Chapter Text
Week 1, part 1
Saturday, September 2nd
Ayano looked on as the boxes were being transported inside the house. Her mother, Ryoba, chatted happily with her father. The sun beat down on the town, birds were chirping, and curious neighbors watched from their windows.
Buraza Town was a relatively small town from what Ayano had seen on the way to their new home. Her dark gray eyes focused on her parents. She looked at them impassively, disconnected from the emotions they were feeling. Her mother then turned to her and smiled, saying, "I hope you'll like Buraza Town, Ayano. It's here, at Akademi High in particular, that I met your father and fell in love! I can't wait for you to meet your senpai and finally experience the same love I have for your father."
Love was a foreign concept to Ayano. Or any other emotion for that matter. A familiar, persistent emptiness resided in the depths of her heart, freezing any hint of emotion she could feel. Extreme joy, destructive fury, humiliating embarrassment, endless boredom could coexist in Ayano's heart. Otherwise, emptiness prevailed. Ayano didn't understand how or why her mother acted that way toward her father. She only knew that she was apparently going to experience these feelings when she met her senpai, whoever that may be. On one hand, Ayano was curious. On the other hand, she felt that the concept of love would only slow her down in achieving her goals, a waste of time in other words.
Since birth, Ayano had always had to analyze the world around her. She had come to realize that her lack of emotions prevented her from understanding and identifying social cues. This inability had cost her potential friends, not that she cared, to be honest. However, the lack of friends heavily affected her reputation. She was not normal, and the others knew it. Her mother knew it, but she understood. Her father, on the other hand, desperately wanted a normal daughter, a daughter who could smile, a daughter who could laugh, a daughter who could cry, a daughter who could express remorse. But that wasn't the case for Ayano. No matter how many hospitals she visited, how many doctors she consulted, how many medications she took, Ayano remained broken. Ayano was not normal, and she never would be, no matter her father's desires or her mother's reassurances.
However, she could pretend. And that's what she did. She pretended to be happy, to be sad, to be angry, to care about others, to express regret. Ayano learned to act like the perfect little girl, like the perfect student. Her father was overjoyed. Ayano was finally his normal little girl. Deep down, she knew her father understood that it was all lies, that it wasn't true. She also thought that's what encouraged him to travel so much for work. He could see her less often, avoid looking into her empty, lifeless eyes.
Now that she was 17, her parents believed she could take care of herself. That's why Ayano was currently watching movers transport boxes into their new house. Her parents were leaving the next day for a business trip, and Ayano would stay in Buraza Town to continue her studies at a new school, Akademi High.
Monday, September 4th
Ayano's alarm clock went off exactly at 6:00 in the morning. She turned it off and stayed a few extra minutes in bed, staring at the ceiling. Today was her first day at Akademi High. She would be entering directly into her second year, in class 2-1. Her mother had warned her that there would be a presentation at the beginning of the day due to the start of the school year. The school administration and various clubs would introduce themselves to the new students. A guided tour of the school was scheduled for the rest of the morning. Ayano couldn't say she was excited. She wasn't even sure if she could feel that way. She associated school with wandering through the halls filled with uninteresting silhouettes and listening to teachers talk about boring subjects. Ayano knew she had to try to make "friends." After all, a new school also meant that no one knew who she was. No one knew how broken and abnormal she was. "Friends" meant connections she could later use to achieve her goals.
Ayano sighed, already bored with the day ahead, and got up. She went to the bathroom to freshen up. Her footsteps echoed in the empty house. Boxes still cluttered the hallways and the living room. She would have to finish emptying and arranging everything, as her parents had left the day before and would be away for the next ten weeks. Ayano sighed again and finished getting ready. She put on her uniform, tied her ponytail, and looked at herself in the bathroom mirror. Her reflection's dark gray eyes stared back at her. Ayano tried to smile, and her reflection imitated her. The smile looked normal. She looked normal if one didn't look too closely into her empty eyes.
Ayano then went to her room to finish packing her bag. She had gotten ahead the previous day and started reading the textbooks. They weren't particularly interesting, but it passed the time, and Ayano had plenty of free time.
She then descended the stairs and went to the kitchen. She put two slices of bread in the toaster. While waiting, she took out some butter and a knife. Once the toasts were ready, Ayano spread butter on them before eating. When she finished, Ayano looked at the clock hanging in the kitchen. 7:00. She sighed again and washed the few dishes she had.
Ayano left the house and blinked several times to adjust to the sunlight. She then leisurely made her way to school. She took the time to look at the different shops as she traveled through the city. The more she knew her surroundings, the easier it would be to navigate. She began to explore the city a bit. After all, she was well ahead of schedule. She briefly made eye contact with a man with sharp black hair in an alley. Ayano looked away and continued on her way as if she hadn't seen him. Her goal wasn't to attract trouble just two days after arriving in town.
