NOVEL SIMPLE Suspicious Conversation
"So here, the speed of Car A is at a constant rate 60 km/hr in just four hours, as shown here in our book. Now, how do you get the distance Car A? First, you have to---"
Monday mornings always seem to drag on forever, especially when I'm stuck in class listening to the drone of the teacher's voice. Today is no exception. As the minutes tick by, my attention wanes, and I find myself thinking of what happened in these two days instead of paying attention to the lesson on the board.
Saturday is where Emiko and I went on an 'unplanned' date with her. Even though I said it's unplanned, it feels like Emiko had already planned it way ahead. Well, everything went smoothly. from going to a movie, to changing beautiful clothes in the clothing store, to just having fun the arcade, it's the first time I have 'fun' in my new, second life.
Then yesterday, Misaki brought us to a popular amusement park. Before we conclude the day, we then went to a Ferris wheel with just the two of us. As we admire the view when we reach the top, I can't help but be amazed at her beauty, and as a result, I impulsively grab her hand. I can't help but to think that what I did yesterday was really embarrassing.
I glance sideways, hoping for some distraction, and my eyes land on Fuuka Mochizuki, the silver-haired girl who sits next to me. Unlike me, she's fully engrossed in the lesson, her eyes fixed intently on the teacher as she takes notes with precision. It's like the emotions she has shown back in the bookstore was all just an illusion.
I can't help but admire her dedication, even if it does make me feel a tad guilty about my own lack of focus. Fuuka is one of those students who seems to excel effortlessly in everything she does, from academics to extracurricular activities.
Caught in the midst of my admiration, I realize that Fuuka has noticed my gaze. Our eyes meet briefly, and she offers me a small, knowing smile before turning her attention back to the teacher.
I feel a flush of embarrassment creep up my neck at being caught staring, but Fuuka's smile somehow puts me at ease. It's as if she understands my struggle and silently encourages me to refocus, and so I did. And before I know it, lunch has already arrived.
.
.
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"What's up with that, man?"
Kazama and I are grabbing lunch in the cafeteria. Morning classes are finally over, and for some reason, Kazama decided to drag me along for lunch today. Taking a moment to survey the bustling cafeteria, I notice a mix of familiar faces and some newcomers. The place is alive with chatter and activity, giving off an energetic vibe.
"What's wrong?"
"That. It's not really your style, don't you think?" Kazama remarks, nodding towards the lunch box I've brought. It's adorned with a rather girlish design, definitely not something you'd expect me to have.
"Oh, this? It's a gift from my neighbor, Misaki. She's quite the chef, I must admit."
The lunch box is filled with an assortment of delicious-looking dishes, from savory meats to vibrant, healthy vegetables. I'm definitely fortunate to have scored such a tasty meal for free, especially coming from a girl as attractive as Misaki. I can already imagine the envy from the guys if they knew. That is IF they knew about her.
"Heh... Ooyama-san, huh? I recall her family runs a well-known greengrocery in the city. Despite that, she attends Excellence Academy, a prestigious all-girls school just a stone's throw away from ours."
It's the first time I've heard such details about my neighbor. Who would've guessed she attends such a renowned school? While ours is not bad either, this new piece of information is intriguing. If Kazama's saying it, then it's probably true. I'll have to keep that in mind.
"Is that right?" I reply nonchalantly, focusing on my meal.
"Even with my connections, I don't know much more about her. Anyway, check this out, Ryosuke. I stumbled upon something interesting today," Kazama says, thrusting his phone in my face. A little heads-up would've been nice, I think to myself.
"It's just a picture, Kazama. What's so special about it?"
"Take a closer look, my friend."
I examine the picture again. It's a busy street scene with crowds of people milling about. But there's one person who stands out—a redhead girl with the brightest smile, accompanied by a handsome looking guy. Wait a minute, isn't this—
"Isn't this Fukumoto-san?" I recall, remembering the girl who didn't mince words during the festival voting session.
"That's her. Even though she's claimed she's single, don't you think this could be an opportunity to catch her with this photo?" Kazama suggests, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.
"You and that grin again." I reply, rolling my eyes.
"Come on, think about it! This is a golden opportunity. Don't you want to get a taste of that tantalizing body of hers?" Kazama persists, his tone laced with excitement.
"Look, something tells me it's not wise to meddle with her. And even if I were interested, I have my own standards. Besides, I'm past that stage." I assert, shaking my head.
As we engage in this dubious conversation, the chatter in the cafeteria suddenly fades, and I notice everyone's attention shifting towards our table. Curious, I follow their gaze and—
"Oh, did I interrupt something? My apologies." a voice interrupts behind us. we take a look at who it is and unexpectedly, it's Emiko, the Student Council President, standing before us with an air of grace that commands attention. Suddenly, all eyes are on us and our unexpected guest, making me feel uneasy.
"No, it's nothing important. Right, Kazama?" I reply, trying to downplay the situation.
"Y-Yes, that's right." Kazama stammers, his expression betraying a hint of apprehension. Despite his reputation as a ladies' man, even he understands the risk of crossing paths with the Student Council President.
"I see. Then, Ikeda-kun, may I borrow your friend here?" Emiko inquires politely.