And so, a new school life began.
However, compared to their first year, it was considerably quieter… undoubtedly because that guy wasn’t in the class anymore.
(Without Ryoma Ryuzaki around, this is what school life is like.)
It’s unbelievably peaceful compared to a year ago.
Back when Ryoma Ryuzaki was in their class, the classroom was always lively.
Mainly because of Ryoma, voices of excitement were always flying around.
Not that it’s nostalgic or anything.
And even if Ryoma were here now, I don’t think it would be as noisy as before.
After all, he’s no longer the “protagonist”.
“…Ah.”
It was during break time.
On the way back to class from the restroom, I happened to encounter Ryoma in the hallway.
“Huh? Nakayama, huh?”
He noticed me too and let out a slightly exasperated sigh.
It’s not like we’re in a relationship where we chat, but it’s not so strained that we’d fight, either. We exchanged nods and continued past each other.
Ryoma probably doesn’t think too highly of me, and this level of distance seems just right… I thought.
“Nakayama, what class are you in?”
Incredibly, he was the one who initiated the conversation.
This is a phenomenon that would have been unthinkable with the previous Ryoma.
“Huh? Oh, um… I’m in Class 3.”
“I see. So, Shiho… or should I say Shimotsuki? Is she in a different class from you?”
Then, I was surprised again.
Ryoma hardly ever talked about Shiho before.
He used to dislike talking to me about her… Has he finally let go of that?
“Well, yeah. She’s in a different class.”
I nodded honestly, and Ryoma shrugged, leaning against the wall.
He seemed to be in a posture to continue chatting, so I turned towards him.
“It’s refreshing not being in the same class as you. It was rough back in our first year.”
“You say that… It was tough for me too, you know.”
“Yeah, I get it. Well, a lot happened, but I’m not planning to apologize to you. And I don’t intend to get along with you from now on either.”
Of course, I felt the same way.
But compared to before… I could interact with Ryoma with more neutral emotions.
Maybe he feels the same way as me.
That’s why he might have started this conversation.
“Yuzuki and Kirari are in the same class as me. I hope this year turns out to be a normal and enjoyable one.”
“I hope so too.”
I lightly nodded, and Ryoma looked at me with interest as if to say something intriguing.
“…You seem different.”
“Huh?”
I never expected Ryoma to say that… so I couldn’t hide my surprise about this.
Shiho said the same thing to me. Ryoma seems to have sensed it somehow.
“I can’t specify what’s changed… but Nakayama, your eyes look sharp for you.”
“Sharp eyes?”
Today, Ryoma kept surprising me.
“Or maybe ‘energetic’ is the right word? Compared to before, you seem spirited… or maybe not. Hmm, I don’t really know. Why am I even talking to you about this?”
“Even if you say that…”
It was him who started the conversation.
I couldn’t help but smile wryly, and Ryoma laughed along.
“Well, that’s how it is. Sorry for stopping you. I should head back now.”
Saying that, Ryoma returned to his classroom.
He seemed unusually calm throughout… composed.
I wonder if his sequel is very laid-back.
If that’s the case, I think it’s a good thing.
If he’s returned to being an ordinary boy, not caught up in the story anymore… then surely Yuzuki and Kirari’s love will also reach a proper conclusion.
