A few days had gone by since the New Year, and Mizuha found herself on the familiar route from her home to school, following the same routine she did every day. The sun’s warm rays gently lit up the peaceful streets as she walked through the serene neighborhood. Deep in thought, Mizuha was suddenly brought back to reality by a voice calling her name. It was Hikaru. "Good morning, Mizuha!" he cheerfully greeted her. Mizuha turned around, a smile brightening her face as she responded, "Good morning, Hikaru!" It was a pleasant surprise to see him, and her spirits lifted.
Their friendly exchange triggered a rush of memories within Mizuha. She couldn’t help but remember the sweet moment when Hikaru had kissed her on Christmas Eve, and she felt her cheeks flush with warmth. To her surprise, Hikaru’s cheeks turned pink as well, as he realized they were both thinking of the same memory. Unspoken emotions passed between them, silently deepening their connection.
As they continued walking, the school gate came into view, drawing their attention to a gathering crowd. Among them stood two male students, visibly injured. A courageous girl stepped forward, staunchly defending the boys and asserting their innocence. Stop it!” she cried out, her voice strong and determined. “These guys haven’t done anything wrong. Leave them alone!" In response, a determined junior high student spoke up, defending his actions. "But I saw them harassing you," he explained. "I felt compelled to intervene and protect you." The girl shook her head, contradicting his perception. "No, you've misunderstood," she clarified. "They were merely teasing me and asking for my number. When I declined, they became persistent. However, there was no need for violence."
The junior high student, unwavering, stood his ground. "I don't care," he asserted firmly. "I believe it is my duty to protect all girls from harassment and to stand up against bullies."
With his point made, he and his group departed from the school premises, returning to their own institution. Mizuha and Hikaru observed the scene, their thoughts consumed by the complexities of right and wrong, their previously held beliefs shaken by this unexpected turn of events.
As Mizuha entered her classroom, the animated discussions about the earlier incident filled the air. Shimizu, her curious and attentive friend, wasted no time in approaching her.
“Mizuha, what happened earlier?” Shimizu inquired, her eyes wide with curiosity.
Mizuha took a moment to gather her thoughts before recounting the events that had unfolded. “There was an incident at the school gate,” she said. “Two boys were injured, and a girl was defending them. A junior high student stepped in, saying he had to protect her from harassment.”
Shimizu’s eyes widened in surprise. “Oh my,” she said. “That sounds serious. Do you know who was involved?”
Mizuha nodded. “The person involved was wearing the same uniform as your old middle school,” she said. “Do you happen to know who it might be?”
Shimizu furrowed her brows, pondering the information. She scrutinized the details of the incident, searching for any familiar traits that might connect her to the person Mizuha described. After a moment of deep thought, she shook her head.
“I’m sorry, Mizuha,” Shimizu replied, her voice tinged with uncertainty. “Based on your description, I can’t recall anyone from my previous middle school who matches that description. It’s possible that this person is from a different school or a newcomer to the area.”
Mizuha nodded, understanding Shimizu’s response. The mystery deepened, leaving them both intrigued yet uncertain about the person’s identity and motivations.
As the school session came to an end, Shimizu found herself walking alongside Kitamura, her childhood friend known for his playful teasing. They laughed and exchanged banter; their camaraderie evident to anyone who observed. From an outsider's perspective, it may have seemed like Kitamura was harassing Shimizu, but she knew better. They had a unique bond built on years of friendship.
Suddenly, the same person from the morning incident appeared out of nowhere and threw a punch at Kitamura. In a bewildered state, the person accused Kitamura of harassing Shimizu.
"You! You’re the one who’s been harassing her!" the person shouted.
Kitamura quickly defended himself, insisting that he wasn’t harassing her and turning to Shimizu for confirmation. "What? No, I haven’t been harassing her," he said. "Shimizu, tell him!"
Shimizu nodded in agreement, affirming Kitamura’s innocence. "He’s right," she said. "Kitamura hasn’t been harassing me."
The person didn’t seem convinced. "I don’t believe him," they said. "I’m just trying to protect you."
But Shimizu saw through their facade. Enraged by the person's unjustified attack on Kitamura, she grabbed them by the collar of their shirt and confronted them fiercely, demanding an explanation for their actions.
"No, you're not protecting me," Shimizu retorted, her voice firm and unwavering. "You're just causing trouble. What's your problem?"
The person tried to justify themselves. "I don't have a problem," they said. "I'm just trying to do the right thing."
