In of his middle school, Hikaru stood out as a popular and charismatic young man, adored by many for his handsome visage. With a disarming charm, he had a remarkable ability to put people at ease, and his smile had the power to illuminate any room. As he strolled through the corridors one day, his eyes fell upon a solitary figure, sitting alone. This boy was Zul, isolated due to his non-Japanese appearance, which had caused him to be devoid of companionship.
Approaching Zul with purpose, Hikaru introduced himself. "Hey there, you must be Zul," he greeted, his voice warm and inviting.
Zul looked up, astounded that someone would initiate a conversation with him. "Yes, that's me," he replied, his tone tinged with surprise.
"Hikaru is the name," Hikaru continued, extending a hand. "I've noticed you around school, but we haven't had a chance to talk yet."
Zul nodded; a hint of hesitation evident. "Yeah, I usually keep to myself. I feel like I don't quite fit in here because of my appearance."
Hikaru's expression soured, concern clouding his face. "I'm sorry to hear that," he sympathized. "It's unjust for anyone to make you feel like you don't belong merely because of your looks. I wanted to reach out, say hi, and let you know that if you ever need someone to hang out with or talk to, I'm here for you."
For the first time since Hikaru's approach, Zul's lips curled into a smile. "Thank you, Hikaru," he expressed, gratitude coloring his words. "That means the world to me."
Hikaru's grin broadened, radiating an infectious enthusiasm. "No problem at all," he assured. "So, would you fancy joining me for lunch or something?"
Zul eagerly nodded, his eyes alight with newfound hope. "Sure, that sounds wonderful," he eagerly accepted.
"Fantastic!" Hikaru exclaimed, excitement bubbling within him. "Let's meet at the cafeteria, then."
"Okay, see you there," Zul replied, his voice filled with anticipation.
As Hikaru departed, a sense of transformation enveloped Zul. His life began to shift, all thanks to Hikaru's benevolent act. He forged a deep friendship with Hikaru, regaining his lost confidence and shedding the identity of an outcast. Zul held an unyielding appreciation for Hikaru's kindness, for he had been the catalyst of change in his life.
In due time, a new girl graced the halls of their school, her extraordinary artistic talent gaining her acclaim. Drawn to Hikaru's charm, she gradually befriended him and, eventually, became his girlfriend. Their relationship endured for almost a year, during which Hikaru believed all was well. Little did he know, however, that his girlfriend harbored ulterior motives. She sought to exploit his popularity and take advantage of his wealth.
One day, she arranged a date with Hikaru, revealing the meeting location. Excitedly, Hikaru prepared a gift for his beloved and arrived at the designated place. Yet, upon her arrival, his world shattered before him. She stood beside another man, her new boyfriend.
Bewildered, Hikaru questioned the situation. "Hey, what's happening? Who is this guy?" he inquired, his mind struggling to grasp the sudden turn of events.
Nonchalantly, his girlfriend responded, "Oh, this is my new boyfriend."
"New boyfriend? What are you talking about?" Hikaru's confusion deepened, his heart growing heavy with foreboding.
Her voice devoid of emotion, she delivered the cruel blow. "I came here to break up with you, Hikaru," she declared, her words like icy shards.
The pain of betrayal gnawed at Hikaru's soul. "Break up with me? Why?" he pleaded, a mixture of hurt and bewilderment consuming him.
"Because I no longer need you," his ex-girlfriend retorted, her voice dripping with disdain. "I used you for your popularity and wealth, but now I'm finished with you."
Hikaru's gut churned, the impact of her revelation devastating. "Used me? How could you?" he cried; the sense of betrayal overwhelming.
With a dismissive shrug, she callously responded, "It was easy. You were naive and trusting. But it's over now."
The weight of her words bore down on Hikaru, fanning the flames of anger within him. In a fit of rage, he flung the gift he had prepared for her into a nearby trash can.
The new man, his ex-girlfriend's current partner, shifted uncomfortably, his discomfort palpable. "Hey, don't you think you've gone too far?" he interjected.
"No, not at all," she retorted, her voice laced with indifference. "His role is over. Let's enjoy ourselves, honey."
Shaking his head in disbelief, Hikaru declared, "I want nothing more to do with you," before turning away and walking off.
As he distanced himself from the tumultuous encounter, Hikaru experienced a maelstrom of emotions. The realization that someone he had cared for could be so deceitful and manipulative seared his heart. In that moment, he made a solemn vow to cast aside anything that reminded him of his ex-girlfriend and forge ahead with his life.
