Nishinomiya High School.

This place was vastly different from my former school, Fukuoka High, just from one good look at it. My former school was only divided into two large buildings, but this one had three and they were arranged into an unfinished square. The buildings at Fukuoka High were also connected through outdoor hallways, while there weren't any here.

A statue stood in the middle of the courtyard on top of a pedestal and a lot of students were all over the area.

From this shape, I guess the main building is the one at the center, so that should be the place where I'm supposed to go.

"Wish me luck."

I took a deep breath, gripped my bag tight, and walked through the school gate, heading for the main building. I took a quick glance at the people around me just to prevent myself from looking like a robot, and to avoid ruining my reputation on my first day. This is completely uncharted territory for me, so I should be careful of what I do around here.

Surprisingly, a few students smile and wave to me in greeting. I never expected this to happen at all. Of course, out of proper courtesy, I did the same but I didn't stop in my tracks.

Okay, after the little talk I had with Usagi back home, I guess you're expecting me to do the same and be friends with the people here, right?

I'm sorry, but I'm not my imouto.

She was popular in her former school, while I wasn't. I was just your average student in a classroom and I still am until now. That's not to say I didn't have friends, though. I befriended two or three of my classmates back then and I have their contact info, but we never really talked again after we moved. Speaking of which, I should clear my contacts of any unimportant people later on...

But yeah, I was a pretty average guy and I'm sure that won't change now. I'm also sure that these people are just being respectful of seeing someone new, they're not really looking to be friends with me.

Usagi would surely push me to befriend every single one of my classmates but there's no need for me to do that. Maybe I'll acquaint myself with my male classmates at least, but that's it. I won't even try to approach the females.

Trust me, I tried doing that last year and I only got ignored. Girls will either stick with other girls or swoon over whatever hot guy is nearby

It's not worth the effort.

~XoX~

Upon entering the building, I quickly began looking for Class 2A, because that was the classroom where I was assigned to upon enrollment. It was nowhere to be found on the first floor so it must be located at the one above.

After taking the stairs, I could already see the sign reading '2A' in one of the rooms through this hallway, so I headed there and braced myself for what's waiting for me inside.

There are about ten students who are already here and they looked preoccupied with other things to even notice me walking inside. That's fine with me, I'd honestly be more nervous if everyone turned their heads to look my way and expected me to say something.

I went to the middle of the room and chose to sit on one of the empty seats there. In these situations, it's first come, first served. Surely, no one's going to claim a seat when someone's already there, right? It's the first day of school as well, I don't think anyone's going to stir up trouble for a simple chair.

Taking in the overall look of the classroom, I don't feel like it's any different than my old one, it just seems like it. I could easily get used to this place in about a week, but the people here is a different story.

I don't know anyone who attends this school, which basically makes me a stranger from another land who's stepping on unknown territory.

I guess it's up to me to conquer this new territory then? Heh.

"Good morning!"

Hearing someone greet me, my eyes then flew to the side, where I saw someone placing his bag on the chair beside mine. I looked up to see bright green hair, green eyes, and a big smile. He was also wearing a pair of glasses...... maybe he's one of those students who spend most of their time studying?

"Yo, I don't think I've ever seen you around here."

"That's because I just transferred."

"Woah, really? Where were you from?"

"....Fukuoka."

"Not that far, huh..... any reason why you transfered?"

"Uhm...... my otou-san's new job forced us to relocate a month ago. Been trying to get used to this place ever since."

"I see...... well, if you ever need help with your way around, you can always come to me for help! Itazura Haru (悪戯春), but you can just call me by my name! It's easier that way."

He threw out his hand for a handshake, which I accepted immediately after I stood up from my seat. This is an opportunity for me. Someone just offered to be my friend without me even doing anything. No way will I let this chance go to waste!

"Sawaru Tenko (触る天子). Thanks for your concern."

"I have to warn you about Itazura-kun, he's a bit of a pervert."

I turned my head towards this new presence, and I saw another one of my supposed classmates walking towards us. He had black hair, brown eyes, and just from one glance, you could already tell that he's an ikemen, which means lots of girls must be crushing on him!

Now the question is, he one of those stereotypical pretty boys who have fun pushing the less popular ones around? I hope not, I don't want my first day here to end with a detention......

