...
Sitting at the very back of an empty classroom, I rest my head on the desk.
Thinking that all of this is meaningless.
I may be a fool, but that doesn't mean I lack understanding—especially since I've already gone through school in my previous life.
Well… even if it was only up to vocational high school.
After that… I still remember it…
Those difficult times, when so much pressure and so many burdens were placed on me.
So heavy that it made it hard to breathe.
At the very least, those burdens disappeared in this world… but that doesn't mean they're gone.
They were simply replaced with different ones.
"Yeah… I guess I'll never truly be free."
But because of that, I have to do whatever I want while I still can.
Things like becoming a musician, having a band, holding concerts, performing for people… those are what I'm aiming for right now.
Even if I don't know whether they'll come true or not, at least… that's the direction I've chosen.
But if they don't—
—I don't know what I'll do anymore…
Huh. What am I even doing here?
-
A little while later, someone walks in through the door.
A girl… someone I don't recognize.
Our eyes meet for a moment, but I quickly look away.
A cheerful voice follows.
"Morning as always, Akikawa-kun."
I glance back at her, thinking, "Is she the type who acts familiar?"
Knowing that not responding would be rude, I give a small nod.
"Yeah."
A short reply, before I turn away again.
Even though we've been classmates for a few months now, I don't really remember anyone's name here.
In fact, I don't remember anyone at all.
Well… it's not like I came here to make friends anyway. I'm only here because of my age.
-
After a while, the once-quiet classroom fills with noise. Voices echo everywhere.
They're really annoying.
That's what I think as I watch the groups chatting among themselves.
I don't mind them talking, but at least keep your voices down.
Huh. What a hassle.
I'm not good with noisy places, but I'm too lazy to leave the classroom.
Well… that's just a cheap excuse I tell myself.
Then I shift my gaze—and it lands on the only person I feel is somewhat on the same wavelength as me.
A girl with anime-like hair—pink, to be precise.
And yeah… she seems like a loner, just like me.
Not only that, she's also carrying a guitar.
I never thought I'd meet someone even slightly similar to me in this world.
Even if it's just a little, it's enough to catch my interest.
It's not that I care about friendships… but that doesn't mean I don't want one.
After all, I do want someone to talk to.
Every loner wants that, in some way.
I still remember my school days in my previous life. I felt genuinely happy whenever someone talked to me.
Even so, I never considered them friends.
Because I knew… eventually, they'd stop contacting me, and our connection would slowly fade away.
It wasn't a particularly good memory, but I still hold onto it.
Because… it wasn't that bad.
And somehow, it feels nostalgic.
Suddenly, a loud bell rings.
Moments later, the door opens and the teacher walks in.
"Alright, everyone, let's begin today's lesson."
"Yes," they reply in unison.
I stay silent.
And just like that, the first period begins.
...
Time passes quickly, and before long, school ends.
Unfortunately, I'm on cleaning duty today.
How annoying.
At first, I pretend not to notice and try to slip out the door, but someone blocks me.
So I'm forced to do it.
Well, it's not difficult.
All I do is stack the chairs on top of the desks… then leave the sweeping to the others and go home.
-
On the way home, I deliberately slow down.
Various thoughts fill my mind, but I try to ignore them as much as possible.
At least I didn't join any clubs.
That's one thing I'm still grateful for.
Honestly, the only reason I chose this school is because it allows music-related activities.
There's no other reason.
I wonder… what should I do after this?
I don't really have any routines I want to follow.
Maybe sleeping would be nice.
Huh. I feel like a jobless person.
-
After walking for a while, I pass by a park.
Sitting on one of the swings is someone who feels familiar.
Yeah… my classmate. The one I don't know.
Seeing her makes me think.
"…Should I go talk to her?"
She's alone. I feel a bit bad for her, you know?
If this were a galge, a choice would probably appear in front of me.
But unfortunately, this is reality—with just a hint of fiction.
I mean… I'm worried she might think I have feelings for her.
That's really the only reason.
