After breakfast, they naturally headed to school together.
As for Mashiro, she had already memorized the route to school, and the protective charm Hayashi Maki gave her hung from her neck. Worst case, she had a phone—so for now it was safe to let her go on her own.
Mizutaka High wasn't far from there. Aoyama Nanami had already left for school after finishing her milk deliveries.
On the train, Hayashi Maki stood off to one side with Shiina Mahiru and Gabriel, quietly waiting for their stop. Mahiru and Gabriel started chatting—Gabriel, short on funds, was thinking about getting a part-time job, and since Mahiru worked part-time too, the two got into it. Hayashi Maki played escort, quietly accompanying the two girls.
The train stopped again and on stepped a striking girl. Black hair, black eyes, an angelic face and a devilish figure drew every gaze her way. She looked timid, standing in a corner with her briefcase held up to hide the way her uniform was being pushed up by her full chest. Head down, shy and cowed—she looked easy to bully.
At the same time, Hayashi Maki's long-quiet wish-sense finally triggered.
[Wish Triggered!]
[Wisher: Katsura Kotonoha.]
[Wish: "I wish I had a friend. My strict home life kept me from joining clubs or accepting classmates' invitations since grade school, and now I don't have a single friend."]
["The boys' stares are so lewd—they only look at my chest… and the girls gossip about me. I haven't done anything… I really wish I had a confidante."]
So that was it—Katsura Kotonoha.
An old elementary-school classmate of his.
Thinking of that, Hayashi Maki said to Mahiru, "Mahiru, I spotted someone familiar. Mind if I go say hi?"
"Familiar?" Mahiru followed his gaze, confused—then saw the explosive figure and angelic face of Katsura Kotonoha, and her lips pursed.
Oh, so now he's not even pretending?
"Familiar," huh? More like "pretty—gotta say hi." Not familiar? Then make her familiar.
Mahiru's rueful look made Hayashi Maki a bit sheepish, so he explained, "We were classmates in grade school. If you don't believe me, ask Megumi later—she should remember."
Mahiru rolled her eyes, but didn't get mad—she even waved him off, generous as ever. "Go on, playboy."
Hayashi Maki nodded and walked over to Katsura Kotonoha.
Kotonoha was already nervous; she didn't like riding the train. Men's stares were too hot—it made her uncomfortable. But she had no choice—she had to ride to get to school.
Suddenly, a gentle voice sounded at her ear. "Hey, Katsura-san—long time no see. Do you remember me?"
Kotonoha looked up on reflex—and an attractive face appeared right in front of her.
"Uh… y-you're…?"
Blushing, she hugged her briefcase tighter; her whole body trembled a little. Being suddenly addressed by a handsome guy made her very nervous.
Hayashi Maki sighed. "So you really don't remember? I'm Hayashi Maki—your elementary school classmate. I've got proof. Check the graduation photo—this is me, and that's you in the front row, right?"
He took out his phone, opened his album, and pulled up the class photo.
Kotonoha's eyes went wide. "It really is! It's just… I'm so sorry, I… I…"
She flushed bright red, embarrassed because she couldn't remember his name.
Back over there, Mahiru had already stuck out her lower lip. That big jerk, Maki-kun—total flirt! How long had he been gone? And he'd already made the girl blush!
Seeing Kotonoha so flustered, Hayashi Maki smiled kindly and held out his hand. "Well then, since we've met again, let's reintroduce ourselves. I'm Hayashi Maki, first-year Class B at Hakuō Academy. What about you, Katsura-san?"
Fighting her shyness, she reached out and shook his hand—then let go like she'd been shocked. "Hello, Hayashi-san. I'm Katsura Kotonoha, first-year Class A at Shinya Academy."
"Ah, Shinya? What a shame—we're not at the same school."
He sighed, then immediately handed her his phone. "Katsura-san, may I have your contact info? I've got so much I'd like to say to you—didn't have the chance before, and I don't want to miss it now."
"Um… I don't mind…"
Kotonoha's face went scarlet—she almost bolted. But they were on the train; where could she run? And she wanted someone to talk to so badly—to chat and ease the gloom in her heart. So she mustered her courage, took his phone, and entered her number.
"Thanks. I thought you'd turn me down. You're easier to talk to than I expected," Hayashi Maki said with a smile.
Kotonoha lowered her head, flustered, biting her lip—at a loss for words. Mostly, she was just too nervous. With no friends and constant ostracism from the girls in her class, she barely had anyone she could talk to.
Sensitive and full of inner monologue, Kotonoha didn't want to lose this rare chance. She rallied and mumbled shyly, "I-it's nothing… You're flattering me, Hayashi-san…"
She really was easy to talk to—it was just the shyness, and the way her beauty and figure made other girls exclude her, that fed her insecurity and left her without a voice.
Hayashi Maki chuckled and continued, "I figured you might reject me—after all, I'm being a bit forward. It's been ages, and suddenly I'm striking up a conversation."
Kotonoha shook her head quickly. "I'm the one who should apologize… for not recognizing a classmate. I'm so sorry."
"Haha, don't worry about it. I was pretty forgettable back then. It's normal you wouldn't remember. We know each other now, don't we? If anything comes up, let's text."
"Of course. And if you're free, I'd like to invite you to meet up sometime this weekend… to chat."
At that, steam practically rose from Kotonoha's head. Her cheeks were red as apples. This handsome boy was too enthusiastic—her introverted heart was struggling to keep up. And what he'd just said… wasn't that basically asking her out?