Chapter 9: In a Hurry

This is an emergency situation. Toudou Mashiro is coming to wreck my everyday life. If I just sit here and do nothing, it’ll be game over in no time.

In times like these, it’s all about hitting the books. Getting stronger doesn’t mean charging ahead blindly. Sometimes, you have to step back from the battlefield and deepen your knowledge.

But life doesn’t come with a walkthrough site. No videos uploaded by those who’ve gone before.

So, what do I do? —Watch and learn. That’s the only way.

Even though Akane mocked me with something like “Huh? Nii-ni, you’re heading to school this early? Did your brain glitch?” I have no choice but to observe Toudou Mashiro without backing down.

The classroom, just before homeroom.

I sat waiting for my observation target, Toudou Mashiro, to make her appearance at school. She was taking her sweet time, as usual. Arriving this early felt like a complete waste of effort, my determination fizzling out with each passing minute.

Then, Toudou Mashiro strolled into the classroom, her expression utterly relaxed. The air in the room shifted instantly. Every head turned, stealing glances her way. She had that kind of presence, drawing attention like sunlight soaking into the earth.

Normally, I’d avert my eyes immediately, but today, for the sake of my mission, I kept my gaze locked on her.

Every time Toudou chirped, “Morning,” the class responded with smiles, as if on cue. She met each person’s eyes with a soft, warm expression, like she was hosting a handshake event for her adoring fans.

Then, inexplicably, she took a detour, weaving through the desks to pass right by me. Her overflowing smile, the same one she’d flashed to everyone else, landed on me.

“Kuroki-kun. Morning.”

“…Good morning.”

Why had she gone out of her way to come over here? Was she sending a message? A reminder to show up after school? Or, worse, some kind of subtle threat?

Toudou paused, tilting her head with a puzzled look. “Why the polite language?”

“It’s nothing, really…”

Her head tilted even further, almost comically dramatic, before she continued to her seat.

Dodge successful. The mission continues.

Lunch break.

The intellectual gyaru group, led by Toudou Mashiro, gathered at the back of the classroom near the windows, right behind my seat. It was the same spot where my smartphone screen cracked the other day—an open area bathed in sunlight, perfect for a lively group to chat and laugh.

Toudou Mashiro was all smiles during lunch, just as she had been that morning. Even among this circle of high-achieving gyarus, she stood out as the most composed, her cool-headed demeanor unshaken.

How did I know so much about what was happening behind me? Simple. When my smartphone screen went dark, it turned into a mirror, unintentionally reflecting the scene at my back. Don’t call it creepy—I’m well aware it might seem that way.

Without warning, a group of boisterous guys poked their heads in from the back door, zeroing in on Toudou. “Toudou-san! Come on, set up a group date already! With your model friends!” one of them called out, his tone brash and overconfident.

The gall of that guy.

The gyaru group dismissed him with sharp retorts. “Get lost, idiot monkey, shoo!” They snapped, treating him like garbage. Toudou, however, brushed it off with a light laugh. “Ahaha, well, if a miracle happens, maybe~”

I was probably the only one taking it seriously. Getting mad on my own, then sinking into gloom just as quickly—that’s likely why I’m so bad at socializing. The guy left with a final, “I’m looking forward to it! Please!” From the hallway, I caught snippets of his friends’ voices: “You’re such an idiot,” “How do you even talk to her like that?” and “The only ones who’d match Toudou are on the level of Amamiya or Saionji.”

The intellectual gyarus chimed in, their voices carrying over my shoulder. “Mashiro, getting hit on by idiot monkeys must be tough,” one said. Another added, “There’s basically zero guys who’d match Mashiro. She even turns down male models.” A third voice agreed, “Mashiro should just hang out with girls.”

Toudou’s response was an awkward chuckle. “Ahaha… It’s not that I hate talking to guys…”

Was it my imagination, or did I feel Toudou’s gaze on my back? The thought sent a chill through me. No way I had the courage to turn around. Instead, I set my smartphone down and pretended to sleep—modern-day ninjutsu at its finest. Zzz zzz.

With my eyes closed, it became clearer. Toudou’s words carried a hint of defensiveness, as if she were making excuses to someone, explaining herself to an unseen third party. She didn’t need to do that, I thought sincerely. Toudou’s world was her own.

But that was probably just my assumption. Maybe that’s why I don’t have any friends—because I think like this. Our worlds are drawn with the same lines, yet painted in entirely different styles. Eyes shut, listening to Toudou’s voice, that’s what crossed my mind.

