After being questioned for a long time, Hachiman finally had the chance to break away from the crowd and return to his seat.
In the second year, the seats for all students had been reshuffled again.
"As expected..." Hachiman sat in the back row by the window.
Although he didn't care much about his neighbors, he still hoped to see familiar faces.
Unfortunately, to his right was a girl he didn't know. The one in front of him was somewhat familiar—it was Ando Sayo, who had shown some leadership before.
In the upper-right corner was a familiar face: Kobashi Yume!.
Himeno Yuki sat on her other side.
Next was just waiting for time to pass.
Getting ready to attend the opening ceremony.
And then the homeroom teacher would explain this year's schedule and necessary matters.
The storm of the two dating hadn't ended yet.
There were still many people surrounding Ichinose, and naturally, people were surrounding him too.
"Hikki".
Ando Sayo in the front seat turned around, saying somewhat excitedly:.
"Can you tell us how you and Honami-chan started dating? We couldn't tell at all before".
"Yeah, who confessed?".
The girl next to her also turned around, looking toward Hachiman with curiosity.
Facing the questioning from the two, Hachiman was suddenly choked up.
As expected, girls would be more gossipy about these things.
This wasn't something that couldn't be explained.
But although Ichinose had confessed first, Hachiman didn't like using her matters as conversation topics.
Come to think of it, saying that Ichinose confessed first felt like he was trying to show off, which was a bit disgusting.
But he really did want to show off a bit and share his current proud feelings. What should he do?.
"It just happened naturally..." Hachiman said a bit embarrassedly, and he couldn't help but look at Kobashi Yume, hoping she could help out.
At least tell me the name of the person next to me.
However, their eyes met.
Kobashi Yume, who was chatting with Himeno Yuki, quickly turned her head back.
Isn't this a bit too much?.
"Ah~" Ando Sayo held her pretty face, her eyes sparkling.
"Then it was mutual attraction?".
"I'm so envious." The girl next to her also looked expectant. "I haven't been in a relationship yet. Hikki, what's it like being with Honami-chan?".
By the way, who are you?.
Why are you calling me Hikki? Can you even call out my full name?.
Before he knew it, the nickname "Hikki" seemed to have spread through the class.
But these two also seemed to have a good relationship with Ichinose, so he couldn't just ignore them.
"Well, it's quite happy".
Hachiman said dully.
Seriously, can you not ask such embarrassing questions?.
"Eh? So short..." Ando Sayo blocked her mouth with her hand and lowered her voice.
"Tell us more. How far have you and Honami gone? Have you kissed?".
"...".
Hachiman's face immediately turned red.
What was wrong with this person? She was being way too direct.
"Ah, he blushed! So cute".
Ando Sayo laughed behind her hand. "It's so rare. A pure boy like Little Hikki is really rare. I didn't expect Honami-chan to find such a boyfriend. I'm so envious".
"Sayo-chan".
The girl next to her said somewhat helplessly. "You're too direct. Hikki is very troubled".
"Eh? Is that so?" Ando Sayo was slightly stunned and quickly placed her hands on her legs, feeling a bit embarrassed.
"Sorry, Hikki, I think I got a bit carried away. I really didn't expect another pair to appear in the class—you and Honami are the first!".
"No, it's nothing..." Hachiman said with a red face and a muffled voice.
The first pair, huh? It seemed he really hadn't heard of anyone else dating.
Through the chatting, he finally learned the girl next to her was named Tsube Hitomi.
She seemed like a gentle girl who didn't talk much.
Ando Sayo, on the other hand, seemed to talk a lot and was quite cheerful. She belonged to the more direct type, but she wouldn't ask more if reminded.
However, he felt this person really liked gossip.
She would probably go and ask Ichinose privately.
The opening ceremony ended.
Everyone returned to the classroom in groups, preparing to hear the homeroom teacher's explanation about the second year.
"Where's Yuki-chan?" Ichinose looked around and felt someone was missing.
Himeno Yuki usually had a very gentle personality.
If she wasn't having a headache, she was on the way to having one. Ichinose also gave her special care.
"Yuki," someone said, "Her head seemed to be feeling uncomfortable again, so she asked for leave and went back first. I saw her face earlier and it looked really bad".
"I see... then let's call her in the afternoon to ask".
Ichinose nodded.
Let her rest first, and then call to confirm in the afternoon. If there was any problem, she could help find a doctor.
Hachiman stood on the side and didn't think there was anything wrong.
Given Himeno Yuki's personality, she probably played too hard during spring break and went back to catch up on sleep.
Right then, Kobashi Yume hesitated: "Um, Honami-chan, I have something to tell you. Can you come with me for a bit?".
"Hmm? Sure".
Ichinose didn't think much of it and smiled at the people around her: "Sorry, Little Hikki, you guys go back first!".
"Oh, see you later".
Hachiman nodded indifferently and followed the others back to the classroom. Although he wanted to walk alone, he couldn't help being sandwiched among these girls.
"Um..." Hachiman turned to look at Amikura in the crowd. He felt she wasn't very spirited today and was a bit concerned: "Amikura, are you okay?".
"Eh?" Amikura Mako was slightly stunned and then forced a smile while shaking her head. "No, I just didn't sleep well last night".
"Honestly, Mako-chan, you must have played too late last night, right?".
"Maybe".
Amikura Mako gave a dry laugh.
For some reason, hearing that Ichinose and Hachiman were dating made her feel a bit sad.
She had already felt some regret back in middle school.
She didn't expect it would turn out like this again in high school.
Sigh... Amikura Mako couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
As long as she could stay by the other person's side, she was already very happy, but when this moment truly arrived, she still felt a bit lost.
Even though she liked him, she was always too embarrassed to say it out loud.
She was afraid of breaking this relationship.
Being so timid could only be considered her own fault.
Ichinose was really amazing.
Not only could she bravely and calmly confess, but even after being rejected, she still didn't give up.
This was probably what true liking was like....
Ichinose was beautiful, cheerful, and decisive; her actions were vigorous and resolute, yet she was gentle and considerate toward others.
Even as a girl herself, Amikura Mako had to admit it.
Ichinose was simply too cool.
And... Amikura Mako took a stealthy look at Hachiman's profile.
Not only was he powerful, but his personality was steady. Once he made up his mind and took action, there was no hesitation at all.
He was equally gentle and considerate toward others.
Although he wouldn't say it clearly, Hachiman would use his actions to help the other party.
He was truly cool.
Hachiman and Ichinose were a very good match.
If that was the case, she could only give up.
Mako pursed her lips, and her eyes couldn't help but turn red.
It was always like this.
Her romance. It always ended before it even began. Why hadn't she acted faster?.
No. Even if she had acted faster, Hachiman probably wouldn't have accepted.
She really couldn't compare to them.