Chapter 1- Sora Sendo
Drenched in sweat I bolt up right from my bed, I had woken up from yet another nightmare.
It was the middle of summer and the rainy season was just beginning, lifting my arms I could feel the weight increase due to the summer mugginess caused by the typhoons that had passed.
I rubbed my eyes filled wiping away the morning gunk.
Looking around my room in a daze I had noticed the window was still open from last night. It was unfortunate that my air conditioner had to break at a time when I really need it.
“Even with the window open it doesn’t make it any cooler…”
I turned my attention to the clock I had above my doorway.
“5:01 am…”
It was still early but in order for me to make it to school in time this is when I had to wake up. Like routine I proceeded with preparing for school, so I hopped out of bed making to first stop of the morning.
Washing my face first then onto brushing and maintaining my teeth was always a priority to me.
Walking into the dark living room I brushed my left hand against the wall to get a feel for the light switch.
I had been living alone for the past five years after I moved out of the orphanage. An older woman had found me wandering in the desert that bordered the north part of Chin Lee. My life before then was always hazy even the people at the orphanage don’t know where I lived before.
I’m really glad that I am no longer living there; mornings for me would consist of greeting those who despised me and seeing their fake smiles.
Flipping on the switch the room fills with light making easier for me to prepare for my mornings. Living in the outskirts of the city benefited me a lot with not dealing with many people.
I walked into the kitchen and prepared my usual morning breakfast. Ham, eggs and hash-browns were always on my morning menu.
I never get tired of this meal, feeling better than before I start to hum a single tune. I don’t know where I heard of this song but I constantly hum it when I am in a good mood.
“Ah… that was good.”
Finishing up breakfast I start cleaning the table, making my way to the kitchen I notice the clock above the refrigerator.
“5:42 am”
It was almost time to head out so I began to put on the school uniform which I had left on the couch. It didn’t matter where I dressed for school so I always did so in the living room.
“Guess I’ll pick up my lunch on the way.” I say out loud filling the silent that fills these walls.
Grabbing the bike keys I made way to the front entrance heading outside. Gazing at the hidden horizon I am able to see the sun rays peeking over the mountain summit.
I take in a deep breath filling my lungs with fresh mountain air, “Okay…”
Hopping on the motorcycle I proceeded into the woods which were the only entrance to my home. Since I lived outside of the city it took me an hour to make it onto the school campus.
School always began at 8 o’clock in the morning but I always made sure to arrive earlier than schedule.
As for the motorcycle it was given to me by the previous owner of the cabin I am currently residing in.
When I first received the bike there were some minor adjustments needed to be made. I am proud of this bike because it was put together with my very hands by learning from city library.
Finally reaching the end of the forest I was now entering the city limit of Chin Lee, that’s when the sun was now above the mountain peak. Upon entering the city there was a place I had always made a stopped by the pick up my school lunch.
“Finally here…”
The roads are still empty around this time of day only the passing of the paper boy on his bicycle owned the road.
I park my bike out front and look at the time on my watch. “7:28 am… guess I shouldn’t have taken the scenic route.” I thought out loud while looking up at the sign above the entrance.
The shop is call “Bold Wings” which was run by and old man who has been taking care of his two grandchildren.
The eldest grandson works along side his grandfather while the youngest granddaughter goes to the same school as me.
The sliding doors and I am greeted by the owner who is a six foot tall old man with a strong build. Never one for pleasantries I walk through the aisles grabbing my lunch.
Looking around I noticed the grandson was nowhere to be found, he was always here to give me beef over talking to his sister who ran the shop in the morning. Come to think of it she isn’t here in the store as well.
“Hmm…” I think to myself trying to decide on what I should drink today.
Making my decision I head to the counter purchasing my lunch and headed out the store not saying a word as usual.
Walk up to the bike I open the saddle bag placing my purchase there for the ride.
“Excuse me sonny…” A rugged voice calls to me from behind.
Turning around I notice the old man with the smug smile on his face. He continued to walk up to me as I take a defensive stance.
“I noticed you go to the same school as my granddaughter…”
He spoke to me in an informal way, but I didn’t mind and continued to listened keeping up my guard.
