Ow,

  Was the first thought that came to my mind as I was basically thrusted out of my dreamy sleep by the sound of my alarm piercing through my ears like an icepick. My face was pressed flat against cold hardwood; cheek practically super-glued to the floorboards with my dried up drool and nose squished into the ground so hard I was lambasted with the smell of cheap wood polish.

  Orientation had passed like a blur. I was actually the only student there since I joined mid term. I just slept through everything and bought everything I needed from the overpriced school shop. With my discount T-shirt, worn out jacket and thrift store shorts against the school's pristine white backdrop, I actually felt like someone wearing a suit at a beach. Thus, I tried my best to not dawdle and get back to my newly rented apartment as quickly as possible to not tarnish my reputation this early into the school year.

  I peeled my face off the floor and dug out my phone from where it was laying under me; its rounded corner pressing into my side. I promptly dropped my phone immediately after picking it up; surprised by the sudden ring of another alarm and fumbled to turn off the other five alarms spaced about a minute apart that I had set for myself, mostly because I always wake up late.

  It's not my fault alright, I totally have really important things to do, like reading yaoi or grinding for Skirk or binging some low budget romance anime. Ya' know? Things like that. I totally could just stop staying up till 3 am and be perpetually late to school all the time, but I really didn't want to.

  I was then promptly slapped out of my thoughts by another alarm I had failed to turn off in time, and was then reminded with another blaring alarm that I only had about 30 more minutes until I'd have to catch the bus.

  How joyous.

  After quickly hopping into the shower, I ripped open the plastic packaging of one of the uniform sets and wriggled into my slightly over-sized school shirt. When buying my uniform I had found out that either more than half of the student body wears a size XS or that I'm just built like a toddler so the school didn't really see the need to get more than 5 sets of the high school uniforms in that size, so everything in my size was sold out for the rest of the year. I didn't really mind wearing oversized clothes though, but it still bugged me that it wasn't even that far into the school year and there was literally nothing below a medium in store.

  Freshly changed; I had one last major challenge. The stupid little bow that came with the girls uniform. It took me like six or seven whole tries to get the little piece of cloth to look anything close to a bow. It was terribly lopsided and incredibly loose but I didn't really care and just threw on the uniform sweater.

  Debating quickly whether I wanted to wear the school's blazer or not, I decided I'd probably melt and die from a heat stroke if I did and hurriedly shoved my beat up laptop, a free canned drink I got from an advertising stand, a single ballpoint pen—cap missing and end chewed—2/3rds of a broken ruler, three of the blank notebooks I was given for free from the school, a set of PE clothes incase I needed it, as well as my small wallet into my small satchel and grabbed my shoes.

  On my way out the door my stomach made a noise akin to the growl of a rabid animal. Realizing I had forgotten to eat since lunch two days ago, I instinctively checked the fridge for something quick to eat.

  I was then met with the depressing sight of a completely empty and untouched refrigerator, humming slightly as the light flickered now and then staring back at me. Then I remembered I'm stupid and forgot to get food since I had just moved in a day ago and was too wrapped up in preparing for my first day at a new school. I slammed the fridge close with a dejected sigh and made sure to make a mental note to grab some food after school.

  The door closed softly with a click as I slipped on my loafers. Their worn down soles making a small squeaking noise as I went down the long distance of the dimly lit hallway over to the elevator at the far end.

  Panting softly, I shifted the strap of my bag so it'd stop digging into my shoulder and reached over to the down button on the elevator. But that feeling of slight discomfort compared NOTHING to the the feeling of my soul actually leaving my body as I was practically hit over the head by a metal baseball bat 67 times and then water boarded for 7 hours straight; as a big A4 sheet of paper with the big bold letters "OUT OF SERVICE" scrawled in red sharpie greeted my eyes. I began internally bawling my eyes out and dejectedly trudged over to the stairs, opening the big metal door with a weak shove and began my descent down 18 floors to the lobby.

  At least I'm going down right?

  15 minutes and a cheap energy drink later I arrived outside of the apartment complex, just shy of being in time for the bus.

  Never again. Next time the elevator breaks I'll actually just jump out from my window. My whole body hurts because I made the stupid decision of running down the stairs to get down fast. And just like your usual anime school girl; I managed to trip on actual air, but instead of falling into the arms of a hot male lead, all I kissed was the floor as I fell down about a quarter flight of stairs, my fall cushioned by my bag.

  Sorry laptop… I haven't even gotten to school yet... Just splendid.

  I pulled out my phone as I waited for the bus to arrive. It wasn't very fancy—just like everything else I owned, which was surprising for one of the children of one of the richest men in the country. It was a small beat up, hand-me-down phone, and was also my most prized possession. The cracks on the screen made it a little hard to see but at least I can now read on the bus, as I had spent the majority of my remaining money paying for cell service.

  The approaching roar of an engine and a loud hiss signaled the arrival of the bus.

