Damn it! This doesn't make any sense! I thought as I bit into my thumb.
I had it all planned out. I had purposely skipped the first couple of days of school so all the popular seats would be taken and yet that one remains.
It's as if horror music is playing in the back of my head as I stare at that damn seat. I can even feel a drop of cold sweat run down the back of my neck… hell there's even a suspiciously convenient beam of light on top of it!
What kind of sick joke is this?
I can't help but wonder when this all first began.
Situations that you only see in Mangas and Animes started happening one after another to me, seemingly out of nowhere.
Of course it wasn't much of a concern at first.
Some of those situations were actually pretty neat, like a certain convenient gust of wind at the right spot and right time, if you catch my drift.
However, once I entered High School, things really began to get out of hand.
Things that frankly, I'd rather not remember and had hoped I left behind… but now before me once again, is that seat, not just any seat but the seat.
Cliché number four. The protagonist seat.
The one you see in every damn story.
The seat where every main character has that typical lethargic look as they stare outside the window, as if they are thinking profoundly of some philosophical dilemma or some deep social commentary on life. But they are not trust me.
I would know because I've been there before and the only deep thought I ever had was if a straw has two holes or one, and if I was feeling controversial that day, if water is wet.
Put simply, that seat is nothing but bad news.
It's basically the trigger for annoying situations to happen.
Why the hell is that the only empty seat! I mean shouldn't it be the most popular?
It's literally at the back where it's hard for the teacher to see and notice you!
Are all my classmates that diligent?! You disappoint me classmates!
"Kurogawa-kun?" Ms. Aoi asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.
I took a quick breath trying to calm myself down.
Alright, no need to panic. This isn't anything new, a simple fix will do.
"I apologize Ms. Aoi but is there perhaps a different seat available? I'm afraid I have poor eyesight so back there I won't be able to see anything."
Ms. Aoi seemed surprised and slightly tilted her head. "Oh really? I didn't see anything about that in your transfer file."
I silently gulped.
"But I suppose it can't be helped." She said while shaking her head.
Yes! C'mon there's gotta be at least one guy looking to slack off.
Ms. Aoi turned towards the class, "Would anyone like to switch seats with Kurogawa?"
Despite the question, all the students remained quiet.
They glanced at one another and then at the seat with hesitation. Almost fearful of having to sit there.
Why isn't anyone taking that seat? Common…anyone please!
Then with a glimmer of hope, one student in the front seemed tempted to raise their hand.
A slacker perfect!
Please go ahead and take that seat!
"Don't." Another student whispered from behind them while shaking their head. "Do you realize what it means to sit there?"
The guy seemed to think about it for a second and seemed to shudder at just the thought, before putting his hand back down.
…You've gotta be kidding.
Don't tell me that seat is cursed or something…
I mean it is, but still.
Ms. Aoi noticing nobody raising their hand turned to face me, "Hmmm…. I'm sorry Kurogawa but it seems that will have to be your seat for the time being."
NO GOD! PLEASE NO!!!
"Is that okay Kurogawa-kun?"
NOOOOOOOO!!!
I glanced briefly at the seat and it seemed to be glowing with even more intensity than before, as if it was beckoning to me.
Is that really it?! Do I have no other choice but to end up there again?!
No there's gotta be a way!
Maybe if I destroy the chair… No it would just get replaced I bet…
Should I bribe someone with money? Damn it but I only get an allowance of ¥1,000 a month…
Oh I know! I should just burn the school dow-
"I'll do it." A voice cut through the classroom.
In response, everyone turned to look at the source with a look of disbelief in their faces.
A slightly overweight guy with black messy hair sitting on the second middle row had raised his hand.
"Oh, Inoue that's so kind of you!" Ms. Aoi replied. "But are you sure?"
Damn it, Ms. Aoi! Stop interfering! This guy's about to be my ticket to freedom!
Inoue calmly stood up and smiled as if he had just won the lottery.
"Absolutely." He replied in a confident tone. "It's always been my dream to have that seat."
