The Day He Noticed That Girl.

Kinoshita was checking the contents of her wallet as she was about to leave.

I deduced that she might have plans to use the money for something later. It’s hard to imagine that serious girl doing something playful in her school uniform, and if it were just the convenience store, she’d have her transportation IC card.

Whether it’s money earned from a part-time job or an allowance, it’s more likely earmarked for something specific. Perhaps a reference book or stationery. In that case, her destination would be a bookstore or a stationery shop.

I don’t even know how she commutes, but if she rode a bike, she’d likely be busy with discipline activities at the bicycle parking area, given her behavior during today’s homeroom. So, it’s logical to assume she commutes by train.

…There was a big bookstore and stationery shop in the department store in front of the station. If I miss her, I’ll try again tomorrow.

“Ryoma!!”

Just as I was about to leave the school gate, a shadow stretched out from behind me. Along with the light sound of quick footsteps, a high, clear voice called out—a familiar female voice.

When I turned around, sure enough, there she was—always in a good mood and captivating everyone around her.

“Kisaragi, huh.”

Her asymmetrical long hair swayed gently in the wind.

Not pleased with my first word upon turning around, her beautifully sculpted face changed expressions to show her dissatisfaction.

“You don’t have to sound so reluctant! You don’t have to make such a face.”

I wonder what kind of face I was making. It shouldn’t have been one of reluctance, so it must be her misunderstanding.

“I won’t force you to join in on any more photoshoots. I have plenty of photographers without having to rely on you.”

“…Seems like you’re doing well.”

“…Of course! There’s nothing that can stop me now!”

Puffing out her chest in satisfaction, her excellent figure was clearly visible even through her uniform.

──Kisaragi Airi. This girl, with a visual like a perfect beauty, has been acquainted with me since our first year. However, unlike when we first met, she has become such a charismatic figure that there’s hardly any student who doesn’t know her on social media.

“So, what do you need?”

I asked, thinking I had somewhere to go, and her expression clouded noticeably. As always, her mood changes like the autumn sky.

“What? Do I need a reason to talk to you?”

“Not really, but aren’t you busy? I heard you haven’t even had time to hang out with your friends recently.”

“Ugh.”

I didn’t think I said anything that surprising.

“…That’s none of your business. You never contact me, yet you worry.”

She pouted her lips, looking displeased.

“It’s not really something to worry about.”

Today, the very popular influencer “Airi” was taking a day off for some interview or another, which is why she wasn’t in class. There’s even talk of her transferring to an arts-oriented private high school, but she stubbornly refuses to leave this school.

I don’t see why she has to stay here, even going so far as to forfeit her long breaks to earn credits… When I mentioned it once, Kisaragi cried and got really upset, so I haven’t brought it up since.

Although I’m happy she sees last year’s events as cherished memories.

“Today, I’m free after making a report to the school. So… um, aren’t you free too? Want to go out somewhere for the first time in a while…?”

With a bewitching upward glance, she fiddled with her long, beautiful hair, making it hard to resist nodding. She wields her innocent beauty like a weapon, making Kisaragi quite troublesome. I’m not willing to do any more sit-ups today.

“If you have friends who want to hang out with you, you should go with them. Besides, it’s not good for your business to have a man’s presence, right?”

Ah, a vein’s throbbing on her forehead.

“I told you it’s none of your business! You know I’m not selling a pseudo-romance image! I’m a charismatic Instagrammer, not an idol!”

Even so… let’s set this discussion aside since it won’t go anywhere.

“Fine, fine, don’t get so angry. You’re always so beautiful whenever I see you.”

“…You’re really unfair.”

She lightly punched me. It didn’t hurt.

“And I hate that I almost forgive you with just that one line.”

She punched me again. Turning away, Kisaragi said,

“…I’ll go hang out with my friends. You can go home alone, loser.”

“Yeah, I’ll do that. Be careful and have fun.”

I waved her off and then opened my smartphone app.

Airi, with over a million followers and ranked within the top two hundred, had posted another beautiful photo with a natural background.

Switching to my own profile, the contrast was stark—it was quite bare.

‘If you name it “Goda Ryoma,” everyone will look at it. Your name is already extravagant enough; just “go” is enough for you.’

With only “go” as its name, my account has just one follower.

Unlike her, it has always been just one. The only thing we share is the account creation date.

“Such a beautiful sunset.”

I took a photo of the sunset and posted it for the first time in a while. It immediately got a “like” from that one person.