The echo of his footsteps resonated through the hallway; an echo laden with the weight of the indignation that Ritsu carried with him. It was not the first time Professor Soda had subjected him to such humiliation, yet that did nothing to lessen the irritation it caused. Each time, the disdain of that teacher pierced his skin like thorns, leaving a mark deeper than before.

Shinji, always ready with his unwavering support, offered words of solace and a comforting pat on the shoulder. Ritsu couldn’t deny that he valued his friend’s company and encouragement, although the shadow of shame still enveloped him.

“That old man is an idiot; he doesn’t know what he’s talking about. You are much smarter than he is,” asserted Shinji with conviction, ready to counteract the poison Professor Soda had injected into his spirit.

A smile emerged timidly on his face, grateful for the show of support. He knew that Shinji was his only beacon in the darkness of the academy, and at that moment, his light was more precious than ever.

“You are a good friend, Shinji,” he replied, allowing gratitude to fill his words.

Shinji, with a mischievous gesture, stroked his chin.

“It’s nothing,” he answered. “And besides, we have that girl, Shiori, on your side. She’s amazing. Why don’t we try to become friends with her?”

Ritsu’s eyes widened, surprised by the suggestion.

“Well, we don’t even know her…” he stammered.

That was true. They had never interacted with that girl; there was no bond that could cement a friendship.

Despite this, Shinji did not relent.

“Come on, Ritsu,” he encouraged. “If it weren’t for her, who knows what the professor would have done.”

Ritsu shook his head. It was true that she had helped him, but if they suddenly talked to her, they would surely cause her a lot of trouble. After all, they were the “misfits,” and the mere touch of their presence could unleash storms of trouble upon her.

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“I don’t think it’s a good idea…” he said. “Besides, I don’t want to get her in trouble with Professor Soda or the bullies. If they see her with us, they would definitely bother her.”

Shinji sighed.

“Ritsu, Ritsu…” he replied, shaking his head. “You are too modest and careful. I think we should talk to her, screw Soda and those thugs.”

Ritsu didn’t know what to say. On one hand, he’d like to have another friend, but on the other hand, he was scared that someone else would be rejected and excluded because of him.

Meanwhile, from behind, they heard a female voice. Shiori had followed them.

“Hey, you guys!”

Shinji and Ritsu were startled and turned toward her.

“Ahh!” they exclaimed in unison.

Shiori looked at them with a radiant smile.

“Hi, guys,” she said. “How are you?”

Shiori approached them with a firm and confident step. She wore the imperial uniform with elegance and grace. Her long brown hair fell over her shoulders. She had hazel eyes that shone with intelligence and curiosity. Her mouth, slightly tinged with pink, curved into a kind and amusing expression.

Shinji and Ritsu found themselves captivated, caught in the embrace of her presence, like butterflies tempted by the light of a lamp. Ritsu, in particular, felt like a small rodent in front of a large feline.

“My name is Shiori Nakada,” she introduced herself. “And you are Shinji Hatanaka and Ritsu Akechi, right?”

They nodded, not daring to utter a word.

Shiori smiled even more.

“I’m glad to meet you,” she said, and then looked at Ritsu. “I wanted to congratulate you on what you did today.”

Shinji and Ritsu looked at each other, confused, then he looked at her and pointed to himself.

“Congratulate me?” he repeated.

Shiori nodded.

“Yes. It’s very brave to give your own opinion in Professor Soda’s class instead of just saying what he wants to hear.”

Ritsu blushed.

He did not consider himself brave, just honest.

“It’s nothing…” he murmured.

Shiori shook her head.

“Don’t be modest,” she said. “It’s something very admirable. I think the same as you, but I don’t dare to say it out loud. You have a lot of courage.”

Ritsu was speechless.

He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

Did this girl think the same as him? Was it possible?

“And that’s good,” she continued. “But you also have to be smarter and more cautious. You have to know when to speak and when to be silent.”

“Well, well,” interjected Shinji. “Enough of that. What do you want from us, Shiori? I don’t think you came just to congratulate Ritsu.”

Ritsu perceived a slight unease in Shiori. He watched as her index finger played with her thumb. That was a subtle sign of nervousness.

“Oh, well…” she murmured. “I think we could... you know... be friends.”