Yukinoshita-san is definitely secretly in love with me.

Yukinoshita's recent efforts to rebuild her reputation at the academy had been surprisingly effective even she could feel the change.

Three weeks ago, when she had just opened her eyes in this strange new timeline, the atmosphere around her had been one of unanimous hostility. That was to be expected. Even back in elementary school, she'd never been popular among the girls, and the boys, intimidated by the girls' attitudes, had steered clear of her as well.

But now, someone had actually dared to confess their feelings to her openly!

Unbelievable. After all, she was the infamous former school pariah who had once publicly admitted to liking girls.

And even that wasn't enough to scare people off? That boy must have really liked her.

So, while she had no impression of the boy and certainly no feelings for him, Yukinoshita still tried to be as gentle as possible when she turned him down.

It didn't help much, though. The moment the words "I'm sorry" left her lips, the buzzing, lively atmosphere turned icy and awkward.

Had the school's disciplinary committee chair not stormed down to break things up in a huff, Yukinoshita might've actually felt a bit bad for walking away so indifferently.

When she returned to class, she was greeted by dozens of staring eyes.

Yukinoshita: ?

Hikigaya, the boy perpetually afflicted with what she called "second-year syndrome" and his signature dead fish stare, propped his chin up on one hand and cast her a quick glance. A flicker of confusion crossed his face.

He wasn't wrong. In the past, Yukinoshita had a reputation for flirting with anyone who so much as looked her way, seducing and toying with multiple targets at once.

Balancing eighty different relationships and still walking like she was on a tightrope made of iron cables that was her. That was the legendary Yukinoshita.

Even after she dyed her hair black again, wiped off the heavy makeup, and immersed herself in studying quietly, many still believed it was all just part of a new strategy to capture someone's heart.

When it came to romantic pursuits, Yukinoshita had always been serious.

But now? She had rejected a boy who had come to her of his own accord, like a lamb to the slaughter.

In fact, her rejection of Matsumoto-kun had made an even greater impact than her sudden reformation and focus on academics.

Hayama, the class's golden boy and undeniable popular king, looked like he wanted to say something as Yukinoshita walked past his desk. In the end, he simply shifted to one side and let her pass, saying nothing at all.

She returned to her seat.

Miura, her seatmate, kept her eyes locked forward, posture stiff and serious, not saying a word. Her whole demeanor screamed: "As if I care about Yukinoshita at all."

Kamizawa Junko sighed inwardly at this familiar display, but outwardly smiled and asked in a playful tone, "Yukinoshita, why did you turn down Matsumoto-kun?"

Her voice wasn't exactly quiet, and quite a few people overheard. Instantly, more attention turned their way.

Yukinoshita blinked, surprised. Kamizawa is that curious?

She replied plainly, "I've fallen behind in my studies. I don't have the time or energy to waste on romance."

Miura didn't look satisfied with the answer and gave Kamizawa a series of pointed glances.

Kamizawa rolled her eyes, but played along and continued, "So you don't like Matsumoto-kun even a little?"

Yukinoshita shook her head. "He's not my type."

"Oh?" piped up Ono, another classmate. "Then, Yukinoshita, what is your type?"

Miura said nothing, her expression smug despite her eyes still staring straight ahead.

Obviously it's me!

She's been secretly in love with me since the start of high school!

It must have been that beautiful spring day, cherry blossoms drifting through the air, when she first saw me on campus and fell head over heels...

Yukinoshita paused. Despite her former blonde persona being a seasoned flirt, the real Yukinoshita had never actually been in a relationship. She had no experience none.

She let out a sigh. "The midterms are next week. Right now, I just want to focus on studying. I'm not thinking about anything else."

Miura looked a little disappointed but still gave a silent nod that said: I understand.

Girls could be like that shy, emotionally reserved, afraid that their crush would never reciprocate, so they hid their feelings away, locked tight.

Miura Yumiko rested her chin on her palm at her desk, lost in a dreamy smile. Her mind was now filled with one thought:

Yukinoshita is saving herself for me!

Oh my god, Yukinoshita must really like her.

Wait a minute-

If she didn't do something soon, wouldn't Yukinoshita end up spending the rest of her life alone? Wouldn't she die cold and lonely, her youth wasted?

A wave of guilt washed over Miura.

No. She had to help Yukinoshita. Teach her to open up. To make friends. To connect with people.

Later that same period, during the break, Kamizawa Junko and Yuigahama Yui happened to go to the restroom together.

There was something oddly close and intimate about the way girls interacted. If it were boys, the only acceptable reason to go to the restroom together was either to sneak a smoke or get into a fight. But girls? Girls would go even if there was no reason at all, linked arm in arm and whispering like best friends.

When they came back out, Kamizawa was leaning against the railing outside, scrolling rapidly through her phone, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Yuigahama rushed to the sink. "Hold on a sec, Junko I'll be right there."

Of the three of them, the one Yuigahama had the hardest time dealing with was Kamizawa.

Junko always smiled. She smiled far more often than she spoke. And although Yuigahama was skilled at reading the mood and sensing people's feelings, she secretly hated having to guess what someone else was really thinking.

"Yui."

Junko's voice came from behind.

Yuigahama replied brightly, "What's up, Junko?"

Junko let out a sigh. "Yumiko's being stubborn as always, but it really does seem like she feels something special for Yukinoshita… I'm a little worried that this love-struck idiot will mess everything up."

She'd known Miura for more than a decade. Of course she could see it: despite her confident, take-no-prisoners attitude, Yumiko was utterly hopeless when it came to love.

Yuigahama froze for a second before laughing. "Weren't you guys the ones pushing her toward Yukinoshita? If she keeps talking herself into it, she'll definitely end up thinking she's in love."

Junko's voice dropped, soft and serious. With her back turned, Yuigahama couldn't see her expression.

"Yui, do you really think Yumiko is just talking herself into it?"

"…Huh?"

"When Yukinoshita first transferred into our class, everyone was staring at her. You probably didn't notice Yumiko's face back then."

A black-haired girl had stepped into the room beside Teacher Hiratsuka, her skin like snow, lips the color of cherry blossoms beautiful like a snow fairy out of a storybook.

Yumiko probably hadn't even realized it herself, but in that instant, her soul had already leapt ahead of her body, soaring past gossip and prejudice and everything she thought she knew.

And when their eyes met for the first time 

In the golden-haired girl's eyes, it was as if a sky full of stars had just lit up.