Ep 1 First Day, First Chaos

Episode 1: Classroom Atmosphere

Shirogane Lightfield Academy’s Class 1-B was filled with morning light that filtered through the large windows. The thin curtains swayed gently, and the sound of birds could be heard faintly in the distance. The wooden desks were neatly arranged, and the transparent crystal board glowed pale blue with texts on basic magic and the history of interracial relations.

Ryouhei Hirotaka sat in the middle seat with a slanted position, one hand supporting his chin, while the other tried to draw something unclear on the edge of his notebook. He muttered to himself, then chuckled at the absurdity of his idea—proposing a method of training magic through a game of tag.

Renjiro Kitsuneaki was two seats behind, busy fiddling with his automatic pen so that it could spray ink in a certain direction. Every now and then he threw a mischievous glance at his friends, his lips grinning with plans. He winked at Ryouhei a few times, signaling for some light mayhem.

Yukihiro Masahiro sat in the corner by the window, his hands neatly on the desk, his eyes focused on the screen of magic text that appeared from a small crystal in front of him. A beastkin history reference book was open on his lap, and he was writing quietly, occasionally looking out the window while biting the tip of his pen—perhaps daydreaming, perhaps contemplating.

Naofumi Takayuki stood in front of the class while the teacher had yet to arrive, rearranging the pile of assignments submitted by the other students. His face was serious and slightly annoyed seeing Ryouhei's paper covered in absurd monster drawings. He took over the board and began rewriting the spell structure in neat, pressured handwriting.

Rikuto Nekomaru sat right in the middle of the back row, his eyes focused on the additional holographic screen of his personal terminal. He was reading a heavy scientific journal, far outside the class curriculum, while fiddling with his digital glasses. Occasionally he glanced forward, snorting when he saw the behavior of his friends who he considered "inefficient".

Sylvia Glacielle sat on an empty table next to a small flower pot that she had brought herself to class. In her chibi form, she barely made a sound, only observing with eyes as clear as frozen crystals. Her hands occasionally touched the petals of the slowly blooming flowers, covered in thin ice that did not harm the plants. He avoided eye contact with anyone, but out of the corner of his eye, he stole a glance at Yukihiro.

The atmosphere in the classroom was... not exactly peaceful, but lively.

And amidst that diversity—their story began to flow.

#1

The morning air in the classroom began to feel warm.

The atmosphere was almost calm—until a small click-clac sounded from the back corner. Renjiro Kitsuneaki cocked his automatic pen, adjusting the pressure of the ink cylinder while holding back laughter. His eyes were sharp, like a fox hunting prey… or at least, hunting the victims of his pranks.

Today's target was clear: Naofumi Takayuki—"the fiercest but most beautiful."

Without a sound, Renjiro launched a small spray of blue ink… directly hitting the tips of Naofumi's neat hair, making it hang blue like a paintbrush.

Pssst.

Naofumi stopped writing on the board, his eyes blinking twice. He slowly turned his head towards the back of the classroom, looking straight at Renjiro who was already pretending to be serious with the innocent face of a model student.

Naofumi:

"Renjiro… Kitsuneaki…!"

The tone of his voice was low. Too low to be safe.

Renjiro (pretending to be confused):

"Eh? What's wrong, Takayuki-san? I was just taking notes... I swear by my tail feathers."

(His fox tail waved innocently.)

Naofumi's hands clenched into fists. The air around him shook slightly. The temperature of the room dropped drastically, not because of magic, but because of the dominant aura of a girl who was very... very disturbed.

Naofumi:

"You think this is funny?!"

Before Renjiro could answer, the classroom door swung open.

Teacher Arase, an old wolf-type beastkin wearing a long robe, entered with sharp eyes and a gaze full of experience. He only caught a glimpse of the ink color in Naofumi's hair—and knew who the perpetrator was without even asking.

Teacher Arase:

"Renjiro Kitsuneaki... Stand up."

Renjiro (with an awkward smile):

"U-uh, morning, Teacher? I think there was a slight misunderstanding between—"

Teacher Arase (cutting in):

"Ink, hair, and Takayuki. It's not a misunderstanding. It's the law of cause and effect."

The entire class fell silent. Even the sound of the wind blowing through the window seemed to be holding its breath.

Teacher Arase:

"Ten minutes standing. Five more if you keep smiling like that."

Renjiro finally sighed, standing up slowly with a "caught red-handed but not sorry" expression.

Ryouhei (whispering to Yukihiro):

"That's so Renjiro, huh?"

Yukihiro (quietly):

"But... the blue ink looks pretty good on Naofumi's hair."

(His face immediately turned red when he realized he said it out loud.)

Naofumi looked at Yukihiro.

Yukihiro lowered his head, embarrassed to death.

Renjiro instead laughed softly from where he was standing.

And the class continued with the lesson… with one student standing, one student angry, and one student smiling silently while touching the ends of his blue hair.

# 2

The atmosphere of the class continued after Renjiro's prank. Although Renjiro had been punished to stand, the light drama was not over yet. This time it was Ryouhei's turn to suddenly throw out an absurd question in the middle of the lesson, provoking a chain reaction from the entire class—and from Teacher Arase who was starting to lose his patience this morning.

