Asami

As I woke up in my apartment, I stretch and got ready for another day at school. I live alone with the support money from the government, but it's enough for me to get by. I grabbed my backpack and headed out, taking the train to school. My friend Keita was already there, waiting for me at the gates. We've known each other since we were kids, and he was the closest thing I had to a brother.

"Yo, Atsu! Sleep well?" Keita asked as I approached him.

"Yeah, I did. How about you?" I replied.

"Same. Hey, did you hear about Asami? She's new in our class," Keita said as we walked towards our classroom.

"Asami? No, I haven't heard of her," I said.

"She's been quiet and keeps to herself, but I heard she's got a bit of a mysterious background," Keita continued.

"Really? I'll have to pay more attention to her then," I said.

And that was the start of my day at school. Classes went by without any major incidents. During lunch, Keita and I sat at a table and continued to talk about Asami and her background. We didn't know much, but it was enough to make us curious. After lunch, classes continued and before I knew it, the day was over and I was back on the train heading home.

As I gaze out of the train window looking at the cityscape, my thoughts began to wander. To be honest, I don't really have something that I really enjoy doing. I do read mangas and play video games just like any average high school boy. I even keep some dirty magazines hidden away in my room. But I don't really have any specific hobbies.

After I graduate high school and eventually stop receiving support from the government, I don't really have anything specific that I want to do in the future. Maybe I'll just get an ordinary office job to cover the costs of living. The rest of the day was uneventful, I made dinner, took a bath, and went to sleep.

The next day…

Our class was holding a PE session, and today we had to run 100m sprints. As I lined up with my classmates for the 100m sprints, I felt a tinge of excitement. PE class was always my favorite as it gave me a chance to let loose and run. I had always been pretty fast, but today I was determined to beat Keita, who had been teasing me about my speed all week.

As the gun went off, I took off like a shot, pumping my arms and legs as fast as I could. I could feel the wind rushing past me and the adrenaline pumping through my veins. I was neck and neck with Keita, but as we approached the finish line, I put on one last burst of speed and crossed it just ahead of him.

"Good job man!" Keita panted as he jogged over to me, "You really gave me a run for my money!"

I grinned, feeling a sense of pride in my accomplishment. "Thanks, I've been practicing," I said.

As we were walking back to the changing rooms, I glanced over at Asami, who had also been participating in the sprints. She was a pretty good runner, but she always seemed so reserved and introverted. I wondered what her story was and why she seemed so distant from everyone else.

School ended for today and I decided to take a different route home today because I wanted to avoid the usual after-school crowds. But as I was walking, I noticed someone walking alone on the other side of the road. It was Asami, my classmate. I've never really talked to her much, but she always seemed to be walking alone. I wondered where she lived, and why she always seemed so distant from everyone else.

I found myself walking towards her, almost as if I was being pulled in her direction. When I got close enough, I called out to her. "Hey, Asami, do you need any help getting home?"

She turned to me and I was taken aback by how beautiful she was. Her dark hair framed her face perfectly, and her brown eyes were warm and inviting. "Oh, hi Atsu," she said. "I don't need any help, but thank you for offering."

I nodded, feeling a bit disappointed. I had been hoping to start a conversation with her and maybe get to know her a little better. But it seemed like she didn't want to talk.

"Well, be careful getting home," I said, and then I continued on my way. But even as I walked away, I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something about Asami that was calling out to me. I wondered what her story was, and why she always seemed so alone.

As I approached Asami's house, he couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. I heard thudding noises coming from inside and felt worried for Asami's safety. I had to make sure that she was okay.

I approached the front door and hesitantly rang the doorbell. There was no answer, so I pushed the door open and stepped inside. I called out for Asami but there was no answer. The thudding noises grew louder as I cautiously made my way deeper into the house.

Suddenly, I heard a scream coming from upstairs. I rushed towards the source of the noise and found Asami backed into a corner, tears streaming down her face. A man was towering over her, shouting and waving his arms.

"Asami, are you okay?" I asked as I stepped forward, positioning myself between Asami and the man.

The man turned his attention to me, "Who the hell are you? This is none of your business."

I stood his ground, "I'm here to make sure she's safe."

The man sneered, "Safe from what? She's just a useless burden. I'm her guardian and I can do whatever I want with her."

My fists clenched at his sides, "You don't have the right to hurt her."

The man took a step forward, "And what are you going to do about it?"

I stood firm, ready to defend Asami if necessary. I was determined to protect her, even if it meant putting myself in harm's way.

I was beaten and got kicked out of Asami's house. I was disoriented and in pain. I stumbled out of the house and tried to regain my composure. I couldn't believe what just happened. I had never felt so helpless before.

"Are you okay?" I heard a voice behind me. I turned around to see Asami.

"Yeah, I'm fine," I lied.

"I'm so sorry," she said, her voice shaking. "That man is my stepfather. He's been abusive ever since my mother died."

"I should have called the police," I said, feeling guilty.

"No, it's better if you didn't. He'll only make it worse for me."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I wanted to help Asami but I didn't know how. I felt so useless.

"Is there anything I can do?" I asked.

Asami looked at me with a mixture of sadness and hope. "Just be my friend. That's all I need."

As I looked into Asami's eyes, I could see fear and sadness in them. I didn't know what was going on but he knew he had to help her.

"Are you okay?"

Asami didn't respond, she just looked down, clutching her arms to her chest.

"Do you need help? I can call the police or someone who can help you."

"No, please don't. I can handle it. Thank you for your concern."

Asami's stepfather called out to her again and she quickly walked back into her house. I stood there for a moment, unsure of what to do. I knew that he had to help her but I didn't know how.

I have to find a way to help her.