Brunch Cake

The next day.

Today was the first official day of classes. Maybe because yesterday had been so happy, many students didn't settle into their seats until the bell rang.

But whether it was Chabashira Sae, their homeroom teacher, or any of their subject teachers, none of them reprimanded anyone for being late or slacking off.

Even more absurdly, they didn't even ask where the students who hadn't shown up had gone. It was as if, in their eyes, classes weren't actually for the students.

The teachers' indifference only fueled the students' desire to ignore their lessons. So some chatted, some slept, and some even pulled out game consoles and played right in front of the teachers.

It was hard to imagine that the educational environment at the legendary Advanced Nurturing High School could look like this.

"This is really an undeserved misfortune."

Shintō Katsuya muttered under his breath.

After investigating and analyzing things yesterday, he still hadn't confirmed it, but he'd more or less concluded that next month's personal points would be tied to the students' everyday performance—in other words, their so-called abilities.

He didn't know whether other people's behavior would affect him, but it was only natural to assume the worst.

Before long, the day's classes came to an end.

Just as Shintō Katsuya was about to fulfill his wish from when he first enrolled, a girl stepped in front of him.

"Shintō, are you really good at studying?"

"Ah, it's you, Kushida. How can you tell that I'm good at studying?"

The person who had approached him was Kushida Kikyo, and Shintō Katsuya remembered her quite well.

When she heard him say her name, Kushida Kikyo instantly broke into a bright, sweet smile. It made her already adorable face even more captivating.

"You remember me, Shintō! I'm so happy!"

Most of the class stopped what they were doing and turned to look at Kushida Kikyo and Shintō Katsuya.

Of course, Shintō didn't think he was the one drawing everyone's attention.

So, in just one day, Kushida Kikyo has become one of the class's central figures?

She really is impressive...

"After all, a cute and gentle girl like you is hard to forget."

"Hahaha, you're flattering me, Shintō. Actually, I noticed you paying close attention in class today, so I wondered if you were good at studying."

So you weren't paying attention in class at all?! Otherwise, how would you have had the time to keep an eye on someone sitting at the back?

Turns out you're one of the main reasons my living expenses are going to shrink... Naturally, though, he couldn't say that to her face.

"Actually, it's the opposite. My grades aren't outstanding. I'd say they're just barely passing. I can't understand the lessons, so I want to work harder!"

As he spoke, Shintō put on an expression that suggested his future was full of promise.

Maybe some keyword had triggered a switch in Kushida Kikyo. Her smile grew even brighter, and she raised her little fist and pumped it twice.

"So Shintō is the hardworking type! I'm sure you'll get even better grades. If you have time, would you like to arrange a study session with me?"

"Of course!"

"Then it's a promise~ Anyone who breaks a promise will have to swallow a thousand needles~"

With that, Kushida Kikyo smiled and ran off.

It was a little puzzling, but it seemed to fit her image as someone who loved making friends, so Shintō Katsuya didn't give it much thought.

Just then, two boys walked up with their arms around each other and patted him on the shoulder, speaking in sleazy voices.

"Hey, little Kushida's cute, isn't she?"

They were Yamauchi Haruki and Kanji, a retired league player and a guy recruiting for a girlfriend.

"She sure is."

Although the two of them had put most of their classmates off in just one day with their obnoxious behavior, Shintō still showed them the bare minimum of respect.

Besides, Kushida Kikyo really was a cute girl.

"I knew it! There's no way anyone in this world could say no to little Kushida!"

"She's cute, she's sweet, and best of all... she's got a killer figure~"

The two of them traded dirty jokes without bothering to keep their voices down. The girls nearby frowned deeply, then hurriedly grabbed their bags and fled the classroom.

Shintō Katsuya tilted his head. He didn't particularly want to associate with these two idiots; doing so would definitely damage his reputation.

Besides, he really didn't have time to listen to their stupid jokes today, so he quietly slipped away before the Idiot Duo could react.

He'd planned his outing in advance, so as soon as he left the school building, Shintō headed straight for his destination—the biggest dessert shop, Cloud!

At some point, Shintō Katsuya had developed a fondness for sweets, thanks to all the overtime and business trips he had to deal with!

What's more, when he'd bought headphones yesterday, he'd received a flyer from the dessert shop. Their "Brunch Cake," available for only one day each month, was about to go on sale. "If you love sweets, don't miss out~!"

Shintō told himself over and over that it was just a gimmick!

That was probably what hunger marketing was all about: making something seem scarce to prey on consumers' desire to get a good deal.

If it were really that delicious, wouldn't the shop sell it every day?

But... what if it was?

At worst, he'd get fooled once. If he missed it, he might have to wait another month!

But reality was often cruel.

"I'm sorry, but we just sold the last Brunch Cake to that student. If you'd like one, please come back this time next month."

The clerk's apologetic tone sounded so grating. No matter how noisy it was around him, no matter how insistently the clerk called out to him, all Shintō could hear were the words "sold out."

"Sold... out... Heh heh heh..."

"Um... if you really want to try one no matter what... that gentleman is having coffee inside right now, so... maybe you could ask him..."

Seeing the light fade from Shintō's eyes, the clerk felt a little sorry for him. As she grumbled inwardly, she pointed him toward his last hope.

"Really? Thank you!"

Instantly revived, Shintō followed her finger to the private booth at the back. A blond-haired boy was lounging on the sofa with his legs crossed, whistling at him.