Shimizu wasn't having any of it. "The right thing?" she said incredulously. "Attacking someone without any proof? That's not right. That's just wrong."
With a swift motion, she threw the person to the ground. Regaining her composure, Shimizu went back to Kitamura and extended a hand to help him up from his fall.
The person, still filled with arrogance, challenged Shimizu to a fight. "How dare you throw me to the ground? Fine," he said, getting up from the ground. "You want to fight? Meet me at the riverside at 3 pm." As the guy left, Shimizu and Kitamura were alone.
As the person walked away, Shimizu turned to Kitamura, concern etched on her face. "Are you okay?" she asked, worry evident in her voice.
"I'm fine," Kitamura replied, brushing off the incident. "But what's wrong with that person? Suddenly attacking people like that..."
Shimizu shook her head, her determination unwavering. "I don't know, but they challenged me to a fight. I'm going to meet them this evening."
Kitamura's eyes widened in alarm. "Let me accompany you," he insisted. "I'm worried about you going alone. I promised to protect you, remember?"
Shimizu hesitated for a moment before a small smile graced her face. "Okay," she agreed, a glint of determination in her eyes. "You can come with me. Let me show you just how strong I am."
With their resolve set, Shimizu and Kitamura set off towards the riverside, prepared to face whatever challenges awaited them.
As the time now showed 3:00 pm, Shimizu and Kitamura arrived at the riverside as promised, and they found themselves embroiled in an unexpected altercation. "So, you came, huh?" the guy said.
"Of course, I came. Do you think I'm a girl, I wouldn't dare to fight you?" Shimizu said.
“You talk bigger huh, this first time I fighting a girl, don’t think you girl, I showing mercy to you” while start running towards Shimizu, “Come, I ready to take you down said Shimizu.
Meanwhile Kitamura was watching them at the side of river. The fight between Shimizu and the other individual commenced, but amidst the intense struggle, something peculiar occurred. Shimizu’s fighting style suddenly triggered a memory within her opponent. “Huh, this fighting style?” he said. The way Shimizu fought reminded him of someone who had saved him two years prior. “It can’t be…?” he muttered once more.
In the midst of the battle, memories flooded the person’s mind, causing him to slip and fall into the river. Panic ensued as it became apparent that he couldn’t swim. Desperate for help, he pleaded for assistance from Kitamura, who fearlessly jumped into the river to rescue him. “Hold on, I’m coming!” Kitamura shouted as he dove into the water. With Kitamura’s heroic efforts, the person was brought safely back to the riverbank.
Grateful for Kitamura’s act of bravery, the person expressed their thanks. "Thank you," they said. "You saved me."
Kitamura, concerned about the person catching a cold in the winter season, advised them to remove their wet clothes. "Don’t mention it," he said. "But you should take off those wet clothes. You’ll catch a cold."
However, the person hesitated, refusing to comply. "No, I can’t do that," they said.
Kitamura was taken aback by their refusal. "What do you mean you can’t?" he said. "Don’t be ridiculous."
The person didn’t have an explanation. "I… I just can’t," they said.
This sudden refusal provoked an unexpected reaction from Kitamura, who grew outraged and forcefully pulled off the person’s clothes.
At that moment, Shimizu arrived to check on him and saw what had happened. She was shocked as well.
Together, they both exclaimed in surprise, "You’re… you’re a girl?"
To their astonishment, they discovered that the person was wearing a chest binder, revealing that they were, in fact, a girl disguising herself as a man.
Shimizu couldn’t bear to see the girl shivering from the cold. She opened her blazer and gave it to the girl, telling her to wear it. "You might catch a cold if you stay like that," Shimizu said, her voice filled with empathy.
The girl looked up, her eyes filled with surprise and confusion. "Why are you helping me?" she asked hesitantly.
Shimizu knelt down beside her and replied, "Because I can’t stand by and watch someone suffer. Now, tell me, why are you acting that way? And why did you suddenly attack the man who was trying to pick up on a girl?"
Tears welled up in the girl’s eyes as she recounted a story from two years ago when she was bullied and harassed by a group of guys on her way home. She had asked for help, but no one came to her aid. It was a dark moment that left her deeply scarred.
Suddenly, a vivid memory flashed in the girl’s mind. "But then, out of nowhere, a man with fiery red hair appeared," she said, her voice trembling. "He fought off those bullies and extended a helping hand. I thanked him for saving me, and he told me he was glad to help."
"I owe him and have been trying to be strong like him ever since. I never wanted to be bullied again after that," the girl said, determination in her voice.
