Chapter 148 | Story

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[Shinji’s Point of View]

The week after the pregnancy rumor incident.

The incident happened on Thursday, and after the weekend, it was Monday.

…As soon as I stepped into the classroom, I noticed that the atmosphere was different.

“Shin-chan…?”

I turned to Rika, who had come to school with me…

My classmates were watching us intently.

…What could this be about?

Their gazes were very unpleasant, almost sinister in a way.

You could say they were curious looks… but it certainly wasn't something comfortable.

Everyone was looking at Rika as if she were some rare animal on display.

Rika wasn’t oblivious either; she quickly sensed it.

She seemed taken aback by their disgusting stares.

“Let’s go.”

I took Rika’s hand and headed toward our seats.

As we moved, my classmates' gazes shifted along with us.

I could hear snickering from various corners of the room.

But it was an annoying sound.

It felt like they were mocking us…

I didn't want to speak ill of others too much, but clearly…

“Good morning, Shinji-kun.”

“…What is it, Nakatsugawa-san?”

Imoko Nakatsugawa approached us with a smirk plastered on her face.

Her smile was ten times more unpleasant than those faces my classmates had shown us earlier. It was disturbing.

“What do you mean? Is it not okay to talk if there’s no reason?”

“…Isn't that right? I have no business with you.”

“Oh, really?”

Even when I tried to brush her off, Imoko continued grinning without a care in the world. What on earth is her deal…?

“You might want to stay away from Matsumoto-san for now.”

“Huh? What do you mean by that…?”

“Who knows~ Hehe.”

Waving her hand playfully, Imoko walked away. Seriously, what's up with her…?

The class atmosphere felt strange, and Imoko kept bothering us; everything about this day felt off.

Just as I was thinking this… homeroom began. After greetings and dismissing us…

“Ueda, Matsumoto, can I have a word?”

Our homeroom teacher called out to us.

What could this be about…?

Rika looked anxious.

So I made an effort not to let that feeling affect me—at least not for myself.

“Let's go, Rika.”

“Yeah…”  

But why did the teacher call for us?

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