“My granddaughter is running late, can I ask for your assistance to take her to class so that she isn’t late?”
“Eh?”
Thrown for a loop it had taken me sometime to think before agreeing to his demand by nodding in agreement.
While talking to him I noticed a slim figure standing behind him.
“Oh, here she is… say hello Mai mai.” The old man spoke for her.
At a glance she looked like she was 152 cm tall she had a slim figure as well. If I had to guess her size I would say her bust was 74 cm a waist of 50 cm and her hips 73 cm. Her eyes were turquoise and she had wavy brown hair.
She walked up to me with her arms in front holding onto a little cyan colored bag.
“H-hello… and um… t-thank you for the ride…” she gave me a light bow.
Her voice sounded soft and angelic as she fidgeted with the little bag she was holding onto. When she looked back up making eye contact that was when my heart skipped a beat.
My face flushed as I quickly turned to the bike reaching for an extra helmet. Avoiding exposing my beet red face I handed her the extra helmet.
“Here… it’s going to be windy.”
“…T-thank you.”
She reached for the helmet; her hand gently grazed mine as she took it from my hands. Still keeping my face from her I dug in the saddle bag taking out the extra bike mask I had. This mask was custom although it looked like a simple paint ball mask.
“…get on…” I said adjusting my mask.
She pulled the helmet over her face and walked over to the bike first. Lifting up her skirt to get onto the bike I was able to catch a glimpse of her legs from my straying eyes.
“I, um… I never have ridden on a motorcycle before… what should I do?” Fidgeting again she mumbles lightly making it hard for me to hear her. Thanks to my keen hearing I was able to hear her just fine.
I sat down on the bike, “…grab a hold of my waist and hang on… just lean into me and you’ll be fine…” giving her an order I started the bike.
“You take care Mai Mai… remember that you don’t have shop duty today.”
“Okay, grandpa.”
She didn’t hesitate answering to him… can’t be helped this is the first time we’re going to school together.
“You ready? I’m going to be driving at my usual pace so don’t be afraid.…”
“…O-okay.”
Embarrassed at first she only leaned onto my back but as we started moving she hugged my body with all her might.
The old man waved to me and his granddaughter as we turned onto the road.
When we hit the freeway I was thinking of why the old man had enough trust to make his granddaughter ride to school with me. Concentrating on the road ahead I picked up the pace and revved up the engine.
“7:42 am… looks like we made it on time.” I said out loud while seeing the school in front of us.
Riding the bike onto the school grounds I parked right next to the bicycle lot by the gym. Shutting off the engine I noticed she was still holding tightly onto my waist. My face started to flush once more.
“…We’re here now, you can let go…” I said removing the mask.
She released her tight grip on me and jumped back. Getting off first I extended out my right hand and helped her off the bike. Her hand was soft like a mochi cake, holding her hand for that moment made my heart jump once more.
I quickly turned back to the bike and opened the saddle bag replacing the mask with the lunch I had bought earlier.
“Um… I, uh…” she began to fidget again.
“…Its okay, this is all I could do to help.”
Just conversing with her for a bit started to attract attention to us. A group of students began to gather at the front entrance their faces edging closer to each other. The girls in the crowd began to start their gossip while the sound of tongues clicking could be heard from the guys.
It looks like I will be the talk of the school now, I thought to myself while scratching my head.
This is expected because I was immediately labeled a delinquent when I arrived at this school. I don’t know where or how the rumors started but I always hated hearing about all the lies coming from the crowds.
Before I was able to take the criticism, now I can’t stand by idly not while there is an innocent person who had just arrived with me to school.
Dropping the plastic bag that carried my lunch I made my way to the crowd of the students gathered at the school’s entrance.
“Not this time…” I said clenching my fist.
It was instinct to stick up for myself at times like these… I guess this is one of the reasons I am labeled a delinquent.
I pointed my left index finger to the crowd, “I don’t want to hear anything of this, she is a student that needed help on making it to class on time.”
Turning their faces to each other and back to me I am greeted by their fake smiles again.
