Time passed so quickly—six months had gone by since then, and now we were already in the middle of the second term of our third year of junior high. Only 4 months were left before we would graduate.
This year, I was still in the same class as Hikaru-kun once again. I felt lucky about that. Also, I was no longer in the same class as Misaka. She was in a different classroom, so I didn't need to deal with her annoyance anymore.
Recently, her name became popular as the winner of a drawing competition. She got what she wanted, and we were total strangers now.
I was also reunited with some old classmates from first year who I'd been separated from last year, and Minami was still with me too. They were now my close friends in our class, and I was happy we got back together and hung out just like before.
Since then, nothing had changed. I still hadn't found the courage to make a move on Hikaru-kun. We were just hanging out like before, as classmates.
Even Hikaru-kun seemed better now. He no longer looked sad like he had after breaking up with Misaka. I was sure he had already let the past go.
After Misaka's cruel betrayal of both of us, I vowed never to let Hikaru-kun slip away again—no matter what it took. I needed to gather the courage to confess my feelings before we graduate.
One day, in the morning after I arrived at school, I saw a girl put something inside Hikaru-kun's shoe rack.
What is she doing?
After she left and no one was around, I opened Hikaru-kun's shoe rack to look at the thing she put inside. It was a letter. I quickly grabbed it, put it into my bag, and headed to my classroom.
Inside the classroom, I opened the letter and read it by myself. It was a love letter to Hikaru-kun. Tch, another one.
I felt something snap inside me and tore it up before throwing it in the rubbish bin.
Many girls had been trying to make a move on Hikaru-kun recently after hearing about his breakup with Misaka. Without anyone noticing, I managed to prevent them from getting close to Hikaru-kun.
Whenever they tried, I sabotaged their moves to prevent them from interacting with Hikaru-kun since he was still popular in school. My jealousy made me do bad things. Without realizing it, my attitude became similar to Misaka's.
During lunch break, I was having lunch with my close friends. They sat around the table as usual. While eating, we were discussing which high schools we were choosing to enroll in for next year.
I turned to them. "Did you guys choose your high school already?"
"We already chose ours. Now we just need to take the entrance exam."
"How about you, Akemi-chan?"
"I'm not sure yet. Even though I received some recommendations from our teacher, I'm still deciding."
"It's nice to be you. As an honor student, you can choose any school you want easily."
"Hey, are you waiting for Hikaru-kun to choose his school so you can go to the same one as him?"
My face got bright red. "Wait, why are you saying that? Where did that come from?"
"Because Hikaru-kun still hasn't chosen his school yet either...we're sure you want to go to the same one as him, right?"
I stayed silent because I was embarrassed by their words.
"Geez, you guys..."
Well, that was what I had planned from the beginning. I would choose the same school as him after he made his decision.
Then I offered them the homemade cookies I had brought from home. "Hey, you guys, want to taste this? I just baked them yesterday."
"Wait, homemade cookies? You made them? That's nice, Akemi-chan."
All of them tried them. "How do they taste?"
"It's delicious, Akemi-chan," they said. "Yes, these taste better than the cookies we buy from convenience stores."
"You're really great at making them."
"Thanks, I'm glad you like them. My big sister helped me make these cookies."
"Hey, if I give this to Hikaru-kun, do you think he'll like it?" I asked suddenly while taking out another pack tied with a ribbon.
"Yes, go ahead, of course he will like this, Akemi-chan."
I then turned to look at Hikaru-kun, who was eating with his friends Zul and Sakamoto-san at the front of the classroom.
"Go for it, Akemi-chan." "Yes, you can do it," my friends said, giving me courage.
"Yeah, I'll do my best."
Meanwhile, I overheard Hikaru and Zul talking about high schools for next year from where I was sitting.
"Hey, Zul, have you picked which school you want to enroll in next year?"
Zul turned to Sakamoto-san with a smile.
"Yes, I already chose it. I decided to apply to MA High School along with Eri."
