Sweet Focus

"Shin-san, get up now or it's time!"
My mother's anxious voice came from the kitchen.
Yes! Yes! I know.
My previous school required wearing a sports jacket and tie, not a regular school uniform, so I always found wearing a uniform a hassle.
"That's good."
"Okay, almost done."
Seriously, so nagging. Couldn't she wait a little longer? I muttered to myself as I buttoned up my shirt.
I examined my unfamiliar figure in the mirror again.
I've never liked my face, my fair skin that never tans. Plus, my azure eyes—it's obvious I'm mixed-race.
Although I consider myself no different from others except for my appearance, because my father is mixed-race, I naturally inherited a quarter of his bloodline, so I have to look different from others.
I grabbed my schoolbag in a depressed mood and walked out of my room unhappily.
Looking out the window in the hallway, the scenery was somewhat similar to Yokohama, where I've lived for over ten years, although it was actually completely different. This is now on the outskirts of Tokyo, next to Yamanashi. Compared to before, the population has increased, and all sorts of novel and unique shops have sprung up like mushrooms after rain. I remember when I was a child, this was just an empty lot, sparsely populated, and although it was Tokyo, it felt as desolate as the countryside.
Because it's my mother's birthplace, I've visited many times, especially when my maternal grandparents were still alive. However, they passed away when I was in elementary school. I
lived here for a while because I went to kindergarten here.
But it all seems like a long time ago, until I moved back when I went to high school.
My parents weren't divorced then, and thinking about it, maybe that was the happiest time of my life... No, wait a minute.
I seem to be remembering a painful memory again. I remember being bullied by classmates in kindergarten.
Honestly, why am I thinking of these unpleasant memories on my first day at a new school?
As soon as I entered the dining room, I saw my mother wearing a pink suit. At first glance, it was as if I were seeing my mother, who had been a Miss China contestant over twenty years ago—her former glory.
No wonder, it was her first day at her new company, so she looked exceptionally charming. And it wasn't just her clothes; even her makeup showed considerable effort.
Besides, a bento box was prepared on the table.
It was quite unusual, but the first day is always a time for extra care.
Why unusual? Because since my parents' divorce, all the housework had fallen on my shoulders.
"Zhensheng, if you don't hurry, you'll be late for class!"
"You still dare to say that! Honestly, it's all because of you… that I had to transfer from a school that was a three-minute walk away to this one that's a twenty-minute walk." "
Why bring that up again? Didn't we already reach an agreement? If you're a man, don't keep nagging about the same thing."
My mother slapped my back hard.
"Ouch…"
"Ah! I'm so sorry. Hehehe…"
Damn it! What hehehe, she could actually laugh.
Did she think I liked bringing it up?! Who told her to secretly apply for a transfer to the company without my knowledge! Even more outrageous, I'd only been in school for a few days! Didn't she know how hard I worked to get into the school?
Thanks to her, I had to take the transfer exam again, and it's a twenty-minute walk to the school now.
However, I can somewhat understand my mother's exhaustion with life in Yokohama.
Sometimes her colleagues would come over for gatherings, and I'd overhear their conversations. It seemed to be a fierce competition between former executives and salespeople, and my mother was running around trying to keep up. This reminded me of my mother's tired figure, leaving early and
returning late every day, and how I'd been so busy preparing for my entrance exams that I'd neglected her.
Actually, my mother's exhaustion has its roots in the divorce from my father. It's already difficult for a woman to survive in an insurance company with almost entirely male colleagues, let alone a divorced woman with a child to care for.
Perhaps this new job will be much easier for my mother than before. At least this is her hometown, and the company is smaller than before, just a small branch office near the station.
"Oh no... the line is broken.
" "What! Oh no...
" I hurriedly grabbed my lunchbox, stuffed it into my backpack, and ran out of the house as fast as I could.
The apartment wasn't too close, but it wasn't too far either. It didn't seem necessary to take the bus; I'd just ride my bike from now on.
Seeing that I was running out of time, my steps grew heavier, and my reluctance to go to class intensified.
I always have a hard time adapting to new environments and new things.
Everyone was a stranger. Because I didn't know each other's personalities, I had to carefully try to blend in, and I should be grateful if others were willing to accept me...
