Bzzzt...Bzzzt
Click
"Mmmm..."
My alarm just rang, but I felt powerless against the embraces of my pillows. The rustling of my blanket and bedsheet put my mind at ease. If I don't get up now, I might be in trouble.
I slowly rose from my bed and sat at the edge in silence, my vision still blurry. I gently rubbed my eyes and stretched out my arms high up. I noticed the sunlight peeking through my curtains. It woke me up a bit, so I decided to get ready.
Today was April 7th, Monday, the first day of my last year in middle school. Depending on the person, today could be exciting, plain, dull, or anxiety-inducing. I'd love to say that one of them is what I'm feeling right now, but I'd be lying.
Although maybe I'm more close to the plain side? In any case, today was just like any typical day. Still following the same usual routine and all. Just that I actually have to attend school this time.
I sighed as I prepared my clothes before going into the shower.
Knock-Knock
"Suzune-san, are you awake already?" someone said on the other side of the door.
"Yes, Suzuki-san. Good morning."
"Shall I prepare breakfast?"
"Yes, please. Thank you."
After receiving my confirmation, Suzuki-san left for the kitchen while I got into the bathroom. After about twenty minutes, I got out, my hair still wet.
After drying my hair, I got into my uniform which consisted of a plain white button blouse with a blue collar and a red ribbon, as well as a short blue pleated skirt. Typical of a sailor uniform.
I left my room shortly and headed towards the dining area. I saw Suzuki-san in her school uniform laying down two plates of omelette on the table.
She noticed me coming and greeted me with a warm smile.
"Ah. Good morning! Please enjoy!"
"Thank you."
Suzuki Anri is the maid of the Horikita household. Although I was capable of taking care of myself, my parents hired her after they started business abroad. She's two years older than me and fixes the household chores day and night while also attending school.
We sat down together and ate breakfast.
Honestly, her cooking never disappoints me. After experiencing her homemade food every day, I'm actually glad she was hired as a maid. Although I can also fix my own meals, Suzuki-san's is on housewife-level.
"This is your last year in middle school, right? How do you feel about it?"
"Nothing special or of the sort."
"...I see," she paused," You're going to follow your brother to that very strict high school, right?"
"Yes, I'll continue studying diligently this year to make sure I don't have any problems."
"Yep. That's good. When you have time maybe we can study together. Though, I think it's just gonna end up with you teaching me instead," she giggles. "Suzune-san and Manabu-san are both so exceptional. The first time I saw your brother's collection of medals and trophies, I questioned if I'll do good enough as a maid."
She continued, "Oh yeah. What time will you be coming home later? Should I prepare some snacks in case your friends come over?"
She's still going on about that, huh.
"There's no need, Suzuki-san—I don't have any friends."
"Oh," she paused, "I wonder why. A girl like you should be really popular."
"I just prefer to be alone."
Suzuki-san put on a cracked smile. She seems to be worried but there's really no problem. I'm satisfied with the way I'm living.
Shortly, we finished eating breakfast.
"Thank you for the food."
I stood up and got ready to leave.
"Oh, Suzune-san," she called out, "Your lunch."
Suzuki-san offered me a lunchbox wrapped with a blue handkerchief which I gladly accepted.
"Thank you, I'll be off now. How about you?"
"Ah. Don't mind me. My classes don't start 'til 8:45 today so I'll do some more chores before leaving."
"I see."
"Take care!"
I gave Suzuki-san a nod before leaving the house.
It was about 6:43 AM at the time. The sun was already shining but the embrace of the cold morning breeze encouraged you to hug yourself.
After fifteen minutes, I reached the bus stop and sat on a bench. There were other people there, but it seemed like I was the only student around.
I took out a book I grabbed from my father's study to kill some time before the next bus arrived. If the traffic was the same as usual, it shouldn't take me any more than thirty minutes to reach my school. Then I'd have another half an hour to spend before the opening ceremony.
Should I grab something to eat? Well, Suzuki-san's breakfast was already enough. But..maybe I can get a snack.
After some time, one of the adults near me stood up, signaling that the bus was already in view. I checked the time, and it had just struck 7 AM. I left a bookmark on the page. I stopped reading on and closed the book.
I got my ticket and climbed the stairs leading inside the bus.