Sakamoto-san, embarrassed, just nodded.
Hikaru-kun was surprised. "Really!? You chose MA High too?"
"What do you mean? Don't tell me you're applying there too?"
Hikaru-kun chuckled. "Yes, that's right. I'm also applying there. It looks like we can be friends for another few years. Well, if we pass their entrance exam, haha. A genius like you will probably pass their exam easily, right?"
"Oh, shut up. Don't make assumptions like that. I'm not such a genius."
"Why not? You're always at the top during exams, second only to Akemi."
Then Zul turned to Sakamoto-san. "Eri, what's wrong? You seem down suddenly?"
"Don't tell me you feel guilty again—like before, when I turned down the good school recommendation because I wanted to stay with you, just like when we were entering this school back then."
"That's right, I still feel guilty that you sacrificed everything just for someone like me."
"No need to worry about that, I decided to stay with you so I can protect you, okay? Remember that promise, so no need to think so much about it."
"If you say so, then it's okay for me... Also, one more thing—I'm... worried... if I'm not able to pass the entrance exam..."
"Don't worry. I'm sure you'll be able to pass the entrance exam. Don't put yourself down, okay?"
"Yes, Zul's right, Sakamoto-san. We still have time to study, so don't worry about it," said Hikaru-kun.
I suddenly approached them. "Hikaru-kun...!!!" I said, clinging to Hikaru-kun's arm.
"Oh, it's you, Akemi, what's wrong?"
I took out the cookies and handed them to him. "Here, I want to give you this cookie."
"Oh, cookies. Thank you..."
I also gave cookies to Zul and Sakamoto-san.
"Umm, thanks..." Zul said while Sakamoto-san just nodded with a shy smile.
Umm, is it just me, or does Sakamoto-san look shyer and more reserved toward others compared to when we first met in our first year?
Hikaru-kun suddenly took a bite of the cookie. "Bon appétit."
I widened my eyes. "Eh, you're eating it already? Then, how does it taste?"
Hikaru-kun chewed happily. "It's delicious. Where did you buy these?"
"Well, actually I baked them myself."
He looked impressed. "Seriously? That's amazing. You're really good at baking."
"Hehe, thanks for that. I'm glad to hear that."
I smiled, then glanced away. "By the way... what were you, Zul, and Sakamoto-san talking about earlier?"
"Oh, we were just talking about which schools we're planning to enroll in next year."
Nice timing, this might be my chance to find out Hikaru-kun's chosen school.
I felt hesitated before asking him. "So... Hikaru-kun, which school are you applying to?"
"Me? Well, I'm going to try applying to MA High. Zul and Sakamoto-san are too."
Wait, did he just say MA High? I need to make sure I heard correctly.
"Wait—are you sure you said MA High?" I repeated to make sure I hadn't misheard.
"Yeah, MA High. I'm definitely applying there. Is something wrong?"
My face lit up. "Really!? Oh, that's interesting. Actually, I've been considering that school. It's on my recommendation list."
Hikaru-kun turned surprised. "You too? That's a really nice coincidence... I hope we get into it together."
"Yes, I hope so too, Hikaru-kun."
I lied to him about that. I hadn't chosen it yet, but MA High was on my recommendation list. So, it was decided—I would apply to MA High too, since Hikaru-kun was choosing it.
"Well then, I hope we both pass the entrance exam."
"Yes, let's do our best."
Hearing that from Hikaru-kun really made me happy.
"Ah, lunch break is almost over. I should head back to our seats," I said, checking the time.
As I walked back to my friends, my heart was still racing from the conversation. The thought of possibly going to the same school as Hikaru-kun made me both excited and anxious.
The rest of the school day passed by normally. When the final bell rang, I packed my things and said goodbye to my friends. I walked home alone, thinking about my conversation with Hikaru-kun during lunch.
When I got home from school, my big sister greeted me, and I went to my room to change out of my uniform.
During dinner, I was eating with only my sister, as both my father and big brother were busy with work.
