I'm Truly Sorry for Not Knowing Any Better...

The bustling commercial district, usually dominated by students in uniform, was transformed today by the weekend into a sea of people in casual attire.

Of course, those in casual clothes were still the same students, milling about the shopping street with laughter and chatter rising in waves.

Amidst this lively, chaotic crowd stood a girl with fire-red hair, head bowed and dressed in plain clothes—the kind of person you would overlook at a single glance.

In common parlance, she was a shy, dowdy girl.

However, the only conspicuous thing about her was the black over-the-knee socks beneath her skirt; the way that sliver of black hugged her thighs stood out sharply against her otherwise plain ensemble.

If someone were to strike up a conversation with her, they were likely a fan of black stockings.

Then again, they might also be aiming for her breasts. After all, in that regard, she could absolutely crush the vast majority of women.

Her overly long bangs and thick-rimmed glasses were the tools she used to seal away her true beauty.

She was currently standing there restlessly, waiting for someone; with her social anxiety, she found this environment quite terrifying.

As luck would have it, a boy began walking toward her. She noticed him immediately and silently took several steps back.

Don't come over, don't come over, please!

She prayed frantically in her heart, begging for the boy not to approach, but it was of little use.

"Hey, miss, would you mind if we got to know each other?" The boy had come over after all.

What do I do, what do I do...

"I..."

Just as she was about to refuse, she was enveloped by a shadow.

"She does mind, pal."

U Amakusa appeared at that moment, stepping in front of Sakura and grabbing her wrist to pull her behind him.

Having said that, U Amakusa didn't even bother acknowledging the boy, turning instead to look at Sakura. "Sorry, I'm late."

"No, it's completely—"

It's not even the agreed-upon time yet... I'm the one who came too early.

Ever since they talked about going to buy a camera on LINE last night, Sakura had been so excited that she barely slept.

If U Amakusa were to brush the corner of Sakura's eyes, he would have discovered the dark circles there.

Sakura was wearing light makeup for two reasons: to cover the dark circles, and because... she wanted to.

"Let's get going, then," U Amakusa said with a bright smile.

U Amakusa was wearing a simple white cotton T-shirt, the loose fit giving him a casual and relaxed air.

He wore a light gray thin knit cardigan over his shoulders, adding a touch of laid-back charm to his overall look.

Combined with U Amakusa's own high level of attractiveness, the girls nearby couldn't help but blush as they looked over.

Seeing U Amakusa like this, Sakura couldn't help but blush herself.

"Mm..."

Receiving her affirmative reply, U Amakusa didn't hesitate to take Sakura's hand and lead her away, leaving the boy behind in a state of confusion.

Once they were a fair distance away, U Amakusa let go of Sakura's hand and boasted, "Sakura, you're really charming."

"Amakusa... you're so mean."

U Amakusa shrugged. "I'm not wrong, though. You really are very pretty, Sakura."

Even though U Amakusa said so, Sakura's current outfit had nothing to do with being pretty.

It was all about desire—the black stockings hugging her thighs, those peaks that most girls couldn't compare to; it had to be said, no matter what Sakura wore, she seemed to radiate sex appeal.

"Amakusa, please stop teasing me."

"Hai, hai~"

During this time, Sakura had become familiar enough with U Amakusa that she no longer stuttered due to her social anxiety; otherwise, given her personality, she never would have agreed to this "date."

Perhaps it was a date only in U Amakusa's mind, while Sakura still thought they were just going to buy a camera.

However, today's "date" might get a little intense.

"Sakura, no matter what I do later, will you cooperate with me? In exchange, I'll pay for the camera you choose today with my points."

"Eh? Why...? I can pay for it myself. Cameras aren't cheap, and I'm not short on points."

U Amakusa helplessly patted Sakura's head. "You should save those points. You never know when you might need them, so don't refuse—let me pay."

It would be funny if this silly girl couldn't afford to eat next month, but the points will be replenished soon enough anyway.

Class D's Class Points were 100% going to hit zero, and the students of Class D wouldn't receive any points next month.

Thinking of this, U Amakusa felt a faint sense of guilt. Class A's Class Points were definitely not the 980 points from the original story.

As for the reason... U Amakusa knew it well enough: it was because he was the black sheep in the mix.

"P-please, don't do that! Amakusa."

Sakura didn't shake U Amakusa off; she only made a bashful request, her head bowed and her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Seeing this, U Amakusa withdrew his hand with some reluctance; truth be told, Sakura's hair felt quite nice to touch.

Stealing a quiet glance at U Amakusa, Sakura couldn't help but think to herself that Amakusa-kun really was quite good-looking.

She was particularly sensitive to gazes; she could feel the eyes of those around her, knowing exactly where they were even without looking.

They were likely the girls whispering about how ungrateful she was.

I'm sorry for being so ungrateful, then...

Once U Amakusa's hand left her head, Sakura hooked her hands together. Upon reflection, it seemed she hadn't been all that resistant to it...

Although she hated the feeling of being the center of attention, this was far better than the aggressive stares of other boys.

Especially those fanatical fans; she still remembered what had happened in the past, which was why she wanted to hide herself away.

Fear had conquered loneliness, and that was why she remained all alone.

Because of this, Sakura felt that it would be nice if things could just stay this way, together with Amakusa-kun.

It really is wonderful to have met Amakusa-kun...

"Amakusa-kun, we're here."

Looking up, the shop was filled with all sorts of cameras, and the man with that sleazy face stood at the front counter.

"Let's go in."

With that, Sakura prepared to pick out a camera, primarily to introduce the various styles to U Amakusa.

"Wait." U Amakusa grabbed Sakura just as she was about to enter.

"Sakura-san, do you trust me?"

"Eh? Of course I trust Amakusa-kun, but why do you ask?"

U Amakusa looked at Sakura earnestly and said, "Then, no matter what happens in a moment, you have to play along with me, okay?"

Seeing U Amakusa look at her with such sudden seriousness, Sakura gazed at his handsome face, her cheeks flushing a faint red.

"Mm..."

Her voice was as soft as a mosquito's hum, but her nod made it clear that she had agreed.

U Amakusa flashed a happy smile, and to Sakura's shock, he took her hand.

"Then... let's go in."