CH 4

Author's Opening Comments: Thanks for all the positive feedback! (The translator would also like to extend his gratitude to his readers as well <3)

The last class of the day, math, ended up being self-study. Everyone got a worksheet to work on, but of course, there was chatter going on all class. Well, all four people who sit around me are diligent workers anyways, so we worked away to finish the worksheet as fast as possible.

And fifteen minutes left in class. Plenty of time to spare. I have nothing better to do now, so I take a look around me. The girl sitting next to me seems to be taking a book out of her bag.

Her name is Fumi Yukishiro. Her chestnut brown is done up in plain braids and she's always wearing large-framed glasses. Her skirt shows the least skin out of all the girls in our class, she probably doesn't even roll it up. Compared to everyone else, she gives a unique studious, bookworm vibe. Her type really is a rarity nowadays.

As I'm left lamenting my own thoughts, the breezy summer air blows in through the window. The bookmark escapes her fingers and lands by my feet.

"Ahh..."

I can hear her soft whisper as she timidly tries to reach for her bookmark. I pick up the bookmark and hand it back to her.

"Thank you..."

"Yeah, no worries."

After my reply, I hear a shocked gasp from her lips.

"Something wrong?"

"...That's the first time I heard you speak"

"Huh..."

"Don't ever talk to any girls besides me, got that? If there is any sort of trouble, make sure to excuse yourself and avoid them at whatever cost. Got that into your thick skull or do I have to repeat myself?"

My mind conjures up an image of Hanabi, acting like her usual self. Of course, it's about her order for me to not talk to any females. And so I had avoided any conversation with other girls. Ha, well that bitch can burn in hell for all I care.

"I guess you're right, it has been two months and I haven't talked to you yet."

"Yeah, my name is Fumi Yukishiro. Nice to finally have the chance to talk to you."

"It’s fine, I already know your name."

"O-oh, really?"

Yukishiro-san smiles with a hint of embarrassment. Fumi Yukishiro, huh. Behind those large glasses and studious figure, she definitely exudes a cute charm. Compared to someone like Hanabi, who is always flaunting her beauty to everyone around her, Yukishiro-san's beauty can be compared to a quiet serenity, filled with gentleness and simple charm. Behind my curtain of hair, I would never have been able to see this type of tranquility.

"After you got your haircut, you really have been the center of attention."

"I'm sure they'll lose interest soon enough. That's happens with most new things, once they lost their charm, they fade into obscurity again."

"Haha, you have such an interesting outlook on life, Ichinose-kun."

Yukishiro-san giggles with delight as she replies back.

Talking with Yukishiro-san feels so calming and relaxing. I have nothing to be scared of and I am able to talk my mind. It feels so different from conversations with Hanabi. Heh, who am I kidding, those weren't conversations. Those were single-sided barks. There was no way I could have a proper dialogue with a creature whose sole function is to bark orders like a dog.

"I've always wanted to talk to you, you know?"

"Huh, why?"

"After school, I'd consistently see you watering the plants, cleaning the balcony, and other chores. Only a really kind person would put effort in those things."

"Well, that was... more to kill time than anything else. I wouldn't really consider myself kind to be honest..."

Hanabi always kept me waiting after school, so there was nothing better that I could do. Wait, even before I become the center of attention, Yukishiro-san has been watching me. Admittedly, I'm quite shocked, having come to this conclusion. Her wanting to talk to me doesn't seem like a lie at all. Wait, is there a chance it could be one? I don't have any evidence to back me up, but it's just a hunch.

"But today, you were talking to so many girls, you really did look like that cool guy at the center of attention. It was kind of cool seeing you like that...''

After saying that, I notice Yukishiro-san blushing a little bit.

She also looked away from me.

___________________

After school, I decided to stop by the arcade and a nearby McDonalds. I don't need to worry about messages from Hanabi anymore. Before, if I did anything wrong or was even late by a second, she would persistently send me angry messages. Because of that, I developed a fear towards my ringtone.

But my fear is no more, as I'll never have that cunt bothering me ever again. I look around and it's getting dark. Pretty sure my mom is making dinner right now. So I decide to hit the nearest station and head home.

Today felt so fulfilling. So this is what being a student feels like. I even got to talk to Yukishiro-san today. School can be a really exciting place after all. Maybe I'll re-evaluate my stance on school as a whole.

As I'm humming a tune while walking home, I pass by the park near my house and see a single person standing there.

It's Hanabi.

______

Translator's Notes: A double release today. I had a lot of free time on my hands due to everything going on, so here we are. Seems like a new romance interest has popped up, looking forward to seeing where this is going. Peace!