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As the school day drags on, with just a few more subjects left, Aizen and I are both itching to get out of here and head home.
While we're packing up our things, Aizen, never one to miss a chance to start something, asks, "Are you going somewhere after school, or just running straight home like usual?"
I roll my eyes, already sensing where this is going. But then I think, maybe we should do something to mark our first day back at school. So I shrug and reply, "Got any bright ideas, genius?"
He smirks, clearly enjoying the moment. "Actually, yes. We should hit up 7-Eleven for some drinks."
I pretend to think it over, even though I know I'm going to agree. "Fine, but only because I've got some pocket money left."
After school, we head straight to the 7-Eleven across the street. The place is packed with students our age, making it even more chaotic.
As soon as we walk in, Aizen starts pointing out drinks like he's some kind of expert. "You should try this one," he says, holding up a bottle with way too many colors on it. "It's what the cool kids are drinking."
I can't help but laugh. "You mean the weird kids? I'll pass. I'll stick with what I know."
We argue back and forth, as usual, until we both finally grab our drinks and head to the counter. As we're waiting in line, Aizen starts in on something else—complaining about the new teacher, the homework, whatever pops into his head.
I roll my eyes again, but there's something comforting about the routine. We may argue a lot, but he's still family, and these little spats are just part of the deal.
As we step outside, sipping our drinks, I realize that despite all the bickering, it's actually nice to have someone like Aizen around. The first day of school might have been a pain, but arguing with him over a couple of drinks makes it feel like any other day—and somehow, that's exactly what I needed.
After leaving 7-Eleven, as the warm afternoon air hit us, I glanced back at the crowd of students still milling about. Among the bustling sea of uniforms, I spotted someone who looked oddly familiar. There was something about the way he stood, his posture almost too calm in the middle of all that chaos. But before I could get a better look, he disappeared into the crowd, swallowed up by the other students rushing around him.
Aizen, who had been too busy slurping his drink a moment ago, suddenly noticed my lingering gaze. He shot me a sidelong glance, smirking as usual when he thought he had something on me. "Huh? Admiring someone already on the first day? Didn't think you were the type to fall for someone at first sight."
I felt my cheeks flush slightly, not because he was right, but because I knew how relentless his teasing could get if I didn't shut it down fast. "What? No!" I snapped, my voice coming out sharper than I intended. "He just happened to be in my line of sight, that's all."
Aizen raised an eyebrow, clearly not convinced, but also clearly enjoying himself. He let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. "Oh really? Sounds like someone's trying too hard to play it cool." He leaned in a little closer, his teasing tone making it clear he wasn't about to let this go easily. "Maybe you're hoping to run into him again? You know, just by accident."
I groaned, exasperated by how easily he could get under my skin. "Seriously, it was nothing. I barely even saw the guy."
But Aizen wasn't letting up. "Uh-huh, sure. Next thing I know, you'll be writing his name in your notebook," he said, grinning as if he'd already won this little verbal sparring match.
I huffed, trying to turn the tables. "Fine, laugh it up. But just wait until you find someone interesting—I'll make sure to tease you just as much."
Aizen scoffed, giving me a playful nudge with his elbow. "Hah, like that would ever happen. I'm not the one getting all starry-eyed over some mystery guy."
I rolled my eyes, feeling a mix of frustration and amusement at his relentless teasing. "Ugh, whatever. Let's just go home before you drive me crazy."
We started walking again, but my thoughts kept drifting back to that person in the crowd. Why did he seem so familiar? It was like a nagging thought in the back of my mind, one I couldn't quite shake off, even with Aizen's constant banter filling the silence.
Aizen noticed my quietness and, for once, didn't push further. Instead, he started talking about something else—his complaints about the day's classes, the annoying teacher who piled on too much homework, and the unfairness of being back in school after a summer that felt way too short.
I listened, half-distracted, but grateful for the change in subject. As we walked home, our usual bickering filling the air, I couldn't help but wonder if I'd see that guy again—and if Aizen would ever let me live it down when I did.
After we got home, I barely had the energy to kick off my shoes. I trudged to my room, feeling the weight of the day's events pressing down on me. The moment I stepped inside, I tossed my bag to the floor, quickly undressed, and then hurriedly jumped into bed, sinking into the soft mattress like it was a lifeline.
"The first days are always the most nerve-wracking," I muttered to myself, staring up at the ceiling. My mind replayed the day's events—the crowded hallways, the endless introductions, and the weight of new expectations. And of course, there was Aizen's teasing, which, as annoying as it was, had a way of keeping me grounded.
As I lay there, I could feel the tension slowly melting away. My muscles began to relax, and the tightness in my chest eased. The room was quiet, save for the faint hum of the fan overhead, lulling me further into relaxation. Before I knew it, the stress and pressure of the day slipped away, and I drifted off into a deep sleep.
The next thing I knew, I was being gently shaken awake. My mother's voice broke through the fog of sleep, calling me to come down for dinner. I groggily opened my eyes, the dim light of the evening filtering through my curtains. I hadn't realized how much time had passed since I'd collapsed into bed.
I pulled myself up and dragged my feet downstairs. The familiar scent of home-cooked food greeted me, bringing with it a sense of comfort and normalcy. As I sat down at the table, I noticed it was just a simple, everyday meal—rice, some vegetables, and a bit of meat. Nothing fancy, but exactly what I needed after a long day.
My mother gave me a knowing look as she placed a bowl in front of me. "Tough day?" she asked, her voice gentle.
I nodded, too tired to say much. "Yeah, you could say that. First days are always the hardest."
She smiled, patting my shoulder before sitting down across from me. "Well, at least it's over now. You survived."
I managed a small smile back, feeling a bit more at ease. We ate in comfortable silence, the clinking of utensils the only sound in the room. As I ate, I couldn't help but think about tomorrow—another day at school, more challenges, and probably more teasing from Aizen. But at that moment, I was just glad to be home, where everything felt familiar and safe.
After dinner, I helped with the dishes before heading back to my room. The day had been long and exhausting, but as I crawled back into bed, I felt a bit better, knowing that I'd made it through the first day. And as sleep began to take over again, I found myself feeling a little more prepared for whatever tomorrow might bring.