Hmm, why isn't (F/N) picking up her phone... she's probably lost again. I let out a big sigh and text her instead.

Message: Shimizu (F/N)

Mika: "Where are you?! I've been trying to contact you all day! Please tell me you're not lost again. I already sent you a map of the school. I'll be at the courtyard, meet me there! :P"

*send*

Ah, I worry for this girl. I thought shaking my head.

I quickly go to the washroom to wash my hands. As I was washing, I stare into the into the mirror. I glance at my long dark, straight hair and tanned complexion. I have dark and long eyelashes and my pearly white teeth show through my irresistible smile.

Hmm, I wonder what (F/N)'s first class was like today.

I'm in her advanced biology class, but we're both first years. I wanted to be in health sciences like my mom, so I decided to be studious when it came to biology.

At least I have one class with (F/N), I don't want her to feel alone.

Exiting the bathroom, I went through my bag and take out my bento box. Now, time to find (F/N).

I head outside to courtyard and find her sitting under a tree.

"(F/N)!!!" I called out, but she didn't look towards my direction. Both her Airpods were in her ears as she stared blankly towards the open field.

Ah, she's doing it again.

"HEY!" I said pulling out one of her Airpods

"AH, MIKA!" she shouted. Her face pale and in shock.

"Tsk tsk, why didn't you answer my texts?!" I exclaimed, "I've been worried about you!"

"Ah, sorry Mika... I'm just not in the mood today" she muttered hugging her knees into chest.

Ah she's in her emo phase again. You bend down and sit beside her, opening your bento in your lap.

Itadakimasu.

I looked directly at (F/N) and observe her depressing expression on her face.

"Whats wrong (F/N)?"

"Huh, what do you mean?" she murmured nonchalantly

I sighed, "you're doing it again." I gestured with my chopsticks at her scrunched up figure.

"It's nothing..." she said weakly. She pauses and says,

"I think this b-boy--"

"OMG (F/N) has finally fallen in love?!" I exclaimed as rice is splattered all over my mouth

"NONONO!" she yells, then immediately slumps back into her curled position

You give out a small snort.

Haha well this is new. I've never seen (F/N) like before.

(F/N) continues, "I think I'm going to have a hard time..."

"NANI! Is he giving you hard time??? I will give him a piece of my mind!" I exclaimed with my fists tightly around my chopsticks.

I've always hated men. They were the enemy this world had to offer. Ever since my dad left for another woman, and left me with my mom and brother, I've always despised men. I'm heated just remembering the day he left.

"HM!" I say as you angrily scoff down your food. With my mouth full I said, "lef mi aaat hmmm!"

"What?" (F/N) says blinking her eyes in confusion. She gave me a weak smile but when she saw me struggling with my food, her smile became wider. She began to laugh. I gulp down my food and proclaimed,

"I said..." I clear my throat, "LET ME AT HIM!"

I noticed tears form in (F/N) eyes as she let out a bellowed laugh. She began to wipe away the tears and a goofy smiles forms on her lips.

"Thanks, I needed that" she sighed. She finally stretched out her legs, kicking the fresh grass with her heels.

I looked at your best friend and give a soft smile.

I need her more than she thinks.

I hear my parents screaming at each other. Things being thrown and the sound makes me flinch from the upstairs of my bedroom. Scared to death, I plead,

Make it stop.

I covered my ears and look out the window.

I want to escape from here.

Tears welled in my eyes, and I couldn't help but open the window. Wiping my tears away, I noticed my neighbour, (F/N), is staring straight at me. Our bedroom windows were at close proximity as they face each-other. She notices me crying and opens her window as well.

"Hey Mika!" She waved, "Wanna come over and play volleyball?"

She notices my teary eyes and scrunches a handkerchief in her hand. She threw it over with ease and I caught it.

"It'll get better Mika" she said meekly.

I wipe more tears from my face and look over in surprise as she starts crying too. The tears start falling down her pink cheeks. I stopped crying for a second, confused at her reaction.

"W-why are you crying (F/N)?" I said trying to hold back a sob.

"This is the first time I've seen you cry Mika... If you're hurt, I'm hurt too" she points defiantly at her chest with a weak smile on her lips. She was showing how much she cared about me. How important I am to her.

Looking down at the handkerchief, I realized she's right. I was always there for her, fighting bullies on the playground or defending her in class when a boy called her 'weird'. I was the supposed 'stronger one' in our friendship but, somehow the roles have changed just this once. I stare at (F/N). My once shy and timid friend was standing across the window, braver than ever. Braver than me.

"Come with your brother" (F/N) sniffled. "I'm sure he would want to come too. And say you have to return this." She tossed me her precious blue and yellow volleyball.

"I'll be right there" I said softly. I ran to your brother's room and head over to her house.

That's why you need her.

------ end p. 5-------