“Umm Excuse me? Is this the class of Ichika Yoshida?” “Hey, Yoshida- san! Some girl has come to meet you.” “Can’t you say that nicely?” She scolded the boy who called her. “Oh! Ichika Senpai.” The girl who called her became happy when she saw her. “Oh, Fumi. So, you are finally here.” Ichika said, “It’s too noisy here, let me take you for a stroll in your new school.”

“So, Fumi as you are a first-year in high school now have you decided which club you might want to join?” She asked. “I think I will go for the chorus club.” She replied. “What about you senpai?” “I am already a year older than you are. So, I unknowingly or maybe intentionally joined two clubs. I am in the art and Library club.” Ichika replied. “Isn’t that a burden?” “Well, I can do my artwork when I am free as what I said to them, they agreed. So, I am in those two clubs.” “Oh! Senpai I forgot to ask you were is Kyouko Senapai?” “She is probably in the cafeteria. I am also going there for the food. So we will probably be able to meet her.”

“Hey, Kyouko!” She waved and gave her a signal to come to her. “What is it?” Kyouko asked. “Our Kohai is here?” “Huh? Oh, isn’t it Fumi? When did you come to our school?” “Today’s the first day.” She replied. “Oh, Fumi would you like to meet our friends?” They asked. “Sure.” “Alright come here then. “So, everyone this is Fumi who we use to mention.” “Hello, I am Fumiko Endo first-year class A.” She introduced herself. “Oh, she is the girl you two use to have cram school with.” “Yes, we are so happy that you are in our school now,” Kyouko said. “So, Fumi I will introduce the rest of them, this is Masami Noguchi.” “Pleased to meet you.” “This is Hanabi Nekota.” “Hello, do you like KTL as well?” “Yep, isn’t Ichika- san a fan as well?” “Yes, we both are,” Hanabi said cheerfully. “And this Natsumi Yukino and last but not least Ryoko Tanaka.” “Nice to meet you.” They said. “Are all of you from the second year?” Fumiko asked. “Yes, but we are from different classes, well few of us,” Ryoko replied. “But we all are still friends from the first year,” Natsumi replied with a smile.

“Masami- San?” A guy called her. “Oh, I guess I have to leave for now. I will see you guys in class then.” “Alright have fun.” “That was Masami’s boyfriend,” Ichika replied as Fumiko looked at the guy. “Oh! I see.” “Do you think this guy will stay with her long?” Natsumi asked. “Nah! I think Masami dated him because he asked her.” Ichika replied to Natsumi’s question. “Oh! I just remembered that I have to drop by the teacher's room and then to the library.” “Ichika did something happen?” They asked. “Our homeroom teacher asked me to take the answer sheets to the classroom with the boy representative of our class. And as my duty as the class representative, I have to do it even if I don’t but I will but Mitsu- Kun as in charge of the sheets while I am in the library. So, take Fumi for the stroll. ” She said and went out. “She is a busy kid after all so no one can stop her,” Kyouko said. “I guess, I will take you for the stroll then,” Kyouko said to Fumi. “Alright!”

“I don’t get it! Why does the teacher always ask us to carry stuff?” “I can feel what you are saying Nozomi- Kun so, once we reach class make sure the sheets are safe, I have to drop by the library,” Ichika ordered him. “Okay, then I guess I will ask my friend as well to help me to keep it safe.” “Thanks, then my work is done. I will come back before the recess is over.”

The Library

“You are late!”

“I am sorry Tatsuya Senpai, I had to drop by the staff room earlier.” “Alright, I forgive you Ichika.” He said. “Senpai aren’t you too free for a third year?” She asked. “It’s only because I was studying here while waiting for you.” “Well, I think we should include some new members from the first year?” She asked. “Why is that so?” “Why you asked. That’s because the one batch of seniors have passed out and we are legging people. Soon senpai will not be able to come for shifts as well then I will have to do all the work by myself.” She put her points. “I don’t like it when you are right.” He replied, “Fine then shall we put down a poster. You are in the art club as well so, I think you should make one.” “It will be too much work for me but if I am done then make a copy of the original and pasting is your work.” She replied. “Alright!” He sigh. “I don’t know why but why do we have shifts together though?” Ichika asked. “Do you hate me or what?” “No, it’s not that but Senpai we have been doing the shifts together since I joined the club isn’t that strange.” “It’s not strange at all, I am happy that we do the work together, even though we fight a lot we still do the work nicely so, it’s okay.” He replied. “You are right though. I still remember how we first met.” She chuckled.

