Vol 1.1 - Idiots.
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐕𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐦𝐞 𝟏: 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥
If I were to ask you about the essence of idiocy, what thoughts would arise? It's a concept that seems straightforward, isn't it?
Yet, as the centuries have unfolded, many insane— I mean philosophers have cast their discerning gazes upon the realm of intelligence, revealing complexities that lie beneath the surface.
Or...lack thereof—I don't even know where I'm going with this monologue, to be honest.
You see, dear reader, idiocy isn't merely a matter of lacking knowledge. It's about something more profound—a deficiency of self-awareness and humility.
In the words of Socrates, "True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us."
It's the acknowledgment that, no matter how much we think we know, there's an ocean of unknown learning stretching before us.
This paradox of knowledge and ignorance has captivated thinkers throughout history.
Confucius aptly noted, "Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." It's a sobering truth that humbles us, reminding us that the more we learn, the more we realize how much we have yet to grasp.
However, true genius lies not in accumulating facts but in recognizing the vast expanse of the unknown.
Yet, in our ego-driven society, we often encounter individuals who mistake arrogance for intelligence.
Voltaire once remarked, "Common sense is not so common." How often have we encountered those who flaunt their meagre understanding as though it were the pinnacle of wisdom?
It's a testament to the all-too-human inclination to inflate our intellect while belittling others.
However, let's not be too quick to point fingers. Aristotle's wisdom states that: "The more you know, the more you realize you don't know."
In this endless quest for knowledge, we're all susceptible to moments of idiocy. The journey of understanding will humble us, reminding us that our grasp of reality is tenuous at best.
Yet, there's an irony in our confidence. As Bertrand Russell astutely noted, "The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt."
It's an irony that should remind us that true intelligence lies not in claiming superiority but in embracing uncertainty and doubt.
So, as we circle back to the question of what constitutes idiocy, let's heed Einstein's wisdom: "The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination." It's a call to look beyond facts and figures, to cultivate empathy, self-reflection, and an understanding of our limitations.
Let's cast our gaze upon Japan in the year 2015 AD. A country of stagnation amidst a bunch of other...more unsavoury things. Hentai for example—I'm joking, relax.
In a nation where cultural pride is evident, it's alarming to witness pervasive ignorance about the Second World War. From the war crimes to the severe lack of acknowledgement that this IS their history. There's a plethora of topics to cover that I sadly can't at the moment.
There are still individuals who cling to a distorted narrative, refusing to acknowledge the depths of human suffering that transpired during those tumultuous years. Need anyone to remind you of the various atrocities that occurred during those times?
Something something Nanjing something...
This failure to confront history is, in essence, a form of idiocy—an unwillingness to recognize the extent of their misunderstanding.
Japan's struggle with confronting its wartime past is a reminder that the arrogance of nationalistic pride can overshadow the wisdom of empathy and humility. The refusal to acknowledge the broader context of historical events is, in itself, a reflection of a society that's yet to fully grasp the lessons of history.
They're fucking idiots.
But let's move toward a different subject, one more close to the heart of many people.
Enter overwork—a topic that has plagued Japanese society for years.
In the relentless pursuit of productivity, many individuals and institutions overlook the simple truth that overworking leads to diminishing returns. In the 1980s Japan was experiencing one of the largest economic booms in its history. Everyone was willing to participate, due to the promise of wealth. This is where our issue begins.
This phenomenon is particularly evident in Japan's work culture, where long hours and a culture of 'karoshi' (death by overwork) continue to prevail.
The dedication to work, often at the expense of personal well-being, serves as an example of idiocy—an inability to recognize that the pursuit of productivity has a breaking point, a point where health, happiness, and creativity are compromised.
For a society that prides itself in its technological advancement to the point where they have bidets on nearly all their toilets, it seems like they will never come to terms that the good times are over and simple "hard work" isn't going to solve their dying population.
Japan's societal struggles with history and overwork stress the need for a more imaginative approach—a willingness to envision a future where the mistakes of the past inform the present, and where work is balanced with holistic well-being.
Now, what was it that I was trying to say, dear reader? That I hate society and that I'm an Emo edge lord who views people as tools?
That I would do anything for victory like some sort of Machiavellian dumbass?
I'll have you know Machiavelli lost power in the end and got exiled or something.
That I would put people, 15-16-year-old teenagers, through the most gruelling psychological torture and have them go through Stockholm syndrome to fall in love with me?
I'll have you know, my family said I looked like a cutie patootie when I was younger.
I don't need that shit!
