It’s Thursday, the day before a long weekend. For students and office workers alike, most people are buzzing with excitement about the upcoming break. Naturally, I’m no exception. I can’t wait to dive deeper into exploring that other world.

"Morning, Tachihara!"

"Morning, Tachihara-kun!"

"Morning, Abe, Watanabe!"

When I got to class, Abe and Watanabe greeted me. They’re always polite like that, just like they were yesterday after school.

"By the way, Tachihara, what manga have you been reading lately?"

"I haven’t read much manga recently. I wouldn’t mind picking something up. Got any recommendations?"

"This one’s good—it even got an anime adaptation recently. And it’s got a cute dog-eared girl, too."

"Watanabe, you’re as consistent as ever."

"And this one’s also worth checking out. I’ve been following it since the start, and I knew it would be popular."

"Hmm, they both sound interesting. I’ll stop by the bookstore on my way home. Thanks."

"I’ve got no club activities today, so I’ll swing by, too. Let’s head home together."

"Sure, sounds good."

"Ah, I have club activities today, so I can’t go with you guys. But let’s walk home together on Monday."

"Hey, how about we grab some teriyaki by the station on Monday? I’ve been craving it lately."

"Yeah, let’s do that!"

It’s been a while since I’ve had a conversation that felt this normal and high school-ish. Spending time like this with friends during breaks is way better than being alone.

Today’s PE class is tennis. We had the same class the other day, and I tried to stay low-key. I could probably beat a world champion with my current abilities, but I’d rather avoid drawing attention.

After the lesson drills like wall practice and rallies, we were given ten minutes of free time. Watanabe and I, who aren’t very athletic, sat near the wall chatting. Meanwhile, the popular kids, led by Tsuyuhara, paired up in mixed-gender teams and played some casual matches. Even though PE is usually separated by gender, the last ten minutes can be coed.

"I was wondering, Tachihara-kun, could I talk to you for a second?"

While I was chatting with Watanabe about anime, my classmate Kawabata came over. Kawabata is one of the popular girls, kind-hearted and cute, and she’s well-liked by the guys. More importantly, she’s the only girl who didn’t join in on bullying me when Tsuyuhara and his group were targeting me.

"What’s up, Kawabata-san?"

I paused my anime conversation with Watanabe and stood up. I get why Abe and Watanabe talk to me, but it’s unusual for Kawabata-san to.

"Um, it really is you, right, Tachihara-kun? Sorry, you’ve changed so much I didn’t recognize you."

"Yeah, it’s me. I slimmed down a lot suddenly, so it’s understandable."

"Is it because of something Tsuyuhara-kun and his friends did? If they forced you into anything weird, I’ll tell the teachers this time!"

Huh? Does she think I slimmed down because of something Tsuyuhara’s group did? If anything, I’d have to thank them for it.

"No, they had nothing to do with it. Like I told the teachers, I just woke up one day, and I was thinner. I had a checkup, but they found nothing wrong with me. I’m fine."

"Oh, I’m glad. I thought Tsuyuhara-kun and his friends were bullying you again."

"Thank you for worrying about me back then. I had a rough time, but I’m okay now."

Kawabata-san had reached out to me even back when I was being bullied. Looking back, it must’ve taken a lot of courage. Even Tsuyuhara’s group, with their popularity, didn’t dare mess with her.

"Thank goodness. So, Tachihara-kun…"

"Look out!"

Watanabe yelled suddenly, and I felt a flash of danger.

"Kawabata-san!"

"Kyaa!"

Something flew toward Kawabata-san’s face. I wrapped my arms around her and caught the object with my right hand.

"A… tennis ball?"

"Uh, Tachihara-kun?"

"Ah! I’m so sorry!"

Without realizing it, I had one arm around Kawabata-san. I quickly let go.

"Sorry, it was an accident! Please don’t sue me!"

Even though I did it to protect her, I still ended up hugging her. Please don’t accuse me of harassment!

"No, no, it’s okay! Thanks to you, I didn’t get hurt. Really, thank you!"

Kawabata-san’s face turned red as she shook her head, looking even cuter. Her kindness saved me from being labeled a creep.

The ones who sent the tennis ball over—Tsuyuhara’s group—came over to apologize. They looked pale when they realized I was almost hit.

"I’m so sorry, Tachihara! It wasn’t intentional! We didn’t mean to aim for you. Please forgive us!"

"Sorry! I didn’t see where I was hitting!"

"It’s my fault too; I didn’t mean to hit it back at you!"

"Sorry, Kawabata-san!"

They all apologized in unison. Now everyone’s staring at us. This is exactly the attention I was trying to avoid.

"I’m not upset, so don’t worry. Just apologize to Kawabata-san; she almost got hit."

"Of course! Kawabata, we’re really sorry!"

"Thank you, Tachihara-kun saved me, so it’s fine."

They breathed a sigh of relief. I tossed the ball back to Tsuyuhara and told them to be more careful. But my peaceful, low-key high school life might’ve just been derailed.