Ding-ding-ding!
The sound of the bell echoed through the school grounds, cutting through the tension like a blade.
A moment later, the school's PA system crackled to life.
Voice over speaker: All first-year students are requested to proceed to the auditorium hall for the opening ceremony. Please be seated in your designated sections. Thank you.
As students started making their way to the main building, the noise level in the courtyard increased once more.
Kirigaya: (Stretching his arms) Time to officially begin, huh?
Lucy: (Grinning) Hope the speech isn't boring. But then again, drama already kicked off early.
Soma turned, prepared to go with the others.
Asuna's hand gently grabbed his wrist.
Asuna: (Quietly, so only he could hear) Soma. Wait.
Soma blinked, caught off guard.
Soma: (Low voice) Yeah?
Asuna: (Eyes steady, voice low) Come with me. Just for a second.
Soma: (Warily) Why?
Asuna: (Soft but serious) Just for a minute. Somewhere no one's watching. I need to talk to you. Alone.
She looked around to make sure nobody was looking. The others had already begun to move forward.
Soma paused for a moment-then nodded, following her as she guided him toward a quieter corner of the courtyard, away from the crowd.
Meanwhile, Kiyomi stood still, unmoving among the flow of students passing by.
She could still hear Jiyuu's words. It was their confidence, not their drama or theatrics. The way she gave her a direct look.
"I love Soma. And I'm not letting anyone take him."
Kiyomi quietly let out a breath, her face as composed as ever. Nothing had changed on the outside.On the inside, however, a storm was building.
With steady steps, Kiyomi walked toward the hall, disappearing into the sea of students.
She could barely hear Jiyuu's voice in her head.
"He's mine. I won't let anyone take him."
Kiyomi didn't flinch. She didn't even blink. But the words didn't slide off her either.
So she loves him...And she thinks that's enough.
Before Asuna drew him away, her gaze strayed to the spot where Soma had just been standing.Another recollection, another wave.
You left too, Soma.But now that you're back, things have changed.
Kiyomi: (Thinking, bitterly) You wanted space, Soma. This is what you wanted.
Not really angry, she let out a breath through her nose. Simply exhausted.
Kiyomi: (Muttering softly to herself as she turned away) Tch... figures.
She took a slow breath.
She slipped her hands into her skirt pockets, lowered her head, and joined the others heading to the auditorium.
Asuna led Soma around the side of the building, hidden behind a row of tall hedges close to the rear of the school courtyard, the sound of student footsteps and conversation diminished. This place was private and quiet.
She crossed her arms and looked at him.
Asuna: (Straightforward) Who is she?
Soma didn't have to ask who she meant.
He sighed, running a hand through his hair before meeting her eyes.
Soma: (Low and honest) Jiyuu... she's my ex-girlfriend.
Asuna's eyes widened.
Asuna: (Stunned) What?
Soma: (Quickly) It's not what it looks like. Back in England, things were rough. I needed space... and she was just kind of there. We started talking, spending time together... and before I realized it, we were dating.
He looked away, his voice quieter now.
Soma: It was never meant to be serious. Everything started falling apart between us, and I... left.
Asuna turned to face him, her gaze solemn but not icy. There was something behind them, concern. Maybe guilt. Maybe both.
Asuna: (Gently) Why didn't you tell me about Jiyuu and she was coming?
Soma looked away, jaw tightening.
Soma: Because I didn't know she was.
Asuna: (Surprised) You didn't?
Soma: (Sighs) She called me this morning out of nowhere. I didn't even think she'd actually show up here.
Asuna examined his face. It wasn't rage. Confusion wasn't the problem. It was conflict, something more profound.
Asuna: (Softly) She's not just here for school, is she?
Soma: (Avoiding her eyes) No. She's here for me.
Asuna: (Quietly) And... how do you feel about that?
Soma closed his eyes for a moment, then opened them again, voice low.
Soma: I don't know.
Asuna nodded slowly, as if expecting that.Then she took a step closer, her voice softer.
