Chapter 1 | The Fateful Class Shuffle

 

To think I could greet the morning of a new school year with such a bright feeling—how long has it been since the last time?

Up until last year, this would’ve been unthinkable for me. As the time displayed in the top left corner of the morning news crept closer to commuting hours, I’d feel worse and worse, check the daily zodiac ranking (usually near the bottom on days like that…), sigh to myself, and head to school all alone.

But now, a year later, as a second-year high school student—

“Maki, school starts again today—are you okay? You’re not pretending to feel sick or anything, right?”

“Why’s that your default assumption…? It’s fine today since it’s the first-years’ entrance ceremony and class shuffle, so it’s just morning classes. What about you—gonna be late again?”

“Yeah. I’ll make it back before the last train, but I’ll probably be home late.”

“Got it. I’ll sleep first then. Dinner’s in the fridge.”

“Roger that. Oh, and just because Mom’s not around doesn’t mean you can bring Umi-chan over every day, got it?”

“I-I know that. I’m planning to get back to normal routine too. Look, enough about that—get going already, or you’ll be late for work.”

“Yessir~”

Spring break was pretty much spent playing with Umi from morning till night every day, but I haven’t forgotten my student duty of studying.

If I let my grades slip because I’m having too much fun with my girlfriend and neglecting studies—that’d be a disaster I couldn’t face.

My immediate goal is to keep doing proper couple stuff with Umi while maintaining, or even improving, my grades.

“—Hey, Maki.”

“What? Forget something?”

“Is school fun?”

“Huh? Uh… well, decently, I guess.”

“Fufu, really? Good then. Oh, I just remembered I left my cigarettes on the kotatsu. Sorry, could you grab them?”

“So you did forget something.”

As told, I toss Mom the cigarette pack and hundred-yen lighter, sending her off to work like usual.

I never paid much attention before, but looking now, even Mom’s back as she heads to work seems somehow brimming with energy.

“Alright, time to change into my uniform. Umi’s probably about to show up too.”

I slip my arms into the white dress shirt of my uniform for the first time in about two weeks and tie my tie.

I didn’t notice before spring break, but it feels just a tad tighter now. I tried staying active during the break, so it’s not like I gained weight… According to Umi, I’ve grown taller since last year, so I guess I’m still growing.

Wearing a freshly cleaned blazer with a faint formal scent lingering, I prep coffee for two when Umi arrives right on time, as promised yesterday.

“Yo.”

“Yo. Morning, Umi.”

“Mm. Morning, Maki. Huh, I thought you’d still be in sloppy pajamas with bedhead, but you’re surprisingly put-together. Impressive, impressive.”

“Well, spring break was all slacking off except for work days, so I had to step it up. Water’s boiling—coffee okay?”

“Yeah. Oh, lots of milk since it’s morning.”

“Gotcha.”

We’ve still got about thirty minutes before heading to school, but we planned it this way on purpose.

After seeing Mom off, we take a little time to enjoy a quiet morning together—just the two of us. Since the new term starts and we can only hang out till late on Fridays, we decided to make the most of pre-school mornings.

It means waking up even earlier than before, but if it’s more time with Umi, it’s no big deal.

If only we could end up in the same class again this year like last year, I’d have no complaints about today.

“Umi, hope we’re in the same class.”

“Yeah. I’m pretty much guaranteed the advanced class, so I’m prepared to split from Yuu and the others… but suddenly being all alone would be kinda lonely.”

Based on past exams, I’m the only one with a shot at joining Umi’s class. Thanks to our study sessions centered around me and Umi, Amami-san, Nitta-san, and Nozomu—the barely-passing trio—improved noticeably, but they’re still near the bottom.

The advanced class, 2-11, aiming for top private or national unis, caps at about thirty students. Umi’s top-five grades lock her in, but me? Who knows.

“It’ll be fine. I know better than anyone how hard you’ve been studying, Maki. The results show it too, so the teachers will definitely recommend you.”

“Maybe… Well, even if we’re in different classes, it’s not like we won’t see each other all day. We can figure stuff out then.”