As Ayano was looking inside a manga store, she noticed a clock inside indicating that it was already 7:45. She had lingered enough. School started at 8:30, and she still had a good distance to walk to get there. Her exploration would have to wait a bit. She turned away from the shop window and changed direction.
As she turned a corner, she was suddenly propelled to the ground. Someone had bumped into her. A bit reckless, thought Ayano. Who turns a corner at full speed? Ayano finally looked at the person responsible for her fall. It was a young man, slightly older than her, with short black hair and coal-like eyes. Several books had fallen from his bag. Ayano didn't have time to continue observing him as the boy started apologizing, "Oh no! I'm so sorry. I didn't mean to make you fall. Please forgive me." The boy got up and extended his hand to her. Ayano hesitated for a second. She could easily get up on her own, but that might be seen as impolite. She didn't want to make a bad impression either. Based on the boy's uniform, he was also a student at Akademi High.
Ayano finally took the young man's hand and stood up. He then bowed before her, "Please excuse me. My name is Taro Yamada. May I know yours?" Ayano smiled at him, that's what she had to do to reassure someone, right? "Don't worry, Yamada-senpai. I don't hold it against you. It was an accident. My name is Ayano Aishi, it's a pleasure to meet you." She bowed in return. Taro smiled, his cheeks slightly flushed. Ayano briefly wondered if he was ill before remembering that he was running when he bumped into her. Taro leaned down and picked up his books and bag.
Taro leaned toward Ayano and said, "Aishi-chan, are you new to Akademi High? I don't think I've seen you before. And, please, call me Taro." Ayano nodded and replied, "In that case, Taro-senpai, you can call me Ayano. And yes, that's correct. Today is my first day at Akademi High. I'll be starting in Class 2-1." Taro raised an eyebrow and asked, "You're starting in the second year? Did you just move to Buroka Town?" Ayano nodded again, saying, "That's right, Taro-senpai. I arrived two days ago."
Taro started walking toward the school. "If you're okay with it, may I show you around the school? By the way, we should start walking. Otherwise, we'll be late for the assembly." Ayano followed him. "I appreciate your offer, Taro-senpai, but I'll be participating in the school tour with the first-year students, so it won't be necessary."
Taro hummed in agreement. "In that case, may I invite you to have lunch with me and my friend? We usually eat on the rooftop. I want to make it up to you for the incident a few minutes ago."
Ayano didn't really want to sit with them. She had planned to use the lunch period to try to make "friends" and observe who would be more likely to be useful to her in the future. However, if she refused, she might be seen as rude. She didn't know how quickly rumors spread at Akademi High, but she didn't want to take any chances. Taro seemed rather boring. Perhaps this "friend" would be more interesting. She couldn't solely "befriend" people who would be useful to her, as disappointing as that was. It would be too suspicious, and her intentions would be doubted. Starting slowly and having mundane, ordinary "friends" would be more effective. Ayano would then be seen as a helpful and social girl who cared about everyone. With her decision made, Ayano replied, "I would be honored, Taro-senpai. Also, don't worry, you're already forgiven."
They continued walking in silence and finally arrived at the school's gate. The large clock indicated it was 8:15. A woman stood in front of the gates. She had long blonde hair and was dressed in a red tracksuit. She smiled at them, "Good morning, Yamada-san. You can head to the gymnasium. The assembly will start in 15 minutes." She then turned to Ayano, "Hello! I'm Kyoshi Tachikawa, the sports teacher. Nice to meet you...?" Ayano understood the indirect question and bowed, "My name is Ayano Aishi, Tachikawa-sensei. I'm new. Today is my first day at Akademi High and in Class 2-1." Kyoshi nodded and turned to Taro, "Yamada-san, would you accompany Aishi-chan to the gymnasium since you already know where it is?" Taro nodded and bowed, "Certainly, Tachikawa-sensei. Ayano-chan, you can follow me."
Ayano followed Taro as they made their way around the school. They quickly arrived at the gymnasium, which was filled with people. A student in a white and red uniform was standing there with a clipboard full of papers. She had long straight black hair and green glasses. She looked at them disapprovingly as they approached. "The assembly starts in 10 minutes. Be here earlier next time. Being punctual is an expected quality for all Akademi High students," she told them in a dry tone. She then glanced at her papers, "Name?" Taro went first, "Taro Yamada, Class 3-2." The girl flipped through the papers before saying, "Row 14, seat 6." Taro thanked her and bowed, "Thank you, Kamenaga-senpai."
Kukoro then turned to Ayano, "Name?" Ayano responded, "Ayano Aishi, Kamenaga-senpai. I'm the new student in Class 2-1." Kukoro flipped through her papers and said, "Row 4, seat 9. You'll be seated with the first-year students. That way, it will be easier for you to join the guided tour after the assembly. You're expected to attend your afternoon classes in Class 2-1 like all your other classmates." Ayano bowed again, "Thank you for the information, Kamenaga-senpai."
