "We have to know her story to be true friends. You can't judge by appearances."
Mui smirked. "Fine. Just don't get scammed. And, you know, I like your confidence."
---
Suddenly, Kei appeared, pointing at Aijin. "You there! Are you bullying Yasmine? Why was she running from you?"
"Hey, back off!" Mui grabbed Kei's hands, stopping her.
"That's none of your business," Kei retorted.
"Listen, Miss…" Aijin began calmly.
"Kei Yuzuhara," she introduced herself sharply.
"I didn't bully her," he assured her. "I know Mizuno is amazing. I don't know much about her, but after she spoke to me, I wanted to support her. I just don't understand why she avoids me."
"Are you telling the truth?" Kei asked cautiously.
"You can see for yourself," Aijin said.
All right… Kei nodded and started to leave.
Mui interjected. "Wait. You didn't even apologize for grabbing my friend's collar. What were you thinking?"
Aijin sighed. "Mui, stop. Sorry for my friend's harsh words."
Kei left, still tense.
"You'll apologize to her," Aijin told Mui.
"I won't, until she apologizes to you," Mui replied, arms crossed.
Aijin could only groan. Protective as ever, he thought.
---
In the hallways, Kei reflected on Mui's words. He's right… I was that kind of person. She recalled the past and realized she had grown. "Yasmine?" she called.
"I… I was in the library…" Yasmine stammered.
Kei cut her off. "Straight to the point. What kind of person is Kuroya?"
"He… is kind," Yasmine admitted.
"Then why were you running from him?" Kei asked.
Yasmine explained everything, finally understanding her own hesitation.
"He wants to be friends with you, but you're too embarrassed to accept it," Kei said bluntly.
"…Yeah," Yasmine admitted, cheeks burning.
"How stupid can you be? You're the most intelligent girl in the grade!" Kei scolded gently.
"Did I do something wrong?"
"First, do you want to be friends with Kuroya?"
Yasmine hesitated, then nodded.
"Then let's go to him," Kei said.
"Because… what?" Yasmine asked.
"Nothing," Kei replied, hiding her actions.
Yasmine narrowed her eyes. "You're hiding something."
Kei smiled faintly. "Fine," she said, explaining everything except the Mui part. Shocked, Yasmine bolted toward Aijin's class.
---
Aijin wondered quietly. Why didn't Mizuno attend class?
After class, Jirou asked, "What happened? You look tense."
"She didn't attend math class," Aijin admitted.
"Maybe she doesn't like math?" Jirou suggested.
"She isn't like you," Aijin muttered.
Suddenly, Kei burst in. "KUROYA!!!"
"What happened? You look horrible!" Aijin asked.
"Yasmine is missing!" Kei cried.
Aijin's eyes widened. "What!?"
---
The search began immediately.
"Jirou, did you find her?" Aijin asked.
"No," Jirou replied.
"I can't even contact her," Kei said, panic rising.
"Calm down," Aijin reassured her. "We can find her. But we need one more person for help." He called Mui.
"Hello?" Mui answered.
"No time to explain. Just help us find Yasmine," Aijin said.
"Great, he cut the call," Mui muttered, heading off.
---
In the corner of the school building, Yasmine struggled, her mouth taped shut.
"Oh, how cute you look while suffering," Bully #1 taunted.
"Did we do the right thing?" Bully #3 asked nervously.
"Don't be a joykiller," Bully #1 said.
"She deserved more than this," Bully #2 added.
This is bad… how can I get out of here? Please, somebody help me, Yasmine thought desperately.
---
Meanwhile, Mui tracked the bullies. "Now where can I find her?" He suddenly heard noises.
Bully #1 (Boy) smirked. "Those girls kidnapped Mizuno."
Bully #2 (Boy) laughed. "I'm happy after what Kuroya did to me."
Mui swiftly captured them. "Tell me the location, or you won't be walking anymore."
The bullies tried to attack Mui.
---
Aijin received the call from Mui.
"Where are you?" Mui asked.
"I'm currently on the school Yard. Jirou and Yuzuhara are in the gymnasium."
You're closer to the school corner—Yasmine's been kidnapped," Mui explained.
Aijin hanging up.
Mui sighed. "So, how do you feel now?"
Meanwhile, Mui had already beaten the bullies thoroughly.
---
Aijin arrived and saw Yasmine injured. Carefully, he slowly lifted her and put her arm on his shoulder and slowly walking away .
"Hey! Who do you think you are?" one bully demanded.
Aijin glared. The bullies froze in fear.
"It's your turn, Yuzuhara," he said calmly.
"It's time to pay now!" Kei shouted. The bullies screamed in panic.
---
In the school infirmary, Yasmine finally spoke. "I'm sorry."
"What are you sorry for? You didn't do anything," Aijin replied.
"I know what Kei did…" Yasmine murmured.
"It's not your fault. She only wanted to protect you," Aijin reassured. He's kind as ever, Yasmine thought.
"Can you put it on your leg? Don't worry, I'll look away," Aijin instructed.
"Ku…ro…ya," Yasmine said, gathering courage.
"Yes?"
"I… WANT TO BE FRIENDS WITH YOU!" she shouted, blushing furiously. I SAID IT TOO LOUD THIS IS SO EMBARRASSING!
"It's okay by me. Just say something before running," Aijin said.
"I'm really sorry for avoiding you. I just felt embarrassed… how should I respond?"
"You can take your time, Mizuno," he said softly.
"Yasmine," she whispered.
"Huh?"
"You… can call me Yasmine. After all, we're friends now," she said, her face flushed.
Aijin was stunned. "Are you sure?"
"…Yeah," she replied.
"Okay, so Ya…"
At that moment, Kei burst through the door. "YASMINE!!!"
"Kei," Yasmine said.
"I'm sorry I couldn't help you. I'm useless," Kei admitted.
"Don't say that. You cared for your friend, and you saved her in time," Aijin said kindly.
"Kuroya… I'm sorry for what I did," Kei said again.
"Like I said, it's fine. Mui?" Aijin asked.
"I'm sorry for what I said," Mui replied.
"It's fine. You also care about your friend," Kei said, softening.
Jirou added, "By the way, Mizuno, if you need help, just call us. Since you're Aijin's friend, you're our friend too."
What's happening? These people… they want to be friends with me? Yasmine thought, hiding her face with her hands, but smiling a little.
"Yasmine, are you okay?" Kei asked.
"Yeah," Yasmine replied.
Outside, in the garden, the other Jasmine flowers bloomed brightly with the unbloomed flower which just opening its petals as if celebrating new friendships.
---
[End of Chapter 3]