As Mahiru and I froze, surprised by Alya's sudden appearance, she closed the distance between us with a familiar ease. Her presence felt both commanding and warm, like a sunbeam with sharp edges. Her eyes danced with mischief and confidence, the kind of look that said she knew way more than she was letting on.
Alya's smile widened as she looked at me, then flicked toward Mahiru with genuine curiosity. "Good morning, Aiko! And who might this be?" Her voice carried a melodic lilt that somehow danced in the morning air, weaving around the quiet streets and settling like an uninvited song in my brain.
The morning was already filled with enough unwanted surprises, and now I have to deal with this…
"This is Shiina Mahiru. She just moved in next door, and she's also a transfer student. She'll be studying at our school from now on," I introduced, gesturing slightly toward Mahiru and trying to keep my tone as neutral as possible. The last thing I needed was to sound enthusiastic. "And Mahiru, this is Alisa Mikhailovna Kujou. She's originally from Russia."
Mahiru gave a polite nod, her eyes soft but curious. "Good morning, Kujou-san. It's nice to meet you."
Alya's eyes lit up with interest, her smile never wavering. "Likewise, Mahiru. And just call me Alya. Welcome to our school. I'm sure you'll find it a wonderful place to study," she replied with an earnestness that felt both sincere and performative, like she was playing a part in a story written just for the school.
As we set off toward school, Alya fell into step beside us, nudging me with a teasing glance. "You know, it's not every day we get a new neighbor and a transfer student. Pretty exciting, right?"
"Looks that way," I muttered flatly. I wasn't exactly eager for more socializing. "Exciting" wasn't a word I associated with mornings, or anything, really.
Alya laughed softly, her eyes reflecting a sparkle of amusement. "Life is full of surprises, isn't it? But I'm glad I ran into you both. I was actually hoping to catch up with you, Aiko. There's something I wanted to discuss!"
"Oh? What's that?" I asked, bracing myself for whatever awaited. Please don't be some random school festival or club recruitment. I hate those. Every time we had one, I was the one left out. Never invited. Never included. Too many people, too much noise, too much judgment.
We live in an era where phones and social media dominate every moment. Every event, every smile, every slip-up is recorded, uploaded, dissected by thousands of faceless observers. The pressure to perform, to be liked, to fit in, it's suffocating. And honestly, what's the point of having a phone if you don't really have people you can call friends?
Alya's expression turned thoughtful. "It's about Sports Day. The student council could really use your help, and I thought you might have some great ideas."
My mind blanked. "I'm not sure I have any ideas. I've never been good at this sort of thing."
Alya's face softened, eyes showing genuine understanding. "It's okay to feel that way, Aiko. But sometimes, all it takes is a fresh perspective. You don't have to do anything grand. Even small ideas can make a big difference."
Mahiru, who had been quietly listening, glanced at me with a gentle smile. "I think it could be a wonderful experience, Aiko. And you won't be alone. We'll all be there to support each other."
Her words were reassuring, and I felt a flicker of gratitude toward Mahiru, though I still wasn't sure how much I wanted to be involved. "Thanks, Mahiru. I appreciate that," I replied, my tone still reserved.
Hearing those words, Alya looked a little jealous but quickly recovered, flashing a warm smile at Mahiru. "It's great to have such supportive friends, isn't it, Aiko? We're all here to make this Sports Day a success together."
As we continued toward school, the morning sun cast long shadows on the pavement, and I felt a sense of dread for the journey ahead.
...
[First Period Break]
During first period, I excused myself to the bathroom. Staring at my reflection in the mirror while washing my hands, I barely recognized the person staring back: oversized glasses, heavy bangs covering half my face, yep, typical normie weeb. Maybe I should get a haircut someday. But would it change anything? Probably not.
As I stepped out, I nearly collided with an orange-haired girl leaning against the wall. Her blouse's top buttons gaped undone, a look of frazzled exhaustion on her face. I wondered if she was in our class. Not my problem. I turned to leave.
Suddenly, she called out: "A-Ano…" she stammered, hesitating.
I turned, eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Hm?"
"Have we met before?" she blurted.
"Well, we're in the same class," I said, surprised by the question. "You might have seen me if you were paying attention…"
"No! That's not what I meant… What I meant was… if we've met before, not in this school. But, but-" She suddenly stopped speaking, muttering something I couldn't catch.
But? Woman, can you finish your sentence? Why are you like this?
Suddenly, she raised her head, tears streaming down her cheeks.
What? Did I scare her that badly?
I took a step closer, voice softening a bit. "Um, are you okay? You suddenly started crying. If you want me to leave, I will."
The girl looked up, her peach-reddish eyes glistening with tears. She struggled to speak, voice trembling. "I-I'm sorry. It's just… you remind me of someone I used to know. And now I lost him."
