Kousei had intended to ask where Tachyon had been these past few days and what she had been doing.
But when she saw the wheelchair, she couldn't bring herself to speak. Teio and McQueen felt a lump in their throats, despite not knowing Tachyon well.
How did Tachyon get here alone in a wheelchair?
Countless thoughts flashed through Kousei's brilliant mind, ultimately coalescing into a single question:
"Are you alright?"
Clumsy. Inarticulate. Kousei always was like this.
"Hahahaha!" To her surprise, Tachyon burst into unrestrained laughter. Her laughter held no trace of sorrow, sounding exactly as it always had.
"What's wrong, my dear kindred spirit? Or should I call you my accomplice? You look so bewildered. Are you worried about me? Heh~ Don't worry! I won!"
"Eh?"
Won? What does that mean?
"I came here today just to tell you the news. Oh, and congratulations on winning the Japan Cup."
Tachyon produced a simply wrapped gift box. "Happy birthday. Sorry I'm late."
Kousei accepted the gift box, staring blankly at Tachyon. "Did you come alone?"
"Mm-hmm! With my latest invention—a mount featuring five adjustable speed settings and a top speed of 115 km/h—I can reach you in no time. Its steering is remarkably agile, and it even comes with a thoughtfully designed windscreen."
"Really?!" Kousei exclaimed in awe, her eyes shining with admiration. "That's amazing! Tachyon, you can make such incredible things!"
"Hmph~ A piece of cake. After all, I even invented a potion that turns people into guinea pigs."
Tachyon wouldn't tell Kousei what she had gone through, and Kousei wouldn't ask. They tacitly turned the page, focusing on the future.
"Wait, didn't you say that guinea pig thing was an accident?"
"Uh..."
"Hey Tachyon, is this even legal?"
"Uh..."
Sometimes, knowing too much doesn't necessarily bring happiness.
-
At the Academy-
Ever since that resounding victory, Kousei had become strikingly conspicuous in class, with classmates constantly stealing glances at her. However, since she often spaced out while gazing out the window, few dared to approach her, creating an oddly awkward atmosphere in the classroom.
Kousei's exceptional academic performance earned her the favor of her teachers. Although they were aware of her struggles in the Twinkle Series, as mere educators and not Trainers, they could offer limited assistance.
Despite having no competitions this year, Kousei still had to keep up with her studies.
On one particular day, as the teacher entered the classroom, she cast an extra glance toward Kousei's seat.
Kousei thought she had seen wrong and paid it little mind.
"Before we begin today's lesson, I'd like to announce that our class will be welcoming a new transfer student."
The moment the word "transfer student" was mentioned, the classroom became a sparrow's nest. Kousei herself was surprised; her class rarely received transfer students.
"Quiet, everyone," the teacher said, then called out toward the door, "You may come in now."
All eyes turned eagerly toward the doorway, craning necks in anticipation.
What kind of girl was she?
A snowy white streak in her hair, an expressionless yellow face as her earring, a small green cap perched on her head, and amber-colored diamond-shaped pupils that held a perpetual, enigmatic smile.
From the moment she entered, her gaze never left Kousei.
Kousei was slightly taken aback, sensing something unusual about this person.
"Hey? She's kind of weird, isn't she?"
"Yeah, she feels... off."
The other students chattered among themselves, but the new classmate remained silent, her eyes fixed on Kousei.
Do I know her? Kousei wondered, puzzled.
"Quiet down, everyone! Alright, new student, please introduce yourself."
"Good morning. My name is Just a Way. It's a pleasure to meet you all."
(Image here-Someone pester me to post this when wn chap goes live)
Just a Way? Kousei was certain she had never heard that name before.
"Alright, Just a Way, you can take the window seat in the back row."
"Yes, thank you, Teacher."
The back row window seat? Kousei instinctively glanced in that direction—right next to her? When had that empty seat appeared?
"Alright, let's begin class now."
For some reason, Just a Way kept staring at Kousei, creating an inexplicable sense of pressure.
Hey? Why is she doing that?
"Kousei, I haven't received my textbook yet. Can I look at yours with you?"
Just as Kousei was lost in thought, Just a Way suddenly struck up a conversation.
"Sure," she replied. After all, sharing with a neighbor was perfectly normal.
Just a Way pushed their desks together and scooted his chair closer. As it turned out, Kousei hadn't been imagining things—Just a Way was leaning in far too close, their bodies pressed together.
Skin against skin, Kousei could clearly feel Just a Way's body heat.
"Um... Just a Way-kun, are you sitting a bit too close?"
"Huh? But if I don't get this close, I can't see the textbook properly."
It sounded like a flimsy excuse, but her face didn't seem to be lying either.
"Alright," Kousei relented, deciding to chalk it up to the new classmate being overly enthusiastic.
Kousei tried to focus on the lesson, but Just a Way's body temperature kept rising. Her increasingly hot breath, right by her ear, distracted her completely.
I can't concentrate. I can't concentrate at all.
After class ended, everyone crowded around the new student, Just a Way, their curiosity overwhelming them. The seats along the aisle became completely blocked.
Taking advantage of the commotion, Kousei decided to slip out for some fresh air.
"Where are you going, Kousei?"
Before she could take a single step, Just a Way called out from behind.
"Uh... to the restroom?" Kousei hadn't expected Just a Way to call her out.
"I need to go too. Let's go together."
Just a Way's suggestion sparked excitement among the others.
"Just a Way got familiar with Kousei so quickly! She kept staring at Kousei ever since she walked in, like they've known each other for ages. Could she be a Kousei fan?"
Indeed, Kousei was equally puzzled. She had never met Just a Way before, nor had she ever even heard of her.
"I'm not a fan, but I do know her from a long time ago," Just a Way said, uttering something cryptic.
A collective "Ooh!" went up, and everyone turned to stare at Kousei with strange, suggestive looks.
Kousei was thoroughly confused. Could Just a Way be some kind of childhood sweetheart who had suddenly appeared out of nowhere?
Ever since she had gained awareness, Kousei had never forgotten a single thing. She had genuinely never met Just a Way before.
As she spoke, the bell rang again.
Throughout the entire day, Just a Way had been fixated on Kousei, not doing anything else. Kousei had originally planned to visit McQueen, but because of Just a Way, she decided to return to her dorm first.
However, as Kousei walked, she noticed something was off. Her dorm was located at the very end of the dormitory building. How could Just a Way have followed her all the way here?
"Um... Just a Way-san, I'm heading back to my dorm now. Let's part ways for now, okay? See you tomorrow?"
"Actually, you can just call me Just a Way. There's no need to be so formal."
It seemed Just a Way wasn't taking her hints at all. Kousei reluctantly opened the dorm gate and stepped inside.
Kousei hesitated slightly, her eyes widening at the sight of an extra bed and luggage piled on the floor. Then, a voice came from behind her:
"From today onward, we'll be roommates. Please take good care of me."