The morning air was still cool by the time Haru slowed to a jog.
It was almost six. A few people were already out for a walk, while others were opening their shops for the day. Everything else was quiet.
Just how I like it.
He wiped the sweat from his forehead and checked the time on his watch before turning into the familiar street.
The old wooden gate came into view.
"I'm home."
"You mean good morning."
His grandmother's voice came from the kitchen before he had even taken off his shoes.
"Morning jog again? The food's getting cold."
"I came back before six."
"Barely."
She stepped out with an apron tied around her waist, giving him the same look she always did whenever he returned from his morning run.
"And today's your first day at school, isn't it? Kana already left, so hurry up."
"...Morning."
"There. Was that so hard?"
A quiet chuckle came from the dining room.
His grandfather folded the newspaper and looked over his glasses.
"A new school, hm? First days are like climbing a mountain."
Haru blinked.
"...What?"
"The view changes depending on how far you climb."
His grandmother let out a sigh.
"Stop confusing the boy this early in the morning."
"I was encouraging him."
"You were speaking in riddles."
"I speak from experience."
She shook her head before turning back to Haru.
"Just eat before everything gets cold."
"...Thanks."
Breakfast passed the same way most mornings did.
His grandfather read the newspaper.
His grandmother reminded him to eat more vegetables.
The television quietly reported today's weather.
It felt... normal.
Maybe that's exactly what I need.
***
After finishing his food, Haru picked up his school bag.
"I'm leaving."
"Have a good first day," his grandmother called out.
His grandfather simply smiled.
"Don't worry about climbing the whole mountain today."
"...I'll keep that in mind."
I probably won't.
***
The walk to school took a little over fifteen minutes.
Cherry blossom petals drifted along the sidewalk every now and then, carried by the breeze before disappearing somewhere down the road.
Students in the same uniform gradually filled the streets.
Most of them were chatting with friends.
I guess almost everyone already knows each other.
Makes sense.
I'm the one who doesn't belong here.
The school gate finally came into view.
Large.
Clean.
Definitely smaller than my old school in Tokyo.
As Haru stepped through the gate, someone suddenly rushed past him.
"Move—!"
Thud.
The two bumped shoulders.
"Phew— S-Sorry!"
The boy hurriedly steadied himself before looking at Haru.
He was slightly taller, athletic, and had a basketball tucked under one arm.
"I wasn't looking where I was going. Really, sorry."
"It's fine."
"You sure?"
"Yeah."
"...Thanks!"
Without another word, the boy sprinted toward the school building.
"I'm seriously gonna be late!"
Haru watched him disappear.
...Energetic.
Behind Haru, the boy slowed down just enough to glance back.
"...Huh?"
He frowned.
"...Why does he look familiar?"
A teacher's voice echoed from the entrance.
"You! Hurry up!"
"Wah! Coming!"
The thought disappeared as quickly as it had come.
***
The entrance ceremony lasted longer than Haru expected.
The principal welcomed the new students.
The Student Council President gave a speech on behalf of the school.
Standing a few steps behind him was the vice president.
Kana.
She looked as composed as always.
She didn't even glance in his direction.
...Thanks.
That would've been awkward.
Soon after, the ceremony came to an end.
The first-year students began making their way toward their classrooms.
Class 1-B.
So this is my class.
Haru slid open the classroom door.
Most of the seats were already occupied.
Conversations filled the room.
He quietly found the empty desk by the window near the back and placed his bag beside it.
Window seat.
Lucky.
A few seconds later—
The classroom door flew open.
"I'm not late, right?!"
The same boy from earlier stood at the entrance, breathing heavily.
A few classmates laughed.
"You barely made it."
"Told you not to stop by the gym!"
"I know, I know!"
He scratched the back of his head before walking toward the back of the classroom.
"...Oh."
He stopped beside Haru's desk.
"This is where I sit."
Haru looked up.
"...Morning."
The boy blinked.
"Oh! You're the one from earlier!"
He laughed awkwardly.
"Sorry again about that."
"It's okay. Don't worry about it."
"...Thanks."
He sat down.
For a few moments, neither of them spoke.
Then the boy glanced sideways.
...
Why does he look so familiar?
Just as he was about to ask—
The classroom door opened once more.
Their homeroom teacher walked in.
"Good morning, everyone. Take your seats."
"...Guess that'll have to wait," the boy muttered.
Haru looked toward the front of the room.
Looks like class is starting.