Summer had faded. Now, it's long gone again until next year. I've grown used to the loneliness surrounding me, like an old friend that lingers quietly in the background or a side character that we'll never understand why is it there.

As I walk my way to the school gates, there was something bothering me, like an unfamiliar unease settling in, that I've never felt before. I couldn't quite pinpoint why. Maybe it was because of the new school year that I'm experiencing. It doesn't really bothers me but the sensation sends me a chill down my spine.

"It's probably a cold," I said.

The school hallways was filled with student chatting loudly. They are all talking about their summer holidays. That's probably why it's crowdy than usual.

I walked through the crowd of people hoping to reach my classroom as quickly as I can. I usually don't mind loud noises or being surrounded by others, but the way they pressed in around me was frustrating. It was annoying to feel invisible, as in my presence barely noticeable by others.

After countless steps that felt like hours, I finally made it. The classroom looked just as it always did- neat desks, sunlight shining through the windows, nothing special about it. Except for one thing: a girl from my class always take my seat, most likely it was because it was right in front of her best friend, "Aiko Kawasaki".

I approach the girl who had taken my seat, I asked, "Excuse me, but I think that seat is assigned to me. Could you please move to your seat?"

Though I asked politely, she looked up at me with a smirk before gathering things. "Oh, really? Sorry, I didn't know the seat was reserved," she said. With a shrug, she moved to a different spot, clearly unbothered by what she had done.

That's the only way to let her move to a different spot. It's to ask politely. Rumors says that she had a boyfriend from upper class that apparently beat up students that messes with their things. I certainly don't want to be beat up into a pulp after a nice long summer break.

After settling into my seat, I looked around the classroom. It felt forever since I was in this classroom.

Then, my eyes landed on Hikaru. He's one of the few people who considers me as a friend, unlike most people who just use me as a convenience, like when a toy breaks, it doesn't hold any value anymore.

He waved at me with his usual easygoing smile, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. He was the first one who supports me in a way where I can live for tomorrow.

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"Morning!" he said.

I shrugged with a half-smile. "Morning".

He then seat in his assigned desk which is beside me.

"Hey, do you know today there is going transferred student in this class?" he asked.

"Yeah, I heard a rumor about that, I replied. "Any idea who they might be?"

I was trying to get a hint about the transferred student. Despite what I knew I still hoped that it was the girl from my middle school.

Hikaru shook his head, looking puzzled. "No clue, I heard it's someone new, but no details. Why are you asking for more specific?"

I didn't want to reveal anything about my past or the girl. "Not really. Just curious."

Before Hikaru can replied back, the classroom swung open. The teacher "Mr. Takanashi" entered the classroom. Everyone in the class quickly get to their assigned seat. They were surprised that Mr. Takanashi was the new homeroom teacher.

Mr. Takanashi was not only our new homeroom teacher but also our math teacher. For everyone including me, he's probably the strict teacher in the school. I don't know why, but his gaze gives me creeps to the bottom of my core. When I tried to speak with him, instead of words coming out of me, fear was the first one to appear.

"Good morning, class," he said. I am Mr. Takanashi, your new homeroom teacher and math teacher. We have a lot of work to cover this year. So I expect everyone to be on their best behavior and give their best effort.

He then turned to the transferred student who was outside the classroom. "Why don't you introduce yourself?"

She then stepped into the classroom and took a deep breath, and spoke. "Hello everyone. I'm Ayumi Tanaka. I've just transferred here from another school. I hope we can all get together well."

As soon as she said her name, I was surprised. "It finally came true" I said, with a silent voice." She finally came. Water started dropping from my eyes. It wasn't tears of meeting a crush long ago, but a tears of happiness that it might be fate working its magic all along.

Luckily, I was able to keep my composure as Ayumi Tanaka settled into her assigned seat. The classroom was all eyes on the transfer student. They started talking to the transfer student one by one, probably more and more.

Mr. Takanashi cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention back to him. "Let's make sure to welcome Ayumi properly and help her get used to this environment. I'll give you all time some time to introduce yourselves and make her feel welcome.

All the students started going to Ayumi and introducing themselves. The classroom noises was getting louder.

I watch from my seat, looking at crowd of students surrounding Ayumi. It was so crowded that I couldn't see her anymore.

Hikaru leaned over and said, "Looks like she is getting popular, huh? It's crazy how everyone's drawn to her. Aren't you going to go over there and say something?"

"Nah, it's too crowded." I said.

That's not only the reason that I didn't want to talk to her yet. I felt nervousness like I couldn't just talk to her. It had to be a perfect moment. Besides, getting through the crowd it's basically an impossible task for me. After all, I'm labeled as an outcast.

Well, maybe it's not too bad to seat and watch her from afar for a while. It might not take long but I do hope I can get a second chance again.