The morning sun was shining brightly, but Kaito Mizuki didn't share the same brightness. Standing in front of the tall gates of Hikarizaka High, his old school he had left five years ago, he scratched his head.
"Five years later… and I'm back where I started. Life sure loves reruns."
The gate felt taller than before, or maybe it was just his nerves. He stepped inside, glancing around like a lost tourist in his own country.
"Alright… Grade 11. But where in the world is my classroom?"
After circling twice and almost walking into the wrong building, Kaito finally spotted the principal, a kind-looking old man with glasses.
"Excuse me, Principal… I'm new here. Well, technically, I'm old here… but also new. Um—where's my class?"
The principal chuckled.
"Ah, Mizuki, yes. Your class should be in the new building behind the canteen. Fifth floor. B class or maybe C class."
Kaito blinked. "Wait—behind the canteen? There's a building there now? That wasn't here five years ago!"
The principal smiled knowingly.
"Yes, yes. Things change."
Kaito smiled at principal.
"Thank you for telling me principal."
"You're welcome!'
He made his way behind the canteen. His jaw dropped. A massive, shiny, modern-looking building stood proudly.
"Woah… this looks more impressive and bigger than I thought!"
Spotting a narrow staircase at the side, he assumed it was for students. Without thinking much, he started climbing.
One floor. Two floors. Three floors.
Then he noticed the labels on the wall: Staff Room →, Storage Room →.
Kaito froze mid-step.
"…Wait a second."
His eyes widened.
"This isn't a student staircase… this is the teacher staircase?! The EMERGENCY stairs?!"
He quickly looked around, panicked.
"Did anyone see me?! Please tell me no one saw me. If the teachers find out, I'll be labeled 'that weird transfer kid' before class even starts!"
Making sure the coast was clear, he dashed up like a ninja escaping from a crime scene, reaching the fifth floor in record time. His heart pounded as he peeked out the door.
Empty.
No one was inside yet.
"Oh thank goodness… I'm safe."
Kaito stepped into the classroom, looking around the empty desks.
"Guess I'm the first one here… heh, first time I've ever been early to anything. What an achievement."
He dropped into a seat near the window, exhaling dramatically.
"Alright, Kaito Mizuki… first day of Grade 11. New building, new classmates, new mistakes… let's see what kind of mess you'll get into this time."
And thus, his new school life began—with a grand victory against stairs.