Life's Unyielding Cycle

"Dear diary, spring is here yet again, bringing its alluring beauty with it. Yeah, I know. I've been neglecting you for the past few years. But here I am, ready to share the experience of that spring...."

"......where it all began."

Before I could write another word—

A voice came from downstairs. I dropped my pen, closing the journal.

"Honey, hurry up or forget about finding a good picnic spot!"

"Comingggg......Honey!"

I called back, then turned to my diary. Spring is all about growth and change; that spring was no different....

The morning sun poured through my windows, striking the curtains. The birds chirped while my alarm rang at full volume. The smell of brewing filled the air.

Shut up! Let me sleep for a moment more....

My hand stretched toward the nightstand. Instead, my body rolled off the bed, and I crashed to the floor with a thud.

Ouchhh! Fuck—that hurt.

I rubbed my backside.

What was that dream.....?

Dragging myself to the washroom, I splashed cold water on my face. It did more than just wake me up.

My name is Haruki Masato. Starting today, I'm a high school freshman. My grades aren't really praiseworthy, but they keep me out of trouble.

The day of the entrance ceremony.....huh. The fact that it's in spring is the only good part about it.

I wore a white checkered shirt with black pants, a red tie around my neck, and my usual black sneakers. My black cardigan hung loosely in my hand as I went downstairs.

I pushed open the dining room door and hung my cardigan by the entrance.

My father sat with a newspaper, His eyes scanned the pages as he flipped through them. The rice cooker whistled from the kitchen. I took a seat in front of him. My chopsticks tapped against my empty bowl. The ticking of the clock echoed through the room.

He looked up

"First day? And you're already this late. You should be more diligent, Haruki."

" You wouldn't understand even if I told you, Old-man."

Complaining about the pettiest things.

"Mind your language, Haruki. You're talking to your father."

My mother intervened.

" Father? Like he even cares."

"Haruki!—"

My father stopped her from raising her hand.

"Ayumi, let it be. Kids his age act the same. He'll understand us once he grows older."

I finished my breakfast and left, picking up my cardigan on the way.

The school was a little far away from home. I had to change trains twice, followed by a ten-minute walk from the station. Somehow, I still managed to make it in time.

I adjusted my appearance before reaching the gate.

A nerdy hairstyle, a fake expression, and neat clothes. Your typical background character. I can blend in easily.

Wait....no, you numbskull. If you look like a nerd, wouldn't that make you a target for bullies?

I ruffled my hair as I reached the school gates.

I found myself staring, mouth slightly agape, at the cherry blossom trees lining the entrance. Petals fell with the wind, covering parts of the ground like a soft pink blanket. Students took pictures, laughed, and made plans.

Spring and youth aren't really different.....

Incredible.... it looks like one of those fictional schools from anime with breathtaking visuals. No wonder the competition to get in was this tough. And I probably won't be meeting anyone from middle school.

The large board above the gate read 'Entrance ceremony'. Volunteers guided the freshmen toward the gymnasium.

" Hey, you. You're a freshman, right?"

He waved at me with a bright smile..

"Yeah."

"Please head toward the gymnasium."

He pointed ahead, His smile unwavering.

I clutched my bag, took a deep breath, and moved forward. Students walked in orderly lines. But with calm comes a storm.

A commotion erupted behind me.

"You don't have to be this rude. I just asked you out politely."

" And I told you I don't date dorks."

The boy grabbed her hand roughly. His voice trembled. She didn't even look him in the eyes—her voice low and calm.

Precious school, my ass. No matter where you go, people stay the same. Though..... I can't totally blame him. She is a little cute....

No. No. No.

I smacked my head.

She stood out. A sailor-style black top, a loosely tied red ribbon at the center, a grey skirt, and leggings that hit at the knees. Her long brown hair flowed in the breeze.

" Let go of my hand while I'm asking nicely."

She met his gaze with a blank expression.

He swallowed hard—but didn't let go.

And then it happened.

She grabbed his arm and flipped him over her shoulder. His back hit the ground first, followed by his head. A dull thud echoed against the pavement, silencing the chirping birds for a split second.

All eyes turned toward her. Gasps rippled through the crowd

Volunteers rushed in as she casually walked away.

Nah, not cuteee at alll. You really have a thing for danger, Haruki!

Be quiet. Give me a break for once.

Behind me, a trio of girls whispered among themselves.

