The soft rustling of pages. The silence of an empty classroom. An enthralling story. Nothing could distract Haru—at least, that’s what she thought.

"Wait-, isn’t that Dragons and Fire?!"

A boy’s lively voice interrupted her focus, breaking through the quiet.

"Y-yes..."

Her voice faltered, betraying a flicker of nervousness. They were in the same class, but she hardly knew him—just like the rest of her classmates.

The boy grinned broadly, flashing all his teeth.

"I knew it! By the way, you’re---"

"HARU!!!"

Wait, he didn’t say it like that...

"Wake up! I’m talking to you!"

A sharp jolt hit her, like a hammer striking her mind. The shouting yanked her back to reality—the harsh, bitter reality. The hard futon beneath her, the clock glaring at 6 a.m., and the weight of exhaustion in her body.

At least my dreams aren’t awful...

With a dull gaze full of regret, she looked toward the next room, where her father was noisily rummaging around.

So loud. Looking for money again?

She forced herself up, her steps slow and heavy. The room was a mess—like always.

"Why are you shouting this early?"

"Where’s the damn money?" His voice was harsh, and his face was twisted in frustration. But Haru’s irritation outweighed his.

"It’s gone. I haven’t been paid yet."

"Don’t lie! Where did you hide it?!"

Haa... I wish he’d just die. Probably ran out of booze... If I argue, he’ll just hit me again. Should I play the sweet daughter? Even though he’s a complete disappointment, he has a soft side somewhere in there. But even that makes me sick.

"Daddy, I didn’t hide anything, I swear!" She said with a soft smile. "I’ll give you the money as soon as I get paid, I promise. Just hold on a little longer, okay?"

Her father glared at her for a moment, then fell silent. Haru turned away, beginning to tidy up and get ready for school. Another miserable day awaited her.

A few classmates were already seated when she arrived.

"Haru! Hey!" A girl at a desk waved, her smile wide and bright.

"Hey, Nari!"

Nari had been Haru’s friend since their first year of high school. Despite her endless chatter, she was tolerable. Her short, bleached hair suited her goofy, self-absorbed nature.

"Hey, Haru. See Boram over there? I heard she got a boyfriend."

"Really?"

"Yup! Oh, by the way! I bought this hoodie yesterday. What do you think? How does it look on me?"

"It looks great on you," Haru replied, trying to hide her irritation.

Shut up, goddammit! I wouldn’t be so annoyed by her gossip and girly chatter if I didn’t know she uses that same mouth to talk about me behind my back.

The day dragged on. The grumpy math teacher was droning on about integrals, just like every other lesson.

I still can’t forget that dream... I dream about middle school way too often. But I know exactly why.

The bell rang.

"Alright, that’s it for today. The homework is on the board. And just a heads-up—tomorrow I’ll be introducing a new student."

The classroom buzzed with excitement.

"Is it a girl?" asked the class playboy.
"Where’s this student from?" Boram chimed in.

"Quiet down! I wish you’d show this much interest in your studies, you slackers. Class reps, stay behind. Everyone else, you can leave."

The majority of the class packed up and left, leaving only two behind.

Why transfer in the second year of high school? And in the middle of the term, no less...

"Haru, heading to work?"

"Yeah. See you later, Nari," she smiled bitterly.

"Be careful!" Nari called out, already halfway out the door.

Right. Work.