A little brother´s day and reflecting about boys
Friday, July 18, 2025
This morning I rode my bicycle with my little brother Haru to his elementary school, as I do each Friday, because it fits to my schedule at university. Mom and dad left home at almost the same time to go to work. Haru was so cheerful and full of energy pedaling beside me, with his little backpack bouncing on his shoulders. Seeing his excitement for first grade always makes me smile and brightens the start of my day. We chatted a bit about the butterflies he saw in our yard and his plans for show-and-tell today. When we reached the school gate, he gave me a quick hug before rushing off to join his classmates, and I felt proud watching my little brother run inside with such enthusiasm.
After dropping Haru off, I headed to campus for my morning psychology seminars. The lecture halls still feel a bit intimidating, and I quietly slipped into a seat near the back. We had two seminars today, and I found the topics really interesting – one was about child development and I kept thinking of Haru during some examples. I mostly listened and took notes, too shy to speak up in class just yet. I did muster a smile at a girl sitting next to me, and we exchanged a few polite words about the assignment, but I haven’t made any real friends at university so far.
Love is a complicated thing
At lunch I sat by myself in the bustling campus cafeteria, feeling a little lonely as I picked at my bento. I happened to glance up and noticed that same handsome student I’ve seen before – he was looking in my direction again. As soon as our eyes met for a split second, I felt my cheeks flush and I quickly looked away, my heart fluttering. I’ve never had any romantic experience with a boy before, so even just catching a cute guy watching me like that made me both nervous and intrigued. I kept my head down, wondering if he really was interested or if I was just imagining it, and secretly hoping I might gather the courage to smile back next time.
The afternoon with Haru
In the afternoon, after my classes, I went to pick up my little brother Haru from school so we could spend the rest of the day together. Once we got home, we settled in the living room for homework time. Haru had some math and writing practice to do. He learns writing the first words in hiragana and katakana (see books about japanese writing on Amazon) and I loved helping him figure out numbers for maths. We sprawled out on the floor with his workbook and pencils, and he would scrunch up his face in concentration in the cutest way, when he draw a picture for school. It felt rewarding to guide him through his assignments, and I was impressed by how quickly he learned – I told him he was doing a great job and his proud smile was priceless.
Later, we both needed a break from studying, so I took Haru to the neighborhood park to play. The afternoon sun was gentle and warm while we ran around on the grass, chasing each other and laughing. Haru insisted we race each other on our bikes around the playground, and I found myself giggling like I was a kid again as we zoomed around. Spending time with him like this makes me feel so carefree – his laughter is infectious, and in those moments I forget all about my shyness or any worries from school. I cherish these playful afternoons because they let me reconnect with that simple, joyful feeling of childhood.
Feeling warm and thankful
Now the day is winding down, and I’m writing this entry in a quiet moment before bed. It’s hard to believe I’ve already been a university student for two weeks – everything still feels so new and I’m definitely still finding my footing. I know I’m shy and it will take time to open up, but I’m proud of myself for handling these first days on my own. Sitting here tonight, I feel grateful for the little bright spots in my day: the interesting things I learned in class, the secret glances from that boy that made my heart flutter, and most of all, the laughter I shared with Haru. I hope that as I continue to adjust, I’ll grow more confident socially at school, but for now I’m content ending the night feeling warm and thankful.