Ugh! It's so annoying. Transferring schools right after the first year of high school break was really bad timing. Right now, everyone was forming small groups and starting... Joining at this early stage of getting acquainted with the school was incredibly awkward.
The sky should have been overcast, ideally with thick clouds to match my gloomy mood. However, the sun peeked out from behind the clouds.
What a disappointment! All the atmosphere they'd worked so hard to create had turned into forced melancholy. But a little sunshine is always good, even if my mood remained unsettled.
Crossing the level crossing, I saw students from my new school—Qingxiu Academy High School—hurrying towards the school gate.
I glanced at my watch: 8:20, less than ten minutes until the flag-raising ceremony. I couldn't be late for my first day of school; I had to hurry.
"Hey!"
Just as I was about to quicken my pace, I suddenly heard someone calling me from behind. I reflexively turned around, and in a flash!
Click!
Someone snapped a photo of me.
"What...what are you doing!"
"I'm so sorry, but you're just too beautiful, so I couldn't help myself..."
This frivolous kid even pointed his camera at me, focusing it. He
was hiding behind the long lens, so I couldn't see his face at all. The only thing I was sure of was that he was taller than me.
Saying I'm beautiful? How grating! This is the sentence I hate the most!
"Your chin is so delicate, like a girl. By the way! Are you...mixed race? Your eyes are blue."
My anger flared up instantly. Why does this kid always bring up the most awkward things?
"Yes! Just like that, don't move!"
What? He told me not to move?! Are you kidding me?! I'm really sorry, but I hate being photographed.
Just as I was about to turn around and leave, he suddenly grabbed my wrist.
"What do you want?"
"Hmm! Even when you're angry, you have a special charm!"
The bastard with the camera immediately let go of my hand, took two or three steps back, and kept pressing the shutter.
I clenched my fists in anger, trying hard to suppress the urge to hit him.
"Thanks!"
The bastard finally looked away from the camera.
Just as I expected, he was a full head taller than me, and had a burly build. That was my first impression of the bastard with the camera.
His eyes were bright and piercing, and he exuded a wildness, radiating a vibrant confidence in life.
I tried hard to find words to curse him, but I couldn't utter a single word. I was completely stunned by the energy emanating from this bastard, unable to tear my gaze away from him for a long time.
"I haven't seen you before. You're a student at Seishu Academy, right? Our school is the only one around here. What's your name?"
"I... I'm called Ujiie Masaki."
"Your name is Ujiie? I am..."
At that moment, I suddenly heard the sound of a bell coming from afar.
"Oh no, I'm late!"
His words jolted me awake like a madman, and the jerk dashed towards the school gate like a rabbit.
I'm late on my first day as a transfer student!
After the flag-raising ceremony, I was called into the office. Takahashi, the math teacher for Class 1-B, sighed and gave me a friendly pat on the shoulder, my forehead dripping with sweat.
The teacher probably thought it was just a light pat, but being young and strong like a college student, he felt the moderate force actually hurt quite a bit.
"You dare to be late on your first day of school after transferring? You've got some nerve, Ujiie!"
"...I'm sorry..."
"Don't worry about it, I'm not angry!"
"What?"
"Transferring at this crucial time, if you're too tense, it'll be hard to get along with everyone.
It's okay, don't worry!"
It's not like I like being late; I'm not that reckless.
I wanted to tell Takahashi-sensei what happened, but I didn't want her to think I was making excuses.
Following behind her, I pondered how to avoid misunderstandings, and before I knew it, we were at the classroom door.
*Gulp* I swallowed hard.
The real test was about to begin.
"Introducing you all, Ujiie Masaki, who transferred from Yokohama. Please get along well!"
"Okay!"
The responses were a mix of high and low, not sounding like they were just making excuses. Maybe everyone's more interested in transfer students!
"My name is Ujiie, nice to meet you!"
"Your eyes are so blue!"
A barrage of questions followed. It was strange; based on past experience, my appearance usually kept people at a distance!
Take my eyes, for example. These classmates asked directly without any hesitation, but my former classmates were hesitant, as if they were asking something they shouldn't. I guess it's because my face, inherited from my father, gave others an unapproachable first impression!
