"Go find a seat, Miss Tsuchimi!~"

Teacher Yukimura Akari smiled and nodded at the well-behaved girl. Her gaze swept to the only empty seat at the back by the window. She instantly covered her small mouth.

Oh dear~ Is it really appropriate to have such a cute girl sit behind that detestable guy...?

"Yes!~ Teacher!"

The orange-haired girl scanned the classroom. Only one seat remained—at the very back by the window.

But when her gaze passed over me, it froze on me. At that moment, our eyes locked.

The perfect smile on the seemingly radiant girl’s face instantly froze. For this man before her, a deep, visceral disgust welled up from within.

No, no! She was an impeccable high school beauty! How could she show dislike?!!

Even if this classmate was utterly detestable, she must stay perfect in front of him!!

The girl slowly walked toward the empty seat. As she passed my desk, I clearly saw sweat beads trickling down her forehead and the reluctant expression she forced down.

—Huh? She’s suppressing her disgust for me?

What should I say? Is it strong willpower? Or some obsession?

Probably the latter!

A girl unaffected by emotions shouldn’t be too hard to win over... especially sitting behind me.

Wait... a girl actually willing to sit behind me?! And such a cute one?! Am I dreaming?!

I pinched my arm to confirm.

This was real!

A super cute girl right behind me!

Just thinking about it felt like a dream.

Since coming to this world, when was my last close contact with a girl?

...

I couldn’t even remember.

On the podium, Teacher Yukimura continued roll call. But I had no urge to listen.

First step to win over a girl?

Self-introduction!

I straightened my appearance, put on what I thought was a gentlemanly smile, and slowly turned.

"Hello, I’m Kamidou Chiyo. Nice to meet you!"

But a thick book slammed into my face with a loud thwack.

The sound silenced the entire classroom. Everyone’s attention snapped to us—even Teacher Yukimura. She searched puzzledly, then spotted me in the corner. Her expression shifted to sudden understanding.

The boys wore smug, amused grins, enjoying the familiar scene.

The girls glared like I was scum, grinding their teeth, wishing to tear me apart.

Except for Kuroki Tomoko. The affection level above her head suddenly jumped to 20. Her eyes held sympathy, as if sharing my plight.

"Oh! Sorry, Kamidou-kun. The book accidentally flew at your face. Be more careful next time, okay?"

Umaru Tsuchimi lightly covered her lips. Her clueless face almost screamed, ‘Sorry, the book attacked first.’

"Oh, really! Your book is quite mischievous, isn’t it!~"

I rubbed my reddened cheek, forcing a smile. I glanced at the red -100 value above her head, then turned back.

You think I’d give up? No way!

Burdened with this tragically intense aura, I felt zero inner turmoil.

Besides, my first step was complete.

What’s scariest in romance? Being seen as a stranger!

The crucial first step: make her recognize you! Leave an impression!

As Comrade Marx said: Good or bad, impressions matter most!

Even with negative affection and a terrible first impression.

After years of romance techniques, I know:

Affection can transform!

With the right approach, turn negatives into positives bit by bit.

Correct her level first, then build positive rapport.

But... boosting positive affection? Still figuring it out. Not worth mentioning.

I pulled a black leather password notebook from under my desk. Opened to a blank page.

Wrote "Umaru Tsuchimi" at the top. Below:

Height: Unknown (to acquire).

Weight: Unknown (to acquire).

Measurements: Unknown (to acquire).

Personality: Unknown (to investigate).

Hobbies/Quirks: Unknown (to investigate).

Home Address: Unknown (to investigate).

Family Members: Unknown (to investigate).

...

I closed the notebook. I wasn’t some harem anime protagonist—girls wouldn’t love me for nothing.

With my terrifying aura, waiting passively wasn’t my style.

A true romance master creates opportunities! Maximize even the tiniest chance!

As I tucked the notebook away, I glanced at petite Kuroki Tomoko ahead. The data above her head startled me.

I nearly jumped under the desk.

I stared wide-eyed at the green 20 value, confirming I wasn’t seeing things.

—What the hell?! I haven’t done anything!

Even adding my past life’s age to this one, I’d never seen anything this bizarre!!

I scratched my head. Utterly incomprehensible. I blamed it on her being special.

After hesitating... I reopened the notebook. Wrote "Kuroki Tomoko" alone on the last page. Closed it.

After roll call, Teacher Yukimura nodded. "Study on your own this period. Get familiar with the textbook."

She left.

The classroom instantly buzzed. Students greeted each other, seeking groups to join.

In Area 11 classrooms, this was common. No friends meant total isolation.

The consequences of isolation... I won’t dwell on it. Too dark for now.