Getting There and Back Again...

Figuring it out in an unusual way... Subaru arrived at the rural school with enough time to spare, guessing he'd need the earlier train to allow for the short walk to the grounds, and found the place was fairly deserted when he passed through the main gates on his first day of High School.

Starting at a new school in your second year is just another day, like any other right...?

After packing lunch, finishing breakfast, getting into the uniform, then locking the house up, it had been simple enough to wander to the station alone, fairly unnoticed. Not every student was so nervous onto the build up of getting there as Subaru, having no friends or acquaintances in the slightly out of the way school, but then all those were much more positive with the change he'd undergone.

Wandering the little streets after disembarking the train at the nearest station, Subaru found his bearings and set forth toward the place of learning, one he needed to be at for the next two whole years. While the walk wasn't a long one, it already felt tiring, as the weight of his future had climbed onboard, as well as indecision and worries - loads of worries.

One step at a time... I'll be there and then I can recover for most of the day...

Everyone's first day can be a little nerve-wracking, finding your way, navigating the existing social structure that any good person needed to do could al seem daunting, let alone a loner - off the grid for a good year too, even the best preparations seemed inadequate.

This was the first day at this 'new' school, but walking slowly, which was all Subaru could still manage, toward the correct destination in this slightly overcast morning, with the slightest of breezes gently swishing at their long dark red hair and blue skirt, Subaru appeared as any other normal student making the morning trip.

The breeze was cool, but the morning sun was warm, while the blossoms had already come and gone early this year, the trees only bore small leaves, but the streets were clear of vehicle traffic, so far, but only the odd person, including the rarer occasional student, walked the streets at this early hour, so far the day was shaping into a pleasant one.

Beyond the school gate; the large familiar looking school buildings lay within, several large structures, most notably the largest - the one containing all the classrooms, it sat toward the front of the grounds, behind it was the gym/hall and behind that was the older building, probably reallocated to club rooms now, while a fairly spacious and tree rimed grounds sat before several green hills - it was fairly typical of a school that edged upon a moderate town.

An unfamiliar teacher greeted Subaru upon entering, while only a polite wave and bow was given in return, Subaru found the space between the main building and the entrance was surprisingly already a bustle of activity, clubs setting themselves up to ensnare the newest first-year students, no doubt. Subaru noted several of their banners and signs; writing, reading, baseball, basketball, softball, musical, all typical as well, they did however have a lacrosse club and a technologies club, as well as a few other bit different ones too.

No one approached this blue ribbon student, tied to Subaru's blouse, denoted the wearer was a second year student, and apparently they didn't seem to be worth seeking, so he wandered by, perhaps with the occasional longer look, and rare random smile and wave. When occasionally someone directed their attention toward Subaru's way, he did nothing but continue on through the collected gauntlet, nervous about all the new faces, but thankfully nothing became of their looks - however it still was a little unsettling.

Just a totally normal student passing by, nothing to worry about...

Moving along the path toward the building, in a best semi-hurried fashion Subaru could muster, he found relative safety. Crowds, even the small ones like outside, had always posed a bit of a problem, but after everything that had happened, including current situations, they made Subaru very nervous, not to the point of feeling ill, but unwanted and best avoided none the less.

A brief meeting, before school, when Subaru enrolled; had given note that the class roster would be displayed beside the schools small cafeteria, toward the rear of the balding on the ground floor, so that was the next direction, be it back at a usual pace.

Walking slowly didn't seem to out of sort, but amongst the buildings number of fellow students about, it felt odd now, like being slightly out of step with everybody, but as others sometimes darted by, Subaru just couldn't muster a strong pace, let alone a run or sprint, but even attaining a slow walk had been a small miracle.

Already the distance of walking to the first train station, then walking to school from the second had taken a toll, even with the brief rest of sitting for the train's short journey. Reaching the cafeteria Subaru needed a little rest now, and a few benches provided the perfect opportunity. Sitting carefully, Subaru noted the emptiness of the current area, only one other student, apparently another second year, came into view, made their way toward the large boards set beside the wall, but soon many more would follow soon.

This small student evidently had a height disadvantage, perhaps a sight one too, because she was perched right up against the middle board, filled with many names, but struggled to see the top of the list. Height wasn't much of an issue for Subaru, perhaps only very slightly above average for a fellow second year High school girl.

