Weird Students (2)

At the auditorium.

The three of us took our seats together. Kiyona, the vibrant and talkative girl, claimed the center. Kim sat on the left, and I occupied the right.

"There are so many people here!" Kiyona exclaimed, rising suddenly and letting out a loud "woo hoo!" This drew surprised glances from the students in front of us.

"Stop it... You're only embarrassing us," Kim chided her, shaking his head slightly before turning to me.

"I hope you're not uncomfortable with this girl... She's a bit eccentric, to say the least."

Well, I can see that... I thought, glancing up at Kiyona, who was smiling wholeheartedly. Despite her eccentricities, there was something likable about her that I couldn't quite pinpoint.

"Hey, Kim! The principal is making her appearance!" Kiyona pointed excitedly to the center of the stadium.

She added, "She looks young and beautiful! How old is she again?" Her eyes sparkled at the sight of the principal. I rolled my eyes and snorted.

Indeed, appearances could be deceiving. If I were to tell her that the principal was already in her late forties, I wonder what her reaction would be?

As I silently pondered in my thoughts, the Principal's voice pulled me back. "To all the students here, I would like to personally welcome you all..."

Ugh... Here we go again with her long and tedious speech.

....

..

.

After what felt like an eternity, the principal finally concluded her address.

"You might be wondering why I am making such an appearance at this event?" she said, her eyes wandering around until they landed on me. I didn't know why, but for some reason, she was smirking.

Then she continued, "I would like to introduce you all to my disciple and the future successor, Artoria Veinswort. A prodigy in swordsmanship."

The students were taken aback the moment they heard this announcement. Kiyona, on the other hand, nodded her head enthusiastically. "Another beauty incoming!" she exclaimed, prompting me to glance in her direction before turning to Kim.

"Don't look at me..." he said with a heavy sigh. What's with him anyway? I hadn't even asked anything yet.

Heaving out a sigh, my attention returned to the principal before us and then to the girl who entered the stage with her.

With her light and elegant step, Artoria made her way to the center of the stage. Her hair fluttered in the air, just like last time, and I let out a huff.

"Fellow students... I hereby proclaim myself as the Future's Strongest."

Another speech to endure... I thought. It was then that I suddenly remembered something.

Since I didn't collide with Aerial earlier, she must have successfully made her way to the club room without any issues... I hope.

***

"That girl earlier looks strong... Though she's a bit arrogant."

Kim suddenly blurted out while we were walking towards the classroom we were assigned to. Incidentally, the three of us were assigned to the same class together, something I hadn't noticed in my previous regressions.

"Well, you can say that..." I awkwardly let out a chuckle as a reply. He didn't look at me, but I felt like he... I don't know. It was weird.

Upon reaching the classroom, the three of us took our assigned seats.

"I'm taking this seat~!" Kiyona announced excitedly.

"Ugh... Why do I have to sit next to you?" His expression showed dissatisfaction as he leaned back in his chair.

"Teehee! You should be grateful instead of feeling down like that." She grinned, poking Kim in the neck.

"Who would even want to sit next to you...?" He slapped her hands away and rolled his eyes, his attention turning towards me.

"....."

I watched them in silence. Kiyona was sitting in front of me, and Kim was on her right. When his eyes landed on mine, his expression remained the same, but, for some reason, it felt like he was wishing for a different seat.

"Blee!" I stuck out my tongue, causing his brows to twitch. Hehe, I guess... My school life is finally showing its colors.

Just as I was about to turn my attention away from the two, I suddenly heard a familiar voice coming from behind.

"You're Vallen, aren't you?"

...I almost forgot about her.