Not only that, in the fifteen years since I was born, no matter how many classes I've changed or how the faces of my classmates have changed, their attitude towards me has always been cold and unnatural.
So, being surrounded by so many people like this today is really unbelievable for me.
"Everyone, please make way, make way."
Akashi pushed through the crowd and stood in front of me.
"Ujiie, may I call you Ujiie? I'm so sorry about this morning. Let me formally introduce myself. My name is Akashi Hirotaka, you can just call me Akashi. This person next to me is the vice class representative, Chayamachi Yasushi."
"Hello, Ujiie-kun."
I didn't even have time to speak.
Chayamachi and Akashi were two completely different types. Chayamachi appeared composed and sincere, with smiles that were as warm as a spring breeze. I couldn't help but smile back.
Suddenly, my classmates cheered.
"He's
really good!" "Akashi has great taste!"
What?
"He's probably the prettiest guy in the whole school!"
I felt my face stiffen.
"Yeah! He might even outshine Xi!"
"Akashi's taste is truly unique!"
"Especially those clear blue eyes, they're so captivating."
"Stop it. I'm a boy, and I don't like being described as pretty!"
Suddenly, the air around us froze, eerily quiet, and an awkward atmosphere filled the classroom.
Ugh! Seriously, I messed up again. But I couldn't help it, especially when people were commenting on me.
This was terrible; I'd completely destroyed the friendly atmosphere just now.
"You're right!"
Akashi readily agreed.
"I understand this kind of trouble all too well because I'm too handsome. Being popular with girls makes other students jealous—"
The surrounding classmates burst into laughter.
"Who are you talking about?!"
The atmosphere in the classroom boiled over again—the topic had been changed, and the awkwardness caused by his outburst had vanished without a trace.
Wait a minute—could it be… he was thinking about—
The bell rang for the first class, and Akashi returned to his seat.
"I'll show you around the campus during lunch break, and we can eat lunch together then!"
"Hmm…"
Although my first impression of Akashi was terrible, maybe he wasn't as bad as I imagined…
After finishing our lunch, we left the classroom.
Akashi seemed unwilling to put down his camera for even a moment, his left hand still tightly clutching it.
I followed Akashi and Chao-cho through the campus. This time, the other students stared at us. Although I was used to being stared at, this time it seemed…
“…Sigh…I still attract attention!”
“No, that’s not true!”
Akashi quickly denied, a little awkwardly.
“Isn’t that right, Yasu?”
“Yeah, Akashi’s right, that’s not true. It’s just because—”
“By the way, Ujiie, this way.”
Akashi seemed to deliberately interrupt Chao-cho, hurriedly pushing me forward.
What’s going on? Something feels off.
“This is the audiovisual classroom, and over there is the social studies preparation room.” Chao-cho introduced the classrooms, and Akashi added.
“Teachers don’t come around this area much, so if you want to skip class or share some erotic books with your classmates, this is a good place!”
The two of them were perfectly in sync.
The three school buildings, made of reinforced concrete, plus the clubrooms, made the space quite spacious.
As we walked, we arrived at the third floor of the west school building, and Akashi suddenly grabbed my wrist.
"We've finally arrived at this most important place, Ujiie."
"Huh?"
"Ah—this is it,
we've finally made it." "Hoshi, don't talk too much!"
"Heh! Heh!"
Before I could even figure out what kind of classroom this was, Akashi pulled me inside.
It was a small classroom.
The walls were covered with photos of all shapes and sizes, and I couldn't help but widen my eyes as I looked around.
"This floor is for art clubs only, and this classroom is for the photography club,"
Chaya Ding added from the side.
I see…that's why he…
the photos showed smiling, angry, serious…all kinds of expressions, from babies and the elderly to elementary school students.
And the most impressive one was a close-up photo of a boy taken through a glass window. The water droplets above the glass overlapped with the boy's reflection, creating a hazy, thoughtful expression on
his face. The boy was quite cute, probably a middle school student!
Wait a minute! I feel like I've seen this photo somewhere before.
"This photo is…"
"I took it. It won a student award at the Tokyo International Photography Exhibition last year!"
Akashi's tone held a subtle hint of arrogance—I probably felt that way because I was jealous of his talent!
