My name is Haruki Kaneko. Seventeen years old, high schooler, and practically invisible. Average height, skinny, nothing worth a second glance. Not exactly the most thrilling introduction, but hey, I'm not that boring.
The new semester just started, and it's my last year of school. I missed the first day intentionally.
Thanks to my dad's job, I've had to move schools every 3 to 4 years. This is already my fifth school. You'd think it gets easier, but it doesn't. I transferred here last year, so it's been one full year—and I still don't have any friends. I'm the quiet kid, the one who can't start conversations. The new semester always feels like a reminder that I'm alone.
And you know what? I hate the first day of school. Everyone's talking about their vacations, what they did, who they hung out with. I'm just… there. So I usually skip it. Staying home feels way better.
But today's the second day, so I can't skip it. Well, I could, but then they'd probably call my mom and that would get troublesome.
After getting ready and having breakfast, my mom handed me my lunchbox with a smile. "Good morning, Haruki. I hope you have a good day today."
"Thanks, Mom." I said, taking the lunchbox from her. "I'll be fine."
She packed a pretty decent lunch: some veggies and chapati. But the best part? She always packs extra snacks, like I have friends to share them with. I never told her I don't have any friends. She doesn't need to know.
I picked up the lunchbox and slung my bag over my shoulder. "I'll head out now."
"Are you sure you're feeling okay? No more skipping school?" she asked, eyeing me carefully.
I gave her a smile that I hoped didn't look too fake. "Yeah, I'm fine. I'll be careful."
"Good luck, Haruki. Have a nice day."
"Thanks, Mom."
I stepped out of the house and into the morning air. It was warm. Too warm for this uniform, but there was no way I could skip it. The half-sleeve shirt made me look even skinnier than I already was. Great. Just great.
I arrived at school and walked into the classroom, scanning the rows of desks. Here comes the important part: my favorite desk—the corner desk by the window—better be empty.
Why that desk, you ask? Simple. The first row is always full with the academic scholar kids. The middle row? For the social butterflies. And the last row? Reserved for people like me—the quiet ones who don't really fit in. But if I can't get my corner desk, I'll have to sit somewhere else, and that's just asking for trouble.
Luckily, the desk was empty. I sat down and looked around, adjusting to my new routine. Let's see who's sitting next to me this time.
And then, I noticed him.
A kid I didn't recognize. He was sitting right next to me, and I could swear I'd never seen him before. But then again, I missed the first day, so maybe he's a new transfer student?
He was… good-looking. I mean, seriously. I could already tell—he was going to climb right into the top ranks of The Divine Circle.
The Divine Circle, as they call it, is the elite group of students who are considered both royal and unapproachable. They're the "coolest" kids in school. People like him don't just exist—they dominate. Their looks, their charm, their popularity—they get put on a pedestal. And this kid? He was well on his way to joining their ranks.
I couldn't help but think, this is going to be a chaotic year. I mean, with someone that cool, it's either gonna be all glitter and sunshine, or pure chaos. I'm betting on the latter.
Just then, our new homeroom teacher walked in. I missed his introduction, but from what I could gather, he was a computer science teacher. Hopefully, he wouldn't scold me for missing the first day.
When attendance rolled around, my name was called. I knew this moment was coming. I was probably the only one who skipped the first day.
"Haruki Kaneko," the teacher called out.
I cleared my throat. "I wasn't feeling well yesterday," I said, giving my best 'I'm totally not lying' look.
The teacher nodded. "Alright, take a seat."
The class murmured. "He wasn't sick. Just making excuses…"
Bingo. They were right. Who cares, though? I'm here now.
Now, here's the perfect chance to find out the name of the kid sitting next to me. Wait, what? Attendance's already over? I was so lost in my thoughts…
Guess I'll have to figure that out later.
---
LUNCH BREAK
I was sitting there, pretending to enjoy my lunch, when I heard a voice.
Then that good looking kid said "Long time no see."
I froze. What? Do I know him?
He looked at me with a smile. "You're Haruki Kaneko, right?"
I stared back at him, confused. "Uh, yeah, that's me."
"Don't you remember me?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
I blinked a few times. Who is this kid? He looks so familiar, but… no. No way I'd forget someone like him.
Then he dropped the bombshell. "I'm Satoshi Yamazaki. Your childhood friend."
I felt like the world shifted under me. Satoshi? No way. He's changed so much. The last time I saw him, he was shy, always bullied, and didn't really stand out. Now, he looked like the guy who could probably be in The Divine Circle.
"Wait, how…?" I stammered, still in shock.
Satoshi Yamazaki—I had to take a moment to process that name. Childhood friend? More like "childhood mystery," because I sure didn't recognize him.
To be continued in the next chapter.