"Asano, were you in Akihisa's class before? Taking a year off must have been tough, right?"
"Not really, I had someone at home to take care of me..."
"Oh? Asano, your school uniform seems a bit big? Do you want me to talk to the teacher about it later?"
Asano Nazuki was momentarily at a loss for words, unsure if she should tell the person that she had scoured the school's storage room but still couldn't find a size that fit her.
It's really not the school's fault. She transferred in on short notice and didn't have time to report her measurements to order a custom uniform. Even the one she was wearing had to be altered to somewhat fit.
Is this girl implying that I'm short and flat-chested?
Asano Nazuki memorized the fast-talking girl's appearance and name, secretly grinding her teeth and waiting for a chance to mock her in return. Yet, she still timidly replied, "It seems like there's no suitable size for me..."
"If only I could grow a bit taller," Asano Nazuki said, blinking her eyes with a hint of grievance.
"No worries, no worries, Asano, you're so cute, being a little petite is just fine!"
"In fact, this figure is just right! Super cute!"
Crazy, if you get mistaken for an elementary student when entering the school, wouldn't you stop laughing? Do I need you to compliment me on being petite!? I'm clearly hinting that I will definitely grow taller in the future!
If it wasn't truly difficult to grow taller, who would willingly remain a legal loli?
Asano Nazuki once again gritted her teeth and added another name to the blacklist.
"Hey, hey, Asano, want to have lunch with me later?"
"Sure." Asano Nazuki flashed a sweet smile, dimples forming, though her eyes flickered slightly, hinting at a cold glint.
She nonchalantly said, "But, won't it affect your club activities, Miyajima?"
The girl named Miyajima Mika waved her hand, saying, "Our Light Music Club practices after school, so it won't take up lunchtime."
"I see, club activities might take up a lot of study time, don't they?" Asano Nazuki continued to guide the conversation.
"That's true, but this is a rare youth experience, you can go through many different things."
"If I could be like Shirakawa, I suppose managing both studies and club activities would be possible?"
Asano Nazuki glanced at Shirakawa Sawahei's empty seat. This pretty boy had slipped out shortly after their conversation started.
"Ah, well... Shirakawa seems to be in the Calligraphy Club, and that club doesn't have many activities... But to reach Shirakawa's level of achievement, sacrificing club time alone isn't enough..."
With this piece of information, Asano Nazuki showed a puzzled expression and asked, "Why would Shirakawa join the Calligraphy Club? Is he genuinely interested in it?"
"It's said to be because of the beautiful club president," Miyajima Mika stuck out her tongue, saying, "Probably just gossip, I'm not sure."
"Speaking of which, there's quite a bit of gossip about Shirakawa and Hayakawa too? Someone even overheard their conversation behind the teaching building."
"Really? What did they say?"
Seeing the conversation successfully shift to Shirakawa Sawahei, Asano Nazuki happily listened quietly, occasionally asking questions to better understand Shirakawa Sawahei in her mind.
Until Shirakawa Sawahei returned from outside, the gossiping somewhat subsided.
The second foreign language class soon began, taught by a middle-aged woman. Since getting skills in languages is relatively easy, Shirakawa Sawahei decisively chose to work on math problems during English class.
Hmm? Feels like being back in Huaxia's high school?
Initially, Asano Nazuki sat upright, focused on the lecture, but after a while, whether she couldn't hold it anymore or had some plan, she started making small movements.
Her eraser fell near the aisle close to Shirakawa Sawahei.
Perfect positioning! A brief joy flitted across Asano Nazuki's face, and she glanced at Shirakawa Sawahei with a pleading look.
This is a perfect opening to trigger a goodwill event! Come on, pretty boy, let Lord Kaori see how many of my cute moves you can resist!
Unexpectedly, Shirakawa Sawahei focused on his math problems, seemingly oblivious to the commotion on the other side, making Asano Nazuki a bit frustrated.
Could it be that the sound of the eraser falling was too soft?
Asano Nazuki thought for a moment and accidentally knocked off a pencil.
This time you've got to notice the adorable girl in need of help, right?
Shirakawa Sawahei glanced over at the sound, then returned to his work, continuing his exercises.
What's going on? Is this guy nearsighted or something?
She clutched the hem of her uniform skirt, feigning a bold look, and in a lowered voice said, "Shi...Shirakawa?"
Shirakawa Sawahei looked at Asano Nazuki's eyes, seeming to understand the intent behind the transfer student's odd behavior.
He bent down, picked up the pencil and eraser from the floor, placed them on his desk, and then said something to the shocked little A-loli.
Though it's somewhat crude to use such means to get close to me, fortunately, I'm a protagonist easily swayed by favors.
Asano Nazuki was totally confused. She never thought there'd be a man so determined to remain single. With just his actions, no matter how gentle the girl was, she'd have turned off all lights immediately, right?
Doesn't he find me cute? Doesn't he have any improper thoughts about me? Doesn't he want to seize this opportunity to trigger goodwill?
Could it be that my conditions are too inadequate?
Asano Nazuki looked down at herself and then silently chuckled.
Heh, shallow man, one day, I will make you understand the saying, "Do not despise a penniless lady!"
Unable to act up during class, Asano Nazuki, once class was over, timidly engaged in conversation.
"Shirakawa... that's... that's my eraser..."
Shirakawa Sawahei let out an "oh" and returned the eraser to her.
"And... my pencil..."
Shirakawa Sawahei handed the pencil back to Asano Nazuki, then added.
"I thought you were rich."
"No... not at all... I just thought you looked a bit serious, Shirakawa... so... I didn't dare to approach..."
"Sorry, maybe I'm just too timid..." Asano Nazuki's eyes welled up with tears, ready to fall at the slightest wrong word from Shirakawa Sawahei.
Shirakawa Sawahei glanced at her, seemingly realizing Asano Nazuki's actress-like essence, and decided not to give her the chance to perform, responding.
"You're actually quite brave."
"It's okay, Shirakawa, no need to comfort me... I know myself..." Asano Nazuki paused, "But now, it seems... Shirakawa is indeed easy to get along with..."
"That's great... I thought you'd hate me, Shirakawa..."
"Even though I'm so clumsy... I learn things slowly..."
With a cute, healing smile on her face, Asano Nazuki had tears shimmering, radiating a pure light. Yet, this purifying force didn't greatly affect Shirakawa Sawahei, who, after pondering for a moment, said.
"Actually, you might not be dumb."
Asano Nazuki was stunned, her delicate, cute face gradually showing signs of menace.