Chapter 1: Not Much Of A Loner Anymore
My name is Kurashi Hanako. And I'm the least guy who anyone wants to talk with. Mainly because I'm a...
Square..
(Home, 8:49 PM)
At home, it's only me and my disappointed little sister, Rumiko.
We barely talk to each other. But she always give me the 'disgusted look'.
I may have no one to talk to. But I've got my mangas, anime and my games with me ready to entertain me and keep me company.
And there's no one to bother me.
(Home, 9:50 PM)
For dinner, I usually cook for myself, and sometimes Rumiko cooks for the both of us, if she's nice.
And today, I cook for myself.
What should I cook today?
...
I decided to cook spicy ramen, while watching anime.
Life can be so good.
(Home, 12:23 AM)
My eyes are so tired, but u can't stop watching this anime, only 3 episodes left.
(Home, 1:45)
The ending, was perfect, it's a shame there won't be a season 2.
I remove my earphones and went to sleep.
(The next day)
*I yawn*
My head hurts. What time is it?
...
I'm late again.
(School, 7:45 AM, LATE)
I ran to my class as fast as I could, and when Im almost there, I just walk slowly.
I heard my teacher doing an attendance check.
"And Kurashi?, Is he absent today?"
I knock on the door, "Sorry I'm late".
(Class, 8:01 AM, Mathematics)
"I almost wrote absent Kurashi, try to come early." He said in a disappointed tone.
I only nodded and sat on my desk.
...
As always, I doze off in class, thinking about my games and anime.
(Cafeteria, 10:05 AM, Lunch)
For lunch, I usually go to my secret place where I eat, alone.
But sometimes some girls past by and laughs at me.
Which I don't mind and cry later at home.
Since I didn't finish my ramen yesterday, I decided to bring it to school as my lunch.
As I eat, I always think about that one character in 'World Of Goddesses' that I've always wanted. It's one of those gacha games.
"Ariel.." I said to myself, that's the character's name.
"Ariel? Do you play World Of Goddesses??"
Huh, who the..
I turn to my back, it was the girl next to my desk in class.
"Uhh, yeah"
She comes closer, to the point our shoulder was almost touching.
"What level are you? How many Goddesses have you collected? What route are you on? Who's your main?" She starts asking questions excitedly.
"Uhh, maybe you can add me and know all the Information you wanna know."
"Oh, duh of course, you remember your ID?"
Never thought this day would come.
"16836825516CE" I said without any mistakes.
"16836825516CE, did I got that right?"
The hell?
"Uhm, yeah that's impressive."
"I'll add you later! Kurashi right?"
I nodded
"I'm Yumi Takanashi, I know for a fact that we'll get along for sure"
*She smiles*
(Class, 2:03 PM, History)
Since then, she kept looking at me and felt happy when I was near her. Most of her friends are one of those popular ones.
Why friends with me?
"Do you know the answer to this one, Kurashi?" My teacher asked
Shoot, I doze off.
"Uhh.."
"Psst" Yumi whispered, pointing the answer while looking away.
"George Washington?" I answered almost with confidence.
"Correct, you may sit down now, good job."
I sat down happily, for the first time I answered a question correctly.
I lean forward to Yumi, "Hey uhh, Thanks."
*She smiles*
"Anytime!"
(Outside of school, 3:03 PM, School ends)
I usually walk home alone, but today was... Different.
Yumi, decided to walk home with me as we exchange stories and get to know each other more.
It felt, nice.
"Hahaha, oh this is where I live!" Yumi said pointing her house.
I looked at her house, and it was...
Next to mine.
"See ya tomorrow Kurashi! Don't forget to add me back okay?"
Should I tell her?
"Sure, uhmm" I hesitate for a moment.
"What's wrong?" She asked with a worried tone.
"I-its just that, we're.. neighbors."
*She looks at the house next to hers*
"Really? That would mean we can meet each other often after school!" She said excitedly.
I nodded with a smile and waved at her as we walk inside our house.
(Home, 3:43 PM)
I walk in my room.
*Rumiko punches me playfully*
"Good on ya for finally having a girlfriend, now you don't need to be a pervert anymore." She said, happily.
