After talking with Satoshi, a strange feeling lingered in my chest. Guilt? Maybe. It was weird realizing how much I'd changed. I used to be the kind of guy people looked up to, but now? A background character in my own story. But hey, being a little dull isn't so bad, right? At least no one expects much from me.
The school bell rang, shaking me from my thoughts. As I packed up, I turned to Satoshi. "Got any plans after school?"
He slung his bag over his shoulder. "Yeah, I have to submit some paperwork to the teachers. Might take a while."
"Ah, I see," I nodded, trying to sound casual.
"Oh, right—give me your LINE."
"Huh?"
"Your LINE ID. Or have you gone full caveman and don't use social media anymore?" He smirked.
"Tch. I use it," I muttered, pulling out my phone. We exchanged IDs, and just like that, Satoshi disappeared toward the faculty office, leaving me to deal with my next challenge—escaping the classroom unnoticed.
Unfortunately, fate had other plans.
Before I could even take a step, a group of girls surrounded my desk like I was some rare exhibit at a museum.
Oh no. This is exactly how teen dramas start.
Their serious expressions made my stomach drop. One girl—our class rep—stepped forward. "Tell us your secrets."
"Huh?" I blinked. "Secrets? I don't have any."
The group narrowed their eyes. "Then how did you brainwash someone from The Circles?"
Ah. So that's what this was about.
I forced a laugh. "Brainwash? You guys make it sound like I hypnotized him or something. He just had some questions about school since he's new. That's all."
They exchanged glances, then reluctantly nodded. "Fair enough."
I exhaled. Thank god they bought it.
Most of the girls in my class were obsessed with the school's so-called 'Golden Circle.' But one girl, Misaki Aisaka, stood out. Not because she wasn't interested, but because she was unpredictable. Small in stature, but big in attitude. The kind of girl who could ambush you out of nowhere.
And just as I was about to make my great escape—bam!—there she was, blocking the doorway like an S-rank boss fight.
Just fantastic. My NPC self is about to get wiped out.
She crossed her arms, staring at me like I owed her money. "Where do you think you're going?"
"Uh… home? Definitely home," I said, already tired.
She narrowed her eyes. "Do you think I care about that?"
I sighed. "Then why'd you ask?"
She scowled. "Too many people here. Follow me to the rooftop."
"Why should I?"
She smirked. "Oh, I don't know… maybe because I know about the anime girl keychains in your bag?"
Wait. What.
"How—"
"Rooftop. Now." She turned on her heel, not even waiting for my response.
I grumbled under my breath. "This has to be a violation of privacy…"
Still, I had no choice but to follow.
God, why does my life feel like a poorly written rom-com?
And so, I followed her to the rooftop, wondering how my peaceful, unnoticed existence had turned into this. Seriously, is there some cosmic force that enjoys messing with me?