CH 9

A/N: What a surprise, by this evening’s tally, I’m in first place by genre and third place overall

——————————————————————–

After that, both I and Haruki went back to class together.

It was a good time. The school entrance was a bit far, so we rushed the gate as fast as we could, shoulder-to-shoulder, just like in the past.

Suddenly, I felt Haruki’s gaze on me.

[Hm, what is it?]

[Nothing in particular, it’s not like I don’t want to look up at you]

[Are you a child?!]

[Pfft]

Haruki turned her face away.

I was amazed at her words and actions that seemed to be so Haruki-like. I sighed and laughed after that.

She is a childhood friend who has never changed.

A friend who shared memories with the same past.

However, the moment we stepped into the classroom, I turned into a dull transfer student while she turned into an honor student.

[Ah, it’s Nikaido-san]

[Okay, let’s ask Nikaido here. It’s an English assignment, what’s the translation for this…]

[Ah, sorry. Can you tell me this one, too]

[Me too!]

[Uhm, are you guys asking me? Sure, I can help]

In no time, Haruki was surrounded by both boys and girls. The population density of the seat next to me is overcrowded.

Apparently, they had something to ask Haruki about a problem they had yesterday.

[Speaking of which, I wonder if her results are excellent]

I remembered what I heard yesterday. I’m not sure how many of them are here just to talk to her compared to the people that actually need help.

And I’m sure Haruki’s aware of that.

But the way she replied with a small voice and in a friendly manner made me understand why she’s so popular.

Since I’m not a big fan of crowds, I decided to take refuge near the window and observe my childhood friend from a distance.

(I wonder if this is her ‘facade’)

I remembered what I had said yesterday.

At first, I was fooled by her facade.

I’m not going to do anything about it though, since I’ve found out the truth. 

For me, Haruki is Haruki.

There must be a reason for her facade, but I don’t want to force her to tell me. I had a sense of trust that she’d tell me at the correct TPO. (T/N: TPO = Time, Place, and Occasion)

For now, I just smile bitterly at Haruki.

[Nikaido is popular as always, isn’t she? That’s always the case, you know]

[It’s always the same, I’m sure she’s a beautiful girl… Uhm…]

[Mori, Iori Mori. Nice to meet you, transfer stude- I mean, Kirishima]

[Ah, Nice to meet you]

The person who spoke to me was a male student with dyed hair. He was one of those who actively asked me questions yesterday

With a grinning face, he takes a position next to me and turns his gaze towards Haruki

[Well, it’s a high threshold to jump into the circle right after your transfer. Also, I’m not interested in those kind of things]

[Are you sure you don’t wanna join them?]

[That’s a bit impossible, she’s like a Flower of Takamine. So you need high standards to ask her out] (T/N: Flower of Takamine means High Stakes)

[I see?]

[I know a lot of guys who tried to ask her out]

[Eeh…]

As I looked around the classroom, I could see people talking with friends, copying assignments, and opening their bags and immersing themselves in the world of books. I can see all kinds of people here. It seems that not everybody is interested in Haruki.

But of course, Haruki is a special person.

Some people thought that because she’s special, the world she lives in is far away from theirs. I myself used to think so.

[….]

[I see, do your best, Kirishima]

[Huh? Do my best on what?]

[Oh well, we both know what I’m talking about]

[No no no, wait. You’re misunderstanding me!]

[Hahaha]

Mori made fun of me

It’s undeniable that I had some mysterious feelings.

After that, I, who felt cornered, desperately protested to Mori-san due to my embarrassment.

We’ve been separated for 7 years, so there might be many things we don’t know about each other. But one thing for sure, we’re not children like we were back then.

(As expected, I shouldn’t get involved with her too much at school)

With a good figure and good grades, Haruki Nikaido is surely a popular girl among the high ranks. She is the idol of the school.

I did say that she’s using a ‘facade’. In other words, there must be a reason why she decided to do it. I’m not sure what to do for now, but I’m sure I’ll be able to do something when the time comes.

[Haa…]

[Kirishima?]

[Hm? It’s nothing]

[You sure?]

I felt a bit lonely.

However, I exhaled and decided to watch Haruki from afar.

And then, lunch came.

In the meantime, I was looking at Haruki who was surrounded by my classmates.

–At school, the world you live in is different.

For a moment, I didn’t really understand his (Mori-san) words.

[Kirishima-kun, can you come with me please?]

[Ah… Nikaido-san?]

Apparently, Haruki didn’t think that we lived in a different world

Her face is a s quiet as before. But her eyes are somehow stern and serious, radiating an aura that can’t be ignored.

After that, my classmates started to mumble about it.

———————————————————

For the first time, I was able to make the cover of the daily general issue. And it also ranked first in its genre/ Thank you very much. This is all thanks to you, the readers who read and supported me, I will continue to work hard to update this site.

TL: Hyou

Hello, Translator-san here, I’m still trying to adapt myself with the new website. Anyway, enjoy the chapter and as usual, if you find any flaws/errors with the TL, please write it on the comments section!