One Very Ordinary First Day

Asahi lay nestled in the embrace of his morning slumber, unaware that it was the first day of school. Despite the significance, he had earnestly promised his parents to rise promptly and leave the house on time.

"Asahi! Are you awake yet!?" implored Asahi’s mother, Yuki.

No reply. Yuki seized a ladle from the table and marched determinedly towards Asahi's bedroom. The door swung open with a resounding thud, stirring Asahi from his slumber.

"Hm? Mom? What brings you here?"

Yuki offered no explanation. She advanced to Asahi's bedside, raised her ladle, and delivered a powerful blow to his head.

"Ow! Mom, what was that for!?"

"You assured me last week that you would awaken in time for school!"

Asahi squinted at his alarm clock.

"It's only two minutes past eight!" he protested.

Yuki smacked his head, this time with her hand.

"Look again!"

Asahi peered at the clock once more; it stubbornly displayed two minutes past eight. Unwilling to incur another strike, he turned it toward himself... 8:42... A peculiar sensation washed over him, and it was far from pleasant.

“Well, Asahi, what does it say?”

Yuki's expression was a canvas of discontent. Asahi chose not to respond, instead gesturing for her to depart so he could don his uniform.

"Asahi, if you'd like, I can drop you off! Beats walking," offered his father.

"No thanks, but can I borrow your bike, Dad?"

"Well, I suppose if that's your preference."

Asahi swiftly gathered whatever he deemed edible from the kitchen counter and set off, commencing what he presumed to be an ordinary day of high school.

"So, Asahi, what's your game plan for the rest of high school?" inquired Junpei, rhythmically tapping the table.

Junpei, Asahi's steadfast companion since elementary school, stood by him unwaveringly.

Asahi pondered for a moment. 'What should I do?' he mused. School had been about studying and occasional outings; he hadn't considered any in-school diversions.

"If you want, I could introduce you to some girls, eh?"

"Absolutely not! I've put that behind me since the 6th grade incident!" Asahi declared, shaking his head.

Their entire 6th grade class vowed never to broach "the incident" or Asahi's lamentable love life again, but those outside their class had other ideas. For the remainder of middle school, he was the subject of schoolyard gossip. While those unacquainted with the incident deemed Asahi the antagonist, those who bore witness extended their sympathy.

"Maybe I'll join a club?"

Junpei's faint smile broadened into a grin.

"Why the big smile?"

"Well, I never pegged you for the club type. What's the change about?"

"I figured I should try something new this year, that's all."

Abruptly, two arms enveloped Asahi.

"Guess who?"

Asahi's expression waned.

"Yamamoto," he replied.

"Yamamoto what?"

Asahi sighed.

"Sakura... Yamamoto Sakura..." he murmured.

The arms tightened.

"Correct! Missed me, sweetie?"

"Will you harm me if I say no?"

"What!? You didn't miss me? Ahh! Don't tell me you've been seeing other girls! Is it true!?"

"How did you jump to that conclusion?"

"So it is true! I can't believe you'd cheat on me! Don't ever talk to me again!" Sakura cried, tears and snot streaming down her face.

"Gladly," Asahi muttered to himself. "Anyway, like I said, I—what's with that expression!?"

Junpei wore a stern countenance, as if he'd witnessed a specter.

"You've been dating... you've been DATING Yamamoto-san all this time!? And here I thought I could trust you!" Junpei fled, tears streaming.

'Now everyone who saw this thinks I'm a villain. What a first impression...'

In math class, Asahi was in his customary state, sketching characters from video games and movies in the margins of his workbook, oblivious to everything beyond his own desk. That's when a small folded note landed on his desk. Asahi unfolded it and read:

To Asahi,

During lunch, I overheard your conversation with Hayashi Junpei. You're considering joining an after-school club? If you're still interested, meet me in the old Class 3-C after school.

From Ano Anonymous Anne Ano Annons

From Anonymous.