The 98th Sunshine
I'm Kemiko!
As the boat slid across the water, she looked up at the towering walls of her new school her heart beating with excitement and hope.
She never been outside Japan, let alone to a place like this. An island school where only one student from each country could go.
She could hardly believe she was here.
Her brother gave her of reassuring smile and she felt her nervousness eased a bit
She didn't know why she's been chosen. But she knew one thing for sure, she was ready for whatever lay ahead.
The new students were greeted by teachers and members of the student council who directed them with calm but practice efficiency.
Each student's belongings are checked and recorded before they move forward to line up.
After having her belongings checked, she lined up with the other students, waiting for her turn.
When it's her turn, the student council member incharge of checking the students look at her with surprise and awe...
Student Council
Hi there little one, let me have your name please.
Kemiko
I'm Kemiko!
Hakachi Kemiko.
Student Council
Kemiko Hakachi...
From Japan...
Student Council
Welcome here, Kemiko!
This is in Japan's flag pin for you...
Every student receives a small pin with the flag of their home country, which they were instructed to wear every day. Especially during these early weeks, so everyone would recognize where each new student was from.
After that they were each handed a card slender and smooth with instructions not to lose it under any circumstances.
Student Council
...and here's your card.
The card contained all of their student informations and was essential for navigating life on the island. With a quick scan, the card could unlock doors, the schools public transportations, classrooms, buildings, and even check-in for meals. Ensuring that every student's attendance are an activities were carefully tracked.
Student Council
Take a good care of your card don't lose it.
Kemiko
Okay, thank you Onee-san!
Kemiko
"Onii-san, mitte! Atashi, jibun no pin mo katte—cardo mo aru de! Ima, dō sun nen?"
[Big brother look! I got my own pin—and card too. What do we do now?]
Nii-san
"Nee chotto Koko de matteiyou ka? Tashika, dareka ga omae no dōmu ni tsurette itte kureru tte kiita kedo"
[Let's wait here for a bit, okay. I'm pretty sure I heard someone will take you to your door room to settle in.]
Kemiko
"Honma? Yatta!"
[Really? Yeay!]
Reina
I'm Reina from Gen 93.
Reina
I'm your senior and I'll be assisting you to your room. ^^
Reina Nee-san, Where are we going?
Kemiko
Reina Nee-san, where are we going?
The little girl asked, glancing out of the window as the monorail began it's smooth journey across the campus.
Reina said as she shows her a map of GPPS
Reina
You and your brother entered from here. It's the main central gate.
Reina
One of the gates in the central part of GPPS. Now we're heading to the girls' part of GPPS where you'll be spending the most time in the early days.
Kemiko
If there is a girls' part...
Kemiko
... that means, there is a boys' part?
Kemiko
And girl and boy don't see?
Yep! Her English is a bit... Well, she's a complete newbie so...
Reina
Girl and boy don't see? Oh... you mean they don't see each other? Yeah, we don't typically see each other on these sides of the school.
Reina
But we do everywhere else.
Reina
Like in the central part of the school.
Reina
Or the hospital, and all the other central and public facilities here at GPPS.
Reina
Like the convenient store, labs, grocery store, library, swimming pool, gym, dining hall, and so on.
Reina
In the girls' side, it's all girls-only facilities. In the boys' side, it's all boys-only facilities.
Reina
But in the central part of GPPS, both can use the spaces together with a schedule and terms and conditions, which you'll get the details of later on.
Reina
Are you catching up so far?
Kemiko
Catching... up? What "Up" are we catching, Onee-san?
Reina gives Kemiko a gentle understanding smile, realizing English was still new to her.
Reina
I mean... Do you understand so far? Or is the information too much for you, Kemiko?
Kemiko
"Uun... Kemiko likes information ya nen!"
[Nope, Kemiko likes information you know!]
She said what a sunny smile, as usual.
Kemiko carefully watches Reina's moves as she unlocks the access through GPPS with her card...
We're getting close to your room, Kemiko.
Reina
I almost forgot to inform you. So Kemiko's room will be different from most of the students for a while.
Reina said to both Kemiko and her brother.
Nii-san
Do you mind if we ask why?
Reina
Due to a delay... The new dormitory is still under construction, so we're currently short on rooms. Some students have been temporarily placed in rooms that are usually reserved for teachers. We've made sure that each student still has access to necessary facilities, including a bed, closet and storage space, private bathroom, and so on.
Reina
In the first year dorms, rooms typically house for four students. However, in this temporary arrangement, Kemiko will be sharing a room with just one other student, so there will only be two of them.
Her brother can see Kemiko's struggling to understand so he tries to explain it to his sister.
Nii-san
"Miko, wakaru ka? Atarashii ryō wa mada kansei shitenakute, gakusei no heya ga sukoshi tarinain da yo. Dakara, shibakaru no aida sensei no tame no heya ni sumu koto ni natta n da. Demo ne, beddo toka furo wa zenbu aru kara, shinpai shinakute ii yo. "
[Miko, you get it? The new dorm isn't finished yet, so there aren't enough student rooms. So, for a little while you'll be staying in a room that's usually for teachers. But everything you need like—a bed and bathroom—is all there, so don't worry.]
