<<<<<<<<<<< (three years ago)

Yumi's POV

"Hey, Giraffe Girl! Eating lunch alone as usual? Hah! Such a pity!"

"Of course, who would want to be friends with a girl like her??"

"She's so tall, does she even belong to our grade??"

Again with that nickname. It has been a month since the start of my first year in middle school. I've been called names and made fun of my height.

I'm not even that tall to be honest. I blend in with people from France, that are my age. People here are just short. It's not my fault that I'm this tall either. Both my parents are tall, too. So what's wrong with that? But I would be lying if I said I'm not bother by them and their comments.

I acted calmly and closed my lunch box. I stood up from the bench outside I was sitting on and walked away from the people who were making fun of me. I looked down as I find a place to eat lunch at. I went to the school rooftop, but it was closed. So I tried the cafeteria.

I quietly took a seat somewhere distant from the other people, and made sure to conceal my presence. I opened my lunchbox, and start eating quietly. It was packed with my favorite foods. I started eating them quickly, before others come for me again. But soon I was caught, a group of girls approached my table. Ah it was them, Shizuki-chan and her friends, they are the group that I didn't want to meet at all.

"Well, well, well. Look who we have here?" Shizuki-chan, the girl in the front, took a seat in front of me and crossed her legs. "Giraffe Girl, that's your nickname isn't it?" She laughed holding her stomach. The girls from behind starts to laugh along with her too. I stood up, trying to get away from them.

"Sit down. I'm not going to hurt you or anything," she glared at me with her fake smile, then she looked at my lunch, "What a nice lunchbox you have there. Give me one!"

"No, why should I?" I refused and began to pack the lunch right away, I couldn't let them eat my lunch.

"HUH? Girls, get her!" The girls behind her tried to take my lunch but being tall I raised the hand with the lunchbox high above my head. Poor girls, they tried to jump but couldn't even reach my height. I smirked looking down on them. But being the sassy girls they are, they reach for my hair and started to pull. But since they were many of them, there was no way I could win against them. They started hitting me then they took my lunchbox which I lost grasp of and poured all the food on me. I was lying down on the floor, not having enough energy to stand up. I look around as I saw faces that were mocking me, laughing at me. I felt ashamed and humiliated, I couldn't stand it anymore.

That was it. There were some students ridiculing me as I ran through the crowd, I must look extremely horrible and disgusting right now. But I just looked down until I reached a classroom, that looks like no one is inside. It was the home economics room. I closed the door behind me and leaned on it as I locked the door. Then my body slowly slide down to the ground and I curled myself into a ball as I let the tears fall.

Suddenly, I heard a noise behind the curtains. No way, someone was there? I was too busy trying to run away that I forgot to check if anyone's in here.

As I lift my head up, the person behind the curtain revealed themselves. It was a tall handsome boy with dark blue hair that contrast the light blue sky from behind. His matching eye color drew me in like the depths of the oceans and his skin was fair like the clouds. To me, he looked...... just like a prince, from those storybooks.

His eyes widened as he saw me. He looked like he wanted to say something but he was hesitating.

"A-Are you okay?!"

Then I realized who it was. The popular boy from the other class, Hirota something. Well, isn't it great? To be busted crying by a popular student that everyone likes.

"Um..." he started. Just then I realized that I was staring at him. I quickly turned away to wipe away my tears and faced him again.

"Ah, I'm really sorry! I'm okay, I didn't know there was a person in here so I just came inside. Sorry let me just go away," I bowed. Thankfully, my voice didn't crack as I said that. As I was about the reach for the lock on the door, a hand stopped me.

"Where're going?" I spun around to see him with a serious face.

"Um, I-I'm just going outsi-"

"How are you going to face the others at this state. Your eyes are red and swollen, your voice is weak and your body is shaking." I couldn't believe what he just said. Was it that obvious?? Do I look that bad? Then he smiled sweetly, "I know that you're not okay. Do you wanna tell me what happened?"

He let go of my hand and took a seat. Next, he gestured me to come sit beside him. I obliged to him and sat down, trying to calm myself. "Um..."

"So? What's wrong?" He asked.

My eyes looked from left to right, trying to think of how to explain this situation. "I.. I was just being bullied....that's all," as I said the last part, my voice unintentionally cracked.

I could feel his gaze upon me. "Hmm, I don't get it."

