Chapter 1: Blending in

Sunday morning. Peering out the window of my room, I saw that it would unfortunately be one of those days with rain stretching from morning till night. Not quite a downpour, but the kind of weather which is enough to make you reluctant to step outside, even with an umbrella.

By the time it was nearly ten, I had finished getting dressed and grabbed a single umbrella before heading down to the dorm lobby. As I stepped into the elevator, I noticed the floor was wet, evidence that students had been going in and out since early morning.

“Yo, mornin'.”

2

As soon as I reached the first floor and the elevator doors opened, a male student in a hoodie standing by the entrance turned around, raised a hand, and greeted me. It was my classmate, Yoshida.

“Morning.”

After we finished our brief greetings, Yoshida immediately turned his gaze toward the sofa.

“Shimazaki came down a little while ago too.” he said

As if he heard those words, Shimazaki stood up and removed a single white wireless earbud from his right ear. He slipped it into a small case he’d taken from his bag, probably one made just for those earbuds.

“What were you listening to?”

2

Keeping pace with Yoshida, I approached Shimazaki and asked him.

“English listening practice for the entrance exams. I'm personally not what you'd call good at English, so I want to make use of every spare minute while I can.”

It seemed he didn't want to waste even the slightest bit of time he spent waiting for his classmates.

“Huh? You're bad at English? Don't you get better scores than me?”

Yoshida looked up at the ceiling and groaned, as if trying to recall past test results.

“It's meaningless to compare myself to you. It's actually my weakest subject.”

“Yeah, whatever? My bad for makin' the comparison then.”

Though he looked displeased, Yoshida apologized.

Shimazaki has the academic ability and grades to naturally rank among the top of our year, but it's likely because he's aware of his weaknesses and diligently works on them that he achieves such results.

As third-year students with entrance exams approaching. This level of awareness is just what you'd expect from former Class A students.

“I thought that was a sarcastic remark, but you're not getting angry?”

I had the impression that Yoshida is quite short-tempered, but he didn't seem particularly angry at Shimazaki's comment.

“Well, it bugs me a little, but this guy is always studying and nothing else. I'm not that passionate about studying, and it's a fact that there's a gap between us.”

That's how Yoshida answered, but it might also just be that the two of them are good friends.

“Seriously though, haven't you done nothing but studying lately?”

“I wonder. I make sure to set aside at least five hours a day on it, but that's about it.”

This five-hour period, of course, does not include school classes.

I don't know how much time the average third-year high school student devotes to self-study, but that’s certainly not a short amount of time.

Yoshida made a dramatic gesture with his hands, as if to say there was no way he could do five hours.

“The right given to Class A graduates is just a trump card. Doing this much is a given if you want to get into a good university, and it's not just me saying this. I'm heading to the cram school at Keyaki Mall this evening too.”

“Seriously? Just how much are you gonna study…?”

Come to think of it, there was a cram school in the Keyaki mall set up by the Advanced Nurturing High School. It was a place irrelevant to me, so I'd never stopped by. I'd heard that even without private points, you could attend for free if you met certain conditions, such as having no problems with your usual conduct and having a clear vision for your future, like a specific university you want to attend.

1

“A cram school, huh. How many students actually go there?”

When I asked Shimazaki out of simple curiosity, for some reason, he glared at me slightly.

“You don't know? Speaking just for the third-years, there are 20 students as of now. Even then, compared to normal high schools, that’s a pretty low percentage. It’ll probably increase even more as we head into summer.”

So that's how many students are starting to prepare for their entrance exams.

“It's not like your grades are bad, but shouldn't you at least show your face there?” Shimazaki said trying to be encouraging

Compared to Shimazaki, Yoshida is certainly inferior, but he still possesses high academic ability.

If he's considering a university, it wouldn't be strange for him to start attending.

Shimazaki probably recommended it with good intentions, but Yoshida immediately refused.

“No way, no way. I'm fine with just a so-so university, just a decent one. I can't stand being holed up studying even on my days off when I'm supposed to be hanging out with friends. It's suffocating, isn't it? Just studying all the time.”

He said this, declining as he glanced at Shimazaki, who always studied so seriously.

“If that's the case, then fine. I have no intention of forcing you to study. That’s exactly why, as long as I’m not bothering anyone, I’m free to do whatever I want, whenever and wherever I please.”

Shimazaki's brow furrowed as he glared at Yoshida, perhaps feeling that his attitude toward studying had been dismissive.

“O-of course, it's your choice. Don't get so mad.”

In response, Yoshida frantically held up his open palms and offered an apology.

“Ahem, so anyways, What's the reason you called me and Ayanokoji out on our day off?”

Clearing his throat, Yoshida asked Shimazaki, as if to change the subject.

It was a precious day off, a day he would normally spend studying on his own. It was only natural to wonder why someone like Shimazaki would call us out.

“To be honest, my business is only with Ayanokoji, but we're not exactly on terms where we can just go out or consult each other one-on-one. I figured things would go more smoothly if you were here.”

2

So Yoshida wasn’t actually involved in the main reason for this meetup. But with the word ‘consult’ now in the mix, the real motive behind Shimazaki’s invitation was starting to take shape.

“So that's it. Well, I'm the type who's naturally relied upon a lot.”

Yoshida squinted his eyes slightly in amusement, pretending to be troubled by it.

“Anyway, since you asked, I'll cooperate properly. Ayanokoji, make sure you give Shimazaki some proper advice.”

He added, casually resting a hand on my shoulder.

“That depends on the topic of the consultation. What exactly were you planning to consult me about?”

As Shimazaki said, my relationship with him isn't close at all, there's still some distance between us. There must be a clear reason why he'd go out of his way to consult someone like that. Another thing that bothered me was that he'd asked me to bring an umbrella.

If it was just for a consultation, there would be no need to force ourselves to go out on a rainy day, we could have just as easily talked in someone's room.

Shimazaki glanced around briefly before looking me straight in the eye.

“Today, I'm going to make you confess all of your secrets.”

