The mornings of a ‘viewer’ start early.
Naturally, this is because I don’t want to miss a single moment of the story. That said, unfortunately, the story continues to progress even in places I cannot see. In reality, it is impossible to observe every single plot point with my own eyes.
Therefore, as a next-best measure, I must gather information on the parts I missed. It feels similar to having someone tell you the plot of a drama episode, but it’s better than knowing nothing. After all, if you watch the second episode without knowing the summary of the first, the enjoyment is cut in half.
However, unlike a TV drama, the opportunity to view a missed episode never comes again. That is why I never neglect my information gathering. Accumulation is the very essence of a story.
Compared to fiction, reality is often inconvenient for enjoying a story. And yet, I love reality for those same reasons. Even in a world that has become so convenient, the pleasure of playing music on a vinyl record remains unchanged. Perhaps it’s a similar feeling.
“Good morning, Aoki-san.”
The morning classroom is sparsely populated. Fortunately, the person I’m looking for has already arrived. Sitting in my seat at the very back by the window, I spoke to Tomoka Aoki, who sat next to me.
“Oh, Kageyama-kun! Morn~!”
Aoki, who had been fanning her chest with a plastic folder, beamed a bright smile upon seeing me.
“Did you have morning practice again today?”
“Yep! Ugh, seriously, every single day… it’s exhausting!”
Aoki is a member of the girls’ volleyball team. My high school, Nijisora, is a standard prep school, and there are not many clubs that are serious enough to hold morning practices. The girls’ volleyball team is the exception. They are the only club in the school that legitimately aim for nationals every year.
“It’s tough in this heat.”
“Right?! I mean, seriously, this temperature is killing me! No human should be forced to endure this!”
She wasn’t wrong. June was already almost over. The rainy season had ended, and summer had arrived. The classroom air conditioning was running, but maybe because it had only just been turned on, the cool air hadn’t reached every corner yet. A damp, heavy heat lingered in the room.
“I just wiped my sweat, but I’m already drenched again~”
Aoki had her shirt open down to the second button. Involuntarily, my gaze was drawn to the deep valley of her cleavage. Compared to her sizeable chest, her waist was strikingly slender. However, the legs peeking out from her short skirt were a healthy thickness. Even through the uniform, one could discern a physique like that of a gravure idol.
She’s quite tall for a girl, too. Her proportions are probably the reason why she attracts so much attention from the boys in our class.
No, no—this is no time to be staring at Aoki’s body. My purpose in speaking to her was to gather information on the story. After all, Aoki is a member of the ‘top-tier’ group.
“By the way, you were at the Keyaki food court yesterday afternoon, right?”
I entered the main topic with a casual tone. ‘Keyaki’ was short for Keyaki Walk, a shopping mall near the school.
“Eh, how’d you know?”
Yesterday was Sunday. Even Aoki, who has club activities in the morning, is free in the afternoon. Thus, at Akagami’s suggestion, the top-tier group had gathered at Keyaki to hang out.
“I just happened to be wandering around with a friend.”
When you act as a ‘viewer,’ you get used to lying. In truth, I had visited Keyaki alone specifically to watch Akagami and the others.
“Really? I didn’t notice you at all! You should’ve said something!”
She was likely saying this with one hundred percent sincerity, but even someone other than me would hesitate to call out to the top-tier members when they were all gathered together. Besides, my goal was simply to observe.
“Nah, you guys were all having a blast. I didn’t want to get in the way.”
In reality, we had passed each other several times. Since I have a faint presence and was wearing a disguise, I wasn’t easily spotted.
“Not really~. Ko-chan and Yuzutchi were fighting!”
At my words, Aoki’s shoulders slumped visibly and made a mock-crying gesture.
For the record, ‘Ko-chan’ refers to Kouichi Akagami, and ‘Yuzutchi’ refers to Yuzuki Touyama. Aoki has a habit of giving nicknames to friends she’s close with. Since I maintain a certain distance, she just calls me ‘Kageyama-kun.’
“Eh? They always seem to get along so well.”
I knew this, of course, but I asked with a look of surprise. The details of the fight between Akagami and Touyama—that was exactly the information I wanted to collect.
I had been watching Akagami and the others yesterday, but I can’t track everything. Before I knew it, the two of them were in the middle of a quarrel. What a blunder to miss such an event!
“So, Ko-chan and Ruu were picking out summer clothes, right…?”
Aoki glanced briefly at her surroundings before leaning in close and whispering in my ear.
Popular kids have a naturally close physical distance. I could smell her deodorant. A glimpse of pale pink lingerie peeked through her open collar. Unaware of my gaze, Aoki continued.
“And like, every time Ruu tried something on, Ko-chan kept calling her cute over and over. That made Yuzutchi grumpy. And the worst part is, Ko-chan didn’t say she was cute when Yuzutchi tried things on! I mean, he said they ‘suited her,’ but that’s not the same thing, right~?”
For the record, ‘Ruu’ is Oukura Ruka. I had seen the scene where Oukura and Akagami were happily picking out summer clothes.
“Ko-chan just doesn’t understand a girl’s heart! I, too…”
Speaking with indignation, Aoki accidentally let something slip and blushed instantly, realizing her mistake.
“You, too?”
“N-nothing!”
When I questioned her, Aoki hurriedly brushed it off.
Could it be that Aoki also harbors feelings for Akagami? I felt the urge to dig deeper into her behavior, but I decided not to press her here. There is a priority to all things.
“Um, Touyama-san is Akagami-kun’s childhood friend, right? Could it be…”
“Yep. Yuzutchi definitely likes Ko-chan! Even if she won’t admit it.”
Well, that was a fact as plain as day. As expected, the only one who hasn’t noticed is Akagami himself. …Though there is a possibility he’s just pretending not to notice.
“I don’t think that alone would have caused a fight, but then Ko-chan tripped and took Yuzutchi down with him. And right then, he totally felt up Yuzutchi’s chest!”
“Ah… yeah, she’d be pissed at that.”
I agreed with a look of exasperation, but internally, I was incredibly frustrated. I had missed such a promising ‘lucky lewd’ development! It must have happened exactly when I had taken my eyes off them.
“And get this—Yuzutchi said that Ko-chan whispered ‘flat…’ under his breath! I think that’s what made Yuzutchi the angriest. So rude, right~?”
What is that? That’s too funny! I fought back the laughter that threatened to bubble up. It’s true that Touyama’s chest is small, and she seems self-conscious about it.