Then my sister started talking to me. "You seem happier today. Did something good happen at school?"
"Well... I finally made a decision about something today."
My sister looked confused. "Hmm, decision? What is it?"
I told my big sister I had decided to apply to MA High School. She was surprised I had finally made my decision.
She said it was a good choice since it was on my recommendation list and I should be able to get in easily with my grades.
My sister then asked why I was choosing MA High when I had recommendations for many schools, even better ones. I told her I wanted to go to the same school as a friend.
She grinned and asked, "Are you sure it's just a friend?"
Her tone was casual, but there was something deliberate about the way she said it.
"There's someone at that school you want to see?"
She paused. "Someone you've mentioned before like Hikaru-kun, maybe?"
"Stop it! Why did you bring up Hikaru-kun suddenly? Stop jumping to conclusions!"
"Well, it was written all over your face. Also, you seem happier than usual today, so I'm guessing you chose the school because of him. Am I right?"
I scratched the back of my head and started laughing. "You caught me, huh, Onee-chan? Just like I expected from you, haha."
My sister replied, "I knew it. Well, you're my little sister. I know your personality. You always hide your true feelings, but you can't keep hiding forever."
"But if that's your decision, it can't be helped. Whichever school you choose, I'm not against it. It's your choice."
"Also, high school is important for your future, so don't only focus on the person you like but keep your education on track too. Please make sure you're serious about it, okay? Remember, I'm always supporting you, in Mom's place."
I smiled when I heard that, hugged her, and said, "Yes, I understand, thanks, onee-chan."
She patted my head and whispered, "You've really grown up now."
That night, I filled out my high school application form and gave it to the teacher the next day.
Since then, I kept working and studying hard to make sure I passed the entrance exam. Even though that wasn't actually a problem for me, I didn't know if something unexpected might happen during the exam.
Time passed, and the entrance exam day arrived. I went to MA High by myself.
"Wow, what a nice-looking school," I said, taking in the surroundings. Getting enrolled here next year would be great.
As I walked toward the examination room, I found Hikaru-kun, Zul, and Sakamoto-san sitting together there, studying for a last-minute review.
Hikaru-kun is already there, but why are Zul and Sakamoto-san here too? Oh, Hikaru-kun once said they were going to the same school as him too. I totally forgot about that.
Before I could approach them, an announcement echoed through the hallway: "All examinees, please proceed to the examination hall immediately."
Students began moving toward the examination hall entrance, and I followed the crowd. Walking into the examination hall, I looked for my assigned seat.
The large room was filled with rows of desks, each occupied by students from various schools across the city. A quiet but tense atmosphere surrounded everyone as they focused on the upcoming test.
After finding my seat, I sat down and placed my pencil case and ID card on the desk. From here, I could see Hikaru-kun sitting several rows ahead of me. Zul was seated to his left, while Sakamoto-san was a few seats away from them in the same section.
At 8:30 am, the invigilator announced the exam was starting.
Taking a deep breath, I organized my thoughts. This was it—the entrance exam that would determine whether I could attend the same high school as Hikaru-kun. I felt prepared from all my studying and confident about handling the questions.
After the two-hour exam, we were done and left the examination hall. I felt relieved it had gone smoothly. I then approached Hikaru-kun after I saw him separate from Zul and Sakamoto-san.
Good, Hikaru-kun is alone. It's my chance to talk to him.
I ran to approach him. "Hikaru-kun."
"Oh, it's you, Akemi, what's wrong?"
"Well, want to walk home together?"
"Sure, why not? I'm also on my way home."
We then walked together, and I suddenly asked him, "How was the exam? Did you manage to answer all the questions properly?"
"Well, it was a bit rough, but I managed to give my best, haha."
"How about you, Akemi? I'm sure this exam was easy for someone like you, right?"
"Don't say it like that. Even if it wasn't a problem for me, I also gave my best, you know."
"Then good for you, Akemi. I hope we both pass this and get to attend the same school together next year."
