We'll Meet Once More

Chapter 1

My bag is heavy on my back as I run my regular route to school. When I glance at my watch again, I groan, seeing the time for school to start is almost upon me.

"Cutting it way too close."

I could blame my alarm for not going off. I could blame the train for being late. But really, I don't think it's any of those reasons. It's just hard to show up on time for stuff that doesn't interest me. Even as I run, some part of me wonders what exactly I'm rushing towards.

When the school gates come into view, I don't feel relief.

"Force of habit." I tell myself as I enter the school, that's the only thing I can blame for keeping me coming back.

I go about my usual routes when I walk through the halls, ignoring all the faces around my as I get to my classroom, taking a seat and just waiting for the time to go by before I can go back home. Only to repeat the cycle again.

But as class begins, my regular window-gazing is interrupted by the two people standing by the chalkboard. One of them is my homeroom teacher, Keisuke Yoshino. But he's not important right now. My focus is on the source of the chatter running through the classroom.

I turn to face forward and it's like I've just forgotten how to breathe. What completely stole my attention is the girl standing next to Mr. Yoshino.

Mr. Yoshino clears his throat and the mutters die down, "So, as I was saying. While it's unusual for this time of year, I hope you kids will welcome her. This is..."

He pauses and looks to the girl, waiting patiently for her to start. It's not long after this the girl suddenly realizes that's her cue to introduce herself.

"Right! Sorry. Just taking it all in." She says with a smile, looking at all of us. She then follows this up with a wave to us all.

"I'm super excited to meet you all and I can't wait to get to know everyone!" She happily says, "I'm Harumi Momose!"

Her crystal-clear voice is steeped in enthusiasm. It's so far from anything I could manage that I'm shocked. It's not just that she's beautiful, calling her beautiful is like saying water is wet and the sky is blue. I've seen plenty of beautiful things before, but she's different in a way I can't put my finger on.

I vaguely hear the rest of the class welcoming her. Then the usual questions start being thrown out and Harumi answers them with that same enthusiasm.

Then some reckless idiot does the unthinkable.

"Over here! Do you have a boyfriend?" He calls out, and for the first time in my life, I want to hit someone.

Harumi fidgets, she smile is still present but she turns to avoid the gazes of everyone. Even her being embarrassed is cute, "W-well, I-"

"You don't have to answer that!" The class representative, whose face I'm only now remembering, cuts in. She then glares at the student who asked, followed by other students doing the same.

"Cowards! I only asked what you couldn't!"

Mr. Yoshino sighs while the student gets heckled.

"You can probably tell, but this class is pretty lively." He tells Harumi, "If you have any issues, you can let me know. But, y'know, during work hours. Overtime isn't my thing."

Harumi nods to Mr. Yoshino, "Thank you, I'll keep that in mind, sir!"

Immediately after, he grimaces.

"'sir' is a little too stiff. Yoshino's fine." He says, "Let's see. There's an open seat."

He points directly behind me.