March 4th. 8:30 am. Main classroom.

Early March yet the cherry blossoms that bath themselves in pink rivers start to unravel slowly. Considerably, a beautiful sight. The captivating and quickly remarkable scenario outside of the classroom was spontaneous as it attracted the eyes of the majority in a flash.

As they also say; the spring of love comes around the corner for every living soul.

But those are just rumors based on coincidental events.

"I'm back, bitches! Missed me?! I fucking know you did!"

Because all I can see right now is the muscular figure of Kawahara, who can barely stay on his school uniform, slamming the main door and announcing his presence with high spirits.

"Get out!"

"Leave!"

"Go away!"

"Hang yourself!!"

Pencils, pens, rubbers, scissors were all thrown at Kawahara who was ready to fill the embracement of everyone, but as a result of his previous actions, a group of girls which consists of Hinagiku, Sana, Yukishiro, and Shizuku, assaulted him violently.

Regardless of all that was thrown at him, he dodged every single thing with perfection and ease.

"There's my fan club! No need to be shy! I know you all missed me! One week must've been rough! My honest apologies."

"Kawahara, there are new rules. Do you want to hear them or not? If not, then I suggest you stay outside."

Yuka-sensei aside, I'm surprised that there is no reaction from Akimiyashika. None at all.

She's studying and not paying attention to what's happening at all. Lone on her desk, her lack of reaction disturbed me. Plus, she doesn't seem to be concerned about Kawahara's presence.

"I see. I see. That's very interesting, except not really. Also, where do I sit? And can you all stop looking at me like that?! This isn't how you treat your idol!"

"No one likes you!"

"You're not as great as you think you are, you hypocrite!"

Christ girls, no need to be this offensive. Take a chill pill.

Although he's arrogant, there is obviously a hint of sarcas---- Wait, he's being real right now.

After he heard the rules from Yuka-sensei, he started to rant about the situation, but what caught my attention was Akimiyashika's unusual attitude the following moment.

"Kawahara! How have you been?!"

Not even my table partner could ignore this. Kawahara was slightly numb from Akimiyashika's sudden kindness, as he showed trouble approaching her.

"Don't be shy! Have a seat! Sensei allowed you to stay in the same seat, after all! How kind of her!"

"It couldn't be helped, Aki. Sometimes people say things they don't mean to say."

"See? There's nothing to fear! Welcome back!"

This smells fishy.

What exactly is happening right now?

"That's so unlike you. What's the deal? Speak up!"

As I thought, there really is something going on... Kawahara has caught up with that. Akimiyashika's sudden smile is creepy. There's obviously a catch here.

"Deal? What? You've been away for a week. I'm sure you have reflected on your actions."

"I agree with Aki here. Kawahara, you supposedly should have changed for the better. Which is why we are giving you a chance. Will you take this chance or not?"

They are both gazing at him with angelic smiles unlike the majority of the girls which creates a cryptic contrast, honestly.

Kawahara is having trouble trusting both of them for obvious reasons.

I wouldn't trust them either.

"I'll pass. I'll sit next to the shrimp!"

He pointed at the small Hinagiku who was glaring at Kawahara with disgust.

"No way! Go away!"

"What?! I need a place to sit, you mega dork!"

"Language! Don't curse! Respect sensei's rules!"

"How is 'mega dork' cursing?! This is the equivalent of a baby's attempt of being minimally offensive and yet you call it cursing, you minuscular creature!"

When you are a small as Hinagiku, you are bound to get roasted. Whether it's appropriate to roast or not... that's a different matter.

Then again, Kawahara is gigantic in comparison.

"Kawahara, her partner is Akihiko. That's why you can't sit there. There's only one seat left."

Although Rayazaki explained that, he didn't take his eyes off the book he's reading. His behavior recently has been a mystery to me...

Why is he acting so calm and not throwing random tantrums as he would? Even without his memories, something happened.

"Alright, fair enough. Thanks for the grand hospitality."

"Oh no. The pleasure is all mine."

Nothing happened in the end. Kawahara just took his seat and the class began as usual.

Basara-sensei has been absent as well as Akihiko. Thus far, the special exam has not been announced so we don't know what to look forward to.

Not in a good way, of course...

And...

I haven't spoken to Yulia yet. I'm aware that I'm just making my situation worse, but I'm testing something.