I left it at that and headed back to my bike only to hear their true words they were afraid to say to my face.
“Seriuously?”
“Uwaah… so scary"
“Don’t look at him.”
Continuing to walk away from the crowd the anger inside began to bubble… I hate it when this happens this is why I prefer to be alone. This was no exception from this school; it seemed like everywhere I went there were always bad rumors that would start behind my back.
“Um… excuse me…”A faint voice called out to me.
I noticed the girl riding with me still had the helmet on her head. Go ahead… hate me just like to others, thinking to myself with closed eyes I waited for her response.
“T-the helmet… I can’t take it off on my own.”
“Eh?”
I opened my eyes and saw her innocent eyes looking at mine, this threw me off my guard. Not saying a word I helped her take the helmet off.
“…Thank you.”
“…You’re going to be late…” I said in a monotone voice while locking up the bike.
Turning around once more I reached for the bag of lunch on the floor and started walking away. The school entrance was now void of the students from before.
“M-Mai!” Mai shouted to me from behind.
I halted and turned around expecting to hear something more.
“My name is Mai Yagami… I want to thank you for the ride… I’m sorry for the trouble my grandfather and I put you through as well as what just happened.”
Mai bowed her head and went silent once more, she walked past me not making a single eye contact. With that expression she seemed on the verge of tears.
“S-sora… Sora Sendo” I spoke without hesitation.
Stopping in her tracks Mai turned and looked back at me. As expected I could see the tears lightly gathered around her eyes.
I did the right thing and told her my name…right?
Walking her direction I patted her on the head continuing my way to the entrance of the building.
“It’s no trouble at all… just be sure you’re not late for class okay, Mai?”
“Okay…” from her tone it sounded like Mai was feeling better.
I started to walk again that’s when I heard her footsteps advance towards me… it seems Mai was trying to catch up to my pace. Looking at the clock above the school I saw it was now 7:56 am… I wasted time on the other students trying to explain myself.
“…thank you…” her gentle voice called.
“No problem…”
It seemed like when I was around her my face would always become flushed.
With nothing more to say we made our way towards our classes.
<End>
Drenched in sweat I bolt up right from my bed, I had woken up from yet another nightmare.
It was the middle of summer and the rainy season was just beginning, lifting my arms I could feel the weight increase due to the summer mugginess caused by the typhoons that had passed.
I rubbed my eyes filled wiping away the morning gunk.
Looking around my room in a daze I had noticed the window was still open from last night. It was unfortunate that my air conditioner had to break at a time when I really need it.
“Even with the window open it doesn’t make it any cooler…”
I turned my attention to the clock I had above my doorway.
“5:01 am…”
It was still early but in order for me to make it to school in time this is when I had to wake up. Like routine I proceeded with preparing for school, so I hopped out of bed making to first stop of the morning.
Washing my face first then onto brushing and maintaining my teeth was always a priority to me.
Walking into the dark living room I brushed my left hand against the wall to get a feel for the light switch.
I had been living alone for the past five years after I moved out of the orphanage. An older woman had found me wandering in the desert that bordered the north part of Chin Lee. My life before then was always hazy even the people at the orphanage don’t know where I lived before.
I’m really glad that I am no longer living there; mornings for me would consist of greeting those who despised me and seeing their fake smiles.
Flipping on the switch the room fills with light making easier for me to prepare for my mornings. Living in the outskirts of the city benefited me a lot with not dealing with many people.
I walked into the kitchen and prepared my usual morning breakfast. Ham, eggs and hash-browns were always on my morning menu.
I never get tired of this meal, feeling better than before I start to hum a single tune. I don’t know where I heard of this song but I constantly hum it when I am in a good mood.
“Ah… that was good.”
Finishing up breakfast I start cleaning the table, making my way to the kitchen I notice the clock above the refrigerator.
“5:42 am”
It was almost time to head out so I began to put on the school uniform which I had left on the couch. It didn’t matter where I dressed for school so I always did so in the living room.
“Guess I’ll pick up my lunch on the way.” I say out loud filling the silent that fills these walls.
