I fixed the blue necktie of my uniform for the third time.
It wasn't crooked. I knew it wasn't. But my hands kept going back to it anyway, like maybe this time it would magically make me feel more prepared.
My hair was already done, one braid hanging neatly over my shoulder. I'd finished it earlier and even double checked in the mirror to make sure it didn't look weird or childish or too much.
I stared at my reflection.
…Yeah. Still me.
"I can't believe today's the day," I muttered to myself.
School was starting again.
And she might be there.
I grabbed my backpack, slung it over my shoulder, and left my room before I could talk myself into lying back down and pretending I was sick.
Downstairs, the kitchen was already lively.
"Oh! Good morning, Mayumi!" nanny said cheerfully the moment she saw me.
"First day of school today!"
"Morning," I said, trying not to sound as nervous as I felt.
She walked over and handed me my lunch. "I packed your lunchbox already. You don't want to skip meals on your first day."
I took it, a little embarrassed.
"Thank you… I promise I'll eat it this time."
She laughed. "You'd better."
I slipped the lunch into my bag and adjusted the strap, suddenly very aware of how real everything felt now.
"I'm heading out," I said.
"Alright. Be careful, okay?" she replied warmly.
I nodded. "I will. Bye."
"Have a good day at school!"
I stepped outside, the door closing softly behind me.
The morning air felt colder than I expected.
Okay, I told myself. It's just school. Just classmates. Just—
Her face flashed into my mind.
…Yeah. Right.
I exhaled slowly and started walking, my thoughts already spiraling ahead of me.
What if she's in my class?
What if she sits next to me?
What if everyone keeps pestering me about it?
I didn't like attention.
I didn't like pressure.
And somehow, she had managed to become both.
I grabbed my bicycle and headed for the gate, the cool morning air brushing against my skin and easing the tension in my chest just a little.
Okay… that helps.
I hopped onto my bike and rode down the street, the quiet hum of the wheels grounding me. Soon enough, I was out of town, the road stretching ahead with rice fields on both sides… green, wide, and calm, like nothing stressful had ever happened.
Other students were already on their way.
Some riding bikes like me, others walking in small groups, chatting like it was just another normal day.
I tried to act like it was normal too.
When I reached the school gates, the place was already buzzing. I parked my bike at the bicycle rack, locked it carefully, because no way I was letting it get stolen on the first day… and took a moment to breathe.
There were… a lot of students.
Way more than last year.
"So many people…" I muttered under my breath.
Did the school suddenly double in size or something?
I guess a lot of new students enrolled this year. Freshmen, probably. The campus felt louder, fuller and yeah, that made my nerves creep back in.
I walked over to the bulletin board where the class lists were posted. A crowd had already gathered, everyone scanning frantically for their names like their lives depended on it.
"Excuse me—sorry—uh, sorry," I said quietly as I squeezed my way through.
Then I saw it.
Reyes, Mayumi
Section: Marigold 1
"Ah… okay," I murmured.
I spotted familiar names too. Old classmates. That was… reassuring, I guess.
And of course.
Faye.
"Yeah. Figures," I sighed.
Of course we're classmates again.
I kept scanning the list.
And then—
My heart skipped.
…No.
Wait.
Elena Santos
My hair practically stood on end.
"Santos…?" I whispered.
That's Uncle Peter's surname.
There was absolutely no way this was some random Elena. No way. That name wasn't common enough for coincidences like that.
"This is the same Elena…" I thought, my chest tightening.
The same one I know.
I stared at the paper longer than necessary, hoping this is a different Elena…
I haven't even gone to class yet, and I already want to go home.
I went inside the building, climbing the stairs until I reached the second floor. The hallway felt longer than it should've.
I saw my section name was taped to the classroom door.
Marigold – Section 1.
Man… I can't believe I'm about to see everyone again.
Not that I have a lot of friends.
Actually... friend. Singular. Hazel and of course, she goes to a different school. Because why wouldn't she? Living far from town, living her best life, while I'm here about to walk into social hell.
Great…
I stood in front of the door for a few seconds longer than necessary, probably looking like an idiot. Then I finally pushed it open.
The classroom was already loud, chatter everywhere. Groups had already formed, circles closed in tight. Laughter bounced off the walls and the moment I stepped in, I felt it that subtle shift. Eyes drifting toward me, curious, judging, measuring.
My skin crawled.
I scanned the room quickly, hoping to disappear and then I saw her.
Faye sitting near the back, surrounded by people, smiling like always.
Ah. Of course.
Please ignore me. Please don't talk to me.
I lowered my head and hurried toward the nearest empty seat by the window. My usual spot, my safe spot, but before I could reach it—
An arm shot out and blocked my way.
"Oh hey, Mayu! Long time no see!"
I looked up.
Faye.
She was smiling like nothing happened like she didn't leave me behind. Like we were still… whatever we used to be.
"Oh. Hey," I said, my voice flat.
"I'm… alright. I guess."
She didn't move she was still blocking my path. Then, like it was the most natural thing in the world, she threw an arm around my shoulders.
"Hey now, why so cold this early in the morning?" she laughed.
"It's the first day!"
My stomach twisted.
"Come on," she continued, leaning closer.
"You're still upset about that day? It was just a little prank, Mayu."
A prank?
She waved her hand dismissively.
"You were knocked out, so I took the others home first I was gonna come back for you, you know? I swear."
She exaggerated her gestures, acting it out like a story meant to be funny.
I felt my hands curl into fists.
She was coming back?
That day replayed in my head without permission.
The shed.
The rain pounding against the roof so loud it drowned out everything else. The mud soaking through my clothes. Waking up alone, dizzy, head pounding, not knowing how long I'd been out.
It was dark.
I was alone.
The awful realization that no one was there.
No one was coming back.
My chest tightened. I hated how easily she said it. How casually she brushed it off, like leaving someone unconscious and alone in the rain was nothing more than bad timing.
I pulled slightly away from her grip.
"…I need to sit," I said quietly.
She looked a bit perplexed, her smile faltering. Slowly, she loosened her arm from around me.
"Hey… Mayu, wait—" she started, her voice quieter now.
"Alright, everyone, take your seats," the homeroom teacher said as he walked in, clapping his hands together once.
"Settle down. We're starting, and I have an important announcement to make."
Oh my god, perfect timing.
Bless you, sir. Truly.
I slipped past Faye without another word and quickly made it to my seat by the window. She hesitated for a second, then turned and walked back to her group at the back of the room, blending in like nothing happened.
Finally, That was over.
The teacher placed his bag down and glanced around the room.
"Now then," he continued, "before we begin, I want everyone's attention."
Uh-oh.
"We have a new transfer student joining us today," he said. "So I expect all of you to be welcoming and respectful."
…Ah.
Wow.. Perfect timing indeed.
I said that too soon.
The room instantly buzzed with whispers, Who is it? A guy? A girl? From where? Chairs shifted, heads turned toward the door.
The teacher slapped his hand against the desk.
"Quiet. You'll see soon enough."
My stomach dropped.
Of course.
I almost forgot about her.