Some days don't stand out when they happen.
They only grow heavier with time.
That morning felt ordinary.
The alarm on his phone rang loudly.
He groaned and rolled onto his side, pressing his face into the pillow. The sound didn't stop.
"…Five more minutes."
It was useless.
He cracked one eye open and checked the screen.
7:48.
"Oh boy—!"
He sat up so fast he nearly slipped off the bed.
Everything after that blurred together. He rushed through the bathroom, splashing water on his face, pulling on his uniform, barely drying his hair. His shoes weren't even tied properly when he ran downstairs.
From the kitchen, his mom called out,
"Chris! You're going to be late!"
"I already am!" he shouted back.
He dropped into a chair at the dining table and grabbed whatever was closest — toast, eggs, anything. He ate too fast, barely tasting it, already standing up again.
His dad shook his head, smiling. "Slow down."
"Can't," Chris said, grabbing his bag.
"Eat properly next time," his mom said.
"I will!" Chris replied — and lied.
He slipped on his shoes, swung the door open, and waved.
"Bye!"
Outside, he ran.
His bag bounced against his back as the school building came into view. He slowed only when his lungs started burning.
"Oh boy," he muttered to himself.
"First day of school and I'm already late."
He sighed.
"I don't even want to go… but what can I do? It's the first day."
The classroom door slid open just as the bell rang.
The teacher looked up. "Late on the very first day?"
Chris scratched the back of his neck. "Sorry, miss."
"Take your seat," she said. "And try not to make it a habit."
He slipped inside and spotted him immediately.
By the window. Book open. Already settled.
Of course.
Chris dropped into the seat beside him and leaned closer.
"Yoo, Zack," he whispered. "Always on time, huh?"
Zack didn't look up.
"I didn't even want to come today," Chris continued quietly. "But what can I do?"
No response.
Chris tilted his head. "Hey… are you ignoring me?"
"I wasn't," Zack said without looking away. "I was reading."
Chris peeked at the book. "You're always on books now. Remember when you were actually fun?"
"I still am the same," Zack replied.
Chris laughed softly. "Really?"
Zack turned a page.
"Chris."
He froze.
"Chris," the teacher repeated. "Eyes forward."
Chris straightened, trying not to smile.
A few periods passed.
Chris tried to behave.
He really did.
But sitting still had never been his thing.
He whispered Zack's name once.
Nothing.
Again.
Still nothing.
Zack was completely lost in his book.
Chris grinned.
He leaned closer and lightly tickled Zack's side.
"Hey—stop it," Zack whispered.
"Chris. Zack."
They both froze.
A girl from the seat behind tapped Chris on the shoulder.
"Ahh… looks like you're in trouble."
The teacher stood right in front of them, arms crossed.
"Outside. Both of you."
The hallway felt colder.
Chris broke the silence first. "First day after vacation and we're already punished. That's kinda impressive."
Zack crossed his arms. "It's because of you."
Chris smiled sheepishly. "Hey… sorry."
Zack looked away, annoyed.
Lunch was louder.
Chris talked while eating — about soccer, about games, about everything he wanted to do this year. Zack listened quietly, his book still open.
Then someone stopped in front of their table.
"Hey."
Zack looked up. "Oh. Hello."
Chris frowned. "Not fair. You didn't respond to me like that."
The girl laughed. "Hi, Chris."
"Hey, Shelly," he replied.
Shelly smiled at Zack. "It's been a while. How have you been?"
They talked easily — about school, about break, about nothing important.
"I didn't expect you two to get punished on the first day," Shelly said.
Chris shrugged. "Can't do anything about it."
She laughed. "You're funny. But be careful next time, boys."
Chris leaned forward. "Sit with us. This weirdo isn't even responding to me. Maybe he will if you're here."
"I'm not a weirdo," Zack said, annoyed.
"Yes you are," Chris replied immediately.
Shelly laughed.
Sports period came quickly.
Chris stood up right away. "Soccer?"
"No," Zack said.
"Basketball?"
"No."
"Running?"
"No."
Chris sighed. "Chess?"
"I'll stay here," Zack said. "You go."
Chris walked toward the door.
He stopped.
He looked back at Zack. Then at the book in his hands.
Chris turned around and sat beside him again.
"…Guess I'll study a bit as well."
Zack looked up, surprised. "I thought you wanted to play."
Chris smiled. "I did. But it's more fun with you."
The classroom was quieter now, sunlight slipping through the window and settling across Zack's desk.
Zack didn't answer right away.
"Oh," he said quietly.
Chris leaned closer. "So? What are you reading?"
"Don't disturb me."
"Why not?"
"Mind your own business."
Chris opened his book anyway. "That's exactly what I'm doing."
Zack didn't tell him to leave.
The first day of seventh grade ended like that.
Ordinary.
Quiet.
And heavier than it seemed.