“Atsuko!” I scream when I see her walk out of the school building. She stops and I run up to her.

“Let’s hang out!” I say. I’ve been trying to be Atsuko’s friend since freshman year. There’s something about her that seems intriguing. People say that she’s quiet and apathetic but I feel there is more than that. I wouldn’t describe her like that either. Perhaps, shy, mysterious, smart, or anything. Just not quiet and apathetic, it makes her seem a bit stuck up and I have a feeling she is anything but.

“No, thank you.” Atsuko begins to walk to the parking lot. It must be nice to have a car you can drive. My parents wouldn’t let me drive. They think I’m too careless even though I passed my road test on the first try and with a score of 40/50 which I think is pretty good considering everyone else got a score lower than me.

I try to catch up with her. “Why not? We’ve been in the same homeroom since freshman year. Junior year is halfway over. Let’s at least try to get to know each other.”

Atsuko stops. Did I strike it? Did I pique her interest?

“I have a lot of homework.” Atsuko says.

“We should do it together!” Other than writing, Atsuko and I have different classes. She’s in honor classes too and I’m just in regular. I don’t know how much I could help her but I just really want to do something together, even if it means doing homework.

“I guess.” Atsuko says. “Let’s go to your house to do it.”

I jump with excitement. Finally! I did it!

“I’ll follow your car.” Atsuko says and my heart drops a bit.

“Actually,” I don’t know how to say it. Out of all the juniors who have their license, I’m the only one who doesn’t drive. “I don’t drive to school. Maybe I can ride with you?” I just realize that it seems like I only asked her to do homework together just so I can get a ride with her.

“Really?” Atsuko asks. I wonder if she’ll just say forget it. It’s not like I can’t get home myself, I can walk home. It’s a half-hour walk but I don’t mind. “Get in my car. I don’t mind.”

Maybe she really thought that. “Yes Ma’am!” I say as I climb in. I’m trying to hide the guilt in my heart even though I really have no reason to be.

---

“Ah! We’re here!” I say. I get out of the car. I take her hand and drag her to the front of my house. I open the door and shout “I’m home!”

“Ah, Yuko? How was your day dear?” My mom comes out from the kitchen.

“It was great! Oh! This is Atsuko! We’re going to do homework together.” I gesture to Atsuko.

“Nice to meet you, Mrs. Oshima. I’m sorry I came in unexpected.” Atsuko lowers her head. I should have counted on her being polite and called mom beforehand.

“Don’t be silly!” My mom says though I’m pretty sure she’s a bit angry about bringing a guest home without telling her. “You’re welcome anytime. Any friend of Yuko is a friend of ours.” My mom smiles.

“Thank you.” Atsuko says. Yep, apathetic is definitely not a word to describe her.

“Sorry, mom. I’ll be sure to tell you next time.” I take Atsuko’s hand. “We’ll be in my room!”

“Have fun you two!” My mom says.

 I open the door and behold the mess that is my room. I’m embarrassed.

“It’s messy.” She says. “You can really work in here?”

“Well, we can do our homework in the living room if you prefer.” I say. I think she purposely left out You can really live in here? “I assure you, my room is the only place that’s a mess in my house.” And again, I am flushed with embarrassment.

“It’s fine.” Atsuko says. She goes to the floor and moves a pile of clothes aside. She takes out her stuff and places it in front of her.

“You can use my desk if you want.” I say. It probably doesn’t matter. It’s a big mess anyways.

“It’s fine. I can do things on the floor.” Atsuko says.

I guess I can describe Atsuko Maeda as simple. I think.