Meeting

"Meet your new classmate!" The teacher announced

Ah, here we go again. Another school, another chance for me to make a fool of myself. Yep, that's right, it's yours truly. The socially awkward superstar, making a grand entrance in the blink of an eye. Seriously, it's like I have a supernatural ability to teleport from one educational institution to another. Move over, Flash, I'm the new speedster in town! But hey, at least it keeps life interesting, right? Who needs stability when you can have a whirlwind of new faces, new classrooms, and new opportunities to embarrass yourself? Oh boy, buckle up folks, because this socially inept train is about to leave the station!

"He's a transfer student, ready to rock this class from now on. Give it up for Yukihiro Takahashi!" The teacher exclaimed, pointing towards me as we both stood at the front of the class.

Alright, here goes nothing...

Sweating buckets, heart racing like a marathon runner, I take a deep breath and mentally prepare for the social battlefield that is high school.

Okay, Yukihiro Takahashi, you got this. I mean, it's not like I'm about to give a speech to a thousand people or anything... Oh wait, I kind of am

With a shaky voice that could rival a malfunctioning robot, I introduce myself to the sea of unfamiliar faces.

"I-I'm Yukihiro Takahashi. Eighteen years old and, uh, um... that's pretty much it, I guess."

Smooth, Yukihiro, real smooth.

I quickly nod, hoping against hope that my brief introduction would be good enough.

Ha! It's more like I'll be the talk of the town for about two seconds until something juicier comes along. But hey, at least I tried, right? That's gotta count for something in the grand scheme of high school survival.

And there I was, being gestured by the teacher to take a seat near the window. As I gracefully strolled to my designated spot, I couldn't resist the temptation to sneak a peek at the captivating view outside. It was like witnessing a bustling city symphony - cars, buses, taxis, and even a daring delivery man on a bicycle.

Delivery guy, watch out for those potholes!

Ah, I could already feel the protagonist vibes seeping into my very being. Cue the dramatic music~!

Silence filled the classroom as the lesson droned on.

Being a transferee is like being a misplaced jigsaw piece in a puzzle party. While everyone mingles and fits perfectly, I'm here, crashing the party like a clumsy unicorn on roller skates. I'm the official outsider, the king of outcasts. It's like they're all synchronized swimmers and I'm a confused penguin. At least I'm not a white sheep, although they're treating me like a black one. Being the black sheep isn't so bad when you're actually a black sheep, right? 

And the bell rings.

 It was like a prison break for the students, everyone frantically gathering their belongings and engaging in animated conversations. The teacher gracefully announced the end of today's subject matter and granted us all a well-deserved break.

Time to recharge those brain cells! As if I have a single one...

Each of them step outside the room one by one as I sat there, contemplating the mysteries of life with my chin resting on my palm, I couldn't help but let out deep, theatrical sighs, one after the other.

Do I really have to be stuck in this awkward zone? Can't I just embrace the chaos and have a good laugh? Time to ditch the 'black sheep' jacket and join the wacky party! Who needs synchrony when you can bring your own hilarious dance moves? I might not fit the mold, but who wants to be a piece of the same puzzle anyway? Let's break free from the flock and dive headfirst into the wild mayhem!

"Hey, wouldn't it be lovely to grab a bite at the cafeteria?" I felt a tap on my shoulder, and as I turned, my gaze met the most enchanting girl. Her eyes sparkled like rubies, and her hair, oh, her hair was a mesmerizing shade of violet... or was it blue? Either way, it was captivating.

Pinch me, because I must be dreaming...

"Um,"

Oh no, I forgot to respond!

My attention drifted back to the cityscape outside the window, but my stomach couldn't help but protest.

"I'd love to, but I think I'll stay here for a little while longer," I replied, trying to sound nonchalant. Even though my stomach was begging for food, I couldn't tear myself away from the view.

"I understand," she sighed, disappointment glinting in her eyes.

Wait a minute... is it uncommon for strangers to resist such invitation? Or perhaps she has another motive altogether...

Before I could dwell further on my thoughts, a voice interrupted us. It was at that moment I realized we were the only ones in the classroom until the newcomer arrived.

"There you are, Yumi!" a voice called out, causing her to turn toward the door. She offered a small wave, and I could hear footsteps approaching.

Great, another interesting development...

"Oh, you're with the new student?" A young man peered over Yumi's shoulder and locked eyes with me.

"Hey there!" he said with an energetic grin.

