"Les esprits d'élite discutent des idées, les esprits moyens discutent des événements, les esprits médiocres discutent des personnes." - Jules Romains
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POV : Riku
After a few adventures, Ishigami and I finally managed to reach our classroom, 1-D. At last, after all that, I could take a moment to breathe and truly start my new life here, alongside the very first friend I had made, Ishigami. Sure, he seems a bit reserved and melancholic, but deep down, he's really a good person! I will take pleasure in helping him open up a bit more, yes, that's decided, it will be one of my many goals here! I will probably have a whole list, but for the moment, this one is at the top!
So here we are, arrived in front of our classroom, just the two of us, and when I opened the door, I discovered a very modern room, much more so than what most schools can offer... Not that I really have a precise idea of all the classrooms in Japan, obviously.
Riku: And here we are, this is our class! I'm curious to meet my new classmates, I'm sure they'll be really nice!
Ishigami:He looked at me with an expressionless face before saying, You seem like the sociable type, like the popular guy, is that it?
Riku: Haha, well, popular, I don't really know about that, I wouldn't say that... I just do my best to be nice to everyone, you know.
Ishigami: Well, that's something, you're not the pretentious type who brags by indirectly boasting about being popular!
I didn't fully grasp what he meant by that, but... To me, it all just seems natural, an attitude that everyone should adopt towards each other. Empathy is becoming rare these days, and it's truly sad... People are becoming more self-centered, losing awareness of the world and the people around them, seeing only their own little universe and their desires... Fortunately, there are always exceptions, right?
As we entered the classroom, just the two of us, and I carefully observed the environment and the other students already there, engaged in conversation, my gaze stopped on a person I immediately recognized... A rather unfortunate coincidence, it was that arrogant guy from the bus. Kōenji, if I'm not mistaken? Yes, that self-absorbed guy, who completely lacks respect for others, the very embodiment of the type of person I despise: arrogant, selfish, and deeply narcissistic, seeing only himself. At his sight, I let out a sigh, which seemed to catch Ishigami's attention, who followed my gaze to see Kōenji. He, noticing that we were staring at him, simply wore a smug smile, comfortably seated with his arms and legs crossed, leaning against the back of his chair.
Kōenji: Ah, if it isn't our dear
This sight seemed to slightly irritate Ishigami, whose expression became more marked, betraying a certain weariness.
Ishigami: Ah! Seriously, did we really have to end up in the same class as that unbearable guy from the bus!
Riku: Well, let's just ignore him, huh... Let's take our seats, I think the teacher won't be long.
Ishigami: Yeah, he probably doesn't deserve our time anyway.
Eventually, we decided to simply ignore this guy who had nicknamed me samaritan-boy and found our seats... Apparently, things had worked out rather well. I ended up right behind Ishigami. My seat was at the very back near the window, while Ishigami was right in front of me. From there, I had a good perspective to observe the whole class, it was a rather pleasant location, even though I would have preferred to be more at the front.
Riku: By the way, Ishigami, it reminds me... You didn't tell me where you were before coming here? What were you doing before you came here?
Ishigami:Ishigami pivoted on his chair to face me, noticing that I had started talking to him again. Oh? Actually, I come from Shuchi'in Academy, with the same group you saw on the bus, but they're not with us in this class.
Riku: Oh, Shuchi'in Academy? Wait, isn't that one of the most prestigious schools, just behind Kibôgamine? Wow, that's impressive, I had no idea you were from such a top school before coming here! I smiled warmly at him. No wonder you're here, with the elite.
Ishigami:His response was accompanied by a slightly darker expression. Ah, no, actually, it's not that great... Yeah, it's a renowned school, but I was mostly admitted thanks to my father, he runs a small toy company. So, I have nothing to be proud of, and frankly, I don't excel in studies, not to mention a lack of motivation...
Riku:His somber voice and apparent lack of self-confidence really touched me.Understanding where he was coming from, I offered him another smile, trying to reassure him. But no, if you're here, it's because you deserve it, don't you think? You surely have unique talents, and just because you're not the best in class doesn't mean you're not intelligent or anything. And if you need help with your studies... Don't hesitate to tell me, I'd be glad to help the first friend I've made here. It turns out I'm not too bad at school, haha!
Ishigami:He just seemed to stare at me for a moment, his visible eye sparkling with a particular glint and his cheeks slightly blushing. Ah, seriously? You see me as your first buddy here? For the first time, he smiled at me, which moved me a bit. Ok, that boosts me a bit, so if I need help, I'd much rather turn to you among all, buddy!
Ishigami, you know, he seems to be that kind of really humble guy, who doesn't see himself at his true value... That kind of thing touches me a lot, because that feeling of not being good enough doesn't come from nowhere, right? He exudes a sort of sadness, and I wonder, what could have happened to him to see himself this way? It looks like he's making a lot of reproaches to himself... And then, seeing him so moved when I called him "my first friend", it gave me a twinge in my heart, it was really touching and a bit sad at the same time... It gives a mix of feelings, I feel a bit sad for him.
"Don't worry, Ishigami, we're friends now, and I'm going to make sure you feel at your place here!!"
... That said, I was a bit anxious about considering him a friend, we've just met after all. I'm not quite sure how this works, friendships. It's true, he's my very first friend, so I'm super happy, too! Yes, and it's just the beginning, I'm going to make lots of other friends here, I want to get along with almost everyone... Well, maybe not with everyone, when I think about it. For example, becoming buddies with Kōenji? No way, he really annoyed me on the bus!
... Ah, and then, I think... Yes, Kushida is also in our class, isn't she? Where is she, I wonder? She should be arriving soon... I'd like to become friends with her too, she seemed really nice!
Ishigami: And you, then, where were you before landing in this school?
Ah, yes, now that I think about it... It was quite predictable that he would ask me that question in return. I really don't like lying, so it's not like I could tell him a fib, but at the same time, I don't particularly want to dwell on the subject... It would be a bit rude to just dodge it, wouldn't it? I felt myself starting to stress a little, trying to find the right way to respond... Mmm, ah yes, well, I can maybe tell him this, it's quite close to the truth and it reflects my thoughts pretty well, doesn't it? Anyway, even if I wanted to, I couldn't really go into details, I don't know what might come out of it.
Riku: E-Er, well, actually... This is my first real experience at a school, I was homeschooled almost all my life. So, yeah, this is really my first time in a big public high school, especially one like this! I was super excited about being here, meeting lots of new people. It's quite refreshing, you know.
Ishigami:He seemed perplexed and surprised by what I had just said. What, are you serious, this is your first real school experience? And your baptism by fire is at ANHS? Damn, I would have never believed it... Wait, you were homeschooled almost all your life, and you're still this sociable and at ease with people? Dude, that's crazy, how do you do it?
Riku: Huh? Oh, you know... It's kind of my way of being, haha! I naturally like being close to people. So, being alone at home all the time was frankly boring, almost torture, you see. That's it, I'm like this... I don't like being alone, I love being surrounded by people, talking about everything and anything, even everyday life... Contact with others, it's essential, don't you think?
Ishigami:He stared at me for a moment, looked away briefly, then looked at me again. Yeah, I think you're right... You seem to be someone remarkable, huh? Ha ha, yeah, seriously, I never thought I could become friends with the popular and super nice protagonist that everyone likes... I had a grudge against that kind of person before, but now, seeing you with me, I can say that I'm really happy to have become friends with you so quickly and so closely!
Riku: I too was a bit perplexed by his words. Huh? Oh, what I mean... You seem really nice, so why couldn't I be your friend? And what's this 'popular protagonist' story? I admit I don't quite get it, haha!
Ishigami: Oh, you got the spot right at the back next to the window, huh? Every self-respecting otaku knows that's the protagonist's seat in any slice of life or school life anime! I would have thought you'd be a bit more of an otaku, knowing you've spent your whole life cooped up at home, haha!!
And there, I found myself even more lost in what he was saying... An Otaku, what exactly is that? Anime? A protagonist? Well, I must admit I don't get it all, but I tell myself that by spending time with him, I'll end up understanding all this, haha. Yes, I like exploring new things, so I'm quite eager to discover what he can show me!! And then, it will give us something to talk about, a way to kill two birds with one stone, right?
But while I was thinking about all this, I felt someone sit down right next to me, the hair almost brushing my face, which made me turn my head towards this new presence... And there, I see her again, that person from earlier, whose name I don't even know, that young girl who had irritated me so much before...
Annoying Girl: What an unpleasant coincidence, after having noticed that the annoying individual from the bus was in my class, here I have to put up with you two, in the same environment.
A coincidence, huh? Coincidences have this somewhat strange thing about them, as intriguing as they can sometimes be unpleasant... It made me let out an inward sigh and even a bit of a forced smile. Honestly, I don't particularly hold a grudge against this girl... In fact, what really got to me was seeing her go after Ishigami, my very first buddy. But thinking about it with a bit of perspective, maybe she just felt defensive, you know? Like, she misinterpreted the fact that I was looking at her on the bus, feeling attacked, perhaps thinking I was some kind of weird guy...
At the moment, I found her attitude super annoying, and her way of coming at us, completely disproportionate. But now, turning the situation around, trying to see it from her point of view... Everyone has their story, right? She might have her reasons for acting this way... Maybe a superiority complex? Or perhaps she was marked by something negative in the past, with a guy, who knows? She doesn't act like Koenji, that guy who overflows with self-confidence, no, it's not the same vibe... And now, I feel a bit bad for getting carried away earlier. Normally, I'm more composed, but when I saw Ishigami being put down, I couldn't hold back.