LOOK AT THE COVER OF THE BOOK!
THATS ME!
Or...a piece of promotional art, that the author repurposed as...me.
Credits to the artist, I look fucking hot!
(I'm Ayanokouji frfr)
WHO SAID THAT?!
That I would rather lather my cock with honey and then stick it in a fire ant's nest?
.....
I wouldn't do that last part.
....
I'm not that curious, I know it'll hurt...
.....
Like, it would be a popsicle of...honey...
.....
Would it even feel good..?
.....
Maybe.
....
A-ANYWAYS!
....
So, what I'm trying to say is,
....
You're a fucking idiot.
...
ANHS, or Advanced Nurturing High School, is a government-sponsored school on a mission to "raise the next generation of leaders" for Japan.
And guess what? I put in the hard work, studied, aced—I am lying I probably got like an 81 or something—the entrance exam, and secured my spot.
When that little notice arrived confirming my acceptance, it came with a section outlining how I'd get to the school.
ANHS sits on an artificial island, or at least that's what you can kinda make out on Google Maps. It's all blurred and censored, just a silhouette. But from what I could gather, it's quite the beast, possibly even 50% bigger than the Vatican.
(Big! Like my di—)
But details about the school itself? Scant at best. Mostly just advertisements boasting a 100% success rate in getting grads into colleges and jobs.
I remember thinking, "Hey, Kiryia, you're jobless, a teenager, broke, lonely, and afraid. Why not try this out!?"
So, I just winged it. After all, there's a three-year no-contact policy. Inside, nobody reaches out, and you don't get to reach out either.
I found it a tad weird. Like, how am I supposed to keep up with the latest Marvel movies? The horror!
To get there, you've got these designated...well, let's call them checkpoints, or bus stops if you wanna get technical. You head over and wait for the bus, all at the time they tell you.
Fast forward to April 1st, the new school year's beginning.
Hopefully, I don't look too dumb, or stupid. Is this the teenage angst that I was promised back when I was a little boy, reading all those books, like Twilight?
Or perhaps it was that other one...the one...?
MIEN KAM—
...
The idea of being in a moving vehicle always fascinated me. You're sitting still, but you're also moving. It's like your body knows you're moving, but your brain feels like you're not. It's a bit strange, isn't it?
I think they call it car sickness or something like that. It's like your body gets confused when you're in a moving vehicle. Your ears or something like that helps you figure out if you're moving or not. But sometimes, when your body feels like you're moving, but your eyes see that you're not, things get mixed up, and you end up feeling sick.
I remember feeling headaches just thinking about that sensation. But wait, I'm still on the bus, so why am I even talking about this now?!
It's like my brain is trying to figure out why it's feeling weird while I'm still here on the bus.
"Excuse me, but shouldn't you offer up your seat?"
I blinked, opening my eyes to see what was going on. The bus ride was quiet up until now, so, what's the deal? I was in the back of the bus, so nothing should've been directed toward me, right?
I poked my head out from where I was.
{Trouble coming in.}
A young, well-built blond man of high school age had sat down in one of the priority seats. The elderly woman stood right next to him, and another woman stood beside her. This second, younger lady appeared to be an office worker.
"Hey, you there. Can't you see that this elderly woman is having trouble?" the office lady said.
"That's a crazy question, lady," the boy said.
It's not that crazy; it's just common courtesy to do so.
The boy crossed his legs.
(Spread em)
"Why should I offer up my seat? There's no reason for me to do so."
"You're sitting in a priority seat. It's natural to offer up those seats to the elderly."
"I don't understand. Priority seats are just that: priority seats. I have no legal obligation to move. Since I'm currently occupying this seat, I should be the one who determines whether or not I move. Am I supposed to give up my seat just because I'm young? Ha! That reasoning is nonsense."
He didn't speak like a normal high school student. His hair was dyed blond, which made him stand out.
"I'm a healthy young person who certainly wouldn't find standing inconvenient. However, I'd expend more energy by standing than I would by sitting. I have no intention of doing such a pointless thing. Or are you suggesting I should act a bit livelier, I wonder?"
"Wh-what kind of attitude is that to take with your superiors?" she demanded.
"Superiors? Well, both you and the old woman there have been alive longer than I have. There can be no doubt about that. However, the word 'superior' implies that you're referring to someone of a higher position. In addition, we have another problem. Even though our ages are different, wouldn't you agree that you have an impertinent attitude and are being extremely rude?"
"Wha— You're a high schooler, aren't you?! You should be quiet and listen to what adults tell..."
