In This World That Favors Men, I... ~Starting a Sweet School Life in a World With a 1:8 Gender Ratio~ - 169 (END)

Chapter 169: Freshman Orientation

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『Freshman Orientation Information』

A notification arrived from Soukei University about the guidance session held before the entrance ceremony. Apparently, it would explain how to register for courses and provide information about the entrance ceremony.

Since the guidance day for my faculty was the same as Yuu’s faculty orientation, we decided to meet up and go together.

“I’ll walk you to the Education Department building, so we’ll have to meet a bit earlier. Is that okay?”

“You’re going out of your way that much? Isn’t that a little over-the-top?”

“Not at all! If you wait until you feel you’re in danger, it’s already too late! Yuusei-kun’s gravitational power is no joke. So, I thought—me alone wouldn’t be enough, and I decided to call in backup.”

“Backup? Who? Someone I know?”

“Definitely not someone you’ve never met. We’re meeting that person in front of Ōkumaza Hall on the day. We’ll guard both flanks and storm the front gate as a trio—so be ready!”

Maybe Yuu was right. That thought hit me once we arrived at the station. It wasn’t like I underestimated the situation, but I guess I was a little too optimistic.

The subway platform and the stairs leading above ground were already overflowing with people. Just people, people, people. A massive crowd of women. 

Are all these… freshmen? That’s an insane number of people.

“No way! Is that really him?”

“Victory! I lost the entrance exam, but I won the real battle!”

Shrieks rang out here and there. Piercing stares came at us from all directions. I felt a wave of heat and invisible pressure pressing in. If Yuu weren’t beside me, I would’ve felt utterly lost and overwhelmed.

We exited the ground-level exit and turned right down the sidewalk. When we hit a big road, we turned right again and kept walking along the sidewalk. Before long, a large bus rotary came into view. To the left was the main gate, and to the right, I could see the clock tower of Ōkumaza Hall peeking out slightly.

The crowd began to thin little by little. Some veered left toward the main gate, while others continued straight to the hall. The hall’s slightly yellowish walls drew closer.

“There are more people in front of the hall than I expected. I hope we can find them quickly.”

I still didn’t know who we were meeting. For some reason, Yuu hadn’t told me that. Since we exited the subway, Yuu and I had been holding hands. Technically, we were holding hands like a couple, but sadly, it wasn’t romantic—it was just to make sure we didn’t get separated in the crowd.

Even so, the warmth I’d felt from Yuu’s hand on my right began to slip away.

Huh?

“Yuu, what’s going—”

“Takeda-san!”

Someone called my name. At that moment, the scene in front of me transformed. It was like that famous scene from the movie The Ten Commandments—the one where the sea parts before the desperate people.

The thick crowd of people split cleanly in two, opening a single path, just like the sea. Someone ran down that path—heading straight toward us.

“G-Good morning…”

She greeted me between ragged breaths, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

It’s the girl from the letter. Her name was… Right.

“Good morning. And congrats on passing! You’re Yamagata… Maya-san, right?”

“You remembered my name?!”

“Of course. That letter left a strong impression, and I even visited St. Catherine’s. There’s no way I’d forget.”

“Takeda-san… Thanks to you, I passed. You gave me the courage. I was able to work so, so hard because of it.”

What she held up was a familiar charm— a strap of a chick riding an octopus.

“I’m glad it helped. I gave it to you hoping it would. Looks like it was worth giving it to you.”

It was one of those lucky charms you give away to pass the good fortune along. I was happy to hear it gave her strength.

“I wanted to see you. I really… I really wanted to see you again…”

Overcome with emotion from their long-awaited reunion, Maya locked eyes with me and fell silent.  Our gazes naturally entwined. It was as if we forgot to breathe, simply staring at each other.

At just the right moment to amplify the sweet, pure-love-drama atmosphere, the four bells in the clock tower began to chime.

“Kiin… Kooon… Kaan… Kooon… Kiin… Kooon… Kaan… Kooon…”

For thirty seconds, the high-pitched harmony of bells played. And during that time, it felt as if time stopped not just for them, but for everyone standing in front of the hall.

“What a beautiful sound. It’s like the bells are celebrating your reunion.”

Snapped back to reality by Maya’s dreamy voice, I felt Yuu’s hand return to mine—slightly cool, but comforting.

“Okay, okay, that’s enough maiden-minded fantasy. That was the 9 a.m. bell. It rings six times a day at set times. Yuusei-kun, let me formally introduce you. This is Yamagata-san, the person I asked to help today.”

“Wait, you two know each other?”

“Yes. I went to the same preparation school as Kobayakawa-san. When I joined mid-term and was struggling, she treated me kindly and warmly. I’m very grateful for her help.”

“Oh, I see. What a surprising connection.”

“Yep. We’re even in the same Law Department. I’m sure there’s more you two want to talk about, but we’re tight on time. Save it for later.”

“S-Sorry. I got carried away. Today I’m supposed to be on guard duty, right? What should I do?”

“I’ll take the right side. Yamagata-san, I’d like you to guard the left. Like this—link arms and give off a bit of an intimidating vibe from the sides.”

“L-Like this? Kyaa, your hand… It’s touching…”

“Oh, right. You’re from St. Catherine’s. Jumping straight to a lovers’ handhold must be too much…”

“No, I’ll do it! I’m sorry for being so weak! I can do this. No—I will do this! Please, let me take on this duty!”

With Maya’s resolute shout, a round of applause erupted from those nearby for some reason.

“Looks like we’re good to go. Alright, let’s head into campus! Maya-san, don’t let the pressure get to you today—do your best!”

“Yes! Yuuko-san, I look forward to being in your care for a long time!”

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There were some girls smiling and waving as they watched the three walk off arm in arm toward the front gate.

“We wish you all the happiness!”

“That was amazing. So, so good.”

“Yuki-senpai! Operation Moses was a total success!”

A love support campaign that began from a single encounter had now come to the perfect close.

“Everyone, thank you for your cooperation. Mission complete. And with that, we hereby disband the Takeda x Maya Romance Support Squad as of today.”

Maya, their support target, had graduated. Though they originally planned to disband then, they extended the operation a bit longer after an unexpected message from “Ouma-sama.” But now, it was truly the end.

“It was a short time, but working with you all was truly a joy. But this isn’t goodbye. The bonds we’ve built will carry on, now and always. Let the warm feelings blooming in your hearts be the fuel for your own love stories from here on out!”

The girls would surely never forget… The days spent with their admired senpai, the time they shared working toward a common goal with friends… And how brilliantly it all shone.

“It’s still early, so let’s dismiss here for now. Our wrap party is at the scheduled place and time. It’s a dessert buffet, so come with room in your stomachs!”

“Okaaay!”

“See you later!”

“Great work, everyone~!”

“See you soon!”

“I’m sure I’ll be the next person to get cheered on!”

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