Shimizu Akira slowly withdrew his gaze from Horikita Suzune's retreating figure, a trace of confusion flickering in his eyes.
**"Stop looking at me so much?"**
He was certain he hadn't misheard.
This didn't sound like her.
Given her personality, she should've thrown him an icy glare and dissected him with textbook-perfect sarcasm.
**"You're Shimizu-kun, right?"** Before Shimizu could react, a boy had already sidled up to him with familiar ease.
Turning, Shimizu saw three male classmates standing nearby.
They introduced themselves in turn: the quick-eyed Ike Kanji, the plain-faced Yamauchi Haruki, and the red-haired, delinquent-esque Sudō Ken.
Having missed the self-introductions earlier, Shimizu found Ike enthusiastically playing the role of guide, pointing out their classmates.
However, during the introductions, Yamauchi couldn't resist interjecting with his "male perspective" on several female classmates.
Hasebe Haruka's figure was *divine*, Sakura Airi was shy but had *great curves*, and as for Karuizawa Kei—
**"Her face is flawless, but her chest is just tragic—"**
Yamauchi hadn't bothered to lower his voice, and by now, multiple girls were shooting him disgusted looks.
Yet he seemed utterly unfazed, instead growing even more animated: **"Ahh, but Kushida Kikyō is the best! Great personality, killer body, and her face is totally my type! I've decided—I'm gonna go for her!"**
He nudged Shimizu with an elbow. **"Man, I envy you! Horikita-san only talked to you today. You've got a real shot! She's seriously pretty."** He dropped his voice to a whisper. **"Sure, she's a bit flat now, but maybe she'll fill out later—"**
Shimizu glanced around. The girls' expressions had shifted from disgust to outright revulsion.
As a guy, he *understood* the sentiment...
But they were still in the gymnasium, surrounded by classmates.
Those were thoughts you kept *inside your head*, not blurted out loud.
If this continued, he'd be lumped in as another "creep" by association.
Losing all dating prospects on the very first day.
**"Yamauchi."** Shimizu cut him off. **"Unless you plan on staying single, I'd watch what you say."** He nodded to Ike. **"Thanks for the introductions. I'll head out first."**
**"Who the hell are you to act all high and mighty?!"** Yamauchi, flushing with humiliation, grabbed for Shimizu's collar—
Only for his wrist to be seized mid-air.
To his horror, the seemingly mild-mannered Shimizu had immobilized him with one hand, his grip unshakable no matter how Yamauchi struggled.
**"Did you see that?! Shimizu-kun just—that was so cool!"**
Mori Nene coughed lightly. **"Weren't you just saying Hirata-kun was the hottest guy in school? You change your mind faster than flipping a page."**
**"Shut up! Hirata-kun *is* handsome... but Shimizu-kun just now was *next level*!"** Matsushita Chiaki suddenly leaned in, her voice hushed. **"If you dated someone like that, you'd never have to worry about getting bullied again!"**
Karuisawa Kei, who had been silent until now, abruptly looked up, an odd glint in her eyes.
**"...Won't get bullied?"**