April 8th

I overheard a conservation.

"Did you hear the rumour?"

"Oh, um... something about a bathroom?"

The first girl grew embarrassed and flailed her arms comically. I snickered under her breath, no doubt proud she wasn't a spastic teenager.

"No! Not that one! I mean the story about that student! Now only did she stop coming to school. She does nothing but sit and stare at the walls all day. If her mother tries to talk to her, she only mutters to herself, "It's coming, it's coming!"."

"Huh. How about that."

"You don't believe me?"

The first bell rang.

"Open your textbooks and we'll take a look at the first novel by Zenzou Kasai," Ms. Toriumi said. "Ugh, why him? I'd rather teach Utsubo Kubota. He became famous as a singer but he's also produced fine literature. I wonder why it's not in the textbook. Well, I'll just bring Kubota's book next time. Hey, Junpei! Were you listening? Who did I say was my favourite author?"

"Huh?" Junpei said. "Um... Psst! Who does she like?"

"Utsubo Kubota." I said.

"That's right!" said Ms. Toriumi. "So you were listening to me after all!"

Junpei laughed, "Well, you know how I like to pay attention! Man, you saved my bacon, Jane!"

I heard my classmates whispering.

"Jane gave him the answer. She must pay attention in class!"

I became slightly more popular. After classes ended, there was nothing else to do for today so I decided to go back to the dorms. Yukari was already there, talking with an unfamiliar man.

"Oh, she's back." said Yukari.

"So, this is our new guest," said a sophisticated gentleman. "Good evening. My name is Shuji Ikutsuki. I'm the Chairman of the board for your school. "Ikutsuki." Hard to say, isn't it? That's why I don't like introducing myself. Even I get tongue-tied sometimes. Please, have a seat. I apologise about the confusion regarding your accommodations. However, it may take a while longer before you receive the proper room assignment. Is there anything you'd like to ask?"

"Why are you here?" I asked.

"To welcome you, of course. Well, to be honest, I do have other business here. Speaking of which, where's Mitsuru, Yukari?"

"She's upstairs." Yukari said.

"As diligent as always. Although, it doesn't hurt to come down and say hello. Is there anything else?"

"Who else lives here?" I asked.

"There are only four students in this dorm, you, Yukari here, Mitsuru and Akihiko Sanada. I hope you all get along. Any other questions?"

"I saw something odd."

"You saw something strange? Like what? You were probably just tired. I wouldn't worry about it. It's bad for your complexion, you know."

Something didn't seem right.

"Do you have another question?" asked Shuji.

"No, I'm good." I said.

"Then I hope you have a successful school year. Now if you'll excuse me... You must be tired from all that excitement. You should go to bed early. As they say, 'The early bird catches the bookworm!' Please forgive the pun." Shuji chuckled.

"You'll get used to his lame jokes." said Yukari.

I decided I should rest for today so I returned to my room and slept.