Classroom Heartbeats

Chapter 3. New Friends!

Gym class had just ended. As their classmates were getting ready to leave the gymnasium in Building 5, Kibin and Kentaro were called upon to tidy up the remaining equipment scattered on the floor. Kazuki and Yuto also stayed behind to help. The gym teacher handed a sheet of paper to Kentaro.

"Write down all the items we used in class today and note how many of each. Once you've finished tidying up, bring this paper to me in the faculty room. I need it for monitoring, okay?" the teacher instructed as he walked out of the gymnasium.

The gym wasn't particularly large, with six steps on either side leading to the basketball court that occupied most of the space. There was a storage room for equipment next to the door and toilets for both boys and girls on the opposite side.

Kibin started picking up the balls when Kentaro accidentally dropped the sheet of paper he was holding, and it landed near Kibin. As Kentaro approached to retrieve it, Kibin felt a sudden shock. Instead of picking up the paper and handing it to Kentaro, he hurriedly moved away and joined Yuto and Kazuki, who were mopping the floor. Kibin grabbed a mop and began helping them, his mind racing with frustration.

Kentaro noticed Kibin suddenly moving away from his spot as he approached to retrieve the paper. He wondered why Kibin left so abruptly, almost as if he didn't want Kentaro near him. In truth, Kentaro had no intention of talking to or even approaching Kibin; it was just a coincidence that the paper had fallen in that direction.

After they finished cleaning up and putting away the gym equipment, they headed to the faculty room to deliver the paper to their gym teacher. All four of them-Kentaro, Kibin, Kazuki, and Yuto-walked together in tense silence. Kentaro entered the faculty room alone while the other three waited outside. When Kentaro exited the faculty room, he noticed that only Kazuki was waiting for him, while Kibin and Yuto were already walking out of the campus.

This left Kentaro pondering the dynamics between them and why Kibin seemed so intent on avoiding him. Was there something about him that made Kibin uncomfortable, or was it just a misunderstanding?

As Kibin and Yuto walked out of the campus, Yuto glanced towards the faculty room to check if Kentaro and Kazuki were still there. "Why are we leaving them behind?" Yuto asked, a hint of confusion in his voice.

"The truth is, I don't want to be around or talk to Kentaro. I don't know why, but when I see him, I get irritated. I just want to avoid him; I don't want to see him. I don't like his unfriendly attitude and how he seems arrogant. It's better to avoid people I don't want to be around," Kibin explained, his frustration evident.

Yuto nodded in understanding. "Are you walking home or taking the bus?" Kibin asked, changing the subject.

"I'm walking. My house is pretty close," Yuto replied. "What about you? Where are you staying?" he asked, curious.

Kibin spotted his boarding house in the distance and pointed it out to Yuto. "Do you see that blue boarding house? It's right in front of the intersection and the restaurant. That's where I'm staying," Kibin answered.

Meanwhile, Kentaro and Kazuki had just exited the gate. Since Kazuki's house was in the opposite direction, they parted ways as soon as they stepped outside. Kentaro walked in the direction of Kibin and Yuto but maintained a significant distance from them. When Kibin and Yuto reached the intersection, Kibin headed into the boarding house of Okinawa University, while Yuto turned right, heading towards the market.

Kentaro continued walking straight until he reached Maeda's Eye Clinic. At the far end was a gate, and Kentaro entered it. The beautiful, modern house behind Maeda's Eye Clinic was, in fact, Kentaro's home. The house's sleek design and elegant exterior stood as a testament to the Maeda family's affluence and taste.

Kentaro paused for a moment, looking back towards the direction Kibin and Yuto had taken. He couldn't understand why Kibin seemed so determined to avoid him. With a sigh, he turned and walked into his home, leaving the questions and misunderstandings of the day behind.

When Kibin arrived at the boarding house, he immediately changed his clothes and lay down to rest. The exhaustion from the day and the lingering cold air made him shiver. After about an hour of lying on the bed, feeling the chill seeping in, he decided to make some coffee. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee brought back fond memories of how, back in the province, his family would always drink coffee together in the afternoons. The simple act of making coffee warmed his heart and made him feel closer to home.