Your dream?Seriously?What is this guy trying to become the protagonist?
Ms. Aoi nodded approvingly. "How considerate of you. Go ahead, then."
Inoue gathered his things and made his way to the back of the classroom with a smug look in his face.
He sat down and swayed his hair to the side matching the flow of the breeze, while looking dramatically outside the window with a serious expression.
Oh he's serious…
He really is trying to become the main character…
Works for me!
Ha! Take that stupid seat! Find someone else to torment and Inoue buddy I'm rooting for you now!
"Okay with that handled, is there anyone who would be so kind as to volunteer to give Kurogawa a tour of the school?"
"I'll do it!" responded another person with their hands raised high.
A guy with yellow pointy hair and some freckles scattered around the bridge of his nose, who was right behind the seat that had just opened up.
"Oh? Do you happen to know Kurogawa, Nakai?"
"As it so happens to be, we are friends!" he responded.
….
When the bell rang, signaling the start of our break, many classmates immediately surrounded me and began bombarding me with questions.
"Kurogawa, what school did you transfer from?"
"You do any sports? Our club is looking for new members."
"What prefecture did you live in?"
"What hobbies do you have?"
Well at least these guys are easy-going, unlike those guys from last year
It was a relief to see how welcoming my new classmates were.
"Alright, alright, step aside everyone. Make way for yours truly," Nakai boldly declared as he parted the crowd with his hand, "gotta show this guy around the school, your blabbering can wait until after we're done."
Everyone promptly moved out of the way, and I headed out of the room with him.
"Naoki buddy! It's been a minute, hasn't it?" Nakai said as he patted me on the back. "How's it been this past year?"
I quickly remembered all the things that had happened in season 1, I mean year one of my high school career.
"Great…" I replied in a lethargic tone.
"So great you switched schools huh?" He teased at me. "One year doesn't sound like a lot, but it sure does feel like it…."
"Tell me about it…"
"And I bet you still suck at Ape X" he mocked.
"Keep talking trash and you're going to get folded like an omelet."
"Pfft, yeah right, with your aim?"
"What about my aim?"
"Mate you always do more damage to the walls than the enemies."
"...oh"
I couldn't deny it…
"Let's go pick Issei before I start showing you around alright? Then we'll take you to the spot we hang out at. It's pretty peaceful there" Nakai said.
Peaceful huh… let's hope it's true.
"By the way Naoki, that talk of you having bad sight was all bs right? Did you purposely ask for a different seat to be closer to me?"
"Uh…yep, you got me…." I answered while averting my eyes.
Can't tell him something as dumb as wanting to avoid the protagonist seat.
"Aww you shouldn't have" Nakai said with a smile while smacking me on the back.
Soon we found ourselves in a classroom labeled D-3.
Inside Nakai approached a guy with an intimidating presence who towered over most students and had a fierce glare in his eyes.
He had rather short dark hair, wore glasses, and had a bulky athletic build.
"Yo Issei look who's back" Nakai said as he pointed back at me.
Issei turned towards the door and after our gaze met, his sinister imposing look quickly faded, and a large smile formed on his face. Almost like watching a golden retriever light up.
"Naoki! You're here!" he said excitedly.
The three of us walked out of the classroom and I finally began my tour of the school.
"What took you guys so long anyways?" Issei asked.
"The new kid here," Nakai said, jabbing his thumb in my direction. "Was already causing problems with the teacher about his seat."
"I wasn't causing problems, I was fixing them" I answered.
"Whatever you say buddy" Nakai said dismissingly.
"Well anyways, I'm glad you're here now" Issei replied. "If Nakai hadn't told me, I wouldn't have even known you were transferring. What's up with that anyways? I couldn't contact you after you changed your phone number."
"Haha… yeah sorry about that, I actually had to change my phone and phone number after people I didn't know kept spam calling me" I responded while scratching the back of my head.
Nakai scoffed, "Wow man did you get doxed for sucking at APE X?"
"Hey! I might not be as good as you guys but I ain't that terrible either."