One year ago, in the library

“So, you are Ichika Yoshida.” “Yes, ma’am.” “I see you are here for the trial for the club.” “Yes and actually I have also applied for the art club so if it’s okay, after the trial session I would like to join this club as well.” She replied. “You can join here as if you want to there is no pressure. Then I shall assign you with some work. As the third years have passed out they have returned the books they borrowed can you put them accordingly on the shelves?” “Sure, I will take them then.”

“I see so this book goes here and this will go here and that will go there.” The books fall from her hand while putting them on the other shelf. “Oh no, you drop the books.” A guy said. “Here, this will go on that shelf.” He replied. “Oh! Thank you.” She looked at the book cover and noticed he was right. “Are you a new member of this club?” He asked. “Well yes, but why?” “I haven’t seen you around?” “Do you come here regularly?” She asked. “No, I am just a member here.” He replied. “Oh, nice to meet you Senpai. I am here for the trial session.” “I see. Well, then my shift is done. I shall leave now. See ya.” He said and left.

“Ma’am?” “Oh! Are you done with the work?” “Yes, the work was fine and I would like to know the other duties as well so I can make up my mind to join here.” She replied. “Alright here is the list of the work one has in a day. As the library is not that big two people are sufficient each day.” She told her the conditions. “I will think about this then. Thank you for today.”

A week later

“Hello, I am Ichika Yoshida first-year class B. The new member of this club.” “I am Tatsuya Kamei second year class A.” “So, now that you have introduced yourself. You two will be on the same shift on these days.” The librarian showed them. “I hope that you two work together nicely.” “I hope so too.” They bowed to each other.  The librarian left. Well, now that we are in the same shifts shall we decide how we should call each other?” He asked. “I will call you Kamei Senpai then.” She replied. “Then I will call you Yoshida then.” “Please don’t call me by my surname. It’s better if you call me just Ichika.” She replied. “Then you just call me Tatsuya Senpai. Rather than using my surname.” He asked. “Okay, Tatsuya Senpai.” “Why are you poking my cheeks?” She asked. “You are cute though… Is it because you have a babyface.” For a moment Ichika skipped a beat but after what he referred to her as she, “Stop touching someone’s face without their permission.” She kicked on his foot. “Senpai shouldn’t do something like that to anyone. And don’t goof around we have a lot of work to do.” She scolded him non-stop until he apologized. And that’s how they both met.

Author's note

Hello, my dear readers.

This novel is a work in progress so, I have had to my time to re-read the and then make it available for you. The update timing might be slower than my last novels but I hope you still support me and my works and if you like my work do leave comments below for curious and your viewpoints. Check out my other works as well which are Second chance to love, Bringing the national wife home and till now it's us. And if you like the story give likes and vote for it. And subscribe to this story so once I update the new chapter you can read it sooner.

Thanking you for your support.

The same day after Ichika left Cafeteria

“So, how long is Mashami dating this new guy?” Kyouko asked. “One week!” Natsumi replied. “So, it’s the starting. That guy still has some time till then he should try to impress Mashami.” Kyouko said, “Do you think this guy will last longer in a relationship with her?” “I highly doubt, Mashami complained about him in front of Ichika and me yesterday,” Natsumi replied with a sigh. “What did Ichika suggested?”  Ryoko asked. “She analysed it and said if she feels he is not the one and is tired of this relationship she should just break up with him if he can’t understand you after you tell him what are your thoughts about the relationship between them.” “That’s a nice option though.” Fumi said, “If they can’t communicate well in a relationship then it will not work out anyway.”  “By the way what number this boyfriend is?” Kyouko asked. “Eighteen.” “But why can’t Mashami Senpai isn’t able to work out in a relationship?” Fumi asked. “She feels like her freedom is gone once she enters a relationship. And also that she can’t seem to like that person that much as the person does.” “That kind of feeling is why she breaks up every time.” Hanabi said, “I hope she finds someone she likes as much as the person.” “Shall we look at her and her boyfriend?” Ryoko asked. “But do you know where she is?” They asked. “I guess they might be here.” She went out to the window and pointed. “They are still talking,” Hanabi said. “I think this will work out this time,” Kyouko said. “So, was Masami Senpei always like that?” Fumi asked. “She wasn’t like this when we were in the middle school. “She uses to reject guys every time or would ignore them.” “Let me tell you how she was at that time.”