---

The board now displayed glowing text that read:

"Theory of Inter-Species Mana Resonance"

A serious topic. But not all students were in the mood for it.

Ryouhei Hirotaka raised his hand high, even standing up slightly from his chair, excited like a child who found a dropped candy.

Ryouhei:

"Teacher Arase! If two people—for example a human and a beastkin—touch each other too often, can the mana resonance make them… become an official couple or will it shock them like electricity?"

Whole class: …

Teacher Arase:

"...Where did that question come from, Hirotaka?"

Ryouhei (full of confidence):

"From a dream I had last night. Someone—uh, it doesn't matter—and I touched hands, and then suddenly the earth shook and flowers bloomed everywhere!"

Naofumi (covering his face with one hand):

"...Oh my, are you seriously asking that in public?"

Yukihiro (quietly, writing):

_"Flowers... bloom... during resonance..."

(His voice was soft, but he really wrote it down.)

Renjiro (still standing, joining in the commentary):

"Maybe you were just hungry when you went to bed. Usually absurd dreams are the result of eating too much rice."

(His fox tail wagged lazily.)

Rikuto (without turning around, still staring at the screen):

"Technically speaking, mana resonance won't cause spontaneous flora and fauna effects unless accompanied by a certain biological catalyst. Flowers blooming is bullshit."

(Her tone was flat, very scholarly.)

Sylvia, who was sitting by the window, lowered her head in silence. Her cheeks were slightly red. She touched the tips of her index finger and thumb slowly, as if remembering something.

Teacher Arase:

"...We're only ten minutes into the lesson, and I'm already losing control."

She pressed her temples, then sighed.

Teacher Arase:

"Okay. Hirotaka, you stand next to Kitsuneaki. You two can resonate with each other outside of class later."

Ryouhei:

"Eh?! But Teacher! This is for the sake of science!"

Teacher Arase:

"And right now science needs you to be quiet."

The class fell silent again… for a few seconds.

But only a few seconds.

---

#3

Renjiro and Ryouhei now stood side by side on the side of the blackboard. Two troublemakers in a straight line. This combination… was very unsafe for the stability of the class.

Their faces were like statues—at least for the first three seconds.

After that…

Renjiro (whispering):

"Bro, we're standing together. This is fate."

Ryouhei (smiling widely):

"Yeah! Seriously, I already felt like we'd get hit together someday."

Renjiro:

"You asked about resonance, you knew it would be a mess, right?"

Ryouhei:

"Yeah… but isn't it cool? Imagine our hands electrocuting each other and then boom, cherry blossoms bloom!"

Renjiro:

"...I'm a beastkin, bro. What blooms isn't a flower. At most… my tail feathers will curl."

Ryouhei:

"Wow. So you can electrocute yourself? That's cool."

Renjiro:

"Not cool, idiot—eh, slow down, there's a teacher."

Ryouhei (whispering more softly):

"But seriously, have you ever had resonance with anyone? Like... a girl?"

Renjiro:

"Yes. With Naofumi when they were fighting over the dorm room remote."

Ryouhei:

"So? What were the effects?"

Renjiro:

"I almost got thrown into the wall. That wasn't resonance, that was trauma."

Ryouhei (holding back laughter):

"Wow. Classic Takayuki."

Renjiro:

"I'm sure if there was a list of characters who could open a portal to hell with their gazes, he'd be number one."

Ryouhei:

"I put him up against an S-level demon and I think he'd still win."

Renjiro:

"Even the demon would apologize first."

Teacher Arase (his voice sharp):

"Do you think this is a stand-up comedy show?"

Renjiro & Ryouhei (in unison):

"Uh—no, sir!"

Teacher Arase:

"So are you standing up to introspect or to make me even more stressed?"

Renjiro (quickly):

"Introspect, sir!"

Ryouhei (joining in):

"Yes, deep inner reflection!"

Teacher Arase:

"Inner reflection while laughing and discussing trauma with a remote."

Renjiro (lowering his head):

"Reflex, sir. Reflex reflection."

Teacher Arase (taking a deep breath):

"You guys are really... ah never mind. 10 minutes is up. Sit down."

Ryouhei:

"Yes! Free!"

Renjiro:

"Like getting out of a fifth-dimensional prison."

The two of them sat back down. The classroom atmosphere returned to normal, although some students were still laughing softly.

Yukihiro (quietly to Sylvia):

"The two of them are like... uncontrollable wind."

Sylvia (looking up slightly):

"But... the wind is funny."

Naofumi (elbowing the table lightly):

"Funny? They're just looking for trouble. Next time I'll bring permanent ink."

Rikuto (without looking up):

"Statistics show that Renjiro will be punished again in the next three days."

Teacher Arase (still standing in front):

"And I'll be ready for level two punishment next week."

---

#4

After Renjiro and Ryouhei sat back down, the classroom calmed down a bit, but not for long. This time it wasn’t because of their actions. Instead, the attention shifted to the two most silent students: Yukihiro and Rikuto.

