A little bit strange? A little bit sentimental? The beginning of a heart-pounding love!
Chapter 1: A white paper about the uneasiness of teenage love.
The chapter starts with an introduction. Momota Saki, age 15, first year high school student, recently found someone who's interesting. At school, as everyone steps away from him, Saki calls out to Akai and tells him "good morning". Akai is in the same class at Saki. His full name is Akai Ryuuichi. He is the called "The Demon Akai" because of his sharp gaze and evil aura that oozes out of him. There's even a rumor that says if you look at him, a beam will shoot from his eyes, destroying the roots of your hair. He's someone that everyone avoids. Saki comments that it's cold and Akai responds that he doesn't care for winter because of the high likelihood of Kokona catching a cold or the flu from all the germs. Kokona is the Akai's niece whom he dotes on. In the classroom, her classmates are impressed that Saki can talk to Akai with no problem. They are scared of him. Saki thinks that everyone has the wrong impression of Akai and that he's not scary at all.
As she leaves school with her friends, they ask her if she's going to pick up her younger brother from preschool. They think it's a lot of trouble. Saki smiles and tells them that it really isn't and lately it's been fun. Her friends look dubious. Saki's brother, Masaki, greets her happily. He shows her a picture that he drew in class. She exclaims that it's great and asks if it's a dinosaur. He replies that it's curry and asks if she's looking at it closely enough. Saki then turns and sees Akai. She smiles at him and tells him that he's earlier than normal. Kokona greets Akai and gives him the picture that she drew. She tells him that the teacher told them to draw something that they really liked, so she drew him. Akai stares at the picture and then starts to cry a little. Concerned, Kokona asks him what's wrong. He says that it's nothing and he will treasure the picture. Saki looks over at him and thinks that the real Akai is the one who always comes to pick up his niece in place of his sister and that he's a gentle "Lolicon". He also was the one who gave her lots of gentle encouragement after she was rejected. Akai walks off carrying Kokona on his shoulders and holding Masaki's hand. As she watches them, Saki thinks "he's such a kind person."
At school, one of her friends asks her if she likes Akai. Saki wonders if she likes him or not. She's not sure yet. The other friend tells her that she should be careful of her hair roots, otherwise she might go bald. Saki firmly rejects that statement. They tell her that there are rumors of her being a former yankee (*juvenile delinquent) because she's been hanging out with Akai so much. Saki is shocked but thinks that it's kind of cool. Her friends tell her that they didn't think she would get over her failed love by turning to Akai and that her tastes in guys have changed. They mention something about the guy she used to like, Aoyama, standing in the school grounds dressed as a squid for the drama club, trying his best. Her friends' names are Midorigawa Ran (Ran-chan) and Shigaki Fuuko (Fuu-san). Both of them tell her that they are opposed to Akai. Then they switch topics and try to figure out what to do for Christmas. They decide to have a party at a karaoke place.
Saki is taking out the trash and thinking that everyone is mean. Akai is a good guy and she doesn't know how to make them understand that. She drops the trash can and the trash spills out. Akai happens to be walking by and asks if she's okay. He helps her pick up the trash and then carries the trash can for her. She tells him not to worry about it but he says that it's a guy's job anyway. She thanks him, thinking that he's a really nice guy. She wants to know what he decided to get Kokona for Christmas. Kokona wanted a stuffed animal, so Akai is relieved that it was an easy request. Saki then asks if he wants to have a Christmas party with Kokona. Akai tell her that Kokona goes on a trip with her family during Christmas and then asks what Saki plans to do. She replies that she and her friends have talked about having a party. She asks about Akai's plans. He says that he's working in order to give otoshidama (*money given out at New Year's) to Kokona. Saki is relieved that Akai doesn't seem to have any other girl, other than Kokona. She notices that two guys are looking over and whispering about them. The guys are talking about Saki being a former yankee and that she was seen with a little kid (her brother), so maybe she's a teenage mother. The two guys notice that she saw them and wonder if they were overheard talking about her. Akai gives them a mean glare and they run off as Saki stares at them. Saki wonders if it was her power of observation that scared them off, while Akai looks over at her. Saki turns and notices that Akai has walked off. She tells him to wait up as he looks thoughtful.
