In 2-A, where Shoot was enrolled, hushed laughter and whispers circulated. The subject was the rumors spread by Itakura and her allies—all about Shoot. The “false accusation of stalking” had spread three days ago, and the excitement hadn’t diminished even after the weekend.

Photos, secretly taken by Itakura’s accomplice, showing Shoot and Itakura together, had been posted on the school’s anonymous bulletin board, spreading the rumors further. The photos were doctored to make it look like Shoot was pursuing Itakura, solidifying the misconception that he was a stalker.

Itakura and Nakazato, the class delinquent, listened to the gossip with amusement.

“Do you think Mitsuki will come to school today?”

“I don’t know. After what happened, he might not come back.”

“Ahahaha! That would be perfect!”

“I wonder what we should do if he comes… kukuku…!”

Imagining Shoot’s reaction upon returning to school, Nakazato laughed with Gohara.

Kumi Hanamiya, the class president, felt far less amused. Despite their strained relationship, she’d once been close to Shoot, and hearing the rumors distressed her.

(Shoot-kun… will he skip school again today?)

Just as she looked anxiously towards the door, it opened abruptly.

Shoot entered 2-A without hesitation, the loud sound drawing everyone's attention. As expected, everyone was already in class.

“Eh…? Wh-who is that?” “I don’t know? A transfer student?” “He’s so tall, and he has long legs… taller than Nakazato?” “And he’s really handsome…” “Wow, he looks like a model… I want to talk to him.” “Who is that handsome guy…?”

No one recognized Shoot, and they just whispered amongst themselves, observing him from a distance. Kumi shared their confusion. Smiling, Shoot walked to his seat.

Nakazato approached, intrigued by the unfamiliar student sitting in Shoot’s usual seat.

“Who are you? Are you the new transfer student?”

Kumi, Itakura, and Gohara also stared at Shoot’s seat. Everyone shared Nakazato’s confusion. Amusement danced in Shoot’s eyes as he responded.

“Huh? I’m your classmate. We’ve interacted quite a bit (in a bad way), haven’t we? It’s me.

Shuto Mitsuki.”

Nakazato looked confused.

“““““……………””””””

Nakazato’s jaw dropped. All the classmates shared his shocked expression.

“Y-you’re kidding, right? You’re Mitsuki? The bottom-feeder of this class?”

“That bottom-feeder, yes. Shall I speak in my old voice— ‘Boku’ (I, more polite)? I am, undeniably, Shuto Mitsuki.”

Kumi gasped softly, recognizing Shoot’s previous speech pattern.

“No, no… This makes no sense!?”

Nakazato remained unconvinced. Itakura and Gohara shared his disbelief, their eyes wide.

“Did you have plastic surgery? You were absent on Friday, right?”

Knowing he couldn’t reveal his otherworldly transformation, Shoot simply smirked. This angered Nakazato.

“Remember what happened after school on Thursday? You stalked Nene, confessed, and got rejected, right? We spread it around, and you ran away. We were just talking about how you probably wouldn’t come back. If you’re Mitsuki, you should remember all that, right?”

Nakazato, smirking, tried to provoke Shoot, recalling that day's events. Itakura and Gohara joined in, smirking maliciously.

“That was perfect! We laughed when we heard you ran away! Of course, no one would be comfortable with everyone knowing about your stalking and rejection. It’s amazing that you even came to school! Or did you just come to submit a transfer request!?”

Nakazato’s laughter spread through the class. Only Kumi watched Shoot with concern.

“Ahahahahahahahaha!”

Shoot's laughter drowned theirs out. He banged on his desk, but his eyes showed no amusement, silencing the others.

“Wh-what are you laughing at—?”

Before Nakazato could speak, the homeroom bell rang. Aono, their teacher, entered, instructing everyone to sit down. Nakazato clicked his tongue and returned to his seat.

Aono, a man with neatly parted black hair and black-rimmed glasses, began taking attendance. Upon seeing Shoot's seat, he doubted his eyes.

“M-Mitsuki… is it?”

“Yes, the one sitting here is Shuto Mitsuki. Mr. Aono.”

Everyone understood Aono’s shock. He resumed attendance and quickly went through announcements. Shoot raised his hand.

“Sir, I have something to say.”

“M-Mitsuki… is it? What is it?”

Aono, still looking bewildered, allowed Shoot to speak. Shoot stood and announced clearly—

“I’ve been bullied by Yuta Nakazato and Takeru Gohara for about a month. I’ve also been assaulted by Kazumi Tanimoto and Daisuke Ohigashi from other classes.

Last Thursday, Nene Itakura falsely accused me of stalking her. She also lied about a confession… I won’t go into that.

I’ve suffered terrible bullying and injustice. I request appropriate action.”

The clear, unwavering accusation silenced the class. Nakazato, Itakura, and Gohara were taken aback; they never expected this.

Shoot had never made such a public accusation. He’d only confided in Aono and the school counselor.

And those attempts had been futile. The teachers hadn't believed him; it was partly because they doubted his claims and partly because they followed the principal's instructions to avoid trouble.

Shoot, having physically and mentally transformed in the other world, finally exposed the bullying.

“Mitsuki, you mentioned this in the staff room before, didn’t you? There’s no bullying in this class. And about the stalking, I was not involved. No witnesses have come forward.”

“But I’ve been assaulted repeatedly by Nakazato and his gang. They only bullied me in empty classrooms, off-campus, or on the rooftop, so there are few witnesses. They were carefully avoiding detection.”

“You’re mistaken! Nakazato wouldn’t do such a thing. He’s an exemplary student. You must be mistaken.”

Despite the public accusation, Aono refused to acknowledge Shoot’s claims, prioritizing self-preservation. Nakazato, outwardly calm, was furious.

But Shoot was even angrier. This was his ultimatum. He’d forgive Aono if he investigated Nakazato.

But Aono’s response was self-serving and unprofessional.

(I expected as much.)

Smirking inwardly, Shoot’s demeanor turned serious.

“Is that it? Are you sure about that? I won’t listen to any retractions later.”

Aono was speechless at Shoot’s ominous words. The classmates were intimidated.

“Wh-what’s with your attitude!? Towards a teacher! That’s why no one trusts you!”

Aono tried to assert his authority, ending the conversation.

(Oh, really? Then you’ll get no mercy either, Aono.)

Shoot included Aono in his plans for revenge. Nakazato glared at Shoot, itching to strike. Unable to do so in front of the teacher, he hissed.

“Meet me on the rooftop at lunchtime. Don’t run away this time.”

Shoot smirked.

“Perfect. I have something to do with you too. Bring your usual crew.”

Shoot's defiant attitude enraged Nakazato.