“Yeah. Together… right?”

“…Yeah.”

So, like always, we hold hands, intertwine fingers, and flirt to savor the time before leaving.

If Amami-san and the others heard this, they’d probably say, ‘You two being apart might be just right,’ but even so, I want to confirm each other’s presence in the same space and time as much as possible.

Anyway, the results are a treat for a few dozen minutes from now.

Leaving home on time and hitting the main road under the bypass—our school commute route—I see more students than usual lined up walking.

The ones in pristine school uniforms are probably new first-years heading to the entrance ceremony. With cherry blossom petals fluttering down, the path feels far livelier and more vibrant compared to after the third-years graduated.

“—Oh, Umi! And Maki-kun too! Hey, you two~ Over here, over here~!”

“Yo, lovebirds. Long time no see. Doing good?”

While walking cozily together, we run into Amami-san and Nitta-san, likely commuting together too. Even among the sparkling newbies, Amami-san’s presence stands out as ever.

—Hey, that girl’s crazy pretty and cute. A senior, maybe?

—Her hair’s shining golden… blue eyes too. Foreigner?

—I might’ve picked the right school…

Everyone seems to think the same—voices like that drift from what I assume are first-years (mostly guys).

“…Yuu-chin, same as ever. Gonna be busy again for a while?”

“Haha… Got used to it last year, though.”

“Yuu, just say ‘Sorry, no way’ when turning them down. If that’s too much, ignoring them totally works too.”

“Rejection’s the default, huh…?”

Facing the same old pattern as last year, the four of us exchange looks and can only wryly smile. Looks like we’ll see another wave of clueless first-years crashing and burning soon.

We still don’t know anyone who could trouble Amami-san’s heart.

“By the way, Yuu-chin, no boyfriend plans? If you dated someone like Asanagi, it might cut down on the hassle. Seriously, no one you’re into?”

“Hmm… Well, there’s someone I think is cool, but it’s not really romantic… Anyway, let’s hurry to school! The new class lists should be up by now.”

“Oh, wait, Yuu-chin… Ugh, guess scouting new first-year talent’s postponed to the ceremony.”

“…Nina, you need to chill a bit.”

We weave through the fresh crowd of first-years heading to the ceremony and reach the school entrance. The new class rosters are already posted, and the area’s packed with current students.

Reactions vary as people find their names. Some look relieved to be with close friends, others bummed their clique got split, and a few guys secretly fist-pump over landing in the same class as their crush.

Old me wouldn’t have gotten it, but now I understand all those feelings.

“Ugh, I’m so nervous… God, please let me be in the same class as Umi again, please, please, please~…”

“Hey, Yuu, even God can’t fix some things… So, thanks for everything up till now.”

“Nooo! I kinda knew it was coming, but don’t say it out loud~!”

“Yuu-chin, we’ve still got a chance to be together. Come on, let’s check.”

“Ugh~…”

Nitta-san drags a sulky Amami-san, clinging to Umi, toward the board.

Umi and Amami-san were in the same class from elementary through first-year high school, but this time, that bond might finally break.

Judging by the two who checked first, Amami-san’s split from Nitta-san too. Seeing no Umi or Nitta-san on her list, Amami-san’s down, and Nitta-san’s frantically consoling her.

“…Guess we should check too.”

“Yeah… It’d be nice if we’re together.”

“Yeah, seriously.”

As the crowd thins, Umi and I, still holding hands, step up to the 2-11 roster—the advanced class for top performers.

Umi’s almost certainly here, but what about me?

We scan from the top, by attendance number. In alphabetical order, Umi’s name pops up fast.

1. Asanagi Umi

“…Well, no surprise there.”

“Yeah, obviously. Now if only Maki’s name’s here, it’d be perfect… Uh, Maehara Maki, Maehara Maki…”

We check carefully, one by one, to not miss it.

2, 3—then 10. ‘Maehara’ starts with ‘Ma,’ so it’d be later if it’s there.

20… 25, and still no sign of my name.

“…30, Watanabe—that’s everyone, looks like.”