I started to get rather bored of the conversation, and placed my earbuds back into their proper places; my ears (where else would I put them?) and played some tunes.
Have you all listened to Elvis Presley before?
♔ 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐞 ♔
"Wait a second," a voice, sweet and feminine, sliced through my thoughts. I swivelled my head toward the sound.
Oh, what an intriguing twist! Exiting the bus led me right into a scene that could've been ripped from a romance novel. Two star-crossed lovers, perhaps? Nah, let's be real—they probably just met each other.
The first character in this impromptu drama was a young lady, her long black hair cascading like a waterfall, and her eyes a fiery red. And then we had the second protagonist, a young man who stood about my height. Brown eyes, brown hair—the classic combo. Those were their physical descriptions, neatly filed away in my brain for future reference.
"You were looking at me a while ago. Why?" she demanded, her expression as firm as a board.
The boy didn't miss a beat. "Sorry. I was just a bit curious. But whatever the reason, you weren't planning on giving up your seat for the old woman, were you?"
She shrugged, nonchalant. "Yeah, yeah, no seat-giving for me. What's the big deal?"
He pressed on, undeterred. "No, it's just that I thought the same thing. I had no intention of giving up my seat either. I prefer to avoid drama; it's just not my thing."
"Steer clear of drama?" She arched an eyebrow. "Don't lump me in with you. I didn't cling to my seat because the whole idea felt pointless. It's different from folks who dodge problems like you. I'd rather not waste my time with people like that." And with a toss of her hair, she started walking away.
"I...feel the same way..." Okay, call me tunnel-visioned, but it just hit me—this dude had the flattest, most monotone voice in the history of voices. Seriously, it was like listening to a GPS giving directions.
Not to mention, his face didn't seem to emote at all—just his mouth moved. Doll-like, to say the least.
As they walked off, I observed him trailing a couple of steps behind her, looking like he was solving world equations in his head. I couldn't resist my next move—I ambled up to him and gave his back a playful pat.
"Tough luck, buddy, rejected on day one," I tossed out with a grin before sauntering off toward the gymnasium for the entrance ceremony. The sound of his confusion followed me, but I just shrugged it off.
Now, I'm not exactly the poster child for spirituality, but I sent a little wish into the universe. A class with Mr. Monotone in it would be quite the entertainment, wouldn't it?
...
You know, if you were to somehow read my thoughts on that entrance ceremony, I'd kick you in the balls—if you even have balls that is.
I'd then proceed to give you a full-blown lecture on how utterly painful it was to dredge up the memory of that mind-numbing, soul-sucking ordeal.
I mean, seriously?! How on earth did they manage to make it THAT excruciatingly boring? It was like watching grass grow or enduring one of those painfully monotonous hydraulic press videos. Yeah, I'd genuinely prefer to see the paint dry than subject myself to that ordeal once more.
BUT—yes, there's a shimmer of hope amidst this abyss of despair. Are you ready for this? Brace yourself. Drumroll, please... Mr. Monotone and the enigmatic black-haired girl from earlier?
Yeah, they're in my class! How's that for a silver lining? Cue the confetti and the triumphant "sweet~" because that's the kind of respite that keeps me from slipping into the void.
...
Class 1-D was my classroom and if you tilt your head just right, voila! It's like a happy face winking back at you. I mean, if you squint a little more, it kinda resembles a slightly chubby person grinning. Hey, it's all about perspective, right? So, yeah, I'd say it still counts as a smile-inducing arrangement!
Now, let's talk modern society—post-1990s era, because you know, I'm not some bone-rattling, prune juice drinking, dinosaur, am I right?
How are you, fellow kids?
Those first few days in school are, critical in cementing friendships and establishing those little cliques that stereotypical high schoolers are famous for. It's like the ultimate social experiment in progress, you know what I mean?
Back in middle school, I had this snug little group of friends. It was like a mini squad, just four of us, I think. We were pretty cool if I do say so myself. We did all the cool middle school stuff—complained about homework, traded snacks...tried smoking once...and all that shit.
But alas, life had other plans, and we ended up in different schools. Such is the tragedy of growing up.
And so, I decided to make my grand entrance into the classroom, aiming for that serene, under-the-radar vibe. You know, the kind of entrance where you gracefully glide in, all peaceful and chill. But oh no, life had other plans for me...
As I stepped in, the atmosphere shifted. Whispered exclamations filled the air like excited chirping birds, it's like Twitter:
"Oh, wow, he's...hot..."
"Is he really in our class?"
