A Situation

A circumstance is a state that you are in, the details surrounding a situation, or a condition that causes something to occur. So what exactly...What exactly are we referring to when we say 'circumstances'? The answer to that is...a situation that comprised of a set of conditions that consists of multitudes of factors at play.

Confused? Me too. I'm just spouting bullshit.

In any case, there is no denying that each and every single action consists of conditions that have to be met. No matter how minor.

...

In the chemistry lab, everyone is seated according to their groups. Various apparatuses are lined up at each table for use, and sheets containing today's lab assignment are neatly placed in front of everyone. So why...am I the only one left out? Not only did I not receive any lab assignment, my desk isn't even supposed to be used in the lab. Oh! Here she comes. Saki-sensei walks towards me with...a rather thick stack of papers in hand. Curious, I readily flipped the first introductory page to see its contents before my ears catch onto snickers from a certain group of students. Following that, a young boy with a smile as wide as his face stood up and shouted...

"Saki-chan~ How did the last mixer go~"

A rather rude remark towards a senior, much less from a student to a teacher. I gotta say tho, dude's got balls.

"Shaddup! I'm your senior! Be respectful!"

Saki-sensei, our rather eccentric chemistry teacher, shouted in annoyance. Probably because the last you-know-what didn't go well either.

"Saki-sensei! Our seniors are usually 30 years old!"

Whaaaat...Seniority depends on your age gap!

"I'm only in my late twenties!"

You're not going to retort but go along with that notion?!

Immediately after Saki-sensei blurted out that line, the entire classroom is filled with laughter. Well, our class is the closest with Saki-sensei, since she's our homeroom teacher. Maybe that's why she's going along with our class's tomfoolery.

In any case, I gotta focus on the task at hand. I was too preoccupied with being the straight man that I didn't even check the content of the lab assignment. As I scanned the contents of today's work, I realized it isn't a lab report like everyone else. Perhaps Saki-sensei noticed my unusual behavior, she scoffed.

"What's wrong, Onigasaki~ Is it too difficult even for you~"

Of course it is! What is this? Power harassment? I softly clicked my tongue, and read over the content of the assignment again.

'Design an experiment in which YBa2Cu3O7, Yttrium barium copper oxide, is first synthesized and then analyzed by titration.'

Mm...Yep...She's definitely out for my neck. Did I anger her somehow? Don't tell me...Just from thinking that she's violent?!

NononoNONO...

Isn't that an absurd thing to do as a teacher? Where's justice when I needed him most?

While complaining endlessly in my head, I quietly and obediently did as I was told.

...

The bell rang once again, signaling for lunch break. This time, there were no additional materials to be discussed further. Hence, the students packed their belongings and gradually leave the room. As I was about to leave as well, Saki-sensei gestured for me to come closer. Usually, I would decline as to prevent myself from getting punched in the gut, but her facial expression stopped me in my tracks.

"W-What is it?"

Looking at her serious expression, her appeal as a woman started to shine. In contrast to her usual drunken self, her determined grey eyes and light pink lips are mesmerizing. Her sleek, black hair that touches the shoulders emphasize her pale, white skin. At first glance, I'd even think she's the main heroine of the story. If only she'd refrain from acting up in a fit of rage over nonsensical things...

As I got closer, I grabbed a chair nearby and sat down. Looking ahead, I could see her grabbing onto the teacher's desk while lifting herself up to sit on it.

"Have you at least consider my proposal from last week?"

She asked casually, while the tension on her face lessens a little. Last week? If I recall, I was at the office managing our resources for the next expedition...Wait, what's with that? That's obviously not the case. Last week...Last week huh...Oh right...I was asked if I'm interested in an early graduation.

"Sensei...Like I said before, I wanted to enjoy being a high-school student for a bit longer. It'll end in another two years anyway."

I paused for a bit, before continuing.

"...And, I don't think I would be able keep up with the rest in Uni."

An excuse, but that's the only valid one I could use at the moment. It isn't as if I have no desire to graduate early, but a stake that sticks up gets hammered down. Even if I'm surrounded by considerate and mindful people, there will always be that particular group that is out for my head. I'm probably just overthinking but-

"You're overthinking things, Onigasaki"

Seems like I've been seen through.

"I will acknowledge your desire for staying as a high-school student for a bit longer, but isn't it a waste for you to be here?"

Not necessarily. I can at least take it easy.

"You're just being lazy, aren't you?"

Geh...Why is she so perceptive when it comes down to things like this. Either she's meddlesome, or just plain annoying. I'm not so cold hearted as to think that though. She's just looking out for her students.

In the end, I insisted till the very end and made her gave up.

...

Lunch Break, a short time of bliss for students who are utterly tired from lectures in the morning. As well as a time to fill one's stomach, of course. I gave up on going to the canteen as I assume nothing will be left by now, and went to buy an onigiri from a vending machine. I hadn't prepared any miso soup in the morning, so I'll have to make due with a cold lunch today.

In any case, my suspicions are confirmed. Someone might've tampered with my memories. Or maybe it's a new type of psychological disorder. I mean, why else can I have memories that aren't even mine. Is it related to my headache this morning? Not only did I think what happened yesterday isn't what it's supposed to be, and just recently, I even thought up of something unrealistic.

Something so vividly unrealistic...that it looks realistic.

A large room with nothing but a single slightly curved, desk. An unfamiliar laptop with a peculiar design, with scattered files of...fictional creatures lying beside it. No matter how I look at it, this isn't my memory. Yet, I felt like I saw everything with my very own eyes.

"Yo"

With a jolt, my body shudders at the sudden contact to my shoulder. A very familiar voice echoes behind me. When I look back, I could see a handsome, young boy. His blonde hair flutters in the wind, as his ultramarine eyes sparkle beautifully. His androgynous face of foreign origin is currently decorated with a brimming smile that could make any man doubt their sexual orientation.

It's not to that point, but you know...You get my point. He's a super handsome ikemen(Yes, a super handsome, handsome man) that would make any man grits their teeth whenever he passes.

So...A question. Why is the top ikemen talking to me, you ask? The one hailed as the soccer team's ace, and always placed 2nd in the entire grade's monthly examination ranking?

Heh

It's because I'm always ahead of him. *Background Evil Laugh*

Jokes aside, we've been friends since junior high school. You could even say we're childhood friends.

"I didn't expect to be seeing you here, Akatsuki."

I said with a condescending tone, not. I told you right? We're close friends.

Akatsuki Hideo(暁・秀雄) His given name means 'excellent man'. See? Even his parents foresee that their child will grow into such fine specimen. What great naming sense.

"Are you fine now?"

He asked with a hint of worry. Right, he was the one that carried me to school. As expected of the soccer club's ace, such masculinity.

"I'm fine. More importantly, I thought I wouldn't meet you so early in the morning."

That's what I asked. Akatsuki is the early type of guy, but not as early as I am. We'd usually clash with each other on the way if I slept in or was busy with something.

"I woke up earlier than usual is all. But I guess it's like a premonition? Since I was able to help you out."

See this? What a nice guy. He could even talk about saving a person collapsing by the sidewalk so casually.

The rest is just the usual chit-chat. Nothing too outside the norm happened until...

We heard a terrified scream coming from the canteen.