My first day in classes went on as usual. The homeroom teacher introduced herself, the subject teachers introduced themselves, the students repeatedly introduced themselves—annoying stuff, so on and so forth.

Ringggggg.

"Well, we'll cut our orientation here short for today," the teacher said immediately after the bell.

Right now, it was lunchtime.

I reached out to my bag and took out Suzuki-san's well-prepared bento. It was neatly wrapped with a blue handkerchief. Without waiting any longer, I untied it with ease and took the lid off the homemade masterpiece.

Looking at the contents of the bento, I was in awe. It was relaxing, even. This morning had been terrible, filled with so many inconveniences. But now I finally get something to enjoy. Thank you, Suzuki-san.

The bento hits you with all sorts of colors. Beautifully steamed and generously seasoned rice balls wrapped in seaweed took my attention first. There were three of them—one seasoned with dried salmon flakes, another with noritama, and this last one should be norikomi. A great balance.

On the side, there were fried chicken karaage pieces sitting on top of fresh green lettuce. They go quite well together enough that the combination almost appears to be sparkling.

Lastly, we have some traditional egg rolls that complete this bento excellently.

After I finished analyzing my lunch like I was in some TV commercial, I took out my chopsticks and my secret weapon. Although the food is impeccable as it is, because it was freshly made in the morning, it wouldn't be warm enough to be in its best quality by now.

Which brings me to this...

I brought out a water bottle. But it's way more than what it seems. A thermos. Useful for keeping cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot. An isolated system perfect for conserving the temperature of whatever it contains.

In this case...

I gently opened the lid of the bottle. As soon as I did, steam slowly came out of it.

Beheld was the main ingredient to a lunch.

Soup.

Using the lid of the bottle as a cup, I poured myself a small bowl of hot and rich miso.

The savory aroma of the soup made my senses tingle. Even before I began eating, the power of combining a cold bento and a steaming-hot side dish like miso was evident.

I saw other students stealing glances, curious as to what chef-d'oeuvre they were witnessing.

Yes, this is Suzuki-san's handmade cooking.

Although, I do know where she got the idea from. She told me about it, like it was from a show by a person named White Gun-E.

Anyways, that is irrelevant now. Thank you for the idea, White Gun-E-san, but it's time for lunch.

Of course, as satisfied as I was, it didn't take much for everything to fall apart.

"Hey, Horikita-san!"

A girl called out to me. Unfortunately, a girl with an annoyingly familiar voice.

I wasn't paying much attention, but it was hard to ignore. That is, just a few moments ago, this girl was surrounded by laughter and praise. Kushida Kikyō was surrounded by half the class. She seemed popular enough. People flocked to her presence and seemed desperate for her attention, men and women alike.

For someone who appeared like they were having a fantastic time, coming here to annoy me didn't seem right. This is my first day meeting her, and I'm already starting to get sick of it. I can't even pinpoint the exact problem. She's just...unusual. I would prefer it if she just ignored me.

"Can I help you, Kushida-san?"

"I just wanted to talk to you, Horikita-san. Actually, several of our classmates thought it'd be a good idea for the class to quickly break the ice so we could start the year going smoothly. I guess they're planning on doing something after class. Would you like to join?"

"Not really."

"Oh, I see. Actually, as much as I wanted to come with them, I had already made a promise to Hina-chan that I'd treat her later. Maybe you're more interested in that?"

"Not really. I'd like to go home immediately afterwards. Doing unnecessary after-class activities is at the top of the list of things that I hope I wouldn't do."

"Ah...I see. But, I think Hina-chan would be really happy if you joined us," Kushida-san persisted.

"And why is that? I don't see how adding another stranger to her party would make her happy. Also, even if that's the case, I have no reason to come. So, please, enjoy your time together," I replied before taking another bite.

"...That's cruel, Horikita-san. I believe Hina-chan just looks up to you, even if she just met you. I heard you were cold, but...this is..."

Without even finishing her sentence, Kushida-san turned around and left.

Those who had their gazes on her soon shifted their eyes to me. I glanced at them for a second and then quickly focused my attention back on my lunch. I remember the look in their eyes. They seem distraught, shocked. Some feel disgusted even. However, none of them can faze me. In fact, if this can act as a wedge between me and their nonsense, I'd gladly accept the opportunity.

Somewhat, my other classmates knew me more than Kushida-san did. Although disconcerted with the outcome that had just happened, they didn't seem that surprised at all. I don't know what kind of qualities they have plastered me with, but I really don't care.

