Tsuchiya Bunta found a simple joy in life: catching a glimpse of Omotekawa Yui, known to him as the “Saint,” during his daily commute to school.
Omotekawa’s appearance was, quite literally, a feast for the eyes. She was seated diagonally across from him on the corner seat. Her majestic blond hair, like a golden shimmering river, was styled in a half-up braid. Her skin smooth and flawless, looked like porcelain. Every feature of her face was just flawless. And yet, she lacked that unapproachable thorniness typical of beauties.
Her graceful demeanor exuded elegance, hinting at a refined upbringing. She even wore the uniform of a prestigious private academy—a true high-class lady. She didn’t seek attention or reward, yet her mere presence soothed those who gazed upon her—truly saint-like. It was impossible to find any faults in her.
++(I bet she’s that kind of saint who would even be kind to guys like me… although, that’s probably what leads some delusional creeps to become stalkers…)++
Despite knowing himself well—average in looks, academics, athleticism, and personality—Tsuchiya harbored a secret desire: A desire to get closer to the saint, though he made sure never to let it show.
++(If I awkwardly try to talk to her and get labeled as a creep, I would never be able to face her again. I need to avoid that at all costs!)++
The sight of Omotekawa had a soothing effect on Tsuchiya’s routine, which included delivering newspapers to fund his otaku hobbies. To avoid making her feel uncomfortable, he always kept his distance—never speaking to her or staring. He chose a seat where she was just at the edge of his vision, and if their eyes ever met, he quickly returned to his manga or games.
He was cautious not to act suspiciously and maintained a clean line. Ogling at her like a creep or with any kind of sexual intent was out of the question. He just simply allowed himself to be soothed from afar, without having any expectations or misunderstandings.
In fact, he didn’t even know her name. He didn’t think he needed to. To him, she was like a blooming flower on a high peak—no, a flower from another world—the Saint from another school.
He was fully aware of the one-sidedness of their relationship and never forgot to feel grateful for it. He was ++thoroughly++ harmless.
That was Tsuchiya Bunta’s way of showing courtesy to someone he sought comfort from. To put it harshly, he was a coward. But to put it kindly, he simply knew his place. That’s who he was: an ordinary high school boy.
Little did he know that this routine of his was about to change in the most unexpected way.
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Omotekawa Yui had two personas: the one she showed the world and the one she kept hidden.
The front persona was of a refined young lady from a prestigious family. Bearing the Omotekawa name meant every action carried a sense of duty. That’s why, in public—where she was constantly under the scrutiny of others—she never dropped her mask.
At first, she had to consciously shift between her personas, like a refined actress playing a role, but over time, it became second nature. Without a second thought, she could conduct herself in a manner fitting the daughter of the Omotekawa family.
But her other side—the private persona—was the real Omotekawa Yui. In truth, she was a “gal.” She was keenly aware of the latest trends, full of curiosity, obsessed with makeup and fashion, and adored attending events. Social media was indispensable for sharing and gathering information.
It would be unimaginable for those who knew her as the refined Omotekawa Yui, but the real Yui is easygoing, sociable, and loved chatting with everyone.
++(Ugh… Otaku-kun is looking at me again.)++
“Otaku-kun”—that’s the nickname Yui had given to Tsuchiya Bunta.
On the train to school, in her young lady mode, Yui had noticed his gaze. But if asked whether it was the gaze of a man toward a woman, she’d be puzzled.
++(Hmm, there’s no lust in his eyes. I don’t get the feeling like, ‘I’m gonna win her over.’ The second he realizes I’ve noticed, he’s already back to his manga or games. Is he okay with just a quick look at me? I don’t get it.)++
It goes without saying that Omotekawa Yui was popular. As the daughter of the Omotekawa family, many men sought her attention. From business moguls to athletes, entertainers, and people from all walks of life—they all approached her. She lived in an environment ripe for observing people. Thus, from a young age, Yui developed a keen eye for reading others.
++(Whenever Otaku-kun looks at me, he gets this calm, relieved expression. It’s like some sort of burden has been lifted off him. And I don’t feel any of those creepy vibes either… Alright! Time to test the waters a bit.)++
It was on a whim. That’s the only way to describe her motive. Maybe the strain of spending most of her days as the perfect young lady had started piling up. Little did she know, though, that this spur-of-the-moment decision would lead to an odd relationship with Tsuchiya Bunta.
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