It only took a smile - Chapter 12- A friend?

“How was your day, Chihiro?”

It was dinner time, and the mother and daughter sat together at the dining table.

No matter how busy she was, Mayuri always made sure they had dinner together.

Chihiro, as always, gave a small smile and said, “It went fine.”

That smile hurt Mayuri more than anything.

Even though her daughter was being tormented, Chihiro had built a wall around herself. She didn’t even let her mother see past it.

In the past, she used to share everything with her—her troubles, her little joys. But Mayuri knew why she was hiding things now.

Chihiro was afraid. If Mayuri found out the truth, she might ask her to leave the school and transfer somewhere else.

But graduating from Sakuramine Gakuen was something important, something Chihiro couldn’t give up.

So she chose to carry all her pain and sorrow alone, never telling even her mother.

Mayuri’s chest grew heavy as she hummed softly and began eating in silence.

But then—

“Something good happened today, Mom.”

Mayuri’s eyes lifted at once. “Hmm? Tell me about it.”

Chihiro looked a little unsure, but then said, “I got a new deskmate today. He’s a transfer student… even though our school usually doesn’t accept transfers.”

“Oh? Did you talk to him? How is he?” Mayuri asked with genuine excitement. This was the first real conversation with her daughter in weeks, and she couldn’t help but feel happy.

Chihiro gave a faint smile. “Not much… we only exchanged a few words. He seems like a nice guy, but… he got into a fight with some people on his first day.”

Mayuri flinched. A fight? Then there was no doubt. He must have stood up for Chihiro against the bullies.

‘Even though Kenji told him to just observe…’ Mayuri thought. But she didn’t regret what Haruto had done. She could only feel thankful in her heart.

Reaching across the table, Mayuri gently held her daughter’s hand. “If someone tries to be friends with you, Chihiro, try giving them a chance.”

Chihiro gave a soft hum in reply. But deep inside, she didn’t believe she could ever get close to someone again… not after what happened with Ryouta.

….

The next day.

Chihiro arrived at school the same way she always did—head lowered, eyes fixed on the ground, never stopping to greet anyone no matter who she passed.

But when she stepped into the classroom and walked toward her seat, a voice called out,

“Morning, Chihiro-san.”

She froze and slowly looked up.

It was her new deskmate.

He was smiling at her.

He was still here.

For a moment, she was surprised. He had come to school again… and he hadn’t given up on sitting beside her.

With a small groan, she muttered, “Can I sit on the side, please?”

She didn’t want him to get caught up every single day—especially when Takuya or the others ordered her to fetch their lunch. She didn’t want another fight breaking out because of her.

But he shook his head. “I’ve got a weak bladder, so I need to run to the restroom often. I hope you understand.”

Chihiro’s cheeks warmed faintly.

Now… could she really stay stubborn after that?

He gave her space and she stepped into the seat beside him.

The other students were chatting silently, occasionally throwing glances at the new student; some wary, some curious.

Chihiro was also curious to know why despite having the evidence and witness that Haruto beat so many people, including Takuya, he wasn’t suspended.

But before she could have even thought of saying something, the door of the classroom slid open and everyone froze.

Walking inside was a familiar girl. Pink eyes, same short skirt, tight shirt and those sprkly nails.

However, what the famous gyaru of class 3-E was missing was her glossy blond hair.

“Pfft-”

“Why…is she…”

Many tried to hold their laughter but some just laughed who didn’t care what she thought.

Some took a few pictures of Ikue whose head was now completely shaved.

Ikue, naturally, was feeling frustrated and ashamed but she didn’t stop to confront anyone and headed to her desk—glancing at the man once, who caused this.

…

{Flashback}

“I know that to protect Chihiro you joined the group of bullies.”

Ikue was shocked to hear Haruto saying that.

Haruto has checked the surveillance and from what he could see, Ikue always stepped forward, took charge of bullying her so that Takuya and Satomi doesn’t have to do anything.

And Ikue always tried to hold back her strength and used a little less meaner way to torment Chihiro.

That was her way to protect her childhood friend since she knew standing up for her means nothing when their opponent was Fujimoto Takashi.

Haruto folded his arms and said, “Well, but still I can’t let you go this easily? Either it’s your fingers or your hair, choose one.”

Ikue didn’t have to think much.

….

{Present}

Chihiro couldn’t help but stare at Ikue who didn’t say a word and just walked to her desk.

‘What exactly is happening since yesterday…first Takuya, now her.’ She couldn’t help but glance at Haruto and found him looking back at her with a warm smile.

“Yes?”

Chihiro huffed before shaking her head.

Forget it. She would focus on her studies.

*******

A/N:- FL will be introduced in two chapters, I promise.

Thanks for reading.