The first thing that might catch any student's attention upon entering this school is its enormous size. It was like a small town, equipped with every means of comfort and entertainment.
It was well-organized, with roads and signs everywhere, clearly showing how structured this place was.
An ordinary person might not notice certain details, but as someone experienced in the art of solitude, I felt many eyes watching me. Most people might dismiss it as baseless anxiety, but after quickly glancing around some corners, I was surprised by the large number of cameras.
So that's the reason behind that feeling.
Does this school really focus this much on protecting its students?
I suppose such treatment is reserved for society's elite.
"Hikigaya-kun, you're looking in every direction. Are you okay?" Yukinoshita said, holding her bag with both hands in front of her.
It seemed she had noticed my unusual glances at our surroundings.
"I'm fine, I'm fine. It's just that the deeper I go, the more impressive things I find."
"I understand. That's natural for a top-tier school by every standard," she said, gently touching her chin as if carefully choosing her words.
I didn't pass the entrance exam through merit, but through a recommendation. Still, I'm certain that getting into this school requires more than just academic or athletic excellence. I wouldn't be surprised if they tracked your academic history from the very beginning.
Isn't that only natural? If you're going to accept only outstanding individuals, you wouldn't rely solely on paper exams. You'd have to test them in multiple fields—it wouldn't just be simple questions and answers.
And the results… wouldn't they create differences that divide students into classes?
It sounds strangely logical, but I can't share this with Yukinoshita right now—especially since it's just a theory.
Though I'm sure she has her own thoughts and theories on her mind.
"Anyway, let's find our classes first."
"Right. Let's head there, or coming early would be pointless." She tucked her hair behind her ear and quickened her pace toward the class board. Is she excited?
An involuntary smile appeared on my face, and I quickly covered it.
I don't want other students to think I'm suspicious on the first day.
A new school means a new life—a perfect chance to reset relationships. Are you hearing me, blond guy?
From the corner of my eye, I noticed silver hair and turned instinctively.
What's this? An elementary school girl?
A short girl stood there with a cane and shiny silver hair. If it weren't for her uniform matching the other students, I would've thought she was a child.
Our eyes met for a second. She gave a small smile, and I quickly looked away—out of embarrassment, or fear?
Probably fear. I felt something strange about her. Never underestimate my instincts.
I felt someone tugging at my sleeve. I looked and saw Yukinoshita smiling brightly. What's this? Is she sick? Is it the sun—or did she catch Yuigahama's energy?
Speaking of Yuigahama, it seems she enrolled at Sobu High School. She had struggled with the entrance exam due to her level. Yukinoshita said that when she heard we were transferring to this school, she cried a lot.
"What is it?"
"I found our classes. It looks like we're in the same one."
What's with all this excitement? Is she a girl on her first day of school?
"Shall we go?"
"Sure."
This time, we walked in sync toward the school building.
"So, which class are we in?"
"Class D. It seems this school only has four classes, so the chances of us ending up together were relatively high."
"Yeah." I scratched my head awkwardly. "So, what's with the energy on your face?"
She brushed her smooth hair nervously, as if she had just realized her expression.
"Well… we never got to be in the same class during our three years at Sobu. My class never changed, so I think this is a new experience."
That makes sense. Throughout the time we've known each other, even as our relationship developed, the only place that brought us together was the club. Being in the same class really does sound nice.
"I wonder how you behave in class. Still as rotten as usual?" she said, covering her mouth to hide a teasing smile.
What's with her? Why does she enjoy teasing me? Well, I don't mind—but it's bad for my heart.
"I've changed. I've started focusing more on my studies. As you know… I have a partner in my life now, so I need to improve myself…"
I stopped, realizing how embarrassing what I just said sounded. A strange heat rose inside me.
"Oh… really?" Yukinoshita looked away, as if she sensed my embarrassment.
"Yeah."
Since that night on the bridge, I decided to improve myself to be worthy of her and her family. I never cared about my grades before—my family ignored them. I only studied to avoid failing. But now, I genuinely want to improve.
Even if I still hate math… it wouldn't hurt to try.ع
Silence fell between us until we reached the classroom.
All first-year classes were on the same floor. I assume each floor is dedicated to a specific year.
The hallway was simple—just a bulletin board and cameras everywhere.
Judging by the number of desks, it seemed each class had exactly 40 students.
Class D was at the end of the hallway. The closer we got, the louder the noise became. I wonder what kind of students are in there.
I didn't need to wonder—we had already arrived. Yukinoshita entered quickly, while I stayed at the door for a moment. There were already groups and pairs scattered around the classroom. What is this? Have they already started socializing?
The speed at which normal people adapt is terrifying.
There were also a few loners sitting in the back rows.
The one who caught my attention the most at first glance was a blond guy with long hair, putting his feet on the desk and admiring himself in a mirror. Strange guy.
I decided to head to my seat and postpone evaluating my classmates.
Yukinoshita's seat was at the front, right in front of the board, while mine was in a row near the aisle. Behind me were three seats occupied by three guys—I overheard part of their conversation.
"No way! The most beautiful girl in middle school confessed to me on the first day!"
"Hahaha, yeah, I get you, man."
What is this cheap conversation? From their faces alone, you could tell they were complete idiots. Are they even serious?
I decided to avoid getting involved with them.
The guy in front of me seemed calmer—wearing glasses and a proper uniform. He looked like someone who cared about studying. Thank goodness I'm not alone in this situation.
But that peace didn't last long…
"Well then, since we'll be classmates, how about we introduce ourselves? I'm Hirata Yosuke. You can call me Yosuke. I like soccer and want to join the soccer club here."
Throughout my school life, one of my worst memories has always been self-introductions. I end up mumbling random words in a barely audible voice—resulting in pure embarrassment.
At best, people don't even notice me and just move on.
But I'm better now… right?
My full name should be enough. But that handsome guy talked about his hobbies too—is that necessary?
By the way, I feel like I've seen him somewhere before.
I raised my head instinctively when I heard Yukinoshita's voice.
"Yukinoshita Yukino. Nice to meet you."
Simple and perfect—just as expected from the Ice Queen.
If I use the same words, would that be enough?
If so, this should be easy.
Alright… let me repeat it.
"Hikitani Hachiman. Nice to meet you."
Wait—what am I saying? There's no one here named Hikitani!
Wait… what if there is?
Sorry, Hikitani-san, I didn't mean that.
I couldn't even focus on listening to my classmates. It's important to know their names, right?
Suddenly, I heard a loud kick behind me. I turned quickly.
A red-haired guy was kicking his desk, looking irritated.
"Introductions? What is this, kindergarten?"
Before he could finish, the bell rang. The classroom door opened immediately after, and a woman in a formal suit entered, her black hair tied in a ponytail.
Her eyes were sharp—intimidatingly so—and her strictness was obvious.
"Everyone, take your seats."