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Onna no Ko wa Yoyui |
This story summary was written by Waty
Last year a park was made at school backyard. In four seasons, once in a while it full with flowers.
“OK. Let’s start our work. Duty division has been written in the black board. Everybody do the job in group,” said Tomomi, “and … hmm? Jeez, math equipment isn’t returned yet? Who’s on duty today..?”
“Tomomi,” called her classmate, “our class have less one broom.”
“Oh, yes. I’ll get a new one. Wait. Are you on duty today?”
“Eh, picket?” asked Kaede, “Aha, for watching concert right?”
“No. That’s ticket,” said Tomomi, “How’s if you were watched from the bottom?”
“Tomomi this … uncle next door seriously.”
“That’s able to endure.”
“Across 90 degrees.”
“Upright.”
“Finish easily.”
“A piece of cake.”
“Mothers shopping TV.”
“TV media. What are the purpose of these questions?”
“It’s not time for answering question. Return this to the teachers’ room. I want to change this broom with a new one,” Tomomi told Kaede.
“OK.”
“Tomomi. Wait. Wait a minute, Chika is quarreling with a boy who wants to escape from his duty,” said a classmate.
“I won’t let you,” Chika is holding a broom, “You always escape from your duty, you always do it, right. You are stupid. If you're tired, everyone is tired too. You want to burden us from your tiredness by escaping? Eat this,” Chika swing the broom, “Get lost with the dust from this broom.”
“Wait, wait. OK. OK. I understand. I won’t escape from my duty anymore.”
“Chika,” Tomomi showed up, “Stop this fight.” She was so surprised when Chika directed the broom toward her. She blocked it with the broom in her hand just in time.
“Cool,” said Chika. “It’s not cool. You are not primary school students. Don’t act so. The broom almost got my face. You too, Chika. You don’t have to be that angry. You always lost your control. Now back to work. Hurry. Both of you.”
Sawada clapped his hands. “Great. It’s only Tomomi who can stop Chika’s anger.”
“Listen, Sawada,” said Chika, “You are Tomomi's friend, aren’t you. Where have you gone? Tomomi worked hard all by herself.”
“Hm… I got diarrhea. Stomach ache. So I went to the toilet.” A sweat appeared on Sawada.
“It’s enough Chika,” said Tomomi.
“Diarrhea is a singer idol, right?” Kaede suddenly showed up.
“It’s Diane, you’re not leaving yet?” Tomomi looked at Kaede tiredly.
In the train. “Sawada, that math question… there’s something I don’t understand.”
“Which part? If so, I’ll lend you my note book.” Suddenly Sawada gave himself a distant from Tomomi.
“What’s up?”
“I said, don’t get too close, Tomomi.”
“Eh..” She looked confuse but then she saw a girl get in. “No wonder.” She said. “That is the girl you like.. you don't want her to think that you are my boyfriend.”
“I’m sorry. I act so weird. I don’t mean it. It’s like a stupid.”
“It’s better if you told her that we are friend since junior high school.”
“It will be so weird. She may be doesn’t have a special attention to me. We just friends in the same club.”
“Come on. You don’t want to call her,” Tomomi tried again when they were walking to the school.
“It’s no need.”
“I want to come by to the bakery across the park. Call her, Ok. Just to say good morning.”
“Tomomi…” Sawada watched as Tomomi walked away.
All Sawada needs only chances, Tomomi thought as she headed toward school.
“Morning.” Chika called.
“Ah, morning.” Tomomi smiled. Suddenly they heard a noise. “Ojika.” Their senior hit the trash bin.
“Yeah?” The blonde boy answered from where he seated on the ground, next to the trash bin.
“What has happened?”
“Er.. This dog.”
“Dog?” Suddenly a dog came out from the bushes.
“Don’t get closer,” he told the dog.
“Pochi?”
“You know the dog?” Chika asked Tomomi.
“Yes,” said Kaede, “ actually the dog is Tomomi’s private teacher when junior high school. If she got bad grade, he will bite her.”
“Talkative,” Chika looked at her.
“It’s not like that, don’t you know? The dog is school guard’s pet.” Tomomi sweatdropped.
“Ng… Excuse me, if you know this dog, please do something.” Ojika interrupted
“You don’t like dog?” Tomomi asked him in surprise.
“No, I don't.”
“Huh. No use. A man as big as you afraid of a dog,” said Chika.
“Well, I think so.” Ojika shrugged.
“Chika, if don’t like, there’s nothing to do with it. Aha! Look! He must smell food from your bag.” said Tomomi
“No wonder. Actually there’s no food in the bag, it just spilled by noodle last night.” Ojika stood up and brushed the dust from his clothes.
“I see. How ‘bout the bread I bought. Here, sosis bread, do you want it?” Tomomi offered her bread to the dog just smell at it. “You don’t want it?”
“He eat it, don’t worry.” Kaede smiled.
After the dog ate the bread, it just walked away.
“He’s gone.” Kaede widened her eyes.
“Huh, the dog doesn’t know hospitality.” Chika frowned.
“Really?” Tomomi smiled.
“Because of me you have to sacrifice your bread,” said Ojika, lifting the trash bin to its original position.
“It’s OK. I fed the dog once. But he doesn’t move his tail greeting me. Maybe he hates me.”
“If hate, he will bark, right.”
“He was thrown away. He must be don’t believe in human. Or maybe he was treated rudely.”