10

“…Secrets?”

“Talking about it here won't help. For now, you'll understand if you just follow me.”

With that, he stepped out of the lobby, immediately opened his umbrella, and started walking at a rather quick pace.

“What the heck? Where do you think he's going?” Yoshida said, squinting after him.

“Who knows. He did mention Keyaki Mall, but—”

After briefly exchanging a glance, we both followed after Shimazaki.

Shimazaki, walking ahead of us, headed straight for Keyaki Mall. When we got to the entrance, he slipped his umbrella into the umbrella bag dispenser. After a soft click, he pulled it back out, the plastic bag now neatly wrapped around the umbrella. We followed suit, and entered the Mall right behind him. When we arrived in front of a bookstore, he finally turned to face us.

“A bookstore? Are we making a detour?”

Without replying to Yoshida's murmur, Shimasaki stepped into the store and made a beeline for the 'gakusan' section stacked with prep books and academic references.

“This is where I wanted to bring you, Ayanokoji.” he said firmly

It wasn't just a small detour, this was apparently the destination, the final stop.

“I want you to tell me what kinds of reference books you usually use and what your study routine is like.”

4

Hearing those words, I finally began to see the nature of Shimazaki's consultation.

“So that's what this is about.”

“Seeing the results of the last special exam, I understand that you're on a higher level than me. I don't expect to catch up to you overnight. But that doesn't mean I intend to stop chasing after you.”

The slight glare he gave me when we talked about the cram school was likely due to an unconscious sense of rivalry.

He wanted to adopt a more efficient study style to get even a little closer to my academic ability. That strong determination was coming through clearly.

“C’mon, help him out, Ayanokoji.” Yoshida nudged.

Acting as the go-between, he urged me, but I didn't open my mouth.

Or rather, it'd be more accurate to say I couldn't.

I was more than willing to grant his wish, but I didn't have the answer he was looking for. While most high school students were currently tackling and learning unknown subjects, I had completed that process in my childhood. The studying I was doing now wasn't learning, but complete revision, so I couldn't provide the answer he was hoping for.

“Hey, Ayanoko—”

“It's fine, Yoshida. As expected, he's probably not willing to teach me so easily." Shimazaki said, furrowing his eyebrows at my silence.

“It's a study method you developed on your own. I don't expect you to teach it to me for free. If necessary, I can pay with private points, or if there's something else you want—”

I cut off Shimazaki, who was trying to start negotiations in hopes of learning my secret.

“If today's consultation was a problem I could solve, I would’ve gladly cooperated.”

“I would’ve, huh? Is it a trade secret when it comes to studying? Or do you need a bigger reward?”

“No, I don't need any reward. If Shimazaki's academic ability improves, it will naturally contribute to raising the class's overall level. I'll get my reward from that. Besides, it's not like I'll have any trouble no matter how much you improve your grades in the future.”

I tried to explain in a way he could understand as much as possible, but I knew it wouldn't be easy.

“I see. I understand the logic, for the most part. But the reason you still don't seem willing to teach me… Is it that you want to avoid me catching up to you at all costs?”

“That's not it either. If you think I’m just trying to protect my top spot, you're mistaken. I have no desire to show off or cling to being number one.”

In this school, there are definitely students who are better than me in various fields.

I want them to exist, they must exist.

10

If someone can surpass me in the field of academics, I'd like to see them do it.

2

“If you're going to say that much, then tell me what reference books you use. Also, I'd like you to tell me in detail about your usual study methods and how you manage your time.”

With the resolve to analyze everything about me, he asked without holding back.

“Of course, I will absolutely not blame you if it's not effective. I'll just accept that the method didn't suit me, so don't worry.” he remarked further.

His sincere attitude towards studying seemed genuine.

And riding that same wave of resolve, Yoshida steps up beside Shimazaki.

“Ah, could you tell me too? If I can study more efficiently, I'll copy it.”

3

What should I do?

The general study methods I taught Karuizawa, the way a normal student would teach a classmate, wouldn't work for high-level students like Shimazaki and Yoshida.

On the other hand, I couldn't possibly implement the full-fledged study method I'm currently considering, which incorporates the philosophy of nurturing White Room students.

2

Prepared to be met with suspicion, I chose to reveal just a sliver of the truth.

“Honestly, I don’t really use these kinds of reference books anymore.”

“...What? But you don't show up at the cram school either. You were solving problems that you haven't even been taught, not just the difficult ones. How do you explain that?”

“To be honest, a big part of it was just coincidence. I usually pick up knowledge from the internet. These days, there are video sites where people solve and explain difficult problems, right? I just happened to have seen a similar problem in a video I was watching, so I was able to solve it.”

“Well, I guess things like that might happen sometimes, but...”

It was precisely because Shimazaki was so sharp that my explanation made him even more skeptical. He trailed off, not looking convinced.

Despite his doubt, I made sure to emphasize that I didn't watch any specific sites or channels.

In the end, I would probably be perceived as a secretive person, but that couldn't be helped.

“However, there was a reference book that I felt was helpful.”

I often browse bookstores. In doing so, I've had the experience of skimming through several reference books to see what kind of information they contained and to what extent.

Relying on that memory, I could tell them which one I felt was most suitable for studying.

“If you're okay with that, I'd like to give you some advice.”

It’s not that I was refusing to teach entirely, I would tell them what I could, and I wanted them to use what seemed helpful. I made sure to clearly show that much intent.

The rest was up to Shimazaki and how he takes it.

Would he decide I was an annoying guy who wouldn't tell him the truth and leave it at that, or would he choose the option of moving forward for his own sake, even while having doubts about me?

With almost no time for hesitation, Shimazaki nodded in reply.

“Alright. I'll gladly accept your recommendation.”

It seemed he decided to start by trusting me, all for the sake of raising his own level.

In response to his request, I recommended a reference book that seemed good to me.

Both of them picked it up without hesitation, but Yoshida soon gave up on buying it. This was because, naturally, the information needed in a reference book varies greatly depending on the level and direction of the university one is aiming for.

