「 A YOKAI? 」| RC9GN

01 • last stall on the left

I stood frozen on the front steps of the school. My heart sinks as I feel sweat forming on my head.

Before coming here, I've set a goal for myself, A goal where I need to at least make one friend. That, and making sure I graduate without any issues. I moved to Norisville permenantly because my dad struck a business deal with a big company called McFist Industries. But he also thought moving back to his howntown would be a nice change. But deep down I feel like, to him, Japan reminded him too much of my mom after her recent passing and he wanted a distraction from it. He tends to worry when he's away from home working. So to put his mind at ease, I would hang out with kids my age for once.

Not like I had much friends back in Japan anyway, everything is still the same after moving. But today, I'm gonna change that.

"..."

Who am I kidding... there's no way I can make friends! I mean, look at these kids, they would eat me alive! I scream internally as I enter through the front doors of the school. I see students crowding the halls left and right. As I look around, I pass by what I assume are cool kids, bullies, jocks, band geeks, etcetera. I gulped as I tighten my hold I have on the strap of my bag.

Alright, just stay calm, stay cool. Don't make eye contact. Hopefully, I don't attract any bullies. I have no idea how to I'm gonna deal with them. I shyly look down on the ground, avoiding anyone's gaze that they might have on me. I get slightly pushed around by the swarm of students, I try my best to find my classroom.

Apparently, looking down while walking is not the way to go, I felt a hard bump behind my shoulder and fell to the ground face first. Some books falling out from my bag, luckily my mask stayed inside.

"Oh my god, I'm so so sorry. Are you okay? I didn't mean to run into you like that." A voice spoke, as I rubbed my face in pain. I look up, I see a hand collecting all my books back up.

"No, no, it's fine. I wasn't looking where I was going. It's my fault." I cleared some hair out of my face and took notice of the boy's appearance. He has purple spikey hair with blue eyes, a red shirt with a jacket over.

I realise that I have an opportunity right in front of me, a potential friend! I silently cheered. Okay Ash, you got this! He handed me back my books, I reach out to take it. "Uuh. . thanks for the help" I show a friendly smile.

"No problem, sorry I have to get going now."

He's leaving already?! Wait no, don't go yet!

Before I can say anything he was already running off, I sighed as I continue to watch him running towards a short fat boy with ginger hair. I shouldn't be calling him fat, that was a rude thought. It's probably his friend. Whatever, maybe another time. I start to pick myself back up.

Did I look too desperate back there? Great, now I'm overthinking.

‐ - - - ★ - - - ‐

Once I finally found my class, I sat down close to the window, I keep my eyes fixed out through it, elbow on the desk as I rest my chin on my palm. First attempt was a failure, but it's fine, I can always try again... Yeah right, who knows how many more tries it'll take to work! I won't be surprised if I can't make a single friend until I graduate. I slumped over on my desk. God, I'm totally gonna be one of those high school loners. I bet no one will even know my name. I close my eyes and sigh quietly.