"I love this school already~"
"I just want him to look at me all day with those eyes then shove me up against the wall and whisper sweet nothings into my ears while we fuc—"
And then came the hushed warnings:
"Shhh! He might hear you!"
"Shhh! What are you even saying!?"
Well, well, well, it appears I've become the unintentional star of this impromptu show. Move over, Hollywood heartthrobs—I've got a fan club forming right here!
I don't want a repeat of my middle school, please don't make me popular that would be HORRIBLE~!
(WINK WINK WINK WINK WINK!)
{NUDGE NUDGE NUDGE NUDGE!}
I'm lying.
Oh, guess what? Fate has a funny way of playing its hand, and it dealt me a seat right in front of none other than Mr. Monotone himself. The dude was in deep conversation with the mysterious black-haired girl, the same one from earlier.
I swear, I could practically taste the chemistry in the air!
Just kidding, folks! Chemistry might've been on a coffee break during their chat. Seems like she's not exactly the social butterfly type, you know? She is pretty, so there's that.
Picture this: she's like the guardian of her little bubble of solitude, determined to hold onto her ideals of being a lone wolf, forever and ever. Maybe someday, a charming prince will come along and shatter the icy walls of her mind
Ahh~ talk about a fairy tale in the making
And I'm not that prince! Haha!
I mean, can you imagine? Me, the romantic sage, spewing melodramatic predictions about sweet princes and icy prisons? Yeah, right!
[The author sneezed for some reason.]
Hahaha...
"Good morning seems like you're still trying," I playfully quipped at the brown-haired boy as he wrapped up his chat with Horikita Suzune. Oh yeah, I did my fair share of eavesdropping. So, if you're curious about the mystery girl's name, it's Horikita Suzune.
"Oh, it's you, from earlier," Ah, recognition! My heart's doing the tango of joy inside my chest!
"Mhm, looks like we're classmates now. My back's in your hands," I said, tone nonchalant.
"Hn," was his eloquent reply. "I'm Ayanokouji Kiyotaka, by the way."
Our gazes locked for a fleeting second. "Fujiwara Kiriya, nice to meet you." I smiled while saying so.
[Dangerous.]
Huh?
"Likewise," he responded, his voice maintaining that steady monotone, and his expression seemingly stuck in neutral gear.
Was this guy's emotional range limited to grayscale tones? Did he even emote at all? I couldn't help but wonder.
"...Do you have any hobbies or...?" Oh boy, he sucked at conversation.
I gave that question a moment's thought. "I guess music's been my thing lately." I paused for dramatic effect. "And, you know, art, like drawing and stuff."
"Ah, well, I'm not really into specific hobbies. I find a bit of interest in everything," he casually chimed.
So, maybe he's leaning on the side of dull? "Hn, well, here's to hoping we can at least be good friends."
"Likewise."
Just as we were wrapping up our enlightening exchange, the first bell rang. Ah, the universal signal that homeroom was about to kick off. Perfect timing, right?
At that very moment, the classroom's atmosphere shifted as a woman made her entrance. My first impression of her was that she exuded an air of strict discipline. If I had to take a guess, I'd place her age at around thirty.
She was dressed in a formal suit, and her delicate features gave off an air of professionalism. Her hair cascaded down in a long ponytail, adding to her composed appearance.
"Ahem. Good morning, students. I'm your Class D homeroom instructor. You can call me Chabashira Sae. Normally, I teach Japanese history. However, at this school, we don't switch classrooms each year."
(Doki ❤️ Doki ❤️ I'm going to spend 3 years with her?! Best school ever~)
She continued, her voice carrying a sense of authority. "For the next three years, I'll be your homeroom teacher, and I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'll distribute written materials that outline our school's special rules and provide you with the admissions guide."
As the students in the front row passed back the familiar documents, I couldn't help but reminisce about the day I received them after being accepted into the school.
This place stood apart from the typical Japanese high schools in several significant ways. One of the most notable differences was the requirement for all students to reside in on-campus dormitories.
Additionally, unless under special circumstances like studying abroad, students were strictly prohibited from contacting anyone outside the school, even their immediate family. Naturally, leaving the school premises without authorization was an absolute no-go.
Yet, amidst these strict rules, the campus offered an array of top-notch facilities. With a karaoke spot, theatre, café, boutique, and more, you could easily mistake this place for a small city. The campus spanned over a sprawling 600,000 square meters.
And here comes my thought—it's almost like the Vatican, just a bit bigger. You could probably fit about one and a half Vaticans in here!
