Chapter 41

“Waaaaah, congratulations on graduating,” said Iyori and clapped her hands while looking at her classmates, who all sent her a saddened, pitiful look in return.

“Iyori...”

“No, don’t look at me like that, I’ve come to terms with it already,” said Iyori and smiled even brighter. “It’s not the end of the world to redo a year. Just enjoy your graduation day!”

“Al... Alright,” said Minami, the tall girl standing right in front of Iyori. She took a step forward and gave her a tight hug, whereafter she quickly let go again.

“We’ll be rooting for you so keep doing your best,” said Minami and made a fist. “Ganbate!”

“Yes, ganbate,” said Iyori and did the same. “Now go, go celebrate your day.”

“Are you sure?” said Sayuri, the girl who was standing in the background, who now took a step forward. “You don’t want to come with us? We’re just gonna eat some meat and go sing karaoke.”

“No, I’m not really in the mood, and you know how poorly I sing,” said Iyori. “Really, just go and stop worrying about me.” All the girls nodded and slowly started making their way towards the entrance. As they left one by one, Minami was the last one to walk through the door, but as she did, she suddenly turned around and looked at Iyori again.

“Take care of the club, and study hard!” Iyori looked at Minami as she did her best to hold back the tears and Iyori gave a firm nod.

“I... I will...”

Iyori kept her smile on for as long as she could see the back of her friends walking away in the distance. It wasn’t until she felt something tickling her cheek she realized that her tears had long since started flowing. 

“Stupid,” she whispered to herself while covering her face. “It’s your own fault, what right do you have to be crying?”.

After picking herself up again and wiped the remaining tears away, Iyori packed her things and went home, but she didn’t stay for long. At the speed of light she went to her room, changed into her casual clothes, and went out again. It looked like most of her family members hadn’t even noticed her. 

Why would they? thought Iyori as she walked down the street.

All she wanted was to go far away. To a place where no one knew here. To a place where she wasn’t a failed student. A failed daughter. 

As far away as destiny would take her, or at least as far away as the train she hopped onto when it arrived at the station.

Sapporo station? read Iyori in her head as she looked at the destination on the train. She'd been there a few times, but it wasn’t really a city she frequented. Otaru was pretty big on its own, at least big enough that it had everything you needed. There was rarely a reason to go anywhere else, so maybe going to Sapporo would help change the pace.

The spring weather was perfect for a walk around the city, and Iyori was happy she had her phone and her gps, but Sapporo really was a lot bigger than she remembered it. 

After walking around in crowds for a long time, she searched her phone to find some sort of park, and not long after, she found herself in the huge area with beautiful green grass, flowers and trees, all creating a beautiful setting.

While looking around, she saw someone getting up from their seat on a bench and Iyori quickly moved over to sit down when the person had left. 

She closed her eyes for a second and took in a deep breath. The breeze, the smell of grass and the sun all made her pain go away, even if it was just for that one second.

“Excuse me, miss.” Iyori looked up when she heard a cute feminine voice call out to her.

“Ah I’m sorry, is this your seat,” said Iyori and was about to get up when the woman stopped her.

“No no, please stay seated,” said the woman. “Can I ask how old you are?”

“18?” said Iyori in a questioning manner. She looked at the woman more thoroughly. She was wearing a cute summer dress, high heels and had her curly hair put up in a pony tail. Her makeup looked like it was done by a professional and all in all, she looked stunning.

“Really? In that case, would you be interested in getting a part time job?” asked the woman.

“A part time job?” asked Iyori and the woman quickly held out a piece of paper towards her.

“We’re looking for girls around your age. You’re young and pretty. The job pays really well.” Iyori read the title; “Girlfriend for rent.”

“Um, I’m sorry, I’m not interested in things like this,” said Iyori and handed her the paper back, but the woman stopped her.

“Oh no, please don’t think this is anything indecent,” said the woman. “Our services are safe. Guys can rent us to go on a date with them. We act like their girlfriend, maybe even hold their hands, but that’s it. Any physical contact beyond that is strictly prohibited, you will never have to go somewhere with them where you have to be alone and you can keep your identity private.”

“Is that so?” said Iyori and suddenly pulled back her hand with the paper still in it. She looked over the paper for a while without saying anything, the woman still standing in front of her.

“Think about it, if you’re interested, please give us a call,” said the woman and pointed at the phone number at the bottom of the paper.

“Alright, I’ll think about it,” said Iyori and the woman nodded, whereafter she walked away. 

Iyori continued staring at the paper for several minutes. It seemed surreal, like something out of this world. How was she even considering something like that? What would her dad say? What about school? What about the future?

“Screw the future!” whispered Iyori to herself and took out her phone. She quickly typed in the number and held it to her ear.

“Yes hello, this is Iyori Mikami speaking. I’m calling in regards to your job opening. I’m very interested in working for you.”

