the scarlet loom

⁴

Mom's been walking around
the shop, trying to look for
a uniform that will fit me.

“Mom, I don't need 5 of these
uniforms,” I groaned as she
made me stand up straight
with both of my arms raised.

I saw myself at the mirror and
I have never wanted to face
palm myself so badly. I looked
so stupid T-Posing.

“Oh, shut up, Raiko!” she said,
slapping my arm because I
dropped it back on my side.

I pursed my lip, looking around
the shop. There were rows and
rows of this blue uniform. The
uniform for boys were a white
button-up shirt and blue slacks.
The shirt had a pocket and there
was the school's logo embroidered
on it.

The uniform for girls were blue
skirts and a white blouse. There
was a blue vest that I think we
have to wear based on what I've
seen the students from TIS wear.

As my eyes wandered around the
room, my eyes landed on the
window near us. My eyebrows
furrowed and I just had to bring
my arm near my face to massage
my temple.

There he was. The blonde,
infuriating of a flirt named
Rui Shen.

He had an annoying shit eating
grin plastered on his lips and
he seemed like he was chuckling
to himself as he watched us
through the window.

“Raiko! Keep your arms up!”
she yelled at me, slapping
my arm up once again.

I whined and saw that prick
laughing as he watched the
scenario unfold. I couldn't
help myself and rolled my eyes.

“Did you just roll your eyes at
me, Raiko Fukutomi?” she asked,
an eyebrow cocked up. I quickly
shook my head, already scared
for my life as she called me by my
full government name.

Mom then pinched my side which
made me yelp as I held my side.

I frowned at her, “I wasn't rolling
my eyes at you! I was rolling my
eyes at him–”

I pointed outside and saw that
he wasn't there anymore. Our
heads turned towards the door
when it suddenly opened.

There he is.

I held on my temple as my
head started aching again.
I blame it all on him!

“Hello, good morning to you
two! The principal sent me to
assist you,” he smiled at my Mom
before turning to me, the same
shit eating grin plastered on his
face as he held his hand out for
my Mom to shake.

Mom shook his hand and he
turned to me, his hand out
for me to shake.

I looked over at Mom and she
pinched me on my side. She
glared at me and made me
shake this blonde brat's hand.

“Raiko Fukutomi, be nice.”

I couldn't take my hand off his
because Mom held it place.

Once I was able to take my hand
away, I saw the same calling card
that he handed me last night at
the convenience store.