April 1st. Kanta stood at the school gates, the morning breeze tugging at his satchel. The campus was quiet—just the rustle of leaves, the scent of cut grass, and the occasional chirping of birds. He walked through the empty courtyard, noticing Mori-sensei by the flowerbeds, watering plants in his usual slacks and white shirt. Kanta paused briefly, watching the rhythmic movements of the hose. The peace felt fragile, as if waiting for someone to shatter it.
His eyes caught the exam scoreboards, and he veered over. Seventh place. Kim was first, Tanya second. Kanta shifted to the overall grades board—a different story. Kim was still first, Tanya sixth, and Kanta somewhere in the 200s. He let out a small sigh. Exams were easy; consistency was the real struggle.
As he approached the classroom, his footsteps echoed in the empty hallway. Tanya stood by the door, her short gray hair catching the light from the hallway window. They had never talked before, but he knew her—everyone did. Excellent grades, athletic, admired by most. Their eyes met, and they exchanged a brief smile, a silent acknowledgment.
Kanta entered the classroom, choosing the desk by the window—the one he'd always wanted. He placed another bag beside it for Kim. The window offered a perfect view of the courtyard, and Kanta took a moment to glance out at the cherry blossoms swaying gently. He stepped back out into the hallway.
"You're early," he said, glancing at Tanya.
"I hate packed trains," she replied, her voice soft. "Mornings like this are easier."
He nodded. "Yeah, I get that. The quiet's nice."
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"Picked a seat yet?" Kanta asked after a moment.
"Not yet. Waiting for Lada. We usually sit together."
Kanta nodded again, leaning casually against the doorframe. "Couple of good spots in the front."
"I'll let her know." Tanya's gaze softened as she spoke, her eyes drifting down the hallway.
The corridor began to fill, the buzz of conversations gradually breaking the stillness.
Lada arrived soon after, her hair slightly damp, and an easy grin on her face. She nudged Kanta's shoulder playfully. "Gonna stand here all day or what?"
Kanta smiled back. "Yeah, yeah, I'm coming." They walked into the classroom together, Lada and Tanya heading for seats in the front.
Kanta settled at his desk by the window, watching as Lada and Tanya took their seats. Lada turned back and gave him a wave. "Nice to be in the same class again."
Kanta nodded. "Yeah, it really is. Kim's with us too."
"I know. I can't wait to see him. And Kuzuhara—it's like all the smart kids are here." Lada said, her eyes lighting up.
"Kuzu... who?" Kanta asked.
"Kuzuhara Teiichi. Math genius. Haven't you heard of him?"
Kanta shrugged. "Never heard of him. Is he here yet?"
"Don't think so. Tanya?" Lada asked. Tanya shook her head.
"He won the gold medal at the international math Olympiad just last year."
"What sport?"
"Gold medal in math, dummy. Too bad I couldn't see it—it was nearby."
"What are you, a fan? And what did you want to see, him solving problems on paper?" Kanta said. Lada smiled, shaking her head. Tanya giggled softly.
There was still some time before homeroom started. The students' chatter filled the classroom until Mori-sensei entered unexpectedly. The students quickly bowed, their chatter dying instantly. He scanned the room, his gaze landing on Tanya. "Aizawa, come with me," he called, his tone calm but firm.
Tanya sighed, rolling her eyes. "Yes, sir." She ran a hand through her hair, giving Lada a quick nod before following Mori-sensei out. Kanta watched her leave, then turned to Lada. "What was that about?" Lada shrugged, offering no answer.