"Back then, I had the model stand outside the glass window—just adjusting the indoor and outdoor lighting took a
lot of effort. If the indoor light was twice as dark as the outdoor light, everything outside would be clearly visible. So I gritted my teeth and bought a Canon EOS 1 and used an aperture of f/4…" "
You keep using these technical terms; we don't understand them at all, right, Ujiie?"
I nodded vigorously, while Akashi scratched his head sheepishly.
"Really?"
"Seriously, you really are—Ujiie, this kid doesn't seem like much usually, but he's got a real talent for photography!"
"You're such a big mouth!"
"How can you talk like that? I'm always the most honest person, I say what I think!"
I let Akashi and Chayamachi argue with me while I focused on looking at the photos displayed in the classroom.
"Did Akashi take all these photos by himself?"
"Huh? Yeah! Yeah! The other club members are just busy taking pictures of campus events, and..." "
Akashi is probably the only one who can truly be called a professional photographer. But speaking of which, don't you guys have a rule that you have to submit two campus event photos every year?"
"Yeah, but thankfully it's only twice, otherwise just taking these campus event photos would be a bit overwhelming. In a while, it'll be time to submit the photos again this year."
"I see..."
Although I don't know much about the specifics of photography, each photo exudes a strong sense of vitality and dynamism, which reflects Akashi's personality. "
Ujiie!"
Akashi's loud shout suddenly came from behind. I turned around, and a flash of light stung my eyes.
"You're here again!...
"I'm really sorry!"
Although he apologized, there was not a trace of remorse on Akashi's face.
"Honestly, the Ujii family really inspires a constant stream of creative ideas."
"What creative ideas! Didn't I say this morning that I..."
"I want you to be my model!"
"...What?"
My expression must have looked incredibly stupid!
This all happened so suddenly that I couldn't understand what Akashi meant at all. I never even imagined that I would encounter something like this on my first day at this new school.
"I want to take your picture. Ever since I entered high school, I've been looking for someone, a model for me to participate in this Tokyo International Film Festival... I've photographed countless models, but it never felt quite right. Until the moment I saw you this morning, I knew I'd found you! The model I've been looking for is you!"
"A model..."
I felt like I was about to fall into this dangerous vortex—I glanced at the many photos hanging on the wall, each one so lifelike.
"I know this sudden request might startle you, but could you please consider it? Akashi's been bothered for a while now, taking pictures all over school all day long, and people are curious about who he'll choose as his model."
Chayamachi shrugged helplessly.
"So the reason my classmates are so eager to approach me is because..." The reason
those people were staring at me earlier was because Akashi took a picture of me, and I might be his model.
"Hmm... But, I'm really sorry to bother you like this so soon after transferring schools. I really, really want to take a picture for you, because the Ujii family has such a beautiful face."
Face?
I see, the reason Akashi asked me to be his model is entirely because of my mixed-race face!
No! I won't do that, this face is the culprit behind all my misfortunes...!
Thinking of this, boiling anger rushed to my head. I just transferred schools, and I was wondering why everyone was so friendly to me, and now I know it's all because of this.
"I take back everything I said. I thought you were a nice person, but I was wrong. You're no different from everyone else!"
"Huh!?...Hey! Ujiie..."
"I refuse to be your model. I made it very clear this morning that I hate being photographed!"
I left the classroom without looking back.
Chapter Two
The next morning, the moment I stepped into the school gate, I felt myself exposed to a web of stares. On
my first day at this new school, Akashi made such an unreasonable request, leaving me unable to sleep well afterward, having nightmares all night. I was already so exhausted, and everyone's stares only made things worse.
Stars kept glancing at me from all directions. When I tried to glare at them, they would turn away in a panic, whispering among themselves.
Could it be because of what happened yesterday? But according to Chayamachi, Akashi has taken photos for many people before, it's not like I'm the only one getting this special treatment, and besides, I already refused him!
"Hey! Ujiie."
An unfamiliar voice called from behind, high-pitched, cold, and devoid of any emotion.
Who was it? Turning around, there was no one there! How strange.
"You're such an unlikable guy."
"What?"
I looked down towards the source of the voice and saw a boy standing there.
