Enrollment

(Monologue of Hoshino Akira)

Regarding geniuses, the world holds a myriad of views.

For instance, my dear childhood friend holds the opinion that "geniuses are born, not made."

To me, the concept of a genius is not such an absolute thing.

Taking myself as an example, whether it be innate talent or acquired cultivation, I would certainly never have reached my current level if either were lacking.

Innate talent cannot be changed, but through excavation and cultivation, that talent can be made to bloom more brilliantly.

In other words, a mortal who has undergone training can rival a genius who lacks discipline.

Naturally, it is only after systematic education and training that a genius can truly stand at the pinnacle of society.

"I shall begrudgingly admit that there is some truth to what you say."

Sakayanagi Arisu, that childhood friend of mine, replied with her customary, effortless smile.

Looking back, that conversation took place about two months ago.

I wonder what kind of expression she will show when we meet again after two months. I find myself starting to look forward to it.

"Young Master, we have arrived."

The voice of our driver, Ms. Kawashima, pulled Hoshino out of the daze brought on by the long car ride.

Opening his eyes, he looked out the window. Not far away stood a gate made of natural rock, and on the sign at the entrance were the words "Advanced Nurturing High School." Young men and women wearing the same uniform as his were passing through the stone gate and entering the campus. I suppose those must be my classmates.

After getting out of the car, curious gazes were cast his way; perhaps it was rare for anyone to arrive by private car, especially one as conspicuously luxurious as his family's. Hoshino remembered the entrance manual stating, "Please arrive at the campus via the dedicated bus."

He had originally intended to take the bus, but his parents had firmly vetoed the idea. His mother, in particular, was still immersed in the sorrow of not being able to see her son for the next three years, and with tear-filled eyes, she had pleaded: "Please, Akira, at least let Ms. Kawashima take you to the school safely."

Such a request was truly difficult to refuse.

Hoshino let out a soft sigh, glanced toward the stone gate, and then turned back to say, "Thank you for bringing me here, Ms. Kawashima. You've worked hard."

"It is nothing, Young Master. It is my honor to serve you."

"Then, let us part ways here. Please convey to my family that I have arrived safely."

Ms. Kawashima bowed slightly: "I wish you the best of luck."

Watching Ms. Kawashima drive away, Hoshino turned and began walking toward the stone gate.

Just as he entered the gate, Hoshino encountered a girl he had not expected to see.

"Arisu?"

Hearing Hoshino's voice, the girl sitting on a bench by the path looked up and revealed a smile: "Long time no see, Akira."

The girl had strange silver hair, snow-white skin, and a delicate, slender frame that gave her a fragile, breakable quality.

She picked up the cane leaning against the bench and used it to steady herself as she stood up. She was not tall, reaching only about to Hoshino's chest. She tilted her head slightly, her gaze flickering with a hint of playfulness.

"It's been two months, Arisu. You've become even more beautiful."

"While it is basic etiquette to compliment a lady's beauty upon meeting, given our relationship, doing so only makes us seem distant."

"You still have a sharp tongue, as always."

Hoshino shook his head with a wry smile.

"Though I probably don't need to ask... are you waiting here specifically for me, Arisu?"

"Of course. Ever since I heard you intended to study at Advanced Nurturing High School, I have been looking forward to your arrival." Sakayanagi Arisu smiled slightly. "My father originally wanted to come and greet you as well, but with the new student enrollment being so busy, he asked me to welcome you instead."

"Thank you."

Hoshino offered his thanks. Arisu's father was the current chairman of this Advanced Nurturing High School. This school, backed by the government, originally had a strict set of entrance examination procedures, and the deadline had long since passed. That Hoshino decided to come here only two months ago was thanks to Mr. Sakayanagi's help.

Mentioning Uncle Sakayanagi made Hoshino think of the conversation they had when they last met two months ago. He imagined Arisu was thinking the same. For a moment, neither of them spoke, and an awkward atmosphere, ill-suited for conversation, enveloped them.

"...Let us get moving. We must first head to the classroom to meet our classmates and teachers. After that, the entrance ceremony will begin."

Hoshino nodded and walked side-by-side with Arisu. Unlike the noisy surroundings, neither of them spoke; there was only the tap-tap sound of Arisu's cane striking the ground.

The silence accompanied them all the way to the entrance of the school building. Arisu turned her head to look at Hoshino and smiled: "You really are mean-spirited, aren't you? Must you make me be the one to bring up that embarrassing matter?"

"...I just didn't know what I should say."

"Hmph, how perfunctory."

Arisu wrinkled her nose adorably, expressing her dissatisfaction. Shrewd and calculating as she was, she sometimes showed this cute, naive side, though it should be understood that this, too, was one of the weapons of a charming young girl that she had mastered.

"During these past two months, I have been conflicted in my own heart. Honestly, I have never felt this way before, so this is a novel experience for me."

She turned and tilted her head toward Hoshino, her pale purple eyes meeting his without fear.

"I continued to ponder and search, and until this very moment, I can assert that I have found the answer to the question. And so, allow me to be selfish and pose this question to you: Hoshino Akira-kun, please tell me clearly—what is your stance regarding the engagement between you and me, which our parents discussed two months ago?"

A direct pitch, thrown at Hoshino without a moment's hesitation.

It was certainly an action very much in her style.

Therefore, I should answer her with dignity here.

"Arisu, no matter how you look at it, you are undoubtedly the most suitable marriage partner."

Hearing his reply, Arisu curled the corners of her lips: "I see. From your choice of words, I have already understood everything."

She stepped back slightly, the smile on her face growing even more radiant.

"This is Advanced Nurturing High School, which upholds the principle of meritocracy. Here, conflict between students is permitted, and even encouraged. The exams at this school encompass every aspect, including intellect, physical ability, and more."

She raised a hand and pointed it at Hoshino.

"So, how about we decide the winner right here, my dear fiancé?"

"As you wish, my beautiful lady."

Hoshino took her fingertips and bowed to press a light kiss to the back of her hand.

The hand-kissing gesture was a common Western etiquette, but for the two of them, aside from a certain accident in the past, this was their most intimate contact yet.

Even so, it was impossible to expect that a level of intimacy like this would cause someone like Arisu Sakayanagi to reveal a flaw.

"Very well, let us part ways here. My class is Class A, and Akira, you took the place of Koenji, so if I recall correctly, you were assigned to Class D."

She wore a faint smile and calmly withdrew her hand.

"Though I feel a bit embarrassed to say it, I have already taken the initiative from the very start."

"The initiative, you say? That is hard to tell."

There is a saying that in love, the one who takes the initiative is the loser.

If that were the case, Hoshino had already secured the first victory.