Ayano entered the gymnasium and made her way to her assigned seat. She briefly looked around for Taro and found him seated further away in the room. She then shifted her gaze to the stage. Many people were sitting there on chairs. There was an elderly man who appeared to be the principal. Next to him was a woman who seemed to be his secretary. Several teachers were also present, as well as the school nurse. To the right of the stage, four students in the same white and red uniform as Kamenaga-senpai were seated. There was a young woman with red hair, another with blue hair and an eyepatch, and a third young woman with white hair and a scarf. Next to her was a young man with silver hair that reached his jawline, with a single rebellious lock of hair between his eyes. He had piercing icy blue eyes and observed the crowd with a calculating expression, holding some papers in his hands.
The sound of closing doors echoed through the gymnasium. Kamenaga and the sports teacher made their way to the stage and took their respective seats. The principal stood up and approached the microphone. He began welcoming everyone and explaining the school's rules. Ayano only half-listened. The announcement was particularly boring and repetitive. Ayano had learned that back-to-school announcements were similar in all schools. Ayano realized the principal had changed places, and now it was the secretary who was speaking.
Ayano let her gaze wander over the students. The first two rows were occupied by what Ayano assumed were club leaders, as they all had a red armband. The other front rows, including the one Ayano was sitting in, seemed to contain first-year students. Then came the second-years, and finally, the third-years where Taro was seated. Ayano observed the second-year students, her future classmates, and tried to find someone who might be useful to her. However, all she managed to do was make brief eye contact with a grumpy-looking young man with orange hair. His face turned red upon contact, and Ayano wondered if he was sick. After all, he didn't run like Taro earlier to have flushed cheeks.
Ayano shifted her gaze back to the front and saw Kamenaga approaching the microphone. "Hello, dear students. My name is Kukoro Kamenaga, and I am the vice-president of the student council..." Ayano stopped listening. The other members introduced themselves. The redhead girl was named Akane Toriyasu, the blue-haired girl was Aoi Ryugoku, and the white-haired girl introduced herself as Shiromi Torayoshi.
The silver-haired young man stood up and approached the microphone with a grace that none of the other members had demonstrated. "Hello, my name is Megamo Saikou, and I am the student council president..." He then began to give a speech about justice, success, and peace. Boring topics in Ayano's opinion, especially for a school assembly. Megamo then took his papers and started welcoming all the new students by calling out their names.
"Ayano Aishi." Ayano looked up to find that the young man was staring at her with his icy eyes. He then returned to his list as if nothing had happened. Ayano was confused. Did he know her? Yet, she had never met him before today. Did he know her family, then? After all, her parents had attended Akademi High. She would have to call her mother to ask.
Megamo finished reading the names of the new students. Then, the club leaders took turns going up on stage to introduce themselves and their clubs. Ayano mentally made a note of each one for later.
• Amao Odayaka was the Cooking Club leader.
• Kizano Sunobu was the Drama Club leader.
• Oko Ruto was the Occult Club leader.
• Aso Rito was the Sports Club leader.
• Budo Masuta was the Martial Arts Club leader.
• Geiju Tsuka was the Art Club leader.
• Miyuji Shan was the Music Club leader.
• Gema Taku was the Gaming Club leader.
• Kaga Kusha was the Science Club leader.
• Fureddo Jonzu was the Photography Club leader.
• Uekiya Engeika was the Gardening Club leader.
The teachers then stood up and began calling the students for their respective classes. Ayano made her way towards the first-year teachers. The school tour started and ended faster than Ayano had anticipated. It was now 1:00 PM, and it was lunchtime. Ayano remembered that she had promised Taro to have lunch with him and his friend on the rooftop. Sighing, Ayano climbed the stairs and prepared herself to act "normally."
On the rooftop, she easily spotted Taro, who waved at her. He was sitting next to the young man with orange hair who seemed sick during the assembly. Ayano approached the boys. "Hello. Taro-senpai, thank you again for inviting me to have lunch with you and your friend." She turned to the other young man, whose face had become even redder, and bowed. "My name is Ayano Aishi, senpai. It's a pleasure to meet you. I hope I'm not imposing; Taro-senpai invited me."
The young man exploded, "N-No! You're not a bother! B-But you better not be boring! OK!? And I'm not saying yes because I care; I don't even give a damn. I just don't want you wasting my time!" Ayano tilted her head. It was a somewhat impolite response. Instead of pointing that out, she smiled. "I'll try not to disappoint you, senpai. May I have your name?" The young man's face rivaled his hair color. "Osano Najimi. That's my name." Ayano bowed. "Nice to meet you, Najimi-senpai. May I sit next to you?" Osano averted his gaze, nodded, and mumbled, "You can call me Osano."
