Monday. Without a doubt, the most depressing day of the week, solely based on the fact that most of the people were forced to go to work or school, the happiness of Weekends now long behind them.
And that would surely apply to an ordinary Highschooler, such as Nagumo Hajime.
Except, it didn't.
It used to. Until last Monday, Hajime was the sluggard student you could find at Doyotama High School. But today was different.
Hajime was standing on the sidewalk, casually kicking pebbles down the drain. He had a broad smile on his face—he just couldn't wait to go to school. Sadly, he didn't stand out at studying, nor was he excited to meet his friends; because he didn't have any.
The reason why he was so anticipated to go to school wasn't at the school. On the other hand, it was running to him from the other end of the alleyway, right now.
"Hajime! I'm so sorry!"
Shirasaki Kaori screeched to a halt in front of Hajime, who gave her a reassuring smile. Kaori took several more breathes to catch herself, then stood up straight with an apologetic look.
"I'm sorry," she said, "I woke up slightly late…"
Hajime waved off her apology, "It's fine, Shirasaki. I only just got here as well."
That was a lie, but it would've been embarrassing to say "I woke up too early because I was excited." on Hajime's front.
Why was he excited? Well, for one, the prospect of walking to the school with the school's most famous girl was an alienating experience for Hajime. But the real reason was something different.
"By the way, you just called me 'Shirasaki' again."
Kaori said with a pout. It was more adorable than anything, and Hajime had to do his best to look sorry.
"W, well, I'm still used to calling you that, so…"
"Which is exactly why we need to fix that. Now, from the top:"
Kaori stepped a few paces back.
"Hello, Hajime." She said, with a gracious smile.
Hajime could feel his innards getting twisted into a knot from sheer embarrassment. Nonetheless, he decided to give it a shot.
"Good morning, Kaori." He said, with the most confidence he could ever muster.
Kaori's smile brightened even more, and she grasped one of Hajime's hands in hers.
"See? It wasn't that hard." She said.
Hajime hoped his face was less red than it felt.
"I guess…"
Still, it was worth swallowing that pill.
Shirasaki Kaori was his girlfriend, after all.