  I dug into the pocket of my skirt and finally pulled out my transit card just as the bus started to move forward. I made my way to an empty seat at the front of the bus—I was luckier today since the bus was sparsely occupied so I had the liberty of choosing a seat—and plopped down, massaging my aching legs.

  I turned on my phone again and continued where I left off.

  Time flew past in a matter of seconds and it was time for me to get off. The sound of a soft robotic female voice rang through the interior of the bus as I stepped off, the whishing of mechanical doors closing behind me.

  The rush of people flooded around me as I squeezed through the crowd up the packed stairs to the sky train.

  I sat on the uncomfy plastic seat I had managed to snag, squished on both sides by a frail old lady who looked like she'd turn to dust if I looked at her too hard and a depressed looking guy in a cheap looking suit with a blue tie, eyes glued to his phone.

  This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

  I flicked out my phone again and sighed. I scrolled through the recently posted works on AO3 for a little while, because all the fics I was currently reading were on hiatus. Something about getting hit by a bus or their grandma getting radiation poisoning. People online seem to have very interesting lives compared to mine…

  Screeching to a halt, the train arrived at my station and I got off, pushed out from behind by the mass of people flowing in and out. I made the short distance from the subway station to the shiny gates of my pristine new school in about five minutes and approached the security guards perched at the gate.

  Barred from entry by a large row of card-readers, I began to walk over to one of the men clad in blue to let me in. But before I could get a voice out I heard someone call my name.

  “Ah! You must be Mai-ly!"

  She had a sweet voice, and she sounded older than she looked — like what you'd think those old women in fairy tales who are secretly fairies and can magically make your life better with the flick of a wrist sound like.

  “Yes ma’am?”

  “I'm Ms. Amy, I'll be helping you to class!" She walked over and scanned the card hanging from a cute bear-themed lanyard adorning her neck and held the scanner open for me to enter. "I'm one of the receptionists, so if you need something, feel free to tell me! Let's go now,"

  She was a tall lady with a kind face and full cheeks. Her hazel eyes were round and downturned. She had cropped light brown hair, with bangs that stopped at her eyebrows. She was wearing a golden yellow button down tucked into a grey knee length skirt with black heels. She slightly resembled a doe as she blinked kindly down at me, her long lashes fluttering.

  The clacking of her heels echoed through the empty hallways as she led me to my homeroom. We came to a big classroom, which was semi empty. She handed me a thin book about the length of my forearm, a thick little planner the size of an A5 notebook and a sheet of paper with my schedule printed on it.

  “This will be your homeroom, here’s a student handbook, your school planner and schedule. Your homeroom teacher will give you the keys to your locker later. Just remember, you need to be in homeroom at 8 o’clock sharp!”

  She flashed a kind smile and I watched her back retreat down the hallway until I couldn’t hear the rhythmic tapping of her heels on the white tiled floor.

  Since there was currently no teacher in the classroom, I was hesitant about going in. I wouldn't know which seat to sit in afterall; and I wouldn't want to take someone elses'.

  I made my way up to the window at the end of the hall. It looked out over the big football field and the courtyard. I stood there, staring out blankly, wondering if school here will be like how school is in most of the web novels I read. Since those kinds of novels are easiest to churn out, I've read hundreds of them.

  The thing is, I've never been to a private school before. The uniform is new. But again, I really really hoped that the uniform would be like the ones they have in high school romance animes, but I guess it was dumb to think that since I'm not in Japan.

  On further reflection, damn, I sound like those weeaboos on reddit with a tipped fedora and anime body pillow in hand who rant about not being able to get a girlfriend.

  The hallways feel emptier. But I'm not complaining. There's no door-high lockers lining the halls, no buzz of loud chatter, not even a scary teacher prowling around making sure students were getting to class on time.

  Maybe it won't be so bad if I just think of this as another cliche high school manhwa or web manga. Maybe once I get to homeroom, I can probably make some friends. Worse case scenario I can just go back to being an invisible placeholder and just live out my days peacefully.

  Students were starting to file into their classes now. I made my way over to my homeroom class.

  B314 1-C

  It was engraved on a small plaque next to the open door.

  A medium sized woman stood at the podium stationed at the front of the class. She had straight black hair, tied up in a pony tail. She had prominent smile lines, and slight wrinkles around her eyes; which were almond shaped and dark brown in hue.

  She flashed a small smile at me, and gestured at me to follow her to my seat. The classroom was about three quarters full already, and the seats were slowly filling up.

  Please, give me a window seat or somewhere near the back or just anything that's not near the front… My reasoning is, if I sat at the front, the teacher would see if I whipped out my phone. Stupid I know, but I just can't help myself. I just get bored easily, and the only thing that can console me is pulling for a four star in Proseka. It's not my fault, okay? The gacha addiction runs deep—cut me some slack.

  Luckily, my prayers to whichever god was bored enough to listen were answered, and I managed to pocket myself a seat halfway to the back, next to one of the large windows that lined the class walls.

  Mrs. Yoo left and came back just a second later with a nametag and a small key.