"Yes, me too, Hikaru-kun."
Ah, both of us are together now. What should I do? Should I confess to him now? But I still don't have the courage to do it yet. Or should I confess to him after we get our entrance exam results later? Ah, I'm so nervous right now.
I felt hesitant while looking at him.
Hikaru-kun noticed my behavior and asked, "What's wrong, Akemi? Do you need to say something to me?"
"Oh, it's nothing, Hikaru-kun, just your imagination, haha."
Ah, forget it, I'd better confess to him after we get our results soon...
Time passed, and the day of the entrance exam results arrived. After the final class ended, I went straight to MA High.
As I arrived, a crowd of students pressed around the pass list on the bulletin board. I could see many expressions—some happy and excited, some crying with joy, and some disappointed.
As I moved closer, I found Hikaru-kun, Zul, and Sakamoto-san standing there too.
I called while approaching him. "Hikaru-kun."
He turned to me. "Oh, Akemi, you're finally here."
"So, how are your results? Did all of you pass?"
"Not yet, we're still checking our numbers on the board. There are so many people here, it's so difficult to see the numbers unless we get to the front."
"Oh, I see."
At the same time, I looked at Sakamoto-san who was checking her number on the board.
Suddenly, she froze while her finger was shaking, with tears rolling down her face.
Zul, who stood behind her, turned confused. "Eri, what's wrong?"
"Zul... I... I passed...!"
"Really!? Thank God, I knew you could do it," Zul said, resting his hand on her shoulder.
"Hmm, all thanks to you, you helped me out. How about you, Zul?"
Zul smiled at her. "Well, I also passed. Looks like we're going to the same school together again."
Hikaru-kun nodded. "Good, I'm glad to see both of you made it."
I smiled looking at them and thought, looks like both of them managed to pass too.
As I expected from Zul, he also scored high in exams—second only to me.
"Okay, now it's my turn to check too."
At the same time, I was also checking my number on the list. I stepped closer to the list beside Hikaru-kun. My number was 1492. Where was it? I looked down the columns of numbers and names. Found it: 1492 at the top of the list.
"I passed, yes!" I said aloud. Tears wet my cheeks and I wiped them away with my uniform sleeve.
"Hikaru-kun, I passed..." I said to him beside me.
"Really, then good for you, Akemi, as I expected you would pass."
"Wait a moment, Akemi, your number is 1492, right?"
"Yes, that's right. What's wrong, Hikaru-kun?"
"Look, they labeled you as the top scorer. That means you got the highest total marks overall."
"Really!? I didn't notice that," I said. I see, that's why my number is at the top—I got the highest marks. Well, that's a bonus; just passing was enough.
"How about you, Hikaru-kun?"
"Well, I passed too, hehe," he said while showing a peace sign to me.
"Really, thank God, you passed, Hikaru-kun," I said excitedly after hearing that. I was happier that Hikaru-kun passed than about my own highest score.
"That means we're going to the same school, right?"
"Yes, it looks like that. Hope to get along for another year, Akemi."
I nodded and said, "Yes, I'm hoping for that too, Hikaru-kun."
Wait, that means I'm going to confess to him today.... I suddenly remembered that.
Ah, I'm so nervous... Calm down, Akemi. You need courage for today. This is my last chance to confess to him before we graduate.
After finishing our result checking, we all left. As Zul and Sakamoto-san had already left, I decided to ask Hikaru-kun to follow me somewhere.
"Umm, Hikaru-kun, can you follow me somewhere for a bit right now? I need to talk to you about something."
"Sure... but where do you want us to go?"
"Just follow me, okay, it won't take so long."
I took Hikaru-kun to an isolated area in MA High. I checked the surroundings to make sure no one could overhear us. Hikaru-kun looked confused.
"Then, Akemi, what do you want to talk about?"
I replied, hesitating, "Umm... Hikaru-kun... actually..."
You can do it, Akemi...
"I've liked you for a long time... and I've fallen in love with you... Please go out with me..."