Even if it was a fit for Shimazaki, who was aiming for a high level, it might be irrelevant to Yoshida.

So, after having a talk with Yoshida, Shimazaki and I searched for a reference book that we thought would suit him.

For about thirty minutes, we wandered around the study guide section, looking at various books, discussing back and forth, picking them up and tossing them back. Some of it might’ve seemed like pointless back-and-forth, but I didn't feel it was a bad time at all, rather, it was a fulfilling and fun time.

Bit by bit, we got a clearer idea of what Yoshida was looking for, and finally, we decided on the reference books he would buy.

Although it was nothing major, it gave a sense of accomplishment akin to working together to create something.

After that, the three of us split up for a moment to check out other books we might want, then circled back and met up again.

I found a few interesting magazines and novels, but since I didn’t have any spare personal points, I decided to pass on all of them this time.

“What are those books?”

Shimazaki pointed out that Yoshida had returned holding a bunch of books in addition to the ones both of us had recommended.

“Oh, these? Come on, I’m allowed to buy something besides textbooks, aren’t I?”

The books Yoshida was holding were men's fashion magazines and manga. There was one about appearance and clothing to be popular with the opposite sex, and another about conversational skills and techniques.

2

“Studying is important, sure, but I want to cherish love too. We’ve got less than a year of high school left, you know? I’m not gonna waste my last shot at dating a high school girl.”

Yoshida said that as the three of us headed for the register.

“I don't think it's necessarily the last chance, though...”

Shimazaki muttered, looking a bit taken aback, but he was certainly right.

Even as a college student or a working adult, the chance of dating a high school student isn’t necessarily zero. Then again, if the age gap is too big, that brings its own set of issues.

8

While I was seriously considering such things, the main reason was probably something else.

“Is it because you wouldn’t be able to see Shiraishi anymore?”

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say there was a condition attached: Until graduation from the Advanced Nurturing High School.

I only wanted to confirm my hunch, but upon hearing Shiraishi's name, Yoshida became extremely flustered and dropped one of the books he was holding.

“H-hey, Ayanokoji, don't say unnecessary things!”

He looked ready to cover my mouth, but the words that had already been spoken couldn't be taken back.

“I was just genuinely curious... was that out of line?”

“O-of course it was! I-it's not like I like Shiraishi or anything! I told you that before, didn't I!?”

Indeed, Yoshida himself had denied it, but his behavior had always said otherwise.

Even Shiraishi was certain that Yoshida had feelings for her.

It wouldn't be a stretch to say that there’s a 99, no, a 100% chance he’s into her.

“...Shiraishi? You like Shiraishi...?”

7

Shimazaki, who had been walking a little ahead, turned back and muttered this as he watched Yoshida pick up the book.

“It's not like I like her or anything! I'm just a little interested, that's all...!” Yoshida frantically denied.

4

It wasn't unreasonable to think that his answer was similar to saying he did like her.

Shimazaki, unfazed by Yoshida’s blatant reaction, seemed to be the type who was entirely devoted to his studies, with little to no interest in things like romance.

Just as I was about to settle on that impression, his expression clouded over just for a moment.

I wonder if something’s on his mind.

“...Is that so…”

Noticing the sudden shift in Shimazaki’s demeanor to a slightly heavier one, Yoshida’s face turned pale. In an instant, a flurry of thoughts seemed to race through his mind, all converging down to a single conclusion.

“N-no way....don't tell me you're one of the 100 she's ‘slain’!?”

1

“Huh? The 100-slayer thing? Don’t be ridiculous.”

Shimazaki dismissed it with an exasperated sigh. His expression shifted right after, now clearly annoyed.

“Yoshida, do you really like Shiraishi?”

“I-I told you, it’s not like I like her! I’m just, you know, a little, just a tiny bit curious about her, that’s all!”

The more he tried to deny it, the more it sounded like he was saying 'I like her.'

In fact, Shimazaki, watching all of this unfold, probably thought the same thing.

“Alright, fine, just listen up. That's just a rumor, don’t go on taking nonsense like that seriously.”

“W-Well, yeah, I get that but... You know what they say, 'where there's smoke, there's fire', right…?”

“It depends on how that fire was started. That was a lie Shiraishi intentionally spread herself.”

The '100-Man Slayer' nickname had always piqued my interest.

So when it was vehemently denied from a source I never expected, I couldn't help but be surprised.

Yoshida's shock and agitation, however, seemed to surpass mine, his voice caught in his throat as if frozen.

After a brief moment, as if his brain had processed it a little, he managed to croak out a question.

“Huh? A lie? H-How would you know something like that?”

Instead of answering right away, Shimazaki quietly scanned his surroundings. More cautiously than he had back in the lobby.

1

Fortunately, there didn’t seem to be any other customers around, the store was quiet.

Once he was sure they were alone, Shimazaki returned to Yoshida, lowering his voice, and finally began to speak.

“Do you remember when you first started hearing that stupid rumor?”

“Um, If I recall correctly... I think it was around the summer of our first year.... Something about ‘20-Man Slayer’ or whatever.”

To reach a 100 people, it must have started with one.. Unless she had accomplished it before high school, it's only natural for the rumor to start from a smaller number.

Well, not that I have much room to talk, I wasn’t too familiar with the nickname myself.

“To be precise, it was after the uninhabited island exam. That was when Shiraishi started getting close to Nishikawa. It was from the second semester onwards that such ridiculous stories suddenly started popping up.”

3

Naturally, the circumstances of Class 1-A at that time were entirely unknown to me.

Yoshida recalled the events from back then, lightly tapping the corner of a magazine against his chin.

“Are you trying to imply that Nishikawa was the one who suggested spreading that rumor?”

“I don't have solid proof, but it's likely. Even if we assume the part about 20 people was true, the whole 100 people rumor is definitely a lie. There’s just no way someone suddenly racks up 80 more people in this school to make it to 100, that’s simply unrealistic. Anyone would realize that if they thought about it for a second.”

