My school, Thersia District Central Commerce Highschool, dress code consisted - for girls - of a white formal dress shirt under a dark navy-blue bzer combined with a pleated skirt the same color as our bzer, with a horizontal white-stripe near the hem. Our girl's dress code stated that the skirt length as standard was thigh-length, though we had the option to adjust our skirt shorter or longer; but skirts were to be shorter than miniskirt length and no skirts below the knees. Girls were also given the choice to pick between different bzers, from long-sleeved ones that covered our arms, to sleeveless bzers. Aside from our clothing, we were allowed to wear thigh or knee high white or bck socks; but not stockings. Regarding our gym clothes, we were allowed to wear either a white gym shirt or a navy-blue track shirt alongside either the same color track shorts or bloomers.

  I would probably wear track shorts and track shirts after consideration of my body shape and my unwillingness to wear something like bloomers. Though I still had to mentally grapple with wearing a bathing suit...

  "Why is swimming a required css...?" Not to mention it was likely going to be a mixed-css group, since Thersia District Central Commerce Highschool had a co-ed policy. Mandatory physical education - it was wholly unnecessary for people who sought to achieve an intellectual career. And—, "How would I even put one on?" I didn't want to know - at least for now.

  Make up was strictly forbidden in school - and enforcement of no-makeup was also pretty strict -, so makeup was something I didn't need to stress over. I looked at myself in the mirror and checked myself. I made sure my hair was combed and neat after washing my face, I checked my skirt and uniform to make sure there were no stains or wrinkles, and I checked that I had everything I needed... My pencil case and belongings were of girly nature - cute and bright in vibrant colors; I think they looked pretty cute myself. I checked my stuff - I shouldn't be picked on for being an odd girl... hopefully...

  I wore the uniform - a long-sleeved bzer over my shirt with a green thin ribbon on my dress-shirt to indicate I was a first year. I paired it alongside bck knee high socks. It was actually quite fun to look at myself wearing this uniform and telling myself, 'That's me'. Aside from how I looked, I had packed the necessary school materials I was assigned alongside my indoor shoes in my bag. My bag did feel a little heavy... but the shoes were on a one-way trip to school and staying there, so it shouldn't be too bad.

  With everything checked and done, I went downstairs to the doorway and wore my shoes. "Let's go."

  After meeting with the front office personnel and my academic counselor, I got my schedule with my homeroom instructor and my csses. My schedule didn't have my instructor's names for my other csses though.

  "I should have guessed that she was going for art." I found on my schedule art css and music - Arts Sketching and Design, and String Musical Art. I knew Alicia was likely into fine arts after examining her room, though the only problem was how I was going to do in them.

  I had no artistic talent, and I had never pyed any instruments in my life... Well, aside from the piano at someone's insistent request. Unfortunately, I couldn't change my csses as it was too te to do so. So, until next semester or end of summer, I would be in art and music.

  "Are you perhaps lost?" Eh—ah, it's just an uppercssman.

  "Err—no..." I uttered, "I was just thinking to myself - I apologize if I looked lost." I guess me looking at my schedule confused her. I knew where my csses were; after all, I did spend a year here before.

  "Ah—well, if you do need help finding your csses still, feel free to ask your uppercssmen." The girl told me.

  "Unn—thank you." I nod quickly and gave her a respectful light bow before heading off.

  It was still 7:43, but I should start heading to my homeroom css. I should get there early - or at least give my homeroom instructor a good impression of me.

  First-year students were mostly located on the first floor in our school building; alongside the first-year csses was the school's indoor gym, swimming pool, our school's library, and auditorium. The second floor was for second-year students as well as the unique csses, though most of the club rooms were on this floor; my art and music csses were on the second floor by the room numbers. The third floor was solely for the third-years and the heavy equipment needed for research; here would be the science rooms where the school allowed the science clubs to do research or experiments for their own experience and knowledge. There have been published, academic reports by this school from its students, so the clubs aren't a bunch of high schoolers messing around.

  For me, my homeroom instructor was Instructor Noe. I've heard rumors of her from the third years that had her for homeroom - she was quite well liked, so I was sure she would be nice. So I should be safe... probably.

