That morning, the atmosphere in the classroom felt slightly different. After a brief introduction by Arata Ryuu, the mysterious transfer student, many students seemed excitedly talking about him. Some even tried to approach him, hoping to get to know him better. However, Arata remained standing at the front of the class, waiting for instructions from the teacher. His calm and confident demeanor only made him more appealing in the eyes of many.
Banri sat in his seat, in the middle row near the window, observing everything intently. He tried not to pay too much attention to Arata, but for some reason, that figure always caught his eye. There seemed to be something different about Arata, something that made him more than just an ordinary transfer student. Even Alya, who usually wasn't interested in others, was discreetly glancing at Arata from her seat. Banri felt a tinge of jealousy, even though he knew his feelings for Alya no longer needed to be pursued.
After the bell rang, the classroom settled down. Everyone returned to their seats, though their gazes remained fixed on Arata, who stood calmly at the front of the room.
Arata surveyed the entire class with a relaxed yet slightly challenging gaze, as if he was used to being the center of attention. "My name is Arata Ryuu," he said in a deep yet clear voice, silencing the entire class. "I just transferred here from an international school. It's nice to meet you all."
Some students looked impressed, and the room fell silent for a moment before the teacher broke the quiet with a firm voice. "Alright, Arata. You can take the empty seat at the back near the window, in front of Alya."
Arata nodded politely. "Okay, Ma'am." With steady steps, he walked to his seat, drawing every pair of eyes along with him. He sat down, adjusted his position in a relaxed yet neat manner, and began to open a small notebook.
Banri glanced at Alya, who seemed slightly stiff in her seat. She looked down briefly, as if trying to avoid direct contact with Arata, but it was clear that the new student's presence had an effect on her. Banri sighed softly, trying to calm his increasingly disturbed thoughts.
Although nothing seemed obviously wrong, Banri couldn't ignore the strange feeling enveloping him. Arata's presence brought something unexpected, something that seemed poised to disrupt the balance of life in this classroom. For now, though, Banri could only wait and observe.
That morning passed slowly, but the atmosphere in the classroom felt different. Despite being new, Arata had already become the center of attention. A few students tried to start conversations with him, but he only responded briefly, with a faint smile that made him appear even more intriguing.
Alya, seated right behind Arata, seemed awkward. She occasionally glanced toward the new student, then quickly looked down, pretending to be busy with her notes. Banri observed from his spot, feeling that something was odd about the situation. Normally, Alya was unaffected by new people, but this time was different.
When class began, the teacher wrote some practice problems on the board. Students were asked to work individually, though a few were quietly chatting, clearly still discussing Arata. Banri tried to focus on the problems, but his mind was elsewhere.
He glanced at Arata, who was writing calmly. His movements were quick and precise, like someone used to a rigorous academic environment. Even the teacher occasionally glanced at him, looking impressed by his efficiency.
"He's too perfect," Banri muttered softly, just loud enough for himself to hear.
When the break bell rang, Arata remained in his seat. A few students approached him, trying to strike up a conversation. Banri, walking to the cafeteria with Shun, watched from a distance.
"He's not just stirring up our class; he's probably going to become the star of the school," Shun commented, grabbing bread from the shelf.
"I don't know," Banri replied flatly. "He seems too... unusual."
Shun frowned. "What do you mean?"
Banri shook his head, unsure how to explain. "I don't know. Just a feeling."
When they returned to the classroom, Banri saw something that made him pause. Alya was talking to Arata. It wasn't a long conversation, just a few brief sentences, but Alya seemed more nervous than usual.
"Alya's talking to him?" Shun asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah," Banri answered quietly. He didn't know what they were discussing, but the sight made his chest feel tight.
At his seat, Arata glanced briefly in Banri's direction and then gave a faint smile. It was only for a moment, but enough to make Banri feel uneasy. There was something behind that smile, something hard to explain, as if Arata knew more than he should.
Banri returned to his seat, trying to ignore everything. But one thing he knew for sure: life in this class would never be the same again.
As the final class of the day neared its end, Banri felt the atmosphere in the room grow calmer. He tried to focus on the material the teacher was explaining, but his mind kept wandering. From the corner of his eye, he noticed something—Alya, seated behind Arata.
Since Arata's arrival, Banri noticed that Alya seemed slightly different. Though she remained quiet and graceful as usual, there were small moments that piqued Banri's curiosity. One of those moments was how Alya occasionally glanced at Arata.
From his seat, Banri could see it clearly. Alya would bow her head as if she were taking notes, but every now and then, she'd glance at Arata, who was sitting directly in front of her. The glance lasted only a split second, but it was enough to unsettle Banri.
"Why am I even paying attention to this?" Banri thought, shaking his head. He tried to ignore what he had just seen, but his eyes kept drifting back to Alya.
Alya, on the other hand, didn't notice Banri watching her. She quickly turned her focus back to her book as if nothing had happened. Yet, Banri couldn't shake off the strange feeling that had suddenly appeared.
When the dismissal bell rang, Arata immediately stood up, packing his belongings with calm precision. Alya followed not far behind but said nothing. Banri watched them leave the classroom, though they didn't interact.
Shun walked over with his bag slung over one shoulder. "Daydreaming again?"
"No," Banri answered quickly. "I just... thought Alya looked—ah, never mind. It's not important."
Shun shrugged. "If it's not important, why are you still staring at her?"
Banri didn't reply. He simply walked toward the classroom door, head lowered. Inside, he wondered if what he saw was just a coincidence—or if, perhaps, something was starting to change between Alya and Arata, even if it was subtle and unclear.