Meanwhile, when Kentaro arrived home, he quickly changed into jogging clothes put on a black hoodie and facemask, he headed out for a run. The rhythmic sound of his footsteps hitting the pavement helped clear his mind, giving him a sense of peace. As the clock approached six in the evening, Kibin thought about cooking rice for dinner. Thanks to his rice cooker, it wasn't a difficult task since it was automatic, allowing him to leave it unattended while it cooked. After setting up the rice cooker, he opened the refrigerator to see what he could cook, but it was empty. Deciding he needed to go to the market to buy vegetables and other food items, he put on a hoodie with a print "Khen-khen" at the back and a facemask, knowing it was cold outside.

As Kibin entered the market, he noticed an elderly woman in the distance carrying a large bag filled with vegetables, fruits, and other groceries. The bag was quite heavy, and it was clear she was struggling with it. The woman appeared to be around 50 years old. As she walked, the bag slipped from her grasp, and its contents spilled onto the ground, causing the bag to tear. Without hesitation, Kibin ran over to assist her.

"Are you okay, ma'am? Do you need help?" Kibin asked, concern evident in his voice.

The woman reassured him with a gentle smile, "I'm alright, dear. It's just that the bag was too heavy."

Meanwhile, Kentaro was on the right side of the intersection road when he saw the elderly woman drop her groceries. He wanted to help her. As he started running towards her, he noticed someone in a hoodie with the word "Khen-khen" on the back also running towards the woman to help. Seeing that she already had help, Kentaro decided not to approach further.

While picking up the remaining groceries, Kibin noticed that the bag had torn. Once he had gathered all the items, he told the elderly woman to wait for a moment while he fetched a new bag. He quickly ran into the market and bought a new bag. Upon returning, he transferred the groceries into the new bag.

"Let me carry this for you. Where do you live?" Kibin offered, lifting the bag effortlessly.

"From the market, it's the fifth house. That's where I live," the woman said. She asked Kibin if the bag was heavy for him.

Kibin reassured her, saying, "It's not heavy for me, since I'm used to carrying sacks of vegetables back in the province."

As Kentaro watched from a distance, he couldn't help but smile. He felt a sense of satisfaction knowing there were still people willing to help others. He quietly followed them, noticing that the direction the woman and her helper were heading was the same as his home. When Kentaro reached Maeda's Eye Clinic, he paused at the entrance, watching as the elderly woman and her helper approached her house. Kentaro felt a newfound respect for the young man who had stepped up to assist, unknowingly planting a seed of intrigue about the stranger's character.

Meanwhile, as Kibin entered the elderly woman's house, he placed the bag on the table. Grateful for Kibin's help, the woman warmly thanked him and invited him to stay for dinner as a gesture of appreciation.

"Would you like to stay for dinner, young man? It's the least I can do to thank you for your kindness," she offered.

Though tempted, Kibin politely declined, explaining that he had already cooked rice and was headed to the market to buy something to cook for dinner. "Thank you so much, ma'am, but I need to buy some more food for dinner. I appreciate the offer, though," Kibin said.

The elderly woman hurried to the kitchen and returned with a handful of apples. "Please, at least accept these apples as a token of my gratitude," she said.

Kibin accepted the apples, thanked her sincerely, and left for the market. He walked briskly, fearing the market might close before he could buy what he needed. As he approached Maeda's Eye Clinic, he noticed a man standing nearby, wearing a hoodie and facemask. In his haste, Kibin didn't pay much attention or acknowledge the man, especially since he didn't know him. He hurried into the market.

Standing in front of his house, Kentaro watched intently as the man who had helped the elderly woman emerged from her home. The evening light cast long shadows, and the air was crisp and cool. The man approached Maeda's Eye Clinic, his figure partially obscured by a hoodie and a facemask. Intrigued by the stranger's act of kindness, Kentaro's curiosity grew. Who was this person who had gone out of his way to help?

Kentaro's thoughts raced as he observed the man. The hoodie with the print "Khen-khen" at the back added to the mystery. As the man walked past Maeda's Eye Clinic, Kentaro made a mental note to ask his parents if they knew anyone by that nickname.

