You can tell a lot of things from a student, just by checking their time of arrival. Basically, the early ones are different from the others. Why are the early ones different, you may ask? Well, the early ones are usually composed of: the smart ones, the guy who lives right beside the school, and those who forgot to do their homework.
All of these students, except for that lucky bastard who happened to live just beside the school, have one thing in common; they want to avoid failing.
I'm not up here early because I belong to one of those three, of course. I am here because I somehow woke up for no reason at all and failed to find my way back to sleep… That is a pretty tragic story if you'd ask me.
Without letting that sad incident affect my way of living a happy life, I recalled what Haru had said on the phone.
According to him, his mother used to work for Amano's family as a helper. He didn't specify what task his mother was doing, but I think it was household chores. That is way back when Haru doesn't exist yet.
He said his mother and Amano's were super close. They would often take a bath together, go shopping together, and do things that best friends would do. Kinda like her own sister, right?
When his mother got pregnant, Haru's father didn't want to take responsibility, so he ran. How shameful of a man… Just when everything seemed dark and Haru's mother was on the verge of despair. Amano's family offered to help. At the time, Amano's mother was also pregnant with her. Despite that, they offered assistance until Haru was born, and they didn't charge his mother a single penny. What a wonderful family.
So, when Haru grew up, his mother always told him to become friends with Amano. Haru couldn't do it though, because Amano don't want anything to do with anyone around. She has this impenetrable barrier that made everything extremely hard for him. That's the reason he asked me for help. Even if it's not him, at least Amano would be friends with a boy, like him. I completely understand it now. Almost made me tear up a bit, what a good kid, that one.
Despite this being an onerous task, I figured I should at least try my best for my buddy. I couldn't promise that I'll succeed, but what I can promise is I'll give it my all. But how would I do it, though…? I need to come up with a plan. I can't straight up ask Amano to be friends with me. She'll cut me down for sure.
~bzzt~
While I am struggling to think of a plan, my phone had vibrated, signaling that I received a text from somebody. Who could it be?
: Hello, is this Kenji-kun?
Kenji: Yes… what do you want?
: Why are you so ruude Kenji-kunn???
Kenji: But I'm not, though. Really, what's the problem?
: Did you hear about the new clothing store that's opening nearby?
Kenji: Nearby?
: It's only a few inklings of walk from our school. Let's go there later, I'll invite Kei-chan.
Kenji: I have plans…
: See ya!
I didn't even have a choice to begin with. Damn Iwasaki, you know how to use your charms, huh?
I almost forgot that I'd exchanged contact with Iwasaki before leaving that coffee shop. The first girl to exchange contact with me… It was kind of forced, though, so it wasn't really that memorable. She said that she'll invite Amano... I guess I could take this chance to be closer to her.
I was so lost in thought I didn't notice that the classroom's already full. Only our first-period teacher is missing, along with Haru. The class is about to start so I doubt that he's going today. He did mention that he may not be able to attend yesterday, I guess he got plans…
Soon, our teacher finally arrived. The class went on as usual. I couldn't focus on our lesson, though. My mind is going everywhere.
Amano would often catch me looking at her while I'm thinking of a plan. She doesn't seem to mind, though. She would just roll her eyes and look away. Maybe it's because of these past events, since if it was way before, she would've definitely glared at me with disgust. I still have a long way to go, but at least I'm making progress.
Iwasaki said something about a clothing store… I don't know anything about fashion so it's going to be tough. Maybe I'll just tag along. I could at least get an idea of what's trendy that way. I guess that'll work… maybe? But won't Amano be bothered with me around? It's their precious time, after all. And I bet she prefers not to spend it with somebody she's not friends with, right? Maybe I should just cancel. Iwasaki will understand. Yeah, my goal is to be friends with Amano, not to be a bother… I'll just look for another chance.
I pulled out my phone to text Iwasaki, but in the middle of typing an excuse, my teacher caught me in 4k. It was in the rules that 'gadgets are forbidden during class', so she confiscated my precious phone. Guess my luck ends here… Now I have to wait till dismissal to get it back…
After spending the whole day listening to things I already know, it was finally time to go home. I plan to pretend to be asleep until everybody is already gone, including Iwasaki and Amano, I hope.
"Taneki-kun." Just when I was already executing my plan, a cold voice called for me.
I already had an idea about the identity of this person. In fact, I was pretty sure.
I raised my head and was welcomed by a sight of a glowing silhouette that could easily be mistaken for that of an angel. It was Amano. The reason she called me? I don't know. But what I'm sure of is one thing.
"My name is not Taneki..." I sighed
"Rini-san told me to come and fetch you. So, let's go."
I looked at Amano with visible confusion. She's just right there, standing in front of me… with a blank, beautiful expression on her face. Am I dreaming? No, that couldn't be.
"What are you waiting for?"
"You go ahead, I'll catch up after I pack my things."
I won't. I got this feeling that I'm just going to be a bother to them. Plus, I genuinely don't know anything about fashion.
"You're not thinking of bailing, are you?"
Did she just read my mind?
"Let's go, Rini-san is waiting." Amano held her hand.
"Fine…" I sighed. "But I'll go get my phone first."
Amano glared at me with a 'really?' Look for a second before giving a reply.
"I'll go with you."
—————
After a whole lot of death stares and tons of preaching from our teacher, I finally manage to get my phone back. I'm pretty sure these bastards thought that we're dating. Come on guys, I know I'm lucky, but I'm not that lucky. No need to look at me with those disgusting jealous eyes of yours. It's irritating to be completely honest.
"What took you guys so long?"
We met Iwasaki outside the school gate.
"Oh, I retrieved my phone from the teacher's office."
"Seriously?" Iwasaki was looking at me with an unimpressed look.
Whose fault is it, anyway?
"Enough wasting any more time, let's go!" Iwasaki led the way.