It is the first day of the school year, and Maki has just started high school. However, he doesn’t have very high expectations for it.
As is customary, the students begin introducing themselves, and when it is Maki’s turn, he appears shy.
The teacher encourages him to share something he enjoys. Finally, Maki decides to mention that, since he is usually home alone, he likes to wind down the week by playing video games or watching low-budget horror movies while eating snacks.
This detail goes unnoticed by many—but not by Umi. She and Yuu immediately catch everyone’s attention; Yuu is a very attractive girl who acts quite affectionately toward her friend, Umi.
As the days go by, Maki remains solitary. Although he is accustomed to being alone, he watches others chatting and socializing with a hint of envy.
Another week draws to a close. From the other side of the classroom, Maki overhears Yuu talking to Umi, suggesting they do something together.
However, Umi tells her that she already has plans for that afternoon—or something along those lines. She mentions she wants to watch a movie, but when she shows Yuu what she has in mind, Yuu loses all interest—though, in Maki’s opinion, it is actually a great choice.
Sticking to his routine, Maki goes to buy a pizza and heads to the video rental store to pick something out—yes, they still exist. To his surprise, Umi appears right beside him.
It is the first time they have ever spoken, and Maki asks her if she didn’t have other plans. Umi replies that she did—plans with him. She then hands him an introductory sheet—much like the ones from the first day of class—filled with information about herself, stating that she would like to become friends with a certain person: him.
Umi is very direct, and this way, an unorthodox friendship begins.
(KAクラスで2番目に可愛い女の子と友だちになったNJI)
