I wake up to the familiar sound of my alarm clock, its relentless beeping pulling me from the comforting embrace of sleep. My name as you know is Rin Takahashi, and today, like every other day, I'm heading to school. The morning sunlight filters through the curtains, casting soft golden rays across my room. I let out a deep sigh as I slowly get out of bed, rubbing the sleep from my eyes.

„Damn…I look dead.“ I thought.

As I go through my morning routine, a wave of introspection washes over me. It's funny how life can change so dramatically in such a short time. Just a few weeks ago, I was alone, an outcast who had built impenetrable walls around himself. The thought of making connections or friendships was alien to me, and I was content with my solitude.

But now, everything is different. I have friends, genuine friends who care about me. Araya and Yukari, two incredible people, are my closest confidantes. I can't help but smile as I remember how we first met. It's amazing how the most unexpected friendships can blossom when you least expect them.

The school courtyard, once a lonely place for me, has become a vibrant hub of laughter and camaraderie. Yanagi Yukiji, the chairman of the school council, played a significant role in this transformation. I can't help but laugh when I think back to how she "kidnapped" me into joining the council. Her relentless determination and charismatic leadership have brought about a change in me that I never thought possible.

Hirata Namie, Yanagi's right-hand woman, is another person I've come to appreciate. Her no-nonsense attitude and unwavering support have helped me. Edano Seiki, the gentle giant, is someone I initially feared, still do, but now consider a trusted friend. His strength is matched only by his kindness, typical gorilla gens.

Then there's Narita Akane, the quiet vice chairman, who may not speak much, but her presence is calming and reassuring. She's like the anchor that keeps our diverse group together.

As I walk to school, I can't overlook how far I've come. The loneliness of my past feels like a distant memory. I think about all the laughter, the shared secrets, and the genuine connections I've made with these wonderful people in a short space of time. It's a stark contrast to the solitude that once defined my life.

My steps quicken with a newfound purpose. I've realized that I want to change, to evolve, to embrace this positive transformation fully. I want to be a better friend, a better person, and contribute more to the world around me.

When I approached the familiar gates of our school, a sense of anticipation welled up within me. It was another day filled with possibilities, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for it.

The morning sun cast a warm glow over the school courtyard, and the chatter of students filled the air. With my school bag slung over one shoulder, I headed towards the building that held our classroom.

Just as I pushed open the door to our classroom, I was met with the enthusiastic voices of Araya and Yukari, who were already seated at their desks.

"Hey, Rin!" Araya called out, her vibrant red eyes sparkling with excitement.

"Hey rinny." Yukari, her blonde hair cascading down her shoulders, chimed in.

"Good morning, you both. The weekend treated me well, and I managed to wrap up the book you suggested."

"Oh, the one with the mind-bending plot twists? The one I recommended? Tell me…tell me, how was it?"

I chuckled.

"You bet, Araya. I'll fill you in during lunch."

As I settled into my seat, our conversation continued to flow.

"Speaking of which, Rin, how's everything going with the school council? Any new projects in the pipeline?" Yukari asked.

"Well, things have been quite eventful. We're gearing up for the upcoming winter sports festival. Yanagi's got some ambitious plans this year. I'm excited but also a bit nervous about it."

To be honest I‘m rather scared than excited…

"Don't worry, Rin~~you‘ve been a great addition to the council. With your dedication, I'm sure the sports festival will be a huge success."

"Thanks, Araya. I'm truly happy to hear that."

As our conversation drifted towards the upcoming festival, we discussed potential events, strategies, and the excitement that came with being part of such a significant school tradition.

Before we knew it, the classroom door swung open, and our teacher, Ms. Chizuru, entered.

"Good morning, class," Ms. Chizuru greeted us, and the room fell silent as we turned our attention to her.

The new day had just started, and the promise of learning was in the air. However, as I observed Araya and Yukari engaged in conversation, their smiles and close bond served as a reassuring reminder that I was no longer alone.

The sound of the class bell rang through the air, marking the end of a particularly tiring lesson. I was feeling absolutely drained, thinking about the crazy math formula we had to tackle today. Who even comes up with that stuff? It's like they don't have a life.

My stomach grumbled, and I realized I had forgotten my snack. I had to make a pit stop at the cafeteria.

Sigh….

"Hey, you two can go ahead. I'm gonna grab a rice ball; I forgot my snack."

"Just a rise ball? That doesn't sound very healthy or filling. I'll share some of mine with you. Go get something quickly."

I couldn't help but wonder if I was getting a free meal. As I made my way to the cafeteria, I couldn't help but notice the many unfamiliar faces, and I could feel some people's eyes on me. It's one of the downsides of hanging out with well-known folks.

Sigh, today was turning into a record-breaking day for the number of sighs I let out.

At the cashier's counter, they asked for 300 yen, and I paid up. I couldn't wait to dig into my rice ball, so I started eating as I headed back to Araya and Yukari, waiting for me at the park.

Even as I devoured my food, my appetite seemed insatiable.

"I hope her food is tasty..." I mumbled to myself, thinking about the delicious meal Araya was known for.

In an instant, I heard a voice right behind me, and I turned to find the source of the interruption.

"Food? Food from who? Yukari!?" The voice startled me, and I couldn't hide my surprise.

"Wahhh! My goodness, what are you doing sneaking up on me like that, you angelic creature?"

It turned out to be Kirei, the guy who had previously asked me about my relationship with Yukari.

But...

Shit, what did I just say!

"Oh dear, calm down. It wasn't my intention to scare you, sorry~," Kirei said, trying to soothe my nerves.

