Break finally arrives.

With no real plans on how to spend it, I dig into my bag and pull out the book I had started reading last night.

Before I can get focused however, I hear Ryota-kun attempting to get my attention.

Figuring that he probably won't leave me alone, I reluctantly put my book down and turn to face him.

“What do you think?” He asks. Glancing back and forth between me and Inoue-san.

“About Inoue-san? She creeps me out.” I reply truthfully.

“Harsh, dude. She's just different.” He says. “I mean, we have all types of girls at this school, but this is the first one that's been this unique.” A perverted grin crosses his face.

“You didn't seem excited this morning.” I note.

“Well duh. I already checked her out in the faculty office before homeroom. I figured I'd keep her appearance a mystery to make things entertaining.” He says as if it was something to be proud of.

“Of course you did.” I say as I move my focus back to my book.

“H- hey, Inoue-san.” I overhear someone say a few minutes later. Curiosity gets the better of me and I look towards Inoue-san's desk.

Standing around it are a couple of students. Doing their best to act natural around her.

“Hello.” I hear her reply. A few of the students flinching in response.

“Uh.” The girl talking says, finding it hard to start things off. “Where are you from, Inoue-san?”

“Tokyo.” Inoue-san replies quickly.

“Tokyo? That's cool.” The girl says, struggling to hold a conversation. “Why'd you move from Tokyo to a town this far out?” She asks.

If I'm being honest, I'd like to know too. Katsuragi is nice and all, but there's nothing worth moving all the way out here for.

“My parents died.” Inoue-san says nonchalantly. Killing the conversation quickly. Not that it was exactly alive earlier.

Not being able to say anything to such a depressing answer, the students around her excuse themselves as the bell rings.

Nothing noteworthy happens leading up to lunch.

When we're finally dismissed, I leave the classroom and head straight up to the roof.

Upon arriving, I'm greeted by the smiling face of my childhood friend. Sat on the same bench where we usually eat together.

“Afternoon, Goro!” She says cheerfully as I sit down next to her.

“Good afternoon, Aoi.” I reply, taking out and opening my boxed lunch. Noticing that Aoi is glaring at my food, I ask “Is something wrong?”

“Your lunch is what's wrong! You've got to have a more balanced meal than that. It's not healthy for a boy your age to only eat meat and rice for lunch. Here.” She says, taking some vegetables from her lunch.

“Do you have to complain about my lunch every time we eat together?” I ask, taking the vegetables she's offering. “Do you always have to be such a health nut?” She's always been like this. Ever since she got into sports during middle school.

“I'm just making sure you take care of yourself. It's important to keep fit, you know. And hey, stop calling me a health nut already!” She yells, pouting slightly.

“Only when you stop bugging me about keeping healthy. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself.” I say.

“Oh yeah? Who was the one who stayed up all night and was late for school again?” She asks mockingly.

“How did you know about that?” I ask flustered.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“Your mom called me this morning. Asking me to make sure it never happens again.” She replies smugly.

“That woman. Why does she always call you when I screw up?” I ask.

“Because she knows I'm the only person who can knock some sense into you?” She replies.

“Well, I'd appreciate if she didn't tell you about my shortcomings.” I say.

“Maybe if you didn't have so many...” She replies under her breath.

Ignoring her, our conversation changes to her club activities and the upcoming swimming competition. Though as expected, it quickly shifts to my homeroom.

“So, I heard you got a new transfer student. What's she like?” She asks curiously.

“News travels fast.” I note. “I'd say she's creepy. Though Ryota-kun used the term unique to describe her.” I add.

“Creepy? In what way?” Aoi asks.

“You must have heard by now. Everything about her. From her appearance, the way she speaks and especially her laugh. It unsettled even Miss Watanabe. And she's used to dealing with Ryota-kun's perverted comments.” I say.

“I heard rumours, but I wanted to hear it straight from you and not secondhand. You're honest about how you feel about something.” She says.

“Is that a bad thing, or are you complementing me?” I ask, confused.

“It's a nice change from those who only follow the opinions of others.” She states, hopping off the bench. “Anyway, I'm going to jog off my lunch before the bell rings. See you later, Goro!” With that, she jogs off.

