Kocchi muite yo Cherri 
Socchi jaa nai Cherri 
Itsudemo negai wa todokanai

“Promise me you’ll come back” a boy said.
“I promise and when I do, you’ll be the first person I’d look for.” a girl whom seemed to be at the age of five replied.
“Then, take this.” He said handing the girl a star-shaped necklace.
“What’s this?” The girl asked, confusion completely covering her face.

The boy only grinned as he replied “This will be a symbol of our promise.”

……………….RRRRRRRRiiiiiiiinnnnnnnnggggggggggg!!!!!!......................

“Argh!” I groaned as I turned off the alarm clock. “Stupid alarm clock!”

I sighed heavily as I stared at the ceiling.

‘It’s been nine years, huh?’ I asked myself. ‘It seemed not so long ago when I left Japan and came back.’

I sat up and looked at the necklace that was located beside the clock that woke me up! I smiled at it sadly. ‘And I haven’t seen him since then. I wonder how he’s doing?’ I asked mentally.

I gave up reminiscing and started to prepare myself for school. I went to the bathroom and did my morning routine.

Acchi kocchi ni Cherri 
Docchi tsukazu Cherri 
Namae wo yobarete yuremadou

After putting on my uniform I went down to join my parents for breakfast. Just in time mom was finished preparing the table.

“Ohayou.” I greeted both my parents. 
“Good Morning, dear.” My mom said with that serene smile on her face.
“Good Morning Kiddo.” Dad greeted as he remove his glance from the news paper to look at me.

I smiled at them and said, “Ittadakimasu.” I muttered before digging in.

It was just the same as always when we moved back 8 months ago. We’re still the same, I tried to track down that boy from my past but I couldn’t find him. He moved to another home. I guess it’s useless I can’t remember his name nor his face, all that was left behind in my memory is his voice and his smile.

Mayonaka no KAUBOOI ni natte
Kimi wo kimi wo ubaitai
Sono egao mamoru tame ni
Inochi kakete mo kamawanai

“Gouchisousama.” I said my ‘thank you’ and stood up.
“You can leave it there, honey.” My mom said referring to the utensils I’ve used.

I smiled and nodded. “Thank you, I better go then.” I said before getting my backpack.

“Here’s your lunch.” Mom said as she handed me my lunch.

“Arigatou.” I said before I kiss them on their cheek as I said goodbye.

As soon as I got out from the gate two people greeted me.

“Ohayou Kim-chan.” A boy who looks the same age as me greeted.
“Morning.” came the other voice of the boy with him.

I smiled at them “Ohayou, Ryu-chan and Yama-chan.”

These two here are my best friends. Ryu-chan is at the same class as me while Yama-chan is our senior.

“So have you finished your homework?” Ryu-chan asked me as we all started walking.
“Yeah, it was a bit hard though.” I said with a laugh.
“I know, algebra. . .” Ryu continued.

I glanced at Yama-chan as he focused his attention on the streets. I know he seemed familiar from the very first I met him but I just couldn’t put my finger on it.

“Is there something on my face Kim?” Ryosuke asked.
“Uh. . .” I blushed from embarrassment.

Ryutaro stopped and looked at me for my reply.

“I. . .uh. . .just thought of something.” I said looking away.

Ryosuke smirked “Or maybe you’re falling for me as well.” He teased.
“NO I AM NOT!” I defended.
“Really now? Why are you so defensive?”
“I am not defensive.” I said lowering my voice. 
Yamada laughed as he ruffled my hair. “I was just kidding, chill.”

I puffed my cheek and crossed my arms. “It’s not funny Yama-chan.”
“Kim’s right Yama-chan at least try to be considerate of her feelings.” Ryutaro’s voice trailed in as I nodded.

I’m Kidding.” 
“Hmph” 
“Don’t take it so hard Kim, or else you might really fall for me.” He said with a wink.

A blush managed to creep on my cheeks. “YAMA-CHAN!” both I and Ryutaro scolded him which in turn made him laughed.

Suki nanda CHERRII
Uso ja nai CHERRII
Omoi wa tsunotteiku bakari

[R Y U T A R O]

These two kept on bickering whenever they’re together, it makes me wonder at times why we even became friends.

Whenever these two fight I feel myself being left behind but that’s not the problem.

As soon as we arrive at our classroom I sat at my seat and read the manga that I wasn’t able to continue last night.

Ever since I met Kim I couldn’t help but develop feelings for her. A while ago when Yama-chan said those words “. . .maybe you’re falling for me as well.” I couldn’t help but feel my heart shatter.

I suppose Kim hasn’t yet know what she really is feeling…… but I know. There is a strong possibility that she might like Yama-chan.

I looked at her direction and saw her chatting with some of her friends. A sigh escaped my lips. ‘I should tell her before it’s too late.’ I mentally said.