After school.

The classroom had nearly emptied out, with only a few lingering shadows remaining. I sat in my chair, unsure of what to do next, because my observation target, Toudou Mashiro, was still here, lingering in the room. It felt like she was keeping an eye on me, too.

My smartphone buzzed softly. It was set to silent, but I carefully, almost reluctantly, pulled it out.

Mashiro: How about today? I’ve been studying a lot, so I’d like you to take a look, even if it’s just a bit.

Messaging about plans while in the same classroom—it was a first for me. It felt oddly illicit, like I was doing something I shouldn’t.

One of the girls from the intellectual gyaru group spoke up, her voice cutting through the quiet. “Hey, Mashiro, the guys invited us to karaoke. Wanna come?”

“Sorry, can’t today. Got something to do.”

“It’s not ‘today,’ it’s ‘today too,’ right?” the girl teased, her tone free of any real malice.

Toudou gave a sheepish smile. “Sorry, always?”

As she spoke, her eyes flicked to the smartphone in her hand, likely waiting for my reply. The girl, sharp as ever, caught the gesture and narrowed her eyes. “What was that look just now? It’s rare for you to be so glued to your phone.”

“Ah, no, it’s nothing…” Toudou’s voice faltered, unconvincing.

The girl’s expression shifted, her curiosity piqued. “Wait… no way…”

“Huh? No way what?” Toudou asked, a touch too quickly.

“Don’t tell me, Mashiro, you’ve got a boyfriend…?”

“Eh…?” Toudou’s surprise was so exaggerated it bordered on suspicious.

The girl’s tone sharpened, sensing blood in the water. “That reaction… for real? Someone from modeling? It can’t be that hot male model, right? You worked with him recently, didn’t you? He’s my fave!”

She grabbed Toudou’s arms, shaking her like a ragdoll. “Hey, hey!”

“Calm down!” Toudou protested, her voice rising as she was jostled. “No way that’s it. He’s just a work colleague, and a boyfriend? Absolutely not…”

The girl let out a dramatic sigh. “Our exclusive Mashiro’s Mashimaro, stolen away…”

“Huh? Mashiro’s Mashimaro? What’s that…?” Toudou asked, bewildered.

“This, of course~,” the girl said with a mischievous grin, stepping closer. Toudou sensed danger and sidestepped, but she wasn’t quick enough.

“Hey!?” Toudou yelped as the girl’s hand darted out, aiming somewhere in front of her. Their positions shifted, leaving me with only Toudou’s back in view. I couldn’t see exactly where the girl’s hand landed. Or rather, I could guess, but I’d rather pretend I didn’t.

“Kyaa!” Toudou hugged herself, stumbling back. “Wh-where are you touching? That’s a crime!”

“Oh, I poked more accurately than I thought,” the girl said, completely unapologetic.

“Idiot,”

“Ehehe.”

Anyone would call that out, but the girl didn’t seem remorseful in the slightest. Toudou glanced around, her eyes briefly meeting mine. Her face was bright red, her glistening eyes betraying her embarrassment even from this distance. I couldn’t handle it and looked away first.

“What if someone else saw…!”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. No one’s here.”

“Kuroki-kun is here…!”

“Kuroki? Oh, but it’s fine. He’s always staring at his smartphone anyway.”

Hey, that’s a low blow. Stop landing critical hits so casually.

I bolted from the classroom, practically fleeing. Behind me, I heard Toudou’s voice, soft but clear. “You know, Kuroki-kun may look like that, but he’s observing his surroundings.”

＊

Out in the hallway, students milled about, their footsteps echoing faintly. No one spared me a glance, and the anonymity was oddly comforting.

As I made my way toward the shoe lockers, I pulled out my smartphone and tapped the screen. Opening LIME, I typed a reply, a strange exhaustion weighing on me.

You: Sorry. Gotta head home today. Is tomorrow okay?

Before I could even pocket the phone, a response pinged back almost instantly.

Mashiro: Got it. Then definitely tomorrow! I’ll practice on my own!

Her words were direct, unhesitating, brimming with a clarity as pure as her name implied.

I muttered under my breath, “Playing games with someone like me… is it really that fun?”

The question slipped out, raw and unfiltered, born from genuine doubt. For a moment, I could almost hear Akane and S sighing heavily in my ears, their exasperation as vivid as if they were standing right beside me.