Putting away my lunch, I head back to my homeroom a little earlier than everyone else.

On my way there, I come across Miss Watanabe waiting outside. Upon spotting me approaching, she walks up to me.

“Nakajima-san. Just the person I wanted to see.” She says.

“Is there something you need, Miss Watanabe?” I ask. It's rare that my homeroom teacher asks me something herself.

“I was wondering if you were available after school? There's something I wanted to ask you.” She asks.

“Yeah, I'm available.” I reply.

“Good. I need someone to show Inoue-san around the school. Everyone else has said they already have plans.” She says.

Not a surprise.

“Even Ryota-kun? Weird, he'd usually jump at the chance to get some alone time with a girl.” I say. “Well. If you want me to, I've got time.”

“Perfect.” She says relieved. “You just need to show her where everything is.”

“Got it.” I say.

“I owe you, Nakajima-san. Thanks for helping me with this.” She says, walking off. Leaving me to wonder if she's glad that she didn't have to do it herself.

At the end of the day, I turn down Ryota-kun's invitation to the arcade and attempt to come up with a way to approach Inoue-san.

Thankfully, she seems preoccupied with something. Giving me plenty of time to figure out what I'm going to say.

I've always been anxious when it comes to starting conversations, but with Inoue-san, it seems like it'll be impossible.

I'm about to leave my desk when a familiar voice whispers next to me “Do you need something?” I instinctively jump in my seat. Turning my head to come face to face with Inoue-san. Who must have snuck up while I was trying to figure out what to say.

“What?” I ask surprised at her sudden appearance.

“I sensed you staring at me. I thought you might have needed something.” She says examining my expression.

“Yeah. I'm Goro Nakajima. Miss Watanabe asked to me to give you a tour around school.” I say uncomfortably.

“Is that all?” She asks.

I nod my head in response.

“That would be most helpful. Lead the way, Nakajima-san.” She says walking towards her desk and grabbing her things.

I spend the next ten minutes giving Inoue-san a whistle-stop tour of the two main buildings. When we finally arrive outside, she stops me. Pointing to the decrepit building surrounded by a rusty fence.

“I noticed that building this morning. What is it?” She asks.

“It's the old school building. I know you're probably interested in checking it out, but I'd recommend you stay away. The school is very strict on those who try to get close to it.” I say.

“That's a shame. Let us continue the tour.” She says with a tinge of disappointment in her voice.

“About that. The only places left are the club building and gym, but those are self explanatory.” I say.

“I see.” She pauses. “Is there a club for the occult?”

“I don't think so.” I reply.

“Then would it be possible to start my own?” She asks.

“You'd need to ask at the faculty office.” I reply.

“Then I will do so. If you do not mind, would you accompany me? It would be reassuring to have someone with me. ” She asks.

“I don't mind.” I say.

Leading her to the faculty office, I wait outside until Inoue-san finishes inquiring about starting her club. After a few minutes, she comes back out holding a piece of paper in her hand.

“I have filled out the details. All that I need are three other club members and an adviser.” She says.

I forgot about that part.

Thinking about it, I don't think she'll have much luck recruiting club members. With her not knowing anyone and her appearance as factors. Though I'd feel bad if I left her on her own to figure it out by herself.

As for the club adviser, it'd need to be a teacher who isn't already in charge of a club. Which I have no idea about.

“That might be tough. I'd have no issue with joining as a temporary member. That would bring it up to two.” I say.

“Why would you do that?” She asks.

“I think starting a club would be a good way to help you make friends. And it'll only be temporary, so it's no problem for me. Just think of it as a friendly gesture.” I say.

“In that case, I'll accept.” She says.

Now to find two more people willing to join and a teacher who's not already busy.

“I'll think it over tonight. I've already got an idea of who I can ask, but it'll probably take some convincing.” I add.

“Then, I will leave the fate of the club to you, Nakajima-san.” She says.

With that I walk with Inoue-san to the school gate, before walking our separate ways.

Guess I'll have to do some shopping before heading home.