-976- [ Minamiya Commotion ]

Since meeting Asagi at the MAR-affiliated hospital two years ago and becoming friends, Rozen and Asagi have naturally become close. This is mainly due to Asagi's carefree and unconventional nature, which, after that day, transformed her from someone quietly sitting in the corner of the classroom with a laptop to actively seeking Rozen for chats, becoming more and more friendly.

This initially led to hostility from the girls in the class towards Asagi. After all, quite a few girls had a crush on Rozen, and Asagi getting close to him was not a happy development for many.

However, over time, Asagi ended up being welcomed by the girls in the class. The simple reason was that Asagi was accepted.

Over these two years, Rozen also learned a lot about Asagi. Asagi's father is actually a council member of the Itogami City, and her mother passed away not long ago in the hospital. She lives with her father and stepmother in an upscale residence near the city center in the west district. She also has a sister studying locally, and her family is very well-off.

Moreover, Asagi's intelligence is remarkable, with academic achievements just below Rozen's. She is also a genius in computer science, often employed by the state-owned company managing Itogami Island. As a programmer, she excels in maintaining and reprogramming security systems. Even the strict security systems of the central area of Itogami Island can be easily breached when Asagi is focused. Her skills as a hacker are top-notch.

If that wasn't enough, after two years, Asagi started to care about her appearance. Not only did she dye her simple black hair into a striking color, but she also began to pay attention to makeup and fashion. Even her school uniform had quite a few decorations according to her taste, just on the edge of not violating school rules, turning her into a glamorous beauty.

This new Asagi, coupled with her carefree personality, started to gain popularity. Not only did she have many admirers among the younger students, but even students from other classes began seeking her advice on makeup and fashion.

In other words, Asagi, with her efforts alone, resolved potential relationship crises and became a prominent star at Saikai Academy.

As for Motoki, as mentioned earlier, he is Asagi's childhood friend. His full name is Yaze Motoki. Like Asagi, he comes from a wealthy family. It is said that his father and older brother control the core rights of Itogami City, making him a genuine rich young master.

However, this rich young master has no airs. He is both sunny and fond of jokes. Because of Asagi's relationship and the fact that he often hangs out with Akatsuki, Motoki has become a part of the frequent student group consisting of the four.

This has led Kojou to express his amazement more than once.

"In other words, except for me, the three of you are all rich kids?"

Kojou said in astonishment.

Compared to Asagi and Motoki, Rozen's family background is also quite well-off, with a sister who is a national attack mage and also an instructor in the special district security team. Every day, someone from the security team comes in a luxury car to pick him up for school. They live on the top floor of a high-end apartment. Rozen himself is also a mage, and in many aspects, he doesn't fall short of others.

Looking at Kojou, his family background is extremely ordinary, and his home is just a normal shared apartment. It doesn't stand out in any way.

Of course...

"You have an archaeologist father who wanders on the edge of crime all the time, and a MAR research director as your mother. Your younger sister is also an extremely rare hybrid-ability user. How is that ordinary?"

Rozen said this, making Kojou jump up.

"Not being ordinary and being rich are two different things!"

Kojou shouted.

After that, Nagisa was discharged, and she also joined Rozen and others for a while. However, being a year younger and having a lively personality, she made friends quickly and happily played with her friends.

Therefore, Rozen, Kojou, Asagi, and Motoki, these four people, are the ones who often act together.

Now, the group of people is happily staying under the shade of the trees by the basketball court, chatting amicably.

During this time, many girls ran over to deliver water to Rozen, then excitedly ran off, earning resentful glares from the boys.

"...I suddenly feel less hot. Moreover, my spine feels a chill. Is it just my imagination, Kojou?"

"...No, I feel the same way."

Motoki and Kojou shared the burden of the concentrated resentment with complex expressions on their faces.

"Heh, isn't it great?"

"Yeah, Nichiyo also remains as popular as before."

Asagi and Nagisa said these words separately, with a somewhat sour tone in their voices.

"Heheh..."

Rozen, holding a bunch of drinks, chuckled awkwardly.

Such scenes had happened many times over these two years. At first, Rozen would try to refute a few times, but that led to joint criticism from Asagi and Nagisa, with Kojou and Motoki adding fuel to the fire. Rozen's resistance was rendered ineffective, and each time, he ended up being scolded.

So, Rozen has learned to be wise, no longer attempting to resist. He feels more comfortable with fewer words.

Of course, his teasing friends aren't about to let him off.

"Playing basketball with Nichiyo on the court is great. Every time, there are screams and cheers from the girls, though sometimes it's disheartening when they only cheer Nichiyo's name. Still, it's better than having a bunch of smelly boys cheering during the game."

Motoki said, shaking his head.

"But, playing on the court with him means we become the targets of everyone's attention. This guy is too hated by the guys."

Kojou seemed somewhat powerless.

"Who told you to have the ideal prince charming image in the eyes of all the girls?"

Asagi slyly smiled, her tone filled with dissatisfaction.

"I told you, Nichiyo-kun, it's better to be more restrained usually. Always standing out, being so perfect, don't cause another 'Minamiya commotion,' okay?"

Nagisa puffed her cheeks and said in a somewhat sulky manner.

"I don't always stand out, right?" Rozen said helplessly, "And, this 'Minamiya commotion' gag is still going on?"

The so-called 'Minamiya commotion' refers to a series of incidents revolving around Rozen. It includes occasional abnormal behavior from guys due to envy and jealousy caused by the overwhelming admiration from girls, often resulting in accidents involving others.

Asagi had been resented for being too close to Rozen, Nagisa had a similar story, even Kojou and Motoki had some incidents related to Rozen. There was even a senior in high school who broke up with her boyfriend because of Rozen, causing a wave of breakups, as girls bid farewell to their current partners just to openly approach Rozen.

Due to the frequency of such incidents, people started calling this series of events the "Minamiya commotion."

Rozen had expressed more than once.

"I'm innocent!"

Unfortunately, no one paid attention.

Just then...

"Oh, by the way, Nichiyo-kun." Nagisa, perhaps remembering something, looked at Rozen and hesitated. "Actually, there's something I want to discuss with you."

Nagisa's words drew everyone's attention to her.