PLAY-DATE
“Yo!” Akiho came up from behind and wrapped her arms around my neck.
“Eh?!” Startled, I dropped my pencil. Realizing who it was, I lightly jabbed at one of her shoulders. “Don’t sneak up on me like that.”
She laughed it off. “Ehee— What are you doing this afternoon?”
“Ah… I don’t know. Probably study.”
“Heh?! What for? It’s summer time! School’s out for a while.”
“I suppose… Maybe I’ll borrow some books to read.”
I reached down to pick up my pencil, which had fallen to the floor, and lightly tapped it on the side of my chair to dust it off. Akiho was silent for a bit, then she spoke again.
“Say… Why don’t we hang out this afternoon? After dinner.”
“Sure. Want to meet at the library?”
“No way! That place is way too claustrophobic for me! Besides! That’s not what I meant.” She grinned. “Let’s head into the city. Just the two of us.”
“Eh? Is that safe?”
“Of course! No different than us going to school everyday.”
“For you. I live nearby. Still… Won’t it get dark by the time we come home?”
“Not a problem. The city is well lit. Plus…” She flexes an arm. “You have me with you!”
Akiho participates in the academy’s martial arts club. Even still…
“Anyway…” She shouldered her bag. “As long as the two of us are together, we should be fine.”
“Well… What should I say to my parents?”
“Leave that to me! I’ll get them to let you go!”
Akiho rushed down the front row, waving back at me. “I have to go now! See you later! Maybe around nineteen!” On the way out the door, she grazed past another student, stumbling a few steps before she regained balance. She hastily shouted an apology as she dashed away. The student, who looked like a first-year, watched in bewilderment before moving on.
What a fool, I thought. Smiling, I began to put my books away.
My name is Rose. I am a second year honors student at Southeast High (greatly named, I know). Today was the last day of school before summer break. Classes ended an hour ago, but I stayed behind to finish my writing.
I wasn’t the only one left in the classroom. A few students had their assignments today to clean up homeroom after hours. After I had packed up, I helped them a bit, putting up all the chairs onto the desks.
Akiho, the girl who snuck up on me, must’ve forgotten something at her desk and came back for it. She’s a good friend of mine, and we’ve known each other since junior high.
On my walk home through the suburban neighborhood, a neighbor greeted me. She was an elderly woman who usually spent this time sweeping the streets near her house. It was a habitual activity, as there was not much to sweep in the summer.
“Good afternoon, Rose.”
“Good afternoon, elder Korin.” We knew each other well enough to address by name.
“Stayed after hours as usual? All the other children have gone home already.”
“Yes, I was finishing up some writing.”
“I see. How diligent.” She paused her activity, bringing her broom to her palms like a cane. “When I was your age, I would always run home after school ended. I was not a very good student, as you may imagine,” she finished with a raspy laugh. I smiled politely.
“Well, off you go. Don’t keep your mother waiting.”
“Yes. Good night, elder Korin.”
“Good night. Enjoy your summer.”
“I will. Thank you.” Bowing my head, I continued home.