The week wasn't going well for one Nanami Haruka. It's already been a few days since he enrolled into Saotome Academy, thanks to his scholarship and the entrance exams, but being the countryboy he was, he could never get used to the big buildings and winding hallways of the school grounds, and even worse, his classmates weren't really fond of him or treat him like a wallflower. It didn't help that he was something of an average joe himself, even with his scholarship.
The first day was forgivable; he still had his map, and his homeroom teacher was kind enough to let him in even when he was a few minutes late.
On the second day however, his map was stolen by a cat, and he spent half an hour chasing it down only to realise he's lost somewhere on the huge school grounds away from the main buildings. Panicking, he ran towards the nearest building - the Saotomate convenience store - and quickly asked for directions back to the classroom blocks. Thankfully, the manager was a nice woman, offering him a new map and something to snack on while he walked back.
The next couple of days went by peacefully, even with the announcement of the "No Romance" rule by both the Headmaster and his homeroom teacher. Haruka didn't mind it, knowing that he's here to study and not fall in love.
That was, until he was paired up with the prettiest girl in his class for their first composer-idol project courtesy of one random name generator. Already he could feel the envious glares from all his male classmates, and he gulped audibly and waited for the next period break just so he could hide in a closet and never come out.
"Nanami… Haruka-kun, right?"
He glanced up when his name was called, offering his new partner a shy smile. "Hello, Shibuya-san. I look forward to composing songs with you."
She laughed, and Haruka ducked his head and blushed. Great, now she's going to think I'm not worth her time…
"Maa, maa, you don't have to be so formal with me, Haruka. Just call me Tomo." Her smile grew, and she patted his shoulder lightly. "I'll look forward to singing your songs. I know we're going to be a great team."
"I hope so."