An inexplicable palpitation

(Karuizawa)

This place is a paradise in the eyes of all students, if judged solely by the impression since enrollment.

Generous living expenses, a free school atmosphere, and even a laissez-faire attitude toward students in the classroom.

Honestly, I don't really care about the authenticity of the so-called near-100% advancement rate in this environment.

But if this atmosphere continues, I feel like things will only escalate further and further.

Although the living allowance isn't small, desire is endless.

For a more extravagant life, or for something else entirely.

I can't even dare to imagine what the campus atmosphere will turn into later.

But no matter what, there are always people living at the top, free and unfettered.

Based on my concerns about the future campus atmosphere, I hope to quickly establish my own authority in the class.

But that's... somewhat difficult.

Although I've tried my best to appear independent-minded and strong-willed, gradually gaining the trust of many girls.

In the end, individual strength is still too thin.

It's not like I haven't achieved this level before in middle school, it's just...

If my leadership position among the girls were threatened for some other reason, that would be quite unsettling.

I look at the figure on the podium who seems like the core of the class.

Hirata Yousuke.

To be honest, I shouldn't be so shaken.

Because no matter what, nothing is more important than protecting myself.

That's what I made clear when I received the admission letter.

But...

The first time I received such a precious gift, I couldn't help but leave a deep impression in my heart.

Suddenly, he barged into my life unexpectedly...

And what's more, he's, he's so similar to someone.

Especially the image of being carried on his back in the rain, inexplicably moving me.

He's clearly just a stranger, yet he took it upon himself to show concern.

I never asked him for help...

Whenever I think about it, I vaguely remember his profile under the streetlight that day.

His nose was somewhat straight, and a trace of melancholy could be glimpsed between his brows.

I couldn't help but be drawn in.

The scent of a kindred spirit really makes you want to explore it involuntarily.

But if I can't even protect myself, there's no room to discuss anything else.

Using Hirata Yousuke to solidify my position as the most influential girl in Class D is the only way to put me somewhat at ease.

Hirata-kun's reaction surprised me a little.

After talking with me, he quickly expressed understanding.

"Wouldn't this interfere with Hirata-kun's enjoyment of campus life?"

"Just maintaining a vague ambiguous relationship in front of classmates, it won't affect much."

"And the romantic prospects that would have come your way might be deterred."

Hirata-kun paused for a moment, then spoke:

"As long as everyone in the class can get along in unity and friendship, that's already my greatest wish."

I suppose that's to be expected from the most influential presence in the class.

"Karuizawa-san, you're going to the event Hirata-kun organized, right?"

"Of course, he already told me about it."

"I want to go too, but I'm not very familiar with most of the classmates yet... Can I go with you?"

A somewhat timid girl asked me for help.

She's clearly not the social type, yet she still wants to attend the event Hirata-kun organized.

Who likes whom, I don't really care.

"Of course, no problem at all."

Hearing my affirmative reply, she lifted her face with a hint of delight.

"Then let's head over now."

I stood up and led her out of the classroom.

"By the way... why isn't Kushida-san here?"

"She seemed to be participating too, but I saw her in the classroom during class..."

I nodded to show I understood.

But honestly, compared to me, it would probably be better to leave this kind of thing to Kushida Kikyo.

A girl like Kushida Kikyo is quite pleasant to interact with on a shallow, classmate level.

She's very sociable and takes care to be considerate of everyone.

At first glance, she seems like a very comfortable person to socialize with.

But I have no intention of getting deeply involved.

Though she appears innocent and cute, it's hard to gauge her true thoughts.

There's too much uncertainty.

Still, maybe others need a girl with that kind of personality.

A small group of girls gathered around, seeming a bit surprised by the new face beside me.

"This is... Wang Meiyu-san, right?"

"E-everyone... hello..."

"No need to be so nervous; everyone here is easy to get along with."

As we walked, we chatted lightly about hot topics lately.

Things like clubs, the boys in our grade—the atmosphere quickly livened up again.

"When it comes to high school, I feel like you absolutely can't miss out on a youthful campus romance."

Sato-san fiddled with her bangs and suddenly spoke up.

"That said, it's not easy to meet the right romantic partner either..."

Matsushita-san crossed her arms and picked up the thread.

"Leaving suitability aside, the ideal target would at least be someone charming or outstanding, right?"

Sato-san turned around and sighed as if summing things up.

I nodded in agreement.

"What about Miyu-san? Is there any boy you're paying attention to right now?"

Sato shifted the topic and suddenly asked Wang Meiyu.

"Ah!? M-me...?"

"Right now... not yet, no."

"Is it because you haven't had much contact with the boys in class? But the ones in our class don't seem that impressive either."

"If I had to name one, I guess Hirata-kun counts. But he doesn't feel like my type."

Sato-san tilted her head back, as if recalling the boys in class.

Hearing Hirata-kun's name, Wang Meiyu seemed a bit nervous.

But after hearing the latter half, she looked relieved.