Suddenly, loud footsteps coming from behind penetrated the silence vigorously.
I saw a girl with long pink twin tails running towards the bus at great speed. Coincidentally, she wore the same uniform as me.
"Wait!" the girl yelled.
I'm not sure why she's running so hard since the bus showed no signs of leaving yet.
I waited about two seconds for her to catch up before going on the bus myself. I paid the bus fare and took a seat in the third row.
The pink-haired girl also arrived shortly, still catching her breath.
"Hah...Hfft. Thank you, utenshu-san."
"Miss, you didn't have to be that in a hurry, you know? I'll still be waiting for a couple more minutes."
"Hahaha. My bad."
After paying the bus fee, the girl made her way towards me, rather, the free seat right next to me. There were still plenty of unoccupied seats around the back of the bus, but she decided that the spot beside me was perfect. Though, I understand that it's less troublesome to get out of the bus when you're seated around the front. And besides, it'd be less cramped if someone like her took the seat beside me instead of an adult.
"Onee-san, may I sit here?" the girl asked.
"Go ahead."
"Thank you!'
I guess now's the time for me to continue reading my book.
I took out The Big Sleep once again and opened to the bookmarked page where I left off. Hopefully, I get to finish this book soon and read the rest of the series. Raymond Chandler is such an admirable author. Though, I have the feeling that I'd be busy all throughout this year.
"Oh! Onee-san, is that one of those Philip Marlowe detective novels?" the girl next to me called out and broke the silence.
Oh, she knows. The Big Sleep is the first book in Raymond Chandler's Philip Marlowe series. I didn't expect to meet anyone familiar with this particular book and author.
I turned to her, "Yes. What of it?"
Looking at her, she seemed to be younger than me. About two years, I think. Hopefully, she isn't too loud. I can't even talk about the series much since this is the first book.
"Ah, I thought so! But I haven't read the book. I've seen my older sister reading it at home and asked her about it. I recognized the cover so I asked. Sorry if I bothered your reading time."
"Older sister? She's not with you?"
"Ah, we go to different schools. I'm not as smart as her...hahaha."
"I see."
It isn't really my business to ask any more questions, so I turned back to my book. However, she has more things to say by the way she's acting.
"What is it?"
"Oh, erm... I noticed that we were wearing the same uniform. Do you go to Muteki too, by any chance?"
"I do. I'm in my 3rd-year of middle school there."
"Same as my sister!"
"Oh, I guess she and I are the same age."
That was something she hyped about for a minute or two. After taking a deep breath, she inched towards her backrest and looked up.
"I'll be in my graduating year after two years, huh," she muttered.
She sighed, "I'll catch up to my sister by then. I'll be as smart and as strong as her. I'll make her proud."
She spoke in a calm voice. But the fire in her eyes roared like the crackle of flames. Her determination to pursue her goals in her sister's name had me thinking unnecessary thoughts. But, I can't deny that there's a similarity between us.
"Oh!" she exclaimed, "Onee-san, I think you can help me with something!"
"I doubt it."
This...might get troublesome.
"You know, when I asked if I could sit right next to you, I was a bit nervous. You really give off that cool beauty vibe that's very cold with her words."
I furrowed an eyebrow. I wasn't sure if that was supposed to be a compliment.
"Ah, sorry!" she panicked, "I didn't mean it like that! I was just saying that the demeanor you gave off was really intimidating, in a good way. Like, you're a super-duper honor student that's in a category of her own."
That didn't make it any better. How could intimidation be taken in as good, anyway?
"What are you even trying to say?"
"Erm..." she hesitated, "As a senpai, I thought maybe you could help me with my academics before you graduate..?"
So that's how it is. To be honest, her resolve was admiring but her timing couldn't be any worse. We just met about ten minutes ago and she's already asking for a tutor.
"Sorry, I'll have to refuse."
"Pretty pleaseee!" she pleaded
"No."
"I'll do anything!"
"Stop it," I glared at her, "Don't you have an older sister? Why don't you ask for her help? According to you, she's smart."
Her expression slowly became gloomy.
"I rely on my sister too much. I won't be able to do anything for myself if I keep on clinging to her. She's graduating this year too, so she will be focusing on studying for her entrance exams. I don't want to bother her."