“I see.”
“So Yuzutchi has been mad this whole time. Ko-chan is apologizing, but she still hasn’t forgiven him.”
In other words, rather than a mutual fight, it’s a situation where Touyama is unilaterally angry.
“What do you think I should do, Kageyama-kun?”
“Hmm… I’m not sure. I guess the only thing to do is apologize sincerely?”
Since I didn’t want to influence the story too much, I offered a safe, neutral opinion.
“But Yuzutchi doesn’t just seem angry; she looks depressed, too.”
Well, Oukura, whom Touyama views as a rival, is quite busty.
“Well… That’s a tough problem.”
“Right?! I wonder what we should do?”
As I gave a vague response, Aoki leaned in further to ask. Her voice suddenly got louder.
“A-Aoki-san. Your voice, your voice!”
“Huh?”
Aoki hurriedly covered her mouth with both hands and checked her surroundings. Since we were in the window seats, it seemed no one had overheard.
“S-safe…”
Aoki let out a sigh of relief and stroked her large chest. She was an overreactor in every sense. I believe that’s exactly why she’s the mood-maker loved by everyone.
“Touyama-san is anxious about how close Akagami-kun and Oukura-san are, isn’t she?”
“Yeah… I think that’s probably it.”
With a troubled expression, Aoki crossed her arms. Impressive. Her chest actually rests on her arms.
“Then, I wonder how Akagami-kun feels about Oukura-san?”
“I don’t know… maybe he likes her? He looks so happy when he’s with Ruu.”
I had considered that possibility as well, but so does Aoki.
“If that’s the case, it might not be an easy fix.”
If Akagami truly has a crush on Oukura, Touyama’s anxiety will never be resolved.
“I’m actually a little scared,” Aoki murmured softly with a sunken expression. “I’ve often heard that romantic drama can crack a group’s relationships.”
“True… that is a bit worrying.”
I nodded, pretending to empathize with her words. In moments like this, I reconfirm that I am a monster. As a classmate, the word ‘worry’ wasn’t a lie. But as a ‘viewer,’ I find the idea of a crack in the relationship far more interesting.
“I like our group as it is. I don’t want it to break.”
Aoki narrowed her eyes and spoke in a quiet voice.
High school classmates are, after all, only a temporary connection. Once they become adults, they will likely forget each other in the passing years. Because of that, I don’t think their feelings are trivial. They are sincere in the present, and that is precisely why their youth shines.
“I guess I need to think about a few things, too.”
“…A few things?”
“Hehe, that’s a secret from Kageyama-kun for now!”
How Aoki will maneuver from here—that looks like it will be a highlight as well.
“Thanks for letting me vent, Kageyama-kun!”
Aoki showed her white teeth and smiled like the sun. It was dazzling. This is the smile of a top-tier girl. Honestly, I think she’s incredibly cute.
“No problem, don’t worry about it.”
In the first place, I didn’t provide a single useful piece of advice. I was simply receiving information from Aoki.
It was the right move to end up next to Aoki during the last seat change. Of course, it wasn’t mere luck. I had controlled my seat in advance. Seat changes are done by lottery, but I had taken the slips from the class representative beforehand and performed a little sabotage while transporting them to the classroom. I clustered Akagami, Touyama, and Oukura’s seats in the center of the room and placed my own at the very back by the window. The reason I made Aoki my neighbor was that she’s the type to chat with anyone.
If she’s my neighbor, she’s the perfect source for information. As expected, the fastest way to learn the inner workings of a group is to ask a member.
The one who spoke to Aoki was Touyama. She had just arrived at school and perched lightly on the edge of Aoki’s desk.
“Mornin’, Yuzutchi!”
“Mm… yawn…”
Touyama is not a morning person. Her eyelids looked heavy, and she was already yawning. Despite that, her makeup was perfectly done, and her hair was neatly curled.
“You look so cute today! As always!”
“Sleepy… makeup took thirty minutes…”
“That much?”
Aoki was astonished.
Unlike Touyama, Aoki wasn’t the type to obsess over makeup.
“Yuka should probably start taking more of an interest in that sort of thing,” Touyama muttered, glancing at Aoki with a hint of frustration.
“…Well, with a body like that, it doesn’t really matter, does it?”
Aoki tilted her head, looking bewildered.
“What do you mean?”
Why are you looking at me? Please, don’t drag me into the story.
“Who knows…?”
I brushed it off with a vague smile.
Aoki’s curious gaze dropped to my chest.
“Yu—Yuzucchi! What are you talking about?”
Aoki’s face flushed red in an instant as she began shaking Touyama’s shoulder. It seemed she had finally understood what was being implied.
“Hey, I’m sleepy…”
“No way! Explain exactly what you meant by that!”
I decided to discreetly put some distance between myself and them. The conversation was entertaining, which was exactly why I didn’t want to be involved. When it comes to the art of slipping away from a scene without anyone noticing, I am unrivaled.
While Aoki’s attention was fixed on Touyama, I smoothly left my seat. A classic misdirection. I decided to observe their interaction from a short distance.
Five minutes before homeroom, most of the seats are filled. Usually, this is a noisy, chaotic time, but today it was strangely quiet.
The reason was obvious. The ‘top-tier’ group, who are usually at the center of everything, were scattered. Apparently, the fight between Akagami and Touyama yesterday was still lingering. Both Akagami and Touyama were stealing glances at one another.
“H-hey, Yuzuki…”
“Hmph!”
Akagami tried to call out to her, but Touyama gave a displeased snort and turned her back on him.
“What am I going to do…”
Akagami looked completely at a loss.
“…I’mma go to the restroom.”
Eventually, Akagami sighed and stepped out into the hallway.
Timing my move, I stepped out from the opposite door into the hallway.
I acted in a way that made it look like a chance encounter—as if I just happened to bump into Akagami on his way to the bathroom.
When our eyes met, Akagami smiled.
“Oh, Kageyama. Bathroom too?”
“You too, Akagami-kun? Shall we go together?”
I naturally fell into step beside him.
My position in class is that of a ‘mob’ character. However, being a mob doesn’t mean being a loner. I’m not particularly close to anyone specific, but I’m in a position where I can talk to anyone. At the same time, I have a faint presence. An existence that is fine whether I’m there or not. That is me.
This is the result of searching for the optimal position for a ‘viewer.’
“You seem down. Did something happen?”
