Chapter 1

Taiwanese Edition Translated from Light Novel Kingdom

Illustration: Otonashi

Image Scanning: Kaze

Input: Kid

Image Editing: Kid

We are on our school trip.

The bus carrying the 2nd-year C class of Oji Academy is driving on a mountain road.

Some are sleeping. Some are scrolling through their phones. Some look like they are feeling carsick. Some are constantly checking their mirrors.

The group that stands out in this class is the one sitting in the back seats.

That is, the leadership group.

"Hey, Takuto, introduce me to some of the girls you know next time!"

"Shogo, you're too frivolous with girls! Your insincere attitude won't do!"

Takuto Kuwahara. Blessed by heaven, he is a handsome and intelligent guy.

He excels in every aspect. As soon as he speaks, he can influence the atmosphere around him.

In fact, the atmosphere in the bus changed after he spoke.

"Kuwahara, you're so sincere and reliable!"

Several girls nearby responded enthusiastically.

Takuto Kuwahara is the protagonist of 2C. It's not an exaggeration to say that 2C revolves around him.

The person who always stays by Kuwahara's side is Shogo Koyamada.

In the past, he would be called a delinquent. He is Kuwahara's sidekick (self-proclaimed), Kuwahara's friend (barely), with a menacing appearance, poor behavior, a sharp tongue, and only physical strength and fighting skills as his strengths. His level of meanness might even surpass others.

The more fashionable boys and girls in the class follow Kuwahara and Koyamada's lead.

"Why don't you just date us, Shogo!"

"You're too casual!"

"So disappointing~"

"If you want to be a delinquent, at least surpass Kousaka first!"

"Impossible, impossible, impossible, absolutely impossible! That guy is not even human! Who can compete with a non-human?"

"There's no way, the natural advantages are just too different! Kousaka's innate advantages are already astonishing!"

Koyamada was making a lot of noise. Perhaps because it was a school trip, he seemed more excited than usual. On the other hand, Kousaka, who was the topic of everyone's conversation, remained silent.

The Kousaka sisters. They are known for their eccentric personalities and are always seen together.

The older sister, Sei Kousaka, is a cold and beautiful woman.

The younger sister, Itsuki Kousaka, is a stylish and beautiful woman.

Both are multi-talented. The older sister is the second-best student in the class. The younger sister is also very smart, ranking fourth in the last exam. The twins are also impeccable in sports. They are outstanding in both appearance and figure.

Apart from their eccentric personalities, these are probably the only basic details worth mentioning.

"The mountain scenery evokes boundless imagination, bringing to mind a beautiful scene different from everyday life. Enjoy it too, Itsuki!"

"I understand, Onee-sama."

The Kousaka sisters are indeed strange. No matter how I look at it, it's just an ordinary view. Where can you see a beautiful scene different from everyday life? No—Onee-sama must be seeing something!

By the way, I have never seen Itsuki Kousaka defy her sister.

"Wow! Kousaka is so strong, even when I call her by her name, she can calmly pretend not to hear! Amazing! So cool!"

"Koyamada, can you please be a bit quieter?"

A clear voice shook the atmosphere in the bus.

"Oh?"

"I'm reading a book."

"What's up, Togawa? You said that just to ruin the mood, didn't you?"

Ayaka Togawa.

She is the class president. So beautiful that she is even talked about in other schools.

In fact, many photos of her taken without her knowledge have been uploaded to social media.

Black hair. Headband. Snow-white skin. Black stockings.

There are rumors that she is a super-rich heiress. A luxury car would come to pick her up after school…

She excels in both academics and sports. Her grades surpass those of Sei Kousaka, making her the top student in the class.

She does not participate in any club activities. However, her athletic abilities have been proven multiple times during physical education classes.

It is said that she sometimes helps out in sports clubs when asked.

If Takuto Kuwahara is the male protagonist of the class, Ayaka Togawa is definitely the female protagonist!

"By the way, Togawa, what book are you reading?"

Koyamada took the book from Togawa's hand.

"Wait, stop it!"

Ah… Koyamada, that guy, actually removed the book cover. That's a bit too much, isn't it!

But no one stopped him. It's only natural. In 2C, there are not many students who dare to say anything to Koyamada.

"Reading a paper book in this day and age, that's hilarious! Is it a manga? Oh, it's a novel!"

"Give it back!"

"'This year's most anticipated romance novel'!? Wow! I really want to know what it's about!"

"Give it back!"

"No, no, no, this is the most surprising thing this semester! What? Ayaka, you're a sweet girl who reads romance novels?"

"Is that not okay!?"

"Ugh! No way! A whole paragraph without a line break! I can't read this! My eyes, my eyes are hurting! My brain cells are dying~!"

"Then give it back quickly!"

"What? What should I do? Ah, if you exchange [email protected] with me, I'll give the book back, how about that?"

Everyone can see that Koyamada likes Togawa. Yes, his current behavior is bullying the girl he likes. A twisted way of showing affection, very much like what people used to do. However—

"Koyamada, please stop!"

Togawa herself did not notice Koyamada's feelings at all. I have always thought she is a bit dense, but I didn't expect…

By the way, [email protected] is a communication app. It has the highest market share in the world.

When using [email protected], you cannot send or receive messages unless the other party "allows" it.

In short, Koyamada is using this opportunity to force Togawa to allow him to add her as a friend.

…If I interrupt him now, it would be very cool, right? But, as a "background" character like me, even if I step forward, it would just be ignored by them. It wouldn't have any effect. NOTHING. Empty. Meaningless.

It might even make the situation worse. And challenging Koyamada would put me at a great disadvantage.

If even Togawa, who is at the top of the class hierarchy, can't stand up to him, no one else can either.

Besides, today's Togawa seems different from her usual self.

