"So that's the deal. The president asked me to show you around the school." Tokai Teio stood in front of Platinum, flashing a peace sign with her fingers. "Yeaaah~"
"..."
Platinum didn't nod or shake her head immediately. Instead, she raised a hand to shield her eyes.
—So... so bright! This overfamiliar aura, this natural charisma... She's a 'sunny' type rivaling Kita Ikuyo!
Someone like Tokai Teio probably has ten friends accompanying her to and from school every day. Even a simple trip to the restroom between classes could probably muster enough participants for a Holy Grail War—
Sorry, but I'm allergic to sunny types.
I've hated people like this since my last life, dammit!
"Please wait a moment... I need to confirm with the president."
Lowering her head and covering her face to hide her allergic reaction, Platinum hurriedly pulled out her phone.
Her social media apps were pristine, her contact list spotless. Only one name sat at the top—Symboli Rudolf—because Symboli Rudolf was her only contact.
[Are you awake?]
[Tokai Teio volunteered to show you around the school. She's waiting for you downstairs at the dorm.]
[Teio is a good kid. You'll like her. Please get along.]
[Come to the student council room later. There are some things I need to discuss with you.]
This report-like tone... President, do you always talk to people like this? Platinum felt a chill run down her spine.
As expected of President Rudolf. She can give someone the chills even through a phone screen, without even telling a cold joke.
Reading Symboli Rudolf's messages, Platinum let out a mournful sigh. It seemed her peaceful days were over.
"So?" Without her noticing, Tokai Teio had peeked over Platinum's shoulder from behind, standing on her tiptoes.
"What did the president say?"
Don't get so close, thanks. Allergies.
Platinum subtly shifted two steps away, stuffing her phone back into her pocket.
So, what to do now... To think she'd be faced with such a dilemma right from the start.
How should she deal with Tokai Teio?
Platinum hadn't forgotten her purpose for entering this academy—train hard, compete in the Satsuki Sho, and unlock the system's tier two shop.
Anything beyond that, all unnecessary social interactions, must be rejected.
In other words, Platinum was determined to be a background character at this school, the kind even teachers wouldn't notice if she skipped class.
It wasn't that Platinum was antisocial. Requesting a single dorm room, refusing to join any teams—it was all for one goal: to minimize her impact on others.
In this world, having one person suffering from Soul Dissolution Syndrome was enough.
But how to handle a forcefully friendly Tokai Teio...?
Not the 'knock out, drag into the woods, change clothes, and infiltrate' kind of handling... How could she deflect this sunny type's friend request?
If she refused too harshly, Tokai Teio might start crying, and Platinum couldn't handle kids crying. She'd seen enough of that in the hospital.
And if Tokai Teio went and tattled to Symboli Rudolf... her very life was in Symboli Rudolf's hands.
Watch and wait!
Endure!
Platinum decided to yield.
For now, she'd just go with the flow. Once Tokai Teio lost interest in her, she could resume her background character plan.
"Um... well, the president said... I should go with you..." Platinum stammered out.
Watching Platinum like this, Tokai Teio couldn't help but cover her cheeks.
"Pfft—What's with that expression? It's not like I look like I eat people!"
Crap, why did she show weakness first?
If she showed weakness in front of Tokai Teio, her life as a transmigrator might as well be over.
Got it! She'd cover it up by being really loud!
Platinum reached up and vigorously patted her own cheeks, instantly turning them bright red.
While Tokai Teio was still stunned, Platinum calmly extended her hand.
"Sorry for the laugh."
"I'm Platinum. Barring any surprises, we'll both be living at this academy for the next few years. Pleased to meet you."
See, see!
If she put her mind to it, she could do it!
A mere sunny type—watch me reflect this radiance right back!
"You're really quite an interesting person..." Tokai Teio muttered softly, studying Platinum.
Was it because she wasn't used to meeting new people? She seemed a bit timid at first.
But she adjusted her attitude immediately, speaking so politely... It was just like the president.
Although she hadn't asked yet about the relationship between Platinum and Symboli Rudolf, if someone told her now that Platinum was a distant relative of the Symboli family, Tokai Teio would absolutely believe it.
If Platinum had heard Tokai Teio's inner thoughts, she would've rolled her eyes hard.
Of course it's similar. I learned this way of speaking from the president!
"Well then—" Tokai Teio also reached out, their hands meeting in a gentle clasp. "Hello, I'm Tokai Teio."
"—Geez, why so formal?" Tokai Teio looked at Platinum with a mock-scolding expression, her sweet tone like melted syrup. She turned her grip, clasping Platinum's hand, and pulled her forward into a run.
"Let's go! I'll show you Tracen Academy!"
And so, led by Tokai Teio, Platinum finally got to see the famous landmarks.
"This is the cafeteria. Because of subsidies, everything's really cheap, and it's open all day, so you never have to worry about missing a meal." Tokai Teio sat across from Platinum, both of their trays piled high with food.
Looking around, Tokai Teio leaned closer to Platinum's ear. "But well... maybe for health reasons... everything they sell is very... healthy."
Tokai Teio emphasized the word 'healthy' three times.
"So occasionally, we also go out to the food street for a meal."
Platinum nodded along, her eyes wandering around the cafeteria, not really listening to Tokai Teio's words.
So it's true... Oguri Cap's stomach really can get that distended after eating...
To achieve that effect in real life... Oguri Cap, you're truly powerful!
"And this is the gymnasium." Tokai Teio pointed inside. "See the pool? We'll probably have swimming classes soon. You should get your swimsuit ready beforehand, otherwise you'll have to wear the one the school provides."
By the way, perhaps because it was still too early, neither Taiki Shuttle nor Hishi Akebono were around today. It seemed the umbrella tucked at Tokai Teio's waist wouldn't be seeing any use.
--+--
T/N: While I am an inexperienced Translator, I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.