"You're lucky I have a spare uniform." Yuma says, tossing a shirt to me.
"I'm lucky that it is washed." I murmur.
As usual, Yuma is late for school. But this time, I am late as well. And I can't fly since I am human, so I will have to run to make it on time.
We are out the door in a few minutes. Bronk skateboards in front of Yuma, nearly knocking him over. "Watch where you're going!" Yuma shouts angrily at his friend.
"Wanna race to school?" Bronk asks. "Wait, uh, who's that?" He points to me.
"Oh. Astral's human now. And he's coming to school with us today!" Yuma explains.
Bronk's eyes widen. "Wow."
While Yuma runs ahead with Bronk, I follow more slowly. I'm not quite used to walking on the ground.
"Hey, Yuma!" a voice shouts behind me.
Yuma turns his head to look. "Hey, Rei!"
"Let's take the Rei Way to school." Rei suggests.
Yuma stops. Bronk speeds ahead without a care. "Sure, let's go." Yuma agrees enthusiastically.
I watch them go off. This time I can say 'no' to the Rei Way. I do not care for it, even though it affected Yuma more than me.
I make it to school only five minutes late.
There are no empty seats in the classroom. I stand awkwardly in the doorway. I can't help but notice that Yuma's desk is empty. He must still be on his way with Rei.
"Are you new?" a green-haired girl walks up to me: Tori.
I nod.
"I'm Tori. Nice to meet you!" She extends her hand out to me, and I shake it.
From his desk, Mr. Kay loudly clears his throat to call the class to attention. As the classroom hushes, Tori walks over and whispers something in Mr. Kay's ear. She discreetly points at me. "Mmhm," he nods. "Thank you, Tori." Tori returns to her seat. "Class, we have an unexpected new student today—"
"HERE!" Yuma and Rei burst into the room. "We made it!"
The classroom's eyes shift from me onto Yuma and Rei. The boys are a mess. From Rei's "shortcuts" I presume.
"Take your seats, please." There is a cold edge in Mr. Kay's voice.
Rei sits down. Yuma cocks his head questioningly at me, silently asking me why I am not at a desk. I shrug.
"As I was saying," Mr. Kay continues, giving Rei and Yuma both a sharp look. "We have a new student. Please welcome— what is your name?" he asks me.
All heads turn my way. After a few moments' hesitation, I say "Astral."
Tori's mouth drops open. Cat does a double take. A few of the other students— Yuma's friends— are completely stunned, judging by the looks on their faces.
"That's an…interesting name." Mr. Kay says slowly.
Yuma waves his hand in the air. "Can Astral sit next to me? PLEASE?! I'll make room!"
Mr. Kay tries to ignore him and surveys the students. Trying to see if someone else offers. Nobody raises their hand. Mr. Kay sighs. "Very well."
"Yesss!" Yuma yanks a spare chair up next to him with a screech. I walk over and sit down, quite relieved to have everyone's eyes off of me.
Typical. Yuma has fallen asleep during math. His snores don't bother me at all. Instead I focus on the sheet of paper on the table in front of me.
Duel period arrives. Yuma is about to Duel Bronk, so I take my usual place next to him. I need to instruct Yuma during Duels, otherwise he will lose easily.
"Astral, this kinda looks like cheating…" Yuma tells me as augmented reality activates. "I think you should sit this one out."
I nod, turn around, walk away, and sit down on a bench. It is painful to watch the Duel. Yuma has definitely become a better Duelist over time, but Bronk easily defeats him within a few turns. I suppress a groan and press my face into my hands as my friend tumbles backwards, his Life Points at 0.
"Hey, newbie!" a smug voice says. I uncover my face and look up. A second-year boy and three others are staring down at me. I am surrounded. "Yeah, you. Are you new here?"
I don't answer. I do not trust them at all.
"I'm talkin' to you! So look me in the eye!" he grabs me by my shirt, hauling me to my feet. "The first thing you need is to be taught some respect!" He snaps his fingers. Two of his subordinates grab my arms and pin them behind my back.
Yuma gets up. He sees what is happening and races over, placing himself between me and the bullies. By this time however, I have already taken a few punches. It hurts very badly.
"Leave him alone!" Yuma says bravely. "He didn't do anything to you."
"Buzz off, pipsqueak." the leader retorts. Without warning, he punches Yuma in the face.
"Oww…" Yuma holds his cheek.
I don't want Yuma involved in this. I don't want him hurt. Glaring at the leader, I say, "I challenge you to a Duel!"
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