"Yo," I replied, raising my hand halfheartedly in an attempt at a greeting. He had golden-brown eyes that seemed to twinkle mischievously, and his hair had a lustrous shade of brown.

"I'm Shenji. Nice to meet you... uh," he paused, momentarily forgetting my name.

"It's Yukihiro, you dolt. He just mentioned it earlier today!" Yumi chimed in, exasperated.

"Ah, right! Haha! My bad. Nice to meet you, Yukihiro!" Shenji extended his arm for a handshake.

I wonder if there's a prize for shaking his hand...

Despite my skepticism, I decided to humor him and extend my own hand for a shake.

"So, what were you guys talking about?" Shenji inquired, looking genuinely curious.

"Well, I sort of invited Yukihiro to join me at the cafeteria, but it seems he's not quite comfortable with the school environment. I think he's shy and nervous and anxious"

Wait a minute! I never said I was shy or nervous! Don't jump to conclusions, Yumi!

They both stare at me like they're thinking for a solution.

"I appreciate your concern, but honestly, I'm just not in the mood right now. I'd rather sit back and soak in this marvelous scene for a while longer," I clarified.

Once again, my gaze wandered back to the captivating cityscape outside.

"Wait until you see the city at night," Shenji interjected, leaning against the window with a mischievous smile.

Yea it surely will be fantastic

"Is this your first time in the city?" Yumi asked, taking a step closer.

"Uh-huh. I grew up in a more rural area, so this sprawling metropolis feels like an entirely new world to me," I confessed.

The three of us stood there, silently basking in the beauty of the city, the breeze gently caressing our faces.

As we gaze upon the bustling cityscape, the warm sunbeams dance through the glass windows, embracing our senses. The cars weave through the streets, stopping, starting, and reversing in a captivating rhythm. A delightful melange of people stroll by, their paths crossing on the vibrant sidewalks. The symphony of honking horns, revving engines, and even the merry jingles of ice cream trucks fill the air.

So this is the view when you're in the 5th floor of a school building

"Alright, enough of this lollygagging. We've got a cafeteria date, folks!" Shin exclaimed with a big stretch, snapping us out of our idle chatter.

Hold on a minute. Did this guy just decide everything by himself?

"But what about Yuki?" Yumi asked, her eyes darting towards me.

Don't involve me!

"No worries, he'll come along, right?" Shin grinned, oozing confidence.

This guy really is... something. Let's play a little more

"Wait, how can you just assume that?" I shot back, a sly smirk creeping across my face.

"Because, my friend, if you agree, this beautiful lady right here will give you a grand tour later tonight. Sound good?" Shin added, raising an eyebrow mischievously.

What does he mean by that? And You can't use people to use on other people!

"Are you serious?" Yumi's gaze locked onto Shin, disbelief written all over her face.

Yea that's what I thought. But if it's Yumi I'm about to take, that's fine. It's such an opportunity!

"Absolutely. So, let's grab some snacks now and save your sweet time for later," he concluded, giving both Yumi and I a cheeky wink.

"Shin!" Yumi playfully pulled his hair, causing him to yelp in pain.

"Ow-! Come on, I'm starving!" he protested, strutting away confidently.

They really do seem like siblings, so close and comfortable together.

"Don't mind him. He's always bursting with energy. If you'd rather stay here, it's fine—" Yumi started, but I cut her off.

"No problem. I'll go," I assured her with a smile.

I noticed her eyes narrowing, as she leaned in closer to my face.

"You turn me down and accept his invitation..." she muttered

"I-I... It's not a big deal. The city at night will be amazing," I stammered, returning the smile.

"It definitely will be! Let's go!" Yumi exclaimed, grasping my wrist and pulling me towards the door.

Yumi skips ahead, her excitement practically bouncing off the walls. The hallways are alive with the buzzing of students, their voices blending into a hilarious cacophony.

I can't help but wonder how on earth I got roped into this madness.

"Now, where the heck is Shin?" Her eyes dart left and right, practically giving me whiplash in the process.

We're standing in the middle of the cafeteria.

You know, that place where all the cool kids hang out? Yeah, that one. Anyway, it's your typical school lunch scene.

Students hustling and bustling, balancing trays of food like it's some kind of Olympic sport. Laughter fills the air, mixing with the clinking of plates and the clashing of forks.

I certainly don't want to make a scene... Please don't make a scene Yumi

"You can release your death grip on my wrist now. We're in the cafeteria," I say, half exasperated, half amused.

"O-Oh, right! M-My bad!" She suddenly releases my arm and goes into a full-on dramatic bow.

