42- My Name is Kushida Kikyo (2)

The bus ride went smoothly after that.

'What a massive building!'

That was my first thought when I saw my new school. It really lives up to its reputation.

Without wasting time, I headed to what would be my new classroom. Using the map given at the entrance, I got there without much trouble.

I stare at the door for a moment before entering.

1-D.

This is where my new life begins. I can already see some of my new classmates settled in. I'm so excited to meet them all—and learn their secrets!

I finally decide to step inside and take my assigned seat.

I wanted to greet the others already here, but it's too soon. Besides, I've got a whole year—maybe even three—to do things right this time.

It took a while for everyone to arrive and for the bell to ring.

In the meantime, I chatted with the classmates sitting near me. I have a feeling I'm going to like it here…

But my joy would've been complete without that jerk. Yup, Horikita Suzune isn't just my schoolmate—she's in my class. Fate's really out to get me, it seems.

Calm down. I can't let that bitch ruin my happiness. Come on, I can live with this nuisance.

Once the bell rang, someone entered our classroom. It's a stern-looking young woman who introduces herself as our Japanese history teacher and homeroom teacher.

Hm, not very approachable. Seems like winning her over will be tough. Oh well, doesn't matter. Just be a good student, and I'll have her heart eventually. Patience is my greatest virtue.

She doesn't seem to be here to teach.

She addresses us, explaining the system of this elite school.

Spending three years on campus with no contact with the outside world.

Yeah, I knew that already. It's the first thing the school tells you after admission.

At first, I was hesitant about being cooped up for three years, but with all the facilities this school has, I don't think I'll feel trapped. Plus, it's perfect for deepening relationships here. Awesome!

Wait, what? A 100,000-yen monthly allowance?

Isn't that a bit much? That's an elite school for you.

I chose this school because it's far from my old middle school and promises near-guaranteed career placement. Looks like the perks are even better than I thought. No complaints here.

"It seems no one…"

Our teacher, who introduced herself as Chabashira Sae, was about to wrap up but suddenly stops.

Curious, I follow her gaze.

It's a raised hand from a classmate a few rows behind me.

'What's he want?'

I'm a bit annoyed. I was eager to keep getting to know my new classmates, and now some fool's interrupting. I call him a fool, but he's not bad-looking.

Chabashira-sensei gestures for him to speak.

'I wonder what he wants to know.'

To me, the teacher was clear enough, and we'd have plenty of time to learn more about the school.

"Thank you for letting me speak."

"Pfft…"

Oops, I almost burst out laughing.

Seriously, does he think he's addressing a council or something? Let me guess—he's one of those privileged rich kids, all narcissistic and thinking he's above everyone. Lucky he's hot.

I can't wait to befriend him. Those types always have the juiciest secrets…

'What the…'

I'm a bit thrown off right now.

The guy I was just poking fun at finished voicing his concerns and sat down. But his questions linger in my mind, and the teacher's half-baked answers didn't help.

Is this school hiding something?

No, I'm overthinking it. Why would they?

Kōenji Rokusuke, huh…

After that, the teacher ended the session, telling us to attend the opening ceremony in an hour, and left.

Finally free.

I jumped back into chatting with my desk neighbors, but no sooner had we got our freedom than *he* stood out again.

Kōenji Rokusuke, the student who raised his hand earlier.

'What's he want now?'

This time, he stood up and walked to the front podium.

'An announcement?'

Oddly, his behavior grabbed most of the class's attention. He then clapped his hands to get everyone's focus, achieving it with just three soft claps.

It pains me to admit, but the guy's got charisma.

"Thank you for your attention. Sorry for taking your time, but I have an announcement for the class."

With that intro, he scans the room before continuing.

A class-wide introduction.

Hm, interesting—brilliant, even!

I couldn't have dreamed of better. That was my first thought, but I didn't see how to get everyone to cooperate on day one, banking on time to meet everyone. Yet this guy pulls it off.

After getting the class's approval, the introductions began, overseen by Kōenji.

Damn, I can barely contain myself. I'm so pumped for my turn.

Of course, I'm memorizing everyone's names as they introduce themselves—it'll be key for my new life here.

Finally, it's me!

I stand up, thrilled.

"Hey, hey! I'm Kushida Kikyō. None of my middle school friends made it to this school, so I'm on my own here. I want to learn all your names and faces right away and become friends as soon as possible!"

Yes, my new life begins!

I've got to do this right.

"My first goal is to be friends with everyone. So, once introductions are done, I'd love for you to share your contact info with me!"

I keep going, no holding back.

First impressions are everything. I need to seize this moment to establish my persona.

"So, after school or during breaks, I want to make all kinds of memories with tons of people. Feel free to invite me to all sorts of events! Anyway, I've talked long enough, so I'll wrap up my intro here."

There, done.

I can already feel approving gazes pouring my way.

My joy is almost perfect.

I sit back down, and the introductions continue.

'Of course, the nuisance had to make a scene.'

Horikita's turn comes, but she ignores it, engrossed in her book.

Seriously, what's so fascinating about that thing? It's the same one she had on the bus…

Oh, interesting. Our charismatic Kōenji manages to get a reaction from that jerk.

"I'm Horikita Suzune. As for my aspirations and passions, I don't see how they'd be useful to you, so I won't bother sharing. You won't find talking to me very interesting. Feel free to ignore me. Satisfied?"

If it weren't for the fact that she knows my secret, I wouldn't care about an antisocial like her—maybe just polite greetings at most. But I can't ignore her. She needs to go, or I'll never truly be free.

After the Horikita episode, the introductions went on. But as we neared the end, the last person had to be even worse than her.

He looks like a straight-up delinquent…

'This guy…'

But once again, Kōenji somehow handles it. Say what you will, I've got no chance against that kind of performance.

No, Kikyō, don't feel inferior. You've got something he doesn't. Yes, it's true—I have a field where I outshine everyone…

After the introductions, the class voted the guy as our class rep. It was already a no-brainer.

Then I invited as many people as I could to join me for the opening ceremony. And let me tell you, the haul was good.

After the ceremony, we explored the campus a bit, then I went to check out my room—or rather, my apartment.

I sit on the edge of my bed, admiring all the contact numbers I collected today.

'First day of school, and already 27 numbers. A record.'

Normally, it'd take at least a week to get this many.

'And all thanks to that guy…'

If he hadn't taken charge, things wouldn't have been this easy.

'Hm, I didn't get his number today. No biggie, I'll ask tomorrow.'

My new life at this high school is already off to a great start.

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