For as long as I can remember, I've been walking on a tightrope.
This was the only way I could prove that I am myself.
There are no safeties.
If I fall, I die.
So no matter what, I can't fall off.
Because nobody would ever save me.
I'd gotten used to how my muscles were always tense,
and how my breaths were shallow from the difficulty of breathing.
"It's not easy for people to live their lives."
Adults often told me that.
So when things got hard, I thought that was how life was supposed to be.
But...
that wasn't the case.
This path wasn't everything.
If there's a place with no tension and stuffiness,
where I wouldn't have to be scared of falling
and I can stand at ease,
I would...
I wonder if Sakura-san is absent again today.
I sent him something in the chat.
I know!
If he's not here again today, I'll go visit him and drop off some protein!
Huh? You bring that every day?
I leave this protein here!
Sakura-san!
Good morning.
I was worried that you'd be absent again today.
You look less pale than yesterday.
Even you get a fever every so often, Sakura-chan.
That's a bit rude, Kiryu-kun.
There are times I work out too hard and get a fever.
Just how much do you work out?
Huh? What's wrong, Sakura-san?
Maybe you're still not at full health yet?
So it's all right.
And jump right out there with everything you've got!
Th-There's something...
I want to tell all of you.
U-Up until now, it was normal for me to do everything on my own.
I thought that's what I had to do.
But, I couldn't.
And all the things that pissed me off...
I took it out on you guys.
I'm weak, and lame.
I'm sure you guys were all disappointed that someone like me is your grade captain.
But that's who I am.
So, like the other day, I'm pretty sure...
that I'll cause everyone trouble.
So...
I'm sorry.
S-S-S-Sakura-san!
O-O-Owww.
What the hell was that for?
It's your fault for standing there.
Good going, Sugishita!
Okay, boom!
Wh-What the...
Damn it Sakura, you jackass!
Stop talking nonsense!
Sakura-chan, isn't that a bit too cruel?
I have to say, there's no virtue in that.
I'm offended.
You know...
You might think you confessed all your pathetic parts to us,
but how you're a clumsy, bothersome, pushy guy was obvious at first sight.
But what of it?
You felt hurt that everyone else got beat up, and seriously worried about it.
Why would we be disappointed?
We did the same thing to you, and when you do it to us, why do you have to apologize?
Did you think we'd be troubled by something like that?
Get real!
People like that aren't at this school.
Clumsy or annoying as you are, you're awesome for plunging headfirst for your friends.
I... We really like that about you!
My body feels light.
I can breathe so easily.
I didn't know there was a place like this.
I like it here.
I want to stay here.
Sakura-kun, it's not a bad thing to cause trouble or to be troubled.
It seems you've been all alone all this time, so it might not happen overnight.
Take your time and get used to it.
Well, in any case, our grade captain knows way too little about us!
Hear, hear!
So, Sakura!
After school today, we're gonna all eat together and hang out!
You guys just want an excuse to eat!
Sounds good! Let's go for BBQ!
- Idiot, we don't got money like that. - I want fried skewers!
- Monja! - Cakes!
Sakura, you decide. It doesn't matter what.
Huh? Deciding crap like this is part of a grade captain's job?
Sakura-kun, whatever you want to eat is fine.
Huh? What I want to eat?
- Meat, meat, meat, meat! - Fried skewers!
- Monja, monja, monja! - Cake, cake, cake!
- Meat, meat, meat, meat! - Fried skewers!
O-Omelette rice.
Oh, that sounds good.
Then guess we're headed for Pothos.
Can we all fit?
They also have tasty grilled rice balls!
What, really?
I'm glad Sakura-kun is better now.
Something wrong, Nire-kun?
Huh? Wha? What's that?
What's wrong with you today?
Usually, when Sakura-kun is in self-doubt, you butt in with something to say.
I'm a bit spaced out today.
In any case, it's great that Sakura-san is feeling better now.
CAFÉ POTHOS
You want me to make omelette rice for all of you?
Are you guys stupid? This isn't a restaurant!
Drink some tea!
Pretty please?
The omelette rice here is the best in the world!
Sheesh.
Sakura.
Oh, hey.
You feeling better now?
Sorry about yesterday.
I'll come by another time to return the pot.
What? You still have a fever?
Come on now, the main character needs to be in the back!
All right, don't push me!
Main character?
Man, Pothos has the best omelette rice!
Isn't it?
I just bought eggs yesterday, too.
All right!
Sakura 'fessed up all the lame parts about him,
so why don't we have a big confession party about how lame we all are!
S-Sure! You go first, Takanashi!
You started it!
Okay. Actually, I...
can't stand bugs.
Especially the underside of those hard-shelled ones...
Just thinking about it gives me goosebumps.
And he fights so well, too.
To think insects were his weak point...
All right, I'll go next!
I-I'm...
scared of ghosts.
I have to turn on all the lights when I go to the bathroom at night because I'm so scared.
And I can't close my eyes when I wash my hair, too.
Don't your eyes hurt?
They hurt, but it's better than closing my eyes.
Y-You're scared too, right Sakura-kun?
I mean, no matter how much I train, I can't defeat ghosts! I can't even touch 'em!
All right, I get it! But why are you stripping?
I'm glad if you understand...
that everyone is the same.
Everyone has weaknesses and pathetic sides.
But that's nothing to fear or be embarrassed about.
Everyone is like that.
And so, Suo-chan, what's your weakness?
Me? I think I'm afraid of manju pastries.
Suo-chan, you're talking about the rakugo skit, right?
Manju pastries? You mean the ones you eat?
Did you get food poisoning or something?
See, Sakura-chan believed you.
What? You lied?
Well, I couldn't think of anything.
But Suo-san, don't you hate natto?