Then there, I feel Ishigami, who's just in front, leaning in to whisper something, all while keeping an eye on this girl.
Ishigami: Hey, seriously... What's with this second bad joke of fate? Are we cursed or what? First that unbearable and narcissistic guy, and now this bitch from earlier!
Riku: Yeah, well, coincidences can be weird, ahaha... But for her, I don't feel things as negatively as for Koenji. I think she has a good side, you know. She was probably just super surprised earlier, and then, we don't really know what triggered her reaction. We shouldn't judge without knowing, don't you think?
Ishigami: Huh, but what are you talking about? Don't be fooled, this kind of girl, I can smell them from miles away, she's just a pretentious bitch, I'd bet my hand on it! Then, he looked at me with a somewhat dismayed air. Wait, no, but... don't tell me you fell for her just because she's a bit pretty? No, tell me you haven't become a simp for this chick in two seconds?! Don't tell me you're the masochistic type in relationships! No, man, I can't let that pass, I promise I will save you from this calamity!!
Riku:I'm slightly surprised by his sudden reaction. Hey, uh, don't you think you're exaggerating a bit? No, I'm not interested in her that way... I mean, yes, she's cute, but looks aren't everything, right? Realizing what I've said, I vigorously shake my head before continuing. What I mean is that we shouldn't rely solely on first impressions, on the initial encounter with someone... There are plenty of reasons she could have acted that way, you know? I just want to believe that everyone deserves a second chance, you see?
After giving a soft and warm smile to Ishigami, I turned to the woman sitting next to me, speaking to her with all the kindness and goodwill I could muster... I didn't want the situation to worsen further, after all.
Riku: E-Eh well, then, hello and nice to meet you, uh, miss. I'm Riku Nakamura. I hope we can get along during this upcoming school year, we're desk neighbors, after all, right?
Finally, my introduction seemed to suddenly catch the girl's attention, who turned her head sharply toward me, displaying a perplexed and quite cold expression... but that's certainly not going to discourage me!
Annoying Girl: An impromptu introduction, then? And you expect me to introduce myself in return? For what exact reason should I do that, as far as I know, I owe you nothing... And I certainly have no intention of becoming your friend.
Riku: A bit taken aback by her response, I don't get discouraged, though. E-Eh well, I think maybe we got off on the wrong foot earlier, don't you think? I mean, I might have seemed a bit rude, and if that's the case, I really want to apologize... I got carried away, so, really sorry, okay? I finish once again with a smile directed at her. B-But, I understand, if you prefer not to talk, I want to respect that... I wouldn't want to force you, after all.
For a moment, she remained silent, staring at me with an expression that evolved from perplexity to confusion. Then, finally, her previously cold face relaxed a bit, just before she turned to face the front of the class again. That's when she finally broke the silence that had settled between us, answering me at last.
Horikita: Horikita Suzune.
Riku:Her response surprised me, this time pleasantly. H-Huh?
Horikita: She then abruptly turned to face me again, displaying a somewhat intimidating expression, though a bit less cold. Horikita Suzune, that's my name. Then, she turned her head again to look straight ahead. Humph, don't think this means we're going to become friends. Don't get any ideas just because I gave you my name, understood? You simply apologized as you should, which makes you slightly more respectable in my eyes than I initially thought. And... She lowered her voice almost to a whisper. Maybe I also somewhat exaggerated... Her voice returned to its normal tone as she faced me again, turning her head sharply, with a stern look. But I repeat, make no illusions! I may recognize having slightly exaggerated, you remain the main responsible. However, unlike many, you admit your mistakes, which is a point in your favor.
Riku: Um, okay, well... thank you, I guess? I offer her a small, awkward smile before continuing. A-Anyway, I should also introduce you to my friend here. This is Yu Ishigami. He might be a bit socially awkward, but he's really a good guy!! Since he was with me earlier, I thought it was only right to introduce you, don't you think?
As I launched into introducing Ishigami, I noticed that he was starting to fidget slightly in front of me, before leaning forward to whisper something to me.
Ishigami: Dude, why did you introduce me to this girl? She gives me almost as much the creeps as Shinomiya-san, it was really not a good idea... We don't know what she's capable of with that kind of info!
Riku: D-Don't you think you're exaggerating a bit? After all, what could she possibly do with just your name and surname? Don't worry, look, I'm sure she's kind at heart. You just need to take the time to get to know her. A lot of people are like that, you know?
Then, beside me, Horikita finally responded to the introduction I had just made of Ishigami, giving me a new look, her expression fraught with perplexity and now tinged with increased severity.
Horikita: And now, you're introducing me to your friend? It might matter to you, but I couldn't care less. Unlike you, who, I admit, show a minimum of decency and dignity, I categorically refuse to deal with this perfect idiot!
This reaction seemed to hit Ishigami squarely, as if he had been struck by an arrow labeled "idiot" straight to the heart, eliciting a slight whimper of pain from him.
Horikita: He represents the kind of individuals who have no place in a school as prestigious as ours. He precisely embodies the category of people I strive to avoid among all the student profiles here!
Once again, Horikita's sharp and direct words elicited another whimper from Ishigami, as if he had just received an arrow engraved with "no place."
Horikita: Even if he were to apologize on his knees to me at this moment, I wouldn't forgive his untimely intervention, especially when it was just about addressing you and he took the opportunity to insult me!
And as if that wasn't enough, another arrow, bearing the words "untimely intervention," struck him, causing him another groan, this time of psychological pain.
Horikita: Finally, I will conclude with advice for you, not that it really concerns me: I suggest you avoid this kind of person if you don't want to become more stupid and see your IQ drop before the end of the semester.
And there it was, Horikita's final cutting remark seemed to deliver the coup de grace, as if a final arrow inscribed with "avoid this kind of person" had struck him directly in the heart, causing Ishigami a final groan of distress.
... Uh, wasn't that a bit much, honestly? There was no need to wound him so deeply; it was just excessive... The first jab she had thrown was harsh enough; she really didn't need to pile on with such intensity and harshness!! Why must she be so merciless and condescending? I was just trying to introduce my buddy; there was no need to dredge up the earlier tensions by shifting the attack to a new target...
But before I could intervene further, I turned towards Ishigami, who was just there, in front of me. His expression was laden with sadness, and I could see a tear rolling down his cheek where his eye was exposed. Then, straightening up, he stood before me and began to speak in a voice laden with despair and resignation.
Ishigami: I'm sorry, Nakamura-san... I feel like dying, so I'm going to go home.
Hearing what Ishigami had to say, I found myself there, motionless and troubled, my gaze oscillating between Horikita, who now contented herself with avoiding my gaze by turning to the front, and Ishigami...
... And just when he seemed ready to turn around and leave, I quickly reached out to grab his arm, determined not to let him go like that.
Riku: H-Huh? Hey, wait, you're not really going to leave, are you? The teacher is going to arrive any minute and... What, go home? But aren't we all supposed to be boarding at this school, right?
Ishigami: ...
Without adding anything, Ishigami just gave me one last look full of distress before sitting back down, facing the front of the class towards the teacher's desk, his eyes sadly fixing on his table.
Wow, that visibly shook him up, right? Really, there was no need to go that hard!! After letting out a sigh of frustration, I turned once again towards Horikita, sporting a significantly more serious expression on my face.
Riku: Honestly, you didn't need to say that, seriously! We all have thoughts we should keep to ourselves, that's the idea of being human, right? It was downright inappropriate and insulting... I get that you're upset, but there was really no need to speak to him that way!
Horikita:After I spoke in that tone, she gave me another intense look for a moment... Before finally, she exhaled a resigned sigh and turned her head forward again. Fine, I admit I may have gone a bit too far, but I will certainly not apologize for it, it was he who had started it after all... Let's consider this simply as a form of slightly exaggerated revenge, nothing more.
Riku:I offer her a small, embarrassed smile in response. E-Eh well, that's already a good start, right? It looks like things are moving forward, slowly but surely, as they say, huh?
Horikita:A sign of annoyance appeared on her forehead, her eyebrows furrowing slightly, as she turned towards me again. Excuse me, what did you say? Could you repeat that clearly?
She had plunged her right hand into the pencil case she had probably pulled out as soon as she arrived in the class, and from my angle, I could make out that she was grasping an object, ready to pull something out... From my position, I could see the shiny tip of a needle, which seemed to be that of a compass... A shiver ran through me. I'm beginning to think Ishigami wasn't wrong; this girl indeed has something slightly alarming about her.
Riku: E-Er... No, no, it's nothing, I promise, ah ah ah! I give her a little smile to conclude.
After exhaling a new sigh following my interaction with Horikita, my gaze quickly turned to the class door, which burst open abruptly, stronger than one might expect, then closed just as quickly... Revealing a woman who appeared to be middle-aged and clearly not a student... Ah, so the teacher has finally arrived, and she's a woman. I must say, I didn't expect to have such a charming teacher!
She was really elegant, with long brown hair gathered into a ponytail, bangs carefully styled to the left side, deep brown eyes, and a remarkably graceful physique. Her serious expression added a certain charisma to her appearance. She wore a black blazer over a white polo, a matching short black skirt with black stockings and heels, composing an outfit both professional and stylish.
Elegant Teacher: Now, class! I require everyone to immediately take their seats!
The clicking of her heels echoed throughout the classroom, and her commanding entrance managed to plunge everyone into silence... Once she delivered her initial instructions with a voice full of authority, she walked up to her desk to carefully place the documents she was holding. The silence was so palpable you could hear a pin drop, all eyes fixed on her. Then, positioning herself in front of us, arms firmly braced on the desk, she began her address.
