Chapter 72: Surfing at 2G Speed

A wonderful life in the world of anime begins with learning photography.

Hiss!

Haruno Genya, still lost in his dreams of a beautiful future, suddenly drew a sharp breath, shattering his reverie. Looking down, he saw two slender fingers twisting the soft flesh at his waist.

Mika Kiriyama spoke in a low, cold voice, “If you keep staring, I’ll gouge your eyes out.”

“That’s a pretty dark joke,” Haruno said uncertainly. “Right, Kiriyama-san?”

“You’re welcome to try,” Mika’s face puffed up visibly, her cheeks swelling faster than when she’s angry at the dinner table. Recently, the frequency at which Lady Kiriyama got upset seemed to be on the rise.

As a master of temperature control, Haruno Genya reached out and gently poked her elastic cheek, smiling. “I was just imagining how beautiful you’d look in that outfit. You’re in the archery club too—it would suit you perfectly.”

Unsurprisingly, at those words, Mika turned her head to seriously study the cosplay costume. “What’s so impressive about it? Are all you nerds into this sort of thing?”

Though she spoke dismissively, she had already memorized the details of the Kikyo costume in her mind.

“Hey, hey, isn’t that Mika Kiriyama?”

“Who’s the guy next to her? He looks pretty handsome. How come I’ve never seen him at school before?”

“They’re so close—are they dating?”

“That’s huge news!”

“I heard the kendo club captain and the judo club captain have both been pursuing Mika Kiriyama. Who would’ve thought someone else would sweep her away?”

“Whoa, who is that? My goddess!”

The uphill walk from the train station to school was filled with students from the National High School.

Now, they were all stunned, unable to speak, whispering quietly to their companions, their eyes constantly drifting in the same direction.

Over there, a young man and woman leaned into each other.

The boy was tall and well-built, clearly someone who exercised regularly. Most striking was his sharply handsome face, his features so defined they gave him a fresh, clean aura.

The girl beside him wrapped her arm around his, pressing close. Her golden hair was tied high in a ponytail, her slender figure curving gracefully. Together, they looked like any ordinary couple.

It would have been nothing remarkable, except Mika Kiriyama was far too famous. Whether among first-years or upperclassmen, her reputation was considerable.

Thanks to the Kiriyama family, nobody dared mess with the young lady at school—a wild rose with thorns.

The two club captains had even had a one-on-one showdown over her; rumor had it the loser would give up pursuing Mika Kiriyama.

No one knew the outcome of that battle, but Mika Kiriyama finding a boyfriend would absolutely shake the whole school.

Indeed, dating someone so renowned and powerful wasn’t necessarily a good thing. While it fed a certain elusive pride—

See? The lady you all chased and longed for is not only my girlfriend, but we even fall asleep in each other’s arms every night!

Ah, life is like that—what some chase forever, others reach with ease.

Though it satisfied Haruno’s pride, it brought more trouble: the attention of crowds.

That morning, the classroom was unusually quiet. People spoke in hushed voices, glancing over with confusion, puzzlement, or even resignation.

Meanwhile, Haruno Genya calmly took out paper and pen, continuing to scribble, completely unfazed by being the focus of everyone’s gaze.

Mika Kiriyama also drew attention, but hardly anyone dared to look directly at her.

Everyone was just curious, not looking to invite trouble.

Mai Hanai and Kanna Terashima stood behind Mika, like two knights guarding a princess, watching Haruno Genya with wary, curious eyes.

The scene of the two arriving hand in hand had startled even them.

It couldn’t be helped—the pair had hidden their relationship so well, rarely speaking at school, making it impossible for anyone to guess.

The only previous clue was the breakfast incident, which everyone thought meant Haruno Genya had offended the young lady.

But now, just a few days later, what was the situation between them?

Everyone was bewildered. If there was anyone who wasn’t, it was Yuriko Ogata, who lay slumped over her desk, eyes red, her tiny body shuddering as if she might burst into tears any moment.

The little girl felt as if she’d woken from a nightmare she couldn’t shake.

“Big news! Big news!”

Suddenly, a loud voice rang out at the classroom door as Kazuo Kunita burst in, shouting.

Oblivious to the atmosphere, he rushed over to Haruno Genya, as if he’d stumbled upon earth-shattering news, excitement barely contained in his eyes.

Glancing around, the class reacted with a burst of excitement, but it quickly died down as Kazuo bent over to whisper, the room returning to silence.

Everyone was hoping to dig up more secrets from Haruno’s “best friend.”

Even Haruno Genya himself was curious, wanting to hear how the rumors were spreading outside.

“Mika Kiriyama from our class was seen holding hands with a guy this morning! Heard he’s a first-year, too!”

“Tch!”

Kazuo’s 2G surfing speed only brought news that drew dismissive hisses from the class.

They already knew more—at least who the boy was, and could even accurately report his grades, personality, and other details.

Kazuo Kunita was simply outclassed!