Two years ago

Classroom of Ichika and Masami

“Morning!” Ichika greeted. “Morning.” Masami frown. “What happened this time?” She asked. Masami sighed and showed her the letter and the flowers. “Oh my, another guy asked you out on a date? Lucky you!” Ichika said. “What’s so lucky about it?” “At least guys ask you out. Look at me I was never even asked out once.” She replied. “Morning.” Kyouko came to their class with Hanabi. They saw the letter and the flowers on the table. “A guy asked her out again?” Kyouko asked. “Yes.” “So what are you going to do this time going to answer his letter? Or throw it? Or again will just ignore?” Ichika asked. “You tell me?” She asked. “Well, it your life though. But I think just replying to his letter is okay as I know how hurtful a one-sided crush would be. He mustered up the courage to give you the letter is brave so for that maybe you should write him back if you don’t want to speak to him. But that’s your choice. If you want to ignore then do it.” She told her opinion. “I understand having a crush on some feels like.” Masami Sighed. “I will answer it.” She replied. “Good luck though.” They said. “Ichika?” Hanabi called her. “I guy is constantly giving me gifts to go out with me.” “Who is it?” “It’s a guy from my class. His name is Masuda- kun.” “Did he use physical force to go out with you?” She asked. “No, but I already rejected him but he is still trying to pursue by giving me gifts every day.  Today he gave me this chocolate.” She showed. “Did you not try to return him?” Kyouko asked. “I did but he said to have it.” “Well, how do these guys get so much money to buy gifts for the girls. Is he rich?” Ichika asked. “No, he also the middle class.” Hanabi replied, “I feel bad though that he is wasting so much money on me.” “Guys are strange though.” Kyouko sighed. “Can we have the chocolate though?” Kyouko asked. “Sure, here.” She distributed among them. “I will just have one.” She gave the rest to them. “Thanks, Ichika,”  Kyouko said. “Ichika you still have that sweet allergy?” Hanabi asked. “It’s not that I cannot eat sweet but it’s just that there is a limit, I don’t like milked chocolate so much they are too sweet for me,” Ichika replied. “The class will be about to start soon so you two should get going as well. We will see you at lunchtime.”

Lunchtime

“What? You went to the guy’s class and told him you can’t date him.” Kyouko screamed. “You don’t have to say that so loudly.” “Oh, I am sorry.” “That was fast,” Ichika said. “I know but, it will be bad for him if I didn’t reply to him sooner.” “Yeah that’s true but are you okay?” they asked. “Yeah! I feel good after telling him.” “How did he replied though?” Ichika asked. “He said it’s okay and he is glad that I told him earlier. And I returned him the flowers but he said to keep them as he had bought them for me.” She told them. “Oh! Let’s forget about this for now and let’s go have our lunch.” Ichika said. “Yeah! I am hungry as well.” “Ichika what did you bought for lunch today?” “Fried rice.” “Oh! I will have some as well.” “Alright, alright.”