"Since then, I started dressing like a man, cutting my hair short, and training myself to be strong. I also want to protect other girls from being bullied and harassed by guys," she continued, her eyes shining with resolve.
Recognition flickered in Shimizu’s eyes. She remembered a similar incident from her own past. Tentatively, she asked, "Did the person who saved you look like this?" Shimizu showed the girl an old picture from her middle school days on her phone.
The girl’s eyes widened in astonishment. "Yes, that’s him!" she exclaimed. "Where did you meet him? I’ve been wanting to meet him again and express my gratitude."
Shimizu blushed, a mixture of embarrassment and pride coloring her face. "That guy is right in front of you, and that’s me," she confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.
The girl stared at Shimizu; disbelief evident on her face. "You… you’re that guy?" she stammered. "But as I remember, that person looked scary and nothing like a girl at all."
Shimizu sighed, her expression softening. "Two years ago, during middle school, my hair was short, and people often mistook me for a boy," she explained. "I frequently found myself involved in fights with male students. However, after graduating, I decided to grow out my hair and change my appearance to look more feminine. As I recall, I saved a girl back then. Could that girl, be you?"
A solitary tear escaped the girl's eye as she enveloped Shimizu in a tight embrace. "Thank you for saving me from being bullied that day," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. "I owe you so much."
Returning the hug, Shimizu felt a sense of fulfillment in her heart. "It's okay," she reassured the girl. "I'm glad you're doing well now. And remember, true strength comes from within, regardless of our outward appearance."
"I forget to introduce myself," the girl said. "My name is Mika, a 3rd-year student in middle school. What's your name?"
Shimizu smiled and replied, "My name is Shimizu. I'm in my 2nd year of high school." She gestured towards Kitamura and continued, "And this person is Kitamura, my classmate and childhood friend."
"Can I call you Shimizu senpai since you're older than me?" Mika asked tentatively.
"Sure," Shimizu replied with a warm smile.
"But Mika, can you promise me not to attack men suddenly?" Shimizu asked earnestly. "It's important to assess the situation and understand the real context before taking any action. Attacking someone without a valid reason can upset people and lead to unnecessary conflicts."
Mika furrowed her brows, uncertainty clouding her expression. "But Senpai, I feel like I have to take action. I can't just stand by and do nothing when I see someone being mistreated."
Shimizu understood Mika's determination but knew the importance of approaching situations with caution. She reached out and gently held Mika's hand. "I appreciate your strong sense of justice, Mika. It's commendable. However, attacking someone without knowing the full story can lead to unintended consequences. It's important to consider other ways of helping and resolving conflicts peacefully."
Mika hesitated, conflicted by her desire to protect others and Shimizu's wise advice. "I... I just don't want anyone else to go through what I went through. It feels like I have to do something."
Shimizu's gaze softened as she squeezed Mika's hand gently. "I understand, Mika. You have a big heart, and that's something to be admired. But sometimes, by assessing the situation and seeking help from authorities or intervening in a nonviolent way, we can make an even greater impact. It's about finding the right balance between standing up for what's right and ensuring the safety of everyone involved."
Mika took a deep breath, contemplating Shimizu's words. "I suppose there could be better ways to help, rather than resorting to physical confrontations. I don't want to escalate situations or hurt innocent people."
Shimizu smiled; a sense of pride evident in her eyes. "Exactly, Mika. You have the potential to make a difference in a more constructive way. Together, we can find alternative approaches to protect others and create a safer environment. We can be the voices that stand up against injustice and help those in need."
Mika's determination began to blend with a newfound understanding. "You're right, Shimizu. I'll try to be more mindful and assess each situation before acting impulsively. I want to make a positive impact without causing harm."
Shimizu nodded, a reassuring smile on her face. "I believe in you, Mika. Your strength and compassion can truly make a difference. Let's support each other and work towards a better world, one step at a time."
After that, the Mika gang came to see her because she did not return to their place after returning from Shimizu's school. "Leader! Are you okay? Why do you look wet, and why are you wearing a high school blazer?" they asked. "Who are these two? Did they do something bad to you? Do we need to beat them up too?"
"No, it’s not necessary. I’m okay. These two actually saved me when I fell into the river earlier. I owe them my gratitude," Mika replied.
The gang members bowed their heads to Shimizu and Kitamura for saving their leader. "Thank you for saving our leader," they said in unison.
