I Just Can't Win!

Volume 1: Chapter 2 - The Longest First Day

I hastily checked the names of my classmates before leaving and noticed a few friends. As usual, I didn't know what to feel about it with my overall luck. I already knew that Keisuke wouldn't be my classmate, but it sucks that Hiro is in a different class too. Moreover, I'm in the same class as Gotou and Maki again.

Fate just can't give me a break, huh?

Still, the most troublesome part of this class would be some of the guys from Fujitama. There was a group that didn't like me, and they're here. 

They're free to feel what they want about me, but I hope they can leave me alone at least.

"You seem to be in deep thought," said Shirase, walking beside me.

What? Are you so used to getting attention that my ignoring you feels weird?

I wanted to tell her that as a joke, but we're not close friends. It'd be rude.

"Ahh, sorry. I was thinking about our classmates. I hope they're nice."

"Oh, please. You are so not thinking that."

"Heh, you think you know what I'm thinking then?"

"Hmm... nope! It's just a feeling."

"Haha, unfortunately for you, I was being honest."

And fortunately for me, my karma gave me something to work with for once. I got to know Shirase Yumina.

"Ah, we're here!" she excitedly ran to the door.

Finally, I'll be free from the stares.

"You're not coming?" Shirase's head popped out from the doorway and asked me.

"You go ahead, Shirase-san. I'm trying to contact a friend from another class."

"Okay!"

I can hear the cheerful voices of girls from here. Shirase must have a lot of middle school friends in class.

I messaged Hiro and Keisuke to make my excuse true. It's still an excuse in the end though. I really didn't want to go in with Shirase. Maki was probably inside. If she sees me enter with such a pretty girl, she'll hound me and ask how I knew her or how we met. I don't want to pile up on my fabricated stories, so I'd rather just avoid that conversation entirely.

I made up some stuff to create a scenario where Shirase and I would meet. The harmless lies were a means to an end. I won't let it bite me in the ass.

After a few more seconds passed, I finally walked inside the classroom. A few groups had already formed but some students were still doing their own thing. One of them is even reading a book.

"Ah! Kazuomi-kun, there you are!" And there you are.

Seriously though, keep it down. Some of our classmates turned to look at me because of you! They must've been expecting a celebrity, but I'm sorry, it's just me.

She was talking to a few girls who then gave me curious looks. They weren't from Fujitama, so she probably made friends with them just now.

"It seems like we're in the same class again, Maki..."

"Yep! That's the fourth time in a row!"

"I just can't escape you, can I?"

"And you're as rude as always!" she pouted, weakly slapping my arm. "I'm still upset at you, you know? You never contacted me throughout spring break!"

Hah? What are you? My girlfriend?

"Leave me alone. I was too busy playing games to deal with you."

Maki became even more pouty, but that's fine.