"Everyone, please enter quietly in discipline." Miss Rikka instructed as we began to move inside the gymnasium. Since our school wasn't a prep school with rigorous schedules, we had many sports teams that went hard on practice and aimed for nationals. Last year our school's basketball, badminton, and soccer teams made it to the nationals, while the baseball team was runner-up at the regionals. And that might explain the size of the gymnasium. Our school's gymnasium was the largest in the whole district. Its emptiness made it feel even larger than the main building. As we went inside, the Student Council members showed us to our seats.
Large lights shining above us were increasing the already awfully high temperature.
They should have broken those large walls and made some windows. Poor sports students.
I sat on a chair with a straight back, because Rikka was standing right in front of me and would have definitely made it difficult for me if she saw me slouching. She always nagged people for no reason, so I didn't want to give her one.
I saw Kiyoshi in my diagonal. He looked tired even before the ceremony started. Akari was seated five seats away from him and beside Mio. Hmm... they got seats together, that's good. I couldn't see Ren and Akio. Urgh, don't stare at me, Rikka. Wait, is there something on my clothes? Did I wear something wrong? Okay everything's fine. I didn't want to embarrass myself right before vacation.
All the fresher classes had entered before us. And the seniors followed behind us.
I turned to look at the stage which was decorated formally. There were flower pots on the sides and a podium on the right of the stage. Mr. Principal was seated on the stage, and all the homeroom teachers were sitting in front facing the students.
Some whispers and chatter started around me and the large hall was echoing it everywhere. "Apparently, she is going to ask him out after the closing ceremony."
One whisper came my way and what? Confessions right before summer break. That happens in the manga all the time too. But was I the only one who heard this? Apparently not, since this sound had started a chain reaction, with many boys trying to find the source of this sound.
"Good Morning, Hina." A voice came from my right and I turned in a frenzy. It was Nakamine from my class. We had met on several occasions and so we know each other enough for small talk. Urgh, what am I doing thinking, rather than answering? "Good Morning, Nakamine. That sailor outfit looks really good on you."
"Hehe, Thank you. You know me, if I had come in a blazer, I would have been taken to the infirmary by now."
"Is..is that so? But I think it works for the better, today."
"You think so, thank you."
"Attention students." The loud sound that came from the speaker made me flinch, again. I turned and saw that the speech had already started with Mr. Principal standing there in a black suit with a white shirt. Very common choice.
The Closing Ceremony started with some teachers opening the ceremony, followed by the principal's speech. Student Council members in suits were at the side and signaled the applause. It was followed by the recognition of the first term's top rankers in each grade.Yes, Ren was at the top for the fourth time at this high school. Then the sports achievements and arts achievements followed. Apparently a student had successfully published a light novel. Wow.
After the Student Council President's very loud speech, the students started leaving the gymnasium. Why is he always shouting?
I checked my blazer, skirt and hair clips once again before I stood up and went out of the gymnasium.
All the students started going back to the classrooms in an orderly fashion and soon we followed. As I stepped outside the gymnasium, I breathed in relief and felt the cool air on my forehead and back. Huh. Wait, am I sweating?
✵✵✵
"Okay, students first things first: Be mindful of what you do in the summer vacation. Don't make trouble for others and don't make a commotion anywhere. I am a human and I need some quiet and peaceful days too. Make problems for me and remember that I would still be your homeroom Teacher for another two terms." Ms. Tsukihi barked, growled, roared and snapped all on her own. She had a scowl on her face, and was frequently looking at some faces. She started the speech for guidance, but somewhere along the line it felt like threat. She must be tired of the students. Our school, no, our class had many problem children. And I had noticed how she went from cheerful and lively in spring to straight up pushing threats in July. Don't lose your composure Ms. Tsukihi. You can do it.
"Okay, now for your summer home—" It's the explanation of the same things that's written in the sheets. And I don't want to listen to it. I looked over the class from the corner of my eyes. Akio kun was diligently listening, but was tapping his feet hurriedly. He was the most excited person for the vacation. A soft smile spread across my face. I saw Akari who was sitting there looking at the teacher but probably wasn't listening anything. Mio was constantly tapping her fingers. She looked bored. Ren was gazing out the window, looking at the sky. Kiyoshi was gazing around the class. Our eyes met. His eyes were dewy and his shoulders were slumped. Ehhhh, wait...don't stare at me. Should I wave my hand, but Ms. Tsukihi would notice. Do I say something. Oh right, I can just smile and break eye contact. And he beat me to it. He smiled and looked back on the board before I could. Geeeeeezzzzz, you guys can learn from Akio and be attentive for a minute. Uh, I am not one to talk either.
