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“Thank you very much, Mr. Have a nice day.” I step out of the room and into the hallway. Where did Tatsuya go? I make my way down the corridor towards the giant crescent moon decoration. Finally, I spot my brother, grinning and waving at me.
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“Hikaru, look who I found wandering the halls!” A woman with dark blue hair, silver glasses, and a purple blouse stands beside him.
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“Hello, Hikaru! How are you?” She pulls my brother and me into a warm embrace.
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“We're both doing well, Ms. Reikio. Hikaru, this is your biology teacher. I had her last year, and she knows Dad. She’s like family to us,” Tatsuya explains.
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“That’s cool... Wait, how did you know she was my biology teacher?” I ask, confused.
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“I got your schedule while you were off in Mr. Distonip's classroom,” he replies. I glance down at my shoes, feeling a bit sheepish.
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“Oh…” I lift my head just as the announcement crackles to life.
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“Hello everyone! Welcome back to all returning students and a warm welcome to newcomers! This year is going to be fantastic. Freshmen and sophomores, please head to your advisories immediately. Juniors and seniors, please go to the North Gym. Thank you, and have a great day!” Ms. Reikio places her hand on my shoulder, guiding me towards my advisory as Tatsuya teasingly flicks the dark bun on my head and strides down the hallway.
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“See you later, sis!”
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“Bye, Tatsuya... Wait, my schedule!” I dart after him but collide with someone mid-run.
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“Sorry about that! Are you okay?” I exclaim.
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“Ugh, my skirt! You got it stained!” she snaps back.
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“I’m really sorry! You could always head to the restroom to clean it off or change in your dorm,” I suggest.
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“No way! I can’t wear the same thing every day—that’s just unacceptable!” she retorts, grabbing my wrist and dragging me toward the restrooms. She shoves me into a stall and locks the door.
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“Hey, what are you doing?” She leaves, laughing. What a jerk. Once I unlock the stall and step out, I scan the restroom for her, but she’s already gone. Whatever. I need to get to the principal’s office since Tatsuya took my schedule.
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As I walk to the main office, I spot a long line of students. I position myself behind a group of boys, and I can feel their eyes raking over me. They start whispering.
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“Yeah, that’s her.” Their murmurs fade into laughter as they turn toward me.
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“Hey there, sweetheart! What’s a girl like you doing in a hoodie? Shouldn’t you be in a skirt like Ms. Sakura over there?” One of them points to the girl who just tried to lock me in a stall. So this is where she ended up. She’s probably a sophomore too, just like me, and these boys are likely my age as well. I guess it’s best to ignore their comments. What could they really do that Tatsuya wouldn’t find out about?
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“Sweetheart, are you ignoring us? You shouldn’t do that!” One of the boys chuckles as he reaches for my wrist, attempting to pull me closer. I immediately push him away and grip his hand instead.
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“Oh, darling~ don’t worry about that! Can you boys do me a favor and tell me a bit about her?” I point to the girl, and their expressions shift to surprise.
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“Who’s she?” they glance at each other, blushing.
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“She’s one of the wealthiest girls in the academy and the prettiest besides you, sweetheart.” I release his hand and watch as they stand there in stunned silence.
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“Thanks, boys! See you around!” I stroll up to the counter and request my schedule.
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“Here you go! Have a great day!” a lady behind the counter says.
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“You too, ma’am.” As I step outside the office, I bump into Ms. Sakura again.
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“Oh, it’s you! The girl who ruined my skirt.” I exhale in frustration and turn to walk away.
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“Hey, don’t just walk away from me, poor girl.” I stop and slowly turn back.
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“Ha, what did you just say?”
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“Poor girl, did you think I said something else?” I stride closer, preparing to grab her arm, but someone taps me on the shoulder. I flash a smile and turn to see Tatsuya looking at me with disapproval.
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“Hey, Hikaru... how was homeroom?” I glance at the clock. First period has already started.
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“I couldn’t go because you had my schedule. I had to get a new one,” I reply, rolling my eyes.
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Tatsuya chuckles, “Well, forget that. Looks like you’ve made a new friend.” He gestures toward Sakura, who catches his eye and flirts a bit.
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“No, I really don’t want to,” he says, narrowing his eyes.
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“Let’s go, Hikaru,” he says, walking away. I follow him, flipping her off and sticking my tongue out behind his back. She groans as we head down the long hallway.
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