Heroism

Chapter Two: False Sympathy

Bringing her phone to her chest to hide the screen, a bright smile soon crossed her face. She almost seemed excited; but that excitement also seemed to be mixed with fear. "Sorry, I gotta take this. You go ahead, I'll be fine walking on my own, don't worry about me," she smiled sweetly before scurrying off. Alice attempted to stop her but before she could, Lulu had already fled from sight. Letting out a sigh, she combed a hand through her hair.

"Great... Just great..." despite wanting to follow her, she decided to just head to her Homeroom. Letting out a frustrated groan, she brought her index finger and thumb up to her forehead and rubbed it. Something was off about the way Lulu was acting. Maybe she had a boyfriend? No, she would have told her. Walking up the stairs, she weaved her way through the countless students until she reached the third floor. Groups of students loitered the halls, happily talking amongst each other.

Her classroom was the first one up the stairs, just past the supply closet and girl's bathroom, so there wasn't very far to walk. Silently opening the door, she stepped inside before taking her seat at the very far back of the classroom. Her classmates were all in their respective friend groups, happily chatting amongst each other. However, she sat alone... No friends to talk to. She didn't have any and she didn't want any either.

Realizing she had some time left, she pulled out one of her books from her bag. She enjoyed crime, horror and thriller novels. She used to enjoy fairy tales but she had grown out of them a long time ago. She was currently reading Dracula, by Bram Stoker. She was about half way through her re-read. She had read the book multiple times, and it was one of her favourite books of all time. It was always a good read.

From the corner of her eye, she watched as the other students talked so happily and seemed so open and friendly with one another. A feeling of envy crept over her as she looked at them. For a brief moment, she couldn't help but wish she had a bond with someone like they did. However, as soon as that thought came into her mind, she shook it out and continued to read her book. She didn't need friends; she never had and she never would.

'Friends' caused nothing but heartache and grief, she didn't want to put herself through that shit. She had made the mistake of believing their lies a long time ago and she wasn't going to fall into that trap again. She wasn't going to allow herself to fall into the net of false security, not again. She wasn't stupid and she wasn't living in a fairy tale land anymore. She didn't need those types of people in her life.

The door soon opened and her homeroom teacher, Mrs Morisaki, stepped inside. "Hello students! Now, today! I have a special treat for you all!" Her voice was bright and cheerful as she greeted them with a warm smile. Alice couldn't help but internally groan, before putting her book away. It was far too early for her to have someone this cheerful and perky. Resting her head on her hand, she couldn't help but sigh as she looked out of the window.

By now, the rest of the students had stopped talking and were now paying attention. Whipping out a marker from her blouse pocket, she began to write down something on the board. "I brought some cupcakes for everyone today. Think of it as a small treat for near the end of the semester! You've all been a true gift to have this year and I'm so proud of you all!" She clasped her hands together, flashing them a happy, close-eyed smile.

"Oh, and remember, the third year's dance will be happening soon. So, now's the time to ask your special someone. Remember, if you don't have someone to go with, you won't be permitted entry. So please, please make sure that you have a date." Alice chewed the inside of her mouth; watching as the other students whispered amongst themselves. She could feel their eyes on her, and it pissed her off.

There were five people in particular, who she couldn't get along with. Mai Utsujima, Mitski Hayana, Fuka Fuuboshi, Ushio Morisaki and Junko Maiyama. She couldn't stand those girls and their overly friendly personalities. They mostly hung out together, you'd hardly ever see one without the rest. Mai was probably the person she didn't get along with the most. How to describe Mai?... She was certainly a character.