The Gacha Addict of the Academy

The next day, I arrived at school as usual and took my seat, opening my book. It felt like yesterday’s events were a lie—everyone was chatting happily, their moods light and carefree.

It was hard to believe these were the same people who had been attacked.

Normally, an experience like that would push someone to improve themselves, right?
Fools.

I couldn’t stand seeing their indifference.

Even though this academy is considered the best in the world, most of its students fall into two categories: geniuses or those from wealthy families who are here because their parents told them to be.

There are very few students who came here to become heroes, like me.

Though, even I didn’t choose this academy. That man forced me to enroll. My desire to become a hero wasn’t enough to change his decision.
When I thought about it, it made sense that most of these students had no intention of becoming heroes.
Still, it didn’t sit well with me.

Even if they didn’t choose to be here, the fact that they walked in so casually, ignoring the dreams and efforts of others who truly wanted to be here, and made no effort themselves—that was unforgivable.

“…Maybe I shouldn’t be thinking like this,” I muttered to myself.

There must be some students who seem carefree on the outside but work hard behind the scenes.

The real problem is that most of the academy’s students seem more focused on showing off their skills or chasing shallow ideas of heroism.

“…Oh.”

As I scanned the room, I saw a familiar face.
It was the girl who had asked for my name yesterday.

Remembering something, I pulled out my phone and started searching. Her star-shaped mark had felt familiar, like I had seen it somewhere before.

Now that I thought about it, I hadn’t even asked for her name.

Without her name, it would be harder to find out more about her.

I hadn’t even had a real conversation with her yesterday before I walked away.

I had wanted to ask for her name to look into something, but I missed my chance. Sure, I wasn’t keen on talking, but not asking for her name was completely my fault. It’s not like someone would just offer their name without being asked.

I wanted to speak to her, but my words caught in my throat.

My hand reached out, but then I hesitated and pulled it back. Was I always this hesitant?

No, it wasn’t about confidence.

At least, I didn’t think so.

As I struggled with my thoughts, I saw the girl talking with Hyeon-ah.

Then, as if nudged forward, she started walking toward me.

No, not walking—she was being pushed.

Her face looked uneasy, almost scared.

Seeing her like that made me feel a little guilty.

Am I really that intimidating?

“…..”
She stood in front of me but didn’t say anything.

Pretending not to notice, I focused on my phone, though I could easily imagine the anxious expression on her face.
Was she afraid of me?

Am I truly that frightening?

I figured she’d speak eventually if I waited long enough, so I kept looking at my phone.
But she just stood there, silent.

My patience was running out.

“Hey, you,” I said, finally breaking the silence.

Still, she didn’t respond.
It wasn’t that she was ignoring me—she seemed lost in thought.
What on earth is she thinking about so deeply?

I tried again, my tone sharper this time.

“Hey, I’m talking to you.”
Still nothing.

Was she spaced out, or had she fainted while standing?

Losing what little patience I had left, I took a deep breath and shouted, “Hey!” “Ah! Eek!”

Startled, she grabbed her chest and took deep breaths, trying to calm herself. She must have been lost in her own thoughts.
What was she so focused on that she didn’t notice me?

I sighed and forced myself to relax.
“I’ve been calling you for a while. Why didn’t you answer?”

“Huh? You called me?”
…She didn’t even realize I called her?

Maybe I should’ve just tapped her on the shoulder.

“Haa… Why did you come over here?”

“Um… well… I…”

Do I really have to wait again?

My patience was running thin.
What could she possibly be trying to say that made her stammer this much? Watching her nervously fidget, sweat building on her forehead, I couldn’t help but sigh again.

How could someone be this shy?

The small girl kept hesitating, playing with her hands, while Hyeon-ah stood behind her making a “fighting” gesture.
…So this was Hyeon-ah’s doing.

“You know, it would be nice if you could just get to the point,” I said, hoping a little pressure might get her to speak faster. If I left her like this, it would take forever for her to speak.
Startled, she blinked for a moment, then shut her eyes tightly and blurted out:
“Would you… like to study with us?”

Ah, she finally said it.
I’d already decided to accept whatever she said, but I hadn’t expected such a bold suggestion.
A study group, huh?

I never imagined I’d join one here, but if it meant he’d be there too, it might be a chance to actually talk to him.

“Alright, let’s study together.”

The girl’s eyes widened in surprise, as if she hadn’t expected me to agree.
Normally, I would have refused right away, but considering everything that had happened and my curiosity about this girl, I saw no reason to say no.

Might as well ask for her name now.

“What’s your name?”

“My… my name?”
She didn’t seem ready for the question, and her face turned awkward. Her reaction was both cute and amusing, and I couldn’t help but chuckle a little. Seeing me laugh, her nervous expression softened, and she smiled brighter.

Was she really that scared of me?

What’s so scary about me?
I look in the mirror every day, and I’ve never thought of myself as intimidating. Being an elf, I’m considered quite pretty. People always tell me I look beautiful or elegant, never scary.

Sure, I may look a bit sharp, but scary? Definitely not… right?

Now that I think about it, I’ve heard people call me the Ice Witch around the academy.
At first, I thought it was just a silly nickname. But now, seeing this girl’s reaction, it wouldn’t be surprising if that title had spread as some scary rumor.

…Even though I’ve done nothing to deserve it.

While I thought about this, my expression must have turned complicated because the girl looked even more frightened.
No, that’s not what I meant!

Quickly, I tried to calm myself, softening my features and offering her a small smile. Only then did she finally answer me.

“My name… it’s Luna. Luna Crystal.”

She finally said it.
I had an urge to pat her on the head for her effort, but I stopped myself. We’d only just met, and who knew how she’d react.

Luna Crystal, huh?
Her name sounded familiar, though I couldn’t remember why.

Maybe I’d heard it a long time ago or forgotten it because it didn’t seem important at the time.

What I did know was that the star-shaped pupils were a trait of a noble family, passed down through generations.
If she had that mark, she must be from that family.
But her name didn’t ring any bells.

At least now I knew her name.

I could look into it later if needed. For now, there was no need to rush.

Since we’d agreed to study together, it was only fair I introduce myself too.

“I’m Reina Spelude. Nice to meet you.”
“A-Ah… yes, nice to meet you!”

I extended my hand for a handshake. Luna hesitated, staring at it for a moment before quickly reaching out and shaking my hand, nodding eagerly.

Was something wrong with her?

From what I’d seen, she seemed like a good person—especially considering how she protected Hyeon-ah during the attack.
But she was way too shy for her own good.

Her quiet, nervous personality, combined with her small stature, made her seem both endearing and frustrating to watch.

Maybe I could help her gain some confidence, at least while she’s around me.

The first step could start with this study group.