The Opposite of the Loner

The issue with the graffiti had been settled, so I attended classes seriously until lunchtime came around.

“Where should I eat today…?”

It’s always hard for me to find a place to eat lunch. The rooftop is taken over by couples, the classroom is full of girls, and if I go to the cafeteria, someone’s bound to mess with me. There's really nowhere to eat peacefully, so it’s a daily struggle. I guess I’ll eat in my usual spot—the courtyard, where no one can find me.

“Today I made my own lunch, so there’s no surprise in it.”

I appreciate it when my parents make my lunch. Back in elementary school, one of the highlights of field trips was seeing what was in my bento. Now, I don’t even have that. I should just hurry up and eat, then head to the library to read a book or something. The library’s a sanctuary for people like me. I can pass time reading without anyone bothering me—it's the perfect environment.

“Oh! This cheese-fried whitefish is pretty good. I really like it.”

The cheese-fried whitefish I bought when frozen foods were 30% off turned out to be a hit. I think it was cod. I should buy this again; it’s that good.

“Seriously, though, writing graffiti on a desk with permanent marker… what a hassle.”

Because it’s in permanent ink, I can’t erase it. Now, I have to use that desk for the whole day. At least use water-based markers! And during fifth period, the students in Class 3-3 are using our room for a small-group math lesson. The poor person who sits in my seat… they’re in for a rough time. Meanwhile, I’ll be in the computer room for my info tech class.

“Thanks for the meal.”

When I checked my watch after packing up my bento, I realized I only had 10 minutes before fifth period started. Moving to class will take about five minutes, so I actually have about five minutes left.

“Looks like I spent more time than I thought finding a place to eat. Guess I’ll head to the computer room early.”

I walked leisurely toward the classroom. But when I got there, it was strangely quiet. I opened the door quietly, and there was a crowd of people gathered around my desk.

“What’s going on?”

Is the graffiti on my desk that big of a deal? If they were going to make fun of me, it’d be a lot rowdier, but the vibe feels more like a funeral. Did I do something?

“Oh… he’s here.”

One of the girls noticed me, and like Moses parting the sea, the crowd parted, revealing a path to my desk. A female student was sitting there with her back to me, so I couldn’t see her face. Anyway, I just need to put my bento box in my bag and head to the computer room as if nothing happened.

“Excuse me. I’m just putting my bento box away and grabbing my info tech textbook, so if you could bear with me for a moment…”

When you’re a loner, it’s best to stay humble in these situations; otherwise, people think you’re cocky, and it can lead to trouble. So I kept my voice as humble as possible.

“May I have a word with you?”

I was surprised to be spoken to, but more than that, I recognized the voice.

“The Student Council President!?”

“Yes, I am Tojo Sakura, the Student Council President!”

You don’t need to introduce yourself so enthusiastically; I know who you are. Also, no need to draw attention to… other aspects.

“So, what is it you wanted to talk about?”

Could it be that the issue with yesterday's same-gender thing got out!? If that’s the case, I might have no choice but to leave the school…

“You’re the one who sits here, correct?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

Is it that she doesn’t want to sit in a desk with graffiti? Even if that’s the case, I can’t be held responsible.

“I see. Then you probably know who did this, don’t you?”

Ah, she wants to know who’s responsible. The answer is one of my classmates. But there’s no way I can say that. This is already a big deal with the teachers, and now even the headmaster’s daughter is involved.

“You understand what will happen if you lie, right?”

The Student Council President is trying to intimidate me with her authority! Now I really have no escape! And everyone in the classroom is staring at me. This is a lot for someone like me to handle.

“No, I’ve already spoken to Hiiragi-sensei about it, so there’s no need for the Student Council to get involved.”

“I don’t care about that! As Student Council President, it’s my duty to address issues like this when they happen at our school. That’s why I want to hear the truth from you so I can make a judgment.”

As expected of the Student Council President, she says the right things… even if she was buying that same-gender romance book. But the “truth”… This kind of thing has been happening to me since middle school. There’s no way to prevent it, and bullying won’t just disappear.

“You can ask Hiiragi-sensei about it. I explained everything to her this morning, so she should know more.”

“I see. Sorry for trying to press you on it.”

She actually looks genuinely remorseful. Maybe I should try to say something to encourage her.

“No, it’s because of people like you, President, that you have everyone’s support. I’d be happy if there were fewer people like me because of your efforts.”

I’m not sure if that was helpful, but I think I said something pretty nice. I’m feeling proud of myself.

“I see. Thank you. I’ll think it over carefully. I’ll make sure there are fewer people like you. Thank you.”

Wow… a beautiful girl just gave me the warmest smile and reached out for a handshake. This might be the first and last time I shake hands with a girl in my life. I’ll remember this moment forever.

“No, thank you for handling this so thoroughly.”

“By the way, could you tell me your name?”

“Oh, I’m Kiriyama Yuuki. Good luck with everything.”

“Kiriyama Yuuki… Alright, I’ll start working hard from today. And you can call me Sakura.”

She’s incredibly proactive. I don’t think I could ever match her energy. Not that I plan to. Oh, I need to get to the computer room.

“Well then, Sakura-san, I’ll be going to my info tech class now.”

“Yes! Good luck!”

And just 10 seconds before the chime, I made it to the computer room, barely on time.

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Author's Note:

I just got 10 new favorites! Thank you all! And I’m thrilled that two people rated my work!

My writing may be clumsy, but it makes me happy to be appreciated like this.

I look forward to your comments and ratings! Thank you for the support!

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