Chapter 9

I managed to enter the top 3 overall and 1st in the genre in tonight's rankings! I'm so happy!

Seizing the moment, I headed towards the classroom with Haruki. It was a good time. The entrance was far, and we hurried along, almost shoulder to shoulder, as we used to.

In the midst of this, Hayato suddenly felt Haruki's gaze.

"Yeah, what is it?"

"Nothing~? Why would I think I have to look up at you~?"

"…Are you a kid?"

"Pfft"

Haruki turned away with a huff.

Despite being exasperated by Haruki's typical behavior, Hayato couldn't help but let out a sigh mixed with a laugh.

A childhood friend who hasn't changed from the past.

A companion who shares the same memories and past.

But once they stepped into the classroom, they instantly transformed into just an unremarkable transfer student and the popular, unattainable top student.

"Oh, it's Nijou-san."

"Alright, let's ask Nijou. It's about the English assignment, this translation..."

"Sorry, can you teach me too?"

"Me too!"

"Um, me? Sure, it's fine."

Haruki, who had put on her mask again, was quickly surrounded by both boys and girls. The density of people at the neighboring desk was overwhelming.

It seemed that many wanted to ask Haruki about yesterday's assignment.

(Come to think of it, she is academically excellent.)

He recalled what he had heard yesterday. Still, he suspected that a portion of those crowding around her just wanted to talk.

And Haruki must be aware of this.

However, the way she smiled gently and responded made it clear why she was so popular.

Sitting at the neighboring desk, Hayato, who was from the countryside and uncomfortable in crowds, retreated to the window side to observe his childhood friend.

(Camouflage, she called it.)

He remembered her words from yesterday.

Hayato was initially one of those deceived by her camouflage.

Even if it had been exposed, he had no intention of doing anything about it.

To Hayato, Haruki was Haruki.

There must be a reason for the camouflage. He didn't intend to force it out of her. If it was necessary, she would tell him—such was the trust he had.

For now, he just watched her, smiling wryly.

"Nijou, she's really popular, huh? That's just how it always is."

"Wow. I do think she's a beautiful girl... um?"

"Come to think of it, you haven't introduced yourself yet? I'm Mori. Mori Iori. Nice to meet you, transfer student—no, Kirishima."

"Ah, nice to meet you."

The one who spoke was a bright, bleached-haired boy, one of those who had been actively asking questions yesterday.

With a grin, he took a seat next to Hayato and shifted his gaze to Haruki.

"Well, it's a bit of a high bar for a new transfer student to jump into that circle."

"I'm not really into that... and you, don't you need to go there?"

"She's the unattainable top student, and she has a boyfriend, so she's more like a decorative piece?"

"I see?"

"There are quite a few others who think the same way?"

"Really?"

Looking around the classroom, some were chatting with friends, some were diligently copying assignments, and some were engrossed in their books. Not everyone was clinging to Haruki.

Still, Haruki was a special presence.

Because she was special, many probably thought she lived in a different world from theirs. Hayato himself was one of those who thought so. He should be. He should be.

"..."

"Ah, I see, yeah, yeah, good luck, Kirishima."

"Huh? What are you talking about all of a sudden?"

"Come on, I get it."

"No, wait, you're misunderstanding!"

"Haha"

Mori teased Hayato, who couldn't deny feeling a bit solemn.

Feeling as if he had been pointed out, Hayato, embarrassed, desperately protested.

Seven years is a long time, longer than he had imagined. There were many things they didn't know about each other. But they weren't kids anymore, like they were back then.

(This... maybe it's better not to get involved at school.)

Beautiful and talented, Nijou Haruki was a popular, unattainable top student, almost like an idol at the school.

She had said she was "camouflaging." So, there must be a reason for her to do so. Adapting to it was part of his role as a childhood friend and close friend, just like before.

"Phew..."

"Kirishima?"

"Hm, nothing."

"Is that so?"

He felt a bit lonely.

But Hayato took a deep breath, as if to convince himself, and watched Haruki.

Then came lunchtime.

During that time, he had seen Haruki being surrounded over and over again.

—At school, we live in different worlds.

For a moment, he didn't understand the meaning of those words.

"Kirishima-kun, could you come with me for a moment?"

"Huh... Nijou-san?"

It seemed that Haruki didn't think so.

Her face, which had been calm and smiling as before, now had a serious, urgent look in her eyes, making it impossible to ignore.

The classroom suddenly buzzed with excitement.

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I managed to make the cover of the daily overall rankings and topped the genre rankings! Thank you so much. This is all thanks to the readers who have read and supported me. I will continue to work hard on updates.