Going to the assistance of this fellow classmate, who continued to struggle, took precedence over getting a little rest in.

"Can I help in any way?"

The small girl with a side pony-tail of brown hair barely acknowledged Subaru's presence.

"Araki, Inori"

Names only it is then...

"Sekiya, Subaru"

"Class-A, right here."

She pointed just above her eye-level, near the bottom of the listings.

She must have been only about 120cm tall; if not shorter, so as Subaru came up beside her, he had quite an advantage over the one who finally stopped bobbing about.

Looking up the list near the top, as it was ordered alphabetical, family then first name, followed by class, which there only seemed to be two off for the second year, so Araki was perhaps cruelly for this one, near the top, fourth in fact.

"Class-A too."

Subaru announced for the waiting tiny girl.

"Thank-you very much!"

She bowed briefly, before bolting off with much speed.

Small but energetic it seems.

Looking back to reaffirm, Subaru found his name exactly where the other had pointed, confirming Class-A was the next destination. It also looked like only three classes made up the third years, and only to for the first's too.

Looks like these semi-rural schools don't attract as many students as they used to, which might also be nice...

Subaru liked the small town life, and wanted to continue living in the same familiar house, quiet surrounding and sentimental family home and all, that was very acceptable, occasionally Hitomi - Subaru's older sister, had previously mentioned that life around was boring, but that never troubled Subaru much.

Climbing the stairs and finding the class room was again fairly typical, while the classroom itself was a complete standard nowadays, usual furnishings and settings, just currently absent of any students.

Where exactly should I sit...?

Partly expectantly being first, nice and early still, no seating arrangements had been laid out anywhere - so it was apparently a free for all kind of situation, which made life perhaps a little easier. Initially the back row beside the window appealed, all protagonists sat there, but Subaru's situation deemed less attention.

So where exactly is the least noticeable seat in a five by five grid...?

Picking second from the back, second in from the hall seemed fairly inconspicuous, so Subaru settled in and awaited the other students to eventually arrive and soon enough several small groups meandered in one after the other.

Nerves took a hold, they'd always been a little problematic, but a different surrounding and entirely new faces was something else, so Subaru just sat silently observing, and not actively interacting - and likewise no-one had yet to interact with him either.

It doesn't feel like they've taken note of me yet, is that a good or bad thing...? Am I presentable...? Do I seem odd to them...? What could it be though...? Will they eventually accept me...?

It had been a little while since Subaru had had to deal with a social situation, having been a relatively shut-in for a little while, with the minimal of interaction with others, being suddenly thrown into a larger gathering again was sort of a terrifying situation.

Suddenly a social encounter appeared in the form of two girls, who upon entering the front entrance, seemingly made a v-line to the new face in the room.

"Good morning"

"Hi-ya"

"Uh ... eh, um. Good Morning."

The quiet and nervous words nearly squeaked out.

"You okay?"

The taller girl with the shorter hair inquired, looking concerned.

"Oh um, I'm fine..."

"Thant's good to hear, are you a new student perhaps?"

"Ye-yes."

"Thought so, you didn't look familiar at all... Well nice to meet you. My name is Toyamo, Ritsu, and my lackluster friend here is Okamoto, Akane."

"Hi-ya..."

The incredibly busty one repeated her greeting with an added wave.

"I'm Sekiya, Subaru."

Subaru gave a small wave back to the longer haired one, who smiled with appreciation.

"Do you mind if we take these seats?"

"Go ahead."

The two settled into the seats in front of Subaru, while the longer and paler blue haired one actually got into a little trouble, pinching some of her fine hair between the desk and elbow, it tugged her head back slightly, bouncing her big boobs up front - that threatened to burst from her shirt, without the other leaner one seeming to make much of a fuss about it at all, she returned her attention to the newbie.

"We've been friends and classmates since elementary - and I really look after her. In fact; she'd never survive without me."

"It's all true..."

The other had figured out it was her hair giving her trouble, and waved it's slight length about, before giving up on the desk entirely, instead resting her slightly opened blouse on the chair's back and slouching forward, as Subaru only nodded.

Is it some kind of skit or are they serious...? I can't tell...