Yukihiro sat on a bench near the window, his body small and his face almost covered by a thick book titled “The Essence of Magia: Volume 3”. In front of him, Rikuto turned the pages at a machine-like speed.

---

Naofumi (glancing at Yukihiro, then whispering to Sylvia):

“He’s like a stray cat afraid of water. Maybe he hasn’t had breakfast yet.”

Sylvia (voice soft, fingers tapping the table):

“I think he’s just… nervous. There are a lot of people here.”

Ryouhei (leaning toward them):

“Hey, hey. How about we give him some cookies? If he’s calm, we’re all calm.”

Renjiro:

“Or give him a permission slip not to talk for the whole day.”

Naofumi:

"I'll slap you."

Yukihiro (very quiet, almost inaudible):

"I'm... okay... really."

Renjiro (raising an eyebrow):

"Huh? He's talking?!"

Ryouhei:

"What a rare moment! Quick, write down the date!"

Naofumi (immediately pushing Ryouhei's head lightly):

"Don't make a fuss. He's already struggling to talk."

Sylvia (smiles):

"That's sweet... but it's like a whisper in the winter wind."

Yukihiro (looks down again, face red):

"...Sorry."

Renjiro:

"Hey, don't apologize! It's our fault! We were too noisy, weren't we?!"

Ryouhei:

"Yes! We'll be quiet for a full minute. As an apology!"

Naofumi:

"Can you guys be quiet? Really?"

Ryouhei & Renjiro (in unison):

"...Maybe."

Meanwhile, Rikuto doesn't care about any of that. He sits in the back seat, his glasses reflecting the light of a small digital screen on his desk.

Rikuto (mumbling, reading):

"Variations of derived elemental magic... hmm... this theory is a typo. The fourth place should be Cryo, not Pyro."

Naofumi (glancing behind him):

"Who are you talking to, Rikuto?"

Rikuto (without looking up):

"Me from the future."

Renjiro:

"Wow. His nerdiness is already at outer space level."

Ryouhei:

"Or he's actually a fairy trapped in a human body. That would be cool."

Sylvia (slowly):

"I can detect mana... he's not a fairy."

Renjiro:

"Fixed. A real nerd."

Naofumi:

"Leave him alone. He could blow us all up with a single quote from a book."

Yukihiro (speaking very quietly):

"...She's smart... I like reading too, but... I'm afraid of saying the wrong thing."

Sylvia (turning her head gently):

"If you want... I can read it to you later."

Yukihiro (eyes slightly rounded):

"...Really?"

Sylvia (nodding):

"Really."

Renjiro:

"Gosh. This is the first wholesome scene today."

Naofumi:

"And don't disturb."

Teacher Arase (from the front, without turning around):

"And all of you... be quiet. I can hear your inner voices gossiping."

Ryouhei (whispering softly to Renjiro):

"Is she a teacher or a psychic?"

Renjiro (equally quietly):

"A psychic. But wearing a tie."

Rikuto (still reading):

"Statistics prove that you'll be punished again tomorrow."

Ryouhei & Renjiro:

"...Please don't predict our future."

Teacher Arase (flat tone):

"10 minute break. Use the time to... reflect."

Ryouhei (raising his hand high):

"Inner reflection or reflection in the mirror, sir?"

Naofumi (pinching Ryouhei's arm):

"Reflection, you'll get slapped if you talk again."

---

The classroom atmosphere remained alive in its strangeness. Although not all students spoke much, their togetherness began to form little by little.

The quiet, the mischievous, the dominant, the nerd, the fairy, and the absurd—all were in one room. And their world had just begun.

---

# 5

The bell rang loudly, signaling that class time was over temporarily. The students immediately got up from their seats, some hurriedly leaving the classroom, while others were still sitting relaxedly waiting for the queue to the cafeteria to subside.

Teacher Arase was still sitting in the teacher's chair, closing his eyes for a moment while massaging his temples.

"Reflection... reflection... why does reflection feel more tiring than teaching the old magic war."

Outside the classroom, our six students walked together towards the cafeteria. The atmosphere was rather lively, children from other classes also began to fill the hallway. Ryouhei walked at the front, occasionally whistling a little while jumping up and down casually.

Ryouhei:

"Okay, okay, time for the sacred meat and eternal cola!"

Renjiro:

"You're being too dramatic for a piece of chicken, do you know that?"

Rikuto (reading while walking):

"If the fat content is high, it's actually legitimate to be called sacred meat for short-term metabolism."

Naofumi:

"Rikuto. Shut up."

Sylvia (peeking into the cafeteria):

"It's crowded... I'm afraid I'll bump into someone."

Yukihiro:

"...Me too... I want to quickly get some food and go back to class."

They entered the cafeteria. Ryouhei saw the trays of food that were served and immediately walked quickly... too quickly. Unknowingly, his foot caught on one of the metal table legs hidden by the shadows.

Ryouhei:

"WOAH—!"

In a split second, his body lurched forward, and—CRASH!—he crashed into Yukihiro from the side, dropping his tray and pinning his small body to the floor.

