Hanasakigawa Academy welcomes a brand new transfer student who is coming from France. Coincidentally, this same transfer student shares some history with Kokoro.

Hanasakigawa Academy
Student Council Room
Jiro POV

Inside the council room, Jiro sat at the table, looking over some student exchange program documents while listening to music on the speaker. As he finished reading, the door was open by Kokoro, who entered with her bright smile.

Kokoro: Hi Jiro! How are you?

Jiro: Not too bad, just jamming it out in here while doing work.

Kokoro: Is this a Hello Happy World song?

Jiro: Worldwide Treasure.

Kokoro: I love that one!

Jiro: I can tell. Anyway, is there something I can do for?

Kokoro: I'm told you are reviewing the transfer student papers.

Jiro: What about them?

Kokoro: Do you have one with the name Charlotte Louise Misono?

*flips through pages various pages*

Jiro: Ah, here it is! She's the only transfer student from overseas. *hands Kokoro the document*

Kokoro: It is Charley!

Jiro: I'm assuming you know her?

Kokoro: Yeah, she and I used to play around my mansion whenever my parents had a party.

Jiro: Is that right? You know what? I'll ask the teachers if they can place her in your class.

Kokoro: Really? Thank you, Jiro!

Jiro: Don't thank me just yet. It's up to the teachers in the end.

As Kokoro skipped out of the council room, I looked back at Charlotte's transcripts, wondering what type of person she was. As I heard the door sliding open, Rinko entered the room and sat down at her spot.

Rinko: Hello, Jiro-kun. What are you working on?

Jiro: Just looking over the various transfer students were receiving.

Rinko: Oh, any of them we should take note of?

Jiro: Just this student who is coming from France. Apparently, Kokoro knows who she is.

Rinko: That's wonderful for hear.

Jiro: I'm going to let Kokoro give Misono-san the academy tour. I think if she's with a friend, it'll help her transition better.

Rinko: Typical Jiro-kun, always considate.

Jiro: Hehe... oh, I see everyone is wearing the summer uniform again.

Rinko: It's been humid recently, and It doesn't look like it's changing, so Hikawa-san advises the other students to wear our summer uniform.

Jiro: Gotcha. Anyway, I've reviewed all the transfers, so I'll hand them in to the facility office... I still don't know why we're doing the teacher's work?

Rinko: They have their hands full with planning this year's cultural festival. Our very last one...

Jiro: It's already the end of October... There's not much time...

Rinko and I stared out the window in slight sorrow. Our time here at Hanasakigawa is coming to an end. Soon, some of us will be taking our steps into a more mature world. The thought invaded our minds as we saw a large leaf fall from its branch.

The following day...
Class 2-A
Kokoro POV

As our teacher finished taking attendance, she gave the news of a brand new transfer student who would be joining our class. She was told to enter, writing her name on the board, and she introducing herself.

???: Hello, my name is Charlotte Louise Misono, I come from France. I hope we can get along.

Teacher: Why don't you take a seat next to Tsurumaki-san.

Charlotte: Tsurumaki?

Kokoro: Charley! It's me! Kokoro!

Charlotte: O-oh, hello Kokoro-chan, it's been a while.

Kokoro: Yup! It had been!

Teacher: Alright, settle down... we have a big topic to cover today. Open your textbooks to page 45!

After the first period had ended and break time began, the students inside the class went up to Charlotte's desk and began asking questions.

Student A: So which part of France do you come from Misono-san?

Charlotte: I am from Paris, it is quite different from Tokyo.

Student B: Are you rich?

Charlotte: We are not as rich as people think we are...

Kokoro: That's not true! Her family is just as rich as mine!

Misaki: Wow... talk about out of touch...

Charlotte: U-uh yes... what she said.

Hagumi: Charinrin! Our teacher asked us to give a tour of the school after the next period.

Kokoro: You're gonna love it! There is also a person we want you to meet!

Charlotte: Alright...