2

I had, myself, first heard the "100-Man slayer" rumor from Nishikawa. Out of curiosity, I asked if the nickname would become 200 if the numbers increase, but the reply I got was ‘100 is enough to sound impressive.’

Perhaps she had started circulating 'slaying' rumors early on. 'This many or that' an uncertainty seeded and left to grow, until the nickname gradually took root.

But for what purpose?

That question naturally comes to mind.

“But… hey, can you really be that sure? I mean, what if the twenty in middle school part was actually true?”

Yoshida, on the other hand, appeared to be fixated on a different point and stepped toward Shimazaki, pressing him for answers.

“I don’t know anything about that. But even if it was true, so what? Does that somehow make it a problem for you to like Shiraishi?”

3

Shimazaki snapped back with a stern tone, like a teacher scolding a student, and Yoshida, visibly overwhelmed, stumbled back even farther than he had stepped forward.

“No… it’s not that... but still…”

“To begin with, I’m not even from the same middle school, so there’s no way I’d know that. But one thing I can say for sure is that the exaggerated rumors going around now are certainly false. I've been observing Shiraishi since day one, so there's no mistaking it.”

Immediately after declaring it, Shimazaki, as if realizing he had made a mistake, averted his gaze from us in a flustered manner.

Suddenly an awkward silence filled the already quiet bookstore.

“......I observe all of my classmates, you see.”

Shimazaki added that belatedly, as if to deflect, but witnessing such an uncharacteristic display from him, it was impossible not to notice.

“You—”

Though I sensed the reason for Yoshida’s denial and the hidden circumstances behind it, he was likely hesitant to express it directly.

I could read from Yoshida's expression, the clash between his desire to confirm it and the rational part of him telling him not to.

“Don't misunderstand, Yoshida. ...It's not like that.”

“Misunderstanding? No, not really... I mean...if that's the case, then fine. It's not like I'm all that into Shiraishi either…”

Both of them exchanged words while deliberately avoiding each other’s gaze, facing entirely different directions as if the air between them had grown too dense to bear.

Still, it was obvious, both of them harbored strong feelings for Shiraishi, feelings they didn't hold for other girls. She herself seemed well aware of her popularity with the opposite sex, and this proved her confidence wasn't merely a bluff.

“Anyway, we're done in the bookstore. Let's head out, we're just holding up the place.”

Shimazaki said that, avoiding Yoshida's doubtful gaze.

Indeed, now that they've decided what to buy, lingering here and chatting would only be a nuisance to the store.

Besides, it would be best to avoid having other students overhear this kind of conversation.

“......Yeah.”

We quickly settled the bill, then made our way out of the bookstore.

I thought we’d go our separate ways after finishing picking out the reference books, but unexpectedly, at Shimazaki's suggestion, we ended up stopping by the rest area.

Perhaps neither of them wanted to leave things as they were, with the somewhat heavy atmosphere still hanging in the air.

I naturally thought and interpreted it that way, which is probably a sign that I’ve grown more attuned to emotions.

4

The ‘atmosphere of a place’ is hard to define, something intangible, something that can’t be physically measured.

However, depending on whether you can read the expressions and tension in the room, your perception of that space can change completely.

In the end, the atmosphere exists only in each person’s mind, shaped by how their brain interprets it.

Thinking back, there must have been many times since I enrolled that I failed to perceive the atmosphere and overlooked it.

Even at times when I believed I understood, it was, in truth, nothing more than superficial understanding. There were probably many things that I wasn’t really sure about.

That was simply how shallow my understanding of this phenomenon called 'emotion' had always been, reflecting on how little direct experience I'd ever had with it.

But lately, things have begun to change.

1

I can clearly sense the emotions others carry, and not just through logic, but almost instinctively.

In fact, I’ve started recognizing them without even being aware of it.

After placing the books he had just bought onto the bench, Shimazaki started walking toward the vending machine.

“What would you like? It’s my treat, for helping me pick the reference books.”

With his back turned, still facing the vending machine, Shimazaki’s voice drifted over.

“Are you sure?”

“Of course. Besides, seeing you in the bookstore earlier, you're on a budget, right? I know you used your private points for that class transfer.”

Since he offered so generously, I decided to take him up on it without hesitation.

3

“You gonna treat me too?” Yoshida chimed in hopefully.

“You're paying for your own.”

“Stingy…”

Yoshida muttered under his breath. He stepped up to the vending machine next to Shimazaki’s, looking like he’d already resigned himself to his fate.

“To be honest, I’d have liked to treat you to something at a cafe, but it’s just too crowded today” he said.

Perhaps because of the rain, students with time to kill on their day off were swarming the cafe.

When we passed by earlier, there was already a huge line waiting to get in. In that sense, for today at least, this place is probably better suited for a conversation.

He handed me a black canned coffee from the vending machine and I pulled the tab, hearing the gentle hiss as it opened.

For a moment, I fiddled with the pull-tab with my fingertips before gently pressing it in.

From the slightly dented rim of the aluminum can, a faint, roasted aroma slowly rose, curling into the air like an invisible thread of comfort.

“Black coffee, huh? You’ve got good taste.”

Shimazaki, who said that, also seemed to have the same canned coffee in his hand.

“Do you like it?” I asked

4

“If I’m being honest, not really. But it’s perfect when I need to concentrate. The stimulant effect is strong.” he replied with a casual shrug.

Apparently, it wasn’t about the flavor for him, it was the effect that mattered. He was clearly drinking it for its utility.

Meanwhile, Yoshida was still standing in front of the vending machine, groaning as if facing a life-altering decision.

“You're taking your time. If you don't need it, you don't have to force yourself to buy something you know?” Shimazaki called out.

Watching how Yoshida hadn’t even lifted a finger toward the buttons, Shimazaki couldn’t help but poke fun.

“Well, it's like, my throat's definitely dry. But I don't want to drink that much. At times like this, don't you get stuck deciding which one of these to buy?”