That day ended with many questions swirling in Banri's mind, and he wasn't sure when—or if—he'd find the answers.
---
The next day, the classroom atmosphere felt the same, but Banri couldn't rid himself of the unease lingering since the previous day. He tried to distract himself by talking with Shun, but his eyes kept drifting toward Alya.
As class began, Banri noticed something unusual. Alya, who was usually quiet and immersed in her notes, occasionally glanced at Arata. Banri tried convincing himself it was just a coincidence, but the more he observed, the clearer it became—Alya was watching Arata.
When class ended, the teacher assigned a group project. Banri hoped to be grouped with Alya, but fate had other plans. The teacher paired Arata and Alya together. Hearing the announcement, Banri felt a tightness in his chest.
"Alright, you can start discussing after the break," the teacher said before leaving the classroom.
Banri could only sit and watch from a distance as Alya and Arata began talking. Their conversation seemed casual, but Arata maintained his composed and confident demeanor, making him stand out from the rest. Alya, though slightly nervous, managed a small smile as they spoke.
Shun, seated next to Banri, nudged him lightly. "Hey, you look distracted. Still thinking about Alya?"
Banri sighed. "I don't know, Shun. Ever since Arata arrived, everything feels off. I don't understand what's happening, but... something's going on."
Shun raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? About Alya? You still like her?"
Banri didn't answer right away. He stared at his desk, gripping his pencil tightly. "I don't know. I just don't like seeing her like this."
When the break bell rang, Banri stayed seated, pretending to be busy with his notes. But his eyes couldn't stop following Alya and Arata as they walked out of the classroom together, apparently heading to the library to work on their project.
Shun patted Banri's shoulder. "Let it go, Banri. If there's something going on between them, that's their business. You should focus on yourself."
Banri gave a small nod, but deep down, the anxiety in his heart only grew stronger. He felt like a spectator in a drama unfolding before him, powerless to do anything but watch from the sidelines.
---
After the break, the class returned to its usual quiet. Most students were back in their seats, chatting softly while waiting for the next lesson. Banri sat still at his desk, his gaze fixed on the open notebook in front of him, though his thoughts were elsewhere. He couldn't stop thinking about Alya and Arata walking out together earlier.
Soon after, Alya returned to the classroom. She carried several books in her hands, her face calm as usual, though there was a faint trace of nervousness in her eyes. She walked to her seat behind Arata and set her books down. After a moment of hesitation, Banri decided to approach her.
"Alya," he called softly, standing beside her desk. Alya looked up, slightly startled, but then gave him a small smile.
"Yes, Banri? What is it?" she asked, her tone gentle but somewhat hesitant.
Banri scratched the back of his neck, unsure of where to begin. He didn't want to sound odd, but his curiosity was unbearable. "You just came back from the library, right? With Arata?"
Alya nodded, setting her books on the desk. "Yes, we were discussing the group project. The teacher said it's due this week, so we decided to start early."
"Oh…" Banri nodded slowly, trying to mask the strange feeling stirring within him. "So, what's he like? I mean, Arata."
Alya paused for a moment, as if choosing her words carefully. "He's… polite. He seems smart, but he doesn't talk much. I thought he might be a bit reserved, but he's actually quite approachable during discussions."
Banri nodded again, though her response only deepened his unease. He wanted to ask more but was afraid of sounding too curious.
"Why are you asking about Arata all of a sudden, Banri?" Alya tilted her head, looking at him with a puzzled expression.
Banri froze for a moment. He hadn't expected Alya to ask him that directly. "Ah, no reason," he replied quickly, averting his gaze. "I was just curious. He's new, and everyone seems interested in him."
Alya gave a faint smile and sighed. "Well, it's understandable. He does have a certain aura about him," she said, her voice trailing off slightly. But she didn't elaborate further, as if there was something she didn't want to share. Alya glanced at Banri briefly before returning to her open books.
Banri felt slightly relieved that Alya hadn't pressed further, but there was still an odd tension hanging in the air. He wanted to ask more, but he didn't know where to start. "Yeah… maybe you're right," he muttered softly, lost in thought.
Alya simply nodded and began organizing her books. Banri sensed that the conversation had reached its natural end, and although no clear answers had emerged, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was brewing—something yet to be revealed.
Before they could continue their conversation, the teacher entered the classroom, and the atmosphere immediately fell silent. Banri returned to his seat, but his mind was still filled with questions about the growing connection between Alya and Arata.
The day ended quickly, and finally, the school bell rang. Banri stood from his desk, hurriedly gathering his books. The bustling classroom began to quiet down as students rushed toward the door.
Banri walked briskly toward the exit, trying to avoid his gaze from lingering on Alya and Arata. Outside, the cool afternoon air felt somewhat calming, though his heart still felt heavy.
Shun walked beside him, noticing the tension lingering in Banri. "Think more positively, Banri. Sometimes, we just need time to adjust. Alya and Arata are just friends, right?"
Banri nodded without saying a word, though his emotions were still a mix of confusion and uncertainty. "Yeah… maybe you're right."
They headed toward the school gate, and as Banri glanced back, he saw Alya and Arata walking out together. Alya looked relaxed, while Arata appeared more serious, as if focused on something far ahead.
Banri sighed and looked up at the evening sky. "Maybe I'm just overthinking," he murmured.
Shun patted Banri's shoulder lightly. "Don't overthink it, Banri. Everything will be fine."
Banri simply nodded quietly. He knew there wasn't much he could do right now except wait and see how things unfolded. However, one thing was certain—the feelings he harbored about Arata still unsettled him, and he had no idea what would happen next.