As I made my way toward Kuoh Academy more than a hour late, I couldn't help but notice the stares. It wasn't subtle—girls openly glanced my way, some whispering to their friends, others simply looking me up and down. A few even giggled when I walked past.
It was strange. Back in my previous life, I was never the kind of guy to attract attention. Yet here, every step I took seemed to draw their eyes.
When I caught one of the girls staring, I gave her a small smile, mostly out of habit. Her face turned beet red, and she quickly turned away, dragging her friend along with her.
I chuckled softly to myself. So this is what it feels like to be noticed.
---
By the time I reached the school gates, I was certain of one thing: Kuoh Academy had an unusually high ratio of girls to boys. The few boys I saw seemed to stick together, as if forming their own support groups in a sea of estrogen.
Inside the main building, the attention continued. Girls in the hallway "accidentally" brushed past me or slowed down to look. I even overheard a few whispers.
"Is that Itachi? He is also quiet today, but… isn't he kind of handsome?"
"I heard he never talks to anyone except his friend. Mysterious guys are so attractive!"
"Do you think he likes girls who take the first step?"
It was surreal, but amusing. If they only knew the real me—awkward and socially clueless.
---
I climbed the stairs to my classroom, stopping briefly as I spotted a familiar face. It was Akio, one of the few guys I'd managed to befriend in this world.
He waved lazily, his expression halfway between concern and annoyance. "Where the hell have you been? Sona was pissed. You're like an hour and a half late!"
I scratched the back of my head, offering a sheepish smile. "Got caught up with something."
Akio raised an eyebrow. "You? Caught up with something? You don't even talk to people."
"Things change," I replied.
Before he could question me further, a white hair girl in a student council armband approached, with a professional air, and didn't bother with pleasantries.
"Sona-sama has requested your presence," she said curtly.
Akio gave me a look, half-pity, half-amusement. "Good luck, man. She looked ready to kill earlier."
---
Following the student council member through the halls, I became aware of how many eyes were still on me. Girls whispered and glanced away whenever I looked in their direction, clearly uncomfortable—or excited—about me being summoned by the ever-intimidating Sona Shitori.
When we reached the student council room, the door creaked open, and I was ushered inside.
Sona sat at her desk, her usual blank expression in place. Her sharp, calculating gaze locked onto me the moment I stepped inside. Around her, the other members of the council were busy with paperwork, though a few paused to watch the interaction.
"Itachi," Sona said, her tone cool. "You're late."
I nodded, meeting her gaze evenly. "I know. I apologize for that."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, and the room seemed to tense.
Sona was one of the smartest and most disciplined people I'd ever met. I knew she didn't tolerate tardiness, especially not from someone like me. The previous "Itachi" she remembered rarely spoke more than a word or two.
"You seem… different," she said, her voice softening slightly but still guarded. "Care to explain?"
I hesitated, trying to gauge how much to reveal. "Just… trying to make some changes. For the better."
Her expression didn't shift, but I noticed a flicker of something in her eyes—curiosity, perhaps?
"Very well," she said finally, leaning back in her chair. "But don't let it happen again. I expect punctuality from everyone."
"Understood," I said with a slight bow.
As I turned to leave, I noticed the other student council members exchanging glances. It was clear they weren't used to this side of me.
---
Walking back to class, I felt the weight of the interaction lift slightly. Still, I knew I was treading on thin ice. The old Itachi had been quiet, stoic, and distant. Only nodding his head when someone speaks to him. My sudden shift in behavior would undoubtedly raise questions, not just from Sona but from everyone around me.