Prologue - Start Again

Sitting here on the bench by the vending machine I let out a deep sigh as I finish my sip of tea.

The third school in two years.

Admittedly this is my first year of High School so we should all be on the same level but at least they know this town.

I need to look for a better book store, I have already reread what I brought when we moved and the convenience store by the house isn’t really cutting it.

I hear an “Aw crap” coming from the vending machine and I look up to see him.

His dark hair shining in the April sunlight, he’s pretty handsome.

He’s wearing the uniform for the same school as me. That’s interesting.

I think I’ll have a bit of fun.

“What’s wrong?” I say to him.

“Oh, hi, I’m just a bit short of getting a drink is all.”

“How much do you need?”

“Huh? No, it’s ok I didn’t need it anyway.”

“Really it’s no big deal here I think I can spare some change, take what you need.”

I hold out a few coins in his direction.

“Uh…thanks. I only needed 10 yen so I can get you back tomorrow. I’m Shinichi Kitaji (北嶋心一) in class 1-3. What class are you in?”

“I’m Michiru Kinzawa (金沢美智留) in 1-1 and, if you really want to pay me back, how about helping me find a real book store. Do you know any in this area?”

“Yeah, the one I go to get manga has a good selection there. It’s about 2 stations over.”

“Ah I see more into manga, are you?”

“Mostly, not that I haven’t been known to pick up a few novels now and then.”

“Really? Any I might know?”

“Maybe, there was that one isekai series by Ryusei.”

“Oh, I know that one! It’s a classic!” I excitedly replied. Oh, this is going too good.

I can’t mess this up.

“Yeah, I grew up with those so I read ‘em all. What have you been mostly reading?”

“Oh, there was this Witch Academy series that recently started. It’s got me hooked!” I replied.

“I think I have seen ads for it in the shop a few times.”

“Then I REALLY need to go to this store you recommended.”

“I’m gonna go this Sunday. Want me to show you where it is?”

“I’m still new to this town so that’d be a big help.”

“Oh, I know how that is. My family moved here about 4 years ago. Hey, there’s this great café nearby the book store that I usually drop by afterwards to read a few chapters. We can stop by there as well if you’re, ok?”

“That sounds like my kind of place.”

“Great! Let’s meet at the station at 10.”

“I can’t wait!” I said as I turned and started walking back home.

Oh my god!

Did this just happen!?

Did I just set up a date with this handsome schoolmate?

Man, I am such a lucky and crazy girl.