After school, her friends tell her that they made karaoke reservations. They're going to bring in their own food. Akai calls out to Saki. Her friends look upset as he approaches her and tells her that he wants to talk to her. Saki tells him that they can talk at the park. Her friends glare at her, wondering why they plan to talk and if Akai somehow is exploiting her weakness. Saki gets a little frustrated with them but understands why they are concerned since she used to think the same way about Akai. At the park, Akai wants to know if Saki was a former yankee which surprises Saki. Akai says that there's a rumor going around school about that and if it isn't true, she should correct it. Saki says that it's fine because normally she doesn't get teased and being a former yankee is kind of cool. Akai tells her that it's not good and that if him being around her caused this to happen, then they should stop hanging out together. He will ignore her at school and stop taking Kokona to the park. Saki looks at him in surprise. Akai stands up and tells Kokona that they're going home. Kokona and Masaki want to play some more but Akai tells them sorry and he has things to do. Saki is speechless. She stands up and starts to tell him that it really doesn't matter to her, but he cuts her off and says that even if it's okay with her, it's not okay with him. "Don't be a nuisance to anyone" is an Akai family rule. He tells her "so long" as he walks away with Kokona, leaving Saki standing there stunned.
At school, Saki is determined to continue talking with Akai, so she firmly tells him "good morning." He turns and stares at her. She again tells him "good morning!" and calls his name as he walks away. Ran-chan pulls her back, asking her what is she doing. Fuu-san tells her that if she continues to get mixed up with a yankee, she will become one. Saki looks down, upset, and thinks that anyone who says that they don't want to be a nuisance to others is not a yankee. The days in December pass by. The scene changes to Christmas night and Ran-chan and Fuu-san tell Saki "Merry Christmas" when they meet up with her. Saki thanks them half-heartedly, looking glum. Saki sadly thinks that she hasn't spoken to Akai since and hasn't seen him at the preschool because of the break. Then Saki notices that the guy dressed as Santa standing in front of the karaoke place looks like Akai (she can tell by the eyes). The Santa guy tells her no, but she asks him if this is where he's working part-time. Ran-chan holds back a laugh as Fuu-san punches her in the arm. Ran-chan apologizes and tells Akai that it suits him well, while Fuu-san is now trying not to laugh. Akai gives Saki a 10% off coupon and she thanks him. They both look at each other. Saki tells him that it suits him and he thanks her, while both Ran-chan and Fuu-san turn their backs and try not to laugh. It's been so long since Saki spoke to Akai. In the karaoke room, her two friends are laughing their heads off as Saki chastises them for laughing too much. They tell her that they saw a good thing. Saki asks them if they've changed their minds a little about Akai and they tell her just a little. Ten points higher on the interesting scale, according to Fuu-san. Saki says it's fine if they think that he's an interesting character. Saki thinks about how Akai looked in the Santa suit and starts shaking. When her friends ask what's wrong, she says that she just realized how funny it really is. They all laugh together. Saki thinks that it doesn't matter what other people think, she wants to be with Akai more and get to know him better... because she thinks of Akai...
