The summer vacation has come to an end, and the second semester of the second year begins today. Looking back, I realize that my three years of school will soon be over. This means my enjoyable times at school will come to an end, and I'll return to the whiteroom, the dull facility where I was raised.

"Sigh, it feels more and more reluctant as I think I'll be back there soon..."

It's not like I want to go back, but it's an agreement I made with someone in exchange for three years of schooling at Advanced Nurturing High School as part of learning about the outside world. The decision was made by that person to allow me to study outside, considering social skills as an essential capability. After three years, when my study period is over, I will be picked up and continue my education there.

Letting go of life in the outside world, it feels like I won't be able to accept it. Especially since there are still so many things I haven't experienced.

Well, there's no use thinking about it now. I tie my tie and slip my hand through the sleeve of my shirt. Looking in the mirror to fix my hair, making sure everything looks fine, I open the door and head towards school.

On the way, I run into Sudo, who's yawning as he comes out of the dorm. We exchange greetings and walk together.

"Did you study until late again, Sudou?"

"Well, I did study because Suzune mentioned there might be a written exam at the beginning of the semester. But that's not the reason for my lack of sleep."

"If it's not studying, then what?"

Sudo is a student with decent academic abilities now—even got a B on the OAA*. Despite initially struggling with studies, and the problem thas makes him almost expelled. He has transformed into a more exemplary student, improving his academic grades. That's thanks to Horikita who help him to more improved.

"Well, it's... you know the light novel we talked about recently?"

"Do you mean the one with the harem story?"

"Yeah, that one. I intended to read it for a bit after studying at night, but I ended up reading it all the way to the latest volume. So, I only had 2 hours left to sleep," he said while yawning repeatedly.

So, that's the reason for his yawning this morning. Instead of studying, he got carried away reading LN my harem in another world!. It has become a hot topic among the boys in the class lately. It seems like the series is popular and liked by many boys, but I only heard about it recently.

But, it's not like I don't understand that feeling. I, too, have experienced excitement when reading a book, although it wasn't a light novel. By the way, I have a somewhat negative view of light novels as low-quality reads that waste time and energy for the readers.

"That's really an exciting read, and the heroines' characters are so cute. I envy the protagonist of that series."

"Horikita would be mad if she knew you were wasting your study time, you know."

Feeling envy towards 2D characters? I don't get the topic.

"I read it after the study time, you know? That doesn't mean I'm wasting my study time. By the way, have you read it?"

"No, I haven't."

"Well, you're missing out if you don't. This series is really different from other harem series. You should give it a read, especially since you like reading, right?"

"Well, I do like books, but that doesn't mean..."

"Enough, just read it. It might be a good read for someone like you who doesn't have a girlfriend."

"If that's the case, actually, I already have one."

"Huh??" Sudou is surprised to hear about my romantic relationship. Well, this is a normal reaction for him, not knowing much about my romantic affairs.

Actually, I've been dating this girl since the end of the first semester vacation. We're keeping the relationship low-key and haven't revealed it to everyone. At least, that's how it has been until today.

"Seriously?"

"I swear, I'm not lying."

"P-please don't..."

"It's not the person you're thinking of." I interrupt to stop his thoughts before they become to wild.

"Swear it's not Suzune?!?"

"I swear it's not."

"W-well, that's... good... I thought my heart would stop for a moment there."

He was so worried that he even started sweating. He wipes the sweat from his forehead while breathing a sigh of relief.

"So, who is that person?"

"That person is..."

"Oh, there you are!"

Just as I was about to say it, a girl's loud voice calling out came from behind. We both turned simultaneously towards the familiar sound.

"Why did you leave without me??"

"Well, I didn't even know you wanted to leave together."

"Well, I was hesitating..."

"By the way, Kei, what's your plan for today? Do you want to do something?"

"Mm-mm, yeah."

Sudo looks puzzled at our very friendly conversation.

"Why are you like this, Karuizawa? Just suddenly joining in. And also, your conversation..."

Sudo protests to Kei while being suspicious of our conversation topic. Certainly, it would be suspicious for those unaware of the romantic relationship that Kei and I have.

"What's the problem with you? I can talk about anything with my boyfriend."

"Boy-boyfriend... Wh-what do you mean?!?!"

For the umpteenth time, Sudo is shocked and yells even louder upon hearing Kei's response.

"Well, that's right. We're dating," I say to satisfy Sudo's curiosity. Maybe because she's happy, Kei nudges my hand with hers while smiling to herself.

"WHAT?!? IS THAT FOR REAL?!"

Maybe because this is very surprising, Sudo yells even louder than before. It's no wonder because I—being rather quiet—turns out to be dating the class girls leader.

"What's with you, why are you shouting like that?"

"Well, it's because..."

Sudou pulled me, draping his arm over my shoulder and whispered.

"Are you seriously dating her?"

"Yeah, seriously."

"Hey, what's with the whispering?!?"

Kei protested, and we turned back to face her.

"Well, um..."

"What? Speak up!"

"Ugh, forget it. I'll go ahead, Ayanokouji, Karuizawa." Sudou said, walking faster ahead of us. Maybe he was perplexed by the fact that we started dating, leaving him speechless.

"Why is he..."

"Kei, sure about going public with us? People might react like Sudou, you know."

"Well, I'm not planning to announce it openly in front of the class. But I still want to let people know that you're my girlfriend."

Maybe realizing how embarrassing her words were, Kei quickly turned her blushing face away and walked ahead briskly.

"W-why are you staring? Come on, let's walk faster!"

Well, I'm not too bothered about whether this relationship goes public or not. It's Kei's desire to announce it to our classmates, and I support her. Plus, having an open relationship means no more secret dates, making things easier in the future.

But then, the topic of LN (Light Novel) comes back to my mind, and I start thinking about it a bit. Harem is a concept I only recently learned about in the outside world—whiteroom didn't provide information like this. However, in the past year, harem has become a popular topic among people my age, even used in various entertainment media like manga, anime, novels, and TV dramas.

I ponder this while glancing at Kei walking beside me. Now that I have a girlfriend, something I really wanted during my time at this school, could I have a harem here, too?

Shaking off those thoughts, I engage in conversation with Kei as we enter the classroom. Walking to school with your partner turns out to be quite enjoyable.