Sunlight spills through the large windows on the left wall. Most of the class has already arrived. Students huddle in small groups, talking as if they are old friends or desperately trying to become so, their voices a low murmur of nervous jokes and early introductions.
Walking to his assigned desk near the back corner, Tal drops his bag onto the floor. He sits down and leans back in the hard wooden chair.
Two rows ahead, Ayanokouji sits completely alone near the window. He hunches his shoulders slightly. His eyes dart nervously toward a rotund, bespectacled boy sitting directly in front of him.
As someone who dislikes trouble, I decided I'd like to establish proper relationships, Ayanokouji thought.
For instance, should I burst into the classroom and actively start talking to people? Should I secretly pass around a slip of paper with my email address, so as to better befriend someone?
Gripping the edge of his desk, Ayanokouji looks like he is bracing for a physical struggle. He begins to rise, his movements stiff and uncertain. Before he can even attempt a greeting, the rotund boy violently adjusts his glasses and twists around. He eagerly starts talking to another classmate, completely oblivious to the boy behind him. Ayanokouji sinks back into his chair, the brief spark of initiative extinguished.
I got beaten to the punch!
Reflexively, I let out a deep sigh. My high school experience seemed poised to be exceptionally dour.
Suddenly, someone sits down beside him. Horikita drops her bag onto the desk.
"That's quite a heavy sigh, considering the school year has only begun," she says coldly. "Meeting you again makes me want to sigh."
"So, we were placed in the same class, huh?" Ayanokouji mumbles. He straightens his posture. "Nice to meet you. I'm Ayanokouji Kiyotaka."
"You just went ahead and introduced yourself?"
"Well, this is the second time that we've spoken. Isn't it fine for me to do so?"
"Do you mind if I refuse?" she asks.
"I don't think sitting next to someone for an entire year without knowing their name would be comfortable."
"I disagree."
Shooting him a glance, she places her bag on her desk. She sits upright in her chair like a model student, ignoring the rest of the room.
"Do you have a friend in another class?" Ayanokouji asks. "Or did you enroll here all on your lonesome?"
"You're a curious one, aren't you? You won't find talking to me very interesting, though."
"If I'm bothering you, you can just tell me to be quiet."
Horikita pauses. She lets out a long sigh and turns her gaze on him.
"I'm Horikita Suzune."
"Let me tell you about myself," Ayanokouji replies quickly. "I have no particular hobbies, but I'm interested in just about anything. I don't need many friends, but I think it would be nice to have at least a few. And, well, that's about it."
"Spoken just like someone who avoids trouble. I don't think I could ever like such a person," she states.
"Jeez, I feel like you trashed my entire existence in one second," Ayanokouji mutters. "I pray this will be my only upset."
"I sympathize, but, unfortunately, I don't think your prayers will be answered." She points a pale finger toward the classroom entrance.
Following her gaze, Tal spots a tall, blond boy standing in the doorway. Kouenji Rokusuke.
"This seems like a rather well-equipped classroom. It would appear to live up to people's expectations, hmm?" Kouenji announces loudly.
He strolls into the room, his leather shoes clicking against the floor. Ignoring the stares of the other students, he walks straight to a desk marked with his nameplate and sits down. He props both of his legs directly onto the desk. Pulling a nail file from his bag, he begins humming while treating his fingernails.
"I see. This certainly is bad luck," Horikita mutters.