Recalling the events leading up to this moment, Mika had borrowed Shimizu’s blazer for the day, with the intention of returning it tomorrow. She had also mentioned her plan to come to Shimizu's school the following morning to give it back. Before parting ways, Mika expressed her gratitude to Kitamura and Shimizu for their company.
"Thanks for letting me borrow your blazer, Shimizu-senpai. I’ll make sure to return it tomorrow when I come to Shimizu's school," Mika said.
"No problem, Mika. I’ll see you tomorrow then," Shimizu replied.
"Thanks again, both of you. It was great spending time with you today," Mika said.
"Same here, Mika. Take care," Kitamura said.
Mika bid farewell to Kitamura and Shimizu. "Bye, guys!" she said.
Shimizu and Kitamura waved goodbye.
As Mika and her gang continued on their way, leaving Shimizu and Kitamura behind, the two watched them go.
During their encounter, Kitamura took a moment to compliment Shimizu for her previous actions towards Mika two years ago.
"Hey, Shimizu, I just wanted to say that I really admire how you handled things with Mika two years ago," Kitamura said.
"Oh, thanks, Kitamura. What do you mean?" Shimizu asked.
"I mean, the way you were so kind to her and kept your cool during that altercation. It was really impressive," Kitamura said.
"Thanks, Kitamura. I just did what I thought was right," Shimizu replied.
"Well, it was really admirable. You’re a good person, Shimizu," Kitamura said.
"Thank you, Kitamura. That means a lot coming from you," Shimizu said, touched by his words.
Kitamura praised Shimizu’s kindness and admired her cool demeanor during their earlier altercation. They had a conversation before returning to their respective homes.
At night, Mika decided to wash Shimizu’s blazer before returning it the next day. “I should wash Shimizu-senpai’s blazer before returning it tomorrow,” she said to herself. Mika put the blazer into the washing machine and started it.
While waiting for the machine to complete its cycle, she returned to her room and opened her closet. “Now, where did I put that thing…” Mika muttered to herself as she searched through her closet. As she found what she was looking for, she smiled. “Ah, there it is. I remember when Shimizu-senpai saved me two years ago. She’s always been so kind to me,” Mika thought to herself. Mika continued to smile as she remembered the moment Shimizu saved her.
The next day, Shimizu and Kitamura walked together from their house to school. When they reached the school entrance, they noticed a girl waiting for someone. She was holding a bag and wearing the same uniform that Shimizu wore in middle school. Standing beside her were two guys who seemed like delinquents. As soon as the girl saw Shimizu and Kitamura, she approached them and shouted, "Shimizu senpai and Kitamura Senpai!"
Shimizu and Kitamura were shocked to see that the girl was Mika, the same person they had met before. Shimizu said, "You... You're Mika, right? Why are you dressed like that?"
"What are you talking about? This is my school uniform. How does it look on me?" Mika replied, showing her sailor uniform instead of the male uniform she wore the day before.
Shimizu asked about Mika's gang from yesterday, "Um, what happened to your leader?"
"We don't know. She was already like this when we met her this morning," said Mika's gang.
Then Mika said, "You're right. I don't need to be violent towards a guy who harasses girls. I will gather information first before taking any action." Shimizu and Kitamura were shocked to hear that Mika's way of talking was more feminine than yesterday. "I've decided to go back to being a girl. There's no need for me to dress like a man anymore. But I will still protect myself and other girls from bullies and harassment. Here's your blazer. I already washed it," said Mika.
"Thanks, Mika. It smells so fragrant, and that uniform looks good on you," said Shimizu.
"Thanks, senpai," said Mika again, blushing.
Suddenly, one of Mika’s gang members informed her that it was time to enter their school as the clock showed 8:00 a.m. “Leader, it’s 8:00 a.m. We need to get to school,” they said. “Oh, you’re right,” said Mika, “Thanks for reminding me.” She turned to Shimizu and Kitamura and said, “Okay, senpai, we need to go. See you later.” She waved her hand to them, and they waved back.
Then Mizuha, Hikaru, Zul, and Elly arrived behind them. Mizuha asked Shimizu, "Shimizu, who was that girl? She looks familiar." Shimizu told them that she was the person who punched their schoolmate the day before. Mizuha and Hikaru were shocked. "Eh...? That guy is a girl. But yesterday, she didn't look like a girl at all." Kitamura interjected, "Something happened between her and Shimizu yesterday. We'll tell you guys during break time later." Shimizu put on her blazer, and they all entered the school building to start the day's classes.
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