Chapter 2: Introvert I

Natsumi Shiota, Age 16. Your usual introvert. There's nothing really much about me since I never made friends or talked to anyone. I also move and travel a lot because of my parents so I thought making friends were useless since I would move again and again. My only friend was the winter snow, who kept me comfortable and "warm".

My parents always made me do things I wasn't interested in, such as piano, singing, dancing and so on. But at the same time, they didn't want to pressure me too much which I don't really understand that. I moved to another neighborhood, but it doesn't look like I will last here for even a month.

– – –

[Alarm rings]

NS: ...

[Goes downstairs]

I don't feel like going to school.

Would mom and dad mind if I skipped?

[Looks at note]

Dear Natsumi,

Your dad and I are busy today. I've prepared food for you to eat. Don't stress so much today, your birthday is just around the corner. We promise that we will find a way to celebrate with you this year. Don't skip meals and school, give this school a chance! Remember to stay healthy!

Love,

Mom.

NS: Do you really promise...?

[Looks at clock]

Ugh. Time for school.

– – –

And here, my daily routine continues. Wake up, brush my teeth, get ready and rush to school. Do I really need to do all this? I've never told mom and dad I've been bullied at school, I have many bruises when I get back home but they seldom come home because of work. I just wish they would spend more time with me.

– – –

[School bell rings]

NS: (Thank god, I made it in time.)

? : NATSUMI SHIOTA, YOU ARE LATE. I WILL

SEND YOU TO THE OFFICE AFTER CLASS.

I DO NOT ACCEPT THIS TYPE OF

BEHAVIOUR, YOUNG LADY!

NS: (Tsk.)

Yeah, yeah. Okay, I get it. It's Aunt Flo isn't

it?

? : YOU... STAND OUTSIDE OF THE CLASS!

[Kicks out of the class]

NS: Yay, this is so fun.

[Glares]

(Those girls again, they are probably

gonna beat me up.)

G1: Hey girls, look! It's Natsumi-Chan.

G2: Oh my god, it is! How are you doing.

G3: Getting kicked out of class is great right?

Everyone's in class and no one is around.

Isn't it a good time now, girls?

[Winks]

G1: Yep. Let's start...

– – –

It hurts... But I'll have to get used to it since this is also part of my "daily routine". The teachers don't really care about me because of how I act. People get jealous because I'm the school "ace". I hate the fact people keep targeting me... Will I really make friends here? Will it be worth it?

– – –

{After lunch break}

NS: [Sits down]

[Looks in the drawer]

There's a note... with beautiful

hand-writing?

Come to the field after school. I saw your purse fall down in the cafeteria. Since I'm busy, I can't come to your class so I told someone to put this in your drawer.

NS: [Checks pocket]

(They didn't write who they are...)

Can I really trust this person? I feel like...

I'll get beaten.

– – –

{Later}

NS: (I feel uneasy about this...)

? : Hey, are you Shiota-San?

NS: Yes...

(Who is this guy? Is he a senior?)

? : Here's your purse!

NS: You... Aren't going to bully me?