A romantic comedy with a little ghost girl.

CHAPTER 6 - First Day of Classes

(POV - Saik)

If someone asked me: What do you plan to do in the future? Do you know what you want to study? Which university will you go to? I wouldn't know how to answer.

I've never thought about the future. I tried, but I was so focused on the present that I never considered what's ahead. I mean, after all, I'm still too young to worry about that, but since my parents' deaths, a harsh dose of reality pierced my heart. The future is uncertain, and if I don't care enough, I won't know how to face it when that future becomes my present.

Maybe I'll fall in love with a girl and become a househusband. I think I'd do a decent job; it's just cleaning, taking care of kids, and keeping my wife satisfied. It's not a big deal… or so I think. I don't have experience with that since my parents worked, and the maids usually cooked and cleaned the house.

But that's the only option because I haven't thought much about my future.

I just enjoy the present… But maybe, when I finish high school, I'll figure out what I want to be.

The househusband option seems unlikely, though. I don't think I'll fall in love with anyone. To me, humans are beings I'll never understand, and if I'm not comfortable around humans, I'm even less likely to feel love for a human girl.

But life's a mystery; everything can change. Maybe the old cliché of love at first sight will strike my heart… But I doubt it.

I'm not even interested in having friends… Well, I'd better stop thinking about that.

I'll let time decide for me.

"Blue uniform with a slight grayish tone. A white shirt underneath. An elegant tie with a deep black color. Oh, and black pants. Hmm… It looks perfect on you, Saik!"

"I guess so, but it's kind of uncomfortable. Ah, well, no choice. Let's go."

"Let's do this!"

I grabbed my backpack and left the house with Yuki, heading to my first day of classes.

Notebooks, books, candy, emergency clothes (in case mine get dirty or torn), our lunches, and a novel in case I get really bored.

Yeah, I've got everything I need to survive school.

"A school for the rich. I wonder if there's caviar on the cafeteria menu."

I doubt it, Yuki. Caviar's not worth it; it doesn't fill you up, it's too small.

"I can't wait to meet your classmates! I wonder if they'll be as weird as you. Fufu."

Most of them are normal, so it'll be boring.

"Hey, Saik, have you thought about what I said? Are you really not interested in making friends?"

"No," I whispered as quietly as possible.

"Hey, can you hear me?"

"Yeah," I whispered again.

"Hey, Saik… Saik!!"

"Cameras active," I said, whispering a bit louder.

"Oh, right. Sorry."

This city is divided into four main sectors: the rich area, middle-class area, poor area, and the red zone.

Officially, they're not divided, but the citizens know perfectly well that there's an invisible but very real separation.

Yuki and I live in the rich area, a place where no criminal would dare try to rob anyone, as they'd be caught in minutes.

The security is top-notch, which is why millionaires have their families living here and even roam the sector without fear. From what I researched, there have been very few kidnapping and murder attempts, but thanks to security cameras and 24/7 police patrols, tragedies have been avoided.

The cameras also record audio, which is why I always talk to Yuki in a low voice, but this time I'm whispering because the cameras are following me, focusing on me. This happens mainly when something important is going on, and they do everything to ensure nothing ruins it.

When the cameras are in their normal position, I can speak quietly without worry.

The middle-class area has security too, but it's not as tight as the rich area's, though it's sufficient.

The poor area has the worst security, as they have to settle for government-provided public safety, which sometimes fails. Like security cameras that get disabled by criminals or even government employees bribed to turn them off. They also destroy the cameras, and it takes time to replace them, so a good portion of the sector often lacks surveillance.

Sometimes the same happens in the rich and middle-class areas, but those are more isolated cases. It's usually done by powerful people when they're meeting certain individuals. You can also hire people to destroy security cameras, but at a high price, and they'd only give you 30 minutes of freedom.

The red zone is the lawless area, ruled by crime. Why doesn't the government do anything? Because they hide well, pretending to be just another poor area, but it's a place where prostitution thrives, along with illegal drug and weapon sales. There are government officials involved, which makes it hard to dismantle the zone. People who've tried to challenge the red zone end up silenced and in black bags, so fewer and fewer people try to do anything about it.

"Want to buy something, Yuki?" I said quietly, as we'd passed the danger.

There's a convenience store. Hmm. What could I buy? I'm thirsty, but I don't want water. Maybe a soda?

"Get me a chocolate drink, please."

Chocolate, huh? Sounds good to me too. I'll buy six.