Saying that, Yoshida smoothly slid one step to the side of the vending machine and, turning to look at us, pointed to two products alternately. One was a 500ml tea, and the other was a 280ml tea, other than the size, they were the exact same product.

“The 280ml is plenty for me, but the price gap is 20 points. I can’t tell which one’s the smarter pick, it’s driving me nuts!”

This isn't just limited to drinks, the same can be said for many products on sale. Even when buying snacks, the large bag has more quantity and is cheaper, but it lacks the convenience of the smaller, individually wrapped packages.

“Normally, you’d wanna prioritize cost-performance. If it’s only a 20-point difference, you should just buy the 500ml without hesitation.”

Shimazaki answered instantly. He probably always does so himself.

“Well, yeah~ But I often end up not being able to finish it and having leftovers. Still, it's true that considering the cost-performance—”

“I would go with the 280ml one. If you're not confident you can finish it from the start. If you purchase the larger one and take home the remaining portion, the taste will degrade over time. Even though tea is said to have antibacterial properties, once you open and drink from a plastic bottle, bacteria from your mouth gets inside. You can't ignore the hygiene aspect either.”

6

“Ugh… y-you’re right. That’s true, those things do happen…” Yoshida muttered, clearly struggling with the logic.

I wondered if I’d said too much, but figured it was worth expressing my opinion. And just like that, Yoshida was back to indecisively staring at the vending machine.

In the end, the choice Yoshida made was to press both buttons at the same time.

The one that came out was the 500ml bottle. The look on Yoshida's face as he clutched the plastic bottle wasn't one of satisfaction, but rather one of self-questioning: 'Was this really the right choice?'

Then again, he’d probably have worn the same expression if the 280ml one had come out instead.

By the time Yoshida, who had been so indecisive about his purchase, finished about a third of his tea on the spot, I noticed he kept glancing at Shimazaki, fidgeting restlessly, unable to sit still.

He probably wants to continue the conversation from the bookstore but can't bring himself to start it.

I decided it was time to break the silence.

“Shimazaki. About that rumor, the ‘hundred-person slayer’ one—”

I figured I should be the one to ask, so I did, straight to the point.

Yoshida immediately moved closer and sat down next to Shimazaki.

“You’re not seriously buying into that rumor too, are you, Ayanokoji?” Shimazaki asked, raising an eyebrow.

“When I first heard it from Nishikawa, I took it at face value, but listening to the story so far, some things don’t quite add up. Even though I was in a different class, with a nickname like that, it wouldn't be strange to have heard about it, yet I hadn't heard a single rumor about Shiraishi.”

“Is that... so? I guess it did seem like you didn’t know anything..., but still…” Yoshida said, trailing off.

Of course, it might just be that I was ignorant and uninterested in that sort of thing, but I had never even heard Shiraishi's name from another student before the nickname came up.

“But, if we assume everything Shimazaki is saying is true, why would they do something so half-assed?”

The idea of it being a pretext to keep the opposite sex away must have already occurred to Yoshida.

There are probably a certain number of people who would be disgusted by a long romantic history, but even so it wasn’t a surefire deterrent, Yoshida himself, even after hearing the rumors, didn’t seem to have lost interest in Shiraishi.

Furthermore, the fact that the rumor hadn’t spread widely across classes or grades, as if it was intentionally kept in check, added an unsettling layer to the story.

“This is just my speculation but... I believe Nishikawa harbours special feelings for Shiraishi. I think that’s what might have sparked these rumors. Don't you think she figured the '100-Man Slayer' rumor would be convenient for keeping boys at a distance? While there are certainly some guys who'd be thrilled by a rumor like that, thinking she's an easy woman, but it's more likely to make her an object of disgust, wouldn't you say?”

1

Shimazaki presented his theory as a possible answer to the questions we had.

For a moment, Yoshida looked awkward, but I didn't press the issue, that would have been tactless.

“......What are you talking about, Nishikawa's a girl.”

1

“Yeah, but it's not like love has to follow gender anymore.” Shimazaki replied calmly.

“Well, maybe that's true... But still, Shiraishi doesn't have anything to gain from this, does she?”

“I wouldn't be so sure." Shimazaki shrugged. "Shiraishi has no intention of dating boys right now, so she might have gone along with the proposal, understanding Nishikawa's intentions, as a way to keep boys at a distance.”

After draining the last sip of his canned coffee, Shimazaki gave a thoughtful nod.

They couldn't be certain just yet, but it was reasonable to consider that possibility.

“Still… don’t you think that’s going too far?” Yoshida finally said. “Just to avoid dating boys, isn't it rough being thought of as an easy woman by everyone around you?”

“I agree,” Shimazaki replied. “Which brings us to another theory.”

Yoshida, who hadn’t quite gotten there yet, looked puzzled as Shimazaki went on.

“Maybe Shiraishi was never into guys in the first place. Just like Nishikawa, maybe she’s attracted to the same sex. That would explain why she didn’t mind a rumor that made her unpopular with boys, it simply didn’t matter to her.”

3

“Wh- N-No way...!” Yoshida's voice trembled with disbelief.

1

It's an idea that allows her to accomplish both: Appropriately keeping boys away while accepting affection from girls.

Whether Nishikawa knew Shiraishi's preferences or not remained uncertain, but the possibility couldn’t be dismissed.

When Shimazaki blurted out about him observing Shiraishi since day one, maybe he wasn’t exaggerating after all.

However, at the same time, the flaws in that theory are also noticeable. I heard this '100-Man Slayer' rumor from Nishikawa's mouth. I haven't been told about the nickname by Shiraishi herself. That's not to say that the rumor is being spread without her knowledge, though.

As long as it's being whispered about within the class, it's bound to reach her ears sooner or later.

If it started from the first-year uninhabited island exam, then the probability is almost 100%.

And even if Shiraishi likes the same sex, that rumor, while serving to keep the opposite sex away, also carries the risk of her being avoided by other girls. If everyone assumed she liked boys, then even girls might hesitate to get too close.

