The summer sun rising in the sky was incredibly warm. With every step along the wooded path to school, my body screamed in agony. Sweat dripped down my face. A cheerful student ran past me and ahead. She seemed very lively. On the other hand, perhaps she was crazy? I don't think I would run even if the Apocalypse was chasing me. Just behind the trees, with the light filtering through the leaves, a lonely student sat against the railing. She looked at me.
Horikita: Good morning, Katagiri-kun.
Yuuichi: Are you waiting for someone, Horikita?
Horikita: Yes. I was waiting for you. I have a plan to end this, but I need your help.
As I entered the classroom, I noticed a change. Sakura, who usually arrived at school just in time, was already sitting at her desk. Did she come early for some specific reason? Horikita also seemed surprised to see Sakura. Moreover, Sakura's body language... Well, she looked the same as usual, but it seemed like she was sitting up straight, as if she was ready for something. It was such a subtle difference that you couldn't call it a change. It was so tiny that if you told me I imagined it, I'd say you were right and forget about it. Just as we were about to pass Sakura's seat, she looked up. Instead of a proper greeting, she timidly raised her hand. For someone like Sakura, that seemed like an appropriate response. That's what I thought until--
Sakura: Um... Good morning, Katagiri-kun. Horikita-san.
—Good morning...
It was the first time Sakura greeted in the morning. I was so surprised that my response got stuck in my throat. Our eyes didn't meet, but she desperately tried to speak.
Horikita: What's wrong with her? —Horikita murmured.
Yuuichi: Maybe she's forcing herself to change...
Horikita: As long as she doesn't overdo it, I think she'll be fine —Horikita said.
Yuuichi: Overdo it?
Horikita: If she tries to do something that's still not possible for someone like her, she'll only fail.
Yuuichi: Well, I'll leave you with Ayanokouji-kun; I need to talk to Hirata.
The discussion took about 30 minutes to start. I stood up and left the classroom, heading to meet someone at a designated spot. Before leaving, I decided to talk to Sakura.
Yuuichi: Sakura. Are you leaving? —I asked as she prepared to leave.
Sakura: Katagiri-kun... We have the trial today.
Yuuichi: I'm not participating —I told her I had to do a trivial job behind the scenes.
Sakura: I see... —she murmured.
Sakura lowered her gaze, as if she had something on her mind. She looked a bit strange, nervous. It was like she couldn't calm down.
Yuuichi: What's wrong?
Sakura: Huh?
Yuuichi: Sakura, there's no need to be so nervous, right?
Sakura was sweating.
Sakura: It's because everyone is doing their best. I thought I'd do my best too.
I felt like she was telling it to herself, not to me.
Yuuichi: Sakura, what you did helped us a lot. We wouldn't have had a chance without you —I told her.
Sakura: See you later, Katagiri-kun.
Sakura's words and her bright smile didn't seem like her at all. They left me with an uneasy feeling.
Yuuichi: Hey, Sakura. Do you have time later? I want to talk to you about something.
YOU ARE READING
Yuuichi's daily life in COTE
FanficYuuichi Katagiri, a seemingly ordinary and friendly student, enrolls in Koudo Ikusei High School, a prestigious government-managed institute. However, beneath his amiable facade lies a dangerous manipulative side.