The day had been filled with unexpected connections and small acts of kindness that left a lasting impression on both Kibin and Kentaro. While Kibin focused on his errands, Kentaro couldn't help but reflect on the character of the young man who had helped the elderly woman. The interaction, though brief, had sparked a curiosity in Kentaro, making him wonder about the person behind the hoodie.

Kentaro walked towards the gate of his modern, sleek home. The house stood tall, with its elegant design and sophisticated exterior reflecting the Maeda family's affluence. He entered the house, greeted by the warmth and comfort of the familiar surroundings, but his mind lingered on the encounter he had witnessed.

Inside, Kentaro's mother noticed the contemplative look on his face. "Kentaro, is everything alright?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.

"Yeah, Mom. I just saw something interesting today," Kentaro replied, trying to sound casual.

"Interesting? What do you mean?" she probed, curious.

"Well, I saw this guy helping an elderly woman who had dropped her groceries. He was wearing a hoodie with 'Khen-khen' printed on the back, and a facemask, so I couldn't see his face," Kentaro explained.

His mother smiled warmly. "It's always nice to see people helping each other. Maybe he's a new student or someone who lives nearby."

"Yeah, maybe," Kentaro nodded, still lost in thought.

Meanwhile, Kibin hurried through the market, gathering the vegetables and other items he needed. The encounter with the elderly woman had left him with a sense of fulfillment and a lingering curiosity about the man he had briefly seen watching them. With his groceries in hand, he made his way back to the boarding house, the cold evening air brushing against his face.

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Returning from the market, Kibin stood in front of his room. He carefully inserted the key into the lock, gently turning the doorknob with his left hand while holding the groceries in his right. As he opened the door, a cool breeze from the air-conditioner washed over his face, gradually seeping into his body and settling in his chest. This cold reminded him of his family back in the Philippines, bringing a wave of homesickness. Seeing the elderly woman and her husband earlier had stirred memories of his parents in the province. Though he felt tears welling up, Kibin took a deep breath, as if trying to expel the sadness from his heart.

The light in his room was already on. In truth, before leaving the house, Kibin never turned off the light. He always left it on, believing that when he returned and saw the light, it would make him feel like his family was waiting for him. He entered his room and placed the groceries on the table. He immediately took off his hoodie and pants to change into more comfortable clothes. His bare torso was revealed, though he still wore shorts. Having carried sacks of vegetables back in the province, Kibin had developed a well-toned physique. His abs were flat and firm, with a slight bulge in his chest. His arms were muscular, a testament to his hardworking nature. Unlike before, his skin was now fairer, no longer exposed to the sun, and the cooler climate of Okinawa, Japan, had a noticeable effect.

His striking eyes, framed by thick eyebrows and long eyelashes, seemed to hypnotize anyone who looked at them for too long. His nose was well-shaped, and his lips were beautifully formed, adding to his overall attractiveness. Kibin sighed, feeling the weight of homesickness but also a sense of pride in how far he had come.

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Meanwhile, after a small talk with his mother, Kentaro headed straight to his room to take a shower, especially since he had just returned from jogging. As he climbed the stairs to the second floor where his room was located, his mother called him for dinner.

"Kentaro, dinner's ready!" she called from the kitchen.

"Go ahead and eat without me, Mom. I'll join you after my shower," Kentaro replied, his voice echoing down the stairs.

He quickly opened the door to his room, which was dark. Without hesitation, he stripped off his clothes, ready for a refreshing shower. He reached for the light switch on the left side of the wall near the door. The light revealed his toned body, with only a brief covering his modesty. Kentaro was undeniably handsome, with thick eyebrows that complemented his almond-shaped eyes. When he looked at you, it felt as though his gaze could pierce through to your soul. His nose was perfectly sculpted, and his lips were a soft, inviting red that seemed to beckon for a kiss. A small mole near his lip added an extra touch of allure to his already captivating face.

Tall and well-built, Kentaro's physique was impressive. His abs were flat and hard, his arms muscular and strong, and his chest well-defined. A trail of hair from his navel led downwards, hinting at more beneath his briefs. He made his way to the bathroom and turned on the shower. The droplets of water from the showerhead happily cascaded over his entire body, refreshing him and washing away the sweat from his jog.