{Amen}
This institution also boasted an intriguing feature: the S System.
"I'll now distribute your student ID cards. These cards grant access to various facilities on campus and can be used for purchasing goods from the store, among other things. Think of it as a credit card."
Our sensei carried on with her explanation. "I will now hand out your student ID cards. By using your card, you can access any of the facilities on campus, purchase goods from the store, and so on. It acts like a credit card. However, you must pay attention to the points that you spend. At this school, you can use your points to buy anything. Anything located on the school premises is available for purchase."
Yeah, can I locate and purchase your number sensei~?
(Forbidden relationships! Between teacher and student!? Oh. My. God! SIGN ME UP!)
She's my type, aside from girls that would ruin my life—Which I would allow as long as she can give me a lap pillow once in a while so I could vent out my feelings and softly cry as she says something like:
"It's okay, Kiriya, everything's going to be okay...You're going to be okay...I'm here for you, you can cry; I won't judge you...I love you."
[The audience somehow relates]
Our points, loaded onto our student ID cards, essentially acted as a digital currency. The absence of physical money was meant to alleviate financial concerns for many students. However, keeping track of spending habits was imperative. The school supplied these points to students free of charge.
"Your student cards can be used simply by swiping them through the machine scanner. The method is simple, so you shouldn't get confused. Points are automatically deposited into your account on the first of every month. You should all have received 100,000 points already. Keep in mind that one point is worth one yen. No further explanation should be necessary."
Well, well, well, it seems like we're delving into the realm of playing with our perception of money, much like the Japanese government would do, huh?!
MISSMANGE EVERYTHING HUH!?
Our class was instantly set abuzz with a mix of astonishment and excitement.
In simpler terms, the school had granted us a monthly allowance of 100,000 yen upon our admission. Well, considering this place was a sprawling establishment orchestrated by the Japanese government, it wasn't surprising. 100,000 yen is a substantial sum for any high schooler, no doubt about it.
(Hold on—she said we received 100,000 ALREADY not 100,000 monthly! Kiriya say something so you can be popular and the center of attention! Feed your ego!)
"Shocked by the amount of points you've been given? This school evaluates its students' talents. Everyone here has passed the entrance examination, which itself speaks to your value and potential. The amount you've received reflects the evaluation of your worth," Chabashira-sensei explained.
She took a brief pause before continuing. "You can use your points without restraint. After graduation, however, all of your points return to the school. Because it's impossible to exchange your points for cash, there's no advantage to saving them. Once points have been deposited into your account, it's up to you how to spend them."
"Do as you like. If you don't want to spend your points, you may transfer them to someone else. However, extorting money from your peers is not allowed. This school monitors bullying very carefully."
I have been foiled...
As bewilderment painted the faces of my classmates, Chabashira-sensei surveyed the room, presumably on the lookout for anyone with burning questions.
I raised my hand into the air. "Sensei, I have a question."
Chabashira-sensei's gaze met mine, a glimmer of intrigue sparkling in her eyes like I was the pièce de résistance at a child's birthday party. "Of course, Fujiwara Kiriya-kun. What's on your mind?"
I stood up, gathering the curious gazes of my classmates. "You said, if I remember correctly; 'Anything located on the school premises is available for purchase,' right?"
Chabashira-sensei nodded her head in affirmation, her smirk widening a bit.
I blinked. "So that means...I could buy theoretically anything in this classroom, correct?"
Her smirk widened more, but she tried to stop herself from breaking out into a shit-eating grin.
"Yes, that is true."
Ah.
I glanced over everyone in the classroom, observing every one of interest as I did so. I was in the second-to-last row of the classroom, so that meant I had a good overview of at least 75% of the total students in the class.
I wish I had Ayanokouji's seat. I was the protagonist of this story goddamn it!
There are a few people of interest; 2 of which are blonde, one girl and one boy. They'd seem like the social leaders of the class.
There seem to be the studious students, or in better terms, nerds. I won't bother with them. There's the blonde from the bus, a red-haired-looking delinquent, as the athletic leaders. So many people, and so many potential cliques. It's like a massive puzzle that consists of smaller puzzles to solve the larger one. Fascinating.
"Then, I could theoretically, buy a desk change, from my desk to Sotomura Hideo-kun's? How much would that cost?"
Suddenly, as if being splashed with a massive bucket of water, Class D's eyes collectively widened in surprise. The possibility of buying anything on campus became a lucrative thought.
When Sensei said "anything" she meant anything.
