Part 21: The Six Goddesses of First Year

**Part 21: The Six Goddesses of First Year**

Kyoshi stepped into the classroom, the familiar chatter of his classmates filling the air. As he made his way to his desk, he caught snippets of conversation that piqued his interest.

“Did you see Yumi today? She looked stunning!” one boy exclaimed, his eyes wide with admiration.

Another chimed in, “Yeah, but have you seen Hana? She’s like a walking work of art!”

Kyoshi raised an eyebrow, intrigued. He settled into his seat, trying to listen in on the growing debate. The buzz continued, voices rising with enthusiasm as they discussed the six girls who had somehow become the talk of the school.

“Reina is definitely the feistiest! Her energy is unmatched!” one boy insisted.

Another countered, “But Keiko has that cute, shy charm that makes her so irresistible. She’s like a hidden gem!”

The boys were animated, each trying to make their case for who was the most beautiful of the six girls who, unbeknownst to them, were Kyoshi’s future girlfriends. It was surreal to hear them talk about Yumi, Hana, Reina, Keiko, Mayumi, and Aiko with such reverence, completely unaware of the bonds he had shared with each of them.

Kyoshi leaned back in his chair, feeling a mixture of amusement and disbelief. This was a side of them he hadn’t seen before. In his previous life, he had been too focused on work to appreciate their individual qualities. Now, he was struck by how each of them had captured the attention of his peers in different ways.

“Don’t forget about Mayumi! She’s got that quiet strength. You can’t help but admire her,” a boy said, nodding emphatically.

Another chimed in, “Right! But I heard her family is really strict. She’s probably too busy to date anyone.”

Kyoshi’s heart sank slightly at that comment, remembering Mayumi’s struggles. He wished he could tell them the truth, that behind her quiet demeanor was a person filled with dreams and creativity.

“Okay, but Aiko is totally the most beautiful. Even if she’s absent all the time, when she shows up, it’s like a light just turned on!” a boy declared, sighing dramatically.

Kyoshi couldn't help but smile at that. Aiko had always had a unique charm that drew people in, even when she was struggling. He recalled her gentle laughter and how, despite her circumstances, she still managed to brighten the room when she was present.

As the boys continued their lively debate, Kyoshi felt a mix of pride and protectiveness over the six girls who had impacted his life so profoundly. They were more than just "goddesses" to him; they were individuals with their own stories, struggles, and triumphs.

“Alright, let’s settle this,” one of the boys said, grinning mischievously. “How about a vote? Who do you all think is the ultimate goddess?”

The chatter grew louder, each boy quickly chiming in with their favorites, and Kyoshi felt a strange sense of camaraderie. It was funny, watching them discuss and argue about superficial qualities while he had lived through deep connections with each of them.

Just then, the classroom door opened, and in walked Yumi, her presence immediately commanding attention. Her long hair cascaded around her shoulders, and she wore a bright smile that lit up the room. The boys fell silent, their eyes glued to her.

Kyoshi’s heart raced. Yumi was, without a doubt, stunning. He felt a swell of affection for her, recalling their recent time spent together. He wanted to cheer for her, to remind his classmates that there was so much more to her than just her looks.

“See? She’s definitely at the top of the list!” one of the boys whispered, nudging his friend.

Yumi took her seat, blissfully unaware of the discussions surrounding her. She turned to Kyoshi, her smile widening. “Hey, Kyoshi! Ready for class?”

“Always,” he replied, his voice warm.

As the lesson began, Kyoshi found it hard to concentrate. His mind drifted back to the conversation among the boys. He knew the six girls were admired for their beauty, but he hoped they would also be appreciated for their strengths, talents, and the unique personalities that made them who they were.

After class, as students began to shuffle out, Kyoshi caught up with Yumi. “Hey, have you heard about the ‘six goddesses’ thing going around?” he asked, half-jokingly.

Yumi laughed lightly. “Yeah, I did. It’s kind of silly, don’t you think? We’re just regular girls.”

“Regular girls who happen to be admired for your awesomeness,” Kyoshi said, grinning. “But it’s good to see you getting the recognition you deserve.”

She blushed slightly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “Thanks, Kyoshi. That means a lot.”

As they walked out of the classroom together, Kyoshi couldn’t help but feel grateful for the second chance he had to experience these moments. Each of the girls was a goddess in their own right, and he was determined to appreciate them for all that they were, not just what others saw on the surface.

Today, they were the center of attention, but to him, they would always be much more than just beautiful faces. They were his friends, his past, and potentially his future—each deserving of all the love and respect he could give.

Chapter end