After lunch, I head back to the classroom.
Ryuuichi introduced me to some of his friends and showed me around, explaining the furniture and features of that place.
They're nice people, but our opinions on women are completely different. However, I didn't voice my disagreement. After all, I was aware of the huge difference in social standing between them and me.
"Tomoki, sorry to press you for an answer, but think about our situation."
After that, I told him I would think about it and head back to the classroom. Ryuichi said he wanted to discuss something with the senpais.
Sigh... The first day of school hadn't even finished yet, and my high school debut was already shattered by awkwardness. And now, I had to deal with a tough decision.
"Tomo... Morikawa-san, are you feeling unwell?"
It was Edomae-san. She really treats me well. Not only did she not mind the incident on the day of the interview, but I even ignored her when Ryuichi called me. Now that I think about it, this is the second time I've just left her behind.
And yet, she still cares for me.
"No, I'm fine. Thank you. I'm just a little tired, that's all."
"Well, if things start getting difficult to handle, don't hesitate to ask me."
"Thank you, Edomae-san."
I really need to do something for her. Maybe because a man is seen as a valuable asset, she's trying to be considerate with me.
But what should I do? I'll think about that later.
Right now, I know what the first thing I need to do is.
"Edomae-san, can you spare some time after the lesson?"
"Su-Sure, no problem."
And so, everyone returned to the classroom.
♦♦♦
The class ended, and as expected, the lessons were easy to understand, but the amount of information and the details made it hard to keep track.
I couldn't write down everything, and there are still some things I remember that I want to note down. But I can't make Edomae-san wait.
"So, Edomae-san, are you still free now?"
"Morikawa-san, you can take your time. You still need to jot down some notes from the last lesson, right?"
"I don't want to make you wait for me."
"Don´t worry about it. I'll take the opportunity to go to the restroom."
"Well, if it's okay with you, I'll note down what I remember."
She leaves the classroom for a moment. I start noting some of the details I could still recall, and somehow, I manage to cover most of the important parts at least.
Now, I just need to wait.
"Hey Tomoki, if you need help, you can ask me." - Ryuichi says.
"Thanks, but right now, I want to try it on my own."
"I see. Can I ask you something personal?"
"Yeah, sure. I mean, it depends on the question."
"It's more like your opinion. But if it bothers you, don't feel forced. This is just my curiosity."
"Sure, ask anything."
"Aren´t you afraid of woman?"
"Huh? Normally, no?"
"How? Don't you hear the news? Don't you feel anxious with all the stares?"
"I heard the news, but judging all the girls the same doesn't feel right. And stares? Well, I'm pretty sure I attract attention because I'm a male scholarship student."
"sigh... you're like an innocent, sheltered good guy. Okay, and what do you think about Edomae-san? You've seemed kind of close to her."
"I just met her recently, that's all. But if I had to say, she's a kind and cute girl."
"Kind and cute... be careful, Tomoki. Your actions could lead to a huge misunderstanding."
"Well, if you say so, I'll be mindful of what I do."
"See you tomorrow."
"See ya."
And with that, he leaves the classroom.
He really cares about my safety. It feels weird to be concerned about my safety in relation to women, but I guess Ryuichi is like a super-famous idol who has to deal with scary fans every day. I can't blame him.
But then, he asked about Edomae-san. What did he mean by a "huge misunderstanding"?
Is he interested in her? I mean, who wouldn't be. Or maybe because I'm a commoner, I should be more mindful of how I interact with others—especially her.
Geez, there's so much I need to think about now.
"Morikawa-san? Is everything okay?"
"Oh, Edomae-san. Yeah, I finished taking my notes. Thanks for waiting."
"Fufu—relax, I mean it."
"I see... So, there's something I need to return to you."
"Return to me?" - She tilted her head.
"Yeah, here." I handed her a red handkerchief. "I forgot to return the one you lent me after I wiped my shirt. I tried washing it, but the stain wouldn't come out, and now it's all wrinkly too."
"And then you bought a new one?"
"Yes, I hope you like it."
I know I need to be considerate about what I do. I thought my high school life would be easygoing, but it's been far from it.
Still, I know one thing: I need to return her kindness with kindness. That's just common sense.
"Thank you, Tomoki!" - She said, giving me a warm smile.
"..."
"Ah! ... Sorry, without realizing, I said your first name." - She blushed as she said it.
"Oh! Don't worry. Like I said earlier, I'm more comfortable being called by my first name."
"If you don't mind. To... mo... ki. Tomoki-kun, you have a beautiful name."
"Haha... glad to hear it."
"You can call me by my first name too."
"Are you sure? Well, A... ya... me. Ayame-san." - I'm feeling kind of nervous now.
"..."
"..."
For a moment, both of us remained silent.
"Is there something else you want to talk about?" - Ayame-san asked.
"No, that´s all. Thanks for listening to me. I'll be leaving now."
"I should be the one to thank you. See you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow."
At the entrance of the Academy, my mother pick me up.
I told her before I could go home by myself, but she freaked out and asked if I planned to become a zookeeper and hand-feed lions or something.
Anyway, as I was riding home in the car, I started to remember everything that happened today.
The thought of having all the attention on me, my awkward self-introduction, Ryuichi's request, the difficult lessons, and the warning about my actions.
There's so much I need to consider now. Right now, I'm in an abnormal situation.
I'm in a different world, with a different set of rules and morals. I can't just apply my common sense to everyone. Not only that, but I'm at a school where everyone has a high social standing.
Despite all that, I'm still managing to enjoy my school life. And the main reason for that is Ayame-san's presence.
I feel like I only caused her trouble. But still, we talked a little, and somehow, I got to spend a moment with a kind and beautiful girl. It helped me forget all my worries for a bit.
[Thank you, Tomoki!] When she said that, something about her voice… the warmth, the way she smiled—In that moment, I remembered the girl I once loved.
...
I´m ready to move on.