The person who entered was so striking that the students in the classroom weren't sure whether to continue chatting or sit up straight.
First to catch the eye was the long white lab coat, paired with stark black hair that tumbled well past her hips.
It was the kind of hair you'd never see in real life—voluminous and impossibly long.
"She's amazing..." Sakura whispered in awe.
She had always thought Kasumigaoka-senpai had the most beautiful hair, but this woman—presumably their teacher—was on another level.
Beneath the white coat, she wore a form-fitting black suit.
Even though the outfit was relatively modest, it couldn't hide the impressive figure beneath—enough to make anyone want to "climb that mountain," so to speak.
Shouko couldn't help but glance over at her and silently compare.
Her long legs were wrapped in tight-fitting pants that left no room for imperfections.
Unlike skirts, which can visually elongate legs by shortening the hem, pants are brutally honest—if your legs aren't naturally long and well-proportioned, the outfit simply won't work.
But on this woman, everything worked.
Her sleek, shapely legs, taut yet soft, were a perfect match for her tailored trousers.
Even those snug pants couldn't hide the golden proportions of her body.
Her curves flowed elegantly from her feet all the way up to her ample chest—like a glassblower in Otaru chasing the perfect line his entire life.
After opening the classroom door, she stood silently, not stepping up to the podium right away.
Instead, she slowly scanned the room.
Her eyes landed on Kyousuke in the corner, and she gave a small nod of approval.
"The teacher's here. Sit down, everyone," someone whispered while patting Shouko on the head.
At that, the standing students quickly settled into their seats.
Once the classroom quieted down, the woman walked up to the podium.
"My name is Hiratsuka Shizuka," she said, writing her name on the blackboard in graceful kanji.
"I'll be your homeroom teacher and also your Modern Japanese teacher."
From there, Hiratsuka Shizuka launched into a thorough explanation of the entrance ceremony's key points.
At the back of the classroom, Sakura propped her chin up with one hand, intently studying the woman Kyousuke had once referred to as someone "pain the ass."
'She seems like a great teacher,' Sakura thought with a smile.
Although she gave off a strict vibe, her voice was gentle, and she clearly paid attention to even the smallest student details.
Much like graduation, the entrance ceremony was a grand affair.
Parents from average households came dressed in formal attire.
The school would invite special guests to give speeches, and there would be talks from the principal, teachers, the freshman representative, and even parents.
The whole thing usually took about two hours.
While Kyousuke and his classmates were still in their homeroom, Shouko and Sakura's mothers were already seated in the gymnasium, which had been converted into the venue.
Sakura's mom even sent them a photo: a bold calligraphy banner reading "Entrance Ceremony" hung high above the stage.
As for Kyousuke's parents?
They were off vacationing with his little sister in some European country and couldn't make it back due to flight issues.
His grandparents in Hokkaido were also absent due to an "emergency" with a pregnant cow—yes, really.
"…And finally, the entrance ceremony marks the most important beginning of your high school life. Please make sure your uniforms are properly worn. The commemorative photo taken today will be with you for a lifetime."
Hiratsuka Shizuka kept her gaze straight ahead as she said this, not singling anyone out.
Still, everyone in the room instantly turned to look at the student seated second-to-last near the door.
And the is a wild mop of white hair among the crowd, with a tiny ponytail tied at the back using a rubber band.
Most notably, despite the warm spring weather, he had layered a brown trench coat over his school uniform—the kind you'd expect a detective in a drama to wear.
People often said Toyogasaki High had a relaxed dress code, but Soubu High's seemed to be too relaxed.
A male student with a ponytail like that?
At Higashi High, he'd already be on the disciplinary board's chopping block.
Hikigaya Hachiman silently prayed beside him.
'This idiot's dragging me down with him.'
'No way am I getting lumped in with him. Zaimokuza, you're destined to die alone.'
'I must never let anyone know I associate with you.'
The self-proclaimed "Third Swordmaster of Tokyo," real name Zaimokuza Yoshiteru (named after Ashikaga Yoshiteru, no less), was visibly sweating.
Understandable—he was wrapped up like it was winter.
Under everyone's gaze, he finally took off his trench coat and tossed it onto Hachiman's lap.
Scratching his head, Zaimokuza let out a dramatic sigh, as if to say, "Well, what can I do? He made me wear it."
Hachiman's face turned pale, like the coat was teeming with fifty billion viruses.
He threw it back instantly and slid his chair as far forward as possible.
But Zaimokuza, with surprising agility, hurled it right back onto Hachiman's head and then scooted his own chair away like nothing happened.
"Alright, tidy up your uniforms. It's time to head to the ceremony venue."
