Renji Stories Chapter: 1

[Dekar]

Renji Stories Chapter: 1

This, it is a memory. A memory I could never forget. I am dreaming of the girl the girl whose smile was brighter than any I’ve ever seen.

Saka: Hey did you know? When a person gets hurt so badly that they never want to feel that pain again they create a mask to protect themselves.

Renji: Really? I can’t imagine someone doing something like that.

Saka: I don’t know I can, it the hurt is bad enough I think I would do anything to get away. Mom says “people don’t truly change on the inside; they just change their outer appearance.”

Renji: Well no matter what happens I’m never gonna make a mask, I’ll go through life honestly.

Saka: I’m sure you will Renji-kun, you’re strong.

Renji: Saka-chan don’t worry if you’re ever in that much pain I’ll come and support you. I promise.

Saka: Thank you Renji-kun.

Since then I’ve done my best to keep that promise to Saka, but when my parents moved away we lost contact I haven’t seen her since.

My name is Renji Ota my parents died when I was 15 and I’ve been supporting myself and adopted sister ever since. Starting this year I’ll be going to Okka High a high school in the City of Tappo. Despite being a fairly large city it’s not very well known and people rarely move there. I lived there as a child and decided to return since I want my sister to go to high school there so we decided to pick up and move.

I feel a soft and gentle hand shaking me.

: Onii-chan…Onii-chan… Onii-chan!!!

I snap awake as I am being violently jerked back and forth by the tiny figure next to me. It was my little sister Sayu her white blonde hair is tied at her shoulders into two ponytails that go down to her lower back and her porcelain white skin seems to glow with her radiant atmosphere.

Sayu: Onii-chan wake up! It’s our stop hurry!

Renji: Oh crap!

Sayu had already gotten our luggage out of storage and I quickly grab the bags and run out the train door Sayu following closely behind me.

Renji: Whew, safe!

Sayu: Geeez! Onii-chan can’t you be a little more responsible you’re supposed to be the head of the household remember?

Sayu was right that I am technically head of the household, but I’m more just a figure head. All I do is work, go to school and help out with a couple of chores around the house. Sayu is a better cook and I’m completely inept at any cleaning more complicated than stacking a book on a shelf or putting a sock in a drawer, not that I put my socks away either.

Renji: I know, I know sorry Sayu.

Sayu: Onii-chan if you’d better hurry.

Renji: He-hey! Sayu don’t leave your Onii-chan behind!

Sayu started living with my parent and I after her parents died in an accident. Her parents and mine were close friends so they decided that it would be better if they took care of her since none of Sayu’s relatives lived nearby and they didn’t want to move her into an unfamiliar environment. That happened when I was about ten and ever since she’s called my “Onii-chan.”

~3 month later~

Ding-ding-ding-ding the alarm clock goes off at full blast on the other side of my bed I roll over and try to reach over and smack it. I feel a rustle beside me and the alarm turns off.

Renji: Good night…wait.

I suddenly leap out of bed and yank the covers away. Laying next to me is Sayu dressed in one of my old shirts.

Renji: Sayu! What are you doing in my bed!?

Sayu: Huh? Onii-chan what’s wrong why are you shouting?

Renji: Because you’re sleeping in my bed next to me!

Sayu: But we used to do this all the time when we were kids.

Sayu slowly sits up and yawns then begins to rub her eyes.

Renji: That’s when we were kids it’s different now!

Sayu: Why?

Renji: Well we’re older and it’s awkward, it’s not right for a young man and woman to sleep in the same bed under these circumstances.

Sayu: Then when is it okay?

Sayu’s question catches me off guard and I can feel my cheeks heating up with embarrassment. It was true though over the past couple years Sayu was developing in more ways than one. Her petite and gentle figure and gentle brown eyes make her very popular among boys and she has grown very beautiful.

Renji: Ne-never mind! Anyways it’s not right so stop sneaking into my bed!

Sayu: But I like sleeping next to Onii-chan.

Renji: No means no Sayu!

