New Semester

Eli's phone alarm went off at about 7:40 AM, and she turned it off quickly. Sitting up slowly, she noticed her room was still slightly dim from the cloudy morning. Taking in the same walls, the same desk by the window, and the same school uniform hanging neatly beside the closet, she found comfort in the fact that nothing had changed. She liked it that way

...After washing her face and brushing her teeth, she headed downstairs without making much noise. She lived alone, supported by a monthly allowance from her parents who believed the independence would give her valuable life experience. Grabbing a piece of toast, Eli packed her bag for her usual school life and was out the door by 7:55.

The streets were quiet, save for the occasional passing car and small groups of students walking toward school. Walking alone as usual, Eli reached the school gates the crowd was overwhelming,Students were laughing near the entrance, clearly excited about the start of the new semester as they talked about clubs and compared schedules. Ignoring the commotion, Eli simply changed her shoes and headed upstairs.Second floor. Class 2-B. It was the same classroom, and she had the same seat near the window in the back. It was perfect.

 She sat down, resting her chin on her hand as the morning sunlight spread across the desks. When a few classmates greeted her politely, Eli just nodded back. She wasn’t unfriendly...she simply preferred being alone.The classroom slowly filled with noise until the homeroom teacher entered carrying a stack of papers.

“Alright everyone, settle down” As the chatter faded, the teacher continued..

 “As you know, it’s a new semester. We also have a transfer student joining us today”

A small wave of excitement immediately spread through the room. Eli, however, just looked out the window..The teacher slid open the classroom door

“Come in” Footsteps crossed the room, and then...

“Hellooo everybody!”

The voice carried through the classroom easily, sounding bright and lively without feeling forced. Eli looked up, finding it strange for someone to be so energetic while speaking in front of a class of strangers. A girl stood at the front of the room with one hand casually raised in greeting. Her smile was natural enough to pull attention without demanding it, and her slightly messy hair somehow suited her perfectly. 

Even under dozens of curious stares, she looked completely comfortable.The class had already started whispering..

“She’s cute.”

“She seems fun.”

“My name’s Mina Ayase ” she said,  “I transferred here because my old school got boring” She smiled...A few students laughed, and even the teacher sighed“You’ll fit in quickly, I see"

Mina grinned proudly, looking as though she’d already won something.The teacher glanced around the room. “There’s one empty seat left”

Eli immediately had a bad feeling. The teacher pointed beside her. “You’ll be sitting next to Eli”...Mina’s eyes shifted toward the back window seat, and her smile widened. She walked across the classroom without hesitation, casually greeting random students on the way as if she’d already known them for years. By the time she reached Eli’s desk, half the class was still watching her. Mina dropped into the seat beside her and leaned slightly closer

“So you’re Eli?"

Eli looked at her and nodded

"hmm” Mina rested her chin on her hand

“You look like the quiet type.”

Mina smiled again, completely unbothered

“Nice. Then I’ll handle enough talking for both of us”

For the first time in a long while, Eli felt her routine beginning to crack.