But honestly… I am a little interested in her.
Not romantically, of course.
For some reason, I just feel like I want to be friends with her.
Maybe she thinks the same way I do.
Yeah… I just want someone on the same wavelength as me. That's all.
So… I walk over to her.
When I stand right in front of her, she still seems lost in her thoughts.
"What are you doing here alone…?" I say.
"Eh—?"
She snaps out of it and looks up at me.
For a while, she doesn't say anything.
Instead, she looks incredibly nervous—it's obvious from her expression alone.
Yeah… talking to a stranger like me must be difficult.
Or maybe I'm just not approachable.
Damn… that's probably it.
Huh.
Letting out a breath, I force the best smile I can manage.
Then, still smiling, I speak.
"By the way… do you like music?"
Personally, I think conversations go better when you talk about something the other person likes.
She lowers her gaze and answers awkwardly.
"Ah… yeah."
"I see."
After that, I walk to the swing next to her and sit down.
Then I take the guitar from my back.
Holding it in my hands, I say,
"Then I'll play you a song. It's an old one, so you might not know it."
"E-eh?"
She's clearly surprised by something so sudden.
"One, two… one, two, three."
I mutter, then begin.
My fingers move across the strings, and the iconic opening of "Blackbird" rings out.
It might not sound as good as the original—after all, I'm not that great at playing.
But that doesn't mean I'm bad at singing.
"Blackbird singing in the dead of night~~"
"Take these broken wings and learn to fly~~"
"All your life~~ you were only waiting for this moment to arise~~"
These familiar lyrics…
It's been years since I first discovered The Beatles.
Back then… life didn't feel so bad.
-
"You were only waiting for this moment to arise~~
You were only waiting for this moment to arise~~
You were only waiting for this moment to arise~~"
With that final line, the song ends, and the sound of the guitar fades away.
It's a short song—only about two minutes.
But it's truly a masterpiece.
After that, I speak.
"So? What do you think?"
"He-amazing."
"That was incredible."
Two voices answer at once.
Huh? Did I mishear?
I look forward—and there stands a blonde girl right in front of me.
Who…?
"Have you been here this whole time…?" I ask.
"Yeah! I heard everything—it was really impressive!" she says enthusiastically.
"I see… thanks, I guess."
I'm not sure what to say.
"Ah, sorry! I'm a second-year at Shimokitazawa High School—Ijichi Nijika."
She introduces herself.
So I should introduce myself too, right? Yeah… probably.
I put on the same forced smile and speak.
"I'm Akikawa Hiromu. And she—"
Damn. I don't know her name.
I glance at my classmate.
"What's your name?"
"Ah… I'm Gotou Hitori." she replies, struggling a bit.
"I'm a drummer in a band," Nijika continues.
"Speaking of bands—are you two in one together?"
I don't really get how she jumped to that conclusion.
"Well, no. We're not in a band. I'm not even in one. We just happened to meet here."
I say, trying to hold back a smile.
"I see! What a coincidence. Actually, I'm in a bit of trouble right now. It's fine if you can't help, but it would be a problem…"
She puts on a pleading expression.
Do you really think that trick will work on me…?
"…Well, I'll hear you out first. Whether I help or not depends."
That's what I say—though I have no intention of helping at all.
"Please! Could you be a temporary guitarist for our band today?"
"Our guitarist—"
"No thanks."
I cut her off.
Then I stand up, put my guitar back into its case, and sling it over my shoulder.
"Eh—?"
She's clearly surprised.
"Can you reconsider?"
"No."
I start walking away as quickly as possible.
But before that, I glance back and say,
"You know… maybe you should ask her. She has a guitar—she can probably play, right?"
I point at my classmate.
Then I turn around and leave, completely abandoning the two of them in the park.
Honestly… I feel a little guilty.
But I don't want to get dragged into something troublesome.
Yeah… I had a bad feeling about staying there.
Still… will my classmate be okay?
Well… who knows.
I'll just pray for your sacrifice.
...