Our Ordinary Lives

Chapter 5 - Old Connections

Ai POV

As I inserted the key into the lock, I couldn't help but wonder what would be inside my room. Opening the door, I stepped into the room that would be my home throughout my high school years. It wasn't anything extravagant, just a simple room with the basic necessities. The furniture was minimalistic, comprising of a single large bed and a modest kitchen area equipped with basic utilities. I noticed the lack of food in the kitchen, meaning that the school likely intended for us students to purchase our own supplies using the points system.

Taking a moment to observe the room, I couldn't help but notice the difference between its appearance and what I had expected from a government school. It was neat and clean, with a certain level of comfort that surpassed what I imagined a typical student's room would be like. But it lacked personal touches, the simplicity of the space had its own appeal.

I let all of my things fall onto the kitchen counter as I collapsed onto the bed, worn out by the events of the day. I was feeling the effects of the first day's weight both physically and psychologically. I was exhausted from trying to keep up my shy persona, the bothersome revelation that Koenji seems to know who I really am, and the non-stop stream of thoughts running through my head.

A range of feelings swept through me as I lay there looking up at the ceiling. I was overcome with exhaustion, anxiety, and a feeling of vulnerability. The barriers I had put up were beginning to fall down, exposing the fears and uncertainties that were hiding beneath the surface. It served as a reminder of the difficulties I would encounter in this brand-new phase of my life.

Come on, Ai, you can't stay in bed all day. You've got three whole years ahead of you, so don't let the first day get you down. I covered my face with a pillow, trying to think of things to do to distract myself. Watching TV? No, that would just remind me of my job as an idol. Getting something to eat? No, eating alone at a restaurant is kinda sad, and I don't have any food here to cook. Exploring the campus? Nope, I bet it's swarming with other first-years.

I scolded myself silently, refusing to let myself be so negative on the first day of school. I needed to find a way to lift make myself feel better and occupy my mind. Then ithe realization hit me. Decorating! I quickly walked back to the entrance of my room, slightly hitting my elbow on the edge of the kitchen counter. Ouch that hurt.

While leaning on the wall I started making a small box shape with my hands, I surveyed my room through this makeshift frame. It was a blank canvas, waiting to be brought to life with my personal touch. The room was spacious and could fit all manners of furniture and decoration. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips as I imagined the possibilities. I could add posters, photographs, or even create my own artwork to adorn the walls. I could arrange the furniture in a way that felt cozy and inviting. The room would become a reflection of my personality, a space where I could truly feel at home. I wouldn't have to worry about my PR team constantly invading my privacy.

Wait does the school maybe monitor the rooms? I saw that there were some cameras in the classroom when Koenji-kun looked at my direction. Of course I instantly reacted as if he wasn't looking at me looking for others he may have he been looking at. While I was looking away from his gaze I by chance so the camera that was directly above me. Most regular schools don't even consider having cameras in classrooms so who would say there wouldn't be any in the room.

No, that would never happen, I hit my head. Putting cameras in our rooms would be illegal and a huge invasion of privacy. I mean, think about it – there would be so many privacy issues, and the school would get in huge trouble. They wouldn't risk breaking the law like that, especially when they're funded by the government. I guess I over analyzed the situation.