Just Lucky [After School / Shoe Lockers]

A note fell onto Hara’s shoes.

‘Run away and Koharu is next.’

Hara looked across the hall at Koharu.

(Hara) : “Coward. Why drag her into this?”

The bully was waiting by the bike racks.

(Bully) : “Do that thing from yesterday again.”

(Hara) : “Leave Koharu out of this.”

(Bully) : “Then you can take the hit.”

A fist came flying.

This time, Hara was ready.

The scrape of a sole against the ground.

The tiny shift of the right shoulder.

Hara slipped half a step to the side.

He didn’t even grab the bully’s arm. He only hooked an ankle, letting the other boy’s own momentum take him down.

Thud!

(Bully) : “What the hell are you?”

(Hara) : “Just lucky.”

He said it, but then looked at his own hand.

The moment he grabbed a bike handle in agitation, the metal bent slightly.

Startled, he let go.

(Koharu) : “What are you hiding?”

Koharu stood at the entrance.

Hara hurriedly blocked the bike from view.

(Hara) : “Nothing.”

[Empty Classroom]

Koharu dabbed disinfectant onto the scrape on Hara’s elbow.

(Hara) : “Ow!”

(Koharu) : “You can drop a guy that easily, but disinfectant hurts?”

(Hara) : “Disinfectant doesn’t telegraph its attack.”

Koharu’s hand stopped.

(Koharu) : “Telegraph?”

Hara shut his mouth.

(Hara) : “No, I just mean... I could see him move.”

(Koharu) : “You’ve been weird lately.”

Hara’s stomach dropped.

(Koharu) : “You say you’re fine when you’re obviously not. And suddenly you can fight.”

Hara forced a smile.

(Hara) : “Maybe I’m having a growth spurt.”

(Koharu) : “You’re in high school.”

(Hara) : “Late bloomer.”

Koharu didn’t ask more.

But she didn’t look convinced, either.

[Behind the School]

The bully sent someone a message.

‘Bro. Hara’s seriously weird.’

A reply came a moment later.

‘Check again.’