Chabashira-sensei: Hmm, welcome to the new first-year students. I am Chabashira Sae, your designated instructor for Class D. My field is Japanese history. You will be under my supervision for the next three years, as this institution does not change class allocations annually. Although the introduction ceremony is scheduled in an hour at the gym, I will proceed with distributing our school's specific regulations and enrollment directives.
From the front of the class, they began distributing sheets to everyone. This school has its own rules that make it unique compared to other high schools. Here, all students must live on campus, and it is strictly forbidden to contact anyone outside, even our close family, unless we have special permission from the school. And leaving the campus is out of the question.
Isn't that a bit excessive? Well, personally, I don't have many people to contact... But what about the others? Do they really have to stay cut off from everything for three years? That seems a bit... extreme, right? Okay, these are the rules, but still.
Yet, there are all sorts of things here to compensate: karaoke, cinemas, cafes, shops... It's almost like a small town in the heart of the big city. The campus spans over 600,000 square meters, that's huge, isn't it? Wait, but isn't this supposed to be just a high school? Okay, I understand that with three years to spend here, they wanted to go all out on distractions, but I wasn't expecting something this massive.
In any case, there is one particular thing about this school that really piqued my curiosity: the introduction of the mysterious S system.
Chabashira-sensei: Now, I will proceed with distributing your student ID cards. With these cards, you will have the ability to acquire whatever you want in any shop or facility on campus. They will function like a credit card. After a short break, she resumed, her stern tone unchanged. However, be vigilant about the amount of points you will spend. Here, everything has a price. If it is available within the establishment, then you have the opportunity to buy it.
This points system, tied directly to our student card, seems to essentially replace traditional money, I believe. Thus, each student is allocated the same starting amount and must learn to manage their spending more thoughtfully. In any case, the school provides these points at no cost to us.
It's quite clever... I wonder how much we will receive each month, hmm... In my opinion, something around 20,000 yen wouldn't be bad, but honestly, I think even 15,000 yen would be more than enough, especially considering we are in an elite high school that surely values discipline and studies. So, yes, that would already be quite good. Plus, if the goal is to teach us to save and be cautious with our expenses, I wouldn't be surprised if the monthly amount provided is around 10,000 yen.
Chabashira-sensei: Your student cards are used by swiping them on the designated terminals. They also work in contactless mode, similar to bank cards, so you will encounter no difficulty using them. The points will be credited automatically on the first of each month. She swept the class with her gaze, pausing to ensure everyone's attention. Each of you should currently have 100,000 points on your card. For reference, know that 1 point is equivalent to 1 yen. Her gaze again swept the assembly, her arms crossed, exuding an aura of authority. I consider it superfluous to provide further explanations.
When Chabashira-sensei dropped this information, the class became super noisy all of a sudden. In short, we are given an allocation of 100,000 yen each month just for studying here. Wait, stop, what? 100,000 yen every month?? That's huge, even for a month! You could live comfortably for a whole semester with that, okay, I might be pushing it a bit, but surely enough for a quarter if you spend just a bit more... It just seems exaggerated!!
Moment of mental calculation... How much does that make for the school this month? There are 35 of us here, all with 100,000 yen, that makes 3,500,000 yen just for our class... And if we multiply that by classes C, B, A, and S, assuming they also have about 35 students, we get 3,500,000 X 4... That makes... 14,000,000 yen, just for us first-years in one month? Well, it might be a drop in the bucket for the government or the school, but it's still huge!! And isn't that too much for just one month?
What does that mean, they want us to start buying just anything? ... No, there must be something off, she must have omitted an important detail, it can't be otherwise.
Chabashira-sensei: Are you surprised by the amount allocated in points? Our establishment evaluates the aptitudes of its students. Those who have crossed the threshold of this establishment possess merit and value. The sum allocated is a reflection of your capabilities, to be used freely. Her slight smile disappeared, replaced by her usual serious expression. However, be aware that these points will be taken away once you graduate. Converting these points into cash is impossible, so hoarding would be futile. Their use is entirely up to you. Spend them according to your desires or necessities. If you consider some points superfluous, transferring them to others is permitted. Nonetheless, be aware that any form of coercion to acquire points from others is prohibited. The institution monitors any form of harassment rigorously.
Yeah, all of this makes sense to me... Imagine accumulating money for three years and ending up super rich at the same time you get your diploma? I think even this high school wouldn't let such an opportunity pass by... So yeah, receiving 100,000 yen per month, it seems huge at first, but spread over three years, the perspective changes completely.
And then, I'm really relieved they insist on strict monitoring against harassment! Seriously, it seems so widespread in schools, and I don't get how that can be the case... It's just inexcusable!
When the room finally calmed down, Chabashira-sensei took a moment of pause before calmly heading towards the exit.
Shoot, there were still questions I wanted to ask her!! It's my fault, I was too lost in thought!
Chabashira-sensei: It seems that no one has any questions. Well, please, lead a good student li-
Riku: W-Wait a moment, C-Chabashira-sensei, may I ask a few questions before you leave, please?
And just when she was heading towards the exit, I stood up abruptly, calling out to Chabashira-sensei a bit louder than intended, which drew all the class's eyes on me. Realizing what I had just done, I let out a sigh... Was it a bit rude of me to interrupt her like that, wasn't it? I just hope it won't tarnish the first impression I give to my classmates.
However, it seems my intervention had the desired effect, as Chabashira-sensei turned sharply towards me. Her piercing gaze seemed to see right through me, and in her eyes, I thought I detected a spark... of hope, maybe? Anyway, now it was my turn to speak.
Chabashira-sensei: Oh, you wish to ask a question? Then I am listening, Nakamura-san.
Riku: Well, to start from the beginning... You mentioned we would have 100,000 yen for this month, but what about the following months? I don't want to nitpick or seem rude by playing with words, but in such a prestigious school, it seems odd not to just clearly say if it's 'every month' instead of just 'this month', you see what I mean?
My question apparently aroused interest and curiosity among most students, but a few displayed no surprise or confusion... This made me wonder, were there really so few among them who had considered this perspective? For me, it seemed almost obvious. Even the author of the question must have suspected it!
I was slightly surprised to see that my words had sown confusion among the majority. The previously enthusiastic atmosphere had given way to a heavy silence. The students, visibly disconcerted, shared their confused looks between me and Chabashira-sensei, trying to integrate and understand the exchanged information.
From the back of the class, Chabashira-sensei showed a more pronounced smile, her expression becoming slightly entertained. She looked at me with a sort of pride and determination, despite the seriousness that still dominated her face.
Chabashira-sensei: I note your reflection; it is indeed interesting... She repositioned herself slightly to face me more directly. I regret, but I am not able to answer that at the moment. However, I am curious to hear what else you have to share.
Hmm... Does she realize that a lack of response can sometimes say as much as an explicit answer? And that smile... Does she really believe that it doesn't already count as an answer in itself?
Regardless, she had somewhat confirmed what I was thinking, nothing too surprising there, but I needed to make sure we weren't just playing on words before moving on... So, let's get to the next part. In fact, it's even the last question I had in mind for now. With this idea in mind, I thus took the floor again, without really caring about the gazes that had once again settled on me.
Riku: Ah, okay, thanks for the clarification... So, I have another question. You said, well, you really emphasized 'if it's available within the school, you can buy it.' I'd just like to understand this point a bit better. Why emphasize that if it seems obvious, right? I'm just wondering about the extent of the services and items that one can buy here. Are there limits? Or do you mean that... everything can be purchased, no matter the item?
Once again, I felt all the class's eyes on me, some even more shocked and confused than the first time, although naturally, a few remained indifferent... However, Chabashira-sensei's smile seemed to widen slightly as she looked at me, a spark of pride shining in her eyes... Hey, what does that mean, huh?
Chabashira-sensei: Quite interesting indeed, Nakamura-san. She adopted a slightly provocative air before continuing. However, as I indicated earlier... I am not currently in a position to provide you with an answer to this question.
The silence enveloped the class, no one seemed to find the words... In fact, a large part of my classmates was looking at me with... stars in their eyes? But why were they looking at me with so much admiration?
In front of me, timidly, I saw Ishigami raise his hand, drawing my attention towards him.
Oh, does he have something to add? Hehe, it looks like you're starting to spread your wings; I'm proud of you, man, go ahead, show them!
Chabashira-sensei: Yes, Ishigami-san, that's right? Do you have any clarifications you wish to add?
She already knows all our names and faces, huh? That doesn't really surprise me, given she teaches at an elite school.
Chabashira-sensei's gaze then settled on Ishigami, displaying a subtle amusement. Her smile remained as she now observed Ishigami with her incisive eyes.
Ishigami, for his part, seemed slightly awkward as he rose from his chair, his demeanor betraying a certain shyness. He cast furtive glances around him, meeting the gaze of the entire class now fixed on him. He took a moment to gather his courage before finally looking up at Chabashira-sensei and speaking. His usual deep voice resonated, although he occasionally averted his gaze, evidently a bit intimidated.
Ishigami: Well, I also had a question to ask, before you leave, Chabashira-sensei... With his usual apathetic expression, he fixed Chabashira-sensei, while avoiding the gaze of the other students, visibly uncomfortable. I noticed there are quite a few surveillance cameras upon arriving here, and I saw there was even one at the ceiling, there, at the back of the class. I just wanted to know, is there a specific reason? High schools don't normally have video surveillance cameras inside classrooms... Is it just to prevent things like bullying, or is there another explanation?
