A few students lean on their desks, talking—the soft tapping of fingers on screens mixing with the click of photos being taken with friends. It's early, and the teacher isn't here yet.
My desk near the window—and the one next to it—is empty.
Unusual… but also understandable.
Of course she isn't here yet.
It's too early for her.
My legs pull me toward my desk—hopping—as eyes begin to turn toward me from the entrance. A person hopping instead of walking is an unusual sight. Whispers stir.
This is… so embarrassing.
I hate this.
I drop into my seat and stare out the window—the only place I can keep my eyes for now. It's easier than looking at anyone after that.
My eyes map out the area—students, a few teachers filtering into the building.
Then the entrance.
A wide black metal gate—thick, reinforced—set between smooth stone walls on either side.
Trees stand close to the building, their leaves brushing the windows, almost blocking my view of the gate.
I squint toward it, trying to get a better look.
Leaves shift outside the window.
For a second, I think I see someone standing there.
Tall. Long legs. A skirt—just the lower half of a body, half-hidden by the leaves.
The branches move again.
Purple.
Just a glimpse—
My eyes lock onto it.
My heart kicks hard.
Mi… Mina—
The wind pushes through one last time.
Nothing.
There's no one there.
My heart keeps racing anyway.
…What the fuck.
Slam—
Books hit the podium.
My eyes snap to the teacher—her hands gripping the edge.
"A new announcement… As you all know, the work-study group—"
My stomach drops—
I just want a break.
A wave of groans erupts in unison, cutting everything off.
"Do we really have to do this crap?"
"This is bullshit."
Slam—
"Quiet down!"
Her hands slam against the edge of the podium.
Silence.
Everyone's attention snaps to her.
"You'll all start tomorrow! No ifs or buts about it. You got that?"
The silence feels like acceptance—an unspoken okay.
"Now, with that being said… take out your math books. Page 287."
Students scramble to pull notebooks from their desks. I pull my history book out and set it in front of me.
I'm seeing things—
I'm just tired.
The lecture begins. I stare at the page, but none of the words sink in—
just lines of text, sitting there, like they're trying to tell me their whole life story.
Ring—
Class ends.
Everyone stands at once, desks screeching as they pour out of the classroom like animals finally released.
My eyes drift to the desk beside mine.
Still no Kurozawa…?
I stand, legs pulling me forward, and get swept into the cafeteria's buzz. Students everywhere. Seats already filled.
I grab a lunch tray—same curry rice, same vegetables—and decide to eat outside for a change.
I sit on a bench near the track field, watching students practice hurdles and sprints.
Impressive.
One guy clears the track in a matter of seconds, leaping over hurdles like he owns the place.
LAST PERIOD
My eyes linger on Kurozawa's desk in the middle of the lecture.
Still empty…
She must be working.
Class ends.
I grab my bag, change my shoes, and head for the exit.
…I'll just go to her job today.
I make my way out through the entrance, through the gate—
"OH—HEY! LOOK, IT'S HURTO!"
A loud voice booms behind me. Deep. Rough. Almost scary.
Hurto…?
Who names their kid that?
My legs keep carrying me down the block.
"I'M TALKING TO YOU! DON'T WALK AWAY FROM ME!"
"Yua—relax," another voice cuts in, annoyed and worried.
Whoever Hurto is… I feel bad for the guy.
Then—
Running footsteps—
Thunder behind me—
I turn my head—
What—
…
WHAT—
A tall, muscular woman—built like a bodybuilder—charges at me like a bull.
My body reacts before my brain does.
I run.
"STOP RUNNING!" she yells.
"PLEASE—I HAVE NO MONEY!" I shout back.
I cut corners. Turn alleys.
My lungs burn.
My face is drenched.
She doesn't slow down.
Shit—I'm going to die. I'm actually going to die.
Each second, my legs grow heavier.
Her footsteps get closer.
A sharp pain rips through my shins—reopened, like middle school all over again.
Wait…
My eyes drop to my legs as I run.
My ankle…?
It doesn't hurt—
She speeds up.
She sounds like a beast.
"WHAT DO YOU WANT FROM ME!?"
All I get is a frustrated grunt.
She doesn't sound tired.
I don't have a choice.
I stop…Drop to my knees.
Hands clap together in prayer.
Eyes squeezed shut.
"P-Please… I have nothing."
Footsteps stop.
She stands in front of me.
"Why the hell were you running?"
My eyes snap open, traveling from her feet all the way up—like a tower.
They lock onto hers.
My mouth opens in realization.
"Y-you're… Kurozawa's friend…"
The words slip out before I can stop them.
She smiles, long blonde hair covering one side of her face while the other eye stays visible.
…Shit.
I thought I was getting robbed.
I press my head to the ground.
"I'M SORRY!"
A chuckle escapes her—strong. Too strong.
"What? You thought I was gonna rob you?"
She bursts out laughing.
"I can't believe this shit… I have to tell Rika."
Rika…?
Oh.
Kurozawa.
A dreaded sense of relief hits me.
…
Wait..
If she tells her—
Will she be mad…?
The thought claws at my head, forcing me to imagine her reaction.
My eyes snap back up.
"Please… don't tell her…"
My voice comes out desperate.
"Oh? You think she'd be mad over something like this?" she asks, like what I said was a stupid question.
She taps a finger to her mouth, thinking—then looks down at me.
A wide smile spreads across her face.
"You know what… she will be mad."
My heart jumps.
"But—I'll make a deal with you."
She crouches to my level, her massive knees in front of me.
"How about you hang out with us today? And if you're fun enough…"
Her eyes lock onto mine—sharp. Purple.
"…I won't tell her you thought her friend was some big, mean thug."
Silence.
Hang out…
With her friends…