Shimizu Akira slowly withdrew his gaze from Horikita Suzune's retreating figure, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes.
"Don't look at me so much in the future?"
He was sure he hadn't misheard.
That wasn't like her.
According to her personality, she should have shot him a cold glare and then verbally torn him apart with textbook-standard venom.
"You must be Shimizu-san!" Before Shimizu Akira could react, a boy familiarly approached him.
Shimizu Akira turned and saw three male classmates standing beside him.
They introduced themselves one by one: the sharp-eyed Ike Kanji, the ordinary-looking Yamauchi Haruki, and Sudo Ken, with red hair and the air of a delinquent.
Since Shimizu Akira had missed the class's self-introduction session, Ike Kanji enthusiastically acted as an introducer, explaining who their classmates were.
However, during the introduction, Yamauchi Haruki next to him occasionally made "manly" observations about several female classmates.
Like Hasebe Haruka had an absolutely amazing figure, and Sakura Airi, though shy, also had great curves.
As for Karuizawa Kei, her face was flawless, but her bust size was regrettable—
Because Yamauchi Haruki spoke without lowering his voice, many female classmates were already casting dissatisfied glances at him.
However, he himself seemed completely unfazed, instead enthusiastically continuing to offer comments. "Hmm! Kushida Kikyo is still the best! Good personality, good figure, and her face completely matches my ideal! It's decided, I'm going to pursue her!"
"I envy you, Shimizu-san! Horikita-san only seems to want to talk to you today, so it looks like you have a good chance! After all, she's very good-looking." He winked, lowering his voice. "Although her figure is rather slender, she might still develop later—"
Shimizu Akira looked around. Many girls' faces already showed clear expressions of disgust.
As a man, he wasn't entirely unsympathetic to their feelings.
But this was the gymnasium, and there were still some classmates present.
These thoughts should just stay in your head. Why vocalize them?
If this continued, he might also be labeled a "creepy guy."
Completely losing his mating rights on the first day of school.
"Yamauchi." Shimizu Akira interrupted him. "I suggest you pay attention to the occasion, if you still want to find a girlfriend." With that, he nodded to Ike Kanji. "Thanks for the introduction. I'm leaving now."
"What are you putting on airs for!" Yamauchi, enraged, reached out to grab Shimizu Akira's collar. "Aren't you a man—"
Before he could finish speaking, Shimizu Akira had already lightning-fast clasped his wrist.
Yamauchi was horrified to find that this seemingly herbivorous person had him firmly pinned with one hand, unmoving no matter how much he struggled.
'This guy... his build is about the same as mine...'
Cold sweat trickled down Yamauchi's forehead. 'Why is he so strong?!'
Shimizu Akira's expression was indifferent as he tightened his grip. Yamauchi Haruki immediately winced in pain, his body twisting and struggling uncontrollably.
"Ah—ow ow ow! Let go!"
That cry of pain instantly attracted the attention of the surrounding students.
Not only Karuizawa Kei and Kushida Kikyo from Class D, as well as other female students, cast surprised glances, but even students from Class B and Class C turned their heads.
Shimizu Akira's peripheral vision swept over the surroundings, and noticing more and more gazes focusing on him, he finally released his hold.
In a voice only the two of them could hear, he said coldly, "When it comes to strength, you don't seem very manly!" His icy tone suddenly deepened. "If there's a next time, I'll make sure this hand of yours can't hold chopsticks for three months."
Yamauchi rubbed his reddened wrist, and when his eyes met those cold ones, he shivered involuntarily.
Ike Kanji, who was standing nearby, finally reacted and quickly stepped between the two with an awkward smile to mediate.
"Gentlemen, fighting on the first day of school is not good! It would be terrible to get a demerit and affect graduation!"
After all, it was their first meeting, and there was no real friendship between the three.
Ike Kanji's intervention was more out of courtesy for the situation, rather than genuinely sticking up for Yamauchi Haruki.
Sudo Ken showed a surprised expression, re-evaluating Shimizu Akira.
He was more interested in his opponent's skill just now—that swift turning motion, and the strength to subdue Yamauchi Haruki with just one hand.
"You're right, Ike-san, Sudo-san. I'll be going now."
Shimizu Akira didn't pay much attention to Yamauchi. He'd said what needed to be said. Instead, he turned and left the scene directly.
Not far away, Kushida Kikyo walked over with light steps, her head tilted slightly.
"What's wrong, everyone? Why did you suddenly start arguing?" Her hands were clasped in front of her chest, revealing a worried expression.
Yamauchi Haruki seemed to finally regain his composure, complaining indignantly. "Tsk... I just said a few things about Horikita Suzune, and that guy acted like a different person! It's completely inexplicable!" He dramatically waved his arms. "Could it be that those two are already together?"
"Yamauchi! That's enough!" Ike Kanji couldn't help but frown and interrupt him. "They're just ordinary classmates talking. After all, they're deskmates. There were no inappropriate actions, so don't be so black and white, okay?"
"Got violent because of Horikita Suzune?" A subtle, unnoticeable flicker of something unusual passed through Kushida Kikyo's eyes, but it quickly returned to a gentle smile. "Alright, alright! I believe Shimizu-san didn't mean it. After all, he's a kind person who gives up his seat for old ladies! What our class needs most right now is unity. Yamauchi-kun, could you let this matter go for my sake?"
"Alright! Since Kushida-san asked..." Yamauchi Haruki pretended to rub his reddened palm, speaking with feigned magnanimity.
He secretly gloated, thinking this was a good opportunity to get closer to the girl he liked.
Just as he was about to take the opportunity to invite Kushida Kikyo to karaoke, he saw her turn around decisively and walk toward students from other classes.
Yamauchi's hand, halfway extended, hung awkwardly in the air.
The girls' quartet was gathered not far away, whispering.
"Hmph! Serves him right!" Satou Shinohara said, crossing her arms. "He should have been properly taught a lesson just now!"
Matsushita Chiaki's eyes lit up. "Who cares about that disgusting Yamauchi! He's a pervert with dirty thoughts! Did you see it? Shimizu-kun's move just now—it was so cool!"
Mori Nene cleared her throat. "Who was it that said Hirata-kun was the most handsome in the school just now? You change your mind faster than flipping a book."
"Oh, you! Hirata-kun is handsome, of course... but Shimizu-kun just now, he was even more handsome!" Matsushita Chiaki suddenly lowered her voice, leaning in conspiratorially to her companions. "If I could date someone like him, I'd feel super safe! I'd never have to worry about being bullied by others again!"
Karuizawa Kei, who had been silently listening, suddenly looked up, a strange glint in her eyes.
"Not be bullied?"