A silence fell between us before Hikaru-kun responded.
Hikaru-kun sounded surprised by my sudden confession.
"Is that so... You've liked me for a long time? I never noticed that, haha."
"Thanks, Akemi, I really appreciate it... but sorry, I cannot give you an answer for now..."
I was shocked by Hikaru-kun's response. My face turned pale. Wait, did he just reject me? Why? After I finally gathered my courage... Did I do something wrong? This can't be happening...
I immediately asked him the reason. "Why, am I not good enough for you, Hikaru-kun?"
"It's not like that... I'm glad to hear you said that to me, but after what happened with Misaka last year, I feel I don't want to be in a relationship with anyone for now... I'm sorry... Please give me some time, okay?"
I see, he's still hurt after what Misaka did to him last year.
I felt relieved hearing why he hadn't accepted my confession.
What should I do now? Should I give him more time...?
I think I should wait and confess to him later... it's no good having a relationship with someone who doesn't feel the same way after all...
"Understood. I'll give you time for this. I will confess to you again later."
"Thanks, Akemi, and sorry for not being able to reply to your confession today."
"Don't worry about that, we still have more time, right? We still have another year in high school. Make sure you give me an answer when I confess to you later, okay?"
"Understood, I promise that. But for now, can we stay friends like usual?"
I smiled at him. "Sure, let's stay friends like usual, okay." After that, both of us walked together and left MA High to return home.
This was unfortunate... My confession hadn't worked today, as Hikaru-kun had asked for more time. No need to worry about that, I still have time in high school, I can confess to him later... but I'll make sure Hikaru-kun doesn't fall for other girls, I thought while walking together beside Hikaru-kun.
Then Hikaru-kun said, "Ah, before we go back home, let's stop at a family restaurant. Let me treat you to lunch there."
"No need for that... I can pay for myself."
"Don't worry about that, consider this to celebrate us getting into high school and as my apology for earlier, okay?"
I see, Hikaru-kun still feels bad about earlier too, looks like I can't decline his offer after all.
"Akemi? Is it okay for you...?"
"Sorry, I spaced out for a bit, it's okay with me, Hikaru-kun, but I can choose any meal I want, right?"
"Yes, everything you want, I'll pay for it."
"Yeah, thanks... Hikaru-kun," I smiled at him, accepted his offer, and both of us went to the family restaurant. We talked while enjoying lunch there.
Time passed so quickly, and spring arrived. Today was graduation day. All third-year students returned to their classrooms after the ceremony ended.
Three years had already passed, huh? So many things have happened since then. I can't believe I'm graduating from here today.
Mom, are you watching me right now? Today I'm graduating from this school, and next month I'll be entering high school.
Since you've been gone, many things have happened here: my body has become slim, I made up with my classmates in first year, the whole situation with Misaka, and other things I wish I could tell you about. I even confessed to Hikaru-kun, but it didn't work out as I expected, haha.
But don't worry, I'll be okay. This isn't my end—this is just the beginning for me.
Suddenly, Minami came to my side and said, "Ah, there you are, Akemi-chan... What are you doing here alone? Our classmates are looking for you to take our last picture together. Let's go."
"Oh, Minami-chan, sorry about that. I'm coming now," I told her, then followed her back inside to the classroom.
After that, I took photos with my classmates for the last time, since we wouldn't be seeing each other again soon—some of them weren't going to the same school as me. I used this time for a final moment with them.
After finishing photos with them, suddenly one of them spoke to me, "It must be nice to be you, Akemi-chan. You're able to go to the same school as Hikaru-kun soon."
"Yes, that's right. Unlike us, you can still see him for another year."
"I'm so envious of you."
"Please stop it, you guys. Why are you bringing this up again? It's nothing special to me at all. We're just going to the same school, that's all."
"If you guys wanted to see him more, why didn't you apply to the same school as me back then?"
"Come on, Akemi-chan, please don't be so serious. We're just teasing you."
