Chapter 2: The Omen of a Storm

Lately, when I don’t have work, I’ve been spending my time holed up in the university library or the research lab.

With Golden Week over and still some time before the midterm exams, the campus is relatively empty. It’s the perfect environment for studying in peace. I’m not the type who can concentrate at cafes or family restaurants.

After finishing my fourth-period class, I headed straight to the lab. Lately, I’ve been working so much that I’ve neglected my studies. As I quietly worked through my accounting workbook, I heard the door to the lab open. Turning around, I saw Hojo standing there.

“Oh, Sagara. What are you doing?”

“Studying, but… what about you?”

“Got business with the professor. He told me to wait in the lab.”

To come all the way to the professor’s place, he’s surprisingly diligent despite his appearance. Now that I think about it, though he often says he’s in trouble before exams, he always manages to pass his courses. He must be pretty efficient.

“Oh yeah, how did Nanase’s birthday go?”

Hojo sat down in front of me with a grin, uninvited. Remembering that day, I hesitated, “Uh… well…”

“Wait, did it go badly? Sorry, did I give you bad advice?”

“…No, it went fine, I think…”

Overall, I don’t think it was that bad. Nanase’s words, “I had fun,” weren’t lies… but.

I still feel like I’m not good enough…

I thought I did my best, but I wasn’t smooth at all. The surprise was too obvious, and I couldn’t even put the ring on her finger. In the end, trying to imitate Hojo’s way just didn’t fit me.

In terms of my capabilities, confidence, and experience, I’m still far from being the right guy for Nanase. Suddenly, I asked the perfect guy in front of me,

“Are things going well between you and Sudo?”

“Oh. It’s rare for Sagara to show interest in others.”

“Stop teasing… Actually, never mind… Even if I hear your story, it won’t help me.”

Hojo probably handles everything smoothly. Comparing myself to him would only make me feel worse, so I should stop rubbing salt into my wounds.

“No, I…”

Just as Hojo was about to say something, the lab door opened.

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Hojo.”

It was the professor. Seeing me talking with Hojo, he glared at me with his usual stern eyes, “Oh, Sagara, you’re here too.”

Our seminar professor isn’t popular among students due to his stern look and unfriendly demeanor. However, he’s not the unreasonable type, so I don’t dislike him. He’s not overly familiar, but he’s passionate about teaching and surprisingly considerate.

“Perfect timing. Sagara, I’ve got a favor to ask.”

I tensed up at the professor’s words. I hoped he wasn’t going to shove some troublesome task onto me. Feeling uneasy, I asked, “What is it?”

“We have an open campus event soon. I’d like you to help out with our seminar’s presentation.”

“Huh?”

The open campus is an event where the university opens its campus to prospective students and holds information sessions. Since I didn’t attend any during high school and first set foot on campus on the day of the entrance ceremony, I’m not exactly sure what it entails.

As I hesitated to respond, Hojo laughed and said, “Don’t worry about it. I’m helping too, so it’ll be fine.” I needed more details before deciding.

“…What does helping entail?”

“Stuff like reception, handing out pamphlets, and guiding high school students around the campus. I’m scheduled to give a talk during the seminar presentation.”

The professor choosing Hojo was a strategic move. Next year, the number of applicants for our seminar will likely double. Even now, there’s a rumor that many first-year students are fans of Hojo.

“There’s no pay, and I won’t force you.”

“We’re a bit short-handed, so it’d be great if you could help out.”

I thought it over. Since there’s no monetary compensation, it’s pure volunteer work. Honestly, I wasn’t too keen on it. Last year, I would have bluntly refused, thinking, “I’d rather be working.”

However, I don’t think that way now. To become more attractive as a person, I can’t just stay in my shell. Nanase challenged herself to various things to change, and I can’t stay stagnant forever.

“…Alright. I’ll help.”

“Good, that’s a relief.”

At my reply, the professor’s stern face relaxed slightly. Hojo also nodded, “Glad to hear it.”

“If we had only flashy guys like me, the prospective students might avoid our seminar. But you, Sagara, are just fine.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“And you’re the type to get things done. You won’t be hitting on the prospective students either.”

“Of course not. Who would do that?”

“Yusuke, maybe.”

Imagining the face of the frivolous guy, I nodded.

“…Yeah, Kinami might actually do that.”

Well, reception and guiding shouldn’t be too difficult, and I can do it. I won’t be hitting on prospective students, of course. Whether I can be as friendly as Hojo is another matter.

“Alright, I’ll get in touch with the details later. I’m counting on you.”

The professor patted my shoulder and disappeared into the back of the lab with Hojo, likely to discuss the presentation.

…If a guy like him were Nanase’s boyfriend, she’d probably be proud.

I shook off the self-deprecating thought. Thinking like that was disrespectful to both Hojo and Nanase. Trying to clear my mind, I reopened my workbook.