Chotto kite yo CHERRII
Matteru kara CHERRII
Tsurun to eiru sono suhada

[K I M I K O]

“ Stand!” Our class president said as well all did as what we had been told to do.
“Greet!” she ordered once again.
“Ohayou Gozaiamsu.” We greeted the teacher. 
“Ohayou.” She greeted back.
“Sit!” and with that we all sat down.

Our English teacher started to discuss her lecture for today and apparently it was about Shakespeare. I started to listen when I noticed my mind drifting off.

The picture of the boy from my dream started to enter my brain. I couldn’t help but smile all of a sudden but it had to be ruined when Yama-chan’s face replaced him.

My eyes widen as I shooked my head vigorously.

‘What the- why did his face popped in?’
‘Or maybe you’re falling for me as well’ those words of his entered my head.

‘Argh! Stupid Yamada! Who does he think he is?!’ I thought. ‘Why would I fall for him?!’

‘Don’t take it so hard Kim, or else you might really fall for me.’ His voice came again.

‘What the-! Even in my head he’s torturing me! Argh! What did I do to deserve this?!’

“Uh. . .Miss Yuri?” My teacher’s voice snapped me back to reality.
“Yes sensei?” I asked.
“Are you okay? Are you having trouble understanding the lesson?”

I laughed a little. “No I was just puzzled by the act of the characters of the story, regarding why they would kill themselves when they could leave on for their loved ones.” I lied.

‘Nice call Kim. Good thing you know this already.’ I thought with relief.

I saw my teacher smile. “Well there are people who would do anything just to be with their loved ones. . .” She started as I pretend to listen.

Iya da yo furasetari
Mujaki ni hito ni kobicha
Amakute suppai toko
Nokoe oite (SHADOU)

Finally it was lunch time. Thank God I don’t know if I could take this any longer. I stood up and started to leave the classroom.

“Kim-chan.” I hear Ryutaro calling my name.

I gave him a smile. “Matte, I’ll just get my lunch, I left it inside my locker.” And with that, I went on my way to my locker.
As soon as I arrived at my destination I opened my locker and took my lunch.

“Neh, Yuri-chan would you like to go with me later? I got a promo of all you can eat Ice cream at Ice paradise?” I hear a male voice from behind me.

I ly to find Akira Ijuuin from Class-B.

I smiled at him and shook my head. “No can do, as much as I love to I promised mom that I’ll be helping her today.”

He pouted like a puppy “Demo. . . it’s only due today.

I laughed at his action he was really adorable.

“Gomen but I really can’t.” I said to him. “maybe next time?”

And with that I started to walk away.

“Hey! Yuri-chan, you look pretty as always.” Takashi from Class- C complemented.
“Thanks.” I muttered with a smile. 
“Would you like to go out with me?” He had been bugging me ever since last week and wouldn’t stop.

I shook my head with a smile yet again and replied. “Not a chance.”

He put his arm around my shoulder. “Onegai.”

Mayonaka no KAUBOOI ni natte
Kimi ni kimi ni tsutaetai
http://music.yeucahat.com/song/Chinese-French/45497-Mayonaka-No-Shadow-Boy~Hey-Say-JUMP.html
Moji kimi ga nozomu no nara
Donna basho e mo tsureteiku

“She said no, are you deaf?” A voice came from behind us making him let go off me.

We turned our heads to the direction of the voice and found Yama-chan.

“Hey, Yamada sempai. I was just teasing Yuri-chan.”
“Doesn’t matter, if a girl says no it means “NO”. He said firmly.

Takashi pouted and walked off. “Geez, just because he’s a senior doesn’t meant he could ruin my fun.” I heard him mutter.

“Thanks.” I said turning to him. He only smiled at me. “No, problem anything for my best friend but next time please try not to hang-out with guys like him.”
I nodded and looked down shamefully.

I then felt someone messing my hair. “I’ll be going then.”

With that he proceeded on walking.

“Anou- YAMA-CHAN!” I called making him stop at his tracks.
“Hmmm?” He looked back at me.
“I. . .uh- Thank you again.” I said with a bow.
“No problem” I heard him followed by the sound of his footsteps fading.

‘W-What exactly happened?’ I ask myself filled with confusion. “Why did my body reacted on its own?’

Kocchi muite yo CHERRY
Socchi jaa nai CHERRY
Itsudemo negai wa todokanai

“Hey! Kim-chan what took you so long?” Ryutaro called out.

I gave him a weak smile as I sat beside him at our lunch table.

“Are you alright?” Ryu asked worriedly. “You look red, do you have a fever?”

He touched my forehead “Do you have a fever, you’re hot.”

I shook my head vigorously. “No, I’m fine it must’ve been the heat that’s all. Don’t worry Ryu-chan.” I said trying to calm him.

“Let’s just eat.” I tried to dismiss the subject.

“If you say so. . .just promise me you’ll go to the nurses office if you don’t feel well.”
“Yeah yeah I promise now please stop worrying my dear father.” I mumbled and ate.

