My Class

Chapter 1: Brother and Sister

I've already accepted that we're all going to die, so I've stopped stressing about it. It's early in the morning, and I was getting ready for school. Living alone has become second nature, and I've grown accustomed to the Japanese lifestyle over the years.

It took me about 15 minutes to get ready. I grabbed my bike and headed to school. When I arrived, I went straight to class and took my seat at the back of the room. It seemed like I was the first one there.

As I stared out the window, someone walked into the classroom.

It was Josh, a close friend I've spent the last three years with. He looked a bit tired, probably from yesterday's football practice. Even though I left the club a year ago, it's nice to see that he still enjoys playing. I'm glad for him.

"Hey, Kyopon. What are you doing here so early?" Josh asked, surprised.

I wasn't the type to arrive early, but I wanted to catch him alone. As class representative, he was always the first to show up and make sure everything was in order.

"Hey, I just thought I'd come early and help out a bit," I replied.

"That's kind of you, but... If you're doing this just to get me to give you chess lessons..." Josh teased.

I had been pestering him for weeks about chess after getting hooked on the game a month ago. Though, honestly, it didn't seem as important now, considering we're all going to die in three months.

"Don't worry, it's not that. I just wanted to help and chat," I said.

"Alright, thanks, Kyo," Josh said with a bright smile.

Even though I knew what his answer would be, I still asked the question.

"Do you still love football?"

"What's with that question all of a sudden? Of course, I do. And I'm sure you do too," Josh responded, a bit confused.

I stood up and started cleaning the whiteboard. Class would start in about 20 minutes.

"I remember what you told me years ago—your dream is to become a pro footballer, right?"

Josh had talent and the athleticism to back it up. Since I left the team, he'd become the best player at school, maybe even in the region. Scouts from clubs in Spain and France were already eyeing him. It wouldn't be surprising if he made it as a pro.

"Yeah, it would be awesome to become a pro footballer," Josh said, his excitement evident.

"But what if you only had three months left to live? That dream would be impossible, right?"

I wondered how he would respond. I hoped it wouldn't be a vague answer—I needed something that could help me achieve my goal.

"You're really strange today, Kyo..." Josh said, his face reddening.

"It's a tough question, but... I think I'd like to get married," Josh finally admitted, blushing.

I hadn't expected that answer, and I had to fight the urge to laugh. But it was a respectable wish, and maybe something I could help with.

"Wanna marry me?" I joked.

"Kill yourself," Josh shot back, laughing.

It wasn't the best time to joke, but the laughter was a welcome relief as the time ticked down toward the start of class. I took my seat, but just before the bell rang, someone burst into the room, yelling at Josh.

"HEY, YOU IDIOT!"

It was Amari, Josh's little sister. Although she was younger, she acted more like the older sibling.

"Shhh! Don't scream, Amari!" Josh whispered, trying to calm her down.

"You forgot your lunch... AGAIN!" Amari scolded, her face twisted in annoyance.

So that's what it's like to have a little sister... Must be a pain, but it's nice that she looks out for him.

Class was about to start, and since Amari had the upper hand, I decided to help Josh out.

"Hey, Amari, can you get the hell out, pretty please?" I said, smirking.

"Hey, Chocho! You're always so mean, dumbass," Amari shot back, amused.

We had a playful relationship—she nicknamed me "Chocho" after I freaked out over the noise of a train. Anyway, I'd talk to her about her own dreams later, since time was running short.

"I told you to stop calling me that. Besides, class is starting soon. Want me to tell Miss Nana you were late because you were bullying your big bro?"

"NO! Anything but that! Alright, I'm leaving," Amari replied, panicked.

Miss Nana was Amari's favorite teacher, and she didn't want to disappoint her. Just mentioning Nana's name was enough to get Amari back in line.

She handed Josh his lunch and dashed out of the room, not forgetting to flip me off on her way out. With that, everything was back to normal. Just before I sat down, Josh put a hand on my shoulder, making me turn to face him.

"If you can save me from my sister like that every time, I wouldn't mind marrying you," Josh said, grinning.

"Kill yourself," I replied with a smirk.

The bell rang, and we both headed to our seats.