“Like I said, though,” Shimazaki added, his tone more subdued, “this is all just speculation. There's no guarantee that anything besides the lie about the 100 people is true, no, even that. It's just me watching and coming to that conclusion on my own. If you don’t believe it, you can just find out for yourself.”

Having finished talking, he took a breath, as if his heightened feelings had calmed down a little.

Shimazaki stood up, tossed the empty can of coffee into the trash, and returned back.

“Hey, why are you tellin' me all this in so much detail?”

“Do you want to know the reason?”

“Nah... it's like, I wanna know, but I also don't.”

“You can rest assured, Yoshida. I was planning to tell you even if you didn't ask.”

2

With that, Shimazaki stepped forward, not in front of Yoshida, but me.

“This study guide was a great help. But there are still many more things I want you to teach me. I figured if I lent you a hand here, Ayanokoji might open up to me someday.”

Apparently, what was important to Shimazaki wasn't Shiraishi or Yoshida's true feelings.

More than those things, it seems he wants to prioritize the efficiency of his studies right now.

“You can tell me now, you know?” he prompted again.

I shook my head.

“Sorry, but aside from what I already said, I haven’t done anything special.”

When I gave the same response again, Shimazaki let out a sigh.

“You said you looked things up online and watched videos, right? Sorry, but a perfect score can’t be explained with such an ordinary approach.”

“I told you,” I replied, “coincidence played a big role. I just enjoy digging into things most people don’t bother with. Like, I often end up researching stuff we’ll study next year or even in college. I guess I just have that habit.”

I paused, then added, “So that's how I happened to already know... how to solve the problems that appeared on the test. That’s all there is to it.”

As I rattled off excuses in quick succession, Shimazaki pressed his lips tightly, clearly displeased. But perhaps realizing how rigid he looked, he quickly relaxed and exhaled softly.

“Well… I guess not everything can be handed over so easily.”

Without pressing me further, Shimazaki seemed to drop the pursuit, at least for now.

His sharp understanding and lack of unnecessary stubbornness made him a surprisingly easy person to talk to.

“But information is still information,” he added. “Someday, I’ll have you repay me in kind.”

Since it's a debt that can't be settled with money, it seems like it will be difficult for me to repay, but I had no room to argue.

This whole exchange, I realized, hadn’t just lifted the emotional weight off the lovelorn Yoshida, it also undoubtedly proved to be a meaningful conversation for me, who had doubts about Shiraishi's true intentions.

A little while later, Shimazaki left ahead of us, saying he needed to study.

3

Yoshida, meanwhile, stayed seated on the bench, his back hunched over as he clutched the now half-full bottle of tea tightly in both hands.

1

His mind seemed adrift, as if still struggling to sort out his feelings. In hindsight, maybe the 280ml bottle had been the right choice after all.

“It’s probably time we head back. Looks like the weather’s only going to get worse,” I said gently.

If the rain got any heavier, even an umbrella wouldn’t stop my pants from getting soaked.

1

He didn’t respond. His eyes were distant, lost somewhere far beyond the falling rain. I stayed close, quietly watching over him for a while. Just as I was about to speak again, his hunched shoulders slowly uncurled.

“......Yeah, you're right......”

He gave a listless reply, then sluggishly got to his feet and started walking.

“You forgot your book.”

When I handed him the book in the paper bag that had been placed on the bench, he took it with another listless reply. He must really be bothered by what we talked about earlier.

“What am I supposed to do if Shiraishi likes girls... I'm a guy, a guy, you know.”

“That hasn’t even been confirmed yet,”

“But still…”

“If you're already shaken just by this, maybe it's best to stop having feelings for Shiraishi. It could turn out that the 100-slayer rumor is true, or she likes the same sex, and then something else, something Yoshida doesn’t want. Don’t you think?”

That's not something limited to just Shiraishi's case. It could be anyone. The deeper you try to know about someone, the more chances there are of stumbling across things you'd never imagined. You’ll face that kind of reality again and again throughout your life. If you're not prepared for that yet, then retreating is also a form of courage.

3

“...Something I don't want, huh.”

Whether it was due to the shock, or because he had finally admitted to liking Shiraishi, he no longer showed any signs of disagreement.

“I... yeah, that's right... Who cares about the 100-Man slayer thing, or if she likes girls, I gotta accept that otherwise I won’t be able to move forward.”

To open up possibilities, one must walk a thorny path.

As Yoshida's arms tensed and he hugged the book tightly, a faint light began to return to his once dim eyes.

“Alright— I'm gonna...!”

“Rather than worrying about the past, the thing you should be more concerned about right now is Shimazaki liking Shiraishi. That's an undeniable truth.”

“Guhah!”

Just as Yoshida was getting himself fired up again, he dramatically clutched his chest and pretended to spit blood, expressing the damage he had just taken.

“Oi, Ayanokoji, are you tryin' to cheer me up or get me down! Which is it!?”

“I think the timing was bad, but I just thought I'd inform you of the current situation. It's neither of those.”

“Neither!? That’s just cruel, man!”

Now that he mentions it, that's certainly true.

“I want to cheer you up.”

2

“Don't say it like it's an afterthought. ...You really are that kind of guy, aren't you.”

Yoshida replied, half-joking but not without a tinge of truth. Just as I’d been analyzing him all this time, it seemed he’d been doing the same with me.

“But really, that's the reality, huh. I can't believe Shimazaki turned out to be my rival... haah.” he muttered with a long sigh.

Perhaps because there was no one around once we exited Keyaki Mall, Yoshida said it aloud again. He probably just couldn't help but let it out.

As we started walking, the rain quickly intensified, drumming a steady rhythm against our umbrellas.

“Do you hate that Shimazaki is your rival?”

“Of course I do. With this kind of rival, the fewer the better. Shiraishi's already popular as it is. Thanks to those rumors, not many are bold enough to go after her in the open, but if it ever turns out those rumors are fake, you can bet everyone will come swarming in.”