The girls leave the karaoke place and Saki notices that Akai isn't around. He may be walking around, trying to get customers. Three dubious looking guys approach the girls and ask them why they are by themselves on Christmas. The guys say that if the girls are free, they should all hang out together. Ran-chan looks mad and tells them, no thanks. She tells the other two that they should go, but one of the guys grabs her arm and tells her that they should just talk for a bit. Saki is worried about Ran-chan, so she yells at the guy to stop. She smirks and says that she's a former yankee. Everyone pauses to look at her. Then Ran-chan whacks her on the head and says "what are you saying?" The guys want to go over to another place and won't let go of Ran-chan. Fuu-chan notices that even though there are three girls, only one of them is being targeted. Suddenly Akai is there. He tells the guy to let go of Ran-chan. Saki stares at him. The other guy tells Akai that he's getting in the way, but Akai tells him that they're the ones causing problems. The guy pulls off the Santa mustache and beard, saying "let me see your face!" Akai glares at him and the guy backs away in shock. Akai tells them that they can have fun at Christmas without having to pick up girls and they should give up and leave. The guy tells Akai that he's not afraid of him, even with that kind of face and tries to punch him. Akai blocks his punch. The guy tries to get Akai to fight back, but Akai says that he doesn't fight and that it hurts to hit someone. A policeman stops by and asks if everything's okay. The three guys leave quickly. Ran-chan is surprised that it almost turned into a brawl. Akai tells the girls that even though he has a yankee face, he wouldn't fight and has never fought. The girls are a little surprised by that and Saki continues to stare at him. Ran-chan apologizes for interrupting him during work. Akai responds that it's okay and he's glad nothing came of it. As he turns to go, Saki stops him and tells him "thanks!" Akai gives her a little smile and she blushes. He walks away. Saki's friends say that actually he seems to be a decent guy, so Saki tells them, "see, I told you so!" They tell her that they will support her and to do her best. Saki smiles widely and says "okay!"
Akai leaves the karaoke place and notices that Saki is standing in the cold, waiting for him. She thanks him for his hard work, as he wonders what she is doing there and if she's cold. Saki tells him that she's fine and she was waiting for him to get done. She doesn't think he's a nuisance and wants to know if it's okay if they walk home together. Akai looks serious and then turns away as Saki watches him. He walks over to a vending machine and gets a can of hot tea. He gives her the can, telling her to hold on to it since her hands are cold. Saki looks at him in surprise. He starts to walk off and then turns back to her and says, "let's go home..." Saki gives him a big smile and says, "okay!" as she catches up to him. The chapter ends with Saki thinking that at 15 years old, she's found a person she likes.
Chapter 1: A white paper about the uneasiness of teenage love.
The chapter starts with an introduction. Momota Saki, age 15, first year high school student, recently found someone who's interesting. At school, as everyone steps away from him, Saki calls out to Akai and tells him "good morning". Akai is in the same class at Saki. His full name is Akai Ryuuichi. He is the called "The Demon Akai" because of his sharp gaze and evil aura that oozes out of him. There's even a rumor that says if you look at him, a beam will shoot from his eyes, destroying the roots of your hair. He's someone that everyone avoids. Saki comments that it's cold and Akai responds that he doesn't care for winter because of the high likelihood of Kokona catching a cold or the flu from all the germs. Kokona is the Akai's niece whom he dotes on. In the classroom, her classmates are impressed that Saki can talk to Akai with no problem. They are scared of him. Saki thinks that everyone has the wrong impression of Akai and that he's not scary at all.
As she leaves school with her friends, they ask her if she's going to pick up her younger brother from preschool. They think it's a lot of trouble. Saki smiles and tells them that it really isn't and lately it's been fun. Her friends look dubious. Saki's brother, Masaki, greets her happily. He shows her a picture that he drew in class. She exclaims that it's great and asks if it's a dinosaur. He replies that it's curry and asks if she's looking at it closely enough. Saki then turns and sees Akai. She smiles at him and tells him that he's earlier than normal. Kokona greets Akai and gives him the picture that she drew. She tells him that the teacher told them to draw something that they really liked, so she drew him. Akai stares at the picture and then starts to cry a little. Concerned, Kokona asks him what's wrong. He says that it's nothing and he will treasure the picture. Saki looks over at him and thinks that the real Akai is the one who always comes to pick up his niece in place of his sister and that he's a gentle "Lolicon". He also was the one who gave her lots of gentle encouragement after she was rejected. Akai walks off carrying Kokona on his shoulders and holding Masaki's hand. As she watches them, Saki thinks "he's such a kind person."
