Classes ended early that day, so I focused on studying at my desk.
Since joining this school, I've noticed a stark difference in my learning abilities. I effortlessly remember magic spellcraft, which fascinates me, but struggle with other subjects, unlike my college days.
I've heard about aging, but experiencing it firsthand is different. My face has always looked older, so that's no surprise, but the mental sluggishness is a harsh reality.
This is troubling. To keep up, I'll need to study harder before and after classes. It's disheartening to feel like an old man inside, especially since I excelled in memory-based subjects like social studies in high school.
The next morning, the teacher instructed me to visit the principal's office after class. I had no idea why, but the teacher's serious expression made me uneasy.
Would they make me pay for the target I broke? Or worse, expulsion? Despite vowing to work harder, I couldn't focus, my mind fixated on the meeting.
Classmates approached me during breaks, but I barely recall our conversations. Aside from my aged appearance, I've always been unremarkable, never summoned by a teacher, even in college. Yet here I am at forty, called to the principal's office.
After a gloomy day, the final bell rang, and I reluctantly headed to the principal's office. As I left the classroom, Jinnai-kun called out to me.
"Hey, old man. What's up? You look down," he said.
"Ah, well... I was told to go to the principal's office now," I said.
"The principal's office!? What did you do, old man?" he asked.
"I'm... not sure."
"I see. Well, good luck," he said.
"Yeah, I'll try," I answered.
With Jinnai-kun's encouragement, I slowly walked down the hall toward the principal's office at the end.
Knock knock.
"This is student Hanaoka," I said.
"Yes, please come in," a voice replied.
Recognizing the principal's voice, I opened the door, my chest tight. A man, presumably the principal, sat at the desk.
"Oh? You are... Kitaoji-san?" I asked.
"Ah, Hanaoka-san, sorry to call you here," he said.
"Kitaoji-san, so you are...?"
"I am Kitaoji, the principal of this school," he said.
"I apologize for how I spoke yesterday. I didn't know," I said.
"It's fine. You can speak to me as you did yesterday. Even as principal, I handle the smaller tasks," he said, smiling.
"I see. What did you need?" I asked.
"About that... would you like extra lessons with me after school, starting tomorrow?" he asked.
"Extra lessons?" I repeated.
Extra lessons with the principal? His tone suggested it was just for me.
Notes:
• Jinnai - A 19-year-old student first seen at orientation; questions Hanaoka about age and life due to curiosity; caused by meeting a much older classmate; connects as classmate; married; blunt but friendly.
• Kitaoji - Older, small man. School’s odd‑jobs/handyman. Kind, surprised by Hanaoka’s power.