Chapter 13: Beautiful Girl, Enrolls (Part 2)

The new students, including me, changed into our indoor shoes at the entrance and headed toward our classroom.

Apparently, we’d have a short homeroom before the entrance ceremony, after which everyone would walk together to the gymnasium.

The four of us—me, Ryoji, Sakurako-chan, and Moeka-chan—made our way to the far end of the first floor, to Class 1-A.

"Okay, Ayumi-chan! You absolutely mustn’t go along with weird people like the Student Council President, alright?"

"Y-Yeah."

Moeka-chan was still fussing.

"Moeka, if you keep pestering her like that, Ayumi-chan’s gonna start avoiding you."

"I-I know! But still… hugging someone like that in front of everyone? I can’t help but be jealous!"

Personally, I think being hugged by a girl sounds like a pretty good deal! And, well, if it’s just a hug, even the Student Council President probably thought, “Lucky me.” Sorry, but even if I think like that, she’s still more hopeless than I am.

Moeka-chan’s cute, and Sakurako-chan’s beautiful—if they hugged me, I’d welcome it with open arms!

"If I hugged you, what would you do, Ayumi?"

"Hmm… I guess I’d cut all ties with you."

"That’s just hypothetical, okay? Hypothetical!"

"I know, I know. You don’t have to panic so much."

The four of us walked side by side down the hallway.

"By the way, why does Ryoji-kun call Ayumi-chan ‘Ayumu’?"

Sakurako-chan tilted her head curiously.

Oh, right. I’d gotten so used to it that I’d never really thought about it!

Ryoji’s the only one who still calls me Ayumu. Technically, that’s correct—but for some reason, every official record—my student ID, my residence certificate, everything—lists me as Ayumi.

"Ah, that? I misread it when we were little. Ayumi used to have short hair back then, so I thought she was a boy at first and started calling her ‘Ayumu.’"

While I was wondering how to respond, Ryoji casually explained it with perfect timing.

So this is what they call communication skills. The fact that his explanation included just a hint of truth made it even more convincing.

The reality was a little different, though. Sure, I did have short hair. But Ryoji actually mistook me for a girl and started talking to me first—using the name "Ayumi" by accident. Completely the opposite.

Well, that mix-up was how we started talking, anyway.

Sakurako-chan seemed mostly satisfied with his explanation.

Before long, we reached our classroom. A lot of new students were already gathered inside, and the room buzzed with chatter.

I slid open the classroom door and stepped in.

And then—

The once-noisy room fell silent all at once. Every single pair of eyes turned toward me.

S-Scary. Why does this always happen!?

Without thinking, I quietly slid the door shut again.

"Hey, what’re you doing closing it!?"

"Because! The moment I stepped in, everyone went silent! There’s no way I can walk into that!"

"Then just stand behind me!"

Moeka-chan’s suggestion. Hmm… maybe that’ll work.

I decided to take her up on it and moved behind her, lightly gripping the hem of her blazer.

"What do you think, Aizawa-san? That move just now scores pretty high, doesn’t it?"

"Yes, very nice, Ryoji-kun. The way she grabbed the hem so naturally, without even realizing it—that’s a subtle but impressive touch."

What kind of commentary is this!?

So grabbing her hem was a bad move, huh. I really wasn’t thinking at all…

Maybe from now on, I should try to predict the future a little before I act.

"Alright, here we go, Ayumi-chan!"

"Okay!"

Moeka-chan slid the door open again.

For a brief moment, everyone’s attention shifted to her—but just as quickly, the noise and conversation returned.

Why is the reaction so different!? I want that reaction too!

When I walked in, everyone went silent and stared! Were they… trying to intimidate me?

Wait—don’t tell me I’m being bullied already!?

No, that’s ridiculous. I don’t even know anyone here. Getting bullied by people I haven’t met is impossible.

Then what the heck was that reaction…?

Before I could think it through, Moeka-chan started walking ahead, so I followed after her.

Anyway, thanks to that, we made it safely to our seats.

"Ayumi-chan, Ayumi-chan, one piece of advice!"

