As usual, I arrived at school and began preparing for class.
However, today, or rather, from today, there was something different.
“Oh, good morning, Kurata-kun.”
Kirishima, who had arrived at school, casually spoke to me. Normally, the only person who would talk to me when I arrived at school was Hoshino, at most. So, I was at a loss for how to respond. In times like these, Hoshino would casually return the conversation, but unfortunately, I couldn’t pull off such a feat.
“What’s wrong? D-Don’t tell me you’re ignoring me?”
I guess I have to say something after all. Let’s at least greet her for now.
“N-No, it’s not like that. Good morning.”
I was really surprised. I could feel the gazes of those around me saying, “What’s up with this guy?” Please stop. Seriously.
From the boys at the corener of the class, I received glances filled with hatred, envy, and animosity. And from the girls who seemed to be Kirishima’s followers, I received unpleasant stares as if they were assessing me.
Seriously, I want it to stop. What did I do? Why do they give me such looks just for talking to the person next to me? I couldn’t understand it, and I didn’t want to.
“Excuse me for a moment.”
Telling myself to ignore the gazes from those around me, I stood up and left my seat.
I succumb to these gazes. I couldn’t bear being exposed to these gazes. Shutting out the sounds from the outside world, I hastily left the classroom.
I rushed into the restroom and decided to stay in a stall until my pounding heart calmed down.
I felt pathetic about it, but there was nothing I could do. I emptied my mind and body to erase the memory of what just happened.
A few minutes later, my heart calmed down. I thought that the commotion in the classroom had settled, so I left the restroom, and Hoshino was standing in front of it.
“Hey, Kouji. Are you okay?”
“…Hoshino. Why are you here?”
“Why? It’s because I was calling you, and you suddenly left the classroom without noticing. Are you alright?”
“Yeah. I’m fine now.”
Truly, a trustworthy friend is someone you should have.
“Well, let’s go back to the classroom. I think you’re no longer a topic of discussion.”
“Understood. Thanks.”
“Well, I already know that about you. Just take your time and get used to it.”
“…Yeah.”
At that moment, I was grateful for Hoshino’s personality. This might be the reason why Hoshino is popular in the class.
***
“Let’s go home…”
The classes for today have ended, and it’s time to go home.
The incident from this morning didn’t become a topic of discussion in the class, and there were no gazes from the surroundings. However, Kirishima, the person sitting next to me, kept looking at me frequently during class.
Maybe Kirishima thinks it’s her fault… or maybe I’m wrong… but the truth is, I haven’t fully recovered from my past trauma. She doesn’t need to worry about me that much.
Today, I needed to buy groceries, so I decided to go home early. As some may have already guessed, I don’t live alone… Well, technically speaking, I do. The truth is, I live with my father, but he only comes home late at night and only about three days a week. He works for a foreign company, so he has to work late due to the time difference with the headquarters. In return, he starts work around noon.
That’s why I inevitably have to take care of the household chores.
Since it’s right after school, many students are gathered around their shoe lockers. To avoid getting in their way, I quietly pass through and swiftly change my shoes.
As I exit through the school gate, I take a different path from most of the students. After a short walk, the surroundings quickly become desolate. However, I find solace in this silence.