«This is a curse!»

I had finally managed to fix my bike, but here I was, stuck in the exact same situation as last time. 

I'm seriously going to be late this time!

At least the weather was on my side—no rain. 

When I finally caught sight of the school gate, I let out a sigh of relief. Way too early, as it turned out. 

«I actually pulled it off agai—»

I froze. The bell rang that exact second.

I'm so cooked.

I think I must have broken every known speed record back then. 

I sprinted down the empty school corridors, desperate to make it to my classroom. 

«Stop right there!»

A chill ran down my spine. I slowly turned around. 

Oh, I knew it...

I had been blocked by one of the people I feared most. 

«M-morning, Shiori.»

She stepped closer, closing in with a menacing aura. 

«Well, let's see here...»

She started circling me like a shark. 

«You were running in the halls, you're late, and your uniform is all wrinkled.»

She placed her hands on her hips. 

«I should report you, you know?»

«Please, Shiori, have mercy on me.»

I practically dropped to my knees. 

«I don't know...»

She was clearly enjoying every second of it—until a thought popped into my head. 

«Wait, Shiori... Why aren't you in class?»

She flinched slightly, trying hard not to show it. 

«Ah, well... You see, I...»

Her eyes darted everywhere except at me. 

«I get it...»

I stood back up, a sadistic grin spreading across my face. 

«This is a Mexican standoff, my dear Shiori. Don't tell me you're late too?»

I smiled, feeling completely victorious. 

«Don't talk nonsense! I have to come to your classroom...»

«My classroom? What for?»

«We have to do a group project, your class and mine.»

«What nonsense is that? Who even decided that?»

It sounded completely ridiculous. 

«The teachers. They think it might help people who have trouble fitting in.»

At that statement, I couldn't help but stare at her. 

«Hey, I am not one of those people!»

She bristled. 

«I didn't say a word.»

«Pff... Fine, let's go. I'll cover for your lateness.»

«Thank you so much!»

With Shiori walking me there, I finally made it to class. 

Knock, knock. 

She knocked. 

«Come in!»

«Good morning, Professor.»

«Oh, Shiori. Are you here about the groups?»

She nodded. 

«I even brought a stray student along. He's excused, so don't mark him tardy.»

I sneaked in quietly. 

This time, I only sighed once I reached my desk. 

«What happened this time?» 

Haru asked immediately. 

Turning around, I saw Akari letting out a soft giggle. 

I waved at her, and she returned it. When I looked back at the teacher and Shiori, I noticed something strange. 

Turns out she had quite a few admirers.

I had never seen my class so attentive; every single guy was hanging on her every word. 

Shiori carefully explained the details of the group assignment. Apparently, we had to come up with various ideas for the upcoming spring festival. 

«Now, you can form your groups. If anyone from my class wants to join up with you guys, let me know right now.»

A loud buzz filled the room as everyone started figuring out their teams. 

«Sora, are we teaming up?» 

Haru asked with total calmness. 

«Sure, but we'll need to add someone else.»

My gaze drifted toward Akari. As expected, almost everyone had flocked to her. 

«Wanna ask her to join us?» 

Haru whispered, stepping closer. 

«Well, I'd love to, but I doubt she'd say yes...»

«Guys...» 

Shiori appeared, looking a little awkward. 

«Morning,» 

Haru greeted her. 

«Look... if you guys don't mind... could I join your group?» 

She was putting every ounce of her pride aside. 

Exchanging a glance, Haru and I were genuinely proud of her. 

«Sure, it'd be great to have you with us,» 

Haru told her. 

«I'm proud of you,» 

I added. 

«What are you even proud of, Sora?» 

A voice right behind me made me jump out of my seat. 

«Akari?!»

«Good morning, you three,» 

she smiled. 

«Hey, Akari, have you found a group yet?» 

Shiori asked her right away. It struck me as a bit odd. 

«No, not yet... To be honest, I didn't want to work with the usual crowd.»

As I tried to make sense of their behavior, I felt a gentle poke on my arm. 

Haru?

He was mouthing that this was my chance. 

«Well... if you'd like, you can work with us...» 

My proposal lit up her face with happiness. 

«Really? That would be amazing.»

«Yeah, sounds like a good idea,» 

Haru commented. Shiori simply nodded. 

One way or another, all the groups finally came together. 

«Now we need to decide where to meet up,» 

Shiori brought up the next logistical hurdle. 

«My house is big, but my parents are pretty strict,» 

Akari said. 

«My place is super tiny,» 

Haru shrugged. 

In the end, everyone turned to look at me. 

«N-no way, have you all lost your minds?»

«C'mon, got something to hide?» 

Shiori teased. 

«It's been a while since I last saw your mom,» 

Haru chimed in, fueling the idea. 

Akari didn't say anything, but she clearly agreed with the others. 

«F-fine, I'll ask and let you guys know.»

I was secretly praying my mom would say no, but when I called her...

«Of course, sweetie! Bring them all over.»

I turned to stone. And that's how I ended up dragging all of them back to my house.