Making Friends?

I lay on my bed, piecing together the so-called point system. It was meticulous, I had to admit. Every detail in place, as if designed to be foolproof. But there was a gap—something between the students and their points. A silent force keeping everyone in check.

The cameras.

Not everyone noticed them, placed neatly in each corner of the room. They weren't even hidden, yet nobody seemed to acknowledge their existence. Then again, I wasn't like the others.

Watching. Recording. Evaluating.

We weren't just given points—we were assigned value.

Our merit dictated our worth.

It wasn't surprising. Our homeroom teacher had brushed over the point system without explaining why we received a specific amount. But with the cameras in place, the pattern was clear: we were being observed, our actions measured.

To confirm my theory, I'd need to test it by the end of the month. Class B was composed of cooperative students with good behavior, but if our points were deducted based on conduct, I wouldn't know the limits unless I created some disturbances.

A controlled experiment.

I sat up from my bed, my gaze scanning the room. It was simple yet efficient—a kitchen, air conditioning, and all necessary furnishings. The school allowed students to personalize their space, yet I liked mine untouched.

Minimal. Uncluttered.

Like my mind.

---

The Next Day

On my way to class, I spotted Horikita walking ahead. I considered approaching her, but Ayanokoji was beside her.

"Already making friends, huh."

I continued to class. As expected, most students were already at their seats. Some chatted idly, but nothing noteworthy.

Today, I'd observe. Study my classmates.

And establish connections.

The class was mundane as usual—except for Chei Hoshinomiya, who had already instructed students to call her Chei-chan. Eccentric. Overly familiar.

A thought lingered.

The school rewarded students for good behavior through points, but was it truly to teach discipline? It felt more like bribery—paying students to act accordingly. Another flaw in their system.

"Hi, I've been seeing you around, but I don't think I got your name."

Strawberry-blonde hair swayed as she spoke, her tone light and effortless.

I raised an eyebrow, lifting my head slightly.

"I didn't stay for introductions at the ceremony," I replied, my voice laced with indifference. I really needed to adjust my tone when dealing with others. "Lloyd Shinomiya."

"Nice to meet you, Lloyd." She extended a hand, a casual smile resting on her lips.

I shook it. Her hands were unnecessarily soft.

"You have a name?"

She blinked before laughing. "Oh, silly me. Ichinose Honami."

"From what I observe, you're quite carefree."

"I get that a lot. But am I really?"

"That was just my first impression."

"I suppose you're right—Lloyd."

She emphasized my name. Unlike others, she didn't stare at me like I was an anomaly. Not that it bothered me.

Before I could say anything else, two girls appeared at her side, tugging on her arm.

"C'mon, Ichinose! Let's go to the mall!" The violet-haired girl urged.

"Yeah! I've been waiting to check it out!" The other girl chimed in.

Ichinose turned to me. "Wait... um, wanna come with us, Lloyd?"

It was an opportunity—to observe social dynamics, make connections.

"Yeah, why not."

Their stares lingered a second too long.

---

Keyaki Mall

Keyaki Mall was expansive—easily the main commercial hub of the school. As expected, students filled the space, exploring every store.

"Hey, what do you think of the school, Lloyd?" Ichinose asked as we walked.

"It's a school."

"C'mon, that's it?"

"It's been one day. I prefer forming opinions with actual data."

"Hmmm… I guess you're right. But still, this school is something else."

Her two friends whispered among themselves, occasionally sneaking glances at me.

It was becoming a pattern.

After a few minutes, we arrived at The Pallet. It had the feel of a café, though the scattered textbooks and notebooks indicated that students used it for studying as well. Trays of beverages and snacks covered the tables. The sight made my stomach protest.

Ichinose gestured to an empty table. We sat.

My gaze scanned the room.

An observation: predominantly female.

Another observation: The two girls accompanying Ichinose had abandoned subtlety. They were openly staring now.

"Are you Japanese?" The violet-haired girl finally asked.

The other girl leaned in, clearly waiting for my answer. Even Ichinose seemed interested.

"Yeah."

"Wait—really? Then where are you from?"

I met their eyes.

Paused.

Then took a slow sip of coffee.

"I'd rather not say."

"Huh?! What do you mean you'd rather not say?"

"Yeah, you can't just leave us hanging!"

I set my cup down. "I mean exactly what I said."

They looked unconvinced but dropped it.

"Oh, by the way, I'm Kozue Minamikata." The violet-haired girl introduced herself.

"Lloyd Shinomiya."

"Nice to meet you, Lloyd! I'm Sayo Ando. Hope we get along."

"Likewise."

---

Ichinose steered the conversation to the point system. A good topic. The previous chatter had been painfully dull.

"I think the school is testing how well we manage our money," Sayo suggested.

A naive conclusion.

"If that were the case, why deposit 100,000 points each month?" Ichinose countered.

"What do you think, Lloyd-kun?"

I finished my coffee before answering.

"The system was easy to decipher. Miss Chei never mentioned how points were assigned—only that we receive them on the first of each month. That omission was deliberate."

Ichinose's expression sharpened. "Meaning… there's an external factor determining our points?"

"Correct. Did you notice the cameras?"

Her brows knitted. "We're being monitored… but why?"

"Because behavior is being recorded. Points are tied to merit."

A beat of silence. Then, realization dawned on Ichinose's face.

"You're good at piecing things together, aren't you?" Kozue smirked.

"Not really. Just lucky."

"That's so cool, Lloyd! My theory was way off." Sayo admitted.

This—

This was necessary.

Connections aren't formed from sentiment. They are built from necessity.

Ichinose Honami—bright, academically strong.

Kozue Minamikata—socially influential, but only within Class 1-B.

Sayo Ando—gatherer of student information. Given time, she could unearth anyone's darkest secret.

Yet—

None of them were capable of leading the class.

---

After wandering the mall, we eventually decided to return to our dorms.

"It's getting dark. I think I'll head back," Sayo stretched.

"Yeah, me too. Gotta wake up early for class," Kozue added.

Ichinose turned to me. "Not heading back?"

"I have some things to do first."

"I see… then let's exchange contacts."

I handed her my phone. She typed in her number, then returned it.

"Hey, Lloyd."

"Hm?"

"We're friends now, right?"

A long pause.

"I suppose you could say that."

Her smile widened. "Great news."

I shrugged. "No problem."

She walked off.

I watched her disappear into the distance.

"Friends?"

The word left a strange taste in my mouth.

---

Point Balance: 96,414