After showering and getting dressed, Kentaro headed straight to the kitchen for dinner. When he arrived, the kitchen was empty; his parents had already finished eating. He sat down to eat alone. With each bite, the image of the man in the hoodie kept entering his mind. Although he didn't know him, Kentaro felt a sense of joy and a growing curiosity. He found himself wanting to talk to this mysterious person.

As he finished his meal, Kentaro couldn't shake off the feeling of intrigue. "Who are you, 'Khen-khen'?" he whispered to himself, his mind racing with possibilities.

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Kibin quickly put away his groceries in the refrigerator. Missing the tastes of home, particularly his province in the Philippines, he decided to cook chicken adobo, his favorite dish. He reached for his glasses before starting the preparation. The familiar aroma of soy sauce and vinegar filled the room, bringing a sense of comfort. As he cooked, the image of the man who helped him at the airport suddenly flashed through his mind. Almost a month had passed since that day, but the image of the man, though he never saw his face, remained vivid. The back of his hoodie, emblazoned with "Love, Japan," was imprinted in his memory. He wished to meet this man again to thank him.

While setting the table, Kibin noticed a shadow passing by his window. The light outside his room was positioned at the end of the ceiling, so when someone passed by, the light cast a shadow from right to left, reflecting on the window. Since Kibin's room was at the back of the house, he knew whoever it was must be standing at his door. He approached the window and gently pulled back the white curtain, which was sheer enough to reveal the silhouette of anyone outside. He saw Yuto standing there.

Before Yuto could knock, Kibin opened the door to welcome him in.

"Hi Kibin, good evening," greeted Yuto with a smile.

"Hi Yuto, good evening to you too! What brings you here?" asked Kibin, surprised but pleased to see him.

"Sorry, am I bothering you?" Yuto asked worriedly.

"Not at all, I was just surprised since it's already eight in the evening," Kibin replied. As he opened the door wider, he noticed Yuto carrying a small bag.

"Come on in," said Kibin, inviting Yuto inside.

Yuto entered Kibin's room, amazed by its neat and convenient layout despite being a studio type.

"Here, these are apples and pears. My parents just came back from our farm with a lot of fruit, so I asked for some to give to you," Yuto explained as he handed the bag to Kibin.

"You didn't have to, but thank you, Yuto," Kibin said as he accepted the bag.

Kibin put the fruits in the refrigerator and asked Yuto if he had eaten dinner yet. Yuto replied that he hadn't, as his mother was still cooking when he left the house.

"Perfect timing. I was just about to have dinner myself. Join me," Kibin offered. He took out a plate, fork, and spoon for Yuto to use. The food was already set on the table before Yuto arrived: chicken adobo and pickled cucumber (atsara).

Yuto was hesitant at first, but Kibin gently guided him to the table and helped him sit down. As Kibin handed Yuto the plate and utensils, he mentioned that he didn't have any chopsticks, so Yuto would have to use the fork and spoon.

"Sorry, I don't have any chopsticks. You'll have to use these," Kibin said apologetically.

"That's okay," Yuto replied, smiling as he took the utensils.

It was Yuto's first time tasting chicken adobo and pickled cucumber soaked in vinegar, seasoned with sugar, pepper, onions, and garlic. Yuto remarked that the chicken adobo was delicious.

"This is amazing, Kibin. I've never tasted anything like it before," Yuto said, savoring the flavors.

"Thank you, Yuto. It's a traditional Filipino dish. I'm glad you like it," Kibin replied, feeling a warm sense of pride.

After dinner, Yuto thanked Kibin and said his goodbyes before heading home. "Thanks for dinner, Kibin. It was really delicious." Yuto said as he left.

Kibin then cleared the table, wiped it down, and washed the dishes and utensils, feeling content with the evening's unexpected companionship. The simple act of sharing a meal had brought a sense of connection and warmth, making him feel less alone in a foreign land.

Both young men, Kibin and Kentaro, drifted off to sleep with thoughts of the day's events swirling in their minds, unaware that their lives were on the verge of intertwining in ways they could never have imagined. The stage was set for a journey of discovery, friendship, and unexpected connections, all sparked by a simple act of kindness.