"....S-Shut up, Sakurai! What does it matter to you, huh?!"

"If you continue on acting the way you are, then you might never have a girlfriend."

"Oh, and look who's talking, Mr. I-Break-Girls'-Hearts-Everyday! Last I checked, you don't have a girlfriend, either!"

"I'm simply waiting for the right person."

.....I guess these two have been classmates before, they seem to know each other.

"Oh yeah? And what exactly is your definition of the 'right person'?"

"There is no definition of it. You just know it when you see it."

"Tch..... and lots of thirsty girls follow you around with hearts in your eyes.... do you know how lucky you are?!"

"I never wanted them to follow me wherever I go. It honestly gets tiring, and they are just wasting their time."

"....You bastard! Do you know how many guys would kill to be in your position?!"

"Including you?"

".........Stop pissing me off this early in the morning....!"

"I think you are doing that to yourself, Itazura-kun."

Haru-san only seemed to get angrier the more they talked, while this new person doesn't look like he's affected by the insults he's hearing. I feel tempted to stop this little argument before it escalates, but I'd rather stay out of something that didn't involve me......

Oh, who am I kidding? These two will attract attention if this goes on any longer and I'll be at the center of it. 

"I'm sorry, but..... what are you two talking about? I'm kind of lost here."

Thankfully, both guys heard what I said and stopped in their argument momentarily to look at me. I have your attention now? Good.

"Oh, I'm just warning you about Itazura-kun's... habits."

"Don't listen to him, Sawaru! I-I-I'm not a pervert at all...! This guy just likes to mess with other guys because he thinks he's so popular with the girls!"

I looked at the friend I just made, the one who introduced himself to me and raised an eyebrow in his direction. His face had already turned red, out of embarrassment most likely, and he had his gaze directed elsewhere.

I'm not one to believe in words right away without proof, but I think Haru-san's body language speaks for itself.

"What do you mean by 'habits'?" I asked.

"It's nothing too bad. He is simply fond of writing down girls' measurements in his notebooks and even drawing portraits of them."

Oh.

Looking at Haru-san's response to this, I noticed that he had nothing to say at all. His mouth hung open, his hair covered his eyes, and his whole body seemed as stiff as a board.

I guess that's enough proof of those accusations.

.....so, this means that what I assumed to be spending time reading books was actually false.......

....Okay, I'm not one to judge someone based on their...... hobbies, but........ I'll just steer clear of it. 

"And you are....?" I asked.

"Sakurai Yukio (桜井征雄). A pleasure to meet you, Sawaru-kun." He extended his hand towards me for a handshake of his own, which I accepted as well.

"Yeah, you too."

"Oi, oi, don't tell me you're going to fall for this bastard's words?! He's leading you on with that fake-ass smile! He's just pretending to be this way so he can get many girls to like him! I thought we were friends!"

I couldn't help but sweatdrop at his words.

"......I think you're reaching, Haru-san."

I never said I would stop being your friend. All I'm going to do is steer clear of your hobbies and make sure I'm not a part of them. I don't want to be branded as a pervert, you know.

"I know this might be rude of me, but I think I heard you say earlier that it's your first day here in Nishinomiya High School. Is it true?" asked Sakurai-san as we ignored the sound of Haru-san ranting about something like betrayal and broken friendships.

"Yeah."

"Then you will most likely have to introduce yourself in front of everyone later on."

...Eh....?

He can't be serious.....

"......You're kidding, right?"

"We did the same thing last year, so there's no need for the rest of us to do it again because we already know each other. You, on the other hand, are a transferee whom—"

I raised my hand to stop him from speaking.

....he's totally serious.

"Please stop. I think I get it."

"Very well. I wish you luck for later. If it helps, all you need to do is tell everyone your name and the previous school you attended. However, our classmates may ask questions about you if they want, though I'm certain that they won't be serious about it if they do."

And with that, Sakurai-san walked off to his own seat, leaving me with Haru-san who was still ranting, by the way. I ignored him for now and slumped down into my seat, reflecting on what I just heard.

Oh, come on.....

I just made it a point earlier that I'd get nervous if other people turned their attention to me, and now I have to introduce myself as well?

Haaahhhh…….

Please let this be the only time that I'll be the center of attention.