"The grades are out? I didn't even notice."
Hayashi Maki shrugged casually, looking like he couldn't care less.
Tobe Kakeru, on the other hand, looked constipated, eyes full of envy and frustration.
He hated this kind of top student.
So competitive…
The guy had been out of school for a whole month and still managed to score first place on the test?
Absolutely ridiculous!
But the moment Hayashi Maki casually said Tobe could copy his math homework anytime, all that jealousy evaporated.
It was instantly replaced by joy.
Hayama Hayato gave a helpless smile.
"Kakeru-kun, you really should do your own homework. If you keep playing around and flunk the test, you'll be stuck in weekend makeup classes again."
"Yeah, yeah, Hayato! I know, I know. I'm not messing around—this is all about efficiency, okay?"
Tobe had simple goals: stay above the passing line and don't fail.
No need to be a genius.
Besides, he had to manage his hair, take care of his skin, and do all sorts of self-care routines—who had time for studying?
And so, Hayashi Maki was unofficially recruited as Tobe's personal math homework machine.
Not that Hayashi Maki minded.
He wasn't the one risking a failing grade anyway.
If he wants to copy, let him. Whatever.
When you're trying to blend in with a new class, it's better to go with the flow.
And getting closer to Tobe meant getting one step closer to Hayama's social circle—which would boost Hayashi Maki's own visibility and influence in class.
Why not?
Besides, improving his grades was another great way to gain social capital.
Not just in the real world—high school was arguably even more competitive.
Top students always got more attention. They were admired. Respected. Envied.
When Mahiru Shiina saw the score sheet, she blinked in surprise.
Wait… he beat me?
She'd scored a 98.
Hayashi Maki? 99.
Her cheeks puffed slightly in frustration.
Wasn't this guy hospitalized for a month?! How is he getting 99s?!
Next time, I'll beat him. That top spot is mine.
Even as she fumed, she couldn't help but feel… oddly proud.
Who wouldn't want their guy to be amazing at stuff?
As the class buzzed with chatter over the results, the bell rang for the next period.
In walked the beautiful teacher, Kirisu Mafuyu—her pink hair perfectly styled, professional outfit sleek and refined.
She began the day's lesson with her usual calm, melodic voice.
Today's class: history.
But Hayashi Maki's mind was elsewhere.
His eyes wandered to her graceful figure—and occasionally to the backs of the girls in front of him.
One of them, Nibutani Shinka, sat perfectly upright, her posture prim and focused.
Hayashi Maki remembered—she was once a hardcore chuunibyou in middle school.
She used to believe she was a 500-year-old mage, even wrote her own spellbook.
Speaking of mages…
Hayashi Maki's demon powers included mage-type skills—but so far, the only follower he had was Mahiru, which had only unlocked his super regeneration ability.
None of the magic-based abilities were available yet.
Still, he wasn't in a rush.
He wanted to enjoy life a bit first.
This high school experience was actually pretty fun.
In his past life, he was a nobody writer. After high school, he drifted through college in a male-dominated department.
He'd never even had a proper conversation with a girl.
Now, surrounded by so many quality waifus?
Yeah, he was gonna savor youth properly this time.
Before he knew it, class ended.
But Kirisu Mafuyu called him to her office.
Hayashi Maki followed her without hesitation.
In the office, Mafuyu looked over at the boy in front of her—decent-looking, bright-eyed—and gave a small nod of approval.
"How are things going, Hayashi? Getting along with your classmates okay?"
"Pretty great, actually. Everyone's been super welcoming. I already feel like part of the class."
"That's good to hear."
She nodded warmly, then added:
"Your math score was impressive. 99 points, and you just got out of the hospital. Were you studying during your stay?"
Hayashi Maki waved his hand.
"Not at all. I was in a coma the whole time—no chance to study."
Mafuyu blinked in surprise.
"Then you must have a real talent for math. Have you thought about focusing on the sciences?"
In second year, students could choose between a humanities or science track. Specializing helped shape their future.
But Hayashi Maki shook his head.
"Actually, I'm planning to go with the humanities track, Kirisu-sensei. My dream is to become a light novel author. Science just doesn't fit my goals."
"A light novel author? Wouldn't that be a waste of your talent?"
Mafuyu frowned, clearly concerned.
"Hayashi Maki, I think it's better to develop where you have natural strength. You only get one chance. Don't make choices you'll regret later."
There was a strange depth to her voice.
Clearly, she was speaking from personal experience—someone who had made a choice she regretted.
"I understand, Kirisu-sensei. I've already started submitting to publishers. If I don't see results, I'll reconsider and switch to sciences."
Hayashi Maki was respectful—open to advice, but still firm in his beliefs.
Mafuyu's expression softened even more.
If only every student were this mature, focused, and sure of themselves… teaching would be a lot easier.