As soon as class started, our homeroom teacher entered the room. She asked everyone to calm down and take their seats.
Once everyone was settled, she began by announcing that a new student would be joining us today. She clarified that the student wasn't a transfer—just someone who had enrolled a bit late.
Honestly, I wasn't interested. It didn't matter to me—I wasn't planning to interact with them anyway. I've always kept my distance from others. But unlike me, the rest of the class seemed curious. Even Aika looked a little interested.
And then—she walked in.
It felt like a sudden rush of warmth in my chest. I quickly looked away. Still… I was mesmerized, I don't know if it is because of her Brunette hair or her emerald-like eyes, but I could not keep my gaze off of her.
She was pretty—not overwhelmingly so—but there was something about her.
Something I couldn't ignore. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't stop the way my heart reacted when I looked at her.
Then, she began to introduce herself.
"My name is Kiyomi Mizuhara."
I don't know why… but that name felt like it was engraved in my memory.
I was so lost in thought, I didn't even notice when she walked over and sat beside me. It wasn't until she called me that I snapped back to reality.
She smiled gently.
"Sorry if I startled you," she said. "I just thought… since we're going to be sitting near each other, I should say hi."
I quickly composed myself. Without showing much emotion, I replied, "It's alright. "
Then I introduced myself.
Even then… I could feel Aika's gaze.
Though I doubt she meant anything by it.
After that little moment, the class continued as usual. And I quietly returned to being… me.