By the way, that night, I was sent a message on my phone…

Mashiro: Hey. Did you see something in class today? You were looking my way after school, right?

In that instant, I recalled the hand reaching toward Toudou Mashiro’s chest. I shook my head slightly and decided to be honest.

You: I could only see Toudou’s back though

Mashiro: Really? Then it’s fine, good night

Hoping I wouldn’t have any weird dreams, I drifted off to sleep.

＊

Lunch break always seemed to drag me into some kind of mess, but thinking that was still too naive.

I’d managed to snag my prize from the school store: two coppé pan—one for eighty yen, the other ninety—and a pack of milk for eighty yen. I settled in my seat, ready to enjoy my haul. The classroom was quieter than usual, the hum of chatter subdued.

The intellectual gyaru group that usually claimed the spot behind my seat had scattered. Some headed to the cafeteria, others to the courtyard—their typical routine. They either brought bentos or ate out there, splitting off into smaller clusters. But today was different. One person remained, standing right in front of me: Toudou Mashiro. And she looked distinctly pissed off.

“Hey, Kuroki-kun. Lately, you’ve been observing me, right? Why?”

“Huh?” I froze, my fingers pausing as I tore open the bag for the eighty-yen coppé pan. Her sudden interrogation hit like a sucker punch.

Why did she notice? My plan was supposed to be flawless. Cold sweat prickled down my back.

“Hey, don’t stay silent. Tell me.”

It was over. Clinging to my right to remain silent, I shoved the bread into my mouth. “Mph, mphga.”

“Why did you stuff the coppé pan in your mouth the second I called you out?” Her voice was calm, but it carried an edge.

“Mph, mphga an mphga.”

I’m sorry.

“Since you apologized, I’ll forgive you.”

She… understood that?

I chewed frantically, swallowing the bread under Toudou’s unwavering gaze. “…No, it’s a misunderstanding,” I managed to say.

“A misunderstanding?” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “You’re not denying you were looking, then. So, what kind of misunderstanding is it?”

A menacing aura seemed to ripple behind her, despite the smile. It was like an icicle’s sharp tip pressed against my neck. Beautiful people, I realized, were terrifying when angry.

I hadn’t done anything wrong—not really. But the truth felt too risky to admit. My hesitation stretched, and without thinking, I crammed the bread into my mouth again.

“Mphga…”

“Why are you stuffing the coppé pan in again before answering?” Toudou’s voice carried a mix of exasperation and confusion.

Running away is winning. Stuffing bread in my mouth is winning—that’s what I told myself when it happened.

A voice drifted in from the hallway, loud and careless. It was that group of guys who always pestered Toudou. “Whoa, that’s rare. Toudou Mashiro all by herself. Wanna invite her to lunch?”

“Idiot. As if she’d eat with a short monkey like you.”

“Wait, who’s that guy? Why’s he in front of Toudou? A friend?”

“Huh? Nah, no idea. Who is that?”

They spouted whatever came to mind, oblivious to how it landed. Even if it’s nothing major, overhearing people talk about you stings. My mood sank, and I dropped my gaze. The bread, perfectly fine moments ago, suddenly felt like it was sucking every bit of moisture from my mouth. It turned dry and crumbly, impossible to swallow.

I stole a glance at Toudou. Her eyes flicked casually toward the hallway, but her expression held a faint trace of displeasure. Seeing her up close like this, I could grasp just how tough Toudou Mashiro’s life must be. Always in the spotlight, always the subject of strangers’ chatter—it’s suffocating. Who the hell said a good face makes life easy? You’re so noticeable that even a trip to the bathroom gets scrutinized. There’s no room to breathe.

Then it hit me. That was the same kind of stare I’d been directing at Toudou yesterday, wasn’t it? I’d called her a comrade, yet I was giving her the same looks she got from everyone else. How presumptuous of me. Don’t do to others what you hate done to you—an elementary lesson I’d somehow forgotten in high school.

I forced the bread down and bowed my head to Toudou. “…Sorry. I was looking.”

“Hm.” Toudou turned her gaze back to me, letting out a small sigh. But it didn’t feel hostile—maybe it was even a faint smile.

The stares from the hallway lingered, likely from those guys still fixated on Toudou. The awkwardness crept back, and I shoved the rest of the coppé pan into my mouth. I had two, after all. The first was strawberry jam; now I was onto the red bean cream.

Toudou watched me, then said, “You stuffed it in again. Is that bread really that good? I’ve never tried it.”

“Mphga?”

