Back to School

Minami no hanashi : Yume - Prelude

An alarm clock started ringing.

*Inhale, exhale*

"What did I dream about last night?"

"Minami, hurry up!"

-(Minami) Alright... let's do this.

On the way to school

Minami, rummaging through her bag and pockets, suddenly stopped.

-(Minami) Oh no... I'm already out of battery... I'll have to make a detour to the convenience store.

Heading to the convenience store

As she walked peacefully, she spotted a dog. It was staring at her while wagging its tail. A staring contest ensued until...

*Woof!*

-(Minami) ...

Minami crossed the street.

Once at the convenience store, inside, there was a grandma with a wrinkled face but a warm smile; she was the guardian of this sanctuary of the past. The shelves were filled with retro treats, boxes of candies with faded colors, and products from a bygone era. The old floor creaked under Minami's steps as she came to get more than just supplies; she came to get her favorite cereal bars, where the grandma's unconditional love for her little konbini was palpable at every moment.

"Ah, Minami, hello."

-(Minami) Hi.

"You're always getting the same thing, I suppose?"

-(Minami) Yeah! But this time, I'll just take one box.

"Oh really? Usually, you take ten times more."

"Yeah, I know, but this time I'm not stocking up. Just enough to get through the day."

"Oh, I see. In that case, it'll be 264 drymats."

On the way to school

While walking, Minami glanced at her phone.

"It starts at... 8:30. Okay, I still have at least twenty minutes."

She continued her journey while enjoying her favorite cereal bars. It was indeed a pleasant moment for her, finally able to recharge her batteries in peace. However, a disruptive element intruded upon this peaceful moment. She sensed the insistent gaze of a child fixed on her snack, an observation she couldn't ignore. Intrigued, Minami interrupted her snack and locked eyes with the boy, a protective look appearing on her face.

"I want some!" He said with puppy eyes.

Another child ran in their direction.

"Ha! There you are! I've been waiting for you for ten minutes!"

"Oh, sorry, Naoki! I overslept!"

-(Naoki) Oh, no worries, hurry up. And by the way, I want some too!

"Um... who are you talking to?"

-(Naoki) Well... Huh? Where did she go?

In the neighboring alleyway

-(Minami) *munching on her bar* Pick up, pick up, pick up!

"Hello..." He said with an exasperated tone.

-(Minami) Haha, I knew I could count on you, Jun! You know, we've known each other for a long time!

-(Jun) Oh no...

-(Minami) I have a favor to ask you!

Sensing danger approaching, he hung up before she could ask for anything.

-(Minami) Oh darn... Maybe I lack tact? But one doesn't just hang up on me!

She began knocking on a door insistently, producing a heavy sound that suddenly found a response. The door opened to reveal Jun. He looked at her with an expression of despair, but Minami, on the other hand, greeted him with a radiant smile.

-(Jun) You never stop, do you.

-(Minami) I completely forgot to stock up on cereal bars during the holidays! And so, could you–

Without giving her a chance to finish, and while closing the door, he replied, "Okay, okay."

-(Minami) Ah, and this time not in front of my door! Give them to my dad! And I'll pay you back!

With these words, Jun abruptly reopened the door: "What?! This time, Minami, it's not going to be possible. I'll leave them in front of your door and go back." He said, panting.

-(Minami) What?!

He closed the door on Minami's face. She wanted to call after Jun, but saw that the time was approaching.

"Argh! You're getting away with it this time! But if I don't see them, you'll see!"

After a few minutes of walking, Minami finally arrived at school. As soon as she passed through the wide school gate, a young boy who seemed enraged approached her.

"Raaah, Minami!"

She ignored him and continued walking, ignoring him. Unfortunately for her, the young man didn't let her escape. He expressed all his frustration.

"And you're ignoring me too! Last year, I remember telling you several times to stop eating this junk! Morning, noon, evening, and even in between, I always see you eating these sugar-filled things! And if you think I forgot last year at the sports festival... when you beat me..." He paused, becoming increasingly angry. "You were still eating those bars!! So believe me, this year, since we're still in the same class, I'll never give you the chance to–"

-(Minami) Wait. What?

"Yeah. You think I didn't notice? I'm sure you're doping with those things."

-(Minami) Wait, say that again?

"I was talking about those things you eat–"

-(Minami) No, not that, idiot! The classes? How do you know? Where did you see them?

"Huh? Well... at the entrance over there." He said, pointing towards the entrance.

Minami hurried towards the school entrance, leaving the boy behind.

"You've got to be kidding me!"

Minami pointed at the list of students with a worried expression, whispering her last name: "Katayama... Katayama...". She couldn't see herself on the list and started to panic.

Suddenly, a girl discreetly approached Minami, leaned on her, and pointed to what she was looking for.

"Katayama! You're here!"

-(Minami) Sanae!

-(Sanae) Hi!

This girl with a radiant smile was Mizuno Sanae, Minami's best friend.

"I hope we're in the same class." Minami said while looking at the board.

-(Sanae) Huh? We're in the same class, both of us. They posted the classes on the school website a week ago, you just had to log in.

-(Minami) Oh! Yes, we are together.

"I was saying~"

-(Sanae) Ah! Good morning, Takunomi!

-(Takunomi) Oh... Good morning, Mizuno.

Realizing Takunomi was right, she muttered, "Tss... We're really in the same class..." And added as she walked away, "Come on, Sanae, we'll be late if we linger here."

Minami turned abruptly, feeling like she was being listened to: "I think I'm still dreaming..." she said, rubbing her eyes.

A hurried boy passed by Takunomi.

-(Takunomi) Tishiku? Why are you running like that?

-(Tishiku) What do you mean? Aren't we late? It's already twenty-two!

-(Takunomi) It's at thirty.