Back to present

“Then when did Masami Senpai started to date?” Fumi asked. “In the Last year of the middle school.” “During lunch one day Masami said that she started to date a guy,” Kyouko said. “Then after breaking up with him. She dated another guy next month. And then whenever a guy asked her out she would go on a date with them and will have go talk and time for a week or two then she just lost the spark and then broke up.” “Why did this change occur in just one year?” “We don’t know, but maybe Ichika knows about this. We asked her though, she said she just wanted to give it a try after watching some romantic movies and dramas.” “I see. You do get the feeling of dating someone and falling in love after watching them.” Fumi said.  “Mitsumi-Kun,” Hanabi called and ran to him. “Who’s that?” Fumi asked. “Hanabi’s old neighbour plus childhood crush,” Kyouko said. “She is still trying to pursue him?” Ryoko asked. “Yep!” “She should just tell him,” Ryoko suggested. “They Mitsumi kun why don’t you help Hanabi to bring the juices for us, she will not be able to carry so many of them.” “Alright, Ryoko-san.” Hanabi looked at her and thanked her. “You are so nice Ryoko senpai.” “Thanks that’s my speciality.” She replied. “Talking to you all feels good though,” Fumi said. “We are glad that you felt comfortable with us.” “By the way, Fumi do you have a boyfriend?” they asked. “I had one then we broke up before I can to this school and he went to another school as well.” “What about you all?” She asked. “We don’t have one. Not even once.” Kyouko and Ryoko replied. “But I have one.” Natsumi raised her hand. “Wow, nice senpai. How did you two meet?” “We met in the park when I took my dog out for a walk. I saw him taking many dogs on a walk. I asked him if they were his. He replied, that it was his part-time job. Then, when I went on a walk, I met him we had a nice chat. Then when I came to this school we met again and started to date each other. And we are in the same class as well.” She told her story. “Wow, that’s a nice story. But what about Kyouko and Ryoko Senpai? Do you don’t like those stuff?” “We think so as well, but sometimes we do want to be like the one in the dramas.” They sighed, “If love could have been like the movies.” “Does Ichika Senpai also not have one?” She asked. “No, she says she doesn’t. But doubt her because she gives good advice about love and they do work the once. She said that she got the knowledge from the stories, manga, dramas and movies.” Kyouko replied. “Once, Kyouko had asked her about it. She replied with a no and then they quarrelled. And Ichika said that day that once she dates a guy would tell us.” “Maybe Ichika Senpei really doesn’t have a boyfriend.” “That’s true she doesn’t.” Masami came between their conversations. “Oh, you are back.” “How did it go?” they asked. “I broke up.” She replied. “What again.” “But this time he also didn’t feel that we had a spark between us.” She replied. “Is that a good thing?” they asked. “Yes, it is at least I am not the only one who felt that way.” She replied. “You told Ichika?” Natsumi asked. “When I was coming back I stop the library opened the door and told her I broke up and went away.” She said, “She was shocked. Her Senpai from the library club was with her he was also shocked by my entrance.” “Was it Tatsuya Senpei?” “Yes, it was him.” “He always has a shift with her and they work well together.” “That’s good, he doesn’t treat his juniors badly and is friendly with them.” They said one by one. The bell rang. “Let’s move to our classes now.” “Hanabi, will we ever get to drink or not?” They called her and went with the drinks to their class.

“Ryoko! Ryoko wakes up it’s time for school.” Ryoko’s mother called. “Rio go wake your sister up.” “Sister! Sister.” She went to her room and shook her up.  “What is it, Rio?” “Sister if you don’t wake up now you will be late for school.” “How do you get up earlier than me every time?” She woke up from her bed and went to the bathroom to wash up.

“Ryoko aren’t you done yet?” Her mother asked. “I am done. Where is the breakfast?” “Here and I am preparing your lunch so tie up your sister her hair before going to school.” “Okay!” “Her sister.” Rio gave her. “Rio why don’t you cut your hair it’s problematic to tie it every morning.” She complained. “I will cut my hair again on Sunday.” She replied. “Mother, Kotaru is playing with his food,” Rio said. “I knew he would, Rio can you feed him?” “Okay.” “Mother, where is Father?” Ryoko asked. “He is sleeping after he returned from his night shift.” “He must be tired.” “You are right. Anyways here is your bento. And eat your breakfast soon and hurry up you will be late for school.”

“Ryoko!”

“Natsumi, you are early today?” “Yep, I am. Ryoko, can go by yourself today?” Ryoko looked at Natsumi with confusion. “Actually Himada-kun thought about taking this root to go to school today and asked me to if I would mind going to school with him today? So, I said yes and I wanted to have some time alone with him.” “Oh, I get you. Fine I will go alone today then.” She replied. “Thank you, Ryoko.” She got happy. “Oh, Sister Natsumi. Good morning.” “Good morning Rio. Are you going to school?” She asked. “Yes, I will see you later then.” She waved. “Well, then see you in school as well.” Ryoko took her to leave. “Okay!”

