In the same light

CHAPTER 4: First day!

Once again, I’m literally screaming into my pillow because of pure irritation and embarrassment. It’s already evening, but I still can’t stop replaying all the stupid things I did earlier. Damn, it’s so embarrassing. I was so embarrassed that I had no choice but to leave him there. I can’t even look him in the eyes anymore.

This is way too much.

I honestly don’t know how I’m supposed to face him again. And why do I even have to face him when I can just avoid him? Yeah, avoiding him is definitely the best decision.

Every time I see him, my composure as a “proper young lady” just completely falls apart.

I’m supposed to be elegant. Classic. Calm.

But no—whenever he’s around, one of my worst traits comes out: I start picking fights.

Ughhhh. This day is a disaster. Why did I even have to meet him? And of all things, he’s my neighbor too. I swear, starting tomorrow (Sunday), I’m not leaving the house. I’m not even looking at the balcony. I might actually lose my sanity if I do. He’s so annoying. He’s officially my pet peeve now.

And just like I said—Sunday came, and I really didn’t leave my cave. I didn’t want to see him, not even his shadow. The irritation was still too strong. Grandma kept asking why I wasn’t going out, so of course I made up some dramatic excuses. I’m good at that anyway, so she believed me every time.

Sunday passed quickly, and now—finally—the day I’ve been waiting for arrived.

Monday.

My first day of school.

Why am I excited? Because I finally got to go out, obviously. And I might make friends too. I’m seriously so excited. I just pray nothing bad happens. No conflicts.

Please.

I woke up early and got ready. Classes start at 7 a.m., but I was already preparing at 5. I looked at myself in the mirror wearing my uniform.

Not gonna lie—the uniform is actually really nice. All black: the skirt and top, with a red tie. I look like an anime main character, honestly. It suits my fair skin and shiny black hair perfectly. Whoever chose these colors had taste.

I couldn’t stop posing in front of the mirror.

But then my excitement vanished when I remembered him. That pervert goes to Meisei too. And then I remembered what Aunt Arih and Grandma said—that we’re supposed to go to school together

.

Absolutely not.

That’s never happening. I’m not walking with him. I don’t even want to see him. Pet peeve.

So because I didn’t want to run into him, I left the house early without telling anyone, even though it was still a bit dark.

Honestly, it worked out. I know the way to school, and I get to see the sunrise.

My mood instantly changed . I smiled while walking, looking up at the sky as it slowly brightened. It was so beautiful. And the rows of cherry blossom trees lining the road? Insanely pretty.

As the light spread across the sky, it hit the flowers and cherry blossoms perfectly. Then the wind blew through my hair—and suddenly, Mount Fuji came into view.

I froze.

Oh my God.

It was beautiful.

I completely forgot about my composure and just stared. This is exactly the kind of view I’ve always wanted. It’s breathtaking and so peaceful. I inhaled deeply, exhaled slowly—and just like that, my day felt complete.

I continued walking, and when I finally saw the gate of Misei, my smile grew even wider.

But then—

“Hey, miss.”

I turned around. Three guys were smiling at me. I looked around to make sure they were talking to me.

“Ah… yes?” I asked politely, smiling.

They smiled back—creepy smiles. I got confused. Maybe they’re just friendly? Or maybe I’m just being judgmental?

Then they walked closer. All three of them. And surrounded me.

Okay… maybe they’re too friendly.?

“Miss, are you new here?” the guy in the middle asked.

“Uh… no,” I said quietly.

Why did I lie? I am new. But my instincts told me to lie, so I did. Probably bad, but still.

“Oh, we thought you were a transfer student,” they said, smiling weirdly.

My instincts screamed danger.

I stepped back. They stepped forward. I backed up again—until I hit the cherry blossom tree.

“Hey miss, what’s your name?” the third guy asked, smiling like an actual maniac.

Yeah. This is bad.

I knew I shouldn’t give my real name. I glanced around, trying to think of a fake one—and then I saw a nameplate near a tree.

“I’m Amari Nishizono,” I said, smiling.

Inside, I felt guilty. I prayed that the name didn’t actually belong to anyone.

“Amari… beautiful name. Just like you,” one of them said.

They moved even closer. I was completely cornered.

“Hey Amari, wanna hang out for a bit?”

“Yeah, before classes start.”

“Come on, just for a while.”

Yeah. Maniacs. Absolute maniacs.

My mood slowly change. Irritation flooded me again. Why does this keep happening to me?

When will I ever have a peaceful day?

I couldn’t hold it in anymore.

I smiled.

A really sweet smile.

They froze.

“Hey,” I said, pointing downward. “Do you see that?”

The guy in the middle looked down.

And

That's how I released my irritation.

Now I’m walking away, smiling ear to ear. Damn, that felt good. The cold wind brushed against me, and I actually felt giddy. Letting out bad energy really does wonders, huh? Instant good vibes.

