"Niihama-kun, are you interested in light novels?"

 

"Huh...?"

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She approached me and spoke as I stood in the library after school, causing me to freeze up suddenly.

 

I could have never imagined having the opportunity to hear her voice, let alone have a private conversation. 

 

She was a gorgeous student. Her stunning face was as if it had been flawlessly arranged according to the golden ratio. Her skin was pristine, with a whiteness that resembled melted milk. Additionally, a subtle yet delightful sweet aroma enveloped her. Her long, black hair was as lustrous as the finest silk, and her shining starry eyes could melt any man's heart just by looking at her.

 

The male students endlessly discussed her enthusiastically, universally agreeing that she was the most beautiful girl in school. I couldn't have agreed more myself.

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“Ah, uh... no, um... w-well, to some extent…”

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Since I wasn't used to talking to girls, I could only squeeze out a response that fully showed off my virginity.

 

Unlike her, I was a bland, gloomy nerd who was the stellar template of an otaku.

 

Given my low status in school, exchanging words with someone who seemed like a castle princess made me feel like I was committing an unforgivable crime.

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“Ah, I knew it! I saw you reading one in the library the other day!” 

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Despite her overwhelming beauty, the girl spoke in a very polite, cheerful voice and with a friendly smile, which only multiplied her charm. 

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 “Well, if you don’t mind, I'd like your help. I’m actually looking for a light novel…”

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She explained the situation, not seeming to notice my intense nervousness due to the unique situation. 

 

She seemed an avid reader, often looking up book recommendations on the internet regardless of genre. She had recently heard of a light novel that a reviewer was raving about, so she tried to look for it in the school library. But…

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 “Not only did I forget the name, but there are way more light novels here than I thought there would be. I only know it's a story where the main character travels across various countries on a motorcycle…”

 

“Ah...um, in that case...wait a minute…”

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Her explanation immediately caught my attention; I approached the shelf with light novels and picked up the book I was looking for from the back. Fortunately, that light novel was a famous work that an avid manga and light novel reader could remember.

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“Is..is it this one?”

 

“Ah! That's right! It definitely had this cover!”

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The girl's face lit up when I handed her the paperback book. 

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“It's incredible how you figured that out so quickly! Thank you for being so helpful!”

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I was only helping her look for a book, but the beautiful, black-haired girl praised me anyway. She beamed a dazzling smile, and her genuine, straightforward words of gratitude resonated deeply in my heart.

 

Even the most beautiful girl in school reads light novels, huh?

 

The girl in front of me also likes what I like. It's not like it's a big deal, but I'm extremely happy about that fact. 

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“Nihama-kun, I'm sure you read a lot of light novels. Do you have any recommendations?”

 

“Huh? Ah, no, um…”

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She suddenly asked me that with keen eyes, and I panicked as the conversation came to a screeching halt. I didn’t have an answer, so I put my brain in overdrive as I pondered what kind of book would be a good recommendation for her.

 

Then, having somehow reached a conclusion, I approached the light novel shelf again and picked up a few I thought I could recommend to girls based on my experience as an otaku. 

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“Well, this is just my preference…”

 

“Wow, there's so many! Ah, but they all have similar atmospheres and look super interesting!”

 

“Ah, yeah, I chose a work similar to the book you were looking for…”

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She seemed to be an avid reader, but seemed new to light novels, so I tried to choose a general novel that would serve as a good introduction. Fortunately, it seemed to be the right choice.

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“Oh, you’re considering my preferences in your selections? Thank you! I'm sorry for making you worry!”

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To my surprise, the beautiful girl everyone admired bowed to me. 

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“But I'm so grateful for the unexpected meeting! I haven't talked to you much before, but Niihama-kun is very kind.]

 

“────…”

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Those words, which had no hidden meaning behind them, were very captivating to me.

 

As high school students, it has become customary for us to judge others. 

 

While everyone admires the good-looking guys and the super athletes, nerds like me are often looked down upon.

 

However, there was no hint of judgment in her eyes or voice.

 

As if not paying attention to my school status or the gloomy atmosphere, she thanked me with the innocence of a child.

 

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“I'm so glad Niihama-kun is here today. Thank you so much.” 

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In the library, she was smiling from ear to ear, basking in the warm glow of the evening light.

 

The sight of her perfect smile, which blended her angelic beauty with a heart as pure as a clear stream, touched me more deeply than anything else. It was as though a gentle spring breeze had blown directly into my heart, and my eyes and heart were utterly transfixed by it. That moment became an eternal painting, etched in my mind.

 

When I reflect on it now, I realize that the incident was so minor that it could even be considered trivial.

 

It was nothing special to her, and she probably forgot about it quickly. 

 

In fact, I haven't had a particularly close relationship with her since then. 

 

However, that was the only moment of light in my gray youth, when I was gloomy, had few friends, and was always afraid of my surroundings.

 

No matter how old I get, I will never forget it. It was a dreamy and beautiful memory that will stay with me.

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TL/N: The light novel in this case is "Kino's Journey - the Beautiful World"

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