Lunchtime.
The hallways echoed with laughter, footsteps, and the occasional clatter of bento boxes.
Meanwhile, I sat quietly in the classroom, staring blankly at my lunchbox like someone who just got ghosted by his own friends.
"Finally… peace and quiet," I muttered, opening my lunch.
"Without that annoying girl around, life feels calmer—and lonelier... but whatever."
Just as I was about to take a bite—
"Who exactly are you calling annoying, new kid?"
I almost choked on air.
Inohana stood right behind me, hands on her hips, her glare sharp enough to cut glass.
"Geez! Don't sneak up on people like that!"
"I didn't sneak up. You're just jumpy~" she said with a smirk.
Then—plop!
She sat right on my desk, like it was her personal throne.
"Oi, can you not sit wherever you want?!"
"There are plenty of seats, but this one's the best," she said with a teasing grin. "It's close enough to annoy you~."
I sighed through my nose. "Then maybe I should find another spot."
"Why bother? It's not like you know your way around yet~."
…This girl's confidence level is illegal.
After lunch, the classroom grew quiet.
Some students went outside, others to the cafeteria.
I stayed behind—finally, peace at last.
Until—
"Let's go outside."
That voice again.
"Huh? Why?"
"Because sitting too long makes you fat~."
"I don't gain weight that easily, idiot!"
Still, for some reason, I found myself standing up.
Reflex, maybe.
Before I could say anything, she grabbed my hand.
"C'mon. You're really gonna let a cute girl like me get bored~?"
I nearly tripped.
"Overconfident much?! And stop pulling me!"
"Oh, please~ If I didn't drag you, you'd never come."
…This girl is a walking headache.
The back of the school was calm, kissed by the sea breeze.
Waves shimmered under the sunlight, birds gliding lazily overhead.
"Eh~ It's actually nice here," Inohana said, smiling at the ocean.
"See? Aren't you glad I dragged you out here?"
"I was forced, not invited."
She giggled softly—
and for a moment, it actually sounded… cute.
Then she ran off. "Wait here for a sec!"
I sat under a sakura tree, petals drifting gently down.
"Hah… at least she's quiet for once."
But of course, peace never lasts.
From behind the tree, a group of girls appeared.
"Oh~ so this is the new student you were talking about, Akane-chan?"
One girl smiled politely. "I'm Mizuki Hana. Nice to meet you, Hayashi-kun."
Before I could respond, another one leaned way too close.
"Waaah~ your hair looks soft! Can I touch it~?"
"E-eh?! No, wait—!"
"Jeez, stingy boy~" she pouted.
"Mika," another girl said sharply, "introduce yourself before harassing him."
"Oh right! I'm Tachibana Mika! Nice to meet you, Hayashi-kun~!"
"S-sure…"
Then the cold-looking one spoke up. "I thought you'd be taller."
"…I'm not a sports guy, okay?"
"Whatever you say." Her icy gaze didn't falter. "I'm Asagiri Rei."
Before I could even breathe—
thud!
I bumped into a tiny girl with messy brown hair.
"Ouch~ Watch where you're going, Hayashi-kun~" she yawned.
"S-sorry!"
"Seriously, Nao-cchi," Hana sighed, "stop napping everywhere."
"Hehe… but the grass is comfy…"
We ended up sitting under the tree together.
Inohana plopped down right beside me, clearly proud of herself.
…Annoying girl.
Hana handed me a canned juice. "You look tired~ Here, have this."
"Ah, thanks. Finally, someone normal."
"Hehe, normal's overrated," she winked.
Mika laughed. "Careful, Hana-chan~ you'll scare him off already!"
"I was already trying to escape," I said.
"But I guess it's too late for that."
Everyone laughed—even Rei smiled faintly.
Then I noticed Inohana glaring.
"Hmph. They sure got friendly fast."
"You say something?" I asked.
"N-no! I'm just… enjoying the view!"
Her cheeks puffed slightly, turning pink.
…Why does she look kinda cute when she's mad?
"You're such a weirdo!" she snapped.
"What? What did I do now?!"
"Nothing! Ugh!"
Mika grinned. "Ooooh~ Hayashi-kun, she's blushing~"
"Maybe she's jeal—"
"SHUT UP!!"
Steam practically came out of Inohana's ears.
The bell rang, saving me from further chaos.
"Let's hang out again tomorrow, Hayashi-kun~!" Mika waved.
"Do whatever you want," I said—
but deep down, I didn't mind.
As I walked back to class, I glanced at the sea beyond the window.
The light danced gently on the waves.
"Hayashi! Hurry up, class is starting!"
"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming."
I smiled faintly.
I didn't know why…
but I hoped tomorrow would be just like this again.