Hiratsuka Shizuka glanced at the minor commotion and smiled.
Young people should be full of life—a class needs these kinds of oddballs to stay lively.
Outside the classroom, footsteps echoed down the hallway.
Since they needed to switch to outdoor shoes, students weren't lining up but instead grouping up by class outside the gymnasium.
[Soubu High School Entrance Ceremony Venue]
A simple black-and-white sign stood at the gym entrance with those exact words.
The commemorative photo Hiratsuka-sensei had mentioned would be taken in front of this sign, with parents and students gathered together after the ceremony.
"I'm so happy we get to be in the same school again!" Sakura beamed, gripping Shouko's hand as they waited in line outside.
"Now we can be together 24/7!"
Because they enrolled late, the three of them had consecutive student numbers.
"Mm!" Shouko nodded, still a bit nervous about the upcoming ceremony—but even more excited to hear Kyousuke-kun's speech.
Since they hadn't formally entered the venue yet, everyone was still chatting in low voices.
Up front, Zaimokuza and Hachiman were still in the middle of a heated exchange about the earlier "betrayal."
It didn't take long before things turned physical, ending—as always—with Hachiman being easily subdued.
"Ahem, ahem. You've grown weak, Hachiman! At this rate, you'll lose your position as the Second Swordmaster!"
"I wear a one-kilogram training wristband every day to prepare for the battles that may come at any time!"
Zaimokuza proudly declared this nonsense while Hachiman, still coughing from the chokehold, stared in disbelief at the black wristband peeking from under his sleeve.
His worldview shattered.
Sure, he knew resistance training could be effective—but he never expected Zaimokuza to actually do it.
"I was thinking, Zaimokuza, want to join the Kendo Club with me later?"
"Well… mundane kendo won't help fend off the threats from the dark world," Zaimokuza replied, looking troubled.
So that's how it is—he had considered joining but probably got rejected.
Or maybe he didn't get lucky like me and never ran into an idiot of a club president.
Probably ended up doing boring stuff like washing armor for three years straight.
"It's fine! The S-Class hero and Tokyo's greatest swordsman is definitely going to join the Kendo Club. And if you follow him, you'll be able to learn all the techniques—Fury Thrust, Whirling Shield, even the Starburst Stream!"
'I mean, I'm not entirely sure moves like those could even be executed in real life… but Hachiman chose to believe in that man.'
"Pfft—Kyousuke, Starburst Stream? Isn't that from your novel?" Sakura whispered with a mischievous grin.
Yep, knowing how to listen really pays off.
Give them a little attention, and classmates will start handing you comedy gold.
"Fury Thrust and Whirling Shield are technically doable," Kyousuke said after thinking for a moment.
"As for Starburst Stream… even if it could be done, no one would last long enough against me to see the whole combo."
He hadn't expected such hardcore fans in his own class.
But if they thought he'd be joining the Kendo Club, they were way off.
This was high school—a rare and precious time.
He wasn't going to waste it as part of some club.
Even if he didn't go full "Go-Home Club," he planned to create his own group—the "Happy Life Creation Club."
Their "clubroom" would be in the dorm lounge, and club activities would include things like movie-watching, cherry blossom viewing, and afternoon naps…
"As expected of Kyousuke, only you can say stuff that outrageous with a straight face."
Sakura laughed happily.
She knew full well her crush had no intention of joining the Kendo Club.
But that was fine.
Watching him shine in this world with everything he had—that was what made her happiest.
'Starburst Stream… is that a game term?' Yuigahama wondered silently.
"So besides being a manga artist and novelist, Hojou-kun also plays games? Where does he even find the time?"
Earlier that morning, after finishing her lecture to her dog Sabure, she returned home to change into her uniform.
Her mind kept drifting back to that boy—how did he know her name?
Distracted, she got teased by her mom, who joked that Yui must be super excited for school life.
Sure, she was excited… but not like her mom was implying.
It's not like she was already desperate to fall in love or anything!
Seriously, could her mom be a little more serious?
Shouldn't she be pushing her daughter to focus on her studies right now?
Arriving at school, Yui activated her radar, carefully surveying the classroom dynamics.
This was the "Air-Reading Master's" special skill: one glance, and she could figure out who the center of attention would be among the girls.
All she had to do was join that group and a smooth school life would follow.
Golden wavy hair, sparkly phone decorations, obviously customized uniform—yep, that was her!
There was also a silver-haired girl with her blouse unbuttoned at the top, showing off an explosive figure.
She looked like she could be the queen bee… but she was sitting with her chin in her hand, staring out the window.
A clear sign she didn't want to talk to anyone.
Less than a second later, Yui had locked onto her target.
