After Kuze walked away, Isagi cast a casual glance toward the food line, automatically following his lazy friend.
That was when he noticed the three girls looking for empty seats, each holding a tray.
It seemed like all the spots were already taken, until suddenly, when Kuze passed by his sister and the other two, they turned their gaze toward them.
Would they come sit with them?
As Isagi began to wonder that, a student in the corner of the cafeteria waved at someone.
Maria said something to her friends and soon started walking toward the girl calling her, probably a classmate.
The other two then directed their attention to the end of the table beside them, where there were still two empty seats.
Yuki said something to Alisa and, without hesitation, began walking straight toward them.
This left Tada flustered, making him straighten his posture immediately.
“Isagi, are these seats taken?” All eyes were on Yuki, so the pronounced crease that appeared on Alisa’s forehead the moment those words left Yuki’s lips went unnoticed.
“Oh, uh.
No, they’re free.
Feel free to sit….” “You don’t mind, right?” “O-of course not.” “Make yourselves comfortable.” “Thank you….” she replied with a dazzling smile before walking around the table and sitting next to Isagi.
Alisa then sat beside Tada, diagonally to Isagi’s right… As soon as the two girls sat down, the boys were immediately drawn to what they had gotten from the cafeteria.
Just like her brother, Yuki also had a bowl of mapo-tofu ramen, which contrasted with her high-class vibe.
“Wow, uh… I didn’t know you ate this kind of thing too, Miss Suou…” Tada stammered nervously.
Yuki took a hair tie from her pocket and tied her hair into a ponytail with an awkward smile.
“You don’t have to be so formal.
It’s not like we just met.
We’re classmates….” “B-but, like… Yeah, you’re right.” “And of course I eat ramen.
We don’t eat it at home, but I usually go out on weekends to have some…” “R-really?
I guess I misjudged you…” Tada’s eyes were wide with surprise after hearing how simple Yuki was, a contrast to her refined image at school.
She smiled even more before elegantly beginning to eat her noodles.
Isagi waited until she started eating and glanced at Tada.
— You’re really nervous.
— Speak for yourself.
Maybe you are, but I’m not.
— You want to get to know her, right?
How are you going to do that if you’re trembling in your seat?
— Sorry, but she’s out of my league.
— Giving up that easily?!
While they exchanged this “conversation” silently with just their eyes, Yuki suddenly paused her ramen and let out a satisfied sigh.
“This is really good, isn’t it?
I do wish it were a bit spicier, though.
I saw they had soy sauce and salt at the counter, but unfortunately, there wasn’t any chili oil.
Maybe the student council needs to discuss that at the next meeting.” “Using your power for personal benefit, huh…” Isagi joked with a wry smile.
“I’m kidding…” Yuki replied with a light laugh.
Another crease, once again unnoticed, appeared on Alisa’s forehead as she ate in silence, listening to their relaxed conversation.
The expression deepened for a moment, until she closed her eyes and deliberately softened it.
“Are you two close?” Alisa asked, in a tone too casual to be entirely casual.
“We’re basically childhood friends…” Yuki replied, turning to her with a gentle smile.
“Childhood friends…?” “More specifically, since the beginning of elementary school.
We were in the same class, and my brother ended up becoming quite close to him.
I ended up joining the group as well…” “Oh…” Alisa nodded ambiguously, leaving it unclear whether she was satisfied with the answer.
Isagi, observing the two, decided to intervene: “And you two?
Are you close?” Alisa hesitated, as if she didn’t quite know how to answer.
Yuki stepped in.
“I think we’re still getting to know each other.
But I’d like to be friends with Alisa, at least,” she said, tilting her head slightly with a gentle smile.
Alisa’s eyes widened, clearly caught off guard, unsure of where to look.
Looking away, she responded awkwardly: “…There’s nothing good about being my friend.” Yuki blinked a few times, but soon a playful smile returned to her lips.
“In other words, you’re not against the idea of us becoming friends, right?” “Oh… yeah, I guess not?” “Then let’s be friends!
We’re in the same student council and the same grade, after all.
Ah, hey!
Can I call you Alya too?
I always thought the nickname was really cute when I heard Masha call you that!” “Y-yes… you can.” “Hee-hee!
I can’t stop smiling!