My expression dropped as he said that. Of course he wouldn't get it! He's popular after all! He has a good life, with many friends who he can laugh and share things with. Why did I even say that to someone like him. I quickly stood up, "Nevermind, forget what I just said."

"I really don't get it. Why would they bully you? There's nothing wrong with you. You seem like a nice person and you're pretty," he stood up, his eyes never leaving mines. 'What....' I could feel my face heat up as those words left from his mouth.

"What're you saying?! Why I'm bullied? Well that's cuz of my height! They say that I'm too tall. They call me names like Giraffe Girl and make fun of me. But it's not only because of that! Maybe they also needed someone to play with and chose me. They threw away my shoes, pour water over me, get in fights with me and many more! Someone like you won't get it!" This was the start of how I complained every single thing to him. He just quietly listened to me as I tried to take my anger out on him. I wonder why I'm even saying this to someone who don't even know me. And I don't even know who he is.

After I was done with my ranting, I silently cried as I covered my face with my hands. The boy pulled me from my shoulder into a hug. I didn't resist. "You, what's your name?"

"Nao Yumiko," I said between my sniffs.

"Yumiko-chan, there's no need for you to be crying. You're a strong girl who's able to put up with these problems. That's amazing. Yumiko-chan, don't let what those guys say get to you. If you keep being insecure, isn't it the same as letting them control you life? Don't let that happen. Live how you want and just ignore them. Try to stand up for yourself. Make a change. I'll always be there for you so call me when you need help."

I nodded as I kept sobbing. What he said was right. I can't let them control me. I have to change, too.

He pulled away from the hug, "Yumiko-chan, you're pretty. Plus, isn't being tall a great thing? Ahah, I'm even jealous of your height. Although I'm a bit shorter than you right now, I'm gonna be taller than you in a few years. I won't lose!"

"Ahahah, what's with that?" I laughed. Well, I'm sure he'll be taller than me in maybe a year or so. "Oh, by the way, what's your name?"

"Hm? Ah, I'm Hirota Ken, nice to meet you," he grinned as he held his hand out.

"Ken, huh?" I smiled and shook his hands.

I thought a saw a tint of red on his face for a while. "Really.... You should smile more, Yumiko-chan. You look really cute," he touched my cheeks.

"H-Huh? W-What're you saying?!" I said as my face turned into a million shades of red.

"Ahahahaha," he chuckled. I also began giggling as I thought of what just happened. "Oh right, I forgot to say. Yumiko-chan, you're this tall and pretty, why don't you use it as a weapon rather than disliking the fact that you're tall?"

"Hmm? What are you saying?"

"For instance, why don't you try becoming a model or something like that?" My smile dropped as he said that.

"N-No way!" I yelled as I ran out of the room. There's no way I can become a model. I have no confidence and even if I can become one, I won't. I'll never be a model!

>>>>>>>>>>>

That day, I thought about what Ken said to me. Even though he suggested me to become a model, he still helped me with my problems and his words helped a lot. When he said that, I realized that I've been wanting to hear those words from someone the whole time. I should actually apologize to him.

The following day, I did my best ignoring the bullies and tried to find Ken the whole day. I couldn't ask others where he went because I'll trouble him if they find out that I want to see him.

School was done for the day and I went out of the building. 'I guess I'll find him tomorr-' My thoughts were interrupted when I spot him. There he was, leaning on a tree near the court. Luckily, there was no one beside him. I smiled to myself as I approached towards him.

"Hey..." he saw me and took a step closer to me.

"Ah, Yumiko-chan, hello," he greeted. "I've been wanting to say that I'm sorry for yesterday. I must've said something that you didn't like."

'Huh? Why's he apologizing?!'

"W-what're you saying? It's my fault. It was really rude of me to just yell at someone who was trying to help me and leave. That's why I'm really sorry," I bowed.

"Eh?! Ah, it's okay, Yumiko-chan," he smiled.

"No, I'm really sorry. Um, my parents own a model agency so they're also trying to force me to be a model. I'm actually fine with it but I just want them to know that they should consider my feelings too, instead of forcing me. That's why I didn't want to become a model," I explained.

"Oh...I didn't know about that. I should be the one who's sorry for mentioning a sensitive subject."

"No, it's fine... It's not your fault that you didn't know," I waved my hands, denying his apology.

"Hmm, Yumiko-chan, you're really an interesting person. I'd really like to be your friend," Ken smiled angelically.

"Huh? Really?! Friends? I'd be glad to!" I exclaimed.

