The alarm rings loudly in Saiki's room. He opened his eyes, stared at the clock, and groaned internally.
Saiki: "are yare. Why do schools even exist? Whoever invented them must've hated peace and freedom.
(Dragging himself out of bed, he got ready for the day. After quickly eating some toast and coffee jelly, Saiki grabbed his bag and stepped outside. The cold winter air stung his face as he walked toward school.)
Halfway there, he heard two familiar voices.
Kaidou: Saiki! I'm glad we ran into you. It's safer this way. The Dark Reunion wouldn't dare attack us in a group!
Nendou: Yo, Saiki! Let's get to class together, buddy!
Saiki (thinking): Why do they always appear like clockwork?
Saiki walked with them to school. When they reached the classroom, the room was buzzing with chatter. A group of girls sat near the window, excitedly talking about prom night.
Girl 1: I'm going to wear this stunning red dress I found over the holidays!
Teruhashi: I'll have to choose something perfect, of course. Everything has to shine, just like me.
Saiki (thinking): How can they talk about prom night when we still haven't done the big exams at the end of the school year?
(The lessons dragged on until it was time for elective classes. Saiki walked toward his next classroom but paused at the door when he overheard some students talking.)
Student: The teacher isn't coming today.
Without even sitting down, Saiki immediately turned to leave.
Saiki (thinking): Great. No teacher, no reason to stay.
As he hurried toward the exit, Aren stopped him.
Aren: Yo, Saiki! Our teacher isn't here either. Come hang out with us in the other classroom.
Saiki (thinking): Why does everyone insist on ruining my plans?
Pretending to follow Aren, Saiki expertly changed his direction the moment Aren wasn't looking and headed straight home. As he walked through the door, he sighed in relief.
Saiki (thinking): School or not, it's the same chaos every day. At least at home, I can escape sometimes.