You can call me Yuki, or whatever you like, okay, Alya?” “…Alright, Yuki.” Curiously, Alisa leaned slightly away from Yuki, who was laughing cheerfully with her hands clasped.
“I’m glad you two are friends now, but your ramen will get soggy if you don’t hurry…” Isagi commented, finishing one of the cereal bars he had picked up earlier.
“Ah!
I completely forgot about my ramen!” Alisa watched with mild perplexity as Yuki began eating hurriedly.
Then she noticed Isagi looking at her and immediately made a small pout, visibly uncomfortable.
“So… Isagi… since you and Miss Su— Yuki are friends… what did you tell her about me?” “Huh?
What kind of question is that?
Well… nothing much.
Just that you’re always mad at me and… that’s basically it.
I think everyone knows you pick on me…” “You make it sound like I’m always irritated, but that only happens because of you…” Alisa shot back, her brows knitting slightly.
“I can’t deny that…” Isagi replied, already used to agreeing to keep the peace, which made Yuki laugh beside him.
“You don’t have to feel embarrassed, Isagi.” “Hm?” “He speaks very well of you, Alya.
He said you’re extremely dedicated and that he really respects you.” “…?!” “I never said I respected her.” “But you still show respect for hardworking people.
Am I wrong, Mr.
Soccer Star…?” Yuki replied with a faint smile, as if seeing through him.
“…” Isagi looked away, clearly unwilling to continue that line of conversation.
Instead, he cast a meaningful glance at Tada and Renji, as if saying: Come on, say something.
The two exchanged quick looks, nodded almost at the same time, and without hesitation stood up with their trays.
“Well, we’re done eating, so we’ll get going.” “See you later.” Isagi tried to stop them with his eyes, but it was useless.
The two traitors simply abandoned him there.
And why wouldn’t he want to stay with two beautiful girls, you might ask?
Well… according to his predecessor’s memories, he knew very well that Yuki harbored a certain interest in him.
It all started during that absurd student council presidency contest.
Now, Masachika’s strange behavior made sense.
He probably just wanted to create an opportunity for his sister to get closer.
But… leaving the table just because of that?
Brother things, perhaps.
Yuki’s noble and distant appearance could fool anyone, but Isagi knew her far too well to fall for it.
It wouldn’t be surprising at all if she herself had suggested this plan, inspired by some manga she liked.
After all, Yuki had an entire room dedicated to that kind of thing, filled with otaku materials, kept at her brother’s house since she couldn’t keep it in her own home.
And not only that… she had also influenced Masachika over the years.
In fact, it was because of her that he ended up getting into that world too.
Yes, the old Isagi was kind of an otaku… As for his other friends… they could be idiots in many situations, but not in that one.
They noticed.
And without thinking twice, they left him behind.
As if that weren’t enough, by this point it was obvious even to a blind person: Alya also showed interest.
In other words… He was stuck between two girls who liked him.
When, exactly, had his life turned into a romantic comedy?
Ah, right.
The moment he was reborn into that world.
While watching his two soccer teammates walk away, with a resentful gaze drilled into their backs, Isagi heard Alisa whisper in Russian: “Хм.
Невероятный.” (Hmph.
Unbelievable.) When he turned, he found her making a slight pout… though, curiously, there was an almost imperceptible trace of satisfaction in her expression.
The moment she realized she was being watched, Alisa immediately looked away, lowering her gaze to her plate and resuming eating in silence, as if nothing had happened.
Isagi rested his chin on his hand and began observing her more closely.
But as soon as Alisa lifted her eyes and noticed, she murmured again in Russian: “Перестань пялиться на меня, идиот.” (Stop staring at me, idiot.) She lowered her gaze even more, focusing entirely on her food, as if that were her only salvation at that moment.
And, for some reason… that left Isagi strangely satisfied.
“…Huh?
Since when am I this sadistic?” Maybe it was the influence of the previous owner of that body.
But putting that aside… “Ahh… I get it now…” She must be embarrassed after hearing that about respect.
Makes sense.
Even so, he couldn’t help continuing to watch her.
It wasn’t because he didn’t understand Russian, nor out of sheer insensitivity.
It was simpler than that.
An almost instinctive urge to use his “secret weapon.” “Huh?
What did you say, Alya?” he asked, in the most casual tone possible, as if he hadn’t understood anything.
Yuki narrowed her eyes slightly, abruptly interrupting.
