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Project GB is an official initiative by Re:Library.

With the transfer student introduced, everyone went off to attend the opening ceremony, itching to talk to him. After the ceremony, they returned to the classroom, where the teacher had a few more announcements.

They would be having a test in the coming days, as it was the first week back after summer break. That meant everyone was free to go home by noon to prepare. However, in Kou’s classroom, a bit of an uproar had started.

At the center of it, unsurprisingly, was the transfer student, Kuga Reo.

His striking appearance alone had earned him the nickname “First-Year Prince,” and even students from other classrooms were showing up just to catch a glimpse of him.

“Are you really the principal’s grandson?!”
“Yes, but my parents live overseas, so I came here alone. Now I’m staying with my grandfather. I’m still getting used to speaking Japanese too, so I’d really appreciate any help when I don’t understand something.”
“Ohh, so you grew up overseas? Why did you decide to come to a Japanese school?”
“Well, my parents insisted that I needed to broaden my horizons, and I had been curious about this country for a while, due to my grandfather.”
“Your Japanese is actually really good.”
“You think so? I’m glad then.”

He was swarmed by girls who overwhelmed him with questions, but he never stopped smiling as he tried to reply to each of them.

Seeing someone be that popular with girls was irritating for Kou (as a former boy), but she also figured it must be suffocating to be caught in that crowd. She couldn’t help but feel a little sympathetic toward him.

“He really is something else, huh.”
“It’s almost scary how many boys are staring daggers at him though.”
“I mean, things were also pretty crazy when you joined, Mitsuki, but back then everyone was still trying to be considerate of your health.”

While all the girls had gathered around Reo to bombard him with questions, Kou, Hijiri, Subaru, and Kasumi watched from a distance.

There was also an outer ring apart from the main crowd, composed by boys filled with jealousy, just like Subaru had pointed out. Overall, it was a strange sight to witness.

It was best to not poke the bear. Kou and her friends collectively decided that, avoiding getting involved with Reo, and instead began discussing more pressing issues.

“Anyway, the test starts tomorrow, huh?”
“Ahh, yeah…I forgot that was going to happen.”

That test was more of a proficiency evaluation after the long summer break.

It was not meant to be difficult, and anyone who had carefully done their summer homework would not have any issues. But since Kou and her friends had rushed to finish theirs early to spend the rest of the break hanging out and playing games, it would be smart to review.

“In that case…should we stop by the library to study before going home?”
“Yup, I’m in!”
“Sure, let’s go.”

Kou’s suggestion was met with immediate approval from Kasumi and Subaru. Only Hijiri did not look very convinced, looking at Kou with worry.

“Umm, are you sure you’ll be able to handle that?”
“Ah… I’m fine for now. The worst will come tomorrow… Maybe I’ll need to take the first part of the test in the infirmary.”

Realizing that the test would be even more of an uphill battle than she thought, Kou once again began to look depressed. Those gloomy emotions dulled her perception of her surroundings, so it took her a moment to realize things had taken a big turn in the classroom.

“Umm… Excuse me, can I talk with all of you for a moment?”
“Hm? Wait, why are you here, Reo?”

Reo was standing right in front of them. Kou had no idea how he had managed to slip away from the crowd of girls.

Kasumi spoke for everyone, asking what he wanted, and he looked troubled as he lowered his head.

“I’m sorry, but I couldn’t avoid overhearing your conversation. It’s fine if you say no, but could I join this study session you’re arranging here?” He was still speaking with a clear and firm voice, like some sort of noble, but as the four already knew him to a certain extent, they could tell he was a bit frantic.

He had overheard their conversation earlier. And he seemed troubled by something so soon after transferring there. There was one explanation for both things, namely…

“Just to make sure, do you know what topics will be covered in the test?”
“…I’m sorry. My grandfather did help me study previously, so I shouldn’t be behind the class, but that’s about it.”

Reo was still looking downcast as he replied to Subaru, and their classmates would later describe him as looking like an abandoned puppy.

“You heard him, Kou. What do you think?”
“I mean, it doesn’t feel right to say no. He can join us, it’ll be fine.”

Hijiri asked Kou, just in case, and she replied with a smile. Hearing that, Reo instantly looked relieved, which their classmates would later describe it as a puppy finally finding a kind owner.

…Meanwhile, their classmates had started whispering to each other, commenting on how, despite his princely appearance, he had a bit of a puppy complex. And then one of them approached the group.

“Hey, do you all know each other already?”
“Oh yeah, the Furuya twins didn’t look very interested either. Did you meet before or something?”

Now it was Kou and her friends who became the center of attention, especially from the girls.

Luckily, there did not seem to be any jealousy toward them, just curiosity. In fact, it was almost like those girls were expecting some sort of romantic past encounter. And from farther away, other girls were wondering the same thing…

“I mean…as much as I’d like to, going out with someone far better looking than me feels a bit…”
“I know. Sometimes it’s better to admire someone hot like that from a distance…”

Overall, they didn’t show much interest in Kou herself, which came as a relief. It seemed things wouldn’t spiral into the chaotic melodrama Kou had seen in old high school shows.

In the eyes of those girls, there was a rift between admiring someone, and seeing themselves together with that person. Kou could also imagine that it could be troublesome to go out with someone like Reo, who stood out so much just by standing still.

“Umm, it’s more like my and Hijiri’s parents are acquainted with his grandfather…”
“We met not too long ago, when our families gathered.”

Reo quickly corroborated Kou’s story, explaining things. In response…

“I see… Good luck with that then, okay?”

Huh? With what?

Somehow, the look on her classmates changed a bit, appearing slightly compassionate as they looked at Kou, and she could only tilt her head in confusion.

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