“Hey. Give me some.”

“Mphga?”

“I said, give me a bite.”

“…Ngu?”

Toudou’s hand reached out, startlingly close to my face. I felt a tug, like a fish hooked on a line, and instinctively pulled back. Then the resistance vanished, and I tipped backward slightly.

“Thanks—nom.”

It took a few seconds to register. Toudou had torn off the piece of koppe pan sticking out of my mouth and, unbelievably, popped it into her own. Time froze. The guys in the hallway, who must’ve seen it all, fell silent.

The only movement was Toudou’s small mouth, chewing thoughtfully. “Hmm, sweet. But yeah, it’s good. How much is this?” She flicked out her tongue to lick a smudge of cream from the corner of her lips.

Still reeling, as if I’d just spotted a UFO, I somehow managed to croak out a response.

“E-eighty yen… no, the red bean one is ninety yen…”

“Cheap and tasty, it’s the best. But if I eat too much, I’ll end up with a troublesome figure―Kuroki-kun, you be careful too, okay?”

Toudou Mashiro smiled brightly. All I could do was nod my head up and down like a toy.

From afar, I could hear the male students’ voices, confused and excited―but they gradually faded away. The person in question casually said, “Well, I’ll go have my lunch too,” and left.

She was like a hurricane of a person.

＊

After Toudou left, I bolted from the classroom, as if fleeing an invisible weight. I made a beeline for my safe haven—a spot where students rarely wandered, where I could be alone. Today, it was the far corner of the courtyard, tucked behind the art room, where an odd step sat in solitude. As expected, no one was there.

I settled into a gym pose, knees drawn up, and gazed at the sky for no particular reason. “This is tough… Being in the spotlight is tough…” I muttered, a shiver running through me. People’s stares were daunting, their whispers like needles. I wanted to be like the three wise monkeys: see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.

“Is this gonna keep happening from now on…?” Getting tangled up with Toudou Mashiro meant exactly this—being noticed, scrutinized, with nowhere to hide. Even something as simple as her snatching a piece of my bread stirred the air around us, charged with unwanted attention.

“Being famous is seriously hard…” I thought I’d understood, but I hadn’t, not really.

“Even so, that bread thing earlier… it’s definitely gonna be a rumor… I hate it…” They were probably already whispering: Friends, right? No way he’s her boyfriend. Just a mistake. They don’t match at all.

“I know that better than anyone…” Toudou and I weren’t friends. We were just comrades who played games together, our connection confined to that virtual world.

“But even so, why am I this exhausted…? Because Toudou gets close… No, even when she doesn’t, I’m drained.” Even without her talking to me, the weight persisted.

“I see… So it’s not Toudou herself that’s tiring me out…” When it was just the two of us, there were tense moments, sure, but our conversations flowed naturally. We could play games, lose ourselves in them. “But in the classroom, it’s exhausting.”

It hit me: I was getting caught up in the stares and attention swirling around Toudou Mashiro, wearing myself out all on my own. “Maybe she’s tired too…” Her flawless, almost sculpted smile flashed in my mind—so perfect it hid her true feelings, like a mask concealing her wounds.

“…Hmm.” The sky stretched blue, dotted with white clouds, like a scene from a picture book, simple and unassuming. Then this ash-blonde anomaly had appeared, a player from a world entirely unlike mine—or was it? Were Toudou and I truly from separate worlds?

“Common ground between me and Toudou, huh.” What could that be? Maybe, if we kept playing games together, it would become clear.

I’d always wanted to stay hidden, unnoticed forever, but in that moment, my resolve wavered. A spark of curiosity flickered—to glimpse more of Toudou’s world, to understand what she felt, why she approached me, what drove her to dive into games.

Vvv. My phone vibrated, pulling me back. Lunch break was nearly over, the screen warned.

Mashiro: Hey? Lunch break’s about to end? You’re not skipping out early, are you? I won’t allow that. Or are you napping?

I couldn’t help but laugh.

“The one who naps is you.”

I muttered. Sleeping Beauty, straight out of a fairy tale. I was no prince, but maybe I could be one of the dwarves lending a hand.

“Back to class, I guess.” I didn’t want to go, but if I wanted to touch Toudou Mashiro’s daily life, I had no choice. The chime rang faintly in the distance—lunch break was over.

Ah, definitely late. I didn’t want to stand out, but as the thought crossed my mind, I scoffed at myself. You’ve already stood out way too much today.

With that, I broke into a run, heading back to class.