  "Here's your name pin, please remember to always wear it on your chest. And your locker is number 3954, make sure not to lose the key as there is a replacement fee if you do."

  She gave me another curt smile and came back to the front.

  My blood ran cold as I realized what was going to happen soon; she's going to make me go up to the front or stand up and introduce myself when the whole class is finally here.

  To most people, this would be no biggie but I've consumed so much content in a high school setting, I've practically witnessed basically everything that could go wrong while introducing yourself at the front. I almost wet my pants at the thought; like, what if I tripped on thin air again—well then I'd actually just perish but that's besides the point. I really did not want to go up there this early in the morning.

  I wrung my hands nervously as I was prepared for my soul to exit my body and ascend to heaven. On further thought though, the man upstairs would never forgive me for the copious amounts of homosexual content I've consumed, so correction; I was prepared to melt through my seat and descend straight to the inferno of hell.

  Oh god, why me… I just to stay inside all day and read my stupid yaoi web novels and mangas all day, watch anime and play gacha games on my phone like a femcel… So that's basically what I did—well what I was trying to do, when suddenly some rich looking girl leaned over and slapped my hand, knocking my phone out of my hands mid Proseka chart onto the cold hard floor.

  R.I.P phone...

  "Stop using your phone." she snapped, her cold eyes glaring daggers at me. "We're at school and you're going to get caught."

  Gosh, what’s her damn problem? And who even is she? I've never met her in my life, so why should she care? Questions ran through my head as I hastily grabbed my phone and looked up at her.

  If I get a detention, I get it, not her; thus it's not her problem. I considered telling this to her, but when I look up, something about her face made my throat close.

  Oh, nevermind, that's just my peanut allergy. But they should really crack a window in here, it's getting super hot, but that's probably because I'm wearing a sweater.

  Mrs. Yoo's voice practically drove my train of thought off track as she asked me to come to the front to introduce myself.

  I mentally prepared myself for this moment. I wasn't pretty by quite a long shot (about 50 american football fields to be precise), so if actually was enough of an idiot and tripped on the ground, a hot guy wouldn't suddenly appear to help me up and I wouldn't get a 24 episode romcom anime with him which ended in us graduating together and getting married; I'd actually just fall to the ground, break my nose and become the laughing stock of the school on my first day.

  Ah… That wasn't so bad?

  It was totally different from anything I've read. I just came up, said my name and just went back to my seat. Totally wasn't expecting that. I thought she would ask me stuff like my favourite colour, what school I came from, where I lived, my mothers' maiden name, or at least made me say something else. But it seemed like more than half the class was asleep and seemed to just not care that much about who I was and was more than overjoyed to cut homeroom announcements short and get 5 more extra minutes of free time.

  Whatever, at least that was over now and I needed to get to class. Exiting the door in a hurry I lowered my head and whipped out my schedule again and rushed out of the classroom, hurrying to find the right room before I was late.

  Oh?

  I guess I should really look where I'm going more often.

  My face hit something soft and quite squishy and I dropped all my books on the ground like a dumbass.

  "Ah..!"

  I looked up and saw, it was the same bitchy face of the bitchy girl from earlier that made me drop my one and only source of happiness in my miserable life. On closer inspection her face was beautifully sculpted. She looked like she had jumped out straight from a Shojo; High cheekbones, thin lips drawn in a scowl that framed her face, a single lock of dark blonde hair that cascaded down her face between her eyes, which were a light greyish blue in colour. If I was prettier, I would've thought something along the lines of; "oh my gosh is this totally the fated 'crash into hello' of my life!!!", but I look like an actual wet blanket of a human being, so I only had the chance of maybe being a side-kick of someone of this godly complexion to just further emphasise their beauty by juxtaposing them with a wet rat.

  "Sorry, I was in a hurry…"

  I hurriedly gathered all my items and was prepared to apologize again when I felt my mouth go absolutely dry. She towered over me; face set in a deep scowl. Her cold eyes bore into me, making me sweat buckets—she looked like she was actually going to butcher me and sell my meat for pocket money.

  She grabbed me by the collar with her hand and opened her mouth, probably prepared to curse me out when her watch started beeping.

  The time on it read; 08:10. Glancing over and letting out a grunt, she let go of me.

  "Tsk. Next time watch where you're going," She bodily shoved past me, joining the stream of people getting to their next class.

  "And don't get in my way."

  Oh.

  prologue:

  Short, gives you bare minimum plus a lil extra context

  Her name is Mai-ly, (you'll learn it in chapter 1 indirectly).

  Mai loves her parents and wants them to notice her, yet she will never admit this outright. She sometimes downplays her situation and brushes things off that shouldn't be. The tone should be very harsh and uncaring, but sometimes she should slip up and become more sensitive and reveal things about herself she shouldn't and inadvertently express her longing for love and attention. It should seem a little tone deaf—contrasting serious situations with her apathetic internal monologues.

  She should ramble a lot, the book and video game plot is coming up don't worry.

  Chapter 1:

  Introduction, not really much to say about it sorgy