The school I go to is constructed on a solitary hill just outside the town’s beach area. It is one of only two high schools in this quaint little town; with the other one being in the center of the commercial area. As such, students really only have two options for their high school path. However, given that the school I go to has great scenery of the sea and has a very picturesque trail leading up to it, it’s a very popular choice among incoming freshmen.
What they failed to realize, myself included, is that the walk up the hill is incredibly tiresome and will quite literally take your breath away. After a year of walking up this god-forsaken mound of dirt everyday, I’ve gotten somewhat used to it. But seeing the newbies have the same rude awakening I had gives me a little bit of comfort. I almost feel like a wise sage that has transcended beyond time. Though I doubt such a sage would be winded after a 5 minute incline traversal like I am.
As I reach the veritable Olympus that is my school, I walk pass its iron gates and quickly try to blend in with the crowd of students rushing along the courtyard. I’m normally really good at making my presence hidden and not standing out. For all intents and purposes, I have a very average look and you wouldn’t be able to pick me out from a crowd.
Unfortunately, the person I’m trying to hide from has the uncanny ability to spot potential failed members of society.
“Hey, Jo! You’re 5 minutes late to our session!”
I hear Mr. Hirashi call out from the side of the yard. I tried to do my best to act like I didn’t hear him and just kept walking. But when I noticed him walking towards me, his eyes fixated on his target and the usual goofy smile plastered on his face, I knew I couldn’t escape. Might as well just surrender myself to my fate.
“You know you’re supposed to arrive at school earlier so we can conduct these mandatory sessions, right?” Mr. Hirashi said upon reaching me.
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“I know that. It’s just that I leave my house at exactly 7:20 am so I can get to school at 7:50 am. Any more or less than that would ruin my entire morning routine.”
“Yes, yes, your sacred routine. But it’s 7:55 now, so your explanation doesn’t really answer my question. Why are you 5 minutes late?”
“Buying lunch took 2 minutes longer than usual, through no fault of my own. The unusual number of people at the intersection today also took a chunk out of–”
“Stop right there. Now I know you’re just wasting time. Come along now, we’ll do the session with whatever time we have left.”
I have a mix of dislike and admiration for Mr. Hirashi. As the school’s guidance counselor, he displays a genuine concern for every student he comes across. If anyone were to ask me what the definition of a guidance counselor is, I’d show them a picture of Mr. Hirashi.
But that’s not what I admire about him. Ever since the accident happened, I became more aloof and uncaring towards everything that goes on around me. Afterall, there’s no point in showing any interest towards anyone given my end goal. I simply wanted to do things the same way, everyday, so I don’t stray from what I want to do.
When I was put on mandatory counseling sessions by the school and came under the care of Mr. Hirashi, I acted the same way I normally did. But he claims he sees right through me and called me out on my facade. And so, he tries to make me break away from my so-called disguise by applying logic and reasoning behind my behavior.
In the 4 months since we started, he has done a phenomenal job as a guidance counselor. On several occasions, he even made me question how I live my life and the choices I’ve made so far. And that’s what I both admire and dislike about him. He is really good at his job.
I doubt he knows about my plan, but I wouldn’t be too surprised if he at least suspects something.
That’s just the kind of eerily competent guy he is.