Part 17: Here Goes Nothing

The entirety of the connecting walkway is enveloped in a purplish golden glow of the setting sun. This looks like an eerie scene straight out of a triple A fantasy RPG game, where the hero walks through the grim west rampart of the royal capital's citadel to face the boss. As expected, there weren't too many people aside from two other students talking out in the hall. Too bad. I wanted to take a picture of this absolutely magnificent setting, but I don't want to risk them misunderstanding and thinking I'm taking a photo of them. Oh well, guess I just have to hope for another purple sunset to occur sometime soon.

The school has two walkways that connect the two school buildings to each other. The first one is a simple covered path at ground level that connects the secondary building's central entrance to the main building's left wing. The other one is a completely covered walkway with several wide windows lining its walls. This walkway connects the secondary building's right wing to an access door that leads to the upper seating area of the gymnasium. 

The walkway also diverts to the right leading to the left wing of the main school building. Students rarely pass by here because there's really not much point to it unless it's raining, snowing, or if there's a basketball game and they want to get some good seats to watch. That's why it's the perfect way for me to navigate between the school buildings without having to deal with anyone.

Well, except for these two who ruined my perfect shot. You two go suck a lemon, will ya?!

As I pass the two parameciums and turn right after the access door, I get a glimpse of the second year classrooms through the window. In one of the classrooms, I spot Kurebayashi wiping the whiteboard. I distinctly remember her entering a classroom on the second floor this morning, meaning that's not her classroom. Must be doing volunteer work, huh? I can't clearly see from where I'm standing, but her usual smile is absent. I hope it's because she's focused on what she's doing and not still mad at whatever it is I said.

Wait, why am I even worrying myself about that? Who cares if she's actually angry at me? I certainly don't. Or at least, I think I don't?

I take the last few steps out of the walkway and finally step foot inside the second floor of the main building. And after a few more minutes of tip-toeing my way through a barrage of first years, I ultimately land in front of Mr. Hirashi's office.

I honestly don't remember the last time I came here voluntarily. I've always viewed this place as nothing more than a chore I have to do to keep the principal off my back. But now, it's my only option to figure out what the heck is wrong with me. Taking a few deep breaths, I raise my hand and knock on the door three times.

"Yes, come in!"

I hear Mr. Hirashi holler from inside. Well, here goes nothing, I guess.