DEATHMARK

A small crowd had gathered near her front gate. Not a loud one but they were whispering among themselves. A man held up his phone with wide eyes and a woman could be seen gripping her daughter's hand so tight her daughter was visibly hurt. 

The little girl pointed toward the house.

"Why is—"

"Don't say it, sweetie." the mother whispered.

Yuki Ayano stepped out of her house and walked straight toward them. She had blonde hair, fair skin, and icy blue eyes.

"Hello. Do you need anything? I saw you and a few others staring at my house," Yuki asked.

The mother shook her head like fear had finally come over her. Then bolted down the street in a cold sweat, dragging her daughter behind her.

Yuki blinked, caught off guard by the sudden retreat.

...What was that about?

She let out a quiet breath through her nose.

"Maybe they were in a hurry... or something."

She turned her head toward her house, as she saw her parents from the living room window. Their hands were raised mid-wave, but they weren't moving. They hadn't waved for real in a long time. 

Yuki adjusted the strap on her backpack and paused at the gate. 

"See you later, Mom. Dad."

No response. Their grins didn't even twitch.

She lowered her eyes, jaw tightening for a second.

I wish you two would at least say goodbye...

Yuki jogged ahead her blonde ponytail bouncing behind her as she brushed past the murmuring crowd.

***

Once in school, she ran in the hallway. There were students rushing past her with their papers in hand.

Amidst the chaos, Yuki did her best, as she navigated among them. However, A loud moan caught her attention, followed by dragging footsteps.

It was Riko Fuyumi.

She looked like she hadn't slept in days. Her short black hair was all over the place and her black eyes just stared at her. She couldn't help but wonder if Riko even owned a comb.

"Ugh... I'm so done... I think I slept for, like... twenty minutes. Did you even glance at yesterday's math assignment?" Riko mumbled, her voice scratchy.

"Was it that difficult?" Yuki chuckled.

Riko bumped her head against the lockers.

"It was impossible. I barely made it through the first question and how about you?"

Looking at her notes, Yuki smiled.

"I believe I got it correct, but who knows."

Riko moaned.

"Ugh I'm so jealous you have no idea."

Yuki had shrugged off her comment and maintained a courteous smile.

If only Riko knew. She thought.

***

The bell rang, and all the students made their way to class. Within the classroom, all that could be heard was students buzzing nervously, exchanging notes, and stressing over their tasks.

Near the back, a group of females leaned in and spoke violently behind Yuki's back.

"Look at her," one said. "I bet she's going to get a perfect score again."

"Ugh, I know right? She's so annoying, people like her just have it so easy." another said.

"I don't get why all the guys fawn over her. She's not even that pretty."

Across the classroom, the boys were being loud. Shoving each other playfully.

"Hey," one of them said, "Does Miss Perfect even have a boyfriend?"

Then, as if on cue a scraping sound of a chair could be heard.

One of the quieter boys stood up. He had brown hair shaped like a bowl and round glasses.

"Guys...I'm gonna go ask her out," he said.

"What! Kenji, You'll go blind just by looking at her don't do it."

Kenji didn't answer right away but he exhaled.

"Relax I got this watch and learn."

Nervously, Kenji walked toward Yuki's desk, his buddies parting.

As he approached, Yuki looked in Kenji's direction.

"Morning, Igaguri Kenji!" Yuki joyfully welcomed him.

Her flawless white teeth appeared to shine forth, blinding Kenji.

Kenji halted and dramatically covered his eyes.

"No! She's too bright! I-I can't see!" he said, tripping backward.

Kenji's friends burst into laughter, while shaking their heads as they teased him.

One of his friends yelled, "We told you, man!"

Rubbing his eyes, Kenji whined jokingly, "Sorry, I should have listen. That smile? it's unreal."

Riko then made her way to Yuki's desk, as she yawned.

"I did some of the math assignment just now," she sighed, "but I'm nowhere near done. I'm so screwed."

Yuki gently laughed and handed her notes to Riko.

"Here, please make use of mine. After all, we are besties."

Riko fell to her knees dramatically, making a scene.

"Yuki, my guardian angel!"

The classroom door opened violently, before Riko could grab Yuki's notes. Their teacher marched in, her eyes scanning the room like a hawk.

"Okay, everyone—settle down. Let's get that math homework in."

Riko's optimistic look changed immediately to sadness, and tears began to form in her eyes.

Yuki chuckled and said, "Good luck."

Miss Nishimura their math teacher, stood at the front of the class as she instructed everyone to give her the math assignment. Everyone stood up and put their papers at Miss Nishimura desk as they waited till it was corrected.

One hour had gone by.

Names were called out one by one.

Then Yuki Ayano's name was called.

The room immediately became silent as everyone observed Yuki rising from her chair. Her teacher remarked, seeming somewhat worried.

"A-another flawless score, Yuki Ayano."

Whispers spread through the room.

"Of course, Miss Perfect again got a perfect score," someone muttered.

"Such a show-off," a voice added.

Holding her smile, Yuki did her best to disregard the comments.

"Thanks, Miss Nishimura."

Miss Nishimura touched Yuki's shoulder.

"Could you remain behind after class?"

The room felt quiet all of a sudden. Yuki could feel eyes on her—more than before. She then went back to her seat, her hands resting still on her desk.

Across the room, Riko Fuyumi was watching her with a worried look. Yuki met her eyes and gave a small nod, like she was trying to say, 'I'm okay.' 'It wasn't true, not really but it was so much easier to say she was fine than to try and explain herself.

***

The classroom rapidly cleared when the departure bell rang. Yuki sat at her desk, pretending to concentrate on the lines of her notebook.

Her teacher Miss Nishimura was young, probably in her late twenties, and always showed a level of confidence. She had straight black hair that fell just past her shoulders, framing her beautiful face.

"Ayano, everything about you is outstanding. Starting with your grades, your conduct. Honestly, you amaze me."

Yuki raised her gaze.

"Ayano, I hope you don't mind me bringing this up, but I haven't had the chance to meet your parents yet... They haven't attended any school events or parent-teacher meetings, and I've tried reaching out a few times with no luck."

She paused then continued.

"Is everything okay at home?"

Yuki's fingers clutched at her desk. She tried maintaining a calm tone.

"Sorry, they're really busy."

Miss Nishimura stopped, perhaps considering Yuki's reaction.

Her teacher's eyes filled with mild worry.

"I understand, but Yuki, just know my door is always open...Okay?"

Yuki rose from her seat and bowed politely.

"Thank you, Miss Nishimura."

Hoping no more inquiries would follow her, Yuki turned and exited the classroom.

***

Yuki was making her way back home after her little conversation with Miss Nishimura. That's when she saw her parents behind the living room window waving at her.

Yuki's frown faded as she ran toward her house.

"Mom, Dad! I'm coming!"