Today is my first day in high school.
I decided to attend the weakest school in Japan, Fukuro High School. Its areputation precedes it - a place where students who failed to compete in other schools finally gather.
When I reached the gate, my eyes were immediately drawn to someone running out, crying. Tears flowed freely, and fear was evident on their face. The Fukuro school badge was clearly visible on their uniform, identifying them as an old student. What could be wrong with this school to make its students flee like this?
As I looked towards the Fukuro school building, I saw an old structure with fading paint. A group of people walked in hesitantly. From their new uniforms, I could tell they were new students, just like me. I decided to follow them from behind. Every step they took was filled with anxiety. Were they afraid of the senior students? It seemed likely.
The number of students in this school was huge. Despite its bad reputation, many students chose to attend. They must have had their reasons, just like me.
We arrived at a building that appeared to be a hall.
[In the Fukuro school hall]
The hall was packed. I was squeezed among the crowd of students entering. Low murmurs and footsteps could be heard everywhere. The teachers gathered at the front, seemingly trying to maintain calm amidst the influx of new students. The head of the school stepped forward to the podium, ready to give a welcome speech.
However, what surprised me the most was the presence of student councils and disciplinary committees in a school like this. How could they function in such a place?
Suddenly, a student emerged from behind the curtains on the stage. All eyes were on them. They moved calmly and confidently as they approached the head of the school. No one attempted to stop them.
With a quick movement, they struck the headmaster on the head. The sound of violence echoed through the hall. The teachers and students appeared frightened. Their faces were pale, and their hands shook. The headmaster lay on the floor, their body stiff, and their expression pained.
The student smiled satisfactorily at the chaos they had caused. They grabbed the microphone. "Hello, everyone, my dear brothers and sisters. I am your senior, and you are my siblings. As a good elder sibling, we will celebrate your first day." Their voice echoed in the tense hall.
No one dared to applaud. All the students bowed their heads, afraid to defy.
It felt like being roasted in this place. I couldn't take it anymore. However, suddenly, a student floated above me, knocking into a group of students behind. I was surprised and looked forward again.
There, a student sat in the hall like a king. They commanded the people to bring them down. "I am Rey," they said in a loud voice, "a legend who will fill an empty throne. Be happy."
The students cheered under pressure. "Praise King Rey!"
Rey smiled satisfactorily. "Well, since you're so eager to serve me, starting tomorrow, you will have to pay the admission fee!"
Those were the words of someone who felt superior. From the start, someone like that was destined to lose in competition.
Rey returned to their throne, walking past a bunch of new students who opened the way for them. After they left, we were guided to find our class.
There was a reason why I chose this school for my dreams and purposes, of course.
I sat at the back because I didn't like the front seat. Sitting at the back was nice, but I preferred to sit next to the wall. There was an empty seat next to me.
Our class teacher was a woman. From her appearance, I could tell she was timid. I had seen her in the hall. She was scared when Rey caused a commotion there.
As the class teacher was explaining something, I pondered a little. Why were the strong afraid of the weak? Wasn't it the power that made you brave?
Time flew by unexpectedly fast. The bell for home rang. I hurried home. On the way, I saw someone being beaten up. I had been observing this for a long time.
Members of Rey had a mark on their clothes, depicting a crown. Was Rey's ambition that grand?
It wasn't my concern, and I was too lazy to bother.
I had bought this house because I loved this place. It looked like a broken-down house, but that was the charm of it.
I decided to take a shower.
The first day of school was really enjoyable.
From outside, a falling star was visible.
I felt lonely without friends. I lay down and closed my eyes.
"I wish I had friends," I muttered.
[CONTINUED]