Now then, as Hana, it’s time to go.

I had already finished the various preparations for my transfer, and starting today I’ll be partaking classes.

I put on the uniform that showed as little skin as possible, and then placed on my glasses in front of the mirror.

“Will I really not be discovered like this…?”

In fact, my past self didn’t realize it at all, so it was guaranteed to be effective, but still.

Regardless, I left behind that thread of anxiety and I went to the classroom.

I looked around the classroom from behind my glasses… and yep, there they were.

Cecily, Anita, and Eivind too.

What a strange feeling.

I’ll be reliving my youth in the same classroom this year without them finding out.

“…I’m Hana Field. Nice to meet you.”

I couldn’t help but introduce myself in a low voice.

Even with these glasses, there was no guarantee that my voice wouldn’t give me away.

By the way, I was the one who came up with Hana Field.

Rather, when I think about it carefully, it’s basically just wordplay, not even an anagram, using a foreign language that existed some 800 years ago.

Noz > Nose, Nose > Hana
(ノーズ→鼻ノーズ→ハナ)
*(Hana means nose in Japanese)*

Something like that.

I should have probably come up with a more elaborate name, but when it’s this overly simple, people surprisingly don’t notice.

In fact, my completely oblivious past self is even coming to talk to me during the lunch break.

“Hey, Hana. Won’t you be my friend?”

“No thanks.”

“Don’t be like that. I’m studying fashion, too. I thought maybe we could do it together.”

“Not interested.”

“Well, how about we at least have lunch together? I want to kno—”

“I don’t want you to know about me. Please don’t talk to me again.”

Of course, becoming friends with my past self doesn’t make any sense, so I dismiss her curtly.

Wow, talking with myself feels weird.

Seeing “my former self” leave in dejection, my heart doesn’t ache in the slightest… instead, I curl my lips into a tiny grin, one I’m careful not to let anyone notice.

No way, isn’t this fun? If the only one getting hurt is “me,” then I’m not bothering anyone.

I couldn’t wait to quietly enjoy my youth that was to come.

That said, I don’t have time to just fool around with myself. After all, there is a big event coming up soon!

Right after school, I headed to the drama club’s audition for the new student welcome performance.

Even though I knew I’d end up splendidly landing the role of the supporting lead… I still got nervous.

“Hana, let’s do our best together!”

When the “former me” taps me on the shoulder while we’re queued in the hallway, I naturally ignored her.

Although… after this, the “former me” will sing a “Cursed Song” during the audition, causing the crowd to flee, and she’ll end up being subjected to what feels like a humiliating investigation.

And the cause of it all is supposedly because “the current me” got carried away and beat up too many punks (I absolutely did not kill them)… when I think about that, I can’t help but feel a bit sympathetic.

“I think it’d be better if you didn’t try too hard.”

I advised her while furrowing my brows like crazy, the “former me” happily says, “Thanks!”  before joining the back of the line.

Well, I know my advice will be in vain, though.

Then, at the audition, I met the department chief who’s absolutely devoted to his fiancée.

“A transfer student…? I’m glad you’re interested in our club. But please keep in mind that I won’t be biased in the audition.”

To treat such a plain and suspicious transfer student with both kindness and firmness like that… I can’t help but think again, what a good guy.

Just as I practiced, I relaxed my shoulders and sang lightly.

A week passed like that.

“Hana, do you have drama club practice again today?”

“You sure are working hard. I’ll definitely come and support you on the day of your performance.”

Word spread quickly that I passed the audition, and because of that, the girls in my class started talking to me.

…Even though I’m just quietly and modestly attending classes, you know?

“Uhm… why are you being nice to me?”

To this simple question I voiced… they looked at each other and smiled wryly.

“At first, we thought it’d be nice to get close to someone who passed…”

“But over the past week, we’ve come to learn that you’re a serious and admirable person… and somehow, that question of yours just strikes as humble and cute.”

No, I’m just living a quiet and secret life so no one will find out my true identity, you know?

Even though I didn’t really understand why, I was grateful that they were earnestly supporting me.

I see… you don’t have to force yourself by saying, “Let’s be friends!” to make friends. Come to think of it, wasn’t it the same with Anita, too?

That Anita, once again today, was shouting in a voice that echoed throughout the classroom at the “former me” who is clinging to her, saying, “It’s hot, so get away already!”

Also, I think Eivind should be inviting Anita to see my play soon. This was also the time when I had just been chosen to appear on stage as part of the crowd, and I was in high spirits.

The two classmates looked troubled by the sight.

“Being so noisy… you know?”

“It’s good that she’s become more positive, but… isn’t she a bit hard to approach?”

I see… I’m sure their opinions are probably on point.

But that’s exactly why my feelings for her are only growing stronger.

Anita, she really was a good girl…

“Hana?”

While I was absentmindedly watching Anita, who was still fuming with worry even after the “former me” left the classroom, my current friends called out to me in concern.

“No, it’s nothing. I’ll do my best to entertain you two during the performance as well.”

My current friends were precious too, after all

When I smiled softly while lowering my voice, the two of them smiled back happily.

Alright, I’ve got to pump myself up so I don’t lose to the “former me”!

…I was rushing to the clubroom, trying not to show too much enthusiasm when—

“Hey, can I talk to you for a bit?”

Someone spoke to me in a casual, almost flippant way, but making sure no one else noticed.

It was none other than the 18-year-old Eivind Dal.

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