When I read the heart of the never-smiling princess, for some reason she had already fallen head over heels in love for me. - v1 Chapter 15

Chapter 15: Being Scolded by the Princess

That day, Ominekita High School, where I attend, was enveloped in an atmosphere different from usual.

Groups of new students along with their parents walked together through the schoolyard, where cherry blossoms were in full bloom.

While I watched this scene from the entrance unfold, I found myself recalling my own self from about a year ago.

Events like the entrance ceremony, where people gather densely, inevitably bring one closer to others. Naturally, I could hear the inner voices of others whether I wanted to or not.

Having developed an aversion to these inner voices, I had started feeling psychological discomfort proportional to the number of voices. Even while moving or sitting down, I was constantly bombarded from all directions, and it took all my effort to endure the discomfort.

That was why, I hardly remember anything about the time of the entrance ceremony. The principal’s speech and also the then-student council president’s congratulatory address were drowned and overwritten by so many voices in my head that I had no idea what they spoke.

When the ceremony finally reached it’s end, and it was time to return to the classroom, I went straight to the infirmary instead due to feeling unwell.

I remember that, while resigning myself to the bed I thought over and pondered on how I would be spending my school life avoiding school events and all-school assemblies from here on out.

Yet, here now I found myself observing the same entrance ceremony from a different perspective. It felt strangely surreal.

“Alright, let’s go, Takagi.”

“Got it.”

Being prompted by Jiro who was standing next to me, I tightened my loosened tie. As a member of the student council, I couldn’t afford to look sloppy.

“Then, we’ll head to our positions then. Hoshino, Saeki, all best too.”

“U-un.”

“Right back at you, make sure you take some good pictures there.”

Hoshino, sitting at the reception desk, nodded nervously, while Saeki folded her arms intimidatingly.

Saeki quickly put on her sales smile as soon as the first group of new students with their parents entered. Her ability to change demeanor so swiftly was just too impressive.

Jiro and I moved to stand at the corridor leading to the gym and the entrance to the gym itself. While the new students gathered in their respective classrooms before moving to the gym, parents would wait directly outside the gym for the ceremony to begin.

Our role was to assist these parents.

Parents bidding farewell to their children began walking down the corridor in single file. Naturally, since they were all adults, there was no sign of hesitation in them. Just standing here seemed fine, but it also tested the motivation of the student council.

“Please fill the spaces from the back! Those who wish to take pictures of their children, please use the space behind the seats designated for parents!”

Jiro immediately began explaining loudly. His confident and unhesitant attitude would surely leave a good impression. Guess Saeki and Jiro were well-suited for their roles.

As for me, although I am not as good and proficient as Jiro, I stuck to greeting the parents entering the gym. It might appear more subdued compared to Jiro’s approach, but I wanted to leave an impression that the student council for this term was reliable.

However, due to the dense crowd at the entrance, I found myself inadvertently closer to others than I preferred.

“To think that girl is also a high school student, time flies by so quick.” “Once this is over, I have to get back to work immediately.” “I wonder if Sato-san will volunteer for the committee as well.” “Darn it, I forgot to charge the camera.” “She said not to come to the entrance ceremony right day before, really what’s up with her.” “Oh no, there’s a stain on my clothes.” “To come along with your parents even after reaching high school, well~ guess it can’t be helped, given it’s a prestigious preparatory school.”

The inner thoughts of passing parents flooded itself inside my mind. I tried my best to maintain a distance of at least 30 centimetres but thinking that if I keep my distance between them, I could be mistaken for slacking off, I can’t move carelessly.

And as it continued, in time a nauseous feeling began to well up inside me.

(Sigh, pathetic.)

Having volunteered myself, I wanted to be of some use.

But the more I endured, the more it might affect my work during the later photo sessions.

(…Maybe I should pretend to check the camera and leave this place.)

The thought of escaping crossed my mind, and made me frustrated.

After just a little more, the flow of people would thin out. Can’t I endure even this much?

Right then, maybe because I wasn’t paying that much attention or so, suddenly, I bumped into a parent, and lost control over myself.

I am falling. I calmly analysed that—–when a soft sensation brushed against my head.

‘That was close’

The voice that echoed in my head was as gentle as if being caressed by a feather.

“Are you alright?”

The voice that echoed in my head was as gentle as being stroked by down feathers.

When I turned around, there was Minami-san there. The parent I bumped into quickly bowed and walked away.

I couldn’t understand why she was supported me from back. Realizing the soft-feeling against my arm, I hurriedly distanced myself from her.

“I-I’m sorry.”

“No.”

Facing me, Minami-san continued to stare at me expressionlessly.

But, perhaps it was just my imagination, but her gaze seemed a bit sharper. Moreover, a growl-like voice in her inner thoughts reached my ears.

Minami-san sighed and calmly started to speak.

“Takagi-kun, I must ask for clarification. You haven’t forgotten your role as the photography assistant, have you?”

“Of course not.”

“Then why are you here greeting people?”

“Well, you know, I was just a bit idle until the ceremony started, so I thought I’d help Jiro.”

‘Even though you find it difficult to approach people?’

Her voice sounded mechanical. Could she be displeased?

I scratched the back of my head, unable to meet her eyes.

‘…Really. Again now, Ko-kun.’

Unexpectedly, I heard a sigh mixed with exasperation.

Again? What does she mean by that?

“Offering to help is always welcome. But no one asked you to do so while enduring something painful for you. Do you understand this difference between the two?”

“Yes, well, um, yes.”

‘That face. You definitely don’t understand do you.’

*Gulp.

Minami-san saw me completely through and through.

It was just as she told me, which was why I couldn’t say a word in response.

“Why did you offer to help right when the day arrived?”

“Y–you know, how I catch Saeki’s sight time after time. So, I thought it could be weird if I was the only one who did nothing.”

‘Yet another obvious lie.’

“Did she ask you to do that?”

“…No, nothing like that in particular.”

“Then please don’t make excuses that puts blame on Nozomi.”

(…Really, you’re such a meddlesome kid.)

Their voices overlapped, it was as if I was being scolded by the both them.