The first day of April was perfect weather for the start of the new term.
Ryosuke Hanyu was enrolling at Shiratorizawa today. He'd been so excited the night before that he barely slept. Now he rode his bicycle at an easy pace toward the school.
Ryosuke wasn't actually from Miyagi—he was a born-and-bred Tokyoite. He'd previously attended some obscure middle school in Tokyo, but because of a certain fierce little old man, Ryosuke had eventually decided to move to Miyagi.
It's still a bit chilly for the first day of school, Ryosuke thought as he rode. Red-and-black over-ear headphones hung over his ears, and he wore Shiratorizawa's newly issued white-and-purple uniform. He sped through the street, cherry blossom petals lifting into the air behind him in the wake of his bicycle.
"Screech—"
He'd arrived at last. Ryosuke Hanyu took a deep breath, staring at Shiratorizawa in front of him, his face flushing bright red with excitement.
"Ahhh, school's finally starting!"
There had to be super amazing seniors! Super cute classmates! And a super awesome gymnasium!
So exciting!
His heart was practically bursting.
He stepped forward confidently—then froze mid-stride. Ryosuke glanced around, cold sweat instantly breaking out.
Huh? What? Why is everyone staring at me? That's terrifying, okay?!
The upperclassmen near the school gate were watching the incoming freshmen—and among them, one stood out far too clearly.
When the senior girls spotted the newly enrolled Ryosuke Hanyu, their eyes lit up almost instantly. Seriously—his looks were just that outstanding.
He stood over 180 centimeters tall, with a slender yet powerful build. Shiratorizawa's spring uniform fit snugly against his narrow waist, emphasizing his long frame. He swung one long leg off the bicycle, steadying it with one hand, and only then lifted his head—revealing his face.
Ryosuke had naturally wavy black hair that nearly reached his shoulders, fluffy and soft, like a cat whose fur had just been smoothed down. His eyes were a deep, mysterious green, paired with thin lips and sharp brows. Altogether, his features were refined, striking, and radiant.
With his gifted appearance and excellent physique, Ryosuke instantly became the focal point at the school entrance.
As someone with severe social anxiety, he completely locked up, stiff as a board at the gate.
Why is everyone looking at me?! Oh my god, there are so many people! What do I do? What do I do?!
A small group of senior girls approached from nearby. One of them, a long-haired senior, was just about to speak.
"Um, junior, you—"
Before she could finish, Ryosuke Hanyu bolted.
In the blink of an eye, he shot straight into the school building, moving so fast that only an afterimage remained behind.
The seniors who'd been about to strike up a conversation were left standing there, utterly stunned.
...Why do freshmen these days avoid their seniors like the plague?! Not. Polite. At. All! Am I not pretty anymore?!
Far away, the Ryosuke who had already disappeared was still trembling and muttering to himself internally.
Is Shiratorizawa really like this?! This terrifying?! Why is everyone staring at new students?! So scary! Oh my god, oh my god! That stinky old man lied to me again! Waaah, this is so scary!
He ran while furiously cursing in his head, nearly scared to tears.
Poor Ryosuke still had no clear understanding of his own appearance. Being stared at by so many people at once was really too much for him—this chubby tiger of a guy.
Shaking all over, Ryosuke finally sneaked his way into the classroom building.
"First-year Class Three… First-year Class Three… where is it…"
Ryosuke Hanyu scanned the doors as he walked, focused on finding his classroom.
So many people… where is my class, anyway?
With his head lowered, his gaze flicked back and forth between the floor and the classroom numbers as he wandered forward. His thoughts drifted aimlessly—maybe he could join a club on the first day? How should he greet his deskmate later? His deskmate would probably be easy to get along with, right…?
Just as Ryosuke was lost in thought, a faint, warm breath suddenly brushed against his ear.
The hand gripping his backpack froze solid. Every hair on his body stood on end.
W–what…?!
A supernatural encounter on the very first day of school?!
W-what is that?! Is it a ghost?! Who's standing next to me?! Oh my god! Am I being targeted by some kind of school spirit?! (cat completely puffed up)
In that instant, Ryosuke had already imagined where he'd be buried.