Interesting...Yamada-san is sitting right next to me..? And why does Hiroshi-kun think I should know this?

Truth be told, Raichi didn't care about who sat where. He may have gotten information about Yaori even without asking for it, but even so, that just means he knew it was best not to approach her. He knew how much he didn't like talking to people himself, so if the two of them were as similar as they say, then an awkward conversation was bound to take place.

And the future self-proclaimed wingman wanted to mess with his buddy a little, trying to get some words out of him. And so, Hiroshi was expectantly looking at Raichi. After staring for a solid three seconds, he had enough.

''Are you waiting for something..?''

''Of course, I am. That should be obvious.''

''Then what?''

''Your opinion, that is.''

''I see..'' Raichi paused. He quickly took a deep breath and let go of his book. He was ready to declare something that Hiroshi should have expected.

''I'll be honest...I don't care too much. You know me.''

''Wh-What?'' said Hiroshi. "He had assumed that Raichi was the type of person who would obediently follow orders without question. However, he failed to realize that someone who always felt like they didn't belong would eventually become accustomed to feeling that way. Raichi's past experiences had molded him into the distant and unemotional person he is today.

"B-But aren't you at least a little bit curious?"

"Maybe I am, maybe I am not. But even if I were to have such curiosity, I wouldn't need to act upon it." Raichi stated. "Why do you want to rope me along so much anyway?"

"Well, because I want you to have an actual social life here now that you've finally transferred!"

"I will socialize if I feel like it."

"Seriously..?" Hiroshi said, exasperated.

After a few minutes had passed, Raichi felt a strong presence. Though he didn't bother batting an eye, a certain bookworm had entered the classroom. She was ignoring the eyes on her, wanting to sit down. She quickly looked around to where she was assigned to sit, grabbing her seat and putting it where it was supposed to be.

Standing where he was, it was that easy to tell who the entire room had their attention on.

Raichi couldn't help but feel bad for this person he hadn't even met. Even without knowing her, the information he had gotten from gossip alone had already explained what kind of person she was, and that's what was so scary about it. But even he couldn't help but also look. The truth was that it was more of a glance of concern.

But knowing the truth was more than enough. He didn't need to act upon it. And so he ignored everything going around.

''Good morning Yamada-san!'' said Hara once she had sat down.

''Morning, Suzuki-chan.'' She replied in a monotone voice. She quickly settled down and pulled out a book from her book bag. Despite saying he would ignore everything, Raichi couldn't help but eavesdrop. However in the end he decided to just plop his head into his arms, and sleep through the day. When he lifted his head, to his disappointment he would find himself awoken from the bell ringing before noon.

After looking around, Raichi could see someone approaching him. It was Haruki, his most recent 'friend'. His level-headed and calm expression was easy to recognize even amid a crowd.

''Hey, Sato-kun.'' Haruki greeted him.

''Um, hello.''

''You slept through three breaks and four lessons. Impressive sleep-schedule.''

''Heh, it is the only way to get through the day quickly.''

''Is... Your whole aim to get the day done?'' He questioned.

''Well, yeah... I've never really liked being in school all that much.''

''Y'know..some people are afraid of the passage of time, while you're over here sleeping so that it gets by for you. Won't you regret it?'' Haruki said in a concerned tone. He was worried about how Raichi was. In all honesty, his sleepy state was looking miserable.

''I don't... Know.''

''Also judging by all this, I hope you don't oversleep.''

''The only extra rest I get is at school. My sleep schedule is fine, okay?''

''Okay...What else do you do to spend the time during school?'' Haruki asked. Though confused, Raichi smiled back.

''I read books mostly. Just felt exhausted today..*yawn* ''

''Did something happen?''

''A lot of things happened. Not that they're anything to be concerned of, so don't worry.'' Raichi reassured him. ''For short, turns out my family's reason for moving here was none other than Hiroshi-kun standing right there,'' Raichi said while looking over at Hiroshi.

''Hey, don't bring me into this...!''

''Oh?'' Haruki was impressed. ''I didn't know you had a thing for talking with your friends' parents, Kimura-kun.'' He said jokingly.

''I did it for him, okay? I wanted to get him out of that hellhole that was his class.''

''You both seem to think that way about Sato-kun's past school life. Is this something I shouldn't pry?''

Calling his class a hellhole was a bit of an exaggeration, but it was accurate to say he didn't enjoy it. Raichi felt he should not burden anybody with the story, so he wanted to hide it. Being forced into a position he never wanted wasn't all that enjoyable.

It wasn't bullying per se, but all his efforts to fit in had failed, and he felt cold and distant. And unintentionally, he had become the nobody guy. But he found two friends from the other classes before the school year ended, Hiroshi and Hara.

But sadly, they ended up separated in different schools for a year. However, this transfer brought them back together. And especially Hiroshi knew of these past events. Raichi felt that the best decision was to not say anything further about it.

