The Girl Everyone Admires Loves Me… and I Don’t Remember Why. - Chapter 1: My First Time, and Her Second.

My First Time, and Her Second.

…If this were the world of a rom-com story, that guy would undoubtedly be the protagonist.

The moment the chime rang through the school—ding-dong, ding-dong—signaling the end of class, I, Miyase Tomoya, found myself idly thinking that as I watched a certain boy stand up and head toward his friends.

At the end of my gaze was Chitose Yuuki.

He’s a little above average in athletics, but otherwise a completely ordinary high-school guy.

At first glance, he’s the kind of unremarkable male student you’d find anywhere.

Yet for some reason, he draws envy from nearly every boy in the school.

The reason is simple: his childhood friend.

Takanashi Mitsuki.

The undisputed most breathtaking beauty in the entire school—flawless in looks, top of the class in grades, and gifted with extraordinary athletic talent. She’s the very definition of an unattainable flower on a lofty peak.

Naturally, her popularity among the boys is off the charts.

It’s hardly rare to hear rumors about someone confessing to her.

The two of them have been childhood friends since they were little, know each other inside out, and spend a lot of time together at school.

It’s no wonder the guys are jealous of Chitose.

I’ve even heard whispers among some students that the two might actually be dating.

…It really feels like one of those classic childhood-friend rom-coms.

As I entertained that thought, my stomach let out a quiet growl.

It was lunchtime now.

Time to grab something from the school store and head to my usual spot.

I stood from my seat and started toward the classroom door—only to pass behind Takanashi on the way.

She was slumped over her desk, fast asleep.

…Come to think of it, she’d been sleeping through the entire last period too.

That’s pretty unusual for a straight-A student like her.

Well, everyone has an off day once in a while.

***

After buying my lunch at the school store, I made my way—as always—to the stairs behind the school building.

It’s quiet, gets a nice breeze, and almost no one knows about it. My favorite hidden spot.

The perfect place to enjoy a peaceful lunch.

The classroom and cafeteria are always too noisy.

Just as I was about to start eating…

“…Hm?”

I heard footsteps.

Someone was slowly approaching.

No student had ever come here before.

…Could there be someone else who knew about this place?

The footsteps never paused, drawing steadily closer, until they suddenly stopped.

And then, a certain girl appeared.

“Eh—Takanashi!?”

Of all people, it was Takanashi Mitsuki.

The sheer unexpectedness left me unable to hide my shock.

She smiled gently at my bewildered expression and spoke.

“Hello, Miyase-kun.”

“H-Hello.”

“What a coincidence.”

“Y-Yeah, it really is.”

“Hey, Miyase-kun… if you don’t mind, would it be all right if I ate lunch here with you?”

“…Eh?”

An offer I never saw coming.

I’d assumed she came here because she wanted some time alone for once—instead of eating with Chitose or her friends—and that once she saw me already here, she’d go somewhere else.

I managed a nod, and she gave a soft “Thank you” before gracefully sitting down beside me.

A sweet citrus scent gently teased my nose.

“B-But I’m honestly shocked. I didn’t know you knew about this place too, Takanashi.”

“…Yes. I knew.”

She answered after a brief pause.

“I was surprised to find you already here too, Miyase-kun.”

“I was way more shocked to see you show up.”

“You really did look stunned.”

“…Of course I did.”

Anyone would be.

Even now, I was still trying to process it.

“Is something wrong, Miyase-kun?”

Takanashi gazed steadily at my face.

Long, glossy black hair that shimmered with depth.

Features so perfectly refined they seemed almost unreal.

…No, seriously—she’s way too beautiful.

“N-No, it’s nothing.”

“I see. Then shall we start eating?”

She unwrapped a cloth bundle to reveal her bento box.

When she opened it, a beautifully balanced array of appetizing side dishes greeted the eye.

“Did you… make this bento yourself, Takanashi?”

“Yes, I did.”

“That’s impressive. Everything looks delicious.”

“Thank you. Oh—Miyase-kun, would you like some of this fried chicken?”

“Eh… R-Really? Is that okay?”

Another completely unexpected offer.

“Yes, of course.”

“Th-Thank you! I’m really happy, actually. Fried chicken is my absolute favorite side dish.”

I brought the piece she gave me to my mouth.

“It’s delicious!”

“I’m glad.”

She smiled brightly, clearly pleased.

…Still, what is going on here?

Not only am I eating lunch alone with Takanashi, she even shared her food with me.

And then…

“If I make fried chicken again sometime, I’ll be sure to give you some then too, okay?”

For some reason, it really feels like her favorability toward me is strangely high…

…Wait, why?

***

Takanashi Mitsuki’s POV.

Miyase-kun looked so happy when he received the fried chicken I made.

“Th-Thank you! I’m really happy, actually. Fried chicken is my absolute favorite side dish.”

…I know.

Because I remember.

“…Hey, Miyase-kun. If you’d like, would you want some of my side dishes?”

“Really? Then I’ll take the fried chicken. Actually, it’s my favorite side dish.”

He told me that once before.