NOVEL NEXT Chapter 8
It’s Friday.
In English, that’s FRIDAY.
If we go by order, it’s the fifth day. If we start counting from Sunday, it’s the sixth day.
In programming terms, it could be either the fourth or fifth day, starting from zero.
So, what I’m trying to say is, today is the last day for group assignments.
For the past four days since Ninomiya-san and I made a friend-like agreement to be in the same group, nothing particularly eventful has happened. Life has been peaceful.
When I arrived at school in the morning, the names of 4-5 students were listed on the blackboard at the back of the classroom, organized by group.
As expected, the standout names were from the popular girls. They had secured their positions in the first group.
First Group:
Handsome Kondo-kun
Trauma Adachi-san
Playboy Charao
Sharp-tongued Pure-hearted Kiryu-san
So, the girl basketball player Imamura-san and baseball player Tamura-kun are in a different group, maybe because they’re dating?
After all, looking at the first group, it’s clear that love affairs will be rampant. For the two who already have partners, they probably want to make this Kyoto trip a lovey-dovey, pink-colored four days.
I’d rather they stay as far away as possible.
So, will Ninomiya-san and I fit into any of the remaining slots? I was looking for groups that hadn’t finalized their numbers yet when I noticed something horrifying.
Sixth Group:
Baseball Player Tamura-kun
Girl Basketball Player Imamura-san
Sleeping Beauty Ninomiya-san
Loner Endo-kun
I had to do a double-take.
How odd.
Why are Ninomiya-san and I in the same group as the popular couple?
Who decided this?
Well, it’s probably Ninomiya-san, but why with these two?
Even for someone as mild-mannered as me, this is something I have to complain about. Frowning, I head to my seat.
Ninomiya-san was already seated and didn’t seem to notice my almost erupting volcano of anger. She waved at me.
I ended up waving back.
No, don’t get sucked in. I have to say it. I don’t want to be in this group.
“Good morning, Endo-kun.”
“Good morning, Ninomiya-san.”
Now, say it. Ask them to change the group. I’m not above groveling. I’ll do whatever it takes to get out of the sixth group.
“So, Ninomiya-sa–”
“Hey, we can use today’s LHR to prepare for the school trip! Let’s decide where we’re going together!”
…I was defeated by their high spirits.
The one who spoke to Ninomiya-san was Imamura-san from the girl’s basketball team. A very energetic girl even among the popular ones.
“Sure, sounds good.”
Ninomiya-san responded cheerfully.
This isn’t good. At this rate, I’ll be forced to participate.
“Um, uh…”
“Hey.”
Gah…
Suddenly, a deep voice from behind and a heavy hand on my shoulder made my little heart skip a beat. I turn around to see Tamura-kun from the baseball team.
Is he almost 190 cm tall?
The intimidation factor, along with his height, makes him appear like a giant over 2 meters tall to me.
“Ye, yes.”
“Nice to meet you.”
…Did he smile? Overwhelmed by what might be a smile from Tamura-kun, I was rendered powerless.
“Y-yes.”
Ah, yes. Humanity has learned, hasn’t it? About the terror of giants. There’s nothing a commoner like me can do.
“Hey, Endo-kun, nice to meet you too!
We’re all here for the sixth group! Let’s put our desks together and start!”
“Sure! Oh, Endo-kun, you were about to say something, right?”
“I’m fine.”
In the midst of the ever-changing seasons, lately, I’ve been feeling the length of the days.
How is everyone doing?
I’m in the middle of LHR, under the guise of preparing for a school trip, which is really just a way to kill off loners like me.
“How about Fushimi Inari or Arashiyama?” says Imamura-san.
“I think that sounds great. Though, the pathway at Fushimi Inari is a long walk. Personally, I’d also like to go to Arashiyama,” replies Ninomiya-san.
“Hmm,” grunts Tamura-kun.
“…”
After school
The pink devils, er, Imamura-san and Tamura-kun, have happily gone off shopping. Now, nothing stands in the way of my going home.
Let’s go home. Just as I was about to pick up my bag, Ninomiya-san calls out to me.
“Endo-kun.”
“Ninomiya-san? What is it?”
“Do you want to go home together?”
“Oh, yes.”
It’s always good not to jump to conclusions, isn’t it?