What if I just don't speak to her forever?

That idea doesn't sound entirely impossible to achieve in theory, but I'm not certain about its perks when it comes to practice...

Minutes flew by at that point.

I was too bored to concentrate. As a matter of fact, I've never been the type of person to pay attention to anything in class. This is a program that's made to reform students that have criminal records but that idea is stupid and unrealistic all by itself.

Society rejects have no concept of reformation. But, even though I say that... There are some that try to change.

I won't though.

I don't have to.

I won't.

9:15 am.

A sudden brutal impact on my left leg struck immediate direct pain onto my whole being.

"......."

Of course, only someone who is extremely close to me in physical terms could've inflicted this deal of pain.

Furthermore, she is the only one who doesn't care about my sleep state.

"I've told you how much I like astrology, right?"

"No."

Has she? I don't recall. Nor do I care if she possibly has told me such.

"Don't lie. I did tell you that."

"I'm not lying, I really don't recall. Also, why the kick? Can't you just talk to me like a normal person?"

"I thought you were dead so I kicked the corpse and would you look at that, it's alive."

She thinks she's so funny.

"So?"

"So, I need a favor. Astrology has a mandatory requirement in order to start the celestial reading. I need to know birth dates. Tell me yours."

What the hell is she on about...

I'll just ignore her.

Back to sleep, I go.

............

.......

...

!

"What the hell are you doing?!"

I had to say that in an extremely low toned voice but I can't believe she was trying to stab me with pioneers!

Is she insane or what?!

"I dislike being ignored, for the record. To think you'd treat such a rare occasion like this the way you just did. Especially after what you did yesterday!"

"That still doesn't justify what you were trying to do just now. Go bother someone else..."

Seriously...

What a child. Just because your attention is hard to please you treat others around like this?

And you then wonder why you receive the treatment you receive. I bet she's a spoiled rich girl who has never known the meaning of being poor.

"You either do it or I will stab you with the pioneers."

"Are you serious now? Aren't you ashamed of acting like this?"

"I'm acting on my own interest. There is no shame in that."

She is confusing her interest in her own selfish egoistic actions without caring for what she has to do in order to achieve them, damn it!

How irrational can you be?!

"I'm not doing it. I don't care what you want from me, I won't do it. Also, it's against the rules to do this. If you do this, then I will complain."

"That's true. It is against the rules. But, will anyone believe you?"

"What?"

"Being stabbed with pioneers. Do you think someone will care for such an excuse? Only kids complain about being stabbed with pioneers."

I feel like pulling out her hair strands and make her scream in the process but given the circumstances and current scenario, that's impossible.

In fact, I would never do that. I just felt like it. Because she's fucking annoying and persistent.

"Are you this mad? Don't be so salty please."

"I've told you that's not the case. Stop making things up. Well, will you do it or not? Or will I have to make you do it? Which one will it be?"

Well... She seems pretty desperate to be forcing this new set of methods just to get my attention.

Plus, I'm not doing anything... I'm just pretending to look at the board right now. I'm contemplating boredom in the worst imaginable way possible; by doing absolutely nothing.

"Make it quick. Also, I'll fight back if you try this again."

In other words, I'll fucking pierce your pretty legs with my pencil in such a way that you'll scream until your voice runs out, bitch.

"I'll praise you for knowing your limits."

These are not my limits...

"I need a very simple thing. Write down as many birth dates you know. From every individual in this class. There is a purpose for this. Based on the individual's birthday, the individual's zodiac sign can be determined. And that can tell a whole lot..."

Huh... Do I even know someone's birthday?

I don't think I do. Except my own of course.

"Actually, I don't know anyone's birthdays... What is yours?"

"August 7th, 2004. I'm a Leo. The fire sign of a Leo represents the queen."

Is this where she gets all her vanity from... Please don't tell me you've obsessed yourself with the idea that your zodiac sign is LITERALLY everything there is to know about you.

"I don't know anything about astrology. Care to do a little tutorial?"

Upon hearing my amateurish words, she deeply sighed and stopped writing whatever she was writing. Probably whatever Yuka-sensei is teaching.

I literally don't care what though...

"Goodness. Fine, I'll explain it... Look here to what I'm about to write down."

She's actually going to explain me the whole thing.