“Mm. No Maki.”

“Yeah, not there.”

After reading every name together, ‘Maehara Maki’ isn’t on 2-11’s roster.

Sadly, I couldn’t hit my first second-year goal of ‘being in the same class as Umi again.’

Unlike Umi, a top-five student, I was on the bubble, so I was prepared for this… but confirming my name’s absence still stings.

“Maki, before you mope, let’s find your name. Could be a teacher’s mistake—though that’d piss me off too.”

“Y-Yeah. Uh, let’s check the next class—”

Shifting my gaze to the neighboring 2-10 roster, I spot my name right away.

Along with some other familiar ones.

Year 2, Class 10 (Homeroom: Yagisawa Miki)

1. Amami Yuu

…

…

…

2. Maehara Maki

“…Phew.”

“Tch… Uh, Umi-san, mind explaining why you’re suddenly pinching my side?”

“…No reason. Just felt like it.”

“O-Okay then.”

Why’s she with Yuu but not me—Umi’s blunt feelings probably sum it up. It’s pure chance, but I get her frustration, so I’ll let her vent on my side for now.

Still, ending up with Amami-san again was unexpected.

Done checking, we regroup with Amami-san and the others.

“Nina-chi’s in 7, I’m in 10, Umi’s in 11… Nooo, Umi~ I’m so lonely~!”

“Jeez, I get it, but don’t cling so much. I’m split from Maki too, you know.”

“Oh, right, huh. I’m with Maki-kun, so I’m okay… Ehe, Umi, uh, sorry about that?”

“You tryna pick a fight, huh?”

“Kyaa~ Umi’s bullying me~!”

Amami-san was down at first about losing her bestie, but her quick bounce-back brings her usual bubbly smile.

I could learn a thing or two from her positivity.

…Me, I’m still a bit crushed by reality.

“Still, Asanagi and Yuu-chin are next-door classes. If you’re lonely, just pop by. I won’t go often, though.”

“Huh~? Come on, Nina-chi, join us~ It’ll be fun~!”

“Honestly, I’d love to, but if I’m always in other classes, I’ll stick out in my own. Gotta balance it right.”

“Ugh… Yeah, fair point.”

Like Amami-san, I can only nod at Nitta-san’s take.

We’ve all got gripes about this shuffle—me, Umi, Amami-san—but the new classes are set.

Keeping old bonds is great, but getting used to new environments and people matters too.

Thinking that way, this might not be so bad for me. Without physically splitting from Umi, I’d probably stay dependent on her forever in school life.

Even without Umi nearby, I need to communicate with classmates and live decently—otherwise, I’d be too pathetic as her boyfriend.

“Well, since it’s like this, I’ll manage somehow. It’s lonely without Umi close, but I can visit anytime if I want.”

“…Maki, you okay? You won’t get lonely and cry without me, right?”

“No, I’m not that childish… though I can’t say for sure, which is kinda lame. But I’ll try my best.”

It’s my first time starting a year like this, so I might whine, but I’ll get Umi to comfort me alone later if it happens.

That’s how we decided to roll, back at Christmas.

“…So, Umi-san?”

“What?”

“I’d be happy if you let me go soon. Look, we’re almost at the new classrooms.”

“…No. A little longer.”

Umi clinging to my arm is super cute, but the class bell’s coming, so we’ve gotta part.

Plus, Amami-san and Nitta-san smirking at us is getting to me.

For now, I’ll let Umi cling tons after school today.

“Anyway, it’s just morning classes today. How about we hit the diner with the usual crew for lunch after? Probably got plenty to catch up on.”

“Oh, I’m in! Umi, Maki-kun, that cool with you?”

“I’m fine with it… Maki, you good?”

“Yeah. I’ll invite Nozomu too.”

“““…”“”

“Why’d all three of you go quiet?”

Second year, and the girls still treat Nozomu like dirt. He’s got way more clout and popularity at school than us.

“Well, it’s Seki.”

“Yeah, Seki, right, Yuu?”

