"Another ordinary day..." I stare out the window beside my seat, watching the clouds constantly shift about in the sky.

My name is Yui Tachibana, my life is pretty much the same each day. Nothing fascinating happens, especially in this school. If I were to be described in one sentence, I would say I'm one of those extra characters you see in shows, completely out of people's eyes as just one of those in the background.

I was often the odd one out of my class. I never engaged in making friends, and when someone does try to approach me, they sometimes think I'm uninteresting and, well, boring.

I sometimes think it's my fault, all because I don't really know how to socialize very well, more so to evenly express my feelings openly. I feel that if I reveal too much of my emotions, I would end up hurt one day. Just the thought of it scares me.

Now, with my life right now, I am perfectly content with just being the background character. But, "What if... I was in an anime?"

The school bell rings, signalling that it was time for P.E class to begin. I raise myself up from my seat, following my classmates silently from behind as we head towards the Gymnasium.

...

Afternoon | Gymnasium

...

I huddle myself by the bench, watching some of my classmates freely stretch by the side of the pool, while the rest playfully play tag in the water. I let out a sigh, hoping for this day to end so that I could watch anime and eat snacks back at home.

"Tachibana-san, hurry up and stretch with your classmates." spoke the P.E teacher, eyeing me badly for lazing by the bench. I saunter my way to where the others were stretching, somehow distancing myself just a bit away from them as I follow the usual warm-up routine.

The teacher soon blows the whistle, "Alright, class! Today we'll be doing three laps today in the pool. Hurry up and form yourselves into four groups."

My eye twitch, this is what I hate about P.E. class, almost everything we do must be in a group. I watch as others hastily form groups based on where their friends are, leaving only but myself available. The teacher spots me, letting out a sigh as he scratches the back of his head. "You again, Tachibana-san. Well, since you have no group again, go join group four since they lack one more person."

I bob my head once, following the instruction of my teacher. I could hear the whispers of my classmates who were in group four as I approach them, trying my best not to hear whatever it is they were gossiping about. I kept my eyes down, staring at the pavement as I await the teacher's go signal to start.

...

One Hour Later | Gymnasium

...

"Great work, everyone! Seems you guys have build enough stamina. For next week's class, we'll try doing five laps!" says the teacher, giving out a hearty laugh as students simultaneously express their weariness for next week's activity. Finally…! P.E. is over! I just have to survive one more class before I could enjoy my weekend of pure anime!

I swim back to where the pool steps were, watching as everyone was already heading to the changing room. Just then, my foot started to cramp badly. I felt myself sinking, unable to swim further or to even float for my own safety. My vision blurred with the water constantly getting into my eyes, I tried to let out at least a call for help, but only water filled my throat. "H...elp!" I choke.

But everyone had their backs turned from the pool. Soon, I felt my energy deplete from my body. I shut my eyes close, letting the water drag me down as I sink further in. Of course... It's no surprise that no one will save me... No one even remembered that I was in the pool, even the teacher didn't notice... Also, I never imagined that this is how I'd die... If only I wasn't a background character in the eyes of many, maybe someone would have noticed me... If only this were an Anime, then perhaps I wouldn't be like this at all...

...

...

...

"... Hanako... Hanako-san!" My eyes flew open, seeing the white ceiling staring down at me. Huh...? What was that just now...? Did I dream of drowning in the pool just now...? I turn my attention to my bedside, seeing three unfamiliar girls, all teary eyed.

One of the girls gently holds onto my free hand, "You're awake, Hanako-san...! Thank goodness...!" A-Am I still dreaming...?! Moreover, why do they keep calling me Hanako-san? I scan the room, having noticed this is the infirmary room, but this doesn't look at all like the infirmary room of my school.

I prompt myself to sit up, casually trying to get up. "H-Hanako-san, are you sure you're feeling better? Wouldn't it be best for you to rest?" I open my mouth, trying my hardest to reply. "I-I'm fine..." P-Phew, other than reciting in front of the class, this is the first time I've actually talked to another person. I'm so nervous...

