Zongman: I sign in at the second dimension

After PE class, Class 3 of first year settled back into their lessons. Even though Tatsuki had been top of his class since he was little, when it was time for class, class had to go on. In fact, as long as Tatsuki didn't do anything outrageous, the school principal wouldn't bat an eye—even if he occasionally dozed off in class.

When the final bell rang, Tatsuki exchanged quick greetings with Chiane and Kevin before they all went their separate ways home.

Walking home alone, Tatsuki found himself waiting at a busy intersection for the traffic light to change. As he looked up, his gaze was caught by a figure on the opposite slope—a young woman wearing a crisp white beret, a vivid red coat, and a flowing white pleated dress. Her dark, sparkling eyes, soft black cropped hair, and perfect oval face were utterly captivating. She carried a small brown schoolbag and, with a gentle smile, brushed aside the loose strands of her wind-tousled hair as she looked in his direction.

Tatsuki's heart skipped a beat. He instantly recognized her—it was none other than the heroine of our everyday tale, Katou Megumi!

Separated by the street, they locked eyes. As a sudden breeze swept by, Megumi quickly adjusted her beret and pleated dress to avoid any wardrobe mishaps.

A soft "Ding!"—the sound of a notification or a chime—snapped Tatsuki back to reality. Without hesitation, he hurried through the crosswalk toward her.

Standing at the edge of the slope, Megumi had already moved to the sidewalk, waiting patiently. When Tatsuki reached her side and was about to speak, she stepped forward first.

"Um… classmate, can you really see me?" she asked softly with a slight bow.

Of course, for a hardcore otaku like Tatsuki, her playful query was obvious. Smiling warmly, he replied, "How could I not see someone as beautiful as you? You're just teasing, right?"

Relieved by his response, Megumi grinned and said, "Hi, I'm Katou Megumi. You can just call me Katou. And you are…?"

Carrying his schoolbag in one hand, Tatsuki replied, "Hi, Katou. I'm Tatsuki—you can simply call me Tatsuki."

"Great, Tatsuki-kun!" Megumi chirped, falling into step beside him as they walked together.

"So, Katou, are you a first-year student at Zongwu High?" she asked as they strolled.

"Yeah, I'm in first year too. Zongwu High is only about a ten-minute walk from here. And you?"

Megumi nodded. "I'm also a first-year student. Since we're in the same school, it's nice to know we can easily reach out to each other."

Tatsuki, with a teasing glint in his eye, asked, "Katou… aren't you scared that I might be one of those bad guys?"

Megumi laughed softly, shaking her head. "Not at all. You give me a sense of security—rather than being intimidating, you feel like a true hero. When we were little, you always protected me. You're my hero. Even though we were separated in junior high because of my parents' work, fate has brought us back together. I promise I'll always be by your side, Tatsuki-kun."

After a while, Megumi glanced at her watch and said, "Alright, Tatsuki-kun, I'm almost home. Let's part here."

"Okay, see you tomorrow, Katou," Tatsuki replied.

"See you tomorrow, Tatsuki-kun," she answered, waving as she turned toward her home.

Tatsuki continued his journey home. After a brisk five-minute walk, he arrived at his doorstep. Producing his key, he unlocked the door and stepped inside.

Tatsuki's family hailed from the Dragon Kingdom, so unlike the Sakura family who always change shoes upon entering their home, his family had their own unique habit. Casually, Tatsuki tossed his bag onto the sofa, opened the refrigerator, and pulled out a chilled can of Lekou. He cracked it open and downed it in one gulp, as the crisp, nitrogen-infused drink sent a burst of refreshment across his taste buds.

Lifting the can high, Tatsuki shouted, "Yahhoo! Nothing beats a cold Lekou after school—it's so refreshing!"

After shutting the fridge, he climbed to his room, placed the empty can on his desk, and changed out of his school uniform. He then headed to the washroom for a bracing cold shower. Once finished, he dried off, sipped the last of his Lekou, and changed into his workout gear—ready to hit the outdoors.

Pocketing his key and phone, Tatsuki stepped out, locked the door, and set off toward his usual park for a run.

Meanwhile, after returning home, Katou Megumi set her bag down, grabbed her shopping basket along with her phone and keys, and headed to the market to buy ingredients for dinner. Humming a cheerful tune, she radiated happiness. People at the market who knew her couldn't help but ask, "Katou Megumi, did something good happen?"

She replied with a bright smile, "I suppose so—this is definitely a reason to be happy, Aunt Mumou."

Their laughter filled the air as they teased, "Hehehe, looks like our Katou Megumi has had some good luck today!"

Megumi laughed along, her joy contagious.

.......