Morning. When I opened my shoe locker, there was a pale pink envelope inside.

Back when the boys-to-girls ratio was roughly even, I probably would have rushed to the bathroom, my heart pounding, and checked the letter with trembling hands.

But now, all I could think was, “Again?”

I opened the envelope right there.

“I’ll be waiting on the rooftop at lunch. Class 3-A, Sakurai Ayaka.”

Sakurai Ayaka. She was the vice president of the student council and a third-year student.

Even though it was a call from someone way out of my league, my heart didn’t flutter. Since coming to this world, I have confessed at least three times a week.

Sometimes, even every day. From classmates, upperclassmen, underclassmen… even university students. There were times when kids younger than me confessed, and once, a woman in her thirties tried to hit on me, too.

“Another call-up?”

Wakana came up beside me while I was standing in front of the lockers.

She tilted her head as she looked at the envelope in my hands.

“Yeah. From third-year Sakurai-senpai.”

“Sakurai-senpai? Whoa, that’s amazing.”

“Really?”

“Ren, you’re way too oblivious. Sakurai-senpai is one of the most beautiful girls in this school. I think she even has some modeling experience.”

Wakana made an exasperated face.

“Okay.”

“Isn’t this the part where you should be excited?”

“But I’ll say no.”

“You never change.”

Wakana snorted and looked a little bored.

✩ ✩ ✩

At lunch, I headed straight to the rooftop.

Getting confessed to would normally make me happy. But in this world, it felt strange.

I couldn’t shake the feeling that people only liked me because I’m a rare guy. And as for Sakurai-senpai, she had never even talked to me directly. Someone wouldn’t normally confess to someone if they barely knew each other.

I opened the rooftop door. A girl was leaning against the fence.

Just like Wakana said, she was beautiful. Long chestnut hair, a perfect face, and a great figure.

“Ah, Saotome-kun.”

Sakurai-senpai turned and looked at me, a little nervous.

“Thank you for coming, even though you’re busy.”

“No, thank you.”

I nodded lightly.

After a short pause, she spoke with a serious expression.

“I, I like you, Saotome-kun.”

It was a straightforward confession.

“I’ve always thought you were amazing when we passed in the hall. If it’s okay with you, would you go out with me?”

I thought for a moment before answering.

“Senpai, I’m really happy about your feelings.”

Sakurai-senpai’s face lit up at that.

“But I’m sorry. I can’t go out with you.”

Her expression clouded over my words.

“I-I see… Is there someone else you like?”

“It’s not that…”

I chose my words carefully and continued.

“I’m just scared of dating in this world. I feel like people only like me because I’m a rare guy.”

Sakurai-senpai looked a little surprised.

“I like you for who you are, Saotome-kun.”

“Thank you. But I’m sorry.”

“I understand. B-but if you change your mind…”

“Then, I’ll think of you first.”

It was a lie. But I wanted to say something that wouldn’t hurt her too much.

“Yes, thank you.”

Sakurai-senpai bowed deeply and left the rooftop.

Honestly, she was very attractive. I couldn’t deny it felt like a waste to refuse her. But I just couldn’t say “yes” from my heart.

As I headed to the rooftop door, a flash of familiar silver hair caught my eye from the shadows.

Our eyes met.

“Ah, big brother.”

“Ruka?”

“Ah, um, I saw you heading to the rooftop… I’m sorry. I was peeking without asking.”

Ruka looked down and felt sorry.

“It’s okay. You don’t need to apologize.”

She relaxed and ran over to me. After a moment of thinking, she looked up at me.

“Why did you say no to Sakurai-senpai’s confession?”

“I wonder…”

I answered honestly.

“Maybe, I just want a normal kind of love. That’s why I said no. Someone like Sakurai-senpai definitely wouldn’t have confessed to me in my old world, right?”

“I don’t think it’s definitely impossible…”

Ruka’s expression grew a little complicated.

“A-And also, anyone who likes big brother, they’re probably liking you for who you are!”

“Do you think so?”

“Yes. You’re kind, and really cool…”

Ruka’s cheeks turned a little red.

“You won’t get anything just by praising me that much.”

“N-No! I mean it!”

“I see. Thank you, Ruka.”

I gently placed my hand on her head, and she quietly looked down.

“Big brother…”

“Hm?”

“If, if big brother ever really falls for someone…”

Ruka started to say, then shook her head.

“It’s nothing.”

Back in the classroom, Wakana looked at me and shook her head slightly.

“You turned her down?”

“Yeah.”

“You’re so picky, Ren.”

Wakana looked both annoyed and a little relieved.

I sat down at my desk and whispered to myself.

A normal kind of love. Is that even possible in this world?

Chapter 5: "Being Called During Lunch Usually Means a Confession, Right?"