School season!
It finally came to this.
After finishing his morning run, Yukiya Yukimura washed up and got dressed.
The uniform of the private Funozaki Academy was a white shirt paired with navy blue suit pants.
The autumn attire added a dark blue blazer.
Aside from the everyday uniform, there was also a set of pure black formal wear, which was the standard attire for formal occasions.
All uniforms were custom-made, tailored to each student's measurements.
Therefore, they fit perfectly and looked naturally good.
After all, it is the legendary private academy.
One of the top three high schools in the entire Sakura Kingdom.
A super high school renowned alongside the private Shuuchiin and the private Baikaou Academies.
It is a cradle for nurturing important talents, training politicians, lawyers, and doctors, who then contribute to society.
When Yukiya Yukimura had finished styling his hair and stepped out of his room.
He saw Kashima Shizuka waiting at the entrance.
The Kashima-senpai, wearing the same uniform, had black pantyhose under her pleated skirt.
JK girls are generally divided into three factions.
The Black Tights Faction, the White Tights Faction, and the Bare Legs Faction.
Black tights are full of charm, white tights are pure and innocent, and bare legs are... well, they just are.
Yukiya Yukimura equally liked all three factions.
However, Kashima-senpai seemed to be a staunch member of the Black Tights Faction.
“Let’s go, Ex-Boyfriend-kun.”
Kashima Shizuka said with a smile.
Going to school together isn't something ordinary in the Sakura Kingdom.
Under the societal atmosphere of "don't cause trouble for others."
Going to school together is seen as an extremely intimate act among students.
Even ordinary friends of the opposite sex, even if they happen to be going the same way, would generally keep their distance.
Usually, only couples, childhood friends, or ambiguous friends-to-lovers would go to school together.
But Kashima Shizuka still extended the invitation.
Unlike a certain stubborn tsundere.
Kashima Shizuka knew what she wanted, and she wouldn't sit idly by. Instead, she would take the initiative.
Since her heart was racing for him.
She wouldn't deceive herself.
Instead, she would face her feelings head-on and take action.
And in response to Kashima's advance.
Yukiya Yukimura's answer was
“Okay.”
The two walked side-by-side towards the private Funozaki Academy.
Along the way, Funozaki students occasionally passing by would cast curious glances their way.
It was unavoidable.
After all, Kashima Shizuka was incredibly popular in Funozaki Academy.
Last year's academy promotional video even featured Kashima.
Furthermore, Kashima's reputation for being cold was widespread.
So, the boy suddenly appearing beside the cold goddess.
Naturally, attracted attention.
And this attention reached its peak on the cherry blossom pathway in front of the academy.
“Wait... is that Kashima-senpai? She's walking with a guy!?”
“Who is that guy? I've never seen him before!”
“Is he a new student? He's already close to Kashima-senpai before even enrolling?”
“He must be Kashima-senpai's brother or something.”
“Do you see how those two look alike? Even self-deception has its limits!”
Whispers of discussion kept coming.
Yukiya Yukimura remained composed.
His calmness even made Kashima a little annoyed.
“Yukiya-kun, how does it feel to be the center of attention?”
Kashima Shizuka whispered, asking quietly.
Because they were at school, she didn't call him "Ex-Boyfriend-kun," otherwise, if others heard, it would cause trouble for Yukiya.
Well, even walking together now would cause trouble.
But the meaning was different.
“Senpai, I'm used to it, have you forgotten? Isn't that how it always was for me?”
“After all, Senpai is always so dazzling, being by your side means constant attention from others.”
Yukiya Yukimura replied calmly.
Kashima was both happy and sad.
Happy because Yukiya found her dazzling.
Sad because of the memories from the past.
The two parted ways at the entrance.
Kashima Shizuka would go straight to her classroom to report.
While Yukiya Yukimura would first go to the notice board to check the class list.
Then, he would go to the grand auditorium of the private Funozaki Academy for the entrance ceremony.
After parting ways.
Yukiya Yukimura suddenly smelled a faint scent like acacia blossoms, refreshing and calming.
It was particularly special amidst the fluttering cherry blossoms.
“Does the private Funozaki Academy have acacia blossoms?”
Muttering to himself, Yukiya Yukimura followed the scent.
He then met a pair of acacia-colored eyes.
“Ah, so it wasn't acacia blossoms, but a girl who smelled like acacia blossoms?”
Yukiya Yukimura waved to Kato Megumi, a smile on his face.
“Kato-san, good morning.”
“Good morning, Yukiya-san.”
It was still the same light and airy voice, impossible to tell what she was feeling, but it was incredibly pleasant.
It seemed to have the power to make people feel better.
“When did Kato-san notice me?”
“Just now.”
“Really just now?”
“Yeah, I thought Yukiya-san would only notice me once you reached the auditorium.”
Kato Megumi's fingers lightly twirled around her hair.
The girl with the bob didn't look back at Kashima's departing direction.
“Well, Kato-san, although you're cute, your presence is quite thin.”
“Even if you compliment me on being cute, I won't like hearing that part.”
As expected, Kato Megumi still cared about the fact that her presence was thin.
“But today, I smelled a fragrance as nice as acacia blossoms, so I immediately noticed Kato-san.”
Yukiya Yukimura said, taking a step forward.
He leaned closer to Kato Megumi and sniffed.
However, this time, he couldn't smell that light and refreshing acacia scent anymore.
Kato Megumi gently pushed Yukiya away.
“Yukiya-san! Even I get embarrassed!”
Kato Megumi's cheeks turned a little red, although it was hard to tell any change in her expression, it was adorable.
Then, she raised her hand and sniffed gently.
“Is it the scent of acacia blossoms? But I'm not using any skin care products with that scent.”