"Ahahah, then please take care of me~"

"Likewise!"

With that, Ken and I became really close friends. I told him my problems and received his help when I needed it. He would also tell me what's troubling him and I'd try to help. The bullying lessened a bit and I didn't really spend time with Ken in public. I'm pretty sure the girls will bully me. So we'd meet every after school or lunch at our special place. It was also the only time I'm able to talk to him because we're in different classes. Ken has surely changed me. Because of him, I didn't pray for tomorrow to not come. In fact, I even look forward to it.

>>>>>>>>>>>

A year passed just like that, and now we're in second year of middle school. I made some more friends, to be precise, Ken's friends. Their names were Ryouta and Shou-kun, unlike Ken's other friends, they didn't make fun of my height. They didn't even care. Ryouta was the sporty type, he plays various sports and is good at them all. Shou-kun, on the other hand, is very quiet and does little to no movement but if it's video games, he excels them all. Fortunately, we were all in the same class this year, we became good friends. But I don't think I'm that close with Shou-kun and Ryouta, especially Shou-kun. He feels more distant. It feels the most comfortable around Ken, so I end up hanging out with Ken more.

Ken wanted me to make more friends, I tried to approach the girls but they don't even bother to look my way, so it was just Ken introducing me to his friends. But it was enough, I'm happy he's doing this for me. As expected, he sure has lots of friends.

However, the bullying still goes on here and there. I'm just relieved that it doesn't occur as much as it does before. I'm pretty much used to it now.

>>>>>>>>>>>

One evening, Ken and I were about to go home together but Ken said he had to do something so he said to wait for him. Ryouta and Shou-kun both had club activity so they told us to go ahead today. So it's just Ken and I today. I waited for Ken near the shoe lockers. I still couldn't believe I made friends! It has already been a year and a half together with Ken, and half a year with Ryouta and Shou-kun. I smiled at the thought and started playing with my hands while I leaned on my lockers. Just then I heard people talking. It was Ken and someone else. Maybe his friends? He noticed me and waved, I waved back.

"Did you wait for a long time?" Ken asked.

"Ah, no. It wasn't that long," I smiled and tucked a piece of loose hair strand behind my ear.

"Shall we get going?" Ken smiled back. I nodded.

But his friend interrupted our moment, "Oi Ken, what's this? Your girlfriend?"

"W-W-What?? Noo!! We're just friends!!" Ken said as he waved his hands around.

'Hmm...just friends huh? Of course we are...geez Yumi what were you expecting? Get a grip!' I shook my head.

"Ah I should introduce you guys first, right? Yumi, this is Ryuusuke, someone I've recently became acquainted with. Ryuu, this is Yumi, one of my friends that I usually hang out with along with Shou and Ryouta," Ken introduced us.

"Nice to meet you...." I smiled a bit at Ryuusuke. But his reaction was rather strange.

"Yumi? Hmm... I've seen you before," He tapped his chin and stared at me, "You, are you popular or something?"

He must be talking about my height, I don't want to tell him though. What if he bullies me too. But he's Ken's friend so he must be nice right?

I laughed nervously, "You mean for my height? I get teased a lot about it......" I rubbed the back of my head.

"Yumi...." Ken looked at me worriedly.

"AHHH!!!! THAT'S RIGHT!!! Aren't you the infamous 'Giraffe Girl?' " He started laughing. Oh no.....I don't like where this is going.

"Hey! Ryuu stop it!!" Ken shouted.

However Ryuusuke continued, "They were right!, you're super tall, just like a giraffe!" This again. I turned away and looked down. "Hey, Ken. Why are you hanging out with a girl like her? She doesn't deserve you--" Ken immediately threw a punch at Ryuusuke.

"I said stop it didn't I?!" Ken yelled. I gasped.

"K-Ken? What was that? Why are you getting all worked up? I just called her a Giraffe Girl!" Ryuusuke, who is now on the floor, hold the side of the cheek that was punched and showed terror in his eyes.

"Don't call her Giraffe Girl!! She has a freaking name!!" Ken sat on top of him and punched him again. Then, Ryuusuke pushed Ken and landed a punch on his as well. A fight broke out.

>>>>>>>>>>>

"I can't believe you got all worked up! I didn't mind at all!" I dabbed the cotton ball to the injuries on his face.

"Ow ow ow!! Be more gentle!!"