  As I walked towards my cssroom, I felt the piercing gaze of the other students - my peers. I was sure everyone was wondering who I was, considering my absences. Looking around—... I knew I was short, but comparing my height with others—I felt conflicted. I now understood why there were girls who were afraid of guys - the difference in height really was apparent now.

  I ignored the gazes and stares and kept walking to my homeroom. I got to my homeroom and peered inside; it looked like any other css, with students at their desks and others at each other's desks talking with each other. At the css podium in the front of our cssroom stood our homeroom instructor, Instructor Noe.

  It was my first time seeing Noe, but she looked quite young compared to the other instructors I've had. She didn't seem like someone who would be strict - she looked more like a soft older-sister than anything else. I think I understood why she was so popur with the third years - especially the senior guys.

  I walked into the css and went straight to her, "Good morning Instructor Noe." I made a light courteous bow, pulling the hem of my skirt slightly to their sides.

  "Good morning dear." She greeted back kindly with a soft voice, "I don't recognize you, are you—oh, would you be Teseia?" I nod.

  "Apologies Instructor, but I am Teseia Alicia. There were... reasons I couldn't be here, but I will be in your care." I was sure Noe would be more rexed than other instructors, but I still maintained my formalities... Well—actually, forgetting them is hard considering I've been in nothing but formal situations my entire life...

  "Welcome to our css Teseia!" Noe took something from under the podium, "This chart has our css's seating arrangements. I apologize, but quite a few of our seats have already been taken." Looking at the chart Noe held up... If it were me normally, I would sit in the middle of the cssroom away from some people, but now...

  "This one." I pointed to a seat in the front row. The seat was one seat away from the window, and it was retively distant from everyone except for someone named Felis Kristiea; who looking at from the podium appeared to be a neat-collected girl. I figured being near her would allow myself to have a retively peaceful school life.

  "Then that is your seat." Noe said as she wrote something down on her chart, "If possible, could you introduce yourself personally to the css once css begins?"

  "Of course." I walked off the podium and began making my way to my seat.

  "When it is 8:00, I'll make an announcement for you to introduce yourself, take the time to think of something unique about yourself." Noe added.

  I knew it was only a basic introduction, but... What do I say about myself? I knew nothing about myself. Thinking about it a little more, I really didn't know what to say. I didn't want to be basic, but I honestly had no knowledge about myself past my name. I looked at the clock, 7:47...

  I decided to take the time to review what our main csses were discussing about through the books we were given. I was sure I could think of something within that time... I skimmed through the first-year study books, but nothing stuck out to me. I may not be an outgoing-person, but academics was something I was confident in. Especially so as a second-year student academically.

  Though, I still had my other electives to worry about. They say mathematicians are good at music; I am fairly confident in my math knowledge, but I have no idea how that transtes to music... I've also heard artists are natural thinkers and geniuses; yet as someone who considers themselves as a natural thinker and a knowledgeable person, I have no idea how that would help me in art...

  I kept to myself, thinking to myself for a while... occasionally gncing at the digital clock on the digital screen at the front of the css from time to time...

  "Good morning css." Noe's words brought me back to the world. I gnced at the digital clock in front of the cssroom - it was time.

  I looked around; most of the people in css were sitting in the back or middle of the cssroom. I counted the students... There were fewer than 20 students in my css. Alongside the girl whose's name was Felis, she and I were the only ones who were in the front seats.

  "Before we start our daily schedule, I would like to introduce a new student who was admitted back into school after hospitalization. Please, if you may, come to the front, Teseia. And css, be mindful of her." The css went silent, though I could hear slight whispers from the people behind me.

  ... I took a deep breath before standing... I walked to the front of the cssroom, stepping onto the podium, "Hello, my name is Teseia Alicia. I still feel a little uncertain of everything, especially after being told by doctors that I suffer from memory loss; but regardless, I wish we can all enjoy our school year together." I hoped no one here knew me before, as there was no way someone who suffered simple memory loss would act so different—but making my excuse public should help my school life... hopefully.

