[HI3] Protocol Stigmata

Chapter 28 - A Unique Love Letter

As I entered the classroom, an unusual atmosphere enveloped the room. Some of my classmates were blushing and whispering to each other, mirroring the peculiar behavior I had encountered earlier.

Okay, seriously... What is going on?

Bronya noticed me and shot a sudden cold glare. I felt a chill as I made my way to my seat, bewildered by the unexpected frostiness from her.

Eh?! What the?! What did I do...?!

The Valkyrie females in the classroom were staring at me for no apparent reason, and some of them were even blushing. The whispers continued, leaving me perplexed.

Just then, Himeko entered the classroom, taking her place at the podium. "Alright, everyone, listen up... Today, a new classmate is gonna join us." Himeko turned toward the door. "Enter."

The new classmate was Wendy, who entered with a warm smile and addressed the class, "Hello, everyone! My name is Wendy, pleased to meet you all." She bowed graciously.

I couldn't help but smile widely, nodding in acknowledgment of Wendy's introduction.

Wendy, however, noticed me and waved enthusiastically.

Eek...

My female classmates turned to me, their whispers growing more fervent.

"I can't believe it, he even charmed the new student."
"I know, right? Even so... He's so cute."
"Yeah~ Thinking about the rumor of him made my heart skip."

Rumor? What rumor?

Just then, Kiana dashed through the door, panting, "I'm sorry! I'm late!"

"Kiana!" Himeko was about to scold her but sighed, "You're lucky it's still homeroom; now, get to your seat."

"Hehehe~" As she turned to her seat, Kiana noticed me and pointed, "Ahh! Shin!"

Himeko threw the clipboard at Kiana, "Stop shouting, you fool! Get to your seat!"

"O-ouch... Alright~" Kiana scratched her head as she took her seat, which happened to be right beside mine. Kiana then whispered to me, "By the way... You're quite famous today."

"Hahaha~ I don't know what happened."

"Really?" Kiana smirked.

"Really."

Kiana sighed, "How boring." Then, she noticed something under my desk. "Shin, look under your desk."

"Hm?" I looked down and noticed more love letters in my desk. "Oh wow..."

That's a lot of love letters...

The mysterious surge in popularity and the enigmatic rumors surrounding me left me in a state of bewilderment.

Himeko snapped, her voice cutting through the chatter. "You two! Stop talking!"

Startled, both Kiana and I immediately fell silent.

Himeko sighed, her gaze fixed on Wendy. "Wendy, your seat is right there, behind Shin."

"Yes, Ma'am!" Wendy responded promptly.

As Wendy passed by me to reach her seat, she whispered, "Let's have a good year~"

I smiled and nodded in agreement.

Himeko began discussing the upcoming events at St. Freya, specifically the much-anticipated 'Summer vacation.' As she delved into the details, the excitement in the room palpably grew.

After a few hours, Himeko concluded her talk, and Kiana wasted no time in standing up, making her way to my desk. "Now, Shin! Let's open these letters one by one!"