Even though another girl was already chatting with the blonde queen bee, Yui knew from experience that social magnets like her usually had a small entourage.
Two or three girls, minimum.
Sure enough, Yui approached, flashing her most harmless, friendly smile, and introduced herself.
The blonde, Miura Yumiko, and the brown-haired girl, Ebina Hina, happily welcomed her into their circle.
Being part of this group wasn't just about having a comfort zone in class—it also meant access to all the juicy info most students wouldn't hear. Like this:
"Did you hear? The super famous Hojou Kyousuke got placed in our class!"
That was from Ebina Hina, her red-framed glasses adding to her usual strange vibe.
For some reason, Yui felt a little nervous around her.
"Hojou Kyousuke? That name rings a bell… who is that?" Miura Yumiko asked.
If it had been anyone else, the girls would've jumped in with comments like, "Oh my gosh, him!?" or "No way, I can't believe he's at our school!"
But Yumiko was the queen.
All she had to do was ask, and everyone would eagerly explain everything to her.
"I saw his name on a ranking list, but I didn't think he was a real person," a boy chimed in, introducing himself as Tobe Kakeru.
Another boy joined him—he also had dyed blonde hair, just a shade darker than Yumiko's.
Most of the boys wore the standard green school tie, but this guy wore a classy bolo tie that looked almost extravagant.
Yui had seen one like it before while shopping—it looked just like the accessory on her dog Sabure's collar.
Turns out, it was actually an expensive piece from America.
From her experience, guys who put that much effort into their outfits usually ended up becoming class leaders.
He introduced himself as Hayama Hayato.
Even his name sounded like it came from a leader template. And what he said next showed he had access to some next-level info:
"You mean Hojou Kyousuke, the guy who wrote The Devotion of Suspect X? He was last year's top-selling author."
"I heard he only decided to transfer here a few days before school started. Apparently, he'll be giving the freshman speech at the entrance ceremony later."
"No way! I've read that book too. I can't believe someone like that is going to our school," Yumiko exclaimed, her casual tone giving way to genuine surprise.
"Shouldn't he be at, like, Keio High or something?"
Yui had heard of Keio High too—it was the affiliated high school of Keio University.
Unless they got expelled or dropped out, most students there automatically advanced to Japan's top private university.
People always said high school in Japan was fun and relaxed, but that's only because they hadn't seen what the feeder schools were like.
Most students had to grind after class at cram school just to stand a chance at a place like Keio.
But those from affiliated schools?
They got to spend all three years of high school focusing on clubs and hobbies.
Then they'd graduate with a perfect mix of well-rounded achievements and a guaranteed spot at a top university.
"Ha! Maybe for us that's a dream school, but Hojou doesn't care about stuff like that."
"He got a special admission offer from Tokyo University back in middle school—and turned it down. Probably came to high school just to 'experience life,'" Hayama explained.
That information had come from his father—meant to "motivate" Hayato by showing just how insanely talented some people could be.
As for how his dad knew? It came from a file passed along by Yukinoshita's family real estate company.
That man—Hojou Kyousuke—was already on her radar.
What that meant… no one understood it better than someone like Hayato, her "vassal."
"Tokyo University, huh… Man, I'd love to go there too, but let's be real, not happening," Tobe Kakeru said with a wistful, defeated look.
"That's amazing!" Yuigahama nodded excitedly.
She hadn't read that novel, but she definitely understood what it meant to get into the University of Tokyo.
Still, someone like that felt way too far removed from her world.
She preferred the cheerful boy she met that morning, the one whose smile was as bright as the sun.
Too bad she hadn't asked for his name.
She made a mental note to look out for him during the entrance ceremony.
"If you think Hojou is just some ordinary guy, you're way too naive!" Ebina Hina pushed up her glasses, which gleamed with a mysterious light, and placed her hands proudly on her hips.
It wasn't just the people sitting around the table who turned to her—others nearby were also drawn in by her bold announcement.
"Ahem, it's not exactly a secret, you know. Hojou isn't just a mystery novelist. He's also a manga artist."
"He's the one behind One Punch Man and Attack on Titan, and he even wrote the novel Sword Art Online, all under the pen name EGOIST."
If Kyousuke had been in the room, he probably would've dragged this girl out on the spot for a stern talking-to.
The whole point of using a pen name was to keep his identities separate—clearly that effort had gone to waste.
In the back row of the classroom, two boys playing PSPs lowered their heads again.
"Oh, that's it?" they muttered.
Anyone in the otaku world already knew this.
EGOIST, once known as the most productive artist in the manga scene, had all but vanished into mystery novels, becoming infamous for missed deadlines and delays.
Sure, The Devotion of Suspect X was a great read, but who said you couldn't write novels with one hand and draw manga with the other?
