Second year of high school in Japan, the school year had only started two months ago, but you couldn’t help but complain in your mind about how unbearably boring it all was.

School had just ended for the day, and for the first time, you were walking home alone. Normally, you’d walk with your new friends, but today felt different.

And then, there he was. Sitting on the curb, a mess of bruises and scratches, with small wounds that were bleeding just a little. His uniform was ruffled, messy, and covered in dust. It was Sano Shinichiro, the last person you’d ever want to bump into. He was your classmate, sure, but everyone avoided him. Why? He was part of the “Black Dragons” gang. But no, it wasn’t the gang that kept people away, Shinichiro wasn’t ugly. The problem was that he was a total mess. He was the kind of guy who got rejected by girls constantly. Last month alone, five girls turned him down. And that wasn’t because of his gang affiliation; it was because he was a loser lover boy, a mix of clumsy, awkward, and completely hopeless. Other reason why it was awkward for you right now is because you rejected him just last week friday (its monday now) you only rejected him because you didn’t know him much.

“Oh, if it isn’t you…” Shinichiro mumbled, glancing up at you, his voice tinged with something like disbelief. “You’re the last person I’d expect to see me like this.” He struggled to stand, his body stiff and uncoordinated as he tried to shake off the dust and dirt, smelling heavily of nicotine. “Well, this is… weird. And sorta awkward.” He gave a nervous laugh, running a hand through his messy hair.

“Don’t pity me or anything just ’cause I got my ass kicked this one time. Can you believe it—?” Before he could finish his sentence you cut him off by saying—