"Girlfriend? No no, she's just friend, besides we just met." I said nervously.
*She smirks*
"Trust me, it's gonna be friends, to lovers."
Me, with her? No, I got no chance, she's too cute for me, and I'm just, a nobody.
"You're crazy, there's no way we become lovers."
*She shrugs*
"You'll never know would you." She said crossing her arms, still smirking.
That's true, I guess I'll never know.
No what am I thinking! I'm a loner, a square, and she's perfect. She's way out of my league. Why am I thinking about this stuff, we just met.
...
Hang on, it's been a while since me and Rumiko talked like this.
Since I transferred school, I was no longer in the same school as Rumiko, and had no friends in both schools. Rumiko always looked down on me, but didn't hate me
I guess she was just disappointed for having a loner brother, who had no friends, no future and no nothing.
"Hey Rumiko?" I asked.
*She raised an eyebrow*
"Hm?"
"I'm, sorry for being a loser, and being a bad brother. I promise, I'll try to become a better person from now on."
*Tears began to form in her eyes*
"I was waiting for you to say that idiot!"
*She runs towards me and hug me tightly as she sobs on my uniform*
I'll definitely become a better brother for her.
I should start by spending more time with her than my games and anime.
*She looks up to me, with wet eyes*
"I miss spending time with you brother, you know that?"
"I'll spend more time with you more, I promise" I smiled at her as I rub her head.
(Home, 5:00 PM)
My mangas, I bought them yesterday. I should finish it.
...
I threw them all in the bin without thinking.
(Yumi's house, 5:29 PM)
"16836825516CE, add!"
Now I'll have to wait!
(Yumi's house, 6:20 PM)
I'll have to wait more!
(Yumi's house, 7:30 PM)
...
*Phone vibrates*
[KURXSHI HAS ADDED YOU AS HIS FRIEND!]
Took you long enough Kurashi!
Let's see...
Level 203!?
And he owns almost every Goddesses! Even the limited edition skins! His main is Neville, which is the hardest Goddess to master.
I'm so, jealous of him.
I need tips from him.
Ah, I have his number from when we exchange stories after school.
(Textie app, 7:49 PM)
Yumi: Hello!!
(Home, 7:49 PM)
*Phone vibrates*
Hm? It's been a while since my phone had a notification.
It's from Yumi!
Kurashi: Hi!
...
Yumi is typing...
Yumi: How are you level 203, I'm so jealous 😓
...
I played this game since it was first release, I even played the beta version. I'm currently on the top leaderboard. The highest level.
Kurashi: Well I've been playing it since it was first release.
...
Yumi is typing...
Yumi: That makes sense, but u also played it when it was first release, got any tips??
She also played it before it was first released? What level is she even-
She's #3 on the top leaderboard!
Kurashi: Your almost at #2 Yumi! I've got some tips for you. Have you collected the secret XP area in that Cave of Ghouls?
...
Yumi is typing...
Yumi: No I haven't, hang on I'll try it.
The secret XP area gives you tons of XP and will get you up to 12 levels. She's currently in level 189. So if she collected those XP, she would become #2 on the leaderboard for sure. Hope she doesn't beat me though.
*My phone vibrates*
[★YUMI★ HAS REACHED #2 IN THE LEADERBOARD!]
Yumi is typing...
Yumi: TYSM KURASHI!!! 🫶🏻
..
Kurashi: No problem 😁
"Who are you texting eyy?" Rumiko chimes in.
"Just a friend" I answered
"Don't lie to me, hmm. Ahh so Yumi is the name"
I rolled my eyes playfully
(Home, 10:00 PM)
10:00 PM is Rumiko's usual bedtime, I should follow her.
I got ready for bed.
"You're sleeping early today?" Rumiko asked.
"Not today, everyday. I think it's time to fix my sleep schedule."
Oh no, here comes the waterworks.
*Tears began to form in her eyes*
"I'm so proud of you!!!"
She hugs me once more. But a little tighter than the first one.
*I only laugh softly*
"Ok ok, it's time to sleep now Rumiko." I pat her head.
