The boy in question starts scratching his head awkwardly.
"Sorry. I didn't mean to seem rude. I was gonna say hi after you two were done."
He says, looking at me with those laid-back eyes.
'What a weird guy.'
"No worries, don't sweat it. Not everyone's got Kushida-chan's social skills, right?"
I reply, flashing a small smile.
"True."
He says.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
Kushida jumps in, not liking being left out.
"Alright, let's get going."
Pretending I didn't hear her question, I suggest we hit the road.
They both agree.
We leave the gym and start strolling along the campus's paved paths.
"By the way, Hasebe-chan, why didn't Kōenji-kun come?"
Kushida suddenly asks.
"He said he had urgent stuff to do. Don't ask me what—I've got no clue."
I answer.
"Got it. No biggie, I've got his number, so I'll ask him later."
'Hold up! She's got his number?'
I feel betrayed.
"Speaking of, I don't have your number, Hasebe-chan. Mind if we swap?"
Kushida asks next.
'I see, that's how you got his, huh.'
That's the power of a saintly girl.
"Sure, why not."
I nod.
I'd have to give her my number anyway since she's in charge of setting up the class group chat.
Handing my phone to Kushida, I turn to the guy with us.
"Ayanokōji, right?"
I ask.
He just nods in response.
"Guess if she's not asking you, she already pulled the number swap on you."
"Yup."
'This guy's a total introvert. Not that I'm one to judge.'
"So, you're next to Horikita-chan, right? I didn't see her at the ceremony."
I bring up the topic.
"Unlike you, who's got a good thing going with your desk neighbor, I'm not exactly there with mine."
That's his reply.
"O-oh. I feel you."
"Thanks."
I genuinely do.
Given how she's acted in class these past two days, it'd be shocking if she actually bonded with anyone.
'Poor Ayanokōji.'
"Here, Hasebe-chan."
Done swapping numbers, Kushida hands back my phone.
"You worried about Horikita-chan too, Hasebe-chan?"
Kushida asks, apparently having caught my little chat with Ayanokōji.
"Nah, uh, just curious."
Truth is, I don't care about her. It's not mean-spirited, but stuck-up girls who think they're above everyone else get on my nerves.
"Gotcha. Anyway, I'm sure Horikita-chan's just the type who doesn't open up easily. Give her time, and I bet she'll warm up to us. So, don't hold it against her if she's rubbed you the wrong way."
Kushida says.
"Uh, okay."
'This girl's an actual angel…'
"Awesome! It's not too late. Wanna check out the Keyaki Center?"
She suggests.
Ayanokōji gives a slight nod.
As for me…
"I'm wiped out. Really sorry, Kushida-chan."
I apologize.
On second thought, I just want my bed and pillows.
"No prob. It was great chatting with you, Hasebe-chan. See you tomorrow?"
Though a bit bummed, Kushida doesn't push me.
"Tomorrow."
Since the dorms and the center are in different directions, we naturally part ways here.
After saying bye—Ayanokōji just waves—I head to the dorms while they go to the Keyaki Center.
'Hope tomorrow takes its sweet time.'
…
"Okay, guess it's time."
Reluctantly, I drag myself out of bed.
What's so important it's pulling me from my kingdom?
School?
Nope, it's 6 p.m., and as far as I know, classes end at 3:30.
A date?
I wouldn't say no, but I haven't found anyone for that yet. Though… nah, forget it.
Hanging out with friends?
Uh, no. Besides the embarrassing fact that I can count my friends on one hand, I don't think hangouts happen at night unless it's a weekend. But it's Wednesday.
So what?
My damn study group.
Except for Saturdays, when sessions are in the morning, and Sundays, which are off, school days have sessions at 6 p.m. because of club activities.
Now you get it. Pure torture.
Anyway, despite my griping, deep down I know it's a necessary evil.
With that mindset, I leave my room for the study spot.
I exit my dorm building, Building 2, and head to Building 1.
Before you get excited, I'm actually going to the study session.
As for why it's in the dorms, well…
I take the elevator to the fourth floor.
'Thank god for elevators.'
No way I'd climb all those stairs.
I stop at a door: "401."
Before ringing, I check my phone.
"6:13 p.m."
'Phew, less than 15 minutes late.'
After confirming I'm within the time window set by a certain tyrannical someone, I pocket my phone—on silent, of course—and press the buzzer.
I don't wait long or need to ring twice before I hear noise from the other side.
The door finally opens.
"Hey."
As a civilized person, I greet the host who bothered to open it.
"Hey, Hasebe-chan."
Though he returns my greeting, the host's flat tone carries zero emotion.
'Same old, same old.'
"You can come in."
He invites me in, and I step inside without hesitation.
It might seem weird for a girl to be invited into a guy's room, but I don't feel any tension.
Maybe because it's not really an invitation.
Honestly, I feel bad for the poor host.
"So, is everyone else here?"
I ask as I slip off my shoes at the entrance.
"You're the last one."
He replies in the same dull tone.
'Geez, why's it sound like you're accusing me of being late?'
Enjoying the story?
☕ You can support me with a one-time tip on Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/hemlet
📚 Want to read 30+ chapters ahead and get exclusive content?Join me on Patreon: patreon.com/Hemlet
Your support means the world — thank you! ❤️