"Hey! Hey! Clara, Karen, isn't that Hana?"

"Hana? Aoi Hana? That so-called princess of our school?"

She nodded.

" Whoa... she looks so different."

"Listen, I found some dirt on her."

" Didn't you say that back in middle school too?"

Clara leaned closer.

"The one about her dating that hot senior, Kirito?"

"Yeah, and they were all fake."

Karen chimed in.

"This one's real. They say she became a delinquent—biker gangs, threats, even extorting money, a norm for her."

" I always knew she was fake. She probably just wanted to earn favors from teachers."

Clara crossed her arms across her chest.

"No sane guy would date someone like her."

The biggest enemies of women are women themselves. Scary.

" I know, right?"

They laughed.

A volunteer approached them.

"Please proceed to the gymnasium quietly. The ceremony is about to begin."

He gave them a twitched smile, pointing toward the gymnasium

They nodded and left.

Amazing choice of school, Haruki.

Kill yourself, please, don't act like you weren't involved when I decided which high school to attend.

I entered the gymnasium. Chairs were neatly arranged in rows. Murmurs filled the room, a sea of black—and—white uniforms filled the space. A stage stood at the front, teachers seated beside it.

It's huge. They could host a match or two.

I sat at the back as the ceremony began.

The principal gave the usual speech—study with passion, aim high, respect your peers. Afterward, we stood and took our pledges. And just like that, it ended.

I checked the class boards. Students crowded around, pushing and squeezing in.

Class 1-3.

Class 1-3....great. Now I have to ask for directions. Which means...talking to someone. Aghhhhhh.

My eyes wandered and stopped.

Aoi Hana.

Isn't that the girl who body slammed that boy earlier? She's in 1-2. Glad I didn't end up with her.

Further down, the scholarship board listed names: 'Akari Inoue', 'Mitsuba Hanekawa', 'Tsukiko Amatsuki'.

Lucky people.

I somehow found my classroom without talking to anyone.

My seat—corner, right side, near the window.

I sat down as the teacher entered.

"Settle down. Homeroom is beginning."

"I'm Miss Yuki. I'll be your class teacher and your Japanese literature instructor."

She wrote her name on the board.

I glanced outside, letting the breeze brush against me

The homeroom ended soon enough. Next was Japanese literature.

My book on my lap, half-opened. While the lecture unfolded, I traced the movements of the clouds on the window pane.

Soon, after, the ringing of the bell flooded the silent hallways.

Miss Yuki announced some homework and then—

"Everyone, let's introduce ourselves and get to know each other better."

"We only have a year. Let's enjoy it to the fullest."

The room grew lively.

The next lecture was in a different room. I stood up to leave.

Introductions....too much of a hassle.

And suddenly got pinched. I dropped back into my seat.

Ughhh—!

I held back a groan.

The guy next to me grinned devilishly.

"Already leaving? Not gonna introduce yourself?"

" Do you just go around pinching people?"

"Just my way of saying hello."

I dare you to try that with a girl and see if she lets you off the hook with just a slap.

I muttered under my breath.

"Huh? Did you say something?"

"No...nothing.."

He leaned forward.

" So why were you leaving? You're in high school. Don't you wanna make friends and memories?"

" Not your business."

" So you're trying to isolate yourself?"

What's up with this guy? Introspective nitwit.

" That... is also not your business." I stammered for a moment.

I left anyway. The rest of the day went by like normal.

It was late afternoon. The sun started to set, turning the sky orange. Groups formed. Laughter filled the air.

"Hey! Hey. You guys wanna go karaoke?"

"Yeah, let's go have a fun evening."

Karaoke. Typical high-schoolers.

I stayed back; the only people remaining were the teacher's faculty.

I lay back in my seat, taking out my diary from my bag.

Ahhh. Let's relax now. Much better than going home.

"Dear Diary, Today was the first day of high school. I saw a girl who I found cute at first, but after she manhandled one of the boys, that thought immediately vanished. The atmosphere surrounding the school was so mesmerizing. Ohh yeahh, I also met this guy in class. He was a little annoying. Overall, not a bad day."

I flipped through the pages, stumbling on two particular pages of narrative.

Should I try again? Is it really worth it?

...Nature called.

I rushed out.

Wiping off my hands with a tissue, I walked back.

Right then, standing near my desk with my diary in her hands was Aoi Hana.

....Dear Diary, I take back my words. This day just got worse.