"Well, if you say you're okay, then I guess it's fine. Besides, you have those four majestic princes to protect you after all! They'll make sure to make that person pay to whoever did that to you, Hanako-san...!" said the other girl, all pumped up from her thoughts. As I stood, the word 'Majestic Princes' rang inside my head. The four majestic princes...? Why does that title sound so familiar...

"Oh no, last period is about to begin! We should head on back to the classroom. Let's go!" said the girl who had long black hair. I watch as the three of them start their way back to class, only to look back at me. "Let's go, Hanako-san!" My eyes widen, watching as they dart a smile at my way. I nod my head once, following behind them. For some reason, this feels really nice...

...

Late Afternoon | Class 3-A

...

As soon as we arrive inside, the people in the class directs their stare at me, worry plastered in their faces as they meet my gaze. "H-Hanako-san! You're safe!" "Hanako-san! We were so worried about you!" "We thought you wouldn't make it, Hanako-san!" To get all this attention... This Hanako person must be really popular with everyone…

Somehow, I was able to locate what seems to be 'Hanako's desk', seeing such girly and beautiful notebooks placed neatly on top. Hanako... Ito? I swear I've seen this name before. 

Soon, the classroom door opens. I shift my attention to find an extremely handsome person; chestnut brown hair, eyes the same hue as honey, and a very tall physique, it's hard to believe such a student here is this godly in terms of looks. Surprisingly, he ambles at my direction, his gaze fixated on me that it was hard to look away. In a matter of seconds, he was just a meter away from me.

Seeing him up close, he resembles someone in an anime I've been watching. Wait... Anime? I analyze his name tag, seeing his name 'Yuki Ikeda' made me remember everything that I have forgotten all this time! This person standing in front of me... is from one of the four princes of the Majestic Princes of the Top #1 Romance Anime - My Wonderful Life! If my theory is true, then that means... I'm inside an Anime?! 

Hanako Ito, the female lead of  the anime - My Wonderful Life. Overall, she is leading the polls of every anime sites as one of the best female leads this for two consecutive years. She has all the redeeming qualities of every typical shoujo anime - beautiful, intelligent, and friendly to everyone. 

The person standing in front of me is Yuki Ikeda. He's one of the four majestic princes of this school, also titled as the athletic prince for his great physique and for his great talent at sports, other than that, he's also Hanako's childhood friend. Other than that, he's most protective of Hanako ever since they were young, he's quiet, but he understands Hanako than the rest of the majestic princes. Now that I think about it, there doesn't seem to be any romantic bond with Hanako and Yuki in the Anime. I guess they really are just good friends. 

My Wonderful Life - that is the name of the Anime that's been raved almost everywhere in Tokyo. Aside from having handsome men, the bond between the four majestic princes and Hanako is the selling point. Although cliché at times, the story is pretty good stuff in comparison to other shoujo that I've watched so far.

As I drown myself in my own thoughts, I felt a hand on top of my head. I raise my eyes back at Yuki who showed an emotionless face. "It's good that you're safe." He spoke. Even though he spoke it so listlessly, he seemed genuinely worried about me. Is this...what it feels to be noticed? 

I felt tears swell up, but I was able to refrain it from falling. Instead, I wipe my eyes with the sleeves of my cardigan, letting out a small smile, thinking how such a small gesture of worry can easily move me. "Hanako, you--"

The classroom door once again opens, and in comes the homeroom teacher to start the last period class. Yuki's hand lifts away from my head, watching him exit the room without another word from him. I tilt my head to the side, I wonder what he was going to say just now...? 

"Alright, class. Go on and take your seats…" The teacher continues to proceed with his lecture. I open the notebook laid in front of me, dazzled by Hanako's handwriting as well as her tidy notes. I wonder how this all happened... From what I remember, I was drowning in the school's pool just a little while ago, and now I'm suddenly controlling Hanako Ito's body. 

I guess the only possible explanation for all this is that I'm dreaming away, or maybe be in those types of cliché moments where I'm in a comatose, and I'm just imagining this whole thing in my head from all the Anime I've been watching. But what if...what if this isn't a dream?

