Chapter 49 Asanagi Umi and Amami Yuu (1)

It was around seven years ago that I, Asanagi Umi met Amami Yuu.

I was walking back home with my friends after school ended. I saw her small figure walking alone.

My first impression of her was that she was really pretty. She had long golden hair and fair skin.

As soon as I noticed her, I left my friends and approached her.

Hello.

Huh?

The girl suddenly trembled.

She looked like a squirrel, it was cute.

W-What?

The girls face looked like a doll. Her cheeks were round and plump, adding to her cuteness. Her clear blue eyes looked at me cautiously.

I thought that she was a foreigner, but she actually spoke perfect Japanese.

Well, that wasnt important.

Im Asanagi, Asanagi Umi. You?

Eh? Uhm I-Im Yuu Amami Yuu

Hello, Yuu-chan! What grade are you in?

Third grade I recently moved here

She was much shorter than me, so I assumed that she was younger, but we were actually the same age.

Speaking of which, I remembered my friends in another class told me that someone was transferring in.

So this girl was the new student?

Why are you walking alone? Where are your friends?

I dont have any friends

No friends?

Even though she was this cute? I thought she would gather everyones attention.

You see, before I transferred here, everyone avoided me because my hair and eye colors are different from everyone Maybe, everyone here will also treat me the same Im scared

That

Yuu told me about the school she transferred from and all the terrible things she experienced. Just hearing it was enough to make me angry.

Even if she looked different from everyone else, she didnt deserve to be treated like that.

Even though she was this cute.

If only I met her earlier, I would be able to protect her.

Fuuh, I see. Then, why dont we walk home together from now on?

Eh?

She stared at me with a confused look.

Why is she so surprised? She needs help, doesnt she? Isnt it natural for me to help her if thats the case?

Isnt it lonely, walking home alone like this? Or am I not good enough for you?

N-no, that isnt the case B-but are you sure?

Of course! What are you hesitating for?

I mean, if everyone were to see you hanging out with me, Asanagi-san will be

Its fine~ Dont worry about me.

I took her hands and wrapped it tightly with my own. She was startled, but I didnt let go of her hand.

Even if everyone avoids me, I wont be alone! I mean, Ill have you, after all, no?

Asanagi-san!

You can call me Umi, in return, Ill call you Yuu.

I had already made up my mind when I decided to approach her and talk to her.

I would never let her be all alone.

Hey, Yuu.

What is it, Umi-chan?

Can you smile for me~?

Ehh?? B-but, thats embarrassing

Please ~ Just this once ~ Do it for me, please. I want to see your cute smile!

U-uu Then, just this once, okay?

And so, in that empty alleyway, Yuu showed me an awkward smile.

Cute

As soon as I saw it, I unconsciously blurted that out.

And at the same time, I thought of something.

Her gloomy expression didnt suit her, she should never show that expression ever again.

Instead, she should show everyone her angelic smile.

Then, lets go home together, Yuu.

Yes, Umi-chan.

You can drop the honorifics, Yuu.

Eh? T-then Umi

Yes, like that. You called my name correctly, good girl, good girl~

Ehehe

From then on, Yuu and I became friends.

This was where it all began.

* * *

The next day, I immediately introduced Yuu to my other friends.

They were Nitori Sanae and Houjou Manaka. The three of us had been especially close since we started grade school and we usually went to school together.

Cmon, Yuu.

B-but

Dont worry, they are both good girls, just like me~

If Umi says so

I wondered if it was a good idea to introduce her to my other friends. But I decided that it should be fine, and if I were to do it, the sooner the better. Currently, Yuu was very attached to me. If I let her act like this for a long time, she might stop trying to make more friends altogether and become overly dependent on me.

I wanted to spend as much time with her as possible, but I couldnt be there all the time. I had my own life after all.

That was why I decided to introduce her to my friends. The more friends she had, the less lonely she would be.

My name is Amami Yuu Im from class 3-1 Nice to meet you

Yes, nice to meet you too, Yuu-chan!

Yuu-chan, youre so pretty! So cute!

Of course both Sanae and Manaka accepted her. Well, I discussed about this with both of them beforehand, but who cares~

Good for you, Yuu ~

Mm! Thank you, Umi! Thanks to you, I made more friends!

Well, I didnt do much, dont mind it.

Not trying to brag, but I had a lot of friends. I hung out with Sanae and Manaka the most, but I also had friends in other classes as well.

If I let her enter my circle of friends, everyone would be able to get along well and have fun with her and she wouldnt get lonely easily.

And I was right about that.

Ehehe ~ Umi, Sana-chan, Mana-chan ~ This way, this way ~!

Yuu started to smile more often in front of everyone. She steadily regained the confidence that shed lost, back when she was isolated in her previous school.

Just as Id hoped, she was finally able to show her angelic smile freely.

Up to that point, everything went as planned. As I stood next to her, I felt proud to see her growing as time went by.

Up to that point, everything went well.

Up to that point yeah