He was walking to school.
I am Nagato Nawfi.
Today is Valentine's Day. Not that it really matters to me… but this year is different.
Because today, I will confess to my childhood friend.
Our parents were school friends, so we've been together since middle school. She was my first friend… and my first crush. I was always bullied at school, and she was always the one to stand up for me.
I love her. I love her so much.
But I'm terrified.
What if she misunderstands? What if our friendship breaks apart?
"Hey! Man, why are you so gloomy today?"
A hard slap landed on his back. He staggered forward slightly.
A spiky-haired boy grinned at him. "I mean, you seem gloomier than usual."
"Kenji-kun!!" he snapped out of his thoughts. "No, it's nothing."
"Huh? …Nothing?" Kenji smirked,"Almus already told me you're gonna confess to your childhood sweetheart today."
He sighed. "I see. He told you." he forced a smile. "Good for you."
"Listen, we're all single, so no need to be depressed." Kenji patted his shoulder. "Stuff like this always happens to people like us."
"…Are you encouraging me or discouraging me?" he asked, frowning.
"Why would I discourage you?" Kenji raised an eyebrow. "I would never do such a thing."
"…Hmm." he narrowed his eyes at kenji,"By the way, why are you here so early today?"
"I've got important business, that's why." Kenji grinned menacingly.
Something about that smile made him uneasy.
"…I see." he nodded, but deep down, he already had a bad feeling.
"Well then, I'll be off." Kenji waved as he walked ahead. "Oh, and don't worry! If you get rejected, I'll kick your ass. If you get accepted, I'll punch you on the face. Good luck!"
"Wait, what?!"
He stared after him, dumbfounded.
"…That means I'm getting beaten either way." he muttered to himself.
The classroom buzzed with chatter and laughter,
"Hey, did you hear? That guy from Class C1, Yasuharu, asked out Saori from Class A2."
"What?! You mean the Saori? The school beauty?"
"Yeah."
"I heard they already started dating."
"Man… now I'm jealous."
"That Yasuharu guy is crazy lucky. He actually landed someone like Saori."
As the conversation went on, one of the girls stole a glance at Nawfi.
Just then, the teacher entered the classroom. The students quickly took their seats.
The bell rang.
It was time for PE class.
As everyone began to leave, a panicked voice rang out.
"Oh no! I forgot my PE uniform. Does anyone have a spare?"
"I think I have an extra one in my locker. You can borrow it."
"Minato-kun, you're my savior!" The boy rushed forward and hugged him tightly. "I love you, man!"
"Oi! Stay away!" Minato growled, prying him off. "You're creeping me out!"
Meanwhile, Nawfi sat quietly in his seat, lost in thought.
"You're alone as usual," Almus commented, walking up to him.
Nawfi didn't respond.
"Come on, let's go. PE class is about to start." Almus sighed, grabbing his arm.