“Er…,” Ojika was talking right to Tomomi’s ear, makes her blushed.
“Yeah, what’s up.”
“I’ll buy another as the return for your bread.”
“It’s no need.”
“It’s OK. I want to buy my lunch anyway. Thank you for your help.”
“Ye..yes.” Tomomi could only see him walk away. “Ha..ha.” Tomomi laugh to cover her nervous. “Why you become pale after listen his voice near you ear. I don’t like him.”
“No wonder, Chika hates boy.”
“Well, I have put forward many protest but he didn’t give any reaction. He is weak, and his calm attitude is also weird.”
“Chika.”
“I don’t like unimportant thing like that.”
“Really? I think he just an unpredictable man.” As information, the three of us has joined the announcer club since grade one. We do what announcers usually do. And Ojika is the captain. Announcer club.
“Last year we make the video about the birth of the park, right? I have an idea for the video making like that again with different view. Can the plan work out I want to test it. I hope all of you want to figure out how.” Tomomi, Chika and Kaede were about to leave the school when they saw Sawada.
“What has happened to Sawada. He is expressionless,” said Tomomi, but then she found out that he was watching the girl he likes.
“Er.. Tomomi, about the film we’re going to watch tomorrow..”
“Me? Anything is fine. Action film Chika’s like or comedy Kaede’s like. I’m in as usual.”
“Last time we watch comedy, it means now is my turn.”
“Yes.” Kaede just smile.
Monday.
“I think the last action scene is too forced. But well...”
“Are you hungry? Let’s eat first.”
“Well, then, at Usual Place.”
Kaede suggested.
“What a weird name for a restaurant,” said Tomomi.
“I want ‘Usual Place’ special menu.” Chika just ordered.
“So, the girl doesn’t know that she is liked by someone,… Sawada can only watches her silently.” Kaede started the conversation.
“Well, better if he tell the truth, right. Even if he fail, it will be better then hide it away.\
“Well, but he tell the truth, there’s a possibility that the situation will be worse. As example, you can look face to face or even talk.”
“Ah, I know that feeling,” said Kaede, “As if we open a toilet but someone is in it. We look at each other for several seconds, but speechless. Is it the same?”
“Different.”
”In the singers program for the opening of the park, my favorite singer will show up.”
”Oh yeah?” When Tomomi looked around to know who the speakers are, she heard Chika asked, “Isn’t she the girl Sawada likes?”
“Right.” The girl said again, ”I want to come. You win and the post card can be for three person.”
“No way,” said the man,” I want to go with my girl friend. I won’t take sister.”
Singers program, Tomomi thought, I joined the lottery.
“Her brother,” Chika said.
Tomomi’s house.
“Tomomi.” Her mother called her.
“Yeah?”
“Sorry, there’s a post card for you, but I forgot to give it to you.”
“I win it too,” Tomomi said in surprise. “What should I do?"
School at break time.
“I go to the canteen first,” said Tomomi. “If you don’t buy bread, you won’t make it until lunch time.”
“It’s a problem if you forget to bring your lunch. If you didn’t come late, you can buy it first before you come to school.”
“How odd. Tomomi’s overslept.”
“Yeah.”
In the canteen. It’s so crowd. But,
“Hei,”
“Sawada.”
“What you want to buy?”
“Sandwich, cream and donut.”
“Ok, give it to.” Not long afterward, Sawada got what her want.
“Thank you. When I came here with Chika and Kaede…”
“Yeah?”
“It’s co crowded. A boy wanted to pass me. “You just annoying.”
At first Chika got angry. “What you mean by annoying. You have to apologize.”
“You fussy. Let my hand off. Don’t interfere.”
“Chika, I’m all right. It’s OK. Stop it. Kaede help me stop them.”
“It’s OK. Come on Tomomi, it’s time you go to the canteen. Chika, it’s the weapon. Show us you great movement.”
“Stop fighting. What’s happened to you guys.”
"Even we can take over the canteen, we still can’t buy bread.”
Sawada laugh, “You always help each other.”
“Your food are less than usual.”
“EH?”
“Isn’t because you buy mine..”
“No, no. It’s I was a little shock so I don’t want to eat. My friend said the girl already has boyfriend. He saw them out last Monday.”
Back to the class.
What Sawada needs is a chance, Tomomi thought, how to do it, it’s up to him.
“Sawada, it’s for you.” Tomomi gave him her post card.
The next morning.
“Tomomi. It’s for you.”
“What’s this.”
“Ten ‘do anything’ tickets.”
“You made it yourself?”
“He he, if you want me replace you cleaning the class room, I’m willing to do it. As my grateful for the postcard.”
“You look happy. Is the postcard useful?”
“Yup. Very. It’s because you gave me a chance.” The girl joined them it the train. It the class room.
“He is so diligent. Making such thing. Because you used it, it nine less.”
“Can it be Ultraman,” Kaede asked.
“It’s impossible.”
“Aren’t you going to club with Sawada?” Kaede asked in surprise. “I left my book,” Tomomi just smile but when she walk out, she hit the door.
“What’s wrong with her? She always daydreams lately. As if she is sad.”
“Last time she fell to the ditch.” Kaede and Chika just look at each other.
Night at Tomomi’s room. She just sit at her bed, daydreaming. I don’t know why, I feel so tired.
At school.