I'm 175 centimeters tall, and this boy was probably only 160 centimeters!
The boy was quite petite, and upon closer inspection, although he looked a bit serious, he had a handsome face.
Was he a middle school student? Were there any middle schools around here? I didn't remember any.
"Are you Ujiie Masaki?"
"Yes... and you are?"
"My name is Nishi Shuuji, and you listen to me, I will be the one who wins in the end!"
What? I really couldn't understand what he meant.
But then again, this Nishi Shuuji was indeed an imposing middle school student.
Caught off guard, I was a little flustered, and then I heard a murmur around me.
"In short, you remember
this!" The boy's cheeks flushed red with excitement, and his shoulders trembled. He waved away the students who were watching the commotion and headed towards the elevator—so, he was a high school student too? Really? I couldn't tell at all.
"Damn, that kid's quick!"
This time it was the familiar voice I'd heard all day yesterday.
"Akashi..."
"Good morning! Ujiie!"
Akashi greeted me cheerfully today, carrying his huge camera.
I thought that after yesterday's incident, Akashi would definitely avoid me, since anyone who gets rejected will hold a grudge.
However... Akashi didn't seem to care at all. How could someone be so optimistic?
"...Good morning! Do you know him? That guy from earlier?"
"Yeah... his name is Nishi Shuji. He came over and introduced himself, that's how I met him."
"I see..."
I waited for Akashi to continue, but he remained silent.
"And then! Please tell me why this Nishi guy came to flirt with me so early in the morning?"
"Ah... because..."
Akashi mumbled something under his breath.
"What exactly are you trying to say! I hate people like you who stammer and don't get straight to the point!"
"Um... it's really hard to say here..."
Akashi muttered softly, covering her mouth with her hand, a shadow of annoyance flashing across her face—it was surprising to see this confident person troubled.
"I don't care at all."
"I do care! Someone from the club was using the darkroom this morning, so we can't go there... But...
there's still some time before the morning flag-raising ceremony... Okay! That's settled then, come with me for a second!"
Akashi walked away without waiting for my reply. Watching her broad back, I had no choice but to hurry after her.
We arrived at the roof of the school building, where a "No Entry" sign hung on the doorknob. Akashi ignored it, pushed open the door, and walked out.
"Is it okay to come to a place like this?"
It's okay! Few people come here, and no one gathers to eavesdrop. Didn't you notice? All the students around us were straining to hear our conversation. I didn't want to provide any topics for them to gossip about! "But honestly, the Ujii family is really eye-catching!"
A tightness gripped my chest.
There was no need to overreact to Akashi's seemingly innocent nature.
"Am I... really that different from others?"
"Of course! Your features are like a meticulously sculpted work of art. This school doesn't have any girls, which is why you cause such a stir." Akashi leaned against the wire fence, gazing at me. "
But I'm different from those people. I wouldn't approach you for that reason. It's because..."
"Because of what?"
"Don't laugh when I tell you!"
"Why would I laugh?"
"Well... well... fine, I confess!" Why is
this girl so annoyed with herself?
"When I first saw you, I had a feeling of déjà vu because you look like my first love, especially your aura. So, I feel like I've met you before."
Akashi's cheeks flushed slightly as she spoke.
My first love...
but it sounded a little like she had ulterior motives.
Anyway, I never considered this modeling job in the first place, so it doesn't really matter.
"Let's not talk about that. Let's get back to the topic, about Nishi. Do you remember the photos from the Tokyo International Photography Exhibition that I saw yesterday?"
I nodded.
How could I forget? The blurry image, blurred by raindrops, combined with the model's forlorn and lonely expression, created an exceptionally outstanding work.
"That model was Shuji."
That person was Nishi Shuji?
Now that you mention it, there is indeed a resemblance, but the unfathomable aura of the model in the photo and the arrogant brat from earlier just don't match at all.
"And then?"
"And then... and then Shuji asked me to let him be the model for the next photography exhibition... that's how it is."
It's unbelievable.
Someone actually volunteered to be a model. Did he want everyone to notice him and stare at him? This kind of mentality is incomprehensible to someone like me who doesn't like to attract attention.