*She nods happily and made her way to her bedroom as she waves at me*
Ok, time to get some sleep.
(Home, 5:00 AM EARLY)
I, woke up early today.
The morning is so, peaceful. I feel much energized also.
"Good morning bro, I made breakfast, and good job for waking up early!"
I smile proudly.
As we ate our breakfast, we both had a nice conversation together. We became much closer than usual. Improving my lifestyle was an idea I needed to do a long time ago. I'm really proud of myself.
*The door knocks*
Hm?
I unlock the door to see Yumi standing there happily as always
"Kurashi! Guess who reached #2 on the top leaderboard!"
I shake my head playfully.
"Yeah yeah no need to rub it in, what are you doing here so early?" I asked her
She slightly tilts her head "I figured we walked to school together!"
*She smiles*
Rumiko chimes in "Are you my brother's girlfriend?" It's obvious she's teasing me.
"Eh!?" Yumi said shockingly. She became all flustered
"Rumiko!"
"Hahahaha, I take it your not, yet.."
Oh no look at what Rumiko done, she's all red like a tomato, a cute one.
But still, she didn't say no though.
"I-I should get going, see you at school Kurashi!" She turns away embarrassed.
*I grab Yumi's arm*
"Yumi I-, I want to walk to school with you."
Rumiko gasped, clearly enjoying this show.
...
I feel like I'm in a romcom anime
"Well, that is why I came here.." She gaze down as she slightly smiles.
"Great, I'll go wear my uniform then."
(Home, Bedroom 5:54 AM)
I change my clothes to my school uniform.
Rumiko walks in "I was expecting you'd do that."
I rolled my eyes playfully.
"Yeah thanks for making it more romantic Rumiko." I do mean it though.
"Anytime bro" she gives a thumbs up.
After me and also Rumiko we're ready for school, we head down and went outside.
Yumi is still there waiting for me, still smiling.
Me and Yumi go right while Rumiko go left since we both go to different schools. We both waved at each other, even Yumi.
After Yumi waved at Rumiko, she looks at me and smiles. "Your sister is quite the joker."
"That is true, she can be."
She gazes down with a slight smile "I hope we can get along too"
"I'm sure you'll do fine with her."
We both had a nice time talking to each other. We're almost at the school and people saw us, being together.
(Outside of school, 6:34 AM)
A group of girls started calling Yumi, clearly doesn't like the fact that I was with her.
"Yumi! Over here!"
"See ya later Kurashi!"
We both waved at each other.
Then one of the girls drags Yumi forcefully.
"Hey! What's with you?" Yumi asked her 'friend"
*The girl turns to her with a slight anger on her face*
I can tell from afar.
*Sigh*
Guess Ill head to class now.
(Meanwhile Yumi and her friend group)
"Why are you still with that boy Yumi? You deserve much better!" One of them said.
"I told you already, he's just a friend Muru!" Yumi replied.
"Why are you friends with him? He's a loser!" Muru said in a rude tone.
Yumi gasps, "You're wrong, Kurashi may not look like it, but he is more than a loser. He means a lot more to me than you do."
One of the girls stopped them from fighting each other.
"Stop it! Let's all calm down and head to class, Muru, you don't decide who Yumi should be friends with, let her decide on her own. I also think Kurashi is a nice person, he doesn't bother us, so why do you hate him that much?"
"I don't hate him I just.."
"Enough now, let's all head to class."
*Muru sighs*
"Sorry Yumi, I don't know what got to me." Muru apologizes.
"I accept your apology, but also apologize to Kurashi for saying bad things about him behind his back."
*Muru clicks her toungue."
"Fine."
They all went to class together, Muru is still trying to figure out on how to apologize to someone, she has never done it before, but since it was for Yumi, she had no choice.
(Class 7:00)
The teacher does an attendance check.
"Yuki?"
"Here"
"Himaru?"
"Here"
"And Kurashi?"
"H-here."
"You're early today, good job please keep it up Kurashi!"
"Yes sir" I said proudly.
(School Hallway, 7:50 AM, Next class)
My legs are so tired.
...
"Hey.." A girl asked from behind.
It's, one of the girls from Yumi's friend group, what does she wants?