First Spring

The cherry blossoms were in full bloom.

“I’m leaving now!” Yumi said.

“Have a good day!” Momma called from the kitchen. Yumi headed out the door. It was cold that morning. The girl didn’t mind it. This was a new school year after all. She took in the spring air.

“Mmm,” the girl said. There was also a hint of sadness too. This would be the last year she and her friends would be together.

“Good morning!” someone spoke up. Yumi lifted her head. A girl about her age ran up to her side.

“Hello, Tamika-chan,” she said. The other girl giggled.

“So how are things with you and Toshiki?” she asked. Yumi sighed.

“He still won’t say it,” she said. Tamika frowned.

“I’m sorry to hear that,” she said. Yumi forced herself to smile.

“I won’t give up!” she said. Her friend raised her eyebrow. Yumi noticed her face.

“What?” she asked. Tamika shook her head.

“Nothing,” she lied. “It’s nothing.” Yumi looked around for a moment.

“Where are the others?” she asked.

“Saori is already at school,” Tamika said. “Same with Michi and Hana.” Yumi looked puzzled.

“What for?” she asked.

“They’re on school council,” Tamika said.

“Oh…” Yumi said. The girls walked to school in silence.

---------

How did her friends feel about Yumi’s love for Toshiki? Well…

At first, it came across as a silly crush. Nothing to sneeze at. Yumi never really showed any interest in anyone until around November. Since then, she wouldn’t stop talking about Toshiki. Who was he? Where was he from? Yumi had little answers for them. When they learned how old Toshiki was, the opinions were divided.

“He’s too old!” Saori told her.

“That’s cool,” Hana said.

“Why him?” Tamika asked. Michi didn’t know what to think. Did Yumi care? Nope! She was in love. Her friends came to realize it wasn’t a “silly crush”.

So what now? Yumi was still Yumi. Her grades were still good. She still socialized with friends. Her love hadn’t gotten in the way. So far… The biggest problem was age. He was twenty and she was fifteen. But nothing happened. From what they heard he wasn’t trying to get closer. Still, she wouldn’t give up on him. It didn’t help that her parents were okay with Toshiki living with them in the house.

Maybe it was time to intervene?

“Hey guys!” Yumi said at the school gates. Saori, Michi, and Hana were waiting for her. She and Tamikia reunited with them. Yumi laughed and smiled like a normal girl. Her friends thought this would be fine for now. They would step in if things got worse.