While going on the way to school Ryoko thought about Natsumi and Himada’s possible conversations. Suddenly someone called her, “Out of the way the breaks are not working.” He screamed and hit the pole. Ryoko went to look at the person. “Are you okay?” She asked. “Oh! I am so sorry did I hit you accidentally?” he asked. “No, I am fine. But I guess you hit yourself by the pole.” She said. “Oh! My bicycle.” He rushed to look at it. “Oh, thank god it is fine.” “Um, I think you should go to the school sooner to check up.” She said. “Oh! You are right.” He replied, “Wait you are from your school as well?” He was shocked. “Yes.” “Oh! If you don’t mind can you go and buy me something cool for the time being. Here is the money.” He hands over. “Why don’t you do it yourself?” She asked. “I have to stand here to see if I broke some parts of my bicycle.” She sighed and took the money from his hand and bought him a can of cold drink. “Here.” “Oh, thanks.” “I shall take my leave now.” She went away. ‘What a weird morning this is.’ She thought and she passes by.

The first period started and the teacher announced something related to the project. “So, this is a pair project and I will divide the students according to roll numbers. And the topics of the projects are written here. I hope you all do this project and submit it within nine days. It’s not a difficult project so work on it nicely.” The teacher said. “Teacher, if you don’t mind can you example us how to submit the project just a summary about the presentation will be fine,” Ichika asked. “Sure, I will.” The teacher explained them and the class was over after the bell rang. The students looked for their teammates. “Izumi- Kun?” “Oh! Ichika –san.” “I guess we have to do the project together so, let’s discuss it in the library in lunch today.” She suggested. “Sure, but when?” “How about I will call you? Please stay in the class so, I don’t have a problem finding you.” “Okay, then see you then.” Ichika returned to her seat.  “Ichika why do I have to do the project with a guy?” Kyouko complained, “Every time I do a project with a guy it’s always too hard to complete it and in the end, I have to do it all by myself. Because my teammate goofs around.” “Who are you doing your project with?” she asked. “Masahiro-kun,” Kyouko replied. “But you haven’t even talked to Masahiro- Kun earlier so, how can you know if he is not good or not,” Ichika said. “Yeah! You are right, I hope he cooperates nicely.” She said. “Go talk to him,” Masami said. “Okay!”

She went near him before she could say something he starts talking. “Ogawa- San right.” He said, “I am Masahiro Wakatmatsu. If you don’t mind can you give me your email or contact number so, I can send you the plan I have thought of for the project and don’t worry I will do the work collectively?” He said. She was shocked. “Sure, then here is my number and email.” She gave him. “Oh thank you. Here is mine. I hope we can cooperate nicely. I will look forward to work with you.” He said formally. “Then if you don’t mind I will continue what I was doing earlier if you excuse me.” He asked politely. “Oh! Umm sure. Please continue.” She excused herself.

“So, how was it?” Masami asked. “I think he is okay. At least for now.” She replied. The teacher came to the class and the next class started.

The bell rang after the completion of the class before lunchtime. Ichika stretched herself. “Ichika.” “Shall we go to wash our hands?” Kyouko asked. “Umm, sure.” She looked for Izumi. “Oh, Izumi- Kun?” She called. “Yes, Ichika- san.” He responds to her call. “I will see you at the library after 5 minutes so make sure you take your lunch and a notebook with pen or pencil.” She said and left. “Ichika are you going to have lunch in the library?” They asked. “Yes, because I don’t have a choice I want to start the project sooner.” She replied. “I had bought your favourite food today in my bento,” Ryoko said. “Really? Then I will go once I take a bite of it.” She replied.