Nii-san
"Futsuu wa yonin-beya Nan dakedo, ima wa hitori Dake no aite dakara, sugoshi yasui kamo ne."
[Usually it's a four-person room, but this time you'll just have one roommate, so it might be easier to manage.]
Kemiko
"Eeh, Honma ni? Nandemo ee de!"
[Really? Well, anything's fine with me!]
Kemiko
"Atarashii tomodachi mo dekiru kamo shiren shi, tanoshimi ya wa!"
[I might even make a new friend, so I'm looking forward to it!]
Settle in?
They arrived in front of her dorm room.
Reina
Kemiko, remember the card you received? it's time to use it now...
Reina
Use your card to open the door so you can settle in.
Reina
Yeah, getting comfortable and making yourself feel at home. Like unpacking your things, getting to know your room, and feel relaxed and your place. ^^
Nii-san
"'Setoru in' wa seiritsu suru koto, Miko."
['Settle in' in 'seiritsu suru', Miko.]
Kemiko
"Aah sōka! 'Seiritsu suru' na? wakatta de! Arigatou!"
[Ah, I get it now! 'Settle in' huh? Got it! Thanks!]
Kemiko
"Miko mo, hayaku seiritsu suru!"
[I'll settle in quickly too!]
Once they enter the room they place Kemiko's belongings and began to unpack.
Reina offered a friendly hand pointing out the essentials in the room and sharing a few helpful tips. After a while, Reina left, giving Kemiko a moment alone with her brother to finish settling in.
Just as they were wrapping up, the door opened, and a new family entered.
The family of Kemiko's ⛅ future roommate—Jisoo 🍓
Kemiko glanced up as her roommate entered the room, looking a bit nervous herself.
She found her new roommate's look, cute—no, adorable—and shy.
It was clear there was a distance in Jisoo's gaze... A quiet soft-spoken girl who seemed uncomfortable with others around...
Parents
"Jisoo-ya, insahae bwa. Eoseo, sae rummeiteu-hante insahaeya ji."
[Jisoo, say hi. Come on, say hi to your new roommate.]
Jisoo
"Aa... Eomma..."
[Aww... Mom...]
Parents
"Aigu, uri Jisoo ssukseureowo-hane. Geuraedo han beon insahae bwa. I chingu-ga gidarigo itjanni."
[Oh dear, you're shy aren't you? But just try saying hello. This friend is waiting for you.]
🍓Jisoo glanced at Kemiko, giving her a small smile before looking away again.
⛅ Kemiko noticed Jisoo's cute little smile and gave her a bright grin in return, before Jisoo quickly looked away again.
Noticing her daughter's shyness, her mom decided to strike up a conversation with her daughter's new roommate to get to know her.
Parents
Hello, sweetie. You're Kemiko, am I right?
Kemiko
"Sou! Kemiko ya de! That's me!"
[That's right! I'm Kemiko! That's me!]
Parents
Nice to meet you, Kemiko. I'm Jisoo's mom.
Kemiko
I'm happy to meet you too, Jisoo's mom.
Parents
This is Jisoo... she's shy and quiet. If you ask me I think my little girl is a cold one but inside... she's as adorable as she looks.
Kemiko tries to understand what Jisoo's mom said, because Kemiko doesn't understand what 'cold' is she talking about... anyways...
Kemiko
Quiet? Jisoo talk a little, not much?
Kemiko
That means she's like on Onii-chan!
Kyo-niichan talk a little bit, not much too.
Their conversation continues...
Kemiko
Nee.. Jisoo's mom... How did you know Kemiko's name?
Parents
Ah... about that, Jisoo has a big sister. She is a student council here... She informed us that Jisoo will have a roommate named Kemiko.
Parents
I knew you'd be sweet my dear... but I didn't know you'll be this bright and young. How old are you, Kemiko dear?
Kemiko
I'm 9 years old, Jisoo's mom.
Parents
Nine?! My dear, that's really young...
You might just be the youngest student here.
Jisoo's mom was surprised to know that Kemiko was only nine. The school was meant for middle and high schoolers, so... can't bring her...
After some time, there was a knock at the door. It was Jisoo's sister and dad.
Her dad helped with some of the unpacking, while her sister approached and introduced herself to Kemiko and her brother.
Jihye
Hi there, I'm Jihye. Jisoo is my little sister. I hope both of you can get along well.
Kemiko
Hi Jihye onee-san, like you already know... I'm Kemiko — and here is my big brother.
Nii-san
I'm Kemiko's brother. Nice to meet you.
Jihye
Nice to meet you. ^^
After a brief pause, it was time for Kemiko's brother to go.
He asked her to stay back in her room...
...but she insisted on walking him to the gate before parting ways.
They made their way through the halls towards the monorail station, but just then...
Her brother's phone rang.
Download MangaToon APP on App Store and Google Play