All the irritation I felt since arriving in Japan disappeared, replaced with an amazing mood. I wish I could do that every day—but I know I can’t.

I didn’t even realize where I was until I stopped—and then I smiled even wider.

The soccer field.

It was huge. The grass was pure green, glowing even more as the sunrise fully appeared. I stared in awe. This place is ridiculously beautiful.

From the soccer field, you can see the sunrise and Mount Fuji perfectly. This is literally the best spot to view it.

Beautiful. Beautiful. Beautiful.

Like me. (Just kidding… kind of.)

The players here must feel so motivated. Instead of getting tired, they probably feel energized by the view. I already feel attached, and I’ve only been here for a short time.

I stood there for a while, soaking it all in. The peace was overwhelming. I closed my eyes.

Then—

The school bell rang.

Wait. What time is it?!

I checked my watch.

7 a.m.

I panicked.

Classes have already started.

I ran straight into the hallways, trying to find Section 3-1. I was rushing so fast that I accidentally bumped into a professor.

“I—I’m sorry, sir! It wasn’t on purpose!” I apologized.

He just nodded and smiled.

“It’s okay, dear.”

I smiled back. Thank God he wasn’t in a bad mood.

I was about to leave when I thought—why not ask him where my class is?

“Excuse me, sir. Do you know where Section 3-1 is? I’m a transfer student,” I asked.

He turned to me fully and smiled.

“Oh! You’re a transfer student. Perfect timing. I’m your teacher for the first subject. Come with me.”

I followed him.

“By the way, I’ll be introducing you to the class, so be ready,” he added.

I straightened up instantly. Nervous but excited. This is it—my first day at Meisei.

We stopped in front of a room. Above the door: 3-1.

“I’ll call you when it’s time,” he said.

I nodded, feeling nervous again—but still excited.

He went inside while I stood there, gathering myself. I prayed everything would go well. No drama. Just happiness.

Then he peeked out and motioned for me to come in.

I took a deep breath, plastered on my best smile, and walked in confidently.

The room went silent.

“Hello everyone! My name is Serenity Riah Dawson. Pleased to meet you all!”

I opened my eyes—

And froze.

He was there.

That pervert.

My classmate.

When our eyes met, he looked stunned—like he saw something fascinating.

Me? I was internally screaming.

All the embarrassing and irritating memories came rushing back. My good mood evaporated instantly.

“Okay class, from today on, Miss Dawson will be one of your classmates. Please take care of her.”

“Yes, sir!” Everyone replied.

Then I heard whispers.

“Beautiful.” “So cute.” “Where is she from?” “She’s so fair-skinned, I’m jealous.” “I wanna hang out with her!” “I’m gonna court her!”

I felt shy, of course. Who wouldn’t?

Then someone spoke.

“Oh, it’s you!” the perv!

I flinched.

No. No. No.

Everyone turned to him.

“Captain, you know her?”

“Seriously, Haru?”

They started bombarding him with questions.

I shot him a death glare.

He paused. I thought he was scared.

But then—he smiled

“Oh—yeah! She’s actually my neighb—”

“Sir,” I interrupted quickly, smiling politely. “Where should I sit?”

I was shaking with anger.

“You can sit…” the teacher scanned the room.

I prayed.

“...in front of Haru Ozara.”

My heart stopped.

Front. Of. Him.

Window seats. No one else near us.

He smile again like he won the lottery.

I sigh like a real loser.

I walked to my seat because I had no choice,damn

First day—no drama.

I sat down properly, smiling like a professional actress. Honestly, I deserve an Oscar.

I took a deep breath and looked out the window.

Cherry blossoms.

So close. So beautiful. And just like that,

My irritation vanished again.

Classes ended, and I was exhausted.

During lunch, everyone surrounded me, asking questions nonstop. Mostly boys. It was draining, but I stayed polite.

Thankfully, the guy behind me didn’t bother me.

Then someone introduced themselves.

“Amari Nishizono.”

That name.

It sounded familiar.

But I shrugged it off.

As I packed my things, someone burst into the classroom.

“Captain! Emergency!”

The boys rushed toward him.

Captain?

“Captain, there’s a problem!”

“What is it, Ren?”

“It’s Manager Amari! She was taken by guys from another school’s soccer team! They kidnapped her!”

I froze.

Kidnapped?

He ran out immediately.

I overheard the girls.

“He really likes Amari!”

“He’s the captain of the Meisei soccer team!” “Two-time champion!”

“Handsome, talented, gentleman!”

“ What a lucky girl she is?”

Wait? Whatttt??

I frowned.

Something felt off.

Then it hit me.

The three guys.

The name I used.

I lied.

And then—

It clicked.

“Amari Nishizono…”

Guilt slowly consumed me.

What the f**k!