Class 2-C, Homurahara Private High School.
This was the classroom where Naoki and Manaka were currently enrolled. Their seats were in the second-to-last row, with Naoki by the window and Manaka to his right.
Since ten years ago, when Naoki transferred into Manaka's class, their seating arrangement had always been like this. Whether in elementary or high school, every time classes or seats were assigned, their positions never changed.
On top of that, they had been neighbors and childhood friends for ten years… In a sense, this could be considered fate. Sometimes, Naoki wondered if he'd spend his entire life with Manaka.
(Well, that's probably not possible—we might not even go to the same university.)
In terms of academic performance, Naoki wasn't outstanding, just above average. His rank in his grade was consistently around fortieth, as if rooted there, never budging.
In contrast, Manaka was a top-class model student, always ranking first in every exam, completely out of Naoki's league.
This academic gap practically guaranteed they wouldn't attend the same university.
(It's my second year of high school now, with a little over a year until college entrance exams. Should I start pushing myself and working hard?)
Such thoughts were immediately dismissed as Naoki set down his school bag and sat at his desk.
(Nah, forget it, no motivation… I'll just go with the flow.)
Naoki had a clear life plan. After graduating high school, he'd attend a decent university, major in archaeology, and after a few years, live like his parents, traveling the world—his family wanted him to do so.
He didn't mind his parents' plans. Not having to think about his future was nice. Like most of his classmates, he hadn't yet found what he wanted to do. The interest and major survey forms he'd filled out before were done half-heartedly.
It wasn't that Naoki lacked ambition. He'd tried joining clubs in the past—soccer, basketball, archery—but none sparked any passion. No matter what he did, he always felt [I shouldn't be doing this].
A sense of emptiness and confusion, like being lost in a fog without direction, constantly accompanied Naoki.
Only when he was with Manaka did that feeling lessen slightly. In a way, he really enjoyed spending time with her.
Thinking of this, Naoki propped his chin on his hand and looked at Manaka at the desk beside him.
"Naoki?"
Noticing her childhood friend's gaze, Manaka blushed slightly. "Why are you staring at me like that again? You do it every day… Is there something on my face?"
"No, I just wanted to look at you. How do I put it… You make me feel at ease."
"Ugh… Don't just say stuff like that out of nowhere."
Manaka cheeks flushed, quickly turned her face away, even grabbing a textbook to block Naoki's view. Seeing this, Naoki withdrew his gaze. Watching this daily morning scene, the other students in the class gave knowing smiles, then tactfully moved away, giving the two plenty of space.
Naoki and Manaka were practically celebrities at school. Not because of grades, but due to their looks and interactions.
A handsome blond boy and a beautiful blond girl—such a pair would always draw attention wherever they went, especially as childhood friends. It was obvious at school, but even outside, students often saw them together.
Sometimes spotted shopping at the supermarket, sometimes seen watching movies at the theater, and some even saw them staying over at each other's houses, leaving together the next morning.
When such gossip spread, the school buzzed daily.
Of course, that had died down by now. Judging by the reactions of nearby students, they'd all grown used to it.
As the morning bell rang at school, a hurried sound, like someone sprinting a hundred-meter dash, came from outside, followed by a figure bursting into the classroom!
"Good morning, kids!"
"Fujimura-sensei, can you not barge in like that? You'll break the doorframe eventually."
Fujimura Taiga, the homeroom teacher of Class 2-C and a Homurahara Academy alumna. While her teaching skills were unquestionable, she was a comical figure, almost childlike… except when serious.
In response to her students' teasing, Taiga boldly put her hands on her hips. "If it breaks, I'll just pinch it back into shape!"
"Normal people have that kind of strength?"
"What's lacking can be made up for with courage and spirit!"
"As spirited as ever, Fujimura-sensei." Manaka said, unable to hold back a soft laugh as Taiga began dancing around.
Naoki shrugged. "Isn't she always like that? A bit noisy, sure, but thanks to her, our class atmosphere is always great."
"True."
"—Alright then! The official class meeting begins! Some of you probably already know! Starting today, our class will have a super cute transfer student from England! Be nice to her, and don't get so excited you scare her off!"
"Sensei, you're the one who shouldn't get too excited, right? You're the only one who might scare the new student."
"Exactly."
"Words like that from the Tiger's mouth aren't convincing at all."
"Don't call me Tiger!!"
After a brief outburst, Taiga switched expressions and called toward the door. "Alright! Come in, come in, Pendragon-san!"
As Taiga's voice fell, a slender figure stepped into the classroom from outside.
As Taiga said, she was a [super cute] girl. Blonde hair, green eyes, and a strikingly beautiful face with a hint of handsomeness and elegance, like a charming young man.
Not only the boys but even the girls in the class blushed slightly, covering their mouths.
"Greetings, everyone. I'm a transfer student from England. My name is Artoria Pendragon. I moved to Fuyuki City due to family matters. From now on, I'll be studying here. Please guide me."
Artoria Pendragon.
Hearing that name, Naoki couldn't help but frown.
(This name… Why does it feel like I've heard it somewhere?)