Chapter 21

Keyaki Mall

It was a 5-story main mall complex of Advanced Nurturing High School.

Two people could be seen entering the mall.

It was a boy and a girl.

The boy was tall, approximately 6'1. He had obsidian black hair that occasionally fluttered in the wind.

His uniform hugged his muscular body and his eyes were the same shade as his hair and his facial features were sharp and pristine.

He exuded a charming yet intimidating aura.

(Image)

But the person next to him was entirely different.

She had long ping hair that reached her waist tied into two ponytails. She also had a few strands of hair that curled to the side cutely.

(Image)

She looked quite short standing next to him and would've looked like a child if not for her mature body with curves that caused many students to glance over at her—especially the male students.

"Yahoo! Tatsuya-kun!"

"Hey! Good evening!"

"Are you on a date Tatsuya-kun~?"

Several female students came over to greet him occasionally and he responded with a soft smile, answering each and every other of their questions patiently.

Airi who was flustered by the attention stepped back and slightly hid behind Tatsuya, like a scared rabbit.

This action of hers caused all the male students nearby to look at Tatsuya with jealousy and anger.

Most of the students were from A, B, or C class.

The reason was the study group that was being held. Since Hirata was leading it even if someone had acceptable grades they still joined in for fun.

After separating from the invasive female species and jealous stares directed at her for being with Tatsuya Airi hesitantly spoke out, "W-where are w-we going?"

"I was thinking of going to pallet. You're hungry, right? We could go to a different restaurant depending on your choice. I'll be paying so pick whatever you want."

"O-Oh."

She fell silent hearing that.

Just as she was about to answer two unexpected people came to greet Tatsuya enthusiastically and Tatsuya upon seeing who they were raised a brow in interest.

His eyes were first drawn to the girl.

She had entrancing blue eyes that threatened to always draw him into it when gazing directly his way.

She had long, light pinkish-type hair which was similar to Airi's but hers was more of a mix of pink and blonde.

Her hair traveled down in length to her hip.

Even though she was of average height, she possessed an extremely well-endowed figure.

It was Honami Ichinose.

(Image)

The one walking with her was no less outstanding.

It was a young man of average height with violet-bluish hair and purple eyes. He had a similarly sharp face and a handsome face.

It was Kanzaki Ryuji.

(Image)

***

"What an interesting coincidence... Right?"

Ichinose laughed lightly hearing that and nodded her head, "Indeed, are you here for shopping Tatsuya-kun or did I happen to disturb you?" She gave Airi a subtle glance.

"Hello! I'm Ichinose Honami from Class B, nice to meet you!"

Airi was stumped by her unexpected enthusiasm and stuttered before greeting her, "N-Nice to meet you. Sakura Airi from Class D."

Hearing her not stutter the last part surprised Tatsuya but his expression didn't change.

He wasn't unfamiliar with Ichinose. As a central figure of Class D, he was well acquainted with popular students from other classes.

He had an occasional chat with Ichinose every now and then but it wasn't anything serious.

"Good Evening, Tatsuya-san," Kanzaki spoke politely standing beside Ichinose and Tatsuya greeted him back.

"Good Evening, A date with Ichinose huh?"

Ichinose quickly shook her head and laughed in amusement as Kanzaki explained causally, "Not really, we're just checking out the cheapest options available in the mall for future reference."

"Hmm? Even though you're from Class B? How interesting."

Ichinose smiled bitterly hearing that.

"You never know when we'll have to face something unexpected better to be prepared than run around like a headless chicken."

Tatsuya nodded, "We were going to get something to eat, care to join us?"

Kanzaki looked hesitant but Ichinose nodded with a smile, "Sure, we were getting tired anyways. You don't mind right, Kanzaki-kun?"

Kanzaki paused for a split second before nodding with a calm expression.

"Great!" Ichinose clapped her hands, "Can I decide where we eat? I found a really good restaurant a few days ago and it's really cheap!"

Tatsuya nodded and the unusual group of four made their way towards the restaurant that Ichinose was recommending.

Airi felt her head spin. The overwhelming attention she was getting due to being with three famous first years was too much for her to handle.

Even though she didn't like Tatsuya and wanted to never see him, she subconsciously stuck close to him for support.

Ichinose and Tatsuya stuck out too much from the average crowd. It was like a pair of swans swimming amongst ugly ducks.

Even Kanzaki who was decently popular due to his looks was overshadowed by Tatsuya.

Ichinose noticed this but didn't say anything and kept talking with Tatsuya and Kanzaki, occasionally including Airi by asking her a few questions to not make her feel out of place.

Airi felt that she was really kind.

"Ah, by the way, those gloves are pretty fancy, did you buy them here?" Ichinose asked with an interested expression and Tatsuya brushed it off, "Yeah, I don't remember but it was definitely a shop in this mall. Don't know about fancy part but I found them cool."

"Hehe, indeed. The symbol on it is pretty fascinating."

As they conversed they reached the restaurant Ichinose was talking about.

Senzo was the name of the restaurant and it was not as popular as Pallet Cafe but there were still many students.

And since it wasn't as popular as Pallet they were able to find a table for four.

Ichinose opened the menu with familiarity, her rosy lips parted a second later, "I'll have a serving of Katsu Curry, I'll recommend it, I really love it."

She crossed her hands and had a look of pleasure.

"I'll have Gyoza." Kanzaki didn't really take time as well. Looks like they often came here.

Tatsuya opened the menu and ignored Airi who was hiding behind her menu. Naturally, Airi and Tatsuya sat together while Kanzaki. and Ichinose sat in front of them.

The area wasn't open and there was a fancy wall adorned with lights beside them. Airi sat against the wall.

Tatsuya looked at the menu and decided to look at the description of what Ichinose and Kanzaki were having.

Katsu Curry was basically breaded and deep-fried meat (usually pork) served with Japanese curry over rice.

While Gyoza was pan-fried or steamed dumplings filled with meat and vegetables.

"I guess I'll have some Pork Ramen. It's been a long time since I've tried it." He looked towards Airi and asked with a smile, "Have you decided on something?"

"Uh," Airi who was looking at the menu in a daze was startled by his voice and she peeked over the menu.

Ichinose smiled while Kanzaki said nothing.

She glanced at Tatsuya, "I'll have Sushi."

Tatsuya nodded and Ichinose called the waiter over. She smoothly ordered the food with a small smile and Airi looked at her with a bit of jealousy.

She wondered when she could talk so confidently.

Would people even like an incompetent idol like her?

Just as she was having these gloomy thoughts Tatsuya patted her shoulder and she calmed down.

Soon the conversation began and flowed as smoothly as before. Naturally, it was mostly Ichinose and Tatsuya while Kanzaki responded when called for.

Airi talked the least.

After a dozen or so minutes the meals arrived and they ate happily. Even Airi had a content expression.

Seeing this Tatsuya finished his meal and lightly brushed his hands against each other before getting up.

"I'll be back, I have to go to the restroom."

"Ah, sure! We'll wait." Ichinose quickly chewed the rice in her mouth and answered.

Airi felt panicked being alone but unfortunately, Tatsuya didn't give her more than a glance.

"I'll be right back."

Tatsuya left and silence took over for a few seconds before Ichinose finally decided to try opening up to Airi.

...

Tatsuya who entered the washroom, entered one of the cubicles and locked it.

He raised his hand with a snap and a green cloak appeared in his hands. He wrapped it around his neck and astonishingly his figure began to disappear.

Soon he turned invisible.

With a cold look, he exited the cubical.

***

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