The long holiday had ended, and the days of fresh greenery and the scent of early summer carried by the breeze signaled the change of seasons. This morning's refreshing May sunshine—I swear I didn't oversleep. I really didn't. If I said I didn't, then I didn't.
Mom, could you please stop waving the frying pan around in the kids' room?
It's not a tennis racket, you know?
Besides, there's no ball anyway.
Wait, what do you mean there *is* a ball?
Umm... you've been staring at my face for a while now. Do I have something on my face? Like, eye gunk or something?
Yeah, that's probably it. Anyway, let's wash my face and head to school, shall we?
But man, I'm already tired, and it's not even noon. My mom's sense of humor can be *really* harsh.
It was a joke, right? Probably. Maybe. Hopefully.
I mean, it's not even late enough to be running late for school yet...
Oh, look, there they are. The boys from the usual school group. Yo! Good morning!
One of the second-years isn't here though. What's up with that?
Huh? He's got a cold? I see. Guess I'll visit him after school.
Oh, it's mild and he's just resting? Well, alright. You guys better take care of yourselves too, don't slack off.
"Yessir!"
Man, they're always good at answering.
This whole group thing for walking to school has really taken root at our school, huh?
I remember back in first grade when I was hanging out with Kota at the candy shop. We were chatting about how we didn't have any volunteer guardians to watch over us at school.
Back then, I hadn't remembered my past life fully yet, and random words or phrases would pop into my head. It was Kota who said he was kinda scared of walking to school in the mornings, and I replied, "Wouldn't it be nice if we had some adults watching over us?"
He was like, "What's that?" and got all curious, so we talked about it for a while.
That led us to start talking about walking to school in groups and having adults volunteer to watch over us, like a "Morning Patrol" or a "Neighborhood Safety Patrol."
Kota thought it was a great idea and said, "That would make us feel safer," with the biggest smile. But the lady at the candy shop behind him, even though she was smiling, her eyes were totally not.
Later, when I talked to the older kids during recess, we started grouping up by neighborhood to walk to school, and Kota was over the moon. Next thing I knew, ladies wearing hats with the word "Safety" written on them started watching over our walk to school.
I didn't realize at the time, but I'm *sure* the candy shop lady was pulling the strings behind the scenes.
She's a real legend—what a mastermind.
Speaking of, what did you guys do over the break?
Oh, your sister was super stressed because of exams, so you didn't go anywhere? There was a national mock exam during the break at your school?
Ah, so that's why. No wonder the girls have been making a fuss since the break ended.
Wait, the exam results come back today? Oh, man. It's gonna be chaos. I don't wanna go to school!
---
"Good morning, everyone. Let's start the homeroom.
First, some news. Kimura, who had been in the hospital for a while, has been discharged and will rejoin the class starting today. Please be kind to him.
Also, all the boys in class, there will be a talk from the principal about Kimura after homeroom. Please head to the principal's office right after we finish.
First period will be self-study. During that time, I'll distribute the results from the national mock exams, so those of you who took the exam, please come and collect your results.
That's all for homeroom."
---
What the... Miho-sensei is acting like some super-competent teacher all of a sudden.
Did she go through something recently and level up? Not that I mind. We've known each other since I started here—six years ago now. Guess time flies, and people grow up. After all, she's in her late twenties now.
*Thud.*
What the heck, Sensei? Why do you look so scary? Oh, you want me to hurry up and get to the principal's office? Fine, fine, just let go of my head. Are you squeezing harder?
Ouch, ouch! My skull's gonna crack! Alright, alright! I shouldn't have said anything. I'm sorry. Please let go! It really hurts—gah!
---
Ow... that really hurt.
Women in this world can break human limits without being martial arts masters. Scary.
*Knock, knock, knock.*
"Excuse meee."
---
Good morning, Principal. I heard there's something you wanted to talk to us about regarding Kimura?
Why the entire class of boys though? Did something happen?
---
"Well, it concerns Kimura's life from now on, but it's better if you hear it from him directly. Come on in."
---
From the adjacent office came... Kimura and some others?
Wait, who are these people?
"Thanks for gathering for me today, guys.
Allow me to introduce myself again.
I'm Kimura Hideo. I'll be in your class for the next year, and I hope we can learn and grow together.
Nice to meet you."
---
"....?"
Uh... what?
No, I know who he is. I saw him at the pool during the break.
But the "One-Punch Kimura" has turned into "The Handsome Prince Kimura." What's going on?
The guys in class are all whispering, "Wait, is that really him? One-Punch? No way, his face looks totally different. One-Punch was that lunatic who picked a fight with the girls, right?!"
Hey, guys, maybe keep that for when he's not around? He can hear you, and so can the principal, who's doing his best not to burst out laughing.
---
"Hello, everyone. I am Hikari Saijo, Kimura-sama's personal nurse. From today onwards, I'll be assisting Kimura-sama in your class. I hope my presence won't be too much of a bother. Please take care of us."
---
Wow, so polite.
We're just elementary schoolers, you know? This level of formality makes me think of a maid in one of those isekai light novels serving a duke's family or something.
Also, a nurse? I thought Kimura was fully recovered and discharged? Is he still being monitored? This sounds more serious than I imagined.
But she's not in a nurse's outfit—just a polo shirt and tracksuit pants. Guess they're prioritizing mobility.
She's even wearing an ID tag, but she looks more like a caretaker at a retirement home than a nurse.
Is Kimura... being taken care of? (Distant gaze.)
---
"Hello everyone, I'm Sae Kimura, Hideo-chan's mother.
I heard you all helped carry him to the nurse's office when he collapsed. Thank you so much for that.
My daughters wanted to thank you in person too, but Hideo-chan didn't want to be a bother, so I'm thanking you on behalf of our family.
We really appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts."
---
From there, Kimura's mom kept talking. And talking. For a *long* time.
---
"...isn't that cute? He said, 'Mom, can you not cling to me so much? I'm happy, but it's a bit embarrassing...' I was so happy I just had to hug him tight!"
---
"Mom, sorry to interrupt, but we really need to get to class. Can we continue this conversation some other time?"
---
"Oh my, I'm sorry! I got carried away chatting.
Well then, everyone, please take good care of Hideo-chan from now on."
---
Finally, freedom!
That was *so* long. The principal was frozen in place with a smile on his face the whole time. He looked like he'd achieved enlightenment!
The boys are all in tears—*not* because they were moved, but because of the sheer mental agony. One of them is sobbing like a kindergartener.
Mrs. Kimura, it wasn't *emotion* that made them cry! It was *pain*!
Your stories are basically mental torture!
---
"Well, Kimura-kun, head to class with everyone else. I'll have a chat with your mom.
Saijo-san, please keep an eye on him in class. The girls have already been informed by the homeroom teacher.
After school, please report back to me about today's events."
---
The principal... just brushed it off. What do we do with these people now? Am I supposed to handle this?
There's no way! I can't!
Kimura's acting all princely like he's got everything under control, and Saijo's all like, "I'm just a humble maid," but she's supposed to be a nurse!
---
"Well then, everyone, let's head to class. Saijo, lead the way."
"As you command."
---
Kimuraaaa!!