Another: The Class of 1999

Chapter 2 - New School

My new school was only a ten minute walk. My father had to go to his new job at the local furniture store, so he suggested we walked together until we had to part our separate ways. I agreed.

Before we left, I stood in front of my mirror, checking over every inch of my new uniform. Somehow, it wasn't too loose or uncomfortable anywhere. Although the school uniform came with knee length socks, I settled for black opaque tights. The thought of the uniform and knowing there was nothing to make me stand out brought huge comfort. I wanted nothing more than to blend in with the rest of the students.

Normally I didn't have breakfast, but since it was the first day of school, my father insisted I leave the house with something in my stomach, although not much of it was eaten. We headed down the street together, my new bag was in hand, holding my pencil case and all the textbooks brought to me the day before. My father and I parted ways about five minutes later, and I headed to school alone.

The school was the second biggest building in Yomiyama (the first being the hospital). It had three floors, and was very long like a panorama. The building itself was made from dark stone, and the windows and doors had wooden frames. There were patches of grass outside as well as trees, and I knew from the map that the school field was at the back of the property.

I paused by the large metal gates, taking in my new school, where I was only going to be enrolled for a year. A fresh start with people who didn't know who I was or what my background consisted of. Sure, anxiety was flowing through me, but it filled me with a sense of determination as well.

Then he almost bumped into me.

The shadow made me jump, and I jumped to the side before I collided with its owner. A boy, slightly shorter than me, with the most beautiful darkest skin I had ever seen. His hair was brown and cropped so short it was almost nonexistent, but his fringe bounced upwards before falling in front of his face. No school bag, I noted. He was wearing black gloves on his hands, and I didn't blame him; there was a slight chill in the air even though it was May.

"Sorry, I almost bumped into you," the boy grinned. "Are you new?"

I couldn't help smile back. "Yes, I am! My name is Takeda Tsuki, and I'm in class 3-3."

"Ah, were in the same class!" The boy smiled, flicking his long fringe out of the way, only to have it fall back into place moments later. "I'm Fujiwara Riku. It's nice to meet you, Takeda-san!"

He removed his glove and held out his hand. I shook it, hoping my moment of hesitation beforehand didn't know. Physical interactions were something I needed to work on. To say he had been wearing gloves, his hand was freezing, especially the tips of his fingers. But I tried not to let my discomfort show.

"It's nice to meet you too, Fujiwara-san," I nodded back. "Shall we head to class together?"

I had no idea how that had spilled from my mouth; I haven't even thought of them.

"I'd love to," Riku responded sadly, "but I have something I need to do first."

"Oh, that's okay!" I said. "Maybe another time?"

"Yeah..." Riku responded slowly. I could tell he was contemplating something as he pulled his glove back on. "Um... I'll see you around, maybe."

Maybe?

"Oh, and Takeda-san?" Riku called before I began to walk. "Please... Try not to get too close to me."

"What do you mean?" I asked him.

"Just... It would be better for everyone if we weren't seen together in school," Riku said.

Feelings of self consciousness drowned me. Was he embarrassed to be seen with a new transfer student? Was I ugly? Did he just talk to me to make fun of me? Why would he be kind and talk to me, only to decide I shouldn't get too close?