Chapter 2

As always, I'm pondering if there might be a better title or summary...

It seems that my earlier responses were clumsy.

Shun could sense a dissatisfied atmosphere from the beautiful girl sitting next to him.

Maybe it's just a misunderstanding—however, every time their gazes met, she would look away, making that possibility seem unlikely.

(What should I do...)

Ignoring Shun's feelings, the class began.

Naturally, the content was different from his previous school. Setting aside his doubts, he strained to listen so as not to fall behind. However, there were things he couldn't help.

"Sorry, but do you have the handout from last time?"

"..."

Sometimes he had no choice but to rely on her for materials. He couldn't help but be aware of her.

"Ah, umm..."

"...Here it is. It's quite far from there, why don't you move your desk closer?"

"Ah, thanks."

"You're welcome."

Fortunately, or so it seemed, she didn't show any particular displeasure, indicating that she wasn't completely annoyed with him.

He didn't understand her very well.

(Ugh, if she were my sister, I could give her some sweets to cheer her up...)

In the countryside, there weren't many people his age, especially of the opposite sex, so he only had his sister to compare to.

Even Shun knew it was wrong to treat her like his sister.

So, he decided to ask her directly as soon as the break started.

"Hey, N-"

"Hey, Kirishima, I have a follow-up to this morning's question."

"Ah, I also have something I'm curious about!"

"Over there—"

However, his attempt was interrupted by questions from his classmates.

Having started to get used to school, they were beginning to find the routine boring, and Shun was the perfect target for their mischief.

"..."

Seeing Shun being swarmed by his classmates, she let out a sigh that seemed to convey exasperation.

◇◇◇

The barrage of questions continued every break, and by lunchtime, he still hadn't had a chance to talk to her.

By lunchtime, it seemed that food took precedence over Shun. Groups of students could be seen spreading out their bento boxes. It was a chance.

(I have to talk to her somehow)

It might not be a big deal, but something was nagging at him.

He wanted to clear it up, and Nijō was a very beautiful girl. As a healthy young man, Shun also wanted to get closer to her.

"Nijō, can I—"

"Excuse me, is Nijō here?!"

"Ah, yes, I'm here."

He failed again.

This time, she was called away by a small girl.

His outstretched hand and words hung uselessly in the air.

Some male students approached him with smirks and patted him on the shoulder.

"Haha, targeting Nijō so quickly, you're eager, transfer student. I get it."

"Yeah, with that appearance, good personality, and academic skills, plus she's in demand in sports clubs."

"Right now, she's probably discussing student council business."

"Wow, that's—no, but that's impressive."

From what he heard, she was the perfect student, like something out of a picture.

Indeed, Nijō was a beautiful girl.

Moreover, being both academically and athletically gifted, with a humble and gentle personality, she must be incredibly popular.

(Compared to the other Nijō... well, they're different genders, so that's a given)

Thinking about it, he couldn't help but chuckle.

"Aiming for her is fine, but she's out of reach."

"I heard she was quite popular in middle school, but no one ever had a serious relationship with her... Oh, right, didn't you get rejected right after starting school?"

"Shut up! Transfer student—Kirishima, you shouldn't have high hopes."

"I wasn't thinking that way..."

As expected, she was very popular.

Shun was teased, but he didn't have any romantic feelings for her.

He did think she was cute, but he had only just met her and didn't really understand her.

The same probably applied to Nijō.

That's why he was even more confused.

Why was she, who he had just met, giving off a dissatisfied atmosphere and treating him coldly?

"Ugh, I don't get it."

No matter how much he thought about it, he couldn't find an answer.

His desire to talk to her and clear things up only grew stronger.