Asuna: Look... I brought everyone together because I wanted us to start fresh. You, Kiyomi, Haruto, Lucy... me. I didn't expect Jiyuu.
Soma: (Glancing at her) Yeah. Neither did I.
Asuna: (Gently) But I also didn't bring everyone back just to watch us fall apart again. Whatever happened between you and Kiyomi... whatever happened in England... You don't have to carry it alone anymore.
Soma glanced at her, and his defences briefly faltered. The exhaustion, the weight, it showed.
Asuna: (Carefully) I don't know much about what happened between you and Kiyomi two years ago...
Soma's posture stiffened slightly.
Asuna: (Continuing) ...but I do know that whatever it was, it messed her up. She's not the same anymore, Soma. You made her really upset.
Her tone wasn't accusing. It was honest. Firm.
Asuna: Silence isn't all you owe her. We all owe you that. It means something that we're all back here together.Soma remained quiet.
Asuna: (approaching with gentleness but determination) I want you to clean up the mess you made. With the entire group, not just with her. I am aware that it will be difficult, particularly with Jiyuu present.
Soma looked at her. She wasn't just asking.She was trusting him.
Asuna: (Nods with a faint smile) So, I have a plan. To bring us back together. To deal with all of this... calmly. Properly.
Soma: (Finally speaking) A plan?
Asuna: Every Friday. After school. Meet me at the park near the school entrance. Just the two of us. We'll talk, we'll figure things out. Step by step.
Soma: (Quiet, but sincere) Alright. I'll be there.
Asuna: (Lightly) Good. Because I'm not letting this group fall apart again.
The PA system reverberated in the distance, reminding everyone to head to the auditorium.
Asuna: (Smiling faintly) Come on. Let's not be late to the first day.
Together, they turned and walked back towards the school, bearing the burden of the past but, for the first time in a long time, seeing a glimmer of a future that was still to be rebuilt..
Asuna and Soma's footsteps synchronised as they made their way back towards the building. Everything that needed to be said had been said, and no more words were exchanged. For the time being.
By the time they reached the auditorium doors, the ceremony was already beginning. A line of first-years was quietly taking their seats under the large skylight roof, the podium at the front bathed in soft daylight.
The rest of the group was already inside.Kirigaya, slouched slightly in his seat, noticed them first.
Kirigaya: (Leaning over to Lucy, whispering) Look who finally decided to show up.
Lucy: (Smirking) Think they eloped?
Kiyomi, who was seated at the end of the row, didn't look back, but her gaze slightly changed when she saw Soma sitting close to the group. With a gentle exhale, Asuna set her bag down and sat next to him.
The tension was... thick.
And right in the center of that silent storm sat Jiyuu, two rows ahead, legs crossed confidently, twirling a strand of hair around her finger.She grinned as she turned slightly, as though sensing Soma behind her.
Jiyuu: (Casually over her shoulder, just loud enough) Miss me already, Soma-kun?
Soma: (Muttering under his breath, deadpan) She doesn't stop, does she...
Asuna: (Quietly beside him) If she's going to be this dramatic on day one, I'm almost afraid of what midterms will look like.
Kirigaya: (Grinning) She's like the final boss of homeroom.
Lucy: (Whispering across Asuna) She's got more main character energy than half the actual main characters I've met.
Kiyomi: (Quiet, barely audible) She's not the main character. She's just loud.
Soma heard it, but didn't look her way. He didn't dare.
The auditorium darkened.
As the curtain drew back, a self-assured second-year student stood at the podium, illuminated by a single spotlight.
Reni Sakurai: (Warmly) Good morning, everyone, and welcome to Raimon Gateway's opening ceremony. I'm Reni Sakurai, your Program Coordinator and a proud second-year. We've worked hard to put this together, and we're excited to welcome both old and new faces into what's going to be a fantastic year.
She smiled brightly.
Reni: We believe in creating a community where everyone feels seen, heard, and supported. So let's begin with the person leading our student council, please welcome our President, Yukihiro Takahashi.
Polite applause followed as a tall, composed student stepped forward.
