1 Chapter "Beginning Of Something Unforgettable"

Hamlyn's voice resonated through the house as he called out, "Mom, have you seen my socks?"

His mother's voice floated back, "Hamlyn, you're always misplacing your socks. Hurry and check with your brother. Maybe he has a spare pair."

Rushing to his brother’s room, Hamlyn burst in, asking, "Ullmar, do you happen to have an extra pair of socks? Mine seem to have gone missing.”

As Ullmar packed his bag, he replied, "I don't, and even if I did, I wouldn't waste them on you."

"Can I still search your room for my missing sock?" Hamlyn countered.

Ullmar nodded, cautioning, "Go ahead, but make sure you don't make a mess in my room.”

Hamlyn smiled and started searching for his socks in Ullmar's room.

"So, it's your first day at high school. Best of luck to you," Ullmar remarked.

Grinning gratefully, Hamlyn replied, "Thanks."

"As your senior and elder brother, I have some important advice for you,” Ullmar continued.

"Yeah, go on, I'm listening," Hamlyn prompted while searching.

"There are some guys in our school you should avoid. I know you won't break your promise," Ullmar teased with a smile. "And if anything unusual happens, just give me a call. I'll come to protect you."

Hamlyn met his brother's gaze "Understood, I will," he affirmed. They exchanged a silent stare.

"Boys, it's time to leave! And Hamlyn, I found your socks," echoed their mom's voice from downstairs.

With their bags slung over their shoulders, the brothers hurried down the stairs. Later on both brothers reached the school.

"Here we are. I'm off to my class now. Best of luck once more," Ullmar pointed out upon arrival at school, walking away after a nod from Hamlyn.

Taking a deep breath, Hamlyn strolled forward, stealing a glance at his watch. "Looks like there's still some time before class," he mused, spotting a bench nearby where he settled to read his book.

Moments later, a playful punch landed on Hamlyn's shoulder, accompanied by the familiar voice of Fredy, his middle school buddy. "Hey, there you are, I was looking for you."

"Hey, Fredy, how's everything?" Hamlyn greeted casually.

"All's good, but it's a bit disappointing not being in the same class," Fredy replied.

"Ah, you've checked already?" Hamlyn asked.

Fredy nodded. "Yeah, that's sad, but we'll still manage to catch up during breaks.” Hamlyn nods

"By the way, did you know you're in the top-tier class? Your class is filled with high achievers; it's like the hub of brilliance,” Fredy remarked.

"Seriously? Why does this keep happening to me? That way I'll never be able to come out on top," Hamlyn sighed, disheartened.

"Looks like our class is about to start. Catch you later at break," Fredy said, exchanging a nod and a fist bump with Hamlyn before heading to his own classroom.

Entering his own classroom, Hamlyn scanned the room, observing the approximately forty students gathered there. Many of them struck him as exceptionally bright and studious.

With a quiet demeanor, Hamlyn took a seat at a nearby desk, exuding a sense of calm. Suddenly, a male classmate approached him, posing an unexpected question. "Hey, is Miss Sarah your aunt?”

Meeting his gaze, Hamlyn nodded. "Yeah, she is. Why do you ask?”

"Man, you've got it made! With Miss Sarah as your aunt, you'll easily claim the top spot," the student exclaimed.

Hamlyn shook his head. "It's not that simple for me. I've never been the top achiever."

"Really? Guess we'll see about that soon. Alright then, catch you later," the student waved nonchalantly as he strolled away.

Overwhelmed, Hamlyn silently questioned, "How did they know already?" shaking his head in dismay.

As the teacher entered the classroom, she initiated the customary round of introductions, prompting each student to share a bit about themselves.

Standing to introduce himself, Hamlyn began, "Hello everyone, I'm Hamlyn Hase-." only to be interrupted by the teacher. "Ah, you're Hamlyn Hasegawa, right?"

Surprised, Hamlyn asked, "Yes, how did you know?”

With a widened smile, the teacher clarified, "Miss Sarah told me about you, praising your intelligence and character. I'm truly delighted to welcome such a bright student into my class.”

Grateful, Hamlyn smiled back. "Thank you, teacher." He settled into his seat, quietly reflecting, "Well, that's a positive start. Let's aim for smooth sailing."

As introductions concluded, the teacher rearranged the seating arrangement.

Despite seat adjustments made to accommodate other students, Hamlyn's seat remained unaltered. Feeling relieved, he silently expressed gratitude, "Thank you, divine providence. This spot is exactly what I needed."

However, the teacher's focus quickly turned to a specific student. "Hamond, sitting with your friends isn't an option. I'l assign you a new seat partner right away," she declared.

Scanning the classroom, the teacher proclaimed, "Alright, Hamlyn, you'll be seated next to Hamond."

Internally sighing, Hamlyn thought, "Oh great, why me? Well, it's the teacher's order, I suppose I have no choice but to go along with it.”

Gathering his bag, Hamlyn moved to sit beside Hamond. As he settled in, a slight unease washed over him, particularly with girls seated directly in front of him.

Hamlyn found himself in a unique setup, with his classroom merged with another class in front, separated only by a dividing wall and a door, offering a partial glimpse into the front class. The door, slightly ajar, allowed Hamlyn and the students from the front class to see each other's faces directly.

Turning to Hamlyn, the teacher said, "Hamlyn, Hamond needs some extra support with his studies. I'd like you to assist him as his mentor.”

Hamlyn nodded in acknowledgment. "I'll do my best.”

"Very well," the teacher continued, addressing the class. "Tomorrow I'll announce the class representatives. But for now, let's focus on our lesson." And thus, the class commenced.

In the middle of the class, Hamond leaned over and whispered, "Hey, Hamlyn, pleasure to meet you, mate."

Returning the gesture, Hamlyn replied, "Likewise, thank you."

"I hope we can build a solid friendship. We're in this together for the year, after all," Hamond said hopefully.

"Absolutely, let's give it our all," Hamlyn affirmed.

Just as Hamlyn was about to refocus on his studies, Hamond interjected, "Hey, mind if I ask you something?”

"Sure, go ahead," Hamlyn replied.

"Got a girlfriend?" Hamond asked bluntly.

Surprised, Hamlyn shot him a glance. "Definitely not.”

Curious, Hamond pressed on, "Any crushes?"

"None, buddy," Hamlyn responded shortly, maintaining his focus on studying.

"So, what do you think about the girls in our class? They're quite beautiful, don't you think?” Hamond continued.

"I haven't really noticed any of them," Hamlyn replied, maintaining his gaze on his book.

Sensing an opportunity to bond, Hamond proposed, "Since we're getting to know each other, can I share something with you?"

Intrigued, Hamlyn nodded. "Sure, go ahead."

Pointing discreetly, Hamond said, "See the girl with the butterfly bracelet in the front?"

Following his gaze, Hamlyn nodded. "Yeah, that's Rurina, right?"

A grin spread across Hamond's face. "How do you know her?”

"She used to live near my house, and we were in the same cram school for a while," Hamlyn explained.

"Actually, she's my girlfriend," Hamond dropped the bombshell, beaming with a smile.

Hamlyn froze, eyes widening in disbelief, glancing at Rurina then back at Hamond.