The time has finally come. My eyes are closing at their own will. It was probably 'cause I didn't sleep until past ten. And this morning, I was so focused on picturing how things would go, that I actually forgot to bring my lunch. I could only sigh in exasperation.
Our teacher is still nowhere to be seen. Everybody is taking this opportunity to copy homework. Some are formed in groups, talking about how they enjoyed the weekend.
I glanced at the first row of chairs on the right side of the classroom. Sitting at the rightmost chair, the one right beside the door, is Amano, reading a book. Is she studying? I guess that's what you'd expect from a top student.
Okay, so the plan is to wait until lunch break. Amano always leaves the classroom at lunch break for reasons I don't know. I'll just wait for a few seconds before following so it won't look obvious that I'm trailing her. After that, I'll wait for the perfect opportunity to give this back to her. I grabbed the bracelet in my pocket.
I'll just say something like "Hey, Amano-san, you dropped this at the pool," yes, something along those lines should be good enough.
It didn't take long for our first-period teacher to arrive. Everyone quickly went back to their respective seats and prepared their things.
My seat is located on the last row, the very left side of the classroom, right beside the window. It's quite hard for the teacher to notice me. Being awfully sleepy, I decided to take a nap.
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It wasn't until lunch break that I finally woke up from my slumber. I thought I'm just going to take a nap… It appears that I slept for a good four hours… I'm surprised no one noticed me… or no one cared enough to tell. Anyways, I guess this spot is pretty hard to notice.
A lot of my classmates began to bring out their lunch. Some are already eating, and Amano just walked past the exit.
Now's my chance! I grabbed my pocket, making sure that the bracelet is inside. I waited for a few seconds-then I stood up and walked towards the door, without drawing too much attention.
After leaving the classroom, I glanced to my right. And to my surprise, Amano was standing there, arms crossed, and with a serious look on her face. It looks like she's been waiting for me.
"H-hey…" My eyes unintentionally looked to the side.
"What is it?" She said in a cold voice while narrowing her eyes.
"W-what do you mean…?" Her ice-cold gaze is making my foot tremble.
"You've been staring at me earlier. Is there something you want to say?"
Wait, she noticed? I seriously couldn't tell if she was pissed or if it was just her usual mood.
"Oh, about that… um, back at the pool…--"
"What?"
Suddenly, I could feel all the gazes of students present in that area.
"Y-you dropped this," I hastily pulled the bracelet from my pocket and showed it to her. "I tried to catch up bu--"
Amano's eyes widened at the sight of her lost bracelet. "I've been looking everywhere…" She mumbled and abruptly took it out of my hand.
She scanned the bracelet, looking for any damage.
"I'm surprised you gave it back."
"What do you mean 'surprised?' Do I look like the type to take other people's belongings?"
"Well, apart from that, this bracelet holds great value. It was my late Grandma who gave it to me. If you had sold it at any jewelry store, it would cost a fortune; a million yen, to be exact."
Wow… I could actually buy everything I want with that much money… Wait? Did she just confirm my statement?
"Come to think of it, your name was… Te… Ta… Taneki-kun, right…?"
"Tanaka, actually… Tanaka Kenji."
Didn't you pay attention when we introduced ourselves one by one?
"I'll properly repay you for this, Taneki-kun."
"Yeah… don't mind it." Also, my name's Tanaka.
Amano turned her back, then slowly disappeared into the crowd.
That was easier than I thought… Why are all your eyes on me, though? I don't feel safe here... I'll hide inside the classroom.
After setting foot inside, I made my way to my seat.
I'm hungry… everyone's enjoying their lunch… Tch. I'll just pretend to be asleep.
"H-hey… Tanaka-kun, right…?"
Huh? Just after putting my head down, a voice, called out to me.
I raised my head and glanced to my right. It was my classmate. Brown hair, a little chubby, and he wore glasses. What's his name again? It'll probably be rude if I ask directly...
"Yes… why?"
"Umm, it's nothing important… Just earlier, you were talking to Amano-san… right?"
What's up with that? For some reason, I felt kinda pissed. Is he one of those creepy people who worship her and would tell me to stay away?
"Yeah… so, what?" I think that statement may have come out as a bit rude.
"N-no, it's not like that… really," he scratched his head.
"Hm?"
"I just… I just thought that you're really cool!" his eyes sparkled. "I mean, I never saw anyone who successfully talked to Amano-san like you did! Seeing you do it flawlessly… I just can't help but be amazed… So, I wanted to tell you how cool you looked."
Whoa, calm down my guy, you're making me blush.
"O-oh, is that it… he-he-he, it's not much of a big deal," and I am actually shaking back there. "Sorry about earlier, I thought you were one of those guys. Plus, I'm starving."
"'Those guys…? Anyway, I have food, enough for two people. Let's share." A white light began to appear behind this person as he showed me a big smile. An Angel?
"Really?!"
"Of course, let's go."
"Thank you Angel-kun." Tears began to run down my face.
"W-why are you crying?! Also, my name is Takahashi, Takahashi Haru. Y-you can call me Haru if you like." He looked down after saying that last line.
Does that mean that we're friends? What have I done to receive such a wonderful blessing?
"Thank you Haru-kunn." I hugged his pillow-like arms while we walked towards his table.
"H-hey…" Haru sighed.
And that's how I made my first friend.