Scene 4– The Correct Pace?

Most of the students are already in the class as I step in. I turn my focus to Shizune and Misha, but they don't react to my presence. I can't really put together what they could be so upset about.

I take my seat, placing my things on the desk. I focus on my notebook, but glance up at both of them, hoping they would acknowledge my attempt to get their attention. I feel the urge to say something, but the teacher walks into the classroom, halting my effort.

Unlike Mutou, this instructor looks like any other high school teacher. He wrote on the board, laying out the English assignment. He is clear on it being something to work on individually. This dashes my hope to try to talk to Shizune and Misha during class.

I work on the assignment, struggling to get myself moving on it. English isn't exactly my most prominent skill. It doesn't help that I'm still trying to figure things out what is with the two of them. All these thoughts are taxing.

The school bell rings, sounding the end of the day. I was barely able to get through the English work.

The teacher speaks to the class, as the ringing ends.

"We will be having an exam tomorrow, so make sure to study," The idea of an exam is another blow to my mind. My first day here, I don't know if I can handle an English exam.

I plant my head on the desk as the class dismisses. From the corner of my eye, I catch Shizune and Misha looking at me, but they turn away and leave the class.

Why does life have to be so hard…?

I pull myself up from the desk and pack up my bag. I can feel the strain of a long day coursing through my body.

I step away, noticing someone else still in the room. The purple haired girl I saw earlier today was looking at me, but turned to hide her face when we made eye contact. I would have bothered to react to it, if I wasn't already full of other thoughts.

I walk through the aisle and out of the class room.

A few random students are still roaming the hallway. I turn towards the music room. A part of me wants to go check it out, but I feel too drained. I decide it's better if I take the remaining time to rest up. I let out a sigh, walking by a few students hanging by the Art room, as I head towards the stairs.

Reaching the first floor, I walk through the main hall, stopping only at the sound of a familiar laugh coming from the Student Council room. I resist the urge to go inside, feeling that I might do more harm, attempting to talk to them today.

I push the doors open, exiting the main building. The sun's light somewhat blinding. I cover my eyes briefly, walking down the road. A short distance down I turn to my side and look at the next building. I wasn't too sure what that building is, but my pace isn't slowed by the thought.

Once down the steps, I turn towards the Male Dorms. I feel a warm shower is in order.

The dorm feels different with other male students walking around. I catch a few glances from some of the guys in the hall, as I head into my room.

The room had not changed since I left it this morning, but it felt different. Maybe it's from how tired I am, but it looks cozier.

I take a deep breath, going through one of my drawers, setting out my pajamas on the bed. I notice the sun coming in from the window, closing the shades. The only remaining light source in the room is the lamp.

I grab my towel, heading out of the room and to the showers. Once inside, I take a moment to examine the room. Showers lined up in great number, and about a dozen sinks near the door. Probably to help get everyone through quickly in the morning, considering the time some people would need.

I take the first open stall I can find. It looks really clean, it's either well maintained or it hadn't been used yet. I start the shower head, as I begin to wash myself.

I step out of the stall, with my towel wrapped around my waist. My hair dripping, I feel the cool air from the hall. It gives me a bit of a chill. I attempt to dry off my hair, but a sudden rush of guys into the room give me little space to do so. I quickly move myself out of there once they are behind me, heading straight towards my room.

I step inside, locking the door behind me. I quickly change into the pajamas, once I dry myself. A simple red t-shirt and black pajama pants.

I hang the towel to dry, as I plop onto my bed. I stare at the ceiling, starting to think about the whole day.

Yamaku seems like it's an interesting place. People in general are much nicer compared to my old high school. Misha and Shizune put a lot effort in showing me around, but I must have done something stupid to get them so mad at me. I should make sure to deal with it tomorrow.

I sigh, my eyes half open. My vision of the ceiling gets blurry.

I feel very exhausted, having no energy to get under the covers. I start to think about the past, back in the hospital.

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. The condition I was diagnosed with after the incident in Gym class. My memory of what exactly happen is somewhat fuzzy, but I remember waking up in the hospital connected to a few medical devices.

I didn't know how to take the news, but it got worse. I was also diagnosed with a permanent case of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Both conditions could leave my body almost always drained of energy, with no effective way to recover from it, as well as a weakened immune system. I found a false sense of humor in it; my body had become what I always thought I was…

Useless

I feel depressed, thinking so badly about myself. My current state doesn't help the feeling as everything goes dark, my consciousness fades into sleep.