Sayu makes a pouty face in an attempt to change my mind but finally sighs in surrender. She then gets up and heads out the door as she leave she pops her head back in.

Sayu: Good morning Onii-chan.

Renji: Good morning Sayu.

I soon hear the patter of her feet on the floor slowly getting softer as she goes downstairs to cook breakfast. I go to the bathroom to wash up then head downstairs.

Renji: Sayu, what’s for breakfast today.

Sayu: Today we’re having a western style breakfast.

I see a spread of bacon eggs and toast as well as an assortment of jam and butter on the table. Sayu likes Japanese food but she often cooks western food since that’s what I prefer. But don’t be mistaken just because Sayu does most of the cooking doesn’t mean I can’t cook…I just choose not to.

Renji: So Sayu how are you liking school?

Sayu: It’s a lot of fun, all of my classmates are nice.

Renji: Oh, have you gotten a boyfriend yet?

Sayu surprised by my question begins to shake her head furiously.

Sayu: No of course not.

Renji: Oh really? You should get one half the guys in the school will be heart-broken if I tell them you’re not interested in a boyfriend right now.

Sayu: It’s not that I’m not interested…

Renji: Oh, just haven’t found someone that you like?

Sayu: Well not exactly…

Renji: Oh, so there is someone you like. Come on tell your Onii-chan I won’t tell many people.

For some reason Sayu gets up from the table in a huff and picks up her bag and walks out the door after dropping her plates in the sink.

Sayu: Onii-chan you idiot!

Renji: What was that?

I shrug and clean the plate in the sink then pick up my bag and run out the door to catch up to Sayu. About halfway to the school I find Sayu surrounded by a group of boys with an uncomfortable expression on her face.

Boy #1: Come on Sayu-chan come with us after school it’ll be fun.

Boy #2: Yeah we’ll show you a great time.

Boy #3: Hehe, yeah a great time.

Renji: Oh boy, not again.

Sayu actually end up in this situation quite often it’s a real hassle. I walk over and glare at the three. They were second years.

Renji: Hey kid, what do you think you’re doing to my little sister?

Boy #2: Oh crap it’s Oni-san!

Boy #1: Let’s get out of here!

Boy #3: Wait for me!

The three of them take off towards the school. I was pretty well known throughout the school since this happened a lot rumors of Sayu’s “Scary Oni-san” were circulating throughout the school. My the nick name for me among Sayu’s fans is her Oni-san since Oni is the Japanese word for Ogre. I’m the Ogre who protects the princess. I walk over to Sayu who was clutching her bag tightly against her chest.

Renji: Hey Sayu it’s okay now, nothing to worry about see?

Sayu: Onii-chan, thank you.

We begin to walk towards the school and she stops.

Sayu: Onii-chan I’m sorry for storming out this morning.
I turn around and walk back then gently place my hand on her head and muss her hair.

Renji: Hey, don’t worry about it. Sorry if I said something that upset you.

Sayu wraps herself around my arm and the two of us walk to school. When we get to the shoe lockers the two of us separate and go to our respective homerooms.

: I heard Sayu’s Oni-san scared some second years out of their skin earlier.

I turn around a see another third year he has light brown hair, thin framed glasses and very handsome features, his name is Ibuki Kouji and I suppose he is one of my “friends” at this school. He’s very popular among the girls and near the top of the class, his only real fatal flaw seems to be…

Ibuki: Good job! You must protect my precious flower until she is ready to be deflowered by yours truly.

Suddenly Ibuki lurches forwards as my fist makes solid contact with his stomach. As I was saying his only fatal flaw is that…he’s a perverted idiot.

Renji: What in the world ever made you think that it was a good idea to talk about my sister like that in front of me?

Ibuki suddenly puts his arm over my shoulder having instantaneously recovered from the blow that would have kept most on the ground for several minutes.

Ibuki: What are you talking about Ota-kun come on you’re lucky getting to live with the schools latest idol. I envy ya man.

Renji: Kouji-kun if you keep talking I’m going to hit you so hard you won’t ever get up again.