There was only one reason I contacted Akagami: I wanted to hear his personal take on the situation.
That said, talking to Akagami in the middle of the classroom would be too conspicuous. That’s why I waited for a moment when he was alone. Since it was just before homeroom, the hallway was crowded, but not nearly as many eyes were on us as in the classroom.
“I figured you’d notice. I actually managed to piss off Yuzuki.”
Akagami explained the outline of the fight.
I already knew the details, of course, but hearing it from the source provided new discoveries.
“Hahaha, did you really say it like it’s a hard thing to do?”
“No, I meant the floor was hard! My knee hit the floor and it hurt before my hand even touched Yuzuki’s chest. But no matter how I said it, she wouldn’t believe me…”
If that’s the case, you should have just said ‘Ouch!’… well, it’s funnier this way, so it’s fine.
“I don’t know what to do,” Akagami said, shrugging his shoulders.
“Isn’t the only option to just apologize?”
“You think the cause is different?”
“I already apologized. But she’s still angry, so the cause is probably something else.”
“Yuzuki has always had a difficult personality. That’s why I think she’s not actually mad about me touching her chest, but about something else entirely.”
Heh, as expected of a childhood friend.
He understands Touyama better than I thought.
“Do you have any idea what it could be?”
“That’s the thing—I have absolutely no clue.”
Then why don’t you notice Touyama’s romantic feelings? I thought, but there was no sign of that happening yet.
It would be easy to give Akagami the answer right here.
However, I am strictly a ‘viewer.’
I want to avoid having a significant impact on the development of the story.
“Could it be…”
Oh, is he going to figure it out himself?
“Is she annoyed that her childhood friend is getting along with other people on his own? She has a tendency to mistake me for her own property or something…”
“…I guess so.”
Akagami’s train of thought had veered off in a completely random direction. Why did it go there? Well, that’s why he’s interesting to watch. He has far too much ‘protagonist’ aptitude.
“If you don’t know the reason, maybe trying to confirm it with her is the way to go?”
Advice of this level is right on the borderline for a ‘viewer.’
We continued our conversation while using the urinals in the guys’ restroom.
“I’ll ask her properly for the reason this time and then apologize.”
Zipping up his pants, Akagami said this with a grin.
Now comes the best part.
I returned to the classroom with Akagami.
“Yuzuki, got a second?”
Akagami immediately called out to Touyama.
“…What?”
Touyama gave Akagami a displeased glance and then looked away.
“Just so you know, I still haven’t forgiven you.”
“I want to make up with you.”
Akagami bowed his head vigorously. Seeing this, Touyama panicked.
“Wait, what are you doing in a place like this? You’re drawing attention!”
In fact, every classmate in the room was focused on Akagami and Touyama.
“Hey, Yuzuki. Could it be that you’re actually angry about something else?”
“Eh?”
As if he’d hit the nail on the head, Touyama’s eyes widened.
“Tell me. I’ll reflect on it. I want to keep being with you from now on.”
“I—I see…”
“Yuzuki.”
Touyama blushed at Akagami’s straightforward words.
The classroom fell silent. Everyone waited for Touyama’s response.
“I just… um…”
Hesitating and fidgeting with her words, Touyama finally shouted out in desperation.
“Because you didn’t tell me I looked cute when I tried on the clothes!”
…That was the reason?
The surrounding classmates were left blinking in confusion. However, Touyama was dead serious. Akagami scratched his head awkwardly.
“I mean, because… you know, that thing.”
“What do you mean that thing? You told Ruka!”
“That’s why! It’s a bit embarrassing to say it to you, my childhood friend!”
Akagami shouted back, his own face turning red.
“I don’t need excuses! I’m probably just a girl who isn’t cute anyway!”
“That’s not true! I—I thought the summer clothes you picked were incredibly cute. But I thought if I told you, you’d get mad and tell me not to look at you with weird eyes. So…”
“…What are you talking about, you idiot.”
Touyama’s expression crumpled.
A single tear spilled from the corner of her eye.
“…Of course that makes me happy.”
…Hmm, girls in love are so cute.
A heartwarming atmosphere enveloped the entire classroom.
Aoki spoke to Touyama, who was covering her face with both hands.
“Yuzucchi. Why don’t you forgive Ko-chan now? Please?”
“…Fine. I guess I was being stubborn too.”
Hearing Touyama’s words, Akagami let out a quiet sigh of relief.
“Thanks, Yuzuki.”
With that, the matter was settled—or so it should have been.
“So, you really weren’t angry about me touching your chest after all!”
Akagami announced cheerfully, laughing loudly.
The heartwarming atmosphere of the classroom vanished instantly, replaced by a sudden uproar. Touyama’s face turned bright red. Naturally. The phrasing was far too problematic.
“I’m going to kill you!”
“Wait, wait, Yuzucchi! Calm down!!”
“Eh? Sorry. I thought for sure you weren’t mad about that part…”
“Ahaha, Kouichi-kun is so funny~”
While Aoki somehow managed to hold back Touyama as she tried to attack Akagami, Oukura laughed with delight.
“Let go of me, Yuka! He is an enemy of women!”
“I agree with that, but violence is no joke!”
As always, it was a huge commotion involving the entire class.
“What are they even doing?”
The one who muttered this in exasperation near me was a handsome guy with a frivolous air.
Masato Shidou. A member of the top-tier group and Akagami’s best friend. He always watches over the group from a step removed.
“I think it’s just great that they’re having fun,” I replied.
Shidou gave a wry smile.
“Well, I guess it’s settled for now. Those guys never cease to be entertaining.”
It might be a nuisance for the classmates, but as a ‘viewer,’ my satisfaction is high.
This particular story was quite interesting. Neither Akagami nor Touyama seemed to realize they had basically just performed a public confession, but the bittersweet atmosphere was very nice.
Suddenly, my eyes met with Oukura’s, who was near the center of the room. Oukura’s usual soft aura vanished slightly, replaced by a mysterious smile.
Her lips moved slowly. She didn’t speak, but I knew what she was saying.
How was it? She asked wordlessly.
Okay, let me organize the characters of this story once more.
First, Kouichi Akagami. The person I’ve identified as the protagonist. A handsome guy with a bright and refreshing personality, the central figure of this class. He possesses a natural charisma that leads the class. However, his optimism and denseness are his major flaws. Also, he’s shit at studying.
