As Renji Kamisaka and Shiina Mahiru entered the classroom, the bustling morning atmosphere suddenly fell silent. Everyone's eyes, from the awestruck boys to the whispering girls, immediately fixed on the two of them. They walked into the class one by one, with such compatible auras that it made people wonder if Renji Kamisaka and Shiina Mahiru were already dating. Beautiful girls always attract attention, and Mahiru was the very definition of perfect beauty.
However, after Renji Kamisaka and Shiina Mahiru placed their school bags on their chairs, they walked to the podium together, halting the circulating speculations. Shiina Mahiru spoke first, her voice gentle yet firm, drawing everyone's attention.
"Dear students, yesterday Teacher Shizuka Hiratsuka asked the two class representatives to organize tasks," Shiina Mahiru began, calmly looking at the faces before her. "Here's what I've thought of. Today is the first day, so the two of us, class monitors, will be on duty and responsible for cleaning the classroom." A faint smile graced her lips. "Then, we will take turns in groups of two according to the seating plan. What do you all think?"
"It's fine. I don't mind," some students responded.
"I think so too, but what about when it's the monitors' turn?" others questioned, curious about the fairness of the system.
In response, Shiina Mahiru smiled and answered calmly, without a hint of hesitation, "Since we are arranged by seating plan, it's my turn now, so it's only natural that I should be on duty again." Her logic was irrefutable.
Renji Kamisaka had no objections to this. He and Shiina Mahiru were simply playing the main role and doing one more task. After all, neither of them had joined any clubs, so cleaning the classroom wouldn't take much time. So, the tasks were arranged accordingly.
The position of squad leader seemed troublesome, but in reality, for those who wanted to advance, it was a good training opportunity. And you would have more opportunities to interact with teachers and could gain more learning points. Leaving a good impression on teachers would also help your future campus life. And the teacher was the beautiful Shizuka Hiratsuka, so Renji Kamisaka was more willing to contact her. Beautiful women are pleasing to the eye, he admitted inwardly.
After the tasks were arranged, someone immediately asked Shiina Mahiru if she had a special relationship with Renji Kamisaka. It was said that they saw the two walking side by side outside of school. As high school students, they were very interested in the love stories of the extraordinary and super beautiful girls in the class.
In response, Shiina Mahiru gave a faint smile, an almost imperceptible one, and said something casually. "It's a coincidence that Renji and I live close to each other. That's why we come to school together. We don't have a special relationship."
When those words left Shiina Mahiru's mouth, the watching boys sighed in relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from their shoulders. Renji Kamisaka had no explanation at all, because no one asked him. No one came to bother him, so Renji Kamisaka was happy to have free time. He took out a light novel from his bag and started reading.
What he was reading was "Love Metronome" by Utaha Kasumigaoka. Although the plot was very bloody for him—full of drama and emotional conflict—Utaha Kasumigaoka's writing style was truly great. Precisely like a brilliant pen. The beautiful words she wrote made people feel noble while reading them, an elegance rarely found. As the saying goes, among three people walking together, there must be one who can be their teacher. Renji Kamisaka felt he could still learn some writing techniques from his senior. After all, he was currently working on games and animation with Misaki Kamiigusa, so it would be a good idea if he learned more. It was said that next month, Utaha Kasumigaoka would hold a book signing event for "Love Metronome." He could go and join the fun and see if the senior's black stockings were really as tempting as in the anime.
During break.
Hachiman Hikigaya walked closer with his characteristic pair of dead fish eyes, his expression flat. "Student Renji, this is for you," he said, his tone a little stiff. He discreetly pulled a small bag from his pocket and handed it to him.
"What is this?" Renji Kamisaka looked at him confused, his eyebrows raised.
Hachiman Hikigaya felt a little embarrassed and didn't want to say much. But he thought about the consequences if he didn't say it, so he sighed, a heavy sound escaping his lungs, and finally spoke. "She's my sister. She said she wanted to express her gratitude to you for saving her brother." Hachiman slightly turned his face away. "These are cookies she baked herself. They're the best in the world." Hachiman Hikigaya praised his sister without hesitation, his voice softening slightly.
