When I reunited with my arrogant childhood friend, she had become a talented and beautiful girl – Even though she has probably forgotten about me and I don’t want to be toyed with, for some reason she keeps getting involved with me!?

“Excuse me, could you pick me up? I’d also like to ask for an umbrella.”

After finishing dinner and relaxing on the sofa, a message came in from Fumiko with a cute stamp attached.

Ah, right, she did mention she was going out with friends from school yesterday.

For now, I simply replied with, “Understood.”

Looking at the location she sent, it seems to be the nearest station.

Even though it’s not yet 6 pm, the sky is overcast, and it has already darkened like it’s night. It’s raining too. I don’t mind going to pick her up, but…

Before that, I need to change my appearance.

Ever since the rally speech, the fact that I am Kandou Kazuki spread quickly throughout the school.

My classmates’ reactions were as expected.

Apparently, including Oda-kun, everyone had realized that I was Kandou Kazuki. The fact that my surname had changed meant they couldn’t dig too deep.

Who would have thought, it was exactly as Shion had said.

The strong assumption that a different surname and appearance meant a different person could have been at play. (Cue dramatic pause.)

I wanted to die when I remembered how I had been thinking such off-the-mark thoughts.

Anyway, that’s how Kandou Kazuki ended up getting a lot of attention from students.

In such a situation, what if I went to pick up Fumiko in my current state? What if she wasn’t alone, but with her friends?

“…Huh? That’s Kandou-senpai? He’s… not as impressive up close.”

“He’s got this dead-fish look in his eyes… Is he a different person?”

“Wow, he’s usually so sloppy… disillusioning…”

That absolutely cannot happen!

I don’t want to appear uncool in front of my juniors. …If I’m going to show off, it should be my cool side!!

“…Alright.”

I heaved myself up and headed for the bathroom.

The image reflected in the mirror was my usual self, lacking in spirit, with dead-fish eyes.

First of all, I needed to fix this slouch.

“Ughhhh…”

Crack, crack, snap, snap!

Just straightening my back made my bones scream out…!

Regaining my composure, I fixed my hair next with some wax.

I styled my hair as I did during the rally speech… Lastly, I sharpened my gaze and expression.

Alright, the Kandou Kazuki style is complete.

Honestly, I don’t feel like I’ve changed much, but according to Aoi-san, I look like a different person, so it should be fine.

Will Fumiko recognize it’s me?

No, no… she should be fine. She will definitely notice it’s me!!

… Probably.

After getting dressed, I head towards the designated nearest station.

While walking, I felt occasional glances from my surroundings, which bothered me, but it looked like I would reach the destination without any trouble.

Suddenly, I spotted Fumiko playing with her smartphone. She seemed to be alone.

As always, the stunning Fumiko was drawing attention from all around her.

It was clear that her appearance captivated everyone, regardless of their gender.

Should I call out to her in such a situation? I don’t really want to attract jealous looks like Aoi-san did the other day.

Hmmm, this feels more nerve-wracking than the pep rally.

Okay… let’s go.

I braced myself and headed towards Fumiko.

… Fumiko was focused on her smartphone and didn’t notice my approach.

Umm, I should at least call out to her.

… What should I say?

No, no, what am I thinking? Um, um, for now, I should confidently call out her name.

“H-Hiyori.”

I messed up! Why did I call her by her first name instead of her last name!?

When I called her name, Fumiko jerked in surprise, almost dropping her smartphone as she looked at me.

“Huh? Eh? Wh-why…?”

Why? Oh, she means my getup.

“I tried to look cool, but does it seem strange?”

“No, not at all! You look… very… cool…”

“O-Oh… Thanks.”

Despite what she said, she hasn’t been looking me in the eye…

This reaction. Could it be that my Kandou Kazuki style is actually lame!?

Is she just flattering me!? Is it just flattery!?

Wait a minute, if this getup is lame, does that mean everyone thought I was lame during the pep rally!?

While I was absorbed in my shock, Fumiko suddenly stepped under my umbrella.

“Eh? Um, I brought another umbrella for Fumiko, you know?”

“Eh? Um, well… my lucky item for today was this shared umbrella!!”

Lucky item? What is she talking about?

“Um… so, is it okay if we share… the umbrella?”

Fumiko clung to my sleeve tightly.

…Huh? Wait a minute? Would anyone want to share an umbrella with someone they thought was lame?

No, they wouldn’t, right?

So… that means… I’m definitely not lame right now!?

“Ah, if Fumiko is okay with it!”

I was so relieved!! With that thought deep in my heart, we went home under the shared umbrella.