Delicately ripping off a white sheet out of her well-taken care of notebook, she presented a small diagram to me.

"There are twelve zodiac signs. However, despite there being twelve of them, they are divided into four different sections."

She then started to write down 'Water Signs', 'Fire Signs', 'Earth Signs', and 'Air Signs' in four different corners. The Fire Signs section was written above on the upper left while the Air Signs section was written right next to the latter section although more to the right.

The Water Signs section was written right below the Fire Signs section and the Earth Signs section was subsequently written below the Air Signs section.

Thus, she made it clear that there were four different entities. That much I already understand.

"Let's start with the water signs. Water signs are known to be extremely sensitive and abundantly emotional."

"Then Leo must be a water sign."

Because she's emotional as hell.

"Wrong. There are three water signs and they are: Pisces, Cancer, and Scorpio. Leo is not a water sign. A Leo isn't a crybaby."

Yet you cry all the time.

Inside the bubble that was used to write down the water signs, she wrote in it, those three water signs.

"How do you know who is a water sign though?"

"You don't know something that basic?!"

Well, so sorry Miss perfection.

"A person who is a Pisces must've been born in a day that ranges from February 19th and March 20th. For Cancer, June 21st up to July 22nd. Lastly, for Scorpio, the valid range is between October 23rd all the way to November 21st."

I'm pretty sure this is the most basic of all things but I just never cared enough to know such simplicity.

Though, I see now. By knowing the birth dates, the zodiac signs can be determined.

"Following that up, we have the fire signs. Which synergize horribly with water signs."

"Why though?"

"I'll explain that later. One thing at a time."

She's got me curious now. What did she mean when she said 'synergize horribly'? Is there some sort of logic that proves that fire signs and water signs interact horribly?

"The first fire sign is Aries. If you were born between March 21st and April 19th, then you are one. My zodiac sign, which is Leo, ranges from July 23rd all the way to August 22nd. Given that I was born on August 7th, I am therefore a Leo."

After pointing that out, she did the previous action in the respective section.

But...

"There are only two fire signs?"

"Ah, no. Sagittarius. That's the last fire sign. It ranges from November 22nd to December 21st."

I'm still curious as to why they supposedly don't synergize well with water signs, but it looks like she's about to move on.

"I forgot to mention something. Fire signs are known to be just like the element itself. The flame that contains spontaneous energy, explicit passion, tremendous dynamic, undying spirit, and infinite strength!"

She's glorifying herself. Totally.

"Moving on to the earth signs... They are known for being just like the earth. Solid, grounded, calm, permanent, and unmoving. Let's start off with Capricorn. I'll just mention their ranges from now on. A Capricorn's range is from December 22nd to January 19th. Taurus is next. April 20th to May 20th. Ultimately, Virgo. August 23rd to September 22nd."

I'm also starting to understand that they aren't just called elements for no reason. The symbol represents the zodiac signs' characteristics...

If water is used to represent water signs then it should mean that the water is like an uncontrollable raging tempest of emotions which can result in a disaster.

Fire could represent that the individual who possesses the fire either dominates their inner fire or is burned down by their own fire.

The element of earth is exactly as she said. The soil remains throughout everything. Stability is probably their strongest feature.

And lastly...

"The last section is the air signs. Air signs are greatly known for their communication skills. They are vast like the air when it comes to their overall set of personal characteristics. Starting off, we have Aquarius. January 20th to February 18th."

Found mine.

"Gemini ranges from May 21st to June 20th. And Libra ranges from September 23rd to October 22nd. And that does it. I've explained to you the existence of the twelve zodiac signs and how they are respectively split into four sections. You asked me why fire signs synergize horribly with water. The water kills the fire."

What the hell.

"Actual logic, please."

That was literally the most illogical explanation you could've given me...

"I'm serious. From an elemental perspective, it is just as I've said. A fire that lives on to burn for all eternity would slowly go down if the water contains to pour down upon it over and over. But, if you want a logical explanation then... Their dynamics are extremely different. Water signs seek emotional comfort while fire signs seek mental stimulation and innovation. Essentially, there are too many differences as both sections search for completely different things."

That makes more sense.

I understood the elemental reference immediately, but I was waiting for a logical explanation.

Too many differences, huh?

"So, what was the whole point of this?"

"You were the one who asked for a tutorial!"

