The School

“Yes—due to your popularity in volleyball and your high marks.”

I listened to him so carefully that my grip tightened.

Sweat dampened my face.

I gulped hard.

“You have passed the entrance exams.”

I froze.

“Mahito?”

“Father, give me a minute.”

I tapped the mute button on the call and relaxed my posture.

The next thing I knew, I lurched towards the sofa, tossed my phone onto it, and walked to the window.

There was nothing but empty roads lit by streetlights and tall office buildings outside. Well… it was four o’clock in the morning.

I let out a quiet breath and…

“YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!”

My back lightly snapped.

“It hurts!!!”

…

I took a long breath, looked at my palm—lightly clenched it, and smiled.

Now I can see her…

It’s been five years…

I picked up the phone and unmuted myself.

“Hello, can you hear me?”

The old hags’ voices were back, laughing and lightly moaning.

Ehh, he’s back there?

“Father, can you hear me?”

There was silence.

I should just cut the call now.

I almost tapped on the end call and my father answered.

“Yes, can you hear me now?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm?” He murmured as if puzzled.

“Are you not happy?”

“N-no, I'm definitely happy!”

I cannot tell him that I almost had an injury.

“I see…” His voice came through the microphone as if the phone was being rubbed against something soft.

This old guy!

“Now, I’m going to cut the ca-”

“Wait!” I called out.

I sighed.

“What about my new s-school u-uniform?”

“Oh, school uniform?”

“Yes.”

“What’s the name of the school, though?”

Well, I can’t expect him to even remember it because he—doesn’t even remember my name.

I clenched my fist in slight anger.

“It’s Tokyo Metropolitan Izumi High School!” I muttered.

“I understand, then I'll have someone deliver the uniform.”

“Make sure you get it.”

“Okay.”

“And listen.”

“What?”

“Ito-san, come here!”
“Father cherishes you… just don’t forget that,” his voice cut through the woman's laughter.

…

“Mahito?”

“I know, I'm going to cut the call now.“

“Come visit me someday.”

“Okay,” my father said.

I tossed the phone on the sofa.

“Now, it’s time to take a shower.”

…

After showering, I went back to pick up my phone and shirt.

I checked my phone. Only a few minutes had passed. I left the gym and entered the underground parking lot.

I headed toward my 50cc motorbike, parked under the dim, empty garage lights. I hopped on the bike, slid the key in, and revved the engine.

It made a low, muted sound, but… it felt… cool.

I accelerated and was leaving the building.

Something clicked in my mind.

Oh. I forgot my helmet in the gym.

I sighed.

Well, I'll just leave it for tomorrow.

I left the building.

…

I reached my home building.

It was a massive building consisting of fifty floors. My apartment was on the forty-ninth floor. I parked my bike outside, inserted the keycard in the machine to enter through the security gates.

I slid the keycard in, slipped my shoes and socks off and set them aside.

My house wasn’t anything special—it was a 4LDK, painted in white with cozy warm lights in the ceiling.

From the kitchen drawer, I grabbed a mug, made myself a cup of black coffee, and drank it while watching the city beneath the moonlit sky.

The sun was still on the dark side.
Well, technically, it was me who was on the dark side of the planet.

I stepped into my bedroom. The lights were still on, just as I’d left them when I went to fight my inner demons.

In an instant, I pulled my blanket, revealing my cat-themed bedsheet, and slid under it. I closed my glazed eyes as I slowly exhaled.

I realized.

I just drank coffee, how am I supposed to sleep now?

I placed my palms over my eyes as I slowly exhaled to force myself to sleep.

Eventually, I fell asleep.

…


It was pitch black.

My eyes itched as I blinked.

I tried to find my phone on the side shelf’s top, but something dropped onto the floor.

I sighed and picked up the curtain remote instead.

The curtains opened, and the sun rays streamed in my eyes.

I flinched and narrowed my gaze, widened my fingers to block the sun’s rays. After adjusting, I threw my blanket around the bed.

I stretched a little as soon as I stood up and picked up the phone that was on the ground.

It was still 6:50 AM.

I slept only for one hour?

My abs were still firm.

“They’re still in good shape. They can handle one hour of cycling.”

Somehow, I felt relieved.

Now, I should make a cup of coffee for myself and go for cy-

The bell rang.

Huh?

Seriously, this early?

...

I opened the entrance door slightly and asked with a peek.

A man in a black suit stood there, holding a box wrapped neatly in red cloth.

“Who are you?”

“Good morning, Ito-sama.” The man said. “Ito-sama ordered me to bring this box to your home.”

Huh? Ito-sama… and Ito-sama?

What’s this? Bullying?

Sweat dampened my face.

“I-i see. Do you mind if I ask a question?”

“Yes, feel free to ask a question. Ito-sama.” he nodded slightly.

Pick something like “young master” or something!

“How did you bypass… the security gate?”

He scratched the back of his head as he averted his eyes.

“Man, say something. I’m in an awkward position here!”

After a while,

“Good morning, Ito-sama.”

Seriously?

“Ito-sama ordered me to bring this bo-”

“You don’t have to repeat yourself.”

He handed out the box to me.

“Thank you.”

Something clicked in me.

Oh. That’s right.

I should ask him.

“When will the school open?”

I want to go to the entrance ceremony!

“Ito-sama told me that the school will be opening today.”

Eh?

…

“Seriously?!”

That meant the entrance ceremony was today—Yours Truly had to move faster now.