Yukihiro:

"Kyaa—!"

His face immediately turned as red as a ripe tomato. His hands tried to push Ryouhei's body away with an expression of shock and embarrassment.

Ryouhei (still on top of him):

"ARGH, sorry, sorry, sorry! I didn't see! I—"

Yukihiro (shaking voice):

"...I-it's o-okay… but… l-lift me up first…"

Naofumi (shouting from afar):

"YOU LOLICON!!!"

In two steps, Naofumi had arrived at the scene and grabbed Ryouhei's collar with full force.

Ryouhei:

"Naofumi?! Wait, it's a technical accident!—AARGH!"

Naofumi:

"Your head's an accident! DON'T HAPPEN TO THE INNOCENT LITTLE FOX CHILD!!!"

BAM! BAM! BAM! — Naofumi punched Ryouhei like a younger sibling who had been caught stealing a cake. Meanwhile, the other students in the cafeteria watched while chewing their food with expressions that were between shocked and entertained.

Renjiro (chewing sandwich):

"I told you not to use shounen anime moves in real life."

Rikuto:

"The chance of this happening randomly is only 0.04%."

Sylvia (holding his face):

"Ouch... Yukihiro... are you okay?"

Naofumi (kneeling down and helping Yukihiro up):

"Calm down. That idiot has been taught a lesson. Yukihiro, are you hurt?"

Yukihiro (still red, voice barely a whisper):

"N-no... just... embarrassed..."

Ryouhei (sitting on the floor, cheeks swollen):

"Okay... noted... the tower must not collapse near Yukihiro again..."

Renjiro (still relaxed):

"This time he learned... the most classic way."

Rikuto:

"Data added to collision avoidance algorithm. Save to cloud."

Sylvia (looking at Yukihiro gently):

"Let's sit in the corner of the cafeteria... it's quieter."

Naofumi:

"Yeah, I'll accompany you. The others... don't get too close yet."

Ryouhei (raising his hand half-heartedly):

"Yeah... yeah... I'll reflect first... but can you ask me for some fried chicken?"

Naofumi (turning around):

"I'll ask you for hell!"

---

The situation began to calm down. Although it was full of excitement, it was one of the first moments where they, little by little, began to show their true sides to each other.

---

# 6

The cafeteria began to calm down again. The students focused on their food again, the sound of chatter and the clink of spoons filled the room. But in the corner of the room, precisely at the farthest table near the window, the atmosphere was different.

Yukihiro sat with a stiff body. His hand was holding an untouched glass of water. His face was still red, and his eyes stared blankly at the table.

Sylvia sat next to him, her eyes watching him anxiously.

Naofumi, who was sitting across from him, also kept his eyes on him.

Naofumi (softly, voice lowered):

"Yukihiro… are you okay? Shall I get you some sweet tea?"

Yukihiro (softly):

"…No… no need…"

Sylvia (holding Yukihiro's hand):

"You look pale… shall I help you call the health workers?"

Yukihiro (shaking his head softly):

"I was just… a little shocked… that's all…"

But when he tried to stand up, his body wobbled a little. His legs looked shaky, as if he had just finished running a long distance in a never-ending nightmare.

Naofumi (quickly stands up):

"Hey! Slow down!"

Yukihiro (trying to stay strong):

"I... can... do it myself..."

But before he could go any further, his vision blurred. The sound of the cafeteria faded, his body swayed—

Sylvia (screaming in panic):

"YUKIHIR—!"

CRASH!

Yukihiro's small body collapsed to the floor with a soft but surprising sound. Several students immediately turned their heads. Naofumi immediately knelt down and hugged him.

Naofumi (panicked):

"Hey! Hey! Yukihiro! Wake up! What's wrong with you?!"

Ryouhei (running over):

"What happened?!"

Sylvia (almost crying):

"He... he fainted! I... I don't know what to do!"

Renjiro (turning to Rikuto):

"Hurry up! You know this best!"

Rikuto (immediately putting down his book and approaching):

"He's in shock... probably due to emotional stress. We need a quiet room and cold compresses now."

Naofumi (carrying Yukihiro slowly):

"I'll take him to the infirmary. Sylvia, accompany me. Rikuto, please call the teacher."

Sylvia (quickly standing):

"Y-yeah!"

Ryouhei (standing in place, looking with a guilty face):

"I... I just... gosh... I really messed up..."

Renjiro (patting Ryouhei's shoulder):

"Bro... sometimes your good intentions are too 'shounen' for the real world. This isn't anime."

Rikuto (while walking quickly):

"This is an important lesson for everyone. Trauma is no small thing."

Naofumi hugged Yukihiro tightly as he ran slowly towards the infirmary, Sylvia following behind with fast steps. They disappeared behind the hallway, leaving Renjiro, Ryouhei, and Rikuto speechless in the cafeteria.

Ryouhei (lower):

"...I'm sorry, Yukihiro."

---

That moment marked the beginning of their relationship not only being about laughter and stupidity, but also about attention, guilt, and care.