Renji Kamisaka couldn't help but roll his eyes, amused. "I didn't expect Hikigaya-kun to be a sister-con." A teasing smile formed on his lips. "I'll accept the gift. Thank her for the cookies. I'll enjoy them thoroughly!" He paused, then added, "Also, excuse me, what's your sister's name?"
"My sister's name is Komachi Hikigaya. She's not very cute, so I won't say much about her," Hachiman Hikigaya replied quickly, a wary expression on his face. He felt that Renji Kamisaka's handsome face was too attractive to girls, so he instinctively didn't want his sister to see him.
After hearing this, Renji Kamisaka looked at him with a wide smile. "This is the first time I've seen a brother speak ill of his own sister. Hikigaya-kun, since you have a sister, I will definitely make you my friend!" He showed his big white teeth to Hachiman Hikigaya, his smile infectious.
Hachiman Hikigaya's mouth twitched, and he said warily, "Why is having a sister your basis for being friends with me?" He pointed at Renji. "I have to tell you first, even if you are my savior, if you want Komachi, forget about it!" His tone was firm, full of protectiveness.
"Yeah, yeah, I know you're a sister-con. I was just kidding," Renji chuckled, raising his hands in surrender. "But if I get a chance to meet Komachi, I'll definitely tell her all the bad things you said about her." A light threat, yet effective.
Hachiman Hikigaya's face flushed, but he still said stubbornly, "I won't give you a chance to see her!"
While the two were talking, the bun-haired girl sitting on the other side looked like she wanted to say something but hesitated. She was Yui Yuigahama, the owner of the dog involved in the car accident at the school gate on the first day of school. Yesterday she wanted to meet Renji Kamisaka to express her gratitude, but Yumiko Miura invited her to sing with Hina Ebina, so she had no choice but to give up.
She finally mustered up the courage today, but the atmosphere around Renji Kamisaka was very subtle, difficult to penetrate. Besides Hachiman Hikigaya who came to give him a gift, no one spoke to him. Yui Yuigahama was still very concerned about what others thought, so she could only suppress her inner anxiety. She planned to find an opportunity to thank him after class, or in the afternoon or evening. However, after seeing Hachiman Hikigaya give him cookies, she felt that a verbal thank you wasn't enough to show her sincerity. So, what kind of gift should she prepare to make Renji Kamisaka, her benefactor, happy? Her mind was filled with questions.
The entire morning class was spent in Yui's confusion and inner agitation. She felt very tired. On one hand, she had to talk to Yumiko and liven up the atmosphere as a cheerful person. On the other hand, she had to pay attention to Renji Kamisaka's situation, not wanting to miss the right moment. A person who is too good at paying attention to other people's words and expressions will live a very tiring life.
Until noon, Yui Yuigahama still hadn't found an opportunity because Yumiko invited her to eat bento together. Well, besides Hina, this time there was also Shiina Mahiru, who quickly adapted to Yumiko Miura's small group. Seeing Shiina Mahiru's casual conversation and her very natural smile, Yui Yuigahama felt very envious. She was completely unable to be as subtle and wise as Shiina Mahiru, who could even easily make Yumiko happy. Unlike her, who only knew how to please Yumiko in a more conventional way.
In the Library.
Renji Kamisaka didn't eat his lunch in class. He came to the library, seeking tranquility from the school's hustle and bustle. There was a girl named Sumireko Sanshokuin who worked as a librarian here, so it was only natural that he would meet the super beautiful girl who hid her appearance behind a bookish image.
Only... he had just greeted Sumireko Sanshokuin and sat down with his lunchbox when he saw a beautiful black-haired girl in a bunny girl costume leisurely walking past him. The girl's eyes fell on his lunchbox, she stopped and stared at it intently.
Wait, a bunny girl? A strange question popped into his mind. What's with this inexplicable feeling of déjà vu? Renji frowned, trying to comprehend the unexpected sight before him.