"Sure~ Let's go!"
A playful, melodic voice rang out as a chestnut-haired girl with a ponytail rose gracefully from her seat, seamlessly merging into the group.
Her face had a delicate doll-like beauty, but what stood out most was her sun-kissed skin—as if she'd just returned from a Hawaiian vacation or was born carrying sunlight in her complexion.
Karuizawa Kei—the undisputed leader of Class D's gal group.
She idly twirled a lock of hair, her uniform skirt swaying with each step, exuding a vibrant yet sweet aura.
(That tan... artificial?)
But Shimizu's focus shifted to his third intel update:
[Intel #3] *Karuizawa Kei (1st-Year Class D) is seeking a "fake boyfriend" for protection.*
(Wait... is she eyeing Hirata-kun?)
The realization hit him as his gaze darted between the two.
It made perfect sense—Hirata had been actively answering questions in every class, showcasing remarkable knowledge.
(A true all-rounder...)
Flawless in looks, academics, and demeanor, Hirata Yōsuke was like a shoujo manga protagonist brought to life—handsome, brilliant, kind, and the one who'd orchestrated self-introductions after Shimizu left yesterday.
The Ultimate All-Rounder, Hirata Yōsuke!
(No wonder even the gal queen is interested.)
(Though Karuizawa's motives seem... calculated.)
Frankly, he couldn't grasp the logic behind this intel.
In class hierarchies, gal groups and delinquents were top-tier factions.
These were people you thanked if they didn't bully you—why would they need protection?
(Unless... Karuizawa's in some kind of trouble?)
(Not my concern, though.)
He wasn't sure how his classmates perceived him, but Shimizu knew one thing—his current persona was just "an average student."
(Shimizu Akira... is definitely not average.)
Karuizawa Kei's fingers brushed through her hair, her peripheral gaze flicking toward Shimizu in the corner before snapping back.
Her lips curled into a carefree smile as she continued chatting with Hirata about lunch options.
"I heard the cafeteria's ramen set is pretty good!" Her tone was light.
In truth, this boy named Shimizu had caught her attention since yesterday.
While others scrambled to make friends, he alone had chased after Chabashira-sensei post-ceremony.
(Chabashira-sensei's attitude toward him... was way too telling.)
Her mind replayed the entrance ceremony.
Before Shimizu's late arrival, another boy had rushed in panicked—Chabashira had merely glanced at him coldly, not even bothering to scold.
But when Shimizu appeared, everything changed.
Chabashira's demeanor wasn't harsh—if anything, there was a hint of concession.
Stranger still, she'd directed him to the front row—the spot reserved for class reps or top students.
(Ignoring someone means dislike. Special attention... implies something deeper.)
Karuizawa's grades and athleticism might be average, but when it came to reading people, she was sharper than most—thanks to her middle school trauma.
If she didn't pay attention, she feared losing her "gal" status entirely.
Overall, in her eyes, Shimizu Akira was already on par with Hirata Yōsuke.
"Karuizawa-san? Are you listening?" Hirata's gentle voice pulled her back.
"Ah, sorry!" She blinked. "Got lost in thought."
"By the way, Hirata-kun, if classmates fought and one was your friend, how'd you handle it?" She tossed the question out casually.
"Hmm..." Hirata pondered briefly before smiling. "I'd be fair. We're all classmates—no favoritism."
"As expected of Hirata-kun! So just~" A boy nearby praised.
"Yeah, so yasashii," Karuizawa giggled in agreement.
But inside, ripples of disappointment spread.
A neutral nice guy?
The answer left her strangely hollow.
While Hirata's impartial kindness was admirable, she craved more—a partner who'd stand by her unconditionally.
In relationships, she wanted someone selfish.
She yearned for exclusive tenderness, proof she was someone's priority.
Because deep down, Karuizawa Kei was a girl starved for security.
(Maybe... Shimizu-kun should be the "fake boyfriend" after all?)
(But if I pick Hirata-kun...)
Given his people-pleasing nature, if he learned of her middle school scars, he'd agree instantly to this charade, right?
After all, he was the type to protect anyone unconditionally.
But—
(If it's Shimizu-kun...)
Her throat tightened; unease prickled her chest.
(...Would he even agree?)
They were barely acquaintances—not even friends, having never spoken.
Even if she bared her vulnerabilities, why would he take on such trouble? Out of pity? Sympathy? Or—
(Would he just not care?)
Her mind replayed Shimizu's swift takedown of Yamauchi—that decisiveness contrasted starkly with Hirata's eternal restraint.
(If it's him...)
She could almost picture it:
If she "dated" Hirata and clashed with others, he'd just smile and say, "Let's all get along!"
The thought alone suffocated her.
(This universal kindness... I can't.)
Karuizawa inhaled sharply.
(Decision made—)
(I'm choosing Shimizu Akira.)
Then a more pressing issue struck her:
(...But what do I have to offer him?)