No, no, no, that's impossible. I let out a sigh, for now I have to think of a plan. So far, I've only met Yuki Ikeda. There's three more majestic princes I have yet encountered in school. If my memory serves me right, the three are: Aki Yoshida, Seiji Matsuda, and Kaito Abe. 

Aki Yoshida, he's renowned as the Idol Prince. Aside from having a foreign blood run through his veins, he grew up here in Japan. Both his parents are big time celebrities in the States, so he lives independently here in Tokyo. As for the relationship of Aki and Hanako, there haven't been many episodes previewing that Aki is leading in Hanako's heart, but viewers know of Aki's secret feelings for her. 

Seiji Matsuda, known as the Rich Prince. He's the eldest son of the Matsuda family, and soon, the one who is to inherit his Father's business. From what the anime explained, the Matsuda family is one of the richest clans here in Japan. He's currently the second character that's captured Hanako's heart at the moment.

Lastly, Kaito Abe. He owns the title of being the Genius Prince. Currently, his IQ is over 160, considered as one of Japan's prized pupils for achieving top marks at every exam he takes. From a young age, both his parents are deceased. Only but his grandparents are around to care for him. Not only is he smart, he also has the redeeming qualities of Prince Charming. In short, he takes the top spot of being Hanako's leading man in the Anime. 

Altogether, they really do deserve the title of being the four majestic princes of this school. Now that I'm Hanako Ito, there's no way I can live up to her name. I don't even have any memories of her whatsoever! I only have little knowledge that I gained from watching the Anime. Dream or not, I have to come up with a plan to survive this weird situation. It's come down to two decisions - Act like Hanako Ito or continue to live a quiet life as Yui Tachibana in Hanako Ito's body!?

...

Late Afternoon | Class 3-A

...

"Class dismissed." The teacher saunters his way out of the classroom, hearing the joyful noise of my classmates as they ready to head home with their friends. As I pack my stuff inside my bag, I felt my hand touch something. I pull the item out and found Hanako's phone. Oh! This is great! I always wanted to know the contents of a female lead's phone! I should check it out when I get out of school grounds. 

"Hanako-san! We're headed to the new café down the street, do you want to join us?" "Stupid! She might have after school plans with the four majestic princes!" "Oh, right. Never mind, Hanako-san. Maybe some other time, bye!" Both of them catch up with the rest of the female students, leaving the classroom altogether.

I smile to myself, even though this is a dream, it ain't half bad. I get to experience what it's like to be a female lead in an Anime. As I stand from my seat, the words of the girl echoed in my head - "She might have after school plans with the four majestic princes". T-That's right, I completely forgot that Hanako and the four majestic princes have a really close friendship. If they were to find out that I'm not Hanako Ito, who knows what they might do to me...! 

I pace back and forth, having no choice but to decide on which path I should take. It seems that if I try to act like Hanako Ito, it would seem to be the safest route. But if I were to show the least bit of difference, they'd act suspicious about my character and would bother me even more to figure out what's happening to me. Otherwise, if I act like myself, they'd surely suspect that I'm not the Hanako they know for sure, they'll probably think I've done some voodoo magic to become Hanako Ito or something! 

"Argh! This is too complicated...!" I mutter as I place both my hands onto my face. Wait...! That's it! If I'm inside this Anime, then everything that has happened in the Anime must come true, right? If I act according to the Anime, then I'm safe! The problem lies as to what episode this day actually is... 

Now that I think about it, there was one episode where Hanako was sent to the infirmary, but it was because of Sports Day. But it seems to be just a regular day today. Gah! Either way, I just have to act like the Hanako I see in Television. I put up a motivated face - Today, I am reborn as Hanako Ito!

After school | School Entrance

...

I whip out Hanako's phone as I switch to my own shoes, Hmm... I didn't think that there would actually be a pass code to access her phone. I guess I should remember previous episodes if she ever mentioned her favorite number or something. 

"Oy." A voice sounds off. I shift my attention in front of me to find Yuki with two more handsome men standing before me. My mouth gaps open, t-they're so handsome...! They must be the other majestic princes of the school! I force a smile on my face, raising my hand midway. "H-Hello."