Days and weeks passed, and Hikaru found himself single once more. It was then that a new girl emerged, her eyes fixated on Hikaru. Her name was Akemi, once a close friend of Hikaru's ex-girlfriend, but their friendship had deteriorated due to disagreements. Akemi knew the true nature of Hikaru's former flame and sought to befriend him.
"Hikaru," Akemi ventured one day, "I was wondering if you'd like to spend time together?"
Hesitant, Hikaru replied, "I'm not sure, Akemi. I'm not actively seeking a relationship at the moment."
Akemi's disappointment flickered across her face, but she persisted. "Can we at least be friends?" she asked, her voice tinged with hope.
Hikaru relented, offering a reassuring smile. "Of course, we can be friends," he consented.
Relief washed over Akemi; her happiness evident. "That's wonderful to hear!" she exclaimed. "I'm truly grateful."
While Akemi occasionally joined Hikaru and Zul during their breaks, Zul couldn't warm up to her, sensing something amiss in her demeanor. Instead, he preferred spending time with his childhood friend, Elly. Their lives continued along the usual path, and a year went by until graduation day arrived.
After the ceremony, they bid farewell to their friends, all dispersing to different high schools. Akemi decided to attend the same high school as Hikaru, Zul, and Elly. Hikaru caught a glimpse of his ex-girlfriend but opted to pass by without a word, intent on leaving the past behind him. Walking out of the school gates, he made his way home.
In contrast, Akemi lingered at the school, cherishing the last moments with her friends. It was then that Hikaru's ex-girlfriend approached her, and Akemi confronted her boldly.
"What do you want now?" Akemi's voice dripped with anger. "Are you here to ruin my life like you did to Hikaru?"
A mocking laugh escaped Hikaru's ex-girlfriend as she replied, "Good luck to that loser, my former best friend."
Akemi's rage surged, her hand itching to strike. Yet, her friends intervened, preventing her from taking action.
"Akemi, calm down," one friend urged, concern etched on their face. "It's not worth it."
"Yeah, let's just go home," another friend chimed in, their voice filled with reason.
With a final taunt, Hikaru's ex-girlfriend sauntered away, calling back, "Bye, losers!"
Exhaling deeply, Akemi turned to her friends, gratitude brimming in her eyes. "Thank you, guys," she expressed sincerely. "Thank you for stopping me."
As they departed the school together, a sense of relief washed over Akemi. She recognized that this chapter of her life had come to a close.
Meanwhile, Hikaru found himself on his way home, his thoughts consumed by the upcoming encounters in his high school journey. Lost in contemplation, he heard his name being called three times. Opening his eyes, he saw Mizuha standing before him.
"Hikaru! Hikaru! Hikaru!" she exclaimed, shaking him gently.
Startled, Hikaru asked, "Huh? What's happening?" as he rubbed his eyes.
Mizuha explained with a smile, "You fell asleep in the classroom. Everyone else has already gone home."
Realization dawned on Hikaru. "Ah, I must have dozed off while waiting for you to finish your club activity," he admitted, sitting up.
With a warm smile, Mizuha shared, "Yeah, we finished early today. I happened to pass by and saw you sleeping, so I thought I'd wake you up and we could head home together."
Grateful, Hikaru stood up and stretched. "Thank you, Mizuha," he said appreciatively. "So, how was your club activity today?"
"It went well," Mizuha replied, her voice filled with contentment. "We completed everything we needed to, so we were able to leave early."
Walking out of the school gates, Hikaru turned to Mizuha, a question weighing on his mind. "Mizuha, may I ask you something?" he inquired, his gaze steady.
Curiosity danced in Mizuha's eyes as she responded, "Of course, what is it?"
Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, Hikaru broached the delicate topic. "Would you ever betray me, toy with my emotions, and abandon me like my ex-girlfriend did?" His words were laced with vulnerability.
Mizuha stopped walking, her arms encircling Hikaru in a tight embrace. "Never, Hikaru," she asserted firmly, her voice brimming with conviction. "I would never subject someone I love to such pain. I promise to stand by your side until we graduate and beyond."
Hikaru's heart swelled with gratitude and relief, tears welling in his eyes. "Thank you, Mizuha," he whispered, his voice choked with emotion.
Mizuha pulled back, her eyes glimmering mischievously. "Wait, are you crying?" she teased gently. Hikaru laughed and wiped away his tears. “It’s just your imagination,” he said with a smile.
Mizuha laughed too and they continued walking. As they went their separate ways to their respective homes, Hikaru couldn’t help but feel grateful for having a girlfriend like Mizuha in his life.
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