“By the way, Isagi…” she said, drawing him in, “…have you thought about joining the student council, like I asked?” Alisa’s chopsticks froze mid-air.
Isagi blinked, being pulled back to reality.
He remembered well the many times Yuki had made that invitation.
However, with the regional tournament approaching in two months, he had no room to split his focus.
“Sorry, Yuki.
I’m busy with the soccer team.
But didn’t you get some new members the other day?” “We did…” she replied with a light sigh, “…but they didn’t last long.” The student council that year had been formed about a month earlier, at the beginning of March.
Unlike most schools, Ichinan’s system was a bit peculiar: students ran in pairs for the positions of president and vice president, and once elected, they were the ones who chose the remaining members and their respective roles.
Because of that, the number of members varied each year.
Currently, the council was composed of seven people: president, vice president, secretary (Maria), treasurer (Alisa), auditor (Kaguya), planning (Chika), and public relations (Yuki).
Although it seemed like a reasonable number at first glance, it was still insufficient.
Ichinan Secondary School had many classes, and the council needed at least ten members to function efficiently.
“I thought you said you’d only allow girls to join this year…” Isagi commented, resting his chin on his hand.
“Something about boys with raging hormones getting in the way… What happened to those three people you mentioned last time?
Don’t tell me they all quit.” “They said they weren’t good enough…” Yuki replied with a light sigh.
“Ah…” Isagi understood perfectly.
The student council was, honestly, intimidating.
Besides being composed mostly of girls, each of them stood out in an absurd way.
The vice president and Maria were considered some of the most beautiful in their grade.
Alisa and Yuki were known as the school’s “princesses.” Kaguya Shinomiya came from an extremely wealthy family and had a naturally imposing presence.
And Chika Fujiwara, in turn, was one of the most popular girls in the school.
For any ordinary girl, that alone would be enough to create insecurity.
And for a boy… even worse.
Even someone who joined with ulterior motives would probably give up quickly upon realizing how above average those girls were, not just in appearance but also in ability.
“That’s why I think you’d be perfect, Isagi…” Yuki continued, looking directly at him.
“You’re more than qualified.
I think you’d work very well with me and Alya.
Besides, you already proved that when you were student council president…” “…?!” Alisa immediately turned her face toward Isagi, surprised.
“Isagi was president?” she asked, visibly intrigued.
“Yes…” Yuki confirmed naturally.
“He was a very popular student council president…” “Ah…” Alisa kept staring at him, as if completely reevaluating the image she had of him.
“That was a long time ago…” Isagi replied, frowning.
“And I don’t intend to do that again.” He let out a sigh, clearly uncomfortable with the topic.
Yuki smiled, though there was a slight trace of frustration in her expression at the direct refusal.
Even so, she tilted her head toward Alisa.
“It may not seem like it, but Isagi gets things done when he needs to… even if he’s like this most of the time.” “What do you mean by ‘like this’?” he shot back immediately.
“Hee-hee… Sometimes I wonder that too.” Alisa made a small pout as she watched the exchange between the two.
There was something there that clearly bothered her.
“Я знаю, что может.
Хм.” (I know he can.
Hmph.) She murmured softly in Russian, too quietly for the others to hear.
Isagi, meanwhile, crossed his arms on the table and leaned back slightly in his chair, letting out a tired sigh.
“Even if I wanted to, Yuki… I wouldn’t have time.
There are two months left before the regional tournament starts.
If the team manages to get through, we advance to nationals, and this is practically my only chance to get a professional career in soccer.
I need to focus on training if I want to play seriously.” Yuki tilted her head slightly, resting her chin on her clasped hands as she observed him, looking a bit disappointed but understanding.
“I know, I know… But you were president before and still played soccer.
It can’t be that hard to balance both…” “That’s different.
I’m in my second year now.
I can only try two more times before I graduate, and I don’t want to risk leaving everything for next year.
If I mess up, my dream is over…” Alisa, who had been listening silently with her spoon suspended in the air, finally moved her eyes toward him.
“You’re going to play?
In nationals?” “That’s the plan…” Isagi replied with a slight smile, a firm glint appearing in his eyes.
“If I do well in regionals and we qualify, maybe I can get a scholarship… or even catch the attention of a scout.” After being reborn into that world just a few hours earlier, he had decided that as his immediate goal, at least until the Blue Lock project began.