Small talk, or at least in a less threatening sort of interrogation took place, only non intrusive questions thankfully like; hometowns, favourites - colours, foods, etcetera, birthdays and such were asked and freely given between the three, until suddenly the time had gone and homeroom was about to start. The two had been quite accommodating to relax Subaru, a bit, even if 'chatting' about inconsequential things still felt a little strange.

After the appearance of a middle-aged female teacher at the class's front, a shuffle of seats came; lined up by their gender, and so Subaru found himself between the newly introduced pair, now behind Akane and before Ritsu, all now right up against the corridor wall. 

As a shorter, orange haired boy thumped into the desk alongside, he slightly startled Subaru - giving a less-than-impressed look his way too, for whatever reason he seemed genuinely annoyed about something, but the class went quiet and chat time came to an end.

Greetings, introductions then the day itinerary passed along smoothly enough; before the class was bundled off to the gymnasium for a mid-day assembly, to have the usual speeches and such, welcoming the students to another school year.

After the mass meeting, they returned to the classroom saw the repeated stairs take their toll, as Subaru slowed even further, getting some added attention from the rest of the class, but as the supportive Ritsu took added attention and offered whatever assistance she could, and the understanding teacher, Mrs Matsumoto, allowed some needed leeway, Subaru recovered on his newly assigned seat, not really pestered for the remainder of the day.

The day quickly passed as their class duties and roster was decided, before the educational organisation and the rest of the coming week's schedule was revealed, before induction day was pretty much done.

With the teacher gone, Toyamo had to wrangle up Okamoto, who was between either almost sleeping or becoming easily sidetracked, which seemed to be her routine though the day, the two set forth for the softball club, which seemed a little concerning in relation to Okamoto's case.

"You alright?"

Toyamo asked again, checking up on the particularly frail student once more.

"Yeah."

Subaru felt only a little fatigued, but a lot better than before.

"Okay then, see you tomorrow, Sayeki-san."

Ritsu still seemed concerned, but had her friend to deal with.

"Bye."

With that the blue haired girl duo went out the back entrance, the immediate world became quiet again, which was alright, Subaru needed some restful time, as school seemed a lot more tiering than what it used to be.

Without anyone else making contact, Subaru enjoyed a nice rest for a while, casually observing several students chatting in their groups, with some of the class mingling with each other, while at least half had already vanished. Semi-thankfully no one else was motivated to interact with Subaru, as they continued nattering in their formed groups, checked phones or then simply vanished off, presumably to their own clubs or other activities.

With all the seats immediately surrounding Subaru now emptied; in fact most of the room's occupants were gone before a silent retreat from the area went apparently unnoticed.

Negotiating the busier hallways, then the entranceway crammed with seniors attempting to sway the younger white ribbon or tie adorning students to join each prospective cub, Subaru was allowed to slip on by and go unbothered.

With students clear to return home early, Subaru took the opportunity to do just that, only accosted by a couple of students, right at the gates, given small fliers asking for votes in the student body elections.

No mishaps, no run-ins, I actually talked with others and didn't stuff it up... I think I did all right; maybe I can continue to do this...

Retracing the steps home summed almost partly natural now, far less assaulting than the mornings commute, it didn't take too long before Subaru was back in the safe confines of home. Flopped out on the sofa in front of the TV, Subaru let out a big sigh of relief and rested his slightly aching body.

I made it through the day ... just - but it looks like I passed the test, I didn't arouse suspicions, no one really questioned me, so did I make it though all safe...?

Relaxing after the not so long day, although for Subaru it was a much longer day than usual, especially being out of the home for such a long period. Slightly aching muscles informed the teen that the longer days to come would continue to strain, but Subaru would just have to get used to that, attending school is of course vital for all children.

Eventually getting tiered of just lazing about, Subaru got started on making a meal, being the only one residing in the family house, it wouldn't be a lavish dinner, just enough for one. After eating in front of the television, a little drama and news, it was clean up then shower time.

Before getting into the shower, Subaru had a good look in the bathroom mirror, the fourth time today perhaps, not out of vanity, but just checking if everything was still alright.

With the make-up I really do look... so girly… it is an advantage, for once in my life, or so it would seem at the moment...

Thinking back over the day, running through it all, no one seemed to notice the big secret, no one made idle comment, questioned or was in the least bit disgusted with Subaru.

So not a soul questioned that I was a guy in a dress at all...