"I'm really not gay!"
Listening to the thoughts of those around him, Satsu screamed inwardly.
At that moment, Satsu was gripping the handle of Ayanokoji's seat with one hand, bent over and staring into his eyes.
"Now this is passionate!" (A boy nearby)
"Thank goodness I didn't go up and ask for his contact information. Turns out he's gay." (A girl by the window)
Should I tell them Ayanokoji is my idol? Would they believe me? Satsu was on the verge of tears.
Since he was here, how could he not talk to Ayanokoji? Wanting to collect a memory of the encounter, Satsu had gone up to speak to him.
After all, he'd come to this school for just two reasons: to graduate from Class A and to experience life in an anime world.
Mistaken identity? How could he mistake him for someone else? Ayanokoji's dead-fish eyes were so distinctive.
By now, Satsu had attracted everyone's attention. Even Reine and Koenji, who were usually so composed, had glanced his way.
Thinking about it carefully, it was only natural that people would misunderstand what was happening.
What normal person's first move after getting on the bus was to ask someone of the same sex for their contact information?!
Now he'd gotten himself into an awkward situation.
"Uh... maybe I'll pass."
Ayanokoji's emotionless voice rang out, shattering Satsu's hopes.
I knew it wouldn't be that easy.
Getting hit on by a gay guy on the first day of school. Just my luck. (Ayanokoji Kiyotaka)
If he doesn't want you, I do! Look at me, handsome guy! (A boy in the back)
There's an even bigger player!
The explosive thought made Satsu shudder. He'd have to watch his back at school!
After being rejected, Satsu didn't press the matter. He turned around, went to the back door, and stood there holding the handle.
After an incredibly long wait, Satsu finally arrived at the entrance to Tokyo Metropolitan Advanced Nurturing High School.
Cherry blossoms drifted gently past the school gate, lending the day its fresh, unmistakable first-day-of-school atmosphere. It was as if they were welcoming Satsu; a few petals silently came to rest on his collar.
Watching students stroll into the school in twos and threes, Satsu didn't linger. He walked into the next chapter of his school life.
Not far away, a Toyota Century sat quietly by the side of the road, watching everything unfold at the school gate.
"He's entered the school."
From the driver's seat, a man spoke in a low voice in fluent German. As he spoke, he glanced toward the passenger seat.
"Although they told us to keep a low profile, but..."
"Anderson, don't you think driving this car is a little too low-key?"
The man named Anderson was clearly taken aback by the woman's words. "Hey, hey! I'm telling you your son, Kato Satsu, has entered the school."
"And you're telling me the car is too low-key?"
"Also, don't speak German in Japanese! What, did you forget how to speak German the moment you got back to your homeland?"
"Okay, okay. You understand me, don't you?" the woman replied, switching to French as she got out of the car without waiting for an answer.
"I'm going for a walk. You can head back."
Anderson was a typical Northern European man. Compared with his casual clothes, the woman was dressed far more elegantly.
She looked to be in her twenties. A black beret sat at a slight angle on her head, and her long, raven-black hair fell like a waterfall, reaching just to her waist.
Her black fur coat reached her ankles and outlined her slender figure. Her look was simple, yet undeniably sophisticated.
"Hey! Snow Spider! Hey!"
When Snow Spider ignored him, Anderson cursed under his breath. "Damn ageless old hag!"
Then he drove away alone.
Inside the school, Satsu saw his classroom and smacked himself on the forehead.
"I should've said I was in Class D earlier. I shouldn't have gone up to Ayanokoji just now."
"Damn this transmigration. I didn't inherit the original owner's memories, so I can only learn about him from his diary."
Satsu hadn't arrived particularly early. In fact, he was probably the last person to reach the classroom.
He'd run into Chabashira Sae in the hallway just as she was coming out of the classroom.
She'd seen Satsu too, but she didn't seem annoyed that he was late. Wearing an utterly indifferent expression, she passed him without a second glance.
Satsu, on the other hand, stopped and took in Chabashira's retreating figure with an appreciative eye.
"Mm!"
After giving a firm nod, Satsu quickly realized he was even later than he'd thought.
Since she'd already left the classroom, she must have explained the surface rules of the S system to the class. Hirata was probably organizing introductions by now.
Sure enough, before he even entered, Kikyo's voice reached his ears. "So please, everyone, be sure to exchange contact information with me!"
"Introductions have already started," Satsu murmured as he walked into the classroom.
The room fell silent in an instant, but countless thoughts surged into Satsu's mind like a crashing wave.
So he did come after all. (Ayanokoji Kiyotaka)
Ayanokoji closed his eyes helplessly. Until recently, he'd been hoping that the nameplate on that desk belonged to someone with the same name.
What a pain. (Horikita Suzune)
Suzune glanced at Ayanokoji, who was sitting beside her, then instinctively looked toward the other seat next to her.
On the desk that had been waiting empty sat a nameplate bearing the words "Kato Satsu."
With a soft sigh, Suzune looked away and returned her attention to the book in her hands, titled Crime and Punishment.
He really does have a face like that! Damn normie. (Kanji Ike)
It was always the same. Whenever Satsu showed up somewhere, he immediately attracted everyone's attention. After a month of this, he'd gotten used to it.
"Looks like I'm late. Have the introductions already started?" Satsu broke the silence.
"Not at all, my friend. We've only just started."
Hearing that, Satsu took over from Hirata. "In that case, I'll go next."
"My name is Kato Satsu. As for my interests, I suppose languages are one of them. I look forward to getting along with everyone over the next three years."
He knew his introduction hadn't been anything special, but the chorus of agreement from most of the girls and the applause that followed were enough for him.
He went to his seat, remembering to give the two students seated next to him—a pair he'd met on the bus—a polite smile.
Suzune remained focused on her book. Ayanokoji, however, though he didn't look at Satsu, had plenty of thoughts about him.
What a shame. (Ayanokoji Kiyotaka)
He has some social skills, but judging from what he just did, his leadership ability falls short of Hirata's. (Ayanokoji Kiyotaka)
Even his overwhelming advantage in looks is completely wasted because of his sexual orientation. (Ayanokoji Kiyotaka)
Before you continue