ALL NOVEL 3: The Classroom is Noisy
The classroom is buzzing with excitement, like a festival.
Glaring, curious gazes from my classmates pierce through me.
How did this happen? Why did this happen? The answer, no matter how I look at it, is the girl in front of me—Kamidama Kagari.
No, to be precise, it’s because Kamidama Kagari hugged me, of all people, with all her strength. So, half of it might be my fault.
On one side, the school’s idol. On the other side, a loner with no friends.
It was an extremely unbalanced pair, more than enough to attract attention.
Piercing, piercing, the arrows of their gazes.
Pounding, pounding, my eardrums with whispered voices.
The small voices overlap like a chorus, and fragments reach me.
“Eh, no way. Who is that?”
“Kagari’s boyfriend?”
“What!? Boyfriend!? What’s going on!”
“I don’t know, don’t shout.”
“Wait, who is that guy?”
“Seriously, who is he?”
“No, really, who?”
“I don’t know, creepy…”
Ugh, I feel like I’ve been wounded by a stray bullet.
It was the moment I realized I wasn’t as recognized by my classmates as I thought.
Wait a minute? Even if I haven’t introduced myself yet, some of you were in the same class last year, right?
I’m so inconspicuous that I might have survived the Warring States period. Maybe I could have been a ninja? That’s the level we’re talking about.
No matter what, this is too pitiful for me. It’s starting to feel like I’m a ghost or something.
My mental state is fragile like glass, so I wish they’d treat me more gently.
I’m going to cry, seriously going to cry.
“Haha… you’re about to cry. There, there, it’s okay.”
“No, it’s your fault! Please, let go of me as soon as possible.”
“Hmm… no.”
“You know I’m about to cry, but you still refuse…”
It seems this crazy girl enjoys bullying me. She hugs me even tighter with a smile, showing her wicked nature clearly.
Damn, this isn’t just being surrounded by enemies.
It feels like being a hero who, after facing the demon king, gets surrounded by a horde of monsters.
If this keeps up, I might really die. One of my weaknesses is public attention.
Counting from childhood, this is probably the second time I’ve been this intensely focused on.
By the way, the first time was when I had to do a comedy act as a punishment game.
Remembering the hellish experience of standing on the classroom stage, I almost fainted.
I feel like I’m going to pass out again. Nervousness and trauma are shaking my consciousness. I’m extremely weak against this kind of stress.
Won’t someone, anyone, save me…?
“Uh, can I talk to you for a moment?”
Maybe my wish was granted because a male student—Tachimuka Hinata, if I recall correctly, the ace of the basketball team—spoke to Kamidama. In response, Kamidama released me but immediately intertwined her arm with mine. Why, though?
Tachimuka froze for a few seconds, looking stunned, then showed a friendly smile.
No, it’s fine, go ahead and complain, Tachimuka! Tell her it’s not polite to ignore others! Even if the gods don’t forgive her, I will!
“So, Kamidama, are you and Nagiura… in a romantic relationship?”
“Hmm, it’s a difficult question, but… yes. For now, we’re lovers, I guess.”
“What!?”
“Nagiura doesn’t seem to agree!”
“Oh, would you have preferred ‘husband’? That’s right, we’re married, aren’t we?”
“No, no, no! Stop making up impossible pasts! You made me lose my words!”
Not only had I been made her boyfriend, but I was also pre-approved to be her husband. This was ridiculous. The story development here was inexplicable, even by love at first sight standards.
Even Tachimuka, who must have summoned considerable courage to talk to her, seemed speechless at Kamidama’s wild remarks.
Or maybe he was just dumbfounded.
She might appear completely insane, but she is still Kamidama Kagari.
An excellent student, kind to everyone regardless of gender, a truly perfect beautiful girl.
Her long, flaxen hair is stunning, and her flawless snow-white skin is translucent.
A perfect, beautiful girl like in the picture.
It’s an undeniable fact, which is why everyone, including me, was taken aback.
“Hehe, there’s no need to be so shy. You really haven’t changed since your past life.”
“I can’t deal with this person… She’s not making any sense.”
“That’s not true. I’m making perfect sense. And I know it’s incomprehensible to you, Uraku. But, but, you know, let me say this—”
Kamidama released my arm, intertwining her fingers with mine as lovers do, and gently touched my cheek with her other hand.
“Nagiura Uraku, I love you. Will you stay with me until the end?”
For some reason, with a gaze that exuded a sense of reassurance, Kamidama said this clearly, though with a slight blush.
Again, a ripple of agitation and confusion spread through the classroom.
Of course, I was no exception.
The bewilderment that was hard to put into words turned my brain white, completely halting my thoughts.
However, my trembling throat managed to squeeze out a response.
“Let’s start as friends, please.”