At that moment, the class fell into confusion again, as all the students turned towards the back of the room to... indeed spot a surveillance camera exactly where Ishigami had indicated it. Then, all eyes turned towards Chabashira-sensei... Apparently, this class isn't used to questioning things, huh? Well, you can't really blame them, after all, who would expect a high school to be involved in so many subterfuges, haha!
Oh, really, that was an excellent observation, good job Ishigami, I'm really proud of you!! For one reason or another, I felt a real surge of pride in me at that moment... Ishigami really has a good sense of observation, doesn't he? Those cameras are quite well hidden, huh? Hehe, I knew there was something special about him!
Indeed, I had also noticed these cameras, but having never really attended high school, I thought it was normal... Looks like I was wrong, Ishigami thus lifted the veil on this point as well, fascinating.
In response, Chabashira-sensei showed Ishigami the same smile she had addressed to me earlier, appearing satisfied... Was she just waiting for someone to make these observations? At this stage, it doesn't really surprise me anymore, after all.
Chabashira-sensei: Once again, I am not in a position to provide detailed answers regarding the S system or the surveillance cameras. However, to address your last point, yes, they do indeed contribute to preventing harassment. This institution takes any matters concerning discrimination and harassment very seriously.
The silence briefly settled in the class, even if only for a short moment...
Chabashira-sensei: Very well, I will leave you now. Do not forget the opening ceremony that will soon begin. We will meet in this same room shortly afterward to start classes.
This time, without waiting for a potential other question, Chabashira-sensei's heels clicked again on the classroom floor as she definitively left the room, casting one last glance at me accompanied by a small smile as she passed... What could that possibly mean? Well, no need to worry about that too much.
The shock seemed to have taken hold of the entire class, the silence stretching on even after Chabashira-sensei's departure. Everyone seemed lost in thought, digesting what had just happened... Apparently, nobody, or almost nobody, had really paid attention to all this before, hmm? It made me sigh slightly... But well, you can't really take away that teenage naivety from them, can you? I can't hold it against them, it's even quite touching.
That said, it's time for me to speak up! With everyone plunged into deep reflection, a bit shaken by the emotional rollercoaster they had just endured, trying to grasp if what Ishigami and I had raised could be true or not, it seemed crucial to lighten the mood. No need to get too anxious about it, after all!
With that in mind, I moved to the front of the class, catching the questioning look of Horikita and that of Ishigami on the way. Arriving at the front, I took a deep breath, cleared my throat, and began to speak. I adjusted my volume to be clearly heard by everyone without being too loud and adopted a warm and reassuring tone, aiming to inspire trust and show that my intentions were well-meaning.
Riku / ??? : Hey, everyone, could you listen to me for a moment?
To my great surprise, another voice rose at the same time as mine... I turned my head to see who had spoken, noticing that the boy next to me seemed just as astonished. He gave me a look and then a warm smile, radiating a sense of kindness and friendliness that encouraged me to return his smile with the same gentleness.
He was a medium-height, rather handsome young man with blond hair and brown eyes.
He briefly looked at me, and I responded with a simple nod, signaling my encouragement for him to speak up. He seemed to get my message, as he returned my nod before turning to the class, which was now hanging on our every word, captivated by our voices that had captured their attention.
Warm Boy: Well, everyone, what I was going to say is that we are going to share the same class for the next three years. So it would be great if we could take a moment to introduce ourselves and forge friendships. Then, he turned towards me. You agree with that, right? In response to my affirmative answer and warm smile, he returned my smile and then refocused on the class. We still have some time before the opening ceremony, so, what do you say?
Riku: I nod in agreement. Absolutely, that's exactly what I was going to suggest, haha! Well, how about we start by introducing ourselves, then? I then turn towards him. Would you like to start?
Following my suggestion, he nodded and then began his introduction in front of the whole class, who watched him intently... especially the girls, who seemed utterly captivated by him. It seems like everyone quickly moved on, it didn't take long...
Yousuke: Alright, I'll go then! My name is Hirata Yousuke. In middle school, most people called me by my first name, Yousuke, so feel free to do the same. I really like sports, almost all of them, in fact, but I have a slight preference for soccer. I plan to play soccer here and join the soccer club if there is one. I hope we can all get along well. He finishes with a friendly smile.
Yousuke, after his presentation, received a round of applause... and mainly from the girls. Well, it seems we have a future favorite among the female students here! It's not surprising... He has all the traits of the ideal boy, friendly, considerate, warm, and additionally blessed with good looks, so it's natural he mainly draws the girls' attention. Just look at how they are looking at him; it's like they have stars in their eyes around Hirata. Ah ha, I feel like teasing him a bit with that.
He showed quite a bit of nerve, honestly. I'm thrilled to have someone like him in our class; I feel it's going to be enriching! I genuinely hope we can become good friends.
Riku: Okay, my turn now! After offering a smile as I turned towards the whole class, I continue. My name is Riku Nakamura, but just like Yousuke, you can simply call me Riku! I enjoy talking about anything and everything, and I'm pretty good at academics, so if you need a hand or find a subject difficult, I'm here. Uh, regarding sports, I'm not a big athlete, but I do a bit of fencing and karate. I'm not sure about joining a club, but we'll see. Like Yousuke, I finish my presentation with a smile. That's me, who wants to go next? We can just continue in order, if you prefer~!
After my own presentation, I also noticed that many girls were turning towards me... They were looking at me with heart-filled eyes, really? I hadn't done much, and I don't consider myself particularly attractive... This kind of attention, this gaze full of admiration from the girls, and some kind of jealousy, even animosity, from some boys, although it wasn't the majority, was quite new to me.
I felt a bit nervous about this reaction, but I knew how to remain calm in such circumstances, so I just continued to smile as the applause erupted. And then, after that moment of applause, once I had invited the others to introduce themselves, Yousuke gave me a smile and a nod of approval, affirming he was in sync with me...
Then it was the turn of the first girl to introduce herself. She stood up, visibly very shy and nervous, exuding a certain vulnerability that made her endearing, and at the same time, she was really charming. She had lovely brown hair cut just at shoulder length and eyes of a unique gradient of purple and yellow.
Inogashira: My-My... My name is I-Inogashira K-Ko—
When it was the turn of the first student to introduce herself after us, she began with difficulty, but quickly, her words froze, blocked by her nervousness. Either she had lost her train of thought, or she couldn't line up her thoughts enough to speak clearly. Her inability to continue made her complexion paler, a clear sign of her embarrassment and discomfort. She began to fidget with her thumbs, an obvious attempt to compose herself.
Girl 1: Do your best~!
Girl 2: It's okay if it takes a bit longer, don't rush it, okay~?
Oh no, all this attention is only going to increase her nervousness! I have to intervene, to help her. She seems so uncomfortable, it's out of the question for me to stay idle while she struggles with her anxiety in front of everyone... I understand all too well how intimidating it can be for someone shy to introduce themselves in front of a whole class.
Intending to reassure her, I approached her calmly, without abrupt movements, and then gently placed my right hand on her shoulder... At that touch, I felt her startle before she straightened up quickly to look at me. And when our eyes met, in her expressive eyes, I sketched a smile filled with warmth and gentleness before starting to talk to her.
Riku: Inogashira, right? Hey, no stress, look around, everyone's cool here, there's no reason to be nervous, okay? I give her a warm and reassuring smile. You seem super nice and adorable, so who would want to judge you? And if someone tries, don't worry, I'll be there to set things straight! Then, I remove my hand from her shoulder and take a step back. Really, as you wish. If you're not ready, we can totally move on to the next person... It's not easy to introduce yourself in front of everyone, especially unprepared, I understand.
After sharing those few words with her, I observed her eyes widen, then she quickly looked away, her cheeks turning a scarlet hue. She threw me brief, furtive glances, while fidgeting her fingers again... She still seemed nervous, but her nervousness was now focused on something, or rather someone, and that someone was me.
Around us, I could sense the stares from many girls, filled with a hint of jealousy... I let out an inward sigh at that. Honestly, I wasn't expecting to draw so much attention just by helping someone on the first day, ha ha ha, it's quite surprising. Of course, I'm not going to pretend I totally dislike it. Like anyone else, I'd rather be liked than hated.
Finally, Inogashira managed to speak up again, stuttering a bit less. It seemed that her biggest challenge was now to meet my gaze.
Inogashira: I-I'm Inogashira... Kokoro. Um, my hobby is sewing and... and I'm quite good at knitting. H-Hi, nice to meet you.
Great, she managed to introduce herself properly, and everyone simply applauded her at the end of her intervention... Then, she quickly sat down, as if trying to avoid my gaze at all costs, her cheeks maintaining that reddish hue, while still casting me brief, furtive looks.
But that didn't mark the end, obviously. As I stepped back to rejoin Yousuke, I saw someone step forward to the center of the class, flashing a wide smile... Ah, there she was! It was the amiable girl I had met on the bus, Kushida, and I was really glad to see her again!
Kushida: Oh, Riku~, you're such a sweetheart, you know! You see, you're already making hearts flutter left and right with your kindness, ah ah ah!
She radiated, her unwavering smile and her benevolence filling the room with a positive energy that was frankly pleasant to feel... Ah yes, really, I'm delighted. Finding myself in a class full of such amiable people is obviously something that makes me very happy! A sincere smile naturally formed on my face, directed towards Kushida.
Riku: Oh, Kushida! Great to see you again. You mentioned we'd be in the same class, so I was hoping to find you here!
Kushida: Oh, you really remember me? I'm so happy you didn't forget my name! But you know, you can totally call me Kikyou, I'd like that!