#7

The infirmary of Shirogane Lightfield Academy was quiet and dim. White curtains stretched out to cover the bright light from the windows. On the bed, Yukihiro lay with a thin blanket covering his tiny body. His cheeks were still pale, his breathing slow but steady.

Naofumi sat on the chair next to the bed, Yukihiro's small hand tightly held in his.

Sylvia sat on the other side, looking at her friend's calm face.

Rikutu stood near a small table with a water bottle and several compresses.

Naofumi (soft voice, almost whispering):

"He's calmer now... but my heart is still beating really fast."

Sylvia (lowering her head):

"I was really scared earlier... he looked like he was going to disappear."

Rikutu (checking Yukihiro's temperature with the back of his hand):

"His temperature is normal. Most likely due to sudden emotional stress. Unresolved minor trauma can suddenly appear."

Naofumi (stroking Yukihiro's hand):

"I should have gone to her sooner... instead of getting mad at Ryouhei..."

Sylvia:

"It's not your fault... Yukihiro is easily startled. But she's strong. Stronger than we thought."

Naofumi (nodding slowly):

"Yeah... she's a strong girl."

Rikuto (taking a sip of water from a glass):

"We should give her some alone time too. But don't let her feel alone."

Suddenly, Yukihiro's hand moved slightly. His fingers gripped Naofumi's hand lightly.

Naofumi (surprised):

"Yuki?! Are you awake?"

Yukihiro (weak, barely audible voice):

"...Naofumi...?"

Naofumi (smiling in relief):

"Yeah! I'm here! You're safe. Everyone's safe."

Sylvia (smiles, small tears falling):

"Thank goodness... you woke up... I brought some small flowers from the garden earlier... can you smell them?"

Yukihiro (laughs weakly):

"You... really like flowers, huh... Sylvia...?"

Rikuto (lowers glasses):

"Welcome back to the waking world, Yukihiro."

Yukihiro (turns his head slowly to Rikuto):

"You... are here too...?"

Rikuto:

"Sure. How could I leave my only remaining bookworm friend in this school."

Yukihiro (smiles weakly):

"Hehe... thanks... everyone..."

Naofumi:

"Don't think about anything now. Just rest. I'll be the one to nag Ryouhei later."

Yukihiro (quietly):

"Don't... he's not wrong... it's just... I'm the one who's panicking..."

Sylvia (stroking Yukihiro's hair):

"You're not wrong, Yuki. It was all just an unexpected event."

Yukihiro:

"But... why did I have to be the one to faint... it's so embarrassing..."

Rikuto:

"Come to think of it, you're the center of attention today."

Yukihiro (covering his face with a blanket):

"Uwaaahh... don't tell the others!"

Naofumi (chuckles):

"I promise. But it seems like Ryouhei's already traumatized. He really regrets what happened earlier."

Yukihiro:

"Ryouhei... he's not angry, right...?"

Naofumi:

"No. He just lowered his head like a kitten caught in the rain earlier."

Sylvia:

"I'm sure he's sad too. You two can talk about it tomorrow."

Yukihiro (nodding slightly):

"Yes... thanks for being here... everyone..."

Rikuto (putting the glass back on the table):

"Our job is friends, right? Don't worry. We'll take care of you."

Naofumi:

"You rest, okay? We'll wait here until you're fully recovered."

Yukihiro (closing his eyes slowly):

"...Okay... thank you... everyone..."

And so, the room fell silent again. But not a cold silence—it was warm, calm, like a hug.

They sat there. Accompanying. Protecting. Until Yukihiro could truly smile again.

—

#8

After a few hours of rest, Yukihiro was allowed to leave the infirmary on the condition that he remain calm and not too active. It was getting late in the day, the sky was turning red. Several students began to gather in the small park behind the academy. This was where the six characters finally reunited—a light moment, but still full of emotions after the previous incident.

Ryouhei sat restlessly on a park bench, staring at the ground as he fiddled with the buttons on his shirt.

Renjiro stood beside him, devouring an onigiri.

Naofumi, Sylvia, and Rikuto sat not far away, watching Yukihiro as he slowly walked towards them.

---

Renjiro:

"Well… it's gotten quiet… even though I was just about to cause some more trouble."

Ryouhei (sighs):

"No need. I think I've caused enough trouble today."

Naofumi (snorting):

"Finally you've come to your senses. It took an embarrassing incident to get your brain going."

Rikuto (reading a book without lifting his head):

"Statistics prove that social incidents can strengthen emotional learning in teenagers. So... it's effective."

Sylvia (turning to Naofumi):

"You don't have to be so strict, Fumi... Ryouhei must really regret it."

Naofumi:

"I'm not strict. I'm realistic."

Yukihiro (slowly):

"You guys... don't make a fuss... I'm fine."

Ryouhei (quickly standing up):

"Y-Yuki! Are you better!? I... I really didn't mean to! I didn't see you going to get food! I swear!"

Yukihiro (smiles awkwardly):

"Yeah... I know... I was too shocked, so... I'm sorry for making you panic."

Ryouhei:

"No! I'm the one who apologizes! You didn't do anything wrong!"