Grabbing the bike keys I made way to the front entrance heading outside. Gazing at the hidden horizon I am able to see the sun rays peeking over the mountain summit.
I take in a deep breath filling my lungs with fresh mountain air, “Okay…”
Hopping on the motorcycle I proceeded into the woods which were the only entrance to my home. Since I lived outside of the city it took me an hour to make it onto the school campus.
School always began at 8 o’clock in the morning but I always made sure to arrive earlier than schedule.
As for the motorcycle it was given to me by the previous owner of the cabin I am currently residing in.
When I first received the bike there were some minor adjustments needed to be made. I am proud of this bike because it was put together with my very hands by learning from city library.
Finally reaching the end of the forest I was now entering the city limit of Chin Lee, that’s when the sun was now above the mountain peak. Upon entering the city there was a place I had always made a stopped by the pick up my school lunch.
“Finally here…”
The roads are still empty around this time of day only the passing of the paper boy on his bicycle owned the road.
I park my bike out front and look at the time on my watch. “7:28 am… guess I shouldn’t have taken the scenic route.” I thought out loud while looking up at the sign above the entrance.
The shop is call “Bold Wings” which was run by and old man who has been taking care of his two grandchildren.
The eldest grandson works along side his grandfather while the youngest granddaughter goes to the same school as me.
The sliding doors and I am greeted by the owner who is a six foot tall old man with a strong build. Never one for pleasantries I walk through the aisles grabbing my lunch.
Looking around I noticed the grandson was nowhere to be found, he was always here to give me beef over talking to his sister who ran the shop in the morning. Come to think of it she isn’t here in the store as well.
“Hmm…” I think to myself trying to decide on what I should drink today.
Making my decision I head to the counter purchasing my lunch and headed out the store not saying a word as usual.
Walk up to the bike I open the saddle bag placing my purchase there for the ride.
“Excuse me sonny…” A rugged voice calls to me from behind.
Turning around I notice the old man with the smug smile on his face. He continued to walk up to me as I take a defensive stance.
“I noticed you go to the same school as my granddaughter…”
He spoke to me in an informal way, but I didn’t mind and continued to listened keeping up my guard.
“My granddaughter is running late, can I ask for your assistance to take her to class so that she isn’t late?”
“Eh?”
Thrown for a loop it had taken me sometime to think before agreeing to his demand by nodding in agreement.
While talking to him I noticed a slim figure standing behind him.
“Oh, here she is… say hello Mai mai.” The old man spoke for her.
At a glance she looked like she was 152 cm tall she had a slim figure as well. If I had to guess her size I would say her bust was 74 cm a waist of 50 cm and her hips 73 cm. Her eyes were turquoise and she had wavy brown hair.
She walked up to me with her arms in front holding onto a little cyan colored bag.
“H-hello… and um… t-thank you for the ride…” she gave me a light bow.
Her voice sounded soft and angelic as she fidgeted with the little bag she was holding onto. When she looked back up making eye contact that was when my heart skipped a beat.
My face flushed as I quickly turned to the bike reaching for an extra helmet. Avoiding exposing my beet red face I handed her the extra helmet.
“Here… it’s going to be windy.”
“…T-thank you.”
She reached for the helmet; her hand gently grazed mine as she took it from my hands. Still keeping my face from her I dug in the saddle bag taking out the extra bike mask I had. This mask was custom although it looked like a simple paint ball mask.
“…get on…” I said adjusting my mask.
She pulled the helmet over her face and walked over to the bike first. Lifting up her skirt to get onto the bike I was able to catch a glimpse of her legs from my straying eyes.
“I, um… I never have ridden on a motorcycle before… what should I do?” Fidgeting again she mumbles lightly making it hard for me to hear her. Thanks to my keen hearing I was able to hear her just fine.
I sat down on the bike, “…grab a hold of my waist and hang on… just lean into me and you’ll be fine…” giving her an order I started the bike.
“You take care Mai Mai… remember that you don’t have shop duty today.”
“Okay, grandpa.”
She didn’t hesitate answering to him… can’t be helped this is the first time we’re going to school together.
“You ready? I’m going to be driving at my usual pace so don’t be afraid.…”
“…O-okay.”