The new transfer student became quite the talk of the class. However, when Kokoro invited herself in conversations, Charlotte's mood seemed different, a sign that no one seemed to notice. During the second period, where the subject was japanese history, the teacher called Charlotte's name, to which she answered all questions that were asked of her with academic brilliance. After the second period had ended, Kokoro, Misaki, and Hagumi took Charlotte on the tour of Hanasakigawa Academy.

Misaki: This right here is the cooking club. If you arrive at the right time, you can be a taste tester.

Charlotte: Is that the only boy in this school?

Kokoro: Yep! He's really cool!

Hagumi: Jiro-Jiro! We've someone we would like you to meet!

The calm third year placed down his chef knife midway through cutting vegetables. He exited the clubroom after he heard his name called.

Jiro: Hello ladies, who's this with you?

Kokoro: She's that friend from France, I told you about.

Jiro: Ah, you must be Charlotte Misono.

My name is Jiro Chisaka. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

Charlotte: Please, the pleasure is all mine. *offers handshake*

Jiro: Have you eaten? I can get you something from the club.

Kokoro: Jiro's cooking is really good!

Hagumi: He makes the best pastas.

Misaki: It's all true. Ask anyone.

Charlotte: Alright, we can stop for a snack.

Jiro: Come on in.

The four girls were seated at one of the tables that was used to mimic a restaurant setting. Jiro cooked a quick shrimp fried rice, which he plated and served.

Charlotte: Ah, I do miss simple food such as this.

Kokoro: This is so good, Jiro!

Misaki: Excellent as usual.

Hagumi: What magic did you put in this?

Jiro: It's nothing special. It's just any old fried rice.

Misaki: Can I get seconds.

Jiro: Let me get that for you.

Charlotte: You seem to have some real talent, Chisaka-san. Would you like to be my personal chef?

Jiro: A generous offer, but no, I'll have to pass on that.

Charlotte: Well, that offer will be open to you.

Jiro: That's very kind, unlikely to be taken up, however.

After the girls finished their food, they offered to clean after themselves, which their upperclassmen policy declined.

Jiro: It's okay. Just leave the dishes in the sink. I'll clean up everything later.

Misaki: You've got some much to do in here, at least let us help.

Jiro: You've got the rest of the tour to focus on.

Charlotte: Thank you for this delicious meal, Chisaka-san.

Jiro: Anytime. You're lucky to have a friend like Kokoro. She can turn a bad into a good day with her smile.

Charlotte: Yes... of course...

For but a quick moment, Jiro noticed a darker expression formed on the French student's face. The look quickly changed as Kokoro grabbed her hand.

Kokoro: This way, Charley!

Hagumi: Let's go to the Art Club!

Jiro: Better catch up...

Misaki: Yeah, yeah, I'm going...

The tour continued as the four girls reached the art club. Its members welcomed Charlotte to paint on some blank canvas. She then painted a beautiful painting of Paris in Autumn.

Hagumi: Wow! You're a good painter, Charinrin!

Charlotte: Oh, thank you.

Art Club Member: You should join Misono-san, and we'd love to have you.

Charlotte: I will consider it.

Kokoro: Charley is so talented!

After spending some time in the Art Club, Charlotte wanted to take a walk outside of school, and due to Kokoro "special privileges," they went out to the local shipping street. Many of the vendors are quite surprised to see some students outside during school hours, but nevertheless tried to sell their wares and goods. Charlotte was intrigued by a shop that sold onigiris, so the group stopped by and bought some rice balls.

Charlotte: This is quite delicious...

Kokoro: Yup! Every shop here sells the best foods! So, Charley?

Charlotte: What is it?

Kokoro: Did you make France smile?

Charlotte: Y-yes, I was able to make France smile brightly.

Hagumi: That's amazing to hear. Don't you think Misaki-chan?

Misaki: Yeah, it is... we should head back, I think we have been out for too long.

The group of girls made their way back to school, where they continued their studies. As the school came to its conclusion, Kokoro had a final chat with Charlotte before they left.

Kokoro: I'm really happy we're reunited, Charley.

Charlotte: It is good to live in Japan again.

Kokoro: Do evey think back to when we met and promised?

Charlotte: A lot. Why?

Kokoro: It's nothing, no point dwelling on the past! Let's look towards the future.