Yukihiro Takahashi: (Confidently) Good morning. As your Student Council President, I want to remind you that every one of you has something unique to offer. Together, we can build a community that thrives on diversity, respect, and ambition. Let's make this year unforgettable.
He stepped back and gestured toward the side of the stage.
Yukihiro: Now, I'd like to welcome our Vice President-Ms. Aiko Ayanokouji.
Soma froze in his seat.
Asuna: (Leaning toward Kirigaya) Her name... it sounds familiar.
Kirigaya: (Frowning) She has the same last name as Soma.
Soma: (Thinking) No way...
A poised girl stepped onto the stage. Her voice was steady, her presence commanding.
Aiko Ayanokouji: Good morning, everyone. I'm honored to serve as your Vice President. This year, let's work together to build a school where everyone belongs. Where every voice matters.
Her gaze swept the audience until it stopped. Right on Soma.
For a heartbeat, her polished expression faltered. Her eyes widened in recognition.
Aiko: (Recovering) Let's move forward together with unity, compassion, and courage.
She stepped back to applause.
Kiyomi: (Thinking, narrowing her eyes) She has to be... there's no mistake.
Soma sat in stunned silence, eyes fixed on the stage. Aiko... is here? And she's Vice President?
Before he could process it, another girl approached the podium.
Takumi Suzuki: (Crisp and articulate) As Secretary, I'll ensure your ideas are heard, your concerns are recorded, and our plans run smoothly. Together, let's lead with structure and support.
She then explained the structure of the Student Council and Student Union.
Takumi: You'll choose two clubs from a selection of ten. Each week, three days will go to one club and two to the other. Clubs cannot be switched mid-year, so choose wisely.
Another student replaced her as she moved aside, smiling calmly and adjusting her glasses.
Emi Nakamura: As your Finance Handler, I'll ensure funding is distributed responsibly and events are well-supported. Let's create opportunities worth remembering.
The final speaker finally arrived, enthusiastic and full of energy.
Sakura Kobayashi: Hey everyone! I'm your Program Coordinator. Get ready for a year packed with festivals, competitions, and student-led activities. We'll make memories you'll carry long after you graduate!
The focus shifted again as the final student council member left the podium.
Principal Suzuki, a man in a dapper navy suit, walked up to the stage. The crowd fell silent as a result of his cool, collected demeanour.
Principal Suzuki: (Firm yet warm) Good morning, students, faculty, and staff. As we begin a new academic year, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for your dedication to this school. This year, we have a fresh opportunity to grow-not only as individuals, but as a community. Let's work together, support one another, and strive for excellence in all we do. I wish you all the very best for the year ahead. Thank you.
Polite applause echoed through the auditorium.
The ceremony took on a more lively tone after the formal speeches were over. With presentations and performances from different clubs and school houses, the stage came to life. The student body's inventiveness and spirit were demonstrated through a series of dance groups, musical ensembles, and dramatic skits. Laughter, cheers, and camera flashes filled the hall.
Even Kirigaya, who usually played it cool, clapped along with surprising enthusiasm.
Kirigaya: (Grinning) Okay, I take it back. School might not be so bad after all.
Lucy: (Nudging him) Don't get too excited. We still have math after this.
Soma sat silently in the midst of the bustle, her mind flitting between the faces of the people. Jiyuu, Aiko, and Kiyomi. Three histories, three names. They're all in the same location now.
Eventually, the final act came to a close, and the spotlight returned to the stage as Principal Suzuki reappeared for a brief closing message.
Principal Suzuki: We are grateful to everyone who helped make this event a success. You've reminded us today that our school is thriving in terms of talent, teamwork, and heart. Let's bring that attitude into the classroom. Recall that cooperation, respect, and unity are essential to our success as a team.
The auditorium filled with applause one last time.
With that, the opening ceremony concluded. The first official school day had begun.
As students filed out of the auditorium, teachers stood waiting by the doors, holding class signs and calling out sections.
Teacher: Class 1C! Over here! Follow me!
