Final year of high school.
A young man with a tired expression leaves his house, heading toward school.
Even if his lack of motivation isn't obvious at first glance, he tries to look presentable for others. After all, it's the first day of classes after some rather pleasant vacations.
It's not like there's a specific reason or person making him not want to go to school. It's just simple exhaustion… and laziness from having to get out of bed.
"What a drag… seriously," he muttered under his breath.
These vacations went by so fast… though I don't really hate that they're over. What I truly want is to see Monika again — my friend, the girl I've been in love with for a long time.
I've known her since the beginning of high school, and every year since then, I've tried to become something more to her, but… it's always the same.
When I confessed to her, she rejected me with the excuse that she didn't want to ruin our friendship, that she didn't want to change what we had as best friends. I can understand that… I think.
She's had a boyfriend for three years now, and ever since then, I stopped trying.
It's not because I lost interest. It's something much more complicated.
Some friends tell me to make her fall for me in secret, but to me, that feels selfish. Even though I love that woman, I wouldn't want to steal the happiness she has with her current partner. You can tell they're happy together… besides, she made it clear all these years that she doesn't want anything more with me.
If I somehow managed to win the love of that beautiful woman, I wouldn't want someone else secretly interfering in our relationship.
That's why I prefer not to get between them. Doing that would be miserable.
Right after that thought, a voice echoed from the distance.
"Itsuki!!"
A girl ran toward him with a bright smile.
It was Ayae — a girl I met during these vacations.
She became my friend the very same day she moved into the small neighborhood where I live. Ayae is the kind of girl who's always cheerful, always helping others. Her adorable appearance makes simply looking at her feel pleasant. I don't know if it was luck or destiny, but becoming friends with someone with such a kind heart makes me feel… special.
Ayae finally reached me.
"You're mean, you didn't wait for me," she said in a slightly high-pitched voice, wearing an adorable expression.
"Sorry, Ayae. I didn't mean to… I left a little late and thought you were already ahead."
"I see…" she replied, lowering her gaze. "Aren't you excited to go back to school this year?"
"Maybe," I said, a little embarrassed. "I feel kind of bad because I'll be busy again… but with you around, I don't think I'll get bored. I'd like to help you feel comfortable with everyone."
"Thank you, Itsuki."
She smiled.
"I hope so… I want to have fun with you."
After a while, we arrived at school. On our way to the classroom, we ran into Kunze and Jeremy, two good friends of mine. Even though Jeremy is in a different class, we always keep in touch and usually spend time together.
"What's up, Itsuki?!" Kunze said enthusiastically. "Finally seeing you after three long months!"
"It's not that dramatic," I replied, slightly uncomfortable. "We'll see each other all year anyway… but I'm glad to see you too."
"Hope you guys hang out and enjoy yourselves," Jeremy commented, "but don't forget to stay responsible with your homework."
"Of course!" we both answered.
While they were talking, Ayae seemed almost invisible.
"Now that I think about it… who's this little girl?" Kunze said teasingly.
"I'm not a little girl!" she protested. "I'm Itsuki's friend."
"How come you have a friend we don't know?" Jeremy asked. "You look like you've known each other for a long time."
"Actually… we met during the vacation," I said, slightly embarrassed. "But when I'm with her, it feels like we've known each other for years."
At that moment, the bell rang, signaling it was time to go to class.
"Wow, that was fast," Kunze said, discouraged. "Let's go, Itsuki. See you later, Jeremy."
"See you," he replied with a smile.
We took a few steps.
"Oh, right," I added. "I forgot to mention — Ayae will be in our class."
"Seriously?" Kunze said excitedly. "Then that's one more person in our group."
"I hope I get along with everyone," Ayae said enthusiastically. "I like making new friends."
"I'm sure you will," I told her. "You'll see."
After a short while, we reached the classroom door. We stopped for a few seconds, as if none of us dared to enter first.
It's our final year of high school… and I don't know why, but I have a feeling I'll never forget this year.