We are a what now?!

„Could you please show me around the school?“

Himaris voice rang next to Mayumis ear, causing the girl to jump a bit. She would lie if she said she wasn't surprised by this request, never had she imagined that this new girl will ask her for help, but in the end, she just shrugged her shoulders and got up.

„Sure, why not.. Just don't run off.“

Himaris eyes seemed to brighten up when she agreed and she happily followed Mayumi from their classroom. They firstly walked through the first floor where was nothing particularly interesting, only few other classrooms and staff room along with principals office. Despite that, Himari seemed to be interested into all this, asking questions and looking somewhat amazed. It puzzled Mayumi a bit. This girl came from private academy, she was sure that they must have had a lot of more interesting things and more expensive too... Or was she wrong?

„Here is the entrance hall, but I'm sure you already know that. Here we have wending machines, one for drinks and snacks, other is for coffee and hot chocolate and the third one is not used that often, but you can buy sandwiches and baguettes in case you either forgot your lunch or just ate it all and you are still hungry..“

Mayumi explained, trying to sound nonchalant and act as if she didn't care, but inside, she was screaming. She couldn't act more awkward and she was well aware that her explanations are longer than needed, but her social skills were zero, so no surprise there.

Why did I agree to this? That girl caught me off guard back then, I must have panicked... Lets just get this over with as fast as possible.. Hopefully she won't ask more questions, my social battery is running low..

„Will we go to the second and third floor as well? I heard that's where schools laboratories are and I would also like to see schools library if possible!“

Himari requested cheerfully, making Mayumi groan internally. But what else was she supposed to do with this girl... Besides, she had a reputation to maintain and if she refused in the middle of their little tour, what would teachers think?

„Of course, follow me..“

They walked up the stairs once more and made it to second floor. Once again, it was just a long hall with classrooms, but this time it was packed with students so Mayumi had to literally drag Himari behind her so she wont get lost in the huge crowd. Once they made it to the end of the hall, Mayumi pulled the new girl into one of the rooms...

„Here we are.. This is the schools library.. But don't expect any modern books or novels, its only filled with old books about grammar and some old authors who noone ever heard about.“

Himari looked around the room, taking in the calm atmosphere and how quiet it was in there, in contrast of the busy hallway. She turned over to Mayumi who stood by the side and smiled at her. 

„Thank you! Shall we return back to the class now?“

„Didn't you want to see where the laboratories are?“

„That can wait till the next break, I want to be able to eat some of my lunch till the next period will start.“

Mayumi just nodded, not questioning it and began leading them back. Once again, they had to pass huge crowd of students, but this time, Himari wanted to look at some poster that was hanged on a wall and well.. didn't return back to Mayumi.

That stupid girl! Where is she? Don't tell me she actually got lost here! Oh well, she will find her way back once the hallway clears. I showed her around like she wanted and besides, she is not my responsibility now is she?

But as she wanted to leave the floor, she found herself unable to. After all, that girl was new here and who knows what could those fourth-years do to her.. They had reputation of sending new kids wrong directions and some of them were never seen again.. At least that's what Mayumi once overheard one third-year telling her classmates.. With a groan, she turned away from the stairs and began pushing through the crowd to find that girl. But despite her best effords, once the bell rang, signalling start of another period and the hall cleared, there was no sign of Himari.. Panicked, Mayumi checked few more places where she could have accidentally walked in, but she was nowhere to be seen... She was already imagining how will she explain to their teacher she lost the new student only to walk into their classroom and...

There she was, sitting at their desk as if nothing happened. Mayumi couldn't believe her eyes.. She has spend good 20 minutes looking for her, worrying where she could have ended up only to find her already in class.

„Care to explain why are you late, Miss Nakahara?“

Voice of their homeroom teacher rang through the class, making everyone turn to look at her. Mayumi could practically feel all those mocking looks at her and they were joined by whisperers.

„Looks like the Miss Perfect came late.“

„Well well well.. Looks like she isn't as perfect as everyone thought.“

„Did that loner finally screw something up? This is a historical moment.“

Mayumi gritted her teeth, her hands balling into fists and a hint of annoyance appeared on her face. Those words hurt more than she would ever let out. She dedicated all her energy into making a good reputation and now it all seemed to crumble right in front of her. All because of that stupid girl.. She could tell the teacher what happened, why she came late, but she would be basically admitting that she had a soft spot for someone.. So she just remained silent..

„Sit down, I will let it slide this time since it never happened before, but if you do it again there will be consequences, understood?“

Mayumi just nodded and sat down as their teacher continued lesson. Himari leaned closer to her..

„I'm sorry, I thought you already left and I met some girls from our class so I went with them..“

Mayumi ignored her completely, not even bothering to look at her. This went for the rest of the day, Himari tried to apologize, got ignored and eventually gave up.. When was Mayumi walking home from school, she actually felt a bit guilty for pushing her away, but she quickly pushed it down, reminding herself that it almost cost her everything she worked hard for.. Time seemed to slow down as soon as the doors from her apartment got unlocked and she walked in..

It was a small, two-room apartment with small bathroom, one larger room with kitchen countertop, small fridge, TV and one single couch with a tea table. Second, smaller room, was composed of small floor mattress and a wardrobe with a small nightstand with a lamp.. She lived alone, having inherited this apartment from her grandparents.. It wasn't much, but enough for her basic needs... She walked out onto a balcony, her view blocked with a family house thou... She sighed and leaned against railing. Living on second floor had its disadvantages, especially the fact she was literally staring into someone else's balcony..

She stayed there for few moments before she turned around to leave. Just then, the doors from the houses balcony opened and... Mayumis eyes widened.. 

„Hey Mayumiii! Looks like we are neighbours too! Isn't it just fantastic? Like, a fate brought us together!“

Called Himaris excited voice, the girl was frantically waving her hand with a cheerful smile on her face. Looks like she already forgot about the little incident at school..

Mayumi stared at her, dumbfounded... They are a WHAT now?!