Soma, Asuna, Kirigaya, Kiyomi, Haruto, Lucy, and Jiyuu all followed the same voice. The crowd thinned as groups began moving toward their respective classrooms.
The seating arrangements were shown on a sizable digital board close to the entrance. Seat assignments had been thoughtfully planned according to academic standards and class schedules. The upcoming year was already planned.
And for Class 1C...
It was going to be anything but ordinary.
As students followed their designated teachers to their new classrooms, the hallways were alive with nervous chatter and excitement. Class 1C's door opened, revealing a spotless, brightly lit space with windows, whiteboards, and a computerized seating chart on a screen above the podium.
The group entered together, each one glancing up at the chart instinctively.
Kirigaya: (Leaning in) Alright, moment of truth.
Asuna: (Scanning the list) Let's see...
Her eyes widened slightly.
Asuna: Looks like we're seatmates.
Kirigaya: (Grinning) Finally, some good news.
Nearby, Haruto gave a low whistle.
Haruto: Lucy and I are paired up too. Hope you're ready for a year of chaos.
Lucy: (Smirking) I'll try not to roll my eyes too loudly.
Meanwhile, Soma's gaze slowly moved across the chart, until it landed on his name.
Soma Ayanokouji - Middle row, last column
Seatmates: Left - Kiyomi Aoki, Right - Jiyuu Sakamoto
He blinked.
Soma: (Under his breath) You've got to be kidding me...
Jiyuu: (Reading over his shoulder, smiling brightly) Soma, it appears that we are neighbors. I'll behave, don't worry. Occasionally.
She strolled off to claim her seat with a playful twirl of her bag.
Kiyomi, on the other hand, didn't say a word. Her gaze flickered toward Soma's name, then away. Calm. Reserved. Ice-cold composure.
Kiyomi: (Muttering to herself as she approached her seat) "Of all the arrangements..."
Soma slowly took his seat between the two. The tension was almost visible-like static clinging to the air.
To his right, Jiyuu was already unpacking her notebook with a cheerful hum.
To his left, Kiyomi sat silently, pulling out her pens without looking at either of them.
Asuna: (From two rows over, whispering to Kirigaya) This is going to be... complicated.
Kirigaya: (Resting his head on his arms) Class 1C just became a reality show.
The teacher entered the room moments later, calling for attention.
But even as the classroom settled, Soma's mind didn't.
One glance to his left.
One glance to his right.
He was officially stuck in the middle ,literally and emotionally.
And the school year had only just begun.
A woman in her mid-30s entered the classroom as the door slid shut with a soft thud. She wore a pair of sharp glasses on the bridge of her nose and held a clipboard in one hand. She spoke in a firm but not hostile tone.
Ms. Kuroda: Good morning, Class 1C. I'm Ms. Kuroda, your homeroom teacher for this year. I'll also be teaching you literature.
She gave the class a once-over, then tapped her clipboard.
Ms. Kuroda: Let's begin with roll call. When I call your name, just say 'present.' Loudly, please.
The list began.
Ms. Kuroda: Asuna Yuuki.
Asuna: Present.
Ms. Kuroda: Kazuto Kirigaya.
Kirigaya: (Half-lazily) Here.
Ms. Kuroda: Kiyomi Aoki.
Kiyomi: (Clearly) Present.
Ms. Kuroda: Jiyuu Sakamoto.
Jiyuu: (Cheerfully) Right here!
Ms. Kuroda: Soma Ayanokouji.
Soma: (Calmly) Present.
The list continued until all names were checked off. Then, she clipped the board against the desk.
Ms. Kuroda: Now, before we move on with the orientation, we need to select two class representatives-one male, one female. They'll help with communication between the faculty and students and assist in organizing class activities.
A beat of silence followed.
No hands were raised. Not a single one.
Ms. Kuroda: (Sighing quietly) Volunteers?
Still no movement. Then-
Lucy: (Raises hand, bored) Fine. I'll do it.
Haruto: (Grinning, raising his hand too) Same. Can't let her have all the power.
