6 Chapter one, 2016, school start: 2 (2/2)

By now their teacher finally understood that she had invited an enemy of at least half the human population into the classroom – and the desire of the other half, and made a half-hearted attempt to restore order.

It was half hearted, Noriko noted sullenly, because the teacher already showed less interest in her students than in protecting the male teaching staff. Probably because she had her fiancée there. Speaking of whom, he had already arrived on the scene to find out what the commotion was all about. And he showed no more resistance to the angelic apparition than any of the other boys in class.

Ryu included.

”She's beautiful!”

”Wanna date me?”

”Whoa, a foreigner!”

”Taller than most boys!”

For a week there had been a centre of attention around Ryu even during lessons. Now Noriko could feel how it dissolved and moved between the benches towards the black board. Where Ageruman-san stood, effortlessly substituting for Venus de Milo even though she wore an unmodified regulation school uniform.

Ageruman-san could most likely have dressed up entirely from a 100 yen shop and still ride roughshod over all rivals straight out of a fashion house.

Life just wasn't fair.

The new centre of attraction moved to the windows and took her chair at the least popular of all spots. Window, front. Always seen by the teacher yet isolated. Well, Noriko realized, that bench would become a whole lot more popular until the next seating change.

Then Noriko noticed a minor commotion just before Ageruman-san sat down. The girl in the seat behind her rose, and then the two of them exchanged very unladylike hugs.

”Same school, same class and neighbour desks. This is the best!”

”Ko-chan! I'm so happy!”

The teacher's voice cut through the pandemonium. ”Seats, take your seats and be silent!”

And with that the last addition to their class started her year. And everything changed.