“Huh!? N-No, I haven’t forgotten Seki-kun, of course… Uh, he’s in 5, right?”

“No, Nozomu’s in 4.”

“…Ehehe~”

“Don’t laugh it off, bestie.”

It’s reassuring to confirm our dynamic hasn’t changed, but I’ll keep this exchange from Nozomu for now.

Anyway, splitting from the usual gang is lonely, but it’s time to eye my new classmates.

Amami-san and I are now in 2-10, and surprisingly, some first-year classmates are here too. I say ‘surprisingly’ because I barely remember their faces—judging by the girls around Amami-san chatting, ‘Same class again!’ happily.

First, I’ve gotta start memorizing classmates’ names and faces properly.

Scanning the room, the guys seem pretty tame—not like the rowdy bunch from my first-year class. From a quick chat with Nozomu, most of those types got lumped into 4 with him, under a stern PE teacher’s watch.

Compared to that, my class isn’t half bad.

“Oh! Hehe, Maki-kuuun! Over here, over here~ Let’s chat~!”

“…H-Hi.”

My eyes meet Amami-san’s, and she waves enthusiastically with a grin.

Instantly, the class’s attention (mostly guys) shifts to me.

—Hey, why’s that guy so chummy with Amami-san?

—Doesn’t seem like they’re dating, but why’s she with a dude like him…?

I’m sick of this topic, but for people new to me and Amami-san, it’s a shock.

I’ve got no plans to talk about her or my girlfriend Umi, so I tune it out as usual noise.

“—Alright, everyone, take your seats~ Time to start the first homeroom~”

My familiar homeroom teacher, Yagisawa-sensei, steps to the podium with the bell, kicking off second-year classes.

New class, and the first thing every class does? Yep, that thing I suffered through last year—‘that.’

“We’ve got about thirty minutes till the entrance ceremony, so let’s zip through everyone’s intros. I usually do a lottery, but today’s tight, so attendance order it is… Amami-san, you’re up first.”

“Yes, leave it to me~!”

Self-intros—one of my worst events last year—but this time it’s just names and a quick goal, so I shouldn’t humiliate myself like before.

“—So, I’d love to get along and have fun with everyone this year. Feel free to chat me up anytime!”

Amami-san finishes her usual spiel, and the room fills with applause and a warm vibe.

Even without Umi, her bestie who’s always backed her up, Amami-san’s still Amami-san.

“Thanks, Amami-san. Next is 2, Arae-san—but,”

Her intro kicked things off smoothly… or so I thought, but the seat behind her, where the next person should be, is conspicuously empty.

“Not here, huh. No absence notice either… Anyone close to Arae-san?”

“…”

Sensei calls out, but everyone just exchanges looks—no hands raised.

Some were in her class last year, but they only tilt their heads.

“So, skipping, huh…? Jeez, I heard from the head teacher and had a hunch, but to pull this on day one?”

“? Yes, Sensei.”

“Go ahead, Amami-san.”

“Thanks. Uh, is this Arae-san girl some big delinquent?”

“Hmm… Hard to say… Her grades aren’t bad—actually well above average—but her attitude’s, uh, not exactly stellar.”

Seems she’s a known troublemaker among the teachers.

—Attendance No. 2, Arae Nagisa-san.

The guys in 10, including me, seem fine, but the girls might be a different story.

If Umi were here, she’d probably grimace, I think to myself.

With little time before the mandatory entrance ceremony, we shelve Arae-san for now and move on with intros.

Her absence ate extra time, so they speed up. 10, 20 fly by—no time to get nervous—and soon it’s my turn at 21.

“Next, Maehara-kun.”

“…Yes.”

Standing at Sensei’s cue, all my classmates turn toward me at once.

Suddenly, an indescribable tension crashes over me—unlike anything before.

The room goes dead silent; only my heartbeat echoes in my ears.

“Uh… um…”

“? Maehara-kun, what’s up?”

“Oh, no…”

…Crap. I planned what to say yesterday and rehearsed with Umi, but it’s all flown out of my head.