"Move, kid!"

I was about to enter, but someone pushed me, and I stepped back to let the woman who shoved me leave the store. I'd rather avoid unnecessary trouble, especially with someone in her condition.

"Ugh. A drunk. And she stinks," Yuki said, covering her nose.

I watched the woman stumble away. She's drunk and carrying a six-pack of beers. Wasting money like that. Ah, I'll never understand people like her.

"Hey, you okay, kid?" said an employee who saw what happened.

"Yeah, don't worry."

I entered the store, and Yuki sighed.

"She didn't look homeless, but she smelled like one."

"Everyone has a past, and everyone deals with it differently. We shouldn't judge without knowing people."

That woman was beautiful. How did someone like her fall so low? I highly doubt she has low self-esteem. Yeah, she must've made bad life choices.

Whatever, I don't care. I don't know her, so I don't care if she ruins her health with alcohol.

Alright, chocolate drinks and instant soup. I'm craving it.

I paid for the stuff and left the store.

"Gimme, gimme!" Yuki said, opening her mouth.

"It's too hot; wait for it to cool down."

I blew on the soup.

Ah… My first day of classes. I hope everything goes well and no one messes with me.

I don't want another Rossy in my life, please, God Dog. I finally got rid of her; don't send me someone like her.

•

•

"Ah… So nostalgic. I missed school," Yuki said.

Yuki decided to come with me to my first day of classes since she didn't want to stay home alone all day.

Well, as long as she doesn't bother me, I don't mind. She's going to get bored, I'm sure of that, but I hope she at least takes this chance to learn. Knowledge is always good, even if you think you don't need it.

"Hey, hey, are you ready for the speech?"

"What speech?"

"Huh?! You forgot?! The top student is supposed to give the welcome speech! You're the top student…! Well, you're supposed to have the title of top student."

"Ah, right. I already handled it, don't worry."

"No wonder I never saw you practicing. Sigh, Saik, you're wasting another chance to be popular. I don't get you!"

"Don't even try to understand me."

"Yeah, yeah, I know, I'll never get your way of thinking, cold guy."

I looked at the students around me.

Very few students wear luxury brand items, like watches or bags, and those few stand out by being in groups.

I see… Yeah, this school's definitely weird.

Some are also judging me, and not just with looks—they're mocking me out loud.

Yuki seems worried about me, but I won't pay attention to those insults; it's not worth worrying about.

I'd better head straight to the welcome ceremony.

•

•

"Hey, look at that guy."

"Why doesn't he comb his hair?"

"He looks weird."

"Fufu. I thought emos went extinct."

Hey, random girl, I'm not emo… What's emo? I don't know what that is, but I'm not that… I think. What's emo?

The voices of people around me don't matter. I stopped caring about people's opinions a long time ago. But what the hell is emo?

"Now, the representative of the new students."

The ceremony's dragging on. I'm sleepy. Ah, I forgot how boring school can be.

Ah, well, a little nap wouldn't hurt.

"Hey, don't fall asleep!"

Yuki sat on my lap.

"You have to stay awake."

Ah, I'm so bored.

"Thank you," said the representative as she stepped forward.

Ram, huh? It must be her since Yuki said she was the smartest.

… A little girl? Ah, no, she's just flat.

Wow. She's a very adorable girl, but her serious expression makes her look quite mature. Her white hair and blue eyes are cute. She has long hair, like Yuki. Hmm… I think she'd look even cuter with short hair.

She reminds me of Yuki because of her hair and eye color, but their personalities are very different. Yuki's super outgoing and full of energy, but Ram seems really serious and boring.

The speech started, and I closed my eyes. No one can see my eyes, so I don't care.

Ah, so sleepy.

•

•

"Saik, wake up!"

Yuki hit me on the head, and I opened my eyes.

Ah, in the blink of an eye, my nap was over. At least I rested.

"You need to get up."

Ah, I fell asleep. Everyone's already getting up from their seats.

I stood up and yawned. Alright, finally, time to head to the classroom.

"I'm sleepy."

"Hey, wait."

Did someone talk to me? Nah, I doubt it; I don't know anyone.

I started walking, but…

"Huh?"

Someone put their hand on my shoulder.

"I said wait."

That's the representative's voice. Ah, what a hassle.

I turned to look at the representative.

"What's up?"

"I have a question. Why did you refuse to give the speech?"

"Too much hassle."