Ms. Kuroda: (Smirking slightly) Well, that was easy.
She scribbled something down.
Ms. Kuroda: Lucy Mochizuki and Haruto Tanaka will serve as class representatives for 1-C.
Kirigaya: (Whispering to Asuna) We didn't even vote.
Asuna: (Whispering back) Honestly? They're probably the best chaos managers we have.
Soma, sitting between Jiyuu and Kiyomi, just stared straight ahead. One period in and this class was already unpredictable.
Ms. Kuroda: Alright, class. We'll move on to the orientation documents and club registration shortly. But first relax. You survived your first morning.
The bell rang for lunch, echoing through the halls of Raimon Gateway.
Ms. Kuroda closed her folder with a clap.
Ms. Kuroda: That's all for homeroom today. You're free until the next period. And don't forget to review the club registration sheets on your desks.
Students began packing up, the classroom quickly shifting from quiet focus to lively chatter.
Kirigaya: (Stretching) Finally. My brain's already done for the day.
Lucy: (Grabbing her bento) You mean it ever started?
Haruto: (Laughing) Savage.
Asuna: (Standing up) Let's find a place to eat before all the good spots get taken.
She looked over at Soma, who had just zipped up his bag.
Asuna:"You coming?
Soma: (Nods) Yeah.
Kiyomi stood as well, tucking her chair in with quiet precision.
Asuna, Kirigaya, Soma, Kiyomi, Lucy, Haruto, and the rest of the group filed out of the classroom together, arguing and chatting in their typical cadence.
The group headed to the rooftop, which is a popular lunch destination for students who prefer privacy, sunlight, and a breeze while eating. Fortunately, there was still time to locate a peaceful spot.
They spread out their lunches and sat in a loose circle, backs resting against the low concrete wall.
Kirigaya: (Popping open his lunch box) Alright. Time for the daily roast session. Who packed what?
Lucy: (Showing off) Homemade curry rice, extra spicy.
Haruto: (Grinning) Remind me never to argue with you while you're holding chopsticks.
Asuna: (Smiling) I brought sandwiches. Easy to eat, no mess.
Kiyomi: (Quietly, unwrapping her lunch) I made mine last night.
Soma: (Opens his simple bento) Convenience store, as always.
Kirigaya: (Mock gasp) Blasphemy.
Laughter rippled around the group.
But even amid the smiles, Soma felt something off-like a presence missing from the circle.
Or rather, one that was too close during class and too distant now.
He glanced toward the stairwell, but Jiyuu hadn't followed.
Asuna: (Noticing his glance) Don't let her get in your head.
Soma: (Quietly) I'm not.
But even he didn't sound convinced.
Laughter circled the rooftop as the group continued their lunch, their voices blending with the light breeze drifting across the sky.
But Soma sat a little quieter now, barely touching his food. His eyes were fixed on the skyline, but he wasn't really seeing it.
Not here.Not now.
Soma goes into another flashback
The grey skies of London stretched above him, casting a chill over the cobblestone courtyard of the small university where language prep classes were held.
Jiyuu stood beside him, her hands wrapped around a paper coffee cup. Her cheeks were flushed red, not from the cold, but from excitement.
Jiyuu: (Laughing) You've got to admit, this place has charm. Like something out of a European drama.
Soma: (Hands in his coat pockets, smirking faintly) Cold, expensive, and always raining?
Jiyuu: (Elbowing him) Okay, Mr. Moody. I meant the good kind of charm.
She took a sip from her coffee, then looked up at him with that usual glint in her eyes.
Jiyuu: You're always quiet around others, but with me... you talk more.
Soma: (Looking away) That's not true.
Jiyuu: (Smiling, leaning into his space) It is. You let me in, even if you don't realize it.
He didn't say anything.
Back then, he didn't know how to deal with the mess in his head. The pressure. The homesickness. The silence back home. The guilt he carried with him like luggage.
Jiyuu had shown up in his life like a warm distraction, bold and loud and impossible to ignore.
And he had let her in because she made the loneliness a little easier to carry.
