The Strategy of the Six and the 0.5-Meter Barrier

Reikou placed his hand on Ryuuto’s shoulder. On the other side, Kiyoshi mirrored the gesture.

The "Trouble Trio" was officially formed. Behind them, Yueko followed, a soft, maternal smile on her lips as she watched the boys’ antics.

Once inside the classroom, Reikou hurried to his seat by the window. His eyes immediately began scanning the room, searching for a specific silhouette.

‘Where is she...?’

Then, his gaze locked onto her. Meiyu Sazanami sat quietly at her desk, bathed in the morning light. Once again, the world around her blurred into a soft focus. A gentle breeze drifted through the open window, lifting the dark silk of her hair. She raised a delicate hand, tucking a stray strand behind her ear with effortless poise.

Reikou stared, his chin in his hand, completely lost in a daze.

“GOOD MORNING, STUDENTS!”

Yinglan-sensei marched into the room, slamming his attendance book on the podium. “Listen carefully. We have a test next week. Be prepared.”

Reikou wasn't listening. He was busy staring at the back of Meiyu’s head.

TWACK!

A piece of chalk sniped him right in the forehead.

“I-Itai! (Ouch!)”

“Where were you wandering, Shion-kun?” Yinglan-sensei asked, peering over his glasses.

“Uh—nowhere! I was just... visualizing my study plan! Yes, visualizing!” Reikou blurted out, sweating.

“Hmm. See that you do. Sit down.” Yinglan-sensei cleared his throat. “Now, we are changing the seating arrangement today. The single-row format is over. From now on, you will combine three desks together.”

The classroom erupted in whispers.

“Three students per row. I want you to help each other prepare for the exams. But do not take advantage of this to slack off! I have a faculty meeting, arrange yourselves quietly.”

The moment the door slid shut, the room exploded with the sound of screeching chair legs and excited chatter.

“Hyy, everyone! I have a plan!” Shiori called out, gathering the group.

“What is it, Shiori-Chan?” Ryuuto asked.

“What if we all sit together? We’re a group of six now don't forget Sazanami-chan!” Shiori explained excitedly. “We’ll form two blocks of three. Yueko, Meiyu, and I will be one row, and you three boys will be right beside us. That way, we can support each other and Yueko and I can figure out how to navigate Sazanami-chan's rules!”

“Un! That’s a brilliant idea!” Yueko agreed.

“Hmm... usually you look a bit slow, Shiori-chan but sometimes you’re a genius,” Ryuuto muttered.

In an instant, the air turned cold. Reikou, Kiyoshi, Yueko, and Shiori all crossed their arms, narrowing their eyes at Ryuuto with a dangerous intensity.

“Are we... supposed to laugh at that, Ryuuto-kun?” Shiori asked, her voice dropping an octave.

“Ah—Ahaha... O-okay, fine! My bad! Gomen!” Ryuuto rubbed the back of his head, retreating.

“But Shiori-san,” Reikou asked nervously, “is Meiyu - san actually okay with this?”

“I already talked to her,” Shiori replied confidently.

[Flashback]

“Sazanami-Chan, if you don't mind, would you like to sit with Yueko-chan and me?” Shiori asked politely.

Meiyu looked up, her emerald eyes unreadable. “Fine. But ensure a 0.5-meter distance is maintained at all times.”

“O-Okay...” Shiori replied with an awkward sweat-drop.

[End Flashback]

“So, we just have to mind the gap,” Yueko noted.

“H-Hello... Nice to meet you all. I am... Meiyu Sazanami,” a soft, aristocratic whisper came from behind them.

She stood near Reikou, perfectly maintaining the 0.5-meter boundary.

“NICE TO MEET YOU!” The group bowed in unison except Reikou. He was smiling. Not a normal smile, but a creepy, wide eyed grin of pure victory.

Ryuuto stared at him, horrified. ‘Why is he smiling like a high-level criminal?!’

As Reikou moved to shift a heavy desk, he felt a light, tentative tug on the back of his uniform jacket.

“Huh?” He spun around. His face began to heat up instantly. “M-Meiyu-san? What happened?”

Meiyu looked away, her voice barely audible. “Sorry... for hitting you with my bag earlier. That is all.”

Reikou’s heart did a backflip. “Oh, no, it’s fine! I—”

“Now move aside. You’re in the way,” she cut him off coldly, immediately turning to help Shiori and Yueko with the furniture.

Reikou stood there like a statue, his soul floating somewhere near the ceiling. The desks were moved, the rows were set, and the "Great Wall of Rules" was officially part of the group.

[End of Chapter 6]