Ayano sat down on the bench and opened her bento. "In that case, Osano-senpai, you can call me Ayano." She then ignored the two young men as she enjoyed her lunch. She finished it quickly. When she looked up, she realized that Taro was staring at her. He smiled before returning to eating his own bento. Ayano found it a bit strange, but she wasn't the best at discerning what was "strange" and what wasn't, especially with her condition.
The bell rang, and it was time to go back to class. Ayano bid farewell to Taro and Osano before descending the stairs. She made a quick detour to the restroom before entering her classroom. Most of the desks were already occupied, so she resigned herself to sit in the middle of the back row. The teacher entered the class. Shortly after, Osano rushed in, out of breath, and sat at his desk, two seats away from Ayano. It was going to be a long year, Ayano thought.
The afternoon classes passed slowly and, just as Ayano had predicted, they were boring. Finally, the bell rang, signaling the end of the day. Ayano stood up and gathered her books. She then helped the other students clean the classroom for the next half hour. At the end, a boy with blond hair, blue eyes, a well-built physique, and a tan approached her with a warm smile. She should smile back, right? So she did. She recognized him from the assembly. Aso Rito, the sports club leader. "Hi!" he said, "I'm Aso Rito. I couldn't help but notice that you're new. Did you just move to Buraza?" Ayano nodded. "Ayano Aishi. Nice to meet you, Rito-Senpai. Yes, I just moved here." Aso chuckled slightly. "So formal. Please, call me Aso. If you need anything, feel free to ask." Aso bowed to her before grabbing his bag and leaving the classroom.
Ayano did the same and spotted Osano. He approached her. "It's about time! I've been waiting for you forever!" Ayano refrained from reminding him that she never asked for that and that they didn't really know each other. "I apologize, Osano-Senpai. Why were you waiting for me?" Osano's face blushed a shade or two. "So you wouldn't get lost! You're new, and this is a big school. You'll be bothering everyone if you don't know where to go!" Ayano held back an eye roll. He was annoying. "Osano-Senpai, I appreciate your concern, but I had already planned to stay at school a bit longer to explore the campus and the different clubs." Osano frowned. "You could have said so earlier! If I had known, I wouldn't have wasted my time waiting for you!" He then walked away without another glance. It was a particularly rude interaction. She never asked anything of him.
Ayano descended the stairs. She wanted to start exploring the clubs. She knew she wouldn't be able to see them all today, but she wanted to at least visit one. A delicious smell reached her nostrils, and she began to follow it. She quickly found herself in front of the open doors of the cooking club. Amao Odayaka, with brown hair and gray eyes, turned around and smiled at her. He was alone in the room. "Hello! I'm Amao Odayaka. Are you interested in joining the cooking club?" Ayano bowed. "Hello, Odayaka-Senpai. I'm Ayano Aishi. I hope I'm not intruding." Amao shook his head. "Not at all! I'm preparing today's workshops. The club members should be arriving soon. I always appreciate some company. Come in, don't just stand there. Take a seat."
Ayano approached and sat in the chair indicated by Amao. He took out a plate from the fridge. "Would you like some octo-dogs?" Ayano shook her head. "I don't want to impose more than I already have, Odayaka-Senpai." Amao smiled warmly at her. "Nonsense. They were made to be eaten. Take one. Also, call me Amao, Odayaka is my father." Ayano took an octo-dog and took a bite. Her eyes widened in surprise. It was delicious. Better than anything she had ever eaten. "Amao-Senpai, this is absolutely delicious." Amao's smile grew even wider. "I'm glad you like it."
A comfortable silence settled as Ayano finished her octo-dog. When she was done, Amao asked, "Are you interested in joining a club?" Ayano nodded. "Yes, that's why I'm here. I want to gather as much information as possible about the clubs to make an informed decision. I don't want to take it lightly and end up in a club I don't enjoy."
Amao put the octo-dogs back in the fridge. "That's very responsible of you, Ayano-Chan. Know that you're welcome to join the cooking club, even if you don't stay." Ayano stood up and bowed. "That's very kind of you, Amao-Senpai. I'm sorry, but I have to leave now." Amao bowed in return. "I understand, Ayano-Chan. I hope we'll see each other again soon."
Ayano then left the club just in time to see its members approaching. She glanced at the clock and decided that she could postpone exploring the other clubs for the next day. She headed home. In her bed, Ayano reflected on the day she had just experienced. She thought about Megamo's gaze. She would have to call her mother to find out more. Unfortunately, it was too late to do it today.
Ayano thought that she had acted well today, that she had given the impression of being "normal." Perhaps the year would go better than she had thought. It would still be boring, but bearable boredom.