Next, Oukura Ruka. The innocent idol of the class. A whimsical, free-spirited girl with fluffy behavior; her most striking feature is undoubtedly her blonde hair and blue eyes. She is also tall and well-endowed. I don’t know the details, but she apparently has foreign blood and is renowned as the most beautiful girl in the year.
Then, Yuzuki Touyama. Akagami’s childhood friend and heroine of the story. She wears her orange hair in twin-tails, and she’s petite and flat-chested. With slanted eyes and a strong will, her words and actions give the impression of a typical tsundere. No matter how you look at it, she’s in love with Akagami, though she can’t bring herself to be honest about it. If this were a generic rom-com, she’d be the losing childhood friend type.
Then there is Yuka Aoki. The class mood-maker with an insatiable curiosity. She has a cheerful, bright personality and a glamorous physique. With outstanding athletic nerves, she is a member of the girls’ volleyball club.
Finally, Masato Shido. A handsome guy with a flippant air who speaks casually to everyone. He is sensitive to the atmosphere around him and skilled at navigating interpersonal relationships. I suspect he’s the ‘jack of all trades, master of none’ type—someone who can do anything reasonably well. Usually, he’s seen fooling around with his arm around Akagami’s shoulder. Lately, I’ve had the impression that he’s been watching Oukura quite a bit, though whether that’s out of affection remains to be seen.
These five are the main characters of the story.
It might be a bit many for the beginning of a youth rom-com, but there is no need for concern. As one watches this interesting tale unfold, they will naturally come to remember the characters.
By the way, I have defined the story up until now as Chapter One.
Specifically, it covers the flow from entering high school—surrounded by many strangers—to the formation of the group centered around Akagami. The only ones who had been at the same middle school were the childhood friends, Akagami and Touyama. Akagami gradually deepened his interactions with Shido and Aoki. The scene I recognize as the climax is when Akagami invited Oukura, who had been floating in a precarious social position in class, into the group. The reason many people tend to call Akagami and Oukura a well-matched couple, overlooking the childhood friend Touyama, is likely because so many witnessed that scene. Furthermore, the complicated expression Touyama wore at the time adds a certain depth to the flavor of it all.
After that, by asserting their presence during school events, Akagami and the others came to be recognized as a ‘top-tier’ group. And finally, there was the lovers’ quarrel between Akagami and Touyama just now.
One could say it was an event perfectly suited to close out Chapter One. Everything up to this point took place by June of their first year in high school.
If I were to give the chapter a title, it would be something like ‘Group Formation and the Dawn of Youth.’
As for the key points to watch for in Chapter Two, the romantic axis between Akagami and Touyama is, of course, indispensable. I wonder if the dense Akagami has noticed the affection of the dishonest Touyama. I suspect they are both conscious of each other as members of the opposite sex.
Also, how will Oukura, who is close to Akagami, get involved? That was supposed to be the highlight of Chapter Two—but there was a fatal miscalculation.
As I was summarizing the story so far in the empty after-school classroom…
“Hey, Kageyama-kun. What are you doing?”
Slipping in.
Arms wrapped around me from behind.
I felt something plush pressed against the back of my head.
“Stop it, Oukura. Don’t hug me in a place like this.”
Pushing her away and turning around, I found Oukura Ruka giggling. It was a mysterious way of laughing, different from her usual fluffy aura. If someone were to see a scene like this, I would no longer be able to remain a mob character in this class.
“That’s because, of course, I like you, Kageyama-kun.”
“I’ve told you many times. I have no interest in my own romantic life.”
“Geez, you’re so cold! Even though a girl as cute as me is making move after move!”
Hearing my response, Oukura pouted, her lips curling upward.
Right… this is exactly what I meant by ‘miscalculation.’
For some reason, the affection of the most beautiful girl in the grade is directed toward me, a class mob. While reality’s selling point is its penchant for the unexpected, this is still beyond my predictions. Moreover, it’s in the worst possible direction.
Because I am a ‘viewer.’ I do not participate in the story. And yet, if the heroine, Oukura, develops feelings for me, then I become a part of the story myself!
“So, in the end, what were you doing staying behind in the classroom?”
“…I was rewriting the summary of Chapter One in my notebook.”
“Eh, really? I want to see!”
She took the notebook from my desk and began flipping through the pages without permission.
“Chapter One: ‘Group Formation and the Dawn of Youth’… Hmm, isn’t this kind of normal?”
“Don’t nitpick my naming sense.”
There’s no point in telling her to stop now.
Yes, there wasn’t just one miscalculation. Oukura now holds my secret.
However, instead of dismissing it as creepy, Oukura’s eyes somehow sparkled.
And then, for some reason, she started cheering me on, and for some reason, she came to harbor feelings for me.
“Are you being sarcastic?”
I can’t help it. No matter how unpredictable reality is, Kikura is particularly out there.
“Wow… your observation skills are as amazing as ever. I can’t believe you’ve grasped this much.”
I glare at Kikura, who is happily scanning through my notebook.
“The biggest unforeseen variable was that I failed to see through your true nature.”
The current Kikura is not the innocent, cheerful school idol. Her usual personality is a calculated performance; the real Kikura is intellectual and cool.
“It can’t be helped, since Kageyama-kun is the first person I’ve shown my true nature to. If you think you can see through everything just by being a bystander in the corner of the classroom, isn’t that a bit arrogant?”
Possessing superior observation skills, Kikura intentionally controls her own influence.
“But you exposed my secret.”
“That’s because you were doing the exact opposite of me, Kageyama-kun,” Kikura says with a faint smile.
“I intentionally raise my influence. But you, Kageyama-kun, intentionally lower yours. You’ve blended into the classroom atmosphere to the point where it makes no difference whether you’re there or not.”
In the end, it means Kikura was one step ahead of me.
“That piqued my interest, so I was the only one paying attention to you. That’s how I realized you were observing us. At first, I didn’t understand your intention, so I was on guard, but I never imagined that observing us was actually your hobby~”
Kikura reads the stories I’ve written with sheer delight. I was embarrassed at first, but since she’s already read them so many times, it’s too late for that now.
“Yeah, the first chapter is well-summarized. I think it’s interesting.”
“I just organized it into writing. You guys are the ones spinning an interesting tale.”
“Ahaha, true. It almost makes me feel like I’m watching someone else’s life.”
The reason I summarize the real-life story in a notebook is simply so I don’t forget. However, in a moment of stupidity, I let Kikura steal and read that notebook.
