When I said theyre troublesome, its about how theyre all self-serving idiots. Theyre a group that does anything to have fun. Or at least, thats how I remembered them from the few times I put them under observation.

Because I abide by my rule of not picking my target in my class, the only times I could remember being engaged in a conversation with them was whenever there was a group activity or during the sports and cultural festival.

Thats how disconnected I was in my class. Thats why I was honestly surprised to find out that Eimi developed feelings for me.

Anyway, the other three in their group showed up not long after the two approached me. Theyre all talking to me as though I was their long-lost childhood friend and theyre dying to catch up with whatever story I could come up with while were separated.

But its easy to notice in their eyes and expressions that theyre just in it for the fun of it.

Enough with that. Go back and get what we needed. Ill accompany Onoda-kun here. The first girl, who approached me, told the other four off, she even made a gesture of shooing them off. She even sent me a wink, most likely thinking that she did me a favor.

Well, in a certain sense, she did. I had no energy to entertain all their questions. I only even answered the basic ones like why am I here or what school Im attending. They tried mentioning Akane and about how our relationship sat me up the pedestal as the number 1 guy among the first years they envied.

If its Eimi who was left behind here. They probably wouldnt be this interested or they would also be after seeing the two carts.

In any case, the girl was successful in sending them away. She even gave the basket to that guy who stuck to my side earlier.

From what I recall, this girl was the ringleader of their group. She's extremely outgoing and outspoken; an extrovert so to speak. If our class back then would be ranked, shed be at the top of the hierarchy. Shes neither a Class President nor a representative of other committees but shes got this certain charisma to be on speaking terms with everyone in our class, except me.

Now that the distractions are away Onoda-kun. I see that you havent changed much. You still have the same uninterested gaze. I wonder, is my charisma not enough to make you interested in even a simple conversation? The girl checked herself out but soon enough, she gave up after finding nothing wrong with her.

She sighed lightly before focusing her gaze on me.

In front of me, only two customers left before my turn. I could ignore the girl if I wanted to but with how loud her voice was, I already heard those in front of me clicking their tongues in annoyance.

Not my fault, right?

But I guess, its best if I entertained her enough to shut her up.

Machida, what do you want?

How cold. But thats to be expected with someone taken. The girl I called Machida looked disappointed but that interest bubbling up in her remained. Say, Onoda-kun, if I say that I want you, will you dump Shimizu?

As soon as she finished saying that, the girl tried to hook her arm with mine but I simply stepped to the side, dodging her.

Realizing that she failed at what she aimed to do, the girl burst into laughter. What quick reflexes! Onoda-kun. Youre really interesting. But youre so boring last year. No one in our class got to get close to you. You always keep your distance as if you never want anything to do with us. Now that were not classmates and not schoolmates either is it now possible to get to know you?

This girl Looking at her pretty emerald eyes, I could tell that she was serious. Anyway, I did remember her last name but thats about it.

My mind was occupied with the thought of Eimi waiting for me outside. I couldnt even be worked up in understanding where shes coming from.

Eimi was one thing. She was next to me and she observed me closely. But this girl? I couldnt even remember the times that she tried talking to me.

So, this was possibly just her trying to have fun again.

She had the looks, alright. She wouldnt be at the top of our class without that. But being aware of my relationship with Akane and trying this stunt, I could easily deduce her motive.

Furthermore, those who she sent away were probably just lurking in the corner, waiting for any kind of development.

Judging from how theyre trying to ask me earlier, all of them only see me as a source of entertainment. Theyre looking down at me. If I get swayed by this girl, theyre probably going to laugh their ass off.

Huh? What for? You can continue to see me as the boring dude, I couldnt care less. I shrugged and pushed my carts. At this point, she couldnt squeeze to my side anymore.

Thats a great defense, Onoda-kun. Youre still too tough to crack.

I dont need any cracking, Machida. I am what I am. If youre only trying to have fun at the expense of another person; in this case, me. Go ahead. I dont care. I answered.

Upon hearing that, the girls eyes tilted her head in confusion Huh? Were not trying to make fun of you. Is that what you think of us?

Is that so? Then why the barrage of questions?

Its because were interested in whats going on with a former classmate. No one from our class has gotten close to you. And from what I heard, you never looked at Shimizu for the whole three years. I am curious what changed.

I observed her reaction and I guess its pretty genuine. So, its just my misconception that shes trying to get a kick out of me, huh? No, maybe what shes saying was the truth but if I acted differently, theyd still find it amusing.

Not much has changed. I simply remembered that I love her. Is that understandable?

What the heck is that? Did you get amnesia or something?

Sort of? Anyway, nice meeting you five. I never acted as a classmate because its troublesome to deal with people Im not interested in. I declared as I pushed the carts forward.

Thats rude, you know?

Im aware. But Machida, that's just how I am. If youre thinking that Im an interesting person then just drop the thought.

Heh This is the first real conversation I had with you, Onoda-kun. And I must say, youre interesting enough to not bore me. I wont ask why you have two carts anymore. Thats intriguing but I dont want to get on your nerves anymore. See ya!

Ending our conversation with that, Machida sent me a provocative grin before walking away without looking back.

I thought she wouldnt mention it but to decide on not prying about it when it should be the most interesting detail that could tickle their curiosity, I guess my evaluation of her or their group was really off.

Anyway, I put them in the back of my mind soon after that. If I ever encounter them again after this day, Ill just act the same way.