Leave a comment

Just as I’d expected, the opening ceremony held in the gym was nothing short of brutal.

This was an ordinary public high school, after all—while the classrooms had air conditioning, the gym had none, and there were no signs of that changing anytime soon.

To make matters worse, they’d crammed the entire student body in there, so the humidity was sky-high. Slipping away from the thick, muggy air, I hurried out of the gym as soon as it ended.

“Ugh, it’s so hot…”

Not that it was any cooler outside, though.

The only real difference was that the population density had dropped. Otherwise, it was just as stifling.

As I fanned the collar of my shirt, I noticed someone approaching.

Figuring it was probably one of the usual crew, I turned around—only to be met with a completely unexpected face, which made me instinctively stiffen in surprise.

“Seriously, right? Feels like the sun can go die or something.”

Despite the violent sentiment, Yarai-san greeted me with a beaming smile.

Between this and what happened before morning assembly, I couldn’t help but wonder: why was she being so persistent today? Up until now, we’d barely exchanged a handful of words.

“…Yeah.”

Even I had to admit that was a poor excuse for a response. But I was never a talkative person to begin with. It’s not that I hated conversation or anything—but if someone asked me whether I wanted to go out of my way to talk to others, I’d answer no without hesitation.

“Oh! But maybe you’re actually happy it’s hot, Kaidou-san? Makes cutting your hair totally worth it, right?”

Unfazed by my curt reply, she carried on, her tone light and cheerful for whatever reason, like always.

“Not really. I hate the heat.”
“Then we’re both on Team ‘Die, Sun.’”
“…Guess so.”

Honestly, I wasn’t a fan of Yarai-san.

Not that I disliked her—just that she made me uncomfortable.

For starters, she was loud. And her movements were all over the place. It’s fine to use hand gestures when you talk, but did she really need to flail her arms that much?

She gave off the energy of a big, excitable dog. But I’m a cat person, so nothing about that got my heart racing.

“Come to think of it, this is the first time we’ve had a proper conversation, huh?”

And there she went again—leaning in, blatantly peering at my face.

She would look like a mature beauty if only she kept her mouth shut. A face like that popped up right in front of me, so I ended up averting my eyes. She smelled oddly good, too. In this unbearable heat, how did she manage to avoid smelling even the slightest bit sweaty?

“Yeah, I guess so.”
“I’ve always wanted to talk to you at least once! I mean, I haven’t really talked to most of our classmates, though.”
“…”

And this right here was the biggest reason I wasn’t comfortable around Yarai-san—her complete lack of tact. Or maybe it’s more accurate to say she doesn’t pick up on social cues.

What exactly am I supposed to say when someone just blurts out that they don’t have any friends in class? Laugh? Pity them?

I’m sure I’m not the only one who thinks this way. That’s probably why she’s isolated, just like she says. And if she knows that and still does it anyway, then she’s beyond saving.

“Ah—there you are, Ritsu! Geez, why’d you run off like that?”

A familiar voice called out to me from the noisy crowd. I turned to see the usual crew heading my way.

A lifeline! With this, maybe Yarai-san would finally wander off.

…Or so I thought. Foolish of me, really.

Even after I rejoined my usual group, Yarai-san continued walking right beside me as if nothing had changed.

Of course. This was Yarai Tsuzuri, after all.

“Oh, um… It’s kinda rare to see you talking with Yarai-san.”
“Yeah, well…”
“That’s because this is our first real conversation ever!”

Why are you the one answering so proudly? Also, when she said it was “rare,” that was sarcasm. It was her way of saying please leave already. Naturally, Yarai-san didn’t pick up on that.

“R-right. Good for you, I guess…”

The result? My friend, Konami Yui—one of the few people I could genuinely call a friend—was now forcing an awkward smile with all her might.

Seeing Yui like that made it clear: I really couldn’t let this slide.

Still, I couldn’t bring myself to actually get mad at Yarai-san—and that went for everyone else, too.

It was pretty much common knowledge by now that she never meant any harm. Trying to criticize her somehow made you feel like the bad guy.

Sure, there were times when people had said things like, “She really can’t read the room, huh,” behind her back. But it wasn’t so much gossip as it was just… stating a fact.

“Oh, and this is my first time talking to you too, Konami-san!”

When she said that so innocently, so cheerfully, all we could do was keep forcing polite smiles.

After that, our group drifted into our usual in-group conversation. Even Yarai-san couldn’t jump into that. Though she still stood there beside us, totally unfazed. Her mental fortitude was something else.

“School’s only until noon today—which means it’s the perfect day to go out!”

Yui said with a grin, her small frame bouncing with excitement.

“So, hey, Ritsu—”
“Ah… sorry. I can’t today.”
“Aww, lemme guess—Shouya-kun?”
“Yeah, that’s right. So, maybe next time?”
“Totally fine, I wouldn’t wanna get in the way of you lovebirds.”

She said it like it was no big deal, but the sadness on her face was obvious. Yui was the only person who knew I’d ended up with Shouya more by circumstance than by choice. Which is exactly why she tried so hard to be considerate about it. That only made me feel even guiltier.

“Shouya… he’s the guy from the class next door, right?”
“Huh?”

The question came in a strangely quiet voice from beside me. Oh—Yarai-san.

“Yeah, he is. Wait, why are you whispering?”
“I just thought… maybe it’s not the kind of thing you’re supposed to say loudly.”

I was… moved. Genuinely.

I didn’t think Yarai-san was capable of that kind of thoughtfulness.

…No, wait. That’s way too rude of me.

“It’s fine. Everyone knows anyway.”
“Oh, I see. A boyfriend, huh… I’ve never had one.”
“Hmm. You’re cute enough, Yarai-san. I feel like you could reel someone in pretty easily.”
“I’m cute? Cuuute, huh…”

Why did she look so genuinely happy just because I said that?

Is she not used to being complimented? No way—that can’t be it. Just look in a mirror and you’d know you’re cute.

“But still, I don’t want it to be just anyone. You’re dating that Shouya guy because you like him, right?”
“…Well, I guess.”

My lackluster reply made Yarai-san furrow her brows.

But only for a moment. When I looked at her a moment later, her usual warm, easygoing smile had already returned.

“Right.”

She nodded, almost like she was trying to reassure herself of something.

Support Us

Unlock Early Access ------- Select Project ------- Project Gender Bender Project Necro ∴ Support your favorite series and unlock chapters before the public release.