I had prepared myself for a police matter, but for some reason, Kikura declared she would support me, and that’s how we ended up here.
“I want to keep reading—the story of us!”
I have absolutely no desire to let her read it, but since she holds my secret, I have no right to refuse. If I did, Kikura would likely leak my secret to everyone.
If that happened, I’d become the class pariah. I don’t particularly care about that, but being hated means being noticed. It would be difficult to continue being a ‘viewer’ in that state.
“Just so you know, if the plot becomes mediocre and boring, I’ll change my subject of observation.”
“I think we’re fine on that front. Even from my perspective, Kouichi-kun and the others are interesting.”
Kikura speaks cheerfully as she returns the notebook to me.
“I’m really curious about what will happen between Yuzuki-chan and Kouichi-kun~”
“Hoh, you’ve got a good eye.”
“But the most interesting one is you, Kageyama-kun, you know?”
Kikura tries to hug me again, and I hurriedly dodge.
“Don’t try to drag me into the story!”
“Ahaha, only Kageyama-kun would avoid my hugs for a reason like that~”
As I put distance between us, she laughs, sounding strangely amused.
“Why do you feel affection for me? Especially after knowing my secret.”
“I’m not telling you that♪”
Kikura winks, placing her index finger over her lips.
I was confident in my observation skills, but the moment my own presence becomes a factor, everything gets thrown off the rails. The fact that she feels affection for me is, in itself, incomprehensible.
I thought she was just teasing me, but it doesn’t seem to be the case. Because…
“Hey, Kageyama-kun, do you think I’m cute?”
“Of course I do. The charm of the main characters is the most important part. Your appearance accounts for a large part of why I chose this subject. In this story, you’re my favorite.”
“…I-I see.”
Because she frequently asks questions like this and then blushes. No matter how you look at it, she’s testing the waters. Having reconfirmed my affection, Kikura is acting shy.
I’m not lying. I like Kikura as a heroine. First of all, she’s beautiful. Including her soft, fluffy aura, she’s incredibly cute. That said, my affection is strictly toward her as a character. Of course, it’s not that I actually want to date her. Kikura probably understands that much already, but just in case, I add a comment.
“You’d be a great match for the protagonist, you know?”
“I told you, I don’t like Kouichi-kun!”
What a shame. A plot where Touyama and Kikura fight over Akagami would be the most entertaining.
Kikura puffs out her cheeks. Even that face is cute—though she’s showing it to the wrong person.
“Hey, is there anything you want me to do?”
“No, my policy is not to intervene in the story. Just act as you see fit.”
“I see. Because Kageyama-kun is a viewer.”
“Yeah. If I intervene in the story, I can’t enjoy it purely.”
That is a policy I’ve maintained for a long time. Of course, there are times when I think, ‘I wish this would happen.’ But if I intervene, my position changes.
I am a consumer, not a creator.
“Besides, I think it’s a bit much to arbitrarily distort someone else’s youth.”
“I think it’s a bit much to arbitrarily watch and enjoy it for yourself~”
Kikura gives me a side-eye, but I have my own line drawn. I am merely enjoying a story provided naturally. If I were to actively interfere with the story, I would no longer be a ‘viewer.’
At that point, I’d be a ‘director.’
I won’t say I’m not interested, but it’s not something to do when it’s not requested. If I were to become a ‘director,’ it would only be when asked.
Though, such an opportunity will likely never come.
“I’m looking forward to the second chapter. I wonder what kind of developments await!”
When I say this without hiding my excitement, Kikura’s expression softens for some reason.
“Kageyama-kun really is a strange person.”
The second chapter began with an unexpected development.
The morning three days after the lovers’ quarrel between Akagami and Touyama. The classroom is unusually noisy.
“Hey, did you hear? Apparently, a transfer student is coming to our class.”
A transfer student…?
Isn’t that a big event perfectly suited for the second chapter!
“Eh, is that true?”
I join the conversation of the ‘Second-Tier’ boys’ group and voice my doubt. For the record, I’m the only one who has designated them as Second-Tier, so they probably don’t think of themselves that way. Furthermore, since there are no mixed-gender groups below the Second-Tier, I rank them by gender. That said, I’m not particularly interested in those below the Second-Tier, so it’s just a convenient classification. There are people like me whose affiliation is ambiguous, after all.
“It’s for real. Sakura-sensei was saying it when I passed by the faculty office.”
Sakura-sensei is the new Japanese language teacher and the homeroom teacher for our class, 1-2. While I don’t think there’s any reason for her to lie, transfers in high school are rare.
“And I caught a glimpse—she’s incredibly cute!”
The leader of the Second-Tier boys, Shirai, has sparkling eyes. Hearing Shirai’s comment, the other boys get hyped up.
“And… her body is insane too!”
“No way! That’s the best!”
…The fact that they don’t notice the girls giving them disgusted looks is exactly why they’re Second-Tier. Since they’re a group of loudmouths, they do have a certain amount of influence, though.
“Did you hear her name?”
“Oh, Kageyama. Since when did you… uh, I think her name was—”
When I speak to him, Shirai responds with surprise.
“—Sara Ginjou, I think.”
A blank space formed in my thoughts.
I know that name.
“Kageyama? Is something wrong?”
Shirai looks at me suspiciously, noticing my frozen state.
“Ah, no… it’s nothing. Thanks for telling me.”
“Sure thing! You’re looking forward to seeing the cute transfer student too, right?”
As I hurriedly compose myself, Shirai puts an arm around my shoulder with familiarity, wearing a vulgar smile. Shirai is actually quite handsome, but I can see why he’s not popular with the girls.
…More importantly, Sara Ginjou.
That name matches my childhood friend perfectly. Sara and I were very close a long time ago, but we haven’t been in contact. She moved to Tokyo after graduating from elementary school.
Since it’s a rare surname, the possibility of her being a different person with the same name is low.
“…She came back to Gunma after three years,” I mutter softly, sitting in my seat at the very back by the window.
As a friend of Sara, I’m happy. But as a ‘viewer,’ this is a bad development. A transfer student will undoubtedly be the center of attention for a while. If it’s discovered that I’m the transfer student’s childhood friend, I’ll be dragged into the story.
It seems best to contact her early so we can agree to keep this relationship a secret.
The classroom door, noisier than usual, slides open.
“Good morning, everyone!”
“Eh~?”
