Chapter 3

Sometimes after feeding each other bites of breakfast, Akito and Emily would stand side by side, washing the dishes together. Then, they’d brush their teeth and head out to school.

Today marked their first day as sophomores. Last year, they were in separate classes, so they chatted on the way about how nice it would be if they could finally be in the same class this year.

Naturally, the two of them walked hand in hand, fingers intertwined in a romantic grip. It was always Emily who initiated this, but she looked so happy about it that Akito didn’t mind. In fact, he enjoyed the closeness, though he still chalked it up to “foreign-style affection.”

Their high school, Nagatsuki Public Academy, was known for its surprisingly lenient rules despite being a public institution. Rather than strict enforcement, the school believed in giving students the freedom to act responsibly.

As they arrived at school, they drew a few glances before everyone quickly looked away, thinking, Oh, it’s just those two again. Their relationship had become so familiar that no one batted an eye anymore, unlike the fuss their PDA caused when they’d first enrolled.

And there was one brave soul who always spoke to these two.

“Heyyy, Tatekawa siblings! Long time no see!”

“Yo, it’s been a while.”

“Lange nicht gesehen! (Long time no see, Nanami!)”

“Yaaay! Aki-chin and Emi-chin, still going strong as always! Woohoo!”

This girl with her retro-gal style was Nanami Kuroyanagi. She had bleached blonde hair, a line of piercings, and wore her uniform in a thoroughly casual, delinquent fashion.

On top of all that, she had strikingly dark, tan skin—a rare “kuro-gal” look. People often wondered where in Japan she’d managed to get so tanned.

But beneath that flashy exterior, Nanami was a loyal friend who valued her relationships, took her studies seriously, and, surprisingly, hadn’t missed a single day of school last year, earning her a perfect attendance award.

The three were chatting in what many students deemed “a danger zone.” Those around them shot glances but quickly scurried into the school building, thinking, Uh-oh, better steer clear.

“What did you two get up to over spring break? Me? I had the most choberigu experience—”

“You can tell us all about it, but shouldn’t we check the class lists first?”

“Ja. I agree with Akito.”

“Oh, true! Alright then, let’s get hyped and go!” 

Bursting with energy, Nanami made her way toward the bulletin board where the new class lists were posted. Watching her excitement, Akito and Emily exchanged smiles.

“Akichin! Emichin!”

“Yes, yes, we’re coming.”

“Just a sec, Nanami.”

Following the hand-waving Nanami, they made their way to the entrance. When they reached the bulletin board, they started scanning the names.

“Tatekawa… Tatekawa… ah, Kuroyanagi spotted!”

“Eins [Class 1]… looks like you’re in a different class, Nanami.”

“Aww, maaajor downer… totally killed the vibe.”

Nanami slumped in disappointment, shoulders drooping. But Akito and Emily, with an apologetic glance, continued scanning the list for their names.

“Tatekawa… Tatekawa… ah, there!”

“Entdecken! [Found it]” 

Akito spotted his name just as Emily called out, both of them realizing at the same moment. Right underneath Akito’s name was Emily’s, clearly indicating they were in the same class this year. At the same time, it meant that their classmates would be treated to the sight of the two of them being all lovey-dovey during every break. Talk about a light hell.

“Yay!” They briefly released each other’s hands to give a high five, casting a glance filled with envy at Nanami.

“Lucky you two, being in the same class.”

“Come on, you have plenty of friends.”

“Yeah, but I want to see you two interact!”

“Well, let’s look forward to next year, then.”

“Hmm… too bad?”

“Damn it! I’m gonna make friends with other people to the point you two get jealous!” 

With that, Nanami hurried into the school building, leaving Akito and Emily behind.

“…She really is funny. I never get bored with her around.”

“Ja. She’s fun to watch.” 

As they watched Nanami go, both Akito and Emily reaffirmed just how entertaining her presence was.