My name and a quick word to my new classmates—ten seconds’ worth of lines—and I can’t get it out.

“…Maehara Maki. Nice to meet you.”

“Hmm… Pretty bare-bones intro. That it?”

“…Uh,”

I squeezed out my name, but that can’t be enough.

I decided to start this year fresh, with a new mindset for school life.

To live positively and enjoyably like Umi, Amami-san, Nitta-san, and Nozomu—not the old ‘Maehara Maki’—for my new classmates and, most importantly, myself.

But even with the will, the words won’t come.

“…I’m good. Sorry.”

“Okay. Next person then.”

Maybe because of last year, Sensei doesn’t push. I’m grateful, but it feels like even more pity than before—utterly pathetic.

I sigh quietly so no one notices, then sit as the next classmate takes my spot.

Right then, my phone buzzes in my pocket.

…A message from Umi.

While attention’s off me, I sneak a peek under the desk.

(Asanagi) Maki, you got this.

Just that one line.

“…Uh, sorry, Sensei.”

Cutting the intro flow, I raise my hand toward Sensei.

“? Second time—what’s up, Maehara-kun?”

“About my intro… Sorry, I forgot to add something.”

“Got it… Wanna redo it?”

“Please.”

“Alright. After everyone’s done, you’ll close out this homeroom. Cool?”

“Yes.”

It’s a selfish request, so that’s fair.

It ramps up the nerves, but oddly, my head stays cool.

Even when she’s not here, my girlfriend’s so dependable.

Once everyone’s intros wrap up, Amami-san, Sensei, and the class all look at me.

Redoing it doesn’t mean I’ll say anything clever or lighten the mood—sorry about that—but it’s part of my intro, so take it as that.

Maehara Maki’s a hassle, basically.

“—Once again, I’m Maehara Maki. With a new year and new environment starting, honestly, I’m full of nerves… but I want to give it my all in this class with a fresh start. Nice to meet you. I’m shy, so I might not start conversations much… Oh, and I like shark movies.”

I bow and sit, earning scattered polite applause.

It was still a rambling mess despite expectations, but I said what I wanted—personally refreshing.

…For now, I’ll bank on growing my speaking skills later.

“Thanks, Maehara-kun. Alright, time’s up—let’s hustle to the gym. That’s it for today, but regular classes start tomorrow, so no tardies.”

“Whaaat~? Miki-sensei, can’t we stretch it to the weekend or something?”

“Amami-san, let’s work hard on studies from now on, okay?”

“Nooo!”

Amami-san’s exaggerated cry softens the room, sparking laughter everywhere.

Meeting her bashful, blushing gaze, she winks at me subtly—just for me to catch.

I got saved by Amami-san, who’ll likely stay the mood-maker, but I’m not someone who can handle everything solo anyway.

I know my limits best. So, I’ll keep moving forward bit by bit, leaning on friends and close ones without overdoing it.

After watching the first-years’ entrance ceremony go off without a hitch, it’s after school.

As promised, the usual crew hits a nearby diner for lunch and a rundown of today. Nozomu’s free from club stuff, so all five of us reunite after a while.

I figured we’d just chat casually and enjoy a chill lunch like always.

But one cute girl’s blatantly puffing her cheeks, sulking.

Yep, Umi.

“…Muu~”

“Look, Umi, I get it—cheer up already. Here, I’ll feed you fries.”

“Mmph… Maki, cola too.”

“Yes, yes.”

After calming a sulky Umi by my side, I explain her grumpiness to Nitta-san and Nozomu, who don’t know the deal.

It started after the ceremony when Umi tried prying the class shuffle details from our homeroom teacher, Yagisawa-sensei.

She didn’t outright ask why I didn’t make the advanced class, but she wanted a reason she could accept.

‘Even for you, Asanagi-san, I can’t spill that… Honestly, I don’t know the full details myself. They set 11 first, then we hashed out the rest in discussions. I can’t show the data, but roughly, it seems like [kids who worked hard all year] made it in this time. Our school mostly leaves it to homeroom teachers’ discretion, so standards vary… I feel kinda bad about that.’