Tomomi pass the back school where Pochi was eating. When Pochi saw her, he moves his tail. But Tomomi just walking passed him without even glance at him. Ojika saw it all from his class’ window.
At cinema.
“A father and daughter’ love. A touching film?”
“3 student’s tickets.” Chika bought the tickets.
Tomomi felt strange with the choice. “Have you told which one you want to see?”
“We.” Kaede and Chika speak at the same time.
In the room.
Tomomi still have that strange feeling. “What’s up?” But her friends just shake their heads. That day, we watch an odd film they chosen. Between many people the brave young man met, there’s a girl who he can ask for help to get the girl he likes. The story still goes on. Tomomi remember her own situation. And cry. What can I do. I can’t give the face full of laugh but actually I want to give it to Sawada. After the movie. I don’t know why but I feel a little relieve.
“That film is not interesting.”
“Eh?” Tomomi looked at her friends.
“If I see action film, I get spirit.”
“And I comedy film.”
“NG, Tomomi always says anything is OK.”
“So we thought, why not try that one.”
“And beside, I think..”
I understand. They know what has happened to me. “Thank you.” Thanks God. I am happy. And I start to get back my spirit.
“How if we have tea at the right place?” Kaede suggested.
“The right place.”
And.
“I want ‘the right place’ special menu,” Kaede said. The morning. Tomomi’s walking through the park. “The flowers are buds now. It’s feel so peaceful.” Ng. the leaves are so beautiful. The sky is so wide. The announcer club was dismissed.
“Finally from the park’ manager didn’t give the permission.” said one of the student.
Tomomi was still in the room.
“Tomomi.” She was so surprised when Ojika spoke right in her ears.
“Yeah? What’s up.”
“Pochi. He moved his tail to you on Saturday. You don’t go to see him?”
I didn’t realise. She went right away to see Pochi. “I’m sorry Pochi. I was sad so I don’t know.” Pochi looked at her then move his tail. Maybe I have forgot many things. Great things. Beautiful things. At the same time.
“Ojika.”
“What’s this.”
“A broom.”
“Not that. I knew it’s a broom.”
“Chika said, she will feel better if she bring it.” Kaede just smile.
“What you mean by interfering in Tomomi’s problem.”
“Because there’re questions about the photography, I told her to leave first.”
“I’ve heard that you are a playboy.”
“I don’t want to interfere. You better not listen to that cheap gossip. I want to go home.”
“Answer my question first.” But suddenly, Ojika took over the broom from Chika’s hand.
“My weapon.”
“Here. Don’t bring it anywhere.”
“He is unbeatable.”
“Ha ha, Chika lose.”
In the morning, Tomomi walked through the park again. It’s so beautiful.
“Good morning. Why are you dazing.” Kaede asked with smile in her face.
“Ah, good morning. This park is so beautiful, isn’t it.”
“Really, it’s just as usual,” said Chika. But I didn’t see it. I don’t know since when, but actually since the park is finished I feel many things although I just walked through it. Look the beautiful flowers are blossoms. There the birds are hiding. The sun is so warm. And there are friends. Tomomi stopped suddenly and Kaede walking behind her, hit her.
“It’s flashing.”
“What?”
“Theme for the video we are making.”
“Eh? Pochi too.
“But it’s no clear.” So I have to keep my spirit high. If I watch my surrounding, I will found something interesting.
“Let it. I’m sorry. Come on.” I’ll lose if I keep feel sad. A girl have to be patient.
“Let’s come by to the place after school.”
In the teachers’ room.
“You have a good voice.”
“Sir.”
“Can be used to win a girl’s heart if you whisper in her ears.”
“What you just said.” A female teacher got angry.
“Excuse me.” Ojika said. After he close the door, he said to himself, “I have already did it.”
At the place.
“’the place’ menu, three.” Tomomi finally get used of it.
Free Time for Boy
One year a few months ago, Chika, 1-3 student, was chasing a boy and swing broom. She was stumbling and hit Kaede, 1-6 student, who was looking around, than hit me, 1-5 student, who was walking through. When we almost hit announcer club’s door near us, suddenly someone opened the door from inside. “Welcome.” What a nice voice. This time, our club is opening registration for new members. You want to join in.” That’s Ojika. The first man who coaxes three girls who fell when the door was opened into joining a club. “Ah, raining. I brought an umbrella.” Tomomi said. “We didn’t.” “We can use it together. I will accompany you to the station. You can buy umbrellas there.” “It’s no need, Tomomi. You have to turn a long way.” “Right. We will run.” “Wow,” said a boy, “Chika is not suitable with shy.” “Ozaki, you just mock me.” “Chi…Chika.” “I’m not mocking. I just said that it’s more suitable if you take over somebody’s umbrella.” Tomomi is so surprised and more by Kaede’s attitude. “Chika, it’s your weapon.” As usual, Kaede is smiling. “OK. What you have said is right, Ozaki. If so, I will take over your umbrella.” “Wow, interesting. If you can, please.” “Damn you, Ozaki.” “Hei, stop. It’s partly your fault, Kaede.” “Well, he is wearily make trouble, too bad if just let it go.” “Wrong. I think its Ozaki affection feeling for Chika.” “Affection?” “Yeah, but he turn it.” Tomomi explained and at the same time took a broom from the nearest storeroom. “Aha, you mean because he is sick that he is hospitalized.” “It is sprain.” “Wait.” Chika still chasing Ozaki. “Ozaki.” “OK. It’s enough.” Tomomi blocked it with her broom. Kaede just clapping her hand and smile. “Watch your attitude, Chika. You always do that. Annoying people around.” “Tomomi is great.” “Well, more than a year break up your fight.” “What’s this Chika. The fight is just start. You want to runaway?” “What?!” “Ozaki, maybe … you want to lend Chika your umbrella? If so, why don’t you say it frankly.” “Don’t be ridiculous. What for I lend ugly Chika my umbrella? It’s impossible. Huh. Girls. I go home.” “Maybe I was right.” “He start his tactics. Even if you eat it right away, it still contains a lot calcium.” Kaede said. “That’s sardine.” Chika still confuse with