After finishing my lunch, I decided to go elsewhere. It didn't feel efficient for me to stay inside the classroom with nothing to do. In other words, I was bored.

I glanced at the time. I had about twenty minutes to spare. That should be plenty of time to look around the library.

Although libraries generally have no need to feel nostalgic when you visit them almost all the time, I haven't been to Muteki's Junior Highschool library for several months. I don't think my feelings are enough to be called excitement. However, I'm definitely curious as to what new books they may have.

The library was located on the East side of the school building, along with other facilities. One hallway connected the teachers' lounge and the library. It wasn't unusual for me to run into a few of the teaching staff, as well as students roaming in and out of the lounge.

Just about twenty more steps before I arrived at the library, I passed by the teachers' lounge, only to be stopped afterwards.

"Ah, Horikita-san, could you help out here a bit?" a male teacher I didn't know called out to me.

Everyone knows me at this point.

He was carrying two boxes. They didn't seem heavy, but I noticed there were about five more sitting on the floor. This is quite a nuisance though. How come I'm the one that's called when I saw fifty other students cross this hallway?

"Could you help put some of these boxes back in the storage room? You should find it after taking the second left down that hallway," he pointed to the right.

I feigned unwillingness and glanced at my watch.

I have about fifteen minutes left.

"Sensei, I have something to pick up in the library. I'm afraid I'll be late for my next class if I were to run errands now."

"Is that so? It should be fine. Do you know who your next teacher will be?"

"Not yet."

"Which class are you from?"

"It's 3-A."

"Oh, if your next class is Social Studies, you should be having Yamamoto-sensei next."

Unfortunately, he was right. We were supposed to meet our Social Studies teacher next.

"I was chatting with him earlier. Just let him know that Watanabe-sensei asked you for help. It should be fine."

"Right...I'll help then."

"Thanks," he paused. "Oh! Hey, you can help too."

Apparently, another student got caught up. Well, if it makes things faster, I don't mind. Until...

I turned in the direction Watanabe-sensei called out to.

...Unlucky.

"Uh, Sensei? Help in what?" the guy at the bench this morning showed up.

He finally noticed me, "Hey, it's Horikita-san!"

"Could you help her put these boxes back in the storage room? She can show you the way."

"Oh, that's all? No problem, Sensei. Consider it done!"

"Thanks. What's your name?"

"It's Kimura Daisuke."

"Alright. Thanks, Kimura-kun. If you return to class late, just mention that Watanabe-sensei asked you for help.

"I will keep that in mind."

Watanabe-sensei nodded before going back inside the faculty room. Meanwhile, Kimura-kun looked at me as if telling me to 'Show the way.'

I guess the sooner we finish, the better it will be for the both of us.

"Let's go," I said.

"After you."

We didn't converse with each other much on the way to the storage room, which is good. I figured that he'd be annoying and noisy because of our encounter this morning, so this was a pleasant surprise.

Well, at least for the most part...

"Hey, Horikita-san," he called. "Don't you think it'd be a little too awkward for you not to utter a single thing on our little errand?"

I ignored him.

"Really?"

We continued walking. Actually, we were almost there. If Kimura-kun had kept his mouth shut for a while longer, he would've gotten full marks from me. I expected too much.

"You know, I've had such a good time meeting new people ever since I got here. It's refreshing—rejuvenating even. The place where I came from was a dumpster fire. I can't believe you're not capable of enjoying this school."

I finally decided to reply. Or more like, I felt forced to.

"What is it with you? I believe all of our exchanges until now have just been me telling you to shut up and you ignoring all that."

"I'm just grateful for this school's wonderful atmosphere. And seeing someone like you who's incapable of putting on even a tiny smile kind of worries me."

"You only ever talk about nonsense, don't you? I'm satisfied as it is. Mind your own business."

"How long have you been here?" he asked.

"I don't have to tell you."

"Well, let me make a guess. You've probably been here for at least two years. This year being your third year. It's because your brother graduated here, right?"

What a slime.

I'll just ignore everything he says for now. Carrying these boxes is annoying enough.

We finally reached the storage room. Despite the name, it didn't really fit the characteristics of a room where one would just store everything for them to collect dust and weather out. It was well-lit, had windows showing a reasonable view, and was generally pretty clean. Most likely, it was because the school year had just started, so everything was pristine.

I placed the two boxes I held in a free corner of the room. Kimura-kun followed and neatly put down the boxes he carried next to mine. Despite his intolerable mouth, at least he can follow simple non-verbal instructions.

