Chapter 2: Best In Q&A

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Just like that, we completed the first half of our first day of class. Our homeroom teacher, Ms. Toma, called me up to introduce myself since I was new to the school. Most of the students had been here since grade school and would likely continue through their university days.

“Ohayo! My name is Kenji Yanai. I’m originally from Osaka. I completed my grade school years abroad, but we returned here as my parents decided to move back. I’ll be in your care from now on, and I hope we can get along well,” I said, giving a brief introduction.

Afterwards, Ms. Toma invited the class to ask me questions, which caught me off guard.

“What’s your height?” a girl asked.

“I’m about 6’2”,” I replied.

“Are you one of the star students?” a guy inquired.

Puzzled, I looked at Ms. Toma, who explained, “Star students are those who have gained entry to S.U. through either an academic scholarship or as part of a sports varsity team.”

After thanking Ms. Toma, I turned back to my blockmates and said, “I’m neither of those at the moment.” The group looked confused until Ms. Toma added, “Kenji has excellent grades and is a potential varsity player for our swimming team, though that’s still undecided.”

“Wow! Are you interested in men?” a girl suddenly asked. I was too stunned to respond immediately and chose to smile casually. Just as I was about to answer, someone unexpected entered the classroom.

It was him.

The room was bathed in the soft, golden light of the afternoon sun, streaming through the large windows and casting a warm glow over everything. The air was filled with a pleasant hum of background conversations and the occasional laughter of students. Desks were neatly arranged, adorned with colourful notebooks and pens that added a cheerful touch. Bright posters and student artwork decorated the walls, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere.

At the front of the room, I spotted the person I’d been searching for. In that vibrant and friendly classroom, the moment felt perfect for reconnecting and sharing a genuine moment of joy.

Am I being too dramatic with my last thought? I asked myself.

“Sorry, Miss Toma, sorry everyone. I’m late on our first day,” the guy said, bowing in apology.

“Yuri, don’t worry about it. I know you've been here since 6 am this morning. Please take your seat,” Ms. Toma replied.

I followed him with my eyes, and it felt like the universe was playing a trick on me as he sat in the chair right next to mine. I noticed Yeji’s loving gaze and saw the same admiration in the eyes of my other blockmates. It became clear why he was known as S.U.’s national boyfriend.

During the brief fifteen-minute break, Yeji and I, along with some classmates, headed to the vending machine for a snack. As we chatted casually, I glanced over at Yuri.

So, his name is Yuri? It’s a nice name.

He was quietly working on his tablet, not engaging in conversation. When my blockmates asked him questions, he would respond with no more than a few words and a timid smile.

“Ugh, look at him… When he looks at someone, it’s like he’s already making love to them,” Yeji said. I pinched her nose and replied, “Watch your words, Yeji.”

Our blockmates noticed how close Yeji and I were and asked if we were dating. Yeji quickly clarified that we were just friends, emphasizing that we were comfortable around each other because we’ve been friends since grade school. She concluded with a firm declaration that we weren’t dating since she was Yuri’s girlfriend.

The other guys laughed, understanding that Yeji’s final comment was a clear sign of her interest.

Yuri was indeed a striking figure, like a character straight out of a romantic manga. He seemed to be about 5’8” or 5’9”, with a soft, manly voice and an almost perfect appearance.

I swear I mean no harm with my curiosity, but every time I see him, I’m reminded of the day I saw him crying.

“Seems you had a good time today, Ken,” my dad remarked as he saw me smiling unconsciously while eating dinner. “I made some new friends and even ran into Yeji, my friend from dance class,” I shared, recounting a bit more about my first day at school.

“By the way, I asked them to prepare your car, and it’s non-negotiable—you’re not driving a motorbike here,” Dad said before heading to his office for a late-night meeting.

Just after our conversation, I received a message from my mom saying she had already arranged for my new motorbike at our condo.

I mean, that’s a bit crazy, right? Dad is so protective, while Mom is incredibly supportive.

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