  From the podium, I gnced at everyone in the css, hoping that whatever I said wasn't odd to anyone. Though... It's embarrassing being the sole person speaking. I've done public speeches before, but as a girl—everyone's gaze on me... I could feel the curiosity and wonder from everyone.

  "Of course; welcome to our css Teseia." The girl next to my seat spoke out. "My name is Felis Kristiea, and if there is anything you need help, you can rely on me."

  The css lit up into cheers and welcoming greetings—geezes... it really is cheerful here... And here I was nervous and worried for my debut.

  I returned to my seat for the time being and waited on for Noe's instructions.

  "Thank you css for welcoming Teseia in; now for our daily activity." Noe said, returning to the front podium. "Focus on studying and enjoying your school life. Though - keep your conversations in check, be mindful of those who wish to spend the time studying." Noe really was a carefree instructor

  Well—I guess I have the morning to myself—,

  "Teseia? You're so cute!" A girl—eh? "I'm Yederis Uelise! You looked cute up there, standing tall—it's alright, you'll get taller." Another—,

  ... Is—is this the hidden side of school I've never heard? The girl's social circle?

  "Ano—..." Eh—looking at my desk slowly attracting more and more girls, I—how... how do I respond to the flood of compliments? "Eh—thank you...?"

  Lunch came soon enough. "A break is nice..." I uttered, exhausted...

  "Agreed - though you will get used to it Teseia." Felis, who was also exhausted, id sprawled out on her desk as well - she basically ended up as my shield. "... I understand their excitement - you are beautiful and cute Teseia - but really, it did seem a bit much."

  With my head on my table, exhausted, I make a small nod, "Agreed..." Besides my introduction and flood of compliments from girls, and the various stares from guys in my other csses, there wasn't anything remarkable during css.

  Felis and I both were in an empty cssroom. Thinking of Felis's words, I understood what she meant. Though - the combination of me and her likely didn't help. Felis herself was pretty. She had medium length hair just a little shorter than mine, and it was a brown very dark-yellow color. It didn't really make Felis stand out, but it enhanced the appearance she had - making her look like a reliable honor girl. Even more so as the First Year Representative - which I found out. Standing next to Felis, I probably looked like a younger-sister or her junior being next to her.

  We ate lunch together before going out for my school tour, with Felis insisting that I at least get a walkthrough of the school with her. We walked through the school together, with Felis giving me introduction of pces. As we got to the second floor, Felis switched to introducing the clubs.

  ... and I somehow circled back to the Legal and Law Club, somehow. Walking towards that same door with Felis, I let out a silent sigh inside, "This is the Legal and Law Club—eh?" Felis was telling me what the room was for, but I went ahead and opened the door...

  It... It was the club I knew. Everything, from the overused coffee machine to the shelf filled with documents. The round table everyone met and convened on was there as well - though the small pile of papers on it was unusual... I walked slowly towards the table—...

  ... I should get going... "Let's go Felis..." I turn, walking to the door. I pce my hand on the handle—ah.

  "Oh, hello there." Kaeu? Why are you—?

  "Ignation?" Felis excimed next to me, "I—apologies for coming in uninvited!"

  "No, you are okay Felis—though who would that be next to you?" I stood dazed... Err—ah... My mind finally processed the information now—ah, introductions.

  "Sorr—apologies, my name is Teseia Alicia, nice to meet you." I backed up from the door, bowing respectfully, "I apologize for going into your club room uninvited. I was—... the clubroom looked interesting, and I brought my friend along with me." I realized my excuse sounded terrible... I doubt Kaeu would buy my excuse—,

  "I see..." Kaeu uttered. "I'm sorry for the ck of activity our club currently has, but I am Ignation Kaeu, the president of the club. Welcome to the Legal and Law Club." He... spoke lifeless, and his face seemed down. And—maybe it was just me, but his hair seemed messier than normal. He walked past us to the round table and sat down, taking out his book to read...

  ... was this really the Kaeu I knew? I turned once more and looked at him - he hung his head down, despondent... I let out a sigh—I couldn't accept this.

  I leaned over, next to Felis, "I'm going to stay here for a bit Felis, if you want to go you can." I whispered to her.