***

Iyori stood while leaning against the door to the club room, looking at the empty room that was illuminated by the bright sun still high on the sky this late in the afternoon. Spring really had a come, a year had passed and Iyori still couldn’t grasp the reality. She looked down at her hand that was holding her graduation paper.

I guess it really is true, thought Iyori to herself with a smile on her lips. Minami, I kept my promise after all. 

A single tear found its way out of the corner of Iyori’s eye and down her cheek. She didn’t do anything about it, but just let it be while she stood there in silence.

“Iyori, what are you doing?” said Shuya and he approached Iyori as she quickly wiped away the tear.

“Wait, are you crying?”

“No,” said Iyori and looked away.

“You were crying!” said Shuya and laughed while nudging Iyori in the side. “Aw, who knew you had such a sensitive side to you.”

“Shut up...”

“IYORI!” the cry from the girl who was storming towards Iyori shocked both her and Shuya, but just a second later, she found herself attacked by the young girl. “CONGRATULATIONS.”

“You know, if you say congratulations while crying, it really doesn’t have the same effect,” said Iyori and laughed at Noriko.

“But... I can’t help it,” said Noriko and drew back a little. “I’m happy you were able to graduate, but I’m also sad you won’t be here next year.”

“At least we had a fun year together, didn’t we?” asked Iyori and Noriko nodded enthusiastically. 

“We... we did...” said Noriko.

“Wow wow wow, what’s going on here?” said Yusuke as he appeared out of nowhere. “Iyori, are you actually making people cry on your last day here?”

“What?”

“No, she didn’t–”

“I know, I’m just teasing,” said Yusuke and laughed. “But congratulations both of you. You actually made it through a month without breaking up or killing each other. That’s an accomplishment almost bigger than graduating itself.”

“Ha ha, very funny,” said Shuya. “That’s one thing I won’t miss, your horrible humor.”

“Don’t say that, I know you’ll miss it every day,” said Yusuke and swung his arm around Shuya’s neck. “But while we’re at it, please don’t go to University and forget all about it just because you get new friends.”

“What? How could I forget you, besides, you text me everyday!” said Shuya and got free from Yusuke’s grip.

“Of course I text you every day, that way I’ll be on your mind 24/7 and you won’t be taken away by some cool University guy.”

“You know, if someone heard this out of context, they would think Shuya is your boyfriend and not mine,” said Iyori and laughed.

“Yeah just laugh all you want, I’m sure you’re nervous about it as well,” said Yusuke.

“Well...”

“Oh would you stop, I’m not forgetting any of you. Iyori is my girlfriend and you, Yusuke, you’re my best friend. So just calm down.” All three looked at Shuya in awe from what he just said and Shuya just let out a sigh.

“Where are the others, I feel like I’m the only sane person here,” said Shuya.

“Did anyone call?” said Keiko as she appeared with Mei by her side.

“MEI! CONGRATULATIONS!” said Noriko and hugged Mei before she was able to blink twice.

“Noriko, thank you,” said Mei, a little surprised.

“She’s a little sentimental today,” said Iyori.

“Says the one who was shedding a tear just a moment ago,” said Shuya.

“What, Iyori was crying?” said Mei in shock.

“No, I got the sun in my eye,” said Iyori and looked away.

“That’s the worst excuse ever and you know it.”

“Now now, you two were doing so well, there’s no reason to start fighting on your graduation day,” said Keiko. “How about we go out and celebrate together? Us who didn’t graduate will get to say goodbye.”

“But I don’t want to say goodbye,” said Noriko with an expression as sad as before.

“So you don’t want to come?” asked Keiko and Noriko quickly shook her head.

“No I do...”

“Good, then we just have to figure out where we want to go,” said Keiko and looked around until her eyes landed on Shuya. “How about you decide.”

“Me?” said Shuya confused.

“Yes, that’s a good idea,” said Mei. “Since you’re the one who brought Iyori back to our club.”

“I... I don’t know if I can take all the credit for that,” said Shuya.

“You can and you know you want to,” said Iyori. “Just pick a place and let’s go, I’m starving.”

“Alright alright,” said Shuya and massaged his chin while thinking. Then suddenly, his eyes lit up and he looked at Iyori.

“What?” said Iyori

“You know...” whispered Shuya.

“I do?” asked Iyori but then continued. “Wait... you want to go there? But–”

“Come on, wouldn’t it be a nice way to end our High School days?”

“Mm... okay... as long as the others are okay with the distance,” said Iyori and looked at the others.

“Where are we going?” asked Noriko excited.

“If you’re up for it; Sapporo.”

***

Standing on the train to Sapporo with every member of the art club surely felt surreal, and Iyori had to pinch her arm every minute to make sure it wasn’t some dream or haze. Just like that day one year ago, once again she was making her way to Sapporo, but this time, she wasn’t alone.