The one in the middle walks towards me, his stare seemingly glaring straight at me. This person...no doubt about it! It's Seiji Matsuda! "What the hell were you thinking?!" My eyes widen as he yelled maliciously at me. "Huh?" I drawl.

"What you did this afternoon was so reckless! How could you easily pull off a stunt like that during lunchtime, huh?! If it weren't for those girls who admire you so much that saved you, you could have died back there!" He yelled once more, even more fierce than a while ago. I-Is this for real...?! He never would have shouted at Hanako like this, not even once in any episode in the Anime! And stunt? What the hell is he even going on about...?! 

I focus my attention to the two other princes at the back. Yuki remains indifferent with the situation. Kaito, on the other hand, etched a menacing look towards me. Soon, even Kaito joins in with Seiji cornering me. "Tsk, going as far as to risk your life for some attention. Can't you go on a day without causing any of us problems?!"

I express a dumbfounded look, staring back at Seiji whose eyebrows furrowed even deeper. By the looks of it, they want an answer from me. I gulp my nervousness down, "I-I don't understand what you guys are talking about." I spoke dryly, trying to imitate Hanako's demeanor.

Somehow, Seiji's eyes flared with anger even more. Before he could talk back, it was Yuki that interrupted Seiji abruptly. "Someone pushed her." He spoke.

Seiji shifts his attention back to where Yuki stands, "I went around asking the girls in her class, one girl witnessed the incident. Someone intentionally called Hanako by the pool, she said those girls had bad blood with Hanako for a while now. Next thing she knew, they pushed Hanako in the pool, they must have known that Hanako can't swim, that's why they called her to that location."

So the reason why Hanako was in the infirmary was because she was pushed in the pool... Meanwhile, in the other world, I drowned because of my cramps. Could it be that I was transported the moment both Hanako and I drowned? Nah, that sounds too cliché.

Kaito lets out a sigh, easing the tense atmosphere. "This wouldn't have happened if you don't provoke other girls around you."

What? Now it's my fault?! I don't care if Kaito is Hanako's true love, there's no way this guy is a lovable at all...! Besides, just what can an innocent Hanako do? She's helpless to jealous girls like that, it's not uncommon for Hanako to get bullied. Seiji darts me one last intimidating look, walking away with Kaito out of school grounds.

The moment their presence disappear, I was able to let out a sigh of relief. Though, this isn't the time to relax just yet, not until Yuki leaves the area as well. Instead, he walks up to me, staring down at me. "I'll walk you home."

"A-Ah, err, there's no need to walk me home--" Even though I have declined him of his request, he proceeds to start walking. My eye twitch, t-this guy really doesn't pay attention to others and do whatever he wants. No matter, it's not like I know the exact address of where Hanako lives anyway. For now, I'll try to keep up imitating Hanako with him around.

...

Ito Residence | Main Gate

...

B-Big... Hanako's house is too big...! My jaw drops as I stare at the huge mansion in front of me, it's so large that it accommodates six house lots. I snap back to reality when I felt a stare darted on me. I let out an uncomfortable cough, "T-Thank you for escorting me home, Yuki." He continues to gaze at me, as if he were studying a species in front of him. I maintain a smile, awaiting his response before I head on inside.

Soon, he lets out a sigh before giving back his reply. "See ya."

Yuki turns the opposite direction, and sets off to who knows where. Once he was no where visible, I was able to let out a deep exhale. This Yuki character is so strange, he always had this calm and friendly demeanor towards Hanako in the Anime. But seeing him up close like this, it seems so far from it. The way I see it, he stares at me as if he was observing me like an animal. Has he already seen through my facade and is just waiting for the right opportunity to force me to explain everything...?! 

I felt a shiver run down my spine, staring at the street where he disappeared off to. If my theory is right, then I should be extra careful of him, rather, I should make the best effort not to even cross paths with him. For now, I have another thing to worry about, and that is to act as composed as possible when I'm here. After all, I'm entering another battlefield, and that is Hanako's own house...!