CHAPTER 2: Lucky Bastard

Chapter 2: Lucky Bastard

Aoi.

I glance back at the seating chart one more time.

If Aoi Sakuragi is sitting there, then that means…

Either I’m just a lucky bastard, or this is the coffin for me.

Anyway, I make my way to my seat. Surprisingly, she hasn't even noticed me yet.

Am I really that much of a background character that her main character aura completely fades me out? Or is it just because she's too busy with her face buried in a book?

…Well, whatever. Might as well get some shut-eye before class starts.

"KASARAGI! KASARAGI! WAKE UP!!"

Huh—what?

The entire class bursts into laughter.

"Kasaragi's always sleeping in class! All of you in your family are just alike!" the teacher says.

…In my head: Welp. I guess I overslept.

Maybe waking up so early just to get here wasn’t such a great idea after all.

"Get your pens and pencils out—we’re having a test."

…Wait, what?

A test on the first day?

Is this the so-called high school life?

Whatever. Let’s just get this over with.

"You have one hour. You may begin."

10 minutes later.

I was done.

What, did you think I was some total dumbass?

My big brain stats are the only thing I’ve got going for me. I guess it runs in the family—my mom and sister were always at the top of their year.

But then, out of the corner of my eye…

I see her.

The goddess.

And she’s sweating oceans.

…Wait, is the test that hard for her?

I mean, it was pretty easy.

I turn my head slightly, scanning the rest of the class.

It’s a damn tsunami of sweat out here.

Guys… come on.

50 minutes later.

"Pencils down."

As the teacher collects our answer sheets, he casually drops a bombshell:

"The results will be displayed in the hall tomorrow—for the ENTIRE school to see."

"WAIT, THE ENTIRE—?!"

The whole class shouts in unison.

Break Time – School Courtyard

Well, the first round of lessons wasn’t as draining as I imagined.

I guess.

Mmmh, let’s go to the roof.

It seems no one ever goes up there.

I push open the door, enjoying the cool breeze, and—

There she was.

The goddess from my class.