At school, one of her friends asks her if she likes Akai. Saki wonders if she likes him or not. She's not sure yet. The other friend tells her that she should be careful of her hair roots, otherwise she might go bald. Saki firmly rejects that statement. They tell her that there are rumors of her being a former yankee (*juvenile delinquent) because she's been hanging out with Akai so much. Saki is shocked but thinks that it's kind of cool. Her friends tell her that they didn't think she would get over her failed love by turning to Akai and that her tastes in guys have changed. They mention something about the guy she used to like, Aoyama, standing in the school grounds dressed as a squid for the drama club, trying his best. Her friends' names are Midorigawa Ran (Ran-chan) and Shigaki Fuuko (Fuu-san). Both of them tell her that they are opposed to Akai. Then they switch topics and try to figure out what to do for Christmas. They decide to have a party at a karaoke place.
Saki is taking out the trash and thinking that everyone is mean. Akai is a good guy and she doesn't know how to make them understand that. She drops the trash can and the trash spills out. Akai happens to be walking by and asks if she's okay. He helps her pick up the trash and then carries the trash can for her. She tells him not to worry about it but he says that it's a guy's job anyway. She thanks him, thinking that he's a really nice guy. She wants to know what he decided to get Kokona for Christmas. Kokona wanted a stuffed animal, so Akai is relieved that it was an easy request. Saki then asks if he wants to have a Christmas party with Kokona. Akai tell her that Kokona goes on a trip with her family during Christmas and then asks what Saki plans to do. She replies that she and her friends have talked about having a party. She asks about Akai's plans. He says that he's working in order to give otoshidama (*money given out at New Year's) to Kokona. Saki is relieved that Akai doesn't seem to have any other girl, other than Kokona. She notices that two guys are looking over and whispering about them. The guys are talking about Saki being a former yankee and that she was seen with a little kid (her brother), so maybe she's a teenage mother. The two guys notice that she saw them and wonder if they were overheard talking about her. Akai gives them a mean glare and they run off as Saki stares at them. Saki wonders if it was her power of observation that scared them off, while Akai looks over at her. Saki turns and notices that Akai has walked off. She tells him to wait up as he looks thoughtful.
After school, her friends tell her that they made karaoke reservations. They're going to bring in their own food. Akai calls out to Saki. Her friends look upset as he approaches her and tells her that he wants to talk to her. Saki tells him that they can talk at the park. Her friends glare at her, wondering why they plan to talk and if Akai somehow is exploiting her weakness. Saki gets a little frustrated with them but understands why they are concerned since she used to think the same way about Akai. At the park, Akai wants to know if Saki was a former yankee which surprises Saki. Akai says that there's a rumor going around school about that and if it isn't true, she should correct it. Saki says that it's fine because normally she doesn't get teased and being a former yankee is kind of cool. Akai tells her that it's not good and that if him being around her caused this to happen, then they should stop hanging out together. He will ignore her at school and stop taking Kokona to the park. Saki looks at him in surprise. Akai stands up and tells Kokona that they're going home. Kokona and Masaki want to play some more but Akai tells them sorry and he has things to do. Saki is speechless. She stands up and starts to tell him that it really doesn't matter to her, but he cuts her off and says that even if it's okay with her, it's not okay with him. "Don't be a nuisance to anyone" is an Akai family rule. He tells her "so long" as he walks away with Kokona, leaving Saki standing there stunned.