  "Okay, I'll stay with you." Sigh—I was hoping she would leave, but... whatever...

  I walked over to the round table and sat down. Sitting at the table, I took a paper and looked at it - it was a notice for clubs to prepare a stall to promote themselves for the first years. I moved the paper aside, as it was basically trash.

  "What are you—,"

  "Just being a troublesome junior, nothing more K—Ignation." I need to remind myself that I'm Alicia, and I need to remind myself that I can't act so familiar...

  Beside me, Felis sat down next to me, "What are you doing Teseia?" Felis whispered.

  "Just being a troublesome junior." Felis beside me took a deep breath after hearing me... she then took a paper from the pile.

  "Sorry Ignation, is it okay if we help you a little?" Felis—I let out a sigh, Felis was too good of a friend - if not a little meddlesome herself.

  "..." Ignation, looking at both of us, let out a sigh, "You guys don't have to force yourself."

  ""No—we're just troublesome juniors."" Felis and I both responded in sync - it was honestly amusing how we both somehow came into sync and I couldn't help but smile.

  "... Then go ahead, suit yourself..." Ignation uttered in defeat, picking up his book and reading again.

  Both Felis and I slowly picked away at the small pile of papers in the center of the round table. Felis would ask me occasionally if a paper was important or for help, but our time here went by uneventfully. Eventually the stack started to thin - I took a paper from the stack—ah.

  "This—," I had in front of me the Club Budgeting Forum. I knew what to do, and had a general idea of the club's activities, but... Doing this in my current state would be—, suspicious... "Ano—Ignation, do you know how to do this?" I also forgot I was a first year now... I had to mentally accept that I would no longer be Kaeu's friend Yesen, I was Ignation's junior Teseia.

  "Ah, the Club Budgeting Forum—I'll do that one on my own." Ignation took the paper in front of me to him, "... honestly, thank you both; Felis and Teseia. It isn't difficult - just time consuming. But your help is motivating." Looking at Ignation who took the paper in front of him with a little more motivation than when he walked into the room made me smile - he still seemed down, but I was happy with this.

  Suddenly an arm went off - it was coming from Felis? Felis took her phone from her bag, "Ah—Teseia, we should get going." Felis put the paper she had in front of her back into the pile. Compared to before, the paper tower turned into a small stack. We definitely did work. Though—we definitely were concentrated, I didn't even realize we spent 20 minutes doing paperwork.

  I stood and pushed my chair in. "Okay." I followed Felis as she went towards the door.

  "Hey—thank you both. Your help was greatly appreciated." Ignation said to us.

  "Of course, you're welcome Ignation." Felis said as we left.

  Finally leaving the Legal and Law Club, we both headed to our next css.

  "Teseia—are you..." Felis was muttering something... "Do you like Ignation by chance?"

  "Bua—!?" I—wha—what!? "No—nonono, I—..." I looked around, good... no one was nearby, we were still in the secluded second year area. "... Ignation—he was a friend of someone I..." What do I say?

  I took a deep breath. I... I have my story."He—he was someone I looked up to now. Now—he is no more, but I think he would be... disheartened to see his friends like this. At the very least—the most I could do is help his friends. I may never have gotten to tell him how I feel, but I can at least atone for everything by helping those he cared about now..."It was a... lie, but... maybe it wasn't necessarily a lie either.

  "..." Huh? Why are you looking at—, "I can't describe it, but you looked like a different person, and you completely looked like a maiden in love."

  "Hah—?" I—thinking about it... What did I just say? Recalling it—ah?! I said something completely embarrassing just now - I thought nothing of it in the moment, but... "Forget what you just heard!"

  "Fufu~," My words went over her head, "Maybe."

  School went uneventfully afterwards; it was simply me completing my csses and being with Felis. Yet all I could hear during our breaks was Felis teasing me, saying how I had a mature-polite side, then a complete girl-in love side.

  ... Sigh... I had no idea what happened - I seemingly made a lie-not-lie to tell her why I obviously wasn't interested in Ignation, yet it made it worse... Recalling it...

  "Ugh~!" I id in bed looking at the ceiling that was covered in glittery glowing pink and gold stars... I really made myself to be a fool...