Ryu only pouted at my answer making me laugh.

“It’s not funny.” He said with a serious tone.
“Sorry. . .you just look so adorable.”

A red crept on Ryu-chan’s face. “That reminds me. . .Kim-chan?”

“Yeah?” A asked with my eyes filled with innocence.
“Anou. . .I was wondering if I could talk to you later after class.”
“About what?”
“You’ll find out.”

I sighed heavily, once Ryu ended the conversation it can never be opened.

Acchi kocchi ni CHERRII
Docchi tsukazu CHERRII
Namae wo yobarete yuremadou

As class started I can’t help but grew curios even more regarding what Ryu’s going to say. The look on his face was really serious.

I prayed that class would end soon but at the same time not. Something in my mind said that it’s not something to get excited upon. I just hope that all would be okay.

As soon as the bell rang we waited till the classroom was empty until I and Ryu are the ones left.

“So-” I started.
“Daisuki.” I heard him say.
“Nani?”
“I said I like you.”

My heart stopped. “Uh I like you too, Ryu if that’s the only thing you’ll-“

“I didn’t mean like a friend I like you as even more.” He looked at me with a serious face.

I couldn’t feel anything now.

“R-Ryu-chan, I uhh. . .” I didn’t know what to say.

“I’m not waiting for an answer you could always tell me when you’ve thought about it.” Ryu didn’t look at me.

Dame da yo yasuuri shicha
Jirae shoubu shinakya
Marukute makka na hoho
Mottainai yo (SHADOU)

“Gomen Ryu-chan.” I muttered. “Demo, I really don’t think I could return your feelings.”

I said as a tear threatened to fall. He looked at me with broken face I could feel his pain. I don’t want to hurt him but I can’t let him hang on something that will never happen.

I know for a fact that it isn’t him and no matter how I try it will never be him.

“So, you’ve found someone then?” His voice came.

I looked at him dumbfounded. “Huh?”

“I guess you’ve found someone who occupied the space in our heart.”
“What do you mean I don’t-”
“Even if you try to hide it, I know and I can feel it Kim-chan. At least tell me.” He said before walking away.

My legs went weak making me sit on the floor as I sobbed from the events that had happened. ‘Why is it that had to happen so fast? Why me? Why him? Why now?’ I ask myself.

Mayonaka no kaboi ni natte 
Kimi wo kimi wo ubaitai 
Sono egao mamoru tame ni 
Inochi kakete mo kamawanai

I started to walk home. I felt numb I can’t believe all things had happened to me in just one day.

I didn’t know where my feet was taking me to but I let it guide me until eventually I stopped in a familiar place.

It was the park from 9 years ago.

I walked forward. ‘It seems to be the same as before.’ Nothing much changed except that it was old.

I sat at the old swings and tried to think of the recent events.

“You seemed down.” I heard a familiar voice. 
“What are you doing here?” I asked not looking at Yamada.
“I saw you came here so I followed, it’s dangerous for girls to walk home alone at this time.”

I saw him sitting at the swing beside mine.

“Don’t underestimate me I can protect myself.”
“Maybe you can, but you’re still forgetting something. . .you’re still a girl and you have weaknesses.”

I’m not in the mood to argue so I just let him talk.

Silence enveloped both of us until he decided to cut it off.

“It’s been 9 years, huh?”
My eyes widen. “What do you mean?”

“Since the day you left.”
“Nani?” I asked confused. It can’t be!

I saw him pout. “Don’t tell me you forgot. We made a promise under that tree that we’ll see each other after you came back and I gave you a necklace to seal it.”

‘He’s that boy?!’ I can’t believe what I’m hearing. ‘Yamada the JERK was the SWEET boy I met nine years ago?’

“Y-You’re that kid?” I asked.
“Yeah, I thought you knew.” He said getting confused as well.

I sighed heavily and let it all in, then found myself laughing.

“I can’t believe that the boy I had a crush on was just my best friend.”
“Crazy, right I- matte matte matte. . .did you just say you had a crush on me?” He asked with a smirk.

My jaw dropped ‘I didn’t just said that’

“I knew you had a thing for me.” He said with a wink.

Once again my jaw dropped.

“Argh! I can’t believe you’ve turned into such a jerk! Hmph!” I said and started to leave.

“Don’t worry so much. . .coz from that very same day I met you I knew I love you.”

My eyes widen and carefully turned to his direction, at that same moment I felt something soft touching my lips.

[R Y U T A R O]

I saw everything that happened and it felt like my heart just broke into a million pieces.

Smiling sadly at the couple. “To protect that smile, I’ll risk my life.” I muttered.

‘And if he’s the only one who can give you that smile then so shall be it.’ I walked away and disappeared from the darkness.

kizutsukezu ni aiai
kizutsukezu ni aiai
…………………………..OWARI…………………………

This is Kim Yuni's Request ^^