Chapter 2

Each class of first-years lined up and filled the folding chairs in the gym with some of their parents watching on from the sides. Were parents supposed to come to this? My mom would've come if she'd known.

Izumi sat next to a girl she didn't know, who was busy talking to the person on her other side, and Kuruma.

We're so close now. She took a deep breath and glanced at him, gripping her hands in her lap. I should say something while I have the chance... but what?!

Kuruma yawned and rubbed his eyes. "They should make this day optional, since we're not learning anything," he complained.

"We don't do anything today?" she whispered to herself.

"Didn't in previous schools, so I doubt it. Such a waste."

Izumi jumped in her seat, surprised he heard her over the chatter all around them.

"Think they'll notice if I take a nap?" Kuruma looked around, wishing he had brought something with him, but also afraid of it being confiscated.

"I guess it depends. If you snore or fall over, they'll probably notice."

Kuruma chuckled. "Yeah, that makes sense, but I doubt I can keep my eyes open once they start on their speech. I was up late playing a new release of an old RPG, so I barely slept, but it was worth it."

Oh! I wonder which one. I wonder if I know it. I love RPGs! "W-which—"

The curtains drew back, and the principal, an older man with greying hair in a suit a bit too tight, walked on stage. "Welcome, all my precious new students and their lovely parents, to Daiki High School on this beautiful day as the cherry blossoms bloom! I am Principal Shimada." He bowed to them.

"Yup, not going to last." Kuruma covered his mouth as he yawned, hoping to go unnoticed.

"It shouldn't be too long; you should try to stay awake," she whispered.

Kuruma closed his eyes and instantly tilted to her side.

Oh! She held back a gasp as he leaned his head on her shoulder and went still. This can't be happening. It's only the first day. What if we get in trouble for this? With minimal movement, she scanned the area to see if anyone was staring at them.

The jolly principal spoke about their upcoming years at his school and went on to introduce each of the teachers.

Izumi slowed her breathing, worried about moving too much and making Kuruma fall. Can I catch him if he falls? Might be a bit heavy for me. She glanced at his sleeping face and smiled. So peaceful.

Their teacher went on stage for her introduction, and her eyes swept across her rows of students, landing on Izumi and Kuruma. She continued to introduce herself, forcing a smile as she grumbled internally.

Oh no! "Kuruma, wake up; you've been spotted," she whispered and gently patted his head. His hair is so soft... Don't get distracted! "Kuruma."

"Hmm? Five more minutes," he mumbled.

"Nope." How do I wake him up? She poked his cheek, and he swatted at her hand. That won't work. Someone, help!

The teachers finished, and the student representatives introduced themselves. They moved onto a display in the back to follow along with their new school song, which was included in the pamphlet for the school.

"Please stand and sing with us." The principal raised his hands.

The students all around them stood.

Izumi rushed to shake Kuruma awake. "Please wake up."

"Hmm? Oh. Sorry about that." Kuruma slipped off her shoulder and stood. "Thanks for the loan."

"Loan?" Izumi asked, standing up.

"Your shoulder."

"O-oh." She swallowed hard, the warmth and feel of the weight of his head still lingering.

Instrumental music played, a mix of a recording and a teacher playing piano. The teachers and a small group of third years sang the school song confidently at the front, while some of the first-years tried to follow along.

Kuruma moved his mouth randomly to make it seem like he was trying to sing it, but he couldn't even focus on reading the lyrics displayed at the front.

Izumi peeked around the taller person in front of her and half-sang the lyrics.

They thanked everyone for coming and closed the ceremony, sending everyone back to their homerooms.

Yanagi found Kuruma as soon as they got back into the halls. "What were you thinking? Falling asleep during the opening ceremony?" He nudged Kuruma. "And the glare you got from our homeroom teacher? Way to start it out."

"But I'm tired, and assemblies are boring." Kuruma yawned again.

"I told you not to stay up late." Yanagi glanced back at Izumi. "Sorry about him using you as a pillow, Izu." He winked at her.

"It's okay..." Though the teacher might have it out for me as his accomplice.

"He totally winked at her. Who is she?" Whispers from nearby students caught her ear. "Is she weaselling her way into their friendship?"

A sudden chill ran down her spine. Oh no. Why does it feel like I stepped into something I shouldn't have? She slowed her pace, creating a gap between her and the two boys. Her shoulders slouched, and she gripped the lapels of her blazer.

"Don't let those losers bother you." Shiori walked beside her.

"Moriko... thanks." Her shoulders relaxed. "But I have to ask, did I do something?"

"Just call me Shiori; it's fine. And no, you didn't. Befriending those two comes with trouble because of the girls who admire Yanagi."

"Yanagi? They're not mad I was talking to Kuruma?" And let him rest on my shoulder for a few minutes.

"Kuruma?" Shiori raised an eyebrow and smirked. "I see. No, it's not because of him in that way, though they might think you're using Kuruma to get to Yanagi."

"Why would I do that?"

Shiori burst out laughing, then halted, covering her mouth as she composed herself. "Ahem, I mean, are you serious?"

What was that?! What did I say wrong? "Of course. Why wouldn't I be?"

"Because as far back as I can remember, Yanagi has been the centre of attention, with all the schoolgirls ogling him. Even I can admit he's handsome and charming, but these girls... idolize him. Even if you're crushing on Kuruma, it's best to keep away."

"C-crushing?" Izumi gasped and covered her mouth, looking around. "I'm not..."

Shiori raised an eyebrow. "Are you going to deny it after your little display?" She smirked.

Day one, and I'm going to have these rumours floating around! He is handsome and kinda cool, but that's it! "I-I don't know him enough for that. So... you've known them a long time then?"

"Since I started elementary school, yes, though they weren't super close at first. If anything, I'd say they started as rivals."

"And they're thick as thieves now..." Must be nice.

"Have been since Kuruma stuck up for Yanagi in third grade."

She seems to know an awful lot. "Say, do you want to do something after school?"

"Just reading a few books to keep up my tarot skills, and maybe even learn a bit about curses, why?"

"I was wondering if you wanted to do something. I'm new to the area, and I don't know the place yet." Not sure what friends normally do, but they seem to hang out in manga.

Shiori sighed, having hoped the 'curses' would've scared her away. "I don't think I'd make a good tour guide, sorry."

"Oh." Izumi's shoulders drooped. I have to make a real friend. I have to start high school differently. "How about your number?" She held up her phone.

Shiori thought for a moment. "Fine." She put her number in Izumi's phone. "But if you spam me too much, I'm blocking you."

"Noted." Her face brightened, and her eyes sparkled as she stared at the new number in her phone. Success! Friend acquired.

"Why'd you stop walking?" Shiori turned to her, and her eyes widened. "Are you that happy to have my number?"

"Yes, because this means we're friends, right?"

"I guess." She shrugged. "Not sure why you'd be excited about that."

"Because you're awesome and interesting, and you're already trying to look out for me. I don't think I'll stay away from them, but you cared enough to warn me about the others, so thank you." No one's done that for me before.

"Right... Well, at least you've been warned."