Renjiro (sipping a carton of milk):

"Gosh, why is this such an afternoon drama. Are you guys dating or what?"

Yukihiro (face immediately turns red):

"E-eh!? No! No way! I-I… didn't!"

Ryouhei (equally red):

"T-That's not what I meant!"

Naofumi (glaring at Renjiro):

"You're starting to stir things up again, Kitsuneaki."

Renjiro (raising his hand):

"Halah halah, relax. I was just trying to give you a little romantic encouragement."

Sylvia (staring at the small flower she picked):

"Today… there were a lot of emotions… But I'm glad I can sit with you guys again."

Rikuto (closing his book):

"Today's events have drained my social battery quite a bit. But… it's fun."

Yukihiro:

"All of you… thanks for keeping me company."

Naofumi:

"It's our job. Don't keep saying 'thank you', I'll get emotional."

Ryouhei (laughing softly):

"Well, I may be stupid. But my friends are all great. So I'm safe."

Renjiro:

"Just say you're too lazy to think."

Ryouhei:

"That too..."

Sylvia:

"Let's go to the back garden tomorrow. There are blue flowers that have just bloomed... Yukihiro will definitely like them."

Yukihiro (smiling sweetly):

"I want... I want to see them."

Naofumi:

"Make sure you get some rest tonight. Don't force me."

Yukihiro:

"Yeah... I promise."

Renjiro:

"If I break my promise, you have to eat my onigiri."

Yukihiro (frowns):

"The ones you made? Are they safe...?"

Ryouhei:

"If you faint again, this time it's because of poisoning."

Renjiro (laughs):

"Hey! I can cook, you know!"

Rikuto:

"The definition of 'can' here needs to be studied further."

Naofumi (massaging his temples):

"Why does every afternoon become this chaotic, oh my God."

Sylvia (covering her mouth while laughing softly):

"But... warm chaos."

Yukihiro:

"I like... this kind of atmosphere..."

Ryouhei:

"Then let's maintain this atmosphere together."

Renjiro:

"As long as there's no more fainting drama."

Yukihiro (laughs softly):

"Hehehe... I hope not."

Naofumi:

"And don't mention 'lolicon' in the cafeteria in front of a lot of people again."

Ryouhei (out of breath):

"I'm traumatized, I swear... someone even took a picture!"

Renjiro:

"Eh, seriously? Send it to me!"

Rikuto:

"Just block his number."

Sylvia:

"Hehe... you guys are funny."

Yukihiro:

"I'm... lucky to have you guys."

And so the day ended with jokes, laughter, and a strengthening bond. Under the twilight sky, they were no longer just a group of students—but a group of friends who were beginning to understand the meaning of looking out for each other.

—

#9

Afternoon crept down. After a warm conversation in the park, the atmosphere began to calm down a bit—until Naofumi, with narrowed eyes, looked at Ryouhei with a suspicious expression.

Naofumi (lowering voice, face closer):

"Hey, Ryouhei… you weren't thinking anything weird when you hit Yuki, were you?"

Ryouhei (panicking):

"H-Huh!? No!! Not at all!! It was a total accident, I bumped into a table, fell, and—"

Renjiro (smiles wickedly):

"Hmm… but why didn't you get up right away? It seemed like you were comfortable pressing down on her."

Rikutu (adjusting his glasses):

"The duration of body contact... was about 3.8 seconds. That's already suspicious."

Sylvia (confused but also approaches):

"E-eh... w-what are you guys talking about...? Ryouhei... do you... like Yukihiro?"

Ryouhei (getting redder, flustered):

"W-WHAT!? It's not like that! I swear by anything, it's not like that!"

Naofumi (sarcastically smiles, arms crossed):

"Hoo~ for whatever reason? But you didn't apologize right away... instead you were in a daze."

Renjiro:

"Your head might be saying 'dangerous!', but your heart is saying 'rare opportunity'!"

Ryouhei:

"STOP! Don't be like that! I'm not thinking anything weird!!"

Sylvia (opening her mouth slightly):

"I... I'm confused... but you're not that bad, are you, Ryouhei...?"

Ryouhei:

"O-Of course not! I'm not that brave!"

Renjiro:

"So there's a little courage?"

Ryouhei:

"NOTHING!!"

Rikuto:

"Hmm... take note. Overly defensive denials actually increase the probability.

Naofumi (approaching and glaring):

"Ryouhei... you're not a predator, right?"

Ryouhei (trembling):

"NO! I'm just an ordinary high school student who was really unlucky today!"

Renjiro (patting Ryouhei's back):

"Brothers, let's try this together. Who agrees that Ryouhei is guilty, raise your hands."

Naofumi, Renjiro, Rikuto and even Sylvia (hesitantly) raise their hands.

Ryouhei:

"SERIOUSLY!? Sylvia! You too!?"

Sylvia (slowly):

"T-they said that... I'm confused..."

Ryouhei (putting his hand on his head):

"I'm being systematically slandered! This is self-esteem sabotage!"

Yukihiro, who had been silent with his face lowered and cheeks red, finally clasped his hands. His eyes were slightly watery.