Chabashira-sensei lightly chuckled before speaking. "Both parties would have to agree to the change in the desk, but since you've asked so kindly, I could sell it to you for 20,000 points—"
"AUGH!"
I could've sworn that blood was leaking from my mouth at that price. That was 20% of my allowance gone in less than 2 hours of getting here! If we were to go by 2023 statistics, 1 Japanese yen is like 137.49 USD!
FOR A DESK CHANGE!
No thanks!
"Next question! I don't want to change my desk! How much is it for your number?"
The class erupted into a flurry of action at my sudden change in question, from a serious one to a more...less serious...? I think that's proper grammar...
"Huh?"
A vein appeared on Chabashira-sensei's forehead.
"Eh!?"
"WHAAAT!?"
My class was loud. Some of the girls flushed red at my bold comment, while the boy I wanted to change desks with exclaimed, "Haha! Fujiwara-dono strikes his prey with the utmost vigour!"
"Fujiwara...Everyone in my class has my phone number for guidance purposes; do you have any other questions?" said Sensei in a monotone voice, her bloodlust rising.
(Oh no~ Sensei~ it seems like I need guidance~ something is rising and it's not my hand~ can you help me~?)
I felt my eye twitch. So I wasn't going to be her special someone, huh?
SLUT!
[Hoshinomiya Chie sneezed]
"Okay, okay. So maybe I didn't check my phone before coming here, but in theory—THEORY—I could buy a date, right? How much would that cost?" I bit back a shit-eating grin.
I remained undeterred as my class went into another frenzy, though it was mostly propagated by the boys this time.
"Oh my god..."
"I'm not even mad. Respect."
"He's going for it! The madlad!"
"Fujiwara-sama! Go for it!"
"KING!"
(Who let the snake in?)
"Kyaaa!"
"Do I even have a chance...?"
"Wait we can buy things like that?"
"Maybe I could buy a date from him..."
Am I just a sex toy in the eyes of women? I am a human too, not your toy!
Chabashira-sensei looked way more irked the more I pushed on. "...If you had at least 1,000,000 Private Points I MAY consider it...Do you have any more questions?" She said while holding her clipboard rather tightly.
(I want her to choke me with the same force that she clenches that clipboard)
1 million? That's like 10 months' worth of money!
"Do you undervalue yourself that much? At least say you're worth the entire 3.6 million so I have something to look forward to in the end."
After realizing that I had just said that out loud, I blushed furiously before sitting back down. "I-I apologize!"
My astonished classmates looked at me with awe, envy, and...where did lust come from?
(I am irresistible to the LADIES!)
"I don't have any more questions, Chabashira-sensei, please don't mind me...It's not even guaranteed I could afford that date in the first place..." I mumbled that last part, but the rest of what I said resembled a dead fish.
I could feel someone's gaze widen and fixate on me.
Chabashira-sensei's anger subsided, replaced by a slight look of disappointment before looking over the rest of the class. "Well, it appears no one has any more questions. I hope that you enjoy your time here as students."
I deflated.
"You're surprisingly observant, Fujiwara-kun." I heard Horikita's voice from behind me.
I glanced behind me. "Huh? What're you talking about?"
"It doesn't matter. Despite the clown show, I got what you were trying to point out. How do you think the points are distributed?"
"Clown show? I'm not a clown!" I cried out.
"Your actions say otherwise. Answer the question," she demanded.
"I don't even know your name—"
"It's Horikita Suzune, now answer the question," Horikita said.
Why is she staring at me with such...intensity?
I felt my soul slightly die inside. "I don't know what you're talking about, Horikita-san...But I would say it is a bit strange, 100,000 a month—it'll mess with my sense of money. But to answer your question, I don't know what you're talking about, really I don't." I said innocently.
She looked irked at my cluelessness but let it slide.
"I see...I will say this is almost too much preferential treatment. It's frightening. Be careful on how you spend your points." She advised.
I leaned back in my chair. "What do you think, Ayanokouji-kun? Do you think giving a bunch of money to a bunch of 15 to 16-year-olds is a bad idea?" I threw the question to him with humour.
"I uh—" He was about to answer before being cut off.
"Hey, hey! Do you want to check out a store with me on our way back? Let's do some shopping!" one girl cried.
"Sure. With this much, we can buy anything. I'm so glad I got into this school!" another said.
Once the teacher was gone, the newly rich students began to grow restless.
"Everyone, can you please listen to me for a moment?"
"Starting today, we're all classmates, and it'd be a good idea to introduce ourselves and become friends sooner rather than later. We have a bit of time before the entrance ceremony begins. What do you think?" His proposal hung in the air, most of the students deep in their thoughts and not yet ready to speak up.
