New life
One morning like any other, and against all odds, a young girl named Hina joined our school, our class. I could not avert my eyes from this spectacle that was changing my perception of the world, with as much strength as a bewitchment, but as much sweetness as an enchantment. However, as they say in all circumstances: every moment of happiness has an end.
- Look at that! Lodaka, what are you looking at? You know, it's not very nice to ogle the news, so you'd better put away your telescope!
One point. A word. There was chaos ensued that I couldn't control. The entire rainbow that had been drawn before me, containing more than sixteen million colours so brightly coloured, just turned grey. In spite of my calm and thoughtful temperament, I jumped on my opponent like a snake that throws itself on its prey. Then it was pitch black.
We are on January 8, 2021, in the center of Tokyo, in front of the gates of a technological high school. I have just left the family home. I live alone with my 12-year-old little brother, who is studying at the primary school.
I've been working for just over a year now, trying to survive in this inhospitable capital, despite its seemingly promising appearance.
"Three years after the tragedy at Koyama High School, we return..."
The idea of studying at this school gives me the creeps, considering the events of 2017. Still, finding a job in this metropolis is a real headache. Especially when you don't have any contact. So I'm content with Yahoo! Answers to find answers to my questions, which are often uninteresting to users: "Are you underage? It's completely illegal"; "You're in the wrong place"; "Finding a job? I don't know. On the other hand, you can use my referral link to win Vbucks!". I did get a part-time job working night shifts at the local McDonald's, but I still managed to get fired for giving a burger to what could be a homeless guy. He was a young boy, he looked completely lost. I could see the initials H.M. on his shirt. On reflection,he was probably a runaway.
Tokyo sucks.
I still managed to get an appointment with a bar owner, the job he would have to offer me would pay big money, I hope I don't miss it. But for the moment, you have to cross this grid as high as three benches on top of each other. The rain that has been falling continuously for three months now makes the gate shine as brightly as the headlights of cars and buses, which have become obligatory at that time.
- Hello, are you a student at Koyama High School? Do you have a map of the school? Then asks me the little voice that comes out of the small plastic box located on a concrete pillar.
- Hello, I've just been admitted to your school for the second semester, and I'm entering my final year today. My name is Hina Amano.
The imposing gate opens in front of me and allows me to set foot in a school for the first time since primary school. I took remedial courses during my years of part-time work, I think I can manage. I'm just going to get my BAC, so I can apply in other areas via a dummy ID card. I want my brother to flourish and go to university.
I see a lot of late students who have spent a little too much time in the morning ritual room. A bitter aftertaste is stuck in my throat, a persistent stomach ache doesn't comfort me in the idea of joining a senior class in the middle of the year, where all the groups of friends are already formed. Will they accept me? Will I be able to make friends despite my cruel lack of experience?
- ...new student, I am counting on you to welcome him in the best possible way!
Immersed in my thoughts, I hurry to the door of the room avoiding making too much noise so as not to disturb the other beginnings of the course. By the time I set foot in the room, I had not yet realized that my life was about to take a most unexpected turn. My short visit to the school had just ended: it was the calm before the storm.