The two of them stopped dead on their tracks, and looked at each other like I said something crazy, before bursting into uncontrolled laughter.
"That's a good one Naoki!" Nakai said as he clutched his stomach.
Although they were poking fun at me, I couldn't deny it was enjoyable to be around these two once again.
While the two slowly settled down from their laughter I began talking, "So, where is this perfect spot of yours?"
"Take a guess, it's got a perfect view of the surroundings, smooth and refreshing wind AND little to no people go there." Issei responded.
View of the surroundings… refreshing wind… and no people… wait a damn minute…
"You aren't talking about going to the roo-" but before I could even finish my sentence Nakai interrupted me.
"Speaking of which, did you ever get a girlfriend?"
As soon as I heard the word girlfriend, those three immediately came to mind and my face grew pale.
Nakai and Issei looked surprised and puzzled by my silence.
With an eyebrow raised, Nakai glanced at me, "Yo dude, you good?" Then immediately after, he let out a shocked gasp.
"No way… did you get a girlfriend and switch schools after she dumped you?!?!"
"I didn't get dumped, I just… remembered some painful memories I'd rather forget."
"That's right Nakai, he didn't get dumped, he probably confessed to a girl in front of everyone and got rejected and switched schools out of shame," added Issei, and the two of them burst out laughing once again.
These assholes… with friends like these, who needs enemies?
"Don't sweat it Naoki, I'm sure one day you will get a girlfriend" mocked Issei.
"Actually Naoki, you're in luck!" Nakai said with a grin on his face, "There's one thing this school's famous for."
"Oh you mean the beaches? Yeah, I get to see them on my way to sch-"
"Nope. Beautiful girls." Nakai said as he placed his hand on my shoulder.
I groaned. "Of course."
"Don't roll your eyes on me, what's wrong with you?" Nakai replied slightly irritated.
"Don't you want a girlfriend? I mean I gotta tell you, this school has its fair share of beauties. I'm sure you will find a girl that will capture your heart in no time, hell let's go visit one right now!"
"Actually I think I'm go-" but Nakai didn't even let me finish my sentence and pushed me from behind.
"Alright…" I answered in defeat.
We walked to another part of the school, and as we turned around the corner, one classroom in particular was extremely crowded outside.
Many students, boys and girls alike, were staring at the inside of the classroom in awe, with many of them blushing.
"She's so beautiful!" One girl commented.
"Is there an exhibit going on or something?" I asked Nakai with a puzzled look.
"Take a peek inside and you'll understand" He simply replied.
The three of us blended into the crowd and looked through one of the classroom windows.
It soon became somewhat clear why the crowd had formed.
Among the many students inside, one single girl stood out like no other among her peers.
Sitting elegantly by herself and in the middle of the classroom, a dazzling girl with bright yellow hair tied in a neat ponytail and long side bangs, with emerald-colored eyes, was reading a book.
It was clear she was giving it her best to concentrate on the book before her, but having a whole crowd of spectators must have made it unbearably uncomfortable.
She often gave a quick glimpse at the crowd with displeased and almost disheartened sad gaze, clearly used to the situation.
But during one of those quick glimpses.
As she scanned over the multitude of students, her gaze met mine and her eyes widened in shock.
"Ah." Was the sound that her mouth seemed to have made.
It was as if she couldn't believe what she was seeing.
Her face began to process all sorts and ranges of emotions, until in one abrupt action, she stood up, scaring the people around her in the process.
Nope! I thought, immediately stepping away.
"Welp we've seen enough, let's go." I said in a hurry, dragging both Issei and Nakai away.
"W-what?! Why?!" Nakai asked, confused.
Ahh crap.
I know that stare… It's the same stare Nishida had that day. It's the stare of a thousand problems, I gotta get out of here.
"What's got you so worked up Naoki?" questioned Issei.
"Nothing, I just thought we should carry on… and besides… it's disrespectful not to mention kinda disturbing on so many levels to stare at her like we are in some sort of animal exhibit don't you think?" I replied while hastening my steps.
