Arrived at School

I saw myself covered in dirt in the school restroom. I washed my face and my hands before going to the classroom. I quietly entered the classroom and sat at my seat. Isseiyama Kanjiro who sits in front of me I guess he heard a noise and turned around to see my face all wet. It was still class hours so he didn't talk to me.

"So… Why were you late to school today?"

Kanjiro looked at me with a curious face as I stared at the sky with a blank face during break."

"I woke up late today, that's all."

I didn't want to lie to him,but I knew that if I told him the truth, he would yell it out in front of the whole class. He was a very popular student since he is funny and cheerful all the time but I didn't want to cause a big scene.

"Oh really, why was your face all wet when you came in here? Also, the back of your hand is full of blood."

I frantically looked at my hand and he was right. There was dried blood on my hands.

Shit, I thought I washed my hands well enough too. I didn't even notice this small area of blood.

"I cut myself making bacon for breakfast."

Another lie, I am such a terrible friend.

"Look Juni, if there is anything you need to tell me, I am here for ya alright? We are bros right? We have known each other for so long now."

I always knew Kanjiro was a kind man. He was the only one willing to talk to a gloomy guy like me. I often hear his other friends asking him why he would talk to me. He would always reply with the fact that I needed someone I can trust and he wanted to be that person for me. I always thought about telling him about that day, but can never do it. I don't want him to worry about me more than he already had to.

"Thank you, nothing happened."

I forced a smile on my face. It seemed to convince him I was alright. He fist bumped me and went to use the restroom.

The bell finally rang. I walked out the classroom after that test and felt… nothing. I knew basically around nothing on that test and I was alright with it. I was on track to repeat this year already, so what's the point of studying a lot now. Kanjiro walked beside me and kept telling me to study even a little. All I can do is smile at him. I told him I knew what I was doing but he knew that wasn't the case. I guess he didn't want to bother me more so he kept it quiet afterwards.

Maybe I will study a little bit next time so he doesn't worry me more.

As we walked by the other classrooms to the cafeteria, I caught a glimpse of a girl. Kinai-san. It looked like she was talking to her friends but she wasn't smiling. If I were to guess it was probably to tell everyone about her morning experience. Seems like everyone is shocked. I walked past her classroom without a second thought and went to the cafeteria. I grabbed the free rice and pork set the school had and sat down while Kanjiro went to get some shrimp and fish. He loves seafood.

"Hey, did you hear about the rumors that Kinai-chan was assaulted by an adult man today? It seems before the situation got worse someone was able to save her. That person seems to have left right afterwards."

"O-oh yea, I heard about it. Hopefully she isn't too frightened by that experience."

Of course. She is the school's idol after all. Anything that happens even remotely related to her spreads like wildfire in this place.

"Yea, I just wonder who this secret prince is that saved our school idol."

"Does it really matter though? The person left right afterwards, he doesn't want to catch attention. Thats all"

"Yea, but just seems weird that he would save a girl and leave right afterwards. If I was that person, I definitely would have used that chance to get closer to our idol!"

"Yea yea whatever. You already have plenty of girls chasing after you with your good looks. Why don't you just choose one of those? I thought Suiha-san had a huge crush on you"

"Sure Suiha-san is pretty but her cold personality towards others bothers me a lot."

Kanjiro honestly had a point, there was one other girl who could rival Kinai's looks and it was Suiha Kei. She ranks number one in all of the subjects tested in this school. Her cold personality however keeps her from making friends. She has even been called "Ice Queen" by some people.

"And speaking of the devil."

The atmosphere suddenly felt different and I turned around to none other than Suiha-san herself. Dozens of pairs of eyes, mostly from boys, went straight to Suiha and words of admiration flooded out…

Wait. Why is she coming directly at our table? Wait, what is happening??

She stopped in front of the table me and Kanjiro were sitting at and looked directly at my eyes.

"Ayanami-san, I saw the scores for the test we took last week and you ranked last again. Why?"

Why is she bothering her own time asking me this question? Its not like its her problem what happens to me in the future. What the hell?

"I am sorry, but I don't think it is your problem to worry about my grades. Sorry if that came out as rude, but I don't want you to worry about me. Thank you."

Her crimson eyes, still staring right at me, seem to be filled with fire.

"As the administrative academic office representative, I always worry about classmates that are in need of help. You are to attend remediatory lessons starting next week after school. This was told to me by the school office. No exceptions."

Seems like I can't get out of this one. Yea, maybe I shouldn't have come to school today after all.

"Oh hey Kanjiro-kun! I didn't see you there! Do you mind if I sit down next to you? I have these two movie tickets and I was wonderin–"

"Sorry Suiha-san, me and Juni were just about to return back to our classroom. Maybe next time."

True I was basically done with my food anyways and there wasn't really a reason to stay in the cafeteria as it was really hot in here. Kanjiro grabbed me by the arm and we walked back to the classroom. I turned back and saw Suiha's face full of contempt as if I was stealing Kanjiro away from her.