Chapter 100: A fact of course

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Translator: Soafp

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Wednesday, second period. It's been forever since we had PE.

I sat silently on the cold floor.

Among just over 40 boys in the class.

“………”

First of all, the truth is.

I'm an outcast in class (despair).

Moreover, I'm also out of place among the boys from the other classes, B and C, that gather here.

…It's because of this hair color.

I've always been a loner.

Before my hair turned rainbow-colored, I was so good at blending in that no one noticed me.

But now, with rainbow hair, it feels like people are thinking, “What's up with this guy? Let's keep our distance…” (paranoia).

Naturally, I don't talk to anyone other than those five.

Which means I don't talk to any of the other “boys.”

“—So, starting today, you'll be brainstorming the choreography for the creative dance.”

And this PE class… is mostly split by gender—boys with boys, girls with girls.

But the classes are combined, so we have A, B, and C all together.

Which means isolation.

…Well, usually, you're forced to form pairs or groups for the class, so it's fine in that regard.

But it's clear that there's a wall.

Ever since I became first in the grade, it feels like that wall has only gotten thicker.

I can feel it both inside and outside of class. Why? (despair).

“Let's all put our heart into this; it'll be recorded in the graduation DVD!”

—“Seriously?…” “I'm terrible at dancing.” “So embarrassing.”—

“If it's too bad, the teacher will come up with the routine for you, okay? We've got dance club members here, so please do your best!”

—“Isn't that good enough?” “Doing it and coming up with the dance are different…” “Let's just leave it to the dance club!”—

“Haha, you've been doing choreography classes for this, haven't you? Of course, it will affect your grades!”

The teacher chuckled and scolded us.

Our PE teacher is young and female, so the atmosphere of the class is pretty light.

As for PE, ball games are popular.

Things like the vault, mat exercises, shuttle runs, and long-distance running tend to be less popular.

In contrast, these dance classes have become mandatory recently (according to the teacher).

I remember during first year, we practiced a designated song with set choreography and danced at the sports festival.

In second year, it's all about creative dance.

We get to choose both the song and the choreography ourselves, which is amazing.

“Now, gather in your decided groups and discuss what kind of choreography and song you want to do! Remember, changes to group members are only allowed today. And just so you know, dance club members can't form groups! Alright, let's begin!”

—“This is unreasonable…” “Well, I knew that from club activities.” “Why don't we combine our group with yours?”—

By the way, the third years do social dancing in suits for the sports festival.

That was impressive too… (further escapism).

“……”

Students began to gather in groups, discussing and talking among themselves.

Well, of course.

I'm sitting alone (a decided fact).

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“……Toumachi's face looks dead!”

“Ah, a… (zombie).”

“Are you okay…?”

Having fully experienced the isolation (an extravagant 45-minute course), I blended into the desk like a slime.

Listening to everyone around me chattering excitedly about songs and choreography made me feel like I was disappearing.

Even now, the classroom is buzzing with that topic.

Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves in one way or another.

This creative dance class, where everything is decided by the students, seems especially popular among the girls. The boys already have some goof-off groups forming.

The dance will be presented next Friday in a mixed-gender setting.

From watching last year's seniors' DVD, the choreography looked pretty simple, so I felt somewhat relieved.

However, “simple” applies to everyone except the dance club. Their quality is on a whole other level, and since I'm going solo, I could really tell.

I remember being moved by the seniors’ stunning performance last year. I was alone (and dead).

“You’re definitely in a solo group, aren’t you, Toumachi?”

“Uoooh… (about to go berserk from negative energy)”

“If it was a mixed-gender group, I'd team up with Toumachi.”

“Really? Actually, I'm pretty good at dancing, you know. Should I tell the teacher now and get paired with a girl? (talking fast)”

“Gross☆”

“Shukou… (falls to the dark side)”

I slump back onto my desk.

…Well, I knew this would happen. I should be grateful that I have someone to talk to next to me (and the demon lord beside them).

“Are you two going to team up?”

“Yep☆”

“Yeah. We haven't decided on a song yet, though… What about you, Toumachi?”

“I’ve already decided.”

“Wow, that was quick☆”

“I've got to say, dancing is my hobby (proud face).”

“What song is it?”

“Absolutely that one! It's the song from the CD that Ichigo bought for you, right?”

“……”

How did you guess that?

It's almost scary (fear).

“It's the first CD I ever received in my life. To put it more accurately, it's the first CD I ever listened to…”

To be honest—I've listened to it quite a lot.

It's a really important song for me.

“Toumachi's so serious about this☆”

“Ah… (crushed under the weight of your words)”

“I-I'm happy to hear that, though…”

“Really? That song is so easy to get into, and it's easy to dance to! The tempo is just right, and the punchy kicks are the best! (talking super fast)”

“—Gross☆”

“Ugh (dead).”

Setting aside the demon lord, just being told that makes me feel free to create the dance.

By myself! With no inhibitions!

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“……”

Lunchtime.

As usual, I'm studying in the library.

Today, I couldn't quite focus on class, so I'm doing thorough review.

No need to say why; it's all about that dance thing.

I pushed it to the back of my mind, trying not to think too much about it.

I can't let a single subject drag down my other classes.

Time to rev up!

“……(boosting)”

The sound of my pen scratching against the paper echoed against the wall.

The rhythmic noise of the notebook naturally cleared my mind.

I felt comfort in the familiar act of studying.

I wouldn't call it fun.

But still, I feel stable when I'm alone at my desk, away from everyone else—

“—Phew…”

I let out a sigh.

I was able to concentrate more than usual (not that I'm avoiding reality), so I finished the prep work for tomorrow's lessons.

“……”

I looked up at the ceiling.

I'll think about the creative dance when I get home.

At school, I need to study. I have to switch gears as much as possible.

“……Oh?”

That was quick.

I checked the time on my phone, which was on silent mode, and saw that there were only 10 minutes left in lunch break.

However, more importantly—sweat started to pour down when I saw the message that was there.

Shiori: “Are you free during lunchtime today?”

“I didn't see that…”

I just looked at my phone for the first time during lunch (like a caveman).

This is bad, bad! It looks like I'm ignoring her!

I rushed out of the library (walking fast).