Ding dong ding dong
"Everyone, today we'll be visiting the university campus of Sakurazai Academy. I'll be assigning partners, and each pair will be guided by a student from the university. After the visit, you're free to go straight home."
It looks like today will just be a visit, so I think I can relax a bit and enjoy it.
But I still need to choose a campus… and I have no idea what I want to do in the future. Honestly, I've never really thought about it.
Well, let's see who I'll get paired up with first.
...
"Hello, Tomoki-san! What a coincidence!"
"You're right, Tachibana-san. This is the second time."
"So, is there a place you want to check out?"
"Hmm... Kind of embarrassing to admit, but I don't really know what I want to do yet. What about you?"
"I want to be an artist. I love drawing and painting. Not that I'm all that good though." - she said with a small laugh.
"But you already have a goal. That's a great start, if you ask me. How about we check out the art campus?"
"If it's okay with you, I'd love to."
"It sounds interesting. Let's go there."
"I'll let the teacher know."
As she walked, she chatted with one of her friends. They seemed to be having a lively conversation. I couldn't catch everything, but I think I heard one of them say 'Don't waste this opportunity!'
It seems like everyone's taking this seriously.
I'd been planning to start thinking about my career once I became a second-year student… But maybe that was naive. I wonder what Ayame-san and Ryuichi think about all this.
It looks like they got paired together, and I think they're getting along.
I hate to admit it, but I'm kind of jealous of Ryuichi.
Unlike me, he and Ayame-san both love reading, so they naturally get along. I wouldn't be surprised if they got even closer… maybe even became a couple.
There's also their background—they're both extremely wealthy. I even looked into their family businesses on internet.
And Ayame-san… she's brilliant. Not just academically, but she can cook too. I still remember how delicious her food was—so good that even the entire cooking club was impressed.
I like Ayame-san. I see her as a woman. A beautiful woman, actually. But I try not to get my hopes up. Just being her friend feels like a miracle.
That's why, as a friend, I want to support her however I can. I don't want to take her kindness for granted or expect anything more.
I already know the pain of rejection. It´s frustrating and painful.
"Tomoki-san, were you hoping to pair up with Ayame-san?"
"Ryuichi and Ayame-san are my closest friends, after all. But why do you ask?"
"I mean… you kept glancing their way."
"Oh! I was just wondering how they'd interact. They have similar hobbies, so I thought they'd get along."
It's not exactly a lie, but it was probably obvious I was watching them. I should be more considerate toward Tachibana-san.
"And what is your hobby by the way?"
"I like playing video games."
"Me too! Especially MMORPGs or anything with a medieval fantasy setting."
"That's my favorite genre! What class do you usually pick?"
I didn't expect to find someone to talk games with.
It's refreshing and fun to talk about things you actually enjoy with someone who gets it.
...
On the bus to the art campus, I asked her about her drawings.
"So Tachibana-san, I'm kind of curious. What kind of stuff do you draw?"
"Wanna see? Here, this is what I usually work on."
She showed me some of her sketches on her phone. I was stunned—some of her characters reminded me of heroes from shounen anime and Western comics back in my old world.
"Whoa! I didn't know you were into this!" - I couldn't hide my excitement.
"Glad you like it. Wanna see more?"
"Yes, absolutely!"
Even though I'm a big romantic comedy fan, I still watched the big shounen hits and American comics.
But in this world, stories with male protagonists are rare. Most works are shoujo or josei.
Seeing her characters felt nostalgic—like a glimpse of home.
"Tachibana-san, what's your inspiration?"
"Well… I always wondered what it would look like to see a man smiling with pride and confidence. Instead of stories where women protect men, I wanted to create a man who protects everyone. I think that would be really cool."
"I think so too. Being a hero who protects the weak… that's every kid's dream."
"…Tomoki-kun, I've always wondered… why you—"
The bus stopped at the Management campus. It looked like Ryuichi and Ayame-san were getting off there.
"Yes, Tachibana-san?"
"No, it's nothing. Want to see some of my darker, spookier drawings next?"
"You have more? And in other styles? I'd love to."
...
We finally arrived at the Art campus. It was breathtaking.
"Welcome to our Art Campus—where your imagination is the only limit!"
"We'll be in your care." - both Tachibana-san and I said in unison.
"Feel free to explore. There's so much I want to show you."
There was every kind of art you could imagine—from traditional to digital.
Some pieces I couldn't even understand, so I just nodded and smiled politely like everyone else.
And just like that, the visit was over.
"If you're ever interested, feel free to come by again. You're always welcome!"
"Thank you very much." - we both replied at the same time.
"Just out of curiosity… are you two a couple?"
"No, no, no! We're just… classmates!" - Tachibana-san denied it instantly.
"Oh, I see. Sorry if I made things awkward."
We rode the bus back in silence, both a little flustered.
Back at school, we grabbed our bags. Just as we were heading out, Tachibana-san stopped me.
"Sorry about earlier. I just got nervous when she asked."
"Oh! You mean when she asked if we were a couple? Haha, don't worry. I was flustered too."
"You were? Why?" - she asked, looking straight into my eyes.
"Well… it's kind of embarrassing to say, but… because you're a cute girl. Of course I'd be nervous."
"Hehe… I see. But Tomoki-san, what do you think about Edomae-san?"
What do I think about Ayame-san?
She's my friend—that much is clear. But she's not like Ryuichi, who I can talk to easily.
When I think about her, I remember all the trouble I've caused her.
The time we met at the restaurant during the interview… the times I ignored her when she tried to talk… the book she recommended that I still haven't read… the cooking club incident…
And yet, she still cares. She checks in on me. Offers help. Patiently waits when I take forever to do something.
She's the reason I was able to move on from my last heartbreak.
That's why I tried to get closer—to know her better and repay her kindness.
But the more I learned, the more I realized how incredible she really is.
She's not just from a rich family—she's smart, talented, popular, and beautiful. I mean, we're in the top high school in the country.
In my old world, I never would've even made it here. Someone like Ayame-san wouldn't have even noticed me.
All of this happened because I was lucky enough to end up in a privileged position that let me be here.
But no matter how I feel, I'll never forget what she's done for me.
And I'll do everything I can to return the favor.
That's why… this is my answer...