1 Chapter 2.0: The students of class D (Intro)

The students of class D

On the second day of school, even though it was technically the first day of classes, the majority of the day was spent going over policies and rules. Many of the students had their expectations completely blown away by how nice and friendly the teachers were. Having already made a big commotion the other day, Sudou was left alone as he slept like a log during class. The teachers noticed him sleeping, but no one made an indication as to stop him.

After all, deciding to listen to the lesson or not is our choice, so the teacher wasn't concerned. Is this how teachers interact with students that are no longer part of compulsory education?

In this relaxed atmosphere, it soon became lunchtime. Getting up from their seats, the students started to go out to eat lunch with their acquaintances. I couldn't help but look in envy towards the others. Sadly, I wasn't able to make any close friends with my classmates.

"Pitiful."

The only person who noticed my feelings sneered at me.

"... What. What's pitiful?"

"'I want someone to invite me. I want to eat lunch with somebody.' Your thoughts are really obvious."

"You're also by yourself. Don't you feel the same way? Or do you plan on staying alone for the next three years?"

"Yes. I like being alone."

She replied quickly, without any hesitation. It seems like she really feels that way.

"Instead of worrying about me, go worry about yourself."

"Well... "

After all, it wasn't me that proudly said that I couldn't make friends.

To be honest, it seems like the near future will be troubling because I couldn't make any friends.

After all, being alone also stands out. If I became the object of bullying, I would certainly be conspicuous.

Not even a minute after the ball rang, half the class became empty.

The people who are left either want to go but are alone just like me, are sleeping and not paying attention, or like being alone like Horikita.

"I was thinking of going to eat, does anyone want to come with me?"

Hirata said as he stood up.

With that kind of thinking, he looks like a real riajuu.

I'd been waiting for my savior to come all along—it's a perfect chance for me.

Hirata, I'm coming now. Steeling my nerves, I slowly raised my hand...

"I'm going too~!" "Me too me too!"

When I saw Hirata surrounded by girls, I put my hand back down.

Why did those girls take my spot? That was my chance to be friends with him! Just because he's an ikemen doesn't mean that you guys can thoughtlessly go to the cafeteria with him!

"How sad."

Another derisive laugh and a disdainful look came from Horikita.

"Don't try to guess what other people are thinking."

"Is there anything else?"

Feeling a bit lonely from the lack of other boys, Hirata looked around the room.

When he spotted me, our eyes met.

It's here! Hirata noticed me! A man who wants you to invite him is here!

After meeting eyes, his gaze locked onto me.

As expected from the riajuu, he understood my troubles!

"Umm, Ayanoko"

Hirata tried to call out my name, but at that moment,

"Hirata-kun, hurry up!"

The girls took a hold of Hirata's arms without noticing me at all.

Ahh... Hirata's gaze was stolen by the girls. Afterwards, he and the girls exited the classroom. The only thing that remained was my outstretched arm.

Feeling embarrassed, I pretended I stretched my arm to scratch my head.

"Well then."

Sending me one last look of pity, Horikita left the classroom by herself.

"That was useless... "

Reluctantly, I stood up by myself and decided to go to the cafeteria all alone.

If I don't feel like eating alone, I'll just go buy something at the convenience store.

"Ayanokouji-kun... right?"

On my way towards the cafeteria, I was suddenly stopped by a beautiful girl. She's Kushida, one of my classmates.

Because it was the first time I looked at her from the front, my heart went doki doki.

Straight, short, brown hair that reached the top of the shoulders. It wasn't crude by any means, but the school recently approved shorter skirts, so it was obvious that her uniform was a newer one.

In her hand was a pouch with a lot of keyholders on it—I couldn't tell if she was carrying a pouch or if she was carrying a lot of keyholders.

"I'm Kushida in the same class. Will you remember my name?

"Sure, I guess I can. What do you need from me?"

"Actually... I would like to ask you something. It's a short question, but Ayanokouji-kun, by any chance, are you on good terms with Horikita-san?"

"We're not particularly close. Just acquaintances. Did she do something?"

It seems that when her goal was to ask about Horikita. I feel a bit sad.

"Oh, I see. Weren't you two getting along on the first day of school though? I was asking everyone one by one for their contact info, but... Horikita refused to tell me."

That girl, what is she doing? If she was asked for her contact by an assertive girl like her, she could've helped me out and shared it with me. Afterwards, I might have have gotten familiar with the class.

"Also, on the day of the entrance ceremony, weren't you two talking to each other in front of the school?"

Considering that we were also on the same bus together, it's not surprising that she saw the two of us together.

"What kind of personality does Horikita have? Is she the type to only speak her mind to her close friends?"

Even though she wants to get to know Horikita, I can only listen to her questions but not answer any of them.

"I think she's not very good at interacting with others. Why do you want to know about Horikita?"

"During the self-introductions, Horikita-san walked out of the room, right? It looked like she didn't talk to anybody, so I was worried about her."

She did say that she wanted to get along with everyone in her introduction.

"I understand, but I only met her yesterday, so I can't really help."

"Fuun... so that's how it was. I thought you two were friends before coming to high school. Sorry for asking you a weird question out of the blue!"

"No, it's fine. Why do you know my name though?"

"What, didn't you introduce yourself? I made sure to memorize everyone's names.

Kushida listened to my lame self-introduction.

For some reason I feel really glad hearing that.

"Once again, let's get along well, Ayanokouji-kun!"

Although I felt a bit perplexed by her outstretched hand, I wiped my hands on my pants and then shook her hand.

"Nice to meet you too... "

Today was a lucky day. Even though there were some bad moments, there were also good ones.

And since humans think conveniently, I quickly forgot about the bad moments of the day.