After leaving the shop, I began guessing where Yukina could've went to. If I were a girl... I guess I'd go to the cafe?

Well, Yukina seemed like the type who would try and stay out of trouble. The cafe seemed most reasonable for her, since she could sit in peace while mulling over her thoughts. That was the kind of rational calm girl she was.

The cafe was on the surface, so I went all the way to the top floor where the riajuu of the school had came together. While I felt slightly uncomfortable in the card shop, here I felt just out of place. The atmosphere in the card shop was casual at least, and I could make small talk because I liked Vanguard.

But here, where the upper echelon of society are gathered, the situation has drastically changed. The pressure they give off as they walk together in packs of groups was intense. They were surrounding me, blocking me in and barricading me from visiting the cafe. Their piercing gazes judged me from far away, secretly scorning me because my plain face was rotten and ugly in comparison to their beautiful ones.

I had stepped foot into a world of ikemen and bijin. A scrawny low tier like me couldn't survive...

I sighed to myself, ready to return back down to the card shop where I truly belonged. But deep down in my heart, something twinged within me. Perhaps what I ate for breakfast (instant ramen) poisoned my ability to think rationality, but I stepped forward regardless, shuffling to the cafe alone and my head held high.

The moment I entered the cafe, I immediately looked down. I didn't want to draw unnecessary attention, so I just walked around the outskirts while looking at who was inside.

As expected, the ikemen and bijin had completely crowded the place. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and tea floated in the air. Though, the view from here was nice. The gentle ocean sea, the clear blue skies, the wonderful spring sun...

And the giant island that was in front of us?!

While searching for Yukina, I had stumbled upon something amazing. The cruise ship was indeed five minutes away from landing on GEN Academy.

The front of the island was one of the most beautifully decorated landscapes I've ever laid my eyes on. It was something out of a dream.

The people around me also had caught wind of the island. The noise in the cafe increased as everyone chattered about the beauty of the island. I had to agree with it all, even though I wasn't directly involved in the conversation.

"Excuse me...?"

My captivated heart was stolen by a cute sounding voice. I looked over my shoulder at the person who called out to me.

It was the meek novel boy from earlier. His voice was more gentle than I had imagined - I was caught off guard, honestly. He sheepishly hugged his novel to his chest, and was failing at making eye contact.

Ah, just like me, he didn't fit at all in this cafe. It was obvious from first glance that he was a shy type. It could be safe to assume he had much difficulty even calling out towards me. After all, you don't want to trouble the person.

"Yeah?"

"Thank you for... earlier."

"Not a problem. I'm glad your safe."

Wow, I felt like an ikemen for a moment there. Was spending time around these riajuu finally rubbing off on me?

"Um, I'm sorry about... ditching you earlier. Are you... okay?"

His speech changed speed very easily. It was obvious he was nervous talking to a stranger like me. Still though, I felt a bit strange too since I didn't expect to run into novel boy again so soon.

"I'm fine." I paused, and thought. Well, what else would an ikemen say in this situation, I wonder? I came to a quick conclusion. "It seems we're in the same class..."

"I'm Nora Takayuki!" He lifted his head and declared his name quite loudly. I was taken aback a bit, and Nora realised what he had done. Face-palming, he shook his head. "I'm sorry..."

"I'm Takanori Yuuto." I said, patting his shoulder. This is how an ikemen acts... right?

Bizarrely, I didn't even realise I was trying so hard to conform to my surroundings. I probably either miserably failed or scared Nora even further. I really wasn't the social nor pretty-boy type, yet...

"It's nice to meet you... Takanori-san. Please take care of me." Nora bowed.

"Same here." I bowed as well.

Our brief introduction was cut by another announcement.

"Students, we have arrived at GEN Academy. Please ensure you have taken your belongings and have your luggage tickets on you. After confirming this, please proceed to exit from the ship in an orderly line. Faculty will be there to help control everything. Thank you for your cooperation."

While I failed to find Yukina, I made a new friend instead. I began walking to the exit, and Nora followed me with a satisfied smile. It seemed his nerves had calmed down a tiny bit after that conversation we had.