But even then, somewhere deep down, he knew...
It wasn't going to last.
A sharp gust of wind pulled Soma back to the present.
He looked around and blinked. The group continued to converse, with Kirigaya now arguing animatedly with Haruto about which anime opening featured the best vocals.
Then-
Lucy: (Suddenly, loud) SOMAAAAA?!
Soma jolted upright, his chopsticks nearly slipping from his fingers.
Soma: (Shocked) Y-Yeah??
The group turned toward him.
Asuna: (Raising an eyebrow) There it is again. You totally spaced out.
Kirigaya: (Teasing) That's twice today. First in the morning, now during lunch. We seriously need to get your system updated.
Haruto: (Snorting) Probably lagging from low memory.
Lucy: (Playfully nudging him) You good though?
Soma forced a small smile, brushing off the moment.
Soma: (Quietly) Yeah... just thinking.
But as he turned back to his food, the flavor was gone from his mouth.
Jiyuu's laughter still echoed in his head-faint, haunting, like it had been stitched into the wind.
Kiyomi didn't say a word. But from where she sat, she noticed it too.
The distance in his eyes. The weight behind his voice.
Asuna: We should check out the Student Council Office tomorrow morning.
Kirigaya: (Mouth full of rice) What for?
Asuna: Clubs, activity schedules, leadership posts, all that stuff. If we're going to be involved, we should understand how it works.
Lucy: (Sipping from her water bottle) Not a bad idea. Clubs open officially next week, right?
Haruto: Yeah. Would be good to get ahead before they're flooded.
Kiyomi: (Quietly, but nodding) I'm fine with that.
Soma glanced over, thoughtful.
Soma: You think we'll be allowed in? First-years don't usually walk into the council room like that.
Lucy: (Casually, brushing crumbs from her lap) Yeah, we are. It's open to all students-especially during the first two weeks. They want people to get involved, remember?
Kirigaya: (Grinning) Wow, look at you knowing rules. Impressive.
Lucy: (Rolling her eyes) Unlike some people, I actually read the orientation packet.
Haruto: (Leaning back) Translation: she skimmed the bold parts.
Asuna: (Ignoring them, focused) Then it's settled. Tomorrow morning, front lobby at 7:45. If we're early enough, we can ask questions before classes start.
K Kirigaya: (Standing up and stretching) Back to academic suffering.
Lucy: (Dryly) Your math grades were already suffering before today.
The group laughed as they gathered their things and began heading toward the stairwell, their next class looming-but with a shared goal waiting for them in the morning.
And as they left the rooftop behind, none of them said it out loud...
But it felt like something was beginning again.
The final bell rang.
The sound echoed like a breath of relief across the school as students packed up, the energy of the first day winding down into lazy stretches, yawns, and the rustling of bags being zipped shut.
Class 1C slowly cleared out. Some students rushed to catch their buses, others lingered to chat or finish jotting down notes.
Asuna, Kirigaya, Haruto, Lucy, Kiyomi, and Soma regrouped at the hallway exit.
Kirigaya: (Swinging his bag over his shoulder) First day down, four hundred more to go.
Lucy: (Playfully) Only four hundred? You're being optimistic.
Asuna: (Smiling) Don't forget. Tomorrow morning-7:45. We're going to the Student Council Office.
Kiyomi: (Softly) I'll be there.
Haruto: (Thumbs up) Wouldn't miss it.
They exchanged quick goodbyes and headed off in different directions-each fading into the crowd of students spilling out the gates.
Soma walked a little slower than usual, letting the noise fade behind him. The sky above had already begun to shift into early evening, golden light spilling over the school walls.
His phone buzzed.
He pulled it from his pocket, expecting a message from Asuna or maybe a club announcement.
But it was neither.
Unknown Number: Be on the terrace tomorrow morning. Before the bell rings.
There was no name. No emoji. Just a single, clean message.
Soma stared at the screen, eyebrows drawing together.
The terrace...?
He glanced back at the school building once more, as if trying to read an answer from its windows.
To be continued in Chapter 4...