"Yeah, it's the last time we'll be together, right? Let's have fun together."
"Geez, you guys..." I said with a sigh. "Okay, let's have fun together."
I was walking around my school with my friends, looking at every area for the last time while we talked about all the moments we'd shared here, before returning to our classroom.
When we came back to our classroom, I saw Hikaru-kun was surrounded by many girls—not only our classmates but also girls from other classes—who wanted to take photos with him.
"Wow, look at them. They really want to take photos with him so much."
"So expected from everyone's prince."
"Hey, Akemi-chan, are you feeling jealous seeing that?"
"Jealous? Not at all, because I can see him for another three years."
"You say that, but you're actually jealous, right?"
"Yes, you cannot hide it from us."
"Stop it, you guys. Geez."
My friends continued chatting and laughing around me. The classroom was getting warmer with everyone talking at once. I glanced over at Hikaru, still surrounded by girls.
"I need to use the restroom. I'll be right back."
I went to the toilet, but on my way to the classroom, I bumped into someone I didn't want to meet. It was Misaka.
Our eyes met. She started talking. "It's been a while, my ex-friend. I see you're doing well, huh?"
"What do you want? If you're planning to hurt Hikaru-kun more, I won't allow it."
"Nah, don't be so serious, Akemi. Don't worry, I don't have any intention with that loser anymore. He's yours now, right?"
"Besides, my current boyfriend is totally better than him, and I'm going to the same school with him next year—an elite school, unlike you."
Geez, this girl really hasn't changed at all. Every word from her mouth is so harsh. Unlike her, my feelings for him were genuine.
"So, how's your progress with that loser? Any progression? I'm sure there isn't, right? Also, I heard you're going to the same school as him. You really want to stick with that loser forever, huh? That's hilarious!"
She kept mocking me and Hikaru-kun. Hearing her call Hikaru-kun a loser made my hands clench into fists and my face grow hot. I wanted to say so much more, but I held myself back.
"Yes, I'm going with him. So, what's your problem?"
"Also, can you stop calling him a loser? After everything Hikaru-kun did for you, this is how you repay him? You're really a terrible person, Misaka."
"Oh, whatever. It's not my problem anymore. He's just a walking wallet to me. I don't have any feelings for him at all. Anyway, good luck staying with that loser. Goodbye..." she said, pointing behind me before leaving.
As I turned back, I found Hikaru-kun standing behind me. He stayed quiet and let Misaka go. Then, he approached me.
Hikaru-kun, why is he here? I didn't notice his presence back then. Did he hear my conversation with Misaka?
"Akemi, are you okay?"
"I'm okay, just shocked after bumping into her earlier, haha," I chuckled like nothing bad had happened.
"I actually heard everything both of you said earlier. Man, that girl really hasn't changed at all. Anyway, thanks for defending me earlier. I really appreciate it."
"Oh, it's nothing special, Hikaru-kun. I did that because I can't stand all the bad things she did to you before, that's all."
"I'm glad we won't be going to the same school as her next year. Seeing her face just brings back bad memories," he said, annoyed about Misaka.
"Yes, you're right. I agree with that, Hikaru-kun. I think we won't be seeing her anymore after this, I guess."
"Anyway, let's get back to our classroom for now," Hikaru-kun suggested. I nodded with a smile and we walked together back to our classroom.
As we walked back to the classroom, Hikaru-kun said, "Hey, our classmates planned to have an after-party at the karaoke center after school. Do you want to join us?"
"Oh, that's a great idea. Sure, why not? Count me in too."
As the final bell rang, I walked with Hikaru and a group of classmates, leaving the school grounds. As I took my last step off the school grounds, I turned back and took a last look at my school, whispered, "Thanks for everything," and bowed—before Hikaru-kun called out to me.
"Akemi, what are you doing? We were going to leave you behind."
"Wait, I'm coming," I said, running to join them.
Just like that, my days at junior high had ended. After this, I would start a new school life in high school, starting next month.
To be continued...Amemonogatari XIII