Chapter "Beginning Of Something Unforgettable"

"Mom, have you seen one of my socks?" a 15-year-old tall boy with a striking quiff of jet-black hair and piercing black eyes approached, clad in his school uniform, holding a single sock in his hand.

"Hamlyn, you're always misplacing your socks," his mother's voice floated from the kitchen. "Hurry and check with your brother. Maybe he has a spare pair," she suggested.

Hurrying into his brother’s room, Hamlyn burst in. "Ullmar, do you have an extra pair of socks? Mine have lost," he inquired urgently.

A 17-year-old with long black hair flowed down his neck, pushed back neatly, framing a face with strikingly dark eyes that added to his undeniable handsomeness. packed his bag without much interest. "I don't have any," he replied curtly, "and even if I did, I wouldn't waste them on you.”

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

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

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

"So, it's your first day at high school. Best of luck with that," 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 turned to look at Hamlyn, who was engrossed in searching for his sock. With a mocking smile, Ullmar said, “And if anyone tries to bully you, just give me a call. I'll come to save you.”

Upon hearing this, Hamlyn paused mid-search and slowly turned around, his expression serious as he locked eyes with his brother. "Got it," he muttered, his tone laced with anger. A tense silence fell between them.

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

With a smile, Ullmar slung his bag over his shoulder and walked past Hamlyn, leaving the room. Hamlyn, still standing with a hint of frustration, followed and exited through the door……

As they arrived outside the school, Ullmar turned to Hamlyn and said, "I'm heading to my class now. Good luck again," before walking away and leaving Hamlyn on his own.

Taking a deep breath, Hamlyn started walking 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 Hamlyn's middle school friend Fredy, a boy with average height and was marked by his striking black hair that fell in slightly curly waves. His black eyes, deep and reflective. "Hey, there you are, I was looking for you." Fredy said.

"Hey, Fredy, how’s it going?" Hamlyn greeted casually, keeping his eyes fixed on his book.

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

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

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

"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?” Hamlyn muttered, slamming his book shut and shooting Fredy a frustrated look. “Why does this keep happening to me? At this rate, I’ll never manage to come out on top.” His voice carried a deep sense of disheartenment as he slumped back on the bench, closing his eyes and gazing upward.

Fredy, clearly irritated, said, “Bro, you’re always among the top five achievers. Why do you need to be first? Stop being greedy and appreciate what you have. Some of us, like me, can barely manage a B grade, but we’re still happy and satisfied. Meanwhile, here you are, upset about not being first.” He glanced at Hamlyn, who remained slouched on the bench, eyes closed and gazing upwards.

“Hamlyn!” Fredy called out, his tone brimming with frustration.

Hamlyn slowly opened his eyes, his sadness still evident. He turned his gaze toward Fredy and asked, “Did you say something?” His voice was soft, barely above a whisper.

Fredy’s jaw dropped, and his eyes widened with frustration. After a moment, he took a deep breath to steady himself, forcing a calm smile. He then glanced at his wristwatch, regaining his composure.

"Looks like our class is about to begin. I'll see you at break," Fredy said with a calm, controlled demeanor before turning and walking away.

Hamlyn watched Fredy leave, his expression one of bewildered confusion……

Later, Hamlyn approached the classroom door and stood quietly, gazing inside. He surveyed the room, noting the approximately forty students gathered. Many of them appeared exceptionally bright and studious.

With a quiet, composed demeanor, Hamlyn entered the room and took a seat at a nearby desk, radiating a sense of calm.

Suddenly, a male classmate approached Hamlyn, 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 and walked away.

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

As the female 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-"

"Ah, you're Hamlyn Hasegawa, right?" The teacher interrupted him mid-sentence.

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 then settled into his seat, quietly reflecting, “Well, that's a positive start. Let's aim for smooth sailing.”

As the introductions wrapped up, the teacher rearranged the seating to accommodate the students. Despite the adjustments, Hamlyn’s seat remained unchanged.

Feeling relieved, Hamlyn silently murmured, “Thank you, divine providence. This seat 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 an unusual setup: his classroom was merged with another class at the front, separated only by a dividing wall and a space where a door would normally be, but there was no actual door installed. Positioned to face this gap, Hamlyn had a clear view into the adjacent class, where several female students were seated prominently.

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, The boy sitting next to Hamlyn leaned over and whispered, "Hey, Hamlyn." As Hamlyn glanced at his way he saw A boy with fair skin glowing under the light. His brown eyes, warm and curious, were framed by thick black hairs. A bit chubby, his slight softness added to his approachable and friendly demeanour.

That boy was smiling, beaming with curiosity “My name is Hamond Matsui, nice to meet you”

Returning the gesture, Hamlyn replied, "Likewise, thank you, I'm Hamlyn Hasegawa."

"I’m hopeful we can build a strong friendship. After all, we’re in this together for the whole year," Hamond said with a hopeful smile.

"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 quick glance. “Definitely not,” he replied, then swiftly turned his attention back to his book.

Curious, Hamond pressed on, "Any crushes?"

"None, buddy," Hamlyn responded, maintaining his gaze on his book.

"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, still 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?"

Hamlyn nodded. "Sure, go ahead."

Hamond said, "See the girl sitting ahead with the butterfly bracelet?"

As Hamlyn looked up he saw a beautiful girl, her fair skin glowing with a natural radiance. Her golden hair was neatly tied back in a single high ponytail, highlighting her beauty and poise.

Hamlyn nodded and confirmed, "Yes, that's Rurina, isn't it?”

A big grin spread across Hamond’s face. "How do you know her?" he asked, curiosity evident in his tone.

"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 glancing back at Hamond.