To describe the current group of individuals with a single phrase, "each with their own ulterior motives" would be most apt.
Eriri was dejected, while Shizuka Kasukabe was filled with anticipation for the future.
As for Haruno Tsukasa, he was ecstatic about the wealth that was about to come his way.
If it weren't for the memories and experiences of his past life, the poverty-stricken youth might have engaged in retaliatory consumption.
…
On the first day of school, there was nothing much to do besides cleaning and collecting textbooks.
After a few words from the homeroom teacher, the students swarmed out of the classroom.
It's always the hardest to get back into the groove after a break.
Haruno Tsukasa didn't rush with anyone else, since he'd be home alone anyway and there was no need to hurry.
He wasn't the only one who remained calm. The girl named Kato Megumi, with her personality, wouldn't do anything in a hurry.
Her composure once made Haruno Tsukasa think that even if the world was about to end, it would be difficult to elicit any sign of anxiety from Kato Megumi.
"Haruno-kun, are you going home?" Most of the students in the classroom had already left. Besides the two who were still leisurely packing up, no one else could be seen.
"Not yet, I need to buy some things later."
"Are you going to the supermarket to buy groceries?"
"No, Kyō has returned to school, and I'm alone at home. I just need to deal with the leftovers from the past two days." Haruno Tsukasa's tone was light.
This was his true inner thought.
For someone who has actually cooked, the real headache isn't how to cook.
It's deciding what to eat every day.
Especially when Kyō was at home. In order to make sure his sister ate the most delicious meals, Haruno Tsukasa always racked his brains to come up with creative ways to prepare meals for his sister.
But now that his sister had gone to the better-catered private school, Otori-Saki Girls' Academy, and he was alone at home, he could just make do.
After a moment of hesitation, Kato Megumi suppressed the idea of inviting the boy to her home for dinner, along with her curiosity. She spoke softly to Haruno Tsukasa, "Haruno-kun, see you tomorrow."
"Yeah, see you tomorrow."
After watching Kato Megumi leave the classroom, Haruno Tsukasa also picked up his backpack.
It wasn't that he disliked Kato Megumi and didn't want to leave the classroom with her.
It was simply that such an action would be against his principles.
Though he didn't know why, Kato Megumi's presence was incredibly faint, and usually no one would notice her. But actually, as long as one paid attention, they could still notice this girl.
Think about it, in high school, there wouldn't be any major news in school, unless it was openly promoting otaku culture at the school festival, or dating both of the two beautiful school idols from Toyosaki. Otherwise, things like "XX is dating XX" would be enough to make the students gossip.
But this wouldn't fit Haruno Tsukasa's character. Becoming famous might hinder his earnings!
For instance, last year's school festival, he witnessed Eriri being busy like a dog.
Even such a beautiful girl had to be treated like a man, and if those people knew he could draw, then he'd be Toyosaki's next mule.
He wouldn't get a penny, and it would waste his time going out to work and earn money. If his drawings were bad or he clashed with others' ideas, he might even be isolated. Compared to that, only a fool would go there to help.
Oh, you're talking about Eriri? Emmm, I'm saying this girl isn't a fool, do you believe me?
Intentionally avoiding Kato Megumi's steps, Haruno Tsukasa quickly left the school grounds.
He had an important job to do today, which was to buy tools related to drawing and painting.
Although he wasn't used to a digital tablet, for the sake of convenience in editing, and to pass Shizuka Kasukabe's assessment, he still had to prepare one.
After all, if you use drawing paper, it's difficult to make changes after you put pen to paper.
But with a digital tablet, you can modify it as many times as you want.
The young man didn't know what Shizuka Kasukabe's personality was like, what if she was the legendary "XX client"?
Therefore, after much consideration, he decided to get a digital tablet. Although it wasn't as convenient to use as drawing paper, the impact wouldn't be too great.
Moreover, Machida Sonoko had promised to reimburse him. Would anyone not take advantage of such a bargain?
…
Haruno Tsukasa's neighborhood wasn't a commercial area, and besides some convenience stores, there weren't any places to shop.
These convenience stores could meet his daily needs, but if he wanted to buy things like a digital tablet, that would be impossible.
Therefore, his destination today was the commercial district, seven stops away from his home.
There were quite a few villas where wealthy people lived, and their purchasing power was far beyond what his neighborhood could compare to.
Sitting on the train, bored Haruno Tsukasa could only stare out the window.
His phone couldn't even run a single decent game, the screen was so dim, he couldn't just play around with it like others.
Even though Japan's trains had been connected to the internet a few years ago, it made no difference to him.
As he was lost in thought, the dilapidated phone vibrated.
Struggling to block out the surrounding light with his hand, Haruno Tsukasa brought his eyes to the front of the screen.
"Brother, the things I bought for you should be arriving soon. When are you coming home? I'll tell the delivery company to deliver it to your door."
"What did you buy me again?" For a moment, Haruno Tsukasa wanted to ask his sister what else she had spent money on, but he held back his urge.
He couldn't help it, he was really scared of poverty.
"Oh, it's a surprise! Brother, don't ask so much. Just tell me what time you'll be home, and I'll tell the delivery company." Kyō added a playful emoticon to the end of the message, making Haruno Tsukasa's slightly depressed mood brighten up.
"Around seven, I'm going to buy a digital tablet today, it'll be easier for work in the future. But Kyō, don't worry, Machida-san will reimburse me for the tablet."
"I'm not worried, brother isn't the kind of person to spend money recklessly. So, shall I tell the delivery company to come by at 7:30? Okay, brother?"
"That's fine, then I'll look forward to it. Let's see what kind of surprise Kyō has for me."
"You won't be disappointed, brother, just wait!"
After closing his phone, a smile reappeared on Haruno Tsukasa's face.
This little girl, she's even learned to play mysterious.