Chapter One: Tardiness, Applause, and a Seat in the Corner: A Tale of the First Day

---

---

The sound of chattering students filled the large gymnasium, where preparations to welcome new students were in full swing. The hall was packed with students—a mix of newcomers and returning ones—all eager for the annual welcome ceremony.

Groups of students spread across the hall, engaging in animated conversations.

"I can't believe I got accepted here!"

"Of course! This is the best high school in the country!"

"This is an invaluable opportunity!"

One girl interrupted the chatter with a sarcastic smile.

"Stop acting like you've won the lottery!"

Her friend replied firmly, "Come on, don't spoil the mood for them!"

The buzz of conversation continued, with students clearly forming their cliques already. Humans are naturally social beings, after all.

Meanwhile, a student with a red armband entered, signaling his position of authority. Silence gradually took over the hall as all eyes turned to him. The student, Yoshida Tanaka, walked steadily toward the podium.

TAP… TAP…

The sound of him tapping the microphone silenced the hall entirely. Everyone's attention was drawn to the tall young man with striking green hair and deep green eyes.

"May everyone please take their seats," he said.

Despite his sharp gaze that added a layer of tension, his polite and composed tone commanded respect.

A new student whispered to his neighbor, "Who is that guy?"

His seatmate replied softly, "That's Yoshida-senpai, the head of the disciplinary committee. He's super strict, so you'd better not break any rules."

The students quickly found their seats and sat down in an orderly manner.

Suddenly, the sound of drums filled the hall, causing murmurs among the students. But one look from Yoshida silenced them again. Two individuals entered through the hall doors. They walked confidently between the rows of students.

The first was a young man with sharp green eyes and dark brown hair, wearing a gold chain draped from his shoulder to the pocket of his blazer. Behind him was a girl with long brown hair and bright blue eyes.

Their commanding presence and polished appearance drew the attention of everyone in the room, raising the anticipation.

Reaching the podium, Yoshida greeted them coldly.

"You're late, members of the student council."

Miyaki Kanzaki, the first boy, replied with a broad smile, "Apologies," before continuing toward the stage.

Miyaki Kanzaki, the student council president, stepped up to the microphone with calm confidence and began to speak.

"I'm Miyaki Kanzaki, a third-year student. I'm pleased to welcome you all and introduce you to our prestigious school system."

His composed tone was enough to capture everyone's attention. Some students whispered among themselves:

"Wow, he's so cool…"

"Did you see how pretty the girl with him is?"

"I hope the president isn't dating any of them!"

Kanzaki continued his speech, encouraging everyone to do their best.

"Being accepted here is proof of your excellence, so congratulations on this achievement."

While his words inspired the students, Kanzaki turned to add, "But now begins your journey to determine if you're genuine diamonds or mere chunks of c..."

He was cut off by a light smack on the head from the vice president, who took over the speech.

"What the president meant to say is that you must explore your hidden potential. And regarding our school's established rules…"

She was about to wrap up the ceremony.

"Ahem... Did I forget something?" Kanzaki interjected from behind her.

The girl instantly remembered one of the day's key moments. She quickly adjusted her posture, smiled faintly at the students before her, and announced the main event.

"Today, we have a student who achieved something remarkable this year. A student who passed the entrance exam with a perfect score. Please join us in welcoming..."

"Ryo Nakamura."

A heavy silence fell over the hall, and no one appeared. The vice president called again.

"Did I hear that correctly? Is this real?"

"What kind of person could he be?"

"Ryo Nakamura!"

Still, there was no response.

Kanzaki spoke up, "Maybe he's absent today. Let's move on."

At that moment, the door swung open with a forceful BANG, letting a gust of air into the hall. Three young men entered.

The first was tall, with jet-black hair and piercing dark eyes that gleamed strangely, a confident smile on his face. Beside him was Shouyo Nomura, with white hair and sharp red eyes. His serious demeanor exuded tension. The third, Itsuki Akazawa, stood out with his golden hair, blue eyes, and a faint smile.

The trio's presence created an unusual atmosphere of tension and anticipation. They seemed more like a gang than students.

Approaching the podium, Ryo moved forward alone while Nomura and Itsuki found seats nearby.

Ryo stopped in front of Yoshida, who cautiously asked, "Are you Ryo Nakamura?"

"Yes," Ryo replied confidently and ascended the stage.

He stood silently, gazing at the crowd for a minute... then two... then five.

Suddenly, Nomura and Itsuki stood and began clapping enthusiastically, surprising everyone.

"Inspiring applause!" Nomura exclaimed, wiping imaginary tears in a dramatic display.

The enthusiasm spread among the students, who joined in clapping. Even some girls were moved to tears.

Kanzaki looked at Ryo in bewilderment and gave him a light tap on the shoulder.

"What an inspiring way to convey your message. I didn't expect this from you!"

"With that, we conclude today's events."

Kanzaki wrapped up the ceremony quickly, though most students remained preoccupied with Ryo's "silent message."

---

Later

Ryo sat with Nomura and Itsuki in a corner of the hall, enjoying a relaxed and playful atmosphere.

Nomura let out a strange laugh, somewhere between a roar and a snicker:

"Haah… Haha!" Then, with a mischievous grin, he added:

"Grand entrance? Check!"

"Helping my loser friend? Check!"

"Perfect plan? Check!"

Ryo interrupted abruptly in a stern tone.

"Who are you calling a loser?"

Nomura gave him a serious look, clasping his hands together.

"You, of course."

Ryo narrowed his eyes, leaned back in his chair, and crossed one leg over the other, letting out a faint sigh.

"Unfortunately... you're right."

Nomura's eyes sparkled mischievously, as if he'd discovered some grand truth.

"My little boy is finally becoming a man and accepting reality!"

Itsuki, who had been quietly observing, clapped solemnly.

Their expressions suddenly turned serious.

Itsuki raised a hand toward the ceiling and said in a grave tone, "It was a remarkable entrance, wasn't it?"

Both Ryo and Nomura responded in unison as if rehearsed, "Indeed."

Itsuki continued with a broad grin, "And being late at the last moment was the best idea, wasn't it?"

"Absolutely!"

"But…!"

A heavy silence fell after Itsuki's "But..." intensifying the tension.

Both Nomura and Ryo gulped nervously before asking in sync, "But what?"

Itsuki slowly turned to them and said, "Why haven't we spoken to a single girl yet?"

Nomura gasped, shouting without thinking, "How did we miss that?!"

Ryo tried to justify, "It's not that importa—"

But Nomura and Itsuki interrupted simultaneously, "When the grown-ups talk… the kids stay silent!"

A faint cracking sound was heard, as if it were Ryo's pride shattering. He slumped into a corner of the hall, curling up and facing the wall.

Nomura patted Itsuki on the shoulder.

"I get it, brother. Ryo, the ladies' man, will never understand our struggles."

Ryo turned slowly, speaking in a low voice, "I can hear you..."

But Nomura ignored him entirely, saying firmly, "Quiet…!"

The two launched into an exaggerated recount of their "dark year," ignoring Ryo's protests, while in the distance, a girl began approaching them hesitantly…

---

Would you like to refine or expand on any part of the translation?