And if that happened, Shimazaki wouldn’t even be the biggest threat anymore.

“Even so,” I added, “it didn’t look like Shimazaki had any plans to confess his feelings to her just yet.”

From the sidelines, just watching her seemed to be enough for him. Depending on how you look at it, you could say he doesn't have the courage to develop it into a romance, but that depends on how much weight he decides it holds for his future.

Shimazaki, despite his excellent academic performance, never let it get to his head. He kept studying even on holidays, determined to produce results, however small. From that alone, it was easy to see just how demanding his target school must be. And that’s why, without a doubt, romance wasn’t something he could afford to prioritize right now.

Even so, the sudden appearance of a rival was enough to rattle anyone who did prioritize love.

“There could be a sudden change of heart, you know... If I start making a blatant move on Shiraishi, the feelings he's been holding back might just explode. Am I wrong?”

“That might be true.”

Perhaps because he had already admitted his feelings in front of me and Shimazaki, Yoshida no longer seemed interested in hiding his true thoughts.

Romantic feelings aren't something you can easily control. Even if I hadn't truly felt their core, I understood them in principle.

1

“Just to be sure… you’re not going to say you’re aiming for Shiraishi too, right?”

“I believe I've already denied that once.” I replied

“But what if the rumors turn out to be false?” Yoshida shot back. “Then you might jump into the fray too. And maybe, I dunno, your feelings shift, your heart drifts. You do sit next to her after all.”

6

He was relentless, determined to squeeze a verbal commitment out of me.

“I don’t know if just saying this will reassure you or not,” I said calmly, “but... don’t worry. It’s not going to happen.”

At this point in time, I held no feelings toward Shiraishi beyond those of a mere classmate.

6

Yoshida, who had been looking at me as if trying to gauge my true intentions, soon nodded, showing a certain level of acceptance. Perhaps that was the only way he could process it, by convincing himself to accept it.

“Well, Karuizawa, the one you used to date, is a completely different type from her,” he added. “I don’t mean that in a bad way. Karuizawa’s definitely cute.”

Many guys tend to view Karuizawa as just another 'gyaru' or a flighty girl, but that’s far from the truth. She has a side to her that contradicts those assumptions, and she’s not the kind of girl most people imagine. Even so, what Yoshida said just now only served to confirm what many already thought, her looks alone were enough to stir envy in anyone nearby.

“I know what you're trying to say.”

Just as people have likes and dislikes when it comes to food, there are preferences, big and small, for romantic partners.

6

In truth, Shiraishi and Karuizawa aren't even in the same category, they’re fundamentally different types.

That alone seemed to offer Yoshida a bit of reassurance.

Even so, it seemed more than mere coincidence that both Shimazaki and Yoshida, who I had grown close to, harbored feelings for Shiraishi. Maybe even a good number of their classmates are secretly harboring feelings for her, whether they realize it or not.

“One thing I don't understand is, is Shiraishi actually a popular student with the opposite sex? Well, I'll admit her appearance is superior and gathers more attention than the average female student, but—”

There may be only a handful of girls like her across the entire grade, but it wouldn’t be wrong to say they exist.

“She's undeniably cute. And also.........”

“And also?”

He seemed to imply that her appeal went beyond just her looks. But whether it was embarrassment or just a desire not to say more, he left it hanging there.

“Mind if I ask what exactly it is that draws you to her?”

Seeking an answer, I decided to press him a little further.

“Eh? Well... it's like…”

Yoshida looked slightly embarrassed, but still managed to continue.

“How should I put it… it's that mysterious part of her, you know, that's what's nice.”

3

Mysterious. That was actually a pretty spot-on description.

I, too, had always felt that Shiraishi's thoughts were hard to pin down, somehow elusive.

And hearing Shimazaki confidently assert that the whole ‘100-man-slayer’ nickname being a lie, only deepened that impression.

“Mysterious, huh? I think I get what you're saying, but when it comes to being mysterious, don’t you think Morishita is on a higher level?”

2

When I asked if she was also a potential romantic interest in the same way, Yoshida immediately raised the corners of his eyes.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Ayanokoji,” he snapped. “Morishita isn’t mysterious, she’s just an incomprehensible weirdo. You got eraser bits thrown at you from behind too, didn’t you? That’s what I mean. Total little devil behavior. Don’t ever lump her in with Shiraishi. She’s quite kind, you know?”

4

Yoshida’s voice carried a force behind it, the kind that only someone with personal scars could speak with. He must’ve been another victim of Morishita’s odd antics. Judging by how closely he had been observing Shiraishi, it was clear he had witnessed me in that moment.

“Sorry. I take that back,” I said honestly, offering an immediate apology. I knew I had made a mistake by comparing the two, and I felt the need to correct it right away.

“......As long as you understand. Hey, don't tell me you have a thing for Morishita?”

“How did you arrive at that conclusion?”

“Well, I thought it was weird when she said she wanted you in the seat in front of her. Plus, she never hangs out with anyone, but she talks to you an awful lot. She'd be cute if she didn't talk, right? It's a rare case where her looks are canceled out by her personality.”

Whether that “cancellation” really works is… well, debatable.

3

It's probably best to stop meddling with this any further. She wouldn't appreciate being discussed so freely, behind her back.

2

“Sorry to disappoint, but that’s not it,” I replied flatly. “If anything, she’s more cautious around me than anyone else. She’s the one who’s most suspicious about whether I actually want to help the class.”

1

It would be fair to say she's the furthest thing from a potential romantic interest.

“So that's why she's keeping you close. What you said was true, then.”

“I'm having a hard time with her saying all sorts of things, true or not, from behind me every day.”

It’s like I’ve been cursed by something unpleasant, that’s probably the best way to describe it.

“I see. At this rate, it doesn't seem like Morishita will become a romantic interest for you. And if she ever did fall for someone, they’d have to be a complete weirdo themselves. Besides, you're popular enough without having to bother with someone like Morishita. ...Honestly, I'm super envious.”

“Am I popular?”

