Extracurricular Lessons

From Akira's Perspective

Wanting to understand her true intentions, I approached her before the start of classes the next day.

"I have something important to discuss."

"So do I—"

Her near-tearful expression was unexpected.

"I hate to say it, but I got my period. Am I using the sanitary napkin correctly?"

"What!?!"

I was completely taken aback by her question—it’s not something guys typically discuss.

"Shouldn't you have asked one of the girls in your dorm?"

"That's just it, ever since I enrolled, I’ve been kind of mean, and now we’re not on good terms. It's hard to even talk to them. My stomach hurts..."

"I... I don't know what to say. I have a sister, but that doesn’t mean I know anything about this. Hold on, let me find someone."

I dashed out of the classroom and whispered to the Japanese language teacher.

"Oh? Alright, I'll take care of her."

Elise was escorted to the bathroom and it seemed like the crisis was averted.

She seemed unwell, so I decided to postpone our serious conversation.

I expected the Japanese class to start, but instead, a muscular man in camouflage stood at the podium.

"Suddenly, with the principal's permission, I'm changing the curriculum. As you know, the front lines against the demons are expanding daily. Some of you might join the military after graduation. Therefore, from May 1st to the 3rd, we'll be visiting military facilities for a field trip. We'll form groups now."

"Can I ask a question?" a female student quickly inquired.

"What is it?"

"Is the field trip for all classes?"

"No, just Kirin Class. Any complaints?"

"No, just asking."

The instructor's glare quieted her, and she hastily sat down.

Watching this exchange, I was reminded of the news about student conscription.

Students on the elite track will continue to receive their education in safe areas far from the battlefield, while we, the underperformers, might eventually be drafted.

Understanding this situation explained why both male and female students were desperate to pair up and move up to higher classes.

The harsh reality of our world hit home once again.

We formed groups of four for the field trip to the war museum.

"Isn’t the museum dangerous? Isn’t it near areas where monsters frequently appear?"

I posed the question.

"Ha ha ha. No worries. The dangerous areas are just places we'll pass through by train. We're just going to get a feel of the place. You can relax."

Those words, however unreliable they seemed, would soon prove to be more prophetic than we could have imagined.