Alvaro woke up in her bed feeling… off. Not bad, just different.
Maybe it was nerves. Maybe excitement. Probably both.
Today was her first day at Yehon High — her second time transferring schools. She really hoped this one wouldn't end up like the last.
For a moment, she just stared at the ceiling, letting the quiet fill the room. Then she sighed, dragged herself up, and went through her morning routine.
Toothbrush. Uniform. Bag. Everything felt a bit mechanical, like she was just running on autopilot.
She walked to the dining room, where the smell of toast filled the air.
"I'm heading out, Grandma," she said while slipping on her shoes. "I'll text you when I get there."
"Alright, be careful," her grandma replied, her voice warm but a little worried — the kind of tone only grandmas have.
"I will," Alvaro said, forcing a small smile.
The bus pulled up just as she reached the street. She climbed on, handed the driver her fare, and looked around. Only one seat was open — beside a girl who looked oddly familiar.
That girl was Kaori, though Alvaro didn't know her name yet.
Their eyes met for a split second. Kaori blinked, then smiled, a little awkwardly.
"Uh… hey. We meet again," she said.
The air felt stiff in that quiet morning way. Alvaro tried to smile back, polite but a bit tense.
"Yeah… mind if I sit here?"
Kaori nodded quickly, and Alvaro sat down, staring out the window while pretending to be calm.
The hum of the bus filled the silence until Kaori spoke again.
"You're going to school, right? Which one?"
"Yehon High," Alvaro replied.
"Seriously? I go there too!" Kaori said, her voice lighting up.
"Oh. That's cool," Alvaro said, a little awkwardly.
"What grade are you in?"
"Tenth."
"Oh, same! Guess you're the new student everyone's been talking about."
"What do you mean?"
"There's been a rumor someone new was transferring here," Kaori explained.
"Ah, got it."
Kaori grinned. "Yep."
"What's your name?" she asked suddenly.
Alvaro froze.
Right… name. What was my name again?
Her brain went blank for a few seconds, then she blurted the first thing that came to mind.
"Valerie."
Kaori smiled warmly. "Nice to meet you, Valerie. I'm Kaori."
"Yeah," Alvaro murmured.
She's so cheerful, she thought, a little envious of how naturally Kaori carried herself.
The rest of the ride was quiet. The bus rumbled along as sunlight spilled through the windows, brushing against Alvaro's cheek. She fiddled with her hands, feeling awkward — not because of Kaori, but because she still wasn't used to seeing herself like this.
When the bus finally stopped, they both stepped off and started walking side by side.
"So… first day nerves?" Kaori asked with a grin.
"Maybe a little," Alvaro admitted.
"Don't worry. Yehon's not that scary. You'll get used to it fast."
"Hope so."
As they entered the school gates, Alvaro glanced around at the buildings, the sound of chatter echoing everywhere.
"Uh… could you maybe show me around?" she asked.
"Sure! We've got time before class starts," Kaori said, leading the way with a light step.
"Follow me."
"Okay."
They stopped by a wide building filled with the smell of bread and coffee.
"This is the cafeteria," Kaori explained. "It's packed during lunch, so come early if you want a seat."
"Good to know," Alvaro said, smiling faintly.
They continued walking until Kaori stopped in front of another building.
"And this is the library. It's usually quiet — not many people come here."
"Really?"
"Yeah. Guess most students aren't into books."
"Oh… I see."
"Do you like reading?"
"Yeah, kind of."
"What kind of books?"
"Mostly novels."
Kaori nodded. "Nice. That's rare here."
Alvaro chuckled softly. "Guess I'll fit in just fine, then."
Kaori smiled. "You will."
For the first time that morning, Alvaro felt her shoulders relax a little. Maybe this school wouldn't be so bad after all.