YOSHI'S POV
"Hahhhh, of course, summer break is over."
Ugh, I wish I could've spent more time having fun.
Oh wait, nah. My summer break was totally boring. As if I actually had any fun during it. Whooh, it was just so dull.
Although Ryota kept asking me to hang out, I just didn't feel like going outside. I mean, who would want to go out with a heat index of 40° Celsius? I could've died of heatstroke. That's why I locked myself in my room for the whole summer break. Even the AC couldn't kill the heat.
But thankfully, it's almost autumn, and I can already feel the breeze. Since the summer break is over, of course I have to attend school. Urgh, back to my regular 30 minutes walk from home to school.
Oh right, summer break is over...
Does that mean… I can see Akira again?
Yes, yes, please!
I ran as fast as I could until I reached our classroom.
I peeked inside and saw a few of my classmates.
Ahh, I missed this room so much.
I looked around, trying to spot Akira, but she wasn't here yet.
Well, I guess she's on the way.
I sat down at my desk and placed my bag on it.
"Morning, Yoshi," Ryota tapped me on the shoulder.
"Morning," I replied in a bored tone. I really don't feel like talking to anyone right now.
"What's the matter, Yoshi? Did you miss Akira?"
My heart skipped a beat when he said that.
"Huh, o-of course not! Stop saying nonsense!"
Ryota laughed. I knew this guy would just mess with me.
"You don't need to hide it. You totally missed her," he said with a huge smile on his face.
"Are you trying to start something with me?"
He just laughed and walked away.
Ugh, this guy keeps teasing me about Akira.
Well… yeah, he's right. I do miss her.
But I can't admit that. It's just embarrassing, you know?
Before summer break, I might've annoyed her by being so persistent.
I kept asking her out, and I always got turned down.
How many times have I confessed already? Ten? Fifteen?
I don't even know anymore. I lost track.
Ahh, damn it. It doesn't matter.
No matter how hard I try, I always get rejected.
Though... I'm not giving up. I'll make her mine someday.
I was in the middle of my thoughts when I heard some classmates greeting Akira.
I looked at the door and saw her walk into the classroom.
My world suddenly lit up when I saw her.
Akira looked around the room—and our eyes met.
Is it just me, or why does she look so... evil?
I broke eye contact—it was intimidating.
Should I try again today?
I mean, should I ask her out again?
I don't want to seem too persistent, but I'm desperate.
I really like her—badly.
Our professor walked into the classroom and began the lecture.
I tried to focus on the lesson, but damn it, I swear she's glaring at me from behind.
I don't want to turn around to check. If I do, I might die of embarrassment.
Ahh, Yoshi, please… just focus on the lesson.
———
AKIRA'S POV
"Hahhh, summer break is over."
I'm a little disappointed it ended—I had so much fun!
It was great. I spent a lot of time with my friends shopping and doing all sorts of fun stuff.
And of course, the summer festival was the most memorable part.
The fireworks display was amazing!
Hahhh, I wish those moments never had to end.
Summer break really gave me a breather—not just because I got to relax, but because I finally got away from Yoshi for a while.
Before summer, he was a complete nuisance.
Ever since his first confession, he's been persistent.
He kept asking me out, and of course, I kept turning him down.
I'm not interested in him—or any boys, for that matter.
I don't like anyone. I'm just not interested in romance.
It feels like such a burden for a student like me.
Pfft, these teens nowadays!
Ughhh, okay fine, maybe I'm just a little bitter.
But I'm right, aren't I?
Students should focus on their studies first.
Now that summer break is over… it means I'm going to see that boy again.
Ughhhh!
As if there's anything I can do about it—he's my classmate, too.
Okay. I'll just ignore him.
I'm not interested, so why should I give him any attention, right?
I enter the classroom a bit late.
"Good morning, Akira," Miku greets me.
"Good morning, Miku," I reply.
I sit down at my desk and put my bag on top of it.
I glance over at Yoshi—and we make eye contact.
I can't help but feel irritated, so I might've shot him a glare.
He looks away.
Maybe he got scared.
Hmph. As if I care.
You better not bother me.
The lesson starts, but I can't focus.
Then I realize—I've been staring at Yoshi.
Ugh, I just feel irritated every time I look at him.
Ahh, Akira, please… focus, okay?
You have to study.
———
YOSHI'S POV
"Meet ya at the cafeteria, Yoshi," Ryota said as he walked out of the classroom.
I nodded in response.
Whooh, finally. It's lunch break.
I'm really hungry—I haven't eaten anything yet.
I looked around and saw Akira resting her head on her desk.
I stared at her for a moment, admiring her beauty.
Damn, she's so beautiful.
Hmm.
Should I ask her to walk with me to the cafeteria?
Never mind—I'll just do it.
"Hello, Akira," I said as I walked toward her table.
She looked up at me—her eyes are sparkling.
I felt my face heat up.
Damn! She's just... stunning.
"What?" she replied in a cold tone.
Alright, now I'm hesitating.
She glared at me, and I quickly broke eye contact.
Damn it, I guess she's not in the mood.
"Ahh... uhm... I was wondering if you'd like to... to... uhm..."
Ugh, I can't even finish my sentence!
"You're going to ask me out?"
I blushed.
Well... I guess I'm not very subtle.
I nodded.
"Well... yes... please go out with me. Let's walk together," I said.
I'm so embarrassed right now.
Damn it.
Did I really just ask her out again?
I think I just screwed myself over.
She scoffed and said, "Sorry, but I'm good."
Then she immediately stood up and walked out of the classroom.
I just stood there like an idiot. Damn it—another rejection. I knew winning her over would be hard, but this isn't what I expected. It's just... really difficult.
But I won't give up.
At least, not yet.
I let out a deep sigh, then headed to the cafeteria.
Hahhhh.
Is she really mad at me?
I guess I really did annoy her.
Maybe I pushed too hard and ended up upsetting her.
I should've thought more about her comfort.
I've probably been a bother to her ever since the first day.
I need to learn how to control my emotions and hold myself back—for her sake.
I shouldn't push so hard. I should take things slowly, gradually.
Okay, Yoshi, you need to apologize to her—for disturbing her peace of mind.
Got it, self? Good.
Now, I gotta eat.
My stomach's growling—I seriously need something to eat.