"Yeah, true. But now I think I get the gist of it. I now know how to identify zodiac signs. However, for what purpose do you want this? Also, why do you need my help with this?"

"I don't need your help, don't misunderstand."

How can she change attitudes so quickly... Is this really the time to be in denial?

"Then--"

"However, you've come thus far. It would be wrong to let this opportunity go away. Tell me the boys' birth dates. Every single one of them, Yours as well."

Why exactly does she want to know that...?

"Any specific reason you want to know this? Also, I've told you that I don't know anyone's birth dates..."

"You're useless, then. But you know your own birthday, right? Tell me."

............

I get the feeling that I shouldn't... She hasn't specified why she wants to know everyone's birth dates.

What is this shit? Is she going to read my soul if I tell her my own birthday? I don't believe in these types of things though.

"Not telling..."

"What? Just tell me! I've told you mine, you can't back off now."

Her point is hard for me to fight back against because it would be an equal treatment if I told her my own birthday.

"Why do you need to know my birthday? Specify your reasons already."

"Fine, I'll explain it. I told you how water signs don't synergize well with fire signs, right?"

"Yes."

"But they synergize well with air signs. Fire signs have no special interaction with earth signs. I want to know if there are any air signs in this class."

She's literally being specifically unspecific. Impressive.

Also, my phone won't stop vibrating.

I wish I didn't know why that's the case, but suddenly, my consciousness just gained more weight.

"Why do you need to know if there are any air signs in this class? Plus, why me? Can't you just do this yourself?"

"Ahhh! You ask too many questions! If you don't know then do yourself a favor and get to know! Ask them, for example!"

Her irritated behavior most likely means that I hit the jackpot. Therefore, the reason that she needs to know if there are any air signs in this class is probably the key factor here.

And, by 'them' she was pointing at Kan and Sana, who are right in front of us, but there is a considerable distance between us.

"Just do this you--"

Behind my back, I felt a tingling sensation that was not yet fully connected, but I could feel the sharp spike of the pioneer she had in her hand.

"Don't you dare disobey me."

"...This means nothing..."

I'm just not in a mood to bitch about someone that stabbed me with a pioneer. Only a kid would do something like this.

With that in mind, I didn't have much choice.

Thus, I formed a paper ball and threw it on Kan's head. I had to make sure that I wasn't being noticed. Thankfully, Yuka-sensei is busy answering questions from the rest.

"......."

No result...

Therefore, I threw three more balls at him. Which made him turn around.

"Who threw this?"

Obviously, Kan turned around. He was noticeably disturbed by the fact that there were paper balls thrown at him.

It's better being honest than to aggravate this matter.

"I did. Hey Kan, when is your birthday?"

"What the hell is that question? You gay? Ew. Not answering."

I would react the same way. A guy asking another guy's birthday. Gay levels to the max.

However...

"I'll buy you weed on your birthday if you te--"

"May 20th. I'll be waiting!"

With a thumbs-ups, Kan reverted his position and secretly rolled more joints.

"Damn it."

But it appears that the result was not pleasing to my table partner. She softly plummed the surface of the table to relieve some of her frustrations.

If I recall correctly if you are born on May 20th you are...

"Isn't he a Gemini? That's a good thing, ri--"

"No, he's a Taurus. Although the difference is just by one day, it still counts. Ask Sana next."

Looks like I'm still green. I haven't decorated all the dates yet.

Yet?

What am I thinking? I don't have to.

This is all her scheme, not mine. She forced me to go along. I didn't do this because I wanted to.

"Ask her instead. Girls ask girls."

"Just do it..."

Why is she so reluctant now? I don't get this. You act with confidence but then you show this fragile reaction?

What?

"Are you not friends with her? You were friendly with Kanawari yesterday, but you can't be with Sana?"

"That's different. Kana and I don't go along with the rest of the girls... That's why you should talk to Sana."

"Because you can't? Oh, I see. You can't. I totally see what this is all about."

What is the point of acting with such confidence if you are this socially selective? This is why I don't boast about things I know about myself to others.

If I have to defend myself and argue back, then I will.

She, on the other hand, just boldly does all this for the sake of a greater image.

Does she realize that her own vanity closes her own options?

"No, I can. I just don't want to."

"Making up excuses, are we? Have you two even talked to each other?"