"…"

"…"

Silence filled the air as she just furrowed her brow in doubt and confusion. What? She doesn't believe me?

"Hassle, you say?"

"Yeah. Why?"

"Are you serious?"

"Yeah."

"… Never mind, forget I said anything."

"That's exactly what I'll do."

I walked away and stretched my arms.

I need to get used to waking up early. Ah, what a pain. I hate full-time schedules. Being at school at 7 a.m. and leaving at 4 p.m. Ah, it's a living hell.

"Fufu. Look at Ram, Saik. She can't believe you're better than her. She's probably wondering if you're really that smart."

"And that means she'll investigate me."

"Exactly! We need to be careful with her, or they'll find out you're an idiot."

"Hey, that hurt, but yeah, you're right."

I hope you don't cause me trouble, Ram.

•

•

Alright, I'm here. Class 1-B.

I entered my classroom and took advantage of the fact that no one had claimed the desk by the window in the last row.

A quiet seat, far from everyone. Perfect for sleeping.

As I walk, I can notice the social groups forming.

Girls around the handsome guy. Girls who clearly seem like annoying girls, the kind who'd bully a fat kid by calling him a pig. Some students talking about video games and anime. And a lone girl and guy. Well, two lone guys if you count me… Actually, three guys; there's another one sitting, reading a manga.

Ah, yeah, this classroom seems pretty normal.

I sat down, and Yuki sat on my desk.

"Alright, it's time for Yuki's plan! I'll help you make friends!"

"Don't want to."

I put my head on my arms and closed my eyes. What I want is to sleep. I still have a few free minutes.

"Hey, hey, don't ignore me…! Why can't I touch you?!"

"I want to sleep."

"Everyone's socializing!"

"Don't care."

Let them socialize among themselves; I need to stick to my role as the friendless loner guy. That's how I'm most comfortable.

•

•

(POV - Yuki)

Ahhhhh! You're driving me crazy, Saik!

Why won't you let me touch you…?! Sigh, that sounded perverted. Ahhhhh! Whatever! Saik, Saik, let me touch you; I want to hit you! Everyone's socializing! Move your butt and go make some new friends!

Tch. My hands are still passing through him. Are you seriously going to act this childish?!

"Saik, come on, you need to socialize!"

W-wait…

No way… Uwaaaah! He's already asleep! You're an idiot; you're missing a unique opportunity! The first day of classes sets your role in the class!

Do you really want to be the weird friendless guy forever? I'll never understand you, Saik!

"Hey, can I get your number?"

"You must be super smart. I didn't even understand half the questions on the entrance exam."

"What's your GPA?"

The representative is popular among the students… Saik, that could've been you! Why didn't you agree to give the speech?!

God Dog, give me the strength to deal with his stupidity.

I know it's rude to think that, but I can't help it!

"Hi, my name's Danna! It's a pleasure to meet you all! Why don't we introduce ourselves? It's the best way to get to know each other. My name's Danna, I'm 16, and my goal is to be friends with everyone! Nice to meet you!"

Oh, wow, I think she went to my school. She was always surrounded by friends. A girl born to be popular. It's been years since I last saw her. She's still as cheerful as ever. She got even prettier. And her breasts grew a lot…! Sigh…

I touched my chest, flat as a board. Why did I die so young?! My mom has big breasts. Genetics were on my side! It's not fair!

"My name's Saoto, I'm 16, and my goal is to be a good student… Kinda boring, right? I know, but…"

They didn't let him finish, and his new friends let him know they supported him.

"That's admirable!"

"We'll support you!"

Ugh. Did he say that to seem like a nice guy and win the girls' hearts? Though he could also be telling the truth.

… A handsome guy… Hmm… I think I prefer Saik. Yeah, I think Saik's more attractive than him… If only he'd comb his hair!

The student representative stood up.

"My name's Ram, and I'm 15. That's all, I guess."

A quick introduction. Definitely a serious girl.

One by one, the students introduced themselves. I've already figured out their personalities and hobbies. I even spotted the shy, friendless girl. Saik, don't worry, I'll make sure that girl becomes your girlfriend…! Or at least your friend.

… True, what kind of girls does Saik find attractive? Does he like shy girls, or does he prefer girls with big breasts?

"Hey, it's your… Huh?"

"Is he asleep?"

Kya! This idiot won't wake up!

"Saik, the video game you ordered just arrived!!"

Saik lifted his head. Did it work?! It worked! Fufu. I'm awesome, I know.

