Monday morning arrived far too quickly.
I got ready for school, packed my bag, and walked outside with my younger sister and younger brother.
The school bus stopped in front of us as usual.
We climbed in and found our seats.
I rested my head against the window, still feeling sleepy.
As the bus stopped at the next station, someone stepped inside.
My eyes widened.
“Aanya!” She looked at me and smiled brightly.
“Niku!” I quickly moved my bag.
“Sit here!” She sat beside me, and I smiled.
“I seriously thought you had left school.” She laughed.
“No.
I was sick.” I looked at her.
“You were absent for so many days.” “I know.” She folded her arms dramatically.
“But you never even asked why I wasn’t coming.” I scratched the back of my neck.
“…I thought you just wanted a vacation.” She stared at me for a second.
Then sighed.
“You really are impossible.” “I’ve been told that before.” She laughed.
“You’ve definitely changed.” “Maybe.” The rest of the ride passed with small conversations before we finally reached school.
— Classes began as usual.
English…
Science…
History…
Everything felt normal.
Until Mathematics.
Unfortunately…
Math and I had been enemies since the day we met.
Actually…
Every subject was my enemy.
I preferred studying by myself at home.
Sitting in a classroom for hours…
Just wasn’t my thing.
Our mathematics teacher entered the classroom.
She picked up a piece of chalk and began explaining a new chapter.
I tried to listen.
I really did.
For almost…
Thirty seconds.
Then my attention drifted toward the open window beside me.
A familiar voice quietly spoke.
“Yo.” I almost jumped out of my seat.
I slowly turned my head.
Kakashi was sitting casually on the outer window ledge.
One hand resting on his knee.
The morning breeze gently moved his silver-white hair.
My eyes widened.
“What are you doing here?” I whispered.
He looked completely relaxed.
“Exploring.” “This is my classroom!” “I noticed.” “What if someone sees you?” “They won’t.” I frowned.
“What do you mean?” “I used invisible magic.” He answered calmly.
“Only you can see or hear me.” I finally let out the breath I had been holding.
“…You nearly gave me a heart attack.” “I don’t think so.” “I do.” Before I could say another word— “Niku.” My heart dropped.
I slowly turned around.
Our mathematics teacher was looking directly at me.
“It seems you are very busy today.” The entire class looked in my direction.
“Come here.” I slowly stood up.
She pointed toward the board.
“Solve this question.” I stared at the equation.
It stared back.
Neither of us understood each other.
After almost a full minute…
I lowered my head.
“I’m sorry, ma’am.” “I don’t know how to solve it.” She sighed.
“Niku.” “You never pay attention in class.” “You spend more time looking outside than at the board.” “If you continue like this, how will you pass your exams?” The lecture continued for several minutes.
Finally…
“Stand outside the classroom.” “Yes, ma’am.” I quietly walked out.
The classroom door closed behind me.
I sighed.
“What a great start to the day.” A security camera was fixed above the corridor.
I looked at it.
Then quickly moved a little to the left.
A few seconds later…
I moved to the right.
Then back again.
Trying my best to stay out of its view.
A familiar voice spoke beside me.
“…What exactly are you doing?” I looked over.
Kakashi was leaning against the wall with his arms folded.
“I’m avoiding the camera.” “…Why?” “If the principal checks it and sees me standing outside, he might call me to his office.” Kakashi looked at me for a few seconds.
Then…
He laughed.
Not loudly.
Just a quiet laugh that reached his eyes.
I folded my arms.
“Seriously?” “Because of you, I got sent outside.” “And now you’re laughing.” He looked completely innocent.
“What did I do?” “You distracted me!” “You couldn’t answer a very simple question.” “Oh?” I raised an eyebrow.
“So you could solve it?” “Hm.” “Easily.” I pointed at him.
“You’re showing off.” “Maybe a little.” Before I could reply…
I noticed someone walking toward our corridor.
My face turned pale.
“The principal…” I whispered.
“Oh no…” Kakashi looked at me.
“Why are you so nervous?” “I’m not scared of the principal.” “Then?” “I’m scared of what happens after.” He waited.
“If the school calls my parents…” “My family will give me the longest lecture in history.” Kakashi remained silent for a moment.
Then he looked toward the approaching principal.
I quickly stepped closer.
“…Can you help me?” “Why should I?” “A few minutes ago you were arguing with me.” I smiled awkwardly.
“Because…” “You’re my friend.” “And I’m helping you too…
remember?” He looked at me for a long second.
Then gave a small sigh.
“…Fine.” Without moving from his place, he quietly snapped his fingers.
A tiny blue light disappeared into the air.
At the same moment…
The principal’s phone suddenly rang.
He answered it while walking.
“…Right now?” His expression changed.
“I’ll be there immediately.” Without another glance toward our corridor, he turned around and walked in the opposite direction.
I blinked.
“…That’s it?” Kakashi nodded.
“I simply reminded someone to call him.” I stared at him in amazement.
“…Magic is unfair.” “So I’ve heard.” I smiled with relief.
“Thanks, Kakashi.” “For once…” “You were actually useful.” He looked at me with an amused expression.
“For once?” “I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.” For the first time since meeting him…
Laughing together felt surprisingly natural.
Neither of us noticed…
A pair of unseen eyes watching from the rooftop of the building across the school.
Watching…
Only him.
End of Chapter 7