But one voice broke through the silence, gaining momentum. "Sounds like a plan! We barely know anything about each other, not even our names," the blonde speaker, a girl, declared, and as the ice shattered, other hesitant students started to find their voices.
"I'm Hirata Yousuke. People used to call me Yousuke back in junior high. Feel free to use my first name! I'm a fan of sports in general, especially soccer. I plan on continuing that here as well. Nice to meet all of you!" he introduced himself enthusiastically, his words hinting at his potential as a future leader or perhaps even a coach.
"Alright then, let's go around and introduce ourselves, starting from the front. Is that okay?"
The girl at the front of the class appeared somewhat flustered, but she rallied and stood up. The pressure from Hirata's suggestion seemed to have spurred her on.
"M-my name is...Inogashira Ko-Ko..."
The girl, whose last name is Inogashira, seemed to freeze during her introduction. Was she drawing a blank, or had she not considered what she was going to say beforehand? As her words halted, she paled. It was rare to see someone get so incredibly nervous.
"Do your best!"
"Don't panic! It's okay!"
Kind words poured out of our classmates. But it seemed to have the opposite effect on the girl; the words stuck in the back of her throat.
The silence continued for five seconds. Ten seconds. You could've cut the tension with a knife. Some of the girls started giggling. Inogashira was paralyzed with fear. She couldn't move a muscle. Another girl spoke up.
"It's okay to go slowly. Don't rush."
Although it might seem kind, saying, "Do your best!" and, "It's okay!" conveys a completely different meaning.
To someone who is extremely nervous, "Do your best!" and, "It's okay!" can seem forceful, as if indicating she needs to match her classmates.
On the other hand, saying, "Just take things slowly. Don't rush," allows her to take things at her own pace.
Pacing...going at your own pace...
After that, the girl calmed down and regained her composure. She took a few small breaths and tried again.
"My name is Inogashira...Kokoro. Um, my hobby is sewing. I'm pretty good at knitting. I-It's nice to meet you all."
She was able to finish without stopping. Looking alternately relieved, delighted, and embarrassed, Inogashira sat down. Other introductions followed hers.
"I'm Yamauchi Haruki. I competed in table tennis during elementary school, and in junior high, I was the ace player on our baseball team. I was number four. I got hurt during the inter-high school championships, though, and I'm undergoing rehab now. Nice to meet you."
What? I don't even know what he's saying! What does number 404—I mean number 4 meant to mean?!
"Well, looks like it's my turn," the lively girl declared, the same one who had encouraged Inogashira to take her time and had assisted the elderly woman on the bus that morning. Her energy was infectious.
"My name is Kushida Kikyou. None of my friends from junior high made it to this school, so I'm alone here. I'd like to get to know all of your names and faces right away and become friends as soon as possible!"
Why the emphasis on having no friends? I fought off the urge to snort.
KEEP YOURSELF COMPOSED KIRIYA!
While most of the students had kept their introductions brief, Kushida continued to speak. "My first goal is to become friends with everyone. So, after we're finished with introductions, I'd love for you to share your contact information with me!"
Her words weren't empty. It was clear that this girl was the type to warmly welcome anyone into her circle. But for some reason, there was a faint unsettling feeling that accompanied it. Oh well, I thought, pushing aside that thought.
At least she's cute.
"So, after school or during vacations, I want to make all sorts of memories with lots of people. Please feel free to invite me to lots and lots of events! Anyway, I've talked for a long time, so I'll end my introduction here."
It was my turn after Kushida's exuberant introduction. "Would the next person please introduce themselves?" Hirata called out.
Honestly, I had no concrete plan for this introduction. I was pretty much just going with the flow and seeing where things took me. Not an uncommon approach for me, to be honest.
In fact, I was quite skilled at improvisation, so why not embrace it?
I stood up, offering a gentle yet radiant smile to my new classmates. "I'm Fujiwara Kiriya, a pleasure to meet you all. I don't have many hobbies, but I've taken an interest in art and music as of late. I apologize for the little commotion at the beginning of class. Hopefully, you could all forgive me for that little stunt, hehe. I'm...yeah, actually, I don't have much else to say. Once again, a pleasure meeting everyone!"
Many of the female population giggled and accepted my apology while some of the boys once again looked at me in envy.
I heard the word "Ikeman". Hahaha! Silly Billy, I'm not related to Ike!
Wait.