Yukihiro (shouting):

"DON'T TALK ABOUT THAT ANYMORE!!!"

Everyone immediately fell silent. Yukihiro's voice shook the air.

Naofumi quickly turned his head and looked at Yukihiro with an apologetic expression.

Naofumi (slowly):

"Sorry... Yuki. I... didn't mean to make you think about it again."

Renjiro (scratching his head):

"Oof... sorry, Yuki. I was just kidding."

Rikuto (lowering his head):

"The apology continues."

Sylvia (approaching slowly):

"I don't understand everything, but... I apologize too."

Yukihiro (taking a breath, then speaking slowly):

"I'm not angry... it's just... I'm really embarrassed. I'm not used to being touched by people..."

Ryouhei (standing stiffly):

"I promise I won't get close to you for now. I'm so sorry, Yuki."

Naofumi (patting Yukihiro's shoulder):

"I'll make sure they won't tease you again."

Yukihiro (smiles slightly, though still shaking):

"Thanks... everyone."

Suddenly the school bell rang.

Rikuto:

"Break time is over. Time to go home."

Naofumi:

"Come on. Let's take Yuki together."

Renjiro:

"Sure. But don't crash into anyone again, Ryouhei."

Ryouhei:

"YES!! I'll walk really slowly! I'll even look down every five seconds!"

Sylvia (giggles):

"Hehe... careful Ryouhei... so cute."

Yukihiro (walking slowly in the middle of them):

"Today... was really long huh..."

Naofumi:

"But we all went home intact. That's enough."

Renjiro:

"Tomorrow, let's start chaos from the morning, okay!"

Rikuto:

"Please don't."

And just like that, they left the park towards the main gate of Shirogane Lightfield Academy, with slow steps but hearts that began to be tied together more closely.

—

#10

The sky began to turn orange, signaling the end of a long day at Shirogane Lightfield Academy.

The students began to part ways one by one at the school gates.

Naofumi (lifting his bag onto his shoulder):

"Be careful on the road. Don't forget to do your homework. I don't want to see anyone panicking tomorrow morning."

Renjiro (grinning):

"When you panic, the best ideas come to you, Nao."

Incorruptible:

"Bad advice. Not recommended."

Sylvia (waving at Yukihiro):

"See you tomorrow, Yukihiro... Take care of yourself."

Yukihiro (blushing, smiling softly):

"Yeah... see you tomorrow... everyone."

Ryouhei:

"Alright! I'm going home! Let's be enthusiastic again tomorrow!"

They parted ways, each heading towards their respective homes.

---

[Hirotaka Family House – Evening]

Ryouhei opened the door to his house, taking a deep breath. It was quiet.

Ryouhei (gently):

"I'm home..."

Shortly, the sound of fast footsteps could be heard from inside the house.

Aikohana (shouting):

"Onii-chaaaan~!!"

Ryouhei (smiling tiredly):

"Yo. I'm home, Ai."

A cute girl with pale white hair with a small flower ribbon on her head appeared from behind the hallway, her hands still holding scissors and a flower that had not been finished arranging.

Icon:

"You came home really late today! What's wrong? Is there drama at school? Just admit it, there must be a girl!"

Ryouhei (walking towards his room):

"None of your business. I'm going to take a shower first."

Aikohana (following him from behind):

"Wait! Wait! Are you in love!? Your face is red! You must have been hitting on a girl, right?!"

Ryouhei (stops, looks at her with a numb expression):

"...You know too much."

Aikohana (grinning mischievously):

"Hehe~ I have a 'romance in the air' radar. Come on, tell me! Tell me!"

Ryouhei:

"I fell. I bumped into a female friend. She fainted because of the trauma. I almost got a whole class social punishment. Enough, enough."

Icon:

"WOAH?! Seriously?! Onii-chan, you're so anime...!"

Ryouhei (grabs a towel and a change of clothes):

"I'm going to take a shower first. Don't bother me."

Aikohana (shouting from outside the bathroom):

"Okay~ But I'll keep digging if you don't tell me the full story! And don't forget, I prepared dinner!"

Ryouhei (from inside the bathroom):

"...Thanks. I'm hungry too."

---

After taking a shower, Ryouhei put on a casual t-shirt and shorts. He walks into the dining room, the fragrant aroma of flowers and food filling the air.

On the table, there is a plate of fried rice garnished with edible flower petals.

Ryouhei (sitting down):

"Wow, this... looks pretty."

I live (proud):

"Sure! Shirayuri's aesthetic culinary art! You have to eat with a heart full of love."

Ryouhei:

"I eat with an hungry stomach, that's enough."

Aikohana (rolling her eyes):

"So... who is she? The girl you hit on."

Ryouhei (pauses):

"Her name is Yukihiro. Quiet, very innocent, and... very easily embarrassed."

Aikohana (approaching, full of enthusiasm):

"Do you like her?"

Ryouhei:

"...I don't know. But I want to apologize properly tomorrow."

Aikohana (smiles widely):

"Awwww~ Gentle Onii-chan. Introduce him to me sometime!"

Ryouhei (grinning tiredly):

"Maybe if he's not traumatized by me anymore."

