That morning felt different. The air was still cold, yet the winter sunlight reflected softly on the glass window of Raku's room. He stood in front of his desk, making sure his books were neatly arranged inside his bag. His left hand held the class schedule he had memorized over and over again, as if afraid of forgetting something on the first day of school.
After making sure everything was ready, he lifted the bag onto his shoulder, then let out a slow breath.
"Alright…" he muttered, as if reassuring himself.
The door to his room opened. His footsteps sounded softly along the corridor of the house. In the living room, Issei was already sitting comfortably while sipping warm tea. When he saw his son walking out in his new uniform, a warm smile appeared on his face.
"Father," said Raku, pausing for a moment. "I'm leaving for school."
Issei placed his cup on the table, looking at Raku with eyes full of pride.
"Be careful on the way. Don't forget, if anything happens contact me through your smartphone. Don't hesitate, alright?"
Raku gave a small smile, calmness and determination in his eyes.
"I'll be fine. Besides, I've been doing physical training lately. I won't go down that easily."
Issei nodded in satisfaction. "I see. In that case, have a good day. I hope your day is pleasant."
Raku bowed slightly, then walked toward the front door. As soon as he opened it, the cold morning air greeted him. In front, Ryunosuke was already standing with the composed demeanor of a loyal butler.
"Would Bocchan like me to escort you to school?" he asked respectfully.
Raku looked at the street that was starting to get busy, then turned back to Ryunosuke. His smile appeared again, this time more sincere.
"No need, Ryunosuke. I want to walk. Besides, I also have to learn to get familiar with the layout of this city. And… Sobu High isn't too far from here, right?"
Ryunosuke gave a slight smile, his eyes filled with pride at seeing Bocchan becoming more independent.
"In that case, please be careful on the way, Bocchan."
"I'm going now," Raku replied, waving his hand.
His steps followed the pathway, blending with the bustle of the small city. The sounds of birds, car engines, and the chatter of other students echoed all around. From time to time Raku glanced at his smartphone screen, using GPS so he wouldn't get lost. Everything felt new to him, but there was a strange calmness in his steps.
After a few minutes of walking, Sobu High finally came into view. Tall, sturdy, and full of life. Other students were flocking in, some chatting cheerfully with friends, others rushing in a hurry. Raku looked at the sight with a mix of curiosity and nervousness.
At the entrance, he saw the large shoe rack. Remembering the little note left in his desk drawer a few days ago, Raku immediately searched for the locker number that matched his name. He put his shoes inside, changing into indoor shoes.
"Almost forgot… good thing there was that note," he thought with relief.
After that, he walked inside, passing through the wide school corridors. Some students turned their heads to him, perhaps because of his unfamiliar face or the slightly different calm aura he carried. Raku tried to suppress his nervousness, focusing on the signs on the walls. Eventually he found the board labeled Faculty Room.
Knocking softly, he opened the door. "Excuse me," he said politely. "I am Ichijou Raku. Please take care of me in class later… and… I can't remember much because of amnesia."
For a moment, several teachers turned to him. The room fell silent for a second, until a cheerful voice broke it.
"Ah, so you're here!"
A woman with long hair, a cigarette tucked between her fingers though unlit, waved her hand. Her face looked charismatic, but also somewhat laid-back.
"Come here, Raku."
Raku turned toward her and walked closer. The teacher patted his shoulder gently.
"So you're Ichijou Raku, huh? I'm Shizuka Hiratsuka. Just call me Hiratsuka-sensei."
"Alright, Hiratsuka-sensei," Raku replied, bowing politely.
"For class later, you just wait for Kyoko-sensei to come. She'll take you to your class."
"Understood."
Hiratsuka looked at Raku for a moment. There was something in her eyes, a mix of curiosity and sympathy. She crossed her arms, then gave a small smile.
"You know, Raku… how about you join the Service Club?"
"Club?" Raku repeated in confusion. "Is that some kind of… extra activity at school?"
"Exactly," Hiratsuka replied firmly. "A club is a place where students pursue their interests. After the break later, I'll come to your class and introduce you. You'll be joining the Service Club."
Raku stared at her for a moment, then nodded.