-(Tishiku) Ah! I thought we had to arrive ten minutes early! Thank the Lord. He said, relieved.

 -----------------------------------

-(Tishiku) Hi, girls!

-(Sanae) Hi!

-(Minami) Hi.

-(Tishiku) How were the holidays?

-(Sanae) It was good but it went by way too fast!

-(Tishiku) Oh yes, way too fast. And how about you, Minami? He said, smiling.

-(Minami) I only managed to finish ten books... It went by way too fast...

-(Tishiku) Ten?! But you're amazing! I can't even finish one book!

-(Sanae) Haha, that's so her! You wouldn't guess it, but she's very passionate!

Minami left without waiting for her friend.

-(Sanae) Wait for me!

-(Tishiku) See you later!

It was around 8:30, and it was time for the students to attend the principal's speech. The gym was full, the students scattered and noisy, the principal stepped onto the stage, and the rows began to form.

Once all the students were gathered...

Principal's Speech:

"Welcome and happy back-to-school to all the students of Unmei High School! On this bright day, I am delighted to welcome the new first-year students who must not be intimidated by the grandeur of this school, its students, and its principal! Indeed, your seniors will be there to accompany you throughout the year, and this is surely the most important thing to me, especially when it comes to the relationship between seniors and juniors. Because yes, last year, we received several reports of students being neglected or even scorned by their peers. And that is my greatest regret. That's why I invite every student to be respectful towards their peers! And open to their seniors. Consider yourselves as brothers and sisters and hold hands! Because together we go further. And for disruptive students, know that I will have no tolerance for you. So be sure to be punished if you ever act disrespectfully towards anyone within the premises of this school, or even outside! You won't be safe from my hand! And those concerned will recognize themselves. Well, anyway. Let's move on to announcements..."

In the classroom

-(Sanae) Hmm... Isn't that Tsuka and Taiya??

-(Minami) Ah... with... Haru? If I'm not mistaken. She said, squinting her eyes.

-(Tsuka, Taiya) Hi Minami! Hi Sanae!

-(Sanae) Hi!!

-(Minami) Ugh... Do you have to shout? Everyone's going to stare at us.

Haru waved to them and went to sit in the front row. She was, the previous year, Sanae's self-proclaimed rival. Of the whole school, she always finished second, behind Sanae. But over time, she started to get closer to the twins, Tsuka and Taiya. However, there is still a certain awkwardness whenever she faces Sanae or Minami.

-(Taiya) Moh... it seems like my little Minami hasn't changed at all! Still so cold with her best friends! You know you hurt us by doing that? She said with puppy eyes.

-(Minami) Firstly, I'm not your little anything. Secondly, I'm not your best friend. Thirdly, stop the act and go over there with Haru!

-(Taiya) *crocodile tears* She doesn't like me!

-(Tsuka) Ohh... My poor... Minami, you should consider your best friends more!

-(Sanae) W-Well! I think you've teased her enough! Let's sit down; the teacher, he shouldn't be late.

The teacher entered the classroom.

-(Taiya) Or rather... she.

-(Sanae) I couldn't know!

The students all sat down wherever they wanted. Minami sat at a table where there was no one on her right. Sanae was on her left, while the two twins went to the front row to join Haru.

-(Teacher) A little silence, please. Ahem. Hello, everyone! I am Kobanocchi Miyako. I am an art teacher, and also your homeroom teacher. I hope we'll have a great year together!

Silence...

The room suddenly became silent, indicating a special year. Mrs. Kobanocchi thought desperately: I know I asked for silence, but not this much.

-(Kobanocchi)... Well! As you heard earlier, the principal wants no students to feel left out or ignored by everyone. So, I suggest that each of you come forward and introduce yourselves one by one to lay the foundation for a good relationship! Who's first?

Silence...

The silence was still as heavy. In this silence, Tishiku volunteered.

-(Tishiku) Me, madam! I'll start.

-(Kobanocchi) Oh, Zonomuba! Yes, go ahead!

Tishiku goes to the board.

-(Tishiku) So, hello everyone, nice to meet you! I am Zonomuba Tishiku! I like soccer, going outside, and I also like to laugh! I hope we can all get along well!

-(Kobanocchi) Yes! Thank you, Zonomuba! Anyone else?... Don't be shy!

A voice from the back of the class spoke up: "Mrs. Kobanocchi! Do it alphabetically!"

-(Kobanocchi) Yes! That's a great idea! Hmm... Let's start from the bottom of the list!... Zono– Oh, you've already gone. So... Yasushi Takumi!

-(Takumi) Huh!? What the hell is this! This can't be happening! If every time I have to take initiative it ends up like this, I'll end up staying silent forever!!

-(Kobanocchi) Oh! It's you? Perfect timing!

Takumi stands up in panic.

After his pitiful attempt, stressed, he heads towards the board to introduce himself in an equally pitiful manner...

Takumi goes to the board.

-(Takumi) Hello... My name is Takumi Yasushi!

-(Kobanocchi) Hm? On my list, it's written Yasushi Takumi... Did they make a mistake?

-(Takumi) Ah! Sorry! I'm Yasushi Takumi! I'm glad to meet you! I mean, happy!

A girl snickers in the back of the class.

-(Kobanocchi) Hey! Silence! We respect everyone's turn to speak!

"Haha! Sorry, ma'am! I couldn't help it! Mixing up your first and last name, that's something!"

-(Takumi) I should have stayed quiet.

-(Kobanocchi) It's not easy to speak in front of so many people. I'd like to see you try! Tell us your name and last name?

"Katayama Minami." She said mockingly.

Minami sighed in her corner, and Sanae displayed a nervous smile. The two girls stood there without saying anything as if they were already expecting it.

END OF CHAPTER