"Well I suppose you are right…"
Nakai shrugged. "Ha~ well moving on I guess" he said with a sigh, "There are other pretty girls, but I should warn you, they are… rather unique. Like Yaeko-san from Issei's class."
"Ah. Her…" Issei said, slightly averting his eyes, "She is quite the character."
A queasy uncomfortable feeling began to build up in my stomach, after hearing them keep talking about these girls…
There can't be troublesome girls in each school can there? I might need to find out more so I can avoid triggering an event by mistake…
"... Alright I'll bite, how is this Yaeko 'quite the character'?
Nakai began lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. "She's rumored to be gorgeous, but nobody's ever seen her face, and nobody gets too close because she's kind of… eccentric."
"Uh, what do you mean nobody's seen her face?" I asked, puzzled.
"She wears a mask," Nakai explained. "Not a medical one or anything normal… Like a full-on face mask. She claims it hides her identity and true power or something."
Even my old school didn't have one of those
Eight grader syndrome huh…
Just with that small clue, I knew exactly what type of person this Yaeko was.
"Wait a minute, if nobody's seen her face, how do they know she's pretty?" I asked skeptically.
"Someone claimed that they saw her take her mask off behind the school once," Issei replied, "And apparently, she was a total beauty. But good luck getting her to do it again. She's always spouting stuff about justice and evil demon's…"
"Yeah, good luck, it's already hard trying to get her to talk about anything normal," Nakai added. "But hey, maybe you'll get a kick out of meeting her."
"Believe me, I've had my own fair share of encounters with odd girls already." I replied.
My mind already drifting back to the girl with the emerald eyes. "Something tells me they'd be too much for me to handle."
"Fair enough," Nakai said.
"Oh, and there's also Reina-san, the-" Issei added before I interrupted him.
"Let me stop you right there, I changed my mind, I think I'm gonna get a headache from all this information…" I said while holding up my hands, "Let's just go back to my tour alright?"
"Sure…" Nakai replied.
As we continued walking, I couldn't shake the uneasy feeling from earlier.
Something about that girl's stare had stirred up old memories, and I had a nagging suspicion that our paths would cross again.
Soon enough we began to climb up some stairs leading to the rooftop.
God damn it… I thought.
I didn't exactly have the best track record when it came to rooftop's, especially over what happened in the past… but whatever, it was the beginning of the school year anyway and nobody knew me.
As soon as we stepped out, the fresh breeze of the rooftop softly blew on our faces.
Nakai with his thumbs up turned around and asked, "Pretty cool place huh? No pun intended."
The rooftop was a large rectangular fenced area, decorated with plant pots, tables, and benches. Not to mention, other groups of students were already at some of the tables.
"Our school allows people to come up here during breaks, since they realized keeping students from sneaking in wasn't working, they just gave us the freedom to hang out here," Issei explained.
"Well it's definitely a nice spot to relax," I'd add.
The rooftop had a feeling of peace to it. Groups of friends laughing together under the clear blue sky and a pleasant view of the city, with the ocean off in the distance. It was also rather quiet.
Call me idealistic but is there anything better that one can ask for, than to hang out and relax with friends in a place like this?
We continued our conversation engrossed in the moment, talking about the latest games, and the things we had missed in each other's lives.
Until a sudden voice pierced the air.
"NAOKI KUROGAWA!"
Hearing my name called so suddenly made me jump instinctively. It wasn't the first time I had been called out unexpectedly like that and it probably wouldn't be the last.
The three of us stopped dead in our tracks and slowly turned around in unison.
Standing before us was a mysterious girl. Her hands were confidently placed on her hips, her hair blew along gracefully with the breeze of the rooftop, and she had a confident smile gracing her lips.
From the moment my eyes met with her glistening emerald eyes, I could tell, this girl was trouble.
"I HOPE YOU HAVEN'T FORGOTTEN THE PROMISE WE MADE 10 YEARS AGO" she yelled, and one by one, all the heads on the rooftop turned and focused on the girl. There was only one thought going through my head.
Not another event again…;-;