"Still, you don't have to limit yourself to the boys in Class D. You can get to know boys from other classes too."

"That's easy to say, but actually meeting them is a whole skill in itself."

"Just wear a shorter skirt and go strike up a conversation—simple enough."

"Not all boys are that shallow."

Matsushita Chiaki retorted.

"I'm not saying they're shallow; it's just a little tip for girls~"

Sato Maya twirled her hair with her fingers and said casually.

"Sorry to keep you waiting..."

A gentle male voice came from behind. Hirata-kun walked over with a few boys.

He took the initiative to stand beside me, then continued:

"We might end up at Zelkova Shopping Center last, so if possible, it'd be good for everyone to bring a bottle of water."

"Also, two more classmates are still on the way, so I might need to ask everyone to wait a bit."

After thinking it over, I still had no intention of reaching out to take Hirata's arm.

As she followed the girls toward the vending machines, her thoughts churned.

Even if the other party had accepted her use of them, Wang Meiyu clearly had some admiration for Hirata.

Because they were close with Hirata-kun, following them gave her a natural excuse to get near him—that wasn't hard to guess.

If she genuinely liked Hirata-kun, that would be one thing, but this was just a help-seeking relationship. Cutting off someone else's potential romance like this... wasn't that a bit wrong?

In the end, the so-called "gal" persona she put on couldn't pull off something that reckless.

It was a little troubling, but topics that could cause misunderstandings weren't enough to make her this conflicted.

She paused briefly, then decided to buy two bottles of mineral water.

When she returned to the entrance of the school building, she found everyone gathered together, looking lively.

"Hirata-kun, here's your water. Here."

"Thanks for the trouble. Let me introduce you to our new friend."

"Hajima-kun."

Hajima-kun? That surname—she'd only seen it once on the enrollment list.

She followed the direction Hirata-kun was looking...

...It really was him!?

He was a student in Class B—why would he show up at a Class D activity?

She tilted her head, glancing at the girl standing not far from Hajima-kun.

Why... Kushida Kikyo... would she... know him...?

Her gaze didn't leave him for a single moment, her hands clasped behind her back.

That signature cute smile was still beaming.

Maybe they just knew each other.

"Hajima-kun... do you know Ayanokouji-kun?"

"No, I don't. I thought he looked like an old friend of mine, but when I got closer, I realized I was mistaken."

Hirata-kun suddenly took the initiative to introduce her.

"This is Karuizawa Kei. With her, we're all here. We've already planned out the route, so just follow us."

"Sorry for the trouble."

Why did she have to run into him again in a situation like this...?

She lowered her head, gripping the mineral water bottle, yet feeling a faint flicker of anticipation.

When she first entered school, she was a bit uncomfortable with the unfamiliar environment, and she had a little bit of that girl's secret feelings too.

It wasn't like... it wasn't like she was really hoping he'd come over to her, okay? And besides, he was probably busy with the start of school too...

Of course, it wasn't that she didn't dare to approach him herself—something like this was a piece of cake for her.

She just hadn't been thinking about him that much... hadn't been paying him that much attention.

But still...

What did he mean by treating her like a complete stranger!?

There was no way she was letting him off that easily.

That guy...

Just as she was about to speak, Sato-san grabbed her arm.

"Let's go, let's go! Hirata-kun and the others are already ahead."

And just like that, she was half-dragged away.

"Did you leave something behind? You seem to be looking back."

Matsushita Chiaki slowed her pace to walk alongside her.

"Ah!? Oh... I wasn't looking for anything."

"You seem a bit distracted."

"Yeah..."

Matsushita Chiaki didn't say anything more, just kept walking with her.

Feeling like someone's gaze was on her back, she pretended to casually brush her bangs and stole a glance behind her.

Suddenly, their eyes met. For some reason, she felt flustered.

They'd been laughing and chatting the whole way—did they really have that much to talk about?

She... she was talking about the guys, of course...

For no reason, irritation welled up inside her.

"Ayanokouji, what did we come here for today?"

"...For what?"

"For Kushida-san!!!"

What the hell, what kind of magic does Kushida Kikyo have on people anyway.

The noise that had been somewhat loud suddenly stopped, followed by Kushida Kikyo's soft cry.

"Ah... that hurts."

What the hell!??

How... were they already hugging each other?

It just seemed like they'd accidentally bumped into each other.

Watching them quickly pull apart, I tried to make excuses for them.

But my mind couldn't stop replaying that initial thought.

Colliding full-on isn't much different from hugging, is it.

For some reason, I felt stifled, like I couldn't breathe properly.

Watching the two of them surrounded in the middle, for some reason...

For some reason, it felt unpleasant.

A completely unfamiliar feeling left me at a loss.

Even maintaining my usual blank expression was difficult; I bit my lip hard, trying to use the pain to cover up what I felt inside.

My nails dug into my palms.

My hands were a little cold, even my knuckles trembling slightly.

Such a hateful feeling...