Riku: Ha ha, how could I forget you? And yeah, you seem already comfortable with my first name, huh? It's true that I said you could all call me by my first name, after all.
She then returned a smile, before starting her introduction, now that it was her turn and she was standing up... In the background, I could see some girls displaying a hint of jealousy toward her? And boys, seeming jealous of me... It's probably everyday high school life, isn't it? Still, I'm not particularly looking to gain popularity, ah ah!
Kushida: So, it's my turn to introduce myself, huh~! She gracefully spins around to face the whole class, displaying a charming smile. Nice to meet you, my name is Kushida Kikyou. I don't have any friends from my old middle school here, so I'm really looking forward to getting to know each of you and becoming friends with everyone!
From that moment, she had captivated the attention of the entire class, especially garnering the interest of the boys.
Kushida: After each of you has finished your introduction, I'd love to exchange contacts! I'm super excited to create lots of memories with all of you, so don't hesitate to invite me to your outings, whether it's during holidays or after classes. She finishes her sentence with a radiant smile that charms the whole class. Well, that's all for my introduction, thank you for listening!
She seemed to have the kind of personality that would get along with everyone in the class, both boys and girls – she really exuded a vibe of kindness. If I were the type to fall easily under someone's spell like some here who were staring at her, eyes shining with admiration or, to be frank, a bit of lust, I would have reacted similarly. But well, I'm not the type to get carried away quickly. That said, I can't deny she was really charming and attractive! She also received a hearty round of applause, just as much as Yousuke and I did.
When she finished her presentation, it was the turn of another person to speak up.
Yousuke: So, who's next──
Just as Yousuke was about to invite the next person to introduce themselves, someone stood up hastily, capturing the attention of the entire class as if he had just woken up... Turning my gaze towards him, I noticed his broad smile.
He was a young boy with mid-length, thick black hair, his black sanpaku eyes with small irises emphasizing the white around, giving him a distinctive look. His build was quite athletic, indicating he was in good physical shape.
Natsuki: Haha, looks like it's my time to shine, right? Coming after a bunch of handsome guys and a starlet, but don't think I'll be overshadowed! He then thrusts his right arm forward, clenching his fist energetically, before pointing at himself with his thumb in a resolved and theatrical manner. Hi, I'm Natsuki Subaru, the legendary broke NEET! But, you see, things change, and I officially declare the end of my NEET life! Glad to be among you in this high school, I really hope we'll get the chance to know each other and build connections. So, nice to meet you!
...
...
...
Right after his rather exuberant introduction had echoed through the room, he was greeted by his classmates' apathetic silence. Their looks were not filled with disgust, but it was clear that they were not charmed either.
Natsuki Subaru, right? He seems to be quite a colorful character, I feel like he might be a good guy!
However, before I even had the chance to react to his presentation to lighten the mood, the silence was broken by another student who stood up, visibly exasperated. Her glare, sharp as a blade, could have struck anyone dead in their tracks, staring at him as if he were insignificant.
She was certainly pretty, despite her icily cold aura, with long, smooth hair falling to her waist, framing her face with a precise fringe above her eyebrows, of a reddish-pink color.
Annoyed Girl: Hey you, you thought you were being funny, huh? Pathetic, your entrance was pitiful. And honestly, who boasts about being a broke NEET? You're just a weird, dirty guy.
Wait, what's happening here? That's really harsh, isn't it? She broke the silence just to harshly criticize the poor guy who was simply trying to add a bit of humor... Okay, it didn't go over well, but he seemed to have good intentions, no need to attack him like that! Nevertheless, the boy seemed to maintain an optimistic spirit. He appeared a bit downtrodden at the moment, then he briskly shook his head and lowered his arm, preparing to reply... However, he was interrupted by another student who stood up near the first, a girl just as lovely rising from her chair.
This second girl was almost as captivating as the first, with slight distinctions in their appearance. She sported a neutral expression, her mid-length auburn hair framing her face with strands falling on the right side. She was distinguished by a wireless headset adorned with a triangular logo on each earpiece, deep blue eyes, medium height, a well-proportioned figure, and a generous bust.
It was evident that she knew the other girl well to address her directly in that manner.
Shy Girl: Nino, I think it's a bit unfair to judge him so quickly. He's just arrived, and confronting and insulting him directly... it's not really normal. Maybe you're the one acting weird here.
Annoyed Girl: What, are you kidding me? You're saying I'm the weird one, not him? The guy's flaunting being a NEET, if that's not twisted! And what, don't make me believe you've fallen for this loser, seriously? Look at you, you have zero taste in guys, he's not in the same league as Yousuke or Riku!
Shy Girl: Nino, seriously, that's enough! Stop acting like a scary bimbo! Just because we don't share your superficial view doesn't mean we should insult people for free. It's certainly not me who would judge someone by their appearance to this extent. You know, there's more to life than looks. Do you remember your prejudices about Fû-kun? You were wrong, right? So, please, stop talking nonsense. He seems to be a nice person after all.
Suddenly, as a quarrel seemed to be brewing between the first two girls, three others stood up simultaneously, located not far from the two antagonists, creating an unexpected scene.
The first of the three newcomers had fair skin and short, straight hair that stopped just around the neck, adorned with a ribbon shaped like rabbit ears, adding a whimsical touch to her appearance.
Then there was a girl with a serious look, mid-length hair, and sporting a characteristic ahoge, her hair displaying a reddish-orange hue. She stood out with star-shaped hairpins near her eyes, adding a sparkling note to her style.
The last of this trio had very short hair, complemented by a long strand on the right side, and a white-pink color. A notable element of her style was a unique earring, underlining her distinctive look.
Seeing five young girls looking so similar standing up almost in unison was disconcerting... They wouldn't be quintuplets, by any chance? That would be extraordinarily improbable, wouldn't it? After all, the chances of that happening are extremely slim.
Cheerful Girl: Hihi, oh, stop fighting over this, girls! Look, I'm convinced he's not mean, he seems nice, don't you think~?
Annoyed Girl: Pff, okay, I got it, stop ganging up on me!
Studious Girl: Oh, but wait, what are you doing, girls? It wasn't our turn to stand up yet!
Teasing Girl: Well, well, my dears~! No need to squabble over a trifle, right? Now that we're all standing up, why not take the opportunity to introduce ourselves to the class together, what do you say?
In the end, the visibly annoyed girl seemed to give up, crossing her arms firmly in a gesture of irritation and turning her head aside, displaying a pouting expression.
Annoyed Girl: Yeah, fine, I get it, we would have had to do it sooner or later anyway!
It seems pretty complicated, doesn't it?
Just after, the enthusiastic girl seemed eager to quickly smooth over the situation. Her behavior reminded me of Kushida, but with even more energy... She seems really nice too, don't you think?
Cheerful Girl: Hey, Natsuki!! Honestly, I found it hilarious, you know, yes yes, I swear, ahahahaha! Well, obviously, it wasn't that funny... Sorry, but maybe you could learn to lie a bit better... No, wait, actually, it's better not to know how to lie, I find that great!
Natsuki:Natsuki responded with a relaxed gesture, pointing a finger towards his interlocutor. Exactly, you've got it! It's nice to see that I'm not the only one here who gets it. Really glad there's someone who understands, yeah, so, nice to meet you!!
Yotsuba:She quickly diverted the conversation, displaying an energetic smile, while her rabbit ear-shaped bow seemed to gently vibrate. Anyway, I'm super happy to meet you, hihi! Hello everyone, I'm Yotsuba Nakano!! Okay, maybe I'm not a genius in class, but I rock at doing a bunch of stuff, and I love sports!! So, don't hesitate to ask me if you need a hand!
Yes, she reminds me a lot of Kushida! Yotsuba, right? She embodies the type of person I really appreciate: altruistic, kind, empathetic, always ready to lend a hand... I'm delighted to see that there are several individuals like this in our class, it's a nice surprise, indeed!
Ichika: Hehe~, I'll take the lead as the eldest, even if Yotsuba got a bit ahead by introducing herself first, no problem!! I'm Ichika Nakano, and we're all sisters. Yes, we are quintuplets, so to make it easier for you, feel free to call us by our first names, it will surely help you to distinguish us better~! She offered a mischievous smile to the entire class, instantly captivating her audience, as several boys looked at her with... let's say, rather interested eyes, to be polite.
Nino: Visibly irritated, She spoke up. Well, I'm Nino Nakano, I love shopping and fashion, but I can't stand classes... And, to be clear, what I hate above all, yes, literally above all, are perverts and creepy guys like you! Pointing accusingly at Natsuki with a threatening look, I warn you, don't come near me or my sisters, and don't try anything stupid, or you'll seriously regret it!! And that goes for all the other perverts who've been staring at us since a while ago, don't think I haven't noticed you! Honestly, your lack of decency is visible from miles away!
So, wait a minute... They're really quintuplets? Actual quintuplets... What was the probability of them all being here with us, in the same class no less! That's just extraordinary, so that's why they look so alike... Nevertheless, I guess that, like other multiple siblings, they've chosen to vary their hairstyles and such to mark their individuality. This actually makes distinguishing them quite easy, and with their personalities so different, one would have to be quite unobservant not to recognize them distinctly, ha ha ha!
This is truly fascinating... Mmmh, wait, Ichika, Nino, and Yotsuba... Ah, what intriguing names, I'm sure I can guess the names of the other two sisters!