"Alright… I'll go along with it then."
Hiratsuka's smile widened, as if she had found something interesting in Raku. Meanwhile, Raku could only let out a slow sigh. For him, all of this was truly a brand new beginning, and he could only go with the flow to see where these steps would lead him.
.....
The school corridor that morning was still filled with the footsteps of students just arriving. The sound of sliding doors opening and closing echoed faintly, mixing with laughter, chatter, and the squeak of shoes on the wooden floor.
Kyoko-sensei walked ahead with a calm rhythm, while Raku followed behind her, his steps a little cautious. His mind was still filled with what Issei had said earlier—about being careful and adjusting himself.
In front of the classroom door, Kyoko-sensei paused for a moment, turning to Raku with a warm smile.
"Alright, Raku. After I give the signal, you go in and introduce yourself. Don't be nervous, just honest and simple."
Raku nodded softly.
"Yes, Kyoko-sensei."
Kyoko-sensei opened the classroom door, her steps steady. The noisy chatter of students quickly quieted down when they saw their homeroom teacher enter. Some hurriedly closed their notebooks, others adjusted their sitting posture.
"Good morning," Kyoko-sensei greeted with a gentle yet authoritative voice.
"Good morning, Sensei," the students answered in unison.
Kyoko-sensei stood at the front of the class, placing the attendance book on the desk, then looked around the room.
"Alright, before we begin today's lesson, I want to introduce a new student who will be joining you. He has actually been part of this school, but experienced an accident some time ago. Therefore, I hope all of you can accept and support him."
The room instantly went silent, students exchanging glances with curiosity.
Kyoko-sensei turned toward the door.
"Please come in."
The sound of the sliding door was heard, and Raku stepped inside. The morning light from the classroom windows fell directly on him, making the students' eyes focus even more on him. Some faces looked shocked, especially Chitoge, who unconsciously gripped the edge of her desk, and Onodera, who held her breath. Shu smiled mischievously, while Ruri simply glanced calmly, her eyes narrowing slightly.
Raku stopped in front of the blackboard, facing the whole class. There was no nervousness on his face, only calmness. His voice came out clear, though simple:
"Hello. My name is Ichijou Raku. Some time ago I had an accident when I slipped on the winter snow, and… as a result I lost my memory. So, I hope you can help me. Please take care of me."
The class fell silent for a moment. Then whispers began to spread from several corners.
"Amnesia…?"
"Seriously? Like in a drama."
"Poor guy, but he looks really calm."
Iroha Isshiki, who sat closer to the front, tilted her head, her lips forming a faint smile. "Amnesia, huh… you rarely hear something like that." Her eyes lingered on Raku for a moment with curiosity.
Kyoko-sensei straightened her posture. "Alright, that's all for his introduction. Ichijou, you can sit in the empty seat over there." She pointed toward the row near the window, not far from Chitoge and Onodera.
Raku bowed briefly. "Yes, Sensei."
His steps were calm, passing through the rows of desks under the curious gazes of the students. He sat down, opened his bag, then took out a notebook.
Chitoge, who was sitting a few desks away, secretly glanced at him. Her heart was beating strangely—not out of embarrassment, but because of a sense of unfamiliarity mixed with something warm. 'He… is really different from before. But why does it make it harder to talk to him?'
Onodera, on the other hand, watched from her seat with eyes full of hesitation. Her memory of Amaterasu's advice echoed in her mind: "Don't let that pain make you step back. He needs someone who will stay." Her hand clenched the hem of her skirt. 'Ichijou-kun… even if you forget, I'll still be here.'
Shu, who had been observing all along, just grinned and whispered to Ruri beside him, "Interesting, right? Amnesia. Feels like watching a mystery movie."
Ruri replied flatly, "You're just looking for something to tease people with, aren't you?"
The class atmosphere gradually returned to normal, though whispers still lingered here and there. Kyoko-sensei began writing the day's schedule on the board, and the class turned its focus back.
Raku himself just sat quietly, gazing out the window, letting the morning sunlight shine on his desk. In his heart he muttered, 'School… a new life. Maybe here I can find something that's missing.'