Ozaki’s attitude. “How if using my umbrella?” That voice. Tomomi turned around. “Ojika.” “Tomomi and I go to the same station, right? Just different platform.” “Hm, right. If so, let them use my umbrella.” Chika tried to hide the broom. “What is you hiding.” A boy touches Kaede to get her attention. “You go to station A, right? Why don’t we go there together?” “Who is he?” “My classmate. We’ve been friend since we were children.” “Me? I’m Takahashi.” In the way to the station. “By the way, Takahashi. Ojika moves quickly, doesn’t he?” “Eh?” “Chika is worry because Tomomi is alone with Ojika.” “Kaede.” “Because I we heard gossip that he is a playboy. And more over, Chika is shock by Ojika because he took over her weapon.” “Wait, Kaede.” Chika’s cheek flushed. “And since then, she always feel like a looser in front of Ojika. And can say nothing.” “Oh, yeah?” “Kaede is wrong.” “So, a playboy… moves quickly? Ha..ha.. Well, it’s suit him. But he never get close to me even once.” He and Kaede laugh together. Fit to each other in a sudden. “Of course.” Trees in the park watered by rain, it’s so beautiful. The park behind school is made last year. Although planted by human calculation, each tree and flower has it own characteristic. Human is part from the nature. Each person has his own characteristic. At least appear a group of people who won’t keep silent if they saw someone throw a tin and garbage. As the plan, all will make a video. If join the contest, maybe can be chosen. It will be a surprise. “A hundred faces.” Tomomi flush when she heard the voice near her ear. “What are you thinking.” “Ops, sorry. I was thinking about the making of the park video plan.” As usual, if I heard Ojika’s voice near ear, I am flush. ”Wow, I’m happy. It means, video record of the making of the park in the storeroom. Remember the old man we met at the contest? He made the record. Just incase we make a record of it. But it seems useless.” “Aha, remember. An old man wearing glasses.” But the way, he took the view is different. Well, last spring I was broken heart. “I was participate in it,” Tomomi said, “they said your voice is fit for announcer club.” “Well, I was about say to say the same thing.” “If you be the narrator, the video will be impression.” “If you join the club, you can stay peacefully.” “Me too, I don’t know why, my club situation is very quite. All of the members start to cook. Maybe the kindness start to blossom.” At the station. “Thank you.” “Tomomi, you can buy an umbrella to go home, right?” “Yeah, there’s a supermarket nearby.” “There’s no problem there.” “Ah.” Tomomi stopped walking. “Why?” “I just remember, there’re many needs today, my money probably… I’m right. Excuse me, can I borrow your money? I got 500 left.” “Well, I also spend a lot of money today, but maybe … ah, it just 600.” “Oh. Right. I’ll make a call and ask to pick me up.” “I’m sorry.” “It’s Ok.” Ojika just stand up. “You don’t get in?” “Ehm, my ticket.” “Yeah.” “It’s used up yesterday.” “You didn’t find it out in the morning.” “Yes.” “If you need the money..” “Thank you, but the ticket is 1500.” Tomomi’s house. “That’s what has happened, mother. 1100 is only enough to reach our house. Since I go with Ojaki, I don’t have to buy an umbrella, and there’s money at home. He’s the captain of the announcer club.” “Good afternoon. I am Ojaki.” “Let’s come in.” “Do you want a cup of tea.” “It’s no need. I’ll wait here.” “Let’s come in,” Tomomi’s mother said again, “Actually, I need man’s power. Ouch..” “Mother?” “What a coincidence. Even if Tomomi called, I can’t pick her up.” They get in, and Tomomi was very surprise. The furniture was so disorganized. “Today, I want to change the decoration. But, my waist is hurt, so…” “It’s OK. I will help. You just give me order from there.” “Oh, I’m so happy.” “Mother, if only moving things, I can do it.” “Faster if I do it.” “I’ll help you.” Tomomi approach Ojaki. “You better prepare the drinks. Your friend looks thirsty.” “Yes, please.” “OK.” He took me home, and be bothered, Tomomi thought. “Make it three for us too.” Ojaki was moving big furniture himself. “It’s heavy.” Tomomi’s mother was amazed. “You’re not like your appearance. You are strong. What sport you do?” “I joined tennis in the first year, but I have quit.” “It means you join announcer club in the middle of the semester?” Tomomi showed up. “Yup.” “Why stop?” “I just want to quit. But there’s another cause. My friend you met at the gate is the captain of the tennis club.” “Really?” “Tomomi, sorry to bother.” “What?” “Can you buy me medical plasters at the store nearby? We don’t have it at home now.” “Be careful,” Ojaki said. At the store. “Hei, Tomomi.” “Sister.” “Listen, this morning. There’s a plain boy come to my work place. I just looked at him and he was flush. It’s so interesting and I kept on teasing him. I was a little clumsy and my boss got angry with me. And I was blame by a guess. Huh. She’s not pretty at all. It’s strange.” “Sister.” “A young man face confused by so sensual face is so funny.” “Sister, a hobby like that is not good. Don’t continue it.” “You want to go to the medicine shop.” “Yeah. That’s why. Please. Don’t do strange thing.” “I know. I won’t do that to your friend. How old I was you thought. I am at the forth year. The status is different.” “I don’t want to know. Last time…” “Come on, go. I’ll wait you here.” Tomomi was paying when she realized that her sister has gone. At Tomomi’s house again. “It’s Naomi, Tomomi’s sister.” “I’m sorry for bothering.” Ojika said. “Good afternoon.” Naomi was smiling but suddenly she felt down. “Are you Ok? What’s up? Stumbled by the things I put in disorder?” “If you only give your hands, it’s useless. Looks like I am sprained. How if you help me by taking me to my room?” “OK. Excuse me.” He’s so cool, Naomi thought, how if like this. Naomi put her hands around Ojika’s neck. “Where’s the room?” Ojika still calm. “In the corridor.” “OK. Could you open the door? My hands are busy.” “Eh.” “Yeah?” “Actually my foot are fine.” “So, I was right.” “Put me down.” “Naomi.” Tomomi get in quickly. “Tomomi, this boy is not fun.