But... then again, it's no wonder he would think that way, after all, that work won an award last year.
Besides, everyone has different ideas; not everyone wants to be an ordinary person without any distinguishing features, just like me. I understand that perfectly well.
"Then why don't you just let him be the model? You already worked together last year, wouldn't you have better chemistry?"
"I don't think so! Last year I completely captured the essence of Shuji's style, and I have no desire to continue photographing him. However, this reason still can't convince Shuji."
At this moment, the resentful expression on Nishi Shuji's face, as if he saw me as an enemy, flashed through my mind.
Is that all? Just because he wants to be a model, he'll show such strong hostility towards someone he just met?
"What exactly is your relationship with him?"
"Nothing at all!"
Akashi answered me curtly.
"But his attitude this morning was quite unusual!"
"I didn't do anything... It's just... before I photographed him, that kid was always the one everyone bullied. Sometimes I couldn't stand it anymore, so I'd stand up for him, and that's how we gradually became close. But ever since that photo was published, he's changed. If anyone bullies him, he'll retaliate without hesitation, so no one dares to be rude to him anymore. And he seems to have developed feelings for me, even volunteering to be my model this year, although I didn't really want to hire him this time..."
"But..."
Akashi suddenly stretched out his hands and braced himself against the barbed wire on either side of me, staring intently at me with an almost terrifying seriousness that made me unconsciously press myself against the wire, unable to move.
"I just want you to be my model, only you!"
Hearing his cry from the depths of his soul, I was completely moved. This intense feeling of being needed was something I had long forgotten.
Perhaps this was the feeling that Nishi desperately craved! If I could fulfill Akashi's request, how wonderful that would be—but I simply couldn't, I couldn't.
"...Have you noticed my eyes are blue?"
Hearing my sudden question, Akashi stared at me with wide eyes, then nodded.
I slowly explained, firmly refusing Akashi;
"My father is mixed-race, so naturally I inherited a quarter foreign blood. Because of this, my blue eyes and delicate, woman-like features are particularly striking. I've often been discriminated against since I was little, so I don't want to do anything that attracts attention anymore. Please understand that."
(I'm not a foreigner!)
(Then why are your eyes blue? My mother said Japanese people have black eyes, so you're a foreigner, a foreigner! A foreigner!)
These children, laughing at others, had no idea what they were saying, simply repeating what they'd heard from adults, without considering how hurtful their words were.
Akashi probably hadn't expected my answer. She didn't say a word, her hands, which had been gripping the barbed wire tightly, fell limply to her sides.
That's fine; Akashi won't bother me anymore.
A sudden sense of relief washed over me, yet I couldn't hide a trace of loneliness. Just as I was trying to let it go, I heard Akashi's voice.
"...I won't give up easily."
Akashi's almost frighteningly serious attitude from before had vanished without a trace, replaced by an arrogant and bold smile.
"From now on, no one will bully you anymore. Even if they do, I'll protect you."
Protect me—
I never expected Akashi to say that. It sounded so familiar…
"I'll protect you, and I won't allow anyone to gossip. Most importantly, I will absolutely not give up easily."
Why was he so confident?!
I said, somewhat surprised,
"...I didn't expect you to be so stubborn!"
"Isn't that obvious? If I were to get discouraged just because I've been rejected once or twice, I wouldn't be able to make any good work!"
This person wasn't listening to anyone at all!
"I'll handle Shuji's situation. I won't let today's incident happen again."
Akashi's passion for photography deeply moved me...
"Didn't I tell you to just have Nishi as your model?" I couldn't
take it anymore. Whenever I was with Akashi, my thoughts seemed to be completely captivated by him.
Did I have to let the same thing happen again and again?
"I said I couldn't do it, and I meant it!"
Although I emotionally agreed with Akashi's idea, my reason wouldn't allow me to do it. Whoever became Akashi's model this year would definitely become the focus of everyone's attention, which was something I was trying my best to avoid.
Especially now, being alone with Akashi was extremely dangerous. If I wasn't careful, I would be led by the nose by Akashi and then unknowingly agree to his requests.
I made up my mind and then said in a cold tone:
"Really—stubborn guy! Whatever."
Leaving Akashi alone, I walked towards the classroom on my own.

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