40- My Name is Hasebe Haruka (7)

Standing before me is a girl whose face is the epitome of beauty: long blonde hair tied in a ponytail and eyes sparkling with a faint purple glow.

The only reason we know each other is because we're classmates.

I wouldn't go as far as to say we're friends, though. To be honest, this is the first time we've actually spoken.

The only reason I know who she is is her popularity in class. If Kushida's the saintly sister, Karuizawa's the class queen.

"What a coincidence! I'm guessing you're here to fill your stomach after your study session too."

Noticing the snacks in my hand, Karuizawa figures out why I'm here.

"Uh, yeah."

I reply simply.

After that brief exchange, we both head to the checkout.

Karuizawa grabs two sandwiches and some cookies.

I'm about to leave for my dorm when…

"Hasebe-san?"

Karuizawa calls out again.

"Yeah?"

I respond, a bit curious.

"Could we maybe chat for a bit?"

'Chat?'

"Oh, I'd get it if it's too late or you've got other plans."

Mistaking my surprised look for a no, Karuizawa tries to backtrack.

"Nah, I'm just shocked you want to talk to *me*."

'Ugh, why'd I say that? Now I sound like some introvert who can't handle the class queen's spotlight.'

My words make Karuizawa laugh for a moment.

"Sorry, I didn't know the class queen had such a sense of humor."

She says.

'Huh?! *Me*, the class queen?'

I'm stunned for a second before forcing myself to snap out of it.

"Uh, if it's okay with you, maybe we could find somewhere to sit first?"

I suggest.

I'm genuinely curious about what Karuizawa wants, but my stomach comes first.

Karuizawa nods in agreement.

We head to the center's lobby and settle on a bench near the fountain.

I dive right into my food, much to Karuizawa's possible dismay, who might've wanted to talk first.

'An empty stomach means deaf ears, Karuizawa-san.'

Following my lead, Karuizawa starts eating too.

Being the foodie I am, I don't hesitate to propose a trade: my chocolate bar for one of her sandwiches. She surprisingly agrees without a fuss.

Score!

'Ah, I'm recharged. Time to digest and then sleep.'

Finished eating, I quietly celebrate my little evening treat.

"Thanks for the sandwich, Karuizawa-san. It was delicious."

I thank her for her generous trade.

"No prob. Thanks for the chocolate too."

She returns the thanks.

"So, what did you want to talk about?"

Time to get to the point.

At that, I notice Karuizawa's face turn slightly embarrassed.

"There's just something I'm curious about."

She says.

I stay quiet as she continues.

"Hasebe-san, why do you let me take the class queen title when it's rightfully yours?"

Karuizawa locks eyes with me, her gaze intense.

'?'

Total confusion.

"Karuizawa-san, why do you keep saying I'm the class queen?"

I ask back.

Seriously, you don't need to be a genius to see I'm one of the least influential girls in class.

Where's this class queen thing coming from?

Wait a sec…

"You're dating Kōenji-kun, right? Isn't it normal to call you the queen since you're with the king?"

'So that's it.'

"Karuizawa-san…"

I start to say something, but she seems to have more to add.

"Don't try to deny it. It's so obvious. I'm still wondering why you two haven't made it official. I think—"

"Karuizawa-san!"

I raise my voice slightly this time.

It stops her in her tracks.

She looks at me, surprised by my sudden tone.

I'm just as shocked.

"There's nothing between me and Kōenji."

I say firmly.

"But—"

She tries to respond, but I cut her off.

"I don't know what makes you think that, but it's the honest truth. Kōenji and I are just good friends. So can you stop calling me the class queen? That title's yours, Karuizawa-san."

At my words, Karuizawa stares at me, dumbfounded.

'Alright, that's what she wanted to know, right? Bed, here I come.'

"If that's all, I'll head out first."

Thinking we're done, I start to leave.

"Wait, please!"

Grabbing my arm to stop me, Karuizawa pleads.

"Something else?"

I ask.

Seeing I've stopped, she lets go.

"I'm sorry if…"

She starts to apologize, but it's not necessary.

"No need to apologize."

I cut her off.

"By the way, Karuizawa-san, I think you should go for Kōenji-kun."

I add.

I'm not clueless. I knew from the start why she approached me. I'm just too lazy to get involved.

But seeing how embarrassed she is, I decide to get involved—just a little.

"No! It's not… Uh, I just…"

Flustered and unable to cover, Karuizawa hides her face in embarrassment.

I give her a moment to compose herself.

"D-do you think I have a shot?"

Still covering her face with her hands, she asks.

"Hm, I think you two would be good together. You're charismatic, and most of our classmates, guys and girls, really look up to you."

I reply.

When you think about it, Karuizawa's the perfect girl for Kōenji.

But something in me says that narcissist isn't the type to settle for one flower. Still, I haven't seen him flirt with any girls yet, so Karuizawa's got a chance, right?

Now calmer, Karuizawa uncovers her face.

"Thanks, Hasebe-san."

She says.

"No prob."

I reply, finally taking my leave.

"See you tomorrow, Hasebe-chan!"

"Tomorrow."

I leave Karuizawa and head back to my dorm: Room 804.

Without thinking, I flop onto my bed.

"Ah, my kingdom, we meet again."

Staring at the ceiling, I get lost in thought.

I replay my conversation with Karuizawa.

'This'll show me how I really feel.'

I sigh.

'Oh, cruel fate, don't burden this heart with pain…'

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