Ichika came to the library after picking up her lunch from the classroom. “Oh! Ichika san.” “Kanata- Senpai.” “Are you here for lunch?” he asked. “Yes, and I also have to work on my project with my classmate. So, today is Nozaki Senpei put in charge on his behalf I guess.” She replied. “Yes, but don’t create noise alright.” He warned with a smile. “Sure, sure Senpai.” She saw Izumi and sat opposite him. “So, Izumi- kun.” She started, “I have looked through the topic and I think these topics are the easy ones to complete in time easily and we can get information easily on these as well.” She showed him. “I think you should decide the topic as you know, I trust that you will come up with a nice one.” He replied. “I can do that but remember Izumi-Kun you have to work the same as me and even if you are slow to do the work I gave you do it nicely so, that I don’t have to review and edit it once again. And cooperate with me nicely otherwise if I end up doing all the work alone I will make sure to tell the teacher that you did nothing and give you no grades for the project work.” She threatened him. “Yes, ma’am.” He got scared.

On the other side, Kenta was watching Izumi and Ichika’s conversation. And like a best friend of Tatsuya, he called him. “Hello? Tatsuya? I saw Ichika- san with a guy in the library.” On the other side, “what? Are you sure it is a guy? The last time you called I ran to her and saw it was just a girl who had hair like that.” He remembered. “This is a guy classmate of hers. They are doing a project together and she just now shared her lunch with him.” He said. “Are you serious?” “Of course. Man the food looks good I will have a bit of it. Alright, see you at the class then.” He hanged up. “Oh! Ichika- san.” He came to her seat. “Oh! Kenta- Senpai. Is there something you want?” She asked. “Your lunch looks good can I have some?” he asked. “Sure, you can but please leave some for me as well.” She said and passed him. “Man, thanks for the food.” Ichika saw Izumi confused. “Oh! Izumi, you looked confused. Is it because of Senpai?” She asked. He nods. “Kenta Senpei is a member in the Acrobats club. He sometimes comes to the library in the exchange for Tatsuya Senpai and Nozaki Senpai. I guess the student council called Senpai again?” She asked. “Yeah! They call him time to time for the meetings as their adviser.” He replied. “Ichika- san!” She looked back. “Sshhh!” “I am sorry.” He said. “Tatsuya Senpai? What are doing here today? As I remember we don’t have our shift today so, you should be in the drama club.” She said. “I heard from Kenta that you were here so, I thought maybe I had forgotten that I had shift today. So, I came here. I see you are having lunch. Who is this new guy?” He asked. “This is Izumi- Kun my classmate. He and I do a project together so, we came here during lunch to discuss it while eating.” She replied. “Oh project. Then work hard on it. I hope it turns out well.” He gave his wishes. “Oh! Ichika- san the food you brought taste good.” Kenta exclaimed.  “Oh is it? I made it myself today. It good to hear that it is good.” She replied. “Ichika-san you can cook as well. That’s so nice.” Izumi said. “I don’t know many recipes but I just know some basics that’s it.” Tatsuya looked back and asked, “Ichika-san if you have made that can I try as well?” he asked. “Sure, but please buy me something to eat before lunchtime is over I don’t my lunch will be left after this.” She sighed. Tatsuya took a bite and said, “It’s good.” “I am glad you like it. Does senpai also knows how to cook?” She asked. “No, he doesn’t. Back in the room he never cooks and so, as Nozaki.” Kenta replied. “I think everyone should have a bit of knowledge about cooking.” She said. “I will learn cooking.” Tatsuya said, “Nozaki also knows few things to cook so, it’s a bit shame that I don’t. So, I will learn that would you like to taste my food Ichika-san?” He asked. “Okay, I will but do make it eatable.” She said.

“Here, Ichika- San please have this cream bun as an apology to finish your lunch.” Tatsuya hand her. “Thanks, Senpai then I will take my leave. I will see you again in our next shift.” She said and left. “Pfft! Hahaha!” Kenta couldn’t control his laugh. “Dude.” “You like her so, why don’t you tell her?” he asked. “I am not sure if she likes me the same way.” He replied. “She likes the other you though,” Kenta said. “That’s just fangirling I guess,” Tatsuya said. “Ughh!” Tatsuya got frustrated and crotch down. “Ichika- san when will you like me as well?” He said.

    “Oh! Ryoko!” Ickika called her as she saw her in the hallway. “Ichika!” she called her back. “Oh! Excuse me.”  Someone called Ryoko. “Oh! It’s you…..”