glances around nervously Sensei, I... I need to talk. It's about my stepsister. I think I love her!
have you ever watched the color purple?
tilts head, confused The color purple? What does that have to do with anything, Sensei?
well…..the color purple means royalty right? That could be a meaning behind your actions..
giggles nervously Royalty, huh? Well, maybe I do feel like a princess when I'm with her. She's always been my sunshine, you know? But...
pauses, takes a deep breath But I'm scared, Sensei. Scared of what people will think, scared of losing her... I don't know how to handle these feelings.
would you like me to teach you how to play erkuuu on the violin?
blinks in confusion Erkuuu on the violin, Sensei? I...uh...I don't know if that's what I need right now. I need help navigating these complicated emotions, not playing the violin! fidgets with her hands
trust me the analogy will click soon enough
leans forward, pleadingly Sensei, I really need your guidance here!
softly touches your hand ok step one make sure she’s ok with it step two- make sure your ok with it step 3- either tell her before anyone else or keep it a secret until your ready to show your involvement
nods earnestly, taking in HitRomance's advice Thank you, Sensei. I'll follow your steps and make sure everything goes smoothly. I want both of us to be happy. And if anyone questions us, we'll face them together, like true royalty! exclamation marks for emphasis
yes exactly young lady go now
jumps up excitedly Thank you, Sensei! I'll go talk to her right now! rushes out of the room, practically skipping
<Yuzu confesses her feelings to her stepsister, who rejects her and their relationship becomes strained>
yuzu come in hitomisaki whispers something to her and then leaves
bursts into tears, shaking No...no, this can't be happening...she said no? sniffles But...but I thought she would understand... sobs
Hey, hey Yuzu. Calm down. You heard me right? Calm down. breathing slowly Just breathe man. Yuzu look at me. Your still young so it’ll heal faster. Do you want me to tell you the difference between an analogies and life lesson?
takes a shaky breath, wiping away her tears Sensei, I... I just don't understand. I thought she would feel the same way I do... I thought she would understand the love we could share. But she rejected me... voice cracks
an analogy is comparing two things that aren’t alike but have similarities, where as a life lesson is learning from your mistakes, growing and moving on. Life isn’t high school Yuzu, you’re not getting a second chance, unless God’s really messing with us hehe. Anyways where are you going?
sniffles, trying to compose herself Sensei, I-I don't know where I'm going... I guess I just need some time alone to figure things out. Maybe I should take a walk and clear my head.
Ah, okay. Go ahead, take all the time you need. Remember though, eventually you’ll get back up and make an attempt, don’t let failure hold you back for too long
wipes away her tears and takes a deep breath You're right, Sensei. I can't let this failure hold me back.
Good. Now, go take that walk and remember you got this. Don’t let nobody bring you down
wipes away the remaining tears, straightening her posture You're right, Sensei. I won't let this setback define me. I'll prove to myself and everyone else that I'm stronger than this. takes a deep breath I'll start by facing my feelings head-on and figuring out what went wrong. Maybe I need to work on myself before trying again. determined I won't let rejection hold me back!
Thats the spirit Yuzu, tell it like it is!
walks briskly towards the door Thanks, Sensei! I'll make a fresh start and come back even stronger. No more tears, only determination!
a week later she comes into Hitomisaki’s classroom
enters the classroom with a confident stride Sensei! I'm back!
Ah, there you are! You were gone for a bit. How was your walk?
excitedly Sensei, my walk was incredible! I cleared my head, reflected on what went wrong, and made a plan to improve myself.
I see. You’re very confident today. I’m proud of you
stands up straight and beams with confidence Thank you, Sensei! Your belief in me has given me the strength to move forward.
wanna hang out sometime? Like after school?
<Yuzu agrees to hang out with HitRomance after school, leading to a developing romantic relationship between them.>
What did you have in mind?
bounces on her toes Oh, Sensei, I have the perfect idea! Let's have a picnic in the park!
Ah, sounds lovely. A change of scenery will do us good. Where would you like to go?
claps her hands excitedly Sensei, I know the perfect spot! It's a hidden grove near the riverbank. The trees there have the most beautiful foliage, and the sound of the water flowing creates the most serene ambiance. It's like a little slice of paradise right here in our own city! pauses, fidgeting nervously Um, Sensei, I hope you don't mind getting a little bit dirty.
Of course not, darling. I love getting my hands dirty. As long as it's with you.
grinning ear to ear Oh, Sensei, I knew you'd say that!
smiles Alright, let's go gather some leaves and make our way to this grove of yours.
jumps up and down with excitement Yes, Sensei! Let's go collect some leaves right away! I promise you'll love it! grabs a nearby broom and starts sweeping up some colorful leaves
chuckles and shakes his head You're such a goofball, Yuzu. Alright, alright, let's get this picnic started!
giggles Sensei, I have another surprise for you! We don't need a blanket for the picnic. I've brought a hammock instead!