And realistically, there was no guarantee he would be selected.
He needed alternatives… Standing out in the regional tournament and reaching nationals seemed like the best path.
Yuki seemed to think for a few seconds before letting out a small sigh and smiling, albeit with a slight trace of frustration.
“Alright.
But only if you promise that when the championship ends, you’ll consider helping me with events.” “Promise?
Are you going to make me sign a contract too?” he teased, raising an eyebrow.
Yuki laughed, shaking her head.
“Your word is enough.
And I’ll remember it.” “…Alright, I promise.” “Yatta!” she celebrated quietly, clenching her fists in a small gesture of victory.
“You seem to be enjoying this quite a bit…” Alisa commented, her voice soft but carrying her usual hint of sarcasm.
“Of course I am,” Yuki replied with a calm smile.
“I’ve always liked talking to Isagi.
And with you too, Alya.
I hope we can talk like this more often.” Alisa didn’t respond immediately.
Her eyes remained fixed on the bottom of her bowl for a few seconds before she shrugged slightly and murmured something inaudible: “…” Yuki simply smiled faintly, not offended, and resumed eating naturally.
Isagi, on the other hand, began to notice the atmosphere around them shifting.
It was subtle, an almost invisible tension between the two, like a silent duel hidden beneath politeness and smiles.
“…It’s not just in my head, right?” Maybe not.
But it wasn’t like he could do much about it… other than pretend he didn’t notice, at least for now… The three continued eating until they finally finished and left the cafeteria.
“Anyway, I need to stop by the student council room before class.” “Ah, alright.
See you after school.” “Yes, see you after school.” “See you, Yuki.” “Please don’t forget your promise, Isagi…” “Yeah, yeah.
I’ll try to think about it…” “Ha-ha-ha.” “Hey!
Why are you smiling?” “Oh, no reason.
Have a good day.” After leaving the cafeteria, Yuki gave a slight bow, elegant and perfectly aligned with her refined posture, before walking away with light, graceful steps.
Isagi, on the other hand, simply waved casually, more as a teasing gesture than a proper goodbye.
“You two are pretty close…” Alisa commented.
Her voice was… different.
A bit colder…?
Isagi frowned slightly.
“Is that surprising?” “Yes.
Very.
I can’t believe you have a female friend.” Isagi slowly turned his face toward her, raising an eyebrow with an almost comical expression of confusion.
“Wait… that’s what surprises you?” “Yes.
And?” “I mean…” he pointed directly at her, frowning.
“You.
You’re a female friend.” Alisa blinked, her face going completely blank for a few seconds, as if her brain had stalled trying to process that.
“…Are we… friends?” “Huh?
Aren’t we?” Silence hung in the air for a moment.
Alisa suddenly looked away, as if she had been caught off guard by something she didn’t want to face.
“…We are.
We’re friends,” she finally replied, in a low and slightly hurried voice, as if she wanted to end the topic as quickly as possible.
Before Isagi could react, she turned on her heels with unusual speed.
Her long silver hair swayed through the air with the motion.
“I need to stop by the student council room too… Don’t follow me.” She said it firmly, without even looking back, as she walked away faster than usual.
“…Huh?
What was that just now?” Isagi muttered, standing in the middle of the hallway.
He watched the path where Alisa had disappeared, still processing the situation, until he let out a heavy sigh and scratched his head.
“Ah… right…” he murmured to himself.
“I’d never called her a friend before… Am I really that much of an idiot for only thinking about soccer?” He shrugged, starting to walk.
“Well… that won’t happen again.” Even so, his mind was already drifting back to what really mattered.
“Although I still need to figure out how to train over these next two months… I need to reach a decent level before Blue Lock starts…” There was a brief pause.
“…But… I guess I can also try to enjoy this school life a little.” With that, he headed toward the classroom.
That same afternoon, almost inexplicably, rumors began circulating through the school corridors.
They said that “Princess Alya” had been seen walking through the halls with a slight bounce in her step, holding her books to her chest… while softly humming in Russian.
Of course… as always, none of those rumors ever reached Isagi’s ears.
_____________________ (A/N: First of all, thank you for reading this story.
Your support there also helps a lot in keeping the story updated consistently.
I hope you continue enjoying Isagi’s completely cursed new life in this crossover world.)