Icon:

"Hehe, keep up the spirit. I support you. If necessary, I'll teach you how to say 'I like you' using flowers."

Ryouhei:

"Please don't."

The night passed, in the simple warmth of the two siblings' home—where the outside world may be full of chaos, but home is still the place to return to.

—

# 11

Aikohana (while taking a bite):

"Hm~ my fried rice this time is 8.5 out of 10."

Ryouhei (chewing slowly):

"More than enough. It tastes good."

I live (naughty smile):

"It's rare for you to praise me right away, what's wrong? Is it that girl?"

Ryouhei (pause):

"It's normal... I just don't feel like making a fuss."

Aikohana (coming closer, eyes narrowed):

"Hmm... you're not usually this quiet when eating. You must be thinking about her!"

Ryouhei (pushing the rice with chopsticks):

"Not really. It's just... I feel guilty."

Aikohana (joking):

"If you were a guy in an anime, the slow-mo scene would have appeared!"

Ryouhei (clucking):

"You've watched too many dramas."

Aikohana (grinning):

"But seriously, do you like a shy girl like her?"

Ryouhei (avoiding):

"I didn't say I liked her!"

Aikohana (pointing at her chopsticks):

"But you didn't say no~"

Ryouhei (sighing softly):

"Just eat, Ai."

Aikohana (pretending to be dramatic):

"Gosh, my brother's in love... the world will change."

Ryouhei (flat):

"If you keep talking, I won't have any food left."

Aikohana (staring at her plate):

"Okay fine. But after this, let's watch a flower movie together!"

Ryouhei:

"What does dinner have to do with a flower movie?"

Icon:

"So you can learn the meaning of beauty. And romance."

Ryouhei (hissing):

"I think I have to move rooms."

Aikohana (grinning in satisfaction):

"But you can't cook, so you still need me~"

Ryouhei (slowly, small smile):

"...Thank you, Ai."

Aikohana (gently):

"Hehe. You're welcome, Onii-chan."

---

# 12

---

Aikohana (chewing slowly):

"Eh, did you fall on a girl earlier?"

Ryouhei (immediately choking):

"Kkh—! Ai!! Who said that?!"

Aikohana (taking a cup of tea casually):

"My friend from class B saw it. He said it was really dramatic like an afternoon drama."

Ryouhei (putting down his chopsticks, resigned):

"I didn't mean to... I really didn't see her there."

Aikohana (staring sharply in curiosity):

"But why did you panic so much if it was just a normal incident?"

Ryouhei (scratching his head):

"Because... she seemed really scared. Then I got scolded too."

Aikohana (coming closer, softly):

"Eh... could it be that you're traumatized by angry girls? Like... Naofumi-senpai?"

Ryouhei (sighing heavily):

"Of course! She was like an angry lion! Yelling 'LOLICON!' into my ear!"

Aikohana (bursting into laughter):

"Pwahaha!! Oh my—HAHA! You're a lolicon?! Ouch... my stomach!"

Ryouhei (grimacing):

"That's not funny... that insults me completely."

Aikohana (wiping away tears):

"Sorry... but seriously, you have to apologize to Yukihiro-san again. Girls like that keep their feelings bottled up."

Ryouhei (silent for a moment):

"...Yeah. I know."

Aikohana (gentle):

"Give her flowers tomorrow. Flowers make your heart feel good."

Ryouhei (surprised):

"Why did it become like a date?"

Aikohana (smiles coquettishly):

"So you can learn... to care for other people's feelings."

Ryouhei (bows, slowly):

"I... will try."

Aikohana (happy):

"Good! But don't give me roses. It's too obvious."

Ryouhei:

"I don't even know what flowers would be suitable."

Icon:

"Relax~ Your little sister is a flower expert. I'll pick them out tomorrow."

Ryouhei (smiles softly):

"Thank you, Ai."

Aikohana (smiles back):

"Anything for my beloved Onii-chan."

---

After a dinner full of jokes and silly chats, the two of them sat relaxed in the living room.

The TV screen showed a documentary of flowers that Aikohana had chosen. Ryouhei just stared at the screen with half-open eyes, his head leaning on the back of the sofa.

Aikohana (hugging a pillow, beaming):

"Look! It's called Eustoma. The flower is soft like the feelings of a shy girl."

Ryouhei (slowly, half-asleep):

"Are you making fun of me..."

Aikohana (smiling with satisfaction):

"A little."

Gradually, the sound of the TV became faint. The living room lights only left a warm dim, the atmosphere of night enveloped the house.

Aikohana stood up first, stretching her body.

Aikohana:

"Let's go to bed, tomorrow you have to be a gentle man."

Ryouhei (slowly standing):

"Yes, yes, the future king of flowers is ready to sleep."

They walked to their respective rooms. As Aikohana's door was about to close, she managed to call out:

Aikohana:

"Good night, Onii-chan."

Ryouhei (from behind the door):

"Good night, Ai."

The lights went out.

The house sank into the silence of the night.

And so, the first day at Shirogane Lightfield Academy ended.

---

[To Be Continued…]