The person who popped into view was a woman with a petite build and an adorable appearance. She is Uta Sakura, the homeroom teacher of class 1-2. Despite that appearance, she’s apparently twenty-eight. I believe in the mysteries of the human body.
“Uta-chan sensei, morning~”
“Hey!! Call me Sakura-sensei!”
When Kikura waves, Sakura-sensei corrects her sternly.
“Don’t complain!”
Sakura-sensei is affectionately called ‘Uta-chan sensei’ behind her back by the students. Though only Kikura and Aoki use the nickname openly.
“Right to it, I’m introducing a transfer student today!”
As Sakura-sensei beckons, an unfamiliar female student enters the classroom. A cheer erupts in the room. It’s no ordinary level of excitement. The reason is obvious.
“Wow, she’s beautiful…!”
“She’s incredibly cute!”
“Right? I told you, she’s top-tier!”
Such words fly across the classroom. The transfer student’s appearance was clearly outstanding.
Silver hair. Skin as flawless as white porcelain. Features as refined as Kikura’s, paired with inorganic eyes. From the soft curves of her chest, her waist was tightly cinched, and long legs peeked out from a short skirt. To put it in one word: she was a peerless beauty.
“…Is that Sara?”
I mutter unconsciously. Honestly, I can’t believe it.
The reason isn’t her appearance.
“Ginjou-san, would you like to introduce yourself?”
Though she’s become more beautiful than when she was young, there are traces of her former self. Above all, natural silver hair is extremely rare. It’s proof of foreign blood.
Even though she must be the Sara I know, there is a powerful sense of incongruity. The reason is the atmosphere she wears.
“I moved here from Tokyo. I’m Sara Ginjou. Nice to meet you.”
Sara spoke concisely in a dignified, ringing voice and gives a slight bow.
Her ice-cold aura stood out like a sore thumb in the buzzing classroom.
Scary.
“…Kinda creepy, isn’t she?”
Nearby classmates whispered among themselves.
Since Sara remained expressionless, they were likely feeling a bit intimidated.
“A-hem!”
In the slightly awkward atmosphere of the classroom, Ms. Sakura cleared her throat.
“Now then, could someone please show Ginjo-san around the school?”
Ms. Sakura scanned the room and singled out one student.
“Akagami-kun, could you be in charge of looking after Ginjo-san?”
“Eh? I mean, I’m totally fine with it, but are you sure you want me?”
Akagami pointed to himself with a surprised look, but he understood Sakura-sensi’s intention.
Akagami had high social skills and a kind personality; he was the leader of the class. She likely figured that if Sara became friends with Akagami first, she would find it easier to fit in.
“…Nice to meet you,” Sara said succinctly, looking at Akagami.
“Oh, you got it! Leave it to me!”
As Akagami gave her a thumbs-up, Shido jeered, “Are you really gonna be okay?”
The classroom erupted in laughter, while Sara remained expressionless.
“…Um, where should I sit?”
“Your seat is at the very back, Ginjo-san! I’ll go grab a desk and chair from an empty classroom.”
“Ah, U-chan Sensei! I’ll help too!”
“Thanks, Aoki-san… I mean! Ms. Sa-ku-ra!”
Sakura-san, along with Aoki and Akagami, headed off to retrieve a desk and chair for Sara.
My chest felt strangely tight.
Sara’s personality was too different compared to how she used to be. Did something happen to her during those three years of middle school in Tokyo?
Sara’s seat was set up at the end of the center row. Since I was at the end of the window row, we were only two seats apart, with Aoki between us.
“Sara-chan, will you be friends with us?”
“Hey, hey! Why did you transfer here at this time of year?”
“Also, you’re so cute! What makeup do you use? I want to use it as a reference~”
“Do you have any hobbies? What about clubs?”
As soon as morning homeroom ended, Sara was immediately surrounded by girls. The circle of girls, buzzing with high-pitched excitement, left no room for the boys to approach.
Among that circle were the ‘top-tier’ members: Oukura, Touyama, and Aoki.
“…Sorry. I can’t understand when you all speak at once.”
Sara spoke with a look of slight distress, but the girls’ enthusiasm didn’t subside. Though Sara’s voice wasn’t particularly loud, it sounded strangely clear and transparent.
“Now, now~! Everyone, you’re overwhelming Sara-chan!”
Oukura cautioned the others, puffing out her cheeks in a cute pout. It was obvious she was acting calculatedly to keep the mood from souring.
“Let me introduce myself properly. I’m Oukura Ruka. I hope we can get along!”
“…Nice to meet you.”
Sara gave a small nod, but the atmosphere gradually began to crumble.
The reason was likely that Sara’s expression wouldn’t soften. She maintained a cold look throughout. It was completely different from the innocent, spontaneous aura she had as a child.
She used to be the type of person who would naturally do the kind of things Oukura did as a performance. At first, I thought she might just be nervous, but that didn’t seem to be the case.
“Um… I’m Yuka Aoki. Nice to meet you!”
Following Oukura, Aoki introduced herself and energetically reached out her hand to Sara. She seemed a bit rushed, likely trying to salvage the mood.
Immediately after, a slap echoed through the classroom.
The room fell dead silent. I couldn’t believe my eyes.
Sara had swatted away Aoki’s outstretched hand.
“Eh…?”
Aoki froze, her eyes wide.
Meanwhile, Sara continued to glare at Aoki with a cold expression.
“…Don’t. Touch me.”
Those words were a clear rejection.
“S-sorry! That was too sudden, wasn’t it?”
Aoki tried to laugh it off, but the frozen air didn’t thaw.
The girls who had been surrounding Sara left the spot without a word. The boys, who had been watching the scene from a distance, began to whisper behind her back.
“Hey… isn’t she kinda weird?”
“Transferring at such a random time of year… she might have some kind of baggage.”
“What a waste. She’s got a great face, though…”
Sara remained in her seat, staring down in silence.
Though no one was around her, every gaze in the room was fixed on her. It was like sitting on a bed of nails.
As a friend of Sara’s—and as a ‘viewer’—I hated this kind of development.
…That said, there is nothing I can do.
After all, I am nothing more than a ‘viewer’ of this story.
From her very first day as a transfer student, Sara stood out.
Rumors had spread, and students from other classes had gathered near the entrance just to get a glimpse of the rumored transfer student, but no one dared to strike up a conversation with her. She was the center of attention, yet kept at a distance.
“Ginjou-san, did you get your textbooks?”
“…Yeah, I did.”
“…Okay.”
