A month or so has gone by since the events with Ichika. Ms. Takahashi continues to teach history, and though it isn't my best subject, some lessons catch my interest.
My relationships with others have settled somewhat. I've had conversations with Kudo, Ayumi, Ichika, and even Sakura once, though to be fair, she approached me first. She's incredibly popular, so I never imagined she'd want to talk to me.
But then she invited me to her birthday party on June 24th. The invitation was surprising. I've never been invited to something like this before. She's inviting everyone in our year, and probably even upperclassmen. Sakura is one of the most popular girls in school, so it's bound to be a massive event.
I think I'll go, especially since Ichika will be there too. It's two weeks away, and Sakura gave out invitations early, so the party must be a big deal.
"Pssst, Yamamoto!" Kudo whispered, breaking my thoughts.
"Huh? What?" I replied.
"The cosplays arrived!"
Oh no. I'd completely forgotten about Kudo's cosplay sleepover idea. How could I forget after paying 15,000 yen for the costume?
"So, the sleepover, huh?" I said, trying to sound casual.
"Yes!" Kudo exclaimed with excitement.
"When exactly?"
"At like, 22:00 up until 23:00 because I have to get some sleep or else my mom would shout at me."
A one hour costume party? I thought this was supposed to be a sleepover. Why would it start so late and end so soon?
And how does Kudo even manage to live in the dorm with his mom? Or is he just talking about her checking on him? Does she call him every night to make sure he's sleeping on time? There are ways to get around that kind of curfew, he could tell her he's going to bed and then not answer his phone, or even lie about his plans. But Kudo is like me, we're afraid, so maybe he just does what she tells him.
"Okay, but do we have to wear those costumes?"
"They're cosplays! Not costumes!"
"Okay, okay..."
Still, there's no way I'm putting on one of those outfits. I'm not about to embarrass myself for anyone's sake. Maybe I can get out of it somehow, or find an excuse to avoid the party altogether.
The lesson ended, and I stepped outside the classroom, stretching my arms as I blended into the usual chaos of students rushing out. Some darted toward the cafeteria as if their lives depended on getting the best meal before everything ran out. Others loitered around in groups, chatting about weekend plans, upcoming tests, or whatever drama was going on in their social circles.
I walked at my own pace, hands in my pockets, watching the madness unfold. Why were so many people willingly spending their money on overpriced cafeteria food? It wasn't even that good.
As I made my way down the hall, I caught sight of Sakura Nozomi, the social butterfly herself. She was standing with two girls I didn't recognize, effortlessly switching between casual conversation and passing out invitations to her birthday party, which was happening in a week.
I already knew I was invited. Everyone was. It wasn't even a question.
But should I go?
I was just another NPC in this school, a background character filling in the crowd. And that didn't bother me. Not really. I wasn't looking to be the center of attention, nor did I want to stick out at an event filled with people who barely knew I existed.
Still... it would have been nice to be invited out of genuine want rather than out of some sense of obligation. Let's be real, Sakura Nozomi didn't even know my name. She didn't know me. But because she was the type of person who made sure everyone was included, I got an invite by default. It wasn't personal. It wasn't because she thought, Hey, I want Kenji there. It was just... a mass invitation.
And if I went, what then? Ichika was going, but she'd be with her friends. It wasn't like I could just stick by her side the whole time. Kudo would probably be there too, but the idea of him dragging me into some stupid, embarrassing situation made me want to run away.
Would anyone even notice if I didn't show up?
I doubted it.
Besides, if I went, I'd probably be expected to bring a present or at least give her money. Wasn't that a thing at parties like this? And for what? Sakura wouldn't care. She wouldn't even notice if I were there or not.
I exhaled through my nose, stuffing my hands deeper into my pockets.
Yeah. I wasn't going.
I'd stay at the dorm, play games, and enjoy my own company. No noise, no forced small talk, no dealing with a party that wasn't meant for me in the first place.
That sounded way better.