Chapter 16: Chika's Flashback

Chika's POV

I looked the picture taken in the festival the moment I was scared in the horror house I looked at Charmel and Kai with in picture. They were always so confident and daring. Compared to them, Chika often felt like a scaredy-cats.

She couldn't help but notice how Charmel's bold personality often drew attention from those around her. With her bright hair and stylish clothes, she was always the center of attention.

I envied her boldness, but also had a soft spot for her. Despite her fearlessness, she knew that underneath that tough exterior was someone who cared deeply for those around her.

Chika's flashback/memory

I remember the day we first met, it was when our parents introduced us.

I recall Charmel walking in with a confident smile, her bright hair and stylish attire catching my eye. She greeted me with a bold, "Hey, I'm Charmel nice to meet you".

Even then, I remember being drawn to her bold personality and confidence, despite my own shyness. She seemed like a fearless girl who wasn't afraid of anything...well except for horror houses, I suppose.

Charmel ask her mother to buy limited edition figure anime but her said no. Charmel felt the familiar sting of disappointment as her mother's voice echoed in her ears.

"No, Charmel," her mother gently replied. "I've already told you, we can't afford anything extra at the moment."

Charmel pouted, feeling the familiar frustration build up inside her. She had been so excited about that limited edition anime figure, and yet reality had hit her once again.

"But Mom," she pleaded, her voice filled with desperation. "I really want it. It's so rare and amazing, and I'll cherish it forever."

we're 15 years old at that time

Charmel's heart sank as her mother's words cut through the air, pointing at you.

"Why don't you make some friends?" her mother suggested, gently gesturing at you.

She glanced at me, acknowledging your presence, but deep down, she couldn't help but feel annoyed. Her mind was filled with thoughts of that limited edition figure, and her disappointment was palpable.

"Come here Chika" My mom said

Charmel's disappointment was momentarily forgotten as our mothers exchanged ideas. She looked at me, still feeling a tinge of sadness, but also a glimmer of hope.

"I guess it wouldn't hurt to have a new friend," she said quietly, mustering up a small smile.

I beamed at her response, feeling excited about the prospect of a new friendship. "Great!" I exclaimed, eagerly clapping my hands. "We'll be the best of friends."

Charmel giggled at my enthusiasm, feeling a surge of happiness.

.

.

.

In school, I found myself being taken advantage of by one of my classmates. Although I was friendly and kind, I often got manipulated into doing things she didn't want to do.

One of my classmates started treating her like a servant, commanding her to bring them snacks or complete their assignments.

"Chika can you do of my homework? I'm kinda busy tonight" her classmate said

"of-" suddenly someone said it was Charmel "No!"Chika's classmate glared at Charmel, her eyes filled with defiance.

"Excuse me?" My classmate said "There you go" Charmel said while leaving the way

"I mean... Who do you think you are?" she sneered. "This is between me and Chika. Mind your own business"

I looked up at Charmel , feeling a surge of gratitude. She hadn't been expecting help from anyone, let alone a new friend like Charmel.

Charmel stepped closer to the girl, her expression determined.

"I'm not gonna stand by while you treat Chika like your personal assistant," she said firmly, her voice laced with determination. "and also I'm transfere in this school and this my classroom now.

My classmate looked surprised then she smirked and laughed "and so what?" "you think I'm gonna listen to the transfere student like you?"

Charmel turn into a blank eyes, her determination unwavering. "If you won't listen to me, maybe you'll pay attention to the principal," she threatened. "I'm pretty sure he'd love to hear about this."

Chika's classmate, realizing that she couldn't win this argument, retreated with a huff. Charmel turned to me, her expression softening.

"Are you okay, Chika?" she asked, her voice filled with concern.

"Thank you, Charmel," I managed to say, still feeling shaken. "I can't believe you stood up for me like that."

Charmel smiled warmly. "That's what friends are for," she replied confidently. "I wasn't going to let her treat you like that. Now, let's go get something to eat. let's go in the cafeteria."

I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by her kindness. I had never had a friend like Charmel before, one who was bold and confident in defending those she cared about

Days turned into weeks, weeks into months, and slowly, Chika and Charmel's friendship deepened. They laughed together, shared stories, and supported each other through thick and thin.

The once shy Chika had bloomed into a confident girl, thanks to Charmel's influence. And Charmel had found a loyal friend in Chika, someone who appreciated her assertiveness and looked up to her for strength.

One day, as they sat together during lunch, Chika turned to Charmel and said, "Charmel, thank you for being my friend."

"Hey Chika stop being kind to others they take advantage of you"

I let out a sigh, feeling a mix of emotions. I knew that being kind and helpful to others was a part of who I was, but I couldn't help but feel hurt by those who misused her kindness.

"I know," I finally admitted, looking down at my hands. "But it's just hard for me to say no, you know?"

Charmel put her arm around me, offering a comforting embrace. "I understand, but you have to remember to protect yourself, too," she said warmly. "Real friends won't want to take advantage of you, it's good being selfish sometimes"

Suddenly I noticed tears in my eyes I nodded in agreement, her gaze steady.

"It's true," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "Sometimes you have to prioritize your own needs and well-being. Being kind and helpful is amazing, but it's also essential to protect your heart and avoid getting taken advantage of."

Chika listened intently, feeling a mix of understanding and relief. She knew Charmel was right, but the idea of being selfish felt foreign to her I stared to cry Like a baby "it's just..." I managed to say through tears. "I've always wanted to help others, but sometimes I feel like I'm just being used."

Charmel pulled her into a warm embrace, holding her tightly. "I know, Chika," she whispered reassuringly. "But being selfish doesn't mean you're a bad person. It just means you're taking care of yourself."

I wiped away of my tears, slowly nodding in understanding. I knew I needed to strike a balance between kindness and self-preservation.

As the flashback ended, a sense of closure filled the air. Our friendship had grown stronger, and I had learned to become more assertive and confident.

I smiled at Charmel, grateful for her support throughout the years. We may have started as unlikely friends, but now, we were inseparable, bonded by our shared memories and the love we had for each other.

And through it all, I was glad to have found someone like Charmel—someone who could embrace me and guide me with her unwavering kindness.