Everyone followed in excitement as they walked down the streets of Sapporo, making their way past all kinds of stores and restaurants, until they made their way to the back alley and stood outside the small and worn out building. But even if the appearance didn’t do much, the smell and aroma surely made up for it.

“Come on, let’s go inside,” said Shuya and waved the rest along as he opened the door and heard the bell echoing as everyone stepped inside.

The place wasn’t really full, but wasn’t really empty either. At least they didn’t have to worry about finding a table for 6 people. 

“What is this place?” asked Keiko while looking around.

“This... is the place where Iyori and I had our first date,” said Shuya and everyone looked at him with their mouths agape.

“Oh my, if it isn’t!” a female voice made everyone turn their eyes and saw a large woman walking towards the group. “If it isn’t my favorite couple. It has been so long.”

“It... it has...” said Iyori, a little nervous and smiled at the owner. “I’m sorry we haven’t been here more often.”

“No no, that’s okay, I’m just happy to see you two still together,” said the owner and looked at Shuya and Iyori.

“It is a miracle,” whispered Keiko while the others quickly shushed her. The owner quickly took notice of foreign voices and looked at the people behind them.

“I see you brought your friends today, is it a special occasion?”

“Yes,” said Iyori proudly. “It’s our graduation day!”

“My my, that is wonderful!” exclaimed the owner. “I am so happy on your behalf, congratulations to you and everyone else who graduated. Come, let me find some seats for you.” The owner quickly showed them to a large table and started telling them about the menu. After ordering, the owner quickly went back to the kitchen and later on came back to serve the menus herself to the young people.

“Please enjoy, let me know if I can get you anything else,” said the owner.

“Thank you very much,” said Shuya and Iyori, the rest following behind.

When the owner had left, everyone started eating happily, hungry after the long day and the long commute.

“So this is where you had your first date,” said Keiko as she looked around. “I must say, it fits you, Iyori. But it doesn’t really fit you, Shuya.”

“I thought so too, but the food here is great and the owner is really sweet,” said Shuya.

“It’s so cute that the owner knows you personally,” said Noriko and looked at Shuya. “You must’ve come here a lot.”

“We did,” said Iyori with a sigh. “Although it was quite frustration in the beginning when we weren’t a real couple.”

“Man those were the good times,” said Shuya and laughed. “You were so easy to tick off but you couldn’t say anything because you had to pretend to be my loving girlfriend.” Iyori just rolled her eyes at Shuya who continued laughing and reminiscing about the past. It wasn’t until seconds later he noticed all the eyes on him.

“Wait... what are you talking about?” said Keiko.

“I am a little confused as well,” added Mei.

“I think we need the story from the beginning,” said Yusuke while Noriko nodded.

“I guess we over-spoke,” said Iyori and rubbed her neck.

“Yeah...” said Shuya. “Sorry about that.”

“No it’s fine, I guess we can tell them,” said Iyori and saw all the curious eyes completely focused on her. After putting down her cutlery, Iyori looked up and carefully explained the situation from the beginning. About her part time job, the first time she and Shuya were on a date, how he started tutoring her, about the stalker and about how they ended up actually falling in love.

“That... is the most romantic story I have ever heard!” said Noriko and held her red cheeks while shaking her heard in excitement. “I wish my love story will be just as romantic.”

“I don’t know if you should wish that,” said Yusuke. “It sounds awfully confusing and frustrating.”

“Most of the time, it was,” said Iyori. “But I guess all is well that ends well.” She looked at Shuya with a smile, which he quickly returned.

“But,” said Mei and looked at Iyori in concern. “What about this... stalker incident?”

“Well, I don’t know who the person is, but I guess he got bored of me,” said Iyori. “He hasn’t contacted me since I quit my job.”

“That’s good,” said Mei and Keiko nodded.

“Still, you should be careful,” continued Mei

“I will be,” said Iyori and then leaned back in the chair, letting out a huge sigh. “Man, that felt good to get out. I’m glad I told you all about it.”

“So are we,” said Mei and held Iyori’s hand. “I’m really glad we were able to have fun this last year of High School. I hope we can all stay in contact somehow.”

“We’ll try our best,” said Iyori. “But even if we can’t stay in touch as much as we want, we won’t forget each other, that much is certain.”

“You’re right,” said Mei and smiled.

“Now, enough with the sentimental stuff, let’s eat some more good food and have fun,” said Iyori and everyone nodded.

Hello everyone!

I don't know why I always have a chapter about graduation, but I think this is my favorite of all the ones I've written so far. The flashback to the year she didn't graduate was really fun to write, and it made for a great contrast to now. 

What did you think about the chapter? Please let me know your thoughts in the comments down below!

And of course, I hope you're all happy and healthy wherever you are. Take care of yourself and stay safe!

Love, Annalise~