But getting back to Nino, who seemed very... let's say, energetic in her way of expressing herself. Could she have had experiences leading her to have such a strong aversion to inappropriate behavior? I mean, it's understandable not to like perverts, but she seems to really have a visceral reaction on this subject, as if she wanted to protect her sisters and herself at all costs from certain boys in the class... Well, I can probably grasp the feeling. Some here seem touched by her words and might indeed benefit from a little lesson. I'll take care of adjusting their behavior if necessary later on, I don't want any trouble of that kind in our class!
As for Natsuki, he doesn't really seem to fit the category Nino denounces, she might have been a bit hard on him. But oddly, he doesn't seem too affected, theatrically playing out the agony by clutching his chest.
Natsuki: Ouch, that hurts, like my entire existence was erased in a second, haha! He really seemed to take it lightly... Actually, he appears to be an eternal optimist, and he really seems nice, that's for sure!
Miku:After listening attentively, the girl with the headphones casually around her neck let out a slight sigh before speaking up. Her demeanor was clearly more reserved than that of her sisters, her gaze avoiding that of her classmates. E-Eh... so, it's my turn, I guess... U-Um, I'm Miku Nakano. Nice to... to meet you all...
Itsuki: Then, finally, the last among the five sisters, who seemed to be the youngest, spoke up in turn. Oh, so it's my turn now. Very well, allow me to introduce myself. Hello everyone, I'm Itsuki Nakano. Having said that, she bowed slightly in a polite manner before the class, then stood up straight again.
Excited Girl: Oh my gosh, wait a second, please!!
Suddenly, as if coming out of nowhere, another extremely enthusiastic young girl made her appearance, captivating attention with her natural beauty. Her blond hair tinged with pinkish highlights and her pink eyes, one of which sported what appeared to be a star, drew the gaze.
Wait, a star in the eye? Is she using fancy contact lenses or something? In any case, this detail added a particular charm to her look, making her observation almost hypnotic.
Excited Girl: Oh my God, are you Ichika Nakano? The same Ichika Nakano who's an amazing actress?
The spirited young girl's unexpected arrival seemed to catch Ichika's attention, who turned around, visibly surprised by this sudden intervention.
She mentioned an actress? Do we really have an actress among us? And a recognized one at that? It seems I need to update myself with the news... That said, it's not so surprising that I'm not aware, but I would never have imagined meeting someone famous here.
Hoshino: Hi hi hi, I got a bit carried away, sorry~! Nice to meet you, I'm Ruby Hoshino! I've seen movies you were in, and they were absolutely fantastic!
Ichika: Ah, it looks like I've been recognized, hehe! Yes, it's me, I'm flattered you think that of me. She paused, seeming to notice something, then continued. Oh, but wait... you mentioned 'Ruby Hoshino,' didn't you? Ah yes, now that you say it, you're part of that new group that has breathed new life into B-Komachi's idol generation, aren't you?
Ruby: Oh, you know me too? That makes me super happy, hi hi hi! Yes, that's me, but please, just call me Ruby! I also have a brother in this school, so it'll be simpler to avoid any confusion. She then offers her radiant and joyful smile to everyone. And it's the same for all of you, just call me Ruby, okay~?
Ichika: Perfect, Ruby, I'm delighted to make your acquaintance then~!
And then, as if emerging from the unexpected, an enchanting female voice resonated again in the room.
Flirtatious Girl: Oh, hello~! So you're Ruby Hoshino-chan, the new star who rekindled B-Komachi's fame? I'm really surprised and so delighted to meet another famous person here!
Suddenly, another young girl emerged, capturing everyone's attention, including Ruby's, who showed a look of surprise similar to Ichika's earlier.
Once again, we had before us a lovely girl... Honestly, I did not expect all the girls in high schools to be this charming! This time, she stood out with her short pink hair and eyes of a deeper pink shade.
Ruby, visibly thrilled to be recognized once again, reacted with overflowing enthusiasm, turning quickly to identify the person who had just called her.
Ruby: Oh, you recognize me, that's amazing, I'm so happy! Another idol, that's fantastic, it's tr—
When Ruby laid eyes on the girl who had just recognized her, her expression and voice suddenly froze, interrupted by a small gasp of surprise. It seemed like she had just realized something significant upon seeing her.
Ruby: Oh, but wait, you are─
Nino: Kanon Nakagawa!
Now, it seems that Nino had interrupted Ruby while she displayed even greater excitement than before, almost transforming into a different person... Her eyes literally shone with stars upon seeing this certain Kanon Nakagawa. Wait... Did I miss something important here? Do we have an actress and two idols in our class? Yes, it seems I have quite a few updates to catch up on...
Nakagawa: Oh, that's right, I'm Kanon Nakagawa! For now, I've decided to take a little break in my career, just like some others here, hehe! But, I'm really, really happy to have the opportunity to be part of your class. I hope we're going to have great times together!
Nino: Wow, Kanon Nakagawa, I'm a huge fan of your music, it's crazy to be in the same class! Say, do you think I could get an autograph later?
Nakagawa:She responds with a warm smile to Nino. Oh, absolutely, that's no problem at all, it's really an honor for me to meet real fans here! You're Nino, right? I'm really looking forward to becoming good friends!
The announcement of Kanon Nakagawa's arrival, a famous idol, along with the revelation of not only two other idols but also an actress among us, plunged the class into a real turmoil. It's totally understandable to be amazed by such news! The commotion calmed down when Kanon kindly promised to give autographs to those who asked, all with a soothing smile.
... ... ... ... ...
Following this unexpected break, the introductions resumed in a more structured manner. However, one individual in particular caught my attention: a young man whose indiscreet behavior towards the presenting girls clearly required a refresher on manners.
These youngsters are still in adolescence, of course, but haven't they learned the basics of decency? Like controlling their impulses and desires? There seems to be a notable imbalance between their primal urges and the regulation of those.
Finally, this boy was quite ordinary in appearance, of average stature, with brown hair and red eyes.
Yamauchi: So, it's my turn now, huh? I'm Yamauchi Haruki. Back in my elementary school days, I was doing wonders with a racket in hand, you know, table tennis at a level that could have taken me to the nationals. Then, in middle school, I was the star of the baseball club, always in the forefront, number 4 on my back. But, you see, a little accident during the Inter High put me on the sidelines, so I'm in recovery mode right now. Pleased to meet you all. He finished, sporting a smile that spoke volumes of his confidence.
I wonder if he was attempting some form of humor or if he simply chose to lie deliberately, thinking it would go unnoticed... I'm leaning more toward the latter option. Yes, I have a feeling this boy might be one of those who could irritate me in the future.
I can already sense the girls' disdain for him, and he seems utterly unaware of the effect he's producing...
Nino: Yeah, you there, the lying creep, don't even think about getting close to me or my sisters!
Following a dark and intimidating look from Nino, Yamauchi appeared to shrink slightly... And, honestly, I could only approve of Nino's reaction this time, ha ha.
Then, the presentations continued with another boy... I had also identified him as being somewhat inappropriate in his behavior, but unlike Yamauchi, I sensed a hint of potential in him, however slight it may be. I was ready to give him a bit more consideration, curious to see whether he would also opt for lying or not.
This was a young man with brown hair, styled with a fringe falling to the right side, and brown eyes.
Ike: Yeah, it's my turn, huh! I'm Ike Kanji. I'm all about the girls, and I can't stand good-looking guys. Always on the lookout for a chick, super excited to meet you all! Listen, if you plan on becoming my girlfriend, you better be hot, that's clear!
At this point, I'm somewhat at a loss for words... At least, unlike Yamauchi, he seems to be honest, which is already a positive aspect. I sigh internally, a sign of my weariness. However, he seems rather affable, so aside from this little flaw, he might well be a pleasant person to be around. He just needs to learn a few basic rules of conduct, that's all!
Girl 1: Wow, so cool~. Ike-kun, you're so sweet!
With a voice devoid of any emotion, a girl from the class uttered these words... Clearly, it was a joke, a form of mockery. Personally, I'm not really a fan of this kind of attitude... If it had concerned Yamauchi, maybe I would have understood, but Ike just seems to be a kind and ordinary teenager. There's no reason to tease him excessively.
Ike: Really really? Wow, I thought I was doing pretty well, but... hehe.
I wonder... Is his gullibility really that great? Or is he so desperate to find a girlfriend that he loses all judgment...
At that moment, several girls began to laugh, watching his nervousness increase as he seemed to take these mockeries seriously.
Girl 2: Wow, everyone, look, he's so cute. He's recruiting girlfriends!
Come on, get a grip, man! You realize they're just teasing you, right? Yes, it's just teasing.
Despite the mockery, Ike waved his hand enthusiastically. He doesn't seem to be malicious.
Nino: Oh yes, totally agree, and, Ike-kun~, do you want me to share a secret, just between you and me~?
Following the same pattern as with Yamauchi, here was Nino engaging in this little game... Hmm, this sweet tone, contrasting so much with her previous attitude, doesn't bode well in my eyes...
... ... ... ... ...
And indeed, just as I anticipated, Nino's gaze suddenly intensified, becoming scarier and colder. She crossed her arms firmly, staring at Ike as if he were less than nothing, an insignificant object... Facing this, Ike began to tremble slightly, his confidence evaporating as quickly as his dignity.
Nino: Go to hell, just like that guy before you, you filthy pervert!
Maybe Nino went a bit too far, right? It seems she has a real aversion to behaviors she perceives as perverse and is extremely wary of all the boys in the class, sometimes rushing in her judgments.
Despite this episode, the introductions had to continue. Thus, after this exchange with Nino, Ike quickly sat down, opting for silence... Then, the next to speak stood up with palpable enthusiasm. It seems there are many energetic and enthusiastic girls in this class, creating a striking contrast.
