A week had passed since the new semester began, and the gloom which came with returning to school increased with each passing day.
Asahi hadn’t been able to bring himself to rise from bed for classes, let alone the opening ceremony, but he’d managed to grow accustomed to the school routine once again.
Clouds continued their presidency over the sky, sharpening the icy sting of the winter cold. Subsequently, more students had been showing up to school clad in coats, cardigans, and the like. Heaters had been employed in classrooms, and exhales started to take perceivable shape in the form of white vapor.
And despite all those factors, there were—surprisingly enough—other elements which also signified the official arrival of winter for Asahi.
“Chii-pie, why’s the ramen you got all red like that?” Hinami asked.
“Doesn’t it look great? It’s a pipin’ hot kimchi ramen! Only available during the winter season!”
“Gonna have to pass on that one,” Asahi said.
“I agree with Asahi. It looks too intense for me,” Fuyuka chimed in.
“Typical Chii-pie—can’t live without his spice.”
“C’mon guys, am I the only one hyped up about this?!” Chiaki cried, his shoulders drooping in disappointment from lack of support.
His over-the-top reaction gained laughter from Asahi, Hinami, and even a soft, elegant titter from Fuyuka.
In an ideal world, the four of them could’ve been described as a close group of friends after their visit to the shrine; a delightful and neat closure.
Unfortunately, reality wasn’t so simple. There was a considerable amount of ruckus around them today, and it wasn’t solely because they were in the ever-busy cafeteria. The group of four—Fuyuka, in particular—drew curious gazes from the students.
With a quick survey of their surroundings, one could tell they were the center of attention. All of the students, regardless of gender, glanced at them. Their inquisitive stares could be sorted into two categories overall—curiosity and fondness.
“Boy, oh boy. Look at ’em staring us like that,” Chiaki said.
“Only thing we can’t really run away from,” Asahi replied.
“I’m sorry I’ve brought you so much unwanted attention,” Fuyuka apologized.
“No need to say sorry, Fuyu-Fuyu! It’s not your fault!”
“What Hina said. Besides, we’re cool with it. Right, Asahi?”
“Uh-huh. You shouldn’t let it get to you... well, I guess you can’t exactly ignore it,” Asahi said. They’ve probably noticed the change in Fuyuka’s behavior.
The frost enveloping “The Ice Queen,” Fuyuka Himuro, was slowly melting away. She wasn’t rejecting people—on the contrary, she was conversing and laughing along with a group of friends. The frigid personality she’d once embraced where she’d locked her heart away inside a glacier was now a past memory.
“Daaamn, man. Everyone’s caught the Himuro bug out here,” Chiaki observed.
“I’m sorry?” Fuyuka asked, confused.
“He means that you’re the talk of the town, Fuyu-Fuyu! Right, Asahi?”
“Guys. Stop putting me on the spot,” Asahi whined as he munched away at his lunch and dodged the pestering questions. I don’t wanna admit it, but they’re right. Looks like everybody in the whole damn school is crazy about Fuyuka right now. If only she wasn’t a literal icicle. Every guy in the school would be head over heels for her.
A conversation he’d previously had with Chiaki suddenly came to mind. His passionate ravings were well on their way to becoming a reality.
“People were buzzing in class! Everyone would kill for a chance to chat with her,” Hinami remarked.
“That’s crazy. She’s become a celebrity. You think we should hire a bodyguard for her?” Chiaki suggested.
“I think you’re blowing things out of proportion,” Fuyuka said.
“Nah, don’t sell yourself short. They’ll be swarming all over you like paparazzi the second you’re out on your own.”
“We might seriously look into getting you some security, Fuyu-Fuyu! You’re just too precious and cute! Some weirdos might try to jump in for a hug or two!”
Yeah, definitely not projecting there, Hinami, Asahi wanted to retort. He only bit his tongue out of kindness... or, rather, because the smirks he kept receiving from “The Obnoxious Couple” impeded him from articulating his thoughts. He could easily tell what those smiles meant from the flow of the conversation. “I’m not gonna be posing as her bodyguard, just so you know.”
“But we haven’t even said anything yet!” Hinami protested.
“I know what you two are gonna say before you even open your traps. Not like Fuyuka is bothered by it either way, right?”
“Of course not. I’m just a little taken aback by how many people want to speak to me, that’s all.”
“You heard her. She doesn’t need any security or whatever. Case closed.”
Even “The Obnoxious Couple” nodded in agreement.
Fuyuka’s predicament was the result of her huge leap forward in connecting with people; it was also testament to her commitment toward changing her frigid attitude. The students were probably confused by her abrupt change of character and weren’t entirely sure how to approach her yet.
Asahi was resolute in not interfering unless absolutely necessary. He and his other friends would watch from the sidelines and cheer her on.
I’m sure she’ll build meaningful relationships with people soon enough. I went through the same thing and ended up becoming friends with Chiaki and Hinami. Pretty they know to butt out too, so there must’ve been a reason for the whole body guard suggestion.
Regardless of their intentions, it seemed that all was well.
“I’ve always wanted to relax while eating lunch, so I’m glad you guys are here,” Fuyuka said.
“You got it. Pretty sure these two don’t mind either,” Asahi said.
“We don’t!”
“Nope!”
Fuyuka had picked a... somewhat depressing way to word it, but she essentially just wanted to enjoy the company of her friends. And, naturally, no one on earth could possibly turn down her timidly-whispered request.