Ibuki: Don’t say such harsh things man…by the way have you heard?

Renji: About what?

Ibuki: We’re getting a new student today, it’s a girl who’s apparently returning from studying abroad in America. She’s sooo gonna be hot.

Renji: Well if you say so it’s probably true.

Ibuki’s senses when it come to predicting women are amazing so if he says she’s going to be attractive then there’s little doubt that she will be stunning.

Renji: If that’s the case you should join a team and impress her with your athleticism.

: Speaking of which have you two decided on any clubs you want to join. We’d be more than happy to have you join the Basketball team.

A handsome black haired boy walks up. He was taller than most and had an extremely muscular build with dark brown eyes. He was Taro Inuki. Inuki is the captain of the basketball team and has been trying to recruit Ibuki and I ever since we beat two of the teams starters at a local two on two tournament.

Renji: Sorry Inuki-kun but I don’t like school sports.

Ibuki: If I start dedicating my time to a club I’ll lose a part of my precious Springtime of Youth.

Inuki: I suppose I should have expected this from the No-goers.

Renji: Please don’t call me that, I’d rather not be groups with the likes of him.

Ibuki: Harsh man.

Inuki: Hahaha, same as always I see.

Ibuki and I are called the No-goers because we are two of the schools top athletes but every time a club tries to recruit us it’s a “no-go” thus we are dubbed the No-Goers.

The bell rings and the three of us go to our normal seats, I look out the window like normal. I’m actually a pretty good student but I don’t like formalities and I don’t go to school events so I don’t bother to pay any attention in homeroom, but today was different.

Homeroom Teacher: And today we will be having a new student join our class. She just returned from studying abroad.

A girl with long brown hair enters the classroom her eyes were piercing blue and she looks around the classroom with an icy stare, but Ibuki’s prediction was indeed correct. The girl was beautiful. She had a well proportioned figure and with assets the complimented her sizes not to big not to small, but her eyes and demeanor gave her an air of inapproachability and see seemed cold.

Homeroom teacher: Why don’t you introduce yourself then go sit next to Ota-kun.

Girl: My name is Saka Mizuhara.

She makes a small bow then walks over to the seat next to me and sits down. Many of the boys in the class stare at her, but most seem hesitant to talk to her, but of everyone the one who is shocked most by far is me.

Renji: Saka-chan, is that you?

Saka: Why are you addressing me so informally?

Renji: It’s me Renji Ota, we grew up together.

Saka: Is that so?

Saka turns back towards the front of the classroom but I could feel something shatter in the back of my mind. The Saka I had always imagined her growing up into is turned to dust as a stare blankly at the cold person in front of me. What happened to her?

Saka: I would appreciate it if you would stop staring at me.

Renji: Oh, right sorry.

The teacher walks in her name was Shizu Sato, she was the most popular female teacher in the school her dignity and beauty had made her something of a legend, surprisingly enough she wasn’t dating anyone which caused many of the students to have less than moral fantasies involving her. She has long black hair and a mature appearance, a slim delicate figure and notably sizable bust.

Shizu: Okay, I know everyone is excited about having a new student in class but you can talk to her after class is over.
I sit only half listening to the lesson.

Renji: What could have made her this way. I thought we “people weren’t supposed to change.”

Class soon ends and lunch break begins and many of the girls gather around Saka.

Girl #1: Mizuhara-san, what was America like?

Girl #2: Was it fun?

Girl #3: Do you have a boy friend?

Saka sighs and gets up and walks away from the girls.

Saka: I’m very sorry but I don’t wish to talk about it.

Saka gives a polite bow and walks away, suddenly I my arm is pulled behind my back and I am put in an arm lock. Ibuki was standing behind me with an intrigued look on his face.

Ibuki: Don’t think I didn’t hear you calling her Saka-chan, what was that all about? You’re never that informal, and on top of that you seem like you know her. What secrets are you hiding.

A bunch of the guys gather around us.

Classmate #1: Oh sweet Kouji-kun and Ota-kun are fighting 2000 yen on Ota-kun.

