> "Alright, everyone, take your seats, class is starting!" — Mr. Kumine Manao's voice rang out with its usual sternness.
I was sitting by the window. Alone. As always.
> "Boring... And no one around. Though maybe... I never really tried to get close to anyone. With my past — trusting people feels like an extravagant stupidity."
I just stared out the window. At the gray sky, at the wind playing with the leaves. Everything in this world seemed the same.
— Today we have a new student. Everyone, please welcome Chiori Horishito, — the teacher announced.
I lazily turned my head. A girl stepped forward and gave a slight bow. Pale skin, slightly tousled hair. Her face looked like it hadn't seen sleep for a week. But there was... something captivating about her.
> "Interesting... Definitely not someone who fades into the background."
— Choose a seat, and we'll continue with the lesson.
— Ah? Alright...
She looked around the classroom. For a moment, her gaze landed on me.
> "No way, not me... She's probably heading for Yuto. Girls always cling to him. They love that smile of his."
A step. Another one. I felt a slight tension. She's walking… straight towards me?
— Hi. I'm Chiori. Mind if I sit here?
> "...WHAT?!"
— Uh... sure. No problem.
She sat down beside me, wearing a small, almost unnoticeable smile. And suddenly, the world seemed just a little less gray.
> "I thought I'd just sit through the year alone. Though… it's not like I care. Right?"
— Alright, class, the lesson is starting. Keep quiet, — Kumine-sensei reminded us.
Physics. I hate physics.
> "Boring, as always..."
— I forgot to ask, what's your name?
— Huh? I'm... Fiosuke. Fiosuke Tsukimoto.
— Nice to meet you, Fio.
> "Fio..? On the first meeting? That was fast. But… I kinda like it."
— Fio, want to have lunch together during the break? I'm guessing you skipped breakfast too. — again, that soft, faintly warm smile.
— You're observant. Yeah, sure, I don't mind.
— Great. I brought lunch for two, just in case.
> "Hmm… did she plan on meeting someone? Or was it just coincidence? She keeps surprising me."
— Alright, class dismissed. Time for your break.
Chiori turned to me:
— Should we go to the cafeteria or stay here?
— Whatever works for you. I don't mind.
— Then let's stay here. — with a smile, softer than before.