This young girl, once again charming and attractive, had black hair with purple highlights and slightly lighter tips. Her purple eyes, adorned with a gradient blending pink and pale yellow, were highlighted by a lovely bow.
Yatogami: Hi, hi! I'm Tohka Yatogami!! I'm so, so happy to meet you all, hi hi hi!! What do I love? Oh, it's simple, I adore good food and Shido~, umu!
Following her presentation, imbued with the same dynamism as the previous ones, it was time for the next person to step up.
In the silence that followed, Yousuke took the initiative to facilitate the transition for the next person. Ah, what an attentive boy...
Yousuke: Perfect, so now, let's move on to the next one, who is─
Just as Yousuke was about to encourage the next person to introduce themselves, the latter showed his impatience and irritation by stamping his foot against the table and abruptly pushing back his chair to stand up... His expression was one of annoyance and anger, almost threatening, giving him the look of a delinquent. It seems there's always this kind of character to add some spice to a class, isn't it? I sincerely hope he won't be too troublesome to handle...
This boy stood out distinctly with his red hair and imposing demeanor. He clearly exuded the strength and confidence of an accomplished athlete, making him a presence that couldn't be overlooked.
Delinquent Boy: Hey, what the hell are you doing, seriously? I don't feel like introducing myself, leave me alone. We're not in kindergarten, right? Go ahead, finish your thing, and then go jump rope or something, you bunch of idiots!
He seems to get angry over nothing... Really, this attitude only adds unnecessary complexity. Couldn't he just state his name and sit down? But no, it seems he must express his dissatisfaction with insults! Internally, I can't help but sigh.
Yousuke: Okay, I can't force you to introduce yourself. But I think it's nice to get along with everyone here. If I seemed a bit pushy, I apologize.
Riku: No, Yousuke, you did nothing wrong, you were just being polite, the fault isn't on your side here!! I sighed after smiling at him, then turned to the disruptive boy. I can understand that you don't want to introduce yourself in front of everyone, but if you didn't want to, couldn't you just say so and withdraw without insulting everyone like you just did?
Yousuke tilted his head toward the young man with delinquent behavior, and simultaneously, some girls directed their gaze toward him.
It becomes clear that the moment Yousuke or I am involved in any altercation, the majority of the girls in the class mobilize as if to support us... That's an undeniable advantage of popularity, ha ha ha! However, it certainly wasn't Yousuke who should be apologizing, I was convinced of that, and the girls seemed to share this opinion, nodding their heads and casting disapproving looks at the young man with provocative behavior.
Random Girl 1: Yeah, Riku is right, you didn't need to act like that!
Random Girl 2: And isn't it nice to do a simple introduction?
Their actions seemed to exacerbate the delinquent's animosity, his irritation, and dissatisfaction rising with every passing second.
It became evident that the girls in the class had quickly taken a liking to Yousuke and me. However, this hasty tendency to pick sides based on physical attraction is something I wish they would question... It could prove risky if they start blindly trusting or following someone just for their looks.
Naturally, this also caused some jealousy among about half of the boys in the class, who watched us with a hint of envy and resentment.
Delinquent Boy: What? Are you delusional or what? You think that because you're somewhat known here, you can show off? I do what I want, so stop bossing me around, asshole! I don't want to pretend we're buddies, I couldn't care less!
Really, we're going in circles here, and it's starting to annoy me!
However, before Yousuke or I decided to intervene again, an unexpected intervention arose. A boy had stood up at the back of the room, his dark expression betraying palpable irritation despite the apparent calm on his face. A muscle twitched on his forehead, revealing the tension he was holding. His eyes were fixed on the delinquent, filled with clear discontent. It was Ishigami, who, despite his usual reserve, seemed to have reached his limit of tolerance and began to express his viewpoint firmly...
Ishigami: From what I see, the unpleasant one here is you, insulting everyone... You're just playing the classic delinquent role in a school life or slice of life, it's unbearable, people like you!! After saying that, he pointed his finger at the delinquent boy. I'm not going to let you badmouth my friend like that, so now, you're going to apologize, bastard!
Ishigami tried to defend me, a gesture that touched me deeply, revealing his unexpected courage. However...
No, this can't go on like this! Ishigami, please, don't provoke him. This boy seems ready to fight at the slightest provocation, and there's no valid reason to risk your safety for me. He's already tense enough, let's not make the situation worse. Ishigami, it's not necessary to put yourself in danger, he was about to leave, let's leave it behind us.
Nevertheless, Ishigami's agitation seemed to have stoked the ire of the red-haired delinquent. He turned around with surprising speed, advancing toward Ishigami with a threatening step, his expression full of defiance, while he cracked his knuckles in an intimidating gesture.
I also noticed that, in this chaos, some students were seizing the opportunity to discreetly leave the scene, seeking to avoid the escalation or simply wishing to escape from a suddenly too burdensome presentation ritual.
Delinquent Boy: What? Say that to my face, come on! Hey, asshole, do you think you have the right to boss me around or what? What's wrong with you, do you suddenly think you're all-powerful? Are you looking to leave with a messed-up face, is that it?!
Ishigami: Visibly a bit intimidated, Ishigami slightly averted his gaze. Do you want me to repeat? I told you to go apologize to my friend for insulting him for no reason.
Ishigami, please, stop provoking him... Thank you so much for your courage, but I feel this doesn't bode well, and I couldn't stand to see you get hurt!!!
The young man with the delinquent temperament seemed increasingly furious, his fists clenching noisily. Some around us watched the scene anxiously, filled with nervousness and sadness, while others preferred to look away... Yousuke seemed perplexed, clearly caught off guard by the escalation of the situation. Although it seemed too late for him to intervene, I saw he was still trying to do something. As for me, I felt an involuntary tension in my fists and a tightening on my face... Impossible to stand idly by while my friend was in danger!
In this suspended moment, the tumultuous comrade raised his fist against Ishigami, who, motionless and avoiding his gaze, let a clear fear show through...
...
...
...
And then, suddenly, time resumed its normal pace as all eyes were fixed on the scene unfolding before them, their eyes widening in witness.
Behind me, Ishigami, my friend, stood vulnerable. There I was, in the front line, adrenaline pumping through my veins, faced with this thug, his arm suspended in the air, halted by my hand holding it with unwavering firmness. In an instinctive surge, driven by protection and affection for my friend, I had leaped forward, interposing my resolve between the raised fist of the troublemaker and Ishigami.
This intervention... it was more than a gesture. It was a silent cry, a declaration: no further step, no harm to my loved ones. As I held the delinquent's wrist, I felt my muscles tense, my gaze darken, a controlled yet powerful anger invading my being. I'm not one to let injustice happen before my eyes, especially when it threatens a friend.
Confusion replaced fury in the eyes of the boy before me, his arrogance fading in the face of my unexpected reaction. Behind, Ishigami, mouth slightly agape, wavered between disbelief and gratitude, his eyes shifting from me to the arm I was holding.
The classroom fell utterly silent, everyone hanging on to this moment where the balance of forces had shifted. As I tightened my grip, extracting a whimper from the boy, a clear message was sent: here, kindness and respect prevail, and I will always stand by those in need.
Riku:I hardened my voice, making it firmer. Don't ever do that again, understood?
Delinquent Boy:At these words, Sudou, though still defiant, sensed a hint of hesitation in the other. What? Oh, leave me alone, damn it, I get it, assho─ Ow!! Damn!
Cutting off his half-expressed words, I reinforced my pressure on his wrist, causing a painful moan followed by a crude exclamation from him.
Behind me, I could feel Ishigami gradually regaining his composure, despite the astonishment still clearly written on his face at the turn of events. His gaze wavered between the scene before him and the unexpected solidarity manifesting behind us, trying to understand the speed and intensity with which the situation had evolved.
Ishigami: Damn, dude, what was that?! It was like you were teleported! Seriously, how did you do that?
Riku:I maintained my serious tone, my expression unchanged, while still staring down the disruptor. I had no other choice, if I wanted to prevent you from making a mistake!
Ishigami:Ishigami seemed stunned by what I had just said, his mouth remaining open for a moment as he stared at me, eyes slightly widened... W-Wait... Wh-Whatever... anyway, nothing happened to me, so thank you, you don't need to do any more, Riku.
Riku:I turned back to the disruptor. I want you to apologize to Ishigami and the entire class... Then, we can start calmly from the beginning, and you will introduce yourself, okay?
Delinquent Boy: Pff, go to hell, you idiot, as if I'm going to apologize for something like that, you morons!!
You don't grasp the obvious, do you? It should be simple. Just apologize, and I'll let you go... Why this stubbornness? What do you hope to prove with such resistance?
Then, suddenly, the atmosphere of the class shifted, as if a spark had ignited a fuse. Predominantly girls, once again, but also boys, sided with me, forming a spontaneous union against him. They all seemed to snap out of a daze, galvanized by the event, taking a clear and noisy stand on my side.
Random Girl 1: So cool, Riku-kun! Come on, jerk, listen to him now!
Random Girl 2: Thug! Look how you've annoyed Riku and hurt Yousuke. Apologize to them immediately!
Random Girl 3: You asked for it! Way to go Riku-kun, you rocked!
Delinquent Boy: The rising aggression only served to further infuriate the delinquent. Damn it, will you shut up, you idiots! And you, get off me, you freaking maniac!!!
While the girls and even some boys began to defend us, Yousuke and me, rallying against the aggressor, my heart could not be filled with any joy or relief. On the contrary, a wave of indignation rose within me...
