Rumors bloom

Season 2, Episode 1: “Rumors Bloom”

The new semester begins. Students are buzzing in the hallway, pinning up new club posters, chattering about summer memories. The camera pans through groups until we land on a group of girls whispering and giggling while staring toward the courtyard.

---

Girl A (whispering):

“Hey, isn’t that Momose-san? She’s with Aozora-kun again…”

Girl B (snickering):

“Seriously? The school’s gyaru queen and that plain nerd? No way!”Girl C (gasping):

“I heard they even went to the festival together. Maybe they’re… dating?!”

Cut to Hikari and Renji in the courtyard. She’s laughing brightly, waving her arms dramatically as she tells a story. Renji walks beside her, clutching his bag tightly, clearly nervous at all the attention.

---

Renji Aozora

(muttering, looking away)

“…They’re staring. Everyone’s staring…”

Hikari Momose

(grinning, leans down close to his ear)

“Let them stare. If they’re jealous, it just means you’re winning, sensei~.”

Renji stiffens, ears turning red. Hikari bursts into laughter, smacking his shoulder lightly.

---

Later, in class. Renji sits at his desk trying to focus on reading, but whispers circle the room. He hears fragments—“Momose’s nerd boyfriend,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “bet it won’t last long.” His grip tightens on his book.

Hikari, meanwhile, sits casually at her desk with her buttons undone, twirling a pen and smiling like she doesn’t care. But her glossy lips curve into a small frown for just a second when she sees Renji slumping in his seat.

Hikari (inner monologue):

“…Stupid rumors. He’s not used to this kind of attention… I gotta do something.”

---

After class. Hikari yanks Renji by the arm and drags him to the rooftop. The wind blows through her chestnut-blonde hair with peach strands glimmering in the sunlight. She plops onto the railing, legs swinging.

---

Hikari Momose

(grinning, tossing her hair)

“So? What’s with the gloomy face, sensei? Don’t tell me you care about a buncha gossip.”

Renji

(frowning, looking at the floor)

“…They’re right. Someone like you being seen with someone like me… it just looks weird.”

Hikari

(pauses, then flicks his forehead playfully)

“Idiot. Who cares how it looks? I hang out with you ‘cause I want to. Not ‘cause it’s some charity act. Got it?”

Renji looks stunned. Hikari smirks, but her eyes are softer than usual.

---

Suddenly, a teacher’s voice echoes across the courtyard below—reminding everyone about the upcoming club recruitment event.

Teacher:

“Don’t forget! This year we’ll also be introducing new student activities, so make sure to attend!”

---

Hikari

(perks up, eyes sparkling)

“Ooh! A new event? Sounds fun. We’re going, sensei.”

Renji

(startled)

“W-we are?!”

Hikari

(teasing grin)

“Of course. It’s a date! Unless… you’re too chicken to be seen with me again?”

Renji’s face turns crimson. Before he can respond, the rooftop door creaks open. Standing there is a tall, sharp-looking boy with perfectly styled hair and an easy smile: Arata Kisaragi, the new transfer student.

---

Arata Kisaragi

(smiling warmly, eyes locking on Hikari)

“Sorry to interrupt. I’m new here—Arata. You must be Momose-san, right? I’ve seen your photos before. You’re even prettier in person.”

Hikari blinks, surprised, then flashes a dazzling smile. Renji, on the other hand, stiffens, his stomach twisting at Arata’s boldness.

Hikari

(grinning, tossing her hair)

“Eh? You’ve seen my magazines? Heh… guess I am kinda famous.”

Renji (inner monologue):

“…Who is this guy…?”

The camera pans out: the rooftop bathed in sunlight, with Renji standing awkwardly between Hikari’s playful smirk and Arata’s confident grin. A new rival has appeared.

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