''I don't want to do anything that'll ruin the mood, so if it is okay with you, I'd rather have this topic closed.''

''Fine, fine. Although, you need a breather.'' Haruki said. It was true. All of that chat and sleep probably exhausted him, since this rest he had wasn't technically resting.

''Y'know what, you're right.''

''So Kimura-kun... You coming along?''

''Uh, sure, why not.''

While walking through the garden, the three had drinks on their hands, sipping them at different times, and having a chat. Raichi had put on a smile for once. If he were, to be honest, he was very much enjoying the chat. And Hiroshi could see everything through and through. From his perspective, witnessing this guy finally make another friend made him very happy. But in Hiroshi fashion, he had started grinning again. Haruki, who didn't know his antics, was a little spooked. He let out a worried chuckle.

Raichi, who had finally taken notice of what his buddy was doing, intervened.

"Hiroshi-kun...!" Raichi threw a soft punch on his shoulder. As a reaction, Haruki made a slightly concerned whimper. But it seemed like Hiroshi didn't react.

"Y-You okay??"

"I-I'll be fine. He threw a soft punch on purpose."

"I did. This is sometimes the only way to get you out of this phase." Raichi said confidently.

Raichi felt a sense of gratitude for Haruki's genuine concern for him. Despite his initial reservations about opening up to others, he couldn't deny that having someone like Haruki around made him feel a little less alone. Sadly, their break had quickly come to a halt as they had to get back to class. Raichi was visibly disappointed by the turn of events.

As the day went by, Raichi continued his habit of zoning in and out. Mostly, he had been reading books. However, during classes such as Math, he couldn't focus on his book, so sleeping was a preferred option. The end of the day slowly reared its head. But even so, Raichi could not help his curiosity and occasionally looked over at Yaori's desk, wondering what she thought of everything. After all, he knew a lot of things already. But again, he had no desire to approach, as disappointing as it is for his buddy old pal Hiroshi.

While in the last class, Raichi had slowly packed up, waiting for the bell. Because of that, he had put away his belongings and was listening to what remained of the class. But then-- suddenly -- Hiroshi had a little jump. Raichi could hear the sounds of the desk ahead of him as he jumped. As if he was zoned out and finally had left the zone. Raichi was sure that a lightbulb had just been lit in his friend's head. It seemed like he was up to even more schemes. So Raichi could only worry about just what that might be. Hiroshi peeked his little head backward, looking at Raichi.

Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

"Hey dude, would you mind going somewhere with me after school ends?"

"Uh, what?"

"You heard me, c'mon!"

"I guess I can...but why?"

"You'll see."

As they were talking, Hara, who had accidentally eavesdropped couldn't help but be curious about this. And why wasn't she invited, she thought. She decided that it would be best to follow and see what they might get up to, and where they'll go. Raichi had never talked about his other best friend with any of the two. Coincidentally, they had known each other before and were friendly due to being classmates. But still, Hara and Hiroshi weren't all that close. She thought it might be rude to eavesdrop again, but curiosity took over.

The bell had rung, and the two friends did as they had planned, and headed for the lockers. On their way, Hara was stealthily following them. She was occasionally peeking her head to glance towards them. Once they had done what they needed to do near the lockers, they made their way towards their destination.

From what Hara could observe, it seemed like Raichi was'nt told where they were going, since it seemed like he was following Hiroshi. Hara quickly had to hide. Hiroshi sometimes turned towards Raichi, walking backward, and during that moment, Hara knew she could get spotted, if not careful.

And that was the furthest she could go. Hara had to hide behind the door. When they made it to the top floor stairs, the realization hit Hara. They were headed for the rooftop. And she knew that these occasions were reserved for confessions and such. What good reason would Hiroshi have for taking him up there?

No way...

It was safe to assume that it was for something private. Which Hara had felt guilty about eavesdropping to. But, if curiosity takes over, you can't help but give in to it, she thought.

And so, the moment of truth had begun, the two of them were right next to each other, looking down at the view of the garden. Of course, the silence soon broke. There wasn't much to do up there, after all.

''So, Raichi-kun. You know why I brought you here?'' Hiroshi said calmly.

''I don't know... But it is clear you do.'''

''Alright. Here goes nothing.''

''Wh-What...?'' Said the eavesdropper.

Hiroshi had taken a deep breath. It was as if this was something very special. Raichi thought this must have been one heck of a scheme he made if he needed to take a moment to spit it out. He knew of his confidence.

''I have... A proposition.''

''Uh...A proposition...?

''Proposition...?''' -- ''Oh!'' Hara had noticed that she was making some noise, so she quickly covered her mouth. But she quickly got back into position. She was eagerly listening to their ongoing conversation, watching with passion.