Classmate #2: I’ll take that bet, Kouji-kun is finally going to break Oni-san’s streak of wins.

Suddenly the two of us are pulled apart by Inuki.

Inuki: Now listen I know the two of you are popular but please don’t make a scene in class.

I sigh and lean against the desk behind me, then I take out my lunch and head up to the roof, Ibuki and Inuki following close behind.

Renji: Hey Ibuki-kun why area you following me?

Ibuki: Isn’t it obvious? Wherever you eat Sayu-chan will eat.

Renji: I knew it, don’t follow me dammit!

Ibuki: What about Inuki-kun?

Renji: He’s at least worth the space he occupies, if he got together with Sayu I wouldn’t complain.

Ibuki: Oh, come on man, that’s harsh.

Renji: It’s true.

I open the door to the roof top ignoring the sign that says “do not enter” and proceed outside. Ibuki, Inuki and I normally come here to eat and Sayu normally eats with us, but there was another person here today. Saka was looking out over the town from the railing she turns around noticing us.

Saka: So you followed me huh?

Renji: N-no this is where we normally eat.

I was definitely nervous my discomfort was showing all over my face I bet. Ibuki sat next to me stifling a laugh.

Ibuki: What’s wrong Ota-kun someone finally break the mighty On—

Ibuki shuts up as my fist connects with his stomach. Merely watches us.

Saka: Idiots.

She begins to walk away but when she reaches the door suddenly she turns back for a second.

Saka: Ota-san I’d appreciate it very much if you don’t bring up the past.

I feel like I was just stabbed in the heart. Saka leaves the roof top and after she leaves we hear the door open and Sayu comes out smiling.

Sayu: Onii-chan! Let’s eat together.

Sayu sits down beside me and unwraps her lunch, but she soon realizes that I’m not acting like myself and turns to Inuki.

Sayu: Hey, hey Taro-senpai why is Onii-chan acting so depressed.

Inuki shrugs not entirely sure himself then explains what had happened in class and on the roof.

Sayu: Onii-chan do you know Mizuhara-senpai?

Renji: Yeah, I grew up with her. She was always really bright and cheery kinda like you.

Ibuki: Are you serious? That girl was like Sayu? That’s valuable information.

Ibuki has a habit of collecting information on girls he deems attractive. He’s always asking me questions about Sayu, in fact that’s actually how we met.

Renji: I wonder what happened to her.

Inuki: It’s not like you to be so worried, do you have an interest in her as more than just friends?

Renji: Well she has become very pretty, but no I don’t see her in that way, at least not right now.

Ibuki: Oh come on man, how can you not find that sexy silhouette enticing.

Ibuki raises is hand and strokes his chin in a pondering gesture. Then he motions like he’s reached a conclusion.

Ibuki: Oh I get it you’re g—

Suddenly an entire rice ball is shoved into Ibuki’s mouth by Sayu.
When she come to her senses she looks down.

Sayu: I’m sorry Ibuki-senpai I didn’t mean too…

Ibuki struggle to choke down the entire riceball eventually succeeding however he suddenly stands up tears leaking from his eyes.

Ibuki: Sayu-chan has given me some of her homemade obento, I am super mega ultra moved! Delicious! The most delicious rice ball I’ve ever had!

Renji: Don’t you think you’re being a little over dramatic?

Ibuki: Silence! You’ve merely been spoiled by getting to enjoy this heavenly meal everyday!

Inuki: Renji, you do have to admit, Sayu-chan’s cooking is very good.

Sayu: Inuki-senpai, Ibuki-senpai you’re embarrassing me.

Ibuki: Wait, Inuki-kun when did you try Sayu-chan’s cooking?

Renji: Oh, you didn’t know? Inuki-kun actually comes over and has dinner with us pretty often.
Suddenly Ibuki’s seems to be petrified.

Ibuki: W…w…w…w…WHY AM I THE ONLY ONE LEFT OUT!?

