2 Beginnings - A.M.

The school was entering the second week after the orientation period ended. No more we see students going to school wearing unique accessories other than their old elementary uniform. Same goes for Sonia. Now wrapped with white uniform, long blue skirt, this was the first time she wore a uniform properly as a junior high school student. Not to mention her home was close to the school, so more reason for her to go there.

"Oi, Sonia!"

A girl with black short hair waved her hand while running towards Sonia. Just when Sonia was about to turn, she already rammed Sonia directly on her back and both of them almost tripped.

"Tami, get off! You're heavy and stop jumping on me like that!" Sonia complained while trying to get off of the girl's bearhug. What she did was the opposite.

"Hihihi, my hug pillow. I miss you so much. Ah, what a wonderful feeling." Hearing that made Sonia cringed and definitely wanted to get away as far as possible so people wouldn't think her as a weirdo.

"Who would want to become your hug pillow! Didn't we already see each other last week?"

"Last week is last week! I'm running out on my Soniadium supply for 2 days! So, let's stay together today!"

Sonia let out a sigh while trying to walk even by dragging herself. Actually, she was glad that they could still go to the same school, though not as classmates.

"What're you talking about? You mean 3 years, right? We can go to school together from now on, Tam." Tami's breath was caught. She was so touched, her tears fell out and she hugged Sonia even tighter.

"Sonia! I love you so much!" Sonia however, had none of that for now.

"LET ME GOOOOO!"

Utami or Tami for short is Sonia's friend from her course class in preparation for the exam. They went to a different school but often assigned to the same class so they quickly became friends. She used to play basketball and she was taller than Sonia, much to Sonia's dismay.

Once they entered the school building, Sonia scanned her surroundings. New students were greetings other students as well as the seniors, sports club were having morning practices and a completely different atmosphere from her old school. Sadly, not many of her old friends from her elementary went here, so she felt a bit lonely.

"Son? Hello?" A confused Utami snapped Sonia out from her daze. Sonia shook her head and went in immediately.

"It's nothing!"

"Hey! Wait for me!"

From afar, a twin-tailed girl was chewing her chocolate bread while looking at Sonia and Utami. A chuckle escaped her thin lips. Once she finished, she followed suit as she throws a bullseye inside of the trash can.

---

Sonia was trying her best to keep herself awake. She had to pass all subjects if she wants to continue playing football as a deal with her mother. That was why she paid attention to lessons seriously. After what seemed like forever, it was finally lunch break. Sonia laid her head on the table, her eyes felt soulless and her brains burnt out.

"So hard. Can I really pass all of them?" Sonia mumbled her complaint continuously, she didn't notice a girl was approaching her desk. Suddenly, she slammed her fist on Sonia's table until Sonia blurted nonsensical words.

"??!!!"

"Hahaha! Yahoo Sonia!" The girl laughed wholeheartedly, satisfied by the reaction of Sonia. She wiped her tears before properly greeted Sonia. Sonia however, was mad by her act and she got her by the collar then shook her body.

"'Yahoo Sonia!' my foot! You scared me to death! Just right after math..."

"Alright... alright... I'm sorry..." Sonia stopped shaking the girl. The girl collected herself then tidied up her uniform.

"It's still morning girl, cheer up! If you're hungry, come with me to the cafeteria."

"Not in a mood, Jasmin. Just go alone."

"Heeh... c'mon Son! How could you leave your helpless friend alone? What if some creepy dudes flirt with me?" whined Jasmin while pulling Sonia sleeves, sadly Sonia didn't move an inch. Sonia actually wasn't planning to go, but seeing Jasmin on the verge of crying, she eventually gave out. She got up from her seat and hold Jasmin's hand.

"We're going or not?" Jasmin face lit up once more and she practically dragged Sonia all the way to the cafeteria. They knew each other since the orientation period and had been good friends ever since. Jasmin was pretty much Sonia's only friend in her class.

Jasmin greeted Sonia when she saw her left alone without a partner during games. Sonia knew no one since her friends all in a different class. Unlike her, Jasmin was the only student attending Melati junior high. She used to meet different kinds of people; when she looked at Sonia, she decided that she would talk and befriend her. Despite the usual antics, they liked hanging out with each other.

After leaving the cafeteria, they found a nice place to eat their snacks. Jasmin ate her bread then asked Sonia.

"Son, are you sure you wanna join the football team?"

"Of course! That's one of the reasons why I enrolled here."

"Is that so? Well, I heard some rumors about the team. They are weak and last year, after the team lost so bad in the preliminary round; most of its main players left." Sonia snorted at that statement.

"Min, I want to join the team whether they are weak or strong. Doesn't matter to me. Even if the rumors are right and the players quit, they were present during the display event last week."

Jasmin tried to remember the event and if her memory was right, the team didn't look like they are lacking members. Not sure about the weak part, but Sonia already told her she didn't care.

"Up to you then. You're the one who wants to join, not me."

"Kay." Sonia and Jasmin continued their meal time before going back to class. They also looked around the school building while heading back.

"For a junior high, it's so large and spacious. There are so many rooms and facilities." Said Jasmin, while gazing around the school area. Sonia nodded in agreement.

"Can't argue with that. Studying here for three years, perhaps not so bad after all."

"Duh! What are you even saying?" Jasmin tapped on Sonia's shoulders then the two giggling at their conversation. Jasmin was walking backward until they reached the crossroad to their class. Sonia realized someone was approaching and tried to warn Jasmin.

"Watch out!"

Unfortunately, she was too late. Jasmin collided with the person. Each companion tried to help their respective friend.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't see you!" Jasmin realized she just hit an upperclassman. She apologized nonstop as she looked the girl's face's covered with ice cream. The girl ran through her fingers on it and she saw the white gelato on her finger. She glanced at Jasmin, then approached her. She lifted her finger which made Jasmin closed her eyes in fear.

"Eeep!"

But instead a flick of finger or jab, she felt a cold and soft sensation on her forehead. She slowly opened her eyes to see the girl was smearing her face with the ice cream. Their eyes met for a moment. The girl's gaze was tranquil, calm, and no trace of anger. She even laughed at the sight of her 'masterpiece'.

"This hall is close to the stairs, next time walk properly okay?" Her voice was so smooth, so was her skin as her hand currently squeezing Jasmin's hand. She let go shortly after, before waving the two freshmen goodbye. Her friend followed suit then she gave her a handkerchief. Jasmin opened up her palm to see a purple handkerchief. She raised her head to see the girl winked at her. Jasmin froze in an instant.

"Min? Earth to Jasmin?" Sonia waved her hand in front of Jasmin. Sadly, there was no reaction. She thought of something for a second, clapped her hands as she found an idea. She moved aside, before screaming as loud as she could.

"JAAAAASMIIIIIN!"

It was so loud, the upperclassmen who were ahead turned around to see Jasmin jumped in surprise and fell to the floor. Sonia was laughing at the sight.

"SONIA!!" An embarrassed and angry Jasmin chased down Sonia.

"Hahahaha!" Seeing her face white with cream made Sonia laugh louder and she still didn't stop while running from her.

"What are those two doing. Risma, clean your face first before it gets sticky!" The girl told Risma to clean up. Risma nodded.

"Cute juniors, aren't they?" she whispered as she wiped her face with the handkerchief.