Chapter 7
The warm afternoon sun streamed through the wide windows of Classroom 1-A, casting golden rays that danced across the desks and floors. A light breeze drifted in, rustling the curtains and carrying the soft scent of sakura petals from the courtyard trees.
With the lunch break winding down, students trickled back into the classroom, their voices filling the space like the rising hum of a marketplace. Some returned from the vending machines clutching cool drinks—milk tea cans, lemon soda, or juice boxes—while others came back with small snacks or bags of chips.
The atmosphere had shifted into something relaxed and noisy. Laughter and friendly teasing echoed through the room.
"Yo, that senpai in the cafeteria was a literal goddess. Volleyball team, for sure," one boy said while fanning himself with a notebook.
"Did you see the guy beside her though?" another chimed in. "He looked like he walked out of a drama—tall, serious, carrying a violin case. Like, come on."
"Why are all the hot people in third year?" a girl muttered from her seat, sipping peach soda.
Amid the buzz, Sayori Kojima had once again claimed a corner of attention. She stood on her chair, striking a dramatic pose as if addressing an audience. Her orange eyes sparkled with mischief.
"You commoners shall be blessed once more! I bestow upon you the privilege of playing a multiplayer match with me—a max-level being!" she declared.
"Didn’t you say that before lunch too?" one of the girls around her laughed.
"Yes, but this time, I’ve powered up!" Sayori replied, holding up her phone like a sacred relic. "Prepare yourselves!"
The girls she’d randomly attached herself to—initially bewildered—now just smiled at her antics. Her over-the-top flair felt more like a hyperactive little sister than a diva, and rather than being annoyed, they played along.