"Did that hurt? Sorry!!" I panicked. "You have to endure it, it'll be over soon." I've never seen Ken get all worked up before, maybe because we were friends for just a short time. But it was quite a sight. Deep inside, I was actually happy, that he protected me. I didn't noticed that I was even smiling to myself as I peel off a layer of paper from the band aid.

"Why are you smiling?" Ken asked.

"H-Huh? I was?" I accidently stuttered.

"Yeah, you didn't even notice yourself smiling," Ken laughed. I felt my face turned hot, am I blushing?? I tried to change the subject.

"Back there.....thanks for protecting me," I hold the band aid that was ready to stick.

"How could I let him insult my friend? I shouldn't have brought him....sorry...." Ken apologized, looking away.

Ah. Again. Friend.

"No, it's okay. But he's your friend too?" I said as I leaned closer and stuck the band aid on his face.

"You're special....." I heard Ken muttered.

"S-Special?" What with this mood? I feel butterflies in my stomach. "W-W-What do you mean??"

He grabbed my wrists and stared into my eyes. I couldn't look away either, I stared back into his eyes and looked into his deep blue eyes that was quavering. We locked our gazes onto each other.

"I-I want us to be more than just friends...."

W-W-What???? My heart is beating so fast that it could burst any moment. What if he hears it?? I didn't know what to reply. Is he confessing?? Or does he mean something like best friend??

He looked nervous too, "Gahh, what I meant is that.........I l-like you!! L-Let's go out!!" I was so nervous, I didn't know what to say. Words aren't coming out of my mouth either. "You don't have to give me an answer right away.....You can take your time." Ken laughed nervously.

"Umm....Err.... I'll think about it!" I got up from my seat my ran away.

>>>>>>>>>>>

I plopped down on my bed and remembered Ken's confession. I rolled around the bed and buried my head into my pillow. What should I do?? I like him too, but how do say it?? I should try practicing.

"Me too! I like you too!!" That sounds weird... "I-I like you too!! I like you as well, Ken!" Kyaaa this practice is making me embarrass. But the thing is where and when should I confess to him?

The next day at school, my eyes met with Ken's, he approached me, but I ran away again. Our eyes met countless times throughout the whole day, I had so many opportunities to tell him but I had no courage. The following day, was the same. I sighed, it's been two days now, I haven't give him an answer yet. At this rate, he might lose feelings for me!! What if he thinks, I'm playing hard to get now?? I dragged myself to the way home, but suddenly a hand grabbed my shoulder.

I turned around and almost screamed, but it was Ken. "K-K-K-KEN???" I almost shouted, by his sudden appearance.

He was startled and let go of my shoulder, "As I expected....you were feeling uncomfortable by my confession the other day right?? But it's okay to reject me if you want, it's better than avoiding me and not giving me an answer..."

I didn't know that...I didn't think how he would feel. I only thought about myself. "NO!! It's not like that!!! I just couldn't find the right timing to tell you...I-I'll just say it now. I like you too!! From the moment I saw you.....this might sound a bit fantasized but, you were like a prince. When you kept calling me your friend, I was hoping we were more. I thought it might be not right to step over the lines when we're friends for over a year now. But you confessed me the other day, I felt really happy, but I couldn't accept my own feelings!!" I blabbered.

OMG...What have I just said?!! I looked away embarrassed. I peeked a look at Ken. His face, neck, and ears were all red. He was blushing? He covered his nose and mouth with his hand in embarrassment. "A-A prince??? Y-You didn't have to go that far...." He mumbled as he averted his gaze.

"But it's true!!" He looked at me in surprise and laughed.

"Thank you," He said as he pulled me into a hug.

>>>>>>>>>>> (back to the present)

"Those were the old days.....it'd be nice if we could go back to time," I smiled and I recalled the past as I look at the photographs of Ken and I, taken three years ago. Then the photos from second year showed up too, this time Ryouta and Shou-kun joined Ken and I. "Those were the fun times..." A tear rolled down my cheek I put the photo on the desk. "Things are so different now...." I cuddled hugging my knees closed to my face. "I'm sorry Ken.... I'm so sorry...."

I didn't know I would be selfish till the end.

A/N: So that was part of what happened between Ken and Yumi!! Continuation in the next chapter!! Hope you like this chapter, if you do make sure to vote and comment~! Just so you know we have nothing against tall people whatsoever. Kuro, here is super tall too (¬_¬'')ԅ(￣ε￣ԅ). Thanks for reading and see you all next Sunday~!!

- Kuroi and Yukine