5

“Don't say it in such a damn irritating way. You’re good-looking, smarter than Shimazaki, athletic too, and on top of that, you went from Class A to Class C and ended up becoming a leader, you know? A normal girl wouldn't leave you alone.”

2

So that's what being 'popular' means. Apparently, that's how I came across to those around me.

A traitor to my class, a coward who hid his abilities.

2

I've done nothing but things that would make me disliked regardless of gender, but it seems that impression has faded for the students of Class C who have become my allies.

“Man, I really wanna go out with Shiraishi!”

Unable to contain his emotions any longer, he shouted, letting his feelings explode.

“Shiraishi is right be—”

“Eh, no way!”

Yoshida shouted, flinging his umbrella into the air as he leapt in shock.

In his panic, he even let go of his book, but I managed to catch it just before it hit the ground.

1

“—hind you. If it were the case what would you do? Is what I was about to ask.”

7

“What kind of feint is that!? I’m getting soaked!”

He scrambled to pick up his umbrella, but by then, raindrops had already splattered across his entire hoodie.

“Well, something like that will dry off quickly.”

“Easy for you to say!” Yoshida snapped, still dripping.

I handed back the book and we resumed walking.

Yoshida's face morphed with every passing moment, joy, anger, sorrow, and laughter all played out without a hint of restraint. That openness, all of it, stemmed from one undeniable root: romantic feelings.

2

It’s a fact that even he acknowledges without hesitation, he’s seriously in love with Shiraishi. It’s written all over him, and no one would doubt it.

1

I, on the other hand, still don’t understand that emotion in its true essence.

I started dating Karuizawa to learn about 'romantic feelings', but we broke up without me ever truly knowing them.

All I gained was the framework of a boy-girl relationship, I never grasped the emotion itself.

5

To fall in love with someone.

To come to hate someone.

In truth, I still don’t fully understand either.

If not for my goal of maintaining balance between the four classes, maybe I could’ve spent another year chasing that answer.

Just maybe, I would’ve been able to see Karuizawa through the lens of genuine romantic feelings.

1

But that ship has long since sailed. It’s nothing more than a useless fantasy now.

1

Looking at Yoshida, who had spoken so seriously, I decided to just try saying what I was thinking.

“You said you envy me, but honestly, I actually envy you, Yoshida.”

“Eh? Me? Why?” Yoshida blinked, visibly thrown off.

“You can openly say that you like Shiraishi. No… the fact that you can even feel something like that, I honestly envy you for it.”

5

Unlike problems that can be broken down into mathematical formulas, love isn't something logic can dissect. And yet, Yoshida could surrender himself to such unquantifiable emotions so naturally.

He flailed, trying to wave it all away. “N-no, come on! It’s not like that… It’s just… it’s just a stupid one-sided crush, okay?”

He was trying to deny it again, but maybe realizing there was no point in pretending anymore, he let out a deep breath and spoke more calmly.

“There’s nothing to be envious of. You’re just messing with me, right? That’s what this is?”

He laughed, but there was a flicker of real frustration in his eyes. It wasn’t all just a joke to him.

However, I, too, wasn’t messing around, I meant what I said.

“It’s not sarcasm,” I told him. “I still don’t understand what it really means to fall in love. To like someone seriously. To want that love to succeed, to be afraid of rejection, or fear being disliked... or even the opposite— falling out of love, wanting to break up. I haven’t been able to grasp those kinds of emotions, whether they’re positive or negative.”

13

“What the hell?” Yoshida said, frowning. “Doesn’t seem like you’re messing around… but seriously? Weren’t you actually dating Karuizawa? And for quite a while, too?”

He wasn’t wrong, he was throwing a truth I couldn’t deny right back at me.

“…It’s fine, just forget it.”

Even if I put my state of mind into words, it's a story the other person can't possibly understand.

From Yoshida’s perspective, I’m simply the guy who dated Karuizawa. It’s only natural he’d assume I’ve experienced everything love has to offer.

However, seeing my words and attitude, he seemed to have sensed something, even if he didn't fully understand it.

4

“…Well, I guess pushing any further would just feel nosy, so I’ll stop here,” he said, breaking the silence.

But after a moment’s pause, Yoshida, who still seemed to have something he wanted to confirm, peeked at my face and asked.

“Then, you don’t have anyone you like right now?”

“I don't.”

1

“I see, so there are guys like that.”

“That's why I'm envious. Of being able to truly fall in love with someone.”

“......I hope you find someone too, a girl you can truly fall in love with.”

12

A member of the opposite sex I can truly fall in love with.

1

Perhaps I'd already come close, through my time with Karuizawa, and that strange, unfathomable bond with Ichinose that no one else would likely understand.

6

Feeling that someone is beautiful. Adorable.

Touching someone of the opposite sex, feeling your heartbeat rise with every passing moment.

I have gone through those kinds of experiences to some extent.

2

However, romantic feelings have still not sprouted within me.

Or maybe they have, and I just haven’t noticed yet.

1

Our casual chat, shared while watching the rain fall, naturally came to a pause.

“Anyway, let’s head back, Ayanokoji. Looks like the rain’s gonna get even heavier,” Yoshida says.

That’s exactly what I said earlier… but I’ll spare him the jab.

3

I pushed my feet forward again, resuming my stride.

It was a short time, but by talking with Yoshida and Shimazaki, I was able to get a general grasp of their personalities.

For better or worse, neither of them puts on a facade., They’re both the kind to speak their minds openly.

On the surface, Yoshida is stricter with people, but on the inside, he's quite caring. Shimazaki, on the other hand, maintains a healthy distance with everyone, neither too close nor too aloof, always interacting from a balanced, fair place.

Along the way, I also gained insight into their personal struggles with love.

As far as understanding them as classmates goes, I’d say my analysis is complete.

Both are indispensable to the class and will continue to function as valuable contributors in the future, and should problems arise, I’ll need to be there to support and protect them.

2

And so, as the rain began to fall harder, the two of us walked in silence and returned back to the dorms.