Chapter 23: Just For You to Know Right Now

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Translator: Soafp

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It was Monday morning after the break. As Ginji rode his bike down the street in front of the shopping district, he spotted Sora already waiting.

When he got off and walked closer, Ginji immediately noticed something different about Sora. Her bangs had been trimmed a bit, and she wasn't wearing her usual thick-rimmed black glasses.

“Morning, Ginji.”

Normally hidden behind her bangs, Sora's hazel eyes—brown mixed with a hint of green—fixed directly on him. With a slightly straighter back than usual and wearing a summer cardigan, Sora gave off a distinctly different vibe.

Her slender jawline and well-proportioned features made Ginji think, ‘If he just acted normal, he'd totally be popular.’

“Morning to you. Hey, not bad. Your good looks just got a boost.”

“…”

Kick kick.

“Ow! Don't kick me! I was complimenting you!”

“Whatever. Let's go already.”

“Yeah yeah, toss your bag in the basket.”

Ginji started pushing his bike while Sora walked beside him, swinging her arms. Ginji was still thinking about what happened over the weekend, especially about Aika, but he also noticed that Sora was acting a bit odd. Usually, she'd be darting her eyes around, constantly distracted by the scenery—but today, her gaze kept meeting his.

“… Jiiii”

“Huh? Is there something on my face?”

“You've got a tiny mole under your ear.”

“Oh yeah… maybe? So what?”

Ginji wiped some sweat off his brow as he replied.

“No reason.”

Sora lifted her chin with a smug expression. Ginji gave her a puzzled look but decided it wasn't a bad change and turned his eyes forward again. As they neared the school, Sora pulled out her usual black glasses. When she put them on, the thick frames made her face look noticeably different.

“Hey, you went to all that effort for a makeover, and now you're putting the glasses back on? What, no contacts?”

“They're fake glasses to begin with. I only care that you see me.”

“…The heck is that supposed to mean? I feel like I've been played all morning.”

“Ahaha, well you always get to tease me, so once in a while it's my turn, right?”

“Tch… just you wait.”

Despite her words, Ginji didn't seem to mind. He reached out and ruffled Sora's hair.

“See? Still getting teased.”

Looking up at him with a slight smile, Sora seemed genuinely happy.

“Idiot. We're almost at the gate—time to greet people.”

“Okay, um… Oh! Morning, Saito-kun!”

“You did it! You initiated the greeting. Morning, Saito.”

“Yawn… Oh, it's Takagi and Ginji. Morning.”

“Y-yeah, morning.”

Sora still got nervous when talking to people she wasn't used to.

“Why do you sound like you're joining the judo club or something? Anyway, check this out, guys—summer clothes on the girls. Total eye candy, right?”

Saito, a big guy, shamelessly stared at passing girls in a way that would definitely get him reported in the wrong setting.

“If you stare too much, you'll creep them out.”

“I-I think it's not really okay to look at girls like that…”

“Fine, fine. I'll keep it in check. Later.”

With sleepy eyes, Saito headed off to the shoe lockers. After watching him go, Sora turned to Ginji.

“So… you like girls in light clothes too, Ginji?”

Ginji closed his eyes for a few seconds, as if in deep thought. Then he opened them.

“I do. But I'm picky about the situation. In that sense, catching a glimpse in front of the school gate in the morning? Not bad.”

He said this with complete confidence—something that would definitely be a problem if any other girls had overheard.

“Whoa… you're a perv.”

Sora, oddly excited, seemed impressed. Ginji nodded proudly.

“All guys are pervs. That's why we gotta be gentlemen. What about you, Sora?”

“M-me!? Hmm…”

Blushing, Sora looked down in thought. Ginji casually slung his arm around her shoulders.

“Wah! Wh-what're you doing, Ginji!?”

“What? Talking about dirty stuff with your friends just shows how close you are. We should have a proper talk sometime.”

Sora gripped his arm from below, her face beet red as she mumbled under her breath.

“…I like your upper arms when you wear light clothing.”

“Hmm? What'd you say?”

“N-nothing! A-anyway, Aika-chan will be here soon and the rest of the girls too. Let's get to class.”

“We only got to say hi to Saito. Eh, whatever. I agree—Shiki and her crowd are annoying. Let's head in.”

“Yeah.”

And with that, the two of them walked off toward the classroom.