Chapter 2: One Hour With Her
Break time at this school lasts an hour and a half. For Itsuki, it's a long enough and ideal moment to invite Shizune to tour the school.
The first place they visited was the cafeteria. It was bustling with the noisy chatter of students scrambling for seats and lining up for food. The fragrant aromas of curry, udon, and sweet treats blended together, filling the air.
"This... is the cafeteria. It's usually crowded, but the food is good," said Itsuki, glancing at the long line.
Shizune looked around. "So many choices, huh?"
"Yeah. I usually get this," said Itsuki, pointing at a rack filled with yakisoba bread. "And that... anmitsu, super sweet. Do you like sweets?"
Shizune nodded, her eyes sparkling. "I love all things sweet. Cakes, chocolate, ice cream... everything."
Hearing that, Itsuki immediately knew where to go. He brought Shizune to a corner of the cafeteria where a small store sold cakes and chocolates. After buying his favorite chocolate mousse, he handed it to Shizune.
"Here, for you."
"Eh? You didn't have to... but thank you," said Shizune, her smile making Itsuki's face flush red.
After that, they headed to the sports field. The grass was neatly trimmed, the air was fresh, and in the distance, they could hear students practicing soccer and athletics.
"It's so wide... I thought schools in residential areas would be small," said Shizune as she stretched her arms, her body looking graceful and flexible.
Itsuki quickly turned his face away when he accidentally caught sight of... a prominent part of Shizune's body. His cheeks red, he tried to calm himself.
"Y-yeah... the air here is nice too, that's why I like it," he said hastily.
They continued the tour to the club rooms—basketball, music, calligraphy. As they passed the martial arts club room, Shizune turned her head.
"What club are you in, Itsuki-kun?"
"Taekwondo," he answered without hesitation. "I might be quiet, but I'm pretty strong. Though... I am short."
Shizune giggled, genuinely and softly. "That's cute. You're different from what I imagined."
"What about you... You haven't joined any clubs yet?" Itsuki asked.
"Not yet, but I'm thinking maybe the basketball club," she replied cheerfully.
Without realizing it, something in Itsuki changed. He realized how comfortable he felt talking with Shizune. Normally, it was so hard for him to open up.
As they walked toward the school garden, unbeknownst to them, a pair of eyes watched closely from behind a building wall.
The garden was Itsuki's favorite place. There were wooden benches and sakura trees just beginning to bloom.
"This... is my favorite spot. I like sitting here. It's calm and cool."
"I see why you like it. It's beautiful and peaceful," said Shizune with a smile.
They sat side by side on the wooden bench.
Behind them, sakura petals slowly began to fall. For a moment, silence enveloped them—until suddenly, a tall, muscular man with blonde hair appeared.
"Ah, Kisaragi-san?"
Shizune turned. "Eh... yes?"
"I'm Yamada Shounen. Vice president of the student council. Wow, can't believe someone as popular as you is attending this school."
Shizune smiled politely. "I transferred here because it's quiet and not too crowded. It suits me."
Yamada nodded. He went on about the school, student council rules, and even invited Shizune to join. But Shizune politely declined.
"Sorry... I'm quite busy. But thank you for the offer."
Their conversation continued until Itsuki began to feel left out. He stood up, intending to leave.
But Shizune reached for his hand. "Where are you going?"
"E-eh... the tour's over."
Shizune looked down slightly, still holding his hand. "Thank you... for showing me around."
Itsuki nodded slowly. "You're welcome... We're friends, after all."
Shizune smiled. "Yeah... Itsuki-kun."
The bell rang. History class was starting. In class, the teacher simply told the students to read from their textbooks.
Shizune looked bored. Slowly, she slid her chair closer to Itsuki's.
Their desks nearly touched.
Itsuki was startled. His face turned red. He pretended to read, though not a single word entered his mind.
Shizune rested her chin on the desk, gazing at Itsuki from the side. Her gaze was gentle. Itsuki grew even more flustered, covering his face with both hands.
Shizune giggled. "You're... kind of cute."
"M-me?" Itsuki's voice was barely audible. He never expected Shizune to call him cute—he wanted to be seen as cool.
"Yes."
Itsuki mustered the courage to ask, "Are you... done reading?"
Shizune shifted even closer, their shoulders now touching.
"I'm bored. This kind of reading makes me sleepy... I'd rather read manga."
They whispered to each other. But other students started to notice them—especially two girls named Kuichi Urine and Opella. They were infamous for posting gossip on social media. Their eyes followed every move Shizune and Itsuki made.
Suddenly, Shizune whispered, "Wanna go see a movie?"
"Huh? Me? Why are you asking me?" Itsuki was surprised by the sudden invitation.
"Because... you're different. You don't see me as a celebrity. You're calm, comfortable. My new movie is coming out this week. But I'm not expecting much," she said weakly.
It was Shizune's third movie, but because of a scandal, she didn't have high hopes. She even blamed herself for ruining others' careers.
Itsuki looked down. "You worked hard. I... I want to go with you."
"Yeah... I hope my movie does well."
Itsuki smiled. "It will. And I'll always be by your side."
Even though he didn't make eye contact, Shizune could see the sincerity in his heart. She felt at peace just looking at Itsuki's face.
After school, Itsuki headed to the bicycle parking lot. As he was about to leave through the gate, he felt a weight behind him.
"Eh?"
He turned. Shizune stood behind him, a mischievous smile on her face.
"Mind giving me a ride?"
Itsuki wondered—how could someone as famous as Shizune not have a personal driver or something? He wanted to ask, but... if she wanted a ride, that was fine. Maybe this was his lucky chance to get closer to the girl everyone dreamed of.
"If you mind, I won't force you," she said quickly.
Itsuki paused for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Hop on."
With his blue bike, they rode together under the evening sky. The streets were quiet, and the evening breeze was cool.
"Riding a bike is more fun than I thought," said Shizune.
"You like scenery, don't you?"
Shizune turned to him. "Yeah, especially new sights. They make me feel safe and relaxed...
Like right now."
"At my grandma's house, there's this beautiful view... I often hang out there, because you can see the sky and the clear river, like you're walking on clouds."
"Oh... I want to go there."
"If I go, I'll take pictures for you."
Suddenly, Shizune pulled out her phone. Itsuki was surprised and nervous—but happy—when they exchanged Line contacts.
They arrived at a minimalist two-story house, not far from school.
"Thanks for the ride," said Shizune with a smile.
Itsuki nodded. "You're welcome."
After saying goodbye, Itsuki left. Shizune watched his back as it grew smaller in the distance. She smiled—
for her, today had been a truly lovely day.
After Shizune entered the house, her maid immediately approached.
"Miss Shizune, why didn't you want to be picked up earlier?"
Shizune answered lightly, her smile still lingering.
"I wanted to go home... with my friend."
And in truth, it had all been part of a little plan of Shizune's.