A boy stood in front of it for a moment, breathing slowly, as if trying to calm the unfamiliar excitement settling in his chest. Today was different. Not because something dramatic was going to happen, but because this was a fresh start. Haruto reached out, picked up the uniform, and began getting dressed. Standing in front of the mirror, he checked his reflection. Black hair, neatly combed but not styled in any special way. An average face. Nothing that stood out. He gave a small nod to himself.
"This is enough for me."
He wasn't a top student. He wasn't popular. But this time, he wanted to try.
"I don't want to be late on my first day of school. I have to hurry."
After packing his bag and slipping on his shoes, Haruto stepped out of his house. Parked just outside was his motorbike, slightly old but well taken care of. He put on his helmet, swung a leg over, and started the engine. As the bike moved forward, the quiet streets passed by in a blur.
Haruto's thoughts continued to flow, unhurried. Everest Private High School. A school known for its strong academics, active clubs, and… well, students who actually stood out. Compared to his previous school, it felt like a different world entirely. As he rode, he kept introducing himself in his head. His name, where he came from, what grade he was in. It felt silly, but he couldn't stop. Maybe it was his way of preparing for whatever awaited him. Soon, a large gate came into view. Everest Private High School. Haruto slowed down and parked his bike among many others. When he removed his helmet and looked up, he froze for a brief moment.
There were a lot of students. Groups of boys laughing loudly. Girls chatting with bright smiles. The school building itself looked clean and modern, standing tall behind the wide gate. Haruto took a deep breath. He wasn't overwhelmed.Just… aware. Stepping through the gate, he felt excited. His heart was beating faster, yet his expression remained neutral. Inside his mind, questions lined up one after another.
Who will I meet?
What kind of class will I be in?
What's going to happen this year?
Even with all those thoughts, he kept walking steadily. After checking the class list posted near the hallway, Haruto made his way to his classroom. The door was already open and Haruto stepped inside. The room was already arranged differently from what he was used to. Instead of rows, the desks were grouped together. Each group had five or six seats, forming small clusters. It immediately felt more social… and more intimidating. Haruto scanned the room quietly and chose a seat in one of the middle groups. There were only two students sitting there so far. He placed his bag down and sat, resting his hands on the desk. He didn't speak.Neither did the others. Minutes passed.
Gradually, students began pouring into the classroom. Laughter filled the air. Chairs scraped against the floor. Every group slowly filled up until there were no empty seats left. Haruto noticed that his group was now complete, surrounded by unfamiliar faces. Before he could process much more, the classroom door slid open again. The homeroom teacher entered, checking the class. To Haruto's surprise, the teacher asked a student to help write the attendance list on the whiteboard. A boy stood up, picking up the marker and writing names on the right side of the board. He looks like he had done this many times before. That was when Haruto realized it.
"That guy must be an old student here."
The boy finished writing and began calling out names, checking who was present. When Haruto's name was called, he answered clearly. The boy glanced at him for a moment, then nodded and continued. Soon, attendance was done, and class began. Lessons flowed normally. Math, followed by another subject. Haruto focused as best as he could, listening, writing notes, adapting to the pace. It wasn't too difficult, but it wasn't easy either. Then, during a brief pause, the tall guy sitting next to him leaned closer.
"Hey… sorry to bother you, could I borrow a pen? I forgot mine." the guy asked.
Haruto blinked, then immediately reached into his pencil case and handed one over.
"Sure. Here! It rare students to forget their things at their first day of school."
"Are you worrying about getting late or something?" Haruto asked.
"Hehe.. I think so.." the guy answered.
Then guy's face changed into brightened slightly.
"By the way, thanks for the pen. You saved me."
"I'll return it after school." the guy added.
Haruto simply nodded. It was a small thing, but for some reason, it eased his nerves. Class continued without much incident until the lunch bell finally rang. Students began standing up and went to take their lunch boxes. The classroom quickly turned noisy. Haruto remained seated, unsure of what to do next. That was when the guy who helped the teacher that morning approached him again.
"Hey. You're the transfer student, right?" the guy asked.
Haruto looked up and nodded.
"Yeah. Haruto Aoyama." Haruto answered.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Ryo Kanzaki." Ryo added.
Ryo smiled easily, the kind of smile that made talking feel natural. They talked casually while eating. Ryo asked where Haruto transferred from, how he felt about this school so far. Haruto answered honestly, and saying that he was still adjusting. Then Haruto asked about the school itself. Ryo explained things patiently about the strict teachers, the popular clubs, the relationships among students. Not in a bragging way, but like someone who simply knew the environment well. Midway through their conversation, Ryo suddenly waved at someone across the room.
"Hey! Come here for a sec." Another boy walked over.
He had a calmer presence, looks friendly .
"This is Daiki Moriyama," Ryo said.
"He's in our friend group." Daiki nodded politely.
"Nice to meet you. So you're the new guy."
Ryo was called away almost immediately after, leaving Haruto alone with Daiki.
"I'll leave him to you Daiki!" Ryo said
. For a moment, the silence felt awkward. Then Daiki spoke again.
"Do you use social media?" Daiki asked.
"Yes I do." Haruto nodded.
Daiki took out his phone.
"We've got a group chat for classmates and friends. I'll add you. It's easier to stay connected."
Haruto hesitated for half a second.
"Okay I'll join." Haruto accepted.
Daiki added him to the group, showing him the screen briefly. There were already many names there. They chatted lightly after that. Daiki asked about Haruto's hobbies, what he usually did after school, and whether he planned to join any clubs. Haruto answered that he wasn't sure yet.
"I'll think about the club later. Looks like the lunch time was over. See ya!" Haruto said.
Before lunch ended, Ryo returned briefly, giving Haruto a thumbs-up before being dragged away again by other students.
The afternoon passed quietly.
Every students were look unstable because the class was almost over.
And then the final bell rang, Haruto felt a sense of relief wash over him. As he packed his bag, Daiki approached him again.
"I'll add you properly tonight. The group chat's active, so don't be surprised if messages start popping up."Haruto nodded.
Before leaving, Ryo returned once more, this time with a girl beside him. She had long hair tied neatly and sharp, observant eyes.
"Oh right," Ryo said.
"This is Airi Shimizu. She's also in our group." Ryo added.
Airi looked at Haruto for a moment, then smiled faintly.
"So you're the transfer student. Nice to meet you."
Haruto greeted her back, slightly nervous but composed.
Ryo reminded her that Haruto had joined the group chat, and she acknowledged it casually. After that, they all exchanged brief goodbyes.
Outside the school, Haruto stood for a moment, taking it all in.
Friends.
On the first day.
Two guys. One girl.
It wasn't much. But it was something.
He grabbed his motorbike, started the engine, and back to home.
Maybe this year wouldn't be so bad.
With that quiet hope, he arrived to his home, put down his bag and thinking for the next day.