Chapter 1 - A Shocking Coincidence

“Yuuto, you’ve made sure you’re not leaving anything behind, right?”

“Yes, Mom,” I answered with my mouth full of food.

Today is my first day as a high school student, and honestly, I’m a little excited. I keep hoping that my high school years will turn into beautiful memories someday.

Will that wish come true? I sure hope so.

“Don’t forget to take your lunch with you.”

“Okay.”

After finishing my breakfast, I stood up, put my lunch into my bag, walked to the front door, put on my shoes, and finally headed out to school.

“I’m leaving!”

“Take care!”

And just like that, my morning began.

This morning feels really peaceful—the sound of birds chirping only adds to the calm atmosphere.

Ah... so comforting...

My house isn’t too far from school either. It’s definitely closer than my junior high school, where I had to take the train just to get there.

So I’m honestly grateful I no longer need to ride the train or spend money on transportation.

After walking for a few minutes, I finally arrived at my destination: Koumyou High School.

Wow… I’m a little surprised by how big this school is.

Well... I did see pictures of it online, but I never imagined it’d be this large in person.

Alright, enough with the surprise—I need to find the bulletin board to check which class I’m in.

Hmm...

It didn’t take me long to find my name on the list—I’m in Class B, which is conveniently right next to Class A on the list.

After finding out my class, I headed there as quickly as possible since the opening ceremony would begin soon.

The hallways were filled with the chatter of students talking as they walked.

It didn’t take long to find Class B, located right beside Class A.

The classroom was already filled with students who had arrived earlier.

Hmm... I scanned the room to find a seat that looked comfortable enough for me.

There it is! A seat in the back corner of the room, right next to the window. It’s perfect since it doesn’t attract much attention... Not bad, I guess...

After placing my bag on the desk, I headed straight to the auditorium—because according to the wall clock, there were only about five minutes left before the bell rang—

“S-sorry!”

Ah... I was in such a rush, I accidentally bumped into someone—and worse, she was in a wheelchair...

“It’s okay.”

I just bowed to apologize, then continued running to the auditorium as fast as I could.

Arghh... I really feel bad, but I’m running out of time...

I kept running until a boy suddenly stopped me.

“Excuse me, but I think that girl’s been calling out to you for a while now.”

“Huh...?”

Calling out? But I didn’t hear anything...

I didn’t quite believe him until I turned around and saw the girl in the wheelchair coming toward me.

“Oh... Uh, thank you for letting me know.”

“No problem.”

It didn’t take long before the girl caught up to me. Then, she said something.

“Huff... You... Huff...”

“R-relax... I’m not running anymore, okay?”

As if following my words, she slowly caught her breath... I think I’ve troubled her without realizing it...

“Are you okay?” I asked with concern.

“Don’t worry, I’m just a little out of breath...” she replied, sounding a bit calmer now.

“I’m really sorry... Honestly... If I had heard you calling me from the beginning, none of this would've—”

“No, it’s not your fault. It’s mine for realizing it too late.”

“Huh?” I was a little confused. What does she mean?

“Are you... Homura?” she asked hesitantly.

“Eh...? How do you know that?”

No no no... This is weird. How does she know my name?

“Phew... Thank goodness I didn’t mistake you for someone else.”

Who is this girl? Have I met her before?

“Sorry, but... who are you?”

“What? You... don’t remember me, Homura?”

“I don’t think so... But I feel like I’ve seen you somewhere...”

“That’s right! We met two weeks ago at the hospital, remember? We even talked for a bit!”

She remembers that much?! Well, she’s not wrong... I think I do remember something...

“Are you the girl named... Aka... Aka...” I couldn’t remember her name and started stammering.

“Akari. My name is Akari Yuna,” she said with a pout. I think I made her upset...

“Ah! I remember now! Sorry... I’m not really good at remembering people’s names.”

“Oh, I see. By the way, why were you in such a rush earlier?” She tilted her head curiously.

“That’s because the bell’s going to ring soon... So I was hurrying to the auditorium so I wouldn’t be late.”

“Huh? But there’s still like ten minutes left, you know?” she said, looking a bit puzzled.

Ten minutes? But—

“But I saw the clock in the classroom, and it said the bell would ring in five minutes!”