As a teacher, she wrapped it in fluff, but basically, Yagisawa-sensei said the shuffle weighed not just final exams but the average rank and grades from all last year’s tests.

Umi’s stayed top ten since enrollment, but my grades only spiked after getting close with Umi last fall-winter—before that, I bounced between 50 and 100, so averaging it out, I missed the top thirty cutoff.

Starting my effort a bit late sucks, but the time I worked with Umi wasn’t wasted.

I fell short this year, but with two years left, I can aim for a comeback in third year by keeping at it.

Yagisawa-sensei explained as much as she could, and Umi and I are cool with it.

So why’s Umi still hung up despite our talk?

“—Oh, maybe the school trip? Our school does it in January or February, right… Class Rep, and Asanagi, that sound right?”

“Spot on.”

“…Mmph~”

Nitta-san catches on quick—Umi’s extra bummed about the big final school event in third term: the school trip.

She wanted us in the same class and group, spending the whole time together, flirting and having sweet moments—she’d secretly pushed my grades up more than her own for that.

“Look, the trip’s mostly group stuff, right? There’s some free time, but it’s still by group—you can’t just wander off solo. If something happens, it’d mess everyone up big time.”

Sure, with everyone’s help, we could sneak alone time across classes, but tricking the chaperones with fake reports feels wrong.

To enjoy the trip openly without sneaking, same class beats separate hands down.

“Huh? Wait, does that mean me and Umi are split too? We were together all through elementary and middle—it was a blast.”

“Yup, Yuu. Rooms will be separate too, so you’ll have to wake up solo in the mornings.”

“M-Mmph… Umi, maybe just then you could wake me up special?”

“My dear bestie, you think that’s happening?”

“N-Nooo~…”

Realizing this, Amami-san’s face starts mirroring Umi’s.

The issue of splitting from Umi isn’t just mine.

…Actually, this might be bigger.

Beyond the trip, Amami-san’ll have to manage solo sometimes—school events, classmate interactions. Day one was fine, but a whole year’s uncertain.

“Well, the trip’s still far off, so whatever… Nitta-san, if you know, I’ve got a question.”

“Oh? Class Rep asking me something’s rare—since work? Wait, is that hot senpai secretly bullying you?”

“No, Emi-senpai’s as kind as ever… It’s not that. I wanna ask about Arae Nagisa.”

“! Maki-kun.”

Amami-san perks up at Arae-san’s name, looking my way.

Maybe not my place as a guy to worry, but it’s a concern for Amami-san, who’s near her seat, so I wanna check for the group’s sake.

No clue why she’s absent, but skipping day one without notice doesn’t sit right with me.

She’s gotta have some quirks, no doubt.

“Ohh, Arae-chi… She’s in your class, huh. Poor Miki-chan got stuck with a handful.”

“? Nina-chi, you know Arae-san? Friends, maybe?”

“Friends… Hmm… We’ve hung out in groups, chatted a bit then, but just acquaintances, I’d say. A while back—pretty long ago—I’ve got a pic, wanna see?”

“Yeah. Thanks, Nina-chi.”

Probably from a post-event hangout last year—Nitta-san and a few uniformed girls pose with peace signs.

“Look, the one on the left center—not doing a peace sign, all straight-faced—that’s Arae Nagisa.”

While Nitta-san and the others beam, a light-haired girl with a sour look—more deadpan than grumpy—stands out, troubling our homeroom teacher, Yagisawa-sensei.

No tie or ribbon, a small silver piercing peeks from her semi-long hair’s gap by her earlobe.

Tanned skin aside, her makeup’s on point—a walking school rule violation.

Her face seems pretty, but from this pic alone, I find her unapproachable.

Her sharp, narrow eyes aimed at the phone lens feel oddly piercing.

“Wow, Arae-san’s really pretty. Taller than the others, great figure too… Nina-chi, did she do sports in middle school or something?”

“Dunno. Hardly anyone here’s from her middle school, so no idea… Seki, you know anything? She’s from East Middle School.”