“He’s so close with such a beautiful girl like me, but he so calm. A senior high school student used to blush. He is so not interesting.”
“Wait… Naomi….”
“Beside.. his voice, he made confuse when he should be the one who feel confuse. Sawada who bring you your book, he is interesting. He can’t speak and sweat. That’s the real high school student.”
Naomi turned to Ojika. “You often play, don’t you.”
“Stop it,” said Tomomi. “No.” Ojika was so calm. “Liar, your attitudes show it.” “Naomi.” “Well, it’s difficult.” “Are you a gay?” “Sis…” Tomomi so shock with her sister. “I like girls.” “Naomi. Watch yourself.” “Tomomi.” ”You said bad things. Can’t you differ good attitudes and bad ones..?” “Well. What has Naomi done? Tomomi seems to be very angry?” Tomomi’s mother at different room was eager to know. ‘Tomomi is a patient girl, not easy to get angry, but once she get angry…. Scary.’ “But he said nothing. Just keep quiet. I just want him to lose. That’s all.” “But you didn’t stop. You thought that proper?” “But I was playing…” “Play what?” “It used to be my opposite to get confuse… I just want to play.” “But you shouldn’t. He is younger. If you are more mature, just act like an adult.” “My pride..” “Throw that away to the dustbin.” “You treat me bad.” “No. You’ve hurt his pride. You have to apologize.” “Ng… I’m all right. ” “No. Ojika, you just shut up.” “OK.” “Naomi needs shouting sometimes. Come on, apologize.” “Sorry.” “Louder. Come on, once again. Apologize to Ojika.” “Sorry.” “Hahaha… you are funny, Tomomi.” Ojika took a long time to stop his laughing. “He’s help many things, and suddenly it’s dark. So I want to take him dinner. We just order tonight, what you thing?” said Tomomi’s mother to her husband. “OK.” “I want sushi, but the restaurant is closed. What you want Ojika?” asked Naomi. “By the way, Ojika, have you called home? Your parents will worry about you,” said Tomomi’s father. “That’s all right, I live alone. My parents are working outside the town. Since the exams almost start, I stay here.” “It’s must be hard for you, or maybe interesting, right?” “Ojika.” Tomomi is approaching him. “You have changed your dress.” “Yeah, thank you. Because you laugh at her, Naomi didn’t feel embarrassed. But she’s gone too far, talked something impolite.” “Don’t think about it. Beside, I’m not an interesting person.” “Don’t be like that.” “The rain seems has stopped.” “You are right. Let’s get out.” They went to the balcony. “It’s already dark.” “What a beautiful view.” “But you can’t say it a one million view. This houses area..” “I like town’s view. I like to see the lights on seen from the windows. Feels like there’s spirits at homes. Something likes that.” ‘Ojika feeling is strange. Like calm but not calm. Feels like there’s no handle. But he still calm.’ “Naomi said something about Sawada.” “Oh, he is my classmate. We’ve been together since junior high school. He’s my neighbor. During vocation we used to exchange notes. We’ve been friend for quite a long time.” ‘ And Sawada is the one who break my heart.’ At the school. Sawada and Tomomi we walking side by side. “The dog’s eyes are fierce,” said Sawada. “Eh?” “Sawada, if you double her, I’ll tell her,” one of their friend teasing them. “You’re wrong. We’re from club meeting. Club meeting…. The dog, fed by the school’s guard.” “Oh, Pochi? But he is funny. He can do difficult attraction.” “Really? Like what? It is interesting. I want to see it, but the lesson…” “We still have time.” “You’ll accompany me?” “OK?” ‘Sawada faces, often changes, happy like an innocent child. I like it. Maybe onetime, there will be a man like him, may be I will fall in love again. I think so.’ “Hand,” said Sawada. But Pochi gave him his back foot. “Back foot,” said Tomomi and he gave her the wrong foot again. When Sawada said, “Hand and back foot,” he gave him his nose. “Who teach him like this?” “Well, when I teach him, he does it correctly, but suddenly….” “I want to use him for my class attraction at the bazaar.” “Pity him, have to do the attraction all the day, and pity the people who are afraid of the dog.” “Are there?” “Actually my club captain, Ojika, is. He said he had had a bad experience. He uses to be calm. Even if there’s crucial thing, seems like he just can’t face the dog. What a strange.” They do the talking in their way running to the class. “If it’s hurt don’t speak when running.” “Yes. He so calm, he prove it that time.” “Your sister’s room? Wow, cool.” In the club meeting. “ Next month, there is sport activity, and continue with the bazaar. As the captain of the announcing club, we have to concentrate at the bazaar. We will record them preparing the bazaar. Eh… wrong,” “Keep going on,” said Ojika. “Sorry, we have to lend the sound system to the sport activity organizer.” ‘New captain’ first meeting. Grade third students weren’t involved in club activity. It’s centered to the grade two students.’ On the day. “Grade three students who represent their classes have to gather at the back gate,” the announcement. Tomomi watched Ojika ran. ‘He is fast. Well, he took tennis before.’ At Tomomi’s house. “So, today I want to take picture until the last student go home. Maybe late until night.” “With Ojika?” asked her sister. “Why? Grade three students aren’t taking picture now, they will just watch.” “He is popular at school, isn’t he?” “Eh? I don’t really know.” “Yeah, yeah. He doesn’t join the sport club so not attracting attention. But he has an interesting voice; I think he’s not an ordinary people. Be careful Tomomi, he must often play.” “NAOMI.” At the classroom, every student was busy. “Here, the decoration is finish,” Chika holding a box. “Chika, can you replace me for a moment? I want to go to the toilet,” said her classmate, holding a chair with a friend standing on it to reach a higher part. “OK. Ah, Ozaki.” “In want to buy juice,” said Kaede,” How ‘bout you, guys.” “I want coke.” “Orange juice.” “I want tea.” “Do I have to accompany you?” asked Tomomi. “I want coke, too.” “Anything.” “Apple juice.” “Chika as usual.” “Wrote all down,” said Tomomi to Kaede, “Two orange juices, one tea, two mineral water, three cokes, and one orange honey.” “OK. Let me repeat. Two microwaves, one tea pot, two black steel, three Godzilla, one doraemon destroyer…” “Those aren’t beverage.” “Chika, you made this one?” Ozaki holding one of the paper flowers, “It’s so ugly.” “You are talkative. I can’t do something that doesn’t need weapon.” “Let me tell you something. I don’t think anything about you. That time Tomomi was talking nonsense. But she was wrong.” Ozaki was blush, “I’m fine without your help. Go back to your place.” “Really? To me you are strange. An equal opposite. Someone with a strong will. So, I thought we could be friends.” “Eh?” “But is you thought so, OK. Do it by yourself.” “Chi..” Ozaki wasn’t careful. He fell from the chair and hit Chika. In the clinic. “Ouch! I really strained my ankle.” “Well, it’s OK if you didn’t join the preparing but the problem is how you get home.” “After school I’m not join the club and take her home,” said Kaede. “Let me take her home,” said Ozaki. “I’m sorry Chika.” “You don’t have to, beside we go to the different direction. “Let me take you home,” Ozaki lay down, bagging. ‘Finally, Ozaki took Chika home. Maybe later, if she got angry, she would remember this.’ The students were very busy, but…. “Tomomi. Tomomi. Look, King.” Kaede were playing with somebody’s axes. Put it on her head as is she were wearing crown. “Cigarette pipe, Rerere Grandpa...” “I see, I see. Lend me, OK. Sorry, it’s yours,” she gave it back to the student, “ don’t take somebody else’s without permission.” “Yes.” “Sorry, you have to wait.” “We take a break, until the student are lessen.” “King,” this one Kaede use the mike. “You…” “Someone is fighting.” “The girl is much stronger.” And then…. “Chika. Stop,” Tomomi take a long wood. “What…” “For the play...” “Sorry…” Tomomi was so ashamed but Kaede just laughed. “Maybe it will be more interesting if we record our club,” said one of her friends. “It’s already dark. The tennis club are making haunted house. People who want everything perfect must took a long time to prepare all. Look. They are still working. Hi. Needs help? Our class preparation has finished.” “Ah, Takahashi. What a coincidence. We are lacking of people, so it’s been busier. After the announcing club go home, three grade two students went to somewhere.’ “You want to drink? We still have many here.” “Excuse me, you know where the member of the club go?” asked Ojika. “He is the member of the tennis club, right?” “I want to show something interesting, you will get a good record.” “It’s the rest room, right?” “Nobody’s here.” “Just relax, come here.” Suddenly… “Eh?” “No, the lights off.” “It’s so dark.” They saw a skull. The girls were screaming. “Ca… calm down.” “What’s this? Why it’s wet? Give way…” Something whites show up, and then the lights on again. “Ha…ha…ha.., gotcha.” “Ah, they’d planned to scare us, that’s why they took us here.” “It means, the haunted house will success tomorrow.” “I never thought that they were so easily tricked. Did you see their faces? The screaming of a person who are scared to death.” “Inoue….” “You are too much.” The lights off again. “Why it’s off?” “”Not us. We are here.” “But the members of the announcing club didn’t move.” “It’s OK, just switch it on again... WUAAAAA.” Inoue fell down. Ojika turned the lights on. “It’s what touched your neck. Here,” Ojika handed him the juice. “Ojika.” “Inoue, you screamed so loud.” “You are really stupid.” “Ha…ha...ha, louder than us.” “Let me help you,” said Ojika. But he refused, “You’ve humiliated me.” “Sorry, I don’t know that you will be so shocked.” “Inoue, we did the same thing.” “Don’t have to be so angry.” “Here, I get this juice from the tennis club, it’s for you, maybe you can forget your anger.” “I don’t need it.” When he tried to hit the juice, Ojika just hold it higher, out of his reach. Kaede laughed. “You…” “You said that you don’t need it. Too bad, if it fall.” “Inoue, it’s enough.” “It’s just a little problem. Let’s go home.” “OK, OK.” So sorry.” “He is bad temper.” “Ojika.” “Maybe he hates lemon honey.” “He must don’t want to destroy doraemon.” “What are you talking about?” “Thank you.” “I just want to look around. Can I join?” “With pleasure.” “Let’s eat noodle after all’s done.” “Cool. Besides who…” “Just now?” “Yes. Why, he left bad feeling.” “Yeah.” “We just were having fun.” “WE were laughing together. That’s trick is interesting.” “Fine for us, but Ojika…” Once again, the lights off. Ojika turned it on, “Surprise.” “Yes.” “Don’t do that again.” “I thought that scull show up again.” ‘They cheered up again. Ojika is great. I always think about this lately.’ The bazaar day. Three of them where standing in front of the live café. “Wow. It’s so noisy here.” “Let’s eat fried noodle there. It’s more quite.” “About our last talking,” said Chika when they’re eating, “What happened yesterday is not bad. Lately, Tomomi always talks about Ojika with a pleased feeling.” “What? I do?” “I keep quite all the time, but actually there’s a gossip that he’s a playboy.” “Come on. Not you, too.” “Too?” “A few days ago Naomi said about the same thing.” “See.” “It’s not like that. If there’s such a gossip, it’s strange. How could he be so calm? There’s must be a misunderstanding.” “You said that he is unpredictable. Now I agree with you. He’s not kind of person that can be judge from his appearance. So I get curious about that gossip.” “When I said he’s unpredictable, I didn’t mean…” “Now I’m worried. You stand at his side and speak for him. Are you...?” “No. I just respect him. Beside… I like someone…” ‘like Sawada…’ “Ah, Ojika.” ‘What.’ Tomomi turned around and meet Ojika’s eyes. But he just smiled. ‘Did he hear us? Chika start to speak something odd.’ Not long afterward, “Chika, your ankle hurt?” asked Ozaki. “Ozaki. It’s OK. Just too much walking. I had asked for medicine in the clinic. It’s better.” “I’ve told you when I picked you up this morning… you better stay at home.” “No way. Bazaar at school and I have to stay at home? After all, it’s all because of you.” “I’m sorry.” “Don’t change your attitude in a sudden. You make me feel bad,” said Chika, blushed. “Ehm, where’s Tomomi.” “She?” In the clinic, Tomomi was looking for something. “Excuse me, is there any abodemen tickets dropped here?” But, “Nobody’s here. Maybe the doctor’s gone to the bazaar, too?” ‘Tickets… tickets…. Nothing’s here. Could it be not dropped here?’ When Tomomi was searching, Ojika stood behind her, watching. “What are you looking for?” He spoke right to her ear and it surprised her. “Ojika.” When she turned around, her head hit the drawer behind her. “Are you all right?” “Mmm, fine. Why are you here?” “Takahashi, he’s in the toilet now, with his stomach ache, maybe eating too much, I want to ask for some medicine, but the doctor…” “Really? The doctor ‘s out, when I took Chika here, looks like my abodemen tickets dropped here. But the medicine should be here, maybe we should not get it ourselves.” “I’m sorry?” “What?” “Your head. I don’t me to surprise you.” “No. I don’t know that you get in, I thought there’s nobody inside. After that, your voice has some kind of influence.” “Really?” “Yup. More over, if you hear it right to the ear, it’s like some kind of persuasion.” Ojika just looked at her, and then come closer and speak right to her ear, “I like you.” Tomomi just remembered what her sister and her friend told her and she’s got panic. She just ran to make spaces between him and herself. She blushed. “Well, it’s not that influence.” “You… you just kidding? You make me shock.” “Yeah…what’s up?” A doctor got in. “Two guests. Sorry, but I really want roasted octopus. I put the abodemen tickets here. Ah, shouldn’t wrap the medicine with that. Here. Put it in the bottle. The vitamins only two left.” Well, give it for me then, I don’t feel fit today.” “Are you OK, Ojika? You get cough?” “No, it’s all right.” “It’s good to be young, right? What a couple.” “No, she’s got someone else as her mate. Right?” “I… Ehm.” “Yeah?” “You heard the talking?” “Yes.” ‘So he thinks Sawada…’ “If you didn’t run, it will be a trouble. You just respect me as your senior.” “Eh…” “Hei. I know. When grade one you joined tennis club.” ‘Him, who making trouble about that ghosts yesterday.’ “When junior high school you wanted to play in national match, but since senior high school it’s just stuck. And finally you resigned from the club. You are a looser.” “Yes, I am.” “What?” He looked a bit surprised. “Tomomi, you go ahead.” “But…” “Better not go, listen… you joined that national tournament just for replacing your dead brother. His last message before he died. But, too bad you have no ability to follow his step.” “Right,” Ojika still calmed, “Come on,” he said too Tomomi. “Wait, you don’t comment what I’ve said? You are useless.” “You think you are a gentleman?” said Tomomi angrily, “You are that chicken. What do you want? You should have known the boundary. You are talking nonsense. Because no need to listen, Ojika leave. I think his attitude to stay calm is better. He isn’t useless. You… you better do something useful than interfere in someone else’s business… Look for it.” “You… you are so proud.” “From now on, I am your opponent. Don’t get it wrong.” “You think I want to face a coward like you.” “I’m not a coward.” After saying so, Ojika did some martial step, so Inoue can’t move. “You are so troublesome, maybe I better hit you. But it will involve the third person.” “Let me go. Ouuuch.” “Come on. Keep quite. Tomomi, you go ahead. I want to go somewhere quite, to give him a little lesson. You don’t want to be humiliated in front of many people, right. OK. Thank you. Come with me.” ‘Ojika is cool. “Replacing his dead brother.” His pass is rather a sad story. “I like you”, he just said it, so I ran. “If you didn’t run, it will be a trouble. You just respect me as your senior.” Could it be… not a joke?’ Tomomi blushed by that thought. The following day, after the sport class. “Chika. Your ankle is all right now?” “Yup, it’s been five days since it broke.” “Actually it’s a pity, that you can’t walk too much on the bazaar.” “Yeah… but I can be close to Ozaki. I had troubled you guys.” “No. It’s right to let Ozaki take care of you, so we could play.” On their way, they met Takahashi. “Hi.” “Takahashi.” Tomomi blushed. ‘He’s not with Ojika.’ “I just buy some breads. Here. Share it for the three of you.” “But, will that enough for you.” “I have my lunch. This just for dessert.” “Hah?” Chika was so surprised. “Will you be all right eating that much. On the bazaar you got stomach ache right.” “Eh?” Takahashi blushed. “Ojika told you? He likes to humiliate other in front of girls. By the way….” After school. “His illness is so bad? On the bazaar he said he didn’t feel fit.” “Yes. He’s been absent for two days, since yesterday. He lives by himself. It will be a little problem if he’s go sick.” “You are right.” “I know nothing. But you maybe know how to treat ill people, Tomomi.” “If only porridge, I can make it. Well, just add some snacks.” “Postcard for him. Dropped.” They got in to the lift. “But if we all come by, will it be all right?” “Just relax. I have given him a call. “If we let you come to Ojika’s house by yourself, it will be dangerous.” ‘If Chika knew what had happened in the clinic, what will happen? We’ve never met again since that day. Don’t be nervous just be as usual. After all, he and Sawada are so different.’ Ojika opened the door. “HI. Are you surprised? We came without telling you first.” “Haven’t you called?” Tomomi get panic. “Come on, everybody, just get in,” said Takahashi, as if he owns the house. But, “It’s neat. Damn it. I thought since you’re sick you won’t have time to clean your room and it will be a mess. That’s why I took them here, I want to take revenge because you told her about my stomachache. I...” “Your illness?” asked Tomomi. “I’ve recovered. I can go to school tomorrow. But I’m glad you come. Sit down, I’ll make some tea.” “Takahashi, you just cause trouble,” said Tomomi. “You, took me here…”said Chika. “I’m sorry.” “But I think it’s interesting.” Only Kaede can smile. “Thank you.” “Ojika, here. I bring it. Just accept it OK. It’s easily rotten.” “Ojika,” Takahashi handed him a postcard, “it’s a postcard from your parents. Looks like they are worried about you.” “You have read it, haven’t you?” “He…he.., but it’s relieving, right.” Ojika just smiling.
In the train, on their way home. “He started playing tennis to replace his brother who died in an accident?” “From the beginning, I have a feeling that he is different. Anyway, he just lost his childhood. His parents only paid attention for his brother. They burdened him by telling him to play tennis. I thought it was too hard for him, but he did it. But, thank to it, his parents recovered from their shock because of losing their first son. After trying hard to get the national tournament, when attending senior high school, his spirit just lowered. ‘My job is fulfilled, brother can rest in peace in heaven.’ he said so. Smiling and said that tennis is fun and then quitted from the club. That time, I thought that’s he really is.” The train stopped and they separated. “OK. From here we’re taking bus,” said Chika. ‘”Feels like there’s spirits at homes.” If we think that way, the views always looked beautiful. That way, ourselves feel like better than usual. I… like Ojika’s eyes. “Views look different.” Parents’ words repeated again and again in my ear. Just changing our view, the colors in our surrounding are changed, too. If it’s only just simple things, why should I see only Sawada? Everything’s changed.’
The next day, in her usual route to school, Tomomi met Ojika. She came to him and talked. When he just kept quite, she blushed. Ojika smiled, put his head on to Tomomi shoulder, and whispered, “Thank you.” Tomomi’s face’s redder. Chika and Kaede arrived and saw what had happened. Chika just stay away from Ojika on their way to school.
“Inoue.”
“Takahashi.”
“You’re fighting with Ojika on the bazaar? Not intended to scare you, but you better not have any problem with him or you will get a bad experience.” After saying so, Takahashi just left him. “I had had it,” Inoue said to himself.
The End