Today is the first day of school.
But before that, let me rewind a bit and explain what happened after the interview.
First, I got a call from Sakurazai Academy—I'd been awarded the Male Scholarship. The moment I heard that, I enrolled as fast as I could. Once all the paperwork was done, Mom and I threw a little party to celebrate.
Yeah... just the two of us.
I have a pretty good guess about my father´s situation, which is why I never bother asking Mom about him.
Anyway—today, I'm confident I'll become the most popular guy in school. Or at least one of them. Like those classic stories where the main character builds a harem just by being nice and a little clueless.
Why am I so sure?
Because I did my research online and apparently, it's ridiculously rare to find a decent guy in this world.
Not only that, but it seems like polygamous relationships are becoming the norm.
I can't stop grinning to myself.
♦♦♦
At least, that´s what I thought.
"Isn´t that Edomae-san?"
"She's not just beautiful—she aced all the exams."
"My mom told me to befriend her. Her family's one of the most powerful in Japan."
Right. This is Sakurazai Academy—the most prestigious high school in the country. Why did I think I'd automatically get attention from girls again?
Actually... how did I even get accepted in the first place?
Oh, and by the way—the rich, beautiful, and brilliant Edomae-san is sitting right next to me.
"Hello. We meet again." - she says with a small smile.
"Hello, yeah! I´m glad to meet you again."
Murmurs ripple through the classroom.
"Eh!? Glad to meet... why?"
"I mean... I kinda felt bad about what happened last time."
murmur, murmur ... the whisper around my classmates intensifies.
"What are you talking about!?"
"Not only did I bump into you... I ruined your ice cream and forgot to return your handkerchief. I'm really sorry."
"Ah, that's what you meant. It's okay, don't worry. And... congratulations on getting the scholarship."
"Thank you!"
Ding dong, ding dong.
The homeroom teacher walks in and says we'll all introduce ourselves before class begins.
This was my chance to make a strong first impression—you know, like in those cliché scenes where the popular guy gets swarmed with questions about his hobbies and love life? Actually, that only ever happens in shoujo manga.
But maybe—just this once—I'd be the one in the spotlight. I could barely keep the grin off my face.
Everyone begins their introductions.
As expected, they're amazing. No nervous stuttering, just confident speeches. Most of them even mention their family businesses—clearly trying to make connections.
What about me?
Now that I think about it, I don't even know what my mom does for work... and my father? Only god knows.
Anxiety kicks in.
But then—two people stand out.
First up, Edomae-san.
"My name is Edomae Ayame. My family runs a conglomerate called Edomae Ltd. I know I still have a lot to learn, so I hope we can all get along."
"Whoa..." - the class reacts in awe.
Uhmm... where did I hear this name? I'll look it up later.
Then, the only other guy in class steps up.
"My name is Satou Ryuichi, My family owns a farm and specializes in distributing general supplies. I hope we all get along."
Not only is he handsome—he's got a cool name, a solid background, and I highly doubt he got in through the scholarship like me.
Suddenly, a girl raises her hand.
"Hey Satou-kun, what´s your hobby?"
"I like reading books. It calms me down."
Books, huh? Meanwhile, I read manga and play video games... This guy is on another level.
No wonder the girls want to know more about him.
"Do you have a girlfriend?"
"..."
He went completely silent, and the air got super awkward all of a sudden.
"ah ... sorry ..."
"Alright, Satou-kun, thank you for your introduction. Next?" - The teacher says quickly.
"Yes!" - That's me.
Seriously, what do I say now? I hate this awkward energy. Wait—was that girl about to cry?
No time to think. Just smile.
"My name is MorikawaTomoki, I got in through the Male Scholarship program. If it's okay with everyone, feel free to call me by my first name. I hope we can all get along."
"..."
They're all staring. That's expected... but isn't anyone going to ask a question? Did I overestimate myself?
"Thanks... uh, Tomoki-kun." - The teacher says.
...That's it?
♦♦♦
Ding dong, ding dong.
Lunchtime. Everyone heads to the cafeteria.
"To ... Tomo ... To..."
"Huh? Edomae-san?" - Her face is a little red.
"Tomoki, is it fine if I talk to you?"
"If I´m not wrong, Satou-san right?"
Edomae-san gave me a small wave and left the classroom.
"Ryuichi. Feel free to call me by my first name."
"Hey, that was my line."
"hahaha, my bad. Did you bring lunch?"
"No, I´m kind curious about the cafeteria food."
"Okay, let´s go then."
I expected Ryuichi to be more serious, but he's surprisingly talkative. Maybe that earlier question just threw him off.
We arrive at the cafeteria—and there's a long line.
Now that I think about it, the first time I bumped into Edomae-san was around here. I hadn't even noticed how big the place was.
I start walking to the end of the line when—
"Hey, where are you going?"
"...To get in line?"
"You don't need to. We can skip it and grab lunch straight away."
"Huh!?"
We walk up to the receptionist. I order the first thing I see on the menu. Ryuichi gets the same.
It's tough, really tough. I feel so guilty cutting the line. My conscience is killing me!
"Tomoki? Are you okay? Don´t worry, we'll go somewhere safer."
"Safer?"
"Yeah. A place where only boys eat."
As we head there, I can feel people staring and hear their comments.
"Isn't that the first-year boy? He's kinda cool."
"Why aren't they eating here? What a waste..."
"Wait, is that Satou Ryuichi? The Ice Prince of first-year high school!?"
Incredible—he already got a title, and it's only the first day.
Well, at least no one hates me for skipping the line.
We arrive at the so-called safe space—and I'm shocked. It's a full-on recreation area. Tables, computers, books, games... top-tier stuff.
"So Tomoki, did you feel the gazes from the girls?"
"Uh, yeah." - This omurice is delicius.
"Greedy and shameless. They just want our attention to satisfy their desires."
"... Huh!?"
"Tomoki. Next week, our group will appeal to the student council about men's safety on campus. That's why I want you to join us."
"... ... ..., HUH!?"