“Don’t ask me… One of my baseball senpais was from East, but no way he’d remember some junior girl.”

Guess we’ll have to wait till she shows up tomorrow or later.

Even with a skipping habit, her grades aren’t bad, so I’d like to think she’s got a serious side… but I’ve never had a classmate this blatantly attitude-y, so keeping my distance seems safest.

“Well, if we don’t poke her, should be fine. She’s got friends but kinda lone-wolfs it—like last year’s Class Rep.”

“I was less lone wolf, more stray herbivore lost from the herd.”

It’d be ideal if all classmates were understanding, but with so many people, clashing with someone totally opposite us is inevitable.

Keep distance from those I can’t vibe with, only stepping in when needed—that’s key to a peaceful school life.

“Anyway, this Arae person’s one to watch. Yuu, you know this, but don’t get too chummy right off. She seems strong-willed—probably oil and water with you.”

“Muu~ I get that much, jeez. Umi, you treat me like a kid too much. I can handle friends fine without you.”

“Oh? Then no more morning wake-up calls. Time to do everything solo.”

“Nooo, not that~! Maki-kuuun, Umi’s bullying me~!”

“Amami-san… uh, hang in there.”

“Waaah! Everyone’s so mean~!”

Amami-san wails dramatically, we all stifle laughs, and she joins in too.

This back-and-forth’s our usual banter. Separate classes won’t stop Umi’s wake-up calls for Amami-san, and she doesn’t really think we’re mean.

We trust each other that much, and that’s why it works—but it’s true some don’t jive with this vibe.

“Speaking of, Umi, you okay? I’m glad you’re worried about me, but I’m worried about you too.”

“Oh yeah, wasn’t Asanagi the only one from our class to hit the advanced class last year? Day one, and she’s already getting sidelined—total bias, but I picture advanced class folks as super cliquey.”

“Cliquey… Like sticking with their first-year buds and not mixing with others?”

“Yup. Class Rep gets it for an ex-loner.”

I saw it clear as a loner with nothing but people-watching to do—it’s a pattern. We’re kinda like that too.

If the advanced class mostly thinks they’re set and don’t need change, Umi—the only one from us there—might end up isolated.

…Nah, not Umi, though.

Knowing my worry or not, Umi laughs off Amami-san and crew’s concerns.

“Fufu, you’re all fretting, but too bad. Today was just light intros, but everyone’s super chill, and I hit it off quick. Our class has tons of girls too—no high-maintenance types like Yuu, so it’s easygoing.”

“Whaaat~? That’s not fair, Umi~! Me too! I wanna join the advanced class~!”

“Then study hard from now on, yeah? I’m not dropping my grades one bit. Right, Maki?”

“…I’ll do my best too.”

My studying’s locked in, and my worries seem unfounded for now—relief.

Still, if Umi ever feels lonely in her class, I wanna pamper and comfort her no matter what.

And, surprisingly, that moment comes soon.

After lunch and chatting at the diner, Umi and I part from Amami-san’s trio and naturally head to my place to hang out alone. It’s not a weekend, but we’re the type to carve out precious morning half-hours to flirt—no way we’d skip an early dismissal day.

“Maki, I’m hungry. Let’s eat something.”

“We just hit the diner… Well, we didn’t eat much, so I’m short too. Chips then? What flavor?”

“Hmm~ Nori salt!”

“Nice. I’ll grab drinks—you handle that.”

“Aye~”

I fire up the living room TV, tuning to a channel that airs movies weekday afternoons. It’s an old hit action flick—perfect for munching casually.

Sipping coffee loaded with sugar and milk, I let out a “Phew.”

“Ha~… It’s April, but still chilly. I only brought a scarf today, so my feet are freezing.”

“Wind picked up strong after noon too… Gotta warm up quick then.”

“Right? You’ve gotta take responsibility, Maki, and warm up your cute, cute girlfriend all toasty… Here!”

“Oof.”

As Umi hugs me, she slips her hand through my shirt gap.

I love her smooth skin’s feel, but a sneak attack like that startles me a bit.

