"Alright, class. Today, we have a new student transferring here from the city. Please introduce yourself."
It's my first day at Mizuhara High.
The place isn't too far from my apartment—and honestly, it's one of the best parts about living near the sea.
I stood in front of everyone, trying my best not to sound awkward.
"My name's Hayashi Kaito. I moved here from the city and decided to transfer to Mizuhara High. I think this school looks really nice, so… I hope we can all get along. Please take care of me."
The teacher nodded with a smile.
"Alright, thank you for the introduction, Hayashi-kun. You can sit next to Inohana Akane."
As I walked to my seat, I could already hear whispers.
"Whoa, a city boy."
"Yeah, he's kinda cute though…"
Seriously? I've been here for ten seconds.
Anyway, my seat was right by the window. The ideal spot—fresh air, ocean breeze, and the perfect excuse to daydream.
As soon as I sat down, the girl next to me—Inohana Akane—turned with a blank expression.
"Don't make noise. I'm trying to study," she said flatly.
Before I could even respond—
grrrkkk—
My stomach growled.
Loudly.
And of course, it had to happen in complete silence.
Every single head turned toward me.
"Uh… that was… the chair," I said quickly, shifting my seat to make it sound believable.
Unfortunately—
grkkk—
It made the exact same sound.
Inohana raised an eyebrow.
"If that's your chair, then I guess it's hungry too, huh?"
The whole class burst out laughing. Even the teacher had to cover her mouth.
Perfect. First day, and I'm already "the stomach guy."
When the laughter died down, I slumped in my seat.
Then I noticed Inohana trying hard not to laugh beside me—her shoulders trembling.
"If you're that hungry, I still have some bread," she whispered without looking my way.
"Eh? No, it's fine—"
plop!
A piece of bread landed on my desk.
"Better eat that than make your stomach talk again," she muttered.
"But I'm not even hungry!"
"Oh? You're really gonna refuse a girl's offer?" she smirked.
I sighed. "Fine. But don't get the wrong idea—I'm only accepting it so you'll stop talking."
Just then, a cool breeze swept through the open window.
Her hair fluttered wildly, catching the sunlight.
"Good thing it's just wind," I said. "If it were a typhoon, you'd probably get blown away."
"Excuse me?! I'm not that light!"
Her cheeks turned red—somewhere between embarrassment and irritation.
A few classmates snickered.
"Hayashi-kun," the teacher sighed, "please stop teasing Inohana. You're distracting the class."
"Y-yes, sensei…"
Silence returned for a few seconds—then Inohana giggled quietly.
I swear she was enjoying this.
"See? I told you. Now you got in trouble," she whispered smugly.
"Just wait. Next time, you'll be the one getting caught."
"Oh? Bring it on, stupid city boy."
"Hah?! Who are you calling stupid?!"
My voice cracked, drawing a few stifled laughs.
Inohana crossed her arms, tilting her head. "If not you, then who else?"
"Ugh, you're seriously annoying."
"Heh, so you admit it then?"
I groaned, sinking deeper into my chair.
This girl was the embodiment of trouble.
"Alright, what's with all the noise?" the teacher said again.
"Sensei! Hayashi keeps teasing me!" she said, fake-pouting like an actress in a drama.
"What?! You started it!"
The class erupted again.
Even the teacher was trying not to laugh this time.
"You two sound like elementary school kids," she said with a tired sigh.
"Alright, Inohana—apologize to Hayashi-kun."
"E-eh?! W-wait—!"
Her face turned crimson.
"I-It's not like I'm admitting defeat or anything, okay, city boy!"
She puffed her cheeks, turning away.
I grinned. "I win. Annoying girl."
Her cheeks puffed even more.
The class laughed again, and the teacher just shook her head.
"You two really are like kids."
And for some reason…
even though it was embarrassing,
I couldn't help but smile a little.
Maybe… this school won't be so bad after all.