COTE: Surreal Experience

Chapter 3: Normal Days

Ayanokoji POV:

Yesterday after I headed home from the club fair, I started researching about cooking techniques on my phone.

Even though Hasebe was present in the room and now my friend, although she was curious, she didn't try to pry about what I'm researching about.

The topics I searched up included what ingredients works with others, each type of cuisines that interested me, and a few others on the internet. I didn't really mind learning all of this. Compared to the teachings in the white room, this would be less difficult to learn.

I didn't know how long it would take me, but at least I'll save some points. In the meantime, I just have to eat some microwaveable food, bread and snacks. I could definitely survive with just these for the time being.

Right now, I just left the dorm building. Hasebe had just woken up, so I didn't bother her. I always head to school early.

Since we're friends now, i couldn't help but think that it would be nice to walk to school together. However, I don't think we're at that stage of friendship yet.

But just being friends with her for now is enough for a lonesome person like myself.

After entering the convenience store and grabbing myself a rice ball for breakfast, I walked in the direction of the school.

I took a bite of the rice ball. It tasted pleasant, and to think something so simple tasted this good.

As I ate the rice ball, I noticed a student leisurely walking a few feet ahead of me. It was a girl and she seemed to be talking on the phone.

But it didn't look like she was looking at where she was stepping. Just a few feet from her, there was crack on the ground that raised in elevation.

Just as expected, she tripped on the crack and fell. I halted my movement and just looked on as she raised her head.

She looked around frantically before she finally looked back and her eyes landed on me, finally noticing my presence.

As she did, I got a better look at her. She looked cute, had purple eyes and a youthful figure. She had chocolate brown hair which was adorned by a hair pin in the shape of a sunflower on the right side, along with two ordinary clips on the same side.

I don't recall seeing her in the entrance ceremony. So that meant she was an upperclassman.

She looked flustered. Was she embarrassed that I saw that?

Before I could say anything however, she immediately ran off towards the school.

That's when I noticed something in the same spot she tripped. Walking closer and bending down to inspect, it was an amulet.

She must've dropped this when she fell. I guess I have to return this to her. I could give it to the lost and found and be back in time for classes starting, but I'll end up wasting more energy that way.

I also didn't want anyone to see how physically capable I am if they see me sprinting back and forth.

So with a sigh, I picked up the amulet and placed it inside my right pocket.

But this is going to be difficult. I don't even know if she's a second or third year, or the class she's in.

Wait. Yotsuba! Even though it's just the third day, she's probably made some friends with upperclassmen's already. With her friendly and extroverted nature, I was confident of that.

I could ask her if she knew anyone like the one that fell in front of me. Even if she doesn't know her directly, she could still ask around.

This could help me get acquainted with an upperclassman as well.