"Do you have your handkerchief? Tissues? It'll be a disaster if you forget your student ID. You haven't forgotten your lunch, have you? And... what about Himiko?"
Morning. As I stood in the entryway, ready to begin my first day in the Hero Course at U.A. High School, I could do nothing but scowl. Himiko, already dressed in her matching uniform, was treating me like a total child as if it were the most natural thing in the world. And what was this "what about Himiko" business? Why was she standing there with her arms spread wide and that expectant look on her face?
Don't look at me with those puppy-dog eyes. I'm not doing it. I'm not doing anything. I certainly have no intention of hugging you, you hear?
"What on earth are you doing? Come now, we'll be late if we don't leave."
"You're forgetting something! You can't leave Himiko behind!"
"Oof—!"
Good grief, girl. Don't just lung at me. Why must you be so boisterous so early in the morning? Though, I suppose last night was much the same.
...Is she truly this happy to be able to walk to school with me again after all this time? What a hopeless creature. I suppose I can let her have her way, just for a moment. The spring air is still quite chilly. Having her pressed against me like this makes me feel as though my body is warming up—spiritually, at least. In reality, it doesn't change much. Clothes are quite a nuisance when it comes to sharing body heat.
"Now, now... stop fidgeting. Come, let's go, you silly girl."
"Yes! Yes, ma'am!"
...I wonder if this is how one feels when keeping a particularly affectionate dog? No... could she actually be a dog? No, that's impossible. Himiko is a human. Unfortunately, a human. There are times when I wonder if she isn't some Special Grade Cursed Spirit that's latched onto me, but no, she is a perfectly ordinary human being. She just... lacks a bit of self-control.
Thanks to that, last night was an ordeal. I lost track of how many times I nearly passed out. I wish she'd learn a bit of moderation; my body won't hold out much longer at this rate.
"Hehe. We finally get to go to the same school!"
"Indeed. Still... just how much do you want to be with me?"
"Until I die, obviously."
"..."
This girl... she says the most outrageous things with a beaming smile. That said, it wasn't exactly a strange sentiment. I suppose I intend to stay with her that long as well. But having it put into words so bluntly makes me realize just how "heavy" her love really is.
I decided to ignore her comment for the moment and started walking. Our destination: U.A. High School. Just as I did in middle school, I marched out of the house with my head held high.
Still, a spring morning is far warmer than a winter one. The sunlight feels wonderful during the day, which makes it easy to get drowsy. Lately, it's been quite pleasant to nap in the sun with Himiko's lap as a pillow. Perhaps I'll borrow her lap again this coming weekend. Or perhaps I should offer her mine for once. I'm sure she has days where she'd like to nap in the sun too. It feels a bit unfair for me to be the only one enjoying myself.
Hm? What is it now, Himiko? Don't stop and tug on my hand. I can't walk.
"School isn't that way."
"...I knew that. I was simply walking this way because I felt like it."
Don't give me that look. I know exactly what you're thinking. You're about to call me "directionally challenged," aren't you?
"...Which way is the school?"
"That way. Madoka-chan, you have a truly mysterious lack of a sense of direction."
It was the exact opposite direction of where I had been heading.
Himiko won't leave my side. She won't let go.
While we walked, while we were swayed by the motion of the train, and even after we arrived at U.A., she didn't show the slightest intention of pulling away. She kept our hands clasped the entire time, and if we so much as paused at a crosswalk, she would immediately cling to me. If it were just that, it would be fine—but her attempts to kiss me are a bit much. Think about the time and place, you greedy girl.
It was a struggle to soothe her this morning; she's in a particularly needy mood. I want to let her do as she pleases, but there are certain things that are appropriate in public and certain things that are not.
"Okay, I'll come get you when school's over. Madoka-chan, you absolutely must not leave the classroom by yourself. U.A. is huge, so you'll de-finit-ely get lost."
"I know, I know. Now, go on, or you'll be late."
We were standing in front of the classroom where I'd be spending my days from now on. The first bell was about to ring, yet Himiko still wouldn't let go. By the way... why is there a sleeping bag lying in front of the door? Is there... a person inside that?
Is there some eccentric at this school who enjoys sleeping in the hallways? High school is a truly incomprehensible place.
"If you absolutely have to leave the room, make sure you go with someone else. A girl, okay? No boys. Especially not Bakugo-kun—he's the worst of all."
"Y-yes, quite..."
Don't suddenly radiate bloodlust. You really do despise that boy, don't you? I can see you've hidden a knife in your pocket again today. I suppose it's better than a kitchen cleaver, but... actually, no, it's not better at all. She's definitely going to pull that thing out somewhere.
"Hero Course classes will be hard, but I'll be sad if you forget about Himiko. Make sure you keep me right in your heart, okay?"
"I won't forget. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't."
"And... I want a kiss..."
"You..."
I told you, doing that sort of thing outside is... Ugh, fine. Fine, just stop looking so miserable. It's a massive headache when you pout. What a truly helpless girl. I don't know how many times I've thought that just this morning.
Is anyone around? No one? Good. Then...
"Mmph..."
"Nn..."
...There. Are you satisfied now? If you are, hurry up and get to class. You're a second-year, aren't you? You have no business being here. Stop smiling like that and get moving.
"See you later then, Madoka-chan!"
"Yes. Later."
"..."
"What is it now? Go on."
"...One more. Just one last one..."
"You..."
Honestly... one wasn't enough for you, you brat? How many times are you going to ask for "one last thing" before we part? Learn some restraint. It's not as if we're saying goodbye forever...
Fine, fine. I'll do it, but you have to be satisfied this time, understand? There won't be a third.
In the end, Himiko only left me after our lips had met five times. I suppose I should consider it lucky that no one walked by during that time. Actually, "lucky" isn't the right word. No one walked past, but that freak in the sleeping bag was right there.
And as it turns out, he's my homeroom teacher...
What is wrong with this school? Is this allowed? Is a teacher allowed to sleep in the hallway?
I personally think it's a bit much...
...What? "A free and open school spirit"?
...Well, if that's the case, I suppose it can't be helped. Or can it? Is this entire school perhaps populated by madmen?
Yes, they're mad. Utterly deranged. How do I manage to get threatened with expulsion on my very first day? Perhaps I should have applied for the General Education course instead of the Hero Course...