Oh no, Nire-kun. Who fed you that rumor?
When I was asking around for info about you, Suo-san.
I don't remember who, though.
Kotoha-chan, Kotoha-chan.
Do you have some natto?
Of course not.
All right! I'll go buy some.
This party today is held for Sakura-kun.
Hey, someone, hold Suo down!
Please let go.
You're acting pretty desperate.
That's not true.
- Don't worry , it'll be okay. - It's rude to leave during Sakura's party.
Wh-What?
Come on, Suo!
If you eat natto, Sakura will laugh some more!
Sakura-kun, you shouldn't sell your smile for so cheap.
Your smile is a treasured commodity.
See, that's why I told you.
...you were right in choosing Furin.
Good for you, Sakura.
Now, all we gotta wait for is Suo and his natto!
This isn't about that, you know.
Huh? Sakura's gang is here.
Is everyone here? Is this a class party? They're getting pretty rowdy.
I wonder what they're talking about.
You better not butt your head in this time.
Along with what happened this morning, you really are something.
What?
Everyone looks like they're having fun. I wanna join, too!
You really need to learn how to take a hint.
Wow, the sprouts have gotten quite big.
Indeed.
The days are getting longer. The mornings and evenings aren't too cold anymore.
Before we knew it, the cherry trees have gotten all green, too.
Anyway...
what's this gathering about?
That broadcast right as I was about to go home...
Those who don't have errands or patrols, gather at the rooftop!
Looks like everyone has gathered regardless of grade.
But what's he gonna do with so many guys?
Nothing much, really.
It's Umemiya's policy
to hold gatherings periodically so you can talk to a wide range of guys.
Yo!
Hello there.
TAMON TEAM / JIKOKU TEAM / ZOJO TEAM / KOMOKU TEAM
Bofurin's team structure is based on how the classes are assigned.
Umemiya wants to talk to all sorts of guys, too,
but he wanted to create chances like this so everyone can chat regardless of team.
Hm, hm, I see.
And he wants a lot of guys to see how his veggies are growing.
Look! Look here! They're so cute!
Sugishita-kun is like a tour guide now.
We were just talking about how they've grown so much.
You should go tell him that. He'll burst into tears of joy.
What should I drink next?
That girl.
She passed by Pothos the other day.
D-Damn she's tall!
I finally got to meet you!
What a deep voice!
Ts-Tsubakino-san!
She's a d-d-dude?
Hey! S-Sakura-san, that's really rude to Tsubakino-san!
This individual is one of the Four Kings!
It's fine, it's okay.
I may look like this, but I got the same junk as all of you guys.
But I'd be happy if you referred to me as "Tsubaki-chan"!
Ts-Tsubaki-chan-san, do you know about Sakura-san?
Of course, if he takes flashy action like that.
And that "-chan-san" is amusing.
More than anything, that look...
I really love it!
Those eyes and hair are totally stunning!
And your clothes are simple to make good use of what you've got. The length is perfect, too!
And the color is the perfect white that goes with your skin tone!
Wh-What are you talking...
More like, Sakura-kun, Tsubaki-san was there during the first meet-up.
You didn't think anything of it back then?
We're an all-boys school, you know?
Sh-Shut up. I only thought there's one here because there's one here!
What do ya mean?
I'm sure you thought, "a guy shouldn't dress like that."
I'm sorry, love. I'd be delighted if you got used to it.
I was just surprised, that's all.
It's not like that outfit is bad. There's no need to apologize.
He's so accepting! What a good boy!
Sakura-san!
Hey, Tsubaki. Leave it at that.
Oh goodness, I'm sorry.
Well, let me do the introductions.
These boys are my vice captains.
This is the older brother, Seiryu Sakaki.
This is the younger brother, Uryu Sakaki.
Play nice now!
I was wondering what brand of colored contacts you were using,
but those are your natural eyes.
And that's your natural hair color, so a natural born fashionista!
Don't stare at Sakura like that. You'll only trouble him.
Though, I do like being stared at.
Don't you start with that, Tsubaki.
Hey, does everyone have drinks?
Today, we have some Umemiya Special Tonjiru, too! Eat up!
Me, too!
I'll have some too!
So tasty!
The amount of dashi is perfect. Maybe you should open a shop?
I guess I should.
I'll name the shop Bofurin!
- Here you go, Sakura-san. - Th-Thanks.
Anything you make is really delicious.
Really. I can fall back in love countless times!
This warms me up so much. It's delicious, isn't it, Sakura-san?
Oh, what's wrong? Your face is beet red.
True. Was it that hot?
Oh, about this...
Sakura-kun is extra sensitive to people being openly affectionate.
He blushes at the smallest things.
I believe he reacted to the feeling Tsubaki-san harbors for Umemiya-san.
Tsubaki is an easy read! I may be dense, but even I can see it.
That's with supposedly hiding those feelings, too.
Yep, we all know about it.
Oh, brother.
W-Well, it's all true.
More like Sakura, you're so innocent.
Wha...
You're all red again.
Got a problem?
Nope. No problems.
For reacting in such a straightforward manner to my feelings...
Thank you.
Oh, hey, Tsubaki.
Shouldn't we get going soon?
Oh no, I totally forgot.
You still go to that place?
Yeah.
Well now, Ume, we'll be heading out.
Yeah. Take care!
What?
Sakura.
Wanna go on a date with me?
D-D-D-Date?
A PLACE I BELONG
I'm glad Sakura-san is feeling better!
Yup. So true.
By the way, Suo-san!
What is it?
Why do you dislike natto? Some kind of trauma?
Nire-kun?
Yes?
I don't dislike natto.
It troubles me when a completely unfounded rumor makes its rounds.
You might get hurt someday for spreading such rumors.
You know?
I-I'm sorry about that!