"Then you shouldn't sneak up behind me! That's not cool, are you a trained assassin or something?"

"Teheheh~ you caught me, so it's on me, can I steal your company for a while?"

I shook my head, knowing I had other plans.

"No, not right now. I have to get to the park, or things might go south pretty quickly."

I'd learned my lesson about provoking Yukari and Araya; they might seem innocent and cute, but they had a mean streak when provoked.

"Is it really that important? Can't it wait?" Kirei pressed, trying to convince me to change my plans.

I saw an opportunity to resolve my predicament and defuse the situation. 

"Well, it is important, but I think I have a solution...."

"Huh? Yeah, tell me!"

I'll have a heart-to-heart with him, persuade him to tag along. This way, I can get to where I need to be without any more hiccups, and he can have a chat with Yukari. Sounds like a solid plan, right?

Curiosity got the better of me, and I asked.

"Hey, do you still have a thing for Yukari?"

"Yeah, I think so. Why do you ask?"

"Well, I was just on my way to have lunch with them. If you're okay with it, you can join me."

Kirei's eyes lit up, and he eagerly agreed, "Oh, yes! That would be awesome!"

As we strolled on our way to the park, I couldn't help but notice that all eyes seemed to be on me again. It's always a bit awkward standing next to a known guy from school.

I let out a sigh, and we finally reached our meeting spot at the park. It's a pretty peaceful place, perfect for hanging out, chatting, and, of course, having some fun. There's this bench with room for three people on each side, and it's a bit raised, so you get a nice little breeze.

"Hey, you two, have you been waiting long? I hope not."

Yukari, always one to speak her mind, didn't waste any time, "Well, you could've been faster, but it's alright because it's you. But why is Kirei here?"

I sighed again and replied, "Well, some stuff came up, and that's just how it is. Don't worry, I think he's just trying to be nice to me."

As we sat down for a meal and began to chat, I couldn't help but notice Kirei's great sense of humor and his friendly nature. He wasn't the type to judge or look down on others; he was just a genuinely nice guy.

I couldn't help but wonder about the odd combination of qualities in him – he was good-looking, funny, and genuinely caring. I thought to myself, "Well, I can't possibly be all that, can I?"

"Rin, do you play any sports?"

"Sports? Well, if you count sleeping as a sport, then sure, but to be honest, I'm not much into sports. It's just not my thing."

Of course, I was lying. I used to work out at home and play a bit of basketball.

"Oh, I get it. You know, I'm the captain of the basketball team today, and I was wondering if you'd like to join us. Ms. Chizuru mentioned you."

That demonic teacher again! What does she want from me? I just want to eat in peace!

"Ignore whatever Mrs. Chizuru told you. She's just making things up."

She seemed to take it personally.

"Anyway, let's finish our food," I said, trying to change the subject, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Our conversations grew shorter with each passing moment, and you could practically see the shortage of topics with the naked eye. Lunch break came to an end, and we decided to head back to our respective classes.

"Thanks for inviting me to lunch and hanging out today. I really enjoyed it. See you tomorrow, Rinchin!"

Rinchin? What!?

"You sneaky human!"

Returning to the classroom, I couldn't help but notice two girls peering through the windows, seemingly on a mission to find someone. I assumed it had nothing to do with me and paid little attention.

"Where is he? Seriously, I saw him here," one of the girls grumbled.

"Maybe he's sick or playing hooky. We probably shouldn't be so invested," her friend responded.

"No way! We can't just leave now after coming all the way here."

It was clear they didn't care about what others thought, and I couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed for them.

I couldn't resist asking, "What are you two up to? Stalking someone?"

The startled girl replied, "Whoa! Why'd you have to startle me? Oh, who are you?"

"You didn't need to scream. This is my class, and you look like you're 'waiting' for someone."

 "Yeah, I'm waiting for someone, right!"

She stood there, exuding confidence, seemingly unfazed by my subtly sarcastic remark. Did she not catch the sarcasm in my sentence?

"Who's that poor guy you're tailing?"

"Poor guy? What are you talking about?"

"Who's the guy you're crushing on? You look seriously creepy right now, you know that, right?"

Well, it's not her looks but her vibe that's kinda off-putting.

"Uh, well, there's this dude in your class, and I kinda like him, but it's not like I'm head over heels for him or anything. I mean, I'd never love anyone more than myself, you know!"

"So, you're in love with him?" I asked, surprised.

"Yeah..." She dropped her energetic façade.

"Well, if you want to talk to him, why don't you just go in and ask him to meet you behind the school?"

That would be pretty much a confession, wouldn't it? But who cares, she's head over heels. And she's not even bad-looking – brown hair, petite, probably around 155 cm tall, and definitely outgoing.

"Because he makes me weak..."

What?

My brain struggled to process that.

Weak?

Did I hear her right? How deep in love is she? Oh my, she must be really smitten!!

"Well, listen, I can talk to him, but just remember, no more stalking or peeping through windows like a weirdo. And be careful you’re not invisible.”

"Look, he can talk to your crush, so relax and come with me. Our class is about to start," her friend said.

"Wait! Here's my number. I'll message you about what you talked to him. Please help me make him fall for me."

"Are you serious? Well, I can try my best, but don't expect miracles," I replied, a bit annoyed.

Slowly but surely, her nervous and uncertain expression turned into a hopeful smile. She's really head over heels for him, it seems.

Turns out, the object of her affection is "Aikawa Ryoma," a basketball club member who, according to rumors, was the second-highest scorer last season. Not too shabby.

I need to think about how to handle this.

Oh, I know someone...