With my errand complete, I sigh in relief. Now I can finally escape this place. I should still go to the library. Actually, anywhere else would be fine as well. If I can make use of Watanabe-sensei's word to avoid punishment for being late, then I'll just take advantage of it.

I don't know what Kimura-kun's been saying for the past few minutes as I already filtered out his nonsense a while ago.

"If you keep ignoring me, you might come to regret not taking things more seriously."

We were still in the storage room. Just the two of us. No witnesses. No issues.

Incapable of pushing my patience any further, I turned to him. Using my body's momentum, I swung my arm, his irritating face underneath my crosshairs.

Smack!

"You're something else, Horikita-san."

I had already formed the words I wanted to say after I had struck him. However, he successfully caught my unfiltered attack. I wasn't slow. Did he expect me to resort to violence?

"If you continue behaving like this, people will come to hate you. Hatred spreads. And when it does, how will you protect yourself?" he stated.

"What do you know? I've lived like this my whole life. Do you think anything would change? This is literally the first day we met, and you're here acting like you know everything. You really don't. Whatever reasons you have, stop projecting them onto me," I said before forcing my arm out of his grasp.

"I've heard some awful things about you, Horikita-san. Soon enough, people might start giving you sinister glares. They might hide your indoor shoes, start more rumors about you. You might be harmed."

"Are you implying that I'll get bullied?"

"Exactly that. Even if you're smart and pretty, if people start to hate you, they'll do anything to bring you down."

"Are you speaking from experience? So this is why you've been bugging me this whole time? You were bullied in your previous school so you're trying your best to save someone else who fits your nonsensical descriptions. What a hero, you are."

He didn't speak any further.

"I must've hit the mark. Don't worry, Kimura-kun. From your little stories, I can see that you're somewhat liked already by the people around you, albeit you just met them today. Nevertheless, I don't have nor want any involvement with you. Even if I'm disliked, you will not be affected; rest assured."

I turned around and headed towards the hallway.

"You're underestimating it, Horikita."

"Dropped the honorific? I guess we got a little bit closer." I paused in front of the door, "Stay out of my life, Kimura-kun."

It was finally the end of our first day. Regrettably, it was an eventful day. Full of unnecessary exchanges and blood-boiling encounters with irritable people.

I had made it back to my afternoon Social Studies class earlier with no repercussions. It went on as usual, and nothing really happened that was worth noting. However, we met with our homeroom teacher again before going home.

She just said some formalities like, 'How was your first day?' and other predictable questions. The one that stood out was the announcement regarding an upcoming Flash Arithmetics competition that included our school.

Two representatives of each year would compete against other schools, each pair playing in their respective division. I guess the administrators planned on making the student body actively participate in events like these from the start. Not like I care though.

Now that class had been dismissed, I took my bag and made my way out. At the same time, students of other classes hustled outside their rooms. Murmurs and small talk resounded through the hallways in typical high school fashion. And expectedly, many are starting to talk about the upcoming competition. However, for the uninterested and unbothered masses, they simply just talked about plans to hang out.

I wonder what I should do at home? Using the subject outlines given to us today as reference, I should be beyond confident in our future topics. If I give myself more foundation, I might just be wasting time on already completed tasks.

Should I continue reading books instead, then? I went to the library earlier and saw a couple of books that piqued my interest. However, I'll hold off committing to any of them while I still have The Big Sleep to read.

That being said, I ventured outside our building towards the front gates of Muteki. It was still rowdy and loud—a considerable number of meetups were happening. Actually, one of them included Kushida-san and Ichinose-san.

Seeing those two made me instinctively move my legs faster. Hoping that I wasn't noticed, I inched closer to solitude.

But then...

Bump!

"Ow! Sorry! I didn't mean to bump into you," a girl with long pinkish blonde hair showed up and said.

"No, my apologies. I was in a hurry," I paused before passing her. "If you'll excuse me."

That girl was wearing a different school uniform. It looked familiar, but the name of the school that it belonged to wouldn't pop into my head. It bothered me a bit, but I dismissed the thought shortly after.

Her clothes aside, she stuck out like a sore thumb. Her vibrant hair and immaculate figure had crowds turning in her direction.

I usually don't bother, but I wonder what business a girl like her has in Muteki?

I stopped to look at the extrinsic student once more before finally heading to the bus stop.

After about ten minutes, I reached the bus stop. I sat on one of the benches and laid my back against the backrest. My eyes stared directly at the bright blue skies. Squinting my eyes a bit against the heat of the Sun.

