"Alright, class. Today we have a transfer student from the city. Please introduce yourself."
It was my first day at Mizuhara High.
The school wasn't far from my apartment. Close enough that I could still smell the sea on my way here. Honestly, that alone already made it better than my previous school.
I stood up and faced the class, keeping my voice steady.
"My name is Hayashi Kaito. I transferred here from the city. I hope we can get along. Please take care of me."
Short. Simple. Enough.
The teacher nodded, seemingly satisfied.
"Alright. You can take the empty seat next to Inohana Akane."
As I walked down the aisle, whispers followed me almost immediately.
"Whoa, a city kid…"
"He looks kinda calm."
"…Isn't he cute?"
I ignored them.
Ten seconds in, and this was already tiring.
My seat was by the window.
Perfect.
Sunlight streamed in, carrying a cool ocean breeze with it. If I ever needed an excuse to zone out, this seat would be my strongest ally.
Just as I sat down, the girl beside me turned.
She had sharp eyes and a completely blank expression.
"Don't be noisy," she said flatly. "I'm studying."
"…Right."
I barely had time to process that-
grrrkkk...
My stomach betrayed me.
Loudly.
The classroom went dead silent.
Every pair of eyes turned toward me.
"Ah—th-that was…" I said quickly, shifting my chair. "The chair."
I leaned back again.
grkkk...
The exact same sound.
The girl beside me raised an eyebrow.
"If that's your chair," she said, "then I guess it's hungry too."
The class burst into laughter.
Even the teacher covered her mouth, trying, and failing, to stay composed.
Great.
First day, and I'd already been reduced to sound effects.
I slumped in my seat.
Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Inohana's shoulders shaking.
She was holding back laughter.
"…If you're that hungry," she whispered, not looking at me, "I still have some bread."
"Huh? No, it's fine-"
Plop.
A small piece of bread landed on my desk.
"Better that than letting your stomach talk again," she muttered.
"I'm not even hungry."
She glanced at me, smirking slightly.
"Oh? You're really going to refuse a girl's kindness?"
"…You're enjoying this."
"Maybe."
I sighed and picked up the bread. "Fine. But don't get the wrong idea."
"Of course," she said innocently. "You're the one making excuses."
Just then, a strong breeze rushed in through the window.
Her hair fluttered wildly, catching the sunlight.
"…Good thing it's just wind," I said. "If it were a typhoon, you'd probably get blown away."
She froze.
"Excuse me?"
Her cheeks reddened, half embarrassment, half irritation.
"I am not that light!"
A few students snickered.
The teacher cleared her throat.
"Hayashi-kun. Please stop distracting Inohana."
"Y-Yes, sensei."
Silence returned.
For about three seconds.
Then-
Giggle.
It was quiet, but unmistakable.
I glanced sideways. Inohana was smiling.
"See?" she whispered. "Now you're the one in trouble."
"Just wait," I muttered. "Next time, it'll be your turn."
"Oh?" She leaned closer. "Bring it on, stupid city boy."
"…Who are you calling stupid?"
My voice cracked slightly. More laughter.
She crossed her arms, tilting her head.
"If not you, then who?"
"…You're seriously annoying."
"Heh. So you admit it."
I leaned back, staring out the window.
This girl was trouble.
"Alright," the teacher sighed again. "What's going on over there?"
"Sensei," Inohana said immediately, fake-pouting, "Hayashi keeps teasing me."
"What?! You started it!"
The class exploded again.
The teacher rubbed her temples.
"You two sound like elementary school students."
She turned to Inohana.
"Alright. Apologize to Hayashi-kun."
"E-Eh?!"
Inohana froze. Her face turned bright red.
"I-It's not like I'm admitting defeat or anything, okay?!"
She turned away sharply.
I couldn't help it. I smiled.
"Guess I win."
"…Annoying city boy."
Her cheeks puffed up even more.
The teacher shook her head, exasperated.
"You really are like children."
And somehow, despite the embarrassment, despite the attention,
I found myself smiling too.
Maybe… just maybe, this school wouldn't be so bad.
...Wait, For some reason, why I felt like I had been here before?