Akagami, who had been assigned as her guide, tried to support her, but even he had his limits.
“I think the material you’ve covered at your old school might be different from ours. Do you think you’ll be alright?”
The reason was that Sara showed absolutely no desire to communicate with anyone. When spoken to, she would respond, but mostly with a simple nod.
Even Akagami was at a loss.
“I guess schools in Tokyo really are further ahead than ours~”
“…Probably.”
Despite this, Akagami didn’t abandon the role of guide that had been thrust upon him; he kept trying to find a way to connect with Sara. As always, Akagami is a good guy.
There was no doubt she was the same Sara I knew. Her face, hair, and voice all held the same traces; it couldn’t be anyone else. However, her personality was completely inconsistent with the Sara I remembered.
No matter how many unpredictable twists reality throws at you, this was a bit too extreme.
I wondered how this would play out as a story.
Now that Sara was being treated like a fragile piece of glass, she might eventually influence the ‘top-tier’ social group.
But I had a feeling it wouldn’t be a development I’d enjoy. To begin with, Sara had influenced the formation of my own personality far too much for me to simply dismiss her as a subject for observation.
I wanted to do something for her.
…I can’t believe such a genuine feeling still exists within me.
Still, I couldn’t tell what Sara was thinking. Or perhaps, this was exactly the scene she wanted. After all, if you act the way she did, it’s only natural to be disliked.
I stole a glance at Aoki, who was sitting in the seat next to me. She had been spacing out for a while.
“You okay?”
“Ah, yeah… I’m fine.”
Aoki gave a vague, strained smile.
“Really?”
She was visibly drained.
“…Yuuka.”
As I continued to stare, Aoki let her smile fade, as if giving up.
“I mean, I was a little shocked, but… it can’t be helped. It’s my fault.”
“I don’t think it’s your fault, Aoki-san…”
Hearing my cliché consolation, Aoki gave a weak smile.
Aoki likely had a far more delicate personality than her outward impression suggested. Being rejected by someone she had tried to befriend had left her deeply hurt.
Before I knew it, Touyama was standing beside Aoki.
Touyama placed a hand gently on Aoki’s shoulder and glared at Sara.
“I hate that girl.”
It was only natural for Touyama to reach that conclusion.
Touyama’s words, laced with anger, must have reached Sara, but she showed no reaction.
During the break, Sara simply read her book in silence.
Whether for better or worse, a single word from the influential Touyama decided the atmosphere of the classroom.
Sara had now become the enemy of the class. This was a bad trend. At this rate, the story might take a damp, gloomy turn. I wanted to see a sparkling, refreshing development.
“She seems to like being alone, so let’s just leave her be.”
Touyama was the type to speak and act honestly, unaware of her own influence. Therefore, she hadn’t considered how her open hostility toward Sara would shape the mood of the classroom.
“Hey, Yuzuki. Let me see your English homework for the next class.”
“Hah? Why on earth should I show it to someone like you!”
“Please! I’m begging you! You’re my only hope! You’re good at English, right?”
The one who spoke to Touyama was Shidou.
He was practically bowing in prayer, pleading with Touyama as she shouted complaints at him.
Seeing this, the surrounding classmates laughed, looking relieved.
Thanks to Shidou’s actions, the ominous atmosphere in the classroom vanished temporarily. Shidou had likely sensed the tension and acted consciously to diffuse it. However, this was merely a symptomatic treatment. Unless something was done about the root cause—Sara—this tension could flare up at any time.
Eventually, the lessons ended, and after-school arrived.
As the classmates with club activities left, Akagami spoke to Sara.
“Ginjou-san, I’ll show you around the school.”
“…No, I’m okay.”
“Now, don’t be like that. The teacher told me to show you around.”
“…Then, I’ll take you up on that.”
Akagami and Sara left the classroom together.
Touyama and Oukura watched them walk away.
Aoki (girls’ volleyball club) and Shidou (soccer club) had already left the room.
“Is there even a need to play the guide?”
“I’m sure Kouichi-kun has his own reasons~”
Oukura subtly soothed the displeased Touyama.
Glancing at them, I left the classroom.
The hallways after school were still noisy, and Sara and Akagami were nowhere to be seen in the crowds.
However, they should have turned right after leaving the classroom. Heading that way, I found them standing in front of the nurse’s office. Since the nurse’s office was at the end of the building, the area was deserted.
“This is the nurse’s office.”
“…I see.”
“The nurse, Tanaka-san, is a kind person. She sometimes lets it slide if you skip class here, you know?”
“Is that so.”
Hiding in a nearby shadow, I listened to their conversation while pretending to fiddle with my smartphone.
“…I think that’s about it for the first floor. Next, I’ll show you the second floor.”
Then, they went up to the second floor and toured the library, the physics lab, the chemistry lab, and so on.
I followed them secretly, but the conversation didn’t seem to be flowing.
It seemed that even with Akagami’s social skills, he couldn’t melt the icy atmosphere Sara carried.
Finally, after showing her the third floor, they headed back down to the first.
With no more places to guide her, a silence fell between the two.
“…Hey, Ginjou-san. Is it a nuisance for me to try and get involved with you like this?”
On the way back to the classroom, Akagami asked as if he had summoned his courage.
Sara blinked slightly, then murmured softly.
“It’s not that, but…”
“Then, is it okay if I keep talking to you from now on?”
Akagami continued, sounding slightly relieved.
“I won’t tell you not to… but I’m sure you won’t find it enjoyable.”
Hearing her words, Akagami gave a vague smile.
“…I see. My bad.”
“…No, it’s fine.”
Sara had gently rejected Akagami.
Why had she become like this?
If I didn’t know, I had no choice but to ask her herself.
Though, there was no guarantee that Sara would remember me.
“Well, I’m heading home.”
“Yeah. Thanks for today.”
By the time the two finished the tour and returned to the classroom, it was naturally empty.
Touyama and the others, who had been chatting, must have gone home long ago.
“Right, if you need anything, just let me know.”
Akagami picked up his shoes and said his goodbyes to Sara.
“See ya.”
Akagami left the classroom and turned right in the hallway. He seemed to be heading for the entrance.
He didn’t notice me, as I had been erasing my presence on the left side of the hallway. I could have hidden in a more inconspicuous spot, but that would have made it harder to hear the conversation. Besides, if I were caught in front of the classroom, it wouldn’t be a problem. I could easily explain that I’d forgotten something.
