** Yuki's Past (1)
Thirteen years ago, Hananoi's mom moved in next door. Mrs. Charlie had a wonderful personality, unlike her son, who was as quiet as a library. She wasn't fluent in Japanese—she only knew some basic words—but I could speak a little English, so we managed to communicate. Despite our age difference, we became best buds. I tried to act like an older sister to Hananoi, but it didn't work. He was cold toward me, maybe because of the age gap. After all, I'm seven years older than him.
One day, Mrs. Charlie greeted me as I came home from school. "Yuki, you're back!"
"Yes, but I'm totally out of energy," I replied.
"Let's go into the kitchen. The cake should be done by now," she said.
"Cake? Seriously? I never knew you could bake!"
"My mom had a pastry shop. We used to make new samples back then."
***Delicious***
"Mrs. Charlie, this is heavenly!" I exclaimed. We were still laughing when Hananoi walked into the kitchen. He grabbed a juice from the refrigerator and left without a word. Seriously, was it because he was almost as tall as me? His presence ruined the taste of the cake.
"Mrs. Charlie, it's been three weeks since you arrived in Fukuoka. It's high time you put him in school," I suggested.
"Yeah, I know. But he's not used to Japan, and the language barrier… I'm just scared he's going to get hurt," she replied.
"Ehhh, really? Caring for that emotionless brat? Well, he's your son after all I said to myself. He doesn't look like a fool—he might improve a little, just like you're doing now."
"What makes you think I'm a fool, shortie?" a voice interrupted.
It was Hananoi, and he'd spoken in Japanese. I looked at him in surprise, and we started a short conversation in the language. He did pretty well.
"He's good," I said, pointing at him and looking at his mom.
"By the way, who are you calling short?" I said angrily, ready to start a fight with him.
Mrs. Charlie hugged him tightly. "That's my boy! I was so worried about how you were going to cope."
"Who taught you?" she asked.
"Dad and anime shows," he replied.
"Anime?" I said out loud. "You're just a kid after all."
"Anime isn't for kids; it's for the wise. And I'm not sure you're wise enough," he said with a cold smile.
"Damn you, kid!" I retorted.
"Mrs. Charlie, there's an elementary school close to mine. Let him enroll there so I can keep an eye on him," I suggested.
Our eyes met, and it felt like lightning might spark between us.
"I knew I could trust you, Snow," Mrs. Charlie said.
I laughed evilly. "I'm totally going to have my eyes on you."
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