Renji: Because I don’t want you near my sister, idiocy is contagious.
The bell rings and the four of us shovel down the last of our food and return to class. I sit down in my seat and Saka sits next to me as if we were strangers. When class ends I had finally had enough. Saka begins to get up but I grab her arm.

Renji: We need to talk.

Saka: I’m sorry but I’m busy we can talk another time.

Renji: No, I’m tired of this, why are you ignoring me? Why are you cold? You were always so cheerful! Saka what did I do to piss you off so bad!?

Saka turns to me and gives me a stare cold enough to freeze my boiling anger.

Saka: You broke our promise.

She turns and walks away. I reach out again as if trying to grasp her but my hand drops to my side and eventually clenches into a fist. An indescribable feeling over takes me, but oddly enough it soon dissipates, I had decided to do what I always do when I can’t think of anything. Be honest.

Renji: Hey Saka!

Saka: What?

A grin appears on my face and I wave my hand.

Renji: I’m not giving up, I’m going to remove your mask and help you return to the cheerful girl you once were.

Saka doesn’t respond, she turns around and walks away but before she disappears from sight I could have sworn I saw an ever so small smile appear on her face. Since class was over I didn’t really have anything to do, I was off work today so I just decide to wander around campus.

Renji: Man, this place is always so lively after school.

I found myself wandering by the basketball courts. Inuki was playing with some of the other starters it appears that practice was canceled but something else caught my attention. There was a girl playing as well.

Girl: Hey watch out!

Renji: Huh?

Suddenly the basketball comes down and hits me in the head knocking me over. I hear a few people chuckling in the background, and the girl runs over to me.

Girl: I’m sorry Senpai!

Renji: Don’t worry about it.

Closer up I realize that the girl was actually quite attractive, she was a second year with short hair tied into a loose ponytail but still allowing her bangs to cover her forehead, her build was slim but athletic with fair skin and her assets were well proportioned to her. I see her gentle brown eyes staring at the ball. As I get up.

Girl: Umm Senpai can I have the ball back?

I shrug and bounce the ball a few times then step onto the court and from just outside the three point line I swish a shot.

Inuki: Heh, you just can’t stand looking bad can you huh?

Renji: Of course not.

Girl: Inuki-senpai do you know this guy?

Inuki: Yeah, he’s a troublesome guy but he’s a good player I’ve been trying to recruit him for the team.

Renji: To bad I don’t like school sports.

Girl: Why not?

Renji: I don’t know I guess I don’t see the point in getting all hyped up about something with no real bearing. It’s the school that gets all the credit not the players.

Girl: That’s not the way I look at it. Sports aren’t about recognition they’re about fun!

Renji: I suppose.

Inuki: actually this is good with you we’ve got six people, up for some three on three?

Renji: You, me, and her.

Inuki: Hmmm, why so particular on the teams?

Renji: I don’t want to have anything to do with the team, you’re just a friend and she’s not on the team. So I’ll play under those conditions.

Inuki: That okay with you guys?
The three other players nod, and the game begins. Inuki was the best player and wins the toss he passes over to the girl who wizes past her defender immediately making a layup. I whistle.

Renji: So the girls got some skills huh?

Inuki: Yeah, she’s the girl’s team ace, Akari Kishimoto.

Renji: Really now?

Inuki: What’s wrong?

Renji: Nothing I was just thinking that she’s a very interesting person. I’m having an odd streak with girls today.

Inuki: You make it sound like a bad thing.

Renji: Not really.

The six of us continue to play and it’s no surprise that Inuki, Akari, and I win by a hefty number of points. Inuki was clearly the best player here. He is already being scouted by colleges but what surprised me was how good Akari was. She wasn’t as good as Inuki but she definitely had skills.

Akari: It’s such a shame Renji-senpai doesn’t play on the team you guys would be a shoo in to win nationals.

Renji: I wouldn’t go that far, I may be good, but I’m not some prodigy like Inuki-kun.

Inuki: I don’t know you may get better than me if you seriously practiced.