“Now then…”
Sara was left all alone in the after-school classroom.
Finally, the chance to speak with her one-on-one had arrived.
As I entered the room, for some reason, Sara was covering her face with both hands.
“…It’s no use. It’s over… everything…”
I stopped in my tracks, hearing words of unbelievable fragility.
“I-I want to die…”
Sara was enveloped in a gloomy aura.
The moment she was alone, that ice-cold atmosphere had vanished completely.
“It’s over… my high school re-debut plan…”
A dry, hollow laugh echoed through the empty classroom.
Sara finally moved her hands away from her face, but her eyes were clouded, like those of a dead fish.
Feeling the awkwardness of the situation, I intentionally made a sound.
“W-Who’s there?”
Though shaken, Sara glared at me.
Her aura shifted instantly, becoming ice-cold once again.
Despite being overwhelmed by her rejecting gaze, I spoke to her with my true self.
“It’s been a long time, Sara.”
My usual personality is a mask I formed to bury my presence.
However, there was no point in wearing that mask in front of Sara, who knew the old me.
“…Could it be, Haku-chan?”
Sara’s eyes widened, and the words spilled out of her.
Thank goodness. It seemed she remembered me.
Well, we weren’t exactly casual acquaintances, so I thought she would remember, but since I’m usually forgotten by most people, I had been a little worried.
“That’s a nostalgic nickname.”
“Haku-chan!”
Sara stood up abruptly and rushed toward me with tremendous momentum.
“Wait, Sara!”
“Oof!”
“Geez, I really didn’t know what to douuu!”
She collided with me in a hug. With a loud crash, we both tumbled onto the classroom floor. I felt my entire face enveloped by something soft and plump.
“I couldn’t do it right at all! Waaaaah…!”
Sara climbed on top of me, clutching my head as she sobbed uncontrollably. The richness of her emotions made it impossible to believe she was the same person from a moment ago.
“H-Hey, calm down!”
“And I finally transferred here…!”
But this was the Sara I knew from childhood.
A girl with volatile emotions, who laughed often and cried often.
“But… I’m so glad Haku-chan is here!”
Though she continued to cry, Sara’s cheeks relaxed in relief.
…Thank goodness. She was still the Sara I knew. It seemed she hadn’t become a different person. I felt a small sense of relief.
“Eh?”
“We’re at the same school!”
“More than that, we’re in the same class.”
That’s why.
“I’ll help you with your youth.”
Sara blinked, looking surprised.
“…You shouldn’t do that.”
She shook her head vigorously.
“If you’re seen associating with me right now, Haku-chan, you’ll end up being treated the same way I am. I don’t want to cause you that kind of trouble. I’d rather hang out with you where the school isn’t watching.”
Sara was the benefactor who had saved me when I was suffering as a child. If I could repay that debt by helping her achieve her goals, I felt that should take priority over my stance as a ‘viewer.’ Besides, I was confident that I could actually be of use to her now.
“Sorry, but I’m strictly behind-the-scenes. I have no intention of associating with you openly.”
As a ‘viewer,’ I had cultivated skills, experience, and access to every scrap of information regarding the class. By utilizing those, I should be able to facilitate Sara’s youth.
“…W-what do you mean?”
“Sara. Let me confirm the objective of your ‘High School Re-debut Plan.’”
“To spend a youth that’s like a story,” Sara said, her cheeks flushing red, perhaps feeling a bit embarrassed.
“Can you be more specific?”
“…Um, making close friends, hanging out together, having study sessions, riding the emotional rollercoaster of test scores, getting everyone hyped for the cultural festival, talking about crushes on the night of the school trip, getting a handsome boyfriend, going on dates in our uniforms, holding hands at a festival…”
As she spoke, Sara began to smirk slightly, as if her fantasies were becoming more enjoyable by the second.
“In other words, you want a youth like a rom-com.”
“…Huh?”
Snapped back to reality by my confirmation, Sara hurriedly wiped a bit of drool from her lip.
“I-I guess it’s something like that!?” she said, her face turning bright red.
“I’ll tell you now: I can’t be a part of the youth you’re wishing for.”
At those words, Sara’s expression clouded slightly.
“…Why?”
“I prefer watching other people’s youth over experiencing my own.”
“…Excuse me?”
Sara tilted her head in complete confusion, eventually asking with a look of suspicion.
“…You’re kind of weird, aren’t you?”
“Call it what you want. Regardless, I’m the crew. So, keep the fact that we’re childhood friends a secret.”
If our relationship became public knowledge, it would make it harder for me to maneuver.
“Behind-the-scenes… what exactly do you plan to do?”
I explained to the bewildered Sara.
“I’ll direct your youth.”
I would take on the role of providing the appropriate instructions from the wings.
“Y-you can actually do that!?”
“If that’s what you want.”
Sara was skeptical at first, but her expression gradually became serious.
“…You’re serious, right?”
And yet.
Sara’s High School Re-debut Plan was on the verge of collapse.
She wasn’t starting from zero—she was starting from the negatives. Making a comeback from here would be a monumental task.
“Yeah. Leave it to me.”
“That overconfidence… you’re exactly the same as you were back then.”
“Hehe.”
A small smile played on Sara’s lips.
“Alright. If Haku-chan says he can do it, I’ll believe you!”
“That tendency to believe everything… you’re the same as you were back then, too. Watch out for scammers.”
“How mean! I only believed you because you’re Haku-chan!”
Sara began playfully punching my shoulder.
“…But Haku-chan, why are you helping me?”
Then, she looked at me with a curious gaze.
If I told her it was to repay a debt, she wouldn’t understand.
Because Sara likely had no memory of the moment that made me feel so indebted to her.
“Well, we’re childhood friends. Call it the obligation of a lifelong bond.”
When I brushed it off while scratching my head, Sara murmured a relieved “I see.”
“I’m happy. That I got to meet you again, Haku-chan. And that you’re still my friend.”
“…What are you talking about? Of course we are.”
Please don’t make me say lines like they’re from a story. It’s embarrassing.
Seeing my flushed face, Sara giggled.
“Sara. Are you prepared to be the protagonist of the story?”
“…Yeah. I want to be the protagonist! I want to have a youth like a story!”
As if making a firm decision, Sara reached out her hand.
“So, Haku-chan! Will you direct my youth?”
I took her hand.
“Yeah, of course.”
And so, I decided to retire as a ‘viewer’ and transition into a ‘director.’