"—and that was for science. Now for Japanese histor—"
Nevermind. I chose to listen and you had to say history.
After the other duties that Ms. Tsukihi had were finished, we were dismissed and she left the class.
She peeked again in a swift motion. "Enjoy your vacation students. Enjoy it, but don't make trouble, okay? Bye" She said with a cool smile.
"Bye, Teacher." Everyone chorused in unison which I felt compelled to join. After that the whole class burst out in chatter. Many students made a run for their clubs. Some were sitting and making plans for the day. I picked up my bag, which felt heavy today, and stood up. I started walking to the back of the class and was just about to greet Akio—
"Why are your things still on your table, please don't tell me you were noting the things Ms. Tsukihi asked to note."
But Ren beat me to it. Why now? Forget about him. I should say something. Urghhh, what was I about to say? I forgot. Akariiiii, please take Ren away.
"I heard you were bullying Mio before the ceremony today?" Akari closed in on Ren and put her hand on his shoulder.
"I don't remember anything of bullying. I was just stating the trut—"
"Let's change location." Akari dragged Ren away.
What? What's going on? Can I manifest reality from my thoughts like Venelena? Also, is Ren going to be okay? I hope things don't go violent over there.
"I don't think things will go violent over there."
Huh? Akio? Why are you reading my thoughts? Are you Arizuno?
I turned in a swift motion. My face screamed confused I believe.
"You were looking at them with a concerned face, so I thought I would reassure you." He had a relaxing smile.
"Thank you for worrying about me." What do I say? My mind went completely numb after he read my thoughts not once, but twice. Akari and Mio went off with Ren. And Kiyoshi was tied around by his harem. Right now was the best time to have a one-on-one conversation, which I couldn't usually have.
"It feels so good, doesn't it? We're finally free for a good 40 days from all the studying."
Honestly. "You really don't like studying, Akio, do you? You seem to be the type who doesn't do homework till the last day."
"No, that's not true!" He said flusteredly.
"That is true. You copied all my homework in the last 10 hours, whole night, before opening ceremony last year." A voice came from out in the hall which sounded like Ren.
"Ahahaha, please ignore that, Hina. Though in your case, I am sure all the homework would be finished before August starts."
"No, you are praising too much. At best I get done with it three days before the break ends."
"Oh, I know." He took a rather long pause and took a deep breath before he asked. "Hina why don't...we..meet in the communal library at...our free days? We can finish our homework, and I can hope to...learn a few more things. You teach better than most teachers, you know. Of course, only if you want to." Akio stammered again and again. His face turned red like a cherry, and his fingers were fidgeting a little. He had this habit, and would always fidget with his fingers before exams or when teachers called for him out of nowhere.
We...can do...homework...together. Wait, why am I even considering the question?
"Yes! Why not? Let's do that!" I am happy. I am really happy. I would get to meet him more over the break.
"We can discuss the details on Line, would that be okay?" He asked.
"Yes...Of course." Finally. We had already added each other on Line and frequently talked on the group chat with everyone. But Akio and I never had a private conversation on it. This will be a good opportunity.
"First we can cross out the days, we are busy on. And choose from what days remain." Akio suggested.
"Yes...I would try to tell you soon, after I confirm my plans." To be honest, aside from 3 to 4 days I have no other plans which don't involve our group. But I have to ask Dad, if he has any plans for surfing this month.
"Okay... that's decided then."
Yes. I replied unconsciously in my head again as my phone started buzzing. Akio's mobile also started ringing.
"Come fast Hina. We are going to get some lunch." Akari's chirpy voice came from the mobile.
Why so sudden always?
"I am coming." I replied and turned to Akio.
He put his phone in his pocket, took up his bag and started for the corridor. He turned his head back slightly and looked at me.
"Let's go!" He grinned and started walking.
I followed after him.
❈❈❈
Note : Venelena and Arizuno are characters in the new famous battle manga.
Venelena can manifest her wishes and Arizuno can read minds.