At school, Saki is determined to continue talking with Akai, so she firmly tells him "good morning." He turns and stares at her. She again tells him "good morning!" and calls his name as he walks away. Ran-chan pulls her back, asking her what is she doing. Fuu-san tells her that if she continues to get mixed up with a yankee, she will become one. Saki looks down, upset, and thinks that anyone who says that they don't want to be a nuisance to others is not a yankee. The days in December pass by. The scene changes to Christmas night and Ran-chan and Fuu-san tell Saki "Merry Christmas" when they meet up with her. Saki thanks them half-heartedly, looking glum. Saki sadly thinks that she hasn't spoken to Akai since and hasn't seen him at the preschool because of the break. Then Saki notices that the guy dressed as Santa standing in front of the karaoke place looks like Akai (she can tell by the eyes). The Santa guy tells her no, but she asks him if this is where he's working part-time. Ran-chan holds back a laugh as Fuu-san punches her in the arm. Ran-chan apologizes and tells Akai that it suits him well, while Fuu-san is now trying not to laugh. Akai gives Saki a 10% off coupon and she thanks him. They both look at each other. Saki tells him that it suits him and he thanks her, while both Ran-chan and Fuu-san turn their backs and try not to laugh. It's been so long since Saki spoke to Akai. In the karaoke room, her two friends are laughing their heads off as Saki chastises them for laughing too much. They tell her that they saw a good thing. Saki asks them if they've changed their minds a little about Akai and they tell her just a little. Ten points higher on the interesting scale, according to Fuu-san. Saki says it's fine if they think that he's an interesting character. Saki thinks about how Akai looked in the Santa suit and starts shaking. When her friends ask what's wrong, she says that she just realized how funny it really is. They all laugh together. Saki thinks that it doesn't matter what other people think, she wants to be with Akai more and get to know him better... because she thinks of Akai...
The girls leave the karaoke place and Saki notices that Akai isn't around. He may be walking around, trying to get customers. Three dubious looking guys approach the girls and ask them why they are by themselves on Christmas. The guys say that if the girls are free, they should all hang out together. Ran-chan looks mad and tells them, no thanks. She tells the other two that they should go, but one of the guys grabs her arm and tells her that they should just talk for a bit. Saki is worried about Ran-chan, so she yells at the guy to stop. She smirks and says that she's a former yankee. Everyone pauses to look at her. Then Ran-chan whacks her on the head and says "what are you saying?" The guys want to go over to another place and won't let go of Ran-chan. Fuu-chan notices that even though there are three girls, only one of them is being targeted. Suddenly Akai is there. He tells the guy to let go of Ran-chan. Saki stares at him. The other guy tells Akai that he's getting in the way, but Akai tells him that they're the ones causing problems. The guy pulls off the Santa mustache and beard, saying "let me see your face!" Akai glares at him and the guy backs away in shock. Akai tells them that they can have fun at Christmas without having to pick up girls and they should give up and leave. The guy tells Akai that he's not afraid of him, even with that kind of face and tries to punch him. Akai blocks his punch. The guy tries to get Akai to fight back, but Akai says that he doesn't fight and that it hurts to hit someone. A policeman stops by and asks if everything's okay. The three guys leave quickly. Ran-chan is surprised that it almost turned into a brawl. Akai tells the girls that even though he has a yankee face, he wouldn't fight and has never fought. The girls are a little surprised by that and Saki continues to stare at him. Ran-chan apologizes for interrupting him during work. Akai responds that it's okay and he's glad nothing came of it. As he turns to go, Saki stops him and tells him "thanks!" Akai gives her a little smile and she blushes. He walks away. Saki's friends say that actually he seems to be a decent guy, so Saki tells them, "see, I told you so!" They tell her that they will support her and to do her best. Saki smiles widely and says "okay!"
Akai leaves the karaoke place and notices that Saki is standing in the cold, waiting for him. She thanks him for his hard work, as he wonders what she is doing there and if she's cold. Saki tells him that she's fine and she was waiting for him to get done. She doesn't think he's a nuisance and wants to know if it's okay if they walk home together. Akai looks serious and then turns away as Saki watches him. He walks over to a vending machine and gets a can of hot tea. He gives her the can, telling her to hold on to it since her hands are cold. Saki looks at him in surprise. He starts to walk off and then turns back to her and says, "let's go home..." Saki gives him a big smile and says, "okay!" as she catches up to him. The chapter ends with Saki thinking that at 15 years old, she's found a person she likes.
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