Chapter Text
The birds were chirping, the sun was out, and there was not a cloud in sight. It was a beautiful first day in your new neighbourhood, the one which you begged your parents not to take you to. You were looking forward to starting fifth grade with your friends, but your dads work had called to another prefecture of Tokyo - way too far from your school. Your parents had enrolled you in some new school, but you hated it. You hated the weather (out of spite), you hated the new house, and you most definitely hated this new area. Maybe not the playground, but that’s an exception. Honestly, who transfers schools before fifth grade? That’s when the memories really start to form.
The expression on your face seemed to reflect your inner turmoil, as your mother had told you to go to the playground, since you liked it so much. Humming a tune, you walked around, kicking rocks with your eyes glued to the grass. “Honestly…just as I was going to take over the school…” Walking a bit more, you yelped as your head smashed against some kid’s face with brute force.
“Eek!” You looked up apologetically to look at your accidental victim. He looked around your age, with dark green hair and wide eyes. He genuinely looked like he was going to cry. “I’m sorry! I wasn’t paying attention…” The boy looked back and forth between you and someone behind you, who you didn’t even know was there until you heard a voice -
“Watch where you’re going, geez.” You turned around hastily to see a boy, slightly older, with pink hair, looking at you like you were a bug.
Okay, you felt bad, but that look was seriously uncalled for. “I said I’m sorry,” you retorted with an irritable tone. “I can get some ice if you need, uh…” Awkwardly, you met eyes with the green haired dude, silently asking for a name. In the quietest voice ever, he replied. “...Rin.” The silence was tense, so you just nodded and prayed the boys would leave you alone. “Hmph. Whatever.” The older boy pouted, shooting you a dirty glare before heading (presumably) to his home. Rin followed eagerly, looking back and forth between the older guy and you, almost with a look of guilt. Man, today sucked.
Back home, you enjoyed the taste of your favorite pasta that your mom had cooked especially for you. She probably knew you were having a tough day, since you came back from the playground virtually in tears. You would rather die than admit it, but truthfully? You were a crybaby. It was especially bad in fourth grade, and all the boys would pick on you for it, which scared you into stopping…at school, at least. Sometimes it was worth it (you fell over) and other times it was very much worth it (your mom wouldn’t buy you a new princess toy). Whatever. You practically inhaled the pasta, looking towards your mother with a pleading expression that screamed ‘I want seconds.’ Sighing, your mother obliged to your silent request.
“So, ___. I know you don’t like this place, but there are some nice boys living next to us who I think you’ll get along with. Can you be friends with them?” The minute you heard the word ‘friends’, you aggressively shook your head no. “Come on, please?” Still, no. Your mother let out a loud, drawn out sigh. “Well, that’s a shame. I was going to get you some new toys to play with together.”
“...I’ll do it.” And so, the story begins.
-
The next day, your parents arranged for you to meet with the kids at the playground. Still traumatized from the last incident, you heavily insisted no, but your mother just scolded you and went along with it anyways. Seriously? At least the weather was nice. Waiting by the swings, you heard footsteps approaching you. Looking up, you saw the two boys from yesterday, Rin, and the unnamed annoying guy with pink hair. ‘Stupid. Annoying. Dumbo.' This was a mantra in your head as you narrowed your eyes at him. Just then, a horrifying thought struck you. It couldn’t be, right? There was NO way -
“Oh, look. Your new friends are here!” You looked at your mother in horror, frantically coming up with logical reasons for this. She must be confused. She must have had too much pasta and it mixed up her brain, and she’s seeing things. That must be it, right? Or they secretly had a sister who was behind them, and your mother spotted her before you.
“It’s you.” The annoying one spoke, looking at you with active disgust painted all over his face. ‘Can I punch him?’ Rin simply stood there, pointing at you. “Big head girl.” Fuming, you opened your mouth - “Watch it!” but your mothers firm clasp on your shoulder shut you up before you could hurl some new insults you learnt from the TV. “Get along nicely, okay? Come home before sunset.” You looked at your mother in sheer terror as she turned her back and walked towards your house, and it took all of your willpower not to just run back to catch up with her. Were the toys worth it…? It was time for THAT. THAT will surely tip things in your favor.
“AHEM!” Loudly, you cleared your throat. The two boys looked at you bewildered, waiting for your next move. The sudden piercing gazes upon you made you shy, so you shut your eyes and shook your head before continuing. THIS will surely work. “Listen, I know we don’t like each other, but I propose an offer!” You smiled persuasively (you hoped so, at least) and spread your arms out. No response. Tough crowd? “I left all my friends behind somewhere else, and I don’t like playing alone. Mama promised new toys if we played together, so what do you think? We can have an ally-dance.” You weren’t quite sure if that was the word, (AN: alliance) but you moved on with the speech anyways. “If we can just learn to be friends, we can have fun with all the toys in the world!” You laughed triumphantly, looking at the boys for feedback. The silence was deafening.
“Oi, Rin. Let’s go.” “Wait!” Frantically, you waved your hands. It was time for the big guns. “If you guys agree with me, then I’ll let you in on a reward.” At this, Rin perked up, looking at you with wide eyes - almost sparkling. You got him now! The annoying one let out a ‘huh?’ and stared at you. “What reward?” He said, annoyingly. How annoying of him to interrupt your grand speech. You gestured for them to lean in so you could whisper to them, your final, grand offer. A temptation no one could resist. “A princess makeup set.” Rin’s sparkly eyes turned bleak immediately, and the annoying one looked you up and down.
“We’re leaving.” Yikes! Your mom was not going to let you off the hook if you came home so early. Sighing, you offered your last resort. “Okay okay - if we become friends, I’ll do anything you want.” Here, the annoying one smirked. “Anything?” You nodded, defeat in your eyes. “Anything.” He called Rin over, and began to whisper in his ear. To add suspense, Rin burst out laughing at whatever his brother had told him. Oh no…
“We’ll be friends. But first, you have to prove that you’re able to keep up.” You looked at him, awaiting the news. “Do an armpit fart.”
This was going to be a long summer.