And with a free mouth, you could even dictate another novel on the side!
Sword Art Online Volume 1 had been out forever—where the hell was Volume 2? Lazy bastard!
Yuigahama Yui hadn't read much manga, but to connect with her middle school friends, she had watched a bit of the One Punch Man anime.
She already thought getting a special admission to Tokyo U for writing a bestselling novel was insanely impressive—but TV-adapted manga on top of that?
And this guy was going to be in her class?
Yuigahama suddenly felt like the whole world had gone off-script.
Wasn't this the kind of thing that only happened in romance novels?
She immediately dropped the idea that Hayama Hayato would be the natural class leader.
With someone like Kyousuke around, it didn't matter if he wanted to lead or not—people would inevitably place him at the top.
Listening to everyone's excited chatter, Ebina Hina grinned to herself.
'You think that's all? Think again.' Kyousuke had a third identity.
While he hadn't released anything under it yet, he was also known for his work in the... more risqué side of doujinshi.
He was part of the circle egoistic-lily, famous for its hardcore material.
'What kind of masterpiece would someone like that create? I can't wait... No, stop. If I keep thinking about it, I'm gonna get a nosebleed.'
Amid all the commotion, Yuigahama quietly pulled out her phone and typed Hojou Kyousuke into a search engine.
A person like that had to have a photo online. And when she saw it—her heart stopped.
It was him.
The boy from that morning, the one who'd saved her dog. And he even knew her name! Yuigahama's mind blanked.
———————————————————————
Switching to the present—outside the gymnasium.
Before Yuigahama could fully process anything beyond "he's a genius," it was already time for Class 1-F to enter.
Inside, the basketball hoops had been retracted.
Parents filled the seats at the back, and a row near the front was reserved for prominent guests from society.
The principal gave a speech, thanking the board and the broader community for their support, and spoke about the school's vision for the future.
Then came the vice principal.
The head of discipline. And then, a parent representative.
A woman in a pale green kimono rose gracefully from the guest seats and walked toward the podium.
Her gentle smile radiated warmth, instantly putting others at ease.
She walked with tiny, deliberate steps, swaying slightly like a lily in the breeze.
Her feet brushed together in perfect harmony, each step as if measured by a ruler.
Even a professional kimono etiquette instructor couldn't find a single flaw.
At least, none that Kyousuke could see—and he was using the standards he'd picked up from Granny Asami at the Black Cat Bookstore, who worked at a kimono school and had been teaching the art for decades.
"Stand like a peony, sit like a tree peony, walk like a lily."
That phrase popped into his head.
The sense of déjà vu made him instinctively turn his head toward the guest seating—specifically, the chair that parent representative had been sitting in.
And sure enough, Yukinoshita Haruno was sitting there.
She was the last person who made him think of that phrase.
At the time, he'd wondered what kind of family could raise such a girl. And now, looking at her mother—it was obvious.
A perfect upgrade.
Complete with a kimono.
Kyousuke didn't know whether Haruno had been looking for him from the start, or if she simply noticed his gaze—but the moment he turned, their eyes met.
She beamed at him, completely unabashed, and waved with all five fingers like they were old friends reuniting after years apart.
Kyousuke gave a small nod, then turned back to sit properly in his seat.
"Someone you know?" Sakura whispered.
"No. Just... a troublesome woman," he replied firmly.
Sure, they'd run into each other a few times at Miki's place, but calling them acquaintances would be a stretch.
Haruno was a fun-seeker, much like Sakura—but while Sakura kept her mischief within her own circle, Haruno had no such limits.
If she didn't find fun, she'd create it herself.
Like the time they first met, when she boldly claimed him to be dating Miki.
Even after Kyousuke denied it (and she clearly knew the truth), she continued playing the part, casually dropping hints at group dinners about how he should confess to Miki.
Yeah—she was the type to chant "kiss, kiss, kiss!" in the background without a care in the world, just for the thrill of it.
Kyousuke still had no idea what about him had caught her attention, but he was clearly on her radar now.
Seeing her here of all places made him feel even worse.
Judging by their seating, her mother was probably one of the board members or someone just as powerful.
And if her mother was the parent representative... that meant there was another Yukinoshita in the same grade as him.
'Why didn't they just rename this whole school Yukinoshita Academy?'
He mentally cursed the situation while turning back to quietly explain who Yukinoshita Haruno was to a very intrigued Yamauchi Sakura.
Sakura's eyes sparkled.
The unmistakable look of one agent of chaos recognizing another.
Shouko, on the other hand, was horrified.
That kind of big-sister energy? Total nightmare fuel. She had no idea how to deal with people like that.