Embarrassed at first she only leaned onto my back but as we started moving she hugged my body with all her might.
The old man waved to me and his granddaughter as we turned onto the road.
When we hit the freeway I was thinking of why the old man had enough trust to make his granddaughter ride to school with me. Concentrating on the road ahead I picked up the pace and revved up the engine.
“7:42 am… looks like we made it on time.” I said out loud while seeing the school in front of us.
Riding the bike onto the school grounds I parked right next to the bicycle lot by the gym. Shutting off the engine I noticed she was still holding tightly onto my waist. My face started to flush once more.
“…We’re here now, you can let go…” I said removing the mask.
She released her tight grip on me and jumped back. Getting off first I extended out my right hand and helped her off the bike. Her hand was soft like a mochi cake, holding her hand for that moment made my heart jump once more.
I quickly turned back to the bike and opened the saddle bag replacing the mask with the lunch I had bought earlier.
“Um… I, uh…” she began to fidget again.
“…Its okay, this is all I could do to help.”
Just conversing with her for a bit started to attract attention to us. A group of students began to gather at the front entrance their faces edging closer to each other. The girls in the crowd began to start their gossip while the sound of tongues clicking could be heard from the guys.
It looks like I will be the talk of the school now, I thought to myself while scratching my head.
This is expected because I was immediately labeled a delinquent when I arrived at this school. I don’t know where or how the rumors started but I always hated hearing about all the lies coming from the crowds.
Before I was able to take the criticism, now I can’t stand by idly not while there is an innocent person who had just arrived with me to school.
Dropping the plastic bag that carried my lunch I made my way to the crowd of the students gathered at the school’s entrance.
“Not this time…” I said clenching my fist.
It was instinct to stick up for myself at times like these… I guess this is one of the reasons I am labeled a delinquent.
I pointed my left index finger to the crowd, “I don’t want to hear anything of this, she is a student that needed help on making it to class on time.”
Turning their faces to each other and back to me I am greeted by their fake smiles again.
I left it at that and headed back to my bike only to hear their true words they were afraid to say to my face.
“Seriuously?”
“Uwaah… so scary"
“Don’t look at him.”
Continuing to walk away from the crowd the anger inside began to bubble… I hate it when this happens this is why I prefer to be alone. This was no exception from this school; it seemed like everywhere I went there were always bad rumors that would start behind my back.
“Um… excuse me…”A faint voice called out to me.
I noticed the girl riding with me still had the helmet on her head. Go ahead… hate me just like to others, thinking to myself with closed eyes I waited for her response.
“T-the helmet… I can’t take it off on my own.”
“Eh?”
I opened my eyes and saw her innocent eyes looking at mine, this threw me off my guard. Not saying a word I helped her take the helmet off.
“…Thank you.”
“…You’re going to be late…” I said in a monotone voice while locking up the bike.
Turning around once more I reached for the bag of lunch on the floor and started walking away. The school entrance was now void of the students from before.
“M-Mai!” Mai shouted to me from behind.
I halted and turned around expecting to hear something more.
“My name is Mai Yagami… I want to thank you for the ride… I’m sorry for the trouble my grandfather and I put you through as well as what just happened.”
Mai bowed her head and went silent once more, she walked past me not making a single eye contact. With that expression she seemed on the verge of tears.
“S-sora… Sora Sendo” I spoke without hesitation.
Stopping in her tracks Mai turned and looked back at me. As expected I could see the tears lightly gathered around her eyes.
I did the right thing and told her my name…right?
Walking her direction I patted her on the head continuing my way to the entrance of the building.
“It’s no trouble at all… just be sure you’re not late for class okay, Mai?”
“Okay…” from her tone it sounded like Mai was feeling better.
I started to walk again that’s when I heard her footsteps advance towards me… it seems Mai was trying to catch up to my pace. Looking at the clock above the school I saw it was now 7:56 am… I wasted time on the other students trying to explain myself.
“…thank you…” her gentle voice called.
“No problem…”
It seemed like when I was around her my face would always become flushed.
With nothing more to say we made our way towards our classes.
<End>