A strange pang of empathy stirred in me, though I wasn't sure why. "Someone you used to know?"
She nodded, eyes full of sadness and nostalgia. "Yes, someone very important. Seeing you brought back memories."
I wasn't sure how to respond to her sudden emotional outburst. "Well, I'm sorry if I brought up painful memories."
Didn't think just seeing my face could make someone cry.
She shook her head as tears subsided. "No, it's not your fault. It's just… it's been a while since I thought about them. Seeing you brought it all back."
I stood there, baffled by my own reaction, watching her. Then she blinked back the sadness and smiled.
"What's your name?"
After all that, she still wants to know my name? Women are strange creatures.
I stared at her a moment, making her nervous. Heh, I liked doing this.
"Aizawa Aiko," I answered flatly.
"I'm Yuigahama Yui," she replied, smiling as she extended her hand. "Nice to meet you properly, Aiko-kun."
I shook her hand. The encounter had taken an unexpected turn.
"Likewise, Yuigahama-san."
"You can call me Yui. Using family names feels distant," she said enthusiastically.
Why does every girl I meet suddenly want me to call them by their first name? Women are very strange creatures.
"Well, Yui, you should wash your face. You look pretty terrible right now," I teased, scrunching my nose.
"Rude!" she cried, mock offended but smiling. "I guess I was a mess. Can't blame a girl for getting emotional."
"Well, it's the truth," I teased. "You look like a mess."
"I always can, that's my personality. Anyway, class is still on. See you there."
I waved and walked off.
She pouted but whispered over her shoulder, "I won't let you go that easily again…"
...
As I walked away from Yui, I felt an odd curiosity about her words and emotions. Her tears stirred something unfamiliar inside me.
Back in class, I quietly took my seat, trying not to draw attention. The teacher's voice filled the room as students busied themselves.
Mahiru was finishing paperwork to join our class. I wasn't sure if she'd be in the same one as me.
When first period ended, relief washed over me. The morning had been packed with unexpected encounters and feelings, and I craved peace.
I decided to head for the rooftop, the only place I could find solitude and fresh air.
Alya, sitting beside me, glanced over with her usual mix of warmth and confidence.
"Where are you heading, Aiko?" she asked.
"To the rooftop. I just need some peace and quiet," I said, hoping she'd understand.
"I'll come with you~" she said playfully.
"No, you don't," I snapped. "Give me space. Go hang out with your other friends."
Disgusting.
"But Aiko, you're my dearest~ friend," she teased.
I sighed, no energy to argue.
"You're impossible."
She laughed, eyes sparkling. "I don't want to hear other people's voices this once. Just stay here. If you follow me, I'll run away."
Alya pouted, clearly dissatisfied.
"Но я хочу проводить больше времени с тобой…" she whispered in Russian, voice soft and longing.
Sometimes a little distance is necessary. Showing too much affection can tire people. Everyone has different needs for affection and space. That's what I believed in.
Reaching the rooftop, I found it empty. The quiet solitude was exactly what I needed.
Leaning against the railing, I looked over the school grounds bathed in morning light. I took a deep breath and sat on a bench, sipping the coffee I bought from a vending machine.
I like coffee a lot. It's not just a drink for me, it's a psychoactive drug. Did you know coffee drinkers are happier overall? Six or more cups a day cut suicide risk by 80%. Amazing, right? Coffee's full of chlorogenic acid - anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity.
I like overdosing on it.
The rooftop door creaked open.
I turned, expecting some student seeking peace.
Instead, a girl stepped in with an air of calm confidence and elegance. Long dark hair cascaded down her back. Sharp, intelligent eyes held a world of secrets.
Great. Just my luck.
Her gaze locked on me, intense, making me curious and uneasy.
"Good morning," she said smoothly. "Or should I say, it's good to see you again?"
I blinked, caught off guard. "Uhh, good morning? I'm sorry, but... do I know you?"
Who is she? Why's she so happy to see me?
She smiled softly, sadness flickering in her eyes. "You don't remember, do you? It's been a long time, Aiko. Or should I call you by another name?"
A chill ran down my spine. Her words stirred something deep within, familiarity I couldn't place.
"I'm sorry, but I don't know what you're talking about," I said hesitantly.
"Don't you remember?" she asked, sadness lingering.
"I'm sorry, but no." What else could I say?
Maybe childhood friends? But I don't remember meeting anyone like her. Maybe… sealed memories? A curse?
"Is that so…" she said sadly, then recovered quickly. "Anyway, my name is Utaha Kasumigaoka."
Kasumigaoka... means elegance, right? It suits her.
She swept a lock of hair behind her ear. "May I sit with you?"
"Sorry, but I have a girlfriend."
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