Track 8

Good morning, Master, and to everyone.

Wow…! That school uniform really suits you, Kinari-kun!

Even though.. I’ve already seen this.. in mahorova… It really fits him…

Yeah, true. If it’s Azekawa-san wearing it, it sure feels fresh on the eyes.

Thank you very much, everyone. I am relieved to hear that it looks adequate.

Aight, everything’s perfect! Day2’s Asu High One Day XP event full assist mission is finally startiiiiing!

…Azekawa-san, I’m glad you showed up.

I apologize for the trouble the other day, Kurama-sama…

It’s great that you were able to make up your mind. We’re here to support you today, so please relax.

Yes, just as Uu-chan said. Today, you’ll be my classmate, Azekawa-san. Please, feel free to rely on me for anything.

Understood. I’ll be relying on you in case of an emergency.

Do rely on me in non-emergency situations as well. I look forward to working with you today.

Now, everyone. This morning, we’ll be walking to school in groups. Take care as not to break the planned battle formation.

HELLLLL YEAAAAAH! Isotake Akuta here, will be the vanguard leading charge!

Don’t get so far ahead that you’re too far from Azekawa-san.

Unity.. is important…

Take care on your way, everyone! …Kinari-kun, have fun at school!

Yes, Master. I’ll be on my way now.

Ah, he’s here!! The 11th Ward Mayor!!

That one’s some idol, right? Lemme see~

He’s not just an idol, he’s Azekawa Kinari-kun from Ev3ns. If you actually heard him sing, you’d never make the mistake of calling him that, you know. So remember that he’s not just “some” idol, he’s Ev3ns’ Azekawa Kinari-kun, okay? Okay.

…Kaguya-sama. Are Asu High’s students usually this lively?

Not at all. It’s just that your visit was announced beforehand, thus making the congestion at the main gate increase by 280%. However, we had already anticipated this.

Everyone, I’ll be counting on you.

The Kinari-san Escort Mission—now commencing! Consider it DONE!

We’ll be your walls, so please move forward without worry.

Wah… ahh… D-Don’t.. push around…!

Everyone… I’m grateful to you all.

Welcome, 11th Ward Mayor~~~~!

Good morning to you, students of Asu High.

GOOD MORNING!!!

…Their greeting’s sound pressure is crazy.

Typical of our school’s students. Even in the midst of all this pushing and shoving, their harmonization is impeccable.

…Azekawa-san! Over here!

Uu-chan has slipped through the back gate ahead to guide us.

Let us head towards our classroom, Azekawa-san.

…Understood.

The bell has rung just some moments ago, so class will begin shortly soon. Are all of your textbooks and other materials complete?

Yes, there are no problems.

The teacher has arranged for us to be seated next to each other. If any problems arise, don’t hesitate to call out to me.

If doing so feels difficult in the middle of a lesson, then passing a scrap paper with your concerns will work, too.

I have noted it all down. Thank you for your consideration, Kaguya-sama.

But of course, as you are my classmate.

His beauty is at equal standing to our Princess, not at all second rate! The 11th Ward’s Head cannot be underestimated, not at all!

Just what could he and the Lord be discussing with their foreheads in close proximity?! I’m afraid I’ll be rendered unable to focus on our lesson…!

(From the moment I stepped onto campus, I feel as though I am constantly being stared at… It is not my intention to make the students anxious.)

…It seems that everyone’s quite curious about you, Azekawa-san. Attention of this sort is comparable to what transfer students attain, so please do not fret about it.

!

(I see, so I’m similar to a transfer student. …This is just like a scene in the school dramas I’ve watched.) 

We’re beginning with the lesson soon. Don’t let the 11th Ward’s Mayor distract you from your studies.

Today’s test covers everything from what will be our topic today to oxidation-reduction reaction applications. Let’s make it quick and move towards the principles of galvanizing, otherwise commonly known as zinc plating——

……

(The atmosphere shifted so abruptly as soon as the teacher began with their lesson. The students’ breathing has gone steady… They must be concentrating on the lecture.)

(I, too, am naturally drawn to the teacher’s voice as they speak. Perhaps “classes” are only possible due to the students and teachers forming an unconscious agreement to participate.)

(I shall diligently log the surging feelings from within me—at this moment, in this space.) 

For today’s activity, you’re all free to pair up and sketch each other’s portraits~♪

(There are no assigned seats for art class. Such is why I’ve stepped away from Kaguya-sama’s side…)

(Pairing students up to work on an assignment… That’s another occurrence I’ve learned in dramas. Here, it’s important to be brave and call out to someone in order to find a pair.)

Ugh, it’s a duo assignment. What do I do…?

! If you haven’t found anyone yet, would you like to form a pair with me?

Eh…?! Are.. Are you sure?! With me?! Of all people?!

Yes. If you’d be willing to.

…Classic Azekawa-san, already finding someone to group himself with.

Must be nice to work with Kinari-kun~! I reaaaally should’ve gone and called out to him instead!

Doesn’t the poor guy look a bit nervous though…?

(Like of course I’m nervous?! I mean, I gave my OK on impulse and all, but…)

(I don’t think my poop-from-butt drawing skills… are good enough to rightfully etch such beauty to paper!!!)

I wish to observe your expressions so I can accurately reproduce the finer details… Would that be alright?

Eh? Ah? Yeah… sure…?

……

(He’s staring so intently… My drawing skills can go to hell or whatever, there’s NOOOOOOO way I’ll be able to draw him~~???)

…Scanning complete. Now initiating production. I shall spare no effort to precisely replicate your facial expression.

Ye… Yesh…!

…Hm. It appears not everyone has convened yet.

It could be that their classes have stretched longer than usual. Shall we wait a little before spreading out our lunch?

Yes, let’s.

After the following afternoon class, it would then be the time for you to write the letter.

Yes. I plan on writing it with utmost focus.

How has the school experience been thus far?

It is a unique experience. It is a given that I was able to listen to the teacher’s lectures…

However, I was especially enthused about the art and physical education lessons as they placed significant value on interactions with classmates.

And, just like in school-themed dramas, one after another, questions were thrown at me during breaks—the same as those transfer students encounter.

(Somehow, it’s as if Azekawa-san’s eyes were glittering. I was feeling a little guilty that this event had blown out of proportion, but…)

(If he himself is having fun, then I am truly overjoyed.)

…Kaguya-sama. There is something I’d like to give you.

Would you please accept it?

This is… a letter?

Yes. I wrote another for you, as a do-over for my previous iteration.

Although we have written letters before in mahorova Gymnasium, its contents… have instilled in me a sense of regret…

It’s because I never truly understood what a letter truly is, and I interpreted Takato-sensei’s advice one-sidedly, that I failed.

This time, I selected and compiled meaningful thoughts and feelings I had at the gymnasium.

I believe… I’ve written it with all my heart.

That previous letter I received was very much just like you, and reading it made me happy, but…

Nonetheless, I am grateful. I’ll carefully read this letter as well.

…If I may, might I request that you read it here and now?

? Understood.

……

……

…………

*smiles*

!

(It appears that something has been conveyed to him.)

(Yet again, close to where my core is, warmth is spreading in my chest… It’s almost as if a weight on my shoulders has finally been lifted.)

(Even if it’s merely a grain of emotion, there will always be someone who’ll accept it with sensitivity——)

(I am grateful to you, Kaguya-sama. I think… I’ll be able to write my own letters, in my own words, from here on out.)