"Aren't you just relying on someone else other than your sister, then? What you could do is spend more time studying on your own. That would at least get you somewhere."
"...You're right, onee-san," she looked down.
I let out a sigh. It's still so early in the morning for me to deal with any of this. I wish her the best in her journey but getting myself involved is the last thing I want to do.
The time just struck 7:38 AM when I got to my stop. After that, the girl and I didn't say anything else to each other. Though, the expression on her face didn't seem gloomy anymore. She even looked a bit motivated after she said her goodbyes to me.
Well, it doesn't really matter. If what I said to her gave her a push forward, then that's good. Nevertheless, I wasn't interested in getting involved any more than that.
After rechecking the clock, I realized that I still had a lot more time. The opening ceremony doesn't start until 8:15 AM. It should take about a ten-minute walk before I finally arrive at Muteki. And even then, I would still have almost half an hour to spare.
I guess I'll just read on a bench.
After arriving at Muteki, I took a short detour towards the left side of the front gate and sat down on one of the benches there.
My plan was to continue reading The Big Sleep there until I had to go to the gymnasium but today doesn't seem to be a day where I can be alone in peace.
"Hey, miss, may I take this seat?" a boy with dark brown hair went up beside me and asked.
He's wearing Muteki's standard uniform for boys. And, by the looks of it, he's new.
I nodded.
This seems like it's going to be bothersome, though. The bench is wide enough to fit four people in, so there really was no need for him to ask for my permission to sit down. I doubt such a high sense of formality so there must be some kind of hidden agenda.
He took out his phone and fiddled with it for a bit. Then, he turned towards me.
"Actually, I have some questions."
I glanced at him and furrowed an eyebrow.
"Where is the gymnasium from here? I'm kind of a new student, and you seem like you aren't so I had to ask."
"Where'd you get that idea from?" I asked him.
"Well, if you have enough time to read a book while waiting, it means that looking for the gymnasium wouldn't take long, no? Either you already know where it already is, or you looked it up beforehand. Either way, you'd be able to show me the way."
How annoying.
"Looked it up beforehand?"
His eyes dilated a bit. It looks like I struck an opening he missed.
"You seem very confident that you can look up where the gymnasium is. But you're right. The map of the school is indeed on the school website. It's interesting that you know about it and not look for the gymnasium using that."
"Cheeky," he scoffed.
I didn't bother responding afterward. I have no idea what he wants from me, but it's definitely not about the location of the ceremony later.
"Hey, can't you show me the way anyway? I think we're in the same year. It would be good for me to start making friends early."
I turned a page.
"Hey—'
I interrupted, "I have no intentions of having to do anything with you. Your ulterior motives are out in the open. Aren't you ashamed?"
"Geez, you're cold. I only asked for you to show the way."
"Earlier, you were already halfway inside the campus. Yet, you took a glance to your left side and stopped. The very next thing, you're out here ruining my morning. If that doesn't prove that you're bad news, I'll leave myself."
I had hoped that he wouldn't say anything else after that, but the surprise on his face didn't last long either.
From literally being speechless, he bursts out in laughter.
"Damn, you noticed that as well? That's inhuman."
He continued, "You're interesting. May I know your name?"
"Do you not learn?"
After that, a few whispers started going around with the students passing by.
It seems that this idiot's laughter attracted some unwanted attention. This might as well be the worse morning of this school year.
"Eh? Isn't that Horikita-san?"
"She's talking with a boy. Oh, my."
That does it. I'm leaving.
I was already on my way. It would take about 5 minutes to go to the entrance on the left side of campus. At least there, I would be at peace.
"Oh, hey! You girls," the guy called out to the two students whispering earlier. "I'm new here, so I wanted to ask that girl for directions to the gymnasium. It seemed like she wasn't interested in helping. Could you show me instead?"
They giggled, 'Yeah, no problem. Also, don't worry about her. That's Horikita Suzune. She's always like that."
"Oh, really. Horikita Suzune, huh."
How troublesome.
I couldn't hear what they said after that, and thankfully.
With spring having just started, the sidewalks outside Muteki were dressed in cherry blossom petals. Pink and flourish, they flutter through the air as the wind moves them in one direction. They carried a faint scent of sweetness. Smelled like lilacs. At least, they were similar.