Lovely... Now I can feel a hundred pairs of eyes burning holes into us.

"C-Come on, let's not be so formal here. And you really don't have to apologize," I say, reaching out to lift her from her bow.

"But why? I mean, I’m a total stranger to you and I... We basically dragged you here. Sorry!" And then she goes and bows again.

"N-No, it's all good," I stammer.

But she's got a point... We're practically strangers to each other.

Now, where the heck is Shin?! That sneaky rascal!

After a minute of scanning the room with my eyes, I spot him tucked away in the corner, grinning like a mischievous gremlin.

You little...

"I found Shin! Ready to go?" I crouch down to Yumi's level, as she still has her head down.

"You're not mad?" She looks up at me with those doe eyes.

How in the world could I be mad at a stunning girl like you? And those perfect circled red eyes of yours... it's lethal!

Of course, I can't just come out and say that.

"I already told you, it's all good," I say, flashing her a smile

"I see you too have a little sweet time, huh?" Shin remarks as we approach him.

"Yeah, it's like we're in a scripted play," I retort, causing Shin to burst out in laughter.

"What are you two talking about?" Yumi interjects before we take a seat.

I plop down beside Yumi, with Shin sitting across from us.

"Come on, dig in!" Shin exclaims, staring at the table.

Dig in? Oh, I hadn't even noticed the spread of food in front of us.

As I glance down, I see three burgers and three cups of eggs and rice on the table.

"So, how's the school?" Shin asks, taking a big bite of his burger.

"Come on, Shin, he just got here this morning. Don't expect an accurate answer," Yumi quips, her mouth full of eggs and rice.

It's time for revenge!

"Yeah, that's a dumb question. Seriously," I scoff as I take a bite of my burger too.

"Oh...is that so?" Shin responds, an awkward smile stretching across his face.

"Speaking of which, why don't we give you a quick tour of the school this afternoon?" Yumi suggests, giving me a sly side glance.

At the mention of a tour, I almost choke on my burger.

"Sounds like he's loving it," Shin chuckles as I reach out for my water.

"What? A tour of the school?" I protested, still recovering from my near-choking experience with my burger.

"Yep! It's gonna be a blast!" Yumi exclaimed, turning her head towards me.

Oh no, not those puppy eyes again! I just can't resist them!

"Well, I'd love to join you guys, but..." Shin started, scratching his head, but Yumi cut him off before he could finish.

"You're coming with us, no ifs, ands, or buts!" Yumi declared, turning her gaze squarely on Shin.

Yeah, he better do... Wait a minute! I didn't agree to this yet!

"Hey, hey! Hold on a second! I haven't agreed to anything!" I protested, trying to make my point clear.

"What? Why?" Shin asked, wearing a mischievous smile and looking at Yumi.

"Why, you ask? You're coming with us, and that settles it! No further discussions!" Yumi exclaimed with conviction.

And just like that, they completely ignored my opinion.

Feeling like I was in a classroom, I raised my hand to grab their attention.

"Um, excuse me, but I really don't think..." I began, but Yumi cut me off once again. This time, she used the notorious two-fingered "I'm watching you" gesture, swinging her hand between Shin and me.

So this is the feeling when you have a stubborn friend

Friend...

Yea right they're not my friend, they just doing this because I'm a transferee and they don't want me to hate this school so... It's not about anything special

And in that very moment, I find myself gazing down at the table, absolutely dumbfounded.

"Hey there, something bothering you?" Yuki, with a concerned expression on her face, queries,

Oh boy, I need to snap out of this! Who needs friends anyway, right?

But before I know it, the table leaps up and almost smacks me square in the face.

"Oops, my bad!" Shin guffaws mischievously.

He kicked it! Sneaky little devil!

"You—" I start to retort, but then Yumi pops into my mind. I turn my head towards her and muster up the best excuse I can conjure.

"I'm alright, just, umm... gotta head home early today, sorry!" I stammer.

"No worries at all. We'll catch up another time," she replies, still tilting her head and looking at me.

Phew, saved by the bell! Time to make a swift exit!

And the bell rings, almost all the students in the cafeteria take their leave back to their classroom. Same for the three us.

Yea time for another boring class. Honestly I find the lesson interesting but I don't know why I feel boring at the same time.

This moment I realize that Shinji was sitting besides mine. He was focused on the lesson. While Yumi was on the front. And as the class on the front going, I notice Yumi's side glance on me.

Does she need anything?

And just like that, the day ends. Students started to lift their bags while I'm gathering my things and get ready to leave.

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