Facing Hiratsuka-sensei's greeting, which was way too laid-back and delinquent-coded for any self-respecting homeroom teacher, Yoru simply dropped into the corner window seat like he owned it.
He eyed her perched on the desk, legs crossed in those slim suit pants, and delivered his line with perfect deadpan tease.
"Here to say hi, sensei… or to collect protection money? Planning to climb to the top of Sobu High's food chain?"
As a die-hard fan of hot-blooded delinquent manga, Hiratsuka instantly caught the Crows Zero reference. A spark of genuine delight flashed in her eyes—finally, a kindred spirit—but she quickly reined it in. Coughing twice to salvage her "dignified teacher" facade, she straightened up.
"As a young educator, I prefer to blend in with my students, you know."
Nearby, Asuna—who'd quietly claimed a seat not far away—let out a soft internal sigh.
Blend in?
Sensei, do you have any idea how terrifying it is to hurl a heavy grenade like a pro pitcher, leaving afterimages, and nail a monster's mouth mid-roar?
More importantly… does Hiratsuka-sensei even know Gojo-san's real job? She acts completely clueless.
Devil Hunter identities probably needed to stay under wraps, right? Official secrets and all that.
In that moment, Asuna made a silent vow.
She'd never breathe a word about Gojo-san's true role—not to her parents, not to anyone. It wasn't nearly enough to repay him for saving her life, but it was a solid first step.
"Alright, time's up."
Hiratsuka glanced at her watch, hopped off the desk with surprising grace, and strode to the podium.
"Opening ceremony in the gym, everyone. You're high schoolers now—no need to line up holding hands like kindergarteners. Let's move."
With that, she sauntered out alone.
The brief exchange left most of Class 1-A with the same impression: their homeroom teacher was… unusually chill. Maybe too chill.
Yoru, who'd stayed quiet by the window, stood up next and headed out solo.
Asuna's mind immediately kicked into overdrive.
Gojo-san leaving first? Not waiting for anyone? Heading to the auditorium alone?
Could he be…?
Even though he'd been so relaxed and chatty with her earlier, maybe he was the type who only opened up around people he already knew. In a brand-new environment full of strangers, perhaps he got socially anxious?
The thought hit her like a spark. Without hesitation, she shot to her feet and hurried after him.
They'd only met that morning, but she couldn't stand the idea of him walking through the halls by himself while everyone else clustered in excited groups, laughing and bonding.
"Gojo-san, wait up!"
Yoru paused at her call. He waited until she caught up, then resumed walking with that familiar easy smile.
"What, Yuuki-san? First day jitters got you clinging to the nearest familiar face? Don't tell me you're the socially anxious type."
"Hmph…"
Asuna lifted her chin defiantly, brushing back her long flaxen hair with one hand. She'd almost fired back—"You're the one who seems anxious"—but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she pivoted smoothly.
"If that's how you want to interpret it, then sure. Let's go with that."
Her emotional intelligence was sharp.
She'd already decided he must be socially anxious and too proud to admit it. Calling him out directly would just bruise his ego. No need to say anything—just being there for him was enough.
At the exact same moment, Yoru was thinking the precise opposite about her.
Asuna-san… socially anxious?
It tracked. They'd been held up forever at the station, arrived late—no time to mingle with classmates. Sticking close to the one person she already knew made perfect sense.
…
Inside Sobu High's spacious indoor gymnasium, Asuna spotted rows of students lining up by class.
But Yoru didn't veer toward the Class 1-A section—he kept walking straight ahead.
"Hey, hey—where are you going? Our spot's right over there."
"Backstage," he replied casually, like it was obvious.
Asuna blinked, half-laughing in disbelief.
"Backstage? What, planning to give a speech or something?"
"Actually, yeah."
"Huh?"
His calm confirmation left her staring, mouth slightly open in that adorably dazed way.
Yoru's lips curved into a genuine smile at the sight.
"I'm the new student representative this year. Why else would I bolt out first? Needed to get backstage early and prep."
"Ah… uh… ohhh… right…"
Asuna tried to play it cool, but a vivid blush bloomed across her fair cheeks anyway.
A girl's embarrassed flush—stronger than any direct confession.
She wanted to melt into the floor.
What had she been thinking? Assuming he had social anxiety, chasing after him like some self-appointed emotional support hero. She'd basically cast herself as the White Knight in her own headcanon rescue fantasy.
"Want to come backstage with me?"
Yoru's teasing question snapped her out of it. She waved both hands frantically.
"No, no, no—I'm good!"
"Hmm~?"
From the side, Hiratsuka's voice dripped with knowing amusement.
She'd appeared out of nowhere, arms crossed, eyeing the pair like the ultimate gossip auntie. Despite her stunning features, right now she radiated pure "meddlesome onee-san" energy.
"Yuuki, Gojo… don't tell me you two are already dating?"
"Not even close," Yoru shot back instantly.
He glanced at Hiratsuka's gleeful grin and added without mercy,
"And that look on your face is straight-up creepy, sensei. Projecting your own single life onto us or something?"
"You…"
The jab landed square on Hiratsuka's biggest sore spot. Her fist clenched, trembling as she forced a smile that was all teeth.
"Gojo-kun… could you maybe watch your tone a little?"
"Heh. Threatening students already? Look at you, all grown up."
"One more word and I really will deck you, got it?"
She said it, but the threat held zero heat. Hiratsuka was an adult—at least chronologically. Playful banter was fine; actual violence on day one with a student she'd just met? Not happening. Verbal sparring was the limit.
Meanwhile, Asuna remained frozen in stunned silence, as if she'd been hit with a Sharingan illusion.
Gojo-san… new student representative? Seriously?
He didn't give off honors-student vibes at all…