It was the first time in a long while that I woke up with something other than emptiness on my mind. Just seeing her again, was enough to stir me again. The quiet life that I had, my everyday life of being unnoticed, suddenly felt like it was suffocating me.
I used to have a group of friends, with Ayumi in the center. We were inseparable, and those days felt the best. But as middle school hit, things changed. While everyone adapted, I struggled and stepped back, unable to keep up. Ayumi moved on, and I convinced myself that being alone was safer than risking more rejection.
If I were to look at them now, I would be surprised by how much they've changed. My old friends, especially Ayumi, had all moved on.
Now, with her back in my life, I could-
"Come on, Haru! Mom's calling us for breakfast!" My sister's voice pulled me back from my thoughts. I stood up from my bed. stretching my body to get ready for the day.
It was the usual routine in the morning, with my parents drinking coffee while reading newspaper and my little sisters eating her breakfast. I sat down at the table, grabbing a slice of toast. I looked at them and gave a faded smile as I leave the house.
The train was crowded as always. The train was packed with people, especially adults carrying suitcases. There were no shortcuts to go to school early even though the train was very crowded. It was like the students in the canteen at lunch, but this was worse because there were a limited space around the train. The worst part was the train is quite small for a average train to be.
After arriving at my destination, I quickly hopped off the train. It was exhausting. I sat down at the bench for a while reading through my manga, and then start walking again.
The school was as noisy as always. students chatting loudly around the hallways and their classroom, juniors playing at the hallways around the science labs, things are never going to to change if you don't force them to. That's the life that I got to live for years. I've endured it so much that somehow, it don't pain me anymore.
What goes around, comes around.
I went in my classroom and settled in my seat. I looked around to see that most of the students were standing up chatting silly things. I wondered when is the homeroom going to start?
Hikaru leaned closer, a hopeful smile on his face "Nice morning isn't it, Haru?" Hikaru said.
"Ya, it is" I said. By that question, I know that he's really trying his best at it. For a friend who wants to escape reality by dreaming about the past. It's pathetic...
Then, Mr. Takanashi came in to the homeroom.
"Good morning class." he said, taking a seat. "As you all know, this week is the inspection day for all the extracurricular club. The students that are going to be inspecting the clubs are the student council. And, if none of you join the club, we will have to force you to join a random club. So join fast or you'll get it.
This time, I was in trouble. "Hey, Hikaru, you got a club to join?" I asked. I didn't want to join any club because I simply have no energy to stay after school.
"Ya, I joined the karate club. I've always wanted to try it. How about you?" he replied.
"You gotta help me for this problem. I don't really want to join any club. Helllppp!" I asked. Even if I were to join a club, I would be kicked out from the club because I suck at everything except reading and watching TV.
"Hmmm. Maybe literature?" he replied.
Damn. That was a good idea. Literature means reading book, and I could read book without moving a muscle except flipping pages. "Thanks man." I said.
After the end of the school day, I packed my bags and went to the literature club to register. The club was not that many people because of how the paper was placed on the board. So I would consider it not popular, and peaceful.
As I went in the literature club, I stared at Ayumi and wave at her.
"Hey, Haru..." she said.
My heart was beating fast. It was totally unexpected. I though she would go to a sport-like activity considering she was quite hyperactive. I guess I've been escaping reality too much that I am mixing up with the actual one. She was used to be one. But now, she is interested in literature. It was quite exciting to see a change in her.
"Hi, my name is Rina. Are you here for the registration?" she asked.
"Ya, I am" I said. As far as I know, Rina is a senior that has been in the literature since her first day. She once wrote a book that got popular within a day.
After registration I went home immediately. All the memories that wasn't suppose to trigger came gushing out again. I Ignored my parents and went to my bedroom. I threw my bag at the floor and hopped on my bed. I wanted to go shower but at this state I would rather sleep like this.
As I lay there, my eyes started feeling heavy, flashes of memories of the friend group started playing. It was fun.