The Quiet Days [1]
It was Sunday, just a day after the in-class voting special exam.
I woke up in the chilly morning, feeling the crispness in the air that hinted at the changing seasons.
The sky was painted in soft hues of pink and orange as the first light of dawn crept through my window, casting a gentle glow across the room.
I could hear the faint sounds of birds chirping outside, their morning songs blending with the rustling of leaves swaying in the light breeze.
The house was quiet, the kind of stillness that only an early Sunday morning could bring. I stretched beneath the warm covers, reluctant to leave the cozy cocoon of my bed.
There were certain complications, but I managed to survive the first exam. The memories of yesterday's tension lingered at the edges of my mind, but for now, there was a sense of relief and a momentary peace.
Some problems still linger in class 1C due to the unexpected outcome of the last exam.
Haruka is battling depression, Hirata has become uncooperative, and Horikita is more confused than a chameleon in a bag of Skittles. These issues are sure to cast a shadow over the upcoming year-end special exam next week.
But honestly, I'm not too worried about any of that.
Why? Because for the first time in ages, I feel truly free. Whether this is a dream or reality doesn't matter to me right now. I've been given a second chance to live my life unburdened, and that's exactly what I intend to do.
Besides, I trust our protagonist to eventually sort out the mess in class. I'll just sit back and watch it all unfold from a distance, like a soap opera I didn't know I was part of.
Yet, there's one regret I can't shake off.
Why on earth did I stop reading the series at volume 10?! Now, I'm as clueless about the upcoming special exams as a goldfish in a library!
Sorry, Kinugasa-sensei. If I ever wake up from this dream, I'll definitely buy all the volumes following Year 1, Volume 10.
Setting that aside, I checked my phone and saw invitations to hang out from Ike and Sudo. I declined them.
Today is all about me. No distractions allowed.
Moreover, Sakayanagi's invitation to date her totally creeped me out yesterday. I think, she got the information of me going to the office after classes from one of her spies.
It was clearly a bait to gauge out more information from me.
Sorry girl. I am neither interested in lolis nor in your little word games.
So, what should I do for the day?
Hm? Let's explore the school campus first. Then I would see if there's anything I want to try from that Keyaki mall.
Well, all I can do is explore though. Spending money wouldn't suit my meagre balance of about 15000 private points, on which I have to survive for the whole month.
In such moments, I wonder why I was transferred into the body of a student from this lower class.
And eventually, the urge to increase my class standing, by directly involving myself in special exams, rises up.
No, I should just think about relaxing today. Let's get ready.
***
Yamauchi Haruki was a student who spent points on anything he wanted. Therefore, there was a gaming console, several games, and such in his room.
While, the school is as big as a city, I preferred to explore the mall only for today.
As I made my way there, I saw a lone male figure sitting on a bench staring blankly towards the sky. It was Hirata. While, I know his problem and can give him some advice, it's not really under my control. I can neither provide him words of comfort nor words of inspiration.
I saw him looking at me, then averted his eyes almost instantly, as if he didn't want to look at me in the face.
He would not be quite perceptive either, so, I decided it was better to leave him alone for a while.
When I entered the mall, various stores caught my eye.
Students were everywhere, chatting, laughing, and enjoying their Sunday freedom. I wandered through the shops, admiring the latest fashion trends and high-tech gadgets I couldn't afford.
My stomach rumbled as I passed by the food court, the aroma of freshly baked pastries and sizzling street food tempting me.
I ended up at a cozy café, its inviting atmosphere too good to resist.
With a sigh, I ordered the cheapest item on the menu—a small coffee—and found a seat by the window.
Sipping my drink, I watched the lively scene outside, feeling a strange mix of contentment and longing.
Now that I think about it, Yamauchi once confessed to Sakura in the earlier volumes, not sure though.
As I scanned the cafe, a group of girls chatting happily caught me off guard.
It consisted of Sato, Shinohara, and two more girls from our class, I don't know the names of.
Well, my reputation has certainly taken a nosedive at the previous special exam, and Sakura's expulsion must have created some suspicions about me.
Moreover, Haruka's group might be blaming me for her expulsion. Although, Chabashira must have been surprised at the results too, she didn't bother to double-check, even if Haruka practically begged for a re-election.
As I scanned my environment further, another familiar girl was sitting alone with a book in her hand.
Not exactly familiar, but from her appearance, I recognize her.
Shina Hiyori. A quiet girl, loves reading books, hates to get involved in any conflicts, and silvery white hair.
Moreover, a male student was staring at me without being noticed for a long time from behind me. But he is yet to notice that I have already sensed his presence.
But how did I know that he was staring at me particularly?
It is one of the 108 skills I picked up during my office tenure under Shinomiya senpai, as she used stare at me like this too.
I think his name is Hashimoto. Must be spying for Sakayanagi.
At least take a break on Sunday, dude.
Well, if you are just digging my personal routine, I won't mind giving you something interesting.
Then I got up from my seat with the coffee, and went towards the lone female student with the book.
I had already thought of getting in contact with her anyway, so it was for the best.
Moreover, that group of girls had already left, and there was none from my class.
"Good morning Shina-san. Can I take a bit of your time?"