That was a close one...

It didn't occur to us at that moment that we were still standing in the middle of the corridor, drawing everyone's attention as we uttered those words. Fortunately, the ringing of the bell masked our voices, leaving me unsure if I had heard Sato-san correctly and given her the right answer. Not that it mattered much, as she pulled me into the classroom, holding my hand tightly and nearly causing me to stumble.

I could understand her distress, given that our final exams were approaching. We had only two weeks to prepare, and it seemed like everyone was panicking because most of them had spent their time partying, going to clubs, and playing video games. However, I didn't belong to that group. I didn't have many friends, or rather, I didn't used to have many friends. Now, suddenly, everyone wants to be a part of my circle due to my newfound popularity.

But that aside, I've never been particularly sociable, preferring to study instead of attending parties. Besides, I've never been invited to one. I'm like the outcast of our class, the black sheep. Everyone else is outgoing and has many friends. Sometimes, I wish I could be like them. It must be nice.

On the other hand, Sato-san doesn't seem to be worried about our exams at all. Despite going out frequently, she doesn't strike me as studious, yet she always manages to achieve good grades. I once thought she might be bribing the teachers, but I quickly dismissed that idea. It's Sato-san we're talking about. There's no way she would do something like that, right?

My train of thought was interrupted by a familiar voice. Slowly, I lifted my head from the desk, where I had almost fallen asleep waiting for the teacher to arrive. Perhaps I was dozing off because I had stayed up late studying for the exams. Sleep had eluded me after everything that had transpired between Sato-san and me.

As I looked up, I spotted a tall boy with brown eyes and short blonde hair. The breeze from the open window caused his hair to flutter gently.

"Hey, Haru, you do realize you're at school, right? Didn't you get any sleep at home?" he asked, wearing his customary wide smile.

"No, Ken, it's pretty obvious that I didn't get enough sleep last night," I replied, stifling a yawn.

Ken is one of the two friends I managed to make during my high school years. He's always cheerful, much like Sato-san, and undeniably good-looking. He's also quite wealthy, as his father owns one of the country's largest banks. At times like these, I can't help but think that he would be a better match for Sato-san, someone who could play along with her and persuade her more effectively than I can.

In fact, we became acquainted because he approached me, hoping to get closer to Sato-san since he saw her spending time with me. Initially, we didn't get along because he wanted to use me as a means to get closer to her, but in the end, we became best friends. We ended up spending more time together than with other classmates.

But in the end, he, like everyone else who confessed their feelings to Sato-san, was rejected. Although his rejection seemed more humane than the ones I had experienced with other girls.

"Maybe your lack of sleep has something to do with your new girlfriend?" he continued, leaning closer to me.

I glanced at Sato-san and noticed her gesturing discreetly with her hands. Among her signs, I only understood the last one, which mimicked a cutthroat gesture. I'm sure she was trying to convey that if I revealed the truth, she would kill me, and I should continue our charade.

Yet, despite her warning, I found her actions incredibly adorable as she struggled to communicate through those signs. It seemed she caught me staring because she quickly averted her gaze. However, I could have sworn I saw her blush again. Girls are truly difficult to understand. Or maybe I'm just misunderstanding something?

"Hey, Haru, how much longer are you going to gaze at your girlfriend all lovey-dovey while evading my questions?" Ken interrupted, bringing me back to reality. He playfully nudged my face away from his.

"I didn't lose sleep over personal reasons. It has nothing to do with Sato-san," I replied, hoping to divert his attention.

"Sato-san? Don't you call her 'chan' now that you're together? No need to be so formal with her anymore, you know."

Oh God, I almost slipped up and indirectly revealed that we weren't actually together. Fortunately, Ken knows me well enough, or maybe he's just oblivious. Regardless of the reason, I'm relieved that everything is still fine.

Although from the way Sato-san sighed just now, it seems like she was about to have a heart attack.