"Haha it's okay, Fujiwara-kun. It's great to have you here, I hope we can be great friends!"
"Well then, next up is..."
As Hirata looked encouragingly toward the next student, that student glared back. His hair was dyed a fiery red. He both looked and sounded like a delinquent.
"What, are we a bunch of little kids or something? I don't need to introduce myself. People who want to do that can go ahead. Just leave me out of it."
The red-haired guy scowled at Hirata. He had quite a presence, his attitude intense and overpowering.
"I can't force you to introduce yourself, of course. However, I don't think that getting along with your classmates is a bad thing. If I've made you uncomfortable, I apologize."
When Hirata bowed his head, some of the girls glared at the guy with red hair.
"Isn't it fine to introduce yourself?" one of them snapped.
"Yeah, yeah!"
I lightly sighed. I pitied Hirata, wanting to lead everyone but failing to do so kind of hurts, right?
"Shut it. I don't care. I didn't come here to make friends." The guy with red hair got up from his seat. It seemed he had no intention of getting to know anyone.
Several other students followed suit and left the classroom together. Horikita got up and briefly glanced my way. When she realized I wasn't going to follow her, she started to walk out the door. Hirata looked a little lonely when he saw Horikita head out.
"They're not a bad bunch. It's my fault. I was being selfish and made people do this."
"No way. You didn't do anything wrong, Hirata-kun. Let's just leave those guys be, okay?"
I spoke in support. "Sometimes it takes people a while to open up, Hirata-kun. Don't be discouraged!"
The blonde smiled, muttering a small 'thank you' at my words.
Although some people had rebelled against the idea of introductions, the students who remained were happy to continue. In the end, things wrapped up in a rather ordinary fashion.
"I'm Ike Kanji. I love girls, and I hate pretty boys. I'm currently in the market for a new girlfriend. It's nice to meet you! All the better if you're a cutie or a beauty!"
It was difficult to tell if he was joking or not. At the very least, the girls looked at him with revulsion. I lightly giggled, though.
"Wow. You are so~ cool, Ike-kun," one girl said, in a completely emotionless voice. Of course, her statement was 1000 percent false.
"Seriously? Seriously? Oh, man. I mean, I thought that I wasn't bad or anything, but... heh heh."
Ike thought that she was being serious. He blushed. Instantly, the girls started to laugh.
"Oh, wow. He's cute, huh, everyone? He's looking for a girlfriend!"
Ike joined in on the playful teasing, seemingly adept at understanding social dynamics and adapting to the atmosphere. At his own expense, he managed to lighten the mood in the classroom. He wasn't as bad as I initially thought.
Next up was the combative boy from the bus, Kouenji. While inspecting his bangs in a hand mirror, he combed his hair.
"Excuse me, can you introduce yourself?" Hirata asked.
"Hmph. Fine."
He smirked like an aristocrat, displaying his impudent attitude. As he shifted in his seat, I thought he might leave, but Kouenji placed both of his legs on his desk and introduced himself.
"My name is Kouenji Rokusuke. As the sole male heir to the Kouenji conglomerate group, I will soon be tasked with carrying Japan into the future. I sincerely look forward to making your acquaintance, ladies."
I felt my eye twitch with amusement. So self-confident; I like it.
"Starting today, I will mercilessly punish anyone who makes me uncomfortable. Please exercise proper precaution so that you may avoid that."
"Um, Kouenji-kun. What exactly do you mean when you say, 'anyone who makes me uncomfortable'?" asked Hirata, who looked uneasy at the word "punish."
"I meant exactly what I said. If asked to give an example, well... I would say I hate ugly things, for instance. So, if I saw something ugly, I would do just as I said."
Fwish!
He flipped his long, flowing bangs.
"Ah, thank you. I will be careful then."
More often than not I would find someone like Kouenji repulsive or someone to avoid, but there's something about just being such an asshole—Chad—that makes me want to be his friend.
"Well then, time for the next person. Can you please introduce yourself?"
"Huh?" Ayanokouji seemed momentarily caught off guard.
Clack!
His chair rattled as he stood up, drawing the attention of the class.
"Um. Well, my name is Ayanokouji Kiyotaka. And, uh, I don't have any special skills or anything. I'll do my best to get along with all of you. It's, uh, nice to meet you."
What a horrible introduction.
"It's nice to meet you, Ayanokouji-kun. I always want to be friends with everyone, just like you. Let's both do our best, okay?" Hirata responded with a refreshing smile.
Everyone clapped in pity. I joined in too.
...
"AhoKouji..."
"W-wha?"
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