“Hmm... I guess the battery in that clock hasn’t been changed. It’s different from my smartphone.” Akari showed me her phone.

Uh... She’s right...

Akari smiled as if trying to cheer me up.

“Ah... about earlier—I’m really sorry.” I bowed deeply, full of guilt.

“You don’t have to worry about it. I know you were in a rush.”

“B-but still...”

“Alright, in that case...” Akari put her hand on her chin, as if thinking. “How about you help me get to the auditorium as payback?”

Hearing her request, I nodded without hesitation. “Sure.” I walked behind her and grabbed the handles of her wheelchair.

Akari told me we had about 7 minutes left, so I started pushing her toward the auditorium.

I was surprised—pushing someone in a wheelchair wasn’t as hard as I thought.

Ah... Or maybe it was just her. Wait—did I just unintentionally comment on her weight? I’m so sorry...

“Hey, Homura.”

“Yeah, what is it?”

“I’ve been thinking about this since earlier, but... isn’t it kind of a coincidence that we met again?” Akari chuckled.

“Ah... Mmm... Yeah, what a coincidence...”

Akari was right, but... I didn’t know how to respond to her statement. I just hope I didn’t sound too awkward.

“Even if it’s just a coincidence, I’m happy that we met again! What about you, Homura?” Akari turned to face me.

“Umm... Mmm... I...” What exactly am I feeling? Am I happy to see her again?

“Homura, aren’t you happy?” Akari’s voice sounded a little sad.

“Ah... Yes, of course I’m happy.” I replied with a soft, slightly forced tone.

I hope she believes that little lie. It might be bad, but... I don’t really understand my feelings yet.

Besides, I’m still confused about Akari herself. Why is she so happy to see me again? I’m just some random guy she talked to two weeks ago.

Ugh... This is confusing. Social interaction is really confusing...

Before I knew it, we arrived at the auditorium, and it didn’t seem very crowded yet. Maybe because the bell hasn’t rung?

Some students were already seated and chatting, and others were arriving just like us, looking for seats.

“Thanks for helping me, Homura.”

“No problem... Umm...” I looked around the rows of chairs but didn’t see any place suited for Akari.

“What is it, Homura?” Akari asked.

“It’s nothing, I just couldn’t find a good spot for you... Maybe I’ll go ask a teacher—wait here, okay?”

“Oh... Alright.”

Hearing her answer, I ran to a teacher near the podium.

After explaining, I picked up a chair and moved it to make room for Akari.

“Akari! I moved the chair!” I called out to her as I ran back, just as she was trying to push herself.

“Here, let me help.” I got behind her and took over, pushing her wheelchair.

“Thank you...” Her voice was like a whisper.

You’re welcome, I replied in my mind. Why whisper though? There’s no need to whisper... Ah, never mind, I shouldn’t overthink it.

After helping her get to the spot I cleared, Akari suddenly called out to me.

“Homura.”

“Yes?”

“Umm... Would you like to sit next to me?”

Huh?! N-not that I meant anything by my reaction, but... why so suddenly?

Hmm... Actually, not a bad idea. It’s more comfortable to sit next to someone I know than between total strangers.

“Sure.” I answered as I slowly sat down next to her.

Eh...? What’s wrong with her?

“Akari, are you okay? Your face looks a little red...” I asked worriedly.

“Eh...? Mmm... It’s nothing really, I just... It’s fine, nothing's wrong.” she said with her usual smile.

“Oh... Alright...” I answered simply.

If she says so... then that’s good. I thought something was wrong.

Right after that, the bell rang and more students began entering the auditorium and finding seats. Teachers also began lining up on the side, and the principal stepped up to the podium to begin his speech.

I hope these next three years of high school will become cherished memories in the future...

Eh... I think I already said that back at home...

Ah well... It doesn't matter.

Writer's note : 

Hi, its Andreu here. I wanted to say thank you for the patience! This week is a little special because im publishing 2 chapter at the same time! Why? Because supposedly, last week i should've published chapter 0 and chapter 1 at the same time, but because im too nervous, i make a slight mistake and published chapter 0 only. As a compensation, i published 2 chapter this week! I hope this could possibly hook new readers.