... No, it's not okay. It's not goddamn okay at all.
...
...
...
This sudden solidarity, even though it seemed positive on the surface, irritated me more than anything else... Why, all of you, choose to intervene only to defend Yousuke and me? What triggers this sudden zeal to protect us and this hostility against him just after I took a stand? And Ishigami... He was about to take a hit, and you would have just continued to watch without doing anything, wouldn't you?
No, this does not sit right with me. I refuse to accept that our popularity, whether Yousuke's or mine, our social ease or our looks give us any superiority in the eyes of others. Where is the compassion for those who are more introverted, for an Ishigami who deserves just as much to be considered and respected?
I cannot and will not tolerate this superficial reality, this blatant discrimination. My jaw clenched, my heart pounded strongly, my veins stood out as anger painted my face, my eyebrows furrowed under the weight of my irritation. My grip on the wrist of the one threatening became firmer, to the point of almost crushing his bones under the pressure while he writhed in pain, desperately trying to free himself.
INTOLERABLE!! Why this general indifference? Didn't you see Ishigami in trouble? Why no mobilization to support him? He was just trying to defend me, and no one moved for him! Why this late and selective surge of support? Just because Yousuke and I are deemed more likable or attractive? It's a real shame!!
All of you, obsessed with appearances, ignoring the true nature of people, your behavior is purely superficial. Why, WHY this apathy? WHY this injustice? WHY?!!
Kind-hearted Girl: Okay, stop now, okay? Let's be zen~! It's over, everything is okay, no need to make it worse, right?
Suddenly, a feeling of astonishment overwhelmed me, instinctively releasing my grip as a gentle and reassuring hand was placed on my shoulder, accompanied by a soothing voice intruding into the conflict. Slightly pivoting, I discovered beside me a young girl whose benevolent smile seemed to dissipate the surrounding tension.
This girl, with her apparent gentleness, exuded a calming and reassuring aura. Her beauty, delicate and refined, was evident in her fine features and serene expression. Her bright, expressive green eyes glittered with a spark of kindness, framed by light pink mid-length hair that fell gracefully around her face. The neat fringe that bordered her forehead and the small rebellious lock added an original and fresh touch to her charm.
Kind Girl: Okay, that's enough, okay~? No need to fight like that, Riku. I know you were angry because they were bothering your friend and everything, but fighting isn't the answer, right?
So, when she started speaking again with that same voice, my eyes widened for a moment before I fully realized the situation. My gaze then shifted to the boy in front of me... And I quickly released his wrist, turning my attention to the girl who had just intervened, then back to the delinquent boy... Then to Ishigami... Then to the entire class.
Suddenly, I let out a deep sigh, releasing all the tension. It seems I got carried away, didn't I? Darn, I hope this incident won't harm my reputation among the other students.
Riku: Oh, I... sorry, I guess I got a bit carried away, huh... I then turn to the disruptive boy, a bit embarrassed. Sorry, I...
Kind Girl:She gives me a kind smile. The important thing is that you get it, so no worries~! Plus, you seem to be a really nice friend.
I guess she's right, isn't she? And then, her smile is truly comforting; I almost feel something, but obviously, that's not enough to sweep me off my feet. After all, I'm not as easily won over as the other boys in the class.
Kind Girl: You too, no need to be so mean, you know?! What you did was not nice, you scared a lot of people here, you know! And then, imagine if you had really hit him? There are cameras everywhere, remember?
Delinquent Boy: Wh-What? What do you mean? But I—
Kind Girl:She interrupts him sharply. No "buts" about it, Riku has apologized, now it's your turn!
She really behaves like a mother scolding her child, it's quite unusual to see this girl manage to calm down this thug...
The boy, for his part, doesn't react immediately, just looks away, clicking his tongue in a falsely annoyed manner, before finally turning to her and responding.
Delinquent Boy: Pff, okay, okay... I admit I went a bit too far. His stern face relaxed slightly as he scratched the back of his head. Yeah, sorry, man... But seriously, what was that all about? Are you some kind of superhero or what? And I thought I was the tough one here...
I let out a small, embarrassed laugh and gave him a smile when he said that... Yes, I suppose that surprised them. I didn't really intend to resort to violence here, but I'm not naive either. I know when I need to use it, even just a little. At least, it's less shocking for the class than if I had waited until the end of the year to show it, right? Ahahaha!
And now, I'm still glad to see that he's calmed down... Yes, it must be the magical effect of the cute and kind girl combo, right? They say it works every time, so I'm not surprised... I'm really grateful she stepped in; it seems the boy understood his mistake thanks to her.
Kind Girl: See, that's great like that, you see when you make an effort! She gives him a small satisfied smile. Now, you two need to make peace... She thinks for a moment, then seems to have an idea, hopping in place and clapping her hands. I've got it! You two are going to shake hands and bury the hatchet before it's even drawn!
Delinquent Boy: What, are you kidding? Who do you think you are, our mother? We're not kids, you know!
Riku: I laugh lightly in response. I don't think that's really necessary, do you?
Kind Girl:She shakes her head at our responses and clearly disagrees. No, no, no! No "buts" or anything else, you're going to do it to show you've made peace and that something like this won't happen again!
Our dear "mom's" reprimand got me a little laugh.
Everything seems to have returned to normal now. The entire class seemed more relaxed, joining in our laughter at the comical scene unfolding before their eyes... And then, some girls seemed STILL envious of our dear "mom"... Will they really feel jealousy towards every girl I interact with? And the boys... Will they look at me with animosity every time I talk to a girl they find "cute" by their standards? I suppose so, right?
However, I noticed Sudou, who, faced with this situation, grimaced with feigned irritation, his tongue betraying his hesitation, before finally accepting and warmly shaking the hand I extended, responding to the girl's request.
Sudou: Yeah, hello then. I'm Sudou Ken, I'm really into basketball and sports in general, there you go. He finished, turning his gaze away a bit, as if he was a bit embarrassed by all this.
Riku: I let out a sigh and give him a smile, as I know so well how to do. Alright, nice to meet you, Sudou. You already know my name, so no need to repeat it, right? Ha ha!
I then gave Sudou a small smile, just before our manly handshake ended.
Well, in the end, it seems everything ended for the best with this story... Ultimately, Sudou turns out to be a pretty nice guy, maybe a bit too impulsive, but like everyone, he has his flaws that can be improved! I'll help him with that one day, when I know him a bit better.
Forger: Great, so now that all this is settled, I should introduce myself~! Clapping her hands and hopping in place, she turns to the class. Delighted to meet you all, I'm Anya Forger, super excited to get to know each and every one of you~! It looks like there are lots of nice and kind people here, I can't wait to become friends with each of you!
She's really nice and pleasant, it almost makes me want to hug her... But of course, I won't, for fairly obvious reasons.
Afterward, Forger turned towards us and began to approach Ishigami, offering him a warm smile in passing.
Forger: And you, would you like to introduce yourself to the class now? When you defended your friend earlier, that was really brave, you know? She winks at him while saying this. So, what's your name?
Ishigami:Ishigami turned his gaze away, his expression remaining dark and impassive. Uh, yeah, thanks... I'm Yu Ishigami, pleased to meet you.
Forger: Then, she suddenly turns around, hopping. Awesome, then, Yu-chan, delighted to meet you~!
Ishigami turned his gaze away when Forger smiled at him, and his cheeks turned a bit red... It's so cute, ahahahaha!! I'm genuinely glad there are people like her who value and recognize the presence of people like Ishigami; it's really nice!
However, it was time to continue with the introductions... It seems there were only four people left, wasn't it? As I turned to the next one, I realized it was Koenji... Oh no, I sense this is going to be complicated. There, he was preening himself using a small mirror, his feet nonchalantly placed on the table, sporting a broad, presumptuous smile.
Riku: Kōenji, it's your turn, could you introduce yourself to the class, please?
Kōenji: Very well, very well,
I am honored, oh
Kōenji: I am Kōenji Rokusuke, the sole heir of the Kōenji conglomerate, destined to play a key role in the future of Japanese society. Delighted, ladies. He concluded his declaration with a wink and a smug smile, all the while admiring himself in the pocket mirror he held.
He seemed to be addressing exclusively the women in the class, rather than everyone. Some among them seemed literally captivated by Koenji, their eyes sparkling at the mere mention of his wealth, while others looked at him as if he were from another planet.
Well... I suppose that even someone as unique as him can find his audience, right? Personally, I would more likely be in the second group... In fact, he is so out of the ordinary that I can't even take him seriously, to think that he is just selfish or anything. To me, his behavior is so extravagant it becomes hilarious, almost as if he was doing it on purpose... To be honest, he ends up making me laugh.
Kōenji: From now on, I will not tolerate any inconvenience toward me and will mercilessly punish anything that bothers me. Take good note of this.
Yousuke: Uh... Koenji-kun, could you clarify what you mean by "anything that makes me uncomfortable"?
Let me guess what he would say, it would probably be like: "I despise anything that is ugly." or something quite similar in spirit.
Kōenji: That's precisely what I stated. To illustrate, I despise what lacks appeal. If something repugnant presented itself to my eyes, I would put my words into action. Saying this, he let his gaze ostentatiously drift towards Yamauchi.
Yousuke: Ah, I see... Thanks for the advice. I'll be careful, then.
Yes, at this stage, I was really no longer surprised by anything this individual could do or say... He clearly considered himself a paragon of perfection. This idea made me sigh. Well, no one is without fault, right? Ha ha ha!
However, the time had come for the next person to speak up and introduce themselves, indeed... The introductions were still not over.