Quick heads up:
( ) = Kaze's inner monologue
<" "> = Whispers
The bell rang, its sharp sound cutting through the lingering murmur of the classroom and signaling the beginning of recess. Chairs scraped against the floor almost immediately as students stood up, some stretching, others chatting animatedly as they gathered in small groups or hurried out into the hallway. Amidst all this movement, Takuya Kaze remained seated, unmoved by the sudden liveliness around him. With practiced ease, he reached into the drawer of his desk and pulled out a manga volume, opening it to the page he had bookmarked earlier. Recess, to him, was not a break to be shared with others, but merely a pause in lessons — an opportunity to sink back into something familiar and quiet, away from unnecessary interaction.
Seated beside him, Sato Itsuki also stayed in place. Unlike Kaze, however, the book she held was thick and unadorned, its pages densely packed with text. It was the sort of novel that looked demanding even before being opened, the kind that suggested careful attention rather than casual entertainment. Kaze glanced sideways for only a moment before returning his gaze to his manga.
(Even during breaks, she's reading something like that… You really don't know how to relax, do you?)
He turned a page, letting the surrounding noise fade into the background. For a while, the two of them sat in parallel silence, each absorbed in their own reading, their stillness forming a quiet contrast against the bustling classroom.
Then, softly, the sound of a book closing broke the rhythm.
Itsuki shifted in her seat and turned toward him. She blinked once, as if confirming something to herself, then stood up. Before Kaze had time to question her intention, she leaned forward, placing her hands lightly on the edge of his desk and closing the distance between them far more than necessary. A faint, gentle smile appeared on her face as she inclined her head slightly, her presence suddenly filling his field of vision.
(Why is she this close? This distance is definitely not normal.)
"Say, Takuya-kun…"
"Y-Yes?" His response came out stiffer than he intended.
"Why don't we eat together at the canteen?"
"No," he replied almost reflexively. "It's too crowded. Too noisy. I don't like places like that."
The answer was firm, and he expected that to be the end of it. Instead, Itsuki's shoulders lowered subtly, and her expression dimmed just enough to be noticeable. She didn't protest immediately. For a brief moment, she simply looked at him, as if weighing her next move.
A few seconds passed.
Then she raised her face again, her eyes meeting his directly. There was a softness there, a quiet persistence that felt strangely out of place.
"Please? Just do me a favor. I want to get used to the school… I still don't really know where everything is."
(This won't work on me. It shouldn't.)
Kaze let out a small sigh, the kind that came from resignation rather than agreement. And then—before he could properly think it through — his hand moved on its own, reaching out and gently patting the top of her head.
( — Wait. Why did I do that?!)
The realization hit him instantly. He froze, then quickly pulled his hand back as if he had touched something hot, turning his face away in embarrassment. When he dared to glance back at her, he noticed a faint blush spreading across Itsuki's cheeks, her expression momentarily caught between surprise and something like quiet delight.
"Well," she said softly, her voice carrying a hint of amusement, "if you eat with me, I won't tell anyone about that."
"Tch… Fine. You got me today. Just this once."
(Come to think of it… she acted just like my sister just now. That must be why my body reacted before my brain did.)
They left the classroom together and headed toward the canteen, walking side by side through the hallway. The atmosphere outside was lively, filled with students moving in different directions, their voices echoing faintly off the walls. As they turned a corner, a familiar voice called out to them.
"Oh? Look at that."
Izumi-sensei had spotted them and approached with her usual relaxed smile.
"Walking together already?" she teased lightly.
"Good afternoon, Sensei," Itsuki greeted politely, bowing her head slightly.
"So you're the transfer student. How's your first week been?"
Itsuki thought for a moment before answering. "It's been nice. The environment here feels… comfortable."
"That's good to hear," Izumi-sensei replied. "You two seem to be getting along pretty quickly."
"We share some similarities," Itsuki said calmly.
"Well then, I'm glad. Keep it up. I've got somewhere to be — See ya~"
They bowed in response and continued on their way.
The canteen was already packed when they arrived. The clatter of trays, overlapping conversations, and constant movement created a chaotic atmosphere that Kaze found exhausting just by standing there. Still, they joined the line, ordered their food, and eventually found seats at one of the long tables.
"What do you want to eat, Takuya-kun?" Itsuki asked.
"Egg fried rice."
"Then I'll have the same."
"Suit yourself."
(… I ended up paying for both of us.)
"Thank you for the treat, Takuya-sama," she said once they sat down.
"Don't use that kind of formal tone. Just eat — We don't have much time."
"Yes, Takuya-sama."
…
(Sometimes she really knows how to test my patience.)
Before either of them could finish their meals, the bell rang again, signaling the end of recess. The canteen erupted into motion as students rushed to return to their classrooms all at once. Kaze navigated through the crowd with practiced ease, weaving through gaps without hesitation — but Itsuki lagged behind slightly, clearly unaccustomed to the chaos.
She collided with another student and fell to the floor. The boy barely glanced back before continuing on his way without a word.
Kaze clicked his tongue and immediately reached down, grabbing her hand and pulling her back up.
"Stand up. Don't block others' way."
He spoke while looking away, hoping she wouldn't notice the faint warmth creeping up his face. Itsuki nodded and followed him, her hand still holding onto his firmly as they moved through the thinning crowd.
<"T-Takuya-kun…">
She smiled softly, her grip tightening just a little.
(Why am I even doing this… This is way too embarrassing.)
They released each other's hands just before reaching the classroom, careful to avoid drawing attention.
(Kuh — ! she even tried to argue when I told her to let go. That's why we were almost late.)
Izumi-sensei stood near the door and gestured for them to enter with a teasing smirk.
"Come in, you two."
(This is exactly why I can tolerate this teacher. No fuss. Perfect wife material.)
They returned to their seats, the classroom settling down as the lesson prepared to begin. Almost immediately, the girl seated in front of Kaze turned around.
"Kaze-kun! You've been ignoring me since yesterday!"
"… Oh," he replied vaguely.
Itsuki stiffened beside him, her eyes widening slightly as she leaned closer.
<"Who is she?">
<"My childhood friend. Yagami Kazumi. We've known each other since primary school.">
<"What's your relationship with her?">
<"Just friends. Why?">
<"Hmph…">
"Kaze-kun, want to hang out this weekend?" Kazumi asked brightly.
Bang!
The sudden slam of a desk echoed through the room. Kaze and Kazumi both turned toward the sound — it was Itsuki, her hand still resting on the tabletop.
"Uh, Sato-san? Are you okay?" Kaze asked cautiously.
"I'm fine," she replied flatly, staring straight at him with an unreadable expression.
"… Let's just focus on the lesson," Kaze said quickly.
(This situation is getting really, dangerous...)
End of Chapter (To be Continued for Part 2)