I don't usually find time to admire my surroundings. The trees around me dressed in pink only caught my eye because I wanted to distract myself from a certain experience. To me, they're all the same. The cherry blossoms just happened to bloom. It's not like we don't see it every year.
I turned right after reaching the corner and continued walking.
As I passed through the west gates, I saw a familiar pink-haired girl in twin tails. I had no intention of calling out to her, but I couldn't help but wonder why she went to school in the same direction. After all, we dropped off from the same bus.
I shook off the thought and just minded my own business. The time ticked at 7:56 AM.
I let out a sigh.
Well, at least now I'm at peace.
And as if fate heard and loathed my statement, a particular girl suddenly grew eyes at the back of her head and turned around. Inevitably, her eyes would meet the sight of me. We even made eye contact.
Her eyes suddenly lit up. A smile formed on her face. And with her short legs, she picked up her feet and ran towards me.
"Hey! Onee-san from earlier!" she said.
A couple of heads turned to glance in the direction of her voice, but only for a moment. As the laughter and small talk dominated the atmosphere, the girl's voice became inaudible.
I'd like to pretend I didn't hear her as well.
She slowed down after she was at arm's length and started walking by my side. Holding both shoulder straps of her backpack and slightly catching her breath, she said to me:
"Hi! I didn't expect to meet you here again."
"Neither did I."
There was a short pause after that. It looked like she was hesitating on her words. Either way, it's just troublesome.
"Uhh...onee-san, do you not have any friends?"
I looked at her. Eyebrow furrowed.
"What are you getting at?"
"Ah, no. It's just that I see a lot of people talking with other students and stuff. I thought you'd be quite popular since you're so pretty. Maybe you haven't seen them yet?'
"I don't need friends," I said with conviction.
"Eh!? Why? Having friends to talk to is really fun! Well, I don't have friends now because it's my first day here but I plan to make lots! Just like my sister."
"I told you, I don't need any of that. I think it's admirable that you want to become like your sister and act more sociable, but please leave me out of it."
"But...won't you feel lonely?"
I've heard this question thousands of times already. Each time it's asked, the more infuriating it becomes.
"I've never once felt lonely in my life. Please mind your own business."
"..."
The girl didn't say anything after that. She left my side and kept her distance. If she's finally learned what kind of person I am, she won't come back to pester me again.
A short while later, I finally got into the gymnasium. Thankfully, I didn't encounter any more problems after the last one.
I started looking around. The whole thing was spacious. Tall ceiling. Tall walls. Two folded basketball hoops from each side. Many chairs accomodating for the students. There was a space for an aisle between them leading to the front stage. The floor sparkled, and the lighting was decent. If I focus enough, I can probably see my reflection by looking down.
I started looking around the chairs and saw a female teacher with hair only reaching her shoulders. She was holding a plaque with [3-A] written on it. I already knew my class beforehand, so after going to the right area, I sat down and waited patiently for the ceremony to start.
This time, I couldn't just pull out a book as I would get reprimanded. I looked at the time one more time and saw that it had just ticked at exactly 8:05 AM, just ten minutes left before the ceremony started.
At this point in time, many students were already coming in. They sat neatly in their respective areas and patiently waited for their peers.
There was an empty chair to my right. A girl with short hair and an unusual color soon took the seat. We made eye contact, and she gave me a nod and a smile. She had big round eyes with a crimson-red glimmer. I didn't really think of it much afterward.
Just like before, once the ceremony ends, classes will start late and finish early. We only need to get to know our homeroom and subject teachers briefly and go into further detail the next day.
Soon enough, it was already 8:15 AM. Our school principal made his way towards the stage in front of the microphone. He was a man of average build and height, but as ordinary as he appeared, he's one of the most influential people in Japan who built Muteki from its very roots. My brother has high respect for him, and so do I. But the difference between us is that the principal has many expectations for my brother only. He thinks that he'll become a prominent figure in our society in the future. Although, I think that's almost a given considering his achievements. I know that I can be the same.
"Good morning, everyone. Today, April 7th, 20XX, marks the start of another school year for the students of Muteki—"
The ceremony went on smoothly and without any problems. It's just the same thing every year. The principal makes a speech, the student council makes a speech, the representatives of the new students make a speech, we all clap, and so on.