Moeka-chan leaned in and whispered in my ear while I sat down.

Apparently, if someone stares at you, all you have to do is smile back at them as brightly as you can. That’s her advice.

It sounded a little creepy, but smiles are free—so I guess I can try it later.

After saying that, Moeka-chan went off to her own seat.

I noticed the boy sitting next to me glancing my way, so I decided to try it right away and gave him a smile.

"!"

He stiffened for a moment, then his face instantly turned red, and he quickly looked away.

Whoa. That’s surprisingly effective!

Encouraged, I smiled back at everyone else who looked at me.

But more and more people started turning to look, and soon it got out of hand. Each time I smiled back, they’d look oddly satisfied before turning away again.

Seriously, why are so many people staring!? My cheeks are sore from smiling!

Fed up, I rested my head on the desk and switched into loner mode to escape.

After a while, the front door of the classroom opened, and a middle-aged man walked in. That must be our teacher.

Not as broad-shouldered as my dad, but still solidly built. His suit didn’t fit him well—probably not used to wearing it—and even his tie was crooked.

"Alright, everyone, take your seats."

Standing at the podium, the man—presumably our homeroom teacher—spoke.

"I’m Yamanaka, your homeroom teacher. I’ll be in charge of math. I had a bunch of things I wanted to say, but I forgot them. Anyway, we’re heading to the entrance ceremony now, so line up in the hallway."

Our homeroom ended in about five seconds.

Was there even a point in gathering in the classroom first?

The entrance ceremony itself was pretty dull.

We sat listening to the principal’s long speech, followed by another equally long one from the guest speakers. The whole thing consisted of sitting still and doing absolutely nothing.

The boy in front of me was blatantly asleep. Well, can’t blame him—these speeches could put anyone to sleep.

The boy beside me, meanwhile, was quietly fiddling with his smartphone, trying not to get caught.

As for me, since I go to bed early and wake up early every day, I wasn’t sleepy at all. And since I don’t own a phone or a smartphone, I just spent the time thinking about what to make for dinner tonight.

The ceremony ended after about forty minutes, and we returned to our classroom.

Yamanaka-sensei stood at the podium again and looked over us.

"Alright, good work surviving the ceremony. Honestly, there’s nothing special left to do today—no announcements, nothing. So, I guess we’ll start with introductions."

And just like that, our self-introductions began.

I’ve never been good at these. Actually, I’m bad at speaking in front of people in general.

Back in middle school, it was always a pain. I wasn’t into sports, didn’t really have any hobbies—so I never had anything to talk about. That part… hasn’t changed much.

Ugh, what should I do…

The first to go was—ah, Sakurako-chan. Right, her last name was Aizawa.

"Aizawa Sakurako."

She seemed pretty nervous, probably because she was first.

"My favorite thing right now is… Sakura Ayumi-chan!"

Huh?

"Wha—!?"

I stood up without thinking. Hearing my name out of nowhere made me react instinctively.

"That’s Ayumi-chan, right there," she said, smiling and pointing toward me.

The whole class turned their eyes on me at once. Overwhelmed with embarrassment, I sank back into my seat. My face felt like it was on fire.

Aaaah, this is mortifying.

The classmates murmured, laughing softly: "I see," or "Guess she can’t help it."

Getting dragged into the spotlight on the first day of high school—this is the worst possible start! I’m holding a grudge, Sakurako-chan!

After that, I didn’t register a single self-introduction. My head was boiling with embarrassment the entire time. And just when it finally started to cool off, my turn started creeping closer, bringing a fresh wave of anxiety.

Clatter! A sound came from right in front of me—the boy ahead had finally sat down.

Wait, when did we get to me!? Sorry, I didn’t hear a single thing you said, person in front!

I stood up from my seat.

Crap, everyone’s watching. What was I supposed to say again!? This must be what people mean by going completely blank.

"Uh, um… I’m Sakura Ayumu. Nice to meet you."

…

The class fell silent.

"Uh, Sakura? That’s it?"

Eh!? Was I supposed to say more than that!?

I didn’t plan anything!

