A NEW WEEK
*"Attention, all late students! Don't even think about escaping—get your points deducted, or else you'll be marked absent!"* The man at the gate yelled.
*"I'm not a fool anymore,"* I muttered to myself. *Points deducted? Well, it's my fault for being late.*
I walked into the school premises, but to my greatest surprise, the atmosphere was overly lively. Most students had headphones on, as if listening to some trending stuff.
*What's going on?* I wondered. *Why's there so much gossip? Is that an idol picture or what?* Whatever it was, I couldn't get a good look.
*Damn, I hate noise. Did someone win the lottery or something?*
I walked down the hallway, closing in on the classroom. A crowd of students loitered outside, but I managed to sneak past the tight space. Inside, Misaki and her friends were deep in conversation.
*"Any idea what's going on?"* I asked.
*"Care to guess?"* Misaki teased.
*"How would I know? There's no 'present' here anyway."*
*Hmm, these people could blow up my mind at any moment. I need to figure this out.*
Then I remembered a piece of information I'd misheard last week. Peeking out the classroom window, I suddenly yelled, *"It's the vice president!"* But when I turned back—no one was there.
*Phew, what a relief.*
*"Oi! Is she really coming?"* Fuyuki gasped, a hint of fear in her voice.
*"Who?"* Misaki asked, looking lost.
*"No one's coming,"* I replied.
Fuyuki exploded at me for the prank. *Wow, vice is scary,* I thought.
### **Lunch Break**
When lunch break arrived, I packed my things and headed for the rooftop—my usual escape.
*"Where are you going?"* Misaki intercepted.
*"The rooftop,"* I replied sharply.
*"Aren't you curious about this morning's ruckus?"*
*"What about it?"* I turned my head to face her—only to realize how close we were. Just a few centimeters apart.
*"Do you know the new song by that artist, PZ?"* she asked.
*"Oh! that's number one?"*
*"Wow… I never thought you'd know it,"* she stammered.
*"What do you mean? I could sing it right now."*
*"Really? Let me hear it, then."*
*"I'm not a good singer, but…"* I took a deep breath.
Let's go
You're cool, I don't know what to say
"Yah"
Even the way you look at me make me feel insane
I want you, only you
"sweet paradise"
Baby you've become my 1,2,3 I don't know what to count
So much juice on the creation day
"It's only you who can make me feel this way
My affection for you are so true
Ichibani ichibani ichibani
Anata no namba wan garu ni tai tai"
Please let me have your heart
Cause…..
You're are so cool I don't I what to
I kept going, but she cut me off.
*"Stop it!"*
*"What the hell? I was almost done!"*
When I looked at her, she was blushing furiously.
*"What's wrong?"* I asked. Instead of answering, she dashed off.
*Well, the rooftop's still calling.*
## **Rooftop Encounter**
Whistling, I stepped onto the rooftop and closed the door behind me. When I looked up, I was met with an unexpected sight—the Student Council President.
*"Here for a smoke, Mr. Council?"* I asked, lighting mine.
*"No,"* he replied sorry for bringing you back, what do you mean it's a matter of choice. *"Actually, I came to thank you for saving me the other day."*
*"No biggie. It was nothing."*
*"You've really dropped the honorifics, HT-kun."*
*"What do you mean? We're basically the same age."*
*"March for me—what month are you?"* he asked.
*"January 1st."*
*"Damn, that makes you my senior."*
A moment of silence passed before we both burst into laughter—until the sound of the door slamming interrupted us.
*"Hananoi, I heard you were looking for me."*
*Ah, Chisato.*
*"HT-kun, your smoke—"*
I walked straight to her. *"Yeah. Mind talking on a walk?"*
*"Later, Prez."*
*"I never knew you smoked."*
*"It's nothing."* She paused. *"So, what did you want to talk about?"*
*"About last week's conversation."*
*"Which one?"*
*"Don't play dumb. We haven't had many conversations, but… I don't want to get rejected. That's all."*
*"Who said I wanted to reject you?"*
*"Then…?"*
*"Let's give it a try."*
After exchanging contacts and a bit more small talk, she left.
*"Congratulations, my phone. You've got yourself a buddy."*
## **After School**
When classes ended, I headed straight to work. Stepping inside, I found the place nearly empty.
*Am I too early?*
*"Good evening,"* I said softly. Just as I was about to repeat myself louder, Yui came rushing in—crying.
*What's wrong?* I wondered.
Then I turned and saw Fuka's disappointed face.
*It's about to go down,* I muttered to myself.