Now, it's time to go to our respective classes and meet our teachers. At the moment, it was 8:48 AM. I believe we're supposed to start at 9.
We began lining up neatly with our homeroom teacher guiding us. Ah, now I remember her name. She's Katō-sensei, the third-year Mathematics teacher.
"Class 3-A, it's time to move!"
I was coincidentally at the back of the line. The person in front of me was the short-haired, crimson-eyed earlier.
Katō-sensei stayed behind to make sure no one was left out. Afterwards, she came with us outside the gymnasium.
We were yet again greeted by the cherry blossoms. The spring wind embraced us as if delightful. It carried our hair and caused all sorts of chaos. Though, the person in front of me didn't have much trouble—Katō-sensei too.
We reached the front of our school building shortly. However, there seemed to be a slight problem. The girl in front of me started searching her pockets as if something was missing. Then she stopped.
Katō-sensei gave her a worried look.
"Is there something wrong?" she asked.
"Ahh! Sensei, I think I dropped my wallet in the gymnasium! Can I go run for it?"
"Eh? I think I can ask the staff later if they found something. You can just go ahead to class."
"There's something important there. I'm worried," she pleaded.
Well, it's not my problem.
I walked passed them and tried to catch up to the rest of the class.
"Okay, fine. But be quick. May I know your name?"
"Kushida Kikyō."
"Alright," she agreed. "Hey, Horikita-san, could you come with Kushida-san to retrieve her wallet?"
I slowly turned around in disappointment.
"...Is it necessary?"
"Well, I'm telling you so. I won't mark either of you late, but please hurry."
"Right..."
"Thanks for coming with me, Horikita-san. Let's hurry!"
"Okay."
Kushida Kikyō. This is the first time I've met her. How troublesome.
We quickly ran back to the gymnasium. We encounter other classes on the way from different year levels. As we stepped inside the shiny maple-floored building, we headed towards our earlier seats. The chairs were still in place, yet to be put aside.
Kushida-san looked around but didn't find anything.
"Oh, no. If I didn't drop it here, then where?"
"Perhaps someone already picked it up?"
"That's no good..."
"I doubt they would have the heart to steal on the first day of school, if that's what you're worried about."
Her face stiffened.
That's when we heard a series of footsteps coming up from behind.
"Onee-san," a girl called.
It was a familiar voice. I was just with her an hour ago.
We turned around and met the sight of a pink-haired girl in twin tails.
"I think you're looking for this," she said as she took out, from what it looks like, a black bifold wallet with a button push lock.
Kushida-san's face lit up and seemed like a load of stress was lifted from her shoulders. I looked around for other people, and it appeared as if her class stayed behind for some reason. Maybe the teacher had to do something and isn't back yet.
"Thank you! That was scary.'
"Right. Thank you; you saved us time," I then turned to Kushida-san, "We should hurry back now."
"Ah, right. But I want to properly thank this girl later. What's your name?"
It seemed like she was hesitating to reply.
"Mnnn...Hey, onee-san! Are you a friend of Horikita-san?"
It seems like everyone knows my name now. I wonder where she picked it up this time.
"M-me? No, not really. I knew about her before but this is our first time meeting. I'd be glad to be her friend though."
Kushida-san turned to me.
"No."
"Hahaha...You see, it's hard to make friends with Horikita-san. By the way, how do you know her?"
"Kushida-san, we should go," I interrupted.
"Hold on a bit."
I might just go without her.
The girl then replied:
"I met her at the bus on the way here. I was seated next to her. She seemed like a really cool onee-san so I talked to her."
"Did you two become friends?"
She pouted, "No..."
"Well, that's fine. I'm sure it'd happen one day. But first, as thanks for getting my wallet back, I'll have to treat you after class. See you later!"
"Oh, see you!" she replied with a smile.
Kushida-san turned to me. I nodded, signaling that it was time to go.
As we were leaving, Kushida-san gasped like she had forgotten something again.
She quickly turned around, "Hey, you forgot to tell me your name!"
"Oh," the girl realized as well.
She then gave a smile and said:
"I'm Ichinose Hina! Nice to meet you!"
"Okay, Hina-chan! I'll see you later!" she said as she flashed a big grin.
With this, we can finally go back. It's only been a few hours since I left home, but all these random events are already making me tired.