I checked the time and it was about 2:47 PM. This is one of the only days where we go home this early. Contemplating on what I should do to kill time, I took out The Big Sleep again.

And then I realized one thing...

Ever since this morning, something annoying has occurred every time I took out this book and started reading it again.

I was no superstitious person. However, I'm taking no chances.

I closed the book and put it back inside my bag.

While patiently waiting for the next bus to arrive, I stood up and took a bus ticket in advance. I settled down on the bench again.

"Oh, it's you!" a voice came out of nowhere.

I turned to the owner of that voice. And hold and behold, it was someone I knew.

This isn't funny.

"Sorry again for bumping into you earlier," said the same pink-ish-haired girl.

I should put that book on hold for now. I don't find this girl annoying. Well, I have no reason to. However, if some mysterious power is behind all of this, then I'm assuming to be bothered in the next few minutes.

"No need to apologize," I replied.

"Aha, sorry," she repeated as she turned to the ticket machine.

I guess she's taking the same bus as me?

I glanced at her. She had a ticket in hand and went back towards me—rather the bench I was on.

"May I sit next to you?"

"Go ahead. Though, it's spacious enough. You didn't have to ask."

She smiled, "Well, pleasantries are important."

She continued, "A lot of students were staring at me earlier. It was kinda embarrassing but it made sense because I wasn't exactly from there."

I didn't say anything.

"I was gonna pick up my little sister but she seemed to have already made a friend to hang out with. I figured I let them enjoy their time instead. Don't really usually want your older sister to meddle with your affairs, right?"

...Now that I look at her. The same blue eyes, the same colored hair, the same face, actually. And from the details I was told earlier.

This girl...

"Ah, right! Sorry to run my mouth like that. Must be awkward for a stranger to suddenly talk to you about random things. My name is Ichinose Honami. Nice to meet you!" she extended her open hand.

Ichinose.

This is the 'big sister' that girl from the bus kept talking about, Ichinose Hina.

I stared at her, baffled by this miraculous coincidence.

Perhaps, I stared too long.

Ichinose-san clasped her hands together in embarrassment after I failed to return her handshake.

Since she was here, maybe I could ask her to tell her little sister to be less annoying. Or would that be too rude?

"Is your little sister the one in twin tails by any chance?" I asked.

Seeing this as an opportunity to make the mood less awkward, Ichinose-san answered immediately.

"Ah! Yes, you're right. Do you know her?"

"A bit. We sat next to each other on the bus this morning."

"Oh, I see. What a coincidence for me to meet you here as well."

Yeah, a terrifying one.

She continued, "She didn't say anything weird, did she? We're sisters so I know she gets talkative. Actually, the same goes for me, evidently."

"Well, all I can say is that she looks up to you a lot—enough to ask a stranger she just met to tutor her in her studies."

Ichinose-san visibly gasped at the story I told her.

"She asked you what? Wow, I'm so sorry. Ahh, what will I ever do with that girl."

"I declined though. It was just a minor inconvenience."

"Still, she shouldn't have asked that."

"Well, that's also true."

She sighed.

"Okay, what can I do to make it up to you on behalf of my little sis?"

Uhh...what?

"You don't have to do anything. It's fine."

"No, I insist! Actually, since you and my sister took the same bus on the way here, we're supposed to be close to each other, right?"

"I doubt it..."

"If it's the case, let me treat you to a cafe sometime. Maybe not right now because it's a bit sudden. But whenever you're free this week or during the weekend."

"Ah..."

She's as stubborn as her little sister, alright. Whatever do I do?

"Do you mind if I know your name? Also, let me know if you need anything apart from a cup of coffee or tea."

Ah, right...If she's going to be like this, I might as well get something good out of it. I remember Ichinose Hina mentioned this morning that her older sister was reading The Big Sleep before. If she has any other decent books I can read, maybe I'll do just that.

I sighed internally.

"It's Horikita Suzune, my name. As for your offer, perhaps some book recommendations off your shelf?"

I saw her eyes light up. No, actually, her whole expression turned ecstatic. Annoyingly remarkable determination.

"That's perfectly fine! In fact, I'm so happy you asked that."

Before she could go on another spree, the bus finally arrived at our stop. It was the cue for the both of us to leave the bench and go home. She didn't exactly stop talking there, though.

Ichinose-san talked about many things. Regarding her little sister, the books she liked, her hobbies, her school and different opinions about random things.

At some point, I started filtering some of her words out. Though her recommendations were interesting, most weren't my genre. Either way, I kept them in mind.

At least it's some kind of silver lining to this atrocious day.