Today, I received a romance book from Ayame-san. Not only that, it's her favorite one.
That means I need to read it ASAP so I can give it back to her. Even though she said I could take my time.
However, reading an entire book filled with only words is... tough.
If it's for studying, that's one thing, but for enjoyment? This is not for me.
Not gonna lie, I'm actually thinking about giving up. I'm already struggling to catch up with all the lessons, and I still need to read.
Sigh... Let's focus for at least 30 minutes. I don't want to give up so easily.
...
How do I put this... I can understand the story, but it's hard to remember everything I read.
It's difficult to imagine what's happening in the book.
Ryuichi once told me that whenever he reads, it's like he can feel everything described in the book. That's what makes it interesting and enjoyable at the same time.
But I can't do that. I can imagine the scenes, but it doesn't feel natural. And if I try to imagine it too hard, I just stop reading. Maybe this is the difference between someone who reads for fun and someone who reads because it's necessary.
For now, I'll take some notes. That way, I can have a conversation with her about the book.
♦♦♦
"Good morning, Ayame-san!"
"Good morning, Tomoki... kun? Are you okay?"
"Hum? What do you mean? I´m fine though."
"Well... you seem more tired than usual."
"... I'm actually surprised you noticed. How did you do that?"
"Let's just say I have a knack for it." - She gives me a playful smile, but then her voice becomes soft and gentle. - "But hey, is something bothering you?"
"I'm okay. It's just that I read the book you lent me. It's kind of difficult for me to remember everything that happens."
"You don't need to force yourself. I'm just happy that you're trying your best."
I remember when someone told me they didn't like the anime I watched. I could understand and accept that everyone has things they like and dislike. But I still wished they liked it too.
I don't want Ayame-san to feel sad about this, especially because it's my fault.
"Ayame-san, I really liked the story in the book. A girl trying to understand the love she receives from the boy. It's really touching. It just took me three tries to fully understand it, haha."
"Fufu~ I'm happy you liked it. However, as I said before, take your time. You don't need to rush."
"I know, but I really want to share my thoughts about the book as soon as possible."
"I see... I'll be looking forward to that then."
♦♦♦
Ding dong, ding dong.
"Hey, Tomoki, did you bring your lunch again?"
"Yeah."
"I thought you were looking forward to eating every single meal from the cafeteria. What happened?"
"Why did you think I wanted to eat the whole menu? I just like eating my own food, that's all."
"... Sure." - Ryuichi says this with a face that clearly doesn't believe me.
I couldn't just say that I felt guilty for all the preferential treatment the guy receives here. Because I'm afraid that other guys might feel pressured to follow my example and hold a grudge against me. I can't forget that this is the most prestigious school in the country.
"And what about you, Ryuichi? Just like me, you brought your own lunch, right?"
"I mean... you're aware of my family business, right?"
"If I'm not wrong, you own farmland and handle the distribution of supplies. Why do you ask... no way."
"Yep, doesn't make a difference for me!"
"But I bet the cook is different."
"True, but the recipe is provided by us."
So, both of us started eating in the classroom, bringing our own lunch. I tried to invite Ayame-san, but whenever I do, she always smiles and waves at me. I think she wants to spend time with her other friends.
"It seems like you're reading a book now. What made you change your mind?"
"Ayame-san likes books, just like you. So I thought I should give it a try."
"You don't need to force yourself, you know. Not that you'll stop, even if I warn you. So, what kind of book are you reading?"
"A romance one."
"Just to make sure, is it a light novel?"
"Nope, just a thick book filled with words."
"Do you hate reading that much?"
"It's not that I hate it. I just get bored easily when there's a huge block of text in front of me."
"Well, good luck for you."
After finishing our meals, Ryuichi returned to his desk.
"Uh... excuse me!" - a girl from our classroom caught my attention.
"Yes? Oh, if I'm not wrong, you are..."
"Tachibana Himari, the one who asked that rude question to Satou-kun."
"I don't think you need to beat yourself up about that. Take it easy. So, how can I help you?"
"I saw you discussing against the president of the student council the other day, and I was amazed by your opinion."
"You think so? I'm glad you liked it."
"Not only me, but all the girls from our class, or maybe the entire academy, liked it."
I could see some girls in the classroom watching me and nodding.
"Now you're exaggerating. But I'm happy to hear it."
"Morikawa-san, is it okay if I call you by your first name?"
"Of course, I'm more used to hearing my first name. Go ahead!"
"I see... so.... Tomoki-san!" - Her face turned bright red.
"Yeah! It's me!"
"If it's okay with you... could we... I mean... 'Oh gosh, why can't I say it?'... Sorry, can I talk to you again sometime?"
I couldn't hear her clearly, but I think she's asking if we can talk again next time.
"Sure, I don't mind."
She bowed to me and went back to her seat. I could see her friends cheering for her. Suddenly, the thought I buried on the first day of school came to my mind.
Is this what you call a "popularity phase"? Does she have an interest in me as the opposite sex?
Just like the main character in a rom-com story, maybe I can dream about—
"Did something good happen?"
"Ayame ... san!?"
I don't know why, but even though she's smiling, her eyes don't match.
Everyone went silent. Ryuichi was glancing at me and trying to say 'I told ya!'.
Maybe I'm just overthinking, but the sudden silence from everyone is strange and a bit scary.
Ding dong, ding dong.
I don't know if I should be relieved, but at least I can ask Ayame-san later if I did something wrong... wait, I don't even remember doing anything wrong.
While I was thinking about the awkward atmosphere around Ayame-san, our homeroom teacher walked in.
"Are you all ready? So now we... did something happen here?"
No idea, teacher.