Hmm? Togawa's face is a bit red? …Ah, I see. She must be embarrassed that someone found out she was reading a romance novel. That's why she can't maintain her usual calm and strong demeanor.

"……"

Maybe because she is blushing, she looks kind of cute. And—

"Koyamada, give it back!"

She looks a bit pitiful.

"What?"

"What?"

The second "What?" is my voice.

Strange? I… what's wrong with me? Why did I stand up?

"Mizumori Touka? Uh, you… what? What? What's wrong with you?"

No wonder Koyamada was surprised.

Because I, Mizumori Touka, who is just a background character in the class, suddenly spoke up to warn him.

The atmosphere in the bus suddenly became very strange. Everyone was looking at me. I felt uncomfortable sweat on my body.

"Well… because Togawa seems really, really bothered…"

"Super—"

"Huh?"

Koyamada trembled all over. Like fresh jelly just poured onto a plate.

"Super, super—super cool! Too cool! Cool MAN! MAN!"

Koyamada pointed at me excitedly. His attitude was clearly mocking me.

"What? Mizumori, did you do this because you have a crush on Togawa? Is that it? Mizumori-senpai… so you couldn't help but show off in front of her? What was that just now? A background character's rebellion?"

"Mizumori…?"

Togawa's face appeared in my vision, with an indescribable expression.

Should I interpret her expression positively or negatively?

If the former is correct, I would be very happy.

By the way—this uncomfortable situation. In this situation, what is the correct action for Mizumori Touka to take?

Just then—

"Give the book back, Shogo!"

Kuwahara came to the rescue. Even Koyamada, who is fearless, does not dare to treat him casually.

"That's not important, Takuto! Let's play with the cool MAN Mizumori-senpai to pass the time?"

"No, I don't plan to bother him. I have no interest in someone like Mizumori."

"Ugh! You're so cold, Takuto! Oh no! I'm not as cool as you! That's the biggest difference between us?"

"Koyamada, it's fine to ignore Mizumori, but give the book back to Togawa quickly! I really dislike that kind of behavior."

Everyone looked at Kuwahara with admiration. Mostly girls. There were also whispers of "Kuwahara is so gentle!" with a sense of affection. Koyamada tapped Togawa's shoulder with the back of the book twice.

"Sorry, Togawa♪ I got a bit carried away. You're the best, can you forgive me?"

Togawa snatched back the book and glared at Koyamada fiercely.

Koyamada put his hands up in a surrendering gesture.

"Sorry, sorry…"

Togawa, still angry, silently put the book in her bag. She didn't seem to have the mood to continue reading.

Ayaka Togawa is not only academically excellent and beautiful. She also knows ancient martial arts (I remember it's ancient martial arts).

She once easily subdued Koyamada with ancient martial arts.

Since then, Koyamada has had a strange fear of Togawa. At the same time, he seems to have become infatuated with her.

Kuwahara put on his headphones and started listening to music.

Koyamada returned to his seat and sat down. Then—

"Ugh!"

Koyamada suddenly kicked the back of the seat in front of him. Most students were startled by the sudden action. The bus attendant was also startled, and I was shocked too.

The only ones who remained calm were Takuto Kuwahara, Ayaka Togawa, and the Kousaka sisters. In fact, the twins didn't react at all.

"An-chan~?"

The person sitting in the kicked seat was a timid boy.

Koyamada approached the boy, putting his hand on his shoulder.

"Koyamada, what… what do you want…?"

An Tomohiro.

An is the target of bullying. Koyamada has his sights set on him now.

It happened on the first day of our second year.

An accidentally spilled Koyamada's juice. The juice happened to spill on Koyamada's smartphone, causing it to malfunction. However, An insisted he was not at fault. His mistake was not realizing who he was dealing with. Since then, An has been targeted by Koyamada.

"That kick scared me…"

"What a fool! Mizumori-senpai, who thinks he's the hero, tried to save the day, and you just stood there, making the atmosphere cold. I'm not happy about that! Hey, do you have any complaints!?! Bastard! When someone is talking to you, look them in the eye!"

"I… I don't have any complaints…"

"What a joke! You're just a waste of space in 2C, no one will think you're mute if you don't speak! Shut up!"

"……"

"Answer me!"

"Yes, I understand…"

Should he shut up or answer? Can't you just choose one? Koyamada is indeed strange.

"Hey, Koyamada? Don't go too far? In this day and age, if you push him too far and he commits suicide, I'll have a headache! An, I'm asking you too? If you're going to commit suicide, wait until we have a different homeroom teacher, okay?"

Homeroom teacher: Shizukanae Momo.

Physical education teacher. Gentle to girls, strict with boys. No, let me correct that. He is only gentle to cute girls.

Shizukanae is only interested in the top students in the class hierarchy. In other words, he wants pawns to control the class. Conversely, he is only interested in useful pawns.

Therefore, his treatment of different students varies greatly.

Equality. This is a very hollow word in our class.

Our class has different hierarchies. They exist all the time, and no one can do anything about it.

"Got it, I'll be careful. Sorry~"

Koyamada joked but still followed the homeroom teacher's instructions.

Koyamada is very good at dealing with teachers and adults.

Apart from his target, he also works hard to please others.

This is to thoroughly block any escape routes for his target.

Therefore, Koyamada's trap is flawless.

Koyamada openly apologized with a mocking tone.

"Sorry, An-chan! I'll reflect for a whole minute!"

He spread his arms and legs and sat back down heavily.

"Ah~ Ah~ Ah~! Thanks to the self-proclaimed hero Mizumori-senpai, the most exciting moment of our fun school trip has been ruined~! This time, I was completely affected—"

Just then.

Without any warning—

A burst of white light filled the bus.