Romantic Troubles of Duanmu-kun

The girl with long, straight black hair stopped in her tracks, staring intently at the two people walking down the stairs side by side.

“Yo, heading home?”

The Novelist greeted her naturally.

The Class Rep beside him couldn’t act as casually as he did. When caught in Yayoi’s gaze, she felt as if her whole body had been plunged into an ice cellar, a bone-chilling coldness rising from deep within her marrow.

What… what does this mean? Is she really jealous after all? How scary!

The girl couldn’t help but shiver, quickly running past the Novelist to stand in front of Yayoi.

“Don’t worry, Ogiwara-san. Liang-kun is just kindly helping me carry some heavy items to a classmate’s house who’s currently recovering from an injury at home.”

For the sake of her own safety, the Class Rep quickly explained what had happened earlier.

“…Is that so? Well, it’s none of my business anyway.”

Yayoi nodded coldly.

You’re lying, you clearly look very concerned!

“So? Who are you delivering to?”

“…My friend. Though not from Class 2-1. Her name is Fujishima Misao.”

Itou Maho answered honestly.

“…?”

Yayoi raised her eyebrows slightly, showing an expression of surprise.

“What’s wrong? Is there a problem? Could it be… that you know Misao, Yayoi-san?”

“Mm. The name sounds familiar.”

“Ah… you might have heard it from the school broadcasts? Misao is quite famous within the school. She’s been getting a lot of attention since enrollment.”

That description might even have been considered “modest.” Though both were gifted in sports, unlike Niwa Takahito whose activities were limited to one school, Misao had been a rising star since elementary school, garnering widespread attention and regularly winning prizes in city competitions and even national tournaments.

Besides regular track and field events, she had also excelled in dance, swimming, and figure skating. Moreover, as Fujishima Misao’s friend, Itou Maho knew well that her talents extended far beyond these.

Whether it was any form of competitive sports or physical fitness tests, Misao could easily surpass her peers—even some young athletes who had been training since childhood. That slender frame and flexible body seemed to harbor mysterious power.

The reason she hadn’t displayed all her talents was probably because she didn’t want to draw too much attention. Even so, she was already too dazzling in others’ eyes.

“Figure skating is this school’s specialty, so if you perform well in it, it’s easy to get preferential treatment for further education, and everyone pays attention to you, isn’t that nice? As for dance, don’t you think girls who can dance have a certain grace? Plus it helps maintain figure and improve flexibility… Swimming? Well, you know, being in the water feels super comfortable whether it’s winter or summer! Though having to train every day as a task is really tiring…”

That’s what Misao had told her once when asked about her reasons for choosing these activities, and it must have been her honest feelings. Because Misao, who participated in these sports for such seemingly casual, realistic reasons, easily surpassed those who had devoted themselves wholeheartedly to training due to her outstanding talent. It was only natural that this would provoke others’ dissatisfaction and jealousy.

“I see, so Fujishima-san is also famous.”

Yayoi appeared lost in thought.

“Ah… please don’t worry about it! I remember Misao mentioned to me recently that she’s already dating someone.”

The Class Rep quickly added this explanation to avoid arousing suspicion.

However, Yayoi didn’t show any sign of relief.

“Don’t underestimate that man behind you. If she has a boyfriend, it might be even more dangerous… no, it’s very likely to be more dangerous.”

“Eh… eh?”

Does she mean… that kind of interest? The Class Rep’s gaze unconsciously turned toward the Novelist behind her. He looked completely puzzled.

Since Yayoi had maintained her cold expression throughout, it was impossible to tell if she was joking or serious. The Class Rep could only force an awkward “Ah ha ha” smile.

“E-even if Liang-kun has that kind of preference… we’re just going to deliver the items and come right back, it’ll be fine! Absolutely fine!”

…

“What are you two talking about?”

The Novelist, who had been left out of the conversation, finally couldn’t help but speak up. The Class Rep’s strange glances in his direction were really bothering him.

“Nothing, I’m heading back now.”

Before leaving, Yayoi turned back as if remembering something.

“By the way, tonight… no, never mind. You and Itou-san should leave early.”

The girl’s strange final expression before departing concerned him slightly. But urged on by the Class Rep, the Novelist temporarily put this matter aside.

The sky had imperceptibly grown overcast.

An iron-gray canopy hung heavily over the city. The low-hanging dark clouds seemed close enough to touch.

The Class Rep and Novelist went to a department store near the school. The usually bustling shopping mall had fewer people coming and going than usual.

“Looks like it might rain.”

“Yes, let’s buy what we need and leave quickly.”

Referring to the mall’s directory map, they quickly found their target.

…

Half an hour later, the Novelist emerged from the store carrying a heavy cardboard box, sweat already beginning to seep through his back and forehead.

“Unexpectedly heavy…”

Probably because they were all metal items. Plus he himself was somewhat lacking in exercise.

“Thank you for your hard work. I’ll go outside to call a car. Misao’s house is quite far from here.”

After the Class Rep left, he first set the box down on the floor nearby and let out a soft sigh.

At that moment, there was a slight vibration in his pants pocket.

He looked down—it was a message from Miyagi-san. After briefly scanning its contents, the Novelist couldn’t help but furrow his brows, his gaze warily surveying his surroundings as he walked toward an area without people.

…

When the Class Rep returned, he was nowhere to be seen. After the girl waited for five minutes, the Novelist finally emerged from a clothing store.

“Sorry, I went to the restroom.”

He scratched his cheek with an embarrassed expression.

“It’s fine, let’s hurry!”

The Class Rep didn’t mind at all, running over to drag him out of the mall, appearing quite urgent.