Utter silence filled the entire gymnasium after Haruto adjourned his speech.
Of course, the silence did not last long. Cheers and praises were immediately followed as the students of Asabe marveled at how awe-inspiring and unbelievable Haruto really was.
"Wooohhh!!!! Now that's what you call a speech!!"
"Color me impressed, that freshman is not only smart but also has his way of words!!!"
"Asabe sure is going to be quite an interesting year with him around!!!"
"You rock, Hanazono!!! That's the guy who perfected the entrance exam, alright!!!"
Meanwhile, Erina stared with utmost disbelief at what just happened today. Sure, she was happy for her dear brother that he was receiving compliments from every corner.
But everything is just all so unbelievable.
"O-onii-chan… is that really you?" The girl questioned, her expression filled with total surprise. And here she thought that she would not get even more shock at her brother's actions.
To think that just a year ago, her Big brother was an introverted and shy young boy who do not speak much and resorted to playing video games and watching anime as his way to cope up to the grueling trials of reality.
At their past school, Haruto only has a few friends, and their friendship revolve around sharing the same interest of gaming and anime as him. His grades were simply average and he never stood out whatsoever and merely remained inconspicuous.
The boy never really wanted to be the center of attention and he was fine with it.
Overall, the previous Hanazono Haruto was your typical high schooler with no special attributes or characteristics whatsoever. He was the kind of guy who you would completely forget after passing him from the crowd in the streets.
And now, her Big brother completely change
He acted extremely mature for his age, his way of speaking is a lot more formal, he was more focus and driven, especially in his studies, and he's wittier with his teasing remarks than ever before.
It's like he was a different person right after the car accident.
If she did not know any better, then she may think that someone of incredible talent possessed Haruto during the time when he was still confined in the hospital.
But nevertheless, Haruto was still Haruto. Even before the accident, the boy shown genuine care and love for her as the elder sibling and that affection still went on until today.
Whenever she was sick, Haruto would always take good care of her. When she was feeling down, he would try his best to cheer her up. One time when she was lost at a festival back when she was a kid, the young Haruto was a reliable elder sibling and would did not let go of her hand until he lead her back to their mom who was worried sick for them.
Thus, she would support him all the way as his beloved little sister. Haruto is her dear onii-chan and she would not trade him for anything in this damn whole world.
"Onii-chan, you really are…"
******
"A-amazing…"
Himegi sat with an astonished look as she eyed Haruto who was shaking the principal's hand once more on the stage.
Her friends who were beside her giggle and they could not help but begin teasing her.
"Wow, your crush sure is something huh, Himechii?"
"C-crush!? Oh no, Haruto-san is a new friend who I just met. He also helped me in treating the wounds of the puppy that I found a while ago. He's just my idol, that's all."
Her face red as a tomato, Himegi denied the accusation that was thrown to her.
Indeed, when she first read about Haruto at an article on Facebook, Himegi could not help but be amazed at his story.
A young boy who bettered himself and rise from the grave of his tragic car accident. Who would not be inspired by such an inspiring story?
Himegi herself was a hardworking girl. She too believed that if you work hard enough in whatever goals that you set upon, then you shall eventually be rewarded with the fruits of your labor. After all, Hard work always pay off and Himegi's efforts always came in fruition.
Not only that, but her idol also added the value of Discipline to the mix, and Himegi could not agree more. If one fell short from their work, then naturally, it shall divert from the outcome that you desire down to the inevitable road to failure.
"Idol eh? And what's with the two of you smiling sweetly like lovers towards one another when Hanazono was proceeding to the stage moments ago?" The other girl cheekily remarked with a huge grin on her face.
"We were just acknowledging our presence respectfully towards one another, that's all. Sheesh, you girls, not everything is associated with romance when it involves someone of the opposite sex." Himegi attempted the voice of reason but her friends were having none of that, still on their teasing streak towards the flustered young girl.
"Hehe, if you say so, Himegi. It's not everyday that you get all cute and embarrassed when it's comes to a boy."
"You got that right. Himechii's adorableness has just reached peak height! Kyaa!! I never thought that you're going to get even cuter when you are in love!!"
Himegi simply sighed and gave up in her denial. Once her two friends were like this, then there's little to no hope in stopping them.
But if she was being perfectly honest, she did not know what her feelings toward Haruto was exactly. After all, they just met a while ago.
Perhaps it was just mere admiration towards her idol. Yes, that was simply it and nothing more. She would look forward to being friends with him and if something more came as they progress during their friendship…
Then let's just say that Himegi was not unwilling to let that happen.
"Hey, you're smiling, Himechi!!! Daydreaming about your Prince Charming, maybe?"
"Hooh, found yourself at cloud nine now are we? What are you thinking? Something naughty perhaps? I did not know that the prim and proper Asakura Himegi can actually be a perv, hehehe."
Really at times like this, Himegi can only wonder what came in her right mind when she decided that she was best friends with these two.
******
"Hanazono Haruto…"
Unknown to everyone, a lone figure from the corner of the gymnasium was eyeing the boy meticulously.
The figure, a man… after a few moments of uttering the boy's name, mustered a smile on his face as he eventually made his leave, feeling satisfied with the events that has transpired today.
Well, things are about to change with Haruto-kun around and close by.
Whether it was for the better or for the worse…
Only time will tell…