"Th-Then… does anyone have any questions!?"

Yes! Perfect! If I can’t talk about myself, I’ll make them talk instead!

…

Unfortunately, my bold and innovative strategy didn’t land.

The silence was suffocating. I was on the verge of crying—actually, I might’ve been seconds away.

"Um, yeah! Sakura-san, do you have any hobbies?"

"Eh!? Uh, well—cooking?"

The sudden question startled me so much that my voice cracked weirdly. The one who spoke up was Ryoji.

He must’ve noticed how much I was struggling and decided to throw me a lifeline. That’s what friends are for! What a hero!

Though… why did I say it like ‘cooking?’—like I’m not even sure myself!?

Well, to be fair, it’s not really a hobby. My mom kind of forced me into it, but once I got used to it, it turned out to be kinda fun. I’m not sure who I’m trying to convince here.

"Ooooh!" "Make me lunch sometime!"

The classroom suddenly erupted with excitement.

Ryoji’s single question broke the ice, and before I knew it, everyone was firing questions my way.

"Did you do any club activities, Sakura-san!?"

"Um, not really… I didn’t."

Should I join a club in high school? I feel like having friends through club activities is pretty important. Especially since I spent all of middle school going straight home every day…

"Do you have a boyfriend?"

"Huh? No way, of course not!"

Why would I have a boyfriend!? A girlfriend, maybe—no, wait, that’s weird too! What am I even supposed to say? And seriously, isn’t that a bit much to ask someone you just met a few hours ago? You’re getting way too comfortable here!

"Uooohhh! Guys, raise the victory cry!"

"Ayumi-chan! Do you think I’ve got a chance too?"

And for some reason, the classroom erupted into chaos. Amid the commotion, Sakurako-chan suddenly threw out something completely random. I’m not entirely sure what kind of “chance” she meant, but—well, I do like girls, you know?

Before I could even reply, a barrage of questions rained down on me.

"What kind of music do you like?"
"What's your type?"
"What did you eat yesterday?"
"Which club are you joining?"
"Can you cook anything?"

At this point, my classmates were unstoppable. I tried to answer each question one by one, but every time I did, two or three more popped up. I couldn’t keep up anymore!

The excitement in the room had far surpassed anything I could’ve imagined at the start. Standing there, I could only stare helplessly.

Desperate, I glanced over at Yamanaka-sensei for help.

"Uh, right. Looks like Sakura’s getting overwhelmed, so save the rest of your questions for later."

At that, the class reluctantly murmured, "Ehh…" and the Q&A finally came to an end. Yamanaka-sensei, good job.

When I sat back down, I was completely exhausted—mentally wiped out. To be honest, I didn’t even hear a single word of the introductions that came after mine. Sorry, everyone.

The first day of school ended with just self-introductions and a brief explanation of what was coming next.

When I walked to the school gate with Ryoji and the others, Mom was already waiting and immediately pulled me into a hug.

"M-Mom! Not in front of my friends! It’s embarrassing!"

"Oh my, you made some friends already? That’s wonderful!"

Mom and Sakurako-chan’s group exchanged greetings. Ryoji, who’d known Mom for ages, watched their cheerful interaction from a short distance away.

I walked over to him.

"Ryoji."

"Yeah?"

"Um… thanks for today."

Honestly, I think my introduction only went halfway decently thanks to him. If things had stayed awkward and silent, I might’ve actually cried.

"Ah, don’t worry about it. If you really wanna thank me, a kiss on the cheek would do."

"If only you didn’t say stuff like that, you’d actually be pretty cool…"

I knew he was joking, so I just let it slide with a sigh.

"Since we’re all here, why don’t we take a picture together?"

After finishing her little chat, Mom called out to me with a bright smile. And so, the four of us—me, Ryoji, Sakurako-chan, and Moeka-chan—took a picture together.

When I looked at the preview on Mom’s digital camera, I was actually smiling pretty nicely. It looked like it would be a good memory.

All in all, it turned out to be a pretty great first day of school. As I imagined the days ahead, I couldn’t help but feel a little excited.