Yesterday, she mentioned Sana in her argument, but that was just because their points aligned.

It's a different matter entirely if they have ever talked or interacted in any way before.

"What does that matter? Just talk to her and ask for her birthday! God, how can you not understand something so simple!"

"No, I do understand what you are trying to achieve here. You want to know her birthday to see if her zodiac sign is an air sign. What I can't understand is why you can't do this yourself."

Of course, I know why she can't do this. Her own social standards limit her actions.

Nevertheless, I can't understand why she can't just break this stupid limitation that she puts on herself.

"I could do this myself, but you accepted my suggestion, so you have the privilege of doing this task. Rejoice."

She's not honest at all.

Damn it, does it really hurt to admit that you just suck at communicating because you have unrealistic social standards?

Your own personality blinds you entirely from seeing your simple flaws.

"You're so weak..."

"What?!"

She retorted back, but I couldn't care less. I started forming paper balls again.

How can you uphold such a contradictive personality when your actions don't match?

Aren't you just pretending to be something you are not? I don't understand then.

What is the point of trying to be something else when you can't be what you want to be yet you nonetheless try?

Ultimately, I fired my paper balls not at Sana, but at Kan.

Before he could speak, as soon as he reverted his position, I was already pointing at Sana.

Thankfully, he got the signal and called her out for me.

As soon as she looked in my direction, I spoke.

"When is your birthday?"

However, Sana said words I wasn't expecting to hear from her.

"Is this some sort of joke?"

Her stiffened expression told me immediately that she was quite mad.

"Uhhh no... I asked Kan's birthday a while ago. This is for... curiosity."

I can't believe I just attempted to justify her unspecific reasons.

Where is my dark-knight dignity?!

"You're joking just now, aren't you? You really couldn't hold it in, couldn't you?"

"Uh wait, Sana, what's going on? Is he really joking? Hey, are you joking?"

What the hell is this situation?

Why do Kan and Sana think that I am suddenly joking?

Am I missing something?

"No, I'm not joking."

"I don't buy it. You prick. You just want to make me feel bad, don't you?"

What is thiiiiiiiiisssssssss.

Screw it, I'll just come out and say it.

"Sana, the truth is, I and she are trying to find out everyone's birth dates. She believes in astrology, to a very creepy extent, which is why I asked you your birthday."

"He's saying untruthful things! It's not true that I believe in astrology to a very creepy extent, it's a healthy extent, I swear!"

It is creepy.

The fact that you think that you can just judge someone entirely based on their zodiac sign while ignoring their individuality goes to show how your belief is creepy.

"...So that wasn't a joke?"

Now her expression is showing doubt.

"A joke about what?"

I didn't ask her. My table partner gathered the guts to interact, even though she didn't do this at first.

"...My birthday is on March 2nd..."

Oh wow, that's...

Lmao.

Did anyone celebrate her birthday? Hahahaha.

"Why didn't you say so sooner?!"

Weeeeeeird, my table partner is acting so worried now. Why do girls just care so much about their own birthdays?

It's just another day of the year.

"No one would celebrate my birthday. What's the point of telling anyone that it was my birthday?"

"But this is so sad, Sana. I missed your birthday..."

"There's always next year."

Kan's right. Just wait 363 days, Sana. No biggie.

"We can still celebrate it. Do you accept a late birthday?"

"Well... It's better late than never."

God, she's going at it. What is this? Why does she care so much about birthdays? I can understand if you want to acquire this specific knowledge for your own astrological knowledge, but isn't this completely out of it?

In the end, after Sana accepted her late birthday, she returned to her frontal position and paid attention to class once more.

"I'm done here, by the way. Don't bother me from this point forward."

"You did a useless job. None of them were individuals that possessed air zodiac signs. Taurus and Pisces. What a disappointment."

"Considering that according to you, I did a useless job, then you are worse. Because you've done nothing at all."

And besides, she's back to taking notes. The situation is settled.

"I could've done so if I so wanted to. It's called managing your own choices."

"Lying just makes you weaker."

"I am not weak! Get rid of that misconception! How annoying can you get?! Didn't you say you were done here? Why are you still talking then?"

"True."

It is true.

I just decided to provoke her a bit.

Because our interaction can't go beyond this.

Neither of us wants to change this and it will never be changed.