“Ha~ Maki’s body’s always so warm.”

“Hey, don’t just stick your hand in… Agh, s-stop tickling!”

“Nihi~ Maki’s weak around here, huh? But it’s the warmest spot, so I can’t stop~ Rub, rub~”

“Ngh… Jeez.”

Her tickling from armpit to side makes me yelp weirdly, but she’s locked me tight—I’m helpless.

I wanna retaliate, but I hold back.

Even as lovers, I shouldn’t carelessly touch a girl’s delicate skin… Though, asked if I want to touch her soft white skin, as her boyfriend, the answer’s obvious.

We stay stuck together, swapping body heat, warming up from the inside.

Heating and kotatsu are cozy, but I prefer this—it warms my heart and body more.

“Umi, ready to let go? Can’t eat snacks like this.”

“Hmm~ A bit more. One more hour.”

“That’s way too long… Coffee will get cold.”

“Fufu, kidding. Maybe five more minutes? No good?”

“No, it’s fine.”

“…Thanks.”

Umi pulls her hand from my shirt and nuzzles her face into my chest, clinging sweetly.

Venting to Amami-san and them helped some, but she’s not fully back yet.

She’s that bummed about not being in my class, which makes me happy as her boyfriend… but I don’t want her stuck like this—I want her peppy again.

How should I cheer her up?

“Still, the school trip, huh… Would’ve been nice to explore with you, Umi. First and last school trip of high school.”

“First and…? Wait, Maki, you didn’t go on yours in elementary or middle? Too boring without friends?”

“No, they’re school events, so I went even if they sucked… Well, Dad’s job moves or family stuff overlapped, so I ended up missing them. Oh, and yeah, I figured they’d suck as a loner anyway—eighty percent?”

“Maki, that’s called ‘mostly’ in the real world. Remember that.”

Looking back at old me—left out of classmates hyping trips, pretending to sleep alone in the corner—I kinda regret it.

…Trips, huh.

“…Hm? Wait, then—”

A sudden idea pops into my head.

“Maki, something up?”

“Oh, no, just thought of something—”

“??”

My abrupt comment makes even Umi tilt her head curiously.

But this might lift her spirits.

“—Hey, Umi,”

“Yeah?”

“What if we… t-trip, together or something?”

“Huh?”

Umi blinks at my suggestion, but as it sinks in, the sparkle returns to her once-dull eyes.

“Wait, Maki, this trip—it’s just us two, right…? No Yuu or Nina—just me and you. Right? Right?”

“Yeah, I guess so.”

“Not like a grad trip?”

“Nope. Ideally this year… Next year, we can’t be that carefree.”

“Oh, yeah, true.”

When, where, costs, parental approval—none of that’s factored in; it’s pure daydreaming. But it could add fun for both of us this year.

“Still, I like it. Really like it. A trip, just us two… Might beat the school trip.”

“That’s a stretch… The school trip will be a great memory too.”

“Y-Yeah, right. I got a bit too hyped.”

She’s happier than I expected—a pleasant surprise. Seeing her lively, almost tackling me, eases my mind.

“Big holidays would be Golden Week in late April, but that’s too soon… How about we quietly plan for summer or after? Secret from parents and Amami-san’s crew.”

“Yeah. Our little secret, huh?”

We decided on a whim, but a goal like this should boost my drive for studies and work.

The biggest hurdle for our trip is parental okay, but we’ll do our best now to make it happen.

If they knew we’re grinding for a trip to flirt undisturbed, our parents and friends’d be floored—but that’s just us as a couple, can’t help it.

“…Thinking again, we’re kinda dumb, huh.”

“Haha, yep. Smart at studies, total dopes in love.”

But I love Umi’s beaming, full-on smile even more.

“Oh, Umi, you’ve got nori on your teeth.”

“Huh? W-Where? No way, it ruins my smile… Ugh, Maki, you jerk. Meanie. I hate you.”

“That flip was way too fast.”

…Still, I don’t mind her blushing embarrassment either.

Seems as long as Umi’s happy, I’m good with anything.