I can't believe they actually closed the school gate.

I knew Japanese schools were strict but this was just way over the top.

So, I decided to scale the walls and discretely enter.

With my skill, I was able to slip into the main building in a flash.

To my surprise, I found a middle-aged man patrolling the corridors with a rolled up newspaper. I quickly realized that he was the school's disciplinary officer and did my utmost to avoid him.

I checked each class, but they were all empty.

Looks like they intended to start the first day with a tortuous assembly instead of the typical congenial homeroom sessions.

Well, I guess there's no better way to breed camaraderie then to stuff a few hundred sweaty kids into a damp, stuffy gymnasium.

I changed my target and rushed down the stairs in search of the gym hall.

Just as I exited the main building I heard someone hollering behind me.

"Get back here right now! I'm going to put you on detention!"

Damn that relic.

Why keep the grumps around just to harass an honest student trying to get to school on time?

I picked up my pace and ran towards a low-lying building that looked wide enough to be a gymnasium.

I tried to push open a backdoor. It wouldn't budge.

Is this the emergency exit?

I knocked gently and waited. Someone opened the door from the inside, so I gracefully let myself in.

The not-so-interesting girl who unwittingly saved me from detention gave me a reproachful glare.

I ignored her and observed my surroundings.

My vision was mostly blocked by terraced stands, filled to the brim with bored high school students.

I made my way to one end and looked for a free seat.

Given the shy nature of the average high school faring kid, there were plenty of empty seats for my choosing.

I chose to sit front and center.

Obviously, I wasn't interested in twisting my neck just to get a better view of the bald-headed principle.

The principle went on and on about moral values, modern ideals and the nature of our competitive economic landscape. He said other things too, but honestly, who cares?

It was hard to stay awake through it all, especially when you consider how early in the morning it was.

Eight-o-clock to be precise.

I was usually asleep at this hour, so my body instinctively drifted towards its natural state.

After an indeterminable time, I was startled awake by the not-so-interesting girl.

She glared at me angrily.

I yawned and irritably said, "You shouldn't always make that face. One day it might be permanent."

"You fell a asleep!"

I ignored her impatient stare and looked around.

The hallway was empty.

How long was I asleep for?

"Hmm... I better get to class then."

"School's over." She stated, her tone flat and resolute.

"What!?" I was shocked.

Actually, I was only mildly surprised.

After all, I felt very refreshed. And besides, what's the harm in missing the first day of class anyway?

At least I made an appearance. And they didn't even have to pay me to do it. That's how generous I am.

I awkwardly stood up and stretched my limp body.

"You overslept!"

This time I was truly shocked. I couldn't help but admire this weird girl's incredible knack for stating the obvious.