''Hmm... How do I put this... Give me a moment.'' He quickly turned his back to Raichi, leaving him in a fit of confusion. Now that was the moment of rest that Hara needed in such a high-stress moment.

''Hello.'' -- ''Nngh!'' Her mouth was quickly shut by someone else's hand.

''Shh. Sorry for the sudden contact, but you need to lower your voice down if you want to be a professional spy.'' The boy had whispered into her ear and quickly lowered his hand. This sudden moment had made Hara's face turn pink. As embarrassed as she was, she quickly got aggressive. But she managed to keep her composure and say everything she had to say in a whispering tone.

''T-Takahashi-kun?!''

''Yes Suzuki-chan. It is me.''

''You idiot! You're telling me to stay quiet right after jump scaring me!?'' She said in an aggressive whisper.

''Heheh. I could not help but not disturb your quest fueled by curiosity. You looked rather invested.'' Haruki said.

''I guess that's true-'' Her sentence was quickly cut short by Hiroshi talking once more. It seemed like he had finally found a way to put his 'proposition' into words. Haruki had gotten invested now as well. He decided to settle right next to Hara. Their faces were quite close, looking through the only tiny space that was available on the door without being spotted.

Haruki, who was fully intent on eavesdropping, didn't notice just how close they were standing. But Hara who had already lost her focus, immediately took attention to it. Once she noticed it, her face quickly turned pink. But she had to focus on her two friends. She could'nt be distracted.

"I have an enticing proposition, Raichi-kun."

''And that would be...?"

"I would like to become your official wingman."

"A wingman?"

"Wingman??" Hara said.

"For who, though?" Haruki added. Raichi was even more confused. It is not like he had told him that he liked someone. Who would he even get hooked up with? Either way, it would be someone new, knowing Raichi's small and tightly shut friend circle.

"Um, I am not searching for any relationships right now, Hiroshi-kun."

"You misunderstood me," Hiroshi responded. "I am going to be your...wingman to the world. Officially."

''Huh?"

"What does that mean?" The two said dumbfounded. Hiroshi's choice of words was confusing. And this didn't help Hara and Haruki who were still nervously watching. Hara had started biting her nails out of habit. Her munching could be heard in the silence behind the door.

"So, what you're saying is... You would like to make your goal of making me socialize into a wingman job?" Raichi said. Once he had pointed it out, Hara and Haruki understood just what Hiroshi meant a little more.

Now, Hara and Haruki were curious. Would Raichi take him on his offer, they thought. As Hiroshi had put it, it really was an enticing offer. From their perspective, it was a perfect decision.

"You wouldn't... Lead me astray, would you?" Raichi had doubts.

"Of course not! Don't you consider me one of your two closest friends?" Hiroshi sounded distraught. He really didn't want to believe that Raichi had doubts about him.

"I... Do."

"And I, want to help you. As your friend."

"But what exactly will you do?"

"Help you make friends of course. It's not like I am going to get you a girlfriend or anything." Hiroshi reassured his doubts.

''Oh, good."

"Although if you wanted me to...I could very easily do so."

"Well then... I accept your offer. Though, what do you mean you could easily do so?"

"What do you think I mean? I could probably convince any of our acquaintances to talk to you. Maybe even... Yamada-san."

"Y-Yamada-san...?" Raichi was taken aback.

"Huh, Kimura-kun sure knows how to negotiate." Haruki thought. It was true. Through his confidence and easy-going attitude, he knew how to sweet-talk people, as with the things his traits provided. And suddenly-

"Achoo!" Hara had sneezed. Looks like their cover had been blown, as Hiroshi and Raichi quickly walked over. Opening the door, and seeing the two eavesdroppers.

''Uhh... Hey there!" Hara said.

"Why hello, you two," Haruki added.

"What did you hear...?" Raichi glared. He was quite intimidating. Hara and Haruki were surprised to suddenly see his cold side.

"N-Nothing!" Her words were quickly cut off by Haruki.

"We heard your whole wingman schtick." Haruki spat out immediately.

"Hey!"

"What? It's better to be honest than anything."

"Seriously..."

Raichi felt bad about glaring at them just now, although he really didn't want them to talk about him. He had gotten worried, and he had the right to feel so.

"Don't worry though. We won't say a word if that is what you ask for." Haruki reassured him.

"Wait, seriously?" Raichi blinked in surprise. "You're serious, right?"

"Of course. What, you think I would tell everyone in an attempt to embarrass you?"

"That... Has happened to me once, so..."

"Oh...I think I get the gist of your reasons for moving here." Haruki said with a face that showed he very much understood.

"Do you?"

"I do. But rest assured, we won't say anything. Right, Suzuki-chan?" Haruki softly bumped Hara with his elbow, expecting a response.

"You know I wouldn't do something like that to Raichi-kun."

"A wingman that isn't secret is not a wingman after all."