Renji: Let’s drop this conversation here, I don’t want to join.
The three others had already left and I wave goodbye to Inuki. I then turn to Akari who was still standing on the court.

Renji: What are you doing?

Akari: I’m not ready to go home just yet, I want to play a little bit more.

I sigh and put down my bad, I don’t know what it was about this girl but her enthusiasm was definitely inspiring I walk back out onto the court and crouch into a defensive position.

Akari: Senpai? What are you doing?

Renji: You’re not done yet right? I’d feel bad if I left a girl all alone at the school so I’ll stay and help you practice.

Akari: Really? Thank you Senpai!

A huge smile appears on Akari’s face and she begins to dribble the ball she then tries to dribble around me but I pivot and stay on her.

Renji: You’re still telegraphing your movements it’s subtle but don’t start moving before you actually go.

She begins to make a drive to the hoop but I catch the side of the ball and steal it.

Renji: See pay attention to your feet.

Akari: Hey Senpai, wanna make a bet on this next one?

Renji: What do you have in mind?

Akari: I play offense you play defense the loser treats the winner to anything of their choice.

Renji: Oh brave. Why not?

Akari: Okay then.

Akari begin to dribble the ball and eventually forces her way to the foul line but she isn’t be able to take a shot with my tight cover. Suddenly her knees move right and I follow to block but she drives past me on the left side.

Renji: What?

Akari: What do you think? I call it the Akari Fake I haven’t completed it yet though.

Renji: It’s a nice move.

Akari: Hehe, don’t forget our bet Senpai you lost.

Renji: Bet? What bet?

Akari: You have to treat me to anything I want!

Renji: Oh that bet.

Akari: Oh, stop teasing me.

Akari and I stop by a parfait shop on the way home, and she orders the fanciest one on the menu, which is of course also the most expensive.

Renji: Jeez, not taking it easy on your senpai who took his time to practice with you.

Akari: What are you talking about I did take it easy on you I only ordered one.

I look as they bring out the towering parfait. Then look at Akari’s slim athletic figure.

Renji: How many of those can you eat?

Akari: Well if I’m really hungry three.

Renji: I will now be shutting up.

The two of us laugh. This is nice it’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed such a causal atmosphere, and it’s one of the first times I’ve been so relaxed with a girl. Maybe this is what they mean when they talk about hitting it off. I hope.

Akari: By the way Senpai, I’ve got a favor to ask you.

Renji: What is it?

Akari: …well it’s kinda embarrassing for me to say it out loud.

Renji: Huh?

I could feel my cheeks heating up, could this be a confession. I’ve never actually been confessed too, I’m the type that is popular with guys but who girls tend to shy away from.

Akari: Could you help me practice? Whew I said it.

My jaw almost drops and I take several deep breaths as I try to fight off the disappointment I was feeling.

Renji: Practice with me why?

Akari: Well you’re a good player and Inuki-senpai is always busy and I wouldn’t feel comfortable asking him.

Renji: So you decided to ask a person you just met today.

Akari: But Renji-senpai is a good person I can tell.

Renji: What?

Crap I’m definitely blushing.

Renji: I guess, but I have to work a lot so I don’t know how often I can help.

Akari: What about the day after tomorrow?

Renji: That’s a Saturday…yeah I’m free.

Akari: Great!

She grabs my hands in an excited gesture, soft, but after a few moments lets go, I’m disappointed though I decide it’s better to keep that tidbit of information silent.

Akari: Well I’ve got to get going see you later Renji-senpai!

Renji: Wait before you go why are you calling me by my first name.

Akari: That’s a silly question because we’re teammates.

I sigh and wave her off I then pay for the Parfait and leave the shop. Sayu was staying at a friends house so I decide to just cook take a bath and go to bed.

Renji: I wonder if today counts as a good day or a terrible one.

As I muse to myself I think of how Seeing Saka so stone faced made me feel, but Akari also passes through my mind and the way she was able to help me forget my troubles and enjoy myself.

Renji: Gah! I don’t want to think about it anymore!

I switch off the light to my room and go to sleep.