Charlotte: Right...

Kokoro: Tomorrow, I'll introduce you to my band. Hello, Happy Word. The band that makes the world smile.

Charlotte: I-i can't wait to your friends.

Kokoro: Great! I'll see you tomorrow!

As Kokoro exited the class, Charlotte's smile immediately left, and an annoyed look took over her face.

Charlotte: You never changed. Did you? Out of all schools, you're here...

Timeskip - the following day
Tsurumaki Mansion

Charlotte waited inside one of the rooms inside the massive Tsurumaki Mansion. Looking out the window, she could hear the voices of Kokoro and herself when they were younger. Charlotte's trance was snapped when she heard the door open, revealing the members of Hello, Happy World.

Hagumi: Charinrin! Meet the members of Hello, Happy World!

Misaki: You know, me, Hagumi, and Kokoro.

Kanon: My name is Kanon Mastubara. It's nice to meet you. I'm a third year.

Kokoro: And this is...

Kaoru: I am the fleeting prince known as Koaru Seta! My lady...

Charlotte: It is nice to meet you both.

Kokoro: Charley, allow us to play one of our songs!

Charlotte: Alright, shall I sit down here?

The members of Hello Happy played various for their one girl audience. On the outside, Charlotte was gently clapping and enjoying their music. However, on the inside, she was irritated how overly positive the lyrics were. It was a shame Kokoro was oblivionis to her "friends" true feelings. Some wonder how Kokoro would react if Charlotte ever discloses her true feelings... a question for another day.

After time spent having tea parties, led to the evening sun. The happy members saw off their friend at the Mansion gates.

Kokoro: Charley, you are always welcome inside my house.

Hagumi: If you ever need friends, we're here for you.

Kanon: Take care on your way home.

Kaoru: Your company was itself a reward.

Misaki: Take it easy.

Charlotte: I had fun today. Thank you, everyone. I look forward to next time.

Kokoro: Me too! Bye Charley!

A few meters down the road, Jiro was returning after a day at work. As he walked around the corner, he could hear a familiar voice... one who is speaking ill of Kokoro.

???: Phew... Maintaining a fake smile is more taxing than I expected... no point dwelling on the past...? as if you would know.

???: You're just as pushy and overbearing as I remember... you haven't changed at all.

???: No... if anything, you have become worse.

???: You may be surrounded by friends now, but the time will come when you'll be all alone.

???: A time when people... will turn their backs on you...

???: Kokoro Tsurumaki... I will never forgive you for taking away my ability to smile...

The blonde haired girl slowly turned around and faced me with hatred burning in her eyes. I only met her once, but I now know more about her after one self monolog.

Jiro: I see you've got an ugly side, Misono-san...

Charlotte: How long have you been standing there...?

Jiro: Long enough...

Charlotte: What have you heard?

Jiro: Everything...

Charlotte: Heh, now you seen the true me. What now, senpai? Are you going to tell Kokoro?

Jiro: Even if I did, they wouldn't believe me...

Charlotte: Not a word of this to anyone.

Jiro: Alright, my lips are sealed...

Charlotte: How could I possibly trust you?

Jiro: You can't. You just have to hope Kokoro doesn't ask my opinion of you... which she eventually will.

Charlotte: Is that a threat?

Jiro: Depends on how you perseve it...

Charlotte: You're not as stupid as those girls, so I will keep it simple. You're either with me or against me. I can ruin your life... so know your place, peasant...

As Charlotte walked away, Jiro began to question the personality of some of the people he's met. Yukina was headstrong but can be reasoned with, Soyo is a hypocrite at her core. Finally, Charlotte, who is just plain nasty.

Jiro: I bet she tried to make people in Paris smile... like that would happen. She does realize it's France...

Soyo: Jiro-senpai...

Jiro: Oh, you...

To be continued...

Authors Notes:

I'm gonna be honest I wasn't feeling this chapter, a bit boring to write, until the ending part where it got mildly interesting. Charlotte is an interesting character. However, she's too similar to the books' next antagonist. So stay tuned for that.

As always, thank you for reading.