"Really…? Ah… You tricked me," he said, whispering.

"You need to introduce yourself!"

"Huh? What's going on? Why's everyone looking at me?" he said in his normal voice.

"We're introducing ourselves. It's your turn," Saoto said.

"I see."

Saik, everyone's watching you. Don't screw this up!

"My name's Saik… That's all."

He went back to sleep… This idiot!

"At least say your age, idiot!"

Everyone's giving him weird looks… You made a terrible first impression!

"Saik… Are you the one who got the highest score on the entrance exam?! That's amazing!"

Saoto's approaching. W-wait, don't tell me he's going to…

"Hey, Saik, could I ask you a few questions? Of course, only if you're okay with it."

T-this guy's too nice. Don't do it! Saik hates being woken up!

I still haven't forgotten when he fell asleep on a park bench while I was pretending to play with some kids… Pretending to play with them. Sigh, that sounds so depressing.

Anyway. Some guys (idiots with nothing better to do) kicked him in the stomach to wake him up and force him to leave the bench that, according to them, was theirs.

They wanted to intimidate him, threaten him or something, but when Saik woke up, he wasn't mad about the kick; he was mad because "they woke him up."

And then, he beat them all up until a cop came and took Saik away for being violent.

It was the first time I saw Saik fight, and it was awful! Not because of the blood, but because they hit Saik too! That idiot's got strong punches, but he doesn't know how to fight!

But that day, I learned Saik doesn't like being woken up. I'm safe because I'm his little sister, but if a stranger does it… Sigh… Saik, don't get in trouble!

"Sorry, Saik, it'll just be a second."

H-he's gently shaking him. I-I don't want to watch.

"Huh?"

Saik lifted his head and looked at Saoto.

"Don't do anything stupid, Saik!"

"Can we talk?" Saoto said.

"Hey, idiot, you're annoying. Don't talk to me."

Ahhhhh! I knew it! He didn't hit him, but those words just destroyed Saik's reputation!

"I… I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bother you."

Saoto walked away, and the girls' judgmental looks at Saik came right after.

T-they're already talking bad about him. Goodbye, hope of Saik making friends!

•

•

(POV - Saik)

Ah, finally, lunchtime. The first classes are always the most boring, but at least they weren't too hard.

"Finally, I'm starving."

"Hmph!"

Ah, wow. What an adorable pout, but I sense real anger in her. What did I do now?

"What's wrong, Yuki?"

"What's wrong?! You ruined your first day of classes!"

"Ah, I see. Don't care."

"That's exactly why I'm mad!"

"Come on, eating will calm you down."

"I hope so."

I took out the two lunches from my backpack. My mouth's watering just imagining the taste. I'm definitely starving. Learning is really exhausting. I deserve a good meal after all that inhuman effort.

"Wait."

Ah, what a pain.

I stopped and turned to look at the representative… What was her name? I forgot.

Did I really forget? Think, Saik, think… Ah, I don't remember. Mental exhaustion's keeping me from recalling irrelevant details like her name.

"Hey, representative. What's up?"

"You don't remember my name?"

"… Monica?"

"Ram."

"That was my second guess."

"You're lying."

"Alright, third guess."

"Whatever, it doesn't matter. I'll get to the point. Did you cheat on the entrance exam?"

"Yeah."

"You cheated?!"

"Yeah. A ghost copied the students' answers and gave them to me."

"Haha. Very funny."

That sarcastic tone was adorable.

I pulled a lollipop from my pocket and offered it to her.

"Here."

"Huh? Why?"

"You look adorable when you talk with that sarcastic tone."

"D-don't treat me like a little girl!"

"Should I treat you like an old lady? I've got tea bags too."

I pulled a tea bag from my pocket and offered it to her.

"Want one?"

"… I'm not going to ask why you have that too."

"Well, if that's all, I'm out."

"Wait… The teacher asked you some simple questions, and you couldn't answer them. You're supposed to be the best first-year student."

"I guess I'm not that smart."

"… You're weird."

"I hear that a lot. Bye, I'm going to eat with the ghost who gave me the answers."

"Stop joking and go."

I left the classroom and sighed.

It wasn't a joke.

"Hahahahahaha! It's hilarious that you tell the truth so easily and no one believes you! But she's right; you're raising suspicions."

"I need to study more."

But first, I'll deal with my stomach problem. I need nutrients to grow healthy and strong.